PMID- 27115053
TI  - Mass-forming Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: Diffusion-weighted Imaging as a
      Preoperative Prognostic Marker.
AB  - Purpose To assess the value of diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging as a prognostic
      marker in preoperative evaluation of patients with mass-forming intrahepatic
      cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Materials and Methods This retrospective study was
      approved by the institutional review board, and the informed consent requirement
      was waived. A total of 91 patients who underwent hepatic resection and DW imaging
      for mass-forming ICC were included. Two radiologists evaluated the degree of
      diffusion restriction of the tumors by using qualitative (visual) interpretation
      combined with quantitative analysis by volumetric evaluation of the whole tumor
      on DW images. Patients were classified into two groups: those in whom less than
      one-third of the tumor showed diffusion restriction (group 1) and those in whom
      more than one-third of the tumor showed diffusion restriction (group 2). Imaging
      findings in tumors were compared with pathology findings. Disease-free and
      overall survival rates were compared between the two groups by using the Kaplan
      Meier method with the log-rank test. Results There were 43 patients in group 1
      and 48 patients in group 2. The 1- and 3-year disease-free survival rates were
      30% and 16%, respectively, in group 1 and 75% and 64%, respectively, in group 2
      (P < .001). The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 77% and 26%,
      respectively, in group 1 and 92% and 67%, respectively, in group 2 (P = .001).
      Multivariate analysis revealed that diffusion restriction (P = .024),
      differentiation (P = .030), and intrahepatic metastasis (P = .001) were
      independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Conclusion The degree of
      diffusion restriction on DW images may be a prognostic marker in preoperative
      evaluation of patients with mass-forming ICC. ((c)) RSNA, 2016 Online
      supplemental material is available for this article.

PMID- 27115052
TI  - Accuracy of fundus autofluorescence imaging for the diagnosis and monitoring of
      retinal conditions: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Natural fluorescence in the eye may be increased or decreased by
      diseases that affect the retina. Imaging methods based on confocal scanning laser
      ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) can detect this 'fundus autofluorescence' (FAF) by
      illuminating the retina using a specific light 'excitation wavelength'. FAF
      imaging could assist the diagnosis or monitoring of retinal conditions. However,
      the accuracy of the method for diagnosis or monitoring is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To
      conduct a systematic review to determine the accuracy of FAF imaging using cSLO
      for the diagnosis or monitoring of retinal conditions, including monitoring of
      response to therapy. DATA SOURCES: Electronic bibliographic databases; scrutiny
      of reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews; and
      searches of internet pages of relevant organisations, meetings and trial
      registries. Databases included MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of
      Science and the Medion database of diagnostic accuracy studies. Searches covered
      1990 to November 2014 and were limited to the English language. REVIEW METHODS:
      References were screened for relevance using prespecified inclusion criteria to
      capture a broad range of retinal conditions. Two reviewers assessed titles and
      abstracts independently. Full-text versions of relevant records were retrieved
      and screened by one reviewer and checked by a second. Data were extracted and
      critically appraised using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies
      criteria (QUADAS) for assessing risk of bias in test accuracy studies by one
      reviewer and checked by a second. At all stages any reviewer disagreement was
      resolved through discussion or arbitration by a third reviewer. RESULTS: Eight
      primary research studies have investigated the diagnostic accuracy of FAF imaging
      in retinal conditions: choroidal neovascularisation (one study), reticular
      pseudodrusen (three studies), cystoid macular oedema (two studies) and diabetic
      macular oedema (two studies). Sensitivity of FAF imaging using an excitation
      wavelength of 488 nm was generally high (range 81-100%), but was lower (55% and
      32%) in two studies using longer excitation wavelengths (514 nm and 790 nm,
      respectively). Specificity ranged from 34% to 100%. However, owing to limitations
      of the data, none of the studies provide conclusive evidence of the diagnostic
      accuracy of FAF imaging. LIMITATIONS: No studies on the accuracy of FAF imaging
      for monitoring the progression of retinal conditions or response to therapy were
      identified. Owing to study heterogeneity, pooling of diagnostic outcomes in meta
      analysis was not conducted. All included studies had high risk of bias. In most
      studies the patient spectrum was not reflective of those who would present in
      clinical practice and no studies adequately reported how FAF images were
      interpreted. CONCLUSIONS: Although already in use in clinical practice, it is
      unclear whether or not FAF imaging is accurate, and whether or not it is applied
      and interpreted consistently for the diagnosis and/or monitoring of retinal
      conditions. Well-designed prospective primary research studies, which conform to
      the paradigm of diagnostic test accuracy assessment, are required to investigate
      the accuracy of FAF imaging in diagnosis and monitoring of inherited retinal
      dystrophies, early age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy and
      central serous chorioretinopathy. STUDY REGISTRATION: This study is registered as
      PROSPERO CRD42014014997. FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research
      Health Technology Assessment programme.

PMID- 27115054
TI  - Imaging Outcomes of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System Version 2014 Category
      2, 3, and 4 Observations Detected at CT and MR Imaging.
AB  - Purpose To determine the proportion of untreated Liver Imaging Reporting and Data
      System (LI-RADS) version 2014 category 2, 3, and 4 observations that progress,
      remain stable, or decrease in category and to compare the cumulative incidence of
      progression in category. Materials and Methods In this retrospective,
      longitudinal, single-center, HIPAA-compliant, institutional review board-approved
      study, 157 patients (86 men and 71 women; mean age +/- standard deviation, 59.0
      years +/- 9.7) underwent two or more multiphasic computed tomographic (CT) or
      magnetic resonance (MR) imaging examinations for hepatocellular carcinoma
      surveillance, with the first examination in 2011 or 2012. One radiologist
      reviewed baseline and follow-up CT and MR images (mean follow-up, 614 days). LI
      RADS categories issued in the clinical reports by using version 1.0 or version
      2013 were converted to version 2014 retrospectively; category modifications were
      verified with another radiologist. For index category LR-2, LR-3, and LR-4
      observations, the proportions that progressed, remained stable, or decreased in
      category were calculated. Cumulative incidence curves for progression were
      compared according to baseline LI-RADS category (by using log-rank tests).
      Results All 63 index LR-2 observations remained stable or decreased in category.
      Among 166 index LR-3 observations, seven (4%) progressed to LR-5, and eight (5%)
      progressed to LR-4. Among 52 index LR-4 observations, 20 (38%) progressed to a
      malignant category. The cumulative incidence of progression to a malignant
      category was higher for index LR-4 observations than for index LR-3 or LR-2
      observations (each P < .001) but was not different between LR-3 and LR-2
      observations (P = .155). The cumulative incidence of progression to at least
      category LR-4 was trend-level higher for index LR-3 observations than for LR-2
      observations (P = .0502). Conclusion Observations classified according to LI-RADS
      version 2014 categories are associated with different imaging outcomes. ((c))
      RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for this article. 

PMID- 27115055
TI  - Cu(I)-Catalyzed Tandem Reaction of Carbene Coupling and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons
      Type Olefination: Access toward Enynes.
AB  - A novel strategy to synthesize 1,3-enynes has been successfully developed based
      on Cu(I)-catalyzed cross-coupling of alpha-diazo phosphonates and alkynes with a
      subsequent Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) type reaction. This method provides
      straightforward access to conjugated enynes with high efficiency, good
      stereoselectivity and excellent functional group compatibility. Copper(I) carbene
      migratory insertion plays a crucial role in this transformation.

PMID- 27115056
TI  - Tuning Complexity by Lithiation: A Family of Intergrowth Structures Using
      Condensed hypho-Icosahedra in the Li-Doped Ca-Zn System.
AB  - Cluster chemistry of intermetallics with valence electron counts (VECs) in the
      range of 2.0-3.0 is intriguing. Lithiation of polar intermetallics in this VEC
      region is found to be an effective chemical route to produce new complex
      structures with different stability mechanisms. In this work, two new complex
      intermetallic structures have been discovered in the Ca-Li-Zn system: Ca12LixZn59
      x and Ca15LixZn75-x. Ca12LixZn59-x, x ~ 5.65(3)-14.95(3), forms in the trigonal
      space group R3m, with a = 9.074(1)-9.1699(2) A, c = 53.353(1)-53.602(1) A, and Z
      = 3. In comparison, Ca15LixZn75-x, x ~ 19.07(2), crystallizes in the space group
      P63/mmc, with a ~ 9.183(1) A, c ~ 45.191(5) A), and Z = 2. Both structures are
      members of a large intergrowth family featuring slabs of dimers (D) and trimers
      (T) stacking along [001], with the sequences DTDDTDDTD for Ca12LixZn59-x and
      TDDDTDDD for Ca15LixZn75-x. Each dimer consists of two face-sharing Zn-centered
      hypho-icosahedra, and each trimer comprises a Li-centered icosahedron sandwiched
      by two hypho-icosahedra. This intergrowth family includes several known
      intermetallic structure types involving very electropositive metals, e.g.,
      SrMg5.2, Ba2Li4.21Al4.79, and Sr9Li17.5Al25.5. Because of cluster defects and
      condensation, both Ca12LixZn59-x and Ca15LixZn75-x are electronically akin to
      close-packed metals, and their structural stabilities can be interpreted by a
      Hume-Rothery mechanism rather than the Zintl-Klemm concept.

PMID- 27115057
TI  - Synthesis and Comprehensive Structural and Chiroptical Characterization of Enones
      Derived from (-)-alpha-Santonin by Experiment and Theory.
AB  - The aim of the present work is to explain the causes of the observed deviations
      from sector and helicity rules to determine the absolute configuration of
      optically active alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones by means of electronic circular
      dichroism (ECD). To this end, a series of model compounds with a common
      decahydronaphthalene skeleton representing both cisoid and transoid enones were
      synthesized. In the framework of this work, detailed dichroic studies supported
      by single crystal X-ray analysis were performed where possible. To assist the
      achievement of the desired objectives the conformational flexibility of the
      selected cis-enones through the dependence of solvent and temperature on the ECD
      spectra were examined. All experimental studies were supplemented by detailed DFT
      calculations. A notable result of the study is assessing the applicability of the
      enone sector and helicity rules in dichroic studies and potential restrictions.
      To this end, a number of factors that could determine the signs of the individual
      Cotton effects has been considered. Among these nonminimum structure effects,
      i.e., twisting of the enone chromophore and nonplanarity of the enone double bond
      can be mentioned.

PMID- 27115058
TI  - Calcium-Sensing Receptor Tumor Expression and Lethal Prostate Cancer Progression.
AB  - CONTEXT: Prostate cancer metastases preferentially target bone, and the calcium
      sensing receptor (CaSR) may play a role in promoting this metastatic progression.
      OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association of prostate tumor CaSR expression with
      lethal prostate cancer. DESIGN: A validated CaSR immunohistochemistry assay was
      performed on tumor tissue microarrays. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and
      phosphatase and tensin homolog tumor status were previously assessed in a subset
      of cases by immunohistochemistry. Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for
      age and body mass index at diagnosis, Gleason grade, and pathological tumor node
      metastasis stage were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CI) for the association of CaSR expression with lethal prostate
      cancer. SETTING: The investigation was conducted in the Health Professionals
      Follow-up Study and Physicians' Health Study. PARTICIPANTS: We studied 1241
      incident prostate cancer cases diagnosed between 1983 and 2009. MAIN OUTCOME:
      Participants were followed up or cancer-specific mortality or development of
      metastatic disease. RESULTS: On average, men were followed up 13.6 years, during
      which there were 83 lethal events. High CaSR expression was associated with
      lethal prostate cancer independent of clinical and pathological variables (HR
      2.0; 95% CI 1.2-3.3). Additionally, there was evidence of effect modification by
      VDR expression; CaSR was associated with lethal progression among men with low
      tumor VDR expression (HR 3.2; 95% CI 1.4-7.3) but not in cases with high tumor
      VDR expression (HR 0.8; 95% CI 0.2-3.0). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor CaSR expression is
      associated with an increased risk of lethal prostate cancer, particularly in
      tumors with low VDR expression. These results support further investigating the
      mechanism linking CaSR with metastases.

PMID- 27115059
TI  - Dynamics and Predictors of Serum TSH and fT4 Reference Limits in Early Pregnancy:
      A Study Within the Danish National Birth Cohort.
AB  - CONTEXT: Thyroid hormones are important developmental factors and levels should
      be adequate both in the pregnant woman and in the fetus. However, there is no
      consensus on maternal thyroid test reference limits in early pregnancy.
      OBJECTIVE: Estimation of week-to-week changes in and predictors of TSH and free
      T4 (fT4) reference limits in the first trimester of pregnancy. DESIGN:
      Measurement of TSH and fT4 in biobank sera collected in pregnancy weeks 5-19 from
      a random sample of the Danish National Birth Cohort that enrolled 101 032
      pregnant in 1996-2002. SETTING: National cohort of pregnant women. PARTICIPANTS:
      Healthy participants (n = 6671) were identified and individual characteristics
      retrieved using interview data and data from Danish national health registers.
      INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Reference limits for TSH and fT4
      in each first trimester pregnancy week and predictors of these reference limits.
      RESULTS: TSH reference limits were very variable. Up to and including week 6,
      nonpregnancy reference limits could be used. In weeks 9-12, TSH upper reference
      limit was approximately 0.4 mU/L lower than the nonpregnancy upper limit. The TSH
      lower reference limit was approximately 0.1 mU/L. fT4 variations were reverse to
      those of TSH, but changes were small with approximately 4% higher reference
      limits during the weeks 9-12. TSH upper reference limit was lower in multiparous
      women and women with lower iodine intake but higher in obese women. fT4 was lower
      in smokers. CONCLUSIONS: TSH reference limits differ widely in the first
      trimester of pregnancy. The use of a uniform set of reference limits is an
      inordinate simplification that will lead to frequent misclassification and
      possibly to incorrect choice of therapy.

PMID- 27115060
TI  - Advanced Glycation Endproducts and Bone Material Strength in Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - CONTEXT: Skeletal deterioration, leading to an increased risk of fracture, is a
      known complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Yet plausible mechanisms to
      account for skeletal fragility in T2D have not been clearly established.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine whether bone material
      properties, as measured by reference point indentation, and advanced glycation
      endproducts (AGEs), as determined by skin autofluorescence (SAF), are related in
      patients with T2D. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. SETTING: The study
      was conducted at a tertiary medical center. PATIENTS: Sixteen postmenopausal
      women with T2D and 19 matched controls participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Bone material strength index (BMSi) by in vivo reference point
      indentation, AGE accumulation by SAF, and circulating bone turnover markers were
      measured. RESULTS: BMSi was reduced by 9.2% in T2D (P = .02) and was inversely
      associated with the duration of T2D (r = -0.68, P = .004). Increased SAF was
      associated with reduced BMSi (r = -0.65, P = .006) and lower bone formation
      marker procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (r = -0.63, P = .01) in T2D,
      whereas no associations were seen in controls. SAF accounted for 26% of the age
      adjusted variance in BMSi in T2D (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Bone material properties
      are impaired in postmenopausal women with T2D as determined by reference point
      indentation. The results suggest a role for the accumulation of AGEs to account
      for inferior BMSi in T2D.

PMID- 27115061
TI  - Different Effects of Intraperitoneal and Subcutaneous Insulin Administration on
      the GH-IGF-1 Axis in Type 1 Diabetes.
AB  - CONTEXT: In type 1 diabetes mellitus, low levels of insulin-like growth factor -1
      (IGF-1) and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and high levels of GH and IGFBP-1 are
      present, probably due to portal vein insulinopenia. OBJECTIVE: To test the
      hypothesis that continuous ip insulin infusion (CIPII) has a more pronounced
      effect than sc insulin therapy on regulation of the GH-IGF-1 axis. DESIGN: This
      was a prospective, observational case-control study. Measurements were performed
      twice at a 26-week interval. SETTING: Two secondary care hospitals in the
      Netherlands participated in the study. PATIENTS: There were a total of 184
      patients, age- and gender-matched, of which 39 used CIPII and 145 sc insulin
      therapy for the past 4 years. OUTCOMES: Primary endpoint included differences in
      IGF-1. Secondary outcomes were differences in GH, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3. RESULTS:
      IGF-1 was higher with CIPII as compared to SC insulin therapy: 124 MUg/liter (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 111-138) vs 108 MUg/liter (95% CI 102-115) (P = .035).
      Additionally, IGFBP-3 concentrations were higher and IGFBP-1 and GH
      concentrations were lower with CIPII as compared to SC insulin therapy: 3.78
      mg/liter (95% CI, 3.49-4.10) vs 3.31 mg/liter (95% CI, 3.17-3.47) for IGFBP-3,
      50.9 MUg/liter (95% CI, 37.9-68.2) vs 102.6 MUg/liter (95% CI, 87.8-119.8) for
      IGFBP-1 and 0.68 MUg/liter (95% CI, 0.44-1.06) vs 1.21 MUg/liter (95% CI, 0.95
      1.54) for GH, respectively. In multivariate analysis, IGF-1 had no significant
      association with HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: The GH-IGF-1 axis may be affected by the
      route of insulin administration with CIPII counteracting dysregulation of the GH
      IGF1 axis present during sc insulin therapy.

PMID- 27115062
TI  - Secular Changes in Postfracture Outcomes Over 2 Decades in Australia: A Time
      Trend Comparison of Excess Postfracture Mortality in Two Birth Controls Over Two
      Decades.
AB  - CONTEXT: Hip fracture incidence has been declining and life expectancy improving.
      However, trends of postfracture outcomes are unknown. OBJECTIVES: The objective
      of the study was to compare the refracture risk and excess mortality after
      osteoporotic fracture between two birth cohorts, over 2 decades. DESIGN:
      Prospective birth cohorts were followed up over 2 decades (1989-2004 and 2000
      2014). SETTING: The study was conducted in community-dwelling participants in
      Dubbo, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Women and men aged 60-80 years, participating in
      Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study 1 (DOES 1; born before 1930) and Dubbo
      Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study 2 (DOES 2; born after 1930) participated in the
      study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Age-standardized fracture and mortality over two
      time intervals: (1989-2004 [DOES 1] and 2000-2014 [DOES 2]) were measured.
      RESULTS: The DOES 2 cohort had higher body mass index and bone mineral density
      and lower initial fracture rate than DOES 1, but similar refracture rates [age
      standardized refracture rates per 1000 person-years: women: 53 (95% confidence
      interval [CI] 42-63) and 51 (95% CI 41-60) and men: 53 (95% CI 38-69) and 55 (95%
      CI 40-71) for DOES 2 and DOES 1, respectively). Absolute postfracture mortality
      rates declined in DOES 2 compared with DOES 1, mirroring the improvement in
      general-population life expectancy. However, when compared with period-specific
      general-population mortality, there was a similar 2.1- to 2.6-fold increased
      mortality risk after a fracture in both cohorts (age-adjusted standardized
      mortality ratio, women: 2.05 [95% CI 1.43-2.83] and 2.43 [95% CI 1.95-2.99] and
      men: 2.56 [95% CI 1.78-3.58] and 2.48 [95% CI 1.87-3.22] for DOES 2 and DOES 1,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Over the 2 decades, despite the decline in the
      prevalence of fracture risk factors, general-population mortality, and initial
      fracture incidence, there was no improvement in postfracture outcomes. Refracture
      rates were similar and fracture-associated mortality was 2-fold higher than
      expected. These data indicate that the low postfracture treatment rates are still
      a major problem.

PMID- 27115063
TI  - Vitamin D-Fortified Bread Is as Effective as Supplement in Improving Vitamin D
      Status: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: Bread can potentially be a suitable vehicle for fortification with
      vitamin D. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the following: 1) the
      bioavailability of vitamin D from the fortified Iranian bread and 2) the possible
      effects of daily consumption of the fortified bread on certain health aspects.
      DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled trial conducted over 8 weeks in 90 healthy subjects aged 20-60 years.
      INTERVENTION: Subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups: 1)
      fortified bread (FP; 50 g bread fortified with 25 MUg vitamin D3 plus placebo
      daily; n = 30); 2) supplement (SP; 50 g plain bread plus 25 MUg vitamin D
      supplement daily; n = 30); and 3) control (CP; 50 g plain bread plus placebo
      daily; n = 30). OUTCOME MEASURES: Initial and final anthropometric and
      biochemical assessments were performed. RESULTS: The within-group changes of
      serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were 39.0 +/- 22.6 (P < .001), 28.9 +/-
      31.2 (P < .001), and -9.2 +/- 12.3 nmol/L in the FP, SP, and CP groups,
      respectively. Only in FP and SP groups, serum intact PTH concentrations decreased
      approximately 13.5% and 14.5%, respectively. Visceral fat also showed a
      significant decrement in FP (-1.05% +/- 1.4%; P <= .001) and SP (-0.96% +/- 1.7%;
      P = .006). Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration showed a
      within-group reduction in FP (-10.4 +/- 11.2 mg/dL; P < .001) and an
      insignificant decrement in SP (-6.6 +/- 20.2 mg/dL; P = .083). Serum high-density
      lipoprotein increased in both vitamin D-supplemented groups (FP: 9.7 +/- 7.6 vs
      SP: 5.7 +/- 6.7 mg/dL; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D-fortified bread could be
      potentially effective in raising circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of the
      population to nearly adequate levels.

PMID- 27115064
TI  - Enantioselective Total Syntheses of Various Amphilectane and Serrulatane
      Diterpenoids via Cope Rearrangements.
AB  - Ampilectane and serrulatane natural products are structurally and
      stereochemically complex compounds that display various potent pharmacological
      activities ranging from anti-inflammatory to antituberculosis. A general
      synthetic route toward this family of natural products has been developed, which
      accomplished a number of amphilectane and serrulatane natural products. The key
      step employed a stereoselective Cope rearrangement either promoted by gold
      catalysis or thermal conditions, while a regioselective gold-catalyzed 6-endo-dig
      cyclization was optimized to afford a precursor. The preparation of the chiral
      beta-ketoester as a starting material was established via an optimized asymmetric
      1,4-addition followed by trapping with Mander's reagent, and this initially
      installed stereogenic center provided good control in the subsequent introduction
      of all the other stereocenters. A rarely investigated one-pot conversion of alpha
      pyrone into phenol was also examined to enable the syntheses. DFT calculations
      explain the high stereoselectivity of the Cope rearrangement of the intermediate
      that eventually led to amphilectolide and caribenol A.

PMID- 27115065
TI  - Radiation dose of 18F-FDG to lactating breasts, its effect on the effective dose
      and a more accurate effective dose from 18F-FDG.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lactating breasts have greater uptake of fluorine-18
      fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) than nonlactating breasts; however, there are no
      published data on the radiation dose from F-FDG to lactating breasts or this
      effect on the effective dose (ED). In addition, the International Commission on
      Radiological Protection's (ICRP) most recently published ED of 1.9*10 mSv/MBq
      from F-FDG was calculated using weighting factors that have since been
      superseded. We therefore calculated the F-FDG radiation dose to the lactating
      breast, its effect on the ED and calculated more up-to-date EDs from F-FDG for
      nonlactating patients. METHODS: Breast uptake of F-FDG and volume were determined
      from PET/CT images of a lactating patient. These data, together with previously
      published biokinetic data on F-FDG, were used to calculate a radiation dose to
      the lactating breasts and its effect on the ED. In addition, tissue weighting
      factors and organ doses from the ICRP publications 103 and 106 were used to
      calculate more up-to-date EDs from F-FDG in nonlactating patients. RESULTS: The
      absorbed dose to the lactating breast from F-FDG is 1.75*10 mGy/MBq, which
      results in an increase in the ED of 6%. In nonlactating patients, a more up-to
      date ED from F-FDG is 1.77*10 mSv/MBq for women and 1.64*10 mSv/MBq for men.
      CONCLUSION: This is the first reported dosimetry of F-FDG in lactating breasts,
      data that are required when justifying the radiation dose from an F-FDG PET scan
      in lactating patients. In addition, we calculated more up-to-date EDs from F-FDG
      that are lower than the current widely reported ED and should be used in future
      publications on F-FDG.

PMID- 27115066
TI  - Variability in the amount of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose excreted in urine
      measured from oncology patients during PET/computed tomography imaging.
AB  - The objectives of this work were to estimate the amount of fluorine-18
      fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) excreted (AFE) in the patient urine during the uptake
      phase as percentage of the injected activity and to examine the effect of blood
      glucose levels (BGL) on the excreted amount and whether it varies among men and
      women using statistical analysis methods. Radiation dose rates were measured at 1
      m from 50 patients, 24 men and 26 women, before and after the first void using a
      calibrated ionization chamber. The F-FDG was injected in the patients using a
      calibrated automatic dose injection system. Statistical analysis using hypothesis
      testing was carried out. Patients with BGL above 5 mmol/l had a higher AFE of
      12.3% in comparison with 8.3% of the patients with BGL below 5 mmol/l. A
      statistically nonsignificant correlation (r=0.183, P<0.249) between AFE and BGL
      was found; a nonsignificant difference was found in the AFE measured among the
      male and female patients. The AFE measured was 12+/-6%, with a range of (2-30%).
      There was a wide variation in the first void time of 39+/-8 min, with a range of
      (17-68) min. A simple noninvasive measurement method is presented that enabled
      the estimation of the amount of F-FDG excreted from the patient during voiding.
      Statistical analysis concluded that the amount of F-FDG excreted does not depend
      on sex, but is perhaps influenced by BGL. 

PMID- 27115070
TI  - A prospective-longitudinal study on the association of anxiety disorders prior to
      pregnancy and pregnancy- and child-related fears.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the relation between anxiety disorders prior to
      pregnancy and specific pregnancy- and child-related fears during pregnancy and
      after delivery. 306 expectant mothers were interviewed regarding anxiety (and
      depressive) disorders prior to pregnancy and pregnancy- and child-related fears
      (e.g. fear of labor pain, fear of infant injury) using the Composite
      International Diagnostic Interview for Women (CIDI-V). Pregnancy- and child
      related fears were particularly pronounced in women with multiple anxiety
      disorders and women with comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders prior to
      pregnancy. Further analyses revealed associations between particular anxiety
      disorders and specific pregnancy- and child-related fears. Results remained
      stable when considering potential confounders such as maternal age, education,
      marital status, parity, prior abortion and preterm delivery or low birth weight.
      Our study suggests that especially women with multiple anxiety and/or comorbid
      depressive disorders may benefit from early targeted interventions to prevent an
      escalation of anxiety and fears over the peripartum period.

PMID- 27115071
TI  - Different relationships between central dopamine system and sub-processes of
      inhibition: Spontaneous eye blink rate relates with N2 but not P3 in a Go/Nogo
      task.
AB  - Clinical studies show that dysfunction of the dopamine (DA) system could
      differently modulate N2 and P3 components in a Go/Nogo task, a classical
      inhibition task. However, results of previous clinical studies cannot be
      arbitrarily generalized to healthy adults. Thus, the present exploratory study
      aimed to investigate whether there are significant and variable relationships
      between individual differences of the DA system in normal healthy persons and N2-
      and P3-related sub-processes of inhibition in a Go/Nogo task. DA function was
      measured by spontaneous eye blink rate (EBR), which is an effective clinical and
      non-invasive measure and strongly related to the activity of the central
      dopaminergic system. A total of 28 young adults participated in this experiment.
      Results showed that Nogo-N2 and Nogo-P3 of all participants were larger than Go
      N2 and Go-P3, while Nogo-N2 and Nogo-P3 were significantly related with Nogo
      accuracy. Moreover, it was shown that higher EBRs were significantly correlated
      with larger and more negative N2 amplitudes under Go- and Nogo-conditions;
      however, there were no significant correlations between participants' EBRs and N2
      latencies, and between EBRs and average amplitudes of P3 under the two
      conditions. Based on these results, we concluded that the central DA system was
      associated with the N2-related conflict monitoring rather than P3-related sub
      process of inhibition.

PMID- 27115073
TI  - MRI in the evaluation of localization-related epilepsy.
AB  - This article covers the MRI evaluation of patients with epilepsy, with a focus on
      neuroimaging in those with localization-related epilepsy who may be potential
      epilepsy surgery candidates. The article includes structural MRI to identify a
      lesion, functional MRI to identify the eloquent cortex and diffusion tensor
      imaging to identify the eloquent white matter tracts. We consider the equipment,
      protocol or procedures, and reporting of MRI in patients with epilepsy.
      Recommendations for both adult and pediatric patients are described for protocols
      and procedures. The authors hope that this article will provide a standardized
      approach for clinical imaging of patients with suspected localization-related
      epilepsy who may be evaluated for epilepsy surgery. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016.

PMID- 27115074
TI  - Factors Associated With Utilization of Cardiac Rehabilitation Among Patients With
      Ischemic Heart Disease in the Veterans Health Administration: A QUALITATIVE
      STUDY.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs reduce morbidity and mortality
      in patients with ischemic heart disease but are vastly underutilized in the
      United States, including the Veterans Health Administration (VA) Healthcare
      System. Numerous barriers affecting utilization have been identified in other
      health care systems, but the specific factors affecting Veterans are unknown. We
      sought to identify barriers and facilitators associated with utilization of CR in
      VA facilities. METHODS: We performed a qualitative study of 56 VA patients,
      providers, and CR program managers at 30 VA facilities across the United States.
      We conducted semistructured interviews with key informants to explore their
      attitudes and knowledge toward CR. Interviews were conducted until thematic
      saturation occurred. Analyses using grounded theory to identify key themes were
      conducted using the qualitative data analysis package ATLAS.ti. RESULTS: We
      identified 6 themes as barriers and 5 as facilitators. The most common barriers
      to participation in CR were patient transportation issues (68%), lack of patient
      willingness to participate (41%), and no access to a nearby VA hospital with a CR
      program (30%). The most common facilitators were involvement of a dedicated
      provider or "clinical champion" (50%), provider knowledge of or experience with
      CR (48%), and patient desire for additional medical support (32%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Our findings suggest that addressing access issues and educating and activating
      providers on CR may increase utilization of CR programs. Targeting these specific
      factors may improve utilization of CR programs.

PMID- 27115072
TI  - The effects of graded levels of calorie restriction: VII. Topological
      rearrangement of hypothalamic aging networks.
AB  - Connectivity in a gene-gene network declines with age, typically within gene
      clusters. We explored the effect of short-term (3 months) graded calorie
      restriction (CR) (up to 40 %) on network structure of aging-associated genes in
      the murine hypothalamus by using conditional mutual information. The networks
      showed a topological rearrangement when exposed to graded CR with a higher
      relative within cluster connectivity at 40CR. We observed changes in gene
      centrality concordant with changes in CR level, with Ppargc1a, and Ppt1 having
      increased centrality and Etfdh, Traf3 and Abcc1 decreased centrality as CR
      increased. This change in gene centrality in a graded manner with CR, occurred in
      the absence of parallel changes in gene expression levels. This study emphasizes
      the importance of augmenting traditional differential gene expression analyses to
      better understand structural changes in the transcriptome. Overall our results
      suggested that CR induced changes in centrality of biological relevant genes that
      play an important role in preventing the age-associated loss of network integrity
      irrespective of their gene expression levels.

PMID- 27115075
TI  - Delayed Anaerobic Threshold in Heart Failure Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess whether atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure (HF) affects
      oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold ((Equation is included in full-text
      article.)O2 AT) and heart rate (HR) kinetics. METHODS: A total of 15 patients
      with HF and AF and 18 with HF and sinus rhythm (SR) performed a maximal
      incremental and 2 constant workload cycle ergometer cardiopulmonary exercise
      tests (below and above AT, at 25% and 75% of maximal workload, respectively). At
      constant workload tests, kinetics of (Equation is included in full-text
      article.)O2 and HR were assessed by calculating time constant (tau). RESULTS: HF
      patients with AF showed a similar peak (Equation is included in full-text
      article.)O2 to those with SR (16.7 +/- 4.5 mL/kg/min vs 16.6 +/- 3.9 mL/kg/min).
      However, (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 AT (11.3 +/- 2.9
      mL/kg/min vs 9.3 +/- 2.8 mL/kg/min; P < .05), peak HR (149 +/- 18.8 bpm vs 116.4
      +/- 20.4 bpm; P < .001), HR AT (125.3 +/- 19.1 bpm vs 90.3 +/- 15.5 bpm; P <
      .001), and HR increase during exercise were greater in HF patients with AF.
      Finally, tauHR and tau(Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 below and
      above AT were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: In HF patients with AF,
      despite a similar peak (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 compared
      with patients with HF and SR, (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 AT
      is higher because of a higher HR and a greater HR increase during exercise. One
      postulated mechanism would be a greater cardiac output increase at the beginning
      of exercise in HF patients with AF. The delayed AT generates uncertainty about
      the meaning of a (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 value at AT in HF
      patients with AF, because a higher AT is usually associated with better
      performance and a better prognosis.

PMID- 27115076
TI  - Prescribing Cycle Exercise Intensity Using Moderate Symptom Levels in Chronic
      Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Laboratory-based cardiopulmonary exercise testing from which to
      prescribe cycle training intensity in pulmonary rehabilitation for people with
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not readily available in clinical
      practice. Alternative methods of prescribing cycle exercise intensity, such as
      patient symptoms of dyspnea or rating of perceived exertion (RPE), have been
      used, but it is unknown whether cycle intensity based on such symptoms elicits an
      exercise intensity appropriate for achieving physiological training responses.
      The aim of the study was to determine the exercise intensity elicited when
      continuous cycle exercise was prescribed at symptoms of moderate dyspnea or RPE
      in people with COPD. METHODS: Participants with diagnosed COPD performed lung
      function tests and an incremental cycle test to peak work capacity. On a
      subsequent day, participants performed 10 minutes of cycle exercise based on
      moderate symptoms (CycleSYMP) of either dyspnea or RPE, depending on which
      symptom limited the incremental cycle test. Oxygen uptake ((Equation is included
      in full-text article.)O2) was measured during all exercise using a portable
      metabolic system (Cosmed K4b). RESULTS: Thirty participants, mean age of 70 +/- 9
      years and FEV1 60 +/- 12% predicted, completed the study. The mean intensity
      achieved during CycleSYMP was 78 +/- 12%(Equation is included in full-text
      article.)O2peak and 71 +/- 18 % (Equation is included in full-text
      article.)O2Reserve. Steady-state (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2
      was achieved by the sixth minute of CycleSYMP. CONCLUSIONS: Using symptoms of
      moderate dyspnea or RPE as a method of prescribing cycle exercise elicited a high
      training intensity at which steady-state was achieved in people with mild to
      moderate COPD.

PMID- 27115078
TI  - Simultaneous fluorescence imaging of selenol and hydrogen peroxide under normoxia
      and hypoxia in HepG2 cells and in vivo.
AB  - Based on the rapid substitution reaction of the Au-S bond by selenol, we designed
      and synthesized a nanoprobe 5-FAM-peptide-AuNPs for selenol. Real-time imaging
      shows that this probe together with the molecular probe QCy7-H2O2 is able to
      simultaneously and differentially monitor the concentrations of selenol and H2O2
      in living cells and in vivo. 

PMID- 27115079
TI  - Catalytic Conversion of Alcohols into Carboxylic Acid Salts in Water: Scope,
      Recycling, and Mechanistic Insights.
AB  - The catalytic conversion of alcohols into carboxylic acid salts in water was
      performed in the presence of ruthenium complexes supported by aliphatic PNP
      pincer ligands preformed or formed in situ. High activity toward a wide substrate
      scope was achieved with turnover number values of up to 4000. The air-stable
      catalytic system can be recycled by using toluene as a catalyst-immobilizing
      phase; the activity is maintained after five consecutive runs. Finally,
      mechanistic studies allowed some fundamental aspects related to water activation
      to be unveiled and to the mechanism postulated.

PMID- 27115096
TI  - Reevaluation of the Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability and Handicap
      Using Item Response Theory.
AB  - PURPOSE: We reevaluated the psychometric properties of the Amsterdam Inventory
      for Auditory Disability and Handicap (AIADH; Kramer, Kapteyn, Festen, & Tobi,
      1995) using item response theory. Item response theory describes item functioning
      along an ability continuum. METHOD: Cross-sectional data from 2,352 adults with
      and without hearing impairment, ages 18-70 years, were analyzed. They completed
      the AIADH in the web-based prospective cohort study "Netherlands Longitudinal
      Study on Hearing." A graded response model was fitted to the AIADH data. Category
      response curves, item information curves, and the standard error as a function of
      self-reported hearing ability were plotted. RESULTS: The graded response model
      showed a good fit. Item information curves were most reliable for adults who
      reported having hearing disability and less reliable for adults with normal
      hearing. The standard error plot showed that self-reported hearing ability is
      most reliably measured for adults reporting mild up to moderate hearing
      disability. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the few item response theory studies on
      audiological self-reports. All AIADH items could be hierarchically placed on the
      self-reported hearing ability continuum, meaning they measure the same construct.
      This provides a promising basis for developing a clinically useful computerized
      adaptive test, where item selection adapts to the hearing ability of individuals,
      resulting in efficient assessment of hearing disability.

PMID- 27115098
TI  - On the Quantum Spin Hall Gap of Monolayer 1T'-WTe2.
AB  - Positive quantum spin Hall gap in mono-layer 1T'-WTe2 is consistently supported
      by density-functional theory calculations, ultrafast pump-probe, and electrical
      transport measurements. It is argued that monolayer 1T'-WTe2 , which was
      predicted to be a semimetallic quantum spin Hall material, is likely a truly 2D
      quantum spin Hall insulator with a positive quantum spin Hall gap. 

PMID- 27115100
TI  - Correlates of Sex Frequency and Sexual Satisfaction Among Partnered Older Adults.
AB  - This study examines behaviors associated with sex frequency and sexual
      satisfaction in a national sample of partnered older adults, age 50 to 85 (N =
      9,164), together for over one year. The results indicate that older adults with
      active and satisfying sex lives engage more frequently in open sexual
      communication and setting the mood for sexual activity. Additionally,
      synchronicity in sexual desire and activities is related to a high-frequency and
      highly satisfying sex life in older adulthood. An expansive sexual repertoire, as
      measured by the number of sexual activities used during the last sexual encounter
      and the incorporation of sexual variety, is also associated with greater sex
      frequency and sexual satisfaction.

PMID- 27115099
TI  - Patient-derived mouse xenografts from pediatric liver cancer predict tumor
      recurrence and advise clinical management.
AB  - Identification of new treatments for relapsing pediatric cancer is an unmet
      clinical need and a societal challenge. Liver cancer occurrence in infancy, 1.5
      for million children per year, falls far below the threshold of interest for
      dedicated drug development programs, and this disease is so rare that it is very
      difficult to gather enough children into a phase II clinical trial. Here, we
      present the establishment of an unprecedented preclinical platform of 24
      pediatric liver cancer patient-derived xenografts (PLC-PDXs) from 20
      hepatoblastomas (HBs), 1 transitional liver cell tumor (TCLT), 1 hepatocellular
      carcinoma, and 2 malignant rhabdoid tumors. Cytogenetic array and mutational
      analysis of the parental tumors and the corresponding PLC-PDXs show high
      conservation of the molecular features of the parental tumors. The histology of
      PLC-PDXs is strikingly similar to that observed in primary tumors and
      recapitulates the heterogeneity of recurrent disease observed in the clinic.
      Tumor growth in the mouse is strongly associated with elevated circulating alpha
      fetoprotein (AFP), low rate of necrosis/fibrosis after treatment, and gain of
      chromosome 20, all indicators of resistance to chemotherapy and poor outcome.
      Accordingly, the ability of a tumor to generate PLC-PDX is predictive of poor
      prognosis. Exposure of PLC-PDXs to standards of care or therapeutic options
      already in use for other pediatric malignancies revealed unique response profiles
      in these models. Among these, the irinotecan/temozolomide combination induced
      strong tumor regression in the TCLT and in a model derived from an AFP-negative
      relapsing HB. CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence that PLC-PDX preclinical
      platform can strongly contribute to accelerate the identification and
      diversification of anticancer treatment for aggressive subtypes of pediatric
      liver cancer. (Hepatology 2016;64:1121-1135).

PMID- 27115101
TI  - Normalization to Maximal Voluntary Contraction is Influenced by Subacromial Pain.
AB  - In this study, we aimed to determine if electromyography (EMG) normalization to
      maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) was influenced by subacromial
      pain in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. Patients performed MVICs
      in unique testing positions for each shoulder muscle tested before and after
      subacromial injection of local anesthetic. In addition to collection of MVIC
      data, EMG data during an arm elevation task were recorded before and after
      injection. From a visual analog pain scale, patients had a 64% decrease in pain
      following the injection. Significant increases in MVICs were noted in 4 of the 7
      shoulder muscles tested: anterior, middle and posterior deltoid, and lower
      trapezius. No significant differences were noticed for the upper trapezius,
      latissimus dorsi, or serratus anterior. MVIC condition (pre and post injection)
      had a significant influence on EMG normalization for the anterior deltoid and
      lower trapezius muscle. Results indicate that subacromial pain can influence
      shoulder muscle activity, especially for the deltoid muscles and lower trapezius.
      In addition, normalization to MVIC in the presence of pain can have unpredictable
      results. Caution should be taken when normalizing EMG data to MVIC in the
      presence of pain. 

PMID- 27115102
TI  - Systemic Sclerosis: know more, hope more.

PMID- 27115103
TI  - Capillaroscopy 2016: new perspectives in systemic sclerosis.
AB  - Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder of unknown aetiology
      characterized by early impairment of the microvascular system. Nailfold
      microangiopathy and decreased peripheral blood perfusion are typical clinical
      aspects of SSc. The best method to evaluate vascular injury is nailfold
      videocapillaroscopy, which detects peripheral capillary morphology, and
      classifies and scores the abnormalities into different patterns of
      microangiopathy. Microangiopathy appears to be the best evaluable predictor of
      the disease development and has been observed to precede the other symptoms by
      many years. Peripheral blood perfusion is also impaired in SSc, and there are
      different methods to assess it: laser Doppler and laser speckle techniques,
      thermography and other emerging techniques. 

PMID- 27115104
TI  - Systemic sclerosis: markers and targeted treatments.
AB  - <p>Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by autoantibody production,
      progressive microvasculopathy, and aberrant extracellular matrix protein (ECM)
      synthesis in tissues. The disease presents two major clinical hallmarks:
      Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and skin involvement, followed by varying prevalences
      of internal organ involvement. Despite significant advances in the management of
      certain organ-specific involvements and symptoms, the research for efficient
      markers and targets, to be used for an optimized treatment, is still ongoing.
      Therapies targeting the vasculature (i.e. ET-1 receptor antagonists,
      phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhi bitor, agiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition,
      prostacyclins), the immune system and/or the fibrotic process (i.e. traditional
      disease modifying anti-rheu - matic drugs DMARDs such as methotrexate, cyclospo -
      rine or mycophenolate mofetil, biologicals like rituxi - mab, tocilizumab or
      abatacept) have been or are being eva luated in SSc. Advanced approaches,
      reserved to unres ponsive SSc patients, include autologous haema - topoietic stem
      cell transplantation (HSTC) and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG).
      Interestingly, it is expected that new and future possible diagnostic and
      therapeutical approaches in SSc will come from epigenetic studies (MicroRNAs).
      Ideally, combination therapy in SSc seems the best approach, together with the
      early intervention on the major hallmarks of the disease in "at risk" patients,
      that consists of the microvascular damage/altered function and the autoimmune
      reaction, followed by the progressive and systemic fibrotic process.</p>. 

PMID- 27115105
TI  - Cardiovascular profiles of scleroderma patients with arrhythmias and conduction
      disorders.
AB  - Introduction Arrhythmias and conduction disorders are common among patients with
      scleroderma. Their early identification is important, since scleroderma patients
      with arrhythmias have a higher mortality risk compared with scleroderma patients
      without arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to characterize the cardiovascular
      profiles of scleroderma patients with different types of arrhythmias and
      conduction disorders. Methods One hundred and ten consecutive patients with a
      diagnosis of systemic sclerosis according to the ACR criteria were included in
      the study. Patients underwent a 12-lead ECG and a 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring
      for arrhythmias and conduction disorders identification. Blood sample testing,
      echocardiography, spirometry, chest X-ray and, when considered appropriate, high
      resolution chest CT were also performed. A subgroup of 21 patients underwent NT
      pro BNP level measurements. Patients' clinical and para-clinical characteristics
      were compared according to the presence or absence of arrhythmias and conduction
      disorders. Results The prevalence of arrhythmia and conduction disturbances was
      60.9%. Patients with such disorders were older (54.4 +/- 13.3 vs. 49.7 +/- 10.1
      years, p=0.05), had a higher prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (p=0.008),
      valve disease (p < 0.001), especially mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, chamber
      enlargement on echocardiography (left atrial and right ventricular, p = 0.012 and
      0.005, respectively) as well as higher NT-pro BNP levels: 265.5 +/- 399.7 vs. 163
      +/- 264.3 pg/ml, p=0.04. Conclusion Arrhythmias and conduction disorders are
      common in patients with scleroderma. Patients with such disorders are older, have
      a higher prevalence of pulmonary hypertension, more severe mitral and tricuspid
      regurgitation, left atrial and right ventricular dilation on echocardiography. 

PMID- 27115106
TI  - Sonographic Measurements Can Be Misleading for Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
      in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the nerve cross sectional areas (CSA) of patients with RA
      without any sign of peripheral neuropathy to healthy controls. METHODS: Clinical,
      electrophysiological and sonographic assessments were done by three blinded
      researchers. The patients who had an electrodiagnostic or clinical of peripheral
      neuropathy were excluded from the study. Nerve CSA were measured in various
      levels; hamatum hook, pisiform bone, radio-ulnar joint, distal 1/3 of forearm,
      and elbow for median nerve; radio-ulnar joint, pisiform bone, distal 1/3 of
      forearm, and medial epicondyle for ulnar nerve. RESULTS: The study was completed
      with 30 women with RA and 30 healthy women. Despite both groups had neither
      clinical nor electrophysiological neuropathy, the sonographic measurements showed
      that median nerve CSA at radioulnar joint, pisiform and hamatum levels of
      patients with RA were larger in rheumatoid arthritis patients than healthy
      controls. Ulnar nerve CSA at radioulnar joint, pisiform and distal 1/3 forearm
      and medial epicondyle levels of patients with RA were also increased (p<0.05). If
      the pisiform level median nerve CSA>10 mm2 was used as sonographic carpal tunnel
      syndrome (CTS) criterion, 23/60 hands of 30 patients with RA and 5/60 hands of 30
      healthy controls could be diagnosed as CTS. CONCLUSION: Median and ulnar nerve
      CSA were larger than healthy control in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
      without clinical and electrophysiological peripheral neuropathy. The
      rheumatologists should be careful to diagnose CTS in patients with RA while using
      US.

PMID- 27115107
TI  - Anti CD20 (Rituximab) therapy in refractory pediatric rheumatic diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aim to report the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in
      patients diagnosed with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) or juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis (JIA) refractory to conventional treatment. METHODS: A
      retrospective review was made of all medical records of patients with JSLE or JIA
      treated with RTX between January 2009 and January 2015 in the Pediatric
      Rheumatology Unit of a central hospital. RESULTS: Five patients, 4 with JSLE and
      1 with extended oligoarticular JIA, received 10 cycles of RTX (23 infusions). The
      scheme of RTX frequently used was 750 mg/m2 two weeks apart. The median follow-up
      time after receiving the first cycle of RTX was 24 months (12 - 70). The four
      patients with JSLE were female (three caucasian and one black). The patient with
      JIA was a caucasian male. The median age at diagnosis was 10 years (16 months -
      17years). The median evolution time until receiving RTX was 6 years (5 months -
      15 years). Refractory class IV lupus nephritis was the most common indication for
      receiving RTX. Previous treatment to RTX included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
      drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, immunosuppressive drugs and
      corticosteroids in all patients and anti-TNFalpha (etanercept) in the patient
      with JIA. It was possible to reduce the mean oral corticosteroid dose after RTX,
      ranging from 23 mg/day (20-25mg/day) before RTX to 11 mg/day (0-20 mg/day) at the
      last evaluation. Disease activity before RTX and at last evaluation also
      improved. The SLEDAI score, for JSLE, decreased from a median of 15, 5 (11 - 18)
      to 3 (0 - 6), and the JADAS-27 score, for JIA, also diminished from 40.4 to 3.5.
      Adverse events occurred in 2 patients, including delayed second dose after the
      diagnosis of cryptococcosis and respiratory tract infection with concomitant
      hypogammaglobulinemia needing of immunoglobulin replacement and antibiotic
      therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab might have a role in the treatment of JSLE and
      JIA. However controlled studies and long term follow-up are needed to evaluate
      its safety and efficacy.

PMID- 27115108
TI  - Sexual Dysfunction in Male Patients With Behcet's Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate sexual dysfunction in
      male patients with Behcet's Disease in comparison to healthy control subjects.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two sexually active male patients with Behcet's
      Disease and 62 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Patients'
      demographic and clinical characteristics were noted. Sexual function was assessed
      by means of the International Index of Erectile Function scoring system. In
      addition, disease-related quality of life was measured by means of the Nottingham
      Health Profile, and anxiety and depression levels were assessed by means of the
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: Patients with Behcet's Disease
      scored significantly lower in each of the 5 parameters of International Index of
      Erectile Function (p < 0.001) and significantly higher in Hospital Anxiety and
      Depression Scale compared to healthy control subjects (p < 0.001). International
      Index of Erectile Function scores correlated with age, duration of disease and
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Nottingham Health Profile scores in
      patients with Behcet's Disease (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sexual function is
      impaired in male patients with Behcet's Disease, which might be associated by
      age, duration of disease, psychological status and quality of life.

PMID- 27115109
TI  - Melatonin receptor 1b polymorphisms in women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
AB  - AIM: The pineal hormone melatonin could exert an important influence on the
      immune system and autoimmunity. Its effect on the immunocompetent cells might be
      mediated at least partially through specific melatonin receptors. However, the
      role of melatonin - melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B) interrelations in human
      autoimmune diseases is still unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to
      investigate the possible influence of the MTNR1B gene polymorphisms for the
      development and clinical expression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
      METHODS: 109 female SLE patients and 101 healthy women were genotyped for the
      MTNR1B rs1562444, rs10830962 and rs10830963 polymorphisms. RESULTS: No genotype
      distribution differences were found between patients and controls. The presence
      of MTNR1B rs10830963 C/C genotype was related to increased prevalence of
      leucopenia compared to genotypes C/G and G/G after Bonferroni correction for
      multiple comparisons [36.5% vs. 14.5%, p=0.014]. Moreover, the rs10830963 G/G
      carriers had lower number of lupus criteria in comparison to patients with C/C
      genotype. CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggested that MTNR1B polymorphisms could
      influence the clinical features in lupus patients, and especially the
      susceptibility to leucopenia.

PMID- 27115111
TI  - Good response to rituximab in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and
      pulmonary, renal manifestations and ophthalmoplegia.
AB  - Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is a classical drug for the treatment of severe
      granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). However, a considerable number of
      patients are resistant to standard treatment and it can show substantial
      toxicity. Therefore, alternative agents should be considered in refractory cases.
      We report the successful use of rituximab (RTX) in a 70-year-old patient
      diagnosed of GPA who developed ophthalmoplegia, an uncommon complication of GPA.
      The patient also had upper and lower respiratory tract involvement and kidney
      manifestations with good prognosis. We review the causes of ophtalmoparesis and
      the treatment with RTX in GPA. 

PMID- 27115110
TI  - Association Study of an AFF1 Gene Polymorphism (rs340630) with Iranian Systemic
      Lupus Erythematosus Patients.
AB  - AIM: To investigate whether an AFF1 polymorphism was associated with
      susceptibility and clinical features of SLE in Iranian patients. METHODS: A total
      of 320 patients with SLE and 330 age, sex and ethnically matched healthy control
      subjects were enrolled in the present study. Both cases and healthy controls were
      genotyped for rs340630 polymorphism located inside the AFF1using Amplification
      Refractory Mutation System-PCR (ARMS-PCR). In order to investigation of SNP
      association and clinical features of SLE, clinical manifestations of patients
      were recorded. The distributions of rs340630 genotypes were tested for deviation
      from Hardy-Weinberg in controls. Genotypic and allelic distribution between
      patients and controls were assessed by chi-squares test. The Odds Ratio (OR) and
      95 % Confidence Intervals were calculated from multiple logistic regression
      analysis. MAJOR RESULTS: Both A and G alleles of rs340630were seen among the
      Iranian samples. All three genotypes of rs340630 were found, i.e., homozygous A/A
      (OR=1/01, 95%CI=%72 - 1/42, P= %99), homozygous G/G (OR=%92, 95%CI= %63 - 1/35,
      P=%77) and heterozygous A/G (OR=1/03, 95%CI= %76 - 1/41, P=%87). In the SLE
      group, the number of patients with renal disorder was significantly higher for
      the AG genotype compared to other genotypes of AFF1 polymorphism (P= 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: There was no association between AFF1 polymorphism (rs340630) and
      SLE. However, our findings indicated that AFF1 polymorphism (rs340630) was
      significantly (P=0.0045) correlated with renal disorder in Iranian population.

PMID- 27115112
TI  - [Dermatomyositis-like syndrome in x-linked agammaglobulinemia].
AB  - Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) encompass more than 250 different pathological
      conditions. X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) has been occasionally associated
      with cutaneous and muscular manifestations resembling dermatomyositis, often
      termed dermatomyositis-like syndrome (DLS). This syndrome has been associated
      with cutaneous, muscular and central nervous system manifestations, accompanying
      a persistent infection by an Echovirus. According to sixteen previously reported
      cases, this syndrome has a poor prognosis. We report the case of a 27-years old
      male, with XLA and DLS, successfully treated with 6 cycles of human
      immunoglobulin and methotrexate. Clinical symptoms improved dramatically with a
      complete resolution of the musculoskeletal manifestations. Despite this clinical
      response, prognosis should remain reserved. The evolution of this syndrome
      remains unpredictable and therapeutic options are limited. To the best of our
      knowledge, there are only a few reports of similar cases which have survived so
      many months after the diagnosis. 

PMID- 27115113
TI  - Idiopathic Hypoparathyroidism Mimicking Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Report.
AB  - Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism, inadequate secretion of parathyroid hormone of
      unknown etiology, may mimic ankylosing spondylitis both clinically and
      radiologically. Spinal complaints may be the first sign of any endocrinological
      disorder. 

PMID- 27115114
TI  - Lipoma Arborescens: a rare cause of recurrent synovial hydrathrosis at paediatric
      age.

PMID- 27115115
TI  - Hypogeusia as a side effect of leflunomide.

PMID- 27115116
TI  - A case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia still taking etanercept for ankylosing
      spondylitis.
AB  - The possible risk of hematologic malignancies in anti TNF users is a matter of
      debate. Whether associated with the drug or not, how to behave when a hematologic
      malignancy is discovered in the course of anti TNF treatment remains unanswered.
      Here we present a 66 year old male patient who had AS for 30 years and had been
      on etanercept for the last two years and who is diagnosed with B cell chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) stage 1. The patient is still on etanercept for 5
      years after the diagnosis without any progression in CLL. 

PMID- 27115117
TI  - Direct Growth of MoS2 Microspheres on Ni Foam as a Hybrid Nanocomposite Efficient
      for Oxygen Evolution Reaction.
AB  - MoS2 microspheres are directly grown on the conductive Ni foam and the as
      obtained MoS2 -Ni electrodes exhibit highly efficient electrocatalytic
      performances for oxygen evolution in 1.0 m NaOH, displaying a rather low
      overpotential of 0.310 V at 20.0 mA cm(-2) , a high current density, good cyclic
      stability, and excellent flexibility. 

PMID- 27115118
TI  - Temperature (de)activated patchy colloidal particles.
AB  - We present a new model of patchy particles in which the interaction sites can be
      activated or deactivated by varying the temperature of the system. We study the
      thermodynamics of the system by means of Wertheim's first order perturbation
      theory, and use Flory-Stockmayer theory of polymerization to analyse the
      percolation threshold. We find a very rich phase behaviour including lower
      critical points and reentrant percolation.

PMID- 27115119
TI  - Mechanism for the stabilization of protein clusters above the solubility curve:
      the role of non-ideal chemical reactions.
AB  - Dense protein clusters are known to play an important role in nucleation of
      protein crystals from dilute solutions. While these have generally been thought
      to be formed from a metastable phase, the observation of similar, if not
      identical, clusters above the critical point for the dilute-solution/strong
      solution phase transition has thrown this into doubt. Furthermore, the observed
      clusters are stable for relatively long times. Because protein aggregation plays
      a central role in some pathologies, understanding the nature of such clusters is
      an important problem. One mechanism for the stabilization of such structures was
      proposed by Pan, Vekilov and Lubchenko and was investigated using a dynamical
      density functional theory model which confirmed the viability of the model. Here,
      we revisit that model and incorporate additional physics in the form of state
      dependent reaction rates. We show by a combination of numerical results and
      general arguments that the state-dependent rates disrupt the stability mechanism.
      Finally, we argue that the state-dependent reactions correct unphysical aspects
      of the model with ideal (state-independent) reactions and that this necessarily
      leads to the failure of the proposed mechanism.

PMID- 27115120
TI  - Subgenual cingulate cortical activity predicts the efficacy of electroconvulsive
      therapy.
AB  - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for depression,
      yet its mechanism of action is unknown. Our goal was to investigate the
      neurobiological underpinnings of ECT response using longitudinally collected
      resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) in 16 patients with
      treatment-resistant depression and 10 healthy controls. Patients received
      bifrontal ECT 3 times a week under general anesthesia. We acquired rs-fMRI at
      three time points: at baseline, after the 1st ECT administration and after the
      course of the ECT treatment; depression was assessed with the Hamilton Depression
      Rating Scale (HAM-D). The primary measure derived from rs-fMRI was fractional
      amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF), which provides an unbiased voxel
      wise estimation of brain activity. We also conducted seed-based functional
      connectivity analysis based on our primary findings. We compared treatment
      related changes in HAM-D scores with pre- and post-treatment fALFF and
      connectivity measures. Subcallosal cingulate cortex (SCC) demonstrated higher
      BOLD signal fluctuations (fALFF) at baseline in depressed patients, and SCC fALFF
      decreased over the course of treatment. The baseline level of fALFF of SCC
      predicted response to ECT. In addition, connectivity of SCC with bilateral
      hippocampus, bilateral temporal pole, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex was
      significantly reduced over the course of treatment. These results suggest that
      the antidepressant effect of ECT may be mediated by downregulation of SCC
      activity and connectivity. SCC function may serve as an important biomarker of
      target engagement in the development of novel therapies for depression that is
      resistant to treatment with standard medications. 

PMID- 27115121
TI  - Resting-state abnormalities in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). As no effective drug can cure AD, early diagnosis and intervention
      for aMCI are urgently needed. The standard diagnostic procedure for aMCI
      primarily relies on subjective neuropsychological examinations that require the
      judgment of experienced clinicians. The development of other objective and
      reliable aMCI markers, such as neural markers, is therefore required. Previous
      neuroimaging findings revealed various abnormalities in resting-state activity in
      MCI patients, but the findings have been inconsistent. The current study provides
      an updated activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis of resting-state
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data on aMCI. The authors searched
      on the MEDLINE/PubMed databases for whole-brain resting-state fMRI studies on
      aMCI published until March 2015. We included 21 whole-brain resting-state fMRI
      studies that reported a total of 156 distinct foci. Significant regional resting
      state differences were consistently found in aMCI patients relative to controls,
      including the posterior cingulate cortex, right angular gyrus, right
      parahippocampal gyrus, left fusiform gyrus, left supramarginal gyrus and
      bilateral middle temporal gyri. Our findings support that abnormalities in
      resting-state activities of these regions may serve as neuroimaging markers for
      aMCI. 

PMID- 27115122
TI  - Pleiotropy between neuroticism and physical and mental health: findings from 108
      038 men and women in UK Biobank.
AB  - People with higher levels of neuroticism have an increased risk of several types
      of mental disorder. Higher neuroticism has also been associated, less
      consistently, with increased risk of various physical health outcomes. We
      hypothesised that these associations may, in part, be due to shared genetic
      influences. We tested for pleiotropy between neuroticism and 17 mental and
      physical diseases or health traits using linkage disequilibrium regression and
      polygenic profile scoring. Genetic correlations were derived between neuroticism
      scores in 108 038 people in the UK Biobank and health-related measures from 14
      large genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Summary information for the 17
      GWASs was used to create polygenic risk scores for the health-related measures in
      the UK Biobank participants. Associations between the health-related polygenic
      scores and neuroticism were examined using regression, adjusting for age, sex,
      genotyping batch, genotyping array, assessment centre and population
      stratification. Genetic correlations were identified between neuroticism and
      anorexia nervosa (rg=0.17), major depressive disorder (rg=0.66) and schizophrenia
      (rg=0.21). Polygenic risk for several health-related measures were associated
      with neuroticism, in a positive direction in the case of bipolar disorder,
      borderline personality, major depressive disorder, negative affect, neuroticism
      (Genetics of Personality Consortium), schizophrenia, coronary artery disease, and
      smoking (beta between 0.009-0.043), and in a negative direction in the case of
      body mass index (beta=-0.0095). A high level of pleiotropy exists between
      neuroticism and some measures of mental and physical health, particularly major
      depressive disorder and schizophrenia.

PMID- 27115123
TI  - Exercise during early, but not late abstinence, attenuates subsequent relapse
      vulnerability in a rat model.
AB  - Exercise has shown promise as a nonpharmacological intervention for addiction,
      with evidence suggesting a potential utility for relapse prevention. In humans,
      exercise as an intervention is typically introduced well after the initiation of
      abstinence, yet neurobiological data from preclinical studies suggest that it may
      be more effective if initiated during early abstinence. Here, using rat models,
      we determined whether the beneficial effects of exercise on relapse vulnerability
      depends on when exercise is first initiated, during early versus late abstinence.
      Once rats (n=47) acquired cocaine self-administration, they were given 24-h
      access to cocaine (1.5 mg/kg per infusion) under a discrete trial procedure (four
      infusions per hour) for 10 days. The rats then began a 14-day abstinence period
      in which they had access (2 h per day) to a locked wheel throughout abstinence
      (sedentary) or an unlocked wheel during early (days 1-7), late (days 8-14) or
      throughout (days 1-14) abstinence (n=10-14 per group). Cocaine seeking, as
      assessed under an extinction/cued-induced reinstatement procedure, was examined
      on day 15 of abstinence. Exercise beginning during early abstinence robustly
      attenuated subsequent cocaine seeking, and this effect persisted even when
      exercise ended on the seventh day of abstinence. In contrast, exercise during
      late abstinence was not effective and these animals displayed high levels of
      cocaine seeking similar to those observed in sedentary animals. These results
      indicate that the timing of exercise availability differentially impacts cocaine
      seeking with results suggesting that exercise during early, but not late,
      abstinence may provide long-term protection against cocaine relapse.

PMID- 27115124
TI  - A reply to 'Metabolic effects of sapropterin treatment in autism spectrum
      disorder: a preliminary study'.

PMID- 27115129
TI  - Sexuality and meaning in Freud and Merleau-Ponty.
AB  - This article analyzes the links between the conception of the body and of
      sexuality found in Freud and Merleau-Ponty. The French philosopher refers to
      Freud in various of his works, and performs a reading of Freud through which he
      rescues the meaning that the latter gives to sexuality as he integrates it into
      the totality of the person, without making it into a blind or merely instinctive
      force. As a consequence of this integration, the notions of the unconscious and
      of instinct or drive are interpreted in the light of the meaning or signification
      that they have in the person's behavior. Merleau-Ponty's notion of pre-reflective
      knowledge plays a decisive role in this understanding of meaning. In the same
      way, it allows important contemporary analysts to use these studies in their
      therapeutic work and also in psychological studies. 

PMID- 27115126
TI  - The effect of nutritional supplementation on quality of life in people living
      with HIV: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) on
      the quality of life of people living with HIV (PLHIV) during the first 3 months
      of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and to investigate the effects of timing of
      supplementation by comparing with supplementation during the subsequent 3 months.
      METHODS: A randomised controlled trial was conducted in three ART clinics within
      public health facilities in Jimma, Ethiopia. Participants were PLHIV eligible to
      start ART with body mass index >17 kg/m(2) and given daily supplements of 200 g
      of LNS containing whey or soya either during the first 3 months or the subsequent
      months of ART. The outcome was measured in terms of total quality-of-life scores
      on the adapted version of the WHOQOL-HIV-BREF assessed at baseline, three and six
      months. RESULTS: Of the 282 participants, 186 (66.0%) were women. The mean age
      (SD) was 32.8 (+/-9.0) years, and the mean (SD) total quality-of-life score was
      82.0 (+/-14.8) at baseline assessment. At 3 months, participants who received LNS
      showed better quality of life than those who only received ART without LNS (beta
      = 6.2, 95% CI: 2.9: 9.6). At 6 months, there was no difference in total quality
      of-life score between the early and delayed supplementation groups (beta = 3.0,
      95% CI: -0.4: 6.4). However, the early supplementation group showed higher scores
      on the social and spirituality domains than the delayed group. CONCLUSIONS: LNS
      given during the first three months of ART improves the quality of life of PLHIV.

PMID- 27115125
TI  - Dissociating the therapeutic effects of environmental enrichment and exercise in
      a mouse model of anxiety with cognitive impairment.
AB  - Clinical evidence indicates that serotonin-1A receptor (5-HT1AR) gene
      polymorphisms are associated with anxiety disorders and deficits in cognition. In
      animal models, exercise (Ex) and environmental enrichment (EE) can change
      emotionality-related behaviours, as well as enhance some aspects of cognition and
      hippocampal neurogenesis. We investigated the effects of Ex and EE (which does
      not include running wheels) on cognition and anxiety-like behaviours in wild-type
      (WT) and 5-HT1AR knock-out (KO) mice. Using an algorithm-based classification of
      search strategies in the Morris water maze, we report for we believe the first
      time that Ex increased the odds for mice to select more hippocampal-dependent
      strategies. In the retention probe test, Ex (but not EE) corrected long-term
      spatial memory deficits displayed by KO mice. In agreement with these findings,
      only Ex increased hippocampal cell survival and BDNF protein levels. However,
      only EE (but not Ex) modified anxiety-like behaviours, demonstrating dissociation
      between improvements in cognition and innate anxiety. EE enhanced hippocampal
      cell proliferation in WT mice only, suggesting a crucial role for intact
      serotonergic signalling in mediating this effect. Together, these results
      demonstrate differential effects of Ex vs EE in a mouse model of anxiety with
      cognitive impairment. Overall, the 5-HT1AR does not seem to be critical for those
      behavioural effects to occur. These findings will have implications for our
      understanding of how Ex and EE enhance experience-dependent plasticity, as well
      as their differential impacts on anxiety and cognition. 

PMID- 27115130
TI  - Online role-play simulations with emotionally responsive avatars for the early
      detection of Native youth psychological distress, including depression and
      suicidal ideation.
AB  - Gatekeeper training is a widely used prevention method for training local
      community members to recognize the signs and symptoms of suicide and to support
      appropriate referrals for mental health. Training community "gatekeepers" is
      critical for increasing access to care for those youth who are in need, as youth
      often turn first to family and friends for help. This study examines the outcomes
      at pre-training, post-training, and 3-month follow-up for American Indian and
      Alaska Native (AI/AN) students, teachers, and faculty completing online role-play
      gatekeeper training simulations. The simulations use emotionally responsive
      avatars that have memory and personality, and respond like real students
      experiencing psychological distress in realistic situations. Data from 86 matched
      pairs showed significant increases in self-identified gatekeeper attitudes of
      preparedness, likelihood (behavioral intent) and self-efficacy to engage in
      helping behaviors (i.e., identifying those in psychological distress, talking to
      them, and supporting a referral for services) 3 months after training. This study
      provides promising evidence for use of online avatar-based training with AI/AN
      communities and has the potential to address many of the current challenges with
      gatekeeper training in Indian Country. 

PMID- 27115131
TI  - At the Bedside: Traditional Navajo practitioners in a patient-centered health
      care model.
AB  - The growing national racial and ethnic diversity has created a greater need for
      health care delivery systems and health care providers to be more responsive to
      unique patient needs, that goes beyond meeting the immediate health problems to
      include attention to other critical component of patient care that take into
      account cultural competency such as health literacy, health beliefs and
      behaviors, cultural practices, etc. 

PMID- 27115132
TI  - A collaborative case study: The Office of Native Medicine.
AB  - National concerns about reducing the persistent health disparities found among
      varying racial and ethnic populations have led to initiatives to improve health
      care delivery systems. Many of these initiatives also promote the cultural
      competence of health care providers as a way to meet unique patient needs that go
      beyond immediate health problems, and to account for other critical components of
      patient care, such as health literacy, health beliefs and behaviors, and cultural
      practices. This case study describes a patient-centered care model developed by
      the Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility on the Navajo Reservation in
      Arizona, a model that has added a cadre of traditional tribal practitioners as
      part of its hospital and other clinical service resources. 

PMID- 27115133
TI  - American Indian veterans and VA services in three tribes.
AB  - The purpose of this project was to describe experiences of reservation-based
      American Indian (AI) veterans with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and
      to identify opportunities for improving care and services. Focus group
      discussions and individual interviews were conducted with AI veterans, family
      members, and community members in three diverse tribes. Results showed that many
      veterans in tribal communities experienced challenges receiving services and
      benefits from the VA, including lack of culturally competent care, transportation
      problems, and difficulties navigating the system. Family members, often main
      caregivers for AI veterans, lacked necessary resources, including sources for
      information, support services, and financial means to procure adequate care. A
      number of strengths also were identified, including local leadership and a strong
      community commitment to improve care for veterans. 

PMID- 27115134
TI  - Establishing the reliability and validity of the sources of strength in one
      American Indian community.
AB  - Strength-based approaches that explore resilience and health among Native
      communities are needed. This report highlights the results from a sources of
      strength inventory reported over a 2-year period by participants (N = 48) from a
      Montana tribe who attended cultural camps. The authors found the sources of
      strength scale to be a reliable and valid measure for the population (N = 11
      items, alpha = .945). The community plans to use the results of this study to
      inform and promote strength-based measures grounded in the resilience of youth,
      families, and culture. 

PMID- 27115136
TI  - Cardiac Troponin Rapid Rule-Out Protocols in Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome:
      The Faster the Better or a Loss of Information regarding Outcome and Adjunctive
      Therapy.

PMID- 27115137
TI  - Twelve Weeks of Sprint Interval Training Improves Indices of Cardiometabolic
      Health Similar to Traditional Endurance Training despite a Five-Fold Lower
      Exercise Volume and Time Commitment.
AB  - AIMS: We investigated whether sprint interval training (SIT) was a time-efficient
      exercise strategy to improve insulin sensitivity and other indices of
      cardiometabolic health to the same extent as traditional moderate-intensity
      continuous training (MICT). SIT involved 1 minute of intense exercise within a 10
      minute time commitment, whereas MICT involved 50 minutes of continuous exercise
      per session. METHODS: Sedentary men (27+/-8y; BMI = 26+/-6kg/m2) performed three
      weekly sessions of SIT (n = 9) or MICT (n = 10) for 12 weeks or served as non
      training controls (n = 6). SIT involved 3x20-second 'all-out' cycle sprints
      (~500W) interspersed with 2 minutes of cycling at 50W, whereas MICT involved 45
      minutes of continuous cycling at ~70% maximal heart rate (~110W). Both protocols
      involved a 2-minute warm-up and 3-minute cool-down at 50W. RESULTS: Peak oxygen
      uptake increased after training by 19% in both groups (SIT: 32+/-7 to 38+/-8;
      MICT: 34+/-6 to 40+/-8ml/kg/min; p<0.001 for both). Insulin sensitivity index
      (CSI), determined by intravenous glucose tolerance tests performed before and 72
      hours after training, increased similarly after SIT (4.9+/-2.5 to 7.5+/-4.7, p =
      0.002) and MICT (5.0+/-3.3 to 6.7+/-5.0 x 10-4 min-1 [MUU/mL]-1, p = 0.013)
      (p<0.05). Skeletal muscle mitochondrial content also increased similarly after
      SIT and MICT, as primarily reflected by the maximal activity of citrate synthase
      (CS; P<0.001). The corresponding changes in the control group were small for
      VO2peak (p = 0.99), CSI (p = 0.63) and CS (p = 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks
      of brief intense interval exercise improved indices of cardiometabolic health to
      the same extent as traditional endurance training in sedentary men, despite a
      five-fold lower exercise volume and time commitment.

PMID- 27115138
TI  - Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis in the Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Center
      Retrospective Cohort Study of 102 Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are
      sometimes complicated with life-threatening conditions requiring intensive care
      unit (ICU) admission. In the past, owing to the low incidence of IIM, little was
      known about such patients. Our aim was to investigate the clinical features and
      outcomes of these patients and identify their risk factors for mortality.
      METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of IIM patients admitted over an 8
      year period to the medical ICU of a tertiary referral center in China. We
      collected data regarding demographic features, IIM-related clinical
      characteristics, reasons for admission, organ dysfunction, and outcomes.
      Independent predictors of ICU mortality were identified through multivariate
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 102 patients in our cohort,
      polymyositis (PM), dermatomyositis (DM), and clinically amyopathic
      dermatomyositis (CADM) accounted for 23.5%, 64.7%, and 11.7% respectively. The
      median duration from the onset of IIM to ICU admission was 4.3 months
      (interquartile range [IQR], 2.6-9.4 months). Reasons for ICU admission were
      infection alone (39.2%), acute exacerbation of IIM alone (27.5%), the coexistence
      of both (27.5%), or other reasons (5.8%). Pneumonia accounted for 97% of the
      infections; 63.2% of infections with documented pathogens were caused by
      opportunistic agents. Rapid progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) was
      responsible for 87.5% of acute exacerbation of IIM. The median Acute Physiology
      and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score on ICU day 1 was 17 (IQR 14
      20). On ICU admission, acute respiratory failure (ARF) was the most common type
      (80.4%) of organ failure. The mortality rate in the ICU was 79.4%. Factors
      associated with increased ICU mortality included a diagnosis of DM (including
      CADM), a high APACHE II score, the presence of ARF, a decreased PaO2/FiO2 ratio,
      and a low lymphocyte count at the time of ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome
      of IIM patients admitted to the ICU was extremely poor. A diagnosis of DM/CADM,
      the presence and severity of ARF, and the lymphocyte counts at ICU admission were
      shown to be valuable for predicting outcome. Opportunistic infections and rapidly
      progressive interstitial lung disease warrant concern in treating these patients.

PMID- 27115139
TI  - Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life in German Patients with Juvenile
      Idiopathic Arthritis in Comparison to German General Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aims of the study were to investigate health-related quality of life
      (HRQOL) in adult patients with former diagnosis of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
      (JIA), to compare their HRQOL with the general population and to identify factors
      related to a poor outcome. METHODS: In 2012, a cross-sectional survey was
      performed by mailing a questionnaire to a large cohort of former and current
      patients of the German Centre for Rheumatology in Children and Adolescents. Only
      adult patients (>=18 years) with a diagnosis compatible with JIA were included (n
      = 2592; response 66%). The questionnaire included information about HRQOL (EQ5D),
      disease-related questions and socio-demographics. Prevalence and 95% confidence
      intervals (CI) of problems with mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain and
      anxiety/depression were standardized to the German general population. Factors
      associated with low HRQOL in JIA patients were identified using logistic
      regression models. RESULTS: Sixty-two percent of the study population was female;
      age range was 18-73 years. In all dimensions, JIA patients reported statistically
      significantly more problems than the general population with largest differences
      in the pain dimension (JIA patients 56%; 95%CI 55-58%; general population 28%; 26
      29%) and the anxiety/depression dimension (28%; 27-29% vs. 4%; 4-5%). Lower HRQOL
      in JIA patients was associated with female sex, older age, lower level of
      education, still being under rheumatic treatment and disability. CONCLUSIONS:
      HRQOL in adult JIA patients is considerably lower than in the general population.
      As this cohort includes historic patients the new therapeutic schemes available
      today are expected to improve HRQOL in future.

PMID- 27115141
TI  - [Medicolegal aspects of child abuse].
AB  - CLINICAL ISSUE: The prevention and clinical diagnostics of maltreatment of
      children and adolescents represents a great challenge to all medical disciplines
      concerned; therefore, an interdisciplinary collaboration is indispensable.
      DIAGNOSTICS: Medicolegal experts require specific radiological examination
      methods for the differentiation between accidental and non-accidental injuries,
      depending on the corresponding point in question. In addition, a clear and
      structured radiological appraisal of the findings is necessary. On the other
      hand, radiologists require an appropriate succinctly phrased question from the
      medicolegal expert. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: A close collaboration between
      radiologists and medicolegal experts is mandatory for a better recognition of
      cases of child abuse; therefore, the joint establishment of diagnostic standards
      and a comprehensive implementation is necessary.

PMID- 27115143
TI  - Myocardial Viability and Revascularization: Current Understanding and Future
      Directions.
AB  - The initial observation of functional recovery in dysfunctional myocardium
      following revascularization led to the introduction of the concept of hibernating
      myocardium. Since then, the pathophysiologic basis of hibernating myocardium has
      been well described. Multiple imaging modalities have been utilized to
      prospectively detect viable myocardium and thus predict its functional recovery
      following revascularization. It has been hypothesized that viability imaging will
      be instrumental in the selection of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy likely
      to benefit from revascularization. Multiple observational studies built a large
      body of evidence supporting this concept. However, data from prospective studies
      failed to substantiate utility of viability testing. This review aims to
      summarize the current literature and describe the role of viability imaging in
      current clinical practice as well as future directions. 

PMID- 27115142
TI  - Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling in Endothelial Disorders.
AB  - Numerous preclinical studies indicate that sustained endothelial activation
      significantly contributes to tissue edema, perpetuates the inflammatory response,
      and exacerbates tissue injury ultimately resulting in organ failure. However, no
      specific therapies aimed at restoring endothelial function are available as yet.
      Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is emerging as a potent modulator of endothelial
      function and endothelial responses to injury. Recent studies indicate that S1PR
      are attractive targets to treat not only disorders of the arterial endothelium
      but also microvascular dysfunction caused by ischemic or inflammatory injury. In
      this article, we will review the current knowledge of the role of S1P and its
      receptors in endothelial function in health and disease, and we will discuss the
      therapeutic potential of targeting S1PR not only for disorders of the arterial
      endothelium but also the microvasculature. The therapeutic targeting of S1PR in
      the endothelium could help to bridge the gap between biomedical research in
      vascular biology and clinical practice. 

PMID- 27115145
TI  - Decrease of Tocilizumab Dose in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are well demonstrated. Doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg are used
      intravenously. The objective of our study was to report the efficacy and safety
      for a set of patients who had an 8 mg/kg doze of TCZ and for another set who had
      this treatment first at a dose of 8 followed by 4 mg/kg. METHODS: All RA patients
      treated with TCZ in a University Hospital Centre Department of Rheumatology
      between January 2010 and December 2014 were included. Sixty-three patients
      received TCZ at a dose of 8 mg/kg and 19 patients received this treatment first
      receiving a dose of 8 mg/kg decreased to 4 mg/kg. The demographic
      characteristics, the clinical response and adverse events were reported. RESULTS:
      At the end of follow-up, 48% of patients were in clinical remission defined by
      disease activity score based on 28 joints with an erythrocyte sedimentation rate
      <2.6 in the 8 mg/kg group and 74% of patients in the 8-4 mg/kg. The rates of
      severe infections were 4.8 per 100 patients-years (PY) in the 8 mg/kg group and
      2.9 per 100 PY in the 8 then 4 mg/kg. The infections were mainly pulmonary, ENT
      and skin infections. CONCLUSION: Our study reported the efficacy and safety of
      the TCZ in patients with RA in 'real life' with the dose of 8 mg/kg or 8 then 4
      mg/kg.

PMID- 27115144
TI  - Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI to Study Atherosclerotic Plaque Microvasculature.
AB  - Rupture of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque of the carotid artery is an
      important underlying cause of clinical ischemic events, such as stroke. Abundant
      microvasculature has been identified as an important aspect contributing to
      plaque vulnerability. Plaque microvasculature can be studied non-invasively with
      dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE-)MRI in animals and patients. In recent years,
      several DCE-MRI studies have been published evaluating the association between
      microvasculature and other key features of plaque vulnerability (e.g.,
      inflammation and intraplaque hemorrhage), as well as the effects of novel
      therapeutic interventions. The present paper reviews this literature, focusing on
      DCE-MRI methods of acquisition and analysis of atherosclerotic plaques, the
      current state and future potential of DCE-MRI in the evaluation of plaque
      microvasculature in clinical and preclinical settings. 

PMID- 27115146
TI  - Decellularized aortic conduits: could their cryopreservation affect post
      implantation outcomes? A morpho-functional study on porcine homografts.
AB  - Decellularized porcine aortic valve conduits (AVCs) implanted in a Vietnamese Pig
      (VP) experimental animal model were matched against decellularized and then
      cryopreserved AVCs to assess the effect of cryopreservation on graft hemodynamic
      performance and propensity to in vivo repopulation by host's cells. VPs (n = 12)
      underwent right ventricular outflow tract substitution using AVC allografts and
      were studied for 15-month follow-up. VPs were randomized into two groups,
      receiving AVCs treated with decellularization alone (D; n = 6) or
      decellularization/cryopreservation (DC; n = 6), respectively. Serial
      echocardiography was carried out to follow up hemodynamic function. All explanted
      AVCs were processed for light and electron microscopy. No signs of dilatation,
      progressive stenosis, regurgitation, and macroscopic calcification were
      echocardiographically observed in both D and DC groups. Explanted D grafts
      exhibited near-normal features, whereas the presence of calcification,
      inflammatory infiltrates, and disarray of elastic lamellae occurred in some DC
      grafts. In the unaltered regions of AVCs from both groups, almost complete re
      endothelialization was observed for both valve cusps and aorta walls. In
      addition, side-by-side repopulation by recipient's fibroblasts, myofibroblasts,
      and smooth muscle cells was paralleled by ongoing tissue remodeling, as revealed
      by the ultrastructural identification of typical canals of collagen
      fibrillogenesis and elastogenesis-related features. Incipient neo-vascularization
      and re-innervation of medial and adventitial tunicae of grafted aortic walls were
      also detected for both D and DC groups. Cryopreservation did not affect post
      implantation AVC hemodynamic behavior and was topically propensive to cell
      repopulation and tissue renewal, although graft deterioration including
      calcification was present in several areas. Thus, these preliminary data provide
      essential information on feasibility of decellularization and cryopreservation
      coupling in the perspective of treatment optimization and subsequent clinical
      trials using similarly treated human allografts as innovative heart valve
      substitutes.

PMID- 27115148
TI  - Experimental Assessment of the Effects of Temperature and Food Availability on
      Particle Mixing by the Bivalve Abra alba Using New Image Analysis Techniques.
AB  - The effects of temperature and food addition on particle mixing in the deposit
      feeding bivalve Abra alba were assessed using an experimental approach allowing
      for the tracking of individual fluorescent particle (luminophore) displacements.
      This allowed for the computations of vertical profiles of a set of parameters
      describing particle mixing. The frequency of luminophore displacements (jumps)
      was assessed through the measurement of both waiting times (i.e., the time lapses
      between two consecutive jumps of the same luminophore) and normalized numbers of
      jumps (i.e., the numbers of jumps detected in a given area divided by the number
      of luminophores in this area). Jump characteristics included the direction,
      duration and length of each jump. Particle tracking biodiffusion coefficients
      (Db) were also computed. Data originated from 32 experiments carried out under 4
      combinations of 2 temperature (Te) and 2 food addition (Fo) levels. For each of
      these treatments, parameters were computed for 5 experimental durations (Ed). The
      effects of Se, Fo and Ed were assessed using PERmutational Multivariate ANalyses
      Of VAriance (PERMANOVAs) carried out on vertical depth profiles of each particle
      mixing parameter. Inversed waiting times significantly decreased with Ed whereas
      the normalized number of jumps did not, thereby suggesting that it constitutes a
      better proxy of jump frequency when assessing particle mixing based on the
      measure of individual particle displacements. Particle mixing was low during
      autumn temperature experiments and not affected by Fo, which was attributed to
      the dominant effect of low temperature. Conversely, particle mixing was high
      during summer temperature experiments and transitory inhibited by food addition.
      This last result is coherent with the functional responses (both in terms of
      activity and particle mixing) already measured for individual of the closely
      related clam A. ovata originating from temperate populations. It also partly
      resulted from a transitory switch between deposit- and suspension-feeding caused
      by the high concentration of suspended particulate organic matter immediately
      following food addition.

PMID- 27115147
TI  - Prognostic value of diastolic wall strain in patients with chronic heart failure
      with reduced ejection fraction.
AB  - Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction plays a crucial role in heart failure
      with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). LV stiffness is a main component of
      diastolic function, but its role and prognostic value in HFrEF patients remains
      unclear. This study aimed to determine whether diastolic wall strain (DWS) as a
      noninvasive and simple marker of LV stiffness can predict the prognosis of HFrEF
      patients who were administrated chronic beta blockade enough. We enrolled 75
      HFrEF patients who were administrated chronic beta blockade. We evaluated the
      echocardiographic parameters and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) before
      the induction of beta blockade and also obtained pulmonary artery wedge pressure
      (PAWP) from the right heart catheterization. DWS was obtained from standard M
      mode echocardiography as follows: DWS = [(LV posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) at
      end-systole - LVPWT at end-diastole)/LVPWT] at end-systole. DWS did not correlate
      with other echocardiographic parameters and PAWP. We defined primary outcome as
      HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death and followed for 7 years. The
      incidence rate was higher in low DWS than high DWS patients (p = 0.04). Other
      echocardiographic parameters could not be significant predictors of HFrEF outcome
      under the condition of enough beta blocker therapy. In multivariate analysis, DWS
      was the independent contributor to the event-free time. Impaired LV stiffness
      evaluated with DWS was associated with worse outcome and DWS might be an
      independent prognostic factor in HFrEF patients with chronic beta blockade.

PMID- 27115149
TI  - Polyphenols: a Promising Nutritional Approach to Prevent or Reduce the
      Progression of Prehypertension.
AB  - Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Functional foods
      are increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers to reduce
      cardiovascular risk factors and improve vascular health. In particular, dietary
      polyphenols represent an extraordinary inventory of structurally different
      compounds that may represent promising candidate chemical entities to prevent or
      delay the onset of hypertension. In recent years, it has been recognized that
      prehypertension may be a predictor of clinical hypertension and consequently of
      cardiovascular risk. Moreover, prehypertension status is associated with
      increased levels of several inflammatory markers and it is also characterized by
      structural changes, including endothelial dysfunction and arteriolar hypertrophy.
      Despite the low bioavailability of polyphenols and the lack of clinical data from
      nutritional intervention studies, the antihypertensive role of polyphenols to
      control blood pressure and reduce inflammation and endothelial dysfunction has
      been subject of recent debate. The purpose of this article is to discuss the
      potential benefits of dietary polyphenols as a promising and effective
      nutritional strategy for the management of prehypertension. 

PMID- 27115150
TI  - Correction: A Comparison of Microbial Water Quality and Diversity for Ballast and
      Tropical Harbor Waters.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143123.].

PMID- 27115151
TI  - UK Renal Registry 18th Annual Report: Chapter 4 Demography of Patients Receiving
      Renal Replacement Therapy in Paediatric Centres in the UK in 2014.
AB  - A total of 917 children and young people under 18 years with established renal
      failure (ERF) were receiving treatment at paediatric nephrology centres in
      2014.At the census date (31st December 2014), 79.3% of prevalent paediatric
      patients aged ,18 years had a functioning kidney transplant, 11.2% were receiving
      haemodialysis (HD) and 9.5% were receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). In patients
      aged ,16 years, prevalence of ERF was 60.4 per million age related population
      (pmarp) and the incidence 9.4 pmarp. The most common primary renal diagnosis was
      renal dysplasia+reflux, present in 32.6% of prevalent paediatric patients aged
      ,16 years. About a third of patients had one or more reported comorbidity at
      onset of renal replacement therapy (RRT). The improvement in rates of pre-emptive
      transplantation for those referred early has been maintained over the last 10
      years at 37.5%, compared to 27.4% in 2000-2004. At transfer to adult services,
      90.3% of patients had a functioning kidney transplant. Survival during childhood
      amongst children commencing RRT was the lowest in those aged less than two years
      compared to those aged 12 to less than 16 years with a hazard ratio of 4.1
      (confidence interval 2.2-8.0), and in those receiving dialysis compared to having
      a functioning transplant with a hazard ratio of 6.3 (confidence interval 3.9
      10.2).

PMID- 27115152
TI  - Early Detection of Epidemic GII-4 Norovirus Strains in UK and Malawi: Role of
      Surveillance of Sporadic Acute Gastroenteritis in Anticipating Global Epidemics.
AB  - Noroviruses are endemic in the human population, and are recognised as a leading
      cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Although they are a highly diverse
      group of viruses, genogroup-II genotype-4 (GII-4) noroviruses are the most
      frequently identified strains worldwide. The predominance of GII-4 norovirus
      strains is driven by the periodic emergence of antigenic variants capable of
      evading herd protection. The global molecular epidemiology of emerging GII-4
      strains is largely based on data from outbreak surveillance programmes, but the
      epidemiology of GII-4 strains among sporadic or community cases is far less well
      studied. To understand the distribution of GII-4 norovirus strains associated
      with gastroenteritis in the wider population, we characterised the GII-4
      norovirus strains detected during studies of sporadic cases of infectious
      gastroenteritis collected in the UK and Malawi between 1993 and 2009. Our data
      shows that GII-4 norovirus strains that have emerged as strains of global
      epidemic importance have circulated in the community up to 18 years before their
      recognition as pandemic strains associated with increases in outbreaks. These
      data may suggest that more comprehensive surveillance programmes that incorporate
      strains associated with sporadic cases may provide a way for early detection of
      emerging strains with pandemic potential. This may be of particular relevance as
      vaccines become available.

PMID- 27115153
TI  - A Clinical Study of Maxillary Sinus Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - We report a retrospective study of 26 patients with maxillary sinus squamous cell
      carcinoma who were treated at the Sapporo Medical University between January 2002
      and December 2008. The 5-year local control rate was 85.7% in patients with stage
      T2-3 disease and 61.0% in patients with stage T4a disease. The overall 5-year
      survival rate was 71.3% and the 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 79.9%.
      The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 100% in patients with T2-3 disease
      and 44.4% in patients with T4 disease. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate
      was 76.3% in patients with N0 disease and 87.5% in patients with N+ disease. Five
      patients died of stage T4a disease. Two died of uncontrolled tumors at the
      primary site and 3 patients died of lung metastasis. We should consider another
      approach for the treatment of patients with advanced maxillary sinus carcinoma in
      the future. 

PMID- 27115154
TI  - Encapsulation of Bacteriophage in Liposome Accentuates Its Entry in to Macrophage
      and Shields It from Neutralizing Antibodies.
AB  - Phage therapy has been a centre of attraction for biomedical scientists to treat
      infections caused by drug resistant strains. However, ability of phage to act
      only on extracellular bacteria and probability of interference by anti-phage
      antibodies in vivo is considered as a important limitation of bacteriophage
      therapy. To overcome these hurdles, liposome were used as delivery vehicle for
      phage in this study. Anti-phage antibodies were raised in mice and pooled serum
      was evaluated for its ability to neutralize free and liposome entrapped phage.
      Further, ability of phage and liposome-entrapped phage to enter mouse peritoneal
      macrophages and kill intracellular Klebsiella pneumoniae was compared. Also, an
      attempt to compare the efficacy of free phage and liposome entrapped phage, alone
      or in conjunction with amikacin in eradicating mature biofilm was made. The
      entrapment of phage in liposome provided 100% protection to phage from
      neutralizing antibody. On the contrary un-entrapped phage got neutralized within
      3 h of its interaction with antibody. Compared to the inability of free phage to
      enter macrophages, the liposome were able to deliver entrapped phage inside
      macrophages and cause 94.6% killing of intracellular K. pneumoniae. Liposome
      entrapped phage showed synergistic activity along with amikacin to eradicate
      mature biofilm of K. pneumoniae. Our study reinforces the growing interest in
      using phage therapy as a means of targeting multidrug resistant bacterial
      infections as liposome entrapment of phage makes them highly effective in vitro
      as well as in vivo by overcoming the majority of the hurdles related to clinical
      use of phage.

PMID- 27115155
TI  - An Innovative Field-Applicable Molecular Test to Diagnose Cutaneous Leishmania
      Viannia spp. Infections.
AB  - Cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis is widely distributed in Central and South
      America. Leishmania of the Viannia subgenus are the most frequent species
      infecting humans. L. (V.) braziliensis, L. (V.) panamensis are also responsible
      for metastatic mucosal leishmaniasis. Conventional or real time PCR is a more
      sensitive diagnostic test than microscopy, but the cost and requirement for
      infrastructure and trained personnel makes it impractical in most endemic
      regions. Primary health systems need a sensitive and specific point of care (POC)
      diagnostic tool. We developed a novel POC molecular diagnostic test for cutaneous
      leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) spp. Parasite DNA was amplified
      using isothermal Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) with primers and
      probes that targeted the kinetoplast DNA. The amplification product was detected
      by naked eye with a lateral flow (LF) immunochromatographic strip. The RPA-LF had
      an analytical sensitivity equivalent to 0.1 parasites per reaction. The test
      amplified the principal L. Viannia species from multiple countries: L. (V.)
      braziliensis (n = 33), L. (V.) guyanensis (n = 17), L. (V.) panamensis (n = 9).
      The less common L. (V.) lainsoni, L. (V.) shawi, and L. (V.) naiffi were also
      amplified. No amplification was observed in parasites of the L. (Leishmania)
      subgenus. In a small number of clinical samples (n = 13) we found 100% agreement
      between PCR and RPA-LF. The high analytical sensitivity and clinical validation
      indicate the test could improve the efficiency of diagnosis, especially in
      chronic lesions with submicroscopic parasite burdens. Field implementation of the
      RPA-LF test could contribute to management and control of cutaneous and mucosal
      leishmaniasis. 

PMID- 27115156
TI  - Cochlear Implantation in Children with Cochlear Malformation.
AB  - Cochlear implantation (CI) has proven to be an effective treatment for severe
      bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Inner ear malformation is a rare
      anomaly and occurs in approximately 20% of cases with congenital SNHL. In cases
      with cochlear malformation, CI can be successfully performed in nearly all
      patients, the exceptions being those with complete labyrinthine and cochlear
      aplasia. It is important to evaluate the severity of inner ear deformity and
      other associated anomalies during the preimplantation radiological assessment in
      order to identify any complication that may potentially occur during the surgery
      and subsequent patient management. 

PMID- 27115157
TI  - Effect of flaxseed oil on serum systemic and vascular inflammation markers and
      oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of flaxseed oil
      consumption on serum systemic and vascular inflammation markers, and oxidative
      stress in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind,
      clinical trial, 34 HD patients were randomly assigned to either the flaxseed oil
      or the control group. The patients in the flaxseed oil group received 6 g/day
      flaxseed oil for 8 week, whereas the control group received 6 g/day medium-chain
      triglycerides (MCT) oil. At baseline and the end of week 8, serum concentrations
      of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion
      molecule type 1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule type 1 (sVCAM
      1), sE-selectin, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured after a 12- to 14-h
      fast. RESULTS: Serum hs-CRP, a systemic inflammation marker, and sVCAM-1, a
      vascular inflammation marker, reduced significantly in the flaxseed oil group at
      the end of week 8 compared to baseline (P < 0.05), and the reductions were
      significant in comparison with the MCT oil group (P < 0.05). There were no
      significant differences between the two groups in mean changes in serum sICAM-1,
      sE-selectin, and MDA. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that daily consumption of
      6 g flaxseed oil reduces serum hs-CRP and sVCAM-1, which are two risk factors for
      CVD. Therefore, the inclusion of flaxseed oil in the usual diet of HD patients
      can be considered as a strategy for reducing CVD risk factors.

PMID- 27115158
TI  - Laparoscopic onlay lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty for proximal ureteral
      stricture: initial experience and 9-month follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: We present our initial experience and 9-month outcomes of the novel
      technique of laparoscopic onlay lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty for proximal
      ureteral stricture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In June 2015, transperitoneal
      laparoscopic onlay lingual mucosal graft ureteroplasty was performed on a male
      patient with proximal stricture of the left ureter. The patient complained with
      left frank pain. Severe hydronephrosis and proximal ureteral dilatation were
      noted through ultrasonography and CT scan. The length of upper ureteral stricture
      was 30 mm including 10-mm occlusion. A 46 mm in length and 15 mm in width lingual
      mucosa graft was harvested from the ventral of the tongue and placed in the
      strictured ureter as a ventral onlay for laparoscopic ureteroplasty. Operative
      time, intraoperative, and postoperative complications were well recorded. Follow
      up was performed with renal ultrasound, CT scan, and nuclear scan renography as
      well as clinical assessment of symptoms. RESULTS: The new technique was performed
      successful without intraoperative and postoperative complications. Neither
      hydronephrosis nor proximal ureteral dilatation in the left side was found
      through ultrasonography 3, 6, 9 months and CT scan 6 month postoperatively. The
      left renal function, glomerular filtration rate, had a recovery from 9.6 ml/min
      preoperatively to 14.0 ml/min at 6-month follow-up, and the patient has no
      complaints about the donor site and flank pain. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, we
      present the initial experience with laparoscopic onlay lingual mucosal graft
      ureteroplasty for proximal ureteral stricture. With 9-month outcomes, the new
      technique appears to be an excellent option for proximal ureteral stricture.

PMID- 27115159
TI  - Analysis of technique and patient survival over time in patients undergoing
      peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study used national claims data to investigate the technique and
      patient survival over time in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.
      METHODS: Incident end-stage renal disease patients undergoing PD and older than
      18 years were selected from Taiwan health insurance databases. These patients
      were grouped into three study periods according to year of dialysis initiation:
      1997-2001, 2002-2006, and 2007-2011. The study end-points included technique
      failure and mortality. RESULTS: The patients in the most recent era were older
      and more likely to have higher levels of comorbidity. Compared with the 1997-2001
      group, the risks of technique failure were similar in the in the 2002-2006
      (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.98-1.24) and 2007-2011
      groups (HR 1.11, 95 % CI 0.98-1.26), respectively. Relative to the 1997-2001
      group, the risks of mortality were higher in the 2002-2006 group (HR 1.59, 95 %
      CI 1.26-2.02) and similar in the 2007-2011 group (HR 1.20, 95 % CI 0.93-1.55).
      Using icodextrin and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) were associated with
      lower risks of technique failure (HR 0.62 and 0.86, 95 % CI 0.56-0.68 and 0.77
      0.95, respectively) and mortality (HR 0.55 and 0.81, 95 % CI 0.45-0.66 and 0.67
      0.99, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Despite increase in disease burden in the most
      recent era, the outcomes remained relatively stable. The use of APD and
      icodextrin appears to have significantly ameliorated the impact of the increase
      in comorbidity burden.

PMID- 27115160
TI  - D-Aspartate drinking solution alleviates pain and cognitive impairment in
      neuropathic mice.
AB  - D-Aspartate (D-Asp) is a free D-amino acid detected in multiple brain regions and
      putative precursor of endogenous N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) acting as agonist at
      NMDA receptors. In this study, we investigated whether D-Asp (20 mM) in drinking
      solution for 1 month affects pain responses and pain-related emotional, and
      cognitive behaviour in a model of neuropathic pain induced by the spared nerve
      injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve in mice. SNI mice developed mechanical
      allodynia and motor coordination impairment 30 days after SNI surgery. SNI mice
      showed cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression-like behaviour, reduced
      sociability in the three chamber sociability paradigm, increased expression of
      NR2B subunit of NMDA receptor and Homer 1a in the medial prefrontal cortex
      (mPFC). The expression of (post synaptic density) PSD-95 and Shank 1was instead
      unaffected in the mPFC of the SNI mice. Treatment with D-Asp drinking solution,
      started right after the SNI (day 0), alleviated mechanical allodynia, improved
      cognition and motor coordination and increased social interaction. D-Asp also
      restored the levels of extracellular D-Asp, Homer 1a and NR2B subunit of the NMDA
      receptor to physiological levels and reduced Shank1 and PSD-95 protein levels in
      the mPFC. Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant used also to alleviate
      neuropathic pain in humans, reverted mechanical allodynia and cognitive
      impairment, and unlike D-Asp, was effective in reducing depression and anxiety
      like behaviour in the SNI mice and increased PSD protein level. Altogether these
      findings demonstrate that D-Asp improves sensorial, motor and cognitive-like
      symptoms related to chronic pain possibly through glutamate neurotransmission
      normalization in neuropathic mice.

PMID- 27115162
TI  - Erratum to: Monte Carlo dosimetry of the IRAsource high dose rate 192Ir
      brachytherapy source.

PMID- 27115163
TI  - Review of 3D image data calibration for heterogeneity correction in proton
      therapy treatment planning.
AB  - Correct modelling of the interaction parameters of patient tissues is of vital
      importance in proton therapy treatment planning because of the large dose
      gradients associated with the Bragg peak. Different 3D imaging techniques yield
      different information regarding these interaction parameters. Given the rapidly
      expanding interest in proton therapy, this review is written to make readers
      aware of the current challenges in accounting for tissue heterogeneities and the
      imaging systems that are proposed to tackle these challenges. A summary of the
      interaction parameters of interest in proton therapy and the current and
      developmental 3D imaging techniques used in proton therapy treatment planning is
      given. The different methods to translate the imaging data to the interaction
      parameters of interest are reviewed and a summary of the implementations in
      several commercial treatment planning systems is presented. 

PMID- 27115164
TI  - Clinic in Crisis Response: Imagined Immunities.

PMID- 27115165
TI  - Detecting Abeta deposition and RPE cell senescence in the retinas of SAMP8 mice.
AB  - AIM: Our previous study indicated that Abeta-induced Retinal Pigment Epithelial
      (RPE) cell senescence may be associated with chronic inflammation in age-related
      macular degeneration (AMD). The present study was designed to explore whether
      Abeta deposition and RPE senescence could be found in the senescence-prone mouse
      strain 8 (SAMP8), which is an animal model for AMD. METHODS: Eyes of both SAMP8
      and age-matched SAMR1 (SAM resistant) mice were examined in vivo by fundus
      photography and electroretinography (ERG). Retinal morphological features were
      assessed using light and electron microscopy. Abeta deposition and p16-positive
      senescent RPE cells were traced using immunofluorescence labeling. P16 expression
      was detected using western blot. Expressions of IL-6 and IL-8 in RPE/choroid were
      analyzed using RT-PCR. RESULTS: In fundus of SAMP8, age-dependent increase of
      drusen-like lesions and the increase of granular autofluorescent spots were
      respectively detected using IR (near-infrared) and AF (autofluorescence) imaging
      of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. The amplitude of the ERGs declined
      with age in SAMP8 and these changes were paralleled with the significant changes
      in retinal morphological features examined by funduscopy. Histopathological
      analysis found significant loss of photoreceptor outer segments (OS) and abnormal
      localization of RPE cells in aged SAMP8 mice. Degenerative changes in RPE cells
      of aged SAMP8 mice, including massive vacuoles, thickened Bruch's membrane (BrM),
      and loss of basal infoldings were further confirmed by electron microscopy.
      Increased Abeta deposits in OS layer and p16-positive senescent RPE cells were
      observed using immunofluorescence microscopy. Western blot confirmed that P16
      expression was significantly increased in RPE cells of aged SAMP8 mice.
      Expressions of proinflammatory IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly upregulated in
      RPE/choroid of aged SAMP8 mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that aged SAMP8
      mice developed ocular pathology similar to some features of human AMD. In this
      AMD mouse model, Abeta deposition and RPE senescence may be associated with AMD
      development, and RPE senescence is likely a mechanistic link between Abeta
      deposition and inflammation.

PMID- 27115166
TI  - Systematic study of novel lncRNAs in different gastrointestinal cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, many lncRNAs were found to be deregulated in various human
      cancers and play important roles in carcinogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To
      investigate the association of lncRNAs to gastrointestinal cancers, 12 cases of
      esophageal cancer and hepatic cancer, 16 cases of gastric cancer and colorectal
      cancer and their matched adjacent tissue samples, 12 esophageal cancer cell
      lines, 7 gastric cancer cell lines, 10 colorectal cancer cell lines, and 11
      hepatic cancer cell lines were examined. RNA-seq, bioinformatics pipeline, co
      expression network, and gene ontology enrichment analysis were performed.
      RESULTS: We have identified 23,169 candidate novel lncRNA transcripts. Comparing
      with protein coding genes the lncRNAs tend to be shorter and have less exons.
      Remarkably, we found 15 lncRNAs that were down-regulated in all cancer cell lines
      among all four types of cancers. In addition, we analyzed the differentially
      expressed lncRNAs in gastrointestinal cancer cells before and after treatment
      with 5-Aza. Many lncRNAs were up-regulated after 5-Aza treatment, which suggested
      that the expression of these lncRNAs may be regulated by DNA methylation.
      Finally, based on the co-expression network and GO enrichment analysis, we
      predicted that many novel lncRNAs were involved in pathways like apoptosis, cell
      cycle, cell adhesion, EMT, epigenetic regulation, DNA damage response signaling,
      and immune response. CONCLUSION: Based on RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analysis, we
      have identified a significant number of novel lncRNAs, which could be involved in
      important pathways related to gastrointestinal cancer development. Overall, we
      provide a rich resource for identifying new biomarkers and studying novel lncRNA
      regulation pathways in gastrointestinal cancer.

PMID- 27115167
TI  - Rockets, radiosensitizers, and RRx-001: an origin story part I.
AB  - From Adam and Eve, to Darwinism, origin stories attempt to fill in the blanks,
      connect the dots, and define the turning points that are fundamental to
      subsequent developments. The purpose of this review is to present the origin
      story of a one-of-a-kind anticancer agent, RRx-001, which emerged from the
      aerospace industry as a putative radiosensitizer; not since the dynamite-to
      dilator transformation of nitroglycerin in 1878 or the post-World War II
      explosive-to-elixir conversion of hydralazine, an ingredient in rocket fuel, to
      an antihypertensive, an antidepressant and an antituberculant, has energetic
      chemistry been harnessed for therapeutic purposes. This is Part 1 of the
      radiosensitization story; Parts 2 and 3, which detail the crossover activity of
      RRx-001 as a chemosensitizer in multiple tumor types and disease states including
      malaria, hemorrhagic shock and sickle cell anemia, are the subject of future
      reviews.

PMID- 27115168
TI  - Integrating understanding of epidemiology and genomics in B-cell non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma as a pathway to novel management strategies.
AB  - Non-Hodgkin lymphomas include a biologically and clinically heterogeneous group
      of cancers distinguished by genetics, histology, and treatment outcomes. New
      discoveries regarding the genomic alterations and epidemiological exposures
      associated with these lymphomas have enhanced our understanding of factors that
      contribute to lymphomagenesis for specific subtypes. We explore the impact of
      normal B-cell biology engineered for recognizing a wide variety of antigens on
      the development of specific lymphoma subtypes, review lymphoma genetics, and
      examine the epidemiology of B-cell NHLs including recent investigations of risk
      factors for particular lymphoma subtypes based on large pooled analyses. Burkitt
      lymphoma, an aggressive form of B-cell NHL involving translocation of the MYC
      gene and an immunoglobulin gene has been associated with a history of eczema,
      hepatitis C, and occupation as a cleaner. Increased risk of diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma has been associated with increased young adult body mass index, history
      of B-cell-activating autoimmune diseases, hepatitis C, and several single
      nucleotide variants involving the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region of
      chromosome 6 and non-HLA loci near EXOC2, PVT1, MYC, and NCOA1. Tumor sequencing
      studies suggest that multiple pathways are involved in the development of DLBCL.
      Additional studies of epidemiological exposures, genome wide associations, and
      tumor sequencing in follicular, lymphoplasmacytic, marginal zone, and mantle cell
      lymphoma demonstrate overlapping areas of increased risk factors and unique
      factors for specific subtypes. Integrating these findings is important for
      constructing comprehensive models of NHL pathogenesis, which could yield novel
      targets for therapy and strategies for lymphoma prevention in certain
      populations.

PMID- 27115169
TI  - Notch -- a goldilocks signaling pathway in disease and cancer therapy.
AB  - The Notch signaling pathway is a fundamental signaling mechanism operating in
      most, if not all, multicellular organisms and in most cell types in the body.
      Like other "ivy league" pathways such as Wnt, PI3K, Sonic Hedgehog, Receptor
      Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs), and JAK/STAT signaling, the Notch pathway is a linear
      signaling mechanism, i.e., an extracellular ligand activates a receptor, which
      ultimately leads to transcriptional alterations in the cell nucleus, but Notch
      signaling is a strict cell-cell communication mechanism and lacks built-in
      amplification steps in the signaling pathway. Dysregulated Notch signaling,
      either by direct mutations in the pathway or by altered signaling output, is
      increasingly linked to disease, and Notch can act as an oncogene or tumor
      suppressor depending on the cellular context. This underscores that appropriate
      level of Notch signaling is important for differentiation and tissue homeostasis,
      a notion supported also by genetic data indicating that Notch signaling is very
      gene dosage-sensitive. Thus, too much or too little signaling can lead to disease
      and Notch can therefore be considered a Goldilocks signaling pathway. Given the
      emerging role of dysregulated Notch signaling in disease, there is increasing
      interest in developing therapeutic approaches to modulate Notch signaling. In
      this review we discuss recent findings on how signal transduction is tuned in the
      Notch pathway and how Notch signaling is dysregulated in disease. We also discuss
      different strategies to modulate Notch signaling for clinical use, for example by
      novel antibody-based tools and by taking advantage of the cross-talk between
      Notch and other signaling mechanisms.

PMID- 27115170
TI  - NK cell-based immunotherapies: awakening the innate anti-cancer response.
AB  - Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related death, as effective therapies
      remain an unsolved challenge in the clinical management of disseminated disease.
      Despite studies over the last decade reinforcing the role of the immune system in
      controlling cancer progression, our knowledge of immune control of cancer
      metastasis is still quite poor. Natural killer (NK) cells are a critical
      component of innate immunity and are able to recognize and trigger cell death in
      tumors by detecting receptor expression abnormalities in transformed cells.
      Recent studies and clinical trials have highlighted that manipulation of NK cell
      activation can be used as an immunotherapy in cancer. In this review, I provide
      an overview of potential immunotherapies that modulate NK cell responses against
      tumor metastases.

PMID- 27115171
TI  - Leukocyte trafficking: Can we bring the fight to the tumor?
AB  - Control of leukocyte trafficking plays a critical role in the establishment of
      effective immune responses. It is now well established that the number or ratio
      of effector to suppressor immune cells within the tumor microenvironment can
      significantly impact tumor growth and clinical outcomes. Recently approved
      immunotherapies by the FDA, and those in development, aim to stimulate effector
      immune cell function. For example, many checkpoint inhibitors seek to stimulate
      an immune response to tumors by reversing T-cell exhaustion. However, activation
      of the immune response outside the tumor microenvironment can lead to sometimes
      fatal immune-mediated adverse events -- the result of "on-target, off-tumor"
      effects. Thus, control of localization of these activated effector cells remains
      a critical component of optimizing tumor response while minimizing immune
      mediated adverse events. Chemokines and chemoattractants, along with their
      receptors on immune cells, govern leukocyte trafficking; thus, understanding
      their expression pattern in the context of the tumor microenvironment and
      developing approaches to favorably alter those should lead to improved efficacy
      of current immunotherapeutics. This review highlights the background of cancer
      immunotherapy, leukocyte trafficking, and some novel approaches being utilized to
      optimize recruitment of effector immune cells into the tumor microenvironment.
      Future combinatorial immunotherapy should incorporate therapeutics aimed at 1)
      favorably altering the tumor microenvironment, 2) activating effector immune
      cells, and 3) optimizing effector cell trafficking into tumors.

PMID- 27115172
TI  - B cell-targeted immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes: What can make it work?
AB  - Immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment of cancers and autoimmune diseases.
      Bucking the trend, however, is type 1 diabetes (T1D), although it is one of best
      understood autoimmune diseases and individuals at genetic risk are identifiable
      with high certainty. Here we review the major obstacles associated with pan-B
      cell-depletion using rituximab (RTX) and discuss the notion that B cell-directed
      therapy may be most effective as a preventive measure. We suggest that it will be
      more productive to aim at identifying and targeting autoreactive B cells rather
      than making adjustments to pan-B cell depletion and that non-conventional
      alternative therapies such as antibody blockade of FasL to bolster IL-10
      producing Breg cells, which work successfully in mice, should be considered.

PMID- 27115173
TI  - Stabilization of HfB12 in Y1-xHfxB12 under Ambient Pressure.
AB  - Alloys of metal dodecaborides-YB12 with HfB12-were prepared via arc-melting in
      order to stabilize the metastable HfB12 high-pressure phase under ambient
      pressure. Previously, HfB12 had been synthesized only under high-pressure (6.5
      GPa). Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
      (EDS) were used to confirm the purity and phase composition of the prepared
      samples. The solubility limit for HfB12 in Y1-xHfxB12 (cubic UB12 structure type)
      was determined to be ~35 at. % Hf by PXRD and EDS analysis. The value of the
      cubic unit cell parameter (a) changed from 7.505 A (pure YB12) to 7.454 A across
      the solid solution range. Vickers hardness increased from 40.9 +/- 1.6 GPa for
      pure YB12 to 45.0 +/- 1.9 GPa under an applied load of 0.49 N for the Y1-xHfxB12
      solid solution composition with ~28 at. % Hf, suggesting both solid solution
      hardening and extrinsic hardening due to the formation of secondary phases of
      hafnium.

PMID- 27115174
TI  - Magnetically Responsive Nanostructures with Tunable Optical Properties.
AB  - Stimuli-responsive materials can sense specific environmental changes and adjust
      their physical properties in a predictable manner, making them highly desired
      components for designing novel sensors, intelligent systems, and adaptive
      structures. Magnetically responsive structures have unique advantages in
      applications, as external magnetic stimuli can be applied in a contactless manner
      and cause rapid and reversible responses. In this Perspective, we discuss our
      recent progress in the design and fabrication of nanostructured materials with
      various optical responses to externally applied magnetic fields. We demonstrate
      tuning of the optical properties by taking advantage of the magnetic fields'
      abilities to induce magnetic dipole-dipole interactions or control the
      orientation of the colloidal magnetic nanostructures. The design strategies are
      expected to be extendable to the fabrication of novel responsive materials with
      new optical effects and many other physical properties.

PMID- 27115175
TI  - Linking of Antitumor trans NHC-Pt(II) Complexes to G-Quadruplex DNA Ligand for
      Telomeric Targeting.
AB  - G-quadruplex structures (G4) are promising anticancerous targets. A great number
      of small molecules targeting these structures have already been identified
      through biophysical methods. In cellulo, some of them are able to target either
      telomeric DNA and/or some sequences involved in oncogene promotors, both
      resulting in cancer cell death. However, only a few of them are able to bind to
      these structures G4 irreversibly. Here we combine within the same molecule the G4
      binding agent PDC (pyridodicarboxamide) with a N-heterocyclic carbene-platinum
      complex NHC-Pt already identified for its antitumor properties. The resulting
      conjugate platinum complex NHC-Pt-PDC stabilizes strongly G-quadruplex structures
      in vitro, with affinity slightly affected as compared to PDC. In addition, we
      show that the new conjugate binds preferentially and irreversibly the quadruplex
      form of the human telomeric sequence with a profile in a way different from that
      of NHC-Pt thereby indicating that the platination reaction is oriented by
      stacking of the PDC moiety onto the G4-structure. In cellulo, NHC-Pt-PDC induces
      a significant loss of TRF2 from telomeres that is considerably more important
      than the effect of its two components alone, PDC and NHC-Pt, respectively.

PMID- 27115176
TI  - Synthesis and Characterization of a Promising Novel FFAR1/GPR40 Targeting
      Fluorescent Probe for beta-Cell Imaging.
AB  - Diabetes affects an increasing number of patients worldwide and is responsible
      for a significant rise in healthcare expenses. Imaging of beta-cells bears the
      potential to contribute to an improved understanding, diagnosis, and development
      of new treatment options for diabetes. Here, we describe the first small molecule
      fluorescent probe targeting the free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1/GPR40). This
      receptor is highly expressed on beta-cells, and was up to now unexplored for
      imaging purposes. We designed a novel probe by facile modification of the
      selective and potent FFAR1 agonist TAK-875. Effective and specific binding of the
      probe was demonstrated using FFAR1 overexpressing cells. We also successfully
      labeled FFAR1 on MIN6 and INS1E cells, two widely used beta-cell models, by
      applying an effective amplification protocol. Finally, we showed that the probe
      is capable of inducing insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner, thus
      demonstrating that functional activity of the probe was maintained. These results
      suggest that our probe represents a first important step to successful beta-cell
      imaging by targeting FFAR1. The developed probe may prove to be particularly
      useful for in vitro and ex vivo studies of diabetic cellular and animal models to
      gain new insights into disease pathogenesis.

PMID- 27115177
TI  - Gut microbial metabolites in health and disease.

PMID- 27115178
TI  - MMP-9 overexpression is associated with intragenic hypermethylation of MMP9 gene
      in melanoma.
AB  - Tumor spreading is associated with the degradation of extracellular matrix
      proteins, mediated by the overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9).
      Although, such overexpression was linked to epigenetic promoter methylation, the
      role of intragenic methylation was not clarified yet. Melanoma was used as tumor
      model to investigate the relationship between the DNA intragenic methylation
      ofMMP9 gene and MMP-9 overexpression at transcriptional and protein levels.
      Computational analysis revealed DNA hypermethylation within the intragenic CpG-2
      region of MMP9 gene in melanoma samples with high MMP-9 transcript levels. In
      vitro validation showed that CpG-2 hotspot region was hypermethylated in the A375
      melanoma cell line with highest mRNA and protein levels of MMP-9, while low
      methylation levels were observed in the MEWO cell line where MMP-9 was
      undetectable. Concordant results were demonstrated in both A2058 and M14 cell
      lines. This correlation may give further insights on the role of MMP-9
      upregulation in melanoma.

PMID- 27115179
TI  - A Smoking Cessation Campaign on Twitter: Understanding the Use of Twitter and
      Identifying Major Players in a Health Campaign.
AB  - The current study examined the use of online social media for a health campaign.
      Collecting tweets (N = 1,790) about the recent smoking cessation campaign by the
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the current study investigated the
      dissemination of health campaign messages on Twitter and answered questions from
      the process evaluation of health campaigns: who tweeted about the campaign, who
      played central roles in disseminating health campaign messages, and how various
      features of Twitter were used for sharing of campaign messages. Results showed
      that individuals and nonprofit organizations posted frequently about the
      campaign: Individuals and nonprofit organizations posted about 40% and 30% of
      campaign-related tweets, respectively. Although the campaign under investigation
      was steered by a government agency, nonprofit organizations played a vital role
      as mediators who disseminated campaign messages. The culture of retweeting
      demonstrated its particular usefulness for the dissemination of campaign
      messages. Despite the expectation that the use of social media would expand
      opportunities for engagement, actual two-way interactions were few or minimal.
      Drawn from the results, practical suggestions on how to strategize the use of
      Twitter for future health campaigns are discussed.

PMID- 27115196
TI  - Development of a patient decision aid on inhaled corticosteroids use for adults
      with asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient decision aids (PDAs) are used in shared decision making to
      improve practitioner-patient communication and help patients decide about
      treatment options. To develop a PDA for adults with asthma considering inhaled
      corticosteroids, with or without long-acting beta2-agonists, to optimize asthma
      control. METHODS: The PDA was developed based on the International Patient
      Decision Aid Standards. Step 1: PDA was drafted. Step 2: PDA acceptability was
      assessed among target users, certified asthma educators (CAEs) and adults with
      asthma, following an iterative process. a) Participants read the PDA, b) rated
      its presentation, length, balance, and perceived usefulness, indicated what they
      liked/disliked about it, and made suggestions for improvement. c) Based on
      results from (b), PDA was refined. This process was repeated with new
      participants until no suggestions were made. Step 3: The PDA was field tested
      with target users. Interviews with CAEs were conducted to identify areas of
      improvement. Step 4: Final PDA version was written. RESULTS: A color-printed, 4
      page, letter-sized PDA was drafted. Acceptability testing involved 11 CAEs
      (women, n = 10) and 20 adults with asthma (women, n = 13; age 22-61 years). Five
      successive refined versions were produced. Major changes were made to PDA
      terminology, instructions, paper size, and visual presentation. Two CAEs (women,
      n = 2) and 26 adults with asthma (women, n = 19; age 20-65 years) field tested
      PDA. Minor changes were made to language and instructions to ensure usability.
      The final version was a color-printed, 12-page, A3-sized booklet. CONCLUSION: Our
      newly developed PDA was found acceptable and usable in target users.

PMID- 27115197
TI  - The Topical Application of Rosuvastatin in Preventing Knee Intra-Articular
      Adhesion in Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND Intra-articular adhesion is one of the common complications of post
      knee surgery and injury. The formation of joint adhesion can lead to serious
      dysfunction. Rosuvastatin (ROS) is a new 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A
      (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor, with multiple biological effects. In our study,
      the object was to evaluate the effectiveness of ROS in the prevention of post
      operative knee adhesion in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Femoral condyle exposing
      surgery was performed on 45 healthy Sprague Dawley rats. Gelatin sponges soaked
      with 20 mg/kg of ROS, 10 mg/kg of ROS, or saline were used to cover the surgical
      site. The post-operative knee joints were fixed in a flexed position with micro
      Kirschner wires for four weeks. ROS effectiveness for treating intra-articular
      adhesion was determined with visual score evaluation, hydroxyproline content,
      histological analyses, immunohistochemistry, and inflammatory and vascular
      endothelial growth factors expression. RESULTS The animals' recovery was stable
      after surgery. The hydroxyproline content, visual score, and inflammatory
      vascular growth factors expression levels suggested that, compared with the
      control group, the ROS treatment groups showed better outcomes. ROS prevented
      joint adhesion formation, collagen deposition, and vascularization at the
      surgical site, and also inhibited inflammatory activity post-operatively.
      Compared with the 10 mg/kg ROS group, the 20 mg/kg ROS group showed significantly
      better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The local application of ROS reduced intra-articular
      adhesion formation, collagen deposition, and vascularization at the surgical
      site, and inhibited inflammatory activity post-operatively. These results
      suggested optimal concentration of ROS to be 20 mg/kg. 

PMID- 27115198
TI  - Access to Thiophene and 1H-Pyrrole via Amine-Initiated (3 + 2) Annulation and
      Aromatization Cascade Reaction of beta'-Acetoxy Allenoate and 1,2-Bisnucleophile.
AB  - The amine-catalyzed cascade (3 + 2) annulation and aromatization sequence between
      beta'-acetoxy allenoates and 1,2-bisnucleophiles has been developed. When 1,4
      dithane-2,5-diol is used as the bisnucleophile partner, the corresponding
      reaction affords fully substituted thiophene-2-carbaldehyde, which might proceed
      via the amine-catalyzed (3 + 2) annulation and subsequent oxidative
      aromatization. The reaction protocol is also applicable to a 2-tosylamino
      carbonyl bisnucleophile, wherein the (3 + 2) annulation is followed by 1,2
      elimination of a tosyl group and isomerization to give a 1H-pyrrole product.

PMID- 27115199
TI  - Developing an Ethical and Legal Interoperability Assessment Process for
      Retrospective Studies.
AB  - The past decade has witnessed the creation of major international research
      consortia, aiming to facilitate the sharing of data from different studies to
      maximize health benefits. However, combining heterogeneous data across existing
      studies requires addressing issues related to both data harmonization and ethical
      and legal interoperability. This article proposes a rigorous interoperability
      assessment process to assess whether different data sets are sufficiently
      ethically and legally interoperable to allow for a given proposed research use.
      The methodology used to develop this process is based on a comprehensive analysis
      of the international ethical and legal framework governing the use of
      retrospective data in research, and includes the following steps: (I) finding
      existing processes; (II) comparing processes to identify similarities and
      differences and determining the limits of the "consistent whole"; (III)
      establishing common principles and procedures; and, (IV) changing or removing
      processes that do not contribute to the consistent whole. Each of these four
      steps were examined using step-specific methodologies, including (a) literature
      and policy reviews; (b) consultations with international ethical, legal and
      social implications (ELSI) experts; and (c) a case study piloting the proposed
      framework in an actual international research consortium. This assessment process
      takes into account key legal and ethical components such as consent, recontact,
      and waiver of consent. As a result, this analysis allows the development of a
      comprehensive filter used to verify the legal and ethical restrictions pertaining
      to a data set. This in turns helps in determining whether the given data set can
      to be used for a proposed research project, or is ethically and legally
      interoperable for use in research collaborations. By integrating this filter to
      the regular data access processes used by cohorts, not only will researchers be
      able to create virtual "mega-cohorts" of research participants, but it will also
      ensure that these cohorts respect basic legal and ethical precepts. 

PMID- 27115200
TI  - Renal outcomes in mixed proliferative and membranous lupus nephritis (Class
      III/IV + V): A long-term observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of combination of
      proliferative and membranous lesions (Class III + V or IV + V) on renal outcomes
      as an independent category distinct from Class III and IV. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed 103 Japanese patients (14 male and 89 female) with Class
      III/IV LN, with or without Class V, who underwent renal biopsy and were treated
      at our institution. Renal endpoint was defined as doubling of serum creatinine or
      end-stage renal disease (ESRD). RESULTS: The number of patients in each group was
      as follows: pure Class III/IV, 81 patients and mixed Class III/IV + V, 22
      patients. During a median follow-up period of 125.0 months, 10 patients developed
      renal endpoint: five had Class III/IV LN and five had a combination of Class
      III/IV + V. Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated that patients with mixed Class
      III/IV + V LN had significantly poorer renal outcomes than patients with Class
      III/IV LN. Multivariate Cox regression analyses identified serum creatinine,
      active and chronic lesions (A/C), and mixed Class III/IV + V) as independent risk
      factors for poor renal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a
      combination of proliferative and membranous LN (ISN/RPS Class III/IV + V)
      predicts poor renal outcomes.

PMID- 27115201
TI  - An Exploratory Microdialysis Study to Assess the Ocular Pharmacokinetics of
      Ciprofloxacin Eye Drops in Rabbits.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite the high frequency of use, data regarding the ocular in vivo
      pharmacokinetics (PK) of topically applied antibiotics are sparse. This study
      seeks to investigate the PK of the widely used fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin by
      means of in vivo microdialysis. METHODS: Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were
      included in the experiments. Under general anesthesia, microdialysis probes were
      implanted in the anterior chamber and the posterior segment of the same eye.
      After a period of 90 min after implantation, one drop of ciprofloxacin was
      administered onto the ocular surface. Microdialysis samples of the anterior
      chamber and the vitreous were collected every 30 min for 6 h. Relative recovery
      was assessed by retrodialysis to calculate absolute concentration values. Samples
      were analyzed using HPLC. RESULTS: In the anterior chamber, the maximum total
      drug concentration (Cmax) amounted to 0.373 +/- 0.281 MUg/mL and was reached
      (Tmax) after 116 +/- 36 min. Calculated area under the concentration-time curve
      AUC(0-n) for ciprofloxacin in the anterior chamber was 78.8 +/- 47.1 MUg min/mL.
      For the vitreous, Cmax was 0.02 +/- 0.03 MUg/mL and maximum drug concentration
      was reached 107 +/- 60 min after topical administration. AUC(0-n) for
      ciprofloxacin in the vitreous was 0.269 +/- 0.370 MUg min/mL. CONCLUSION:
      Microdialysis is a suitable method to assess in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles in
      the anterior chamber and in the vitreous. In the anterior chamber, maximum drug
      concentration was reached ~2 h after single drug administration. Although the
      drug concentration in the vitreous was considerably lower, time course of drug
      concentration was comparable.

PMID- 27115202
TI  - Disclosure of sexual assault experiences among undergraduate women at
      historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To document the sexual assault disclosure experiences of historically
      black college or university (HBCU) students. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3,951
      female, undergraduate students at 4 HBCUs. METHODS: All women at the
      participating schools were recruited in November 2008 to participate in a Web
      based survey including both closed- and open-ended questions. Survey data were
      weighted for nonresponse bias. RESULTS: The majority of sexual assault survivors
      disclosed their experience to someone close to them, but disclosure to formal
      supports, particularly law enforcement agencies, was extremely rare. Nonreporters
      had concerns about the seriousness of the incident and their privacy. On the
      basis of qualitative data, strategies identified by students to increase
      reporting included more education and awareness about sexual assault, more
      survivor services and alternative mechanisms for reporting, and better strategies
      for protecting the confidentiality of survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Official sexual
      assault victimization data are of limited utility in conveying the extent of
      sexual assault among HBCU students, and efforts to increase reporting, such as
      peer education and enhanced confidentiality procedures, are needed.

PMID- 27115203
TI  - Inhibitory Effects of Tranilast on Cytokine, Chemokine, Adhesion Molecule, and
      Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression in Human Corneal Fibroblasts Exposed to
      Poly(I:C).
AB  - : Purpose/Aim: Viral infection of the cornea can result in inflammation and
      scarring and eventually cause blindness. Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid
      [poly(I:C)], an analog of viral double-stranded RNA, induces the synthesis of
      various cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and matrix metalloproteinases
      (MMPs) in corneal fibroblasts. The effects of tranilast on the expression of
      these molecules in human corneal fibroblasts were examined. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Human corneal fibroblasts were cultured with or without poly(I:C) or
      tranilast. The release of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 and of
      the chemokines IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) was measured with
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The expression of intercellular adhesion
      molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), MMP-1, and MMP-3
      was evaluated by immunoblot or immunofluorescence analysis. The phosphorylation
      of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), c-Jun (a component of the
      transcription factor AP-1), and IkappaB-alpha (an endogenous inhibitor of the
      transcription factor NF-kappaB) was examined by immunoblot analysis. RESULTS:
      Tranilast inhibited in a concentration- and time-dependent manner the production
      of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MMP-1, and MMP-3 by corneal fibroblasts
      exposed to poly(I:C). It also inhibited the poly(I:C)-induced phosphorylation of
      c-Jun and the MAPK JNK without affecting that of IkappaB-alpha or the MAPKs ERK
      and p38. CONCLUSIONS: Tranilast inhibited proinflammatory cytokine, chemokine,
      adhesion molecule, and MMP expression in human corneal fibroblasts exposed to
      poly(I:C), with these effects likely being mediated by attenuation of JNK-AP-1
      signaling. Tranilast might therefore be expected to limit immune cell
      infiltration and stromal degradation associated with viral infection of the
      cornea.

PMID- 27115204
TI  - Transcription-induced DNA supercoiling: New roles of intranucleosomal DNA loops
      in DNA repair and transcription.
AB  - RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription through chromatin is accompanied by
      formation of small intranucleosomal DNA loops. Pol II captured within a small
      loop drives accumulation of DNA supercoiling, facilitating further transcription.
      DNA breaks relieve supercoiling and induce Pol II arrest, allowing detection of
      DNA damage hidden in chromatin structure.

PMID- 27115205
TI  - Usability Testing of Guided Internet-based Parent Training for Challenging
      Behavior in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (Strongest Families
      FASD).
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to meet the need for accessible interventions and support
      for families affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), we have
      developed an Internet-based, distance intervention for caregivers of children
      with FASD between the ages of four and twelve, called Strongest FamiliesTM FASD.
      OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usability of the Strongest Families FASD program
      content and website in terms of learnability, efficiency and acceptability.
      METHODS: A remote usability testing approach was conducted in two iterative
      cycles of participants. Synchronous online usability testing sessions were
      conducted, followed by asynchronous testing. A total of 18 participants were
      included, comprised of both health care professionals with expertise in FASD and
      caregivers of children with FASD. The data collected in each cycle was examined
      for commonalities and results were used to inform changes to the website and
      content after each cycle. RESULTS: Participants rated the website as appealing
      and relatively easy and fast to use. Nevertheless, several usability problems
      were identified such as difficulty navigating between sections of content on the
      website, displaying too much content per page, and the relevance and
      appropriateness of the content as it related to FASD. CONCLUSIONS: The
      identification of usability problems was an important step in refining the
      Strongest Families FASD program before its effectiveness is evaluated in a
      randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 27115206
TI  - Fabrication and characterization of Mg-doped chitosan-gelatin nanocompound
      coatings for titanium surface functionalization.
AB  - Titanium and its alloys have been widely used in clinic and achieved great
      success. Due to the bio-inertness of titanium surface, challenges still exit in
      some compromised conditions. The present study aimed to functionalize titanium
      surface with magnesium (Mg)-doped chitosan/gelatin (CS/G) nanocompound coatings
      via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). CS/G coatings loaded with different amount
      of magnesium were successfully prepared on titanium substrate via EPD.
      Physicochemical characterization of the coatings confirmed that magnesium ions
      were loaded into the coatings in a dose-dependent manner. XRD results
      demonstrated that co-deposition of magnesium influenced the crystallinity of the
      coatings, and a new crystalline substance presented, namely hydrated basic
      magnesium carbonate. Mechanical tests showed improved tensile and shear bond
      strength of the magnesium-doped coatings, while the excessively high magnesium
      concentration could eventually decrease the bonding strength. Sustained release
      of magnesium ion was detected by ICP-OES within 28 days. TEM images also
      displayed that nanoparticles could be released from the coatings. In vitro
      cellular response assays demonstrated that the Mg-doped nanocompound coatings
      could enhance the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells
      compared to CS/G coatings. Therefore, it could be concluded that Mg-doped CS/G
      nanocompound coatings were successfully fabricated on titanium substrates via
      EPD. It would be a promising candidate to functionalize titanium surface with
      such organic-inorganic nanocompound coatings.

PMID- 27115207
TI  - Production of truncated MBD4 protein by frameshift mutation in DNA mismatch
      repair-deficient cells enhances 5-fluorouracil sensitivity that is independent of
      hMLH1 status.
AB  - Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 4 (MBD4) is a DNA glycosylase that can remove 5
      fluorodeoxyuracil from DNA as well as repair T:G or U:G mismatches. MBD4 is a
      target for frameshift mutation with DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency,
      creating a truncated MBD4 protein (TruMBD4) that lacks its glycosylase domain.
      Here we show that TruMBD4 plays an important role for enhancing 5-fluorouracil
      (5FU) sensitivity in MMR-deficient colorectal cancer cells. We found
      biochemically that TruMBD4 binds to 5FU incorporated into DNA with higher
      affinity than MBD4. TruMBD4 reduced the 5FU affinity of the MMR recognition
      complexes that determined 5FU sensitivity by previous reports, suggesting other
      mechanisms might be operative to trigger cytotoxicity. To analyze overall 5FU
      sensitivity with TruMBD4, we established TruMBD4 overexpression in hMLH1
      proficient or -deficient colorectal cancer cells followed by treatment with 5FU.
      5FU-treated TruMBD4 cells demonstrated diminished growth characteristics compared
      to controls, independently of hMLH1 status. Flow cytometry revealed more 5FU
      treated TruMBD4 cells in S phase than controls. We conclude that patients with
      MMR-deficient cancers, which show characteristic resistance to 5FU therapy, may
      be increased for 5FU sensitivity via secondary frameshift mutation of the base
      excision repair gene MBD4.

PMID- 27115208
TI  - Laboratory Investigations for Diagnosis of Autoimmune and Inflammatory Periocular
      Disease: Part II.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the important laboratory serological investigations routinely
      performed for the diagnosis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases of the orbit
      and ocular adnexa. METHODS: Review of the literature as well as personal clinical
      experience of the authors. Due to the extensive nature of the topic, the review
      has been split into 2 parts. Part I covers thyroid eye disease, IgG4-related
      disease, and myasthenia gravis. In part II of the review, sarcoidosis,
      vasculitis, Sjogren syndrome, and giant cell arteritis will be discussed.
      RESULTS: Several relatively specific serologic tests are available for the
      diagnosis of a variety of inflammatory and serologic diseases of the orbit.
      CONCLUSION: In cases of limited orbital or sino-orbital disease, serologic
      testing may be negative in a significant number of patients. Specifically, the
      clinician should be wary of ruling out limited orbital sarcoid or sinoorbital
      granulomatosis with polyangiitis based on serologic testing alone. Part I of this
      review has covered serologic testing for thyroid eye disease, IgG4-related
      disease, and myasthenia gravis. In part II, the authors discuss serologic testing
      for sarcoidosis, vasculitis, Sjogren syndrome (SS), and giant cell arteritis
      (GCA).

PMID- 27115209
TI  - Blepharophimosis Ptosis Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome With Congenital
      Hypothyroidism and Brachydactyly in a 7-Year-Old Girl.
AB  - A 7-year-old female presented with blepharophimosis ptosis epicanthus inversus
      syndrome with congenital hypothyroidism and brachydactyly. She displayed typical
      manifestations of type II blepharophimosis ptosis epicanthus inversus syndrome
      (normal uterus position, ovarian volume, and normal serum hormone levels). She
      takes levothyroxine sodium daily due to her congenital hypothyroidism. Karyotype
      analysis and genetic analysis of FOXL2 coding sequence was found to be normal.
      mtDNA A3243G, A8344G, 8993, and 13513 genes were also normal. The absence of
      mutations excluded mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first reported case of blepharophimosis ptosis epicanthus
      inversus syndrome with congenital hypothyroidism and brachydactyly.

PMID- 27115210
TI  - Use of Computed Tomography-Derived Prosthetics for Intraoperative Guidance of
      Tumor Resection.
AB  - Preoperative computed tomography (CT)-derived design and modeling provides a
      useful guide for a more accurate reconstruction of a variety of complex
      maxillofacial deformities. While the use of three-dimensional CT imaging has
      focused mainly on bony reconstruction, the use of this technique to facilitate
      soft tissue reconstruction represents an important innovation that can assist
      surgeons with preoperative planning and intraoperative decision-making. In this
      study, the authors report the novel use of three-dimensional CT scan modeling to
      facilitate the resection of a large maxillofacial neurofibroma in a patient with
      neurofibromatosis. In conjunction with an anaplastologist, the combined use of
      tangible models and aesthetic judgments significantly optimizes the quality of
      the initial resection and subsequent reconstruction. By utilizing an
      interdisciplinary approach, it is possible to achieve optimal symmetry in the
      setting of complex maxillofacial deformities. 

PMID- 27115211
TI  - Anterior Cranial Vault Distraction for the Treatment of Normocephalic
      Pancraniosynostosis.
AB  - Normocephalic pancraniosynostosis is a rare form of craniosynostosis that usually
      presents later in life secondary to a delayed onset of symptoms and the presence
      of a normal head shape. Since its initial description in the literature in 2010,
      normocephalic pancraniosynostosis remains a rare clinical entity that has only
      been reported in 6 patients. Surgical treatment in the 2 published reports has
      been by staged total calvarial reconstruction or anterior cranial vault
      remodeling with bilateral frontoorbital advancement. In this case report, the
      authors present 1 patient with normocephalic pancraniosynostosis and propose
      surgical treatment by anterior cranial vault expansion with distraction
      osteogenesis. 

PMID- 27115213
TI  - The Benefit of a Complete Cephalic Trim and the Importance of the Scroll Area.
AB  - Cephalic trimming of the lower lateral cartilage (LLC) of the nose is often
      performed to refine a broad nasal tip in the horizontal dimension. The focus of
      cephalic trimming remains the preservation of the width of the lateral crura and
      the cartilage remnant at the cephalic end of the LLC is usually left intact,
      which leads to inadequate cephalic trimming.The authors suggest that cephalic
      trimming should continue all the way to the cephalic end of the LLC and no
      remnant cartilage should be left in the scroll area. This would make it possible
      to reduce the bulk of the nasal tip in an acceptable manner. Trimming of the
      whole cephalic side of the LLC would disrupt the scroll area, allowing authors to
      assess rhinoplasty as a 2-stage surgical procedure: that is, nasal tip and middle
      vault.In conclusion, complete cephalic trimming without leaving any remnant
      cartilage in the scroll area is necessary for adequate nasal tip refinement, and
      disruption of the scroll area allows the rhinoplasty to be compartmentalized to
      achieve more desirable results in the middle vault and the nasal tip. 

PMID- 27115214
TI  - Short-course oral steroids as an adjunct therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This review is one of a suite of six Cochrane reviews looking at the
      primary medical management options for patients with chronic
      rhinosinusitis.Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common condition involving
      inflammation of the lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses. It is characterised
      by nasal blockage and nasal discharge, facial pressure/pain and loss of sense of
      smell. The condition can occur with or without nasal polyps. Oral corticosteroids
      are used to control the inflammatory response and improve symptoms. OBJECTIVES:
      To assess the effects of a short course of oral corticosteroids as an adjunct
      ('add-on') therapy in people with chronic rhinosinusitis who are already on
      standard treatments. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist
      searched the Cochrane ENT Trials Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (CENTRAL 2015, Issue 7); MEDLINE; EMBASE; ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and
      additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search
      was 11 August 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
      comparing a short course (up to 21 days) of oral corticosteroids to placebo or no
      treatment, where all patients were also receiving pharmacological treatment for
      chronic rhinosinusitis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard
      methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were disease
      specific health-related quality of life (HRQL), patient-reported disease
      severity, and the adverse event of mood or behavioural disturbances. Secondary
      outcomes included general HRQL, endoscopic nasal polyp score, computerised
      tomography (CT) scan score, and the adverse events of insomnia, gastrointestinal
      disturbances and osteoporosis. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the
      evidence for each outcome; this is indicated in italics. MAIN RESULTS: Two trials
      with a total of 78 participants met the inclusion criteria. Both the populations
      and the 'standard' treatments differed in the two studies. Oral steroids as an
      adjunct to intranasal corticosteroids One trial in adults with nasal polyps
      included 30 participants. All participants used intranasal corticosteroids and
      were randomised to either short-course oral steroids (oral methylprednisolone, 1
      mg/kg and reduced progressively over a 21-day treatment course) or no additional
      treatment. None of the primary outcome measures of interest in this review were
      reported by the study. There may have been an important reduction in the size of
      the polyps (measured by the nasal polyps score, a secondary outcome measure) in
      patients receiving oral steroids and intranasal corticosteroids, compared to
      intranasal corticosteroids alone (mean difference (MD) -0.46, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) -0.87 to -0.05; 30 participants; scale 1 to 4) at the end of
      treatment (21 days). This corresponds to a large effect size, but we are very
      uncertain about this estimate as we judged the study to be at high risk of bias.
      Moreover, longer-term data were not available and the other outcomes of interest
      were not reported. Oral steroids as an adjunct to antibiotics One trial in
      children (mean age of eight years) without nasal polyps included 48 participants.
      The trial compared oral corticosteroids (oral methylprednisolone, 1 mg/kg and
      reduced progressively over a 15-day treatment course) with placebo in
      participants who also received a 30-day course of antibiotics. This study
      addressed one of the primary outcome measures (disease severity) and one
      secondary outcome (CT score). For disease severity the four key symptoms used to
      define chronic rhinosinusitis in children (nasal blockage, nasal discharge,
      facial pressure, cough) were combined into one score. There was a greater
      improvement in symptom severity 30 days after the start of treatment in patients
      who received oral steroids and antibiotics compared with placebo and antibiotics
      (MD -7.10, 95% CI -9.59 to -4.61; 45 participants; scale 0 to 40). The observed
      mean difference corresponds to a large effect size. At the same time point there
      was a difference in CT scan score (MD -2.90, 95% CI -4.91 to -0.89; 45
      participants; scale 0 to 24). We assessed the quality of the evidence to be
      low.There were no data available for the longer term (three months). AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: There might be an improvement in symptom severity, polyps size and
      condition of the sinuses when assessed using CT scans in patients taking oral
      corticosteroids when these are used as an adjunct therapy to antibiotics or
      intranasal corticosteroids, but the quality of the evidence supporting this is
      low or very low (we are uncertain about the effect estimate; the true effect may
      be substantially different from the estimate of the effect). It is unclear
      whether the benefits of oral corticosteroids as an adjunct therapy are sustained
      beyond the short follow-up period reported (up to 30 days), as no longer-term
      data were available.There were no data in this review about the adverse effects
      associated with short courses of oral corticosteroids as an adjunct therapy.More
      research in this area, particularly research evaluating longer-term outcomes and
      adverse effects, is required.

PMID- 27115215
TI  - Different types of intranasal steroids for chronic rhinosinusitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This review is one of six looking at the primary medical management
      options for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.Chronic rhinosinusitis is common
      and is characterised by inflammation of the lining of the nose and paranasal
      sinuses leading to nasal blockage, nasal discharge, facial pressure/pain and loss
      of sense of smell. The condition can occur with or without nasal polyps. Topical
      (intranasal) corticosteroids are used with the aim of reducing inflammation in
      the sinonasal mucosa in order to improve patient symptoms. OBJECTIVES: To assess
      the effects of different types of intranasal steroids in people with chronic
      rhinosinusitis. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist searched
      the ENT Trials Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2015,
      Issue 7); MEDLINE; EMBASE; ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for
      published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 11 August 2015.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a follow-up period
      of at least three months comparing first-generation intranasal corticosteroids
      (e.g. beclomethasone dipropionate, triamcinolone acetonide, flunisolide,
      budesonide) with second-generation intranasal corticosteroids (e.g. ciclesonide,
      fluticasone furoate, fluticasone propionate, mometasone furoate, betamethasone
      sodium phosphate), or sprays versus drops, or low-dose versus high-dose
      intranasal corticosteroids. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard
      methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were disease
      specific health-related quality of life (HRQL), patient-reported disease severity
      and the commonest adverse event - epistaxis (nosebleed). Secondary outcomes
      included general HRQL, endoscopic nasal polyp score, computerised tomography (CT)
      scan score and the adverse event of local irritation. We used GRADE to assess the
      quality of the evidence for each outcome; this is indicated in italics. MAIN
      RESULTS: We included nine RCTs (911 participants), including four different
      comparisons. None of the studies evaluated our first primary outcome measure,
      disease-specific HRQL. Fluticasone propionate versus beclomethasone dipropionate
      We identified two small studies (56 participants with polyps) that evaluated
      disease severity and looked at the primary adverse effect: epistaxis , but no
      other outcomes. We cannot report any numerical data but the study authors
      reported no difference between the two steroids. The evidence was of very low
      quality. Fluticasone propionate versus mometasone furoate We identified only one
      study (100 participants with polyps) that evaluated disease severity (nasal
      symptoms scores), which reported no difference (no numerical data available). The
      evidence was of very low quality. High-dose versus low-dose steroidsWe included
      five studies (663 participants with nasal polyps), three using mometasone furoate
      (400 ug versus 200 ug in adults and older children, 200 ug versus 100 ug in
      younger children) and two using fluticasone propionate drops (800 ug versus 400
      ug). We found low quality evidence relating to disease severity and nasal polyps
      size, with results from the high-dose and low-dose groups being similar. Although
      all studies reported more improvement in polyp score in the high-dose group, the
      significance of this is unclear due to the small size of the improvements.The
      primary adverse effect, epistaxis , was more common when higher doses were used
      (risk ratio (RR) 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 to 3.54, 637
      participants, moderate quality evidence). Most of the studies that contributed
      data to this outcome used a broad definition of epistaxis, which ranged from
      frank bleeding to bloody nasal discharge to flecks of blood in the mucus. Aqueous
      nasal spray versus aerosol spray We identified only one poorly reported study
      (unclear number of participants for comparison of interest, 91 between three
      treatment arms), in which there were significant baseline differences between the
      participants in the two groups. We were unable to draw meaningful conclusions
      from the data. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found insufficient evidence to suggest
      that one type of intranasal steroid is more effective than another in patients
      with chronic rhinosinusitis, nor that the effectiveness of a spray differs from
      an aerosol. We identified no studies that compared drops with spray.It is unclear
      if higher doses result in better symptom improvements (low quality evidence), but
      there was moderate quality evidence of an increased risk of epistaxis as an
      adverse effect of treatment when higher doses were used. This included all levels
      of severity of epistaxis and it is likely that the proportion of events that
      required patients to discontinue usage is low due to the low numbers of
      withdrawals attributed to it. If epistaxis is limited to streaks of blood in the
      mucus it may be tolerated by the patient and it may be safe to continue
      treatment. However, it may be a factor that affects compliance.There is
      insufficient evidence to suggest that the different types of corticosteroid
      molecule or spray versus aerosol have different effects. Lower doses have similar
      effectiveness but fewer side effects.Clearly more research in this area is
      needed, with specific attention given to trial design, disease-specific health
      related quality of life outcomes and evaluation of longer-term outcomes and
      adverse effects.

PMID- 27115216
TI  - Saline irrigation for chronic rhinosinusitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This review is one of six looking at the primary medical management
      options for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.Chronic rhinosinusitis is common
      and is characterised by inflammation of the lining of the nose and paranasal
      sinuses leading to nasal blockage, nasal discharge, facial pressure/pain and loss
      of sense of smell. The condition can occur with or without nasal polyps. Nasal
      saline irrigation is commonly used to improve patient symptoms. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate the effects of saline irrigation in patients with chronic
      rhinosinusitis. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist searched
      the ENT Trials Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2015,
      Issue 9); MEDLINE; EMBASE; ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for
      published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 30 October 2015.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a follow-up period
      of at least three months comparing saline delivered to the nose by any means
      (douche, irrigation, drops, spray or nebuliser) with (a) placebo, (b) no
      treatment or (c) other pharmacological interventions. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.
      Our primary outcomes were disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL),
      patient-reported disease severity and the commonest adverse event - epistaxis.
      Secondary outcomes included general HRQL, endoscopic nasal polyp score,
      computerised tomography (CT) scan score and the adverse events of local
      irritation and discomfort. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence
      for each outcome; this is indicated in italics. MAIN RESULTS: We included two
      RCTs (116 adult participants). One compared large-volume (150 ml) hypertonic (2%)
      saline irrigation with usual treatment over a six-month period; the other
      compared 5 ml nebulised saline twice a day with intranasal corticosteroids,
      treating participants for three months and evaluating them on completion of
      treatment and three months later. Large-volume, hypertonic nasal saline versus
      usual care One trial included 76 adult participants (52 intervention, 24 control)
      with or without polyps.Disease-specific HRQL was reported using the
      Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI; 0 to 100, 100 = best quality of life). At
      the end of three months of treatment, patients in the saline group were better
      than those in the placebo group (mean difference (MD) 6.3 points, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 0.89 to 11.71) and at six months there was a greater effect (MD
      13.5 points, 95% CI 9.63 to 17.37). We assessed the evidence to be of low quality
      for the three months follow-up and very low quality for the six months follow-up.
      Patient-reported disease severity was evaluated using a "single-item sinus
      symptom severity assessment" but the range of scores is not stated, making it
      impossible for us to determine the meaning of the data presented.No adverse
      effects data were collected in the control group but 23% of participants in the
      saline group experienced side effects including epistaxis. General HRQL was
      measured using SF-12 (0 to 100, 100 = best quality of life). No difference was
      found after three months of treatment (low quality evidence) but at six months
      there was a small difference favouring the saline group, which may not be of
      clinical significance and has high uncertainty (MD 10.5 points, 95% CI 0.66 to
      20.34) (very low quality evidence). Low-volume, nebulised saline versus
      intranasal corticosteroids One trial included 40 adult participants with polyps.
      Our primary outcome of disease-specific HRQL was not reported. At the end of
      treatment (three months) the patients who had intranasal corticosteroids had less
      severe symptoms (MD -13.50, 95% CI -14.44 to -12.56); this corresponds to a large
      effect size. We assessed the evidence to be of very low quality. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: The two studies were very different in terms of included
      populations, interventions and comparisons and so it is therefore difficult to
      draw conclusions for practice. The evidence suggests that there is no benefit of
      a low-volume (5 ml) nebulised saline spray over intranasal steroids. There is
      some benefit of daily, large-volume (150 ml) saline irrigation with a hypertonic
      solution when compared with placebo, but the quality of the evidence is low for
      three months and very low for six months of treatment.

PMID- 27115217
TI  - Intranasal steroids versus placebo or no intervention for chronic rhinosinusitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This review is one of six looking at the primary medical management
      options for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.Chronic rhinosinusitis is common
      and is characterised by inflammation of the lining of the nose and paranasal
      sinuses leading to nasal blockage, rhinorrhoea, facial pressure/pain and loss of
      sense of smell. The condition can occur with or without nasal polyps. The use of
      topical (intranasal) corticosteroids has been widely advocated for the treatment
      of chronic rhinosinusitis given the belief that inflammation is a major component
      of this condition. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of intranasal
      corticosteroids in people with chronic rhinosinusitis. SEARCH METHODS: The
      Cochrane ENT Information Specialist searched the Cochrane ENT Trials Register;
      Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2015, Issue 8); MEDLINE; EMBASE;
      ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished
      trials. The date of the search was 11 August 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised
      controlled trials (RCTs) with a follow-up period of at least three months
      comparing intranasal corticosteroids (e.g. beclomethasone dipropionate,
      triamcinolone acetonide, flunisolide, budesonide) against placebo or no treatment
      in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used
      the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes
      were disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL), patient-reported
      disease severity and the commonest adverse event - epistaxis. Secondary outcomes
      included general HRQL, endoscopic nasal polyp score, computerised tomography (CT)
      scan score and the adverse events of local irritation or other systemic adverse
      events. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence for each outcome;
      this is indicated in italics. MAIN RESULTS: We included 18 RCTs with a total of
      2738 participants. Fourteen studies had participants with nasal polyps and four
      studies had participants without nasal polyps. Only one study was conducted in
      children. Intranasal corticosteroids versus placebo or no intervention Only one
      study (20 adult participants without polyps) measured our primary outcome disease
      specific HRQL using the Rhinosinusitis Outcome Measures-31 (RSOM-31). They
      reported no significant difference (numerical data not available) (very low
      quality evidence).Our second primary outcome, disease severity , was measured
      using the Chronic Sinusitis Survey in a second study (134 participants without
      polyps), which found no important difference (mean difference (MD) 2.84, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) -5.02 to 10.70; scale 0 to 100). Another study (chronic
      rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps) reported an increased chance of improvement in
      the intranasal corticosteroids group (RR 2.78, 95% CI 1.76 to 4.40; 109
      participants). The quality of the evidence was low.Six studies provided data on
      at least two of the individual symptoms used in the EPOS 2012 criteria to define
      chronic rhinosinusitis (nasal blockage, rhinorrhoea, loss of sense of smell and
      facial pain/pressure). When all four symptoms in the EPOS criteria were available
      on a scale of 0 to 3 (higher = more severe symptoms), the average MD in change
      from baseline was -0.26 (95% CI -0.37 to -0.15; 243 participants; two studies;
      low quality evidence). Although there were more studies and participants when
      only nasal blockage and rhinorrhoea were considered (MD -0.31, 95% CI -0.38 to 
      0.24; 1702 participants; six studies), the MD was almost identical to when loss
      of sense of smell was also considered (1345 participants, four studies; moderate
      quality evidence).When considering the results for the individual symptoms,
      benefit was shown in the intranasal corticosteroids group. The effect size was
      larger for nasal blockage (MD -0.40, 95% CI -0.52 to -0.29; 1702 participants;
      six studies) than for rhinorrhoea (MD -0.25, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.17; 1702
      participants; six studies) or loss of sense of smell (MD -0.19, 95% CI -0.28 to 
      0.11; 1345 participants; four studies). There was heterogeneity in the analysis
      for facial pain/pressure (MD -0.27, 95% CI -0.56 to 0.02; 243 participants; two
      studies). The quality of the evidence was moderate for nasal blockage,
      rhinorrhoea and loss of sense of smell, but low for facial pain/pressure.There
      was an increased risk of epistaxis with intranasal corticosteroids (risk ratio
      (RR) 2.74, 95% CI 1.88 to 4.00; 2508 participants; 13 studies; high quality
      evidence).Considering our secondary outcome, general HRQL, one study (134
      participants without polyps) measured this using the SF-36 and reported a
      statistically significant benefit only on the general health subscale. The
      quality of the evidence was very low.It is unclear whether there is a difference
      in the risk of local irritation (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.64; 2124 participants;
      11 studies) (low quality evidence).None of the studies treated or followed up
      patients long enough to provide meaningful data on the risk of osteoporosis or
      stunted growth (children). Other comparisons We identified no other studies that
      compared intranasal corticosteroids plus co-intervention A versus placebo plus co
      intervention A. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Most of the evidence available was from
      studies in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. There is
      little information about quality of life (very low quality evidence). For disease
      severity, there seems to be improvement for all symptoms (low quality evidence),
      a moderate-sized benefit for nasal blockage and a small benefit for rhinorrhoea
      (moderate quality evidence). The risk of epistaxis is increased (high quality
      evidence), but these data included all levels of severity; small streaks of blood
      may not be a major concern for patients. It is unclear whether there is a
      difference in the risk of local irritation (low quality evidence).

PMID- 27115218
TI  - The mesentery in Crohn's disease: friend or foe?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article assesses the role of the mesentery in Crohn's
      disease. RECENT FINDINGS: The mesentery is centrally positioned both anatomically
      and physiologically. Overlapping mesenteric and submucosal mesenchymal
      contributions are important in the pathobiology of Crohn's disease. Mesenteric
      contributions explain the topographic distribution of Crohn's disease in general
      and mucosal disease in particular. Operative strategies that are mesenteric based
      (i.e. mesocolic excision) may reduce rates of postoperative recurrence. SUMMARY:
      The net effect of mesenteric events in Crohn's disease is pathologic. This can be
      targeted by operative means. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COG/A18.

PMID- 27115219
TI  - From bench to bedside: molecular imaging in inflammatory bowel diseases.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Standard structural imaging procedures such as endoscopy,
      ultrasonography, or MRI are an integral part of the rational management of
      patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). There is nevertheless the need
      for further refined imaging approaches that are able to overcome the limitations
      of currently used formats. The advent of molecular imaging modalities that allow
      real-time visualization of cellular processes not only in the preclinical setting
      but also in clinical trials has demonstrated its ability to improve current
      therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this review is to present and discuss
      advancements in the field of molecular imaging approaches in the IBD field.
      RECENT FINDINGS: Recent preclinical and clinical studies have addressed the
      applicability of molecular imaging for improving the differentiation between
      benign and malignant mucosal alterations, increasing the detection of dysplastic
      intestinal lesions, and predicting individual responses to biological therapies.
      SUMMARY: Molecular imaging in IBD represents an exciting and evolving field that
      has the potential to impact on current diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms in
      the treatment of IBD patients by analyzing and visualizing the molecular
      mechanisms that drive mucosal inflammation. It might enable us to base
      individualized therapeutic decisions on preceded molecular level analysis by
      suitable imaging modalities.

PMID- 27115220
TI  - Does everyone with inflammatory bowel disease need to be treated with combination
      therapy?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article describes the evolution of combination therapy in
      inflammatory bowel disease and how to determine when combination may not be
      necessary. RECENT FINDINGS: The combination of an immunosuppressive agent with an
      antibody to tumor necrosis factor has proven to be more effective than
      monotherapy with either an immunosuppressive agent or an antibody to tumor
      necrosis factor alone. The emergence of therapeutic drug monitoring has
      identified the importance of maintaining adequate circulating drug levels and
      suppressing antibody formation to the biological agent. The concomitant use of an
      immunosuppressive agent can help effect this. Although this may be optimal
      therapy in moderately ill patients. I review why there still remains a role for
      using monotherapy with immunosuppressive agents, as well as consideration of
      therapy withdrawal. SUMMARY: Although combination therapy is the treatment of
      choice in persons with moderate to severe disease or who have lost response to
      biological monotherapy, there remains a role for monotherapy with
      immunosuppressive agents. Though the newer biological therapies are mostly not
      used in combination, this may be a future approach considering their response
      rates are also correlated with higher drug levels. Many persons with inflammatory
      bowel disease can remain well on an immunosuppressive agent alone and some can
      even maintain a longstanding remission off all therapy.

PMID- 27115221
TI  - Influence of DTPA Treatment on Internal Dose Estimates.
AB  - In case of internal contamination with plutonium materials, a treatment with
      diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) can be administered in order to
      reduce plutonium body burden and consequently avoid some radiation dose. DTPA
      intravenous injections or inhalation can start almost immediately after intake,
      in parallel with urinary and fecal bioassay sampling for dosimetric follow-up.
      However, urine and feces excretion will be significantly enhanced by the DTPA
      treatment. As internal dose is calculated from bioassay results, the DTPA effect
      on excretion has to be taken into account. A common method to correct bioassay
      data is to divide it by a factor representing the excretion enhancement under
      DTPA treatment by intravenous injection. Its value may be based on a nominal
      reference or observed after a break in the treatment. The aim of this study was
      to estimate the influence of this factor on internal dose by comparing the dose
      estimated using default or upper and lower values of the enhancement factor for
      11 contamination cases. The observed upper and lower values of the enhancement
      factor were 18.7 and 63.0 for plutonium and 24.9 and 28.8 for americium. For
      americium, a default factor of 25 is proposed. This work demonstrates that the
      use of a default DTPA enhancement factor allows the determination of the
      magnitude of the contamination because dose estimated could vary by a factor of 2
      depending on the value of the individual DTPA enhancement factor. In case of
      significant intake, an individual enhancement factor should be determined to
      obtain a more reliable dose assessment.

PMID- 27115222
TI  - Perception of Radiation Risk by Japanese Radiation Specialists Evaluated as a
      Safe Dose Before the Fukushima Nuclear Accident.
AB  - From October to December 2010, just before the radiological accident at the
      Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, 71 radiation professionals from radiation
      facilities in Japan were asked what they considered as a "safe dose" of radiation
      for themselves, their partners, parents, children, siblings, and friends.
      Although the 'safe dose' they noted varied widely, from less than 1 mSv y to more
      than 100 mSv y, the average dose was 35.6 mSv y, which is around the middle point
      between the legal exposure dose limits for the annual average and for any single
      year. Similar results were obtained from other surveys of members of the Japan
      Radioisotope Association (36.9 mSv y) and of the Oita Prefectural Hospital (36.8
      mSv y). Among family members and friends, the minimum average "safe" dose was 8.5
      mSv y for children, for whom 50% of the responders claimed a "safe dose" of less
      than 1 mSv. Gender, age and specialty of the radiation professional also affected
      their notion of a "safe dose." These findings suggest that the perception of
      radiation risk varies widely even for radiation professionals and that the legal
      exposure dose limits derived from regulatory science may act as an anchor of
      safety. The different levels of risk perception for different target groups among
      radiation professionals appear similar to those in the general population. The
      gap between these characteristics of radiation professionals and the generally
      accepted picture of radiation professionals might have played a role in the state
      of confusion after the radiological accident.

PMID- 27115223
TI  - Modeling Study of a Proposed Field Calibration Source Using K-40 and High-Z
      Targets for Sodium Iodide Detectors.
AB  - Calibration sources based on the primordial isotope potassium-40 (K) have reduced
      controls on the source's activity due to its terrestrial ubiquity and very low
      specific activity. Potassium-40's beta emissions and 1,460.8 keV gamma ray can be
      used to induce K-shell fluorescence x rays in high-Z metals between 60 and 80
      keV. A gamma ray calibration source that uses potassium chloride salt and a high
      Z metal to create a two-point calibration for a sodium iodide field gamma
      spectroscopy instrument is thus proposed. The calibration source was designed in
      collaboration with the Sandia National Laboratory using the Monte Carlo N
      Particle eXtended (MCNPX) transport code. Two methods of x-ray production were
      explored. First, a thin high-Z layer (HZL) was interposed between the detector
      and the potassium chloride-urethane source matrix. Second, bismuth metal powder
      was homogeneously mixed with a urethane binding agent to form a potassium
      chloride-bismuth matrix (KBM). The bismuth-based source was selected as the
      development model because it is inexpensive, nontoxic, and outperforms the high-Z
      layer method in simulation. Based on the MCNPX studies, sealing a mixture of
      bismuth powder and potassium chloride into a thin plastic case could provide a
      light, inexpensive field calibration source.

PMID- 27115224
TI  - Implementation of a Portable HPGe for Field Contamination Assay.
AB  - Using MCNP to construct a detector model based initially on x-ray images of a
      portable high purity germanium (HPGe) detector followed by normalizing covering
      material values to also agree with check source responses, a validation of the
      model was attained. By calibrating the detector parameters using large count
      spectra, rigorous reproducibility is attained for high activity measurements but
      does not prevent deviations from normality in error distributions at the very low
      count events where spectral peaks are not always identifiable. The resulting
      model was created to allow operational assay of contamination over large areal
      distributions that could not otherwise be measured, such as the exhaust shaft at
      the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Results indicate that contamination
      levels of activity in the exhaust shaft can be assayed to within a factor of 2.
      Detection limits are evaluated to be well below the contamination levels, which
      would constitute a legal environmental release if unfiltered ventilation of the
      underground facility were used.

PMID- 27115225
TI  - Biokinetics of 90Sr in Male Nonhuman Primates.
AB  - The current study tests the hypothesis that the biokinetics of Sr can be
      represented by simplification of the ICRP publication 78 Sr model. Default and
      proposed models were evaluated by their ability to predict injected activity and
      more thoroughly define the activity residing in the skeleton of rhesus monkeys.
      The data obtained from studies done by Patricia Durbin and her colleagues at the
      Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory were used to create a profile of the
      activity residing in the skeleton at the time of sacrifice. Post mortem data
      along with periodic whole body count data were used to optimize the biokinetic
      parameters using the Integrated Modules for Bioassay Analysis (IMBA), Weighted
      Likelihood Monte-Carlo Sampling (WeLMoS) program to better predict the intake and
      fit of the bioassay data. Analysis of the default ICRP 78 parameters resulted in
      an overprediction of activity in the skeleton for a male cohort by as much as
      180%. Using Monte Carlo sampling methods, three models were developed and
      optimized for a composite cohort of male monkeys. Of the three developed models,
      one model proved to have the best predictive capabilities. The optimized model C
      obtained for the male cohort was then tested on a validation cohort to test
      predictive capabilities. Using the optimized model C parameters, the ability to
      predict activity in the skeleton was improved in comparison to ICRP 78.
      Prediction of the intake from bioassay data was also improved by a factor of 2 in
      comparison to ICRP 78. The results suggest that the modified transfer rates of
      model C could be used as default parameters for biokinetic nonhuman primate
      modeling and potentially extrapolated to humans.

PMID- 27115226
TI  - Efficiency Calibration for Environmental Gamma Spectrometry Using GATE.
AB  - This work investigated the utility of performing efficiency calibration for
      environmental gamma spectrometry using the Monte Carlo based, free of charge GATE
      toolbox. The validity of this approach was tested by comparing output efficiency
      values of an in-house developed GATE-based program with experimental measurements
      covering various geometries and primary photon energies. The results of this
      comparison revealed relative deviations within +/-20%, thus validating the
      employed computational approach. Moreover, the GATE-based method was able to
      predict quantities that are generally difficult to measure experimentally, such
      as the number of interactions preceding full energy absorption. These
      computationally obtained predictions were found to be in agreement with theory.

PMID- 27115227
TI  - Soluble Vascular Endothelial Cadherin as a New Biomarker of Irradiation in Highly
      Irradiated Baboons with Bone Marrow Protection.
AB  - Vascular endothelial cadherin is the main component of adherens junctions
      enabling cohesion of the endothelial monolayer in vessels. The extracellular part
      of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) can be cleaved, releasing soluble
      fragments in blood (sVE-cadherin). In some diseases with endothelial dysfunction,
      a correlation between increased blood sVE-cadherin levels and disease state has
      been proposed. Irradiation is known to induce endothelial damage, but new serum
      biomarkers are needed to evaluate endothelial damage after irradiation. Here, the
      authors investigated whether sVE-cadherin may be an interesting biomarker of
      irradiation in highly irradiated baboons with bone marrow protection. sVE
      cadherin was detected in the plasma of young as well as old baboons. Plasma sVE
      cadherin levels significantly decrease a few days after irradiation but recover
      in the late time after irradiation. Kinetic analysis of plasma sVE-cadherin
      levels suggests a correlation with white blood cell counts in both the acute
      phase of irradiation and during hematopoietic recovery, suggesting that plasma
      sVE-cadherin levels may be partly linked to the disappearance and recovery of
      white blood cells. Interestingly, after hematopoietic recovery was completed, sVE
      cadherin levels were found to exceed control values, suggesting that plasma sVE
      cadherin may represent a new biomarker of endothelial damage or
      neovascularization in the late time after irradiation.

PMID- 27115228
TI  - Primary Beam Air Kerma Dependence on Distance from Cargo and People Scanners.
AB  - The distance dependence of air kerma or dose rate of the primary radiation beam
      is not obvious for security scanners of cargo and people in which there is
      relative motion between a collimated source and the person or object being
      imaged. To study this problem, one fixed line source and three moving-source scan
      geometry cases are considered, each characterized by radiation emanating
      perpendicular to an axis. The cases are 1) a stationary line source of
      radioactive material, e.g., contaminated solution in a pipe; 2) a moving,
      uncollimated point source of radiation that is shuttered or off when it is
      stationary; 3) a moving, collimated point source of radiation that is shuttered
      or off when it is stationary; and 4) a translating, narrow "pencil" beam
      emanating in a flying-spot, raster pattern. Each case is considered for short and
      long distances compared to the line source length or path traversed by a moving
      source. The short distance model pertains mostly to dose to objects being scanned
      and personnel associated with the screening operation. The long distance model
      pertains mostly to potential dose to bystanders. For radionuclide sources, the
      number of nuclear transitions that occur a) per unit length of a line source or
      b) during the traversal of a point source is a unifying concept. The "universal
      source strength" of air kerma rate at 1 m from the source can be used to describe
      x-ray machine or radionuclide sources. For many cargo and people scanners with
      highly collimated fan or pencil beams, dose varies as the inverse of the distance
      from the source in the near field and with the inverse square of the distance
      beyond a critical radius. Ignoring the inverse square dependence and using
      inverse distance dependence is conservative in the sense of tending to
      overestimate dose.

PMID- 27115229
TI  - Use of Transportable Radiation Detection Instruments to Assess Internal
      Contamination From Intakes of Radionuclides Part I: Field Tests and Monte Carlo
      Simulations.
AB  - The detonation of a radiological dispersion device or other radiological
      incidents could result in the dispersion of radioactive materials and intakes of
      radionuclides by affected individuals. Transportable radiation monitoring
      instruments could be used to measure photon radiation from radionuclides in the
      body for triaging individuals and assigning priorities to their bioassay samples
      for further assessments. Computer simulations and experimental measurements are
      required for these instruments to be used for assessing intakes of radionuclides.
      Count rates from calibrated sources of Co, Cs, and Am were measured on three
      instruments: a survey meter containing a 2.54 * 2.54-cm NaI(Tl) crystal, a
      thyroid probe using a 5.08 * 5.08-cm NaI(Tl) crystal, and a portal monitor
      incorporating two 3.81 * 7.62 * 182.9-cm polyvinyltoluene plastic scintillators.
      Computer models of the instruments and of the calibration sources were
      constructed, using engineering drawings and other data provided by the
      manufacturers. Count rates on the instruments were simulated using the Monte
      Carlo radiation transport code MCNPX. The computer simulations were within 16% of
      the measured count rates for all 20 measurements without using empirical
      radionuclide-dependent scaling factors, as reported by others. The weighted root
      mean-square deviations (differences between measured and simulated count rates,
      added in quadrature and weighted by the variance of the difference) were 10.9%
      for the survey meter, 4.2% for the thyroid probe, and 0.9% for the portal
      monitor. These results validate earlier MCNPX models of these instruments that
      were used to develop calibration factors that enable these instruments to be used
      for assessing intakes and committed doses from several gamma-emitting
      radionuclides.

PMID- 27115230
TI  - Outdoor Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation and Legislation in Brazil.
AB  - The total ozone column of 265 +/- 11 Dobson Units in the tropical-equatorial
      zones and 283 +/- 16 Dobson Units in the subtropics of Brazil are among the
      lowest on Earth, and as a result, the prevalence of skin cancer due to solar
      ultraviolet radiation is among the highest. Daily erythemal doses in Brazil can
      be over 7,500 J m. Erythemal dose rates on cloudless days of winter and summer
      are typically about 0.147 W m and 0.332 W m, respectively. However, radiation
      enhancement events yielded by clouds have been reported with erythemal dose rates
      of 0.486 W m. Daily doses of the diffuse component of erythemal radiation have
      been determined with values of 5,053 J m and diffuse erythemal dose rates of
      0.312 W m. Unfortunately, Brazilians still behave in ways that lead to
      overexposure to the sun. The annual personal ultraviolet radiation ambient dose
      among Brazilian youths can be about 5.3%. Skin cancer in Brazil is prevalent,
      with annual rates of 31.6% (non-melanoma) and 1.0% (melanoma). Governmental and
      non-governmental initiatives have been taken to increase public awareness of
      photoprotection behaviors. Resolution #56 by the Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia
      Sanitaria has banned tanning devices in Brazil. In addition, Projects of Law
      (PL), like PL 3730/2004, propose that the Sistema Unico de Saude should
      distribute sunscreen to members of the public, while PL 4027/2012 proposes that
      employers should provide outdoor workers with sunscreen during professional
      outdoor activities. Similar laws have already been passed in some municipalities.
      These are presented and discussed in this study.

PMID- 27115231
TI  - The Higher a Detector, the Larger Its Circle of Investigation.

PMID- 27115235
TI  - Iridium-catalysed ortho-H/D and -H/T exchange under basic conditions: C-H
      activation of unprotected tetrazoles.
AB  - The first examples of selective ortho-directed C-H activation with unprotected 2
      aryltetrazoles are described. A new base-assisted protocol for iridium(i)
      hydrogen isotope exchange catalysis allows access to ortho-deuterated and
      tritiated tetrazoles, including the tetrazole-containing pharmaceutical,
      Valsartan. Preliminary mechanistic studies are also presented. 

PMID- 27115236
TI  - A dynamic DFT approach to generalized diffusion equations in a system with long
      ranged and hydrodynamic interactions.
AB  - We build on an existing approximation scheme to the Smoluchowski equation in
      order to derive a dynamic density functional theory (DDFT) including two-body
      hydrodynamic interactions. A generalized diffusion equation and a wavenumber
      dependent diffusion coefficient D(k) are derived by linearization in the density
      fluctuations. The result is applied to a colloidal monolayer at a fluid
      interface, having bulk-like hydrodynamic interactions and/or interacting via long
      ranged capillary forces. In these cases, D(k) shows characteristic singularities
      as [Formula: see text]. The consequences of these singularities are studied by
      means of analytical perturbation theory, numerical solution of DDFT and
      simulations for an explicit example: the capillary collapse of a finite, disk
      like distribution of particles. There is in general a good agreement between DDFT
      and simulations if the initial density distributions for the theoretical
      prediction correspond to the actual initial configurations of simulations, rather
      than to an average over them. Otherwise, discrepancies arise that are discussed
      in detail.

PMID- 27115237
TI  - A density functional theory for colloids with two multiple bonding associating
      sites.
AB  - Wertheim's multi-density formalism is extended for patchy colloidal fluids with
      two multiple bonding patches. The theory is developed as a density functional
      theory to predict the properties of an associating inhomogeneous fluid. The
      equation of state developed for this fluid depends on the size of the patch, and
      includes formation of cyclic, branched and linear clusters of associated species.
      The theory predicts the density profile and the fractions of colloids in
      different bonding states versus the distance from one wall as a function of bulk
      density and temperature. The predictions from our theory are compared with
      previous results for a confined fluid with four single bonding association sites.
      Also, comparison between the present theory and Monte Carlo simulation indicates
      a good agreement.

PMID- 27115238
TI  - A Study I Kind of Wish I Had Done.

PMID- 27115239
TI  - Development of a Pitch Discrimination Screening Test for Preschool Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a critical need for tests of auditory discrimination for
      young children as this skill plays a fundamental role in the development of
      speaking, prereading, reading, language, and more complex auditory processes.
      Frequency discrimination is important with regard to basic sensory processing
      affecting phonological processing, dyslexia, measurements of intelligence,
      auditory memory, Asperger syndrome, and specific language impairment. PURPOSE:
      This study was performed to determine the clinical feasibility of the Pitch
      Discrimination Test (PDT) to screen the preschool child's ability to discriminate
      some of the acoustic demands of speech perception, primarily pitch
      discrimination, without linguistic content. The PDT used brief speech frequency
      tones to gather normative data from preschool children aged 3 to 5 yrs. RESEARCH
      DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was used to gather data regarding the pitch
      discrimination abilities of a sample of typically developing preschool children,
      between 3 and 5 yrs of age. The PDT consists of ten trials using two pure tones
      of 100-msec duration each, and was administered in an AA or AB forced-choice
      response format. STUDY SAMPLE: Data from 90 typically developing preschool
      children between the ages of 3 and 5 yrs were used to provide normative data.
      DATA ANALYSIS: Nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-testing was used to examine the
      effects of age as a continuous variable on pitch discrimination. The Kruskal
      Wallis test was used to determine the significance of age on performance on the
      PDT. Spearman rank was used to determine the correlation of age and performance
      on the PDT. RESULTS: Pitch discrimination of brief tones improved significantly
      from age 3 yrs to age 4 yrs, as well as from age 3 yrs to the age 4- and 5-yrs
      group. Results indicated that between ages 3 and 4 yrs, children's auditory
      discrimination of pitch improved on the PDT. The data showed that children can be
      screened for auditory discrimination of pitch beginning with age 4 yrs.
      CONCLUSIONS: The PDT proved to be a time efficient, feasible tool for a simple
      form of frequency discrimination screening in the preschool population before the
      age where other diagnostic tests of auditory processing disorders can be used.

PMID- 27115240
TI  - Hearing Aid Benefit in Patients with Mild Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Untreated sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is associated with
      chronic health-care conditions, isolation, loneliness, and reduced quality of
      life. Although hearing aids can minimize the negative effects of SNHL, only about
      one in five persons with SNHL seeks help for communication problems. Many persons
      wait 10 yr or more from the time they first notice a problem before pursuing
      amplification. Further, little information about the benefits of amplification is
      available for persons with mild SNHL (MSNHL), who likely defer treatment even
      longer. PURPOSE: To conduct a systematic review to weigh the evidence regarding
      benefits derived from the use of amplification by adults with MSNHL. RESEARCH
      DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. STUDY SAMPLE: Adult hearing aid
      wearers with bilateral average pure-tone thresholds <=45 dB HL at 500, 1000,
      2000, and 4000 Hz. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: PubMed, Cumulative Index to
      Nursing and Allied-Health Literature, Cochrane Collaboration, and Google Scholar
      were searched independently by the authors during September 2013. The authors
      used a consensus approach to assess the quality and extract data for the meta
      analysis. RESULTS: Of 106 articles recovered for full-text review, only 10 met
      inclusion criteria (at least Level IV of evidence and involved and reported
      separate pre-/postfitting hearing aid outcomes for patients with MSNHL). Included
      studies involved mainly middle-aged to elderly patients using hearing aids of
      various styles and circuitry. Results from all of the studies indicated positive
      benefits from amplification for patients with MSNHL. Data from five studies were
      suitable for a meta-analysis, which produced a small-to-medium effect size of
      0.85 (95% confidence intervals = 0.44-1.25) after adjusting for a small
      publication bias. This evidence confirmed benefits from the use of amplification
      in adults with MSNHL. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence exists supporting the notion that
      adults with MSNHL benefit from hearing aids. This information is important and
      useful to audiologists, patients, and third-party payers, even considering that
      most of the studies in this systematic review were limited, somewhat dated, and
      used analog and early digital technology available when the studies were
      conducted. Clinical recommendations may be even stronger as future studies become
      available for patients fit with modern styles and high-technology hearing aids.

PMID- 27115241
TI  - The Effect of Decreased Audibility on MMSE Performance: A Measure Commonly Used
      for Diagnosing Dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hearing loss and dementia are both prevalent in late adulthood. The
      most common test used to determine cognitive status in late adulthood, the Mini
      Mental State Examination (MMSE), is presented face to face, usually in the
      context of the physician's office in the presence of background noise. Despite
      the problems of hearing loss and cognitive problems in late life, there is an
      absence of evidence linking hearing-related deficits to performance on the MMSE
      and dementia diagnoses. PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of decreased
      audibility on performance on the MMSE. RESEARCH DESIGN: A between-subjects design
      was implemented. Participants were randomly assigned to one of five degrees of
      simulated hearing loss conditions and were blinded to condition assignment. STUDY
      SAMPLE: One hundred and twenty-five young normal-hearing participants were
      randomized into five conditions of varying degrees of simulated hearing loss.
      DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Performance on the MMSE was scored and cognitive
      status was categorized based on the scores. Analysis of variance with conditions
      as a between-subjects factor was conducted with post hoc multiple comparisons to
      determine the effect of audibility on performance. RESULTS: Reduced audibility
      significantly affected performance on the MMSE in a sample of young adults,
      resulting in greater apparent cognitive deficits as audibility decreased.
      CONCLUSIONS: Apparent cognitive deficits based on MMSE scores obtained in test
      conditions in which audibility is reduced could result in incorrectly identified
      cognitive loss if clinicians are not alert to hearing loss when patients are
      evaluated. Furthermore, health care providers should be cautious when using
      family report of cognitive impairment to diagnose dementia without accounting for
      hearing loss because the impression of family members may be based on
      misinterpretation of the effects of hearing loss.

PMID- 27115242
TI  - Audiologist Practices: Parent Hearing Aid Education and Support.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early identification of hearing loss has led to routine fitting of
      hearing aids in infants and young children. Amplification provides opportunities
      to optimize child development, although it also introduces challenges for parents
      to navigate. Audiologists have a central role in providing parents with support
      to achieve effective management strategies and habits. PURPOSE: The purpose of
      this study was to explore current practices of pediatric audiologists who work
      with children birth to 5 yr of age, regarding their support of parent learning in
      achieving effective hearing aid management, identify existing gaps in service
      delivery, and to determine if audiologists were receptive to receiving training
      related to effective approaches to provide counseling and support to parents.
      RESEARCH DESIGN: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was used. STUDY
      SAMPLE: Three hundred and forty-nine surveys were analyzed from pediatric
      audiologists who provided services to children birth to 5 yr of age. Responses
      were received from 22 states in the United States. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      Responses were collected through the mail and online. Descriptive statistics were
      used to analyze the information. RESULTS: More than half (61%) of the
      audiologists in the study had been providing pediatric hearing aid services to
      children birth to 5 yr of age for >10 yr. Of the audiologists who reported
      monitoring hours of hearing aid use, the majority reported that they used data
      logging (90%). More than half of the audiologists (57%) who shared data logging
      with parents reported that they encountered defensiveness from parents when
      addressing hearing aid use. Information and skills that were not routinely
      provided by one-third to one-half of the audiologists included the following: how
      to get access to loaner hearing aids (30%), available hearing aid
      options/accessories (33%), available financial assistance (36%), how to teach
      hearing aid management to other caregivers (38%), how to do hearing aid
      maintenance (44%), and how to do a Ling 6 sound check (52%). Many audiologists
      reported they did not frequently collaborate with speech-language pathologists
      (48%), early interventionists (47%), or physicians (68%). More than half of the
      audiologists indicated a desire for more training in counseling skills, for all
      14 items queried, to support parents with hearing aid management (53-79%),
      regardless of their previous training experience. CONCLUSIONS: For young children
      with hearing loss to achieve optimal benefit from auditory experiences for speech
      and language development, they need evidence-based, comprehensive, and
      coordinated hearing aid management. Audiologists have an important role for
      teaching information and skills related to hearing aids, supporting parent
      learning, and collaborating with other providers. Pediatric audiologists in this
      study recognized and desired the need for further training in counseling skills
      that can better prepare them to meet the emotional needs of parents in the
      hearing aid management process.

PMID- 27115243
TI  - On the Relationship Between Musicianship and Contralateral Suppression of
      Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent reflex that modulates outer
      hair cell function has been shown to be more robust in musicians versus
      nonmusicians as evidenced in greater contralateral suppression of transient
      evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs). All previous research comparing musical
      ability and MOC efferent strength has defined musicianship dichotomously (i.e.,
      high-level music students or professional classical musicians versus
      nonmusicians). PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to further explore
      contralateral suppression of TEOAEs among adults with a full spectrum of
      musicianship ranging from no history of musicianship to professional musicians.
      Musicianship was defined by both self-report and with an objective test to
      quantify individual differences in perceptual music skills. RESEARCH DESIGN: A
      single-factor between-subjects and correlational research designs were employed.
      STUDY SAMPLE: Forty-five normal-hearing young adults participated. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Participants completed a questionnaire concerning their
      music experience and completed the Brief Profile of Music Perception Skills
      (PROMS) to quantify perceptual musical skills across multiple musical domains
      (i.e., accent, melody, tempo, and tuning). TEOAEs were evaluated with 60 dB peak
      equivalent sound pressure level click stimuli with and without a contralateral 65
      dB sound pressure level white noise suppressor. TEOAE suppression was expressed
      in two ways, absolute TEOAE suppression in dB and a normalized index of TEOAE
      suppression (i.e., percentage of suppression). RESULTS: Participants who
      considered themselves musicians scored significantly higher on all subscales and
      total Brief PROMS score (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant
      difference between musicians and nonmusicians in absolute TEOAE suppression or
      percentage of TEOAE suppression (p > 0.05). There were no statistically
      significant correlations or linear predictive relationships between subscale or
      total Brief PROMS scores with absolute and percentage of TEOAE suppression (p >
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings do not support the notion of a graded
      enhancement of MOC efferent suppression among adults with varied degrees of
      musicianship from nonmusicians to professional musicians.

PMID- 27115244
TI  - Cochlear Spiral Ganglion Neuron Apoptosis in Neonatal Mice with Murine
      Cytomegalovirus-Induced Sensorineural Hearing Loss.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common consequence of
      congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, and could result in neurological
      abnormalities and intellectual and developmental disabilities. PURPOSE: To
      explore the mechanism of murine CMV (MCMV)-induced SNHL in neonatal mice model.
      RESEARCH DESIGN: A repeated measures design was used. STUDY SAMPLE: Total 72
      neonatal BALB/C mice (36 males and 36 females) were randomly divided into two
      groups. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: MCMV suspension (50% tissue culture
      infective dose = 10(4.15) IU/0.1 ml, 15 MUl) or physiological saline was
      intracranially injected into neonatal mice in the experimental or control group,
      respectively. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was measured at three weeks
      postinjection. At 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days postinjection, MCMV-DNA polymerase
      chain reaction analysis was performed to detect MCMV infection in cochlea,
      followed by terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine
      triphosphate-biotin nick-end labeling analysis and immunohistochemistry staining.
      RESULTS: Extended latency, decreased amplitude, and increased threshold of ABR
      wave I were observed in the experimental group. Polymerase chain reaction test
      was positive from 3 to 21 days postinjection in the experimental group and
      negative at each time point in the control group. The average apoptosis index was
      higher in the experimental group than that in the control group from 3 to 21 days
      postinjection (p < 0.01). In addition, compared with the control group, B-cell
      lymphoma 2 and B-cell lymphoma 2-associated protein ratio was decreased in the
      experimental group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Spiral ganglion neuron apoptosis was
      an important component of the mechanism of SNHL in MCMV-infected mice.

PMID- 27115245
TI  - Hearing Aid Patient Education Materials: Is There Room for Improvement?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the readability of
      patient education materials (PEMs) from leading manufacturers of behind-the-ear
      style hearing aids and popular hearing aid information Web sites to determine if
      they meet guidelines recommended by public health agencies. RESEARCH DESIGN:
      Analysis of hearing aid PEMs. METHODS: Printed user guides from six of the
      leading manufacturers of BTE hearing aids and 15 of the most popular hearing aid
      information Web sites were accessed online and analyzed for readability using the
      Gunning-Fog Index, New Fog Count, Raygor Estimate Graph, Simple Measure of
      Gobbledygook, and Flesch Reading Ease score. RESULTS: Overall average grade-level
      readability for all six printed manufacturer user manuals was calculated to be
      written at a 10th grade reading level. Overall average grade-level readabilities
      for all 15 popular online hearing aid-information Web sites representing
      professional organizations, suppliers, and health information services were
      calculated to be written at 10th, 10th, and 11th grade reading levels,
      respectively. Average Flesch Reading Ease scores for all printed guides and
      online patient information Web sites were calculated to fall within the fairly
      difficult category for readability. CONCLUSIONS: PEMs provided by top hearing aid
      manufactures and popular hearing aid Web sites are written well above the reading
      level recommended by the National Institutes of Health. Consideration should be
      given toward simplifying these materials in order to enhance user experience and
      increase compliance among behind-the-ear hearing aid users.

PMID- 27115247
TI  - Structural and Spectroscopic Characterization of Rhenium Complexes Containing
      Neutral, Monoanionic, and Dianionic Ligands of 2,2'-Bipyridines and 2,2':6,2"
      Terpyridines: An Experimental and Density Functional Theory (DFT)-Computational
      Study.
AB  - The molecular and electronic structures of the members of the following electron
      transfer series have been determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography,
      temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements, and UV-vis-NIR and
      electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and verified by density functional
      theory calculations (DFT B3LYP): [Re((Me)bpy)3](n), [Re(tpy)2](n),
      [Re(Tp)(bpy)Cl](n) (n = 2+, 1+, 0, 1-), and [Re(bpy)(CO)3](1+,0,1-) ((Me)bpy = 4,
      4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine; Tp(-) = tris-pyrazolylborate, tpy = 2, 2':6, 2"
      terpyridine). For each series we show that the average Cpy-Cpy bond length and
      the average C-Nchel bond distance vary in a linear fashion with the charge n of
      the N,N'-coordinated (bpy)(n) and N,N',N"-coordinated (tpy)(n) ligand.
      Consequently, the difference Delta between these two bond lengths varies also
      linearly with n. Delta is shown to be a useful single marker for the oxidation
      level of these two heterocyclic ligands (neutral, pi-radical anion, and dianion).
      In addition, we have synthesized and structurally as well as spectroscopically
      characterized the following complexes: [((cy)DAB(*))Re(IV)Cl3(PPh3)](0) 1,
      [Re(III)(tpy(*))Cl(PPh3)2]Cl 2, [Re(III)(tpy(0))2Cl](OTf)2.2Et2O 8. There are no
      structurally significant (experimentally detectable) pi-back-bond effects of the
      neutral bpy(0) or tpy(0) ligands irrespective of the d(N) configuration (N = 0-7)
      of the central Re atom.

PMID- 27115248
TI  - Near-IR Electrochromism in Electrodeposited Thin Films of Cyclometalated
      Complexes.
AB  - Homogeneous thin films of controlled thickness obtained from cyclometalated
      complexes of general formula [(C(?)N)M(O(?)N)], where M = Pd(II) or Pt(II),
      H(C(?)N) = 2-phenylpyridine and, respectively, 2-thienylpyridine and H(O(?)N) = a
      triphenylamine functionalized Schiff base, have been deposited by oxidative
      electropolymerization. The films have been electrochemically and morphologically
      characterized. The metallopolymeric thin films present stable reversible redox
      behavior and typical cauliflower-like textures in agreement with a nucleation
      growth electropolymerization mechanism. However, the film growth is greatly
      influenced by the nature of the metal center, with a higher tendency of the Pt
      complexes to promote the 3D growth. Furthermore, a complete
      spectroelectrochemical study has been performed on electrodeposited films showing
      near-IR absorption in the oxidized state, high contrast ratios (up to 65%) and
      low response times.

PMID- 27115250
TI  - Editor's Column: A Reflection on Studies Using Retrospective Record Review.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this column, the Editor of the American Journal of Speech-Language
      Pathology reflects on the value of retrospective record review and considers the
      design elements that contribute to sound methodology in this format.

PMID- 27115254
TI  - Pueblo Series, Acoma: Raymond Jonson.

PMID- 27115249
TI  - Chemical Tools To Monitor and Manipulate Adaptive Immune Responses.
AB  - Methods to monitor and manipulate the immune system are of enormous clinical
      interest. For example, the development of vaccines represents one of the earliest
      and greatest accomplishments of the biomedical research enterprise. More
      recently, drugs capable of "reawakening" the immune system to cancer have
      generated enormous excitement. But, much remains to be done. All drugs available
      today that manipulate the immune system cannot distinguish between "good" and
      "bad" immune responses and thus drive general and systemic immune suppression or
      activation. Indeed, with the notable exception of vaccines, our ability to
      monitor and manipulate antigen-specific immune responses is in its infancy.
      Achieving this finer level of control would be highly desirable. For example, it
      might allow the pharmacological editing of pathogenic immune responses without
      restricting the ability of the immune system to defend against infection. On the
      diagnostic side, a method to comprehensively monitor the circulating, antigen
      specific antibody population could provide a treasure trove of clinically useful
      biomarkers, since many diseases expose the immune system to characteristic
      molecules that are deemed foreign and elicit the production of antibodies against
      them. This Perspective will discuss the state-of-the-art of this area with a
      focus on what we consider seminal opportunities for the chemistry community to
      contribute to this important field.

PMID- 27115255
TI  - Consensus Plans Emerge to Tackle Long-term Care Costs.

PMID- 27115262
TI  - A Patient-Designed Do-It-Yourself Mobile Technology System for Diabetes: Promise
      and Challenges for a New Era in Medicine.

PMID- 27115263
TI  - A PIECE OF MY MIND. Mentorship Malpractice.

PMID- 27115265
TI  - Association of Changes in Air Quality With Bronchitic Symptoms in Children in
      California, 1993-2012.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Childhood bronchitic symptoms are significant public and clinical
      health problems that produce a substantial burden of disease. Ambient air
      pollutants are important determinants of bronchitis occurrence. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine whether improvements in ambient air quality in Southern California were
      associated with reductions in bronchitic symptoms in children. DESIGN, SETTING,
      AND PARTICIPANTS: A longitudinal study involving 4602 children (age range, 5-18
      years) from 3 cohorts was conducted during the 1993-2001, 1996-2004, and 2003
      2012 years in 8 Southern California communities. A multilevel logistic model was
      used to estimate the association of changes in pollution levels with bronchitic
      symptoms. EXPOSURES: Average concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, ozone,
      particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 10 um (PM10) and
      less than 2.5 um (PM2.5). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Annual age-specific
      prevalence of bronchitic symptoms during the previous 12 months based on the
      parent's or child's report of a daily cough for 3 months in a row, congestion or
      phlegm other than when accompanied by a cold, or bronchitis. RESULTS: The 3
      cohorts included a total of 4602 children (mean age at baseline, 8.0 years; 2268
      girls [49.3%]; 2081 Hispanic white [45.2%]) who had data from 2 or more annual
      questionnaires. Among these children, 892 (19.4%) had asthma at age 10 years. For
      nitrogen dioxide, the odds ratio (OR) for bronchitic symptoms among children with
      asthma at age 10 years was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.67-0.94) for a median reduction of 4.9
      ppb, with absolute decrease in prevalence of 10.1%. For ozone, the OR was 0.66
      (95% CI, 0.50-0.86) for a median reduction of 3.6 ppb, with an absolute decrease
      in prevalence of 16.3%. For PM10, the OR was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.48-0.78) for a
      median reduction of 5.8 ug/m3, with an absolute decrease in prevalence of 18.7%.
      For PM2.5, the OR was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.53-0.86) for a median reduction of 6.8
      ug/m3, with absolute decrease in prevalence of 15.4%. Among children without
      asthma (n = 3710), the ORs were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.76-0.92) for nitrogen dioxide;
      0.85 (95% CI, 0.74-0.97) for ozone, 0.80 (95% CI, 0.70-0.92) for PM10, and 0.79
      (95% CI, 0.69-0.91) for PM2.5; with absolute decrease in prevalence of 1.8% for
      nitrogen dioxide, 1.7% for ozone, 2.2% for PM10, and 2.3% for PM2.5. The
      associations were similar or slightly stronger at age 15 years. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Decreases in ambient pollution levels were associated with
      statistically significant decreases in bronchitic symptoms in children. Although
      the study design does not establish causality, the findings support potential
      benefit of air pollution reduction on asthma control.

PMID- 27115266
TI  - Does This Patient Have Infectious Mononucleosis?: The Rational Clinical
      Examination Systematic Review.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Early, accurate diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis can help
      clinicians target treatment, avoid antibiotics, and provide an accurate
      prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature regarding the value
      of the clinical examination and white blood cell count for the diagnosis of
      mononucleosis. DATA SOURCES: The databases of PubMed (from 1966-2016) and EMBASE
      (from 1947-2015) were searched and a total of 670 articles and abstracts were
      reviewed for eligibility. STUDY SELECTION: Eleven studies were included that
      reported data sufficient to calculate sensitivity, specificity, or both for
      clinical examination findings and white blood cell count parameters compared with
      a valid reference standard. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Data were abstracted
      from each article by at least 2 reviewers, with discrepancies reconciled by
      consensus. Clinical findings evaluated in only 1 study are reported with
      sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio (LR), and 95% confidence interval,
      which were calculated from the available data. Findings evaluated in only 2
      studies were summarized with their range, findings evaluated in 3 studies were
      summarized with a univariate random-effects summary, and findings evaluated in 4
      or more studies were summarized with a bivariate random-effects meta-analysis.
      MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Sensitivity, specificity, and LRs for the diagnosis
      of mononucleosis. RESULTS: Mononucleosis is most commonly present among patients
      aged 5 to 25 years (especially those aged 16-20 years, among whom approximately 1
      in 13 patients presenting with sore throat has mononucleosis). The likelihood of
      mononucleosis is reduced with the absence of any lymphadenopathy (summary
      sensitivity, 0.91; positive LR range, 0.23-0.44), whereas the likelihood
      increases with the presence of posterior cervical adenopathy (summary
      specificity, 0.87; positive LR, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.6-5.9]), inguinal or axillary
      adenopathy (specificity range, 0.82-0.91; positive LR range, 3.0-3.1), palatine
      petechiae (specificity, 0.95; positive LR, 5.3 [95% CI, 2.1-13]), and
      splenomegaly (specificity range, 0.71-0.99; positive LR range, 1.9-6.6). Symptoms
      are of limited value for the diagnosis of mononucleosis; sore throat and fatigue
      are sensitive (range, 0.81-0.83) but nonspecific. The presence of atypical
      lymphocytosis significantly increases the likelihood of mononucleosis (summary
      LR, 11.4 [95% CI, 2.7-35] for atypical lymphocytes >=10%, 26 [95% CI, 9.6-68] for
      those with 20%, and 50 [95% CI, 38-64] for those with 40%). The combination of a
      patient having greater than 50% lymphocytes and greater than 10% atypical
      lymphocytes also is useful (specificity, 0.99; positive LR, 54 [95% CI, 8.4
      189]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In adolescent and adult patients presenting
      with sore throat, the presence of posterior cervical, inguinal or axillary
      adenopathy, palatine petechiae, splenomegaly, or atypical lymphocytosis is
      associated with an increased likelihood of mononucleosis.

PMID- 27115267
TI  - Management of Atopic Dermatitis.

PMID- 27115268
TI  - Safety of Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

PMID- 27115269
TI  - Physicians' Knowledge About FDA Approval Standards and Perceptions of the
      "Breakthrough Therapy" Designation.

PMID- 27115264
TI  - Effect of a Quality Improvement Intervention With Daily Round Checklists, Goal
      Setting, and Clinician Prompting on Mortality of Critically Ill Patients: A
      Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The effectiveness of checklists, daily goal assessments, and
      clinician prompts as quality improvement interventions in intensive care units
      (ICUs) is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a multifaceted quality
      improvement intervention reduces the mortality of critically ill adults. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study had 2 phases. Phase 1 was an observational
      study to assess baseline data on work climate, care processes, and clinical
      outcomes, conducted between August 2013 and March 2014 in 118 Brazilian ICUs.
      Phase 2 was a cluster randomized trial conducted between April and November 2014
      with the same ICUs. The first 60 admissions of longer than 48 hours per ICU were
      enrolled in each phase. INTERVENTIONS: Intensive care units were randomized to a
      quality improvement intervention, including a daily checklist and goal setting
      during multidisciplinary rounds with follow-up clinician prompting for 11 care
      processes, or to routine care. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: In-hospital mortality
      truncated at 60 days (primary outcome) was analyzed using a random-effects
      logistic regression model, adjusted for patients' severity and the ICU's baseline
      standardized mortality ratio. Exploratory secondary outcomes included adherence
      to care processes, safety climate, and clinical events. RESULTS: A total of 6877
      patients (mean age, 59.7 years; 3218 [46.8%] women) were enrolled in the baseline
      (observational) phase and 6761 (mean age, 59.6 years; 3098 [45.8%] women) in the
      randomized phase, with 3327 patients enrolled in ICUs (n = 59) assigned to the
      intervention group and 3434 patients in ICUs (n = 59) assigned to routine care.
      There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the
      intervention group and the usual care group, with 1096 deaths (32.9%) and 1196
      deaths (34.8%), respectively (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.82-1.26; P = .88).
      Among 20 prespecified secondary outcomes not adjusted for multiple comparisons, 6
      were significantly improved in the intervention group (use of low tidal volumes,
      avoidance of heavy sedation, use of central venous catheters, use of urinary
      catheters, perception of team work, and perception of patient safety climate),
      whereas there were no significant differences between the intervention group and
      the control group for 14 outcomes (ICU mortality, central line-associated
      bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infection,
      mean ventilator-free days, mean ICU length of stay, mean hospital length of stay,
      bed elevation to >=30 degrees , venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, diet
      administration, job satisfaction, stress reduction, perception of management, and
      perception of working conditions). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among critically
      ill patients treated in ICUs in Brazil, implementation of a multifaceted quality
      improvement intervention with daily checklists, goal setting, and clinician
      prompting did not reduce in-hospital mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01785966.

PMID- 27115270
TI  - Acute Kidney Injury With Buffered Crystalloids vs Saline Among ICU Patients.

PMID- 27115271
TI  - Acute Kidney Injury With Buffered Crystalloids vs Saline Among ICU Patients.

PMID- 27115272
TI  - Acute Kidney Injury With Buffered Crystalloids vs Saline Among ICU Patients.

PMID- 27115273
TI  - Acute Kidney Injury With Buffered Crystalloids vs Saline Among ICU Patients.

PMID- 27115274
TI  - Acute Kidney Injury With Buffered Crystalloids vs Saline Among ICU Patients.

PMID- 27115275
TI  - Covariate Adjustment and Propensity Score.

PMID- 27115277
TI  - Affiliation Preference for 2 Authors.

PMID- 27115276
TI  - Acute Kidney Injury With Buffered Crystalloids vs Saline Among ICU Patients-
      Reply.

PMID- 27115278
TI  - Incorrect Effect Estimate.

PMID- 27115279
TI  - Covariate Adjustment and Propensity Score--Reply.

PMID- 27115281
TI  - A Harvey Anniversary: 1616-1916.

PMID- 27115282
TI  - JAMA PATIENT PAGE. Infectious Mononucleosis.

PMID- 27115285
TI  - The secretin/secretin receptor axis modulates liver fibrosis through changes in
      transforming growth factor-beta1 biliary secretion in mice.
AB  - The secretin/secretin receptor (SR) axis is up-regulated by proliferating
      cholangiocytes during cholestasis. Secretin stimulates biliary proliferation by
      down-regulation of let-7a and subsequent up-regulation of the growth-promoting
      factor, nerve growth factor (NGF). It is not known whether the secretin/SR axis
      plays a role in subepithelial fibrosis observed during cholestasis. Our aim was
      to determine the role of the secretin/SR axis in activation of biliary fibrosis
      in animal models and human primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Studies were
      performed in wild-type (WT) mice with bile duct ligation (BDL), BDL SR(-/-) mice,
      or Mdr2(-/-) mouse models of cholestatic liver injury. In selected studies, the
      SR antagonist (Sec 5-27) was used to block the secretin/SR axis. Biliary
      proliferation and fibrosis were evaluated as well as secretion of secretin (by
      cholangiocytes and S cells), expression of markers of fibrosis, transforming
      growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), transforming growth factor-beta1 receptor (TGF
      beta1R), let-7a, and downstream expression of NGF. Correlative studies were
      performed in human control and PSC liver tissue biopsies, serum, and bile. SR
      antagonist reduced biliary proliferation and hepatic fibrosis in BDL WT and Mdr2(
      /-) mice. There was decreased expression of let-7a in BDL and Mdr2(-/-)
      cholangiocytes that was associated with increased NGF expression. Inhibition of
      let-7a accelerated liver fibrosis was attributed to cholestasis. There was
      increased expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta1R. Significantly higher expression
      of secretin, SR, and TGF-beta1 was observed in PSC patient liver samples compared
      to healthy controls. In addition, there was higher expression of fibrosis genes
      and remarkably decreased expression of let-7a and increased expression of NGF
      compared to the control. CONCLUSION: The secretin/SR axis plays a key role in
      regulating the biliary contribution to cholestasis-induced hepatic fibrosis.
      (Hepatology 2016;64:865-879).

PMID- 27115286
TI  - Improving Appropriate Neurologic Prognostication after Cardiac Arrest. A Stepped
      Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - RATIONALE: Predictions about neurologic prognosis that are based on early
      clinical findings after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are often
      inaccurate and may lead to premature decisions to withdraw life-sustaining
      treatments (LST) in patients who might otherwise survive with good neurologic
      outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To improve adherence to recommendations for appropriate
      neurologic prognostication after OHCA and reduce deaths from premature decisions
      to withdraw LST. METHODS: This was a pragmatic stepped wedge cluster randomized
      controlled trial evaluating a multifaceted quality intervention (education,
      pathways, local champions, audit-feedback). The primary outcome was appropriate
      neurologic prognostication, defined as (1a) no early withdrawal of LST (WLST)
      (within 72 h) based on estimates of poor neurologic prognosis and (1b) no WLST
      between 72 hours and 7 days in absence of clinical predictors of poor neurologic
      prognosis or (2) surviving beyond 7 days. Secondary outcomes were deaths from
      early WLST and survival with good neurologic outcome. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Between June 1, 2011, and June 30, 2014, a total of 905 patients with
      OHCA were enrolled from ICUs of 18 Ontario hospitals. Rates of appropriate
      neurologic prognostication increased after the intervention (68% vs. 74%
      patients; odds ratio [OR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-3.19; P =
      0.05). However, rates of survival to hospital discharge (46% vs. 50%; OR, 1.71;
      95% CI, 0.97-3.01; P = 0.06) and survival with good neurologic outcome remained
      similar (38% vs. 43%; OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.84-2.86; P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: A
      multicenter quality intervention improved rates of appropriate neurologic
      prognostication after OHCA but did not increase survival with good neurologic
      outcome. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 01472458).

PMID- 27115287
TI  - A Geometrically-Constrained Mathematical Model of Mammary Gland Ductal Elongation
      Reveals Novel Cellular Dynamics within the Terminal End Bud.
AB  - Mathematics is often used to model biological systems. In mammary gland
      development, mathematical modeling has been limited to acinar and branching
      morphogenesis and breast cancer, without reference to normal duct formation. We
      present a model of ductal elongation that exploits the geometrically-constrained
      shape of the terminal end bud (TEB), the growing tip of the duct, and
      incorporates morphometrics, region-specific proliferation and apoptosis rates.
      Iterative model refinement and behavior analysis, compared with biological data,
      indicated that the traditional metric of nipple to the ductal front distance, or
      percent fat pad filled to evaluate ductal elongation rate can be misleading, as
      it disregards branching events that can reduce its magnitude. Further, model
      driven investigations of the fates of specific TEB cell types confirmed migration
      of cap cells into the body cell layer, but showed their subsequent preferential
      elimination by apoptosis, thus minimizing their contribution to the luminal
      lineage and the mature duct. 

PMID- 27115288
TI  - Air Oxidation of Activated Carbon to Synthesize a Biomimetic Catalyst for
      Hydrolysis of Cellulose.
AB  - Oxygenated carbon catalyzes the hydrolysis of cellulose present in
      lignocellulosic biomass by utilizing the weakly acidic functional groups on its
      surface. Here we report the synthesis of a biomimetic carbon catalyst by simple
      and economical air-oxidation of a commercially available activated carbon. Air-
      oxidation at 450-500  degrees C introduced 2000-2400 MUmol g(-1) of oxygenated
      functional groups on the material with minor changes in the textural properties.
      Selectivity towards the formation of carboxylic groups on the catalyst surface
      increased with the increase in oxidation temperature. The degree of oxidation on
      carbon catalyst was found to be proportional to its activity for hydrolysis of
      cellulose. The hydrolysis of eucalyptus in the presence of carbon oxidized at 475
      degrees C afforded glucose yield of 77 % and xylose yield of 67 %.

PMID- 27115289
TI  - Electrostatic Interaction-Directed Growth of Nickel Phosphate Single-Walled
      Nanotubes for High Performance Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalysts.
AB  - A series of nickel phosphate single-walled nanotubes with controllable structure
      parameters are fabricated by utilizing alkali metal ions with the same charge
      number but different ion radii. Different electrostatic interactions between the
      cations and related growing intermediates are demonstrated to play a crucial role
      in controlling the growing process of nanotubes. 

PMID- 27115291
TI  - Pharmacological management of breathlessness in COPD: recent advances and hopes
      for the future.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Activity-related breathlessness is often the dominant symptom in
      patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and usually persists
      despite optimal medical therapy. Currently, our inability to meaningfully alter
      the pathophysiology of the underlying disease means that we must focus our
      attention on relieving this distressing symptom so as to improve exercise
      tolerance and quality of life. AREAS COVERED: The current review examines the
      neurobiology of breathlessness and constructs a solid physiological rationale for
      amelioration of this distressing symptom. We will examine the efficacy of
      interventions which: 1) reduce the increased central drive to breathe (opioids);
      2) improve the respiratory system's ability to appropriately respond to this
      increased demand (bronchodilators); and 3) address the important affective
      dimension of breathlessness (anxiolytics). Expert commentary: Advances in our
      understanding of the mechanisms of activity-related breathlessness in COPD, and
      its measurement in the clinical domain, now set the stage for the development of
      effective management strategies on an individual patient basis.

PMID- 27115290
TI  - Bacterial beta-Glucosidase Reveals the Structural and Functional Basis of Genetic
      Defects in Human Glucocerebrosidase 2 (GBA2).
AB  - Human glucosylcerebrosidase 2 (GBA2) of the CAZy family GH116 is responsible for
      the breakdown of glycosphingolipids on the cytoplasmic face of the endoplasmic
      reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Genetic defects in GBA2 result in spastic
      paraplegia and cerebellar ataxia, while cross-talk between GBA2 and GBA1
      glucosylceramidases may affect Gaucher disease. Here, we report the first three
      dimensional structure for any GH116 enzyme, Thermoanaerobacterium xylanolyticum
      TxGH116 beta-glucosidase, alone and in complex with diverse ligands. These
      structures allow identification of the glucoside binding and active site
      residues, which are shown to be conserved with GBA2. Mutagenic analysis of
      TxGH116 and structural modeling of GBA2 provide a detailed structural and
      functional rationale for pathogenic missense mutations of GBA2.

PMID- 27115292
TI  - pHAST (pH-Driven Aptamer Switch for Thrombin) Catch-and-Release of Target
      Protein.
AB  - A pH-driven DNA nanomachine based on the human alpha-thrombin binding aptamer was
      designed for the specific catch-and-release of human alpha-thrombin at neutral
      and acidic pH, respectively. In neutral conditions, the thrombin aptamer
      component of the nanomachine is exposed and exists in the G-quadruplex
      conformation required to bind to the target protein. At slightly acidic pH, the
      polyadenine tail of the nanomachine becomes partially protonated and
      A+(anti)*G(syn) mispairing results in a conformational change, causing the target
      protein to be released. Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used to
      monitor conformational switching over multiple pH cycles. Electrophoretic
      mobility shift assay (EMSA) and fluorescence anisotropy were used to show pH
      dependent protein binding and release by the nanomachine. This approach could be
      applied generally to existing G-rich aptamers to develop novel biosensors,
      theranostics, and nanoswitches.

PMID- 27115293
TI  - The Non-Conventional Effects of Glucocorticoids in Cancer.
AB  - Synthetic corticosteroids are widely used for the treatment of a variety of
      diseases, including pre-malignant and malignant conditions. In striking contrast,
      recent evidence suggests that corticosteroids can bear tumor-promoting effects in
      solid tumors of epithelial origin. We have recently shown that epithelial
      tissues, including the mucosa of the oral cavity and the skin, are able to
      modulate the local concentration of active corticosteroids and to produce
      steroids de novo. This has important clinical and physiopathological
      implications, because tissue-specific regulation of glucocorticoids plays a key
      role in the overall effect of these molecules. In the present review of the
      current English literature, performed using MEDLINE/PubMed/Ovid databases, we
      collected published evidence to demonstrate that corticosteroids induce effects
      that are more complex and controversial than previously acknowledged. Published
      studies clearly demonstrate that this class of molecules influences
      pathophysiological processes that are strictly related to malignancy, providing
      the rationale for further investigation. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2368-2373, 2016.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27115294
TI  - Advancing the framework for considering the effects of climate change on worker
      safety and health.
AB  - In 2009, a preliminary framework for how climate change could affect worker
      safety and health was described. That framework was based on a literature search
      from 1988-2008 that supported seven categories of climate-related occupational
      hazards: (1) increased ambient temperature; (2) air pollution; (3) ultraviolet
      radiation exposure; (4) extreme weather; (5) vector-borne diseases and expanded
      habitats; (6) industrial transitions and emerging industries; and (7) changes in
      the built environment. This article reviews the published literature from 2008
      2014 in each of the seven categories. Additionally, three new topics related to
      occupational safety and health are considered: mental health effects, economic
      burden, and potential worker safety and health impacts associated with the
      nascent field of climate intervention (geoengineering). Beyond updating the
      literature, this article also identifies key priorities for action to better
      characterize and understand how occupational safety and health may be associated
      with climate change events and ensure that worker health and safety issues are
      anticipated, recognized, evaluated, and mitigated. These key priorities include
      research, surveillance, risk assessment, risk management, and policy development.
      Strong evidence indicates that climate change will continue to present
      occupational safety and health hazards, and this framework may be a useful tool
      for preventing adverse effects to workers.

PMID- 27115295
TI  - Ischemic stroke induces gut permeability and enhances bacterial translocation
      leading to sepsis in aged mice.
AB  - Aging is an important risk factor for post-stroke infection, which accounts for a
      large proportion of stroke-associated mortality. Despite this, studies evaluating
      post-stroke infection rates in aged animal models are limited. In addition, few
      studies have assessed gut microbes as a potential source of infection following
      stroke. Therefore we investigated the effects of age and the role of bacterial
      translocation from the gut in post-stroke infection in young (8-12 weeks) and
      aged (18-20 months) C57Bl/6 male mice following transient middle cerebral artery
      occlusion (MCAO) or sham surgery. Gut permeability was examined and peripheral
      organs were assessed for the presence of gut-derived bacteria following stroke.
      Furthermore, sickness parameters and components of innate and adaptive immunity
      were examined. We found that while stroke induced gut permeability and bacterial
      translocation in both young and aged mice, only young mice were able to resolve
      infection. Bacterial species seeding peripheral organs also differed between
      young (Escherichia) and aged (Enterobacter) mice. Consequently, aged mice
      developed a septic response marked by persistent and exacerbated hypothermia,
      weight loss, and immune dysfunction compared to young mice following stroke.

PMID- 27115311
TI  - Validation of PI-RADS v.2 for prostate cancer diagnosis with MRI at 3T using an
      external phased-array coil.
AB  - PURPOSE: To date, few studies have validated the Prostate Imaging Reporting and
      Data System Version 2 (PI-RADS v. 2) for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Our
      aim was to validate PI-RADS v.2 using 3 Tesla (T) MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This is a retrospective study of 54 consecutive patients who underwent 3T MRI
      with a body-array coil for diagnostic confirmation of prostate cancer or cancer
      staging between June 2013 and June 2015. Sensitivity, specificity, and agreement
      were calculated based on a criterion of PI-RADS score = 3. Inter-examiner
      agreement was determined by the weighted kappa statistic. RESULTS: Histological
      findings were positive for cancer in 33 patients and negative in 21 patients.
      Considering a PI-RADS score of 3 as positive for cancer, the accuracy of each
      reader was 85.20% and 70.40%, respectively, and agreement coefficients were kappa
      = 0.69 and kappa = 0.35. Considering PI-RADS 3 as absence of cancer, the accuracy
      of each reader was 77.80% and 77.80%, respectively, and agreement was kappa =
      0.55 and kappa = 0.54. Inter-reader agreement was moderate/good (weighted kappa =
      0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.39-0.66; P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: High accuracy
      was obtained for the diagnosis of prostate cancer using 3T MRI with a body coil
      and the PI-RADS v.2 score. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1354-1359.

PMID- 27115312
TI  - Triple Dipole Effect from Self-Assembled Small-Molecules for High Performance
      Organic Photovoltaics.
AB  - A novel triple dipole effect has been observed for Cl-assisted self-assembled
      small-molecules on ITO substrate, and a highest polymer solar cell performance of
      9.2% is obtained. 

PMID- 27115313
TI  - Asthma, COPD and comorbidities in elderly people.
AB  - Co-morbidities are a significant problem in the elderly population but are rarely
      presented and analyzed for interdependencies among the various coexisting chronic
      diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to present a profile of
      comorbidities in elderly patients with and without asthma and COPD. METHODS:
      Respondents were recruited at 20 sites in Poland. Stratified random sampling from
      patient databases resulted in 15,973 patients older than 60 years of age. A
      retrospective analysis of medical history and ICD-10 codes was performed. In
      addition, patients underwent a spirometry test with a bronchial reversibility
      test and were administered questionnaires on the prevalence of chronic diseases
      by doctors. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 1023 asthmatic patients,
      1084 patients with COPD and 1076 control subjects without any signs of
      bronchoconstriction and with correct spirometry. Patients with asthma exhibited a
      similar distribution of cardiovascular and metabolic co-morbidities as the
      control group. However, asthmatic patients had a higher prevalence of arterial
      hypertension and depression with an odds ratio (OR) = 1.48 (95% CI: 1.38-1.62)
      and OR = 1.52 (95% CI: 1.44-1.68), respectively. Coronary disease (OR = 2.12; 95%
      CI: 1.97-2.33), cor pulmonale (OR = 3.1; 95% CI: 2.87-3.22) and heart failure (OR
      = 2.71; 95% CI: 2.64-3.11) were predominantly observed in patients with COPD.
      Patients with severe asthma exhibited a greater predisposition to cardiovascular
      and neuropsychiatric diseases. CONCLUSION: Asthma coexisted frequently with
      arterial hypertension and depression in elderly patients. Patients with COPD have
      a more exaggerated profile of coexisting diseases, specifically cardiovascular
      problems.

PMID- 27115314
TI  - "Don't Try to Cover the Sky with Your Hands": Parents' Experiences with Prognosis
      Communication About Their Children with Advanced Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physicians worry that disclosure of prognostic information can be
      distressing and deprive families of hope. Retrospective studies have shown that
      prognostic disclosure does not abrogate hope, but prospective data are lacking.
      OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to prospectively evaluate responses to
      prognosis communication among parents of children with advanced cancer. DESIGN:
      For this qualitative study we audiotaped conversations between clinicians and
      parents of children with newly relapsed or refractory cancer, and then
      interviewed parents about experiences with prognosis communication. Parents were
      asked to reflect on physician statements about prognosis. SETTING/SUBJECTS:
      Subjects were 32 pairs of parents and clinicians of children with relapsed or
      refractory cancer treated at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Center for Cancer and
      Blood Disorders, Boston, Massachusetts. RESULTS: Prognosis was discussed in 28/32
      conversations (88%). Although most parents (N = 22, 69%) found prognostic
      information upsetting, most also valued honest communication about prognosis (N =
      22, 69%.) Parents noted that frank disclosure fostered hope by relieving
      uncertainty and allowing them to make the best possible decisions for their
      children. Excessive optimism or a lack of information, in contrast, was sometimes
      experienced as a threat to hope and the parent-clinician relationship. A minority
      of parents were upset by clinician communication about prognosis (N = 4, 12%),
      but most did not consider the clinician responsible for their distress. Rather,
      parents attributed distress to the difficult situation. CONCLUSIONS: Many parents
      consider prognosis communication to be both difficult and necessary. While
      upsetting, prognostic information engenders hope by helping parents feel prepared
      to do their best for their children in the difficult days to come.

PMID- 27115315
TI  - A Three-Step Synthesis of Tetrasubstituted NH-Pyrroles.
AB  - Buta-1,3-dienes appended with electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs), derived from
      the [2 + 2] cycloaddition-retroelectrocyclization (CA-RE) cascade, react with
      (predominately) nitrogen-based nucleophiles affording tetrasubstituted 2-amino-NH
      pyrroles in moderate to excellent yields with complete regioselectivity. Penta
      2,4-dien-1-ones also undergo a similar transformation, providing analogous
      products and greatly enhancing the substitution of the pyrrole available.
      Oxidation from pyrrole to pyrrolidinone affords highly colored compounds that
      experience a strong bathochromic shift of the longest-wavelength absorption band
      in the UV/vis spectrum upon protonation, with return to the original spectra
      following neutralization.

PMID- 27115316
TI  - Differences in the Vibrational Dynamics of H(2)O and D(2)O: Observation of
      Symmetric and Antisymmetric Stretching Vibrations in Heavy Water.
AB  - Water's ability to donate and accept hydrogen bonds leads to unique and complex
      collective dynamical phenomena associated with its hydrogen-bond network. It is
      appreciated that the vibrations governing liquid water's molecular dynamics are
      delocalized, with nuclear motion evolving coherently over the span of several
      molecules. Using two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy, we have found that the
      nuclear motions of heavy water, D2O, are qualitatively different than those of
      H2O. The nonlinear spectrum of liquid D2O reveals distinct O-D stretching
      resonances, in contrast to H2O. Furthermore, our data indicates that condensed
      phase O-D vibrations have a different character than those in the gas phase,
      which we understand in terms of weakly delocalized symmetric and antisymmetric
      stretching vibrations. This difference in molecular dynamics reflects the shift
      in the balance between intra- and intermolecular couplings upon deuteration, an
      effect which can be understood in terms of the anharmonicity of the nuclear
      potential energy surface.

PMID- 27115317
TI  - Positive Sides of the Disease: Posttraumatic Growth in Adults with Type 2
      Diabetes.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that can causes positive changes, as well as
      psychological distress. The aim of the this study is to investigate the
      posttraumatic growth level of adults with type 2 diabetes and to identify the
      relationship among perceived social support, coping, diabetes management self
      efficacy, perceived expressed emotions, and PTG in diabetes patients from non
      western, developing country. The findings revealed that patients experience a
      moderate level of posttraumatic growth. Regression analyses showed that the
      severity of the disease, educational level, perceived social support, problem
      focused coping, optimistic coping and the criticism/hostility dimension of
      expressed emotions were associated significantly with posttraumatic growth. In
      the conclusion part, these findings were consistent with the posttraumatic growth
      theory. The study reveals that professionals aiming to increase the posttraumatic
      growth of diabetes patients may need to focus on and facilitate perceived social
      support, adaptive coping strategies, and perceived expressed emotions to
      facilitate growth experiences.

PMID- 27115318
TI  - Vascular assessment of liver disease-towards a new frontier in MRI.
AB  - Complex haemodynamic phenomena underpin the pathophysiology of chronic liver
      disease. Non-invasive MRI-based assessment of hepatic vascular parameters
      therefore has the potential to yield meaningful biomarkers for chronic liver
      disease. In this review, we provide an overview of vascular sequelae of chronic
      liver disease amenable to imaging evaluation and describe the current supportive
      evidence, strengths and the limitations of MRI methodologies, including dynamic
      contrast-enhanced, dynamic hepatocyte-specific contrast-enhanced, phase-contrast,
      arterial spin labelling and MR elastography in the assessment of hepatic vascular
      parameters. We review the broader challenges of quantitative hepatic vascular
      MRI, including the difficulties of motion artefact, complex post-processing, long
      acquisition times, validation and limitations of pharmacokinetic models,
      alongside the potential solutions that will shape the future of MRI and deliver
      this new frontier to the patient bedside.

PMID- 27115319
TI  - Efficacy of Bimatoprost Plus Timolol Fixed Combination in Open Angle Glaucoma
      Patients Previously Treated with Dorzolamide Plus Timolol Fixed Combination.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost plus timolol fixed
      combination (BTFC) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) previously
      treated with dorzolamide plus timolol fixed combination (DTFC). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Retrospective, medical records review study. Medical records of patients
      with POAG previously treated with DTFC and then switched to BTFC for poor
      intraocular pressure (IOP) control or ocular discomfort were included in the
      analysis. One baseline IOP diurnal curve, and one diurnal curve under each
      treatment were required to be eligible for this study. The primary outcome was to
      compare the mean diurnal IOP between DTFC and BTFC. Secondary outcomes were to
      compare the IOP diurnal fluctuation, and the percentage of patients achieving a
      target IOP <14, <16, and <18 mmHg between the two treatments. RESULTS: Medical
      records of 96 patients were analyzed (mean age 65.8 years +/- 7.2, range 39-89
      years). The mean diurnal IOP was 23.7 +/- 3.8 mmHg at baseline, 16.9 +/- 3.4 mmHg
      with DTFC and 15.1 +/- 2.9 mmHg after therapy was switched to BTFC (p < 0.0001
      each treatment vs baseline; p < 0.0001 DTFC vs BTFC). The proportion of patients
      achieving a mean diurnal IOP <18, <16, and <14 mmHg was 76%, 35.4%, and 12.5%
      with DTFC and 81.2%, 68.8%, and 37.5% with BTFC (p = 0.20, p < 0.01, and p <
      0.0001 between the two treatments, respectively). IOP fluctuation did not differ
      significantly between the treatments. CONCLUSION: BTFC can provide additional
      lowering in the mean diurnal IOP in patients previously treated with DTFC with no
      significant differences in the safety and tolerability profile.

PMID- 27115320
TI  - Pembrolizumab in a BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma patient following a severe
      immune-related adverse event with ipilimumab.
AB  - Currently, limited data exist on the safety of pembrolizumab in patients with
      metastatic melanoma who have developed severe immune-related adverse events
      following treatment with ipilimumab. We report a 45-year-old male patient with
      BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma who discontinued treatment with ipilimumab due to
      treatment-related grade 3 colitis and was subsequently treated with the anti
      programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1) antibody pembrolizumab. He has been on
      treatment with pembrolizumab for more than 20 months with no major toxicities and
      has achieved an objective partial response, which is ongoing.

PMID- 27115321
TI  - Positive reporting? Is there a bias is reporting of patient and public
      involvement and engagement?

PMID- 27115322
TI  - Type 1 diabetes and GAD65 limbic encephalitis: a case report of a 10-year-old
      girl.
AB  - Limbic encephalitis is a rare neurological disorder that may be difficult to
      recognize. Clinical features include memory impairment, temporal lobe seizures
      and affective disturbance. We report the case of a 10-year-old girl with type 1
      diabetes mellitus that presented with seizures, depressed mood and memory
      changes. The diagnosis of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) mediated limbic
      encephalitis relied on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging lesions and high
      serological and cerebrospinal fluid GAD65-antibodies titers. High-dose steroidal
      therapy was started with clinical improvement. Relapse led to a second high-dose
      steroid treatment followed by rituximab with remission. A correlation between
      serum GAD65-antibodies levels and symptoms was found, demonstrating GAD65
      antibodies titers may be useful for clinical follow-up and immunotherapy
      guidance. This report raises awareness of this serious neurological condition
      that may be associated with type 1 diabetes, underlining the importance of an
      early diagnosis and prompt treatment for a better prognosis. 

PMID- 27115323
TI  - Cannabinoids in Health and Disease.

PMID- 27115324
TI  - Immunoproteomics technologies in the discovery of autoantigens in autoimmune
      diseases.
AB  - Proteomics technologies are often used for the identification of protein targets
      of the immune system. Here, we discuss the immunoproteomics technologies used for
      the discovery of autoantigens in autoimmune diseases where immune system
      dysregulation plays a central role in disease onset and progression. These
      autoantigens and associated autoantibodies can be used as potential biomarkers
      for disease diagnostics, prognostics and predicting/monitoring drug
      responsiveness (theranostics). Here, we compare a variety of methods such as mass
      spectrometry (MS)-based [serological proteome analysis (SERPA), antibody mediated
      identification of antigens (AMIDA), circulating immune complexome (CIC) analysis,
      surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (SELDI-TOF)], nucleic
      acid based serological analysis of antigens by recombinant cDNA expression
      cloning (SEREX), phage immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-seq) and array-based
      immunoscreening (proteomic microarrays), luciferase immunoprecipitation systems
      (LIPS), nucleic acid programmable protein array (NAPPA) methods. We also review
      the relevance of immunoproteomic data generated in the last 10 years, with a
      focus on the aforementioned MS based methods. 

PMID- 27115325
TI  - Phytochemical screening, safety evaluation, anti-inflammatory and analgesic
      studies of the leaf extracts of Sterculia tragacantha.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sterculia tragacantha (Sterculiaceae) is used in the treatment of
      boils, diarrhea, dyspepsia, fever, gonorrhea, snake bite, syphilis, and tapeworm
      in some West African nations. This study is to investigate its anti-inflammatory
      and analgesic activities since the plant is being used to treat fever. METHODS:
      Fresh leaves of the plant were collected and dried at room temperature and
      pulverized into powder form and 200 g of this powder was dissolved first in
      hexane for 72 h and the extract was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated
      while the substrate was further dissolved in chloroform, ethyl acetate and
      methanol at different times and similar procedure adopted as for the hexane. The
      organic solvents were used based on order of increasing polarity. Graded
      concentrations of the solvent extracts were prepared and used for the study.
      Pilot toxicity test was carried out to determine safety dose using hematology and
      serum chemistry as indices of toxicity. Thereafter anti-inflammatory and
      analgesic studies were conducted using standard tests such as carrageenan,
      histamine-induced-edema, tail flick test and acetic writhing test. Phytochemical
      screening of the plant was also conducted. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening of
      the powdered material showed that alkaloid, flavonoid and reducing sugar were
      present while tannin, cardiac glycosides, saponins and anthraquinones were
      absent. Pilot toxicity test using aqueous extract at 100 mg/mL concentration
      showed that no mortality was recorded although the animals that received 3,000
      mg/kg dose exhibited slight dullness after 48 h. No significant changes were also
      observed for the packed cell volume, hemoglobin, white blood cell counts,
      platelet counts, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline
      phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, globulin except for the 200 and 3,000
      mg/kg doses that caused significant increase in the level of total protein. The n
      hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of S. tragacantha and
      indomethacin produced significant (p<0.05) inhibition of paw edema compared with
      the control using histamine and carrageenan methods of paw edema induction. There
      was significant (p<0.05) reduction in writhing movements at 100 mg/kg and 200
      mg/kg of n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate leaf extracts of S. tragacantha
      and indomethacin (10 mg/kg) when compared to the control. This effect using tail
      flick test was not as effective when compared to the writhing test. CONCLUSIONS:
      The different leaf extracts of S. tragacantha exhibited anti-inflammatory and
      analgesic properties and they are also safe for medicinal use.

PMID- 27115326
TI  - Disposable surgical face masks for preventing surgical wound infection in clean
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical face masks were originally developed to contain and filter
      droplets containing microorganisms expelled from the mouth and nasopharynx of
      healthcare workers during surgery, thereby providing protection for the patient.
      However, there are several ways in which surgical face masks could potentially
      contribute to contamination of the surgical wound, e.g. by incorrect wear or by
      leaking air from the side of the mask due to poor string tension. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine whether the wearing of disposable surgical face masks by the surgical
      team during clean surgery reduces postoperative surgical wound infection. SEARCH
      METHODS: In December 2015, for this seventh update, we searched: The Cochrane
      Wounds Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials;
      Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid
      EMBASE and EBSCO CINAHL. We also searched the bibliographies of all retrieved and
      relevant publications. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date
      of publication or study setting. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials
      (RCTs) and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing the use of disposable
      surgical masks with the use of no mask. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review
      authors extracted data independently. MAIN RESULTS: We included three trials,
      involving a total of 2106 participants. There was no statistically significant
      difference in infection rates between the masked and unmasked group in any of the
      trials. We identified no new trials for this latest update. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      From the limited results it is unclear whether the wearing of surgical face masks
      by members of the surgical team has any impact on surgical wound infection rates
      for patients undergoing clean surgery.

PMID- 27115327
TI  - Diquafosol for Soft Contact Lens Dryness: Clinical Evaluation and Tear Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of topical application of 3% diquafosol
      tetrasodium solution for the treatment of soft contact lens (SCL) wearers with
      dryness. In addition to clinical tests and subjective symptoms, we assessed the
      fluorescence intensity of wheat germ agglutinin conjugate of fluorescein (F-WGA)
      used as a marker of membrane-associated mucins and sialic acid concentration in
      tear fluids as a marker of secreted mucins. METHODS: Twelve SCL wearers with
      dryness symptoms were treated with diquafosol for 4 weeks. Clinical tests
      included the tear film break-up time (BUT), corneal and conjunctival fluorescein
      staining scores, and Schirmer values. Subjective symptoms were evaluated by the
      Dry Eye-Related Quality-of-Life Score (DEQS). Fluorescence intensities in the
      central cornea were measured by fluorophotometry at 5 minutes after a 5% F-WGA
      solution was applied to the eye. The tears collected by the Schirmer test strips
      were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the
      concentrations of sialic acid; total protein; and the four major tear proteins
      secretory IgA, lactoferrin, lipocalin-1, and lysozyme proteins were measured.
      RESULTS: Comparing the results before and after diquafosol treatment, BUT (p <
      0.01), kerato-conjunctival staining score (p < 0.05), corneal staining score (p <
      0.05), and DEQS score (p < 0.01) showed statistically significant improvements.
      The F-WGA fluorescence intensities (p < 0.0001) significantly increased after
      treatment, whereas the concentrations of sialic acid and tear proteins remained
      unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of diquafosol solution to the SCL
      wearers with dryness improved biomarker of membrane-associated mucins, BUT,
      staining of cornea and conjunctiva, and subjective symptoms.

PMID- 27115329
TI  - Laparoscopic Pancreatoduodenectomy in 50 Consecutive Patients with No Mortality:
      A Single-Center Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery has gradually expanded to include
      pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). This study presents data regarding the efficacy of
      laparoscopic PD in a single center. METHODS: This was a single-cohort,
      prospective observational study. From March 2012 to September 2015, 50
      consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic PD using a five-trocar technique.
      Reconstruction of the digestive tract was performed with double jejunal loop
      technique whenever feasible. Patients with radiological signs of portal vein
      invasion were operated by open approach. RESULTS: Twenty-seven women and 23 men
      with a median age of 63 years (range 23-76) underwent laparoscopic PD. Five
      patients underwent total pancreatectomy. All, but 1 patient (previous bariatric
      operation), underwent pylorus-preserving resection. Reconstruction was performed
      with double jejunal loop in all cases except in 5 cases of total pancreatectomy.
      Conversion was required in 3 patients (6%) as a result of difficult dissection
      (two cases) and unsuspected portal vein invasion (1 patient). Median operative
      time was 420 minutes (range 360-660), and the 90-day mortality was nil.
      Pancreatic fistula occurred in 13 patients (26%). There was one grade C
      (reoperated), one grade B (percutaneous drainage), and all remaining were grade A
      (conservative treatment). Other complications included port site bleeding (n =
      1), biliary fistula (n = 2), and delayed gastric emptying (n = 2). Mean hospital
      stay was 8.4 days (range 5-31). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic PD is feasible and
      safe, but is technically demanding and may be reserved to highly skilled
      laparoscopic surgeons with proper training in high-volume centers. Isolated
      pancreatic anastomosis may be useful to decrease the severity of postoperative
      pancreatic fistulas. Therefore, it could be a good option in patients with a high
      risk for developing postoperative pancreatic, as well as by less-experienced
      surgeons.

PMID- 27115328
TI  - The ADAMs family of proteases as targets for the treatment of cancer.
AB  - The ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteases) are transmembrane multidomain
      proteins implicated in multiple biological processes including proteolysis, cell
      adhesion, cell fusion, cell proliferation and cell migration. Of these varied
      activities, the best studied is their role in proteolysis. However, of the 22
      ADAMs believed to be functional in humans, only approximately a half possess
      matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-like protease activity. In contrast to MMPs which
      are mostly implicated in the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, the
      main ADAM substrates are the ectodomains of type I and type II transmembrane
      proteins. These include growth factor/cytokine precursors, growth factor/cytokine
      receptors and adhesion proteins. Recently, several different ADAMs, especially
      ADAM17, have been shown to play a role in the development and progression of
      multiple cancer types. Consistent with this role in cancer, targeting ADAM17 with
      either low molecular weight inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies was shown to have
      anti-cancer activity in multiple preclinical systems. Although early phase
      clinical trials have shown no serious side effects with a dual ADAM10/17 low
      molecular weight inhibitor, the consequences of long-term treatment with these
      agents is unknown. Furthermore, efficacy in clinical trials remains to be shown.

PMID- 27115330
TI  - Hydrosoluble 50% N-acetylation-thiolated chitosan complex with cobalt as a pH
      responsive renal fibrosis targeting drugs.
AB  - About 50% N-acetylation-thiolated chitosan possessing good water solubility was
      modified from commercial low-molecular-weight chitosan. Chitosan performed
      obvious target toward renal tubular epithelial cells, and bivalent cobalt ions
      improved the renal fibrosis inflammation significantly. There were many
      complexation sites on chitosan after being modified with sulfydryl. So sulfydryl
      played a role of connecting bridge between chitosan and cobalt ions. Then, this N
      acetylation-thiolated chitosan cobalt (NTCC) nanocomplex was designed. The
      nanocomplex showed excellent stability under normal physiological conditions, and
      cobalt would be released from the biomaterials in acidic environment. As it was
      affected by inflammation, the pH in renal fibrosis lesion region was acidic. So
      there was a specific drug release process happening in lesion region. And drug
      release efficiency was determined by acidity, which demonstrated that lower the
      acidity, the faster and more the cobalt ion release. When this nanocomplex was
      intraperitoneally injected into ureter-obstructed mice, obvious attenuation of
      fibrotic progression was shown. It was demonstrated that NTCC exhibited special
      renal-targeting capacity and could be chosen as drug for treating renal fibrosis.

PMID- 27115332
TI  - Facile synthesis of monodisperse of hollow mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles and in
      situ growth of Ag nanoparticles for antibacterial.
AB  - Monodispersed hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) are successfully
      synthesized via a facile dual template method, in which poly(styrene-co-methyl
      methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (PS-PMMA-PMAA) particles are used as hard
      template for producing the hollow structure and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
      (CTAB) used for introducing the mesopores in the silica shells. The obtained
      HMSNs possess uniform diameter and morphology, and the shell of which could be
      adjusted by changing the addition of silicon precursor. The synthesized HMSNs
      have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nitrogen
      physisorption. Furthermore, the HMSNs are used as support for in-situ deposition
      of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using n-butylamine as reducing agent for AgNO3
      in ethanol. Significantly, Ag NPs were successfully supported in the HMSNs
      without any aggregation. The Ag-deposited HMSNs showed excellent dispersibility
      in ethanol and water, and their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli
      (E. coli) ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) ATCC 6538 have been
      demonstrated. Therefore, the unique nanostructure based on the HMSNs provided a
      useful platform for the fabrication of antibacterial agent with superior activity
      and accessibility. And also, it is expected to be a significant template for the
      synthesis of other novel nanostructures. 

PMID- 27115331
TI  - Replication timing and transcriptional control: beyond cause and effect-part III.
AB  - DNA replication is essential for faithful transmission of genetic information and
      is intimately tied to chromosome structure and function. Genome duplication
      occurs in a defined temporal order known as the replication-timing (RT) program,
      which is regulated during the cell cycle and development in discrete units
      referred to as replication domains (RDs). RDs correspond to topologically
      associating domains (TADs) and are spatio-temporally compartmentalized in the
      nucleus. While improvements in experimental tools have begun to reveal glimpses
      of causality, they have also unveiled complex context-dependent relationships
      that challenge long recognized correlations of RT to chromatin organization and
      gene regulation. In particular, RDs/TADs that switch RT during development march
      to the beat of a different drummer.

PMID- 27115333
TI  - Nanoscaled zero valent iron/graphene composite as an efficient adsorbent for
      Co(II) removal from aqueous solution.
AB  - A magnetic graphene, i.e., nanoscaled zero valent iron/graphene (0FG) composite,
      was prepared, characterized and applied for the removal of Co(II) from aqueous
      solution. The magnetic graphene (0FG) was synthesized through reduction of
      graphene oxide (GO) and ferrous ions by potassium borohydride. The kinetics and
      isotherms of Co(II) adsorption onto 0FG were investigated. The mechanism for
      Co(II) removal was proposed based on the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
      spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the X-ray absorption
      fine structure (XAFS) analysis. The results showed that pseudo second-order
      models and the Freundlich isotherm model fitted well with the data obtained. The
      adsorption capacity of 0FG was calculated from the Langmuir isotherm, which was
      65.58, 101.60 and 134.27mg/g at 10, 20 and 30 degrees C, respectively.
      Thermodynamic parameters suggested that the adsorption process was endothermic
      and spontaneous. Co(2+) was stabilized by gamma-FeOOH/gamma-Fe2O3/Fe3O4 on the
      surface of graphene sheets, forming CoFe2O4-like nanocrystals. The coordination
      numbers and interatomic distances indicated that Co(2+) mainly occupied the
      octahedral site, while pseudo-tetrahedral coordination may occur by
      dehydroxylation of Co(O,OH)6. Magnetic graphene is a potential adsorbent for
      Co(2+) removal. 

PMID- 27115334
TI  - The impact of precarious employment on mental health: The case of Italy.
AB  - Although there has been a sizeable empirical literature measuring the effect of
      job precariousness on the mental health of workers the debate is still open, and
      understanding the true nature of such relationship has important policy
      implications. In this paper, we investigate the impact of precarious employment
      on mental health using a unique, very large data set that matches information on
      job contracts for over 2.7 million employees in Italy followed over the years
      2007-2011, with their psychotropic medication prescription. We examine the causal
      effects of temporary contracts, their duration and the number of contract changes
      during the year on the probability of having one or more prescriptions for
      medication to treat mental health problems. To this end, we estimate a dynamic
      Probit model, and deal with the potential endogeneity of regressors by adopting
      an instrumental variables approach. As instruments, we use firm-level
      probabilities of being a temporary worker as well as other firm-level variables
      that do not depend on the mental illness status of the workers. Our results show
      that the probability of psychotropic medication prescription is higher for
      workers under temporary job contracts. More days of work under temporary contract
      as well as frequent changes in temporary contract significantly increase the
      probability of developing mental health problems that need to be medically
      treated. We also find that moving from permanent to temporary employment
      increases mental illness; symmetrically, although with a smaller effect in
      absolute value, moving from temporary to permanent employment tends to reduce it.
      Policy interventions aimed at increasing the flexibility of the labour market
      through an increase of temporary contracts should also take into account the
      social and economic cost of these reforms, in terms of psychological wellbeing of
      employees.

PMID- 27115335
TI  - Brunei epidemiological stroke study: patterns of hypertension and stroke risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hypertension is the most important known risk factor for
      cardiovascular diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Brunei
      Darussalam to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and its association with
      socioeconomic and life-style factors and impact on stroke incidence. METHODS:
      Five thousand and sixty-three participants aged above 18 years from 2103 randomly
      selected households in the Brunei-Muara district of Brunei Darussalam were
      surveyed. Hypertension was defined as mean SBP at least 140 mmHg, DBP at least 90
      mmHg, or taking antihypertensive medication and blood pressure was measured
      twice. Logistic regression models are used to analyze the association between
      hypertension/medication for hypertension and sex, age, overweight, education,
      smoking, family history of hypertension, and employment. RESULTS: A total of
      48.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 46.9-49.7%] of all respondents were
      identified as hypertensive. Prevalence of hypertension was higher in men (52.8%;
      95% CI: 50.7-54.9%) compared to women (45.0%; 95% CI: 43.2-46.8%) and women seek
      treatment more often than men. Age, overweight, lower levels of education, and a
      family history of high blood pressure are positively associated with the
      prevalence of hypertension. The prevalence of overweight (57.3%) and obesity
      (23.7%) is high and the attributable risk of hypertension for stroke is large.
      CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension in Brunei is high in both women and
      men. Information campaigns and prevention programs are needed to be able to cope
      with the increasing problem of hypertension and resulting diseases like stroke in
      Brunei in the near future.

PMID- 27115336
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibition reduces hypertension through the
      preservation of resistance blood vessel structure and function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine if endoplasmic reticulum stress
      inhibition lowers blood pressure (BP) in hypertension by correcting vascular
      dysfunction. METHODS: The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) was used as a
      model of human essential hypertension with its normotensive control, the Wistar
      Kyoto rat. Animals were subjected to endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibition with
      4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA; 1 g/kg per day, orally) for 5 weeks from 12 weeks of
      age. BP was measured weekly noninvasively and at endpoint with carotid arterial
      cannulation. Small mesenteric arteries were removed for vascular studies.
      Function was assessed with a Mulvany-Halpern style myograph, and structure was
      assessed by measurement of medial-to-lumen ratio in perfusion fixed vessels as
      well as three-dimensional confocal reconstruction of vessel wall components.
      Endoplasmic reticulum stress was assessed by quantitative real time-PCR and
      western blotting; oxidative stress was assessed by 3-nitrotyrosine and
      dihydroethidium staining. RESULTS: 4-PBA significantly lowered BP in SHR (vehicle
      206.1 +/- 4.3 vs. 4-PBA 178.9 +/- 3.1, systolic) but not Wistar Kyoto. 4-PBA
      diminished contractility and augmented endothelial-dependent vasodilation in SHR
      small mesenteric arteries, as well as reducing media-to-lumen ratio. 4-PBA
      significantly reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress in SHR resistance vessels.
      Normotensive resistance vessels, treated with the endoplasmic reticulum stress
      inducing agent, tunicamycin, show decreased endothelial-dependent vasodilation;
      this was improved with 4-PBA treatment. 3-Nitrotyrosine and dihydroethidium
      staining indicated that endoplasmic reticulum stress leads to reactive oxygen
      species generation resolvable by 4-PBA treatment. CONCLUSION: Endoplasmic
      reticulum stress caused endothelial-mediated vascular dysfunction contributing to
      elevated BP in the SHR model of human essential hypertension.

PMID- 27115337
TI  - Increased epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and reduced soluble epoxide hydrolase
      expression in the preeclamptic placenta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) derived from cytochrome P450 (CYP)
      dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid are increased in the plasma of women
      with preeclampsia as compared with normal pregnancy and are significantly higher
      in fetal than in maternal plasma and erythrocytes. We hypothesized that
      differences in EET synthesis or metabolism in the feto-placental unit contributed
      to the observed differences in circulating EETs. METHOD: To evaluate EETs,
      formation as well as the expression of relevant CYP isoforms and the metabolizing
      enzyme, soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), biopsies of placenta were collected from
      19 normal pregnancy and 10 preeclampsia at the time of cesarean section delivery.
      EETs were extracted from tissue homogenates and analyzed by liquid chromatography
      coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Both cis-EETs and trans-EETs were
      detected in the placenta. Concentration of total EETs was higher in the placenta
      from preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy (2.37 +/- 1.42 ng/mg vs. 1.20 +/
      0.72 ng/mg, mean +/- SD, P < 0.01), especially the 5,6-, 8,9- and 11,12-EETs,
      measured in a subgroup of tissue samples (normal pregnancy = 10, preeclampsia =
      5). By immunohistochemistry, sEH, CYP2J2, CYP4A11 were present in placental villi
      with different pattern distribution, whereas CYP2C8 was not detectable. Neither
      were CYP2J2, CYP4A11, and CYP2C8 detected in the umbilical cord. Western blot
      analysis of placenta homogenates showed reduced expression of sEH in preeclampsia
      as compared with normal pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Increased EETs in the placenta and
      umbilical cord are associated with the presence of CYP2J2, whereas reduced
      expression of sEH in preeclampsia may be the key factor of increased EETs in the
      placenta.

PMID- 27115338
TI  - Longitudinal growth during fetal life and infancy and cardiovascular outcomes at
      school-age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Low birth weight is associated with cardiovascular disease. We
      examined the effects of fetal and infant growth patterns on cardiovascular
      outcomes in children. METHODS: In a population-based prospective cohort study
      among 6239 children, we estimated fetal-femur length and weight by 20 and 30
      weeks ultrasound, and child length and weight at birth, 0.5, 1, 2 and 6 years. We
      measured blood pressure (BP), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, aortic root
      diameter, left ventricular mass and fractional shortening at 6 years. We used
      regression analyses to identify longitudinal growth patterns associated with
      height-standardized vascular outcomes and body-surface-area-standardized cardiac
      outcomes. RESULTS: Younger gestational age and lower birth weight were associated
      with higher BP, smaller aortic root diameter and lower left ventricular mass in
      childhood (all P values <0.05). Children with decelerated or normal fetal growth
      followed by accelerated infant growth had higher BP, whereas those with
      decelerated growth during both fetal life and infancy had a relatively larger
      left ventricular mass. Longitudinal growth analyses showed that children with
      increased BP tended to be smaller during third trimester of fetal life, but of
      normal size during infancy, than children with normal BP. Children with increased
      aortic root diameter or left ventricular mass tended to be larger during fetal
      life, but of similar size during infancy. CONCLUSION: Specific fetal and infant
      growth patterns are associated with different cardiovascular outcomes in
      children. Further studies are needed to identify the underlying mechanisms and
      the long-term cardiovascular consequences.

PMID- 27115340
TI  - 'Waterloo': when normal blood cells meet leukemia.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Mortality and morbidity associated with leukemia are largely
      due to frequently occurring cytopenias or the dysfunction of normal blood cells
      in patients. Our knowledge of how normal blood cells degenerate in response to
      leukemic cell infiltration has been quite limited. This review summarizes recent
      findings and discusses both extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms underlying the
      suppression of normal hematopoiesis in leukemia. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies
      have shown that leukemic cells are able to remodel the bone marrow niche by
      secreting specific cytokines or dampening its hematopoietic-supporting functions.
      In turn, a suitable microenvironment for leukemic cell proliferation but not for
      normal hematopoietic cell growth is created. Intrinsically, the leukemic
      condition impairs the normalcy of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and
      alters their signaling networks; consequently, it exhausts hematopoietic
      progenitor cells and forces stem cells into a more quiescent state, which would
      allow a reversible suppression of hematopoietic regeneration. The deepened
      quiescence of hematopoietic stem cells in leukemic marrow was achieved in part
      via transcription factor Egr3. SUMMARY: These findings provide new insights into
      the mechanisms underlying hematopoietic suppression in response to leukemic cell
      outgrowth and offer new strategies to further improve current therapies for
      leukemias, placing more emphasis on the augmentation of normal hematopoietic
      regeneration when targeting leukemic cells.

PMID- 27115339
TI  - Upregulation of P53 promoted G1 arrest and apoptosis in human umbilical cord vein
      endothelial cells from preeclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity
      and mortality. Current research has focused on endothelial dysfunction regarding
      pathogenesis of preeclampsia. However, very limited or no studies so far have
      been performed to assess possible damaged endothelial cell growth/development in
      the placenta-umbilical cord circulation system in human preeclampsia. METHODS: We
      isolated and cultured human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from
      normal and preeclampsia pregnancies in vitro. We used 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2
      yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay to measure cell growth and flow
      cytometric analysis to determine cell-cycle distribution. Annexin V-fluorescein
      isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining was employed for cell apoptosis
      experiments. RESULTS: The study showed that the cell growth was significantly
      suppressed, accompanied by the increased G1 arrest and apoptosis in cultured
      HUVECs from preeclampsia pregnancies comparing with normotensive controls.
      Protein P53 was upregulated in the cultured HUVECs from preeclampsia pregnancies,
      which induced G1 arrest, followed by upregulating P21 expression, and
      downregulating cyclin E expression and CDK2-cyclin E complexes. On the other
      hand, upregulation of P53 also activated Bax gene and repressed Bcl-2 and BIRC5
      genes, resulting in an increase of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and subsequently
      activating caspase cascade, ultimately led to an initiation of the apoptotic
      machinery. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that in preeclampsia, vascular
      endothelial cells could be damaged and cellular proliferation was depressed in
      human placenta-umbilical cord circulation, adding new information on endothelial
      cell injury for better understanding the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

PMID- 27115341
TI  - Construction of 3D nanostructure hierarchical porous graphitic carbons by charge
      induced self-assembly and nanocrystal-assisted catalytic graphitization for
      supercapacitors.
AB  - A smart and sustainable strategy based on charge-induced self-assembly and
      nanocrystal-assisted catalytic graphitization is explored for the efficient
      construction of 3D nanostructure hierarchical porous graphitic carbons from the
      pectin biopolymer. The electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged
      pectin chains and magnesium ions plays a crucial role in the formation of 3D
      architectures. The 3D HPGCs possess a three-dimensional carbon framework with a
      hierarchical porous structure, flake-like graphitic carbon walls and high surface
      area (1320 m(2) g(-1)). The 3D HPGCs show an outstanding specific capacitance of
      274 F g(-1) and excellent rate capability with a high capacitance retention of
      85% at a high current density of 50 A g(-1) for supercapacitor electrodes. This
      strategy provided a novel approach to effectively construct 3D porous carbon
      nanostructures from biopolymers. 

PMID- 27115342
TI  - Binary mixtures of rod-like colloids under shear: microscopically-based
      equilibrium theory and order-parameter dynamics.
AB  - This paper is concerned with the dynamics of a binary mixture of rod-like,
      repulsive colloidal particles driven out of equilibrium by means of a steady
      shear flow (Couette geometry). To this end we first derive, starting from a
      microscopic density functional in Parsons-Lee approximation, a mesoscopic free
      energy functional whose main variables are the orientational order parameter
      tensors. Based on this mesoscopic functional we then explore the stability of
      isotropic and nematic equilibrium phases in terms of composition and rod lengths.
      Second, by combining the equilibrium theory with the Doi-Hess approach for the
      order parameter dynamics under shear, we investigate the orientational dynamics
      of binary mixtures for a range of shear rates and coupling parameters. We find a
      variety of dynamical states, including synchronized oscillatory states of the two
      components, but also symmetry breaking behavior where the components display
      different in-plane oscillatory states.

PMID- 27115343
TI  - Density functional theory for polymeric systems in 2D.
AB  - We propose density functional theory for polymeric fluids in two dimensions. The
      approach is based on Wertheim's first order thermodynamic perturbation theory
      (TPT) and closely follows density functional theory for polymers proposed by Yu
      and Wu (2002 J. Chem. Phys. 117 2368). As a simple application we evaluate the
      density profiles of tangent hard-disk polymers at hard walls. The theoretical
      predictions are compared against the results of the Monte Carlo simulations. We
      find that for short chain lengths the theoretical density profiles are in an
      excellent agreement with the Monte Carlo data. The agreement is less satisfactory
      for longer chains. The performance of the theory can be improved by recasting the
      approach using the self-consistent field theory formalism. When the self-avoiding
      chain statistics is used, the theory yields a marked improvement in the low
      density limit. Further improvements for long chains could be reached by going
      beyond the first order of TPT.

PMID- 27115344
TI  - Sex steroids regulate skin pigmentation through nonclassical membrane-bound
      receptors.
AB  - The association between pregnancy and altered cutaneous pigmentation has been
      documented for over two millennia, suggesting that sex hormones play a role in
      regulating epidermal melanocyte (MC) homeostasis. Here we show that physiologic
      estrogen (17beta-estradiol) and progesterone reciprocally regulate melanin
      synthesis. This is intriguing given that we also show that normal primary human
      MCs lack classical estrogen or progesterone receptors (ER or PR). Utilizing both
      genetic and pharmacologic approaches, we establish that sex steroid effects on
      human pigment synthesis are mediated by the membrane-bound, steroid hormone
      receptors G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), and progestin and adipoQ
      receptor 7 (PAQR7). Activity of these receptors was activated or inhibited by
      synthetic estrogen or progesterone analogs that do not bind to ER or PR. As safe
      and effective treatment options for skin pigmentation disorders are limited,
      these specific GPER and PAQR7 ligands may represent a novel class of
      therapeutics.

PMID- 27115345
TI  - ESCRT-III drives the final stages of CUPS maturation for unconventional protein
      secretion.
AB  - The unconventional secretory pathway exports proteins that bypass the endoplasmic
      reticulum. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, conditions that trigger Acb1 secretion
      via this pathway generate a Grh1 containing compartment composed of vesicles and
      tubules surrounded by a cup-shaped membrane and collectively called CUPS. Here we
      report a quantitative assay for Acb1 secretion that reveals requirements for
      ESCRT-I, -II, and -III but, surprisingly, without the involvement of the Vps4 AAA
      ATPase. The major ESCRT-III subunit Snf7 localizes transiently to CUPS and this
      was accelerated in vps4Delta cells, correlating with increased Acb1 secretion.
      Microscopic analysis suggests that, instead of forming intraluminal vesicles with
      the help of Vps4, ESCRT-III/Snf7 promotes direct engulfment of preexisting Grh1
      containing vesicles and tubules into a saccule to generate a mature Acb1
      containing compartment. This novel multivesicular / multilamellar compartment, we
      suggest represents the stable secretory form of CUPS that is competent for the
      release of Acb1 to cells exterior.

PMID- 27115346
TI  - Analysis of protein phosphorylation in nerve terminal reveals extensive changes
      in active zone proteins upon exocytosis.
AB  - Neurotransmitter release is mediated by the fast, calcium-triggered fusion of
      synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane, followed by endocytosis
      and recycling of the membrane of synaptic vesicles. While many of the proteins
      governing these processes are known, their regulation is only beginning to be
      understood. Here we have applied quantitative phosphoproteomics to identify
      changes in phosphorylation status of presynaptic proteins in resting and
      stimulated nerve terminals isolated from the brains of Wistar rats. Using
      rigorous quantification, we identified 252 phosphosites that are either up- or
      downregulated upon triggering calcium-dependent exocytosis. Particularly
      pronounced were regulated changes of phosphosites within protein constituents of
      the presynaptic active zone, including bassoon, piccolo, and RIM1. Additionally,
      we have mapped kinases and phosphatases that are activated upon stimulation.
      Overall, our study provides a snapshot of phosphorylation changes associated with
      presynaptic activity and provides a foundation for further functional analysis of
      key phosphosites involved in presynaptic plasticity.

PMID- 27115348
TI  - Fluorescent Chemosensors for Selective and Sensitive Detection of
      Phosmet/Chlorpyrifos with Octahedral Ni(2+) Complexes.
AB  - The hexadentate ligands H2L1-L3 with mixed S, N, O donor sites and possessing
      substituents having either "no" or electron-releasing/withdrawing nature at
      terminal ends are synthesized. The ligands H2L1-L3 were tested for binding with
      library of metal ions, wherein maximum efficiency was observed with Ni(2+), and
      it motivated us to prepare the Ni(2+) complexes. The ligand H2L1 underwent
      deprotonation and formed binuclear complex when interacted with Ni(2+) as evident
      from its crystal structure. The H2L2 and H2L3 having electron
      withdrawing/electron releasing groups, respectively, were also deprotonated;
      however, they afforded mononuclear complexes with Ni(2+) ion. This signifies the
      importance of steric parameters instead of electronic factors in these particular
      cases. Impressed by differential behavior of complexes of H2L1 and H2L2/H2L3 with
      Ni(2+) and their photophysical and electrochemical properties, all the metal
      complexes were studied for their chemosensing ability. Nowadays with increased
      use of organophosphate, there is alarming increase of these agents in the
      environment, and thus we require efficient technique to estimate the level of
      these agents with high sensitivity and selectivity in aqueous medium. The Ni(2+)
      complexes with hydrophobic nature were suspended into aqueous medium for testing
      them as sensor for organophosphate. The (L1)2.(Ni(2+))2 could sense phosmet with
      detection limit of 44 nM, whereas L2.Ni(2+) and L3.Ni(2+) exhibited the detection
      limits of 62 and 71 nM, respectively, for chlorpyrifos.

PMID- 27115347
TI  - The target of the DEAH-box NTP triphosphatase Prp43 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      spliceosomes is the U2 snRNP-intron interaction.
AB  - The DEAH-box NTPase Prp43 and its cofactors Ntr1 and Ntr2 form the NTR complex
      and are required for disassembling intron-lariat spliceosomes (ILS) and defective
      earlier spliceosomes. However, the Prp43 binding site in the spliceosome and its
      target(s) are unknown. We show that Prp43 fused to Ntr1's G-patch motif
      (Prp43_Ntr1GP) is as efficient as the NTR in ILS disassembly, yielding identical
      dissociation products and recognizing its natural ILS target even in the absence
      of Ntr1's C-terminal-domain (CTD) and Ntr2. Unlike the NTR, Prp43_Ntr1GP
      disassembles earlier spliceosomal complexes (A, B, B(act)), indicating that
      Ntr2/Ntr1-CTD prevents NTR from disrupting properly assembled spliceosomes other
      than the ILS. The U2 snRNP-intron interaction is disrupted in all complexes by
      Prp43_Ntr1GP, and in the spliceosome contacts U2 proteins and the pre-mRNA,
      indicating that the U2 snRNP-intron interaction is Prp43's major target.

PMID- 27115349
TI  - Effect of Different Bearing Ratios on the Friction between Ultrahigh Molecular
      Weight Polyethylene Ski Bases and Snow.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of surfaces with different
      bearing ratios, but similar roughness heights, on the friction between ultrahigh
      molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and snow. On a linear tribometer
      positioned inside a cold chamber, the different samples were tested over a wide
      range of velocities and snow temperatures. The surface roughness was measured
      with a focus variation microscope and analyzed using the bearing ratio curve and
      its parameters. The surface energy was investigated by measuring the contact
      angles of a polar (water) and nonpolar (diiodmethane) liquid. The friction tests
      showed that the bearing ratio had a major effect on the friction between UHMWPE
      and snow. For temperatures close to the melting point a surface with wide grooves
      and narrow plateaus (nonbearing surface) performed well. For cold conditions, the
      friction was less for a surface with narrow grooves and wide plateaus (bearing
      surface). Interpretations of the results are given on the basis of mixed
      friction, with lubricated friction being dominant at higher snow temperatures and
      solid-solid interaction at lower ones.

PMID- 27115350
TI  - Cervical Microbiome and Cytokine Profile at Various Stages of Cervical Cancer: A
      Pilot Study.
AB  - Cervical cancer (CC) is caused by high-risk human papillomavirus persistence due
      to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment mediated by cytokines. Vaginal
      microbiota determines the presence of certain cytokines locally. We assessed the
      association between cervical microbiota diversity and the histopathological
      diagnosis of each stage of CC, and we evaluated mRNA cervical expression levels
      of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-beta1, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma across the
      histopathological diagnosis and specific bacterial clusters. We determined the
      cervical microbiota by high throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA amplicons and
      classified it in community state types (CST). Mean difference analyses between
      alpha-diversity and histopathological diagnosis were carried out, as well as a
      beta-diversity analysis within the histological diagnosis. Cervical cytokine mRNA
      expression was analyzed across the CSTs and the histopathological diagnoses. We
      found a significant difference in microbiota's diversity in NCL-HPV negative
      women vs those with squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) and CC(p = 0.006, p =
      0.036).When beta-diversity was evaluated, the CC samples showed the highest
      variation within groups (p<0.0006) and the largest distance compared to NCL-HPV
      negative ones (p<0.00001). The predominant bacteria in women with normal cytology
      were L. crispatus and L. iners, whereas for SIL, it was Sneathia spp. and for CC,
      Fusobacterium spp. We found higher median cervical levels of IL-4 and TGF-beta1
      mRNA in the CST dominated by Fusobacterium spp. These results suggest that the
      cervical microbiota may be implicated in cervical cancer pathology. Further
      cohort studies are needed to validate these findings.

PMID- 27115351
TI  - A Survey of Dog Owners in Remote Northern Australian Indigenous Communities to
      Inform Rabies Incursion Planning.
AB  - Australia is underprepared for a rabies incursion due to a lack of information
      about how a rabies outbreak would spread within the susceptible canine
      populations and which control strategies would be best to control it. The aim of
      this study was to collect information to parameterize a recently developed dog
      rabies spread model as well as use this information to gauge how the community
      would accept potential control strategies. Such information-together with model
      outputs-would be used to inform decision makers on the best control strategies
      and improve Australia's preparedness against a canine rabies incursion. The
      parameters this study focussed on were detection time, vaccination rates and dog
      culling and dog movement restriction compliance. A cross-sectional survey of 31
      dog-owners, using a questionnaire, was undertaken in the five communities of the
      Northern Peninsular Area (NPA) in northern Australia regarding community dog
      movements, veterinary visits, reporting systems, perceptions of sick dogs and
      potential human behaviours during hypothetical rabies outbreaks. It highlighted
      the significant shortfalls in veterinary care that would need to be vastly
      improved during an outbreak, who educational programs should be targeted towards
      and which dog movements should be restricted. The results indicate that men were
      significantly more likely than women to allow their dogs to roam and to move
      their dogs. The current low vaccination rate of 12% highlighted the limited
      veterinary services that would need to be substantially increased to achieve
      effective rabies control. Participation in mass vaccination was accepted by 100%
      of the respondents. There was lower acceptance for other possible rabies control
      strategies with 10-20% of the respondents stating a resistance to both a mass
      culling program and a ban on dog movements. Consequently, movement bans and mass
      dog culling would have limited effectiveness as a control strategy in the NPA
      community. More than half of the respondents said that they would report their
      sick dogs within a week. This would lead to a much more optimistic rabies
      detection time than observed in other regions with recent dog rabies outbreaks.
      Findings from this study can be used to parameterize a recently developed dog
      rabies spread model as well as to develop informed policies for managing a future
      rabies incursion, thus improving Australia's preparedness against a canine rabies
      incursion. 

PMID- 27115353
TI  - Clinical Utility of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detecting Anti
      Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Gene 5 Autoantibodies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Autoantibodies to melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5)
      are specifically expressed in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and are
      associated with a subset of DM patients with rapidly progressive interstitial
      lung disease (RP-ILD). Here, we examined the clinical utility of a newly
      developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for detecting these
      antibodies. METHODS: Here we developed an improved ELISA for detecting anti-MDA5
      antibodies. We then performed a multicenter clinical study involving 8 medical
      centers and enrolled 242 adult patients with polymyositis (PM)/DM, 190 with non
      PM/DM connective tissue disease (CTD), 154 with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia
      (IIP), and 123 healthy controls. Anti-MDA5 antibodies in the patients' serum
      samples were quantified using our newly developed ELISA, and the results were
      compared to those obtained using the gold-standard immunoprecipitation (IP)
      assay. In addition, correlations between the ELISA-quantified anti-MDA5
      antibodies and clinical characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS: In patients with
      PM/DM, the anti-MDA5 antibody measurements obtained from the ELISA and IP assay
      were highly concordant; the ELISA exhibited an analytical sensitivity of 98.2%,
      specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive
      value of 99.5% (compared to the IP assay). Anti-MDA5 antibodies were detected in
      22.7% of the DM patients, but not in any of the patients with PM, non-PM/DM CTD,
      or IIP. Clinically amyopathic DM, RP-ILD, arthritis, and fever were more
      prevalent in DM patients who were anti-MDA5 antibody-positive than in those who
      were antibody-negative (P <= 0.0002 for all comparisons). In addition, anti-MDA5
      antibody-positive patients with RP-ILD exhibited higher antibody levels than
      those without RP-ILD (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Our newly developed ELISA can
      detect anti-MDA5 antibodies as efficiently as the gold standard IP assay and has
      the potential to facilitate the routine clinical measurement of anti-MDA5
      antibodies in patients who suspected to have DM.

PMID- 27115354
TI  - Musculoskeletal Geometry, Muscle Architecture and Functional Specialisations of
      the Mouse Hindlimb.
AB  - Mice are one of the most commonly used laboratory animals, with an extensive
      array of disease models in existence, including for many neuromuscular diseases.
      The hindlimb is of particular interest due to several close muscle
      analogues/homologues to humans and other species. A detailed anatomical study
      describing the adult morphology is lacking, however. This study describes in
      detail the musculoskeletal geometry and skeletal muscle architecture of the mouse
      hindlimb and pelvis, determining the extent to which the muscles are adapted for
      their function, as inferred from their architecture. Using I2KI enhanced microCT
      scanning and digital segmentation, it was possible to identify 39 distinct
      muscles of the hindlimb and pelvis belonging to nine functional groups. The
      architecture of each of these muscles was determined through microdissections,
      revealing strong architectural specialisations between the functional groups. The
      hip extensors and hip adductors showed significantly stronger adaptations towards
      high contraction velocities and joint control relative to the distal functional
      groups, which exhibited larger physiological cross sectional areas and longer
      tendons, adaptations for high force output and elastic energy savings. These
      results suggest that a proximo-distal gradient in muscle architecture exists in
      the mouse hindlimb. Such a gradient has been purported to function in aiding
      locomotor stability and efficiency. The data presented here will be especially
      valuable to any research with a focus on the architecture or gross anatomy of the
      mouse hindlimb and pelvis musculature, but also of use to anyone interested in
      the functional significance of muscle design in relation to quadrupedal
      locomotion.

PMID- 27115355
TI  - Detection and Identification of Hematologic Malignancies and Solid Tumors by an
      Electrochemical Technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: Develop and evaluate an electrochemical method to identify healthy
      individuals, malignant hematopathic patients and solid tumor patients by
      detecting the leukocytes in whole-blood. METHODS: A total of 114 individual blood
      samples obtained from our affiliated hospital in China (June 2015- August 2015)
      were divided into three groups: healthy individuals (n = 35), hematologic
      malignancies (n = 41) and solid tumors (n = 38). An electrochemical workstation
      system was used to measure differential pulse voltammetry due to the different
      electrochemical behaviors of leukocytes in blood samples. Then, one-way analysis
      of variance (ANOVA) was applied to analyze the scanning curves and to compare the
      peak potential and peak current. RESULTS: The scanning curve demonstrated the
      specific electrochemical behaviors of the blank potassium ferricyanide solution
      and that mixed with blood samples in different groups. Significant differences in
      mean peak potentials of mixture and shifts (DeltaEp (mV)) were observed of the
      three groups (P< = 0.001). 106.00+/-9.00 and 3.14+/-7.48 for Group healthy
      individuals, 120.90+/-11.18 and 18.10+/-8.81 for Group hematologic malignancies,
      136.84+/-11.53 and 32.89+/-10.50 for Group solid tumors, respectively. In
      contrast, there were no significant differences in the peak currents and shifts.
      CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed method to apply the electrochemical workstation
      system to identify hematologic malignancies and solid tumors with good
      sensitivity and specificity might be effective, suggesting a potential utility in
      clinical application.

PMID- 27115356
TI  - Relating the Surface Properties of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
      (SPIONs) to Their Bactericidal Effect towards a Biofilm of Streptococcus mutans.
AB  - This study was designed to determine the effects of superparamagnetic iron oxide
      nanoparticles (SPIONs) on the biological activity of a bacterial biofilm
      (Streptococcus mutans). Our hypothesis was that the diffusion of the SPIONs into
      biofilms would depend on their surface properties, which in turn would largely be
      determined by their surface functionality. Bare, positively charged and
      negatively charged SPIONs, with hydrodynamic diameters of 14.6 +/- 1.4 nm, 20.4
      +/- 1.3 nm and 21.2 +/- 1.6 nm were evaluated. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass
      spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) and electrophoretic mobility (EPM) measurements were used
      to confirm that carboxylic functional groups predominated on the negatively
      charged SPIONS, whereas amine functional groups predominated on the positively
      charged particles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the morphology
      and sizes of SPIONs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and EPM measurements
      indicated that the surfaces of the SPIONs were covered with biomolecules
      following their incubation with the biofilm. Bare SPIONs killed bacteria less
      than the positively charged SPIONs at the highest exposure concentrations, but
      the toxicity of the bare and positively charged SPIONs was the same for lower
      SPION concentrations. The positively charged SPIONs were more effective in
      killing bacteria than the negatively charged ones. Nonetheless, electrophoretic
      mobilities of all three SPIONs (negative, bare and positively charged) became
      more negative following incubation with the (negatively-charged) biofilm.
      Therefore, while the surface charge of SPIONS was important in determining their
      biological activity, the initial surface charge was not constant in the presence
      of the biofilm, leading eventually to SPIONS with fairly similar surface charges
      in situ. The study nonetheless suggests that the surface characteristics of the
      SPIONS is an important parameter controlling the efficiency of antimicrobial
      agents. The analysis of the CFU/mL values shows that the SPIONs have the same
      toxicity on bacteria in solution in comparison with that on the biofilm.

PMID- 27115357
TI  - Replication Study in a Japanese Population of Six Susceptibility Loci for Type 2
      Diabetes Originally Identified by a Transethnic Meta-Analysis of Genome-Wide
      Association Studies.
AB  - AIM: We performed a replication study in a Japanese population to evaluate the
      association between type 2 diabetes and six susceptibility loci (TMEM154, SSR1,
      FAF1, POU5F1, ARL15, and MPHOSPH9) originally identified by a transethnic meta
      analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 2014. METHODS: We genotyped
      7,620 Japanese participants (5,817 type 2 diabetes patients and 1,803 controls)
      for each of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a multiplex
      polymerase chain reaction invader assay. The association of each SNP locus with
      the disease was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the six
      SNPs examined in this study, four (rs6813195 near TMEM154, rs17106184 in FAF1,
      rs3130501 in POU5F1 and rs4275659 near MPHOSPH9) had the same direction of effect
      as in the original reports, but two (rs9505118 in SSR1 and rs702634 in ARL15) had
      the opposite direction of effect. Among these loci, rs3130501 and rs4275659 were
      nominally associated with type 2 diabetes (rs3130501; p = 0.017, odds ratio [OR]
      = 1.113, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.019-1.215, rs4275659; p = 0.012, OR =
      1.127, 95% CI 1.026-1.238, adjusted for sex, age and body mass index), but we did
      not observe a significant association with type 2 diabetes for any of the six
      evaluated SNP loci in our Japanese population. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate
      that effects of the six SNP loci identified in the transethnic GWAS meta-analysis
      are not major among the Japanese, although SNPs in POU5F1 and MPHOSPH9 loci may
      have some effect on susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in this population.

PMID- 27115358
TI  - Correlates of Protection against Norovirus Infection and Disease-Where Are We
      Now, Where Do We Go?

PMID- 27115359
TI  - Pretreatment Acoustic Predictors of Gender, Femininity, and Naturalness Ratings
      in Individuals With Male-to-Female Gender Identity.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the pretreatment acoustic
      characteristics of individuals with male-to-female gender identity (IMtFGI) and
      investigate the ability of the acoustic measures to predict ratings of gender,
      femininity, and vocal naturalness. METHOD: This retrospective descriptive study
      included 2 groups of participants. Speakers were IMtFGI who had not previously
      received communication feminization treatment (N = 25). Listeners were members of
      the lay community (N = 30). Acoustic data were retrospectively obtained from
      pretreatment recordings, and pretreatment recordings also served as stimuli for 3
      perceptual rating tasks (completed by listeners). RESULTS: Acoustic data
      generally were within normal limits for male speakers. All but 2 speakers were
      perceived to be male, limiting information about the relationship between
      acoustic measures and gender perception. Fundamental frequency (reading)
      significantly predicted femininity ratings (p = .000). A total of 3 stepwise
      regression models indicated that minimum frequency (range task), second vowel
      formant (sustained vowel), and shimmer percentage (sustained vowel) together
      significantly predicted naturalness ratings (p = .005, p = .003, and p = .002,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Study aims were achieved with the exception of
      acoustic predictors of gender perception, which could be described for only 2
      speakers. Future research should investigate measures of prosody, voice quality,
      and other aspects of communication as predictors of gender, femininity, and
      naturalness.

PMID- 27115363
TI  - Truncated View of the Broekzijder Mill on the Gein, Wings Facing West: Piet
      Mondrian.

PMID- 27115372
TI  - Digital Health and Patient Safety.

PMID- 27115373
TI  - A PIECE OF MY MIND. The Patient You Least Want to See.

PMID- 27115374
TI  - New Horizons in Allergen Immunotherapy.

PMID- 27115375
TI  - Moving From Clinical Trials to Precision Medicine: The Role for Predictive
      Modeling.

PMID- 27115376
TI  - Efficacy of a House Dust Mite Sublingual Allergen Immunotherapy Tablet in Adults
      With Allergic Asthma: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The house dust mite (HDM) sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT)
      tablet is a potential novel treatment option for HDM allergy-related asthma.
      OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of the HDM SLIT tablet vs
      placebo for asthma exacerbations during an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) reduction
      period. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS: Double-blind, randomized, placebo
      controlled trial conducted between August 2011 and April 2013 in 109 European
      trial sites. The trial included 834 adults with HDM allergy-related asthma not
      well controlled by ICS or combination products, and with HDM allergy-related
      rhinitis. Key exclusion criteria were FEV1 less than 70% of predicted value or
      hospitalization due to asthma within 3 months before randomization. Efficacy was
      assessed during the last 6 months of the trial when ICS was reduced by 50% for 3
      months and then completely withdrawn for 3 months. INTERVENTIONS: 1:1:1
      randomization to once-daily treatment with placebo (n = 277) or HDM SLIT tablet
      (dosage groups: 6 SQ-HDM [n = 275] or 12 SQ-HDM [n = 282]) in addition to ICS and
      the short-acting beta2-agonist salbutamol. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary
      outcome was time to first moderate or severe asthma exacerbation during the ICS
      reduction period. Secondary outcomes were deterioration in asthma symptoms,
      change in allergen-specific immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4), change in asthma control or
      asthma quality-of-life questionnaires, and adverse events. RESULTS: Among 834
      randomized patients (mean age, 33 years [range, 17-83]; women, 48%), 693
      completed the study. The 6 SQ-HDM and 12 SQ-HDM doses both significantly reduced
      the risk of a moderate or severe asthma exacerbation compared with placebo
      (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.72 [95% CI, 0.52-0.99] for the 6 SQ-HDM group, P = .045,
      and 0.69 [95% CI, 0.50-0.96] for the 12 SQ-HDM group, P = .03). The absolute risk
      differences based on the observed data (full analysis set) in the active groups
      vs the placebo group were 0.09 (95% CI, 0.01-0.15) for the 6 SQ-HDM group and
      0.10 (95% CI, 0.02-0.16) for the 12 SQ-HDM group. There was no significant
      difference between the 2 active groups. Compared with placebo, there was a
      reduced risk of an exacerbation with deterioration in asthma symptoms (HR, 0.72
      [95% CI, 0.49-1.02] for the 6 SQ-HDM group, P = .11, and 0.64 [95% CI, 0.42-0.96]
      for the 12 SQ-HDM group, P = .03) and a significant increase in allergen-specific
      IgG4. However, there was no significant difference for change in asthma control
      questionnaire or asthma quality-of-life questionnaire for either dose. There were
      no reports of severe systemic allergic reactions. The most frequent adverse
      events were mild to moderate oral pruritus (13% for the 6 SQ-HDM group, 20% for
      the 12 SQ-HDM group, and 3% for the placebo group), mouth edema, and throat
      irritation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among adults with HDM allergy-related
      asthma not well controlled by ICS, the addition of HDM SLIT to maintenance
      medications improved time to first moderate or severe asthma exacerbation during
      ICS reduction, with an estimated absolute reduction at 6 months of 9 to 10
      percentage points; the reduction was primarily due to an effect on moderate
      exacerbations. Treatment-related adverse events were common at both active doses.
      Further studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: clinicaltrialsregister.eu Identifier: 2010-018621-19.

PMID- 27115377
TI  - Association Between Rotating Night Shift Work and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
      Among Women.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Prospective studies linking shift work to coronary heart disease
      (CHD) have been inconsistent and limited by short follow-up. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine whether rotating night shift work is associated with CHD risk. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective cohort study of 189,158 initially healthy
      women followed up over 24 years in the Nurses' Health Studies (NHS [1988-2012]: N
      = 73,623 and NHS2 [1989-2013]: N = 115,535). EXPOSURES: Lifetime history of
      rotating night shift work (>=3 night shifts per month in addition to day and
      evening shifts) at baseline (updated every 2 to 4 years in the NHS2). MAIN
      OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Incident CHD; ie, nonfatal myocardial infarction, CHD
      death, angiogram-confirmed angina pectoris, coronary artery bypass graft surgery,
      stents, and angioplasty. RESULTS: During follow-up, 7303 incident CHD cases
      occurred in the NHS (mean age at baseline, 54.5 years) and 3519 in the NHS2 (mean
      age, 34.8 years). In multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models,
      increasing years of baseline rotating night shift work was associated with
      significantly higher CHD risk in both cohorts. In the NHS, the association
      between duration of shift work and CHD was stronger in the first half of follow
      up than in the second half (P=.02 for interaction), suggesting waning risk after
      cessation of shift work. Longer time since quitting shift work was associated
      with decreased CHD risk among ever shift workers in the NHS2 (P<.001 for trend).
      [table: see text] CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among women who worked as registered
      nurses, longer duration of rotating night shift work was associated with a
      statistically significant but small absolute increase in CHD risk. Further
      research is needed to explore whether the association is related to specific work
      hours and individual characteristics.

PMID- 27115378
TI  - Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Lyme Disease, Human Granulocytic
      Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis: A Review.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), and babesiosis
      are emerging tick-borne infections. OBJECTIVE: To provide an update on diagnosis,
      treatment, and prevention of tick-borne infections. EVIDENCE REVIEW: Search of
      PubMed and Scopus for articles on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tick
      borne infections published in English from January 2005 through December 2015.
      FINDINGS: The search yielded 3550 articles for diagnosis and treatment and 752
      articles for prevention. Of these articles, 361 were reviewed in depth. Evidence
      supports the use of US Food and Drug Administration-approved serologic tests,
      such as an enzyme immunoassay (EIA), followed by Western blot testing, to
      diagnose extracutaneous manifestations of Lyme disease. Microscopy and polymerase
      chain reaction assay of blood specimens are used to diagnose active HGA and
      babesiosis. The efficacy of oral doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime axetil
      for treating Lyme disease has been established in multiple trials. Ceftriaxone is
      recommended when parenteral antibiotic therapy is recommended. Multiple trials
      have shown efficacy for a 10-day course of oral doxycycline for treatment of
      erythema migrans and for a 14-day course for treatment of early neurologic Lyme
      disease in ambulatory patients. Evidence indicates that a 10-day course of oral
      doxycycline is effective for HGA and that a 7- to 10-day course of azithromycin
      plus atovaquone is effective for mild babesiosis. Based on multiple case reports,
      a 7- to 10-day course of clindamycin plus quinine is often used to treat severe
      babesiosis. A recent study supports a minimum of 6 weeks of antibiotics for
      highly immunocompromised patients with babesiosis, with no parasites detected on
      blood smear for at least the final 2 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Evidence is evolving regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and
      prevention of Lyme disease, HGA, and babesiosis. Recent evidence supports
      treating patients with erythema migrans for no longer than 10 days when
      doxycycline is used and prescription of a 14-day course of oral doxycycline for
      early neurologic Lyme disease in ambulatory patients. The duration of
      antimicrobial therapy for babesiosis in severely immunocompromised patients
      should be extended to 6 weeks or longer.

PMID- 27115379
TI  - Body Fat Distribution and Diabetic Retinopathy in People With Type 2 Diabetes.

PMID- 27115380
TI  - Lyme Disease Serology.

PMID- 27115381
TI  - Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis and Digital Mammography in Dense and
      Nondense Breasts.

PMID- 27115382
TI  - Content, Readability, and Understandability of Dense Breast Notifications by
      State.

PMID- 27115383
TI  - TP53 Gene and Cancer Resistance in Elephants.

PMID- 27115384
TI  - TP53 Gene and Cancer Resistance in Elephants.

PMID- 27115385
TI  - TP53 Gene and Cancer Resistance in Elephants.

PMID- 27115386
TI  - TP53 Gene and Cancer Resistance in Elephants--Reply.

PMID- 27115387
TI  - Mechanical Thrombectomy and Functional Outcomes After Stroke.

PMID- 27115388
TI  - Mechanical Thrombectomy and Functional Outcomes After Stroke.

PMID- 27115389
TI  - Mechanical Thrombectomy and Functional Outcomes After Stroke--Reply.

PMID- 27115390
TI  - Conflict or Confluence of Interest?

PMID- 27115391
TI  - Conflict or Confluence of Interest?--Reply.

PMID- 27115392
TI  - Incorrect Compound.

PMID- 27115394
TI  - Public Health Laboratories.

PMID- 27115395
TI  - JAMA PATIENT PAGE. The US Preventive Services Task Force.

PMID- 27115396
TI  - Aquaporin gene therapy for disorders of cholestasis?

PMID- 27115397
TI  - Post-fledging movements of white-tailed eagles: Conservation implications for
      wind-energy development.
AB  - The presence of poorly sited wind farms raises concerns for wildlife, including
      birds of prey. Therefore, there is a need to extend the knowledge of the
      potential human-wildlife conflicts associated with wind energy. Here, we report
      on the movements and habitat use of post-fledging satellite-tagged white-tailed
      eagles in Finland, where wind-energy development is expected to increase in the
      near future. In particular, we examine the probability of a fledgling approaching
      a hypothetical turbine that is placed at different distances from the nest. We
      found that this probability is high at short distances but considerably decreases
      with increasing distances to the nest. A utilisation-availability analysis showed
      that the coast was the preferred habitat. We argue that avoiding construction
      between active nests and the shoreline, as well as adopting the currently 2-km
      buffer zone for turbine deployment, can avoid or minimise potential impacts on
      post-fledging white-tailed eagles.

PMID- 27115398
TI  - Verapamil Inhibits the Pelvic Pressure Increase Corresponding to Flow Perfusion
      in the Porcine Percutaneous Renal Puncture Model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To estimate the effects of verapamil on pelvic pressure and investigate
      the possible systemic side effects in the porcine model during the procedure of
      increasing perfusion rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the experimental group, the
      pelvic pressure was recorded with increasing perfusion rates of the renal pelvis
      (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14 and 20 ml/min) in response to intraluminal administration
      of increasing concentrations of verapamil (0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 ug/ml) in
      isotonic saline. In the isotonic saline group, the pressure flow study was also
      done by increasing perfusion rates of the renal pelvis per animal using isotonic
      saline without verapamil. RESULTS: Perfusion with 1, 10 and 100 ug/ml verapamil
      caused a decrease in pelvic pressure as a response to increasing flow rates,
      whereas perfusion with 0.1 ug/ml verapamil did not obviously inhibit the increase
      of pelvic pressure at all perfusion rates compared with other concentrations.
      Importantly, the mean systolic blood pressure and mean heart rate were stable
      despite the increase of flow rates and verapamil concentrations. In the isotonic
      saline group, perfusion with isotonic saline resulted in an increase in the
      pelvic pressure with an increase in flow rates each time. CONCLUSIONS:
      Endoluminal administration of verapamil reduces pelvic pressure significantly
      without any untoward systemic cardiovascular side effects.

PMID- 27115399
TI  - Attitudes Toward HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in a United States Urban Clinic
      Population.
AB  - A majority of US studies on attitudes toward PrEP focus on men who have sex with
      men with little representation of African Americans. This cross-sectional study
      seeks to determine openness to PrEP, and examine motivations for openness among
      Philadelphia residents. Patients undergoing HIV rapid testing between May 2012
      and December 2014 in a public setting were administered a survey. Questions
      included openness to PrEP and reasons for openness to PrEP. Multivariate logistic
      regression models were used to investigate associations between openness and
      potential predictors. Analyses were conducted using R version 3.2.4 and the
      epitools and car packages. Of 5606 respondents, over 90 % were African American.
      Men were more likely to express openness (61.4 % of men, 54.8 % of women, p <
      0.0001). Predictors of openness were younger age, black race, higher perceived
      risk for HIV by patient or as assessed by Tester, intermittent /no condom use,
      greater number of partners in 12 months and previous HIV testing. The main reason
      for openness was fear of HIV, and for disinterest was lack of recognition of
      risk. Understanding openness to PrEP, and reasons for openness to or disinterest
      in PrEP are critical to determining the best approaches to facilitate engagement
      in PrEP care by communities and persons at elevated risk for HIV acquisition.
      Further study is needed on how best to manage disinterest in PrEP by those at
      high risk for HIV, and how openness to PrEP translates into concrete steps to
      take PrEP.

PMID- 27115400
TI  - Pilot Randomized Trial of Collaborative Behavioral Treatment for Chronic Pain and
      Depression in Persons Living with HIV/AIDS.
AB  - In this pilot study, we assessed feasibility and acceptability of a behavior
      therapy intervention for pain and depressive symptoms in persons living with
      HIV/AIDS (PLWH). We randomly assigned 23 participants to HIV-PASS (HIV-Pain and
      Sadness Study) or a health education control arm for 3 months. On average,
      participants attended more than 5 sessions (of 7 possible) in both arms.
      Qualitative data suggest HIV-PASS participants understood key messages and made
      concrete behavioral changes. HIV-PASS was associated with effects in the expected
      direction for three of four outcomes, including the primary outcome (pain-related
      interference with functioning). Findings suggest that HIV-PASS is promising.

PMID- 27115402
TI  - Congenital Microtia Treated at Sapporo Medical University Hospital: Clinical
      Characteristics and Associated Anomalies.
AB  - Seventy-three children who underwent plastic surgery for their external ear
      malformations between December 2010 and May 2013 at the Sapporo Medical
      University Hospital were evaluated. The predominance of right-sided malformation
      (62%) in males (71%) was similar to that reported previously, but the number of
      bilateral cases (9.3%) was lower than that in previous reports. We classified
      patients' ears using Marx's classification. The pure-tone average (average air
      conduction thresholds measured at 500, 1,000 and 2,000 Hz) was used as the
      representative value for the hearing level, which was compared with a patient's
      Marx classification. We evaluated the facial nerve position using high-resolution
      computed tomography scans. A thorough understanding of anatomical variations and
      complications, as well as performing appropriate treatments, is required for
      otolaryngologists to effectively manage congenital microtia. 

PMID- 27115401
TI  - The Impact of Discrimination on the Mental Health of Trans*Female Youth and the
      Protective Effect of Parental Support.
AB  - Significant health disparities exist for transgender female (trans*female) youth.
      We assessed differences in mental health outcomes based on exposure to
      discrimination among transgender female youth in the San Francisco Bay Area aged
      16-24 years. Youth were recruited using a combination of respondent driven
      sampling with online and social media methods. Logistic regression models were
      used to estimate odds ratios for the mental health outcomes, comparing levels of
      discrimination and levels of resiliency promoting protective factors among
      sexually active youth in the sample (N = 216). High transgender-based
      discrimination was significantly associated with greater odds of PTSD (AOR, 2.6;
      95 % CI 1.4-5.0), depression (AOR, 2.6; 95 % CI 1.2-5.9), and stress related to
      suicidal thoughts (AOR 7.7, 95 % CI 2.3-35.2). High racial discrimination was
      significantly associated with greater odds of psychological stress (AOR 3.6; 95 %
      CI 1.2-10.8), PTSD (AOR 2.1; 95 % CI 1.1-4.2) and stress related to suicidal
      thoughts (AOR 4.3, 95 % CI 1.5-13.3). Parental closeness was related to
      significantly lower odds of all four mental health outcomes measured, and
      intrinsic resiliency positively reduced risk for psychological stress, PTSD, and
      stress related to suicidal thoughts. Transgender and racial discrimination may
      have deleterious effects on the mental health of trans*female youth.
      Interventions that address individual and intersectional discrimination and build
      resources for resiliency and parental closeness may have success in preventing
      mental health disorders in this underserved population.

PMID- 27115403
TI  - UK Renal Registry 18th Annual Report (December 2015) Chapter 5: Survival and
      Causes of Death in UK Adult Patients on Renal Replacement Therapy in 2014:
      National and Centre-specific Analyses.
AB  - Survival of incident patients on RRT continued to improve over the last 14 years
      for both short and long term survival up to 10 years post RRT start. One year
      after 90 day age adjusted survival for incident RRT patients in the 2013 cohort
      increased to 91.4% from the previous year (91.0%); survival increased in incident
      patients aged ,65 years and in older patients (565 years). There was a difference
      in one year after 90 day incident survival by age group and diabetic status:
      diabetic patients aged ,65 years have slightly worse survival than non-diabetic
      patients, but survival for older diabetic patients (565 years) was significantly
      better than for non-diabetic patients. One year age adjusted survival for
      prevalent dialysis patients was 88.6% in the 2013 cohort, a slight decrease from
      the 2012 cohort (89.3%). Age adjusted one year survival for prevalent dialysis
      patients with diabetic primary renal disease has been declining slightly since
      2012. Centre and UK country variability was evident in incident and prevalent
      patient survival after adjusting to age 60 and this finding would benefit from
      further investigation. The relative one year risk of death on RRT decreased with
      age from about 19 times that of the general population at age 35-39 years to 2.6
      times at age 85 and over. In the prevalent RRT population, cardiovascular disease
      was the most common cause of death, accounting for 23% of deaths. Infection
      accounted for 20% of deaths and treatment withdrawal for 16% of deaths.

PMID- 27115404
TI  - Does the ethical appropriateness of paying donors depend on what body parts they
      donate?
AB  - The idea of paying donors in order to make more human bodily material available
      for therapy, assisted reproduction, and biomedical research is notoriously
      controversial. However, while national and international donation policies
      largely oppose financial incentives they do not treat all parts of the body
      equally: incentives are allowed in connection to the provision of some parts but
      not others. Taking off from this observation, I discuss whether body parts differ
      as regards the ethical legitimacy of incentives and, if so, why. I distinguish
      two approaches to this issue. On a "principled" approach, some but not all body
      parts are inherently special in a way that proscribes payment. On a "pragmatic"
      approach, the appropriateness of payment in relation to a specific part must be
      determined through an overall assessment of e.g. the implications of payment for
      the health and welfare of providers, recipients, and third parties, and the
      quality of providers' consent. I argue that the first approach raises deep and
      potentially divisive questions about the good life, whereas the second approach
      invokes currently unsupported empirical assumptions and requires difficult
      balancing between different values and the interests of different people. This
      does not mean that any attempt to distinguish between body parts in regard to the
      appropriateness of payment necessarily fails. However, I conclude, any plausible
      such attempt should either articulate and defend a specific view of the good
      life, or gather relevant empirical evidence and apply defensible principles for
      weighing goods and interests. 

PMID- 27115405
TI  - Evidence for a distinct gut microbiome in kidney stone formers compared to non
      stone formers.
AB  - The trillions of microbes that colonize our adult intestine are referred to as
      the gut microbiome (GMB). Functionally it behaves as a metabolic organ that
      communicates with, and complements, our own human metabolic apparatus. While the
      relationship between the GMB and kidney stone disease (KSD) has not been
      investigated, dysbiosis of the GMB has been associated with diabetes, obesity and
      cardiovascular disease. In this pilot study we sought to identify unique changes
      in the GMB of kidney stone patients compared to patients without KSD. With an IRB
      approved protocol we enrolled 29 patients into our pilot study. 23 patients were
      kidney stone formers and six were non-stone forming controls. Specimens were
      collected after a 6h fast and were flash frozen in dry ice and then stored at -80
      degrees C. Microbiome: determination of bacterial abundance was by analysis of
      16 s rRNA marker gene sequences using next generation sequencing. Sequencing of
      the GMB identified 178 bacterial genera. The five most abundant enterotypes
      within each group made up to greater than 50 % of the bacterial abundance
      identified. Bacteroides was 3.4 times more abundant in the KSD group as compared
      to control (34.9 vs 10.2 %; p = 0.001). Prevotella was 2.8 times more abundant in
      the control group as compared to the KSD group (34.7 vs 12.3 %; p = 0.005). In a
      multivariate analysis including age, gender, BMI, and DM, kidney stone disease
      remained an increased risk for high prevalence for Bacteroides (OR = 3.26, p =
      0.033), whereas there was an inverse association with Prevotella (OR = 0.37, p =
      0.043). There were no statistically significant differences in bacterial
      abundance levels for Bacteroides or Prevotella when comparing patients with and
      without DM, obesity (BMI >30), HTN or HLD. 11 kidney stone patients completed 24
      h urine analysis at the time of this writing. Looking at the bacterial genuses
      with at least 4 % abundance in the kidney stone group, Eubacterium was inversely
      correlated with oxalate levels (r = -0.60, p < 0.06) and Escherichia trended to
      an inverse correlation with citrate (r = -0.56, p < 0.08). We also compared
      bacterial abundance between uric acid (UA) stone formers (n = 5) and non UA stone
      formers (n = 18) and found no significant difference between them. We identified
      two genus of bacteria in the GMB that had significant association with KSD.
      Interestingly, components of the 24-h urine appear to be correlated to bacterial
      abundance. These preliminary studies for the first time associate differences in
      the GMB with kidney stone formation. Further studies are warranted to evaluate
      the potential causative role of preexisting dysbiosis in kidney stone disease. 

PMID- 27115407
TI  - A Clinical Review of Thyroid Cancer at Sapporo Medical University Hospital.
AB  - Thyroid cancer is a disease that affects 8,000 new individuals a year, a number
      that has increased approximately 3-fold in the past 30 years. The increase in the
      incidence of thyroid cancer can be related to various factors. The evolution of
      diagnostic technology has distinctly occurred in the fields of diagnostic
      imaging, cytology and immunochemistry. For example, liquid-based cytology,
      developed to assess gynecological lesions, has improved diagnostic accuracy over
      conventional smear cytology. This technique can also be positively applied to
      cytological analyses of thyroid cancer. In the field of tumor biomarkers,
      thyroglobulin and trefoil factor-1 are well known and useful. On the other hand,
      a new specific biomarker of thyroid cancer has been developed. Furthermore,
      definitive diagnosis of follicular thyroid tumors is extremely difficult or
      impossible with current tumor biomarkers and cytological methods. Although the
      standard treatment for thyroid cancer is a basic surgical resection, iodine
      adjuvant therapy after surgery is a well-known treatment. Here we present a
      treatment strategy for thyroid cancer according to the statistics obtained at our
      facility. 

PMID- 27115408
TI  - Steroid-induced Deficiency of Mucosal-associated Invariant T Cells in the Chronic
      Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Lung. Implications for Nontypeable Haemophilus
      influenzae Infection.
AB  - RATIONALE: Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a recently described
      abundant, proinflammatory T-cell subset with unknown roles in pulmonary immunity.
      Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is the leading bacterial pathogen
      during chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations and is a
      plausible target for MAIT cells. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether MAIT cells
      respond to NTHi and the effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on their
      frequency and function in COPD. METHODS: Eleven subjects with COPD receiving ICS,
      8 steroid-naive subjects with COPD, and 21 healthy control subjects underwent
      phlebotomy, sputum induction, bronchoalveolar lavage, and endobronchial biopsy.
      Pulmonary and monocyte-derived macrophages were cultured in vitro with NTHi.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Frequencies of Valpha7.2+CD161+ MAIT cells,
      surface expression of the major histocompatibility complex-related protein 1
      (MR1), and intracellular IFN-gamma expression were measured by flow cytometry.
      MAIT-cell frequencies were reduced in peripheral blood of ICS-treated subjects
      with COPD (median 0.38%; interquartile range [IQR], 0.25-0.96) compared with
      healthy control subjects (1.8%; IQR, 1.4-2.5; P = 0.001) or steroid-naive
      patients with COPD (1.8%; IQR, 1.2-2.3; P = 0.04). MAIT cells were reduced in
      bronchial biopsies from subjects with COPD treated with steroids (0.73%; IQR,
      0.46-1.3) compared with healthy control subjects (4.0%; IQR, 1.6-5.0; P = 0.02).
      Coculture of live NTHi increased macrophage surface expression of MR1 and induced
      IFN-gamma from CD4 cells and CD8 cells, but most potently from MAIT cells (median
      IFN-gamma-positive frequencies, 2.9, 8.6, and 27.6%, respectively). In vitro
      fluticasone and budesonide reduced MR1 surface expression twofold and decreased
      NTHi-induced IFN-gamma secretion eightfold. CONCLUSIONS: MAIT cells are deficient
      in blood and bronchial tissue in steroid-treated, but not steroid-naive, COPD.
      NTHi constitutes a target for pulmonary MAIT-cell immune responses, which are
      significantly impaired by corticosteroids.

PMID- 27115409
TI  - Surface heat shock protein 90 serves as a potential receptor for calcium oxalate
      crystal on apical membrane of renal tubular epithelial cells.
AB  - Adhesion of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals on renal tubular
      epithelial cells is a crucial step in kidney stone formation. Finding potential
      crystal receptors on the apical membrane of the cells may lead to a novel
      approach to prevent kidney stone disease. Our previous study identified a large
      number of crystal-binding proteins on the apical membrane of MDCK cells. However,
      their functional role as potential crystal receptors had not been validated. The
      present study aimed to address the potential role of heat shock protein 90
      (HSP90) as a COM crystal receptor. The apical membrane was isolated from
      polarized MDCK cells by the peeling method and recovered proteins were incubated
      with COM crystals. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of HSP90 in the
      apical membrane and the crystal-bound fraction. Immunofluorescence staining
      without permeabilization and laser-scanning confocal microscopy confirmed the
      surface HSP90 expression on the apical membrane of the intact cells. Crystal
      adhesion assay showed that blocking surface HSP90 by specific anti-HSP90 antibody
      and knockdown of HSP90 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) dramatically reduced
      crystal binding on the apical surface of MDCK cells (by approximately 1/2 and
      2/3, respectively). Additionally, crystal internalization assay revealed the
      presence of HSP90 on the membrane of endocytic vesicle containing the
      internalized COM crystal. Moreover, pretreatment of MDCK cells with anti-HSP90
      antibody significantly reduced crystal internalization (by approximately 1/3).
      Taken together, our data indicate that HSP90 serves as a potential receptor for
      COM crystals on the apical membrane of renal tubular epithelial cells and is
      involved in endocytosis/internalization of the crystals into the cells.

PMID- 27115410
TI  - Natural Sources as Innovative Solutions Against Fungal Biofilms.
AB  - Fungal cells are capable of adhering to biotic and abiotic surfaces and form
      biofilms containing one or more microbial species that are microbial reservoirs.
      These biofilms may cause chronic and acute infections. Fungal biofilms related to
      medical devices are particularly responsible for serious infections such as
      candidemia. Nowadays, only a few therapeutic agents have demonstrated activities
      against fungal biofilms in vitro and/or in vivo. So the discovery of new anti
      biofilm molecules is definitely needed. In this context, biodiversity is a large
      source of original active compounds including some that have already proven
      effective in therapies such as antimicrobial compounds (antibacterial or
      antifungal agents). Bioactive metabolites from natural sources, useful for
      developing new anti-biofilm drugs, are of interest. In this chapter, the role of
      molecules isolated from plants, lichens, algae, microorganisms, or from animal or
      human origin in inhibition and/or dispersion of fungal biofilms (especially
      Candida and Aspergillus biofilms) is discussed. Some essential oils, phenolic
      compounds, saponins, peptides and proteins and alkaloids could be of particular
      interest in fighting fungal biofilms. 

PMID- 27115411
TI  - Fungal Biofilms: Update on Resistance.
AB  - Over the past decade, the emergence of biofilm-related invasive fungal diseases
      has been the subject of numerous studies focused on antifungal resistance and its
      impact on antifungal therapy in severely ill patients. The majority of the
      studies investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in antifungal resistance
      and pathogenicity of biofilm production by Candida albicans and Aspergillus
      fumigatus, the most common etiologic agents of yeast and mold invasive
      infections. The main mechanism characterizing biofilm-related antifungal
      resistance is the production of extracellular matrix, a physical barrier
      preventing the drugs from entering and expressing their activity. However, over
      expression of efflux pumps, genetic changes of drug targets, persister cells,
      biofilm-host immune system interaction, proteins leading to filamentation, all
      together contribute to the onset of biofilm antifungal resistance. Some of these
      mechanisms are shared with planktonic cells and are often related to
      developmental phases of biofilm formation. All physical and genetic factors
      leading to biofilm-related antifungal resistance have been briefly discussed. 

PMID- 27115412
TI  - Glucagon is the key factor in the development of diabetes.
AB  - Glucagon plays important roles in normal glucose homeostasis and in metabolic
      abnormalities, particularly diabetes. Glucagon excess, rather than insulin
      deficiency, is essential for the development of diabetes for several reasons.
      Glucagon increases hepatic glucose and ketone production, the catabolic features
      of insulin deficiency. Hyperglucagonaemia is present in every form of diabetes.
      Beta cell destruction in glucagon receptor null mice does not cause diabetes
      unless mice are administered adenovirus encoding the glucagon receptor. In rodent
      studies the glucagon suppressors leptin and glucagon receptor antibody suppressed
      all catabolic manifestations of diabetes during insulin deficiency. Insulin
      prevents hyperglycaemia; however, insulin monotherapy cannot cure diabetes such
      that non-diabetic glucose homeostasis is achieved. Glucose-responsive beta cells
      normally regulate alpha cells, and diminished insulin action on alpha cells will
      favour hypersecretion of glucagon by the alpha cells, thus altering the
      insulin:glucagon ratio. Treating diabetes by suppression of glucagon, with leptin
      or antibody against the glucagon receptor, normalised glucose level (without
      glycaemic volatility) and HbA1c. Glucagon suppression also improved insulin
      sensitivity and glucose tolerance. If these results can be translated to humans,
      suppression of glucagon action will represent a step forward in the treatment of
      diabetes. This review summarises a presentation given at the 'Novel data on
      glucagon' symposium at the 2015 annual meeting of the EASD. It is accompanied by
      two other reviews on topics from this symposium (by Mona Abraham and Tony Lam,
      DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-3950-3 , and by Russell Miller and Morris Birnbaum, DOI:
      10.1007/s00125-016-3955-y ) and an overview by the Session Chair, Isabel Valverde
      (DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-3946-z ).

PMID- 27115413
TI  - The power of numbers.

PMID- 27115414
TI  - An overview of glucagon research.

PMID- 27115415
TI  - Glucagon: acute actions on hepatic metabolism.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the result of impaired systemic control of glucose
      homeostasis, in part through the dysregulation of the hormone glucagon. Glucagon
      acts on the liver to increase glucose production through alterations in hepatic
      metabolism, and reducing the elevated glucagon signalling in diabetic patients is
      an attractive strategy for the treatment of hyperglycaemia. Here we review the
      actions of the hormone in the liver, focusing on the acute alterations of
      metabolic pathways. This review summarises a presentation given at the 'Novel
      data on glucagon' symposium at the 2015 annual meeting of the EASD. It is
      accompanied by two other reviews on topics from this symposium (by Mona Abraham
      and Tony Lam, DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-3950-3 , and by Young Lee and colleagues,
      DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-3965-9 ) and an overview by the Session Chair, Isabel
      Valverde (DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-3946-z ).

PMID- 27115416
TI  - Glucagon action in the brain.
AB  - In recent years, novel discoveries have reshaped our understanding of the biology
      of brain glucagon in the regulation of peripheral homeostasis. Here we compare
      and contrast brain glucagon action in feeding vs glucose regulation and depict
      the physiological relevance of brain glucagon by reviewing their actions in two
      key regions of the central nervous system: the mediobasal hypothalamus and the
      dorsal vagal complex. These novel findings pave the way to future therapeutic
      strategies aimed at enhancing brain glucagon action for the treatment of diabetes
      and obesity. This review summarises a presentation given at the 'Novel data on
      glucagon' symposium at the 2015 annual meeting of the EASD. It is accompanied by
      two other reviews on topics from this symposium (by Young Lee and colleagues,
      DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-3965-9 ), and by Russell Miller and Morris Birnbaum, DOI:
      10.1007/s00125-016-3955-y ) and an overview by the Session Chair, Isabel Valverde
      (DOI: 10.1007/s00125-016-3946-z ).

PMID- 27115417
TI  - C66 ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in mice by both upregulating NRF2 function
      via increase in miR-200a and inhibiting miR-21.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal
      disease. Previously we reported that C66, a novel analogue of curcumin with a
      very high bioavailability, ameliorated diabetic nephropathy in mice, with little
      known about the mechanism. The present study aimed to define the mechanism by
      which C66 ameliorates diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: Our aim was to discover
      whether C66 acts through the activation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)
      like 2 (NFE2L2 or NRF2), which governs the antioxidant response. Streptozotocin
      induced Nrf2 (also known as Nfe2l2)-knockout and wild-type (WT) diabetic mice
      were treated with C66. To determine whether the actions of C66 on NRF2 are
      mediated by microRNA (miR)-200a, WT diabetic mice were treated with C66 in the
      presence or absence of an in vivo miR-200a inhibitor (locked nucleic acid
      modified anti-miR-200a [LNA-200a]) for 6 months. To determine whether miR-21
      downregulation provided an NRF2-independent basis for C66 protection, Nrf2
      knockout diabetic mice were treated with either C66 or an inhibitor of miR-21
      (locked nucleic acid-modified anti-miR-21 [LNA-21]). RESULTS: Deletion of Nrf2
      partially abolished diabetic nephropathy protection by C66, confirming the
      requirement of NRF2 for this protection. Diabetic mice, but not C66-treated
      diabetic mice, developed significant albuminuria, renal oxidative damage and
      fibrosis. C66 upregulated renal miR-200a, inhibited kelch-like ECH-associated
      protein 1 and induced NRF2 function, effects that were prevented by LNA-200a.
      However, LNA-200a only partially reduced the protection afforded by C66,
      suggesting the existence of miR-200a/NRF2-independent mechanisms for C66
      protection. C66 was also found to inhibit diabetes induction of miR-21. Both C66
      and LNA-21 produced similar reductions in miR-21, albuminuria and renal fibrosis.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The present study indicates that in addition to
      upregulating NRF2 by increasing miR-200a, C66 also protects against diabetic
      nephropathy by inhibiting miR-21.

PMID- 27115418
TI  - To Revascularise or Not To Revascularise, That Is the Question: the Diagnostic
      and Management Conundrum of Ischaemic Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Ischaemic cardiomyopathy is an important cardiovascular condition that has
      differing pathophysiological substrates and clinical manifestations. Contemporary
      management involves the administration of heart failure pharmacotherapy and
      device therapy where indicated, which has good prognostic data to support it.
      Whilst the role of revascularisation is clear in those patients presenting with
      an acute coronary syndrome or angina, the role in those patients presenting
      either incidentally, with predominant heart failure symptoms, or in those
      presenting with acute heart failure with an associated elevated troponin is less
      well defined and lacks randomised outcome data to support its adoption. The aim
      of this review is therefore to discuss the challenges in the diagnosis of
      ischaemic cardiomyopathy with a review of the existing imaging modalities that
      can facilitate, and to revisit the variety of clinical presentations that can
      occur, with particular emphasis on the contemporary role of revascularisation in
      these cohorts of patients.

PMID- 27115419
TI  - Effects of Erosion Protocol Design on Erosion/Abrasion Study Outcome and on
      Active Agent (NaF and SnF2) Efficacy.
AB  - There is no standard for testing anti-erosive/anti-abrasive agents, making the
      assessment and comparison of study results difficult. Factors which are varied in
      study designs are amongst others the erosive medium regarding concentration and
      pH or movement type of acid. The present study therefore investigated the impact
      of these factors on dimension of tissue loss and on efficacy of active agents
      used as anti-erosive/anti-abrasive therapeutics. In 8 experiments, consisting of
      8 groups each (n = 20 each), resulting in a total of 64 groups, enamel specimens
      were demineralised (10 days, 6 * 2 min/day) using different acids (1, 0.5 and
      0.3% citric acid at native pH 2.3, 2.5 and 2.8, respectively, and 0.3% citric
      acid adjusted to pH 3.6) with two different movement types (jerky or smooth).
      Specimens were immersed (2 * 2 min/day) in slurries of 1,450 ppm F- toothpaste
      (NaF), 1,450 ppm F- and 3,436 ppm Sn2+ toothpaste (NaF/SnF2), 970 ppm F- and
      3,000 ppm Sn2+ gel (SnF2) or placebo, or were additionally brushed during
      immersion (15 s, 200 g). All groups were in between stored in a mineral salt
      solution. Tissue loss was determined profilometrically. Movement type, pH and
      concentration of acid had a substantial impact on study outcome. The combination
      of jerky movement and concentrated acid masked, to some extent, differences
      between erosive and erosive-abrasive tissue loss. The acid at low concentration
      (0.3%), independent of pH, was too mild to produce any tissue loss. The model
      with the best ability to demonstrate effects of abrasive impacts and active
      agents used the 1% acid concentration combined with smooth acid movements. 

PMID- 27115420
TI  - Gdf-15 deficiency does not alter vulnerability of nigrostriatal dopaminergic
      system in MPTP-intoxicated mice.
AB  - Growth/differentiation factor-15 (Gdf-15) is a member of the transforming growth
      factor-beta (Tgf-beta) superfamily and has been shown to be a potent neurotrophic
      factor for midbrain dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons both in vitro and in vivo. Gdf
      15 has also been shown to be involved in inflammatory processes. The aim of this
      study was to identify the role of endogenous Gdf-15 in the MPTP (1-methyl-4
      phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD) by
      comparing Gdf-15 (+/+) and Gdf-15 (-/-) mice. At 4 days and 14 days post-MPTP
      administration, both Gdf-15 (+/+) and Gdf-15 (-/-) mice showed a similar decline
      in DAergic neuron numbers and in striatal dopamine (DA) levels. This was followed
      by a comparable restorative phase at 90 days and 120 days, indicating that the
      absence of Gdf-15 does not affect the susceptibility or the recovery capacity of
      the nigrostriatal system after MPTP administration. The MPTP-induced microglial
      and astrocytic response was not significantly altered between the two genotypes.
      However, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiling revealed the
      differential expression of markers in Gdf-15 (+/+) and Gdf-15 (-/-) mice after
      MPTP administration. Thus, the MPTP mouse model fails to uncover a major role of
      endogenous Gdf-15 in the protection of MPTP-lesioned nigrostriatal DAergic
      neurons, in contrast to its capacity to protect the 6-hydroxydopamine-intoxicated
      nigrostriatal system.

PMID- 27115421
TI  - Discovery and complete genome sequence of a novel circovirus-like virus in the
      endangered rowi kiwi, Apteryx rowi.
AB  - Circoviruses are circular, non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA viruses around 2000
      nucleotides (nt) in length and include the pathogenic species, Porcine circovirus
      1 and Beak and feather disease virus, capable of causing significant morbidity
      and mortality. This group of viruses may be robust to degradation by external
      environments, and avian circoviruses are known to move between closely related
      hosts. Using a de novo metagenomic approach, followed by confirmatory PCR, we
      identify for the first time a circular Rep-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA
      virus in New Zealand kiwi, Apteryx spp., derived from faecal matter of the rowi
      kiwi (A. rowi) showing signs of verminous dermatitis. The entire 2085 nt genome
      was cloned and sequenced and contains both capsid and replicase genes, as well as
      a conserved 9 nt motif. Phylogenetic analyses place it within Circoviridae,
      adjacent to other environmental CRESS-DNA viruses, and most closely related to
      badger circovirus-like virus (Meles meles circovirus-like virus). As the rowi is
      the most critically endangered kiwi, it is vital to understand the role of rowi
      kiwi circovirus-like virus as a possible pathogen and also any potential cross
      species transmission. 

PMID- 27115422
TI  - Distribution and source apportionment studies of heavy metals in soil of
      cotton/wheat fields.
AB  - Heavy metals enriched agricultural soils have been the subject of great concern
      because these metals have potential to be transferred to the soil solution and
      afterward accumulated in food chain. To study the trace metal persistence in crop
      soil, 90 representative soil samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metal
      (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and anions (chloride, nitrates, phosphates
      and sulfates). Cluster and factor analysis techniques were used for the source
      identification of these excessive heavy metal levels and ecological risk was
      determined with potential ecological risk assessment. The degree of enrichment of
      eight studied heavy metals in comparison with the corresponding background levels
      decreased in order: Cd > Pb > Fe > Ni > Mn > As > Cu ~ Zn. Arsenic and cadmium
      exhibited 1.30- and 1.64-fold exceeded levels than threshold limits set by
      National environment quality standards, respectively. Cd in cotton field's soil
      may lead to higher potential risk than other heavy metals. On overall basis, the
      cumulative mean potential ecological risk for the district (207.75) corresponded
      to moderate risk level with higher contributions from As and Pb especially from
      Cd. Cadmium formed strong positive correlation with phosphate content of soil at
      p < 0.01. Cluster analysis indicated that Cluster 1 (extremely polluted) probably
      originated from anthropogenic inputs of phosphate fertilizer and past usage of
      arsenical pesticides.

PMID- 27115423
TI  - Clinical significance of atypical glandular cells in Pap tests: An analysis of
      more than 3000 cases at a large academic women's center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The interpretation of atypical glandular cells (AGC) in Papanicolaou
      (Pap) tests and screening for glandular neoplasia remain challenging. METHODS:
      Pap tests with an AGC interpretation from January 2008 to December 2013 were
      retrieved from a pathology database, and cases with histologic follow-up within 1
      year were included in the study. RESULTS: There were 589,830 Pap tests during the
      study period, and 3709 cases (0.6%) were reported as AGC, which included the
      following: AGC, not otherwise specified (52.0%); atypical endocervical cells
      (28.0%); and other categories. There were 3007 cases (81.1%) with histologic
      follow-up results within 1 year. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2/3 (CIN2/3),
      cervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS)/adenocarcinoma, and endometrial carcinoma
      were identified in 5.6%, 1.9%, and 5.5% of cases, respectively. Glandular
      neoplasia was more likely to be identified in cases with pure AGC subcategories
      than cases with AGC and squamous abnormalities. Endometrial neoplasia was more
      likely to be identified in cases with atypical endometrial cells than other
      categories. Overall, the most common severe abnormality on histologic follow-up
      was CIN2/3. Although CIN2/3 was the most common severe lesion in patients younger
      than 30 years (10.0%) and in patients aged 30 to 49 years (6.4%), endometrial
      carcinoma was the most common lesion in women who were 50 years old or older
      (13.7%). Endocervical glandular lesions (AIS and adenocarcinoma) occurred in only
      1.9% of women. CONCLUSIONS: AGC subtypes and ages significantly affect
      histological follow-up results; 90.5% of cases with carcinoma on histologic
      follow-up were either endometrial or metastatic carcinoma. This study supports
      the recommendation that women with AGC Pap test results should be followed up
      with both endocervical and endometrial sampling. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:589
      95. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27115424
TI  - Comparison between two different parameters of argon plasma coagulation in the
      treatment of chronic radiation proctopathy.

PMID- 27115425
TI  - Radiation target volume definition after induction chemotherapy in locally
      advanced rectal cancer.

PMID- 27115426
TI  - Solution-Processable High-Purity Semiconducting SWCNTs for Large-Area Fabrication
      of High-Performance Thin-Film Transistors.
AB  - For the large-area fabrication of thin-film transistors (TFTs), a new conjugated
      polymer poly[9-(1-octylonoyl)-9H-carbazole-2,7-diyl] is developed to harvest
      ultrahigh-purity semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes. Combined with
      spectral and nanodevice characterization, the purity is estimated up to 99.9%.
      High density and uniform network formed by dip-coating process is liable to
      fabricate high-performance TFTs on a wafer-scale and the as-fabricated TFTs
      exhibit a high degree of uniformity.

PMID- 27115427
TI  - Clickable Photoaffinity Ligands for Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 Based on
      Select Acetylenic Negative Allosteric Modulators.
AB  - G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest class of current drug
      targets. In particular, small-molecule allosteric modulators offer substantial
      potential for selectively "tuning" GPCR activity. However, there remains a
      critical need for experimental strategies that unambiguously determine direct
      allosteric ligand-GPCR interactions, to facilitate both chemical biology studies
      and rational structure-based drug design. We now report the development and use
      of first-in-class clickable allosteric photoprobes for a GPCR based on
      metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) negative allosteric modulator (NAM)
      chemotypes. Select acetylenic mGlu5 NAM lead compounds were rationally modified
      to contain either a benzophenone or an aryl azide as a photoreactive functional
      group, enabling irreversible covalent attachment to mGlu5 via photoactivation.
      Additionally, a terminal alkyne or an aliphatic azide was incorporated as a click
      chemistry handle, allowing chemoselective attachment of fluorescent moieties to
      the irreversibly mGlu5-bound probe via tandem photoaffinity labeling
      bioorthogonal conjugation. These clickable photoprobes retained submicromolar
      affinity for mGlu5 and negative cooperativity with glutamate, interacted with the
      "common allosteric-binding site," displayed slow binding kinetics, and could
      irreversibly label mGlu5 following UV exposure. We depleted the number of
      functional mGlu5 receptors using an irreversibly bound NAM to elucidate and
      delineate orthosteric agonist affinity and efficacy. Finally, successful
      conjugation of fluorescent dyes via click chemistry was demonstrated for each
      photoprobe. In the future, these clickable photoprobes are expected to aid our
      understanding of the structural basis of mGlu5 allosteric modulation.
      Furthermore, tandem photoaffinity labeling-bioorthogonal conjugation is expected
      to be a broadly applicable experimental strategy across the entire GPCR
      superfamily.

PMID- 27115428
TI  - The safety and efficacy of olaparib therapy in patients with relapsed ovarian
      cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: PARP inhibition is an exciting new anticancer strategy. Olaparib
      has recently obtained a first in class license in Europe and the USA for the
      treatment of relapsed BRCA-mutant ovarian cancer. AREAS COVERED: We review the
      key preclinical and clinical data surrounding its use in the maintenance setting.
      Expert commentary: We also consider the market profile, regulatory issues
      surrounding the agent and offer a five year speculative viewpoint of its future
      development in ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27115429
TI  - Constraints on Biological Mechanism from Disease Comorbidity Using Electronic
      Medical Records and Database of Genetic Variants.
AB  - Patterns of disease co-occurrence that deviate from statistical independence may
      represent important constraints on biological mechanism, which sometimes can be
      explained by shared genetics. In this work we study the relationship between
      disease co-occurrence and commonly shared genetic architecture of disease.
      Records of pairs of diseases were combined from two different electronic medical
      systems (Columbia, Stanford), and compared to a large database of published
      disease-associated genetic variants (VARIMED); data on 35 disorders were
      available across all three sources, which include medical records for over 1.2
      million patients and variants from over 17,000 publications. Based on the sources
      in which they appeared, disease pairs were categorized as having predominant
      clinical, genetic, or both kinds of manifestations. Confounding effects of age on
      disease incidence were controlled for by only comparing diseases when they fall
      in the same cluster of similarly shaped incidence patterns. We find that disease
      pairs that are overrepresented in both electronic medical record systems and in
      VARIMED come from two main disease classes, autoimmune and neuropsychiatric. We
      furthermore identify specific genes that are shared within these disease groups. 

PMID- 27115430
TI  - Predictors of Treatment Attrition Among Adult Outpatients With Clinically
      Significant Suicidal Ideation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify demographic, diagnostic, and personality factors that
      predict treatment dropout in a sample of outpatients with clinically significant
      suicidal ideation. METHOD: A total of 287 adult outpatients at elevated risk for
      suicide completed self-report measures of demographics, suicidal and depression
      symptoms, and personality characteristics at treatment intake. Clinician-assessed
      psychiatric diagnoses and ratings of overall functioning also were collected.
      RESULTS: Lower overall functioning (odds ratio [OR] = .947; 95% confidence
      interval [CI] [.909, .987]) and the presence of a substance use disorder (OR =
      4.543; 95% CI [1.058, 19.499]) were the most robust predictors of attrition.
      Dropouts also were more likely to have a depressive disorder, more comorbid
      diagnoses, and more severe depression and suicidal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS:
      Findings suggest that clinician-assessed poorer overall functioning and a
      substance use disorder diagnosis are risk factors for attrition among suicidal
      individuals, above and beyond other symptom measures. Further research is
      warranted to investigate attrition in additional outpatient samples.

PMID- 27115431
TI  - Clinical utility of HCV core antigen detection and quantification in the
      diagnosis and management of patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving an all
      oral, interferon-free regimen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The introduction of highly potent direct-acting combination therapies
      for HCV have negated the role of response-guided therapy and reduced the role of
      treatment monitoring. However, there remains a need to identify patients who are
      actively infected with HCV and discriminate those who have achieved sustained
      virological response (SVR) from those who fail to achieve SVR. METHODS: A total
      of 1,678 plasma samples from the 631 subjects enrolled in AbbVie's SAPPHIRE I
      trial (NCT01716585) were tested in a blinded fashion with Abbott HCV core antigen
      (cAg) assay and results were compared with Roche High-Pure system/COBAS(r) TaqMan
      HCV RNA 2.0 assay. RESULTS: Using 10 fmol/l as the clinical cutoff for cAg, the
      HCV RNA and cAg tests were in 100% agreement for true negative samples and 99.6%
      agreement for truly positive samples. One discordant (screening) sample was
      identified. This sample was target not detected by HCV RNA method but positive by
      anti-HCV and highly positive by ARCHITECT core antigen (7,912 fmol/l). Seventeen
      samples had cAg levels in the 'grey zone' >3 but <10 fmol/l at initial testing
      and were re-tested per package insert. All of these samples gave a result of <3
      fmol/l upon retest. These results were in alignment with target not detected HCV
      RNA result. One sample had a cAg >3 but <10 fmol/l when tested on three
      consecutive occasions (5.8, 5.5 and 4.4) but had a target not detected RNA
      result. CONCLUSIONS: In this study cAg, with a 10 fmol/l cutoff, accurately
      identified 99.6% of patients with active viraemia and discriminated all subjects
      who achieved SVR from those who failed therapy.

PMID- 27115446
TI  - Condensation in Nanoporous Packed Beds.
AB  - In materials with tiny, nanometer-scale pores, liquid condensation is shifted
      from the bulk saturation pressure observed at larger scales. This effect is
      called capillary condensation and can block pores, which has major consequences
      in hydrocarbon production, as well as in fuel cells, catalysis, and powder
      adhesion. In this study, high pressure nanofluidic condensation studies are
      performed using propane and carbon dioxide in a colloidal crystal packed bed.
      Direct visualization allows the extent of condensation to be observed, as well as
      inference of the pore geometry from Bragg diffraction. We show experimentally
      that capillary condensation depends on pore geometry and wettability because
      these factors determine the shape of the menisci that coalesce when pore filling
      occurs, contrary to the typical assumption that all pore structures can be
      modeled as cylindrical and perfectly wetting. We also observe capillary
      condensation at higher pressures than has been done previously, which is
      important because many applications involving this phenomenon occur well above
      atmospheric pressure, and there is little, if any, experimental validation of
      capillary condensation at such pressures, particularly with direct visualization.

PMID- 27115447
TI  - Dynamic Chiral Nanoparticle Assemblies and Specific Chiroplasmonic Analysis of
      Cancer Cells.
AB  - Fabricated Ag@Au core-shell nanoparticle (CS NP) assemblies exhibit pronounced
      and reverse chiral bisignate plasmonic signals spanning 400 to 580 nm, in
      comparison to Ag NP assemblies. The time-dependent chiro-optical response of
      assemblies that shift with shell deposition is systematically recorded. Chiral
      Ag@Au CS NP assemblies first achieve the special discrimination of circulating
      tumor cells with HER2 overexpression. 

PMID- 27115448
TI  - CT-assessed large airway involvement and lung function decline in eosinophilic
      asthma: The association between induced sputum eosinophil differential counts and
      airway remodeling.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Eosinophilic asthma (EA) is a distinct clinical phenotype
      characterized by eosinophilic airway inflammation and airway remodeling. Few
      studies have used computed tomography (CT) scanning to assess the association
      between sputum eosinophil differential counts and airway involvement. We aimed to
      investigate the clinical characteristics and airway involvement of EA, and to
      examine the correlation between induced sputum eosinophil differential counts and
      CT-assessed airway remodeling. METHODS: We retrospectively divided 63 patients
      with stable asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroids into 2 groups: 26 patients
      with EA (sputum eosinophil >3%) and 37 patients with non-eosinophilic asthma
      (NEA). Clinical measurements such as spirometry, fractional exhaled nitric oxide
      levels (FeNO), and CT-assessed indices of airway involvement were compared
      between the groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify determinants
      of the percentage of wall area (WA%). RESULTS: The EA group had significantly
      longer asthma duration, lower pulmonary function, and higher FeNO than the NEA
      group. Also, the EA group had higher WA% and smaller airway luminal area than the
      NEA group. Sputum eosinophil differential counts and WA% were positively
      correlated. The multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the factors
      associated with WA% included sputum eosinophil differential counts, age, and body
      mass index. However, asthma duration was not associated with WA%. Our CT-assessed
      findings demonstrated large airway involvement in EA, and we observed a positive
      association between induced sputum eosinophil differential counts and WA%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that induced sputum eosinophil differential
      counts may be associated with airway remodeling in patients with stable asthma.

PMID- 27115449
TI  - Former Military Nurse Officers: One Answer to the Faculty Shortage?

PMID- 27115450
TI  - Work Factors of Importance to Adjunct Nursing Faculty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of adjunct faculty has increased exponentially in the past
      decade. It is essential that resources to retain adjuncts are identified and made
      available to adjunct faculty. To identify the appropriate factors, it is
      essential to discover what nursing adjunct instructors perceive to be the factors
      of importance to their work role. The purpose of the article was to determine the
      perceived factors of importance and availability of work role needs of adjunct
      faculty. METHOD: A quantitative, exploratory design was developed, using an
      anonymous online Adjunct Instructor Likert Scale Survey. The sample included
      participating adjunct instructors from a possible total of 91 midsized,
      midwestern baccalaureate nursing programs. RESULTS: Fourteen of 18 pairs were
      significantly different (p < .05) in adjunct perception. CONCLUSION: Using these
      data, colleges of nursing may be able to identify adjunct work factors in that
      can be improved to increase adjunct faculty recruitment, satisfaction, and
      retention. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(5):245-251.].

PMID- 27115451
TI  - The Flipped Learning Approach in Nursing Education: A Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This integrative review examines the application of the pedagogical
      methodology-the flipped classroom-in nursing education. METHOD: A literature
      search of the CINAHL, ERIC, and the National Library of Medicine (PubMed and
      MEDLINE) databases was conducted, using the following key words: flipped
      classroom, inverted classroom, and nursing education. RESULTS: Results of a
      literature search yielded 94 articles, with 13 meeting the criteria of the
      flipped classroom approach in nursing education. Themes identified include the
      theoretical underpinning, strategies for implementation of a flipped classroom,
      and student satisfaction with and outcomes of the flipped classroom approach.
      CONCLUSION: Syntheses of the findings indicate that the flipped classroom
      approach can yield positive outcomes, but further study of this methodology is
      needed to guide future implementation. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(5):252-257.].

PMID- 27115452
TI  - Effects of Associate Degree Nursing Students' Characteristics on Perceptions and
      Experiences of Mentoring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mentoring has been identified as a key education program support
      structure to facilitate student success. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was
      conducted to investigate how associate degree nursing program students experience
      mentoring and persistence. Mentoring perceptions were evaluated using the College
      Student Mentoring Scale. Associate degree nursing students throughout the state
      of Michigan were recruited for an online survey. RESULTS: Sample characteristics
      (N = 283) resembled those compiled by the National League for Nursing. The study
      found that men met with a mentor more frequently and perceived greater
      psychological, emotional, and academic support than women. Part-time students and
      students who had never failed a nursing course also reported they met more
      frequently with a mentor than full-time students and those who had failed a
      nursing course. CONCLUSION: The findings contribute to an evidence base to
      support the further development and evaluation of mentoring programs for nursing
      students. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(5):258-265.].

PMID- 27115453
TI  - Improving Pressure Ulcer Staging Accuracy Through a Nursing Student Experiential
      Intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Staging of pressure ulcers (PUs) is often inaccurate. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a student-focused intervention to
      improve PU staging accuracy in nursing students. METHOD: Nursing students from
      two universities were included. The control group (n = 103) received a standard
      lecture about PUs; the intervention group (n = 55) completed a PU module,
      participated in Skin Day at a local hospital, and received the standard lecture.
      All students completed a PU staging tool to determine their staging accuracy.
      Scores were compared using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Students in the
      intervention group were significantly more accurate in PU staging, especially
      stage II PUs and suspected deep tissue injury. Stage III PUs were the most
      difficult to stage for all students. CONCLUSION: Skin Day provided students with
      hands-on clinical experience, which assisted them in becoming better at staging
      PUs. This type of experiential opportunity should be considered for all students,
      as accurate staging is necessary for best practice adherence. [J Nurs Educ.
      2016;55(5):266-270.].

PMID- 27115454
TI  - Stakeholder Perceptions, Learning Opportunities, and Student Outcomes in Three
      Clinical Learning Models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the strengths and challenges of various clinical models
      is important for nursing education. METHOD: Three long-standing clinical models
      (preceptored, hybrid, and traditional) were compared on several outcome measures
      related to satisfaction, learning opportunities, and student outcomes. Students,
      faculty, and preceptors participated in this study. RESULTS: Although no
      differences were noted in satisfaction or standardized examination scores,
      students in the preceptored clinical model were able to practice more psychomotor
      skills. Although participants in the preceptored model reported spending more
      time communicating with staff nurses than did those in the other models, students
      in the traditional model spent more time with faculty. No differences were noted
      among groups in student clinical observation time. CONCLUSION: All clinical
      learning models were focused on how clinical time was structured, without an
      emphasis on how faculty and preceptors work with students to develop nursing
      clinical reasoning skills. Identifying methodology to impact thinking in the
      clinical environment is a key next step. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(5):271-277.].

PMID- 27115455
TI  - Senior Nursing Students' Perceptions of Caring for Patients at the End of Life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nursing students often feel unprepared to provide end-of-life care.
      Studies have examined students' learning outcomes and attitudes regarding end-of
      life care, but it is unclear how students perceived their nursing program
      prepared them in both knowledge and confidence. Such research could help inform
      curricula revisions. METHOD: This pilot study used a primarily qualitative
      approach with narrative questions and quantitative survey questions to a lesser
      degree. Seventy-one students from three baccalaureate nursing cohorts were
      participants. RESULTS: Five themes became apparent: Students Have Confidence in
      Provision of Physical Care, Students Lack Confidence in Provision of Emotional
      Care, Students Experience Stress and Lack of Knowledge When Caring for Families,
      Students Have Concern They Will Be Too Emotionally Involved, and Students Feel
      Personal Experiences Enhance Their Confidence. CONCLUSION: Student perceptions
      are important to consider when revising curricula to enhance learning and promote
      confidence in addressing emotional care at the end of life. [J Nurs Educ.
      2016;55(5):279-283.].

PMID- 27115456
TI  - Building Graduate Student Capacity as Future Researchers Through a Research and
      Training Award Program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the global shortage of doctor of philosophy-prepared nursing
      faculty and an aging nursing professorate, the nursing profession is at risk of
      having fewer nurses doing research and fewer faculty to supervise the next
      generation of nurse researchers. METHOD: A research training award for graduate
      nursing students was piloted with the intent of providing a research-intensive
      experiential learning opportunity that would contribute to graduate students'
      future roles as nurse researchers. This article describes the program design,
      implementation, and evaluation. FINDINGS: The Graduate Student Research Training
      Awards afforded students an opportunity to develop research and methodologic
      skills and achieve student-centered outcomes. These awards build their capacity
      as future researchers by both empowering them and increasing their confidence in
      research. The input and evaluation from graduate students was integral to the
      success of the program. CONCLUSION: Graduate student research training awards can
      be a valuable experiential learning opportunity in research intensive graduate
      programs. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(5):284-287.].

PMID- 27115457
TI  - Teaching Nursing Students the Importance of Treatment Fidelity in Intervention
      Research: Students as Interventionists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment fidelity is the extent to which a study team adheres to the
      dictates of a study protocol. It ensures that the intervention has been
      implemented as intended. Including and monitoring treatment fidelity reduces
      threats to validity and is vital to providing reputable, sound research. METHOD:
      This article describes specific measures taken to teach nursing students the key
      concepts and methodologic issues associated with treatment fidelity in
      intervention research studies through active learning. Twelve senior-level
      nursing students participated as interventionists in a study that spanned 4
      months. RESULTS: Treatment fidelity strategies included development of a manual,
      proper training and supervision of interventionists, a follow-up meeting with the
      interventionists, checklists, and a controller. CONCLUSION: The treatment
      fidelity strategies implemented throughout the study provided an opportunity for
      students to learn firsthand how such strategies are implemented and how they
      strengthened the confidence that study findings are indeed related to the
      intervention. [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(5):288-291.].

PMID- 27115458
TI  - A Case-Based Curriculum With the Nurse as Coach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nurses need new skill sets that emphasize health outcomes and cost
      reduction. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program partnered with
      community agencies to design a curriculum to address these skills. METHOD: Two
      focus groups were conducted with 24 participants employed as care coordinators,
      nurse coaches, or health navigators. RESULTS: Three themes and subgroups emerged
      that guided a curriculum design that emphasized case-based rather than place
      based client focus, coaching as a curriculum thread, and new and varied community
      experiences. Community health concepts were introduced early and reinforced
      throughout. Health coaching was identified as a powerful framework and tool to
      address client needs. Further study is needed to measure outcomes of the new
      curriculum. CONCLUSION: Changing paradigms in nursing education is challenging.
      Care coordination and coaching skills can broaden the competency base of RNs and
      can be included in a BSN curriculum. More study is needed to measure outcomes. [J
      Nurs Educ. 2016;55(5):292-295.].

PMID- 27115459
TI  - Using Interactive Video-Based Teaching to Improve Nursing Students' Ability to
      Provide Patient-Centered Discharge Teaching.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nursing students rarely are afforded the opportunity to provide
      discharge teaching in the acute care environment, especially at the sophomore
      level. METHOD: Three video modules were developed that presented examples of
      effective and ineffective education for patients with complex chronic conditions.
      Students viewed modules during postconference using portable technology. A
      training manual that included objectives, lesson plans, evidence-based teaching
      points, and a discussion model guided presentation. RESULTS: The modules were
      presented to 216 sophomore nursing students. Following course completion, 20
      students and 10 faculty were randomly selected to participate in two focus
      groups. Students commented positively on the format and illustration of effective
      teaching. Faculty rated the teaching strategy positively and the format as easy
      to use. CONCLUSION: Interactive video modules can be used to foster patient
      teaching skills early in the nursing curriculum. Future studies are needed to
      evaluate the ability to transfer skills learned to the clinical setting. [J Nurs
      Educ. 2016;55(5):296-299.].

PMID- 27115460
TI  - Building Genetic Competence Through Partnerships and Interactive Models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nurses are increasingly using genetic-directed therapies in routine
      care, but evidence indicates that nurse educators lack knowledge about basic
      genetic concepts and related clinical implications. Educators are the key to
      preparing future nurses for effective practice in the genomic era, and creative
      approaches are needed for faculty development. METHOD: Nurse educators in
      academic and clinical settings partnered with science educators who use
      sophisticated DNA, RNA, and protein models to explore ways to teach abstract
      genetic concepts. RESULTS: Hands-on learning enabled the workshop participants to
      understand how transcription of gene mutations leads to the translation of
      defective proteins responsible for specific diseases. Participants found using
      the models helped clarified complex concepts that occur at the cellular level.
      CONCLUSION: Partnerships with science educators can address gaps in nurse
      educators' knowledge about genetics and introduce creative teaching strategies.
      [J Nurs Educ. 2016;55(5):300-303.].

PMID- 27115461
TI  - Learning Argentine Tango to Develop Nursing Student Empathy for Patients.

PMID- 27115462
TI  - The Effects of a Single Session of Music Therapy on the Agitated Behaviors of
      Patients Receiving Hospice Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research suggests that agitation is a common symptom for hospice
      patients, but while studies have examined the outcomes of music therapy on the
      agitated behaviors of patients in other settings, none have addressed this
      symptom in patients with terminal illnesses. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was
      to determine whether a single session of music therapy provided by a board
      certified music therapist and using the entrainment principle would decrease
      agitation in hospice patients. DESIGN: This pilot study was a single-blind,
      pretest/posttest design. Music therapists used the principle of entrainment with
      live music during the treatment session. SETTING/SUBJECTS: Subjects included in
      the study were 77 patients at a large hospice in south Florida with documented
      agitation. MEASUREMENTS: Agitation was measured using the Overt Agitation
      Severity Scale (OASS) for 5 minutes prior to and 5 minutes following a 20 minute
      music therapy intervention. RESULTS: Results from 73 participants were analyzed
      with a mean difference of -5.77 points from pretest to posttest. Results
      indicating a decrease in agitation were statistically significant (p < 0.001) for
      the entire sample. Age, gender, location, and diagnosis were found to have no
      significant effects on the results. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that a single
      session of music therapy using the entrainment principle may be an effective
      treatment for hospice patients experiencing agitation.

PMID- 27115463
TI  - Development and Applications of Transesterification Reactions Catalyzed by N
      Heterocyclic Olefins.
AB  - A novel method to utilize N-heterocyclic olefins (NHOs), the alkylidene
      derivatives of N-heterocycic carbenes, as organocatalysts to promote
      transesterification reactions has been developed. Because of their strong
      Bronsted/Lewis basicity, NHOs can enhance the nucleophilicity of alcohols for
      their acylation reactions with carboxylic esters. This transformation can be
      employed in industrially relevant processes such as the production of biodiesel,
      the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from plastic bottles for
      recycling purposes, and the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters to form
      biodegradable polymers such as polylactide (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL).

PMID- 27115464
TI  - Nanoscale View of Dewetting and Coating on Partially Wetted Solids.
AB  - There remain significant gaps in our ability to predict dewetting and wetting
      despite the extensive study over the past century. An important reason is the
      absence of nanoscopic knowledge about the processes near the moving contact line.
      This experimental study for the first time obtained the liquid morphology within
      10 nm of the contact line, which was receding at low speed (U < 50 nm/s). The
      results put an end to long-standing debate about the microscopic contact angle,
      which turned out to be varying with the speed as opposed to the constant-angle
      assumption that has been frequently employed in modeling. Moreover, a residual
      film of nanometer thickness ubiquitously remained on the solid after the receding
      contact line passed. This microscopic residual film modified the solid surface
      and thus made dewetting far from a simple reverse of wetting. A complete scenario
      for dewetting and coating is provided.

PMID- 27115465
TI  - Expression of the chemokine CXCL14 in the tumour stroma is an independent marker
      of survival in breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Expression of the chemokine CXCL14 has previously been shown to be
      elevated in the tumour stroma of, for example, prostate and breast cancer. Cancer
      associated fibroblast-derived CXCL14 enhances tumour growth in mouse models of
      prostate and breast cancer. However, the prognostic significance of compartment
      specific expression of CXCL14 has not been studied. METHODS: CXCL14 mRNA
      expression was analysed in a breast cancer tissue microarray (TMA) of formalin
      fixed, paraffin-embedded tumours by the RNAscope 2.0 Assay. Epithelial and
      stromal expression was analysed separately and correlated with
      clinicopathological characteristics and survival. RESULTS: CXCL14 was variably
      and independently expressed in malignant and stromal cells of breast cancer.
      Total and stromal expression of CXCL14 did not associate with clinicopathological
      parameters. Epithelial CXCL14 expression was significantly associated with
      oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)-positive tumours and lower proliferation
      status. Total CXCL14 expression correlated significantly with shorter breast
      cancer-specific and recurrence-free survival. High stromal, but not epithelial,
      CXCL14 expression was significantly associated with shorter survival in
      univariable and multivariable analyses. Moreover, the correlation between stromal
      CXCL14 expression and survival was more prominent in ER negative, triple negative
      and basal-like breast cancers. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of prognostic
      significance of stromal CXCL14 in breast cancer demonstrates novel clinical
      relevance of a stroma-derived secreted factor and illustrates the importance of
      tumour compartment-specific analyses. On the basis of the prognostic signals from
      difficult-to-treat subgroups, CXCL14 should also be considered as a candidate
      drug target.

PMID- 27115466
TI  - Use of tricyclic antidepressants and risk of glioma: a nationwide case-control
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A protective effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) against
      gliomas has been suggested by a small number of studies. We investigated this
      putative association in a nationwide setting. METHODS: Using a case-control
      design, we identified all patients with histologically verified glioma (cases) in
      Denmark between 2000 and 2012 and matched these 1 : 20 to population controls.
      Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs)
      for glioma associated with long-term (?3 years) use of TCAs. Similar analyses
      were performed for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). RESULTS: We
      identified 3767 glioma cases and 75 340 population controls. Long-term use of
      TCAs was inversely associated with risk of glioma (OR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.41-1.25).
      Long-term SSRI use was not associated with glioma risk (OR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.75
      1.16). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that long-term use of TCAs may be
      associated with a reduced risk of glioma, however, the statistical precision was
      limited. A similar pattern was not observed for use of SSRIs.

PMID- 27115467
TI  - Impact of partial bivalent HPV vaccination on vaccine-type infection: a
      population-based analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on the effectiveness of one dose of HPV vaccine are lacking,
      particularly in population-based settings. Data from a national HPV immunisation
      catch-up programme of 14-18-year-old girls were used to assess the effectiveness
      of<3 doses of the bivalent vaccine on vaccine-type and cross-reactive-type HPV
      infection. METHODS: Cervical samples from women attending for their first
      cervical smear, which had been genotyped for HPV as part of a longitudinal HPV
      surveillance programme were linked to immunisation records to establish the
      number of vaccine doses (0, 1, 2 and 3) administered. Vaccine effectiveness (VE)
      adjusted for deprivation and age at first dose, was assessed for prevalent HPV
      16/18 and HPV 31/33/45 infection. RESULTS: VE for prevalent HPV 16/18 infection
      associated with 1, 2 and 3 doses was 48.2% (95% CI 16.8, 68.9), 54.8% (95% CI
      30.7, 70.8) and 72.8% (95% CI 62.8, 80.3). Equivalent VE for prevalent HPV
      31/33/45 infection was -1.62% (95% CI -85.1, 45.3), 48.3% (95% CI 7.6, 71.8) and
      55.2% (95% CI 32.6, 70.2). CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with recent aggregated trial
      data, we demonstrate the potential effectiveness of even one dose of HPV vaccine
      on vaccine-type infection. Given that these women were immunised as part of a
      catch-up campaign, the VE observed in this study is likely to be an underestimate
      of what will occur in girls vaccinated at younger ages. Further population-based
      studies which look at the clinical efficacy of one-dose schedules are warranted.

PMID- 27115468
TI  - Health service use and costs in the last 6 months of life in elderly decedents
      with a history of cancer: a comprehensive analysis from a health payer
      perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in end-of-life care in cancer patients. We
      aim to characterise health service use and costs in decedents with cancer history
      and examine factors associated with resource use and costs at life's end.
      METHODS: We used routinely collected claims data to quantify health service use
      and associated costs in two cohorts of elderly Australians diagnosed with cancer:
      one cohort died from cancer (n=4271) and the other from non-cancer causes
      (n=3072). We used negative binomial regression to examine the factors associated
      with these outcomes. RESULTS: Those who died from cancer had significantly higher
      rates of hospitalisations and medicine use but lower rates of emergency
      department use than those who died from non-cancer causes. Overall health care
      costs were significantly higher in those who died from cancer than those dying
      from other causes; and 40% of costs were expended in the last month of life.
      CONCLUSIONS: We analysed health services use and costs from a payer perspective,
      and highlight important differences in patterns of care by cause of death in
      patients with a cancer history. In particular, there are growing numbers of
      highly complex patients approaching the end of life and the heterogeneity of
      these populations may present challenges for effective health service delivery.

PMID- 27115469
TI  - Expression of breast cancer stem cell markers as predictors of prognosis and
      response to trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) have been suggested to have clinical
      implications for cancer therapeutics because of their proposed role in
      chemoresistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of BCSC
      marker expression on clinical outcome and trastuzumab response in human epidermal
      growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. METHODS: We analysed the
      expression of BCSC markers, CD44+/CD24- and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), and
      clinical outcomes in three sets of breast cancer cases: Set 1, 242 HER2-positive
      primary breast cancers treated by various modalities; Set 2, 447 HER2-positive
      primary breast cancers treated with surgery and chemotherapy plus adjuvant
      trastuzumab; Set 3, 112 metastatic HER2-positive breast cancers treated with
      trastuzumab. RESULTS: Expression of CD44+/CD24- and ALDH1 was detected in 30.7%
      and 10.0%, respectively, of the Set 1 cases, and was associated with hormone
      receptor negativity. In survival analyses, expression of CD44+/CD24-, but not
      ALDH1, was found to be an independent prognostic factor for poor disease-free and
      overall survival in whole patients and also in the subgroup not receiving
      adjuvant trastuzumab. In Set 2 cases treated with adjuvant trastuzumab,
      CD44+/CD24- expression was an independent prognostic factor for poor disease-free
      survival, but not for overall survival; expression of ALDH1 had no impact on
      disease-free or overall survival. In metastatic disease treated with trastuzumab
      (Set 3 cases), CD44+/CD24- and ALDH1 expression had no effect on trastuzumab
      response or survival. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the CD44+/CD24-
      phenotype can be used as a prognostic factor for clinical outcome and a
      predictive factor of trastuzumab response in patients with HER2-positive primary
      breast cancer.

PMID- 27115470
TI  - Expression of two WFDC1/ps20 isoforms in prostate stromal cells induces paracrine
      apoptosis through regulation of PTGS2/COX-2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: WFDC1/Prostate stromal 20 (ps20) is a small secreted protein highly
      expressed within the prostate stroma. WFDC1/ps20 expression is frequently
      downregulated or lost in prostate cancer (PCa) and ps20 has demonstrated growth
      suppressive functions in numerous tumour model systems, although the mechanisms
      of this phenomenon are not understood. METHODS: Ps20 was cloned and overexpressed
      in DU145, PC3, LNCaP and WPMY-1 cells. Cellular growth, cell cycle and apoptosis
      were characterised. WPMY-1 stromal cells expressing ps20 were characterised by
      transcriptome microarray and the function of WPMY-1 conditioned media on growth
      of PCa cell lines was assessed. RESULTS: Prostrate stromal 20 expression enhanced
      the proliferation of LNCaP cells, whereas stromal WPMY-1 cells were inhibited and
      underwent increased apoptosis. Prostrate stromal 20-expressing WPMY-1 cells
      secrete a potently proapoptotic conditioned media. Prostrate stromal 20
      overexpression upregulates expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in LNCaP and
      WPMY-1 cells, and induces expression of a growth-suppressive phenotype, which
      inhibits proliferation of PCa cells by ps20-expressing WPMY-1 conditioned media.
      This growth suppression was subsequently shown to be dependent on COX-2 function.
      CONCLUSIONS: This work posits that expression of ps20 in the prostate stroma can
      regulate growth of epithelial and other tissues through the prostaglandin
      synthase pathway, and thereby restricts development and progression of neoplasms.
      This provides a rational for selective pressure against ps20 expression in tumour
      associated stroma.

PMID- 27115471
TI  - Mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated apoptosis resistance associates with defective
      heat shock protein response in African-American men with prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: African-American (AA) patients with prostate cancer (PCa) respond
      poorly to current therapy compared with Caucasian American (CA) PCa patients.
      Although underlying mechanisms are not defined, mitochondrial dysfunction is a
      key reason for this disparity. METHODS: Cell death, cell cycle, and mitochondrial
      function/stress were analysed by flow cytometry or by Seahorse XF24 analyzer.
      Expression of cellular proteins was determined using immunoblotting and real-time
      PCR analyses. Cell survival/motility was evaluated by clonogenic, cell migration,
      and gelatin zymography assays. RESULTS: Glycolytic pathway inhibitor
      dichloroacetate (DCA) inhibited cell proliferation in both AA PCa cells (AA
      cells) and CA PCa cells (CA cells). AA cells possess reduced endogenous reactive
      oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential (mtMP), and mitochondrial mass
      compared with CA cells. DCA upregulated mtMP in both cell types, whereas
      mitochondrial mass was significantly increased in CA cells. DCA enhanced taxol
      induced cell death in CA cells while sensitising AA cells to doxorubicin. Reduced
      expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) was observed in AA cells, whereas DCA
      induced expression of CHOP, C/EBP, HSP60, and HSP90 in CA cells. AA cells are
      more aggressive and metastatic than CA cells. CONCLUSIONS: Restoration of
      mitochondrial function may provide new option for reducing PCa health disparity
      among American men.

PMID- 27115472
TI  - Comment on 'Wild-type APC prediction of poor prognosis in microsatellite-stable
      proximal colorectal cancer differs according to the age of onset'.

PMID- 27115473
TI  - European Portuguese Adaptation of Glasgow Content of Thoughts Inventory (GCTI):
      Psychometric Characterization in Higher Education Students.
AB  - Persistent cognitive activity is an important factor in disturbing sleep-onset
      both during bedtime and when attempting to get back to sleep after nocturnal
      awakenings. One of the most specific self-report measures designed to assess this
      feature is the Glasgow Content of Thoughts Inventory (GCTI). In this study, we
      investigated the preliminary psychometric properties of GCTI in a large sample of
      higher education European Portuguese students (N = 2995). Our results suggest
      that there is evidence of good internal consistency (alpha = 0.93) and validity
      indicators. Moreover, we found an interpretable factorial structure comprising 5
      correlated factors that needs to be confirmed in future studies. The European
      Portuguese version of the GCTI appears to be a reliable and valid instrument for
      measurement of sleep-onset disturbing cognitions.

PMID- 27115474
TI  - The interrater reliability of an objective structured practical examination in
      measuring the clinical reasoning ability of chiropractic students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective structured practical examination (OSPE) is a case-based
      assessment that can be used to assess the clinical reasoning ability of students.
      The reliability of using an OSPE for this purpose has not been reported in the
      literature. The objective of this study was to determine the interrater
      reliability of the OSPE in measuring the clinical reasoning ability of
      chiropractic students. METHODS: Two examiners tested each student simultaneously
      when enough were available as a check for interrater reliability. The scores for
      students over 4 exam administrations were compiled, and we calculated an
      intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) using 1-way random single measures.
      RESULTS: Paired scores were available for 133 students. The ICC was .685, showing
      a fair-to-good level of agreement for faculty in assessing the clinical reasoning
      ability of chiropractic students using an OSPE. CONCLUSION: The OSPE can be a
      valuable tool for testing clinical reasoning abilities because it can simulate
      the decision-making process that needs to be implemented in clinical practice.
      Faculty members at our chiropractic college were able to achieve an acceptable
      level of reliability in measuring the clinical reasoning abilities of students
      using an OSPE. Other health professional programs may consider using this tool
      for assessing the clinical reasoning skills of their students.

PMID- 27115475
TI  - Real-world glycemic, blood pressure, and weight control in patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus treated with canagliflozin-an electronic health-record-based
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Canagliflozin (CANA) has been shown to improve HbA1c, blood pressure
      (BP), and weight in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in clinical
      trials. This study describes HbA1c, BP, and weight in T2DM patients treated with
      CANA in a real-world setting. METHODS: Adults with >=1 diagnosis for T2DM and
      >=12 months of clinical activity before the first CANA prescription (index) were
      identified in the IMS Health Real-World Data Electronic Medical Records - US
      database. Patient quality measures were described at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12
      months post-index. Selected goals were HbA1c <7% (<53 mmol/mol), <8% (<64
      mmol/mol), and >9% (>75 mmol/mol, poor control), BP <140/90 mmHg, and weight loss
      >=5%. RESULTS: In total, 16,163 patients were identified (mean age = 58.5 years;
      47.9% female; 75.8% white). At baseline, 90.4% of patients used >=1 anti
      hyperglycemic agent. Among patients with baseline HbA1c >=7% (n = 10,478; 64.8%;
      mean HbA1c = 8.8%), 21.2%, 59.5%, and 17.6% had an HbA1c <7%, <8%, and >9% after
      3 months, respectively; these proportions remained stable through 12 months.
      Among patients with baseline BP >=140/90, 60.0% and 75.6% attained systolic BP
      <140 mmHg and diastolic BP <90 mmHg after 3 months, respectively; proportions
      remained stable through 12 months. Weight loss >=5% was observed in 13.3% of
      patients at 3 months and the proportion increased to 25.8% at 12 months.
      LIMITATIONS: This study relied on prescription data, which does not necessarily
      indicate that the medication was taken as prescribed. Some patients were also
      treated with other anti-hyperglycemics, anti-hypertensives, and weight loss
      medications during the follow-up, which may have contributed to the effects
      reported. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with inadequate HbA1c and BP levels at
      baseline achieved respective goals after 3 months of CANA, and the proportions of
      responders remained stable through 12 months. Weight loss >=5% was increasingly
      observed over time.

PMID- 27115476
TI  - Framework for enhancing clinical practice guidelines through continuous patient
      engagement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient engagement in clinical practice guideline (CPG) development
      is recommended by multiple institutions and instruments measuring guideline
      quality. Approaches to engaging patients, however, vary between oversight
      organizations, quality tools and guideline developers. OBJECTIVE: We propose a
      ten-step framework outlining steps and options for patient engagement in
      guideline development with the goal of highlighting steps for patient engagement
      and methods by which this can be achieved. DISCUSSION: This framework provides a
      model for continuous patient engagement in CPGs by outlining ten steps of
      guideline development occurring at the levels of the developer/committee and the
      individual guideline project. At the developer level, patients can assist in
      topic nomination (step 1), topic prioritization (step 2) and guideline
      development group selection (step 3). Within specific guideline projects,
      patients' opinions may be incorporated when framing the question (step 4),
      creating an analytic framework and research plan (step 5), conducting the
      systematic review and conclusion formation (step 6), development of
      recommendations (step 7) and dissemination and implementation (step 8). At the
      end of process, patients can again be engaged at the developer level by helping
      determine when guidelines need updating (step 9) and evaluating the developer's
      approach to patient engagement (step 10). CONCLUSIONS: Patient engagement at each
      CPG development step has different purposes, mechanisms, advantages and
      disadvantages, and implications for resource utilization. This framework can
      serve as a resource for guideline developers desiring to increase patient
      engagement and reference for researchers investigating engagement methodology at
      different steps of the CPG lifecycle.

PMID- 27115477
TI  - Yoga for asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disorder affecting about 300
      million people worldwide. As a holistic therapy, yoga has the potential to
      relieve both the physical and psychological suffering of people with asthma, and
      its popularity has expanded globally. A number of clinical trials have been
      carried out to evaluate the effects of yoga practice, with inconsistent results.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of yoga in people with asthma. SEARCH METHODS:
      We systematically searched the Cochrane Airways Group Register of Trials, which
      is derived from systematic searches of bibliographic databases including the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      CINAHL, AMED, and PsycINFO, and handsearching of respiratory journals and meeting
      abstracts. We also searched PEDro. We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO
      ICTRP search portal. We searched all databases from their inception to 22 July
      2015, and used no restriction on language of publication. We checked the
      reference lists of eligible studies and relevant review articles for additional
      studies. We attempted to contact investigators of eligible studies and experts in
      the field to learn of other published and unpublished studies. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared yoga with
      usual care (or no intervention) or sham intervention in people with asthma and
      reported at least one of the following outcomes: quality of life, asthma symptom
      score, asthma control, lung function measures, asthma medication usage, and
      adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We extracted bibliographic
      information, characteristics of participants, characteristics of interventions
      and controls, characteristics of methodology, and results for the outcomes of our
      interest from eligible studies. For continuous outcomes, we used mean difference
      (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) to denote the treatment effects, if the
      outcomes were measured by the same scale across studies. Alternatively, if the
      outcomes were measured by different scales across studies, we used standardised
      mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI. For dichotomous outcomes, we used risk ratio
      (RR) with 95% CI to measure the treatment effects. We performed meta-analysis
      with Review Manager 5.3. We used the fixed-effect model to pool the data, unless
      there was substantial heterogeneity among studies, in which case we used the
      random-effects model instead. For outcomes inappropriate or impossible to pool
      quantitatively, we conducted a descriptive analysis and summarised the findings
      narratively. MAIN RESULTS: We included 15 RCTs with a total of 1048 participants.
      Most of the trials were conducted in India, followed by Europe and the United
      States. The majority of participants were adults of both sexes with mild to
      moderate asthma for six months to more than 23 years. Five studies included yoga
      breathing alone, while the other studies assessed yoga interventions that
      included breathing, posture, and meditation. Interventions lasted from two weeks
      to 54 months, for no more than six months in the majority of studies. The risk of
      bias was low across all domains in one study and unclear or high in at least one
      domain for the remainder.There was some evidence that yoga may improve quality of
      life (MD in Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) score per item 0.57 units
      on a 7-point scale, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.77; 5 studies; 375 participants), improve
      symptoms (SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.65; 3 studies; 243 participants), and reduce
      medication usage (RR 5.35, 95% CI 1.29 to 22.11; 2 studies) in people with
      asthma. The MD for AQLQ score exceeded the minimal clinically important
      difference (MCID) of 0.5, but whether the mean changes exceeded the MCID for
      asthma symptoms is uncertain due to the lack of an established MCID in the
      severity scores used in the included studies. The effects of yoga on change from
      baseline forced expiratory volume in one second (MD 0.04 litres, 95% CI -0.10 to
      0.19; 7 studies; 340 participants; I(2) = 68%) were not statistically
      significant. Two studies indicated improved asthma control, but due to very
      significant heterogeneity (I(2) = 98%) we did not pool data. No serious adverse
      events associated with yoga were reported, but the data on this outcome was
      limited. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found moderate-quality evidence that yoga
      probably leads to small improvements in quality of life and symptoms in people
      with asthma. There is more uncertainty about potential adverse effects of yoga
      and its impact on lung function and medication usage. RCTs with a large sample
      size and high methodological and reporting quality are needed to confirm the
      effects of yoga for asthma.

PMID- 27115478
TI  - Emergency Department Management of Febrile Respiratory Illness in Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data regarding testing and treatment patterns for
      children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with a febrile respiratory
      illness. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to evaluate the rates of
      diagnostic testing, antibiotic use, and pneumonia diagnosis among children
      presenting to an ED with a febrile respiratory illness and to evaluate whether
      differences exist on the basis of care at a pediatric versus a general ED.
      METHODS: Cross-sectional study of children presenting to an ED with a febrile
      respiratory illness from 2001 to 2010 used the National Hospital Ambulatory
      Medical Care Survey. Using extrapolated estimates from the weighted population
      sample, rates of laboratory and radiographic testing, antibiotic use, and
      pneumonia diagnosis were ascertained. Comparisons were made between children
      treated at a general versus pediatric ED. A subpopulation of children undergoing
      chest radiograph was identified to target those with concern for radiographic
      pneumonia. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of the 12 million visits for febrile
      respiratory illness occurred in a pediatric ED. Thirteen percent (95% confidence
      interval [CI], 11-15) of patients had a complete blood count, 4% (95% CI, 3-5)
      had a blood culture, and 33% (95% CI, 30-35) had a chest radiograph obtained; no
      differences were observed on the basis of ED type. Despite similar rates of
      pneumonia diagnosis, antibiotics were prescribed less often for children cared
      for in a pediatric (35% [95% CI, 30-41]) versus general ED (50% [95% CI, 47-53]).
      Similar findings were observed among the subgroup of children with febrile
      respiratory illness undergoing chest radiograph. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of
      diagnostic testing were observed among children with febrile respiratory
      illnesses, despite low rates of pneumonia diagnosis. Antibiotic use was higher
      among children cared for at a general ED compared with pediatric ED.

PMID- 27115479
TI  - Methylphenidate Overdose Causing Secondary Polydipsia and Severe Hyponatremia in
      an 8-Year-Old Boy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly
      common diagnosis of childhood that manifests with symptoms that affect cognitive,
      academic, behavioral, emotional, and social functioning. There are a multitude of
      pharmaceutical therapies to choose from when managing this condition, and though
      many studies on the safety and efficacy of these medications have been published,
      adverse effects still occur. CASE: This case discusses a previously healthy 8
      year-old boy who had been prescribed 20-mg lisdexamfetamine dimesylate for ADHD
      however mistakenly took his brother's 36-mg methylphenidate extended-release
      tablets, resulting in hyperhidrosis, excessive thirst, polydipsia, and combative
      behavior that began within 3 hours of ingestion. He was evaluated at a community
      hospital emergency department and given lorazepam due to agitation and
      combativeness before discharge. However, he returned with hypothermia,
      hyponatremia, and status epilepticus resulting in intubation. Patient was
      transferred to our facility where a computer tomography of his head was negative
      and hyponatremia was corrected with 3% NaCl saline solution. A lumbar puncture
      was performed due to temperature instability before starting broad-spectrum
      antibiotics. Cerebrospinal fluid findings were normal, and he was extubated at 18
      hours postingestion. Patient was discharged home after 3 days with no residual
      symptoms. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Though both lisdexamfetamine dimesylate and
      methylphenidate are widely used among pediatricians today for treatment of ADHD,
      reports of life-threatening water intoxication as a result of overdose is rare.
      Studies have reported that severe 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphtamine toxicity in
      adults is associated with syndrome of inappropriate diuretic hormone (SIADH)
      secretion, hyponatremia, and seizures, along with serotonin-induced transient
      elevation in antidiuretic hormone. Adult schizophrenics who receive
      psychostimulants have also been shown to develop polydipsia with hyponatremia.
      Although the use of psychostimulants in adult schizophrenic patients has been
      studied, literature on toxicity and effects in the pediatric psychiatric
      population is scarce. We would suggest that this patient's polydipsia and
      hyponatremia are most likely a result of his ingestion of a toxic dose of a long
      acting agent known to cause secondary psychosis.

PMID- 27115480
TI  - Mitochondrial autophagy promotes healthy aging.

PMID- 27115481
TI  - Anticlastogenicity and Anticarcinogenicity of Purple Rice Extract in Rats.
AB  - Oryza sativa L. var. indica cv. Kum Doi Saket is a pigmented rice variety grown
      in northern Thailand. Our previous study found that the methanol extract of
      purple rice seed had the highest level of antimutagenicity in a Salmonella
      mutation assay. The present study was designed to evaluate its in vivo
      anticlastogenic and anticarcinogenic potentials. The purple rice extract had no
      acute toxicity on rats. The oral administration of 1,000 mg/kg body weight (bw)
      of the extract for 28 days did not increase the number of micronucleated
      hepatocytes. Interestingly, it significantly reduced the amount of micronucleus
      formation in the liver of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-treated rats. The inhibitory
      mechanism involved the induction of hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST)
      activity. In addition, oral administration of 500 mg/kg bw extract for 10 weeks
      significantly decreased the number of hepatic GST placental form positive foci,
      but did not modulate the number of colonic aberrant crypt foci in DEN- and
      dimethylhydrazine-initiated rats. In conclusion, the methanol extract of purple
      rice seed showed no toxicity, clastogenicity, or carcinogenicity in laboratory
      rats. It did display chemopreventive activity against the early stages of rat
      hepatocarcinogenesis.

PMID- 27115482
TI  - Textile dye degradation using nano zero valent iron: A review.
AB  - Water soluble unfixed dyes and inorganic salts are the major pollutants in
      textile dyeing industry wastewater. Existing treatment methods fail to degrade
      textile dyes and have limitations too. The inadequate treatment of textile dyeing
      wastewater is a major concern when effluent is directly discharged into the
      nearby environment. Long term disposal threatens the environment, which needs
      reclamation. This article reviews the current knowledge of nano zero valent iron
      (nZVI) technique in the degradation of textile dyes. The application of nZVI on
      textile dye degradation is receiving great attention in the recent years because
      nZVI particles are highly reactive towards the pollutant, less toxic, and
      economical. The nZVI particles aggregate quickly with respect to time and the
      addition of supports such as resin, nickel, zinc, bentonite, biopolymer, kaolin,
      rectorite, nickel-montmorillonite, bamboo, cellulose, biochar, graphene, and
      clinoptilolite enhanced the stability of iron nanoparticles. Inclusion of
      supports may in turn introduce additional toxic pollutants, hence green supports
      are recommended. The majority of investigations concluded dye color removal as
      textile dye compound removal, which is not factual. Very few studies monitored
      the removal of total organic carbon and observed the products formed. The results
      revealed that partial mineralization of the textile dye compound was achieved.
      Instead of stand alone technique, nZVI can be integrated with other suitable
      technique to achieve complete degradation of textile dye and also to treat
      multiple pollutants in the real textile dyeing wastewater. It is highly
      recommended to perform more bench-scale and pilot-scale studies to apply this
      technique to the textile effluent contaminated sites. 

PMID- 27115483
TI  - Furosemide's one little hydrogen atom: NMR crystallography structure verification
      of powdered molecular organics.
AB  - The potential of NMR crystallography to verify molecular crystal structures
      deposited in structural databases is evaluated, with two structures of the
      pharmaceutical furosemide serving as examples. While the structures differ in the
      placement of one H atom, using this approach, we verify one of the structures in
      the Cambridge Structural Database using quantitative tools, while establishing
      that the other structure does not meet the verification criteria. 

PMID- 27115484
TI  - Innate Resistance and Susceptibility to Norovirus Infection.

PMID- 27115485
TI  - Incidence of Norovirus and Other Viral Pathogens That Cause Acute Gastroenteritis
      (AGE) among Kaiser Permanente Member Populations in the United States, 2012-2013.
AB  - Noroviruses and other viral pathogens are increasingly recognized as frequent
      causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). However, few laboratory-based data are
      available on the incidence of AGE caused by viral pathogens in the U.S. This
      study examined stool specimens submitted for routine clinical diagnostics from
      patients enrolled in Kaiser Permanente (KP) health plans in metro Portland, OR,
      and the Maryland, District of Columbia, and northern Virginia geographic areas to
      estimate the incidence of viral enteropathogens in these populations. Over a one
      year study period, participating laboratories randomly selected stools submitted
      for routine clinical diagnostics for inclusion in the study along with
      accompanying demographic and clinical data. Selected stools were tested for
      norovirus, rotavirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus using standardized real-time RT
      PCR protocols. Each KP site provided administrative data which were used in
      conjunction with previously published data on healthcare utilization to
      extrapolate pathogen detection rates into population-based incidence rates. A
      total of 1,099 specimens collected during August 2012 to September 2013 were
      included. Mean age of patients providing stool specimens was 46 years (range: 0
      98 years). Noroviruses were the most common viral pathogen identified among
      patients with AGE (n = 63 specimens, 6% of specimens tested). In addition, 22
      (2%) of specimens were positive for rotavirus; 19 (2%) were positive for
      sapovirus; and 7 (1%) were positive for astrovirus. Incidence of norovirus
      associated outpatient visits was 5.6 per 1,000 person-years; incidence of
      norovirus disease in the community was estimated to be 69.5 per 1,000 person
      years. Norovirus incidence was highest among children <5 years of age (outpatient
      incidence = 25.6 per 1,000 person-years; community incidence = 152.2 per 1,000
      person-years), followed by older adults aged >65 years (outpatient incidence =
      7.8 per 1,000 person-years; community incidence = 75.8 per 1,000 person-years).
      Outpatient incidence rates of rotavirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus were 2.0, 1.6,
      0.6 per 1,000 person-years, respectively; community incidence rates for these
      viruses were 23.4, 22.5, and 8.5 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. This study
      provides the first age-group specific laboratory-based community and outpatient
      incidence rates for norovirus AGE in the U.S. Norovirus was the most frequently
      detected viral enteropathogen across the age spectrum with the highest rates of
      norovirus disease observed among young children and, to a lesser extent, the
      elderly. These data provide a better understanding of the norovirus disease
      burden in the United States, including variations within different age groups,
      which can help inform the development, targeting, and future impacts of
      interventions, including vaccines.

PMID- 27115486
TI  - Diseases Neglected by the Media in Espirito Santo, Brazil in 2011-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to identify and analyse the
      Diseases Neglected by the Media (DNMs) via a comparison between the most
      important health issues to the population of Espirito Santo, Brazil, from the
      epidemiological perspective (health value) and their effective coverage by the
      print media, and to analyse the DNMs considering the perspective of key
      journalists involved in the dissemination of health topics in the state media.
      METHODOLOGY: Morbidity and mortality data were collected from official documents
      and from Health Information Systems. In parallel, the diseases reported in the
      two major newspapers of Espirito Santo in 2011-2012 were identified from 10,771
      news articles. Concomitantly, eight interviews were conducted with reporters from
      the two newspapers to understand the journalists' reasons for the coverage or
      neglect of certain health/disease topics. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Quantitatively, the
      DNMs identified diseases associated with poverty, including tuberculosis,
      leprosy, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and trachoma. Apart from these, diseases
      with outbreaks in the period evaluated, including whooping cough and meningitis,
      some cancers, respiratory diseases, ischaemic heart disease, and stroke, were
      also seldom addressed by the media. In contrast, dengue fever, acquired immune
      deficiency syndrome (AIDS), diabetes, breast cancer, prostate cancer, tracheal
      cancer, and bronchial and lung cancers were broadly covered in the period
      analysed, corroborating the tradition of media disclosure of these diseases.
      Qualitatively, the DNMs included rare diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS), leishmaniasis, Down syndrome, and verminoses. The reasons for
      the neglect of these topics by the media included the political and economic
      interests of the newspapers, their editorial line, and the organizational routine
      of the newsrooms. CONCLUSIONS: Media visibility acts as a strategy for
      legitimising priorities and contextualizing various realities. Therefore, we
      propose that the health problems identified should enter the public agenda and
      begin to be recognized as legitimate demands.

PMID- 27115487
TI  - Association between Cognition and Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Middle
      Aged & Older Men: An 8 Year Follow-Up Study.
AB  - Low levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), an essential neurotrophic
      factor, have been associated with worse cognitive function in older adults.
      However, few studies have assessed the prospective association of serum IGF-1
      with cognitive function. We aimed to determine the association between serum IGF
      1 on concurrent and prospective cognitive function in a population sample of men
      aged 40-80 years. Blood samples were assessed for IGF-1 levels at baseline and
      neuropsychological assessments were performed at baseline (n = 400) and at follow
      up after a mean duration of 8.3 years (n = 286). Linear regression analyses were
      carried out to determine the associations between quintiles of IGF-1 and
      cognitive function at the baseline and follow-up visits. Results showed that
      those in the top quintile of IGF-1 had lower processing capacity and global
      cognition scores at follow-up after controlling for cognitive function at
      baseline and other confounding factors. Additional analyses exploring
      associations with IGF-1 separately in middle-aged and older participants, and
      with quartiles of IGF-1 produced similar results. In those older than 60 years,
      high IGF-1 levels were also associated with lower baseline processing capacity.
      These results suggest that high IGF-1 levels are associated with worse long-term
      cognition in men. Together with past studies, we suggest that both, high and low
      levels of IGF-1 may be associated with poor cognitive function and that optimum
      levels of IGF-1 (quintile 2 and 3 in current study) may be associated with better
      cognitive function.

PMID- 27115488
TI  - Predictive Blood Chemistry Parameters for Pansteatitis-Affected Mozambique
      Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).
AB  - One of the largest river systems in South Africa, the Olifants River, has
      experienced significant changes in water quality due to anthropogenic activities.
      Since 2005, there have been various "outbreaks" of the inflammatory disease
      pansteatitis in several vertebrate species. Large-scale pansteatitis-related
      mortality events have decimated the crocodile population at Lake Loskop and
      decreased the population at Kruger National Park. Most pansteatitis-related
      diagnoses within the region are conducted post-mortem by either gross pathology
      or histology. The application of a non-lethal approach to assess the prevalence
      and pervasiveness of pansteatitis in the Olifants River region would be of great
      importance for the development of a management plan for this disease. In this
      study, several plasma-based biomarkers accurately classified pansteatitis in
      Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) collected from Lake Loskop using a
      commercially available benchtop blood chemistry analyzer combined with data
      interpretation via artificial neural network analysis. According to the model,
      four blood chemistry parameters (calcium, sodium, total protein and albumin), in
      combination with total length, diagnose pansteatitis to a predictive accuracy of
      92 percent. In addition, several morphometric traits (total length, age, weight)
      were also associated with pansteatitis. On-going research will focus on further
      evaluating the use of blood chemistry to classify pansteatitis across different
      species, trophic levels, and within different sites along the Olifants River.

PMID- 27115489
TI  - Not All Diabetes in Infants is Type 1: A Case Report.
AB  - Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM), defined as persistent hyperglycemia occurring
      in the first months of life, is a rare cause of hyperglycemia and is often
      misdiagnosed as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Numerous reports have shown that
      the successful transition from insulin to sulfonylurea agents can be achieved in
      up to 90% of patients with NDM. However, most of the reports pertain to infants;
      the literature is limited regarding treatment of adults with NDM. We present our
      experience with a patient with permanent NDM, initially misdiagnosed as T1DM, who
      subsequently was successfully transitioned to oral sulfonylurea therapy after 37
      years of insulin dependence. 

PMID- 27115490
TI  - Maternal Dietary Supplementation with Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin in
      Gestating/Lactating Rats Preserves Maternal Bone and Improves Bone
      Microarchitecture in Their Offspring.
AB  - Nutrition during pregnancy and lactation could exert a key role not only on
      maternal bone, but also could influence the skeletal development of the
      offspring. This study was performed in rats to assess the relationship between
      maternal dietary intake of prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin and its role
      in bone turnover during gestation and lactation, as well as its effect on
      offspring peak bone mass/architecture during early adulthood. Rat dams were fed
      either with standard rodent diet (CC group), calcium-fortified diet (Ca group),
      or prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin supplemented diet (Pre group), during
      the second half of gestation and lactation. Bone mineral density (BMD) and
      content (BMC), as well as micro-structure of dams and offspring at different
      stages were analysed. Dams in the Pre group had significantly higher trabecular
      thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and smaller specific
      bone surface (BS/BV) of the tibia in comparison with CC dams. The Pre group
      offspring during early adulthood had an increase of the lumbar vertebra BMD when
      compared with offspring of CC and Ca groups. The Pre group offspring also showed
      significant increase versus CC in cancellous and cortical structural parameters
      of the lumbar vertebra 4 such as Tb.Th, cortical BMD and decreased BS/BV. The
      results indicate that oligofructose-enriched inulin supplementation can be
      considered as a plausible nutritional option for protecting against maternal bone
      loss during gestation and lactation preventing bone fragility and for optimizing
      peak bone mass and architecture of the offspring in order to increase bone
      strength.

PMID- 27115491
TI  - Mindfulness Enhances Episodic Memory Performance: Evidence from a Multimethod
      Investigation.
AB  - Training in mindfulness, classically described as a receptive attentiveness to
      present events and experiences, has been shown to improve attention and working
      memory. Both are key to long-term memory formation, and the present three-study
      series used multiple methods to examine whether mindfulness would enhance
      episodic memory, a key form of long-term memory. In Study 1 (N = 143), a self
      reported state of mindful attention predicted better recognition performance in
      the Remember-Know (R-K) paradigm. In Study 2 (N = 93), very brief training in a
      focused attention form of mindfulness also produced better recognition memory
      performance on the R-K task relative to a randomized, well-matched active control
      condition. Study 3 (N = 57) extended these findings by showing that relative to
      randomized active and inactive control conditions the effect of very brief
      mindfulness training generalized to free-recall memory performance. This study
      also found evidence for mediation of the mindfulness training-episodic memory
      relation by intrinsic motivation. These findings indicate that mindful attention
      can beneficially impact motivation and episodic memory, with potential
      implications for educational and occupational performance.

PMID- 27115492
TI  - Immunogenicity of Outer Membrane Proteins VirB9-1 and VirB9-2, a Novel
      Nanovaccine against Anaplasma marginale.
AB  - Anaplasma marginale is the most prevalent tick-borne livestock pathogen and poses
      a significant threat to cattle industry. In contrast to currently available live
      blood-derived vaccines against A. marginale, alternative safer and better-defined
      subunit vaccines will be of great significance. Two proteins (VirB9-1 and VirB9
      2) from the Type IV secretion system of A. marginale have been shown to induce
      humoral and cellular immunity. In this study, Escherichia coli were used to
      express VirB9-1 and VirB9-2 proteins. Silica vesicles having a thin wall of 6 nm
      and pore size of 5.8 nm were used as the carrier and adjuvant to deliver these
      two antigens both as individual or mixed nano-formulations. High loading capacity
      was achieved for both proteins, and the mouse immunisation trial with individual
      as well as mixed nano-formulations showed high levels of antibody titres over 107
      and strong T-cell responses. The mixed nano-formulation also stimulated high
      level recall responses in bovine T-cell proliferation assays. These results open
      a promising path towards the development of efficient A. marginale vaccines and
      provide better understanding on the role of silica vesicles to deliver
      multivalent vaccines as mixed nano-formulations able to activate both B-cell and
      T-cell immunity, for improved animal health.

PMID- 27115493
TI  - Influence of Age on Caloric Response.
AB  - In an aging society, the number of patients suffering from vertigo and dizziness
      is increasing. Vertigo is mostly thought to occur owing to otorhinolaryngologic
      disease. In contrast, it is difficult to diagnose dizziness, because of its
      varied causes, and we believe that the number of elderly patients suffering from
      dizziness is increasing. Here, we evaluated the relationship between canal
      paralysis and symptoms at the first medical examination and age-related changes
      in caloric response, and obtained the following 3 main findings: (a) 41.3% of the
      patients with canal paralysis complained of dizziness at the first medical
      examination, with an increased tendency in patients aged >70 years; (b) the slow
      phase eye velocity (SPEV) of patients aged >70 years was lower than that of
      patients aged <=69 years, and the SPEV of patients complaining of vertigo was
      higher than that of patients who complained of dizziness during a caloric test,
      and (c) the percentage of patients complaining of dizziness and those not
      complaining of symptoms during a caloric test increased with age. In conclusion,
      patients with canal paralysis tend to complain of dizziness at the first medical
      examination, and the percentage of patients without vertigo during a caloric test
      increased with age. 

PMID- 27115495
TI  - Network-based approaches for analysis of complex biological systems.
AB  - Cells function and respond to changes in their environment by the coordinated
      activity of their molecular components, including mRNAs, proteins and
      metabolites. At the heart of proper cellular function are molecular networks
      connecting these components to process extra-cellular environmental signals and
      drive dynamic, context-specific cellular responses. Network-based computational
      approaches aim to systematically integrate measurements from high-throughput
      experiments to gain a global understanding of cellular function under changing
      environmental conditions. We provide an overview of recent methodological
      developments toward solving two major computational problems within this field in
      the past two years (2013-2015): network reconstruction and network-based
      interpretation. Looking forward, we envision development of methods that can
      predict phenotypes with high accuracy as well as provide biologically plausible
      mechanistic hypotheses.

PMID- 27115494
TI  - Demyelination induces transport of ribosome-containing vesicles from glia to
      axons: evidence from animal models and MS patient brains.
AB  - Glial cells were previously proven capable of trafficking polyribosomes to
      injured axons. However, the occurrence of such transfer in the general
      pathological context, such as demyelination-related diseases, needs further
      evidence. Since this may be a yet unidentified universal contributor to axonal
      survival, we study putative glia-axonal ribosome transport in response to
      demyelination in animal models and patients in both peripheral and central
      nervous system. In the PNS we investigate whether demyelination in a rodent model
      has the potential to induce ribosome transfer. We also probe the glia-axonal
      ribosome supply by implantation of transgenic Schwann cells engineered to produce
      fluorescent ribosomes in the same demyelination model. We furthermore examine the
      presence of axonal ribosomes in mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
      (EAE), a well-established model for multiple sclerosis (MS), and in human MS
      autopsy brain material. We provide evidence for increased axonal ribosome content
      in a pharmacologically demyelinated sciatic nerve, and demonstrate that at least
      part of these ribosomes originate in the transgenic Schwann cells. In the CNS one
      of the hallmarks of MS is demyelination, which is associated with severe
      disruption of oligodendrocyte-axon interaction. Here, we provide evidence that
      axons from spinal cords of EAE mice, and in the MS human brain contain an
      elevated amount of axonal ribosomes compared to controls. Our data provide
      evidence that increased axonal ribosome content in pathological axons is at least
      partly due to glia-to-axon transfer of ribosomes, and that demyelination in the
      PNS and in the CNS is one of the triggers capable to initiate this process. 

PMID- 27115496
TI  - Multi-class and multi-scale models of complex biological phenomena.
AB  - Computational modeling has significantly impacted our ability to analyze vast
      (and exponentially increasing) quantities of experimental data for a variety of
      applications, such as drug discovery and disease forecasting. Single-scale,
      single-class models persist as the most common group of models, but biological
      complexity often demands more sophisticated approaches. This review surveys
      modeling approaches that are multi-class (incorporating multiple model types)
      and/or multi-scale (accounting for multiple spatial or temporal scales) and
      describes how these models, and combinations thereof, should be used within the
      context of the problem statement. We end by highlighting agent-based models as an
      intuitive, modular, and flexible framework within which multi-scale and multi
      class models can be implemented.

PMID- 27115497
TI  - High definition for systems biology of microbial communities: metagenomics gets
      genome-centric and strain-resolved.
AB  - The systems biology of microbial communities, organismal communities inhabiting
      all ecological niches on earth, has in recent years been strongly facilitated by
      the rapid development of experimental, sequencing and data analysis methods.
      Novel experimental approaches and binning methods in metagenomics render the semi
      automatic reconstructions of near-complete genomes of uncultivable bacteria
      possible, while advances in high-resolution amplicon analysis allow for efficient
      and less biased taxonomic community characterization. This will also facilitate
      predictive modeling approaches, hitherto limited by the low resolution of
      metagenomic data. In this review, we pinpoint the most promising current
      developments in metagenomics. They facilitate microbial systems biology towards a
      systemic understanding of mechanisms in microbial communities with scopes of
      application in many areas of our daily life.

PMID- 27115499
TI  - Water Sources in a Zoological Park Harbor Genetically Diverse Strains of
      Clostridium Perfringens Type A with Decreased Susceptibility to Metronidazole.
AB  - The presence of Clostridium perfringens in water is generally regarded as an
      indicator of fecal contamination, and exposure to waterborne spores is considered
      a possible source of infection for animals. We assessed the presence and genetic
      diversity of C. perfringens in water sources in a zoological park located in
      Madrid (Spain). A total of 48 water samples from 24 different sources were
      analyzed, and recovered isolates were toxinotyped, genotyped by fluorophore
      enhanced repetitive polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) fingerprinting and tested
      for antimicrobial susceptibility. C. perfringens was recovered from 43.8 % of
      water samples and 50 % of water sources analyzed. All isolates (n = 70) were type
      A and 42.9 % were beta2-toxigenic (i.e., cpb2+), but none contained the
      enterotoxin-encoding gene (cpe). Isolates belonged to 15 rep-PCR genotypes and
      most genetic diversity (88 %) was distributed among isolates obtained from the
      same sample. Most isolates displayed intermediate susceptibility (57.1 %; MIC =
      16 MUg ml-1) or resistance (5.7 %; MIC >= 32 MUg ml-1) to metronidazole. No
      resistance to other antimicrobials was detected, although some isolates showed
      elevated MICs to erythromycin and/or linezolid. Finally, a marginally significant
      association between absence of cpb2 and decreased susceptibility to metronidazole
      (MIC >= 16 MUg ml-1) was detected. In conclusion, our results reveal a high
      prevalence of C. perfringens type A in the studied water reservoirs, which
      constitutes a health risk for zoo animals. The elevated MICs to metronidazole
      observed for genetically diverse isolates is a cause of additional concern, but
      more work is required to clarify the significance of reduced metronidazole
      susceptibility in environmental strains.

PMID- 27115500
TI  - Number of hummingbird visits determines flower mite abundance on hummingbird
      feeders.
AB  - Members of several genera of mites from the family Melicharidae (Mesostigmata)
      use hummingbirds as transport host to move from flower to flower, where they feed
      on pollen and nectar. The factors that influence hummingbird flower mite
      abundance on host plant flowers are not currently known. Here we tested whether
      hummingbird flower mite abundance on an artificial nectar source is determined by
      number of hummingbird visits, nectar energy content or species richness of
      visiting hummingbirds. We conducted experiments employing hummingbird feeders
      with sucrose solutions of low, medium, and high energy concentrations, placed in
      a xeric shrubland. In the first experiment, we recorded the number of visiting
      hummingbirds and the number of visiting hummingbird species, as well as the
      abundance of hummingbird flower mites on each feeder. Feeders with the highest
      sucrose concentration had the most hummingbird visits and the highest flower mite
      abundances; however, there was no significant effect of hummingbird species
      richness on mite abundance. In the second experiment, we recorded flower mite
      abundance on feeders after we standardized the number of hummingbird visits to
      them. Abundance of flower mites did not differ significantly between feeders when
      we controlled for hummingbird visits. Our results suggest that nectar energy
      concentration determines hummingbird visits, which in turn determines flower mite
      abundance in our feeders. Our results do not support the hypothesis that mites
      descend from hummingbird nostrils more on richer nectar sources; however, it does
      not preclude the possibility that flower mites select for nectar concentration at
      other spatial and temporal scales. 

PMID- 27115501
TI  - Potential of astigmatid mites (Acari: Astigmatina) as prey for rearing edaphic
      predatory mites of the families Laelapidae and Rhodacaridae (Acari:
      Mesostigmata).
AB  - Laelapidae and Rhodacaridae are important families of edaphic predatory mites and
      species of these families have been considered for use in biological control
      programs of soil pests. Mites of Cohort Astigmatina (Acari: Sarcoptiformes) have
      been largely used as factitious prey in the mass rearing of various edaphic or
      plant-inhabiting predatory mites. Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley)
      (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) (widely commercialized for the control of fungus gnats
      and thrips) and Protogamasellopsis zaheri Abo-Shnaf, Castilho and Moraes
      (Mesostigmata: Rhodacaridae) (not available commercially but promising for the
      control of thrips and nematodes) are known to be reared on Tyrophagus
      putrescentiae (Schrank) (Astigmatina: Acaridae), but the possibility to find a
      perhaps more efficient prey has not been evaluated. The objective of this paper
      was to evaluate different astigmatid species as prey for these predators. S.
      scimitus and P. zaheri oviposited on all evaluated astigmatids and the acarid
      mites T. putrescentiae and Aleuroglyphus ovatus (Tropeau) were the most suitable
      prey; to confirm the effect of prey on oviposition rates, pregnant females of the
      predators were kept under starvation conditions and oviposition was negligible or
      null. Survivorship was always higher than 78 % and was not influenced by prey
      species or starvation. 

PMID- 27115502
TI  - The Effect of Testicular Torsion Duration on Testicular Steroidogenesis in the
      Rat Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Testicular torsion is an emergency condition in which spermatogenesis
      may be irreversibly damaged. There have been controversial results about the
      effect of testicular torsion on steroidogenesis. We aimed at investigating the
      effect of testicular torsion on steroidogenesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of
      40 adult male rats were divided into 4 groups. Left testicles were removed in all
      groups. Right testicles were torsioned and remained in the torsion position for
      1, 3 and 5 h in study groups, whereas no torsion was performed in control. Serum
      luteinizing hormone (LH) and total testosterone (TT) levels were measured on the
      3rd and 30th days of surgery and orchiectomy was performed on the 30th day of
      testicular torsion for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: TT levels of study
      groups were significantly lower than that of the control group on the 3rd day of
      torsion. LH of study groups was higher than that of the control group, but the
      difference was significant only in the 5 h-torsion group. The total number of
      Leydig cells increased in 1- and 3-h groups, whereas it decreased in the 5-hour
      group. CONCLUSION: Testosterone production and Leydig cell functions
      significantly decreased after 5 h torsion in the rat model. The duration of
      torsion less than 5 h yielded partial dysfunction on steroidogenesis.

PMID- 27115503
TI  - UK Renal Registry 18th Annual Report: Chapter 6 Comorbidities and Current Smoking
      Status amongst Patients starting Renal Replacement Therapy in England, Wales and
      Northern Ireland from 2013 to 2014.
AB  - Data on comorbidity at the time of start of renal replacement therapy (RRT) were
      submitted to the UK Renal Registry (UKRR) for 7,786 (58.1%) incident patients
      between 2013 and 2014. In 2014, 11 centres provided data on 100% of new patients
      and eight provided data for less than 5% of new patients, highlighting the
      continued wide variation in the completeness of data returns. In 2014,
      comorbidity data completeness in Wales and Northern Ireland was around 90%
      compared with 53% in England. In patients with comorbidity data, about half
      (49.8%) had one or more comorbidities and in the subgroup of patients aged 565
      years, this increased to 63.1%. Diabetes mellitus (listed as primary renal
      disease or comorbidity) and ischaemic heart disease were the most common comorbid
      conditions, observed in 36% and 20% of patients respectively. Most comorbid
      conditions were more prevalent in patients aged 565 years, but the prevalence
      rates for ischaemic heart disease and malignancy were substantially higher than
      the rest. In 2013-2014, 12.5% of incident RRT patients were recorded as being
      smokers at initiation of dialysis; this is a decrease from 14% in the previous
      two years (2011-2012). Amongst incident RRT patients of White origin, the
      prevalence of having at least one comorbid condition was approximately 14% and 7%
      higher than in incident patients of Black and South Asian origin, respectively.
      There was a higher prevalence of ischaemic heart disease and peripheral vascular
      disease in patients referred early to a nephrologist than amongst patients
      referred late. Malignancy was much more common in patients who were referred
      late.

PMID- 27115504
TI  - Bioengineered Models of Solid Human Tumors for Cancer Research.
AB  - The lack of controllable in vitro models that can recapitulate the features of
      solid tumors such as Ewing's sarcoma limits our understanding of the tumor
      initiation and progression and impedes the development of new therapies. Cancer
      research still relies of the use of simple cell culture, tumor spheroids, and
      small animals. Tissue-engineered tumor models are now being grown in vitro to
      mimic the actual tumors in patients. Recently, we have established a new protocol
      for bioengineering the Ewing's sarcoma, by infusing tumor cell aggregates into
      the human bone engineered from the patient's mesenchymal stem cells. The bone
      niche allows crosstalk between the tumor cells, osteoblasts and supporting cells
      of the bone, extracellular matrix, and the tissue microenvironment. The
      bioreactor platform used in these experiments also allows the implementation of
      physiologically relevant mechanical signals. Here, we describe a method to build
      an in vitro model of Ewing's sarcoma that mimics the key properties of the native
      tumor and provides the tissue context and physical regulatory signals.

PMID- 27115505
TI  - Uniform Embryoid Body Production and Enhanced Mesendoderm Differentiation with
      Murine Embryonic Stem Cells in a Rotary Suspension Bioreactor.
AB  - Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are capable of differentiating into almost all cell
      types in vitro and hold great promise for drug screening, developmental studies
      and have a huge potential in many therapeutic areas. ESCs can aggregate to form
      embryoid body (EB) in static suspension culture by spontaneous differentiation,
      which resembles an intact embryo; while static suspension culture cannot prevent
      agglomeration of cells and offers little control over the size and shape of EBs,
      it results in aggregation of EBs into large, irregular masses, which prejudice
      the efficiency of differentiation of cells. Recently, bioreactor-based platforms
      have been shown to not only offer a beneficial effect on increasing diffusion of
      nutrients and oxygen which promotes cell viability and proliferation but also
      display local biomechanical properties (e.g., low fluid shear stresses and
      hydrodynamic force) in tissue development and organogenesis. This chapter
      describes a protocol for using a rotary suspension bioreactor to produce embryoid
      bodies and process the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), and
      to assess the efficiency of EB differentiation in the bioreactor by real-time PCR
      and immunostaining.

PMID- 27115506
TI  - Bioreactor Expansion of Skin-Derived Precursor Schwann Cells.
AB  - Scaling up the production of cells in a culture process is a critical step when
      trying to develop cell-based regenerative therapies. Static cultures often cannot
      be easily scaled up to clinically relevant cell numbers. Alternatively,
      bioreactors offer a highly valuable means to develop a clinical-ready process. To
      culture adherent cells in suspension, such as skin-derived precursor Schwann
      cells (SKP-SCs), microcarriers need to be used. Microcarriers are small spherical
      beads suspended within the vessel that allow for higher growth surface area to
      volume ratio. Here we describe the procedure of combining microcarriers with the
      controllability of bioreactors to generate higher cell densities in smaller
      reactor volumes leading to a more efficient and cost-effective cell production
      for applications in regenerative medicine.

PMID- 27115507
TI  - Cardiac dilatation index as an indicator of terminal central congestion evaluated
      using postmortem CT and forensic autopsy data.
AB  - Previous studies demonstrated possible application of postmortem quantitative CT
      data analysis of the heart and lung in situ to investigate terminal
      cardiopulmonary pathophysiology. The present study analyzed virtual CT
      morphometric and autopsy data of the heart to investigate terminal central
      congestion in forensic autopsy cases (n=113, within 3 days postmortem); the
      virtual total heart weight in situ was estimated using CT morphometry, and the
      difference from and ratio to the measured weight at autopsy were calculated as
      indicators of heart blood pooling and the cardiac dilatation index (CDI) before
      dissection, respectively. There were substantial differences between the
      estimated heart blood pooling in situ and volume recovered at autopsy, including
      a characteristic decrease in drowning, alcohol/sedative-hypnotic intoxication and
      sudden cardiac death (SCD), possibly due to blood redistribution after thoracic
      dissection. The estimated in situ heart blood pool and CDI values were higher in
      SCD but lower in fatal hemorrhage and hemopericardium, as well as in acute
      mechanical asphyxiation and hyperthermia (heatstroke). In addition, there was a
      significant difference in heart blood pooling between mechanical asphyxiation or
      drowning and SCD. The CDI was significantly lower in fatal hyperthermia
      (heatstroke) than in drowning, fatal methamphetamine abuse, alcohol/sedative
      hypnotic intoxication and SCD. These findings suggest the usefulness of applying
      the CDI and postmortem heart blood volume in situ as supplementary indicators of
      terminal central congestion, especially for investigating deaths from hemorrhage,
      hemopericardium, hyperthermia (heatstroke) and SCD.

PMID- 27115508
TI  - Transcranial direct current stimulation of the frontal-parietal-temporal area
      attenuates cue-induced craving for heroin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an effective
      approach to modulate brain region functions. We assessed if a single tDCS session
      over the bilateral frontal-parietal-temporal (FPT) areas would reduce cue induced
      craving in heroin addicts. METHODS: Twenty non-treated, long-term heroin-addicted
      subjects were randomly assigned to receive either real tDCS (1.5 mA, cathodal
      over bilateral FPT for 20 min) or control tDCS stimulation (turning off the
      stimulation after 30 s). The participants received heroin cue exposure
      (containing both injection and inhalation procedures) before and after
      stimulation and rated their craving after each block of cue presentation.
      RESULTS: Stimulation of the bilateral FPT with real tDCS for 20 min reduced
      craving scores significantly (68 +/- 8.4 pre-stimulation vs. 43 +/- 7.6 post
      stimulation, p = 0.003), while the control stimulation group showed no
      significant changes. No side effects of tDCS were reported. CONCLUSIONS: One
      session of tDCS over bilateral FPT area significantly reduced subjective craving
      score induced by heroin cues in heroin addicted subjects.

PMID- 27115509
TI  - Principal components analysis of agitation outcomes in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We developed a composite measure of agitation as a secondary outcome
      of change over time in the Citalopram for Agitation in Alzheimer's disease study
      (CitAD). CitAD demonstrated a positive effect of citalopram on agitation on the
      Neurobehavioral Rating Scale agitation subscale (NBRS-A). CitAD included
      additional agitation measures such as the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory and
      the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. METHODS: We performed principal components
      analyses on change in individual item of these scales for the same, original
      CitAD subjects. RESULTS: The first principal component accounted for 12.6% of the
      observed variance and was composed of items that appear to reflect agitation. The
      effect size for citalopram calculated using this component was 0.53 (95% CI 0.22
      0.83) versus 0.32 for the NBRS-A (95% CI 0.01-0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest
      that a composite measure of change in agitation might be more sensitive than
      change in a single primary agitation measure.

PMID- 27115511
TI  - Junctional Adhesion Molecule-A in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), which belongs to the IgG superfamily, is
      one of the tight junction molecules. JAM-A is dysregulated in various cancers and
      is closely associated with the invasion and metastasis of cancers such as breast
      cancer, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer. In the present study, we found a high
      expression of JAM-A in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as well as
      beta-catenin in immunohistochemistry. The expression of JAM-A and beta-catenin
      was of a low level in differentiation-induced cancer pearl regions of HNSCC. Real
      time PCR showed the high expression of JAM-A mRNA through all differentiated
      stages (well, moderate, poor) of HNSCC. When we performed ELISA using the serum
      of HNSCC patients to measure plasma-soluble JAM-A, it was found to be higher in
      HNSCC patients than healthy subjects. These results indicate that JAM-A is one of
      the malignancy markers of HNSCC as well as beta-catenin in histopathology, and
      the plasma-soluble JAM-A may contribute to a serum diagnosis of HNSCC. JAM-A is a
      promising molecular target for diagnosis and therapy in HNSCC. 

PMID- 27115512
TI  - A Quantitative Exposure Planning Tool for Surgical Approaches to the Sacroiliac
      Joint.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To aid in surgical planning by quantifying and comparing the osseous
      exposure between the anterior and posterior approaches to the sacroiliac joint.
      METHODS: Anterior and posterior approaches were performed on 12 sacroiliac joints
      in 6 fresh-frozen torsos. Visual and palpable access to relevant surgical
      landmarks was recorded. Calibrated digital photographs were taken of each
      approach and analyzed using Image J. RESULTS: The average surface areas of
      exposed bone were 44 and 33 cm for the anterior and posterior approaches,
      respectively. The anterior iliolumbar ligament footprint could be visualized in
      all anterior approaches, whereas the posterior aspect could be visualized in all
      but one posterior approach. The anterior approach provided visual and palpable
      access to the anterior superior edge of the sacroiliac joint in all specimens,
      the posterior superior edge in 75% of specimens, and the inferior margin in 25%
      and 50% of specimens, respectively. The inferior sacroiliac joint was easily
      visualized and palpated in all posterior approaches, although access to the
      anterior and posterior superior edges was more limited. The anterior S1
      neuroforamen was not visualized with either approach and was more consistently
      palpated when going posterior (33% vs. 92%). CONCLUSIONS: Both anterior and
      posterior approaches can be used for open reduction of pure sacroiliac
      dislocations, each with specific areas for assessing reduction. In light of
      current plate dimensions, fractures more than 2.5 cm lateral to the anterior
      iliolumbar ligament footprint are amenable to anterior plate fixation, whereas
      those more medial may be better addressed through a posterior approach.

PMID- 27115513
TI  - Immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stromal cells-derived exosome.
AB  - The mechanisms underlying immunomodulatory ability of mesenchymal stromal cells
      (MSCs) remain unknown. Recently, studies suggested that the immunomodulatory
      activity of MSCs is largely mediated by paracrine factors. Among which, exosome
      is considered to play a major role in the communication between MSCs and target
      tissue. The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of MSCs-derived exosome
      on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), especially T cells. We find that
      the MSCs-derived exosome extracted from healthy donors' bone marrow suppressed
      the secretion of pro-inflammatory factor TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, but increased
      the concentration of anti-inflammatory factor TGF-beta during in vitro culture.
      In addition, exosome may induce conversion of T helper type 1 (Th1) into T helper
      type 2 (Th2) cells and reduced potential of T cells to differentiate into
      interleukin 17-producing effector T cells (Th17). Moreover, the level of
      regulatory T cells (Treg) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 were
      also increased. These results suggested that MSC-derived exosome possesses the
      immunomodulatory properties. However, it showed no effects on the proliferation
      of PBMCs or CD3+ T cells, but increases the apoptosis of them. In addition,
      indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) was previously shown to mediate the
      immunoregulation of MSCs, which was increased in PBMCs co-cultured with MSCs. In
      our study, IDO showed no significant changes in PBMCs exposed to MSCs-derived
      exosome. We conclude that exosome and MSCs might differ in their immune
      modulating activities and mechanisms.

PMID- 27115516
TI  - Management of Persistent Cognitive Symptoms After Sport-Related Concussion.
AB  - PURPOSE: This case review examines treatments speech-language pathologists at our
      clinic delivered to middle school, high school, and college students for the
      management of persistent cognitive symptoms after sport-related concussion. The
      goal is to examine a range of treatment options, describe clinical rationale for
      selecting those treatments, and report outcomes in order to identify feasible
      interventions for systematic evaluation through efficacy research. METHOD: Review
      of clinic intake data identified 63 cases referred for cognitive rehabilitation
      over a 36-month period. Twenty-four cases (14 women and 10 men) met selection
      criteria, including documented sport-related concussion, postconcussion symptoms
      persisting at least 2 months with deleterious effect on school performance, and
      enrollment in secondary or postsecondary education. The authors independently
      coded demographics, treatment approaches, functional goal domains, and outcomes.
      RESULTS: Treatment approaches fell into 4 broad categories: direct attention
      training, metacognitive strategy training, training assistive technology for
      cognition, and psychoeducational supports. Eighty-three percent of clients
      achieved self-selected functional goals. CONCLUSIONS: Research has focused
      primarily on return to play and provision of academic accommodations in the
      initial weeks following concussion. Findings from this case series suggest that
      speech-language pathologists can deliver individualized interventions that lead
      to positive clinical outcomes. The authors hope findings encourage efficacy
      research.

PMID- 27115517
TI  - Locating structures and evolution pathways of reconstructed rutile TiO2(011)
      using genetic algorithm aided density functional theory calculations.
AB  - Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an important metal oxide that has been used in many
      different applications. TiO2 has also been widely employed as a model system to
      study basic processes and reactions in surface chemistry and heterogeneous
      catalysis. In this work, we investigated the (011) surface of rutile TiO2 by
      focusing on its reconstruction. Density functional theory calculations aided by a
      genetic algorithm based optimization scheme were performed to extensively sample
      the potential energy surfaces of reconstructed rutile TiO2 structures that obey
      (2 * 1) periodicity. A lot of stable surface configurations were located,
      including the global-minimum configuration that was proposed previously. The wide
      variety of surface structures determined through the calculations performed in
      this work provide insight into the relationship between the atomic configuration
      of a surface and its stability. More importantly, several analytical schemes were
      proposed and tested to gauge the differences and similarities among various
      surface structures, aiding the construction of the complete pathway for the
      reconstruction process. 

PMID- 27115515
TI  - A Selective Transforming Growth Factor-beta Ligand Trap Attenuates Pulmonary
      Hypertension.
AB  - RATIONALE: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) ligands signal via type I
      and type II serine-threonine kinase receptors to regulate broad transcriptional
      programs. Excessive TGF-beta-mediated signaling is implicated in the pathogenesis
      of pulmonary arterial hypertension, based in part on the ability of broad
      inhibition of activin-like kinase (ALK) receptors 4/5/7 recognizing TGF-beta,
      activin, growth and differentiation factor, and nodal ligands to attenuate
      experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH). These broad inhibition strategies do
      not delineate the specific contribution of TGF-beta versus a multitude of other
      ligands, and their translation is limited by cardiovascular and systemic
      toxicity. OBJECTIVES: We tested the impact of a soluble TGF-beta type II receptor
      extracellular domain expressed as an immunoglobulin-Fc fusion protein (TGFBRII
      Fc), serving as a selective TGF-beta1/3 ligand trap, in several experimental PH
      models. METHODS: Signaling studies used cultured human pulmonary artery smooth
      muscle cells. PH was studied in monocrotaline-treated Sprague-Dawley rats,
      SU5416/hypoxia-treated Sprague-Dawley rats, and SU5416/hypoxia-treated C57BL/6
      mice. PH, cardiac function, vascular remodeling, and valve structure were
      assessed by ultrasound, invasive hemodynamic measurements, and histomorphometry.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: TGFBRII-Fc is an inhibitor of TGF-beta1 and TGF
      beta3, but not TGF-beta2, signaling. In vivo treatment with TGFBRII-Fc attenuated
      Smad2 phosphorylation, normalized expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor
      1, and mitigated PH and pulmonary vascular remodeling in monocrotaline-treated
      rats, SU5416/hypoxia-treated rats, and SU5416/hypoxia-treated mice.
      Administration of TGFBRII-Fc to monocrotaline-treated or SU5416/hypoxia-treated
      rats with established PH improved right ventricular systolic pressures, right
      ventricular function, and survival. No cardiac structural or valvular
      abnormalities were observed after treatment with TGFBRII-Fc. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings are consistent with a pathogenetic role of TGF-beta1/3, demonstrating
      the efficacy and tolerability of selective TGF-beta ligand blockade for improving
      hemodynamics, remodeling, and survival in multiple experimental PH models.

PMID- 27115518
TI  - Density functional theory of equilibrium random copolymers: application to
      surface adsorption of aggregating peptides.
AB  - We generalize a recently developed polymer density functional theory (PDFT) for
      polydisperse polymer fluids to the case of equilibrium random copolymers. We show
      that the generalization of the PDFT to these systems allows us to obtain a
      remarkable simplification compared to the monodispersed polymers. The theory is
      used to treat a model for protein aggregation into linear filaments in the
      presence of surfaces. Here we show that, for attractive surfaces, there is
      evidence of significant enhancement of protein aggregation. This behaviour is a
      consequence of a surface phase transition, which has been shown to occur with
      ideal equilibrium polymers in the presence of sufficiently attractive surfaces.
      For excluding monomers, this transition is suppressed, though an echo of the
      underlying ideal transition is present in the sudden change in the excess
      adsorption.

PMID- 27115519
TI  - Meiotic recombination analysis in female ducks (Anas platyrhynchos).
AB  - Meiotic recombination in female ducks was directly studied by immunolocalization
      of MLH1 protein, a mismatch repair protein of mature recombination nodules. In
      total, 6820 crossovers were scored along the autosomal synaptonemal complexes in
      122 meiotic nuclei. From this analysis we predict that the female map length of
      the duck is 2845 cM, with a genome wide recombination rate of 2 cM/Mb. MLH1-focus
      mapping along the six largest bivalents shows regional variations of
      recombination frequencies that can be linked to differences in chromosome
      morphology. From this MLH1 mapping it can be inferred that distally located
      markers will appear more separated in genetic maps than physically equidistant
      markers located near the centromeres on bivalents 1 and 2. Instead, markers at
      interstitial positions on the acrocentric bivalents 3-6 will appear more tightly
      linked than expected on the basis of their physical distance because
      recombination is comparatively lower at the mid region of these chromosomes. The
      present results provide useful information to complement linkage mapping in ducks
      and extend previous knowledge about the variation of recombination rates among
      domestic Galloanserae. 

PMID- 27115521
TI  - Driven colloidal fluids: construction of dynamical density functional theories
      from exactly solvable limits.
AB  - The classical dynamical density functional theory (DDFT) provides an approximate
      extension of equilibrium DFT to treat nonequilibrium systems subject to Brownian
      dynamics. However, the method fails when applied to driven systems, such as
      sheared colloidal dispersions. The breakdown of DDFT can be traced back to an
      inadequate treatment of the flow-induced distortion of the pair correlation
      functions. By considering the distortion of the pair correlations to second order
      in the flow-rate we show how to systematically correct the DDFT for driven
      systems. As an application of our approach we consider Poiseuille flow. The
      theory predicts that the particles will accumulate in spatial regions where the
      local shear rate is small, an effect known as shear-induced migration. We compare
      these predictions to Brownian dynamics simulations with generally good agreement.

PMID- 27115522
TI  - Blur and the perception of depth at occlusions.
AB  - The depth ordering of two surfaces, one occluding the other, can in principle be
      determined from the correlation between the occlusion border's blur and the blur
      of the two surfaces. If the border is blurred, the blurrier surface is nearer; if
      the border is sharp, the sharper surface is nearer. Previous research has found
      that observers do not use this informative cue. We reexamined this finding. Using
      a multiplane display, we confirmed the previous finding: Our observers did not
      accurately judge depth order when the blur was rendered and the stimulus
      presented on one plane. We then presented the same simulated scenes on multiple
      planes, each at a different focal distance, so the blur was created by the optics
      of the eye. Performance was now much better, which shows that depth order can be
      reliably determined from blur information but only when the optical effects are
      similar to those in natural viewing. We asked what the critical differences were
      in the single- and multiplane cases. We found that chromatic aberration provides
      useful information but accommodative microfluctuations do not. In addition, we
      examined how image formation is affected by occlusions and observed some
      interesting phenomena that allow the eye to see around and through occluding
      objects and may allow observers to estimate depth in da Vinci stereopsis, where
      one eye's view is blocked. Finally, we evaluated how accurately different
      rendering and displaying techniques reproduce the retinal images that occur in
      real occlusions. We discuss implications for computer graphics. 

PMID- 27115523
TI  - Real-world effectiveness of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in 4,365 treatment-naive,
      genotype 1 hepatitis C-infected patients.
AB  - Real-world effectiveness data are needed to inform hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      treatment decisions. The uptake of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) regimens
      across health care settings has been rapid, but variations often occur in
      clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess sustained virologic
      response (SVR) of LDV/SOF+/-ribavirin (RBV) in routine medical practice. This
      observational, intent-to-treat cohort was comprised of 4,365 genotype 1,
      treatment-naive, HCV-infected veterans treated with LDV/SOF+/-RBV. SVR rates were
      91.3% (3,191/3,495) for LDV/SOF and 92.0% (527/573) for LDV/SOF+RBV (P = 0.65).
      African American race (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.54-0.90, P  =
      0.004) and FIB-4 >3.25 (odds ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.43-0.71, P <
      0.001) were independently associated with decreased likelihood of SVR; age, sex,
      body mass index, decompensated liver disease, diabetes, genotype 1 subtype, and
      regimen did not predict SVR. In models limited to those who completed 12 weeks of
      treatment, African American race was no longer a significant predictor of SVR but
      FIB-4 >3.25 (odds ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.50, P < 0.001)
      remained. Among those without cirrhosis (defined by FIB-4 <=3.25) and with
      baseline HCV RNA<6,000,000 IU/mL, SVR rates were 93.2% (1,020/1,094) for those
      who completed 8 weeks of therapy and 96.6% (875/906) for those who completed 12
      weeks of therapy (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this real-world cohort, SVR rates
      with LDV/SOF+/-RBV nearly matched the rates reported in clinical trials and were
      consistently high across all subgroups; those without cirrhosis but with HCV
      RNA<6,000,000 IU/mL were less likely to achieve SVR with 8 weeks compared to 12
      weeks of therapy, although the numeric difference in SVR rates was small.
      (Hepatology 2016;64:405-414).

PMID- 27115524
TI  - Erythrocyte rheological properties but not whole blood and plasma viscosity are
      associated with severity of hypertension in older people.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to determine whether changes in
      hemorheological parameters parallel the severity of essential hypertension.
      METHODS: A total of 198 older hypertensive patients were recruited and classified
      into 3 stages of hypertension according to the grading standard of hypertension.
      The whole blood viscosity (WBV) at various shear rates, plasma viscosity and
      erythrocyte rheology (including erythrocyte rigidity index, erythrocyte
      aggregation index and erythrocyte deformation index) were examined. RESULTS:
      Erythrocyte rheology paralleled the severity of essential hypertension and was
      significantly correlated to the average 24 h systolic blood pressure and
      diastolic blood pressure. Logistic analysis revealed that erythrocyte rigidity
      and the erythrocyte aggregation index were positively correlated with the
      severity of hypertension, while the erythrocyte deformation index was negatively
      correlated. No association was found between WBV, plasma viscosity and the
      severity of hypertension. CONCLUSION: The rheological properties of erythrocyte
      viscosity were correlated with the severity of hypertension in older people but
      the WBV and plasma viscosity were not.

PMID- 27115526
TI  - Deficiency of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non-Receptor Type 2 in Intestinal
      Epithelial Cells Has No Appreciable Impact on Dextran Sulphate Sodium Colitis
      Severity But Promotes Wound Healing.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) is
      known to mediate susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases. Cell culture
      experiments suggest that PTPN2 influences barrier function, autophagy and
      secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. PTPN2 knockout mice die a few weeks
      after birth due to systemic inflammation, emphasizing the importance of this
      phosphatase in inflammatory processes. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the role of PTPN2 in colon epithelial cells by performing dextran sulphate sodium
      (DSS)-induced colitis in PTPN2xVilCre mice. METHODS: Acute colitis was induced by
      administering 2.5 or 2% DSS for 7 days and chronic colitis by 4 cycles of
      treatment using 1% DSS. Body weight of mice was measured regularly and
      colonoscopy was done at the end of the experiments. Mice were sacrificed
      afterwards and colon specimens were obtained for H&E staining. For analysis of
      wound healing, mechanical wounds were introduced during endoscopy and wound
      closure assessed by daily colonoscopy. RESULTS: Although colonoscopy and weight
      development suggested changes in colitis severity, the lack of any influence of
      PTPN2 deficiency on histological scoring for inflammation severity after acute or
      chronic DSS colitis indicates that colitis severity is not influenced by
      epithelial-specific loss of PTPN2. Chronic colitis induced the development of
      aberrant crypt foci more frequently in PTPN2xVilCre mice compared to their wild
      type littermates. On the other hand, loss of PTPN2-induced enhanced epithelial
      cell proliferation and promoted wound closure. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of PTPN2 in
      intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) has no significant influence on inflammation
      in DSS colitis. Obviously, loss of PTPN2 in IECs can be compensated in vivo,
      thereby suppressing a phenotype. This lack of a colitis-phenotype might be due to
      enhanced epithelial cell proliferation and subsequent increased wound-healing
      capacity of the epithelial layer.

PMID- 27115525
TI  - Finerenone: a New Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Without Hyperkalemia: an
      Opportunity in Patients with CKD?
AB  - Aldosterone binds to the mineralocorticoid receptor and has an important
      regulatory role in body fluid and electrolyte balance. It also influences a
      variety of different cell functions such as oxidative stress, inflammation and
      organ fibrosis. The important role of the tissue-specific mineralocorticoid
      receptors in cardiovascular and renal injury has been shown in knockout animals
      and in clinical studies Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists seem to exert
      their beneficial effects via anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic
      effects. Spironolactone and eplerenone were the first steroidal mineralocorticoid
      receptor antagonist. The established steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor
      antagonists show important therapeutic effects but are hampered by a variety of
      side effects, most importantly clinically significant hyperkaliemia. Selective
      non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists have been recently developed
      and demonstrate effectiveness in early clinical trials. Finereroneholds promise
      for the future application of this new mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist
      class in patients with chronic kidney disease since it has shown a significant
      reduction in UACR combined with a safety profile similar to that in the placebo
      group. However, further long-term studies investigating relevant clinical end
      points like reduction in cardiovascular or renal event rate are warranted. 

PMID- 27115527
TI  - Recyclable Magnetic Mesoporous Nanocomposite with Improved Sensing Performance
      toward Nitrite.
AB  - A magnetic nanomaterial for nitrite ion detection was demonstrated in the present
      study. This nanomaterial was prepared by grafting a rhodamine 6G derivative
      (denoted as Rh 6G-OH) into the channels of core-shell magnetic mesoporous silica
      nanospheres. The nanocomposite (denoted as Fe3O4@Rh 6G) showed large surface area
      and improved fluorescent performance to accumulate and recognize NO2(-), and its
      superparamagnetic behavior played an important role in reusability. The
      fluorescent intensity decreased linearly along with the NO2(-) concentration in
      the range of 1-50 MUM, and the detection limit was estimated to be 0.8 MUM, which
      was much lower than the maximum limit of nitrite ion in drinking water (65 MUM)
      recommended by World Health Organization. Importantly, Fe3O4@Rh 6G could be
      magnetically collected and effectively reutilized after six test cycles.

PMID- 27115528
TI  - Reliability and validity of the Hungarian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
      Index (PSQI-HUN): comparing psychiatric patients with control subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index is used to evaluate subjective sleep
      quality, and it is commonly used in clinical research. Subjective sleep quality
      is also an important clinical measure in patients with psychiatric disorders. The
      aim of the present study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the
      Hungarian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-HUN) in both
      clinical and non-clinical samples. METHODS: The original version of PSQI was
      translated into Hungarian according to standard guidelines. The PSQI-HUN and the
      Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) were subsequently administered to 53 psychiatric
      patients (schizophrenia, recurrent depressive disorder, mixed anxiety, and
      depressive disorder) and 178 healthy controls. RESULTS: Internal consistency as
      measured by Cronbach's alpha in the whole sample was 0.79. Pearson's product
      moment correlations between component scores and the global scores were high
      (0.59-0.88) in the PSQI-HUN indicating the homogeneity of the scale. PSQI-HUN
      global and component scores differed significantly between psychiatric patients
      and control subjects. In the psychiatric patient subsample, schizophrenics had
      lower global scores compared to the other two patient groups. The analysis of
      convergent validity showed significant correlations between the AIS and the
      global as well as the component scores of the PSQI-HUN (except the component of
      sleep latency). CONCLUSIONS: The present study concludes that the PSQI-HUN is a
      reliable, valid, and standardized measure for assessment of the subjective sleep
      quality in clinical and research settings.

PMID- 27115529
TI  - Structural and functional retinal abnormalities in type 2 diabetes with
      obstructive sleep apnea.

PMID- 27115531
TI  - The Evolution of Modern Cardiac Surgery and the Necessity to Change.
AB  - This article depicts the Kit V. Arom Lecture, which was held at the 15th Annual
      Congress of the International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic
      Surgery in Berlin, Germany. It describes the evolution of modern cardiac surgery
      and the necessity for cardiac surgeons to change. The article is dedicated to a
      pioneer in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and a good friend, Kit V. Arom, MD.

PMID- 27115532
TI  - Transaortic Aortic Valve Implantation in 100 Patients: Follow-up to 3 Years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Transaortic aortic valve implantation (TAo-AVI) through the ascending
      aorta is a novel technique and is used as an alternative in patients with poor
      femoral access. Although early results have been promising, no midterm data have
      been published yet. To determine whether this approach is an acceptable treatment
      option, we analyzed the first 100 cases performed at our institution with a
      follow-up to 3 years. METHODS: Between July 2011 and January 2015, a total of 100
      patients with high-risk or inoperable aortic valve stenosis were treated with TAo
      AVI. Preoperative patient data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. All
      surviving patients were seen for clinical and echocardiographic examination for
      follow-up. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 15 months. Device success was
      accomplished in 94 patients (94%). There were no access site complications. The
      30-day mortality rate was 9%. Stroke occurred in a total of six patients (6%).
      Survival at 1-, 2-, and 3 years was 75%, 62%, and 58%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results show that TAo-AVI is a promising alternative to transapical
      implantation for treating severe inoperable aortic valve stenosis.

PMID- 27115533
TI  - Health-Related Quality of Life After Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Factors influencing health-related quality of life (HRQL) after
      minimally invasive cardiac surgery have not been well described. We examined the
      trajectory of HRQL after minimally invasive cardiac surgery and the role of
      perioperative factors and rhythm on HRQL changes. METHODS: Patients underwent
      minimally invasive surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation and/or valve surgery
      (n = 235). Health-related quality of life (SF-12) and clinical status were
      assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Physical summary HRQL (F =
      36.2, P < 0.001) and mental summary HRQL (F = 3.2, P = 0.047) improved
      significantly by 12 months after surgery. Improvement on HRQL peaked at 6 months
      and plateaued between 6 and 12 months. Physical HRQL was similar to age-based
      normal values before surgery (P = 0.66) and surpassed norms by 6 months after
      surgery (P < 0.001). Younger age (r = -0.15, P = 0.02) and lower EuroSCORE II (r
      = -0.19, P = 0.003) correlated with greater HRQL improvements by 6 months. Only
      lower EuroSCORE II (r = -0.14, P = 0.04) correlated with greater HRQL improvement
      by 12 months. Length of stay and major morbidity were not related to HRQL
      improvement. In surgical ablation patients, restoration of stable sinus rhythm
      throughout the first 12 months was associated with greater physical HRQL
      improvement by 6 months compared with patients who had atrial arrhythmia
      recurrences (change, 5.0 vs. -1.0, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Health-related quality
      of life improved significantly after minimally invasive cardiac surgery. These
      improvements were influenced by age, operative risk, symptoms, and rhythm status.
      Even patients with HRQL in a normal range before surgery can experience improved
      HRQL after surgery. Minimally invasive cardiac surgery can offer decreased
      postoperative complications and also improved HRQL.

PMID- 27115534
TI  - Robotic Septal Myectomy and Mitral Valve Repair for Idiopathic Hypertrophic
      Subaortic Stenosis With Systolic Anterior Motion.
AB  - Combined therapeutic approach with performing mitral valve repair may be
      necessitated for the treatment of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
      (IHSS) with systolic anterior motion. This report includes operative technique
      for combined robotic septal myectomy and mitral valve repair. A 45-year-old man
      with IHSS was admitted to our center for surgical intervention. The transthoracic
      echocardiography showed typical asymmetric ventricular hypertrophy. Left
      ventricle posterior wall thickness was 11 mm, and interventricular septum
      thickness was 21 mm. Mitral valve leaflets were found to be elongated. Mild-to
      severe mitral regurgitation was detected with eccentric mitral jet. Aortic peak
      gradient was 128 mm Hg. Robotic mitral repair and septal myectomy through left
      atrial exposure was performed. The anterior leaflet was detached, and the septal
      muscle in a mass of 1 * 0.7 * 0.5 cm was resected. Next, the anterior leaflet was
      reattached with continuous suture. The plication of the posterior leaflet with
      transverse incision was performed to diminish the length of posterior leaflet.
      After the magic suture for posteromedial commissure was performed, a 34 Medtronic
      Future ring was implanted for mitral annuloplasty. Postoperative course was
      uneventful. The patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day. Combined
      robotic septal myectomy and mitral valve repair for IHSS with systolic anterior
      motion may be feasible. 

PMID- 27115536
TI  - Exposure of a Dengue Vector to Tea and Its Waste: Survival, Developmental
      Consequences, and Significance for Pest Management.
AB  - Dengue mosquitoes are evolving into a broader global public health menace, with
      relentless outbreaks and the rise in number of Zika virus disease cases as
      reminders of the continued hazard associated with Aedes vectors. The use of
      chemical insecticides-the principal strategy against mosquito vectors-has been
      greatly impeded due to the development of insecticide resistance and the
      shrinking spectrum of effective agents. Therefore, there is a pressing need for
      new chemistries for vector control. Tea contains hundreds of chemicals, and its
      waste, which has become a growing global environmental problem, is almost as rich
      in toxicants as green leaves. This paper presents the toxic and sublethal effects
      of different crude extracts of tea on Aedes albopictus. The survival rates of
      larvae exposed to tea extracts, especially fresh tea extract (FTE), were markedly
      lower than those in the control treatment group. In addition to this immediate
      toxicity against different developmental stages, the extracts tested caused a
      broad range of sublethal effects. The developmental time was clearly longer in
      containers with tea, especially in those with young larvae (YL) and FTE. Among
      the survivors, pupation success was reduced in containers with tea, which also
      produced low adult emergence rates with increasing tea concentration. The
      production of eggs tended to be reduced in females derived from the tea treatment
      groups. These indirect effects of tea extracts on Ae. albopictus exhibited
      different patterns according to the exposed larval stage. Taken together, these
      findings indicate that tea and its waste affect most key components of Ae.
      albopictus vectorial capacity and may be useful for dengue control. Reusing tea
      waste in vector control could also be a practical solution to the problems
      associated with its pollution. 

PMID- 27115535
TI  - Rigid Residue Scan Simulations Systematically Reveal Residue Entropic Roles in
      Protein Allostery.
AB  - Intra-protein information is transmitted over distances via allosteric processes.
      This ubiquitous protein process allows for protein function changes due to ligand
      binding events. Understanding protein allostery is essential to understanding
      protein functions. In this study, allostery in the second PDZ domain (PDZ2) in
      the human PTP1E protein is examined as model system to advance a recently
      developed rigid residue scan method combining with configurational entropy
      calculation and principal component analysis. The contributions from individual
      residues to whole-protein dynamics and allostery were systematically assessed via
      rigid body simulations of both unbound and ligand-bound states of the protein.
      The entropic contributions of individual residues to whole-protein dynamics were
      evaluated based on covariance-based correlation analysis of all simulations. The
      changes of overall protein entropy when individual residues being held rigid
      support that the rigidity/flexibility equilibrium in protein structure is
      governed by the La Chatelier's principle of chemical equilibrium. Key residues of
      PDZ2 allostery were identified with good agreement with NMR studies of the same
      protein bound to the same peptide. On the other hand, the change of entropic
      contribution from each residue upon perturbation revealed intrinsic differences
      among all the residues. The quasi-harmonic and principal component analyses of
      simulations without rigid residue perturbation showed a coherent allosteric mode
      from unbound and bound states, respectively. The projection of simulations with
      rigid residue perturbation onto coherent allosteric modes demonstrated the
      intrinsic shifting of ensemble distributions supporting the population-shift
      theory of protein allostery. Overall, the study presented here provides a robust
      and systematic approach to estimate the contribution of individual residue
      internal motion to overall protein dynamics and allostery. 

PMID- 27115538
TI  - Divergent transcription and epigenetic directionality of human promoters.
AB  - Genome-wide datasets measuring nascent RNA have revealed that active human
      promoters frequently display divergent transcription, generating a stable mRNA in
      the forward direction toward the gene and a typically unstable one in the reverse
      direction away from the gene. Recent work has shown that these transcripts
      originate from two distinct core promoters within a single nucleosome-free region
      (NFR). Different levels of forward and reverse activity lead to a wide range of
      directionality for promoter NFRs. Importantly, directionality is also reflected
      in the epigenetic modifications of nucleosomes immediately adjacent to the NFR.
      Here, we review the current literature pertaining to divergent transcription from
      promoter NFRs and its association with combinatorial histone post-translational
      modifications, or chromatin states, on upstream and downstream nucleosomes.
      Finally, we discuss several models to interpret the directionality of promoter
      chromatin states.

PMID- 27115539
TI  - A Global Scale Scenario for Prebiotic Chemistry: Silica-Based Self-Assembled
      Mineral Structures and Formamide.
AB  - The pathway from simple abiotically made organic compounds to the molecular
      bricks of life, as we know it, is unknown. The most efficient geological abiotic
      route to organic compounds results from the aqueous dissolution of olivine, a
      reaction known as serpentinization (Sleep, N.H., et al. (2004) Proc. Natl. Acad.
      Sci. USA 101, 12818-12822). In addition to molecular hydrogen and a reducing
      environment, serpentinization reactions lead to high-pH alkaline brines that can
      become easily enriched in silica. Under these chemical conditions, the formation
      of self-assembled nanocrystalline mineral composites, namely silica/carbonate
      biomorphs and metal silicate hydrate (MSH) tubular membranes (silica gardens), is
      unavoidable (Kellermeier, M., et al. In Methods in Enzymology, Research Methods
      in Biomineralization Science (De Yoreo, J., Ed.) Vol. 532, pp 225-256, Academic
      Press, Burlington, MA). The osmotically driven membranous structures have
      remarkable catalytic properties that could be operating in the reducing organic
      rich chemical pot in which they form. Among one-carbon compounds, formamide
      (NH2CHO) has been shown to trigger the formation of complex prebiotic molecules
      under mineral-driven catalytic conditions (Saladino, R., et al. (2001) Biorganic
      & Medicinal Chemistry, 9, 1249-1253), proton irradiation (Saladino, R., et al.
      (2015) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 112, 2746-2755), and laser-induced dielectric
      breakdown (Ferus, M., et al. (2015) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 112, 657-662). Here,
      we show that MSH membranes are catalysts for the condensation of NH2CHO, yielding
      prebiotically relevant compounds, including carboxylic acids, amino acids, and
      nucleobases. Membranes formed by the reaction of alkaline (pH 12) sodium silicate
      solutions with MgSO4 and Fe2(SO4)3.9H2O show the highest efficiency, while
      reactions with CuCl2.2H2O, ZnCl2, FeCl2.4H2O, and MnCl2.4H2O showed lower
      reactivities. The collections of compounds forming inside and outside the tubular
      membrane are clearly specific, demonstrating that the mineral self-assembled
      membranes at the same time create space compartmentalization and selective
      catalysis of the synthesis of relevant compounds. Rather than requiring odd local
      conditions, the prebiotic organic chemistry scenario for the origin of life
      appears to be common at a universal scale and, most probably, earlier than ever
      thought for our planet.

PMID- 27115540
TI  - Influence of Subtropical Region Strawberry Cultivars on Jelly Characteristics.
AB  - At the end of the production period of strawberries grown in subtropical regions,
      postharvest durability is severely diminished due to rising temperatures which
      compromises the commercialization of fresh fruit. An ideal option would be to
      process strawberries in the form of preserves, jams, and jellies. Along this line
      it becomes extremely important to conduct a survey of which cultivars grown in
      subtropical regions are more suitable for processing in the form of jelly, as
      well as to understand what the consumer profile is for this product. The
      objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different strawberry
      cultivars grown in subtropical regions of Brazil (Camarosa, Festival, San
      Andreas, Oso Grande, Camino Real, and Albion) on the physicochemical
      characteristics, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of the resulting
      jelly in order to identify cultivars with the greatest potential for industrial
      use. The strawberry cultivars presented different physicochemical characteristics
      which resulted in jellies with different physicochemical and rheological
      characteristics. In this study, however, we verified that all cultivars have
      potential to be processed in the form of jelly due to good acceptance of all
      formulations prepared. In general consumers prefer a lighter-colored strawberry
      jelly, with a less intense red color, more acidic, and less consistent/firm. 

PMID- 27115541
TI  - The several elements of intestinal innate immune system at the beginning of the
      life of broiler chicks.
AB  - Functional capacity of digestive system and intestinal adaptive immunity are
      immature at hatching of broiler chicks. Therefore, intestinal innate immunity
      after hatching is vital to young chicks. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate expression and tissue distributions of several elements of the innate
      immune system (i.e., TLR2, TLR4, CD83, and MHC class II expressing cells) in the
      intestine of one-day-old chicks. For this purpose, ileum and cecum were examined
      the under different conditions, which included the control and 1, 3, 6, 12, or 24
      h after injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phosphate buffered saline. The
      findings indicated that regardless of the antigenic stimulation, Toll-like
      receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 expressing cells were present in the intestinal tissues
      of one-day-old chicks. We noticed that the intestinal segments have different TLR
      expression levels after LPS stimulation. Dendritic cells were identified, and
      they left the intestinal tissue after LPS treatment. MHC class II molecules were
      diffusely present in both the ileum and cecum. This study demonstrates that the
      intestinal tissue of one-day-old chicks has remarkable defensive material,
      including histological properties and several elements of the innate immune
      system. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:604-614, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27115554
TI  - Pi Band Dispersion along Conjugated Organic Nanowires Synthesized on a Metal
      Oxide Semiconductor.
AB  - Surface-confined dehalogenation reactions are versatile bottom-up approaches for
      the synthesis of carbon-based nanostructures with predefined chemical properties.
      However, for devices generally requiring low-conductivity substrates, potential
      applications are so far severely hampered by the necessity of a metallic surface
      to catalyze the reactions. In this work we report the synthesis of ordered arrays
      of poly(p-phenylene) chains on the surface of semiconducting TiO2(110) via a
      dehalogenative homocoupling of 4,4"-dibromoterphenyl precursors. The
      supramolecular phase is clearly distinguished from the polymeric one using low
      energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy as the substrate
      temperature used for deposition is varied. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of C
      1s and Br 3d core levels traces the temperature of the onset of dehalogenation to
      around 475 K. Moreover, angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and tight
      binding calculations identify a highly dispersive band characteristic of a
      substantial overlap between the precursor's pi states along the polymer,
      considered as the fingerprint of a successful polymerization. Thus, these results
      establish the first spectroscopic evidence that atomically precise carbon-based
      nanostructures can readily be synthesized on top of a transition-metal oxide
      surface, opening the prospect for the bottom-up production of novel molecule
      semiconductor devices.

PMID- 27115556
TI  - Interactions of Polyethylenimines with Zwitterionic and Anionic Lipid Membranes.
AB  - Interactions between polyethylenimines (PEIs) and phospholipid membranes are of
      fundamental importance for various biophysical applications of these polymers
      such as gene delivery. Despite investigations into the nature of these
      interactions, their molecular basis remains poorly understood. In this article,
      we combined experimental methods and atomistic molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations to obtain comprehensive insight into the effect of linear and
      branched PEIs on zwitterionic and anionic bilayers used as simple models of
      mammalian cellular membranes. Our results show that PEIs adsorb only partially on
      the surface of zwitterionic membranes by forming hydrogen bonds to the lipid
      headgroups, whereas a large part of the polymer chains dangles freely in the
      aqueous phase. In contrast, PEIs readily adhere to and insert into the anionic
      membrane. The attraction of the polymer chains to the membrane is due to
      electrostatic interactions as well as hydrogen bonding between the amine groups
      of PEI and the phosphate groups of lipids. These interactions were found to
      induce a substantial reorganization of the bilayer in the polymer vicinity due to
      the reorientation of lipid molecules. The lipid headgroups were pulled toward the
      center of the membrane, which can facilitate transmembrane translocations of
      anionic lipids. Furthermore, the PEI-lipid interactions affect the stability of
      liposomal dispersions, but we did not see any evidence of disruption of the
      vesicular structures into small fragments at polymer concentrations typically
      used in gene therapy. Our results provide a detailed molecular-level description
      of the lipid organization in the membrane in the presence of polycations that can
      be useful in understanding their mechanisms of in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity.

PMID- 27115555
TI  - Identification of a Chemical Probe for Family VIII Bromodomains through
      Optimization of a Fragment Hit.
AB  - The acetyl post-translational modification of chromatin at selected histone
      lysine residues is interpreted by an acetyl-lysine specific interaction with
      bromodomain reader modules. Here we report the discovery of the potent, acetyl
      lysine-competitive, and cell active inhibitor PFI-3 that binds to certain family
      VIII bromodomains while displaying significant, broader bromodomain family
      selectivity. The high specificity of PFI-3 for family VIII was achieved through a
      novel bromodomain binding mode of a phenolic headgroup that led to the unusual
      displacement of water molecules that are generally retained by most other
      bromodomain inhibitors reported to date. The medicinal chemistry program that led
      to PFI-3 from an initial fragment screening hit is described in detail, and
      additional analogues with differing family VIII bromodomain selectivity profiles
      are also reported. We also describe the full pharmacological characterization of
      PFI-3 as a chemical probe, along with phenotypic data on adipocyte and myoblast
      cell differentiation assays.

PMID- 27115559
TI  - The Oregon Experience: What Do We Really Know?

PMID- 27115558
TI  - Acculturation and quality of life in urban, African American caregivers of
      children with asthma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Racial/ethnic minority caregivers of children with asthma are at risk
      for low levels of quality of life (QOL). Limited research has identified factors
      that contribute to lower QOL among African American caregivers. This study
      examined associations between acculturation (e.g., engaging in values/beliefs
      traditional of one's culture versus adopting mainstream cultural views) and
      caregiver QOL in low-income, urban African American families of children (7-12
      years) with persistent asthma. We also investigated the association between
      caregiver QOL and child emergency department (ED) use. METHODS: Fifty-five
      caregivers and their children completed interview-based questionnaires in a
      single research session. Caregivers completed the Pediatric Asthma Caregiver
      Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ), the African American Acculturation Scale
      Revised (AAAS-R), and reported on child asthma variables. Children completed
      items assessing asthma control. RESULTS: Higher overall QOL and emotional
      function subscale scores were associated with more traditional African American
      religious beliefs/practices (r = .288, p = .033; r = .333, p = .013). Higher
      emotional function subscale scores were associated with more traditional values
      of African American families (r = .306, p = .023). Lower QOL was found among
      caregivers of children who had visited the ED three or more times in the last
      year. CONCLUSIONS: Less acculturation tied to religious beliefs/practices and
      family values (as measured by the AAAS-R) may serve a protective role in reducing
      the burden low-income, urban African American caregivers experience in managing
      child asthma. This study is the first of its kind to study acculturation in
      African American caregivers of children with asthma.

PMID- 27115557
TI  - Tunable Thermal-Sensitive Polymer-Graphene Oxide Composite for Efficient Capture
      and Release of Viable Circulating Tumor Cells.
AB  - A highly sensitive microfluidic system to capture circulating tumor cells from
      whole blood of cancer patients is presented. The device incorporates graphene
      oxide into a thermoresponsive polymer film to serve as the first step of an
      antibody functionalization chemistry. By decreasing the temperature, captured
      cells may be released for subsequent analysis. 

PMID- 27115560
TI  - One-Step Synthesis of Diverse Pyridine-Containing Heterocycles with 3
      Ethoxycyclobutanones at Room Temperature.
AB  - An efficient and convenient approach toward a diversity-oriented synthesis of
      bioactive pyridine-containing fused heterocycles is described. Through a Lewis
      acid catalyzed union of 3-ethoxycyclobutanones with various heterocyclic amines,
      a broad range of heterocyclic compounds were prepared readily at ambient
      temperature with excellent regioselectivity.

PMID- 27115561
TI  - Maxillary Anterior Segmental Distraction Osteogenesis to Correct Maxillary
      Deficiencies in a Patient With Cleft Lip and Palate.
AB  - This report describes a case of successful orthodontic treatment using maxillary
      anterior segmental distraction osteogenesis with an internal maxillary distractor
      and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy in a girl with cleft lip and palate.
      A 16-year-old girl with unilateral cleft lip and palate exhibited midface
      retrusion because of growth inhibition of the maxillary complex and mandibular
      excess. After the presurgical orthodontic treatment, 6.0-mm advancement of the
      maxillary anterior segment and 4.0-mm set back of the mandible were performed.
      After a retention period, the patient's midface convexity was greatly improved
      and the velopharyngeal competence was preserved without relapse.

PMID- 27115562
TI  - Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 Controls Proliferation of Keratinocytes From
      Children With Van der Woude Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 (IRF6) is critical for craniofacial
      development, epidermal differentiation, and tissue repair. IRF6 mutations cause
      Van der Woude Syndrome (VWS) and Popliteal Pterygium Syndrome. Individuals with
      VWS exhibit craniofacial anomalies, including cleft lip and palate and lip pits.
      Furthermore, they have an increased risk for wound-healing complications
      following surgical repair when compared with patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip
      and palate (NSCLP). However, nothing is known about the skin of these patients.
      The objective was to characterize the skin of patients with VWS. We hypothesize
      that IRF6 is required for proper skin homeostasis in humans. DESIGN: Discarded
      tissue from a hip was collected during surgical alveolar bone graft. Samples from
      children with VWS harboring IRF6 mutations (n = 2) were compared with samples
      from children with NSCLP (n = 7). Histology was assessed following hematoxylin
      and eosin staining. The expressions of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen, IRF6,
      P63, and Keratin 10 were determined by immunofluorescence. Keratinocytes were
      isolated and their proliferation potential was assessed by colony-forming
      efficiency assay. RESULTS: Hip skin from children with VWS showed a thicker
      epidermis when compared with that from children with NSCLP. Proliferating Cell
      Nuclear Antigen staining revealed an increase in proliferation in syndromic
      tissues when compared with controls. However, P63 and Keratin 10 expression were
      similar between groups. Finally, keratinocytes from VWS showed increased long
      term proliferation when compared with NSCLP. CONCLUSIONS: These results support,
      in vivo and in vitro, a previously described role for IRF6 in epidermal
      proliferation in humans. They further demonstrate a critical function for IRF6 in
      cutaneous homeostasis.

PMID- 27115563
TI  - Response to "Older Adults' Experiences of Living With Cleft Lip and Palate: A
      Qualitative Study Exploring Ageing and Appearance".

PMID- 27115564
TI  - New developments in classical density functional theory.

PMID- 27115565
TI  - Tele-Interpersonal Psychotherapy Acutely Reduces Depressive Symptoms in Depressed
      HIV-Infected Rural Persons: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive rural individuals carry a 1.3-times
      greater risk of a depressive diagnosis than their urban counterparts. This
      randomized clinical trial tested whether telephone-administered interpersonal
      psychotherapy (tele-IPT) acutely relieved depressive symptoms in 132 HIV-infected
      rural persons from 28 states diagnosed with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
      Mental Disorders-IV major depressive disorder (MDD), partially remitted MDD, or
      dysthymic disorder. Patients were randomized to either 9 sessions of one-on-one
      tele-IPT (n = 70) or standard care (SC; n = 62). A series of intent-to-treat
      (ITT), therapy completer, and sensitivity analyses assessed changes in depressive
      symptoms, interpersonal problems, and social support from pre- to
      postintervention. Across all analyses, tele-IPT patients reported significantly
      lower depressive symptoms and interpersonal problems than SC controls; 22% of
      tele-IPT patients were categorized as a priori "responders" who reported 50% or
      higher reductions in depressive symptoms compared to only 4% of SC controls in
      ITT analyses. Brief tele-IPT acutely decreased depressive symptoms and
      interpersonal problems in depressed rural people living with HIV.

PMID- 27115566
TI  - Understanding the impact of breast cancer adjuvant endocrine therapy on cognitive
      function: a work in progress.

PMID- 27115567
TI  - Quality of life, long-term survivors and long-term outcome from the ABC-02 study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ABC-02 (Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer) study established
      cisplatin and gemcitabine (CisGem) as the standard first-line chemotherapy for
      patients with locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC). We
      examine quality of life (QoL), describe the long-term survivors and provide a
      long-term outcome. METHODS: A total of 410 BTC patients were randomised to
      receive either CisGem or gemcitabine alone (Gem); 324 patients consented to
      complete EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-PAN26 QoL questionnaires; 268 (83%) patients
      returned at least one QoL questionnaire (134 in each arm). Long-term survivors
      were defined as those surviving over 2 years and we performed a final analysis of
      the primary outcome; overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Most QoL scales showed a
      trend favouring the combined CisGem arm, including functional and symptomatic
      scales, although the differences were not statistically significant. Forty-five
      (11%)) patients survived at least 2 years (34 received CisGem and 11 Gem) and 21
      (5%) 3 years or more (14 received CisGem and 7 Gem). After a median follow-up of
      9.2 months and 398 deaths, the median OS was 11.7 months for CisGem and 8.1
      months for Gem (hazard ratio (HR)=0.65, 95% CI: 0.53-0.79, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      The survival advantage of CisGem compared to Gem was not associated with an
      improvement or deterioration of QoL. Long-term survivors were more likely to have
      received CisGem and the long-term OS is identical to that previously described.

PMID- 27115568
TI  - Mipsagargin, a novel thapsigargin-based PSMA-activated prodrug: results of a
      first-in-man phase I clinical trial in patients with refractory, advanced or
      metastatic solid tumours.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mipsagargin (G-202; (8-O-(12-aminododecanoyl)-8-O-debutanoyl
      thapsigargin)-Asp-gamma-Glu-gamma-Glu-gamma-GluGluOH)) is a novel thapsigargin
      based targeted prodrug that is activated by PSMA-mediated cleavage of an inert
      masking peptide. The active moiety is an inhibitor of the
      sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium adenosine triphosphatase (SERCA) pump
      protein that is necessary for cellular viability. We evaluated the safety of
      mipsagargin in patients with advanced solid tumours and established a recommended
      phase II dosing (RP2D) regimen. METHODS: Patients with advanced solid tumours
      received mipsagargin by intravenous infusion on days 1, 2 and 3 of 28-day cycles
      and were allowed to continue participation in the absence of disease progression
      or unacceptable toxicity. The dosing began at 1.2 mg m(-2) and was escalated
      using a modified Fibonacci schema to determine maximally tolerated dose (MTD)
      with an expansion cohort at the RP2D. Plasma was analysed for mipsagargin
      pharmacokinetics and response was assessed using RECIST criteria. RESULTS: A
      total of 44 patients were treated at doses ranging from 1.2 to 88 mg m(-2),
      including 28 patients in the dose escalation phase and 16 patients in an
      expansion cohort. One dose-limiting toxicity (DLT; Grade 3 rash) was observed in
      the dose escalation portion of the study. At 88 mg m(-2), observations of Grade 2
      infusion-related reaction (IRR, 2 patients) and Grade 2 creatinine elevation (1
      patient) led to declaration of 66.8 mg m(-2) as the recommended phase II dose
      (RP2D). Across the study, the most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs)
      were fatigue, rash, nausea, pyrexia and IRR. Two patients developed treatment
      related Grade 3 acute renal failure that was reversible during the treatment-free
      portion of the cycle. To help ameliorate the IRR and creatinine elevations, a
      RP2D of 40 mg m(-2) on day 1 and 66.8 mg m(-2) on days 2 and 3 with prophylactic
      premedications and hydration on each day of infusion was established. Clinical
      response was not observed, but prolonged disease stabilisation was observed in a
      subset of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Mipsagargin demonstrated an acceptable
      tolerability and favourable pharmacokinetic profile in patients with solid
      tumours.

PMID- 27115569
TI  - Tubal ligation and incidence of 26 site-specific cancers in the Million Women
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tubal ligation is known to be associated with a reduction in ovarian
      cancer risk. Associations with breast, endometrial and cervical cancers have been
      suggested. We investigated associations for 26 site-specific cancers in a large
      UK cohort. METHODS: Study participants completed a questionnaire on reproductive
      and lifestyle factors in 1996-2001, and were followed for cancer and death via
      national registries. Using Cox regression models, we estimated adjusted relative
      risks (RRs) for 26 site-specific cancers among women with vs without tubal
      ligation. RESULTS: In 1 278 783 women without previous cancer, 167 430 incident
      cancers accrued during 13.8 years' follow-up. Significantly reduced risks were
      found in women with tubal ligation for cancers of the ovary (RR=0.80, 95% CI:
      0.76-0.85; P<0.001; n=8035), peritoneum (RR=0.81, 0.66-0.98; P=0.03; n=730), and
      fallopian tube (RR=0.60, 0.37-0.96; P=0.04; n=168). No significant associations
      were found for endometrial, breast, or cervical cancers. CONCLUSIONS: The reduced
      risks of ovarian, peritoneal and fallopian tube cancers are consistent with
      hypotheses of a common origin for many tumours at these sites, and with the
      suggestion that tubal ligation blocks cells, carcinogens or other agents from
      reaching the ovary, fallopian tubes and peritoneal cavity.

PMID- 27115570
TI  - The effect of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use after diagnosis
      on survival of oesophageal cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aspirin use has been shown to lower incidence and mortality in cancer
      patients. The aim of this population-based study was to determine the effect of
      postdiagnosis low-dose aspirin use on survival of patients with oesophageal
      cancer. METHODS: Patients with oesophageal cancer (1998-2010) were selected from
      the Eindhoven Cancer Registry and linked with outpatient pharmacy data regarding
      aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Users were subdivided
      into both prediagnosis and postdiagnosis or only postdiagnosis users. Parametric
      survival models with an exponential (Poisson) distribution were used with non
      specific death as endpoint. RESULTS: In this study 560 patients were included.
      Overall, 157 patients (28.0%) were non-users, 293 patients (52.3%) pre- and
      postdiagnosis (89 aspirin and 204 NSAID users) and 110 patients (19.6%) only
      postdiagnosis users (16 aspirin and 94 NSAID users). Postdiagnosis aspirin use
      was associated with overall survival (RR 0.45 (95% CI 0.34-0.60; P<0.001);
      adjusted rate ratio was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.30-0.57; P<0.001). Postdiagnosis use of
      NSAIDs was associated with overall survival (RR 0.61 (95% CI 0.49-0.76; <0.001);
      however, adjusted analyses did not show a significant association with a rate
      ratio of 0.84 (95% CI 0.66-1.07; P=0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that
      postdiagnosis aspirin use might be associated with a higher survival rate in
      oesophageal cancer patients. A randomised clinical trial is needed to verify our
      observations of possible postdiagnosis aspirin use benefit.

PMID- 27115572
TI  - Does the Term "Deflators" Reflect More Accurately the Beneficial Effects of Long
      acting Bronchodilators in COPD?

PMID- 27115571
TI  - Educational and occupational outcomes of childhood cancer survivors 30 years
      after diagnosis: a French cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although survival from childhood cancer has increased, little is
      known on the long-term impact of treatment late effects on occupational
      attainment or work ability. METHODS: A total of 3512 five-year survivors treated
      before the age of 19 years in 10 French cancer centres between 1948 and 2000 were
      identified. Educational level, employment status and occupational class of
      survivors were assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. These outcome measures
      were compared with sex-age rates recorded in the French population, using
      indirect standardisation. Paternal occupational class was also considered to
      control for the role of survivors' socioeconomic background on their achievement.
      Multivariable analyses were conducted to explore clinical characteristics
      associated with the outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 2406 survivors responded to the
      questionnaire and survivors aged below 25 years were included in the current
      analysis. Compared with national statistics adjusted on age and sex, male
      survivors were more likely to be college graduates (39.2% vs 30.9% expected;
      P<0.001). This higher achievement was not observed either for leukaemia or
      central nervous system (CNS) tumour survivors. Health-related unemployment was
      higher for survivors of CNS tumour (28.1% vs 4.3%; P<0.001) but not for survivors
      of other diagnoses. Survivors of non-CNS childhood cancer had a similar or a
      higher occupational class than expected. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors treated for CNS
      tumour or leukaemia, especially when treatment included cranial irradiation,
      might need support throughout their lifespan.

PMID- 27115573
TI  - Late Preterm and Term Birth: Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia and Birth Model.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the mode of delivery's influence on development of neonatal
      hyperbilirubinemia in term or near term infants. METHODS: The hyperbilirubinemic
      neonates were divided into two groups according to their mode of delivery (i.e.,
      vaginal or cesarean). The birth weight and gestational age at the time of birth,
      the age of the neonates in days, and the serum levels of bilirubin of the
      neonates at the time of hyperbilirubinemia were compared from the date of
      hospitalization until treatment, based on the birth model. RESULTS: 288 were
      fulfilled the inclusion criteria during the neonatal period. The vaginal delivery
      group consisted of 157 infants (16.8%) with hyperbilirubinemia, whereas the
      cesarean group included 131 (22.6%) infants with hyperbilirubinemia. Neonates in
      the cesarean group had a significantly higher rate of hyperbilirubinemia (p =
      0.01). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that compared with vaginal births,
      cesarean births led to higher rates of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

PMID- 27115574
TI  - Intrahepatic angiogenesis increases portal hypertension in hepatitis B patients
      with cirrhosis.
AB  - AIM: It remains unclear whether intrahepatic angiogenesis increases portal
      hypertension (PH) in hepatitis B with cirrhosis. We aim to investigate the
      relationship between intrahepatic angiogenesis and PH in hepatitis B patients
      with cirrhosis. METHODS: Sixty hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis and 40 healthy
      subjects were included in this study. Angiogenesis markers vascular endothelial
      growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), von Willebrand factor (vWF), and fibrosis
      marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) were observed by
      immunohistochemistry. Sirius Red staining was also used to determine liver
      fibrosis. Correlations between levels of intrahepatic angiogenesis and Child-Pugh
      classes, liver fibrosis degree, and portal vein pressure were examined. We also
      analyzed the relationship between levels of intrahepatic angiogenesis and
      complications of PH, including esophageal varices (EV), ascites, and
      hypersplenism. RESULTS: Correlation was observed between the levels of VEGFR2 (r
      = 0.590, P < 0.01), vWF (r = 0.524, P < 0.01) in tissue, and Child-Pugh classes.
      Significant correlations were observed between levels of VEGFR2 and alpha-SMA (r
      = 0.710, P < 0.01), VEGFR2 and Sirius Red (r = 0.841, P < 0.01), vWF and alpha
      SMA (r = 0.768, P < 0.01), and vWF and Sirius Red (r = 0.825, P < 0.01). Patients
      with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) >=12 mmHg showed higher levels of
      VEGFR2 and vWF expression compared to those with (HVPG) <12 mmHg (2.60 +/- 1.28%
      vs. 1.09 +/- 0.73%; 5.85 +/- 2.45% vs. 2.31 +/- 1.34%, P < 0.01), respectively.
      Moreover, complications of PH, including size of esophageal varices (P < 0.01),
      presence of ascites (P < 0.01), and spleen volume (P < 0.01) were significantly
      affected by the levels of intrahepatic angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: Intrahepatic
      angiogenesis increases PH in hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis. The study
      provides the potential ways to intervene in the progresses for therapeutic
      benefits in cirrhosis and PH.

PMID- 27115575
TI  - A hybrid method based upon nonlinear Lamb wave response for locating a
      delamination in composite laminates.
AB  - A new hybrid method based upon nonlinear Lamb wave response in time and frequency
      domains is introduced to locate a delamination in composite laminates. In Lamb
      wave based nonlinear method, the presence of damage is shown by the appearance of
      higher harmonics in the Lamb wave response. The proposed method not only uses
      this spectral information but also the corresponding temporal response data, for
      locating the delamination. Thus, the method is termed as a hybrid method. The
      paper includes formulation of the method and its application to locate a Barely
      Visible Impact Damage (BVID) induced delamination in a Carbon Fiber Reinforced
      Polymer (CFRP) laminate. The method gives the damage location fairly well. It is
      a baseline free method, as it does not need data from the pristine specimen.

PMID- 27115576
TI  - Translational research in the BJD: communicating science to a larger audience.

PMID- 27115577
TI  - Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome.

PMID- 27115578
TI  - The eyelash comes to the fore.

PMID- 27115579
TI  - Panniculitis associated with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: from early
      descriptions to current targeted therapy.

PMID- 27115580
TI  - Photodynamic therapy for acne: are we there yet?

PMID- 27115581
TI  - Quantifying the mortality burden for skin cancers other than melanoma.

PMID- 27115582
TI  - Sweating the small stuff.

PMID- 27115583
TI  - Serological biomarkers for determining prognosis in Merkel cell carcinoma.

PMID- 27115584
TI  - Serum lactate dehydrogenase is a more useful biomarker of prognosis than serum
      S100B in patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma.

PMID- 27115585
TI  - Human papillomavirus is a risk factor for asymptomatic bacterial sexually
      transmitted infections in HIV-infected men who have sex with men.

PMID- 27115586
TI  - Ustekinumab, another biologic with potential to help patients with hidradenitis
      suppurativa?

PMID- 27115587
TI  - Indications for micrographic surgery.

PMID- 27115588
TI  - Measuring the impact of skin disease on children's quality of life.

PMID- 27115589
TI  - In vivo model for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a step forward.

PMID- 27115590
TI  - Conflicts of interest among academic dermatologists: freedom or constraint?
AB  - Intangible and institutional conflicts of interest can particularly affect
      academia. Academic scientists have peculiar social responsibilities with respect
      to education and research. These responsibilities may conflict with the increased
      presence of industry in academia and commercialization of academic research
      through patents and royalties. Drug approval is almost entirely dependent
      worldwide on data produced in studies led by pharmaceutical industries. A
      reflection of the increasing role of the market in academic research is given by
      exaggerated claims in press releases by academic institutions. In consideration
      of the extensive presence of industry in academia, there is a need for a move
      from individual to institutional conflicts of interest disclosure, defining
      institutional policies for regulating conflicts of interest and developing an
      'ethically credible partnership'. 

PMID- 27115591
TI  - A case of paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with Castleman disease reacting
      with multiple autoantigens, including the p200 protein.

PMID- 27115592
TI  - Cover Image: Unique presentation of a subungual malignant melanoma in situ.

PMID- 27115594
TI  - Image Gallery: Dermatologic and retinal manifestations of pseudoxanthoma
      elasticum.

PMID- 27115595
TI  - Image Gallery: Exuberant tufted folliculitis affecting the scalp.

PMID- 27115596
TI  - Image Gallery: Flagellate dermatitis.

PMID- 27115600
TI  - Similar molecular determinants on Rem mediate two distinct modes of inhibition of
      CaV1.2 channels.
AB  - Rad/Rem/Rem2/Gem (RGK) proteins are Ras-like GTPases that potently inhibit all
      high-voltage-gated calcium (CaV1/CaV2) channels and are, thus, well-positioned to
      tune diverse physiological processes. Understanding how RGK proteins inhibit CaV
      channels is important for perspectives on their (patho)physiological roles and
      could advance their development and use as genetically-encoded CaV channel
      blockers. We previously reported that Rem can block surface CaV1.2 channels in 2
      independent ways that engage distinct components of the channel complex: (1) by
      binding auxiliary beta subunits (beta-binding-dependent inhibition, or BBD); and
      (2) by binding the pore-forming alpha1C subunit N-terminus (alpha1C-binding
      dependent inhibition, or ABD). By contrast, Gem uses only the BBD mechanism to
      block CaV1.2. Rem molecular determinants required for BBD CaV1.2 inhibition are
      the distal C-terminus and the guanine nucleotide binding G-domain which interact
      with the plasma membrane and CaVbeta, respectively. However, Rem determinants for
      ABD CaV1.2 inhibition are unknown. Here, combining fluorescence resonance energy
      transfer, electrophysiology, systematic truncations, and Rem/Gem chimeras we
      found that the same Rem distal C-terminus and G-domain also mediate ABD CaV1.2
      inhibition, but with different interaction partners. Rem distal C-terminus
      interacts with alpha1C N-terminus to anchor the G-domain which likely interacts
      with an as-yet-unidentified site. In contrast to some previous studies, neither
      the C-terminus of Rem nor Gem was sufficient to inhibit CaV1/CaV2 channels. The
      results reveal that similar molecular determinants on Rem are repurposed to
      initiate 2 independent mechanisms of CaV1.2 inhibition.

PMID- 27115601
TI  - Fruit Extract from Pyropolyporus fomentarius (L. ex Fr.) Teng Induces
      Mitochondria-Dependent Apoptosis in Leukemia Cells but Enhances Immunomodulatory
      Activities of Splenic Lymphocytes.
AB  - Pyropolyporus fomentarius (L. ex Fr.) Teng is a unique woody mushroom due to its
      medicinal value with numerous pharmacological activities. This study presented
      the potential antitumor and immunomodulatory properties of ethanol extract of P.
      fomentarius. The results showed that P. fomentarius extract inhibited the
      viability of murine leukemia L1210 cells in a dose-dependent manner with IC50
      value of 69.35 MUg/ml. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the extract
      induced apoptosis in L1210 cells. Additionally, the decline of mitochondrial
      membrane potential was observed as well as the changes of caspase-3, caspase-9,
      Bcl-2, and Bax, suggesting that proapoptosis effect of the extract involved
      mitochondria-related pathway. Simultaneously, the P. fomentarius extract
      significantly enhanced the proliferation and activation of splenic lymphocytes in
      a dose-dependent manner. This P. fomentarius extract has potential applications
      as a natural antitumor agent with immunomodulatory activity.

PMID- 27115602
TI  - Incidence of Norovirus-Associated Medical Encounters among Active Duty United
      States Military Personnel and Their Dependents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Norovirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis episodes and
      outbreaks in US military deployments, but estimates of endemic disease burden
      among military personnel in garrison are lacking. METHODS: Diagnostic codes from
      gastroenteritis-associated medical encounters of active duty military personnel
      and their beneficiaries from July 1998-June 2011 were obtained from the Armed
      Forces Health Surveillance Center. Using time-series regression models, cause
      unspecified encounters were modeled as a function of encounters for specific
      enteropathogens. Model residuals (representing unexplained encounters) were used
      to estimate norovirus-attributable medical encounters. Incidence rates were
      calculated using population data for both active duty and beneficiary
      populations. RESULTS: The estimated annual mean rate of norovirus-associated
      medically-attended visits among active duty personnel and their beneficiaries was
      292 (95% CI: 258 to 326) and 93 (95% CI: 80 to 105) encounters per 10,000
      persons, respectively. Rates were highest among beneficiaries <5 years of age
      with a median annual rate of 435 (range: 318 to 646) encounters per 10,000
      children. Norovirus was estimated to cause 31% and 27% of all-cause
      gastroenteritis encounters in the active duty and beneficiary populations,
      respectively, with over 60% occurring between November and April. There was no
      evidence of any lag effect where norovirus disease occurred in one population
      before the other, or in one beneficiary age group before the others. CONCLUSIONS:
      Norovirus is a major cause of medically-attended gastroenteritis among non
      deployed US military active duty members as well as in their beneficiaries.

PMID- 27115603
TI  - Impact of Helminth Infection on the Clinical and Microbiological Presentation of
      Chagas Diseases in Chronically Infected Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Helminth infections are highly prevalent in tropical and subtropical
      countries, coexisting in Chagas disease endemic areas. Helminth infections in
      humans may modulate the host immune system, changing the Th1/Th2 polarization.
      This immunological disturbance could modify the immune response to other
      infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between
      clinical, microbiological and epidemiological characteristics of Chagas disease
      patients, with the presence of helminth infection. METHODS: A prospective
      observational study was conducted at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital
      (Barcelona, Spain). Inclusion criteria were: age over 18 years, diagnosis of
      Chagas disease, and not having received specific treatment for Chagas disease
      previously to the inclusion. The study protocol included Chagas disease
      assessment (cardiac and digestive evaluation, detection of T. cruzi DNA measured
      by PCR in peripheral blood), and helminth infection diagnosis (detection of IgG
      anti-Strongyloides stercoralis by ELISA, microscopic examination of stool samples
      from three different days, and specific faecal culture for S. stercoralis
      larvae). RESULTS: Overall, 65 patients were included, median age was 38 years,
      75.4% were women and most of them came from Bolivia. Cardiac and digestive
      involvement was present in 18.5% and 27.7% of patients respectively. T. cruzi PCR
      was positive in 28 (43.1%) patients. Helminth infection was diagnosed in 12
      (18.5%) patients. No differences were observed in clinical and epidemiological
      characteristics between patients with and without helminth infection.
      Nevertheless, the proportion of patients with positive T. cruzi PCR was higher
      among patients with helminth infection compared with patients without helminth
      infection (75% vs 35.8%, p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a high prevalence
      of S. stercoralis infection among chronic Chagas disease patients attended in our
      tropical medicine unit. Strongyloidiasis was associated with significantly higher
      proportion of positive T. cruzi RT-PCR determined in peripheral blood.

PMID- 27115604
TI  - Condomless Vaginal Intercourse and Its Associates among Men Who Have Sex with Men
      in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV prevalence has increased rapidly among men who have sex with men
      (MSM) in China reaching alarmingly high levels in some cities. Bisexual MSM have
      potential to transmit HIV and syphilis to their female partners through
      condomless vaginal intercourse (CVI). Thus, estimation of the burden of CVI and
      identification of its associates seemed necessary to control this cross-gender
      transmission. METHOD: In a cross-sectional study, using respondent-driven
      sampling and snowball sampling, 2958 MSM were recruited from seven Chinese
      cities, interviewed and tested for HIV and syphilis. Descriptive analysis of the
      socio-demographic and behaviors followed by simple and multiple logistic
      regressions [adjusted for income, city, race and social network size to determine
      adjusted odds ratio (aOR)] were performed using SAS-9.1. RESULTS: Among
      participating MSM, 19.03% were engaged in CVI. Prevalence of HIV and syphilis
      among participants involved in CVI were 5.86% and 14.74% respectively. MSM who
      were older [aOR for aged 40-49 = 2.60 (95% CI: 1.54-4.37)], married [aOR = 6.13
      (4.95-7.58)], attended primary school or below [aOR = 3.86 (2.26-6.69)], met male
      partners at spa/bathhouse/sauna/massage parlor [aOR = 3.52 (2.62-4.72)] and had
      heterosexual orientation [aOR = 13.81 (7.14-26.70)] were more likely to have CVI.
      Furthermore, correct knowledge regarding HIV [aOR = 0.70 (0.55, 0.88)] and
      exposure to HIV prevention interventions [aOR = 0.67 (0.54, 0.82)] were
      negatively associated with CVI. CONCLUSIONS: CVI was found to be common among MSM
      in China. To minimize the transmission of HIV and syphilis from bisexual MSM to
      their relatively female partners, targeted interventions should specifically
      focus on bisexual MSM especially the older and married subgroups.

PMID- 27115605
TI  - A Presence-Only Model of Suitable Roosting Habitat for the Endangered Indiana Bat
      in the Southern Appalachians.
AB  - We know little about how forest bats, which are cryptic and mobile, use roosts on
      a landscape scale. For widely distributed species like the endangered Indiana bat
      Myotis sodalis, identifying landscape-scale roost habitat associations will be
      important for managing the species in different regions where it occurs. For
      example, in the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA, M. sodalis roosts are
      scattered across a heavily forested landscape, which makes protecting individual
      roosts impractical during large-scale management activities. We created a
      predictive spatial model of summer roosting habitat to identify important
      predictors using the presence-only modeling program MaxEnt and an information
      theoretic approach for model comparison. Two of 26 candidate models together
      accounted for >0.93 of AICc weights. Elevation and forest type were top
      predictors of presence; aspect north/south and distance-to-ridge were also
      important. The final average best model indicated that 5% of the study area was
      suitable habitat and 0.5% was optimal. This model matched our field observations
      that, in the southern Appalachian Mountains, optimal roosting habitat for M.
      sodalis is near the ridge top in south-facing mixed pine-hardwood forests at
      elevations from 260-575 m. Our findings, coupled with data from other studies,
      suggest M. sodalis is flexible in roost habitat selection across different
      ecoregions with varying topography and land use patterns. We caution that, while
      mature pine-hardwood forests are important now, specific areas of suitable and
      optimal habitat will change over time. Combining the information theoretic
      approach with presence-only models makes it possible to develop landscape-scale
      habitat suitability maps for forest bats.

PMID- 27115607
TI  - Pneumolabyrinth with Labyrinthitis as the Suspected Cause.
AB  - Pneumolabyrinth is a rare condition with air bubbles existing in the vestibule
      and/or cochlea. We report a case of pneumolabyrinth without trauma that was
      suspected to be caused by labyrinthitis. A 65-year-old man presented with vertigo
      and hearing loss in the left ear after catching a cold. Computed tomography
      performed after there had been no improvement in the patient's symptoms showed
      the presence of air bubbles in the vestibule, semicircular canals and cochlea.
      The patient was transferred to our hospital with suspected perilymphatic fistula.
      Bacterial infection was suspected after the laboratory tests had indicated a
      severe inflammatory response, and the patient was treated with antibiotics.
      However, no bacteria were detected in a bacterial culture of the otorrhea. An
      exploratory tympanotomy was performed to improve the patient's staggering gait
      and to examine the middle ear, with no obvious fistula being observed. Subsequent
      fenestration of the round window revealed a white mass that appeared to contain
      bacteria which was collected from the cochlea and submitted for analysis and
      bacterial culture. However, no bacteria were detected and the mass contained
      white blood cells. We suspected pneumolabyrinth following labyrinth infection.
      However, the cause of air bubble formation remains unclear and needs to be
      validated with further research. 

PMID- 27115606
TI  - Hepatitis C Virus Protein Interaction Network Analysis Based on Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma.
AB  - Epidemiological studies have validated the association between hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An increasing number of
      studies show that protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between HCV proteins and
      host proteins play a vital role in infection and mediate HCC progression. In this
      work, we collected all published interaction between HCV and human proteins,
      which include 455 unique human proteins participating in 524 HCV-human
      interactions. Then, we construct the HCV-human and HCV-HCC protein interaction
      networks, which display the biological knowledge regarding the mechanism of HCV
      pathogenesis, particularly with respect to pathogenesis of HCC. Through in-depth
      analysis of the HCV-HCC interaction network, we found that interactors are
      enriched in the JAK/STAT, p53, MAPK, TNF, Wnt, and cell cycle pathways. Using a
      random walk with restart algorithm, we predicted the importance of each protein
      in the HCV-HCC network and found that AKT1 may play a key role in the HCC
      progression. Moreover, we found that NS5A promotes HCC cells proliferation and
      metastasis by activating AKT/GSK3beta/beta-catenin pathway. This work provides a
      basis for a detailed map tracking new cellular interactions of HCV and
      identifying potential targets for HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

PMID- 27115608
TI  - Blocking as a friend of induction in verbal category learning.
AB  - We conducted an experiment to investigate the influences of interleaved versus
      blocked presentation of disparate verbal exemplars on the induction of category
      concepts. The practice schedules of four experimental groups were juxtaposed such
      that sets of exemplar-category associations were either solved in succession
      (i.e., blocked), systematically intermixed (i.e., interleaved), or presented with
      an incremental transition from blocked to interleaved practice. Counter to
      current trends in the literature, in which interleaving alone has been
      facilitative of induction in some tasks, we found that participants whose initial
      exposure to the category exemplars involved blocked presentation performed better
      in both implicit and explicit tests of concept learning. The results are
      discussed with respect to the impacts of task type, task difficulty, and exemplar
      relatedness on induction.

PMID- 27115609
TI  - Analytic and heuristic processes in the detection and resolution of conflict.
AB  - Previous research with the ratio-bias task found larger response latencies for
      conflict trials where the heuristic- and analytic-based responses are assumed to
      be in opposition (e.g., choosing between 1/10 and 9/100 ratios of success) when
      compared to no-conflict trials where both processes converge on the same response
      (e.g., choosing between 1/10 and 11/100). This pattern is consistent with
      parallel dual-process models, which assume that there is effective, rather than
      lax, monitoring of the output of heuristic processing. It is, however, unclear
      why conflict resolution sometimes fails. Ratio-biased choices may increase
      because of a decline in analytical reasoning (leaving heuristic-based responses
      unopposed) or to a rise in heuristic processing (making it more difficult for
      analytic processes to override the heuristic preferences). Using the process
      dissociation procedure, we found that instructions to respond logically and
      response speed affected analytic (controlled) processing (C), leaving heuristic
      processing (H) unchanged, whereas the intuitive preference for large nominators
      (as assessed by responses to equal ratio trials) affected H but not C. These
      findings create new challenges to the debate between dual-process and single
      process accounts, which are discussed.

PMID- 27115610
TI  - Lichtheimia Infection in a Lymphoma Patient: Case Report and a Brief Review of
      the Available Diagnostic Tools.
AB  - We describe the case of a patient with a T-lymphoblastic lymphoma whose
      disseminated mucormycosis was diagnosed with delay, and we address the diagnostic
      and therapeutic decision-making process and review the diagnostic workup of
      patients with potential IFD. The diagnosis was delayed despite a suggestive
      radiological presentation of the patient's pulmonary lesion. The uncommon risk
      profile (T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, short neutropenic phases) wrongly led to a low
      level of suspicion. The diagnosis was also hampered by the lack of indirect
      markers for infections caused by Mucorales, the low sensitivity of both fungal
      culture and panfungal PCR, and the limited availability of species-specific PCR.
      A high level of suspicion of IFD is needed, and aggressive diagnostic procedures
      should be promptly initiated even in apparently low-risk patients with uncommon
      presentations. The extent of the analytical workup should be decided on a case-by
      case base. Diagnostic tests such as the galactomannan and beta-D-glucan test
      and/or PCR on biological material followed by sequencing should be chosen
      according to their availability and after evaluation of their specificity and
      sensitivity. In high-risk patients, preemptive therapy with a broad-spectrum
      mould-active antifungal agent should be started before definitive diagnostic
      findings become available. 

PMID- 27115611
TI  - Kerion and Tinea Corporis Caused by Rabbit-Derived Trichophyton interdigitale in
      Three Siblings and One Consulting Doctor Using beta-Tubulin Gene to Identify the
      Pathogen.
AB  - Trichophyton interdigitale is generally deemed as an anamorph of Arthroderma
      vanbreuseghemii based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing, but
      recently their anamorph/teleomorph connection should be cautioned based on beta
      tubulin phylogeny. We report three siblings and one consulting doctor who
      developed kerion and tinea corporis after contact with domestic rabbits. Seven
      same strains were isolated from four patients and three regions of a sick rabbit.
      The ITS and D1/D2 sequences of our isolate were 99 % homologous to A.
      Vanbreuseghemii, while beta-tubulin sequence was 100 % identical to T.
      interdigitale. Our isolate was identified as T. interdigitale based on maximum
      likelihood analysis of beta-tubulin. Random amplified polymorphic DNA revealed
      that the band patterns of five isolated strains and another rabbit-derived strain
      WCH023 were identical for OPF-03 and OPF-12. Skin lesions of all patients
      resolved completely for 2- to 6-week therapy of oral terbinafine and topical 1 %
      bifonazole or 1 % terbinafine cream. This study demonstrates that T.
      interdigitale of rabbit origin can cause various types of human dermatophytosis
      by mild scratch. Terbinafine may be the first choice for dermatophytosis caused
      by T. interdigitale. 

PMID- 27115613
TI  - In vivo protein allylation to capture protein methylation candidates.
AB  - An approach combining in vivo protein allylation, chemical tagging and affinity
      enrichment was devised to capture protein methylation candidates in yeast S.
      cerevisiae. The study identified 167 hits, covering many proteins with known
      methylation events on different types of amino acid residues. 

PMID- 27115612
TI  - A Meta-Analysis of Retinoblastoma Copy Numbers Refines the List of Possible
      Driver Genes Involved in Tumor Progression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While RB1 loss initiates retinoblastoma development, additional
      somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) can drive tumor progression. Although
      SCNAs have been identified with good concordance between studies at a cytoband
      resolution, accurate identification of single genes for all recurrent SCNAs is
      still challenging. This study presents a comprehensive meta-analysis of genome
      wide SCNAs integrated with gene expression profiling data, narrowing down the
      list of plausible retinoblastoma driver genes. METHODS: We performed SCNA
      profiling of 45 primary retinoblastoma samples and eight retinoblastoma cell
      lines by high-resolution microarrays. We combined our data with genomic, clinical
      and histopathological data of ten published genome-wide SCNA studies, which
      strongly enhanced the power of our analyses (N = 310). RESULTS: Comprehensive
      recurrence analysis of SCNAs in all studies integrated with gene expression data
      allowed us to reduce candidate gene lists for 1q, 2p, 6p, 7q and 13q to a limited
      gene set. Besides the well-established driver genes RB1 (13q-loss) and MYCN (2p
      gain) we identified CRB1 and NEK7 (1q-gain), SOX4 (6p-gain) and NUP205 (7q-gain)
      as novel retinoblastoma driver candidates. Depending on the sample subset and
      algorithms used, alternative candidates were identified including MIR181 (1q
      gain) and DEK (6p gain). Remarkably, our study showed that copy number gains
      rarely exceeded change of one copy, even in pure tumor samples with 100%
      homozygosity at the RB1 locus (N = 34), which is indicative for intra-tumor
      heterogeneity. In addition, profound between-tumor variability was observed that
      was associated with age at diagnosis and differentiation grades. INTERPRETATION:
      Since focal alterations at commonly altered chromosome regions were rare except
      for 2p24.3 (MYCN), further functional validation of the oncogenic potential of
      the described candidate genes is now required. For further investigations, our
      study provides a refined and revised set of candidate retinoblastoma driver
      genes.

PMID- 27115615
TI  - Bioethanol fermentation as alternative valorization route of agricultural
      digestate according to a biorefinery approach.
AB  - This study investigates the feasibility of producing bioethanol from solid
      digestate after a mechanical fractionation (i.e. centrifugal milling), in order
      to improve the energy recovery from agricultural wastes and the sustainability of
      anaerobic digestion plants. A bioethanol yield of 37gkg(-1)TS was evaluated for
      the solid digestate fraction. Mass and energetic balances were performed and
      compared between two scenarios: (A) one-stage bioethanol fermentation and (B) two
      stage anaerobic digestion-bioethanol fermentation, in order to evaluate the
      feasibility and the advantages of the two-stage process. Results revealed that,
      compared to the one-stage process, the dual anaerobic digestion-bioethanol
      process permitted: (i) to diversify biofuels production; (ii) to provide the
      thermal energy sufficient for drying digestate (13,351kWhthday(-1)), for the
      subsequent milling step; (iii) to reduce the electric energy requirement for the
      milling step (from 23,880 to 3580kWhelday(-1)); (iv) to produce extra electrical
      energy of 8483kWhelday(-1); (v) to improve the reduction of waste streams
      generated (from 13% to 54% of organic matter removal). 

PMID- 27115614
TI  - Genome-Scale Transcriptome Analysis of the Desert Shrub Artemisia sphaerocephala.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Artemisia sphaerocephala, a semi-shrub belonging to the Artemisia
      genus of the Compositae family, is an important pioneer plant that inhabits
      moving and semi-stable sand dunes in the deserts and steppes of northwest and
      north-central China. It is very resilient in extreme environments. Additionally,
      its seeds have excellent nutritional value, and the abundant lipids and
      polysaccharides in the seeds make this plant a potential valuable source of bio
      energy. However, partly due to the scarcity of genetic information, the genetic
      mechanisms controlling the traits and environmental adaptation capacity of A.
      sphaerocephala are unknown. RESULTS: Here, we present the first in-depth
      transcriptomic analysis of A. sphaerocephala. To maximize the representation of
      conditional transcripts, mRNA was obtained from 17 samples, including living
      tissues of desert-growing A. sphaerocephala, seeds germinated in the laboratory,
      and calli subjected to no stress (control) and high and low temperature, high and
      low osmotic, and salt stresses. De novo transcriptome assembly performed using an
      Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform resulted in the generation of 68,373 unigenes. We
      analyzed the key genes involved in the unsaturated fatty acid synthesis pathway
      and identified 26 A. sphaerocephala fad2 genes, which is the largest fad2 gene
      family reported to date. Furthermore, a set of genes responsible for resistance
      to extreme temperatures, salt, drought and a combination of stresses was
      identified. CONCLUSION: The present work provides abundant genomic information
      for functional dissection of the important traits of A. sphaerocephala and
      contributes to the current understanding of molecular adaptive mechanisms of A.
      sphaerocephala in the desert environment. Identification of the key genes in the
      unsaturated fatty acid synthesis pathway could increase understanding of the
      biological regulatory mechanisms of fatty acid composition traits in plants and
      facilitate genetic manipulation of the fatty acid composition of oil crops.

PMID- 27115616
TI  - A robust and cost-effective integrated process for nitrogen and bio-refractory
      organics removal from landfill leachate via short-cut nitrification, anaerobic
      ammonium oxidation in tandem with electrochemical oxidation.
AB  - A cost-effective process, consisting of a denitrifying upflow anaerobic sludge
      blanket (UASB), an oxygen-limited anoxic/aerobic (A/O) process for short-cut
      nitrification, and an anaerobic reactor (ANR) for anaerobic ammonia oxidation
      (anammox), followed by an electrochemical oxidation process with a Ti-based SnO2
      Sb2O5 anode, was developed to remove organics and nitrogen in a sewage diluted
      leachate. The final chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH4(+)-N) and
      total nitrogen (TN) of 70, 11.3 and 39 (all in mg/L), respectively, were
      obtained. TN removal in UASB, A/O and ANR were 24.6%, 49.6% and 16.1%,
      respectively. According to the water quality and molecular biology analysis, a
      high degree of anammox besides short-cut nitrification and denitrification
      occurred in A/O. Counting for 16.1% of TN removal in ANR, at least 43.2-49% of TN
      was removed via anammox. The anammox bacteria in A/O and ANR, were in respective
      titers of (2.5-5.9)*10(9) and 2.01*10(10)copy numbers/(gSS). 

PMID- 27115617
TI  - Giving CD4+ T cells the slip: viral interference with MHC class II-restricted
      antigen processing and presentation.
AB  - Activation of CD4+ T cells through interactions with peptides bound to Major
      Histocompatibility Complex Class II (MHC-II) molecules is a crucial step in
      clearance of most pathogens. Consequently, many viruses have evolved ways of
      blocking this aspect of adaptive immunity, from specific targeting of processing
      and presentation components to modulation of signaling pathways that regulate
      peptide presentation in addition to many other host defense mechanisms. Such
      cases of interference are far less common compared to what has been elucidated in
      MHC-I processing and presentation. This may be attributable in part to the
      complexity of MHC-II antigen processing, the scope of which is only now coming to
      light.

PMID- 27115619
TI  - Nutritionally Deprived Black-Horned Tree Cricket (Oecanthus nigricornis) Consumes
      Own Spermatophore After Failed Mating.

PMID- 27115618
TI  - Racial Pride and Condom Use in Post-Incarcerated African-American Men Who Have
      Sex With Men and Women: Test of a Conceptual Model for the Men in Life
      Environments Intervention.
AB  - African-American men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) are among those most
      heavily impacted by HIV in the United States, and those who have histories of
      incarceration are at further risk of infection. The Men in Life Environments
      (MILE) HIV prevention intervention was developed to provide culturally
      appropriate skills-based education and support for African-American MSMW with
      recent histories of incarceration. The MILE's conceptual framework was informed
      by three theories: Theory of Reasoned Action and Planned Behavior, Critical
      Thinking and Cultural Affirmation Model, and Empowerment Theory. The theory-based
      framework posits that improving racial pride is crucial in building self-efficacy
      and intentions that in turn promote health-protective behaviors. Therefore, our
      study aimed to assess whether baseline associations between racial pride and
      condom use self-efficacy, intentions, and behaviors among African-American MSMW
      with histories of incarceration align with our conceptual model. We report data
      on 212 participants recruited from Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Men's
      Central Jail and the local community. Using structural equation modeling, we
      tested two separate models: one with female sexual partners and one with male
      sexual partners, while stratifying by participant's HIV status. Only among HIV
      negative participants was greater racial pride associated with less condomless
      intercourse with men. In this group, greater self-efficacy and intentions-but not
      racial pride-predicted less condomless intercourse with women. Our findings
      suggest that racial pride is an important factor to address in HIV prevention
      interventions for post-incarcerated African-American MSMW.

PMID- 27115620
TI  - Scrutinizing microwave effects on glucose uptake in yeast cells.
AB  - Taking into account different literature reports on microwave (MW) effects on
      living organisms, we thoroughly investigated the influence of constant 2.45 GHz
      MW irradiation on glucose uptake in yeast cells. A Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      suspension of 2.9 * 108 cells/ml was used in all experiments. A large specific
      absorption rate of 0.55 W/g of suspension is compensated by efficient external
      cooling of the reaction vessel, which established a strong non-equilibrium flow
      of energy through the solution and enabled a constant bulk temperature of 30 
      degrees C to within 1  degrees C during glucose uptake. Comparison of MW effects
      with control experiments revealed insignificant changes of glucose uptake during
      the initial stages of the experiment (up to the 10th min). Statistically
      "notable" differences during the next 20 min of the irradiation were detected
      corresponding to thermal overheating of 2  degrees C. Possible specific thermal
      MW effects may be related to local temperature increase and a large flow of
      energy throughout the system. The obtained effects show that environmental MW
      pollution (fortunately) is of too low intensity to provoke metabolic changes in
      living cells. At the same time, a longer exposure of cells to electromagnetic
      irradiation may have impacts on biochemical applications and production of
      valuable biotechnological products.

PMID- 27115621
TI  - Inorganic and organic fertilizers impact the abundance and proportion of
      antibiotic resistance and integron-integrase genes in agricultural grassland
      soil.
AB  - Soil fertilization with animal manure or its digestate may facilitate an
      important antibiotic resistance dissemination route from anthropogenic sources to
      the environment. This study examines the effect of mineral fertilizer (NH4NO3),
      cattle slurry and cattle slurry digestate amendment on the abundance and
      proportion dynamics of five antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and two classes of
      integron-integrase genes (intI1 and intI2) in agricultural grassland soil.
      Fertilization was performed thrice throughout one vegetation period. The targeted
      ARGs (sul1, tetA, blaCTX-M, blaOXA2 and qnrS) encode resistance to several major
      antibiotic classes used in veterinary medicine such as sulfonamides,
      tetracycline, cephalosporins, penicillin and fluoroquinolones, respectively. The
      non-fertilized grassland soil contained a stable background of tetA, blaCTX-M and
      sul1 genes. The type of applied fertilizer significantly affected ARGs and
      integron-integrase genes abundances and proportions in the bacterial community
      (p<0.001 in both cases), explaining 67.04% of the abundance and 42.95% of the
      proportion variations in the grassland soil. Both cattle slurry and cattle slurry
      digestate proved to be considerable sources of ARGs, especially sul1, as well as
      integron-integrases. Sul1, intI1 and intI2 levels in grassland soil were elevated
      in response to each organic fertilizer's application event, but this increase was
      followed by a stage of decrease, suggesting that microbes possessing these genes
      were predominantly entrained into soil via cattle slurry or its digestate
      application and had somewhat limited survival potential in a soil environment.
      However, the abundance of these three target genes did not decrease to a
      background level by the end of the study period. TetA was most abundant in
      mineral fertilizer treated soil and blaCTX-M in cattle slurry digestate amended
      soil. Despite significantly different abundances, the abundance dynamics of
      bacteria possessing these genes were similar (p<0.05 in all cases) in different
      treatments and resembled the dynamics of the whole bacterial community abundance
      in each soil treatment.

PMID- 27115622
TI  - Smartphone-based noise mapping: Integrating sound level meter app data into the
      strategic noise mapping process.
AB  - The strategic noise mapping process of the EU has now been ongoing for more than
      ten years. However, despite the fact that a significant volume of research has
      been conducted on the process and related issues there has been little change or
      innovation in how relevant authorities and policymakers are conducting the
      process since its inception. This paper reports on research undertaken to assess
      the possibility for smartphone-based noise mapping data to be integrated into the
      traditional strategic noise mapping process. We compare maps generated using the
      traditional approach with those generated using smartphone-based measurement
      data. The advantage of the latter approach is that it has the potential to remove
      the need for exhaustive input data into the source calculation model for noise
      prediction. In addition, the study also tests the accuracy of smartphone-based
      measurements against simultaneous measurements taken using traditional sound
      level meters in the field.

PMID- 27115623
TI  - Occurrence of microcystins in water, bloom, sediment and fish from a public water
      supply.
AB  - Microcystin (MC) accumulation was determined in the liver and muscle of two
      omnivorous fish species which are consumed and are economically important, and in
      a planktivorous-carnivorous fish from Lake Egirdir, Turkey. Free extractable MCs
      in fish tissue samples were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
      with confirmation by high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array
      detection (HPLC-PDA). MC-LA and -YR, were detected in both liver and muscle,
      followed by MCs -LY, -LF, -RR and -LR respectively. The MC concentrations varied
      between 0.043 and 1.72MUg/g dry weight in liver and muscle tissues. MCs were also
      determined in samples of water, sediment and a bloom sample of Microcystis
      aeruginosa from the lake by HPLC-PDA. MC-LY and -YR were most commonly identified
      in water samples, with total MC concentrations ranging from 2.9+/-0.05 to 13.5+/
      2.3MUg/L. Sediment analyses, showed that MC-YR was present in samples between 7.0
      and 17.6MUg/g dw, especially in October, November and December when no MC-YR was
      recorded in water, followed by MC-LW. The findings indicate that water and
      sediment contained MCs, and more importantly that fish were contaminated with MCs
      that may pose an MC-associated human health risk.

PMID- 27115624
TI  - The MARINA model (Model to Assess River Inputs of Nutrients to seAs): Model
      description and results for China.
AB  - Chinese agriculture has been developing fast towards industrial food production
      systems that discharge nutrient-rich wastewater into rivers. As a result,
      nutrient export by rivers has been increasing, resulting in coastal water
      pollution. We developed a Model to Assess River Inputs of Nutrients to seAs
      (MARINA) for China. The MARINA Nutrient Model quantifies river export of
      nutrients by source at the sub-basin scale as a function of human activities on
      land. MARINA is a downscaled version for China of the Global NEWS-2 (Nutrient
      Export from WaterSheds) model with an improved approach for nutrient losses from
      animal production and population. We use the model to quantify dissolved
      inorganic and organic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) export by six large rivers
      draining into the Bohai Gulf (Yellow, Hai, Liao), Yellow Sea (Yangtze, Huai) and
      South China Sea (Pearl) in 1970, 2000 and 2050. We addressed uncertainties in the
      MARINA Nutrient model. Between 1970 and 2000 river export of dissolved N and P
      increased by a factor of 2-8 depending on sea and nutrient form. Thus, the risk
      for coastal eutrophication increased. Direct losses of manure to rivers
      contribute to 60-78% of nutrient inputs to the Bohai Gulf and 20-74% of nutrient
      inputs to the other seas in 2000. Sewage is an important source of dissolved
      inorganic P, and synthetic fertilizers of dissolved inorganic N. Over half of the
      nutrients exported by the Yangtze and Pearl rivers originated from human
      activities in downstream and middlestream sub-basins. The Yellow River exported
      up to 70% of dissolved inorganic N and P from downstream sub-basins and of
      dissolved organic N and P from middlestream sub-basins. Rivers draining into the
      Bohai Gulf are drier, and thus transport fewer nutrients. For the future we
      calculate further increases in river export of nutrients. The MARINA Nutrient
      model quantifies the main sources of coastal water pollution for sub-basins. This
      information can contribute to formulation of effective management options to
      reduce nutrient pollution of Chinese seas in the future.

PMID- 27115625
TI  - Update on Genomic Databases and Resources at the National Center for
      Biotechnology Information.
AB  - The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), as a primary public
      repository of genomic sequence data, collects and maintains enormous amounts of
      heterogeneous data. Data for genomes, genes, gene expressions, gene variation,
      gene families, proteins, and protein domains are integrated with the analytical,
      search, and retrieval resources through the NCBI website, text-based search and
      retrieval system, provides a fast and easy way to navigate across diverse
      biological databases.Comparative genome analysis tools lead to further
      understanding of evolution processes quickening the pace of discovery. Recent
      technological innovations have ignited an explosion in genome sequencing that has
      fundamentally changed our understanding of the biology of living organisms. This
      huge increase in DNA sequence data presents new challenges for the information
      management system and the visualization tools. New strategies have been designed
      to bring an order to this genome sequence shockwave and improve the usability of
      associated data.

PMID- 27115626
TI  - Protein Structure Databases.
AB  - Web-based protein structure databases come in a wide variety of types and levels
      of information content. Those having the most general interest are the various
      atlases that describe each experimentally determined protein structure and
      provide useful links, analyses, and schematic diagrams relating to its 3D
      structure and biological function. Also of great interest are the databases that
      classify 3D structures by their folds as these can reveal evolutionary
      relationships which may be hard to detect from sequence comparison alone. Related
      to these are the numerous servers that compare folds-particularly useful for
      newly solved structures, and especially those of unknown function. Beyond these
      are a vast number of databases for the more specialized user, dealing with
      specific families, diseases, structural features, and so on.

PMID- 27115627
TI  - The MIntAct Project and Molecular Interaction Databases.
AB  - Molecular interaction databases collect, organize, and enable the analysis of the
      increasing amounts of molecular interaction data being produced and published as
      we move towards a more complete understanding of the interactomes of key model
      organisms. The organization of these data in a structured format supports
      analyses such as the modeling of pairwise relationships between interactors into
      interaction networks and is a powerful tool for understanding the complex
      molecular machinery of the cell. This chapter gives an overview of the principal
      molecular interaction databases, in particular the IMEx databases, and their
      curation policies, use of standardized data formats and quality control rules.
      Special attention is given to the MIntAct project, in which IntAct and MINT
      joined forces to create a single resource to improve curation and software
      development efforts. This is exemplified as a model for the future of molecular
      interaction data collation and dissemination.

PMID- 27115628
TI  - Applications of Protein Thermodynamic Database for Understanding Protein Mutant
      Stability and Designing Stable Mutants.
AB  - Protein stability is the free energy difference between unfolded and folded
      states of a protein, which lies in the range of 5-25 kcal/mol. Experimentally,
      protein stability is measured with circular dichroism, differential scanning
      calorimetry, and fluorescence spectroscopy using thermal and denaturant
      denaturation methods. These experimental data have been accumulated in the form
      of a database, ProTherm, thermodynamic database for proteins and mutants. It also
      contains sequence and structure information of a protein, experimental methods
      and conditions, and literature information. Different features such as search,
      display, and sorting options and visualization tools have been incorporated in
      the database. ProTherm is a valuable resource for understanding/predicting the
      stability of proteins and it can be accessed at http://www.abren.net/protherm/ .
      ProTherm has been effectively used to examine the relationship among
      thermodynamics, structure, and function of proteins. We describe the recent
      progress on the development of methods for understanding/predicting protein
      stability, such as (1) general trends on mutational effects on stability, (2)
      relationship between the stability of protein mutants and amino acid properties,
      (3) applications of protein three-dimensional structures for predicting their
      stability upon point mutations, (4) prediction of protein stability upon single
      mutations from amino acid sequence, and (5) prediction methods for addressing
      double mutants. A list of online resources for predicting has also been provided.

PMID- 27115629
TI  - Classification and Exploration of 3D Protein Domain Interactions Using Kbdock.
AB  - Comparing and classifying protein domain interactions according to their three
      dimensional (3D) structures can help to understand protein structure-function and
      evolutionary relationships. Additionally, structural knowledge of existing domain
      domain interactions can provide a useful way to find structural templates with
      which to model the 3D structures of unsolved protein complexes. Here we present a
      straightforward guide to using the "Kbdock" protein domain structure database and
      its associated web site for exploring and comparing protein domain-domain
      interactions (DDIs) and domain-peptide interactions (DPIs) at the Pfam domain
      family level. We also briefly explain how the Kbdock web site works, and we
      provide some notes and suggestions which should help to avoid some common
      pitfalls when working with 3D protein domain structures.

PMID- 27115630
TI  - Data Mining of Macromolecular Structures.
AB  - The use of macromolecular structures is widespread for a variety of applications,
      from teaching protein structure principles all the way to ligand optimization in
      drug development. Applying data mining techniques on these experimentally
      determined structures requires a highly uniform, standardized structural data
      source. The Protein Data Bank (PDB) has evolved over the years toward becoming
      the standard resource for macromolecular structures. However, the process
      selecting the data most suitable for specific applications is still very much
      based on personal preferences and understanding of the experimental techniques
      used to obtain these models. In this chapter, we will first explain the
      challenges with data standardization, annotation, and uniformity in the PDB
      entries determined by X-ray crystallography. We then discuss the specific effect
      that crystallographic data quality and model optimization methods have on
      structural models and how validation tools can be used to make informed choices.
      We also discuss specific advantages of using the PDB_REDO databank as a resource
      for structural data. Finally, we will provide guidelines on how to select the
      most suitable protein structure models for detailed analysis and how to select a
      set of structure models suitable for data mining.

PMID- 27115631
TI  - Criteria to Extract High-Quality Protein Data Bank Subsets for Structure Users.
AB  - It is often necessary to build subsets of the Protein Data Bank to extract
      structural trends and average values. For this purpose it is mandatory that the
      subsets are non-redundant and of high quality. The first problem can be solved
      relatively easily at the sequence level or at the structural level. The second,
      on the contrary, needs special attention. It is not sufficient, in fact, to
      consider the crystallographic resolution and other feature must be taken into
      account: the absence of strings of residues from the electron density maps and
      from the files deposited in the Protein Data Bank; the B-factor values; the
      appropriate validation of the structural models; the quality of the electron
      density maps, which is not uniform; and the temperature of the diffraction
      experiments. More stringent criteria produce smaller subsets, which can be
      enlarged with more tolerant selection criteria. The incessant growth of the
      Protein Data Bank and especially of the number of high-resolution structures is
      allowing the use of more stringent selection criteria, with a consequent
      improvement of the quality of the subsets of the Protein Data Bank.

PMID- 27115632
TI  - Homology-Based Annotation of Large Protein Datasets.
AB  - Advances in DNA sequencing technologies have led to an increasing amount of
      protein sequence data being generated. Only a small fraction of this protein
      sequence data will have experimental annotation associated with them. Here, we
      describe a protocol for in silico homology-based annotation of large protein
      datasets that makes extensive use of manually curated collections of protein
      families. We focus on annotations provided by the Pfam database and suggest ways
      to identify family outliers and family variations. This protocol may be useful to
      people who are new to protein data analysis, or who are unfamiliar with the
      current computational tools that are available.

PMID- 27115633
TI  - Identification and Correction of Erroneous Protein Sequences in Public Databases.
AB  - Correct prediction of the structure of protein-coding genes of higher eukaryotes
      is a difficult task therefore public sequence databases incorporating predicted
      sequences are increasingly contaminated with erroneous sequences. The high rate
      of misprediction has serious consequences since it significantly affects the
      conclusions that may be drawn from genome-scale sequence analyses.Here we
      describe the MisPred and FixPred approaches that may help the identification and
      correction of erroneous sequences. The rationale of these approaches is that a
      protein sequence is likely to be erroneous if some of its features conflict with
      our current knowledge about proteins.

PMID- 27115634
TI  - Improving the Accuracy of Fitted Atomic Models in Cryo-EM Density Maps of Protein
      Assemblies Using Evolutionary Information from Aligned Homologous Proteins.
AB  - Cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM) has become an important technique to obtain
      structural insights into large macromolecular assemblies. However the resolution
      of the density maps do not allow for its interpretation at atomic level. Hence
      they are combined with high resolution structures along with information from
      other experimental or bioinformatics techniques to obtain pseudo-atomic models.
      Here, we describe the use of evolutionary conservation of residues as obtained
      from protein structures and alignments of homologous proteins to detect errors in
      the fitting of atomic structures as well as improve accuracy of the protein
      protein interfacial regions in the cryo-EM density maps.

PMID- 27115635
TI  - Systematic Exploration of an Efficient Amino Acid Substitution Matrix: MIQS.
AB  - Amino acid sequence comparisons to find similarities between proteins are
      fundamental sequence information analyses for inferring protein structure and
      function. In this study, we improve amino acid substitution matrices to identify
      distantly related proteins. We systematically sampled and benchmarked
      substitution matrices generated from the principal component analysis (PCA)
      subspace based on a set of typical existing matrices. Based on the benchmark
      results, we identified a region of highly sensitive matrices in the PCA subspace
      using kernel density estimation (KDE). Using the PCA subspace, we were able to
      deduce a novel sensitive matrix, called MIQS, which shows better detection
      performance for detecting distantly related proteins than those of existing
      matrices. This approach to derive an efficient amino acid substitution matrix
      might influence many fields of protein sequence analysis. MIQS is available at
      http://csas.cbrc.jp/Ssearch/ .

PMID- 27115636
TI  - Promises and Pitfalls of High-Throughput Biological Assays.
AB  - This chapter discusses some of the pitfalls encountered when performing
      biomedical research involving high-throughput "omics" data and presents some
      strategies and guidelines that researchers should follow when undertaking such
      studies. We discuss common errors in experimental design and data analysis that
      lead to irreproducible and non-replicable research and provide some guidelines to
      avoid these common mistakes so that researchers may have confidence in study
      outcomes, even if the results are negative. We discuss the importance of ranking
      and prespecifying hypotheses, performing power analysis, careful experimental
      design, and preplanning of statistical analyses in order to avoid the "fishing
      expedition" data analysis strategy, which is doomed to fail. The impact of
      multiple testing on false-positive rates is discussed, particularly in the
      context of the analysis of high-throughput data, and methods to correct for it
      are presented, as well as approaches to detect and correct for experimental
      biases and batch effects, which often plague high-throughput assays. We highlight
      the importance of sharing data and analysis code to facilitate reproducibility
      and present tools and software that are appropriate for this purpose.

PMID- 27115637
TI  - Optimizing RNA-Seq Mapping with STAR.
AB  - Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technology made it possible to
      probe the cell transcriptomes by generating hundreds of millions of short reads
      which represent the fragments of the transcribed RNA molecules. The first and the
      most crucial task in the RNA-seq data analysis is mapping of the reads to the
      reference genome. STAR (Spliced Transcripts Alignment to a Reference) is an RNA
      seq mapper that performs highly accurate spliced sequence alignment at an
      ultrafast speed. STAR alignment algorithm can be controlled by many user-defined
      parameters. Here, we describe the most important STAR options and parameters, as
      well as best practices for achieving the maximum mapping accuracy and speed.

PMID- 27115638
TI  - Predicting Conformational Disorder.
AB  - In the last two decades, it has become increasingly evident that a large number
      of proteins are either fully or partially disordered. Intrinsically disordered
      proteins are ubiquitous proteins that fulfill essential biological functions
      while lacking a stable 3D structure. Their conformational heterogeneity is
      encoded at the amino acid sequence level, thereby allowing intrinsically
      disordered proteins or regions to be recognized based on their sequence
      properties. The identification of disordered regions facilitates the functional
      annotation of proteins and is instrumental for delineating boundaries of protein
      domains amenable to crystallization. This chapter focuses on the methods
      currently employed for predicting disorder and identifying regions involved in
      induced folding.

PMID- 27115639
TI  - Classification of Protein Kinases Influenced by Conservation of Substrate Binding
      Residues.
AB  - With the advent of genome sequencing projects in the recent past, several kinases
      have come to light as regulating different signaling pathways. These kinases are
      generally classified into different subfamilies based on their sequence
      similarity with members of known subfamilies of kinases. A functional association
      is then defined to the kinase based on the subfamily to which it has been
      characterized. However, one of the key factors that give identity to a kinase in
      a subfamily is its ability to phosphorylate a given set of substrates. Substrate
      specificity of a kinase is largely determined by the residues at the substrate
      binding site. Though in general the sequence similarity based measure for
      classification more or less gives the preliminary idea on subfamily,
      understanding the molecular basis of kinase substrate recognition could further
      refine the classification scheme for kinases and render a better understanding of
      their functional role. In this analysis we emphasize on the possibility of using
      putative substrate binding information in the classification of a given kinase
      into a particular subfamily.

PMID- 27115640
TI  - Spectral-Statistical Approach for Revealing Latent Regular Structures in DNA
      Sequence.
AB  - Methods of the spectral-statistical approach (2S-approach) for revealing latent
      periodicity in DNA sequences are described. The results of data analysis in the
      HeteroGenome database which collects the sequences similar to approximate tandem
      repeats in the genomes of model organisms are adduced. In consequence of further
      developing of the spectral-statistical approach, the techniques for recognizing
      latent profile periodicity are considered. These techniques are basing on
      extension of the notion of approximate tandem repeat. Examples of correlation of
      latent profile periodicity revealed in the CDSs with structural-functional
      properties in the proteins are given.

PMID- 27115641
TI  - Protein Crystallizability.
AB  - Obtaining diffracting quality crystals remains a major challenge in protein
      structure research. We summarize and compare methods for selecting the best
      protein targets for crystallization, construct optimization and crystallization
      condition design. Target selection methods are divided into algorithms predicting
      the chance of successful progression through all stages of structural
      determination (from cloning to solving the structure) and those focusing only on
      the crystallization step. We tried to highlight pros and cons of different
      approaches examining the following aspects: data size, redundancy and
      representativeness, overfitting during model construction, and results
      evaluation. In summary, although in recent years progress was made and several
      sequence properties were reported to be relevant for crystallization, the
      successful prediction of protein crystallization behavior and selection of
      corresponding crystallization conditions continue to challenge structural
      researchers.

PMID- 27115642
TI  - Analysis and Visualization of ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq Sequence Alignments Using
      ngs.plot.
AB  - The continual maturation and increasing applications of next-generation
      sequencing technology in scientific research have yielded ever-increasing amounts
      of data that need to be effectively and efficiently analyzed and innovatively
      mined for new biological insights. We have developed ngs.plot-a quick and easy-to
      use bioinformatics tool that performs visualizations of the spatial relationships
      between sequencing alignment enrichment and specific genomic features or regions.
      More importantly, ngs.plot is customizable beyond the use of standard genomic
      feature databases to allow the analysis and visualization of user-specified
      regions of interest generated by the user's own hypotheses. In this protocol, we
      demonstrate and explain the use of ngs.plot using command line executions, as
      well as a web-based workflow on the Galaxy framework. We replicate the underlying
      commands used in the analysis of a true biological dataset that we had reported
      and published earlier and demonstrate how ngs.plot can easily generate
      publication-ready figures. With ngs.plot, users would be able to efficiently and
      innovatively mine their own datasets without having to be involved in the
      technical aspects of sequence coverage calculations and genomic databases.

PMID- 27115643
TI  - Datamining with Ontologies.
AB  - The use of ontologies has increased rapidly over the past decade and they now
      provide a key component of most major databases in biology and biomedicine.
      Consequently, datamining over these databases benefits from considering the
      specific structure and content of ontologies, and several methods have been
      developed to use ontologies in datamining applications. Here, we discuss the
      principles of ontology structure, and datamining methods that rely on ontologies.
      The impact of these methods in the biological and biomedical sciences has been
      profound and is likely to increase as more datasets are becoming available using
      common, shared ontologies.

PMID- 27115644
TI  - Functional Analysis of Metabolomics Data.
AB  - Metabolomics aims at characterizing the repertory of small chemical compounds in
      a biological sample. As it becomes more massive and larger sets of compounds are
      detected, a functional analysis is required to convert these raw lists of
      compounds into biological knowledge. The most common way of performing such
      analysis is "annotation enrichment analysis," also used in transcriptomics and
      proteomics. This approach extracts the annotations overrepresented in the set of
      chemical compounds arisen in a given experiment. Here, we describe the protocols
      for performing such analysis as well as for visualizing a set of compounds in
      different representations of the metabolic networks, in both cases using free
      accessible web tools.

PMID- 27115645
TI  - Bacterial Genomic Data Analysis in the Next-Generation Sequencing Era.
AB  - Bacterial genome sequencing is now an affordable choice for many laboratories for
      applications in research, diagnostic, and clinical microbiology. Nowadays, an
      overabundance of tools is available for genomic data analysis. However, tools
      differ for algorithms, languages, hardware requirements, and user interface, and
      combining them as it is necessary for sequence data interpretation often requires
      (bio)informatics skills which can be difficult to find in many laboratories. In
      addition, multiple data sources, as well as exceedingly large dataset sizes, and
      increasingly computational complexity further challenge the accessibility,
      reproducibility, and transparency of the entire process. In this chapter we will
      cover the main bioinformatics steps required for a complete bacterial genome
      analysis using next-generation sequencing data, from the raw sequence data to
      assembled and annotated genomes. All the tools described are available in the
      Orione framework ( http://orione.crs4.it ), which uniquely combines in a
      transparent way the most used open source bioinformatics tools for microbiology,
      allowing microbiologist without any specific hardware or informatics skill to
      conduct data-intensive computational analyses from quality control to microbial
      gene annotation.

PMID- 27115646
TI  - A Broad Overview of Computational Methods for Predicting the Pathophysiological
      Effects of Non-synonymous Variants.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing has provided extraordinary opportunities to
      investigate the massive human genetic variability. It helped identifying several
      kinds of genomic mismatches from the wild-type reference genome sequences and to
      explain the onset of several pathogenic phenotypes and diseases susceptibility.
      In this context, distinguishing pathogenic from functionally neutral amino acid
      changes turns out to be a task as useful as complex, expensive, and time
      consuming.Here, we present an exhaustive and up-to-dated survey of the algorithms
      and software packages conceived for the estimation of the putative pathogenicity
      of mutations, along with a description of the most popular mutation datasets that
      these tools used as training sets. Finally, we present and describe software for
      the prediction of cancer-related mutations.

PMID- 27115647
TI  - Recommendation Techniques for Drug-Target Interaction Prediction and Drug
      Repositioning.
AB  - The usage of computational methods in drug discovery is a common practice. More
      recently, by exploiting the wealth of biological knowledge bases, a novel
      approach called drug repositioning has raised. Several computational methods are
      available, and these try to make a high-level integration of all the knowledge in
      order to discover unknown mechanisms. In this chapter, we review drug-target
      interaction prediction methods based on a recommendation system. We also give
      some extensions which go beyond the bipartite network case.

PMID- 27115648
TI  - Protein Residue Contacts and Prediction Methods.
AB  - In the field of computational structural proteomics, contact predictions have
      shown new prospects of solving the longstanding problem of ab initio protein
      structure prediction. In the last few years, application of deep learning
      algorithms and availability of large protein sequence databases, combined with
      improvement in methods that derive contacts from multiple sequence alignments,
      have shown a huge increase in the precision of contact prediction. In addition,
      these predicted contacts have also been used to build three-dimensional models
      from scratch.In this chapter, we briefly discuss many elements of protein residue
      residue contacts and the methods available for prediction, focusing on a state-of
      the-art contact prediction tool, DNcon. Illustrating with a case study, we
      describe how DNcon can be used to make ab initio contact predictions for a given
      protein sequence and discuss how the predicted contacts may be analyzed and
      evaluated.

PMID- 27115649
TI  - The Recipe for Protein Sequence-Based Function Prediction and Its Implementation
      in the ANNOTATOR Software Environment.
AB  - As biomolecular sequencing is becoming the main technique in life sciences,
      functional interpretation of sequences in terms of biomolecular mechanisms with
      in silico approaches is getting increasingly significant. Function prediction
      tools are most powerful for protein-coding sequences; yet, the concepts and
      technologies used for this purpose are not well reflected in bioinformatics
      textbooks. Notably, protein sequences typically consist of globular domains and
      non-globular segments. The two types of regions require cardinally different
      approaches for function prediction. Whereas the former are classic targets for
      homology-inspired function transfer based on remnant, yet statistically
      significant sequence similarity to other, characterized sequences, the latter
      type of regions are characterized by compositional bias or simple, repetitive
      patterns and require lexical analysis and/or empirical sequence pattern-function
      correlations. The recipe for function prediction recommends first to find all
      types of non-globular segments and, then, to subject the remaining query sequence
      to sequence similarity searches. We provide an updated description of the
      ANNOTATOR software environment as an advanced example of a software platform that
      facilitates protein sequence-based function prediction.

PMID- 27115650
TI  - Big Data, Evolution, and Metagenomes: Predicting Disease from Gut Microbiota
      Codon Usage Profiles.
AB  - Metagenomics projects use next-generation sequencing to unravel genetic potential
      in microbial communities from a wealth of environmental niches, including those
      associated with human body and relevant to human health. In order to understand
      large datasets collected in metagenomics surveys and interpret them in context of
      how a community metabolism as a whole adapts and interacts with the environment,
      it is necessary to extend beyond the conventional approaches of decomposing
      metagenomes into microbial species' constituents and performing analysis on
      separate components. By applying concepts of translational optimization through
      codon usage adaptation on entire metagenomic datasets, we demonstrate that a bias
      in codon usage present throughout the entire microbial community can be used as a
      powerful analytical tool to predict for community lifestyle-specific metabolism.
      Here we demonstrate this approach combined with machine learning, to classify
      human gut microbiome samples according to the pathological condition diagnosed in
      the human host.

PMID- 27115651
TI  - Big Data in Plant Science: Resources and Data Mining Tools for Plant Genomics and
      Proteomics.
AB  - In modern plant biology, progress is increasingly defined by the scientists'
      ability to gather and analyze data sets of high volume and complexity, otherwise
      known as "big data". Arguably, the largest increase in the volume of plant data
      sets over the last decade is a consequence of the application of the next
      generation sequencing and mass-spectrometry technologies to the study of
      experimental model and crop plants. The increase in quantity and complexity of
      biological data brings challenges, mostly associated with data acquisition,
      processing, and sharing within the scientific community. Nonetheless, big data in
      plant science create unique opportunities in advancing our understanding of
      complex biological processes at a level of accuracy without precedence, and
      establish a base for the plant systems biology. In this chapter, we summarize the
      major drivers of big data in plant science and big data initiatives in life
      sciences with a focus on the scope and impact of iPlant, a representative
      cyberinfrastructure platform for plant science.

PMID- 27115652
TI  - Global Health Education in a Changing World: The Next New Conversations Topic.

PMID- 27115653
TI  - Addressing Comparisons, Connections, and Collaborations in Medical Education to
      Enhance Health Across the World Through New Conversations: A Guest Editorial.

PMID- 27115654
TI  - More on How USMLE Step 1 Scores Are Challenging Academic Medicine.

PMID- 27115655
TI  - More on How USMLE Step 1 Scores Are Challenging Academic Medicine.

PMID- 27115656
TI  - In Reply to Mehta et al and to London et al.

PMID- 27115657
TI  - Social Media and Storytelling in Medicine: Probing Deeper.

PMID- 27115658
TI  - Social Media and Storytelling in Medicine: Probing Deeper.

PMID- 27115659
TI  - Postgraduate Clinical Observerships for International Medical School Graduates:
      Time for Regulation.

PMID- 27115660
TI  - Medical Schools Based on Principles of Community Responsibility in Argentina.

PMID- 27115661
TI  - Meeting at the Table.

PMID- 27115662
TI  - Artist's Statement: The Girl in Blue and Her Dying Newborn.

PMID- 27115663
TI  - Hannah Arendt.

PMID- 27115664
TI  - Commentary on Hannah Arendt.

PMID- 27115665
TI  - Rule of Thumb.

PMID- 27115668
TI  - UK Renal Registry 18th Annual Report: Chapter 7 Adequacy of Haemodialysis in UK
      Adult Patients in 2014: National and Centre-specific Analyses.
AB  - Data suitable for urea reduction ratio (URR) analyses were available for 14,761
      (71.9%) of the 20,539 patients receiving haemodialysis (HD) in the UK on the
      30/9/2014. In 2014, 88.6% of prevalent HD patients achieved a URR .65%. The
      between centre range of prevalent patients achieving this target was wide (74.9
      97.0%). The median URR in 2014 was 75%. URR was greater in those with longer
      dialysis vintage, with 91.2% of patients who had survived on renal replacement
      therapy (RRT) for more than two years achieving a URR .65% compared with only
      73.4% of those on RRT for less than six months. Large variation between centres
      in the percentage of patients achieving the UK Renal Association's (RA) URR
      guideline persists.

PMID- 27115669
TI  - Expression of Inflammasome-Associated Proteins in Human Oropharyngeal Squamous
      Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Inflammasomes, large protein complexes typically consisting of a Nod-like
      receptor (NLR), adapter protein apoptosis-associated speck-like protein
      containing CARD (ASC) and caspase-1, are postulated to be activated in response
      to danger signals arising from tumors. Inflammasomes are thought to have critical
      but contrasting roles through facilitating antitumor immunity and inducing
      oncogenic factors. However, the role and function of inflammasomes in
      oropharyngeal carcinoma remain unclear. We analyzed nine specimens of
      oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and determined the expression of
      NLRP3, ASC, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-18 and caspase-1 in the specimens with and
      without human papilloma virus (HPV) infection using immunohistochemistry, and
      analyzed the correlations between the altered expression of these proteins and
      clinicopathological factors of oropharyngeal SCC. We found strong expression of
      NLRP3, ASC, IL-1beta, IL-18 and caspase-1 in human oropharyngeal SCC and weak or
      no expression of these proteins in normal tonsils. Furthermore, the distribution
      of mindbomb E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 and inflammasome-associated proteins in
      oropharyngeal SCC was not significantly different; there was no correlation
      between the expression of inflammasome-associated proteins and HPV infection.
      These findings suggest that inflammasomes in oropharyngeal SCC play a key role
      through facilitating antitumor immunity and the possibility of new roles for
      inflammasomes in the oropharynx. 

PMID- 27115670
TI  - Neuropathic pain: an updated grading system for research and clinical practice.
AB  - The redefinition of neuropathic pain as "pain arising as a direct consequence of
      a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system," which was suggested by
      the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) Special Interest Group
      on Neuropathic Pain (NeuPSIG) in 2008, has been widely accepted. In contrast, the
      proposed grading system of possible, probable, and definite neuropathic pain from
      2008 has been used to a lesser extent. Here, we report a citation analysis of the
      original NeuPSIG grading paper of 2008, followed by an analysis of its use by an
      expert panel and recommendations for an improved grading system. As of February,
      2015, 608 eligible articles in Scopus cited the paper, 414 of which cited the
      neuropathic pain definition. Of 220 clinical studies citing the paper, 56 had
      used the grading system. The percentage using the grading system increased from
      5% in 2009 to 30% in 2014. Obstacles to a wider use of the grading system were
      identified, including (1) questions about the relative significance of
      confirmatory tests, (2) the role of screening tools, and (3) uncertainties about
      what is considered a neuroanatomically plausible pain distribution. Here, we
      present a revised grading system with an adjusted order, better reflecting
      clinical practice, improvements in the specifications, and a word of caution that
      even the "definite" level of neuropathic pain does not always indicate causality.
      In addition, we add a table illustrating the area of pain and sensory
      abnormalities in common neuropathic pain conditions and propose areas for further
      research.

PMID- 27115673
TI  - Particle conservation in dynamical density functional theory.
AB  - We present the exact adiabatic theory for the dynamics of the inhomogeneous
      density distribution of a classical fluid. Erroneous particle number fluctuations
      of dynamical density functional theory are absent, both for canonical and grand
      canonical initial conditions. We obtain the canonical free energy functional,
      which yields the adiabatic interparticle forces of overdamped Brownian motion.
      Using an exact and one of the most advanced approximate hard core free energy
      functionals, we obtain excellent agreement with simulations. The theory applies
      to finite systems in and out of equilibrium.

PMID- 27115671
TI  - Modulation of Corpus Striatal Neurochemistry by Astrocytes and Vasoactive
      Intestinal Peptide (VIP) in Parkinsonian Rats.
AB  - The neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is widely used in animal models of
      Parkinson's disease. In various neurodegenerative diseases, astrocytes play
      direct, active, and critical roles in mediating neuronal survival and functions.
      Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has neurotrophic actions and modulates a
      number of astrocytic activities. In this study, the effects of VIP on the
      striatal neurochemistry were investigated in parkinsonian rats. Adult Sprague
      Dawley rats were divided into sham-operated, unilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned, and
      lesioned + VIP-administered (25 ng/kg i.p.) groups. VIP was first injected 1 h
      after the intrastriatal 6-OHDA microinjection and then every 2 days throughout 15
      days. Extracellular striatal concentration of glutathione (GSH), gamma
      aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (GLU), and lactate were measured in
      microdialysates by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Quantification
      of GABA and activity dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP)-expressing cells
      were determined by glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)/ADNP + glial fibrillary
      acidic protein (GFAP) double immunohistochemistry. Our results demonstrated that
      a 6-OHDA lesion significantly increased the density of astrocytes in the striatum
      and VIP treatment slightly reduced the gliosis. Extracellular concentration of
      GABA, GLU, and lactate levels did not change, but GSH level significantly
      increased in the striatum of parkinsonian rats. VIP treatment reduced GSH level
      comparable to sham-operated groups, but enhanced GABA and GLU levels. Our double
      labeling results showed that VIP primarily acts on neurons to increase ADNP and
      GAD expression for protection. These results suggest that, in the 6-OHDA-induced
      neurodegeneration model, astrocytes were possibly activated for forefront
      defensiveness by modulating striatal neurochemistry. 

PMID- 27115672
TI  - SEPT14 Is Associated with a Reduced Risk for Parkinson's Disease and Expressed in
      Human Brain.
AB  - Genes involved in cytoskeletal stability and trafficking, such as MAPT and SNCA,
      are important risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD). Two members of the
      cytoskeletal Septin family, SEPT4 and SEPT5, were implicated in PD pathobiology.
      We aimed to determine whether Septin genes are associated with Parkinson's
      disease. To this end, six SNPs located in four different Septin loci were
      analyzed in 720 PD patients and 740 controls, all of Ashkenazi-Jewish origin. In
      addition, SEPT14 was sequenced and its expression was determined in different
      human tissues. Our results revealed that two SNPs in the SEPT14 locus, rs11981883
      and rs10241628, were associated with a reduced risk for PD (p = 0.02 and p =
      0.005). A third SNP, rs77231105, was localized in the putative promoter of SEPT14
      and was predicted to affect the binding of the transcription factor Nkx2.5. This
      SNP was also associated with a reduced risk for PD (OR = 0.28, p < 0.0007). The
      three SEPT14 SNPs defined a protective haplotype which significantly reduced the
      risk for PD by 4-fold (p = 0.002). SEPT14 was found to be expressed in the brain
      and in the Substantia Nigra. These results suggest that SEPT14 may have a
      protective role in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis, yet more studies are
      necessary to validate these results. 

PMID- 27115674
TI  - Arsenic Induction of Metallothionein and Metallothionein Induction Against
      Arsenic Cytotoxicity.
AB  - Human exposure to arsenic (As) can lead to oxidative stress that can become
      evident in organs such as the skin, liver, kidneys and lungs. Several
      intracellular antioxidant defense mechanisms including glutathione (GSH) and
      metallothionein (MT) have been shown to minimize As cytotoxicity. The current
      review summarizes the involvement of MT as an intracellular defense mechanism
      against As cytotoxicity, mostly in blood. Zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) supplements
      are also proposed as a possible remediation of As cytotoxicity. In vivo and in
      vitro studies on As toxicity were reviewed to summarize cytotoxic mechanisms of
      As. Intracellular antioxidant defense mechanisms of MT are linked in relation to
      As cytotoxicity. Arsenic uses a different route, compared to major metal MT
      inducers such as Zn, to enter/exit blood cells. A number of in vivo and in vitro
      studies showed that upregulated MT biosynthesis in blood components are related
      to toxic levels of As. Despite the cysteine residues in MT that aid to bind As,
      MT is not the preferred binding protein for As. Nonetheless, intracellular
      oxidative stress due to As toxicity can be minimized, if not eliminated, by MT.
      Thus MT induction by essential metals such as Zn and Se supplementation could be
      beneficial to fight against As toxicity.

PMID- 27115675
TI  - Disposal of Unused Drugs: Knowledge and Behavior Among People Around the World.
AB  - The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the practice of medication
      disposal around the world and get insight into possible association between
      environmental awareness and people's behavior regarding this issue. A literature
      search (2005-2015) was performed to identify reports with quantitative data on
      disposal practices published in peer-reviewed literature. The most common method
      for disposal of unused medications in households is disposal in the garbage
      (Kuwait, United Kingdom, Lithuania, Qatar, Serbia, Ghana, Bangladesh, Malta and
      Saudi Arabia). The practice of flushing drugs into the sewage system still takes
      place in New Zealand, USA and Bangladesh. Only in Sweden and Germany, practice of
      returning drugs to pharmacy was practiced to a larger extent. The environmental
      impact of improper medication disposal is expected in countries with poorly
      functioning waste management schemes (Middle Eastern, Asian and African
      countries). Lack of the adequate information and clear instructions on proper
      manners of drug disposal was reported in many surveyed countries (USA, New
      Zealand, Bangladesh, Malta and Ireland). Clear and definite connection between
      knowledge about environmental detrimental effects of improper drug disposal and
      the preference towards disposal methods could not be established. Many
      respondents were generally concerned with issues of inadequate medicines
      discarding but the behavior regarding disposal of unused drugs often did not
      equate the awareness (Serbia, USA, Kuwait, Malta and UK). The current data
      emphasizes the global issue of improper medicine disposal, prevalent in
      environmentally-aware people.

PMID- 27115676
TI  - Density functional theory of gas-liquid phase separation in dilute binary
      mixtures.
AB  - We examine statics and dynamics of phase-separated states of dilute binary
      mixtures using density functional theory. In our systems, the difference of the
      solvation chemical potential between liquid and gas [Formula: see text] (the
      Gibbs energy of transfer) is considerably larger than the thermal energy
      [Formula: see text] for each solute particle and the attractive interaction among
      the solute particles is weaker than that among the solvent particles. In these
      conditions, the saturated vapor pressure increases by [Formula: see text], where
      [Formula: see text] is the solute density added in liquid. For [Formula: see
      text], phase separation is induced at low solute densities in liquid and the new
      phase remains in gaseous states, even when the liquid pressure is outside the
      coexistence curve of the solvent. This explains the widely observed formation of
      stable nanobubbles in ambient water with a dissolved gas. We calculate the
      density and stress profiles across planar and spherical interfaces, where the
      surface tension decreases with increasing interfacial solute adsorption. We
      realize stable solute-rich bubbles with radius about 30 nm, which minimize the
      free energy functional. We then study dynamics around such a bubble after a
      decompression of the surrounding liquid, where the bubble undergoes a damped
      oscillation. In addition, we present some exact and approximate expressions for
      the surface tension and the interfacial stress tensor.

PMID- 27115677
TI  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in cardiac energy metabolism and
      cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Cardiomyocytes mainly depend on energy produced from the oxidation of fatty acids
      and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Shortage of energy or excessive fat
      accumulation can lead to cardiac disorders. High saturated fat intake and a
      sedentary life style have a major influence in the development of cardiovascular
      disease (CVD). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), one of the
      nuclear receptor super family members, play critical role in the metabolism of
      lipids by regulating their oxidation and storage. Furthermore, they are involved
      in glucose homeostasis as well. PPARs, mainly alpha (alpha) and beta/delta
      (beta/delta), have a significant effect on the lipid metabolism and anti
      inflammation in endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells, and also
      in cardiomyocytes. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, mainly tumour necrosis factor
      alpha, released at the site of inflammation in the sub-ECs of coronary arteries
      can inactivate the PPARs which can eventually lead to decreased energy production
      in the myocardium. Various synthetic ligands of PPAR-alpha and beta/delta have
      many favourable effects in modulating the vascular diseases and heart failure.
      Despite the adverse effects from therapy using PPAR- gamma ligands, several
      laboratories are now focused on synthesizing partial activators which may combine
      their beneficial effects with lowering of undesirable side effects. This review
      discusses the role of isoforms of PPAR in the cardiomyocytes energy balance and
      CVD. The knowledge will help in the synthesis of ligands for their partial
      activation in order to render energy balance and protection from CVD.

PMID- 27115678
TI  - [Endoprosthetic tumor replacement : Reconstruction of the extensor mechanism and
      complications].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of the extensor mechanism around the knee is an
      essential part of tumorresection and tumor arthroplasty in orthopaedic oncology
      for functional rehabilitation of quality of life and daily activities.
      OBJECTIVES: Operative procedures, treatment options and management of
      complications with reconstruction of the extensor mechanism after tumor resection
      around the knee depend on the type of arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Description of the different treatment option for extensor deficiency divided
      into infra- and suprapatellar modalities. RESULTS: The operative procedure is
      always an individual decision depending on the size of the tumor and its
      localisation. The extensor mechanism is reconstructed with autogenic, allogenic
      or synthetic material in combination with tumor arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS:
      Extensor reconstruction (supra-/infrapatellar) is an essential part of tumor
      resection and tumor arthroplasty around the knee. Often, low functional results
      and high levels of complications (arthrofibrosis, rerupture extensor mechanism,
      periprosthetic joint infection) are seen in these highly demanding cases in
      orthopaedic oncology.

PMID- 27115679
TI  - Postextubation Dysphagia in Critical Patients: A First Report From the Largest
      Step-Down Intensive Care Unit in Greece.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study provided preliminary data on the occurrence and impact of
      postextubation dysphagia in the largest Greek step-down intensive care unit (ICU)
      over 2 years. METHOD: A retrospective observational cohort study of patients
      referred for swallowing assessment postextubation was conducted from November,
      2011, to August, 2013. RESULTS: Of the 357 patients admitted to the unit during
      this period, 87, aged 55.8 +/- 18.1 years (61 male, 26 female), were referred and
      evaluated. Of these, 2.3% were found to have no dysphagia, and 21.8% and 75.9%
      were diagnosed with mild and moderate/severe dysphagia, respectively. Across
      severity levels, 23% of patients in the unit were found to have dysphagia.
      Patients with moderate/severe dysphagia were more likely to have had prolonged
      intubation (> 48 hr; p = .02) and exhibit signs of aspiration (p = .002) than
      those with no or mild dysphagia. Prolonged intubation was associated with
      increased likelihood of moderate/severe dysphagia by a factor of 12 (p = .042,
      odds ratio = 12.355) compared to short intubation. Moderate/severe dysphagia was
      correlated with pneumonia (p = .02), feeding tube placement (p = .004) and in
      hospital mortality (p = .034). CONCLUSION: In this sample, moderate/severe
      dysphagia was correlated with prolonged intubation, and was found to increase the
      risk for pneumonia and in-hospital mortality. Our results suggest the importance
      of early dysphagia management in critical patients in Greece and globally.

PMID- 27115680
TI  - Neuroscience: Suppressing One Drive for a Chance to Satisfy Another.

PMID- 27115681
TI  - A CCaMK-CYCLOPS-DELLA Complex Activates Transcription of RAM1 to Regulate
      Arbuscule Branching.

PMID- 27115682
TI  - Developmental prosopagnosia.
AB  - A Quick guide to developmental prosopagnosia, a condition definied by problems in
      recognising faces that, in contrast with acquired prosopagnosia, develop in the
      absence of manifest brain injury.

PMID- 27115683
TI  - Bioluminescence.
AB  - Kahle and Umbers introduce the ways by which organisms emit light though chemical
      reactions.

PMID- 27115684
TI  - Mountain-climbing bears protect cherry species from global warming through
      vertical seed dispersal.
AB  - In a warming climate, temperature-sensitive plants must move toward colder areas,
      that is, higher latitude or altitude, by seed dispersal [1]. Considering that the
      temperature drop with increasing altitude (-0.65 degrees C per 100 m altitude) is
      one hundred to a thousand times larger than that of the equivalent latitudinal
      distance [2], vertical seed dispersal is probably a key process for plant escape
      from warming temperatures. In fact, plant geographical distributions are tracking
      global warming altitudinally rather than latitudinally, and the extent of
      tracking is considered to be large in plants with better-dispersed traits (e.g.,
      lighter seeds in wind-dispersed plants) [1]. However, no study has evaluated
      vertical seed dispersal itself due to technical difficulty or high cost. Here, we
      show using a stable oxygen isotope that black bears disperse seeds of wild cherry
      over several hundred meters vertically, and that the dispersal direction is
      heavily biased towards the mountain tops. Mountain climbing by bears following
      spring-to-summer plant phenology is likely the cause of this biased seed
      dispersal. These results suggest that spring- and summer-fruiting plants
      dispersed by animals may have high potential to escape global warming. Our
      results also indicate that the direction of vertical seed dispersal can be
      unexpectedly biased, and highlight the importance of considering seed dispersal
      direction to understand plant responses to past and future climate change.

PMID- 27115685
TI  - Severity of seabed spatial competition decreases towards the poles.
AB  - For more than a century ecologists have considered that competitive interactions
      between species are more intense at low latitudes [1,2]. This is frequently
      invoked as either an explanation or a consequence of higher species richness in
      the tropics, also suggesting that competition shifts from intra- to inter
      specific towards the tropics [1]. Another common assumption is that within a
      community, intraspecific competition needs to be relatively strong, compared to
      inter-specific competition, in order to enable stable coexistence of species [3].
      However, many analyses have found no consistent large scale geographic patterns
      in the intensity of intra- or interspecific competition [4]. Here, we show a
      clear latitudinal trend in contest competition for space in nearshore marine
      environments, for bryozoans (sessile, colonial, suspension feeding animals).
      Bryozoans form species-rich assemblages with other encrusting fauna and flora
      (corraline algae), and are highly abundant across the globe [5]. We find that
      whilst the intensity of competition (percentage of bryozoan colonies involved in
      direct physical spatial interactions with bryozoan or other encrusters) differed
      little with latitude, its severity (percentage of bryozoan colonies involved in
      contests with a win/loss outcome, leading to death of the loser) was three times
      lower at the poles than in the tropics. The cause of this change in severity was
      a strong shift in taxonomic relatedness of competitors, from interactions between
      species of different families dominating at lower latitudes, to mainly
      intraspecific competition at the poles.

PMID- 27115686
TI  - Nutrient Acquisition: The Generation of Bioactive Vitamin B12 by Microalgae.
AB  - Many microalgae acquire vitamin B12 from marine prokaryotes. A new study
      demonstrates that vitamin B12 is synthesized by planktonic cyanobacteria as
      pseudocobalamin, a form not bioactive in microalgae. However, some microalgae can
      remodel pseudocobalamin to the active cobalamin form, adding complexity to our
      assessment of active vitamin B12 in the environment.

PMID- 27115687
TI  - Plant Reproduction: AMOR Enables Males to Respond to Female Signals.
AB  - The pollen tube of flowering plants undertakes a long journey to transport two
      sperm cells for double fertilization. New work on pollen tube guidance has
      identified an arabinogalactan-derived ovular factor that primes tubes to respond
      to female gametophyte-secreted attraction signals.

PMID- 27115688
TI  - Spatial Cognition: Finding the Boundary in the Occipital Place Area.
AB  - A new study using transcranial magnetic stimulation and a virtual reality
      navigation task has shown that we need the brain's occipital place area to
      accurately remember where objects are located in relation to boundaries, but not
      in relation to landmarks.

PMID- 27115689
TI  - Evolution: On the Origin of Symmetry, Synapsis, and Species.
AB  - As two species diverge from one another, they become increasingly isolated by
      reproductive incompatibilities. New findings, however, undermine this
      evolutionary orthodoxy, showing that the first identified mammal speciation gene
      causes only transient incompatibility between diverging species.

PMID- 27115690
TI  - Plant Signaling: HY5 Synchronizes Resource Supply.
AB  - A new report shows that the HY5 transcription factor moves from shoots to roots
      in plants, mediating light regulation of root growth and nitrate uptake. This
      finding offers not only a mechanistic insight into shoot-root communication, but
      also scope for increasing crop yields.

PMID- 27115691
TI  - Oogenesis: Ageing Oocyte Chromosomes Rely on Amazing Protein Stability.
AB  - Meiotic chromosome segregation in mouse oocytes seems to rely on highly stable
      cohesins and CENP-A produced in the fetus and not replenished during postnatal
      life. Hence, demise of these proteins may underpin declining oocyte quality in
      ageing mammals and thus marks a major problem of reproductive health in humans.

PMID- 27115692
TI  - Parkinson's Disease: A Traffic Jam?
AB  - Recent large-scale proteomic analyses of two protein kinases that are linked to
      Parkinson's disease have identified a remarkable convergence between their
      respective impacts on the phosphoproteome: activation of both LRRK2 and PINK1
      leads to phosphorylation of several members of the Rab family of small GTPases,
      which regulate membrane trafficking.

PMID- 27115693
TI  - Zoology: War of the Worms.
AB  - The phylogenetic affinities of Xenacoelomorpha - the phylum comprising
      Xenoturbella bocki and acoelomorph worms - are debated. Two recent studies
      conclude they represent the earliest branching bilaterally symmetrical animals,
      but additional tests may be needed to confirm this notion.

PMID- 27115694
TI  - New Xist-Interacting Proteins in X-Chromosome Inactivation.
AB  - To achieve dosage compensation of X-linked gene expression, female mammalian
      cells inactivate one X chromosome through a process called X-chromosome
      inactivation (XCI). A central component of this process is the X-encoded long non
      coding RNA Xist. Following upregulation from one X chromosome, Xist spreads in
      cis, kicking off a plethora of events that ultimately results in stable X-linked
      gene repression, which is then faithfully transmitted to all daughter cells. In
      the last decades, intensive work has been undertaken to understand each of the
      steps in XCI, namely Xist transcription control, Xist spreading and localization,
      and silencing of gene expression. Recently, several groups have spearheaded the
      research of Xist's interactome and the factors involved in silencing. Several
      novel proteins have now been shown to be required for the transcriptional
      silencing of the X chromosome and/or Xist spreading and localization to the
      inactive X chromosome. Here, we review these new findings in the context of
      existing knowledge about Xist-interacting factors.

PMID- 27115695
TI  - Enhancing community based health programs in Iran: a multi-objective location
      allocation model.
AB  - Community Based Organizations (CBOs) are important health system stakeholders
      with the mission of addressing the social and economic needs of individuals and
      groups in a defined geographic area, usually no larger than a county. The access
      and success efforts of CBOs vary, depending on the integration between health
      care providers and CBOs but also in relation to the community participation
      level. To achieve widespread results, it is important to carefully design an
      efficient network which can serve as a bridge between the community and the
      health care system. This study addresses this challenge through a location
      allocation model that deals with the hierarchical nature of the system
      explicitly. To reflect social welfare concerns of equity, local accessibility,
      and efficiency, we develop the model in a multi-objective framework, capturing
      the ambiguity in the decision makers' aspiration levels through a fuzzy goal
      programming approach. This study reports the findings for the real case of Shiraz
      city, Fars province, Iran, obtained by a thorough analysis of the results.

PMID- 27115696
TI  - [Laboratory diagnostics in rheumatology].

PMID- 27115697
TI  - [Role of non-coding regulatory ribonucleic acids in chronic inflammatory
      diseases].
AB  - Non-coding regulatory ribonucleic acids (RNA), including microRNA, long non
      coding RNA and circular RNA, can influence the expression of genes mediating
      inflammatory processes and therefore affect the course and progression of chronic
      inflammatory diseases. Recent studies using antisense oligonucleotides suggest
      that such non-coding regulatory RNAs are suitable as novel therapeutic target
      molecules for the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases. 

PMID- 27115699
TI  - Vicinity of FLAIR Hyperintensities and SWI Microbleeds in Cerebral Amyloid
      Angiopathy-Related Inflammation.

PMID- 27115698
TI  - Smart Macroporous IPN Hydrogels Responsive to pH, Temperature, and Ionic
      Strength: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Controlled Release of
      Drugs.
AB  - Fast responsive macroporous interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels were
      fabricated in this work by a sequential strategy, as follows: the first network,
      consisting of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEM) cross-linked
      with N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (BAAm), was prepared at -18  degrees C, the
      second network consisting of poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) cross-linked with BAAm,
      being also generated by cryogelation technique. Both single network cryogels
      (SNC) and IPN cryogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and water uptake. The presence of
      weak polycation PDMAEM endows the SNCs and the IPNs cryogels with sensitivity at
      numerous external stimuli such as pH, temperature, ionic strength, electric
      field, among which the first three were investigated in this work. It was found
      that the initial concentration of monomers in both networks was the key factor in
      tailoring the properties of IPN cryogels such as swelling kinetics, equilibrium
      water content (EWC), phase transition temperature and the response at ionic
      strength. The pore size increased after the formation of the second network, the
      swelling kinetics in pure water being comparable with that of the SNC, phase
      transition temperature being situated in the range 35-36  degrees C for IPN
      cryogels. The water uptake at equilibrium (WUeq) abruptly increased at pH < 3.0
      in the case of SNCs, whereas the response of IPN cryogels at the decrease of pH
      from 6.0 to 1.0 was strongly dependent on the gel structure, the values of WUeq
      being lower at a higher concentration of DMAEM in the first network, the monomer
      concentration in the second network being about 10 wt %. The pH response was very
      much diminished when the monomer concentration was high in both networks (15 wt %
      in the first network, and 21 wt % in the second network). The increase of the
      ionic strength from 0 up to 0.3 M NaCl led to the decrease of the WUeq, for all
      cryogels, the level of dehydration being higher and faster for the SNC than for
      the corresponding IPN cryogel. The release of diclofenac sodium (DS), as a model
      acidic drug, triggered by pH, temperature, and ionic strength from the IPN
      cryogels was evaluated. A pulsatile release of DS from the IPN cryogels was
      presented, with a slower release at 34  degrees C (below VPTT) and a faster
      release at 37 and 40  degrees C (above the VPTT).

PMID- 27115701
TI  - Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Donor-Derived Infections in Solid Organ
      Transplantation.
AB  - Although rare, donor-derived infections (DDIs) caused by multidrug-resistant
      (MDR) bacteria can have devastating consequences for organ transplant recipients.
      Recognition of MDR bacterial DDIs can be challenging, as MDR bacteria are
      prevalent in most hospitals and distinguishing their transmission through
      transplantation from other, more typical routes of acquisition are difficult. New
      technologies such as whole genome sequencing have recently proven to be a
      powerful advance in the investigation of MDR bacterial DDIs. Once recognized, the
      optimal treatment of MDR bacterial DDIs is not clear. Herein, we review the
      clinical manifestations, outcomes, and management of MDR bacterial DDIs, and
      identify areas of uncertainty toward which the transplant community should direct
      further research efforts. 

PMID- 27115700
TI  - Norovirus in Transplantation.
AB  - Noroviruses are among the most common cause of diarrhea in transplant recipients.
      The clinical spectrum of norovirus infection after transplant is increasingly
      being recognized. As substantial morbidity is now associated with norovirus
      infections in this population; the quest for rapid diagnostic modalities and
      newer therapies has expanded. Transplant recipients with norovirus infection are
      at risk for several complications, including protracted illness with
      malnutrition, organ failure, and chronic viral shedding. This review summarizes
      the current knowledge on the epidemiology, complications, diagnosis, and
      treatment of norovirus infection in the transplant setting. 

PMID- 27115702
TI  - A Proposed Computed Tomography Contrast Agent Using Carboxybetaine Zwitterionic
      Tantalum Oxide Nanoparticles: Imaging, Biological, and Physicochemical
      Performance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to produce and evaluate a proposed computed
      tomography (CT) contrast agent based on carboxybetaine zwitterionic (CZ)-coated
      soluble tantalum oxide (TaO) nanoparticles (NPs). We chose tantalum to provide
      superior imaging performance compared with current iodine-based clinical CT
      contrast agents. We developed the CZ coating to provide biological and physical
      performance similar to that of current iodinated contrast agents. In addition,
      the aim of this study was to evaluate the imaging, biological, and
      physicochemical performance of this proposed contrast agent compared with
      clinically used iodinated agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated CT imaging
      performance of our CZ-TaO NPs compared with that of an iodinated agent in live
      rats, imaged centrally located within a tissue-equivalent plastic phantom that
      simulated a large patient. To evaluate vascular contrast enhancement, we scanned
      the rats' great vessels at high temporal resolution during and after contrast
      agent injection. We performed several in vivo CZ-TaO NP studies in healthy rats
      to evaluate tolerability. These studies included injecting the agent at the
      anticipated clinical dose (ACD) and at 3 times and 6 times the ACD, followed by
      longitudinal hematology to assess impact to blood cells and organ function (from
      4 hours to 1 week). Kidney histological analysis was performed 48 hours after
      injection at 3 times the ACD. We measured the elimination half-life of CZ-TaO NPs
      from blood, and we monitored acute kidney injury biomarkers with a kidney injury
      assay using urine collected from 4 hours to 1 week. We measured tantalum
      retention in individual organs and in the whole carcass 48 hours after injection
      at ACD. Carboxybetaine zwitterionic TaO NPs were synthesized and analyzed in
      detail. We used multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance to determine surface
      functionality of the NPs. We measured NP size and solution properties (osmolality
      and viscosity) of the agent over a range of tantalum concentrations, including
      the high concentrations required for standard clinical CT imaging. RESULTS:
      Computed tomography imaging studies demonstrated image contrast improvement of
      approximately 40% to 50% using CZ-TaO NPs compared with an iodinated agent
      injected at the same mass concentration. Blood and organ analyses showed no
      adverse effects after injection in healthy naive rats at 3 times the ACD.
      Retention of tantalum at 48 hours after injection was less than 2% of the
      injected dose in the whole carcass, which very closely matched the reported
      retention of existing commercial iodine-based contrast agents. Urine analysis of
      sensitive markers for acute kidney injury showed no responses at 1 week after
      injection at 3 times the ACD; however, a moderate response in the neutrophil
      gelatinase-associated lipocalin biomarker was measured at 24 and 48 hours.
      Compared with other TaO NPs reported in the literature, CZ-TaO NPs had relatively
      low osmolality and viscosity at concentrations greater than 200 mg Ta/mL and were
      similar in these physical properties to dimeric iodine-based contrast agents.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found that a CZ-TaO NP-based contrast agent is potentially viable
      for general-purpose clinical CT imaging. Our results suggest that such an agent
      can be formulated with clinically viable physicochemical properties, can be
      biologically safe and cleared rapidly in urine, and can provide substantially
      improved image contrast at CT compared with current iodinated agents.

PMID- 27115704
TI  - Efficacy of forming biofilms by Pseudomonas migulae AN-1 toward in situ
      bioremediation of aniline-contaminated aquifer by groundwater circulation wells.
AB  - The formation and activity of aniline-degrading biofilms developed by the
      psychrotrophic Pseudomonas migulae AN-1 were studied for the in situ remediation
      of contaminated aquifer using in-well bioreactor of groundwater circulating wells
      (GCWs). Biofilms grown in mineral salt medium with aniline exhibited tolerance to
      high concentrations of aniline. In aniline degradation rate, AN-1 biofilms
      exhibited slight differences compared with planktonic cells. The effectiveness
      and bio-implication of AN-1 biofilms in GCWs were investigated to treat aniline
      contaminated aquifer. The results demonstrate that AN-1 biofilms survived the
      GCWs treatment process with high aniline-degrading efficiency. This system
      provides a novel environmentally friendly technology for the in situ
      bioremediation of low-volatile contaminants. 

PMID- 27115703
TI  - Acid-adaptive mechanisms of Streptococcus mutans-the more we know, the more we
      don't.

PMID- 27115705
TI  - Quantifying the impact of PM2.5 and associated heavy metals on respiratory health
      of children near metallurgical facilities.
AB  - The aim of this study was to link the concentrations of particulate matter with
      an aerodynamic diameter below 2.5 MUm (PM2.5) and associated heavy metals with
      occurrence of wheezing and hospitalizations due to wheezing in 111 children who
      live near metallurgical plants in Targoviste City, Romania. A group of 72
      children with high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophils, as well as
      frequent wheezing episodes, was geolocated on digital thematic maps. Monitoring
      campaigns and medical assessments were performed over two consecutive years (2013
      2014). The multiannual average concentrations of PM2.5 ranged from 4.6 to 22.5
      MUg m(-3), up to a maximum value of 102 MUg m(-3). Significant correlations (p <
      0.01) were observed between the locations of the children with respiratory issues
      and the PM2.5 multiannual average (r = 0.985) and PM2.5 maximum (r = 0.813). Fe,
      Ni, Cd, and Cr were the main marker elements of the emissions from steel
      production and metal-working facilities in the Targoviste area. The results
      support the hypothesis that increased PM2.5 levels directly influence wheezing
      symptom and asthma attacks in the analyzed group. IgE, eosinophils, and wheezing
      episodes may be considered key indicators with which to evaluate the adverse
      effects of PM2.5 air pollution on children's health. 

PMID- 27115707
TI  - Unique Length-Dependent Biophysical Properties of Repetitive DNA.
AB  - Expansion of a trinucleotide repeat (TNR) sequence is the molecular signature of
      several neurological disorders. The formation of noncanonical structures by the
      TNR sequence is proposed to contribute to the expansion mechanism. Furthermore,
      it is known that the propensity for expansion increases with repeat length. In
      this work, we use calorimetry to describe the thermodynamic parameters (DeltaH,
      TDeltaS, and DeltaG) of the noncanonical stem-loop hairpins formed by the TNR
      sequences (CAG)n and (CTG)n, as well as the canonical (CAG)n/(CTG)n duplexes, for
      n = 6-14. Using a thermodynamic cycle, we calculated the same thermodynamic
      parameters describing the process of converting from noncanonical stem-loop
      hairpins to a canonical duplex. In addition to these thermodynamic analyses, we
      used spectroscopic techniques to determine the rate at which the noncanonical
      structures convert to duplex and the activation enthalpy DeltaH(?) describing
      this process. We report that the thermodynamic parameters of unfolding the stem
      loop (CTG)n and (CAG)n hairpins, along with the thermodynamic and kinetic
      properties of hairpin to duplex conversion, do not proportionally correspond to
      the increase in length, but rather show a unique pattern that depends on whether
      the sequence has an even or odd number of repeats.

PMID- 27115708
TI  - Allosteric modulators of MEK1: drug design and discovery.
AB  - Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK, MEK) mediates signal
      transduction, controlling cell proliferation and survival. MEK occupies a key
      downstream position in the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, implying that
      inhibition of MEK will potently suppress tumor cell growth, with potential
      applications in cancer therapy. Based on the promising therapeutic effects of MEK
      modulators, continued efforts have been made in this class. Here, we review the
      discovery and development of MEK1 allosteric modulators, classifying them into
      four structural groups. The allosteric mechanisms and recent clinical progress
      involving these modulators are also reviewed.

PMID- 27115709
TI  - The Vast and Varied Global Burden of Norovirus: Prospects for Prevention and
      Control.
AB  - Globally, norovirus is associated with approximately one-fifth of all diarrhea
      cases, with similar prevalence in both children and adults, and is estimated to
      cause over 200,000 deaths annually in developing countries. Norovirus is an
      important pathogen in a number of high-priority domains: it is the most common
      cause of diarrheal episodes globally, the principal cause of foodborne disease
      outbreaks in the United States, a key health care-acquired infection, a common
      cause of travel-associated diarrhea, and a bane for deployed military troops.
      Partly as a result of this ubiquity and burden across a range of different
      populations, identifying target groups and strategies for intervention has been
      challenging. And, on top of the breadth of this public health problem, there
      remain important gaps in scientific knowledge regarding norovirus, especially
      with respect to disease in low-income settings. Many pathogens can cause acute
      gastroenteritis. Historically, rotavirus was the most common cause of severe
      disease in young children globally. Now, vaccines are available for rotavirus and
      are universally recommended by the World Health Organization. In countries with
      effective rotavirus vaccination programs, disease due to that pathogen has
      decreased markedly, but norovirus persists and is now the most common cause of
      pediatric gastroenteritis requiring medical attention. However, the data
      supporting the precise role of norovirus in low- and middle-income settings are
      sparse. With vaccines in the pipeline, addressing these and other important
      knowledge gaps is increasingly pressing. We assembled an expert group to assess
      the evidence for the global burden of norovirus and to consider the prospects for
      norovirus vaccine development. The group assessed the evidence in the areas of
      burden of disease, epidemiology, diagnostics, disease attribution, acquired
      immunity, and innate susceptibility, and the group considered how to bring
      norovirus vaccines from their current state of development to a viable product
      that will benefit global health. 

PMID- 27115710
TI  - Asparagine endopeptidase is an innovative therapeutic target for
      neurodegenerative diseases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) is a pH-dependent endolysosomal
      cysteine protease that cleaves its substrates after asparagine residues. Our most
      recent study identifies that it possesses the delta-secretase activity, and that
      it is implicated in numerous neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) and stroke. Accumulating evidence supports that the inhibition of AEP
      exhibits beneficial effects for treating these devastating diseases. AREAS
      COVERED: Based on recent evidence, it is clear that AEP cleaves its substrate,
      such as amyloid precursor protein (APP), tau and SET, and plays a critical role
      in neuronal cell death in various neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. In this
      article, the basic biology of AEP, its knockout phenotypes in mouse models, its
      substrates in neurodegenerative diseases, and its small peptidyl inhibitors and
      prodrugs are discussed. In addition, we discuss the potential of AEP as a novel
      therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. EXPERT OPINION: AEP plays a
      unique role in numerous biological processes, depending on both pH and context.
      Most striking is our most recent finding; that AEP is activated in an age
      dependent manner and simultaneously cleaves both APP and tau, thereby unifying
      both major pathological events in AD. Thus, AEP acts as an innovative trigger for
      neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibition of AEP will provide a disease-modifying
      treatment for neurodegenerative diseases including AD.

PMID- 27115711
TI  - Assay and Inhibition of the Purified Catalytic Domain of Diacylglycerol Lipase
      Beta.
AB  - The diacylglycerol lipases (DAGLalpha and DAGLbeta) hydrolyze DAG to generate 2
      arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the principal endocannabinoid and main precursor of
      arachidonic acid (AA). The DAGLs make distinct tissue specific contributions
      toward 2-AG and AA levels, and therefore, selective modulators for these enzymes
      could play crucial roles toward harnessing their therapeutic potential.
      Relatively high-throughput assays have recently been reported for DAGLalpha and
      have proven useful toward the characterization of inhibitors of this enzyme.
      Similar assays are also warranted for DAGLbeta which was the aim of this study.
      We first adapted previously reported DAGLalpha membrane assays (using PNPB and
      DiFMUO as substrates) to measure recombinant DAGLbeta activity in membranes. In
      contrast to results with DAGLalpha, both substrates provided a relatively limited
      signal window for measuring DAGLbeta activity, however, an improved window was
      obtained when employing a third commercially available substrate, EnzChek. In
      order to further improve on the assay parameters, we successfully purified the
      glutathione S-transferase (GST) tagged catalytic domain of DAGLbeta. Activity of
      the enzyme was confirmed using EnzChek as well as two DAGL inhibitors (THL and
      OMDM-188). The purified DAGLbeta catalytic domain assay described here provides
      the basis for a relatively clean and convenient assay with the potential to be
      adapted for high-throughput drug discovery efforts.

PMID- 27115712
TI  - Probing amyloid-beta pathology in transgenic Alzheimer's disease (tgArcSwe) mice
      using MALDI imaging mass spectrometry.
AB  - The pathological mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD) are still not
      understood. The disease pathology is characterized by the accumulation and
      aggregation of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides into extracellular plaques, however
      the factors that promote neurotoxic Abeta aggregation remain elusive. Imaging
      mass spectrometry (IMS) is a powerful technique to comprehensively elucidate the
      spatial distribution patterns of lipids, peptides and proteins in biological
      tissues. In the present study, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS)-based imaging was used to study Abeta deposition
      in transgenic mouse brain tissue and to elucidate the plaque-associated chemical
      microenvironment. The imaging experiments were performed in brain sections of
      transgenic Alzheimer's disease mice carrying the Arctic and Swedish mutation of
      amyloid-beta precursor protein (tgArcSwe). Multivariate image analysis was used
      to interrogate the IMS data for identifying pathologically relevant, anatomical
      features based on their chemical identity. This include cortical and hippocampal
      Abeta deposits, whose amyloid peptide content was further verified using
      immunohistochemistry and laser microdissection followed by MALDI MS analysis.
      Subsequent statistical analysis on spectral data of regions of interest revealed
      brain region-specific differences in Abeta peptide aggregation. Moreover, other
      plaque-associated protein species were identified including macrophage migration
      inhibitory factor suggesting neuroinflammatory processes and glial cell
      reactivity to be involved in AD pathology. The presented data further highlight
      the potential of IMS as a powerful approach in neuropathology. Hanrieder et al.
      described an imaging mass spectrometry based study on comprehensive spatial
      profiling of C-terminally truncated Abeta species within individual plaques in
      tgArcSwe mice. Here, brain region-dependent differences in Abeta truncation and
      other plaque-associated proteins, such as macrophage migration inhibitory factor,
      were observed. The data shed further light on plaque-associated molecular
      mechanisms implicated in Alzheimer's pathogenesis. Cover image for this issue:
      doi: 10.1111/jnc.13328.

PMID- 27115713
TI  - Tetrahymena australis (Protozoa, Ciliophora): A Well-Known But "Non-Existing"
      Taxon - Consideration of Its Identification, Definition and Systematic Position.
AB  - A cryptic species of the Tetrahymena pyriformis complex, Tetrahymena australis,
      has been known for a long time but never properly diagnosed based on taxonomic
      methods. The species name is thus invalid according to the International Code of
      Zoological Nomenclature. Recently, a population isolated from a freshwater lake
      in Wuhan, China was investigated using live observations, silver staining methods
      and gene sequence data. This organism can be separated from other described
      species of the T. pyriformis complex by its relatively small body size, the
      number of somatic kineties and differences in sequences of two genes, namely the
      small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase
      subunit I (cox1). We compared the SSU rRNA gene sequences of all available
      Tetrahymena species to reveal the nucleotide differences within this genus. The
      sequence of the Wuhan population is identical to two sequences of a previously
      isolated strain of T. australis (ATCC #30831). Phylogenetic analyses indicate
      that these three sequences (X56167, M98015, KT334373) cluster with Tetrahymena
      shanghaiensis (EF070256) in a polytomy. However, sequence divergence of the cox1
      gene between the Wuhan population and another strain of T. australis (ATCC
      #30271) is 1.4%, suggesting that these may represent different subspecies.

PMID- 27115714
TI  - Microfluidic Chip for the Photocatalytic Production of Active Chlorine.
AB  - Active chlorine is the most powerful microbicidal reagent in swimming pools,
      potable water, hospitals, and medical surgeries. Its production mainly relies on
      reactive inorganic intermediates and electrochemical methods that involve
      undesired waste products and high energy as well as material costs. In this
      study, we fabricated a low-cost chip based on sputter-coated thin films of silver
      (Ag) that acted as recyclable and effective photoelectrode for the photocatalytic
      production of active chlorine (HOCl) from aqueous media and artificial sunlight.
      The photoelectrode was electrochemically activated to AgCl at low overpotentials
      between 0.2 and 0.4 V vs Ag|AgCl (3 M KCl) and photocatalytically reduced to
      Ag(0) for 15 consecutive cycles, showing the electrode still being active.
      However, because of poor adhesion properties on the selected substrates,
      degradation effects were observed over time. Furthermore, the Ag@AgCl
      photoelectrode was integrated into a microfluidic chip, and we showed for the
      first time a light-driven microfluidic chip generating a constant stream of
      active chlorine.

PMID- 27115715
TI  - Chemical Functionalisation and Photoluminescence of Graphene Quantum Dots.
AB  - Chemical modification of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) can influence their
      physical and chemical properties; hence, the investigation of the effect of
      organic functional groups on GQDs is of importance for developing GQD-organic
      hybrid materials. Three peripherally functionalised GQDs having a third
      generation dendritic wedge (GQD-2), long alkyl chains (GQD-3) and a polyhedral
      oligomeric silsesquioxane group (GQD-4) were prepared by the Cu(I) -catalysed
      Huisgen cycloaddition reaction of GQD-1 with organic azides. Cyclic voltammetry
      indicated that reduction occurred on the surfaces of GQD-1-4 and on the five
      membered imide rings at the periphery, and this suggested that the functional
      groups distort the periphery by steric interactions between neighbouring
      functional groups. The HOMO-LUMO bandgaps of GQD-1-4 were estimated to be
      approximately 2 eV, and their low-lying LUMO levels (<-3.9 eV) were lower than
      that of phenyl-C61 -butyric acid methyl ester, an n-type organic semiconductor.
      The solubility of GQD-1-4 in organic solvents depends on the functional groups
      present. The functional groups likely cover the surfaces and periphery of the
      GQDs, and thus increase their affinity for solvent and avoid precipitation.
      Similar to GQD-2, both GQD-3 and GQD-4 emitted white light upon excitation at 360
      nm. Size-exclusion chromatography demonstrated that white-light emission
      originates from the coexistence of differently sized GQDs that have different
      photoluminescence emission wavelengths.

PMID- 27115716
TI  - Efficacy of Training Interprofessional Spiritual Care Generalists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Provision of spiritual/religious (S/R) care has been associated with
      improvements in patient care, patient-provider relationships, and resource
      utilization. Clinicians identify a lack of training in S/R care as the primary
      impediment. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of one
      day, simulation-based workshops to prepare interprofessional clinicians to
      function as capable, confident, and ethical spiritual care generalists. METHODS:
      Interprofessional practitioners (physicians, nurses, social workers,
      psychologists, child life specialists) in a quaternary care academic pediatric
      hospital participated in daylong Spiritual Generalist workshops utilizing
      professional actors to learn requisite spiritual generalist skills. Participants
      completed pre- and postworkshop questionnaires on the day of the workshop, and
      three-month follow-up self-report questionnaires that included 1-5-point Likert
      scale items focused on 15 spiritual generalist skills. RESULTS: One hundred
      fifteen interprofessional staff members completed pre- and postquestionnaires and
      three-month follow-up surveys. Analysis revealed significant mean improvement in
      all 15 spiritual generalist skills targeted for developing mastery within each of
      three broad domains: Spiritual Screen and Care Plan, Provision of Spiritual Care,
      and Professional Development. Although the initial degree of improvement tended
      to be greater immediately postworkshop, 14 of the 15 spiritual generalist skills
      remained significantly higher at three months compared to preworkshop.
      CONCLUSIONS: This daylong workshop of concentrated instruction, including
      didactics, visual slideshow, simulation of clinical scenarios, and
      debriefing/discussion components, was efficient and effective in training
      clinicians from varied disciplines to learn basic generalist-level spiritual care
      skills and to collaborate more effectively with chaplains, the spiritual
      specialists.

PMID- 27115717
TI  - Novel 3-Aminothiazolquinolones: Design, Synthesis, Bioactive Evaluation, SARs,
      and Preliminary Antibacterial Mechanism.
AB  - A series of novel 3-aminothiazolquinolones as analogues of quinolone
      antibacterial agents were designed and synthesized in an effort to circumvent
      quinolone resistance. Among these 3-aminothiazolquinolones, 3-(2-aminothiazol-4
      yl)-7-chloro-6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl) quinolone 12b exhibited potent antibacterial
      activity, low cytotoxicity to hepatocyte cells, strong inhibitory potency to DNA
      gyrase, and a broad antimicrobial spectrum including against multidrug-resistant
      strains. This active molecule 12b also induced bacterial resistance more slowly
      than norfloxacin. Analysis of structure-activity relationships (SARs) disclosed
      that the 2-aminothiazole fragment at the 3-position of quinolone plays an
      important role in exerting antibacterial activity. Molecular modeling and
      experimental investigation of aminothiazolquinolone 12b with DNA from a sensitive
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain revealed that the
      possible antibacterial mechanism might be related to the formation of a compound
      12b-Cu(2+)-DNA ternary complex in which the Cu(2+) ion acts as a bridge between
      the backbone of 3-aminothiazolquinolone and the phosphate group of the nucleic
      acid.

PMID- 27115718
TI  - Templated Oligosaccharide Synthesis: The Linker Effect on the Stereoselectivity
      of Glycosylation.
AB  - A new method for intramolecular oligosaccharide synthesis that is conceptually
      related to the general molecular clamp approach is introduced. Exceptional alpha
      selectivity has been achieved in a majority of applications. Unlike other related
      concepts, this approach is based on the bisphenol A template, which allows one to
      connect multiple building blocks to perform templated oligosaccharide synthesis
      with complete stereoselectivity. This principle was demonstrated by the synthesis
      of an alpha,alpha-linked trisaccharide.

PMID- 27115719
TI  - Outcomes of follow-up care after an emergency department visit among pediatric
      asthmatics in the military health system.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Asthma exacerbations frequently trigger emergency
      department (ED) visits. Guidelines recommend timely follow-up after an ED visit
      for asthma, however, other studies have questioned the quality of follow-up care
      and their effect on subsequent ED utilization. We evaluated follow-up care on
      asthma outcomes in pediatric asthmatics enrolled in the Military Health System
      (MHS) after an ED visit for asthma. METHODS: This retrospective study utilized
      MHS data to evaluate 2-17-year-old persistent asthmatics with an ED visit for
      asthma between 2010-2012. Demographics, medication dispensing, and subsequent
      asthma related ED and hospital utilization were compared between those with or
      without a 28-day follow-up appointment. RESULTS: 10,460 of 88,837 persistent
      asthmatics met inclusion criteria for an asthma ED visit. 4,964 (47.5%) had >= 1
      follow-up visit. In the 29-365 days after their ED visit, 21.1% of the follow-up
      cohort required an ED re-visit compared to 24.0% of the patients without follow
      up. Follow-up care was associated with a reduction in ED re-visits (adjusted
      hazard ratio 0.86; 95% confidence interval 0.79, 0.93). Controller medications
      were dispensed to 76.0% of the follow-up cohort within 90 days of their ED visit
      compared to 49.7% in the group without follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Despite universal
      access to healthcare, less than half of pediatric MHS asthma patients had follow
      up within 28 days of an ED visit. Those with follow-up were more likely to fill a
      controller medication within 90 days post-ED visit, and less likely to have an
      asthma ED re-visit in the subsequent year.

PMID- 27115720
TI  - Odisolane, a Novel Oxolane Derivative, and Antiangiogenic Constituents from the
      Fruits of Mulberry (Morus alba L.).
AB  - Mulberry, the fruit of Morus alba L., is known as an edible fruit and commonly
      used in Chinese medicines as a warming agent and as a sedative, tonic, laxative,
      odontalgic, expectorant, anthelmintic, and emetic. Systemic investigation of the
      chemical constituents of M. alba fruits led to the identification of a novel
      oxolane derivative, (R*)-2-((2S*,3R*)-tetrahydro-2-hydroxy-2-methylfuran-3
      yl)propanoic acid (1), namely, odisolane, along with five known heterocyclic
      compounds (2-6). The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of
      HR-MS, 1D and 2D NMR ((1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) data analysis.
      Compound 1 has a novel skeleton that consists of 8 carbon units with an oxolane
      ring, which until now has never been identified in natural products. The isolated
      compounds were subjected to several activity tests to verify their biological
      function. Among them, compounds 1, 3, and 5 significantly inhibited cord
      formation in HUVECs. The action mechanism of compound 3, which had the strongest
      antiangiogenic activity, was mediated by decreasing VEGF, p-Akt, and p-ERK
      protein expression. These results suggest that compounds isolated from M. alba
      fruits might be beneficial in antiangiogenesis therapy for cancer treatment. 

PMID- 27115721
TI  - Long-range weight functions in fundamental measure theory of the non-uniform hard
      sphere fluid.
AB  - We introduce long-range weight functions to the framework of fundamental measure
      theory (FMT) of the non-uniform, single-component hard-sphere fluid. While the
      range of the usual weight functions is equal to the hard-sphere radius R, the
      modified weight functions have range 3R. Based on the augmented FMT, we calculate
      the radial distribution function g(r) up to second order in the density within
      Percus' test particle theory. Consistency of the compressibility and virial
      routes on this level allows us to determine the free parameter gamma of the
      theory. As a side result, we obtain a value for the fourth virial coefficient B 4
      which deviates by only 0.01% from the exact result. The augmented FMT is tested
      for the dense fluid by comparing results for g(r) calculated via the test
      particle route to existing results from molecular dynamics simulations. The
      agreement at large distances (r  >  6R) is significantly improved when the FMT
      with long-range weight functions is used. In order to improve agreement close to
      contact (r  =  2R) we construct a free energy which is based on the accurate
      Carnahan-Starling equation of state, rather than the Percus-Yevick
      compressibility equation underlying standard FMT.

PMID- 27115722
TI  - Detection of simulated periodontal defects using cone-beam CT and digital
      intraoral radiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the diagnostic value of CBCT and digital
      intraoral radiography for the detection of periodontal defects in the sheep
      mandible. METHODS: In this in vitro study, 80 periodontal defects including
      Grades I, II and III furcation involvements, one-, two-, three-wall and trough
      like infrabony defects, fenestration and dehiscence were artificially created in
      the sheep mandible by burr. Intraoral digital radiographs using photostimulable
      phosphor plates and CBCT scans were obtained. Three periodontists evaluated the
      images for the presence and type of defects. The results were compared with the
      gold standard (photographs of the created defects). RESULTS: CBCT scans were
      significantly superior to digital radiographs for the detection of Grade I
      furcation involvements, three-wall defects, fenestrations and dehiscence (p <
      0.05). No significant difference was noted between CBCT and digital radiography
      for the detection of Grades II and III furcation involvements, one-wall, two-wall
      and trough-like defects (p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CBCT was superior to
      digital intraoral radiography for the detection of Grade I furcation
      involvements, three-wall defects, dehiscence and fenestrations.

PMID- 27115723
TI  - Fetal Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery: End of a Dream?
AB  - Recognition that a fetus can scarlessly heal in intrauterine life led to various
      animal studies in the mid 1980s exploring the possibility of fetal cleft
      lip/palate surgery. The idea of scarless cleft repair seemed like a possible
      dream after the promising results from the early animal studies. In this review,
      we analyze the progress made in the 30 years since our first experience with
      animal models. 

PMID- 27115724
TI  - Racial and ethnic disparities in substance use disorders and outcomes in elderly
      prostate cancer patients.
AB  - Substance use among cancer patients is an important psychosocial comorbidity.
      Currently, there is a paucity of information regarding racial disparity in
      substance use among cancer patients. The objective of this study was to analyze
      racial and ethnic disparity in prevalence of substance use and its effects on
      outcomes in Medicare elderly with advanced prostate cancer using Surveillance,
      Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked data. We used ICD-9
      diagnosis codes to identify substance use disorder. Outcomes were health service
      use, cost, and mortality. Prevalence of substance use varied among White, African
      American, and Hispanic patients with advanced-stage prostate cancer. Racial and
      ethnic disparity existed in the association between substance use and outcomes. A
      multidisciplinary coordinated care approach is essential to address racial and
      ethnic disparities in substance use among prostate cancer patients and to achieve
      optimal clinical management and improved outcomes of care.

PMID- 27115725
TI  - Tissue transglutaminase is involved in mechanical load-induced osteogenic
      differentiation of human ligamentum flavum cells.
AB  - Mechanical load-induced osteogenic differentiation might be the key cellular
      event in the calcification and ossification of ligamentum flavum. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the influence of tissue transglutaminase (TGM2) on
      mechanical load-induced osteogenesis of ligamentum flavum cells. Human ligamentum
      flavum cells were obtained from 12 patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.
      Osteogenic phenotypes of ligamentum flavum cells, such as alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP), Alizarin red-S stain, and gene expression of osteogenic makers were
      evaluated following the administration of mechanical load and BMP-2 treatment.
      The expression of TGM2 was evaluated by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. Our results showed that
      mechanical load in combination with BMP-2 enhanced calcium deposition and ALP
      activity. Mechanical load significantly increased ALP and OC gene expression on
      day 3, whereas BMP-2 significantly increased ALP, OPN, and Runx2 on day 7.
      Mechanical load significantly induced TGM2 gene expression and enzyme activity in
      human ligamentum flavum cells. Exogenous TGM2 increased ALP and OC gene
      expression; while, inhibited TG activity significantly attenuated mechanical load
      induced and TGM2-induced ALP activity. In summary, mechanical load-induced TGM2
      expression and enzyme activity is involved in the progression of the
      calcification of ligamentum flavum.

PMID- 27115726
TI  - Insights into the removal of terbuthylazine from aqueous solution by several
      treatment methods.
AB  - This paper reports the removal of the s-triazine herbicide terbuthylazine (TBA)
      from aqueous solution by various treatment methods including adsorption onto
      activated carbon (AC) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), UV254 photolysis,
      UV254/H2O2, single ozonation, O3/H2O2, catalytic ozonation (AC, MWCNT and TiO2 as
      catalysts) and some solar driven processes such as TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation
      and photo-ozonation. TBA was adsorbed onto AC and MWCNT following a pseudo-second
      order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm. Rapid small scale column tests showed
      that TBA could be removed from solution by adsorption onto AC better than
      atrazine. The UV254/H2O2 treatment resulted in excellent removal of TBA primarily
      due to the oxidation capability of hydroxyl radicals (kHO = 3.310(9) M(-1) s(-1))
      generated from H2O2 photolysis. As the H2O2 initial concentration was increased
      from 5 to 50 mg L(-1) the HO exposure per UV fluence (RHO,UV) increased, making
      the process more efficient. Single ozonation also allowed complete removal of the
      herbicide though the process was slow (kO3=15.4 M(-1) s(-1) at pH > 4). The
      ozonation process could be greatly accelerated by the enhanced generation of HO
      through O3/H2O2 and O3/AC processes, which also led to more efficient processes
      in terms of ozone utilization. Commercial TiO2 (TiO2-P25) and lab prepared
      anatase TiO2 (TiO2-cat) nanoparticles catalyzed the removal of TBA by solar
      photocatalysis. In contrast, a lab prepared MWCNT-TiO2 composite was not useful
      as catalyst in solar photo-oxidation processes because of the HO scavenging
      nature of the MWCNT used as support. A mechanism for TBA degradation by O3 and HO
      has been suggested after TBA degradation intermediates identification.

PMID- 27115727
TI  - AAV-mediated transduction and targeting of retinal bipolar cells with improved
      mGluR6 promoters in rodents and primates.
AB  - Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have been a powerful gene delivery vehicle
      to the retina for basic research and gene therapy. For many of these
      applications, achieving cell type-specific targeting and high transduction
      efficiency is desired. Recently, there has been increasing interest in AAV
      mediated gene targeting to specific retinal bipolar cell types. A 200-bp enhancer
      in combination with a basal SV40 promoter has been commonly used to target
      transgenes into ON-type bipolar cells. In the current study, we searched for
      additional cis-regulatory elements in the mGluR6 gene for improving AAV-mediated
      transduction efficiency into retinal bipolar cells. Our results showed that the
      combination of the endogenous mGluR6 promoter with additional enhancers in the
      introns of the mGluR6 gene markedly enhanced AAV transduction efficiency as well
      as made the targeting more selective for rod bipolar cells in mice. Furthermore,
      the AAV vectors with the improved promoter could target to ON bipolar cells with
      robust transduction efficiency in the parafovea and the far peripheral retina of
      marmoset monkeys. The improved mGluR6 promoter constructs could provide a
      valuable tool for genetic manipulation in rod bipolar cells in mice and
      facilitate clinical applications for ON bipolar cell-based gene therapies.

PMID- 27115728
TI  - Hydrogen peroxide affects ion channels in lily pollen grain protoplasts.
AB  - Ion homeostasis plays a central role in polarisation and polar growth. In several
      cell types ion channels are controlled by reactive oxygen species (ROS). One of
      the most important cells in the plant life cycle is the male gametophyte, which
      grows under the tight control of both ion fluxes and ROS balance. The precise
      relationship between these two factors in pollen tubes has not been completely
      elucidated, and in pollen grains it has never been studied to date. In the
      present study we used a simple model - protoplasts obtained from lily pollen
      grains at the early germination stage - to reveal the effect of H2 O2 on cation
      fluxes crucial for pollen germination. Here we present direct evidence for two
      ROS-sensitive currents on the pollen grain plasma membrane: the hyperpolarisation
      activated calcium current, which is strongly enhanced by H2 O2 , and the outward
      potassium current, which is modestly enhanced by H2 O2 . We used low
      concentrations of H2 O2 that do not cause an intracellular oxidative burst and do
      not damage cells, as demonstrated with fluorescent staining. 

PMID- 27115729
TI  - Identification of novel and diverse rotaviruses in rodents and insectivores, and
      evidence of cross-species transmission into humans.
AB  - Rotaviruses are an important cause of severe diarrheal illness in children
      globally. We characterized rotaviruses sampled in humans, insectivores (shrews)
      and rodents from urban and rural regions of Zhejiang province, China.
      Phylogenetic analyses revealed seven genotypic constellations of human
      rotaviruses with six different combinations of G and P genotypes - G3P[8]
      (50.06%), G9P[8] (36.16%), G1P[8] (8.92%), G2P[4] (4.63%), G3P[3] (0.12%), and
      G3P[9] (0.12%). In rodents and shrews sampled from the same locality we
      identified a novel genotype constellation (G32-P[46]-I24-R18-C17-M17-A28-N17-T19
      E24-H19), a novel P genotype (P[45]), and two different AU-1-like rotaviruses
      associated with a G3P[3] genotype combination. Of particular note was a novel
      rotavirus from a human patient that was closely related to viruses sampled from
      rodents in the same region, indicative of a local species jump. In sum, these
      data are suggestive of the cross-species transmission of rodent rotaviruses into
      humans and for reassortment among human and animal rotaviruses.

PMID- 27115730
TI  - Time Course of Molecular and Metabolic Events in the Development of Insulin
      Resistance in Fructose-Fed Rats.
AB  - We aimed to determine the time-course of metabolic changes related to the early
      onset of insulin resistance (IR), trying to evidence breaking points preceding
      the appearance of the clinical IR phenotype. The model chosen was the fructose
      (FRU)-fed rat compared to controls fed with starch. We focused on the hepatic
      metabolism after 0, 5, 12, 30, or 45 days of FRU intake. The hepatic molecular
      metabolic changes followed indeed a multistep trajectory rather than a continuous
      progression. After 5 d of FRU feeding, we observed deep modifications in the
      hepatic metabolism, driven by the induction of lipogenic genes and important
      glycogen depletion. Thereafter, a steady-state period between days 12 and 30 was
      observed, characterized by a switch from carbohydrate to lipid utilization at the
      hepatic level and increased insulin levels aiming at alleviating lipid
      accumulation and hyperglycemia, respectively. The FRU-fed animals were only
      clinically IR at day 45 (altered homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin
      resistance and muscle glucose transport). Furthermore, the urine metabolome
      revealed even earlier metabolic trajectory changes that precede the hepatic
      alterations. We identified several candidate metabolites linked to the tryptophan
      nicotinamide metabolism and the installation of fasting hyperglycemia that
      suggest a role of this metabolic pathway on the development of the IR phenotype
      in the FRU-fed rats.

PMID- 27115731
TI  - Prediction of survival in patients with oesophageal or junctional cancer
      receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The value of conventional prognostic factors is unclear in the era of
      multimodal treatment for oesophageal cancer. This study aimed to quantify the
      impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and surgery on well established
      prognostic factors, and to develop and validate a prognostic model. METHODS:
      Patients treated with nCRT plus surgery were included. Multivariable Cox
      modelling was used to identify prognostic factors for overall survival. A
      prediction model for individual survival was developed using stepwise backward
      selection. The model was internally validated leading to a nomogram for use in
      clinical practice. RESULTS: Some 626 patients who underwent nCRT plus surgery
      were included. In the multivariable model, only pretreatment cN category and ypN
      category were independent prognostic factors. The final prognostic model included
      cN, ypT and ypN categories, and had moderate discrimination (c-index at internal
      validation 0.63). CONCLUSION: In patients with oesophageal or oesophagogastric
      cancer treated with nCRT plus surgery, overall survival can best be estimated
      using a prediction model based on cN, ypT and ypN categories. Predicted survival
      according to this model showed only moderate correlation with observed survival,
      emphasizing the need for new prognostic factors to improve survival prediction.

PMID- 27115732
TI  - Characterization of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Determinants in High
      Level Quinolone-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Isolates from the Community: First
      Report of qnrD Gene in Algeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the prevalence of plasmid-mediated
      quinolone resistance (PMQR)-producing isolates in a collection of quinolone
      resistant Enterobacteriaceae of community origin isolated in Bejaia, Algeria.
      METHODS: A total of 141 nalidixic acid-resistant Enterobacteriaceae community
      isolates were collected in Bejaia (Northern Algeria) and screened for PMQR genes
      using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For PMQR-positive strains, antimicrobial
      susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution and disk diffusion.
      Mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions of the target genes,
      gyrA and parC, were detected with a PCR-based method and sequencing. Southern
      blotting, conjugation and transformation assays and molecular typing by pulsed
      field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and multilocus sequence typing were also
      performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of PMQR-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates
      was 13.5% (19/141); 11 of these isolates produced Aac(6')-Ib-cr and 8 were qnr
      positive (4 qnrB1-like, 2 qnrS1-like, and 2 qnrD1-like), including the
      association with aac(6')-Ib-cr gene in three cases. PMQR gene transfer by
      conjugation was successful in 6 of 19 isolates tested. PFGE revealed that most of
      the PMQR-positive Escherichia coli isolates were unrelated, except for two groups
      comprising two and four isolates, respectively, including the virulent multidrug
      resistant clone E. coli ST131 that were clonally related. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings indicate that PMQR determinants are prevalent in Enterobacteriaceae
      isolates from the community studied. We describe the first report of the qnrD
      gene in Algeria.

PMID- 27115733
TI  - Introspective responses to cues and motivation to reduce cigarette smoking
      influence state and behavioral responses to cue exposure.
AB  - In the current study, we aimed to extend smoking cue-reactivity research by
      evaluating delay discounting as an outcome of cigarette cue exposure. We also
      separated introspection in response to cues (e.g., self-reporting craving and
      affect) from cue exposure alone, to determine if introspection changes behavioral
      responses to cigarette cues. Finally, we included measures of quit motivation and
      resistance to smoking to assess motivational influences on cue exposure. Smokers
      were invited to participate in an online cue-reactivity study. Participants were
      randomly assigned to view smoking images or neutral images, and were randomized
      to respond to cues with either craving and affect questions (e.g., introspection)
      or filler questions. Following cue exposure, participants completed a delay
      discounting task and then reported state affect, craving, and resistance to
      smoking, as well as an assessment of quit motivation. We found that after
      controlling for trait impulsivity, participants who introspected on craving and
      affect showed higher delay discounting, irrespective of cue type, but we found no
      effect of response condition on subsequent craving (e.g., craving reactivity). We
      also found that motivation to quit interacted with experimental conditions to
      predict state craving and state resistance to smoking. Although asking about
      craving during cue exposure did not increase later craving, it resulted in
      greater delaying of discounted rewards. Overall, our findings suggest the need to
      further assess the implications of introspection and motivation on behavioral
      outcomes of cue exposure.

PMID- 27115734
TI  - Perioperative omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Nutritional Support in
      Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgical Patients: A Systematic Evaluation.
AB  - This study was a systematic evaluation of the beneficial effects of n-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in abdominal cancer surgical patients. A
      literature search of the databases PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, and EMBASE was
      conducted for studies published up to November 2014 in English language journals.
      Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of n-3 PUFA intake
      relative to conventional nutrition in surgical patients were included. The main
      outcomes were the duration of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS),
      length of hospital stay (LOS), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and
      postoperative complications. We identified 15 RCTs among 158 relevant trials. The
      results indicated the associations between n-3 PUFA intake and reduced LOS [mean
      differences (MDs), -2.47 d; 95% confidence intervals (CIs), -3.25 to -1.69],
      duration of SIRS (MD, -0.57 d; 95% CI, -0.92 to -0.22), and serum CRP levels (MD,
      -3.97 mg/l; 95% CI, -7.88 to -0.07) compared with consumption of conventional
      nutrition, as well as reduced incidence of postoperative infectious complications
      (risk ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49-0.87). This systematic evaluation suggests that n
      3 PUFA significantly reduces the postoperative infectious complication rate, and
      shortens hospitalization and SIRS duration, particularly in malnourished
      gastrointestinal cancer patients.

PMID- 27115735
TI  - Effects of oxytetracycline on archaeal community, and tetracycline resistance
      genes in anaerobic co-digestion of pig manure and wheat straw.
AB  - In this study, the effects of different concentrations of oxytetracycline (OTC)
      on biogas production, archaeal community structure, and the levels of
      tetracycline resistance genes (TRGs) were investigated in the anaerobic co
      digestion products of pig manure and wheat straw. PCR denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT
      qPCR) (PCR) were used to detect the archaeal community structure and the levels
      of four TRGs: tet(M), tet(Q), tet(W), and tet(C). The results showed that
      anaerobic co-digestion with OTC at concentrations of 60, 100, and 140 mg/kg (dry
      weight of pig manure) reduced the cumulative biogas production levels by 9.9%,
      10.4%, and 14.1%, respectively, compared with that produced by the control, which
      lacked the antibiotic. The addition of OTC substantially modified the structure
      of the archaeal community. Two orders were identified by phylogenetic analysis,
      that is, Pseudomonadales and Methanomicrobiales, and the methanogen present
      during anaerobic co-digestion with OTC may have been resistant to OTC. The
      abundances of tet(Q) and tet(W) genes increased as the OTC concentration
      increased, whereas the abundances of tet(M) and tet(C) genes decreased as the OTC
      concentration increased. 

PMID- 27115736
TI  - Global Economic Burden of Norovirus Gastroenteritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite accounting for approximately one fifth of all acute
      gastroenteritis illnesses, norovirus has received comparatively less attention
      than other infectious pathogens. With several candidate vaccines under
      development, characterizing the global economic burden of norovirus could help
      funders, policy makers, public health officials, and product developers determine
      how much attention and resources to allocate to advancing these technologies to
      prevent and control norovirus. METHODS: We developed a computational simulation
      model to estimate the economic burden of norovirus in every country/area (233
      total) stratified by WHO region and globally, from the health system and societal
      perspectives. We considered direct costs of illness (e.g., clinic visits and
      hospitalization) and productivity losses. RESULTS: Globally, norovirus resulted
      in a total of $4.2 billion (95% UI: $3.2-5.7 billion) in direct health system
      costs and $60.3 billion (95% UI: $44.4-83.4 billion) in societal costs per year.
      Disease amongst children <5 years cost society $39.8 billion, compared to $20.4
      billion for all other age groups combined. Costs per norovirus illness varied by
      both region and age and was highest among adults >=55 years. Productivity losses
      represented 84-99% of total costs varying by region. While low and middle income
      countries and high income countries had similar disease incidence (10,148 vs.
      9,935 illness per 100,000 persons), high income countries generated 62% of global
      health system costs. In sensitivity analysis, the probability of hospitalization
      had the largest impact on health system cost estimates ($2.8 billion globally,
      assuming no hospitalization costs), while the probability of missing productive
      days had the largest impact on societal cost estimates ($35.9 billion globally,
      with a 25% probability of missing productive days). CONCLUSIONS: The total
      economic burden is greatest in young children but the highest cost per illness is
      among older age groups in some regions. These large costs overwhelmingly are from
      productivity losses resulting from acute illness. Low, middle, and high income
      countries all have a considerable economic burden, suggesting that norovirus
      gastroenteritis is a truly global economic problem. Our findings can help
      identify which age group(s) and/or geographic regions may benefit the most from
      interventions.

PMID- 27115737
TI  - Spread of the Invasive Mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the Black
      Sea Region Increases Risk of Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika Outbreaks in Europe.

PMID- 27115738
TI  - Protective Effects of Hydrogen Gas on Experimental Acute Pancreatitis.
AB  - Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease mediated by damage to acinar
      cells and pancreatic inflammation. In patients with AP, subsequent systemic
      inflammatory responses and multiple organs dysfunction commonly occur.
      Interactions between cytokines and oxidative stress greatly contribute to the
      amplification of uncontrolled inflammatory responses. Molecular hydrogen (H2) is
      a potent free radical scavenger that not only ameliorates oxidative stress but
      also lowers cytokine levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate the
      protective effects of H2 gas on AP both in vitro and in vivo. For the in vitro
      assessment, AR42J cells were treated with cerulein and then incubated in H2-rich
      or normal medium for 24 h, and for the in vivo experiment, AP was induced through
      a retrograde infusion of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreatobiliary duct
      (0.1 mL/100 g body weight). Wistar rats were treated with inhaled air or 2% H2
      gas and sacrificed 12 h following the induction of pancreatitis. Specimens were
      collected and processed to measure the amylase and lipase activity levels; the
      myeloperoxidase activity and production levels; the cytokine mRNA expression
      levels; the 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels; and
      the cell survival rate. Histological examinations and immunohistochemical
      analyses were then conducted. The results revealed significant reductions in
      inflammation and oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the
      beneficial effects of H2 gas were associated with reductions in AR42J cell and
      pancreatic tissue damage. In conclusion, our results suggest that H2 gas is
      capable of ameliorating damage to the pancreas and AR42J cells and that H2 exerts
      protective effects both in vitro and in vivo on subjects with AP. Thus, the
      results obtained indicate that this gas may represent a novel therapy agent in
      the management of AP.

PMID- 27115739
TI  - New Miocene Fossils and the History of Penguins in Australia.
AB  - Australia has a fossil record of penguins reaching back to the Eocene, yet today
      is inhabited by just one breeding species, the little penguin Eudyptula minor.
      The description of recently collected penguin fossils from the re-dated upper
      Miocene Port Campbell Limestone of Portland (Victoria), in addition to reanalysis
      of previously described material, has allowed the Cenozoic history of penguins in
      Australia to be placed into a global context for the first time. Australian pre
      Quaternary fossil penguins represent stem taxa phylogenetically disparate from
      each other and E. minor, implying multiple dispersals and extinctions. Late
      Eocene penguins from Australia are closest to contemporaneous taxa in Antarctica,
      New Zealand and South America. Given current material, the Miocene Australian
      fossil penguin fauna is apparently unique in harbouring 'giant penguins' after
      they went extinct elsewhere; and including stem taxa until at least 6 Ma, by
      which time crown penguins dominated elsewhere in the southern hemisphere.
      Separation of Australia from Antarctica during the Palaeogene, and its subsequent
      drift north, appears to have been a major event in Australian penguin
      biogeography. Increasing isolation through the Cenozoic may have limited penguin
      dispersal to Australia from outside the Australasian region, until
      intensification of the eastwards-flowing Antarctic Circumpolar Current in the mid
      Miocene established a potential new dispersal vector to Australia.

PMID- 27115740
TI  - Decoding the Attentional Demands of Gait through EEG Gamma Band Features.
AB  - Rehabilitation techniques are evolving focused on improving their performance in
      terms of duration and level of recovery. Current studies encourage the patient's
      involvement in their rehabilitation. Brain-Computer Interfaces are capable of
      decoding the cognitive state of users to provide feedback to an external device.
      On this paper, cortical information obtained from the scalp is acquired with the
      goal of studying the cognitive mechanisms related to the users' attention to the
      gait. Data from 10 healthy users and 3 incomplete Spinal Cord Injury patients are
      acquired during treadmill walking. During gait, users are asked to perform 4
      attentional tasks. Data obtained are treated to reduce movement artifacts.
      Features from delta(1 - 4Hz), theta(4 - 8Hz), alpha(8 - 12Hz), beta(12 - 30Hz),
      gammalow(30 - 50Hz), gammahigh(50 - 90Hz) frequency bands are extracted and
      analyzed to find which ones provide more information related to attention. The
      selected bands are tested with 5 classifiers to distinguish between tasks.
      Classification results are also compared with chance levels to evaluate
      performance. Results show success rates of ~67% for healthy users and ~59% for
      patients. These values are obtained using features from gamma band suggesting
      that the attention mechanisms are related to selective attention mechanisms,
      meaning that, while the attention on gait decreases the level of attention on the
      environment and external visual information increases. Linear Discriminant
      Analysis, K-Nearest Neighbors and Support Vector Machine classifiers provide the
      best results for all users. Results from patients are slightly lower, but
      significantly different, than those obtained from healthy users supporting the
      idea that the patients pay more attention to gait during non-attentional tasks
      due to the inherent difficulties they have during normal gait. This study
      provides evidence of the existence of classifiable cortical information related
      to the attention level on the gait. This fact could allow the development of a
      real-time system that obtains the attention level during lower limb
      rehabilitation. This information could be used as feedback to adapt the
      rehabilitation strategy.

PMID- 27115741
TI  - Sweet supramolecular elastomers from alpha,omega-(beta-cyclodextrin terminated)
      PDMS.
AB  - Azido beta-cyclodextrins were attached to propiolate-functionalized
      polydimethylsiloxanes by metal-free click chemistry. The obtained telechelic
      copolymers spontaneously produced elastomeric gums. Demixing and supramolecular
      associations are the driving forces for the construction of these strongly
      associated (but reversible) physical networks. 

PMID- 27115742
TI  - Behavior of Primary Cilia and Tricellular Tight Junction Proteins during
      Differentiation in Temperature-Sensitive Mouse Cochlear Precursor Hair Cells.
AB  - In the sensory hair cells of the mammalian cochlea, the primary cilia in the
      planar cell polarity as well as the tight junctions in the epithelial cell
      polarity and the barrier are important to maintain normal hearing. Temperature
      sensitive mouse cochlear precursor hair cells were used to investigate the
      behavior of primary cilia and tricellular tight junction proteins during the
      differentiation of sensory hair cells. In undifferentiated cells (incubated at 33
      degrees C), many acetylated tubulin-positive primary cilia were observed, and
      each was accompanied with an x03B3;-tubulin-positive basal body. The primary
      cilia had a '9 + 0' architecture with nine outer microtubule doublets but lacking
      a central pair of microtubules. In differentiated cells (incubated at 39 degrees
      C), acetylated tubulin-positive primary cilia as well as acetylated tubulin
      positive cilia-like structures were partially observed on the cell surface. In
      differentiated cells, the number of primary cilia was markedly reduced compared
      with undifferentiated cells, and innumerable cilia-like structures with no
      ciliary pockets were partially observed on the cell surface. In undifferentiated
      cells, few tricellulin molecules and lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptors
      (LSRs) were observed in the cytoplasm. In differentiated cells, many tricellulin
      molecules and LSRs were observed on the membranes and within the cytoplasm.
      Conditional immortalized mouse cochlear precursor hair cells may be useful to
      investigate the roles of primary cilia and tricellular tight junctions during
      cellular differentiation and degeneration such as apoptosis. 

PMID- 27115743
TI  - Use of endocrinological and neurological medication among 5-year survivors of
      young onset brain tumors.
AB  - The burden of late-effects for young onset brain tumor (BT) survivors needs more
      careful evaluation. Our aim was to assess the need for endocrinological and
      neurological medication among this specific group. We identified 5-year survivors
      diagnosed at the age of 0-24 years between 1988 and 2004 from the Finnish Cancer
      Registry (N = 602). Data on endocrinological and neurological drug purchases were
      collected from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. Five years after
      diagnosis the most commonly purchased drugs had been: antiepileptics (44.8 %),
      systemic hydrocortisone (18.3 %), female sex hormones (17.6 %), thyroid hormones
      (11.2 %), and growth hormone (10.0 %). The survivors showed an increased hazard
      ratio (HR) for a need for new types of drugs still 5 years after diagnosis.
      Thyroid hormones (HR 10.6, 95 % CI 5.1-21.4), estrogens (HR 8.0, 95 % CI 2.1
      25.7), and antiepileptics (HR 6.3, 95 % CI 3.4-11.2) were bought with high
      frequencies. Irradiation increased the hazard for drug-purchases other than
      antiepileptics. Cumulative incidence of purchases of estrogens or androgens
      increased still 15 years after diagnosis. The cumulative incidence of purchasing
      thyroid hormones and antiepileptics showed continuous increase for the youngest
      group, whereas survivors diagnosed at 15-24 years of age reached stable level
      before 15 years from diagnosis. The need for new medication continued more than a
      decade after BT diagnosis. Especially the need for new thyroid or sex hormone
      medication among childhood BT survivors may emerge long after diagnosis.

PMID- 27115744
TI  - Fluorescence imaging of in vivo miR-124a-induced neurogenesis of neuronal
      progenitor cells using neuron-specific reporters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Facilitation of the differentiation of the stem cells toward neuronal
      lineage is crucial for enhancing the differentiation efficacy of grafted stem
      cells for the possible treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. MicroRNA124a
      (miR-124a) has been considered as a neuronal lineage regulator, possessing the
      capability to activate neuronal differentiation. In this study, using a neuronal
      promoter-based reporter and live-cell fluorescence imaging, we visualized in
      vitro and in vivo the enhanced neuronal differentiation of neuronal progenitor
      cells with miR-124a overproduction. METHODS: The neuron specific alpha1 tubulin
      promoter-driven RFP reporter (pTa1-RFP) was used to trace the miR-124a-induced
      neuronal differentiation in live cell condition. MiR-124a or miR-scramble in 10 %
      glucose buffer was mixed with in vivo-jetPEITM and in vivo fluorescence images
      were obtained daily using Maestro spectral fluorescent imager. RESULTS: Neurite
      outgrowth was clearly seen in F11 cells after miR-124a transfection, and
      immunofluorescence staining showed increase of Tuj1 and NF at 48 hours. When pTa1
      RFP-transfected F11 cells were implanted simultaneously with miR-124a into the
      nude mice, gradually increasing reporter signals and morphological changes
      indicated neuronal differentiation for 48 hours in live cells in vitro. The miR
      124a-treated F11 cells showed higher reporter signals on in vivo fluorescence
      imaging than miR-scramble-treated cells, which were verified by ex vivo
      confirmation of Tuj1 and NF expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that
      neuronal reporter-based neurogenesis imaging can be used for monitoring miR-124a
      acting as neuronal activator when miRNA was injected in in vivo PEI-coated form
      for miRNA-mediated regenerative therapy.

PMID- 27115745
TI  - Microbial population dynamics during sludge granulation in an A/O/A sequencing
      batch reactor.
AB  - The evolution of the bacterial population during formation of denitrifying
      phosphorus removal granular sludge was investigated using high-throughput
      pyrosequencing. As a result, mature granules with a compact structure were
      obtained in an anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic (A/O/A) sequencing batch reactor under an
      organic loading rate as low as 0.3kg COD/(m(3).d). Rod-shaped microbes were
      observed to cover with the outer surface of granules. Besides, reliable COD and
      simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies were achieved over the
      whole operation period. MiSeq pyrosequencing analysis illustrated that both the
      microbial diversity and richness increased sharply during the granulation
      process, whereas they stayed stable after the presence of granules. Some
      microorganisms seemed to contribute to the formation of granules, and some were
      identified as functional bacterial groups responsible for constructing the
      biological reactor. 

PMID- 27115746
TI  - Organosolv liquefaction of sugarcane bagasse catalyzed by acidic ionic liquids.
AB  - An efficient and eco-friendly process is proposed for sugarcane bagasse
      liquefaction under mild condition using IL catalyst and environmental friendly
      solvent of ethanol/H2O. The relationship between IL acidic strength and its
      catalytic performance is investigated. The effects of reaction condition
      parameters such as catalyst dosage, temperature, time and solvent are also
      intensively studied. The results show that ethanol/H2O has a significant
      promotion effect on the simultaneous liquefaction of sugarcane bagasse
      carbohydrate and lignin. 97.5% of the bagasse can be liquefied with 66.46% of
      volatile product yield at 200 degrees C for 30min. Furthermore, the IL catalyst
      shows good recyclability where no significant loss of the catalytic activity is
      exhibited even after five runs. 

PMID- 27115747
TI  - Response of a three dimensional bioelectrochemical denitrification system to the
      long-term presence of graphene oxide.
AB  - In this study, a three dimensional bioelectrochemical denitrification system (3D
      BEDS) was operated under long-term graphene oxide (GO) condition to treat high
      nitrate polluted water. When GO concentration increased from 0 to 100mgL(-1),
      nitrate removal efficiency slightly decreased from 99.52% to 94.81%. However,
      when GO concentration was further increased to 150mgL(-1), the denitrification
      efficiency dramatically decreased to 74.95%. Increasing GO concentration in this
      BEDS resulted in decreased community richness, and the abundances of the dominant
      bacterial communities presented obvious shift. The abundances of denitrifying
      genes napA, nirS, and nirK showed no obvious changes with GO concentration lower
      than 50mgL(-1). However, the abundances of the three genes decreased when GO
      concentration was further increased to higher than 100mgL(-1). The increased
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production
      demonstrated that long-term presence of GO caused chronic impacts onto
      microorganisms in this BEDS. 

PMID- 27115748
TI  - Cellulosic bioethanol production from Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus
      L.) using hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid (HPAC) pretreatment.
AB  - Jerusalem artichoke (JA) is recognized as a suitable candidate biomass crop for
      bioethanol production because it has a rapid growth rate and high biomass
      productivity. In this study, hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid (HPAC) pretreatment
      was used to enhance the enzymatic hydrolysis and to effectively remove the lignin
      of JA. With optimized enzyme doses, synergy was observed from the combination of
      three different enzymes (RUT-C30, pectinase, and xylanase) which provided a
      conversion rate was approximately 30% higher than the rate with from treatment
      with RUT-C30 alone. Fermentation of the JA hydrolyzates by Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae produced a fermentation yield of approximately 84%. Therefore,
      Jerusalem artichoke has potential as a bioenergy crop for bioethanol production. 

PMID- 27115749
TI  - Self-Reported Periodontitis and Incident Type 2 Diabetes among Male Workers from
      a 5-Year Follow-Up to MY Health Up Study.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of this study was to examine whether periodontitis is
      associated with incident type 2 diabetes in a Japanese male worker cohort.
      METHODS: The study participants were Japanese men, aged 36-55 years, without
      diabetes. Data were extracted from the MY Health Up study, consisting of self
      administered questionnaire surveys at baseline and following annual health
      examinations for an insurance company in Japan. The oral health status of the
      participants was classified by two self-reported indicators: (1) gingival
      hemorrhage and (2) tooth loosening. Type 2 diabetes incidence was determined by
      self-reporting or blood test data. Modified Poisson regression approach was used
      to estimate the relative risks and the 95% confidence intervals of incident
      diabetes with periodontitis. Covariates included age, body mass index, family
      history of diabetes, hypertension, current smoking habits, alcohol use,
      dyslipidemia, and exercise habits. RESULTS: Of the 2895 candidates identified at
      baseline in 2004, 2469 men were eligible for follow-up analysis, 133 of whom were
      diagnosed with diabetes during the 5-year follow-up period. Tooth loosening was
      associated with incident diabetes [adjusted relative risk = 1.73, 95% confidence
      interval = 1.14-2.64] after adjusting for other confounding factors. Gingival
      hemorrhage displayed a similar trend but was not significantly associated with
      incident diabetes [adjusted relative risk = 1.32, 95% confidence interval = 0.95
      1.85]. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth loosening is an independent predictor of incident type
      2 diabetes in Japanese men.

PMID- 27115750
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA supplementation as an enhancer of female reproductive capacity.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There has been increasing interest in developing assisted
      reproductive technologies to overcome failure at fertilization and early
      embryonic arrest. Some of the affected patients harbor too few copies of
      mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in their eggs at the time of fertilization, which
      results in developmental failure. RECENT FINDINGS: In the last 3-5 years, there
      has been a drive to overcome mtDNA deficiency through mitochondrial
      supplementation protocols using autologous populations of mitochondrial DNA so as
      not to perturb the offspring's genetic identity or mediate a series of side
      effects because of the mixing of two distinct populations of mitochondrial DNA.
      It is evident that there is strict regulation of mitochondrial DNA copy number
      from the primordial germ cell through to the time when tissues are specified
      during organogenesis. Supplementation of oocytes can give rise to better quality
      embryos, enhanced blastocyst rates, and ongoing pregnancies. It utilizes a key
      mitochondrial DNA replication event that takes place shortly after fertilization
      to stabilize the embryonic genome. SUMMARY: These findings provide a rationale
      for undertaking mitochondrial supplementation and propose a mechanism to explain
      why the process can enhance embryo development. They also take the approach a
      step closer to clinical practice.

PMID- 27115752
TI  - Improve the Efficiency of Surgery for Femoral Shaft Fractures with A Novel
      Instrument: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To improve the efficacy of closed reduction and wire guiding during
      intramedullary nail internal fixation in femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: A
      novel instrument was designed and manufactured. Sixty-eight patients were
      enrolled from February 2011 to December 2013. The instrument designed was used
      during the operation in the experimental group, but not in the control group.
      RESULTS: All patients exhibited fracture union, excluding 1 patient in the
      experimental group and 2 in the control group who had non-union; all of whom
      achieved fracture union with reoperation. There were no statistically significant
      differences in operative blood loss or duration of hospital stay between the
      groups (P > 0.05). The operative time, frequency of wire drilling, and number of
      open reduction cases, were significantly smaller in the experimental group than
      in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Femoral shaft fractures are
      difficult to reduce using general methods; the novel instrument showed high
      clinical value and proved effective and safe in assisting with closed reduction
      and intramedullary nail fixation for femoral shaft fractures. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ChiCTR ChiCTR-ICR-15007335.

PMID- 27115753
TI  - Erratum to: Genetic and Environmental Contributions to the Relationships Between
      Brain Structure and Average Lifetime Cigarette Use.

PMID- 27115754
TI  - Erratum to: rtfA, a putative RNA-Pol II transcription elongation factor gene, is
      necessary for normal morphological and chemical development in Aspergillus
      flavus.

PMID- 27115755
TI  - Expression and bioactivity of recombinant human serum albumin and dTMP fusion
      proteins in CHO cells.
AB  - The 14-amino acid (IEGPTLRQWLAARA) thrombopoietin mimetic peptide (TMP) shares no
      sequence homology with native thrombopoietin (TPO). When dimerized, it displays a
      high-binding affinity for the TPO receptor and has equipotent bioactivity with
      recombinant human TPO (rhTPO) in stimulating proliferation and maturation of
      megakaryocytes in vitro. However, TMP is limited for clinical usage because of
      its short half-life in vivo. In this study, fusion proteins that composed of
      tandem dimer of TMP (dTMP) genetically fused at the C- or N-terminus of human
      serum albumin (HSA) were separately expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)
      cells. In vitro bioactivity assays showed that purified fusion proteins promoted
      the proliferation of megakaryocytes in a dose-dependent manner and activated
      signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway in TPO receptor
      dependent manner. Following subcutaneous administration, both HSA-dTMP and dTMP
      HSA significantly elevated peripheral platelet counts in normal mice in a dose
      dependent manner. In addition, fusion with HSA successfully prolonged dTMP half
      life in mice. However, when HSA was fused at the C-terminus of dTMP, the
      bioactivity of dTMP-HSA was about half of that of HSA-dTMP. In conclusion, these
      results suggested that HSA/dTMP fusion proteins might be potential drugs for
      thrombocytopenia and, when HSA was fused at the N-terminus of dTMP, the fusion
      protein had a higher activity. 

PMID- 27115756
TI  - Burkholderia: an update on taxonomy and biotechnological potential as antibiotic
      producers.
AB  - Burkholderia is an incredibly diverse and versatile Gram-negative genus, within
      which over 80 species have been formally named and multiple other genotypic
      groups likely represent new species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA
      gene sequence and core genome ribosomal multilocus sequence typing analysis
      indicates the presence of at least three major clades within the genus.
      Biotechnologically, Burkholderia are well-known for their bioremediation and
      biopesticidal properties. Within this review, we explore the ability of
      Burkholderia to synthesise a wide range of antimicrobial compounds ranging from
      historically characterised antifungals to recently described antibacterial
      antibiotics with activity against multiresistant clinical pathogens. The
      production of multiple Burkholderia antibiotics is controlled by quorum sensing
      and examples of quorum sensing pathways found across the genus are discussed. The
      capacity for antibiotic biosynthesis and secondary metabolism encoded within
      Burkholderia genomes is also evaluated. Overall, Burkholderia demonstrate
      significant biotechnological potential as a source of novel antibiotics and
      bioactive secondary metabolites. 

PMID- 27115757
TI  - Applying theories of microbial metabolism for induction of targeted enzyme
      activity in a methanogenic microbial community at a metabolic steady state.
AB  - Novel enzymes that are stable in diverse conditions are intensively sought
      because they offer major potential advantages in industrial biotechnology, and
      microorganisms in extreme environments are key sources of such enzymes. However,
      most potentially valuable enzymes are currently inaccessible due to the pure
      culturing problem of microorganisms. Novel metagenomic and metaproteomic
      techniques that circumvent the need for pure cultures have theoretically provided
      possibilities to identify all genes and all proteins in microbial communities,
      but these techniques have not been widely used to directly identify specific
      enzymes because they generate vast amounts of extraneous data.In a first step
      towards developing a metaproteomic approach to pinpoint targeted extracellular
      hydrolytic enzymes of choice in microbial communities, we have generated and
      analyzed the necessary conditions for such an approach by the use of a
      methanogenic microbial community maintained on a chemically defined medium. The
      results show that a metabolic steady state of the microbial community could be
      reached, at which the expression of the targeted hydrolytic enzymes were
      suppressed, and that upon enzyme induction a distinct increase in the targeted
      enzyme expression was obtained. Furthermore, no cross talk in expression was
      detected between the two focal types of enzyme activities under their respective
      inductive conditions. Thus, the described approach should be useful to generate
      ideal samples, collected before and after selective induction, in controlled
      microbial communities to clearly discriminate between constituently expressed
      proteins and extracellular hydrolytic enzymes that are specifically induced,
      thereby reducing the analysis to only those proteins that are distinctively up
      regulated. 

PMID- 27115758
TI  - Harnessing the potential of ligninolytic enzymes for lignocellulosic biomass
      pretreatment.
AB  - Abundant lignocellulosic biomass from various industries provides a great
      potential feedstock for the production of value-added products such as biofuel,
      animal feed, and paper pulping. However, low yield of sugar obtained from
      lignocellulosic hydrolysate is usually due to the presence of lignin that acts as
      a protective barrier for cellulose and thus restricts the accessibility of the
      enzyme to work on the cellulosic component. This review focuses on the
      significance of biological pretreatment specifically using ligninolytic enzymes
      as an alternative method apart from the conventional physical and chemical
      pretreatment. Different modes of biological pretreatment are discussed in this
      paper which is based on (i) fungal pretreatment where fungi mycelia colonise and
      directly attack the substrate by releasing ligninolytic enzymes and (ii)
      enzymatic pretreatment using ligninolytic enzymes to counter the drawbacks of
      fungal pretreatment. This review also discusses the important factors of
      biological pretreatment using ligninolytic enzymes such as nature of the
      lignocellulosic biomass, pH, temperature, presence of mediator, oxygen, and
      surfactant during the biodelignification process. 

PMID- 27115759
TI  - Analysis of Clinicians' Perceptual Cough Evaluation.
AB  - This study examined the relationships between subjective descriptors and
      objective airflow measures of cough. We hypothesized that coughs with specific
      airflow characteristics would share common subjective perceptual descriptions.
      Thirty clinicians (speech-language pathologists, otolaryngologists, and
      neurologists) perceptually evaluated ten cough audio samples with specific
      airflow characteristics determined by peak expiratory flow rate, cough expired
      volume, cough duration, and number of coughs in the cough epoch. Participants
      rated coughs by strength, duration, quality, quantity, and overall potential
      effectiveness for airway protection. Perception of cough strength and
      effectiveness was determined by the combination of presence of pre-expulsive
      compression phase, short peak expiratory airflow rate rise time, high peak
      expiratory flow rates, and high cough volume acceleration. Perception of cough
      abnormality was defined predominantly by descriptors of breathiness and strain.
      Breathiness was characteristic for coughs with either absent compression phases
      and relatively high expiratory airflow rates or coughs with significantly low
      expired volumes and reduced peak flow rates. In contrast, excessive strain was
      associated with prolonged compression phases and low expiratory airflow rates or
      the absence of compression phase with high peak expiratory rates. The study
      participants reached greatest agreement in distinguishing between single and
      multiple coughs. Their assessment of cough strength and effectiveness was less
      consistent. Finally, the least agreement was shown in determining the quality
      categories. Modifications of cough airflow can influence perceptual cough
      evaluation outcomes. However, the inconsistency of cough ratings among our
      participants suggests that a uniform cough rating system is required.

PMID- 27115760
TI  - Number of Gastrointestinal Symptoms is a Useful Means of Identifying Patients
      with Cancer for Dysphagia.
AB  - Dysphagia is a symptom suggestive of severe underlying pathology, although its
      causes include organic and non-organic disorders. The epidemiology of dysphagia
      is, however, poorly understood. We evaluated the prevalence of dysphagia in
      outpatients in Japan, measured the proportion ultimately found to have an organic
      cause, and recorded the nature of their symptoms and the underlying disorder. Of
      5362 consecutive outpatients attending the Digestive Center at our hospital
      between June 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012, 186 patients (3.5 %) had dysphagia
      with a frequency score of >=5 out of 6. The most common diagnosis was cancer (34
      patients, 18.3 %), followed by gastroesophageal reflux disease (24 patients, 12.9
      %). An esophageal motility disorder was diagnosed in 21 patients (11.3 %); the
      causes in the remaining 107 patients (57.5 %) were miscellaneous. Multivariable
      analysis identified the following predictors of cancer: age >= 54 years, weight
      loss, being a drinker of alcohol, and <=2 gastrointestinal symptoms. Our findings
      can be used to inform the prioritization of referrals from primary care for
      investigation and treatment for patients with cancer for dysphagia.

PMID- 27115761
TI  - An improved strategy to detect the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in
      circulating tumor cells in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: We adopted a new strategy to explore the relationship between the EMT
      process of CTCs and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Furthermore, we intend to
      illustrate the potential diagnostic value of CTCs of distinct phenotypes in HCC.
      METHODS: The clinical data of 33 HCC patients and 10 healthy volunteers were
      collected retrospectively. By using the optimized CanPatrol CTC enrichment
      technique, patient blood samples of about 5 ml were collected, and CTCs were
      identified and characterized. The first step of this detection process was to
      isolate CTCs via a filter-based method; then, an RNA in situ hybridization (RNA
      ISH) technique based on the branched DNA signal amplification technology was used
      to classify the CTCs according to EMT markers. The relationships between HCC CTCs
      and clinical characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: The number of epithelial
      CTCs was related to tumor size (r = 0.456, p = 0.008), epithelial-mesenchymal
      mixed CTCs were related to tumor number (r = 0.421, p = 0.015), and mesenchymal
      CTC was associated with metastasis (r = 0.375, p = 0.032). There was no
      significant correlation between CTC number and other clinicopathological factors,
      such as age, serum AFP level or cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS: Epithelial-mesenchymal
      mixed CTCs seem to play an important role in EMT transition in HCC, mixed CTCs
      might be a vital factor for intrahepatic metastasis, and mesenchymal CTCs had the
      potential to be a predictor of extrahepatic metastasis.

PMID- 27115763
TI  - UK Renal Registry 18th Annual Report: Chapter 8 Haemoglobin, Ferritin and
      Erythropoietin amongst UK Adult Dialysis Patients in 2014: National and Centre
      specific Analyses.
AB  - In the UK in 2014: The median haemoglobin (Hb) of patients at the time of
      starting dialysis was 100 g/L with 50% of patients having a Hb 5100 g/L. The
      median Hb in patients starting haemodialysis (HD) was 97 g/L (IQR 87-106) and in
      patients starting peritoneal dialysis (PD) was 108 g/L (IQR 100-117). At start of
      dialysis, 54% of patients presenting early had Hb 5100 g/L whilst only 33% of
      patients presenting late had Hb 5100 g/L. The median Hb of prevalent patients on
      HD was 111 g/L with an IQR of 103-120 g/L. The median Hb of prevalent patients on
      PD was 112 g/L with an IQR of 103-121 g/L. 81% of HD patients and 83% of PD
      patients had Hb 5100 g/L. 58% of HD patients and 56% of PD patients had Hb 5100
      and 4120 g/L. The median ferritin in HD patients was 432 mg/L (IQR 274-631) and
      95% of HD patients had a ferritin 5100 mg/L. The median ferritin in PD patients
      was 292 mg/L (IQR 168-479) with 88% of PD patients having a ferritin 5100 mg/L.
      In England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2014: The median erythropoietin
      stimulating agent (ESA) dose was higher for HD than PD patients (7,333 vs. 4,148
      IU/week).

PMID- 27115764
TI  - Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Children.
AB  - Sleep is important for children pertaining to their physical and mental growth.
      Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children has been shown to have
      different effects as compared to OSAS in adults, including deficits in cognition
      and neuropsychological functions, hyperactivity, ADHD, behavior problems,
      aggressive behavior, learning problems and nocturnal enuresis. Hypertrophy of the
      adenoids and tonsils is a major cause of OSAS in children; therefore,
      adenotonsillectomy may decrease the effects of OSAS pertaining to physical and
      mental growth. It is important to accurately diagnose and appropriately treat
      OSAS in children to prevent OSAS in their adulthood. 

PMID- 27115765
TI  - Surface Electromyography Reliably Records Electrophysiologically Evoked Internal
      Anal Sphincter Activity: A More Minimally Invasive Approach for Monitoring
      Extrinsic Innervation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Even in the case of minimally invasive pelvic surgery, sparing of the
      autonomic nerve supply is a prerequisite for maintaining anal sphincter function.
      Internal anal sphincter (IAS) innervation could be electrophysiologically
      identified based on processed electromyographic (EMG) recordings with
      conventional bipolar needle electrodes (NE). This experimental study aimed for
      the development of a minimally invasive approach via intra-anal surface EMG for
      recordings of evoked IAS activity. METHODS: Six male pigs underwent nerve-sparing
      low anterior rectal resection. Electric autonomic nerve stimulations were
      performed under online-processed EMG of the IAS. EMG recordings were
      simultaneously carried out with conventional bipolar NE as the reference method
      and newly developed intra-anal surface electrodes (SE) in different designs.
      RESULTS: In all experiments, the IAS activity could be continuously visualized
      via EMG recordings based on NE and SE. The median number of bipolar electric
      stimulations per animal was 27 (range 5-52). The neurostimulations resulted in
      significant EMG amplitude increases for both recording types [NE: median 3.0 uV
      (interquartile range, IQR 2.8-3.5) before stimulation vs. 7.1 uV (IQR 3.9-13.8)
      during stimulation, p < 0.001; SE: median 3.6 uV (IQR 3.1-4.3) before stimulation
      vs. 6.8 uV (IQR 4.8-10.3) during stimulation, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-anal
      SE enabled reliable EMG of electrophysiologically evoked IAS activity similar to
      the conventional recording via NE. The transfer of the method to access platforms
      for transanal total mesorectal excision or robotics may offer a practical more
      minimally invasive approach for monitoring extrinsic innervation.

PMID- 27115766
TI  - The surgical anatomy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the inguinal
      region: a meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Several variations in the anatomy and injury of the lateral femoral
      cutaneous nerve (LFCN) have been studied since 1885. The aim of our study was to
      analyze the available data on the LFCN and find a true prevalence to help in the
      planning and execution of surgical procedures in the area of the pelvis, namely
      inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: A search of the major medical databases was
      performed for LFCN anatomy. The anatomical data were collected and analyzed.
      RESULTS: Twenty-four studies (n = 1,720) were included. The most common pattern
      of the LFCN exiting the pelvis was medial to the Sartorius as a single branch.
      When it exited in this pattern, it did so on average 1.90 cm medial to the
      anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). CONCLUSIONS: The LFCN and its variations
      are important to consider especially during inguinal hernia repair,
      abdominoplasty, and iliac bone grafting. We suggest maintaining a distance of 3
      cm or more from the ASIS when operating to prevent injury to the LFCN.

PMID- 27115767
TI  - Whole-exome sequencing identifies a potential TTN mutation in a multiplex family
      with inguinal hernia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most common procedures in general
      surgery. Males are seven times more likely than females to develop a hernia and
      have a 27 % lifetime 'risk' of inguinal hernia repair. Several studies have
      demonstrated that a positive family history is an important risk factor for the
      development of primary inguinal hernia, which indicates that genetic factors may
      play important roles in the etiology of the disease. So far, the contribution of
      genetic factors and underlying mechanisms for inguinal hernia remain largely
      unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate a multiplex Estonian family
      with inguinal hernia across four generations. METHODS: The whole-exome sequencing
      was carried out in three affected family members and subsequent mutation
      screening using Sanger sequencing was performed in ten family members (six
      affected and four unaffected). RESULTS: Whole-exome sequencing in three affected
      family members revealed a heterozygous missense mutation c.88880A>C
      (p.Lys29627Thr; RefSeq NM_001256850.1) in the highly conserved myosin-binding A
      band of the TTN gene. Sanger sequencing demonstrated that this mutation
      cosegregated with the disease in this family and was not present in ethnically
      matched control subjects. CONCLUSION: We report that missense variant in the A
      band of TTN is the strongest candidate mutation for autosomal-dominant inguinal
      hernia with incomplete penetrance.

PMID- 27115768
TI  - Tissue thyroid hormones and thyronamines.
AB  - It has been known for a long time that changes in cardiac function are a major
      component of the clinical presentation of thyroid disease. Increased heart rate
      and hyperdynamic circulation are hallmarks of hyperthyroidism, while bradycardia
      and decreased contractility characterize hypothyroidism. Recent findings have
      provided novel insights in the physiology and pathophysiology of heart regulation
      by thyroid hormones. In this review, we summarize the present knowledge on
      thyroxine (T4) transport and metabolism and on the biochemical pathways leading
      to genomic and non-genomic effects produced by 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) and
      by its active metabolites, particularly 3,5-diiodothyronine (T2) and 3
      iodothyronamine (T1AM). On this basis, specific issues of special interest for
      cardiology are discussed, namely (1) relevance of the regulation of proteins
      involved in the control of calcium homeostasis and in pacemaker cell activity,
      due to non-genomic as well as to classical genomic effects; (2) stimulation of
      fatty acid oxidation by T2 and T1AM, the latter also causing a negative inotropic
      and chronotropic action at micromolar concentrations; (3) induction of D3
      deiodinase in heart failure, potentially causing selective cardiac
      hypothyroidism, whose clinical implications are still controversial; and (4)
      cardioprotective effect of T1AM, possibly occurring at physiological
      concentrations, and relevance of T3 and of thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 in
      post-infarction repair.

PMID- 27115769
TI  - Gene expression, methylation and neuropathology correlations at progressive
      supranuclear palsy risk loci.
AB  - To determine the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in
      a genome-wide association study of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), we
      tested their association with brain gene expression, CpG methylation and
      neuropathology. In 175 autopsied PSP subjects, we performed associations between
      seven PSP risk variants and temporal cortex levels of 20 genes in-cis, within +/
      100 kb. Methylation measures were collected using reduced representation
      bisulfite sequencing in 43 PSP brains. To determine whether SNP/expression
      associations are due to epigenetic modifications, CpG methylation levels of
      associated genes were tested against relevant variants. Quantitative
      neuropathology endophenotypes were tested for SNP associations in 422 PSP
      subjects. Brain levels of LRRC37A4 and ARL17B were associated with rs8070723;
      MOBP with rs1768208 and both ARL17A and ARL17B with rs242557. Expression
      associations for LRRC37A4 and MOBP were available in an additional 100 PSP
      subjects. Meta-analysis revealed highly significant associations for PSP risk
      alleles of rs8070723 and rs1768208 with higher LRRC37A4 and MOBP brain levels,
      respectively. Methylation levels of one CpG in the 3' region of ARL17B associated
      with rs242557 and rs8070723. Additionally, methylation levels of an intronic
      ARL17A CpG associated with rs242557 and that of an intronic MOBP CpG with
      rs1768208. MAPT and MOBP region risk alleles also associated with higher levels
      of neuropathology. Strongest associations were observed for rs242557/coiled
      bodies and tufted astrocytes; and for rs1768208/coiled bodies and tau threads.
      These findings suggest that PSP variants at MAPT and MOBP loci may confer PSP
      risk via influencing gene expression and tau neuropathology. MOBP, LRRC37A4,
      ARL17A and ARL17B warrant further assessment as candidate PSP risk genes. Our
      findings have implications for the mechanism of action of variants at some of the
      top PSP risk loci.

PMID- 27115770
TI  - The Role of Resilience in the Clinical Management of Chronic Pain.
AB  - Chronic pain affects more individuals than does cancer, heart disease, and
      diabetes combined. Yet, our treatment options remain remarkably limited. Often,
      highly effective psychotherapeutic approaches are limited by many barriers such
      as access, reimbursement, and acceptability; however, resilience-based positive
      activity interventions could offer a promising alternative. These interventions
      are engaging, non-stigmatizing, and do not require a mental health professional
      for their provision. This article reviews the new, but limited, research
      exploring the use of positive activity interventions for the treatment of
      patients with chronic pain. The related psychological and biological mechanisms
      are addressed, as are suggestions for more systematically evaluating the
      potential for positive activity interventions to become an adjunct to or stand
      alone intervention strategy for patients with chronic pain. 

PMID- 27115771
TI  - Gender Differences in Homicide of Neonates, Infants, and Children under 5 y in
      South Africa: Results from the Cross-Sectional 2009 National Child Homicide
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Homicide of children is a global problem. The under-5-y age group is
      the second largest homicide age group after 15-19 y olds, but has received little
      research attention. Understanding age and gender patterns is important for
      assisting with developing prevention interventions. Here we present an age and
      gender analysis of homicides among children under 5 y in South Africa from a
      national study that included a focus on neonaticide and infanticide. METHODS AND
      FINDINGS: A retrospective national cross-sectional study was conducted using a
      random sample of 38 medico-legal laboratories operating in 2009 to identify
      homicides of children under 5 y. Child data were abstracted from the mortuary
      files and autopsy reports, and both child and perpetrator data data were
      collected from police interviews. We erred towards applying a conservative
      definition of homicide and excluded sudden infant death syndrome cases. We
      estimated that 454 (95% CI 366, 541) children under the age of 5 y were killed in
      South Africa in 2009. More than half (53.2%; 95% CI 46.7%, 59.5%) were neonates
      (0-28 d), and 74.4% (95% CI 69.3%, 78.9%) were infants (under 1 y), giving a
      neonaticide rate of 19.6 per 100,000 live births and an infanticide rate of 28.4
      per 100,000 live births. The majority of the neonates died in the early neonatal
      period (0-6 d), and abandonment accounted for 84.9% (95% CI 81.5%, 87.8%) of all
      the neonates killed. Distinct age and gender patterns were found, with
      significantly fewer boy children killed in rural settings compared to urban
      settings (odds ratio 0.6; 95% CI 0.4, 0.9; p = 0.015). Abuse-related killings and
      evidence of sexual assault were more common among older girls than in all other
      age and gender groups. Mothers were identified as the perpetrators in all of the
      neonaticides and were the most common perpetrators overall (71.0%; 95% CI 63.9%,
      77.2%). Abandoned neonates were mainly term babies, with a mean gestational age
      of 38 wk. We did not have information on abandonment motives for all newborns and
      did not know if babies were abandoned with the intention that they would die or
      with the hope that they would be found alive. We therefore considered all
      abandoned babies as homicides. CONCLUSIONS: Homicide of children is an extreme
      form or consequence of violence against children. This national study provides
      one of the first analyses of neonaticide and infanticide by age and gender and
      shows the failure of reproductive and mental health and social services to
      identify and help vulnerable mothers. Multi-sectoral prevention strategies are
      needed.

PMID- 27115772
TI  - The Comparative Double-Blind Clinical Study in Antihelmintic Efficacy Between
      Thai Traditional Herbal Formulae and Mebendazole.
AB  - This study was carried out in Mahasarakham Primary Healthcare Centre,
      Mahasarakham province in the area of Northeastern of Thailand. The experiment was
      randomized controlled trial in the clinical study to examine the efficacy of Thai
      Traditional Herbal Formula (TTHF) in the treatment of antihelmintic activity of
      mixed worm infections in human. The 2 experimental groups consisted of 10
      patients, and 5 patients for control group with inclusion and exclusion criteria,
      who were screened by the selection of mixed worm infection symptom samples. The
      investigation and extraction of worm eggs per gram (EPG) of patient feces method
      were performed with Ether-Formalin Sedimentation test. The percentage of
      reduction of EPG of patient feces were collected, counted, and confirmed by
      parasitologist, and the clinical efficacy was investigated by the physician and
      the pharmacist. The percent EPG data were collected before and after the
      treatment with TTHF and with mebendazole. The result showed that TTHF had higher
      efficacy in antihelmintic activity than mebendazole and placebo, which had the
      percent reduction of EPG of feces as 93.69 in TTHF and percent reduction of EPG
      of feces as 87.50 in mebendazole. The suggestion of this study should increase
      the number of samples of worm-infected patients, which the samples can be
      identified with the specific helminths genus and species to obtain the efficacy
      by the treatment using TTHF and mebendazole comparatively. 

PMID- 27115773
TI  - Efficient Flame Retardant Thin Films Synthesized by Atmospheric Pressure PECVD
      through the High Co-deposition Rate of Hexamethyldisiloxane and Triethylphosphate
      on Polycarbonate and Polyamide-6 Substrates.
AB  - An innovative approach to produce high-performance and halogen-free flame
      retardant thin films at atmospheric pressure is reported. PDMS-based coatings
      with embedded dopant-rich polyphosphates are elaborated thanks to a
      straightforward approach, using an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier
      discharge (AP-DBD). Deposition conditions have been tailored to elaborate various
      thin films that can match the fire performance requirements. Morphology, chemical
      composition, and structure are investigated, and results show that the coatings
      performances are increased by taking advantage of the synergistic effect of P and
      Si flame retardant compounds. More specifically, this study relates the
      possibility to obtain flame retardant properties on PolyCarbonate and PolyAmide-6
      thanks to their covering by a 5 MUm thick coating, i.e. very thin films for this
      field of application, yet quite substantial for plasma processes. Hence, this
      approach enables deposition of flame retardant coatings onto different polymer
      substrates, providing a versatile fireproofing solution for different natures of
      polymer substrates. The presence of an expanded charred layer at the surface acts
      as a protective barrier limiting heat and mass transfer. This latter retains and
      consumes a part of the PC or PA-6 degradation byproducts and then minimizes the
      released flammable gases. It may also insulate the substrate from the flame and
      limit mass transfers of remaining volatile gases. Moreover, reactions in the
      condensed phase have also been highlighted despite the relatively thin thickness
      of the deposited layers. As a result of these phenomena, excellent performances
      are obtained, illustrated by a decrease of the peak of the heat release rate
      (pHRR) and an increase of the time to ignition (TTI).

PMID- 27115774
TI  - The local structure factor near an interface; beyond extended capillary-wave
      models.
AB  - We investigate the local structure factor S (z;q) at a free liquid-gas interface
      in systems with short-ranged intermolecular forces and determine the corrections
      to the leading-order, capillary-wave-like, Goldstone mode divergence of S (z;q)
      known to occur for parallel (i.e. measured along the interface) wavevectors
      [Formula: see text]. We show from explicit solution of the inhomogeneous Ornstein
      Zernike equation that for distances z far from the interface, where the profile
      decays exponentially, S (z;q) splits unambiguously into bulk and interfacial
      contributions. On each side of the interface, the interfacial contributions can
      be characterised by distinct liquid and gas wavevector dependent surface
      tensions, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], which are determined
      solely by the bulk two-body and three-body direct correlation functions. At high
      temperatures, the wavevector dependence simplifies and is determined almost
      entirely by the appropriate bulk structure factor, leading to positive rigidity
      coefficients. Our predictions are confirmed by explicit calculation of S (z;q)
      within square-gradient theory and the Sullivan model. The results for the latter
      predict a striking temperature dependence for [Formula: see text] and [Formula:
      see text], and have implications for fluctuation effects. Our results account
      quantitatively for the findings of a recent very extensive simulation study by
      Hofling and Dietrich of the total structure factor in the interfacial region, in
      a system with a cut-off Lennard-Jones potential, in sharp contrast to extended
      capillary-wave models which failed completely to describe the simulation results.

PMID- 27115776
TI  - Information Functional Theory: Electronic Properties as Functionals of
      Information for Atoms and Molecules.
AB  - How to accurately predict electronic properties of a Columbic system with the
      electron density obtained from experiments such as X-ray crystallography is still
      an unresolved problem. The information-theoretic approach recently developed in
      the framework of density functional reactivity theory is one of the efforts to
      address the issue. In this work, using 27 atoms and 41 molecules as illustrative
      examples, we present a study to demonstrate that one is able to satisfactorily
      describe such electronic properties as the total energy and its components with
      information-theoretic quantities like Shannon entropy, Fisher information, Ghosh
      Berkowitz-Parr entropy, and Onicescu information energy. Closely related to the
      earlier attempt of expanding density functionals using simple homogeneous
      functionals, this work not only confirms Nagy's proof that Shannon entropy alone
      should contain all the information needed to adequately describe an electronic
      system but also provides a feasible pathway to map the relationship between the
      experimentally available electron density and various electronic properties for
      Columbic systems such as atoms and molecules. Extensions to other electronic
      properties are straightforward. 

PMID- 27115777
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - The objective of this study was to overview high-qualitative systematic reviews
      to synthesize the evidence for associations between sedentary behavior and health
      outcomes in adults. There is evidence for a cross-sectional association between
      accelerometer measured sedentary time and poorer insulin sensitivity, and an
      association between sedentary breaks and BMI/waist circumference and
      triglycerides. Based on intervention studies (only randomized cross-over), there
      is evidence for an association between prolonged sitting and some markers for
      poorer cardiovascular health, but it is unclear whether this may be generalized
      to adults in general. There is also evidence to support an association between
      self-reported sedentary behavior (e.g., screen-time and total sitting time) and
      cardiovascular disease incidence and death, cancer incidence and death, and all
      cause mortality. The inconsistent use of sedentary measures suggests, however,
      that caution is required when interpreting the results. 

PMID- 27115778
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Two studies have examined safety regarding drug treatment of pediatric inpatients
      (including both children in pediatric clinics and in adult clinics) within the
      Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg. 20% of pediatric inpatients are
      treated outside of pediatric clinics. The highest risks are seen during
      prescription followed by administration and preparation of drugs (greatest risk:
      wrong dose). The staff perceives risks related to drug prescription, the IT
      system for medication management and the work environment. Improved support
      systems for drug prescription and administration, coordination of procedures and
      development of IT systems adapted to the specific needs associated with drug
      treatment of children as well as improved working environment is needed. 

PMID- 27115780
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27115779
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - In 2003 the Council of Europe published a resolution on food and nutritional care
      in hospitals. The resolution suggests screening of nutritional status for all
      patients and a care plan should be established for malnourished patients or
      patients at risk of malnutrition. In 2004 a survey amongst Swedish physicians,
      nurses and dieticians focusing on education, knowledge in clinical nutrition,
      division of responsibilities and guidelines was made. The results showed that
      Swedish hospitals did not meet the standards set by the Council. This study is a
      ten year follow-up of the original study from 2004. Data from 2014 show only
      minor improvements. Screening of nutritional status was still performed in less
      than fifty percent of all hospitalisations. The level of knowledge is still seen
      as a barrier against optimal treatment of malnutrition. Lack of guidelines was
      mentioned as another barrier, and a majority of physicians and nurses were not
      aware of the existing guidelines.

PMID- 27115781
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27115782
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27115783
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27115784
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27115785
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27115786
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27115787
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27115789
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27115788
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27115790
TI  - Brentuximab vedotin, an antibody-drug conjugate, in patients with CD30-positive
      haematologic malignancies and hepatic or renal impairment.
AB  - AIMS: Brentuximab vedotin, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), selectively delivers
      the microtubule-disrupting agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) into CD30
      expressing cells. The pharmacokinetics of brentuximab vedotin have been
      characterized in patients with CD30-positive haematologic malignancies. The
      primary objective of this phase 1 open label evaluation was to assess the
      pharmacokinetics of brentuximab vedotin in patients with hepatic or renal
      impairment. METHODS: Systemic exposures were evaluated following intravenous
      administration of 1.2 mg kg(-1) brentuximab vedotin in patients with CD30
      positive haematologic malignancies and hepatic (n = 7) or renal (n = 10)
      impairment and compared with those of unimpaired patients (n = 8) who received
      1.2 mg kg(-1) brentuximab vedotin in another arm of the study. RESULTS: For any
      hepatic impairment, the ratios of geometric means (90% confidence interval) for
      AUC(0,infinity) were 0.67 (0.48, 0.93) for ADC and 2.29 (1.27, 4.12) for MMAE.
      Mild or moderate renal impairment caused no apparent change in ADC or MMAE
      exposures. Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml min(-1) ; n = 3)
      decreased ADC exposures (0.71 [0.54, 0.94]) and increased MMAE exposures (1.90
      [0.85, 4.21]). No consistent pattern of specific adverse events was evident, but
      analysis of the safety data was confounded by the patients' poor baseline
      conditions. Five patients died due to adverse events considered unrelated to
      brentuximab vedotin. All had substantial comorbidities and most had poor baseline
      performance status. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic impairment and severe renal impairment
      may cause decreases in brentuximab vedotin ADC exposures and increases in MMAE
      exposures.

PMID- 27115791
TI  - Abnormal Origin of one Pulmonary Artery from the Ascending Aorta-Embryologic
      Considerations.
AB  - Anomalous origin of one of the pulmonary arteries from the aorta is unusual. The
      reported morbidity and mortality is mostly due to early onset vascular disease.
      Early surgical intervention has significantly improved outcomes. The diagnosis of
      this abnormality is challenging. The nomenclature used is inconsistent.
      Familiarity with this abnormality and consistent use of definitions and
      classifications is mandatory. An attempt is made to clarify misleading
      inconsistencies. An older ontogenetic theory is revisited. 

PMID- 27115792
TI  - Findings of the margin around lesions by magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band
      imaging in early gastric carcinoma and intestinal metaplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Many endoscopists have reported their own classifications of early
      gastric carcinoma (EGC) using magnifying narrow-band imaging (M-NBI). However,
      few reports on classifying the margin around lesions by M-NBI have been
      published. The aim of this study was to advocate the usefulness of the
      demarcation area classification for the diagnosis of EGC. METHODS: Altogether 197
      lesions that could be investigated by M-NBI were included in this study,
      consisting of 115 EGC and 82 intestinal metaplasias (IM). We hypothesized that
      the changes in white zone (fusion and erasure signs) and blood vessel (extend and
      draw sign) were the indications of EGC and we retrospectively investigated this
      hypothesis. RESULTS: For the investigation of the white zone in the demarcation
      area, both fusion (P < 0.0001) and erasure signs (P < 0.0001) were observed more
      often in EGC than in IM, with an accuracy of 80.7%. For the investigation of
      blood vessel in the demarcation area, both the extend (P < 0.001) and the draw
      sign (P < 0.0001) were observed more often in EGC than in IM, with an accuracy of
      59.9%. CONCLUSION: Estimations of the white zone and blood vessels in the
      demarcation area are useful for the diagnosis of EGC.

PMID- 27115793
TI  - Musculoskeletal Injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan: Epidemiology and Outcomes
      Following a Decade of War.
AB  - The combined wars in Afghanistan and Iraq represent the longest ongoing conflicts
      in American military history, with a combined casualty estimate of >59,000
      service members. The nature of combat over the last decade has led to precipitous
      increases in severe orthopaedic injuries, including traumatic amputations and
      injuries to the spine. Nearly 75% of all injuries sustained in combat now are
      caused by explosive mechanisms, and fractures comprise 40% of all musculoskeletal
      injuries. Injuries to the axial skeleton are more frequent among personnel
      exposed to combat, and spinal trauma is identified in nearly 40% of those killed.
      Musculoskeletal injuries are expensive and generate some of the highest rates of
      long-term disability. Noncombat musculoskeletal injuries are endemic within
      deployed military service members and occur at a greater than threefold rate
      compared with combat musculoskeletal injuries. Service members with
      musculoskeletal injuries or behavioral health conditions, such as posttraumatic
      stress disorder, depression, and psychosis, and those occupying a low
      socioeconomic status, have an increased risk of inferior outcomes. 

PMID- 27115794
TI  - Subtotal Scapulectomy With Scapulothoracic Fusion and Local Tendon Transfer for
      Management of Chondrosarcoma.
AB  - Scapulectomy can dramatically alter glenohumeral function and the ability of
      patients to conduct activities of daily living. In oncologic cases, treatment of
      the tumor can compromise local musculature, making successful reconstruction
      difficult to achieve. Depending on the resection level, local musculature may be
      inadequate to restore shoulder range of motion and/or glenohumeral stability.
      Surgeons have attempted to address these issues via soft-tissue repairs,
      allograft replacement, and prosthetic replacement, with variable success.
      Outcomes are better when a greater portion of the scapula is preserved, thus
      saving functional rotator cuff muscle bellies. However, preservation of
      significant rotator cuff musculature is not routinely possible. To our knowledge,
      no authors in the English-language orthopaedic literature have reported on local
      tendon transfers as a technique to augment and reconstruct the rotator cuff in a
      patient with previous scapulectomy. 

PMID- 27115795
TI  - Selective Role of Vinculin in Contractile Mechanisms of Endothelial Permeability.
AB  - Increased vascular endothelial cell (EC) permeability is a result of
      intercellular gap formation that may be induced by contraction-dependent and
      contraction-independent mechanisms. This study investigated a role of the adaptor
      protein vinculin in EC permeability induced by contractile (thrombin) and
      noncontractile (IL-6) agonists. Although thrombin and IL-6 caused a similar
      permeability increase in human pulmonary ECs and disrupted the association
      between vinculin and vascular endothelial-cadherin, they induced different
      patterns of focal adhesion (FA) arrangement. Thrombin, but not IL-6, caused
      formation of large, vinculin-positive FAs, phosphorylation of FA proteins, FA
      kinase and Crk-associated substrate, and increased vinculin-talin association.
      Thrombin-induced formation of talin-positive FA and intercellular gaps were
      suppressed in ECs with small interfering RNA-induced vinculin knockdown. Vinculin
      knockdown and inhibitors of Rho kinase and myosin-II motor activity also
      attenuated thrombin-induced EC permeability. Importantly, ectopic expression of
      the vinculin mutant lacking the F-actin-binding domain decreased thrombin-induced
      Rho pathway activation and EC permeability. In contrast, IL-6-induced EC
      permeability did not involve RhoA- or myosin-dependent mechanisms but engaged
      Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription-mediated
      phosphorylation and internalization of vascular endothelial-cadherin. This
      process was vinculin independent but Janus kinase/tyrosine kinase Src-dependent.
      These data suggest that vinculin participates in a contractile-dependent
      mechanism of permeability by integrating FA with stress fibers, leading to
      maximal RhoA activation and EC permeability response. Vinculin inhibition does
      not affect contractile-independent mechanisms of EC barrier failure. This study
      provides, for the first time, a comparative analysis of two alternative
      mechanisms of vascular endothelial barrier dysfunction and defines a specific
      role for vinculin in the contractile type of permeability response.

PMID- 27115796
TI  - Reforming international drug policy.

PMID- 27115797
TI  - Yellow fever: a global reckoning.

PMID- 27115798
TI  - The perfect storm: climate change and its health consequences.

PMID- 27115799
TI  - A fatter, healthier but more unequal world.

PMID- 27115800
TI  - Lean economies and innovation in mental health systems.

PMID- 27115801
TI  - Expression of concern--Tracheobronchial transplantation with a stem-cell-seeded
      bioartificial nanocomposite: a proof-of-concept study.

PMID- 27115803
TI  - US election: what are the candidate's health-care pledges?

PMID- 27115804
TI  - Libya's health crisis looks set to worsen.

PMID- 27115805
TI  - Stronger rules needed for medical device cybersecurity.

PMID- 27115806
TI  - Kazuo Ishiguro's uncanny science.

PMID- 27115808
TI  - My mother's tongue.

PMID- 27115809
TI  - John Kurtzke.

PMID- 27115810
TI  - PATHWAY-2: spironolactone for resistant hypertension.

PMID- 27115811
TI  - A call to reprioritise metrics to evaluate illicit drug policy.

PMID- 27115812
TI  - PATHWAY-2: spironolactone for resistant hypertension.

PMID- 27115813
TI  - PATHWAY-2: spironolactone for resistant hypertension.

PMID- 27115814
TI  - PATHWAY-2: spironolactone for resistant hypertension - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27115815
TI  - A step forward for data protection and biomedical research.

PMID- 27115816
TI  - Tobacco control in China: still a long way to go.

PMID- 27115818
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 27115817
TI  - Health equity for LGBTQ people through education.

PMID- 27115819
TI  - CNS infection safety signal of RTS,S/AS01 and possible association with rabies
      vaccine.

PMID- 27115820
TI  - Trends in adult body-mass index in 200 countries from 1975 to 2014: a pooled
      analysis of 1698 population-based measurement studies with 19.2 million
      participants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Underweight and severe and morbid obesity are associated with highly
      elevated risks of adverse health outcomes. We estimated trends in mean body-mass
      index (BMI), which characterises its population distribution, and in the
      prevalences of a complete set of BMI categories for adults in all countries.
      METHODS: We analysed, with use of a consistent protocol, population-based studies
      that had measured height and weight in adults aged 18 years and older. We applied
      a Bayesian hierarchical model to these data to estimate trends from 1975 to 2014
      in mean BMI and in the prevalences of BMI categories (<18.5 kg/m(2)
      [underweight], 18.5 kg/m(2) to <20 kg/m(2), 20 kg/m(2) to <25 kg/m(2), 25 kg/m(2)
      to <30 kg/m(2), 30 kg/m(2) to <35 kg/m(2), 35 kg/m(2) to <40 kg/m(2), >=40
      kg/m(2) [morbid obesity]), by sex in 200 countries and territories, organised in
      21 regions. We calculated the posterior probability of meeting the target of
      halting by 2025 the rise in obesity at its 2010 levels, if post-2000 trends
      continue. FINDINGS: We used 1698 population-based data sources, with more than
      19.2 million adult participants (9.9 million men and 9.3 million women) in 186 of
      200 countries for which estimates were made. Global age-standardised mean BMI
      increased from 21.7 kg/m(2) (95% credible interval 21.3-22.1) in 1975 to 24.2
      kg/m(2) (24.0-24.4) in 2014 in men, and from 22.1 kg/m(2) (21.7-22.5) in 1975 to
      24.4 kg/m(2) (24.2-24.6) in 2014 in women. Regional mean BMIs in 2014 for men
      ranged from 21.4 kg/m(2) in central Africa and south Asia to 29.2 kg/m(2) (28.6
      29.8) in Polynesia and Micronesia; for women the range was from 21.8 kg/m(2)
      (21.4-22.3) in south Asia to 32.2 kg/m(2) (31.5-32.8) in Polynesia and
      Micronesia. Over these four decades, age-standardised global prevalence of
      underweight decreased from 13.8% (10.5-17.4) to 8.8% (7.4-10.3) in men and from
      14.6% (11.6-17.9) to 9.7% (8.3-11.1) in women. South Asia had the highest
      prevalence of underweight in 2014, 23.4% (17.8-29.2) in men and 24.0% (18.9-29.3)
      in women. Age-standardised prevalence of obesity increased from 3.2% (2.4-4.1) in
      1975 to 10.8% (9.7-12.0) in 2014 in men, and from 6.4% (5.1-7.8) to 14.9% (13.6
      16.1) in women. 2.3% (2.0-2.7) of the world's men and 5.0% (4.4-5.6) of women
      were severely obese (ie, have BMI >=35 kg/m(2)). Globally, prevalence of morbid
      obesity was 0.64% (0.46-0.86) in men and 1.6% (1.3-1.9) in women. INTERPRETATION:
      If post-2000 trends continue, the probability of meeting the global obesity
      target is virtually zero. Rather, if these trends continue, by 2025, global
      obesity prevalence will reach 18% in men and surpass 21% in women; severe obesity
      will surpass 6% in men and 9% in women. Nonetheless, underweight remains
      prevalent in the world's poorest regions, especially in south Asia. FUNDING:
      Wellcome Trust, Grand Challenges Canada.

PMID- 27115821
TI  - Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with Zika virus infection.

PMID- 27115822
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 27115825
TI  - Cellular correlates of selfish spermatogonial selection.

PMID- 27115826
TI  - Asthma-specific health-related quality of life of people in Great Britain: A
      national survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the ultimate goal of asthma treatment is to improve asthma
      specific Health-Related Quality-Of-Life (HRQOL), in the UK population this is
      insufficiently studied. National asthma-specific HRQOL data is needed to inform
      strategies to address this condition. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To benchmark asthma
      specific HRQOL in a national survey of adults with asthma, and explore
      differences in this measure within subsections of the population. METHODS: We
      analysed answers to the Marks Asthma Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (AQLQ-M) from
      a representative sample of 658 adults with asthma. Respondents answered asthma
      specific questions to assess control, previous hospital admissions, asthma
      attacks and an indicator of severity. Higher scores indicate poorer HRQOL
      (maximum = 60). The highest quintile formed a subgroup 'Poor HRQOL'. Data were
      weighted to correct for any biases caused by differential non-response. Chi
      square analyses were used to determine differences between good and poor quality
      of life and regression analyses performed to determine what factors are
      associated with poor HRQOL. RESULTS: The response rate was 49%. AQLQ-M median
      (IQR) scores were 5 (2-13) for the total sample (poor HRQOL = 21, good HRQOL =
      3). Significant differences between good and poor HRQOL were observed in smoking
      status, SES, employment status and co-morbidities, but no differences were found
      between age groups. Those with poorly controlled asthma were significantly more
      likely to have poor HRQOL, >=1 breathing related hospital admission or >=1 asthma
      attack. CONCLUSIONS: This article provides benchmarking data on asthma-specific
      HRQOL. Improved strategies are needed to target interventions towards people
      experiencing poor HRQOL.

PMID- 27115827
TI  - Modified step-cut osteotomy for correction of post-traumatic cubitus varus
      deformity: a report of 19 cases.
AB  - We reviewed the outcomes of post-traumatic varus deformity treated with modified
      step-cut osteotomy in 19 patients (average age, 7.4 years; range, 4.3-16.8 years
      at time of surgery). The average follow-up period was 29.6 months. The mean range
      of motion was 15.0 degrees /124.7 degrees  (extension/flexion) before surgery and
      6.8 degrees /132.6 degrees  at final follow-up. The humerus-elbow-wrist angle was
      -21.1 degrees  before surgery and 4.2 degrees  at final follow-up, with a loss of
      4.4 degrees  from the value of the humerus-elbow-wrist angle after the surgery.
      Osteotomy was fixed with Kirschner wires, and, in five cases, chips of excised
      bone could be inserted to avoid elbow extension. However, in eight cases, usually
      concerning younger patients, the elbow was fixed in hyperextension higher than 5
      degrees . No patient developed postoperative infections or later complications.
      Only one patient had transient nerve palsy. The modified step-cut osteotomy can
      precisely and stably correct the varus deformity in the coronal plane, especially
      in patients under 10 years of age. To avoid radial nerve palsy, we recommend that
      the retractors be removed sometimes during the operation. 

PMID- 27115828
TI  - Alcohol abuse recovery through the lens of Manitoban First Nations and Aboriginal
      women: A qualitative study.
AB  - We describe a phenomenological study that explored the experiences of First
      Nations and Aboriginal women during their journey of recovery from alcohol abuse.
      Seven women participated in individual, tape-recorded interviews, during which
      they described their experiences, yielding written protocols that were
      thematically analyzed. Results from this study revealed seven predominant themes
      that included the following: (a) guilt and shame, (b) unresolved core issues, (c)
      resilience, (d) tenacity, (e) recovery process, (f) family and friends, and (g)
      tradition and spirituality. Findings and implications for clinicians,
      administrators, educators, and future research are included.

PMID- 27115830
TI  - Polymers as Reference Partitioning Phase: Polymer Calibration for an Analytically
      Operational Approach To Quantify Multimedia Phase Partitioning.
AB  - Polymers are increasingly applied for the enrichment of hydrophobic organic
      chemicals (HOCs) from various types of samples and media in many analytical
      partitioning-based measuring techniques. We propose using polymers as a reference
      partitioning phase and introduce polymer-polymer partitioning as the basis for a
      deeper insight into partitioning differences of HOCs between polymers,
      calibrating analytical methods, and consistency checking of existing and
      calculation of new partition coefficients. Polymer-polymer partition coefficients
      were determined for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) by equilibrating 13
      silicones, including polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and low-density polyethylene
      (LDPE) in methanol-water solutions. Methanol as cosolvent ensured that all
      polymers reached equilibrium while its effect on the polymers' properties did not
      significantly affect silicone-silicone partition coefficients. However, we
      noticed minor cosolvent effects on determined polymer-polymer partition
      coefficients. Polymer-polymer partition coefficients near unity confirmed
      identical absorption capacities of several PDMS materials, whereas larger
      deviations from unity were indicated within the group of silicones and between
      silicones and LDPE. Uncertainty in polymer volume due to imprecise coating
      thickness or the presence of fillers was identified as the source of error for
      partition coefficients. New polymer-based (LDPE-lipid, PDMS-air) and multimedia
      partition coefficients (lipid-water, air-water) were calculated by applying the
      new concept of a polymer as reference partitioning phase and by using polymer
      polymer partition coefficients as conversion factors. The present study
      encourages the use of polymer-polymer partition coefficients, recognizing that
      polymers can serve as a linking third phase for a quantitative understanding of
      equilibrium partitioning of HOCs between any two phases.

PMID- 27115831
TI  - In Situ Proteome Profiling and Bioimaging Applications of Small-Molecule Affinity
      Based Probes Derived From DOT1L Inhibitors.
AB  - DOT1L is the sole protein methyltransferase that methylates histone H3 on lysine
      79 (H3K79), and is a promising drug target against cancers. Small-molecule
      inhibitors of DOT1L such as FED1 are potential anti-cancer agents and useful
      tools to investigate the biological roles of DOT1L in human diseases. FED1 showed
      excellent in vitro inhibitory activity against DOT1L, but its cellular effect was
      relatively poor. In this study, we designed and synthesized photo-reactive and
      "clickable" affinity-based probes (AfBPs), P1 and P2, which were cell-permeable
      and structural mimics of FED1. The binding and inhibitory effects of these two
      probes against DOT1L protein were extensively investigated in vitro and in live
      mammalian cells (in situ). The cellular uptake and sub-cellular localization
      properties of the probes were subsequently studied in live-cell imaging
      experiments, and our results revealed that, whereas both P1 and P2 readily
      entered mammalian cells, most of them were not able to reach the cell nucleus
      where functional DOT1L resides. This offers a plausible explanation for the poor
      cellular activity of FED1. Finally with P1/P2, large-scale cell-based proteome
      profiling, followed by quantitative LC-MS/MS, was carried out to identify
      potential cellular off-targets of FED1. Amongst the more than 100 candidate off
      targets identified, NOP2 (a putative ribosomal RNA methyltransferase) was further
      confirmed to be likely a genuine off-target of FED1 by preliminary validation
      experiments including pull-down/Western blotting (PD/WB) and cellular thermal
      shift assay (CETSA).

PMID- 27115832
TI  - Phase behaviour and correlations of parallel hard squares: from highly confined
      to bulk systems.
AB  - We study a fluid of two-dimensional parallel hard squares in bulk and under
      confinement in channels, with the aim of evaluating the performance of
      fundamental-measure theory (FMT). To this purpose, we first analyse the phase
      behaviour of the bulk system using FMT and Percus-Yevick (PY) theory, and compare
      the results with molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations. In a second
      step, we study the confined system and check the results against those obtained
      from the transfer matrix method and from our own Monte Carlo simulations. Squares
      are confined to channels with parallel walls at angles of 0 degrees  or 45
      degrees  relative to the diagonals of the parallel hard squares, respectively,
      which allows for an assessment of the effect of the external-potential symmetry
      on the fluid structural properties. In general FMT overestimates bulk
      correlations, predicting the existence of a columnar phase (absent in
      simulations) prior to crystallization. The equation of state predicted by FMT
      compares well with simulations, although the PY approach with the virial route is
      better in some range of packing fractions. The FMT is highly accurate for the
      structure and correlations of the confined fluid due to the dimensional crossover
      property fulfilled by the theory. Both density profiles and equations of state of
      the confined system are accurately predicted by the theory. The highly non
      uniform pair correlations inside the channel are also very well described by FMT.

PMID- 27115833
TI  - Using assistive robots to promote inclusive education.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper describes the development and test of physical and virtual
      integrated augmentative manipulation and communication assistive technologies
      (IAMCATs) that enable children with motor and speech impairments to manipulate
      educational items by controlling a robot with a gripper, while communicating
      through a speech generating device. METHOD: Nine children with disabilities, nine
      regular and nine special education teachers participated in the study. Teachers
      adapted academic activities so they could also be performed by the children with
      disabilities using the IAMCAT. An inductive content analysis of the teachers'
      interviews before and after the intervention was performed. RESULTS: Teachers
      considered the IAMCAT to be a useful resource that can be integrated into the
      regular class dynamics respecting their curricular planning. It had a positive
      impact on children with disabilities and on the educational community. However,
      teachers pointed out the difficulties in managing the class, even with another
      adult present, due to the extra time required by children with disabilities to
      complete the activities. CONCLUSIONS: The developed assistive technologies enable
      children with disabilities to participate in academic activities but full
      inclusion would require another adult in class and strategies to deal with the
      additional time required by children to complete the activities. Implications for
      Rehabilitation Integrated augmentative manipulation and communication assistive
      technologies are useful resources to promote the participation of children with
      motor and speech impairments in classroom activities. Virtual tools, running on a
      computer screen, may be easier to use but further research is needed in order to
      evaluate its effectiveness when compared to physical tools. Full participation of
      children with motor and speech impairments in academic activities using these
      technologies requires another adult in class and adequate strategies to manage
      the extra time the child with disabilities may require to complete the
      activities.

PMID- 27115834
TI  - UV Light Induced Direct Synthesis of Phenanthrene Derivatives from a Linear 3
      Aryl-N-(arylsulfonyl) Propiolamides.
AB  - A novel photochemical approach for the synthesis of phenanthrene derivatives from
      linear 3-aryl-N-(arylsulfonyl) propiolamides via a tandem radical Smiles
      rearrangement/C-S bonding/Mallory reaction is disclosed. The control experiment
      results and isolation of the key intermediates give further insight into the
      reaction mechanism. Gram scale reaction using a flow reactor demonstrated the
      synthetic potential applications of our protocol.

PMID- 27115836
TI  - The value of FDG-PET in the staging of gastric adenocarcinoma: A single
      institution retrospective review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The value of FDG-PET in the staging of gastric adenocarcinoma (GA)
      has been subject to debate. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of GA
      patients between 2006 and 2014 and identified those who had a CT and FDG-PET
      before initiating treatment. CT and FDG-PET images were analyzed by a blinded
      body radiologist and nuclear physician, respectively. Disease stage was assessed,
      looking at primary tumor (PT), locoregional (LLN) and distant lymph node disease
      (DLN), and metastasis (M). RESULTS: We identified 608 patients who had biopsy
      proven GA and 207 (34.0%) had a CT and FDG-PET as part of their staging work-up.
      Of these, imaging from 166 (27.3%) patients was available for review. CT
      identified PT, LLN, DLN, and M in 120 (72.3%), 84 (50.6%), 25 (15.1%), and 32
      (19.3%) patients, respectively; while FDG-PET identified PT, LLN, DLN, and M in
      125 (75.3%), 78 (47.0%), 41 (24.7%), and 27 (16.3%) of patients, respectively.
      FDG-PET up-staged 31 (18.7%) patients while it down-staged 17 (10.2%) patients.
      Of patients who were up-staged, 20 (64.5%) developed progressive disease.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the use of FDG-PET as a valuable adjunct to CT
      in the staging of GA, as it changed the stage in 48 (28.9%) patients. J. Surg.
      Oncol. 2016;113:640-646. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27115835
TI  - Rapid Discovery and Structure-Activity Relationships of Pyrazolopyrimidines That
      Potently Suppress Breast Cancer Cell Growth via SRC Kinase Inhibition with
      Exceptional Selectivity over ABL Kinase.
AB  - Novel pyrazolopyrimidines displaying high potency and selectivity toward SRC
      family kinases have been developed by combining ligand-based design and
      phenotypic screening in an iterative manner. Compounds were derived from the
      promiscuous kinase inhibitor PP1 to search for analogs that could potentially
      target a broad spectrum of kinases involved in cancer. Phenotypic screening
      against MCF7 mammary adenocarcinoma cells generated target-agnostic structure
      activity relationships that biased subsequent designs toward breast cancer
      treatment rather than to a particular target. This strategy led to the discovery
      of two potent antiproliferative leads with phenotypically distinct anticancer
      mode of actions. Kinase profiling and further optimization resulted in eCF506,
      the first small molecule with subnanomolar IC50 for SRC that requires 3 orders of
      magnitude greater concentration to inhibit ABL. eCF506 exhibits excellent water
      solubility, an optimal DMPK profile and oral bioavailability, halts SRC
      associated neuromast migration in zebrafish embryos without inducing life
      threatening heart defects, and inhibits SRC phosphorylation in tumor xenografts
      in mice.

PMID- 27115837
TI  - Comment on stereotactic body radiation therapy for small primary or recurrent
      hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 27115838
TI  - Fluid shear stress promotes osteoblast proliferation via the Galphaq-ERK5
      signaling pathway.
AB  - Fluid shear stress (FSS) is a ubiquitous mechanical stimulus that potently
      promotes osteoblast proliferation. Previously, we reported that extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is essential for FSS-induced osteoblast
      proliferation. However, the precise mechanism by which FSS promotes osteoblast
      proliferation via ERK5 activation is poorly understood. The aim of this study was
      to determine the critical role of Galphaq in FSS-induced ERK5 phosphorylation and
      osteoblast proliferation, as well as the downstream targets of the Galphaq-ERK5
      pathway. MC3T3-E1 cells were transfected with 50 nM Galphaq siRNA, treated with 5
      mM XMD8-92 (a highly selective inhibitor of ERK5 activity), and/or exposed to FSS
      (12 dyn/cm(2)). Cell proliferation was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol
      2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The protein expression levels
      of Galphaq, P-ERK5, ERK5, Cyclin B1, and CDK1 were analyzed by Western blot.
      Physiological FSS exposure for 60 min remarkably promoted MC3T3-E1 cell
      proliferation, however, this effect was suppressed by siRNA-mediated Galphaq
      knockdown or inhibition of ERK5 activity by XMD8-92 treatment, suggesting that
      Galphaq and ERK5 might modulate FSS-increased osteoblast proliferation.
      Furthermore, ERK5 phosphorylation was dramatically inhibited by Galphaq siRNA. In
      addition, our study further revealed that FSS treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells for 60
      min markedly upregulated the protein expression levels of Cyclin B1 and CDK1, and
      this increased expression was predominantly blocked by Galphaq siRNA or XMD8-92
      treatment. We propose that FSS acts on the Galphaq-ERK5 signaling pathway to
      upregulate Cyclin B1 and CDK1 expression, thereby resulting in MC3T3-E1 cell
      proliferation. Thus, the Galphaq-ERK5 signaling pathway may provide useful
      information regarding the treatment of bone metabolic disease.

PMID- 27115839
TI  - Application of Peptide Nucleic Acid-based Assays Toward Detection of Somatic
      Mosaicism.
AB  - Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are synthetic oligonucleotides with many
      applications. Compared with DNA, PNAs bind their complementary DNA strand with
      higher specificity and strength, an attribute that can make it an effective
      polymerase chain reaction clamp. A growing body of work has demonstrated the
      utility of PNAs in detecting low levels of mutant DNA, particularly in the
      detection of circulating mutated tumor cells in the peripheral blood. The PNA
      based assay has greater sensitivity than direct sequencing and is significantly
      more affordable and rapid than next-generation deep sequencing. We have
      previously demonstrated that PNAs can successfully detect somatic mosaicism in
      patients with suspected disease phenotypes. In this report, we detail our
      methodology behind PNA design and application. We describe our protocol for
      optimizing the PNA for sequencing use and for determining the sensitivity of the
      PNA-based assay. Lastly, we discuss the potential applications of our assay for
      future laboratory and clinical purposes and highlight the role of PNAs in the
      detection of somatic mosaicism. 

PMID- 27115840
TI  - In Vivo Selection Against Human Colorectal Cancer Xenografts Identifies an
      Aptamer That Targets RNA Helicase Protein DHX9.
AB  - The ability to selectively target disease-related tissues with molecules is
      critical to the design of effective therapeutic and diagnostic reagents.
      Recognizing the differences between the in vivo environment and in vitro
      conditions, we employed an in vivo selection strategy to identify RNA aptamers
      (targeting motifs) that could localize to tumor in situ. One of the selected
      molecules is an aptamer that binds to the protein DHX9, an RNA helicase that is
      known to be upregulated in colorectal cancer. Upon systemic administration, the
      aptamer preferentially localized to the nucleus of cancer cells in vivo and thus
      has the potential to be used for targeted delivery. 

PMID- 27115841
TI  - Effects of Confinement on the Dielectric Response of Water Extends up to
      Mesoscale Dimensions.
AB  - The extent of confinement effects on water is not clear in the literature. While
      some properties are affected only within a few nanometers from the wall surface,
      others are affected over long length scales, but the range is not clear. In this
      work, we have examined the dielectric response of confined water under the
      influence of external electric fields along with the dipolar fluctuations at
      equilibrium. The confinement induces a strong anisotropic effect which is evident
      up to 100 nm channel width, and may extend to macroscopic dimensions. The root
      mean-square fluctuations of the total orientational dipole moment in the
      direction perpendicular to the surfaces is 1 order of magnitude smaller than the
      value attained in the parallel direction and is independent of the channel width.
      Consequently, the isotropic condition is unlikely to be recovered until the
      channel width reaches macroscopic dimensions. Consistent with dipole moment
      fluctuations, the effect of confinement on the dielectric response also persists
      up to channel widths considerably beyond 100 nm. When an electric field is
      applied in the perpendicular direction, the orientational relaxation is 3 orders
      of magnitude faster than the dipolar relaxation in the parallel direction and
      independent of temperature.

PMID- 27115842
TI  - Extending the market exclusivity of therapeutic antibodies through dosage
      patents.
AB  - Dosage patents are one way to extend the market exclusivity of an approved drug
      beyond the lifetime of the patent that protects the drug as such. Dosage patents
      may help to compensate the applicant for the long period where the active
      pharmaceutical ingredient as such is already under patent prosecution, but not on
      the market yet, due to lengthy development and approval procedures. This
      situation erodes part of the time the drug is marketed under patent protection.
      Dosage patents filed at a later date can provide remedy for this problem.
      Examples of successful and unsuccesful attempts, and the reasons for the
      respective outcomes, are provided in this article.

PMID- 27115843
TI  - Long-term drug survival of biological agents in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis in clinical practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the long-term drug survival (time to drug
      discontinuation) of biological agents (BA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA) in clinical practice. Factors associated with discontinuation of BAs were
      also investigated. METHOD: We conducted an observational longitudinal study of RA
      patients taking BAs from 1999 to 2013. The primary endpoint was BA
      discontinuation due to: adverse drug reactions (ADRs), inefficacy, and other
      causes. Incidence rates of discontinuation (IRs) per 100 patient-years were
      estimated using survival techniques. Comparisons between BA discontinuation rates
      and other associated factors were made using Cox regression models. RESULTS: We
      included 851 courses of BA therapy (1869 patient-years). Adalimumab (33%) was the
      BA most frequently used, followed by etanercept (24.4%), infliximab, and
      rituximab. Treatment was suspended in 558 cases [IR 29.8, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 27-32]. In the first year of therapy 68% continued on BAs, and after 10
      years the retention rate did not exceed 10%. The IR due to inefficacy was 12.1
      (95% CI 10.6-13.8) and the IR of ADRs was 13.6 (95% CI 12-15). The unadjusted IR
      was higher for rituximab than for tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists. In
      multivariate analysis, infliximab was the BA with the highest risk of
      discontinuation, compared to adalimumab. Calendar period, taking subsequent
      courses of BAs, concomitant therapy, and specific comorbidities were also
      independent factors associated with discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: After several
      years of BA treatment in clinical practice, the survival rate was low, mainly as
      a result of ADRs and inefficacy. We also found differences between the
      discontinuation rates of BAs and other clinical factors that modify their
      survival.

PMID- 27115844
TI  - Sex-specific responses of Populus deltoides to Glomus intraradices colonization
      and Cd pollution.
AB  - The positive effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM) on the survival, growth
      and physiology of plants under various stress conditions have been widely
      recognized. However, whether sex-dependent susceptibility to AM colonization
      exists, which can induce a differential tolerance between the sexes to stress
      conditions, is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of
      Glomus intraradices on Cd-stressed males and females of Populus deltoides (spiked
      with 10 mg Cd per kg dry substrate) in terms of morphology, physiology,
      biochemistry, ultrastructure, and toxin storage and translocation. Exposure to Cd
      promoted the colonization by G. intraradices in males, but not in females.
      Generally, females suffered more impairments than males in response to Cd stress,
      reflected by leaf symptoms, the extent of lipid peroxidation, and integrity of
      the cellular ultrastructure, whether they were inoculated or not. Inoculation
      with G. intraradices alleviated the phytotoxic effects of Cd in females by
      stimulating antioxidant enzymes, decreasing levels of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) and restricting Cd transfer to the shoots. In contrast, these beneficial
      effects induced by AM were not detected in mycorrhizal males compared to non
      mycorrhizal males, based on thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and
      cellular ultrastructure. Inoculation with AM promoted Cd accumulation in males
      but not in females, and caused the sequestration of more toxic Cd in the root
      systems in both sexes. Therefore, our results suggest that inoculated males of P.
      deltoides are suitable candidates for phytostabilization in Cd-polluted soils,
      due to their higher accumulation ability and greater tolerance relative to
      inoculated females. 

PMID- 27115845
TI  - Combined effects of short-term exposure to elevated CO2 and decreased O2 on the
      physiology and energy budget of the thick shell mussel Mytilus coruscus.
AB  - Hypoxia and ocean acidification are two consequences of anthropogenic activities.
      These global trends occur on top of natural variability. In environments such as
      estuarine areas, short-term acute pH and O2 fluctuations are occurring
      simultaneously. The present study tested the combined effects of short-term
      seawater acidification and hypoxia on the physiology and energy budget of the
      thick shell mussel Mytilus coruscus. Mussels were exposed for 72 h to six
      combined treatments with three pH levels (8.1, 7.7 and 7.3) and two dissolved
      oxygen (DO) levels (2 mg L(-1), 6 mg L(-1)). Clearance rate (CR), food absorption
      efficiency (AE), respiration rate (RR), ammonium excretion rate (ER), O:N ratio
      and scope for growth (SFG) were significantly reduced, and faecal organic dry
      weight ratio (E) was significantly increased at low DO. Low pH did not lead to a
      reduced SFG. Interactive effects of pH and DO were observed for CR, E and RR.
      Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed positive relationships among most
      physiological indicators, especially between SFG and CR under normal DO
      conditions. These results demonstrate that Mytilus coruscus was sensitive to
      short-term (72 h) exposure to decreased O2 especially if combined with decreased
      pH levels. In conclusion, the short-term oxygen and pH variation significantly
      induced physiological changes of mussels with some interactive effects. 

PMID- 27115846
TI  - Oxidation of AOX and organic compounds in pharmaceutical wastewater in RSM
      optimized-Fenton system.
AB  - Adsorbable organic halogens (AOX) and total organic carbon (TOC) removal
      efficiencies in pharmaceutical wastewater treated by Fenton process under
      response surface methodology (RSM) optimized conditions were studied. High
      regression coefficient value R(2) (R(2) = 0.9680, 0.9040 for AOX and TOC removal
      efficiency, respectively) and low value coefficient of variation (2.21%, 2.04%
      for AOX and TOC, respectively) of the quadratic model indicated that the model
      was accurate in predicting the experimental results. The desirability function
      was used to optimize AOX and TOC removal efficiencies simultaneously. The optimal
      pH, Fe(2+) concentration, molar ratio of H2O2/Fe(2+) and reaction time were found
      to be 3.3, 19.05 mM, 20.16 and 2.2 h, respectively, and 91.78% AOX and 75.01% TOC
      were removed under these conditions, which was validated. Furthermore, gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) results revealed that 28 out of 33 kinds
      of organic compounds, including 11 kinds of AOX were completely removed by the
      Fenton process while one new AOX compound, 4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide, was
      produced which was the result of the carbonyl of 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-1,3
      isobenzofurandione being attacked in the Fenton reaction. These results indicated
      that analysis of organics was important since new AOX compounds could be produced
      in Fenton process despite the value of AOX decreasing. 

PMID- 27115847
TI  - Roxarsone binding to soil-derived dissolved organic matter: Insights from multi
      spectroscopic techniques.
AB  - The fate and transport of roxarsone (ROX), a widely used organoarsenic feed
      additive, in soil is significantly influenced by the ubiquitous presence of soil
      derived dissolved organic matter (DOM). In this study, fluorescence quenching
      titration and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) were employed to
      study ROX binding to DOM. Binding mechanisms were revealed by fluorescence
      lifetime measurement and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Humic-
      and protein-like fluorophores were identified in the excitation-emission matrix
      and synchronous fluorescence spectra of DOM. The conditional stability constant
      (log KC) for ROX binding to DOM was found to be 5.06, indicating that ROX was
      strongly bound to DOM. The binding order of ROX to DOM fluorophores revealed by
      2D-COS followed the sequence of protein-like fluorophore ~ the longer wavelength
      excited humic-like (L-humic-like) fluorophore > the shorter wavelength excited
      humic-like (S-humic-like) fluorophore. 2D-COS resolved issues with peak
      overlapping and allowed further exploration of the interaction between ROX and
      DOM. Results of fluorescence lifetime and FTIR spectra demonstrated that ROX
      interacted with DOM through the hydroxyl, amide II, carboxyl, aliphatic CH, and
      NO2 groups, yielding stable DOM-ROX complexes. The strong interaction between ROX
      and DOM implies that DOM plays an important role in the environmental fate of ROX
      in soil. 

PMID- 27115848
TI  - Evaluation of impact factors on PM2.5 based on long-term chemical components
      analyses in the megacity Beijing, China.
AB  - Nine years of sampling and analyses of fine particles (PM2.5) were performed in
      Beijing from 2005 to 2013. Twenty-seven chemical elements and black carbon (BC)
      in PM2.5 were analyzed in order to study chemical characteristics and temporal
      distribution of Beijing aerosols. Principle component analysis defined different
      types of elemental sources, based on which, the influences of a variety of
      anthropogenic activities including governmental intervention measures and natural
      sources on air quality were evaluated. For the first time, Ga is used as a tracer
      element for heating activities mainly using coal in Beijing, due to its
      correlation with BC and coal combustion, as well as its concentration variation
      between the heating- and non-heating periods. The traffic restrictions
      effectively reduced emissions of relevant heavy metals such as As, Cd, Sn and Sb.
      The expected long-term effectiveness of the steel smelters relocation was not
      observed due to the nearby relocation with increased capacity. Firework display
      during every Chinese spring festival season and special events such as the
      Olympic Games resulted in several times higher concentrations of K, Sr and Ba
      than other days and thus they were proposed as tracers for firework display. The
      impacts of all these factors were quantified and evaluated. Sand dust or dust
      storms induced higher concentrations of geogenic elements in PM2.5 compared to
      non-dust days. Sustainable mitigation measures, such as traffic restrictions, are
      necessary to be continued and improved to obtain more "blue sky" days in the
      future. 

PMID- 27115849
TI  - Hypoglycemic Constituents Isolated from Trapa natans L. Pericarps.
AB  - Trapa natans L., called water chestnut or water caltrop, is a floating aquarium
      plant. Its fruits are widely used as food. Two new tannins, 1 and 2, one new
      neolignan, 14, one new norlignan, 17, and 20 known compounds, 3-13, 15, 16, and
      18-24 were isolated from T. natans pericarps in this study. The 1, 2, 14, and 17
      structures were elucidated using a chemical method and extensive spectral
      evidence. A series of hydrolyzable tannins, 1-8, a lignin, 13, a flavonoid, 16, a
      norlignan, 17, and phenolic compounds, 18, 20, 21, and 24 resulted in the
      enhanced glucose uptake activity in C2C12 myotubes. Compounds 4 and 5
      significantly increased GLUT4 protein expression in C2C12 myotubes. In addition,
      4 and 5 improved the phosphorylation of AMPK, AKT(S473), and AKT(T308). The
      involvement of AMPK and PI3K in the mechanism of action of compounds 4 and 5 was
      confirmed by use of AMPK and PI3K inhibitors, which completely suppressed the 4-
      and 5-mediated activities of glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. We also
      demonstrated that 4 and 5 could increase GLUT4 protein levels in plasma
      membranes. 

PMID- 27115850
TI  - Dual Unnatural Amino Acid Incorporation and Click-Chemistry Labeling to Enable
      Single-Molecule FRET Studies of p97 Folding.
AB  - Many cellular functions are critically dependent on the folding of complex
      multimeric proteins, such as p97, a hexameric multidomain AAA+ chaperone. Given
      the complex architecture of p97, single-molecule (sm) FRET would be a powerful
      tool for studying folding while avoiding ensemble averaging. However, dual site
      specific labeling of such a large protein for smFRET is a significant challenge.
      Here, we address this issue by using bioorthogonal azide-alkyne chemistry to
      attach an smFRET dye pair to site-specifically incorporated unnatural amino
      acids, allowing us to generate p97 variants reporting on inter- or intradomain
      structural features. An initial proof-of-principle set of smFRET results
      demonstrated the strengths of this labeling method. Our results highlight this as
      a powerful tool for structural studies of p97 and other large protein machines.

PMID- 27115851
TI  - BRILLIANT BLUE G-ASSISTED INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING FOR MACULAR HOLE: A
      Systematic Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of internal limiting membrane peeling with
      brilliant blue G (BBG) for the treatment of macular hole compared with peeling
      procedures with other dyes or without dye. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were systematically reviewed.
      Outcome measures were the primary closure rate and postoperative best-corrected
      visual acuity. RESULTS: Nine studies that included 846 eyes were selected. There
      was no significant difference in preoperative best-corrected visual acuity
      between the BBG and no BBG (i.e., other dyes or no dye) groups (mean difference 
      0.02 logMAR [equivalent to 1 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS)
      letter]; 95% confidence interval -0.09 to 0.04 [-2-4.5 ETDRS letters]; P = 0.45).
      The macular hole closure rate using BBG was not significantly different from that
      using indocyanine green (odds ratio 1.98; 95% confidence interval 0.71-5.48; P =
      0.19). The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was more favorable with BBG
      than with indocyanine green (mean difference -0.10 logMAR [5 ETDRS letters]; 95%
      confidence interval -0.16 to -0.03 [1.5-8 ETDRS letters]; P = 0.004) or with no
      BBG (mean difference -0.11 [5.5 ETDRS letters]; 95% confidence interval -0.18 to 
      0.04 [2-9 ETDRS letters]; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: BBG could contribute to better
      visual acuity outcome than other dyes for internal limiting membrane peeling in
      patients with macular hole; however, it does not significantly influence the
      closure rate.

PMID- 27115852
TI  - PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT RESPONSE TO AFLIBERCEPT IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED
      MACULAR DEGENERATION REFRACTORY TO RANIBIZUMAB: Time Course and Drug Effects.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the time course of pigment epithelium detachment (PED)
      height and its change after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor switch from
      ranibizumab to aflibercept in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
      METHODS: This retrospective study included 60 eyes of 50 consecutive patients
      with neovascular age-related macular degeneration who showed refractory
      intraretinal or subretinal fluid (>=9 months) despite monthly ranibizumab
      treatment and an associated PED (height >=150 MUm). The treatment was switched to
      aflibercept, and patients were followed-up for at least 9 months. Data on the
      height and type of PED, exudative fluid, and best-corrected visual acuity were
      collected at four different time points (two before and two after the drug
      switch). RESULTS: The maximal PED height was significantly decreased over time,
      both under ranibizumab and aflibercept treatment. However, the reduction was
      significantly greater during the 3 months after the switch to aflibercept, due to
      two outliers. Visual acuity remained stable. Complete resolution of intraretinal
      or subretinal fluid was observed in 9 cases (15%) at 3 months after switch,
      allowing for treatment interval extension. CONCLUSION: Maximal PED height
      continuously decreased over time. Switching the intravitreal anti-vascular
      endothelial growth factor medication from ranibizumab to aflibercept had a
      significantly stronger short-term effect on PED height reduction, without changes
      in visual acuity.

PMID- 27115853
TI  - ONE-YEAR RESULTS OF ADJUNCTIVE PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR TYPE 1 NEOVASCULARIZATION
      ASSOCIATED WITH THICKENED CHOROID.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the 1-year results of adjunctive photodynamic therapy in
      patients with Type 1 neovascularization associated with thickened choroid who
      were refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy. METHODS:
      Data on 28 eyes of 28 patients with Type 1 neovascularization with a minimum
      subfoveal choroidal thickness of 300 MUm were reviewed. All showed persistent
      subretinal and/or intraretinal fluid after at least 4 anti-vascular endothelial
      growth factor injections in the 6 months before adjunctive photodynamic therapy.
      No eyes had certain polypoidal lesions on indocyanine green angiography. RESULTS:
      At 3 months, complete fluid absorption was observed in 24 eyes (85.7%). The mean
      best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved (20/53-20/44, P = 0.040) and
      mean subfoveal choroidal thickness reduced (386 to 350 MUm, P < 0.001) compared
      with baseline. Over a 1-year follow-up period, 17 eyes (60.7%) were free from
      recurrent fluid accumulation. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection
      was mainly used in retreatment (mean: 1.5). At 12 months, best-corrected visual
      acuity improved by >=0.3 logMAR or maintained compared with baseline in 27 eyes
      (96.4%). CONCLUSION: Adjunctive photodynamic therapy in eyes with Type 1
      neovascularization with thickened choroid that were refractory to anti-vascular
      endothelial growth factor monotherapy resulted in complete fluid absorption in
      most eyes, which translated to visual improvement until 1 year.

PMID- 27115854
TI  - THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CUTICULAR DRUSEN AND KIDNEY FUNCTION: A Population-Based
      Case-Control Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the association between cuticular drusen (CD) and kidney
      function. DESIGN: observational case-control study. METHODS:  SETTING: Population
      based. Patients or Study Population: 53 participants with (CD) and 53 age- and
      sex-matched controls, selected from the Danish Rural Eye Study. Cuticular drusen
      participants were diagnosed using fluorescein angiography and controls were
      excluded if the patients were suspected of having CD on fundus photography or did
      not have an available estimated glomerular filtration rate. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate. RESULTS: The mean
      estimated glomerular filtration rate of those with CD was 73.3 mL.min.1.73 m (95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 70.0-76.6) and 73.4 mL.minute.1.73 m (95% CI: 69.5
      77.3) in controls. The difference was not significant (P: 0.970). The mean
      creatinine among those with CD was 72.8 MUmol/L (69.3-76.4) and 73.5 MUmol/L (95%
      CI: 69.3-77.6) among controls. The difference was not significant (P = 0.820).
      CONCLUSION: The authors did not find an association between a (CD) diagnosis and
      decreased kidney function at a population level.

PMID- 27115855
TI  - ANTIANGIOGENICS IN CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION ASSOCIATED WITH LASER IN CENTRAL
      SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To report characteristics and treatment outcome of choroidal
      neovascularization (CNV) secondary to laser photocoagulation and photodynamic
      therapy (PDT) in central serous chorioretinopathy. METHODS: Retrospective
      analysis of 12 eyes of 12 patients, who were diagnosed to have CNV secondary to
      laser photocoagulation or PDT for central serous chorioretinopathy. Collected
      data included demographic details, history of presenting illness, clinical
      examination details including visual acuity at presentation, and follow-up with
      imaging and treatment details. Main outcome measures were resolution of CNV
      activity at the last follow-up. Secondary outcomes included change in visual
      acuity at final follow-up from baseline, number of injections, treatment-free
      interval, and adverse events. RESULTS: This study included 12 eyes of CNV
      secondary to laser photocoagulation (8 eyes) and PDT (4 eyes). Mean age of study
      subjects was 47.6 +/- 15.4 years (range 33-82) with 8 men and 4 women. Mean
      interval between laser photocoagulation/PDT and diagnosis of CNV was 23.9 +/-
      54.5 months. All subjects had unilateral CNV with classic CNV on fluorescein
      angiography. Eight eyes had extrafoveal CNV, and four eyes had juxtafoveal CNV.
      Baseline best-corrected visual acuity was 0.56 +/- 0.51 (Snellen equivalent
      20/60) logMAR, and final best-corrected visual acuity was 0.53 +/- 0.51 (Snellen
      equivalent 20/60) logMAR with no significant difference (P = 0.84). All four eyes
      that presented with the CNV secondary to PDT group required additional PDT
      treatment because of poor response to antivascular endothelial growth factor
      therapy. At the last follow-up, only one patient in the laser group had active
      CNV; the remaining patients of both groups had scarred CNV. Mean follow-up
      duration was 22.4 +/- 23.1 months. Mean number of injections was 3.16 +/- 2.62.
      Longest treatment-free interval was 8.29 +/- 11.4 months. CONCLUSION:
      Antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy appears to be safe and efficacious
      in CNVs secondary to laser photocoagulation and PDT. Choroidal
      neovascularizations secondary to PDT appear to be more resistant to antivascular
      endothelial growth factor therapy than those because of laser photocoagulation
      and required additional PDT.

PMID- 27115856
TI  - NONINFECTIOUS VITRITIS AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTION OF ANTI-VEGF AGENTS:
      Variations in Rates and Presentation by Medication.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the rates and
      characteristics of noninfectious vitritis after intravitreal injection of
      bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA), ranibizumab (Lucentis,
      Genentech), and aflibercept (Eylea, Regeneron, Tarrytown, NY). METHODS: A
      retrospective case series evaluated intravitreal injections from 2006 to 2013.
      Cases of inflammatory response were separated into culture-positive
      endophthalmitis, noninfectious vitritis (not treated with intravitreal
      antibiotics), and indeterminate. Noninfectious cases were analyzed for rate,
      presentation, and clinical course. RESULTS: A total of 66,356 bevacizumab, 26,161
      ranibizumab, and 8071 aflibercept injections were screened. The rates of
      noninfectious vitritis were 0.10% (67 cases) for bevacizumab, 0.02% (6 cases) for
      ranibizumab, and 0.16% (13 cases) for aflibercept. The differences were
      statistically significant based on Chi-square analysis (P < 0.001). Mean
      differences in visual decline were not significant by Kruskal-Wallis analysis (P
      = 0.12), but the percentage of patients with any visual decline did vary by
      medication according to Fisher exact test (P < 0.05). The percentage of patients
      with complaints of pain, blurred vision, and subjective floaters was not
      significantly different by medication based on Fisher exact testing (P = 0.2, P =
      0.18, P = 0.16, respectively). Bevacizumab and aflibercept cases tended to
      present in separate chronological clusters. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a
      difference in rates of noninfectious vitritis for antivascular endothelial growth
      factor medications. Many cases tended to cluster instead of occurring at a
      consistent rate each year.

PMID- 27115857
TI  - INCIDENCE AND RELATION WITH ANATOMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL VARIABLES OF POSTOPERATIVE
      MACULAR DISPLACEMENT IN RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence of postsurgical retinal displacement in
      patients treated with pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
      and to assess the influence of displacement on macular function. METHODS:
      Observational prospective study of 20 consecutive cases of rhegmatogenous retinal
      detachment who underwent 23-G pars plana vitrectomy with gas (C3F8 or SF6)
      tamponade, and prone resting. Three months after surgery, retinal displacement
      was evaluated by fundus autofluorescence. Macular function was evaluated with
      optical coherence tomography, multifocal electroretinogram, best-corrected visual
      acuity, and stereopsis. RESULTS: Postoperative retinal displacement was observed
      in 60% of cases. No correlation between the type of tamponade used and retinal
      displacement was observed. Similarly, no association between retinal displacement
      and postoperative stereopsis or visual acuity was found. A lower amplitude in P1
      wave on the multifocal electroretinogram was observed in eyes with rhegmatogenous
      retinal detachment compared with the contralateral eye. However, no statistically
      significant differences between groups with or without retinal displacement were
      found. CONCLUSION: Retinal displacement in patients who undergo pars plana
      vitrectomy to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is common. However, this
      displacement does not seem to affect macular function.

PMID- 27115858
TI  - LASER PROPHYLACTIC TREATMENT OF THE FELLOW EYE IN GIANT RETINAL TEARS: Long-Term
      Follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the results of a retrospective study on prophylactic laser
      treatment versus observation of giant retinal tears (GRTs) fellow eyes. METHODS:
      One hundred and sixty consecutive charts of patients operated for GRT were
      included in this retroprospective study. Standard office visit included manifest
      and corrected refraction, intraocular pressure measurement, slit-lamp examination
      of the anterior and posterior segment with +90 diopter lens, and indirect
      ophthalmoscopy were performed at baseline and during follow-up period. RESULTS:
      Observation group included 62 and prophylactic laser treatment group 98 eyes. The
      incidence of retinal tears with localized preequatorial retinal detachment, GRTs
      with macula-ON retinal detachment, and GRTs with Macula-OFF retinal detachment
      were 3.2, 0, and 14.5%, respectively, during 43.5 +/- 19.8 months of follow-up
      period in observation group and 11.2, 2, and 0%, respectively, in prophylactic
      laser treatment group during 37.2 +/- 16.3 months of follow-up period.
      CONCLUSION: Prophylactic laser treatment of GRTs fellow eyes decreased the
      incidence of GRTs and limited the consequences of newly developed tears, lowering
      the occurrence of a macula-off retinal detachment with a consequent better final
      visual outcome respect to observation group.

PMID- 27115859
TI  - A PILOT STUDY OF CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN LONG-TERM SMOKERS.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the choroidal thicknesses in long-term smokers with those of
      nonsmoking healthy individuals using spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six individuals who had been smoking at least for
      20 years, but otherwise without systemic problems, participated in this
      prospective pilot study. The control group comprised 42 nonsmoking individuals.
      METHODS: The ages, refractions, and axial length measurements of the cases were
      recorded. Central macular thickness and choroidal thickness at the fovea and at
      500 MUm intervals from the foveal center in both temporal and nasal directions
      were measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS:
      Although the smoking period of the smokers was mean 32.4 +/- 9 years (range: 20
      60), the mean pack-years of cigarettes was 35.1 +/- 23.8 (range: 10-120). No
      significant difference was observed regarding refraction value and axial length
      between smokers and nonsmokers group. In addition, no significant difference was
      observed for central macular thickness and choroidal thickness values at 500,
      1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 MUm nasal and temporal part of the fovea, between 2
      groups. CONCLUSION: Macular and choroidal thicknesses in long-term smokers were
      observed to be similar to those of healthy individuals.

PMID- 27115860
TI  - Clinical and laboratory predictors of deep vein thrombosis after acute stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication of acute stroke,
      but the new incidence in the era of improved specialist input in stroke care is
      yet unknown. The models for VTE diagnosis is well established, but prediction
      models to target at-risk patients for pharmacological prophylaxis is lacking and
      requires further research, particularly in the aftermath of acute stroke.
      OBJECTIVES: To predict DVT after acute stroke using markers of haemostatic
      activation and stroke severity scores. METHODS: We examined the clinical utility
      of laboratory factors such as thrombin generation, D-dimer, fibrinogen alongside
      clinical factors (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and Barthel Index) in
      the prediction of asymptomatic DVT, among 92 consecutively admitted patients.
      RESULTS: One in five patients (19.6%) had objectively confirmed DVT (6 proximal,
      12 distal). Thrombolytic therapy did not protect against DVT, with 21% (6/29) of
      patients treated with r-tPA went on to develop DVT. Thrombin generation and
      fibrinogen had no clinical utility, but D-dimer at baseline and week 2 had high
      clinical potential in the prediction of asymptomatic DVT (2425ng/mL versus
      1010ng/mL; p=0.001) and (2240 Vs 970ng/mL; p<0.001) respectively. Patients with
      DVT had worse stroke severity, and are functionally less able, with lower Barthel
      index (p=0.05), and high National Institute of Health Stroke Score (p=0.07).
      CONCLUSION: Thrombolytic therapy and specialist stroke intervention does not
      protect against DVT risk. D-dimer concentration within 48h of acute stroke is
      independently associated with development of DVT. This observation would require
      confirmation in a large study.

PMID- 27115861
TI  - Aminoacetylation Reaction Catalyzed by Leucyl-tRNA Synthetase Operates via a Self
      Assisted Mechanism Using a Conserved Residue and the Aminoacyl Substrate.
AB  - Leucyl-tRNA synthetase catalyzes attachment of leucine amino acid to its cognate
      tRNA. During the second, aminoacetylation, step of the reaction, the leucyl
      moiety is transferred from leucyl-adenylate to the terminal A76 adenosine of
      tRNA. In this work, we have investigated the aminoacetylation step catalyzed by
      leucyl-tRNA synthase, using ab initio quantum chemical/molecular mechanical
      hybrid potentials in conjunction with reaction-path-location algorithms and
      molecular dynamics free energy simulations. We have modeled reaction mechanisms
      arising from both crystallographic studies and computational work. We invoke
      various groups as potential proton acceptors-namely, the phosphate and leucyl
      amino groups of leucyl-adenylate, the A76 base of tRNA, and the Asp80 and Glu532
      residues of the protein-and consider both metal-assisted and metal-free
      reactions. Free energy calculations indicate that both the phosphate group of
      leucyl adenylate and Glu532 are not strong bases. This agrees with the results of
      the quantum chemical/molecular mechanical reaction path calculations which give
      high free energy barriers for the studied pathways involving these groups. A self
      assisted mechanism with the leucyl amino group and Asp80 as proton acceptors is
      the most likely. Furthermore, in this mechanism the presence of a metal ion
      coordinated by the phosphate group and Glu532 strongly activates the reaction.

PMID- 27115862
TI  - Population-based analysis of colorectal cancer risk after oophorectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of colorectal cancer is influenced by hormonal
      factors. Oophorectomy alters endogenous levels of sex hormones, but the effect on
      colorectal cancer risk is unclear. The aim of this cohort study was to examine
      colorectal cancer risk after oophorectomy for benign indications. METHODS: Women
      who had undergone oophorectomy between 1965 and 2011 were identified from the
      Swedish Patient Registry. Standard incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95 per cent
      confidence intervals for colorectal cancer risk were calculated compared with
      those in the general population. Stratification was carried out for unilateral
      and bilateral oophorectomy, and hysterectomy without specification of whether the
      ovaries were removed or not. Associations between the three oophorectomy options
      and colorectal cancer risk in different locations were assessed by means of
      hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 per cent confidence intervals calculated by Cox
      proportional hazards regression modelling. RESULTS: Of 195 973 women who had
      undergone oophorectomy, 3150 (1.6 per cent) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer
      at a later date (median follow-up 18 years). Colorectal cancer risk was increased
      after oophorectomy compared with that in the general population (SIR 1.30, 95 per
      cent c.i. 1.26 to 1.35). The risk was lower for younger age at oophorectomy (15
      39 years: SIR 1.10, 0.97 to 1.23; 40-49 years: SIR 1.26, 1.19 to 1.33; P for
      trend < 0.001). The risk was highest 1-4 years after oophorectomy (SIR 1.66, 1.51
      to 1.81; P < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, women who underwent bilateral
      oophorectomy had a higher risk of rectal cancer than those who had only
      unilateral oophorectomy (HR 2.28, 95 per cent c.i. 1.33 to 3.91). CONCLUSION:
      Colorectal cancer risk is increased after oophorectomy for benign indications.

PMID- 27115863
TI  - Parasitic zoonoses present some risks with low-temperature cooking of pork.
AB  - A recent article in this journal documents enhanced sensory qualities of pork
      cooked to low temperatures. The aim of this letter is to point out that the
      incidence of Trichinella spiralis in many countries and the more widespread
      incidence of Toxoplasma gondii present a concern for the adoption of low
      temperature cooking of pork unless extended cooking times are used. 

PMID- 27115864
TI  - Chemical compositions, free amino acid contents and antioxidant activities of
      Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) beef by cut.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate chemical compositions, free amino
      acid contents, and antioxidant activities of different cuts of Hanwoo (Bos taurus
      coreanae) beef. Beef preferences and prices in the Korean market depend on cut.
      Therefore, comparisons were made between high-preference cuts (group 1 [G1],
      including loin, tenderloin, and rib) and low-preference cuts (group 2 [G2],
      including brisket, topside, and shank). Meat samples were collected from 10
      fattened cows. Crude fat content was significantly higher in G1 than in G2
      (p<0.05). The amounts of crude protein and total free amino acid were negatively
      correlated with crude fat content (p<0.05). Overall G2 contained higher levels of
      free amino acids with antioxidant activity than G1. Antioxidant activities were
      also significantly higher in G2 compared with G1 (p<0.05). In conclusion,
      providing consumers with positive information about G2 as found in this study
      could help health-conscious consumers choosing among beef products and further
      promote increased consumption of low-preference beef cuts. 

PMID- 27115865
TI  - Consumer facial expression in relation to smoked ham with the use of face reading
      technology. The methodological aspects and informative value of research results.
AB  - The study determined the emotional reactions of consumers in relation to hams
      using face visualization method, which was recorded by FaceReader (FR). The aims
      of the research were to determine the effect of the ham samples on the type of
      emotion, to examine more deeply the individual emotional reactions of consumers
      and to analyse the emotional variability with regard to the temporal measurement
      of impressions. The research involved testing the effectiveness of measuring
      emotions in response to the ongoing flavour impression after consumption of
      smoked hams. It was found that for all of the assessed samples, neutral and
      negative emotions prevailed as the overall emotions recorded during the
      assessment of the taste/flavour impression. The range of variability of the
      overall emotions depended more on the consumer reactions and less on the
      properties of the assessed product. Consumers expressed various emotions in time
      and the ham samples evoked different emotional reactions as an effect of duration
      of the impression. 

PMID- 27115866
TI  - Aqueous Extracts of Toona sinensis Leaves Inhibit Renal Carcinoma Cell Growth and
      Migration Through JAK2/stat3, Akt, MEK/ERK, and mTOR/HIF-2alpha Pathways.
AB  - Toona sinensis (TS) is a type of deciduous tree, which is distributed widely in
      Asia and used as a traditional herb medicine. Previously, we demonstrated that
      aqueous extracts of TS leaves (TSL-1) induce apoptosis in two clear types of
      human renal carcinoma cells (ccRCC) via mitochondria-dependent pathway. In this
      study, we further investigated the more detailed mechanism of TSL-1-induced
      antitumor effects on ccRCCs. TSL-1 treatment arrested ccRCC cells in G0/G1 phase
      through the decrease of cyclin D1, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)2, and CDK4 as
      well as induction of p53 and FOXO3a protein expressions. On the other hand, the
      inhibitory effects of TSL-1 on migration were also observed in 786-O and A-498
      cells. Mechanically, we presented that TSL-1 could suppress cell cycle
      progression and motility via inhibiting the phosphorylation of JAK2/stat3, Akt,
      MEK/ERK, and mTOR in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, we
      found that TSL-1 inhibited p21, HIF-2alpha, c-Myc, VEGF, and MMP9 protein
      expressions in both cell lines. In conclusion, these findings suggested that TS
      induced apoptosis and its antimigration activity in ccRCC cells were accompanied
      by inactivation of several oncogenic pathways.

PMID- 27115867
TI  - A comparison of the burden and resultant risk associated with occupational falls
      from a height and on the same level in Australia.
AB  - Occupational falls are one of the leading causes of occupational injury and death
      internationally. This study described the nature of occupational falls following
      an analysis of workers compensation data in Western Australia. Frequencies,
      proportions and incidence rates were calculated following mechanism, gender, age
      and industry stratification. The natures of injury and bodily locations affected
      were compared between mechanisms of fall. Industry incidence rates were ranked
      and their corresponding proportions reported. Cost and lost time were described
      and risk scores for each burden type (incapacity, cost and lost time) were
      calculated and compared between fall mechanisms. Of all occupational falls, the
      proportion, incidence rates and risk scores of falls on same level were
      consistently greater compared to falls from a height. Gender, age and industry
      groups that appear to be at highest risk vary with the measure used and mechanism
      of incident. This study translates epidemiological information into a risk score
      that can aid in prioritisation. Practitioner Summary: This paper presents an in
      depth analysis of Worker's Compensation claims for falls in Western Australia.
      Calculated proportion, incidence rates and formulated risk scores for falls on
      the level were consistently greater compared to falls from a height. Limitations
      associated with the analysis of large-scale data-sets are described.

PMID- 27115868
TI  - Effects of Shift Work on the Postural and Psychomotor Performance of Night
      Workers.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of shift work on the
      psychomotor and postural performance of night workers. The study included 20
      polysomnography technicians working schedule of 12-h night shift by 36-h off. On
      the first day of protocol, the body mass and height were measured, and an
      actigraph was placed on the wrist of each participant. On the second day of
      protocol, sleepiness by Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, postural control by force
      platform (30 seconds) and psychomotor performance by Psychomotor Vigilance Task
      (10 minutes) were measured before and after 12-h night work. Results showed that
      after 12-h night work, sleepiness increased by 59% (p<0.001), postural control
      variables increased by 9% (p = 0.048), and 14% (p = 0.006). Mean reaction time,
      and the number of lapses of attention increased by 13% (p = 0.006) and 425% (p =
      0.015), respectively, but the mean reciprocal reaction time decreased by 7%. In
      addition, there were correlations between sleepiness and postural control
      variables with opened eyes (r = 0.616, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.361
      0.815; r = 0.538; 95% CI = 0.280-0.748) and closed eyes (r = 0.557; 95% CI =
      0.304-0.764, r = 0497; 95% CI = 0.325-0.715) and a pronounced effect of
      sleepiness on postural sway (R2 = 0.393; 95% CI = 0.001-0.03). Therefore, 12-h
      night work system and sleepiness showed a negative impact in postural and
      psychomotor vigilance performance of night workers. As unexpected, the force
      platform was feasibility to detect sleepiness in this population, underscoring
      the possibility of using this method in the workplace to prevent occupational
      injuries and accidents.

PMID- 27115870
TI  - Synthesis, characterization of new copper (ii) Schiff base and 1,10
      phenanthroline complexes and study of their bioproperties.
AB  - Three mononuclear Cu(II) complexes [Cu(naph-phe)phen] (1), [Cu(naph-tyr)(phen)]
      (2) and [Cu(naph-trp)(phen)] (3) were synthesized, characterized and their
      biological properties were studied. Complexes 1, 2, 3 exhibit square pyramidal
      geometry where Schiff base acts as a binegative tridentate ONO donor ligand and
      phen acts as NN donor ligand. CT-DNA binding studies revealed that the complexes
      bind through intercalative mode and show good binding propensity. The hydrolytic
      DNA cleavage activity of these complexes has been studied using gel
      electrophoresis. The DNA binding and cleavage affinities decrease in the order of
      3>2>1. The in-vitro antimicrobial activities of the complexes were also studied. 

PMID- 27115869
TI  - Inflammation Enhances the Risks of Stroke and Death in Chronic Chagas Disease
      Patients.
AB  - Ischemic strokes have been implicated as a cause of death in Chagas disease
      patients. Inflammation has been recognized as a key component in all ischemic
      processes, including the intravascular events triggered by vessel interruption,
      brain damage and repair. In this study, we evaluated the association between
      inflammatory markers and the death risk (DR) and stroke risk (SR) of patients
      with different clinical forms of chronic Chagas disease. The mRNA expression
      levels of cytokines, transcription factors expressed in the adaptive immune
      response (Th1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22 and regulatory T cell), and iNOS were
      analyzed by real-time PCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of chagasic
      patients who exhibited the indeterminate, cardiac, digestive and cardiodigestive
      clinical forms of the disease, and the levels of these transcripts were
      correlated with the DR and SR. Cardiac patients exhibited lower mRNA expression
      levels of GATA-3, FoxP3, AHR, IL-4, IL-9, IL-10 and IL-22 but exhibited higher
      expression of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha compared with indeterminate patients.
      Digestive patients showed similar levels of GATA-3, IL-4 and IL-10 than
      indeterminate patients. Cardiodigestive patients exhibited higher levels of TNF
      alpha compared with indeterminate and digestive patients. Furthermore, we
      demonstrated that patients with high DR and SR exhibited lower GATA-3, FoxP3, and
      IL-10 expression and higher IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and iNOS mRNA expression than
      patients with low DR and SR. A negative correlation was observed between Foxp3
      and IL-10 mRNA expression and the DR and SR. Moreover, TNF-alpha and iNOS
      expression was positively correlated with DR and SR. Our data suggest that an
      inflammatory imbalance in chronic Chagas disease patients is associated with a
      high DR and SR. This study provides a better understanding of the stroke
      pathobiology in the general population and might aid the development of
      therapeutic strategies for controlling the morbidity and mortality of Chagas
      disease. 

PMID- 27115871
TI  - Tooth color change caused by photosensitizers after photodynamic therapy: An in
      vitro study.
AB  - This study aimed to perform an in vitro evaluation of the effect of
      photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) on tooth color change when
      used in combination with conventional endodontic treatment. Forty extracted human
      mandibular premolars were accessed and underwent root canal therapy and PDT.
      Photosensitizers were used in accordance with the experimental groups: MB (n=10) 
      PDT with Methylene Blue at 0.01%; TB (n=10) - PDT with Toluidine Blue at 0.01%;
      MG (n=10) - PDT with Malachite Green at 0.01%, at the concentration of 0.1mg/mL;
      and PC (n=10) - positive control, PDT with Endo-PTC cream stained with Methylene
      Blue at 25%. The samples were irradiated with 660-nm diode laser by means of a
      330-MUm-diameter optical fiber cable at a power density of 40mW for 120s. After
      light curing, the photosensitizers were removed from the specimens with 10mL
      sodium hypochlorite at 1%. A reflectance spectrometer was used for evaluation of
      color prior to and 60days after the experimental procedure based on the CIE
      L*a*b* system. According to ANOVA test, there were statistically significant
      differences between the experimental groups (p=0.003). Tukey's test showed a
      significant difference between PC and TB (p=0.008), as well as between MG and TB
      (p=0.009). However, there was no statistically significant difference between PC,
      MG (p=0.957) and MB (p=0.103). It was concluded that the use of PDT as an
      adjuvant to root canal therapy, using different photosensitizers, led to color
      change in tooth structure. 

PMID- 27115872
TI  - Island-Model Genomic Selection for Long-Term Genetic Improvement of Autogamous
      Crops.
AB  - Acceleration of genetic improvement of autogamous crops such as wheat and rice is
      necessary to increase cereal production in response to the global food crisis.
      Population and pedigree methods of breeding, which are based on inbred line
      selection, are used commonly in the genetic improvement of autogamous crops.
      These methods, however, produce a few novel combinations of genes in a breeding
      population. Recurrent selection promotes recombination among genes and produces
      novel combinations of genes in a breeding population, but it requires inaccurate
      single-plant evaluation for selection. Genomic selection (GS), which can predict
      genetic potential of individuals based on their marker genotype, might have high
      reliability of single-plant evaluation and might be effective in recurrent
      selection. To evaluate the efficiency of recurrent selection with GS, we
      conducted simulations using real marker genotype data of rice cultivars.
      Additionally, we introduced the concept of an "island model" inspired by
      evolutionary algorithms that might be useful to maintain genetic variation
      through the breeding process. We conducted GS simulations using real marker
      genotype data of rice cultivars to evaluate the efficiency of recurrent selection
      and the island model in an autogamous species. Results demonstrated the
      importance of producing novel combinations of genes through recurrent selection.
      An initial population derived from admixture of multiple bi-parental crosses
      showed larger genetic gains than a population derived from a single bi-parental
      cross in whole cycles, suggesting the importance of genetic variation in an
      initial population. The island-model GS better maintained genetic improvement in
      later generations than the other GS methods, suggesting that the island-model GS
      can utilize genetic variation in breeding and can retain alleles with small
      effects in the breeding population. The island-model GS will become a new
      breeding method that enhances the potential of genomic selection in autogamous
      crops, especially bringing long-term improvement.

PMID- 27115873
TI  - Alirocumab, a Therapeutic Human Antibody to PCSK9, Does Not Affect CD81 Levels or
      Hepatitis C Virus Entry and Replication into Hepatocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PSCK9) is secreted
      mainly from the liver and binds to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR),
      reducing LDLR availability and thus resulting in an increase in LDL-cholesterol.
      While the LDLR has been implicated in the cell entry process of the hepatitis C
      virus (HCV), overexpression of an artificial non-secreted, cell membrane-bound
      form of PCSK9 has also been shown to reduce surface expression of CD81, a major
      component of the HCV entry complex, leading to concerns that pharmacological
      inhibition of PCSK9 may increase susceptibility to HCV infection by increasing
      either CD81 or LDLR availability. Here, we evaluated effects of PCSK9 and PCSK9
      blockade on CD81 levels and HCV entry with a physiologically relevant model using
      native secreted PCSK9 and a monoclonal antibody to PCSK9, alirocumab. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Flow cytometry and Western blotting of human hepatocyte Huh-7 cells
      showed that, although LDLR levels were reduced when cells were exposed to
      increasing PCSK9 concentrations, there was no correlation between total or
      surface CD81 levels and the presence and amount of soluble PCSK9. Moreover,
      inhibiting PCSK9 with the monoclonal antibody alirocumab did not affect
      expression levels of CD81. In an in vitro model of HCV entry, addition of soluble
      PCSK9 or treatment with alirocumab had no effect on the ability of either
      lentiviral particles bearing the HCV glycoproteins or JFH-1 based cell culture
      virus to enter hepatocytes. Consistent with these in vitro findings, no
      differences were observed in hepatic CD81 levels using in vivo mouse models,
      including Pcsk9-/- mice compared with wild-type controls and hyperlipidemic mice
      homozygous for human Pcsk9 and heterozygous for Ldlr deletion, treated with
      either alirocumab or isotype control antibody. CONCLUSION: These results suggest
      that inhibition of PCSK9 with alirocumab has no effect on CD81 and does not
      result in increased susceptibility to HCV entry.

PMID- 27115874
TI  - Remotely Sensed Environmental Conditions and Malaria Mortality in Three Malaria
      Endemic Regions in Western Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in malaria
      endemic countries. The malaria mosquito vectors depend on environmental
      conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, for reproduction and survival. To
      investigate the potential for weather driven early warning systems to prevent
      disease occurrence, the disease relationship to weather conditions need to be
      carefully investigated. Where meteorological observations are scarce, satellite
      derived products provide new opportunities to study the disease patterns
      depending on remotely sensed variables. In this study, we explored the lagged
      association of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NVDI), day Land Surface
      Temperature (LST) and precipitation on malaria mortality in three areas in
      Western Kenya. METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS: The lagged effect of each environmental
      variable on weekly malaria mortality was modeled using a Distributed Lag Non
      Linear Modeling approach. For each variable we constructed a natural spline basis
      with 3 degrees of freedom for both the lag dimension and the variable. Lag
      periods up to 12 weeks were considered. The effect of day LST varied between the
      areas with longer lags. In all the three areas, malaria mortality was associated
      with precipitation. The risk increased with increasing weekly total precipitation
      above 20 mm and peaking at 80 mm. The NDVI threshold for increased mortality risk
      was between 0.3 and 0.4 at shorter lags. CONCLUSION: This study identified lag
      patterns and association of remote- sensing environmental factors and malaria
      mortality in three malaria endemic regions in Western Kenya. Our results show
      that rainfall has the most consistent predictive pattern to malaria transmission
      in the endemic study area. Results highlight a potential for development of
      locally based early warning forecasts that could potentially reduce the disease
      burden by enabling timely control actions.

PMID- 27115875
TI  - "You're on ten, where can you go from there?" Tufnel problems in repeated
      experiential judgments.
AB  - We describe a set of Tufnel problems that arise when repeated use of a fixed
      point scale precipitates failures to assess a full range of subjective
      experiences. As empirical evidence, participants in Study 1 periodically reported
      their depth of mind wandering on either 5- or 7-point Likert scales during a
      sustained attention task. The proportion of participants providing maximum scale
      ratings increased quickly over time-on-task and did so more quickly for the 5
      point than for the 7-point group. Participants in Study 2 completed the same task
      using a 10-point scale before indicating whether and where they could have used a
      scale extended to "11" during the task. Slightly more than 20% of participants
      reported needing a scale extension. This Need for 11 was associated with
      differences in both reports of mind wandering depth and task performance. We
      conclude that Tufnel problems warrant methodological consideration and reflect
      interesting constraints on human judgment.

PMID- 27115876
TI  - Relationship between Otitis Media and Epithelial Function in the Lymphoepithelium
      of Pediatric Adenoids.
AB  - Nose- or nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) has a unique role that is
      distinct from that of other lymphoid tissues. During upper airway mucosal immune
      response, NALT induces a variety of responses, including cytokine and chemokine
      production and innate immune response, to establish acquired immunity. NALT
      consists of epithelial cells, epithelium-associated lymphoid tissues such as IgA
      committed B cells, innate lymphocytes, T helper cells and dendritic cells.
      Intranasal immunization has recently been shown to effectively induce a proactive
      immune response in the local mucosa in addition to a systemic immune response. A
      variety of factors can cause otitis media, including Eustachian tube dysfunction,
      inflammation, allergy and viral and bacterial infections. However, the detailed
      pathogenesis of otitis media is not yet completely understood. In this report, we
      provide evidence suggesting that adenoid tissue as a component of NALT in
      children may play an important role in inducing innate immunity following viral
      infection. 

PMID- 27115878
TI  - Pharmacological Development of Target-Specific Delocalized Lipophilic Cation
      Functionalized Carboranes for Cancer Therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tumor cell heterogeneity and microenvironment represent major hindering
      factors in the clinical setting toward achieving the desired selectivity and
      specificity to malignant tissues for molecularly targeted cancer therapeutics. In
      this study, the cellular and molecular evaluation of several delocalized
      lipophilic cation (DLC)-functionalized carborane compounds as innovative
      anticancer agents is presented. METHODS: The anticancer potential assessment of
      the DLC-carboranes was performed in established normal (MRC-5, Vero), cancer (U
      87 MG, HSC-3) and primary glioblastoma cancer stem (EGFR(pos), EGFR(neg))
      cultures. Moreover, the molecular mechanism of action underlying their
      pharmacological response is also analyzed. RESULTS: The pharmacological
      anticancer profile of DLC-functionalized carboranes is characterized by: a) a
      marked in vitro selectivity, due to lower concentration range needed (ca. 10
      fold) to exert their cell growth-arrest effect on U-87 MG and HSC-3, as compared
      with that on MRC-5 and Vero; b) a similar selective growth inhibition behavior
      towards EGFR(pos) and EGFR(neg) cultures (>10 fold difference in potency)
      without, however, the activation of apoptosis in cultures; c) notably, in marked
      contrast to cancer cells, normal cells are capable of recapitulating their full
      proliferation potential following exposure to DLC-carboranes; and, d) such
      pharmacological effects of DLC-carboranes has been unveiled to be elicited at the
      molecular level through activation of the p53/p21 axis. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the
      data presented in this work indicates the potential of the DLC-functionalized
      carboranes to act as new selective anticancer therapeutics that may be used
      autonomously or in therapies involving radiation with thermal neutrons.
      Importantly, such bifunctional capacity may be beneficial in cancer therapy.

PMID- 27115879
TI  - Endoscopic Devices for Obesity.
AB  - The obesity epidemic, recognized by the World Health Organization in 1997, refers
      to the rising incidence of obesity worldwide. Lifestyle modification and
      pharmacotherapy are often ineffective long-term solutions; bariatric surgery
      remains the gold standard for long-term obesity weight loss. Despite the reported
      benefits, it has been estimated that only 1% of obese patients will undergo
      surgery. Endoscopic treatment for obesity represents a potential cost-effective,
      accessible, minimally invasive procedure that can function as a bridge or
      alternative intervention to bariatric surgery. We review the current endoscopic
      bariatric devices including space occupying devices, endoscopic gastroplasty,
      aspiration technology, post-bariatric surgery endoscopic revision, and obesity
      related NOTES procedures. Given the diverse devices already FDA approved and in
      development, we discuss the future directions of endoscopic therapies for
      obesity. 

PMID- 27115880
TI  - The Role of Cognitive Factors in Predicting Balance and Fall Risk in a Neuro
      Rehabilitation Setting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a consistent body of evidence supporting the role of
      cognitive functions, particularly executive function, in the elderly and in
      neurological conditions which become more frequent with ageing. The aim of our
      study was to assess the role of different domains of cognitive functions to
      predict balance and fall risk in a sample of adults with various neurological
      conditions in a rehabilitation setting. METHODS: This was a prospective, cohort
      study conducted in a single centre in the UK. 114 participants consecutively
      admitted to a Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit were prospectively assessed for fall
      accidents. Baseline assessment included a measure of balance (Berg Balance Scale)
      and a battery of standard cognitive tests measuring executive function, speed of
      information processing, verbal and visual memory, visual perception and
      intellectual function. The outcomes of interest were the risk of becoming a
      faller, balance and fall rate. RESULTS: Two tests of executive function were
      significantly associated with fall risk, the Stroop Colour Word Test (IRR 1.01,
      95% CI 1.00-1.03) and the number of errors on part B of the Trail Making Test
      (IRR 1.23, 95% CI 1.03-1.49). Composite scores of executive function, speed of
      information processing and visual memory domains resulted in 2 to 3 times
      increased likelihood of having better balance (OR 2.74 95% CI 1.08 to 6.94, OR
      2.72 95% CI 1.16 to 6.36 and OR 2.44 95% CI 1.11 to 5.35 respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that specific subcomponents of executive functions
      are able to predict fall risk, while a more global cognitive dysfunction is
      associated with poorer balance.

PMID- 27115881
TI  - Influence of Reproductive Status: Home Range Size in Water Voles (Arvicola
      amphibius).
AB  - The relationship between home range and reproductive status of water voles
      (Arvicola amphibius) was studied by radio-tracking on an island off the coast of
      northern Norway in 2006-2009. The aim was to test assumptions about the species'
      social structure relative to other microtines. Juveniles used fairly small ranges
      (about 400 m2), with no difference between males and females. Subadults,
      overwintered voles in April, had ranges similar to juveniles. Reproductively
      active males (mean 2774.0 m2) increased their range seven-fold relative to
      juvenile males, with ranges on average 3.3 times larger than adult females (mean
      848.3 m2), which also expanded their range. Most litters were born in May and
      June, and as reproduction ceased in July adult males reduced their range whilst
      females did not. Body mass or year did not influence home range size. Overlap of
      home ranges varied, but could be extensive in both adult males and females. The
      water vole had a social structure similar to some Microtus species, but females
      appeared to be non-territorial and males perhaps conditioned territorial and non
      territorial.

PMID- 27115882
TI  - Transferrin Level Before Treatment and Genetic Polymorphism in HFE Gene as
      Predictive Markers for Response to Adalimumab in Crohn's Disease Patients.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors (anti-TNF) have improved treatment of
      several complex diseases, including Crohn's disease (CD). However, the effect
      varies and approximately one-third of the patients do not respond. Since blood
      parameters as well as genetic factors have shown a great potential to predict
      response during treatment, the aim of the study was to evaluate response to anti
      TNF treatment with adalimumab (ADA) between genes HFE and TF and haematological
      parameters in Slovenian refractory CD patients. Single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) rs1799852 in gene TF and rs2071303 in gene HFE were genotyped in 68
      refractory CD patients for which response has been measured using inflammatory
      bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ) index. Haematological parameters and IBDQ
      index were determined before therapy and after 4, 12, 20 and 30 weeks. We found
      novel strong association between SNP rs2071303 in gene HFE and response to ADA
      treatment, particularly patients with G allele comparing to A allele had better
      response after 20 weeks (p = 0.008). Further, we found strong association between
      transferrin level at baseline and treatment response after 12, 20 and 30 weeks,
      where average transferrin level before therapy was lower in responders (2.38 g/L)
      compared to non-responders (2.89 g/L, p = 0.005). Association was found between
      transferrin level in week 30 and SNP rs1799852 (p = 0.023), and between MCHC
      level before treatment and SNP rs2071303 (p = 0.007). Our results suggest that
      SNP in gene HFE as well as haematological markers serve as promising prognostic
      markers of response to anti-TNF treatment in CD patients. 

PMID- 27115883
TI  - Musculoskeletal imaging insight 2015: Kenya.
AB  - Over the past 6 years the International Skeletal Society (ISS) outreach programs
      have become popular amongst the various radiology organizations in sub-Saharan
      Africa. So much so that that the ISS outreach is now routinely expected to
      participate in many of the international radiology conferences in that part of
      the world. The organizational planning for an outreach visit to Kenya took place
      over a 3-year period. Eventually a double-headed event; the seventh and eighth
      sub-Saharan outreach efforts were organized in Nairobi and in Mombasa, Kenya. The
      Nairobi outreach was an educational course on musculoskeletal imaging at the
      University of Nairobi and the Aga Khan University in Nairobi from 26 to 28 May
      2015. The Mombasa outreach was organized in collaboration with the African
      Society of Radiology (ASR) at their annual meeting in Mombasa from 30 May to 2
      June 2015. 

PMID- 27115884
TI  - Evaluation of (18)F-FDG PET and MRI in differentiating benign and malignant
      peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI for differentiating benign and
      malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (BPNSTs and MPNSTs) and correlate
      imaging characteristics with histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with
      pathologically proven PNSTs undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT were retrospectively
      reviewed. PET/CTs and, if available, MRIs were analyzed, noting multiple imaging
      characteristics and likely pathology (benign or malignant). RESULTS: Thirty-eight
      patients with 23 BPNSTs and 20 MPNSTs were analyzed. MPNSTs had higher SUVmax
      (10.1 +/- 1.0, 4.2 +/- 0.4, p < 0.0001), metabolic tumor volume (146.5 +/- 39.4,
      21.7 +/- 6.6 cm(3), p = 0.01), total lesion glycolysis (640.7 +/- 177.5, 89.9 +/-
      23.2 cm(3)*g/ml, p = 0.01), and SUVmax/LiverSUVmean (5.3 +/- 0.5, 2.0 +/- 0.2, p
      < 0.0001). All lesions with SUVmax < 4.3 were benign. All lesions with SUVmax >
      8.1 were malignant. SUVmax cutoff of 6.1 yielded 90.0 % sensitivity and 78.3 %
      specificity for MPNSTs. SUVmax/LiverSUVmean cutoff of 3.0 yielded 90.0 %
      sensitivity and 82.6 % specificity. MPNSTs more commonly had heterogeneous FDG
      activity (p < 0.0001), perilesional edema (p = 0.004), cystic
      degeneration/necrosis (p = 0.015), and irregular margins (p = 0.004). There was
      no difference in lesion size, MRI signal characteristics, or enhancement.
      Expertly interpreted MRI had 62.5-81.3 % sensitivity and 94.1-100.0 % specificity
      while PET had 90.0-100.0 % sensitivity and 52.2-82.6 % specificity for diagnosing
      MPNSTs. CONCLUSIONS: FDG PET and MRI play a complementary role in PNST
      evaluation. Multiple metabolic parameters and MRI imaging characteristics are
      useful in differentiating BPNSTs from MPNSTs. This underscores the potential
      critical role of PET/MRI in these patients.

PMID- 27115885
TI  - T2 mapping of articular cartilage of the glenohumeral joint at 3.0 T in healthy
      volunteers: a feasibility study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the T2 values of the
      glenohumeral joint cartilage in healthy asymptomatic individuals at 3.0 T and to
      analyze the T2 profile of the humeral cartilage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      prospective study was approved by our institutional review board and written
      informed consent was obtained. Thirteen subjects (mean age, 28.6 years; age
      range, 24-33 years) were included and underwent multiecho spin-echo T2-weighted
      MR imaging and T2 mapping was acquired. Regions of interest were placed on the
      humeral cartilage and glenoid cartilage on oblique coronal images. T2 profiles of
      humeral cartilage were measured from the bone-cartilage interface to the
      articular surface. Intra-observer agreement was analyzed using intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: All 13 joints showed normal appearance on
      conventional T2-weighted images. The mean T2 values of humeral and glenoid
      cartilage were 50.5 +/- 12.1 and 49.0 +/- 9.9 ms, respectively. Intra-observer
      agreement was good, as determined by ICC (0.736). Longer T2 values were observed
      at the articular surface with a tendency to decrease toward the bone-cartilage
      interface. The mean cartilage T2 value was 69.03 +/- 21.2 ms at the articular
      surface and 46.99 +/- 19.6 ms at the bone-cartilage interface. CONCLUSION: T2
      values of the glenohumeral joint cartilage were similar to reported values of
      cartilage in the knee. The T2 profile of normal humeral cartilage showed a
      spatial variation with an increase in T2 values from the subchondral bone to the
      articular surface.

PMID- 27115886
TI  - Role of renal urothelium in the development and progression of kidney disease.
AB  - The clinical and financial impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is significant,
      while its progression and prognosis is variable and often poor. Studies using the
      megabladder (mgb -/- ) model of CKD show that renal urothelium plays a key role
      in modulating early injury responses following the development of congenital
      obstruction. The aim of this review is to examine the role that urothelium has in
      normal urinary tract development and pathogenesis. We discuss normal morphology
      of renal urothelium and then examine the role that uroplakins (Upks) play in its
      development. Histologic, biochemical, and molecular characterization of Upk1b
      RFP/RFP mice indicated Upk1b expression is essential for normal urinary tract
      development, apical plaque/asymmetric membrane unit (AUM) formation, and
      differentiation and functional integrity of the renal urothelium. Our studies
      provide the first evidence that Upk1b is directly associated with the development
      of congenital anomalies of the urinary tract (CAKUT), spontaneous age-dependent
      hydronephrosis, and dysplastic urothelia. These observations demonstrate the
      importance of proper urothelial differentiation in normal development and
      pathogenesis of the urinary tract and provide a unique working model to test the
      hypothesis that the complex etiology associated with CKD is dependent upon
      predetermined genetic susceptibilities that establish pathogenic thresholds for
      disease initiation and progression.

PMID- 27115887
TI  - Measuring and estimating glomerular filtration rate in children.
AB  - Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best index for kidney function in health
      and disease. Knowledge of the GFR is essential for the detection (diagnosis) and
      monitoring of renal function during disease progression and for ensuring correct
      medication doses. Inulin clearance (plasma or urine) is currently considered to
      be the gold standard for measuring GFR, but in clinical practice the measurement
      of other exogenous filtration markers from the plasma often replaces that of
      inulin clearance. Different protocols can be used to determine the area under the
      plasma disappearance curve, and an understanding of these methods is important.
      GFR can also be estimated by GFR equations (eGFR), which are most often used in
      clinical practice because they only require a knowledge of the serum creatinine
      or cystatin C level and demographic information. eGFR equations are easy to use
      but they do have their limitations, and it is important to know how these
      equations were derived and in which circumstances they can be used most
      accurately. The aim of this review is to explain how GFR can be measured using
      the renal clearance and the plasma clearance method and which eGFR equations can
      be applied to children, as well as how and when these equations can be used in
      clinical practice.

PMID- 27115888
TI  - Life expectancy with chronic kidney disease: an educational review.
AB  - Can renal prognosis and life expectancy be accurately predicted? Increasingly,
      the answer is yes. The natural history of different forms of renal disease is
      becoming clearer; the degree of reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and
      the magnitude of proteinuria are strong predictors of renal outcome. Actuarial
      data on life expectancy from the start of renal replacement therapy are available
      from renal registries such as the U.S. Renal Data System (USRDS), and the UK
      Renal Registry. Recently, similar data have become available for patients with
      chronic kidney disease. Data collected from a large population-based registry in
      Alberta, Canada and stratified for different levels of estimated GFR (eGFR) have
      shown that the reduction in life expectancy with kidney failure is not a uremic
      event associated with starting dialysis but a continuous process that is evident
      from an eGFR of <=60 ml/min. Nevertheless, despite the poor prognosis of the last
      stages of renal failure, progress in the treatment and management of these
      patients and, in particular, of their cardiovascular risk factors continues to
      improve long-term outcome.

PMID- 27115890
TI  - UK Renal Registry 18th Annual Report: Chapter 9 Biochemical Variables amongst UK
      Adult Dialysis Patients in 2014: National and Centre-specific Analyses.
AB  - In 2014 57.5% of HD patients and 62.7% of PD patients achieved the audit measure
      for phosphate. 29.0% of HD and 30.3% of PD patients had a serum phosphate above
      the audit standard range. 79.1% of HD and 79.7% of PD patients had adjusted
      calcium between 2.2-2.5 mmol/L. 57.4% of HD and 65.0% of PD patients had a serum
      PTH between 16-72 pmol/L. 16.4% of HD and 12.0% of PD patients had a serum PTH
      .72 pmol/L. Simultaneous control of all three parameters within current audit
      standards was achieved by 50.3% of HD and 52.5% of PD patients. 60.4% of HD and
      81.8% of PD patients achieved the audit measure for bicarbonate.

PMID- 27115891
TI  - The Heidelberg Appendicitis Score Simplifies Identification of Pediatric
      Appendicitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors that facilitate the diagnosis of pediatric
      appendicitis. METHODS: Institutionally approved retrospective, single center
      analysis of all patients with acute abdominal pain was done. Medical history,
      symptoms, laboratory and radiologic findings of all children presenting with
      abdominal pain were evaluated. To identify the best predictors, uni- and multi
      variate analysis were used. RESULTS: In 2 years, 431 patients fulfilled the
      inclusion criteria. Data was complete in all subjects. Of these, 156 (36.2 %)
      suffered from appendicitis. The best discriminators for appendicitis were
      clinical and ultrasound features. The four best factors were identified by CART
      analysis (continuous abdominal pain, tenderness on the right lower quadrant,
      rebound tenderness and conspicuous ultrasound) and combined to the Heidelberg
      Appendicitis score. A positive score (>3 features) is highly predictive for acute
      appendicitis (PPV 89.3 %, NPV 94.9 %) and includes all cases of perforated
      appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to predict acute appendicitis in
      children. The decision making process can be simplified by the proposed
      Heidelberg Appendicitis score, which is comprised of four factors. It has great
      potential to facilitate and accelerate the diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis.

PMID- 27115892
TI  - Expression and Localization of Human Defensins in Palatine Tonsils.
AB  - Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides and effector components of innate
      immune responses. Recent studies have shed light on their beneficial functions
      for the prevention of infection and potential for development of new drugs. Here,
      we showed the expression profiles of human defensins in palatine tonsils with 3
      different diseases: tonsillar hypertrophy, recurrent tonsillitis and focal
      infection of the tonsil. RT-PCR analysis and immunofluorescence revealed that the
      expression of human alpha-defensin 4 and beta-defensin 3 (beta3) in palatine
      tonsils with tonsillar hypertrophy was lower than that in recurrent tonsillitis
      and focal infection of the tonsil, suggesting that chronic inflammation induces
      defensin expression. Interestingly, beta2 and beta3 mRNAs were specifically
      expressed by palatine tonsil tissues but not in human peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells and mucosa of the small intestine. Additionally, we observed
      that exposure to a Toll-like receptor 4 ligand, lipopolysaccharide, which is used
      as a bacterial infection model, increases the production of beta2 in culture
      supernatants from tonsillar epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. Taken
      together, these results indicate that beta2 produced by tonsillar epithelial
      cells plays an important role in the innate immune response for bacterial
      infections. 

PMID- 27115893
TI  - Detection of Fetal Sex, Aneuploidy and a Microdeletion from Single Placental
      Syncytial Nuclear Aggregates.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A key problem in prenatal screening using extra-embryonic cells is
      the feasibility of extracting usable DNA from a small number of cells. Syncytial
      nuclear aggregates (SNAs) are multinucleated structures shed from the placenta.
      This study assesses the potential of SNAs as a source of fetal DNA for the
      detection of genetic abnormalities. METHODS: SNAs were collected in vitro. Whole
      genome amplification was used to amplify DNA from single SNAs, and DNA quality
      and quantity was assessed by spectrophotometry and PCR. Confocal microscopy was
      used to count nuclei within SNAs, determine metabolic activity and investigate
      DNA damage. Fetal sex and chromosomal/genetic abnormalities were investigated
      with array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). RESULTS: DNA was amplified
      from 81% of the individual SNAs. A mean of 61 +/- 43 nuclei were found per SNA.
      DNA strand breaks were found in 76% of the SNAs. Seventy-five percent of SNAs
      yielded whole-genome-amplified DNA of sufficient quality for aCGH after storage
      and shipping. Individual SNAs from the same pregnancy reliably gave the same
      chromosomal profile, and fetal sex and trisomies could be detected. A
      microdeletion was detected in one pregnancy. CONCLUSION: SNAs could provide a
      source of extra-embryonic DNA for the prenatal screening/diagnosis of fetal sex
      and chromosomal and sub-chromosomal genetic abnormalities.

PMID- 27115894
TI  - New concept of the pathogenesis and therapeutic orientation of acquired
      communicating hydrocephalus.
AB  - Hydrocephalus is a common medical condition characterized by abnormalities in the
      secretion, circulation and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), resulting in
      ventricle dilatation. For the communicating hydrocephalus, without etiological
      treatment, its pathogenesis has been considered as a research emphasis. Many
      factors can damage the CSF system and trigger communicating hydrocephalus,
      including tumor surgery and hydrocephalus neurological diseases, such as brain
      trauma, infection, ICH and SAH. But according to our clinical experience, a big
      proportion of patients do not develop hydrocephalus. That is because the
      absorbing ability of CSF can compensate within a certain range. If the damage
      exceeds that range, hydrocephalus will occur. Once it occurs, it is not likely to
      be reversed, so a shunt surgery is always needed. Therefore, we believe that our
      orientation could transform the treatment of patient who has already showed
      hydrocephalus symptoms to the prevention of the occurrence in the patient with
      high risk of hydrocephalus. Based on the hypothesis above, we first divide the
      process of hydrocephalus into three stages and we believe that hydrocephalus are
      possible be reversed or halted in stage 1 and 2. The new concept of the
      pathogenesis in hydrocephalus will enrich our understanding and provide new
      insights to the therapeutic orientation. In conclusion, the future research
      direction should be the prevention of hydrocephalus, which should take a long
      period from the immediate occurrence of brain injury to several months or even
      years after the injury. 

PMID- 27115895
TI  - Effect of associated aneurysms on the management of intracranial arteriovenous
      malformations.

PMID- 27115896
TI  - Elevated serum IL-11, TNF alpha, and VEGF expressions contribute to the
      pathophysiology of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH).
AB  - To study the changes in serum interleukin-11 (IL-11), tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions following
      hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH), and explore their associations with
      disease severity and prognosis. Serum IL-11, TNF-alpha, and VEGF levels after 1,
      3, 7, and 14 days after HICH were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA), and neurological deficit score (NDS) were recorded at admission and
      discharge for 99 HICH cases. Then 45 healthy controls were included and assayed
      for serum IL-11, TNF-alpha, and VEGF levels. Serum IL-11, TNF-alpha, and VEGF
      levels were higher in HICH patients than healthy controls (all P < 0.05). TNF
      alpha was higher at the 3rd day following disease onset than other time points
      (all P < 0.05), while IL-11 and VEGF peaked at the 7th day and dropped below
      baseline values at the 14th day (all P < 0.05). Serum IL-11 was positively
      correlated with TNF-alpha (r = 0.70, P < 0.05) and VEGF (r = 0.72, P < 0.05).
      Serum TNF-alpha was positively correlated with VEGF (r = 0.46, P < 0.05). Serum
      IL-11, TNF-alpha, and VEGF were associated with disease severity in HICH
      patients. Patients with more severe disease tended to have higher NDS at
      admission, and higher IL-11, TNF-alpha, and VEGF during treatment were associated
      with higher NDS at discharge. Serum IL-11, TNF-alpha, and VEGF may involve in the
      pathophysiology of HICH, thus IL-11, TNF-alpha, and VEGF may be prognostic
      factors for post HICH neurologic damage. 

PMID- 27115897
TI  - Expression of CysLTR1 and 2 in Maturating Lymphocytes of Hyperplasic Tonsils
      Compared to Peripheral Cells in Children.
AB  - Cysteinyl-leukotriene receptors 1 and 2 (CysLTR1 and 2) are related to allergic
      inflammatory responses. Recent studies demonstrated their role in lymphocyte
      division and maturation in the bone marrow. Few data are available about CysLTRs
      function in lymphocyte maturation in tonsils. The objectives of this study are to
      compare CysLTRs expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes with expression in
      maturating lymphocytes of hyperplasic tonsil and to check the influence of
      respiratory allergies in this process. Leukocytes of peripheral blood (PL) and
      hyperplasic tonsils of children were immunostained for CysLTR1, CysLTR2, CD3 (T
      cells), and CD19 (B cells) and read in flow cytometer. Lymphocyte of tonsils were
      divided in differentiating small cells (SC) and mitotic large cells (LC);
      percentage of B and T cells expressing CysLTRs was determined, and comparison was
      done using ANOVA and Tukey's tests. Data were analyzed as a whole and
      categorizing patients according the presence of allergies. Sixty children were
      enrolled in this study. There was a large expression of CysLTR1 and 2 in CD3+ LC,
      and such expression decreased progressively in SC and PL. In B cells, the highest
      expression of CysLTR1 and 2 was found in PL while SC showed the lowest and LC
      showed the intermediate expression. This pattern kept unchanged in groups of
      allergic and non-allergic individuals. CysLTRs seem to be involved in lymphocyte
      maturation that occurs in tonsils, without influence of allergies. New studies
      aiming the clinic treatment of tonsil hyperplasia must be targeted to the
      development of drugs capable of blocking both CysLTR1 and 2. 

PMID- 27115899
TI  - Long-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Versus Open Surgery for Clinical Stage I
      Gastric Cancer: The LOC-1 Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical trials comparing laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) versus
      traditional open gastrectomy (OG) have been planned, their surgical outcomes
      reported but their oncologic outcomes are still pending. Consequently, we have
      conducted this large-scale historical cohort study to provide relevant
      information rapidly to guide our current practice. METHODS: Through a consensus
      meeting involving surgeons, biostatisticians, and epidemiologists, 30 variables
      of preoperative information possibly influencing surgeons' choice between LG
      versus OG and potentially associating with outcomes were identified to enable
      rigorous estimation of propensity scores. A total of 4235 consecutive patients
      who underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma were identified and their
      relevant data were gathered from the participating hospitals. After propensity
      score matching, 1848 patients (924 each for LG and OG) were selected for
      comparison of long-term outcomes. RESULTS: In the propensity-matched population,
      the 5-year overall survival was 96.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 95.0-97.6] in
      the OG as compared with 97.1% (95% CI, 95.9-98.3) in LG. The number of all-cause
      death was 33/924 in the OG and 24/924 in the LG through the entire period, and
      the hazard ratio (LG/OG) for overall death was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.44-1.27; P =
      0.290). The 3-year recurrence-free survival was 97.4% (95% CI, 96.4-98.5) in the
      OG and 97.7% (95% CI, 96.5-98.8) in the LG. The number of recurrence was 22/924
      in the OG and 21/924 in the LG through the entire period, and the hazard ratio
      was 1.01 (95% CI, 0.55-1.84; P = 0.981). CONCLUSIONS: This observational study
      adjusted for all-known confounding factors seems to provide strong enough
      evidence to suggest that LG is oncologically comparable to OG for gastric cancer.

PMID- 27115903
TI  - On-demand Reporting of Risk-adjusted and Smoothed Rates for Quality Profiling in
      ACS NSQIP.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical quality improvement depends on hospitals having accurate and
      timely information about comparative performance. Profiling accuracy is improved
      by risk adjustment and shrinkage adjustment to stabilize estimates. These
      adjustments are included in ACS NSQIP reports, where hospital odds ratios (OR)
      are estimated using hierarchical models built on contemporaneous data. However,
      the timeliness of feedback remains an issue. STUDY DESIGN: We describe an
      alternative, nonhierarchical approach, which yields risk- and shrinkage-adjusted
      rates. In contrast to our "Traditional" NSQIP method, this approach uses
      preexisting equations, built on historical data, which permits hospitals to have
      near immediate access to profiling results. We compared our traditional method to
      this new "on-demand" approach with respect to outlier determinations, kappa
      statistics, and correlations between logged OR and standardized rates, for 12
      models (4 surgical groups by 3 outcomes). RESULTS: When both methods used the
      same contemporaneous data, there were similar numbers of hospital outliers and
      correlations between logged OR and standardized rates were high. However, larger
      differences were observed when the effect of contemporaneous versus historical
      data was added to differences in statistical methodology. CONCLUSIONS: The on
      demand, nonhierarchical approach provides results similar to the traditional
      hierarchical method and offers immediacy, an "over-time" perspective, application
      to a broader range of models and data subsets, and reporting of more easily
      understood rates. Although the nonhierarchical method results are now available
      "on-demand" in a web-based application, the hierarchical approach has advantages,
      which support its continued periodic publication as the gold standard for
      hospital profiling in the program.

PMID- 27115907
TI  - The possible mechanisms of the human microbiome in allergic diseases.
AB  - In the present paper, we discuss the importance of the microbiome in allergic
      disease. In this review paper, the data from the Medline (PubMed) and search
      engine of Kirikkale University were systematically searched for all relevant
      articles in June 15th, 2015 for the past 30 years. The keywords of "microbiome",
      "dysbiosis", "allergy", "allergic rhinitis", "allergic disease", "mechanisms" and
      "treatment" were used alone or together. In this paper, microbiomes were
      presented in terms of "Definition", "Influence of ?the human microbiome on
      health", "The microbiome and allergic diseases", and "Modulation of the gut
      microbiota in terms of treatment and prevention". Microbiological dysbiosis is
      also reviewed. The microbiome is the genetic material of all microbes (bacteria,
      fungi, protozoa, and viruses) that live on or in the human body. Microbes
      outnumber human cells in a 10:1 ratio. Most microbes live in the gut,
      particularly the large intestine. Changes in the immune function of the
      respiratory tract are (at least in theory) linked to the immunomodulatory
      activity of the gut microbiota via the concept of a "common mucosal response".
      The gut microbiota shapes systemic immunity, thus affecting the lung mucosa.
      Alternatively, changes in the gut microbiota may reflect alterations in the
      oropharyngeal microbiota, which may in turn directly affect the lung microbiota
      and host immune responses via microaspiration. Dysbiosis is defined as
      qualitative and quantitative changes in the intestinal flora; and modern diet and
      lifestyle, antibiotics, psychological and physical stress result in alterations
      in bacterial metabolism, as well as the overgrowth of potentially pathogenic
      microorganisms. All immune system components are directly or indirectly regulated
      by the microbiota. The nature of microbial exposure early in life appears to be
      important for the development of robust immune regulation; disruption of either
      the microbiota or the host response can trigger chronic inflammation. Dysbiosis
      is also an important clinical entity. Antibiotics, psychological and physical
      stress, and dietary factors contribute to intestinal dysbiosis.

PMID- 27115908
TI  - "Dry", "moist", and "wet" status of the middle ear in the regeneration of the
      eardrum.

PMID- 27115909
TI  - A study of the anterior ethmoidal artery and a new classification of the ethmoid
      roof (Yenigun classification).
AB  - Aims of this study are to analyze the association of the anterior ethmoidal
      artery's (AEA) visualization with variations in its adjacent structures in
      coronal, axial, and sagittal CT images, to assess its relation with the ethmoid
      roof, and, based on this relation, to introduce a new classification for the
      ethmoid roof. A retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary
      referral center. In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, the coronal,
      axial, and sagittal CTs of 184 patients have been surveyed and the AEA canal, the
      ethmoid roof, and their relations with surrounding structures have been assessed.
      The Keros classification used to measure the depth of the lateral lamella of the
      cribriform plate (LLCP) in the ethmoid roof has been modified to include anterior
      posterior length of the LLCP. It was shown that the visualization of the AEA
      canal increases in a statistically significant manner with an increase in the
      superior-inferior depth and the anterior-posterior length of the LLCP
      bilaterally. In the presence of supraorbital pneumatization, AEA visualization
      was shown to increase bilaterally significantly. This study demonstrated a
      positive correlation between the AEA canal, the LLCP superior-inferior depth, and
      the anterior-posterior length. It was shown that with the increased depth and
      length of the LLCP and in the presence of supraorbital pneumatization, the
      visualization of the artery and hence the injury risks are increased. The LLCP
      anterior-posterior length is as clinically relevant as is its depth, and a
      radiologic classification has been defined according to the anterior-posterior
      length of the LLCP.

PMID- 27115912
TI  - Capillary wave Hamiltonian for the Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson density functional.
AB  - We study the link between the density functional (DF) formalism and the capillary
      wave theory (CWT) for liquid surfaces, focused on the Landau-Ginzburg-Wilson
      (LGW) model, or square gradient DF expansion, with a symmetric double parabola
      free energy, which has been extensively used in theoretical studies of this
      problem. We show the equivalence between the non-local DF results of Parry and
      coworkers and the direct evaluation of the mean square fluctuations of the
      intrinsic surface, as is done in the intrinsic sampling method for computer
      simulations. The definition of effective wave-vector dependent surface tensions
      is reviewed and we obtain new proposals for the LGW model. The surface weight
      proposed by Blokhuis and the surface mode analysis proposed by Stecki provide
      consistent and optimal effective definitions for the extended CWT Hamiltonian
      associated to the DF model. A non-local, or coarse-grained, definition of the
      intrinsic surface provides the missing element to get the mesoscopic surface
      Hamiltonian from the molecular DF description, as had been proposed a long time
      ago by Dietrich and coworkers.

PMID- 27115910
TI  - Persistent Microstructural Deficits of Internal Capsule in One-Year Abstinent
      Male Methamphetamine Users: a Longitudinal Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study.
AB  - White matter (WM) alterations have been reported in methamphetamine (MA) users.
      However, knowledge about longitudinal changes in WM during abstinence from MA
      remains unknown. The present study aimed to examine how WM changes in long-term
      MA abstinent, in particular, whether the WM deficits would recover as the
      duration of abstinence extended. Twenty male MA dependent individuals and 19
      healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and participated in both clinical
      assessments and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans. The MA group underwent two
      DTI scans, a baseline scan with a duration of abstinence of 6.4 months and and a
      follow-up scan with a duration of abstinence of 13.0 months. Tract-Based Spatial
      Statistics was utilized to conduct baseline DTI analysis of MA group compared
      with HCs. The clusters with significant group differences of factional anisotropy
      (FA) were extracted as region of interests (ROIs). Mean values of DTI
      measurements (FA, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity and radial diffusivity)
      were calculated within the ROIs in each subject's native space at baseline and
      follow-up. The MA group showed significant lower FA in the right internal capsule
      and superior corona radiate than HCs. The deficits did not recover when the
      duration of abstinence from MA reached 13 months. No significant correlations
      were found between FA and clinical measurements. Our results suggested persistent
      microstructure deficits of WM tracts surrounding the basal ganglia in MA
      dependent individuals.

PMID- 27115911
TI  - Child Homicide: A Global Public Health Concern.
AB  - In this perspective, Delan Devakumar and David Osrin discuss Abrahams and
      colleagues' findings in the context of evidence about child homicide in different
      countries, and consider etiology along with implications for child protection and
      prevention. 

PMID- 27115913
TI  - Superwettability-Induced Confined Reaction toward High-Performance Flexible
      Electrodes.
AB  - To find a general strategy to realize confinement of the conductive layer for
      high-performance flexible electrodes, with improved interfacial adhesion and high
      conductivity, is of important scientific significance. In this work,
      superwettability-induced confined reaction is used to fabricate high-performance
      flexible Ag/polymer electrodes, showing significantly improved silver conversion
      efficiency and interfacial adhesion. The as-prepared flexible electrodes by
      superhydrophilic polymeric surface under oil are highly conductive with an order
      of magnitude higher than the Ag/polymer electrodes obtained from original
      polymeric surface. The high conductivity achieved via superhydrophilic
      confinement is ascribed to the fact that the superhydrophilic polymeric surface
      can enhance the reaction rate of silver deposition and reduce the size of silver
      nanoparticles to achieve the densest packing. This new approach will provide a
      simple method to fabricate flexible and highly conductive Ag/polymer electrodes
      with excellent adhesion between the conductive layer and the substrate, and can
      be extended to other metal/polymeric electrodes or alloy/polymeric electrodes.

PMID- 27115914
TI  - Effectiveness of Emergency Department Based Palliative Care for Adults with
      Advanced Disease: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency departments (EDs) are seeing more patients with palliative
      care (PC) needs, but evidence on best practice is scarce. OBJECTIVES: To examine
      the effectiveness of ED-based PC interventions on hospital admissions (primary
      outcome), length of stay (LOS), symptoms, quality of life, use of other health
      care services, and PC referrals for adults with advanced disease. METHODS: We
      searched five databases until August 2014, checked reference lists/conference
      abstracts, and contacted experts. Eligible studies were controlled trials, pre
      post studies, cohort studies, and case series reporting outcomes of ED-based PC.
      RESULTS: Five studies with 4374 participants were included: three case series and
      two cohort studies. Interventions included a screening tool, traditional ED-PC,
      and integrated ED-PC. Two studies reported on hospital admissions: in one study
      there was no statistically significant difference in 90-day readmission rates
      between patients who initiated integrated PC at the ED (11/50 patients, 22%)
      compared to those who initiated PC after hospital admission (179/1385, 13%);
      another study showed a high admission rate (90%) in 14 months following ED-PC,
      but without comparison. One study showed an LOS reduction (mean 4.32 days in ED
      initiated PC group versus 8.29 days in postadmission-initiated group; p < 0.01).
      There was scarce evidence on other outcomes except for conflicting findings on
      survival: in one study, ED-PC patients were more likely to experience an interval
      between ED presentation and death >9 hours (OR 2.75, 95% CI 2.21-3.41); another
      study showed increased mortality risk in the intervention group; and a case
      series described a higher in-hospital death rate when PC was ED-initiated (62%),
      compared to ward (16%) or ICU (50%) (unknown p-value). CONCLUSIONS: There is yet
      no evidence that ED-based PC affects patient outcomes except for indication from
      one study of no association with 90-day hospital readmission but a possible
      reduction in LOS if integrated PC is introduced early at ED rather than after
      hospital admission. There is an urgent need for trials to confirm these findings
      alongside other potential benefits and survival effects.

PMID- 27115918
TI  - Acidity of Strong Acids in Water and Dimethyl Sulfoxide.
AB  - Careful analysis and comparison of the available acidity data of HCl, HBr, HI,
      HClO4, and CF3SO3H in water, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and gas-phase has been
      carried out. The data include experimental and computational pKa and gas-phase
      acidity data from the literature, as well as high-level computations using
      different approaches (including the W1 theory) carried out in this work. As a
      result of the analysis, for every acid in every medium, a recommended acidity
      value is presented. In some cases, the currently accepted pKa values were revised
      by more than 10 orders of magnitude. 

PMID- 27115915
TI  - Racial isolation and exposure to airborne particulate matter and ozone in
      understudied US populations: Environmental justice applications of downscaled
      numerical model output.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Researchers and policymakers are increasingly focused on combined
      exposures to social and environmental stressors, especially given how often these
      stressors tend to co-locate. Such exposures are equally relevant in urban and
      rural areas and may accrue disproportionately to particular communities or
      specific subpopulations. OBJECTIVES: To estimate relationships between racial
      isolation (RI), a measure of the extent to which minority racial/ethnic group
      members are exposed to only one another, and long-term particulate matter with an
      aerodynamic diameter of <2.5MU (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) levels in urban and
      nonurban areas of the eastern two-thirds of the US. METHODS: Long-term (5year
      average) census tract-level PM2.5 and O3 concentrations were calculated using
      output from a downscaler model (2002-2006). The downscaler uses a linear
      regression with additive and multiplicative bias coefficients to relate ambient
      monitoring data with gridded output from the Community Multi-scale Air Quality
      (CMAQ) model. A local, spatial measure of RI was calculated at the tract level,
      and tracts were classified by urbanicity, RI, and geographic region. We examined
      differences in estimated pollutant exposures by RI, urbanicity, and demographic
      subgroup (e.g., race/ethnicity, education, socioeconomic status, age), and used
      linear models to estimate associations between RI and air pollution levels in
      urban, suburban, and rural tracts. RESULTS: High RI tracts (>=80th percentile)
      had higher average PM2.5 levels in each category of urbanicity compared to low RI
      tracts (<20th percentile), with the exception of the rural West. Patterns in O3
      levels by urbanicity and RI differed by region. Linear models indicated that
      PM2.5 concentrations were significantly and positively associated with RI. The
      largest association between PM2.5 and RI was observed in the rural Midwest, where
      a one quintile increase in RI was associated with a 0.90MUg/m(3) (95% confidence
      interval: 0.83, 0.99MUg/m(3)) increase in PM2.5 concentration. Associations
      between O3 and RI in the Northeast, Midwest and West were positive and highest in
      suburban and rural tracts, even after controlling for potential confounders such
      as percentage in poverty. CONCLUSION: RI is associated with higher 5year
      estimated PM2.5 concentrations in urban, suburban, and rural census tracts,
      adding to evidence that segregation is broadly associated with disparate air
      pollution exposures. Disproportionate burdens to adverse exposures such as air
      pollution may be a pathway to racial/ethnic disparities in health.

PMID- 27115917
TI  - Plasmonic gold nanodiscs fabricated into a photonic-crystal nanocavity.
AB  - We fabricate and characterise an optical structure consisting of a photonic
      crystal L3 nanocavity containing two gold nanodisks placed close to a field
      antinode. We use finite difference time domain (FDTD) modelling to show that the
      optical properties of the nanocavity are sensitive to the physical separation
      between the gold nanodisks, and that at reduced separation, the q-factor of a
      cavity mode polarised parallel to the dimer long-axis is reduced, indicating
      coupling between the cavity mode and a localised plasmon. Preliminary
      experimental measurements indeed indicate a damping of the cavity mode in the
      presence of the dimer; a result consistent with the FDTD modelling. Such a scheme
      may be used to integrate plasmonic systems into all-optical photonic circuits. 

PMID- 27115916
TI  - Mechanistic polychlorinated biphenyl exposure modeling of mothers in the Canadian
      Arctic: the challenge of reliably establishing dietary composition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditional food (TF) consumption represents the main route of
      persistent organic pollutant (POP) exposure for indigenous Arctic Canadians.
      Ongoing dietary transitions away from TFs and toward imported foods (IFs) may
      contribute to decreasing POP exposures observed in these groups. METHODS: To
      explore this issue, we combined the global fate and transport model GloboPOP and
      the human food chain bioaccumulation model ACC-Human Arctic to simulate
      polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure in two indigenous Arctic Canadian
      communities from the Inuvik region, Northwest Territories and Baffin region,
      Nunavut. Using dietary survey information from initial (1996-98) and follow-up
      (2005-07) biomonitoring campaigns in Inuvik and Baffin, we simulated PCB
      exposures (PCB-118, -138, -153, and -180) for each individual study participant
      and also whole study populations. RESULTS: TF intake rates, particularly of
      marine mammals (MMs), were the most important predictors of modeled PCB exposure,
      while TF consumption did not associate consistently with measured PCB exposures.
      Further, reported mean TF intake increased from baseline to follow-up in both
      Inuvik (from 8 to 183gd(-1)) and Baffin (from 60 to 134gd(-1)), opposing both the
      expected dietary transition direction and the observed decrease in human PCB
      exposures in these communities (SigmaPCB Inuvik: from 43 to 29ngglipid(-1),
      SigmaPCB Baffin: from 213 to 82ngglipid(-1)). However dietary questionnaire data
      are frequently subject to numerous biases (e.g., recall, recency, confirmation),
      and thus casts doubt on the usefulness of these data. CONCLUSIONS: Ultimately,
      our model's capability to reproduce historic PCB exposure data in these two
      groups was highly sensitive to TF intake, further underscoring the importance of
      accurate TF consumption reporting, and clarification of the role of dietary
      transitions in future POP biomonitoring of indigenous Arctic populations.

PMID- 27115920
TI  - A new clinical sign or just fancy apparel? Determining the significance of a
      skirt.

PMID- 27115919
TI  - Diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma in primary sclerosing cholangitis: finding a
      needle in a haystack.

PMID- 27115926
TI  - French comment on article: Prospective evaluation of bacteremia rates and
      infectious complications among patients undergoing single-operator
      choledochoscopy during ERCP.

PMID- 27115922
TI  - Use of the patency capsule in daily practice.

PMID- 27115923
TI  - Reply to Cebrian et al.

PMID- 27115921
TI  - Laterally spreading tumor through the magnifying glass: we only see what we know.

PMID- 27115933
TI  - Video Comment on Forde et al.

PMID- 27115930
TI  - French comment on article: Endoscopic predictors of deep submucosal invasion in
      colorectal laterally spreading tumors.

PMID- 27115932
TI  - Video Comment on Osera et al.

PMID- 27115929
TI  - French comment on article: Clinicopathological, endoscopic, and molecular
      characteristics of the "skirt" - a new entity of lesions at the margin of
      laterally spreading tumors.

PMID- 27115934
TI  - Video Comment on Gourcerol et al.

PMID- 27115931
TI  - French comment on article: Endoscopic resection of subtotal or completely
      circumferential laterally spreading colonic adenomas: technique, caveats, and
      outcomes.

PMID- 27115927
TI  - French comment on article: Screening primary sclerosing cholangitis and biliary
      dysplasia with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and brush cytology: risk
      factors for biliary neoplasia.

PMID- 27115936
TI  - Laryngeal Tube Practice in a Metropolitan Ambulance Service: A Five-year
      Retrospective Observational Study (2009-2013).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The endotracheal tube (ETT) is considered the gold standard in
      emergency airway management, although supraglottic airway devices, especially the
      laryngeal tube (LT), have recently gained in importance. Although regarded as an
      emergency device in case of failure of endotracheal intubation in most systems,
      we investigated the dynamics of the use of the LT in a metropolitan ambulance
      service without any regulations on the choice of airway device. METHODS: A
      retrospective, observational study on all patients from the Municipal Ambulance
      Service, Vienna in need of advanced airway management over a 5-year period.
      Differences between years were compared; influencing factors for the use of the
      LT were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: In total 5,175
      patients (mean age 62 +/- 20 years, 36.6% female) underwent advanced airway
      management. Of these, 15.6% received the LT. LT use increased from 20 out of
      1,001 (2.0%) in 2009 to 292 of 1,085 (26.9%) in 2013 (p < 0.001). The increase
      between each consecutive year was also significant. Paramedics more frequently
      inserted the LT than physicians (RR 1.80 (95%CI 1.48-2.16); p < 0.001). Female
      patients received a LT less frequently (RR 0.84 (95%CI 0.72-0.97), p = 0.013).
      There was no difference regarding airway device due to underlying causes
      requiring airway management and no relationship to the NACA-score. CONCLUSION: In
      a European EMS system of physician and paramedic response, the proportion of
      airway managed by LT over ETT rose considerably over five years. Although the ET
      is still the gold standard, the LT is gaining in importance for EMS physicians
      and paramedics.

PMID- 27115937
TI  - Benefits and perspectives on the use of biofuels.

PMID- 27115938
TI  - Increasing uranium exposure durations to the aquatic snail Amerianna cumingi does
      not result in lower toxicity estimates.
AB  - Reproductive inhibition (egg production) of the aquatic snail Amerianna cumingi
      over 4 d has been used to derive toxicity estimates for toxicants of concern in
      tropical Australia. Toxicity estimates from this test have been used as chronic
      data points in species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) for deriving site
      specific guideline values. However, revised guidance for the Australian and New
      Zealand Water Quality Guidelines advises that test durations for adult
      macroinvertebrates should be >=14 d to be considered chronic. Hence, to
      strengthen the data set underpinning the site-specific guideline value for
      uranium (U) in Magela Creek, which receives water from the Ranger Uranium Mine in
      northern Australia, the toxicity of U to A. cumingi was compared after 4 d, 9 d,
      and 14 d. Daily U concentrations were measured because of expected U loss during
      testing, providing extensive chemical analyses of the U exposure during the
      toxicity tests. Comparison of the U concentrations causing 50% reproductive
      inhibition (IC50) after 4 d, 9 d, and 14 d showed no difference in toxicity (4 d
      IC50 = 161 MUg L-1 , confidence interval = 133-195; 9-d IC50 = 151 MUg L-1 ,
      confidence interval = 127-180; 14-d IC50 = 153 MUg L-1 , confidence interval = 29
      180). The present study provides evidence that test durations of <14 d are
      suitable for assessing chronic toxicity to U for this species and supports the
      use of the 4-d toxicity estimate in the SSD for U. Environ Toxicol Chem
      2016;35:2851-2858. (c) 2016 Commonwealth of Australia.

PMID- 27115940
TI  - PSYCHOLOGIES OF SMALL DIFFERENCES.

PMID- 27115928
TI  - French comment on article: Long-term outcomes of covered self-expandable metal
      stents for treating benign biliary strictures.

PMID- 27115939
TI  - COMMENTARY ON DE JONGH ET AL. (2016) CRITIQUE OF ISTSS COMPLEX PTSD GUIDELINES:
      FINDING THE WAY FORWARD.

PMID- 27115941
TI  - Determination of Organic Partitioning Coefficients in Water-Supercritical CO2
      Systems by Simultaneous in Situ UV and Near-Infrared Spectroscopies.
AB  - CO2 injected into depleted oil or gas reservoirs for long-term storage has the
      potential to mobilize organic compounds and distribute them between sediments and
      reservoir brines. Understanding this process is important when considering health
      and environmental risks, but little quantitative data currently exists on the
      partitioning of organics between supercritical CO2 and water. In this work, a
      high-pressure, in situ measurement capability was developed to assess the
      distribution of organics between CO2 and water at conditions relevant to deep
      underground storage of CO2. The apparatus consists of a titanium reactor with
      quartz windows, near-infrared and UV spectroscopic detectors, and switching
      valves that facilitate quantitative injection of organic reagents into the
      pressurized reactor. To demonstrate the utility of the system, partitioning
      coefficients were determined for benzene in water/supercritical CO2 over the
      range 35-65  degrees C and approximately 25-150 bar. Density changes in the CO2
      phase with increasing pressure were shown to have dramatic impacts on benzene's
      partitioning behavior. Our partitioning coefficients were approximately 5-15
      times lower than values previously determined by ex situ techniques that are
      prone to sampling losses. The in situ methodology reported here could be applied
      to quantify the distribution behavior of a wide range of organic compounds that
      may be present in geologic CO2 storage scenarios.

PMID- 27115942
TI  - A Word from the Scientific Committee. 14th Gordon L. Snider Critical Issues
      Workshop.

PMID- 27115943
TI  - Chairman's Summary: Can Cystic Fibrosis and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Inform
      Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

PMID- 27115944
TI  - Computed Tomography-based Subclassification of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
      Disease.
AB  - Computed tomography (CT) is an obvious modality for subclassification of COPD.
      Traditionally, the pulmonary involvement of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) in smokers is understood as a combination of deleterious effects of
      smoking on small airways (chronic bronchitis and small airways disease) and
      distal to the airways with destruction and loss of lung parenchyma (emphysema).
      However, segmentation of airways is still experimental; with contemporary high
      resolution CT (HRCT) we can just see the "entrance" of small airways, and until
      now changes in airway morphology that have been observed in COPD are subtle.
      Furthermore, recent results indicate that emphysema may also be the essential
      pathophysiologic mechanism behind the airflow limitation of COPD. The definition
      of COPD excludes bronchiectasis as a symptomatic subtype of COPD, and CT findings
      in chronic bronchitis and exacerbations of COPD are rather unspecific. This
      leaves emphysema as the most obvious candidate for subclassification of COPD.
      Both chest radiologists and pulmonary physicians are quite familiar with the
      appearance of various patterns of emphysema on HRCT, such as centrilobular,
      panlobular, and paraseptal emphysema. However, it has not yet been possible to
      develop operational definitions of these patterns that can be used by computer
      software to automatically classify CT scans into distinct patterns. In
      conclusion, even though various emphysema patterns can be recognized visually, CT
      has not yet demonstrated a great potential for automated subclassification of
      COPD, and it is an open question whether it will ever be possible to achieve
      success equivalent to that obtained by HRCT in the area of interstitial lung
      diseases.

PMID- 27115945
TI  - Pulmonary Physiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Cystic Fibrosis,
      and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis is predominantly an airway disease with marked bronchiectatic
      changes associated with inflammation, chronic colonization, and progressive
      airflow obstruction. The condition can be identified in childhood and monitored
      with detectable airway changes early in life while conventional spirometry
      remains in the normal range. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can also be detected
      early in life through blood spot and genetic testing and leads (in some) to the
      development of airflow obstruction and a predominant emphysema phenotype with
      bronchiectatic changes in about 30%. Early detection also allows the natural
      history of the pulmonary physiological changes to be determined. Chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease is usually detected late in the disease process
      when significant damage has occurred. The condition consists of varying
      combinations of airway disease, bronchiectasis, colonization, and emphysema.
      Lessons learned from the physiological evolution of airway disease in cystic
      fibrosis and the emphysema of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency provide strategies
      to enable early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in general and
      its phenotypes.

PMID- 27115946
TI  - Neutrophil Fates in Bronchiectasis and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
AB  - The neutrophil is a powerful cellular defender of the vulnerable interface
      between the environment and pulmonary tissues. This cell's potent weapons are
      carefully calibrated in the healthy state to maximize effectiveness in fighting
      pathogens while minimizing tissue damage and allowing for repair of what damage
      does occur. The three related chronic airway disorders of cystic fibrosis, non
      cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency all
      demonstrate significant derangements of this homeostatic system that result in
      their respective pathologies. An important shared feature among them is the
      inefficient resolution of chronic inflammation that serves as a central means for
      neutrophil-driven lung damage resulting in disease progression. Examining the
      commonalities and divergences between these diseases in the light of their
      immunopathology is informative and may help guide us toward future therapeutics
      designed to modulate the neutrophil's interplay with the pulmonary environment.

PMID- 27115947
TI  - Does Protease-Antiprotease Imbalance Explain Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
      Disease?
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as airflow limitation
      that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually progressive and
      is associated with the inhalation of noxious gases, typically cigarette smoke.
      The protease-antiprotease paradigm suggests that the pathogenesis of COPD and
      emphysema is the result of an imbalance between enzymes that degrade the
      extracellular matrix within the lung and proteins that oppose this proteolytic
      activity. This review assesses the genetic evidence in support of protease
      antiprotease imbalance in the pathogenesis of COPD. It also articulates why
      suppression of protease activity in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may be
      insufficient to prevent the progression of COPD. Rather, alpha-1 antitrypsin
      deficiency may be better treated by small-molecules so reads molecules, RNA
      silencing, and other strategies that target the protein misfolding and
      polymerization that cause the disease.

PMID- 27115948
TI  - The Unfolded Protein Response in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - Accumulation of nonfunctional and potentially cytotoxic, misfolded proteins in
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is believed to contribute to lung
      cell apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy. Because of its fundamental role as a
      quality control system in protein metabolism, the "unfolded protein response"
      (UPR) is of potential importance in the pathogenesis of COPD. The UPR comprises a
      series of transcriptional, translational, and post-translational processes that
      decrease protein synthesis while enhancing protein folding capacity and protein
      degradation. Several studies have suggested that the UPR contributes to lung cell
      apoptosis and lung inflammation in at least some subjects with human COPD.
      However, information on the prevalence of the UPR in subjects with COPD, the lung
      cells that manifest a UPR, and the role of the UPR in the pathogenesis of COPD is
      extremely limited and requires additional study.

PMID- 27115949
TI  - Alpha-1 Antitrypsin and Lung Cell Apoptosis.
AB  - Discovery of alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT) as the principal circulating inhibitor of
      neutrophil elastase was critical to the appreciation of protease/antiprotease
      imbalance involvement in the pathogenesis of emphysema. Additional targets of
      A1AT have been uncovered, along with their contribution to alveolar wall
      destruction induced by cigarette smoke exposure. We highlight in this report
      mechanisms of A1AT antiapoptotic effects on structural lung endothelial cells.
      This function was largely dependent on uptake of the protein from the circulation
      via clathrin- and, in part, caveolae-mediated endocytosis and on specific
      interactions with cysteine proteases such as capsase-3, -6, and -7. Exposures to
      cigarette smoke diminished A1AT intracellular uptake and its anticaspase action,
      suggesting that even in A1AT-suficient individuals, cigarette smoke may weaken
      the serpin's endothelial prosurvival effect. In addition, cigarette smoke
      exposure or genetic mutations known to induce posttranslational modifications
      such as oxidation or polymerization may alter A1AT bidirectional intracellular
      traffic in endothelial cells and thus determine its functional bioavailability in
      certain lung compartments. Uncovering and harnessing the A1AT canonical and
      noncanonical mechanisms will advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of
      emphysema and may provide means to improve the effectiveness of therapies in both
      A1AT-sufficient and A1AT-deficient individuals.

PMID- 27115950
TI  - Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator. Implications in Cystic
      Fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have
      traditionally been viewed as two distinct entities of unrelated origins. However,
      molecular, cellular, and clinical studies have revealed that cystic fibrosis
      transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein dysfunction is common to both
      conditions, one (CF) being defined genetically and the other (COPD) as an
      acquired CFTR deficiency. Multiple molecular mechanisms of cigarette smoke
      induced CFTR dysfunction have been reported. More importantly, considerable
      evidence of cigarette smoke-induced CFTR dysfunction in several respiratory and
      nonrespiratory tissues have been confirmed, making CFTR a target that cannot be
      overlooked in our quest to understand COPD and improve therapies for individuals
      affected by this disease. This review summarizes the molecular, cellular, and
      clinical evidence that CFTR dysfunction is induced by cigarette smoke exposure
      both in vitro and in vivo, and explores how this may contribute to the
      development of COPD.

PMID- 27115951
TI  - Mucus Hyperconcentration as a Unifying Aspect of the Chronic Bronchitic
      Phenotype.
AB  - Abnormalities in mucus production and qualitative properties such as mucus
      hydration are central to the pathophysiology of airway disease including cystic
      fibrosis, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. In vitro air-liquid interface
      epithelial cell cultures demonstrate direct relationships between mucociliary
      transport, periciliary liquid (PCL) height, and mucus concentration (expressed as
      percent solids or partial osmotic pressure). In health, the osmotic
      modulus/pressure of the PCL exceeds that of the mucus layer, resulting in
      efficient, low-friction movement of mucus. In disease, through multiple
      mechanisms, the osmotic pressure of the mucus begins to exceed basal PCL values,
      resulting in compression of the cilia and slowing of mucus transport. The in vivo
      data in both cystic fibrosis and chronic bronchitis parallel in vitro data
      demonstrating that when mucus osmotic pressure is increased, mucociliary
      clearance is decreased. In chronic bronchitis, there is a direct correlation
      between FEV1 and percent solids of mucus, demonstrating a strong relationship
      between disease progression and mucus abnormalities. Animal models, based
      mechanistically on raised sodium absorption (and therefore water absorption) from
      airway surfaces, mimic the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease. Collectively, these data suggest the importance of mucus concentration
      in the pathogenesis of airway disease. It is important to understand the precise
      mechanisms that result in mucus hyperconcentration, for example, mucin
      overproduction versus abnormal regulation of ion/water transport, which may be
      unique to and characteristic of each disease phenotype. The measurement of mucus
      concentration may be a simple method to diagnose chronic bronchitis, monitor its
      progression, and serve as a biomarker for development of new therapies.

PMID- 27115952
TI  - Airway Hydration, Apical K(+) Secretion, and the Large-Conductance, Ca(2+)
      activated and Voltage-dependent Potassium (BK) Channel.
AB  - Large-conductance, calcium-activated, and voltage-gated K(+) (BK) channels are
      expressed in many tissues of the human body, where they play important roles in
      signaling not only in excitable but also in nonexcitable cells. Because BK
      channel properties are rendered in part by their association with four beta and
      four gamma subunits, their channel function can differ drastically, depending on
      in which cellular system they are expressed. Recent studies verify the importance
      of apically expressed BK channels for airway surface liquid homeostasis and
      therefore of their significant role in mucociliary clearance. Here, we review
      evidence that inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to airway diseases, can
      lead to reduced BK activity via a functional down-regulation of the gamma
      regulatory subunit LRRC26. Therefore, manipulation of LRRC26 and pharmacological
      opening of BK channels represent two novel concepts of targeting epithelial
      dysfunction in inflammatory airway diseases.

PMID- 27115954
TI  - Unplugging Mucus in Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - Airway mucus obstruction is a key feature of cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The thin layer of mucus that covers healthy
      airway surfaces has important protective functions in lung defense. However,
      excess mucus produces airflow obstruction and provides a nidus for bacterial
      infection and inflammation. Despite its importance in pathogenesis, understanding
      of the mechanisms underlying airway mucus obstruction, as well as therapeutic
      options, remain limited. Studies in the rare genetic disease CF identified airway
      surface dehydration due to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
      (CFTR) gene dysfunction as an important disease mechanism that may explain mucus
      stasis and plugging in a spectrum of muco-obstructive lung diseases, including
      COPD. This concept is supported by the phenotype of the beta-epithelial Na(+)
      channel-transgenic mouse that exhibits airway surface dehydration and develops a
      spontaneous lung disease that shares key features with CF and COPD, such as
      airway mucus plugging, chronic neutrophilic inflammation, and structural lung
      damage. Furthermore, preclinical testing demonstrated that hydration strategies,
      including osmotically active hypertonic saline and preventive inhibition of the
      amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na(+) channel are effective in unplugging airways
      in this mouse model of chronic obstructive lung disease. On the other hand,
      genetic deletion of neutrophil elastase, a potent stimulus for mucus
      hypersecretion, reduced goblet cell metaplasia and mucin expression but had no
      effect on mucus obstruction in vivo. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that
      airway surface dehydration is sufficient to produce mucus obstruction even in the
      absence of mucus hypersecretion and support further clinical testing of hydrating
      agents as a promising therapeutic strategy to unplug mucus in CF and COPD.

PMID- 27115953
TI  - Therapeutic Approaches to Acquired Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance
      Regulator Dysfunction in Chronic Bronchitis.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common cause of morbidity and a rising
      cause of mortality worldwide. Its rising impact indicates the ongoing unmet need
      for novel and effective therapies. Previous work has established a
      pathophysiological link between the chronic bronchitis phenotype of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis as well as phenotypic
      similarities between these two airways diseases. An extensive body of evidence
      has established that cigarette smoke and its constituents contribute to acquired
      dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)
      protein in the airways, pointing to a mechanistic link with smoking-related and
      chronic bronchitis. Recent interest surrounding new drugs that target both mutant
      and wild-type CFTR channels has paved the way for a new treatment opportunity
      addressing the mucus defect in chronic bronchitis. We review the clinical and
      pathologic evidence for modulating CFTR to address acquired CFTR dysfunction and
      pragmatic issues surrounding clinical trials as well as a discussion of other ion
      channels that may represent alternative therapeutic targets.

PMID- 27115955
TI  - Hydrator Therapies for Chronic Bronchitis. Lessons from Cystic Fibrosis.
AB  - Patients with the chronic bronchitis form of chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease and cystic fibrosis share similar clinical features, including mucus
      obstruction of airways and the development of chronic/recurrent airways
      infections that often manifest as disease exacerbations. There is growing
      evidence that these diseases may have parallels in disease pathogenesis as well,
      including cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator dysfunction, mucus
      dehydration, and defective mucociliary clearance. As progress is made in the
      development of therapies that target the basic defects that lead to cystic
      fibrosis lung disease, it is possible that similar approaches could also benefit
      patients with chronic bronchitis. A deeper understanding of how tobacco smoke and
      other triggers of chronic bronchitis actually lead to disease, and exploration of
      the concept that therapies that restore cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance
      regulator function, mucus hydration, and/or mucociliary clearance may benefit
      patients with chronic bronchitis, hold the prospect of significant progress in
      treating this prevalent disease.

PMID- 27115956
TI  - Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Therapy in Cystic Fibrosis and the Lung Disease Associated
      with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis and alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency are two of the commonest
      lethal hereditary lung diseases affecting white individuals. Although having
      quite different phenotypic extrapulmonary presentations, the lung disease
      associated with these conditions is exemplified by a neutrophil-dominated
      inflammation in which neutrophil elastase plays a major role. In AAT deficiency
      the diminution of the anti-neutrophil elastase protection, due to diminished AAT
      levels in the lung, predisposes the lung to an unopposed neutrophil elastase
      attack, whereas, in cystic fibrosis, the levels of AAT and other antiproteases
      are normal, but the neutrophil elastase burden is so large that it overwhelms the
      normal anti-neutrophil elastase protection. With this as background, it seems
      logical to augment the anti-neutrophil elastase defenses of the lung in both
      conditions using exogenous AAT. The type of AAT, the route of administration, and
      the physiologic, radiologic, and clinical readouts for this type of therapy are
      discussed, along with the similarities and differences between the two conditions
      and their responses to AAT therapy.

PMID- 27115957
TI  - Beat diabetes: an urgent call for global action.

PMID- 27115958
TI  - Bangladesh's rural water scandal.

PMID- 27115959
TI  - UK PrEP decision re-ignites HIV activism.

PMID- 27115960
TI  - Bipolar disorders: key clinical considerations.

PMID- 27115961
TI  - The Notes: encounters with medicine.

PMID- 27115963
TI  - Recovery efforts in Flint slowly begin to take form.

PMID- 27115964
TI  - Medical education and regulation in the spotlight in India.

PMID- 27115965
TI  - Profile: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK.

PMID- 27115966
TI  - Applause.

PMID- 27115968
TI  - Majid Ezzati: a positive enthusiasm for global health.

PMID- 27115969
TI  - Willard Cates, Jr.

PMID- 27115970
TI  - HIV moments and pre-exposure prophylaxis.

PMID- 27115971
TI  - HIV moments and pre-exposure prophylaxis--Authors' reply.

PMID- 27115972
TI  - Refusal to provide health care to people with HIV in France.

PMID- 27115973
TI  - Changes in the primary outcome in Ebola vaccine trial.

PMID- 27115974
TI  - Changes in the primary outcome in Ebola vaccine trial--Authors' reply.

PMID- 27115975
TI  - REGULATE-PCI trial--Author's reply.

PMID- 27115976
TI  - REGULATE-PCI trial.

PMID- 27115977
TI  - Organ donation during the financial crisis in Greece.

PMID- 27115978
TI  - Are doctors in training being trained?

PMID- 27115979
TI  - Autologous dermal graft combined with a modified degloving procedure for penile
      augmentation in young adults: a preliminary study.
AB  - In order to evaluate the effect of penile enhancement, we retrospectively
      reviewed the data of the patients operated with autologous dermal graft
      implantation combined with a modified penile degloving procedure. The patients
      with the complaints of small penis, asking for penile augmentation, and normal
      erectile function were psychologically screened and enrolled. Data of follow-up
      visit including patient demographics, medical history, surgical procedure,
      patient-reported outcomes were analysed. In all, 30 eligible persons were
      operated. After degloving of the penis, the suspensory ligament was incised and
      the tunica albuginea was fixed to the proximal tunica dartos at the penile base.
      Then, the dermis graft was implanted on the dorsal surface of the tunica
      albuginea. The file of follow-up visit was available in 17 (57%) patients. The
      mean age was 23.7 years (19-35 years) and the mean follow-up was 13 months
      (range, 4-24 months). During the follow-up period, the average gain in the penis
      length was 2.7 cm in flaccid and 0.8 cm in erection, respectively. And the
      average gain in the penis circumference was 1.5 cm in flaccid and 1.2 cm in
      erection, respectively. Also, psychosexual sexual self-esteem and confidence of
      the patients were significantly improved (p < 0.001). Overall, 13 (76%) patients
      reported satisfaction with the penile appearance. We believe that the surgery is
      both safe and effective in the enhancement of the penis, however, further
      clinical studies with a larger patient population are necessary.

PMID- 27115980
TI  - Severe neck scarring: A consequence of fractional CO2 laser resurfacing.
AB  - Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing using aggressive treatment parameters may result
      in adverse effects comparable to those of fully ablative CO2 laser resurfacing. A
      45-year-old female underwent fractional CO2 laser treatment of the neck. She
      contacted the author for treatment of the marked erythema, swelling, and
      perceived skin tightness that resulted from the resurfacing procedure. This case
      report describes how the author treated these complications, provides a plausible
      explanation for why they occurred, and recommends treatment modifications to
      minimize the risk of their occurrence. 

PMID- 27115981
TI  - Delays in Seeking Health Care: Comparison of Veterans and the General Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent reports of delays in receiving care among U.S. Veterans have
      received national attention. Such delays may have an effect on veterans'
      propensity to seek healthcare as well, which could be detrimental to their
      health. There exists no evidence at the national level of the magnitude of
      perceived care delay in the Veterans Affairs (VA) system and how it compares to
      populations with other types of insurance coverage in the U.S. STUDY DESIGN AND
      METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed a recent nationally representative
      survey database (n = 10,907). Descriptive and multivariate regression analyses
      were performed to determine how care delay for veterans compares with the general
      population. RESULTS: We found that 17.2% of Americans delayed seeking needed
      healthcare in 2010-2011, but the figure was 29% for veterans. Also, there was a
      significant association of care delay with VA health care coverage after
      adjusting for other personal factors and region of the country. CONCLUSIONS:
      Study results suggest a possible link between VA access problems and veterans'
      behavior in seeking needed healthcare, which may be creating disparities in the
      effectiveness of care for this vulnerable and deserving population. Our study
      provides evidence of self-reported care delay among veterans. More studies are
      necessary to further understand factors in relation to delaying seeking care
      among veterans.

PMID- 27115984
TI  - Characterization of Cysteinylation and Trisulfide Bonds in a Recombinant
      Monoclonal Antibody.
AB  - A recombinant monoclonal antibody with trisulfide bonds and cysteinylation was
      thoroughly characterized in the current study. Trisulfide bonds and
      cysteinylation were first detected when the recombinant monoclonal antibody was
      analyzed by LC-MS to determine the molecular weights of the intact antibody and
      its F(ab')2 fragment generated from IdeS digestion. LC-MS analysis of nonreduced
      tryptic peptides indicated trisulfide bonds are associated with the interchain
      disulfide bonds of both A isoform and A/B isoform and cysteinylation is
      associated only with the A isoform. A low percentage of trisulfide bonds was
      detected in between the light chain and heavy chain disulfide bond of the A and
      A/B forms. While the majority of trisulfide bonds and cysteinylation is
      associated with the hinge region peptide that involves the four closely spaced
      cysteine residues of the heavy chain. The locations of trisulfide bond and
      cysteinylation were determined using a combination of Edman sequencing and LC-MS.
      In the A isoform, the major site of the trisulfide bond and cysteinylation is
      between the first disulfide bond in the hinge region. In the A/B isoform, the
      trisulfide was also located in between the disulfide bond that is formed by the
      second pair of cysteine residues.

PMID- 27115985
TI  - Singly Bonded Monoadduct rather than Methanofullerene: Manipulating the Addition
      Pattern of Trimetallic Nitride Clusterfullerene through One Endohedral Metal Atom
      Substitution.
AB  - Bingel-Hirsch reactions of trimetallic nitride clusterfullerenes (NCFs) generally
      yield methanofullerene (cyclopropane) adducts instead of singly bonded
      derivatives, which have been reported for monometallofullerenes. Herein, we
      report the synthesis and characterization of the Bingel-Hirsch derivative of a
      mixed metal nitride clusterfullerene (MMNCF) TiY2 N@Ih -C80 . Surprisingly, in
      contrast to the reported Bingel-Hirsch cyclopropane adducts of the analogous NCF
      Y3 N@Ih -C80 , the Bingel-Hirsch derivative of TiY2 N@Ih -C80 is the first singly
      bonded monoadduct (labeled as TiY2 N@C80 -Mono) to be reported, which was
      determined unambiguously by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Besides, the
      reactivity of TiY2 N@Ih -C80 was found to be significantly improved relative to
      that of Y3 N@Ih -C80 . Upon substituting one endohedral yttrium (Y) atom of Y3
      N@Ih -C80 with titanium (Ti), the Bingel-Hirsch derivative changes from the
      cyclopropane to the singly bonded monoadduct, revealing that not only the
      reactivity but also the addition pattern of NCFs can be manipulated
      simultaneously through one endohedral metal atom substitution.

PMID- 27115986
TI  - Collectivism and individualism in Latino recovery homes.
AB  - Research indicates that Latinos underutilize substance abuse interventions;
      cultural variables may contribute to difficulties accessing and completing
      treatment for this group. As a result, there is a need to understand the role of
      cultural constructs in treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate how levels of collectivism (COL) and individualism (IND) relate to
      length of stay and relapse outcomes in self-run recovery homes. We compared
      Latinos in several culturally modified recovery Oxford Houses to Latinos in
      traditional recovery Oxford Houses. By examining COL and IND in the OH model, we
      explored whether aspects of COL and IND led to longer lengths of stay and better
      substance use outcomes. We hypothesized that higher levels of COL would predict
      longer stays in an Oxford House and less relapse. COL did not have a main effect
      on length of stay. However, COL had a significant interaction effect with house
      type such that COL was positively correlated with length of stay in traditional
      houses and negatively correlated with length of stay in the culturally modified
      condition; that is, those with higher collectivism tended to stay longer in
      traditional houses. When we investigated COL, length of stay, and substance use,
      COL was negatively correlated with relapse in the culturally modified houses and
      positively correlated with relapse in the traditional houses. In other words,
      those with higher COL spent less time and had less relapse in the culturally
      modified compared to the traditional Oxford Houses. The implications of these
      findings are discussed.

PMID- 27115987
TI  - Fundamental measure theory for non-spherical hard particles: predicting liquid
      crystal properties from the particle shape.
AB  - Density functional theory (DFT) for hard bodies provides a theoretical
      description of the effect of particle shape on inhomogeneous fluids. We present
      improvements of the DFT framework fundamental measure theory (FMT) for hard
      bodies and validate these improvements for hard spherocylinders. To keep the
      paper self-contained, we first discuss the recent advances in FMT for hard bodies
      that lead to the introduction of fundamental mixed measure theory (FMMT) in our
      previous paper (2015 Europhys. Lett. 109 26003). Subsequently, we provide an
      efficient semi-empirical alternative to FMMT and show that the phase diagram for
      spherocylinders is described with similar accuracy in both versions of the
      theory. Finally, we present a semi-empirical modification of FMMT whose
      predictions for the phase diagram for spherocylinders are in excellent
      quantitative agreement with computer simulation results.

PMID- 27115988
TI  - An inhibitor of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan synthesis promotes central
      nervous system remyelination.
AB  - Remyelination is the generation of new myelin sheaths after injury facilitated by
      processes of differentiating oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Although
      this repair phenomenon occurs in lesions of multiple sclerosis patients, many
      lesions fail to completely remyelinate. A number of factors have been identified
      that contribute to remyelination failure, including the upregulated chondroitin
      sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) that comprise part of the astrogliotic scar. We
      show that in vitro, OPCs have dramatically reduced process outgrowth in the
      presence of CSPGs, and a medication library that includes a number of recently
      reported OPC differentiation drugs failed to rescue this inhibitory phenotype on
      CSPGs. We introduce a novel CSPG synthesis inhibitor to reduce CSPG content and
      find rescued process outgrowth from OPCs in vitro and accelerated remyelination
      following focal demyelination in mice. Preventing CSPG deposition into the lesion
      microenvironment may be a useful strategy to promote repair in multiple sclerosis
      and other neurological disorders.

PMID- 27115989
TI  - A Basal Lithostrotian Titanosaur (Dinosauria: Sauropoda) with a Complete Skull:
      Implications for the Evolution and Paleobiology of Titanosauria.
AB  - We describe Sarmientosaurus musacchioi gen. et sp. nov., a titanosaurian sauropod
      dinosaur from the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian-Turonian) Lower Member of the Bajo
      Barreal Formation of southern Chubut Province in central Patagonia, Argentina.
      The holotypic and only known specimen consists of an articulated, virtually
      complete skull and part of the cranial and middle cervical series.
      Sarmientosaurus exhibits the following distinctive features that we interpret as
      autapomorphies: (1) maximum diameter of orbit nearly 40% rostrocaudal length of
      cranium; (2) complex maxilla-lacrimal articulation, in which the lacrimal clasps
      the ascending ramus of the maxilla; (3) medial edge of caudal sector of maxillary
      ascending ramus bordering bony nasal aperture with low but distinct ridge; (4)
      'tongue-like' ventral process of quadratojugal that overlaps quadrate caudally;
      (5) separate foramina for all three branches of the trigeminal nerve; (6) absence
      of median venous canal connecting infundibular region to ventral part of
      brainstem; (7) subvertical premaxillary, procumbent maxillary, and recumbent
      dentary teeth; (8) cervical vertebrae with 'strut-like' centroprezygapophyseal
      laminae; (9) extremely elongate and slender ossified tendon positioned
      ventrolateral to cervical vertebrae and ribs. The cranial endocast of
      Sarmientosaurus preserves some of the most complete information obtained to date
      regarding the brain and sensory systems of sauropods. Phylogenetic analysis
      recovers the new taxon as a basal member of Lithostrotia, as the most
      plesiomorphic titanosaurian to be preserved with a complete skull.
      Sarmientosaurus provides a wealth of new cranial evidence that reaffirms the
      close relationship of titanosaurs to Brachiosauridae. Moreover, the presence of
      the relatively derived lithostrotian Tapuiasaurus in Aptian deposits indicates
      that the new Patagonian genus represents a 'ghost lineage' with a comparatively
      plesiomorphic craniodental form, the evolutionary history of which is missing for
      at least 13 million years of the Cretaceous. The skull anatomy of Sarmientosaurus
      suggests that multiple titanosaurian species with dissimilar cranial structures
      coexisted in the early Late Cretaceous of southern South America. Furthermore,
      the new taxon possesses a number of distinctive morphologies-such as the ossified
      cervical tendon, extremely pneumatized cervical vertebrae, and a habitually
      downward-facing snout-that have rarely, if ever, been documented in other
      titanosaurs, thus broadening our understanding of the anatomical diversity of
      this remarkable sauropod clade. The latter two features were convergently
      acquired by at least one penecontemporaneous diplodocoid, and may represent
      mutual specializations for consuming low-growing vegetation.

PMID- 27115990
TI  - Correction: Dengue in Java, Indonesia: Relevance of Mosquito Indices as Risk
      Predictors.

PMID- 27115992
TI  - VITREORETINAL COMPLICATIONS AFTER PENETRATING KERATOPLASTY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the time, incidence, and visual outcome of vitreoretinal
      complications after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: A retrospective chart
      review of 1,594 eyes that underwent PK was conducted. Preoperative
      characteristics, visual significance, and postoperative vitreoretinal
      complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of vitreoretinal
      complications after PK was 3.3% (52/1,594). The mean follow-up period was 38.5 +/
      29.8 months. The mean time for vitreoretinal complications to occur was 4.8
      months. The most common vitreoretinal complication was vitreous hemorrhage
      (0.75%), and others included choroidal detachment (0.7%), endophthalmitis (0.6%),
      and retinal detachment (0.5%). Majority of vitreous hemorrhage, endophthalmitis,
      and choroidal detachment occurred within 1 month postoperatively, but most cases
      of cystoid macular edema and epiretinal membrane occurred after 3 months. At
      follow-up after PK, the mean corrected distance visual acuity was worse among
      eyes that experienced vitreoretinal complications compared with eyes that did not
      (P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Vitreoretinal complications after PK occurred in a
      significant percentage, resulting in persistent reduction of corrected distance
      visual acuity. Given this, it is of particular importance to control
      intraoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure, infection, and
      inflammation which will contribute to decrease in the incidence of vitreoretinal
      complications after PK.

PMID- 27115991
TI  - Motor Adaptations to Pain during a Bilateral Plantarflexion Task: Does the Cost
      of Using the Non-Painful Limb Matter?
AB  - During a force-matched bilateral task, when pain is induced in one limb, a shift
      of load to the non-painful leg is classically observed. This study aimed to test
      the hypothesis that this adaptation to pain depends on the mechanical efficiency
      of the non-painful leg. We studied a bilateral plantarflexion task that allowed
      flexibility in the relative force produced with each leg, but constrained the sum
      of forces from both legs to match a target. We manipulated the mechanical
      efficiency of the non-painful leg by imposing scaling factors: 1, 0.75, or 0.25
      to decrease mechanical efficiency (Decreased efficiency experiment: 18
      participants); and 1, 1.33 or 4 to increase mechanical efficiency (Increased
      efficiency experiment: 17 participants). Participants performed multiple sets of
      three submaximal bilateral isometric plantarflexions with each scaling factor
      during two conditions (Baseline and Pain). Pain was induced by injection of
      hypertonic saline into the soleus. Force was equally distributed between legs
      during the Baseline contractions (laterality index was close to 1; Decreased
      efficiency experiment: 1.16+/-0.33; Increased efficiency experiment: 1.11+/
      0.32), with no significant effect of Scaling factor. The laterality index was
      affected by Pain such that the painful leg contributed less than the non-painful
      leg to the total force (Decreased efficiency experiment: 0.90+/-0.41, P<0.001;
      Increased efficiency experiment: 0.75+/-0.32, P<0.001), regardless of the
      efficiency (scaling factor) of the non-painful leg. When compared to the force
      produced during Baseline of the corresponding scaling condition, a decrease in
      force produced by the painful leg was observed for all conditions, except for
      scaling 0.25. This decrease in force was correlated with a decrease in drive to
      the soleus muscle. These data highlight that regardless of the overall mechanical
      cost, the nervous system appears to prefer to alter force sharing between limbs
      such that force produced by the painful leg is reduced relative to the non
      painful leg.

PMID- 27115993
TI  - POOR PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH BIRDSHOT RETINOCHOROIDOPATHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify prognostic factors for poor visual outcome in patients with
      birdshot retinochoroidopathy. METHODS: A case-control study of 98 patients with
      birdshot retinochoroidopathy (196 eyes) was evaluated with a follow-up period of
      at least 12 months. After exclusion of glaucoma, optic atrophy, and macular scar,
      the remaining eligible patients were categorized into two groups: poor visual
      outcomes and good visual outcomes. Poor visual outcome was defined as less than 
      6 mean deviation score on Swedish interactive threshold algorithm (SITA) short
      wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP) test and abnormality (amplitude or implicit
      time) of 30 Hz flicker electroretinogram at 4-year follow-up and at the most
      recent visit for separate analysis. Potential factors between both groups were
      statistically analyzed by Chi-square test and logistic regression model. RESULTS:
      After the aforementioned exclusion, the remaining 77 patients with an average
      follow-up period of 52 +/- 29 months (335 person-years, 36% with follow-up of
      more than 5 years) were divided into two groups. Sixteen patients were
      categorized as having poor visual outcome. Univariate analysis identified
      significant association of abnormal 30 Hz flicker electroretinogram amplitude (P
      = 0.004), implicit time (P = 0.002), and SITA SWAP mean deviation at the initial
      visit (P < 0.001) in the poor visual outcome group. Multivariate logistic
      regression analysis identified only SITA SWAP mean deviation to be associated
      with poor visual outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 32.50; 95% confidence interval
      [3.84-275.32]; P = 0.001) at the initial visit. To verify the model validity, an
      analysis of 42 patients at 4-year follow-up was performed and the outcome was
      confirmed (adjusted odds ratio, 8.80; 95% confidence interval [1.58-49.16]; P =
      0.013). CONCLUSION: Worse SITA SWAP mean deviation at the initial visit is a
      predictor of poor visual outcome in patients with birdshot retinochoroidopathy,
      and may serve as a proxy marker for delayed effective steroid sparing therapy in
      patients with birdshot retinochoroidopathy.

PMID- 27115994
TI  - ONE-YEAR OUTCOMES OF A NOVEL TECHNIQUE FOR RESCUING AND SCLERAL FIXATING A
      POSTERIOR DISLOCATED INTRAOCULAR LENS-BAG COMPLEX WITHOUT CONJUNCTIVAL OPENING
      (HOFFMAN POCKETS).
AB  - PURPOSE: To present the 1-year follow-up of a novel surgical technique that
      allows for suture fixation of a posteriorly dislocated lens-bag complex without
      the need for conjunctival incision. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 19
      patients who underwent posterior chamber intraocular lens rescue using the novel
      surgical technique was performed. Data were collected 1 year after surgery for
      all patients. RESULTS: Average preoperative vision was 20/500, whereas 3 months
      and 12 months postoperatively, the vision was 20/65 and 20/54, respectively.
      Three of 15 eyes had decentration of the sutured intraocular lens, 2 of which
      required additional surgical repair. CONCLUSION: Outcome data at 1 year support
      this novel technique as a viable option for the surgical repair of a dislocated
      lens-capsular bag complex.

PMID- 27115995
TI  - Cataract Surgery Using Vitreous Cutter.

PMID- 27115997
TI  - Role of Cysteinyl Leukotrienes in Allergic Rhinitis.
AB  - Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) are lipid mediators that have been implicated in
      the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. Pharmacological studies using CysLTs
      indicate that two classes of receptor exist: CysLT1 receptor (CysLT1R) and CysLT2
      receptor (CysLT2R). The CysLT1R is a high-affinity leukotriene D4 receptor with
      lower affinity for leukotriene C4 that is sensitive to the CysLT1R antagonist
      currently used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. Our previous
      immunohistochemical and autoradiographic studies have demonstrated the presence
      of anti-CysLT1R antibodies labeled in eosinophils, mast cells, macrophages,
      neutrophils and vascular endothelial cells in human nasal mucosa. Furthermore, we
      have revealed that the novel radioactive CysLT1R antagonist [3H]-pranlukast bound
      specifically to CysLT1R in human inferior turbinates and its binding sites were
      localized to vascular endothelium and the interstitial cells. These data suggest
      that the major targets of CysLT1R antagonists in allergic rhinitis are the
      vascular bed and infiltrated leukocytes such as mast cells, eosinophils and
      macrophages. Clinical trials have demonstrated that CysLT1R antagonists are as
      effective as antihistamines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis; however, they
      are less effective than intranasal steroids. The use of CysLT1R antagonists in
      combination with antihistamines has generally resulted in greater efficacy than
      when these agents were used alone. 

PMID- 27115996
TI  - Evidence for a Negative Cooperativity between eIF5A and eEF2 on Binding to the
      Ribosome.
AB  - eIF5A is the only protein known to contain the essential and unique amino acid
      residue hypusine. eIF5A functions in both translation initiation due to its
      stimulation of methionyl-puromycin synthesis and translation elongation, being
      highly required for peptide-bound formation of specific ribosome stalling
      sequences such as poly-proline. The functional interaction between eIF5A, tRNA,
      and eEF2 on the surface of the ribosome is further clarified herein. Fluorescence
      anisotropy assays were performed to determine the affinity of eIF5A to different
      ribosomal complexes and reveal its interaction exclusively and directly with the
      60S ribosomal subunit in a hypusine-dependent manner (Ki60S-eIF5A-Hyp = 16 nM,
      Ki60S-eIF5A-Lys = 385 nM). A 3-fold increase in eIF5A affinity to the 80S is
      observed upon charged-tRNAiMet binding, indicating positive cooperativity between
      P-site tRNA binding and eIF5A binding to the ribosome. Previously identified
      conditional mutants of yeast eIF5A, eIF5AQ22H/L93F and eIF5AK56A, display a
      significant decrease in ribosome binding affinity. Binding affinity between
      ribosome and eIF5A-wild type or mutants eIF5AK56A, but not eIF5AQ22H/L93F, is
      impaired in the presence of eEF2 by 4-fold, consistent with negative
      cooperativity between eEF2 and eIF5A binding to the ribosome. Interestingly, high
      copy eEF2 is toxic only to eIF5AQ22H/L93F and causes translation elongation
      defects in this mutant. These results suggest that binding of eEF2 to the
      ribosome alters its conformation, resulting in a weakened affinity of eIF5A and
      impairment of this interplay compromises cell growth due to translation
      elongation defects.

PMID- 27115998
TI  - Monocyte Trafficking, Engraftment, and Delivery of Nanoparticles and an Exogenous
      Gene into the Acutely Inflamed Brain Tissue - Evaluations on Monocyte-Based
      Delivery System for the Central Nervous System.
AB  - The ability of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) to travel towards
      chemotactic gradient, traverse tissue barriers, and accumulate precisely at
      diseased sites makes them attractive candidates as drug carriers and therapeutic
      gene delivery vehicles targeting the brain, where treatments are often hampered
      by the blockade of the blood brain barrier (BBB). This study was designed to
      fully establish an optimized cell-based delivery system using monocytes and MDM,
      by evaluating their homing efficiency, engraftment potential, as well as carriage
      and delivery ability to transport nano-scaled particles and exogenous genes into
      the brain, following the non-invasive intravenous (IV) cell adoptive transfer in
      an acute neuroinflammation mouse model induced by intracranial injection of
      Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides. We demonstrated that freshly isolated
      monocytes had superior inflamed-brain homing ability over MDM cultured in the
      presence of macrophage colony stimulating factor. In addition, brain trafficking
      of IV infused monocytes was positively correlated with the number of adoptive
      transferred cells, and could be further enhanced by transient disruption of the
      BBB with IV administration of Mannitol, Bradykinin or Serotonin right before cell
      infusion. A small portion of transmigrated cells was detected to differentiate
      into IBA-1 positive cells with microglia morphology in the brain. Finally, with
      the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles SHP30, the ability of
      nanoscale agent-carriage monocytes to enter the inflamed brain region was
      validated. In addition, lentiviral vector DHIV-101 was used to introduce green
      fluorescent protein (GFP) gene into monocytes, and the exogenous GFP gene was
      detected in the brain at 48 hours following IV infusion of the transduced
      monocytes. All together, our study has set up the optimized conditions for the
      more-in-depth tests and development of monocyte-mediated delivery, and our data
      supported the notion to use monocytes as a non-invasive cell-based delivery
      system for the brain.

PMID- 27115999
TI  - Association between Triglyceride to HDL-C Ratio (TG/HDL-C) and Insulin Resistance
      in Chinese Patients with Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between the triglyceride to HDL-C ratio
      (TG/HDL-C) and insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2
      diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (272 men and 288 women) were enrolled and divided into three groups
      according to TG/HDL-C tertiles. Insulin resistance was defined by homeostatic
      model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Demographic information and
      clinical characteristics were obtained. Spearman's correlation was used to
      estimate the association between TG/HDL-C and other variables. Multiple logistic
      regression analyses were adopted to obtain probabilities of insulin resistance. A
      receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to evaluate the ability
      of TG/HDL-C to discriminate insulin resistance. RESULTS: TG/HDL-C was associated
      with insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed T2DM (Spearman's
      correlation coefficient = 0.21, P < 0.01). Patients in the higher tertiles of
      TG/HDL-C had significantly higher HOMA-IR values than patients in the lower
      tertiles [T1: 2.68(1.74-3.70); T2: 2.96(2.29-4.56); T3: 3.09(2.30-4.99)].
      Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TG/HDL-C was significantly
      associated with HOMA-IR, and patients in the higher TG/HDL-C tertile had a higher
      OR than those in the lower TG/HDL-C tertile, after adjusting for multiple
      covariates including indices for central obesity [T1: 1; T2: 4.02(1.86-8.71); T3:
      4.30(1.99-9.29)]. Following stratification of waist circumference into quartiles,
      the effect of TG/HDL-C on insulin resistance remained significant irrespective of
      waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS: TG/HDL-C was associated with insulin resistance
      independent of waist circumference. Whether it could be a surrogate marker for
      insulin resistance in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
      mellitus still needs to be confirmed by more researches.

PMID- 27116000
TI  - Multiple Oxidative Modifications in the Ophiobolin Biosynthesis: P450 Oxidations
      Found in Genome Mining.
AB  - Heterologous expression of four candidate genes found in ophiobolin gene clusters
      from three fungal strains was employed to elucidate the late-stage biosynthetic
      pathway of phytotoxin ophiobolin. Expression of oblBAc (cytochrome P450) from the
      cryptic gene cluster gave unexpected products, and that of oblBBm/oblBEv from the
      gene cluster of ophiobolin producers, with oblDBm as the transporter, yielded
      intermediate ophiobolin C through an unusual four-step oxidation process. The
      observation made in this study may provide a useful guideline for the elucidation
      of genuine biosynthetic pathways of natural products.

PMID- 27116002
TI  - Molecular Profile of the Brazilian Weaver Ant Camponotus textor Forel
      (Hymenoptera, Formicidae).
AB  - Camponotus textor Forel is, to date, the only weaver ant recorded from Brazil,
      and all existing studies on the species are restricted to describing its weaving
      and nesting behaviors. The aim of this work is to establish the molecular profile
      of the species. We sampled eight different colonies by sequencing mitochondrial
      genes (COI, transfer DNA (tRNA), and an intergenic spacer) and the nuclear gene
      28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA). We then assessed haplotype diversity and also analyzed
      distribution patterns of this species based on the correlation between genetic
      and geographic distances. Our results provide an additional tool for species
      identification by identifying new regions that can be used as molecular markers
      for barcoding (such as the intergenic spacer (IGS) and tRNA-Leu). In addition,
      the phylogenetic analysis revealed that C. textor has features that could be
      associated with deep population divergences. We identified a wide range of
      mitotypes and three distinct groups, suggesting a possible reduction of gene flow
      between colonies.

PMID- 27116001
TI  - Production of dengue virus envelope protein domain III-based antigens in tobacco
      chloroplasts using inducible and constitutive expression systems.
AB  - Dengue fever is a disease in many parts of the tropics and subtropics and about
      half the world's population is at risk of infection according to the World Health
      Organization. Dengue is caused by any of the four related dengue virus serotypes
      DEN-1, -2, -3 and -4, which are transmitted to people by Aedes aegypti
      mosquitoes. Currently there is only one vaccine (Dengvaxia((r))) available
      (limited to a few countries) on the market since 2015 after half a century's
      intensive efforts. Affordable and accessible vaccines against dengue are hence
      still urgently needed. The dengue envelop protein domain III (EDIII), which is
      capable of eliciting serotype-specific neutralizing antibodies, has become the
      focus for subunit vaccine development. To contribute to the development of an
      accessible and affordable dengue vaccine, in the current study we have used plant
      based vaccine production systems to generate a dengue subunit vaccine candidate
      in tobacco. Chloroplast genome engineering was applied to express serotype
      specific recombinant EDIII proteins in tobacco chloroplasts using both
      constitutive and ethanol-inducible expression systems. Expression of a
      tetravalent antigen fusion construct combining EDIII polypeptides from all four
      serotypes was also attempted. Transplastomic EDIII-expressing tobacco lines were
      obtained and homoplasmy was verified by Southern blot analysis. Northern blot
      analyses showed expression of EDIII antigen-encoding genes. EDIII protein
      accumulation levels varied for the different recombinant EDIII proteins and the
      different expression systems, and reached between 0.8 and 1.6 % of total cellular
      protein. Our study demonstrates the suitability of the chloroplast compartment as
      a production site for an EDIII-based vaccine candidate against dengue fever and
      presents a Gateway((r)) plastid transformation vector for inducible transgene
      expression. 

PMID- 27116004
TI  - Functional Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Genes Encoding the Human
      Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) Family Potentially Relevant to Autoimmunity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To continue our previous investigations, we have extensively
      investigated the function of the 61, 41, and 35 non-synonymous single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human genes encoding DNASE1, DNASE1L3, and DNASE2,
      respectively, potentially relevant to autoimmune diseases. METHODS: The site
      directed mutagenesis was employed to amino acid-substituted constructs
      corresponding to each SNP. The COS-7 cells were transfected with each vector and
      DNase activity was assayed by the single radial enzyme diffusion method. By using
      PolyPhen-2, changes in the DNase function of each non-synonymous SNP were
      predicted. Genotyping of all the non-synonymous SNPs was performed in 14
      different populations including 3 ethnic groups using the polymerase chain
      reaction followed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism method.
      RESULTS: Expression analysis demonstrated these SNPs to be classified into four
      categories with regard to the effect on DNase activity: SNPs not affecting the
      activity level, ones reducing it, ones abolishing it, and ones elevating it. In
      particular, 9, 5, and 4 SNPs producing a loss-of-function variant of the enzymes
      in DNASE1, DNASE1L3, and DNASE2, respectively, were confirmed. SNPs producing
      DNase loss of function can be estimated by PolyPhen-2 to be "probably damaging"
      with a high accuracy of prediction. Almost all of these functional SNPs producing
      a loss of function or substantially low activity-harboring forms exhibited a mono
      allelic distribution in all of the populations. CONCLUSION: A minor allele of
      functional SNPs, despite the remarkably low genetic heterogeneity of the SNPs,
      might be a genetic risk factor for autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 27116003
TI  - Appropriateness of newborn screening for classic galactosaemia: a systematic
      review.
AB  - Currently, there is no universal agreement on galactosaemia screening,
      fundamentally because of the risk-benefit uncertainties. We conducted two
      exhaustive systematic searches in the main electronic databases (PubMed, Embase,
      Cochrane, etc.) to recover relevant information about the disease and screening
      test/s in order to support decision making in Spain. All of the 45 studies
      identified that covered disease issues were retrospective case series or cross
      sectional analysis (level-4 evidence). Studies consistently found that the
      majority of patients presented characteristic symptomatology before diagnosis.
      Long term disabilities were not significantly correlated with age of diagnosis,
      onset of dietary restriction or strict diet compliance. The five studies that
      provided accuracy data used different cut-off points and verification tests, and
      thus differed in their definitions of a positive case (level-3b evidence). The
      estimated sensitivity was 100 % and the specificity 99.9 %. The false-positive
      rate ranged from 0.0005 % to 0.25 %, and the PPV from 0 % to 64.3 %. The
      comparative clinical effectiveness in relation to not screening or implementation
      of other programs is unknown. In summary, existing evidence remains insufficient
      to establish the appropriateness of newborn screening for galactosaemia
      screening, although health benefits could be expected if early diagnosis and
      treatment is achieved. If screening is implemented in Spain, it would be
      important that a pilot programme be implemented to assess false positive rate and
      ensure that early diagnosis is not delayed.

PMID- 27116006
TI  - Embryo Transfer with Controlled Injection Speed to Increase Pregnancy Rates: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Catheter injection speed affects depth and placement of the
      embryo into the uterine cavity and is shown to be highly variable in, and
      between, subjects in a manually performed embryo transfer. In an effort to
      standardize the injection speed during embryo transfer, we developed an automated
      transfer pump: the pump-regulated embryo transfer (PRET) device. In this
      randomized controlled trial, we aimed to investigate if standardization of the
      injection speed and pressure with this PRET results in a better controlled
      positioning of the transferred embryo(s). METHODS: Five hundred ninety-nine in
      vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection/frozen-thawed embryo
      transfer cycles were randomly assigned to the PRET or manual transfer.
      Positioning of the embryo(s) into the uterine cavity was measured with
      ultrasound. RESULTS: The PRET device generates a significantly smaller variance
      of the positioning of the embryo(s) into the uterine cavity. This resulted in an
      ongoing pregnancy rate of 21% in the PRET versus 17% in the manual (p = 0.22)
      transfer group; frozen-thawed embryo transfers resulted in 17.5 versus 10.9% (p =
      0.097), respectively. CONCLUSION: The PRET results in better controlled
      positioning of the embryo(s), and it also gives the opportunity to standardize
      embryo transfer. Whether the PRET may positively influence pregnancy rates, needs
      to be investigated in a multicenter trial.

PMID- 27116005
TI  - A First Tetraplex Assay for the Simultaneous Quantification of Total alpha
      Synuclein, Tau, beta-Amyloid42 and DJ-1 in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid.
AB  - The quantification of four distinct proteins (alpha-synuclein, beta-amyloid1-42,
      DJ-1, and total tau) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been proposed as a
      laboratory-based platform for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). While there is some clinical utility in measuring these
      markers individually, their usage in routine clinical testing remains
      challenging, in part due to substantial overlap of concentrations between healthy
      controls and diseased subjects. In contrast, measurement of different analytes in
      a single sample from individual patients in parallel appears to considerably
      improve the accuracy of AD or PD diagnosis. Here, we report the development and
      initial characterization of a first, electrochemiluminescence-based multiplex
      immunoassay for the simultaneous quantification of all four proteins
      ('tetraplex') in as little as 50 MUl of CSF. In analytical performance
      experiments, we assessed its sensitivity, spike-recovery rate, parallelism and
      dilution linearity as well as the intra- and inter-assay variability. Using our
      in-house calibrators, we recorded a lower limit of detection for alpha-synuclein,
      beta-amyloid42, DJ-1, and t-tau of 1.95, 1.24, 5.63, and 4.05 pg/ml,
      respectively. The corresponding, linear concentration range covered >3 orders of
      magnitude. In diluted CSF samples (up to 1:4), spike-recovery rates ranged from a
      low of 55% for beta-amyloid42 to a high of 98% for DJ-1. Hillslopes ranged from
      1.03 to 1.30, and inter-assay variability demonstrated very high reproducibility.
      Our newly established tetraplex assay represents a significant technical advance
      for fluid-based biomarker studies in neurodegenerative disorders allowing the
      simultaneous measurement of four pivotal makers in single CSF specimens. It
      provides exceptional sensitivity, accuracy and speed.

PMID- 27116007
TI  - Evaporation-Induced Pattern Formation of Decanol Droplets.
AB  - Pattern formation in far-from-equilibrium systems is observed in several
      disciplines including biology, geophysics, and reaction-diffusion chemistry,
      comprising both living and nonliving systems. We aim to study such nonequilibrium
      dynamics on the laboratory scale with materials of simple composition. We present
      a novel system based on a 1-decanol droplet placed in a solution of alkaline
      decanoate. Previously, we showed the short time scale behavior of this system,
      which included chemotaxis and maze solving. Here we explore long time scale
      dynamics of the system (several hours) when open to the environment. We observe
      dramatic morphological changes in the droplet including long tentacular
      structures, and we analyze the morphology of these structures at both the
      macroscopic and microscopic scales across a large range of initial conditions.
      Such reproducible morphological changes in simple droplets open a path to the
      exploration of shape-based effects in larger-scale pattern-formation studies.

PMID- 27116008
TI  - Evaluation of the Bio-Rad Dx CT/NG/MG(r) assay for simultaneous detection of
      Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium in urine.
AB  - We evaluated the performance of the Bio-Rad real-time Dx CT/NG/MG(r) assay for
      detection of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium on a collection of
      441 urine samples from sexually transmitted infections, or travellers
      consultations and from anonymous sperm donors that were previously analysed with
      the Abbott RealTime CT/NG assay. Samples positive for C. trachomatis or N.
      gonorrhoeae with the Abbott assay had all previously been confirmed with an in
      house real-time PCR assay. Samples positive for M. genitalium with the Bio-Rad
      assay were subsequently analysed by an in-house real-time PCR. On a total of 441
      urines, 104 samples were positive for C. trachomatis, 12 were positive for N.
      gonorrhoeae and seven were positive for M. genitalium. After retesting of
      discrepant results, the test results were completely concordant, resulting in a
      calculated sensitivity and specificity of the Bio-Rad assay of 98.1 % and 100 %
      for C. trachomatis and of 91.7 % and 100 % for N. gonorrhoeae. Results for M.
      genitalium with the Bio-Rad assay were also concordant with the results of an in
      house PCR. We also evaluated the performance of automated nucleic acid
      extractions of urine samples with the NucliSENS easyMAG (bioMerieux) compared to
      the manual DNA extraction prescribed by the insert of the kit. The easyMAG
      extraction gave lower Ct values, relieved inhibition and had a lower hands-on
      time. 

PMID- 27116010
TI  - Obstetric outcome and incidence of congenital anomalies in 2351 IVF/ICSI babies.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive follow-up of fetal
      and perinatal outcome and the incidence of congenital anomalies in babies born
      after fresh embryo transfers compared to those conceived spontaneously in
      infertile couples. METHODS: Retrospective comparative analysis of all clinical
      pregnancies from fresh cleavage-stage embryo transfer cycles (IVF and ICSI)
      compared with infertile patients who conceived spontaneously in the same time
      period (control). Congenital anomalies were classified following the European
      Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) classification. RESULTS: A total
      of 2414 assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies were compared to 582
      spontaneous conceptions in the control infertile group representing 2306
      deliveries. No significant differences were found in pregnancy outcome between
      the two groups (delivery rate, abortion rate, ectopic pregnancies, medical
      abortions for fetal anomalies, single and twins mean gestational age, and weight
      at delivery). A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found in the twin (21.3 vs
      2.3 %) and triplet rates (2.3 vs 0 %). A total of 2351 babies were delivered in
      the ART group and 449 in the control group. A total of 90 babies (3.8 %) were
      diagnosed with a major congenital anomaly in the ART group and 15 (3.3 %) in the
      control group (p = ns). The overall rate of major congenital anomalies (105/2800)
      in ART and spontaneous pregnancies in infertile couples was significantly higher
      when compared to the EUROCAT 2.0 versus 3.75 % (p = 0.0002). DISCUSSION: Babies
      born after ART treatments and from spontaneous conception in infertile couples
      had rates of congenital anomalies higher than those recorded by the EUROCAT.
      However, the rates of anomalies were not different within the infertile
      population whether conceived by ART or spontaneously. These data suggest that the
      diagnosis of infertility in itself is the common denominator for the increase in
      the rates of anomalies seen in both ART and spontaneous conceptions.

PMID- 27116011
TI  - MR imaging features of focal liver lesions in Wilson disease.
AB  - Hepatic involvement in Wilson disease (WD) manifests as a diffuse chronic disease
      in the majority of patients. However, in a subset of patients focal liver lesions
      may develop, presenting with a wide range of imaging features. The majority of
      focal liver lesions in patients with WD are benign nodules, but there are reports
      that have described malignant liver tumors or dysplastic nodules in these
      patients. Because of the possibility of malignant transformation of liver
      nodules, major concerns have been raised with respect to the management and
      follow-up of patients with WD in whom focal liver lesions have been identified.
      The assessment of liver involvement in patients with WD is generally performed
      with ultrasonography. However, ultrasonography conveys limited specificity so
      that magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is often performed to improve lesion
      characterization. This review was performed to illustrate the spectrum of MR
      imaging features of focal liver lesions that develop in patients with WD. It is
      assumed that familiarity with the MR imaging presentation of focal liver lesions
      in WD may help clarify the actual nature of hepatic nodules in patients with this
      condition.

PMID- 27116009
TI  - Impact of selective digestive decontamination on respiratory tract Candida among
      patients with suspected ventilator-associated pneumonia. A meta-analysis.
AB  - The purpose here is to establish the incidence of respiratory tract colonization
      with Candida (RT Candida) among ICU patients receiving mechanical ventilation
      within studies in the literature. Also of interest is its relationship with
      candidemia and the relative importance of topical antibiotic (TA) use as within
      studies of selective digestive decontamination (SDD) versus other candidate risk
      factors towards it. The incidence of RT Candida was extracted from component
      (control and intervention) groups decanted from studies of various TA and non-TA
      ICU infection prevention methods with summary estimates derived using random
      effects. A benchmark RT Candida incidence to provide overarching calibration was
      derived using (observational) groups from studies without any prevention method
      under study. A multi-level regression model of group level data was undertaken
      using generalized estimating equation (GEE) methods. RT Candida data were sourced
      from 113 studies. The benchmark RT Candida incidence is 1.3; 0.9-1.8 % (mean and
      95 % confidence intervals). Membership of a concurrent control group of a study
      of SDD (p = 0.02), the group-wide presence of candidemia risk factors (p <
      0.001), and proportion of trauma admissions (p = 0.004), but neither the year of
      study publication, nor membership of any other component group, nor the mode of
      respiratory sampling are predictive of the RT Candida incidence. RT Candida and
      candidemia incidences are correlated. RT Candida incidence can serve as a basis
      for benchmarking. Several relationships have been identified. The increased
      incidence among concurrent control groups of SDD studies cannot be appreciated in
      any single study examined in isolation. 

PMID- 27116012
TI  - Prediction of tumor response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer
      using (18)fluorine-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography-computed
      tomography and serum carcinoembryonic antigen: a prospective study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the association between (18)fluorine-2-deoxy-D-glucose
      positron emission tomography-computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) parameters,
      serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and tumor response in patients with rectal
      cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). METHODS: Sixty-four
      patients with T3-4 and/or node-positive rectal cancer receiving nCRT followed by
      surgery were prospectively studied. PET/CT was performed before, and in 28
      patients, both before and after nCRT. The pre-/post-nCRT maximum standardized
      uptake (SUVmax) values, differences between pre-/post-nCRT SUVmax (?SUVmax),
      response index of SUVmax (RI-SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean),
      metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and CEA were
      measured. The ability of PET/CT parameters and CEA to predict Mandard's tumor
      regression grade (TRG) and pathological complete remission (pCR) were evaluated.
      RESULTS: 31 patients were identified as responders (TRG 1-2), and 19 exhibited
      pCR. For responders, significant differences were found for DeltaSUVmax (24.88
      vs. 15.39 g/ml, p = 0.037), RI-SUVmax (0.76 vs. 0.63, p = 0.025), DeltaSUVmean
      (14.43 vs. 8.65 g/ml, p = 0.029), RI-SUVmean (0.77 vs. 0.63, p = 0.011), CEA-pre
      (6.30 vs. 27.86 MUg/L, p < 0.001), CEA-post (2.22 vs. 5.49 MUg/L, p = 0.002),
      DeltaCEA (4.08 vs. 23.13 MUg/L, p < 0.001), and RI-CEA (0.25 vs. 0.55, p =
      0.002). Differences between pCR and non-pCR patients were noted as RI-SUVmean
      (0.77 vs. 0.65, p = 0.043), MTV-pre (9.87 vs. 14.62 cm(3), p = 0.045), CEA-pre
      (5.62 vs. 22.27 MUg/L, p = 0.002), CEA-post (1.95 vs. 4.72 MUg/L, p = 0.001), and
      DeltaCEA (3.68 vs. 17.99 MUg/L, p = 0.013). Receiver operating characteristic
      analysis revealed that RI-SUVmean exhibited the greatest accuracy in predicting
      responders, whereas CEA-post and DeltaCEA exhibited the greatest accuracy in
      predicting pCR. CONCLUSIONS: (18)F-FDG PET/CT parameters and CEA are accurate
      tools for predicting tumor response to nCRT in rectal cancer.

PMID- 27116013
TI  - Photobiomodulation for the management of radiation dermatitis: the DERMIS trial,
      a pilot study of MLS((r)) laser therapy in breast cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and acceptability
      of photobiomodulation using MLS((r)) laser therapy (LT) in the management of
      acute radiation dermatitis (RD). METHODS: We compared two successive groups of
      breast cancer patients undergoing identical radiotherapy regimens post
      lumpectomy. Both groups received our standard skin care but the second group
      received six additional LT sessions (beam area 19.635 cm(2), 0.168 W/cm(2), 4
      J/cm(2)), starting at fraction 20 of radiotherapy (control and LT group, N = 41
      and 38, respectively). The clinical outcomes were the severity of RD (using the
      Radiation Therapy Oncology Group [RTOG] criteria and the Radiotherapy-Induced
      Skin Reaction Assessment Scale [RISRAS]) and dermatology-specific quality of life
      (Skindex-16) before the start of LT and at the end of radiotherapy. Secondary
      outcomes were patients' ratings of skin care or LT (pleasantness, soothing
      effect, and global satisfaction). RESULTS: Skin toxicity was equivalent between
      the groups before the start of LT but significantly differed at the end of
      radiotherapy, with an aggravation in the control but not in the LT group (e.g.,
      29 versus 3 % of RTOG grade 2 RD, respectively, P < 0.005). We found no
      significant group differences with respect to quality of life. However, the
      RISRAS subjective score decreased in the LT group only, implying a decreased
      impact of RD on patients' quality of life. Finally, patients' ratings were
      significantly higher for LT than for standard care. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      suggest that LT might be effective to manage acute RD and warrant further
      research. TRIAL REGISTRATION:  CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT01932073.
      https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01932073 .

PMID- 27116014
TI  - Cancer-related fatigue: appraising evidence-based guidelines for screening,
      assessment and management.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is inconsistent management of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) by
      health professionals worldwide. This research aims to identify the most
      appropriate guidelines for the management of cancer-related fatigue. METHODS: A
      systematic search of international literature identified evidence-based clinical
      practice guidelines for CRF. Four reviewers independently appraised the highest
      quality guidelines using the AGREE-II instrument and National Heath and Medical
      Research Council (NHMRC) guideline standards. RESULTS: Five guidelines met the
      inclusion criteria. Of these, the 2015 Canadian Association of Psychosocial
      Oncology (CAPO) CRF guidelines and the 2014 American Society of Clinical Oncology
      (ASCO) fatigue guidelines for cancer survivors were selected for in-depth
      appraisal. The CAPO guideline scored higher than the ASCO for five domains of the
      AGREE-II. For one domain, the differences were statistically significant (p <=
      0.05). The CAPO guideline met 37 of 47 NHMRC mandatory guideline standards and
      the ASCO guideline met 20. The difference in the proportion of standards met was
      statistically significant for one domain (p <= 0.05). Both guidelines had low
      scores for applicability and implementation. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, the CAPO
      guideline for cancer-related fatigue has the strongest evidence for use. To
      enhance implementation, further strategies for guideline dissemination and
      application are needed.

PMID- 27116015
TI  - Confluence-dependent resistance to cisplatin in lung cancer cells is regulated by
      transforming growth factor-beta.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Confluence-dependent resistance (CDR) is a phenomenon in
      which the efficacy of anti-cancer agents decreases when cell density increases.
      CDR in lung cancer has never been reported. The purpose of this study is to
      investigate if CDR can occur in NSCLC cells and to find a role for transforming
      growth factor (TGF)-beta as a mechanism of CDR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines A549 and H2228 were exposed to cisplatin in a
      variety of cell density conditions. RNA interference targeting TGF-beta receptor
      I was performed to silence the TGF-beta pathway. RESULTS: CDR to cisplatin was
      induced in NSCLC cells, whereas CDR to crizotinib, an inhibitor of activin
      receptor-like kinase, was not observed. During confluent conditions, the TGF
      beta1 concentration in the culture medium was the highest. Exogenous TGF-beta1
      inhibited cell proliferation and reduced sensitivity to cisplatin. Inhibition of
      the TGF-beta pathway increased in terms of sensitivity to cisplatin at
      confluency. CONCLUSIONS: CDR to cisplatin can occur in NSCLC cells, and the TGF
      beta pathway is associated with the regulation of CDR.

PMID- 27116016
TI  - Survey of Clinical Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacter
      cloacae Isolates in a Chinese Tertiary Hospital, 2012-2014.
AB  - A total of 72 consecutive and nonduplicate clinical extended-spectrum beta
      lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacter cloacae isolates were collected from our
      hospital from 2012 to 2014 for analyzing the prevalence of plasmid-mediated
      quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes, 16S rRNA methyltransferase (16S-RMTase)
      encoding genes, and carbapenem-hydrolyzing beta-lactamase (CHbetaL) genes, as
      well as integrons. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus
      sequence typing (MLST) were carried out to characterize the genetic relatedness.
      The isolates mainly harbored blaCTX-M (n = 51, 70.8%) and blaSHV (n = 46, 63.9%)
      genes. High prevalence of PMQR genes qnrA1 (n = 24, 33.3%), qnrB (n = 4, 5.6%),
      qnrS1 (n = 2, 2.8%), and aac(6')-Ib-cr (n = 21, 29.2%) was observed. Furthermore,
      CHbetaLs IMP-4 (n = 6, 8.3%) and IMP-8 (n = 4, 5.6%), as well as class I
      integrons (n = 29, 40.3%), were found in the ESBL-producing E. cloacae isolates.
      PFGE revealed 69 pulsotypes. MLST distinguished 44 sequence types (STs) with
      ST124 (n = 7, 9.7%), ST50 (n = 3, 4.2%), ST45 (n = 3, 4.2%), and ST93 (n = 3,
      4.2%) being the predominant STs. The results indicate a possible clonal
      transmission of ST124 isolates in the hospital that needs further surveillance.
      The genetic diversity of the other numerous distinctive STs indicates that most
      of the ESBL-producing E. cloacae in our hospital might arise through stepwise
      accumulations of multiple drug-resistance determinants in different clones.

PMID- 27116017
TI  - Quantitative Interpretation of the Low-Bias Conductance of Au-Mesitylene-Au
      Molecular Junctions Formed from Mesitylene Monolayers.
AB  - The atomic structure and electronic transport properties of Au-mesitylene-Au
      molecular junctions formed from a mesitylene monolayer without any anchoring
      groups are investigated by employing the non-equilibrium Green's function
      formalism combined with density functional theory. The intermolecular and
      adsorbate-substrate interactions are described by the non-local optB88 van der
      Waals functional. Two types of Au-mesitylene-Au molecular junctions are
      constructed, in which either an isolated mesitylene molecule or a mesitylene
      molecule embedded into a monolayer lying flat on one electrode surface is in
      contact with an atomic protrusion of the other electrode surface. The calculated
      low-bias conductance values of these two junctions are both in quantitative
      agreement with the reported experimental values [S. Afsari, Z. Li, and E.
      Borguet, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 9771; Angew. Chem. 2014, 126, 9929].
      This indicates that the measured conductance is intrinsic at the single-molecule
      Au-mesitylene-Au junction and that the intermolecular interactions in the
      mesitylene monolayer have little effect.

PMID- 27116019
TI  - UK Renal Registry 18th Annual Report: Chapter 10 Clinical, Haematological and
      Biochemical Parameters in Patients Receiving Renal Replacement Therapy in
      Paediatric Centres in the UK in 2014: National and Centre-specific Analyses.
AB  - The median height z-score for paediatric patients on dialysis was -2.1 and for
      those with a functioning transplant -1.3. Children transplanted before the age of
      12 years improved their height z-score over the subsequent five years, whereas
      those older than 12 maintained their height z-score, with all transplanted
      patients having a similar median height z-score after five years of starting
      renal replacement therapy (RRT). The median weight z-score for children on
      dialysis was -1.4 whereas children with a functioning transplant had a near
      normal weight for age and sex with a median z-score of -0.3. Of those with data,
      75% of the prevalent paediatric RRT population had one or more 'traditional' risk
      factors for cardiovascular disease, with 1 in 10 having all three risk factors
      present. For the 10 centres reporting quarterly laboratory data, the average
      creatinine in transplant patients was 79 mmol/L; dialysis patients had normal
      average anaemia and acidosis markers and evidence of secondary
      hyperparathyroidism with an average PTH of 17.3 pmol/L. For transplant patients,
      80% achieved the systolic blood pressure (SBP) standard and 93% achieved the
      haemoglobin standard. For haemodialysis patients, 57% achieved the SBP standard,
      62% achieved the haemoglobin standard, 82% achieved the calcium standard, 51%
      achieved the phosphate standard and 39% achieved the parathyroid hormone (PTH)
      standard. For peritoneal dialysis patients, 70% achieved the SBP standard, 77%
      achieved the haemoglobin standard, 72% achieved the calcium standard, 54%
      achieved the phosphate standard and 33% achieved the PTH standard.

PMID- 27116020
TI  - Implementing the Biopharmaceutics Classification System in Drug Development:
      Reconciling Similarities, Differences, and Shared Challenges in the EMA and US
      FDA-Recommended Approaches.
AB  - The US-FDA recently posted a draft guideline for industry recommending procedures
      necessary to obtain a biowaiver for immediate-release oral dosage forms based on
      the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS). This review compares the
      present FDA BCS biowaiver approach, with the existing European Medicines Agency
      (EMA) approach, with an emphasis on similarities, difficulties, and shared
      challenges. Some specifics of the current EMA BCS guideline are compared with
      those in the recently published draft US-FDA BCS guideline. In particular,
      similarities and differences in the EMA versus US-FDA approaches to establishing
      drug solubility, permeability, dissolution, and formulation suitability for BCS
      biowaiver are critically reviewed. Several case studies are presented to
      illustrate the (i) challenges of applying for BCS biowaivers for global
      registration in the face of differences in the EMA and US-FDA BCS biowaiver
      criteria, as well as (ii) challenges inherent in applying for BCS class I or III
      designation and common to both jurisdictions.

PMID- 27116021
TI  - Development and Validation of Electrochemiluminescence Assays to Measure Free and
      Total sSLAMF7 in Human Serum in the Absence and Presence of Elotuzumab.
AB  - Elotuzumab is a first in class humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody for the
      treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Elotuzumab targets the glycoprotein signaling
      lymphocyte activation molecule family 7 (SLAMF7, also described as CS1 or CRACC)
      which is expressed on the surface of myeloma cells and a subset of immune cells,
      including natural killer cells. A soluble version of SLAMF7 (sSLAMF7) has also
      been reported in MM patients but has not been evaluated as a potential biomarker
      following therapeutic intervention. In order to measure serum levels of sSLAMF7,
      two immunoassays were developed to monitor changes in circulating sSLAMF7 before
      and after elotuzumab treatment. Free (drug-unbound) and total (drug-bound and
      unbound) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) ELISA assays were developed and validated
      following a fit for purpose (FFP) methodology. Both assays met analytical
      acceptance criteria for precision, drug interference, dilution linearity, spike
      recovery, parallelism, and stability. Both exhibited the range and sensitivity
      necessary to measure clinical samples with an LLOQ of 51.2 pg/mL and ULOQs of 160
      (free) and 800 ng/mL (total). Previously described assays were unable to detect
      sSLAMF7 in healthy individuals. However, due to the increased sensitivity of
      these new assays, low but measurable sSLAMF7 levels were detected in all normal
      healthy sera evaluated and were significantly elevated in MM patients. Cohort
      statistics revealed a significant increase of circulating sSLAMF7 in MM patients
      versus normal controls and both significant decreases in free and increases in
      total levels of protein post-elotuzumab treatment.

PMID- 27116022
TI  - The FDA's Experience with Emerging Genomics Technologies-Past, Present, and
      Future.
AB  - The rapid advancement of emerging genomics technologies and their application for
      assessing safety and efficacy of FDA-regulated products require a high standard
      of reliability and robustness supporting regulatory decision-making in the FDA.
      To facilitate the regulatory application, the FDA implemented a novel data
      submission program, Voluntary Genomics Data Submission (VGDS), and also to engage
      the stakeholders. As part of the endeavor, for the past 10 years, the FDA has led
      an international consortium of regulatory agencies, academia, pharmaceutical
      companies, and genomics platform providers, which was named MicroArray Quality
      Control Consortium (MAQC), to address issues such as reproducibility, precision,
      specificity/sensitivity, and data interpretation. Three projects have been
      completed so far assessing these genomics technologies: gene expression
      microarrays, whole genome genotyping arrays, and whole transcriptome sequencing
      (i.e., RNA-seq). The resultant studies provide the basic parameters for fit-for
      purpose application of these new data streams in regulatory environments, and the
      solutions have been made available to the public through peer-reviewed
      publications. The latest MAQC project is also called the SEquencing Quality
      Control (SEQC) project focused on next-generation sequencing. Using reference
      samples with built-in controls, SEQC studies have demonstrated that relative gene
      expression can be measured accurately and reliably across laboratories and RNA
      seq platforms. Besides prediction performance comparable to microarrays in
      clinical settings and safety assessments, RNA-seq is shown to have better
      sensitivity for low expression and reveal novel transcriptomic features. Future
      effort of MAQC will be focused on quality control of whole genome sequencing and
      targeted sequencing.

PMID- 27116023
TI  - A Model-Based Approach for Joint Analysis of Pain Intensity and Opioid
      Consumption in Postoperative Pain.
AB  - Joint analysis of pain intensity and opioid consumption is encouraged in trials
      of postoperative pain. However, previous approaches have not appropriately
      addressed the complexity of their interrelation in time. In this study, we
      applied a non-linear mixed effects model to simultaneously study pain intensity
      and opioid consumption in a 4-h postoperative period for 44 patients undergoing
      percutaneous kidney stone surgery. Analysis was based on 748 Numerical Rating
      Scale (NRS) scores of pain intensity and 51 observed morphine and oxycodone
      dosing events. A joint model was developed to describe the recurrent pattern of
      four key phases determining the development of pain intensity and opioid
      consumption in time; (A) Distribution of pain intensity scores which followed a
      truncated Poisson distribution with time-dependent mean score ranging from 0.93
      to 2.45; (B) Probability of transition to threshold pain levels (NRS >= 3) which
      was strongly dependent on previous pain levels ranging from 2.8-15.2% after NRS
      of 0-2; (C) Probability of requesting opioid when allowed (NRS >= 3) which was
      strongly correlated with the number of previous doses, ranging from 89.8% for
      requesting the first dose to 26.1% after three previous doses; (D) Reduction in
      pain scores after opioid dosing which was significantly related to the pain
      intensity at time of opioid request (P < 0.001). This study highlights the
      importance of analyzing pain intensity and opioid consumption in an integrated
      manner. Non-linear mixed effects modeling proved a valuable tool for analysis of
      interventions that affect pain intensity, probability of rescue dosing or the
      effect of opioids in the postoperative pain period.

PMID- 27116024
TI  - Use of Modeling and Simulation Tools for Understanding the Impact of Formulation
      on the Absorption of a Low Solubility Compound: Ciprofloxacin.
AB  - This study explored the utility of mechanistic absorption models to describe the
      in vivo performance of a low solubility/low permeability compound in normal
      healthy subjects. Sixteen healthy human volunteers received three oral
      formulations and an intravenous infusion in a randomized crossover design. Plasma
      ciprofloxacin concentrations were estimated by HPLC. In vitro ciprofloxacin
      release from the oral tablets was tested under a variety of conditions. A
      mechanistic model was used to explore in vivo dissolution and intestinal
      absorption. Although dissolution rate influenced the location of drug release,
      absorption challenges appeared to be associated with permeability limitations in
      the lower small intestine and colon. The apparent relationship between drug
      solubilization within the upper small intestinal and formulation overall
      bioavailability suggested the presence of an intestinal absorption window in many
      individuals. Failure to absorb drug within this window appeared to be linked with
      the likelihood of in vivo drug precipitation. Challenges encountered during this
      modeling exercise included large intersubject variability in product in vivo
      dissolution and the apparent limitations in ciprofloxacin absorption. Although
      transporter activity was not included as a model parameter, this evaluation
      demonstrated how identifying the location of drug absorption across several
      formulations provided an opportunity to identify factors to consider when
      formulating similar low solubility/low permeability compounds. The use of
      mechanistic models was invaluable for our understanding of in vivo product
      performance and for the assessment of individual profiles rather than means. The
      latter was essential for understanding the potential challenges that may be
      encountered when introducing a formulation into a patient population.

PMID- 27116025
TI  - PK/PD Modelling of the QT Interval: a Step Towards Defining the Translational
      Relationship Between In Vitro, Awake Beagle Dogs, and Humans.
AB  - Inhibiting the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG)-encoded potassium ion
      channel is positively correlated with QT-interval prolongation in vivo, which is
      considered a risk factor for the occurrence of Torsades de Pointes (TdP). A
      pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model was developed for four compounds that
      reached the clinic, to relate drug-induced QT-interval change in awake dogs and
      humans and to derive a translational scaling factor a 1. Overall, dogs were more
      sensitive than humans to QT-interval change, an a 1 of 1.5 was found, and a 10%
      current inhibition in vitro produced a higher percent QT-interval change in dogs
      as compared to humans. The QT-interval changes in dogs were predictive for
      humans. In vitro and in vivo information could reliably describe the effects in
      humans. Robust translational knowledge is likely to reduce the need for expensive
      thorough QT studies; therefore, expanding this work to more compounds is
      recommended.

PMID- 27116026
TI  - Studies of Tonsils in Basic and Clinical Perspectives: From the Past to the
      Future.
AB  - The tonsils are located at the entrance of the pharynx as a cardinal constituent
      of Waldeyer's ring, taking part not only in local immune responses, but also in
      systemic immunity. Functional deficits of tonsils primarily underlie the
      pathogenesis of various characteristic disorders, including tonsillar focal
      infections such as palmoplantar pustulosis and IgA nephropathy, in addition to
      the highly prevalent sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
      Although the mechanisms underlying these disorders remain unknown, the tonsils
      have long been postulated as a unique and enigmatic immune organ. Lymphoid cells
      and tissues from surgically resected tonsils are often employed to analyze the
      human immune response from a retrospective view. This approach has provided much
      new fundamental evidence for understanding innate and acquired immune responses,
      thereby facilitating further studies in the fields of mucosal immunity and
      specific humoral immunity originating in the germinal center. Future studies of
      the tonsils in basic and clinical research are expected to reveal the mechanisms
      of tonsil-related disorders as well as the nature of human immunity. In this
      review, which is primarily based on our original research over the past 3
      decades, we summarize our findings and discuss the future prospects of studies
      focusing on the tonsils. 

PMID- 27116027
TI  - A new implementation of digital X-ray radiogrammetry and reference curves of four
      indices of cortical bone for healthy European adults.
AB  - Digital X-ray radiogrammetry performs measurements on a hand radiograph in
      digital form. We present an improved implementation of the method and provide
      reference curves for four indices for the amount of bone. We collected 1662 hand
      radiographs of healthy subjects of age 9-100 years. PURPOSE: The digital X-ray
      radiogrammetry (DXR) method has been shown to be efficient for diagnosis of
      osteoporosis and for assessment of progression of rheumatoid arthritis. The aim
      of this work is to present a new DXR implementation and reference curves of four
      indices of cortical bone and to compare their relative SDs in healthy subjects at
      fixed age and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1662 hand radiographs of
      healthy subjects of age 9-100 years were collected in Jena in 2001-2005. We also
      used a longitudinal study of 116 Danish children born in 1952 with on average 11
      images taken over the age range 7 to 40 years. The new DXR method reconstructs
      the whole metacarpal contour so that the metacarpal lengths can be measured and
      used in two of the indices. The new DXR method automatically validates 97 % of
      the images and is implemented as a local server for PACS users. RESULTS: The
      Danish bone health index (BHI) data are consistent with the Jena data and also
      with the published BHI reference for healthy children. BHI is found to have
      smaller relative SD than the other three indices in the Jena cohort over the age
      range 20-80 years. CONCLUSION: The new DXR method is an extension of the existing
      BoneXpert method for children, which allows patients to be followed from
      childhood into adulthood with the same method. By making all four indices of
      cortical bone available within the same medical device, it becomes possible to
      decide which index has the best relation to fracture risk in future studies.

PMID- 27116028
TI  - The ITA.LI.CA Staging System: A Novel Staging System for Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma.
AB  - In this Perspective, Neehar Parikh and Amit Singal discuss the advantages of the
      ITA.LI.CA staging system for prognoses of liver cancer developed by Alessandro
      Vitale and colleagues. 

PMID- 27116029
TI  - Simulated Screens of DNA Encoded Libraries: The Potential Influence of Chemical
      Synthesis Fidelity on Interpretation of Structure-Activity Relationships.
AB  - Simulated screening of DNA encoded libraries indicates that the presence of
      truncated byproducts complicates the relationship between library member
      enrichment and equilibrium association constant (these truncates result from
      incomplete chemical reactions during library synthesis). Further, simulations
      indicate that some patterns observed in reported experimental data may result
      from the presence of truncated byproducts in the library mixture and not
      structure-activity relationships. Potential experimental methods of minimizing
      the presence of truncates are assessed via simulation; the relationship between
      enrichment and equilibrium association constant for libraries of differing
      purities is investigated. Data aggregation techniques are demonstrated that allow
      for more accurate analysis of screening results, in particular when the screened
      library contains significant quantities of truncates.

PMID- 27116030
TI  - Ranibizumab (Lucentis) versus Bevacizumab (Avastin) for the Treatment of Age
      Related Macular Degeneration: An Economic Disparity of Eye Health.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the
      elderly, and the advent of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents (VEGF)
      has revolutionized treatment for neovascular AMD. Two of the most popular anti
      VEGF agents, ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genentech/Roche) and bevacizumab (Avastin;
      Genentech/Roche), effectively treat neovascular AMD but have a substantial
      difference in price. Multiple level 1 trials have demonstrated that bevacizumab
      is noninferior to ranibizumab in the treatment of neovascular AMD and that both
      have similar safety profiles. The decision to use one drug over the other is
      multifactorial with influences from industry as well as individual physician
      biases. However, the additional billions spent on ranibizumab result in a large
      economic disparity that is not rationalized by cost effectiveness models. 

PMID- 27116031
TI  - Metabolic response of lung cancer cells to radiation in a paper-based 3D cell
      culture system.
AB  - This work demonstrates the application of a 3D culture system-Cells-in-Gels-in
      Paper (CiGiP)-in evaluating the metabolic response of lung cancer cells to
      ionizing radiation. The 3D tissue-like construct-prepared by stacking multiple
      sheets of paper containing cell-embedded hydrogels-generates a gradient of oxygen
      and nutrients that decreases monotonically in the stack. Separating the layers of
      the stack after exposure enabled analysis of the cellular response to radiation
      as a function of oxygen and nutrient availability; this availability is dictated
      by the distance between the cells and the source of oxygenated medium. As the
      distance between the cells and source of oxygenated media increased, cells show
      increased levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, decreased proliferation,
      and reduced sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Each of these cellular responses
      are characteristic of cancer cells observed in solid tumors. With this setup we
      were able to differentiate three isogenic variants of A549 cells based on their
      metabolic radiosensitivity; these three variants have known differences in their
      metastatic behavior in vivo. This system can, therefore, capture some aspects of
      radiosensitivity of populations of cancer cells related to mass-transport
      phenomenon, carry out systematic studies of radiation response in vitro that
      decouple effects from migration and proliferation of cells, and regulate the
      exposure of oxygen to subpopulations of cells in a tissue-like construct either
      before or after irradiation.

PMID- 27116032
TI  - Bub1 targeting to centromeres is sufficient for Sgo1 recruitment in the absence
      of kinetochores.
AB  - Centromeric chromatin containing the histone H3 variant centromere protein A
      (CENP-A) directs kinetochore assembly through a hierarchical binding of CENPs,
      starting with CENP-C and CENP-T. Centromeres are also the chromosomal regions
      where cohesion, mediated by cohesin, is most prominently maintained in mitosis.
      While most cohesin dissociates from chromosome arms in prophase, Shugoshin 1
      (Sgo1) prevents this process at centromeres. Centromeric localization of Sgo1
      depends on histone H2A phosphorylation by the kinase Bub1, but whether additional
      interactions with kinetochore components are required for Sgo1 recruitment is
      unclear. Using the Xenopus egg cell-free system, we here show that both CENP-C
      and CENP-T can independently drive centromeric accumulation of Sgo1 through
      recruitment of Bub1 to the KNL1, MIS12, NDC80 (KMN) network. The spindle assembly
      checkpoint (SAC) kinase Mps1 is also required for this pathway even in the
      absence of checkpoint signaling. Sgo1 recruitment is abolished in chromosomes
      lacking kinetochore components other than CENP-A. However, forced targeting of
      Bub1 to centromeres is sufficient to restore Sgo1 localization under this
      condition.

PMID- 27116034
TI  - (+/-)-Japonicols A-D, Acylphloroglucinol-Based Meroterpenoid Enantiomers with
      Anti-KSHV Activities from Hypericum japonicum.
AB  - (+/-)-Japonicols A-D (1a/1b-4a/4b), four pairs of new phloroglucinol-based
      terpenoid enantiomers, were isolated from Hypericum japonicum. Their absolute
      configurations were confirmed through comparison of their experimental and
      calculated electronic circular dichroism spectra and single-crystal X-ray
      diffraction analyses. Compounds 1a/1b, 2a/2b, and 3a/3b possess 2
      oxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, pyrano[3,2-b]pyran, and benzo[b]cyclopenta[e]oxepine
      ring systems, respectively. The effects of the phloroglucinols on anti-Kaposi's
      sarcoma-associated herpesvirus were assessed, and 2a exhibited a moderate
      inhibitory effect, with an EC50 value of 8.75 MUM and a selectivity index of
      16.06.

PMID- 27116033
TI  - Transformation-associated recombination (TAR) cloning for genomics studies and
      synthetic biology.
AB  - Transformation-associated recombination (TAR) cloning represents a unique tool
      for isolation and manipulation of large DNA molecules. The technique exploits a
      high level of homologous recombination in the yeast Sacharomyces cerevisiae. So
      far, TAR cloning is the only method available to selectively recover chromosomal
      segments up to 300 kb in length from complex and simple genomes. In addition, TAR
      cloning allows the assembly and cloning of entire microbe genomes up to several
      Mb as well as engineering of large metabolic pathways. In this review, we
      summarize applications of TAR cloning for functional/structural genomics and
      synthetic biology.

PMID- 27116035
TI  - Protein-SIP in environmental studies.
AB  - Metaproteomics coupled to stable isotope probing (SIP) was established to detect
      metabolically active key players in microbial communities. Here, we discuss the
      current state of protein-based stable isotope probing (protein-SIP) and the
      perspectives of using different stable isotope atoms (i.e. 13C, 15N, 18O,
      34/36S), multiple isotope labelling, the utilisation of substrates of major
      abundance and micro-pollutants [pesticides, herbicides and pharmaceuticals
      present in the environment at very low concentrations (ngMUg/L)], and
      applications in complex model systems and in situ studies in the environment.

PMID- 27116036
TI  - Highly Crystalline Films of Organic Small Molecules with Alkyl Chains Fabricated
      by Weak Epitaxy Growth.
AB  - Because side-chain engineering of organic conjugated molecules has been widely
      utilized to tune organic solid-state optoelectronic properties, the achievement
      of their high-quality films is important for realizing high-performance devices.
      Here, highly crystalline films of an organic molecule with short alkyl chains,
      5,8,15,18-tetrabutyl-5,8,15,18-tetrahydroindolo[3,2
      a]indole[30,20:5,6]quinacridone (C4-IDQA), are fabricated by weak epitaxy growth,
      and highly oriented, large-area, and continuous films are obtained. Because of
      the soft matter properties, the C4-IDQA molecules can adjust themselves to
      realize commensurate epitaxy growth on the inducing layers and exhibited good
      lattice matching in the thin film phase. The crystalline phase is also observed
      in thicker C4-IDQA films. The growth behavior of C4-IDQA on the inducing layer is
      further investigated, including the strong dependence of film morphologies on
      substrate temperatures and deposition rates due to the poor diffusion ability of
      C4-IDQA molecules. Moreover, highly crystalline films and high electron field
      effect mobility are also obtained for the small molecule N,N'-dioctyl-3,4:9,10
      perylene tetracarboxylic diimide (C8-PTCDI), which demonstrate that the weak
      epitaxy growth method could be an effective way to fabricate highly crystalline
      films of organic small molecules with flexible side chains.

PMID- 27116037
TI  - Principles of Public Reason in the UNFCCC: Rethinking the Equity Framework.
AB  - Since 2011, the focus of international negotiations under the UNFCCC has been on
      producing a new climate agreement to be adopted in 2015. This phase of
      negotiations is known as the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action. The goal has
      been to update the global effort on climate for long-term cooperation. In this
      period, various changes have been contemplated on the design of the architecture
      of the global climate effort. Whereas previously, the negotiation process
      consisted of setting mandated targets exclusively for developed countries, the
      current setting requests of each country to pledge its contribution to the
      climate effort in the form of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions
      (INDCs). The shift away from establishing negotiated targets for rich countries
      alone towards a universal system of participation through intended contributions
      raised persistent questions on how exactly the new agreement can ensure equitable
      terms. How to conceptualize equity within the 2015 climate agreement, and beyond,
      is the focus of this paper. The paper advances a framework on equity, which moves
      away from substantive moral conceptions of burden allocation toward refining
      principles of public reason specially designed for the negotiation process under
      the UNFCCC. The paper outlines the framework's main features and discusses how it
      can serve a facilitating role for multilateral discussion on equity on a long
      term basis capable of adapting to changing circumstances.

PMID- 27116038
TI  - How the Invisible Hand is Supposed to Adjust the Natural Thermostat: A Guide for
      the Perplexed.
AB  - Mainstream climate economics takes global warming seriously, but perplexingly
      concludes that the optimal economic policy is to almost do nothing about it. This
      conclusion can be traced to just a few "normative" assumptions, over which there
      exists fundamental disagreement amongst economists. This paper explores two axes
      of this disagreement. The first axis ("market vs. regulation") measures faith in
      the invisible hand to adjust the natural thermostat. The second axis expresses
      differences in views on the efficiency and equity implications of climate action.
      The two axes combined lead to a classification of conflicting approaches in
      climate economics. The variety of approaches does not imply a post-modern
      "anything goes", as the contradictions between climate and capitalism cannot be
      wished away.

PMID- 27116039
TI  - This "Ethical Trap" Is for Roboticists, Not Robots: On the Issue of Artificial
      Agent Ethical Decision-Making.
AB  - In this paper we address the question of when a researcher is justified in
      describing his or her artificial agent as demonstrating ethical decision-making.
      The paper is motivated by the amount of research being done that attempts to
      imbue artificial agents with expertise in ethical decision-making. It seems clear
      that computing systems make decisions, in that they make choices between
      different options; and there is scholarship in philosophy that addresses the
      distinction between ethical decision-making and general decision-making.
      Essentially, the qualitative difference between ethical decisions and general
      decisions is that ethical decisions must be part of the process of developing
      ethical expertise within an agent. We use this distinction in examining publicity
      surrounding a particular experiment in which a simulated robot attempted to
      safeguard simulated humans from falling into a hole. We conclude that any
      suggestions that this simulated robot was making ethical decisions were
      misleading.

PMID- 27116040
TI  - Zoledronate and Molecular Iodine Cause Synergistic Cell Death in Triple Negative
      Breast Cancer through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.
AB  - Women consuming molecular iodine (I2) through seaweeds suffer the least from
      breast cancers. Zoledronate (Zol) is in clinical use for alleviation of bone pain
      in cancer patients. Triple negative breast cancers exhibit high mortality due to
      lack of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. I2 and Zol independently cause weak
      antiproliferative and apoptotic effect. So far, their combined effects have not
      been tested. We analyzed the effect of combination of I2 with Zol as a potent
      adjuvant therapeutic agent for triple negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MBA-231)
      and in the mice model of breast cancer. Cell viability, terminal deoxynucleotidyl
      transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, Western blotting, real-time PCR,
      flow cytometry, and other assays were performed for assessing cell death, calcium
      levels, and migration potential, respectively, in treated cells. The increased
      caspase 8, increased [Ca(2+)]c levels, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress
      resulted in apoptosis. Real time and fluorescence-based analysis demonstrated
      that the combination treatment targets ER Ca(2+) homeostasis chaperons leading to
      apoptosis. Combination therapy reduces metalloproteinases 2 and 9, inhibits
      invasion/migration of cells, and prevents growth of tumor in mice. I2 + Zol
      combination treatment induces synergistic increase in ER-mediated apoptosis,
      reduces invasion/migration potential of MDA-MB-231 cells, and exhibits
      antiproliferative property in vivo demonstrating its potential as combination
      therapy.

PMID- 27116041
TI  - Nucleocytoplasmic transport in C9orf72-mediated ALS/FTD.
AB  - A GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72 is the most common genetic
      cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia
      (FTD). Recent studies indicate that disruption of nucleocytoplasmic transport
      pathways play a critical role in the pathogenesis of C9orf72-mediated ALS/FTD (C9
      ALS). Here, we discuss mechanisms by which C9orf72 mutations cause
      nucleocytoplasmic transport deficits and contribute to disease pathogenesis. We
      review the current literature regarding nucleocytoplasmic transport disruption in
      C9-ALS, and discuss implications and directions for future research. 

PMID- 27116042
TI  - Recent developments in biochar as an effective tool for agricultural soil
      management: a review.
AB  - In recent years biochar has been demonstrated to be a useful amendment to
      sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emission from the soil to the
      atmosphere. Hence it can help to mitigate global environment change. Some studies
      have shown that biochar addition to agricultural soils increases crop production.
      The mechanisms involved are: increased soil aeration and water-holding capacity,
      enhanced microbial activity and plant nutrient status in soil, and alteration of
      some important soil chemical properties. This review provides an in-depth
      consideration of the production, characterization and agricultural use of
      different biochars. Biochar is a complex organic material and its characteristics
      vary with production conditions and the feedstock used. The agronomic benefits of
      biochar solely depend upon the use of particular types of biochar with proper
      field application rate under appropriate soil types and conditions. (c) 2016
      Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27116043
TI  - Substituent effects and chemoselectivity of the intramolecular Buchner reaction
      of diazoacetamide derivatives catalyzed by the di-Rh(ii)-complex.
AB  - A density functional theory (DFT) study was performed to reveal that the
      substituent effects in the alpha-site have an effect on the chemoselectivity of
      the intramolecular Buchner reaction of diazoacetamide catalyzed by Rh2(OAc)4. The
      substituent effect is investigated considering five different groups (Z = -Me, 
      OMe, -H, -CN and -C(O)Me) in the substrates. The substituent group in the alpha
      site changes the electronegativity of the C-atom in carbene and affects the
      chemoselectivity. The basis of chemoselectivity is the distribution of products
      that was analyzed by DFT calculations. The barrier energy of the favorable
      pathway is clearly lower than that of the other pathways. Nucleophilic
      substituent groups, such as -H, -OMe and -Me, are regarded as electron-donating
      groups, which increase the electropositivity of the C-atom in carbene compounds
      and improve the reactivity of the aromatic addition reaction. Electrophilic
      substituent groups, such as -CN and -C(O)Me, are regarded as electron-withdrawing
      groups, which decrease the electropositivity of the C-atom in carbene compounds
      and favor the C-H activation step. The computational results showed that the main
      product is cycloheptatriene when Z = -H/-OMe. The main product is beta-lactam
      when the substituent group is -CN/-C(O)Me. When the substituent group is -Me, the
      products are a mixture of gamma-lactams, beta-lactams and cycloheptatriene. 

PMID- 27116045
TI  - Limiting Cumulative HIV Viremia Copy-Years by Early Treatment Reduces Risk of
      AIDS and Death.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Viremia copy-years (VCY), a time-updated measure of cumulative HIV
      exposure, predicts AIDS/death; although its utility in deciding when to start
      combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) remains unclear. We aimed to assess the
      impact of initiating versus deferring cART on risk of AIDS/death by levels of VCY
      both independent of and within CD4 cell count strata >=500 cells per cubic
      millimeter. METHODS: Using Concerted Action on Seroconversion to AIDS and Death
      in Europe (CASCADE) data, we created a series of nested "trials" corresponding to
      consecutive months for individuals >=16 years at seroconversion after 1995 who
      were cART-naive and AIDS-free. Pooling across all trials, time to AIDS/death by
      CD4, and VCY strata was compared in those initiating vs. deferring cART using Cox
      models adjusted for: country, sex, risk group, seroconversion year, age, time
      since last HIV-RNA, and current CD4, VCY, HIV-RNA, and mean number of previous
      CD4/HIV-RNA measurements/year. RESULTS: Of 9353 individuals, 5312 (57%) initiated
      cART and 486 (5%) acquired AIDS/died. Pooling CD4 strata, risk of AIDS/death
      associated with initiating vs. deferring cART reduced as VCY increased. In
      patients with high CD4 cell counts, >=500 cells per cubic millimeter, there was a
      trend for a greater reduction for those initiating vs. deferring with increasing
      VCY (P = 0.09), with the largest benefit in the VCY >=100,000 copy-years/mL group
      [hazard ratio (95% CI) = 0.41 (0.19 to 0.87)]. CONCLUSIONS: For individuals with
      CD4 >=500 cells per cubic millimeter, limiting the cumulative HIV burden to
      <100,000 copy-years/mL through cART may reduce the risk of AIDS/death.

PMID- 27116046
TI  - Linear Growth Faltering Among HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children experience increased mortality
      compared with their HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) peers. It is unclear whether
      HEU children are also at increased risk for undernutrition, a modifiable risk
      factor for mortality. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based
      survey of children <5 years of age in 5 health districts in Botswana. Linear
      mixed-effects models were used to assess continuous outcomes, and generalized
      estimating equations were used to estimate relative risks of stunting, wasting,
      and underweight between HEU (n = 396) and HUU (n = 1109) children. Secondary
      analyses examined potential mediation by low birth weight. RESULTS: The
      association between maternal HIV exposure and child stunting varied significantly
      by child age (P < 0.01). HEU children <1 and >=2 years of age had 1.85 [95%
      confidence interval (CI): 1.03 to 3.31; P = 0.04] and 1.41 (95% CI: 1.06 to 1.88;
      P = 0.02) times the risk of stunting compared with HUU children after
      multivariate adjustment, respectively. During the period of 1-2 years of age,
      when breastfeeding cessation occurred among HUU children, HUU children had
      increased risk of stunting compared with HEU children who were predominantly
      formula fed (relative risk: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.32; P = 0.03). A mediation
      analysis estimated that 67% of the excess risk of stunting among HEU children >=2
      years was attributable to low birth weight (P = 0.02). There was no difference in
      risk of wasting or underweight. CONCLUSION: HEU children are at increased risk of
      stunting compared with their HUU peers; however, interventions to increase birth
      weight may significantly ameliorate this excess risk. Interventions to support
      optimal growth during weaning are needed for all breast-fed children.

PMID- 27116044
TI  - Higher Time-Updated Body Mass Index: Association With Improved CD4+ Cell Recovery
      on HIV Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior studies found overweight or obese HIV-infected individuals had
      greater early CD4 cell recovery on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but the results
      have been inconsistent. We assessed the longitudinal relationship between body
      mass index (BMI) and CD4 cell recovery on ART in a large, multisite cohort to
      identify potential physiologic links between adiposity and CD4 cell expansion.
      METHODS: We modeled the relationship of time-updated BMI with CD4 count in
      patients starting ART from 17 North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on
      Research and Design (NA-ACCORD) cohorts. The primary analysis used a linear mixed
      effects model incorporating up to 13 years of data per patient and adjusted for
      age, sex, race, ART regimen, baseline CD4 count and other covariates. Sensitivity
      analyses limited the cohort to patients with sustained viral suppression or
      censored at virologic failure. RESULTS: Fourteen thousand eighty-four HIV
      infected individuals initiating ART contributed data between 1998 and 2010. Time
      updated BMI was significantly associated with CD4 cell recovery over time (P <
      0.001). After 5 years of ART, the mean CD4 count at a BMI of 30 kg/m was 22%
      higher than at a BMI of 22 kg/m (606 vs. 498 cells per microliter) and 34% higher
      at a BMI of 40 kg/m (665 vs. 498 cells per microliter). Results were similar in
      the sensitivity analyses. DISCUSSION: Higher BMI is associated with long-term
      advantages in immune recovery on ART. Although it is unclear if this impacts
      health outcomes, including balancing the negative health effects of obesity,
      elucidating the underlying mechanism could identify therapies for patients with
      suboptimal immune reconstitution.

PMID- 27116047
TI  - Plasma Efavirenz Exposure, Sex, and Age Predict Virological Response in HIV
      Infected African Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Owing to insufficient evidence in children, target plasma
      concentrations of efavirenz are based on studies in adults. Our analysis aimed to
      evaluate the pediatric therapeutic thresholds and characterize the determinants
      of virological suppression in African children. METHODS: We analyzed data from
      128 African children (aged 1.7-13.5 years) treated with efavirenz, lamivudine,
      and one among abacavir, stavudine, or zidovudine, and followed up to 36 months.
      Individual pharmacokinetic (PK) measures [plasma concentration 12 hours after
      dose (C12h), plasma concentration 24 hours after dose (C24h), and area under the
      curve (AUC0-24)] were estimated using population PK modeling. Cox multiple
      failure regression and multivariable fractional polynomials were used to
      investigate the risks of unsuppressed viral load associated with efavirenz
      exposure and other factors among 106 initially treatment-naive children, and
      likelihood profiling was used to identify the most predictive PK thresholds.
      RESULTS: The risk of viral load >100 copies per milliliter decreased by 42% for
      every 2-fold increase in efavirenz mid-dose concentration [95% confidence
      interval (CI): 23% to 57%; P < 0.001]. The most predictive PK thresholds for
      increased risk of unsuppressed viral load were C12h 1.12 mg/L [hazard ratio (HR):
      6.14; 95% CI: 2.64 to 14.27], C24h 0.65 mg/L (HR: 6.57; 95% CI: 2.86 to 15.10),
      and AUC0-24 28 mg.h/L (HR: 5.77; 95% CI: 2.28 to 14.58). Children older than 8
      years had a more than 10-fold increased risk of virological nonsuppression (P =
      0.005); among children younger than 8 years, boys had a 5.31 times higher risk
      than girls (P = 0.007). Central nervous system adverse events were infrequently
      reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that the minimum target C24h and
      AUC0-24 could be lowered in children. Our findings should be confirmed in a
      prospective pediatric trial.

PMID- 27116048
TI  - Non-AIDS-Defining Cancer Mortality: Emerging Patterns in the Late HAART Era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-AIDS-defining cancers (non-ADCs) have become the leading non-AIDS
      related cause of death among people with HIV/AIDS. We aimed to quantify the
      excess risk of cancer-related deaths among Italian people with AIDS (PWA), as
      compared with people without AIDS (non-PWA). METHODS: A nationwide, population
      based, retrospective cohort study was carried out among 5285 Italian PWA, aged 15
      74 years, diagnosed between 2006 and 2011. Date of death and multiple-cause-of
      death data were retrieved up to December 2011. Excess mortality, as compared with
      non-PWA, was estimated using sex- and age-standardized mortality ratios (SMRs)
      and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Among 1229
      deceased PWA, 10.3% reported non-ADCs in the death certificate, including lung
      (3.1%), and liver (1.4%), cancers. A 7.3-fold (95% CI: 6.1 to 8.7) excess
      mortality was observed for all non-ADCs combined. Statistically significant SMRs
      emerged for specific non-ADCs, ie, anus (5 deaths, SMR = 227.6, 95% CI: 73.9 to
      531.0), Hodgkin lymphoma (12 deaths, SMR = 122.0, 95% CI: 63.0 to 213.0),
      unspecified uterus (4 deaths, SMR = 52.5, 95% CI: 14.3 to 134.5), liver (17
      deaths, SMR = 13.2, 95% CI: 7.7 to 21.1), skin melanoma (4 deaths, SMR = 10.9,
      95% CI: 3.0 to 27.8), lung (38 deaths, SMR = 8.0, 95% CI: 5.7 to 11.0), head and
      neck (9 deaths, SMR = 7.8, 95% CI: 3.6 to 14.9), leukemia (5 deaths, SMR = 7.6,
      95% CI: 2.4 to 17.7), and colon-rectum (10 deaths, SMR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.6 to
      10.0). SMRs for non-ADCs were particularly elevated among PWA infected through
      injecting drug use. CONCLUSION: This population-based study documented extremely
      elevated risks of death for non-ADCs among PWA. These findings stress the need of
      preventive interventions for both virus-related and non-virus-related cancers
      among HIV-infected individuals.

PMID- 27116050
TI  - Three-phase contact line and line tension of electrolyte solutions in contact
      with charged substrates.
AB  - The three-phase contact line formed by the intersection of a liquid-vapor
      interface of an electrolyte solution with a charged planar substrate is studied
      in terms of classical density functional theory applied to a lattice model. The
      influence of the substrate charge density and of the ionic strength of the
      solution on the intrinsic structure of the three-phase contact line and on the
      corresponding line tension is analyzed. We find a negative line tension for all
      values of the surface charge density and of the ionic strength considered. The
      strength of the line tension decreases upon decreasing the contact angle via
      varying either the temperature or the substrate charge density.

PMID- 27116049
TI  - Benefits to Speech Perception in Noise From the Binaural Integration of Electric
      and Acoustic Signals in Simulated Unilateral Deafness.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study used vocoder simulations with normal-hearing (NH)
      listeners to (1) measure their ability to integrate speech information from an NH
      ear and a simulated cochlear implant (CI), and (2) investigate whether binaural
      integration is disrupted by a mismatch in the delivery of spectral information
      between the ears arising from a misalignment in the mapping of frequency to
      place. DESIGN: Eight NH volunteers participated in the study and listened to
      sentences embedded in background noise via headphones. Stimuli presented to the
      left ear were unprocessed. Stimuli presented to the right ear (referred to as the
      CI-simulation ear) were processed using an eight-channel noise vocoder with one
      of the three processing strategies. An Ideal strategy simulated a frequency-to
      place map across all channels that matched the delivery of spectral information
      between the ears. A Realistic strategy created a misalignment in the mapping of
      frequency to place in the CI-simulation ear where the size of the mismatch
      between the ears varied across channels. Finally, a Shifted strategy imposed a
      similar degree of misalignment in all channels, resulting in consistent mismatch
      between the ears across frequency. The ability to report key words in sentences
      was assessed under monaural and binaural listening conditions and at signal to
      noise ratios (SNRs) established by estimating speech-reception thresholds in each
      ear alone. The SNRs ensured that the monaural performance of the left ear never
      exceeded that of the CI-simulation ear. The advantages of binaural integration
      were calculated by comparing binaural performance with monaural performance using
      the CI-simulation ear alone. Thus, these advantages reflected the additional use
      of the experimentally constrained left ear and were not attributable to better
      ear listening. RESULTS: Binaural performance was as accurate as, or more accurate
      than, monaural performance with the CI-simulation ear alone. When both ears
      supported a similar level of monaural performance (50%), binaural integration
      advantages were found regardless of whether a mismatch was simulated or not. When
      the CI-simulation ear supported a superior level of monaural performance (71%),
      evidence of binaural integration was absent when a mismatch was simulated using
      both the Realistic and the Ideal processing strategies. This absence of
      integration could not be accounted for by ceiling effects or by changes in SNR.
      CONCLUSIONS: If generalizable to unilaterally deaf CI users, the results of the
      current simulation study would suggest that benefits to speech perception in
      noise can be obtained by integrating information from an implanted ear and an NH
      ear. A mismatch in the delivery of spectral information between the ears due to a
      misalignment in the mapping of frequency to place may disrupt binaural
      integration in situations where both ears cannot support a similar level of
      monaural speech understanding. Previous studies that have measured the speech
      perception of unilaterally deaf individuals after CI but with nonindividualized
      frequency-to-electrode allocations may therefore have underestimated the
      potential benefits of providing binaural hearing. However, it remains unclear
      whether the size and nature of the potential incremental benefits from
      individualized allocations are sufficient to justify the time and resources
      required to derive them based on cochlear imaging or pitch-matching tasks.

PMID- 27116051
TI  - Human resources for health--investing in action.

PMID- 27116052
TI  - Mental health care in French prisons.

PMID- 27116053
TI  - Fixing emergency general surgery in England.

PMID- 27116054
TI  - Yellow fever vaccine supply: a possible solution.

PMID- 27116055
TI  - Increasing value and reducing waste in biomedical research: librarians are
      listening and are part of the answer.

PMID- 27116057
TI  - Brazil's health system woes worsen in economic crisis.

PMID- 27116058
TI  - Cryptococcal meningitis: a blind spot in curbing AIDS.

PMID- 27116059
TI  - The straitjacket.

PMID- 27116062
TI  - War's carnage: wounds and weapons.

PMID- 27116063
TI  - Andrew Herxheimer.

PMID- 27116064
TI  - Human resources in protracted crises: Syrian medical workers.

PMID- 27116065
TI  - The GAS trial.

PMID- 27116066
TI  - The GAS trial.

PMID- 27116067
TI  - The GAS trial.

PMID- 27116068
TI  - The GAS trial - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27116069
TI  - Questioning the outcome of the Building Blocks trial.

PMID- 27116070
TI  - Questioning the outcome of the Building Blocks trial - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27116071
TI  - Challenges faced by young Chinese doctors.

PMID- 27116072
TI  - The benefits of screening programmes.

PMID- 27116073
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 27116074
TI  - Suicide rates in children and young people increase.

PMID- 27116075
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 27116076
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 27116077
TI  - An efficient indenyl-derived phosphine ligand for the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of
      sterically hindered aryl halides.
AB  - An air-stable aryl substituted indenyl phosphine used in combination with
      Pd(OAc)2 provides a highly efficient catalyst for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross
      coupling reaction of sterically hindered aryl halides with aryl boronic acids. 

PMID- 27116078
TI  - Economic Impact of an Advanced Illness Consultation Program within a Medicare
      Advantage Plan Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the United States the quality and cost associated with medical
      treatment for individuals experiencing an advanced illness is highly variable and
      is often misaligned with the patient's and family's quality of life values and
      priorities. Many of the obstacles that stand in the way of aligning the care that
      an individual receives with their priorities are well understood in the context
      of behavioral science. Through employing behavioral based approaches to improve
      the quality of communication and shared decision making processes among patients,
      providers and families it is possible to enhance the efficiency of delivering
      care which is also more highly aligned with the individual's preferences.
      OBJECTIVES: The study objectives were to measure the economic impact of a
      proprietary advanced illness behavioral consultation program, the Vital Decisions
      Living Well Consultation Program (LWCP), on the cost of care delivered during the
      last six and three months of life for enrolled members in a Medicare Advantage
      plan. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective matched case control analysis examined medical,
      pharmaceutical, and capitation expenses after an offset by premium revenue.
      METHODS: The treatment population consisted of participating members of the LWCP
      who died between October 1, 2011 and March 31, 2013 (N = 1755). The control
      population consisted of plan members who died between July 1, 2008 and June 1,
      2011, prior to the introduction of the LWCP (N = 5560). Criteria used to match
      treatment subjects with one or more control subjects were diagnosis, age at
      death, and health care costs incurred prior to the time under examination. A
      paired t-test evaluated the significance of differences between the matched
      treatment and control members. RESULTS: The mean cost reduction during the last
      six months of life for treatment members compared to matched control group
      members was $13,956 (p < 0.001) during the last six months of life and $9,285 (p
      < 0.001) during the last three months of life. CONCLUSION: Members with advanced
      illness who participated in LWCP had significantly lower end-of-life (EOL)
      spending compared to matched members who did not participate in the program.

PMID- 27116079
TI  - A Data Mining Approach to Predict In Situ Detoxification Potential of Chlorinated
      Ethenes.
AB  - Despite advances in physicochemical remediation technologies, in situ
      bioremediation treatment based on Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc) reductive
      dechlorination activity remains a cornerstone approach to remedy sites impacted
      with chlorinated ethenes. Selecting the best remedial strategy is challenging due
      to uncertainties and complexity associated with biological and geochemical
      factors influencing Dhc activity. Guidelines based on measurable biogeochemical
      parameters have been proposed, but contemporary efforts fall short of
      meaningfully integrating the available information. Extensive groundwater
      monitoring data sets have been collected for decades, but have not been
      systematically analyzed and used for developing tools to guide decision-making.
      In the present study, geochemical and microbial data sets collected from 35 wells
      at five contaminated sites were used to demonstrate that a data mining prediction
      model using the classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm can provide
      improved predictive understanding of a site's reductive dechlorination potential.
      The CART model successfully predicted the 3-month-ahead reductive dechlorination
      potential with 75.8% and 69.5% true positive rate (i.e., sensitivity) for the
      training set and the test set, respectively. The machine learning algorithm
      ranked parameters by relative importance for assessing in situ reductive
      dechlorination potential. The abundance of Dhc 16S rRNA genes, CH4, Fe(2+), NO3(
      ), NO2(-), and SO4(2-) concentrations, total organic carbon (TOC) amounts, and
      oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) displayed significant correlations (p < 0.01)
      with dechlorination potential, with NO3(-), NO2(-), and Fe(2+) concentrations
      exhibiting precedence over other parameters. Contrary to prior efforts, the power
      of data mining approaches lies in the ability to discern synergetic effects
      between multiple parameters that affect reductive dechlorination activity.
      Overall, these findings demonstrate that data mining techniques (e.g., machine
      learning algorithms) effectively utilize groundwater monitoring data to derive
      predictive understanding of contaminant degradation, and thus have great
      potential for improving decision-making tools. A major need for realizing the
      predictive capabilities of data mining approaches is a curated, open-access, up
      to-date and comprehensive collection of biogeochemical groundwater monitoring
      data.

PMID- 27116081
TI  - Physical activity in individuals with haemophilia and experience with recombinant
      factor VIII Fc fusion protein and recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein for the
      treatment of active patients: a literature review and case reports.
AB  - The World Federation of Hemophilia and the National Hemophilia Foundation
      encourage people with haemophilia (PWH) to participate in routine physical
      activity. The benefits of physical activity for PWH include improvements in
      joint, bone, and muscle health. Accordingly, a number of studies suggest that
      levels of physical activity among PWH are similar to those of their healthy
      peers, especially among individuals who began prophylaxis at an early age (<=3
      years). Importantly, several studies found either no increased risk or only a
      transient increase in risk of bleeding with more intensive physical activity
      compared with less intensive physical activity. Data on optimal prophylaxis
      regimens for PWH who participate in physical/sporting activities; however, remain
      sparse. Long-acting recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) and
      recombinant factor IX Fc fusion protein (rFIXFc) demonstrated efficacy for the
      prevention and treatment of bleeding episodes in Phase 3 clinical trials of
      participants with haemophilia A and B, respectively, with most individuals able
      to maintain or increase their physical activities. This manuscript reviews the
      current literature that describes physical activity in PWH. Additionally, case
      studies are presented to provide supplemental information to clinicians
      illustrating the use of rFVIIIFc and rFIXFc in physically active patients with
      haemophilia A and B, respectively. These case reports demonstrate that it is
      possible for patients to be physically active and maintain good control of their
      haemophilia with extended interval prophylactic dosing using rFVIIIFc or rFIXFc.

PMID- 27116082
TI  - Blue emitting organic semiconductors under high pressure: status and outlook.
AB  - This review describes essential optical and emerging structural experiments that
      use high GPa range hydrostatic pressure to probe physical phenomena in blue
      emitting organic semiconductors including pi-conjugated polyfluorene and related
      compounds. The work emphasizes molecular structure and intermolecular self
      organization that typically determine transport and optical emission in pi
      conjugated oligomers and polymers. In this context, hydrostatic pressure through
      diamond anvil cells has proven to be an elegant tool to control structure and
      interactions without chemical intervention. This has been highlighted by high
      pressure optical spectroscopy whilst analogous x-ray diffraction experiments
      remain less frequent. By focusing on a class of blue-emitting pi-conjugated
      polymers, polyfluorenes, this article reviews optical spectroscopic studies under
      hydrostatic pressure, addressing the impact of molecular and intermolecular
      interactions on optical excitations, electron-phonon interaction, and changes in
      backbone conformations. This picture is connected to the optical high pressure
      studies of other pi-conjugated systems and emerging x-ray scattering experiments
      from polyfluorenes which provides a structure-property map of pressure-driven
      intra- and interchain interactions. Key obstacles to obtain further advances are
      identified and experimental methods to resolve them are suggested.

PMID- 27116084
TI  - The effect of audiovisual distraction on the tolerability of flexible
      bronchoscopy: a randomized trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It is important to minimize patient discomfort during invasive
      diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as bronchoscopy. The aim of this study
      was to investigate the effect of audiovisual distraction on the tolerability of
      flexible bronchoscopy (FB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective,
      randomized, controlled trial on patients undergoing FB at a hospital in Zahedan,
      Iran, in 2015. The patients were equally and randomly divided into a control
      group and an experimental group. Patients in the control group received standard
      care during FB While patients in the experimental group selected familiar folk
      music that was played during the procedure along with the screening of images of
      nature. The duration of the FB was recorded and cough, dyspnea, choking, nausea
      and pain were evaluated using a visual analogue scale before and after the
      procedure. Statistical analysis was carried out using paired and independent t
      tests, chi2 -tests and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Sixty patients met the
      inclusion criteria and were randomized. The duration of the FB procedure was
      significantly shorter in the experimental group compared with the control group
      (mean +/- standard deviation 7.87 +/- 2.12 min and 10.27 +/- 1.72 min,
      respectively; P < 0.05). Dyspnea, cough and pain were significantly less severe
      in the experimental group compared with the control group (P < 0.05), but choking
      and nausea were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.1).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that audiovisual distraction had a positive
      effect on the tolerability of FB. This method has important potential as a simple
      and practical approach in reducing discomfort during invasive diagnostic and
      treatment procedures.

PMID- 27116085
TI  - Novel in vivo mouse model of implant related spine infection.
AB  - Post-operative spine infections are a challenge, as hardware must often be
      retained to prevent destabilization of the spine, and bacteria form biofilm on
      implants, rendering them inaccessible to antibiotic therapy, and immune cells. A
      model of posterior-approach spinal surgery was created in which a stainless steel
      k-wire was transfixed into the L4 spinous process of 12-week-old C57BL/six mice.
      Mice were then randomized to receive either one of three concentrations (1 * 102
      , 1 * 103 , and 1 * 104 colony forming units (CFU)) of a bioluminescent strain of
      Staphylococcus aureus or normal saline at surgery. The mice were then
      longitudinally imaged for bacterial bioluminescence to quantify infection. The 1
      * 102 CFU group had a decrease in signal down to control levels by POD 25, while
      the 1 * 103 and 1 * 104 CFU groups maintained a 10-fold higher signal through POD
      35. Bacteria were then harvested from the pin and surrounding tissue for
      confirmatory CFU counts. All mice in the 1 * 104 CFU group experienced wound
      breakdown, while no mice in the other groups had this complication. Once an
      optimal bacterial concentration was determined, mice expressing enhanced green
      fluorescent protein in their myeloid cells (Lys-EGFP) were utilized to
      contemporaneously quantify bacterial burden, and immune response. Neutrophil
      fluorescence peaked for both groups on POD 3, and then declined. The infected
      group continued to have a response above the control group through POD 35. This
      study, establishes a noninvasive in vivo mouse model of spine implant infection
      that can quantify bacterial burden and host inflammation longitudinally in real
      time without requiring animal sacrifice. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society.
      Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:193-199, 2017.

PMID- 27116086
TI  - Cellulose Tailored Anatase TiO2 Nanospindles in Three-Dimensional Graphene
      Composites for High-Performance Supercapacitors.
AB  - The morphologies of transition metal oxides have decisive impact on the
      performance of their applications. Here, we report a new and facile strategy for
      in situ preparation of anatase TiO2 nanospindles in three-dimensional reduced
      graphene oxide (RGO) structure (3D TiO2@RGO) using cellulose as both an
      intermediate agent eliminating the negative effect of graphene oxide (GO) on the
      growth of TiO2 crystals and as a structure-directing agent for the shape
      controlled synthesis of TiO2 crystals. High-resolution transmission electron
      microscopy and X-ray diffractometer analysis indicated that the spindle shape of
      TiO2 crystals was formed through the restriction of the growth of high energy
      {010} facets due to preferential adsorption of cellulose on these facets. Because
      of the 3D structure of the composite, the large aspect ratio of the TiO2
      nanospindles, and the exposed high-energy {010} facets of the TiO2 crystals, the
      3D TiO2@RGO(Ce 1.7) exhibited excellent capacitive performance as an electrode
      material for supercapacitors, with a high specific capacitance (ca. 397 F g(-1)),
      a high energy density (55.7 Wh kg(-1)), and a high power density (1327 W kg(-1))
      on the basis of the masses of RGO and TiO2. These levels of capacitive
      performance far exceed those of previously reported TiO2-based composites.

PMID- 27116087
TI  - Educational Value of Digital Whole Slides Accompanying Published Online Pathology
      Journal Articles: A Multi-Institutional Study.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Despite great interest in using whole slide imaging (WSI) in pathology
      practice and education, few pathology journals have published WSI pertinent to
      articles within their pages or as supplemental materials. OBJECTIVE: -To evaluate
      whether there is measurable added educational value of including WSI in
      publications. DESIGN: -Thirty-seven participants, 16 (43.3%), 15 (40.5%), and 6
      (16.2%) junior pathology residents (postgraduate year 1-2), senior pathology
      residents (postgraduate year 3-4), and board-certified pathologists,
      respectively, read a sequence of 10 journal articles on a wide range of pathology
      topics. A randomized subgroup also reviewed the WSI published with the articles.
      Both groups completed a survey tool assessing recall of text-based content and of
      image-based material pertinent to the diseases but not present in the fixed
      published images. RESULTS: -The group examining WSI had higher performance scores
      in 72% of image-based questions (36 of 50 questions) as compared with the non-WSI
      group. As an internal study control, the WSI group had higher performance scores
      in only 40% of text-based questions (6 of 15 questions). The WSI group had
      significantly better performance than the non-WSI group for image-based questions
      compared with text-based questions (P < .05, Fisher exact test). CONCLUSION: -Our
      study provides supporting evidence that WSI offers enhanced value to the learner
      beyond the text and fixed images selected by the author. We strongly encourage
      more journals to incorporate WSI into their publications.

PMID- 27116088
TI  - Estrogen Receptor and Cytokeratin 5 Are Reliable Markers to Separate Usual Ductal
      Hyperplasia From Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia and Low-Grade Ductal Carcinoma In
      Situ.
AB  - CONTEXT: -High-molecular weight cytokeratins, such as cytokeratin 5 (CK5), are
      helpful to distinguish usual ductal hyperplasia (UDH) from atypical ductal
      hyperplasia (ADH) or low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Few studies have
      looked at combining CK5 with estrogen receptor (ER) to differentiate UDH from
      ADH. OBJECTIVE: -To evaluate the expression pattern of CK5 and ER as single or
      combined markers to separate UDH from ADH and low-grade DCIS. DESIGN: -A total of
      23 ADH, 10 low-grade DCIS, and 32 UDH whole-tissue slides were stained for ER,
      CK5, progesterone receptor (PR), and Bcl-2. Nuclear staining of ER and PR was
      scored as diffuse (>80%), focal (10%-80%), or negative (<10%). Cytoplasmic
      staining of CK5 and Bcl-2 was scored as diffuse (>60%), focal (10%-60%), or
      negative (<10%). Differences in staining patterns were evaluated. RESULTS: -For
      ER staining: 94% of ADH/DCIS cases showed a diffuse staining pattern, whereas
      none of the 32 UDH cases showed diffuse staining. For CK5 staining: 96% of
      ADH/DCIS cases were negative or focally positive, whereas all 32 UDH cases had
      diffuse staining. The combination of ER and CK5 increased the sensitivity (94% to
      97%). For PR staining: 11 of 23 ADH cases (48%), 6 of 10 DCIS cases (60%), and 4
      of 32 UDH cases (13%) showed diffuse staining. Bcl-2 staining showed no
      statistical significance (P = .73). CONCLUSIONS: -Although morphology remains the
      gold standard, ER and CK5 are useful makers to differentiate UDH from ADH.
      Progesterone receptor staining may have limited value, and Bcl-2 staining is not
      useful.

PMID- 27116089
TI  - Margin Status in Shave Biopsies of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers: Is It Worth
      Reporting?
AB  - CONTEXT: -The practice of reporting margin status in biopsies is relatively
      unique to biopsies of the skin and highly variable among pathologists. OBJECTIVE:
      -To address the accuracy of margin evaluation in shave biopsies of nonmelanoma
      skin cancers. DESIGN: -We collected shave biopsies of squamous and basal cell
      carcinomas that appeared to have uninvolved margins on routine sign out. We
      obtained deeper levels on corresponding tissue blocks until blocks were exhausted
      and examined them for tumor at biopsy margins. RESULTS: -Forty-seven consecutive
      cases were collected, including 20 squamous cell (43%) and 27 basal cell (57%)
      carcinomas. Eleven of 47 cases (23%) with negative margins at initial diagnosis
      demonstrated positive margins upon deeper-level examination. Margins of 8 of 27
      basal cell carcinomas (30%) and 3 of 20 squamous cell carcinomas (15%) were
      erroneously classified as "negative" on routine examination. CONCLUSIONS: -No
      guidelines exist regarding the reporting of margins in nonmelanoma skin cancer
      biopsies, and reporting practices vary extensively among pathologists. We found
      that nearly one-quarter of positive margins in shave biopsies for cutaneous
      carcinomas are missed on standard histologic examination. Moreover, reporting of
      a positive margin may also be misleading if the clinician has definitively
      treated the skin cancer at the time of biopsy. For these reasons, and as routine
      exhaustion of all tissue blocks is impractical, the decision to include or
      exclude a comment regarding the margin status should be given conscious
      consideration, accounting for the clinical intent of the biopsy and any known
      information regarding postbiopsy treatment.

PMID- 27116090
TI  - Infrared Spectrum of Toluene: Comparison of Anharmonic Isolated-Molecule
      Calculations and Experiments in Liquid Phase and in a Ne Matrix.
AB  - First-principles anharmonic calculations are carried out for the CH stretching
      vibrations of isolated toluene and compared with the experimental infrared
      spectra of isotopologues of toluene in a Ne matrix at 3 K and of liquid toluene
      at room temperature. The calculations use the vibrational self-consistent field
      method and the B3LYP potential surface. In general, good agreement is found
      between the calculations and experiments. However, the spectrum of toluene in a
      Ne matrix is more complicated than that predicted theoretically. This distinction
      is discussed in terms of matrix-site and resonance effects. Interestingly, the
      strongest peak in the CH stretching spectrum has similar widths in the liquid
      phase and in a Ne matrix, despite the very different temperatures. Implications
      of this observation to the broadening mechanism are discussed. Finally, our
      results show that the B3LYP potential offers a good description of the anharmonic
      CH stretching band in toluene, but a proper description of matrix-site and
      resonance effects remains a challenge. 

PMID- 27116091
TI  - Peroral transhepatic cholangioscopy-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy via an
      endoscopic ultrasonography-guided hepaticogastrostomy route for bile duct stones
      in a patient with Roux-en-Y anatomy.

PMID- 27116092
TI  - Transgastric endoscopic vacuum therapy with a new open-pore film drainage device
      in a case of infective pancreatic necrosis.

PMID- 27116093
TI  - Biliary tract intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: single-operator
      cholangioscopy and clearance of mucin obstruction.

PMID- 27116094
TI  - Peroral video cholangioscopic findings in a biliary intraductal mucinous cystic
      neoplasm.

PMID- 27116095
TI  - Spontaneous perforation of an intramural esophageal pseudodiverticulosis treated
      with intraluminal endoscopic vacuum therapy using a double-lumen vacuum drainage
      with intestinal feeding tube.

PMID- 27116096
TI  - A very rare postcholecystectomy complication.

PMID- 27116097
TI  - Endoscopic mucosal resection of duodenal carcinoid.

PMID- 27116098
TI  - Endoscopic treatment of colonic diverticular bleeding using an over-the-scope
      clip.

PMID- 27116099
TI  - Complete resection of a 225-mm circumferential rectosigmoid intramucosal
      carcinoma by endoscopic submucosal dissection.

PMID- 27116100
TI  - Endoscopic cholecystogastrostomy in a patient with gallbladder empyema secondary
      to cholangiocarcinoma.

PMID- 27116101
TI  - Usefulness of confocal laser endomicroscopy for the diagnosis of ileocecal
      lymphoma.

PMID- 27116102
TI  - Neural substrates of cognitive biases during probabilistic inference.
AB  - Decision making often requires simultaneously learning about and combining
      evidence from various sources of information. However, when making inferences
      from these sources, humans show systematic biases that are often attributed to
      heuristics or limitations in cognitive processes. Here we use a combination of
      experimental and modelling approaches to reveal neural substrates of
      probabilistic inference and corresponding biases. We find systematic deviations
      from normative accounts of inference when alternative options are not equally
      rewarding; subjects' choice behaviour is biased towards the more rewarding
      option, whereas their inferences about individual cues show the opposite bias.
      Moreover, inference bias about combinations of cues depends on the number of
      cues. Using a biophysically plausible model, we link these biases to synaptic
      plasticity mechanisms modulated by reward expectation and attention. We
      demonstrate that inference relies on direct estimation of posteriors, not on
      combination of likelihoods and prior. Our work reveals novel mechanisms
      underlying cognitive biases and contributions of interactions between reward
      dependent learning, decision making and attention to high-level reasoning.

PMID- 27116103
TI  - Droplet Characterization and Penetration of an Ultra-Low Volume Mosquito
      Adulticide Spray Targeting the Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus, within
      Urban and Suburban Environments of Northeastern USA.
AB  - Adult control of Aedes albopictus via ultra-low volume is difficult because this
      species occurs primarily in peridomestic habitats where obstacles such as
      buildings and vegetation can disrupt spray plumes and droplet dispersion. We
      determined droplet penetration and characterization of a pyrethroid adulticide
      applied from the ground at mid (46.77 ml/ha) and maximum (93.53 ml/ha) label
      rates within cryptic habitats of urban and suburban environments. Droplets were
      collected from all habitats, with no significant differences detected between
      locations within the same application rate or collection method. No differences
      were detected in droplet densities (drops per mm2) between rates within urban
      environments, but more droplets were collected in urban (149.93 +/- 11.07 SE)
      than suburban sites (114.37 +/- 11.32) at the maximum label rate (P = 0.003). The
      excellent penetration of aerosols into cryptic habitats of an urban site was
      likely due to the shorter spray paths afforded by our network of roads and
      alleys. Mid label rates displayed similar droplet density values as maximum label
      rates in urban areas, indicating that lower rates may be used effectively to
      reduce costs, lessen non-target effects, and increase environmental stewardship.
      Advances in formulations and technology are driving changes in adulticide
      applications, leading to use of the minimum effective dose for maximum efficacy,
      precision, and accountability.

PMID- 27116104
TI  - High-Throughput Blood- and Lymph-Capillaries with Open-Ended Pores Which Allow
      the Transport of Drugs and Cells.
AB  - High-throughput screening of drug diffusion and cell transports from the blood
      /lymph-capillary (BC/LC) networks to the peripheral cells in 3D engineered
      tissues using a microplate would make a powerful tool for in vitro
      pharmacokinetic assessments. Here, perfusable BC/LC networks embedded in 3D
      tissues inside a 24-microplate using a cell-coating technology are reported which
      allows location control of cell layers. Arrangement of an endothelial cell layer
      at the top, middle, and bottom of dermal fibroblast tissues provides an
      interconnected BC/LC networks possessing open pores on both surfaces. When
      fluorescently labeled dextran, microparticles, and red blood cells are applied to
      the top surfaces, diffusion and penetration through the networks are observed
      depending on the size of the substances. Moreover, BC networks mimick a series of
      in vivo processes of cancer metastasis, extravasation, growth, and growth
      suppression with drug treatment. The perfusable networks existing in 3D-tissues
      show great potential for in vitro pharmacokinetic studies.

PMID- 27116105
TI  - Vomiting as a Symptom and Transmission Risk in Norovirus Illness: Evidence from
      Human Challenge Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the US, noroviruses are estimated to cause 21 million cases
      annually with economic losses reaching $2 billion. Outbreak investigations
      frequently implicate vomiting as a major transmission risk. However, little is
      known about the characteristics of vomiting as a symptom or the amount of virus
      present in emesis. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Emesis samples and
      symptomology data were obtained from previous norovirus human challenge studies
      with GI.1 Norwalk virus, GII.2 Snow Mountain virus, and a pilot study with GII.1
      Hawaii virus. Viral titers in emesis were determined using strain-specific
      quantitative RT-PCR. In all four studies, vomiting was common with 40-100% of
      infected subjects vomiting at least once. However, only 45% of subjects with
      vomiting also had diarrhea. Most of the emesis samples had detectable virus and
      the mean viral titers were 8.0 x 105 and 3.9 x 104 genomic equivalent copies
      (GEC)/ml for GI and GII viruses, respectively (p = 0.02). Sample pH was
      correlated with GII.2 Snow Mountain virus detection. CONCLUSIONS AND
      SIGNIFICANCE: Half of all subjects with symptomatic infection experienced
      vomiting and the average subject shed 1.7 x 108 GEC in emesis. Unlike shedding
      through stool, vomiting is more likely to result in significant environmental
      contamination, leading to transmission through fomites and airborne droplets.
      This quantitative data will be critical for risk assessment studies to further
      understand norovirus transmission and develop effective control measures. The
      correlation between sample pH and virus detection is consistent with a single
      site of virus replication in the small intestine and stomach contents becoming
      contaminated by intestinal reflux. Additionally, the frequency of vomiting
      without concurrent diarrhea suggests that epidemiology studies that enroll
      subjects based on the presence of diarrhea may be significantly underestimating
      the true burden of norovirus disease.

PMID- 27116106
TI  - Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Medicare Beneficiaries' Care Coordination
      Experiences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about racial/ethnic differences in the experience of
      care coordination. To the extent that they exist, such differences may exacerbate
      health disparities given the higher prevalence of some chronic conditions among
      minorities. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the extent to which racial/ethnic
      disparities exist in the receipt of coordinated care by Medicare beneficiaries.
      SUBJECTS: A total of 260,974 beneficiaries who responded to the 2013 Medicare
      Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey. METHODS:
      We fit a series of linear, case-mix adjusted models predicting Medicare CAHPS
      measures of care coordination from race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Hispanic, black, and
      Asian/Pacific Islander (API) beneficiaries reported that their personal doctor
      had medical records and other relevant information about their care significantly
      less often than did non-Hispanic white beneficiaries (-2 points for Hispanics, -1
      point for blacks, and -4 points for APIs on a 100-point scale). These 3 groups
      also reported significantly greater difficulty getting timely follow-up on test
      results than non-Hispanic white beneficiaries (-9 points for Hispanics, -1 point
      for blacks, -5 points for APIs). Hispanic and black beneficiaries reported that
      help was provided in managing their care significantly less often than did non
      Hispanic white beneficiaries (-2 points for Hispanics, -3 points for blacks). API
      beneficiaries reported that their personal doctor discussed their medications and
      had up-to-date information on care from specialists significantly less often than
      did non-Hispanic white beneficiaries (-2 and -4 points, respectively).
      DISCUSSION: These results suggest a need for efforts to address racial/ethnic
      disparities in care coordination to help ensure high-quality care for all
      patients. Public reporting of plan-level performance data by race/ethnicity may
      also be helpful to Medicare beneficiaries and their advocates.

PMID- 27116107
TI  - Effect of a Pragmatic, Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial on Patient Experience
      With Care: The Transforming Outcomes for Patients Through Medical Home Evaluation
      and reDesign (TOPMED) Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health reform programs like the patient-centered medical home are
      intended to improve the triple aim. Previous studies on patient-centered medical
      homes have shown mixed effects, but high value elements (HVEs) are expected to
      improve the triple aim. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to understand whether
      focusing on HVEs would improve patient experience with care. METHODS: Eight
      clinics were cluster-randomized in a year-long trial. Both arms received practice
      facilitation, IT-based reporting, and financial incentives. Intervention
      practices were encouraged to choose HVEs for quality improvement goals. To assess
      patient experience, 1597 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems
      surveys were sent pretrial and posttrial to a stratified random sample of
      patients. Difference-in-difference multivariate analysis was used to compare
      patient responses from intervention and control practices, adjusting for
      confounders. RESULTS: The response rate was 43% (n=686). Nonrespondent analysis
      showed no difference between arms, although differences were seen by risk status
      and age. The overall difference in difference was 2.8%, favoring the
      intervention. The intervention performed better in 9 of 11 composites. The
      intervention performed significantly better in follow-up on test results
      (P=0.091) and patients' rating of the provider (P=0.091), whereas the control
      performed better in access to care (P=0.093). Both arms also had decreases,
      including 4 of 11 composites for the intervention, and 8 of 11 for the control.
      DISCUSSION: Practices that targeted HVEs showed significantly more improvement in
      patient experience of care. However, contemporaneous trends may have affected
      results, leading to declines in patient experience in both arms.

PMID- 27116108
TI  - The Association of Gasoline Prices With Hospital Utilization and Costs for
      Motorcycle and Nonmotorcycle Motor Vehicle Injuries in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association between gasoline prices and
      hospitalizations for motorcycle and nonmotorcycle motor vehicle crash (MVC)
      injuries. METHODS: Data on inpatient hospitalizations were obtained from the 2001
      to 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Panel feasible generalized least squares
      models were used to estimate the effects of monthly inflation-adjusted gasoline
      prices on hospitalization rates for MVC injuries and to predict the impact of
      increasing gasoline taxes. RESULTS: On the basis of the available data, a $1.00
      increase in the gasoline tax was associated with an estimated 8348 fewer annual
      hospitalizations for nonmotorcycle MVC injuries, and reduced hospital costs by
      $143 million. However, the increase in the gasoline tax was also associated with
      an estimated 3574 more annual hospitalizations for motorcycle crash injuries, and
      extended hospital costs by $73 million. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of some
      existing data suggest that the increased utilization and costs of hospitalization
      from motorcycle crash injuries associated with an increase in the price of
      gasoline are likely to substantially offset reductions in nonmotorcycle MVC
      injuries. A policy decision to increase the gasoline tax could improve traffic
      safety if the increased tax is paired with public health interventions to improve
      motorcycle safety.

PMID- 27116109
TI  - Who Were the Early Adopters of Dabigatran?: An Application of Group-based
      Trajectory Models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Variation in physician adoption of new medications is poorly
      understood. Traditional approaches (eg, measuring time to first prescription) may
      mask substantial heterogeneity in technology adoption. OBJECTIVE: Apply group
      based trajectory models to examine the physician adoption of dabigratran, a novel
      anticoagulant. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using prescribing data from
      IMS XponentTM on all Pennsylvania physicians regularly prescribing anticoagulants
      (n=3911) and data on their characteristics from the American Medical Association
      Masterfile. We examined time to first dabigatran prescription and group-based
      trajectory models to identify adoption trajectories in the first 15 months.
      Factors associated with rapid adoption were examined using multivariate logistic
      regressions. OUTCOMES: Trajectories of monthly share of oral anticoagulant
      prescriptions for dabigatran. RESULTS: We identified 5 distinct adoption
      trajectories: 3.7% rapidly and extensively adopted dabigatran (adopting in <=3 mo
      with 45% of prescriptions) and 13.4% were rapid and moderate adopters (<=3 mo
      with 20% share). Two groups accounting for 21.6% and 16.1% of physicians,
      respectively, were slower to adopt (6-10 mo post-introduction) and dabigatran
      accounted for <10% share. Nearly half (45.2%) of anticoagulant prescribers did
      not adopt dabigatran. Cardiologists were much more likely than primary care
      physicians to rapidly adopt [odds ratio (OR)=12.2; 95% confidence interval (CI),
      9.27-16.1] as were younger prescribers (age 36-45 y: OR=1.49, 95% CI, 1.13-1.95;
      age 46-55: OR=1.34, 95% CI, 1.07-1.69 vs. >55 y). CONCLUSIONS: Trajectories of
      physician adoption of dabigatran were highly variable with significant
      differences across specialties. Heterogeneity in physician adoption has potential
      implications for the cost and effectiveness of treatment.

PMID- 27116110
TI  - Medicaid Health Home Reducing Costs and Reliance on Emergency Department:
      Evidence From Iowa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Affordable Care Act allowed an optional Medicaid State Plan
      benefit for states to establish Health Homes coordinating care for people who
      have chronic conditions. Differences in medical home program incentives and
      implementation styles are important to understand in evaluating effects on key
      outcomes such as cost and acute care. In Iowa, a Medicaid Health Home (MHH)
      program was developed targeting Medicaid members with multiple chronic
      conditions. Provider patient management payments were tied to the number of
      chronic conditions of MHH members. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of an Iowa
      MHH program on total spending, emergency department (ED) utilization, and ED
      spending. DATA: Claims data from January 2011 through December 2013; per member
      per month unit of analysis. RESEARCH DESIGN: We use a difference-in-difference
      regression design comparing pre/post outcomes for MHH members to pre/post
      outcomes for Medicaid members not participating in the MHH. We include individual
      fixed effects and matched controls to minimize the potential for confounding. In
      addition, we include a series of administrative covariates to control for
      individual demographic and geographic variation. RESULTS: Participation in the
      MHH program reduced spending by $132 per member per month. There is also evidence
      that the largest cost savings occur with a lag, as those in the program longer
      than a year showed the most savings. Members were less likely to visit the ED
      compared with traditional Medicaid recipients and ED spending was also lower for
      MHH members. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a MHH program led to fewer ED visits
      and lower overall spending among Medicaid recipients in Iowa.

PMID- 27116111
TI  - Validity of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Patient Safety
      Indicators and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Hospital-acquired
      Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Patient Safety
      Indicators (PSIs) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital
      acquired Conditions (HACs) are increasingly being used for pay-for-performance
      and public reporting despite concerns over their validity. Given the potential
      for these measures to misinform patients, misclassify hospitals, and misapply
      financial and reputational harm to hospitals, these need to be rigorously
      evaluated. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess PSI and
      HAC measure validity. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and the gray literature from
      January 1, 1990 through January 14, 2015 for studies that addressed the validity
      of the HAC measures and PSIs. Secondary outcomes included the effects of present
      on admission (POA) modifiers, and the most common reasons for discrepancies. We
      developed pooled results for measures evaluated by >=3 studies. We propose a
      threshold of 80% for positive predictive value or sensitivity for pay-for
      performance and public reporting suitability. RESULTS: Only 5 measures,
      Iatrogenic Pneumothorax (PSI 6/HAC 17), Central Line-associated Bloodstream
      Infections (PSI 7), Postoperative hemorrhage/hematoma (PSI 9), Postoperative deep
      vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus (PSI 12), and Accidental Puncture/Laceration
      (PSI 15), had sufficient data for pooled meta-analysis. Only PSI 15 (Accidental
      Puncture and Laceration) met our proposed threshold for validity (positive
      predictive value only) but this result was weakened by considerable
      heterogeneity. Coding errors were the most common reasons for discrepancies
      between medical record review and administrative databases. POA modifiers may
      improve the validity of some measures. CONCLUSION: This systematic review finds
      that there is limited validity for the PSI and HAC measures when measured against
      the reference standard of a medical chart review. Their use, as they currently
      exist, for public reporting and pay-for-performance, should be publicly
      reevaluated in light of these findings.

PMID- 27116113
TI  - Variations in Occipitocervical and Cervicothoracic Alignment Parameters Based on
      Age: A Prospective Study of Asymptomatic Volunteers Using Full-Body Radiographs.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Cross-Sectional Cohort Study OBJECTIVE.: To describe age-stratified
      normative values of novel occipitocervical, cervical, and cervicothoracic
      alignment parameters. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Full-body radiographic images
      obtained without stitching or vertical distortion represent an ideal method to
      evaluate occipitocervical alignment and horizontal gaze. METHODS: One hundred
      twenty adults with no back or neck symptoms were recruited. Age, sex, body mass
      index, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Oswestry Disability Index scores were
      recorded. Radiographic parameters measured included: center sacral vertebral
      line, chin brow vertical angle (CBVA), orbital tilt (OrT), orbital slope,
      occipital slope (OS), occipital incidence, occiput-C2 (O-C2) lordosis, cervical
      lordosis (C2-C7, CL), T1 slope (TS), neck tilt, thoracic inlet angle (TIA),
      cervicothoracic kyphosis (C6-T4), and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7 SVA).
      Interobserver reliability was calculated for all measurements (intraclass
      correlation coefficient, ICC). A Pearson correlation was used to determine
      relationships between variables. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were analyzed;
      average age as 50.1 years (range 22-78). All measured variables had an ICC >0.6.
      CL (r = -0.33, P < 0.001), TS (r = 0.42, P < 0.001), TIA (r = 0.24, P = 0.010),
      and C7 SVA (r = 0.48, P < 0.001) all increased with age. OrT (r = -0.88, P <
      0.001) and OS (r = 0.73, P < 0.001) were both strongly correlated with CBVA and
      each other (r = -0.83, P <= 0.001). Both measures were also correlated with the
      C2-C7 SVA (OrT, r = 0.41, P < 0.001; OS, r = -0.29, P = 0.002) and O-C2 angle
      (OrT, r = 0.46, P < 0.001; OS, r = -0.28, P = 0.003). C6-T4 angulations was
      negatively correlated with NDI scores in this population (r = -0.25, P = 0.007).
      CONCLUSION: We present age-based normative values for occipitocervical,
      cervicothoracic, and cervical alignment parameters using a novel biplanar
      radiographic imaging technique. We introduce measures of craniocervical alignment
      that might provide surgeons with an intuitive way to account for the position of
      the orbit when planning cervical deformity correction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27116114
TI  - Perioperative Complications in 155 Patients Who Underwent Oblique Lateral
      Interbody Fusion Surgery: Perspectives and Indications From a Retrospective,
      Multicenter Survey.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective multicenter survey. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the
      perioperative complications of oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) surgery.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: OLIF has been widely performed to achieve minimally
      invasive, rigid lumbar lateral interbody fusion. The associated perioperative
      complications are not yet well described. METHODS: The participants were patients
      who underwent OLIF surgery under the diagnosis of degenerative lumbar diseases
      between April 2013 and May 2015 at 11 affiliated medical institutions. The
      collected data were classified into intraoperative and early-stage postoperative
      (<=1 mo) complications. The intraoperative complications were then subcategorized
      into organ damage (neural, vertebral, vascular, and others) and other
      complications, mainly related to instrumental failure. The collected data were
      also divided and analyzed based on whether the surgeon was certified to perform
      the surgery and the incidence of complications in the early (April 2013-March
      2014) and late stages (April 2014-May 2015) of OLIF introduction. RESULTS: In the
      155 included patients, 75 complications were reported (incidence rate, 48.3%).
      The most common complication was endplate fracture/subsidence (18.7%), followed
      by transient psoas weakness and thigh numbness (13.5%) and segmental artery
      injury (2.6%). Almost all these complications were transient, except for three
      patients who had permanent damage: one had ureteral injury and two had
      neurological injury. Postoperative complications included surgical site infection
      (1.9%) and reoperation (1.9%). Whether the primary operator was experienced did
      not affect the incidence of complications. Regarding the introductory stage, the
      incidence of complications was 50% in the early stage and 38% in the late stage.
      CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of perioperative complications of OLIF surgery
      reached 48.3%, of which only 1.9% resulted in permanent damage. Our analysis
      based on surgeon experience indicated that the OLIF procedure could be performed
      without increasing incidence of complications, under the guidance of experienced
      supervisors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27116115
TI  - A Systematic Review of the Soft-Tissue Connections Between Neck Muscles and Dura
      Mater: The Myodural Bridge.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the existence of soft
      tissue connections between the neck muscles and cervical dura mater. SUMMARY OF
      BACKGROUND DATA: Several studies discuss the existence of a cervical myodural
      bridge; however, conflicting data have been reported. METHODS: Searches were
      conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases.
      Studies reporting original data regarding the continuity of non-post-surgical
      soft tissue between the cervical muscles and dura mater were reviewed. Two
      reviewers independently selected articles, and a third one resolved
      disagreements. Another two researchers extracted the methodology of the study,
      the anatomical findings, and evaluated the quality of the studies using Quality
      Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies Scale. A different third researcher resolved
      disagreements. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included. A soft tissue
      connection between the rectus capitis posterior minor, the rectus capitis
      posterior major, and the obliquus capitis inferior muscles seems to be proved
      with a strong level of evidence for each one of them. Controversy exists about
      the possible communication between the dura mater and the upper trapezius,
      rhomboideus minor, serratus posterior superior, and splenius capitis by means of
      the ligamentum nuchae. Finally, there is limited evidence about the existence of
      a soft tissue connection between rectus capitis anterior muscle and the dura
      mater. CONCLUSION: There is a continuity of soft tissue between the cervical
      musculature and the cervical dura mater; this might have physiological,
      pathophysiological, and therapeutic implications, and going some way to
      explaining the effect of some therapies in craniocervical disorders. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID- 27116117
TI  - Ionic Polymer Microspheres Bearing a Co(III) -Salen Moiety as a Bifunctional
      Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Efficient Cycloaddition of CO2 and Epoxides.
AB  - We report a unique strategy to obtain the bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst TBB
      Bpy@Salen-Co (TBB=1,2,4,5-tetrakis(bromomethyl)benzene, Bpy=4,4'-bipyridine,
      Salen-Co=N,N'-bis({4-dimethylamino}salicylidene)ethylenediamino cobalt(III)
      acetate) by combining a cross-linked ionic polymer with a Co(III) -salen Schiff
      base. The catalyst showed extra high activity for CO2 fixation under mild,
      solvent-free reaction conditions with no requirement for a co-catalyst. The
      synthesized catalyst possessed distinctive spherical structural features,
      abundant halogen Br(-) anions with good leaving group ability, and accessible
      Lewis acidic Co metal centers. These unique features, together with the
      synergistic role of the Co and Br(-) functional sites, allowed TBB-Bpy@Salen-Co
      to exhibit enhanced catalytic conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonates relative
      to the corresponding monofunctional analogues. This catalyst can be easily
      recovered and recycled five times without significant leaching of Co or loss of
      activity. Moreover, based on our experimental results and previous work, a
      synergistic cycloaddition reaction mechanism was proposed.

PMID- 27116118
TI  - Multiwell Assay for the Analysis of Sugar Gut Permeability Markers:
      Discrimination of Sugar Alcohols with a Fluorescent Probe Array Based on Boronic
      Acid Appended Viologens.
AB  - With the aim of discerning between different sugar and sugar alcohols of
      biomedical relevance, such as gut permeability, arrays of 2-component probes were
      assembled with up to six boronic acid-appended viologens (BBVs): 4,4'-o-BBV, 3,3'
      o-BBV, 3,4'-o-BBV, 4,4'-o,m-BBV, 4,7'-o-PBBV, and pBoB, each coupled to the
      fluorophore 8-hydroxypyrene, 1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (HPTS). These
      probes were screened for their ability to discriminate between lactulose, l
      rhamnose, 3-O-methyl-d-glucose, and xylose. Binding studies of sugar alcohols
      mannitol, sorbitol, erythritol, adonitol, arabitol, galactitol, and xylitol
      revealed that diols containing threo-1,2-diol units have higher affinity for BBVs
      relative diols containing erythro-1,2 units. Those containing both threo-1,2- and
      1,3-syn diol motifs showed high affinity for boronic acid binding. Fluorescence
      from the arrays were examined by principle component analysis (PCA) and linear
      discriminant analysis (LDA). Arrays with only three BBVs sufficed to discriminate
      between sugars (e.g., lactulose) and sugar alcohols (e.g., mannitol),
      establishing a differential probe. Compared with 4,4'-o-BBV, 2-fold reductions in
      lower limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were achieved for
      lactulose with 4,7-o-PBBV (LOD 41 MUM, LOQ 72 MUM). Using a combination of 4,4'-o
      BBV, 4,7-o-PBBV, and pBoB, LDA statistically segregated lactulose/mannitol (L/M)
      ratios from 0.1 to 0.5, consistent with values encountered in small intestinal
      permeability tests. Another triad containing 3,3'-o-BBV, 4,4'-o-BBV, and 4,7-o
      PBBV also discerned similar L/M ratios. This proof-of-concept demonstrates the
      potential for BBV arrays as an attractive alternate to HPLC to analyze mixtures
      of sugars and sugar alcohols in biomedical applications and sheds light on
      structural motifs that make this possible.

PMID- 27116119
TI  - 5-Hydroxy-7-Methoxyflavone Triggers Mitochondrial-Associated Cell Death via
      Reactive Oxygen Species Signaling in Human Colon Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - Plant-derived compounds are an important source of clinically useful anti-cancer
      agents. Chrysin, a biologically active flavone found in many plants, has limited
      usage for cancer chemotherapeutics due to its poor oral bioavailability. 5
      Hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone (HMF), an active natural chrysin derivative found in
      various plant sources, is known to modulate several biological activities.
      However, the mechanism underlying HMF-induced apoptotic cell death in human
      colorectal carcinoma cells in vitro is still unknown. Herein, HMF was shown to be
      capable of inducing cytotoxicity in HCT-116 cells and induced cell death in a
      dose-dependent manner. Treatment of HCT-116 cells with HMF caused DNA damage and
      triggered mitochondrial membrane perturbation accompanied by Cyt c release, down
      regulation of Bcl-2, activation of BID and Bax, and caspase-3-mediated apoptosis.
      These results show that ROS generation by HMF was the crucial mediator behind ER
      stress induction, resulting in intracellular Ca2+ release, JNK phosphorylation,
      and activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, time course
      study also reveals that HMF treatment leads to increase in mitochondrial and
      cytosolic ROS generation and decrease in antioxidant enzymes expression. Temporal
      upregulation of IRE1-alpha expression and JNK phosphorylation was noticed after
      HMF treatment. These results were further confirmed by pre-treatment with the ROS
      scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), which completely reversed the effects of HMF
      treatment by preventing lipid peroxidation, followed by abolishment of JNK
      phosphorylation and attenuation of apoptogenic marker proteins. These results
      emphasize that ROS generation by HMF treatment regulates the mitochondrial
      mediated apoptotic signaling pathway in HCT-116 cells, demonstrating HMF as a
      promising pro-oxidant therapeutic candidate for targeting colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27116120
TI  - Combined inhibition of EZH2 and histone deacetylases as a potential epigenetic
      therapy for non-small-cell lung cancer cells.
AB  - Recent discoveries have revealed that human cancer involves aberrant epigenetic
      alterations. We and others have previously shown that the histone
      methyltransferase EZH2, the catalytic subunit of polycomb repressive complex 2
      (PRC2), is frequently overexpressed in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and
      that an EZH2 inhibitor, 3-deazaneplanocin A, inhibits the proliferation of NSCLC
      cells. Transcriptional silencing by EZH2 was recently shown to be required for
      the activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs) that interact with another PRC2
      protein, EED. To develop a more effective epigenetic therapy for NSCLC, we
      determined the effects of co-treatment with 3-deazaneplanocin A and the HDAC
      inhibitor vorinostat (SAHA) in NSCLC cells. The co-treatment synergistically
      suppressed the proliferation of all tested NSCLC cell lines, regardless of their
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status. The synergistic effect was
      associated with slightly decreased histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation, modestly
      increased histone acetylation, and the depletion of EZH2 and other PRC2 proteins.
      The co-treatment resulted in an accumulation of p27Kip1, decrease in cyclin A,
      and increased apoptotic fraction in an additive/synergistic manner.
      Interestingly, the co-treatment strongly suppressed EGFR signaling, not only in
      EGFR-wild-type NSCLC cells, but also in EGFR-mutant cells, mainly through
      dephosphorylation of EGFR. Furthermore, the co-treatment suppressed the in vivo
      tumor growth of EGFR-mutant, EGFR-tyrosine kinase-resistant H1975 cells more
      effectively than did each agent alone, without visible toxicity. These results
      suggest that the combined pharmacological targeting of EZH2 and HDACs may provide
      more effective epigenetic therapeutics for NSCLC. 

PMID- 27116121
TI  - Density functional theory for systems with mesoscopic inhomogeneities.
AB  - We study the effects of fluctuations on the mesoscopic length scale on systems
      with mesoscopic inhomogeneities. Equations for the correlation function and for
      the average volume fraction are derived in the self-consistent Gaussian
      approximation. The equations are further simplified by postulating the expression
      for the structure factor consistent with scattering experiments for self
      assembling systems. Predictions of the approximate theory are verified by a
      comparison with the exact results obtained earlier for the one-dimensional
      lattice model with first-neighbor attraction and third-neighbor repulsion. We
      find qualitative agreement for the correlation function, the equation of state
      and the dependence of the chemical potential MU on the volume fraction zeta. Our
      results confirm also that strong inhomogeneities in the disordered phase are
      found only in the case of strong repulsion. The inhomogeneities are reflected in
      an oscillatory decay of the correlation function with a very large correlation
      length, three inflection points in the [Formula: see text] curve and a
      compressibility that for increasing zeta takes very large, very small and again
      very large values.

PMID- 27116122
TI  - Enhanced Rice Blast Resistance by CRISPR/Cas9-Targeted Mutagenesis of the ERF
      Transcription Factor Gene OsERF922.
AB  - Rice blast is one of the most destructive diseases affecting rice worldwide. The
      adoption of host resistance has proven to be the most economical and effective
      approach to control rice blast. In recent years, sequence-specific nucleases
      (SSNs) have been demonstrated to be powerful tools for the improvement of crops
      via gene-specific genome editing, and CRISPR/Cas9 is thought to be the most
      effective SSN. Here, we report the improvement of rice blast resistance by
      engineering a CRISPR/Cas9 SSN (C-ERF922) targeting the OsERF922 gene in rice.
      Twenty-one C-ERF922-induced mutant plants (42.0%) were identified from 50 T0
      transgenic plants. Sanger sequencing revealed that these plants harbored various
      insertion or deletion (InDel) mutations at the target site. We showed that all of
      the C-ERF922-induced allele mutations were transmitted to subsequent generations.
      Mutant plants harboring the desired gene modification but not containing the
      transferred DNA were obtained by segregation in the T1 and T2 generations. Six T2
      homozygous mutant lines were further examined for a blast resistance phenotype
      and agronomic traits, such as plant height, flag leaf length and width, number of
      productive panicles, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, seed setting
      percentage and thousand seed weight. The results revealed that the number of
      blast lesions formed following pathogen infection was significantly decreased in
      all 6 mutant lines compared with wild-type plants at both the seedling and
      tillering stages. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between any
      of the 6 T2 mutant lines and the wild-type plants with regard to the agronomic
      traits tested. We also simultaneously targeted multiple sites within OsERF922 by
      using Cas9/Multi-target-sgRNAs (C-ERF922S1S2 and C-ERF922S1S2S3) to obtain plants
      harboring mutations at two or three sites. Our results indicate that gene
      modification via CRISPR/Cas9 is a useful approach for enhancing blast resistance
      in rice.

PMID- 27116124
TI  - Radiological Assessment of the Anatomy of Frontal Recess Cells and the Anterior
      Ethmoidal Artery.
AB  - It is necessary for the surgeon to be familiar with frontal recess anatomy during
      an endoscopic approach to the frontal sinuses. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the prevalence of frontal recess cells in Japanese adults as well as the
      association between the frontal recess and the location of the anterior ethmoidal
      artery (AEA). The frontal recess cells and the AEAs were retrospectively
      evaluated in CT scans of the nasal and paranasal sinuses for 89 patients. The
      prevalence of agger nasi cells was 90.7%. The frequency of frontal cell types 1,
      2, 3 and 4 was 28.8, 0.6, 2.6 and 0%, respectively. Suprabullar cells (SBCs) and
      frontal bullar cells (FBCs) were identified in 78/96 sides (81.3%) and 24/96
      sides (24%), respectively. The prevalence of the medial group of frontal recess
      cells (interfrontal sinus septal cells) was 12.4%. In 42/61 sides (68.9%), the
      AEAs were located within the posterior margin of the SBCs or the FBCs. Therefore,
      SBCs, FBCs and the vertical portion of the middle turbinate are reliable
      landmarks for the identification of AEAs. 

PMID- 27116123
TI  - Expression Stabilities of Candidate Reference Genes for RT-qPCR in Chinese Jujube
      (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) under a Variety of Conditions.
AB  - Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)
      is a powerful method for evaluating patterns of gene expression. Jujube whole
      genome sequencing has been completed, and analysis of gene function, an important
      part of any follow-up study, requires the appropriate selection of reference
      genes. Indeed, suitable reference gene selection for RT-qPCR is critical for
      accurate normalization of target gene expression. In this study, the software
      packages geNorm and NormFinder were employed to examine the expression
      stabilities of nine candidate reference genes under a variety of conditions.
      Actin-depolymerizing factor 1 (ACT1), Histone-H3 (His3), and Polyadenylate
      binding protein-interacting protein (PAIP) were determined to be the most stably
      expressed genes during five stages of fruit development and ACT1, SiR-Fd, BTF3,
      and Tubulin alpha chain (TUA) across different tissues/organs. Whereas ACT1,
      Basic Transcription factor 3 (BTF3), Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
      (GADPH), and PAIP were the most stable under dark conditions. ACT1, PAIP, BTF3,
      and Elongation factor 1- gamma (EF1gamma) were the most stably expressed genes
      under phytoplasma infection. Among these genes, SiR-Fd and PAIP are here first
      reported as stable reference genes. When normalized using these most stable
      reference genes, the expression patterns of four target genes were found to be in
      accordance with physiological data, indicating that the reference genes selected
      in our study are suitable for use in such analyses. This study provides
      appropriate reference genes and corresponding primers for further RT-qPCR studies
      in Chinese jujube and emphasizes the importance of validating reference genes for
      gene expression analysis under variable experimental conditions.

PMID- 27116125
TI  - Molecular studies on structural changes and oligomerisation of violaxanthin de
      epoxidase associated with the pH-dependent activation.
AB  - Violaxanthin de-epoxidase (VDE) is a conditionally soluble enzyme located in the
      thylakoid lumen and catalyses the conversion of violaxanthin to antheraxanthin
      and zeaxanthin, which are located in the thylakoid membrane. These reactions
      occur when the plant or algae are exposed to saturating light and the zeaxanthin
      formed is involved in the process of non-photochemical quenching that protects
      the photosynthetic machinery during stress. Oversaturation by light results in a
      reduction of the pH inside the thylakoids, which in turn activates VDE and the de
      epoxidation of violaxanthin. To elucidate the structural events responsible for
      the pH-dependent activation of VDE, full length and truncated forms of VDE were
      studied at different pH using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, crosslinking
      and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). CD spectroscopy showed the formation of
      alpha-helical coiled-coil structure, localised in the C-terminal domain. Chemical
      crosslinking of VDE showed that oligomers were formed at low pH, and suggested
      that the position of the N-terminal domain is located near the opening of
      lipocalin-like barrel, where violaxanthin has been predicted to bind. SAXS was
      used to generate models of monomeric VDE at high pH and also a presumably dimeric
      structure of VDE at low pH. For the dimer, the best fit suggests that the
      interaction is dominated by one of the domains, preferably the C-terminal domain
      due to the lost ability to oligomerise at low pH, shown in earlier studies, and
      the predicted formation of coiled-coil structure. 

PMID- 27116127
TI  - [The first page].

PMID- 27116126
TI  - Photorespiration provides the chance of cyclic electron flow to operate for the
      redox-regulation of P700 in photosynthetic electron transport system of sunflower
      leaves.
AB  - To elucidate the molecular mechanism to oxidize the reaction center chlorophyll,
      P700, in PSI, we researched the effects of partial pressure of O2 (pO2) on
      photosynthetic characteristic parameters in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
      leaves. Under low CO2 conditions, the oxidation of P700 was stimulated; however
      the decrease in pO2 suppressed its oxidation. Electron fluxes in PSII [Y(II)] and
      PSI [Y(I)] showed pO2-dependence at low CO2 conditions. H(+)-consumption rate,
      estimated from Y(II) and CO2-fixation/photorespiration rates (JgH(+)), showed the
      positive curvature relationship with the dissipation rate of electrochromic shift
      signal (V H (+) ), which indicates H(+)-efflux rate from lumen to stroma in
      chloroplasts. Therefore, these electron fluxes contained, besides CO2
      fixation/photorespiration-dependent electron fluxes, non-H(+)-consumption
      electron fluxes including Mehler-ascorbate peroxidase (MAP)-pathway. Y(I) that
      was larger than Y(II) surely implies the functioning of cyclic electron flow
      (CEF). Both MAP-pathway and CEF were suppressed at lower pO2, with plastoquinone
      pool reduced. That is, photorespiration prepares the redox-poise of
      photosynthetic electron transport system for CEF activity as an electron sink.
      Excess Y(II), [DeltaY(II)] giving the curvature relationship with V H (+) , and
      excess Y(I) [DeltaCEF] giving the difference between Y(I) and Y(II) were used as
      an indicator of MAP-pathway and CEF activity, respectively. Although DeltaY(II)
      was negligible and did not show positive relationship to the oxidation-state of
      P700, DeltaCEF showed positive linear relationship to the oxidation-state of
      P700. These facts indicate that CEF cooperatively with photorespiration regulates
      the redox-state of P700 to suppress the over-reduction in PSI under environmental
      stress conditions. 

PMID- 27116128
TI  - [No. 15 GOA - for many practices a "forgotten cypher"].

PMID- 27116129
TI  - [The left hand appears completely cramped].

PMID- 27116130
TI  - [Painless new nodules on the thumb].

PMID- 27116131
TI  - ["The patient can be reassured that henceforth she will no longer have to shave
      "].

PMID- 27116132
TI  - [Long-term antibiotics are senseless].

PMID- 27116133
TI  - [Author of MMW is honored].

PMID- 27116134
TI  - [For physicians everything will be improved].

PMID- 27116135
TI  - [The liver and saving the liver].

PMID- 27116136
TI  - [Dangerous mushroom poisonings in migrants!].

PMID- 27116137
TI  - [Tremendous progress but still also problems].

PMID- 27116138
TI  - [The family physician as vaccination manager].

PMID- 27116139
TI  - [Medicinal teas and phytotherapeutic drugs for the stomach].

PMID- 27116140
TI  - [20 kg weight loss - that can also be dangerous without underweight].

PMID- 27116141
TI  - [Aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients: treacherous and often fatal].

PMID- 27116142
TI  - [Should even more patients be treated with statins?].

PMID- 27116143
TI  - [Aortic stenosis: a new impetus for transcatheter heart valves].

PMID- 27116144
TI  - [Can antidiabetic drugs trigger an allergy?].

PMID- 27116145
TI  - [Among junior physicians depression is rampant].

PMID- 27116146
TI  - [Asthma guideline for family practice].

PMID- 27116147
TI  - [Private patients also advised by telephone].

PMID- 27116148
TI  - [Unusual EBM definition of chronic patient care].

PMID- 27116149
TI  - [Which pill helps in impotence?].

PMID- 27116150
TI  - [Good thing there is an MDK report!].

PMID- 27116151
TI  - [The general practitioner of European astronauts].

PMID- 27116152
TI  - [The wrong partner, poor tax saving model].

PMID- 27116153
TI  - [Non-physician practice assistant is worth more structurally than financially].

PMID- 27116155
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27116154
TI  - [Alternative medicine practitioners live well off borreliosis].

PMID- 27116156
TI  - [A physician treats immediately].

PMID- 27116157
TI  - [Imbalance in life can promote burnout].

PMID- 27116158
TI  - [Hypertension: vascular risk rapidly increases].

PMID- 27116159
TI  - [Should diabetics have breakfast?].

PMID- 27116160
TI  - [Redness and coating wander across the tongue].

PMID- 27116161
TI  - [Also genetic tests change nothing in life style].

PMID- 27116162
TI  - [Imaging reveals bone marrow hyperplasia signs of the skull].

PMID- 27116163
TI  - [Did Martin Luther die of sequelae of an acute coronary syndrome?].

PMID- 27116164
TI  - [Hemolytic treatment in apoplexy is successful].

PMID- 27116165
TI  - [Minor head injuries under antiocoagulation-antiplatelet drugs distributed like
      lozenges].

PMID- 27116166
TI  - [Emergency department management of mild traumatic brain injury in adults - an
      evidence-based algorithmic approach].

PMID- 27116167
TI  - [Emergency department management of mild traumatic brain injury in children - an
      evidencebased algorithmic approach].

PMID- 27116168
TI  - [Emergency checklist: Unliateral leg edema].

PMID- 27116169
TI  - [Dental biocorrosions - etiology, diagnostic, prevention and treatment options].

PMID- 27116170
TI  - [The skin: a mirrow reflecting internal diseases].

PMID- 27116171
TI  - [Colitis ulcerosa - a diagnostic and therapeutic update].

PMID- 27116172
TI  - [First biosimilar etanercept is available].

PMID- 27116173
TI  - [Physical fitness improves quality of life].

PMID- 27116174
TI  - [Combination drug improves adherence].

PMID- 27116175
TI  - [Effective LDL cholesterol reduction for high risk patients].

PMID- 27116176
TI  - [Containing bacteria naturally].

PMID- 27116177
TI  - [Hawthorn slows blood vessel aging].

PMID- 27116178
TI  - [This is a typical paw position sign].

PMID- 27116179
TI  - [The nodule is exactly what it looks like].

PMID- 27116180
TI  - Assessing DNA Barcodes for Species Identification in North American Reptiles and
      Amphibians in Natural History Collections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High rates of species discovery and loss have led to the urgent need
      for more rapid assessment of species diversity in the herpetofauna. DNA barcoding
      allows for the preliminary identification of species based on sequence
      divergence. Prior DNA barcoding work on reptiles and amphibians has revealed
      higher biodiversity counts than previously estimated due to cases of cryptic and
      undiscovered species. Past studies have provided DNA barcodes for just 14% of the
      North American herpetofauna, revealing the need for expanded coverage.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This study extends the DNA barcode reference
      library for North American herpetofauna, assesses the utility of this approach in
      aiding species delimitation, and examines the correspondence between current
      species boundaries and sequence clusters designated by the BIN system. Sequences
      were obtained from 730 specimens, representing 274 species (43%) from the North
      American herpetofauna. Mean intraspecific divergences were 1% and 3%, while
      average congeneric sequence divergences were 16% and 14% in amphibians and
      reptiles, respectively. BIN assignments corresponded with current species
      boundaries in 79% of amphibians, 100% of turtles, and 60% of squamates. Deep
      divergences (>2%) were noted in 35% of squamate and 16% of amphibian species, and
      low divergences (<2%) occurred in 12% of reptiles and 23% of amphibians, patterns
      reflected in BIN assignments. Sequence recovery declined with specimen age, and
      variation in recovery success was noted among collections. Within collections,
      barcodes effectively flagged seven mislabeled tissues, and barcode fragments were
      recovered from five formalin-fixed specimens. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This
      study demonstrates that DNA barcodes can effectively flag errors in museum
      collections, while BIN splits and merges reveal taxa belonging to deeply diverged
      or hybridizing lineages. This study is the first effort to compile a reference
      library of DNA barcodes for herpetofauna on a continental scale.

PMID- 27116181
TI  - Remote Patient Monitoring via Non-Invasive Digital Technologies: A Systematic
      Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We conducted a systematic literature review to identify key trends
      associated with remote patient monitoring (RPM) via noninvasive digital
      technologies over the last decade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was conducted
      in EMBASE and Ovid MEDLINE. Citations were screened for relevance against
      predefined selection criteria based on the PICOTS (Population, Intervention,
      Comparator, Outcomes, Timeframe, and Study Design) format. We included studies
      published between January 1, 2005 and September 15, 2015 that used RPM via
      noninvasive digital technology (smartphones/personal digital assistants [PDAs],
      wearables, biosensors, computerized systems, or multiple components of the
      formerly mentioned) in evaluating health outcomes compared to standard of care or
      another technology. Studies were quality appraised according to Critical
      Appraisal Skills Programme. RESULTS: Of 347 articles identified, 62 met the
      selection criteria. Most studies were randomized control trials with older adult
      populations, small sample sizes, and limited follow-up. There was a trend toward
      multicomponent interventions (n = 26), followed by smartphones/PDAs (n = 12),
      wearables (n = 11), biosensor devices (n = 7), and computerized systems (n = 6).
      Another key trend was the monitoring of chronic conditions, including respiratory
      (23%), weight management (17%), metabolic (18%), and cardiovascular diseases
      (16%). Although substantial diversity in health-related outcomes was noted,
      studies predominantly reported positive findings. CONCLUSIONS: This review will
      help decision makers develop a better understanding of the current landscape of
      peer-reviewed literature, demonstrating the utility of noninvasive RPM in various
      patient populations. Future research is needed to determine the effectiveness of
      RPM via noninvasive digital technologies in delivering patient healthcare
      benefits and the feasibility of large-scale implementation.

PMID- 27116182
TI  - Relapse-free survival of statistically standardized continuous RT-PCR estrogen
      receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor
      receptor 2 (HER2): NCIC CTG MA.14.
AB  - Recent ASCO/CAP guidelines focus on decision making associated with the
      presence/absence of continuous breast biomarkers. Statistical standardization
      (SS) is demonstrated as a method to evaluate the effects of continuous RT-PCR
      biomarker expression levels on breast cancer outcomes. MA.14 allocated 667
      postmenopausal patients to tamoxifen based on locally determined ER/PR. Of 299
      available patient tumor samples, 292 passed internal quality control. All tumors
      were centrally assessed by RT-PCR ER/PR/HER2 with each biomarker's z-scores
      categorized: >=1.0 standard deviation (SD) below mean; <1.0 SD below mean; <=1.0
      SD above mean; >1.0 SD above mean. Log-rank statistics tested univariate
      differences in breast cancer relapse-free survival (RFS). Continuous SS
      ER/PR/HER2 were assessed in multivariate Cox step-wise forward regression, adding
      a factor if p <= 0.05. Sensitivity analyses examined an external HER2+ cut-point
      of 1.32. Patients whose tumors were tested were representative of the MA.14
      population (p values = 0.18-0.90). At 9.8 years median follow-up, SS-ER did not
      univariately impact RFS (p = 0.31). SS-PR values above the mean (z >= 0.0) had
      the best univariate RFS (p = 0.03). SS-HER2 also univariately impacted RFS (p =
      0.004) with lowest (z-scores <= -1.0) and highest (z-scores > 1.0) having
      shortest RFS. Multivariate stratified/unstratified Cox models indicated patients
      with T1 tumors (p = 0.02/p = 0.0002) and higher SS-PR (p = 0.02/p = 0.01) had
      longer RFS; node-negative patients had better RFS (in unstratified analysis, p <
      0.0001). Local ER/PR status did not impact RFS (p > 0.05). Patients with SS HER2+
      >= 1.32 had worse RFS (univariate, p = 0.05; multivariate, p = 0.06). We
      demonstrated that higher SS-PR, and SS HER2 levels, measured by RT-PCR impacted
      breast cancer RFS outcomes. Evaluation in other trials may provide support for
      this methodology.

PMID- 27116183
TI  - Canadian Cancer Trials Group IND197: a phase II study of foretinib in patients
      with estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor
      receptor 2-negative recurrent or metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - In murine models, overexpression of the MET receptor transgene induces tumors
      with human basal gene expression characteristics supporting MET inhibition as a
      treatment strategy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Foretinib is an oral
      multi-kinase inhibitor of MET, RON, AXL, TIE-2, and VEGF receptors with anti
      tumor activity in advanced HCC and papillary renal cell cancer. Patients with
      centrally reviewed primary TNBC and 0-1 prior regimens for metastatic disease
      received daily foretinib 60 mg po in a 2-stage single-arm trial. Primary
      endpoints were objective response and early progression rates per RECIST 1.1. In
      stage 2, correlative studies of MET, PTEN, EGFR, and p53 on archival and fresh
      tumor specimens were performed along with enumeration of CTCs. 45 patients were
      enrolled with 37 patients having response evaluable and centrally confirmed
      primary TNBC (cTNBC). There were 2 partial responses (ITT 4.7 % response
      evaluable cTNBC 5.4 %) with a median duration of 4.4 months (range 3.7-5 m) and
      15 patients had stable disease (ITT 33 %, response evaluable cTNBC 40.5 %) with a
      median duration of 5.4 months (range 2.3-9.7 m). The most common toxicities (all
      grades/grade 3) were nausea (64/4 %), fatigue (60/4 %), hypertension (58/49 %),
      and diarrhea (40/7 %). Six serious adverse events were considered possibly
      related to foretinib and 4 patients went off study due to adverse events. There
      was no correlation between MET positivity and response nor between response and
      PTEN, EGFR, p53, or MET expression in CTCs. Although CCTG IND 197 did not meet
      its primary endpoint, the observation of a clinical benefit rate of 46 % in this
      cTNBC population suggests that foretinib may have clinical activity as a single,
      non-cytotoxic agent in TNBC (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01147484).

PMID- 27116184
TI  - Compliance with hormonal therapy.

PMID- 27116185
TI  - Nottingham prognostic index plus (NPI+) predicts risk of distant metastases in
      primary breast cancer.
AB  - The Nottingham prognostic index plus (NPI+) is based on the assessment of
      biological class combined with established clinicopathologic prognostic variables
      providing improved patient outcome stratification for breast cancer superior to
      the traditional NPI. This study aimed to determine prognostic capability of the
      NPI+ in predicting risk of development of distant disease. A well-characterised
      series of 1073 primary early-stage BC cases treated in Nottingham and 251 cases
      from Budapest were immunohistochemically assessed for cytokeratin (Ck)5/6, Ck18,
      EGFR, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, HER2, HER3, HER4, Mucin 1
      and p53 expression. NPI+ biological class and prognostic scores were assigned
      using individual algorithms for each biological class incorporating
      clinicopathologic parameters and investigated in terms of prediction of distant
      metastases-free survival (MFS). The NPI+ identified distinct prognostic groups
      (PG) within each molecular class which were predictive of MFS providing improved
      patient outcome stratification superior to the traditional NPI. NPI+ PGs, between
      series, were comparable in predicting patient outcome between series in luminal
      A, basal p53 altered and HER2+/ER+ (p > 0.01) tumours. The low-risk groups were
      similarly validated in luminal B, luminal N, basal p53 normal tumours (p > 0.01).
      Due to small patient numbers the remaining PGs could not be validated. NPI+ was
      additionally able to predict a higher risk of metastases at certain distant
      sites. This study may indicate the NPI+ as a useful tool in predicting the risk
      of metastases. The NPI+ provides accurate risk stratification allowing improved
      individualised clinical decision making for breast cancer.

PMID- 27116186
TI  - Ethnic differences in the relationships between diabetes, early age adiposity and
      mortality among breast cancer survivors: the Breast Cancer Health Disparities
      Study.
AB  - The contribution of type 2 diabetes and obesity on mortality in breast cancer
      (BC) patients has not been well studied among Hispanic women, in whom these
      exposures are highly prevalent. In a multi-center population-based study, we
      examined the associations between diabetes, multiple obesity measures, and
      mortality in 1180 Hispanic and 1298 non-Hispanic white (NHW) women who were
      diagnosed with incident invasive BC from the San Francisco Bay Area, New Mexico,
      Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence
      intervals (CI) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards regression models.
      The median follow-up time from BC diagnosis to death was 10.8 years. In ethnic
      stratified results, the association for BC-specific mortality among Hispanics was
      significantly increased (HR 1.85 95 % CI 1.11, 3.09), but the ethnic interaction
      was not statistically significant. In contrast, obesity at age 30 increased BC
      specific mortality risk in NHW women (HR 2.33 95 % CI 1.36, 3.97) but not
      Hispanics (p-interaction = 0.045). Although there were no ethnic differences for
      all-cause mortality, diabetes, obesity at age 30, and post-diagnostic waist-hip
      ratio were significantly associated with all-cause mortality in all women. This
      study provides evidence that diabetes and adiposity, both modifiable, are
      prognostic factors among Hispanic and NHW BC patients.

PMID- 27116187
TI  - Coordinated Parameter Identification Technique for the Inertial Parameters of Non
      Cooperative Target.
AB  - Space operations will be the main space missions in the future. This paper
      focuses on the precise operations for non-cooperative target, and researches of
      coordinated parameter identification (CPI) which allows the motion of multi
      joints. The contents of this paper are organized: (1) Summarize the inertial
      parameters identification techniques which have been conducted now, and the
      technique based on momentum conservation is selected for reliability and
      realizability; (2) Elaborate the basic principles and primary algorithm of
      coordinated parameter identification, and analyze some special problems in
      calculation (3) Numerical simulation of coordinated identification technique by
      an case study on non-cooperative target of spacecraft mounting dual-arm with six
      joints is done. The results show that the coordinated parameter identification
      technique could get all the inertial parameters of the target in 3D by one-time
      identification, and does not need special configuration or driven joints,
      moreover the results are highly precise and save much more time than traditional
      ones.

PMID- 27116188
TI  - Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology guidelines 2013 for the treatment of
      uterine body neoplasms.
AB  - The third version of the Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology guidelines for the
      treatment of uterine body neoplasms was published in 2013. The guidelines
      comprise nine chapters and nine algorithms. Each chapter includes a clinical
      question, recommendations, background, objectives, explanations, and references.
      This revision was intended to collect up-to-date international evidence. The
      highlights of this revision are to (1) newly specify costs and conflicts of
      interest; (2) describe the clinical significance of pelvic lymph node dissection
      and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, including variant histologic types; (3) describe
      more clearly the indications for laparoscopic surgery as the standard treatment;
      (4) provide guidelines for post-treatment hormone replacement therapy; (5)
      clearly differentiate treatment of advanced or recurrent cancer between the
      initial treatment and the treatment carried out after the primary operation; (6)
      collectively describe fertility-sparing therapy for both atypical endometrial
      hyperplasia and endometrioid adenocarcinoma (corresponding to G1) and newly
      describe relapse therapy after fertility-preserving treatment; and (7) newly
      describe the treatment of trophoblastic disease. Overall, the objective of these
      guidelines is to clearly delineate the standard of care for uterine body
      neoplasms in Japan with the goal of ensuring a high standard of care for all
      Japanese women diagnosed with uterine body neoplasms. 

PMID- 27116189
TI  - Toward the Total Synthesis of Amphidinolide N: Synthesis of the C8-C29 Fragment.
AB  - A synthesis of the C8-C29 fragment of amphidinolide N, a potent cytotoxic
      macrolide isolated from the marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp., has been
      achieved. The key features of the synthesis involve a convergent union of the C9
      C15 and C16-C29 fragments by Steglich esterification and the construction of a
      pyran unit through a Tebbe methylenation/ring-closing metathesis sequence.

PMID- 27116190
TI  - Risk factors of kyphosis recurrence after implant removal in thoracolumbar burst
      fractures following posterior short-segment fixation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate the results of short-segment pedicle
      instrumentation with screw insertion in the fracture level and find factors
      predicting kyphosis recurrence in thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analysed 122 patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture who were
      divided into two groups: kyphosis recurrence and no kyphosis recurrence. Pre
      operative radiographic data comprising Cobb angle (CA), regional angle, anterior
      vertebra height (AVH), upper intervertebral angle, vertebral wedge angle (VWA),
      pre-anteroposterior A/P approach, superior endplate fracture, load-sharing
      classification (LSC) score and clinical data including age, visual analogue scale
      (VAS) score, thoracolumbar injury classification and severity score were compared
      between groups. T test, Pearson's chi-square and multivariate logistic regression
      were calculated for variables. RESULTS: CA, VWA and AVH were significantly
      corrected after surgery. CA changed from 23.7 to 3.0 (p <0.001), VWA from 38.7 to
      9.6 (p <0.001) and AVH from 48.8 % to 91.2 % (p <0.001). These parameters were
      well maintained during the follow-up period with a mild, tolerant loss of
      correction. Neurological function and pain were significantly improved without
      deterioration. Age, pre-A/P and pre-AVH < 50 % influenced kyphosis recurrence (p
      = 0.032, 0.026, 0.011, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Short-segment pedicle
      instrumentation including the fractured vertebra was effective in treating
      thoracolumbar burst fractures. The loss of correction at follow-up after implant
      removal was associated with age, A/P ratio and anterior vertebral height < 50 %.

PMID- 27116191
TI  - Erratum to: Chronic and Invasive Fungal Infections in a Family with CARD9
      Deficiency.

PMID- 27116192
TI  - Tackling multidrug resistance mediated by efflux transporters in tumor-initiating
      cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Expression of the multifunctional ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux
      transporter gene family is a well-established mechanism for protecting cancer
      stem cells (CSCs) from damage or death due to toxins. The outcome of such
      protection makes CSCs innately multidrug resistant (MDR) to conventional
      chemotherapy. AREAS COVERED: While research has focused on gaining better insight
      into the role of ABC transporters in CSC drug resistance, various strategies to
      circumvent the function of these transporters have been proposed, including
      inhibition of transporter function through targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors,
      competitive and allosteric modulators, shRNA-mediated inhibition, nanoparticle
      mediated delivery of inhibitors, and modulating the regulation of transcriptional
      and signaling pathways involving ABC transporters. This review highlights the
      role of MDR mediated by ABC transporters, particularly in CSCs, and the current
      progress and pitfalls of strategies to circumvent MDR in CSCs. EXPERT OPINION:
      Cancer stem cells are now a subject of intense research, as it is hypothesized
      that these progenitors predominantly beget tumorigenesis, chemoresistance, and
      metastasis. Consequently, the design and synthesis of more effective ABC
      transporter inhibitors, to increase cytotoxic drug concentrations in CSCs (thus
      increasing their eradication), is a promising approach for the field of oncology.

PMID- 27116193
TI  - Differential modulation of plant immune responses by diverse members of the
      Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi HopAF type III effector family.
AB  - The Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi NCPPB 3335 type III secretion system
      (T3SS) effector repertoire includes 33 candidates, seven of which translocate
      into host cells and interfere with plant defences. The present study was
      performed to investigate the co-existence of both plasmid- and chromosomal
      encoded members of the HopAF effector family, HopAF1-1 and HopAF1-2,
      respectively, in the genome of NCPPB 3335. Here, we show that the HopAF1
      paralogues are widely distributed in the Pseudomonas syringae complex, where
      HopAF1-1 is most similar to the homologues encoded by other P. syringae pathovars
      infecting woody hosts that belong to phylogroups 1 and 3. We show that the
      expression of both HopAF1-1 and HopAF-2 is transcriptionally dependent on HrpL
      and demonstrate their delivery into Nicotiana tabacum leaves. Although the
      heterologous delivery of either HopAF1-1 or HopAF1-2 significantly suppressed the
      production of defence-associated reactive oxygen species levels, only HopAF1-2
      reduced the levels of callose deposition. Moreover, the expression of HopAF1-2 by
      functionally effectorless P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000D28E completely inhibited
      the hypersensitive response in tobacco and significantly increased the
      competitiveness of the strain in Nicotiana benthamiana. Despite their functional
      differences, subcellular localization studies reveal that green fluorescent
      protein (GFP) fusions to either HopAF1-1 or HopAF1-2 are targeted to the plasma
      membrane when they are expressed in plant cells, a process that is completely
      dependent on the integrity of their N-myristoylation motif. Our results further
      support the notion that highly similar T3SS effectors might differentially
      interact with diverse plant targets, even when they co-localize in the same cell
      compartment.

PMID- 27116194
TI  - Bistable perception in normal aging: perceptual reversibility and its relation to
      cognition.
AB  - The effects of age on the ability to resolve perceptual ambiguity are unknown,
      though it depends on frontoparietal attentional networks known to change with
      age. We presented the bistable Necker cube to 24 middle-aged and OAs (older
      adults; 56-78 years) and 20 YAs (younger adults; 18-24 years) under passive
      viewing and volitional control conditions: Hold one cube percept and Switch
      between cube percepts. During passive viewing, OAs had longer dominance durations
      (time spent on each percept) than YAs. In the Hold condition, OAs were less able
      than YAs to increase dominance durations. In the Switch condition, OAs and YAs
      did not differ in performance. Dominance durations in either condition correlated
      with performance on tests of executive function mediated by the frontal lobes.
      Eye movements (fixation deviations) did not differ between groups. These results
      suggest that OAs' reduced ability to hold a percept may arise from reduced
      selective attention. The lack of correlation of performance between Hold and
      executive-function measures suggests at least a partial segregation of underlying
      mechanisms.

PMID- 27116196
TI  - Mindfulness-based stress reduction as a novel treatment for interstitial
      cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a
      standardized meditation program that may be an effective therapy for interstitial
      cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), a condition exacerbated by stress. The
      aims of this study were to explore whether MBSR improved IC/BPS symptoms and the
      feasibility/acceptability of MSBR among women with IC/BPS. METHODS: This
      randomized controlled trial included women with IC/BPS undergoing first- or
      second-line therapies. Women were randomized to continuation of usual care (UC)
      or an 8-week MBSR class + usual care (MBSR). Participants completed baseline and
      8-week post-treatment questionnaires, including the O'Leary-Sant Symptom Problem
      Index (OSPI), the visual analog pain scale (VAS), the Short Form Health Survey
      (SF-12), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Pain Self-Efficacy
      Questionnaire (PSEQ). The Global Response Assessment (GRA) was completed post
      treatment. Analyses were performed using Student's t test, Chi-squared, and
      MANOVA where appropriate. RESULTS: Eleven women were randomized to UC and 9 to
      MBSR, without differences in group characteristics. More MBSR participants'
      symptoms were improved on the GRA (7 out of 8 [87.5 %] vs 4 out of 11 [36.4 %], p
      = 0.03). The MBSR group showed greater improvement in the OSPI total (p = 0.0498)
      and problem scores (p = 0.036); the OSPI symptom score change did not differ.
      PSEQ scores improved in MBSR compared with UC (p = 0.035). VAS, SF-12, and FSFI
      change did not differ between groups. Eighty-six percent of MBSR participants
      felt more empowered to control symptoms, and all participants planned to continue
      MBSR. CONCLUSIONS: This trial provides initial evidence that MBSR is a promising
      adjunctive therapy for IC/BPS. Its benefit may arise from patients' empowerment
      and ability to cope with symptoms.

PMID- 27116197
TI  - Knowledge of pelvic organ prolapse in patients and their information-seeking
      preferences: comparing Vienna and Moscow.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that knowledge of pelvic organ
      prolapse (POP) and patient information-seeking preferences are the same in the
      two capital cities. METHODS: First-visit patients were recruited at tertiary
      referral urogynaecological units in Vienna (137) and in Moscow (112). A 16-item
      scale was used to assess the patient knowledge of POP. The 16 items comprised 12
      specific items taken from the Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire
      (PIKQ) and four added items. The preliminary psychometric assessment of the
      knowledge scales in German and Russian was performed in the Vienna and in Moscow
      centres. RESULTS: The mean total knowledge scores in patients in Vienna and in
      Moscow were not significantly different: 9.7 +/- 3.5 vs. 9.8 +/- 2.9 (p = 0.92).
      Patients in Vienna were more likely to answer questions about the pathogenesis of
      POP correctly. Patients in Moscow achieved higher scores for items assessing
      knowledge about the diagnosis of POP. Women in the two study groups equally
      preferred to obtain information about POP from medical specialists (72 % and 82
      %; p = 0.61), followed by friends and family for patients in Vienna (25 %), and
      the internet for patients in Moscow (23 %). Patients in Vienna were more likely
      to use printed sources (18 % and 7 %; p = 0.001) than patients in Moscow.
      CONCLUSIONS: The mean level of knowledge of POP did not differ between patients
      in Vienna and patients in Moscow. The differences between the specific knowledge
      domains might be explained by different cultural preferences for seeking health
      information and by the range of the information sources available.

PMID- 27116198
TI  - Radiofrequency in female external genital cosmetics and sexual function: a
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Female sexual behavior goes through cultural changes
      constantly, and recently, some women have shown the desire the ideal genitalia.
      In this study, we aimed to evaluate clinical responses to nonablative
      radiofrequency (RF) in terms of its cosmetic outcome in the female external
      genitalia and its effect on sexual function. METHODS: A single-masking randomized
      controlled trial was conducted in 43 women (29 sexually active) who were
      unsatisfied with the appearance of their external genitalia. The women were
      divided into an RF group (n = 21, 14 sexually active) and a control group (n =
      22, 15 sexually active). Eight sessions of RF were performed once a week.
      Photographs (taken before the first session and 8 days after the last session)
      were evaluated by the women and three blinded health professionals by using two 3
      point Likert scales (unsatisfied, unchanged, and satisfied; and worst, unchanged,
      and improved). Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function
      Index (FSFI) and analyzed using the Student t test. Women's satisfaction and
      health professional evaluation were analyzed using the chi-square test and inter-
      and intragroup binomial comparisons. RESULTS: Satisfaction response rates were 76
      and 27 % for the RF and control groups, respectively (p = 0.001). All
      professionals found a clinical improvement association in the treated group with
      RF in comparison with the control group (p < 0.01). The overall FSFI sexual
      function score increased by 3.51 points in the RF group vs 0.1 points in the
      control group (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: RF is an alternative for attaining a
      cosmetic outcome for the female external genitalia, with positives changes in
      patients' satisfaction and FSFI scores.

PMID- 27116199
TI  - UK Renal Registry 18th Annual Report: Chapter 11 2014 Multisite Dialysis Access
      Audit in England, Northern Ireland and Wales and 2013 PD One Year Follow-up:
      National and Centre-specific Analyses.
AB  - Data are presented from the third combined vascular and peritoneal dialysis
      access audit. In 2014, 53 centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (out of
      62) returned data on first access from 4,339 incident haemodialysis (HD) patients
      and 1,090 incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Of the 5,429 incident
      patients, 20.1% started dialysis on PD, 27.8% started with an arteriovenous
      fistula (AVF), 1.0% with an arteriovenous graft (AVG), 27.1% on a tunnelled line
      (TL) and 24.0% on a non-tunnelled line (NTL). Older patients (565 years) were
      more likely to start haemodialysis using AVF compared to their younger
      counterparts (36.2% vs. 32.8%). Thirteen of the nineteen centres (68%) using the
      physician led percutaneous insertion technique had over 20% of their incident
      patients starting on PD when compared to only seven out of fourteen centres (50%)
      which used single technique (open surgical or laparoscopic) for their PD catheter
      insertion. Wide variations were apparent between centres for use of AVF as the
      first haemodialysis access ranging from 10-54%. Eight of the 49 centres were
      achieving close to the 65% target for AV fistula in their incident patients.
      Length of time known to nephrology services and likelihood of commencing dialysis
      using either an AVF or a PD catheter are strongly associated. Patients who were
      known to a nephrologist for over one year were more likely to start dialysis with
      AVF, as compared to those who were referred between 90-365 days (39.2% vs.
      24.6%). Similarly, patients who were known to a nephrologist between 90 days and
      one year were more likely to start on PD when compared to patients who were
      referred <90 days prior to dialysis start (26.9% vs. 9.1%). By comparison,
      amongst the late presenters, only 3.5% had first access documented as an AVF and
      87.3% started dialysis on either a tunnelled line or a non-tunnelled line.
      Initial surgical assessment was a key determinant of the likelihood of AVF
      formation. Of the incident patients known to renal services for longer than three
      months and in those assessed by a surgeon at least three months prior to starting
      dialysis, 71.4% started dialysis with an AVF whereas of those who were not seen
      by a surgeon only 10.8% did. Thirty one of the 38 centres were 2 or 3 standard
      deviations below the 85% target for prevalent haemodialysis patients with an AV
      fistula. For centres returning data on one-year peritoneal dialysis outcomes, the
      majority of centres (28/32) maintained 550% of patients on PD at one year, having
      censored for transplantation. This report demonstrates wide variations in
      practice between centres across several domains in the provision of dialysis
      access and further work will be required to understand the underlying reasons.

PMID- 27116200
TI  - A Case Study of Anisakiasis in the Palatine Tonsils.
AB  - Anisakidosis is a nematode infection caused by the ingestion of larvae-infected
      raw or undercooked fish. Although gastric anisakiasis is a common disease in
      Japan due to the popularity of eating raw and undercooked fish, reports of
      anisakiasis in the tonsils are extremely rare. A 68-year-old man presenting with
      clinical features of peritonsillitis was admitted for examination. The right
      peritonsillar region exhibited slight edematous swelling and rash, and a white
      foreign body was observed. This foreign body was removed, and pathological
      examination revealed Anisakis. 

PMID- 27116201
TI  - Study on Enhanced Dissolution of Azilsartan-Loaded Solid Dispersion, Prepared by
      Combining Wet Milling and Spray-Drying Technologies.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop a combination method of wet milling and
      spray-drying technologies to prepare the solid dispersion and improve the
      dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drug candidates. Azilsartan (AZL) was
      selected as the model drug for its poor water solubility. In the study, AZL
      loaded solid dispersion was prepared with polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) and
      hydroxypropyl cellulose with super low viscosity (HPC-SL) as stabilizers by using
      combination of wet grinding and spray-drying methods. The high AZL loading solid
      dispersion was then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Besides, dissolution test was
      carried out by the paddle method and stability investigation was also conducted.
      As a result, the dissolution rate of the solid dispersion tablets was found to be
      greater than conventional tablets, but in close agreement with market tablets.
      Furthermore, the formulation was shown to be stable at 40 +/- 2 degrees C and 75
      +/- 5% for at least 6 months, owing to its decreased particle size, morphology,
      and its crystal form. It was concluded that the combination of wet milling and
      spray-drying approaches to prepare solid dispersion would be a prospective method
      to improve the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs.

PMID- 27116202
TI  - Using Supercritical Fluid Technology (SFT) in Preparation of Tacrolimus Solid
      Dispersions.
AB  - Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant agent that suffers from poor and variable
      bioavailability. This can be related to limited solubility and dissolution. The
      main objective of this study is to use SFT to prepare solid dispersions of
      tacrolimus in order to enhance its dissolution. SFT was selected since it offers
      several advantages over conventional techniques such as efficiency and stability.
      Several solid dispersions of tacrolimus were prepared using SFT to enhance its
      dissolution. The selected polymers included soluplus, PVP, HPMC, and porous
      chitosan. TPGS was used as a surfactant additive with chitosan, HPMC, and PVP.
      Soluplus dispersions were used to study the effect of processing parameters
      (time, temperature, and pressure) on loading efficiency (LE) and dissolution of
      the preparation. Physicochemical characterization was performed using DSC, X-ray
      diffraction, FTIR analysis, SEM, and in vitro drug release. Stability testing was
      evaluated after 3 months for selected dispersions. Significant improvement for
      the release profile was achieved for the prepared dispersions. Better release
      achieved in the soluplus dispersions which reached maximum cumulative release
      equal to 98.76% after 24 h. Drug precipitated in its amorphous form in all
      prepared dispersions except those prepared from chitosan. All dispersions were
      physically stable except for PVP preparations that contained TPGS which started
      to re-crystallize after one month. Prepared dispersions were proved to be
      affected by supercritical processing parameters. In conclusion, SFT was
      successfully used to prepare dispersions of tacrolimus that exhibited higher
      dissolution than raw drug. Dissolution rate and stability are affected by the
      type of the polymer.

PMID- 27116203
TI  - Characterization of Antimicrobial Agent Loaded Eudragit RS Solvent Exchange
      Induced In Situ Forming Gels for Periodontitis Treatment.
AB  - Eudragit RS (ERS), a quaternary polyacrylate positively charged polymer, exhibits
      a very low permeability and swells in aqueous media independently of pH without
      dissolving. Owing to its high solubility in N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), it was
      interesting to apply as polymer matrix for solvent-exchanged in situ forming gel.
      The aim of this research was to prepare in situ forming gels from ERS to deliver
      the antimicrobial agents (doxycycline hyclate, metronidazole, and benzoyl
      peroxide) for periodontitis treatment. They were evaluated for viscosity and
      rheology, gel formation, syringeability, drug release, and antimicrobial
      activities. The solvent exchange between NMP and an external aqueous simulated
      gingival crevicular fluid stimulated the dissolved ERS transforming into the
      opaque rigid gel. Antimicrobial agent loaded ERS systems exhibited Newtonian flow
      with acceptable syringeability. The higher-loaded ERS promoted the more
      prolongation of drug release because of the retardation of water diffusion into
      the precipitated matrix. Antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus,
      Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromonas
      gingivalis depended on type of drugs and test microorganisms. Doxycycline hyclate
      loaded ERS systems showed these activities greater than the others; however, all
      of them could inhibit all test microorganisms. Thus, the solvent exchange-induced
      in situ forming gels comprising ERS-antimicrobial drugs exhibited potential use
      as localized delivery systems for periodontitis treatment.

PMID- 27116205
TI  - Disparities in Adherence to Screening Guidelines for Diabetic Retinopathy in the
      United States: A Comprehensive Review and Guide for Future Directions.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of new-onset blindness in American
      adults aged 20-74 years old. The number of diabetics living with diagnosed DR
      increased by 89%, from 4.06 million to 7.69 million, between 2000 and 2010.
      Projected numbers from the Vision Health Initiative by the CDC predict that the
      rate of DR will triple by 2050, from 5.5 million people living with DR to 16
      million. Screening guidelines aim to detect cases early because the treatments
      for DR can reduce severe vision loss by up to 94%. However, adherence to these
      guidelines is quite low. It is estimated that more than half of patients with
      diabetes may fail to receive necessary screening. Risk factors for non-screening
      discussed in this study include low health literacy, lack of access to care,
      pregnancy, physician adherence to guidelines, unique factors present in different
      minority populations, gender and age disparities, and living in rural regions.
      This paper also aims to address potential interventions that may improve
      adherence rates. 

PMID- 27116204
TI  - Donor Conception Disclosure: Directive or Non-Directive Counselling?
AB  - It is widely agreed among health professionals that couples using donor
      insemination should be offered counselling on the topic of donor conception
      disclosure. However, it is clear from the literature that there has long been a
      lack of agreement about which counselling approach should be used in this case: a
      directive or a non-directive approach. In this paper we investigate which
      approach is ethically justifiable by balancing the two underlying principles of
      autonomy (non-directive approach) and beneficence (directive approach). To
      overrule one principle in favour of another, six conditions should be fulfilled.
      We analyse the arguments in favour of the beneficence principle, and
      consequently, a directive approach. This analysis shows that two conditions are
      not met; the principle of autonomy should not be overridden. Therefore, at this
      moment, a directive counselling approach on donor conception disclosure cannot be
      ethically justified. 

PMID- 27116207
TI  - CORR Insights(r): LUMiC(r) Endoprosthetic Reconstruction After Periacetabular
      Tumor Resection: Short-term Results.

PMID- 27116206
TI  - Development and Validation of a New Prognostic System for Patients with
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prognostic assessment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      remains controversial. Using the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) database as a
      training set, we sought to develop and validate a new prognostic system for
      patients with HCC. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Prospective collected databases from
      Italy (training cohort, n = 3,628; internal validation cohort, n = 1,555) and
      Taiwan (external validation cohort, n = 2,651) were used to develop the ITA.LI.CA
      prognostic system. We first defined ITA.LI.CA stages (0, A, B1, B2, B3, C) using
      only tumor characteristics (largest tumor diameter, number of nodules, intra- and
      extrahepatic macroscopic vascular invasion, extrahepatic metastases). A
      parametric multivariable survival model was then used to calculate the relative
      prognostic value of ITA.LI.CA tumor stage, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
      (ECOG) performance status, Child-Pugh score (CPS), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in
      predicting individual survival. Based on the model results, an ITA.LI.CA
      integrated prognostic score (from 0 to 13 points) was constructed, and its
      prognostic power compared with that of other integrated systems (BCLC, HKLC,
      MESIAH, CLIP, JIS). Median follow-up was 58 mo for Italian patients
      (interquartile range, 26-106 mo) and 39 mo for Taiwanese patients (interquartile
      range, 12-61 mo). The ITA.LI.CA integrated prognostic score showed optimal
      discrimination and calibration abilities in Italian patients. Observed median
      survival in the training and internal validation sets was 57 and 61 mo,
      respectively, in quartile 1 (ITA.LI.CA score <= 1), 43 and 38 mo in quartile 2
      (ITA.LI.CA score 2-3), 23 and 23 mo in quartile 3 (ITA.LI.CA score 4-5), and 9
      and 8 mo in quartile 4 (ITA.LI.CA score > 5). Observed and predicted median
      survival in the training and internal validation sets largely coincided. Although
      observed and predicted survival estimations were significantly lower (log-rank
      test, p < 0.001) in Italian than in Taiwanese patients, the ITA.LI.CA score
      maintained very high discrimination and calibration features also in the external
      validation cohort. The concordance index (C index) of the ITA.LI.CA score in the
      internal and external validation cohorts was 0.71 and 0.78, respectively. The
      ITA.LI.CA score's prognostic ability was significantly better (p < 0.001) than
      that of BCLC stage (respective C indexes of 0.64 and 0.73), CLIP score (0.68 and
      0.75), JIS stage (0.67 and 0.70), MESIAH score (0.69 and 0.77), and HKLC stage
      (0.68 and 0.75). The main limitations of this study are its retrospective nature
      and the intrinsically significant differences between the Taiwanese and Italian
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: The ITA.LI.CA prognostic system includes both a tumor
      staging-stratifying patients with HCC into six main stages (0, A, B1, B2, B3, and
      C)-and a prognostic score-integrating ITA.LI.CA tumor staging, CPS, ECOG
      performance status, and AFP. The ITA.LI.CA prognostic system shows a strong
      ability to predict individual survival in European and Asian populations.

PMID- 27116208
TI  - Physicians' Attire Influences Patients' Perceptions in the Urban Outpatient
      Orthopaedic Surgery Setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous work has established that physician attire influences
      patients' perceptions of their physicians. However, research from different
      specialties has disagreed regarding what kinds of physician attire might result
      in increased trust and confidence on the part of patients. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES:
      The purpose of this study was to investigate how surgeon attire affects patients'
      perceptions of trust and confidence in an urban orthopaedic outpatient setting.
      METHODS: Eighty-five of 100 patients solicited completed a three-part
      questionnaire in the outpatient orthopaedic clinic at an urban teaching hospital.
      In the first section, participants viewed eight images, four of a male surgeon
      and four of a female surgeon wearing a white coat over formal attire, scrubs,
      business attire, and casual attire, and rated each image on a five-level Likert
      scale. Participants were asked how confident, trustworthy, safe, caring, and
      smart the surgeon appeared, how well the surgery would go, and how willing they
      would be to discuss personal information with the pictured surgeon. The
      participant ranked all images from most to least confident in the second part and
      the last section obtained demographic information from the patients. Surveys were
      scored using a five-level Likert scale and a Friedman test was used to detect
      statistical significance when comparing all attires. For multiple pairwise
      comparisons, a Bonferroni correction was applied. RESULTS: The white coat on the
      male surgeon elicited modestly higher ratings in confidence (mean difference
      [MD], 0.367 +/- 0.737; 95% CI, 0.202-0.532; p < 0.001), intelligence (MD, 0.216
      +/- 0.603; 95% CI, 0.077-0.356; p = 0.027), surgical skill (MD, 0.325 +/- 0.658;
      95% CI, 0.175-0.474; p < 0.001), trust (MD, 0.312 +/- 0.613; 95% CI, 0.173-0.451;
      p < 0.001), ability to discuss confidential information (MD, 0.253 +/- 0.742; 95%
      CI, 0.087-0.419; p = 0.023), caring (MD, 0.279 +/- 0.655; 95% CI, 0.124-0.432; p
      = 0.006), and safety (MD, 0.260 +/- 0.594; 95% CI, 0.125-0.395; p = 0.002)
      compared with business attire. Similarly, the white coat was preferred to casual
      attire in all categories (confidence: MD, 0.810 +/- 0.921; smart: MD, 0.493 +/-
      0.801; surgical skill: MD, 0.640 +/- 0.880; ability to discuss: MD, 0.564 +/-
      0.988; trust: MD, 0.545 +/- 0.836; safety: MD, 0.581 +/- 0.860; caring: MD, 0.479
      +/- 0.852; p < 0.001 for all comparisons). For the female surgeon, white coat and
      scrubs were not different, however the white coat was preferred to business
      attire in four of seven categories. Casual clothing was widely disliked in all
      categories for surgeons (men and women). When attire was compared for confidence
      on a scale, the white coat ranked higher than business (MD, 0.439 +/- 1.491; p =
      0.006) and casual attire (MD, 1.043 +/- 2.054; p < 0.001), but not scrubs (MD,
      0.169 +/- 1.230; p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: In this urban outpatient orthopaedic
      practice, patients' preferences varied based on the sex of the pictured surgeon
      in the survey. Overall, however, modest preferences were observed for the white
      coat in terms of confidence, intelligence, trust, and safety. Furthermore
      patients are more willing to discuss personal information and believe that their
      surgery will go better if the surgeon wears a white coat or scrubs. These results
      are consistent with those of several studies in other settings and therefore may
      be generalizable in other locations and specialties. Given the increasing
      awareness and concern for physician-spread hospital infection, this study lends
      support to scrub attire over business or casual attire if physicians do not wear
      a white coat. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

PMID- 27116209
TI  - CORR Insights(r): The John Charnley Award: Redefining the Natural History of
      Osteoarthritis in Patients With Hip Dysplasia and Impingement.

PMID- 27116210
TI  - Scleral and choroidal volume in relation to axial length in infants with
      retinoblastoma versus adults with malignant melanomas or end-stage glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To measure scleral and choroidal volume in eyes of Chinese, and to
      assess associations with age and axial length. METHODS: We histomorphometrically
      examined globes from infants and adults which had been enucleated due to
      retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, or absolute painful glaucoma. Thickness of sclera
      and choroid were measured, and volumes were calculated. RESULTS: The study
      included 225 globes (mean axial length: 24.6 +/- 4.2 mm; range:17.0-35.7 mm; mean
      age: 30.4 +/- 22.6 years; range: 1-83 years). Mean computed scleral volume was
      648 +/- 136 mm(3). Scleral volume in children aged <5 years significantly
      increased with longer axial length (P = 0.001; correlation coefficient r: 0.42)
      and older age (P = 0.003; r: 0.39) in univariate analysis. In multivariate
      analysis within the group of children aged <=2 years, larger scleral volume
      increased with longer axial length (P = 0.04; standardized correlation
      coefficient beta: 0.32; correlation coefficient B: 21.6; 95 % confidence interval
      (CI): 0.52, 42.7) and showed a statistically non-significant tendency to increase
      with older age (P = 0.06;b eta: 0.30; B: 56.9; 95% CI: -1.5,115). In individuals
      aged >= 5 years, scleral volume was not significantly associated with axial
      length (P = 0.75) or age (P = 0.13). Mean choroidal volume as measured and
      calculated in 95 individuals (age: 16-81 years) was 44.1 +/- 14.1 mm(3), and was
      not significantly associated with age (P = 0.47; r: -0.08) or axial length (P =
      0.83; r: -0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study on children eyes with retinoblastoma and
      adult eyes with malignant melanomas or end-stage glaucoma suggests that primary
      eye growth up to an age of 2 years is associated with an increase in scleral
      volume. After the age of 2 years, scleral volume and choroidal volume remain
      unchanged, leading to scleral and choroidal thinning with longer axial length, in
      particular at the posterior pole.

PMID- 27116211
TI  - Cataract development in patients treated with proton beam therapy for uveal
      melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and dosages of proton beam
      therapy associated with cataract development, and long-term visual outcomes after
      treatment of uveal melanoma. METHODS: All patients receiving primary proton beam
      therapy for uveal melanoma between 1998 and 2008 with no signs of cataract before
      irradiation were included. A minimum follow-up of 12 months was determined.
      Exclusion criteria included all applied adjuvant therapies such as intravitreal
      injections, laser photocoagulation, tumor resections, or re-irradiation. For
      subgroup analysis, we included all patients who underwent brachytherapy between
      1998 and 2008 for uveal melanoma, considering the above mentioned inclusion and
      exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-eight patients matched our
      inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 72.6 months (12.0-167.4 months). Of
      these 258 patients, 71 patients (66.3 %) presented with cataract after 31.3
      months (0.7-142.4 months), of whom 35 (20.4 %) required surgery after 24.2 (0.7
      111.1 months) to ensure funduscopic tumor control. Kaplan-Meier estimates
      calculated a risk for cataract of 74.3 % after 5 years. There was no increase in
      metastasis or local recurrence in these patients. Patient's age was the sole
      independent statistically significant risk factor for cataract development. The
      probability of cataract occurrence significantly increased with doses to lens
      exceeding 15-20 CGE. Neither the appearance of cataract nor cataract surgery
      influenced long-term visual outcome. CONCLUSION: Cataract formation is the most
      frequent complication after irradiation. There is no benefit vis-a-vis
      brachytherapy with regard to cataract development. Data indicate a dose-effect
      threshold of 0.5 CGE for cataractogenesis, with significantly increasing risk
      above a dose of 15 CGE. Furthermore, cataract surgery can be performed without an
      increased risk for metastasis.

PMID- 27116212
TI  - Quantitative comparison of disc rim color in optic nerve atrophy of compressive
      optic neuropathy and glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose was to investigate an objective and quantitative method to
      estimate the redness of the optic disc neuroretinal rim, and to determine the
      usefulness of this method to differentiate compressive optic neuropathy (CON)
      from glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON). METHODS: In our study there were 126
      eyes: 40 with CON, 40 with normal tension glaucoma (NTG), and 46 normal eyes
      (NOR). Digital color fundus photographs were assessed for the redness of disc rim
      color using ImageJ software. We separately measured the intensity of red, green,
      and blue pixels from RGB images. Three disc color indices (DCIs), which indicate
      the redness intensity, were calculated through existing formulas. RESULTS: All
      three DCIs of CON were significantly smaller than those of NOR (P < 0.001). In
      addition, when compared with NTG, DCIs were also significantly smaller in CON (P
      < 0.05). A comparison of mild CON and mild NTG (mean deviation (MD) > -6 dB), in
      which the extent of retinal nerve fiber layer thinning is comparable, the DCIs of
      mild CON were significantly smaller than those of mild NTG (P < 0.05). In
      contrast, DCIs did not differ between moderate-to-severe stages of CON and NTG
      (MD <= -6 dB), though the retinal nerve fibers of CON were more severely damaged
      than those of NTG. To differentiate between mild CON and mild NTG, all AUROCs for
      the three DCIs were above 0.700. CONCLUSIONS: A quantitative and objective
      assessment of optic disc color was useful in differentiating early-stage CON from
      GON and NOR.

PMID- 27116213
TI  - Is the change of oxygen extraction from retinal vessels upon flicker light
      stimulation dependent on the nerve fiber layer thickness in glaucoma patients?

PMID- 27116214
TI  - Reply to letter to the editor: Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness as a Predictor of
      Treatment Response to Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy for
      Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy.

PMID- 27116215
TI  - IVIM perfusion fraction is prognostic for survival in brain glioma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The interest in measuring brain perfusion with intravoxel
      incoherent motion (IVIM) MRI has significantly increased in the last 3 years. Our
      aim was to evaluate the prognostic value for survival of intravoxel incoherent
      motion perfusion fraction in patients with gliomas, and compare it to dynamic
      susceptibility contrast relative cerebral blood volume and apparent diffusion
      coefficient. METHODS: Images were acquired in 27 patients with brain gliomas (16
      high grades, 11 low grades), before any relevant treatment. Region of maximal
      perfusion fraction, maximal relative cerebral blood volume, and minimal apparent
      diffusion coefficient were obtained. The accuracy of all three methods for 2-year
      survival prognosis was compared using the area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: Death or survival
      for at least 2 years after imaging could be documented in 22/27 patients. The
      cutoff values of 0.112 for the perfusion fraction, of 3.01 for the relative
      cerebral blood volume, and 1033 * 10-6 mm2/s for apparent diffusion coefficient
      led to an identical sensitivity of 0.889, and a specificity of 0.833, 0.517, and
      0.750, respectively for 2 year survival prognosis. The corresponding areas under
      the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.84, 076, and 0.86,
      respectively. All three methods had a significant log rank test considering
      overall survival (p = 0.001, p = 0.028, and p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In this
      relatively small cohort, maximal IVIM perfusion fraction, similarly to maximal
      relative cerebral blood volume and minimal apparent diffusion coefficient, was
      prognostic for survival in patients with gliomas. Maximal IVIM perfusion fraction
      and minimal apparent diffusion coefficient performed similarly in predicting
      survival, and both slightly outperformed maximal relative cerebral blood volume.

PMID- 27116216
TI  - Treatment of a Giant Fusiform Basilar Aneurysm with Partial Intra-Aneurysmal
      Embolization Combined with Mid-Basilar Artery Occlusion in a Child.

PMID- 27116217
TI  - Evolving medicinal chemistry strategies in antibiotic discovery.
AB  - Chemical modification of synthetic or natural product antibiotic scaffolds to
      expand potency and spectrum and to bypass mechanisms of resistance has dominated
      antibiotic drug discovery and proven immensely successful. However, the
      inexorable evolution of drug resistance coupled with a drought in innovation in
      antibiotic discovery contribute to a dearth of new drugs entering to market.
      Better understanding of the physicochemical properties of antibiotic chemical
      space is required to inform new antibiotic discovery. Innovations such as the
      development of antibiotic adjuvants to preserve efficacy of existing drugs
      together with expanding antibiotic chemical diversity through synthetic biology
      or new techniques to mine antibiotic producing organisms, are required to bridge
      the growing gap between the need for new drugs and their discovery.

PMID- 27116218
TI  - Self-Assembly Dynamics of Linear Virus-Like Particles: Theory and Experiment.
AB  - We experimentally and theoretically studied the self-assembly kinetics of linear
      virus-like particles (VLPs) consisting of double-stranded DNA and virus-like coat
      proteins. The polynucleotide acts as a self-assembly template for our proteins
      with engineered attractive protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions that
      imitate the physicochemical functionality of virus coat proteins. Inspired by our
      experimental observations, where we found that VLPs grow from one point onward,
      our model presumes a nucleation step before subsequent sequential cooperative
      binding from one of the ends of the polynucleotide. By numerically solving the
      pertinent reaction rate equations, we investigated the assembly dynamics as a
      function of the ratio between the number of available binding sites and proteins
      in the solution, i.e., the stoichiometry of the molecular building blocks.
      Depending on the stoichiometry, we found monotonic or nonmonotonic assembly
      kinetics. If the proteins in the solution vastly outnumber the binding sites on
      all of the polynucleotides, then the assembly kinetics were strictly monotonic
      and the assembled fraction increases steadily with time. However, if the
      concentration of proteins and binding sites is equal, then we found an overshoot
      in the concentration of fully covered polynucleotides. We compared our model with
      length distributions of two types of VLPs measured by atomic force microscopy
      imaging and found satisfactory agreement, suggesting that a relatively simple
      model may be useful in describing the assembly kinetics of chemically complex
      systems. We furthermore re-evaluated data by Hernandez-Garcia et al. (Nat.
      Nanotechnol. 2014, 9, 698-702) to include the effect of a finite protein
      concentration previously ignored. By fitting our model to the experimental data,
      we were able to pinpoint the sum of the protein-protein and protein-DNA
      interaction free energies, the binding rate of a protein to the DNA, and the
      nucleation free energy associated with switching a protein from the solution to
      the bound conformation. The values that we found for the VLPs are comparable to
      virus capsid binding energies of linear and spherical viruses.

PMID- 27116219
TI  - A C60-aryne building block: synthesis of a hybrid all-carbon nanostructure.
AB  - The synthesis of a [60]fullerene-benzyne building block and its further chemical
      cycloaddition reaction with graphene has resulted in a new all-carbon hybrid
      material which has been characterized by TGA, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies, XPS
      as well as AFM and TEM. Based on computational studies, the formation of both
      [2+2] and [4+2] cycloadducts on the graphene surface is feasible.

PMID- 27116220
TI  - Tracking Se Assimilation and Speciation through the Rice Plant - Nutrient
      Competition, Toxicity and Distribution.
AB  - Up to 1 billion people are affected by low intakes of the essential nutrient
      selenium (Se) due to low concentrations in crops. Biofortification of this
      micronutrient in plants is an attractive way of increasing dietary Se levels. We
      investigated a promising method of Se biofortification of rice seedlings, as rice
      is the primary staple for 3 billion people, but naturally contains low Se
      concentrations. We studied hydroponic Se uptake for 0-2500 ppb Se, potential
      phyto-toxicological effects of Se and the speciation of Se along the shoots and
      roots as a function of added Se species, concentrations and other nutrients
      supplied. We found that rice germinating directly in a Se environment increased
      plant-Se by factor 2-16, but that nutrient supplementation is required to prevent
      phyto-toxicity. XANES data showed that selenite uptake mainly resulted in the
      accumulation of organic Se in roots, but that selenate uptake resulted in
      accumulation of selenate in the higher part of the shoot, which is an essential
      requirement for Se to be transported to the grain. The amount of organic Se in
      the plant was positively correlated with applied Se concentration. Our results
      indicate that biofortification of seedlings with selenate is a successful method
      to increase Se levels in rice.

PMID- 27116221
TI  - A Multi-Site Study of Norovirus Molecular Epidemiology in Australia and New
      Zealand, 2013-2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Norovirus (NoV) is the major cause of acute gastroenteritis across
      all age groups. In particular, variants of genogroup II, genotype 4 (GII.4) have
      been associated with epidemics globally, occurring approximately every three
      years. The pandemic GII.4 variant, Sydney 2012, was first reported in early 2012
      and soon became the predominant circulating NoV strain globally. Despite its
      broad impact, both clinically and economically, our understanding of the
      fundamental diversity and mechanisms by which new NoV strains emerge remains
      limited. In this study, we describe the molecular epidemiological trends of NoV
      associated acute gastroenteritis in Australia and New Zealand between January
      2013 and June 2014. METHODOLOGY: Overall, 647 NoV-positive clinical faecal
      samples from 409 outbreaks and 238 unlinked cases of acute gastroenteritis were
      examined by RT-PCR and sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis was then performed to
      identify NoV capsid genotypes and to establish the temporal dominance of
      circulating pandemic GII.4 variants. Recombinant viruses were also identified
      based on analysis of the ORF1/2 overlapping region. FINDINGS: Peaks in NoV
      activity were observed, however the timing of these epidemics varied between
      different regions. Overall, GII.4 NoVs were the dominant cause of both outbreaks
      and cases of NoV-associated acute gastroenteritis (63.1%, n = 408/647), with
      Sydney 2012 being the most common GII.4 variant identified (98.8%, n = 403/408).
      Of the 409 reported NoV outbreaks, aged-care facilities were the most common
      setting in both Western Australia (87%, n = 20/23) and New Zealand (58.1%, n =
      200/344) while most of the NoV outbreaks were reported from hospitals (38%, n =
      16/42) in New South Wales, Australia. An analysis of a subset of non-GII.4
      viruses from all locations (125/239) showed the majority (56.8%, n = 71/125) were
      inter-genotype recombinants. These recombinants were surprisingly diverse and
      could be classified into 18 distinct recombinant types, with GII.P16/GII.13 (24%
      of recombinants) the most common. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that following
      its emergence in 2012, GII.4 Sydney 2012 variant continued to be the predominant
      cause of NoV-associated acute gastroenteritis in Australia and New Zealand
      between 2013 and 2014.

PMID- 27116222
TI  - Multigenerational Effects of Heavy Metals on Feeding, Growth, Initial
      Reproduction and Antioxidants in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Earlier studies showed that toxicities of excessive metals lasted over
      generations. Yet, these studies mainly employed one-generation exposure, and the
      effects of multigenerational challenges need further studies. Presently,
      Caenorhabditis elegans were exposed to cadmium, copper, lead and zinc for four
      consecutive generations (G1 to G4) at environmental concentrations. The feeding,
      growth, initial reproduction, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were
      determined. All data were represented in the percentage of that in control (POC),
      and POC in the control was normalized to 100%. In G1 and G2, the POC values in
      feeding, growth and initial reproduction were generally within 10% of the control
      (100%), indicating non-significant effects. The POC values in SOD and CAT were
      significantly higher than 100%, showing stimulatory effects. In G3 and G4, the
      POC values in feeding, growth and initial reproduction were significantly lower
      than 100%, showing inhibitory effects which were more severe in G4 than in G3.
      Meanwhile, SOD and CAT continuously showed stimulatory effects, and the
      stimulatory effects on SOD increased from G1 to G4. The effects with
      multigenerational challenges were different from those in one-generation
      exposure. The effects in later generations demonstrated the importance of
      multigenerational challenges in judging long-term influences of metals.

PMID- 27116223
TI  - The lognormal and gamma distribution models for estimating molecular weight
      distributions of polymers using PGSE NMR.
AB  - We present comprehensive derivations for the statistical models and methods for
      the use of pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE) NMR to characterize the molecular
      weight distribution of polymers via the well-known scaling law relating diffusion
      coefficients and molecular weights. We cover the lognormal and gamma distribution
      models and linear combinations of these distributions. Although the focus is on
      methodology, we illustrate the use experimentally with three polystyrene samples,
      comparing the NMR results to gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements,
      test the accuracy and noise-sensitivity on simulated data, and provide code for
      implementation.

PMID- 27116224
TI  - Dangerous Pressurization and Inappropriate Alarms during Water Occlusion of the
      Expiratory Circuit of Commonly Used Infant Ventilators.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-invasive continuous positive airways pressure is commonly a
      primary respiratory therapy delivered via multi-purpose ventilators in premature
      newborns. Expiratory limb occlusion due to water accumulation or 'rainout' from
      gas humidification is a frequent issue. A case of expiratory limb occlusion due
      to rainout causing unexpected and excessive repetitive airway pressurisation in a
      Draeger VN500 prompted a systematic bench test examination of currently available
      ventilators. OBJECTIVE: To assess neonatal ventilator response to partial or
      complete expiratory limb occlusion when set to non-invasive continuous positive
      airway pressure mode. DESIGN: Seven commercially available neonatal ventilators
      connected to a test lung using a standard infant humidifier circuit with partial
      and/or complete expiratory limb occlusion were examined in a bench test study.
      Each ventilator was set to deliver 6 cmH2O in non-invasive mode and respiratory
      mechanics data for 75%, 80% and 100% occlusion were collected. RESULTS: Several
      ventilators responded inappropriately with complete occlusion by cyclical
      pressurisation/depressurisation to peak pressures of between 19.4 and 64.6 cm H2O
      at rates varying between 2 to 77 inflations per minute. Tidal volumes varied
      between 10.1 and 24.3mL. Alarm responses varied from 'specific' (tube occluded)
      to 'ambiguous' (Safety valve open). Carefusion Avea responded by continuing to
      provide the set distending pressure and displaying an appropriate alarm message.
      Draeger Babylog 8000 did not alarm with partial occlusions and incorrectly
      displayed airways pressure at 6.1cmH2O compared to the measured values of
      13cmH2O. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a potential for significant adverse
      ventilator response due to complete or near complete expiratory limb occlusion in
      CPAP mode.

PMID- 27116225
TI  - Growing tumors induce a local STING dependent Type I IFN response in dendritic
      cells.
AB  - The importance of endogenous Type I IFNs in cancer immune surveillance is well
      established by now. Their role in polarization of tumor-associated neutrophilic
      granulocytes into anti-tumor effector cells has been recently demonstrated. Yet,
      the cellular source of Type I IFNs as well as the mode of induction is not
      clearly defined. Here, we demonstrate that IFN-beta is induced by growing murine
      tumors. Induction is mainly mediated via STING-dependent signaling pathways,
      suggesting tumor derived DNA as trigger. Transcription factors IRF3 and IRF5 were
      activated under these conditions which is consistent with tumor infiltrating
      dendritic cells (DCs) being the major cellular source of IFN-beta at the tumor
      site. Besides DCs, tumor cells themselves are induced to contribute to the
      production of IFN-beta. Taken together, our data provide further information on
      immune surveillance by Type I IFNs and suggest novel potent cellular targets for
      future cancer therapy.

PMID- 27116226
TI  - A novel blue luminescent material Na2[Co(C2O4)2(H2O)2].6H2O: synthesis,
      structure, luminescence and magnetic properties.
AB  - The synthesis, crystal structure and physical properties of new disodium trans
      diaquabis(oxalato)cobaltate(ii)hexahydrate {Na2[Co(C2O4)2(H2O)2].6H2O} crystals
      have been investigated. Single crystal X-ray analysis reveals that this compound
      crystallizes in the triclinic system with the space group P1[combining macron].
      The structure of this complex consists of [Co(C2O4)2(H2O)2](2-) anionic units
      with a slightly distorted octahedral geometry of cobalt surrounded by four oxygen
      atoms of two oxalate groups. The anionic units are interlinked by two Na(+) ions
      with different octahedral and distorted octahedral environments. The electronic
      absorption spectra of the compound exhibit bands at 208, 246 and 526 nm in the UV
      and visible regions. A strong blue luminescence was observed at room temperature
      when excited at 355 nm. The M(H) curve at 2 K shows a significant nonlinear
      behaviour with almost zero coercivity which clearly indicates an extremely weak
      antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic state of the complex. 

PMID- 27116228
TI  - Enantiorecognition of planar "metallocenic" chirality by a nitrile
      hydratase/amidase bienzymatic system.
AB  - For the first time, a bacterial strain expressing a nitrile hydratase/amidase
      activity was able to recognize a planar element of chirality: Rhodococcus
      rhodochrous PA-34 whole cells catalysed with a high level of enantioselectivity
      the biotransformation of a novel nitrile ferrocene derivative into its
      corresponding amide and/or acid. An important parameter in the enzymatic
      recognition is the choice of the inducer selected for the bacterial growth phase.

PMID- 27116227
TI  - Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers and Glycemic
      Measures among Overweight or Obese Adults: A Systematic Review of Randomized
      Controlled Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity induced low-grade chronic inflammation disrupts proper immune
      and metabolic function. Vitamin D deficiency increases inflammation, which is
      associated with cardiometabolic risk. This systematic review examines the
      association between oral vitamin D (VD) supplementation and circulating
      inflammatory biomarkers and glycemic outcomes from randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs) of overweight and/or obese adults. METHODS: MEDLINE OVID, EMBASE and the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched according to a
      predefined protocol. Eligible RCTs included adults randomized to receive either
      oral VD or placebo. Two reviewers independently assessed RCTs for inclusion. Bias
      was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Mean differences
      were calculated comparing end-of-study sample means between the independent VD
      and placebo groups. RESULTS: Eleven unique RCTs met inclusion criteria from a
      total of 3,383 identified citations, including 79 screened articles and 14 full
      text data extractions. Inflammatory and glycemic measures were reported in 7 and
      10 RCTs, respectively. Most trial findings were non-significant with considerable
      heterogeneity in design, participants and outcomes. All but one trial was rated
      as either high or unclear risk of bias. Two RCTs reported significant changes in
      inflammatory biomarkers; however, the mean difference between groups was not
      statistically significant: C-reactive protein 0.19 mg/L (p = 0.88); Tumor
      Necrosis Factor -0.54 pg/ml (p = 0.20). Two other trials found significant mean
      differences in fasting plasma glucose -0.32 mmol/L (p = 0.03), Hemoglobin A1c 
      0.13% (p = 0.04), and Homeostatic Model Assessment -0.86 (p = 0.02) following VD
      supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there is no clear established benefit of
      VD supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers among overweight/obese adults.
      Baseline serum VD possibly influences the effect of VD repletion on inflammatory
      markers. Risk of bias was present in most studies, thus supporting the need for
      higher quality studies in this area to more conclusively understand the role VD
      supplementation has on inflammatory pathways.

PMID- 27116229
TI  - Nasal Mucosal Expression of the Receptors for Inflammatory Chemical Mediators.
AB  - The nasal allergic response is a complex process involving interactions between
      many chemical mediators such as histamine, bradykinin, cysteinyl leukotrienes,
      platelet-activating factor, prostaglandin D2 and thromboxane A2. The actions of
      these chemical mediators are facilitated by specific cell surface receptors that
      are coupled to G-proteins. Current therapeutic strategies against nasal allergic
      responses are mainly based on drugs that target these chemical mediators. To
      understand the role of these chemical mediators in allergic rhinitis, determining
      the identity and distribution of their receptors is of considerable interest. We
      have examined the expression and localization of the receptors for these chemical
      mediators in human nasal mucosa. Here, we review our data on the expression and
      localization of these receptors in allergic rhinitis, and we discuss the roles of
      chemical mediators in allergic rhinitis. 

PMID- 27116230
TI  - Testing the measurement invariance of the University of Washington Self-Efficacy
      Scale short form across four diagnostic subgroups.
AB  - PURPOSE: The University of Washington Self-Efficacy Scale (UW-SES) was originally
      developed for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury (SCI).
      This study evaluates the measurement invariance of the 6-item short form of the
      UW-SES across four disability subgroups. Evidence of measurement invariance would
      extend the UW-SES for use in two additional diagnostic groups: muscular dystrophy
      (MD) and post-polio syndrome (PPS). METHODS: Multi-group confirmatory factor
      analysis was used to evaluate successive levels of measurement invariance of the
      6-item short form, the UW-SES: (a) configural invariance, i.e., equivalent item
      factor structures between groups; (b) metric invariance, i.e., equivalent
      unstandardized factor loadings between groups; and (c) scalar invariance, i.e.,
      equivalent item intercepts between groups. Responses from the four groups with
      different diagnostic disorders were compared: MD (n = 172), MS (n = 868), PPS (n
      = 225), and SCI (n = 242). RESULTS: The results of this study support that the
      most rigorous form of invariance (i.e., scalar) holds for the 6-item short form
      of the UW-SES across the four diagnostic subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The current
      study suggests that the 6-item short form of the UW-SES has the same meaning
      across the four diagnostic subgroups. Thus, the 6-item short form is validated
      for people with MD, MS, PPS, and SCI.

PMID- 27116231
TI  - Case Series Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of Bilateral Fluocinolone
      Acetonide (ILUVIEN((r))) in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema: 10 Eyes with 12
      Months Follow-up.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This short case series presents the results from 5 patients with
      bilateral chronic diabetic macular edema (DME), 12 months after they were
      initially treated with ILUVIEN ((r)) [0.2 MUg/day fluocinolone acetonide (FAc)].
      METHODS: Ten eyes from five patients with pseudophakic lenses were investigated.
      Patients had bilateral, chronic DME and had received prior laser and anti-VEGF
      therapy. Visual and anatomic outcomes were investigated 12 months post-FAc
      implant in both eyes. RESULTS: At baseline, central retinal thickness (CRT) was
      645.3 +/- 176.1 microns (mean +/- standard deviation), intraocular pressure (IOP)
      was 13.7 +/- 3.6 mmHg and visual acuity (VA) was 44.5 +/- 18.6 Early Treatment
      Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters. Mean CRT improved at 6 months (341.7
      +/- 169.7 microns) and 12 months (287.4 +/- 103.1 microns) and there were
      concurrent improvements in VA (ETDRS letters were 56 +/- 16 and 55 +/- 16 at 6
      and 12 months, respectively). Mean IOP was stable throughout and <=21 mmHg. Left
      and right eyes were compared in the 5 patients by plotting changes in CFT, IOP
      and VA at 12 months, from baseline levels. CONCLUSION: This bilateral case series
      demonstrates the effectiveness of a sustained, controlled low dose of FAc in the
      management of bilateral DME over a 12-month period. The FAc implant has shown to
      work well in treatment of bilateral DME, although longer follow-up of these
      patients is still needed. FUNDING: Publication charges were funded by Alimera
      Sciences Ltd.

PMID- 27116232
TI  - Gambling Harm and Crime Careers.
AB  - Incarcerated populations across the world have been found to be consistently and
      significantly more vulnerable to problem gambling than general populations in the
      same countries. In an effort to gain a more specific understanding of this
      vulnerability the present study applied latent class analysis and criminal career
      theory to gambling data collected from a sample of English and Scottish, male and
      female prisoners (N = 1057). Theoretical links between gambling and crime were
      tested through three hypotheses: (1) that prisoners in the UK would have higher
      rates of problem gambling behaviour than the national population; (2) that if the
      link between gambling and crime is coincidental, gambling behaviour would be
      highly prevalent in an offending population, and (3) if connections between
      gambling behaviour and offending are co-symptomatic a mediating factor would show
      a strong association. The first of these was supported, the second was not
      supported and the third was partially supported. Latent class analysis found six
      gambling behaviour clusters measured by responses to the Problem Gambling
      Severity Index, primarily distinguished by loss chasing behaviour. Longitudinal
      offending data drawn from the Police National Computer database found four
      criminal career types, distinguished by frequency and persistence over time. A
      significant association was found between higher level loss chasing and high rate
      offending in criminal careers suggesting that impulse control may be a mediating
      factor for both gambling harm and criminal careers.

PMID- 27116233
TI  - Sudden unexpected cardiac death as the first symptom in young people: some useful
      clinical information from a systematic standardized anatomical study.

PMID- 27116234
TI  - The conflicting regulations on the use of magnetic resonance-conditional devices
      in Italy: is there room to solve this conflict?

PMID- 27116235
TI  - Risk of sudden death in subjects with Brugada type 1 electrocardiographic pattern
      and no previous cardiac arrest: is it high enough to justify an extensive use of
      prophylactic ICD?

PMID- 27116236
TI  - Antiviral Role of IFITM Proteins in African Swine Fever Virus Infection.
AB  - The interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) protein family is a group of
      antiviral restriction factors that impair flexibility and inhibit membrane fusion
      at the plasma or the endosomal membrane, restricting viral progression at entry.
      While IFITMs are widely known to inhibit several single-stranded RNA viruses,
      there are limited reports available regarding their effect in double-stranded DNA
      viruses. In this work, we have analyzed a possible antiviral function of IFITMs
      against a double stranded DNA virus, the African swine fever virus (ASFV).
      Infection with cell-adapted ASFV isolate Ba71V is IFN sensitive and it induces
      IFITMs expression. Interestingly, high levels of IFITMs caused a collapse of the
      endosomal pathway to the perinuclear area. Given that ASFV entry is strongly
      dependent on endocytosis, we investigated whether IFITM expression could impair
      viral infection. Expression of IFITM1, 2 and 3 reduced virus infectivity in Vero
      cells, with IFITM2 and IFITM3 having an impact on viral entry/uncoating. The role
      of IFITM2 in the inhibition of ASFV in Vero cells could be related to impaired
      endocytosis-mediated viral entry and alterations in the cholesterol efflux,
      suggesting that IFITM2 is acting at the late endosome, preventing the
      decapsidation stage of ASFV.

PMID- 27116237
TI  - Periprocedural 3D imaging of the left atrium and esophagus: comparison of
      different protocols of 3D rotational angiography of the left atrium and esophagus
      in group of 547 consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation of the complex
      atrial arrhythmias.
AB  - A new method in creating 3D models of the left atrium (LA) and esophagus before
      catheter ablation of atrial arrhythmias is 3D rotational angiography (3DRA) of
      the LA. The purpose of this retrospective study was to test various acquisition
      protocols of the 3DRA and attempt to define the parameters influencing the
      success of the protocols. From August 2010 to November 2014, 3DRA of the LA using
      the Philips Allura FD 10 X-ray system was performed in 547 consecutive patients
      using right atrial and left atrial protocols. Visualization of the esophagus was
      performed after oral administration of a contrast agent. Patients were monitored
      for success (creation of a useful 3D models) and evaluated for a number of
      parameters affecting the success of 3DRA. The success of the RA protocol was
      88.89 % with and 91.91 % without esophagus imaging. The success of the LA
      protocol was 97.42 % with and 94.54 % without esophagus imaging. The only factor
      reducing the success of the RA protocol was BMI; the LA protocol was not
      influenced by any factor. Ventricular fibrillation induced in two patients was
      successfully treated with defibrillation. 3DRA of the LA is a reliable method
      that supports catheter ablation of complex atrial arrhythmias. The LA protocol
      with esophagus imaging was significantly more reliable than the RA protocol; the
      other protocols were comparable. The RA protocol may be negatively affected by
      high BMI. Simultaneous imaging of the esophagus is safe and feasible, and the LA
      protocol can be recommended. 

PMID- 27116238
TI  - Reproducibility and observer variability of tissue phase mapping for the
      quantification of regional myocardial velocities.
AB  - To systematically investigate the reproducibility of global and segmental left
      ventricular (LV) velocities derived from tissue phase mapping (TPM). Breath held
      and ECG synchronized TPM data (spatial/temporal resolution = 2 * 2 mm(2)/20.8 ms)
      were acquired in 18 healthy volunteers. To analyze scan-rescan variability, TPM
      was repeated in all subjects during a second visit separated by 16 +/- 5 days.
      Data analysis included LV segmentation, and quantification of global and regional
      (AHA 16-segment modal) metrics of LV function [velocity-time curves, systolic and
      diastolic peak and time-to-peak (TTP) velocities] for radial (Vr), long-axis (Vz)
      and circumferential (VPhi) LV velocities. Mean velocity time curves in basal, mid
      ventricular, and apical locations showed highly similar LV motion patterns for
      all three velocity components (Vr, VPhi, Vz) for scan and rescan. No significant
      differences for both systolic and diastolic peak and TTP myocardial velocities
      were observed. Segmental analysis revealed similar regional peak Vr and Vz during
      both systole and diastole except for three LV segments (p = 0.045, p = 0.033, and
      p = 0.009). Excellent (p < 0.001) correlations between scans and rescan for peak
      Vr (R(2) = 0.92), peak Vz (R(2) = 0.90), radial TTP (R(2) = 0.91) and long-axis
      TTP (R(2) = 0.88) confirmed good agreement. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated
      excellent intra-observer and good inter-observer analysis agreement but increased
      variability for long axis peak velocities. TPM based analysis of global and
      regional myocardial velocities can be performed with good reproducibility.
      Robustness of regional quantification of long-axis velocities was limited but
      spatial velocity distributions across the LV could reliably be replicated. 

PMID- 27116239
TI  - Nutrition and risk of dementia: overview and methodological issues.
AB  - After two decades of research on nutrition and dementia there is strong evidence
      for preventive effects of vitamin E, B vitamins, and n-3 fatty acids and
      deleterious effects of saturated fat on dementia. Among specific foods with
      evidence of neuroprotection are green leafy vegetables, other vegetables,
      berries, and seafood. A number of studies have examined dietary patterns,
      particularly the Mediterranean diet and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop
      Hypertension), neither of which is tailored to the specific foods and nutrients
      that have been identified as neuroprotective. A new diet called MIND
      (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) incorporates many
      elements of the Mediterranean diet and DASH but with modifications that reflect
      current evidence for brain neuroprotection. The evidence in support of the
      relation of various nutrients and the Mediterranean diet to dementia has been
      inconsistent. The inconsistencies may be explained by inattention to
      nutrient/food intake levels in the interpretation of study findings and trial
      design, including a shifting metric among studies for scoring adherence to the
      Mediterranean diet. Future studies should pay particular attention to levels of
      intake in the design and analyses of nutritional studies.

PMID- 27116240
TI  - Nutrient intake, nutritional status, and cognitive function with aging.
AB  - With the demographic aging of populations worldwide, diseases associated with
      aging are becoming more prevalent and costly to individuals, families, and
      healthcare systems. Among aging-related impairments, a decline in cognitive
      function is of particular concern, as it erodes memory and processing abilities
      and eventually leads to the need for institutionalized care. Accumulating
      evidence suggests that nutritional status is a key factor in the loss of
      cognitive abilities with aging. This is of tremendous importance, as dietary
      intake is a modifiable risk factor that can be improved to help reduce the burden
      of cognitive impairment. With respect to nutrients, there is evidence to support
      the critical role of several B vitamins in particular, but also of vitamin D,
      antioxidant vitamins (including vitamin E), and omega-3 fatty acids, which are
      preferentially taken up by brain tissue. On the other hand, high intakes of
      nutrients that contribute to hypertension, atherosclerosis, and poor glycemic
      control may have negative effects on cognition through these conditions.
      Collectively, the evidence suggests that considerable slowing and reduction of
      cognitive decline may be achieved by following a healthy dietary pattern, which
      limits intake of added sugars, while maximizing intakes of fish, fruits,
      vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

PMID- 27116242
TI  - Vitamin D in dementia prevention.
AB  - Beyond effects on bone health, vitamin D exerts effects on a variety of target
      organs, including the brain. The discussion herein presents the state of the art
      in research on the neurological role of vitamin D and clinical implications among
      older adults, including implications for dementia onset and progression. Some of
      the neurosteroid actions of vitamin D include regulation of calcium homeostasis,
      clearance of amyloid-beta peptide, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and
      possible protection against the neurodegenerative mechanisms associated with
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). The correction of age-related hypovitaminosis D and
      cognitive decline has been reported by various cross-sectional and longitudinal
      studies reporting associations of lower vitamin D concentrations with brain
      changes and poorer cognition, specifically with respect to executive dysfunction.
      Epidemiological studies have consistently shown an association between inadequate
      dietary intake of vitamin D and cognitive disorders, including greater AD risk.
      Although there have not been any randomized placebo-controlled trials conducted
      to examine the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation to prevent AD, several
      nonrandomized controlled studies have found that older adults experienced
      cognitive improvements after 1-15 months of vitamin D supplementation. Therefore,
      it appears crucial to maintain vitamin D concentrations at sufficiently high
      levels in order to slow, prevent, or improve neurocognitive decline.

PMID- 27116241
TI  - Nutritional interventions for Alzheimer's prevention: a clinical precision
      medicine approach.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major source of morbidity and mortality, with the
      disease burden expected to rise as the population ages. No disease-modifying
      agent is currently available, but recent research suggests that nutritional and
      lifestyle modifications can delay or prevent the onset of AD. However, preventive
      nutritional interventions are not universally applicable and depend on the
      clinical profile of the individual patient. This article reviews existing
      nutritional modalities for AD prevention that act through improvement of insulin
      resistance, correction of dyslipidemia, and reduction of oxidative stress, and
      discusses how they may be modified on the basis of individual biomarkers,
      genetics, and behavior. In addition, we report preliminary results of clinical
      application of these personalized interventions at the first AD prevention clinic
      in the United States. The use of these personalized interventions represents an
      important application of precision medicine techniques for the prevention of AD
      that can be adopted by clinicians across disciplines.

PMID- 27116243
TI  - Utility of human epididymis protein 4 serum marker for the detection of adnexal
      malignancy: a multicentric prospective study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of the human epididymis
      protein 4 (HE4) serum biomarker in predicting malignant disease in a clinical
      setting in comparison with other diagnostic tools, such as serum CA125 and ROMA
      score. A multicentric prospective observational study was carried out between
      January 2010 and December 2011 in four European centres (Italy, Portugal, Latvia
      and Spain). Data from 981 healthy controls and patients diagnosed with adnexal
      pathology were collected. Data on the ROMA index, CA124 and HE4 tumour markers
      were analysed. The receiver-operator characteristics curve and the area under the
      curve were analysed to discriminate between malignant and nonmalignant disease.
      Predictive values were also calculated. In total, 642 (65.4%) patients presented
      with a pelvic mass, with 324 (33%) of them being diagnosed with malignant
      disease. Sensitivity for HE4 was 64.1%; specificity was 95.7%; and positive
      predictive value was 88.1%, with a 4.3% false-positive rate. On comparing
      malignant disease versus nonmalignant/healthy patients, there was a significant
      difference (P<0.001) in the area under the curve. The receiver-operator
      characteristic for CA125 was 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76-0.83], for
      HE4 was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.87-0.91) and for ROMA was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.68-0.75). The
      HE4 serum marker showed similar sensitivity, but better specificity, than CA125
      and can improve the detection of malignant pathology in women diagnosed with
      adnexal pathology.

PMID- 27116244
TI  - Evaluating the Impact of AAC Interventions in Reducing Hospitalization-related
      Stress: Challenges and Possibilities.
AB  - Hospitalization is a stressful context for all children and their families, but
      especially for children with communication difficulties. Effective communication
      using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies can play a
      critical role in preparing and supporting everyone involved in such situations to
      have discussions that minimize insecurity, allow children to express their
      concerns, and so decrease negative stress and anxiety. However, there is a
      critical need to identify robust and reliable ways of evaluating the
      effectiveness of interventions that seek to achieve this aim. This research note
      illustrates some of the challenges and problems that require attention and
      suggests possible new research tools, for example, the use of physiological
      measures. The evaluation of an AAC intervention on a day surgery ward is
      described and used to illustrate one potential physiological measure for
      evaluating the impact of an intervention.

PMID- 27116245
TI  - The Origin of a Paradigm.

PMID- 27116247
TI  - Surprises in astrophysical gasdynamics.
AB  - Much of astrophysics consists of the study of ionized gas under the influence of
      gravitational and magnetic fields. Thus, it is not possible to understand the
      astrophysical universe without a detailed knowledge of the dynamics of magnetized
      fluids. Fluid dynamics is, however, a notoriously tricky subject, in which it is
      all too easy for one's a priori intuition to go astray. In this review, we seek
      to guide the reader through a series of illuminating yet deceptive problems, all
      with an enlightening twist. We cover a broad range of topics including the
      instabilities acting in accretion discs, the hydrodynamics governing the
      convective zone of the Sun, the magnetic shielding of a cooling galaxy cluster,
      and the behaviour of thermal instabilities and evaporating clouds. The aim of
      this review is to surprise and intrigue even veteran astrophysical theorists with
      an idiosyncratic choice of problems and counterintuitive results. At the same
      time, we endeavour to bring forth the fundamental ideas, to set out important
      assumptions, and to describe carefully whatever novel techniques may be
      appropriate to the problem at hand. By beginning at the beginning, and analysing
      a wide variety of astrophysical settings, we seek not only to make this review
      suitable for fluid dynamic veterans, but to engage novice recruits as well with
      what we hope will be an unusual and instructive introduction to the subject.

PMID- 27116246
TI  - Molecular Self-Assembly Strategy for Generating Catalytic Hybrid Polypeptides.
AB  - Recently, catalytic peptides were introduced that mimicked protease activities
      and showed promising selectivity of products even in organic solvents where
      protease cannot perform well. However, their catalytic efficiency was extremely
      low compared to natural enzyme counterparts presumably due to the lack of stable
      tertiary fold. We hypothesized that assembling these peptides along with simple
      hydrophobic pockets, mimicking enzyme active sites, could enhance the catalytic
      activity. Here we fused the sequence of catalytic peptide CP4, capable of
      protease and esterase-like activities, into a short amyloidogenic peptide
      fragment of Abeta. When the fused CP4-Abeta construct assembled into antiparallel
      beta-sheets and amyloid fibrils, a 4.0-fold increase in the hydrolysis rate of p
      nitrophenyl acetate (p-NPA) compared to neat CP4 peptide was observed. The
      enhanced catalytic activity of CP4-Abeta assembly could be explained both by pre
      organization of a catalytically competent Ser-His-acid triad and hydrophobic
      stabilization of a bound substrate between the triad and p-NPA, indicating that a
      design strategy for self-assembled peptides is important to accomplish the
      desired functionality.

PMID- 27116249
TI  - Author's reply to the letter to the editor regarding "Hemoglobin level is a more
      predictive diagnostic marker for acute pyelonephritis than mean platelet volume".

PMID- 27116248
TI  - Long-term prognosis of AL and AA renal amyloidosis: a Japanese single-center
      experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have been conducted on the long-term prognosis of
      patients with amyloid light chain (AL) and amyloid A (AA) renal amyloidosis in
      the same cohort. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 68 patients with biopsy
      proven renal amyloidosis (38 AL and 30 AA). Clinicopathological findings at the
      diagnosis and follow-up data were evaluated in each patient. We analyzed the
      relationship between clinicopathological parameters and survival data. RESULTS:
      Significant differences were observed in several clinicopathological features,
      such as proteinuria levels, between the AL and AA groups. Among all patients,
      84.2 % of the AL group and 93.3 % of the AA group received treatments for the
      underlying diseases of amyloidosis. During the follow-up period (median 18 months
      in AL and 61 months in AA), 36.8 % of the AL group and 36.7 % of the AA group
      developed end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis, while 71.1 % of the AL
      group and 56.7 % of the AA group died. Patient and renal survivals were
      significantly longer in the AA group than in the AL group. eGFR of >60
      mL/min/1.73 m2 at biopsy and an early histological stage of glomerular amyloid
      deposition were identified as low-risk factors. A multivariate analysis showed
      that cardiac amyloidosis and steroid therapy significantly influenced patient and
      renal survivals. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that heart involvement was the
      major predictor of poor outcomes in renal amyloidosis, and that the prognosis of
      AA renal amyloidosis was markedly better than that in previously reported
      cohorts. Therapeutic advances in inflammatory diseases are expected to improve
      the prognosis of AA amyloidosis.

PMID- 27116250
TI  - Molecular density functional theory of water including density-polarization
      coupling.
AB  - We present a three-dimensional molecular density functional theory of water
      derived from first-principles that relies on the particle's density and
      multipolar polarization density and includes the density-polarization coupling.
      This brings two main benefits: (i) scalar density and vectorial multipolar
      polarization density fields are much more tractable and give more physical
      insight than the full position and orientation densities, and (ii) it includes
      the full density-polarization coupling of water, that is known to be non
      vanishing but has never been taken into account. Furthermore, the theory requires
      only the partial charge distribution of a water molecule and three measurable
      bulk properties, namely the structure factor and the Fourier components of the
      longitudinal and transverse dielectric susceptibilities.

PMID- 27116252
TI  - Amputation Versus Limb-Salvage Surgery in Patients with Osteosarcoma: A Meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis compared survival and function in patients with
      limb osteosarcoma treated with limb-salvage surgery (LSS) versus amputation or
      rotationplasty. METHODS: Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were
      searched until November 30, 2015 for studies reporting Musculoskeletal Tumor
      Society (MSTS) scores and survival rates in osteosarcoma patients. Differences
      between patients undergoing LSS versus ablative surgery were analyzed based on
      MSTS scores and postoperative survival rates. RESULTS: Of 1330 patients in the
      studies analyzed, 934 underwent LSS, and 662 were treated with amputation. A
      random-effects model was applied due to heterogeneity among studies (Q statistic
      = 1.829, I (2) = 0 %, p = 0.767). No difference was found in post-operative local
      recurrence rate between amputees and patients receiving LSS. The 5-year survival
      rate was significantly lower with amputation compared with LSS (OR 0.628; 95 % CI
      0.431-0.913, p = 0.015). The 2-year survival rate was not different between
      amputation and LSS. In addition, amputees had lower MSTS scores than those
      undergoing LSS (difference in means = -4.46 %, 95 % CI 6.49-2.45 %, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: LSS results in higher 5-year survival rates and better functional
      outcomes as indicated by MSTS scores in patients with limb osteosarcomas.

PMID- 27116253
TI  - Tissue communication in a systemic immune response of Drosophila.
AB  - Several signaling pathways, including the JAK/STAT and Toll pathways, are known
      to activate blood cells (hemocytes) in Drosophila melanogaster larvae. They are
      believed to regulate the immune response against infections by parasitoid wasps,
      such as Leptopilina boulardi, but how these pathways control the hemocytes is not
      well understood. Here, we discuss the recent discovery that both muscles and fat
      body take an active part in this response. Parasitoid wasp infection induces Upd2
      and Upd3 secretion from hemocytes, leading to JAK/STAT activation mainly in
      hemocytes and in skeletal muscles. JAK/STAT activation in muscles, but not in
      hemocytes, is required for an efficient encapsulation of wasp eggs. This suggests
      that Upd2 and Upd3 are important cytokines, coordinating different tissues for
      the cellular immune response in Drosophila. In the fat body, Toll signaling
      initiates a systemic response in which hemocytes are mobilized and activated
      hemocytes (lamellocytes) are generated. However, the contribution of Toll
      signaling to the defense against wasps is limited, probably because the wasps
      inject inhibitors that prevent the activation of the Toll pathway. In conclusion,
      parasite infection induces a systemic response in Drosophila larvae involving
      major organ systems and probably the physiology of the entire organism.

PMID- 27116254
TI  - Factors regulating bone remodeling processes in aseptic implant loosening.
AB  - This study was undertaken to screen periprosthetic tissues (PPTs) under specified
      conditions for a series of molecular components and describe them in bone
      remodeling processes within aseptic loosening. PPT samples were obtained from
      patients undergoing revision surgery of endoprostheses (n = 24) and synovial
      tissues from patients with OA (control) (n = 18), patients with any form of
      inflammatory arthritides were excluded. Tissue samples were examined via
      microbiology, histology (H&E, TRAP), immunohistochemistry (CD68/anti-S100a4),
      quantitative real-time PCR (ALP, COL1A1, cathepsin K, M-CSF, MMP13, OPG, RANK,
      RANKL, TNF-alpha, and TRAP) and an endotoxin-assay. PPT samples contained a
      variety of cellular components and stained positive for TRAP (56%), CD68 (100%),
      and S100a4 (100%). Wear debris were found in cells staining positive for CD68 and
      S100a4. In PPTs significantly higher ALP, COL1A1, MMP-13, RANK, RANKL, and TRAP
      expression were found along with a significantly higher RANKL/OPG ratio and a
      significantly lower OPG expression. No significant difference was observed for M
      CSF, TNF-alpha, cathepsin K, and endotoxin levels. In conclusion we found
      osteogenic proteins (ALP, COL1A1), a proteolytic enzyme (MMP-13), markers for
      osteoclast differentiation (RANK, RANKL), and osteoclast activity (TRAP) to be
      increased in PPT, whereas OPG expression decreased significantly in comparison to
      control. We present data about a large series of molecular components in PPT and
      describe novel and key findings about their expression levels in regards to
      aseptic implant loosening. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:248-257, 2017.

PMID- 27116251
TI  - miR-22 has a potent anti-tumour role with therapeutic potential in acute myeloid
      leukaemia.
AB  - MicroRNAs are subject to precise regulation and have key roles in tumorigenesis.
      In contrast to the oncogenic role of miR-22 reported in myelodysplastic syndrome
      (MDS) and breast cancer, here we show that miR-22 is an essential anti-tumour
      gatekeeper in de novo acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) where it is significantly
      downregulated. Forced expression of miR-22 significantly suppresses leukaemic
      cell viability and growth in vitro, and substantially inhibits leukaemia
      development and maintenance in vivo. Mechanistically, miR-22 targets multiple
      oncogenes, including CRTC1, FLT3 and MYCBP, and thus represses the CREB and MYC
      pathways. The downregulation of miR-22 in AML is caused by TET1/GFI1/EZH2/SIN3A
      mediated epigenetic repression and/or DNA copy-number loss. Furthermore,
      nanoparticles carrying miR-22 oligos significantly inhibit leukaemia progression
      in vivo. Together, our study uncovers a TET1/GFI1/EZH2/SIN3A/miR-22/CREB-MYC
      signalling circuit and thereby provides insights into epigenetic/genetic
      mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of AML, and also highlights the clinical
      potential of miR-22-based AML therapy.

PMID- 27116255
TI  - Nanocapillary Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet: A Tool for Ultrafine Maskless
      Surface Modification at Atmospheric Pressure.
AB  - With respect to microsized surface functionalization techniques we proposed the
      use of a maskless, versatile, simple tool, represented by a nano- or
      microcapillary atmospheric pressure plasma jet for producing microsized
      controlled etching, chemical vapor deposition, and chemical modification patterns
      on polymeric surfaces. In this work we show the possibility of size-controlled
      surface amination, and we discuss it as a function of different processing
      parameters. Moreover, we prove the successful connection of labeled sugar chains
      on the functionalized microscale patterns, indicating the possibility to use
      ultrafine capillary atmospheric pressure plasma jets as versatile tools for
      biosensing, tissue engineering, and related biomedical applications.

PMID- 27116256
TI  - Study of the Reaction Cl + Ethyl Formate at 700-950 Torr and 297 to 435 K:
      Product Distribution and the Kinetics of the Reaction C2H5OC(?O) -> CO2 + C2H5.
AB  - The kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of atomic chlorine with ethyl formate
      [Cl + CH3CH2O(C?O)H, reaction 1] have been examined. These experiments were
      performed at pressures of 760-950 Torr and temperatures from 297 to 435 K.
      Reactants and products were quantified by gas chromatography-flame ionization
      detector (GC/FID) analysis. The initial mixture contained ethyl formate, Cl2, and
      N2. Cl atoms were generated by UV photolysis of this initial mixture at 360 nm,
      which dissociates Cl2. The rate constant of reaction 1 was measured at 297 K
      relative to that of the reaction Cl + C2H5Cl (reaction 2), yielding the rate
      constant ratio k1/k2 = 1.09 +/- 0.05. The final products formed from reaction 1
      are ethyl chloroformate, 1-chloroethyl formate, and 2-chloroethyl formate. These
      products result from the reactions with Cl2 of the three free radicals formed by
      H atom abstraction from ethylformate in reaction 1. Based on the molar yields of
      these three chlorinated products, the yields of the three radicals formed from
      reaction 1 at 297 K are (25 +/- 3) mole percent of CH3CH2O(C?O); (67 +/- 5) mole
      percent of CH3CHO(C?O)H; and (8 +/- 2) mole percent of CH2CH2O(C?O)H. A second
      phase of this experiment measured the rate constant of the decarboxylation of the
      ethoxy carbonyl radical [CH3CH2O(C?O) -> CO2 + C2H5, reaction 4] relative to the
      rate constant of its reaction with Cl2 [CH3CH2O(C?O) + Cl2 -> CH3CH2O(C?O)Cl +
      Cl, reaction 3a]. Over the temperature range 297 to 404 K at 1 atm total
      pressure, this ratio can be expressed by k4/k3a = 10(23.56+/-0.22) e(-(12700+/
      375)/RT) molecules cm(-3). Estimating the value of k3a (which has not been
      measured) based on similar reactions, the expression k4 = 5.8 * 10(12) e(
      (12700)/RT) s(-1) is obtained. The estimated error of this rate constant is +/- a
      factor of 2 over the experimental temperature range. This rate expression is
      compared with recent ab initio calculations of the decarboxylation of the
      analogous methoxy carbonyl radical. 

PMID- 27116257
TI  - Letter to the Editor concerning "Virtually bloodless posterior midline exposure
      of the lumbar spine using the 'paramidline' fatty plane" by Moghimi MH, Leonard
      DA, Cho CH, et al. (Eur Spine J (2016) 25;956-962).

PMID- 27116259
TI  - Shakespeare: the bard at the bedside.

PMID- 27116258
TI  - A model of acute central cervical spinal cord injury syndrome combined with
      chronic injury in goats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a large animal model for acute central cervical spinal cord
      injury syndrome (ACCSCIS. METHODS: Twenty-four adult male goats were randomized
      into four groups including group A with acute compression injury, group B with
      anterior chronic compression, group C as the test group that received anterior
      chronic compression by screw and acute compression by posterior balloon
      insertion, and group D as normal controls that received sham surgery.
      Neurological function (modified Tarlov motor function), CT, MRI, cortical
      somatosensory evoked potentials (CSEP), and pathological analysis were evaluated.
      The data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The motor function of the goats in
      group C was significantly lower than other groups. CSEP before spinal cord
      compression showed a stable pattern. Spinal cord compression resulted in a
      gradual decrement in the peak latency and significant increment in the peak
      amplitude. Cervical spinal canal occupying ratio was significantly lower in group
      C than the other groups. MRI revealed focal low signal in T1 weighted images and
      focal high signal in T2 weighted images in group C. Pathological analysis showed
      more severe lesions in the gray matter than that in the white matter in group C.
      CONCLUSIONS: The model well simulated the pathogenesis and resembled the clinical
      characteristics of ACCSCIS. This model seems to have the potential to contribute
      to the development of effective therapies for ACCSCIS.

PMID- 27116260
TI  - Securing a fairer deal for children.

PMID- 27116261
TI  - Strong stewardship to fight antimicrobial resistance.

PMID- 27116262
TI  - Transfusion-transmitted malaria: is hope around the corner?

PMID- 27116263
TI  - No more excuses: viral hepatitis can be eliminated.

PMID- 27116264
TI  - Improving access to NCD medicines through collaboration.

PMID- 27116266
TI  - Chernobyl disaster 30 years on: lessons not learned.

PMID- 27116267
TI  - Nepal's slow road to recovery, 1 year after the earthquakes.

PMID- 27116268
TI  - Systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 27116269
TI  - Tolullah Oni: public health specialist with a global ambition.

PMID- 27116271
TI  - "The infirmity of his age": Shakespeare's 400th anniversary.

PMID- 27116272
TI  - Partial breast irradiation and the GEC-ESTRO trial.

PMID- 27116273
TI  - Partial breast irradiation and the GEC-ESTRO trial.

PMID- 27116274
TI  - Partial breast irradiation and the GEC-ESTRO trial - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27116275
TI  - Objection to chronic disease based restrictions during the Hajj.

PMID- 27116276
TI  - Mephedrone use is increasing in London.

PMID- 27116277
TI  - The language of biomedical sciences.

PMID- 27116278
TI  - Frailty in emergency departments.

PMID- 27116279
TI  - Iran and science publishing in the post-sanctions era.

PMID- 27116280
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 27116281
TI  - Tu Youyou's Nobel Prize and the academic evaluation system in China.

PMID- 27116282
TI  - Effect of Plasmodium inactivation in whole blood on the incidence of blood
      transfusion-transmitted malaria in endemic regions: the African Investigation of
      the Mirasol System (AIMS) randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transfusion-transmitted malaria is a frequent but neglected adverse
      event in Ghana. We did a randomised controlled clinical trial to assess the
      efficacy and safety of a whole blood pathogen reduction technology at preventing
      transfusion transmission of Plasmodium spp parasites. METHODS: For this
      randomised, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial, eligible adult patients
      (aged >= 18 years) with blood group O+, who required up to two whole blood unit
      transfusions within 3 days of randomisation and were anticipated to remain in
      hospital for at least 3 consecutive days after initial transfusion, were enrolled
      from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. The main exclusion criteria
      were symptoms of clinical malaria, antimalaria treatment within 7 days before
      randomisation, fever, and haemorrhage expected to require transfusion with up to
      two units of whole blood during the 3 days following study entry. Eligible
      patients were randomly assigned 1:1 by computer-generated permuted block
      randomisation (block size four) list to receive transfusion with either pathogen
      reduced whole blood (treated) or whole blood prepared and transfused by standard
      local practice (untreated). Patients, health-care providers, and data collectors
      were masked to treatment allocation. Patients in both groups received up to two
      whole blood unit transfusions that were retrospectively tested for parasitaemia.
      Pre-transfusion and post-transfusion blood samples (taken on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and
      28) were tested for presence and amount of parasite genome, and assessed for
      haematological and biochemical parameters. The primary endpoint was the incidence
      of transfusion-transmitted malaria in non-parasitaemic recipients exposed to
      parasitaemic whole blood, defined as two consecutive parasitaemic post
      transfusion samples with parasite allelic matching, assessed at 1-7 days after
      transfusion. Secondary endpoints included haematological parameters and a safety
      analysis of adverse events in patients. This study is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02118428, and with the Pan African Clinical Trials
      Registry, number PACTR201406000777310. FINDINGS: Between March 12, 2014, and Nov
      7, 2014, 227 patients were enrolled into the study, one of whom was subsequently
      excluded because she did not meet the inclusion criteria. Of the 226 randomised
      patients, 113 were allocated to receive treated whole blood and 113 to receive
      standard untreated whole blood. 223 patients (111 treated and 112 untreated)
      received study-related transfusions, whereas three patients (two treated and one
      untreated) did not. 214 patients (107 treated and 107 untreated) completed the
      protocol as planned and comprised the per-protocol population. Overall, 65 non
      parasitaemic patients (28 treated and 37 untreated) were exposed to parasitaemic
      blood. The incidence of transfusion-transmitted malaria was significantly lower
      for the pathogen-reduced (treated) patients (1 [4%] of 28 patients) than the
      untreated group (8 [22%] of 37 patients) in this population (p=0.039). Overall,
      92 (41%) of 223 patients reported 145 treatment-related emergent adverse events
      during the conduct of the study, with a similar incidence of adverse events
      between groups receiving untreated or treated whole blood. No transfusion-related
      deaths occurred in the trial. INTERPRETATION: Treatment of whole blood with the
      Mirasol pathogen reduction system for whole blood reduced the incidence of
      transfusion-transmitted malaria. The primary endpoint of the study was achieved
      in the population of non-parasitaemic patients receiving parasitaemic whole
      blood. The safety profile and clinical outcomes were similar across the two
      treatment groups. FUNDING: Terumo BCT Inc.

PMID- 27116283
TI  - The path to eradication: a progress report on the malaria-eliminating countries.
AB  - In the past several years, as worldwide morbidity and mortality due to malaria
      have continued to decrease, the global malaria community has grown increasingly
      supportive of the idea of malaria eradication. In 2015, three noteworthy global
      documents were released-the WHO's Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016
      2030, the Roll Back Malaria Partnership's Action and Investment to defeat Malaria
      2016-2030, and From Aspiration to Action: What Will It Take to End Malaria?-that
      collectively advocate for malaria elimination and eradication and outline key
      operational, technical, and financial strategies to achieve progress toward
      malaria eradication. In light of this remarkable change in global attitudes
      toward malaria elimination and eradication, and as the malaria community debates
      how and when to embark on this ambitious goal, it is important to assess current
      progress along the path to eradication. Although low-income, high-burden
      countries are often the focus when discussing the substantial challenges of
      eradication, the progress toward elimination in middle-income, low-burden
      countries is a major driver of global progress and deserves better recognition.
      Additionally, although global support and guidance is essential for success,
      malaria elimination and eradication efforts will ultimately be driven at the
      country level and achieved in a collaborative manner, region by region. In this
      Review, we examine the present status of the 35 malaria-eliminating countries,
      summarise existing national and regional elimination goals and the regional
      frameworks that support them, and identify the most crucial enabling factors and
      potential barriers to achieving eradication by a theoretical end date of 2040. 

PMID- 27116287
TI  - Endocan: a novel predictor of endothelial dysfunction in obstructive sleep apnea
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is an independent
      risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and cardiometabolic diseases. Plasma
      endocan levels are elevated in a large number of diseases, and is a novel
      surrogate endothelial cell dysfunction marker. We aimed to assess the role of
      serum endocan level as a potential mechanism of endothelial dysfunction in OSA
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cohort study in which patients who
      had undergone a sleep study for diagnosis of OSA were recruited. Included
      patients were grouped according to apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as mild, moderate
      and severe OSA. Patients with AHI < 5 served as control group. Endothelial
      function was evaluated with flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Plasma endocan level
      was measured for all patients. RESULTS: One hundred twenty eight OSA patients
      included (15 controls, 22 with mild, 22 with moderate and 69 with severe OSA).
      The mean age was 51.6 +/- 11.9 years and 43.8% (56/128) of the study population
      was female. As expected, the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and
      cardiovascular disease increased as the severity of OSA increased. Endocan levels
      were significantly higher and FMD measurements were lower in patients with OSA
      compared to healthy controls. There was a positive correlation between AHI and
      serum endocan levels (rho = 0.826, P < 0.0001) and there was a negative
      correlation between AHI and FMD (rho = -0.686, P < 0.0001) In addition, we
      observed a strong negative correlation between serum endocan level and FMD (rho =
      -0.613, P < 0.0001). In linear regression analysis AHI was independently related
      both with endocan (P < 0.0001) and FMD (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Serum endocan
      level is strongly associated with the severity of OSA and endothelial
      dysfunction. Endocan might be a useful early novel marker for premature vascular
      endothelial system damage in OSA patients.

PMID- 27116288
TI  - Assessment of relationship between galectin-3 and ambulatory ECG-based microvolt
      T-wave alternans in sustained systolic-diastolic hypertension patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Galectin-3 is a marker associated with myocardial fibrosis and left
      ventricular myocardial index (LVMI). Myocardial fibrosis and LVMI have been
      reported in many studies to be associated with microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA)
      positivity. In this study, galectin-3 levels of normotensive individuals and
      sustained systolic-diastolic hypertensive patients were compared and the
      association between galectin-3 levels and ambulatory ECG-based MTWA was
      investigated. METHODS: A total of 184 individuals were included in the study,
      among whom, 43 were normotensive and 141 had sustained systolic-diastolic
      hypertension without cardiovascular or chronic renal failure. Galectin-3, MTWA,
      and LVMI were evaluated in all participants. Galectin-3 levels of hypertensive
      and normotensive participants were compared. The association between galectin-3,
      MTWA, LVMI, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was investigated in
      hypertensive patients. RESULTS: LVMI and galectin-3 levels were higher among
      hypertensive patients compared with normotensives (94.9+/-26.8 vs. 76.4+/-22.9
      g/m, 7.325+/-2.123 vs. 5.233+/-1.506 ng/ml; P<0.001, P<0.001). Correlation
      analysis carried out among the hypertensive patients showed that the galectin-3
      level was correlated positively to LVMI, age, and MTWA positivity (r=0.396,
      P<0.001; r=0.358, P<0.001; r=0.361, P<0.001, respectively), whereas it was
      correlated negatively to eGFR and male sex (r=-0.364, P<0.001; r=-0.280, P=0.001,
      respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that LVMI and
      galectin-3 showed an independent association with MTWA positivity in hypertensive
      patients (P=0.003 and 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Increased galectin-3
      levels are associated with ambulatory ECG-based MTWA positivity, decreased eGFR,
      and increased LVMI in hypertensive patients. This association may be used for
      risk classification in this patient group.

PMID- 27116291
TI  - UK Renal Registry 18th Annual Report: Chapter 12 Epidemiology of Reported
      Infections amongst Patients Receiving Dialysis for Established Renal Failure in
      England 2013 to 2014: a Joint Report from Public Health England and the UK Renal
      Registry.
AB  - From 1st May 2013 to 30th April 2014 there were 35 episodes of Methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia in established renal failure
      patients on dialysis. This is now fairly stable year-on-year equating to a rate
      of 0.15 episodes per 100 dialysis patient years, following an initial decline in
      rates from 4.0 episodes per 100 dialysis patient years in 2005 when reporting
      began. Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteraemia rates were
      slightly higher this year at 2.23 per 100 dialysis patient years (compared with
      1.59 episodes per 100 dialysis patient years last year) with 526 episodes of
      blood stream infection reported. In 2005, the first year this was reported, there
      were 1,114 MSSA bacteraemias in 54 centres. There were 247 Clostridium difficile
      infection episodes with a rate of 1.05 per 100 dialysis patient years, slightly
      higher than last year at 0.55 episodes per 100 dialysis patient years.
      Escherichia coli infections occurred at a rate of 1.49 per 100 dialysis patient
      years, very similar to the rate reported last year (1.32 episodes per 100
      dialysis patient years). This report has utilised a new methodology to identify
      cases, linking all established renal failure cases known to the UK Renal Registry
      (UKRR) with all infections reported to Public Health England and avoids the need
      for the local microbiology team to flag the patient as a renal patient. This may
      have increased the reliability of diagnosis at the UKRR level. In each infection
      for which access data were collected, the presence of a central venous catheter
      appeared to correlate with increased risk.

PMID- 27116292
TI  - Readability of Educational Materials to Support Parent Sexual Communication With
      Their Children and Adolescents.
AB  - Sexual communication is a principal means of transmitting sexual values,
      expectations, and knowledge from parents to their children and adolescents. Many
      parents seek information and guidance to support talking with their children
      about sex and sexuality. Parent education materials can deliver this guidance but
      must use appropriate readability levels to facilitate comprehension and
      motivation. This study appraised the readability of educational materials to
      support parent sexual communication with their children. Fifty brochures,
      pamphlets, and booklets were analyzed using the Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, and
      Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) index methods. Mean readability grade-level
      scores were 8.3 (range = 4.5-12.8), 9.7 (range = 5.5-14.9), and 10.1 (range = 6.7
      13.9), respectively. Informed by National Institutes of Health-recommended 6th to
      7th grade levels and American Medical Association-recommended 5th to 6th grade
      levels, percentages falling at or below the 7.0 grade level were calculated as
      38%, 12%, and 2% and those falling at or below the 6.0 grade level were
      calculated as 12%, 2%, and 0% based on the Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, and SMOG
      methods, respectively. These analyses indicate that the majority of educational
      materials available online to support parents' communication with their children
      about sex and sexuality do not meet the needs of many or most parents. Efforts to
      improve the accessibility of these materials are warranted.

PMID- 27116293
TI  - Metabolism and urinary excretion kinetics of di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate
      (DEHTP) in three male volunteers after oral dosage.
AB  - Di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHTP) is used as a substitute for di(2
      ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an ortho-phthalate-based plasticizer that is
      classified and labeled due to its toxicity to reproduction. In this study the
      metabolism and urinary excretion kinetics of DEHTP were investigated by single
      oral dosage of 50 mg DEHTP to three male volunteers (resulting in individual
      dosages between 0.55 and 0.59 mg/kg body weight). Separate urine samples were
      consecutively collected for 48 h. In analogy to DEHP, we quantified specific side
      chain-oxidized monoester metabolites of DEHTP (5OH-MEHTP, 5oxo-MEHTP, 5cx-MEPTP
      and 2cx-MMHTP) by HPLC-MS/MS with online sample clean-up and isotope dilution.
      All postulated metabolites were detectable in all samples after dosage. The
      predominant, specific urinary metabolite was 5cx-MEPTP representing about 13.0 %
      of the applied dose as mean of the three volunteers (range 7.0-20.4 %) in urine,
      followed by 5OH-MEHTP (mean: 1.8 %; range 1.3-2.4 %) and 5oxo MEHTP (mean: 1.0 %;
      range 0.6-1.6 %). 2cx-MMHTP was a minor metabolite representing only 0.3 % (range
      0.2-0.4 %). In total, about 16.1 % of the dose was recovered in urine as the
      above investigated specific metabolites within 48 h with the major share (95 %)
      being excreted within the first 24 h. Investigation of the glucuronidation
      patterns revealed that the carboxy-metabolites are excreted almost completely in
      their free form (>90 %), whereas for 5OH-MEHTP and 5oxo-MEHTP, glucuronidation is
      preferred (>70 %). With this study we provide reliable urinary excretion factors
      to calculate DEHTP intakes based on metabolite concentrations in environmental
      and occupational studies. 

PMID- 27116294
TI  - Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) inhibits adhesion and migration of neural
      progenitor cells in vitro.
AB  - Food supplements based on herbal products are widely used during pregnancy as
      part of a self-care approach. The idea that such supplements are safe and healthy
      is deeply seated in the general population, although they do not underlie the
      same strict safety regulations than medical drugs. We aimed to characterize the
      neurodevelopmental effects of the green tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate
      (EGCG), which is now commercialized as high-dose food supplement. We used the
      "Neurosphere Assay" to study the effects and unravel underlying molecular
      mechanisms of EGCG treatment on human and rat neural progenitor cells (NPCs)
      development in vitro. EGCG alters human and rat NPC development in vitro. It
      disturbs migration distance, migration pattern, and nuclear density of NPCs
      growing as neurospheres. These functional impairments are initiated by EGCG
      binding to the extracellular matrix glycoprotein laminin, preventing its binding
      to beta1-integrin subunits, thereby prohibiting cell adhesion and resulting in
      altered glia alignment and decreased number of migrating young neurons. Our data
      raise a concern on the intake of high-dose EGCG food supplements during pregnancy
      and highlight the need of an in vivo characterization of the effects of high-dose
      EGCG exposure during neurodevelopment.

PMID- 27116296
TI  - Erratum to: Mervyn Deitel-Biography.

PMID- 27116295
TI  - Serum Bioavailable Vitamin D Concentrations and Bone Mineral Density in Women
      After Obesity Surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Low bone mass after obesity surgery may arise as a consequence of
      chronic malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D. However, we have not found any
      role of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D or of polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor
      gene in previous studies. PURPOSE: To investigate the circulating bioavailable 25
      hydroxyvitamin D in women after bariatric procedures and its association with
      bone mass. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 91 women on follow-up for
      7 +/- 2 years after bariatric surgery. We measured bone mineral density (BMD),
      serum parathormone (PTH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and vitamin D binding protein
      (VDBP). All patients were genotyped for two variants in the coding region of VDBP
      (rs4588 and rs7041). Bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D was calculated in double
      homozygotes. RESULTS: We found a negative correlation between bioavailable 25
      hydroxyvitamin D and PTH (r = -0.373, P = 0.018), but not with BMD at lumbar
      spine (r = -0.065, P = 0.682) or hip (r = -0.029, P = 0.857). When adjusting by
      age, similar results were found for PTH (r = -0.441, P = 0.005), BMD at lumbar
      spine (r = -0.026, P = 0.874) and hip (r = -0.096, P = 0.561). After multivariate
      linear regression, forcing bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D into the model
      resulted in a weak significant association with BMD at the lumbar spine (beta = -
      0.247, P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Serum bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      concentrations are not associated with bone mass loss after bariatric surgery in
      women. The negative association with serum PTH levels suggests that vitamin D
      supplementation partly improves secondary hyperparathyroidism, yet other
      mechanisms may contribute to low bone mass after bariatric surgery.

PMID- 27116298
TI  - Patient dissatisfaction and institutional betrayal in the Canadian medical
      system: A qualitative study.
AB  - Individuals who struggle with chronic medical conditions frequently use medical
      services and may depend on the medical system to ensure their overall well-being.
      As a result, they may be at a greater risk of feeling betrayed by the medical
      system when their needs are not being met. The current study aimed to
      qualitatively assess patients' negative experiences with the medical system that
      may lead to feelings of institutional betrayal. A total of 14 Canadian adults
      struggling with various chronic conditions completed an online open-ended
      questionnaire. Results indicated that institutional betrayal is composed of
      doctor-level betrayal (inadequate medical care and lack of psychological support)
      as well as system-level betrayal. The findings are discussed in the context of
      betrayal trauma theory; specifically, patients' appraisals of their negative
      health care experiences may play a vital role when one is considering the impact
      of institutional betrayal on an individual's overall well-being.

PMID- 27116299
TI  - Determining Multiple Responses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 to an Antimicrobial
      Agent, Free Nitrous Acid.
AB  - Free nitrous acid (FNA) has recently been demonstrated as an antimicrobial agent
      on a range of micro-organisms, especially in wastewater-treatment systems.
      However, the antimicrobial mechanism of FNA is largely unknown. Here, we report
      that the antimicrobial effects of FNA are multitargeted. The response of a model
      denitrifier, Pseudomnas aeruginosa PAO1 (PAO1), common in wastewater treatment,
      was investigated in the absence and presence of inhibitory level of FNA (0.1 mg
      N/L) under anaerobic denitrifying conditions. This was achieved through coupling
      gene expression analysis, by RNA sequencing, and with a suite of physiological
      analyses. Various transcripts exhibited significant changes in abundance in the
      presence of FNA. Respiration was likely inhibited because denitrification
      activity was severely depleted, and decreased transcript levels of most
      denitrification genes occurred. As a consequence, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA)
      cycle was inhibited due to the lowered cellular redox state in the FNA-exposed
      cultures. Meanwhile, during FNA exposure, PAO1 rerouted its carbon metabolic
      pathway from the TCA cycle to pyruvate fermentation with acetate as the end
      product as a possible survival mechanism. Additionally, protein synthesis was
      significantly decreased, and ribosome preservation was evident. These findings
      improve our understanding of PAO1 in response to FNA and contribute toward the
      potential application for use of FNA as an antimicrobial agent.

PMID- 27116300
TI  - Insights of the Crystallization Process of Molecular Sieve AlPO4-5 Prepared by
      Solvent-Free Synthesis.
AB  - Crystallization of AlPO4-5 with AFI structure under solvent-free conditions has
      been investigated. Attention was mainly focused on the characterization of the
      intermediate phases formed at the early stages during the crystallization. The
      development in the long-range ordering of the solid phases as a function of
      crystallization time was monitored by XRD, SEM, IR, UV-Raman, and MAS NMR
      techniques. Particularly, the UV-Raman spectroscopy was employed to obtain the
      information on the formation process of the framework. J-HMQC (27)Al/(31)P double
      resonance NMR experiments were used to identify the P-O-Al bonded species in the
      intermediate phases. For the first time the P-O-Al bonded species in the
      intermediate phases can be correctly described through using this advanced NMR
      technique. The crystallization under solvent-free conditions appears to follow
      the pathway: The initial amorphous raw material is converted to an intermediate
      phase which has four-/six-membered ring species, then gradually transformed into
      crystalline AlPO4-5. This observation is not consistent with the common idea that
      the intermediate phase is the semicrystalline intermediates with a three
      dimensional structure.

PMID- 27116301
TI  - Phenylacylphenol derivatives with anti-melanogenic activity from Stewartia
      pseudocamellia.
AB  - Three new phenylacylphenol derivatives, stewartianol (1), deoxystewartianol-4'-O
      arabinoglucoside (2), and stewartianol-3-O-glucoside (3), along with nine known
      compounds, methylesculin (4), fraxoside (5), fraxetin (6), scopletin (7), (+)
      dihydromyricetin (8), (+)-taxifolin-7-O-beta-D-glucose (9), (+)-taxifolin (10),
      (+)-dihydrokaempferol-7-O-beta-D-glucose (11), and 3-acetyl-ursolic acid (12),
      were isolated from the twigs of Stewartia pseudocamellia; commonly used as folk
      medicine in Korea. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified using
      spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR, MS and compared with published
      data. The compounds were tested for their anti-melanogenic activity in cultured
      murine B16 melanoma cells. Stewartianol (1) and stewartianol-3-O-glucoside (3)
      showed an inhibitory effect significantly on melanogenesis in a concentration
      dependent manner. 

PMID- 27116302
TI  - Comparison of the Effective Fragment Potential Method with Symmetry-Adapted
      Perturbation Theory in the Calculation of Intermolecular Energies for Ionic
      Liquids.
AB  - The effective fragment potential (EFP) method that decomposes the interaction
      energy as a sum of the five fundamental forces-electrostatic, exchange-repulsion,
      polarization, dispersion, and charge transfer-was applied to a large test set of
      ionic liquid ion pairs and compared against the state-of-the-art method, Symmetry
      Adapted Perturbation Theory (SAPT). The ion pairs include imidazolium and
      pyrrolidinium cations combined with anions that are routinely used in the field
      of ionic liquids. The aug-cc-pVDZ, aug-cc-pVTZ, and 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets were
      used for EFP, while SAPT2+3/aug-cc-pVDZ provided the benchmark energies.
      Differences between the two methods were found to be large, and strongly
      dependent on the anion type. For the aug-cc-pVTZ basis set, which produced the
      least errors, average relative errors were between 2.3% and 18.4% for
      pyrrolidinium ion pairs and between 2.1% and 27.7% for imidazolium ion pairs for
      each individual energetic component (excluding charge transfer), as well as the
      total interaction energy. Charge transfer gave the largest relative errors: 56%
      and 63% on average for pyrrolidinium- and imidazolium-based ion pairs,
      respectively. Scaling of the EFP components against SAPT2+3 showed improvement
      for polarization (induction) and dispersion terms, thus indicating potential for
      the development of cost-effective alternatives for intermolecular induction and
      dispersion potentials for ionic liquids. 

PMID- 27116303
TI  - Guardians' Perceptions of Cats' Welfare and Behavior Regarding Visiting
      Veterinary Clinics.
AB  - To assess the welfare of cats at the veterinary clinic and how caregivers and
      veterinarians affect it, a survey of Italian cat guardians (n = 1,111) was
      conducted using a 28-item multichoice questionnaire. Most cats showed impaired
      welfare during all stages of a clinic visit: before entering, in the waiting
      room, moving to the examination room, on the examination table, and after
      returning home. A relationship was found between welfare states in each stage.
      Stress worsened with further experience and had negative effects on traveling and
      handling in other situations. Restraint, pain, and anxiety led to aggression
      toward vets and guardians. Guardians showed a positive attitude toward their
      cats' health and welfare, and the veterinarians' behavior toward the cats was a
      reason for changing the veterinarian. One in 10 veterinarians examined the cat
      immediately, without stroking, talking, or offering food. However, the use of
      food was effective only if cats were not already stressed. Educating guardians
      and veterinarians to minimize stress during every stage of a clinic visit is the
      best approach to improving welfare for cats visiting the clinic. 

PMID- 27116318
TI  - Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)-Amphirionin-4.
AB  - An enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-amphirionin-4 has been accomplished in
      a convergent manner. The synthesis features an efficient enzymatic lipase
      resolution to access the tetrahydrofuranol core in optically active form. The
      functionalized tetrahydrofuran derivative was synthesized via an oxocarbenium ion
      mediated highly diastereoselective syn-allylation reaction. The polyene side
      chain was synthesized using Stille coupling reactions. Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi
      coupling was utilized to construct the C-8 stereocenter and complete the
      synthesis of (+)-amphirionin-4.

PMID- 27116319
TI  - Neonatal hyperoxia increases airway reactivity and inflammation in adult mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Supplemental O2 to treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in
      premature infants, is a major risk factor producing alteration in lung function,
      airway reactivity, and predisposition to respiratory infections. This study
      explores inflammatory and airway responses following neonatal hyperoxia in adult
      mice. METHODS: Newborn mouse litters were randomized to 85% O2 or room air (RA)
      on P3 for 12 days; mice were sacrificed either on P15 or at 15 weeks following
      recovery in RA. Airway hyper reactivity (AHR) was assessed in vivo (8 and 12
      weeks) and in vitro (15 weeks) with methacholine; Lung and BAL were assayed for
      inflammatory mediators, cell counts, CD3 immunohistochemistry, and
      histopathology. RESULTS: Hyperoxic mice had increased airway reactivity at
      baseline and following methacholine challenge in vivo (8 and 12 weeks); isolated
      tracheal rings had a significantly higher constriction response to methacholine
      in vitro compared to RA group. Inflammatory markers were higher at 2 weeks (MCP
      1, IL-12, INF-gamma) and at 15 weeks (LTB4 , VEGF); Lipoxin-A4 was lower in the
      hyperoxia group at both time points. Increased airway smooth muscle thickness and
      angiogenesis in the lung was seen at 15 weeks. Hyperoxic lungs exhibited alveolar
      simplification at 2 and 15 weeks. Absolute lymphocyte count was higher in lavage
      fluid with an increased CD3 cell count at 15 weeks suggesting persistent
      inflammation in adult mice following neonatal hyperoxia. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to
      hyperoxia in newborn mice increases long-term airway reactivity with persistent
      lung inflammation associated with a marked increase in lymphocytes, suggesting
      long-term consequences in adults. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1131-1141. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27116320
TI  - Erratum to: Calculation of total energy expenditure in publications on physical
      activity energy by Yamada et al. in 2009 and 2013.

PMID- 27116321
TI  - Characterization and Optimization of Amylase Production in WangLB, a High Amylase
      Producing Strain of Bacillus.
AB  - The costs of amylase represent ca. 24 % of the expenditures in the starch
      industry and an increase in amylase production and/or activity will greatly cut
      down on production costs. In the present study, we obtained a high amylase
      producing strain of bacteria, WangLB, and identified it as a member of the
      Bacillus genus based on 16S rDNA analysis. The fermentation conditions for
      amylase production in the strain were optimized, and the maximum amylase activity
      we obtained was 26,670 +/- 1390 U/mL, under the optimized conditions of 48-h
      incubation in liquid starch medium, 35  degrees C, pH 10, 1 % v/v inoculum
      concentration, 20 g/L starch concentration, and 0.1 % w/v peptone. The influences
      of 16 small organic inducers on amylase production were tested, and the results
      showed that 20 mmol/L alanine greatly enhanced amylase production to 290 % of the
      baseline level. We also conducted an amylase enzymology analysis. The molecular
      weight of the amylase was 55 kD, determined by SDS-PAGE. The optimum temperature
      and pH for the amylase were 55  degrees C and pH 9, respectively. The enzyme also
      showed high activity over a wide range of temperatures (50-85  degrees C) and pH
      values (3-10), and the activity of the amylase was Ca(2+) independent. The
      kinetic parameters K m and V max were 0.37 +/- 0.02 mg/mL and 233 U/mg,
      respectively. Finally, the amylase was applied to the hydrolysis of five
      different brands of starch. It was found that the hydrolyzability of the
      substrate by amylase increased along with starch solubility. 

PMID- 27116322
TI  - Disentangling the Association between Statins, Cholesterol, and Colorectal
      Cancer: A Nested Case-Control Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several prior studies have found an association between statin use
      and reduced risk of colorectal cancer. We hypothesized that these findings may be
      due to systematic bias and examined the independent association of colorectal
      cancer risk with statin use, serum cholesterol, and change in cholesterol
      concentration. METHODS AND FINDINGS: 22,163 colorectal cancer cases and 86,538
      matched controls between 1995 and 2013 were identified within The Health
      Improvement Network (THIN) a population-representative database. Conditional
      logistic regression models estimated colorectal cancer risk with statin use,
      serum total cholesterol (mmol/L), and change in total cholesterol level. We
      confirmed a decreased risk of colorectal cancer with statin use (long-term: odds
      ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91-0.99; short-term: OR, 0.92;
      95% CI, 0.85-0.99). However, to assess whether the observed association may
      result from indication bias, a subgroup analysis was conducted among patients
      prescribed a statin. In this subgroup (n = 5,102 cases, n = 19,032 controls),
      3.1% of case subjects and 3.1% of controls discontinued therapy. The risk of
      colorectal cancer was not significantly different among those who continued
      statin therapy and those who discontinued (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.79-1.22).
      Increased serum cholesterol was independently associated with decreased risk of
      colorectal cancer (OR, 0.89 per mmol/L increase; 95% CI, 0.87-0.91); the
      association was only present if serum cholesterol was measured near the cancer
      diagnosis (<6 mo: OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.47-0.61; >24 mo: OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.93
      1.03). Decreases in serum total cholesterol >1 mmol/L >=1 year prior to cancer
      diagnosis were associated with subsequent colorectal cancer (statin users: OR,
      1.25; 95 CI%, 1.03-1.53; nonusers: OR, 2.36; 95 CI%, 1.78-3.12). As an
      observational study, limitations included incomplete data and residual
      confounding. CONCLUSIONS: Although the risk of colorectal cancer was lower in
      statin users versus nonusers, no difference was observed among those who
      continued versus discontinued statin therapy, suggesting the potential for
      indication bias. The association between decreased serum cholesterol and
      colorectal cancer risk suggests a cholesterol-lowering effect of undiagnosed
      malignancy. Clinical judgment should be used when considering causes of
      cholesterol reduction in patients, including those on statin therapy.

PMID- 27116323
TI  - Eye Care Disparities and Health-Related Consequences in Elderly Patients with Age
      Related Eye Disease.
AB  - The elderly population in the United States (age 65 and older) is growing
      rapidly, estimated by the U.S. Census Department to reach 83.7 million by
      2050.(1) Visual impairment increases with age among all racial and ethnic
      groups.(2) In the elderly, the most common culprits for vision loss are cataract,
      glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).(2) In the developed world,
      vision loss from cataract has been dramatically reduced by increased access to
      cataract surgery. However, AMD and glaucoma lead to irreversible vision loss
      without early diagnosis and intervention. In the U.S., cases of AMD are expected
      to double by 2050, reaching 17.8 million among patients age 50 or older.(3)
      Similarly, cases of glaucoma are expected to reach 5.5 million by 2050, an
      increase of over 90% from 2014.(3) The visually impaired elderly face disparities
      in access to eye care, and subsequent general medical and psychosocial
      complications. 

PMID- 27116324
TI  - The Stillbirth Classification System for the Safe Passage Study: Incorporating
      Mechanism, Etiology, and Recurrence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Describe the classification system for assigning the cause of
      stillbirth in the Safe Passage Study, an international, multi-institutional,
      prospective analysis conducted by the NIAAA/NICHD-funded Prenatal Alcohol in SIDS
      and Stillbirth (PASS) Research Network. The study mission is to determine the
      role of prenatal alcohol and/or cigarette smoke exposure in adverse pregnancy
      outcomes, including stillbirth, in a high-risk cohort of 12,000 maternal/fetal
      dyads. METHODS: The PASS Network classification system is based upon 5 'sites of
      origin' for cause of stillbirth, further subdivided into mechanism subcategories;
      both are employed to assign an ultimate cause of death. Each PASS stillbirth was
      assigned a cause of death, and status of sporadic versus recurrent. Adjudication
      involved review of maternal and obstetrical records; fetal autopsy and placental
      findings; and required complete consensus in each case. Two published
      classification systems, i.e., INCODE and ReCoDe, were used for comparison.
      RESULTS: Causes of stillbirth classified were: fetal (26%), placental (53%),
      external (5%), and undetermined (16%). Nine cases (47%) had placental causes of
      death due to maternal disorders that carry recurrence risks. There was full
      agreement for cause of death across the three classification systems in 26% of
      cases, and partial agreement among them in 42% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The
      proposed PASS schema employs a user-friendly classification that provides
      comparable information to previously published systems. Advantages include its
      simplicity, mechanistic formulations, tight clinicopathologic integration,
      provision for an undetermined category, and its wide applicability to perinatal
      mortality review boards with access to information routinely collected during
      clinicopathologic evaluations.

PMID- 27116325
TI  - OCT-guided management of a pregnant woman with ST-elevation myocardial
      infarction.

PMID- 27116326
TI  - Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after various drug-eluting stent
      implantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of long duration dual anti-platelet
      therapy i.e., >12months (L-DAPT) and short duration DAPT i.e., <=12months (S
      DAPT) after various drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. METHODS: We searched
      Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) to
      identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of L-DAPT
      versus S-DAPT after sirolimus-eluting (Cypher(r)); paclitaxel-eluting stents
      (Taxus(r)); zotarolimus-eluting (Endeavor(r)) and everolimus-eluting stents
      (Xience V(r)) implantation. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)
      were calculated using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were performed
      comparing two second generation DES and for RCTs comparing S-DAPT and L-DAPT.
      RESULTS: We included six RCTs that randomized 19,012 patients to S-DAPT versus L
      DAPT (4638 in first generation DES; 14,374 in second generation DES; 8099 EES;
      4876 in ZES). Compared with L-DAPT, S-DAPT was associated with a higher rate of
      myocardial infarction (MI) and stent thrombosis (ST) after first [2.65 (1.88,
      3.73) and 3.85 (2.14-6.93) respectively] and a higher rate of MI after second
      generation DES [1.33 (1.06, 1.67)]. There were no significant differences in the
      rates of all cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality and stroke with L
      DAPT and S-DAPT after implantation of first [0.97 (0.52, 1.81); 1.19 (0.52-2.70);
      and 1.12 (0.36-3.52) respectively] and second generation DES [0.93 (0.69, 1.25);
      0.93 (0.63, 1.36); and 0.58 (0.19, 1.75), respectively]. On further analysis of
      type of second generation DES, S-DAPT continues to show a higher rate of MI and
      ST after EES implantation [1.54 (1.11, 2.13) and 2.68 (1.20-5.94) respectively];
      however there was no significant difference in the rate of MI and ST with S-DAPT
      and L-DAPT after ZES implantation [1.07 (0.44, 2.61) and 1.11(0.39, 3.13),
      respectively]. CONCLUSION: 1) Compared with L-DAPT, S-DAPT was associated with a
      higher rate of MI without any significant difference in the rate of all cause
      mortality, CV mortality and stroke after first and second generation DES. 2) Rate
      of ST was also higher with S-DAPT compared to L-DAPT after first generation DES
      implantation; however, it was not significantly different after second generation
      DES. 3) On further subgroup analysis of second-generation stent there was no
      significant difference in the rate of all cause mortality, CV mortality, MI, ST
      and stroke with S-DAPT and L-DAPT after ZES implantation. S-DAPT may be optimal
      for newer generation stents particularly ZES.

PMID- 27116327
TI  - Symptomatic exercise-induced complete atrioventricular block due to severe
      superior vena cava stenosis.

PMID- 27116328
TI  - Acute anterior myocardial infarction after heavy exercise in a young sportsman:
      Importance of intravascular ultrasonography on differential diagnosis.

PMID- 27116329
TI  - The effectiveness of bilirubin for the treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injury
      in an experimental model: Can it be extrapolated to humans?

PMID- 27116330
TI  - Is 10-second electrocardiogram recording enough for accurately estimating heart
      rate in atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: At present, the estimation of rest heart rate (HR) in atrial
      fibrillation (AF) is obtained by apical auscultation for 1min or on the surface
      electrocardiogram (ECG) by multiplying the number of RR intervals on the 10second
      recording by six. But the reasonability of 10second ECG recording is
      controversial. METHODS: ECG was continuously recorded at rest for 60s to
      calculate the real rest HR (HR60s). Meanwhile, the first 10s and 30s ECG
      recordings were used for calculating HR10s (sixfold) and HR30s (twofold). The
      differences of HR10s or HR30s with the HR60s were compared. The patients were
      divided into three sub-groups on the HR60s <80, 80-100 and >100bpm. RESULTS: No
      significant difference among the mean HR10s, HR30s and HR60s was found. A
      positive correlation existed between HR10s and HR60s or HR30s and HR60s. Bland
      Altman plot showed that the 95% reference limits were high as -11.0 to 16.0bpm
      for HR10s, but for HR30s these values were only -4.5 to 5.2bpm. Among the three
      subgroups with HR60s <80, 80-100 and >100bpm, the 95% reference limits with HR60s
      were -8.9 to 10.6, -10.5 to 14.0 and -11.3 to 21.7bpm for HR10s, but these values
      were -3.9 to 4.3, -4.1 to 4.6 and -5.3 to 6.7bpm for HR30s. CONCLUSION: As 10s
      ECG recording could not provide clinically accepted estimation HR, ECG should be
      recorded at least for 30s in the patients with AF. It is better to record ECG for
      60s when the HR is rapid.

PMID- 27116331
TI  - Reported cardiac phenotypes in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia emphasize
      burdens from arrhythmias, anemia and its treatments, but suggest reduced rates of
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiac phenotypes should be pronounced in hereditary hemorrhagic
      telangiectasia (HHT) due to frequent systemic arteriovenous malformations (AVMs),
      iron deficiency anemia, hypoxemia, hyperdynamic circulations, venous
      thromboemboli, and paradoxical emboli through pulmonary AVMs. METHODS/RESULTS: In
      an international survey, 1025 respondents (median age 55years) met HHT diagnostic
      criteria: 942 (91.9%) reported nosebleeds, 452 (44.1%) at least daily. AVMs were
      commonly reported in pulmonary (544, 53%), hepatic (194, 18.9%) and/or cerebral
      (92, 9.0%) circulations. 770/1025 (75%) had used iron tablets, 256 (25.0%)
      intravenous iron, and 374 (36.5%) received blood transfusions. Arrhythmias were
      reported by 113/1025 (11%, including 44 (4.3%) with atrial fibrillation), angina
      by 36 (3.5%), and cardiac failure by 26 (2.5%). In multivariate logistic
      regression, these phenotypes were associated with hepatic AVMs/pulmonary
      hypertension (relatively interchangeable variables), blood transfusions, and
      intravenous iron. Cardiac insufficiency/failure often provokes intensive anemia
      treatments, but associations with arrhythmias, particularly with a greater
      transfusion burden, were less easy to explain. Myocardial infarction (23/1025;
      2.2%), and abnormal coronary angiogram (<=31/76, <=54%) rates appeared low.
      Provocative preliminary data were obtained including HHT-affected respondents'
      parents and grandparents in whom HHT could be confidently assigned, or excluded
      based on autosomal dominant inheritance patterns: in crude and survival analyses,
      myocardial infarctions were reported less frequently for individuals with HHT,
      particularly for males (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Arrhythmias are the most common
      cardiac phenotype in HHT, and likely to be aggravated by iron deficiency anemia,
      its treatments, and/or high output states due to AVMs. Myocardial infarction
      rates may be reduced in this apparently high risk population.

PMID- 27116332
TI  - High-Responsivity, High-Detectivity, Ultrafast Topological Insulator
      Bi2Se3/Silicon Heterostructure Broadband Photodetectors.
AB  - As an exotic state of quantum matter, topological insulators have promising
      applications in new-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. The
      realization of these applications relies critically on the preparation and
      properties understanding of high-quality topological insulators, which however
      are mainly fabricated by high-cost methods like molecular beam epitaxy. We here
      report the successful preparation of high-quality topological insulator Bi2Se3/Si
      heterostructure having an atomically abrupt interface by van der Waals epitaxy
      growth of Bi2Se3 films on Si wafer. A simple, low-cost physical vapor deposition
      (PVD) method was employed to achieve the growth of the Bi2Se3 films. The
      Bi2Se3/Si heterostructure exhibited excellent diode characteristics with a
      pronounced photoresponse under light illumination. The built-in potential at the
      Bi2Se3/Si interface greatly facilitated the separation and transport of
      photogenerated carriers, enabling the photodetector to have a high light
      responsivity of 24.28 A W(-1), a high detectivity of 4.39 * 10(12) Jones (Jones =
      cm Hz(1/2) W(-1)), and a fast response speed of aproximately microseconds. These
      device parameters represent the highest values for topological insulator-based
      photodetectors. Additionally, the photodetector possessed broadband detection
      ranging from ultraviolet to optical telecommunication wavelengths. Given the
      simple device architecture and compatibility with silicon technology, the
      topological insulator Bi2Se3/Si heterostructure holds great promise for high
      performance electronic and optoelectronic applications.

PMID- 27116334
TI  - Safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in Chinese patients with melanoma.
AB  - This study aimed to determine the tolerability of Chinese melanoma patients,
      particularly those with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, to immune checkpoint
      inhibitor therapy. Patients with metastatic melanoma who received anti-cytotoxic
      T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 antibody (ipilimumab) or anti-programmed death
      1 antibody (pembrolizumab) therapy at our hospital between August 2012 and July
      2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Adverse events were evaluated according to
      the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events,
      version 3.0. Twenty-three patients with advanced melanoma were included; nine and
      10 patients received infusions of ipilimumab and pembrolizumab, respectively,
      whereas four patients received concurrent ipilimumab and pembrolizumab therapy.
      There was no cessation of treatment because of agent-related adverse events in
      any patient. Immune-related adverse events were observed in 44% (4/9), 60%
      (6/10), 100% (4/4), and 61% (14/23) of patients receiving ipilimumab,
      pembrolizumab, concomitant ipilimumab and pembrolizumab, and any treatment,
      respectively. The most frequent immune-related adverse events were endocrine
      disorders (39%, 9/23), liver function abnormalities (22%, 5/23), and
      dermatological events (17%, 4/23). There were no gastrointestinal reactions.
      Toxicities were usually mild and easily managed; only 13% (3/23) of patients had
      grade 3 adverse events and none experienced grade 4 events or treatment-related
      death. No additional toxicity nor severe hepatotoxicity was observed in 11
      patients who had previous HBV infection. The recommended anti-cytotoxic T
      lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 and anti-programmed death 1 antibody doses were
      well tolerated by Chinese patients. Thus, immune checkpoint inhibitors appear to
      be effective and safe in metastatic melanoma patients, including those with pre
      existing HBV infection.

PMID- 27116333
TI  - To wake up cancer stem cells, or to let them sleep, that is the question.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs) generate transient-amplifying cells and thereby
      contribute to cancer propagation. A fuller understanding of the biological
      features of CSCs is expected to lead to the development of new anticancer
      therapies capable of eradicating this life-threatening disease. Cancer stem cells
      are known to maintain a non-proliferative state and to enter the cell cycle only
      infrequently. Given that conventional anticancer therapies preferentially target
      dividing cells, CSCs are resistant to such treatments, with those remaining after
      elimination of bulk cancer cells potentially giving rise to disease relapse and
      metastasis as they re-enter the cell cycle after a period of latency. Targeting
      of the switch between quiescence and proliferation in CSCs is therefore a
      potential strategy for preventing the reinitiation of malignancy, underscoring
      the importance of elucidation of the mechanisms by which these cells are
      maintained in the quiescent state. The fundamental properties of CSCs are thought
      to be governed cooperatively by internal molecules and cues from the external
      microenvironment (stem cell niche). Several such intrinsic and extrinsic
      regulators are responsible for the control of cell cycle progression in CSCs. In
      this review, we address two opposite approaches to the therapeutic targeting of
      CSCs - wake-up and hibernation therapies - that either promote or prevent the
      entry of CSCs into the cell cycle, respectively, and we discuss the potential
      advantages and risks of each strategy. 

PMID- 27116335
TI  - Pyogenic granuloma in patients treated with selective BRAF inhibitors: another
      manifestation of paradoxical pathway activation.
AB  - Cutaneous toxicities under therapy with selective BRAF inhibitors such as
      vemurafenib or encorafenib (LGX818) are frequent, including plantar
      hyperkeratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and second primary melanoma. Pyogenic
      granuloma is a benign, rapidly growing, eruptive hemangioma that often bleeds and
      ulcerates. Common causes are mechanical trauma and cast immobilization, as well
      as multiple drugs such as retinoids and antineoplastic agents. However, the
      development of pyogenic granuloma under treatment with encorafenib (LGX818) has
      not yet been reported. These three cases might be further examples for
      paradoxical activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. We report
      three male patients with metastatic BRAFV600E-mutated melanoma who developed
      pyogenic granulomas 16, 10, and 12 weeks after treatment initiation with the
      selective BRAF inhibitors vemurafenib or encorafenib (LGX818). Except for one
      patient receiving retinoids, the clinical history for other frequent causes of
      pyogenic granuloma was negative. Pyogenic granulomas are not listed in the drugs
      investigator brochure but seem to be associated with selective BRAF inhibitors
      and might be a cutaneous phenomenon of paradoxical mitogen-activated protein
      kinase pathway activation. This correlation has to be confirmed by further
      observations.

PMID- 27116336
TI  - Cross-Cultural Validation of the High Blood Pressure Health Literacy Scale in a
      Chinese Community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Considering the importance of health literacy (HL) for the maximum
      yield from the hypertension control programs, development of a reliable and valid
      instrument of hypertension-related HL is critical. This study aimed to translate
      and validate the High Blood Pressure-Health Literacy Scale (HBP-HLS) into Chinese
      (C-HBP-HLS) and evaluate its psychometric properties in Chinese context. METHOD:
      Between June 2013 and January 2014, a cross-sectional study was conducted among
      recruited hypertensive patients belonging to the Han and Kazakh-Chinese
      communities in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. RESULTS: A pilot sample (n = 242) was
      selected for the exploratory factor analysis of the translated and modified
      instrument. Another sample (n = 308) was recruited for the confirmatory factor
      analysis. C-HBP-HLS consisted of five dimensions (Print Health Literacy,
      Medication Label, Understanding Ability, Newest Vital Sign Test, and Avoiding
      Food Allergy) containing 15 items, accounting for 77.7% of the total variance.
      The 5-factor model demonstrated a good overall fit. The scale-level content
      validity index was 0.85. Cronbach's alpha of the overall scale was 0.78 and test
      retest reliability was 0.96. Education level had a strong positive correlation
      with the scores for items Q1, Q2, and Q3(r = 0.481, 0.492, 0.475, respectively).
      Health Literacy scores among Kazakh patients were significantly lower than Han
      (7.13+/-7.90 vs. 30.10+/-13.42, Z = -14.573, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: C-HBP-HLS
      demonstrated suitable factor structure and robust psychometric properties for
      measuring health literacy level among hypertensive patients in China.

PMID- 27116337
TI  - Organic Chemical Attribution Signatures for the Sourcing of a Mustard Agent and
      Its Starting Materials.
AB  - Chemical attribution signatures (CAS) are being investigated for the sourcing of
      chemical warfare (CW) agents and their starting materials that may be implicated
      in chemical attacks or CW proliferation. The work reported here demonstrates for
      the first time trace impurities from the synthesis of tris(2-chloroethyl)amine
      (HN3) that point to the reagent and the specific reagent stocks used in the
      synthesis of this CW agent. Thirty batches of HN3 were synthesized using
      different combinations of commercial stocks of triethanolamine (TEA), thionyl
      chloride, chloroform, and acetone. The HN3 batches and reagent stocks were then
      analyzed for impurities by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. All the reagent
      stocks had impurity profiles that differentiated them from one another. This was
      demonstrated by building classification models with partial least-squares
      discriminant analysis (PLSDA) and obtaining average stock classification errors
      of 2.4, 2.8, 2.8, and 11% by cross-validation for chloroform (7 stocks), thionyl
      chloride (3 stocks), acetone (7 stocks), and TEA (3 stocks), respectively, and 0%
      for a validation set of chloroform samples. In addition, some reagent impurities
      indicative of reagent type were found in the HN3 batches that were originally
      present in the reagent stocks and presumably not altered during synthesis. More
      intriguing, impurities in HN3 batches that were apparently produced by side
      reactions of impurities unique to specific TEA and chloroform stocks, and thus
      indicative of their use, were observed.

PMID- 27116339
TI  - Alphacute Exercise Alters the Levels of Human Saliva miRNAs Involved in Lipid
      Metabolism.
AB  - The response of micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression to exercise has not
      been studied in saliva, although saliva combines non-invasive collection with the
      largest number of miRNA species among biological fluids and tissues. Thus, the
      purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of acute exercise on the
      expression of 8 human saliva miRNAs involved in lipid metabolism. 19 healthy,
      physically active men (VO2max, 40.9+/-1.6 mL.kg(-1).min(-1), mean+/-se) performed
      a 50-min interval exercise program on stationary bicycle (spinning). Saliva
      samples were collected before and after exercise for miRNA expression analysis by
      real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistically significant (p<0.05) changes
      after exercise were found in 2 of the 8 miRNAs, namely, hsa-miR-33a (fold change,
      7.66+/-2.94; p=0.012), which regulates cholesterol homeostasis and fatty acid
      metabolism in the liver, and hsa-miR-378a (fold change 0.79+/-0.11, p=0.048),
      which regulates energy homeostasis and affects lipogenesis and adipogenesis.
      These alterations may contribute to our understanding of physiological responses
      to exercise and the therapeutic potential of exercise against cardiovascular
      disease, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome. Moreover, our findings open the
      possibility of noninvasively studying miRNAs that regulate the function of
      specific organs. 

PMID- 27116340
TI  - Injury and Illness Rates During Ultratrail Running.
AB  - This study aimed to describe injury/illness rates in ultratrail runners competing
      in a 65-km race to build a foundation for injury prevention and help race
      organizers to plan medical provision for these events. Prospectively transcribed
      medical records were analysed for 77 athletes at the end of the race. Number of
      injuries/illnesses per 1 000 runners and per 1 000-h run, overall injury/illness
      rate and 90% confidence intervals and rates for major and minor illnesses,
      musculoskeletal injuries, and skin disorders were analysed. A total of 132
      injuries/illnesses were encountered during the race. The overall
      injuries/illnesses were 1.9 per runner and 13.1 per 1 000-h run. Medical
      illnesses were the most prominent medical diagnoses encountered (50.3%), followed
      by musculoskeletal injuries (32.8%), and skin-related disorders (16.9%). Despite
      the ultra-long nature of the race, the majority of injuries/illnesses were minor
      in nature. Medical staff and runners should prepare to treat all types of
      injuries and illnesses, especially the fatigue arising throughout the course of
      an ultratrail run and injuries to the lower limbs. Future studies should attempt
      to systematically identify injury locations and mechanisms in order to better
      direct injury prevention strategies and plan more accurate medical care. 

PMID- 27116338
TI  - A spectrum of CodY activities drives metabolic reorganization and virulence gene
      expression in Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - The global regulator CodY controls the expression of dozens of metabolism and
      virulence genes in the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus in response
      to the availability of isoleucine, leucine and valine (ILV), and GTP. Using RNA
      Seq transcriptional profiling and partial activity variants, we reveal that S.
      aureus CodY activity grades metabolic and virulence gene expression as a function
      of ILV availability, mediating metabolic reorganization and controlling virulence
      factor production in vitro. Strains lacking CodY regulatory activity produce a
      PIA-dependent biofilm, but development is restricted under conditions that confer
      partial CodY activity. CodY regulates the expression of thermonuclease (nuc) via
      the Sae two-component system, revealing cascading virulence regulation and factor
      production as CodY activity is reduced. Proteins that mediate the host-pathogen
      interaction and subvert the immune response are shut off at intermediate levels
      of CodY activity, while genes coding for enzymes and proteins that extract
      nutrients from tissue, that kill host cells, and that synthesize amino acids are
      among the last genes to be derepressed. We conclude that S. aureus uses CodY to
      limit host damage to only the most severe starvation conditions, providing
      insight into one potential mechanism by which S. aureus transitions from a
      commensal bacterium to an invasive pathogen.

PMID- 27116341
TI  - Muscular Oxygen Uptake Kinetics in Aged Adults.
AB  - Pulmonary oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics and heart rate kinetics are influenced by
      age and fitness. Muscular VO2 kinetics can be estimated from heart rate and
      pulmonary VO2. In this study the applicability of a test using pseudo-random
      binary sequences in combination with a model to estimate muscular VO2 kinetics
      was tested. Muscular VO2 kinetics were expected to be faster than pulmonary VO2
      kinetics, slowed in aged subjects and correlated with maximum VO2 and heart rate
      kinetics. 27 elderly subjects (73+/-3 years; 81.1+/-8.2 kg; 175+/-4.7 cm)
      participated. Cardiorespiratory kinetics were assessed using the maximum of cross
      correlation functions, higher maxima implying faster kinetics. Muscular VO2
      kinetics were faster than pulmonary VO2 kinetics (0.31+/-0.1 vs. 0.29+/-0.1 s;
      p=0.004). Heart rate kinetics were not correlated with muscular or pulmonary VO2
      kinetics or maximum VO2. Muscular VO2 kinetics correlated with maximum VO2
      (r=0.35; p=0.033). This suggests, that muscular VO2 kinetics are faster than
      estimates from pulmonary VO2 and related to maximum VO2 in aged subjects. In the
      future this experimental approach may help to characterize alterations in
      muscular VO2 under various conditions independent of motivation and maximal
      effort. 

PMID- 27116342
TI  - Lipolytic Markers, Insulin and Resting Fat Oxidation are Associated with Maximal
      Fat Oxidation.
AB  - The maximal capacity to oxidize fat during exercise (MFO) is associated with 24-h
      fat balance and insulin sensitivity. Understanding factors that influence MFO
      could have implications for metabolic health. We investigated relationships
      between selected plasma metabolites, hormones and overnight-fasted resting fat
      oxidation rates (Resting), with MFO. Resting fat oxidation and MFO was measured
      in 57 men with blood collected at rest and during exercise. Plasma glycerol
      (R=0.39, P=0.033), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA: R=0.27, P=0.030) and insulin
      (R=- 0.36, P=0.007) measured at MFO correlated with MFO; only glycerol remained
      correlated when controlled for resting concentrations (R=0.36, P=0.008). The
      change in glycerol from rest to MFO correlated with exercise-induced fat
      oxidation (R=0.32, P=0.012). VO 2max correlated with resting fat oxidation
      (R=0.44, P=0.001) and MFO (R=0.52, P<0.001). Resting fat oxidation correlated
      with MFO (R=0.55, P<0.001); this remained when controlled for VO 2max (R=0.41,
      P=0.001). This study reports weak-to-moderate, albeit significant, relationships
      between plasma lipolytic markers, insulin and resting overnight-fasted fat
      oxidation with MFO and shows the plasma glycerol response to uniquely reflect
      exercise-induced fat oxidation. VO 2max correlates with fat oxidation but the
      relationship can be dissociated. Interventions to increase fat oxidation for
      optimal metabolic health would benefit from, but are not reliant on, increases in
      VO 2max. 

PMID- 27116343
TI  - Effects of Cold Stimulation on Mitochondrial Activity and VEGF Expression in
      vitro.
AB  - We aimed to clarify the effects of cold stimulation at various temperatures on
      mitochondrial activity and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression
      in vitro. Human fibroblast, human mesenchymal stem cell, and rat skeletal muscle
      myoblast cell lines were used. For each cell type, cells were divided into 4
      groups and stimulated in various cold temperatures (0, 4, 17 and 25 degrees C) 3
      times for 15 min each by placement on crushed ice or floating on cold water set
      at each temperature. Control cells were subjected to warm water at 37 degrees C.
      Factors related to mitochondrial activity, mitochondrial DNA copy numbers, and
      VEGF expression were analyzed 24 h after the last cold stimulation. In all cell
      types, significant increases of factors related to mitochondrial activity and
      mitochondrial DNA copy numbers were seen in the 4 degrees C and 17 degrees C
      stimulated cells compared with control cells. In rat skeletal muscle cells
      stimulated at 4 degrees C, VEGF expression significantly increased compared to
      the control cells. Our data suggest that cold stimulation at certain temperatures
      promotes mitochondrial activity, biogenesis and VEGF expression. 

PMID- 27116344
TI  - The Case for Increased Physical Activity in Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A
      Brief Review.
AB  - Regular physical activity reduces the risk of colon cancer, but there is little
      information on the merits of such activity in the prevention and management of
      chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CIBD). The present systematic review thus
      documents current levels of habitual physical activity and aerobic and muscular
      function in CIBD, and examines the safety, practicality and efficacy of exercise
      programmes in countering the disease process, correcting functional deficits and
      enhancing quality of life. A systematic search of the Ovid/Medline database from
      January 1996 to May 2015 linked the terms physical activity/motor
      activity/physical fitness/physical training/physical
      education/training/exercise/exercise therapy with Crohn's
      disease/colitis/ulcerative colitis/inflammatory bowel disease, supplementing this
      information by a scanning of reference lists and personal files.12 of 16
      published studies show a low level of habitual physical activity in CIBD, with
      sub-normal values for aerobic power, lean tissue mass and muscular strength. 3 of
      4 studies suggest physical activity may reduce the risk of developing IBD, and 11
      interventions all note that exercise programmes are well tolerated with some
      decreases of disease activity, and functional gains leading to an increased
      health-related quality of life. Moreover, programme compliance rates compare
      favourably with those seen in the treatment of other chronic conditions. More
      information on mechanisms is needed, but regular moderate aerobic and/or
      resistance exercise improves the health status of patients with CIBD both by
      modulating immune function and by improving physical function. A regular exercise
      programme should thus become an important component in the management of CIBD. 

PMID- 27116345
TI  - Energetic and Metabolic Power Demands of National Rugby League Match-Play.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to apply a time-motion model to estimate and
      describe the energy expenditure and metabolic power demands of playing positions
      in elite rugby league match-play, utilizing Global Positioning System (GPS)
      devices. 18 elite rugby league players participated in this study. Players'
      positional groups included: outside backs (n=59 files, n=4 players), adjustables
      (n=74 files, n=4 players), wide-running (n=104 files, n=7 players) and hit-up
      forwards (n=36 files, n=3 players). Outside backs expended the greatest total
      energy (40.1+/-5.0 kJ.kg(-1)) per match, equivalent to 8.1%, 26.6% and 61.9%
      greater energy than adjustables, wide-running and hit-up forwards, respectively.
      Adjustables attained an anaerobic index 7.3% higher than wide-running forwards,
      19.7% higher than hit-up forwards (p=0.001) and 43.2% higher than outside backs
      (p<0.001). Wide-running forwards achieved an anaerobic index (0.34+/-0.04) 11%
      and 32.8% higher than hit-up forwards (p=0.001) and outside backs (p<0.001),
      respectively. Mean power of adjustables (10.0+/-0.9 W.kg(-1)) was significantly
      higher than all other groups (outside backs: 28.8%, 7.8+/-1.0; hit-up: 12.4%,
      8.9+/-0.6; and wide-running: 8.7%, 9.2+/-0.7 forwards) (p<0.001). Energetics
      indices indicated differing metabolic demands for all positional groups,
      suggesting position-specific conditioning drills are required to replicate the
      energetic demands of match-play. 

PMID- 27116346
TI  - Susceptibility to Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: a Cluster Analysis with a Large
      Sample.
AB  - We investigated the responses of indirect markers of exercise-induced muscle
      damage (EIMD) among a large number of young men (N=286) stratified in clusters
      based on the largest decrease in maximal voluntary contraction torque (MVC) after
      an unaccustomed maximal eccentric exercise bout of the elbow flexors. Changes in
      MVC, muscle soreness (SOR), creatine kinase (CK) activity, range of motion (ROM)
      and upper-arm circumference (CIR) before and for several days after exercise were
      compared between 3 clusters established based on MVC decrease (low, moderate, and
      high responders; LR, MR and HR). Participants were allocated to LR (n=61), MR
      (n=152) and HR (n=73) clusters, which depicted significantly different cluster
      centers of 82%, 61% and 42% of baseline MVC, respectively. Once stratified by MVC
      decrease, all muscle damage markers were significantly different between clusters
      following the same pattern: small changes for LR, larger changes for MR, and the
      largest changes for HR. Stratification of individuals based on the magnitude of
      MVC decrease post-exercise greatly increases the precision in estimating changes
      in EIMD by proxy markers such as SOR, CK activity, ROM and CIR. This indicates
      that the most commonly used markers are valid and MVC orchestrates their
      responses, consolidating the role of MVC as the best EIMD indirect marker. 

PMID- 27116347
TI  - Individual Muscle use in Hamstring Exercises by Soccer Players Assessed using
      Functional MRI.
AB  - This study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare
      individual muscle use in exercises aimed at preventing hamstring injuries. Thirty
      six professional soccer players were randomized into 4 groups, each performing
      either Nordic hamstring, flywheel leg curl, Russian belt or conic-pulley
      exercise. MRIs were performed before and immediately after a bout of 4 sets of 8
      repetitions. Pre-post exercise differences in contrast shift (T2) were analyzed
      for the long (BFLh) and short head (BFSh) of biceps femoris, semitendinosus (ST),
      semimembranosus (SM) and gracilis (GR) muscles. Flywheel leg curl increased
      (P<0.001) T2 of GR (95%), ST (65%), BFSh (51%) and BFLh (14%). After the Nordic
      hamstring, GR (39%), ST (16%) and BFSh (14%) showed increased T2 (P<0.001).
      Russian belt and conic-pulley exercise produced subtle (P<0.02) T2 increases of
      ST (9 and 6%, respectively) and BFLh (7 and 6%, respectively). Russian belt
      increased T2 of SM (7%). Among exercises examined, flywheel leg curl showed the
      most substantial hamstring and GR muscle use. However, no single exercise
      executed was able to increase T2 of all hamstring and synergist muscles analyzed.
      It is therefore suggested that multiple exercises must be carried out to bring
      in, and fully activate all knee flexors and hip extensors. 

PMID- 27116348
TI  - Estimation of the Maximal Lactate Steady State in Endurance Runners.
AB  - This study aimed to predict the velocity corresponding to the maximal lactate
      steady state (MLSSV) from non-invasive variables obtained during a maximal
      multistage running field test (modified University of Montreal Track Test, UMTT),
      and to determine whether a single constant velocity test (CVT), performed several
      days after the UMTT, could estimate the MLSSV. Within 4-5 weeks, 20 male runners
      performed: 1) a modified UMTT, and 2) several 30 min CVTs to determine MLSSV to a
      precision of 0.25 km.h(-1). Maximal aerobic velocity (MAV) was the best predictor
      of MLSSV. A regression equation was obtained: MLSSV=1.425+(0.756.MAV); R(2)=0.63.
      Running velocity during the CVT (VCVT) and blood lactate at 6 (La6) and 30 (La30)
      min further improved the MLSSV prediction: MLSSV=VCVT+0.503 - (0.266.DeltaLa30
      6); R(2)=0.66. MLSSV can be estimated from MAV during a single maximal multistage
      running field test among a homogeneous group of trained runners. This estimation
      can be further improved by performing an additional CVT. In terms of accuracy,
      simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the reported regression equations can be used
      for the assessment and training prescription of endurance runners. 

PMID- 27116349
TI  - Cardiovascular Benefits of Endurance Training in Seniors: 40 is not too Late to
      Start.
AB  - It is unknown whether commencing structured endurance training after 40 years of
      age is powerful enough to induce beneficial cardiovascular adaptations in later
      life. 34 men between the ages of 55 and 75 were included: 10 life-long sedentary
      seniors (SED), 13 endurance master athletes who commenced training<=30 years of
      age (ET30), and 11 endurance master athletes who commenced training>=40 years of
      age with no prior physical training (ET40). All performed resting 5-min spectral
      heart rate (HR) variability analysis, resting and submaximal-exercise
      echocardiography, and a maximal exercise test. Maximal oxygen uptake was higher
      and resting HR was lower in both trained groups vs. SED, without difference
      between ET30 and ET40. Atrial and left ventricle dimensions were greater in ET30
      and ET40 vs. SED, without difference between both athletes groups. At rest, total
      arterial compliance was improved in both ET30 and ET40 compared to SED. During
      submaximal exercise, improvement in global LV afterload was only observed in ET30
      vs. SED. Two powerful markers of health, maximal oxygen uptake and resting HR,
      did not differ between athletes who commenced training before 30 or after 40
      years of age, but were significantly improved compared to their life-long
      sedentary counterparts. 

PMID- 27116350
TI  - Anthropometry, Physical Fitness and Coordination of Young Figure Skaters of
      Different Levels.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to identify anthropometric, physical,
      coordinative and ice-skating specific characteristics that discriminate young
      elite ice skaters from non-elite skaters and their non-skating peers. 32 skaters
      aged 9-12 years old (11 elites and 21 non-elites) voluntarily participated in the
      study. They were submitted to 5 anthropometric, 7 physical, 3 coordination and 5
      ice-skating specific tests. Reference values of a representative healthy non
      skating sample were taken from the Flemish Sports Compass dataset. Figure skaters
      appeared to be predominantly average mature (93.8%), were lighter and leaner than
      the reference sample, and demonstrated better physical characteristics and motor
      coordination. There was no difference between the elite and non-elite group
      regarding maturity status and anthropometric or physical parameters. Still, elite
      skaters scored better than non-elites on the coordination tests jumping sideways
      and tended to do so on the moving sideways test. Profiles of figure skaters
      differ clearly from a reference population, while non-sport-specific motor
      coordination tests allow discrimination between elite and non-elite skaters. The
      relevance of these findings with respect to talent detection and identification
      in young ice skaters are discussed. 

PMID- 27116351
TI  - Density functional models of the interfacial tensions near the critical endpoints
      and tricritical point of three-phase equilibria.
AB  - We treat two different density-functional models of the structures and tensions
      of the interfaces between phases on approach to the tricritical point of three
      phase equilibrium. The major objective is to account for some of the results of
      earlier experimental measurements of these tensions. The thermodynamic background
      is first reviewed, including representations of the properties near the critical
      endpoints and tricritical point and of the wetting transitions that may occur on
      approach to those critical points. The first of the models treated is
      analytically soluble. Its properties are illuminating but at the price of some
      artificiality paid for its analytical solubility. The second model, called model
      T, is in a class of those treated in the past and analyzed numerically. Some of
      its properties are obtained with sufficient precision to allow one to conclude
      with near certainty what the analytically exact results would be. This model,
      too, illuminates the experimental measurements. It is noted where its properties
      are in accord with those of the analytically soluble model and where the two
      differ.

PMID- 27116352
TI  - Correction: Mapping and Characterizing Selected Canopy Tree Species at the Angkor
      World Heritage Site in Cambodia Using Aerial Data.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121558.].

PMID- 27116353
TI  - Norovirus Recombinant Strains Isolated from Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Southern
      Brazil, 2004-2011.
AB  - Noroviruses are recognized as one of the leading causes of viral acute
      gastroenteritis, responsible for almost 50% of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks
      worldwide. The positive single-strand RNA genome of noroviruses presents a high
      mutation rate and these viruses are constantly evolving by nucleotide mutation
      and genome recombination. Norovirus recombinant strains have been detected as
      causing acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in several countries. However, in Brazil,
      only one report of a norovirus recombinant strain (GII.P7/GII.20) has been
      described in the northern region so far. For this study, 38 norovirus strains
      representative of outbreaks, 11 GII.4 and 27 non-GII.4, were randomly selected
      and amplified at the ORF1/ORF2 junction. Genetic recombination was identified by
      constructing phylogenetic trees of the polymerase and capsid genes, and further
      SimPlot and Bootscan analysis of the ORF1/ORF2 overlap. Sequence analysis
      revealed that 23 out of 27 (85%) non-GII.4 noroviruses were recombinant strains,
      characterized as: GII.P7/GII.6 (n = 9); GIIP.g/GII.12 (n = 4); GII.P16/GII.3 (n =
      4); GII.Pe/GII.17 (n = 2); GII.P7/GII.14 (n = 1); GII.P13/GII.17 (n = 1);
      GII.P21/GII.3 (n = 1); and GII.P21/GII.13 (n = 1). On the other hand, among the
      GII.4 variants analyzed (Den Haag_2006b and New Orleans_2009) no recombination
      was observed. These data revealed the great diversity of norovirus recombinant
      strains associated with outbreaks, and describe for the first time these
      recombinant types circulating in Brazil. Our results obtained in southern Brazil
      corroborate the previous report for the northern region, demonstrating that
      norovirus recombinant strains are circulating more frequently than we expected.
      In addition, these results emphasize the relevance of including ORF1/ORF2-based
      analysis in surveillance studies as well as the importance of characterizing
      strains from other Brazilian regions to obtain epidemiological data for norovirus
      recombinant strains circulating in the country.

PMID- 27116354
TI  - A Cold-Inducible DEAD-Box RNA Helicase from Arabidopsis thaliana Regulates Plant
      Growth and Development under Low Temperature.
AB  - DEAD-box RNA helicases comprise a large family and are involved in a range of RNA
      processing events. Here, we identified one of the Arabidopsis thaliana DEAD-box
      RNA helicases, AtRH7, as an interactor of Arabidopsis COLD SHOCK DOMAIN PROTEIN 3
      (AtCSP3), which is an RNA chaperone involved in cold adaptation. Promoter:GUS
      transgenic plants revealed that AtRH7 is expressed ubiquitously and that its
      levels of the expression are higher in rapidly growing tissues. Knockout mutant
      lines displayed several morphological alterations such as disturbed vein pattern,
      pointed first true leaves, and short roots, which resemble ribosome-related
      mutants of Arabidopsis. In addition, aberrant floral development was also
      observed in rh7 mutants. When the mutants were germinated at low temperature (12
      degrees C), both radicle and first leaf emergence were severely delayed; after
      exposure of seedlings to a long period of cold, the mutants developed aberrant,
      fewer, and smaller leaves. RNA blots and circular RT-PCR revealed that 35S and
      18S rRNA precursors accumulated to higher levels in the mutants than in WT under
      both normal and cold conditions, suggesting the mutants are partially impaired in
      pre-rRNA processing. Taken together, the results suggest that AtRH7 affects rRNA
      biogenesis and plays an important role in plant growth under cold.

PMID- 27116355
TI  - Initial Effects of Differently Treated Biogas Residues from Municipal and
      Industrial Wastes on Spring Barley Yield Formation.
AB  - Soil application of biogas residues (BGRs) is important for closing nutrient
      cycles. This study examined the efficiency and impact on yields and yield
      formation of solid-liquid separated residues from biodegradable municipal and
      industrial wastes (bio-waste) in comparison to complete BGRs, nitrification
      inhibitor, agricultural BGRs, mineral fertilizer and unfertilized plots as
      control. The experiment was set up as a randomized block design on silt loam
      Cambisol. Biogas residues from four biogas plants were evaluated. Plants per m2,
      ears per plant, grains per ear and thousand grain weight (TGW) were measured at
      harvest. Fertilization with BGRs resulted in similar biomass yields compared with
      mineral fertilizer. Mineral fertilizer (71 dt/ha) and plots fertilized with
      liquid fraction (59-62 dt/ha) indicated a trend to higher yields than solid
      fraction or complete BGR due to its high ammonia content. Liquid fractions and
      fraction with nitrification inhibitor induced fewer plants per m2 than
      corresponding solid and complete variants due to a potential phytotoxicity of
      high NH4-N concentration during germination. However, barley on plots fertilized
      with liquid fraction compensated the disadvantages at the beginning during the
      vegetation period and induced higher grain yields than solid fraction. This was
      attributable to a higher number of ears per plant and grains per ear. In
      conclusion, BGRs from biodegradable municipal and industrial wastes can be used
      for soil fertilization and replace considerable amounts of mineral fertilizer.
      Our study showed that direct application of the liquid fraction of BGR is the
      most suitable strategy to achieve highest grain yields. Nevertheless potential
      phytotoxicity of the high NH4-N concentration in the liquid fraction should be
      considered.

PMID- 27116356
TI  - Determination of rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban in rat plasma by UPLC-MS/MS
      method.
AB  - To establish a rapid and sensitive ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem
      mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method for the determination of rivaroxaban,
      apixaban and edoxaban in rat plasma. The analytes and the internal standard
      (diazepam) were separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 chromatography column (2.1
      mm * 50 mm, 1.7 MUm) using gradient elution with a mobile phase of acetonitrile
      and 0.1 % formic acid in water at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The detection was
      performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by multiple reaction
      monitoring mode to monitor the precursor-to-product ion transitions of m/z 436.1 
      > 145.1 for rivaroxaban, m/z 460.0 -> 443.1 for apixaban, m/z 548.2 -> 366.1 for
      edoxaban and m/z 285.2 -> 193.1 for diazepam (IS) using a positive electrospray
      ionization interface. The method was validated over a concentration range of 1.0
      200 ng/mL for rivaroxaban, 1.0-100 ng/mL for apixaban and 1.0-500 ng/mL for
      edoxaban. Total time for each chromatograph was 3.5 min. The intra- and inter-day
      precision and accuracy of the quality control samples at low, medium, and high
      concentration levels exhibited relative standard deviations <10.5 % and the
      accuracy values ranged from -9.9 to 11.3 %. The method was successfully applied
      to a pharmacokinetic study of rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban in rats. 

PMID- 27116357
TI  - Coronary sinus thrombus without spontaneous contrast.

PMID- 27116358
TI  - Parafricta Bootees and Undergarments to Reduce Skin Breakdown in People with or
      at Risk of Pressure Ulcers: A NICE Medical Technologies Guidance.
AB  - As part of the development of the National Institute for Health and Care
      Excellence (NICE) Medical Technologies Guidance on Parafricta Bootees and
      Undergarments to reduce skin breakdown in people with, or at risk of, pressure
      ulcers, the manufacturer (APA Parafricta Ltd) submitted clinical and economic
      evidence, which was critically appraised by an External Assessment Centre (EAC)
      and subsequently used by the Medical Technologies Advisory Committee (MTAC) to
      develop recommendations for further research. The University of Birmingham and
      Brunel University, acting as a consortium, were commissioned to act as the EAC,
      independently appraising the submission. This article is an overview of the
      original evidence submitted, the EAC's findings and the final NICE guidance. Very
      little comparative evidence was submitted to demonstrate the effectiveness of
      Parafricta Bootees or Undergarments. The sponsor submitted a simple cost analysis
      to estimate the costs of using Parafricta in addition to current practice-in
      comparison with current practice alone-in hospital and community settings
      separately. The analysis took a National Health Service (NHS) perspective. The
      basis of the analysis was a previously published comparative study, which showed
      no statistical difference in average lengths of stay between patients who wore
      Parafricta Undergarments and Bootees, and those who did not. The economic model
      incorporated the costs of Parafricta but assumed shorter lengths of stay with
      Parafricta. The sponsor concluded that Parafricta was cost saving relative to the
      comparators. The EAC made amendments to the sponsor's analysis to correct for
      errors and to reflect alternative assumptions. Parafricta remained cost saving in
      most analyses, and the savings per prevalent case ranged from L757 in the
      hospital model to L3455 in the community model. All analyses were severely
      limited by the available data on effectiveness-in particular, a lack of good
      quality comparative studies.

PMID- 27116359
TI  - The Efficiency of Increasing the Capacity of Physiotherapy Screening Clinics or
      Traditional Medical Services to Address Unmet Demand in Orthopaedic Outpatients:
      A Practical Application of Discrete Event Simulation with Dynamic Queuing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital outpatient orthopaedic services traditionally rely on
      medical specialists to assess all new patients to determine appropriate care.
      This has resulted in significant delays in service provision. In response,
      Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Screening Clinics and Multidisciplinary Services (OPSC)
      have been introduced to assess and co-ordinate care for semi- and non-urgent
      patients. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficiency of delivering increased semi- and
      non-urgent orthopaedic outpatient services through: (1) additional OPSC services;
      (2) additional traditional orthopaedic medical services with added surgical
      resources (TOMS + Surg); or (3) additional TOMS without added surgical resources
      (TOMS - Surg). METHODS: A cost-utility analysis using discrete event simulation
      (DES) with dynamic queuing (DQ) was used to predict the cost effectiveness,
      throughput, queuing times, and resource utilisation, associated with introducing
      additional OPSC or TOMS +/- Surg versus usual care. RESULTS: The introduction of
      additional OPSC or TOMS (+/-surgery) would be considered cost effective in
      Australia. However, OPSC was the most cost-effective option. Increasing the
      capacity of current OPSC services is an efficient way to improve patient
      throughput and waiting times without exceeding current surgical resources. An
      OPSC capacity increase of ~100 patients per month appears cost effective (A$8546
      per quality-adjusted life-year) and results in a high level of OPSC utilisation
      (98 %). CONCLUSION: Increasing OPSC capacity to manage semi- and non-urgent
      patients would be cost effective, improve throughput, and reduce waiting times
      without exceeding current surgical resources. Unlike Markov cohort modelling,
      microsimulation, or DES without DQ, employing DES-DQ in situations where capacity
      constraints predominate provides valuable additional information beyond cost
      effectiveness to guide resource allocation decisions.

PMID- 27116360
TI  - Adenovirus-Mediated ICOSIg Gene Therapy in a Presensitized Murine Model of
      Allergic Rhinitis.
AB  - Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the upper airways caused
      by Th2 cell-type cytokines in response to allergen exposure. The inducible
      costimulator (ICOS), the third member of the CD28/CTLA4 family, plays an
      important role in immune response. In this study, adenovirus vectors containing
      ICOSIg (Adex1CAICOSIg) were administered to effectively inhibit the ICOS/ICOSL
      interaction, and the effects of Adex1CAICOSIg on allergic rhinitis were examined.
      Intranasal administration of Adex1CAICOSIg attenuated airway inflammation, as
      demonstrated by a decrease in nasal symptoms and infiltration of eosinophils into
      the nasal mucosa, as well as by a decrease in local IL-5 expression. Therefore,
      the ICOS/ICOSL pathway significantly contributes to the progression of allergic
      rhinitis. 

PMID- 27116361
TI  - Measuring the Developing Therapeutic Relationship Between Pregnant Women and
      Community Health Workers Over the Course of the Pregnancy in a Study
      Intervention.
AB  - The Scale to Assess the Therapeutic Relationship in Community Mental Health Care
      (STAR) is a frequently-administered tool for measuring therapeutic relationships
      between clinicians and patients. This manuscript tested the STAR's psychometric
      properties within a community health worker (CHW)-led intervention study
      involving pregnant and postpartum women. Women (n = 141) enrolled in the study
      completed the 12-item participant STAR survey (STAR-P) at two time points over
      the course of pregnancy and at two time points after delivery. The factor
      structure of the STAR-P proved to be unstable with this population. However, a
      revised 9-item STAR-P revealed a two-factor model of positive and negative
      interactions, and demonstrated strong internal consistency at postpartum time
      points. The revised STAR-P shows strong psychometric properties, and is suitable
      for use to evaluate the relationship developed between CHWs and pregnant and
      postpartum women in an intervention program.

PMID- 27116362
TI  - Pediatric acute asthma exacerbations: Evaluation and management from emergency
      department to intensive care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this report is to review available modalities for
      assessing and managing acute asthma exacerbations in pediatric patients,
      including some that are not included in current expert panel guidelines. While it
      is not our purpose to provide a comprehensive review of the National Asthma
      Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines, we review NAEPP-recommended
      treatments to provide the full range of treatments available for managing
      exacerbations with an emphasis on the continuum of care between the ER and ICU.
      DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed using the following search terms in different
      combinations: asthma, children, pediatric, exacerbation, epidemiology,
      pathophysiology, guidelines, treatment, management, oxygen, albuterol, beta2
      agonist, anticholinergic, theophylline, corticosteroid, magnesium, heliox, BiPAP,
      ventilation, mechanical ventilation, non-invasive mechanical ventilation and
      respiratory failure. We attempted to weigh the evidence using the hierarchy in
      which meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the strongest
      evidence, followed by individual RCTs, followed by observational studies. We also
      reviewed the NAEPP and Global Initiative for Asthma expert panel guidelines.
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood,
      and acute exacerbations are a significant burden to patients and to public
      health. Optimal assessment and management of exacerbations, including appropriate
      escalation of interventions, are essential to minimize morbidity and prevent
      mortality. While inhaled albuterol and systemic corticosteroids are the mainstay
      of exacerbation management, escalation may include interventions discussed in
      this review.

PMID- 27116363
TI  - Time Resolved EPR Study on the Photoinduced Long-Range Charge-Separated State in
      Protein: Electron Tunneling Mediated by Arginine Residue in Human Serum Albumin.
AB  - To elucidate how local molecular conformations play a role on electronic
      couplings for the long-range photoinduced charge-separated (CS) states in protein
      systems, we have analyzed time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR)
      spectra by polarized laser irradiations of 9,10-anthraquinone-1-sulfonate (AQ1S(
      )) bound to human serum albumin (HSA). Analyses of the magnetophotoselection
      effects on the EPR spectra and a docking simulation clarified the molecular
      geometry and the electronic coupling of the long-range CS states of AQ1S(*2-)
      tryptophan214 radical cation (W214(*+)) separated by 1.2 nm. The ligand of AQ1S(
      ) has been demonstrated to be bound to the drug site I in HSA. Molecular
      conformations of the binding region were estimated by the docking simulations,
      indicating that an arginine218 (R218(+)) residue bound to AQ1S(*2-) mediates the
      long-range electron-transfer. The energetics of triad states of AQ1S(*2-)-R218(+)
      W214(*+) and AQ1S(-)-R218(*)-W214(*+) have been computed on the basis of the
      density functional molecular orbital calculations, providing the clear evidence
      for the long-range electronic couplings of the CS states in terms of the
      superexchange tunneling model through the arginine residue.

PMID- 27116364
TI  - Brief group psychoeducation for caregivers of individuals with bipolar disorder:
      A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder is associated with significant impairment in
      personal and social functioning for the individual and their caregivers.
      Psychoeducation for caregivers is beneficial, but interventions have typically
      required a significant time commitment and have not assessed changes in self
      efficacy. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a brief, two-session
      psychoeducational intervention for caregivers. It was hypothesized that the
      intervention would reduce caregiver burden and distress, and increase bipolar
      disorder knowledge and bipolar disorder self-efficacy. METHODS: Participants
      (N=32) were randomized to immediate or waitlist control conditions. The
      intervention involved two, 150-minute group sessions spaced one-week apart. At
      pre-, post-, and one-month follow-up participants completed the Depression,
      Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), Burden Assessment Scale, Knowledge of Bipolar
      Disorder Scale, and a Bipolar Disorder Self-efficacy Scale. RESULTS: Compared to
      the waitlist control group, the immediate treatment group demonstrated large and
      significant reductions in caregiver burden, and increases in bipolar disorder
      knowledge and bipolar disorder self-efficacy. These improvements maintained or
      increased to follow-up. No significant change was observed on the DASS-21.
      LIMITATIONS: Reliance on self-report and the sample comprised mostly of parents
      and partners, so it unclear if results generalize to other carer groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Large and enduring improvements in carer burden, knowledge, and
      bipolar disorder self-efficacy can be achieved from a very brief, two-session
      intervention.

PMID- 27116365
TI  - Oxidative potential of size-fractionated atmospheric aerosol in urban and rural
      sites across Europe.
AB  - In this study we applied several assays, an in vitro rat alveolar macrophage
      model, a chemical ROS probe (DTT, dithiothreitol), and cytokine induction
      (TNFalpha) to examine relationships between PM-induced generation of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) and PM composition, using a unique set of size-resolved PM
      samples obtained from urban and rural environments across Europe. From April-July
      2012, we collected PM from roadside canyon, roadside motorway, and background
      urban sites in each of six European cities and from three rural sites spanning
      the continent. A Hi-Vol sampler was used to collect PM in three size classes
      (PM>7, PM7-3, PM3) and PM was characterized for total elements, and oxidative
      activity quantified in unfiltered and filtered PM extracts. We measured a
      remarkable uniformity in air concentrations of ROS and especially DTT activity
      across the continent. Only a 4-fold difference was documented for DTT across the
      urban sites and a similar variance was documented for ROS, implying that chemical
      drivers of oxidative activity are relatively similar between sites. The ROS and
      DTT specific activity was greater at urban background sites (and also rural
      sites) than at urban canyon locations. PM3 dominated the size distribution of
      both ROS activity (86% of total) and DTT activity (76% of total), reflecting both
      the large contribution of PM3 to total PM mass levels and importantly the higher
      specific oxidative activity of the PM3 in comparison with the larger particles.
      The soluble fraction of total activity was very high for DTT (94%) as well as for
      ROS (64%) in the PM3. However in the larger PM size fractions the contributions
      of the insoluble components became increasingly significant. The dominance of the
      insoluble PM drivers of activity was particularly evident in the TNFalpha data,
      where the insoluble contribution to cytokine production could be 100-fold greater
      than that from soluble components. ROS and DTT activity were strongly correlated
      in the PM3 (r = 0.93), however oxidative activity was not correlated with any
      measured inorganic element in this size cut. In contrast, significant
      correlations of both ROS and DTT oxidative activity with specific groups of
      chemical elements were documented in the larger PM size fractions. 

PMID- 27116366
TI  - Confocal fluorescence microscopy to evaluate changes in adipocytes in the tumor
      microenvironment associated with invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma
      in situ.
AB  - Adipose tissue is a dynamic organ that provides endocrine, inflammatory and
      angiogenic factors, which can assist breast carcinoma cells with invasion and
      metastasis. Previous studies have shown that adipocytes adjacent to carcinoma,
      known as cancer-associated adipocytes, undergo extensive changes that correspond
      to an "activated phenotype," such as reduced size relative to adipocytes in non
      neoplastic breast tissue. Optical imaging provides a tool that can be used to
      characterize adipocyte morphology and other features of the tumor
      microenvironment. In this study, we used confocal fluorescence microscopy to
      acquire images of freshly excised breast tissue stained topically with
      proflavine. We developed a computerized algorithm to identify and quantitatively
      measure phenotypic properties of adipocytes located adjacent to and far from
      normal collagen, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma.
      Adipocytes were measured in confocal fluorescence images of fresh breast tissue
      collected from 22 patients. Results show that adipocytes adjacent to neoplastic
      tissue margins have significantly smaller area compared to adipocytes far from
      the margins of neoplastic lesions and compared to adipocytes adjacent to non
      neoplastic collagenous stroma. These findings suggest that confocal microscopic
      images can be utilized to evaluate phenotypic properties of adipocytes in breast
      stroma which may be useful in defining alterations in microenvironment that may
      aid in the development and progression of neoplastic lesions.

PMID- 27116367
TI  - Interspecific hybridization impacts host range and pathogenicity of filamentous
      microbes.
AB  - Interspecific hybridization is widely observed within diverse eukaryotic taxa,
      and is considered an important driver for genome evolution. As hybridization
      fuels genomic and transcriptional alterations, hybrids are adept to respond to
      environmental changes or to invade novel niches. This may be particularly
      relevant for organisms that establish symbiotic relationships with host
      organisms, such as mutualistic symbionts, endophytes and pathogens. The latter
      group is especially well-known for engaging in everlasting arms races with their
      hosts. Illustrated by the increased identification of hybrid pathogens with
      altered virulence or host ranges when compared with their parental lineages, it
      appears that hybridization is a strong driver for pathogen evolution, and may
      thus significantly impact agriculture and natural ecosystems.

PMID- 27116368
TI  - Macrobiota - helminths as active participants and partners of the microbiota in
      host intestinal homeostasis.
AB  - Important insights have recently been gained in our understanding of the
      intricate relationship in the intestinal milieu between the vertebrate host
      mucosal immune response, commensal bacteria, and helminths. Helminths are
      metazoan worms (macrobiota) and trigger immune responses that include potent
      regulatory components capable of controlling harmful inflammation, protecting
      barrier function and mitigating tissue damage. They can secrete a variety of
      products that directly affect immune regulatory function but they also have the
      capacity to influence the composition of microbiota, which can also then impact
      immune function. Conversely, changes in microbiota can affect susceptibility to
      helminth infection, indicating that crosstalk between these two disparate groups
      of endobiota can play an essential role in host intestinal immune function and
      homeostasis.

PMID- 27116369
TI  - Long-term effects of abscisic acid (ABA) on the grape berry phenylpropanoid
      pathway: Gene expression and metabolite content.
AB  - ABA has been proposed as the main signal triggering the onset of the ripening
      process in grapes, and modulating the secondary metabolism in grape berry skins.
      To determine the effect of ABA on secondary metabolism in berries, clusters of
      Carmenere were sprayed with 0 MULL(-1) ABA; 50 MULL(-1) ABA and 100 MULL(-1) ABA
      during pre-veraison, and the gene expression of the transcription factors and
      enzymes of the phenylpropanoid pathway were assessed from veraison to 70 days
      after veraison (DAV). Additionally, flavonols, tannins and anthocyanins were
      assessed from veraison until harvest (110 DAV). ABA accelerated sugar and
      anthocyanin accumulation at veraison. The grape transcript abundance of VvDFR,
      VvANS, VvUFGT and VvMybA1, all peaking around veraison mimicked the concentration
      of ABA throughout the season. The highest anthocyanin concentration occurred 35
      DAV for all treatments, but higher pigment concentrations were observed in ABA
      treated berries at veraison and from 60 to 70 DAV to harvest. VvPAL was also
      increased by treatment at the higher concentration of ABA from veraison to 40
      DAV. Regarding flavanol synthesis, VvLAR2 and VvMyb4A decreased from veraison
      until 40 DAV and then increased again until 70 DAV. Compared to the control, both
      ABA treatments resulted in a less-than-proportional reduction of the expression
      of both genes compared to the control and, after 40 DAV, in a more-than
      proportional increase compared to the control, suggesting a long-term effect of
      the pre-veraison ABA spray on the berries. A concomitant increase in flavanols
      was observed in berries after 40 DAV, and this occurred at a higher extent in
      berries treated with the highest ABA concentration. 

PMID- 27116370
TI  - Transcriptome de novo assembly and analysis of differentially expressed genes
      related to cytoplasmic male sterility in cabbage.
AB  - Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a maternally inherited trait producing
      abnormal pollen during anther development. To identify the critical genes and
      pathways that are involved in the sterility and to better understand the
      underlying mechanisms, cabbage anthers at different developmental stages were
      cytologically examined and the transcriptomes were analyzed in CMS line and its
      maintainer line using the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Microscopy
      showed that anther development in the CMS line was abnormal in the tetrad stage
      and failed to produce fertile pollen. We obtained 55,663,594 and 54,801,384 raw
      transcriptome reads from the sterile and maintainer lines, respectively, and
      assembled these reads into 68,851 unigenes with an average size of 1028 bp. By
      using the fragments assigned per kilobase of target per million mapped reads
      (FPKM) method, 5592 differentially expressed genes were identified, consisting of
      3403 up- and 2089 down-regulated genes. Furthermore, there were 1011 and 45 genes
      specifically expressed in the maintainer or sterile line, respectively. Gene
      Ontology (GO) functional annotation and enrichment analysis of metabolic pathways
      were performed to map and analyze the candidate genes that may be involved in
      male sterility. Expression of eighteen genes was examined using qRT-PCR and their
      expression patterns were found to be same as the sequencing data. A clear
      cytological difference exists between the sterile and maintainer lines. The
      differentially expressed genes are associated with carbohydrate and energy
      metabolisms, or encode transcription factors, heat shock proteins and other
      stress proteins. Identification of these candidate genes provides a comprehensive
      understanding of the mechanism underlying CMS in cabbage. 

PMID- 27116371
TI  - A novel formaldehyde metabolic pathway plays an important role during
      formaldehyde metabolism and detoxification in tobacco leaves under liquid
      formaldehyde stress.
AB  - Tobacco and Arabidopsis are two model plants often used in botany research. Our
      previous study indicated that the formaldehyde (HCHO) uptake and assimilation
      capacities of tobacco leaves were weaker than those of Arabidopsis leaves. After
      treatment with a 2, 4 or 6 mM HCHO solution for 24 h, detached tobacco leaves
      absorbed approximately 40% of the HCHO from the treatment solution. (13)C-NMR
      analysis detected a novel HCHO metabolic pathway in 2 mM H(13)CHO-treated tobacco
      leaves. [4-(13)C]Asn, [3-(13)C]Gln and [U-(13)C]oxalic acid (OA) were produced
      from this pathway after H(13)COOH generation during H(13)CHO metabolism in
      tobacco leaves. Pretreatments of cyclosporin A (CSA) and dark almost completely
      inhibited the generation of [4-(13)C]Asn, [3-(13)C]Gln and [U-(13)C]OA from this
      pathway but did not suppressed the production of H(13)COOH in 2 mM H(13)CHO
      treated tobacco leaves. The evidence suggests that this novel pathway has an
      important role during the metabolic detoxification of HCHO in tobacco leaves. The
      analysis of the chlorophyll and Rubisco contents indicated that CSA and dark
      pretreatments did not severely affect the survival of leaf cells but
      significantly inhibited the HCHO uptake by tobacco leaves. Based on the effects
      of CSA and dark pretreatments on HCHO uptake and metabolism, it is estimated that
      the contribution of this novel metabolic pathway to HCHO uptake is approximately
      60%. The data obtained from the (13)C-NMR analysis revealed the mechanism
      underlying the weaker HCHO uptake and assimilation of tobacco leaves compared to
      Arabidopsis leaves. 

PMID- 27116372
TI  - Water stress induces changes in polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity in
      poplar plants (Populus spp.).
AB  - This paper is aimed to characterize young poplar plants under the influence of
      water stress provoked by polyethileneglycol 6000 (PEG 6000). Three polar
      genotypes (M1, B229, and PE19/66) were grown in hydroponics and subjected to 100
      and 200 mOsm PEG 6000 during six days. Polyphenol characterization, two enzymatic
      markers and antioxidant capacity in leaves and roots were investigated in
      stressed plants. Total phenol content, ferric reducing antioxidant capacity
      (FRAP) and DPPH antiradical power (DPPH ARP) were determined for estimating total
      antioxidant capacity. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase
      (PAL) were determined as enzymatic markers. Polyphenol characterization of poplar
      samples was performed by HPLC-PDA analysis. All results were subjected to
      correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Inspite of the
      decrease of total phenol content in investigated genotypes, as well as total
      antioxidant capacity, some of polyphenols were affected by stress like flavonoids
      chrysin, myricetine, kaempferol and isoferulic acid in roots of B229 genotype
      (Populus deltoides). Genotype B229 also showed the increase of antioxidant
      capacity and PAL activity in root and leaves under stress what could be the
      indicator of the adaptability of poplar plants to water stress. Significant
      positive correlations were obtained between PAL, antioxidant capacity as well as
      phenolic acids among themselves. Chemometric evaluation showed close
      interdependence between flavonoids, FRAP, DPPH antiradical power and both
      investigated enzymes of polyphenol metabolism, PAL and PPO. 

PMID- 27116373
TI  - Association mapping of caffeine content with TCS1 in tea plant and its related
      species.
AB  - Caffeine is the most abundant purine alkaloid in majority of tea plant and its
      related species. This purine alkaloid contributes to the important flavor and
      health attributes of tea. Tea caffeine synthase 1 (TCS1, EC 2.1.1.159/2.1.1.160)
      gene plays a crucial role in caffeine biosynthesis. The objective of this study
      was to investigate the genetic relationship between the TCS1 and caffeine content
      of tea plant and its related species using association mapping. We identified 87
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, pi = 0.00447) by resequencing the TCS1
      locus of 44 tea accessions. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis showed that LD
      did not extend over the entire gene (r(2) < 0.1, within 1000 bp). Two cleaved
      amplified polymorphism sequence (CAPS) markers were developed from sequence
      variations (SNP4318 and SNP6252). By association mapping, we identified SNP4318
      associated with caffeine content in four environments, explaining 4.0%-7.7% of
      the phenotypic variance. We also validated the significant marker-trait
      associations in site-directed mutagenesis experiments. Examination of allelic
      variation and linkage disequilibrium by a candidate-gene-based approach can help
      to decipher the genetic basis of caffeine biosynthesis. Moreover, the SNP marker
      identified in this study can potentially be applied for future marker-assisted
      selection to improve tea quality. 

PMID- 27116374
TI  - Protonation of nitriles: isolation and characterization of alkyl- and
      arylnitrilium ions.
AB  - The reactions of acetonitrile, propionitrile, butyronitrile, N,N
      dimethylaminoacetonitrile, benzonitrile, o-tolunitrile and 1,4-dicyanobenzene
      with HF/AsF5 or HF/SbF5 in anhydrous HF result in protonation of the nitrile. The
      obtained nitrilium ions were isolated as [AsF6](-), [SbF6](-) and [Sb2F11](-)
      salts and characterized by multinuclear NMR and vibrational spectroscopy, and
      their X-ray crystal structures.

PMID- 27116375
TI  - Statistical Analysis of Categorical Time Series of Atmospheric Elementary
      Circulation Mechanisms - Dzerdzeevski Classification for the Northern Hemisphere.
AB  - Northern hemisphere elementary circulation mechanisms, defined with the
      Dzerdzeevski classification and published on a daily basis from 1899-2012, are
      analysed with statistical methods as continuous categorical time series.
      Classification consists of 41 elementary circulation mechanisms (ECM), which are
      assigned to calendar days. Empirical marginal probabilities of each ECM were
      determined. Seasonality and the periodicity effect were investigated with moving
      dispersion filters and randomisation procedure on the ECM categories as well as
      with the time analyses of the ECM mode. The time series were determined as being
      non-stationary with strong time-dependent trends. During the investigated period,
      periodicity interchanges with periods when no seasonality is present. In the time
      series structure, the strongest division is visible at the milestone of 1986,
      showing that the atmospheric circulation pattern reflected in the ECM has
      significantly changed. This change is result of the change in the frequency of
      ECM categories; before 1986, the appearance of ECM was more diverse, and
      afterwards fewer ECMs appear. The statistical approach applied to the categorical
      climatic time series opens up new potential insight into climate variability and
      change studies that have to be performed in the future.

PMID- 27116376
TI  - Efficient access to cis-decalinol frameworks: copper(i)-catalyzed borylative
      cyclization of allene cyclohexanediones.
AB  - Cu-catalyzed borylative cyclization of allene cyclohexanediones has been
      described through a tandem beta-borylation and intramolecular allylic addition
      process, affording borylated cis-decalinols with excellent yields and
      diastereoselectivities. A good enantioselectivity is also achieved in the
      asymmetric version. The hemiboronate group in the cyclization products could be
      subjected to several useful transformations. 

PMID- 27116377
TI  - Left ventricular rotational dyssynchrony before cardiac resynchronization
      therapy: a step forward into ventricular mechanics.
AB  - AIMS: Heart failure patients show impaired left ventricular rotation and twist.
      In patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) significance of
      preimplant left ventricular rotational timing between different ventricular
      regions is unknown. We thoroughly evaluated, in patients eligible for CRT,
      baseline left ventricular rotational mechanics, also assessing segmental
      rotational timing, and investigated whether the presence of rotational
      dyssynchrony may be associated with echocardiographic response. METHODS: By two
      dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography, baseline peak apical and basal
      rotation, peak twist, and time-related parameters, such as delays between
      opposite segments at base and apex, were assessed in 55 CRT patients and 11
      healthy participants. RESULTS: At 6 months, 30 (54%) patients were
      echocardiographic responders. Left ventricular rotation and twist had no
      association with response. All time-related parameters were significantly altered
      in CRT patients. Maximum basal and apical segments delay, and anteroseptal
      posterior delays at base and apex, were longer in responders than in
      nonresponders (P < 0.05 for all), regardless of the presence of left bundle
      branch block (LBBB) and QRS duration. At multivariable analysis, apical
      anteroseptal-posterior delay resulted as independently associated with response
      [odds ratio (OR): 1.022 (1.007-1.038); P = 0.004]. A cut-off value of 97.5 ms for
      apical anteroseptal-posterior delay predicted response with 96% specificity and
      57% sensitivity (AUC = 0.83). Magnitude of left ventricular reverse remodeling
      was significantly related to apical anteroseptal-posterior delay (P = 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: In heart failure patients eligible for CRT, left ventricular
      rotational timing is altered. Dyssynchrony in rotational mechanics shows a
      specific pattern in responders regardless of the presence of LBBB. Apical
      anteroseptal-posterior rotational delay is independently associated with left
      ventricular reverse remodeling.

PMID- 27116378
TI  - The beta-cyanoalanine synthase pathway: beyond cyanide detoxification.
AB  - Production of cyanide through biological and environmental processes requires the
      detoxification of this metabolic poison. In the 1960s, discovery of the beta
      cyanoalanine synthase (beta-CAS) pathway in cyanogenic plants provided the first
      insight on cyanide detoxification in nature. Fifty years of investigations firmly
      established the protective role of the beta-CAS pathway in cyanogenic plants and
      its role in the removal of cyanide produced from ethylene synthesis in plants,
      but also revealed the importance of this pathway for plant growth and development
      and the integration of nitrogen and sulfur metabolism. This review describes the
      beta-CAS pathway, its distribution across and within higher plants, and the
      diverse biological functions of the pathway in cyanide assimilation, plant growth
      and development, stress tolerance, regulation of cyanide and sulfide signalling,
      and nitrogen and sulfur metabolism. The collective roles of the beta-CAS pathway
      highlight its potential evolutionary and ecological importance in plants.

PMID- 27116379
TI  - The Icatibant Outcome Survey: treatment of laryngeal angioedema attacks.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the management and outcomes of life-threatening
      laryngeal attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) treated with icatibant in the
      observational Icatibant Outcome Survey (NCT01034969) registry. METHODS: This
      retrospective analysis was based on data from patients with HAE type I/II who
      received healthcare professional-administered or self-administered icatibant to
      treat laryngeal attacks between September 2008 and May 2013. RESULTS: Twenty
      centers in seven countries contributed data. Overall, 42 patients with HAE
      experienced 67 icatibant-treated laryngeal attacks. Icatibant was self
      administered for 62.3% of attacks (healthcare professional-administered, 37.7%).
      One icatibant injection was used for 87.9% of attacks, with rescue or concomitant
      medication used for 9.0%. The median time to treatment was 2.0 h (n=31 attacks)
      and the median time to resolution was 6.0 h (n=35 attacks). CONCLUSIONS: This
      analysis describes successful use of icatibant for the treatment of laryngeal HAE
      attacks in a real-world setting.

PMID- 27116380
TI  - Correlation of Aqueous Humor Lysyl Oxidase Activity with TGF-beta Levels and
      LOXL1 Genotype in Pseudoexfoliation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) is a microfibrillopathy involving disordered
      elastogenesis. Abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) production underlies the
      pathophysiology of PXF. The enzyme Lysyl oxidase (LOX) and its isoforms are known
      to cross-link the elastin and collagen. Though the etiopathogensis of PXF is not
      well understood, studies report on the genetic risk involving LOXL1 gene. This
      study aims to screen LOXL1 coding variants rs1048661 and rs3825942 in the South
      Indian population and the implication of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
      with LOX activity. The levels of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in
      aqueous humor and its correlation with the LOX activity were also examined.
      METHODS: Blood, plasma, and aqueous aspirates were prospectively collected from
      PXF cases with and without glaucoma and cataract cases as controls. DNA was
      extracted from 48 PXF cases without glaucoma, 12 PXF cases with glaucoma, and 40
      age-matched cataract-alone controls without PXF/glaucoma for analyzing LOX SNPs.
      LOX activity was measured in aqueous humor and plasma of 30 PXF cases without
      glaucoma, 24 age-matched cataract-alone controls without PXF/glaucoma, and 14 PXF
      cases with glaucoma. Protein levels of LOX, LOXL1, LOXL2, and total TGF-beta were
      estimated in plasma and aqueous humor by ELISA. RESULTS: The specific activity of
      LOX in aqueous humor was found to be significantly lowered in PXF cases compared
      with cataract-alone controls (p = 0.014). This decrease in LOX activity in PXF
      cases was associated with high-risk GG haplotype. However, this was not
      statistically significant and a larger sample size is warranted. TGF-beta1 and
      TGF-beta2 negatively correlated with LOX activity in aqueous humor (p = 0.028; p
      = 0.046, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The LOXL1 SNPs, rs1048661 and rs3825942, are
      associated with PXF in the South Indian population correlating with lowered LOX
      activity in the aqueous humor. The increased level of total TGF-beta in the
      aqueous humor of PXF cases is possibly associated with LOX regulation which needs
      further investigation.

PMID- 27116381
TI  - Cytomegalovirus-Infected Primary Endothelial Cells Trigger NKG2C+ Natural Killer
      Cells.
AB  - Among innate cells, natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the defense
      against cytomegalovirus (CMV). In some individuals, CMV infection induces the
      expansion of NKG2C+ NK cells that persist after control of the infection. We have
      previously shown that KIR2DL+ NK cells, in contrast to NKG2C+ NK cells,
      contribute to controlling CMV infection using a CMV-infected monocyte-derived
      dendritic cell (MDDC) model. However, the nature of CMV-infected cells
      contributing to the expansion of the NKG2C+ NK cell subset remains unclear. To
      gain more insight into this question, we investigated the contribution of NKG2C+
      NK cell activation by CMV-infected primary human aortic endothelial cells (EC)
      isolated from kidney transplant donors, which constitutively express the human
      leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E molecule. Here, we show that, although classic HLA
      class I expression was drastically downregulated, nonclassic HLA-E expression was
      maintained in CMV-infected EC. By comparing HLA expression patterns in CMV
      infected EC, fibroblasts and MDDC, we demonstrate a cell-dependent modulation of
      HLA-E expression by CMV infection. NKG2C+ NK cell degranulation was significantly
      triggered by CMV-infected EC regardless of the nature of the HLA-E allele
      product. EC, predominantly present in vessels, may constitute a privileged site
      for CMV infection that drives a 'memory' NKG2C+ NK cell subset.

PMID- 27116383
TI  - Stability analysis of a continuum-based constrained mixture model for vascular
      growth and remodeling.
AB  - A stabilizing criterion is derived for equations governing vascular growth and
      remodeling. We start from the integral state equations of the continuum-based
      constrained mixture theory of vascular growth and remodeling and obtain a system
      of time-delayed differential equations describing vascular growth. By employing
      an exponential form of the constituent survival function, the delayed
      differential equations can be reduced to a nonlinear ODE system. We demonstrate
      the degeneracy of the linearized system about the homeostatic state, which is a
      fundamental cause of the neutral stability observations reported in prior
      studies. Due to this degeneracy, stability conclusions for the original nonlinear
      system cannot be directly inferred. To resolve this problem, a sub-system is
      constructed by recognizing a linear relation between two states. Subsequently,
      Lyapunov's indirect method is used to connect stability properties between the
      linearized system and the original nonlinear system, to rigorously establish the
      neutral stability properties of the original system. In particular, this analysis
      leads to a stability criterion for vascular expansion in terms of growth and
      remodeling kinetic parameters, geometric quantities and material properties.
      Numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate the theoretical stability
      criterion under broader conditions, as well as study the influence of key
      parameters and physical factors on growth properties. The theoretical results are
      also compared with prior numerical and experimental findings in the literature.

PMID- 27116382
TI  - Protective Effects of Edaravone in Adult Rats with Surgery and Lipopolysaccharide
      Administration-Induced Cognitive Function Impairment.
AB  - Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a clinical syndrome characterized
      by cognitive declines in patients after surgery. Previous studies have suggested
      that surgery contributed to such impairment. It has been proven that
      neuroinflammation may exacerbate surgery-induced cognitive impairment in aged
      rats. The free radical scavenger edaravone has high blood brain barrier
      permeability, and was demonstrated to effectively remove free radicals from the
      brain and alleviate the development of POCD in patients undergoing carotid
      endarterectomy, suggesting its potential role in preventing POCD. For this
      reason, this study was designed to determine whether edaravone is protective
      against POCD through its inhibitory effects on inflammatory cytokines and
      oxidative stress. First, Sprague Dawley adult male rats were administered 3 mg/kg
      edaravone intraperitoneally after undergoing a unilateral nephrectomy combined
      with lipopolysaccharide injection. Second, behavioral parameters related to
      cognitive function were recorded by fear conditioning and Morris Water Maze
      tests. Last, superoxide dismutase activities and malondialdehyde levels were
      measured in the hippocampi and prefrontal cortex on postoperative days 3 and 7,
      and microglial (Iba1) activation, p-Akt and p-mTOR protein expression, and
      synaptic function (synapsin 1) were also examined 3 and 7 days after surgery.
      Rats that underwent surgery plus lipopolysaccharide administration showed
      significant impairments in spatial and working memory, accompanied by significant
      reductions in hippocampal-dependent and independent fear responses. All
      impairments were attenuated by treatment with edaravone. Moreover, an abnormal
      decrease in superoxide dismutase activation, abnormal increase in malondialdehyde
      levels, significant increase in microglial reactivity, downregulation of p-Akt
      and p-mTOR protein expression, and a statistically significant decrease in
      synapsin-1 were observed in the hippocampi and prefrontal cortices of rats at
      different time points after surgery. All mentioned abnormal changes were totally
      or partially reversed by edaravone. To our knowledge, few reports have shown
      greater protective effects of edaravone on POCD induced by surgery plus
      lipopolysaccharide administration from its anti-oxidative stress and anti
      inflammatory effects, as well as maintenance of Akt/mTOR signal pathway
      activation; these might be closely related to the therapeutic effects of
      edaravone. Our research demonstrates the potential use of edaravone in the
      treatment of POCD.

PMID- 27116384
TI  - Low-dose decitabine plus all-trans retinoic acid in patients with myeloid
      neoplasms ineligible for intensive chemotherapy.
AB  - In our previous in vitro trials, decitabine and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)
      demonstrated synergistic effects on growth inhibition, differentiation, and
      apoptosis in SHI-1 cells; in K562 cells, ATRA enhanced the effect of decitabine
      on p16 demethylation, and the combination of the two drugs was found to activate
      RAR-beta expression (p16 and RAR-beta are two tumor suppressor genes). On the
      rationale of our in vitro trials, we used low-dose decitabine and ATRA to treat
      31 myeloid neoplasms deemed ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. The regimen
      consisted of decitabine at the dose of 15 mg/m(2) intravenously over 1 h daily
      for consecutive 5 days and ATRA at the dose of 20 mg/m(2) orally from day 1 to 28
      except day 4 to 28 in the first cycle, and the regimen was repeated every 28
      days. After 6 cycles, decitabine treatment was stopped, and ATRA treatment was
      continued for maintenance treatment. Treated with a median of 2 cycles (range 1
      6), 7 patients (22.6 %) achieved complete remission (CR), 7 (22.6 %) marrow CR
      (mCR), and 4 (12.9 %) partial remission (PR). The overall remission (CR, mCR, and
      PR) rate was 58.1 %, and the best response (CR and mCR) rate was 45.2 %. The
      median overall survival (OS) was 11.0 months, the 1-year OS rate was 41.9 %, and
      the 2-year OS rate was 26.6 %. In univariate analyses, age, performance status,
      comorbidities, white blood cell counts and platelets at diagnosis, percentage of
      bone marrow blasts, karyotype, and treatment efficacy demonstrated no impacts on
      OS (P > 0.05, each). Main side effects were tolerable hematologic toxicities. In
      conclusion, low-dose decitabine plus ATRA is a promising treatment for patients
      with myeloid neoplasms judged ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. 

PMID- 27116385
TI  - Shells of charge: a density functional theory for charged hard spheres.
AB  - A functional for the electrostatic excess free-energy for charged, hard sphere
      fluids is proposed. The functional is derived from two complementary, but
      equivalent, interpretations of the mean spherical approximation (MSA). The first
      combines fundamental measure theory (FMT) from hard-core interactions with the
      idea that MSA can be interpreted in terms of the interaction spherical shells of
      charge. This formulation gives the free-energy density as a function of weighted
      densities. When all the ions have the same size, the functional adopts an FMT
      like form. The second in effect 'functionalizes' the derivation of MSA; that is,
      it generalizes the MSA as a functional-based version of MSA (fMSA). This
      formulation defines the free-energy density as a function of a position-dependent
      MSA screening parameter and the weighted densities of the FMT approach. This
      FMT/fMSA functional is shown to give accurate density profiles, as compared to
      Monte Carlo simulations, under a wide range of ion concentrations, size
      asymmetries, and valences.

PMID- 27116386
TI  - A Novel Homozygous SLC2A9 Mutation Associated with Renal-Induced Hypouricemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hereditary renal hypouricemia (RHUC) is a genetically heterogenous
      disorder characterized by defective uric acid (UA) reabsorption resulting in
      hypouricemia and increased fractional excretion of UA; acute kidney injury (AKI)
      and nephrolithiasis are recognized complications. Type 1 (RHUC1) is caused by
      mutations in the SLC22A12 gene, whereas RHUC2 is caused by mutations in the
      SLC2A9 gene. Patient ethnicity is diverse but only few Caucasian families with an
      SLC2A9 mutation have been reported. METHODS: The current report describes the
      clinical history, biochemical and molecular genetics findings of a native
      Austrian family with RHUC2. The propositus presented with 2 episodes of exercise
      induced AKI and exhibited profound hypouricemia. Mutational screening of the
      SLC22A12 and SLC2A9 genes was performed. RESULTS: The molecular analyses revealed
      the homozygous c.512G>A transition that leads to the p.Arg171His missense
      substitution in SLC2A9, confirming the diagnosis of RHUC2. Segregation study of
      the causal mutation revealed that the mother and elder sister were heterozygous
      carriers, whereas the younger sister was found to be homozygous. CONCLUSION: We
      report the identification of a novel mutation in SLC2A9 as the cause of RHUC2 in
      a native Austrian family. We show that glucose transporter 9 mutations cause
      severe hypouricemia in homozygous individuals and confirm the high risk of AKI in
      male individuals harbouring these mutations. In our literature review, we provide
      an overview of the putative underlying pathophysiology, potential renal
      complications, findings on kidney biopsy as well as potential long-time renal
      sequelae.

PMID- 27116387
TI  - Neocortex: a lean mean memory storage machine.

PMID- 27116388
TI  - Foraging and flight trump defense and fight.

PMID- 27116391
TI  - Ubiquitination and filamentous structure of cytidine triphosphate synthase.
AB  - Living organisms respond to nutrient availability by regulating the activity of
      metabolic enzymes. Therefore, the reversible post-translational modification of
      an enzyme is a common regulatory mechanism for energy conservation. Recently,
      cytidine-5'-triphosphate (CTP) synthase was discovered to form a filamentous
      structure that is evolutionarily conserved from flies to humans. Interestingly,
      induction of the formation of CTP synthase filament is responsive to starvation
      or glutamine depletion. However, the biological roles of this structure remain
      elusive. We have recently shown that ubiquitination regulates CTP synthase
      activity by promoting filament formation in Drosophila ovaries during endocycles.
      Intriguingly, although the ubiquitination process was required for filament
      formation induced by glutamine depletion, CTP synthase ubiquitination was found
      to be inversely correlated with filament formation in Drosophila and human cell
      lines. In this article, we discuss the putative dual roles of ubiquitination, as
      well as its physiological implications, in the regulation of CTP synthase
      structure.

PMID- 27116392
TI  - Variation in Pregnancy Options Counseling and Referrals, And Reported Proximity
      to Abortion Services, Among Publicly Funded Family Planning Facilities.
AB  - CONTEXT: As frontline providers, publicly funded family planning clinics
      represent a critical link in the health system for women seeking information
      about pregnancy options, yet scant information exists on their provision of
      relevant services. Understanding their practices is important for gauging how
      well these facilities serve patients' needs. METHODS: A 2012 survey of 567
      publicly funded family planning facilities in 16 states gathered information on
      referral-making for adoption and abortion services, and perceived proximity to
      abortion services. Chi-square, multivariable logistic regression and multinomial
      logistic regression analyses were performed to assess differences among
      facilities in referral-making and reported proximity to abortion services.
      RESULTS: Abortion referrals were provided by a significantly smaller proportion
      of providers than were adoption referrals (84% vs. 97%). Health departments and
      community health centers were significantly less likely than comprehensive
      reproductive health centers to refer for abortion services and to have a list of
      abortion providers available (odds ratios, 0.1-0.2). Rural facilities were more
      likely than urban ones to report a distance of more than 100 miles to the closest
      first-trimester abortion provider (relative risk ratio, 11.4), second-trimester
      abortion provider (8.7) and medication abortion provider (8.0). Health
      departments were more likely than comprehensive reproductive health centers not
      to know the location of the closest first-trimester, second-trimester or
      medication abortion provider (2.5-3.5). CONCLUSION: A better understanding of
      disparities in provision of pregnancy options counseling and referrals at
      publicly funded family planning clinics is needed to ensure that women get timely
      care.

PMID- 27116393
TI  - Activated PI3Kdelta syndrome type 2: Two patients, a novel mutation, and review
      of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant gain-of-function mutations in PIK3R1 encoding for
      the regulatory subunit (p85alpha, p55alpha, and p50alpha) of Class IA
      phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) result in the activated PI3Kdelta syndrome
      (APDS) type 2 characterized by childhood-onset combined immunodeficiency,
      lymphoproliferation, and immune dysregulation. To improve clinical awareness and
      understanding of these rare diseases, we reviewed all hitherto published cases
      with APDS type 1 and type 2 for their clinical and immunologic symptoms and added
      novel clinical, immunologic, and genetic findings of two patients with APDS type
      2. METHODS: Clinical, immunologic, and genetic evaluation of two new patients
      with APDS2 was performed followed by the systematic collection of all available
      previously published data of patients with APDS1 and APDS2. RESULTS: Patients
      with APDS type 1 (n = 49) and type 2 (n = 15) showed an indistinguishable
      immunologic phenotype. Overlapping clinical features shared by APDS type 1 and
      type 2 were observed, but our review also revealed previously unnoticed clinical
      differences such as remarkably high incidence of microcephaly, poor growth/short
      stature in patients with APDS2. Clinical management and outcome were variable and
      included prophylactic antibiotics, immunosuppression, immunoglobulin
      substitution, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: A disease
      specific registry collecting prospective and long-term follow-up data of patients
      with APDS, as currently set up by the European Society for Immunodeficiencies,
      are needed to better understand the natural history and to optimize treatment
      concepts and thereby improving the outcome of this heterogenous patient group.

PMID- 27116394
TI  - NIR-Triggered Rapid Shape Memory PAM-GO-Gelatin Hydrogels with High Mechanical
      Strength.
AB  - Shape memory hydrogels containing over 76 wt % of water were synthesized in a one
      pot method, and interpenetrating double network was formed by physically cross
      linked gelatin network and chemically cross-linked polyacrylamide (PAM) network
      with graphene oxide (GO). The temporary shape was quickly fixed by cooling in ice
      water for 30 s after deformation at 80  degrees C for 10 s. Shape recovery
      started in 10 s under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation and almost completed within
      60 s depending on the curling angle. A small amount of GO in the hydrogels (<=1.5
      mg/mL) played a key role in NIR energy absorption and transformation into thermal
      energy. The hydrogel without GO showed no response to the NIR irradiation and
      cannot recover to its permanent shape by NIR irradiation. Temperature sweep was
      conducted in the cycle of 20  degrees C -> 80  degrees C -> 20  degrees C, and
      the structure change in the hydrogels with temperature was investigated according
      to the storage modulus G' and tangent of the loss angle tan delta as a function
      of the hydrogel composition. The shape-memory capability was confirmed as the
      contribution from the triple-helix cross-linking network of gelatin. High
      mechanical toughness (strength > 400 kPa and broken strain > 500%) was achieved
      by the double-network with the sacrificial gelatin network and GO bridging to
      dissipate deformation energy. The optimized composition of the hydrogel was found
      to be a key point to realize stable temporary shape and rapid recovery to the
      permanent shape controlled by NIR irradiation with reasonable strength. The
      facile preparation and noncontact gentle stimulus of the present hydrogel hold
      great potential to be used in soft actuator materials.

PMID- 27116395
TI  - On magnitudes in memory: An internal clock account of space-time interaction.
AB  - Traditionally, research on time perception has diverged into a representational
      approach that focuses on the interaction between time and non-temporal magnitude
      information like spatial distance, and a mechanistic approach that emphasizes the
      workings and timecourse of components within an internal clock. We combined these
      approaches in order to identify the locus of space-time interaction effects in
      the mechanistic framework of the internal clock model. In three experiments, we
      contrasted the effects of spatial distance (a long- vs. short-distance line) on
      time perception with those of visual flicker (a flickering vs. static stimulus)
      in a duration reproduction paradigm. We found that both a flickering stimulus and
      a long-distance line lengthened reproduced time when presented during time
      encoding. However, when presented during time reproduction, a flickering stimulus
      shortened reproduced time but a long-distance line had no effect. The results
      thus show that, while visual flickers affects duration accumulation itself,
      spatial distance instead biases the memory of the accumulated duration. These
      findings are consistent with a clock-magnitude account of space-time interaction
      whereby both temporal duration and spatial distance are represented as mental
      magnitudes that can interfere with each other while being kept in memory, and
      places the locus of interaction between temporal and non-temporal magnitude
      dimensions at the memory maintenance stage of the internal clock model. 

PMID- 27116396
TI  - Evidence for Inhibition of Lysozyme Amyloid Fibrillization by Peptide Fragments
      from Human Lysozyme: A Combined Spectroscopy, Microscopy, and Docking Study.
AB  - Degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and prion diseases, as well as type II
      diabetes, have a pathogenesis associated with protein misfolding, which routes
      with amyloid formation. Recent strategies for designing small-molecule and
      polypeptide antiamyloid inhibitors are mainly based on mature fibril structures
      containing cross beta-sheet structures. In the present study, we have tackled the
      hypothesis that the rational design of antiamyloid agents that can target native
      proteins might offer advantageous prospect to design effective therapeutics.
      Lysozyme amyloid fibrillization was treated with three different peptide
      fragments derived from lysozyme protein sequence R(107)-R(115). Using low
      resolution spectroscopic, high-resolution NMR, and STD NMR-restrained docking
      methods such as HADDOCK, we have found that these peptide fragments have the
      capability to affect lysozyme fibril formation. The present study implicates the
      prospect that these peptides can also be tested against other amyloid-prone
      proteins to develop novel therapeutic agents.

PMID- 27116397
TI  - Ionization and Fragmentation of DCOOD Induced by Synchrotron Radiation at the
      Oxygen 1s Edge: The Role of Dimer Formation.
AB  - The ionization and photofragmentation of molecules in the core region has been
      widely investigated for monomers and dimers of organic molecules in the gas
      phase. In this study, we used synchrotron radiation to excite electrons of the
      oxygen K-edge in an effusive molecular beam of doubly deuterated formic acid. We
      used time-of-flight mass spectrometry and employed the spectroscopic techniques
      photoelectron-photoion coincidence and photoelectron photoion-photoion
      coincidence to obtain spectra of single and double coincidences at different
      pressures. Our results indicate the presence of ions and ion pairs that have
      charge-to-mass ratio higher than the monomer DCOOD, as the (DCOOD).D(+), and
      pairs (DCO(+), DCO(+)) and (CO(+), DCO(+)). Comparing the spectra obtained for
      different pressures we can ascertain that these ions are formed by the
      fragmentation of DCOOD dimers. 

PMID- 27116398
TI  - Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of corncobs with genetically
      modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae and characterization of their microstructure
      during hydrolysis.
AB  - Cellulose is an abundant natural polysaccharide that is universally distributed.
      It can be extracted from corncobs, which are inexpensive, easily accessible,
      renewable, and environmentally friendly. A common strategy for effectively
      utilizing cellulose is efficient heterogeneous expression of cellulase genes in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, the improvement of cellulose utilization is a
      relevant issue. Based on our previous findings, we constructed an integrated
      secretion expression vector, pHBM368-pgk, containing a constitutive promoter
      sequence. Three genetically modified S. cerevisiae strains containing
      heterologous beta-glucosidase, exoglucanase, and endoglucanase genes were
      constructed. The results of a 1-L bioreactor fermentation process revealed that
      the mixed recombinant S. cerevisiae could efficiently carry out simultaneous
      saccharification and fermentation (SSF) by using corncobs as the sole carbon
      source. The ethanol concentration reached 6.37 g/L after 96 hours of
      fermentation, which was about 3 times higher than that produced by genetically
      modified S. cerevisiae with the inducible promoter sequence. To investigate the
      microstructure characteristics of hydrolyzed corncobs during the fermentation
      process, corncob residues were detected by using a scanning electron microscope.
      This study provides a feasible method to improve the effect of SSF using corncobs
      as the sole carbon source.

PMID- 27116399
TI  - Sinus surgery postpones chronic Gram-negative lung infection: cohort study of 106
      patients with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) the sinuses are a bacterial
      reservoir for Gram-negative bacteria (GNB). From the sinuses the GNB can
      repeatedly migrate to the lungs. In a one-year follow-up study, endoscopic sinus
      surgery (ESS) with adjuvant therapy reduced the frequency of pulmonary samples
      positive for GNB. We investigated whether the effect is sustained. METHODOLOGY:
      We report the effect of ESS and adjuvant therapy three years postoperatively in a
      CF cohort participating in this prospective clinical follow-up study. The primary
      endpoint was the lung infection status defined by Leeds criteria. RESULTS: One
      hundred and six CF patients underwent ESS; 27 had improved lung infection status
      after three years. The prevalence of patients free of lung colonization with GNB
      significantly increased from 16/106 patients (15%) preoperatively to 35/106
      patients (33%) after three years. The total cohort had decreasing lung function
      during follow-up; however, in 27 patients with improved lung infection status
      lung function was stable. Revision surgery was performed in 31 patients (28%).
      CONCLUSION: ESS with adjuvant therapy significantly improves the lung infection
      status for at least three years in our cohort of patients with CF and may
      postpone chronic lung infection with GNB and thus stabilize lung function.

PMID- 27116401
TI  - Evaluation of radiocesium concentrations in new leaves of wild plants two years
      after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.
AB  - Radiocesium ((137)Cs) transfer to plants immediately after the Fukushima Dai-ichi
      Nuclear Power Plant accident was investigated by collecting newly emerged leaf
      and soil samples between May 2011 and November 2012 from 20 sites in the
      Fukushima prefecture. Radiocesium concentrations in leaf and soil samples were
      measured to calculate concentration ratios (CR). Woody plants exhibited high CR
      values because (137)Cs deposited on stems and/or leaves were transferred to newly
      emerging tissues. The CR values in 2012 declined as compared to that in 2011.
      Exchangeable (137)Cs rates in soil (extraction rate) samples were measured at
      five sites. These rates decreased at four sites in 2012 and depended on
      environmental conditions and soil type. Both CR values and extraction rates
      decreased in 2012. However, CR values reflected the changes in extraction rates
      and characteristics of each species. Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, and
      Polygonaceae, which had been identified as Cs accumulators, presented no clear
      (137)Cs accumulation ability. In 2012, the perennial plant Houttuynia cordata and
      deciduous trees Chengiopanax sciadophylloides and Acer crataegifolium displayed
      high CR values, indicating that these species are (137)Cs accumulators and may be
      considered as potential species for phytoremediation. 

PMID- 27116402
TI  - Determination of (226)Ra in produced water by liquid scintillation counting.
AB  - It is proposed a method for the determination of (226)Ra in offshore platform
      liquid effluent samples (produced water). The method is based on a two-phase
      liquid scintillation counting system and allows for the direct and simple
      determination of (226)Ra content. Samples with high barium content may also have
      high (226)Ra concentration. Therefore, the sample volume is based on the barium
      concentration and ranges from 10 mL to 100 mL. Our new method was tested using
      multiple real samples and was compared with the BaSO4 precipitation method. The
      results based on the LSC were 30% higher than the precipitation method, which is
      attributed to the self-absorption of alpha particles in the BaSO4 precipitate.
      The determination of both (226)Ra and (228)Ra in the liquid effluent of offshore
      oil platforms is mandatory in Brazil. Thus, a second method of accurately
      assessing (228)Ra content remains necessary. 

PMID- 27116407
TI  - American Association for the Surgery of Trauma statement on firearm injuries.

PMID- 27116408
TI  - Admissions for isolated nonoperative mild head injuries: Sharing the burden among
      trauma surgery, neurosurgery, and neurology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolated nonoperative mild head injuries (INOMHI) occur with
      increasing frequency in an aging population. These patients often have multiple
      social, discharge, and rehabilitation issues, which far exceed the acute
      component of their care. This study was aimed to compare the outcomes of patients
      with INOMHI admitted to three services: trauma surgery, neurosurgery, and
      neurology. METHODS: Retrospective case series (January 1, 2009 to August 31,
      2013) at an academic Level I trauma center. According to an institutional
      protocol, INOMHI patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 13 to 15 were admitted
      on a weekly rotational basis to trauma surgery, neurosurgery, and neurology. The
      three populations were compared, and the primary outcomes were survival rate to
      discharge, neurological status at hospital discharge as measured by the Glasgow
      Outcome Score (GOS), and discharge disposition. RESULTS: Four hundred eighty
      eight INOMHI patients were admitted (trauma surgery, 172; neurosurgery, 131;
      neurology, 185). The mean age of the study population was 65.3 years, and 58.8%
      of patients were male. Seventy-seven percent of patients has a GCS score of 15.
      Age, sex, mechanism of injury, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Injury Severity Score,
      Abbreviated Injury Scale in head and neck, and GCS were similar among the three
      groups. Patients who were admitted to trauma surgery, neurosurgery and neurology
      services had similar proportions of survivors (98.8% vs 95.7% vs 94.7%), and
      discharge disposition (home, 57.0% vs 61.6% vs 55.7%). The proportion of patients
      with GOS of 4 or 5 on discharge was slightly higher among patients admitted to
      trauma (97.7% vs 93.0% vs 92.4%). In a logistic regression model adjusting for
      Charlson Comorbidity Index CCI and Abbreviated Injury Scale head and neck scores,
      patients who were admitted to neurology or neurosurgery had significantly lower
      odds being discharged with GOS 4 or 5. While the trauma group had the lowest
      proportion of repeats of brain computed tomography (61.6%), the neurosurgery
      group had the highest proportion of intensive care unit admission (29.8%), and
      the neurology group had the longest emergency department stay (7.5 hours), there
      were no significant differences in duration of hospital stay, in-hospital
      complications, and readmission within 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were
      differences in use of health care resources, and the proportion of patients with
      GOS of 4 or 5 on discharge was slightly higher among patients admitted to trauma,
      most clinical outcomes were similar in INOMHI patients admitted to trauma
      surgery, neurosurgery, or neurology in our institution. A rotational policy of
      admitting INOMHI patients is feasible among services with expertise in and
      commitment to the care of these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care
      management study, level IV.

PMID- 27116409
TI  - Role of computed tomography angiography in the management of Zone II penetrating
      neck trauma in patients with clinical hard signs.

PMID- 27116410
TI  - Prehospital lactate improves accuracy of prehospital criteria for designating
      trauma activation level.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trauma activation level is determined by prehospital criteria. The
      American College of Surgeons (ACS) recommends trauma activation criteria;
      however, their accuracy may be limited. Prehospital lactate has shown promise in
      predicting trauma center resource requirements. Our objective was to investigate
      the added value of incorporating prehospital lactate in an algorithm to designate
      trauma activation level. METHODS: Air medical trauma patients undergoing
      prehospital lactate measurement were included. Algorithms using ACS activation
      criteria (ACS) and ACS activation criteria plus prehospital lactate (ACS+LAC) to
      designate trauma activation level were compared. Test characteristics and net
      reclassification improvement (NRI), which evaluates reclassification of patients
      among risk categories with additional predictive variables, were calculated.
      Algorithms were compared to predict trauma center need defined as more than 1
      unit of blood in the emergency department; spinal cord injury; advanced airway;
      thoracotomy or pericardiocentesis; ICP monitoring; emergent operative or
      interventional radiology procedure; or death. RESULTS: There were 6,347 patients
      included. Twenty-eight percent had trauma center need. The ACS+LAC algorithm
      upgraded 256 patients and downgraded 548 patients compared to the ACS algorithm.
      The ACS+LAC algorithm versus ACS algorithm had an NRI of 0.058 (95% confidence
      interval [CI], 0.044-0.071; p < 0.01), with an event NRI of -0.5% and nonevent
      NRI of 6.2%. When weighted to favor changes in undertriage, the ACS+LAC still had
      a favorable overall reclassification (weighted NRI, 0.041; 95% CI, 0.028-0.054; p
      = 0.01). The ACS+LAC algorithm increased positive predictive value, negative
      predictive value, and accuracy. Over-triage was reduced 7.2%, while undertriage
      only increased 0.7%. The area under the curve was significantly higher for the
      ACS+LAC algorithm (0.79 vs. 0.76; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The ACS+LAC algorithm
      reclassified patients to more appropriate levels of trauma activation compared to
      the ACS algorithm. This overall benefit is achieved by significant reduction in
      overtriage relative to very small increase in undertriage. In the context of
      trauma team activation, this trade-off may be acceptable, especially in the
      current health care environment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care management
      study, level III; prognostic/epidemiologic study, level III.

PMID- 27116411
TI  - Re: Role of computed tomography angiography in the management of Zone II
      penetrating neck trauma in patients with clinical hard signs.

PMID- 27116412
TI  - Early feeds not force feeds: Enteral nutrition in traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines recommend the early use of enteral
      nutrition to optimize recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our aim
      was to examine the effect of early feeds (<=24 hours) on clinical outcomes after
      TBI. METHODS: We performed a 3-year retrospective study of patients with severe
      TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale score <8) who were intubated, admitted to the intensive
      care unit (ICU), and received tube feeds. Early tube feeds (early TF) were
      defined as initiation of tube feeds within 24 hours, whereas late tube feeds
      (late TF) were defined as initiation of tube feeds after 24 hours. Outcome
      measures included pneumonia rates, days on ventilator, hospital and ICU stay, and
      mortality rates. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients (early TF: 58, late TF: 32) were
      included, of which 73.3% were male, mean age was 42 (SD, 20) years, and median
      head Abbreviated Injury Scale score was 4 (range, 3-5). There was no difference
      in age (p = 0.1), head Abbreviated Injury Scale score (p = 0.5), or admission
      Glasgow Coma Scale score (p = 0.9) between the two groups. Patients with early TF
      were associated with higher number of ICU days (p = 0.03) and higher pneumonia
      rates (p = 0.04), but there was no significant difference in mortality (p = 0.44)
      as compared with those who underwent late TF. CONCLUSIONS: Although early tube
      feeds are known to improve outcomes in TBI patients, our data suggest that early
      feeds in TBI patients are associated with higher rates of pneumonia and greater
      hospital resource utilization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

PMID- 27116413
TI  - Dexmedetomidine as an adjunct for sedation in patients with traumatic brain
      injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), optimizing sedation is
      challenging because maintaining a clinical examination is important in being able
      to detect neurological deterioration. Propofol (PROP) is frequently used as a
      sedative in TBI since it has been shown to reduce the cerebral metabolic rate,
      but it may lead to PROP-related infusion syndrome and hemodynamic compromise.
      Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a sedative that produces minimal respiratory depression
      with opioid-sparing effects. The purpose of this study was to determine whether
      sedation with DEX would be safe in patients with severe TBI. METHODS: This
      prospective observational single-center study was conducted from 2011 to 2013.
      Patients with severe TBI were treated according to standard of care per the Brain
      Trauma Foundation guidelines. Sedative agents were titrated using the Richmond
      Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) while maintaining intracranial pressure of less
      than 20 mm Hg and cerebral perfusion pressure of greater than 60 mm Hg. The
      primary outcome measure was the mean time in target RASS (0 = alert and calm to 
      2 = light sedation). RESULTS: A total of 198 patients were enrolled in the study.
      Patient-days (1,028 in total) were stratified into four groups: DEX only (n =
      222), DEX + PROP (n = 148), PROP only (n = 599), and NEITHER (n = 59). Regression
      analyses indicated a significant difference in target RASS between sedative
      agents (p = 0.001). The DEX-only group had the highest adjusted mean daily
      estimate of 16.0 hours in target RASS. Hypotension was significantly higher in
      both the DEX only (p = 0.01) and DEX + PROP (p = 0.01) groups than in the PROP
      only group. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine was found to be associated with
      significantly more hypotension. Therefore, larger studies are needed to identify
      the role of DEX in TBI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level III.

PMID- 27116414
TI  - Usability and Acceptability of a Web-Based Program for Chemotherapy-Induced
      Peripheral Neuropathy.
AB  - Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is a painful and debilitating adverse effect of
      certain chemotherapy drugs. There have not been any patient-centered, easily
      accessible Web-based interventions to assist with self-management of chemotherapy
      induced neuropathy. The aims of this study were to evaluate usability and
      acceptability and to estimate an effect size of a Web-based intervention for
      assessing and managing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Participants (N = 14)
      were instructed to complete the Creativity, Optimism, Planning, and Expert
      Information for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy program and provide
      verbal responses to the program. Participants completed the Chemotherapy Induced
      Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool and Post-Study System Usability
      Questionnaire. Iterative changes were made to the COPE-CIPN. Participants were
      asked to provide feedback on the revised COPE-CIPN, repeat the Chemotherapy
      Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Assessment Tool, and evaluate acceptability using
      the Acceptability e-Scale. The COPE-CIPN demonstrated high usability (mean, 1.98
      [SD, 1.12]) and acceptability (mean, 4.40 [SD, 0.52]). Comments indicated that
      the interface was easy to use, and the information was helpful. While neuropathy
      symptoms continued to increase in this group of patients receiving neurotoxic
      chemotherapy, there was a decrease in mean level of interference with activities
      from 53.71 to 39.29 over 3 to 4 months, which indicated a moderate effect (d =
      0.39) size. The COPE-CIPN may be a useful intervention to support self-management
      of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. 

PMID- 27116415
TI  - Teens' Reactance to Anti-Smoking Public Service Announcements: How Norms Set the
      Stage.
AB  - Data from a study of the effects of anti-smoking ads were analyzed. This study
      measured the accessibility of peer and parent norms for smoking, exposed teens to
      three anti-smoking ads that either emphasized personal narratives of the dangers
      of smoking or had a surprise ending, and measured reactance to the messages.
      Readiness to smoke was assessed via a phone survey 3 months later. The
      accessibility of pro-smoking peer norms increased readiness to engage in smoking
      behavior through reactance toward anti-smoking messages. The accessibility of
      parent norms was unrelated to reactance. Reactance was particularly strong when
      the ads included a surprise ending. Peer norms that oppose smoking, particularly
      if they can be brought to mind quickly, are an important protective factor in
      that they may reduce reactance to anti-smoking messages.

PMID- 27116417
TI  - Improving interprofessional collaboration: The effect of training in nonviolent
      communication.
AB  - This article examines the effects of nonviolent communication (NVC) training on
      the interprofessional collaboration (IPC) of two health and social services
      sector care teams. The study was conducted in 2013 with two interprofessional
      teams (N = 9) using a mixed method research design to measure the effects of the
      training. Individual IPC competency was measured using the Team Observed
      Structured Clinical Encounter tool, and group competency using the Observed
      Interprofessional Collaboration tool. A focus group was held to collect
      participant perceptions of what they learned in the training. Results revealed
      improvements in individual competency in client/family-centered collaboration and
      role clarification. Improvements in group competency were also found with respect
      to teams' ability to develop a shared plan of action. Data suggests that
      participants accepted and adopted training content. After the training, they
      appeared better able to identify the effects of spontaneous communication, more
      understanding of the mechanisms of empathy, and in a better position to foster
      collective leadership.

PMID- 27116418
TI  - Development and validation of an automated liquid-liquid extraction GC/MS method
      for the determination of THC, 11-OH-THC, and free THC-carboxylic acid (THC-COOH)
      from blood serum.
AB  - The analysis of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites 11
      hydroxy-Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Delta(9)
      tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) from blood serum is a routine task in forensic
      toxicology laboratories. For examination of consumption habits, the concentration
      of the phase I metabolite THC-COOH is used. Recommendations for interpretation of
      analysis values in medical-psychological assessments (regranting of driver's
      licenses, Germany) include threshold values for the free, unconjugated THC-COOH.
      Using a fully automated two-step liquid-liquid extraction, THC, 11-OH-THC, and
      free, unconjugated THC-COOH were extracted from blood serum, silylated with N
      methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA), and analyzed by GC/MS. The
      automation was carried out by an x-y-z sample robot equipped with modules for
      shaking, centrifugation, and solvent evaporation. This method was based on a
      previously developed manual sample preparation method. Validation guidelines of
      the Society of Toxicological and Forensic Chemistry (GTFCh) were fulfilled for
      both methods, at which the focus of this article is the automated one. Limits of
      detection and quantification for THC were 0.3 and 0.6 MUg/L, for 11-OH-THC were
      0.1 and 0.8 MUg/L, and for THC-COOH were 0.3 and 1.1 MUg/L, when extracting only
      0.5 mL of blood serum. Therefore, the required limit of quantification for THC of
      1 MUg/L in driving under the influence of cannabis cases in Germany (and other
      countries) can be reached and the method can be employed in that context. Real
      and external control samples were analyzed, and a round robin test was passed
      successfully. To date, the method is employed in the Institute of Legal Medicine
      in Giessen, Germany, in daily routine. Automation helps in avoiding errors during
      sample preparation and reduces the workload of the laboratory personnel. Due to
      its flexibility, the analysis system can be employed for other liquid-liquid
      extractions as well. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first publication
      on a comprehensively automated classical liquid-liquid extraction workflow in the
      field of forensic toxicological analysis. Graphical abstract GC/MS with MPS Dual
      Head at the Institute of Legal Medicine, Giessen, Germany. Modules from left to
      right: (quick) Mix (for LLE), wash station, tray 1 (vials for extracts), solvent
      reservoir, (m) VAP (for extract evaporation), Solvent Filling Station (solvent
      supply), cooled tray 2 (vials for serum samples), and centrifuge (for phase
      separation). 

PMID- 27116419
TI  - Application of a NMR-based untargeted quantitative metabonomic approach to screen
      for illicit salbutamol administration in cattle.
AB  - The use of metabonomic methodologies to identify illicit salbutamol
      administration in cattle has not been previously investigated. In this study, a
      nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based untargeted quantitative metabonomic
      approach was applied to discriminate biofluid samples (plasma and urine) obtained
      from cattle before and after salbutamol treatment. Six male cattle (265.7 +/- 3.9
      kg) were fed salbutamol (0.15 mg/kg body weight) for 21 consecutive days. Plasma
      and urine samples were collected before and after treatment. By the use of
      targeted profiling, 46 and 43 metabolites in plasma and urine, respectively, were
      quantified, of which 9 and 11 metabolites were significantly affected (P < 0.05)
      by salbutamol treatment. Partial least squares discriminant analysis showed that
      both plasma and urine samples collected after treatment were well separated from
      those before treatment, with Q (2) values of 0.56 and 0.573 for plasma and urine
      samples, respectively. The variable importance plot (VIP) scores of glucose and
      lactate in plasma, and urine, hippurate, acetate, glycine, formate, n
      phenylacetyl, benzoate, and phenylacetate in urine were >1.0, which implies that
      these metabolites may serve as potential biomarkers for salbutamol treatment.
      These findings suggest the potential value of NMR-based untargeted quantitative
      metabonomic methodologies for plasma and urine analyses as a screening technique
      for detection of illicit salbutamol usage in cattle. 

PMID- 27116420
TI  - Erratum to: LC-MS/MS determination of potential endocrine disruptors of cortico
      signalling in rivers and wastewaters.

PMID- 27116421
TI  - Mitigation of microtiter plate positioning effects using a block randomization
      scheme.
AB  - Microtiter plate-based assays are a common tool in biochemical and analytical
      labs. Despite widespread use, results generated in microtiter plate-based assays
      are often impacted by positional bias, in which variability in raw signal
      measurements are not uniform in all regions of the plate. Since small positional
      effects can disproportionately affect assay results and the reliability of the
      data, an effective mitigation strategy is critical. Commonly used mitigation
      strategies include avoiding the use of outer regions of the plate, replicating
      treatments within and between plates, and randomizing placement of treatments
      within and between plates. These strategies often introduce complexity while only
      partially mitigating positional effects and significantly reducing assay
      throughput. To reduce positional bias more effectively, we developed a novel
      block-randomized plate layout. Unlike a completely randomized layout, the block
      randomization scheme coordinates placement of specific curve regions into pre
      defined blocks on the plate based on key experimental findings and assumptions
      about the distribution of assay bias and variability. Using the block-randomized
      plate layout, we demonstrated a mean bias reduction of relative potency estimates
      from 6.3 to 1.1 % in a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) used
      for vaccine release. In addition, imprecision in relative potency estimates
      decreased from 10.2 to 4.5 % CV. Using simulations, we also demonstrated the
      impact of assay bias on measurement confidence and its relation to replication
      strategies. We outlined the underlying concepts of the block randomization scheme
      to potentially apply to other microtiter-based assays. 

PMID- 27116422
TI  - Cytogenetic Behavior of Trigeneric Hybrid Progeny Involving Wheat, Rye and
      Psathyrostachys huashanica.
AB  - Trigeneric hybrids are commonly used as bridges to transfer genes from some wild
      species to cultivated wheat and to measure the genomic interaction between donor
      species. We previously reported that trigeneric germplasms were produced by
      crossing wheat-Psathyrostachys huashanica amphiploids (PHW-SA, 2n = 8x = 56,
      AABBDDNsNs) with hexaploid triticale (Zhongsi 828, 2n = 6x = 42, AABBRR). In the
      present study, chromosome pairing behavior and the genome constitution of the F4
      progenies of wheat-rye-P. huashanica trigeneric hybrids were studied. Cytological
      analysis showed that the chromosome number of F4 progenies ranged from 39 to 46,
      and 57.5% of them had 42 chromosomes. The mean meiotic configuration of F4 lines
      was 1.71 univalents, 20.26 bivalents, 0.04 trivalents, and 0.001 quadrivalents
      per pollen mother cell. Among the lines with 2n = 42, the average pairing
      configuration was 1.21 univalents, 16.22 ring bivalents, 4.16 rod bivalents, and
      0.01 trivalents. This result indicated that these lines were cytologically
      stable. Other lines with 2n = 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, and 46, bearing a high
      number of univalents or multivalents, showed abnormal meiotic behavior. Genomic
      in situ hybridization (GISH) revealed that all F4 lines had 11-14 rye
      chromosomes, but no P. huashanica chromosomes. The complete set of 14 rye
      chromosomes was found in 19 lines. At meiosis, GISH detected 1-6 univalents with
      hybridization signals of rye in 13 lines. Bivalents with fluorescence signals
      were identified in each line, ranging from 3 to 7. A quadrivalent with
      hybridization signals was observed in only 1 line, K13-714-8. Lagging
      chromosomes, chromosome bridges, micronuclei, and chromosome fragments
      hybridizing with the probe were not discovered in any of the lines. These results
      inferred that the behavior of rye chromosomes was normal during meiosis. In
      addition, 21 lines of 2n = 42 (91.3%) with 12 or 14 rye chromosomes, always
      contained 6 or 7 bivalents bearing fluorescence signals. This suggested that the
      rye chromosomes exhibiting complete pairing in these lines were cytologically
      stable during meiosis and may therefore be considered as new hexaploid
      triticales. Thus, these lines might be potential materials for further hexaploid
      triticale improvement. 

PMID- 27116424
TI  - Solid-State Redox Switching of Magnetic Exchange and Electronic Conductivity in a
      Benzoquinoid-Bridged Mn(II) Chain Compound.
AB  - We demonstrate that incorporation of a redox-active benzoquinoid ligand into a
      one-dimensional chain compound can give rise to a material that exhibits
      simultaneous solid-state redox switching of optical, magnetic, and electronic
      properties. Metalation of the ligand 4,5-bis(pyridine-2-carboxamido)-1,2-catechol
      ((N,O)LH4) with Mn(III) affords the chain compound Mn((N,O)L)(DMSO). Structural
      and spectroscopic analysis of this compound show the presence of Mn(II) centers
      bridged by (N,O)L(2-) ligands, resulting partially from a spontaneous ligand-to
      metal electron transfer. Upon soaking in a solution of the reductant Cp2Co,
      Mn((N,O)L)(DMSO) undergoes a ligand-centered solid-state reduction to
      [Mn((N,O)L)](-), as revealed by a suite of techniques, including Raman and X-ray
      absorption spectroscopy. The ligand-based reduction engenders a dramatic
      modulation of the physical properties of the chain compound. An electrochromic
      response, evidenced by a color change from dark green to dark purple is
      accompanied by a nearly 40-fold increase in magnetic coupling strength, from J = 
      0.38(1) to -15.6(2) cm(-1), and a 10,000-fold increase in electronic
      conductivity, from sigma = 2.33(1) * 10(-12) S/cm (Ea = 0.64(1) eV) to 8.61(1) *
      10(-8) S/cm (Ea = 0.39(1) eV). Importantly, the chemical reduction is reversible:
      treatment of the reduced compound with [Cp2Fe](+) regenerates the oxidized chain.
      Taken together, these results highlight the ability of benzoquinoid ligands to
      facilitate solid-state ligand-based redox reactions in nonporous coordination
      solids, giving rise to reversible switching of optical properties, magnetic
      exchange interactions, and electronic conductivity.

PMID- 27116423
TI  - Guidelines for the Management of Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration:
      Recommendations from a Panel of Greek Experts.
AB  - PURPOSE: To propose guidelines for the management of patients with wet age
      related macular degeneration (wAMD), taking into account the results of large
      multicenter studies and clinical experience of retina experts. METHOD: A team of
      retina experts developed a consensus paper after three consecutive meetings. The
      group was focused on guidelines to help clinical decision-making around the
      definition of successful treatment and the definition of non-response to therapy.
      RESULTS: Parameters suggestive of a successful response to treatments included:
      any gain in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) or vision loss that is less than
      5-10 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters, reduction of
      central retinal thickness, partial or complete absorption of subretinal fluid
      (SRF), reduction of intraretinal fluid, reduction of pigment epithelial
      detachment or restoration of the anatomy of outer retinal layers. Non-response to
      current treatment was considered in the case of loss of BCVA greater than 10
      ETDRS letters, increased retinal edema or increase of SRF as evidenced by optical
      coherence tomography or new bleeding in biomicroscopy. CONCLUSION: The
      introduction of anti-VEGF agents revolutionized the treatment of wAMD. Given the
      complexity of the disease, the emerging new agents and the difference of cases
      recruited in clinical trials compared to those appearing in every-day practice,
      it is essential to individualize treatment options taking into account the
      results of clinical trials.

PMID- 27116426
TI  - Curtius-like Rearrangement of an Iron-Nitrenoid Complex and Application in
      Biomimetic Synthesis of Bisindolylmethanes.
AB  - A Curtius-like rearrangement of hydroxamates to isocyanates was discovered. This
      reaction was initiated from an iron(II)-nitrenoid complex, which was generated by
      the iron(II)-catalyzed cleavage of N-O bonds of functionalized hydroxamates. To
      demonstrate the efficiency of this new Curtius-like rearrangement in synthetic
      chemistry, a biomimetic strategy for the one-pot preparation of
      bisindolylmethanes was developed.

PMID- 27116425
TI  - Sulfation of Lower Chlorinated Polychlorinated Biphenyls Increases Their Affinity
      for the Major Drug-Binding Sites of Human Serum Albumin.
AB  - The disposition of toxicants is often affected by their binding to serum
      proteins, of which the most abundant in humans is serum albumin (HSA). There is
      increasing interest in the toxicities of environmentally persistent
      polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with lower numbers of chlorine atoms (LC-PCBs)
      due to their presence in both indoor and outdoor air. PCB sulfates derived from
      metabolic hydroxylation and sulfation of LC-PCBs have been implicated in
      endocrine disruption due to high affinity-binding to the thyroxine-carrying
      protein, transthyretin. Interactions of these sulfated metabolites of LC-PCBs
      with HSA, however, have not been previously explored. We have now determined the
      relative HSA-binding affinities for a group of LC-PCBs and their hydroxylated and
      sulfated derivatives by selective displacement of the fluorescent probes 5
      dimethylamino-1-naphthalenesulfonamide and dansyl-l-proline from the two major
      drug-binding sites on HSA (previously designated as Site I and Site II). Values
      for half-maximal displacement of the probes indicated that the relative binding
      affinities were generally PCB sulfate >= OH-PCB > PCB, although this affinity was
      site- and congener-selective. Moreover, specificity for Site II increased as the
      numbers of chlorine atoms increased. Thus, hydroxylation and sulfation of LC-PCBs
      result in selective interactions with HSA which may affect their overall
      retention and toxicity.

PMID- 27116427
TI  - Exchange-Correlation Functionals via Local Interpolation along the Adiabatic
      Connection.
AB  - The construction of density-functional approximations is explored by modeling the
      adiabatic connection locally, using energy densities defined in terms of the
      electrostatic potential of the exchange-correlation hole. These local models are
      more amenable to the construction of size-consistent approximations than their
      global counterparts. In this work we use accurate input local ingredients to
      assess the accuracy of a range of local interpolation models against accurate
      exchange-correlation energy densities. The importance of the strictly correlated
      electrons (SCE) functional describing the strong coupling limit is emphasized,
      enabling the corresponding interpolated functionals to treat strong correlation
      effects. In addition to exploring the performance of such models numerically for
      the helium and beryllium isoelectronic series and the dissociation of the
      hydrogen molecule, an approximate analytic model is presented for the initial
      slope of the local adiabatic connection. Comparisons are made with approaches
      based on global models, and prospects for future approximations based on the
      local adiabatic connection are discussed. 

PMID- 27116428
TI  - The role of nitric oxide signalling in response to salt stress in Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: Nitric oxide signal and GSNOR activity play an essential role
      for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii response to salt stress. The unicellular alga
      Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is one of the most important model organisms
      phylogenetically situated between higher plants and animals. In the present
      study, we used comparative proteomics and physiological approaches to study the
      mechanisms underlying the response to salt stress in C. reinhardtii. We
      identified 74 proteins that accumulated differentially after salt stress,
      including oxidative enzymes and enzymes associated with nitric oxide (NO)
      metabolism, cell damage, and cell autophagy processes. A set of antioxidant
      enzymes, as well as S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) activity, were induced
      to balance the cellular redox status during short-term salt stress. Enzymes
      involved in DNA repair and cell autophagy also contribute to adaptation to short
      term salt stress. However, under long-term salt stress, antioxidant enzymes and
      GSNOR were gradually inactivated through protein S-nitrosylation, leading to
      oxidative damage and a reduction in cell viability. Modulating the protein S
      nitrosylation levels by suppressing GSNOR activity or adding thioredoxin affected
      the plant's adaptation to salt stress, through altering the redox status and DNA
      damage and autophagy levels. Based on these data, we propose that unicellular
      algae use multiple strategies to adapt to salt stress, and that, during this
      process, GSNOR activity and protein S-nitrosylation levels play important roles.

PMID- 27116429
TI  - Heat-induced accumulation of protein synthesis elongation factor 1A implies an
      important role in heat tolerance in potato.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: Potato eukaryotic elongation factor 1A comprises multiple
      isoforms, some of which are heat-inducible or heat-upregulated and might be
      important in alleviating adverse effects of heat stress on plant productivity.
      Heat stress substantially reduces crop productivity worldwide, and will become
      more severe due to global warming. Identification of proteins involved in heat
      stress response may help develop varieties for heat tolerance. Eukaryotic
      elongation factor 1A (eEF1A) is a cytosolic, multifunctional protein that plays a
      central role in the elongation phase of translation. Some of the non-canonical
      eEF1A activities might be important in developing plant heat-stress tolerance. In
      this study, we investigated effects of heat stress (HS) on eEF1A expression at
      the protein level in potato, a highly heat vulnerable crop. Our results from both
      the controlled environment and the field have shown that potato eEF1A is a heat
      inducible protein of 49.2-kDa with multiple isoforms (5-8). Increase in eEF1A
      abundance under HS can be mainly attributed to 2-3 basic polypeptides/isoforms. A
      significant correlation between eEF1A abundance and the potato productivity in
      the field was observed in two extremely hot years 2011 and 2012. Genomic Southern
      blot analysis indicated the existence of multiple genes encoding eEF1A in potato.
      Identification, isolation and utilization of heat-inducible eEF1A genes might be
      helpful for the development of the heat-tolerant varieties.

PMID- 27116430
TI  - Determination of Glutathione, Selenium, and Malondialdehyde in Different Edible
      Mushroom Species.
AB  - In this study, the amount of reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione
      (GSSG), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by high performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC), and selenium was determined by using the fluorescence
      spectrophotometer in eight different species of edible mushrooms. Brittlegill
      mushroom (Russula delica), meadow mushroom (Agaricus campestris), dryad's saddle
      mushroom (Polyporus squamosus), white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus),
      Pleurotus spp., ink mushroom (Coprinus atramentarius), ebekari mushroom (slimy)
      (Elazig local) and casir mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) (Tunceli local) were used
      for analysis. The amounts of GSH, GSSG, Se, and MDA with GSH/GSSG ratio in the
      eight different species of edible mushrooms were observed in between 269.10 +/-
      16.94-1554.83 +/- 58.12 MUg/g; 23.55 +/- 1.89-841.90 +/- 20.03 MUg/g; 15.06 +/-
      1.56-82.10 +/- 3.84 MUg/g; 5.46 +/- 0.50-27.45 +/- 2.58 MUg/g wet weight and 0.32
      41.35, respectively. There is a weak correlation (R 2 = 0.389) between MDA and
      Se, on the other hand, the correlation (R 2 = 0.831) between GSH/GSSG ratio and
      selenium in mushrooms are reasonable well. In a similar manner, there is a weak
      correlation (R 2 = 0551) between GSH/GSSG and MDA ratios in mushrooms. It was
      found that these edible mushroom species are good source of glutathione (GSH,
      GSSG), and selenium (Se) in terms of quantities obtained; therefore, it can be
      said that mushrooms are a rich source of antioxidants.

PMID- 27116431
TI  - Cognitive flexibility and changes in hopelessness across time: A moderation
      hypothesis.
AB  - Prior literature has suggested that cognitive flexibility is implicated in the
      feeling of hopelessness. However, studies on the nature of their relationship
      have been scarce. This study posits a moderation hypothesis on the relationship
      between cognitive flexibility and hopelessness. A total of 78 elderly
      participants (Mage = 70, SD = 6.1) were administered a self-report measure of
      hopelessness across two time points approximately 10 months apart and a measure
      of cognitive flexibility. We hypothesized that baseline hopelessness scores would
      moderate the relationship between cognitive flexibility and hopelessness scores
      10 months later. Specifically, among the high baseline hopelessness group, we
      predicted that cognitively flexible participants would report lower hopelessness
      scores 10 months later. However, for the low baseline hopelessness group,
      cognitive flexibility would be unrelated to hopelessness scores 10 months later.
      The results of a bootstrapped moderation analysis controlling for age, sex,
      education, and general cognitive status supported our moderation hypothesis and
      predictions. These findings reveal the complex nature of the relationship between
      cognitive flexibility and hopelessness. The implications of these findings in the
      wider clinical context were discussed.

PMID- 27116432
TI  - Clinical Implications of Cancer Genomics: A Call for Papers.
AB  - In this month's editorial, the PLOS Medicine Editors announce an upcoming Special
      Issue, with Guest Editors Elaine Mardis and Marc Ladanyi, on actionable advances
      in research on the cancer genome. 

PMID- 27116433
TI  - High-Capacity Molecular Scale Conversion Anode Enabled by Hybridizing Cluster
      Type Framework of High Loading with Amino-Functionalized Graphene.
AB  - Exploring high-capacity anodes with multielectron reaction, sufficient
      charge/mass transfer, and suppressed volume expansion is highly desired. The open
      frameworks consisting of independent structure units, which possess conversion
      reaction potentiality, can meet these demands and show advantages over routine
      insertion-type open frameworks with at most one-electron transfer or conversion
      materials with compact ligand linkage. Here, we report a class of
      electrochemically stable cluster-like polyoxometalates (POMs) as such open
      framework anodes. Their high loading and low solubility are enabled by Al- or Si
      driven polymerization and hybridization with positively charged graphene, which
      immobilizes polyanions of POMs and improves their electric contact. Al-based POM
      composite (NAM-EDAG) for Li-storage achieves a high reversible capacity above
      1000 mAh g(-1) and tolerates a long-term cycling with more than 1100 cycles and a
      current density up to 20 A g(-1). A six-electron conversion reaction occurring at
      molecular scale and the consequent optimized distribution of products benefiting
      from original open framework are also responsible for the high electroactivity.
      POM-based open frameworks give inspiration for exploring advanced, less soluble
      (or insoluble) framework materials made up of electroactive molecule or cluster
      moieties for Li- and Na-storage.

PMID- 27116434
TI  - [Adverse reactions to metal orthopedic implants after knee arthroplasty].
AB  - Based on several clinical examples, the range of adverse or hypersensitive
      reactions to metal implants especially after total knee replacement are
      presented. In general, we found the patients to generally be women who present
      with pain, swelling, and local or generalized eczema. Some also present with
      early aseptic loosening mainly in the first 4 years after implantation. For these
      patients, a detailed allergy-specific history should be taken and a patch test
      should be performed; if necessary, blood ion levels should be evaluated to
      exclude cobaltism. Before revision surgery and exchange of the implant we always
      perform arthroscopic inspection to obtain biopsies for microbiology and
      histopathology. Using the Consensus Classification a good evaluation for planning
      revision with the different implant options is possible. 

PMID- 27116454
TI  - Correction: Centering the Organizing Center in the Arabidopsis thaliana Shoot
      Apical Meristem by a Combination of Cytokinin Signaling and Self-Organization.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147830.].

PMID- 27116455
TI  - Is There Any Evidence for Rapid, Genetically-Based, Climatic Niche Expansion in
      the Invasive Common Ragweed?
AB  - Climatic niche shifts have been documented in a number of invasive species by
      comparing the native and adventive climatic ranges in which they occur. However,
      these shifts likely represent changes in the realized climatic niches of invasive
      species, and may not necessarily be driven by genetic changes in climatic
      affinities. Until now the role of rapid niche evolution in the spread of invasive
      species remains a challenging issue with conflicting results. Here, we document a
      likely genetically-based climatic niche expansion of an annual plant invader, the
      common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), a highly allergenic invasive species
      causing substantial public health issues. To do so, we looked for recent
      evolutionary change at the upward migration front of its adventive range in the
      French Alps. Based on species climatic niche models estimated at both global and
      regional scales we stratified our sampling design to adequately capture the
      species niche, and localized populations suspected of niche expansion. Using a
      combination of species niche modeling, landscape genetics models and common
      garden measurements, we then related the species genetic structure and its
      phenotypic architecture across the climatic niche. Our results strongly suggest
      that the common ragweed is rapidly adapting to local climatic conditions at its
      invasion front and that it currently expands its niche toward colder and formerly
      unsuitable climates in the French Alps (i.e. in sites where niche models would
      not predict its occurrence). Such results, showing that species climatic niches
      can evolve on very short time scales, have important implications for predictive
      models of biological invasions that do not account for evolutionary processes.

PMID- 27116456
TI  - Human Leukocyte Antigen and Systemic Sclerosis in Japanese: The Sign of the Four
      Independent Protective Alleles, DRB1*13:02, DRB1*14:06, DQB1*03:01, and
      DPB1*02:01.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several studies on associations between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      allele frequencies and susceptibility to systemic sclerosis (SSc) have been
      reported. Anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) and anti-topoisomerase I antibodies
      (ATA) are found in SSc patients. Here, we sought to identify HLA alleles
      associated with SSc in Japanese, and explored their associations with SSc
      phenotypes including the presence of autoantibodies. METHODS: Associations of HLA
      DRB1, DQB1, and DPB1 were analyzed in 463 Japanese SSc patients and 413 controls.
      RESULTS: We found that DRB1*13:02 (P = 0.0011, Pc = 0.0319, odds ratio [OR] 0.46,
      95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-0.73), DRB1*14:06 (P = 6.60X10-5, Pc = 0.0020,
      OR 0.05, 95%CI 0.01-0.41), DQB1*03:01 (P = 0.0009, Pc = 0.0150, OR 0.56, 95%CI
      0.40-0.79), and DPB1*02:01 (P = 5.16X10-6, Pc = 8.77X10-5, OR 0.52, 95%CI 0.39
      0.69) were protectively associated with SSc. In addition, these four alleles
      seemed to be independently associated with the protection against the
      susceptibility of SSc. On the other hand, we could not find predisposing alleles
      for overall SSc. With respect to SSc subsets, a tendency for these four alleles
      to be protectively associated was observed. However, there was a significant
      association between DRB1*01:01, DRB1*10:01, DQB1*05:01, and DPB1*04:02 and the
      susceptibility to SSc with ACA. On the other hand, the presence of DRB1*15:02,
      DQB1*06:01, DPB1*03:01, and DPB1*09:01 was associated with SSc with ATA.
      CONCLUSION: Thus, the present study has identified protective associations of the
      four HLA class II alleles with overall Japanese SSc and predisposing associations
      of HLA class II alleles with Japanese SSc subsets.

PMID- 27116457
TI  - Effect of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Xenobiotic-sensing Receptors
      NR1I2 and NR1I3 on the Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity of Irinotecan in Colorectal
      Cancer Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nuclear receptors PXR (pregnane X receptor, NR1I2) and
      CAR (constitutive androstane receptor, NR1I3) are key regulators of irinotecan
      metabolism, and ligand-dependent modulation of their activity leads to
      significant drug-drug interactions. Because genetic polymorphisms can also affect
      the activity of these xenobiotic-sensing receptors, we hypothesized that they
      could contribute to the interpatient variability of irinotecan pharmacokinetics
      and to the toxicity of irinotecan-based regimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a
      cohort of 109 metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with irinotecan (180
      mg/m(2)) in combination with other drugs, associations were assessed between 21
      selected single nucleotide polymorphisms of NR1I2 or NR1I3 and pharmacokinetic
      parameters or toxicity of irinotecan and its metabolites. RESULTS: After
      adjustment of the tests by the UGT1A1*28 genotype and correction for multiple
      testing, the A allele of NR1I2-rs10934498 was associated with a decreased
      exposition and an increased degradation of SN-38, the active metabolite (p =
      0.009 and p = 0.017, respectively). The risk of hematological toxicity was
      associated with NR1I2-rs10934498 and NR1I2-rs2472677 (p = 0.009 and p = 0.003,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results reveal for the first time the involvement
      of NR1I2 in the pharmacogenetics of irinotecan and suggest that it may help to
      predict the toxicity of low-dose irinotecan.

PMID- 27116458
TI  - Population-Based Incidence Rates of Diarrheal Disease Associated with Norovirus,
      Sapovirus, and Astrovirus in Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diarrheal diseases remain a major cause of mortality in Africa and
      worldwide. While the burden of rotavirus is well described, population-based
      rates of disease caused by norovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus are lacking,
      particularly in developing countries. METHODS: Data on diarrhea cases were
      collected through a population-based surveillance platform including healthcare
      encounters and household visits in Kenya. We analyzed data from June 2007 to
      October 2008 in Lwak, a rural site in western Kenya, and from October 2006 to
      February 2009 in Kibera, an urban slum. Stool specimens from diarrhea cases of
      all ages who visited study clinics were tested for norovirus, sapovirus, and
      astrovirus by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Of 334 stool specimens from Lwak and 524 from
      Kibera, 85 (25%) and 159 (30%) were positive for norovirus, 13 (4%) and 31 (6%)
      for sapovirus, and 28 (8%) and 18 (3%) for astrovirus, respectively. Among
      norovirus-positive specimens, genogroup II predominated in both sites, detected
      in 74 (87%) in Lwak and 140 (88%) in Kibera. The adjusted community incidence per
      100,000 person-years was the highest for norovirus (Lwak: 9,635; Kibera: 4,116),
      followed by astrovirus (Lwak: 3,051; Kibera: 440) and sapovirus (Lwak: 1,445;
      Kibera: 879). For all viruses, the adjusted incidence was higher among children
      aged <5 years (norovirus: 22,225 in Lwak and 17,511 in Kibera; sapovirus: 5,556
      in Lwak and 4,378 in Kibera; astrovirus: 11,113 in Lwak and 2,814 in Kibera)
      compared to cases aged >=5 years. CONCLUSION: Although limited by a lack of
      controls, this is the first study to estimate the outpatient and community
      incidence rates of norovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus across the age spectrum
      in Kenya, suggesting a substantial disease burden imposed by these viruses. By
      applying adjusted rates, we estimate approximately 2.8-3.3 million, 0.45-0.54
      million, and 0.77-0.95 million people become ill with norovirus, sapovirus, and
      astrovirus, respectively, every year in Kenya.

PMID- 27116459
TI  - Metabolomics Revealed an Association of Metabolite Changes and Defective Growth
      in Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 Overexpressing ecm during Growth on Methanol.
AB  - Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 is a facultative methylotroph capable of growth
      on both single-carbon and multi-carbon compounds. The ethylmalonyl-CoA (EMC)
      pathway is one of the central assimilatory pathways in M. extorquens during
      growth on C1 and C2 substrates. Previous studies had shown that ethylmalonyl-CoA
      mutase functioned as a control point during the transition from growth on
      succinate to growth on ethylamine. In this study we overexpressed ecm, phaA,
      mcmAB and found that upregulating ecm by expressing it from the strong
      constitutive mxaF promoter caused a 27% decrease in growth rate on methanol
      compared to the strain with an empty vector. Targeted metabolomics demonstrated
      that most of the central intermediates in the ecm over-expressing strain did not
      change significantly compared to the control strain; However, poly-beta
      hydroxybutyrate (PHB) was 4.5-fold lower and 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA was 1.6-fold
      higher. Moreover, glyoxylate, a toxic and highly regulated essential
      intermediate, was determined to be 2.6-fold higher when ecm was overexpressed.
      These results demonstrated that overexpressing ecm can manipulate carbon flux
      through the EMC pathway and divert it from the carbon and energy storage product
      PHB, leading to an accumulation of glyoxylate. Furthermore, untargeted
      metabolomics discovered two unusual metabolites, alanine (Ala)-meso
      diaminopimelic acid (mDAP) and Ala-mDAP-Ala, each over 45-fold higher in the ecm
      over-expressing strain. These two peptides were also found to be highly produced
      in a dose-dependent manner when glyoxylate was added to the control strain.
      Overall, this work has explained a direct association of ecm overexpression with
      glyoxylate accumulation up to a toxic level, which inhibits cell growth on
      methanol. This research provides useful insight for manipulating the EMC pathway
      for efficiently producing high-value chemicals in M. extorquens.

PMID- 27116461
TI  - A Novel Drug Delivery System for the Human Nasal Epithelium.
AB  - The epithelium of upper respiratory tissues such as the human nasal mucosa forms
      a continuous barrier via tight junctions (TJs). The development of a drug
      delivery system for use across the nasal mucosa is being reconsidered. In
      intranasal administration across the nasal mucosa, the paracellular pathway
      regulated by TJs is extremely important. It is known that the C-terminal fragment
      of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (C-CPE) binds the TJ protein claudin and
      disrupts the tight junctional barrier without inducing a cytotoxic effect. We
      investigated the effects of C-CPE mutants on the function of TJs of human nasal
      epithelial cells (HNECs) and on the permeability of human recombinant insulin
      across HNECs treated with C-CPE 194 and C-CPE m19. We recently reported that C
      CPE mutants 194 and m19 can regulate the permeability of insulin across HNECs via
      the MAPK pathway and may play a crucial role in therapy for various diseases via
      direct intranasal insulin administration. On the other hand, microRNAs (miRNAs)
      are known to regulate the expression of TJs as direct or indirect targets in
      genes to maintain barrier function. We investigated the effects of miRNAs on the
      epithelial barrier of HNECs and found that miRNA-146a plays crucial roles in the
      maintenance of the TJ barrier and innate immune response against invading
      pathogens. This chapter reviews a novel drug delivery system across the nasal
      mucosa from the point of view of the epithelial barrier function. 

PMID- 27116460
TI  - Synonymous mutation gene design to overexpress ACCase in creeping bentgrass to
      obtain resistance to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides.
AB  - Overexpression of a native gene can cause expression of both introduced and
      native genes to be silenced by posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS)
      mechanisms. PTGS mechanisms rely on sequence identity between the transgene and
      native genes; therefore, designing genes with mutations that do not cause amino
      acid changes, known as synonymous mutations, may avoid PTGS. For proof of
      concept, the sequence of acetyl-coA carboxylase (ACCase) from creeping bentgrass
      (Agrostis stolonifera L.) was altered with synonymous mutations. A native
      bentgrass ACCase was cloned and used as a template for the modified gene. Wild
      type (WT) and modified genes were further modified with a non-synonymous
      mutation, coding for an isoleucine to leucine substitution at position 1781,
      known to confer resistance to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides. Five-hundred calli of
      creeping bentgrass 'Penn A-4' were inoculated with Agrobacterium containing
      either the WT or modified genes, with or without the herbicide-resistance
      mutation. Six herbicide-resistant-transgenic events containing the modified gene
      with the 1781 mutation were obtained. Transcription of the modified ACCase was
      confirmed in transgenic plants, showing that gene-silencing mechanisms were
      avoided. Transgenic plants were confirmed to be resistant to the ACCase
      inhibiting herbicide, sethoxydim, providing evidence that the modified gene was
      functional. The result is a novel herbicide-resistance trait and shows that
      overexpression of a native enzyme with a gene designed with synonymous mutations
      is possible.

PMID- 27116462
TI  - Efficacy of vaginally applied estrogen, testosterone, or polyacrylic acid on
      vaginal atrophy: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Vaginal atrophy is a common chronic condition among postmenopausal
      women that can affect their quality of life. Recent studies have evaluated new
      treatment alternatives for vaginal atrophy; however, few therapeutic options have
      been thoroughly evaluated. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and
      adverse effects of estrogen, testosterone, polyacrylic acid, and placebo
      lubricant for the treatment of postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy.
      METHODS: We conducted a randomized clinical trial with 80 postmenopausal women
      aged between 40 and 70 years who were being followed up at the Menopause Clinic
      of CAISM UNICAMP between November 2011 and January 2013. Women were randomly
      assigned to topical vaginal treatment with estrogen, testosterone, polyacrylic
      acid, and placebo lubricant, three times a week for 12 weeks. We used the vaginal
      maturation index, pH, vaginal health score, vaginal flora, laboratory tests, and
      ultrasound to evaluate changes of vaginal atrophy at baseline and after 6 and 12
      weeks of treatment. RESULTS: After a 12-week treatment with topical estrogen and
      testosterone compared with the lubricant, an increased percentage of participants
      had vaginal pH less than 5, increased vaginal score, and an increase in the
      number of lactobacilli. Treatment with topical estrogen improved the vaginal
      maturation index and showed increased levels of estradiol in three women. No
      changes were observed in the endometrial evaluation of all treatment groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: After a 12-week treatment with testosterone and estrogen compared
      with placebo lubrication, there was a significant improvement in vaginal trophism
      in postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy.

PMID- 27116463
TI  - Oral versus transdermal estrogens and venous thromboembolism in postmenopausal
      women: what is new since 2003?

PMID- 27116464
TI  - Efficacy and tolerability of bazedoxifene in Mexican women with osteoporosis: a
      subgroup analysis of a randomized phase 3 trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bazedoxifene (BZA) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that
      reduces fracture risk and bone turnover in postmenopausal women with
      osteoporosis. This analysis evaluated BZA's effects on bone mineral density (BMD)
      and bone turnover in Mexican women with osteoporosis from the global pivotal
      trial (Study Evaluating Bazedoxifene Acetate in Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal
      Women). METHODS: In this 3-year, phase 3, randomized, double-blind trial, healthy
      postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (N = 7,492) received BZA 20 or 40 mg/d,
      raloxifene 60 mg/d, or placebo. The subanalyses of Mexican women assessed serum
      concentrations of osteocalcin and collagen type 1 C-telopeptide, BMD, and
      tolerability with BZA 20 mg/d versus placebo. RESULTS: In the Mexican subgroup
      (BZA, n = 39; placebo, n = 37) at month 12, BZA 20 mg/d produced significant (P <
      0.001) percentage decreases from baseline in osteocalcin (-40.5 vs -18.5) and C
      telopeptide (-45.7 vs -29.4). For BZA versus placebo, percentage change in BMD
      from baseline to month 36 was 3.3 versus 0.64 for lumbar spine, -0.18 versus -1.8
      for total hip, 0.21 versus -2.6 for femoral neck, and -0.55 versus -1.4 for
      femoral trochanter; differences were not statistically significant. Results were
      comparable to the overall study population in which differences were
      statistically significant. Common adverse events (>=20%) included arthralgia,
      back pain, gastritis, headache, influenza, and pain; none led to study
      withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS: In Mexican women with osteoporosis, BZA was well
      tolerated and seems to produce BMD changes comparable to the global phase 3
      population, although differences versus placebo were not statistically
      significant in this smaller subgroup.

PMID- 27116465
TI  - Metabolic syndrome as a predictor of endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical predictive factors for
      endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women compared with postmenopausal women
      without polyps. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 132 Brazilian women with
      a histopathological diagnosis of endometrial polyps were compared with 264 women
      without endometrial alterations (control). The study group included women aged at
      least 45 years with amenorrhea for at least 12 months, who underwent
      hysteroscopic polypectomy. The control group consisted of women aged at least 45
      years with amenorrhea for at least 12 months, without postmenopausal bleeding and
      endometrial thickness less than 5 mm by transvaginal ultrasonography. Clinical,
      anthropometric (body mass index and waist circumference), laboratory, and
      ultrasonographic data were collected to evaluate predictive factors for
      endometrial polyps. The Student's t test, chi test, and logistic regression (odds
      ratio [OR]) were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A higher percentage of
      women with polyps were obese (72%) when compared with control (39%) (P < 0.0001).
      Waist circumference was greater among women with polyps (P = 0.0001). The
      incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia was higher among women with
      endometrial polyps (P < 0.0001). According to the diagnostic criteria of the US
      National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III),
      48.5% of the women with polyps and 33.3% of the controls were classified as
      having metabolic syndrome (MetS) (P = 0.004). The risk of endometrial polyps was
      higher in women with body mass index at least 25 kg/m (OR = 4.66; 95% CI 2.16
      10.05); glucose at least 100 mg/dL (OR = 2.83; 95% CI 1.36-5.90); dyslipidemia
      (OR = 7.02; 95% CI 3.70-13.32); diabetes (OR = 2.58; 95% CI 1.05-6.32); and MetS
      (OR = 2.76; 95% CI 1.18-6.46) when compared with control, adjusted for age, and
      time since menopause. CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal women, obesity,
      dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and the presence of MetS were predictive factors for
      endometrial polyps.

PMID- 27116466
TI  - Critical analysis of carcinogenicity study outcomes. Relationship with
      pharmacological properties.
AB  - Predicting the outcome of life-time carcinogenicity studies in rats based on
      chronic (6-month) toxicity studies in this species is possible in some instances.
      This should reduce the number of such studies and hence have a significant impact
      on the total number of animals used in safety assessment of new medicines. From a
      regulatory perspective, this should be sufficient to grant a waiver for a
      carcinogenicity study in those cases where there is confidence in the outcome of
      the prediction. Pharmacological properties are a frequent key factor for the
      carcinogenic mode of action of some pharmaceuticals, but data-analysis on a large
      dataset has never been formally conducted. We have conducted an analysis of a
      dataset based on the perspective of the pharmacology of 255 compounds from
      industrial and regulatory sources. It is proposed that a pharmacological, class
      specific, model may consist of an overall causal relationship between the
      pharmacological class and the histopathology findings in rats after 6 months
      treatment, leading to carcinogenicity outcome after 2 years. Knowledge of the
      intended drug target and pathway pharmacology should enhance the prediction of
      either positive or negative outcomes of rat carcinogenicity studies. The goal of
      this analysis is to review the pharmacological properties of compounds together
      with the histopathology findings from the chronic toxicity study in rodents in
      order to introduce an integrated approach to estimate the risk of human
      carcinogenicity of pharmaceuticals. This approach would allow scientists to
      define conditions under which 2-year rat carcinogenicity studies will or will not
      add value to such an assessment. We have demonstrated the possibility of a
      regulatory waiver for a carcinogenicity study in rats, as currently discussed in
      the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) - formerly known as the
      International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), by applying the proposed
      prediction approach in a number of case studies.

PMID- 27116467
TI  - Erratum to: A Comparative Study on the In Vitro Effects of the DNA
      Methyltransferase Inhibitor 5-Azacytidine (5-AzaC) in Breast/Mammary Cancer of
      Different Mammalian Species.

PMID- 27116468
TI  - Cyclic diguanylate regulation of Bacillus cereus group biofilm formation.
AB  - Biofilm formation can be considered a bacterial virulence mechanism. In a range
      of Gram-negatives, increased levels of the second messenger cyclic diguanylate (c
      di-GMP) promotes biofilm formation and reduces motility. Other bacterial
      processes known to be regulated by c-di-GMP include cell division,
      differentiation and virulence. Among Gram-positive bacteria, where the function
      of c-di-GMP signalling is less well characterized, c-di-GMP was reported to
      regulate swarming motility in Bacillus subtilis while having very limited or no
      effect on biofilm formation. In contrast, we show that in the Bacillus cereus
      group c-di-GMP signalling is linked to biofilm formation, and to several other
      phenotypes important to the lifestyle of these bacteria. The Bacillus
      thuringiensis 407 genome encodes eleven predicted proteins containing domains
      (GGDEF/EAL) related to c-di-GMP synthesis or breakdown, ten of which are
      conserved through the majority of clades of the B. cereus group, including
      Bacillus anthracis. Several of the genes were shown to affect biofilm formation,
      motility, enterotoxin synthesis and/or sporulation. Among these, cdgF appeared to
      encode a master diguanylate cyclase essential for biofilm formation in an
      oxygenated environment. Only two cdg genes (cdgA, cdgJ) had orthologs in B.
      subtilis, highlighting differences in c-di-GMP signalling between B. subtilis and
      B. cereus group bacteria.

PMID- 27116469
TI  - Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (Abernethy Malformation Type Ib) with
      Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Case report and Literature Review.
AB  - Abernethy malformation, also termed congenital portosystemic shunt and congenital
      absence of portal vein (CAPV) is the result of malformation of the splanchnic
      venous system. Congenital portosystemic shunts are divided into extra-and
      intrahepatic shunts. Two shunts have been defined: type I is characterized by the
      complete diversion of portal blood into the vena cava with an associated
      congenital absence of the portal vein. Type II is defined by an intact but
      diverted portal vein through a side-to-side, extrahepatic connection to the vena
      cava. The clinical manifestations of Abernethy malformation are diverse with a
      typical presentation consisting of hypoxia and hepto-pulmonary syndrome.
      Histologically, focal nodular hyperplasia, nodular regenerative hyperplasia,
      liver adenoma, hepatoblastoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma have all been
      reported. Herein we report a case of Abernethy malformation, type Ib, in a 12
      month old male who was found to have a small hepatocellular carcinoma at the time
      of explant. The immunohistochemical characteristics in relation to the genetic
      aspects are discussed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of
      hepatocellular carcinoma developing in a patient who is under the age of 5 years
      old with Abernethy Malformation.

PMID- 27116470
TI  - Prognostic Significance of Tag SNP rs1045411 in HMGB1 of the Aggressive Gastric
      Cancer in a Chinese Population.
AB  - Compelling evidences have suggested that high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) gene
      plays a crucial role in cancer development and progression. This study aimed to
      evaluate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HMGB1 gene on
      the survival of gastric cancer (GC) patients. Three tag SNPs from HMGB1 gene were
      selected and genotyped using Sequenom iPEX genotyping system in a cohort of 1030
      GC patients (704 in training set, 326 in validation set). Multivariate Cox
      proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier Curve were used for prognosis
      analysis. AG/AA genotypes of SNP rs1045411 in HMGB1 gene were significantly
      associated with better overall survival (OS) in a set of 704 GC patients when
      compared with GG genotypes (HR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60-0.97, P = 0.032). This
      prognostic effect was verified in an independent validation set and pooled
      analysis (HR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.62-0.99, P = 0.046; HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.55-0.98,
      P = 0.043, respectively). In stratified analysis, the protective effect of
      rs1045411 AG/AA genotypes was more prominent in patients with adverse strata,
      compared with patients with favorable strata. Furthermore, strong joint
      predictive effects on OS of GC patients were noted between rs1045411 genotypes
      and Lauren classification, differentiation, stage or adjuvant chemotherapy.
      Additionally, functional assay indicated a significant effect of rs1045411 on
      HMGB1 expression. Our results suggest that rs1045411 in HMGB1 is significantly
      associated with clinical outcomes of Chinese GC patients after surgery,
      especially in those with aggressive status, which warrants further validation in
      other ethnic populations.

PMID- 27116471
TI  - Development of a Rapid Microbore Metabolic Profiling Ultraperformance Liquid
      Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Approach for High-Throughput Phenotyping
      Studies.
AB  - A rapid gradient microbore ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (UPLC-MS) method has been developed to provide a high-throughput
      analytical platform for the metabolic phenotyping of urine from large sample
      cohorts. The rapid microbore metabolic profiling (RAMMP) approach was based on
      scaling a conventional reversed-phase UPLC-MS method for urinary profiling from
      2.1 mm * 100 mm columns to 1 mm * 50 mm columns, increasing the linear velocity
      of the solvent, and decreasing the gradient time to provide an analysis time of
      2.5 min/sample. Comparison showed that conventional UPLC-MS and rapid gradient
      approaches provided peak capacities of 150 and 50, respectively, with the
      conventional method detecting approximately 19 000 features compared to the ~6
      000 found using the rapid gradient method. Similar levels of repeatability were
      seen for both methods. Despite the reduced peak capacity and the reduction in
      ions detected, the RAMMP method was able to achieve similar levels of group
      discrimination as conventional UPLC-MS when applied to rat urine samples obtained
      from investigative studies on the effects of acute 2-bromophenol and chronic
      acetaminophen administration. When compared to a direct infusion MS method of
      similar analysis time the RAMMP method provided superior selectivity. The RAMMP
      approach provides a robust and sensitive method that is well suited to high
      throughput metabonomic analysis of complex mixtures such as urine combined with a
      5-fold reduction in analysis time compared with the conventional UPLC-MS method.

PMID- 27116472
TI  - Improved activity and thermo-stability of the horse radish peroxidase with
      graphene quantum dots and its application in fluorometric detection of hydrogen
      peroxide.
AB  - Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have received extensive concern in many fields such
      as optical probe, bioimaging and biosensor. However, few reports refer on the
      influence of GQDs on enzyme performance. The paper reports two kinds of graphene
      quantum dots (termed as GO-GQDs and N,S-GQDs) that were prepared by cutting of
      graphene oxide and pyrolysis of citric acid and l-cysteine, and their use for the
      horse radish peroxidase (HRP) modification. The study reveals that GO-GQDs and
      N,S-GQDs exhibit an opposite effect on the HRP performance. Only HRP modified
      with GO-GQDs offers an enhanced activity (more than 1.9 times of pristine enzyme)
      and thermo-stability. This is because GO-GQDs offer a larger conjugate rigid
      plane and fewer hydrophilic groups compared to N,S-GQDs. The characteristics can
      make GO-GQDs induce a proper conformational change in the HRP for the catalytic
      performance, improving the enzyme activity and thermo-stability. The HRP modified
      with green luminescent GO-GQDs was also employed as a biocatalyst for sensing of
      H2O2 by a fluorometric sensor. The colorless tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) is
      oxidized into blue oxidized TMB in the presence of H2O2 by the assistance of
      HRP/GO-GQDs, leading to an obvious fluorescence quenching. The fluorescence
      intensity linearly decreases with the increase of H2O2 concentration in the range
      from 2*10-9 to 2*10-4M with the detection limit of 6.8*10-10M. The analytical
      method provides the advantage of sensitivity, stability and accuracy compared
      with present H2O2 sensors based on the pristine HRP. It has been successfully
      applied in the determination of H2O2 in real water samples. The study also opens
      a new avenue for modification of enzyme activity and stability that offers great
      promise in applications such as biological catalysis, biosensing and enzyme
      engineering.

PMID- 27116473
TI  - IR and py/GC/MS examination of amber relics excavated from 6th century royal tomb
      in Korean Peninsula.
AB  - Relics of amber were excavated from King Muryeong's tomb constructed in the 6th
      century on the Korean peninsula. To estimate the provenance, FTIR (Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy) and py/GC/MS (pyrolysis/gas chromatography/mass
      spectrometry) analysis were utilized. The reference Baltic amber sample was also
      analyzed with the same method for comparison. The relics were confirmed to be
      amber from the FTIR analysis where an absorption band near 1150cm(-1),
      characteristic one in Baltic amber, was also observed. In py/GC/MS analysis,
      pyrolyzed products like butanedioic acid and dehydroabietic acid, known
      constituents of amber, were observed. In addition, d-fenchyl alcohol, camphor,
      borneol and butanedioic acid, typical constituents of Baltic amber, were observed
      in some samples. From this, it appears that some of relics were made from Baltic
      amber and that Baltic amber was transported to the Korean peninsula in the time
      of tomb construction. 

PMID- 27116475
TI  - Separation and purification of an anti-tumor peptide from rapeseed (Brassica
      campestris L.) and the effect on cell apoptosis.
AB  - Rapeseed peptides were prepared by means of the combined methods of the
      laboratory bacteria enzyme synergy and the solid-state fermentation of rapeseed
      meal. The rapeseed peptides were separated and purified with the tumor cell in
      vitro anti-proliferative activity as an index. Moreover, a kind of rapeseed
      peptide component RSP-4-3-3 (rapeseed anti-tumor peptide RSP-4-3-3) with high
      activity was selected. Furthermore, by using reversed-phase high performance
      liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled with electrospray ionization mass
      spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS), the analysis result of its possible amino acid sequence
      showed that it was Trp-Thr-Pro (408.2 Da). Inverted microscope observation
      technology and western blot experiments were applied to explore the antitumor
      impact of the rapeseed peptide RSP-4-3-3 on tumor cells. The results showed that
      the rapeseed antitumor peptide RSP-4-3-3 could significantly change the
      morphological features of the HepG2 cells in vitro and cause apoptosis, thus
      inhibiting the proliferation of the HepG2 cells. 

PMID- 27116474
TI  - Utility of KRAS mutation detection using circulating cell-free DNA from patients
      with colorectal cancer.
AB  - In this study, we evaluated the clinical utility of detecting KRAS mutations in
      circulating cell-free (ccf)DNA of metastatic colorectal cancer patients. We
      prospectively recruited 94 metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Circulating
      cell-free DNA was extracted from plasma samples and analyzed for the presence of
      seven KRAS point mutations. Using the Invader Plus assay with peptide nucleic
      acid clamping method and digital PCR, KRAS mutations were detected in the ccfDNA
      in 35 of 39 patients previously determined to have primary tumors containing KRAS
      mutations using the Luminex method, and in 5 of 55 patients with tumors
      containing wild-type KRAS. Curative resection was undertaken in 7 of 34 patients
      with primary and ccfDNA KRAS mutations, resulting in the disappearance of the
      mutation from the cell-free DNA in five of seven patients. Three of these
      patients had tumor recurrence and KRAS mutations in their ccfDNA reappeared.
      Epidermal growth factor receptor blockade was administered to 24 of the KRAS
      tumor wild-type patients. Of the 24 patients with wild-type KRAS in their primary
      tumors, three patients had KRAS mutations in their ccfDNA and did not respond to
      treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade. We also detected
      a new KRAS mutation in five patients during chemotherapy with EGFR blockade,
      before disease progression was detectable with imaging. The detection of KRAS
      mutations in ccfDNA is an attractive approach for predicting both treatment
      response and acquired resistance to EGFR blockade, and for detecting disease
      recurrence. 

PMID- 27116476
TI  - Crystallization of soft matter under confinement at interfaces and in wedges.
AB  - The surface freezing and surface melting transitions that are exhibited by a
      model two-dimensional soft matter system are studied. The behaviour when confined
      within a wedge is also considered. The system consists of particles interacting
      via a soft purely repulsive pair potential. Density functional theory (DFT) is
      used to calculate density profiles and thermodynamic quantities. The external
      potential due to the confining walls is modelled via a hard wall with an
      additional repulsive Yukawa potential. The surface phase behaviour depends on the
      range and strength of this repulsion: when the repulsion is weak, the wall
      promotes freezing at the surface of the wall. The thickness of this frozen layer
      grows logarithmically as the bulk liquid-solid phase coexistence is approached.
      Our mean-field DFT predicts that this crystalline layer at the wall must be
      nucleated (i.e. there is a free energy barrier) and its formation is necessarily
      a first-order transition, referred to as 'prefreezing', by analogy with the
      prewetting transition. However, in contrast to the latter, prefreezing cannot
      terminate in a critical point, since the phase transition involves a change in
      symmetry. If the wall-fluid interaction is sufficiently long ranged and the
      repulsion is strong enough, surface melting can occur instead. Then the interface
      between the wall and the bulk crystalline solid is wetted by the liquid phase as
      the chemical potential is decreased towards the value at liquid-solid
      coexistence. It is observed that the finite thickness fluid film at the wall has
      a broken translational symmetry due to its proximity to the bulk crystal, and so
      the nucleation of the wetting film can be either first order or continuous. Our
      mean-field theory predicts that for certain wall potentials there is a premelting
      critical point analogous to the surface critical point for the prewetting
      transition. When the fluid is confined within a linear wedge, this can strongly
      promote freezing when the opening angle of the wedge is commensurate with the
      crystal lattice.

PMID- 27116477
TI  - Effect of Solvation on Electron Detachment and Excitation Energies of a Green
      Fluorescent Protein Chromophore Variant.
AB  - Hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) is applied to the
      fluorinated green fluorescent protein (GFP) chromophore (DFHBDI) in its
      deprotonated form to understand the solvatochromic shifts in its vertical
      detachment energy (VDE) and vertical excitation energy (VEE). This variant of the
      GFP chromophore becomes fluorescent in an RNA environment and has a wide range of
      applications in biomedical and biochemical fields. From microsolvation studies,
      we benchmark (with respect to full QM) the accuracy of our QM/MM calculations
      with effective fragment potential (EFP) as the MM method of choice. We show that
      while the solvatochromic shift in the VEE is minimal (0.1 eV blue shift) and its
      polarization component is only 0.03 eV, the effect of the solvent on the VDE is
      quite large (3.85 eV). We also show by accurate calculations on the
      solvatochromic shift of the VDE that polarization accounts for ~0.23 eV and
      therefore cannot be neglected. The effect of the counterions on the VDE of the
      deprotonated chromophore in solvation is studied in detail, and a charge-smearing
      scheme is suggested for charged chromophores.

PMID- 27116478
TI  - Self-organization of hydrophobic-capped triblock copolymers with a
      polyelectrolyte midblock: a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation study.
AB  - We present the results of a Langevin dynamics simulation study of micellar
      organization and hydrogel formation in the solutions of coarse-grained ABA
      copolymer chains. Polymer chains are modeled as bead-spring chains of Lennard
      Jones particles by explicit treatment of ionic species in implicit solvent. The
      studied copolymer is composed of a polyelectrolyte midblock flanked by two
      hydrophobic endblocks. We explore the self-assembly of copolymer solutions at a
      fixed polymer concentration and temperature upon systematic variation of the
      midblock charge fraction, valency of neutralizing counterions, and the stiffness
      and length of hydrophobic endblocks. Minimization of the surface energy,
      conformational entropy of the midblock chains, electrostatic repulsion of
      midblock charges, and the translational entropy of counterions are found to play
      central roles in controlling the self-organization features of copolymer
      solutions. Flower-like micelles with A-blocks forming the core of spherical
      aggregates and B-blocks constituting the micelle corona are established for the
      neutral midblocks. Increasing the charge content of B chains lowers the fraction
      of loop conformations and yields a spanning hydrogel network with midblocks
      bridging the hydrophobic clusters. Counterion valence is shown to exert a strong
      effect on the micelle size and network structure. The increase in the rigidity of
      terminal A-blocks increases the fraction of bridging chains and results in the
      formation of a hydrogel network with bundle-like hydrophobic domains. Longer
      endblocks are shown to increase the hydrophobic cluster size and enhance the
      bridged midblock fraction. The qualitative agreement between the experimental and
      theoretical studies is also discussed. The comprehensive molecular picture
      provides a framework for the future studies of stimuli-responsive copolymer
      systems.

PMID- 27116480
TI  - Medial Synovial Fold of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament on Knee Magnetic
      Resonance Imaging and Arthroscopy: Retrospective Investigation of Impingement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to classify the types of medial synovial
      fold of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      and to identify the relationships between fold type and impingement of the PCL on
      arthroscopy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine patients who underwent knee MRI
      and arthroscopy were included. All MRIs were retrospectively and independently
      assessed by 2 radiologists. Medial synovial folds of the PCL on MRI were
      categorized into 3 types. Type A showed no medial synovial fold. Type B showed a
      small synovial protrusion that did not extend beyond an imaginary line drawn from
      the medial tibial spine to the lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle. Type
      C had a long enough fold to extend beyond the imaginary line. The presence of a
      tear in the anterior cruciate ligament, PCL, or menisci and impingement of the
      PCL were obtained from arthroscopic records. RESULTS: Intraobserver agreement in
      the classification of medial synovial folds was nearly perfect (kappa = 0.850).
      Interobserver agreement was substantial (kappa = 0.759). Of 99 cases, 34 were
      type A, 41 were type B, and 24 were type C folds on MRI. Thirty-nine impingements
      of the PCL (39.4%) were identified on arthroscopy. Multivariable analysis
      revealed that type C folds were 40.60 times more likely to have impingement than
      type A folds (odds ratio, 40.60; 95% confidence interval, 8.73-188.93; P <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Of the 3 types of medial synovial folds, type C was
      significantly associated with impingement of the PCL on arthroscopy. Therefore,
      type C folds may be a cause of internal derangement of the knee.

PMID- 27116479
TI  - Short- and Long-Term Reproducibility of Intrahepatic Lipid Quantification by 1H
      MR Spectroscopy and CT in Obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess short- and long-term reproducibility of
      intrahepatic lipid (IHL) quantification by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
      (H-MRS) and computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Sixteen obese subjects underwent H
      MRS using a single-voxel point-resolved single-voxel spectroscopy sequence at 3 T
      and noncontrast single-slice CT of the liver. Measurements were repeated after 6
      weeks and 6 months. Clinical parameters (weight, activity, serum lipids) were
      collected. Short-term (baseline to 6 weeks) and long-term (baseline to 6 months)
      reproducibility of IHL was assessed by coefficient of variance (CV), SD, and
      intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Short-term reproducibility and
      long-term reproducibility of H-MRS were as follows: CV, 5.9% to 18.8%; SD, 0.7 to
      1.9; and ICC, 0.998 to 0.995 (95% confidence interval, 0.942-0.999). Short-term
      reproducibility and long-term reproducibility of CT were as follows: CV, 4.4% to
      14.2%; SD, 2.4 to 8.7; and ICC, 0.766 to 0.982 (95% confidence interval, 0.271
      0.994). There was no significant change in clinical parameters (P > 0.3).
      CONCLUSIONS: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and CT are reproducible
      methods for short- and long-term quantification of IHL content. Our results can
      guide sample size calculations for interventional and longitudinal studies.

PMID- 27116481
TI  - Do Naranjo Criteria Still Apply to Ipilimumab-induced Uveitis?

PMID- 27116482
TI  - [Is it still Necessary to Discontinue Using Daily Wear Soft Contact Lenses for a
      Period before LASIK?].
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to verify whether soft contact lenses (SCL)
      can have a clinically significant impact on refraction before LASIK. METHODS:
      Retrospective analysis of 113 eyes for which the refraction was measured
      initially and after discontinuing soft contact lenses for at least 7 days. Both
      spherical and cylindrical measurements were performed. In addition, the
      difference between postoperative refraction and the target refraction for these
      eyes was calculated for both spherical and cylindrical refraction. RESULTS: In 8
      % (18 %) of the eyes, the spherical or cylindrical refraction changed by 0.5
      dioptre or more after a week of not wearing soft contact lenses. Total spherical
      refraction changed by an average of 0.15 dioptre (p = 0.58) and cylindrical
      refraction by 0.18 dioptre (p = 0.006). After LASIK, the difference between
      postoperative and target refraction was significantly different for both
      spherical refraction (0.3 dioptre) and for cylindrical refraction (0.21 dioptre).
      DISCUSSION: The differences in the measurements during this study suggest that a
      modern soft contact lenses should still be discontinued before LASIK. The optimal
      duration of the discontinuation remains to be determined.

PMID- 27116483
TI  - AcuFocus Corneal Inlay to Correct Presbyopia Using Femto-LASIK. One Year Results
      of a Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the AcuFocus small aperture
      corneal inlay (KAMRA) for the correction of presbyopia using femto-LASIK.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, non-randomised cohort study
      including 50 presbyopic patients with hyperopia, emmetropia or mild myopia. The
      intracorneal inlay was implanted in the non-dominant eye using a VisuMax
      femtosecond laser (Zeiss 500 kHz) to create a superior-hinged flap. The inlay was
      centred over the visual axis. Minimum postoperative follow-up was performed for a
      period of 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty intracorneal inlays were implanted. At one
      year follow-up, the median uncorrected near visual acuity significantly improved
      from Jaeger (J)8 to J2 (p < 0.001). 94 % of patients could read J3 or better. The
      median uncorrected distance visual acuity also improved from 20/32 to 20/22 (p <
      0.001). 92 % of patients could see 20/32 or better. One implant had to be
      recentred at four weeks follow-up. One implant was removed six months after
      implantation due to insufficient uncorrected near and distance visual acuity as
      well as slight corneal haze, which resolved four weeks later under topical
      treatment with fluorometholone eye drops, without any loss of best corrected
      distance visual acuity. No other complications occurred during the postoperative
      follow-up period. CONCLUSION: AutoFocus Corneal Inlay (ACI), also known as KAMRA,
      can provide a safe, effective and, most importantly, reversible treatment for
      presbyopia in hyperopic, myopic and emmetropic patients.

PMID- 27116484
TI  - [Implantation of an Artificial Iris in 11 Patients].
AB  - Background. Iris defects are mostly acquired after injury, or may be iatrogenic
      after surgical excision of iris tumours or the result of collateral trauma after
      anterior segment surgery. They cause severe visual disability, e.g. glare, loss
      of contrast sensitivity, and loss of best corrected visual acuity. The foldable
      Koch iris prosthesis has a customised iris design and may be used to reconstruct
      the anterior segment in patients with partial or complete aniridia. History and
      Signs. We present the surgical management and clinical course of 6 patients with
      traumatic iris defects, together with 3 patients with partial aniridia after
      cataract surgery. Cataract surgery and implantation of an artificial iris were
      performed in 2 female patients (3 eyes) with congenital aniridia syndrome.
      Therapy and Outcome. No patient exhibited complications in the postoperative
      course, with the exception of various intraocular pressure peaks due to secondary
      glaucoma, that were all corrected by medication to lower topical pressure.
      Conclusions. In patients with major iris defects, the artificial iris allows
      functionally and aesthetically satisfactory reconstruction of the anterior
      segment. 

PMID- 27116485
TI  - Repeated Intrastromal Injections of Voriconazole in Combination with Corneal
      Debridement for Recalcitrant Fungal Keratitis - a Case Series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To report the use of intrastromal voriconazole injections combined
      with corneal debridement to treat deep recalcitrant fungal keratitis. HISTORY AND
      SIGNS: Three patients (2 female and 1 male) with culture proven fungal keratitis
      (1 Fusarium, 1 Candida, 1 Pseudallescheria boydii) were included in this study.
      The patients were treated with repeated intrastromal voriconazole (100 mg/1 ml)
      in combination with corneal debridement. THERAPY AND OUTCOME: The mean age of the
      patients was 65 years. The mean number of injections was 5. The patients were
      injected every 2-3 days. This technique required repeated corneal debridement to
      achieve complete resolution in these three cases. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated
      intrastromal injection of voriconazole in combination with corneal debridement
      appears to be an effective and safe way to treat recalcitrant fungal keratitis,
      even in Fusarium keratitis.

PMID- 27116486
TI  - Urrets-Zavalia Syndrome after Iris-Claw-Lens Implantation, Inadequate Iridectomy
      and Acute Glaucoma.

PMID- 27116487
TI  - [Therapeutic Use of Botulinum Toxin to Correct Misalignment of the Eyes].
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: There are no concrete guidelines for the therapeutic use of
      botulinum toxin in strabismus. The 2012 Cochrane Analysis concluded that it was
      controversial, but included only 4 prospective randomized controlled trials.
      However, many retrospective studies suggest that botulinum toxin treatment is a
      viable alternative to surgical treatment. We have now retrospectively evaluated
      the outcomes of our patients treated with botulinum toxin. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      We retrospectively reviewed the charts of the patients treated with Botox(r) for
      strabismus. The period covered was between 2003 and 2015, with a follow-up of at
      least 6 months. Successful outcome was defined as alignment within <= 10 prism
      dioptres, with stereopsis at the final follow-up. RESULTS: 16 patients were
      included, including 11 children. The mean follow-up was 19 months. All 11
      children were initially esotropic; 9 exhibited lasting angle reduction (mean 25.5
      prism dioptres) at the final follow-up, and 6 of these (54.5 %) achieved a
      successful outcome. Only one adult patient achieved a lasting angle reduction.
      Other benefits were: Psychological relief due to reduced nystagmus (n = 1),
      relief of headaches from decompensating exophoria (n = 1), and renewed ability to
      read, due to less adduction of the dominant eye in a patient with bilateral sixth
      nerve palsy. Transient ptosis without obstruction of the visual axis was seen in
      4 (36 %) of the children, but in none of the adults. CONCLUSIONS: Botulinum toxin
      has a lasting effect, especially in children with esotropia. It is minimally
      invasive and can prevent surgery. If there is subsequent surgery, the dosage may
      be reduced. Ptosis rates were comparable to those in the literature.

PMID- 27116488
TI  - Eyeglasses for Children - a Survey of Daily Practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glasses for children are recommended and prescribed by different
      groups of professionals. We set out to compare the prescription practices of
      ophthalmologists, orthoptists and optometrists/opticians in Switzerland. METHODS:
      Online questionnaire on the prescription and recommendation of glasses in
      fictitious cases of children of different ages, refractive values and symptoms.
      The questionnaire was sent out to members of the Swiss Ophthalmological Society,
      Swiss Orthoptics and Schweizerischer Berufsverband fur Augenoptik und Optometrie.
      RESULTS: 307 questionnaires were analysed. Optometrists/opticians recommended
      glasses with a significantly smaller cycloplegic refraction value (p < 0.005)
      than did orthoptists and ophthalmologists. In the example of a 14-year-old
      asymptomatic child, ophthalmologists recommended glasses at + 2.64 [Dpt],
      orthoptists at + 2.44 [Dpt] and optometrists/opticians at + 1.32 [Dpt].
      Optometrists/opticians tended to recommend slightly higher correction values in
      glasses than did ophthalmologists and orthoptists. CONCLUSION: In Switzerland,
      optometrists/opticians recommend glasses with significantly smaller cycloplegic
      refraction values than do orthoptists and ophthalmologists, regardless of age or
      symptoms described in these fictitious cases.

PMID- 27116489
TI  - Unexpected Effect of Calcium Channel Blockers on the Optic Nerve Compartment
      Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optic nerve compartment syndrome is a pathological condition in
      which cerebrospinal fluid of the subarachnoid space surrounding the optic nerve
      is partly or totally segregated from the cerebrospinal fluid of the intracranial
      subarachnoid space, leading - inter alia - to an increase in the diameter of the
      optic nerve sheath. The pathogenesis of this condition remains unclear. We have
      observed clinically that optic nerve compartment syndrome often occurs in normal
      tension glaucoma patients with Flammer syndrome. To treat Flammer syndrome, some
      glaucoma patients received a low dose of a calcium channel blocker and we
      analysed whether this treatment also had an effect on the optic nerve compartment
      syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the data of 10 eyes
      of seven patients suffering from a combination of primary open angle glaucoma,
      optic nerve compartment syndrome, and Flammer syndrome. We included subjects who
      had eye socket echography before and after a few months of therapy with a calcium
      channel blocker. THERAPY AND RESULTS: All patients received a low dose of a
      calcium channel blocker (nifedipine or amlodipine) to treat Flammer syndrome. As
      expected, the symptoms of Flammer syndrome were mitigated. To our surprise, the
      optic nerve compartment syndrome also improved in eight of the 10 eyes (80 %),
      but remained unchanged in the remainder. CONCLUSIONS: To some extent, the optic
      nerve compartment syndrome is related to the combination of primary open angle
      glaucoma and Flammer syndrome. On the basis of our results, we hypothesise that
      treatment of Flammer syndrome may also improve the optic nerve compartment
      syndrome.

PMID- 27116490
TI  - [Vision Screening in Zurich].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the city of Zurich, vision screening is performed by school
      medical services as part of the legally compulsory preventive medical
      examinations. We retrospectively evaluated the results of the 2011-2012 school
      year. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Preventive medical examinations by the school medical
      services were performed in all kindergartens. The examinations were mandatory for
      first, second and eighth grade children, whilst those for the fourth grade were
      voluntary. The basic diagnostic testing consisted of monocular visual acuity
      (Snellen E chart) for all age groups and the stereopsis test (TNO test) in
      kindergartens. RESULTS: Vision screening was performed on 7499 children. 1471
      first graders (55 %), 201 fourth graders (11 %) and 211 eighth graders (12.3 %)
      did not pass the examinations. In 33.7 % of the children who underwent the follow
      up examination from an ophthalmologist, amblyogenic potential was found.
      CONCLUSIONS: Vision screening by the school medical services enrols most of the
      children from a single age group. The Snellen E charts used for the monocular
      distance acuity, together with the TNO stereo test, appear to constitute an
      effective testing combination. Ophthalmological follow-up examinations of the
      affected children revealed that one third were afflicted by amblyogenic factors.

PMID- 27116491
TI  - Transsynaptic Retrograde Degeneration: Clinical Evidence with Homonymous RGCL
      Loss on OCT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retinal thinning after a retrogeniculate lesion (transsynaptic
      retrograde degeneration) was first described 50 years ago, but has long been a
      controversial issue. It is now possible to use OCT for the in vivo measurement of
      retinal thickness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of
      patients with homonymous visual field loss, with SD-OCT assessment (RNFL and RGCL
      measurements) in isolated retrogeniculate lesions, subsequently confirmed by a
      neuroradiologist. RESULTS: Nine patients with vascular, inflammatory or tumour
      brain lesions were included in the study. Homonymous RGCL thinning was found in
      all patients, and correlated with the visual field defect. No correlation was
      found with RNFL. CONCLUSIONS: The homonymous defect of RGCL in patients with
      retrogeniculate lesions demonstrates the presence of transsynaptic retrograde
      degeneration. RGCL is a better predictor of visual field defects than RNFL
      measurement.

PMID- 27116492
TI  - Sequential Bilateral Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy in
      Superficial Intracranial Siderosis.

PMID- 27116493
TI  - Acute Lid Swelling: a Series of Unusual Cases, Treatment and Follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are many different aetiologies for acute lid swelling,
      including infection, inflammation, degeneration, tumours and trauma. We present
      five uncommon cases of acute lid swelling and give an overview of differential
      diagnoses for rapidly evolving eyelid swelling. HISTORY AND SIGNS: We reviewed
      the charts of five patients with initial presentation of acute lid swelling. For
      the five patients, there were diagnoses of Churg Strauss syndrome, an allergic
      reaction to hyaluronic acid, lymphangioma, a ruptured dermoid cyst and a co
      infected pre-existing orbital lesion that was only evident in the follow-up.
      THERAPY AND OUTCOME: Individual patients required totally different treatments. A
      ruptured dermoid is a dramatic problem that demands immediate surgical attention.
      Swelling in sinusitis in a child is just as important, but requires antibiotic
      treatment, careful follow-up and subsequent treatment of any secondarily infected
      pre-existing lesion. The less dramatic first presentations were more difficult to
      diagnose and required protracted observation and immunosuppressive treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: The key to success often lies in the assessment of the patient's
      history and correctly timed surgery. Dramatic first manifestations were often
      easier to treat than initially low grade lid swelling. Unclear results, such as a
      low grade eosinophilia, should not be ignored.

PMID- 27116494
TI  - Temporary Medial Upper Eyelid Lagophthalmos after External Dacryocystorhinostomy.
AB  - Background. Report of three cases of medial upper eyelid lagophthalmos as
      complication of external dacryocystorhinostomy. History and Signs. Shortly after
      dacryocystorhinostomy (skin incision on the side of the nose), three of ten
      consecutive patients (28 +/- 4 years; mean +/- standard deviation), presented
      with an ipsilateral lagophthalmos of 4 +/- 1 mm in voluntary eyelid closure and 6
      +/- 1 mm in spontaneous blink. The lagophthalmos was due to a selective paresis
      of the medial part of the orbicularis oculi muscle of the upper eyelid. Patient 1
      complained bitterly of dry eye symptoms and of her lagophthalmos. Patient 2 had
      mild symptoms but became very concerned after peers made her aware of her
      asymmetric blink. Patient 3 was asymptomatic and did not notice anything
      particular. Therapy and Outcome. Lagophthalmos resolved spontaneously within
      three months after surgery, first by improvement of voluntary eyelid closure and
      then of spontaneous blinking. Conclusions. Temporary lagophthalmos can occur as a
      complication of external dacryocystorhinostomy, most likely due to damage of the
      (only recently described) superficial buccal and/or zygomatic branches of the
      facial nerve that run upward to cross over the medial ligament and innervate the
      medial part of the orbicularis oculi muscle. 

PMID- 27116495
TI  - Subkutanes Granuloma anulare am Orbitarand kann eine Dermoidzyste imitieren.

PMID- 27116496
TI  - [Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with Transcanalicular Endoillumination
      (TCE) of the Saccus Lacrimalis].
AB  - Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) has been established as a standard
      procedure of lacrimal surgery, since it causes much less tissue damage than ab
      externo procedures. Diffiulties in visualization of the target area has been a
      limitation to the transnasal approach. An improvement of the classical endonasal
      DCR was achieved by the introduction of a transcanalicular endoillumination (TCE)
      of the lacrimal sac using a 23-Gauge vitreoretinal light probe, which can easily
      be intubated into the cannaliculi and advanced into the the lacrimal sac.
      Illumination of the lacrimal sac guides the endonasal approach and facilitates
      the creation of a lacrimal bypass. In our standard procedure a bicanalicular
      silicone intubation through the osteotomy is finally placed. Due to the
      introduction of TCE of the lacrimal sac, the surgical procedure of endonasal DCR
      became less traumatic and needed a significantly reduced operating time. 

PMID- 27116497
TI  - A Novel Technique of Plastic Evisceration for Larger Implants.

PMID- 27116498
TI  - Improvement in Visual Function in Patients with Inherited Diseases of the Retina
      Following Acupuncture Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this pilot study was to examine the short-term effect on
      visual function of acupuncture treatment in a cohort of patients with inherited
      diseases of the retina. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective pilot study was
      performed on 14 patients (10 ?, 4 ?; mean age: 43.43 y (+/- 19.72 y)), with the
      clinically and electrophysiologically confirmed diagnosis of inherited disease of
      the retina. Acupuncture treatment consisted of needle application to the body and
      ears and was performed following a standardized protocol. The treatment was
      scheduled for 10 half-hour sessions over five weeks. Visual function was measured
      before acupuncture, between acupuncture treatments and after the end of
      treatment. Objective measurements included best corrected visual acuity (ETDRS
      charts), contrast vision (CSV-1000, Vector Vision) and Goldmann perimetry
      (isopters 3IIIe; Haag-Streit). Subjective evaluation was based on evaluation
      questionnaires. To exclude the effect of variability on the psychophysical tests,
      a non-acupuncture control group (Nr: 8; 5 ?, 3 ?; mean age: 38.56 y (+/- 9.08 y))
      was taken for comparison. RESULTS: All patients with inherited diseases of the
      retina showed general improvement in objective visual functions, with post-/pre-
      acupuncture improvement in: visual acuity (p = 0.031, left eyes), contrast vision
      (p = 0.015 and p = 0.041; both eyes) and widening of the temporal radius of the
      visual field (0.013; left eyes). Subjectively, all patients reported better
      daytime, color and contrast vision, better visual focus and less visual
      tiredness. In addition, some general symptoms, such as longer sleep-onset time,
      feeling cold, and migraine/headache attacks were significantly reduced.
      CONCLUSIONS: The acupuncture protocol improved visual function in our patients
      with inherited diseases of the retina and was well tolerated. Nevertheless, the
      long-term effect of this complementary therapy remains to be evaluated.

PMID- 27116499
TI  - Malposition of Teeth and Jaws in Patients with Congenital Superior Oblique Palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with congenital superior oblique palsy tend to adopt a head
      tilt to the contralateral side to maintain binocular single vision. It has long
      been recognised that facial asymmetries may be caused by a head tilt. The aim of
      this study was to describe the effect of habitual head tilt due to congenital
      superior oblique palsy on dental occlusion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was
      designed as a descriptive cohort study. Ten patients with congenital superior
      oblique palsy (3 female, 7 male; mean age 51.7 (y) +/- 15.8 SD, ranging from 19
      to 69 (y)) underwent orthodontic examination. Orthodontic findings and values for
      vertical, torsional and horizontal deviation measured with the Harms tangent
      screen and stereopsis using a random dot test were compared. RESULTS: Three
      orthodontic parameters were found to correlate significantly or at least as trend
      with orthoptic parameters. Midline deviation of the upper jaw to the face (rho =
      0.623; p = 0.054) and anterior positioning of upper first molar in the sagittal
      plane (rho = 0.594; p = 0.07) correlate with the vertical deviation; overbite
      correlates with horizontal deviation measured in the primary position (rho =
      0.768; p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: In this small study, three orthodontic parameters
      correlated with orthoptic findings in patients with congenital superior oblique
      palsy. Further studies are needed to establish whether congenital superior
      oblique palsy is more frequent in patients exhibiting abnormal values of these
      orthodontic parameters.

PMID- 27116500
TI  - Unilateral Loss of Vision after Spinal Surgery in a Patient with Flammer
      Syndrome.

PMID- 27116501
TI  - [Calcified Phthisis Bulbi: Development and Pathology in a Case History].

PMID- 27116502
TI  - SLO Fundus Imaging Is the Most Sensitive Modality of Multimodal Imaging for
      Macular Microembolisms with Subtle Signs.
AB  - Background. Microemboli of fat or other material into the terminal macular
      retinal circulation can be difficult to diagnose. We report 2 cases that showed
      subtle signs where SLO fundus imaging was most sensitive to precisely outline the
      limits of the inner retina infarction. Patients and Methods. Multimodal imaging
      analysis was performed including fundus photography, fluorescein angiography,
      indocyanine green angiography, Optical Coherence Tomography and SLO fundus
      imaging of 2 cases with suspected infarction of the inner retina. Cases. A 30
      year-old man reported a grey central spot OD a few days after being squeezed
      between two cars with a sacrum fracture. Vision was 0.2 OD, and 1.0 OS.
      Examination was unremarkable and fluorescein angiography was normal. Octopus
      visual field showed a tiny central scotoma OD. Microperimetry showed decreased
      central sensitivity OD > OS. The only sign was a dark area on the SLO fundus
      picture indicating a subtle infarction of the inner retina (OD > OS) with nothing
      visible on the OCT. Resolution of lesions on the SLO picture ODS occurred in
      parallel with improvement of microperimetry and visual acuity. A 32-year-old
      woman suspected to take IV drugs had a sudden drop of vision to 0.4 OD and count
      fingers at 6 feet OS. Signs included macular hemorrhages and non perfusion on FA.
      The striking sign was a large dark area on the SLO picture precisely delineating
      the more extensive infarcted area of internal retina corresponding to OCT
      hyperreflectivity, visible in this case. Conclusions. Macular ischemia due to
      microemboli can show obvious fundus signs as hemorrhages, cotton wool spots and
      non perfusion or can present in a subclinical fashion. The SLO picture has a
      higher image contrast and higher resolution compared to conventional fundus
      photography and so can precisely delineate ischemic changes of the inner retina
      causing the unexplained visual loss. 

PMID- 27116503
TI  - Peripheral Bilateral Telangiectasiae in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated with
      Interferon B1a.

PMID- 27116504
TI  - Anatomical and Functional Results of Lamellar Macular Holes Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the long-term surgical findings and outcomes after
      vitrectomy for symptomatic lamellar macular holes. METHODS: We studied 28
      patients with lamellar macular holes and central visual loss or distortion. All
      interventions were standard 25 G vitrectomy with membranectomy of the internal
      limiting membrane (ILM), peeling and gas tamponade with SF6 20 %. Operations were
      performed by a single experienced surgeon within the last 3 years. Best corrected
      visual acuity and optical coherence tomography appearance were determined
      preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Following the surgical procedure,
      all macular holes were closed; however, in 3 eyes, significant foveal thinning
      was associated with changes in the retinal pigment epithelium changes. The mean
      best-corrected visual acuity improved postoperatively in the majority of the
      patients (n: 21, mean 0.3 logMAR), stabilised in 4 patients and decreased in 3
      patients (mean 0.4 logMAR). Spectral Domain-Optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)
      showed resolution of the lamellar lesion and improved macular contour in all
      cases. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated improvement in postoperative vision and the
      anatomical reconstruction of the anatomical contour of the fovea in most eyes
      with symptomatic lamellar holes. These findings indicate that vitrectomy,
      membranectomy and ILM peeling with gas tamponade is a beneficial treatment of
      symptomatic lamellar macular holes.

PMID- 27116505
TI  - Long-Term Functional and Anatomical Outcome of Radial Optic Neurotomy for Central
      Retinal Vein Occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Without treatment, the natural history of central retinal vein
      occlusion (CRVO) can result in severe loss of vision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This
      was a retrospective study of 10 eyes with CRVO treated with pars plana vitrectomy
      (PPV), combined with radial optic neurotomy. The patients completed a minimum of
      5 years follow-up. RESULTS: Median age at the time of surgery was 67 +/- 14
      years. Median follow-up was 79 +/- 9 months. Ischaemic changes were present in 4
      patients pre-operatively. Baseline median logMAR BCVA was 2.00 +/- 0.76 and
      improved significantly to a median of 0.35 +/- 0.54 (p < 0.0001, two tailed t
      test) at 5 years follow-up. The baseline median central macular thickness (CMT)
      was 645 +/- 108 um and improved significantly, to a median of 203 +/- 72 um (p <
      0.0001, two tailed t test). One of the patients developed neovascular
      complications during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results compare very
      favorably with the natural history of CRVO. All patients demonstrated a trend to
      improved visual acuity, while only one of the patients developed neovascular
      complications. These results provide information on the potential long-term
      effect of PPV in patients with CRVO and may help to reassess the place of the
      surgical management of CRVO in patients who do not respond to medical treatment.

PMID- 27116506
TI  - Increased Prevalence of Flammer Syndrome in Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: "Retinitis pigmentosa" refers to a group of degenerative eye diseases
      with a genetic background. Flammer syndrome encompasses a set of symptoms and
      signs, mainly but not exclusively related to dysregulation of blood vessels. The
      purpose of the present study was to determine, with the help of a questionnaire,
      whether symptoms of Flammer syndrome occur more often in patients with retinitis
      pigmentosa than in controls. METHODS: 76 patients with retinitis pigmentosa
      (members of the Swiss patient organization for retinitis pigmentosa) and 274
      control subjects answered a questionnaire (Flammer Syndrome Questionnaire) on 15
      symptoms and signs of Flammer syndrome. RESULTS: Seven of 15 symptoms and signs
      of Flammer syndrome were significantly more often positive in retinitis
      pigmentosa patients than in controls. Six additional symptoms and signs occurred
      non-significantly more often and 2 non-significantly less often in patients with
      retinitis pigmentosa. CONCLUSION: Retinitis pigmentosa patients suffer
      significantly more often from symptoms and signs of the Flammer syndrome than
      control subjects. This includes low body mass index, low blood pressure, feeling
      cold, migraine, increased smell perception and perfectionism. The reason for this
      association between retinitis pigmentosa and Flammer syndrome and the potential
      implications need to be determined.

PMID- 27116507
TI  - Transient Subfoveal Fluid and Visual Loss after Ocriplasmin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin for the enzymatic resolution of
      vitreomacular traction was approved for the EU in 2013. We wish to report our
      clinical findings and adverse effects that were not observed in the registration
      trial. THERAPY AND OUTCOME: In 5 of our first 12 consecutive cases, resolution of
      the vitreomacular traction occurred after injecting ocriplasmin. 9 of the 12
      patients developed subfoveal fluid, manifest at day 3 post-intervention; this was
      completely re-absorbed by 6 weeks in 8 of 9 eyes. All 9 cases with subretinal
      fluid exhibited a significant reduction in mean visual acuity at the first visit,
      of 0.33 LogMAR (p = 0.008, Wilcoxon signed rank test). After regression of the
      subretinal fluid, visual acuity returned to the baseline value. CONCLUSIONS: In
      the light of the documented adverse effects of the registration trial, the
      relatively high rate of subfoveal fluid after injecting ocriplasmin was
      surprising. Possible causes include enzymatic lysis of the matrix between the
      outer segments of the photoreceptors and the microvilli of the RPE-cells, or
      barrier disturbances in the RPE through lysis of the zonulae occludentes.

PMID- 27116508
TI  - A Novel Recessive RPGRIP1 Mutation Causing Leber Congenital Amaurosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leber congenital amaurosis is an early-onset childhood severe retinal
      dystrophy, of significant genetic heterogeneity. RPGRIP1 is ubiquitously
      expressed, but mutations in RPGRIP1 lead to a retina-restricted phenotype, such
      as Leber congenital amaurosis and cone-rod dystrophy. PATIENT AND METHODS: We
      analysed a consanguineous family from Egypt in which one individual, a four-year
      old girl, was affected with Leber congenital amaurosis. IROme, a proprietary
      enrichment system for retinal dystrophy genes, was applied and high throughput
      sequencing was performed. RESULTS: Severe visual impairment was reported during
      infancy. The fundus of the affected patient exhibited disc pallor and attenuated
      vessels. Neurodevelopmental delay and brain atrophy in the CT scan were reported.
      Genomic sequencing identified a novel homozygous deletion, c.[420delG], in
      RPGRIP1. This mutation was not detected in 80 ethnically matched controls and has
      not been reported elsewhere. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying new mutations in Leber
      congenital amaurosis-related genes and their clinical manifestations can improve
      our understanding of the disease and could help to stratify the population for
      potential therapies.

PMID- 27116509
TI  - Acid Violet 17: a New Dye for Chromovitrectomy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acid violet 17 (AV17) has recently received CE certification as a dye
      for intraocular use during vitreoretinal interventions. This publication reviews
      the available preclinical and clinical data on the use of this new dye. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: A systematic MEDLINE literature search was conducted on preclinical
      testing, clinical testing, and application of AV17 in ocular cell cultures, organ
      cultures, or ex vivo and in vivo ocular surgical procedures. RESULTS: Of the 59
      primary hits, 5 publications (4 preclinical, 1 clinical) were identified as
      reporting relevant data. All available results on preclinical testing referred to
      concentrations of AV17 much lower (0.005 to 1.0 mg/ml) than the presently
      marketed dye (1.5 mg/ml, ala purple, ala(r)medics, Dornstadt/Germany). Toxic or
      undesired effects of AV17 on different ocular structures or cells were observed
      under the following conditions: retinal pigment epithelium: 0.25 mg/ml, 180
      seconds, 0.05 mg/ml, 1800 seconds; ganglion cell viability: 0.25 mg/ml, 30
      seconds; Muller cell activation: 0.25 mg/ml, 30 seconds; astrocyte activation 0.5
      mg/ml, 30 seconds; microglia activation: 0.5 mg/ml, 300 seconds. No adverse
      effects were observed in a clinical case series of macular hole surgery (Peel et
      al. 2015). In this series, the dye was not applied as described in the label. In
      our own clinical experience, two different undesired effects were observed:
      transient discolouration of hydrophilic intraocular lenses and degeneration of
      the RPE in cases of macular hole surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Preclinical tests indicate
      that AV17 has toxic and undesired effects at concentrations much lower than
      claimed by suppliers. Against the background of these data and the first
      observations of adverse clinical effects, it seems advisable to be cautious when
      using AV17.

PMID- 27116510
TI  - Effect of Risk Alleles in CFH, C3, and VEGFA on the Response to Intravitreal
      Bevacizumab in Tunisian Patients with Neovascular Age-related Macular
      Degeneration.
AB  - Purpose. The aim of this pharmacogenetic study was to evaluate the impact of high
      risk alleles in factor H, factor C3 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      on the response to intravitreal bevacizumab in patients with neovascular age
      related macular degeneration (AMD) in a Tunisian population. Methods. Ninety
      patients with active neovascular AMD treated with intravitreal bevacizumab
      injections were enrolled in the study. Treatment response was evaluated by
      comparing BCVA at baseline and at 12 months. Patients were classified into either
      "poor responders" (PR) or "good responders" (GR). Single nucleotide polymorphism
      (SNP) genotyping was performed for rs1061170 in FH, rs2230199 in C3 andrs699947,
      rs2010963 and rs3025039 in VEGF. The association between genotype and visual
      response at 12 months was assessed. Results. Seventy-seven participants were
      assigned to the GR group and 13 to the PR group. No correlation was found between
      FH, C3 and VEGF variant alleles and treatment response. However, haplotype
      analysis of rs699947 ((- 2578) C/A), rs2010963 ((+ 405) C/G) and rs3025039 ((+
      936) C/T) SNPs revealed that the AGT haplotype was associated with a poor
      response at 12months (p = 0.048). No association was found between treatment
      response and the cumulative effect of all high-risk alleles of C3, FH and VEGF.
      All three types of CNV were found in both groups at a comparable frequency.
      Conclusions. The VEGF haplotype TGA could be used as a marker for poor visual
      prognosis in Tunisian patients with neovascular AMD treated with bevacizumab. 

PMID- 27116511
TI  - Long-term Results of Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Injections in Wet AMD: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although intravitreal anti-VEGF medications are widely used in age
      related macular degeneration, no systematic data analysis is available on the
      long-term prognosis of this relatively new therapeutic approach. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed on available Medline literature. 13
      relevant clinical studies (14 case series) could be identified, covering 10 247
      treated eyes. The majority of available reports originate from single centre
      retrospective real-life environments. RESULTS: The mean improvement in average
      visual gain was 0.9 +/- 0.5 (mean +/- 1 standard deviation, median; 0.8 lines) at
      year 1, 1.2 +/- 1.1 (median: 1.1) letters at year 2, 0.7 +/- 1.0 (median: 0.7)
      letters at year 3, and 0.2 +/- 0.8 (median: 0.5), 0.4 +/- 0.4 (median: 0.5) at
      years 4 and 5. The drop-out rates in these studies was relatively high. At the
      end of year 3, the average percentage of observed eyes was 44.3 +/- 18.4 % (mean
      +/- 1 standard deviation), at the end of year 4 23.5 +/- 23.9 % and after years 6
      and 7 below 10 % (8.2 and 7.9 %). The mean treatment frequency of injections in
      all available studies was highest in year 1 (6.4 +/- 1.2, 6.1 - mean +/- SD;
      median), followed by relatively consistent mean values of 4.1 and 5.1 (year (Y)2:
      4.4, Y3: 4.3, Y4: 4.7, Y5: 4.1, Y6: 5.1, Y7: 4.7) injections per year.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this meta-analysis clearly indicate that intravitreal
      anti-VEGF injection therapy is capable of maintaining visual acuity on a long
      term basis of at least 4-5 years.

PMID- 27116512
TI  - Swiss Family with Dominant Stargardt Disease Caused by a Recurrent Mutation in
      the ELOVL4 Gene.

PMID- 27116514
TI  - Angioid Streaks in Types I and II Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anaemia (CDA).
AB  - Background. Angioid streaks (AS) are visible irregular breaks in Bruch's
      membrane, extending radially from the optic nerve head and with overlaying
      atrophic retinal pigment epithelium. In 50 % of patients, AS are associated with
      Pseudoxanthoma elasticum, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, sickle cell anaemia or Paget's
      disease. In 50 % of patients, AS are idiopathic. Congenital Dyserythropoietic
      Anaemia (CDA) is a rare, inherited disorder of ineffective erythropoiesis with
      morphologically abnormal erythroblasts. CDA was first recognised as a separate
      entity in 1968 and classified into three main groups. CDA demographics have
      identified 614 known families and > 700 cases worldwide. A few case reports of AS
      in CDA I and III have been published, but there is no report of AS in CDA II, the
      most frequent of the CDAs, as well no follow-up. History and Signs. 8 eyes of 4
      CDA patients were examined. The CDA I patients were a 46 year old man and a 52
      year old woman. They were first seen in 2009 and followed up for 9 and 11 months,
      respectively. The 2 female CDA II patients were seen in 2010 and were aged 35 and
      42 years at first presentation. Vision, Amsler grid, optical coherence tomography
      (OCT), fundus pictures and fluorescent angiography were performed. Blood was
      drawn for neutrophil elastase determination (ELA2). Therapy and Outcome. All
      patients showed bilateral AS. Mean best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 without
      metamorphopsia and with normal OCT. During the follow-up period, no progression
      occurred. No choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) was detected. ELA2 serum levels
      were normal. Conclusions. This is the first report of AS in CDA II and the first
      follow-up in CDA I. No evidence of progression was seen within this period of
      time. Longer follow-up is needed to detect whether AS progresses. All patients
      with AS should be seen by an ophthalmologist on a regular basis. The risk of CNV
      is given. Therapy is possible and the outcome is best if the CNV is recognised
      and treated early. 

PMID- 27116513
TI  - Incidence and Surgical Management of Simultaneous Bilateral Retinal Detachment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Simultaneous bilateral retinal detachment (RD) is very rare and its
      incidence has not been very well characterised. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Retrospective review of RD cases treated at the Jules Gonin Eye Hospital between
      1999 and 2010. RESULTS: Over the 11 year period, 10 patients (20 eyes) with
      simultaneous bilateral RD were identified (average incidence among RD= 0.9 %).
      Mean age: 46.4 +/- 17.6 years, with a M : F Ratio of 6 : 4. Pseudophakia was
      present in 10 eyes and myopia >=-5.0 dioptres in 11 eyes. Visual symptoms were
      unilateral in 7 patients, bilateral in 2 patients and absent in one patient. RD
      was macula-on in 15 eyes and macula-off in 5 eyes. Atrophic holes were present in
      11 eyes, U-tears in 6 eyes and a combination in 3 eyes. Primary surgery consisted
      of buckle surgery (11 eyes), vitrectomy (6 eyes) and combines technique (3 eyes).
      The final anatomical success rate was 100 %. Mean follow-up time was 22.7 +/-
      4.95 months. CONCLUSION: The incidence of bilateral simultaneous RD appears to be
      very low and surgical success rates are excellent. Bilateral pre-operative
      dilated fundoscopy is mandatory, as the majority of patients have unilateral
      symptoms.

PMID- 27116515
TI  - Recurrent Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Under Combined Vemurafenib and
      Cobimetinib Treatment.

PMID- 27116516
TI  - Pattern-Dystrophie ahnliche subretinale Pigmentdispersion nach Identations
      Chirurgie bei Amotio retinae.

PMID- 27116517
TI  - Relation Between Implant Position and Perceptual Threshold in a Patient with
      Epiretinal Prosthesis System.

PMID- 27116518
TI  - Ocular Manifestation of Non-Parenchymal Neuro-Behcet Syndrome.

PMID- 27116519
TI  - Vitrectomy with Gas Tamponade and anti-VEGF Injections for the Management of
      Submacular Hemorrhage.

PMID- 27116520
TI  - Unexpected Intraocular Migration of a Cilium During Pars Plana Vitrectomy.

PMID- 27116521
TI  - [Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) in Surgery for Optic Disc
      Pit Maculopathy].

PMID- 27116522
TI  - Radiation Retinopathy 15 Years after Orbital Irradiation for Thyroid Orbitopathy.

PMID- 27116523
TI  - Retinopathy after 30 Gray Whole Brain Radiation.

PMID- 27116524
TI  - Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Retinal Toxicity.

PMID- 27116526
TI  - Prevention of Silicone Oil Migration and Baerveldt Tube Blockage in Retinal
      Detachment Surgery with Partial Aniridia.

PMID- 27116525
TI  - [Unusual Occlusion of the Central Retinal Vein in a 28-Year-Old Patient].

PMID- 27116527
TI  - Cyclical Spontaneous Resorption of Serous Macular Detachment Associated with
      Optic Disc Coloboma.

PMID- 27116528
TI  - Can Low Dose Radiation Therapy (2 * 2 Gy) be Used in Primary Bilateral
      Conjunctival Follicular Lymphoma?

PMID- 27116529
TI  - [Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in Diffuse Choroidal Haemangioma in Sturge
      Weber Syndrome Treated with Low Dose Ocular Irradiation].

PMID- 27116530
TI  - Multimodal Imaging of Retinal Astrocytic Hamartoma Associated with Congenital
      Hypertrophy of Retinal Pigment Epithelium.

PMID- 27116531
TI  - Ocular Toxoplasmosis: an Update.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis has undergone a
      progressive 50 % decline during the past 20 years, the disease remains an
      economically important health hazard in many countries. Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT)
      is the most frequent cause of infectious posterior uveitis, and new insights into
      its pathophysiology have paved the way for new therapeutic strategies. METHODS:
      This review summarises recent insights into the disease, its clinical
      manifestations and therapeutic options. The data have been gleaned from a PubMed
      search, which was conducted in August 2015 using the key term "ocular
      toxoplasmosis". RESULTS: A laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis serves as the
      basis for estimating the clinical burden of OT. This is more severe in South
      America than in Europe, due to the higher incidence of the more virulent New
      World parasitic strains. It is not yet possible to differentiate between acquired
      and congenital cases in most patients. However, in elderly individuals, clinical
      manifestations of acquired OT are more frequently encountered and in atypical
      forms. Although inflammation may initially be more pronounced in acquired than in
      congenital cases of OT, the final visual acuity is usually better and the risk of
      recurrence lower. Amongst the numerous therapeutic options, none is clearly
      superior. In immunocompromised individuals and in those with frequent
      recurrences, prophylactic measures should be considered. CONCLUSION: OT is still
      a potentially vision-threatening affection, namely in elderly individuals with
      acquired disease and in those patients harbouring the more aggressive New World
      strains of the parasite. Owing to the limitations in diagnostic sensitivity and
      therapeutic efficacy, treatment strategies have to be tailored to the individual
      needs.

PMID- 27116532
TI  - Intraocular Inflammation Associated with New Therapies for Cutaneous Melanoma -
      Case Series and Review.
AB  - Background. In advanced cutaneous melanoma, new systemic therapies include
      immunotherapy by checkpoint inhibition and targeted inhibition of the mitogen
      activated protein kinase pathway; these are becoming increasingly well
      established. We describe the clinical presentation of uveitis in three patients
      with concomitant systemic melanoma treatment. History and Signs. Three patients
      with metastatic melanoma receiving systemic therapy (ipilimumab, vemurafenib)
      presented at our institution with a short history of ocular symptoms. Clinical
      findings included anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, disc swelling,
      inflammatory choroidal lesions and retinal vasculitis. Therapy and Outcome. All
      three patients responded well to local and/or systemic steroid treatment. In one
      case, the systemic anti-cancer drug was discontinued after the onset of uveitis.
      Conclusions. Ocular inflammation may occur in the setting of systemic melanoma
      therapy. Presentations of uveitis include Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndromes.
      Ocular inflammation can usually be controlled by topical and sometimes systemic
      corticosteroid therapy. However, treatment guidelines are not established and
      management of these patients demands close cooperation with the oncologist. 

PMID- 27116533
TI  - Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography for the Characterization of
      Kyrieleis Exudates Involving Both the Fovea and Retinal Vessels.

PMID- 27116534
TI  - Epilepsy in children and adolescents: Disease concepts, practical knowledge, and
      coping.
AB  - PROBLEM: Children suffering from epilepsy face severe difficulties in daily life.
      However, data about the self-assessment of children are scarce. METHODS: From
      October 2013 to February 2014, patients aged 6-18years suffering from epilepsy
      were consecutively invited (i) to take part in a structured interview and (ii) to
      draw a picture about their self-assessment of epilepsy. RESULTS: Eighty-four
      children and their parents agreed to participate: (i) 63/84 (75%) of the children
      named their disease correctly; contagiousness was assumed by 8/84 (10%); 81/84
      (96%) knew whether they have to take medication; 36/69 (52%) of the children
      taking long-term medication reported the name(s) of their medication; 8/69 (12%)
      believed that their medication will cure their disease; 45/84 (54%) named
      specific precautions to prevent harm from seizures; 6/84 (7%) believed that
      nonadherence to safety precautions would cause new seizures; and 23/84 (27%)
      believed that they are worse off than healthy children. (ii) 67/84 (80%) drew a
      picture titled "This is how I feel when I have a seizure". Specific symptoms
      [17/67 (25%)] and the interaction between child and environment [12/67 (18%)]
      were the most common subjects. CONCLUSION: Most children with epilepsy had rather
      good knowledge about medication; half of the children knew specific safety
      precautions. The children were often able to describe their seizures well.
      Pictures drawn by patients can give an insight into their experiences. Teaching
      programs should, among others, address the fear of contagiousness of epilepsy in
      some children and the fact that children with epilepsy might feel disadvantaged.

PMID- 27116535
TI  - Seizure clusters: A common, understudied and undertreated phenomenon in
      refractory epilepsy.
AB  - Epilepsy is widely prevalent globally and has emerged as a well-studied
      neurological condition in the recent past. Seizure clusters, a type of seizures,
      and several aspects pertaining to the etiopathogenesis and management of clusters
      are yet to be elucidated. This review is an attempt to recapitulate the current
      understanding of seizure clusters based on the research that has been performed
      on seizure clusters. This article will provide a comprehensive review of various
      aspects of clusters, and discusses definitions, prevalence, risk factors, impact
      on quality of life, approved treatment modalities, and recent advances in
      management.

PMID- 27116536
TI  - Anxiety disorders in people with epilepsy.
AB  - Anxiety disorders are frequent, though probably underdiagnosed, comorbidities in
      epilepsy. Epilepsy and anxiety may share common neurobiological correlates as
      shown in animal models and suggested by studies demonstrating anxiety disorders
      before the manifestation of epilepsy. Comorbid anxiety disorders have a major
      impact on the affected patients' quality of life and may increase the risk for
      suicidality. Successful treatment of the epilepsy may alleviate anxiety symptoms.
      Treatment of anxiety is based on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,
      benzodiazepines (although only as second-line choices), and psychotherapy.
      Specific AEDs (especially pregabalin) have been shown to have anxiolytic
      properties. This paper is aimed at reviewing anxiety disorders in patients with
      epilepsy discussing current scientific evidence about pathophysiology, clinical
      aspects, and treatment strategies.

PMID- 27116537
TI  - Status epilepticus associated with pregnancy: A cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency associated with a
      high mortality rate and long-term cognitive sequelae. Status epilepticus in
      pregnancy poses a tremendous threat to both mother and fetus, making a correct
      diagnosis and treatment a challenging task for clinicians. The prevalence,
      underlying etiology, and outcomes of pregnancy-related SE remain largely unknown.
      METHODS: We retrospectively studied all SE episodes (n=366) in patients admitted
      to our neurological ICU over a period of 8.5years. The patients who developed SE
      during pregnancy and within 6months after delivery were considered to have
      pregnancy-related SE. Patients with eclampsia were not included as they were
      usually cared for in our obstetric unit. RESULTS: Seven patients with pregnancy
      related SE were identified (2.1% of all cases of SE), with the majority (85%)
      occurring de novo except for one patient who had a previous history of epilepsy
      related SE due to withdrawal of antiepileptic medication. In terms of etiology,
      limbic encephalitis and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis were the two main
      etiologies of de novo SE associated with pregnancy. The overall mortality rate
      was 28.5% at discharge, and poor outcomes were especially noted in the patients
      with limbic encephalitis compared to other etiologies. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy
      associated SE is rare and predominantly occurs in patients without a history of
      epilepsy. An autoimmune etiology should be considered in pregnant patients with
      de novo SE, which was associated with poor outcomes. Thorough investigations and
      prompt treatment according to the etiology may be required to improve the final
      outcomes of both mother and fetus.

PMID- 27116538
TI  - The Effect of Everolimus on Scar Formation in Glaucoma Filtering Surgery in a
      Rabbit Model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the efficiency of everolimus on the prevention of
      postoperative scar in a rabbit model of glaucoma filtering surgery in comparison
      with mitomycin-C (MMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty New Zealand albino rabbits
      were randomly assigned into 3 groups, each including ten rabbits: an everolimus
      group (Group 1), a MMC group (Group 2), and a sham group (Group 3). A limbal
      based trabeculectomy was performed on the right eyes of all the rabbits. For 28
      days following surgery, the eyes were evaluated in terms of intraocular pressure
      (IOP), morphological and biomicroscopic changes, and complications in the bleb.
      On the 28th day, four eyes randomized from each group were enucleated and
      histologically and immunohistochemically analyzed. Transforming growth factor
      beta1 (TGF-beta1), metalloproteinase (MMP-2, MMP-9), and proliferative cell
      nuclear antigen (PCNA) expressions in each group were evaluated. The terminal
      deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was
      used for apoptosis. RESULTS: Bleb survival was statistically significantly longer
      for a period in Group 1 compared to Group 2. When postoperative IOPs of three
      groups were measured, it was seen that there is significant IOP reduction in all
      three groups. However, there were increases in the mean IOP values beginning from
      the 5th day in Group 2 and from the 3rd day in Group 3 while in Group 1 mean IOP
      values began to increase beginning from 10th day and the mean IOP values in Group
      1 remained at a lower level in comparison to the other groups for 28 days (p <
      0.05). The expressions of TGF-beta1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and PCNA were reduced in Group
      1 compared to other groups. TUNEL positive apoptotic cells were significantly
      increased in Group 1 compared to other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Everolimus
      appears to suppress the proliferation of fibroblast and thus may provide an
      effective treatment strategy in glaucoma filtering surgery.

PMID- 27116539
TI  - Genotype 3b of human parvovirus B19 detected from hospitalized children with
      solid malignancies in a North Indian tertiary care hospital.
AB  - Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection is known to cause serious consequences in
      immuno-compromized individuals. The present cross sectional study was designed to
      estimate the prevalence and genotype distribution of B19V in children receiving
      chemotherapy for solid malignancies at a tertiary care hospital in North India
      during October 2013 to May 2015. Serum samples from all the patients were tested
      for anti-B19V IgM and IgG antibodies and for B19V-DNA as soon as received.
      Samples testing positive for B19V-DNA were subjected to viral load estimation and
      to genotype determination by sequencing. Total 96 children were enrolled of which
      9 (9.3%), 32 (33.3%), and 25 (26%) tested positive for anti-B19V IgM, anti-B19V
      IgG, and B19V-DNA, respectively. The viral load of B19V-DNA positive children
      ranged from 5.5 * 10(2) to 3.5 * 10(12) copies/ml. Accordingly children were
      divided into three groups: group I, with acute infection (n = 25); group II,
      previously exposed (n = 27), and group III, negative for B19V infection or with
      inappropriate antibody response (n = 44). B19V positivity was significantly
      associated (P-value < 0.0001) with a history of blood transfusion in the past 6
      months, severe anemia (hemoglobin levels <6 gm%) and thrombocytopenia (platelets
      <150,000/cu.mm.). Sequence analysis of 21 of 25 DNA positive samples showed that
      all of them were Genotype 3b that clustered into three groups. All the sequences
      within each cluster were identical. The nucleotide identity of the sequences
      suggests a nosocomial outbreak of B19V during the study period. Children on
      chemotherapy for solid tumors should be routinely screened for B19V infection by
      both serology and PCR. J. Med. Virol. 88:1922-1929, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27116541
TI  - Mechanistic Studies on Garratt-Braverman Cyclization: The Diradical-Cycloaddition
      Puzzle.
AB  - In this work, we present the results of extensive multiprong studies involving
      the fate of deuterium-labeled substrates, EPR, trapping experiments, and LA-LDI
      mass spectrometry to sort out the controversies relating to the mechanism of
      Garratt-Braverman cyclization in two systems, namely bis-propargyl sulfones and
      ethers. The results are in conformity with a diradical mechamism for the sulfone,
      while for the ether, the anionic [4 + 2] appears to be the preferred pathway.
      This shows that the mechanistic pathway toward GB cyclization is dependent upon
      the nature of heteroatom (O or S in sulfone) bridging the propargyl arms.

PMID- 27116540
TI  - Adolescent, caregiver, and friend preferences for integrating social support and
      communication features into an asthma self-management app.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examines: 1) adolescent preferences for using asthma self
      management mobile applications (apps) to interact with their friends, caregivers,
      medical providers, and other adolescents with asthma and 2) how caregivers and
      friends would use mobile apps to communicate with the adolescent and serve as
      sources of support for asthma management. METHODS: We recruited 20 adolescents
      aged 12-16 years with persistent asthma, their caregivers (n = 20), and friends
      (n = 3) from two suburban pediatric practices in North Carolina. We gave
      participants iPods with two preloaded asthma apps and asked them to use the apps
      for 1 week. Adolescents and caregivers provided app feedback during a semi
      structured interview at a regularly-scheduled clinic appointment and during a
      telephone interview one week later. Friends completed one telephone interview.
      Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive, theory
      driven analysis was used to identify themes and preferences. RESULTS: Adolescents
      preferred to use apps for instrumental support from caregivers, informational
      support from friends, and belonging and informational support from others with
      asthma. The majority of adolescents believed apps could enhance communication
      with their caregivers and medical providers, and the theme of self-reliance
      emerged in which caregivers and adolescents believed apps could enable
      adolescents to better self-manage their asthma. Friends preferred to use apps to
      provide instrumental and informational support. CONCLUSIONS: Given preferences
      expressed in this study, apps may help adolescents obtain social support to
      better self-manage their asthma. Future app-based interventions should include
      features enabling adolescents with asthma to communicate and interact with their
      caregivers, medical providers, and friends.

PMID- 27116543
TI  - Direct oral anticoagulants: a practical guide for the emergency physician.
AB  - The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the mainstay for stroke prophylaxis in
      nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and treatment of acute venous thrombosis. They
      are attractive alternatives to warfarin because of their efficacy, ease of
      prescription and safety profile. The emergency department has gained expertise in
      the management of DOAC bleeding complications, but has been slower to adopt
      prescription decisions. Emergency clinicians are in a unique position to identify
      patients who are prescribed DOACs and are at high risk of impending bleeding.
      This is a practical guide for the emergency clinician on how to prescribe DOACs,
      the red flags for DOAC patients in the emergency department and advances in the
      treatment of bleeding. 

PMID- 27116542
TI  - Tobacco carcinogen induces both lung cancer and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and
      hepatocellular carcinomas in ferrets which can be attenuated by lycopene
      supplementation.
AB  - Early epidemiologic studies have reported that tobacco smoking, which is causally
      associated with liver cancer, is an independent risk factor for non-alcoholic
      fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). Lycopene from tomatoes has been shown to be a
      potential preventive agent against NAFLD and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In
      the present study, we investigated whether the tobacco carcinogen 4-(N-methyl-N
      nitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) induces lesions in both lungs and
      livers of ferrets with or without lycopene intervention. Male ferrets (6 groups,
      n = 8-10) were treated either with NNK (50 mg/kg BW, i.p., once a month for four
      consecutive months) or saline with or without dietary lycopene supplementation
      (2.2 and 6.6 mg/kg BW/day, respectively) for 26 weeks. Results demonstrate that
      NNK exposure results in higher incidences of lung tumors, HCC and steatohepatitis
      (which is characterized by severe inflammatory cell infiltration with concurrent
      fat accumulation in liver, hepatocellular ballooning degeneration and increased
      NF-kappaB expression), as well as elevations in bilirubin and AST levels in
      ferrets. Lycopene supplementation at two doses prevented NNK-induced expressions
      of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the lung and NF-kappaB and CYP2E1
      in the liver and attenuated the NNK-induced mortality and pathological lesions in
      both the lungs and livers of ferrets. The present study provided strong
      experimental evidence that the tobacco carcinogen NNK can induce both HCC and
      steatohepatitis in the ferrets and can be a useful model for studying tobacco
      carcinogen-associated NAFLD and liver cancer. Furthermore, lycopene could provide
      potential benefits against smoke carcinogen-induced pulmonary and hepatic injury.

PMID- 27116544
TI  - Overexpression of Cathepsin E Interferes with Neuronal Differentiation of P19
      Embryonal Teratocarcinoma Cells by Degradation of N-cadherin.
AB  - Cathepsin E (CatE), an aspartic protease, has a limited distribution in certain
      cell types such as gastric cells. CatE is not detectable in the normal brain,
      whereas it is increasingly expressed in damaged neurons and activated microglia
      of the pathological brain. Neurons expressing high levels of CatE showed apparent
      morphological changes, including a marked shrinkage of the cytoplasmic region and
      beading of neurites, suggesting neuronal damage. The intracellular level of CatE
      in neurons is strictly regulated at both transcriptional and translational
      levels. Although the up-regulation of CatE may cause pathological changes in
      neurons, little information is available about the precise outcome of the
      increased expression of CatE in neurons. In this study, we have attempted to
      clarify the outcome of up-regulated CatE gene expression in neurons using the P19
      cell neuronal differentiation after the overexpression of CatE. We unexpectedly
      found that the overexpression of CatE interfered with neuronal differentiation of
      P19 cells through an impairment of cell aggregate formation. Pepstatin A, an
      aspartic protease inhibitor, restored the impaired cell aggregation of P19/CatE
      cells. The small number of P19 cells differentiated into neurons had abnormal
      morphology characterized by their fusiform cell bodies with short processes.
      Furthermore, CatE proteolytically cleaved the extracellular domain of N-cadherin.
      These observations suggest that the overexpression of CatE interferes with
      neuronal differentiation of P19 cells through an impairment of cell aggregate
      formation, possibly through proteolytic degradation of N-cadherin.

PMID- 27116545
TI  - miR-183 Inhibits UV-Induced DNA Damage Repair in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells
      by Targeting of KIAA0101.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which miR
      183 may contribute to the phenotypic alterations associated with stress-induced
      senescence of human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. METHODS: Changes in gene
      expression induced by miR-183 in HTM cells were evaluated by gene array analysis,
      confirmed by quantitative-PCR (Q-PCR), and analyzed by MetaCore pathway analysis.
      Effects of miR-183 on cell proliferation were assessed by incorporation of
      bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, and DNA damage by CometAssay after ultraviolet
      (UV) irradiation in primary HTM cells, and confirmed in human diploid fibroblasts
      (HDF) and HeLa cells. A plasmid expressing KIAA0101 without its 3'-untranslated
      region (3'-UTR) was cotransfected with miR-183 to evaluate the role of KIAA0101
      on the effects induced by miR-183. RESULTS: miR-183 affected the expression of
      multiple genes involved in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response in HTM
      cells. Forced expression of miR-183 in HTM and HDF resulted in a significant
      decrease in proliferation in primary HTM and HDF cells but not in HeLa cells. In
      all cell types tested, overexpression of miR-183 resulted in increased DNA damage
      under UV irradiation. Expression of KIAA0101 lacking the 3'-UTR region partially
      prevented the effects of miR-183 on cell proliferation and completely reversed
      the effects on UV-induced DNA damage. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the
      observed up-regulation of miR-183 after stress-induced senescence in HTM cells
      may contribute to reinforce cellular senescence by inhibiting cell cycle
      progression through multiple gene targets and limiting the DNA repair mechanisms
      through inhibition of KIAA0101.

PMID- 27116546
TI  - NorLeu3A(1-7) Accelerates Clear Corneal Full Thickness Wound Healing.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated the effect of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) peptide
      NorLeu3-Angiotensin (1-7) (NLE) formulated in a viscoelastic gel (USB004) on the
      healing of full-thickness corneal injuries. METHODS: Dutch pigmented rabbits
      received conjunctival administration of 0.3% USB004, 0.03% USB004, or vehicle
      control to healthy and full-thickness injured eyes administered once daily for 28
      consecutive days. Safety was evaluated using IOP measurement, slit-lamp
      examination, and confocal microscopy. Evaluations for both efficacy studies
      included an oblique light examination, modified Seidel test (Seidel test with
      gentle ocular pressure) as well as during elevated IOP test, confocal microscopy
      imaging, and histologic analysis. RESULTS: Application of 0.3% USB004, 0.03%
      USB004, and vehicle-control was safe in healthy and incised eyes. Further,
      application of 0.3% and 0.03% USB004 following full-thickness corneal incision
      resulted in a 2-fold acceleration of resolution of edema and inflammation,
      reduction in duration of wound leakage on a modified Seidel test (Seidel test
      with gentle ocular pressure) as well as during elevated IOP test, and healing
      with near normal architecture without evidence of fibrosis and angiogenesis when
      compared to vehicle-control animals. CONCLUSIONS: Topical ocular application of
      0.3% and 0.03% USB004 promotes full-thickness cornea wound healing without the
      evidence of fibrosis and angiogenesis. Further studies are warranted to determine
      the cornea-specific mechanism of action(s) that promotes regeneration leading to
      clear corneal healing.

PMID- 27116547
TI  - Engineering a Light-Attenuating Artificial Iris.
AB  - PURPOSE: Discomfort from light exposure leads to photophobia, glare, and poor
      vision in patients with congenital or trauma-induced iris damage. Commercial
      artificial iris lenses are static in nature to provide aesthetics without
      restoring the natural iris's dynamic response to light. A new photo-responsive
      artificial iris was therefore developed using a photochromic material with self
      adaptive light transmission properties and encased in a transparent biocompatible
      polymer matrix. METHODS: The implantable artificial iris was designed and
      engineered using Photopia, a class of photo-responsive materials (termed
      naphthopyrans) embedded in polyethylene. Photopia was reshaped into annular disks
      that were spin-coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form our artificial
      iris lens of controlled thickness. RESULTS: Activated by UV and blue light in
      approximately 5 seconds with complete reversal in less than 1 minute, the
      artificial iris demonstrates graded attenuation of up to 40% of visible and 60%
      of UV light. There optical characteristics are suitable to reversibly regulate
      the incident light intensity. In vitro cell culture experiments showed up to 60%
      cell death within 10 days of exposure to Photopia, but no significant cell death
      observed when cultured with the artificial iris with protective encapsulation.
      Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed these results as there was no
      apparent leakage of potentially toxic photochromic material from the ophthalmic
      device. CONCLUSIONS: Our artificial iris lens mimics the functionality of the
      natural iris by attenuating light intensity entering the eye with its rapid
      reversible change in opacity and thus potentially providing an improved treatment
      option for patients with iris damage.

PMID- 27116548
TI  - Longitudinal Development of Refractive Error in Children With Accommodative
      Esotropia: Onset, Amblyopia, and Anisometropia.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated longitudinal changes of refractive error in children
      with accommodative esotropia (ET) throughout the first 12 years of life, its
      dependence on age at onset of ET, and whether amblyopia or anisometropia are
      associated with defective emmetropization. METHODS: Longitudinal refractive
      errors in children with accommodative ET were analyzed retrospectively.
      Eligibility criteria included: initial hyperopia >= +4.00 diopters (D), initial
      cycloplegic refraction before 4 years, at least 3 visits, and at least one visit
      between 7 and 12 years. Children were classified as having infantile (N = 30;
      onset <= 12 months) or late-onset (N = 78; onset at 18-48 months) accommodative
      ET. Cycloplegic refractions culled from medical records were converted into
      spherical equivalent (SEQ). RESULTS: Although the initial visit right eye SEQ was
      similar for the infantile and late-onset groups (+5.86 +/- 1.28 and +5.67 +/-
      1.26 D, respectively), there were different developmental changes in refractive
      error. Neither group had a significant decrease in hyperopia before age 7 years,
      but after 7 years, the infantile group experienced a myopic shift of -0.43 D/y.
      The late-onset group did not experience a myopic shift at 7 to 12 years. Among
      amblyopic children, a slower myopic shift was observed for the amblyopic eye.
      Among anisometropic children, the more hyperopic eye experienced more myopic
      shift than the less hyperopic eye. CONCLUSIONS: Children with infantile
      accommodative ET experienced prolonged hyperopia followed by a myopic shift after
      7 years of age, consistent with dissociation between infantile emmetropization
      and school age myopic shift. In contrast, children with late-onset accommodative
      ET had little myopic shift before or after 7 years.

PMID- 27116549
TI  - Albumen Transport to Bruch's Membrane and RPE by Choriocapillaris Caveolae.
AB  - PURPOSE: The choriocapillaris (CC), the capillary network of the choroid, is
      positioned adjacent to Bruch's membrane (BM) and the RPE. The aim of this study
      was to clarify the mechanism(s) for transport of serum albumen from CC lumen to
      RPE. METHODS: Alexa647 conjugated to BSA (BSA-A647) or PBS was administrated via
      the femoral vein to young and aged wild-type (WT; C57BL/6J) mice and Caveolin-1
      knockout mice (Cav1(-/-)). Mice were perfused with PBS and killed at 30 minutes,
      1 hour, and 4 hours after injection. Eyecups were cryopreserved, and cryosections
      were analyzed on a Zeiss 710 confocal microscope. Bovine serum albumin conjugated
      to gold nanoparticles (BSA-GNP) was administrated through the left common carotid
      artery. Mice were perfused with PBS and killed at 30 minutes after injection.
      Eyecups were embedded after fixation, and 70-nm-thick sections were analyzed on a
      Hitachi H7600 transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: In eyes of WT young
      mice, BSA-A647 was transported to the RPE at 30 minutes and diffused to the
      photoreceptor layer by 1 hour. In contrast, most BSA-A647 was found in the CC in
      Cav1(-/-) eyes. The majority of BSA-GNP found in the CC of young WT mice was on
      the luminal side in caveolae at 30 minutes after injection. In aged WT mice, BSA
      GNPs were found in defective tight junctions between endothelial cells and
      appeared trapped at the diaphragm of fenestrations. CONCLUSIONS: Normally, CC
      carefully regulates transport system of BSA from lumen to BM by caveolae-mediated
      transcytosis; however, endothelium cells of aged control WT mice have leaky tight
      junctions and lacked regulated BSA transport.

PMID- 27116552
TI  - Dense ionic fluids confined in planar capacitors: in- and out-of-plane structure
      from classical density functional theory.
AB  - The ongoing scientific interest in the properties and structure of electric
      double layers (EDLs) stems from their pivotal role in (super)capacitive energy
      storage, energy harvesting, and water treatment technologies. Classical density
      functional theory (DFT) is a promising framework for the study of the in- and out
      of-plane structural properties of double layers. Supported by molecular dynamics
      simulations, we demonstrate the adequate performance of DFT for analyzing charge
      layering in the EDL perpendicular to the electrodes. We discuss charge storage
      and capacitance of the EDL and the impact of screening due to dielectric
      solvents. We further calculate, for the first time, the in-plane structure of the
      EDL within the framework of DFT. While our out-of-plane results already hint at
      structural in-plane transitions inside the EDL, which have been observed recently
      in simulations and experiments, our DFT approach performs poorly in predicting in
      plane structure in comparison to simulations. However, our findings isolate
      fundamental issues in the theoretical description of the EDL within the primitive
      model and point towards limitations in the performance of DFT in describing the
      out-of-plane structure of the EDL at high concentrations and potentials.

PMID- 27116551
TI  - Metastatic Disease in Polyploid Uveal Melanoma Patients Is Associated With BAP1
      Mutations.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most of the uvea melanoma (UM) display a near-diploid (normal, -2N)
      karyotype with only a few chromosomal changes. In contrast to these simple
      aberrations 18% of the UM samples show a polyploid character (>2N) and this was
      associated with an unfavorable prognosis. This study attempts to gain insight in
      the prognostic value of polyploidy in UM. METHODS: In 202 patients the ploidy
      status of the UM was determined using cytogenetic analysis, fluorescence-in-situ
      hybridization (FISH), multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA),
      and/or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis. Immunohistochemistry
      was used to determine the BAP1 expression and mutation analyses of BAP1 (coding
      regions) and the mutation hotspots for the SF3B1, EIF1AX, GNAQ, and GNA11 genes
      was carried out using Sanger sequencing or whole-exome sequencing. RESULTS:
      Twenty-three patients had a polyploid UM karyotype (11.4%). Patients with a
      polyploid tumor had larger tumors (15.61 vs. 13.13 mm, P = 0.004), and more often
      loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 3 (P = 0.003). No difference in occurrence
      of mutations between polyploid and diploid tumors was observed for BAP1, SF3B1,
      EIF1AX, GNAQ, and GNA11. Polyploidy did not affect survival (P = 0.143). BAP1
      deficiency was the only significant independent prognostic predictor for patients
      with polyploid tumors, with a 16-fold increased hazard ratio (HR 15.90, P =
      0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of mutations in the UM related genes is not
      different in polyploid UM compared with diploid UM. Moreover, similar to patients
      with diploid UM, BAP1 mutation is the most significant prognostic predictor of
      metastasis in patients with polyploid UM.

PMID- 27116550
TI  - Genetic Association Analysis of Drusen Progression.
AB  - PURPOSE: Age-related macular degeneration is a common form of vision loss
      affecting older adults. The etiology of AMD is multifactorial and is influenced
      by environmental and genetic risk factors. In this study, we examine how 19
      common risk variants contribute to drusen progression, a hallmark of AMD
      pathogenesis. METHODS: Exome chip data was made available through the
      International AMD Genomics Consortium (IAMDGC). Drusen quantification was carried
      out with color fundus photographs using an automated drusen detection and
      quantification algorithm. A genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated per subject
      by summing risk allele counts at 19 common genetic risk variants weighted by
      their respective effect sizes. Pathway analysis of drusen progression was carried
      out with the software package Pathway Analysis by Randomization Incorporating
      Structure. RESULTS: We observed significant correlation with drusen baseline area
      and the GRS in the age-related eye disease study (AREDS) dataset (rho = 0.175, P
      = 0.006). Measures of association were not statistically significant between
      drusen progression and the GRS (P = 0.54). Pathway analysis revealed the cell
      adhesion molecules pathway as the most highly significant pathway associated with
      drusen progression (corrected P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we explored
      the potential influence of known common AMD genetic risk factors on drusen
      progression. Our results from the GRS analysis showed association of increasing
      genetic burden (from 19 AMD associated loci) to baseline drusen load but not
      drusen progression in the AREDS dataset while pathway analysis suggests
      additional genetic contributors to AMD risk.

PMID- 27116553
TI  - UK Renal Registry 18th Annual Report: Chapter 2 UK Renal Replacement Therapy
      Prevalence in 2014: National and Centre-specific Analyses.
AB  - There were 58,968 adult patients receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the
      UK on 31st December 2014, an absolute increase of 4.0% from 2013.The actual
      number of patients increased 2.0% for haemodialysis (HD), 5.3% for those with a
      functioning transplant but decreased 0.7% for peritoneal dialysis (PD).The UK
      adult prevalence of RRT was 913 per million population (pmp). The reported
      prevalence in 2000 was 523 pmp.The number of patients receiving home HD increased
      by 6.7% from 1,113 patients in 2013 to 1,188 patients in 2014.The median age of
      prevalent patients was 59 years(HD 67 years, PD 64 years, transplant 53 years).In
      2000, the median age was 55 years (HD 63 years, PD 58 years, transplant 48
      years). In 2014,the percentage of RRT patients aged greater than 75 years was
      16.0%.For all ages, the prevalence rate in men exceeded that in women, peaking in
      age group 75-79 years at 3,100 pmp in men and for women at 1,600 pmp in age group
      70-74 years.The most common identifiable renal diagnosis was glomerulonephritis
      (19%), followed by diabetes(16%) and aetiology uncertain (16%).Transplantation
      continued as the most common treatment modality (53%), HD was used in 41%and PD
      in 6% of RRT patients.Prevalence rates in patients aged 585 years continued to
      increase between 2013 and 2014 (1,021 per million age related population (pmarp)
      to 1,060 pmarp).

PMID- 27116555
TI  - Sexual Synchronicity and Communication Among Partnered Older Adults.
AB  - Based on secondary analysis of respondent narratives (N = 2,049), this study
      examined attitudes and behaviors associated with sex frequency and sexual
      satisfaction in a national sample of partnered older adults, age 50 to 85. In
      contrast to conventional assumptions about diminished sexuality in older
      adulthood, the results of this study indicate that sex frequency and sexual
      satisfaction continue to play an important part in the lives of many partnered
      older adults. Open communication and sexual synchronicity, including open
      communication about sexual synchronicity, encourage active and satisfying sex
      lives in older adulthood. Implications for therapists helping older adults
      maintain an active and satisfying sex life are discussed.

PMID- 27116554
TI  - Topical HPMC/S-Nitrosoglutathione Solution Decreases Inflammation and Bone
      Resorption in Experimental Periodontal Disease in Rats.
AB  - S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) is a nitric oxide (NO) donor, which exerts
      antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbicidal actions. Intragingival
      application of GSNO was already shown to decrease alveolar bone loss,
      inflammation and oxidative stress in an experimental periodontal disease (EPD)
      model. In the present study, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effect of
      topical applications of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC)/GSNO solutions on EPD
      in Wistar rats. EPD was induced by placing a sterilized nylon (3.0) thread
      ligature around the cervix of the second left upper molar of the animals, which
      received topical applications of a HPMC solutions containing GSNO 2 or 10 mM or
      vehicle (HPMC solution), 1 h prior to the placement of the ligature and then
      twice daily until sacrifice on day 11. Treatment with HPMC/GSNO 10 mM solution
      significantly reduced alveolar bone loss, oxidative stress and TNF-alpha e IL
      1beta levels in the surrounding gingival tissue, and led to a decreased
      transcription of RANK and TNF-alpha genes and elevated bone alkaline phosphatase,
      compared to the HPMC group. In conclusion, topical application of HPMC/GSNO
      solution is a potential treatment to reduce inflammation and bone loss in
      periodontal disease.

PMID- 27116556
TI  - Enhanced isopropanol and n-butanol production by supplying exogenous acetic acid
      via co-culturing two clostridium strains from cassava bagasse hydrolysate.
AB  - The focus of this study was to produce isopropanol and butanol (IB) from dilute
      sulfuric acid treated cassava bagasse hydrolysate (SACBH), and improve IB
      production by co-culturing Clostridium beijerinckii (C. beijerinckii) with
      Clostridium tyrobutyricum (C. tyrobutyricum) in an immobilized-cell fermentation
      system. Concentrated SACBH could be converted to solvents efficiently by
      immobilized pure culture of C. beijerinckii. Considerable solvent concentrations
      of 6.19 g/L isopropanol and 12.32 g/L butanol were obtained from batch
      fermentation, and the total solvent yield and volumetric productivity were 0.42
      g/g and 0.30 g/L/h, respectively. Furthermore, the concentrations of isopropanol
      and butanol increased to 7.63 and 13.26 g/L, respectively, under the immobilized
      co-culture conditions when concentrated SACBH was used as the carbon source. The
      concentrations of isopropanol and butanol from the immobilized co-culture
      fermentation were, respectively, 42.62 and 25.45 % higher than the production
      resulting from pure culture fermentation. The total solvent yield and volumetric
      productivity increased to 0.51 g/g and 0.44 g/L/h when co-culture conditions were
      utilized. Our results indicated that SACBH could be used as an economically
      favorable carbon source or substrate for IB production using immobilized
      fermentation. Additionally, IB production could be significantly improved by co
      culture immobilization, which provides extracellular acetic acid to C.
      beijerinckii from C. tyrobutyricum. This study provided a technically feasible
      and cost-efficient way for IB production using cassava bagasse, which may be
      suitable for industrial solvent production.

PMID- 27116557
TI  - Role of basophils in protective immunity to parasitic infections.
AB  - Basophils have been recognized as important players for protective immunity
      against a variety of different endo- and ectoparasites. Although basophils
      represent a relatively rare and short-lived cell type, they produce large
      quantities of effector molecules including histamine, cytokines, chemokines, and
      lipid mediators which promote type 2 immune responses. Basophils can be activated
      either directly by parasite-derived factors or indirectly by recognition of
      parasite-derived antigens via IgE bound to its high-affinity receptor FcepsilonRI
      on the cell surface. Many parasitic infections cause expansion and tissue
      recruitment of basophils, but the role of basophils for protective immunity
      remains poorly understood. The development of basophil-deficient mouse models
      over the past few years makes it possible to study their contributions in various
      infections. We review here the current knowledge regarding the role of basophils
      for protective or immunomodulatory functions of basophils mainly during
      infections of mice with protozoan parasites, helminths, and ectoparasites.

PMID- 27116559
TI  - Clinical Review of Cochlear Implantation Performed at Sapporo Medical University
      Hospital.
AB  - More than 20 years have passed since cochlear implantation (CI) was first
      introduced in Japan. We began CI at the Sapporo Medical University Hospital in
      1988; since then, up to the first half of 2015, we have performed CI on 280 ears.
      In patients aged less than and those aged over 18 years, 121 and 159 ears,
      respectively, have undergone surgery. This report presents typical cases of CI,
      such as an adult case, a bilateral case, a case where both hearing and vision
      were impaired, a pediatric case, a case with multiple handicaps, a case with a
      genetic mutation leading to severe hearing loss, and a complicated case. In
      addition, complications with CI cases experienced during extended follow-up
      periods are also summarized. 

PMID- 27116560
TI  - Impact of elective termination on the occurrence of severe birth defects
      identified in a hospital-based active malformations surveillance program (1999 to
      2002).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of affected infants and the types of malformations
      identified by a malformation surveillance programs can be impacted if elective
      terminations for malformations are not included. METHODS: The occurrence of
      malformations in all newborn infants was determined in a daily review of the
      findings in the pediatricians' examinations and those of all consultants. In
      addition, the findings in autopsies of all elective terminations were reviewed to
      identify all fetuses with structural abnormalities. A severity scale was used to
      subdivide the malformations. To establish the impact of elective termination, the
      malformed infants identified in the Active Malformations Surveillance Program at
      Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston were analyzed for the 2 years before and
      after the hospital decreased significantly the number of elective terminations
      temporarily (1999-2000 vs. 2001-2002). The effect on the number of malformations
      identified at birth, as well as malformations of greater severity, was
      determined. RESULTS: The number of terminated fetuses with malformations
      decreased dramatically after termination services were interrupted (p < 0.0001).
      There were no differences in the prevalence rates of all malformations in the 2
      years before and after the change in access to elective terminations. However,
      there were significant decreases in the number of infants identified with
      lethal/life-limiting and severe/handicapping malformations. CONCLUSION: In the
      surveillance for malformations among newborn infants, the inclusion of malformed
      fetuses from elective terminations had a significant effect on the number of
      infants with the more severe malformations identified. Birth Defects Research
      (Part A) 106:659-666, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27116558
TI  - Mammalian telomeres and their partnership with lamins.
AB  - Chromosome ends are complex structures, which require a panel of factors for
      their elongation, replication, and protection. We describe here the mechanics of
      mammalian telomeres, dynamics and maintainance in relation to lamins. Multiple
      biochemical connections, including association of telomeres to the nuclear
      envelope and matrix, of telomeric proteins to lamins, and of lamin-associated
      proteins to chromosome ends, underline the interplay between lamins and
      telomeres. Paths toward senescence, such as defective telomere replication,
      altered heterochromatin organization, and impaired DNA repair, are common to
      lamins' and telomeres' dysfunction. The convergence of phenotypes can be
      interpreted through a model of dynamic, lamin-controlled functional platforms
      dedicated to the function of telomeres as fragile sites. The features of
      telomeropathies and laminopathies, and of animal models underline further
      overlapping aspects, including the alteration of stem cell compartments. We
      expect that future studies of basic biology and on aging will benefit from the
      analysis of this telomere-lamina interplay. 

PMID- 27116561
TI  - Partial-surface-passivation strategy for transition-metal-based copper-gold
      nanocage.
AB  - An effective strategy involving the corrosion of partial-surface-passivated Cu
      nanoparticles is proposed for synthesizing transition-metal-based Cu-Au alloy
      nanocages. Time-dependent X-ray absorption spectroscopy demonstrates that the
      hollow-cage Cu-Au alloy nanostructure is formed by sequential erosion of the
      partial surface and interior Cu and by the alloying of Au and Cu. 

PMID- 27116562
TI  - Relationship between neck acceleration and muscle activation in people with
      chronic neck pain: Implications for functional disability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous study has found that people with chronic neck pain moved
      with a consistently compromised acceleration/deceleration at their cervical and
      thoracic spines. This study examined the strength of the association between the
      electromyographic activities and the acceleration/deceleration of the cervical
      and thoracic spine, and its correlation with the functional disabilities in
      individuals with neck pain. METHODS: Time history of the cervical and thoracic
      acceleration/deceleration and EMG activity was acquired in thirty-four subjects
      with chronic neck pain and thirty-four age- and gender-matched asymptomatic
      subjects during active neck movements. The strength of the association between
      the electromyographic activity of spinal muscles and the cervical and thoracic
      acceleration/deceleration was determined using cross-correlation method.
      Relationship between the strength of this association and the severity of the
      functional disabilities in neck pain group was examined using correlation
      analysis. FINDINGS: The strength of the association between cervical and thoracic
      acceleration/deceleration and electromyographic activities was significantly
      lower in neck pain group. Significant negative correlations were found between
      the functional disability level and the strength of this defined association in
      the symptomatic group. INTERPRETATION: The compromised capability of the spinal
      muscles to produce acceleration/deceleration in the neck pain group may imply an
      impaired electromechanical coupling of these spinal muscles when performing neck
      movements. Significant negative correlation of the degree of functional
      disabilities suggests that the present approach can be used as an objective and
      specific evaluation of the dynamic performance of the spinal muscles and its
      relationship with the functional disabilities in neck pain subjects.

PMID- 27116563
TI  - Flexible Electrode Design: Fabrication of Freestanding Polyaniline-Based
      Composite Films for High-Performance Supercapacitors.
AB  - Polyaniline (PANI) is a promising pseudocapacitance electrode material. However,
      its structural instability leads to low cyclic stability and limited rate
      capability which hinders its practical applications. In view of the limitations,
      flexible PANI-based composite films are developed to improve the electrochemical
      performance of electrode materials. We report in the research a facile and cost
      effective approach for fabrication of a high-performance supercapacitor (SC) with
      excellent cyclic stability and tunable energy and power densities. SC electrode
      containing a very high mass loading of active materials is a flexible film of
      PANI, tissue wiper-based cellulose, graphite-based exfoliated graphite (ExG), and
      silver nanoparticles with potential applications in wearable electronics. The
      optimum preparation weight ratios of silver nitrate/aniline and ExG/aniline used
      in the research are estimated to be 0.18 and 0.65 (or higher), respectively. Our
      results show that an ultrahigh capacitance of 3.84 F/cm(2) (240.10 F/g) at a
      discharge rate of 5 mA can be achieved. In addition, our study shows that the
      power density can be increased from 1531.3 to 3000 W/kg by selecting the weight
      ratio of ExG/aniline to be more than 0.65, with a sacrifice in the energy
      density. The obtained promising electrochemical properties are found to be mainly
      attributed to an effective combination of PANI, ExG, cushiony cellulose scaffold,
      and silver as well as the porosity of the composite.

PMID- 27116565
TI  - SCSPOD14, a South China Sea physical oceanographic dataset derived from in situ
      measurements during 1919-2014.
AB  - In addition to the oceanographic data available for the South China Sea (SCS)
      from the World Ocean Database (WOD) and Array for Real-time Geostrophic
      Oceanography (Argo) floats, a suite of observations has been made by the South
      China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO) starting from the 1970s. Here, we
      assemble a SCS Physical Oceanographic Dataset (SCSPOD14) based on 51,392
      validated temperature and salinity profiles collected from these three datasets
      for the period 1919-2014. A gridded dataset of climatological monthly mean
      temperature, salinity, and mixed and isothermal layer depth derived from an
      objective analysis of profiles is also presented. Comparisons with the World
      Ocean Atlas (WOA) and IFREMER/LOS Mixed Layer Depth Climatology confirm the
      reliability of the new dataset. This unique dataset offers an invaluable baseline
      perspective on the thermodynamic processes, spatial and temporal variability of
      water masses, and basin-scale and mesoscale oceanic structures in the SCS. We
      anticipate improvements and regular updates to this product as more observations
      become available from existing and future in situ networks. 

PMID- 27116566
TI  - Spectral Quasi-Equilibrium Manifold for Chemical Kinetics.
AB  - The Spectral Quasi-Equilibrium Manifold (SQEM) method is a model reduction
      technique for chemical kinetics based on entropy maximization under constraints
      built by the slowest eigenvectors at equilibrium. The method is revisited here
      and discussed and validated through the Michaelis-Menten kinetic scheme, and the
      quality of the reduction is related to the temporal evolution and the gap between
      eigenvalues. SQEM is then applied to detailed reaction mechanisms for the
      homogeneous combustion of hydrogen, syngas, and methane mixtures with air in
      adiabatic constant pressure reactors. The system states computed using SQEM are
      compared with those obtained by direct integration of the detailed mechanism, and
      good agreement between the reduced and the detailed descriptions is demonstrated.
      The SQEM reduced model of hydrogen/air combustion is also compared with another
      similar technique, the Rate-Controlled Constrained-Equilibrium (RCCE). For the
      same number of representative variables, SQEM is found to provide a more accurate
      description. 

PMID- 27116570
TI  - Rab6 functions in polarized transport in Drosophila photoreceptors.
AB  - Selective membrane transport pathways are essential for cells in situ to
      construct and maintain a polarized structure comprising multiple plasma membrane
      domains, which is essential for their specific cellular functions. Genetic
      screening in Drosophila photoreceptors harboring multiple plasma membrane domains
      enables the identification of genes involved in polarized transport pathways. Our
      genome-wide high-throughput screening identified a Rab6-null mutant with a rare
      phenotype characterized by a loss of 2 apical transport pathways with an intact
      basolateral transport. Although the functions of Rab6 in the Golgi apparatus are
      well known, its function in polarized transport is unexpected. The mutant
      phenotype and localization of Rab6 strongly indicate that Rab6 regulates
      transport between the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and recycling endosomes (REs):
      basolateral cargos are segregated at the TGN before Rab6 functions, but cargos
      going to multiple apical domains are sorted at REs. Both the medial-Golgi
      resident protein Metallophosphoesterase (MPPE) and the TGN marker GalT::CFP
      exhibit diffused co-localized distributions in Rab6-deficient cells, suggesting
      they are trapped in the retrograde transport vesicles returning to trans-Golgi
      cisternae. Hence, we propose that Rab6 regulates the fusion of retrograde
      transport vesicles containing medial, trans-Golgi resident proteins to the Golgi
      cisternae, which causes Golgi maturation to REs.

PMID- 27116571
TI  - Effect of Defects on Decay of Voltage and Capacity for Li[Li0.15Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2
      Cathode Material.
AB  - Lithium-rich manganese metal layered oxides are very promising cathode materials
      for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries, but improvement in voltage decay
      and capacity fade is a great challenge, which is mainly related to the structural
      instability or reconstruction of material's surface. Defects, such as part
      lattice distortions, local cation disordering and atomic ununiformity, often
      aggravate the further structural changes upon cycling. In this paper, we found
      that PEG contributed to form better layered structure, well crystallinity,
      uniform composition and polyhedral nanoparticles for Li[Li0.15Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2
      (LNMO). On the basis of the comparative trial, a mechanism of electronegativity
      difference is proposed to elucidate cation nonuniform distribution. Higher
      electronegativity of Ni (1.91) than Mn (1.55) show a stronger ability of
      attraction between Ni and O atoms, and then led to Ni atoms show stronger
      diffusion driving force toward particle surface to contact the rich O atoms
      during sintering in air. However, PEG polymer can form a better barrier for more
      O atoms to attract Ni and Mn atoms on particle surface so that facilitated a
      uniform distribution. The electrochemical test indicated that the decay of
      discharge capacity and working voltage was mitigated, which was identified by the
      result of HRTEM analysis that the initial less defect structure obviously
      retarded the phase transformation from the layered to spinel after 50 cycles.
      Therefore, defects are crucial for understanding the voltage fade and capacity
      decay, and the improvement of performance also demonstrates that designing
      optimum compositions and ordering atomic arrangements will contribute to
      stabilize the surface structure and restrain inherent phase transitions.

PMID- 27116572
TI  - Enhanced recombinant factor VII expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells by
      optimizing signal peptides and fed-batch medium.
AB  - Signal peptides play an important role in directing and efficiently transporting
      secretory proteins to their proper locations in the endoplasmic reticulum of
      mammalian cells. The aim of this study was to enhance the expression of
      recombinant coagulation factor VII (rFVII) in CHO cells by optimizing the signal
      peptides and type of fed-batch culture medium used. Five sub-clones (O2, I3, H3,
      G2 and M3) with different signal peptide were selected by western blot (WB)
      analysis and used for suspension culture. We compared rFVII expression levels of
      5 sub-clones and found that the highest rFVII expression level was obtained with
      the IgK signal peptide instead of Ori, the native signal peptide of rFVII. The
      high protein expression of rFVII with signal peptide IgK was mirrored by a high
      transcription level during suspension culture. After analyzing culture and feed
      media, the combination of M4 and F4 media yielded the highest rFVII expression of
      20 mg/L during a 10-day suspension culture. After analyzing cell density and cell
      cycle, CHO cells feeding by F4 had a similar percentage of cells in G0/G1 and a
      higher cell density compared to F2 and F3. This may be the reason for high rFVII
      expression in M4+F4. In summary, rFVII expression was successfully enhanced by
      optimizing the signal peptide and fed-batch medium used in CHO suspension
      culture. Our data may be used to improve the production of other therapeutic
      proteins in fed-batch culture.

PMID- 27116573
TI  - Transplantation in the UK.

PMID- 27116575
TI  - Connecting the Dots: Will a Better Understanding of Liver Cell Homeostasis Lead
      to Improved Therapies for Recovery After Transplantation?

PMID- 27116576
TI  - Commercialization of Transplantation Research.

PMID- 27116577
TI  - Professor J. Richard Batchelor (1931-2015).

PMID- 27116578
TI  - Paul Ichiro Terasaki September 10, 1929 to January 25, 2016: Transplant Pioneer.

PMID- 27116579
TI  - Brain Death in the Media.

PMID- 27116580
TI  - A simple intervention to improve antibiotic treatment times for neutropenic
      sepsis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patients with suspected Neutropenic sepsis require rapid antibiotic
      administration, but despite extensive education, only 67% of patients received
      antibiotics within 60 minutes . METHODS: A Neutropenic Sepsis Alert Card was
      created, as a Patient Specific Directive - this allows nurses to administer
      antibiotics to specific patients without prior medical review. RESULTS: Since the
      intervention, 301 patients presented with suspected neutropenic sepsis. 277
      patients (92%) received their first dose of intravenous antibiotics within 1 hour
      of arrival into hospital, compared to 95 out of 143 patients (67%) presenting
      between January and June of 2014 (p=0.036). CONCLUSION: The Neutropenic Sepsis
      Alert Card can significantly improve door to antibiotic needle time for
      chemotherapy patients with suspected neutropenic sepsis. This intervention is
      inexpensive and easily replicable in other health care organisations.

PMID- 27116581
TI  - The Relationship between Resource Utilization, Clinical Risk and Hospital Costs
      for Emergency Medical Admissions.
AB  - There has been little study of the relationship between resource utilisation,
      clinical risks and hospital costs in acute medicine with the question remaining
      as to whether current funding models reflect patient acuity. We examined the
      relationship between resource use for investigations/allied professional and
      patient episode costs in all emergency medical admissions admitted to our
      institution during 2008-2013. Univariate estimates were compared with a
      multivariate model adjusted for major cost predictors. Interestingly, the model
      adjusted cost estimates changed considerably when compared with univariate
      analysis. We used both linear and non-linear (quantile regression) methods due to
      the highly skewed nature of hospital costs. The data suggested that hospital
      episode costs were predictable and driven by objective measures of clinical
      complexity. The use of expensive investigations and healthcare professional time
      was secondary to the clinical acuity. Thus, cost was heavily weighted towards
      higher complexity, and lower resource utilisation associated with lower risk
      patient groups. However, the non-linear nature of the costings would caution
      against simple predictor models and non-linear techniques such as quantile
      regression may, as we have demonstrated, prove superior in defining the
      underlying relationships. 

PMID- 27116582
TI  - Measurement of generic patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in an acute
      admission unit: A feasibility study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Measuring patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is a challenge in
      Acute Admission Units (AAUs), where patients present with a variety of
      pathologies. Generic PROMs may be used to measure the quality of care in this
      population. The main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of
      measuring generic PROMs in a Dutch AAU. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study
      Setting: An AAU of a tertiary hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
      Participants: 123 patients admitted to the AAU during 5 weeks in May and June
      2015 METHODS: Patients admitted to the AAU were asked to fill out a questionnaire
      relating to three time points: 7 days before, during, and within 2 weeks after
      admission. Additionally, patients were asked to report on their experienced level
      of safety on the AAU and the contribution of the AAU to their recovery. RESULTS:
      There were significant trends in generic PROMs for all three domains. Physical
      functioning decreased during hospital admission and almost fully returned to the
      previous level after discharge. Satisfaction with social role and anxiety
      significantly decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring generic PROMs in the
      AAU is feasible. The analysis of the PROMs took little effort and results could
      be reported back to the healthcare workers on the AAU quickly. Patients
      appreciated being asked about their own perceived health and the quality of care.
      Given that this is the first study focusing on PROMs in AAU patients in the
      Netherlands, future studies with larger sample sizes, and from other nations are
      needed to further investigate PROMs in this patient group to establish
      International reference values.

PMID- 27116583
TI  - A simple intervention to improve patient safety, save time and improve staff
      experience in the AMU procedure room.
AB  - Over the last decade, operating theatres and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) have
      established systematic methods for performing procedures on patients that have
      been shown to reduce complications and improve patient safety. Whilst the use of
      procedure rooms on Acute Medicine Units (AMUs) is highly recommended by patient
      safety groups and Royal College publications, they are not universally available
      or appropriately utilised. In this article we discuss a quality improvement
      project that was undertaken on an AMU at a large university teaching hospital in
      the United Kingdom, highlighting its successes and challenges. 

PMID- 27116584
TI  - Implementation of NICE recommendations on abdomino-pelvic CT, following
      unprovoked venous thromboembolism, in a UK teaching hospital: no additional
      detection of occult malignancy and high numbers of incidental findings.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: NICE Clinical Guideline 144 recommends that patients with an
      unprovoked VTE, who do not have signs or symptoms of cancer on initial
      investigation, be considered for further investigation with an abdomino-pelvic CT
      to exclude occult malignancy. This study aimed to evaluate numbers of scans
      performed in a UK teaching hospital and outcomes, following this recommendation.
      METHODS: Retrospective review of CT scans performed before and after publication
      of the NICE guidance in 2012. CT reports and case notes were analysed. Type and
      stage of malignancy, treatment and other relevant findings were documented. For
      the 2014 data set, all incidental radiological findings and follow-up
      recommendations were reviewed. RESULTS: The annual number of CT scans requested
      for "unprovoked VTE", rose by 142% following publication of NICE Clinical
      Guideline 144. In the 2011 - 2012 data set, 21 patients were included, one of
      which was found to have a malignancy, which was clinically overt at the time of
      diagnosis i.e. not occult. Five patients (23.8%) had incidental findings
      requiring further investigation. In the 2014 - 2015 data set, 51 patients were
      included, five (9.8%) of which were found to have malignancy. In retrospect, all
      showed signs/symptoms of potential malignancy on initial investigation. No occult
      malignancies were detected in the patients correctly referred. Incidental
      findings warranting further investigation were reported in ten cases (19.6%). On
      review, follow-up advice was deemed incorrect in four of these. CONCLUSION:
      Addition of an abdomino-pelvic CT scan in patients with a first unprovoked VTE
      and no signs or symptoms of cancer on initial investigation, significantly
      increased the number of scans and incidental findings, but did not pick up any
      additional occult malignancies.

PMID- 27116585
TI  - Acute Mitral Regurgitation: an important cause of respiratory distress.
AB  - Acute mitral regurgitation (acute MR) is a rare cause of acute respiratory
      distress, which can present diagnostic challenges. We present the case of a 57
      year old man who developed acute shortness of breath subsequently associated with
      fever, raised white cells and elevated CRP. Chest x-ray revealed unilateral
      shadowing and he was treated for pneumonia, despite the finding of severe mitral
      regurgitation on echo. Failure to respond to antibiotic treatment following 3
      weeks on ITU led to the consideration of acute MR as the cause of his symptoms
      and he responded well to diuretics. He subsequently underwent mitral valve
      repair. The causes and clinical presentations of this condition are discussed. 

PMID- 27116586
TI  - When is a stroke not a stroke? An unusual mimic presenting to AMU.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare prion disease classically
      manifesting with rapidly progressive dementia, abnormal movements and typical
      electroencephalographic (EEG) changes. CASE REPORT: A 74 year-old Caucasian man
      was recently discharged from another centre diagnosed with a stroke. He re
      presented to our acute medical unit with worsening symptoms, and stroke remained
      the working diagnosis. Collateral history revealed a progressive cognitive
      decline and unilateral myoclonus. Further investigations supported the diagnosis
      of probable CJD, confirmed by the national CJD surveillance centre. DISCUSSION:
      Signs and symptoms atypical of stroke should raise the possibility of alternative
      diagnoses, including prion disease. CJD can present with unilateral symptoms, EEG
      and MRI changes. Early diagnosis prevents unnecessary investigations and
      treatments, allowing early palliative care input, where appropriate.

PMID- 27116587
TI  - Evaluating early-life asthma definitions as a marker for subsequent asthma in an
      electronic medical record setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Case definitions for asthma incidence in early life vary between
      studies using medical records to define disease. This study assessed the impact
      of different approaches to using medical records on estimates of asthma incidence
      by age 3 and determined the validity of early-life asthma case definitions in
      predicting school-age asthma. METHODS: Asthma diagnoses and medications by age 3
      were used to classify 7103 children enrolled in Kaiser Permanente Georgia
      according to 14 definitions of asthma. School-age asthma was defined as an asthma
      diagnosis between ages 5 and 8. Sensitivity (probability of asthma by age 3 given
      school-age asthma), specificity (probability of no asthma by age 3 given no
      school-age asthma), positive and negative predictive values (probability of (no)
      school-age asthma given (no) asthma by age 3), and likelihood ratios (combining
      sensitivity and specificity) were used to determine predictive ability. RESULTS:
      9.0-35.2% of children were classified as asthmatic by age 3 depending on asthma
      case definition. Early-life asthma classifications were more specific than
      sensitive and were better at identifying children who would not have school-age
      asthma (negative predictive values: 80.7-86.6%) than at predicting children who
      would have school-age asthma (positive predictive values: 43.5-71.5%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Choice of case definition had a large impact on the estimate of
      asthma incidence. While ability to predict school-age asthma was limited, several
      case definitions performed similarly to clinical asthma prediction tools used in
      previous asthma research (e.g., the Asthma Predictive Index).

PMID- 27116588
TI  - Sustainable Process for the Preparation of High-Performance Thin-Film Composite
      Membranes using Ionic Liquids as the Reaction Medium.
AB  - A new form of interfacial polymerization to synthesize thin-film composite
      membranes realizes a more sustainable membrane preparation and improved
      nanofiltration performance. By introducing an ionic liquid (IL) as the organic
      reaction phase, the extremely different physicochemical properties to those of
      commonly used organic solvents influenced the top-layer formation in several
      beneficial ways. In addition to the elimination of hazardous solvents in the
      preparation, the m-phenylenediamine (MPD) concentration could be reduced 20-fold,
      and the use of surfactants and catalysts became redundant. Together with the more
      complete recycling of the organic phase in the water/IL system, these factors
      resulted in a 50 % decrease in the mass intensity of the top-layer formation.
      Moreover, a much thinner top layer with a high ethanol permeance of 0.61 L m(-2) 
      h(-1)  bar(-1) [99 % Rose Bengal (RB, 1017 Da) retention; 1 bar=0.1 MPa] was
      formed without the use of any additives. This EtOH permeance is 555 and 161 %
      higher than that for the conventional interfacial polymerization (without and
      with additives, respectively). In reverse osmosis, high NaCl retentions of 97 %
      could be obtained. Finally, the remarkable decrease in the membrane surface
      roughness indicates the potential for reduced fouling with this new type of
      membrane.

PMID- 27116589
TI  - Tunable Aggregation and Gelation of Thermoresponsive Suspensions of Polymer
      Grafted Cellulose Nanocrystals.
AB  - The colloidal stability together with the tunable aggregation and viscoelastic
      properties of thermoresponsive polymer-grafted cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were
      investigated. TEMPO oxidation of CNCs followed by peptidic coupling in water were
      used to covalently graft thermosensitive Jeffamine polyetheramine M2005 chains
      onto the surface of CNCs. The resulting polymer-decorated particles (M2005-g
      CNCs) exhibited new colloidal properties, by their ability to perfectly
      redisperse in water and organic solvents such as toluene, dichloromethane or DMF
      after freeze-drying. In addition, they presented an enhanced thermal stability
      when compared to that of sulfated or TEMPO-oxidized CNCs. Dynamic light
      scattering experiments were used to demonstrate that the thermally induced
      aggregation of M2005-g-CNCs was fully reversible and reproducible over many
      temperature cycles and that, most interestingly, the aggregation number could be
      tuned by varying the ionic strength and/or the pH of the medium, making the
      suspension multiresponsive. This property arises from the variations of the sign
      (attractive or repulsive) and the range of the different types (entropic,
      electrostatic, hydrophobic) of interaction forces between the thermosensitive
      polymer-decorated nanoparticles. The variation of the viscoelastic properties of
      M2005-g-CNCs suspensions as a function of temperature, probed by oscillatory
      rheology measurements of more concentrated suspensions, revealed a reversible
      temperature-triggered liquid-to-gel transition. Such enhanced functionalities
      pave the way to the design of advanced CNC-based materials benefiting both from
      the intrinsic characteristics of these biosourced particles and the new
      properties imparted by the stimuli-sensitive grafted chains.

PMID- 27116590
TI  - Physicochemical Requirements Inferred for Chemical Self-Organization Hardly
      Support an Emergence of Life in the Deep Oceans of Icy Moons.
AB  - An approach to the origin of life, focused on the property of entities capable of
      reproducing themselves far from equilibrium, has been developed recently.
      Independently, the possibility of the emergence of life in the hydrothermal
      systems possibly present in the deep oceans below the frozen crust of some of the
      moons of Jupiter and Saturn has been raised. The present report is aimed at
      investigating the mutual compatibility of these alternative views. In this
      approach, the habitability concept deduced from the limits of life on Earth is
      considered to be inappropriate with regard to emerging life due to the
      requirement for an energy source of sufficient potential (equivalent to the
      potential of visible light). For these icy moons, no driving force would have
      been present to assist the process of emergence, which would then have had to
      rely exclusively on highly improbable events, thereby making the presence of life
      unlikely on these Solar System bodies, that is, unless additional processes are
      introduced for feeding chemical systems undergoing a transition toward life and
      the early living organisms. KEY WORDS: Icy moon-Bioenergetics-Chemical evolution
      Habitability-Origin of life. Astrobiology 16, 328-334.

PMID- 27116592
TI  - Use of Head Guards in AIBA Boxing Tournaments-A Cross-Sectional Observational
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study looks at the changes in injuries after the implementation
      of a new rule by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) to remove head
      guards from its competitions. DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study
      performed prospectively. This brief report examines the removal of head guards in
      2 different ways. The first was to examine the stoppages due to blows to the head
      by comparing World Series Boxing (WSB), without head guards, to other AIBA
      competitions with head guards. Secondly, we examined the last 3 world
      championships: 2009 and 2011 (with head guards) and 2013 (without head guards).
      SETTING: World Series Boxing and AIBA world championship boxing. PARTICIPANTS:
      Boxers from WSB and AIBA world championships. INTERVENTIONS: The information was
      recorded by ringside medical physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Stoppages per 10
      000 rounds; stoppages per 1000 hours. RESULTS: Both studies show that the number
      of stoppages due to head blows was significantly decreased without head guards.
      The studies also showed that there was a notable increase in cuts. CONCLUSIONS:
      Removing head guards may reduce the already small risk of acute brain injury in
      amateur boxing.

PMID- 27116591
TI  - Communication Barriers and the Clinical Recognition of Diabetic Peripheral
      Neuropathy in a Diverse Cohort of Adults: The DISTANCE Study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to explore communication barriers as independent
      predictors and potential mediators of variation in clinical recognition of
      diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). In this cross-sectional analysis, we
      estimated the likelihood of having a DPN diagnosis among 4,436 patients with DPN
      symptoms. We controlled for symptom frequency, demographic and clinical
      characteristics, and visit frequency using a modified Poisson regression model.
      We then evaluated 4 communication barriers as independent predictors of clinical
      documentation and as possible mediators of racial/ethnic differences: difficulty
      speaking English, not talking to one's doctor about pain, limited health
      literacy, and reports of suboptimal patient-provider communication. Difficulty
      speaking English and not talking with one's doctor about pain were independently
      associated with not having a diagnosis, though limited health literacy and
      suboptimal patient-provider communication were not. Limited English proficiency
      partially attenuated, but did not fully explain, racial/ethnic differences in
      clinical documentation among Chinese, Latino, and Filipino patients. Providers
      should be encouraged to talk with their patients about DPN symptoms, and health
      systems should consider enhancing strategies to improve timely clinical
      recognition of DPN among patients who have difficult speaking English. More work
      is needed to understand persistent racial/ethnic differences in diagnosis.

PMID- 27116595
TI  - Single Atom (Pd/Pt) Supported on Graphitic Carbon Nitride as an Efficient
      Photocatalyst for Visible-Light Reduction of Carbon Dioxide.
AB  - Reducing carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon fuel with solar energy is significant for
      high-density solar energy storage and carbon balance. In this work, single atoms
      of palladium and platinum supported on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), i.e.,
      Pd/g-C3N4 and Pt/g-C3N4, respectively, acting as photocatalysts for CO2 reduction
      were investigated by density functional theory calculations for the first time.
      During CO2 reduction, the individual metal atoms function as the active sites,
      while g-C3N4 provides the source of hydrogen (H*) from the hydrogen evolution
      reaction. The complete, as-designed photocatalysts exhibit excellent activity in
      CO2 reduction. HCOOH is the preferred product of CO2 reduction on the Pd/g-C3N4
      catalyst with a rate-determining barrier of 0.66 eV, while the Pt/g-C3N4 catalyst
      prefers to reduce CO2 to CH4 with a rate-determining barrier of 1.16 eV. In
      addition, deposition of atom catalysts on g-C3N4 significantly enhances the
      visible-light absorption, rendering them ideal for visible-light reduction of
      CO2. Our findings open a new avenue of CO2 reduction for renewable energy supply.

PMID- 27116593
TI  - Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Mimicking Papillary Carcinoma: A Report of Three
      Cases.
AB  - Encapsulated and solid papillary carcinomas (EPCs and SPCs) are considered
      historically as a special form of ductal carcinoma in situ. Invasive lobular
      carcinoma (ILC) is characterised by a discohesive growth pattern. There are
      several variants of ILC, but, as yet, no papillary subtype has been identified.
      Here we report 3 cases of ILC presenting as papillary carcinoma (PC) with a
      typical solid papillary growth pattern. One case was reported on core biopsy as
      EPC (B5a). The 3 ensuing resection specimens showed features typical of SPC with
      a circumscribed malignant epithelial proliferation containing fibrovascular cores
      and surrounded, at least focally, by a thick fibrous capsule. The lobular nature
      of these tumours was confirmed on the resection specimens by the absence of E
      cadherin and beta-catenin membrane expression. The invasive nature was confirmed
      by the presence of entrapped fat cells, the absence of myoepithelial cells and
      focal merging of the solid papillary areas with classic ILC at the periphery. Of
      note, 1 case was a recurrent carcinoma without an in situ component. CONCLUSION:
      This study provides further evidence that EPC and SPC represent a unique growth
      pattern of breast carcinomas rather than reflecting the in situ or invasive
      nature of the tumour, and that ILC can acquire a papillary growth pattern.

PMID- 27116596
TI  - Bottom-Up Self-Assembly of the Sphere-Shaped Icosametallic Oxo Clusters {Cu20}
      and {Cu12Zn8}.
AB  - A discrete nanospheric icosametallic cluster comprised of 20 Cu ions (1) was self
      assembled from facile synthesis. Adjustment of the synthesis by the choice of
      ligands gave rise to another cluster (2) with an intact icosacupric core and
      improved stability. Referring to the synthesis of 1 and 2, a heterometallic
      cluster (3), which contains 12 Cu(II) and 8 Zn(II), was designed and
      characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, combined with elemental
      analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,
      thermogravimetric analysis, and element mapping. The magnetic measurements of 2
      and 3 and the scanning electron microscopy images and UV-visible diffuse
      reflectance measurements of metal oxides from 2 and 3 indicate that isolation of
      {Cu12M8} is a new synthetic route to materials with engineered properties.

PMID- 27116597
TI  - Filicinic Acid Based Meroterpenoids with Anti-Epstein-Barr Virus Activities from
      Hypericum japonicum.
AB  - Seven filicinic acid-based meroterpenoids (1-7), possessing 6/6/11, 6/6/7/5, or
      6/6/10 ring systems, were isolated from Hypericum japonicum. All of them have
      novel skeletons with the incorporation of sesquiterpenoid moieties to an acylated
      filicinic acid. Compounds 2a and 4 exhibited significant efficacy on anti-Epstein
      Barr virus, with EC50 values of 0.57 and 0.49 MUM, respectively. Furthermore,
      compounds 2a and 4 were well accommodated to the binding pocket of 2GV9 predicted
      by the molecular docking.

PMID- 27116600
TI  - Biventricular Rupture with Extracardiac Left-to-Right Shunt Complicating Acute
      Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Simultaneous rupture of the left and right ventricles is an extremely
      rare mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI). When associated
      with the formation of a false aneurysm, an extracardiac left-to-right shunt may
      occur. METHODS: We summarized all published data describing this unique
      condition. We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for case reports
      in peer-reviewed journals from 1 January 1980 to 1 May 2015. We identified 16
      articles describing 17 cases. RESULTS: In all but 1 case, biventricular wall
      rupture (BVWR) resulted from an inferior MI. The clinical presentations of BVWR
      were variable and included cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure and an
      absence of any cardiac symptoms. In most cases, there was a hemodynamically
      significant left-to-right shunt, with pulmonary to systemic blood flow (Qp/Qs)
      >2. Diagnostic difficulties were reported in most cases, and some patients were
      initially misdiagnosed as having ventricular septal rupture (VSR). Surgical
      closure of the defect was successful in most cases, and some asymptomatic
      patients were managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: BVWR with an intact
      interventricular septum and extracardiac left-to-right shunt is a rare mechanical
      complication of acute MI, often misdiagnosed as VSR. It has a variable clinical
      course, probably related to the magnitude of the shunt.

PMID- 27116601
TI  - Postoperative residua and sequelae in adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot.
AB  - Postoperative residua and sequelae after repair of tetralogy of Fallot in adults
      became one of the major concerns in the field of adult congenital heart disease.
      Right heart failure and arrhythmia can result fatal, and are considered to be
      related dilated right ventricle due to pulmonary valve regurgitation. Although
      precise indication of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) is still not established,
      right ventricular end-diastolic volume index less than 150-170 ml/m(2) and right
      ventricular end systolic volume index less than 82-90 ml/m(2) may be border line
      for RV remodeling after PVR. Biological prosthetic valve is generally used at the
      pulmonary position. 

PMID- 27116602
TI  - Genetics of Hereditary Angioedema Revisited.
AB  - Contemporary genetic research has provided evidences that angioedema represents a
      diverse family of disorders related to kinin metabolism, with a much greater
      genetic complexity than was initially considered. Convincing data have also
      recently been published indicating that the clinical heterogeneity of hereditary
      angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (classified as C1-INH-HAE) could be
      attributed at least in part, either to the type of SERPING1 mutations or to
      mutations in genes encoding for enzymes involved in the metabolism and function
      of bradykinin. Alterations detected in at least one more gene (F12) are nowadays
      considered responsible for 25 % of cases of hereditary angioedema with normal C1
      INH (type III hereditary angioedema (HAE), nlC1-INH-HAE). Interesting data
      derived from genetic approaches of non-hereditary angioedemas indicate that other
      immune pathways might be implicated in the pathogenesis of HAE. More than 125
      years after the recognition of the hereditary nature of HAE by Osler, the
      heterogeneity of clinical expressions, the genetics of this disorder, and the
      genotype-phenotype relationships, still presents a challenge that will be
      discussed in this review. Large scale, in-depth genetic studies are expected not
      only to answer these emerging questions but also to further elucidate many of the
      unmet aspects of angioedema pathogenesis. Uncovering genetic biomarkers affecting
      the severity of the disease and/or the effectiveness of the various treatment
      modalities might lead to the prevention of attacks and the optimization of C1-INH
      HAE management that is expected to provide a valuable benefit to the sufferers of
      angioedema. 

PMID- 27116604
TI  - Size relationships of different body parts in the three dipteran species
      Drosophila melanogaster, Ceratitis capitata and Musca domestica.
AB  - Body size is an integral feature of an organism that influences many aspects of
      life such as fecundity, life span and mating success. Size of individual organs
      and the entire body size represent quantitative traits with a large reaction
      norm, which are influenced by various environmental factors. In the model system
      Drosophila melanogaster, pupal size and adult traits, such as tibia and thorax
      length or wing size, accurately estimate the overall body size. However, it is
      unclear whether these traits can be used in other flies. Therefore, we studied
      changes in size of pupae and adult organs in response to different rearing
      temperatures and densities for D. melanogaster, Ceratitis capitata and Musca
      domestica. We confirm a clear sexual size dimorphism (SSD) for Drosophila and
      show that the SSD is less uniform in the other species. Moreover, the size
      response to changing growth conditions is sex dependent. Comparison of static and
      evolutionary allometries of the studied traits revealed that response to the same
      environmental variable is genotype specific but has similarities between species
      of the same order. We conclude that the value of adult traits as estimators of
      the absolute body size may differ among species and the use of a single trait may
      result in wrong assumptions. Therefore, we suggest using a body size coefficient
      computed from several individual measurements. Our data is of special importance
      for monitoring activities of natural populations of the three dipteran flies,
      since they are harmful species causing economical damage (Drosophila, Ceratitis)
      or transferring diseases (Musca).

PMID- 27116603
TI  - From vestigial to vestigial-like: the Drosophila gene that has taken wing.
AB  - The members of the vestigial-like gene family have been identified as homologs of
      the Drosophila vestigial, which is essential to wing formation. All members of
      the family are characterized by the presence of the TONDU domain, a highly
      conserved sequence that mediates their interaction with the transcription factors
      of the TEAD family. Mammals possess four vestigial-like genes that can be
      subdivided into two classes, depending on the number of Tondu domains present.
      While vestigial proteins have been studied in great depth in Drosophila, we still
      have sketchy knowledge of the functions of vestigial-like proteins in
      vertebrates. Recent studies have unveiled unexpected functions for some of these
      members and reveal the role they play in the Hippo pathway. Here, we present the
      current knowledge about vestigial-like family gene members and their functions,
      together with their identification in different taxa.

PMID- 27116605
TI  - Short Report: Serological Evidence of Under-Reported Dengue Circulation in Sierra
      Leone.
AB  - Dengue virus (DENV) is thought to have emerged from a sylvatic cycle in Africa
      but has since become adapted to an urban-centric transmission cycle. These urban
      areas include villages in West Africa where DENV is not often routinely
      considered for patients presenting with febrile illnesses, as other endemic
      diseases (malaria, Lassa fever, e.g.) present with similar non-specific symptoms.
      Thus, dengue is likely under diagnosed in the region. These plaque reduction
      neutralization test-50 (PRNT50) screening results of patients presenting with
      fevers of unknown origin (FUO) at a clinic in Kenema, Sierra Leone indicate that
      all four serotypes of DENV likely circulate in areas surrounding Kenema. Using a
      more conservative PRNT80 cut-off value, our results still indicate the presence
      of antibody to all four serotypes in the region. Identifying alternate etiologies
      of FUOs in this region will assist clinicians in plan-of-care decisions as well
      as follow-up priorities. This is particularly relevant given the Ebola outbreak
      in the region, where diagnosis has a range of downstream effects ranging from
      correct allocation of medical resources, appropriate isolation of patients, and
      ultimately, a better informed public health sector. 

PMID- 27116606
TI  - Correction: Nitro-Arachidonic Acid Prevents Angiotensin II Induced Mitochondrial
      Dysfunction in Kidney Proximal Tubular Cells.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150459.].

PMID- 27116607
TI  - Biochar, Bentonite and Zeolite Supplemented Feeding of Layer Chickens Alters
      Intestinal Microbiota and Reduces Campylobacter Load.
AB  - A range of feed supplements, including antibiotics, have been commonly used in
      poultry production to improve health and productivity. Alternative methods are
      needed to suppress pathogen loads and maintain productivity. As an alternative to
      antibiotics use, we investigated the ability of biochar, bentonite and zeolite as
      separate 4% feed additives, to selectively remove pathogens without reducing
      microbial richness and diversity in the gut. Neither biochar, bentonite nor
      zeolite made any significant alterations to the overall richness and diversity of
      intestinal bacterial community. However, reduction of some bacterial species,
      including some potential pathogens was detected. The microbiota of bentonite fed
      animals were lacking all members of the order Campylobacterales. Specifically,
      the following operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were absent: an OTU 100%
      identical to Campylobacter jejuni; an OTU 99% identical to Helicobacter pullorum;
      multiple Gallibacterium anatis (>97%) related OTUs; Bacteroides dorei (99%) and
      Clostridium aldenense (95%) related OTUs. Biochar and zeolite treatments had
      similar but milder effects compared to bentonite. Zeolite amended feed was also
      associated with significant reduction in the phylum Proteobacteria. All three
      additives showed potential for the control of major poultry zoonotic pathogens.

PMID- 27116609
TI  - Role of Crosstalk between Epithelial and Immune Cells, the Epimmunome, in
      Allergic Rhinitis Pathogenesis.
AB  - Recently, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis has been dramatically increasing
      worldwide. As conventional therapies for allergic rhinitis, such as
      antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, nasal sprays and allergen
      immunotherapy, have limitations, the development of new drugs is required. Recent
      studies have revealed that epithelial cell-derived cytokines, including thymic
      stromal lymphopoietin, interleukin (IL)-25 and IL-33, are able to control immune
      cells, such as dendritic cells and T cells, thereby acting as 'master switches'
      in allergic disease. In addition, new roles have been identified for follicular
      helper T cells and regulatory B cells in allergic disease, and they are
      considered to be promising targets for new therapies. Thus, crosstalk between
      epithelial and immune cells, the epimmunome, underlies the pathogenesis of
      allergic rhinitis. Greater understanding of the epimmunome may lead to
      breakthroughs in the development of new treatments for allergic rhinitis and will
      help us cure many patients suffering from its severe symptoms in the future. 

PMID- 27116608
TI  - Feeding soywaste or pellet on performance and carcass characteristics of post
      weaning kids.
AB  - Twelve Jermasia kids were individually housed in pens to study the effects of
      soywaste on growth performance and carcass characteristics and to compare such
      effects with commercial pellet. Kids were divided into a pellet group and a
      soywaste group, including six kids (3 males and 3 females) in each group. Pellet
      or soywaste was offered to kids at a rate of 2.0 % dry matter (DM) of body
      weight/day in addition to Napier grass ad libitum. In last 10 days of experiment,
      kids were housed in metabolism crates for faeces collection. At the end of the
      experiment, three males from each group were slaughtered. Kids fed soywaste diet
      consumed more grass and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) than those fed pellet. The
      same trend was found for the digestibilities of DM, organic matter (OM) and NDF.
      Conversely, kids fed soywaste diet consumed less soywaste supplement than kids
      fed pellet. No treatment effects were observed on total intakes of DM, OM and
      crude protein (CP) including CP digestibility. Similarly, no effects were found
      on carcass and non-carcass components, except for lean, lean to fat ratio and
      kidney weight which were higher for kids fed soywaste diet. Results indicate that
      soywaste is effective as a feed for growing kids. 

PMID- 27116610
TI  - Temporal Changes in Local Functional Connectivity Density Reflect the Temporal
      Variability of the Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuations in Gray Matter.
AB  - Data-driven functional connectivity density (FCD) mapping is being increasingly
      utilized to assess brain connectomics at rest in the healthy brain and its
      disruption in neuropsychiatric diseases with the underlying assumption that the
      spatiotemporal hub distribution is stationary. However, recent studies show that
      functional connectivity is highly dynamic. Here we study the temporal variability
      of the local FCD (lFCD) at high spatiotemporal resolution (2-mm isotropic; 0.72s)
      using a sliding-window approach and 'resting-state' datasets from 40 healthy
      subjects collected under the Human Connectome Project. Prominent functional
      connectivity hubs in visual and posterior parietal cortices had pronounced
      temporal changes in local FCD. These dynamic patterns in the strength of the lFCD
      hubs occurred in cortical gray matter with high sensitivity (up to 85%) and
      specificity (> 85%) and showed high reproducibility (up to 72%) across sessions
      and high test-retest reliability (ICC(3,1) > 0.5). The temporal changes in lFCD
      predominantly occurred in medial occipitoparietal regions and were proportional
      to the strength of the connectivity hubs. The temporal variability of the lFCD
      was associated with the amplitude of the low frequency fluctuations (ALFF). Pure
      randomness did not account for the probability distribution of lFCD. Shannon
      entropy increased in proportion to the strength of the lFCD hubs suggesting high
      average flow of information per unit of time in the lFCD hubs, particularly in
      medial occipitoparietal regions. Thus, the higher dynamic range of the lFCD hubs
      is consistent with their role in the complex orchestration of interacting brain
      networks.

PMID- 27116611
TI  - An insect with a delta-12 desaturase, the jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis,
      benefits from nutritional supply with linoleic acid.
AB  - The availability of linoleic acid (LA; C18:2(?9,12)) is pivotal for animals.
      While vertebrates depend on a nutritional supply, some invertebrates, including
      the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis, are able to synthesize LA from oleic acid
      (OA; C18:1(?9)). This raises the question as to whether these animals
      nevertheless benefit from the additional uptake of LA with the diet. LA plays an
      important role in the sexual communication of N. vitripennis because males use it
      as a precursor for the synthesis of an abdominal sex pheromone attracting virgin
      females. We reared hosts of N. vitripennis that were fed diets enriched in the
      availability of stearic acid (SA: C18:0), OA or LA. N. vitripennis males
      developing on the different host types clearly differed in both the fatty acid
      composition of their body fat and sex pheromone titres. Males from LA-enriched
      hosts had an almost fourfold higher proportion of LA and produced significantly
      more sex pheromone than males from SA (2.2-fold) and OA (1.4-fold) enriched
      hosts, respectively. Our study demonstrates that animals being able to synthesize
      important nutrients de novo may still benefit from an additional supply with
      their diet. 

PMID- 27116612
TI  - Variation in Care for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the United
      States.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects nearly one in seven Americans.
      Significant national variations in care may exist, due to a current lack of
      standardized diagnosis and treatment algorithms; this can translate into a
      substantial additional economic burden. The study examines healthcare resource
      utilization in patients with IBS and in the subset of IBS patients with
      constipation (IBS-C) and analyzes the variation of IBS care for these patients
      across the United States (US). METHODS: Healthcare resource use (HRU), including
      gastrointestinal (GI) procedures and tests, all-cause and intestinal-related
      medical visits, GI specialist visits, and constipation or diarrhea pharmacy
      prescriptions for IBS patients enrolled in a large US administrative claims
      database (2001-2012) were analyzed for the 24-month period surrounding first
      diagnosis. Multivariate regression models, adjusting for age, gender, year of
      first diagnosis, insurance type, and Charlson comorbidity index, compared HRU
      across states (each state vs. the average of all other states). RESULTS: Of
      201,322 IBS patients included, 77.2% were female. Mean age was 49.4 years. One in
      three patients had >=3 distinct GI medical procedures or diagnostic tests; 50.1%
      visited a GI specialist. Significant HRU differences were observed in individual
      states compared to the national average. IBS-C patients had more medical visits,
      procedures, and pharmacy prescriptions for constipation/diarrhea than IBS
      patients without constipation. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to identify
      considerable regional variations in IBS healthcare across the US and to note a
      markedly higher HRU by IBS-C patients than by IBS patients without constipation.
      Identifying the reasons for these variations may improve quality of care and
      reduce the economic burden of IBS.

PMID- 27116613
TI  - Using Linear Equating to Map PROMIS((r)) Global Health Items and the PROMIS-29
      V2.0 Profile Measure to the Health Utilities Index Mark 3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preference-based health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) scores are
      useful as outcome measures in clinical studies, for monitoring the health of
      populations, and for estimating quality-adjusted life-years. METHODS: This was a
      secondary analysis of data collected in an internet survey as part of the Patient
      Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS((r))) project. To
      estimate Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI-3) preference scores, we used the ten
      PROMIS((r)) global health items, the PROMIS-29 V2.0 single pain intensity item
      and seven multi-item scales (physical functioning, fatigue, pain interference,
      depressive symptoms, anxiety, ability to participate in social roles and
      activities, sleep disturbance), and the PROMIS-29 V2.0 items. Linear regression
      analyses were used to identify significant predictors, followed by simple linear
      equating to avoid regression to the mean. RESULTS: The regression models
      explained 48 % (global health items), 61 % (PROMIS-29 V2.0 scales), and 64 %
      (PROMIS-29 V2.0 items) of the variance in the HUI-3 preference score. Linear
      equated scores were similar to observed scores, although differences tended to be
      larger for older study participants. CONCLUSIONS: HUI-3 preference scores can be
      estimated from the PROMIS((r)) global health items or PROMIS-29 V2.0. The
      estimated HUI-3 scores from the PROMIS((r)) health measures can be used for
      economic applications and as a measure of overall HR-QOL in research.

PMID- 27116614
TI  - Examination of Reticulocytosis among Chronically Transfused Children with Sickle
      Cell Anemia.
AB  - Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an inherited hemolytic anemia with compensatory
      reticulocytosis. Recent studies have shown that increased levels of
      reticulocytosis during infancy are associated with increased hospitalizations for
      SCA sequelae as well as cerebrovascular pathologies. In this study, absolute
      reticulocyte counts (ARC) measured prior to transfusion were analysed among a
      cohort of 29 pediatric SCA patients receiving chronic transfusion therapy (CTT)
      for primary and secondary stroke prevention. A cross-sectional flow cytometric
      analysis of the reticulocyte phenotype was also performed. Mean duration of CTT
      was 3.1 +/- 2.6 years. Fifteen subjects with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
      -vasculopathy had significantly higher mean ARC prior to initiating CTT compared
      to 14 subjects without MRA-vasculopathy (427.6 +/- 109.0 K/MUl vs. 324.8 +/-
      109.2 K/MUl, p<0.05). No significant differences in hemoglobin or percentage
      sickle hemoglobin (HbS) were noted between the two groups at baseline.
      Reticulocyte phenotyping further demonstrated that the percentages of circulating
      immature [CD36(+), CD71(+)] reticulocytes positively correlated with ARC in both
      groups. During the first year of CTT, neither group had significant reductions in
      ARC. Among this group of children with SCA, cerebrovasculopathy on MRA at
      initiation of CTT was associated with increased reticulocytosis, which was not
      reduced after 12 months of transfusions.

PMID- 27116615
TI  - Norovirus Epidemiology in Africa: A Review.
AB  - Norovirus (NoV) is recognised as a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide
      across all age groups. The prevalence and diversity of NoVs in many African
      countries is still unknown, although early sero-prevalence studies indicated
      widespread early infection. Reports on NoVs in Africa vary widely in terms of
      study duration, population groups and size, inclusion of asymptomatic controls,
      as well as genotyping information. This review provides an estimate of NoV
      prevalence and distribution of genotypes of NoVs in Africa. Inclusion criteria
      for the review were study duration of at least 6 months, population size of >50
      and diagnosis by RT-PCR. As regions used for genotyping varied, or genotyping was
      not always performed, this was not considered as an inclusion criteria. A
      literature search containing the terms norovirus+Africa yielded 74 publications.
      Of these 19 studies from 14 out of the 54 countries in Africa met the inclusion
      criteria. Data from studies not meeting the inclusion criteria, based on sample
      size or short duration, were included as discussion points. The majority of
      studies published focused on children, under five years of age, hospitalised with
      acute gastroenteritis. The mean overall prevalence was 13.5% (range 0.8-25.5%) in
      children with gastroenteritis and 9.7% (range 7-31%) in asymptomatic controls,
      where tested. NoV GII.4 was the predominant genotype identified in most of the
      studies that presented genotyping data. Other prevalent genotypes detected
      included GII.3 and GII.6. In conclusion, NoV is a common pathogen in children
      with diarrhoea in Africa, with considerable carriage in asymptomatic children.
      There is however, a paucity of data on NoV infection in adults.

PMID- 27116617
TI  - Associations of Subjective Sleep Quality and Daytime Sleepiness With Cognitive
      Impairment in Adults and Elders With Heart Failure.
AB  - This study examined the association of subjective nighttime sleep quality and
      daytime sleepiness with cognitive impairment in 105 adults (< 60 years old) and
      167 elders (>= 60 years old) with heart failure. Nighttime sleep quality and
      daytime sleepiness were measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the
      Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Cognitive impairment was assessed using a
      neuropsychological battery measuring attention, memory, and processing speed.
      Multivariate logistic regression was used. In adults, daytime sleepiness was
      associated with cognitive impairment, whereas poor nighttime sleep quality was
      associated with cognitive impairment in elders. Age may play an important role in
      how sleep impacts cognition in persons with heart failure. Improving nighttime
      sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in this population may improve cognition.

PMID- 27116618
TI  - Effect of electrical field strength applied by PEF processing and storage
      temperature on the outgrowth of yeasts and moulds naturally present in a fresh
      fruit smoothie.
AB  - Pulsed electrical field (PEF) technology offers an alternative to thermal
      pasteurisation of high-acid fruit juices, by extending the shelf life of food
      products, while retaining its fresh taste and nutritional value. Substantial
      research has been performed on the effect of electrical field strength on the
      inactivation kinetics of spoilage and pathogenic micro-organisms and on the
      outgrowth of spoilage micro-organisms during shelf life. However, studies on the
      effect of electrical field strength on the inactivation and outgrowth of
      surviving populations during shelf life are missing. In this study, we assessed
      the influence of electrical field strength applied by PEF processing and storage
      temperature on the outgrowth of surviving yeast and mould populations naturally
      present in fresh fruit smoothie in time. Therefore, an apple-strawberry-banana
      smoothie was treated in a continuous-flow PEF system (130L/h), using similar
      inlet and outlet conditions (preheating temperature 41 degrees C, maximum
      temperature 58 degrees C) to assure that the amount of energy across the
      different conditions was kept constant. Smoothies treated with variable
      electrical field strengths (13.5, 17.0, 20.0 and 24.0kV/cm) were compared to
      smoothies without treatment for outgrowth of yeasts and moulds. Outgrowth of
      yeasts and moulds stored at 4 degrees C and 7 degrees C was analysed by plating
      and visual observation and yeast growth was modelled using the modified logistic
      growth model (Zwietering model). Results showed that the intensity of the
      electrical field strength had an influence on the degree of inactivation of yeast
      cells, resulting in a faster outgrowth over time at lower electrical field
      strength. Outgrowth of moulds over time was not affected by the intensity of the
      electrical field strength used. Application of PEF introduces a trade-off between
      type of spoilage: in untreated smoothie yeasts lead to spoilage after 8days when
      stored at 4 or 7 degrees C, whereas in PEF treated smoothie yeasts were (partly)
      inactivated and provided outgrowth opportunities for moulds, which led to
      spoilage by moulds after 14days (7 degrees C) or 18days (4 degrees C). 

PMID- 27116616
TI  - Chemopreventive effect of 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid via modulation of
      inflammatory markers and induction of apoptosis in human hepatoma cell line
      (HepG2).
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common lethal diseases worldwide and
      there is no effective treatment till date. Natural products derived from the
      plants play an important role in chemoprevention and act as therapeutic antitumor
      agents. Licorice is a plant that has been used in food and medicine for the
      treatment of various diseases. 18beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18beta-GA), a
      pentacyclic triterpenoid obtained from the roots of licorice plant, is reported
      to possess various pharmacological properties such as antitumor and
      antiinflammatory activities. The present study was designed to elucidate the
      chemopreventive effect of 18beta-GA through antiinflammation, antiproliferation,
      and induction of apoptosis in human hepatoma cell line HepG2. 18beta-GA
      significantly inhibits the proliferation of HepG2 cell without affecting the
      normal liver cell line (Chang's). In the present study, 18beta-GA increased the
      formation of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide production, and loss of
      mitochondrial membrane potential, suggesting the involvement of 18beta-GA in
      apoptosis which was also confirmed by assessing the markers involved in apoptosis
      like caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax:Bcl-2 ratio, and cleaved PARP. 18beta-GA also
      downregulated the expression of inflammatory proteins such as NF-kappaB, iNOS,
      and COX-2. Keeping these data into consideration, our results suggest that 18beta
      GA may be used as a chemopreventive agent in liver cancer. 

PMID- 27116619
TI  - The microbiological quality of pasteurized milk sold by automatic vending
      machines.
AB  - The microbiological quality of pasteurized milk samples (n = 39) collected during
      13 weekly intervals from three automatic vending machines (AVM) in Greece was
      investigated. Microbiological counts (total aerobic (TAC), total psychrotrophic
      (TPC), Enterobacteriaceae (EC), and psychrotrophic aerobic bacterial spore counts
      (PABSC)) were obtained at the time of sampling and at the end of shelf-life (3
      days) after storage of the samples at 4 or 8 degrees C. TAC were found to be
      below the 10(7 ) CFU ml(-1) limit of pasteurized milk spoilage both during
      sampling as well as when milk samples were stored at either storage temperature
      for 3 days. Enterobacteriaceae populations were below 1 CFU ml(-1) in 69.2% of
      the samples tested at the time of sampling, whereas the remaining samples
      contained low numbers, typically less than 10 CFU ml(-1) . All samples tested
      negative for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. Analogous microbiological
      data were also obtained by sampling and testing prepackaged, retail samples of
      pasteurized milk from two dairy companies in Greece (n = 26). From a
      microbiological standpoint, the data indicate that the AVM milk samples meet the
      quality standards of pasteurized milk. However, the prepackaged, retail milk
      samples yielded better results in terms of TAC, TPC and EC, compared to the AVM
      samples at the end of shelf-life. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Recently,
      Greek dairy farmers organized in cooperatives launched the sale of pasteurized
      milk via AVM and this study reports on the microbiological quality of this
      product. The data show that AVM milk is sold at proper refrigeration temperatures
      and meets the quality standards of pasteurized milk throughout the manufacturer's
      specified shelf-life. However, based on the microbiological indicators tested,
      the keeping quality of the tested prepackaged, retail samples of pasteurized milk
      at the end of shelf-life upon storage under suboptimal refrigeration temperature
      (8 degrees C) was better.

PMID- 27116620
TI  - Matched elastic constants for a perfect helical planar state and a fast switching
      time in chiral nematic liquid crystals.
AB  - Chiral nematic liquid crystals possess a self-assembled helical structure and
      exhibit unique selective reflection in visible and infrared light regions. Their
      optical properties can be electrically tuned. The tuning involves the unwinding
      and restoring of the helical structure. We carried out an experimental study on
      the mechanism of the restoration of the helical structure. We constructed chiral
      nematic liquid crystals with variable elastic constants by doping bent-dimers and
      studied their impact on the restoration. With matched twist and bend elastic
      constants, the helical structure can be restored dramatically fast from the field
      induced homeotropic state. Furthermore, defects can be eliminated to produce a
      perfect planar state which exhibits high selective reflection.

PMID- 27116634
TI  - The University of Michigan Sarcoma Survivorship Clinic: Preventing, Diagnosing,
      and Treating Chronic Illness for Improved Survival and Long-Term Health.
AB  - The Children's Cancer Survivorship Study reports more chronic illnesses in
      sarcoma survivors than other pediatric cancers. Chemotherapy and radiation put
      survivors at risk for developing chronic illnesses, including heart disease,
      diabetes, hypertension, and kidney failure. Sarcoma survivors may have a reduced
      life expectancy and signs of heart disease in their 30s and 40s. Since these
      medical problems occur much later in the general population, they often go
      undetected or misdiagnosed in sarcoma survivors, creating delays in intervention
      and treatment. The good news is that these chronic illnesses can often be
      prevented or minimized. The most common adverse effect of chemotherapy and
      radiation is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD has a number of risk factors,
      including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia. These risk factors
      are modifiable with lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, and/or
      pharmacological intervention. By identifying and managing risk factors like
      hypertension early, we in turn reduce the risk for CAD and prolong survival. This
      is well established in the general population; there is no reason a priori not to
      apply it to sarcoma survivors. Sarcoma survivors should be followed by physicians
      who understand the late effects and outcomes of sarcoma treatment. The University
      of Michigan Sarcoma Survivorship Clinic provides long-term care for sarcoma
      survivors by preventing, diagnosing, and treating the adverse long-term physical
      and psychological effects associated with sarcoma survivorship.

PMID- 27116636
TI  - Planar Vacancies in Sn1-xBixTe Nanoribbons.
AB  - Vacancy engineering is a crucial approach to manipulate physical properties of
      semiconductors. Here, we demonstrate that planar vacancies are formed in Sn1
      xBixTe nanoribbons by using Bi dopants via a facile chemical vapor deposition.
      Through combination of sub-angstrom-resolution imaging and density functional
      theory calculations, these planar vacancies are found to be associated with Bi
      segregations, which significantly lower their formation energies. The planar
      vacancies exhibit polymorphic structures with local variations in the lattice
      relaxation level, determined by their proximity to the nanoribbon surface. Such
      polymorphic planar vacancies, in conjunction with Bi dopants, trigger distinct
      localized electronic states, offering platforms for device applications of
      ternary chalcogenide materials.

PMID- 27116635
TI  - Development of polymeric micelles for targeting intractable cancers.
AB  - In relation to recent advances in nanobiotechnologies, cancer-targeted therapy
      using nano-scaled drug carriers (nanocarriers) has been attracting enormous
      attention with success in clinical studies. Polymeric micelles, core-shell-type
      nanoparticles formed through the self-assembly of block copolymers, are one of
      the most promising nanocarrier, because their critical features such as size,
      stability, and drug incorporation efficiency and release rate can be modulated by
      designing the constituent block copolymers. The utilities of polymeric micelles
      have been reported not only in experimental tumor models in mice but also in
      clinical studies. In this article, we aim to explain the rationale of designing
      polymeric micelles for targeting intractable cancers such as pancreatic cancer,
      glioblastoma, and metastases. Also, we review recent progress in clinical studies
      on polymeric micelles incorporating anticancer drugs. In addition, we introduce
      the next generation of polymeric micelles as the platform integrated with smart
      functionalities such as targetability, environmental sensitivity, and imaging
      properties. Thus, polymeric micelles can realize safe and effective cancer
      therapy, and offer tailor-made medicines for individual patients. 

PMID- 27116637
TI  - Power Analysis and Sample Size Determination in Metabolic Phenotyping.
AB  - Estimation of statistical power and sample size is a key aspect of experimental
      design. However, in metabolic phenotyping, there is currently no accepted
      approach for these tasks, in large part due to the unknown nature of the expected
      effect. In such hypothesis free science, neither the number or class of important
      analytes nor the effect size are known a priori. We introduce a new approach,
      based on multivariate simulation, which deals effectively with the highly
      correlated structure and high-dimensionality of metabolic phenotyping data.
      First, a large data set is simulated based on the characteristics of a pilot
      study investigating a given biomedical issue. An effect of a given size,
      corresponding either to a discrete (classification) or continuous (regression)
      outcome is then added. Different sample sizes are modeled by randomly selecting
      data sets of various sizes from the simulated data. We investigate different
      methods for effect detection, including univariate and multivariate techniques.
      Our framework allows us to investigate the complex relationship between sample
      size, power, and effect size for real multivariate data sets. For instance, we
      demonstrate for an example pilot data set that certain features achieve a power
      of 0.8 for a sample size of 20 samples or that a cross-validated predictivity
      QY(2) of 0.8 is reached with an effect size of 0.2 and 200 samples. We exemplify
      the approach for both nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry data from humans and the model organism C. elegans.

PMID- 27116638
TI  - Niacin and olive oil promote skewing to the M2 phenotype in bone marrow-derived
      macrophages of mice with metabolic syndrome.
AB  - Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with obesity, dyslipemia, type 2 diabetes
      and chronic low-grade inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the
      role of high-fat low-cholesterol diets (HFLCDs) rich in SFAs (HFLCD-SFAs), MUFAs
      (HFLCD-MUFAs) or MUFAs plus omega-3 long-chain PUFAs (HFLCD-PUFAs) on
      polarisation and inflammatory potential in bone marrow-derived macrophages
      (BMDMs) from niacin (NA)-treated Lep(ob/ob)LDLR(-/-) mice. Animals fed with HFLCD
      SFAs had increased weight and serum triglycerides, and their BMDMs accumulated
      triglycerides over the animals fed with HFLCD-MUFAs or -PUFAs. Furthermore, BMDMs
      from animals fed with HFLCD-SFAs were polarised towards the M1 phenotype with
      functional competence to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, whereas BMDMs from
      animals fed with HFLCD-MUFAs or -PUFAs were skewed to the anti-inflammatory M2
      phenotype. These findings open opportunities for developing novel nutritional
      strategies with olive oil as the most important dietary source of MUFAs (notably
      oleic acid) to prevent development and progression of metabolic complications in
      the NA-treated MetS. 

PMID- 27116639
TI  - Role of the source to building lateral separation distance in petroleum vapor
      intrusion.
AB  - The adoption of source to building separation distances to screen sites that need
      further field investigation is becoming a common practice for the evaluation of
      the vapor intrusion pathway at sites contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons.
      Namely, for the source to building vertical distance, the screening criteria for
      petroleum vapor intrusion have been deeply investigated in the recent literature
      and fully addressed in the recent guidelines issued by ITRC and U.S.EPA.
      Conversely, due to the lack of field and modeling studies, the source to building
      lateral distance received relatively low attention. To address this issue, in
      this work we present a steady-state vapor intrusion analytical model
      incorporating a piecewise first-order aerobic biodegradation limited by oxygen
      availability that accounts for lateral source to building separation. The
      developed model can be used to evaluate the role and relevance of lateral vapor
      attenuation as well as to provide a site-specific assessment of the lateral
      screening distances needed to attenuate vapor concentrations to risk-based
      values. The simulation outcomes showed to be consistent with field data and 3-D
      numerical modeling results reported in previous studies and, for shallow sources,
      with the screening criteria recommended by U.S.EPA for the vertical separation
      distance. Indeed, although petroleum vapors can cover maximum lateral distances
      up to 25-30m, as highlighted by the comparison of model outputs with field
      evidences of vapor migration in the subsurface, simulation results by this new
      model indicated that, regardless of the source concentration and depth, 6m and 7m
      lateral distances are sufficient to attenuate petroleum vapors below risk-based
      values for groundwater and soil sources, respectively. However, for deep sources
      (>5m) and for low to moderate source concentrations (benzene concentrations lower
      than 5mg/L in groundwater and 0.5mg/kg in soil) the above criteria were found
      extremely conservative as the model results indicated that for such scenarios the
      lateral screening distance may be set equal to zero.

PMID- 27116641
TI  - Sequence Dependence of Viral RNA Encapsidation.
AB  - We develop a Flory mean-field theory for viral RNA (vRNA) molecules that extends
      the current RNA folding algorithms to include interactions between different
      sections of the secondary structure. The theory is applied to sequence-selective
      vRNA encapsidation. The dependence on sequence enters through a single parameter:
      the largest eigenvalue of the Kramers matrix of the branched polymer obtained by
      coarse graining the secondary structure. Differences between the work of
      encapsidation of vRNA molecules and of randomized isomers are found to be in the
      range of 20 kBT, more than sufficient to provide a strong bias in favor of vRNA
      encapsidation. The method is applied to a packaging competition experiment where
      large vRNA molecules compete for encapsidation with two smaller RNA species that
      together have the same nucleotide sequence as the large molecule. We encounter a
      substantial, generic free energy bias, that also is of the order of 20 kBT, in
      favor of encapsidating the single large RNA molecule. The bias is mainly the
      consequence of the fact that dividing up a large vRNA molecule involves the
      release of stored elastic energy. This provides an important, nonspecific
      mechanism for preferential encapsidation of single larger vRNA molecules over
      multiple smaller mRNA molecules with the same total number of nucleotides. The
      result is also consistent with recent RNA packaging competition experiments by
      Comas-Garcia et al.1 Finally, the Flory method leads to the result that when two
      RNA molecules are copackaged, they are expected to remain segregated inside the
      capsid.

PMID- 27116640
TI  - Characterization of chlorinated solvent contamination in limestone using
      innovative FLUTe(r) technologies in combination with other methods in a line of
      evidence approach.
AB  - Characterization of dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) source zones in
      limestone aquifers/bedrock is essential to develop accurate site-specific
      conceptual models and perform risk assessment. Here innovative field methods were
      combined to improve determination of source zone architecture, hydrogeology and
      contaminant distribution. The FACTTM is a new technology and it was applied and
      tested at a contaminated site with a limestone aquifer, together with a number of
      existing methods including wire-line coring with core subsampling, FLUTe(r)
      transmissivity profiling and multilevel water sampling. Laboratory sorption
      studies were combined with a model of contaminant uptake on the FACTTM for data
      interpretation. Limestone aquifers were found particularly difficult to sample
      with existing methods because of core loss, particularly from soft zones in
      contact with chert beds. Water FLUTeTM multilevel groundwater sampling (under two
      flow conditions) and FACTTM sampling and analysis combined with FLUTe(r)
      transmissivity profiling and modeling were used to provide a line of evidence for
      the presence of DNAPL, dissolved and sorbed phase contamination in the limestone
      fractures and matrix. The combined methods were able to provide detailed vertical
      profiles of DNAPL and contaminant distributions, water flows and fracture zones
      in the aquifer and are therefore a powerful tool for site investigation. For the
      limestone aquifer the results indicate horizontal spreading in the upper crushed
      zone, vertical migration through fractures in the bryozoan limestone down to
      about 16-18m depth with some horizontal migrations along horizontal fractures
      within the limestone. Documentation of the DNAPL source in the limestone aquifer
      was significantly improved by the use of FACTTM and Water FLUTeTM data.

PMID- 27116642
TI  - "Professional Helper" or "Helping Professional?" The Patient-Physician
      Relationship in the Chronic Pain Setting, With Special Reference to the Current
      Opioid Debate.
AB  - There seems to be a strong cultural expectation among patients for effective pain
      relief. As a result, physicians often find themselves trying to bridge the gap
      between the chronic pain patient's expectations and harsh biomedical reality. The
      typology of Emanuel and Emanuel of four models for the patient-physician
      relationship is used in this article as a conceptual tool to examine the possible
      roles of physicians in the context of chronic noncancer pain. Their typology is
      reconceptualized as a "pathway" along which the physician is able to walk more or
      less far, starting from the "information" end of the path. The other end of the
      pathway is "caring deliberation." I then propose that, in pain medicine today,
      consumerism is a powerful incentive for physicians to stay at the information end
      of the spectrum. Against this background, I discuss the current opioid epidemic
      in the United States and the need for what has been called a new medical
      professionalism. I conclude by challenging educators involved in pain medicine
      continuing professional development to not only design adequate biomedical
      educational programs, but also consider issues like professionalism, personal
      development, critical self-reflection, and the ethics of engaging in caring
      deliberation with chronic pain patients.

PMID- 27116643
TI  - Running Energy Cost and Spring-Mass Behavior in Young versus Older Trained
      Athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare energy cost of running and lower
      limb spring-mass characteristics and maximal power between young and older highly
      trained runners. METHODS: Twenty highly trained male endurance runners were
      divided into two groups: young and master athletes. Two testing sessions were
      used to measure and compare (i) lower limb power during three jumping tests
      (squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and rebound jump (RJ)) as well as
      stiffness during the RJ test and running trials (using an OptoJump system
      (Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) placed on the floor for jumping and on each side of
      the treadmill belt for running), and (ii) the energy cost of running and oxygen
      consumption (VO2) kinetics (using an Oxycon Pro breath-by-breath gas analyzer
      (Jaeger, Hochberg, Germany)) at three speeds: 10 km.h, self-selected speed, and
      speed corresponding to 90% of the second ventilatory threshold (VT2). RESULTS:
      Energy cost of running was higher in masters than in young athletes at all speeds
      (10 km.h, 13.0%; self-selected, 10.8%; 90% VT2, 7.7% on average). Jumping power
      was lower in masters (SJ, -28.0%; CMJ, -30.5%; RJ, -27.9%) and significantly
      correlated with energy cost at 10 km.h and at self-selected speed (10 km.h: r = 
      0.71, -0.70, -0.47; self-selected speed: r = -0.76, -0.74, -0.58, respectively).
      RJ stiffness was also lower in masters (-27.8%), although stiffness during
      running showed no difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A long-lasting running
      practice seemed to preserve the bouncing mechanism of master athletes, yet their
      energy cost was higher when compared with younger runners, which might have been
      associated with a lower muscle power.

PMID- 27116644
TI  - Optimizing QT Interval Measurement for the Preparticipation Screening of Young
      Athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of death in athletes. Long QT
      syndrome (LQTS) is one of the most common cardiogenetic diseases that can lead to
      sudden cardiac death and is identified by QT interval prolongation on an ECG.
      Recommendations for QT monitoring in athletes are adopted from nonathlete
      populations. To improve screening, ECG data of athletes are assessed to determine
      a more appropriate method for QT interval estimation. METHODS: ECG (CardeaScreen)
      data were collected from June 2010 to March 2015. ECG data with HR greater than
      100 bpm were excluded. Fiducial points of outliers were manually corrected if the
      QRS onset or the T wave offset was misidentified. A model of best fit was
      determined and compared across four QT correction factors. Classification
      analysis was used to compare the Bazett's corrected QT interval to the 99th
      percentile of uncorrected QT interval. RESULTS: High school (n = 597), college (n
      = 1207), and professional athletes (n = 273) (N = 2077) were analyzed. Mean age
      was 19 +/- 3.5 yr. QT interval varied by cohort (HS = 388 +/- 30, Col = 410 +/-
      33, Pro = 407 +/- 27, p < 0.0001). A nonlinear power function with a cubic
      exponent of -0.349 fit the data the best (R = 0.64). Of the four common
      correction factors, Fridericia had the lowest residual dependence to HR (m = 
      0.10). With standard screening, 75% of athletes within the top 1% for QT interval
      were not identified for further investigation for LQTS. CONCLUSION: Up to 75% of
      athletes possessing an uncorrected QT interval greater than 99% of the population
      are not identified for investigation for LQTS using the recommended criteria. We
      propose a new method of risk stratification that replaces QT interval correction.
      Further study is needed to establish QT interval distributions and risk
      thresholds in athletes.

PMID- 27116645
TI  - Graded versus Intermittent Exercise Effects on Lymphocytes in Chronic Fatigue
      Syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is increasing evidence of immune system dysfunction in chronic
      fatigue syndrome (CFS), but little is known of the regular exercise effects on
      immune cell parameters. This pilot study investigated the effects of graded and
      intermittent exercise on CD4 lymphocyte subset counts and activation compared
      with usual care. METHODS: Twenty-four CFS patients (50.2 +/- 10 yr) were
      randomized to graded exercise (GE), intermittent exercise (IE), or usual care
      (UC) groups; 18 sedentary non-CFS participants (50.6 +/- 10 yr) were controls
      (CTL) for blood and immunological comparisons. Outcome measures were pre- and
      postintervention flow cytometric analyses of circulating lymphocyte subset cell
      counts; expression of CD3, CD4, CD25, and CD134; full blood counts; and VO2peak.
      RESULTS: Preintervention, CD3 cell counts, and expression of CD4, CD25, CD134,
      and CD4CD25CD134 were significantly lower in GE, IE, and UC compared with CTL (P
      < 0.05). Total lymphocyte concentration was significantly lower in GE and IE
      groups compared with CTL. There were significant postintervention increases in i)
      expression of CD4 and CD4CD25CD134 for GE and IE, but CD25 and CD134 for IE only;
      ii) circulating counts of CD3 and CD4 for GE, and CD3, CD4, CD8, CD3CD4CD8,
      CD3CD16CD56, CD19, and CD45 for IE; iii) neutrophil concentration for GE; and iv)
      VO2peak and elapsed test time for IE and GE, VEpeak for IE. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve
      weeks of GE and IE training significantly improved CD4 lymphocyte activation and
      aerobic capacity without exacerbating CFS symptoms. IE may be a more effective
      exercise modality with regard to enhanced CD4 activation in CFS patients.

PMID- 27116646
TI  - Exploring the Relationship between Adiposity and Fitness in Young Children.
AB  - PURPOSE: High levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) may attenuate the
      association between the excessive adiposity and the risks of cardiovascular and
      metabolic disease. The purpose of this study was to stratify children according
      to their body mass index (BMI) and adiposity (body fat percentage [BF%]) and to
      compare levels of CRF across subgroups. METHODS: This prospective cohort study
      comprises a cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of data collected at
      baseline (n = 641) and 2 yr later (n = 579) on children (7.4-11.6 yr) attending
      public school in Denmark. Levels of CRF were measured using the Andersen test,
      whereas BF% was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: There were
      560 children (87.4%) classified as normal weight according to BMI at baseline, of
      which 46 (7.4%) were identified as having excessive BF%. These children had
      significantly lower CRF (mean [95% confidence interval]: -63.1 m [-100.2 to 
      25.9]) than children with normal BMI and normal BF%, and the effect of BF% on CRF
      was significantly worse in boys than girls. Overweight children with high BF% had
      significantly lower prospective (2 yr) CRF levels (-34.4 m [-58.0 to -10.7]) than
      children with normal BMI and BF%. However, children who improved their BMI and/or
      BF% classification during the 2-yr period achieved CRF levels (8.9 m [-30.2 to
      47.9]), which were comparable with children with normal BMI and BF% at both
      measurement time points. CONCLUSION: The CRF levels in children are affected by
      BMI and BF%, although BF% appears to play a greater role. This association
      between BF% and CRF is sex dependent, with CRF levels in boys being affected to a
      greater extent by BF%. Children identified as "normal weight" by BMI but
      presenting with excessive BF% had significantly lower CRF than "normal weight"
      children with low BF%.

PMID- 27116648
TI  - Strength Training Biases Goal-Directed Aiming.
AB  - PURPOSE: Goal-directed movements tend to resemble the characteristics of
      previously executed actions. Here we investigated whether a single bout of
      strength training, which typically involves stereotyped actions requiring strong
      neural drive, can bias subsequent aiming behavior toward the direction of trained
      forces. METHODS: In experiment 1 (n = 10), we tested the direction of force
      exerted in an isometric aiming task before and after 40 repetitions of 2-s
      maximal-force ballistic contractions toward a single directional target. In
      experiment 2 (n = 12), each participant completed three training conditions in a
      counterbalanced crossover design. In two conditions, both the aiming task and the
      training were conducted in the same (neutral) forearm posture. In one of these
      conditions, the training involved weak forces to determine whether the level of
      neural drive during training influences the degree of bias. In the third
      condition, high-force training contractions were performed in a 90 degrees 
      pronated forearm posture, whereas the low-force aiming task was performed in a
      neutral forearm posture. This dissociated the extrinsic training direction from
      the pulling direction of the trained muscles during the aiming task. RESULTS: In
      experiment 1, we found that aiming direction was biased toward the training
      direction across a large area of the work space (approximately +/-135 degrees ;
      tested for 16 targets spaced 22.5 degrees  apart), whereas in experiment 2, we
      found systematic bias in aiming toward the training direction defined in
      extrinsic space, but only immediately after high-force contractions. CONCLUSION:
      Our findings suggest that bias effects of training involving strong neural drive
      generalize broadly to untrained movement directions and are expressed according
      to extrinsic rather than muscle-based coordinates.

PMID- 27116647
TI  - Exercise following Mental Work Prevented Overeating.
AB  - Mental work may promote caloric intake, whereas exercise may offset positive
      energy balance by decreasing energy intake and increasing energy expenditure.
      PURPOSE: This study aimed to replicate previous findings that mental work
      increases caloric intake compared with a rest condition and assess whether
      exercise after mental work can offset this effect. METHODS: Thirty-eight male and
      female university students were randomly assigned to mental work + rest (MW + R)
      or mental work + exercise (MW + E). Participants also completed a baseline rest
      (BR) visit consisting of no mental work or exercise. Visit order was
      counterbalanced. During the MW + R or MW + E visit, participants completed a 20
      min mental task and either a 15-min rest (MW + R) or a 15-min interval exercise
      (MW + E). Each visit ended with an ad libitum pizza lunch. A two-way repeated
      measures ANOVA was used to compare eating behavior between groups. RESULTS:
      Participants in the MW + R condition consumed an average of 100 more kilocalories
      compared with BR (633.3 +/- 72.9 and 533.9 +/- 67.7, respectively, P = 0.02), and
      participants in MW + E consumed an average of 25 kcal less compared with BR
      (432.3 +/- 69.2 and 456.5 +/- 64.2, respectively, P > 0.05). When including the
      estimated energy expenditure of exercise in the MW + E conditions, participants
      were in negative energy balance by an average of 98.5 +/- 41.5 kcal, resulting in
      a significant difference in energy balance between the two groups (P = 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: An acute bout of interval exercise after mental work resulted in
      significantly decreased food consumption compared with a nonexercise condition.
      These results suggest that an acute bout of exercise may be used to offset
      positive energy balance induced by mental tasks.

PMID- 27116649
TI  - Cost of severe asthma in Brazil-systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Severe asthma is characterized by frequent exacerbations, symptoms
      limiting daily activities and nocturnal symptoms. It requires the continuous use
      of medications, at high doses, and, sometimes, continuous use of oral
      corticosteroids, representing a significant burden to health system and society.
      This systematic review sought to address economic data related to severe asthma
      in Brazil. METHOD: In June 2014, electronic searches were conducted to identify
      relevant publications. Quality criteria were developed and applied to each
      selected study. In order to compare results across the selected studies, costs
      were refined to an annual basis, grouped according to the study perspective,
      inflated and converted to 2014 USD. RESULTS: Cost analyses from the Brazilian
      public health system perspective were derived from two studies and showed an
      average annual hospital cost per patient of 135 USD and 733 USD, respectively.
      From the family perspective, average annual direct costs per patient varied from
      764 USD to 929 USD. CONCLUSION: Hospitalizations and medications seem to be the
      most important resources funded by the Brazilian public health system and by
      patients and their families. Although further studies are necessary, as
      information on cost of this disease is scarce in Brazil, these findings suggest
      that there is a potential room for improving severe asthma care among Brazilian
      patients.

PMID- 27116650
TI  - A fundamental measure density functional for fluid and crystal phases of the
      Asakura-Oosawa model.
AB  - We investigate a density functional for the Asakura-Oosawa model of colloid
      polymer mixtures, describing both fluid and crystal phases. It is derived by
      linearizing the two-component fundamental-measure hard sphere tensor functional
      in the second (polymer) component. We discuss the formulation of an effective
      density functional for colloids only. For small polymer-colloid size ratios the
      effective, polymer-induced potential between colloids is short-range attractive
      and of two-body form but we show that the effective density functional is not
      equivalent to standard mean-field approaches where attractions are taken into
      account by terms second order in the colloid density. We calculate numerically
      free energies and phase diagrams in good agreement with available simulations,
      furthermore we discuss the colloid and polymer distributions in the crystal and
      determine equilibrium vacancy concentrations. Numerical results reveal a fairly
      strong sensitivity to the specific type of underlying fundamental measure hard
      sphere functional which could aid further development of fundamental measure
      theory.

PMID- 27116651
TI  - Mapping the Photoresponse of CH3NH3PbI3 Hybrid Perovskite Thin Films at the
      Nanoscale.
AB  - Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on thin films of organolead trihalide
      perovskites (OTPs) hold unprecedented promise for low-cost, high-efficiency
      photovoltaics (PVs) of the future. While PV performance parameters of PSCs, such
      as short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and maximum power, are always
      measured at the macroscopic scale, it is necessary to probe such photoresponses
      at the nanoscale to gain key insights into the fundamental PV mechanisms and
      their localized dependence on the OTP thin-film microstructure. Here we use
      photoconductive atomic force microscopy spectroscopy to map for the first time
      variations of PV performance at the nanoscale for planar PSCs based on hole
      transport-layer free methylammonium lead triiodide (CH3NH3PbI3 or MAPbI3) thin
      films. These results reveal substantial variations in the photoresponse that
      correlate with thin-film microstructural features such as intragrain planar
      defects, grains, grain boundaries, and notably also grain-aggregates. The
      insights gained into such microstructure-localized PV mechanisms are essential
      for guiding microstructural tailoring of OTP films for improved PV performance in
      future PSCs.

PMID- 27116652
TI  - [The Marketing of Healthcare Services in ENT-Clinics].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The provision of healthcare services in Germany is based on
      fundamental principles of solidarity and is highly regulated. The question arises
      which conditions exist for marketing for healthcare services in ENT-clinics in
      Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The marketing options will be elicited using
      environmentally analytical considerations. RESULTS: The objectives can be
      achieved using measures derived from external instruments (service policy,
      pricing policy, distribution policy or communications policy) or from an internal
      instrument (human resources policy). The policy environment is particularly
      influenced by the regulatory framework, which particularly restricts the scope
      for both the pricing and communications policies. All measures must, however,
      reflect ethical frameworks, which are regarded as the fundamental premise
      underlying healthcare services and may be at odds with economic factors. Scope
      for flexibility in pricing exists only within the secondary healthcare market,
      and even there only to a limited extent. The significance of price in the
      marketing of healthcare services is thus very low. If marketing activities are to
      succeed, a market analysis must be carried out exploring the relevant factors for
      each individual provider. However, the essential precondition for the marketing
      of healthcare services is trust. CONCLUSIONS: The marketing of healthcare
      services differs from that of business management-oriented enterprises in other
      branches of economy. In the future the importance of marketing activities will
      increase.

PMID- 27116653
TI  - Development of Causative Treatment Strategies for Lacrimal Gland Insufficiency by
      Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy. Part 1: Regeneration of Lacrimal Gland
      Tissue: Can We Stimulate Lacrimal Gland Renewal In Vivo?
AB  - Severe dry eye syndrome (DES) is a complex disease that is commonly caused by
      inflammatory and degenerative changes in the lacrimal gland, and can result in
      severe pain and disruption to visual acuity. In healthy subjects, the ocular
      surface is continually lubricated by the tear film that ensures that the ocular
      surface remains moist and free of debris, enabling normal vision. The lacrimal
      fluid, mid-layer of the tear film, is mainly produced by the lacrimal gland and
      if this is dysfunctional for any reason, severe DES can develop. Currently, only
      palliative treatments for DES exist that aim to either replace or retain tears
      and/or minimize inflammation. A curative approach that aims to trigger the
      regeneration of existing lacrimal gland tissue in situ may, therefore, be very
      beneficial to DES patients. This article reviews the different approaches that
      have been explored toward lacrimal gland regeneration. Progress to date in vitro,
      in vivo, and in man is described with a focus on clinical feasibility and
      efficacy. Promising candidates for drug-dependent treatment of DES are growth
      factors and cytokines, such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and tumor necrosis
      factor alpha-stimulated gene 6 protein (TSG-6). Only a few studies have evaluated
      gene therapy for lacrimal gland deficiencies, but with promising results. However
      gene therapy carries a variety of risks regarding carcinogenesis and therefore a
      treatment in the near future using this approach seems to be unlikely. Cell
      therapies utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seem to be more applicable than
      those using human amniotic membrane (hAM) epithelial cells or induced pluripotent
      stem (iPS) cells, since MSCs combine the favorable traits of both (multipotency,
      capability to stimulate regeneration immunomodulatory and non-immunogenic
      properties).

PMID- 27116654
TI  - Separation of collagen-bound and porous bone water transverse relaxation in mice:
      proposal of a multi-step approach.
AB  - The separation and quantification of collagen-bound water (CBW) and pore water
      (PW) components of the cortical bone signal are important because of their
      different contribution to bone mechanical properties. Ultrashort TE (UTE) imaging
      can be used to exploit the transverse relaxation from CBW and PW, allowing their
      quantification. We tested, for the first time, the feasibility of UTE
      measurements in mice for the separation and quantification of the transverse
      relaxation of CBW and PW in vivo using three different approaches for T2 *
      determination. UTE sequences were acquired at 4.7 T in six mice with 10 different
      TEs (50-5000 MUs). The transverse relaxation time T2 * of CBW (T2 *cbw ) and PW
      (T2 *pw ) and the CBW fraction (bwf) were computed using a mono-exponential (i),
      a standard bi-exponential (ii) and a new multi-step bi-exponential (iii)
      approach. Regions of interest were drawn at multiple levels of the femur and
      vertebral body cortical bone for each mouse. The sum of the normalized squared
      residuals (Res) and the homogeneity of variance were tested to compare the
      different methods. In the femur, approach (i) yielded mean T2 * +/- standard
      deviation (SD) of 657 +/- 234 MUs. With approach (ii), T2 *cbw , T2 *pw and bwf
      were 464 +/- 153 MUs, 15 777 +/- 10 864 MUs and 57.6 +/- 9.9%, respectively. For
      approach (iii), T2 *cbw , T2 *pw and bwf were 387 +/- 108 MUs, 7534 +/- 2765 MUs
      and 42.5 +/- 6.2%, respectively. Similar values were obtained from vertebral
      bodies. Res with approach (ii) was lower than with the two other approaches (p <
      0.007), but T2 *pw and bwf variance was lower with approach (iii) than with
      approach (ii) (p < 0.048). We demonstrated that the separation and quantification
      of cortical bone water components with UTE sequences is feasible in vivo in mouse
      models. The direct bi-exponential approach exhibited the best approximation to
      the measured signal curve with the lowest residuals; however, the newly proposed
      multi-step algorithm resulted in substantially lower variability of the computed
      parameters. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27116655
TI  - Synthesis of Enantiomeric Polyhydroxyalkylpyrrolidines from 1,3-Dipolar
      Cycloadducts. Evaluation as Inhibitors of a beta-Galactofuranosidase.
AB  - Enantiomeric 2,3,4-tris(hydroxyalkyl)-5-phenylpyrrolidines have been synthesized
      from the major cycloadducts obtained by the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of sugar
      enones with azomethine ylides derived from natural amino acids. Reduction of the
      ketone carbonyl group of the cycloadducts, which possess a basic structure of
      bicyclic 6-(menthyloxy)hexahydropyrano[4,3-c]pyrrol-7(6H)one, afforded a number
      of pyrrolidine-based bicyclic systems. A sequence of reactions, which involved
      hydrolysis of the menthyloxy substituent, reduction, N-protection, and
      degradative oxidation, afforded varied pyrrolidine structures having diverse
      configurations and patterns of substitution; in particular, polyhydroxylated
      derivatives have been obtained. The unprotected products were isolated as
      pyrrolidinium trifluoroacetates. Because of the furanose-like nature of the
      target trihydroxyalkyl pyrrolidines, these molecules have been evaluated as
      inhibitors of the beta-galactofuranosidase from Penicillium fellutanum. The
      compounds showed practically no inhibitory activity for concentration of
      pyrrolidines in the range of 0.1-1.6 mM.

PMID- 27116657
TI  - Short article: Management of ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma in a European
      tertiary care center.
AB  - GOALS AND BACKGROUND: Spontaneous rupture is a rare complication of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment options consist of transcatheter
      arterial embolization (TAE), hepatic resection, and conservative therapy. The
      best approach is under debate. STUDY: This study presents a review of clinical
      data of patients with a ruptured HCC admitted to a European tertiary care center.
      RESULTS: Eleven patients were included; six (55%) had underlying cirrhosis. The
      majority of patients (73%) had no previous history of HCC. Spontaneous HCC
      rupture was diagnosed using abdominal computed tomography with or without a
      diagnostic paracentesis. Computed tomography showed one or two tumors in eight
      (73%) patients; the other patients had multiple tumors or diffuse infiltrative
      HCC. Seven (64%) patients were initially treated by TAE and one (9%) patient
      underwent hepatic resection. The remaining three (27%) patients, all of whom had
      liver cirrhosis, received conservative therapy. Two patients initially treated by
      TAE underwent a delayed resection and ultimately received systemic therapy.
      Overall, at the end of the follow-up period, three patients were still alive at
      84, 991, and 1026 days after the initial presentation. Eight (73%) patients had
      died after a median of 88 days (range 7-417). One year after presentation, none
      of the conservatively treated patients was alive compared with three out of seven
      (43%) patients treated with TAE with or without delayed resection. CONCLUSION:
      Patients with a spontaneously ruptured HCC have a poor prognosis. In selected
      patients, however, prolonged survival is possible using TAE as initial therapy
      with or without a delayed resection and systemic therapy.

PMID- 27116656
TI  - Isolated limb perfusion with biochemotherapy and oncolytic virotherapy combines
      with radiotherapy and surgery to overcome treatment resistance in an animal model
      of extremity soft tissue sarcoma.
AB  - The management of locally advanced or recurrent extremity sarcoma often
      necessitates multimodal therapy to preserve a limb, of which isolated limb
      perfusion (ILP) is a key component. However, with standard chemotherapeutic
      agents used in ILP, the duration of response is limited. Novel agents or
      treatment combinations are urgently needed to improve outcomes. Previous work in
      an animal model has demonstrated the efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy when
      delivered by ILP and, in this study, we report further improvements from
      combining ILP-delivered oncolytic virotherapy with radiation and surgical
      resection. In vitro, the combination of radiation with an oncolytic vaccinia
      virus (GLV-1h68) and melphalan demonstrated increased cytotoxicity in a panel of
      sarcoma cell lines. The effects were mediated through activation of the intrinsic
      apoptotic pathway. In vivo, combinations of radiation, oncolytic virotherapy and
      standard ILP resulted in delayed tumour growth and prolonged survival when
      compared with standard ILP alone. However, local disease control could only be
      secured when such treatment was combined with surgical resection, the timing of
      which was crucial in determining outcome. Combinations of oncolytic virotherapy
      with surgical resection and radiation have direct clinical relevance in extremity
      sarcoma and represent an exciting prospect for improving outcomes in this
      pathology.

PMID- 27116658
TI  - Preface: Sight Restoration Through Stem Cell Therapy.
AB  - This publication presents chapters based on a meeting entitled "Sight Restoration
      Through Stem Cell Therapy" held on June 13, 2015, in Santa Monica, CA, sponsored
      by the Ocular Research Symposia Foundation (ORSF). It was chaired by Michael
      Young, PhD, Harvard Medical School, and Gerald Chader, PhD, University of
      Southern California. The mission of this publication and of the ORSF in general
      is to focus attention on unmet medical needs and current research opportunities
      in eye research with the objective of accelerating translation of research
      findings to effective clinical care. In the meeting, new research advances on
      stem cells and opportunities for their clinical application were highlighted and
      are recounted in the following chapters of this publication. By identifying "low
      hanging fruit" (i.e., the best opportunities for successful transition of
      laboratory research to prevention and new treatments and cures for ocular
      diseases), we seek to spur funding at both the basic research and clinical
      levels, resulting in sight-saving and sight-restoration measures in the near
      future.

PMID- 27116659
TI  - Stemming the Tide of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: New Therapies for Old
      Retinas.

PMID- 27116660
TI  - Subretinal Transplantation of Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment
      Epithelium for the Treatment of Macular Degeneration: An Assessment at 4 Years.
AB  - Advanced macular degeneration is an important cause of vision loss in the United
      States with over 2 million people affected by the disease. Despite substantial
      progress in the development of new therapies for wet AMD, the severe visual
      impairment associated with geographic atrophy in dry AMD or Stargardt disease
      remains untreatable. Recently, two phase I/II studies involving 18 patients with
      these diseases have demonstrated that it is possible to safely implant human
      embryonic stem cell-derived RPE (hESC-RPE) in an attempt to rescue photoreceptors
      and visual function. The anatomical and functional results are encouraging, with
      more than half of treated patients experiencing sustained improvements in visual
      acuity and demonstrating evidence of possible cellular engraftment. However, any
      conclusions remain tempered by the relatively short follow-up time, lack of a
      formal control group, poor initial visual acuity, and small number of patients.
      Aside from an instance of postoperative infectious endophthalmitis, no adverse
      events related to the cell therapy, such as hyperproliferation, tumorigenicity,
      or rejection-related inflammation were noted in this initial cohort of 18
      patients. These first-in-human safety studies have opened the door to future
      studies enrolling patients with less advanced disease, treating other diseases
      that result in RPE loss, employing shorter immunosuppressive regimens, and using
      alternative strategies for RPE transplantation such as sheets of cells with or
      without scaffolding to mimic Bruch's membrane. The ultimate goal of these initial
      safety studies is to promote continued translation of complex biological
      therapies into meaningful treatment strategies that may address unmet medical
      needs. 

PMID- 27116661
TI  - Stem Cell Sources and Their Potential for the Treatment of Retinal Degenerations.
AB  - Stem cells offer unprecedented opportunities for the development of strategies
      geared toward the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases. A variety of
      cellular sources have been investigated for various potential clinical
      applications, including tissue regeneration, disease modeling, and screening for
      non-cell-based therapeutic agents. As the field transitions from more than a
      decade of preclinical research to the first phase I/II clinical trials, we
      provide a concise overview of the stem cell sources most commonly used, weighing
      their therapeutic potential on the basis of their technical
      strengths/limitations, their ethical implications, and the extent of the progress
      achieved to date. This article serves as a framework for further in-depth
      analyses presented in the following chapters of this Special Issue. 

PMID- 27116663
TI  - Mimicking Retinal Development and Disease With Human Pluripotent Stem Cells.
AB  - As applications of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) continue to be refined
      and pursued, it is important to keep in mind that the strengths and weaknesses of
      this technology lie with its developmental origins. The remarkable capacity of
      differentiating hPSCs to recapitulate cell and tissue genesis has provided a
      model system to study stages of human development that were not previously
      amenable to investigation and experimentation. Furthermore, demonstration of
      developmentally appropriate, stepwise differentiation of hPSCs to specific cell
      types offers support for their authenticity and their suitability for use in
      disease modeling and cell replacement therapies. However, limitations to farming
      cells and tissues in an artificial culture environment, as well as the length of
      time required for most cells to mature, are some of the many issues to consider
      before using hPSCs to study or treat a particular disease. Given the overarching
      need to understand and modulate the dynamics of lineage-specific differentiation
      in stem cell cultures, this review will first examine the capacity of hPSCs to
      serve as models of retinal development. Thereafter, we will discuss efforts to
      model retinal disorders with hPSCs and present challenges that face investigators
      who aspire to use such systems to study disease pathophysiology and/or screen for
      therapeutics. We also refer readers to recent publications that provide
      additional insight and details on these rapidly evolving topics. 

PMID- 27116662
TI  - Photoreceptor Fate Determination in the Vertebrate Retina.
AB  - Photoreceptors are highly specialized primary sensory neurons that sense light
      and initiate vision. This critical role is well demonstrated by the fact that
      visual impairment accompanies photoreceptor loss or dysfunction in many human
      diseases. With the remarkable advances in stem cell research, one therapeutic
      approach is to use stem cells to generate photoreceptors and then engraft them
      into diseased eyes. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that control
      photoreceptor genesis during normal development can greatly aid in the production
      of photoreceptor cells for this approach. This article will discuss advances in
      our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate photoreceptor fate
      determination during development. Recent lineage studies have shown that there
      are distinct retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) that produce specific combinations
      of daughter cell types, including photoreceptors and other types of retinal
      cells. Gene regulatory networks, in which transcription factors interact via cis
      regulatory DNA elements, have been discovered that operate within distinct RPCs,
      and/or newly postmitotic cells, to direct the choice of photoreceptor fate.

PMID- 27116664
TI  - Photoreceptor Transplantation in Late Stage Retinal Degeneration.
AB  - The recent advances in cell-based therapies for the repair of the pigmented
      epithelium is providing additional impetus for the translation of photoreceptor
      transplantation to eventual clinical trials. The prospects for transplantation of
      photoreceptors as a potential therapy for the treatment of photoreceptor
      degeneration will depend on successfully addressing many critical issues in
      preclinical studies. Although most of the studies that have carried out
      transplants of photoreceptors have primarily used normal mice, there have been
      recent reports that have also shown some success following transplantation to
      mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. However, while these results are promising,
      there are several key issues that require further investigation in order to
      better understand the optimum timing for transplantation, given the extensive
      remodeling of the retina that occurs in late stage disease. 

PMID- 27116667
TI  - Cell Therapy Applications for Retinal Vascular Diseases: Diabetic Retinopathy and
      Retinal Vein Occlusion.
AB  - Retinal vascular conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein
      occlusion, remain leading causes of vision loss. No therapy exists to restore
      vision loss resulting from retinal ischemia and associated retinal degeneration.
      Tissue regeneration is possible with cell therapy. The goal would be to restore
      or replace the damaged retinal vasculature and the retinal neurons that are
      damaged and/or degenerating from the hypoxic insult. Currently, various adult
      cell therapies have been explored as potential treatment. They include
      mesenchymal stem cells, vascular precursor cells (i.e., CD34+ cells,
      hematopoietic cells or endothelial progenitor cells), and adipose stromal cells.
      Preclinical studies show that all these cells have a paracrine trophic effect on
      damaged ischemic tissue, leading to tissue preservation. Endothelial progenitor
      cells and adipose stromal cells integrate into the damaged retinal vascular wall
      in preclinical models of diabetic retinopathy and ischemia-reperfusion injury.
      Mesenchymal stem cells do not integrate as readily but appear to have a primary
      paracrine trophic effect. Early phase clinical trials have been initiated and
      ongoing using mesenchymal stem cells or autologous bone marrow CD34+ cells
      injected intravitreally as potential therapy for diabetic retinopathy or retinal
      vein occlusion. Adipose stromal cells or pluripotent stem cells differentiated
      into endothelial colony-forming cells have been explored in preclinical studies
      and show promise as possible therapies for retinal vascular disorders. The
      relative safety or efficacy of these various cell therapies for treating retinal
      vascular disorders have yet to be determined. 

PMID- 27116665
TI  - HC-HA/PTX3 Purified From Amniotic Membrane as Novel Regenerative Matrix: Insight
      Into Relationship Between Inflammation and Regeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: Human limbal palisade of Vogt is an ideal model for studying and
      practicing regenerative medicine due to their accessibility. Nonresolving
      inflammation is a common manifestation of limbal stem cell deficiency, which is
      the major cause of corneal blindness, and presents as a threat to the success of
      transplanted limbal epithelial stem cells. Clinical studies have shown that the
      efficacy of transplantation of limbal epithelial stem cells can be augmented by
      transplantation of cryopreserved human amniotic membrane (AM), which exerts anti
      inflammatory, antiscarring, and antiangiogenic action to promote wound healing.
      METHODS: Review of published data to determine the molecular action mechanism
      explaining how AM exerts the aforementioned therapeutic actions. RESULTS: From
      the water-soluble extract of cryopreserved AM, we have biochemically purified one
      novel matrix component termed heavy chain (HC)-hyaluronan (HA)/pentraxin 3 (PTX3)
      as the key relevant tissue characteristic responsible for the aforementioned AM's
      efficacy. Heavy chain-HA is a complex formed by a covalent linkage between HA and
      HC1 of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (IalphaI) by tumor necrosis factor
      stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6). This complex may then be tightly associated with PTX3
      to form HC-HA/PTX3 complex. Besides exerting an anti-inflammatory, antiscarring,
      and antiangiogenic effects, HC-HA/PTX3 complex also uniquely maintains limbal
      niche cells to support the quiescence of limbal epithelial stem cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: We envision that HC-HA/PTX3 purified from AM can be used as a unique
      substrate to refine ex vivo expansion of limbal epithelial stem cells by
      maintaining stem cell quiescence, self-renewal and fate decision. Furthermore, it
      can also be deployed as a platform to launch new therapeutics in regenerative
      medicine by mitigating nonresolving inflammation and reinforcing the well-being
      of stem cell niche.

PMID- 27116666
TI  - The Potential of Human Stem Cells for the Study and Treatment of Glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Currently, the only available and approved treatments for glaucoma are
      various pharmacologic, laser-based, and surgical procedures that lower IOP.
      Although these treatments can be effective, they are not always sufficient, and
      they cannot restore vision that has already been lost. The goal of this review is
      to briefly assess current developments in the application of stem cell biology to
      the study and treatment of glaucoma and other forms of optic neuropathy. METHODS:
      A combined literature review and summary of the glaucoma-related discussion at
      the 2015 "Sight Restoration Through Stem Cell Therapy" meeting that was sponsored
      by the Ocular Research Symposia Foundation (ORSF). RESULTS: Ongoing advancements
      in basic and eye-related developmental biology have enabled researchers to direct
      murine and human stem cells along specific developmental paths and to
      differentiate them into a variety of ocular cell types of interest. The most
      advanced of these efforts involve the differentiation of stem cells into retinal
      pigment epithelial cells, work that has led to the initiation of several human
      trials. More related to the glaucoma field, there have been recent advances in
      developing protocols for differentiation of stem cells into trabecular meshwork
      and retinal ganglion cells. Additionally, efforts are being made to generate stem
      cell-derived cells that can be used to secrete neuroprotective factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Advancing stem cell technology provides opportunities to improve our
      understanding of glaucoma-related biology and develop models for drug
      development, and offers the possibility of cell-based therapies to restore sight
      to patients who have already lost vision.

PMID- 27116669
TI  - Stem Cell Therapy in Nonneovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of blindness in
      subjects older than 50 years of age in the developed world. There are two types
      of ARMD, neovascular (NV) and nonneovascular (NN). While anti-VEGF-based
      therapies have significantly decreased the visual morbidity associated with NV
      ARMD, there are no effective treatments for NN-ARMD. A detailed discussion of NV
      ARMD and related therapies is the topic of another section of this special
      supplement. This review will focus mainly on NN-ARMD. Vision loss in
      nonneovascular ARMD is highly correlated with the loss of RPE cells and areas of
      geographic atrophy (GA). Pilot studies using subretinal transplantation of
      autologous or allogeneic RPE during the past 20 to 30 years have demonstrated
      that stem cell-derived RPE have the potential to rescue photoreceptor function
      and restore vision. New methods of differentiating RPE from human embryonic stem
      cells (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have created a potentially
      unlimited supply of RPE cells to meet the demands of future commercially viable
      stem cell products. Thanks to fundamental advances in stem cell biology,
      vitreoretinal surgery, and noninvasive retinal imaging, stem cell-based therapies
      for NN-ARMD are emerging and several clinical trials are in progress. However,
      there are major regulatory, safety, and technical challenges that remain. This
      review will focus on summarizing the most promising aspects of stem cell-based
      therapy for NN-ARMD and highlighting areas that require further research. 

PMID- 27116670
TI  - Retinal Structure Measurements as Inclusion Criteria for Stem Cell-Based
      Therapies of Retinal Degenerations.
AB  - PURPOSE: We reviewed and illustrated the most optimal retinal structural
      measurements to make in stem cell clinical trials. METHODS: Optical coherence
      tomography (OCT) and autofluorescence (AF) imaging were used to evaluate patients
      with severe visual loss from nonsyndromic and syndromic retinitis pigmentosa
      (RP), ABCA4-Stargardt disease, and nonneovascular age-related macular
      degeneration (AMD). Outer nuclear layer (ONL), rod outer segment (ROS) layer,
      inner retina, ganglion cell layer (GCL), and nerve fiber layer (NFL) thicknesses
      were quantified. RESULTS: All patients had severely reduced visual acuities.
      Retinitis pigmentosa patients had limited visual fields; maculopathy patients had
      central scotomas with retained peripheral function. For the forms of RP
      illustrated, there was detectable albeit severely reduced ONL across the scanned
      retina, and normal or hyperthick GCL and NFL. Maculopathy patients had no
      measurable ONL centrally; it became detectable with eccentricity. Some
      maculopathy patients showed unexpected GCL losses. Autofluorescence imaging
      illustrated central losses of RPE integrity. A hypothetical scheme to relate
      patient data with different phases of retinal remodeling in animal models of
      retinal degeneration was presented. CONCLUSIONS: Stem cell science is advancing,
      but it is not too early to open the discussion of criteria for patient selection
      and monitoring. Available clinical tools, such as OCT and AF imaging, can provide
      inclusion/exclusion criteria and robust objective outcomes. Accepting that early
      trials may not lead to miraculous cures, we should be prepared to know why
      scientifically and clinically-so we can improve subsequent trials. We also must
      determine if retinal remodeling is an impediment to efficacy.

PMID- 27116668
TI  - Treatment Paradigms for Retinal and Macular Diseases Using 3-D Retina Cultures
      Derived From Human Reporter Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines.
AB  - We discuss the use of pluripotent stem cell lines carrying fluorescent reporters
      driven by retinal promoters to derive three-dimensional (3-D) retina in culture
      and how this system can be exploited for elucidating human retinal biology,
      creating disease models in a dish, and designing targeted drug screens for
      retinal and macular degeneration. Furthermore, we realize that stem cell
      investigations are labor-intensive and require extensive resources. To expedite
      scientific discovery by sharing of resources and to avoid duplication of efforts,
      we propose the formation of a Retinal Stem Cell Consortium. In the field of
      vision, such collaborative approaches have been enormously successful in
      elucidating genetic susceptibility associated with age-related macular
      degeneration.

PMID- 27116671
TI  - Cross-View Action Recognition via Transferable Dictionary Learning.
AB  - Discriminative appearance features are effective for recognizing actions in a
      fixed view, but may not generalize well to a new view. In this paper, we present
      two effective approaches to learn dictionaries for robust action recognition
      across views. In the first approach, we learn a set of view-specific dictionaries
      where each dictionary corresponds to one camera view. These dictionaries are
      learned simultaneously from the sets of correspondence videos taken at different
      views with the aim of encouraging each video in the set to have the same sparse
      representation. In the second approach, we additionally learn a common dictionary
      shared by different views to model view-shared features. This approach represents
      the videos in each view using a view-specific dictionary and the common
      dictionary. More importantly, it encourages the set of videos taken from the
      different views of the same action to have the similar sparse representations.
      The learned common dictionary not only has the capability to represent actions
      from unseen views, but also makes our approach effective in a semi-supervised
      setting where no correspondence videos exist and only a few labeled videos exist
      in the target view. The extensive experiments using three public datasets
      demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms recently developed approaches
      for cross-view action recognition.

PMID- 27116672
TI  - Toner Savings Based on Quasi-Random Sequences and a Perceptual Study for Green
      Printing.
AB  - Toner savings in monochromatic printing are an important target for improving
      green computing performance and more specifically green printing. In order to
      extend the lifetime of the printer cartridge, some options are available for
      laser printers, usually reducing the number of dots with respect to the normal
      print quality. However available algorithms and patents do not provide a method
      for dynamically adapting the percentage of toner savings to the required printing
      quality. In this paper, we introduce a new quasi-random sequence-based algorithm
      for reducing the number of dots in the printing process, able to achieve optimal
      discrepancy and low computational complexity, for all print quality levels. In
      order to reduce patterns in the removed dots, blue noise dithering is applied
      when the desired percentage of toner savings is moderate. The proposed solution
      can be easily implemented in the printer firmware, given its low computational
      complexity. In order to verify the results from a perceptual point of view, an
      extended test with 135 volunteers and more than 5000 comparisons has been
      performed, besides checking that toner is effectively saved. Results show that
      the proposed approach can produce a reduction of the perceived quality almost
      directly proportional to the number of monochromatic dots skipped, with only a
      reduced influence from the font used. The perceptual results are better in the
      proposal than in the previous approaches. The proposed algorithm appears to be a
      promising technique for improving green printing in monochromatic laser printers
      without using custom fonts.

PMID- 27116674
TI  - UK Renal Registry 18th Annual Report: Chapter 3 Demographic and Biochemistry
      Profile of Kidney Transplant Recipients in the UK in 2014: National and Centre
      specific Analyses.
AB  - There was a 2% fall in overall renal transplant numbers in 2014, with a
      significant fall in kidney donation from donors after circulatory death (10%). In
      2014, death-censored renal transplant failure rates in prevalent patients were
      similar to previous years at 2.4% per annum. Transplant patient death rates
      remained stable at 2.3 per 100 patient years. The median age of incident and
      prevalent renal transplant patients in the UK was 50.6 and 53.3 years
      respectively. The median eGFR of prevalent renal transplant recipients was 52.5
      ml/min/1.73 m2. The median eGFR of patients one year after transplantation was
      57.4 ml/min/1.73 m2 post live transplant, 53.6 ml/min/1.73 m2 post brainstem
      death transplant and 50.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 post circulatory death transplant. In
      2014, 13% of prevalent transplant patients had eGFR ,30 ml/min/1.73 m2. The
      median decline in eGFR slope beyond the first year after transplantation was 
      0.48 ml/min/1.73 m2/year.In 2014, malignancy (26%) and infection (24%) remained
      the commonest causes of death in patients with a functioning renal transplant.

PMID- 27116673
TI  - LINE-related component of mouse heterochromatin and complex chromocenters'
      composition.
AB  - Chromocenters are interphase nuclear landmark structures of constitutive
      heterochromatin. The tandem repeat (TR)-enriched parts of different chromosomes
      cluster together in chromocenters. There has been progress in recent years in
      determining the protein content of chromocenters, although it is not clear which
      DNA sequences underly constitutive heterochromatin apart from the TRs. The aim of
      the current work was to find out which DNA sequences besides TRs are involved in
      chromocenters' formation. Biochemically isolated chromocenters and microdissected
      centromeric regions were amplified by DOP-PCR, then cloned and sequenced.
      Alignment to Repbase, the mouse reference genome and WGS databases separated the
      sequences from both libraries into three groups: (1) sequences with similarity to
      pericentromere mouse major satellite; (2) sequences without similarity to any
      repetitive sequences; (3) sequences with similarity to long interspersed nuclear
      elements (LINEs). LINE-related sequences have a disperse pattern distribution on
      chromosomes predicted in silico. Selected clones were used for fluorescent in
      situ hybridization (FISH). The 10 clones tested hybridized to chromocenters and
      centromeric regions of metaphase chromosomes. These clones were used for double
      FISH with four known cloned TRs (satDNA, satellite DNA) and a probe specific for
      the sex chromosomes. The probes bind various chromocenters' regions without
      overlapping; so, FISH results reveal a complex chromocenter composition. We
      mapped 18 LINE-derived clones to the RepBase L1 records. Most of them grouped in
      a ~2-kb region at the end of the second ORF and 3' untranslated region (UTR). So,
      even the limited number of the clones allows us to determine the region of the L1
      element that is specific for heterochromatic regions. Although the L1 full-length
      probe did not hybridize at detectable levels to the heterochromatic region on any
      chromosome, the 2-kb fragment found is definitely a part of these regions. The
      precise LINE ~2-kb fragment is the component of mouse and human constitutive
      heterochromatin enriched with TRs. The method used for amplification of the
      probes from two sources of the heterochromatic material uncovered the enrichment
      of a precise fragment of LINE within chromocenters.

PMID- 27116675
TI  - MR Image Reconstruction Using Block Matching and Adaptive Kernel Methods.
AB  - An approach to Magnetic Resonance (MR) image reconstruction from undersampled
      data is proposed. Undersampling artifacts are removed using an iterative
      thresholding algorithm applied to nonlinearly transformed image block arrays.
      Each block array is transformed using kernel principal component analysis where
      the contribution of each image block to the transform depends in a nonlinear
      fashion on the distance to other image blocks. Elimination of undersampling
      artifacts is achieved by conventional principal component analysis in the
      nonlinear transform domain, projection onto the main components and back-mapping
      into the image domain. Iterative image reconstruction is performed by
      interleaving the proposed undersampling artifact removal step and gradient
      updates enforcing consistency with acquired k-space data. The algorithm is
      evaluated using retrospectively undersampled MR cardiac cine data and compared to
      k-t SPARSE-SENSE, block matching with spatial Fourier filtering and k-t l1-SPIRiT
      reconstruction. Evaluation of image quality and root-mean-squared-error (RMSE)
      reveal improved image reconstruction for up to 8-fold undersampled data with the
      proposed approach relative to k-t SPARSE-SENSE, block matching with spatial
      Fourier filtering and k-t l1-SPIRiT. In conclusion, block matching and kernel
      methods can be used for effective removal of undersampling artifacts in MR image
      reconstruction and outperform methods using standard compressed sensing and l1
      regularized parallel imaging methods.

PMID- 27116677
TI  - 3D Interdigital Au/MnO2 /Au Stacked Hybrid Electrodes for On-Chip
      Microsupercapacitors.
AB  - On-chip microsupercapacitors (MSCs) have application in powering microelectronic
      devices. Most of previous MSCs are made from carbon materials, which have high
      power but low energy density. In this work, 3D interdigital Au/MnO2 /Au stacked
      MSCs have been fabricated based on laser printed flexible templates. This
      vertical-stacked electrode configuration can effectively increase the contact
      area between MnO2 active layer and Au conductive layer, and thus improve the
      electron transport and electrolyte ion diffusion, resulting in enhanced
      pseudocapacitive performance of MnO2 . The stacked electrode can achieve an areal
      capacitance up to 11.9 mF cm(-2) . Flexible and all-solid-state MSCs are
      assembled based on the sandwich hybrid electrodes and PVA/LiClO4 gel electrolyte
      and show outstanding high-rate capacity and mechanical flexibility. The laser
      printing technique in this work combined with the physical sputtering and
      electrodeposition allows fabrication of MSC array with random sizes and patterns,
      making them promising power sources for small-scale flexible microelectronic
      energy storage systems (e.g., next-generation smart phones). 

PMID- 27116678
TI  - Copper catalyzed aerobic oxidative cyclization and ketonization: one pot
      synthesis of benzoimidazo[1,2-a]imidazolones.
AB  - A highly efficient synthesis of benzoimidazo[1,2-a]imidazolone through a novel
      oxidative 5-exo-dig cyclization-ketonization cascade of 2-aminobenzimidazole,
      aldehyde and terminal alkyne has been explored under aerobic conditions. The
      reaction proceeds through copper-catalyzed addition of terminal alkynes to imines
      derived from 2-aminobenzimidazole with aldehyde followed by intramolecular
      cyclization. The atmospheric molecular oxygen acts as an oxygen source for the
      newly formed carbonyl group in the final product. 

PMID- 27116676
TI  - Membrane channel gene expression in human costal and articular chondrocytes.
AB  - Chondrocytes are the uniquely resident cells found in all types of cartilage and
      key to their function is the ability to respond to mechanical loads with changes
      of metabolic activity. This mechanotransduction property is, in part, mediated
      through the activity of a range of expressed transmembrane channels; ion
      channels, gap junction proteins, and porins. Appropriate expression of ion
      channels has been shown essential for production of extracellular matrix and
      differential expression of transmembrane channels is correlated to
      musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis and Albers-Schonberg. In this
      study we analyzed the consistency of gene expression between channelomes of
      chondrocytes from human articular and costal (teenage and fetal origin)
      cartilages. Notably, we found 14 ion channel genes commonly expressed between
      articular and both types of costal cartilage chondrocytes. There were several
      other ion channel genes expressed only in articular (6 genes) or costal
      chondrocytes (5 genes). Significant differences in expression of BEST1 and KCNJ2
      (Kir2.1) were observed between fetal and teenage costal cartilage. Interestingly,
      the large Ca(2+) activated potassium channel (BKalpha, or KCNMA1) was very highly
      expressed in all chondrocytes examined. Expression of the gap junction genes for
      Panx1, GJA1 (Cx43) and GJC1 (Cx45) was also observed in chondrocytes from all
      cartilage samples. Together, this data highlights similarities between
      chondrocyte membrane channel gene expressions in cells derived from different
      anatomical sites, and may imply that common electrophysiological signaling
      pathways underlie cellular control. The high expression of a range of
      mechanically and metabolically sensitive membrane channels suggest that
      chondrocyte mechanotransduction may be more complex than previously thought.

PMID- 27116679
TI  - The effect of site-to-site variability in ultrasensitive dose responses.
AB  - In this paper we study the ultrasensitive behavior of multisite phosphorylation
      or ligand binding systems, under site-to-site variations in the modification
      rates. Using computational methods and mathematical analysis, we prove that the
      Hill coefficient reaches its maximum value when all sites are identical to each
      other. This is shown for a non-cooperative multisite system with arbitrary
      activation function as well as for the well known MWC model. We also show that
      the Hill coefficient of the dose response is locally robust to variations in
      individual modification rates. The results suggest that maximal ultrasensitivity
      is reached when sites are similar to each other but not necessarily identical, a
      conformation found in unstructured modification domains present in many
      experimental systems.

PMID- 27116680
TI  - Quality of Care for Cervical and Endometrial Cancer Patients: The Impact of
      Different Techniques of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping on Patient Satisfaction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of care in
      patients who underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping for endometrial and
      cervical cancer staging, and evaluate the impact of different techniques on
      patient satisfaction, i.e. radiotracer Tc99m versus indocyanine green (ICG) or
      methylene blue injection. METHOD: Women with preoperative stage I endometrial
      cancer or stage I (1A2-1B1) cervical cancer who underwent surgical staging,
      including SLN mapping, were considered for this study. Patient satisfaction was
      assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer IN
      PATSAT32 questionnaire. Women were classified into two groups according to the
      different nodal mapping techniques: intracervical preoperative injection of Tc99m
      nanocolloid + intraoperative blue dye (Group 1) versus intraoperative cervical
      injection of ICG or blue dye (Group 2). Differences in patient satisfaction
      scores between the groups were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 178 eligible women, 143
      were included in the study (endometrial cancer n = 106, cervical cancer n = 37):
      57 underwent SLN mapping with Tc99m and blue dye (Group 1), and 86 women were
      mapped intraoperatively with blue dye alone or ICG (Group 2). Analysis of IN
      PATSAT32 questionnaire scores showed a higher patient satisfaction score for
      patients in Group 2 (p = 0.001), which was independent of the physician and
      surgical outcomes evaluated. The scores were statistically better for Group 2,
      and also in rating doctors (p = 0.0001), nurses (p = 0.006), and care and
      services organizations (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical and endometrial cancer
      patients who underwent SLN mapping by ICG or blue dye perceived a better quality
      of care when compared with those patients who underwent the combined radiocolloid
      and blue dye technique.

PMID- 27116681
TI  - Intraoperative Fluid Resuscitation Strategies in Pancreatectomy: Results from 38
      Hospitals in Michigan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluid administration practices may affect complication rates in some
      abdominal surgeries, but effects in patients undergoing pancreatectomy are not
      understood well. We sought to determine whether amount of intraoperative fluid
      administered to patients undergoing pancreatectomy is associated with
      postoperative complication rates and to determine whether hospitals vary in their
      fluid administration practices. METHODS: Data for 504 patients undergoing
      pancreatectomy at 38 hospitals between 2012 and 2015 were evaluated. The main
      exposure was intraoperative fluid administration (<=10, 10-15, >15 mL/kg/h).
      Mortality, complications, and length of stay were the main outcomes of interest.
      Patient-level associations between exposure and outcome were tested, with
      adjustment for potentially confounding patient and surgical factors, using random
      intercept, mixed-effects linear or logistic regression models. Hospitals were
      then categorized as having a restrictive, intermediate, or liberal resuscitation
      practice, and adjusted outcomes were compared. RESULTS: A total of 167 (33.1 %),
      185 (36.7 %) and 152 (30.2 %) patients received restrictive, intermediate, or
      liberal fluid administration, respectively. Hospitals with more restrictive
      practices had significantly lower adjusted 30-day mortality than those with more
      liberal practices (2.7 vs. 6.6 %; P < 0.001). Hospitals with more restrictive
      practices had the lowest rates of severe (Grade 2 and 3) complications (15.4 %
      restrictive vs. 25.3 % intermediate vs. 44.3 % liberal; P < 0.001). More
      restrictive hospitals had decreased adjusted mean length of stay (9.5 days vs.
      12.7 days intermediate vs. 11.6 days liberal; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: More
      restrictive intraoperative resuscitation practices in pancreatectomy are
      associated with decreased hospital-level mortality, severe complications, and
      length of stay.

PMID- 27116682
TI  - Preliminary investigation of the effects of gamma-tACS on working memory in
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Working memory impairment in schizophrenia has been strongly associated with
      abnormalities in gamma oscillations within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
      (DLFPC). We recently published the first ever study showing that anodal
      transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the left DLPFC was able to
      significantly improve working memory in schizophrenia and did so seemingly via
      restoring normal gamma oscillatory function. Transcranial alternating current
      stimulation (tACS) is a form of electrical brain stimulation that delivers
      stimulation at a specific frequency and has been shown to entrain endogenous
      cortical oscillations. Therefore, gamma (gamma) tACS may be even more effective
      than tDCS in improving working memory in schizophrenia. In a randomized repeated
      measures study we compared the effects of gamma-tACS, tDCS and sham stimulation
      on the performance of the two back working memory tasks in ten patients with
      schizophrenia. There was a significant time by stimulation interaction, with tDCS
      and sham showing trend-level improvements in working memory, while gamma-tACS,
      contrary to our hypothesis, showed no change. The results are discussed in light
      of posited divergent effects of tACS and tDCS on the pathophysiology of working
      memory impairment in schizophrenia.

PMID- 27116683
TI  - Developmental exposure to acetaminophen does not induce hyperactivity in
      zebrafish larvae.
AB  - First line pain relief medication during pregnancy relies nearly entirely on the
      over-the-counter analgesic acetaminophen, which is generally considered safe to
      use during gestation. However, recent epidemiological studies suggest a risk of
      developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms in
      children if mothers use acetaminophen during pregnancy. Currently, there are no
      experimental proofs that prenatal acetaminophen exposure causes developmental
      brain alterations of progeny. Exposure to high acetaminophen concentrations
      causes liver toxicity, which is well investigated in different model organisms.
      However, sub-liver-toxic concentrations have not been experimentally investigated
      with respect to ADHD endophenotypes such as hyperactivity. We used zebrafish to
      investigate the potential impact of acetaminophen exposure on locomotor activity
      levels, and compared it to the established zebrafish Latrophilin 3 (Lphn3) ADHD
      model. We determined the sub-liver-toxic concentration of acetaminophen in
      zebrafish larvae and treated wild-type and lphn3.1 knockdown larvae with
      increasing concentrations of acetaminophen. We were able to confirm that lphn3.1
      knockdown alone causes hyperactivity, strengthening the implication of Lphn3
      dysfunction as an ADHD risk factor. Neither acute nor chronic exposure to
      acetaminophen at sub-liver-toxic concentrations in wild-type or lphn3.1 knock
      downs increases locomotor activity levels. Together our findings show that
      embryonic to larval exposure to acetaminophen does not cause hyperactivity in
      zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, there are no additive and/or synergistic effects
      of acetaminophen exposure in a susceptible background induced by knock-down of
      lphn3.1. Our experimental study suggests that there is, at least in zebrafish
      larvae, no direct link between embryonic acetaminophen exposure and
      hyperactivity. Further work is necessary to clarify this issue in humans.

PMID- 27116685
TI  - Chitotriosidase: A New Inflammatory Marker in Diabetic Complications.
AB  - Chitotriosidase (CHIT1) belongs to chitinase family. So far this enzyme has been
      the best investigated human chitinase regarding its biological activity and
      association with various disorders. In a healthy population, CHIT1 activity is
      very low and originates in the circulating polymorphonuclear cells. Conversely,
      during the development of acute/chronic inflammatory disorders, the enzymatic
      activity of CHIT1 increases significantly. Recently, CHIT1 has also been involved
      in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM). Mounting evidence from
      experimental studies revealing the increase of CHIT1 levels in pathological
      conditions, such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, acute ischemic
      stroke, cerebrovascular dementia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and
      osteolytic processes suggest its critical role in the evolutions and
      complications of DM. This review is addressed to provide mechanistic insights by
      highlighting the relationship between CHIT1 and diabetes, and their contribution
      in the exacerbation of this disease. 

PMID- 27116688
TI  - Different Prognostic Significance of Cardiac Troponin at Presentation and Peak
      Cardiac Troponin in Patients with Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is one of the most
      common manifestations of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We evaluated the
      prognostic role of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at presentation and peak cardiac
      troponin I in patients with NSTEMI. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 215
      subjects presenting with NSTEMI. Subjects were followed up for 1 year. cTnI at
      presentation and the peak value of cTnI were measured. The primary end point was
      defined as cardiovascular death, readmission to hospital with heart failure and
      new ACS. RESULTS: The subjects who presented the primary end point (49 subjects)
      had significantly increased values of peak cTnI compared to subjects free of
      cardiovascular events [7.19 (2.97-21.32) vs. 4.09 (1.18-11.85) ng/l; p = 0.002].
      Nevertheless, cTnI at presentation did not differ between subjects who presented
      the primary end point and those free of events (p = 0.39). Multivariate Cox
      regression analysis after adjustment for confounders revealed by the univariate
      analysis showed that for an increase in peak cTnI from 1 to 10 ng/l, there is a
      60% anticipated increase in the relative risk to present the primary end point (p
      = 0.04). CONCLUSION: These findings documented the different prognostic
      significance of cTnI at presentation and peak cTnI in patients presenting with
      NSTEMI, and highlighted the importance of monitoring the levels of cTnI in this
      high-risk population.

PMID- 27116687
TI  - Heterogeneous Inhibition in Macroscopic Current Responses of Four Nicotinic
      Acetylcholine Receptor Subtypes by Cholesterol Enrichment.
AB  - The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), located in the cell membranes of
      neurons and muscle cells, mediates the transmission of nerve impulses across
      cholinergic synapses. In addition, the nAChR is also found in the electric organs
      of electric rays (e.g., the genus Torpedo). Cholesterol, which is a key lipid for
      maintaining the correct functionality of membrane proteins, has been found to
      alter the nAChR function. We were thus interested to probe the changes in the
      functionality of different nAChRs expressed in a model membrane with modified
      cholesterol to phospholipid ratios (C/P). In this study, we examined the effect
      of increasing the C/P ratio in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing the neuronal
      alpha7, alpha4beta2, muscle-type, and Torpedo californica nAChRs in their
      macroscopic current responses. Using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique,
      it was found that the neuronal alpha7 and Torpedo nAChRs are significantly more
      sensitive to small increases in C/P than the muscle-type nAChR. The peak current
      versus C/P profiles during enrichment display different behaviors; alpha7 and
      Torpedo nAChRs display a hyperbolic decay with two clear components, whereas
      muscle-type and alpha4beta2 nAChRs display simple monophasic decays with
      different slopes. This study clearly illustrates that a physiologically relevant
      increase in membrane cholesterol concentration produces a remarkable reduction in
      the macroscopic current responses of the neuronal alpha7 and Torpedo nAChRs
      functionality, whereas the muscle nAChR appears to be the most resistant to
      cholesterol inhibition among all four nAChR subtypes. Overall, the present study
      demonstrates differential profiles for cholesterol inhibition among the different
      types of nAChR to physiological cholesterol increments in the plasmatic membrane.
      This is the first study to report a cross-correlation analysis of cholesterol
      sensitivity among different nAChR subtypes in a model membrane.

PMID- 27116689
TI  - Evaluation of the muscle morphology of the obturator externus and piriformis as
      the predictors of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in acetabular fractures.
AB  - Avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head is a recognised complication of fracture
      dislocation of the hip joint but is not studied frequently in relation to
      acetabulum fractures. The aim was to establish the relationship between obturator
      externus and piriformis muscle morphology in acetabulum fractures and potenital
      development of AVN of the femoral head. Twenty-five fractures were included in
      this prospective study and were subjected to radiological assessment and computed
      tomography of the pelvis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hip was
      performed to assess the morphology of obturator externus and piriformis, and
      findings were compared intraoperatively (in 15 cases). Serial radiographs were
      taken at monthly intervals to assess the development of avascular necrosis. The
      patients with no evidence of AVN on radiographs at 6 months had additional MRI
      scans to look for such changes. Three patients developed AVN of femoral head and
      two had complete tears of piriformis and/or obturator externus muscles on the pre
      operative MRI with the findings confirmed intraoperatively (p = 0.013). None of
      the patients without changes of AVN at 6-month follow-up had complete tears of
      either or both muscles. Of these patients, there was one case each of T-type
      fracture, isolated posterior wall fracture with hip dislocation, and posterior
      wall with transverse fracture of the acetabulum. Complete tears of obturator
      externus and/or piriformis muscles are a strong predictor of future development
      of AVN of the femoral head. 

PMID- 27116690
TI  - Congenital pyloric atresia: Early and delayed presentations-A single centre
      experience of a rare anomaly.
AB  - Pyloric atresia may occur as an isolated or pure atresia or may be associated
      with other anomalies like those involving skin, renal or gastrointestinal systems
      etc. The most frequent association is with junctional epidermolysis bullosa, a
      rare autosomal recessive disorder affecting the skin and mucosa. We present a
      prospective evaluation of three patients of pyloric atresia at our institute over
      last 2 years (2012-2014)-one of them presenting at 5th day of life and the other
      two at 5 and 6 years of age, respectively. Two of them did not have any other
      associated anomaly whereas one patient had incidental finding of Meckel's
      diverticulum at the time of surgery for pyloric atresia plus he had been operated
      upon for right-sided pelvioureteric junction obstruction at 1 year of age. All
      patients underwent laparotomy after stabilization. The two patients presenting
      late had type 1 pyloric atresia with a pyloric membrane having a central hole in
      both the patients. So, excision of the membrane with Heineke Mikulicz
      pyloroplasty was done in both of them. The neonate who presented early had type 2
      pyloric atresia and underwent Finney's pyloroplasty. 

PMID- 27116691
TI  - Testicular seminoma clinical stage 1: treatment outcome on a routine care level.
AB  - PURPOSE: Clinical stage 1 (CS1) testicular seminoma involves an almost 100 %
      disease-specific survival in controlled clinical trials. We aimed to find out
      whether these results can be matched in patients managed on the routine care
      level. PATIENTS, METHODS: In total, 725 patients with seminoma CS1 were
      prospectively enrolled from 130 institutions. Adjuvant management as decided by
      local physicians involved surveillance (n = 256), radiotherapy (41), 1*
      Carboplatin (362), and 2* Carboplatin (66). We registered type of management,
      age, duration of follow-up (F/U), relapse, rete testis invasion (RTI), and tumor
      size. Actuarial relapse-free survival curves were calculated for treatment
      modalities and stratified for tumor sizes and RTI. A Cox regression model was
      calculated to explore for factors influencing relapses. RESULTS: Disease-specific
      survival was 100 %. Crude relapse rates were 8.2, 2.4, 5.0, and 1.5 % for
      surveillance, radiotherapy, 1* Carboplatin, and 2* Carboplatin after a median F/U
      of 30 months. RTI and tumor size were not associated with progression in
      surveillance patients. One course Carboplatin caused relapses in 6.8 % in tumor
      sizes >4 cm and 9.3 % (actuarial 13 %) in sizes >5 cm. The Cox model revealed the
      association of tumor size with recurrence in the entire seminoma population
      (Hazard ratio 1.17; 95 % confidence intervals 1.03-1.33). CONCLUSIONS: The
      overall outcome of CS1 seminoma managed on the routine care level mirrors that of
      controlled trials. Unexpectedly, the risk factors in surveillance patients were
      not confirmed, but tumor size proved to be a risk indicator in the entire group
      of seminoma. Importantly, one course Carboplatin involved low efficacy to control
      the disease in large tumors.

PMID- 27116695
TI  - Synthesis and Properties of Novel Silver-Containing DNA Molecules.
AB  - Migration of silver atoms from silver nano-particles selectively to a double
      stranded poly(dG)-poly(dC) polymer leads to metallization of the DNA. As a result
      the DNA molecules become shorter and thicker (higher), as evident from the atomic
      force microscopy imaging analysis. The metalized molecules can be detected by
      transmission and scanning electron microscopy in contrast to the initial non
      metalized ones. 

PMID- 27116693
TI  - Cross-fostering reduces obesity induced by early exposure to monosodium glutamate
      in male rats.
AB  - Maternal obesity programmes a range of metabolic disturbances for the offspring
      later in life. Moreover, environmental changes during the suckling period can
      influence offspring development. Because both periods significantly affect long
      term metabolism, we aimed to study whether cross-fostering during the lactation
      period was sufficient to rescue a programmed obese phenotype in offspring induced
      by maternal obesity following monosodium L-glutamate (MSG) treatment. Obesity was
      induced in female Wistar rats by administering subcutaneous MSG (4 mg/g body
      weight) for the first 5 days of postnatal life. Control and obese female rats
      were mated in adulthood. The resultant pups were divided into control second
      generation (F2) (CTLF2), MSG-treated second generation (F2) (MSGF2), which
      suckled from their CTL and MSG biological dams, respectively, or CTLF2-CR,
      control offspring suckled by MSG dams and MSGF2-CR, MSG offspring suckled by CTL
      dams. At 120 days of age, fat tissue accumulation, lipid profile, hypothalamic
      leptin signalling, glucose tolerance, glucose-induced, and adrenergic inhibition
      of insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets were analysed. Maternal MSG
      induced obesity led to an obese phenotype in male offspring, characterized by
      hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia, hyperleptinaemia, dyslipidaemia, and impaired
      leptin signalling, suggesting central leptin resistance, glucose intolerance,
      impaired glucose-stimulated, and adrenergic inhibition of insulin secretion.
      Cross-fostering normalized body weight, food intake, leptin signalling, lipid
      profiles, and insulinaemia, but not glucose homeostasis or insulin secretion from
      isolated pancreatic islets. Our findings suggest that alterations during the
      lactation period can mitigate the development of obesity and prevent the
      programming of adult diseases.

PMID- 27116692
TI  - Hurdles in selection process of nanodelivery systems for multidrug-resistant
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most of the nanomedicines for treatment of multidrug-resistant cancer do
      not reach Phase III trials and many are terminated or withdrawn or are in an
      indeterminate state since long without any study results being presented.
      Extensive perusal of nanomedicine development research revealed that one of the
      critical aspects influencing clinical outcomes and which requires diligent
      scrutiny is selection process of nanodelivery system. METHODS: Research papers
      and articles published on development of nanodelivery systems for treatment of
      multidrug-resistant cancer were analyzed. Observations and conclusions noted by
      these researchers which might shed some light on poor clinical performance of
      nanocarriers were collated and summarized under observation section. Further
      research articles were studied to find possible solutions which may be applied to
      these particular problems for resolving them. The inferences of these findings
      were composed in Result section. RESULT: Plausible solutions for the observed
      obstacles were noted as examples of novel formulations that can yield the
      following: better in vivo imaging, precise targeting and dosing of a specific
      site and specific cell type in a particular cancer, modulation of tumor
      surroundings, intonation of systemic effects and high reproducibility.
      CONCLUSION: The angle of approach to the development of best nanosystem for a
      specific type of tumor needs to be spun around. Some of these changes can be
      brought about by individual scientists, some need to be established by collated
      efforts of scientists globally and some await advent of better technologies.
      Regardless of the stratagem, it can be said decisively that the schematics of
      development phase need rethinking.

PMID- 27116696
TI  - Elucidating Structural Characteristics of Biomass using Solution-State 2 D NMR
      with a Mixture of Deuterated Dimethylsulfoxide and Hexamethylphosphoramide.
AB  - Recent developments of NMR methods for characterization of lignocellulosic
      biomass allow improved understanding of plant cell-wall structures with minimal
      deconstruction and modification of biomass. This study introduces a new NMR
      solvent system composed of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO-d6 ) and
      hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA-d18 ). HMPA as a co-solvent enhanced swelling and
      mobility of the biomass samples; thereby it allowed enhancing signals of NMR
      spectra. The structural information of biomass was successfully analyzed by the
      proposed NMR solvent system (DMSO-d6 /HMPA-d18 ; 4:1, v/v) with different
      biomass. The proposed bi-solvent system does not require derivatization or
      isolation of biomass, facilitating a facile sample preparation and involving with
      no signals overlapping with biomass peaks. It also allows analyzing biomass with
      a room-temperature NMR probe instead of cryo-probes, which are traditionally used
      for enhancing signal intensities.

PMID- 27116697
TI  - Global income and production impacts of using GM crop technology 1996-2014.
AB  - This paper provides an economic assessment of the value of using genetically
      modified (GM) crop technology in agriculture at the farm level. It follows and
      updates earlier annual studies which examined economic impacts on yields, key
      costs of production, direct farm income and effects, and impacts on the
      production base of the 4 main crops of soybeans, corn, cotton and canola. The
      commercialisation of GM crops has continued to occur at a rapid rate since the
      mid 1990s, with important changes in both the overall level of adoption and
      impact occurring in 2014. This annual updated analysis shows that there continues
      to be very significant net economic benefits at the farm level amounting to $17.7
      billion in 2014 and $150.3 billion for the 19-year period 1996-2014 (in nominal
      terms). These economic gains have been divided roughly 50% each to farmers in
      developed and developing countries. About 65% of the gains have derived from
      yield and production gains with the remaining 35% coming from cost savings. The
      technology has also made important contributions to increasing global production
      levels of the 4 main crops, having, for example, added 158 million tonnes and 322
      million tonnes respectively, to the global production of soybeans and maize since
      the introduction of the technology in the mid 1990s. 

PMID- 27116698
TI  - Follicular thyroid carcinoma in a male adolescent with Williams-Beuren syndrome.

PMID- 27116699
TI  - Influence of caffeine on the protective activity of gabapentin and topiramate in
      a mouse model of generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caffeine may interact with classical antiepileptic drugs (AEDs),
      reducing their anticonvulsant effects in basic seizure models. The aim of the
      present study was to ascertain whether intraperitoneal caffeine (acute or chronic
      for 15 days) could attenuate the anticonvulsant effect of some newer AEDs:
      gabapentin (GBP) and topiramate (TPM) against electroconvulsions in mice.
      METHODS: Maximal electroshock (MES)-induced mouse seizure model was used for the
      estimation of the anticonvulsant activity of TPM whilst the protective activity
      of GBP was evaluated in the threshold test for maximal (tonic) convulsions.
      Adverse effects were evaluated by measurement of long-term memory (the step
      through passive avoidance task) and motor coordination (chimney test). Plasma AED
      concentrations were also measured to determinate any pharmacokinetic contribution
      to the observed effects. RESULTS: Caffeine (both acute and chronic at 23.1 and
      46.2mg/kg) significantly reduced the protective effects of TPM against MES. As
      regards GBP, caffeine (acutely at 46.2mg/kg and chronically at 23.1 or 46.2mg/kg)
      significantly diminished the GBP-induced increases in the electroconvulsive
      threshold. In addition, caffeine did not affect the free plasma concentrations of
      TPM or GBP. Acute and chronic caffeine (23.1 and 46.2mg/kg) enhanced the
      impairment of motor coordination in mice pretreated with GBP whilst an opposite
      effect was observed in TPM injected mice and pretreated with chronic caffeine at
      46.2mg/kg. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that newer AEDs, GBP or TPM behave in
      the exactly same way as classical antiepileptics in mice challenged with
      caffeine. This hazardous effect of caffeine is not subject to tolerance.

PMID- 27116700
TI  - Opioid-induced redistribution of 6TM and 7TM MU opioid receptors: A hypothesized
      mechanistic facilitator model of opioid-induced hyperalgesia.
AB  - Opioids are still the most popular form of pain treatment, but many unavoidable
      side effects make opioids a big challenge in effective pain management. Opioid
      induced hyperalgesia (OIH), a paradoxical phenomenon, portrays an increased
      sensitivity to harmful stimuli caused by opioid exposure. Changes in the neural
      modulation are considered a major contributor to the development of OIH.
      Activation of opioid receptors (ORs) and corresponding downstream molecules are
      the vital composition of functional performance of opioids. Increasing interests
      were proposed of the interaction between ORs and other neural transmitter systems
      such as glutamatergic, GABAergic and adrenergic ones to the genesis of OIH. G
      protein coupled MU-opioid receptor (MOR) was studied comprehensively on its role
      in the development of OIH. In addition to the relationship between MOR and other
      neurotransmitter receptors, a new intracellular MOR that has six transmembrane
      (6TM) domains was identified, and found to perform a pro-nociceptive task in
      contrast to the counterpart 7TM isoform. A mechanistic model of OIH in which both
      6TM and 7TM MORs undergoing membrane redistribution upon opioid exposure is
      proposed which eventually facilitates the neurons more sensitive to nociceptive
      stimulation than that of the preceding opioid exposure. 

PMID- 27116701
TI  - C-terminal Src kinase-mediated EPIYA phosphorylation of Pragmin creates a feed
      forward C-terminal Src kinase activation loop that promotes cell motility.
AB  - Pragmin is one of the few mammalian proteins containing the Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala
      (EPIYA) tyrosine-phosphorylation motif that was originally discovered in the
      Helicobacter pylori CagA oncoprotein. Following delivery into gastric epithelial
      cells by type IV secretion and subsequent tyrosine phosphorylation at the EPIYA
      motifs, CagA serves as an oncogenic scaffold/adaptor that promiscuously interacts
      with SH2 domain-containing mammalian proteins such as the Src homology 2 (SH2)
      domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) and the C-terminal Src
      kinase (Csk), a negative regulator of Src family kinases. Like CagA, Pragmin also
      forms a physical complex with Csk. In the present study, we found that Pragmin
      directly binds to Csk by the tyrosine-phosphorylated EPIYA motif. The complex
      formation potentiates kinase activity of Csk, which in turn phosphorylates
      Pragmin on tyrosine-238 (Y238), Y343, and Y391. As Y391 of Pragmin comprises the
      EPIYA motif, Pragmin-Csk interaction creates a feed-forward regulatory loop of
      Csk activation. Together with the finding that Pragmin and Csk are colocalized to
      focal adhesions, these observations indicate that the Pragmin-Csk interaction,
      triggered by Pragmin EPIYA phosphorylation, robustly stimulates the kinase
      activity of Csk at focal adhesions, which direct cell-matrix adhesion that
      regulates cell morphology and cell motility. As a consequence, expression of
      Pragmin and/or Csk in epithelial cells induces an elongated cell shape with
      elevated cell scattering in a manner that is mutually dependent on Pragmin and
      Csk. Deregulation of the Pragmin-Csk axis may therefore induce aberrant cell
      migration that contributes to tumor invasion and metastasis. 

PMID- 27116702
TI  - More sensitivity of cortical GABAergic neurons than glutamatergic neurons in
      response to acidosis.
AB  - Acidosis impairs brain functions. Neuron-specific mechanisms underlying acidosis
      induced brain dysfunction remain elusive. We studied the sensitivity of cortical
      GABAergic neurons and glutamatergic neurons to acidosis by whole-cell recording
      in brain slices. The acidification to the neurons was induced by perfusing
      artificial cerebral spinal fluid with lower pH. This acidification impairs
      excitability and synaptic transmission in the glutamatergic and GABAergic
      neurons. Acidosis impairs spiking capacity in the GABAergic neurons more than in
      the glutamatergic neurons. Acidosis also strengthens glutamatergic synaptic
      transmission and attenuates GABAergic synaptic transmission on the GABAergic
      neurons more than the glutamatergic neurons, which results in the functional
      impairment of these GABAergic neurons. This acidosis-induced dysfunction
      predominantly in the cortical GABAergic neurons drives the homeostasis of
      neuronal networks toward overexcitation and exacerbates neuronal impairment.

PMID- 27116703
TI  - State dependency of inhibitory control performance: an electrical neuroimaging
      study.
AB  - Behavioral and brain responses to stimuli not only depend on their physical
      features but also on the individuals' neurocognitive states before stimuli
      onsets. While the influence of pre-stimulus fluctuations in brain activity on low
      level perceptive processes is well established, the state dependency of high
      order executive processes remains unclear. Using a classical inhibitory control
      Go/NoGo task, we examined whether and how fluctuations in the brain activity
      during the period preceding the stimuli triggering inhibition influenced
      inhibitory control performance. Seventeen participants completed the Go/NoGo task
      while 64-channel electroencephalogram was recorded. We compared the event-related
      potentials preceding the onset of the NoGo stimuli associated with inhibition
      failures false alarms (FA) vs. successful inhibition correct rejections (CR) with
      data-driven statistical analyses of global measures of the topography and
      strength of the scalp electric field. Distributed electrical source estimations
      were used to localize the origin of the event-related potentials modulations. We
      observed differences in the global field power of the event-related potentials
      (FA > CR) without concomitant topographic modulations over the 40 ms period
      immediately preceding NoGo stimuli. This result indicates that the same brain
      networks were engaged in the two conditions, but more strongly before FA than CR.
      Source estimations revealed that this effect followed from a higher activity
      before FA than CR within bilateral inferior frontal gyri and the right inferior
      parietal lobule. These findings suggest that uncontrolled quantitative variations
      in pre-stimulus activity within attentional and control brain networks influence
      inhibition performance. The present data thereby demonstrate the state dependency
      of cognitive processes of up to high-order executive levels.

PMID- 27116704
TI  - An open trial evaluating an attention bias modification program for overweight
      adults who binge eat.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Binge eating is prevalent and is associated with
      significant psychiatric and medical comorbidities. To date, the most effective
      psychological treatments for individuals who binge eat are not effective for all
      patients and they do not result in significant weight loss. Dual process theories
      suggest that implicit factors, such as attention bias, may influence behavior,
      even when the behavior is in opposition to long-term goals. Attention bias
      modification programs have been tested in other areas of psychopathology, and
      could be utilized to improve outcomes for people who binge eat. Thus, the aim of
      this open trial was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of an attention bias
      modification program (ABM-Food) designed to train attention away from food cues.
      METHODS: Adults who binge eat and were overweight or obese enrolled in an 8-week
      ABM-Food program, which consisted of one session in the lab each week and two
      training sessions at home. Nine participants completed the ABM-Food training
      program and the post-treatment assessment, and 8 completed the 3-month post
      treatment assessment. RESULTS: Results showed that the ABM-Food program is a
      feasible and acceptable treatment for adults who binge eat. Initial effectiveness
      data showed decreases in weight, eating disorder symptoms, binge eating, loss of
      control and responsivity to food in the environment, as well as changes in
      attention bias. The majority of these effects remained at the 3-month follow-up
      time point. LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by the single-group open label
      trial, and the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: This open trial provides initial
      evidence for the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of ABM-Food for
      individuals who binge eat and are overweight or obese.

PMID- 27116705
TI  - Control of electrochemical signals from quantum dots conjugated to organic
      materials by using DNA structure in an analog logic gate.
AB  - Various bio-logic gates have been studied intensively to overcome the rigidity of
      single-function silicon-based logic devices arising from combinations of various
      gates. Here, a simple control tool using electrochemical signals from quantum
      dots (QDs) was constructed using DNA and organic materials for multiple logic
      functions. The electrochemical redox current generated from QDs was controlled by
      the DNA structure. DNA structure, in turn, was dependent on the components
      (organic materials) and the input signal (pH). Independent electrochemical
      signals from two different logic units containing QDs were merged into a single
      analog-type logic gate, which was controlled by two inputs. We applied this
      electrochemical biodevice to a simple logic system and achieved various logic
      functions from the controlled pH input sets. This could be further improved by
      choosing QDs, ionic conditions, or DNA sequences. This research provides a
      feasible method for fabricating an artificial intelligence system. 

PMID- 27116706
TI  - Flow of colloidal solids and fluids through constrictions: dynamical density
      functional theory versus simulation.
AB  - Using both dynamical density functional theory and particle-resolved Brownian
      dynamics simulations, we explore the flow of two-dimensional colloidal solids and
      fluids driven through a linear channel with a constriction. The flow is generated
      by a constant external force acting on all colloids. The initial configuration is
      equilibrated in the absence of flow and then the external force is switched on
      instantaneously. Upon starting the flow, we observe four different scenarios: a
      complete blockade, a monotonic decay to a constant particle flux (typical for a
      fluid), a damped oscillatory behaviour in the particle flux, and a long-lived
      stop-and-go behaviour in the flow (typical for a solid). The dynamical density
      functional theory describes all four situations but predicts infinitely long
      undamped oscillations in the flow which are always damped in the simulations. We
      attribute the mechanisms of the underlying stop-and-go flow to symmetry
      conditions on the flowing solid. Our predictions are verifiable in real-space
      experiments on magnetic colloidal monolayers which are driven through structured
      microchannels and can be exploited to steer the flow throughput in microfluidics.

PMID- 27116707
TI  - Antioxidant and Anti-quorum Sensing Potential of Acer monspessulanum subsp.
      monspessulanum Extracts.
AB  - In this study, anti-quorum sensing, and antioxidant activities, and chemical
      composition of Acer monspessulanum subsp. monspessulanum extracts were evaluated.
      Determination of the antioxidant activity was revealed by DPPH radical scavenging
      activity, the total phenolic content assay, and the beta-carotene/linoleic acid
      assay. The detection of phenolic compounds was determined using RP-HPLC. Anti
      quorum sensing activity and violacein inhibition activity were determined using
      Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 and C. violaceum ATCC 112 472, respectively. The
      determination of anti-swarming activity was carried out with Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa PA01. In DPPH and total phenolic content assays, the water extract
      exhibited good antioxidant activity. In the beta-carotene-linoleic acid assay,
      ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts exhibited good lipid peroxidation inhibition
      activity, demonstrating 96.95 +/- 0.03 % and 95.35 +/- 0.00 % at 2.5 mg/mL
      concentrations, respectively. The predominant phenolic compounds of the extracts
      were determined as rutin, naringin, catechin hydrate, quercetin, and
      protocatechuic acid. Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts were found to contain a
      high level of violacein inhibition and anti-quorum sensing activity. The ethanol
      extract also showed weak anti-swarming activity. In this first study that used
      Acer monspessulanum subsp. monspessulanum extracts, it was revealed that the
      water extract has antioxidant activity and the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts
      have anti-quorum sensing activity depending on the phenolic compounds that it
      contained.

PMID- 27116708
TI  - Determination of itraconazole and its photodegradation products with kinetic
      evaluation by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A simple and reproducible UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of itraconazole
      (ITZ) and its photodegradation products formed during exposure to UV-A radiation
      was developed. Chromatographic separations were carried out using an Acquity UPLC
      BEH C18 column (2.1 * 100 mm, 1.7 MUm particle size). The column was maintained
      at 40 degrees C, and eluted under gradient conditions from 100% to 50% of eluent
      A over 13 min, at a flow rate of 0.3 mL min-1 . Eluent A was 0.1% (v/v) formic
      acid in water; eluent B was 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in acetonitrile. The linear
      regression analysis for the calibration curve showed a good linear correlation
      over the concentration range 0.0066-0.15 mg mL-1 with determination coefficient >
      0.99. The activities of some photocatalysts during degradation process of ITZ
      were compared. It was found that indirect photodegradation of ITZ was more
      effective than direct photolysis. Under our experimental conditions the
      photodegradation rate constant depended on the applied catalysts with catalytic
      activity decreasing in the following pattern: FeCl3  > TiO2 /FeCl3  > TiO2 . The
      kinetic analysis of the photodegradation data revealed that the degradation of
      the ITZ follows first-order kinetics. The photodegradation products of ITZ were
      identified, and their fragmentation pathways, derived from MS/MS data, were
      proposed. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27116709
TI  - Structure-based design and synthesis of small molecular inhibitors disturbing the
      interaction of MLL1-WDR5.
AB  - MLL1 complex catalyzes the methylation of H3K4, and plays important roles in the
      development of acute leukemia harboring MLL fusion proteins. Targeting MLL1-WDR5
      protein-protein interaction (PPI) to inhibit the activity of histone
      methyltransferase of MLL1 complex is a novel strategy for treating of acute
      leukemia. WDR5-47 (IC50 = 0.3 MUM) was defined as a potent small molecule to
      disturb the interaction of MLL1-WDR5. Here, we described structure-based design
      and synthesis of small molecular inhibitors to block MLL1-WDR5 PPI. Especially,
      compound 23 (IC50 = 104 nM) was the most potent small molecular, and about 3
      times more potent than WDR5-47. We also discussed the SAR of these series of
      compounds with docking study, which may stimulate more potent compounds. 

PMID- 27116710
TI  - Combretastatin A-4 derived 5-(1-methyl-4-phenyl-imidazol-5-yl)indoles with
      superior cytotoxic and anti-vascular effects on chemoresistant cancer cells and
      tumors.
AB  - 5-(1-Methyl-4-phenyl-imidazol-5-yl)indoles 5 were prepared and tested as analogs
      of the natural vascular-disrupting agent combretastatin A-4 (CA-4). The 3-bromo
      4,5-dimethoxyphenyl derivative 5c was far more active than CA-4 with low
      nanomolar IC50 concentrations against multidrug-resistant KB-V1/Vbl cervix and
      MCF-7/Topo mamma carcinoma cells, and also against CA-4-resistant HT-29 colon
      carcinoma cells. While not interfering markedly with the polymerization of
      tubulin in vitro, indole 5c completely disrupted the microtubule cytoskeleton of
      cancer cells at low concentrations. It also destroyed real blood vessels, both in
      the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of fertilized chicken eggs and within tumor
      xenografts in mice, without harming embryo or mouse, respectively. Indole 5c was
      less toxic than CA-4 to endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and cardiomyocytes. In
      highly vascularized xenograft tumors 5c induced distinct discolorations and
      histological features typical of vascular-disrupting agents, such as disrupted
      vessel structures, hemorrhages, and extensive necrosis. In a first preliminary
      therapy trial, indole 5c retarded the growth of resistant xenograft tumors in
      mice. (c) 2016 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 

PMID- 27116711
TI  - Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of 3-thiocyanato-1H-indoles as potential
      anticancer agents.
AB  - A novel series of twenty 3-thiocyanato-1H-indoles, carrying diversification at
      positions N-1, C-2 and C-5 of the heterocyclic core, were synthesized; their
      antiproliferative activity against four human cancer cell lines (HL60, HEP-2, NCI
      H292 and MCF-7) was evaluated, employing doxorubicin as positive control. Indole,
      N-methylindole and 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-methylindole demonstrated to be
      essentially inactive, whereas several of their congener 3-thiocyanato-1H-indoles
      displayed good to excellent levels of potency (IC50 <= 6 MUM), while being non
      hemolytic. N-Phenyl-3-thiocyanato-1H-indole and 1-methyl-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3
      thiocyanato-1H-indole showed good to high potency against all the cell lines. On
      the other side, the N-(4-chlorophenyl)-, 2-(4-chlorophenyl)- and 2-phenyl- 3
      thiocyanato-1H-indole derivatives were slightly less active against the test cell
      lines. Overall, these results suggest that the indole-3-thiocyanate motif can be
      suitably decorated to afford highly cytotoxic compounds and that the substituted
      indole can be employed as a useful scaffold toward more potent compounds. 

PMID- 27116712
TI  - A dielectric barrier discharge ionization based interface for online coupling
      surface plasmon resonance with mass spectrometry.
AB  - The online combination of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) with mass spectrometry
      (MS) could be beneficial for accurately acquiring molecular interaction data
      simultaneously with their structural information at high throughputs. In this
      work, a novel SPR-MS interface was developed using a dielectric barrier discharge
      ionization (DBDI) source. The DBDI source was placed in front of the MS inlet,
      generating an ionization plasma jet. A spray tip was set between the DBDI source
      outlet and the MS inlet, nebulizing the SPR sample solution. Using this
      interface, samples could first be studied by SPR, then sprayed and ionized,
      finally analyzed by MS. By analyzing model samples containing small-molecule
      drugs dissolved in salt containing solutions, the practicability of this SPR-DBDI
      MS interface was proved, observing the consistent change of SPR and MS signals.
      Compared with our previously developed direct analysis in real time (DART) based
      SPR-MS interface, this new interface exhibited a higher and better tolerance to
      non-volatile salts, and different ionization capabilities for various samples.
      These results indicated that the interface could find further utilization in SPR
      MS studies especially when physiological conditions were needed. 

PMID- 27116713
TI  - Epigenetic mechanisms involved in modulation of inflammatory diseases.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The activation of inflammatory response is dependent upon
      genetic factors and epigenetic control mechanisms. This overview will highlight
      recent advances in the understanding of epigenetic dynamics during cellular
      inflammation. RECENT FINDINGS: There is a growing body of evidence indicating
      that alterations of the chromatin state associate with an increased risk of
      chronic disease development and inflammation. Epigenetic alterations respond
      rapidly to environmental changes and have a profound effect on gene regulatory
      cross-wirings and transcriptional regulation. SUMMARY: Systematic dissection of
      the mechanisms underlying epigenetic effects during inflammatory response is a
      critical step toward elucidation of the cell's molecular processes and holds
      potential for the development of novel therapies for the treatment of chronic
      diseases.

PMID- 27116714
TI  - Cognitive biases to appearance-related stimuli in body dissatisfaction: A
      systematic review.
AB  - Emerging literature has documented the presence of cognitive biases toward body
      image related stimuli among individuals with high levels of body image concerns
      compared to those with low levels of body image concerns. However, the robustness
      and nature of these cognitive biases are unclear. The aims of this study were to
      conduct a systematic literature search and perform a critical synthesis of
      studies examining the relationship between cognitive biases toward body image
      related stimuli and body image concerns. Our review identified 32 studies meeting
      inclusion criteria. Dot-probe, Stroop, free recall, and eye-tracking were among
      the most frequently used paradigms. The extant literature provides robust support
      for the presence of attention biases toward body image-related stimuli among
      individuals with high levels of body dissatisfaction compared to those with lower
      levels of concerns. Evidence was also found for the existence of judgment biases
      and memory biases. Furthermore, results suggest that body image-related cognitive
      biases, and levels of body dissatisfaction can be manipulated. Initial evidence
      was also found for differential patterns of biases toward "fat" and "thin"
      stimuli. These findings confirm the importance of considering cognitive biases
      within etiological models of body image concerns and suggest that these processes
      might provide novel treatment targets. 

PMID- 27116715
TI  - Misha Pless, MD, BAS.

PMID- 27116716
TI  - Multiple Sclerosis.

PMID- 27116717
TI  - Epidemiology of Multiple Sclerosis: From Risk Factors to Prevention-An Update.
AB  - Although genetic susceptibility explains the clustering of multiple sclerosis
      (MS) within families and the sharp decline in risk with increasing genetic
      distance, it cannot fully explain the geographical variations in MS frequency and
      the changes in risk that occur with migration, which support the action of strong
      environmental factors. Among these, vitamin D status, obesity in early life,
      infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, and cigarette smoking are the most
      consistent environmental predictors of MS risk. The authors review the
      epidemiological data, critically discuss the evidence for causality of these and
      other associations, and briefly review the possibility of interventions to reduce
      MS risk.

PMID- 27116718
TI  - Immunology of Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered a prototypic autoimmune disease of the
      central nervous system (CNS). A complex genetic background with the HLA-DR15
      haplotype as the main genetic risk factor and over 100 mostly immune-related
      minor risk alleles as well as several environmental factors contribute to the
      etiology of MS. With respect to pathomechanisms, autoimmune inflammation in early
      MS is primarily mediated by adaptive immune responses and involves autoreactive T
      cells, B cells, and antibodies, while the later, chronic stages of MS are
      characterized by a compartmentalized immune response in the CNS with activated
      microglia and macrophages. A host of immune cells and mediators can contribute to
      the autoimmune process, but CNS-related factors such as localization of lesions,
      vulnerability of oligodendrocytes, neurons/axons, and secondary metabolic changes
      all play a role in the heterogeneous expression of the disease, including
      different pathologic lesion patterns, neuroimaging findings, disease courses, and
      severity and response to treatment.

PMID- 27116719
TI  - Promising Oral Compounds for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: A Glance into
      the Future.
AB  - Recently, there have been major advances in the development of disease-modifying
      treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) and new promising treatment compounds are
      on the horizon. The available drugs mainly target inflammatory components of MS;
      hence, there is an urgent need for new treatment approaches that focus on the
      neurodegenerative aspects of the disease. Innovative study designs and biomarkers
      such as neurofilament light chain and brain atrophy measurement could help to
      identify neuroprotective treatments for the progressive phase of MS.Furthermore,
      there is increasing knowledge on the impact of dietary factors on MS (e.g.,
      vitamin D). Although their exact role in the pathophysiology of MS is unclear,
      there are first hints that they might modulate the disease course. Randomized
      studies are necessary to evaluate the value of substitution therapies for these
      dietary factors. In this review, the authors focus on promising oral compounds
      and dietary factors that are in the early development stages for the treatment of
      MS.

PMID- 27116720
TI  - Parenteral Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: The Advent of Monoclonal Antibodies.
AB  - Improved disease control is critical for enhancing the lives of those living with
      multiple sclerosis. With specific immunologic targets, monoclonal antibody (mAb)
      treatments are highly effective options for relapsing forms of multiple
      sclerosis. The mechanism, efficacy, and current safety profiles are detailed for
      the two mAb therapies, natalizumab and alemtuzumab, with regulatory approval in
      multiple countries. Daclizumab, which targets the interleukin-2 receptor, and
      ocrelizumab, which depletes B cells, have convincing phase 3 clinical trial data
      and may very well provide new options in the near future. Trial results of other
      B-cell-directed therapies, ofatumumab and rituximab, are reviewed. Less-frequent
      dosing of glatiramer acetate and interferon beta-1a highlight developments in the
      first generation of parenteral immunomodulatory therapy. Remyelination using mAbs
      has moved into clinical trials with the first agents, anti-LINGO-1, rHIgM22, and
      anti-SEMA 4D.

PMID- 27116721
TI  - Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurologic disease
      that is challenging to diagnose and treat. Although there are many clinical
      parallels between pediatric-onset MS and adult-onset MS, there is also
      accumulating evidence of distinguishing clinical features that may, in part,
      arise from development-specific, neuroimmune processes governing MS pathogenesis
      in children. Here the authors describe the clinical features, diagnosis, and
      treatment of pediatric MS, with a particular focus on describing clinical
      features and highlighting new developments that promise a better understanding of
      pediatric MS pathogenesis. An important task that lies ahead for pediatric
      neurologists is better understanding the early gene-environment interaction that
      precipitates the first demyelinating event in pediatric MS. This area is of
      particular importance for understanding the MS etiology and the natural history
      of pediatric MS. Such understanding should in turn inform new developments in
      diagnostic tools, long-term therapies, and much-needed biomarkers. Such
      biomarkers are not only valuable for defining the disease onset, but also for
      monitoring both the treatment response and a disease evolution that spans
      multiple decades in children with MS.

PMID- 27116722
TI  - Women's Issues in Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) typically affects 3 times more women than men during the
      reproductive years. The author describes what is known about the effects of
      various reproductive exposures on MS course, including menarche, childbearing,
      and menopause. Then, the management of childbearing is reviewed. Topics include
      preconception counseling, prenatal care, discontinuation of MS therapies, and
      management of postpartum relapses. Overall, most women with MS can be encouraged
      to become pregnant and breastfeed their children, should they choose to do so.

PMID- 27116723
TI  - Advanced Structural and Functional Brain MRI in Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the central nervous system is
      crucial for an early and reliable diagnosis and monitoring of patients with
      multiple sclerosis (MS). Focal white matter (WM) lesions, as detected by MRI, are
      the pathological hallmark of the disease and show some relation to clinical
      disability, especially in the long run. Gray matter (GM) involvement is evident
      from disease onset and includes focal (i.e., cortical lesions) and diffuse
      pathology (i.e., atrophy). Both accumulate over time and show close relation to
      physical disability and cognitive impairment. Using advanced quantitative MRI
      techniques such as magnetization transfer imaging (MTI), diffusion tensor imaging
      (DTI), proton MR spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS), and iron imaging, subtle MS pathology
      has been demonstrated from early stages outside focal WM lesions in the form of
      widespread abnormalities of the normal appearing WM and GM. In addition, studies
      using functional MRI have demonstrated that brain plasticity is driven by MS
      pathology, playing adaptive or maladaptive roles to neurologic and cognitive
      status and explaining, at least in part, the clinicoradiological paradox of MS.

PMID- 27116724
TI  - Optical Coherence Tomography in Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) has recently become a vital tool for
      clinicians and researchers in ophthalmology and, increasingly, in neurology.
      Optical coherence tomography is quickly and easily performed, well-tolerated by
      patients, and allows high-resolution viewing of unmyelinated axons and other
      retinal structures in vivo. These factors have led OCT to find favor as a method
      of quantifying neuroaxonal loss in multiple sclerosis (MS), and the increasing
      acceptance of the anterior visual pathway as a model to investigate MS in
      humans.In this short review, the authors discuss OCT findings in MS research, and
      the relationships of these structural findings with established functional
      outcome measures such as visual acuity and electrophysiological examinations. The
      utility of OCT in patients with acute optic neuritis is emphasized. Optical
      coherence tomography is a particularly powerful tool when the individual retinal
      layers are visualized and quantified following the segmentation of scans; this
      technique shows promise as a method for defining novel MS phenotypes.

PMID- 27116725
TI  - Vision Disturbances in Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Visual disturbances are frequently encountered in multiple sclerosis (MS), and
      include problems with how affected individuals see the world (afferent visual
      pathway symptoms) and how their eyes move together (efferent visual pathway
      disorders). Optic neuritis is the most common afferent visual pathway
      manifestation of MS, from which visual recovery is often incomplete. Visual field
      defects caused by lesions in the retrochiasmal or retrogeniculate regions of the
      afferent visual pathway also occur, albeit less frequently. Efferent visual
      pathway lesions causing ocular misalignment and nystagmus may lead to diplopia
      and oscillopsia, respectively. Vision loss has a major impact on perceptions
      regarding quality of life in MS. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to be
      able to identify and localize the underlying basis of visual disturbances to
      provide the best care possible for their patients.

PMID- 27116726
TI  - Neurorehabilitation Topics in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: From Outcome
      Measurements to Rehabilitation Interventions.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous
      system and the most common cause of nontraumatic disability in young adults. It
      is a heterogeneous disease associated with long-term disability, negatively
      influencing quality of life. Disease-modifying pharmacological therapies may
      decrease activity and progression of the disease, and symptomatic pharmacological
      treatments may reduce complaints to a certain extent; however, MS patients mostly
      still suffer from several neurologic deficits in the course of their disease.
      Consequently, specific comprehensive nonpharmacological rehabilitation
      interventions are needed to reduce disability to obtain better independence in
      activities of daily living, resulting in an optimal quality of life. Here the
      authors give an overview of the main sensorimotor symptoms in MS. Some of the
      most commonly used standardized outcome assessments are presented, and existing
      evidence-based motor rehabilitation strategies are described.

PMID- 27116728
TI  - Voiding Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis.

PMID- 27116727
TI  - Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical Manifestation, Neuroimaging
      Correlates, and Treatment.
AB  - Cognitive impairment is found in up to 70% of patients with multiple sclerosis
      (MS). Once thought of as a variant of subcortical dementia with a characteristic
      set of deficits, we now know that MS-related cognitive impairment can have many
      faces. This conceptual change in neuropsychology is embedded in a paradigm shift
      in the neuroscientific understanding of MS over the past 25 years: Partly based
      on modern neuroimaging techniques, the classical view of MS as an inflammatory
      demyelinating disease affecting the white matter of the central nervous system
      has been extended. In particular, many studies have shown that the MS pathology
      also includes neurodegeneration, and that gray matter structures such as the
      cerebral cortex can also show focal lesions, atrophy, or both. The authors
      present an updated summary of the clinical manifestation and neuroimaging
      correlates of cognitive impairment in MS, and discuss the relatively few
      treatment options available to date.

PMID- 27116730
TI  - Overcoming Long-Term Variability in Local Field Potentials Using an Adaptive
      Decoder.
AB  - Long-term variability remains one of the major hurdles in using intracortical
      recordings like local field potentials for brain computer interfaces (BCI).
      Practical neural decoders need to overcome time instability of neural signals to
      estimate subject behavior accurately and faithfully over the long term. This
      paper presents a novel decoder that 1) characterizes each behavioral task (i.e.,
      different movement directions under different force conditions) with multiple
      neural patterns and 2) adapts to the long-term variations in neural features by
      identifying the stable neural patterns. This adaptation can be performed in both
      an unsupervised and a semisupervised learning framework requiring minimal
      feedback from the user. To achieve generalization over time, the proposed decoder
      uses redundant sparse regression models that adapt to day-to-day variations in
      neural patterns. While this update requires no explicit feedback from the BCI
      user, any feedback (explicit or derived) to the BCI improves its performance.
      With this adaptive decoder, we investigated the effects of long-term neural
      modulation especially when subjects encountered new external forces against
      movement. The proposed decoder predicted eight hand-movement directions with an
      accuracy of 95% over two weeks (when there was no external forces); and 85% in
      later acquisition sessions spanning up to 42 days (when the monkeys countered
      external field forces). Since the decoder can operate with or without manual
      intervention, it could alleviate user frustration associated with BCI.

PMID- 27116731
TI  - MARCOnI-ConvNet-Based MARker-Less Motion Capture in Outdoor and Indoor Scenes.
AB  - Marker-less motion capture has seen great progress, but most state-of-the-art
      approaches fail to reliably track articulated human body motion with a very low
      number of cameras, let alone when applied in outdoor scenes with general
      background. In this paper, we propose a method for accurate marker-less capture
      of articulated skeleton motion of several subjects in general scenes, indoors and
      outdoors, even from input filmed with as few as two cameras. The new algorithm
      combines the strengths of a discriminative image-based joint detection method
      with a model-based generative motion tracking algorithm through an unified pose
      optimization energy. The discriminative part-based pose detection method is
      implemented using Convolutional Networks (ConvNet) and estimates unary potentials
      for each joint of a kinematic skeleton model. These unary potentials serve as the
      basis of a probabilistic extraction of pose constraints for tracking by using
      weighted sampling from a pose posterior that is guided by the model. In the final
      energy, we combine these constraints with an appearance-based model-to-image
      similarity term. Poses can be computed very efficiently using iterative local
      optimization, since joint detection with a trained ConvNet is fast, and since our
      formulation yields a combined pose estimation energy with analytic derivatives.
      In combination, this enables to track full articulated joint angles at state-of
      the-art accuracy and temporal stability with a very low number of cameras. Our
      method is efficient and lends itself to implementation on parallel computing
      hardware, such as GPUs. We test our method extensively and show its advantages
      over related work on many indoor and outdoor data sets captured by ourselves, as
      well as data sets made available to the community by other research labs. The
      availability of good evaluation data sets is paramount for scientific progress,
      and many existing test data sets focus on controlled indoor settings, do not
      feature much variety in the scenes, and often lack a large corpus of data with
      ground truth annotation. We therefore further contribute with a new extensive
      test data set called MPI-MARCOnI for indoor and outdoor marker-less motion
      capture that features 12 scenes of varying complexity and varying camera count,
      and that features ground truth reference data from different modalities, ranging
      from manual joint annotations to marker-based motion capture results. Our new
      method is tested on these data, and the data set will be made available to the
      community.

PMID- 27116732
TI  - Real-Time Simultaneous Pose and Shape Estimation for Articulated Objects Using a
      Single Depth Camera.
AB  - In this paper we present a novel real-time algorithm for simultaneous pose and
      shape estimation for articulated objects, such as human beings and animals. The
      key of our pose estimation component is to embed the articulated deformation
      model with exponential-maps-based parametrization into a Gaussian Mixture Model.
      Benefiting from this probabilistic measurement model, our algorithm requires no
      explicit point correspondences as opposed to most existing methods. Consequently,
      our approach is less sensitive to local minimum and handles fast and complex
      motions well. Moreover, our novel shape adaptation algorithm based on the same
      probabilistic model automatically captures the shape of the subjects during the
      dynamic pose estimation process. The personalized shape model in turn improves
      the tracking accuracy. Furthermore, we propose novel approaches to use either a
      mesh model or a sphere-set model as the template for both pose and shape
      estimation under this unified framework. Extensive evaluations on publicly
      available data sets demonstrate that our method outperforms most state-of-the-art
      pose estimation algorithms with large margin, especially in the case of
      challenging motions. Furthermore, our shape estimation method achieves comparable
      accuracy with state of the arts, yet requires neither statistical shape model nor
      extra calibration procedure. Our algorithm is not only accurate but also fast, we
      have implemented the entire processing pipeline on GPU. It can achieve up to 60
      frames per second on a middle-range graphics card.

PMID- 27116733
TI  - Bayesian Modeling of Temporal Coherence in Videos for Entity Discovery and
      Summarization.
AB  - A video is understood by users in terms of entities present in it. Entity
      Discovery is the task of building appearance model for each entity (e.g., a
      person), and finding all its occurrences in the video. We represent a video as a
      sequence of tracklets, each spanning 10-20 frames, and associated with one
      entity. We pose Entity Discovery as tracklet clustering, and approach it by
      leveraging Temporal Coherence (TC): the property that temporally neighboring
      tracklets are likely to be associated with the same entity. Our major
      contributions are the first Bayesian nonparametric models for TC at tracklet
      level. We extend Chinese Restaurant Process (CRP) to TC-CRP, and further to
      Temporally Coherent Chinese Restaurant Franchise (TC-CRF) to jointly model
      entities and temporal segments using mixture components and sparse distributions.
      For discovering persons in TV serial videos without meta-data like scripts, these
      methods show considerable improvement over state-of-the-art approaches to
      tracklet clustering in terms of clustering accuracy, cluster purity and entity
      coverage. The proposed methods can perform online tracklet clustering on
      streaming videos unlike existing approaches, and can automatically reject false
      tracklets. Finally we discuss entity-driven video summarization- where temporal
      segments of the video are selected based on the discovered entities, to create a
      semantically meaningful summary.

PMID- 27116734
TI  - Speckle Reduction in 3D Optical Coherence Tomography of Retina by A-Scan
      Reconstruction.
AB  - Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a micrometer-scale, cross-sectional imaging
      modality for biological tissue. It has been widely used for retinal imaging in
      ophthalmology. Speckle noise is problematic in OCT. A raw OCT image/volume
      usually has very poor image quality due to speckle noise, which often obscures
      the retinal structures. Overlapping scan is often used for speckle reduction in a
      2D line-scan. However, it leads to an increase of the data acquisition time.
      Therefore, it is unpractical in 3D scan as it requires a much longer data
      acquisition time. In this paper, we propose a new method for speckle reduction in
      3D OCT. The proposed method models each A -scan as the sum of underlying clean A 
      scan and noise. Based on the assumption that neighboring A -scans are highly
      similar in the retina, the method reconstructs each A -scan from its neighboring
      scans. In the method, the neighboring A -scans are aligned/registered to the A 
      scan to be reconstructed and form a matrix together. Then low rank matrix
      completion using bilateral random projection is utilized to iteratively estimate
      the noise and recover the underlying clean A -scan. The proposed method is
      evaluated through the mean square error, peak signal to noise ratio and the mean
      structure similarity index using high quality line-scan images as reference.
      Experimental results show that the proposed method performs better than other
      methods. In addition, the subsequent retinal layer segmentation also shows that
      the proposed method makes the automatic retinal layer segmentation more accurate.
      The technology can be embedded into current OCT machines to enhance the image
      quality for visualization and subsequent analysis such as retinal layer
      segmentation.

PMID- 27116736
TI  - Ultrasonic Defect Characterization in Heavy Rotor Forgings by Means of the
      Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique and Optimization Methods.
AB  - Ultrasonic nondestructive testing of steel forgings aims at the detection and
      classification of material inhomogeneities to ensure the components fitness for
      use. Due to the high price and safety critical nature of large forgings for
      turbomachinery, there is great interest in the application of imaging algorithms
      to inspection data. However, small flaw indications that cannot be sufficiently
      resolved have to be characterized using amplitude-based quantification. One such
      method is the distance gain size method, which converts the maximum echo
      amplitudes into the diameters of penny-shaped equivalent size reflectors. The
      approach presented in this contribution combines the synthetic aperture focusing
      technique (SAFT) with an iterative inversion scheme to locate and quantify small
      flaws in a more reliable way. Ultrasonic inspection data obtained in a pulse-echo
      configuration are reconstructed by means of an Synthetic Focusing Technique
      (SAFT). From the reconstructed data, the amount and approximate location of small
      flaws are extracted. These predetermined positions, along with the constrained
      defect model of a penny-shaped crack, provide the initial parametrization for an
      elastodynamic simulation based on the Kirchhoff approximation. The identification
      of the optimal parameter set is achieved through an iteratively regularized Gauss
      Newton method. By testing the characterization method on a series of flat-bottom
      holes under laboratory conditions, we demonstrate that the procedure is
      applicable over a wide range of defect sizes. To show suitability for large
      forging inspection, we additionally evaluate the inspection data of a large
      generator shaft forging of 0.6-m diameter.

PMID- 27116735
TI  - Multi-Objective Memetic Search for Robust Motion and Distortion Correction in
      Diffusion MRI.
AB  - Effective image-based artifact correction is an essential step in the analysis of
      diffusion MR images. Many current approaches are based on retrospective
      registration, which becomes challenging in the realm of high b -values and low
      signal-to-noise ratio, rendering the corresponding correction schemes more and
      more ineffective. We propose a novel registration scheme based on memetic search
      optimization that allows for simultaneous exploitation of different signal
      intensity relationships between the images, leading to more robust registration
      results. We demonstrate the increased robustness and efficacy of our method on
      simulated as well as in vivo datasets. In contrast to the state-of-art methods,
      the median target registration error (TRE) stayed below the voxel size even for
      high b -values (3000 s .mm-2 and higher) and low SNR conditions. We also
      demonstrate the increased precision in diffusion-derived quantities by evaluating
      Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) derived measures on a
      in vivo dataset with severe motion artifacts. These promising results will
      potentially inspire further studies on metaheuristic optimization in diffusion
      MRI artifact correction and image registration in general.

PMID- 27116737
TI  - Phase and Amplitude Modulation Methods for Nonlinear Ultrasound Imaging With
      CMUTs.
AB  - Conventional amplitude and phase modulated pulse sequences for selective imaging
      of nonlinear tissue and ultrasound contrast agents are designed for piezoelectric
      transducers that behave linearly. Inherent nonlinearity of capacitive
      micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs), especially during large-signal
      operation, renders these methods inapplicable. In this paper, we present
      different pulse sequences for nonlinear imaging that are valid for small- and
      large-signal CMUT operations. For small-signal operation, two-pulse amplitude and
      phase modulation methods for microbubble and tissue harmonic imaging are
      presented, where CMUT nonlinearity is compensated via subharmonic excitation. In
      the large-signal regime, using a nonlinear model, we first show that there is a
      simple linear relationship between the phases of each harmonic distortion
      component generated and the input drive signal. Based on this observation, we
      demonstrate a pulse sequence using N+1 consecutive phase modulated transmit
      events to extract N harmonics of the nonlinear contrast agent echo content
      uncorrupted by CMUT nonlinearity. The proposed methods assume no apriori
      information about the transducer and, therefore, are applicable to any CMUT. The
      phase modulation method is also valid for piezoelectric transducers and systems
      with nonlinearities described by Taylor series where the same phase relationship
      between the input signal and the harmonic content is valid. The proof of
      principle experiments using a commercial contrast agent validates the phase
      modulated pulse sequences for CMUTs, operating in a highly nonlinear collapse
      snapback mode and for piezoelectric transducers.

PMID- 27116738
TI  - Direct Digital Demultiplexing of Analog TDM Signals for Cable Reduction in
      Ultrasound Imaging Catheters.
AB  - In real-time catheter-based 3-D ultrasound imaging applications, gathering data
      from the transducer arrays is difficult, as there is a restriction on cable count
      due to the diameter of the catheter. Although area and power hungry multiplexing
      circuits integrated at the catheter tip are used in some applications, these are
      unsuitable for use in small sized catheters for applications, such as
      intracardiac imaging. Furthermore, the length requirement for catheters and
      limited power available to on-chip cable drivers leads to limited signal strength
      at the receiver end. In this paper, an alternative approach using analog time
      division multiplexing (TDM) is presented, which addresses the cable restrictions
      of ultrasound catheters. A novel digital demultiplexing technique is also
      described, which allows for a reduction in the number of analog signal processing
      stages required. The TDM and digital demultiplexing schemes are demonstrated for
      an intracardiac imaging system that would operate in the 4- to 11-MHz range. A
      TDM integrated circuit (IC) with an 8:1 multiplexer is interfaced with a fast
      analog-to-digital converter (ADC) through a microcoaxial catheter cable bundle,
      and processed with a field-programmable gate array register-transfer level
      simulation. Input signals to the TDM IC are recovered with -40-dB crosstalk
      between the channels on the same microcoax, showing the feasibility of this
      system for ultrasound imaging applications.

PMID- 27116742
TI  - Adaptive Quantization Parameter Cascading in HEVC Hierarchical Coding.
AB  - The state-of-the-art High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard adopts a
      hierarchical coding structure to improve its coding efficiency. This allows for
      the quantization parameter cascading (QPC) scheme that assigns quantization
      parameters (Qps) to different hierarchical layers in order to further improve the
      rate-distortion (RD) performance. However, only static QPC schemes have been
      suggested in HEVC test model, which are unable to fully explore the potentials of
      QPC. In this paper, we propose an adaptive QPC scheme for an HEVC hierarchical
      structure to code natural video sequences characterized by diversified textures,
      motions, and encoder configurations. We formulate the adaptive QPC scheme as a
      non-linear programming problem and solve it in a scientifically sound way with a
      manageable low computational overhead. The proposed model addresses a generic Qp
      assignment problem of video coding. Therefore, it also applies to group-of
      picture-level, frame-level and coding unit-level Qp assignments. Comprehensive
      experiments have demonstrated that the proposed QPC scheme is able to adapt
      quickly to different video contents and coding configurations while achieving
      noticeable RD performance enhancement over all static and adaptive QPC schemes
      under comparison as well as HEVC default frame-level rate control. We have also
      made valuable observations on the distributions of adaptive QPC sets in the
      videos of different types of contents, which provide useful insights on how to
      further improve static QPC schemes.

PMID- 27116747
TI  - Ion Channel Based Bio-Synthetic Modulator for Diffusive Molecular Communication.
AB  - In diffusion-based molecular communication (DMC), a transmitter nanomachine is
      responsible for signal modulation. Thereby, the transmitter has to be able to
      control the release of the signaling molecules employed for representing the
      transmitted information. In nature, an important class of control mechanisms for
      releasing molecules from cells utilizes ion channels which are pore-forming
      proteins across the cell membrane. The opening and closing of the ion channels is
      controlled by a gating parameter. In this paper, an ion channel based modulator
      for DMC is proposed which controls the rate of molecule release from the
      transmitter by modulating a gating parameter signal. Exploiting the capabilities
      of the proposed modulator, an on-off keying modulation technique is introduced
      and the corresponding average modulated signal, i.e., the average release rate of
      the molecules from the transmitter, is analyzed. However, since the modulated
      signal is random in nature, it may deviate from its average. Therefore, the
      concept of modulator noise is introduced and the statistics of the modulated
      signal are investigated. Finally, by assuming a simple transparent receiver, the
      performance of the proposed on-off keying modulation format is studied. The
      derived analytical expressions for the average modulated signal are confirmed
      with particle based simulations. Our numerical results reveal that performance
      estimates of DMC systems obtained based on the assumption of instantaneous
      molecule release at the transmitter may substantially deviate from the
      performance achieved with practical modulators.

PMID- 27116750
TI  - Low-Power, 8-Channel EEG Recorder and Seizure Detector ASIC for a Subdermal
      Implantable System.
AB  - EEG remains the mainstay test for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with
      epilepsy. Unfortunately, ambulatory EEG systems are far from ideal for patients
      who have infrequent seizures. These systems only last up to 3 days and if a
      seizure is not captured during the recordings, a definite diagnosis of the
      patient's condition cannot be given. This work aims to address this need by
      proposing a subdermal implantable, eight-channel EEG recorder and seizure
      detector that has two modes of operation: diagnosis and seizure counting. In the
      diagnosis mode, EEG is continuously recorded until a number of seizures are
      recorded. In the seizure counting mode, the system uses a low-power algorithm to
      track the number of seizures a patient has, providing doctors with a reliable
      count to help determine medication efficacy or other clinical endpoint. An ASIC
      that implements the EEG recording and seizure detection algorithm was designed
      and fabricated in a 0.18 MUm CMOS process. The ASIC includes eight EEG channels
      and is designed to minimize the system's power and size. The result is a power
      efficient analog front end that requires 2.75 MUW per channel in diagnosis mode
      and 0.84 MUW per channel in seizure counting mode. Both modes have an input
      referred noise of approximately 1.1 MUVrms.

PMID- 27116751
TI  - A Multi-User Surface Visuo-Haptic Display Using Electrostatic Friction Modulation
      and Capacitive-Type Position Sensing.
AB  - This paper proposes a visuo-haptic feedback system that can provide haptic
      feedback to multiple users on an LCD monitor using electrostatic adhesion and
      built-in capacitive sensors. The prototype system consists of a 40-inch LCD
      monitor, an ITO electrode sheet arranged on the monitor, and multiple contact
      pads for electrostatic adhesion. By applying low-frequency haptic voltage and
      high-frequency sensing voltage to each pad, the system realizes passive haptic
      feedback, as well as position sensing using the same components. The passive
      haptic feedback force exceeds 1 N at 300 V rms. The performance of the sensing
      system is investigated in terms of interference, which shows the haptic voltage
      and existence of multiple pads can affect the sensing and can shift the output by
      a few millimeters. A pilot application, virtual hockey game, successfully
      demonstrates the sensing and haptic rendering capability of the proposed system.
      The effect of the interference on the demonstration is discussed.

PMID- 27116752
TI  - Pseudo-Haptic Feedback in Teleoperation.
AB  - In this paper, we develop possible realizations of pseudo-haptic feedback in
      teleoperation systems based on existing works for pseudo-haptic feedback in
      virtual reality and the intended applications. We derive four potential factors
      affecting the performance of haptic feedback (calculation operator, maximum
      displacement, offset force, and scaling factor), which are analyzed in three
      compliance identification experiments. First, we analyze the principle usability
      of pseudo-haptic feedback by comparing information transfer measures for
      teleoperation and direct interaction. Pseudo-haptic interaction yields well above
      chance performance, while direct interaction performs almost perfectly. In order
      to optimize pseudo-haptic feedback, in the second study we perform a full
      factorial experimental design with 36 subjects performing 6,480 trials with 36
      different treatments. Information transfer ranges from 0.68 bit to 1.72 bit in a
      task with a theoretical maximum of 2.6 bit, with a predominant effect of the
      calculation operator and a minor effect of the maximum displacement. In a third
      study, short- and long-term learning effects are analyzed. Learning effects
      regarding the performance of pseudo-haptic feedback cannot be observed for single
      day experiments. Tests over 10 days show a maximum increase in information
      transfer of 0.8 bit. The results show the feasibility of pseudo-haptic feedback
      for teleoperation and can be used as design basis for task-specific systems.

PMID- 27116755
TI  - Railway Track Circuit Fault Diagnosis Using Recurrent Neural Networks.
AB  - Timely detection and identification of faults in railway track circuits are
      crucial for the safety and availability of railway networks. In this paper, the
      use of the long-short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network is proposed to
      accomplish these tasks based on the commonly available measurement signals. By
      considering the signals from multiple track circuits in a geographic area, faults
      are diagnosed from their spatial and temporal dependences. A generative model is
      used to show that the LSTM network can learn these dependences directly from the
      data. The network correctly classifies 99.7% of the test input sequences, with no
      false positive fault detections. In addition, the t-Distributed Stochastic
      Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) method is used to examine the resulting network,
      further showing that it has learned the relevant dependences in the data.
      Finally, we compare our LSTM network with a convolutional network trained on the
      same task. From this comparison, we conclude that the LSTM network architecture
      is better suited for the railway track circuit fault detection and identification
      tasks than the convolutional network.

PMID- 27116756
TI  - Perceptually Guided Photo Retargeting.
AB  - We propose perceptually guided photo retargeting, which shrinks a photo by
      simulating a human's process of sequentially perceiving visually/semantically
      important regions in a photo. In particular, we first project the local features
      (graphlets in this paper) onto a semantic space, wherein visual cues such as
      global spatial layout and rough geometric context are exploited. Thereafter, a
      sparsity-constrained learning algorithm is derived to select semantically
      representative graphlets of a photo, and the selecting process can be interpreted
      by a path which simulates how a human actively perceives semantics in a photo.
      Furthermore, we learn the prior distribution of such active graphlet paths (AGPs)
      from training photos that are marked as esthetically pleasing by multiple users.
      The learned priors enforce the corresponding AGP of a retargeted photo to be
      maximally similar to those from the training photos. On top of the retargeting
      model, we further design an online learning scheme to incrementally update the
      model with new photos that are esthetically pleasing. The online update module
      makes the algorithm less dependent on the number and contents of the initial
      training data. Experimental results show that: 1) the proposed AGP is over 90%
      consistent with human gaze shifting path, as verified by the eye-tracking data,
      and 2) the retargeting algorithm outperforms its competitors significantly, as
      AGP is more indicative of photo esthetics than conventional saliency maps.

PMID- 27116758
TI  - Data-Driven Tracking Control With Adaptive Dynamic Programming for a Class of
      Continuous-Time Nonlinear Systems.
AB  - A data-driven adaptive tracking control approach is proposed for a class of
      continuous-time nonlinear systems using a recent developed goal representation
      heuristic dynamic programming (GrHDP) architecture. The major focus of this paper
      is on designing a multivariable tracking scheme, including the filter-based
      action network (FAN) architecture, and the stability analysis in continuous-time
      fashion. In this design, the FAN is used to observe the system function, and then
      generates the corresponding control action together with the reference signals.
      The goal network will provide an internal reward signal adaptively based on the
      current system states and the control action. This internal reward signal is
      assigned as the input for the critic network, which approximates the cost
      function over time. We demonstrate its improved tracking performance in
      comparison with the existing heuristic dynamic programming (HDP) approach under
      the same parameter and environment settings. The simulation results of the
      multivariable tracking control on two examples have been presented to show that
      the proposed scheme can achieve better control in terms of learning speed and
      overall performance.

PMID- 27116759
TI  - Adaptive Leader-Following Consensus for Second-Order Time-Varying Nonlinear
      Multiagent Systems.
AB  - The leader-following consensus problem is investigated for second-order time
      varying nonlinear multiagent systems with unmodeled dynamics and unknown
      parameters over directed communication topology. Under the assumption that the
      unknown nonlinearities satisfy Lipschitz conditions with time-varying gains, a
      local adaptive law is introduced for the design of consensus protocol that enable
      all followers' state variables to consensus with that of leader asymptotically.
      The proposed protocols are independent of system parameters and only require the
      relative state information of its neighbors, and hence they are fully
      distributed. Simulation examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the
      theoretical results.

PMID- 27116760
TI  - Maximum Margin of Twin Spheres Support Vector Machine for Imbalanced Data
      Classification.
AB  - Twin support vector machine (TSVM) finds two nonparallel planes by solving a pair
      of smaller-sized quadratic programming problems (QPPs) rather than a single large
      one as in the conventional support vector machine (SVM); this makes the learning
      speed of TSVM approximately four times faster than that of the standard SVM. One
      major limitation of TSVM is that it involves an expensive matrix inverse
      operation when solving the dual problem. In addition, TSVM is less effective when
      dealing with the imbalanced data. In this paper, we propose a maximum margin of
      twin spheres support vector machine (MMTSSVM) for imbalanced data classification.
      MMTSSVM only needs to find two homocentric spheres. On one hand, the small sphere
      captures as many samples in the majority class as possible; on the other hand,
      the large sphere pushes out most samples in the minority class by increasing the
      margin between two homocentric spheres. MMTSSVM involves a QPP and a linear
      programming problem as opposed to a pair of QPPs as in classical TSVM or a larger
      sized QPP in SVM, thus it greatly increases the computational speed. More
      importantly, MMTSSVM avoids the matrix inverse operation. The property of
      parameters in MMTSSVM is discussed and testified by one artificial experiment.
      Experimental results on nine benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of
      the proposed MMTSSVM in comparison with state-of-the-art algorithms. Finally, we
      apply MMTSSVM into Alzheimer's disease medical experiment and also obtain a
      better experimental result.

PMID- 27116762
TI  - Child and Adult Care Food Program: Meal Pattern Revisions Related to   the
      Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Final rule.
AB  - This final rule updates the meal pattern requirements for the Child and Adult
      Care Food Program to better align them with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,
      as required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. This rule requires
      centers and day care homes participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program
      to serve more whole grains and a greater variety of vegetables and fruit, and
      reduces the amount of added sugars and solid fats in meals. In addition, this
      final rule supports mothers who breastfeed and improves consistency with the
      Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and with
      other Child Nutrition Programs. Several of the changes are extended to the
      National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and Special Milk
      Program. These changes are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, science
      based recommendations made by the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the
      Institute of Medicine of the National Academies), cost and practical
      considerations, and stakeholder's input. This is the first major revision of the
      Child and Adult Care Food Program meal patterns since the Program's inception in
      1968. These improvements to the meals served in the Child and Adult Care Food
      Program are expected to safeguard the health of young children by ensuring
      healthy eating habits are developed early, and improve the wellness of adult
      participants.

PMID- 27116761
TI  - Contrast-ing opinions: biparametric versus multiparametric prostate MRI.

PMID- 27116763
TI  - Access to Health Insurance.

PMID- 27116764
TI  - Access to Health Insurance: State Children's Health Insurance Program.

PMID- 27116765
TI  - Business of Health: Business of Health Insurance.

PMID- 27116766
TI  - Business of Health: Business of Healthcare.

PMID- 27116767
TI  - Emergency Care.

PMID- 27116768
TI  - Healthcare Facilities.

PMID- 27116769
TI  - Healthcare Workforce.

PMID- 27116770
TI  - Healthcare Information Technology.

PMID- 27116771
TI  - Medical Errors and Patient Safety: Reducing Medical Errors and Improving Patient
      Safety.

PMID- 27116772
TI  - Medical Malpractice and Tort Reform.

PMID- 27116774
TI  - Healthcare Reform: Enforcement and Compliance.

PMID- 27116773
TI  - Quality of Healthcare.

PMID- 27116775
TI  - Healthcare Reform: Administrative Rulemaking.

PMID- 27116776
TI  - Healthcare Reform: Delivery Reform.

PMID- 27116777
TI  - Healthcare Reform: Insurance Market Reform.

PMID- 27116778
TI  - Healthcare Reform: Payment Reform.

PMID- 27116779
TI  - Healthcare Reform: State Specific Responses.

PMID- 27116780
TI  - Managed Care.

PMID- 27116781
TI  - Mandated Benefits.

PMID- 27116782
TI  - Long-Term Care: End-Of-Life Issues.

PMID- 27116783
TI  - Long-Term Care: Funding of Long-Term Care.

PMID- 27116784
TI  - Long-Term Care: Facility Quality and Safety.

PMID- 27116785
TI  - Long-Term Care: Home and Community-Based Services Year-End Report--2015.

PMID- 27116786
TI  - Medicaid Copayments.

PMID- 27116787
TI  - Medicaid Provider Tax.

PMID- 27116788
TI  - Benefits and Services.

PMID- 27116789
TI  - [2015 Medicaid Eligibility 50-State Survey Findings].

PMID- 27116790
TI  - Federal Medicaid Policy.

PMID- 27116791
TI  - Medicaid Reimbursement.

PMID- 27116792
TI  - Medicaid Restructuring.

PMID- 27116793
TI  - Medicaid Waivers.

PMID- 27116794
TI  - Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: Cost Savings.

PMID- 27116795
TI  - Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: Medicare Part D.

PMID- 27116796
TI  - Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: Business Practices.

PMID- 27116797
TI  - Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices: FDA Oversight.

PMID- 27116798
TI  - Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: Medical Devices.

PMID- 27116799
TI  - Trinity Health Offers Patient Payment Options and Reduces A/R Days.

PMID- 27116800
TI  - Make Your Patient Statements Work Harder.

PMID- 27116801
TI  - Millennials Set Pace for Healthcare and Revenue Cycle Management.

PMID- 27116802
TI  - Predictors of severe sepsis among patients hospitalized for community-acquired
      pneumonia.

PMID- 27116804
TI  - Increasing evidence supports the need for multiplex testing of sexually
      transmitted infections.

PMID- 27116805
TI  - Point-of-care testing and its implications for STIs.

PMID- 27116803
TI  - Hepatitis C: challenges and opportunities in the laboratory diagnosis of
      infection.

PMID- 27116806
TI  - Molecular diagnostics, automation, and enhancing lab workflow.

PMID- 27116807
TI  - The case for RFID in blood banking.

PMID- 27116808
TI  - Emerging education program assists cytotechnologists in a changing landscape.

PMID- 27116810
TI  - Lab sales compensation: contexts and considerations.

PMID- 27116809
TI  - MLO exclusive report: The 2016 laboratory professional annual salary survey.

PMID- 27116812
TI  - President's Perspective.

PMID- 27116813
TI  - Case of the Month. Cleidocranial Dysplasia.

PMID- 27116814
TI  - Preoperative Continuation of Aspirin with Appropriate Hemostatic Measure is
      Currently Recommended (UT CAT #2850).

PMID- 27116815
TI  - A Guiding Star in My Dental Journey.

PMID- 27116816
TI  - One Person Can Make a Difference.

PMID- 27116817
TI  - His Gold Texas Pin.

PMID- 27116818
TI  - His Immeasurable Guidance.

PMID- 27116819
TI  - It's Not What You Know, but Who You Know.

PMID- 27116820
TI  - A Father's Influence.

PMID- 27116821
TI  - A Life of Giving: A Life of Paying It Forward.

PMID- 27116822
TI  - Working With Professionals.

PMID- 27116823
TI  - When You Learn, Teach.

PMID- 27116824
TI  - If You're Lucky, Your Answer is Yes.

PMID- 27116825
TI  - A Genuine Love for Students.

PMID- 27116826
TI  - HOW TO DEAL WITH BAD REVIEWS, SPOT A SCAM, and Which Revew Sites Matter Most to
      Your Online Reputation.

PMID- 27116827
TI  - The Pediatric Dental Patient.

PMID- 27116828
TI  - [THE PERSPECTIVES OF DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH CARE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION].
AB  - The article considers actual conditions and characteristics of reformation of
      health care of Russia. The comparison is applied to such sectoral aspects as
      decentralization, medical care accessibility, public sector of health care,
      health of healthy population, resources distribution, medical insurance, paid
      medical services, etc. The comprehensive approach is proposed to resolving
      problems of national health care and alternatives of main direction of sectoral
      development.

PMID- 27116829
TI  - [THE MORBIDITY OF POPULATION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION: GEOGRAPHIC
      CHARACTERISTICS].
AB  - The article considers the results of analysis of characteristics of morbidity of
      population residing in various geographic conditions of the Russian Federation.
      The comparison was applied to morbidity of residents of subjects of the Russian
      Federation residing approximately at the levels of 50 and 60 of northern
      longitude according data of 2008-2013. The average annual size of population of
      the Northern territories amounted to 8,994,112 and in the southern territories
      32,600,569. The maximal differences are noted in relation to diseases of
      respiratory organs and congenital abnormalities of blood circulation system.
      Actually, indicators of morbidity of diseases of cardiovascular system and
      ischemic heart diseases had no differences. The rest of analyzed indicators
      differed on 10-40% towards higher values in the Northern regions. The exception
      included cerebrovascular diseases with morbidity higher in southern territories
      up to 11% than in northern territories.

PMID- 27116830
TI  - [THE CRISIS PHENOMENA AND HEALTH].
AB  - The analysis was carried out concerning impact of cyclicity of social economic
      development on population health of the Russian Federation. The conclusions are
      made related to necessity of determining priorities of development of national
      system of population health care.

PMID- 27116831
TI  - [THE SOCIAL HYGIENE AS A PHENOMENON OF SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION IN MEDICINE OF LATE
      XIX--FIRST HALF XX CENTURIES].
AB  - The article presents results of analysis of works of late XIX--first quarter of
      XY centuries devoted to problems of social hygiene. It is established that origin
      of social hygiene was directly related to crucial revision of conceptions of
      causes and essence of diseases that created necessary conditions for transfer
      into medicine ideas and methods of political economy, sociology and eugenics. It
      is proved that origin of social hygiene was appropriate consequence of those
      crucial alterations in mass physician's consciousness that characterize
      scientific revolution in medicine of late XIX--first half XX centuries.

PMID- 27116832
TI  - [THE STATE OF TRAFFIC TRAUMATISM ACCORDING DATA OF OFFICIAL MEDICAL STATISTICS].
AB  - The article presents situation with traffic accident traumatism and medical care
      support of victims of traffic accidents at pre-hospital and hospital stages. The
      recommendations are proposed concerning insertion of additions into reporting
      forms of federal (sectoral) monitoring to guarantee fullness of information.

PMID- 27116833
TI  - [THE HEALTH OF PARAMEDICAL PERSONNEL AND IMPACTING FACTORS].
AB  - The article presents results of sociological survey of 650 paramedical personnel.
      It is established that 37% out ofthem suffer from chronic diseases. The given
      indicator is reliably higher in patients of elder age having three and more
      children and low income. The relationship is established between health level and
      opinions ofparamedicalpersonnel about public significance ofprofession
      availability of conflicts with physicians and labor loads. The signs of emotional
      burnout syndrome have 77.8-83.3% of respondents according different techniques.

PMID- 27116834
TI  - [THE RESULTS OF ANALYSIS OF MORBIDITY OF URBAN FEMALE POPULATION ACCORDING DATA
      OF APPEALABILITY TO MEDICAL ORGANIZATION].
AB  - The article presents analysis of primary morbidity according data of
      appealability to polyclinic in 2009-2013. It is established that indicator
      increased up to 7.7% mainly at the expense of neoplasms, diseases of blood
      circulation system, musculo-skeletal system and nervous system. The first rank
      positions in primarily morbidity among women were placed by diseases of
      respiratory organs, urogenital system and blood circulation system. In age groups
      of less than 30 years, 30-39 years and 40-49 years diseases of respiratory
      system, urogenital system registered more frequently. In age groups of 50-59
      years, 60-69 years and 70 years and older diseases of blood circulation system,
      musculo-skeletal system and digestive system registered more frequently. The
      visits of women to polyclinic because of diseases were the least during summer
      period The number of visits were approximately the same during autumn and spring
      time. Besides, number of visits because of diseases was the least in December and
      January.

PMID- 27116835
TI  - [THE ANALYSIS OF LIFE SPAN AND MORTALITY OF PATIENTS WITH SPINOCEREBELLAR ATAXIA
      TYPE I].
AB  - The article presents results of investigation of certain unclear aspects of
      mortality of patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type I including patients with
      the same number of CAG-repetitions. The analysis of mortality of patients
      observed from 1993 to nowadays was implemented. Sampling included 112 patients
      during that period 53 patients died. The comparative analysis was implemented
      concerning received data and results of analysis of mortality of patients died
      prior to 1980. According received data, average value of CAG-repetitions of
      normal allele was equal to 30.2, and ofpathologic allele--48.7. The average life
      span made up to 52.8 years, average age of disease onset--38 years and natural
      duration of disease--14.8 years. The analysis of life span of patients with equal
      length of repetitions demonstrated that range of life span of patients makes up
      to from 8 to 23 years. It is established that life of patients becomes shorter
      because of accidents, cancer and concomitant diseases of cardiovascular system.
      The presence of such concomitant disease as tuberculosis of lungs results in no
      shortening of life of patients. The comparative analysis of mortality during the
      period over 34 years demonstrated that age of disease onset turned out to be more
      conservative and stable indicator of morbidity. Despite of lacking of effective
      methods of treatment of disease, the natural duration of disease increased
      statistically reliable up to 1.8 times during period of observation. The analysis
      of life span ofpatients with spinocerebellar ataxia type I demonstrated that
      their life span except length of CAG-expansion depends on a number of factors
      accelerating and retarding development of disease. At that, life span of patients
      with the same number of CAG-repetitions can significantly differ The malignant
      neoplasms, diseases of cardiovascular system and external causes are to be
      referred to factors accelerating and retarding development of main disease. The
      addition oftuberculosis in our case resulted in no alteration of natural course
      of disease. The other factors exist prolonging life of patients, including
      factors of social economic and medical character They require additional
      specification and thorough investigation with the purpose of developing methods
      ofpreventive correction of neuro-degeneration processes.

PMID- 27116836
TI  - [THE SELF-ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICIANS THEIR QUALIFICATION AND SOCIAL STATUS].
AB  - The 103 medical organizations of the Tverskaia oblast were involved as study base
      to carry out questionnaire survey of physicians of different specialties
      concerning issues of self-assessment of qualification and social status. The most
      of the respondents (66.8 +/- 1.98%) assessed themselves as good specialists, 20.8
      +/- 1.71% as fair specialists and 11.9 +/- 1.36%--as perfect specialists. The own
      social status respondents assessed in general as not too high. So, 53.1 +/- 2.10%
      of physicians refer themselves to middle class of society and 30 +/- 1.93%--to
      below middle class of society. Among respondents, 3 +/- 0.71% referred themselves
      to high class of society and 3.2 +/- 0.74%--to the lowest class of society. The
      low incomes and overwork were noted by respondents as main problems of their
      life. The study results testify the necessity of correction of programs of
      medical education at all levels, actuality of activities of increasing social
      status of physician and development of benevolent conditions of work and rest.

PMID- 27116837
TI  - [THE MEDICAL GENETIC COUNSELING AND PREVENTION OF INBORN AND CONGENITAL PATHOLOGY
      IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION].
AB  - The review presents main causes and tasks of organization of medical genetic
      counseling targeted to preventing occurrence of patients with inherent and inborn
      pathology in families. It is demonstrated that improvement of methods of prenatal
      diagnostic increased effectiveness of medical genetic counseling. The resolution
      of problems of medical genetic counseling depends on population education and
      organization of preventive activities at the level of district physicians, family
      physicians and gynecologists.

PMID- 27116838
TI  - [THE PROBLEMS OF GOAL-ORIENTED PLANNING OF MUNICIPALITY HEALTH CARE].
AB  - The administration of city of Serpukhov of the Moscow oblast, 142203 Serpukhov,
      Russia The article presents results of special study carried out with the purpose
      to determine effectiveness of the Program "Development of health care system of
      the city of Serpukhov in 2011-2013". The comparative analysis was applied to
      indicators planned by the Program as achievements and actually achieved
      indicators. The critical remarks concerning listing of regulate indicators are
      presented and argued.

PMID- 27116839
TI  - [THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOBILE APPLICATION OF PATIENT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF REMOTE
      MONITORING].
AB  - The article considers issues of necessity of development and implementation of
      mobile application of patient within the framework of automated system of remote
      monitoring of human health indicators as a mean of increasing quality of medical
      care of patients.

PMID- 27116840
TI  - [THE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL SELF-APPRAISAL OF GRADUATES OF COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOLS OF
      THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN].
AB  - The human resources play a decisive role in support of effective functioning of
      any health care system. The study was carried out to analyze characteristics
      offormation ofprofessional self-appraisal of graduates of comprehensive schools
      of the Republic of Kazakhstan choosing medical specialties. The study was
      organized in city of Pavlodar and the Pavlodarskaia oblast of the Republic of
      Kazakhstan. The sample included 447 schoolchildren of 9-10 classes, 25 workers of
      3 urban and 1 rural schools, 12 lecturers of medical university. The
      questionnaire survey was applied. The statistical processing of data was
      implemented using SPSS v.20 software. It is established that medicine became a
      popular profession because it was chosen by 22% of schoolchildren. Out of them,
      only 37.4% belonged among personality type "human-human" corresponding to medical
      specialties. The childhood dream became main cause of choosing medicine among
      55.6% of schoolchildren. The second place took perspective of employment and
      third place--insistent advice of parents (13.1% and 7.1% correspondingly). Only
      31.3% of schoolchildren were aware of specificity of medical specialties and
      52.5% had independent experience of initial medical care provision. The
      additional training is considered by 72.7% of schoolchildren as necessary for
      entering medical university. The workers of schools and medical university 65.5%
      and 66.7% limit themselves by once-only activities. The vocational guidance
      activities implemented in comprehensive schools of the Republic of Kazakhstan can
      be significantly ameliorated. The possibility of implementing personality type
      test is to be considered. The application of innovative methods of vocational
      guidance is to be considered too.

PMID- 27116841
TI  - [THE INDIVIDUAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS EFFECTING REFUSAL FROM VACCINATION OF CHILDREN
      IN THE TOWN OF SEMEII OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN].
AB  - The number of cases of refusal from vaccination increases all over the world. In
      the Republic of Kazakhstan many studies are devoted to epidemiology of
      propagation of vaccine-controllable infections, medical aspects ofimmunization,
      analysis of immunological status and complications of immunization. The issues of
      awareness of population of the Republic of Kazakhstan about vaccination and
      refusal of it are investigated insufficiently. This occurrence became a cause of
      studying the given problem. The study was carried out to investigate attitude
      ofpopulation to vaccination and main factors of risk of refusal from vaccination
      of children residing in the city of Semeii and rural districts of the Eastern
      Kazakhstan oblast. The single-stage longitudinal study was carried out in the
      Centers of primary medical social care ofpopulation ofcity of Semeii and in
      polyclinic of the Abaiiskii district of the Eastern Kazakhstan oblast. The period
      of study continued from April 7 2015 to May 31 2015. The criteria of inclusion
      were conditionally healthy children. The questionnaire survey included 1184
      respondents (mothers) with average age of 27.2 years. The sampling predominantly
      consisted ofKazakhs (805), Russians (307), representatives ofother nationalities
      (72). Among mothers, most of them had specialized secondary education (43.7%),
      the higher education had 30.5%, undergraduate higher education - 1.4%, secondary
      education - 21.6% and basic school education --2.8%. The results of study
      demonstrated that families refused from vaccination have negative attitude to
      vaccination in general though they are satisfied with functioning of vaccination
      room. The refusal of vaccination is more characterized to urban full families
      with satisfied income and having girls as children. The respondents consider that
      information about vaccination received by themfrom medical personnel contains
      surplus data concerning complications. They are not enouzh for activities in case
      of deterioration of health of child after vaccination.

PMID- 27116842
TI  - [SANTORIO AND THE FIRST SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION OF XVII CENTURY].
AB  - The national publications about Santorio and his works factually provide no
      information to medical society of Russia. The article presents discussion about
      significance of his works for the first scientific revolution in XVII century.
      The conception of this significance is expanded. The personal position is
      substantiated concerning evaluation of ratio of inputs by Santorio and Galileo
      into initiation of scientific revolution.

PMID- 27116843
TI  - Jens Sandahl Christiansen, DMSci, FRCPI (1948-2015).

PMID- 27116844
TI  - Contingent Screening for Small by Weight for Gestational Age Neonates.
AB  - Effective screening for small for gestational age neonates (SGA), in the absence
      of preeclampsia, can be accomplished using a contingent screening method. The
      basis for the contingent model is a combined assessment at 19-24 weeks gestation
      to stratify patients according to their risk. We can then identify prenatally
      over 90% of SGA neonates for a false positive rate of 10%.

PMID- 27116845
TI  - Changing and Unchanging Perspectives regarding Intersex in the Last Half Century:
      Topics Presented in the Lawson Wilkins Lecture* at the 2015 Pediatric Endocrine
      Society Meeting.
AB  - The understanding, care and treatment of patients born with intersex or disorders
      of sex development conditions has evolved considerably over the last five
      decades. Regarding those who require evaluation before gender assignment is made,
      each "generation" of approach has been based upon and reflects the contemporary
      biological, social and psychological understanding. The most recent generation
      needs to consider the dramatically changed societal viewpoints regarding the
      acceptance and expansion beyond a binary perception of sexuality. This together
      with advances in genetic etiologies, surgical refinements and psychological
      support should result in better care and quality of life (QoL) outcomes for
      patients with these conditions. This paper reviews the successive generations of
      approach and discusses the multiple challenges facing the multidisciplinary teams
      caring for these patients today.

PMID- 27116846
TI  - Evidence-Based Management of Patients with 45,X/46,XY Gonadal Dysgenesis and Male
      Sex Assignment: from Infancy to Adulthood.
AB  - 45,X/46,XY gonadal dysgenesis is a disorder of sexual differentiation with a wide
      clinical presentation, ranging from Turner-like females to individuals with
      genital ambiguity to azoospermic but otherwise normal-appearing males. Hence,
      patients can be assigned female or male sex. Female patients are managed
      according to the Turner Syndrome Guidelines, whereas males are managed on a case
      by-case basis. Male patients present with multiple medical challenges:
      undervirilization, hypogonadism, gonadoblastoma risk, and short stature. Many
      require surgeries and hormonal treatments that are time-sensitive and
      irreversible. Nonetheless, these therapeutic decisions are made without evidence
      based guidelines. This review describes the medical concerns and possible
      interventions in male patients with 45,X/46,XY dysgenesis for each stage of
      development. Interventions should be addressed within a patient-centered
      framework by a multidisciplinary team and after thorough discussion with the
      family. We use the GRADE system to appraise the existing evidence and provide
      recommendations based on the available evidence.

PMID- 27116847
TI  - Salivary Biomarkers in Pediatric Metabolic Disease Research.
AB  - The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity and obesity-related metabolic
      disorders is now considered a global pandemic. The main goal of the pediatric
      obesity research community is to identify children who are at risk of becoming
      obese before their body mass index rises above age norms. To do so, we must
      identify biomarkers of metabolic health and immunometabolism that can be used for
      large-scale screening and diagnosis initiatives among at-risk children. Because
      blood sampling is often unacceptable to both parents and children when there is
      no direct benefit to the child, as in a community-based research study, there is
      a clear need for a low-risk, non-invasive sampling strategy. Salivary analysis is
      now well recognized as a likely candidate for this purpose. In this review, we
      discuss the physiologic role of saliva and its strengths and limitations as a
      fluid for biomarker discovery, obesity screening, metabolic disease diagnosis,
      and response monitoring after interventions. We also describe the current state
      of the salivary biomarker field as it pertains to metabolic research, with a
      special emphasis on studies conducted in children and adolescents. Finally, we
      look forward to technological developments, such as salivary "omics" and point of
      service diagnostic devices, which have the potential to accelerate the pace of
      research and discovery in this vitally important field.

PMID- 27116848
TI  - Thyroid Hemiagenesis from Childhood to Adulthood: Review of Literature and
      Personal Experience.
AB  - Thyroid hemiagenesis (TH) is a rare congenital abnormality of the thyroid gland,
      characterised by the absence of one lobe. The true prevalence of this congenital
      abnormality is not known because the absence of one thyroid lobe usually does not
      cause clinical symptoms by itself. Between 1970 and 2010, 329 cases of TH have
      been reported. It is interesting to note that most cases have an agenesis of the
      left lobe (80% of cases) followed by the isthmus (44-50% of cases). Although the
      female to male ratio was 1:1.4 in 24,032 unselected 11-to 14-yr-old
      schoolchildren from South-eastern Sicily, several other reports have documented a
      higher prevalence in women, which may indicate a possible gender association.
      Most cases of TH are diagnosed when patients present a lesion in the functioning
      lobe. The functioning lobe of the thyroid gland can be a site of pathological
      changes similar to a normally developed gland and may present a spectrum of
      diseases like multinodular goiter, colloid goiter, follicular adenoma,
      thyroiditis, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In three of our patients, TH was
      associated with Hashimoto thyroiditis (n = 1) and with subclinical hypothyroidism
      (n = 2). The frequency of thyroid abnormalities in patients with TH varies with
      age, due to the longer exposure of the hemi-agenetic gland to TSH overstimulation
      in older patients. This could explain the controversy about the benign character
      of this anomaly. Other extrathyroidal lesions, such as parathyroid adenoma or
      hyperplasia, cervical thymic cysts, ectopic sublingual thyroid gland and
      thyroglossal duct cyst have been reported with TH. Therefore, systematic follow
      up of all identified cases is recommended.

PMID- 27116849
TI  - [Address by the rector of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin
      inaugurating the acadefnic year of 2014/2015].

PMID- 27116850
TI  - Leucocytosis as a specific risk predictor after abdominal aortic aneurysm open
      repair.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prediction of early death in abdominal aortic aneurysm - open
      repair is widely described. There is no superiority of any risk stratification
      tool. Some of the risk calculators are quite accurate, but very complicated (e.g.
      P-POSSUM, V-POSSUM). Some are simpler but never used in vascular surgery (e.g.
      ECOG). Therefore, only leucocytosis itself appears to be an independent and
      highly specific factor in prediction of early death prior to surgery. This might
      be used as an early warning factor raising surgeons' attention, especially in
      centers not using any risk calculators on a regular basis. The aim of this study
      was to comparison of commonly used early death prediction calculators for
      abdominal aortic aneurysm - open repair. We took into account the following
      scales: Glasgow Aneurysm Score (GAS), V-POSSUM, Eagle score, American Society of
      Anesthesia Score, ECOG, Goldman/Detsky. However, we also have been looking for
      independent risk factors of early postoperative death. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Retrospective analysis of 79 patients who underwent elective open repair of
      abdominal aortic aneurysm over 3 years (2011-2013 Szczecin, Poland). We have
      excluded patients treated due to ruptured aneurysms and with the use of a
      stentgraft. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to asses all prediction
      abilities. RESULTS: We noted 6 deaths (7.59%). Receiver operating curve analysis
      confirms good prediction force for V-POSSUM (p = 0.0001, criterion over 1.9%) and
      GAS (p = 0.0109, criterion over 73 pt.). Areas under curve are respectively 0.806
      and 0.743. However, leucocytosis itself over 10 T/L was the most specific (over
      88%) risk factor in early death prediction (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: V-POSSUM and
      GAS are suitable risk calculators for abdominal aortic aneurysm - open repair.
      Leucocytosis discovered prior to the surgery is a highly specific early death
      predictor.

PMID- 27116851
TI  - Clinical and radiological characteristics of the cyst of the septum pellucidum in
      endoscopically treated patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The cavum of the septum pellucidum occurs in up to 15% of adults
      and is considered as an anatomical variant. How- ever, some patients reveal
      symptoms which are associated with the evolution from the cavum in the form of a
      cyst of the septum pelludum. Cyst incidence is much lower. The pathomechanism and
      risk factors of such changes are not fully understood. Among the theories for the
      formation of the cyst, most attention is given to the hypothesis of the mechanism
      of the valve in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. However, this statement can be
      validated only on the basis of direct observation, which can be made in vivo only
      with the help of the endoscopic method. The aim of this study was to describe the
      clinical and radiological features coexisting with the expanding cysts of the
      septum pellucidum. The research also included considerations on the pathogenesis
      of the expanding cysts of the septum pellucidum, as well as the evaluation of the
      intraoperative endoscopic image. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 27
      patients of the Department of Neurosurgery Pomeranian Medical University in
      Szczecin, diagnosed with an expanding cyst of the septum pellucidum, who
      underwent neurosurgery treatment. The patients' clinical and radiological
      symptoms were evaluated before and after surgical intervention. Analysis of the
      intraoperative endoscopic images was also performed. RESULTS: The most common
      clinical symptoms in patients before surgery were similar: headache, dizziness,
      nausea and vomiting, advanced nervous functions disorders, and visual defects. In
      most cases the symptoms resolved after surgical treatment, which proves their
      association with the occurrence of cysts. Significant differences in radiographic
      measurements before and after surgery where also noted, which allowed the
      determination of clinical and radiological criteria for the diagnosis of
      expanding cysts of the septum pellucidum, and intravital intraoperative findings
      allowed direct proof of the cyst's filling mechanism. The obtained results
      allowed us to prove the hypothesis of the valve mechanism as the main factor
      causing the symptoms in patients with expanding cysts of the septum pellucidum,
      and to determine the components of the syndrome of the septum pellucidum cyst.
      They confirmed the validity of the selection of surgical treatment using an
      endoscope. Furthermore, changes in the geometry of the structures of the central
      nervous system observed in the analysis of radiological images before and after
      surgery made further research on the dynamics of this anatomical area in patients
      with expanding cysts of the septum pellucidum reasonable.

PMID- 27116852
TI  - Promising results from cyclophosphamide based immunosuppression therapy of
      thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
AB  - PURPOSE: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare disease. Therefore, the
      small numbers of patients in trials results in statistically weak evidence
      supporting treatment guidelines. The aetiology of this disease is based on a
      deficiency of metalloproteinase 13 (ADAMTS-13), which leads to the creation of
      von Willebrand factor polymers and platelet microthrombosis in small vessels.
      Treatment relies on plasma exchange. Immunosuppression based on cyclophosphamide
      is not recommended in current guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess the
      early and long-term effects of treatment, and to evaluate therapy prognostic
      factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 10 patients
      hospitalized 14 times due to new or recurrent onset of TTP. Currently recommended
      treatment was used in all cases, including total plasma exchange (range 0.5-2
      plasma volume). The volume of exchange plasma was 24.6 L (mean) over 20 days
      (median). All patients received glucocorticosteroids. Immuno-uppression (based on
      cyclophosphamide in 7 cases) was utilized in 70% of patients (9 patients).
      RESULTS: Of all 11 patients 9 (70%) survived and achieved remission. Fifty
      percent of patients stayed in long-lasting remission. Average follow-up time was
      36 months (median 14.5 months, range 10 days to 108 months). Factors improving
      the chance of remission were: age below 55 years (p < 0.05), no tachycardia on
      admission to hospital (p < 0.001), and immunosuppression based on
      cyclophosphamide (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of tachycardia on TTP onset
      and age above 55 years reduce the survival and remission rate. Remission from TTP
      is suggested to be caused by immunosuppression based on cyclophosphamide.

PMID- 27116853
TI  - [Hydronephrosis of unclear etiology with symptoms of acute abdomen - case
      report].
AB  - We report a case of a patient whose clinical status and results of a plain chest
      X-ray showed digestive tract perforation, but in whom the true cause of the
      disease appeared to be hydronephrosis, probably caused by a tumour of the pyelo
      ureteral junction. The course of the diagnostic process and causes of the false
      diagnosis and unnecessary laparotomy are discussed. The usefulness of computed
      tomography scanning with contrast in the detection of clinically unlcear
      abdominal disorders (i.e. radiologically "silent" perforation) is emphasised.

PMID- 27116854
TI  - [Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the brachial artery in a 4-month-old child - a case
      report].
AB  - We present a rare case of an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the brachial artery in
      a 4-month-old child. As there are reports of such lesions in children that
      undergo invasive treatment such as sophisticated cardiovascular or radiological
      interventions and have preexisting risk factors, our patients had no history of
      vessel caniulation in hospital conditions and no systemic problems. A simple
      ambulatory blood draw caused a tear in the brachial artery wall, that later
      formed a pseudoaneurysm, a month before parents suddenly noticed mass on their
      child's arm. A microsurgical repair was performed. A significant increase in
      endovascular treatment options has been observed over last decades. Successful
      treatment was a result of fast radiological diagnostic and effective co-operation
      between paediatric and general vascular surgeons. Our case should raise awareness
      of paediatric practitioners about iatrogenic trauma of vessels in the
      differential diagnosis of tumours and vascular lesions.

PMID- 27116855
TI  - [Distal ventriculoatrial shunt catheter implantation under fluoroscopy guidance
      throught the left internal jugular vein as a rescue technique - a case report].
AB  - Revision of the distal ventriculoatrial shunt catheter is a rare challenge for
      the neurosurgeon. Its dysfunction associated with inflammation also binds to
      systemic complications. The paper presents a case report of a patient with
      bacterial colonisation of distal ventriculoatrial shunt catheter caused by
      separation of the layers of a old surgical wound. Catheter was removed by
      revision of the right internal jugular vein. Out of necessity, the distal
      catheter has been implanted back into the right atrium through.the left internal
      jugular vein under fluoroscopy guidance. The paper consist of course of
      treatment, data from the literature and own description of the implantation way
      of the catheter through the veins on the left side of the neck.

PMID- 27116856
TI  - Elaidic acid and vaccenic acid in the plasma of pregnant women and umbilical
      blood plasma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The studies suggest that trans fatty acids are the most harmful
      type of fatty acids, and their ingestion leads to an increase in oxidative
      stress, changes in the plasma levels of LDL cholesterol, and a reduction in n-6
      and n-3 fatty acids utilization. The objective of this study was to determine the
      concentration profiles of elaidic and vaccenic acids in maternal blood plasma in
      the perinatal period, and in the plasma of blood collected from the umbilical
      vein. The article deals with the issue of the correlation between the levels of
      trans-unsaturated fatty acids in maternal and neonatal blood, which could suggest
      the transplacental transport of these acids. The potential correlations between
      the levels of trans-unsaturated fatty acids in maternal and umbilical blood and
      birth weight and body length in neonates was also verified. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      The study group comprised 53 pregnant patients of the Clinic of Obstetrics and
      Perinatology of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, aged 18-39 years,
      together with their newborn babies. Elaidic and vaccenic acid levels were
      determined in maternal and umbilical plasma. Fatty acid methyl esters were
      injected onto the capillary column of the Agilent 6890M gas chromatography system
      integrated with an autosampler. The content of individual fatty acids was
      determined from the reference curves and expressed in mg/mL. RESULTS: The lowest
      levels of both acids were observed in umbilical blood plasma. The level of
      elaidic acid was 0.0019 mg/mL +/- 0.0013 mg/mL, while the level of vaccenic acid
      was 0.0007 mg/mL +/- 0.0011 mg/mL. A statistically significant negative
      correlation was observed between maternal vaccenic acid levels and umbilical
      vaccenic acid levels. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of trans-unsaturated fatty acids
      (elaidic acid and vaccenic acid) in umbilical plasma is evidence of the
      transplacental transport of these acids. The significantly higher levels of
      elaidic acid compared to vaccenic acid in umbilical plasma suggests that vaccenic
      acid is more extensively metabolized in placenta. The levels of trans-unsaturated
      fatty acids had no effect on birth weight and body length in neonates.

PMID- 27116857
TI  - [Trans fatty acids (elaidic and vaccenic) in the human milk].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The structure of trans unsaturated fatty acids (TFAs) includes at
      least one double bond with a trans configuration. Numerous studies have shown
      that TFAs influence negative changes in blood lipid profile, may initiate or
      accelerate the course of many inflammatory diseases, and reduce n-6 and n-3 fatty
      acids' utilization. Their presence in tissues and systemic fluids is mainly the
      result of ingestion of TFA-containing foods. The objective of this study was to
      determine the concentration profiles of elaidic and vaccenic acids in human milk,
      and the existence of potential correlations between the levels of trans
      unsaturated fatty acids and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The study group consisted of 53 lactating women, aged 18-39 years, 5-6
      weeks after delivery. Elaidic and vaccenic acid levels were determined in human
      milk. Fatty acid methyl esters were injected onto the capillary column of an
      Agilent 6890M gas chromatography system integrated with an autosampler.
      Geometrical and positional isomers of fatty acids were identified by comparing
      their retention times with those of the fatty acid standards from Sigma-Aldrich.
      The content of individual fatty acids was determined from the reference curves
      and expressed in mg/mL. RESULTS: The level of elaidic acid was 0.2572 +/- 0.1811
      mg/mL, and the level of vaccenic acid was 0.2736 +/- 0.1852 mg/mL. No negative
      correlations between the levels of the analyzed TFAs and PUFAs were observed in
      human milk. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of elaidic and vaccenic acid were similar and
      had no negative influence on the levels of arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic
      acid.

PMID- 27116858
TI  - Interdisciplinary index of prosthodontic/substitution orthodontic treatment need
      for patients with missing teeth.
AB  - The need for treatment in cases of missing teeth may result from aesthetic
      demands or functional impairment, although tooth loss itself does not necessarily
      constitute a need for prosthetic replacement. In selected cases, restorative
      treatment can be replaced by tooth autotransplantation or substitution
      orthodontic treatment. The authors have tried to make an index based not on
      missing particular teeth, but on the presence of spacing requiring restoration.
      An attempt has been made to categorize the restorative treatment need.
      Orthodontic treatment was considered, when it could completely eliminate the need
      for prosthetic treatment. The proposed classification could be used for assessing
      eligibility for public refund of restorative or substitution orthodontic
      treatment, as well as to motivate the patients to have restorations. It should be
      an individual approach-based decision, which treatment: orthodontic substitution
      tooth movement or prosthodontic is more cost-effective for the rest of the
      patient's life.

PMID- 27116859
TI  - [Remineralizing methods in early caries lesions - review of the literature].
AB  - Early diagnosis and treatment of early caries lesions are the basic tenets of
      minimally invasive dentistry. One of the key elements of a biological approach is
      the usage of remineralizing agents, which are great alternative to surgical
      intervention. This article shows a review of the literature concering materials
      used for the treatment of early caries lesions.

PMID- 27116860
TI  - [Comparison of root canal system disinfection effectiveness with and without
      rubber dam use].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endodontic treatment consists in necrotic pulp removal, proper root
      canal preparation, and sealed obliteration. The effectiveness of treatment
      depends on careful root canal disinfection of existing bacteria. Modern
      endodontics recommends the use of a rubber dam, not only to protect the patient
      from endodontic instrument aspiration, but also to protect root canals from
      bacteria existing in saliva. The aim of the study is a comparison of root canal
      disinfection among patients treated with and without rubber dam protection.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Endodontic treatient of 36 patients who came to the
      Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics was performed. 36 teeth were
      qualified to the treatment. In 17 patients the whole treatment was done with
      rubber dam protection. In the other 19 (II group) the treated tooth was isolated
      only by cotton rolls. After chamber trepanation, and after chemo-mechanical root
      canal preparation, samples of root canal bacteria were taken. After 24h
      incubation, the density of bacterial suspension was checked using a
      spectrophotometer. RESULTS: In both groups of patients very similar results were
      obtained: a high density of bacterial suspension in samples taken before
      treatment, and a significantly lower density in samples taken after chemo
      mechanical root canal preparation. CONCLUSIONS: In our research the use or lack
      of use of a rubber dam does not change the effectiveness of root canal
      disinfection.

PMID- 27116861
TI  - [Spectrophotometric determination of protein content in THP-1
      monocytes/macrophages - description of the method].
AB  - Proteins are the basic building block of tissue, and are part of enzymes and
      hormones regulating many important life processes. Changes in their concentration
      control the metabolic processes of the cell. Quantitative determination of the
      protein content is divided into indirect methods (e.g. Kjeldahl method) and
      direct methods (buret method, Lowry, immunoenzymatic, formol method, based on
      incorporation of dye in the range of ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and based on
      the phenomenon of selective absorption of radiation in the infrared range). One
      of the methods for the determination of protein content is the spectrophotometric
      method described by Bradford. The protein concentration assay procedure utilizes
      the phenomenon of formation of the dye (Coomassie Brillant Blue G-250)-protein
      and colour intensity is proportional to the protein content in the solution. The
      aim of this study was to verify the usefulness of this method for determining the
      protein content in THP-1 cells cultured with extracts of nettle fruit stalks
      (Urtica dioica L.). Aqueous and alcohol extracts at two concentrations were used.
      It has been shown that the spectrophotometric determination of protein content by
      the Bradford method is an effective and accurate method for determining the
      concentration of protein in THP-1 macrophages. The results indicate that this
      method can be recommended for the determination of the protein content in other
      cell cultures.

PMID- 27116862
TI  - [Slow retinal degeneration in a mouse model: morphological and functional
      aspects].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diseases causing sensory impairments are a major clinical and
      sociological problem, especially those that cause loss of vision, which can
      significantly decrease the quality of a patient's life. It is therefore necessary
      to comprehend the mechanisms of the disease and find a treatment which can
      eliminate its cause. To achieve it, researchers use genetically modified animals
      for examination, as models of human diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this
      paper, two animal models of slow retinal degeneration are compared to assess
      changes in their retinas - mice, homozygous for the PRPH2 gene, and heterozygotes
      which were obtained by crossing with BALB/c. The degeneration rate was determined
      by measuring the thickness of particular retinal layers at specific time points.
      The Flat Mount technique was used to evaluate pigment epithelium deteriora- tion,
      while electroretinography was used monthly to estimate electrophysiological
      changes of the retinal photoreceptors in dark and light adaptation. RESULTS: It
      was found that the most severe and rapid deterioration was present in
      homozygotes. It caused a total loss of photoreceptor outer and inner segments,
      outer nuclear layer and outer plexiform layer. ERG revealed absolute suppression
      of retinal electrophysiology from the 1st month. Heterozygous mice were less
      impaired and degeneration progressed more gradually. None of the layers were
      completely destroyed. Electroretinography revealed progressive loss of retinal
      activity for the duration of the experiment. In the group of mice manifesting
      homozygous mutation in the PRPH2 gene, the RPE65 protein expression was abnormal.
      The cells of these mice were characterized by a lack of cytoplasm continuity and
      the presence of numerous vacuoles, which may indicate degenerative changes in the
      pigment epithelium. There were no significant differences in RPE65 protein
      expression between the control and heterozygous individuals. This may indicate
      correct cell morphology. CONCLUSIONS: Each of the tested mouse models of retinal
      degeneration may find its application in the study of this disease. The
      differences between them allow the selection of the optimal model for a
      particular experiment.

PMID- 27116863
TI  - The content of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid in different types of Yerba
      Mate, depending on country of origin and the conditions of the infusion.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Yerba Mate (Ilexparaguariensis) is one of the most widely consumed
      teas in South America. It is becoming more and more popular in North America and
      Europe. The aim of the study was a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the
      fatty acids from the omega 6 and omega 3 families in Yerba Mate teas. METHODS:
      There were two types of infusions - cold and hot (three brews from the same
      leaves). Yerba Mate was incu bated for 10 min, then 2 mL of the brew was taken
      for isola tion. Fatty acids were extracted by the Folch method. The resulting
      fatty acid methyl esters were analyzed using gas chromatography. RESULTS: The
      analysis of fatty acids in the infusions of Yerba Mate showed a significant
      amount of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha linolenic acids (ALA). The concentrations
      of these acids present in fresh infusions were approx. 250 ug/mL for infusion of
      LA, and 600 ug/mL infusion for ALA. With the subsequent brew using the same
      leaves the amount of fatty acids decreased significantly (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Drinking Yerba Mate can supply ALA and LA, which are essential in a well-balanced
      diet. For individuals who regularly consume Yerba Mate, it can be an important
      source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation. The most preferred
      way to brew the tea is cold infusion, which delivers the highest dose of
      unchanged PUFAs. This method of brewing also reduces the gastrointestinal
      exposure to high temperature, and thus reduces the risk of cancer incidence.

PMID- 27116864
TI  - [Early age at menarche - relationship with socioeconomic status and selected
      factors connected with health status].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Current research from around the world indicates a trend toward
      younger ages at the first menstruation. At the same time more and more studies
      point out the negative consequences of early puberty. Early age at menarche is
      significantly correlated with the risk of metabolic syndrome, breast cancer and
      female reproductive system cancer, as well as illnesses such asthma and bulimia.
      The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between age at menarche and
      socioeconomic status and selected factors connected with biological conditions.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data were obtained from 671 female university students.
      Height, weight, waist and hip circumference were measured, and BMI, WHR, WHtR
      were calculated. A questionnaire form was used to assess the age at menarche,
      biological conditions and socioeconomic status of the surveyed students. RESULTS:
      There were no significant differences in the number of the early, average and
      late maturing students between the socioeconomic groups. The early maturing girls
      were characterized by higher values of waist circumference, BMI, WHR and WHtR.
      The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was highest among the early
      maturing girls. The analysis did not show statistically significant relationships
      between age at menarche and selected factors connected with biological
      conditions. CONCLUSION: Early maturation increases the risk of obesity and
      central adiposity distribution.

PMID- 27116865
TI  - [Selected bacterial infections - unavoidable threats to the health and lives of
      the man].
AB  - In the present study we wanted to show that bacterial infections are an important
      factor threatening both the health and life of humans. This problem concerns the
      global population, both in developed and developing countries, and is often the
      cause of a significant proportion of deaths due to the negative impact of exo-
      and endotoxins on the host. Numerous infectious diseases caused by biological
      factors are undoubtedly associated with various risk factors. Despite the
      continuous development of medicine and countless actions spreading knowledge
      about bacterial gastrointestinal infections and sepsis, these conditions are
      still not marginal in the everyday hospital environment. Particular attention in
      this work was put on hospital infections because they are a major public health
      concern. Although a significant increase in awareness of the problem has been
      observed in Poland in recent years, this is still an important problem for
      medicine, and is also an economic issue. In addition, bacteria and their toxins
      can be used as a biological weapon for terrorist attacks.

PMID- 27116866
TI  - [Demodex folliculorum and demodex brevis].
AB  - Demodex are cosmopolitan mites occurring in many species of mammals. Two
      morphologically distinct Demodex species parasitize on humans:
      Demodexfolliculorum (Simon, 1842) and Demodex brevis (Akbulatova, 1963). Until
      recently, these species have been regarded as commensals; now they are considered
      as parasitic organisms. In people, Demodex spp. can be found mainly in the
      sebaceous glands of the skin (mainly in the area of the forehead, cheeks, nose,
      behind ears and neck), in hearing aids, and on the scalp, covered with hair.
      Infection with demodex happens through direct contact with infected bed linen,
      towels, creams and other cosmetics. Despite the high prevalence of Demodex spp.
      in the human population, symptoms of demodecosis are not common, and can be found
      mainly in people with weakened immune systems due to aging or a number of
      diseases.

PMID- 27116867
TI  - [The influence of kinesiotaping on lumbar spine pain].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pain in the lumbosacral spine is currently one of the most common
      pain complaints among the elderly. About 72% of the Polish population younger
      than 40 years have at least once been treated by a doctor for back pain.
      Degenerative changes of intervertebral joints, overloads, intervertebral disc
      diseases, and dysfunction of spinal ligaments are very often responsible for the
      formation of back pain, which is basically a problem of the elderly, MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The study was conducted among 60 residents of a Nursing Home in Szczecin
      with chronic lumbar pain. The age range was 56-85 years. Subjects were randomly
      divided into two groups of 30 (study group, where KinesioTaping was used, and a
      control group without KinesioTaping application). To assess the degree of pain
      experienced by the patient a visual analogue scale (VAS) in the horizontal format
      from 0-10 was used, on which subjects scored the severity of pain. Flexion,
      extension, tilt and rotation were measured with a tape to assess spinal and trunk
      mobility. RESULTS: In all patients, who had a KinesioTaping patch applied on the
      lumbosacral spine pain measured by VAS reduced (p <= 0.001). Considering
      respondents' sex, the spine mobility in the tilting position improved in men in
      the study group in terms of tilting to both sides. In all patients, the
      application of a KinesioTaping patch significantly improved the rotation to the
      right side (p <= 0.05), scores in the "finger-floor" flexion test (p <= 0.01),
      and the extension range (p <= 0.01). CONCLUSION: KinesioTaping is a beneficial
      method reducing pain and improving the mobility in the lumbosacral spine. The
      improvement was independent of the sex of the respondents.

PMID- 27116868
TI  - [Food hypersensitivity in the population of school children in Opole].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of food allergy among children is high and
      constantly increasing, especially in urban environments. The aim of the study was
      to assess the prevalence of food hypersensitivity among children living in Opole.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 450 children (224 girls and 216 boys),
      aged 7-10 years from elementary schools in Opole. A survey was conducted on the
      basis of the EuroPrevall international programme questionnaire and a self
      designed questionnaire for collecting information. Data were analyzed with the
      Statistica 8 software package. The level of significance for all analyses was p <
      0.05. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by the parents of 440 (98%)
      children. 89% (n = 392) of the parents agreed to being contacted again. Adverse
      reactions following food consumption were reported in 205 children (46.05%),
      including 93 children (45.36%) with two to four reactions a month. The most
      common symptoms were as follows: rash (28.29%), diarrhoea (26.34%). The symptoms
      occurred after the consumption of cow's milk (35.12%), hen eggs (12.19%),
      strawberries (8.78%), dairy products (5.36%), nuts (5.36%), chocolate (4.87%),
      and cocoa (4.87%). CONCLUSION: The study revealed a high reporting of food
      hypersensitivity among children in Opole.

PMID- 27116869
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27116870
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27116871
TI  - [Early social isolation increases aggression and impairs a short-term habituation
      in acoustic startle reflex in rats].
AB  - Prolonged social isolation in early ontogeny leads to various changes in behavior
      and cognitive dysfunction in adult rats; however, data on the disorders are
      contradictory. In the present work, we studied the effects of early social
      isolation in Wistar rats by indices of psychomotor activity, aggression, anxiety,
      depression-like behavior, sensorimotor reactivity and short-term habituation of
      acoustic startle reflex. On the 24th postnatal day, rats were weaned from the
      dams and housed in individual cages for nine consecutive weeks. Animal behavior
      was evaluated at the age of one, two and three months. Immediately after weaning
      from the dam rats in the experimental group did not differ from the control on
      any of the indices. After four weeks of social isolation, rats showed an
      increased aggression in the social contact test. In rats isolated for an 8-weeks
      period, the increase in active non-aggressive contacts with a slight increase in
      motor activity in the elevated plus maze (E PM) accompanied increased aggression.
      At any terms of examination, isolated rats did not differ from the control in the
      anxiety in EPM, in the anxiety-phobic score, which is evaluated in a battery of
      tests, and in the duration of immobility which characterizes depression in the
      forced swimming test. Rats isolated for an 8-weeks period increased daily liquid
      intake by increasing the consumption of sucrose. After nine weeks of isolation,
      basal startle amplitude and prepulse inhibition that is, the characteristics of
      sensorimotor gating did not differ from the control, but there was a lack of
      short-term habituation of the acoustic startle reflex. Based on the data
      obtained, Wistar rats subjected to prolonged social isolation can be seen as a
      model of increased aggression with signs of cognitive deficits by indices of non
      associative learning in the acoustic startle reflex.

PMID- 27116872
TI  - [Antiarrhythmic effect of oligonucleotides accompanied by activation of HSP70
      protein in the heart of rats].
AB  - The mechanisms of the protective effect of oligonucleotides (OGN) during
      pathological processes are poorlyunderstood. The goal of this work was to study
      the effect of OGN on arrhythmias induced by myocardial ischemia and reperfusion,
      and the HSP70 level in the heart. As a source of OGN was used the drug "Derinat"
      ("Technomedservis", Russia). In male Wistar rats were pre-treated the drug for 7
      days (i/m, 7.5 mg/kg).The intensity of the arrhythmias was assessed by ECG during
      10 min occlusion of the left coronary artery and subsequent 5 min of reperfusion.
      Protein HSP70 determined in the left ventricle of the heart by Western-blot
      analysis. During ischemia, this drug reduced duration of extrasystolia by 13
      times and the incidence of ventricular tachycardia by 1.5 times. During
      reperfusion the drug reduced the incidence of ventricular fibrillation, a more
      than 2-fold, as compared with the control (respectively 23% vs 56%) and by 5
      times its duration (8,4 +/- 2,3 48,1 +/- sec vs 18 7 sec). "Derinat" increased
      the HSP70 level in the heart by 65% compared with control. CONCLUSION: These data
      support the fact that the activation of HSP70 synthesis, induced by OGN is one of
      the mechanisms that increases the heart resistance to the ischemic and
      reperfusion damages.

PMID- 27116873
TI  - [The role of erythrocyte microvesiculation and hemoglobin glycation in
      hemorheological disordes during burn injury].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hemorheological disorders play an important part in pathogenesis of
      acute period of burn injury. This mechanism remains practically unstudied. Thus,
      unknown is the role of hemoglobin glycation and erythrocyte microvesiculation in
      the decrease in erythrocyte deformability after thermal trauma. METHODS: Research
      was performed on 30 blood samples of burn patients in the acute period and 40
      blood samples of healthy donors. The number of erythrocyte-derived microvesicles
      was determined by flow cytometry and then standardized in the samples; the
      microvesicles were preliminarily separated by ultracentrifugation at 100,000 g,
      for 60 minutes. Electrophoretic mobility of erythrocytes was measured in a
      processing chamber of the optical cuvette under the light microscope.
      Deformability of erythrocytes was assessed by the level of their extension in the
      artificial shear flow. RESULTS: It was found that the amount of HbA1c in red
      blood cells of burn patients demonstrated a 2-fold increase compared to healthy
      donors. In the experiments in vitro it was proved that deformability of
      erythrocytes correlates with the level of hemoglobin glycation. Hb glycation
      leads to the increased rigidity of erythrocytes also by increasing their
      microvesiculation. The number of microvesicles derived from red blood cells of
      burn patients demonstrated a 3.47-fold increase compared to healthy donors. An
      important reason for microvesiculation is the destabilization of lipid complex of
      erythrocyte membrane, which is accompanied by the increase in the erythrocyte
      negative charge. It can be concluded that Hb glycation and redistribution of
      erythrocyte membrane phospholipids are he important reasons for the increase
      erythrocyte microvesiculation and are accompanied by the decrease in erythrocyte
      deformability after thermal trauma.

PMID- 27116874
TI  - [The role of opioidergic and GABAergic systems in the mechanosensitivity
      regulation of the respiratory system in rats].
AB  - In anaesthetized white outbred male rats we investigated the change of
      respiratory mechanoreceptors sensitivity to morphine and phenibut. Bilateral
      transection of the vagus nerves causes a severely slowdown of respiratory rate in
      30 minutes after the systemic administration of morphine, however after
      administration of phenibut the respiratory rate and other respiration parameters
      have not changed significantly. It means that the activation of opioid receptors
      by morphine does not significantly affect the function of the respiratory
      mechanoreceptor control loop, and transection of the vagus nerves on this
      background increases the probability of respiratory rhythm disorders. Activation
      of GABAergic system by phenibut significantly weakened the impact of the
      regulating contour of the respiratory mechanoreceptor on breathing parameters, up
      to effect of "central vagotomy": that is, to no changes in respiratory parameters
      after cutting the vagus nerves.

PMID- 27116875
TI  - [New phytotherapeutic composition for restoring bone and cartilage. Experimental
      study].
AB  - Presents a new import-substituting the composition of the powder mixture 60
      medicinal plants and dead bees. In prednisolonbuy models of osteoporosis have
      shown dose-dependent regenerative effects bone and cartilage of the hip joints of
      mice. Unwanted side effects when taking composition was observed. It is assumed
      the possibility of effective application of the composition as a complementary
      treatment for osteoporosis.

PMID- 27116876
TI  - [Peripheral blood cells luminol-dependent chemiluminescence at the different
      stages of atopic dermatitis].
AB  - Aim of this work was to record the luminol-dependent spontaneous and induced
      chemiluminescence at the different stages of atopic dermatitis. METHODS:
      Peripheral blood cells were obtained from adult patient with atopic dermatitis
      followed by the registration of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence on
      luminograph. Opsonized zymosan as well as yeasts Candida tropicalis have been
      used to induce the chemiluminescence. RESULTS: Spontaneous and induced
      chemiluminescence were slightly elevated at the mild atopic dermatitis but were
      decreased at the severe stage of disease. Statistically significant difference
      has been found between group with mild and severe atopic dermatitis, Skin
      contamination by yeasts Candida tropicalis causes the increased level of blood
      cells chemiluminescence at the first week of atopic relapse when the disease was
      mild. Severe stage of atopic dermatitis was coupled with statistically
      significant inhibition of both, spontaneous and induced chemiluminescence.
      CONCLUSIONS: Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence of peripheral blood cells from
      adult atopic dermatitis patients may be stimulated at the mild stage and
      suppressed at severe stage of atopic dermatitis.

PMID- 27116877
TI  - [Alteration of white rats brain tissue inducted by assessment of silver
      nanocomposite incapsulated in polymer matrix].
AB  - The paper present experimental materials of intragastric administration of silver
      nanoparticles encapsulated in polymer matrix of arabinogalactan by white outbred
      male rats. Animals were injected "pure" arabinogalactan and colloid silver
      solution containing silver macroform separately for comparison. Research provided
      data about status of brain tissue at the impact of these substances on organism.
      Histological analysis revealed the presence of a pathological process, character
      and intensity of which varied depending on the type of injected material.
      Pathological process under the influence of silver-arabinogalactan characterized
      by appearance in brain tissue of perivascular edema and development of acute
      inflammation in formation of glial scars, swelling of vascular bundles in sum.

PMID- 27116878
TI  - [Vascular reactivity and receptor expression of endogenous vasoconstrictor in
      rats with alcoholic cardiomyopathy and insulation stress].
AB  - On the model of alcohol cardiomyopathy studied the effect of chronic ethanol
      consumption and the insulation stress on the reactivity of isolated rat aorta and
      the expression of the endogenous vasoconstrictor receptors in the aorta. Pushing
      alcoholization outbred rats was carried out for 24-28 weeks, using as the sole
      source of liquid 10% ethanol solution. In assessing the results of the study took
      into account the age of the animals. It is found that the reactivity of isolated
      aortic rings dissected from the body of old (40-45 weeks) nonstressed rats in
      response to endothelin-1 (ET1), noradrenaline (NA), arginine vasopressin (AVP) or
      angiotensin II (ATII) is not different from such reactivity for young animals.
      However, with the increase in life expectancy increases the sensitivity of
      vessels to vasoconstrictor action of serotonin (5HT). Prolonged stress insulation
      and the consumption of high doses of ethanol the stress lead to increased ET1-
      and NA-induced contraction of the aortic rings and a significant decrease in
      contractile response of the aorta to the impact ATII and AVP. Stress and alco-
      hol in combination with stress causing reduction mRNA ETA-R, AT1A-R. and V1A-R
      and increased mRNA alpha1-AR in rat aorta. It is found that in the vessels of
      stressed and alcoholized animals reduced level of expression of cytosolic
      glucocorticoid receptors (GR), which is a transcription factor for genes ETA-R,
      AT1A-R V1A-R. It is propoused that the development of vascular hyporesponsiveness
      of stressed and alcoholized rats to action ATII and AVP is the result of reducing
      the expression of their receptors on the GR-dependent mechanism. It is shown that
      under the influence of ethanol vessels become hyporeactivity selectively with
      respect to the action of 5HT. The mechanism of this process is unclear.
      Importantly, the changes in the contractile properties vessels recovered from the
      rat at 1 month after the abolition of the reception of ethanol (step abstinence)
      were similar to changes found at the alcohohzed animals. Thus, the importance of
      breaking the neuroendocrine regulation of vascular tone during long-term
      consumption of ethanol has a stressor components. Furthermore, in this
      experimental model we not received data in favor ethanol direct impact on the
      development of hypertension.

PMID- 27116879
TI  - [Zinc homeostasis and indicators of muscle activity in experimental graduated
      exercise on the background of zinc asparaginate].
AB  - The influence of a regular (for 7 and 14 days) 10-minute dosed exercise in
      isolation and on the background of intragastric administration of 5 and 15 mg/kg
      of zinc (II) asparaginate on the distribution of this metal in the organs and
      tissues of experimental animals and the indicators of muscle activity such as the
      level of lactate, creatinine and creatine kinase (EC 2.7.3.2.) serum were
      studied. It has been shown that exercise stress for 14 days causes a more
      pronounced change in homeostasis Zn, compared with 7 day, it is reflected in
      increased levels in the kidney, serum, liver, skeletal muscle and fur animals. It
      has been shown that graduated exercise for 14 days causes a more pronounced
      change in Zn homeostasis, compared with 7 day that expressed in increased its
      levels in the kidney, serum, liver, skeletal muscle and fur animals. Introduction
      zinc (II) asparaginate accompanied by an increase of its content in the liver,
      kidneys, hair and serum, but not skeletal and cardiac muscle. The combination of
      physical activity and the introduction of zinc positive effect on homeostasis of
      Zn, and the terms of muscle activity. The protective effect of zinc asparaginate
      with graduated exercise in the experiment was concluded.

PMID- 27116880
TI  - [Polymorphism of genes of interleukin-1 family as factor of pathogenesis of
      nozokomialny pneumonia].
AB  - Despite the abundance of research devoted to nosocomial pneumonia, so far there
      are no clear diagnostic criteria for it and predict the outcome of nosocomial
      pneumonia is based on the individual clinical, instrumental, laboratory and other
      parameters that are not related to each other as links in a single pathogenesis.
      External factors contributing to the development of the pneumonia and determine
      its prognosis, adequately lit, and the problem lies in the fact that no
      comprehensive clinical and pathophysiological approach to assessing the outcome
      of nosocomial pneumonia considering its immunogenetic features. One aspect of
      learning is nosocomial pneumonia appraisal of immune system, in particular, --
      cytokines that have both diagnostic and prognostic value. As is known, the level
      of immune reactivity of the organism is fixed genetically, therefore, determines
      the importance polymorphisms of genes coding for the expression of cytokines as
      key participants in the intercellular interactions. In the present article we
      found that one of the factors immunopathogenesis of nosocomial pneumonia is a
      gene polymorphism IL-1beta (-511) C-->T and IL-1RN. Genetic markers of risk of
      its development is the carrier of the allele C of gene IL-1beta (-511) C->T. The
      severity and clinical features of the pneumonia associated with the presence of
      the genotype of the patients T allele of the gene IL-1beta (-511) C-->T.
      Implementation of the pathogenetic action of this polymorphism is carried out due
      to overproduction of the cytokine IL-1beta. Exposure to nosocomial pneumonia
      associated with haplotypes IL-1RN * 4-IL-1beta (-511) C-->T gene of the same name
      cytokines having polar biological effects.

PMID- 27116881
TI  - [Effect of adaptation to hypoxia on expression of NO synthase isoforms in rat
      myocardium].
AB  - Previously we have shown that adaptation to hypoxia (AH) is cardio- and
      vasoprotective in myocardial ischemic and reperfusion injury and this protection
      is associated with restriction of nitrosative stress. The present study was
      focused on further elucidation of NO-dependent mechanisms of AH by identifying
      specific NO synthases (NOS) that could play the major role in AH protection. AH
      was performed in a normobaric hypoxic chamber by breathing hypoxic gas mixture
      (9.5-10% O2) for 5-10 min with intervening 4 min normoxia (5-8 cycles daily for
      21 days). Expression of neuronal (nNOS), inducible (iNOS), and endothelial (eNOS)
      protein was measured in the left ventricular myocardium using Western blot
      analysis with respective antibodies. AH educed iNOS protein expression by 71% (p
      < 0.05) whereas eNOS protein expression tended to be reduced by 41% compared to
      control (p < 0.05). nNOS protein expression remained unchanged after AH.
      Selective iNOS inhibition can mimic the AH-induced protection. Therefore
      protective effects of AH could be at least partially due to restriction of iNOS
      and, probably, eNOS expression.

PMID- 27116882
TI  - [Microwave emission from water in bioanalytical systems].
AB  - Mechanical stimulation of aqueous protein solution was found to be accompanied by
      electromagnetic radiation in the superhigh frequency range. This radiation was
      observed at solution temperatures near the phase transitions of water. This
      effect may occur in various bioanalytical systems, associated with injection of
      aqueous solutions in these systems, and may have impact on the results of
      bioalytical measurements. The discovered effect of generation of nonequilibrium
      microwave emission of water medium (which is the main component of the organism)
      in the 38-39 degrees C temperature range, i.e. in the range of elevated
      temperature of the organism (which accompanies pathological condition in humans
      upon inflammatory diseases, i.e., infactious etc.) may be used for development of
      new non-invasive methods of disease diagnostics.

PMID- 27116883
TI  - [The influence of extreme factors on homing multipotent mesenchymal stromal
      cells].
AB  - In this study, we studied homing multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells under
      influence of extreme factors: after radiation exposure, acute blood loss.
      Absorbed dose ionizing radiation amounted to 4.0 C (causes acute radiation
      sickness in mice), acute blood loss was caused by bleeding from the tail vein of
      the mouse in the amount of 2% of the body weight of the animal. Label MMSC used
      fluorochrome DAPI, ready to use. The experiments were performed on 60 Mature mice
      (males) age 6-8 months, weighing 20-25 g. Experiments on the culture of
      multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells from the placenta (chorion) performed on
      laboratory mice female at the age of 3-4 months in the gestation period of 14
      days. Introduction suspensions of MMSC was carried out at a dose of 6 million
      cells/mouse, suspended in 0.2 ml 0.9% NaCl solution. The control group of
      laboratory animals MMSC transplantation was carried out also in the amount of 6
      million cells/mouse. The assessment was made of tissue chimerism in the
      peripheral blood, bone marrow, spleen, small intestine, liver, lung, kidney,
      heart after 1 and 24 hours after transplantation of labeled cells. It was found a
      significant decrease in the content of labeled MMSC in the peripheral blood at
      extreme impact, indicating a migration of the transplanted cells in the damaged
      tissue. Homing transplanted MMSC is realized mainly in those tissues that
      underwent the most damage.

PMID- 27116884
TI  - [Emotional stress as a clinical model to study the pathogenesis of the initial
      phase of the general adaptation syndrome].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: General adaptation syndrome (GAS), the basis of the development of
      which is stress phenomenon, is an essential component of the pathogenesis of many
      diseases and syndromes. However, the patho genesis of GAS hitherto is considered
      exclusively from the endocrinological viewpoint. This relates primarily to the
      initial phase of the GAS, a clinical model for the study of which may be psycho
      emotional stress (PES), which we studied using three groups of volunteers.
      METHODS: The first one consists of 25 students who were waiting for unaccustomed
      physical activity (17 men) and play debut on the stage (8 women). The second
      group consists of 48 children (2-14 years) who expected for "planned" surgery.
      The third group of volunteers is made up of 80 students (41 women and 39 men)
      during the first exam. The concentration of cortisol, endotoxin (ET), the
      activity of antiendotoxin immunity (AEI) and the haemostatic system parameters
      were determined in the blood serum of volunteers in various combinations.
      RESULTS: We found laboratory evidence for PES at 92% of students of the first
      group, 58% of children of the second one and in 21% of students of the third
      group of volunteers (mostly women). The concentration of ET increased at 13 (52%)
      volunteers of the first group with a significant increase of average indicators
      in the whole group (from 0.84 +/- 0.06 to 1.19 +/- 0.04 EU/ml). At children of
      the second group, the average concentration of ET increased even more
      significantly (from 0.42 +/- 0.02 to 1.63 +/- 0.11 EU/ml), which was accompanied
      by the activation of the hemostasis system. A degree of the activation was
      directly dependent on the level of ET in the general circulation and on an
      activity of AEI. Examination stress in the third group of volunteers is
      accompanied by activation of plasma hemostasis (increased initial thrombosis rate
      and reduced the time it starts, lag-period) in 26% of female students and 15% of
      male students. CONCLUSION: We suggest that it is possible to use the PES as a
      clinical model for studying the initial phase of the GAS, examine the role of
      excess of intestinal ET in the general blood circulation (endotoxin aggression)
      in the induction of systemic inflammation, which is very likely participated in
      the initiation of the GAS.

PMID- 27116885
TI  - [Hypoxia as functional base of metabolic processes changes in erythrocytes and
      hepatocytes of rats after prolonged Simvastatin (Zokor) intake].
AB  - Concentration of glycolysis metabolites, activity of enzymes of carbohydrate and
      energetic metabolism and antioxidant enzymes was investigated in hepatocytes and
      erythrocytes with the purpose of estimation of functional metabolic changes of
      cells rebuilding after prolonged Simvastatin intake (Zocor, 20 mg; on 1.5 mg once
      a day during 3 months). It was established that total metabolic reaction on
      prolonged Simvastatin intake at intact animals characterized by hypoxia
      formation, that manifested by increasing of 2.3-BPG concentration in
      erythrocytes, lactate accumulation in erythrocytes and hepatocytes. Different
      side changes of glutathione-dependent enzymes activity, activation of first line
      of antioxidant defense enzymes testify about tense defense mechanisms of
      erythrocytes and hepatocytes. Biochemical changes in blood plasma shows tendency
      to cytolysis syndrome formation and affection of biosynthetic liver function.
      Decreasing of ceruloplasmin concentration can be used as additional biochemical
      test in estimation of the state of liver affection at prolonged Simvastatin
      intake.

PMID- 27116886
TI  - [Adaptation to physical load and the state of the autonomic nervous system in
      young women with low blood pressure].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of research--the study of the relationship between
      adaptation of the cardiovascular system to physical activity and the autonomic
      newous system in young women with low blood pressure. METHODS: Evaluated test
      Ruffier index Kerdo women-university students aged 18-35 years, engaged in
      physical culture within the educational process. Compare the 69 women with low
      blood pressure (SBP 61-99 mmHg) and 35 women with normal blood pressure (SBP 120
      129 mmHg). Index Ruffier groups did not differ in average and adequate "good
      result". In the group of women with low blood pressure showed a reduction in
      fitness (Ruffier-index of 10 or higher) when sympathetic activation. Reduced
      recorded in 14.5% (10 cases), which is significantly more than the
      parasympathetic activation--0 cases when p = 0.003. Analysis of the dynamics of
      SBP, DBP and heart rate during the Ruffier test showed that low blood pressure
      after 1 minute rest in SBP and DBP were higher than baseline. CONCLUSIONS:
      According to the test Ruffier in young women with low blood pressure and
      sympathicotonia in 14.5% of cases there is a lack of adaptation to physical
      stress. When low blood pressure with vagotonia --only good and average adaptation
      to physical stress. Screening test of physical activity in young women with low
      blood pressure are not quickens the pulse, but leads to a slight increase in SBP
      and DBP.

PMID- 27116887
TI  - [Pathogenetic mechanisms of phantom-pain syndrome].
AB  - This review considers the literature data on the epidemiology of phantom-pain
      syndrome (PPS) presents the results of numerous clinical studies demonstrating
      the lack of effectiveness of the vast majority of modem non-pharmacological and
      pharmacological methods of treatment of PPS. Detail presents data on the patho
      genetic mechanisms underlying the PPS. According to most researchers, the major
      role in the patho genesis of the PPS has the reorganization of the somatosensory
      area of the cerebral cortex of the brain. At the same time discusses the views of
      researchers who believe that the main reason PPS is to strengthen nociceptive and
      nonnociceptive afferentation in the peripheral newous system. The comparison of
      these conflicting data it is concluded that in the genesis of the PPS plays the
      role of both primary and secondary sensitization. Leading important dysfunction
      of the central nervous system. Details the modern understanding of the mechanisms
      underlying the high efficiency of suppression of PPS during stimulation of motor
      cortex.

PMID- 27116888
TI  - [Age-related changes of the brain].
AB  - The first morphological signs of aging of the brain are found in the white matter
      already at a young age (20-40 years), and later (40-50 years) in a gray matter.
      After the 40-50 years appear and in subsequently are becoming more pronounced
      functional manifestations of morphological changes: the weakening of sensory
      motor and cognitive abilities. While in principle this dynamic of age-related
      changes is inevitable, the rate of their development to a large extent determined
      by the genetic characteristics and lifestyle of the individual. According to
      modem concepts age-related changes in the number of nerve cells are different in
      different parts of the brain. However, these changes are not large and are not
      the main cause of senile decline brain. The main processes that contribute to the
      degradation of the brain develop as in the bodies of neurons and in neuropil. In
      the bodies of neurons--it is a damage (usually decrease) of the level of
      expression of many genes, and especially of the genes determining cell
      communication. In neuropil: reduction in the number of synapses and the strength
      of synaptic connections, reduction in the number of dendritic spines and axonal
      buttons, reduction in the number and thickness of the dendritic branches,
      demyelination of axons. As the result of these events, it becomes a violation of
      the rate of formation and rebuilding neuronal circuits. It is deplete associative
      ability, brain plasticity, and memory.

PMID- 27116889
TI  - A HISTORY OF MEDICAL RESIDENCY.

PMID- 27116890
TI  - IN THE NAME OF THE CHILD.

PMID- 27116892
TI  - Growing our knowledge about head circumference.

PMID- 27116891
TI  - Differentiation-Dependent Energy Production and Metabolite Utilization: A
      Comparative Study on Neural Stem Cells, Neurons, and Astrocytes.
AB  - While it is evident that the metabolic machinery of stem cells should be fairly
      different from that of differentiated neurons, the basic energy production
      pathways in neural stem cells (NSCs) or in neurons are far from clear. Using the
      model of in vitro neuron production by NE-4C NSCs, this study focused on the
      metabolic changes taking place during the in vitro neuronal differentiation. O2
      consumption, H(+) production, and metabolic responses to single metabolites were
      measured in cultures of NSCs and in their neuronal derivatives, as well as in
      primary neuronal and astroglial cultures. In metabolite-free solutions, NSCs
      consumed little O2 and displayed a higher level of mitochondrial proton leak than
      neurons. In stem cells, glycolysis was the main source of energy for the survival
      of a 2.5-h period of metabolite deprivation. In contrast, stem cell-derived or
      primary neurons sustained a high-level oxidative phosphorylation during
      metabolite deprivation, indicating the consumption of own cellular material for
      energy production. The stem cells increased O2 consumption and mitochondrial ATP
      production in response to single metabolites (with the exception of glucose),
      showing rapid adaptation of the metabolic machinery to the available resources.
      In contrast, single metabolites did not increase the O2 consumption of neurons or
      astrocytes. In "starving" neurons, neither lactate nor pyruvate was utilized for
      mitochondrial ATP production. Gene expression studies also suggested that aerobic
      glycolysis and rapid metabolic adaptation characterize the NE-4C NSCs, while
      autophagy and alternative glucose utilization play important roles in the
      metabolism of stem cell-derived neurons.

PMID- 27116893
TI  - Barriers to improve neonatal care in Mexico.

PMID- 27116894
TI  - Canadian Nutrition Society: Scientific Abstracts from the 7th Annual Scientific
      Meeting / Societe canadienne de nutrition : Resumes scientifiques de la 7(e)
      reunion scientifique annuelle.

PMID- 27116895
TI  - Characteristics, diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for IgG4-related orbital
      disease.
AB  - Thanks to detailed studies conducted in recent years, a new disease syndrome was
      identified in 2001. It is known as a IgG4-related disease and its differentiation
      is based on the analysis of IgG4 levels in the affected tissues. The IgG4-related
      disease is considered to be a generalized pathological process involving a wide
      spectrum of various disorders that may affect distant organs. Orbital IgG4
      related disease is a recently reported issue that may prove important for the
      elucidation of the etiology of idiopathic, lymphoplasmacytic or fibrotic
      disorders of various organs, including the orbits. In this article, we are
      describing epidemiology and differential diagnostics of IgG4-related orbital
      disease with particular focus on pseudotumors, MALT lymphomas and
      lymphocyte/plasma cell infiltrations of the orbit. We are also discussing
      therapeutic possibilities currently available in the management of the disease. 

PMID- 27116896
TI  - Engraftment syndrome manifesting as acute brachial neuropathy following high-dose
      chemotherapy for management of plasma cell myeloma.

PMID- 27116897
TI  - Absence of a stable atomic structure in fluorinated graphene.
AB  - Based on the results of first-principles calculations we demonstrate that
      significant distortion of graphene sheets caused by adsorption of fluorine atoms
      leads to the formation of metastable patterns for which the next step of
      fluorination is considerably less energetically favorable. Existence of these
      stable patterns oriented along the armchair direction makes possible the
      synthesis of various CFx structures. The combination of strong distortion of the
      nonfluorinated graphene sheet with the doping caused by the polar nature of C-F
      bonds reduces the energy cost of migration and the energy of migration barriers,
      making possible the migration of fluorine atoms on the graphene surface as well
      as transformation of the shapes of fluorinated areas. The decreasing energy cost
      of migration with increasing fluorine content also leads to increasing numbers of
      single fluorine adatoms, which could be the source of magnetic moments.

PMID- 27116898
TI  - Emerging site-specific bioconjugation strategies for radioimmunotracer
      development.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Radioimmunotracers are a promising class of companion diagnostics
      for precision medicine. They are composed of an antibody-based targeting agent
      and a radiolabeled imaging probe. Together with the tendency towards the use of
      small antibody-derived fragments, the employed conjugation method is gaining
      increasing attention. Conventional bioconjugation methods result in heterogeneous
      tracer populations of which the single elements can differ in immunoreactivity,
      pharmacokinetic behavior and stability. Site-specific conjugation strategies try
      to overcome these shortcomings and facilitate radioimmunotracer delivery,
      characterization and manufacturing. AREAS COVERED: An overview is provided of
      site-specific conjugation strategies for use in radioimmunotracer development.
      Currently applied strategies are discussed, together with other emerging site
      specific conjugation methods that are applicable to diabodies, single-chain
      variable fragments (scFvs) and camelid single-domain antibody-fragments (sdAbs or
      nanobodies). EXPERT OPINION: The ultimate goal of site-specific bioconjugation
      strategies is to allow precise control over the conjugation site, to result in
      homogenous tracer populations, and to be versatile in use with different imaging
      probes. Chemoenzymatic methods appear to be promising in this respect.

PMID- 27116899
TI  - Clinical Impact of the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index for Predicting Cardiovascular
      Events After Acute Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We hypothesized the cardio-ankle vascular stiffness index (CAVI)
      could predict future cardiovascular events. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 288
      consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent CAVI
      measurement soon after the onset of ACS. Exclusion criteria were as follows:
      unable to detect significant stenosis by coronary angiography, severe aortic
      insufficiency, peripheral artery disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), informed
      consent was not given. We divided the patients into 2 groups according to the
      cutoff value of CAVI determined by receiver-operating characteristics curve for
      the prediction of cardiovascular events: low CAVI group, 135 patients with CAVI
      <=8.325; high CAVI group, 153 patients with CAVI >8.325. Patients were followed
      up for a median period of 15 months. The primary and secondary endpoints were the
      incidence of cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial
      infarction, or nonfatal ischemic stroke), and nonfatal ischemic stroke. Of the
      288 patients, cardiovascular events occurred in 19 patients (6.6%). The Kaplan
      Meier estimate of the event-free rate revealed cardiovascular events occurred
      more frequently in the high CAVI group than in the low CAVI group (log-rank,
      P<0.001). Multiple adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis, including age,
      indicated the high CAVI group was an independent predictor of cardiovascular
      events (hazard ratio [HR] 18.00, P=0.005), and nonfatal ischemic stroke (HR
      9.371, P=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: High CAVI is an independent predictor of
      cardiovascular events and nonfatal ischemic stroke in patients with ACS. (Circ J
      2016; 80: 1420-1426).

PMID- 27116900
TI  - Dynamic endophenotypes and longitudinal trajectories: capturing changing aspects
      of development in early psychosis.

PMID- 27116902
TI  - Breakthrough symptoms after switching long-acting injectable paliperidone
      palmitate from the gluteal to the deltoid site of administration.

PMID- 27116903
TI  - Effectiveness of clinical alternatives to nerve conduction studies for screening
      for diabetic distal symmetrical polyneuropathy: A multi-center study.
AB  - AIM: This study explored the possibility of developing an alternative, simple and
      rapid test for the screening of distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN), for use
      in local primary care facilities. METHODS: 4023 patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM), aged 18-80 years, from 21 hospitals in China were screened for
      inclusion in a prospective diagnostic assessment of DSPN, between April 2011 and
      March 2012. Patients underwent nerve conduction study (NCS; as the gold standard)
      and clinical assessments of ankle reflexes (AR) and thermal (T), vibration (V),
      pressure (P), and pinprick (PP) sensations. RESULTS: Results from various
      combinations of these clinical assessments were compared to determine the optimal
      screening regimens. The Toronto Consensus Panel definition was used to confirm
      clinical DSPN (symptoms or signs plus abnormal NCS). 3883 of the 4023 patients
      (M:F, 2162:1721; mean age, 56.79+/-13.16 years) were included. No significant
      differences were found between the two most efficient clinical assessment
      combinations, AR+PP+T+V and AR+T+V (P=0.9612). Compared to the diagnosis made
      using AR+T+V, the same diagnosis was reached using AR+PP+P+V+T in 100% of
      patients with probable clinical DSPN, 84.05% with possible clinical DSPN, and
      96.84% with no DSPN. The AR+T+V assessment was also ~40% faster than the
      AR+PP+P+V+T assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Combined AR+T+V assessment is a valuable
      tool for screening diabetic patients for DSPN, potentially decreasing costs to
      local primary care facilities and making care more available to underserved
      populations.

PMID- 27116904
TI  - Outcomes of Women Treated for Popliteal Artery Aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) in women are rare and their
      outcomes compared with men with PAA are unknown. The purpose of this study was to
      compare the surgical outcomes of PAA of women with men. METHODS: All patients who
      underwent PAA repair at a single institution from 1985 to 2013 were reviewed. All
      women with degenerative PAA treated during that time frame were matched on year
      of repair to men. Presentation, mode of repair, and outcomes were reviewed.
      Survival and amputation-free survival were evaluated by life table analysis.
      RESULTS: During the study interval, 8 women with degenerative PAA underwent
      surgical treatment (1.6% of 485 total PAA repairs). The overall median follow-up
      was 5 years (range 1 month to 19 years), but the median follow-up was shorter for
      women than men (1.6 vs. 6 years, P = 0.04). At the time of repair, women were of
      similar age compared with men (73.5 vs. 71.7 years) and had similar aneurysm size
      (2.7 vs. 2.9 cm). Women had similar urgency (25 vs. 17.5% emergent) and
      symptomatic status (50% vs. 55% acute) even though 7 of the 8 women had a
      thrombosed PAA at the time of repair. Operative time, approach, graft type, and
      inflow and outflow sources were similar between genders. No women received
      endovascular repair (0% vs. 10%, P = 0.5). One patient of each gender underwent
      major amputation (one woman on post-operative day 158 and one man on post
      operative day 3). Overall, women had lower survival and amputation-free survival
      at 2 years (51% vs. 100% and 20% vs. 94%, P < 0.01 for both, standard error 0.2).
      CONCLUSIONS: PAA requiring intervention in women is a rare clinical occurrence.
      Although our series is limited, women requiring PAA repair had higher long-term
      mortality compared with men with a similar pathology and treatment strategy.

PMID- 27116905
TI  - A Novel Anesthetic Technique for PEVAR.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (PEVAR) continues to
      evolve. Device profiles continue to decline, further reducing the physiological
      insult of the procedure. Anesthesia, however, has not evolved with a large
      proportion of patients continuing to receive general anesthesia for their
      increasingly less invasive procedures. We report on a novel anesthetic technique
      providing outstanding anesthesia in patients undergoing PEVAR in an outpatient
      setting. The total anesthesia used was remarkably cost effective. METHODS: Six
      patients underwent PEVAR in an outpatient setting. The patients received moderate
      intravenous (IV) access sedation using versed and fentanyl in combination with
      bilateral ilioinguinal nerve blocks. Patients received 25 mL bilaterally of 0.5%
      bupivicaine with epinephrine. All patients were American Society of
      Anesthesiologists class III. None received central venous access, arterial, or
      urinary catheters. Standard noninvasive monitoring was used. A board-certified
      anesthesiologist was present at all times during the procedures. RESULTS: All
      patients underwent successful repair. Average cost per case for anesthetic
      supplies averaged around $7.00. The fentanyl dose ranged from 100 to 200 MUg with
      an average dose of 130 MUg. Versed dose ranged from 2 to 3 mg with an average
      dose of 2.4 mg. No patient required conversion to general anesthesia.
      Postoperative pain relief was excellent. Two patients required pain medication
      before discharge. Two patients required oral narcotic analgesic the night of
      discharge. No patients required narcotics after that time. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral
      ilioinguinal nerve block, when combined with moderate IV sedation allows
      outstanding anesthesia for patients undergoing PEVAR. This novel combination has
      not been reported previously. The technique provides safe, effective, care for of
      a subset of patients not requiring general anesthesia. It offers a greatly
      reduced cost when compared with general anesthesia. Additional benefits include
      prolonged pain relief perioperatively as well as potentially decreasing the
      physiologic and cognitive effects seen with general anesthesia.

PMID- 27116906
TI  - Anatomic Variation of Rami Communicantes in the Upper Thoracic Sympathetic Chain:
      A Human Cadaveric Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis is secondary to over activation of the sympathetic
      nervous system and surgical sympathectomy is the treatment of choice when other
      modalities have failed. This study investigated anatomic variation in the upper
      thoracic sympathetic chain and associated rami communicantes among cadaveric
      specimens. It considers the implications of these findings on surgical techniques
      to treat hyperhidrosis. METHODS: The upper 4 thoracic sympathetic ganglia,
      intercostal nerves, and connecting rami were dissected, measured and mapped in 40
      sides of 20 adult human cadavers. Ganglia location was recorded. The incidence,
      orientation, and distance travelled by rami communicantes was compared across
      different ganglionic levels and between sides. RESULTS: The percentage of ganglia
      located below their associated intercostal space was 6.25% with stellate
      ganglions present in 70% of specimens and Kuntz fibers noted in 40%. There was a
      stepwise reduction in incidence of rami from superior to inferior placed ganglia.
      The number of rami identified across all levels was significantly greater on the
      right (P = 0.03). The horizontal distance between the sympathetic chain and union
      of the rami on the intercostal nerves was significantly greater on the right
      across all levels (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: There was substantial variation in the
      rami communicantes across the upper 4 ganglia and between right and left sides.
      Consideration of this variation should be given when planning surgical
      sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis particularly to avoid symptom recurrence.

PMID- 27116907
TI  - Three-Dimensional Modeling Analysis of Visceral Arteries and Kidneys during
      Respiration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visceral arteries are commonly involved in endovascular repair of
      complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). To improve repair techniques and
      reduce long-term complications involving visceral arteries, it is crucial to
      understand in vivo arterial geometry and the deformations due to visceral organ
      movement with respiration. This study quantifies deformation of the celiac,
      superior mesenteric (SMA), and renal arteries during respiration and correlates
      the deformations with diaphragmatic excursion. METHODS: Sixteen patients with
      small AAAs underwent magnetic resonance angiography during inspiratory and
      expiratory breathholds. From geometric models of the aorta and visceral arteries,
      vessel length, branch angle, curvature, and positions were computed, along with
      degree of diaphragmatic excursion as indicated by kidney translation. RESULTS:
      From inspiration to expiration, the celiac artery exhibited axial shortening of
      4.8 +/- 6.4% (P < 0.001) and a mean curvature increase of 0.03 +/- 0.02 mm(-1),
      greater than other visceral arteries (P < 0.01). With expiration, the SMA, left
      and right renal arteries (LRA and RRA) angled upward by -9.8 +/- 6.4 degrees , 
      6.4 +/- 6.4 degrees , and -5.2 +/- 5.0 degrees , respectively (P < 0.005). All
      vessels translated superiorly (P < 0.0005) and posteriorly (P < 0.01), and the
      SMA translated rightward additionally (P < 0.005). The left and right kidneys
      translated by 22 +/- 9 mm and 21 +/- 9 mm, mostly superiorly (P < 0.001).
      Translations of all visceral arteries were moderately correlated to the right
      kidney (R > 0.50). Correlation of the LRA with the left kidney was greater than
      that of the RRA with the right kidney. CONCLUSIONS: The celiac artery exhibited
      less branch angle change, and greater axial and curvature deformations than the
      other visceral arteries, due to the vicinity to the liver and influence of the
      median arcuate ligament. Correlation between visceral arteries and kidney
      translations revealed that diaphragmatic excursion affects vessel mobility.
      Weaker correlation of the RRA to the right kidney indicates mechanical shielding
      from the inferior vena cava.

PMID- 27116908
TI  - Impaired sperm quality, delayed mating but no costs for offspring fitness in
      crickets winning a fight.
AB  - The outcome of male-male contest competition is known to affect male mating
      success and is believed to confer fitness benefits to females through preference
      for dominant males. However, by mating with contest winners, females can incur
      significant costs spanning from decreased fecundity to negative effects on
      offspring. Hence, identifying costs and benefits of male dominance on female
      fitness is crucial to unravel the potential for a conflict of interests between
      the sexes. Here, we investigated males' pre- and post-copulatory reproductive
      investment and its effect on female fitness after a single contest a using the
      field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. We allowed males to fight and immediately
      measured their mating behaviour, sperm quality and offspring viability. We found
      that males experiencing a fight, independently of the outcome, delayed matings,
      but their courtship effort was not affected. However, winners produced sperm of
      lower quality (viability) compared to losers and to males that did not experience
      fighting. Results suggest a trade-off in resource allocation between pre- and
      post-mating episodes of sexual selection. Despite lower ejaculate quality, we
      found no fitness costs (fecundity and viability of offspring) for females mated
      to winners. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of considering
      fighting ability when assessing male reproductive success, as winners may be
      impaired in their competitiveness at a post-mating level.

PMID- 27116909
TI  - Quantitative Measure of Receptor Agonist and Modulator Equi-Response and Equi
      Occupancy Selectivity.
AB  - G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an important class of drug targets.
      Quantitative analysis by global curve fitting of properly designed dose-dependent
      GPCR agonism and allosterism data permits the determination of all affinity and
      efficacy parameters based on a general operational model. We report here a
      quantitative and panoramic measure of receptor agonist and modulator equi
      response and equi-occupancy selectivity calculated from these parameters. The
      selectivity values help to differentiate not only one agonist or modulator from
      another, but on-target from off-target receptor or functional pathway as well.
      Furthermore, in conjunction with target site free drug concentrations and
      endogenous agonist tones, the allosterism parameters and selectivity values may
      be used to predict in vivo efficacy and safety margins.

PMID- 27116910
TI  - Evaluation of lorcaserin on progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes and
      reversion to euglycemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Lorcaserin is a selective 5-HT2C (5-hydroxytryptamine 2C) receptor
      agonist indicated for weight management. Here, we assess the impact of lorcaserin
      on progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and on reversion from
      prediabetes to euglycemia. METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of pooled data
      from two Phase 3 studies, BLOOM and BLOSSOM (N = 6136), evaluating the impact of
      lorcaserin on weight and glycemic parameters over 52 weeks in the subpopulation
      of obese/overweight subjects with prediabetes, alternately defined by fasting
      plasma glucose (FPG) 100-125 mg/dl or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 5.7-6.4% at
      baseline. RESULTS: At Week 52, in the subpopulation with prediabetes, nearly
      twice as many lorcaserin-treated subjects achieved >=5% weight loss versus
      placebo (HbA1c: 55.6% vs. 27.5%, p < 0.001; FPG: 52.8% vs. 28.8%, p < 0.001), and
      a significantly lower percentage of lorcaserin-treated subjects progressed to T2D
      versus placebo based on HbA1c (lorcaserin 3.2%, placebo 5.0%, p = 0.032) but not
      FPG (lorcaserin 1.6%, placebo 2.6%, p = 0.227). A significantly greater
      proportion of lorcaserin-treated subjects versus placebo also reverted to
      euglycemia based on both HbA1c (lorcaserin 40%, placebo 29.5%, p < 0.001) and FPG
      (lorcaserin 52.4%, placebo 46.5%, p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: In subjects with
      prediabetes, lorcaserin may contribute to weight loss and improve glycemic
      parameters, and thus may help with preventing progression to T2D and promoting
      reversion to euglycemia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov
      identifiers are NCT00395135 (BLOOM) and NCT00603902 (BLOSSOM).

PMID- 27116911
TI  - Diagnostic value of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells in
      paediatric sepsis: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differential diagnosis between sepsis and non-infectious inflammatory
      disorders demands improved biomarkers. Soluble Triggering Receptor Expression on
      Myeloid cells (sTREM-1) is an activating receptor whose role has been studied
      throughout the last decade. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the
      accuracy of plasma sTREM-1 levels in the diagnosis of sepsis in children with
      Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). METHODS: A literature search of
      PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to
      Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and ISI Web of Knowledge databases
      was performed using specific search terms. Studies were included if they assessed
      the diagnostic accuracy of plasma sTREM-1 for sepsis in paediatric patients with
      SIRS. Data on sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative
      predictive value, area under receiver operating characteristic curve were
      extracted. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using a
      checklist based on the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.
      RESULTS: Nine studies comprising 961 patients were included, four of which were
      in newborns, three in children and two in children with febrile neutropenia. Some
      data from single studies support a role of sTREM-1 as a diagnostic tool in
      pediatric sepsis, but cannot be considered conclusive, because a quantitative
      synthesis was not possible, due to heterogeneity in studies design. CONCLUSIONS:
      This systematic review suggests that available data are insufficient to support a
      role for sTREM in the diagnosis and follow-up of paediatric sepsis.

PMID- 27116912
TI  - Commentary on 'Cost-effectiveness of Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in
      Combination with Medical Intervention in Patients with Small Aneurysms'.

PMID- 27116913
TI  - Acibenzolar-S-methyl may prevent vector-mediated flavescence doree phytoplasma
      transmission, but is ineffective in inducing recovery of infected grapevines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acibenzolar-S-methyl (BTH), a functional analogue of salicylic acid
      (SA), is known to elicit a systemic resistance across a broad range of plant
      pathogen interactions, but so far it has not been tested against flavescence
      doree (FDP), one of the most devastating grapevine diseases. The aim of this work
      was to evaluate the activity of BTH in preventing FDP transmission by the insect
      vector and in inducing recovery of infected grapevines. RESULTS: Repeated 2 mM
      applications of BTH to test grapevine cuttings (cv. Barbera) exposed to adults of
      the infectious vector Scaphoideus titanus Ball reduced the rate of infected
      plants. The effect was not recorded following similar BTH applications to highly
      susceptible young in vitro propagated vines. A high natural recovery rate (more
      than 70%) was observed over a 3 year period in field-infected grapevines of the
      same cultivar. Under these conditions, BTH repeated applications over the whole
      period clearly failed to increase recovery of field-infected grapevines.
      CONCLUSION: Following a 3 year experiment, it can be concluded that, although
      high doses and repeated applications of BTH reduced vector transmission of FDP,
      BTH was ineffective in inducing recovery of FDP-infected grapevines cv. Barbera
      under field conditions. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27116914
TI  - Sulfurovum riftiae sp. nov., a mesophilic, thiosulfate-oxidizing, nitrate
      reducing chemolithoautotrophic epsilonproteobacterium isolated from the tube of
      the deep-sea hydrothermal vent polychaete Riftia pachyptila.
AB  - An anaerobic, nitrate-reducing, sulfur- and thiosulfate-oxidizing bacterium,
      designated strain 1812ET, was isolated from the vent polychaete Riftia
      pachyptila, which was collected from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent on the East
      Pacific Rise. Cells were Gram-stain-negative rods, measuring approximately 1.05+/
      0.11 um by 0.40+/-0.05 um. Strain 1812ET grew at 25 - -45  degrees C (optimum 35 
      degrees C), with 1.5-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 3.0 %) and at pH 5.0-8.0 (optimum
      pH 6.0). The generation time under optimal conditions was 3 h. Strain 1812ET was
      an anaerobic chemolithotroph that grew with either sulfur or thiosulfate as the
      energy source and carbon dioxide as the sole carbon source. Nitrate was used as a
      sole terminal electron acceptor. The predominant fatty acids were C16 : 1omega7c,
      C18 : 1omega7c and C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine,
      diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The major respiratory quinone
      was menaquinone MK-6 and the G+C content of the genomic DNA was 47.4 mol%.
      Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene of strain 1812ET showed that the
      isolate belonged to the Epsilonproteobacteria, and its closest relatives were
      Sulfurovum lithotrophicum 42BKTT and Sulfurovum aggregans Monchim 33T (98.3 and
      95.7 % sequence similarity, respectively). DNA-DNA relatedness between strain
      1812ET and the type strain of S. lithotrophicum was 29.7 %, demonstrating that
      the two strains are not members of the same species. Based on the phylogenetic,
      molecular, chemotaxonomic and physiological evidence, strain 1812ET represents a
      novel species within the genus Sulfurovum, for which the name Sulfurovum riftiae
      sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 1812ET (=DSM 101780T=JCM 30810T).

PMID- 27116915
TI  - To what extent do site-based training, mentoring, and operational research
      improve district health system management and leadership in low- and middle
      income countries: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: District health managers play a key role in the effectiveness of
      decentralized health systems in low- and middle-income countries. Inadequate
      management and leadership skills often hamper their ability to improve quality of
      care and effectiveness of health service delivery. Nevertheless, significant
      investments have been made in capacity-building programmes based on site-based
      training, mentoring, and operational research. This systematic review aims to
      review the effectiveness of site-based training, mentoring, and operational
      research (or action research) on the improvement of district health system
      management and leadership. Our secondary objectives are to assess whether
      variations in composition or intensity of the intervention influence its
      effectiveness and to identify enabling and constraining contexts and underlying
      mechanisms. METHODS: We will search the following databases: MEDLINE, PsycInfo,
      Cochrane Library, CRD database (DARE), Cochrane Effective Practice and
      Organisation of Care (EPOC) group, ISI Web of Science, Health Evidence.org, PDQ
      Evidence, ERIC, EMBASE, and TRIP. Complementary search will be performed (hand
      searching journals and citation and reference tracking). Studies that meet the
      following PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) criteria will be
      included: P: professionals working at district health management level; I: site
      based training with or without mentoring, or operational research; C: normal
      institutional arrangements; and O: district health management functions. We will
      include cluster randomized controlled trials, controlled before-and-after
      studies, interrupted time series analysis, quasi-experimental designs, and cohort
      and longitudinal studies. Qualitative research will be included to contextualize
      findings and identify barriers and facilitators. Primary outcomes that will be
      reported are district health management and leadership functions. We will assess
      risk of bias with the Cochrane Collaboration's tools for randomized controlled
      trials (RCT) and non RCT studies and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme
      checklists for qualitative studies. We will assess strength of recommendations
      with the GRADE tool for quantitative studies, and the CERQual approach for
      qualitative studies. Synthesis of quantitative studies will be performed through
      meta-analysis when appropriate. Best fit framework synthesis will be used to
      synthesize qualitative studies. DISCUSSION: This protocol paper describes a
      systematic review assessing the effectiveness of site-based training (with or
      without mentoring programmes or operational research) on the improvement of
      district health system management and leadership. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:
      PROSPERO CRD42015032351.

PMID- 27116916
TI  - Metabolic responses of Beauveria bassiana to hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative
      stress using an LC-MS-based metabolomics approach.
AB  - The entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, is commonly used as a biological
      agent for pest control. Environmental and biological factors expose the fungus to
      oxidative stress; as a result, B. bassiana has adopted a number of anti-oxidant
      mechanisms. In this study, we investigated metabolites of B. bassiana that are
      formed in response to oxidative stress from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by using a
      liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach. Partial least-squares
      discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed differences between the control and the
      H2O2-treated groups. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed 18 up-regulated
      metabolites and 25 down-regulated metabolites in the H2O2-treated fungus. Pathway
      analysis indicated that B. bassiana may be able to alleviate oxidative stress by
      enhancing lipid catabolism and glycometabolism, thus decreasing membrane polarity
      and preventing polar H2O2 or ROS from permeating into fungal cells and protecting
      cells against oxidative injury. Meanwhile, most of the unsaturated fatty acids
      that are derived from glycerophospholipids hydrolysis can convert into oxylipins
      through autoxidation, which can prevent the reactive oxygen of H2O2 from
      attacking important macromolecules of the fungus. Results showed also that H2O2
      treatment can enhance mycotoxins production which implies that oxidative stress
      may be able to increase the virulence of the fungus. In comparison to the control
      group, citric acid and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine were down-regulated, which
      suggested that metabolic flux was occurring to the TCA cycle and enhancing
      carbohydrate metabolism. The findings from this study will contribute to the
      understanding of how the molecular mechanisms of fungus respond to environmental
      and biological stress factors as well as how the manipulation of such metabolisms
      may lead to selection of more effective fungal strains for pest control.

PMID- 27116917
TI  - Food insufficiency and food insecurity as risk factors for physical disability
      among Palestinian refugees in Lebanon: Evidence from an observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Potential interactions between malnutrition and disability are
      increasingly recognized, and both are important global health issues. Causal
      effects working from nutrition to disability and from disability back to
      nutrition present an empirical challenge to measuring either of these effects.
      However, disability affects nutrition whatever the cause of disability, whereas
      nutrition is likelier to affect disease-related disability than war- or work
      related disability. OBJECTIVE: This paper investigates the association of food
      insufficiency with the risk of physical disability. Data on disability by cause
      allow us to address the difficulty of reverse causality. METHODS: Multinomial
      logit regressions of disability by cause on food insufficiency are run using
      survey data from 2010 on 2575 Palestinian refugee households in Lebanon. Controls
      include household sociodemographic, health and economic characteristics.
      Regressions of food insufficiency on disability by cause are also run. RESULTS:
      Disability has a significant coefficient in regressions of food insufficiency,
      whatever the cause of disability; but in regressions of disability on food
      insufficiency, food insufficiency is significant only for disease-related
      disability (log odds of disease-related disability .78 higher, p = .008). The
      difference in the results by cause of disability is evidence of a significant
      association between food insufficiency and disease-related disability, net of any
      reverse effect from disability to food access. CONCLUSIONS: The association
      between disease-related disability and food insufficiency is statistically
      significant suggesting that even taking into account feedback from disability to
      nutrition, nutrition is an effective level of intervention to avert the poverty
      disability trap resulting from the impoverishing effect of disability.

PMID- 27116918
TI  - Neuropsychiatric safety and efficacy of varenicline, bupropion, and nicotine
      patch in smokers with and without psychiatric disorders (EAGLES): a double-blind,
      randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Substantial concerns have been raised about the neuropsychiatric
      safety of the smoking cessation medications varenicline and bupropion. Their
      efficacy relative to nicotine patch largely relies on indirect comparisons, and
      there is limited information on safety and efficacy in smokers with psychiatric
      disorders. We compared the relative neuropsychiatric safety risk and efficacy of
      varenicline and bupropion with nicotine patch and placebo in smokers with and
      without psychiatric disorders. METHODS: We did a randomised, double-blind, triple
      dummy, placebo-controlled and active-controlled (nicotine patch; 21 mg per day
      with taper) trial of varenicline (1 mg twice a day) and bupropion (150 mg twice a
      day) for 12 weeks with 12-week non-treatment follow-up done at 140 centres
      (clinical trial centres, academic centres, and outpatient clinics) in 16
      countries between Nov 30, 2011, and Jan 13, 2015. Participants were motivated-to
      quit smokers with and without psychiatric disorders who received brief cessation
      counselling at each visit. Randomisation was computer generated (1:1:1:1 ratio).
      Participants, investigators, and research personnel were masked to treatment
      assignments. The primary endpoint was the incidence of a composite measure of
      moderate and severe neuropsychiatric adverse events. The main efficacy endpoint
      was biochemically confirmed continuous abstinence for weeks 9-12. All
      participants randomly assigned were included in the efficacy analysis and those
      who received treatment were included in the safety analysis. The trial is
      registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT01456936) and is now closed.
      FINDINGS: 8144 participants were randomly assigned, 4116 to the psychiatric
      cohort (4074 included in the safety analysis) and 4028 to the non-psychiatric
      cohort (3984 included in the safety analysis). In the non-psychiatric cohort, 13
      (1.3%) of 990 participants reported moderate and severe neuropsychiatric adverse
      events in the varenicline group, 22 (2.2%) of 989 in the bupropion group, 25
      (2.5%) of 1006 in the nicotine patch group, and 24 (2.4%) of 999 in the placebo
      group. The varenicline-placebo and bupropion-placebo risk differences (RDs) for
      moderate and severe neuropsychiatric adverse events were -1.28 (95% CI -2.40 to 
      0.15) and -0.08 (-1.37 to 1.21), respectively; the RDs for comparisons with
      nicotine patch were -1.07 (-2.21 to 0.08) and 0.13 (-1.19 to 1.45), respectively.
      In the psychiatric cohort, moderate and severe neuropsychiatric adverse events
      were reported in 67 (6.5%) of 1026 participants in the varenicline group, 68
      (6.7%) of 1017 in the bupropion group, 53 (5.2%) of 1016 in the nicotine patch
      group, and 50 (4.9%) of 1015 in the placebo group. The varenicline-placebo and
      bupropion-placebo RDs were 1.59 (95% CI -0.42 to 3.59) and 1.78 (-0.24 to 3.81),
      respectively; the RDs versus nicotine patch were 1.22 (-0.81 to 3.25) and 1.42 (
      0.63 to 3.46), respectively. Varenicline-treated participants achieved higher
      abstinence rates than those on placebo (odds ratio [OR] 3.61, 95% CI 3.07 to
      4.24), nicotine patch (1.68, 1.46 to 1.93), and bupropion (1.75, 1.52 to 2.01).
      Those on bupropion and nicotine patch achieved higher abstinence rates than those
      on placebo (OR 2.07 [1.75 to 2.45] and 2.15 [1.82 to 2.54], respectively). Across
      cohorts, the most frequent adverse events by treatment group were nausea
      (varenicline, 25% [511 of 2016 participants]), insomnia (bupropion, 12% [245 of
      2006 participants]), abnormal dreams (nicotine patch, 12% [251 of 2022
      participants]), and headache (placebo, 10% [199 of 2014 participants]). Efficacy
      treatment comparison did not differ by cohort. INTERPRETATION: The study did not
      show a significant increase in neuropsychiatric adverse events attributable to
      varenicline or bupropion relative to nicotine patch or placebo. Varenicline was
      more effective than placebo, nicotine patch, and bupropion in helping smokers
      achieve abstinence, whereas bupropion and nicotine patch were more effective than
      placebo. FUNDING: Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline.

PMID- 27116919
TI  - Safety of smoking cessation drugs for mentally ill patients.

PMID- 27116920
TI  - Avalanche Survival After Rescue With the RECCO Rescue System: A Case Report.
AB  - We report a case of survival of a completely buried avalanche victim after being
      located with the radar-based RECCO Rescue System. In the winter of 2015, 2 off
      piste skiers were completely buried in an avalanche near the secured ski area in
      Baqueira Beret, Spain. The first victim was located with the RECCO Rescue System
      in less than 35 minutes and was alive and conscious at extrication. This system
      emits radio waves and requires a specific reflector. It is a portable device that
      is used by more than 600 rescue organizations worldwide, especially in secured
      ski areas. The device should be brought to the avalanche site together with
      electronic avalanche transceivers, a probing team, and avalanche dogs. In the
      hands of experienced professionals, the device may allow rapid location of
      victims not carrying an electronic avalanche transceiver. Although it is not the
      first successful extrication of a victim with the RECCO Rescue System, it is the
      first case published in the medical literature and is intended to encourage data
      collection and to increase our understanding of the effectiveness of this device
      in avalanche rescue. 

PMID- 27116921
TI  - Sildenafil and Exercise Capacity in the Elderly at Moderate Altitude.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hypobaric hypoxia decreases exercise capacity and causes hypoxic
      pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension. The phosphodiesterase-5
      inhibitor sildenafil is a pulmonary vasodilator that may improve exercise
      capacity at altitude. We aimed to determine whether sildenafil improves exercise
      capacity, measured as maximal oxygen consumption (peak Vo2), at moderate altitude
      in adults 60 years or older. METHODS: The design was a randomized, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled, crossover study. After baseline cardiopulmonary exercise
      testing at 1400 m, 12 healthy participants (4 women) aged 60 years or older, who
      reside permanently at approximately 1400 m and are regularly active in self
      propelled mountain recreation above 2000 m, performed maximal cardiopulmonary
      cycle exercise tests in a hypobaric chamber at a simulated altitude of 2750 m
      after ingesting sildenafil and after ingesting a placebo. RESULTS: After placebo,
      mean peak Vo2 was significantly lower at 2750 m than 1400 m: 37.0 mL . kg(-1) .
      min(-1) (95% CI, 32.7 to 41.3) vs 39.1 mL . kg(-1) . min(-1) (95% CI, 33.5 to
      44.7; P = .020). After placebo, there was no difference in heart rate (HR) or
      maximal workload at either altitude (z = 0.182; P = .668, respectively). There
      was no difference between sildenafil and placebo at 2750 m in peak Vo2 (P =
      .668), O2 pulse (P = .476), cardiac index (P = .143), stroke volume index (z =
      0.108), HR (z = 0.919), or maximal workload (P = .773). Transthoracic
      echocardiography immediately after peak exercise at 2750 m showed tricuspid
      annular plane systolic velocity was significantly higher after sildenafil than
      after placebo (P = .019), but showed no difference in tricuspid annular plane
      systolic excursion (P = .720). CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil (50 mg) did not improve
      exercise capacity in adults 60 years or older at moderate altitude in our study.
      This might be explained by a "dosing effect" or insufficiently high altitude.

PMID- 27116922
TI  - Lightning Strike in Pregnancy With Fetal Injury.
AB  - Injuries from lightning strikes are an infrequent occurrence, and are only rarely
      noted to involve pregnant victims. Only 13 cases of lightning strike in pregnancy
      have been previously described in the medical literature, along with 7 additional
      cases discovered within news media reports. This case report presents a novel
      case of lightning-associated injury in a patient in the third trimester of
      pregnancy, resulting in fetal ischemic brain injury and long-term morbidity, and
      reviews the mechanics of lightning strikes along with common injury patterns of
      which emergency providers should be aware. 

PMID- 27116923
TI  - Traumatic Amputation of Finger From an Alligator Snapping Turtle Bite.
AB  - Legend states that the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) should
      be handled with extreme caution as it has jaw strength powerful enough to bite a
      wooden broomstick in half. Tales of bite injuries from what is the largest
      freshwater turtle in North America exist anecdotally, yet there are few
      descriptions of medical encounters for such. The risk of infection from reptilian
      bites to the hand in an aquatic environment warrants thorough antibiotic
      treatment in conjunction with hand surgery consultation. We present the first
      case report of a near total amputation of an index finger in an adolescent boy
      who had been bitten by a wild "gator snapper." 

PMID- 27116924
TI  - Metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness. Still a challenge for the hand surgeon?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to analyse the outcomes of the surgical
      treatment of metacarpophalangeal stiffness by dorsal teno-arthrolysis in our
      centre, and present a review the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a
      retrospective study of 21 cases of metacarpophalangeal stiffness treated
      surgically. Dorsal teno-arthrolysis was carried out on all patients. A
      rehabilitation programme was started ten days after surgery. An evaluation was
      performed on the aetiology, variation in pre- and post-operative active mobility,
      complications, DASH questionnaire, and a subjective satisfaction questionnaire.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 36.5 years and the mean follow-up was
      6.5 years. Of the 21 cases, the most common cause was a metacarpal fracture
      (52.4%), followed by complex trauma of the forearm (19%). Improvement in active
      mobility was 30.5 degrees , despite obtaining an intra-operative mobility 0-90
      degrees  in 80% of cases. Mean DASH questionnaire score was 36.9 points. The
      outcome was described as excellent in 10% of our patients, good in 30%, poor in
      40%, and bad in the remaining 20%. There was a complex regional pain syndrome in
      9.5% of cases, and intrinsic muscle injury in 14.3%. CONCLUSION: Because of its
      difficult management and poor outcomes, surgical treatment of metacarpophalangeal
      stiffness in extension is highly complex, with dorsal teno-arthrolysis being a
      reproducible technique according to our results, and the results reported in the
      literature.

PMID- 27116925
TI  - Lordosis manoeuvre in the diagnosis of lumbar facet syndrome.
AB  - In lumbar pain patients an aetiopathogenic diagnosis leads to a better
      management. When there are alarm signs, they should be classified on an
      anatomical basis through anamnesis and physical examination. A significant group
      is of facet origin (lumbar facet syndrome [LFS]), but the precise clinical
      diagnosis remains cumbersome and time-consuming. In clinical practice it is
      observed that patients with an advanced degenerative disease do not perform
      extension or rotation of their lumbar spine when prompted to extend it, but
      rather knee flexion, making the manoeuvre meaningless. For this reason, a new
      simple and quick clinical test was developed for the diagnosis of lumbar facet
      syndrome, with a facet block-test as a confirmation. HYPOTHESIS: The new test is
      better than a classic one in the diagnosis of facet syndrome, and probably even
      better than imaging studies MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was
      conducted on a series of 68 patients (01/01/2012-30/06/2013). A comparison in
      between: classic manoeuvre (CM), imaging diagnostics (ID), and the new lordosis
      manoeuvre (LM) test. Examination and block test by one author, and evaluation of
      results by another one. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Deformity and instability. using a
      physical. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a new clinical test (LM)
      for the diagnosis of LFS (as confirmed by a positive block-test of medial branch
      of dorsal ramus of the lumbar root, RMRDRL). STATISTICS: R package software.
      RESULTS: The LM was most effective (p<.0001; Kappa 0.524, p<.001). There was no
      correlation between either the CM or ID and the block-test results (Kappa, CM:
      0.078; p=.487, and ID: 0.195; p=.105). There was a correlation between ID
      (CAT/MR) and LM (p=.024; Kappa 0.289 p=.014), although not with CM. There was no
      correlation between ID (plain X-rays) and CM or LM. CONCLUSIONS: A new test for
      diagnosis of LFS is presented that is reliable, quick, and simple. Clinical
      examination is more reliable than imaging test for the diagnosis of LFS.

PMID- 27116926
TI  - The rule of three.

PMID- 27116928
TI  - The Association Between Gait Characteristics and Ambulatory Physical Activity in
      Older People: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Observational Study Using
      Generation 100 Data.
AB  - This study aimed to determine if temporal-spatial gait characteristics are
      associated with free-living ambulatory physical activity in relatively-healthy
      older people. A total of 630 women and 593 men had valid data from gait tests and
      activity monitoring. Gait speed alone was associated with daily step count. Gait
      speed along with cadence, walk ratio, step length, step time, and swing time were
      associated with measures of higher intensity activity and overall activity. Those
      who walked slower were less active. After controlling for gait speed, shorter
      step length, shorter step time, shorter swing time, and higher cadence were
      associated with less activity. This finding may be an indication of the
      functional consequences of a breakdown in the stride length-cadence relationship
      and/or compensations to increase stability. Asymmetry measures at preferred and
      fast walking speeds showed no association with physical activity levels. Gait
      speed was the only predictor of change in activity over the subsequent 12 months.

PMID- 27116929
TI  - Training needs assessment of health care professionals in a developing country:
      the example of Saint Lucia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Continuing education (CE) is crucial for quality improvement in
      health care. The needs assessment of CE helps ensure effectiveness. However, such
      an assessment necessitates certain techniques that are unfamiliar to health care
      communities in developing countries. This study identifies the needs of providing
      CE to health care personnel in Saint Lucia. METHODS: This study was designed as a
      questionnaire survey to investigate the demographics, training needs, and
      preferred approaches to improve performance of the target population. The study
      population included the health care professionals of major public health care
      facilities in Saint Lucia. We used the World Health Organization-adopted Hennessy
      Hicks Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire, a self-reported close-ended
      structured questionnaire with a core set of 30 items. These items refer to tasks
      that are central to the role of health care professionals and are categorized
      into six superordinate categories: research/audit, communication/teamwork,
      clinical skills, administrative, managerial/supervisory, and continuing
      professional education. RESULTS: In total, 208 questionnaires were distributed;
      the response rate was 66.8%, and most respondents were nurses. The need for
      continuing professional education was rated the highest priority, followed by
      research/audit activities. The evidence suggests that most respondents required
      training in communication skills, management, clinical skills, and research
      methods. CONCLUSIONS: Providing training according to the needs is vital,
      particularly in developing countries. The present research methodology and
      findings offer perspectives on how to conduct needs assessment and offer
      reference points for developing countries whose background and health care
      environment are similar to those of Saint Lucia.

PMID- 27116927
TI  - VDAC2-specific cellular functions and the underlying structure.
AB  - Voltage Dependent Anion-selective Channel 2 (VDAC2) contributes to oxidative
      metabolism by sharing a role in solute transport across the outer mitochondrial
      membrane (OMM) with other isoforms of the VDAC family, VDAC1 and VDAC3. Recent
      studies revealed that VDAC2 also has a distinctive role in mediating sarcoplasmic
      reticulum to mitochondria local Ca(2+) transport at least in cardiomyocytes,
      which is unlikely to be explained simply by the expression level of VDAC2.
      Furthermore, a strictly isoform-dependent VDAC2 function was revealed in the
      mitochondrial import and OMM-permeabilizing function of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2
      family proteins, primarily Bak in many cell types. In addition, emerging evidence
      indicates a variety of other isoform-specific engagements for VDAC2. Since VDAC
      isoforms display 75% sequence similarity, the distinctive structure underlying
      VDAC2-specific functions is an intriguing problem. In this paper we summarize
      studies of VDAC2 structure and functions, which suggest a fundamental and
      exclusive role for VDAC2 in health and disease. This article is part of a Special
      Issue entitled: Mitochondrial Channels edited by Pierre Sonveaux, Pierre Maechler
      and Jean-Claude Martinou.

PMID- 27116930
TI  - Pre- and post-procedural quality indicators for colonoscopy: A nationwide survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The provision of high-quality colonoscopy can be assessed by
      evaluating technical aspects of the procedure and, at individual center level, by
      comparing structural indicators and institutional policies for managing peri
      procedural issues with guideline recommendations. AIM: To assess the colonoscopy
      quality (CQ) in Italy at center level. METHODS: Gastroenterologists participating
      in a nationwide colonoscopy education initiative provided information on
      structural indicators of their centers and on institutional policies by answering
      10 multiple-choice clinical scenarios. Practice variation across centers and
      compliance with guidelines were analyzed. RESULTS: Data from 282 Italian centers
      were evaluated. Overall, a significant proportion of centers did not meet CQ
      standards as concerns endoscopy facilities and equipments (e.g., dedicated
      recovery room, dirty-to-clean path, reporting software). CQ assurance programs
      were implemented in only 25% of centers. Concerning peri-procedural issues, main
      discrepancies with guidelines were recorded in the underuse of split-dose
      preparation (routinely adopted by 18% of centers), the routine request of
      coagulation tests prior to colonoscopy (30%), the routine interruption of aspirin
      for polypectomy (18%), and the adoption of 3-year surveillance for low-risk
      adenoma (49%). CONCLUSIONS: Present survey shows a significant variation in the
      CQ of endoscopy centers in Italy on many items of colonoscopy practice that
      should be targeted for future interventions.

PMID- 27116931
TI  - A Multidisciplinary Evaluation of a Web-based eLearning Training Programme for
      SAFRON II (TROG 13.01): a Multicentre Randomised Study of Stereotactic
      Radiotherapy for Lung Metastases.
AB  - AIMS: In technically advanced multicentre clinical trials, participating centres
      can benefit from a credentialing programme before participating in the trial.
      Education of staff in participating centres is an important aspect of a
      successful clinical trial. In the multicentre study of fractionated versus single
      fraction stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy in lung oligometastases (TROG
      13.01), knowledge transfer of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy techniques
      to the local multidisciplinary team is intended as part of the credentialing
      process. In this study, a web-based learning platform was developed to provide
      education and training for the multidisciplinary trial teams at geographically
      distinct sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A web-based platform using eLearning
      software consisting of seven training modules was developed. These modules were
      based on extracranial stereotactic theory covering the following discrete
      modules: Clinical background; Planning technique and evaluation; Planning
      optimisation; Four-dimensional computed tomography simulation; Patient-specific
      quality assurance; Cone beam computed tomography and image guidance; Contouring
      organs at risk. Radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiation
      therapists from hospitals in Australia and New Zealand were invited to
      participate in this study. Each discipline was enrolled into a subset of modules
      (core modules) and was evaluated before and after completing each module. The
      effectiveness of the eLearning training will be evaluated based on (i) knowledge
      retention after participation in the web-based training and (ii) confidence
      evaluation after participation in the training. Evaluation consisted of a
      knowledge test and confidence evaluation using a Likert scale. RESULTS: In total,
      130 participants were enrolled into the eLearning programme: 81 radiation
      therapists (62.3%), 27 medical physicists (20.8%) and 22 radiation oncologists
      (16.9%). There was an average absolute improvement of 14% in test score (P <
      0.001) after learning. This score improvement compared with initial testing was
      also observed in the long-term testing (>4 weeks) after completing the modules (P
      < 0.001). For most there was significant increase in confidence (P < 0.001) after
      completing all the modules.

PMID- 27116932
TI  - Long-term effects of cerebral hypoperfusion on neural density and function using
      misery perfusion animal model.
AB  - We investigated the chronic effects of cerebral hypoperfusion on neuronal density
      and functional hyperemia using our misery perfusion mouse model under unilateral
      common carotid artery occlusion (UCCAO). Neuronal density evaluated 28 days after
      UCCAO using [(11)C]flumazenil-PET and histology indicated no neurologic deficit
      in the hippocampus and neocortex. CBF response to sensory stimulation was
      assessed using laser-Doppler flowmetry. Percentage changes in CBF response of the
      ipsilateral hemisphere to UCCAO were 18.4 +/- 3.0%, 6.9 +/- 2.8%, 6.8 +/- 2.3%
      and 4.9 +/- 2.4% before, and 7, 14 and 28 days after UCCAO, respectively.
      Statistical significance was found at 7, 14 and 28 days after UCCAO (P < 0.01).
      Contrary to our previous finding (Tajima et al. 2014) showing recovered CBF
      response to hypercapnia on 28 days after UCCAO using the same model, functional
      hyperemia was sustained and became worse 28 days after UCCAO.

PMID- 27116933
TI  - Distinct genital tract HIV-specific antibody profiles associated with tenofovir
      gel.

PMID- 27116934
TI  - The effect of muscle endurance and fatigue on participation in adolescents with
      cerebral palsy.

PMID- 27116936
TI  - New amination strategies based on nitrogen-centered radical chemistry.
AB  - The interesting and diverse biological activities of nitrogen-containing
      compounds make the construction of the C-N bond of great importance. Despite the
      tremendous advances that have been made in this research field, C-N bond
      formation based on nitrogen-centered radicals remains a significant challenge due
      to the harsh conditions required for the generation of nitrogen-centered radicals
      and their propensity for hydrogen abstraction or engaging in other degradation
      pathways. In the past several years, novel methodologies for C-N bond
      constructions based on nitrogen centered-radical intermediates, coordinated with
      metal or generated in the presence of visible-light and a photocatalyst, have
      attracted considerable attention. This tutorial review will summarize the
      significant progress of these efficient and mild radical amination reactions,
      with an emphasis on approaches for the generation of nitrogen-centered radicals
      and their reaction patterns, related mechanisms and synthetic applications, as
      well as unmet challenges in this emerging and promising field.

PMID- 27116935
TI  - LIMK Regulates Tumor-Cell Invasion and Matrix Degradation Through Tyrosine
      Phosphorylation of MT1-MMP.
AB  - During their metastatic spread, cancer cells need to remodel the extracellular
      matrix in order to migrate through stromal compartments adjacent to the primary
      tumor. Dissemination of breast carcinoma cells is mediated by membrane type 1
      matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP/MMP14), the main invadopodial matrix
      degradative component. Here, we identify MT1-MMP as a novel interacting partner
      of dual-specificity LIM Kinase-1 and -2 (LIMK1/2), and provide several evidence
      for phosphorylation of tyrosine Y573 in the cytoplasmic domain of MT1-MMP by
      LIMK. Phosphorylation of Y573 influences association of F-actin binding protein
      cortactin to MT1-MMP-positive endosomes and invadopodia formation and matrix
      degradation. Moreover, we show that LIMK1 regulates cortactin association to MT1
      MMP-positive endosomes, while LIMK2 controls invadopodia-associated cortactin. In
      turn, LIMK1 and LIMK2 are required for MT1-MMP-dependent matrix degradation and
      cell invasion in a three-dimensional type I collagen environment. This novel link
      between LIMK1/2 and MT1-MMP may have important consequences for therapeutic
      control of breast cancer cell invasion.

PMID- 27116937
TI  - Issues around childhood disclosure of HIV status - findings from a qualitative
      study in West Bengal, India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Informing the children living with HIV (CLH) about their disease
      (disclosure) is important from the perspective of disease treatment and overall
      psychosocial development. There are no published studies that qualitatively
      explored HIV disclosure-related issues among CLH in India. Our aim was to provide
      insights into the perceptions of informal caregivers of CLH regarding childhood
      disclosure. METHODS: Children were defined as those aged <16 years. In-depth
      interviews were conducted with 34 primary caregivers of CLH aged 8 to 15 years
      old who were residing in West Bengal, India. The participants were recruited with
      the help of a community-based organization that provides need-based services to
      people living with HIV. RESULTS: We obtained caregivers' perspectives on the
      motivators and barriers of childhood disclosure. Health benefits such as
      medication adherence emerged as an important motivator, while distress caused by
      disclosure and potential for stigma were identified as barriers. Health care
      providers were the preferred disclosers for most caregivers, followed by the
      caregivers themselves. Some caregivers wanted their child to learn about his/her
      HIV status by him/herself. There was no consensus among the caregivers about the
      ideal age for disclosure. Many preferred to wait until the child attained
      maturity or was of marriageable age. DISCUSSION: Disclosure of HIV status to
      children is an emotional issue, both for the caregiver and the child. Like most
      low-or middle-income countries, no standardized, age-appropriate disclosure
      guidelines exist in India. Our findings advocate adoption of a multi-faceted
      approach, including increased availability of social and familial support, for
      childhood HIV disclosure.

PMID- 27116938
TI  - Radiotherapy cannot prolong overall survival of young prostate cancer patients
      with bone metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with prostate cancer is commonly diagnosed with bone
      metastases. With the growing use of prostate-specific antigen testing, the
      frequency of prostate cancer has progressively increased in patients younger than
      70 years. Radiotherapy is recognized for its effect on local control of bone
      metastases, but whether it could prolong overall survival is still controversial.
      METHODS: A total of 113 prostate cancer patients (<70y) with bone metastases were
      retrospectively analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis
      with log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed to find the prognostic
      factors with the COX regression model. RESULTS: The 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, 7- and 10
      year survival rates were 97.14, 82.86, 62.61, 38.76, 25.83 and 13.84 %
      respectively in the radiotherapy group, and 92.75, 73.91, 54.66, 36.63, 26.03 and
      17.85 % respectively in the non-radiotherapy group, which showed no significant
      difference. Multivariate COX regression showed the overall survival was
      associated with alkaline phosphatase when bone metastases occurred and the number
      of bone metastases. CONCLUSION: With the advances in life-prolonging treatment of
      metastatic prostate cancer, radiotherapy may not be the first choice for young
      bone metastatic prostate cancer patients in order to improve survival.

PMID- 27116939
TI  - Removal of methadone by extended dialysis using a high cut-off dialyzer:
      implications for the treatment of overdose and for pain management in patients
      undergoing light chain removal.
AB  - The synthetic opioid methadone hydrochloride has a low molecular weight of 346 D,
      a high volume of distribution (4 - 7 L/kg), and is lipophilic. It is used as an
      analgesic and for the maintenance treatment of opiate dependence. In drug
      addicts, methadone is frequently involved in mixed intoxications that can lead to
      death. Here we present the case of a drug addict in whom a high cut-off dialysis
      membrane together with extended dialysis was used in the setting of suspected
      overdose and acute kidney injury. Although the observed dialyzer plasma clearance
      (31.5 mL/min) and reduction ratio (38%) were higher than previously reported for
      standard hemodialysis, the total amount of methadone in the spent dialysate after
      1 extended dialysis session was quite low. Hence, even extended dialysis with a
      high cut-off membrane does not seem to offer a clinically relevant benefit in the
      setting of overdose for enhanced methadone removal. On the other hand, in
      patients undergoing high cut-off dialysis for the removal of light chains,
      methadone could still be used as an analgesic without an additional dose after
      high cut-off hemodialysis. 

PMID- 27116940
TI  - Radial versus femoral access for percutaneous coronary intervention in ST
      elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with fibrinolysis: Results from
      the randomized routine early invasive clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the relationship between arterial access site choice
      (radial versus femoral) and clinical outcomes among STEMI patients undergoing
      routine PCI after fibrinolysis. METHODS: Patient-level data from trials of STEMI
      patients evaluating routine PCI after fibrinolysis were included. The primary
      endpoint was 30-day major bleeding; secondary endpoints included 30-day death and
      re-infarction. RESULTS: 1891 patients underwent PCI (trans-radial n=338, trans
      femoral n=1553). Trans-radial PCI patients were less likely to be >75years (2%
      vs. 8%, p=0.0001), heavier (median weight 82 [72-90] vs. 80 [70-90] kg, p=0.0013)
      and more likely in Killip class I at presentation (87% vs. 82%, p=0.03). At
      30days, trans-radial PCI was associated with a similar unadjusted risk for major
      bleeding (3.7% vs. 1.2%, Odds Ratio [OR] 0.43 [95% CI 0.13-1.48], p=0.18),
      mortality (3.4% vs. 1.2%, OR 0.34 [0.09-1.28], p=0.11) and re-infarction (3.9%
      vs. 4.7%, OR 1.25 [0.60-2.58], p=0.56). In multivariable analysis, radial access
      was associated with similar estimates for bleeding and death/reinfarction risk.
      CONCLUSIONS: In STEMI patients treated with fibrinolysis and undergoing an early
      routine invasive strategy, radial compared to femoral PCI is chosen in younger,
      less ill patients and is independently associated with similar risk of bleeding,
      re-infarction, and mortality. SUMMARY: This study evaluated the relationship
      between arterial access choice (radial versus femoral) and in-hospital and 30-day
      outcomes in patients undergoing routine PCI after fibrinolysis for STEMI. We
      included patient-level data from trials evaluating a strategy of routine PCI
      after fibrinolysis for STEMI. Of 1891 patients undergoing PCI, trans-radial
      access (n=338) was chosen in younger, lower risk patients. At 30days, trans
      radial access was associated with a similar unadjusted and adjusted risk of major
      bleeding, re-infarction and mortality.

PMID- 27116941
TI  - Approaches towards molecular amplification for sensing.
AB  - Diagnostic assays that rely on molecular interactions have come a long way; from
      initial reversible detection systems towards irreversible reaction indicator
      based methods. More recently, the emergence of innovative molecular amplification
      methodologies has revolutionised sensing, allowing diagnostic assays to achieve
      ultra-low limits of detection. There have been a significant number of molecular
      amplification approaches developed over recent years to accommodate the wide
      variety of analytes that require sensitive detection. To celebrate this
      achievement, this comprehensive critical review has been compiled to give a broad
      overview of the many different approaches used to attain amplification in sensing
      with an aim to inspire the next generation of diagnostic assays looking to
      achieve the ultimate detection limit. This review has been created with the focus
      on how each conceptually unique molecular amplification methodology achieves
      amplification, not just its sensitivity, while highlighting any key processes.
      Excluded are any references that were not found to contain an obvious molecular
      amplifier or amplification component, or that did not use an appropriate signal
      readout that could be incorporated into a sensing application. Additionally,
      methodologies where amplification is achieved through advances in instrumentation
      are also excluded. Depending upon the type of approach employed, amplification
      strategies are divided into four categories: target, label, signal or receptor
      amplification. More recent, more complex protocols combine a number of approaches
      and are therefore categorised by which amplification component described within
      was considered as the biggest advancement. The advantages and disadvantages of
      each methodology are discussed along with any limits of detection, if stated in
      the original article. Any subsequent use of the methodology within sensing or any
      other application is also mentioned to draw attention to its practicality. The
      importance of amplification within sensing is wholly emphasised while
      perspectives on the future direction of the field are also shared. 

PMID- 27116942
TI  - Multicomponent (Ce, Cu, Ni) oxides with cage and core-shell structures: tunable
      fabrication and enhanced CO oxidation activity.
AB  - Solvothermal synthesis of Cu2O cubes from Cu(OAc)2 in ethanol provided templates
      for tunable formation of novel multicomponent composites: hollow CeO2-Cu2O (),
      core-shell NiO@Cu2O () and hollow CeO2-NiO-Cu2O (). Composites catalyze the
      oxidation of CO at a lower temperature than the parent Cu2O cubes. 

PMID- 27116943
TI  - A scoping review of indirect comparison methods and applications using individual
      patient data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several indirect comparison methods, including network meta-analyses
      (NMAs), using individual patient data (IPD) have been developed to synthesize
      evidence from a network of trials. Although IPD indirect comparisons are
      published with increasing frequency in health care literature, there is no
      guidance on selecting the appropriate methodology and on reporting the methods
      and results. METHODS: In this paper we examine the methods and reporting of
      indirect comparison methods using IPD. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane
      Library, and CINAHL from inception until October 2014. We included published and
      unpublished studies reporting a method, application, or review of indirect
      comparisons using IPD and at least three interventions. RESULTS: We identified 37
      papers, including a total of 33 empirical networks. Of these, only 9 (27 %) IPD
      NMAs reported the existence of a study protocol, whereas 3 (9 %) studies
      mentioned that protocols existed without providing a reference. The 33 empirical
      networks included 24 (73 %) IPD-NMAs and 9 (27 %) matching adjusted indirect
      comparisons (MAICs). Of the 21 (64 %) networks with at least one closed loop, 19
      (90 %) were IPD-NMAs, 13 (68 %) of which evaluated the prerequisite consistency
      assumption, and only 5 (38 %) of the 13 IPD-NMAs used statistical approaches. The
      median number of trials included per network was 10 (IQR 4-19) (IPD-NMA: 15 [IQR
      8-20]; MAIC: 2 [IQR 3-5]), and the median number of IPD trials included in a
      network was 3 (IQR 1-9) (IPD-NMA: 6 [IQR 2-11]; MAIC: 2 [IQR 1-2]). Half of the
      networks (17; 52 %) applied Bayesian hierarchical models (14 one-stage, 1 two
      stage, 1 used IPD as an informative prior, 1 unclear-stage), including either IPD
      alone or with aggregated data (AD). Models for dichotomous and continuous
      outcomes were available (IPD alone or combined with AD), as were models for time
      to-event data (IPD combined with AD). CONCLUSIONS: One in three indirect
      comparison methods modeling IPD adjusted results from different trials to
      estimate effects as if they had come from the same, randomized, population. Key
      methodological and reporting elements (e.g., evaluation of consistency, existence
      of study protocol) were often missing from an indirect comparison paper.

PMID- 27116945
TI  - Optical coherence tomography angiography for longitudinal monitoring of vascular
      changes in human cutaneous burns.
AB  - Assessment of vasculature is an important aspect of monitoring healing of
      cutaneous burn injuries. Recent advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      have enabled it to be used to perform high-resolution imaging of the cutaneous
      vasculature in vivo, with the potential to provide a superior alternative to the
      conventional assessment of scoring skin color. The goal of this study is to
      investigate the feasibility of OCT angiography for longitudinal monitoring of
      vasculature and identification of vascular features in human cutaneous burns. We
      integrate several OCT imaging protocols and image-processing techniques into a
      systematic method for longitudinal monitoring and automatic quantification. The
      demonstration of this method on a partial-thickness burn shows the accurate co
      location of longitudinal scans; characteristic vascular features in different
      healing phases; and eventual decrease of the elevated vasculature area density
      and vessel diameter to normal levels. Such a method holds promise for
      longitudinal monitoring of vasculature in burn injures as well as in other
      cutaneous vascular pathologies and responses to treatment.

PMID- 27116946
TI  - Occupational therapists' perceptions of occupation in practice: An exploratory
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The World Federation of Occupational Therapists' minimum
      standards state occupation and its relationship with health must be concepts
      covered in occupational therapy education. Therefore, it is assumed that
      Australian graduates have sound knowledge of the principles of occupation-based
      practice. In some practice settings, the link to occupation may not be explicit
      and graduates could face challenges to being occupation-based. The aims of this
      pilot study were to explore graduates' perceptions of occupation in their
      practice and to investigate whether graduates felt sufficiently prepared for
      occupation-based practice. METHODS: Two focus groups with eight therapists in
      total were employed to uncover experiences and perceptions of occupation. Themes
      were synthesised using Braun and Clarke's method of thematic analysis, where line
      by line coding was employed to inductively build themes. RESULTS: Participants
      believed that occupation-based practice was important but did not necessarily
      need to be implemented as a means of intervention. From the participants'
      perspective, simply striving for occupation as the end goal of therapy was
      acceptable. A strong focus on impairment-based practice hindered some therapists
      from exploring the use of occupation-based practice. For recent graduates,
      workplace culture was pervasive and inhibited the use of occupation. In addition,
      participants felt university educators did not provide an integrated or
      consistent approach when teaching how to apply occupation in practice.
      CONCLUSION: Workplace expectations and limited power to influence practice are
      impeding graduates from authentically applying occupation in practice. Insights
      from recently graduated therapists about occupation have the potential to inform
      future directions of occupation-based practice.

PMID- 27116944
TI  - Key mechanisms governing resolution of lung inflammation.
AB  - Innate immunity normally provides excellent defence against invading
      microorganisms. Acute inflammation is a form of innate immune defence and
      represents one of the primary responses to injury, infection and irritation,
      largely mediated by granulocyte effector cells such as neutrophils and
      eosinophils. Failure to remove an inflammatory stimulus (often resulting in
      failed resolution of inflammation) can lead to chronic inflammation resulting in
      tissue injury caused by high numbers of infiltrating activated granulocytes.
      Successful resolution of inflammation is dependent upon the removal of these
      cells. Under normal physiological conditions, apoptosis (programmed cell death)
      precedes phagocytic recognition and clearance of these cells by, for example,
      macrophages, dendritic and epithelial cells (a process known as efferocytosis).
      Inflammation contributes to immune defence within the respiratory mucosa
      (responsible for gas exchange) because lung epithelia are continuously exposed to
      a multiplicity of airborne pathogens, allergens and foreign particles. Failure to
      resolve inflammation within the respiratory mucosa is a major contributor of
      numerous lung diseases. This review will summarise the major mechanisms
      regulating lung inflammation, including key cellular interplays such as apoptotic
      cell clearance by alveolar macrophages and macrophage/neutrophil/epithelial cell
      interactions. The different acute and chronic inflammatory disease states caused
      by dysregulated/impaired resolution of lung inflammation will be discussed.
      Furthermore, the resolution of lung inflammation during neutrophil/eosinophil
      dominant lung injury or enhanced resolution driven via pharmacological
      manipulation will also be considered.

PMID- 27116947
TI  - Success rates of dacryoendoscopy-guided probing for recalcitrant congenital
      nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our aim was to review the success rates of dacryoendoscopy-guided
      probing for recalcitrant congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO).
      METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 498 patients (521 eyes) diagnosed
      with CNLDO between January 2011 and November 2013. Of these, 54 eyes met the
      eligibility criteria and underwent probing with a dacryoendoscope. RESULTS: Of
      the 54 eyes, 21 were classified as failed cases at other hospitals, 13 as cases
      requiring conversion from blind to dacryoendoscopy-guided probing during surgery
      at our hospital, and 20 as cases requiring intervention under general anesthesia
      because of difficulty with topical anesthesia. The overall success rate with
      dacryoendoscopy was 98.1 % (53/54 eyes) at postoperative week 2 and 97.1 % (33/34
      eyes) a year after surgery. Among the cases that failed at other hospitals, one
      showed the formation of five false passages in the middle area of the
      nasolacrimal duct. In 11 eyes, slit-like adhesion was confirmed as a blurred
      linear line at the distal end of the nasolacrimal duct. Patency could be smoothly
      achieved by releasing the adhesion. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a high success
      rate for dacryoendoscopy-guided probing in CNLDO patients. The use of a
      dacryoendoscope allows direct visualization of the lacrimal passage and is likely
      to become necessary for managing CNLDO.

PMID- 27116948
TI  - Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Isolated Tumor Cells in Invasive Lobular Versus
      Ductal Breast Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is the standard of care for axillary
      staging in invasive breast cancer. The introduction of SLN biopsy with an
      extensive pathology examination, in addition to the introduction of the 2002 TNM
      classification, led to different axillary classification outcomes. We evaluated
      the effect of axillary staging procedures and subsequent axillary nodal status in
      patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) versus invasive ductal carcinoma
      (IDC) from 1998 to 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The use of SLN biopsy and the
      nodal status distribution were analyzed in patients with stage T1-T2 ILC and IDC.
      Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent effect of
      histologic type on the probability of the presence of isolated tumor cells
      (ITCs), micrometastases, and macrometastases. RESULTS: A total of 89,971 women
      were diagnosed, 10,146 with ILC (11%) and 79,825 with IDC (89%). The patients who
      had undergone SLN biopsy were more frequently diagnosed with ITCs than were those
      who had undergone axillary lymph node dissection only (odds ratio, 8.8; 95%
      confidence interval, 7.0-11.2). In 2013, the proportion of patients with ITCs in
      the axillary nodes was 8% in those with ILC and 4.4% in those with IDC. Patients
      with ILC were significantly more likely to have ITCs in their axillary lymph
      nodes than were patients with IDC (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.6
      2.0). CONCLUSION: With the introduction of SLN biopsy and the renewed 2002 TNM
      classification, patients with ILC have been more frequently diagnosed with ITCs
      than have patients with IDC. The clinical consequence of this finding must be
      established from further research.

PMID- 27116949
TI  - l-Histidinium thiocyanurate: Experimental and theoretical studies of a new
      nonlinear optical material.
AB  - A new organic compound, l-histidinium thiocyanurate thiocyanuric acid dihydrate,
      has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction,
      infrared spectroscopy and nonlinear optical measurements. The efficiency of the
      second-harmonic generation was evaluated with the Kurtz and Perry powder method
      at a fundamental wavelength of 1064nm. By using the experimental structure, the
      molecular first hyperpolarizability tensor was determined with Hartree-Fock and
      density functional theory methods. The second-order susceptibility tensor of the
      crystal was evaluated using the oriented gas model with the Lorenz-Lorentz and
      the Wortmann-Bishop local-field corrections.

PMID- 27116950
TI  - Quantum chemical study of a derivative of 3-substituted dithiocarbamic flavanone.
AB  - The aim of this work is to characterize a quite novel 3-dithiocarbamic flavonoid
      by vibrational spectroscopy in conjunction with Density Functional Theory (DFT)
      calculations. Quantum mechanics calculations of energies, geometries and
      vibrational wavenumbers in the ground state were carried out by using hybrid
      functional B3LYP with 6-311G(d,p) as basis set. The results indicate a remarkable
      agreement between the calculated molecular geometries, as well as vibrational
      frequencies, and the corresponding experimental data. In addition, a complete
      assignment of all the absorption bands present in the vibrational spectrum has
      been performed. In order to assess its chemical potential, quantum molecular
      descriptors characterizing the interactions between the 3-dithiocarbamic
      flavonoid and its biological receptors have been computed. The frontier molecular
      orbitals and the HOMO-LUMO energy gap have been used in order to explain the way
      in which the new molecule can interact with other species and to characterize its
      molecular chemical stability/reactivity. The molecular electrostatic potential
      (MEP) map, computed in order to identify the sites of the studied flavonoid that
      are most likely to interact with electrophilic and nucleophilic species, is
      discussed.

PMID- 27116951
TI  - Health literacy and the use of healthcare services in Belgium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most of the existing studies demonstrating the relationships between
      health literacy and health service use have been conducted outside Europe and
      cannot be generalised to European healthcare systems. Moreover, the majority of
      studies measure healthcare use via self-reports. This study investigated whether
      health literacy is related to the use of health services measured objectively via
      patient records in a European country. METHODS: 9617 members of a Belgian health
      insurance fund (59% females, ages 18-88 years, mean age 55.8 years) completed an
      online questionnaire including the 16-item European Health Literacy Survey
      Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q) and agreed to have their responses linked to the
      insurance fund's health service use records. A two-part model approach was used
      to assess the association between health literacy and the use of healthcare
      services and the costs related, adjusting for personal and behavioural
      characteristics. RESULTS: Low health literacy is associated with more admissions
      to 1-day clinics, general practitioner (GP) home consultations, psychiatrist
      consultations and ambulance transports, and with longer stays in general
      hospitals. Associations with psychiatric hospitalisations and specialist
      consultations are also found but are not significant when correction for multiple
      comparisons is applied. In contrast, health literacy is not significantly related
      to the number of GP consultations, admissions to 1-day surgical clinics or
      emergency consultations. The relationship between health literacy and medication
      use is inconsistent. CONCLUSION: The results partly confirm that low health
      literacy is associated with greater use of healthcare services, and especially of
      more specialised services. Improving the health literacy of the population can be
      an effective strategy to promote a more (cost)-effective use of the healthcare
      services and thus contribute to population health.

PMID- 27116952
TI  - Alleviation of Lead-Induced Apoptosis by Puerarin via Inhibiting Mitochondrial
      Permeability Transition Pore Opening in Primary Cultures of Rat Proximal Tubular
      Cells.
AB  - Previous study has demonstrated that mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway is
      involved in the nephroprotective effect of puerarin (PU) against lead-induced
      cytotoxicity in primary cultures of rat proximal tubular (rPT) cells. To further
      clarify how PU exerts its antiapoptotic effects, this study was designed to
      investigate the role of mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) and
      subsequent apoptotic events in the process of PU against Pb-induced cytotoxicity
      in rPT cells. The results showed that Pb-mediated mitochondrial permeability
      transition pore (MPTP) opening together with mitochondrial cytochrome c release,
      activations of caspase-9 and caspase-3, and subsequent poly-ADP-ribose polymerase
      (PARP) cleavage can be effectively blocked by the addition of PU. Simultaneously,
      upregulation and downregulation of Bcl-2 and Bax with increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio
      due to PU administration further alleviated Pb-induced mitochondrial apoptosis.
      Moreover, PU can reverse Pb-induced ATP depletion by restoring mitochondrial
      fragmentation to affect ATP production and by regulating expression levels of ANT
      1 and ANT-2 to improve ATP transport. In summary, PU produced a significant
      protection against Pb-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in rPT cells by inhibiting
      MPTP opening to ameliorate the mitochondrial dysfunction.

PMID- 27116953
TI  - Fluoride Content of Bottled Drinking Waters in Qatar.
AB  - Fluoridation of drinking water has been recognized as one of the most effective
      ways of achieving community-wide exposure to the caries prevention effects of
      fluoride (F). A vast majority of people in Qatar use bottled water for drinking.
      Use of bottled water without knowing the F level may expose children to dental
      caries risk if the F level is lower than optimal or to dental fluorosis if the F
      level is too high. The aim of this study was to determine the F concentration of
      bottled water available in Qatar. A total of 32 brands of bottled water were
      evaluated. The F concentrations displayed on the labels were recorded. The F ion
      selective electrode method was used to measure the F concentration in water
      samples, and three measurements were taken for every sample to ensure
      reproducibility. The p value was set at 0.05. The F concentration ranged from
      0.06 to 3.0 ppm with a mean value of 0.8 ppm (+/-0.88). The F levels were
      provided by the manufacturers on the labels of 60 % of the samples, but this was
      significantly lower than the measured F levels (p < 0.0001). Moreover, bottled
      water that was produced in Saudi Arabia had significantly higher levels of F when
      compared to those produced in other countries (p < 0.05). There was a wide
      variation in the F levels in the different brands of bottled water. Furthermore,
      there was a significant disparity between the F levels which were measured and
      those that were provided on the labels.

PMID- 27116954
TI  - Aluminium and Acrylamide Disrupt Cerebellum Redox States, Cholinergic Function
      and Membrane-Bound ATPase in Adult Rats and Their Offspring.
AB  - Accumulation of aluminium and acrylamide in food is a major source of human
      exposure. Their adverse effects are well documented, but there is no information
      about the health problems arising from their combined exposure. The aim of the
      present study was to examine the possible neurotoxic effects after co-exposure of
      pregnant and lactating rats to aluminium and acrylamide in order to evaluate
      redox state, cholinergic function and membrane-bound ATPases in the cerebellum of
      adult rats and their progeny. Pregnant female rats have received aluminium (50
      mg/kg body weight) via drinking water and acrylamide (20 mg/kg body weight) by
      gavage, either individually or in combination from the 14th day of pregnancy
      until day 14 after delivery. Exposure to these toxicants provoked an increase in
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) levels and a
      decrease in SOD, CAT, GPx, Na+K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase and AChE activities in the
      cerebellum of mothers and their suckling pups. A reduction in GSH, NPSH and
      vitamin C levels was also observed. These changes were confirmed by histological
      results. Interestingly, co-exposure to these toxicants exhibited synergism based
      on physical and biochemical variables in the cerebellum of mothers and their
      progeny.

PMID- 27116955
TI  - Nutrient depletion modifies cell wall adsorption activity of wine yeast.
AB  - Yeast cell wall is a structure that helps yeasts to manage and respond to many
      environmental stresses. The mannosylphosphorylation is a modification in response
      to stress that provides the cell wall with negative charges able to bind
      compounds present in the environment. Phenotypes related to the cell wall
      modification such as the filamentous growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are
      affected by nutrient depletion. The present work aimed at describing the effect
      of carbon and/or nitrogen limitation on the aptitude of S. cerevisiae strains to
      bind coloured polyphenols. Carbon- and nitrogen-rich or deficient media
      supplemented with grape polyphenols were used to simulate different grape juice
      conditions-early, mid, 'adjusted' for nitrogen, and late fermentations. In early
      fermentation condition, the R+G+B values range from 106 (high adsorption, strain
      Sc1128) to 192 (low adsorption, strain Sigma1278b), in mid-fermentation the
      values range from 111 (high adsorption, strain Sc1321) to 258 (low adsorption,
      strain Sc2306), in 'adjusted' for nitrogen conditions the values range from 105
      (high adsorption, strain Sc1321) to 194 (low adsorption, strain Sc2306) while in
      late fermentation conditions the values range from 101 (high adsorption, strain
      Sc384) to 293 (low adsorption, strain Sc2306). The effect of nutrient
      availability is not univocal for all the strains and the different media tested
      modified the strains behaviour. In all the media the strains show significant
      differences. Results demonstrate that wine yeasts decrease/increase their
      parietal adsorption activity according to the nutrient availability. The wide
      range of strain variability observed could be useful in selecting wine starters. 

PMID- 27116956
TI  - Diversity of Cronobacter spp. isolates from the vegetables in the middle-east
      coastline of China.
AB  - Cronobacter spp. has caused life-threatening neonatal infections mainly resulted
      from consumption of contaminated powdered infant formula. A total of 102
      vegetable samples from retail markets were evaluated for the presence of
      Cronobacter spp. Thirty-five presumptive Cronobacter isolates were isolated and
      identified using API 20E and 16S rDNA sequencing analyses. All isolates and type
      strains were characterized using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus
      sequence PCR (ERIC-PCR), and genetic profiles of cluster analysis from this
      molecular typing test clearly showed that there were differences among isolates
      from different vegetables. A polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment
      length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) based on the amplification of the gyrB gene (1258
      bp) was developed to differentiate among Cronobacter species. A new PCR-RFLP
      assay based on the amplification of the gyrB gene using Alu I and Hinf I
      endonuclease combination is established and it has been confirmed an accurate and
      rapid subtyping method to differentiate Cronobacter species. Sequence analysis of
      the gyrB gene was proven to be suitable for the phylogenetic analysis of the
      Cronobacter strains, which has much better resolution based on SNPs in the
      identification of Cronobacter species specificity than PCR-RFLP and ERIC-PCR. Our
      study further confirmed that vegetables are one of the most common habitats or
      sources of Cronobacter spp. contamination in the middle-east coastline of China. 

PMID- 27116957
TI  - Temperature-induced changes in treatment efficiency and microbial structure of
      aerobic granules treating landfill leachate.
AB  - This paper investigates the effect of temperature on nitrogen and carbon removal
      by aerobic granules from landfill leachate with a high ammonium concentration and
      low concentration of biodegradable organics. The study was conducted in three
      stages; firstly the operating temperature of the batch reactor with aerobic
      granules was maintained at 29  degrees C, then at 25  degrees C, and finally at
      20  degrees C. It was found that a gradual decrease in operational temperature
      allowed the nitrogen-converting community in the granules to acclimate, ensuring
      efficient nitrification even at ambient temperature (20  degrees C). Ammonium was
      fully removed from leachate regardless of the temperature, but higher operational
      temperatures resulted in higher ammonium removal rates [up to 44.2 mg/(L h) at 29
      degrees C]. Lowering the operational temperature from 29 to 20  degrees C
      decreased nitrite accumulation in the GSBR cycle. The highest efficiency of total
      nitrogen removal was achieved at 25  degrees C (36.8 +/- 10.9 %). The COD removal
      efficiency did not exceed 50 %. Granules constituted 77, 80 and 83 % of the
      biomass at 29, 25 and 20  degrees C, respectively. Ammonium was oxidized by both
      aerobic and anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria. Accumulibacter sp., Thauera
      sp., cultured Tetrasphaera PAO and Azoarcus-Thauera cluster occurred in granules
      independent of the temperature. Lower temperatures favored the occurrence of
      denitrifiers of Zooglea lineage (not Z. resiniphila), bacteria related to
      Comamonadaceae, Curvibacter sp., Azoarcus cluster, Rhodobacter sp., Roseobacter
      sp. and Acidovorax spp. At lower temperatures, the increased abundance of
      denitrifiers compensated for the lowered enzymatic activity of the biomass and
      ensured that nitrogen removal at 20  degrees C was similar to that at 25  degrees
      C and significantly higher than removal at 29  degrees C. 

PMID- 27116958
TI  - Braf, Kras and Helicobacter pylori epigenetic changes-associated chronic
      gastritis in Egyptian patients with and without gastric cancer.
AB  - We aimed to study MLH1 and MGMT methylation status in Helicobacter pylori
      associated chronic gastritis in Egyptian patients with and without gastric
      cancer. 39 patients were included in our study. They were divided into 2 groups;
      patients without (group I) and with gastric adenocarcinoma (group II). Patients
      were subjected to clinical examination, abdominal ultrasound and upper endoscopy
      for gastric biopsy. Biopsies were subjected to urease test, histological
      examination, and DNA purification. H. pylori, Braf, Kras, MLH1 and MGMT
      methylation were assessed by quantitative PCR. DNA sequencing was performed to
      assess Braf and Kras genes mutation. qPCR of H. pylori was significantly higher
      in patients with adenocarcinoma (group II) than those without adenocarcinoma
      (group I); with a p < 0.001 as well as in patients with age above 50 years with a
      p value = 0.008. By applying logistic regression analysis it was reported that
      the H. pylori qPCR is a significant predictor to the adenocarcinoma with OR =
      1.025 (95 % CI: 1. 002-1.048), with sensitivity of 90 % and specificity of 100 %.
      Adenocarcinoma patients had a significantly higher mean age and levels of H.
      Pylori, Braf, K-ras, methylated MGMT and methylated MLH1 than those of gastritis
      patients. DNA sequence analysis of Braf (codon 12) and Kras (codon 600) had genes
      mutation in gastric adenocarcinoma versus chronic gastritis. CONCLUSION: H.
      pylori may cause epigenetic changes predisposing the patients to cancer stomach.
      Estimation of H. pylori by qPCR can be a good predictor to adenocarcinoma. Braf
      and Kras genes mutation were reveled in gastritis and adenocarcinoma patients.

PMID- 27116959
TI  - Enumeration and rapid identification of yeasts during extraction processes of
      extra virgin olive oil in Tuscany.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of yeast populations during
      different olive oil extraction processes, carried out in three consecutive years
      in Tuscany (Italy), by analysing crushed pastes, kneaded pastes, oil from
      decanter and pomaces. The results showed yeast concentrations ranging between
      10(3) and 10(5) CFU/g or per mL. Seventeen dominant yeast species were identified
      by random amplified polymorphic DNA with primer M13 and their identification was
      confirmed by restriction fragments length polymorphism of ribosomal internal
      transcribed spacer and sequencing rRNA genes. The isolation frequencies of each
      species in the collected samples pointed out that the occurrence of the various
      yeast species in olive oil extraction process was dependent not only on the
      yeasts contaminating the olives but also on the yeasts colonizing the plant for
      oil extraction. In fact, eleven dominant yeast species were detected from the
      washed olives, but only three of them were also found in oil samples at
      significant isolation frequency. On the contrary, the most abundant species in
      oil samples, Yamadazyma terventina, did not occur in washed olive samples. These
      findings suggest a phenomenon of contamination of the plant for oil extraction
      that selects some yeast species that could affect the quality of olive oil. 

PMID- 27116960
TI  - Mutual interactions of Pleurotus ostreatus with bacteria of activated sludge in
      solid-bed bioreactors.
AB  - White rot fungi are well known for their ability to degrade xenobiotics in pure
      cultures but few studies focus on their performance under bacterial stress in
      real wastewaters. This study investigated mutual interactions in co-cultures of
      Pleurotus ostreatus and activated sludge microbes in batch reactors and different
      culture media. Under the bacterial stress an increase in the dye decolorization
      efficiency (95 vs. 77.1 %) and a 2-fold elevated laccase activity (156.7 vs. 78.4
      Ul(-1)) were observed in fungal-bacterial cultures compared to pure P. ostreatus
      despite a limited growth of bacteria in mixed cultures. According to 16S-rDNA
      analyses, P. ostreatus was able to alter the structure of bacterial communities.
      In malt extract-glucose medium the fungus inhibited growth of planktonic bacteria
      and prevented shifts in bacterial utilization of potential C-sources. A model
      bacterium, Rhodococcus erythropolis responded to fungal metabolites by down
      regulation of uridylate kinase and acetyl-CoA synthetase. 

PMID- 27116961
TI  - Illumina-based analysis of the rhizosphere microbial communities associated with
      healthy and wilted Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) plants grown in
      the field.
AB  - Lanzhou lily (Liliumdavidii var. unicolor) is the best edible lily as well as a
      traditional medicinal plant in China. The microbes associated with plant roots
      play crucial roles in plant growth and health. However, little is known about the
      differences of rhizosphere microbes between healthy and wilted Lanzhou lily
      (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) plants. The objective of this study was to compare
      the rhizosphere microbial community and functional diversity of healthy and
      wilted plants, and to identify potential biocontrol agents with significant
      effect. Paired end Illumina Mi-Seq sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS gene amplicons
      was employed to study the bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere
      soil of Lanzhou lily plants. BIOLOG technology was adopted to investigate the
      microbial functional diversity. Our results indicated that there were major
      differences in the rhizosphere microbial composition and functional diversity of
      wilted samples compared with healthy samples. Healthy Lanzhou lily plants
      exhibited lower rhizosphere-associated bacterial diversity than diseased plants,
      whereas fungi exhibited the opposite trend. The dominant phyla in both the
      healthy and wilted samples were Proteobacteria and Ascomycota, i.e., 34.45 and
      64.01 %, respectively. The microbial functional diversity was suppressed in
      wilted soil samples. Besides Fusarium, the higher relative abundances of
      Rhizoctonia, Verticillium, Penicillium, and Ilyonectria (Neonectria) in the
      wilted samples suggest they may pathogenetic root rot fungi. The high relative
      abundances of Bacillus in Firmicutes in healthy samples may have significant
      roles as biological control agents against soilborne pathogens. This is the first
      study to find evidence of major differences between the microbial communities in
      the rhizospheric soil of healthy and wilted Lanzhou lily, which may be linked to
      the health status of plants. 

PMID- 27116962
TI  - Diversity, molecular phylogeny and fingerprint profiles of airborne Aspergillus
      species using random amplified polymorphic DNA.
AB  - In the present study, diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Aspergillus
      species isolated from Tehran air was studied using random amplified polymorphic
      DNA (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR). Thirty-eight Aspergillus
      isolates belonging to 12 species i.e. A. niger (28.94 %, 11 isolates), A. flavus
      (18.42 %, 7 isolates), A. tubingensis (13.15 %, 5 isolates), A. japonicus (10.52
      %, 4 isolates), A. ochraceus (10.52 %, 4 isolates), and 2.63 %, 1 isolate from
      each A. nidulans, A. amstelodami, A. oryzae, A. terreus, A. versicolor, A.
      flavipes and A. fumigatus were obtained by settle plate method which they were
      distributed in 18 out of 22 sampling sites examined. Fungal DNA was extracted
      from cultured mycelia of all Aspergillus isolates on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and
      used for amplification of gene fragments in RAPD-PCR using 11 primers. RAPD-PCR
      data was analyzed using UPGMA software. Resulting dendrogram of combined selected
      primers including PM1, OPW-04, OPW-05, P160, P54, P10 and OPA14 indicated the
      distribution of 12 Aspergillus species in 8 major clusters. The similarity
      coefficient of all 38 Aspergillus isolates ranged from 0.02 to 0.40 indicating a
      wide degree of similarities and differences within and between species. Taken
      together, our results showed that various Aspergillus species including some
      important human pathogenic ones exist in the outdoor air of Tehran by different
      extents in distribution and diversity and suggested inter- and intra-species
      genetic diversity among Aspergillus species by RAPD-PCR as a rapid, sensitive and
      reproducible method. 

PMID- 27116963
TI  - Characterizing and handling different kinds of AM fungal spores in the
      rhizosphere.
AB  - Spores are important propagules as well as the most reliable species
      distinguishing traits of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. During surveys of AM
      fungal communities, spore enumeration and spore identification are frequently
      conducted, but generally little attention is given to the age and viability of
      the spores. In this study, AM fungal spores in the rhizosphere were characterized
      as live or dead by vital staining and by performing a germination assay. A
      considerable proportion of the spores in the rhizosphere were dead despite their
      intact appearance. Furthermore, morphological and molecular analyses of spores to
      determine species identity revealed that both viable spores and dead spores with
      contents were identified. The accurate identification of spores at different
      developmental stages on the basis of morphology requires considerable experience.
      Our findings suggest that surveys of AM fungal communities based on spore
      enumeration and morphological and molecular identification are likely to be
      inaccurate, primarily because of the large proportion of dead spores in the
      rhizosphere. A viability check is recommended prior to spore molecular
      identification, and the use of trap cultures would give more reliable
      morphological identification results. We show that the abundance and activity of
      AM fungi in the rhizosphere can be determined by calculating the density of
      viable spores and the density of spores that could germinate. The adoption of
      these methods should provide a more reliable basis for further AM fungal
      community analysis. 

PMID- 27116964
TI  - Spatial dynamics of the bacterial community structure in the gastrointestinal
      tract of red kangaroo (Macropus rufus).
AB  - The quantification and community of bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
      (stomach, jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon and rectum) of red kangaroos (Macropus
      rufus) were examined by using real-time PCR and paired-end Illumina sequencing.
      The quantification of bacteria showed that the number of bacteria in jejunum and
      rectum was significantly lower than that in colon and cecum (P < 0.05). A total
      of 1,872,590 sequences was remained after quality-filtering and 50,948 OTUs were
      identified at the 97 % similarity level. The dominant phyla in the GI tract of
      red kangaroos were identified as Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. At
      the level of genus, the samples from different parts of GI tract clustered into
      three groups: stomach, small intestine (jejunum and ileum) and large intestine
      (cecum and rectum). Prevotella (29.81 %) was the most dominant genus in the
      stomach and significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that in other parts of GI tract.
      In the small intestine, Bifidobacterium (33.04, 12.14 %) and Streptococcus
      (22.90, 19.16 %) were dominant genera. Unclassified Ruminococcaceae was the most
      dominant family in large intestine and the total relative abundance of
      unclassified bacteria was above 50 %. In identified genera, Dorea was the most
      important variable to discriminate large intestine and it was significantly
      higher in cecum than in stomach, small intestine and colon (P < 0.05).
      Bifidobacterium (21.89 %) was the only dominant genus in colon. Future work on
      culture in vitro and genome sequencing of those unidentified bacteria might give
      us insight into the function of these microorganisms in the GI tract. In
      addition, the comparison of the bacterial community in the foregut of kangaroos
      and other herbivores and the rumen might give us insight into the mechanism of
      fiber degradation and help us exploit approaches to improve the feed efficiency
      and subsequently, reduce the methane emission from herbivores. 

PMID- 27116965
TI  - Rapid method for DNA isolation from a tough cell wall green alga Tetraspora sp.
      CU2551.
AB  - Genetic studies are important to understand the complex biological system of
      various organisms. Some eukaryotic green organisms have tough cell wall which
      precludes the efficient extraction of the genetic materials. Here, we developed
      the method for simple and rapid isolation of high quality DNA from a green alga
      Tetraspora sp. CU2551. The cell homogenization procedures were combined with
      physical force plus heat treatment to disrupt the cell envelope of Tetraspora sp.
      CU2551. Without protease treatment, vortexing with glass bead for 30-105 s at 70 
      degrees C led to the isolation of a high purity DNA which was suitable for
      downstream process. The improved method was successfully developed and could be
      applied for the rapid isolation of DNA from other unicellular and filamentous
      green microalgal strains. 

PMID- 27116966
TI  - Cloning, expression and antioxidant activity of a novel collagen from Pelodiscus
      sinensis.
AB  - Collagen is the main structural protein of various connective tissues in animals
      and naturally plays an important role within the body. It is increasingly used
      within certain areas, such as medicine, citology and cosmetology. The soft
      shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is a commercially important aquatic species
      rich in collagen. In this study, a novel collagen gene fragment of 756 bp, which
      encodes 252 deduced amino acid residues, including 25 conserved Gly-X-Y motifs,
      was cloned from a soft-shelled turtle. Recombinant soft-shelled turtle collagen
      (rSTC) was stably expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta and purified by His
      GraviTrap affinity columns. The antioxidant activities of rSTC were measured
      using hydroxyl and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. The results
      showed that rSTC quenched the free radicals in a dose-dependent manner. The
      hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA) of rSTC was 98.9 % at a concentration
      of 3 mg/mL. At a concentration of 5 mg/mL, rSTC exhibited a DPPH radical
      scavenging activity of 32.7 %. At the tested concentrations, rSTC exhibited
      higher HRSA and lower DPPH radical scavenging activity. 

PMID- 27116967
TI  - Evaluation of microbial population dynamics in the co-composting of cow manure
      and rice straw using high throughput sequencing analysis.
AB  - Microbial population dynamics in co-composting of cow manure and rice straw were
      evaluated using 16S high throughput sequencing technology. Physicochemical
      factors, including temperature, pH, nitrogen contents, the ratio of carbon and
      nitrogen, and germination index, were also determined in this study. 16S high
      throughput sequencing results showed that bacterial community structure and
      composition significantly varied in each phase of composting. The major phyla
      included Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and
      Planctomycetes, respectively. Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were the most
      abundant phyla in all phases, and Actinobacteria was just dominant in the
      mesophilic phase, while Firmicutes and Planctomycetes were ubiquitous. At the
      genus level, Simiduia, Flavobacterium, unclassified Chitinophagaceae and
      Flexibacter notably changed in each phase of composting. Bacterial community
      diversity in the mesophilic phase was higher than that in others based on the
      Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson diversity index. The ratio of carbon and
      nitrogen and germination index indicated that the co-composting of cow manure and
      rice straw reached maturation. The result of nitrogen contents showed that
      nitrogen loss mainly occurred in the thermophilic phase. In addition, the
      differences in the distributions of key OTUs between in the late thermophilic
      phase and the cooling and maturation phase were unobvious compared with other
      phase's base on the principal component analysis. Redundancy analysis revealed
      that the changes of nitrogen played a predominant role in the distributions of
      OTUs during the composting process. 

PMID- 27116968
TI  - A novel process for obtaining pinosylvin using combinatorial bioengineering in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - Pinosylvin as a bioactive stilbene is of great interest for food supplements and
      pharmaceuticals development. In comparison to conventional extraction of
      pinosylvin from plant sources, biosynthesis engineering of microbial cell
      factories is a sustainable and flexible alternative method. Current synthetic
      strategies often require expensive phenylpropanoic precursor and inducer, which
      are not available for large-scale fermentation process. In this study, three
      bioengineering strategies were described to the development of a simple and
      economical process for pinosylvin biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. Firstly, we
      evaluated different construct environments to give a highly efficient
      constitutive system for enzymes of pinosylvin pathway expression: 4-coumarate:
      coenzyme A ligase (4CL) and stilbene synthase (STS). Secondly, malonyl coenzyme A
      (malonyl-CoA) is a key precursor of pinosylvin bioproduction and at low level in
      E. coli cell. Thus clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
      interference (CRISPRi) was explored to inactivate malonyl-CoA consumption pathway
      to increase its availability. The resulting pinosylvin content in engineered E.
      coli was obtained a 1.9-fold increase depending on the repression of fabD
      (encoding malonyl-CoA-ACP transacylase) gene. Eventually, a phenylalanine over
      producing E. coli consisting phenylalanine ammonia lyase was introduced to
      produce the precursor of pinosylvin, trans-cinnamic acid, the crude extraction of
      cultural medium was used as supplementation for pinosylvin bioproduction. Using
      these combinatorial processes, 47.49 mg/L pinosylvin was produced from glycerol. 

PMID- 27116969
TI  - Consolidating biofuel platforms through the fermentative bioconversion of crude
      glycerol to butanol.
AB  - Economic realities for the rising industrial biofuel production have changed
      substantially during the low oil price period starting in the mid 2010's.
      Increased competition requires the sector to increase productivity through the
      reduction of low-value by-products and full utilization of all value and energy
      stored in their respective feedstock. Biodiesel is produced commercially from
      substrates such as animal fat and vegetable oil, generating approximately 10 wt%
      crude glycerol as its main, currently underutilized, by-product. This crude
      glycerol is contaminated with catalyst, soap, free fatty acids, glycerides and
      methyl esters; hence only a small fraction enters the existing glycerol markets,
      while the purification costs for the majority of crude glycerol are simply too
      high. However, this presents a unique opportunity to generate additional value.
      One technical possibility is to use crude glycerol as a carbon source for butanol
      production, a compound of higher value and energy, a potential additive for
      gasoline and diesel fuels and bulk chemical commodity. Conversion facilities
      could be co-located with biodiesel plants, utilizing established infrastructure
      and adding significant value and productivity to the existing biodiesel industry.
      This review focuses on the current activities geared towards the bioconversion of
      crude glycerol to butanol. 

PMID- 27116970
TI  - Application of anhydrobiosis and dehydration of yeasts for non-conventional
      biotechnological goals.
AB  - Dehydration of yeast cells causes them to enter a state of anhydrobiosis in which
      their metabolism is temporarily and reversibly suspended. This unique state among
      organisms is currently used in the production of active dry yeasts, mainly used
      in baking and winemaking. In recent decades non-conventional applications of
      yeast dehydration have been proposed for various modern biotechnologies. This
      mini-review briefly summarises current information on the application of dry
      yeasts in traditional and innovative fields. It has been shown that dry yeast
      preparations can be used for the efficient protection, purification and
      bioremediation of the environment from heavy metals. The high sorption activity
      of dehydrated yeasts can be used as an interesting tool in winemaking due to
      their effects on quality and taste. Dry yeasts are also used in agricultural
      animal feed. Another interesting application of yeast dehydration is as an
      additional stage in new methods for the stable immobilisation of microorganisms,
      especially in cases when biotechnologically important strains have no affinity
      with the carrier. Such immobilisation methods also provide a new approach for the
      successful conservation of yeast strains that are very sensitive to dehydration.
      In addition, the application of dehydration procedures opens up new possibilities
      for the use of yeast as a model system. Separate sections of this review also
      discuss possible uses of dry yeasts in biocontrol, bioprotection and
      biotransformations, in analytical methods as well as in some other areas. 

PMID- 27116971
TI  - Updates on industrial production of amino acids using Corynebacterium glutamicum.
AB  - L-Amino acids find various applications in biotechnology. L-Glutamic acid and its
      salts are used as flavor enhancers. Other L-amino acids are used as food or feed
      additives, in parenteral nutrition or as building blocks for the chemical and
      pharmaceutical industries. L-amino acids are synthesized from precursors of
      central carbon metabolism. Based on the knowledge of the biochemical pathways
      microbial fermentation processes of food, feed and pharma amino acids have been
      developed. Production strains of Corynebacterium glutamicum, which has been used
      safely for more than 50 years in food biotechnology, and Escherichia coli are
      constantly improved using metabolic engineering approaches. Research towards new
      processes is ongoing. Fermentative production of L-amino acids in the million-ton
      scale has shaped modern biotechnology and its markets continue to grow steadily.
      This review focusses on recent achievements in strain development for amino acid
      production including the use of CRISPRi/dCas9, genome-reduced strains, biosensors
      and synthetic pathways to enable utilization of alternative carbon sources. 

PMID- 27116972
TI  - Government abused power as sole employer of junior doctors, says BMA chair.

PMID- 27116973
TI  - Ocular syphilis: opportunities to address important unanswered questions.

PMID- 27116974
TI  - Comparative Effectiveness of Carotid Artery Stenting Versus Carotid
      Endarterectomy Among Medicare Beneficiaries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effectiveness of carotid artery stenting (CAS) relative to carotid
      endarterectomy (CEA) among Medicare patients has not been established. We
      compared effectiveness of CAS versus CEA among Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We linked Medicare data (2000-2009) to the Society for Vascular
      Surgery's Vascular Registry (2005-2008) and the National Cardiovascular Data
      Registry's (NCDR) Carotid Artery Revascularization and Endarterectomy Registry
      (2006-2008/2009). Medicare patients were followed up from procedure date until
      death, stroke/transient ischemic attack, periprocedural myocardial infarction, or
      a composite end point for these outcomes. We derived high-dimensional propensity
      scores using registry and Medicare data to control for patient factors and
      adjusted for provider factors in a Cox regression model comparing CAS with CEA.
      Among 5254 Society for Vascular Surgery's Vascular Registry (1999 CAS; 3255 CEA)
      and 4055 Carotid Artery Revascularization and Endarterectomy Registry (2824 CAS;
      1231 CEA) Medicare patients, CAS patients had a higher comorbidity burden and
      were more likely to be at high surgical risk (Society for Vascular Surgery's
      Vascular Registry: 96.7% versus 44.5%; Carotid Artery Revascularization and
      Endarterectomy Registry: 71.3% versus 44.7%). Unadjusted outcome risks were
      higher for CAS. Mortality risks remained elevated for CAS after adjusting for
      patient-level factors (hazard ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.46).
      After further adjustment for provider factors, differences between CAS and CEA
      were attenuated or no longer present (hazard ratio for mortality, 1.13; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.94-1.37). Performance was comparable across subgroups
      defined by sex and degree of carotid stenosis, but there was a nonsignificant
      trend suggesting a higher risk of adverse outcomes in older (>80) and symptomatic
      patients undergoing CAS. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes after CAS and CEA among Medicare
      beneficiaries were comparable after adjusting for both patient- and provider
      level factors.

PMID- 27116975
TI  - Vancouver Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Clinical Pathway: Minimalist
      Approach, Standardized Care, and Discharge Criteria to Reduce Length of Stay.
AB  - We describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a standardized
      clinical pathway to facilitate safe discharge home at the earliest time after
      transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Between May 2012 and October
      2014, the Heart Team developed a clinical pathway suited to the unique
      requirements of transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement in
      contemporary practice. The components included risk-stratified minimalist
      periprocedure approach, standardized postprocedure care with early mobilization
      and reconditioning, and criteria-driven discharge home. Our aim was to reduce
      variation in care, identify a subgroup of patients suitable for early discharge
      (<=48 hours), and decrease length of stay for all patients. We addressed barriers
      related to historical practices, complex multidisciplinary stakeholder
      engagement, and adoption of length of stay as a quality indicator. We
      retrospectively reviewed the experiences of 393 consecutive patients; 150 (38.2%)
      were discharged early. At baseline, early discharge patients had experienced less
      previous balloon aortic valvuloplasty, had higher left ventricular ejection
      fraction, better cognitive function, and were less frail than the standard
      discharge group (>48 hours). Early discharge was associated with the use of local
      anesthesia, implantation of balloon expandable device, avoidance of urinary
      catheter, and early removal of temporary pacemaker. Median length of stay was 1
      day for early discharge and 3 days for other patients; 97.7% were discharged
      home. There were no differences in 30-day mortality (1.3%), disabling stroke
      (0.8%), or readmission (10.7%). The implementation of a transcatheter aortic
      valve replacement clinical pathway shifted the program's approach to combine
      standardized processes and individual risk stratification. The Vancouver
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement clinical pathway requires a rigorous
      assessment to determine its efficacy, safety, and reproducibility.

PMID- 27116976
TI  - Pioneer Axon Navigation Is Controlled by AEX-3, a Guanine Nucleotide Exchange
      Factor for RAB-3 in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Precise and accurate axon tract formation is an essential aspect of brain
      development. This is achieved by the migration of early outgrowing axons
      (pioneers) allowing later outgrowing axons (followers) to extend toward their
      targets in the embryo. In Caenorhabditis elegans the AVG neuron pioneers the
      right axon tract of the ventral nerve cord, the major longitudinal axon tract.
      AVG is essential for the guidance of follower axons and hence organization of the
      ventral nerve cord. In an enhancer screen for AVG axon guidance defects in a nid
      1/Nidogen mutant background, we isolated an allele of aex-3 aex-3 mutant animals
      show highly penetrant AVG axon navigation defects. These defects are dependent on
      a mutation in nid-1/Nidogen, a basement membrane component. Our data suggest that
      AEX-3 activates RAB-3 in the context of AVG axon navigation. aex-3 genetically
      acts together with known players of vesicular exocytosis: unc-64/Syntaxin, unc
      31/CAPS, and ida-1/IA-2. Furthermore our genetic interaction data suggest that
      AEX-3 and the UNC-6/Netrin receptor UNC-5 act in the same pathway, suggesting AEX
      3 might regulate the trafficking and/or insertion of UNC-5 at the growth cone to
      mediate the proper guidance of the AVG axon.

PMID- 27116977
TI  - IDH mutant gliomas escape natural killer cell immune surveillance by
      downregulation of NKG2D ligand expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diffuse gliomas are poorly immunogenic, fatal brain tumors. The basis
      for insufficient antitumor immunity in diffuse gliomas is unknown. Gain-of
      function mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDH1 and IDH2) promote diffuse
      glioma formation through epigenetic reprogramming of a number of genes, including
      immune-related genes. Here, we identify epigenetic dysregulation of natural
      killer (NK) cell ligand genes as significant contributors to immune escape in
      glioma. METHODS: We analyzed the database of The Cancer Genome Atlas for immune
      gene expression patterns in IDH mutant or wild-type gliomas and identified
      differentially expressed immune genes. NKG2D ligand expression levels and NK cell
      mediated lysis were measured in IDH mutant and wild-type patient-derived glioma
      stem cells and genetically engineered astrocytes. Finally, we assessed the impact
      of hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2'deoxycytodine (decitabine) as a potential NK
      cell sensitizing agent in IDH mutant cells. RESULTS: IDH mutant glioma stemlike
      cell lines exhibited significantly lower expression of NKG2D ligands compared
      with IDH wild-type cells. Consistent with these findings, IDH mutant glioma cells
      and astrocytes are resistant to NK cell-mediated lysis. Decitabine increases
      NKG2D ligand expression and restores NK-mediated lysis of IDH mutant cells in an
      NKG2D-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: IDH mutant glioma cells acquire resistance
      to NK cells through epigenetic silencing of NKG2D ligands ULBP1 and ULBP3.
      Decitabine-mediated hypomethylation restores ULBP1 and ULBP3 expression in IDH
      mutant glioma cells and may provide a clinically useful method to sensitize IDH
      mutant gliomas to NK cell-mediated immune surveillance in patients with IDH
      mutated diffuse gliomas.

PMID- 27116979
TI  - Facile Multiscale Patterning by Creep-Assisted Sequential Imprinting and Fuel
      Cell Application.
AB  - The capability of fabricating multiscale structures with desired morphology and
      incorporating them into engineering applications is key to realizing
      technological breakthroughs by employing the benefits from both microscale and
      nanoscale morphology simultaneously. Here, we developed a facile patterning
      method to fabricate multiscale hierarchical structures by a novel approach called
      creep-assisted sequential imprinting. In this work, nanopatterning was first
      carried out by thermal imprint lithography above the glass transition temperature
      (Tg) of a polymer film, and then followed by creep-assisted imprinting with
      micropatterns based on the mechanical deformation of the polymer film under the
      relatively long-term exposure to mechanical stress at temperatures below the Tg
      of the polymer. The fabricated multiscale arrays exhibited excellent pattern
      uniformity over large areas. To demonstrate the usage of multiscale
      architectures, we incorporated the multiscale Nafion films into polymer
      electrolyte membrane fuel cell, and this device showed more than 10% higher
      performance than the conventional one. The enhancement was attributed to the
      decrease in mass transport resistance because of unique cone-shape morphology by
      creep-recovery effects and the increase in interfacial surface area between
      Nafion film and electrocatalyst layer.

PMID- 27116978
TI  - Large-scale assessment of the gliomasphere model system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gliomasphere cultures are widely utilized for the study of
      glioblastoma (GBM). However, this model system is not well characterized, and the
      utility of current classification methods is not clear. METHODS: We used 71
      gliomasphere cultures from 68 individuals. Using gene expression-based
      classification, we performed unsupervised clustering and associated gene
      expression with gliomasphere phenotypes and patient survival. RESULTS: Some
      aspects of the gene expression-based classification method were robust because
      the gliomasphere cultures retained their classification over many passages, and
      IDH1 mutant gliomaspheres were all proneural. While gene expression of a subset
      of gliomasphere cultures was more like the parent tumor than any other tumor,
      gliomaspheres did not always harbor the same classification as their parent
      tumor. Classification was not associated with whether a sphere culture was
      derived from primary or recurrent GBM or associated with the presence of EGFR
      amplification or rearrangement. Unsupervised clustering of gliomasphere gene
      expression distinguished 2 general categories (mesenchymal and nonmesenchymal),
      while multidimensional scaling distinguished 3 main groups and a fourth minor
      group. Unbiased approaches revealed that PI3Kinase, protein kinase A, mTOR, ERK,
      Integrin, and beta-catenin pathways were associated with in vitro measures of
      proliferation and sphere formation. Associating gene expression with gliomasphere
      phenotypes and patient outcome, we identified genes not previously associated
      with GBM: PTGR1, which suppresses proliferation, and EFEMP2 and LGALS8, which
      promote cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive assessment reveals
      advantages and limitations of using gliomaspheres to model GBM biology, and
      provides a novel strategy for selecting genes for future study.

PMID- 27116980
TI  - [Common opinion on the application of fluorescence in situ hybridization
      technique in prenatal diagnosis].

PMID- 27116981
TI  - [Indications and pregnancy outcomes of intrapartum cesarean section after the new
      partogram applied].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of intrapartum cesarean rate, cesarean
      indications and pregnancy outcomes after the new partogram applied. METHODS:
      Totally 3 290 pregnant women trying to vaginal delivery which were managed
      according to the new partogram in Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,
      Capital Medical University from August to October in 2014(new partogram
      group)were involved; 2 987 pregnancy women trying to vaginal delivery from May to
      July in 2014 which were managed according to the old partogram(old partogram
      group)were involved as control. The intrapartum cesarean rate, cesarean
      indications and the pregnancy outcomes between the two groups were analyzed.
      RESULTS: The rate of intrapartum cesarean delivery was 8.50%(254/2 987)in old
      partogram group, and was significantly higher than that in new partogram
      group(6.2%, 204/3 290; P<0.01). Cesarean indications in old partogram group
      included 18 labor protraction(7.1%, 18/254), 82 labor arrest(32.3%, 82/254), 44
      relative cephalopelvic disproportion(17.3%, 44/254), 80 fetal distress(31.5%,
      80/254), 23 intrauterine infection(9.1%, 23/254)and 7 cesarean delivery on
      maternal request(CDMR; 2.8%, 7/254). Cesarean indications in new partogram group
      included 33 labor arrest(16.2%, 33/204), 71 relative cephalopelvic
      disproportion(34.8%, 71/204), 73 fetal distress(35.8%, 73/204)and 22 intrauterine
      infection(10.8%, 22/204), 5 CDMR(2.5%, 5/204). There were no significant
      differences in incidence of asphyxia neonatorum and puerperal morbidity(P> 0.05),
      but the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in new partogram group was higher than
      the old partogram group[6.9%(14/204)versus 1.6%(4/254), P<0.05]. CONCLUSION:
      After the new partogram applied, the rate of intrapartum cesarean delivery is
      significantly decreased, but the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage is increased.

PMID- 27116982
TI  - [Obstetrical complications of thyroid peroxidase antibody positive during
      pregnancy and effects of intervention: a meta-analysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between thyroid peroxidase
      antibody(TPOAb)and outcomes during pregnancy and the effects of treatment on
      outcomes. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Embase, Chinese
      Biomedicine, and Wanfangdata had been searched. Case-control and cohort studies
      about TPOAb and pregnancy outcomes were searched according to the inclusion and
      exclusion criteria. Fifty studies were finally recruited(all of cohort-studies,
      10 for English and 5 for Chinese). Review Manager 5.3 were used to test the
      heterogeneity of the results among the different studies and amalgamate the
      effect size using fixed or random effect models. RESULTS: Meta-analysis showed
      TPOAb(+)with normal thyroid function increase the risks of miscarriage,and
      premature delivery, OR calculated were 2.02(95%CI: 1.13-3.62, P=0.001)and
      1.39(95%CI: 1.11-1.76, P=0.005), while showed no relative risk to hypertensive
      disease, placental abruption in pregnancy and fetal growth restriction, OR
      calculated were 1.29(95%CI: 1.00-1.67, P=0.080), 0.42(95%CI: 0.12-1.43,
      P=0.210)and 1.61(95%CI: 0.23-11.12, P=0.100). TPOAb(+)with normal thyroid
      function increase miscarriage in in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF
      ET), OR calculated were 2.14(95%CI: 1.43-3.21, P=0.000). Levothyroxine(LT4)for
      patients of TPOAb(+)with normal thyroid dysfunction decrease adverse obstetric
      outcomes, OR calculated were 0.43(95%CI: 0.22-0.85, P=0.020). CONCLUSIONS:
      TPOAb(+)with normal thyroid function increase the risks of miscarriage,and
      premature delivery. TPOAb(+)with normal thyroid function increase miscarriage in
      IVF-ET. LT4 for patients of TPOAb(+)with normal thyroid dysfunction decrease
      adverse obstetric outcomes.

PMID- 27116983
TI  - [A randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled and multicentre study: compare
      the efficacy and safety of domestic and imported human recombinant FSH in WHO
      group II anovulatory infertility].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of domestic human recombinant
      FSH(rhFSH)in women with anovulation of WHO group II. METHODS: A randomized,
      blind, parallel-controlled, non-inferiority and multicenter study was performed.
      A total of 534 admitted to 13 hospitals from May 2008 to August 2009. There were
      531 women with ovulatory disorder was included in the statistical analysis, were
      randomly divided into test group(domestic rhFSH, n=352)and control group(imported
      rhFSH, n=179). Percentage of cycle with mature follicle, ovulation rate, clinical
      pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, ovarian hyperstimulation
      syndrome(OHSS)and adverse events were observed. RESULTS: No statistical
      significant differences(P>0.05)were observed between the two groups in terms of
      the efficiency on mature follicle[91.8%(323/352)versus 88.8%(159/179)], ovulation
      rate[91.3%(295/323)verus 90.6%(144/159)], clinical pregnancy
      rate[19.2%(62/323)verus 18.2%(29/159)], the number of the follicles<14 mm, the
      level of serum LH and progesterone, the thickness of endometrium on the day of
      hCG administration. The number of follicle>=18 mm and 14 mm<=follicle<18 mm and
      the level of serum estradiol on the day of hCG in the test group were
      significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05). The number of days
      of rhFSH administration in the test group was significantly less than that in the
      control group[(9.8+/-2.2)versus(11.4+/- 0.6)days, P<0.05], the dosage of rhFSH
      was significantly lower than that in the control group[(879 +/- 419)versus(1
      043+/-663)U, P<0.05]. The multiple pregnancy rate in the test group was
      significantly higher than that in the control group[21%(13/62)versu 10%(3/29),
      P<0.05]. The incidence of OHSS and adverse events were similar between the two
      groups(P>0.05), and no other adverse events were observed in test group during
      treatment. CONCLUSION: Ovarian stimulation with domestic rhFSH is effective, safe
      and economical in women with anovulation of WHO group II.

PMID- 27116984
TI  - [Analysis of 13 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma in the female genital tract].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features, treatments and prognostic
      factors of rhabdomyosarcoma(RMS)in the female genital tract. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis was performed on 13 cases of RMS in the female genital
      tract. Clinical characteristics, treatments and prognosis were compared and
      analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The median age was 21.0 years(range, 6 to 54
      years). There were 6 cases vaginal RMS and 7 cases cervical RMS, included 11
      cases of embryonal RMS(ERMS)and 2 cases of alveolar RMS(ARMS). According to the
      Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO)staging system, there
      were 6 cases of stage I , 3 cases of stage II, 1 case of stage III and 3 cases of
      stage IV, the median survival time were respectively 112.5, 153.0, 9.0 and 3.5
      months. According to the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcom Study Group(IRSG)staging
      system, there were 10 cases of stage I and 3 cases of the stage IV, and their
      median survival time were respectively 112.5 and 3.5 months. Nine patients
      received surgery and the median survival time was 108.0 months(range, 9 to 228
      months), 6 of them received chemotherapy after surgery and the median survival
      time was 152.0 months(range, 9 to 228 months), the other 3 cases did not receive
      any therapy after surgery and the median survival time was 25.0 months(range, 9
      to 108 months). Four patients did not receive surgery and the median survival
      time was 6.3 months(range, 1 to 117 months). There were 2 cases received combined
      treatment included radiotherapy and the survival time were respectively 4 and 198
      months. There were 8 cases who was survival without disease and 5 cases died of
      cancer. The median survival time in 13 patients was 25.0 months(range, 1 to 228
      months)and the 5-year overall survival rate was 58.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis
      of early stage of RMS in the female genital tract is good. While, the prognosis
      of advanced stage is poor. The standard treatment strategy is combination of
      surgery and chemotherapy, whether radiotherapy could improve the prognosis still
      need further study.

PMID- 27116985
TI  - [Variation of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase DNA methylated
      modification and correlation with gene mRNA expression of early-onset
      preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome in trophoblast cells
      of placenta].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: By detecting the DNA methylation and gene expression of long-chain 3
      hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase(LCHAD)in trophoblast cells, analyze the correlation
      of DNA methylation and gene expression in early-onset preeclampsia(EPE),
      hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets(HELLP)syndrome and
      antiphospholipid syndrome(APS), to investigate the molecular basis of long-chain
      fatty acid oxidation changes in different preeclampsia and pathological
      pregnancy. METHODS: Primary human cytotrophoblast cells and HTR8/Svneo cells were
      treated with serum from patients with EPE(14 cases), HELLP(12 cases), APS(14
      cases), and normal pregnant women(NP, 14 cases). The methylation level of LCHAD
      gene promoter region through the MassARRAY platform and mRNA expression level by
      real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR technique were conducted. RESULTS:
      (1)Cytosine-phosphate-guanine(CpG)sites in human LCHAD DNA promoter region: CpG
      sites were detected in the range of 558 bp before LCHAD gene transcription start
      site, the detected CpG sites were 11 sites including 8 single sites and 3 complex
      sites. The position of these sites were at-984,-960,-899,-853,-811,-796,-774,
      727,-615,-595,-579 respectively.(2)The sites of-899,-853,-615 and-595 showed
      increased methylation level in EPE and HELLP groups. The methylation level at
      899,-853 and-615 sites in EPE and HELLP groups were significantly higher than
      those in NP group(P<0.01). The methylation level at-853 site was higher in EPE
      group than that in HELLP group(P<0.05). The-595 site showed the unmethylated in
      EPE, HELLP and APS groups. There were significantly difference between the 3
      groups and EPE group(P<0.01).(3)The gene expression of LCHAD mRNA in EPE(0.048+/
      0.005), HELLP(0.045+/-0.006)and APS(0.044+/-0.004)groups were significantly lower
      than NP group(0.076+/-0.009; P<0.01).(4)The correlation of methylation level and
      gene expression in all groups: the methylation level at-899,-853,-727,-615 and
      579 sites were negatively correlated with gene mRNA expression in EPE
      group(P<0.05). The methylation level at-899,-853 and-615 sites were negatively
      correlated with gene mRNA expression in HELLP group(P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      variation of LCHAD DNA methylation of trophoblast cells are found among EPE,
      HELLP syndrome and APS. The different correlation of LCHAD DNA methylation and
      gene expression are different in pathological groups. LCHAD DNA methylation of
      EPE and HELLP syndrome were significantly increased and negatively correlated
      with LCHAD gene mRNA expression. These results further revealed the molecular
      basis of long-chain fatty acid oxidation in different preeclampsia and
      pathological pregnancy.

PMID- 27116986
TI  - [25S rDNA genotype and antifungal susceptibility of vaginal Candida albicans].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate 25S rDNA genotype distribution of vaginal Candida
      albicans and its relationship with antifungal susceptibility. METHODS: A total of
      954 isolates of Candida albicans were subjected to genotype analysis according to
      the presence and the size of transposable group I intron in 25S rDNA with PCR;
      156 isolates were enrolled to detect their antifungal susceptibility of 5
      antifungal agents with the M27-A3 broth microdilution method. RESULTS: Totally
      876 isolates were determined to be intronless genotype A(91.8%, 876/954);
      58(6.1%, 58/954)and 20 isolates(2.1%, 20/954)were introncontaining genotype B and
      genotype C, respectively. The minimal inhibitory concentrations(MIC)of
      itraconazole and fluconazole against the intron-containing group were
      significantly higher than those of the intronless group(0.25 versus 0.125 MUg/ml,
      P<0.05; 0.25 versus 0.125 MUg/ml, P<0.01), whereas the MIC of nystatin against
      the intron-containing group was lower than that of the intronless group(4 versus
      8 MUg/ml, P< 0.01). The resistance rate of Candida albicans to itraconazole of
      the intron-containing group was significantly higher than that of the intronless
      group[24%(19/78)versus 3%(2/78), P<0.01]. Cross-resistance analysis revealed 5 of
      the 21(24%)itraconazole resistant isolates were cross-resistant to fluconazole ,
      and 5 of the 6(5/6)fluconazole-resistant strains were cross-resistant to
      itraconazole. Besides, all the five strains simultaneously resistant to
      itraconazole and fluconazole belonged to the intron-containing group. CONCLUSION:
      The presence of the transposable group I intron in 25S rDNA of vaginal Candida
      albicans might be important in affecting itraconazole, fluconazole and nystatin
      susceptibility.

PMID- 27116987
TI  - [Effect of MTRR gene on apoptosis and autophagy pathways in multiresistant
      epithelial ovarian cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of down-regulated methionine synthase
      reductase(MTRR)gene on the apoptosis and autophagy pathway, and offer a possible
      approach for the MTRR to reverse the multi-resistant ovarian cancer. METHODS:
      (1)The experiment was divided into 3 groups, SKOV3/DDP-MTRRi(down-regulated MTRR
      group), SKOV3/DDP-NC(negative control group), and SKOV3/DDP(blank control group).
      Different concentration of cisplatin(0, 1, 2, and 4 MUg/ml)treated on 3 groups
      cells. The apoptosis rate was measured by flow cytometry(FCM). Autophagy was
      detected by immunofluorescence. Autophagy microtubule associated protein light
      chain 3beta(LC3B)and p62 were detected by western blot. The formation of
      autophagosome of cells was observed by transmission electron
      microscope.(2)Detection of autophagy and apoptosis of SKOV3/DDP-MTRRi induced by
      rapamycin. The experiment was divided into 4 groups included rapamycin group(5
      nmol/L rapamycin), rapamycin+cisplatin group(5 nmol/L rapamycin+ 4 MUg/ml
      cisplatin), cisplatin group(4 MUg/ml cisplatin)and blank control group. LC3B and
      p62 protein were detected by western blot. The survival rate cells were detected
      by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)method. The apoptosis rate was measured by
      FCM.(3)The 3 groups cells(SKOV3/DDP, SKOV3/DDP-NC and SKOV3/DDP-MTRRi)induced by
      a certain concentration of cisplatin(4 MUg/ml)after 48 hours, then detecting the
      protein expression of caspase, Bcl-2 family in apoptosis pathway and the key
      proteins in phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)autophagy
      pathways by western blot, getting the time when the proteins' expression changed.
      RESULTS: (1)The 3 groups cells(SKOV3/DDP, SKOV3/DDP-NC, and SKOV3/DDP
      MTRRi)induced by a certain concentration of cisplatin(4 MUg/ml)after 48 hours,
      apoptosis and autophagy of 3 groups of cells were gradually increased with the
      increased concentration of cisplatin. The apoptosis rate of SKOV3/DDP-MTRRi
      cells[(26.2 +/- 1.4)%]were significantly increased compared with the SKOV3/DDP-NC
      cells or SKOV3/DDP cells[(14.8+/-2.4)%,(14.2+/-2.4)%; all P<0.05]at 2 MUg/ml
      cisplatin. Immunofluorescence tests revealed that the aggregates of LC3B in
      SKOV3/DDP-MTRRi cells were more than that of SKOV3/DDP-NC cells and SKOV3/DDP
      cells. The expression of LC3B of SKOV3/DDP-MTRRi cells was lower than those of
      SKOV3/DDP-NC cells and SKOV3/DDP cells(P<0.05). The expression of p62 of
      SKOV3/DDP-MTRRi cells was higher than those of SKOV3/DDP-NC cells and SKOV3/DDP
      cells(P<0.05). The structure of chloroplast was integrity and autophagosome was
      dispersing in plastids of SKOV3/DDP-NC cells and SKOV3/DDP cells. Organelles
      disappear and vacuoles increased obviously in SKOV3/DDP-MTRRi cells, no
      autophagosome was observed.(2)The expression of LC3B of rapamycin + cisplatin
      group was higher than those of other 3 group cells(1.72+/-0.08, 1.43+/-0.04,
      1.37+/-0.11, and 1.11+/-0.09; P<0.05). The expression of p62 of rapamycin +
      cisplatin group was significant decreased(0.58 +/- 0.10, 0.94 +/- 0.12, 1.21 +/-
      0.11, and 1.57 +/- 0.10; P<0.05). The survival rate of rapamycin + cisplatin
      group was higher than that of cisplatin group[(0.78+/-0.03)% vs(0.62+/-0.03)%;
      P=0.018], the apoptosis rate was significant decreased in rapamycin+ cisplatin
      group[(59.0 +/- 3.9)% vs(40.4 +/- 3.0)%, P=0.019].(3)The 3 groups
      cells(SKOV3/DDP, SKOV3/DDP-NC, and SKOV3/DDP-MTRRi)induced by a certain
      concentration of cisplatin(4 MUg/ml)after 48 hours, the expression of Bax in 3
      groups cell were not evidently changed(P= 0.661). The expression of Bcl-2 was
      significantly decreased in SKOV3/DDP-MTRRi cells(P=0.030). The expression of
      caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9, and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase(PARP)were not
      evidently changed(P>0.05), but cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-7, cleaved
      caspase-9, and cleaved PARP were significantly increased in SKOV3/DDP-MTRRi
      cells(P<0.05). For the autophagy pathway, the expression of phosphorylated Akt(p
      Akt)and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin(p-mTOR)were significantly
      increased(P <0.05), but Akt and mTOR had no significant variation. The expression
      of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten(PTEN)was
      significantly decreased(P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MTRR silencing significantly
      increase cisplatin-induced apoptosis and reduce the autophagy induced by
      cisplatin in SKOV3/DDP cells. Down-regulation of MTRR enhanced the
      chemosensitivity of cisplatinresistant ovarian cancer cells may be by activating
      caspase and Bcl-2 apoptosis family and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt autophagy pathway.

PMID- 27116988
TI  - Polyethylene glycol (PEG): a versatile polymer for pharmaceutical applications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a polymer of choice in drug delivery
      systems. This USFDA-approved polymer is popular due to its tunable properties and
      well-established safety profile: prime requisites considered during the selection
      of any excipient in formulation development. AREAS COVERED: The unique properties
      and applications of PEG have been discussed at length in the existing literature.
      However, a proper guidance on selection of PEG grade to cater to one's purpose is
      lacking. This article provides preliminary guidelines to formulators on selection
      of appropriate PEG grade, typically based on its physico-chemical properties and
      role-based functional application in pharmaceuticals. It should be noted that the
      aim article is not to deep dive in each application area. EXPERT OPINION:
      Guidance on PEG application and grade of choice is lacking in the available
      literature. The authors have discussed and provided guidance to formulators on
      the appropriate PEG grade selection for particular application based on the
      available in vitro and in vivo literature data. In this review a State-of-the-art
      use of PEG in therapeutic applications, its clinical status and commercial use is
      also summarized. Nevertheless, toxicities related to different PEG grades and
      related impurities are discussed in this review.

PMID- 27116989
TI  - Effects of Selenizing Codonopsis pilosula Polysaccharide on Macrophage Modulatory
      Activities.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to investigate the immune-enhancing activity
      of selenizing Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide (sCPPS5) in nonspecific immune
      response. In in vitro experiment, the results showed that sCPPS5 could promote
      the phagocytic uptake, NO production, and TNF-alpha and IL-6 secretion of
      RAW264.7 cells. sCPPS5 could also strongly increase the IkappaB-alpha degradation
      in the cytosol and the translocation of NF-kappaB p65 subunit into the nucleus of
      RAW264.7 cells. In the vivo experiment, sCPPS5 at medium doses could
      significantly improve the phagocytic index of peritoneal macrophages and induce
      the secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-6. Moreover, the effect of sCPPS5 was
      significantly better than Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide (CPPS). These
      results indicated that selenylation modification could significantly enhance the
      immune-enhancing activity of CPPS in the nonspecific immune response. 

PMID- 27116990
TI  - A New Approach to Produce Resveratrol by Enzymatic Bioconversion.
AB  - An enzymatic reaction system was developed and optimized for bioconversion of
      resveratrol from glucose. Liquid enzyme extracts were prepared from Alternaria
      sp. MG1, an endophytic fungus from grape, and used directly or after
      immobilization with sodium alginate. When the enzyme solution was used, efficient
      production of resveratrol was found within 120 min in a manner that was pH-,
      reaction time-, enzyme amount-, substrate type-, and substrate concentration
      dependent. After the optimization experiments using the response surface
      methodology, the highest value of resveratrol production (224.40 ug/l) was found
      under the conditions of pH 6.84, 0.35 g/l glucose, 0.02 mg/l coenzyme A, and 0.02
      mg/l ATP. Immobilized enzyme extracts could keep high production of resveratrol
      during recycling use for two to five times. The developed system indicated a
      potential approach to resveratrol biosynthesis independent of plants and fungal
      cell growth, and provided a possible way to produce resveratrol within 2 h, the
      shortest period needed for biosynthesis of resveratrol so far. 

PMID- 27116991
TI  - A Modified Quantum Dot-Based Dot Blot Assay for Rapid Detection of Fish Pathogen
      Vibrio anguillarum.
AB  - Vibrio anguillarum, a devastating pathogen causing vibriosis among marine fish,
      is prevailing in worldwide fishery industries and accounts for grievous economic
      losses. Therefore, a rapid on-site detection and diagnostic technique for this
      pathogen is in urgent need. In this study, two mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs)
      against V. anguillarum, 6B3-C5 and 8G3-B5, were generated by using hybridoma
      technology and their isotypes were characterized. MAb 6B3-C5 was chosen as the
      detector antibody and conjugated with quantum dots. Based on MAb 6B3- C5 labeled
      with quantum dots, a modified dot blot assay was developed for the on-site
      determination of V. anguillarum. It was found that the method had no cross
      reactivity with other than V. anguillarum bacteria. The detection limit (LOD) for
      V. anguillarum was 1 * 10(3) CFU/ml in cultured bacterial suspension samples,
      which was a 100-fold higher sensitivity than the reported colloidal gold
      immunochromatographic test strip. When V. anguillarum was mixed with turbot
      tissue homogenates, the LOD was 1 * 10(3) CFU/ml, suggesting that tissue
      homogenates did not influence the detection capabilities. Preenrichment with the
      tissue homogenates for 12 h could raise the LOD up to 1 * 10(2) CFU/ml,
      confirming the reliability of the method. 

PMID- 27116992
TI  - Analysis of the Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Resistance Mechanism of Salmonella
      enterica Isolates.
AB  - Quinolone-resistant Salmonella strains were isolated from patient samples, and
      several quinolone-sensitive strains were used to analyze mutations in the
      quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE and
      to screen for plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance. Among the 21 strains that
      showed resistance to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin (MIC 0.125-2.0 MUg/ml), 17
      strains had a mutation in QRDR codon 87 of gyrA, and 3 strains had a single
      mutation (Ser83 -> Phe). Another cause of resistance, efflux pump regulation, was
      studied by examining the expression of acrB, ramA, marA, and soxS. Five strains,
      including Sal-KH1 and Sal-KH2, showed no increase in relative expression in an
      analysis using the qRT-PCR method (p < 0.05). In order to determine the genes
      involved in the resistance, the Sal-9 isolate that showed decreased
      susceptibility and did not contain a mutation in the gyrA QRDR was used to make
      the STM (MIC 8 MUg/ml) and STH (MIC 16 MUg/ml) ciprofloxacin-resistant mutants.
      The gyrA QRDR Asp87 -> Gly mutation was identified in both the STM and STH
      mutants by mutation analysis. qRT-PCR analysis of the efflux transporter acrB of
      the AcrAB-TolC efflux system showed increased expression levels in both the STM
      (1.79-fold) and STH (2.0-fold) mutants. In addition, the expression of the
      transcriptional regulator marA was increased in both the STM (6.35-fold) and STH
      (21.73-fold) mutants. Moreover, the expression of soxS was increased in the STM
      (3.41-fold) and STH (10.05-fold) mutants (p < 0.05). Therefore, these results
      indicate that AcrAB-TolC efflux pump activity and the target site mutation in
      gyrA are involved in quinolone resistance. 

PMID- 27116993
TI  - A Strategy to Increase Microbial Hydrogen Production, Facilitating Intracellular
      Energy Reserves.
AB  - Overexpression of the genes encoding phosphoeneolpyruvate carboxykinase (pckA)
      and NAD-dependent malic enzyme (maeA) facilitates higher intracellular ATP and
      NAD(P)H concentrations, respectively, under aerobic conditions in Escherichia
      coli. To verify a hypothesis that higher intracellular energy reserves might
      contribute to H2 fermentation, wild-type E. coli strains overexpressing pckA and
      maeA were cultured under anaerobic conditions in a glucose minimal medium.
      Overexpression of pckA and maeA enabled E. coli to produce 3- times and 4-times
      greater H2 (193 and 284 nmol, respectively) than the wild type (66 nmol H2). The
      pckA and maeA genes were further overexpressed in a hydrogenase-3-enhanced E.
      coli strain. The hydrogenase-3-enhanced strain (W3110+fhlA) produced 322 nmol H2,
      whereas the ATP-enhanced strain (W3110+fhlA+pckA) produced 50% increased H2 (443
      nmol). Total H2 in the NAD(P)H-enhanced strain (W3110+fhlA+maeA) was similar to
      that in the control strain at 319 nmol H2. Possible explanations for the
      contribution of the increased cellular energy reserves to the enhanced hydrogen
      fermentation observed are discussed based on the viewpoint of metabolic
      engineering strategy. 

PMID- 27116994
TI  - NQO1-Knockout Mice Are Highly Sensitive to Clostridium Difficile Toxin A-Induced
      Enteritis.
AB  - Clostridium difficile toxin A causes acute gut inflammation in animals and
      humans. It is known to downregulate the tight junctions between colonic
      epithelial cells, allowing luminal contents to access body tissues and trigger
      acute immune responses. However, it is not yet known whether this loss of the
      barrier function is a critical factor in the progression of toxin A-induced
      pseudomembranous colitis. We previously showed that NADH:quinone oxidoreductase 1
      (NQO1) KO (knockout) mice spontaneously display weak gut inflammation and a
      marked loss of colonic epithelial tight junctions. Moreover, NQO1 KO mice
      exhibited highly increased inflammatory responses compared with NQO1 WT (wild
      type) control mice when subjected to DSS-induced experimental colitis. Here, we
      tested whether toxin A could also trigger more severe inflammatory responses in
      NQO1 KO mice compared with NQO1 WT mice. Indeed, our results show that C.
      difficile toxin A-mediated enteritis is significantly enhanced in NQO1 KO mice
      compared with NQO1 WT mice. The levels of fluid secretion, villus disruption, and
      epithelial cell apoptosis were also higher in toxin A-treated NQO1 KO mice
      compared with WT mice. The previous and present results collectively show that
      NQO1 is involved in the formation of tight junctions in the small intestine, and
      that defects in NQO1 enhance C. difficile toxin A-induced acute inflammatory
      responses, presumably via the loss of epithelial cell tight junctions. 

PMID- 27116995
TI  - Universal Indicators for Oil and Gas Prospecting Based on Bacterial Communities
      Shaped by Light-Hydrocarbon Microseepage in China.
AB  - Light hydrocarbons accumulated in subsurface soil by long-term microseepage could
      favor the anomalous growth of indigenous hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms,
      which could be crucial indicators of underlying petroleum reservoirs. Here,
      Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was conducted to determine the
      bacterial community structures in soil samples collected from three typical oil
      and gas fields at different locations in China. Incubation with n-butane at the
      laboratory scale was performed to confirm the presence of "universal microbes" in
      light-hydrocarbon microseepage ecosystems. The results indicated significantly
      higher bacterial diversity in next-to-well samples compared with background
      samples at two of the three sites, which were notably different to oil
      contaminated environments. Variation partitioning analysis showed that the
      bacterial community structures above the oil and gas fields at the scale of the
      present study were shaped mainly by environmental parameters, and geographic
      location was able to explain only 7.05% of the variation independently. The
      linear discriminant analysis effect size method revealed that the oil and gas
      fields significantly favored the growth of Mycobacterium, Flavobacterium, and
      Pseudomonas, as well as other related bacteria. The relative abundance of
      Mycobacterium and Pseudomonas increased notably after n-butane cultivation, which
      highlighted their potential as biomarkers of underlying oil deposits. This work
      contributes to a broader perspective on the bacterial community structures shaped
      by long-term light-hydrocarbon microseepage and proposes relatively universal
      indicators, providing an additional resource for the improvement of microbial
      prospecting of oil and gas. 

PMID- 27116996
TI  - Effect of linker length between variable domains of single chain variable
      fragment antibody against daidzin on its reactivity.
AB  - The peptide linker between variable domains of heavy (VH) and light (VL) chains
      is one of important factors that influence the characteristics of scFv, including
      binding activity and specificity against target antigen. The scFvs against
      daidzin (DZ-scFvs) with different linker lengths were constructed in the format
      of VH-(GGGGS)n-VL (n = 1, 3, 5, and 7). They were expressed in the hemolymph of
      silkworm larvae using the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) bacmid DNA
      system, and their reactivity against daidzin and related compounds were evaluated
      using an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA), which
      is applicable for quantitative analysis of daidzin. The results showed that the
      reactivity of scFvs against daidzin was increased, whereas specificity slightly
      decreased when their peptide linker was lengthened. These results suggested that
      the linker length of DZ-scFvs contributes to its reactivity. In addition, the
      results emphasize that the linker length could control the reactivity of DZ
      scFvs. 

PMID- 27116997
TI  - Response of relapsed central nervous system hairy cell leukemia to vemurafenib.

PMID- 27116998
TI  - Breast Cancer: A Molecular and Redox Snapshot.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Breast cancer is a unique disease characterized by heterogeneous
      cell populations causing roadblocks in therapeutic medicine, owing to its complex
      etiology and primeval understanding of the biology behind its genesis,
      progression, and sustenance. Globocan statistics indicate over 1.7 million new
      breast cancer diagnoses in 2012, accounting for 25% of all cancer morbidities.
      RECENT ADVANCES: Despite these dismal statistics, the introduction of molecular
      gene signature platforms, progressive therapeutic approaches in diagnosis, and
      management of breast cancer has led to more effective treatment strategies and
      control measures concurrent with an equally reassuring decline in the mortality
      rate. CRITICAL ISSUES: However, an enormous body of research in this area is
      requisite as high mortality associated with metastatic and/or drug refractory
      tumors continues to present a therapeutic challenge. Despite advances in systemic
      chemotherapy, the median survival of patients harboring metastatic breast cancers
      continues to be below 2 years. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Hence, a massive effort to
      scrutinize and evaluate chemotherapeutics on the basis of the molecular
      classification of these cancers is undertaken with the objective to devise more
      attractive and feasible approaches to treat breast cancers and improve patients'
      quality of life. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the
      biology of breast cancer as well as challenges faced in combating breast cancer,
      with special emphasis on the current battery of treatment strategies. We will
      also try and gain perspective from recent encounters on novel findings
      responsible for the progression and metastatic transformation of breast cancer
      cells in an endeavor to develop more targeted treatment options. Antioxid. Redox
      Signal. 25, 337-370.

PMID- 27116999
TI  - Clinical and cognitive insight in patients with acute-phase psychosis:
      Association with treatment and neuropsychological functioning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The severity of psychopathology cannot fully explain deficits in the
      multi-dimensional construct of insight. AIMS: The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the correlates and associations of clinical and cognitive insight in
      patients in an acute phase of psychosis and to analyse the impact of acute
      treatment on these variables. METHODS: This study examined 47 inpatients who were
      recently hospitalized with acute exacerbation of schizophrenia. All subjects were
      assessed at both admission and discharge with the Positive and Negative Syndrome
      Scale (PANSS), Schedule for the Assessment of Insight-Expanded Version (SAI-E),
      Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS), and a neurocognition battery. RESULTS:
      Patients with schizophrenia gained clinical insight after treatment. Cognitive
      insight did not change significantly after treatment. Insight showed significant
      negative correlations with positive symptoms and general psychopathology, but not
      with negative symptoms. Clinical insight was not associated with
      neuropsychological functioning in this cohort. CONCLUSION: Gaining clinical
      insight in the acute phase of illness was associated with the remission of
      positive symptoms, but not with neuropsychological functioning. Some significant
      correlations between clinical and cognitive insights were detected, which
      suggests that cognitive insight contributes to clinical insight but is not
      treatment-dependent. Long-term treatment may be required to understand the
      contribution of insight to the outcome of patients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 27117000
TI  - Proactive and Reactive Criminal Thinking and Self-Reported Offending: A Cross
      National Survey of Seventh- Through Ninth-Grade Boys and Girls.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess the cross-national generalizability of
      the moderately strong relationship between proactive criminal thinking (PCT) and
      reactive criminal thinking (RCT) and whether RCT correlates better with self
      reported offending than PCT across gender and international cluster. Correlations
      between PCT, RCT, and self-reported offending were calculated and compared in a
      cross-national sample of 59,992 (29,083 boys, 30,909 girls) seventh through ninth
      graders. These correlational analyses were conducted on the total sample as well
      as on six different international clusters. Consistent with predictions, the PCT
      and RCT correlated highly in all samples (.51-.62) and though the two scales
      achieved similar correlations with offending, the RCT correlated significantly
      better with offending after controlling for PCT than PCT correlated with
      offending after controlling for RCT. These results provide cross-national support
      for the supposition that RCT is a more important correlate of offending than PCT
      in early to mid-adolescence.

PMID- 27117001
TI  - Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Efficacy for Reducing Recidivism Rates of Moderate-
      and High-Risk Sexual Offenders: A Scoping Systematic Literature Review.
AB  - This literature scoping review compared recidivism rates of moderate- and high
      risk sexual offenders who received cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) oriented
      treatments. Ten empirical studies from 2001 to 2014 were selected for review that
      met the following criteria: (a) Treatment program included a CBT-based
      intervention with a comparative intervention; (b) participants included adult,
      male, moderate- and high-risk sexual offenders only; and (c) follow-up data for
      up to 12 months. Data were analyzed using a summative metric for recidivism rate
      comparisons ( N = 3,073 for CBT and N = 3,588, for comparison approaches). Sexual
      offense recidivism rates varied from 0.6% to 21.8% (with CBT) and from 4.5% to
      32.3% (with comparison intervention). The within-sample median rate of violent
      recidivism with a history of sexual offense was 21.1% (with CBT) versus 32.6%
      (comparison). Sexual offenders had a general felonies (within-sample) median
      recidivism rate of 27.05% (with CBT) versus 51.05% (comparison). The evidence
      supports the conclusion that CBT in its various forms is an efficacious treatment
      modality to prevent offense recidivism by sexual offenders. Suggestions for
      future research are considered.

PMID- 27117002
TI  - The Development of Self-Control in Late Adolescence: An Analysis of Trajectories
      and Predictors of Change Within Trajectories.
AB  - Gottfredson and Hirschi argue that parenting is the primary source of self
      control. Research on the etiology of self-control has provided partial support
      for this proposition. Studies have shown parenting is an important determinant of
      self-control; however, research has also shown that other social and
      biological/genetic factors also influence the development of self-control. The
      current study contributes to the literature by examining the possibility that
      sources of self-control may vary across subgroups, which exhibit different
      developmental patterns of self-control. Analyses are based on 6-year panel data
      from a sample of South Korean youths. The results indicate that youths are
      clustered into three subgroups showing stable, increasing, and decreasing levels
      of self-control over time. Similarities/differences in the relationships among
      family, school, peer, and community variables and self-control appeared across
      the subgroups. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.

PMID- 27117004
TI  - Gut hormone secretion, gastric emptying, and glycemic responses to erythritol and
      xylitol in lean and obese subjects.
AB  - With the increasing prevalence of obesity and a possible association with
      increasing sucrose consumption, nonnutritive sweeteners are gaining popularity.
      Given that some studies indicate that artificial sweeteners might have adverse
      effects, alternative solutions are sought. Xylitol and erythritol have been known
      for a long time and their beneficial effects on caries prevention and potential
      health benefits in diabetic patients have been demonstrated in several studies.
      Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and cholecystokinin (CCK) are released from the
      gut in response to food intake, promote satiation, reduce gastric emptying (GE),
      and modulate glucose homeostasis. Although glucose ingestion stimulates sweet
      taste receptors in the gut and leads to incretin and gastrointestinal hormone
      release, the effects of xylitol and erythritol have not been well studied. Ten
      lean and 10 obese volunteers were given 75 g of glucose, 50 g of xylitol, or 75 g
      of erythritol in 300 ml of water or placebo (water) by a nasogastric tube. We
      examined plasma glucose, insulin, active GLP-1, CCK, and GE with a [(13)C]sodium
      acetate breath test and assessed subjective feelings of satiation. Xylitol and
      erythritol led to a marked increase in CCK and GLP-1, whereas insulin and plasma
      glucose were not (erythritol) or only slightly (xylitol) affected. Both xylitol
      and erythritol induced a significant retardation in GE. Subjective feelings of
      appetite were not significantly different after carbohydrate intake compared with
      placebo. In conclusion, acute ingestion of erythritol and xylitol stimulates gut
      hormone release and slows down gastric emptying, whereas there is no or only
      little effect on insulin release. 

PMID- 27117003
TI  - The BET-Bromodomain Inhibitor JQ1 Reduces Inflammation and Tau Phosphorylation at
      Ser396 in the Brain of the 3xTg Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease
      characterized by welldefined neuropathological brain changes including amyloid
      plaques, neurofibrillary tangles and the presence of chronic neuroinflammation.
      OBJECTIVE: The brain penetrant BET bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 has been shown to
      regulate inflammation responses in vitro and in vivo, but its therapeutic
      potential in AD is currently unknown. METHOD: Three-month-old 3xTg mice were
      injected once a day with JQ1 (50 mg/kg) or vehicle for 15 weeks. At the end of
      the treatment learning and memory was assessed using the modified Barnes maze and
      the Y maze behavioral tests. Tissue from the brain and other organs was collected
      for molecular evaluation of neuroinflammation tau pathology and amyloid beta.
      RESULTS: JQ1 treatment reduced splenomegaly and neuroinflammation in the brain of
      treated mice where we observed a reduction in the expression of the pro
      inflammatory modulators Il-1b, Il-6, Tnfa, Ccl2, Nos2 and Ptgs2. Additionally,
      JQ1-treated mice showed a reduction of tau phosphorylation at Ser396 in the
      hippocampus and frontal cortex while total levels of tau remained unaffected. On
      the other hand, JQ1 did not ameliorate learning and memory deficits in 7-month
      old 3xTg mice. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our data suggest that BET bromodomain
      inhibitors hold the promise to be used for the treatment of neurological
      disorders characterized by neuroinflammation.

PMID- 27117005
TI  - Involvement of a proapoptotic gene (BBC3) in islet injury mediated by cold
      preservation and rewarming.
AB  - Long-term pancreatic cold ischemia contributes to decreased islet number and
      viability after isolation and culture, leading to poor islet transplantation
      outcome in patients with type 1 diabetes. In this study, we examined mechanisms
      of pancreatic cold preservation and rewarming-induced injury by interrogating the
      proapoptotic gene BBC3/Bbc3, also known as Puma (p53 upregulated modulator of
      apoptosis), using three experimental models: 1) bioluminescence imaging of
      isolated luciferase-transgenic ("Firefly") Lewis rat islets, 2) cold preservation
      of en bloc-harvested pancreata from Bbc3-knockout (KO) mice, and 3) cold
      preservation and rewarming of human pancreata and isolated islets. Cold
      preservation-mediated islet injury occurred during rewarming in "Firefly" islets.
      Silencing Bbc3 by transfecting Bbc3 siRNA into islets in vitro prior to cold
      preservation improved postpreservation mitochondrial viability. Cold preservation
      resulted in decreased postisolation islet yield in both wild-type and Bbc3 KO
      pancreata. However, after culture, the islet viability was significantly higher
      in Bbc3-KO islets, suggesting that different mechanisms are involved in islet
      damage/loss during isolation and culture. Furthermore, Bbc3-KO islets from cold
      preserved pancreata showed reduced HMGB1 (high-mobility group box 1 protein)
      expression and decreased levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) protein adducts,
      which was indicative of reduced oxidative stress. During human islet isolation,
      BBC3 protein was upregulated in digested tissue from cold-preserved pancreata.
      Hypoxia in cold preservation increased BBC3 mRNA and protein in isolated human
      islets after rewarming in culture and reduced islet viability. These results
      demonstrated the involvement of BBC3/Bbc3 in cold preservation/rewarming-mediated
      islet injury, possibly through modulating HMGB1- and oxidative stress-mediated
      injury to islets.

PMID- 27117006
TI  - Exposure to environmentally persistent free radicals during gestation lowers
      energy expenditure and impairs skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in adult
      mice.
AB  - We have investigated the effects of in utero exposure to environmentally
      persistent free radicals (EPFRs) on growth, metabolism, energy utilization, and
      skeletal muscle mitochondria in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. Pregnant
      mice were treated with laboratory-generated, combustion-derived particular matter
      (MCP230). The adult offspring were placed on a high-fat diet for 12 wk, after
      which we observed a 9.8% increase in their body weight. The increase in body size
      observed in the MCP230-exposed mice was not associated with increases in food
      intake but was associated with a reduction in physical activity and lower energy
      expenditure. The reduced energy expenditure in mice indirectly exposed to MCP230
      was associated with reductions in skeletal muscle mitochondrial DNA copy number,
      lower mRNA levels of electron transport genes, and reduced citrate synthase
      activity. Upregulation of key genes involved in ameliorating oxidative stress was
      also observed in the muscle of MCP230-exposed mice. These findings suggest that
      gestational exposure to MCP230 leads to a reduction in energy expenditure at
      least in part through alterations to mitochondrial metabolism in the skeletal
      muscle.

PMID- 27117008
TI  - Electronic binding energy and thermal relaxation of Li and LiNa atomic alloying
      clusters.
AB  - We examined the effects of atomic hetero- and under-coordination on the
      relaxation of the interatomic bonding and electronic binding energy of Li and
      LiNa cluster alloying using a combination of the bond-order-length-strength
      correlation and density functional theory calculations. We found that bond nature
      alteration by heterocoordination, bond relaxation by thermal excitation and
      atomic coordination contribute intrinsically to the core-level energy shifts with
      resolution of the binding energy at the atomic sites of terrace edges, facets,
      and bulk of the LiNa alloy nanoclusters. Our strategies may simplify the
      complexity of core electron binding energies in analyzing the experimental data
      of the irregularly coordinating atoms.

PMID- 27117007
TI  - High-intensity exercise training increases the diversity and metabolic capacity
      of the mouse distal gut microbiota during diet-induced obesity.
AB  - Diet and exercise underpin the risk of obesity-related metabolic disease. Diet
      alters the gut microbiota, which contributes to aspects of metabolic disease
      during obesity. Repeated exercise provides metabolic benefits during obesity. We
      assessed whether exercise could oppose changes in the taxonomic and predicted
      metagenomic characteristics of the gut microbiota during diet-induced obesity. We
      hypothesized that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) would counteract high
      fat diet (HFD)-induced changes in the microbiota without altering obesity in
      mice. Compared with chow-fed mice, an obesity-causing HFD decreased the
      Bacteroidetes-to-Firmicutes ratio and decreased the genetic capacity in the fecal
      microbiota for metabolic pathways such as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.
      After HFD-induced obesity was established, a subset of mice were HIIT for 6 wk,
      which increased host aerobic capacity but did not alter body or adipose tissue
      mass. The effects of exercise training on the microbiota were gut segment
      dependent and more extensive in the distal gut. HIIT increased the alpha
      diversity and Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio of the distal gut and fecal
      microbiota during diet-induced obesity. Exercise training increased the predicted
      genetic capacity related to the TCA cycle among other aspects of metabolism.
      Strikingly, the same microbial metabolism indexes that were increased by exercise
      were all decreased in HFD-fed vs. chow diet-fed mice. Therefore, exercise
      training directly opposed some of the obesity-related changes in gut microbiota,
      including lower metagenomic indexes of metabolism. Some host and microbial
      pathways appeared similarly affected by exercise. These exercise- and diet
      induced microbiota interactions can be captured in feces.

PMID- 27117009
TI  - Long-Term High-Effort Endurance Exercise in Older Adults: Diminishing Returns for
      Cognitive and Brain Aging.
AB  - While there is evidence that age-related changes in cognitive performance and
      brain structure can be offset by increased exercise, little is known about the
      impact long-term high-effort endurance exercise has on these functions. In a
      cross-sectional design with 12-month follow-up, we recruited older adults
      engaging in high-effort endurance exercise over at least 20 years, and compared
      their cognitive performance and brain structure with a nonsedentary control group
      similar in age, sex, education, IQ, and lifestyle factors. Our findings showed no
      differences on measures of speed of processing, executive function, incidental
      memory, episodic memory, working memory, or visual search for older adults
      participating in long-term high-effort endurance exercise, when compared without
      confounds to nonsedentary peers. On tasks that engaged significant attentional
      control, subtle differences emerged. On indices of brain structure, long-term
      exercisers displayed higher white matter axial diffusivity than their age-matched
      peers, but this did not correlate with indices of cognitive performance.

PMID- 27117010
TI  - Shock absorption during transtibial amputee gait: Does longitudinal prosthetic
      stiffness play a role?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduced-stiffness components are often prescribed in lower-limb
      prostheses, but their efficacy in augmenting shock absorption has been
      inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic variation of longitudinal
      prosthetic stiffness over a wide range of values and to evaluate its effect on
      shock absorption during gait. STUDY DESIGN: Repeated-measures crossover
      experiment. METHODS: Twelve subjects with a unilateral transtibial amputation
      walked at normal and fast self-selected speeds. Longitudinal prosthetic stiffness
      was modified by springs within a shock-absorbing pylon: normal (manufacturer
      recommended), 75% of normal (medium), 50% of normal (soft), and rigid
      (displacement blocked). The variables of interest were kinematic (stance-phase
      knee flexion and pelvic obliquity) and kinetic (prosthetic-side ground reaction
      force loading peak magnitude and timing). RESULTS: No changes were observed in
      kinematic measures during gait. A significant difference in peak ground reaction
      force magnitudes between medium and normal ( p = 0.001) during freely selected
      walking was attributed to modified walking speed ( p = 0.008). Ground reaction
      force peaks were found to be statistically different during fast walking, but
      only between isolated stiffness conditions. Thus, altering longitudinal
      prosthesis stiffness produced no appreciable change in gait biomechanics.
      CONCLUSION: Prosthesis stiffness does not appear to substantially influence shock
      absorption in transtibial prosthesis users. Clinical relevance Varying the level
      of longitudinal prosthesis stiffness did not meaningfully influence gait
      biomechanics at self-selected walking speeds. Thus, as currently prescribed
      within a transtibial prosthesis, adding longitudinal stiffness in isolation may
      not provide the anticipated shock absorption benefits. Further research into
      residual limb properties and compensatory mechanisms is needed.

PMID- 27117011
TI  - Clinical study on the unloading effect of hip bracing on gait in patients with
      hip osteoarthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internal hip abduction moment is a major indicator for hip loading. A
      new hip bracing concept was designed to unload the cartilaginous area in hip
      osteoarthritis via an abduction and external rotation force intended to alter the
      weight bearing area and reduce compression through the joint. OBJECTIVE: To
      assess the effect of a novel brace on hip rotation in the transverse and coronal
      planes and on the hip abduction moment. STUDY DESIGN: Repeated measures. METHODS:
      Gait analysis was performed on 14 subjects with unilateral symptomatic hip
      osteoarthritis. Pain, joint motion, moments and vertical ground reaction force
      were compared between the braced and the unbraced (control), randomly assigned,
      conditions. RESULTS: Nine participants felt an immediate reduction in pain while
      walking with the hip brace. Peak hip abduction moment significantly decreased on
      the osteoarthritis side ( p = 0.017). Peak hip adduction ( p = 0.004) and
      internal rotation ( p = 0.0007) angles significantly decreased at stance with the
      brace. CONCLUSION: Wearing the brace would appear to reduce the compressive joint
      reaction force at the femuroacetabular interface as indicated by a reduction in
      internal hip abduction moment along with immediate pain reduction in nine
      participants. Further long-term studies are warranted. Clinical relevance The
      brace rotates the hip in the transverse and coronal planes, possibly resulting in
      a decrease in load through the diseased area of cartilage. In some patients, an
      immediate decrease in pain was experienced. The brace offers an alternative
      solution for hip osteoarthritis patients not ready for a hip replacement.

PMID- 27117012
TI  - The effectiveness of braces and orthoses for patients with knee osteoarthritis: A
      systematic review of Japanese-language randomised controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis is common. The evidence regarding the
      effectiveness of braces and orthoses for patients with knee osteoarthritis is
      inconclusive according to English-language literature. English-language reviews
      to date have not included Japanese-language studies. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed
      to collect and synthesise Japanese-language randomised controlled trials
      investigating the effectiveness of braces and orthoses for patients with knee
      osteoarthritis. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: Eight databases were
      systematically searched from inception to 29 July 2015. Only Japanese-language
      randomised controlled trials were included. Risk of bias was assessed using
      Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. A meta-analysis was not appropriate due to
      the heterogeneity in the included studies. RESULTS: Seven randomised controlled
      trials with low to high risks of bias were included. Six of seven included
      studies were conducted by the same author group. Limited evidence supported the
      positive effects of short-lever elastic knee braces to improve pain and
      functional disability in specific outcomes. No evidence was found to support the
      use of foot orthoses, such as laterally wedged insoles, medial arch support and
      metatarsal arch pad. CONCLUSION: Our systematic review found no conclusive
      evidence about the effectiveness of any braces and orthoses for patients with
      medial knee osteoarthritis. Future Japanese-language studies should address
      methodological flaws exposed in this review and strengthen the international
      evidence base. Clinical relevance This is the first systematic review of Japanese
      language randomised controlled trials investigating orthoses for patients with
      knee osteoarthritis. Clinicians can consider the use of short-lever elastic knee
      braces to improve specifically pain on squat or walking. Evidence found in this
      review does not support the use of foot orthoses.

PMID- 27117013
TI  - The development of a low-cost three-dimensional printed shoulder, arm, and hand
      prostheses for children.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The prosthetic options for higher level amputees are limited
      and costly. Advancements in computer-aided design programs and three-dimensional
      printing offer the possibility of designing and manufacturing transitional
      prostheses at very low cost. The aim of this project was to describe an
      inexpensive three-dimensional printed mechanical shoulder prosthesis to assist a
      pre-selected subject in performing bi-manual activities. TECHNIQUE: The main
      function of the body-powered, manually adjusted three-dimensional printed
      shoulder prosthesis is to provide a cost-effective, highly customized
      transitional device to individuals with congenital or acquired forequarter
      amputations. DISCUSSION: After testing the prototype on a young research
      participant, a partial correction of the patient's spinal deviation was noted due
      to the counterweight of the device. The patient's family also reported improved
      balance and performance of some bimanual activities after 2 weeks of using the
      device. Limitations of the design include low grip strength and low durability.
      Clinical relevance The prosthetic options for higher level amputees are limited
      and costly. The low-cost three-dimensional printed shoulder prosthesis described
      in this study can be used as a transitional device in preparation for a more
      sophisticated shoulder prosthesis.

PMID- 27117014
TI  - Static load bearing exercises of individuals with transfemoral amputation fitted
      with an osseointegrated implant: Loading compliance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Load-bearing exercises are performed by transfemoral amputees fitted
      with an osseointegrated implant to facilitate bone remodelling. OBJECTIVE: This
      study presents the loading compliance comparing loads prescribed and applied on
      the three axes of the implant during static load-bearing exercises with a
      specific emphasis on axial and vectorial comparisons. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study.
      METHODS: A total of 11 fully rehabilitated unilateral transfemoral amputees
      fitted with an osseointegrated implant performed five trials in four loading
      conditions using a static standing frame. The load prescribed was monitored using
      a vertical single-axis strain gauge connected to an electronic display. The tri
      axial forces applied on the implant were measured directly with an instrumented
      pylon including a six-channel transducer. The analysis included 'axial' and
      'vectorial' comparisons corresponding to the difference between the force applied
      on the long axis of the implant and the load prescribed as well as the resultant
      of the three components of the load applied and the load prescribed,
      respectively. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that axial and vectorial
      differences were significant in all conditions ( p < 0.05), except for the
      vectorial difference for the 40 kg condition ( p = 0.182). CONCLUSION: The
      significant lack of axial compliance led to systematic underloading of the long
      axis of the implant. Clinical relevance This study contributes to a better
      understanding of the load applied on an osseointegrated implant during the static
      load-bearing exercises that could contribute to improve the design of apparatus
      to monitor loading exercises as well as clinical guidelines for the loading
      progression during rehabilitation.

PMID- 27117015
TI  - Twenty years of ambient observations of nitrogen oxides and specified
      hydrocarbons in air masses dominated by traffic emissions in Germany.
AB  - The analysis of the individual composition of hydrocarbon (VOC) mixtures enables
      us to transform observed VOC-concentrations into their respective total VOC
      reactivity versus OH radicals (RVOC = Sigma(kOH+VOCi * [VOCi])). This is
      particularly useful because local ozone production essentially depends on this
      single parameter rather than on the details of the underlying hydrocarbon mixture
      (Klemp et al., Schriften des Forschungszentrums Julich, Energy & Environment,
      2012, 21). The VOC composition also enables us to pin down the major emission
      source of hydrocarbons in urban areas to be petrol cars with temporarily reduced
      catalyst efficiency (the so-called cold-start situation) whereas the source of
      nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) is expected to be nowadays dominated by diesel
      cars. The observations in the vicinity of main roads in German cities show a
      decrease in the ratio of OH reactivities of VOC and NO2 (RVOC/RNO2) by a factor
      of 7.5 over the time period 1994-2014. This is larger than the expected decrease
      of a factor of 2.9 taking estimated trends of VOC and NOx traffic emissions in
      Germany (Umweltbundesamt Deutschland, National Trend Tables for the German
      Atmospheric Emission Reporting, 2015), during this time period. The observed
      reduction in the RVOC/RNO2 ratio leads to a drastic decrease in local ozone
      production driven by the reduction in hydrocarbons. The analysis reveals that the
      overall reduction of ozone production benefits from the low decrease of NOx
      emissions from road traffic which is a consequence of the eventual absence of
      catalytic converters for nitrogen oxide removal in diesel cars up to now.

PMID- 27117016
TI  - A new title and a new cover for our journal.

PMID- 27117017
TI  - Isolated or predominant capitolunate osteoarthritis is the consequence of
      lunotriquetral dissociation. X-ray analysis of 22 consecutive cases.
AB  - Secondary osteoarthritis due to a scapholunate malalignment is well known, but is
      debatable in cases of lunotriquetral malalignment. It has been shown that
      lunotriquetral malalignment can lead to midcarpal osteoarthritis. The hypothesis
      of this retrospective study was that a relationship exists between the presence
      of midcarpal osteoarthritis and the presence of lunotriquetral malalignment. All
      patients with midcarpal osteoarthritis, isolated or predominant, treated between
      1981 and 2013 were reviewed. Intracarpal angles were measured and the relative
      position of the carpal bones was analyzed by two examiners. Osteoarthritis of the
      wrist's joints was quantified in three stages. Diagnosis of static dissociative
      ligament lesion was made and correlated with the location of osteoarthritis.
      Twenty-two wrists in 20 patients (13 men and 7 women; mean age of 59 years) were
      included. The lunocapitate osteoarthritis was moderate in 6 cases and severe in
      16 cases. The radioscaphoid osteoarthritis was moderate in 5 cases and severe in
      1 case. Lunotriquetral malalignment was present in all cases; it was isolated in
      8 cases and associated with scapholunate malalignment in 14 cases. In isolated
      lunotriquetral malalignment cases, midcarpal osteoarthritis was isolated or
      associated with degenerative lesions of lunotriquetral interval. Cases of
      perilunate instability in which the osteoarthritis is more severe in the
      midcarpal joint than in the radioscaphoid joint likely resulted from an injurying
      mechanism with ulnar beginning (ulnar-sided perilunate instability).

PMID- 27117018
TI  - The role of extrinsic ligaments in maintaining carpal stability - A prospective
      statistical analysis of 85 arthroscopic cases.
AB  - Several biomechanical studies have shown that the scapholunate (SL) and
      lunotriquetral (LT) ligaments are not the only stabilizers of the proximal carpal
      row. However, no study has yet analyzed the range of ligament lesions leading to
      instability in vivo. Arthroscopy has been used to assess the condition of the
      wrist's extrinsic ligaments by palpating and tensioning the various ligament and
      capsule structures. In this prospective study, this arthroscopic method was used
      in 85 cases of wrist sprain without static instability to evaluate the
      correlation between lesions of the intrinsic and extrinsic carpal ligaments and
      carpal instability. In SL instability, a scapholunate interosseous ligament
      (SLIL) lesion was statistically correlated with lesions of the long radiolunate
      ligament (P<0.05). There also was a statistically significant correlation between
      lesions of the SLIL and the radioscaphocapitate, scaphotrapezial and dorsal
      intercarpal ligaments. There was a correlation between the stage of SL
      instability and the number of lax extrinsic ligaments (P<0.05) but not with the
      severity of the extrinsic ligament lesions. In LT instability, a LT interosseous
      ligament lesion was statistically correlated with lesions of the dorsal
      intercarpal ligament (P<0.05). There also was a correlation between the stage of
      LT instability and the number (P<0.005) and severity (P<0.001) of the extrinsic
      ligament lesions. Arthroscopy can reveal hidden radiographic instability and can
      also be used to define the number and severity of injured ligaments. In carpal
      instability, a lesion of one intrinsic carpal ligament was associated with a
      lesion of one or more extrinsic ligaments.

PMID- 27117019
TI  - No correlation between severity of preoperative degenerative changes in the
      trapeziometacarpal joint and short-term clinical outcome after total joint
      arthroplasty.
AB  - In this study, we wanted to investigate whether the severity of preoperative
      degenerative changes in the trapeziometacarpal (TM) joint seen on CT scans would
      influence the clinical outcomes after total TM joint arthroplasty, and
      particularly whether discrete degenerative changes in the scaphotrapezial (ST)
      joint would negatively affect the clinical outcome. Patients classified as Eaton
      Glickel stage 2 or 3, as well as patients with Eaton-Glickel stage 4 disease who
      had discrete degenerative changes in the ST joint (i.e., narrowing and sclerotic
      changes but no osteophytes) were included in the study; patients with more severe
      degenerative changes of the ST joint were excluded. Follow-up was done using the
      Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at 3, 6 and 12 months after
      surgery together with grip strength and pain using a 100-mm visual analog scale.
      In all, 59 patients with 69 total joint arthroplasties were included in the
      study; there were 47 females and 12 males with a mean age of 59 years (range 41
      77). We found no significant difference between the three patient groups in their
      improvement in grip strength from preoperative to 12 months. Also we found no
      statistically significant differences in the DASH score or pain level at rest or
      during activity between the preoperative and all the postoperative time points.
      Total TM joint arthroplasty can produce excellent short-term clinical results
      with a good restoration of grip strength and function. Discrete degenerative
      changes in the ST joint appear not to be a contraindication for treating TM joint
      osteoarthritis with total joint arthroplasty.

PMID- 27117020
TI  - Trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction tendon interposition after failed
      trapeziometacarpal joint replacement.
AB  - Total trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint replacement is increasingly being performed
      for the treatment of basal joint arthritis. However, complications such as
      instability or loosening are also frequent with TMC ball-and-socket joint
      replacement. Management of these complications lacks consensus. The purpose of
      this study was to report the results of 12 cases of failed TMC joint replacement
      that were treated by trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon
      interposition (LRTI) arthroplasty. The follow-up consisted of functional
      (numerical scale, DASH score, satisfaction), physical (range of motion, strength)
      and radiological (Barron and Eaton ratio measurement) assessments. At a mean
      follow-up of 21 months, 11 patients were satisfied or very satisfied after
      surgery. The mean pain score was 2/10 and the mean DASH score 30/100. Mean thumb
      palmar and radial abduction was 40 degrees . Thumb opposition measured by the
      Kapandji technique was 9/10. The height ratio was slightly increased.
      Trapeziectomy with LRTI after TMC joint replacement appears to be an attractive
      salvage procedure.

PMID- 27117021
TI  - Foreign body reaction after trapeziectomy and Dacron interposition.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients who were treated with
      trapeziectomy and Dacron interposition in our hospital and to describe the
      incidence of foreign body reactions. Between 2004 and 2010, 10 women with
      trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis underwent Dacron interpositional arthroplasty.
      One patient had surgery in both hands. Implants were removed in two patients, 5
      and 8 years postoperatively. Histological analysis confirmed the presence of a
      foreign body reaction with giant cells in both cases. At a mean follow-up of 9
      years, seven patients with the implant still in place were available for review
      and clinical examination. Mean DASH score was 32 and mean VAS for pain and
      satisfaction was 1.6 and 8.8, respectively. Mean grip strength was 11.4kg and
      mean key pinch strength was 1.5kg. Recent radiographs were available in nine
      hands. Seven out of nine hands had radiological signs of a foreign body reaction
      with bone erosion. A severe reaction occurred in three patients. We no longer use
      the Dacron implant and recommend careful monitoring of all patients in whom this
      implant has been used.

PMID- 27117022
TI  - Functional treatment of metacarpal diaphyseal fractures by buddy taping: A
      prospective single-center study.
AB  - Metacarpal diaphyseal fractures are classically treated using a non-removable
      glove for 4 to 6 weeks. Here, we report the results of treatment by immediate
      active protected mobilization (buddy taping for four weeks) of minimally
      displaced M2 to M5 fractures. Fifty-four fractures (15 transverse or short
      oblique and 39 spiral or long oblique) in 51 patients were included during a one
      year period; the average age of patients was 31 years. Clinical and radiographic
      assessments were carried out at day 15 and then months 1, 2 and 6 post-fracture.
      Thirty-one cases were reviewed at day 15, 27 at 1 month, and 22 at 2 months. The
      initial volar tilt was 26 degrees  on average for the short oblique or transverse
      fractures, and 11.5 degrees  for the long oblique or spiral fractures. Six
      fractures (11%) experienced 16.6 degrees  of secondary displacement on average.
      The fracture was healed in 37% of cases at 1 month, and in 100% of cases at 2
      months in the patients who were reviewed clinically. Reduction in the QuickDASH
      and VAS for pain was evidence of fast functional recovery. The range of motion
      was comparable to that of the contralateral side in 90% cases after 2 months.
      Grip and pinch strength was 33% less than the contralateral side at 2 months.
      Although secondary displacement occurs in some cases, the functional results of
      this simple and practical treatment method are good after 2 months, as there is
      little pain, stiffness, strength loss and no cases of nonunion.

PMID- 27117023
TI  - Acute felon and paronychia: Antibiotics not necessary after surgical treatment.
      Prospective study of 46 patients.
AB  - Paronychia and felon are the most common infections of the hand. Surgical
      treatment is required once an abscess develops, but systematic use of
      postoperative antibiotic therapy remains open for discussion. Antibiotics both
      favor the selection of resistant bacteria and increase the cost of treatment. To
      our knowledge, no study has demonstrated their benefit following excision, yet
      many practitioners prescribe them systematically and empirically. In our current
      practices, we do not use antibiotic coverage following excision of uncomplicated
      paronychia or felon (no signs of arthritis, osteitis, flexor tenosynovitis,
      lymphangitis), except in potentially at-risk patients (immunosuppressed,
      diabetic, cardiac valve prosthesis recipient). Since this approach seems to lead
      to good outcomes, our objective was to evaluate them clinically in this study.
      Our prospective study included 46 patients who were not considered at risk. There
      were 26 cases of paronychia, 3 cases of felon and 17 patients presenting both
      paronychia and felon. All cases were abscessed and uncomplicated. All patients
      underwent surgical excision, and none received postoperative antibiotics. Follow
      up took place on the day after surgery, at days 7, 14, 21 and 45. The main
      criterion for evaluation was healing of the infection and the wound. We recorded
      45 cases of healing with no complications and a single case of recurrence.
      Surgical excision of paronychia or felon without antibiotic coverage gives
      excellent results with only rare recurrence. The single failure can be attributed
      to inadequate excision. Antibiotic therapy has no role in managing uncomplicated
      felon or paronychia in patients who are otherwise not at risk. Successful
      treatment depends above all on the completeness of the surgical excision.

PMID- 27117025
TI  - Injury mechanisms in supraclavicular stretch injuries of the brachial plexus.
AB  - The aim of this study was to describe the mechanisms involved in stretch injuries
      of the brachial plexus. One hundred and fifty consecutive patients with
      supraclavicular brachial plexus injuries (BPI) were asked about the mechanism of
      injury during the actual injury event, particularly about the type of trauma to
      their shoulder, shoulder girdle and head. Fifty-seven of the patients provided
      enough information about their accident to allow for analysis of the shoulder
      trauma. The injury mechanism for all patients having upper root or total palsy
      (n=46) was described as a direct vertical impact to the shoulder. In 44 of these
      patients, the trauma followed a motorcycle accident and, in most of them, the
      patient hit a fixed vertical structure before falling to the ground. The injury
      mechanism for the lower root palsy cases (n=11) was variable. The most frequent
      mechanism was forceful anterior shoulder compression by a car seat belt. We found
      that injury mechanisms differed significantly from the ones commonly discussed in
      published studies.

PMID- 27117024
TI  - Medial collateral ligament healing after posttraumatic radial head arthroplasty:
      A retrospective study of 33 cases with a mean follow-up of 73 months.
AB  - Comminuted radial head fractures are usually associated with destabilizing
      lesions of the elbow. The radial head prosthesis (RHP) is a therapeutic
      alternative when fracture fixation is impossible, as it restores one of the
      elbow's secondary stabilizers. The aim of this study was to assess healing of the
      medial collateral ligament (MCL) after implantation of a RHP. All patients
      implanted with a RHP during the 2003-2012 period were eligible for follow-up
      ultrasound evaluation of MCL healing. A clinical evaluation with standardized
      tests (DASH and MEPS) was performed and the patients asked to evaluate their
      elbow's stability during the same follow-up visit. Out of the 33 eligible
      patients, 20 were included with a mean follow-up of 73 months. The MCL had been
      torn in 15 of these 20 patients; the MCL appeared healed on the ultrasound images
      in 13 patients. The elbow was considered subjectively stable in 19 patients. The
      mean DASH score was 21.4 (+/-16.67) and the mean MEPS was 84.7 (+/-13.9); these
      scores were 17.19 (+/-14.0) and 88.3 (+/-10.9) for patients with a healed MCL,
      versus 32.5 (+/-10.6) and 70 (+/-0.0) for patients with a non-healed MCL. Our
      findings suggest that a torn MCL can heal after RHP implantation, even without
      surgical ligament repair or reattachment.

PMID- 27117026
TI  - Comparison of the effects of different vasoactive and antiplatelet drugs on
      perforator flap viability. An experimental study.
AB  - Perforator flaps are very popular in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects.
      As these flaps generally depend on a single perforator, drugs that increase the
      perfusion of the flap and/or prevent vascular complications may increase flap
      survival. In this study, we compared the effects of systemically administered
      hydralazine (arterial vasodilator via potassium channels), nifedipine (arterial
      vasodilator via calcium channels), piracetam (antiplatelet and regulator of
      microcirculation) and alprostadil (vasodilator, antiplatelet, rheological and
      cytoprotective) on flap survival in a rat epigastric artery perforator flap
      model. The percentage of necrosis was measured on each flap and evaluated using
      one-way analysis of variance (Anova). Histopathological analyses were also
      performed. Mean flap survival area was 3.85 cm(2) in the control group. Mean flap
      survival area was 4.88 cm(2) in the nifedipine group, 4.69 cm(2) in the
      hydralazine group, 10.55 cm(2) in the piracetam group and 11.3 cm(2) in the
      alprostadil group. When compared with the control group, all drugs except
      hydralazine improved flap survival; piracetam and alprostadil yielded
      significantly better results than nifedipine. Only the alprostadil group showed
      signs of improved vascularity in the histological analysis. As far as perforator
      flap survival is concerned, drugs that regulate the microcirculation by a
      combination of different antiaggregation mechanisms appear more beneficial than
      single action vasodilators. Alprostadil, a synthetic PGE-1 analogue, has combined
      antiplatelet and vasoactive effects that further increase flap survival.

PMID- 27117027
TI  - What are the ethical boundaries to innovation?

PMID- 27117028
TI  - Physiological role and clinical utility of inositols in polycystic ovary
      syndrome.
AB  - During the last decades, a substantial body of research has focused on the role
      of the two major inositol (Ins) stereoisomers, myoinositol (myoIns) and D
      chiroinositol (D-chiroIns), both second messengers of insulin, in insulin
      dependent processes, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MyoIns has been
      shown to affect different pathways at both ovarian and non-ovarian level. On the
      contrary, D-chiroIns alone is unable to exert significant improvements in the
      ovarian cell functions, as its beneficial effects are mainly limited to the non
      ovarian tissue in which it may significantly inhibit the negative cellular
      consequences of hyperinsulinemia. However, both Ins isomers can be positively
      associated in the management of PCOS patients in a ratio corresponding to their
      physiological plasma ratio (40:1). This appears to exert a synergistic effect
      according to a multi-targeted design. In this respect, new fundamental insights
      into the biological mechanisms displayed by Ins, as well as clinical trials based
      on the myoIns + D-chiroIns formulations, have already provided encouraging
      results.

PMID- 27117030
TI  - Glutathione reductase gsr-1 is an essential gene required for Caenorhabditis
      elegans early embryonic development.
AB  - Glutathione is the most abundant thiol in the vast majority of organisms and is
      maintained in its reduced form by the flavoenzyme glutathione reductase. In this
      work, we describe the genetic and functional analysis of the Caenorhabditis
      elegans gsr-1 gene that encodes the only glutathione reductase protein in this
      model organism. By using green fluorescent protein reporters we demonstrate that
      gsr-1 produces two GSR-1 isoforms, one located in the cytoplasm and one in the
      mitochondria. gsr-1 loss of function mutants display a fully penetrant embryonic
      lethal phenotype characterized by a progressive and robust cell division delay
      accompanied by an aberrant distribution of interphasic chromatin in the periphery
      of the cell nucleus. Maternally expressed GSR-1 is sufficient to support
      embryonic development but these animals are short-lived, sensitized to chemical
      stress, have increased mitochondrial fragmentation and lower mitochondrial DNA
      content. Furthermore, the embryonic lethality of gsr-1 worms is prevented by
      restoring GSR-1 activity in the cytoplasm but not in mitochondria. Given the fact
      that the thioredoxin redox systems are dispensable in C. elegans, our data
      support a prominent role of the glutathione reductase/glutathione pathway in
      maintaining redox homeostasis in the nematode.

PMID- 27117029
TI  - Oncometabolites: Unconventional triggers of oncogenic signalling cascades.
AB  - Cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease thought to be caused by multiple
      genetic lesions. The recent finding that enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA)
      cycle are mutated in cancer rekindled the hypothesis that altered metabolism
      might also have a role in cellular transformation. Attempts to link mitochondrial
      dysfunction to cancer uncovered the unexpected role of small molecule
      metabolites, now known as oncometabolites, in tumorigenesis. In this review, we
      describe how oncometabolites can contribute to tumorigenesis. We propose that
      lesions of oncogenes and tumour suppressors are only one of the possible routes
      to tumorigenesis, which include accumulation of oncometabolites triggered by
      environmental cues.

PMID- 27117031
TI  - Use of antidepressants in Parkinson's disease: A Swedish register-based study of
      over 1.5 million older people.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that depression in Parkinson's Disease (PD)
      is often unrecognized and undertreated. However, few previous studies have
      studied the use of antidepressants in a large sample of both home-dwelling and
      institutionalized elderly persons with PD. We aimed to study the use of
      antidepressants in older persons using anti-parkinson drugs (APD, used as a proxy
      for PD), stratified by residential setting. METHODS: We analyzed individual data
      on age, sex, residential setting and drug use in over 1.5 million older persons
      in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register on 31th of December 2013. RESULTS: Twenty
      two percent of the home-dwellers and 50% of the institutionalized elderly persons
      with APD used antidepressants. Persons with APD had a higher probability of use
      of any antidepressant compared to persons without APD. A selective serotonin
      reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) was the most commonly used antidepressants in both
      settings followed by mirtazapin. CONCLUSIONS: The high use of antidepressants
      among older persons with APD warrants further studies on the quality of treatment
      of depression in PD.

PMID- 27117032
TI  - Development of a web-based tool for automated processing and cataloging of a
      unique combinatorial drug screen.
AB  - Facing totally resistant bacteria, traditional drug discovery efforts have proven
      to be of limited use in replenishing our depleted arsenal of therapeutic
      antibiotics. Recently, the natural anti-bacterial properties of metal ions in
      synergy with metal-coordinating ligands have shown potential for generating new
      molecule candidates with potential therapeutic downstream applications. We
      recently developed a novel combinatorial screening approach to identify compounds
      with copper-dependent anti-bacterial properties. Through a parallel screening
      technique, the assay distinguishes between copper-dependent and independent
      activities against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with hits being defined as
      compounds with copper-dependent activities. These activities must then be linked
      to a compound master list to process and analyze the data and to identify the hit
      molecules, a labor intensive and mistake-prone analysis. Here, we describe a
      software program built to automate this analysis in order to streamline our
      workflow significantly. We conducted a small, 1440 compound screen against M.
      tuberculosis and used it as an example framework to build and optimize the
      software. Though specifically adapted to our own needs, it can be readily
      expanded for any small- to medium-throughput screening effort, parallel or
      conventional. Further, by virtue of the underlying Linux server, it can be easily
      adapted for chemoinformatic analysis of screens through packages such as
      OpenBabel. Overall, this setup represents an easy-to-use solution for
      streamlining processing and analysis of biological screening data, as well as
      offering a scaffold for ready functionality expansion.

PMID- 27117033
TI  - Hypermanganesemia with Dystonia, Polycythemia and Cirrhosis (HMDPC) due to
      mutation in the SLC30A10 gene.
AB  - Manganese (Mn) is an essential element for metabolic pathways but it can be toxic
      when present in excessive amounts in the body. Hypermanganesemia along with
      dystonia, polycythemia, characteristic MRI brain findings in the basal ganglia,
      and chronic liver disease are the hallmarks of an inherited Mn transporter defect
      due to mutations in the SLC30A10 gene. We are reporting three siblings who
      presented with features of dystonia, polycythemia, MRI brain showing basal
      ganglia hyperintensity on T1 weighted images and chronic liver disease. Blood Mn
      levels were markedly elevated in the affected patients. Mutation analysis of DNA
      samples of the affected children confirmed a homozygous missense mutation in
      SLC30A10. Chelation therapy with intravenous disodium calcium edetate was started
      in two siblings and led to a marked decrease in whole blood Mn. Oral
      Penicillamine was later added to the therapy which further improved blood Mn
      levels. This is a rare disorder and is one of the potentially treatable inherited
      metal storage disorders. It can be fatal if left untreated. Penicillamine may be
      an effective alternative to disodium calcium edetate. 

PMID- 27117034
TI  - A compound heterozygous EARS2 mutation associated with mild leukoencephalopathy
      with thalamus and brainstem involvement and high lactate (LTBL).
AB  - Mitochondrial glutamyl-tRNA synthetase is a major component of protein
      biosynthesis that loads tRNAs with cognate amino acids. Mutations in the gene
      encoding this enzyme have been associated with a variety of disorders related to
      oxidative phosphorylation. Here, we present a case of leukoencephalopathy with
      thalamus and brainstem involvement and high lactate (LTBL) presenting a biphasic
      clinical course characterized by delayed psychomotor development and seizure.
      High-throughput sequencing revealed a novel compound heterozygous mutation in
      mitochondrial glutamyl-tRNA synthetase 2 (EARS2), which appears to be causative
      of disease symptoms. 

PMID- 27117035
TI  - A case of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency with status epilepticus
      and rapid regression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical phenotypic expression of SSADH deficiency is highly
      heterogeneous, and some infants may develop refractory secondary generalized
      seizures. PATIENT: A 9-month-old boy manifested partial seizures, developing
      severe status epilepticus, and conventional antiepileptic drugs were ineffective.
      Use of ketamine contributed to the control of status epilepticus, achieving a
      reduction in frequency of partial seizures, and improving EEG findings without
      apparent complications. Diffusion-weighted images showed hyperintensities in the
      bilateral basal ganglia and fornix, and multiple T2 hyperintensity lesions were
      detected. (123)I-iomazenil (IMZ) SPECT revealed a decrease in binding of (123)I
      iomazenil predominantly in the left temporal region by the 18th day of
      hospitalization. However, repeated IMZ-SPECT on the 46th day of hospitalization
      demonstrated almost no accumulation across a broad region, sparing the left
      temporal region. The patient showed rapid regression, refractory myoclonus, and
      severe progressive brain atrophy. CONCLUSION: IMZ-SPECT findings demonstrated
      reduced benzodiazepine receptor binding and its dynamic changes in an SSADH
      deficient patient. Considering the down regulation of the GABAA receptor,
      ketamine should be included in pharmacotherapeutic strategies for treatment of
      refractory status epilepticus in SSADH-deficient patients.

PMID- 27117036
TI  - Warfarin dose requirements with different genotypes of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 for
      patients with atrial fibrillation and valve replacement.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate whether genetic variants of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 have different
      effects on the dose of warfarin in 180 Han Chinese patients who were recruited
      from the Fu Wai Hospital. All were on maintenance treatment with stable daily
      warfarin doses for a period of at least 3 months. METHODS: DNA was isolated and
      genotyped using a Warfarin dosage Prediction Kit for single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP2C9 and VKORC1. RESULTS: The VKORC1 and CYP2C9*3
      polymorphisms are significantly associated with warfarin maintenance dosages.
      Patients with AG&GG genotype in VKORC1 needed higher doses than those with AA
      genotypes (4.55 +/- 1.27 mg/ day vs. 2.90 +/- 0.97 mg/day, p < 0.001). Patients
      with *1/*3 genotype in CYP2C9 need doses lower than those with *1/*1 genotypes
      (1.73 +/- 0.95 mg/day vs. 3.23 +/- 1.13 mg/day, p < 0.001). There were no
      significant differences between the warfarin maintenance dosages in patients with
      atrial fibrillation (3.09 +/- 1.16 mg/day), patients with heart valve replacement
      (2.95 +/- 1.21 mg/day) and those with both atrial fibrillation and heart valve
      replacement (3.36 +/- 1.13 mg/day) (p > 0.05). The mean warfarin daily dose
      requirements in the genotypes of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 were not dependent on the
      medical indication(s) present. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic variants of CYP2C9, VKORC1,
      and age are significant determinants of the maintenance dose of warfarin. The
      medical indications atrial fibrillation, valve replacement, or a combination of
      both are not determinants of the warfarin dose requirements.

PMID- 27117037
TI  - Evolocumab and alirocumab: exploring original procurement models to manage the
      reimbursement of these innovative treatments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PCSK9 inhibitors (evolocumab and alirocumab) pose a challenge of
      sustainability because the potential patients are extremely numerous and the
      budget impact at the drugs' full price would be prohibitive. We have studied the
      reimbursability of these agents by constructing a series of price-volume
      simulations that used a model previously employed for sofosbuvir. METHODS: Our
      price-volume model is based on the following parameters: I) total patients
      candidate to the treatment; II) patients actually treated; III) treatment full
      cost per patient; IV) estimated nationwide budget impact in the absence of any
      price-volume intervention; V) price-halving population (PHP), which is the main
      model parameter. Treated patients ranged from 30,000 to 100,000. The full nominal
      yearly cost per patient was set at 10,000 ?. RESULTS: In 9 price-volume
      simulations (testing three values of PHP at 25,000 or 50,0000 or 100,000
      patients), the total national expenditure varied from 204 to 721 million ?. In
      the least expensive scenario (PHP = 25,000 patients), the expenditure ranged from
      204 to 338 million ? while the average treatment cost per year was 3,382 ?. At
      more than 100,000 treated patients, the treatment cost reduced to 626 ?. On the
      other hand, the scenarios based on PHP = 50,000 and PHP = 100,000 patients were
      very unlikely to be acceptable for national health systems. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study offered a pattern of different scenarios among which some national health
      systems in Europe could select the "true" decision on PCSK9 inhibitors. This
      decision is expected to be made over the next few months.

PMID- 27117038
TI  - Population pharmacokinetic characteristics of sirolimus in healthy Chinese
      subjects and renal transplant patients.
AB  - AIM: To identify the factors affecting the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of sirolimus in
      healthy Chinese subjects and renal transplant patients. METHODS: A population PK
      model of sirolimus was constructed using dense data from 22 healthy volunteers
      and sparse data from 105 renal transplant patients. RESULTS: The data were well
      described by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption. The estimates
      of absorption rate constant (Ka), clearance (CL/F), and central volume of
      distribution (V2/F) were 0.24 h(-1), 8.81 L/h, and 676 L, respectively. The CL/F
      in renal transplant patients was 45.5% lower than that in healthy subjects. Based
      on the final model, CL/F decreased significantly with increasing cyclosporine
      (CsA) daily dose and age. A decrease of 7.3% in CL/F for every 100-mg increase in
      the CsA daily dose and a decrease of 34.2% in CL/F for every 20-year increase in
      age was observed. Moreover, V2/F increased significantly with increasing serum
      creatinine in our study. However, the range of serum creatinine concentration and
      the interindividual variability for V2/F are large. CONCLUSION: This is the first
      study to characterize the population PKs of sirolimus using a two-compartment
      model in healthy Chinese subjects and renal transplant patients. A decrease of
      7.3% in the sirolimus CL/F for every 100-mg increase in the CsA daily dose and a
      decrease of 34.2% in the sirolimus CL/F for every 20-year increase in age was
      observed, which allowed us to better optimize sirolimus dosing regimens in
      Chinese renal transplant patients.

PMID- 27117039
TI  - Construction of a database for published phase II/III drug intervention clinical
      trials for the period 2009-2014 comprising 2,326 records, 90 disease categories,
      and 939 drug entities.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To construct a database of published clinical drug trials suitable
      for use 1) as a research tool in accessing clinical trial information and 2) in
      evidence-based decision-making by regulatory professionals, clinical research
      investigators, and medical practitioners. MATERIALS: Comprehensive information
      obtained from a search of design elements and results of clinical trials in peer
      reviewed journals using PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.ih.gov/pubmed). METHOD: The
      methodology to develop a structured database was devised by a panel composed of
      experts in medical, pharmaceutical, information technology, and members of
      Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) using a step by step approach. A double
      sided system consisting of user mode and manager mode served as the framework for
      the database; elements of interest from each trial were entered via secure
      manager mode enabling the input information to be accessed in a user-friendly
      manner (user mode). Information regarding methodology used and results of drug
      treatment were extracted as detail elements of each data set and then inputted
      into the web-based database system. RESULTS: Comprehensive information comprising
      2,326 clinical trial records, 90 disease states, and 939 drugs entities and
      concerning study objectives, background, methods used, results, and conclusion
      could be extracted from published information on phase II/III drug intervention
      clinical trials appearing in SCI journals within the last 10 years. The extracted
      data was successfully assembled into a clinical drug trial database with easy
      access suitable for use as a research tool. The clinically most important
      therapeutic categories, i.e., cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological,
      metabolic, urogenital, gastrointestinal, psychological, and infectious diseases
      were covered by the database. Names of test and control drugs, details on primary
      and secondary outcomes and indexed keywords could also be retrieved and built
      into the database. The construction used in the database enables the user to sort
      and download targeted information as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. CONCLUSION:
      Because of the comprehensive and standardized nature of the clinical drug trial
      database and its ease of access it should serve as valuable information
      repository and research tool for accessing clinical trial information and making
      evidence-based decisions by regulatory professionals, clinical research
      investigators, and medical practitioners.

PMID- 27117040
TI  - Prolonged effects of miconazole oral gel on warfarin anticoagulation even after
      treatment withdrawal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of terminating miconazole oral gel (MOG)
      treatment on the anticoagulant activity of warfarin by evaluating changes in
      international normalized ratio levels (INR). METHODS: Data were collected from
      the medical records of 6 patients treated with warfarin and MOG. RESULTS:
      Following cessation of MOG treatment, increased INR and INR/dose levels were
      observed for an average of 15 days, showing that the anticoagulant activity of
      warfarin was increased for ~ 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Closer monitoring of INR
      levels for at least 2 weeks may be required upon withdrawal of MOG treatment in
      patients treated with warfarin.

PMID- 27117041
TI  - Detection of pulmonary and coronary artery anomalies in tetralogy of Fallot using
      non-ECG-gated CT angiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of non-ECG-gated computed tomography (CT)
      angiography to describe pulmonary and coronary defects in patients with tetralogy
      of Fallot (TOF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out
      on TOF patients having undergone pre-operative non-ECG-gated CT angiography
      between February 2007 and September 2012. The following clinical parameters were
      recorded: mean age at CT angiography, sex, the existence of genetic disease and
      the need to sedate the patient prior to CT angiography. CT data were analyzed
      retrospectively to determine the site(s) of pulmonary stenosis (infundibular,
      valvular or arterial), the size of pulmonary arteries and the presence of
      anomalous coronary artery courses. CT findings were then compared to the anatomy
      observed during surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included in the
      study. The mean age was 4.30+/-1.91months (boys/girls=17/18). Two patients had
      associated chromosome disorders (one 22q11 microdeletion and one CHARGE
      syndrome). Sixteen patients (45.71%) were sedated prior to CT. Pulmonary artery
      assessment revealed 24 patients (68.57%) with infundibular stenosis, 5 (17.5%)
      with infundibular and/or valvular stenosis, and 6 (21%) with anomalous pulmonary
      arteries. CT angiography also evidenced anomalous coronary arteries in 8 patients
      (22.85%). CONCLUSION: Due to its reduced scanning time and high spatial
      resolution, non-ECG-gated CT angiography is a non-invasive imaging modality that
      provides accurate information on pulmonary and coronary artery anatomy in
      patients with TOF.

PMID- 27117042
TI  - [Self-esteem, resilience, locus of control and suicide risk in nursing students].
AB  - AIM: Assuming that suicide is the result of a series of factors acting
      cumulatively, the aim of this paper was to study the association of self-esteem,
      resilience and locus of control with the risk of suicidal behavior in a sample of
      nursing students. METHOD: Observational, cross-sectional and correlational study
      with 186 nursing students who answered a questionnaire that contained, in
      addition to demographic data, the Spanish forms of Rosenberg self-esteem scale,
      the brief resilient coping scale, the Plutchik scale of suicide risk and the
      Rotter's internal-external locus of control scale. RESULTS: The scores of males
      and females are very similar on all scales except Locus of Control, where a
      significantly greater tendency of females attributed to external control. 6.4% of
      students have scores indicating suicide risk. Suicide risk scores correlated
      negatively and significantly with self-esteem and resilience and positively with
      locus of control. The multiple linear regression analysis identified self-esteem
      as the main variable related to suicide risk. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest
      that students who have low self-esteem, have difficulty in adjusting to adverse
      situations and tend to the external attribution of the consequences of their
      actions may have an increased risk of suicidal behavior. Furthermore, the
      identification of self-esteem as the important factor involved in suicide risk
      can help in designing prevention programs.

PMID- 27117043
TI  - Total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with HIV infection: complications,
      comorbidities, and trends.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection were
      previously at substantial risk for immunosuppression-related complications. As a
      result of highly active antiretroviral therapy, HIV-infected patients are living
      longer and are presenting for elective surgery. Outcomes in HIV-infected patients
      are well described for hip and knee arthroplasty but not for total shoulder
      arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study was to examine postoperative
      complications of TSA in HIV-positive patients. METHODS: We queried the entire
      2005 to 2012 Medicare database. Current Procedural Terminology and International
      Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used
      to identify the procedure, demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative
      complications. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were
      calculated. RESULTS: The query returned 2528 HIV-positive patients who underwent
      TSA or reverse TSA (RTSA). There was increased utilization of TSA and RTSA in
      this population from 2005 to 2012; 1353 patients had 2-year follow-up. These
      patients were slightly older and had higher prevalence of comorbidities,
      suggesting a sicker cohort. HIV-positive patients had alarmingly higher rates of
      90-day cerebrovascular accident (OR, 35.98; CI, 30.34-42.67). HIV-positive
      patients had higher overall rates of broken prosthetic joints (OR, 1.72; CI, 1.20
      2.47), periprosthetic infection (OR, 1.36; CI, 1.01-1.82), and TSA revision or
      repair (OR, 2.44; CI, 1.81-3.28). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the
      first study that directly examines the postoperative outcomes of HIV-positive
      patients after TSA or RTSA. As more of these patients present for surgery,
      surgeons should be aware that these patients might be at increased risk for
      certain postoperative surgical and medical complications.

PMID- 27117044
TI  - On-resin Diels-Alder reaction with inverse electron demand: an efficient ligation
      method for complex peptides with a varying spacer to optimize cell adhesion.
AB  - Solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) is the method of choice to produce peptides.
      Several protecting groups enable specific modifications. However, complex peptide
      conjugates usually require a rather demanding conjugation strategy, which is
      mostly performed in solution. Herein, an efficient strategy is described using an
      on-resin Diels-Alder reaction with inverse electron demand (DARinv). This method
      is compatible with the standard Fmoc/tBu strategy and is easy to monitor. As a
      proof of concept a titanium binding peptide was modified with a cyclic cell
      binding peptide (RGD) by DARinv on a solid support applying different tetrazines
      and alkenes. The generated bulky DARinv linkers were employed to act as the
      required spacer for RGD mediated cell adhesion on titanium. In vitro studies
      demonstrated improved cell spreading on DARinv-conjugated peptides and revealed,
      in combination with molecular dynamics-simulation, new insights into the design
      of spacers between the RGD peptide and the surface. Performing the DARinv on
      resin expands the toolbox of SPPS to produce complex peptide conjugates under
      mild, catalyst free conditions with reduced purification steps. The resulting
      conjugate can be effectively exploited to promote cell adhesion on biomaterials. 

PMID- 27117045
TI  - An exploration of exercise-induced cognitive enhancement and transfer effects to
      dietary self-control.
AB  - The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of aerobic
      exercise on executive function, specifically inhibitory control, and the transfer
      to self-control in the dietary domain. It was hypothesized that exercise would
      enhance inhibitory control, and that this enhancement would facilitate self
      control in a laboratory taste test paradigm. Using a crossover design, 51
      participants completed counterbalanced sessions of both moderate exercise
      (experimental condition) and minimal effort walking (control condition) using a
      treadmill; the intersession interval was 7days. Prior to each exercise bout
      participants completed a Stroop task. Following each bout participants completed
      a second Stoop task, as well as a bogus taste test involving three appetitive
      calorie dense snack foods and two control foods; the amount of each food type
      consumed during the taste test was covertly measured. Results revealed that
      moderate exercise significantly improved performance on the Stroop task, and also
      reduced food consumption during the taste test for appetitive calorie dense snack
      foods; there was no exercise effect on control food consumption. Exercise-induced
      gains in Stroop performance mediated the effects of moderate exercise on
      appetitive snack food consumption. Together these findings provide evidence that
      a bout of a moderate aerobic exercise can enhance inhibitory control, and support
      for cross-domain transfer effects to dietary self-control.

PMID- 27117046
TI  - Corrigendum to "Comparison of transport methods for patients with ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction to a percutaneous coronary intervention center and
      determination of factors influencing long-term mortality" [Int. J. Cardiol. 202
      (2016) 135-137].

PMID- 27117047
TI  - Erratum to "Exploring potential mortality reductions in 9 European countries by
      improving diet and lifestyle: A modelling approach" [Int. J. Cardiol. 207 (2016)
      286-291].

PMID- 27117048
TI  - Right Place, Right Time: Focalization of Membrane Proteins in Gram-Positive
      Bacteria.
AB  - Membrane proteins represent a significant proportion of total bacterial proteins
      and perform vital cellular functions ranging from exchanging metabolites and
      genetic material, secretion and sorting, sensing signal molecules, and cell
      division. Many of these functions are carried out at distinct foci on the
      bacterial membrane, and this subcellular localization can be coordinated by a
      number of factors, including lipid microdomains, protein-protein interactions,
      and membrane curvature. Elucidating the mechanisms behind focal protein
      localization in bacteria informs not only protein structure-function correlation,
      but also how to disrupt the protein function to limit virulence. Here we review
      recent advances describing a functional role for subcellular localization of
      membrane proteins involved in genetic transfer, secretion and sorting, cell
      division and growth, and signaling.

PMID- 27117049
TI  - The Commonalities in Bacterial Effector Inhibition of Apoptosis.
AB  - Antiapoptotic pathways of the host cell play integral roles in bacterial
      pathogenesis, with inhibition of those pathways resulting in halted disease
      pathology. Certain pathogens have developed elegant mechanisms to modulate the
      fate of the host cell, many of which target novel pathways that are poorly
      understood in the context of the cell biology. Bacterial pathogenesis research
      not only promotes the understanding of the role of antiapoptotic pathways in
      bacterial infection, but has a broader context in understanding the epitome of
      human disease, that is, developing the understanding of tumorigenic or
      inflammatory pathways. Here we review host antiapoptotic signalling pathways
      manipulated by translocated bacterial effectors that propagate the disease state,
      drawing common parallels and showing the novel differences.

PMID- 27117050
TI  - Snbeta-zeolite catalyzed oxido-reduction cascade chemistry with biomass-derived
      molecules.
AB  - High activity of post-synthetically synthesized Sn-beta, producing novel
      caprolactone polymer building blocks, is demonstrated in Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley
      (MPV), Oppenauer (OPO), Baeyer-Villiger (BV) and cascade reactions thereof with
      biomass-derived molecules. 

PMID- 27117051
TI  - Characterization of TNF-alpha- and IL-17A-Mediated Synergistic Induction of DEFB4
      Gene Expression in Human Keratinocytes through IkappaBzeta.
AB  - Human beta-defensin 2 (hBD2), encoded by the DEFB4 gene, is an antimicrobial
      peptide playing an essential role in inflammatory processes in the skin. hBD2
      expression is regulated synergistically by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha) and IL-17A; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are unknown. The
      purpose of this study was to characterize the molecular mechanism by which TNF
      alpha and IL-17A synergistically induce hBD2 expression. In cultured human
      keratinocytes we show that a constitutive noninducible binding of the
      transcription factor organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) to the DEFB4 promoter is
      crucial for IL-17A/TNF-alpha-mediated synergistic induction of hBD2 but not the
      synergistic induction of CCL20, IL8, IL17C and LCN2. Interestingly, stimulation
      with IL-17A results in a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent
      accumulation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB zeta (IkappaBzeta), which is a
      necessity for synergistic induction of hBD2. Finally, co-stimulation with TNF
      alpha induces DNA binding of NF-kappaB and activator protein 1 (AP-1) to two
      specific sites in the DEFB4 promoter region. Hence, our study shows how two
      inflammatory stimuli are integrated by three different signaling pathways into
      the regulation of one specific target gene involving the three specific
      transcription factors OCT1, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 as well as the transcriptional
      cofactor IkappaBzeta. These findings may be important in psoriasis, where TNF
      alpha and IL-17A have been identified as key pathogenic cytokines.

PMID- 27117052
TI  - Endoscopic treatment of grades IV and V vesicoureteral reflux with two bulking
      substances: Dextranomer hyaluronic acid copolymer versus polyacrylate polyalcohol
      copolymer in children.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed at evaluating the efficacy and complications of two bulking
      substances: dextranomer/hyaluronic acid copolymer(Dx/Ha;Dexell(r)) versus
      polyacrylate polyalcohol copolymer(PPC;Vantris(r)) in subureteric injection
      treatment of children with high grades (grades IV-V) vesicoureteral reflux(VUR).
      METHODS: Data of patients undergoing endoscopic treatment of high grade VUR
      (January 2009-August 2015) were retrospectively investigated. Patients with high
      grade VUR caused by posterior urethral valve, duplex system, paraureteral
      diverticula and neurogenic bladder were excluded. Classical subureteric injection
      method (STING) was used. Seventy-three children (45 girls and 28 boys) who had 88
      refluxing renal units (RRUs) with grades IV-V VUR (n=64/n=24) underwent
      endoscopic treatment using Dx/Ha (n=63 RRUs) and PPC (n=25 RRUs). RESULTS: Mean
      age of patients in Dx/Ha and PPC groups were 6 (3) and 6 (3.75) year (p=0.81),
      and volumes of these substances given were 1.3 (1) and 1 (0.5) mL (p=0.003),
      respectively. Overall, for the first endoscopic injection, success rate of grades
      IV-V VUR per RRU was 53.9% with Dx/Ha, compared to 80% in PPC-injected group,
      (p=0.024). Late ureterovesical junction obstruction developed only in one patient
      in PPC-injected group. No ureteral obstruction was observed in Dx/Ha-injected
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic injection of PPC resulted in significantly higher
      success rate, compared to Dx/Ha in subureteric injection treatment of children
      with high grade VUR. However, the development of late ureterovesical junction
      obstruction should also be taken into account in PPC injection.

PMID- 27117053
TI  - Once-daily fluticasone furoate and vilanterol for adolescents and adults with
      symptomatic asthma: A systematic review with meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluticasone furoate and vilanterol is a new inhaled corticosteroid
      (ICS) and long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) combination developed for once-daily
      administration via a dry powder inhaler. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and
      safety of fluticasone furoate-vilanterol in adolescents and adults with
      symptomatic asthma compared with ICS monotherapy or twice-daily ICS-LABA
      formulations. METHODS: Randomized, placebo-controlled trials with longer than 8
      weeks of treatment duration were included. Primary outcome was pulmonary function
      (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] or peak expiratory flow rate [PEF]).
      RESULTS: Seven published randomized clinical trials were included (5,668
      patients). Fluticasone furoate-vilanterol was associated with significant
      increases in trough FEV1 and morning and evening PEF compared with fluticasone
      furoate, 100 MUg, monotherapy (90 mL, 20.1 L/min, and 18.9 L/min respectively).
      Fluticasone furoate-vilanterol reduced significantly the rate of severe asthma
      exacerbations (number need to treat for benefit = 24). Fluticasone furoate
      vilanterol also produced significant increases in weighted FEV1 and morning and
      evening PEF (140 mL, 32.6 L/min, and 25.7 L/min, respectively) compared with
      fluticasone propionate, 500 MUg twice daily. Fluticasone furoate-vilanterol
      presented a nonsignificant increase in the frequency of cardiac events (6.4% vs
      1.8%) compared with fluticasone propionate. No differences were found between
      both available doses of fluticasone furoate-vilanterol (200/25 MUg and 100/25
      MUg) in terms of efficacy. However, patients receiving fluticasone furoate
      vilanterol, 200/25 MUg, had a trend toward an increased risk of cardiac events.
      CONCLUSION: Fluticasone furoate-vilanterol combination was associated with an
      increase in trough FEV1 compared with fluticasone furoate-fluticasone propionate;
      however, observed differences may not be clinically significant. Studies
      comparing fluticasone furoate-vilanterol with fixed twice-daily ICS-LABA
      combinations are required.

PMID- 27117055
TI  - Mechanical ventilation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Unresolved dilemma.

PMID- 27117054
TI  - Posttranscriptional m(6)A Editing of HIV-1 mRNAs Enhances Viral Gene Expression.
AB  - Covalent addition of a methyl group to adenosine N(6) (m(6)A) is an
      evolutionarily conserved and common RNA modification that is thought to modulate
      several aspects of RNA metabolism. While the presence of multiple m(6)A editing
      sites on diverse viral RNAs was reported starting almost 40 years ago, how m(6)A
      editing affects virus replication has remained unclear. Here, we used photo
      crosslinking-assisted m(6)A sequencing techniques to precisely map several m(6)A
      editing sites on the HIV-1 genome and report that they cluster in the HIV-1 3'
      untranslated region (3' UTR). Viral 3' UTR m(6)A sites or analogous cellular
      m(6)A sites strongly enhanced mRNA expression in cis by recruiting the cellular
      YTHDF m(6)A "reader" proteins. Reducing YTHDF expression inhibited, while YTHDF
      overexpression enhanced, HIV-1 protein and RNA expression, and virus replication
      in CD4+ T cells. These data identify m(6)A editing and the resultant recruitment
      of YTHDF proteins as major positive regulators of HIV-1 mRNA expression.

PMID- 27117056
TI  - Bevacizumab Continuation Versus Treatment Holidays After First-Line Chemotherapy
      With Bevacizumab in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Health Economic
      Analysis of a Randomized Phase 3 Trial (SAKK 41/06).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bevacizumab (BEV)-containing therapies are costly. We performed a
      health economic analysis of a randomized phase 3 study (SAKK 41/06) that compared
      BEV continuation as a single agent (BEV) with treatment holidays (no BEV) after
      completing 4 to 6 cycles of first-line chemotherapy plus BEV in metastatic
      colorectal cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Costs for first-line
      chemotherapy with BEV, BEV continuation therapy, hospitalizations (length of
      stay), control visits, diagnostic tests, and second-line and later rounds of
      chemotherapy were collected. Mean costs per patient per treatment arm and an
      incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were calculated. Probabilistic sensitivity
      analysis was performed to account for uncertainty in the input parameters.
      RESULTS: The total incurred mean costs per patient were 126,631 Swiss francs
      (CHF) [95% confidence interval (CI), 116,521-136,740] for BEV versus CHF100,146
      (95% CI, 92,811-107,481) for no BEV. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio was
      CHF108,991 per life-year gained (LYG; 95% CI from probabilistic sensitivity
      analysis, 62,890-248,515). Compared to a willingness-to-pay threshold of
      CHF100,000/LYG, there was 42% probability that BEV continuation was cost
      effective, which decreased to 20% at a threshold of CHF75,000/LYG. Economic
      equality was reached in only 0.07% of cases. CONCLUSION: The clinical conclusion
      that BEV continuation as a single agent after completion of first-line
      chemotherapy is of low therapeutic value is supported by this health economic
      analysis. Costs increase without significant clinical benefit in this setting.

PMID- 27117057
TI  - The relationship between persuasive technology principles, adherence and effect
      of web-Based interventions for mental health: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research has shown that web-based interventions concerning mental
      health can be effective, although there is a broad range in effect sizes. Why
      some interventions are more effective than others is not clear. Persuasive
      technology is one of the aspects which has a positive influence on changing
      attitude and/or behavior, and can contribute to better outcomes. According to the
      Persuasive Systems Design Model there are various principles that can be
      deployed. It is unknown whether the number and combinations of principles used in
      a web-based intervention affect the effectiveness. Another issue in web-based
      interventions is adherence. Little is known about the relationship of adherence
      on the effectiveness of web-based interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study examines
      whether there is a relationship between the number and combinations of persuasive
      technology principles used in web-based interventions and the effectiveness. Also
      the influence of adherence on effectiveness of web-based interventions is
      investigated. METHODS: This study elaborates on the systematic review by [37] and
      therefore the articles were derived from that study. Only web-based interventions
      were included that were intended to be used on more than one occasion and studies
      were excluded when no information on adherence was provided. 48 interventions
      targeted at mental health were selected for the current study. A within-group
      (WG) and between-group (BG) meta-analysis were performed and subsequently
      subgroup analyses regarding the relationship between the number and combinations
      of persuasive technology principles and effectiveness. The influence of adherence
      on the effectiveness was examined through a meta-regression analysis. RESULTS:
      For the WG meta-analysis 40 treatment groups were included. The BG meta-analysis
      included 19 studies. The mean pooled effect size in the WG meta-analysis was
      large and significant (Hedges' g=0.94), while for the BG meta-analysis this was
      moderate to large and significant (Hedges' g=0.78) in favor of the web-based
      interventions. With regard to the number of persuasive technology principles, the
      differences between the effect sizes in the subgroups were significant in the WG
      subgroup analyses for the total number of principles and for the number of
      principles in the three categories Primary Task Support, Dialogue Support, and
      Social Support. In the BG subgroup analyses only the difference in Primary Task
      Support was significant. An increase in the total number of principles and
      Dialogue Support principles yielded larger effect sizes in the WG subgroup
      analysis, indicating that more principles lead to better outcomes. The number of
      principles in the Primary Task Support (WG and BG) and Social Support (WG) did
      not show an upward trend but had varying effect sizes. We identified a number of
      combinations of principles that were more effective, but only in the WG analyses.
      The association between adherence and effectiveness was not significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between the number of persuasive technology
      principles and the effectiveness of web-based interventions concerning mental
      health, however this does not always mean that implementing more principles leads
      to better outcomes. Regarding the combinations of principles, specific principles
      seemed to work well together (e.g. tunneling and tailoring; reminders and
      similarity; social learning and comparison), but adding another principle can
      diminish the effectiveness (e.g. tunneling, tailoring and reduction). In this
      study, an increase in adherence was not associated with larger effect sizes. The
      findings of this study can help developers to decide which persuasive principles
      to include to make web-based interventions more persuasive.

PMID- 27117058
TI  - (5Z,11Z,15R)-15-Hydroxyeicosa-5,11-dien-13-ynoic acid: A stable isomer of 15(S)
      HETE that retains key vasoconstrictive and antiproliferative activity.
AB  - 15(S)-Hydroxyeicosa-(5Z,8Z,11Z,13E)-tetraenoic acid (15(S)-HETE) is a metabolite
      of arachidonic acid that elicits a number of biological effects including
      vasoconstriction and angiogenesis. (5Z,11Z,15R)-15-Hydroxyeicosa-5,11-dien-13
      ynoic acid (HETE analog 1) is a synthetic isomer of 15(S)-HETE that is much more
      stable to autoxidation. Using isometric recording of isolated pulmonary arteries
      from male and female rabbits, HETE analog 1 and 15(S)-HETE were found to elicit
      concentration-dependent contractions that were slightly greater in females
      compared to males. The maximal response in females was greater with 15(S)-HETE.
      HETE analog 1 and 15(S)-HETE increased [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation in vascular
      smooth muscle cells cultured from male rabbit pulmonary arteries; both the
      maximal response and potency were greater with 15(S)-HETE. In contrast, HETE
      analog 1 produced a concentration-dependent inhibition in proliferation and
      migration of human hormone-independent prostate carcinoma PC-3 cells. The
      protocol for synthesis of HETE analog 1 is reported. The stability of this
      substance and its similar biological profile to 15(S)-HETE support future studies
      in eicosanoid research.

PMID- 27117059
TI  - A non-viral gene therapy for treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis
      bullosa.

PMID- 27117060
TI  - Patient-reported outcome measures in children with chronic health conditions:
      terminology and utility.

PMID- 27117061
TI  - Incidence of infants born small- and large-for-gestational-age in an Italian
      cohort over a 20-year period and associated risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We assessed the incidence of infants born small-for-gestational-age
      (SGA) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) in an Italian cohort over 20 years
      (1993-2013). Furthermore, we investigated maternal factors associated with SGA
      and LGA births. METHODS: A retrospective review of obstetric records was
      performed on infants born in Chieti (Italy) covering every 5(th) year over a 20
      year period, specifically examining data for 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013.
      Infants with birthweight <10(th) percentile were defined as SGA, and those with
      birthweight >90(th) percentile as LGA. Data collected included newborn
      anthropometry, birth (multiple vs singleton), maternal anthropometry, previous
      miscarriage, gestational diabetes, hypertension, and smoking during pregnancy.
      RESULTS: There were a pooled total of 5896 live births recorded across the 5
      selected years. The number of SGA (+60.6 %) and LGA (+90.2 %) births increased
      considerably between 1993 and 2013. However, there were no marked changes in the
      incidence of SGA or LGA births (8.3 % and 10.8 % in 1993 versus 7.6 % and 11.7 %
      in 2013, respectively). Maternal factors associated with increased risk of SGA
      infants included hypertension, smoking, and previous miscarriage (all p < 0.05),
      while greater pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational diabetes were risk factors for
      LGA births (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was an increase in the number of
      SGA and LGA births in Chieti over the last two decades, but there was little
      change in incidence over time. Most maternal factors associated with increased
      odds of SGA and LGA births were modifiable, thus incidence could be reduced by
      targeted interventions.

PMID- 27117062
TI  - Lack of parental rule-setting on eating is associated with a wide range of
      adolescent unhealthy eating behaviour both for boys and girls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unhealthy eating habits in adolescence lead to a wide variety of
      health problems and disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence
      of absence of parental rules on eating and unhealthy eating behaviour and to
      explore the relationships between parental rules on eating and a wide range of
      unhealthy eating habits of boys and girls. We also explored the association of
      sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, family affluence or parental
      education with eating related parental rules and eating habits of adolescents.
      METHODS: The data on 2765 adolescents aged 13-15 years (mean age: 14.4; 50.7 %
      boys) from the Slovak part of the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC)
      study 2014 were assessed. The associations between eating-related parental rules
      and unhealthy eating patterns using logistic regression were assessed using
      logistic regression. RESULTS: Unhealthy eating habits occurred frequently among
      adolescents (range: 18.0 % reported skipping breakfast during weekends vs. 75.8 %
      for low vegetables intake). Of all adolescents, 20.5 % reported a lack of any
      parental rules on eating (breakfast not mandatory, meal in front of TV allowed,
      no rules about sweets and soft drinks). These adolescents were more likely to eat
      unhealthily, i.e. to skip breakfast on weekdays (odds ratio/95 % confidence
      interval: 5.33/4.15-6.84) and on weekends (2.66/2.12-3.34), to report low
      consumption of fruits (1.63/1.30-2.04) and vegetables (1.32/1.04-1.68), and the
      frequent consumption of sweets (1.59/1.30-1.94), soft drinks (1.93/1.56-2.38) and
      energy drinks (2.15/1.72-2.70). CONCLUSIONS: Parental rule-setting on eating is
      associated with eating behaviours of adolescents. Further research is needed to
      disentangle causality in this relationship. If causal, parents may be targeted to
      modify the eating habits of adolescents.

PMID- 27117063
TI  - Altering workplace attitudes for resident education (A.W.A.R.E.): discovering
      solutions for medical resident bullying through literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physicians-in-training are challenged every day with grueling
      academic requirements, job strain, and patient safety concerns. Residency shapes
      the skills and values that will percolate to patient care and professional
      character. Unfortunately, impediments to the educational process due to medical
      resident mistreatment by bullying remain highly prevalent in training today.
      METHODS: A PubMed literature review was undertaken using key terms to help define
      resident mistreatment by bullying, determine its prevalence, identify its
      potential causes and sequelae, and find suggestions for changing this detrimental
      culture of medical training. RESULTS: We identified 62 relevant articles. The
      most frequently noted form of mistreatment was verbal abuse, with the most common
      perpetrators being fellow physicians of higher hierarchical power. Mistreatment
      exists due to its cyclical nature and the existing culture of medical training.
      These disruptive behaviors affect the wellbeing of both medical residents and
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: This article highlights the importance of creating systems
      that educate physicians-in-training about professional mistreatment by bullying
      and the imperative in recognizing and correcting these abuses. Resident bullying
      leads to increased resident stress, decreased resident wellbeing as well as risks
      to patient safety and increased healthcare costs. Solutions include education of
      healthcare team members, committee creation, regulation of feedback, and creation
      of a zero-tolerance policy focused on the health of both patients and residents.
      Altering workplace attitudes will diminish the detrimental effects that bullying
      has on resident training.

PMID- 27117065
TI  - Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in elderly patients with unipolar depression -
      case control analysis.
AB  - AIM: C-reactive protein (CRP) is the major acute-phase plasma protein. Studies
      show that patients with depression have elevated levels of CRP. The aim of the
      study was to determine differences in CRP serum level in elderly patients with
      unipolar depression (DEP) compared with non-depressed elderly patients (nonDEP)
      using case-control analysis. METHODS: Serum level of CRP was measured in 404
      (DEP: n = 202, nonDEP: n = 202) Caucasian inpatients aged >=60 (350 women, 86.7%;
      mean age = 76.7 years). RESULTS: Mean CRP level in the study groups was: DEP 2.67
      +/- 2.56 mg/dL, nonDEP 2.41 +/- 2.19 mg/dL, the difference was not significant (p
      = 0.96). The overall rate of being above the high level of CRP (set at 3.0 mg/L)
      was 33.2% for DEP and 29.2% for nonDEP groups (p = 0.39). It was also found that,
      in the whole study group, CRP level was not correlated with age (p = 0.10).
      CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with depression have no increased CRP levels. A
      high percentage (~30%) of all subjects had a CRP level >3 mg/L, which is the cut
      off point for increased cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 27117067
TI  - Burden of allergy diets in Finnish day care reduced by change in practices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonessential allergy diets in children with mild symptoms may harm
      the development of immunological tolerance and impose a burden on families and
      day care. We aimed to reduce the high prevalence of allergy diets in day care by
      reforming the practices for inquiring about need of special diets from parents.
      METHODS: We developed a new special diet form and an information leaflet based on
      the new allergy guidelines. The new form was implemented into 40 Finnish day care
      centres in the capital region in 2013-2015. The questionnaires on practices
      concerning special diets in day care centres and allergy knowledge were collected
      from the personnel. RESULTS: After 2 years, the new special diet form was used by
      64% of families with food-allergic children, and the prevalence of allergy diets
      in day care centres decreased by 43% to 4.3% (IQ range 3.05-5.96). A significant
      decrease was found in the prevalence of all basic (milk, grains, egg) and most
      other allergy diets (P for trend < 0.01). The new practice was well accepted by
      day care and kitchen personnel. Lack of updated allergy knowledge was noted among
      day care personnel. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of allergy diets in day care settings
      could be decreased by simple pragmatic changes based on current allergy
      guidelines. Old allergy attitudes persisted among day care personnel, indicating
      the need for continuous education.

PMID- 27117064
TI  - Sleep abnormalities associated with alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and opiate use: a
      comprehensive review.
AB  - Sleep abnormalities are associated with acute and chronic use of addictive
      substances. Although sleep complaints associated with use and abstinence from
      addictive substances are widely recognized, familiarity with the underlying sleep
      abnormalities is often lacking, despite evidence that these sleep abnormalities
      may be recalcitrant and impede good outcomes. Substantial research has now
      characterized the abnormalities associated with acute and chronic use of alcohol,
      cannabis, cocaine, and opiates. This review summarizes this research and
      discusses the clinical implications of sleep abnormalities in the treatment of
      substance use disorders. 

PMID- 27117066
TI  - Methamphetamine alters microglial immune function through P2X7R signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Purinoceptors have emerged as mediators of chronic inflammation and
      neurodegenerative processes. The ionotropic purinoceptor P2X7 (P2X7R) is known to
      modulate proinflammatory signaling and integrate neuronal-glial circuits.
      Evidence of P2X7R involvement in neurodegeneration, chronic pain, and chronic
      inflammation suggests that purinergic signaling plays a major role in microglial
      activation during neuroinflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects
      of methamphetamine (METH) on microglial P2X7R. METHODS: ESdMs were used to
      evaluate changes in METH-induced P2X7R gene expression via Taqman PCR and protein
      expression via western blot analysis. Migration and phagocytosis assays were used
      to evaluate functional changes in ESdMs in response to METH treatment. METH
      induced proinflammatory cytokine production following siRNA silencing of P2X7R in
      ESdMs measured P2X7R-dependent functional changes. In vivo expression of P2X7R
      and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was visualized in an escalating METH dose mouse
      model via immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Stimulation of ESdMs with METH
      for 48 h significantly increased P2X7R mRNA (*p < 0.0336) and protein expression
      (*p < 0.022). Further analysis of P2X7R protein in cellular fractionations
      revealed increases in membrane P2X7R (*p < 0.05) but decreased cytoplasmic
      expression after 48 h METH treatment, suggesting protein mobilization from the
      cytoplasm to the membrane which occurs upon microglial stimulation with METH.
      Forty-eight hour METH treatment increased microglial migration towards
      Fractalkine (CX3CL1) compared to control (****p < 0.0001). Migration toward
      CX3CL1 was confirmed to be P2X7R-dependent through the use of A 438079, a P2X7R
      competitive antagonist, which reversed the METH effects (****p < 0.0001).
      Similarly, 48 h METH treatment increased microglial phagocytosis compared to
      control (****p < 0.0001), and pretreatment of P2X7R antagonist reduced METH
      induced phagocytosis (****p < 0.0001). Silencing the microglial P2X7R decreased
      TNF-alpha (*p < 0.0363) and IL-10 production after 48 h of METH treatment.
      Additionally, our studies demonstrate increased P2X7R and decreased TH expression
      in the striata of escalating dose METH animal model compared to controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study sheds new light on the functional role of P2X7R in the
      regulation of microglial effector functions during substance abuse. Our findings
      suggest that P2X7R plays an important role in METH-induced microglial activation
      responses. P2X7R antagonists may thus constitute a novel target of therapeutic
      utility in neuroinflammatory conditions by regulating pathologically activated
      glial cells in stimulant abuse.

PMID- 27117069
TI  - [Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adult community acquired pneumonia
      in China (2016 Edition)].

PMID- 27117070
TI  - [Implementation of a new guideline to minimize mistakes in the diagnosis and
      treatment of severe community acquired pneumonia].

PMID- 27117068
TI  - Neuroprotection of ischemic preconditioning is mediated by thioredoxin 2 in the
      hippocampal CA1 region following a subsequent transient cerebral ischemia.
AB  - Preconditioning by brief ischemic episode induces tolerance to a subsequent
      lethal ischemic insult, and it has been suggested that reactive oxygen species
      are involved in this phenomenon. Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), a small protein with redox
      regulating function, shows cytoprotective roles against oxidative stress. Here,
      we had focused on the role of Trx2 in ischemic preconditioning (IPC)-mediated
      neuroprotection against oxidative stress followed by a subsequent lethal
      transient cerebral ischemia. Animals used in this study were randomly assigned to
      six groups; sham-operated group, ischemia-operated group, IPC plus (+) sham
      operated group, IPC + ischemia-operated group, IPC + auranofin (a TrxR2
      inhibitor) + sham-operated group and IPC + auranofin + ischemia-operated group.
      IPC was subjected to a 2 minutes of sublethal transient ischemia 1 day prior to a
      5 minutes of lethal transient ischemia. A significant loss of neurons was found
      in the stratum pyramidale (SP) of the hippocampal CA1 region (CA1) in the
      ischemia-operated-group 5 days after ischemia-reperfusion; in the IPC + ischemia
      operated-group, pyramidal neurons in the SP were well protected. In the IPC +
      ischemia-operated-group, Trx2 and TrxR2 immunoreactivities in the SP and its
      protein level in the CA1 were not significantly changed compared with those in
      the sham-operated-group after ischemia-reperfusion. In addition, superoxide
      dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression, superoxide anion radical ( O2-) production,
      denatured cytochrome c expression and TUNEL-positive cells in the IPC + ischemia
      operated-group were similar to those in the sham-operated-group. Conversely, the
      treatment of auranofin to the IPC + ischemia-operated-group significantly
      increased cell damage/death and abolished the IPC-induced effect on Trx2 and
      TrxR2 expressions. Furthermore, the inhibition of Trx2R nearly cancelled the
      beneficial effects of IPC on SOD2 expression, O2- production, denatured
      cytochrome c expression and TUNEL-positive cells. In brief, this study shows that
      IPC conferred neuroprotection against ischemic injury by maintaining Trx2 and
      suggests that the maintenance or enhancement of Trx2 expression by IPC may be a
      legitimate strategy for therapeutic intervention of cerebral ischemia.

PMID- 27117071
TI  - [The effect of renal function change on the curative effect of antibiotics].

PMID- 27117072
TI  - [Development and clinical application of new antibiotics for treatment of
      community aquired pneumonia].

PMID- 27117073
TI  - [The indications for glucocorticoids in treating community-acquired pneumonia in
      adults: a meta-analysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common pulmonary infectious
      disease. Glucocorticoids (GCS) as one of the most powerful anti-inflammation
      drugs, are still the most controversial adjuvant therapy in treating CAP. Which
      sub-groups of CAP patients would benefit from GCS is a debating topic. Our aim of
      this study is to find the indications for GCS in treating adult CAP patients by
      using meta-analysis. METHOD: "Steroids, glucocorticoids, corticosteroids,
      hydrocortisone, prednisone, cortisol, methylprednisolone,
      dexamethasone"and"community-acquired pneumonia"were used as key words both in
      Chinese and English to search all published literature in Pubmed, EMBASE MEDLINE,
      Cochrane, CNKI and Wanfang Database until March 2015. RESULTS: All 840 articles
      were reviewed, and 11 high quality randomized clinical trials involving 1942
      adult CAP patients were included in this meta-analysis. Using GCS did not
      significantly reduce mortality in all CAP patients (OR=0.68, 95%CI 0.46-0.99,
      P=0.04). But in the subgroup analysis, patients with severe CAP benefited from
      GCS treatment (OR=0.35, 95%CI 0.17-0.75, P=0.007). GCS also increased the risk of
      hyperglycemia (OR=1.99, 95%CI 1.50-2.65, P<0.000 01). CONCLUSION: RESULTS from
      this meta-analysis suggested that GCS should only be rigorously used in severe
      CAP patients.

PMID- 27117074
TI  - [Gene typing and antibiotic resistance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus isolated from lower respiratory tract at two hospitals in Shanghai].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the genotyping characteristics and antibiotic resistance of
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) isolated from lower respiratory
      tract at 2 different level hospitals in Shanghai. METHODS: The subjects included
      155 patients at Ruijin Hospital and Tongren Hospital between January 2013 and
      June 2014, including 108 males and 47 females, with a mean age of 67.8+/-16.5.
      The 155 MRSA strains were isolated from lower respiratory tract specimens and
      multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and spa typing were analyzed by the PCR method.
      The antimicrobial resistance of MRSA was tested by VITEK-32. Fisher's exact test
      was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Among the 155 strains, 28 MLST-spa
      molecular types were identified, of which ST764-t002(41.29%), ST239-t037(17.42%)
      and ST239-t030(10.32%) were the most predominant types. The MRSA strains were
      susceptible to linezolid, vancomycin and teicoplanin, and also had a lower
      resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and rifampin, with a susceptible rate
      of 83.9% and 83.2% respectively, but were highly resistant to other antibiotics.
      The resistance rate of ST239-t037 to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was higher
      than that of other types, and the resistance rate of ST239-t030 to rifampin was
      higher than that of other types, the differences being significant(P<0.001). The
      mean length of hospital stay of the 155 patients was (97+/-84) days, and
      mechanical ventilation were used in 78(50.3%) patients, while 108(69.7%))patients
      received invasive procedures. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were used in 136 (87.1%)
      patients. There were differences in age, hospitalization days, smoking history,
      history of COPD, mechanical ventilation, and operation between the 2
      hospitals(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Most of the MRSA strains at Ruijin Hospital and
      Tongren Hospital between January 2013 and June 2014 were multi-drug resistant,
      and the susceptibility spectrum of different genotypes was different.

PMID- 27117075
TI  - [The clinical analysis of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for adult severe
      acute respiratory distress syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical experience and associated factors of
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO) for adult patients with severe acute
      respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). METHODS: The clinical data of 58 adult
      patients with severe ARDS, which met the criteria for ECMO and treated in
      comprehensive intensive care unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou
      University from August 2012 to June 2015, were retrospectively collected and
      analyzed. The patients were divided into the ECMO group and the control group
      according to whether ECMO support was used. The ECMO group was further divided
      into the survival group and the non-survival group according to outcomes 3 months
      after the initiation of ECMO. The statistics software of SPSS 17.0 was used for
      data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 58 patients, 28 were treated with VV-ECMO. There
      were 22 males and 6 females, aged from 34 to 61 years, with a mean age of (49+/
      8) years. Mean time of mechanical ventilation before ECMO therapy was(71+/-25) h.
      The main factors(the lowest PaO2/FiO2 and pH, the highest PEEP, PaCO2 and serum
      lactate level, the grade of APACHEII, Murray and SOFA) between the ECMO group and
      the control group were not significantly different(all P>0.05). There were no
      significant differences in the factors before therapy(all P>0.05), except pH,
      heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) between the ECMO survival group
      and the ECMO non-survival group. Compared with the factors at the same time point
      in the control group, those of the ECMO group were significantly improved after
      ECMO running 2 hours and 1 day (all P<0.05). Most factors of the ECMO group were
      also significantly improved after ECMO running 2 days (all P<0.05) except MAP;
      the MAP of the ECMO non-survival group being lower than the control group
      (t=2.433, P=0.019). After ECMO running 3 days, most factors of the ECMO survival
      group were better than those of the control group (all P<0.05) except MAP, but
      most factors between the ECMO non-survival group and the control group were not
      significantly different (all P>0.05), while the serum lactate level was higher
      (t=-3.156, P=0.003) and the MAP lower (t=3.578, P=0.001). Eighteen patients were
      successfully weaned from ECMO, and 15 patients survived to 3 months without
      severe disability. The survival rate between the ECMO group and the control group
      was not significantly different(53.57% and 43.33%, chi(2)=0.608, P=0.436).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that VV-ECMO may be an effective life
      support treatment for severe ARDS and should be used as early as possible when
      the ECMO criteria are met. Indexes such as age, time of mechanical ventilation
      before ECMO therapy, time between disease onset and ECMO therapy, HR, MAP, serum
      lactate level and serum procalcitonin level, may be the risk factors for
      prognosis.

PMID- 27117078
TI  - [The application of quick pathogen detection in community-acquired pneumonia].

PMID- 27117076
TI  - [Risk factors for pulmonary embolism in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the risk factors for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in
      patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (AECOPD). METHODS: From November of 2009 to May of 2014, 522 admitted patients
      [aged 42-93 years, mean(72+/-9)] with AECOPD received CT pulmonary
      angiography(CTPA) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical
      University. The patients were classified as PE positive (positive result on CTPA)
      or PE negative (negative results on CTPA), and related risk factors for PE were
      analyzed. RESULTS: The frequency of PE was 10.3% in this series of 522 patients
      with AECOPD. Single factor analysis showed that the following factors were
      significantly different (chi(2)=4.32-57.06, mean P<0.05)between PE positive and
      PE negative groups: age>=70 years, immobilization>=3 days, deep vein
      thrombosis(DVT) and a history of venous thromboembolism(VTE), cor pulmonale
      caused by COPD, pneumonia, stroke, artery embolization, atrial fibrillation,
      lower extremity edema, the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT
      proBNP) and D-dimmer. Multiple regression analysis showed that immobilization >=3
      days(OR=25.36, 95%CI: 7.42-86.69, P<0.001), lower extremity edema(OR=7.34, 95%CI:
      3.43-15.71, P<0.001) and D-dimmer>=2 000 MUg/L(OR=10.10, 95%CI: 2.25-45.42,
      P=0.003) were the risk factors. The ratio for purulent sputum was 48.1%(26/54) in
      the PE positive group, and 42.6% (23/54) of the patients showed concurrent
      purulent sputum and increase of blood markers of infection. The frequency of
      purulent sputum between PE positive and PE negative groups was not different.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AECOPD admitted to hospital should be considered for
      the presence of PE if they had the risk factors of immobilization>=3 days, lower
      extremity edema and D-dimmer >=2 000 MUg/L.

PMID- 27117077
TI  - [Establishment and evaluation of a prognostic model for acute pulmonary
      embolism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors influencing the prognosis of patients with
      acute pulmonary embolism(PE) and to establish a prognostic model. METHODS: The
      clinical data of 331 patients (141 males and 190 females, aged 9 to 87 years )
      with acute PE in Fujian Hospital from January 2007 to September 2013 were
      analyzed. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used for
      selecting the independent prognostic factors for acute PE. Based on logistic
      regression analysis, a prognostic model for PE was established. RESULTS:
      Univariate analysis showed that statistically significant (all P<0.05) factors
      influencing the prognosis of PE were diabetes, tricuspid systolic murmur, body
      temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, aspartate aminotransferase,
      triglycerides, abnormal ECG, mechanical ventilation, circulatory failure during
      hospitalization, risk stratification of PE, types of treatment, and use of low
      molecular-weight heparin and Warfarin. Logistic regression analysis showed that
      recent (<1 month) operation or fracture, tricuspid systolic murmur, high
      triglyceride level, circulatory failure during hospitalization and mechanical
      ventilation were independent factors for poor prognosis of PE, while combined use
      of low-molecular-weight heparin and Warfarin was a protective factor for the
      prognosis of PE. The Fisher prognostic model equation was y=0.144+ 1.266x1+
      0.869x2+ 1.794x3-0.517x4+ 3.555x5+ 0.661x6. The accuracy of the Fisher
      discriminant function was 93.0%. CONCLUSION: Recent (<1 month) operation or
      fracture, tricuspid systolic murmur, high triglyceride level, shock during
      hospitalization and mechanical ventilation were signs of poor prognosis for PE,
      while combined use of low-molecular-weight heparin and Warfarin were beneficial
      for the prognosis. The discriminant function based on these data can be helpful
      for predicting the prognosis of patients with PE.

PMID- 27117079
TI  - [Research progress of the related genes of inflammatory response in obstructive
      sleep apnea syndrome].

PMID- 27117080
TI  - Anisotropic effective interactions and stack formation in mixtures of
      semiflexible ring polymers.
AB  - By means of extensive computer simulations, we investigate the formation of
      columnar structures (stacks) in concentrated solutions of semiflexible ring
      polymers. To characterize the stacks we employ an algorithm that identifies tube
      like structures in the simulation cell. Stacks are found both in the real system
      and in the fluid of soft disks interacting through the effective anisotropic pair
      potential derived for the rings [P. Poier et al., Macromolecules, 2015, 48, 4983
      4997]. Furthermore, we investigate binary mixtures of cluster-forming and non
      cluster-forming rings. We find that monodispersity is not a requirement for stack
      formation. The latter is found for a broad range of mixture compositions, though
      the columns in the mixtures exhibit important differences to those observed in
      the monodisperse case. We extend the anisotropic effective model to mixtures. We
      show that it correctly predicts stack formation and constitutes a significant
      improvement with respect to the usual isotropic effective description based only
      on macromolecular centers-of-mass. 

PMID- 27117081
TI  - Identification of risk factors for hospital admission using multiple-failure
      survival models: a toolkit for researchers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The UK population is ageing; improved understanding of risk factors
      for hospital admission is required. Linkage of the Hertfordshire Cohort Study
      (HCS) with Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data has created a multiple-failure
      survival dataset detailing the characteristics of 2,997 individuals at baseline
      (1998-2004, average age 66 years) and their hospital admissions (regarded as
      'failure events') over a 10 year follow-up. Analysis of risk factors using
      logistic regression or time to first event Cox modelling wastes information as an
      individual's admissions after their first are disregarded. Sophisticated analysis
      techniques are established to examine risk factors for admission in such datasets
      but are not commonly implemented. METHODS: We review analysis techniques for
      multiple-failure survival datasets (logistic regression; time to first event Cox
      modelling; and the Andersen and Gill [AG] and Prentice, Williams and Peterson
      Total Time [PWP-TT] multiple-failure models), outline their implementation in
      Stata, and compare their results in an analysis of housing tenure (a marker of
      socioeconomic position) as a risk factor for different types of hospital
      admission (any; emergency; elective; >7 days). The AG and PWP-TT models include
      full admissions histories in the analysis of risk factors for admission and
      account for within-subject correlation of failure times. The PWP-TT model is also
      stratified on the number of previous failure events, allowing an individual's
      baseline risk of admission to increase with their number of previous admissions.
      RESULTS: All models yielded broadly similar results: not owner-occupying one's
      home was associated with increased risk of hospital admission. Estimated effect
      sizes were smaller from the PWP-TT model in comparison with other models owing to
      it having accounted for an increase in risk of admission with number of previous
      admissions. For example, hazard ratios [HR] from time to first event Cox models
      were 1.67(95 % CI: 1.36,2.04) and 1.63(95 % CI:1.36,1.95) for not owner-occupying
      one's home in relation to risk of emergency admission or death among women and
      men respectively; corresponding HRs from the PWP-TT model were 1.34(95 %
      CI:1.15,1.56) for women and 1.23(95 % CI:1.07,1.41) for men. CONCLUSION: The PWP
      TT model may be implemented using routine statistical software and is recommended
      for the analysis of multiple-failure survival datasets which detail repeated
      hospital admissions among older people.

PMID- 27117082
TI  - Vkorc1 sequencing suggests anticoagulant resistance in rats in New Zealand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anticoagulant toxins are used globally to control rats. Resistance of
      Rattus species to these toxins now occurs in at least 18 countries in Europe,
      America and Asia. Resistance is often associated with single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Vkorc1 gene. This study gives a first overview of the
      distribution and frequency of Vkorc1 SNPs in rats in New Zealand. New Zealand is
      unusual in having no native rodents but three species of introduced Rattus -
      norvegicus Berk., rattus L. and exulans Peale. RESULTS: Sequence variants
      occurred in at least one species of rat at all 30 of the sites sampled. Three new
      SNPs were identified, one in kiore and two in ship rats. No SNPs previously
      associated with resistance were found in Norway rats or kiore, but seven ship
      rats were heterozygous and one homozygous for the A74T variant. Its resultant
      Tyr25Phe mutation has previously been associated with resistance to both first-
      and second-generation anticoagulants in ship rats in Spain. CONCLUSIONS: This is
      the first evidence of potential resistance to anticoagulant toxins in rats in New
      Zealand. Further testing using blood clotting response times in dosed rats is
      needed to confirm resistance potentially conferred by the Tyr25Phe mutation.
      Assessment is also needed of the potential of the other non-synonymous variants
      (Ala14Val, Ala26Val) recorded in this study to confer resistance to anticoagulant
      toxins. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27117085
TI  - Parents' perceptions of the services provided to children with cerebral palsy in
      the transition from preschool rehabilitation to school-based services.
AB  - AIM: To describe the course of parents' perceptions of the family centredness of
      rehabilitation services provided to their children with cerebral palsy (CP)
      before and after the transition from preschool to school-based services.
      BACKGROUND: Parents of 59 children with CP aged 2.5 to 4.5 years filled in the 56
      item Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC-56) on three occasions pre (2) and post
      (1) transition to school-based services. Friedman tests were used to describe
      changes in parents' perceptions over time. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to
      describe differences in course of parents' perceptions between regular school and
      special school or day care. RESULTS: Parents' perceptions of preschool services
      were stable between the ages of 2.5 and 3.5 years, with a decline after
      transition on four of the five domains of the MPOC (P < 0.05). The domain
      providing general information was scored lowest (median at baseline 3.56, IQR
      2.39) compared with the four other MPOC domains, but remained stable over time.
      No differences in course of parental perceptions were found for school type.
      CONCLUSION: The transition from preschool to school-based services for children
      with CP is associated with a decrease in parents' perception of family
      centredness independent of the type of school. The transition in services has a
      negative impact on perceived family-centred practices.

PMID- 27117086
TI  - Cytoxicity, dynamic and thermal properties of bio-based rosin-epoxy resin/ castor
      oil polyurethane/ carbon nanotubes bio-nanocomposites.
AB  - In order to prepare bio-nanocomposites with no-cytotoxicity, the rosin-based
      epoxy resin (MPAER) and castor oil-based polyurethane (COPU) were synthesized and
      carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was used to enhance the properties of curing MPAER/COPU
      materials. The curing reaction, dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of this
      system were characterized by FTIR, NMR, DMA, TG et al. The cytotoxicity of
      materials is evaluated for HeLa cells using a MTT cell-viability assay. The
      results showed that COPU can cure MPAER and CNTs can increase effectively the
      properties of MPAER/COPU nanocomposites. The Tg of MPAER/COPU/CNTs has the
      highest value when CNTs content is 0.4 wt%, which is 52.4  degrees C higher than
      the pure MPAER/COPU. Thermal stability of the nanocomposites is enhanced by the
      addition of CNTs, the initial decomposition temperature Td5 of the sample No. 0.4
      has increased from 284.5 to 305.2  degrees C, which is 20.7  degrees C higher
      than No. 0. The impact strength of the No. 0.4 film is 15 kg cm higher than the
      pure resin system. The survival rate of HeLa cells to the products is greater
      than 90% within 48 and 72 h, which demonstrate that this material has excellent
      biocompatibility and no obvious cytotoxicity for HeLa cells, which may be used in
      the medical treatment.

PMID- 27117087
TI  - Fingolimod modulates multiple neuroinflammatory markers in a mouse model of
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Sphingosine 1-phosphate (SP1) receptors may be attractive targets for modulation
      of inflammatory processes in neurodegenerative diseases. Recently fingolimod, a
      functional S1P1 receptor antagonist, was introduced for treatment of multiple
      sclerosis. We postulated that anti-inflammatory mechanisms of fingolimod might
      also be protective in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, we treated a mouse
      model of AD, the 5xFAD model, with two doses of fingolimod (1 and 5 mg/kg/day)
      and measured the response of numerous markers of Abeta pathology as well as
      inflammatory markers and neurochemistry using biochemical, immunohistochemistry
      and high resolution magic angle spinning magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).
      In mice at 3 months of age, we found that fingolimod decreased plaque density as
      well as soluble plus insoluble Abeta measured by ELISA. Fingolimod also decreased
      GFAP staining and the number of activated microglia. Taurine has been
      demonstrated to play a role as an endogenous anti-inflammatory molecule. Taurine
      levels, measured using MRS, showed a very strong inverse correlation with GFAP
      levels and ELISA measurements of Abeta, but not with plaque density or activated
      microglia levels. MRS also showed an effect of fingolimod on glutamate levels.
      Fingolimod at 1 mg/kg/day provided better neuroprotection than 5 mg/kg/day.
      Together, these data suggest a potential therapeutic role for fingolimod in AD.

PMID- 27117088
TI  - Semi-supervised clustering of fractionated electrograms for electroanatomical
      atrial mapping.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electrogram-guided ablation procedures have been proposed as an
      alternative strategy consisting of either mapping and ablating focal sources or
      targeting complex fractionated electrograms in atrial fibrillation (AF). However,
      the incomplete understanding of the mechanism of AF makes difficult the decision
      of detecting the target sites. To date, feature extraction from electrograms is
      carried out mostly based on the time-domain morphology analysis and non-linear
      features. However, their combination has been reported to achieve better
      performance. Besides, most of the inferring approaches applied for identifying
      the levels of fractionation are supervised, which lack of an objective
      description of fractionation. This aspect complicates their application on EGM
      guided ablation procedures. METHODS: This work proposes a semi-supervised
      clustering method of four levels of fractionation. In particular, we make use of
      the spectral clustering that groups a set of widely used features extracted from
      atrial electrograms. We also introduce a new atrial-deflection-based feature to
      quantify the fractionated activity. Further, based on the sequential forward
      selection, we find the optimal subset that provides the highest performance in
      terms of the cluster validation. The method is tested on external validation of a
      labeled database. The generalization ability of the proposed training approach is
      tested to aid semi-supervised learning on unlabeled dataset associated with
      anatomical information recorded from three patients. RESULTS: A joint set of four
      extracted features, based on two time-domain morphology analysis and two non
      linear dynamics, are selected. To discriminate between four considered levels of
      fractionation, validation on a labeled database performs a suitable accuracy
      (77.6 %). Results show a congruence value of internal validation index among
      tested patients that is enough to reconstruct the patterns over the atria to
      located critical sites with the benefit of avoiding previous manual
      classification of AF types. CONCLUSIONS: To the best knowledge of the authors,
      this is the first work reporting semi-supervised clustering for distinguishing
      patterns in fractionated electrograms. The proposed methodology provides high
      performance for the detection of unknown patterns associated with critical EGM
      morphologies. Particularly, obtained results of semi-supervised training show the
      advantage of demanding fewer labeled data and less training time without
      significantly compromising accuracy. This paper introduces a new method,
      providing an objective scheme that enables electro-physiologist to recognize the
      diverse EGM morphologies reliably.

PMID- 27117089
TI  - FET proteins regulate lifespan and neuronal integrity.
AB  - The FET protein family includes FUS, EWS and TAF15 proteins, all of which have
      been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal neurodegenerative disease
      affecting motor neurons. Here, we show that a reduction of FET proteins in the
      nematode Caenorhabditis elegans causes synaptic dysfunction accompanied by
      impaired motor phenotypes. FET proteins are also involved in the regulation of
      lifespan and stress resistance, acting partially through the insulin/IGF
      signalling pathway. We propose that FET proteins are involved in the maintenance
      of lifespan, cellular stress resistance and neuronal integrity.

PMID- 27117090
TI  - Effects of germination season on life history traits and on transgenerational
      plasticity in seed dormancy in a cold desert annual.
AB  - The maternal environment can influence the intensity of seed dormancy and thus
      seasonal germination timing and post-germination life history traits. We tested
      the hypotheses that germination season influences phenotypic expression of post
      germination life history traits in the cold desert annual Isatis violascens and
      that plants from autumn- and spring-germinating seeds produce different
      proportions of seeds with nondeep and intermediate physiological dormancy (PD).
      Seeds were sown in summer and flexibility in various life history traits
      determined for plants that germinated in autumn and in spring. A higher
      percentage of spring- than of autumn-germinating plants survived the seedling
      stage, and all surviving plants reproduced. Number of silicles increased with
      plant size (autumn- > spring-germinating plants), whereas percent dry mass
      allocated to reproduction was higher in spring- than in autumn-germinating
      plants. Autumn-germinating plants produced proportionally more seeds with
      intermediate PD than spring-germinating plants, while spring-germinating plants
      produced proportionally more seeds with nondeep PD than autumn-germinating
      plants. Flexibility throughout the life history and transgenerational plasticity
      in seed dormancy are adaptations of I. violascens to its desert habitat. Our
      study is the first to demonstrate that autumn- and spring-germinating plants in a
      species population differ in proportion of seeds produced with different levels
      of PD.

PMID- 27117083
TI  - The impact of PICALM genetic variations on reserve capacity of posterior
      cingulate in AD continuum.
AB  - Phosphatidylinositolbinding clathrin assembly protein (PICALM) gene is one novel
      genetic player associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), based on
      recent genome wide association studies (GWAS). However, how it affects AD
      occurrence is still unknown. Brain reserve hypothesis highlights the tolerant
      capacities of brain as a passive means to fight against neurodegenerations. Here,
      we took the baseline volume and/or thickness of LOAD-associated brain regions as
      proxies of brain reserve capacities and investigated whether PICALM genetic
      variations can influence the baseline reserve capacities and the longitudinal
      atrophy rate of these specific regions using data from Alzheimer's Disease
      Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset. In mixed population, we found that brain
      region significantly affected by PICALM genetic variations was majorly restricted
      to posterior cingulate. In sub-population analysis, we found that one PICALM
      variation (C allele of rs642949) was associated with larger baseline thickness of
      posterior cingulate in health. We found seven variations in health and two
      variations (rs543293 and rs592297) in individuals with mild cognitive impairment
      were associated with slower atrophy rate of posterior cingulate. Our study
      provided preliminary evidences supporting that PICALM variations render
      protections by facilitating reserve capacities of posterior cingulate in non
      demented elderly.

PMID- 27117093
TI  - Energetics of nonpolar and polar compounds in cationic, anionic, and nonionic
      micelles studied by all-atom molecular dynamics simulation combined with a theory
      of solutions.
AB  - Energetic analysis was conducted for nonpolar and polar solutes bound in a
      cationic micelle of dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB), an anionic micelle
      of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and a nonionic micelle of tetraethylene glycol
      monododecyl ether (Brij30). All-atom molecular dynamics simulation was performed,
      and the free energies of binding the solutes in the hydrophobic-core and
      headgroup regions of the micelles were computed using the energy-representation
      method. It was found in all the micelles examined that aromatic naphthalene is
      preferably located more outward than aliphatic propane and that the polar solutes
      are localized at the interface of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions. The
      roles of the surfactant and water were then elucidated by decomposing the free
      energy into the contributions from the respective species. Water was observed to
      play a decisive role in determining the binding location of the solute, while the
      surfactant was found to be more important for the overall stabilization of the
      solute within the micelle. The effects of attractive and repulsive interactions
      of the solute with the surfactant and water were further examined, and their
      competition was analyzed in connection with the preferable location of the solute
      in the micellar system.

PMID- 27117091
TI  - Intrinsic Connectivity Provides the Baseline Framework for Variability in Motor
      Performance: A Multivariate Fusion Analysis of Low- and High-Frequency Resting
      State Oscillations and Antisaccade Performance.
AB  - Intrinsic brain activity provides the functional framework for the brain's full
      repertoire of behavioral responses; that is, a common mechanism underlies
      intrinsic and extrinsic neural activity, with extrinsic activity building upon
      the underlying baseline intrinsic activity. The generation of a motor movement in
      response to sensory stimulation is one of the most fundamental functions of the
      central nervous system. Since saccadic eye movements are among our most
      stereotyped motor responses, we hypothesized that individual variability in the
      ability to inhibit a prepotent saccade and make a voluntary antisaccade would be
      related to individual variability in intrinsic connectivity. Twenty-three
      individuals completed the antisaccade task and resting-state functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI). A multivariate analysis of covariance identified
      relationships between fMRI oscillations (0.01-0.2 Hz) of resting-state networks
      determined using high-dimensional independent component analysis and antisaccade
      performance (latency, error rate). Significant multivariate relationships between
      antisaccade latency and directional error rate were obtained in independent
      components across the entire brain. Some of the relationships were obtained in
      components that overlapped substantially with the task; however, many were
      obtained in components that showed little overlap with the task. The current
      results demonstrate that even in the absence of a task, spectral power in regions
      showing little overlap with task activity predicts an individual's performance on
      a saccade task.

PMID- 27117092
TI  - Allosteric Control of Icosahedral Capsid Assembly.
AB  - During the life cycle of a virus, viral proteins and other components self
      assemble to form an ordered protein shell called a capsid. This assembly process
      is subject to multiple competing constraints, including the need to form a
      thermostable shell while avoiding kinetic traps. It has been proposed that viral
      assembly satisfies these constraints through allosteric regulation, including the
      interconversion of capsid proteins among conformations with different
      propensities for assembly. In this article, we use computational and theoretical
      modeling to explore how such allostery affects the assembly of icosahedral
      shells. We simulate assembly under a wide range of protein concentrations,
      protein binding affinities, and two different mechanisms of allosteric control.
      We find that above a threshold strength of allosteric control, assembly becomes
      robust over a broad range of subunit binding affinities and concentrations,
      allowing the formation of highly thermostable capsids. Our results suggest that
      allostery can significantly shift the range of protein binding affinities that
      lead to successful assembly and thus should be taken into account in models that
      are used to estimate interaction parameters from experimental data.

PMID- 27117094
TI  - [The role of IRA B cells in selected inflammatory processes].
AB  - The first report about the discovery of new, previously unknown immune cells
      named IRA B cells (innate response activator B cells) appeared in 2012. So far,
      their presence has been verified in both mice and humans. However, IRA B cells
      belong to the family of B lymphocytes and have a number of characteristics unique
      to this group of cells. IRA B cells are formed from activated B1a lymphocytes
      after their contact with a pathogen. B1a lymphocytes mainly reside within body
      cavities. Activated by the pathogen, they move on into secondary lymphoid organs
      (spleen, lymph nodes) where they differentiate into IRA B cells. IRA B cells are
      a rich source of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). GM
      CSF can stimulate IRA B cells in an autocrine manner for the secretion of
      intracellular stocks of immunoglobulin M (IgM), which can facilitate pathogens'
      phagocytosis by neutrophils. GM-CSF also stimulates neutrophils into active
      phagocytosis. Rapid eradication of the pathogen can prevent the development of an
      excessive inflammatory response, which can be dangerous for the organism. Until
      now the involvement of IRA B lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of sepsis and
      pneumonia has been proven, as well as their role in the progression of
      atherosclerotic lesions in mice. There is research in progress on the possibility
      of increasing the number of IRA B cells, for example by intravenous supply of
      modified immunoglobulins. It is necessary to characterize human IRA B cells and
      to determine their role in the functioning of the immune system. 

PMID- 27117095
TI  - [Liposomes as non-viral carriers for genetic drugs].
AB  - Methods in cancer therapy particularly in recent years, are rapidly changing, due
      to the need of design of new, more effective therapeutic strategies. Very
      promising approach to treatment of the neoplastic diseases is antisense gene
      therapy. Due to the low toxicity of treatment and eliminating not only the
      symptoms but also the molecular causes of the disease it may represent a
      breakthrough in cancer therapies. Delivery of a therapeutic DNA or RNA
      oligonucleotides to the target cells in vivo requires suitable carrier system.
      Non-viral drug carriers are increasingly used in new systems of targeted gene
      therapy. This review presents new generation of non-viral carriers, and is
      focused on immunoliposomes finding potential application in targeted gene
      therapy. 

PMID- 27117096
TI  - Wegener's granulomatosis and pyoderma gangrenosum--rare causes of facial
      ulcerations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is caused by immune system dysfunction, and
      particularly improper functioning of neutrophils. At least half of all PG
      patients also suffer from autoimmunological diseases, one of which is Wegener
      granulomatosis (WG). The purpose of this article was to compare cases of patients
      with WG and PG in terms of their clinical course, histopathology, and applied
      treatment. In both, histopathological features are not fully distinct. Data from
      microbiological and immunological evaluation and clinical presentation are
      required to establish the diagnosis. We also present the case of a patient with
      WG and deep facial skin lesions not responding to standard treatment. METHODS:
      Systematic review of the literature in PubMed using the search terms "Wegener
      granulomatosis AND Pyoderma gangrenosum" and case report. RESULTS: The finding of
      22 reports in the literature (PubMed) suggests that it is a rare phenomenon. This
      study revealed a similar rate of comorbidity of WG and PG in both genders and an
      increased incidence of both diseases after the age of 50. Among skin lesions
      there was a dominance of ulceration, most often deep and painful, covering a
      large area with the presence of advanced necrosis and destruction of the
      surrounding tissue. The most common location proved to be the cervical-cephalic
      area. The most popular treatment included steroids with cyclophosphamide.
      DISCUSSION: The rarity of the coexistence of these two diseases results in a lack
      of effective therapy. In such cases sulfone derivatives are still effective and
      provide an alternative to standard immunosuppression methods. Hyperbaric therapy
      and plasmapheresis can also play an important complementary role.

PMID- 27117097
TI  - [Aspartate aminotransferase--key enzyme in the human systemic metabolism].
AB  - Aspartate aminotransferase is an organ-nonspecific enzyme located in many tissues
      of the human body where it catalyzes reversible reaction of transamination. There
      are two aspartate aminotransferase isoforms--cytoplasmic (AST1) and mitochondrial
      (AST2), that usually occur together and interact with each other metabolically.
      Both isoforms are homodimers containing highly conservative regions responsible
      for catalytic properties of enzyme. The common feature of all aspartate
      aminotransfeses is Lys - 259 residue covalent binding with prosthetic group -
      pyridoxal phosphate. The differences in the primary structure of AST isoforms
      determine their physico-chemical, kinetic and immunological properties. Because
      of the low concentration of L-aspartate (L-Asp) in the blood, AST is the only
      enzyme, which supply of this amino acid as a substrate for many metabolic
      processes, such as urea cycle or purine and pyrimidine nucleotides in the liver,
      synthesis of L-arginine in the kidney and purine nucleotide cycle in the brain
      and the skeletal muscle. AST is also involved in D-aspartate production that
      regulates the metabolic activity at the auto-, para- and endocrine level.
      Aspartate aminotransferase is a part of the malate-aspartate shuttle in the
      myocardium, is involved in gluconeogenesis in the liver and kidney,
      glyceroneogenesis in the adipose tissue, and synthesis of neurotransmitters and
      neuro-glial pathway in the brain. Recently, the significant role of AST in
      glutaminolysis - normal metabolic pathway in tumor cells, was demonstrated. The
      article is devoted the role of AST, known primarily as a diagnostic liver enzyme,
      in metabolism of various human tissues and organs.

PMID- 27117098
TI  - [Molecular bases of cellular senescence: Hayflick phenomenon 50 years later].
AB  - Normal human somatic cells have strictly limited proliferative capacity and reach
      a state of senescence when it becomes exhausted. It is believed that senescence
      is a response to extensive and irreparable DNA injury, localized in telomeric
      and/or non-telomeric regions of the genome. Main cause of this damage is
      oxidative stress, increasing due to deteriorated function of mitochondria.
      Senescent cells accumulate in tissues during aging, which is causatively linked
      with the development of various pathologies in elderly individuals, including
      cancer. This paper, prepared exactly 50 years after Leonard Hayflick's discovery
      of the relationship between cellular senescence and organismal aging is aimed at
      presenting the current knowledge about molecular determinants of senescence, with
      particular emphasis paid to the role of oxidative stress, effectors of senescence
      at the level of cell cycle, markers of this phenomenon, and the effect of
      senescent cells on the development of certain age-related diseases. 

PMID- 27117099
TI  - The role of endogenous cardiotonic steroids in pathogenesis of cardiovascular and
      renal complications of arterial hypertension.
AB  - Endogenous cardiotonic steroids (CTS), also called digitalis-like factors, are a
      group of steroid hormones linking high salt intake and elevated blood pressure
      and in part responsible for target organ damage in arterial hypertension. CTS act
      primarily through their ability to inhibit the ubiquitous transport enzyme sodium
      potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATPase). A portion of Na+/K+-ATPase
      does not seem to actively "pump" sodium and potassium but is closely associated
      with other key signaling proteins. Plasma concentration and urine excretion of
      CTS are increased in experimental models with volume expansion and on a high salt
      diet. Elevated plasma concentration of marinobufagenin has been shown in volume
      expanded states such as essential hypertension, primary aldosteronism, chronic
      renal failure, congestive heart failure and pregnancy. In experimental models
      marinobufagenin induces heart and kidney fibrosis to the same extent as observed
      in uremia. Neutralization of marinobufagenin with antibodies prevents such heart
      remodeling. Expanding our understanding of this new class of hormones may lead to
      development of novel and effective therapeutic strategies in hypertensive
      patients with renal and cardiovascular complications.

PMID- 27117100
TI  - [Immunological markers of rheumatoid arthritis].
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common connective tissue disease of
      autoimmune origin. The disease is characterized by chronic inflammation leading
      to bone erosions and organ involvement. RA is a progressive disease. It affects
      the quality of life, leading to disability and death mainly due to premature
      cardiovascular disease. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential
      for prognosis and quality of life improvement. In 2010 the American College of
      Rheumatology (ACR) and The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) established
      new RA classification criteria. Besides clinical symptoms it includes two
      immunologic criteria: rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein
      antibodies (anti-CCP antibodies). RF is the first well-known RA immunologic
      marker. It is observed in 80-85% of patients with RA. Elevated serum level of RF
      has been associated with increased disease activity, radiographic progression,
      and the presence of extraarticular manifestations. The sensitivity of RF is 50
      90%, and specificity is 50-95%. Anti-CCP antibodies appear to be a more specific
      marker than RF. They are often present at the very beginning of the disease, or
      even years before the first symptoms. The prognostic value of anti-CCP antibodies
      is well established. High serum level of anti-CCP correlates with poor prognosis
      and early erosions of the joints. The sensitivity of anti-CCP2 is 48-80%, and
      specificity is 96-98%. New immunologic markers include anti-carbamylated protein
      antibodies (anti-CarP) and antibodies against heterogeneous nuclear
      ribonucleoproteins (anti-hnRNP A2/B1, RA33). Scientists aim to identify a highly
      sensitive and specific biomarker of the disease that not only has diagnostic and
      prognostic value but also may predict the response to treatment. 

PMID- 27117101
TI  - EGFR and Bcl-2 in gastric mucosa of children infected with Helicobacter pylori.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of EGFR and Bcl-2 proteins as
      inhibitory markers of apoptosis in surface epithelial cells and gland cells of
      antral gastric mucosa in children infected with Helicobacter pylori according to
      the severity and activity of antral gastritis and to assess the correlation
      between the number of cells expressing EGFR and the number of cells expressing
      Bcl-2 in H. pylori infected children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included
      44 children: 68.2% with chronic gastritis and positive IgG against H. pylori, and
      31.8% with functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and with normal IgG
      against H. pylori. The evaluation of EGFR expression in gastric mucosa was
      performed immunohistochemically using monoclonal mouse anti-EGFR antibody. The
      polyclonal antibody was used to determine the expression of anti-Bcl-2. RESULTS:
      A significant increase in the number of cells expressing EGFR and Bcl-2 protein
      was found in the epithelial cells in severe as well as mild and moderate
      gastritis in the group of children infected with H. pylori. An increase in the
      number of cells expressing EGFR and Bcl-2 protein was also found in the
      epithelial cells in group I according to the activity of gastritis. There was a
      statistically significant positive correlation between the numbers of cells
      expressing EGFR and Bcl-2 in H. pylori infected children. CONCLUSION: Increased
      expression of EGFR and Bcl-2 proteins in the epithelial cells and a statistically
      significant positive correlation between the numbers of cells expressing EGFR and
      Bcl-2 in H. pylori infected children could suggest increased regeneration
      abilities of gastric mucosa.

PMID- 27117102
TI  - DNA damage and apoptosis in blood neutrophils of inflammatory bowel disease
      patients and in Caco-2 cells in vitro exposed to betanin.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic, relapsing, inflammatory disorders
      of the gastrointestinal tract, and continuing colonic inflammation is considered
      an important risk factor in the development of colorectal cancer. Our previous
      studies showed that beetroot (Beta vulgaris var. rubra) products and their major
      component betanin modulate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and DNA
      damage in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) stimulated human
      polymorphonuclear neutrophils of healthy volunteers. The aim of the present study
      was to evaluate the effects of betanin on the oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis
      in neutrophils isolated from blood of patients with inflammatory bowel disease-
      ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The results were compared with
      those obtained in colon carcinoma-derived Caco-2 cells. Betanin treatment at the
      concentration of 100 MUM for 24 h increased DNA damage assessed by comet assay in
      IBD patients' neutrophils. A similar effect although less pronounced was observed
      in Caco-2 cells. Treatment of Caco-2 cells with H2O2 caused a 4-fold increase of
      DNA strand breaks in comparison to untreated cells, but pre-treatment with
      betanin reduced DNA damage in these cells. Betanin also induced procaspase-3
      cleavage and caspase-3 activity accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial
      transmembrane potential, indicating its pro-apoptotic activity. These results
      suggest that betanin may support mechanisms that lead to the release of ROS and
      apoptotic cell death. In this way betanin may exert anti-inflammatory and
      potentially cancer preventive activity.

PMID- 27117103
TI  - Evaluation of serum chemokine RANTES concentration as a biomarker in the
      diagnosis of early-onset severe infections in neonates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Only a few studies on improving the early diagnosis of severe neonatal
      infections have focused on the role of serum RANTES concentration (sRC). The aim
      of the study was to establish sRC in neonates with early-onset infections,
      according to their gestational age, sex, birth asphyxia, mode of delivery and
      value of some biochemical and hematological parameters. MATERIAL/METHODS: The
      analysis comprised 129 neonates, including 89 infected (52 preterm, 37 full-term;
      43 with sepsis, 39 with congenital pneumonia, 7 with severe urinary tract
      infection) and 40 healthy (control group, 25 full-term, 15 preterm). The sRC in
      peripheral vein blood was measured by the ELISA method using Quantikine Set (R &
      D systems, USA). RESULTS: The sRC in infected neonates ranged from 10.83 to
      122.55 MUg/ml, in full-term neonates from 18.28 to 122.55 MUg/ml, and in preterm
      from 10.83 to 118.24 MUg/ml. The mean sRCs in full-term septic neonates (73.95+/
      25.99 MUg/ml) and with organ infections (58.43+/-29.24 MUg/ml) were significantly
      higher than healthy ones (28.25+/-14.06 MUg/ml). The mean sRCs in septic preterm
      neonates (59.17+/-28.29 MUg/ml) and those with organ infections (50.86+/-28.16)
      were significantly higher than in healthy preterm neonates (25.61+/-8.29 MUg/ml).
      Positive correlations between sRC and CRP value (r=0.3014, p=0.004) and between
      sRC and band cell count (r=0.2489, p=0.019) were found in all infected neonates.
      CONCLUSION: The significant increase of serum RANTES concentration in early-onset
      infections in neonates, regardless of their gestational age, sex and birth
      asphyxia, not only proves the presence of an active immunological process but
      also may be a useful biomarker for diagnosis of severe neonatal infections.

PMID- 27117104
TI  - [PARP1 inhibitors: contemporary attempts at their use in anticancer therapy and
      future perspective].
AB  - Current cancer therapies are based mainly on the use of compounds that cause DNA
      damage. Unfortunately, even the combination therapies do not give rewarding
      effects, due to the high efficiency of DNA damage repair mechanisms in tumor
      cells. Therefore, the present studies should be focused on proteins that are
      involved in DNA repair systems. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 is an example of a
      protein commonly known as an enzyme that plays a role in the detection of DNA
      damage and repair. Activation of PARP1 in response to DNA damage leads to poly
      ADP-ribosylation of proteins contributing to DNA repair systems, therefore
      facilitating the maintenance of genome stability. On the other hand, inhibition
      of PARP1 enzyme results in the accumulation of DNA damage, which in turn
      contributes to cell death. Studies on inhibitors of PARP1 are still ongoing, and
      some of them are currently in the third phase of clinical trials. To date, only
      one representative of the PARP1 inhibitors, called olaparib, has been approved
      for anti-cancer therapy in the EU and the USA. Moreover, a growing body of
      evidence indicates a role of this protein in various intracellular processes such
      as bioenergetics, proliferation, regulation of gene expression, cell death as
      well as immunoregulation. A number of different intracellular processes regulated
      by PARP1 give rise to potential wider use of PARP1 inhibitors in treatment of
      other diseases, including immune or autoimmune disorders. 

PMID- 27117105
TI  - Explaining the Decrease in Deaths from Cardiovascular Disease in Poland. The Top
      Down Risk Assessment Approach, from Policy to Health Impact.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper was to assess the relations between policy
      and health outcome SETTING: The CVD mortality rate in Poland over the past two
      decades has decreased by about 40%. It was the highest decrease among Central and
      Eastern European countries and also exceptional on a global scale. DESIGN: Key
      determinants which can account for these phenomena include CVD-related life style
      factors, better environmental indicators, and better access to medical
      technologies and to pharmacological treatment. Health policy played a vital role.
      METHODS: The study was based on an extensive literature review, documentation
      analysis and questionnaire survey research. The top-down risk assessment approach
      model was implemented, which followed the logical pathway between the policy,
      health determinants, risk factors and health outcome. RESULTS: Several national
      public health programs have been implemented since the beginning of the 1990s.
      The National Health Fund has constantly increased the expenditures on cardiology
      treatment. The number of invasive cardiology units has increased, as has the
      number of coronarography and angioplasty procedures in the same period.
      CONCLUSIONS: The significant mortality decrease can indicate to policy makers
      that it is necessary to prioritize policies to manage effective, innovative
      medical interventions. Topdown policy risk assessment is a useful methodological
      tool to present the full chain of interactions.

PMID- 27117106
TI  - Markers of inflammation, activation of blood platelets and coagulation disorders
      in inflammatory bowel diseases.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
      It is a group of chronic disorders characterized by inflammation of the
      gastrointestinal track with unknown etiology. Currently applied biomarkers
      include CRP, ESR, pANCA, ASCA, and fecal calprotectin. The etiopathogenesis of
      IBD is multifactorial. In patients with IBD in inflamed alimentary tract mucosa
      the number of recruited monocytes and activated macrophages which are source of
      cytokines. In IBD, the exacerbation is accompanied by thrombocytosis. Platelets
      play a crucial role in the hemostasis and inflammatory response. Selectins, which
      regulates the hemostasis and inflammatory response, stimulates the secretion of
      many inflammatory mediators such as beta-thromboglobuline, CD40L, fibrinogen, IL
      1beta, platelet factor-4. In the course of IBD the following changes are
      observed: an increase in the number of platelets (reactive thrombocytosis), PDW
      and PCT, reduction in MPV, increased production and excretion of granular content
      products (P-selectin, GP53, beta-TG, PF-4, vWF, fibrinolytic inhibitors). 

PMID- 27117107
TI  - [Influenza surveillance].
AB  - Influenza surveillance was established in 1947. From this moment WHO (World
      Health Organization) has been coordinating international cooperation, with a goal
      of monitoring influenza virus activity, effective diagnostic of the circulating
      viruses and informing society about epidemics or pandemics, as well as about
      emergence of new subtypes of influenza virus type A. Influenza surveillance is an
      important task, because it enables people to prepare themselves for battle with
      the virus that is constantly mutating, what leads to circulation of new and often
      more virulent strains of influenza in human population. As vaccination is the
      most effective method of fighting the virus, one of the major tasks of GISRS is
      developing an optimal antigenic composition of the vaccine for the current
      epidemic season. European Influenza Surveillance Network (EISN) has also
      developed over the years. EISN is running integrated epidemiological and
      virological influenza surveillance, to provide appropriate data to public health
      experts in member countries, to enable them undertaking relevant activities based
      on the current information about influenza activity. In close cooperation with
      GISRS and EISN are National Influenza Centres--national institutions designated
      by the Ministry of Health in each country.

PMID- 27117108
TI  - Intracellular glutathione level and efflux in human melanoma and cervical cancer
      cells differing in doxorubicin resistance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Drug resistance continues to be a major problem in cancer
      treatment. Occurrence of this phenomenon is often associated with altered levels
      of glutathione (GSH) and GSH-related enzymes. The aim of the study was to
      evaluate the possible involvement of GSH and GSH-related enzymes in doxorubicin
      (DOX) resistance in two types of cancer cells of different etiology, from both
      parental and DOX-resistant sublines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The human melanoma
      (ME18 and ME18/R) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa and KB-V1) were tested in terms
      of their DOX sensitivity (EZ4U test), GSH level (HPLC) and its efflux
      (spectrofluorometrically). The effects of inhibition of the GSH-related enzymes
      gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)
      were also evaluated. RESULTS: Exposure to DOX caused an increase of GSH levels in
      all tested cells except for HeLa cells. However, depletion of GSH did not have a
      significant influence on the sensitivity of the cells to DOX. Inhibition of the
      activity of GST also did not have a major effect on DOX sensitivity, although it
      caused changes of the GSH content. Our attempts to use the spectrofluorometric
      method for measurements of GSH efflux were not successful. It could be suggested
      that in ME18 and HeLa cells treated with DOX, GSH efflux does occur. DISCUSSION:
      The obtained results seem to refute the hypothesis of a central role of GSH in
      DOX resistance of the tested cells. Despite observations of different effects
      related to GSH, they do not seem to be essential in terms of DOX resistance. The
      mechanisms underlying DOX resistance are highly cell-specific.

PMID- 27117109
TI  - [KIM-1 and NGAL as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and cancer
      progression].
AB  - On the basis of scientific literature, there is growing evidence that KIM-1 and
      NGAL are interesting and promising biomarkers not only in acute and chronic
      inflammatory processes but also in oncogenesis. There are a number of studies
      which investigate their possible use in diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of
      therapy effectiveness. The results of recent research suggests that they may play
      an important role in standard oncology practice. Simultaneous measurement of KIM
      1 and NGAL in urine can play a crucial role in carcinogenesis assessment and
      cancer progression. In the future, they can become rapid diagnostic indicators,
      which allow one to determine cancer subtype leading to biopsy replacement and
      therapy improvement. In the present work, beside biochemical characteristics of
      KIM-1 and NGAL, we will also discuss their role in the diagnosis and assessment
      of development of cancer. 

PMID- 27117110
TI  - [The cellular receptors of exogenous RNA].
AB  - One of the key determinants of survival for organisms is proper recognition of
      exogenous and endogenous nucleic acids. Therefore, high eukaryotes developed a
      number of receptors that allow for discrimination between friend or foe DNA and
      RNA. Appearance of exogenous RNA in cytoplasm provides a signal of danger and
      triggers cellular responses that facilitate eradication of a pathogen.
      Recognition of exogenous RNA is additionally complicated by fact that large
      amount of endogenous RNA is present in cytoplasm Thus, number of different
      receptors, found in eukaryotic cells, is able to recognize that nucleic acid.
      First group of those receptors consist endosomal Toll like receptors, namely
      TLR3, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR13. Those receptors recognize RNA released from pathogens
      that enter the cell by endocytosis. The second group includes cytoplasmic sensors
      like PKR and the family of RLRs comprised of RIG-I, MDA5 and LGP2. Cytoplasmic
      receptors recognize RNA from pathogens invading the cell by non-endocytic
      pathway. In both cases binding of RNA by its receptors results in activation of
      the signalling cascades that lead to the production of interferon and other
      cytokines. 

PMID- 27117111
TI  - [Consequences of extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C viral infection
      (HCV)].
AB  - The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a primarily hepatotropic virus. However, numerous
      extrahepatic symptoms are observed in patients chronically infected with HCV,
      e.g. cryoglobulinemia, lymphoproliferative disorders, kidney diseases,
      disturbances of the central and peripheral nervous system, thyroid gland,
      pancreas, lymph nodes and pituitary gland, that develop at various times after
      the infection. Complex mechanisms underlie these processes, both molecular,
      related to direct effects of the virus on cells or tissues and indirect
      mechanisms, resulting from the response of the immune system to infection (via
      cytokines or oxidative stress), and from the antiviral treatment used.
      Understanding these mechanisms may contribute to the definition of new prognostic
      factors, important for the early diagnosis of the infection, which in turn may
      improve treatment efficacy. This paper is a review of the incidence of selected
      extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection and their underlying pathogenetic
      mechanisms and risk factors. 

PMID- 27117113
TI  - [The development of methods for obtaining monoclonal antibody-producing cells].
AB  - Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are biomolecules of great scientific and practical
      significance. In contrast to polyclonal antibodies from immune sera, they are
      homogeneous and monospecific, since they are produced by hybridoma cells
      representing a clone arising from a single cell. The successful technology was
      described for the first time in 1975; the inventors were later awarded the Nobel
      Prize. Currently, mAbs are broadly used as a research tool, in diagnostics and
      medicine in particular for the treatment of cancer or in transplantology. About
      47 therapeutics based on monoclonal antibodies are now available in the US and
      Europe, and the number is still growing. Production of monoclonal antibodies is a
      multistage, time-consuming and costly process. Growing demand for these molecules
      creates space for research focused on improvements in hybridoma technology. Lower
      costs, human labor, and time are important goals of these attempts. In this
      article, a brief review of current methods and their advances is given. 

PMID- 27117112
TI  - [The role of inflammation in colon cancer pathogenesis].
AB  - The results of the latest research more and more bind development of neoplasms
      with the chronic inflammation. Inflammatory process creates microenvironment
      promoting development of neoplasms; as a result, malignant process start to
      develop in places, where chronic inflammation proceeds or regeneration of tissues
      takes place. Inflammatory cells not only create suitable microenvironment for
      development of neoplasms, but also excrete number of cytokines and growth factors
      promoting survival of a neoplasmatic cell and avoiding its apoptosis, promoting
      neoangiogenesis and metastases formation. Moreover, cytokines and other pro
      inflammatory factors modulate expression of genes important in cancerogenesis,
      they also activate NFkappaB-dependent signaling pathways, which favor
      neoplasmatic cells to avoid apoptosis. On the other hand, oxidative stress
      accompanying chronic inflammation may promote mutagenesis, enabling that way the
      neoplasm development. The same cells and metabolic pathways are engaged in
      inflammatory and neoplasmatic processes, and development of cancer may be a
      consequence of loss of control over tissue regeneration during resolution of
      chronic inflammation. The role of most important cells and metabolic pathways in
      inflammatory process, which may lead to colon cancer, was discussed in this
      paper. 

PMID- 27117114
TI  - Frankincense--therapeutic properties.
AB  - Recently, increasing interest in natural dietary and therapeutic preparations
      used as dietary supplements has been observed. One of them is frankincense. This
      traditional medicine of the East is believed to have anti-inflammatory,
      expectorant, antiseptic, and even anxiolytic and anti-neurotic effects. The
      present study aims to verify the reported therapeutic properties of Boswellia
      resin and describe its chemical composition based on available scientific
      studies. The main component of frankincense is oil (60%). It contains mono- (13%)
      and diterpenes (40%) as well as ethyl acetate (21.4%), octyl acetate (13.4%) and
      methylanisole (7.6%). The highest biological activity among terpenes is
      characteristic of 11-keto-beta-acetyl-beta-boswellic acid, acetyl-11-keto-beta
      boswellic acid and acetyl-alpha-boswellic acid. Contemporary studies have shown
      that resin indeed has an analgesic, tranquilising and anti-bacterial effects.
      From the point of view of therapeutic properties, extracts from Boswellia serrata
      and Boswellia carterii are reported to be particularly useful. They reduce
      inflammatory conditions in the course of rheumatism by inhibiting leukocyte
      elastase and degrading glycosaminoglycans. Boswellia preparations inhibit 5
      lipoxygenase and prevent the release of leukotrienes, thus having an anti
      inflammatory effect in ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bronchitis
      and sinusitis. Inhalation and consumption of Boswellia olibanum reduces the risk
      of asthma. In addition, boswellic acids have an antiproliferative effect on
      tumours. They inhibit proliferation of tumour cells of the leukaemia and
      glioblastoma subset. They have an anti-tumour effect since they inhibit
      topoisomerase I and II-alpha and stimulate programmed cell death (apoptosis). 

PMID- 27117115
TI  - Deregulation of Apoptosis - Is it Still an Important Issue in Pathogenesis of
      Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a clonal expansion of B CD5+ cells, is the
      most common type of adult leukemia in western countries. The accumulation of
      neoplastic B-cells is primarily caused by prolonged life-span of these cells due
      to deregulation of apoptosis, and only marginally due to a higher proliferation
      rate. In spite of numerous reports characterizing particular mechanisms of B-CLL
      cell apoptosis, still relatively little is known about the complex regulation of
      this process. Therefore, more detailed research is required to understand the
      complicated mechanisms and regulatory processes of apoptosis in neoplastic B
      lymphocytes.

PMID- 27117116
TI  - Giant unilamellar vesicles containing Rhodamine 6G as a marker for immunoassay of
      bovine serum albumin and lipocalin-2.
AB  - Functionalized giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) containing a fluorescence dye
      Rhodamine 6G is proposed as a marker in sandwich-type immunoassay for bovine
      serum albumin (BSA) and lipocalin-2 (LCN2). The GUVs were prepared by the
      electroformation method and functionalized with anti-BSA antibody and anti-LCN2
      antibody, respectively. The purification of antibody-modified GUVs was achieved
      by conventional centrifugation and a washing step in a flow system. To antigen on
      an antibody slip, antibody-modified GUVs were added as a marker and incubated.
      After wash-out of excess reagents and lysis of the bound GUVs with Triton X-100,
      the fluorescence image was captured. The fluorometric immunoassays for BSA and
      LCN2 exhibited lower detection limits of 4 and 80 fg ml(-)(1), respectively.

PMID- 27117117
TI  - Verifiable emission reductions in European urban areas with air-quality models.
AB  - The first and second AutoOil programmes were conducted since 1992 as a
      partnership between the European Commission and the automobile and oil
      industries. These have introduced emission reductions in Europe based on
      numerical modelling for a target year. They aimed to identify the most cost
      effective way to meet desired future air quality over the whole European Union.
      In their time, these regulatory efforts were considered an important step towards
      a new approach for establishing European emission limits. With this work, we
      review the effectiveness of forecasts carried out with numerical modelling and
      compare these with the actual measurements at the target year, which was the year
      2010. Based on these comparisons and new technological innovations these
      methodologies can incorporate new sectorial assessments for improving the
      accuracy of the modelling forecasts and for examining the representativeness of
      emissions reductions, as well as for the simultaneous assessment of population
      exposure to cocktails of toxic substances under realistic climatological
      conditions. We also examined at the ten AutoOil domains the geographical
      generalisation of the forecasts for CO and NO2 at 1065 European urban areas on
      the basis of their population and the local population density. 

PMID- 27117118
TI  - The obligation to declare our bonds of interest is formalized.

PMID- 27117119
TI  - Principles of tendon transfers.
AB  - Tendon transfers are carried out to restore functional deficits by rerouting the
      remaining intact muscles. Transfers are highly attractive in the context of hand
      surgery because of the possibility of restoring the patient's ability to grip. In
      palsy cases, tendon transfers are only used when a neurological procedure is
      contraindicated or has failed. The strategy used to restore function follows a
      common set of principles, no matter the nature of the deficit. The first step is
      to clearly distinguish between deficient muscles and muscles that could be
      transferred. Next, the type of palsy will dictate the scope of the program and
      the complexity of the gripping movements that can be restored. Based on this
      reasoning, a surgical strategy that matches the means (transferable muscles) with
      the objectives (functions to restore) will be established and clearly explained
      to the patient. Every paralyzed hand can be described using three parameters. 1)
      Deficient segments: wrist, thumb and long fingers; 2) mechanical performance of
      muscles groups being revived: high energy-wrist extension and finger flexion that
      require strong transfers with long excursion; low energy-wrist flexion and finger
      extension movements that are less demanding mechanically, because they can be
      accomplished through gravity alone in some cases; 3) condition of the two primary
      motors in the hand: extrinsics (flexors and extensors) and intrinsics
      (facilitator). No matter the type of palsy, the transfer surgery follows the same
      technical principles: exposure, release, fixation, tensioning and rehabilitation.
      By performing an in-depth analysis of each case and by following strict technical
      principles, tendon transfer surgery leads to reproducible results; this allows
      the surgeon to establish clear objectives for the patient preoperatively.

PMID- 27117120
TI  - Robotically assisted harvest of the latissimus dorsi muscle: A cadaver
      feasibility study and clinical test case.
AB  - The applications of robotic surgery have quickly spread into a variety of
      surgical fields. Interest in robotic endoscopic surgery is high because of the
      small size of the incisions, cosmetic advantages, less invasive surgical
      techniques, decreased scar tissue, shorter duration of hospitalization and
      increased cost-effectiveness. We will describe an anatomical feasibility study
      and a clinical test case of robotically assisted pedicled transposition of the
      latissimus dorsi muscle.

PMID- 27117121
TI  - Tips and tricks for end-to-side anastomosis arteriotomies.
AB  - Arteriotomy is a critical step during end-to-side anastomosis procedures.
      However, it is challenging to carry out because of the concentric lamellar
      structure of blood vessels and the need for clean margins. We performed a review
      of the literature to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the available
      arteriotomy methods. The techniques were classified into (1) single-cut or slit
      arteriotomy (longitudinal and transverse) or (2) excision arteriotomy. The latter
      techniques can be performed from either outside-in (excision with straight
      microscissors, curved microscissors, Acland-Banis arteriotomy clamp, micro
      arteriotomy scissors, or triangular cutting scissors, and vaporization with
      Excimer((r)) laser) or inside-out (excision with punch/micropunch). Microsurgeons
      have multiple arteriotomy methods at their disposal. By being familiar with these
      methods, they can select the most appropriate one for the situation at hand.

PMID- 27117122
TI  - Robot-assisted C7 nerve root transfer from the contralateral healthy side: A
      preliminary cadaver study.
AB  - Patients with cerebral palsy and spastic hemiplegia may have extremely poor upper
      extremity function. Unfortunately, many current therapies and treatments for
      patients with spastic hemiplegia offer very limited improvements. One innovative
      technique for treating these patients is the use a contralateral C7 nerve root
      transfer to neurotize the C7 nerve root in the affected limb. This may result not
      only in less spasticity in the affected limb, but also improved control and motor
      function vis-a-vis the new connection to the normal cerebral hemisphere. However,
      contralateral C7 transfers can require large incisions and long nerve grafts. The
      aim of this study was to test the feasibility of a contralateral C7 nerve root
      transfer procedure with the use of a prevertebral minimally invasive robot
      assisted technique. In a cadaver, both sides of the C7 root were dissected. The
      right recipient C7 root was resected as proximally as possible, while the left
      donor C7 root was resected as distally as possible. With the use of the da Vinci
      ((r)) SI surgical robot (Intuitive Surgical TM, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), we were able
      to eliminate the large incision and use a much shorter nerve graft when
      performing contralateral C7 nerve transfer.

PMID- 27117123
TI  - Carpal height and postoperative strength after proximal row carpectomy or four
      corner arthrodesis: Clinical, anatomical and biomechanical study.
AB  - Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and four-corner arthrodesis (4CA) are the two most
      commonly performed surgical procedures to treat wrist arthritis. Postoperative
      strength is one of the criteria for choosing between the two techniques. Some
      authors believe that strength is correlated with residual carpal height. The goal
      of this study was to determine if postoperative carpal height was predictive of
      postoperative strength. This study consisted of two parts: a clinical evaluation
      of grip strength after 4CA or PRC; anatomical and radiological measurements of
      carpal height before and after 4CA or PRC. Grip strength was better preserved
      after PRC (87.5%) than after 4CA (76.1%), when expressed relative to the opposite
      hand (P=0.053). There was a significant decrease in carpal height for the PRC
      group with a Youm's index of 0.37 versus 0.50 for the 4CA group (P<0.0001). Our
      clinical results and analysis of the literature indicate that 4CA is not superior
      to PRC when it comes to grip strength, whereas carpal height is significantly
      decreased after PRC. The decreased tendon excursion after PRC is balanced by an
      increase in joint stresses after 4CA.

PMID- 27117124
TI  - Use of the entire flexor carpi radialis tendon for basal thumb ligament
      reconstruction interposition arthroplasty.
AB  - Recent studies seem to show that ligament reconstruction with tendon
      interposition (LRTI) does not provide any benefit over trapezium excision alone;
      however dorsal subluxation was not measured in these studies. We believe it is
      logical to perform ligamentoplasty in order to obtain long-term stability and
      therefore treat dorsal subluxation. Our aim is to verify this hypothesis in an
      observational prospective study of LRTI using the entire flexor carpi radialis
      (FCR) tendon. Patients who had failed to respond to nonoperative treatment for
      advanced thumb basal joint arthritis were recruited prospectively between 2007
      and 2011. They all received the same surgical treatment, which consisted of LRTI
      using the entire FCR tendon. Pre- and postoperative pain, range of motion,
      strength, stability of the base of the first metacarpal and DASH scores were
      evaluated. Forty-three patients (49 thumbs) were included with a mean follow-up
      of 37months (range: 29-72months). Patients showed significant improvements in
      pain, range of motion and pinch strength. The dorsoradial subluxation was no
      longer present in any of the thumbs, and the grind test was positive in only
      three thumbs. The DASH score was improved from 49/100 preoperatively to 22/100
      postoperatively. No ulnar deviation of the wrist was observed at the longest
      follow-up and grip strength was not altered by the procedure. This study showed
      that the use of the full FCR tendon for LRTI in combination with trapeziectomy is
      an efficient and safe treatment for advanced carpometacarpal osteoarthritis as it
      provides a strong ligamentoplasty with a bulky interposition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Clinical study, Therapeutic Study: Level IV.

PMID- 27117125
TI  - Functional and radiographic evaluation of the treatment of traumatic bone loss of
      the hand using the Masquelet technique.
AB  - This study was a retrospective evaluation of 18 patients with traumatic bone loss
      affecting the fingers, hand and wrist who were treated using the induced-membrane
      technique. Sixteen men and two women, mean age 54years (27-74) presented a hand
      injury including bone loss. Sixteen patients were treated on an emergency basis
      and two following nonunion of their fractures. There were 13 cases of open
      fracture of the phalanx and 5 cases of metacarpal fractures. These patients were
      treated with debridement and the injuries were covered when necessary. To address
      the bone loss, the first step of the induced-membrane technique involved placing
      a cement spacer (polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA]) without antibiotics in the
      defect. During the second step, the cement spacer was removed and replaced by
      autologous cancellous bone graft. The graft was placed within the biological tube
      left empty after removal of the cement. For each patient, bone union was assessed
      with radiographs and/or CT scan. Failure was defined as nonunion at 1year. In 16
      patients, the fractures had healed after 4months (1.5-12months) on average. Two
      failures were noted (one nonunion treated using a PIP prosthesis and one case of
      delayed union). Mobility of the fingers, evaluated using the Total Active Motion
      (TAM) was 145 degrees  (75 degrees -270 degrees ). The Kapandji score reached 8
      for the thumb. Grip strength reached 21kg/F and pinch strength was 5kg/F; these
      values were 50% of those in the healthy hand. The induced-membrane technique is
      simple and can be used to treat traumatic bone loss in an emergency, thus
      avoiding amputation and limb shortening, while preserving limb function. It
      provides immediate stability and allows early mobilization.

PMID- 27117126
TI  - Duration of sick leave after surgical repair of the ulnar collateral ligament of
      the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint with K-wire immobilization: Prospective case
      series of 21 patients.
AB  - Surgical repair of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the thumb
      metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint after complete rupture is usually protected by
      cast immobilization, which hinders return to work. The goal of this study was to
      determine the duration of sick leave for patients who had 6 weeks of K-wire
      immobilization instead of cast immobilization after surgical repair of the UCL.
      This prospective, observational, non-comparative study included patients who had
      surgical repair of the UCL of the thumb MCP joint followed by K-wire
      immobilization. Manual laborers were excluded. The main outcome measure was the
      duration of sick leave. The other outcomes were the need to adapt to the work
      duties and the patient's subjective assessment of the result. The data were
      collected by telephone interview. Twenty-one patients were included, 13 (62%) of
      whom returned to work within 7 days. The average sick leave duration was 3 weeks
      and 2 days; 10% of patients required adaptation of the work duties. The average
      satisfaction score was 4.4 out of 5. The average follow-up was 3 years and 5
      months. There were no complications. In conclusion, K-wire immobilization after
      surgical repair of the UCL of the thumb MCP joint, along with precautionary
      measures is an option that allows early return to work, except for manual
      labourers.

PMID- 27117127
TI  - Open volar radiocarpal dislocation with extensive dorsal ligament and extensor
      tendon damage: A case report and review of literature.
AB  - The authors present the case of a patient with a rare combination of open volar
      radiocarpal dislocation and complete destruction of the dorsal capsule-ligament
      complex and tendons. The treatment consisted of open reduction and arthrorisis
      (temporary arthrodesis during 45 days) with four K-wires (radiocarpal and
      radioulnar). The capsule-ligament complex was fixed with anchors and the extensor
      tendons were repaired by suturing. A long-arm cast was applied for six weeks.
      After an 18-month follow-up, the Cooney-modified Green and O'Brien score was 70
      and the wrist range of motion was 85 degrees . Dynamic intraoperative X-rays are
      needed to look for bone or ligament (intracarpal or radioulnocarpal) injuries.
      Arthrography, arthroscopy or MRI may provide additional information. In cases of
      stable lesions without intracarpal ligament injuries, conservative treatment may
      be sufficient. Otherwise, surgical treatment is required, using temporary
      external fixation or arthrorisis (temporary arthrodesis) associated with anatomic
      repair of capsular ligaments. The average duration of postoperative
      immobilization is 6.6 weeks. An external fixator seems to be useful for reduction
      and for placing optimal tension on repaired ligament repair. Twenty-three cases
      of volar radiocarpal dislocation are described in published studies. None of them
      was associated with bone, tendon, skin or capsule-ligament complex injuries. Few
      studies describe the long-term functional and radiological outcomes of these
      injuries.

PMID- 27117128
TI  - A rare complication of scaphoid nonunion: Multiple flexor tendon lesions. A case
      report and review of literature.
AB  - This case report describes a patient who presented with a complete rupture of the
      flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon and partial rupture of the flexor digitorum
      profundus of the index finger, secondary to scaphoid nonunion. This is a rare,
      late complication that deserves to be described because of the potential
      diagnostic confusion with anterior interosseous nerve palsy. No case has been
      reported since 1999 in the literature. The mechanism was an attrition rupture due
      to sharp osteophytes. The scaphoid osteophytes were removed and the FPL was
      repaired by tendon transfer. The results were satisfactory at the last follow-up.

PMID- 27117129
TI  - Recurrent posttraumatic trapeziometacarpal joint dislocation in a child: A case
      report.
AB  - Traumatic trapeziometacarpal joint dislocation of the thumb accounts for less
      than 1% of all hand injuries. This injury is even less common in children.
      Optimal treatment strategies for this injury are still the subject of debate for
      both children and adults. We report a case of recurrent posttraumatic
      trapeziometacarpal joint dislocation in an eight-year-old girl. We believe our
      case is the first report of recurrent acute dislocation leading to chronic
      dislocation in the English medical literature. Restoring the anatomy and
      biomechanics of the trapeziometacarpal joint is essential when treating these
      injuries; for this reason, surgical treatment is usually indicated. Overall, the
      prognosis of trapeziometacarpal dislocation treated acutely is favorable and
      stable over time. However, the role of open surgery and ligament reconstruction
      remains controversial, especially in children.

PMID- 27117130
TI  - Use of an index finger as a bank in thumb reconstruction after tumor resection:
      About one case.
AB  - The use of a "bank finger" by its very nature is almost exclusively reserved for
      the management of traumatic hand injuries. Here, we described one case of thumb
      reconstruction using the patient's index finger as a "bank finger" after the
      excision of a grade II malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

PMID- 27117131
TI  - Composite neuromusculo-fasciocutaneous triceps brachii free flap for complex foot
      reconstructive surgery.
AB  - Since it was first described by Song in 1982, then by Katsaros in 1984, the
      lateral arm flap has become a workhorse technique for upper limb reconstruction.
      Herein we describe a clinical case of complex foot defect and bring up the
      possibility of using a composite neuromusculo-fasciocutaneous lateral arm/triceps
      free flap for its reconstruction. A 19-year-old male nonsmoker suffered ballistic
      trauma to his right foot with open multifragment Gustilo-IIIb fractures of the
      first to fifth metatarsal bones. Two weeks after debridement and V.A.C.TM therapy
      performed in another hospital, we decided to reconstruct the remaining defect
      with a neuromusculo-fasciocutaneous medial triceps/lateral arm free flap
      anastomosed with the anterior tibial pedicle. The posterior brachial cutaneous
      nerve was sutured to a sensory branch of the superficial fibular nerve. The
      advantages and drawbacks of this technique are discussed and other options for
      this type of complex foot reconstruction are reviewed. After 3 years' follow-up,
      the metatarsal bones were consolidated without residual defect or chronic
      infection. The foot had sensation with full mobility and no pain. At the donor
      site, there was no complaint of scarring. Elbow extension/flexion was 0-0-130.
      Wrist extension/flexion was 60-0-60 and there was no extension deficit of the
      metacarpophalangeal joints. The composite neuromusculo-fasciocutaneous triceps
      brachii free flap was an excellent option for this complex foot defect. The
      choice of this reconstructive procedure among other options was made during our
      reconstruction board meeting while taking the patient's specific condition and
      our own experiences into account.

PMID- 27117132
TI  - Oligophrenin1 protects mice against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury by
      modulating inflammation and myocardial apoptosis.
AB  - The Rho family of small GTPases has been analyzed in cardiac physiology and
      pathophysiology including myocardial infarction (MI) in the last years.
      Contradictory results show either a protective or a declined effect of RhoA and
      the RhoA effector Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) in myocardial ischemia and
      reperfusion injury that is associated with cardiomyocyte survival and caspase-3
      activation. Cardiac-specific deletion of Rac1 reduced ischemia reperfusion injury
      in diabetic hearts, whereas cardiomyocyte specific overexpression of active Rac1
      predisposes the heart to increased myocardial injury with enhanced contractile
      dysfunction. GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) control the activation of Rho
      proteins through stimulation of GTP hydrolysis. However, the impact of GAPs in
      myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury remains elusive. Here we analyzed the
      role of oligophrenin1 (OPHN1), a RhoGAP with Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain
      known to regulate the activity of RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 in MI. The expression of
      Ophn1, RhoA and Rac1 is strongly upregulated 24h after myocardial ischemia. Loss
      of OPHN1 induced enhanced activity of Rho effector molecules leading to elevated
      cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increased migration of inflammatory cells into the
      infarct border zone of OPHN1 deficient mice. Consequently, echocardiography 24h
      after myocardial ischemia revealed declined left ventricle function in OPHN1
      deficient mice. Our results indicate that OPHN1 mediated regulation of RhoA, Rac1
      and Cdc42 is crucial for the preservation of cardiac function after myocardial
      injury. 

PMID- 27117133
TI  - Glycosaminoglycans are required for translocation of amphipathic cell-penetrating
      peptides across membranes.
AB  - Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are considered as one of the most promising
      tools to mediate the cellular delivery of various biologically active compounds
      that are otherwise cell impermeable. CPPs can internalize into cells via two
      different pathways - endocytosis and direct translocation across the plasma
      membrane. In both cases, the initial step of internalization requires
      interactions between CPPs and different plasma membrane components. Despite the
      extensive research, it is not yet fully understood, which of these cell surface
      molecules mediate the direct translocation of CPPs across the plasma- and
      endosomal membrane. In the present study we used giant plasma membrane vesicles
      (GPMVs) as a model membrane system to elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms
      behind the internalization and the role of cell surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)
      in the translocation of four well-known CPPs, classified as cationic (nona
      arginine, Tat peptide) and amphipathic (transportan and TP10). We demonstrate
      here that GAGs facilitate the translocation of amphipathic CPPs, but not the
      internalization of cationic CPPs; and that the uptake is not mediated by a
      specific GAG class, but rather the overall amount of these polysaccharides is
      crucial for the internalization of amphipathic peptides.

PMID- 27117134
TI  - Unmet healthcare needs and community health center utilization among the low
      income population based on a nationwide community health survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Korean government has established community health centers (CHC)
      since the end of the 20th century to improve community public health and access
      to healthcare. In this study, we investigated the reasons for unmet healthcare
      needs and the reasons/purposes for using CHC based on income level. METHODS: We
      used data from the 2012 Community Health Survey, which was administered by the
      Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n=208,399). We performed the
      chi(2) test to examine differences between unmet healthcare needs and utilization
      of CHC based on various patient characteristics. Survey logistic regression
      models were used to examine unmet healthcare needs and utilization of CHC by
      income level. We also analyzed subgroup models to explain the reasons for the
      outcome variables. RESULTS: A total of 22,901 (11.0%) individuals experienced
      unmet healthcare needs and 75,137 (36.1%) utilized CHC. Results of the survey
      logistic regression analysis revealed that the lowest-income population had a
      higher odds ratio (OR) for experiencing unmet healthcare needs (OR=1.61) and
      utilized CHC more frequently (OR=1.66). Their main reasons for unmet healthcare
      needs were economic (OR=5.75) and difficulties in transportation (OR=2.17). The
      lowest-income population visited CHC because of lower costs (OR=1.76) and close
      proximity to home (OR=1.56). The lowest-income population visited CHC for primary
      care (OR=1.22) and vaccinations (OR=1.23). In contrast, the highest-income group
      visited CHC primarily to obtain government-issued documents (OR=0.82).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate different reasons/purposes for unmet healthcare
      needs and utilization of CHC based on income level. The government should use a
      management strategy to reduce unmet healthcare needs among the low-income
      population and redefine the roles of CHC.

PMID- 27117135
TI  - Imaging of sarcopenia.
AB  - Sarcopenia is currently considered a geriatric syndrome increasing in older
      people. The consequences of sarcopenia - in terms of impaired mobility, limited
      self-sufficiency and disability - have been amply demonstrated, increasing the
      need to develop methods to identify muscle mass loss as early as possible.
      Although sarcopenia involves a reduction in both muscle mass and function, loss
      of muscle mass remains the essential criterion for diagnosing this condition in
      daily practice. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging represent the
      gold standard for studying body composition, and can identify quantitative and
      qualitative changes in muscle mass. These techniques are costly, time-consuming
      and complex, however, so their applicability is limited to the research field.
      Sonography, on the other hand, has the advantage of being a relatively quick and
      inexpensive method for detecting loss of muscle fibers and fat infiltration by
      analyzing muscle thickness and echo intensity. To the best of our knowledge,
      however, only few studies have compared the results of ultrasound with those
      obtained by other methods in order to establish its reliability in this setting.
      Dual X-ray absorptiometry thus remains the most often used technology for
      studying body composition, detecting quantitative changes in muscle mass with the
      advantages of a low radiation dose, a simple technology and a rapid assessment. 

PMID- 27117136
TI  - Impaired context processing during irony comprehension in schizotypy: An ERPs
      study.
AB  - Mentalizing deficits are a core manifestation of schizophrenia spectrum
      disorders. They contribute to the social handicap associated with the pathology,
      leading to disruption in autonomy, professional achievement, and interpersonal
      relationships. However, the underlying mechanisms of these deficits remain poorly
      understood. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that context
      processing deficits would be responsible for mentalizing difficulties in
      schizotypy (personality traits considered as attenuated manifestations of
      schizophrenic symptoms) by using an irony comprehension task. Irony processing is
      a mentalizing exercise that requires the ability to take into account the
      semantic context to understand the literal meaning of the utterance, and to
      integrate the pragmatic context to infer the speaker's intention. These two steps
      of processing can be indexed by the N400 and P600 components, respectively, of
      event-related brain potentials (ERPs). Forty participants were assigned to high
      or low schizotypy groups according to their Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire
      (SPQ) score, and ERPs were recorded while they read short stories ending with a
      literal, ironic, or incompatible statement. In the low-SPQ group, there was a
      significant N400 semantic context effect (literal targets elicited less negative
      N400 amplitudes compared to incompatible targets) followed by a P600 pragmatic
      context effect (ironic targets evoked greater positive P600 amplitudes than
      literal targets). In contrast, there was neither a N400 nor P600 effect in the
      high-SPQ group. These abnormalities were associated with high interpersonal SPQ
      factor scores. These results show a strong association between context
      processing, mentalizing abilities, and interpersonal functioning in schizophrenia
      spectrum.

PMID- 27117137
TI  - Phylogenetic grouping and distribution of virulence genes in Escherichia coli
      along the production and supply chain of pork around Hubei, China.
AB  - Escherichia coli is an important foodborne zoonotic pathogen. A total of 285
      strains of E. coli were isolated from the production and supply chain of pork in
      Hubei, China and characterized. Their phylogroups (A, B1, B2, and D) and
      virulence genes of public health importance become more and more diverse along
      the production and supply chain.

PMID- 27117138
TI  - First case report of Nocardia brasiliensis infection causing necrotizing
      fasciitis in an immunocompetent patient.

PMID- 27117139
TI  - Specialized Oral Diet Improved Clinical Outcome of a Patient with Severe
      Intestinal Insufficiency in a Late Postoperative Period: A Case Report in
      Clinical Nutrition.

PMID- 27117140
TI  - Mutation analysis of metastatic melanomas in the central nervous system: results
      of a panel of 5 genes in 48 cases.
AB  - Melanocytic lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) may be primary to the
      site but are more commonly metastases from cutaneous primaries. In fact,
      melanomas are one of the most common malignancies that can metastasize to the
      brain, and some patients may not have a diagnosis of melanoma prior to the
      discovery of the CNS lesion. In such cases, identifying the primary site may be
      challenging. We reviewed the archives of a large referral center for melanocytic
      tumors involving the CNS and selected 48 patients for this study based on our
      inclusion criteria. We used sequencing to identify mutation status of these
      tumors and compared these with clinicopathological features. Mutations in exon 9,
      11, 13, 17, and 18 of KIT gene, exon 15 of BRAF gene, exon 2 and 3 of NRAS gene,
      exon 4 and 5 of GNAQ and GNA11 genes were analyzed. Mutations in BRAF-exon 15
      were the most common among tumors (58.3%). NRAS-exon 2 and NRAS-exon 3 mutations
      were detected in 3 and 7 cases, respectively. GNAQ-exon 4, GNAQ-exon 5 and GNA11
      exon 5 mutation were present in 1 tumor each. Eight tumors were wild type for all
      5 genes, and 6 of these were not known primary despite a work-up and clinical
      follow-up. Only 1 of these tumors showed a mutation in exon 11 of KIT gene. When
      compared to primary melanocytic lesions of the CNS, metastatic melanomas were
      characterized by BRAF gene mutations and wild-type GNAQ and GNA11 genes. 

PMID- 27117141
TI  - The behavioral effects of a mixed efficacy antinociceptive peptide, VRP26,
      following chronic administration in mice.
AB  - RATIONALE: VRP26 displays mu opioid receptor agonist and delta opioid receptor
      antagonist activity in vitro, a pharmacological profile purported to produce
      reduced tolerance, dependence, and rewarding effects. We hypothesized that VRP26
      would display reduced adverse effects after chronic administration as compared
      with the traditional opioid analgesic fentanyl. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study
      is to explore the development of tolerance, dependence, and conditioned place
      preference of VRP26 as compared with the traditional opioid analgesic fentanyl.
      METHODS: The antinociceptive effects of VRP26 and fentanyl were assessed using
      the mouse warm water tail withdrawal (WWTW) assay. Measurement of antinociceptive
      tolerance and physical dependence occurred after 7 days of continuous
      administration of either fentanyl (0.3 mg/kg/day) or VRP26 (10 mg/kg/day);
      tolerance was measured by a shift in the antinociceptive dose response curve in
      the WWTW assay. Physical dependence was determined by observation of withdrawal
      symptoms after precipitated withdrawal. Rewarding effects were measured by the
      ability of VRP26 or fentanyl to produce conditioned place preference. RESULTS:
      Fentanyl produced significant tolerance and dependence, as well as significant
      conditioned place preference. VRP26 produced neither tolerance nor physical
      dependence, nor did it produce significant conditioned place preference.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that chronic treatment with VRP26 may produce
      less tolerance or physical dependence than chronic treatment with clinically
      available mu opioid analgesics such as fentanyl. Additionally, VRP26 produces
      less rewarding effects than fentanyl. This desirable in vivo profile may be due
      to the mixed efficacy nature of VRP26 and could provide the framework for safer
      opioid analgesics.

PMID- 27117142
TI  - Behavioral and qEEG effects of the PDE10A inhibitor THPP-1 in a novel rhesus
      model of antipsychotic activity.
AB  - RATIONALE: Much preclinical data, almost exclusively using rodent, supports the
      notion that phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) inhibition may offer an alternative to
      the current standard of care in schizophrenia. However, concerns persist
      regarding the clinical translatability of these models for newer drug classes
      like PDE10A inhibitors. OBJECTIVES: We therefore sought to characterize the
      clinical standard risperidone and the PDE10A inhibitor THPP-1 in nonhuman
      primate, both alone and when used as a combination therapy. METHODS: THPP-1 and
      risperidone were tested in a novel rhesus model of stimulant-induced motor
      activity (SIMA) and in rhesus electroencephalography (EEG). RESULTS: Consistent
      with rodent data, both THPP-1 and risperidone significantly attenuated the
      stimulant effects in SIMA when administered alone, though some differences were
      noted. Combination therapy with a low dose of risperidone produced significantly
      more robust effects. THPP-1 and risperidone also produced a marked reduction of
      wake cycle time and gamma frequency power in EEG. However, THPP-1 differed from
      risperidone by reducing spectral power of lower frequencies (delta). CONCLUSIONS:
      SIMA results suggest that PDE10A inhibition produces antipsychotic-like effects
      in higher species, and that combination therapy with PDE10A inhibitors may
      produce more robust efficacy compared to monotherapies. EEG and qEEG results
      confirm that PDE10A inhibition does share some central signaling effects with
      clinically effective antipsychotics. The present combination therapy results may
      carry implications for the manner in which clinical testing of PDE10A inhibitors
      is conducted.

PMID- 27117143
TI  - Effects of BMAL1-SIRT1-positive cycle on estrogen synthesis in human ovarian
      granulosa cells: an implicative role of BMAL1 in PCOS.
AB  - Brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (BMAL1) is necessary for fertility and has
      been found to be essential to follicle growth and steroidogenesis. Sirtuin1
      (SIRT1) has been reported to interact with BMAL1 and function in a circadian
      manner. Evidence has shown that SIRT1 regulates aromatase expression in estrogen
      producing cells. We aimed to ascertain if there is a relationship between
      polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and BMAL1, and whether and how BMAL1 takes part
      in estrogen synthesis in human granulosa cells (hGCs). Twenty-four women
      diagnosed with PCOS and 24 healthy individuals undergoing assisted reproduction
      were studied. BMAL1 expression in their granulosa cells (GCs) was observed by
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The level of
      expression in the PCOS group was lower than that of the group without PCOS (p <
      0.05). We also analyzed estrogen synthesis and aromatase expression in KGN cell
      lines. Both were downregulated after BMAL1 and SIRT1 knock-down and, conversely,
      upregulated after overexpression treatments of these two genes in KGN cells. Both
      BMAL1 and SIRT1 had a mutually positive regulation, as did the phosphorylation of
      JNK. Furthermore, JNK overexpression increased estrogen synthesis activity and
      the expression levels of aromatase, BMAL1, and SIRT1. In KGN and hGCs, estrogen
      synthesis and aromatase expression were downregulated after treatment with JNK
      and SIRT1 inhibitors. In addition, BMAL1, SIRT1, and JNK expression levels were
      all downregulated. Our results demonstrate the effects of BMAL1 on estrogen
      synthesis in hGCs and suggest a BMAL1-SIRT1-JNK positive feedback cycle in this
      process, which points out an important role of BMAL1 in the development of PCOS. 

PMID- 27117144
TI  - Effect of DHA supplementation in a very low-calorie ketogenic diet in the
      treatment of obesity: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - A VLCK diet supplemented with DHA, commercially available, was tested against an
      isocaloric VLCK diet without DHA. The main purpose of this study was to compare
      the effect of DHA supplementation in classic cardiovascular risk factors,
      adipokine levels, and inflammation-resolving eicosanoids. A total of obese
      patients were randomized into two groups: a group supplemented with DHA (n = 14)
      (PnK-DHA group) versus a group with an isocaloric diet free of supplementation (n
      = 15) (control group). The follow-up period was 6 months. The average weight loss
      after 6 months of treatment was 20.36 +/- 5.02 kg in control group and 19.74 +/-
      5.10 kg in PnK-DHA group, without statistical differences between both groups.
      The VLCK diets induced a significant change in some of the biological parameters,
      such as insulin, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein,
      resistin, TNF alpha, and leptin. Following DHA supplementation, the DHA-derived
      oxylipins were significantly increased in the intervention group. The ratio of
      proresolution/proinflammatory lipid markers was increased in plasma of the
      intervention group over the entire study. Similarly, the mean ratios of AA/EPA
      and AA/DHA in erythrocyte membranes were dramatically reduced in the PnK-DHA
      group and the anti-inflammatory fatty acid index (AIFAI) was consistently
      increased after the DHA treatment (p < 0.05). The present study demonstrated that
      a very low-calorie ketogenic diet supplemented with DHA was significantly
      superior in the anti-inflammatory effect, without statistical differences in
      weight loss and metabolic improvement.

PMID- 27117145
TI  - Youths' perception and knowledge towards environmental problems in a developing
      country: in the case of Ataturk University, Turkey.
AB  - This study explores the perception and knowledge of environmental problems among
      students of Ataturk University, Turkey, as a developing country, by comparing
      their perceptions with known facts about environmental problems at local,
      national, and global levels. In addition, the correlation between the student
      groups and their knowledge levels and the differences between the student groups
      according to their knowledge levels when taking age and gender into account are
      explored. To this end, the research designed as a case study and pursued an
      exploratory approach revealed that major perceived environmental problems show
      differences at local, national, and global levels; that consensus on both major
      perceived problems and knowledge decreases from a local to global level; that a
      weak correlation exists between the age (r (205) = -.010; .002; -.071) and gender
      groups (r (205) = -.099; -.125; .065) in terms of their knowledge at local,
      national, and global level, respectively; and that the contribution of knowledge
      at a national level can help to explain differences among the age groups (-.304;
      .102; -.148) at national level and the gender groups (.131; -.205) at national
      and global levels. 

PMID- 27117146
TI  - Prenatal low-level mercury exposure and infant neurodevelopment at 12 months in
      rural northern China.

PMID- 27117147
TI  - Coupled urbanization and agricultural ecosystem services in Guanzhong-Tianshui
      Economic Zone.
AB  - Ecosystems offer material and environmental support for human habitation and
      development in those areas of the earth where people choose to live. However,
      urbanization is an inexorable trend of human social development and threatens the
      health of those ecosystems inhabited by humans. This study calculates the values
      of NPP (net primary productivity), carbon sequestration, water interception, soil
      conservation, and agricultural production in the Guanzhong-Tianshui Economic
      Zone. At the same time, we combined DMSP/OLS (Defense Meteorological Satellite
      Program Operational Line Scanner) night lights remote sensing data and
      statistical data to analyze the level of urbanization. Quantitative analysis was
      performed on the interactions between the ecosystem service functions and
      urbanization based on the calculations of their coupled coordination degrees. The
      results were the following: (1) The values of NPP, carbon sequestration, and
      agricultural production showed a trend of increase. However, water interception
      decreased before increasing, while soil conservation showed the reverse trend;
      (2) Urbanization levels in the Guanzhong-Tianshui Economic Zone for the last 10
      years have proceeded at a fast pace with comprehensive promotion; and (3) Coupled
      and coupled coordination degrees between urbanization and ecosystem services show
      increasing trends. This research can provide a theoretical basis for the region's
      rapid economic development in the balance. 

PMID- 27117148
TI  - Vermiremediation of toxic jute mill waste employing Metaphire posthuma.
AB  - India has a giant jute-producing basket which produces considerable quantity of
      toxic jute mill waste (JMW). Conversely, report on usability potential of JMW is
      rather scanty. The present study illustrates the efficiency of vermicomposting in
      bioconversion of JMW for agricultural use. Various combinations of JMW, cow dung,
      and vegetable waste were fed to Metaphire posthuma in vermireactors. Rapid
      increment of earthworm count, body weight, and cocoon production was evidenced.
      Total organic carbon and pH reduction was noteworthy, but N, P, and K
      availability, formation of stable humic acid C, fulvic acid C, and microbial
      biomass C substantially increased due to vermicomposting. FTIR spectroscopy
      confirmed a higher stability of vermicomposted JMW over the composted product. A
      significant decline in heavy metal concentration (Cr, Pb, Fe, and Zn) in the
      vermicomposted JMW further establishes the potential of vermicomposting with M.
      posthuma in successful conversion of the toxic JMW into valuable product. 

PMID- 27117149
TI  - Sediment pollution and dynamic in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (southern Italy):
      insights from bottom sediment traps and surficial sediments.
AB  - Major and trace element, PAH, and PCB concentrations were measured in surface
      sediments and particles from sediment traps collected in the First and Second
      Basin of the Mar Piccolo (Gulf of Taranto) in two periods (June-July and August
      September, 2013). The aim of the study was to evaluate pollution degree, sediment
      transport and particle redistribution dynamic within the area. Results confirm
      the higher contamination of sediments from the First Basin observed by previous
      researches, particularly for Cu, Hg, Pb, total PAHs, and total PCBs. Advective
      transport from the First to the Second Basin appears to be the leading transfer
      mechanism of particles and adsorbed contaminants, as evidenced by measured fluxes
      and statistical analyses of contaminant concentrations in surficial sediments and
      particles from sediment traps. Long-range selective transports of PAHs and
      microbial anaerobic degradation processes for PCBs have been also observed. These
      results are limited to a restricted time window but are consistent with the
      presence of transport fluxes at the bottom of the water column. This mechanism
      deserves further investigation and monitoring activities, potentially being the
      main responsible of pollutant delivering to the less contaminated sectors of the
      Mar Piccolo. 

PMID- 27117151
TI  - Dust aerosol properties and radiative forcing observed in spring during 2001-2014
      over urban Beijing, China.
AB  - The ground-based characteristics (optical and radiative properties) of dust
      aerosols measured during the springtime between 2001 and 2014 were investigated
      over urban Beijing, China. The seasonal averaged aerosol optical depth (AOD)
      during spring of 2001-2014 was about 0.78 at 440 nm. During dust days, higher AOD
      occurred associated with lower Angstrom exponent (AE). The mean AE440-870 in the
      springtime was about 1.0, indicating dominance of fine particles over the region.
      The back-trajectory analysis revealed that the dust was transported from the
      deserts of Inner Mongolia and Mongolia arid regions to Beijing. The aerosol
      volume size distribution showed a bimodal distribution pattern, with its highest
      peak observed in coarse mode for all episodes (especially for dust days with
      increased volume concentration). The single scattering albedo (SSA) increased
      with wavelength on dust days, indicating the presence of more scattering
      particles. Furthermore, the complex parts (real and imaginary) of refractive
      index showed distinct characteristics with lower imaginary values (also
      scattering) on dust days. The shortwave (SW; 0.2-4.0 MUm) and longwave (LW; 4-100
      MUm) aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) values were computed from the Santa Barbara
      DISORT Atmospheric Radiative Transfer (SBDART) model both at the top of
      atmosphere (TOA) and the bottom of atmosphere (BOA) during dust and non-dust
      (dust free) days, and the corresponding heating rates and forcing efficiencies
      were also estimated. The SW (LW) ARF, therefore, produced significant cooling
      (warming) effects at both the TOA and the BOA over Beijing. 

PMID- 27117150
TI  - Metal bioleaching from anaerobic sediments from Reconquista River basin
      (Argentina) as a potential remediation strategy.
AB  - Anaerobic sediments of urban watercourses are subjected to industrial pollution
      and frequently tend to accumulate heavy metals. The biocatalyzed oxidation and
      reduction of sulphur compounds that occur within the sediment are key reactions
      that determine mobility of metals such as that occurred in mine acidic drainage
      reactions. The aim of this work was to study the application of these processes
      using heap leaching technology for the remediation of anaerobic contaminated
      sediments from Reconquista River basin. The bioleaching potentiality for
      remediation was demonstrated through batch tests in shake flasks with different
      pulp densities of anaerobic sediment containing 338 mg kg-1 of Zn and 117 mg kg-1
      of Cu. Subsequently, bioleaching heap systems were compiled into columns of 12-cm
      height and 6-cm diameter, fitted with perlite to improve drainage. In order to
      assess the effect of elementary sulphur over the mobility of metals from the
      bioheap to the aqueous solution, increasing concentrations of elementary sulphur
      (1, 2, 5 % w/w) were added. After 3 months of acidification generated by periodic
      watering, the extraction of 70 % of the initial Zn and 43 % of the initial Cu was
      achieved. Polluted sediments from waterways as Reconquista River should not be
      indiscriminately manipulated if acid drainage is possible. Remediation by a
      simple and economically viable strategy like heap leaching is feasible.

PMID- 27117152
TI  - Bioelectrochemical denitrification on biocathode buried in simulated aquifer
      saturated with nitrate-contaminated groundwater.
AB  - Nitrate contamination in aquifers has posed human health under high risk because
      people still rely on groundwater withdrawn from aquifers as drinking water and
      running water sources. These days, bioelectrochemical technologies have shown a
      great number of benefits for nitrate remediation via autotrophic denitrification
      in groundwater. This study tested the working possibility of a denitrifying
      biocathode when installed into a simulated aquifer. The reactors were filled with
      sand and synthetic groundwater at various ratios (10, 50, and 100 %) to clarify
      the effect of various biocathode states (not-buried, half-buried, and fully
      buried) on nitrate reduction rate and microbial communities. Decreases in
      specific nitrate reduction rates were found to be correlated with increases in
      sand/medium ratios. A specific nitrate reduction rate of 322.6 mg m(-2) day(-1)
      was obtained when the biocathode was fully buried in an aquifer. Microbial
      community analysis revealed slight differences in the microbial communities of
      biocathodes at various sand/medium ratios. Various coccus- and rod-shaped
      bacteria were found to contribute to bioelectrochemical denitrification including
      Thiobacillus spp. and Paracoccus spp. This study demonstrated that the
      denitrifying biocathode could work effectively in a saturated aquifer and
      confirmed the feasibility of in situ application of microbial electrochemical
      denitrification technology. 

PMID- 27117153
TI  - Adaptability comparison of E. fetida in vermicomposting against sludge from
      livestock wastewater treatment plant based on their several growth stages.
AB  - Vermicomposting is a low-cost, eco-efficient process to deal with organic wastes.
      Mixtures of swine manure (SM), cow dung (CD), and animal wastewater treatment
      plant sludge (S) were applied as feeds, and Eisenia fetida was employed in this
      study to investigate the vermicomposting efficiency based on their several growth
      stages. The hatching test resulted in a 100 % hatching rate in S60SM40 (60 % S +
      40 % SM) mixture, while 4.40 hatchlings per cocoon were observed. The growth of
      infancy performed best in 0-20 % CD mixtures (0.05 +/- 0.002 g), followed by in
      SM + CD (0.04 +/- 0.003 g). The highest growth rate of young and adult E. fetida
      was noticed in CD + S mixtures (11.14 +/- 0.01 and 6.00 +/- 0.02 mg/d/worm,
      respectively), while the higher cocoon production of adults was noticed in S + SM
      mixtures especially in S40SM60 (537 +/- 5 worms). Moreover, the conversion of
      solids; the modified pH value; the reduction in total organic carbon (TOC); total
      Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), NH4-N, NO3-N, and C:N ratio; and the rich in total
      available phosphorus (TAP) and total potassium (TK) content by young and adult E.
      fetida were related to the growth of worms. Such work would benefit understanding
      and to increase the efficiency of vermicompost processing of different wastes. 

PMID- 27117154
TI  - Predicting plant uptake and toxicity of lead (Pb) in long-term contaminated soils
      from derived transfer functions.
AB  - Regulatory assessment of lead (Pb) in contaminated soils is still expressed
      primarily as total Pb concentrations in soil. In this study, we estimated
      effective concentrations (ECx) of Pb to Cucumis sativa L. (cucumber) focusing
      primarily on pore-water Pb data from 10 different soils after 12 weeks ageing.
      Phytotoxicity expressed in terms of Pb(2+) was observed to occur in the nanomolar
      range in neutral to alkaline soils (EC50 values 90 to 853 nM) and micromolar
      levels for acidic soils (EC50 values 7.35 to 9.66 MUM). Internal Pb
      concentrations relating to toxicity (PT50) in roots and shoots also decreased
      with increasing pore-water pH (R (2) = 0.52 to 0.53). From a series of dose
      response studies, we developed transfer functions predicting Pb uptake in C.
      sativa and we validated these functions with long-term Pb contaminated soils. The
      significant independent parameters were pore-water Pb(2+) and dissolved Pb plus
      dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The observed RMSE for the Pb-DOC model and Pb(2+)
      were 2.6 and 8.8, respectively. The Pb-DOC model tended to under-predict Pb,
      whilst Pb(2+) tended to over-predict accumulation despite reasonable RMSE values.
      Further validation is needed in soils with higher pore-water Pb solubility. 

PMID- 27117155
TI  - Effective degradation of rhodamine B by electro-Fenton process, using
      ferromagnetic nanoparticles loaded on modified graphite felt electrode as
      reusable catalyst: in neutral pH condition and without external aeration.
AB  - Polytetrafluoroethylene/ferromagnetic nanoparticle/carbon black (PTFE/MNP/CB)
      modified graphite felt (GF) was successfully applied as cathode for the
      mineralization of rhodamine B (RhB) in electro-Fenton (EF) process. The modified
      cathode showed high decolorization efficiency for RhB solution even in neutral pH
      condition and without external aeration, achieving nearly complete decolorization
      and 89.52 % total organic carbon (TOC) removal after 270-min oxidation with the
      MNP load 1.2 g at 50 A/m(2). Moreover, the operational parameters (current
      density, MNP load, initial pH, and airflow rate) were optimized. After that,
      adsorption isotherm was also conducted to compare the absorption quantity of CB
      and carbon nanotube (CNT). Then, the surface morphologies of MNPs were
      characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray
      detector (EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); and the
      modified cathode was characterized by SEM and contact angle. Finally, the
      stability and reusability of modified cathode were tested. Result uncovered that
      the PTFE/MNP/CB-modified cathode has the potential for industrial application and
      the solution after treatment was easily biodegradable. 

PMID- 27117156
TI  - Microbial community structures and metabolic profiles response differently to
      physiochemical properties between three landfill cover soils.
AB  - Landfills are always the most important part of solid waste management and bear
      diverse metabolic activities involved in element biogeochemical cycling. There is
      an increasing interest in understanding the microbial community and activities in
      landfill cover soils. To improve our knowledge of landfill ecosystems, we
      determined the microbial physiological profiles and communities in three landfill
      cover soils (Ninghai: NH, Xiangshan: XS, and Fenghua: FH) of different ages using
      the MicroResp(TM), phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA), and high-throughput sequencing
      techniques. Both total PLFAs and glucose-induced respiration suggested more
      active microorganisms occurred in intermediate cover soils. Microorganisms in all
      landfill cover soils favored L-malic acid, ketoglutarate, and citric acid. Gram
      negative bacterial PLFAs predominated in all samples with the representation of
      16:1omega7, 18:1omega7, and cy19:0 in XS and NH sites. Proteobacteria dominated
      soil microbial phyla across different sites, soil layers, and season samples.
      Canonical correspondence analysis showed soil pH, dissolved organic C (DOC), As,
      and total nitrogen (TN) contents significantly influenced the microbial community
      but TN affected the microbial physiological activities in both summer and winter
      landfill cover soils. 

PMID- 27117157
TI  - National Cross-Sectional Survey on Blood Pressure: A Gateway to a Better
      Appraisal of Hypertension in the Young.

PMID- 27117158
TI  - The Nordic SentiMag trial: a comparison of super paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)
      nanoparticles versus Tc(99) and patent blue in the detection of sentinel node
      (SN) in patients with breast cancer and a meta-analysis of earlier studies.
AB  - The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of SPIO as a tracer in sentinel
      node biopsy (SNB) in breast cancer with Tc and patent blue in a multicentre
      prospective study and perform a meta-analysis of all published studies. It also
      aims to follow skin discoloration after SPIO injection and describe when and how
      it resolves. Totally 206 patients with early breast cancer were recruited. Tc and
      patent blue were administered in standard fashion. Patients were injected with
      SPIO (Sienna+) preoperatively. SNB was performed and detection rates were
      recorded for both methods. Skin discoloration was followed and documented
      postoperatively. Data extraction and subsequent meta-analysis of all previous
      studies were also performed. SN detection rates were similar between standard
      technique succeeded and SPIO both per patient (97.1 vs. 97.6 %, p = 0.76) as well
      as per node (91.3 vs. 93.3 %, p = 0.34), something which was not affected by the
      presence of malignancy. Concordance rates were also consistently high (98.0 % per
      patient and 95.9 % per node). Discoloring was present in 35.5 % of patients
      postoperatively, almost exclusively in breast conservation. It fades slowly and
      is still detectable in 8.6 % of patients after 15 months. Meta-analysis depicted
      similar detection rates (p = 0.71) and concordance rates (p = 0.82) per patient.
      However, it seems that SPIO is characterized by higher nodal retrieval (p <
      0.001). SPIO is an effective method for the detection of SN in patients with
      breast cancer. It is comparable to the standard technique and seems to simplify
      logistics. Potential skin discoloration is something of consideration in patients
      planned for breast conservation.

PMID- 27117160
TI  - Association of adiposity, dysmetabolisms, and inflammation with aggressive breast
      cancer subtypes: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - Obesity and metabolic syndrome are risk and prognostic factors for breast cancer
      (BC) and are associated with chronic inflammation. We investigated the
      association between distinct BC subtypes and markers of adiposity,
      dysmetabolisms, and inflammation. We analyzed 1779 patients with primary invasive
      BC treated at a single institution, for whom anthropometric and clinical
      pathological data were archived. BC subtypes were classified by
      immunohistochemical staining of ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67, and their relations with
      the study markers were assessed by multinomial logistic regression. Adjusted odds
      ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated taking luminal A
      as reference. All subtypes more aggressive than luminal A were significantly more
      frequent in younger (<45 years) than older women. Before menopause, luminal B
      HER2-negative tumors were positively associated with large waist (OR 2.55, 95 %
      CI 1.53-4.24) and insulin resistance (OR 1.90, 95 % CI 1.05-3.41); luminal B HER2
      positive tumors with large waist (OR 2.11, 95 % CI 1.03-4.35) and triple-negative
      tumors with overweight (OR 3.04, 95 % CI 1.43-6.43) and high C-reactive protein
      (p trend = 0.026). In postmenopausal women aged <65, luminal B HER2-negative (OR
      1.94, 95 % CI 1.16-3.24) and luminal B HER2-positive tumors (OR 2.48, 95 % CI
      1.16-5.27) were positively related with metabolic syndrome. Dysmetabolisms and
      inflammation may be related to different BC subtypes. Before menopause, triple
      negative cancers were related to obesity and chronic inflammation, and aggressive
      luminal subtypes to abdominal adiposity. After menopause, in women aged <65 these
      latter subtypes were related to metabolic syndrome. Control of adiposity and
      dysmetabolism can reduce the risk of aggressive BC subtypes, improving the
      prognosis.

PMID- 27117159
TI  - An international survey of surveillance schemes for unaffected BRCA1 and BRCA2
      mutation carriers.
AB  - Female BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation carriers are at substantially increased risk for
      developing breast and/or ovarian cancer, and are offered enhanced surveillance
      including screening from a young age and risk-reducing surgery (RRS)-mastectomy
      (RRM) and/or salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). While there are established guidelines
      for early detection of breast cancer in high-risk women who have not undergone
      RRM, there are less developed guidelines after RRM. We evaluated the schemes
      offered before and after RRS in internationally diverse high-risk clinics. An e
      mailed survey was distributed to high-risk clinics affiliated with CIMBA.
      Overall, 22 centers from 16 countries responded. Pre RRS surveillance schemes
      overwhelmingly included breast imaging (primarily MRI) from 18 to 30 years and
      clinical breast exam (CBE) at 6-12 month intervals. For ovarian cancer, all but 6
      centers offered semiannual/annual gynecological exam, transvaginal ultrasound,
      and CA 125 measurements. Post RRM, most centers offered only annual CBE while 4
      centers offered annual MRI, primarily for substantial residual breast tissue.
      After RRSO only 4 centers offered specific gynecological surveillance. Existing
      guidelines for breast/ovarian cancer detection in BRCA carriers are being applied
      pre RRS but are not globally harmonized, and most centers offer no specific
      surveillance post RRS. From this comprehensive multinational study it is clear
      that evidence-based, long-term prospective data on the most effective scheme for
      BRCA carriers post RRS is needed.

PMID- 27117161
TI  - Morphological and molecular description of immature stages of Ornithodoros
      savignyi (Acari: Argasidae).
AB  - This study was designed to provide more details about larva, first nymph, and
      second nymph of Ornithodoros savignyi using a combination of light microscopy
      (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and partial sequence of mitochondrial
      16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA). The main characteristics of larva are
      wrinkled integument with many grooves, gnathosoma without camerostome cheeks,
      hypostome with a pair of large teeth apically, and tarsus without humps. The
      comparisons between the first and the second nymphs are different shape and
      distribution of dorsal grooves; a few spots without mammilla on the dorsal
      surface of the second nymph; 27 and 63-65 pairs of setae on the dorsal surface of
      the first and second nymphs, respectively; small holes on mammillae that are more
      dense in the second nymph; basis capitulum with two pairs of small setae in the
      second nymph; and one pair of sate in the first nymph, hypostome with dental
      formula 2/2 in the first nymph, and 3/3 in the second nymph. The partial 16S rRNA
      sequence of the second nymph that was determined as O. savignyi (450 bp) was
      deposited in GenBank under the accession number KU163242. 

PMID- 27117162
TI  - Morphological characteristics of Mesocestoides canislagopodis (Krabbe 1865)
      tetrathyridia found in rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) in Iceland.
AB  - Necropsies of 1010 rock ptarmigans (Lagopus muta) sampled in autumn 2006-2015 in
      northeast Iceland revealed Mesocestoides canislagopodis tetrathyridia infections
      in six birds (0.6 %), two juvenile birds (3 month old), and four adult birds (15
      months or older). Four birds had tetrathyridia in the body cavity, one bird in
      the liver, and one bird both in the body cavity and the liver. There were more
      tetrathyridia in the body cavity of the two juveniles (c. 50 in each) than in
      three adults (10-40), possibly indicating a host-age-related tetrathyridia
      mortality. Approximately, half of tetrathyridia in the body cavity were free or
      loosely attached to the serosa, the other half were encapsulated in a thin, loose
      connective tissue stroma, frequently attached to the lungs and the liver.
      Tetrathyridia in the liver parenchyma incited variably intense inflammation.
      Tetrathyridia from the juvenile hosts were whitish, heart-shaped, and flattened,
      with unsegmented bodies with a slightly pointed posterior end. In the adult
      hosts, tetrathyridia were sometimes almost rectangular-shaped, slightly wider
      compared to those in the juveniles, but more than twice as long as the younger
      aged tetrathyridia. Tetrathyridia infections are most likely acquired during the
      brief insectivorous feeding phase of ptarmigan chicks, and the tetrathyridia
      persist throughout the lifespan of the birds. 

PMID- 27117163
TI  - New Insights for Diagnosis of Pineapple Fusariosis by MALDI-TOF MS Technique.
AB  - Fusarium is one of the most economically important fungal genus, since it
      includes many pathogenic species which cause a wide range of plant diseases.
      Morphological or molecular biology identification of Fusarium species is a
      limiting step in the fast diagnosis and treatment of plant disease caused by
      these fungi. Mass spectrometry by matrix-assisted laser/desorption ionisation
      time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF)-based fingerprinting approach was applied to the
      fungal growth monitoring and direct detection of strain Fusarium guttiforme E-480
      inoculated in both pineapple cultivars Perola and Imperial side shoots, that are
      susceptible and resistant, respectively, to this fungal strain. MALDI-TOF MS
      technique was capable to detect fungal molecular mass peaks in the susceptible
      pineapple stem side shoot tissue. It is assumed that these molecular masses are
      mainly constituted by ribosomal proteins. MALDI-TOF-based fingerprinting approach
      has herein been demonstrated to be sensitive and accurate for the direct
      detection of F. guttiforme E-480 molecular masses on both susceptible and
      resistant pineapple side stem free of any pre-treatment. According to the results
      obtained, the changing on molecular mass peaks of infected susceptible pineapple
      tissue together with the possibility of fungal molecular masses analysis into
      this pineapple tissue can be a good indication for an early diagnosis by MALDI
      TOF MS of pineapple fusariosis. 

PMID- 27117165
TI  - Tracheal Secondary Involvement by mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue Lymphoma - A
      Rare Diagnosis.

PMID- 27117164
TI  - Molecular Components of the Sporothrix schenckii Complex that Induce Immune
      Response.
AB  - Sporotrichosis is a fungal disease caused by the Sporothrix schenckii complex
      that includes species such as S. brasiliensis, S. schenckii sensu stricto, S.
      globosa, S. luriei, S. mexicana, and S. pallida, which exhibit different
      potentially antigenic molecular components. The immune response of susceptible
      hosts to control infection and disease caused by these fungi has been little
      studied. Besides, the fungus-host interaction induces the activation of different
      types of immune response. This mini-review analyzes and discusses existing
      reports on the identification and functional characterization of molecules from
      species of the S. schenckii complex with clinical relevance, and the mechanisms
      that mediate the type and magnitude of the immune response in experimental models
      in vivo and in vitro. This knowledge is expected to contribute to the development
      of protective and therapeutic strategies against sporotrichosis and other
      mycoses. 

PMID- 27117166
TI  - Intrathoracic Rib; when to use tomography?

PMID- 27117167
TI  - Antibodies to alpha5 chain of collagen IV are pathogenic in Goodpasture's
      disease.
AB  - Autoantibody against glomerular basement membrane (GBM) plays a direct role in
      the initiation and development of Goodpasture's (GP) disease. The principal
      autoantigen is the non-collagenous domain 1 (NC1) of alpha3 chain of collagen IV,
      with two immunodominant epitopes, EA-alpha3 and EB-alpha3. We recently
      demonstrated that antibodies targeting alpha5NC1 are bound to kidneys in GP
      patients, suggesting their pathogenic relevance. In the present study, we sought
      to assess the pathogenicity of the alpha5 autoantibody with clinical and animal
      studies. Herein, we present a special case of GP disease with circulating
      autoantibody reactive exclusively to the alpha5NC1 domain. This autoantibody
      reacted with conformational epitopes within GBM collagen IV hexamer and produced
      a linear IgG staining on frozen sections of human kidney. The antibody binds to
      the two regions within alpha5NC1 domain, EA and EB, and inhibition ELISA
      indicates that they are targeted by distinct sub-populations of autoantibodies.
      Sequence analysis highlights five residues that determine specificity of antibody
      targeting EA and EB epitopes of alpha5NC1 over homologous regions in alpha3NC1.
      Furthermore, immunization with recombinant alpha5NC1 domain induced crescentic
      glomerulonephritis and alveolar hemorrhage in Wistar-Kyoto rats. Thus, patient
      data and animal studies together reveal the pathogenicity of alpha5 antibodies.
      Given previously documented cases of GP disease with antibodies selectively
      targeting alpha3NC1 domain, our data presents a conundrum of why alpha3-specific
      antibodies developing in majority of GP patients, with alpha5-specific antibodies
      emerged in isolated cases, the answer for which is critical for understanding of
      etiology and progression of the GP disease.

PMID- 27117168
TI  - Anatomical landmarks of the distal femoral condyles are not always parallel to
      the tibial bone cut surface in flexion during total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Soft tissue balancing is crucial to the success of total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA). To create a rectangular flexion joint gap, the rotation of
      the femoral component is important. The purpose of this study is to determine
      whether or not anatomical landmarks of the distal femoral condyles are parallel
      to the tibial bone cut surface in flexion. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (three
      male and 45 female) with a mean age of 74years were examined. During the
      operation, we estimated the flexion joint gap with the following three
      techniques. 1) a three degree external cut to the posterior condylar line (MR1),
      2) a parallel cut to the surgical transepicondylar axis (MR2), and 3) a parallel
      cut to the anatomical transepicondylar axis (MR3). RESULTS: The flexion joint gap
      was 1.1+/-3.0 degrees  (mean+/-standard deviation (SD)) in internal rotation in
      the case of MR1, 0.9+/-3.4 degrees  in internal rotation in the case of MR2, and
      2.1+/-3.4 degrees  in external rotation in the case of MR3. An outlier (flexion
      joint gap >3.0 degrees ) was observed in 12 cases (25%) in MR1, 13 cases (27%) in
      MR2, and 15 cases (31%) in MR3. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical landmarks of the
      distal femoral condyles are not always parallel to the tibial bone cut surface in
      flexion. To create a rectangular flexion joint gap, the rotation of the femoral
      component rotation is based not only on the anatomical landmarks but also on the
      ligament balance.

PMID- 27117169
TI  - Reliability of predictive models for non-operative healing potential of stable
      juvenile osteochondritis dissecans knee lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While juvenile osteochondritis dissecans (JOCD) lesions have greater
      healing potential than equivalent lesions in adults, only 50% of JOCD lesions
      demonstrate radiographic healing after six months of non-operative treatment. Two
      previous studies have produced nomograms to predict a patient's probability of
      healing with non-operative treatment based on patient and lesion characteristics.
      The purpose of this study was to determine inter- and intra-observer reliability
      of the predictive nomograms. METHODS: A consecutive series of 34 skeletally
      immature patients (40 knees), who underwent non-operative treatment for stable
      JOCD lesions was retrospectively reviewed. At two time points at least one week
      apart, two medical students, two orthopaedic surgeons, and a radiologist made
      measurements of the JOCD lesions. These measurements, along with patient ages and
      pain type, were used to generate a point value for each lesion based on both
      nomograms. Intra-class correlations (ICCs) were calculated to determine inter-
      and intra-rater reliability. RESULTS: We found near perfect intra-rater
      correlation (ICC) for all raters' individual OCD measurements, as well as total
      point score for the two nomograms (ICC range, 0.780-0.929). Additionally, there
      was near perfect inter-rater reliability among raters for total scores and
      individual components of each nomogram (ICC range, 0.721-0.974). CONCLUSIONS:
      There is high inter- and intra-rater reliability for both point systems for
      predicting healing of JOCD lesions. Clinicians should be aware of these as tools
      to help guide decision making in patients with JOCD lesions.

PMID- 27117170
TI  - Identification of Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) Using a Species
      Specific Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I PCR Assay.
AB  - Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae: Siricinae), a new invasive species in
      China, is a significant international forestry quarantine pest. Transportation of
      Sirex in logs, and related wood packing materials, has led to environmental
      damage and substantial economic loss in many countries around the world.
      Traditional morphological characteristics are not reliable for identification of
      the Siricidae family, particularly the larvae. Furthermore, specimens are
      frequently not in a suitable condition to permit morphological identification.
      The majority of damage is caused by the larval stage, which excavates galleries
      that can penetrate to the center of tree boles. Thus, development of a rapid,
      accurate, and effective molecular identification technique for S. noctilio, which
      does not require expert morphological knowledge, is necessary. Here, we describe
      a molecular identification tool based on the mitochondrial DNA gene, cytochrome C
      oxidase subunit I (COI). We designed a species-specific COI (SS-COI) PCR assay,
      which allows direct identification of S. noctilio, regardless of developmental
      stage. Six woodwasp species commonly found in China, Sirex noctilio, Sirex
      nitobei, Sirex sp., Tremex fuscicornis Fabr., Tremex apicalis Matsumura, and
      Xeris spectrum, were included in our analyses. Moreover, specimens of S. noctilio
      from 16 different areas were analyzed. The results demonstrate that our molecular
      assay is effective and accurate, regardless of developmental stage or type of
      specimen, consistent with use for quarantine purposes, to prevent the harmful
      consequences of S. noctilio spread.

PMID- 27117171
TI  - Putting health inequalities to music.

PMID- 27117172
TI  - Association of an Index of Healthy Aging With Incident Cardiovascular Disease and
      Mortality in a Community-Based Sample of Older Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The healthy aging index (HAI) was developed as a marker of health in
      multiple systems that can identify individuals who age most successfully.
      METHODS: We calculated an HAI in 934 Framingham Offspring Study participants aged
      60 or older at baseline. Heart rate and C-reactive protein (CRP) were added in
      modified versions of the HAI. Cox proportional hazard models were used to
      quantify the association of the HAI with mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD),
      and cancer. We used fully conditional specification to multiply impute missing
      values for HAI components, increasing the sample size by 44%. RESULTS: Over 10
      years of follow-up, there were 138 deaths, 103 incident cases of CVD, and 138
      incident cases of cancer. In models adjusted for age, sex, and behavioral risk
      factors, the HAI was associated with mortality (hazard ratio [HR] per unit of HAI
      1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.36) and with CVD (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.13
      1.42), but not with cancer (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.91-1.11) in observed (non-missing)
      data. In multivariable models further adjusting for prevalent diseases, results
      were slightly attenuated. When including heart rate and CRP, a modified HAI gave
      stronger associations. Results with imputed data are similar to results from
      complete case analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In our large community-based sample, the HAI
      is a strong predictor of mortality and CVD. Other factors that are strongly
      associated with mortality, such as heart rate and CRP can improve the ability of
      the HAI to identify the healthiest older adults.

PMID- 27117173
TI  - Bacillus loiseleuriae sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil from a loiseleuria
      plant.
AB  - A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, endospore-forming, aerobic bacterium,
      designated strain FJAT-27997T, was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a
      Loiseleuria plant collected from Sichuan province in China. Growth was observed
      aerobically between 20  and 35  degrees C (optimum 30  degrees C), between 0 and
      3.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum at 0 %) concentration and pH in the range 6.0-9.0
      (optimum at pH 7.0). The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic
      acid and the major isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone MK-7. The main fatty acids
      were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C14 : 0, C16 : 0 and C14 : 0. The main
      polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and
      phosphatidylethanolamine. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences
      showed that isolate FJAT-27997T was a member of the genus Bacillus and was
      related most closely to Bacillus simplex DSM 1321T (97.95 % similarity), followed
      by Bacillushuizhouensis GSS03T (97.9 %). The average nucleotide identity value
      between strain FJAT-27997T and the most closely related species, B. simplex DSM
      1321T, was 71.60 % (JSpecies), less than the previously proposed cut-off value of
      96 % for differentiating species within the genus. The in silico DNA-DNA
      hybridization values between strain FJAT-27997T and its most closely related
      species were <70 %, again indicating they belong to different taxa. The main
      fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The novel strain could be
      differentiated from other known Bacillus species on the basis of several
      phenotypic characters and fatty acid profiles. This taxononomic/genomic study
      revealed that strain FJAT-27997T represents a novel Bacillus species, for which
      the name Bacillus loiseleuriae sp. nov. (type strain FJAT-27997T =CCTCC AB
      2015285T=DSM 101776T) is proposed.

PMID- 27117174
TI  - Admission systolic blood pressure and outcomes in large vessel occlusion strokes
      treated with endovascular treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: High admission blood pressure (BP) levels have been
      associated with lower recanalization rates after endovascular treatment (EVT) for
      patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with emergent large vessel occlusion
      (ELVO). We sought to evaluate the association of admission BP with early outcomes
      in patients with ELVO treated with EVT. METHODS: Consecutive patients with AIS
      presenting with ELVO in a tertiary stroke center during a 4-year period were
      prospectively evaluated. Admission systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic
      blood pressure (DBP) were measured using automated cuff recordings. A blinded
      neuroradiologist calculated the final infarct volume (FIV) using standardized
      ABC/2 methodology. A favorable functional outcome (FFO) at 3 months was defined
      as modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2. RESULTS: Our study population consisted of
      116 patients with AIS (mean age 63+/-13 years, median NIH Stroke Scale score 17
      points (IQR 14-21), median FIV 30 cm3 (IQR 8-94)). Higher admission SBP
      correlated with higher FIV (r +0.225; p=0.020). Patients with FFO had lower
      admission SBP (151+/-24 mm Hg vs 165+/-28 mm Hg; p=0.010), while admission SBP
      levels were higher in patients who died during hospitalization (169+/-34 mm Hg vs
      156+/-24 mm Hg; p=0.043). A 10 mm Hg increment in admission SBP was independently
      (p=0.010) associated with an increase of 12 cm3 in FIV (95% CI 3 to 21) in
      multiple linear regression models adjusting for potential confounders. A 10 mm Hg
      increment in admission SBP was independently (p=0.012) associated with a lower
      likelihood of FFO at 3 months (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.91) in multiple logistic
      regression models adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Higher
      admission SBP is an independent predictor of increased FIV and lower likelihood
      of 3-month FFO in patients with ELVO treated with EVT.

PMID- 27117175
TI  - Effects of circuit albumin coating on coagulation and inflammatory response for
      patients receiving aortic arch replacement: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether human serum albumin coating before
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) could improve platelet function and hemostasis and
      mitigate the inflammatory response among patients receiving aortic arch
      replacement with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). METHODS: Sixty
      patients were included and randomized into two groups: the Control Group (CG,
      receiving 40 g human albumin 5 minutes after the initiation of CPB) and the Study
      Group (SG, circulating the prime with 40 g albumin for 5 minutes before CPB).
      Rapid thromboelastography, complete blood count, coagulation tests and cytokines
      (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha and PAF) were measured at two intervals: after
      anesthesia induction and before CPB (T1) and 10 minutes after heparin reversal
      before any blood product transfusion (T2). RESULTS: Compared with T1, the
      fibrinogen and MA levels in both groups reduced significantly after heparin
      reversal and fell within the normal range for most patients. The platelet count
      reduction (DeltaPLT) in the Study Group was significantly less than in the
      Control Group (p=0.031). Despite the inflammatory factor levels increasing after
      CPB (p<0.001), no differences were found between the Control Group and the Study
      Group. Fewer red blood cells were given in the Study Group, but this was not
      significant (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Most patients receiving aortic arch replacement
      with DHCA have normal platelet function and fibrinogen levels after heparin
      reversal. Albumin coating before CPB may mitigate the platelet count reduction,
      but not platelet dysfunction. There is a trend that the patients treated with
      albumin coating received less red blood cell transfusions.

PMID- 27117176
TI  - Labeling of target mRNAs using a photo-reactive microRNA probe.
AB  - To identify target mRNAs of an miRNA, we synthesized photo-reactive miRNA probes,
      which contained a photo-reactive nucleoside analog, 1-O-[4-(3-trifluoromethyl-3H
      diazirine-3-yl)]benzyl-beta-d-ribofuranose, in the middle of the strand. The
      photo-reactive miRNA-145 probe was found to specifically label the target mRNAs,
      FSCN1 and KLF4, by UV-A irradiation in human colon cancer DLD-1 cells. 

PMID- 27117177
TI  - ARCII: A phase II trial of the HIV protease inhibitor Nelfinavir in combination
      with chemoradiation for locally advanced inoperable pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Nelfinavir can enhance intrinsic radiosensitivity, reduce
      hypoxia and improve vascularity. We conducted a phase II trial combining
      nelfinavir with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced inoperable
      pancreatic cancer (LAPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiotherapy (50.4Gy/28
      fractions; boost to 59.4Gy/33 fractions) was administered with weekly gemcitabine
      and cisplatin. Nelfinavir started 3-10days before and was continued during CRT.
      The primary end-point was 1-year overall survival (OS). Secondary end-points
      included histological downstaging, radiological response, 1-year progression free
      survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and treatment toxicity. An imaging sub
      study (n=6) evaluated hypoxia ((18)F-Fluoromisonidazole-PET) and perfusion
      (perfusion CT) during induction nelfinavir. RESULTS: The study closed after
      recruiting 23 patients, due to non-availability of Nelfinavir in Europe. The 1
      year OS was 73.4% (90% CI: 54.5-85.5%) and median OS was 17.4months (90% CI: 12.8
      18.8). The 1-year PFS was 21.8% (90% CI: 8.9-38.3%) and median PFS was 5.5months
      (90% CI: 4.1-8.3). All patients experienced Grade 3/4 toxicity, but many were
      asymptomatic laboratory abnormalities. Four of 6 patients on the imaging sub
      study demonstrated reduced hypoxia and increased perfusion post-nelfinavir.
      CONCLUSIONS: CRT combined with nelfinavir showed acceptable toxicity and
      promising survival in pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 27117178
TI  - Assessing and understanding sedentary behaviour in office-based working adults: a
      mixed-method approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sedentary behaviours (SB) can be characterized by low energy
      expenditure in a reclining position (e.g., sitting) often associated with work
      and transport. Prolonged SB is associated with increased risk for chronic
      conditions, and due to technological advances, the working population is in
      office settings with high occupational exposure to SB. This study aims to assess
      SB among office workers, as well as barriers and strategies towards reducing SB
      in the work setting. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods approach guided by the socio
      ecological framework, non-academic office workers from a professional school in a
      large public university were recruited. Of 180 eligible office workers, 40
      enrolled and completed all assessments. Self-reported and objectively measured SB
      and activity levels were captured. Focus group discussion (FGD) were conducted to
      further understand perceptions, barriers, and strategies to reducing workplace
      SB. Environmental factors were systematically evaluated by trained research staff
      using an adapted version of the Checklist for Health Promotion Environments at
      Worksites (CHEW). Thematic analysis of FGD was conducted and descriptive analysis
      of quantitative data was performed. RESULTS: The sample was mostly Chinese (n =
      33, 80 %) with a total of 24 (60 %) female participants. Most participants worked
      five days a week for about 9.5(0.5) hrs/day. Accelerometer data show that
      participants spend the majority of their days in sedentary activities both on
      workdays (76.9 %) and non-workdays (69.5 %). Self-report data confirm these
      findings with median sitting time of 420(180) minutes at work. From qualitative
      analyses, major barriers to reducing SB emerged, including the following themes:
      workplace social and cultural norms, personal factors, job scope, and physical
      building/office infrastructure. CHEW results confirm a lack of support from the
      physical infrastructure and information environment to reducing SB. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is high SB among office workers in this sample. We identified multiple
      levels of influence for prolonged occupational SB, with a particular emphasis on
      workplace norms and infrastructure as important barriers to reducing SB and
      increasing PA. A larger, representative sample of the Singaporean population is
      needed to confirm our findings but it seems that any intervention aimed at
      reducing SB in the workplace should target individual, environmental, and
      organizational levels.

PMID- 27117179
TI  - What we learned about the role of antenatal magnesium sulfate for the prevention
      of cerebral palsy.
AB  - Based on the convincing case control study of Nelson and Grether which suggested
      that the administration of magnesium sulfate to mothers prior to early preterm
      birth might protect their offspring from cerebral palsy, and a pilot study by
      John Hauth et al. at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Eunice Kennedy
      Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal
      Medicine Units Network, with co-funding from the National Institute of Neurologic
      Disorders and Stroke embarked on the Beneficial Effects of Antenatal Magnesium
      (BEAM) Trial in 1997.

PMID- 27117180
TI  - Retraction Note: Drying of a plasmid containing formulation: chitosan as a
      protecting agent.

PMID- 27117181
TI  - Phase I Clinical Trial of Marizomib (NPI-0052) in Patients with Advanced
      Malignancies Including Multiple Myeloma: Study NPI-0052-102 Final Results.
AB  - PURPOSE: Marizomib (NPI-0052) is an irreversible proteasome inhibitor, derived
      from a marine actinomycete, with activity and specificity that is distinct from
      other proteasome inhibitors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Phase I study (NPI-0052-102)
      evaluated the MTD, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of marizomib
      intravenously on two dosing schedules. RESULTS: Forty-two patients with advanced
      malignancies received Schedule A (0.1-0.9 mg/m(2) over 1-10 minutes on days 1, 8,
      15 in 4-week cycles); 44 patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple
      myeloma (RRMM) and other hematologic malignancies received Schedule B (0.075-0.6
      mg/m(2) over 1 minute to 2 hours on days 1, 4, 8, 11, in 3-week cycles). The
      Schedule A recommended phase II dose was 0.7 mg/m(2) over 10 minutes; Schedule B
      was 0.5 mg/m(2) over 2 hours. The most common (>25% of patients) related adverse
      events were fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and infusion site pain (Schedule A); and
      fatigue (Schedule B). Overall response rate of 11% was seen in 27 efficacy
      evaluable RRMM Schedule B patients (1 very good partial response, 3 partial
      responses, 4 minimal responses, and 12 stable disease). One Schedule A patient
      with transformed marginal zone lymphoma had complete response. Marizomib has a
      short half-life (<30 minutes), with high volume of distribution (~15-416 L) and
      clearance (~0.9-22 L/minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Marizomib does not exhibit the severe
      peripheral neuropathy or hematologic toxicity observed with other proteasome
      inhibitors. Marizomib was generally well tolerated with low-dose dexamethasone,
      demonstrated activity in heavily pretreated RRMM patients, and warrants further
      evaluation. Clin Cancer Res; 22(18); 4559-66. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27117182
TI  - In Vivo Fluorescence Imaging of the Activity of CEA TCB, a Novel T-Cell
      Bispecific Antibody, Reveals Highly Specific Tumor Targeting and Fast Induction
      of T-Cell-Mediated Tumor Killing.
AB  - PURPOSE: CEA TCB (RG7802, RO6958688) is a novel T-cell bispecific antibody,
      engaging CD3epsilon upon binding to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) on tumor
      cells. Containing an engineered Fc region, conferring an extended blood half-life
      while preventing side effects due to activation of innate effector cells, CEA TCB
      potently induces tumor lysis in mouse tumors. Here we aimed to characterize the
      pharmacokinetic profile, the biodistribution, and the mode of action of CEA TCB
      by combining in vitro and in vivo fluorescence imaging readouts. EXPERIMENTAL
      DESIGN: CEA-expressing tumor cells (LS174T) and human peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cocultured in vitro or cografted into
      immunocompromised mice. Fluorescence reflectance imaging and intravital 2-photon
      (2P) microscopy were employed to analyze in vivo tumor targeting while in vitro
      confocal and intravital time-lapse imaging were used to assess the mode of action
      of CEA TCB. RESULTS: Fluorescence reflectance imaging revealed increased ratios
      of extravascular to vascular fluorescence signals in tumors after treatment with
      CEA TCB compared with control antibody, suggesting specific targeting, which was
      confirmed by intravital microscopy. Confocal and intravital 2P microscopy showed
      CEA TCB to accelerate T-cell-dependent tumor cell lysis by inducing a local
      increase of effector to tumor cell ratios and stable crosslinking of multiple T
      cells to individual tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS: Using optical imaging, we
      demonstrate specific tumor targeting and characterize the mode of CEA TCB
      mediated target cell lysis in a mouse tumor model, which supports further
      clinical evaluation of CEA TCB. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4417-27. (c)2016 AACRSee
      related commentary by Teijeira et al., p. 4277.

PMID- 27117183
TI  - Cardiorespiratory fitness and sports activities in children and adolescents with
      solitary functioning kidney.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increasing number of children with chronic disease require a
      complete medical examination to be able to practice physical activity.
      Particularly children with solitary functioning kidney (SFK) need an accurate
      functional evaluation to perform sports activities safely. The aim of our study
      was to evaluate the influence of regular physical activity on the
      cardiorespiratory function of children with solitary functioning kidney. METHOD:
      Twenty-nine patients with congenital SFK, mean age 13.9 +/- 5.0 years, and 36
      controls (C), mean age 13.8 +/- 3.7 years, underwent a cardiorespiratory
      assessment with spirometry and maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing. All
      subjects were divided in two groups: sedentary (S) and trained (T) patients, by
      means of a standardized questionnaire about their weekly physical activity.
      RESULTS: We found that mean values of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and
      exercise time (ET) were higher in T subjects than in S subjects. Particularly SFK
      T presented mean values of VO2max similar to C-T and significantly higher than C
      S (SFK-T: 44.7 +/- 6.3 vs C-S: 37.8 +/- 3.7 ml/min/kg; p < 0.0008). We also found
      significantly higher mean values of ET (minutes) in minutes in SFK-T than C-S
      subjects (SFK-T: 12.9 +/- 1.6 vs C-S: 10.8 +/- 2.5 min; p <0.02). CONCLUSION: Our
      study showed that regular moderate/high level of physical activity improve
      aerobic capacity (VO2max) and exercise tolerance in congenital SFK patients
      without increasing the risks for cardiovascular accidents and accordingly sports
      activities should be strongly encouraged in SFK patients to maximize health
      benefits.

PMID- 27117184
TI  - The importance of pharmacist and researcher collaboration to inform clinical
      audit and optimise medicine services in aged care facilities.

PMID- 27117185
TI  - A conceptual framework toward identifying and analyzing challenges to the
      advancement of pharmacy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacists and health care professionals are faced with increasing
      and changing health care needs around the world. To meet these demands, they are
      required to continuously upgrade and develop their professions.
      Reprofessionalization is therefore crucial to the successful delivery of health
      services, but traditional theories might provide little practical guidance to
      evaluating the overall status of a profession. OBJECTIVE: This study proposes a
      new conceptual framework of three interrelated professional sectors: education,
      regulation and practice, and uses it to identify and analyze challenges facing
      the pharmacy profession in Jordan. METHODS: A multiple-method qualitative study
      comprised of semi-structured interviews and focus groups was conducted in Amman,
      Jordan. To explore and identify the challenges, a purposively recruited cross
      sector sample of 53 key informants, stakeholders and pharmacists were
      interviewed. Interview transcripts were translated and analyzed using QSR NVivo
      10. Thematic analysis identified eight main challenges facing pharmacy in Jordan.
      The original participants were then invited to participate in focus groups, the
      purpose of which was to validate the interview findings, map them against the
      conceptual framework and discuss recommendations for development. RESULTS: The
      eight validated challenges span the following areas: graduates preparedness for
      practice, pharmacy education accreditation and quality assurance, pre
      registration requirements, workforce development, workforce planning,
      remuneration and wage rate, pharmacy assistants, and Pharm.D. pharmacists. Focus
      group participants used the framework to map each of the challenges to the
      primary sector-to-sector disconnect that they perceived to explain it. A list of
      recommendations addressing each of the challenges was also devised. CONCLUSIONS:
      The framework was found to offer valuable insight as an explanatory and
      diagnostic tool in policy-relevant research. By emphasizing the processual and
      contextual nature of reprofessionalization, the framework presents an alternative
      approach to traditional theories. This study also raises important questions
      regarding the status of pharmacy in Jordan and aims to provide guidance for local
      development and much-needed reprofessionalization drives.

PMID- 27117186
TI  - Is there a link between the growing drug selling outlets, licensure type, and
      rising OTC antibiotics utilization in Pakistan?

PMID- 27117187
TI  - Injecting drugs in tight spaces: HIV, cocaine and collinearity in the Downtown
      Eastside, Vancouver, Canada.
AB  - This commentary revisits the political turmoil and scientific controversy over
      epidemiological study findings linking high HIV seroincidence to syringe exchange
      attendance in Vancouver in the mid-1990s. The association was mobilized
      polemically by US politicians and hard-line drug warriors to attack needle
      exchange policies and funding. In turn, program restrictions limiting access to
      syringes at the Vancouver exchange may have interfaced with a complex conjunction
      of historical, geographic, political economic and cultural forces and
      physiological vulnerabilities to create an extraordinary HIV risk environment:
      (1) ghettoization of services for indigent populations in a rapidly gentrifying,
      post-industrial city; (2) rural-urban migration of vulnerable populations subject
      to historical colonization and current patterns of racism; and (3) the flooding
      of North America with inexpensive powder cocaine and heroin, and the popularity
      of crack. In fact, we will never know with certainty the precise cause for the
      extreme seroincidence rates in Vancouver in the early to mid-1990s. The tendency
      for modern social epidemiology to decontextualize research subjects and assign
      excessive importance to discrete, "magic bullet" variables resulted in a
      counterproductive scientific and political debate in the late 1990s that has
      obfuscated potentially useful practical lessons for organizing the logistics of
      harm reduction services - especially syringe exchange - to better serve the needs
      of vulnerable populations and to mitigate the effects of political-economically
      imposed HIV risk environments. We would benefit from humbly acknowledging the
      limits of public health science and learn to recognize the unintended
      consequences of well-intentioned interventions rather than sweep embarrassing
      histories under the rug.

PMID- 27117188
TI  - Comparison of French training and non-training general practices: a cross
      sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the medicine practiced in hospital settings has become more
      specialized, training in primary care is becoming increasingly essential for
      medical students, especially for future general practitioners (GPs). Only a few
      limited studies have investigated the representativeness of medical practices
      delivering this training. The aim of this study was to assess the
      representativeness of French GP trainers in terms of socio-demographics, patients
      and activities. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study covering all
      private GPs practicing in the Rhone-Alpes region of France in 2011. This
      population consisted of 4992 GPs, including 623 trainers and 4369 non-trainers,
      managing 8,198,684 individual patients. Data from 2011 to 2012 were provided by
      the Regional Health Care Insurance (RHCI). We compared GP trainers with non
      trainers using the Pearson chi-square test for qualitative variables and the
      Student t-test for quantitative variables RESULTS: GP trainers do not differ from
      non-trainers for gender, but they tend to be younger, more frequently in mid
      career, and more likely to practice in a rural area. Their patients are broadly
      representative of patients attending general practice for age (with the exception
      of a higher consultation rate for infants), but patients with medical fee
      exemption status relating to low income are underrepresented. GP trainers have a
      heavier workload in terms of office visits and on-call duties. They prescribe a
      higher proportion of generic drugs, perform more electrocardiograms and cervical
      smears, and fewer plaster casts. GP trainers show better performance in diabetes
      follow-up, and to a lesser extent for seasonal flu vaccination and mammograms.
      CONCLUSIONS: GPs and patients of training practices are globally representative,
      which is particularly critical in countries such as France, where the length of
      specialty training in a general practice setting is still limited to a few
      months. In addition, GP trainers tend to have better clinical performance, which
      conforms to their teaching modelling role and may encourage other GPs to become
      trainers.

PMID- 27117190
TI  - Being smart or getting smarter: Implicit theory of intelligence moderates
      stereotype threat and stereotype lift effects.
AB  - This research explores implicit theory of intelligence (TOI) as a moderator of
      stereotype activation effects on test performance for members of negatively
      stereotyped and of favourably stereotyped groups. In Germany, Turkish-origin
      migrants are stereotyped as low in verbal ability. We predicted that on a test
      diagnostic of verbal intelligence, endorsement of an entity TOI predicts
      stereotype threat effects for Turkish-origin students and stereotype lift effects
      for German students. This effect could account for some of the performance gap
      between immigrants and host society members after stereotype activation. Study 1
      (N = 107) established structural equivalence of implicit theories across the
      ethnic groups. In two experimental studies (Study 2: N = 182, Study 3: N = 190),
      we tested the moderating effect of TOI in a 2 (stereotype activation: diagnostic
      vs. non-diagnostic test) * 2 (ethnicity: German vs. Turkish migration background)
      experimental design. The results showed that when the test was described as
      diagnostic of verbal intelligence, higher entity theory endorsement predicted
      stereotype threat effects for Turkish-origin students (Study 2 and Study 3) and
      stereotype lift effects for German students (Study 3). The results are discussed
      in terms of practical implications for educational settings and theoretical
      implications for processes underlying stereotype activation effects. 

PMID- 27117189
TI  - The Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase Complex NuRD Is Built from Preformed
      Catalytically Active Sub-modules.
AB  - The nucleosome remodeling deacetylase (NuRD) complex is a highly conserved
      regulator of chromatin structure and transcription. Structural studies have shed
      light on this and other chromatin modifying machines, but much less is known
      about how they assemble and whether stable and functional sub-modules exist that
      retain enzymatic activity. Purification of the endogenous Drosophila NuRD complex
      shows that it consists of a stable core of subunits, while others, in particular
      the chromatin remodeler CHD4, associate transiently. To dissect the assembly and
      activity of NuRD, we systematically produced all possible combinations of
      different components using the MultiBac system, and determined their activity and
      biophysical properties. We carried out single-molecule imaging of CHD4 in live
      mouse embryonic stem cells, in the presence and absence of one of core components
      (MBD3), to show how the core deacetylase and chromatin-remodeling sub-modules
      associate in vivo. Our experiments suggest a pathway for the assembly of NuRD via
      preformed and active sub-modules. These retain enzymatic activity and are present
      in both the nucleus and the cytosol, an outcome with important implications for
      understanding NuRD function.

PMID- 27117192
TI  - Menthoxypropanediol inhibits nerve growth factor-induced nerve fibre sprouting in
      coculture models of sensory neurons and skin cells.

PMID- 27117191
TI  - The effect of concomitant peripheral injury on traumatic brain injury
      pathobiology and outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic injuries are physical insults to the body that are
      prevalent worldwide. Many individuals involved in accidents suffer injuries
      affecting a number of extremities and organs, otherwise known as multitrauma or
      polytrauma. Traumatic brain injury is one of the most serious forms of the trauma
      induced injuries and is a leading cause of death and long-term disability.
      Despite over dozens of phase III clinical trials, there are currently no specific
      treatments known to improve traumatic brain injury outcomes. These failures are
      in part due to our still poor understanding of the heterogeneous and evolving
      pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury and how factors such as concomitant
      extracranial injuries can impact these processes. MAIN BODY: Here, we review the
      available clinical and pre-clinical studies that have investigated the possible
      impact of concomitant injuries on traumatic brain injury pathobiology and
      outcomes. We then list the pathophysiological processes that may interact and
      affect outcomes and discuss promising areas for future research. Taken together,
      many of the clinical multitrauma/polytrauma studies discussed in this review
      suggest that concomitant peripheral injuries may increase the risk of mortality
      and functional deficits following traumatic brain injury, particularly when
      severe extracranial injuries are combined with mild to moderate brain injury. In
      addition, recent animal studies have provided strong evidence that concomitant
      injuries may increase both peripheral and central inflammatory responses and that
      structural and functional deficits associated with traumatic brain injury may be
      exacerbated in multiply injured animals. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this review
      suggest that concomitant extracranial injuries are capable of modifying the
      outcomes and pathobiology of traumatic brain injury, in particular
      neuroinflammation. Though additional studies are needed to further identify the
      factors and mechanisms involved in central and peripheral injury interactions
      following multitrauma and polytrauma, concomitant injuries should be recognized
      and accounted for in future pre-clinical and clinical traumatic brain injury
      studies.

PMID- 27117194
TI  - EDITORIAL: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW STUDY DESIGN GLOSSARY.

PMID- 27117193
TI  - Detection of capecitabine (Xeloda(r)) on the skin surface after oral
      administration.
AB  - Palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE), or hand-foot syndrome, is a cutaneous
      toxicity under various chemotherapeutics contributing to the most frequent side
      effects in patients treated with capecitabine (Xeloda(r)). The pathomechanism of
      PPE has been unclear. Here, the topical detection of capecitabine in the skin
      after oral application was shown in 10 patients receiving 2500  mg/m 2 /day 2500 
      mg/m2/day capecitabine. Sweat samples were taken prior to and one week after oral
      administration of capecitabine. Using high-resolution continuum source absorption
      spectrometry, the changes in concentrations of fluorine, which is an ingredient
      of capecitabine, were quantified and statistically analyzed. Here, we show an
      increase in fluorine concentrations from 40+/-10  ppb 40+/-10  ppb (2+/-0.5  pM
      2+/-0.5  pM ) before capecitabine administration to 27.7+/-11.8  ppm 27.7+/-11.8 
      ppm (14.6+/-6.5  nM 14.6+/-6.5  nM ) after application, p<0.001 p<0.001 . The
      results show the secretion of capecitabine on the skin surface after oral
      administration, indicating a local toxic effect as a possible pathomechanism of
      PPE.

PMID- 27117195
TI  - DOSIMETRIC CONSEQUENCES OF USING CONTRAST-ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGES
      FOR INTENSITY-MODULATED STEREOTACTIC BODY RADIOTHERAPY PLANNING.

PMID- 27117197
TI  - Vomiting in a Teenager with Down Syndrome.

PMID- 27117198
TI  - Reportable Bacterial Infections among New York City-Born Infants, 2001-2009.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine rates of reportable bacterial infections among infants in
      New York City and identify populations at risk and preventable causes of
      morbidity. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study matched live births in
      New York City from 2001-2009 to reported cases of bacterial infections among
      infants less than 1 year of age. Characteristics recorded on birth certificates
      were compared between infants with bacterial enteric infection, bacterial
      nonenteric infection, and no reportable bacterial infection. Multinomial logistic
      regression and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify risk
      factors for infection. RESULTS: Bacterial infection was reported in 4.6 cases per
      1000 live births. Of 4524 infants with a reportable infection, the majority
      (2880, 63%) had an enteric infection. Asian/Pacific Islanders in Brooklyn were
      the borough-level race/ethnic group with the highest enteric infection rate (8.5
      per 1000 live births). Citywide, infants with enteric infections were
      disproportionately male, from higher poverty neighborhoods, born to foreign-born
      mothers, and enrolled in Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants,
      and Children or Medicaid. In contrast, infants with nonenteric infections were
      more likely to have low birthweight and mothers characterized by US birth and
      black race or white Hispanic race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Distinct patterns of
      risk factors for enteric and nonenteric bacterial infections among infants were
      identified. The results suggest that infants born to Asian/Pacific Islander
      mothers residing in Brooklyn should be a focus of enteric disease prevention.
      More research is necessary to better understand what behaviors increase the risk
      of enteric disease in this population.

PMID- 27117199
TI  - To have sepsis or to be septic-is the difference between these clinical
      conditions important?

PMID- 27117196
TI  - Blood Cytokine Profiles Associated with Distinct Patterns of Bronchopulmonary
      Dysplasia among Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore differences in blood cytokine profiles among distinct
      bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) patterns. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated blood spots
      collected from 943 infants born at <=1000 g and surviving to 28 days on postnatal
      days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 for 25 cytokines. Infants were assigned to the following
      lung disease patterns: (1) no lung disease (NLD); (2) respiratory distress
      syndrome without BPD; (3) classic BPD (persistent exposure to supplemental oxygen
      until 28 days of age); or (4) atypical BPD (period without supplemental oxygen
      before 28 days). Median cytokine levels for infants with BPD were compared with
      the IQR of results among infants with NLD. RESULTS: The distribution of enrolled
      infants by group was as follows: 69 (NLD), 73 (respiratory distress syndrome),
      381 (classic BPD), and 160 (atypical BPD). The remaining 260 infants could not be
      classified because of missing data (104) or not fitting a predefined pattern
      (156). Median levels of 3 cytokines (elevated interleukin [IL]-8, matrix
      metalloproteinase-9; decreased granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor)
      fell outside the IQR for at least 2 time points in both infants with atypical and
      classic BPD. Profiles of 7 cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, macrophage inflammatory
      protein-1alpha, C-reactive protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, regulated
      on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) differed between infants
      with classic and atypical BPD. CONCLUSIONS: Blood cytokine profiles may differ
      between infants developing classic and atypical BPD. These dissimilarities
      suggest the possibility that differing mechanisms could explain the varied
      patterns of pathophysiology of lung disease in extremely premature infants.

PMID- 27117200
TI  - Active screening and surveillance in the United Kingdom for Middle East
      respiratory syndrome coronavirus in returning travellers and pilgrims from the
      Middle East: a prospective descriptive study for the period 2013-2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over 25000 pilgrims from the UK visit Saudi Arabia every year for the
      Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages. The recent outbreak of Middle East respiratory
      syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in South Korea and the continuing reports of MERS
      CoV cases from Saudi Arabia highlight the need for active surveillance for MERS
      CoV in returning pilgrims or travellers from the Middle East. Public Health
      England Birmingham Laboratory (PHEBL) is one of a few selected UK public health
      laboratories responsible for MERS-CoV screening in travellers returning to the UK
      from the Middle East who present to hospital with severe respiratory symptoms.
      The results of the PHEBL MERS-CoV screening and surveillance over the past 3
      years is presented. METHODS: UK travellers/pilgrims who returned from the Middle
      East and presented to a hospital with respiratory symptoms were studied over the
      period February 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015. Patients with respiratory symptoms,
      who satisfied the Public Health England MERS-CoV case algorithm, were tested for
      MERS-CoV and other respiratory tract viruses on admission to hospital. RESULTS:
      Two hundred and two patients suspected of having MERS-CoV were tested. None of
      them had a laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV infection. A viral aetiology was
      detected in half (50.3%) of the cases, with rhinoviruses, influenza A (H1N1 and
      H3N2), and influenza B being most frequent. Peak testing occurred following the
      annual Hajj season and in other periods of raised national awareness.
      CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory tract infections in travellers/pilgrims returning to the
      UK from the Middle East are mainly due to rhinoviruses, influenza A, and
      influenza B. Whilst MERS-CoV was not detected in the 202 patients studied,
      heightened awareness of the possibility of MERS-CoV and continuous proactive
      surveillance are essential to rapidly identify cases of MERS-CoV and other
      seasonal respiratory tract viruses such as avian influenza, in patients
      presenting to hospital. Early identification and isolation may prevent outbreaks
      in nosocomial settings.

PMID- 27117201
TI  - Sepsis and septic shock in low-income and middle-income countries: need for a
      different paradigm.

PMID- 27117202
TI  - Maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and C-reactive protein levels in pregnancies
      complicated with threatened preterm labour.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: To measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and C-reactive
      protein (CRP) serum levels in singleton gestations complicated with threatened
      preterm labour (TPL, n = 59) and compare to normal controls matched for
      gestational age (n = 64). Cases were treated after blood sample according to
      institutional protocol. Also, analyte levels were compared among cases according
      to the outcome. RESULTS: Mean serum 25(OH)D levels were similar between cases and
      controls, with median white blood cell count and CRP levels found significantly
      higher in TPL cases. Women with TPL delivering preterm displayed shorter mean
      cervical lengths along with higher CRP and lower 25(OH)D serum levels when
      compared to those delivering at term. Two multiple linear regression models were
      constructed to analyse factors related to gestational age at delivery (pooled
      analysis and only those with TPL). In both models, gestational age positively
      correlated to cervical length and inversely to CRP levels; whereas, in the TPL
      model, only 25(OH)D levels correlated positively. CONCLUSION: Women complicated
      with TPL showed similar serum 25(OH)D yet higher CRP levels as compared to
      controls. TPL cases delivering preterm displayed lower 25(OH)D and higher CRP
      correlated levels.

PMID- 27117203
TI  - Linking pollen quality and performance of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari:
      Phytoseiidae) in two-spotted spider mite management programmes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been shown that pollen as a dietary supplement may increase
      the establishment of generalist predatory mites, and therefore pest control by
      these mites can be provided. Life table studies were performed to evaluate the
      nutritional value of seven different pollens (almond, castor-bean, date-palm,
      maize, bitter-orange, sunflower and mixed bee pollen) as a supplementary food
      source for the spider mite predator Neoseiulus californicus McGregor. In
      addition, the nutritional quality of each pollen species was assessed through
      morphological and chemical analysis. RESULTS: Preadult duration was longer when
      the predator fed on castor-bean pollen (10.01 days) and bee pollen (9.94 days)
      compared with the others (5.58-7.27 days). The cohort reared on almond pollen had
      the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) (0.231 day-1 ), and those on mixed bee
      pollen had the lowest r (0.005 day-1 ). The levels of nutritional content (sugar,
      lipid and protein) were significantly different among tested pollens.
      CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of N. californicus life table parameters on different
      diets revealed that the almond pollen (and after that the maize pollen) was a
      more suitable diet than the others. These findings will be useful in developing
      appropriate strategies for conservation of N. californicus to control spider
      mites. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27117204
TI  - Migraine with atypical aura: is there a role for cerebral perfusion studies?

PMID- 27117205
TI  - Comparison of the radiotoxicity of the 99mTc-labeled compounds 99mTc
      pertechnetate, 99mTc-HMPAO and 99mTc-MIBI.
AB  - PURPOSE: In addition to gamma radiation, 99mTc emits low-energy Auger electrons
      with path-lengths of nanometers to micrometers that cannot be utilized for
      diagnostic procedures; however, they have frequently been discussed for
      therapeutic applications. We compared radiotoxicity of three 99mTc-labeled
      radiopharmaceuticals with differences in the subcellular distribution. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The intracellular radionuclide uptake and subcellular distribution
      of [99mTc]-pertechnetate (99mTc-pertechnetate), [99mTc]Tc-hexamethyl-propylene
      aminoxime (99mTc-HMPAO) and [99mTc]Tc-hexakis-2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc
      MIBI) were quantified in rat thyroid FRTL-5 cells. Radiotoxicity was compared
      using late phosphorylated histone H2AX (gammaH2AX) foci as a marker for
      unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DNA-DSB) and clonogenic cell survival.
      RESULTS: 99mTc-HMPAO showed a substantially higher uptake into the nucleus and
      the membrane/organelles than 99mTc-pertechnetate or 99mTc-MIBI. The colony
      forming assay showed that 99mTc-pertechnetate and 99mTc-HMPAO caused a similar
      reduction in cell survival. 99mTc-MIBI is less radiotoxic in terms of the
      estimated nucleus dose and induced the fewest number of gammaH2AX foci compared
      with the other 99mTc-tracers, and 99mTc-HMPAO induced a fewer number of gammaH2AX
      foci than 99mTc-pertechnetate. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that clonogenic
      cellular survival is not solely determined by the DNA-DSB response. This finding
      may suggest the involvement of extra-nuclear radiosensitive targets in cell
      inactivation. For example, the mitochondria or the cell membrane could be
      affected by 99mTc-HMPAO.

PMID- 27117206
TI  - A false positive newborn screening result due to a complex allele carrying two
      frequent CF-causing variants.
AB  - The detection of two frequent CFTR disease-causing variations in the context of a
      newborn screening program (NBS) usually leads to the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
      (CF) and a relevant genetic counseling in the family. In the present study, CF
      causing variants p.Phe508del (F508del) and c.3140-26A>G (3272-26A>G) were
      identified on a neonate with positive ImmunoReactive Trypsinogen test by the
      ElucigeneTM CF30 kit. The CF diagnosis initially suggested, despite three
      inconclusive Sweat Chloride Tests (SCT), was finally ruled out after the familial
      segregation study combined with a negative SCT. Haplotype studies, based on the
      comparison of 80 p.Phe508del haplotypes, suggested a probable de novo occurrence
      of c.3140-26A>G on the p.Phe508del ancestral allele in this family. This false
      positive case emphasizes the importance of SCT in the NBS strategy. Moreover, it
      raises the need for familial segregation studies in CF and in overall molecular
      diagnosis strategy of autosomal recessive diseases.

PMID- 27117208
TI  - [Greeting the arrival of digitalized era of oral medicine].

PMID- 27117207
TI  - Type conversion of secretomes in a 3D TAM2 and HCC cell co-culture system and
      functional importance of CXCL2 in HCC.
AB  - Macrophages play important roles in the tumor microenvironment, driving cancer
      progression and metastasis, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
      However, few studies have assessed the exact secretome composition in HCC. In the
      present study, the impact of different phenotype of macrophages on HCC cells was
      investigated. Alternatively activated macrophages (M2) were found to
      significantly increase the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of
      SMMC7721 cells (all P < 0.05). M2 were then co-cultured with SMMC7721 cells to
      reconstruct the tumor microenvironment. Conditioned medium from 3D single
      cultures of M2, SMMC7721 cells, and their co-culture system were analyzed using
      quantitative proteomics via iTRAQ labeling combined with mass spectrometric
      analysis. Secretome analysis revealed a total of 159 differential secreted
      proteins in the co-culture system compared to the single culture systems, with 63
      being up-regulated (>1.3-fold) and 96 down-regulated (<0.7-fold). CXCL2 was
      confirmed to have higher expression in the co-culture system and HCC tissues, and
      was selected for further investigation. Functional effects data suggested that
      recombinant human CXCL2 significantly enhanced the migration, invasion ability of
      SMMC7721 cells, and weakened adhesion ability. While CXCL2 neutralization and
      CXCR2 blockage significantly inhibited the effects of CXCL2 on SMMC7721 cells,
      indicating that CXCL2 may play pivotal role in HCC metastasis.

PMID- 27117209
TI  - [The elementary discussion on digital implant dentistry].
AB  - It is a digital age today. Exposed to all kinds of digital products in many
      fields. Certainly, implant dentistry is not exception. Digitalization could
      improve the outcomes and could decrease the complications of implant dentistry.
      This paper introduces the concepts, definitions, advantages, disadvantages,
      limitations and errors of digital implant dentistry. 

PMID- 27117210
TI  - [Digital oral-maxillofacial imaging: present and future].
AB  - Digital imaging has been widely used in the field of oral and maxillofacial
      radiology. The present work summarizes the use of digital imaging from the
      following aspects: 1The origin of digital oral and maxillofacial imaging; 2The
      influence of digital imaging on the work mode and work flow of oral and
      maxillofacial radiology; 3 Application of picture archiving and communication
      system(PACS)in oral and maxillofacial radiology; 4The influence of three
      dimensional medical data sets on diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan;
      5Digital imaging facilitates the development of telemedicine and internet
      medicine; 6The significance of establishing a medical database or data center;
      7Problems and challenges. 

PMID- 27117211
TI  - [Impact of digital technology on clinical practices: perspectives from surgery].
AB  - Digital medical technologies or computer aided medical procedures, refer to
      imaging, 3D reconstruction, virtual design, 3D printing, navigation guided
      surgery and robotic assisted surgery techniques. These techniques are integrated
      into conventional surgical procedures to create new clinical protocols that are
      known as "digital surgical techniques". Conventional health care is characterized
      by subjective experiences, while digital medical technologies bring quantifiable
      information, transferable data, repeatable methods and predictable outcomes into
      clinical practices. Being integrated into clinical practice, digital techniques
      facilitate surgical care by improving outcomes and reducing risks. Digital
      techniques are becoming increasingly popular in trauma surgery, orthopedics,
      neurosurgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, imaging and anatomic sciences.
      Robotic assisted surgery is also evolving and being applied in general surgery,
      cardiovascular surgery and orthopedic surgery. Rapid development of digital
      medical technologies is changing healthcare and clinical practices. It is
      therefore important for all clinicians to purposefully adapt to these
      technologies and improve their clinical outcomes. 

PMID- 27117212
TI  - [Overall digitalization: leading innovation of endodontics in big data era].
AB  - In big data era, digital technologies bring great challenges and opportunities to
      modern stomatology. The applications of digital technologies, such as cone-beam
      CT(CBCT), computer aided design,(CAD)and computer aided manufacture(CAM), 3D
      printing and digital approaches for education , provide new concepts and patterns
      to the treatment and study of endodontic diseases. This review provides an
      overview of the application and prospect of commonly used digital technologies in
      the development of endodontics. 

PMID- 27117213
TI  - [Development and prospect of digital technology in the field of prosthodontics].
AB  - The development of digital technology is gradually changing clinical practice and
      laboratory procedure of prosthodontics. After decades of exploration and
      development, the modern digital technology has been perfectly merged with
      prosthodontics and created a brand new treatment mode. The application of digital
      impression, digital design and digital processing has changed the way we treat
      patients and the way we communicate with patients. The data storage also provides
      a basis for long-term follow-up. The establishment of digital remote system,
      transferring data through internet, has improved communication in dental
      technique, tracing analysis of patient's condition, sharing and management of
      medical data, and popularization and promotion of knowledge. Digital technology
      promoted the development of prosthodontics in the direction of more precision,
      more convenience, more efficiency and more simulation in functional recovery,
      which will be one of the development directions of dentistry and even the medical
      science in the future. 

PMID- 27117214
TI  - [Occlusal evaluation and design of dental implant therapy in defect dentition].
AB  - Implant prosthesis of dentition defect is characteristic of remaining teeth and
      implants exist at the same time, so the remaining teeth occlusal conditions
      related to the final occlusal design is to maintain, adjust or re-establish the
      original dentition occlusion. Therefore, full evaluation of remaining teeth
      occlusion before restoration, clear prognosis, balancing the occlusal force
      distribution of natural teeth and implants, and carrying out the predictable
      occlusal design in the entire process of implant prosthesis can minimize the
      adverse events after implant prosthesis. Based on the typical cases in this
      paper, three occlusal design types of occlusal maintain-implant restoration,
      occlusal adjustment-implant restoration and occlusal reconstruction-implant
      restoration will be expounded respectively. 

PMID- 27117215
TI  - [Aging changes of the root canal morphology in maxillary first premolars observed
      by cone-beam computerized tomography].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the morphological changes of root canals with aging in
      maxillary first premolars by using cone-beam computerized tomography(CBCT)in
      order to facilitate endodontic management of root canals in various aged
      patients. METHODS: The digital CBCT data of the maxillary first premolars in 405
      cases from the patients in Oral Medical Center of The First Affiliated Hospital,
      Jinan University from March 2011 to June 2015 were collected. The CBCT images
      were divided into 6 groups according to the patients' ages: groups 11-20, 21-30,
      31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and >60 years-olds, respectively. Changes of morphologies of
      root canals with aging including such parameters as types of the root canal,
      incidence of double root canals in single rooted teeth, distance between both
      root canal orifices of double rooted canals, and morphological change of the
      cross section of roots. Chi-square test and liner trend test were adopted in
      statistical analysis in the present study. RESULTS: The distribution of various
      types of the root canals were significantly different amongst various aged
      groups(P<0.05). Type IV is the most common type(210/405, 51.8%), and the
      following groups were typeII(65/405, 16.0%), typeI(55/405, 13.6%)and type
      III(27/405, 6.7%). Along with aging, the percentages of type I and type III
      decreased while type II increased. However, there were no remarkable changes of
      type IV observed. The incidence of double rooted canals in single rooted teeth
      gradually increased with aging especially in 20-years-old and above groups, e.g.
      51.7%(31/60)in group 11-20 years-olds and 83.0%(44/53)in group 21-30 years-olds.
      However, there was no significant increase observed after the age of 40. The
      distance between both root canal orifices of double rooted canals became shorter
      with aging except in groups of 40-years-olds and above. The morphologies of the
      cross sections in most aged groups were flat shaped(1 020/2 105, 48.5%)and oval
      shape(594/2 105, 28.2%). Along with aging, the percentage of circular shape
      gradually increased while flat and oval shapes decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The
      morphology of root canal could be clearly showed by the CBCT images. The change
      of morphologies of the root canals in maxillary first premolars was significantly
      related to aging. Along with aging, the morphology of the root canal became more
      and more complicated.

PMID- 27117216
TI  - [Effects of exogenous enzymes on the degradation of adhesive-dentin interfaces].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of exogenous enzymes on the degradation of
      adhesive-dentin interface. METHODS: Forty molars were sectioned to expose the
      middle-coronal dentin surface and randomly divided into two adhesive systems: an
      etch-and-rinse adhesive Adper Single Bond 2 and a self-etching adhesive G-Bond.
      After composite building up, the specimens were then randomly assigned to four
      groups(n=5 for each group)as follows: group 1, 24 h of water storage(the control
      group); group 2, six months of water storage; group 3, twelve weeks storage in
      artificial saliva containing clostridium histolyticum collagenase; group 4,
      twelve weeks storage in artificial saliva containing cholesterolesterase. The
      microtensile bond strengths(MTBS)were then tested. The failure modes and
      nanoleakage were analyzed. RESULTS: After aging treatments, the three aging
      groups showed significantly lower MTBS compared with the control group in both
      adhesive systems(P<0.05). For etch-and-rinse adhesive Adper Single Bond 2, the
      MTBS of group 3([19.6+/-3.5]MPa)was lower than that of group 2([23.4+/
      4.2]MPa)and group 4([24.2+/-4.2]MPa)(P<0.05). For self-etching adhesive G-Bond,
      there was no difference on MTBS among different aging groups(P>0.05). SEM
      observation showed that, compared with the control group, water storage(group
      2)and the exogenous enzymes(group 3 and 4)increased the nanoleakage
      expression(silver deposition)of both adhesive systems. Adhesive failure was the
      predominant fracture modes in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Storage in artificial
      saliva containing clostridium histolyticum collagenase or cholesterol esterase
      could be used to accelerate the degradation process of adhesive-dentine
      interface.

PMID- 27117217
TI  - [Effect of trichostatin A on the osteogenic differentiation potential of
      periodontal ligament stem cells in inflammatory microenvironment induced by tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha stimulation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the expression of histone deacetylase(HDAC)1-11 of human
      periodontal ligament stem cells(PDLSC)in normal and inflammatory
      microenvironments, and to investigate the effect of histone deacetylase inhibitor
      trichostatin A(TSA)on the osteogenic differentiation potential of PDLSC in
      inflammatory microenvironment induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF
      alpha)stimulation. METHODS: PDLSC were isolated from periodontal ligament tissues
      obtained from the surgically extracted human teeth and cultured by single-colony
      selection. The expression of HDAC1-11 in cells with or without TNF-alpha(10
      MUg/L)stimulation was evaluated by quantitative real time-PCR(RT-PCR). The effect
      of TSA on cell proliferation was investigated by methyl thiazolyl
      tetrazolium(MTT)assay. The influence of TSA on osteogenic differentiation of
      PDLSC in inflammatory microenvironment with TNF-alpha stimulation was assessed by
      alizarin red staining, quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.
      RESULTS: The expression of HDAC in PDLSC with TNF-alpha stimulation was
      significantly higher than that in normal PDLSC(P<0.05)(except HDAC7, P=0.243).
      TSA had no significant effect on PDLSC proliferation at the concentration of 50
      nmol/L(P=0.232). The alizarin red staining showed that PDLSC in TNF-alpha group
      generated less mineralized nodule than the control group, while the cell matrix
      mineralization in TSA group was improved obviously. TNF-alpha had an inhibitory
      effect on the expression of osteogenesis related genes, runt-related
      transcription factor-2(RUNX2)and alkaline phosphatase(ALP), with relative gene
      expression ratio(experimental/control)decreased to 0.17 +/- 0.02 and 0.32 +/-
      0.03, while TSA could significantly increase the genes' expression to 0.67+/-0.03
      and 0.89+/-0.02(P<0.01). Western blotting test showed that in TNF-alpha group the
      expression of osteogenesis related proteins was obviously reduced, and compared
      with the TNF-alpha group, TSA could significantly promote the expression of
      proteinsin inflammatory microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS: PDLSC in inflammatory
      microenvironment by TNF-alpha stimulation had a higher expression of HDAC than
      that in normal conditions. TSA, as a histone deacetylase inhibitor, could
      significantly promote the osteogenic differentiation potential of PDLSC in
      inflammatory microenvironment by suppressing HDAC.

PMID- 27117218
TI  - [Study of post-transcriptional regulation of secreted frizzle-related protein 1
      in MC3T3-E1 cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular mechanisms underlying the post-transcriptional
      regulation of secreted frizzle-related protein 1(SFRP1)gene in MC3T3-E1 murine
      pre-osteoblast cells using a newly constructed plasmid pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR in
      which the expression of luciferase was regulated by the 3'UTR of mouse SFRP1
      gene. METHODS: The mRNA and protein levels of SFRP1 gene in MC3T3-E1 cells were
      measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western
      blotting at 0, 7 and 10 days respectively after osteogenic differentiation was
      induced in these cells using 50 mg/L of ascorbic acid. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
      dehydrogenase(GAPDH)and beta-actin served as controls, respectively. The 3'UTR of
      mouse SFRP1 gene was then amplified from total RNA isolated from MC3T3-E1 cells
      using PCR. The SFRP1 3'UTR fragment was then subcloned into the vector, pMIR
      REPORT, resulting in a new plasmid named as pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR. pMIR-REPORT
      SFRP1UTR was transfected into MC3T3-E1 and NIH3T3 cells, and the luciferase
      levels were determined.Cells transfected with pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR were assigned
      to pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR group, and cells transfected with pMIRREPORT were
      assigned to pMIR-REPORT group. RESULTS: SFRP1 mRNA levels in MC3T3-E1 cells
      treated with ascorbic acid for 0, 7 and 10 days were 1.00+/-0.12, 1.97+/
      0.34(P>0.05, vs. 0 d group)and 4.98+/-0.99(P<0.05, vs. 0 d group), respectively.
      After treated with ascorbic acid for 0, 7 and 10 days, the protein levels of
      SFRP1 in MC3T3-E1 cells were 0.94 +/- 0.13,1.26 +/- 0.16(P>0.05, vs. 0 d
      group)and 1.30 +/- 0.15(P>0.05, vs. 0 d group), respectively. Luciferase levels
      in MC3T3-E1 cells transfected with pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR and pMIRREPORT were 74 +/
      10 and 487 +/- 34, respectively(P<0.05). In contrast, luciferase levels in
      NIH3T3 cells transfected with pMIR-REPORT-SFRP1UTR and pMIR-REPORT were 2 240+/
      175 and 2 707+/-117, respectively(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 3'UTR of mouse SFRP1
      gene was successfully amplified and subcloned into pMIRREPORT. The3'UTR of SFRP1
      geneis involved in the cell-specific post-transcriptional regulation of SFRP1
      gene.

PMID- 27117219
TI  - [Modification of the composite resin with the hyperbranched polyester and
      evaluation of the mechanical properties of the modified composite resin].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of hyperbranched polyester(HBP)on mechanical
      properties of the conventional resin matrix. METHODS: Two hyperbranched
      monomers(HBP2-X and HBP2-Y)were synthesized and incorporated at 40%(by mass)into
      a 2?1(by mass)bisphenol-A diglycidyl methacrylate(Bis-GMA): triethylene glycol
      dimethacrylate(TEGDMA)resin. Bis-GMA/TEGDMA without the incorporation of
      hyperbranched polyester was used as control(n=8 per group). The mechanical
      properties of the modified neat resin, including polymerization volumetric
      shrinkage, Vickers hardness, water absorption and dissolution rate, as well as
      the flexural strength, compressive strength and diametral tensile strength of the
      composite resin with different content of filler(0%, 30%, 50%, 70%)were measured.
      Mechanical properties of the composite resin were measured by universal testing
      machine. The results were analyzed by the ANOVA and LSD-t-test. RESULTS: The
      resin with HBP greatly decreased the polymerization shrinkage of the composite
      resin, and the value of group X was(6.32+/-0.49)%, and that of group Y was(6.31+/
      0.68)%, whereas that of the control group was(8.14 +/- 0.53)%. The value of
      volumetric shrinkage of the modified groups were significantly lower than that of
      the control group(P<0.05). By adding HBP, the hardness value of group X([198 +/-
      5]MPa)and group Y([177 +/- 4]MPa)were significantly lower than that of the
      control group([214+/-6]MPa)(P<0.05). The HBP significantly influenced the water
      sorption and solubility of the neat resin(P<0.05). For the composite materials,
      with 70% inorganic filler, there were no significant difference in the value of
      flexural strength among the groups(P>0.05). There was no significant difference
      in the value of compressive strength, between group X([244 +/- 13]MPa)and the
      standard group([234 +/- 17]MPa)(P>0.05). However, they were significantly higher
      than that in group Y([204 +/- 24]MPa)(P<0.05). For the value of diametral tensile
      strength, there was no significant difference between group Y([36.4 +/-
      2.1]MPa)and the control group([34.4 +/- 2.9]MPa)(P>0.05), but both were
      significantly lower than that in group X([41.1 +/- 3.0]MPa)(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Although there were certain effect on the mechanical properties of the resin that
      was modified with the HBP, we should make further analysis and study based on the
      property of low volumetric shrinkage, to strive for the development of low
      volumetric shrinkage of HBP, without affecting its mechanical properties.

PMID- 27117220
TI  - [Joint endodontic and periodontal treatment of anterior teeth with dens in dente:
      a case report].

PMID- 27117221
TI  - Reconstruction of human oncological tracheal defects with xenogenic acellular
      dermal matrix.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of xenogenic acellular
      dermal matrix (xeno-ADM) in tracheal reconstruction. METHOD: Two patients were
      treated with this surgical method to reconstruct the trachea in 2013. The
      patients were diagnosed with tracheal adenoid cystic carcinoma by
      histopathological biopsy. The tumor was resected with half of the tracheal
      circumference and repaired by xeno-ADM. The patients were followed up for 31 and
      33 months, respectively. RESULT: No infection or tracheal fistula was observed.
      The grafts were clear. Both patients were successfully decannulated without
      dyspnea and could breathe and speak without prosthesis. The cervical mobility was
      not impaired. CONCLUSION: Xeno-ADM was successfully used to reconstruct a stable
      and well-functioning trachea. This surgical method is simple, safe, and effective
      with fewer complications.

PMID- 27117223
TI  - Determination of the appropriate propofol infusion rate for outpatient upper
      gastrointestinal endoscopy-a randomized prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pain and discomfort related to endoscopy sessions can be alleviated
      by sedation, which minimizes anxiety and allows safe examination. For outpatient
      endoscopy, reliable short-term sedation without secondary effects is required.
      This study aimed to assess the effects of intravenous propofol rates on sedation
      in outpatients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. METHODS: This
      randomized prospective study evaluated 300 outpatients submitted to upper
      gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients received propofol at 500, 1000 or 2000 ml/h.
      The primary outcome assessed was hypoxemia incidence. In addition, time to
      sedation and incidence of hypotension, deep sedation, extremity motor activity,
      cough, nausea, hiccough, and awareness were evaluated. RESULTS: Recovery time and
      incidence of hypoxemia, hypotension, and deep sedation were significantly
      increased in individuals treated at 2000 ml/h in comparison with values obtained
      for 500 and 1000 ml/h groups (P < 0.01). Compared with the 500 ml/h group, motor
      activity of the extremities, cough, nausea, hiccough, and awareness were
      significantly decreased and the mean scores for endoscopist's and patients'
      satisfaction were significantly increased in the 1000 and 2000 ml/h groups (P <
      0.01). CONCLUSION: Propofol infused at 1000 ml/h appeared to be the most suitable
      infusion rate for outpatient upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION:  REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-TRC-14004786 ; Registration date: 2014
      06-04.

PMID- 27117222
TI  - In Vivo Selection Yields AAV-B1 Capsid for Central Nervous System and Muscle Gene
      Therapy.
AB  - Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have shown promise as a platform for gene
      therapy of neurological disorders. Achieving global gene delivery to the central
      nervous system (CNS) is key for development of effective therapies for many of
      these diseases. Here we report the isolation of a novel CNS tropic AAV capsid,
      AAV-B1, after a single round of in vivo selection from an AAV capsid library.
      Systemic injection of AAV-B1 vector in adult mice and cat resulted in widespread
      gene transfer throughout the CNS with transduction of multiple neuronal
      subpopulations. In addition, AAV-B1 transduces muscle, beta-cells, pulmonary
      alveoli, and retinal vasculature at high efficiency. This vector is more
      efficient than AAV9 for gene delivery to mouse brain, spinal cord, muscle,
      pancreas, and lung. Together with reduced sensitivity to neutralization by
      antibodies in pooled human sera, the broad transduction profile of AAV-B1
      represents an important improvement over AAV9 for CNS gene therapy.

PMID- 27117224
TI  - Downregulation of toll-like receptor 4 and IL-6 following irradiation of the rat
      urinary bladder.
AB  - The pathophysiology behind radiation cystitis is poorly understood. Here we
      investigated whether bladder irradiation affects the immune system of the rat
      urinary bladder. Female rats were sedated and exposed to one single radiation
      dose of 20 Gy or only sedated (controls) and killed 16 h to 14 days later. Rats
      were placed in a metabolic cage at 16 h, 3 days, 7 days and 14 days following
      bladder irradiation. The urinary bladders were harvested and analysed with qPCR,
      immunohistochemistry and/or Western blot for the expression of interferon (IFN)
      gamma, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, nitric oxide
      synthases (eNOS, iNOS and nNOS), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and toll-like
      receptor 4 (TLR4). Urine was collected and analysed for IL-6 and nitrite
      (reflecting nitric oxide activity) with ELISA and the Griess reaction,
      respectively. Irradiation increased bladder frequency and decreased voiding
      volumes 14 days following bladder irradiation. Bladder irradiation increased the
      expression of IL-10 and collagen in the bladder, while TLR4 and IL-6 expressions
      were decreased in the urothelium concomitantly with a decrease in mast cells in
      the submucosa and urine levels of IL-6 and nitrite. The present findings show
      that bladder irradiation leads to urodynamic changes in the bladder and may
      suppress important immunoregulatory pathways in the urinary bladder.

PMID- 27117225
TI  - Pronounced peptide selectivity for melanoma through tryptophan end-tagging.
AB  - Effects of oligotryptophan end-tagging on the uptake of arginine-rich peptides
      into melanoma cells was investigated under various conditions and compared to
      that into non-malignant keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and erythrocytes, also
      monitoring resulting cell toxicity. In parallel, biophysical studies on peptide
      binding to, and destabilization of, model lipid membranes provided mechanistic
      insight into the origin of the selectivity between melanoma and non-malignant
      cells. Collectively, the results demonstrate that W-tagging represents a powerful
      way to increase selective peptide internalization in melanoma cells, resulting in
      toxicity against these, but not against the non-malignant cells. These effects
      were shown to be due to increased peptide adsorption to the outer membrane in
      melanoma cells, caused by the presence of anionic lipids such as
      phosphatidylserine and ganglioside GM1, and to peptide effects on mitochondria
      membranes and resulting apoptosis. In addition, the possibility of using W-tagged
      peptides for targeted uptake of nanoparticles/drug carriers in melanoma was
      demonstrated, as was the possibility to open up the outer membrane of melanoma
      cells in order to facilitate uptake of low Mw anticancer drugs, here demonstrated
      for doxorubicin.

PMID- 27117227
TI  - Managing Hodgkin lymphoma without chemotherapy: a novel, yet 'welcomed',
      challenge.

PMID- 27117226
TI  - Identification and characterization of rabbit ROSA26 for gene knock-in and stable
      reporter gene expression.
AB  - The laboratory rabbit has been a valuable model system for human disease studies.
      To make the rabbit model more amendable to targeted gene knockin and stable gene
      over-expression, we identified a rabbit orthologue of the mouse Rosa26 locus
      through genomic sequence homology analysis. Real-time PCR and 5' RACE and 3' RACE
      experiments revealed that this locus encodes two transcript variants of a long
      noncoding RNA (lncRNA) (rbRosaV1 and rbRosaV2). Both variants are expressed
      ubiquitously and stably in different tissues. We next targeted the rabbit Rosa26
      (rbRosa26) locus using CRISPR/Cas9 and produced two lines of knock-in rabbits
      (rbRosa26-EGFP, and rbRosa26-Cre-reporter). In both lines, all the founders and
      their offspring appear healthy and reproduce normally. In F1 generation animals,
      the rbRosa26-EGFP rabbits express EGFP, and the rbRosa26-Cre-reporter rabbits
      express tdTomato ubiquitously in all the tissues examined. Furthermore,
      disruption of rbRosa26 locus does not adversely impact the animal health and
      reproduction. Therefore, our work establishes rbRosa26 as a safe harbor suitable
      for nuclease mediated gene targeting. The addition of rbRosa26 to the tool box of
      transgenic research is expected to allow diverse genetic manipulations, including
      gain-of function, conditional knock out and lineage-tracing studies in rabbits.

PMID- 27117229
TI  - Interface Properties of Atomic-Layer-Deposited Al2O3 Thin Films on
      Ultraviolet/Ozone-Treated Multilayer MoS2 Crystals.
AB  - We report the interface properties of atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 thin films on
      ultraviolet/ozone (UV/O3)-treated multilayer MoS2 crystals. The formation of S-O
      bonds on MoS2 after low-power UV/O3 treatment increased the surface energy,
      allowing the subsequent deposition of uniform Al2O3 thin films. The capacitance
      voltage measurement of Au-Al2O3-MoS2 metal oxide semiconductor capacitors
      indicated n-type MoS2 with an electron density of ~10(17) cm(-3) and a minimum
      interface trap density of ~10(11) cm(-2) eV(-1). These results demonstrate the
      possibility of forming a high-quality Al2O3-MoS2 interface by proper UV/O3
      treatment, providing important implications for their integration into field
      effect transistors.

PMID- 27117228
TI  - Platelet-cytokine Complex Suppresses Tumour Growth by Exploiting Intratumoural
      Thrombin-dependent Platelet Aggregation.
AB  - Tumours constitute unique microenvironments where various blood cells and factors
      are exposed as a result of leaky vasculature. In the present study, we report
      that thrombin enrichment in B16F10 melanoma led to platelet aggregation, and this
      property was exploited to administer an anticancer cytokine, interferon-gamma
      induced protein 10 (IP10), through the formation of a platelet-IP10 complex. When
      intravenously infused, the complex reached platelet microaggregates in the
      tumour. The responses induced by the complex were solely immune-mediated, and
      tumour cytotoxicity was not observed. The complex suppressed the growth of mouse
      melanoma in vivo, while both platelets and the complex suppressed the
      accumulation of FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells in the tumour. These results
      demonstrated that thrombin-dependent platelet aggregation in B16F10 tumours
      defines platelets as a vector to deliver anticancer cytokines and provide
      specific treatment benefits.

PMID- 27117230
TI  - Equilibrium Phase Behavior of the Square-Well Linear Microphase-Forming Model.
AB  - We have recently developed a simulation approach to calculate the equilibrium
      phase diagram of particle-based microphase formers. Here, this approach is used
      to calculate the phase behavior of the square-well linear model for different
      strengths and ranges of the linear long-range repulsive component. The results
      are compared with various theoretical predictions for microphase formation. The
      analysis further allows us to better understand the mechanism for microphase
      formation in colloidal suspensions.

PMID- 27117231
TI  - Adsorption of indole and quinoline from a model fuel on functionalized MIL-101:
      effects of H-bonding and coordination.
AB  - Denitrogenation of a model fuel was studied by employing the adsorption of indole
      (IND) and quinoline (QUI) over a metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL-101, with or
      without functionalization. Five MIL-101 MOFs were obtained by direct syntheses,
      grafting, and hydrogenation. The adsorption capacity of IND increased
      significantly (up to 1.7 times that of MIL-101) upon introducing amino functional
      groups into MIL-101, despite the decrease in the porosity of the MOF after
      modification. However, the adsorption of QUI decreased when MIL-101 was modified
      using both amino and butyl groups because of the reduced porosity. The adsorption
      capacity for IND (based on the unit surface area of MIL-101s) showed that MIL
      101s with amino groups had an adsorption capacity of around 2.3 times those of
      MIL-101 or MIL-101 with butyl groups, showing the importance of H-bonds for the
      adsorption of IND over MIL-101s. However, for the adsorption of QUI, only the
      porosity is important, and coordination of QUI on open metal sites does not play
      a dominant role, probably because of the low basicity of QUI. Moreover, there is
      little contribution of H-bonds (between N of QUI and H of -NH2 of MOF) in the
      adsorption of QUI over amino-MIL-101s, and this is probably due to a similar
      reason. Preparation methods for MIL-101 having a free amino group did not have
      any effect on the adsorption (based on surface area) of QUI or IND.

PMID- 27117232
TI  - Neighbourhood walkability, road density and socio-economic status in Sydney,
      Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Planning and transport agencies play a vital role in influencing the
      design of townscapes, travel modes and travel behaviors, which in turn impact on
      the walkability of neighbourhoods and residents' physical activity opportunities.
      Optimising neighbourhood walkability is desirable in built environments, however,
      the population health benefits of walkability may be offset by increased exposure
      to traffic related air pollution. This paper describes the spatial distribution
      of neighbourhood walkability and weighted road density, a marker for traffic
      related air pollution, in Sydney, Australia. As exposure to air pollution is
      related to socio-economic status in some cities, this paper also examines the
      spatial distribution of weighted road density and walkability by socio-economic
      status (SES). METHODS: We calculated walkability, weighted road density (as a
      measure of traffic related air pollution) and SES, using predefined and validated
      measures, for 5858 Sydney neighbourhoods, representing 3.6 million population. We
      overlaid tertiles of walkability and weighted road density to define "sweet
      spots" (high walkability-low weighted road density), and "sour- spots" (low
      walkability-high weighted road density) neighbourhoods. We also examined the
      distribution of walkability and weighted road density by SES quintiles. RESULTS:
      Walkability and weighted road density showed a clear east-west gradient across
      the region. Our study found that only 4 % of Sydney's population lived in sweet
      spot" neighbourhoods with high walkability and low weighted road density
      (desirable), and these tended to be located closer to the city centre. A greater
      proportion of neighbourhoods had health limiting attributes of high weighted road
      density or low walkability (about 20 % each), and over 5 % of the population
      lived in "sour-spot" neighbourhoods with low walkability and high weighted road
      density (least desirable). These neighbourhoods were more distant from the city
      centre and scattered more widely. There were no linear trends between
      walkability/weighted road density and neighbourhood SES. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      walkability and weighted road density maps and associated analyses by SES can
      help identify neighbourhoods with inequalities in health-promoting or health
      limiting environments. Planning agencies should seek out opportunities for
      increased neighbourhood walkability through improved urban development and
      transport planning, which simultaneously minimizes exposure to traffic related
      air pollution.

PMID- 27117233
TI  - An intramolecular disulfide bond designed in myoglobin fine-tunes both protein
      structure and peroxidase activity.
AB  - Disulfide bond plays crucial roles in stabilization of protein structure and in
      fine-tuning protein functions. To explore an approach for rational heme protein
      design, we herein rationally introduced a pair of cysteines (F46C/M55C) into the
      scaffold of myoglobin (Mb), mimicking those in native neuroglobin. Molecular
      modeling suggested that it is possible for Cys46 and Cys55 to form an
      intramolecular disulfide bond, which was confirmed experimentally by ESI-MS
      analysis, DTNB reaction and CD spectrum. Moreover, it was shown that the
      spontaneously formed disulfide bond of Cys46-Cys55 fine-tunes not only the heme
      active site structure, but also the protein functions. The substitution of Phe46
      with Ser46 in F46S Mb destabilizes the protein while facilitates H2O2 activation.
      Remarkably, the formation of an intramolecular disulfide bond of Cys46-Cys55 in
      F46C/M55C Mb improves the protein stability and regulates the heme site to be
      more favorable for substrate binding, resulting in enhanced peroxidase activity.
      This study provides valuable information of structure-function relationship for
      heme proteins regulated by an intramolecular disulfide bond, and also suggests
      that construction of such a covalent bond is useful for design of functional heme
      proteins.

PMID- 27117235
TI  - An ab initio study of the nickel-catalyzed transformation of amorphous carbon
      into graphene in rapid thermal processing.
AB  - Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations are employed to investigate the
      chemical mechanism underlying the Ni-catalyzed transformation of amorphous carbon
      (a-C) into graphene in the rapid thermal processing (RTP) experiment to directly
      grow graphene on various dielectric surfaces via the evaporation of surplus Ni
      and C at 1100  degrees C (below the melting point of bulk Ni). It is found that
      the a-C-to-graphene transformation entails the metal-induced crystallization and
      layer exchange mechanism, rather than the conventional dissolution/precipitation
      mechanism typically involved in Ni-catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD)
      growth of graphene. The multi-layer graphene can be tuned by changing the
      relative thicknesses of deposited a-C and Ni thin films. Our AIMD simulations
      suggest that the easy evaporation of surplus Ni with excess C is likely
      attributed to the formation of a viscous-liquid-like Ni-C solution within the
      temperature range of 900-1800 K and to the faster diffusion of C atoms than that
      of Ni atoms above 600 K. Even at room temperature, sp(3)-C atoms in a-C are
      quickly converted to sp(2)-C atoms in the course of the simulation, and the
      graphitic C formation can occur at low temperature. When the temperature is as
      high as 1200 K, the grown graphitic structures reversely dissolve into Ni.
      Because the rate of temperature increase is considerably faster in the AIMD
      simulations than in realistic experiments, defects in the grown graphitic
      structures are kinetically trapped. In this kinetic growth stage, the carbon
      structures grown from sp(3)-carbon or from sp(2)-carbon exhibit marked
      differences. 

PMID- 27117234
TI  - The biological inorganic chemistry of zinc ions.
AB  - The solution and complexation chemistry of zinc ions is the basis for zinc
      biology. In living organisms, zinc is redox-inert and has only one valence state:
      Zn(II). Its coordination environment in proteins is limited by oxygen, nitrogen,
      and sulfur donors from the side chains of a few amino acids. In an estimated 10%
      of all human proteins, zinc has a catalytic or structural function and remains
      bound during the lifetime of the protein. However, in other proteins zinc ions
      bind reversibly with dissociation and association rates commensurate with the
      requirements in regulation, transport, transfer, sensing, signalling, and
      storage. In contrast to the extensive knowledge about zinc proteins, the
      coordination chemistry of the "mobile" zinc ions in these processes, i.e. when
      not bound to proteins, is virtually unexplored and the mechanisms of ligand
      exchange are poorly understood. Knowledge of the biological inorganic chemistry
      of zinc ions is essential for understanding its cellular biology and for
      designing complexes that deliver zinc to proteins and chelating agents that
      remove zinc from proteins, for detecting zinc ion species by qualitative and
      quantitative analysis, and for proper planning and execution of experiments
      involving zinc ions and nanoparticles such as zinc oxide (ZnO). In most
      investigations, reference is made to zinc or Zn2+ without full appreciation of
      how biological zinc ions are buffered and how the d-block cation Zn2+ differs
      from s-block cations such as Ca2+ with regard to significantly higher affinity
      for ligands, preference for the donor atoms of ligands, and coordination
      dynamics. Zinc needs to be tightly controlled. The interaction with low molecular
      weight ligands such as water and inorganic and organic anions is highly relevant
      to its biology but in contrast to its coordination in proteins has not been
      discussed in the biochemical literature. From the discussion in this article, it
      is becoming evident that zinc ion speciation is important in zinc biochemistry
      and for biological recognition as a variety of low molecular weight zinc
      complexes have already been implicated in biological processes, e.g. with ATP,
      glutathione, citrate, ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid, nicotianamine, or
      bacillithiol.

PMID- 27117236
TI  - Modeling Symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Rat Model of
      Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
AB  - AIMS: Several studies indicate the similarity between the symptoms of fetal
      alcohol syndrome and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study
      hypothesized that prenatal exposure to ethanol (EtOH) can be used as an animal
      model of ADHD in Wistar rats. METHODS: At the first stage of the study, alcohol
      was delivered to the pregnant dams (237-252 g) by intra-gastric route throughout
      Gestation Days 8-20 at a dose of 6 g/kg/day. Untreated control group with
      isocaloric sucrose intubation was also included. Of the 16 male pups (174-180 g),
      8 were in the fetal alcohol effects (FAE) group and 8 were in the untreated
      control group. Subjects went through behavior shaping, discrimination learning
      and reversal learning. Number of sessions to learn the tasks, response frequency
      to inhibitory (S-) and excitatory (S+) stimulus features, response latency and
      inter-response time (IRT) were measured. RESULTS: Significant differences were
      obtained on only the reversal task. Rats with FAE needed greater number of
      sessions to learn the reversal task, and they had a higher frequency of incorrect
      responses in specifically the latter part of the sessions. CONCLUSION: Our
      results suggest that reversal learning of FAE rats exhibits deficit in the
      inhibition of pre-learned responses. Responses behaviorally mimicked attention
      deficit and impulsivity symptoms of human ADHD. However, the experimental design
      of the study was not conducive to hyperactivity. Accordingly, rats with FEA can
      be an alternative to other models since it is not, for example, based on a
      symptom that is atypical (such as hypertension) to ADHD. SHORT SUMMARY:
      Significant difference was obtained in a reversal task between male rats
      prenatally exposed to ethanol and matched controls. The greater number of
      sessions for learning and higher frequency of incorrect responses behaviorally
      mimicked symptoms of ADHD, suggesting that rats with fetal ethanol effects can
      serve as a useful animal model.

PMID- 27117237
TI  - Alcohol-Induced Stimulation Mediates the Effect of a GABRA2 SNP on Alcohol Self
      Administrated among Alcohol-Dependent Individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in GABRA2 (rs279858) may
      moderate subjective response (SR) to alcohol. Results of studies in non-dependent
      drinkers examining this GABRA2 SNP on SR have been equivocal. This study examined
      this SNP's direct and indirect effects on alcohol self-administration in
      dependent drinkers. METHOD: The sample consisted of 63 Caucasian, non-treatment
      seeking individuals with alcohol dependence. Subjective stimulation was assessed
      using the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale following consumption of an alcoholic
      priming drink (target breath alcohol content = 0.02 g%). Participants were
      subsequently offered the opportunity to self-administer up to eight additional
      drinks. RESULTS: Controlling for baseline stimulation, T-allele homozygotes,
      relative to individuals with at least one copy of the C-allele, reported greater
      initial stimulation, t(58) = 2.011, p = 0.049. Greater stimulation predicted
      greater subsequent alcohol self-administration, t(57) = 2.522, p = 0.015.
      Although rs279858 genotype did not directly impact self-administration (t(57) = 
      0.674, p = 0.503), it did have an indirect effect (95% confidence interval
      [0.068, 1.576]), such that T-allele homozygotes reported greater stimulation,
      which in turn predicted greater self-administration. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest that the influence of this SNP on SR differs depending on dose or stage
      of dependence. This study is the first to demonstrate an indirect effect of
      rs279858 genotype on drinking through SR. Although C-allele carriers have been
      shown to have an increased risk for alcohol dependence, in our dependent sample,
      greater stimulation was found among T-allele homozygotes, suggesting that the
      influence of SR on developing and maintaining dependence differs based on
      rs279858 genotype.This study demonstrates an indirect effect of rs279858 genotype
      on drinking through SR. Although C-allele carriers have an increased risk for
      alcohol dependence, in our dependent sample, greater stimulation was found among
      T-allele homozygotes, suggesting that the influence of SR on developing
      dependence differs based on rs279858 genotype.

PMID- 27117238
TI  - Alcohol Control Policies and Alcohol-Related Mortality in Russia: Reply to
      Razvodovsky and Nemtsov.

PMID- 27117239
TI  - Russian Alcohol Policy in False Mirror.

PMID- 27117240
TI  - Prevalence of Ectopic Breast Tissue and Tumor: A 20-Year Single Center
      Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ectopic breast tissue, which includes both supernumerary breast and
      aberrant breast tissue, is the most common congenital breast abnormality. Ectopic
      breast cancers are rare neoplasms that occur in 0.3% to 0.6% of all cases of
      breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively report, using a large
      series of breast abnormalities diagnosed and treated, our clinical experience on
      the management of the ectopic breast cancer. In 2 decades, we observed 327 (2.7%)
      patients with ectopic breast tissue out of a total of 12,177 subjects undergoing
      a breast visit for lesions. All patients were classified into 8 classes,
      according to the classification of Kajava, and assessed by a physician
      examination, ultrasounds, and, when appropriate, further studies with fine needle
      aspiration cytology and mammography. All specimens were submitted to the anatomo
      pathologist. The most frequent benign histological diagnosis was fibrocystic
      disease. A rare granulosa cell tumor was also found in the right anterior
      thoracic wall of 1 patient. Four malignancies were also diagnosed in 4 women: an
      infiltrating lobular cancer in 1 patient with a lesion classified as class I, and
      an infiltrating apocrine carcinoma, an infiltrating ductal cancer, and an
      infiltrating ductal cancer with tubular pattern, occurring in 3 patients with
      lesions classified as class IV. Only 1 recurrence was observed. We recommend an
      earlier surgical approach for patients with lesions from class I to IV.

PMID- 27117241
TI  - Adjuvant Surgical Oophorectomy Plus Tamoxifen in Premenopausal Women With
      Operable Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: A Global Treatment Option.
AB  - One third of annual new cases of breast cancer globally are now hormone receptor
      positive tumors in premenopausal women from low- and middle-income countries. For
      this subgroup of women with breast cancer, high-income country guidelines suggest
      impractical and unaffordable adjuvant treatments. The balance of clinical trial
      evidence now suggests that surgical oophorectomy plus tamoxifen is a safe and
      practical treatment for these women in low- and middle-income countries.
      Additionally, new randomized trial data suggest that women in the second half of
      an anovulatory cycle benefit minimally from surgical oophorectomy done at this
      time, which implies that regularly cycling women will benefit more than has been
      shown from this procedure. Allred scoring of levels of hormone receptors is a
      practical and inexpensive approach to the assessment of magnitudes of response to
      oophorectomy plus tamoxifen. These circumstances suggest that more detailed
      consideration of this option should characterize clinical practice guidelines in
      high-income countries because of their global impact.

PMID- 27117242
TI  - Association of plant growth-promoting Serratia spp. with the root nodules of
      chickpea.
AB  - Serratia species-affiliated DNA sequences have recently been discovered in the
      root nodules of two chickpea cultivars; however, little is known about their
      potential influence on chickpea plant growth. All Serratia-affiliated sequences
      (1136) could be grouped into two clusters at 98% DNA similarity. The major
      cluster, represented by 96% of sequences, was closely associated with Serratia
      marcescens sequences from GenBank. In the current study, we isolated two Serratia
      strains, 5D and RTL100, from root nodules of a field-grown Desi cultivar from
      Faisalabad and Thal areas, respectively. In vitro, strain 5D showed significantly
      higher phosphate (P) solubilization and lactic acid production than RTL100,
      whereas a comparable concentration of phytohormone was produced by both isolates.
      The application of Serratia strain 5D as an inoculum resulted in 25.55% and
      30.85% increases in the grain yield of crops grown on fertile soil in irrigated
      areas and nutrient-deficient soil in rainfed areas, respectively, compared to the
      non-inoculated control. Results of plant inoculations indicated that Serratia sp.
      5D and RTL100 can serve as effective microbial inoculants, particularly in
      nutrient-deficient soils in rainfed areas, where chickpea is the only major crop
      grown during the entire year. 

PMID- 27117243
TI  - Participatory Genomic Testing as an Educational Experience.
AB  - Several institutions have incorporated participatory genomic testing into their
      curricula to engage students in experiential learning, and this has raised
      ethical concerns. We summarize strategies for managing these concerns and review
      evidence of the influence of this experiential approach on student knowledge and
      attitudes towards genomics.

PMID- 27117244
TI  - Beta-cell Specific Autoantibodies: Are they Just an Indicator of Type 1 Diabetes?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autoantibodies (AAbs) against islet autoantigens (AAgs) are used for
      type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis and prediction. Islet-specific AAbs usually
      appear early in life and may fluctuate in terms of number and titer sometimes for
      over 20 years before T1D develops. Whereas their predictive power is high for
      pediatric subjects with high genetic risk who rapidly progress to multiple AAb
      positivity, they are less reliable for children with low genetic risk, single AAb
      positivity and slow disease progression. OBJECTIVE: It is unknown how AAbs
      develop and whether they are involved in T1D pathogenesis. So far an increase in
      AAb number seems to only indicate AAg spreading and progression towards clinical
      T1D. The goal of this review is to shed light on the possible involvement of AAbs
      in T1D development. METHOD: We thoroughly review the current literature and
      discuss possible mechanisms of AAb development and the roles they may play in
      disease pathogenesis. RESULTS: Genetic and environmental factors instigate
      changes at the molecular and cellular levels that promote AAb development.
      Although direct involvement of AAbs in T1D is less clear, autoreactive B cells
      are clearly involved in various immune and autoimmune responses via antigen
      presentation, immunoregulation and cytokine production. CONCLUSION: Our analysis
      suggests that understanding the mechanisms that lead to islet-specific AAb
      development and the diabetogenic processes that autoreactive B cells promote may
      uncover additional biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

PMID- 27117245
TI  - Cloning and characterization of a novel lipase from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
      GS11: The first member of a new bacterial lipase family XVI.
AB  - Bacterial lipases are an important group of enzymes that offer enormous potential
      in organic synthesis, and there is considerable interest in identifying and
      developing novel bacterial lipases. In previous studies, strains of the genus
      Stenotrophomonas were proved to be potential source of lipases, but there is
      little genetic information describing lipase from the genus Stenotrophomonas. We
      have cloned and characterized a novel lipase (LipSM54), the first lipase
      described from the genus Stenotrophomonas. Enzymatic study showed that LipSM54
      was a cold-active, solvent-tolerant and alkaline lipase. Using bioinformatics
      tools, LipSM54 was found to be related only to several putative lipases from
      different bacterial origins, none of which could be assigned to any previously
      described bacterial lipase family. LipSM54 and these related putative lipases
      share four conserved motifs around the catalytic residues. These motifs clearly
      distinguish them from the known bacterial lipase families. Consequently, LipSM54
      is the first characterized member of the novel bacterial lipase family. 

PMID- 27117246
TI  - A novel presentation of homozygous loss-of-function STAT-1 mutation in an infant
      with hyperinflammation-A case report and review of the literature.

PMID- 27117247
TI  - Fate of Distal False Aneurysms Complicating Internal Carotid Artery Dissection: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: False aneurysm formation occurs in 13-49% of internal carotid artery
      dissections (ICADs). In light of the uncertainty regarding the clinical course,
      expansion rates and optimal treatment of post-ICAD false aneurysms, a systematic
      review of the literature was undertaken to establish the fate of the nonoperated
      distal ICA false aneurysm after ICAD. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and
      Cochrane databases were systematically searched up to 13 August 2015 for studies
      reporting clinical outcomes and imaging surveillance in patients who were found
      to have developed a false aneurysm associated with ICAD, with specific emphasis
      on the fate of the nonoperated false aneurysm. RESULTS: Eight studies reported on
      the course/clinical outcome of ICAD-associated false aneurysms in 166 patients.
      Of these, five of 166 false aneurysms (3%) increased in size; 86 of 166 (52%)
      remained unchanged in diameter; 35 of 166 (21%) diminished in size; 32 of 166
      (19%) resolved completely; three of 166 (2%) thrombosed; and five 166 (3%) were
      repaired surgically. Another four of 166 (2%) underwent late surgery (0.5-5.0
      years later). During the course of surveillance, none of the nonoperated false
      aneurysms associated with spontaneous ICAD gave rise to any new neurological or
      compressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, >95% of nonoperated
      false aneurysms affecting the distal internal carotid artery that developed after
      an ICAD did not increase in size and were not associated with any delayed
      neurological symptoms suggesting that conservative management and serial
      surveillance is the optimal mode of treatment. As nearly all studies suffered
      from serious bias, reporting standards for diagnosis and follow-up are needed in
      order to better define their natural history.

PMID- 27117248
TI  - Ultrasonography of Skin Changes in Legs with Chronic Venous Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In daily practice, ultrasonography (US) is used only to designate the
      location and pattern of venous lesions. Skin US is not performed between routine
      venous investigations. METHODS: Skin morphology is evaluated by the same probes
      used for routine Duplex evaluation of superficial veins. US findings from evident
      skin lesions are comparatively evaluated with those from the surrounding
      apparently normal skin and from the contralateral leg. RESULTS: Inflammation and
      dermal edema can be found in the apparently normal skin of C2 legs. Swollen legs
      show thickening of the subcutaneous layer as a result of diffuse soaking or
      anechoic cavities, with or without dermal edema. Chronic hypodermitis is
      characterized by inflammatory edema in initial phases, and by liposclerosis in
      advanced cases. Recrudescence of inflammation provokes focal rarefactions of the
      subcutaneous layer, possibly related to ulcer opening. CONCLUSION: In legs with
      venous disorders, sonography refines clinical evaluation of the skin and may
      reveal changes not highlighted by inspection. Some of these changes could require
      further investigation because they have not yet been explained or described. Skin
      sonography should improve knowledge of the natural history of skin changes, as
      well as contribute to a better grading of venous diseases severity In particular,
      US evidence of cutaneous and subcutaneous changes in C2 legs should be considered
      to stratify the treatment in C2 legs, by identifying those in which varicose
      veins are not simply a cosmetic problem.

PMID- 27117249
TI  - The molecular neurobiology of the sleep-deprived, fuzzy brain.
AB  - Sleep deprivation is well established to cause diminution of cognitive function,
      including disruption of both minute-to-minute working memory and decrements in
      the stabilization of long-term memories. Moreover, "replay" during sleep of
      episodes and sequences of events that were experienced during wakefulness has
      been implicated in consolidation of long-term memories. However, the molecular
      mechanisms underlying the role of sleep in memory function are just starting to
      be defined. In this issue of Science Signaling, Tudor et al identify one
      molecular component underlying the effects of sleep on memory function: dynamic
      experience-dependent regulation of protein synthesis in the hippocampus. 

PMID- 27117250
TI  - How Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors, the kinase PKA, and the phosphatase PP2B are
      intertwined in synaptic LTP and LTD.
AB  - Both synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are
      thought to be critical for memory formation. Dell'Acqua and co-workers now
      demonstrate that transient postsynaptic incorporation of Ca(2+)-permeable (CP)
      alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) is
      required for LTD in the exemplary hippocampal CA1 region in 2-week-old mice.
      Mechanistically, LTD depends on AKAP150-anchored protein kinase A (PKA) to
      promote the initial functional recruitment of CP-AMPARs during LTD induction and
      on AKAP150-anchored protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B) to trigger their subsequent
      removal as part of the lasting depression of synaptic transmission.

PMID- 27117251
TI  - Sleep deprivation impairs memory by attenuating mTORC1-dependent protein
      synthesis.
AB  - Sleep deprivation is a public health epidemic that causes wide-ranging
      deleterious consequences, including impaired memory and cognition. Protein
      synthesis in hippocampal neurons promotes memory and cognition. The kinase
      complex mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) stimulates protein
      synthesis by phosphorylating and inhibiting the eukaryotic translation initiation
      factor 4E-binding protein 2 (4EBP2). We investigated the involvement of the
      mTORC1-4EBP2 axis in the molecular mechanisms mediating the cognitive deficits
      caused by sleep deprivation in mice. Using an in vivo protein translation assay,
      we found that loss of sleep impaired protein synthesis in the hippocampus. Five
      hours of sleep loss attenuated both mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation of 4EBP2 and
      the interaction between eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and eIF4G in the
      hippocampi of sleep-deprived mice. Increasing the abundance of 4EBP2 in
      hippocampal excitatory neurons before sleep deprivation increased the abundance
      of phosphorylated 4EBP2, restored the amount of eIF4E-eIF4G interaction and
      hippocampal protein synthesis to that seen in mice that were not sleep-deprived,
      and prevented the hippocampus-dependent memory deficits associated with sleep
      loss. These findings collectively demonstrate that 4EBP2-regulated protein
      synthesis is a critical mediator of the memory deficits caused by sleep
      deprivation.

PMID- 27117252
TI  - Neuropilin-1 mediates vascular permeability independently of vascular endothelial
      growth factor receptor-2 activation.
AB  - Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) regulates developmental and pathological angiogenesis,
      arteriogenesis, and vascular permeability, acting as a coreceptor for semaphorin
      3A (Sema3A) and the 165-amino acid isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor
      A (VEGF-A165). NRP1 is also the receptor for the CendR peptides, a class of cell-
      and tissue-penetrating peptides with a specific R-x-x-R carboxyl-terminal motif.
      Because the cytoplasmic domain of NRP1 lacks catalytic activity, NRP1 is mainly
      thought to act through the recruitment and binding to other receptors. We report
      here that the NRP1 intracellular domain mediates vascular permeability.
      Stimulation with VEGF-A165, a ligand-blocking antibody, and a CendR peptide led
      to NRP1 accumulation at cell-cell contacts in endothelial cell monolayers,
      increased cellular permeability in vitro and vascular leakage in vivo.
      Biochemical analyses, VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) silencing, and the use of a
      specific VEGFR blocker established that the effects induced by the CendR peptide
      and the antibody were independent of VEGFR-2. Moreover, leakage assays in mice
      expressing a mutant NRP1 lacking the cytoplasmic domain revealed that this domain
      was required for NRP1-induced vascular permeability in vivo. Hence, these data
      define a vascular permeability pathway mediated by NRP1 but independent of VEGFR
      2 activation.

PMID- 27117253
TI  - Identification of GPR83 as the receptor for the neuroendocrine peptide PEN.
AB  - PEN is an abundant peptide in the brain that has been implicated in the
      regulation of feeding. We identified a receptor for PEN in mouse hypothalamus and
      Neuro2A cells. PEN bound to and activated GPR83, a G protein (heterotrimeric
      guanine nucleotide)-binding protein)-coupled receptor (GPCR). Reduction of GPR83
      expression in mouse brain and Neuro2A cells reduced PEN binding and signaling,
      consistent with GPR83 functioning as the major receptor for PEN. In some brain
      regions, GPR83 colocalized with GPR171, a GPCR that binds the neuropeptide
      bigLEN, another neuropeptide that is involved in feeding and is generated from
      the same precursor protein as is PEN. Coexpression of these two receptors in cell
      lines altered the signaling properties of each receptor, suggesting a functional
      interaction. Our data established PEN as a neuropeptide that binds GPR83 and
      suggested that these two ligand-receptor systems-PEN-GPR83 and bigLEN-GPR171-may
      be functionally coupled in the regulation of feeding.

PMID- 27117254
TI  - Non-target time trend screening: a data reduction strategy for detecting emerging
      contaminants in biological samples.
AB  - Non-targeted mass spectrometry-based approaches for detecting novel xenobiotics
      in biological samples are hampered by the occurrence of naturally fluctuating
      endogenous substances, which are difficult to distinguish from environmental
      contaminants. Here, we investigate a data reduction strategy for datasets derived
      from a biological time series. The objective is to flag reoccurring peaks in the
      time series based on increasing peak intensities, thereby reducing peak lists to
      only those which may be associated with emerging bioaccumulative contaminants. As
      a result, compounds with increasing concentrations are flagged while compounds
      displaying random, decreasing, or steady-state time trends are removed. As an
      initial proof of concept, we created artificial time trends by fortifying human
      whole blood samples with isotopically labelled standards. Different scenarios
      were investigated: eight model compounds had a continuously increasing trend in
      the last two to nine time points, and four model compounds had a trend that
      reached steady state after an initial increase. Each time series was investigated
      at three fortification levels and one unfortified series. Following extraction,
      analysis by ultra performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass
      spectrometry, and data processing, a total of 21,700 aligned peaks were obtained.
      Peaks displaying an increasing trend were filtered from randomly fluctuating
      peaks using time trend ratios and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. The
      first approach was successful in flagging model compounds spiked at only two to
      three time points, while the latter approach resulted in all model compounds
      ranking in the top 11 % of the peak lists. Compared to initial peak lists, a
      combination of both approaches reduced the size of datasets by 80-85 %. Overall,
      non-target time trend screening represents a promising data reduction strategy
      for identifying emerging bioaccumulative contaminants in biological samples.
      Graphical abstract Using time trends to filter out emerging contaminants from
      large peak lists. 

PMID- 27117255
TI  - Effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) sources and nature of solid extraction
      sorbent on recoverable DOM composition: Implication into potential lability of
      different compound groups.
AB  - Noting the source-dependent properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM), this
      study explored the recoverable compounds by solid phase extraction (SPE) of two
      common sorbents (C18 and PPL) eluted with methanol solvent for contrasting DOM
      sources via fluorescence excitation-emission matrix coupled with parallel factor
      analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass
      spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS). Fresh algae and leaf litter extracts DOM, one riverine
      DOM, and one upstream lacustrine DOM were selected for the comparison. C18
      sorbent was generally found to extract more diverse molecular formula, relatively
      higher molecular weight, and more heteroatomic DOM compounds within the studied
      mass range than PPL sorbent except for the leaf litter extract. Even with the
      same sorbent, the main molecular features of the two end member DOM were
      distributed on different sides of the axes of a multivariate ordination,
      indicating the source-dependent characteristics of the recoverable compounds by
      the sorbents. In addition, further examination of the molecular formula uniquely
      present in the two end members and the upstream lake DOM suggested that
      proteinaceous, tannin-like, and heteroatomic DOM constituents might be potential
      compound groups which are labile and easily degraded during their mobilization
      into downstream watershed. This study provides new insights into the sorbent
      selectivity of DOM from diverse sources and potential lability of various
      compound groups. 

PMID- 27117256
TI  - Corrigendum to "multiple symptoms, functioning, and general health perception in
      people with severe COPD over time" [Applied Nursing Research 29C (2016) 76-82].

PMID- 27117257
TI  - First report on fish cysteine as a biomarker of contamination in the River
      Chenab, Pakistan.
AB  - The eastern and southern parts of the Faisalabad city produce considerable
      quantities of industrial and municipal pollutants, much of which is drained into
      the River Chenab, reducing the productivity of fauna and flora in the river. This
      study was aimed to determine whether cysteine is useful as a biomarker of
      exposure to polluted fresh water. The amino acid profile of fish muscle was
      analyzed by paper chromatography in Cirrhinus mrigala and Labeo rohita from the
      River Chenab to determine habitat related variations due to the pollution from
      industrial and domestic sources. C. mrigala showed higher level of metal
      contamination in muscle tissues for Sn, Cr, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Cd when compared
      to L. rohita. Both fish species collected from polluted areas of the river Chenab
      showed significantly (P < 0.01) higher levels of metals in comparison to upstream
      and farmed fish. Farmed C. mrigala showed cysteine concentrations in the muscle
      tissue as 22 +/- 1 mg/g dry weight, but concentrations increased to 45 +/- 2 mg/g
      dry weight for fish from a mildly polluted section of the river, and further
      increased to 83 +/- 2 mg/g dry weight in more heavily polluted sections. Cysteine
      concentration in farmed L. rohita was detected as 28 +/- 2 and 25 +/- 4 mg/g dry
      weight, respectively for farmed fish and fish from a mildly polluted section of
      the river, and then increased to 94 +/- 3 mg/g dry weight for fish from highly
      polluted water. C. mrigala from a mildly polluted area of the river also had
      higher levels of cysteine in the muscle, along with increases in aspartic acid,
      glutamic acid, and alanine. Elevated concentrations of cysteine seem to be
      associated with a threat to these fish species in polluted sections of the river,
      and thus may be used as a biomarker. 

PMID- 27117258
TI  - Alterations in locomotor activity of feeding zebrafish larvae as a consequence of
      exposure to different environmental factors.
AB  - Behavioral studies are important tools for understanding the development and
      pathology of neurological diseases. Zebrafish are an emerging alternative model
      in behavioral and neurological studies as the behavioral repertoire of zebrafish
      (Danio rerio) is similar to humans, and nervous system structures and functions
      are highly conserved. In this study, we investigated alterations in day/night
      locomotor activity of free swimming, feeding wild-type zebrafish larvae (8-15dpf)
      due to changes in the rhythm of light/dark cycles or caloric content of food. We
      furthermore exposed zebrafish larvae to continuous stress by applying alternated
      minor vibrations. Under altered rhythms of light/dark cycle's zebrafish larvae
      still expressed a distinct light/dark activity pattern but the total activity was
      reduced compared to control animals. When the larvae were exposed to continuous
      light, they still had coordinated resting cycles but maximal activity and
      excitation rates after feeding were increased, indicating that food became the
      new zeitgeber. Feeding food of high caloric content induced continuously high
      activity levels during light cycles and significantly elevated activity levels
      during the dark. Exposure to continuous vibrations lowered total activity levels.
      We showed previously that changes in environmental factors like light/dark cycles
      or changes in caloric content of food can affect adipogenesis, lipid composition,
      and circadian rhythm of free swimming, feeding larvae but this is the first time
      showing how theses factor alter behavior.

PMID- 27117259
TI  - Efficient one-pot synthesis of amino-benzotriazolodiazocinone scaffolds via
      catalyst-free tandem Ugi-Huisgen reactions.
AB  - Herein we describe a catalyst-free, one-pot procedure employing an Ugi-4CR
      between propargyl glycine, functionalised 2-azidoanilines, different isocyanides
      and aldehydes, followed by a thermal azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition to
      generate a 14-member set of amino-benzotriazolodiazocine-bearing dipeptides with
      multiple points of diversification and high atom economy. These structures were
      derivatized by means of Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions at two positions
      with good to excellent yields, leading to conformationally constrained tricyclic
      structures. In silico and NMR conformational analysis studies demonstrated that
      turn conformations are adopted by these structures. 

PMID- 27117260
TI  - Synergistic reduction of HIV-1 infectivity by 5-azacytidine and inhibitors of
      ribonucleotide reductase.
AB  - Although many compounds have been approved for the treatment of human
      immunodeficiency type-1 (HIV-1) infection, additional anti-HIV-1 drugs
      (particularly those belonging to new drug classes) are still needed due to issues
      such as long-term drug-associated toxicities, transmission of drug-resistant
      variants, and development of multi-class resistance. Lethal mutagenesis
      represents an antiviral strategy that has not yet been clinically translated for
      HIV-1 and is based on the use of small molecules to induce excessive levels of
      deleterious mutations within the viral genome. Here, we show that 5-azacytidine
      (5-aza-C), a ribonucleoside analog that induces the lethal mutagenesis of HIV-1,
      and multiple inhibitors of the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) interact in
      a synergistic fashion to more effectively reduce the infectivity of HIV-1. In
      these drug combinations, RNR inhibitors failed to significantly inhibit the
      conversion of 5-aza-C to 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine, suggesting that 5-aza-C acts
      primarily as a deoxyribonucleoside even in the presence of RNR inhibitors. The
      mechanism of antiviral synergy was further investigated for the combination of 5
      aza-C and one specific RNR inhibitor, resveratrol, as this combination improved
      the selectivity index of 5-aza-C to the greatest extent. Antiviral synergy was
      found to be primarily due to the reduced accumulation of reverse transcription
      products rather than the enhancement of viral mutagenesis. To our knowledge,
      these observations represent the first demonstration of antiretroviral synergy
      between a ribonucleoside analog and RNR inhibitors, and encourage the development
      of additional ribonucleoside analogs and RNR inhibitors with improved
      antiretroviral activity.

PMID- 27117261
TI  - Amine-free melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 antagonists: Novel non-basic
      1-(2H-indazole-5-yl)pyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives and mitigation of mutagenicity
      in Ames test.
AB  - To develop non-basic melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) antagonists
      with a high probability of target selectivity and therapeutic window, we explored
      neutral bicyclic motifs that could replace the previously reported imidazo[1,2
      a]pyridine or 1H-benzimidazole motif. The results indicated that the binding
      affinity of a chemically neutral 2H-indazole derivative 8a with MCHR1 (hMCHR1:
      IC50=35nM) was comparable to that of the imidazopyridine and benzimidazole
      derivatives (1 and 2, respectively) reported so far. However, 8a was positive in
      the Ames test using TA1537 in S9- condition. Based on a putative intercalation of
      8a with DNA, we introduced a sterically-hindering cyclopropyl group on the
      indazole ring to decrease planarity, which led to the discovery of 1-(2
      cyclopropyl-3-methyl-2H-indazol-5-yl)-4-{[5-(trifluoromethyl)thiophen-3
      yl]methoxy}pyridin-2(1H)-one 8l without mutagenicity in TA1537. Compound 8l
      exerted significant antiobesity effects in diet-induced obese F344 rats and
      exhibited promising safety profile.

PMID- 27117262
TI  - Synthesis of 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol esters responsible for the induction of
      neuronal cell death.
AB  - We synthesized several candidates of 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24S-OHC) esters,
      which are involved in neuronal cell death, through catalysis with acyl
      CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1). We studied the regioselectivity of
      the acylation of the secondary alcohol at the 3- or 24-position of 24S-OHC. The
      appropriate saturated and unsaturated long-chain fatty acids were esterified with
      the protected 24S-OHC and then de-protected to afford the desired esters at a
      satisfactory yield. We then confirmed by HPLC monitoring that the retention times
      of four esters of 24S-OHC, namely 3-oleate, 3-linoleate, 3-arachidonoate and 3
      docosahexaenoate, were consistent with those of 24S-OHC esters observed in 24S
      OHC-treated SH-SY5Y cells.

PMID- 27117263
TI  - Discovery and optimization of 1,7-disubstituted-2,2-dimethyl-2,3
      dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones as potent and selective PKCtheta inhibitors.
AB  - A high-throughput screening campaign helped us to identify an initial lead
      compound (1) as a protein kinase C-theta (PKCtheta) inhibitor. Using the docking
      model of compound 1 bound to PKCtheta as a model, structure-based drug design was
      employed and two regions were identified that could be explored for further
      optimization, i.e., (a) a hydrophilic region around Thr442, unique to PKC family,
      in the inner part of the hinge region, and (b) a lipophilic region at the
      forefront of the ethyl moiety. Optimization of the hinge binder led us to find
      1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one as a potent and selective hinge
      binder, which resulted in the discovery of compound 5. Filling the lipophilic
      region with a suitable lipophilic substituent boosted PKCtheta inhibitory
      activity and led to the identification of compound 10. The co-crystal structure
      of compound 10 bound to PKCtheta confirmed that both the hydrophilic and
      lipophilic regions were fully utilized. Further optimization of compound 10 led
      us to compound 14, which demonstrated an improved pharmacokinetic profile and
      inhibition of IL-2 production in a mouse.

PMID- 27117265
TI  - Bronchogenic cyst at esophagogastric junction treated by laparoscopic full
      thickness resection and hand-sewn closure: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We herein report a case of a bronchogenic cyst arising from the
      esophagogastric junction treated by laparoscopic full-thickness extirpation. The
      full-thickness defect was closed by hand sewing a T-shaped line over the
      gastroendoscope as a bougie to prevent postoperative deformity or stenosis.
      Partial fundoplication (Toupet fundoplication) was added to prevent reflux. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 32-year-old woman with a body mass index of 43 kg/m(2) was
      admitted for treatment of a cyst-forming submucosal tumor (60 mm in diameter) on
      the anterior wall of the esophagogastric junction, which was detected during
      screening endoscopy before bariatric surgery. The tumor was an extraluminal
      growing type but exhibited severe erosion at the mucosal site. A cystic tumor
      such as a duplication cyst, bronchogenic cyst, or cyst-forming gastrointestinal
      stromal tumor was suspected, and the abovementioned surgery was carried out. The
      postoperative course was uneventful. The pathological findings revealed the tumor
      to be a benign bronchogenic cyst. Endoscopic examination 3 months postoperatively
      showed no deformity or stenosis, and the patient complained of no reflux
      symptoms. CONCLUSION: This procedure may be an efficient option for treatment of
      submucosal tumors on the esophagogastric junction to maintain function or avoid
      excessive surgery.

PMID- 27117264
TI  - Cardiovascular magnetic resonance as a reliable alternative to cardiovascular
      computed tomography and transesophageal echocardiography for aortic annulus valve
      sizing.
AB  - To assess the accuracy and reproducibly of cardiovascular magnetic resonance
      (CMR) in the measurement of the aortic annulus and in process of valve sizing as
      compared to intra-operative sizing, cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT) and
      transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Retrospective study on 42 patients who
      underwent aortic valve replacement from September 2010 to September 2015, with
      available records of pre surgery annulus assessment by CMR, CCT and TEE and of
      peri-operative assessment. In CCT and CMR, the annular plane was considered a
      virtual ring formed by the lowest hinge points of the valvular attachments to the
      aorta. In TEE the annulus was measured at the base of leaflet insertion in the
      mid-esophageal long-axis view using the X-plane technique. Two double-blinded
      operators performed the assessments for each imaging technique. Intra-operative
      evaluation was performed using Hegar dilators. Continuous variables were studied
      with within-subject ANOVA, Bland-Altman (BA) plots, Wilcoxon's and Friedman's
      tests; trends were explored with scatter plots. Categorical variables were
      studied with Fisher's exact test. The intra- and inter-operator reliability was
      satisfying. There were no significant differences between the annulus dimensions
      measured by CMR and either one of the three references. Valve sizing for
      CoreValve by CMR had the same good agreement with CCT and TEE, with a 78 % match
      rate; for SAPIEN XT the agreement was slightly better (82 %) for CCT than for TEE
      (66 %). MR performs well when compared to the surgical reference of intra
      operative sizing and stands up to the level of the most used imaging references
      (CCT and TEE). 

PMID- 27117266
TI  - Quantitative imaging analysis of posterior fossa ependymoma location in children.
AB  - PURPOSE: Imaging descriptions of posterior fossa ependymoma in children have
      focused on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal and local anatomic
      relationships with imaging location only recently used to classify these
      neoplasms. We developed a quantitative method for analyzing the location of
      ependymoma in the posterior fossa, tested its effectiveness in distinguishing
      groups of tumors, and examined potential associations of distinct tumor groups
      with treatment and prognostic factors. METHODS: Pre-operative MRI examinations of
      the brain for 38 children with histopathologically proven posterior fossa
      ependymoma were analyzed. Tumor margin contours and anatomic landmarks were
      manually marked and used to calculate the centroid of each tumor. Landmarks were
      used to calculate a transformation to align, scale, and rotate each patient's
      image coordinates to a common coordinate space. Hierarchical cluster analysis of
      the location and morphological variables was performed to detect multivariate
      patterns in tumor characteristics. The ependymomas were also characterized as
      "central" or "lateral" based on published radiological criteria. Therapeutic
      details and demographic, recurrence, and survival information were obtained from
      medical records and analyzed with the tumor location and morphology to identify
      prognostic tumor characteristics. RESULTS: Cluster analysis yielded two distinct
      tumor groups based on centroid location The cluster groups were associated with
      differences in PFS (p = .044), "central" vs. "lateral" radiological designation
      (p = .035), and marginally associated with multiple operative interventions (p =
      .064). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior fossa ependymoma can be objectively classified
      based on quantitative analysis of tumor location, and these classifications are
      associated with prognostic and treatment factors.

PMID- 27117267
TI  - Isolated traumatic retroclival hematoma: case report and review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retroclival hematomas are a rare entity. The pathology can be
      categorized into epidural hematoma or subdural hematoma based on the anatomy of
      the tectorial membrane. Frequently, the etiology is related to accidental trauma,
      though other mechanisms have been observed, including coagulopathy, non
      accidental trauma, and pituitary apoplexy. There have been only 2 prior cases
      where both epidural and subdural hematoma co-present. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8
      year-old male was involved in a high-speed motor vehicle accident. He presented
      with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 14 with bilateral abducens nerve palsies.
      Computed tomography (CT) revealed a hemorrhage along the dorsum sella, clivus,
      and dens. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the retroclival hematoma
      in both the subdural and epidural space. At discharge, 19 days after the
      accident, the abducens nerve palsies had resolved without medical or operative
      intervention. CONCLUSION: Retroclival hematoma may present after trauma. Although
      most cases exhibit a benign clinical course with conservative management,
      significant and profound morbidity and mortality have been reported. Prompt
      diagnosis with close observation is prudent. Surgical management is indicated in
      the presence of hydrocephalus, symptomatic brainstem compression, and occipito
      cervical instability.

PMID- 27117268
TI  - Caenibacillus caldisaponilyticus gen. nov., sp. nov., a thermophilic, spore
      forming and phospholipid-degrading bacterium isolated from acidulocompost.
AB  - A thermophilic and phospholipid-degrading bacterium, designated strain B157T, was
      isolated from acidulocompost, a garbage compost processed under acidic conditions
      at moderately high temperature. The organism was Gram-stain-positive, aerobic,
      spore-forming and rod-shaped. Growth was observed to occur at 40-65  degrees C
      and pH 4.8-8.1 (optimum growth: 50-60  degrees C, pH 6.2). The strain was
      catalase- and oxidase-positive. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid,
      alanine, glutamic acid and galactose. The predominant respiratory quinone was
      menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C17 :
      0. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain B157T was
      related most closely to Tuberibacillus calidus 607T (94.8 % identity), and the
      phylogenetic analysis revealed that it belonged to the family
      Sporolactobacillaceae. The DNA G+C content was determined as 51.8 mol%. In spite
      of many similarities with the type strains of members of the family
      Sporolactobacillaceae, genotypic analyses suggest that strain B157T represents a
      novel species of a new genus, Caenibacilluscaldisaponilyticus gen. nov., sp. nov.
      The type strain of Caenibacilluscaldisaponilyticus is B157T (=NBRC 111400T=DSM
      101100T). 

PMID- 27117269
TI  - Sixty seconds on . . . placing GPs in hospital emergency departments.

PMID- 27117270
TI  - Intergenerational Relations in Older Stepfamilies: A Comparison of France,
      Germany, and Russia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our study examines cross-national variations in intergenerational
      relations of partnered parents aged 50 and older with adult non-coresident
      children by family structure (intact vs stepfamilies) and parent-child
      relationship type (biological tie vs steprelation). We focus on three European
      countries-France, Germany, and Russia-which have in common a relatively large
      proportion of stepfamilies, but differ with regard to contextual characteristics
      potentially impacting the stepfamily-intergenerational-relations nexus. METHOD:
      The analysis is based on data from the Generations and Gender Survey (Wave 1).
      Our pooled analytical sample consists of 14,309 parent-child relationships
      derived from responses by 6,590 surveyed parents with adult children living
      outside the parental household. We consider two core dimensions of
      intergenerational solidarity as dependent variables, namely frequency of contact
      and emotional closeness. RESULTS: Our results support the notion of commonly
      weaker intergenerational relations in stepfamilies. We also observe differences
      between biological parent-child ties and steprelations. Compared with their
      French and German counterparts, there is a weaker association between having a
      steprelation and parent-child contact frequency as well as a stronger negative
      correlation between having a steprelation and emotional closeness among Russian
      respondents. DISCUSSION: The observed cross-national differences are proposed to
      result from different economic incentives to form a stepfamily, translating into
      a stronger "functional" basis of stepfamily intergenerational relations in the
      Russian context.

PMID- 27117271
TI  - Factors associated with pre-ART loss-to-follow up in adults in rural KwaZulu
      Natal, South Africa: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Timely initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) requires
      sustained engagement in HIV care before treatment eligibility. We assessed loss
      to follow-up (LTFU) correlates in HIV-positive adults accessing HIV treatment and
      care, not yet ART-eligible (CD4 >500 cells/mm(3)). METHODS: This was a sub-study
      of a prospective cohort study (focusing on sexual behaviour) in an area of high
      HIV prevalence and widespread ART availability in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South
      Africa. Psychosocial, clinical and demographic data were collected at recruitment
      from individuals with CD4 >500 cells/mm(3). LTFU was defined as not attending
      clinic within 13 months of last visit or before death. Individuals starting ART
      were censored at ART initiation. Data were collected between January 2009 and
      January 2013. Analysis used Competing Risks regression. RESULTS: Two hundred
      forty-seven individuals (212 females) were recruited (median follow-up 2.13
      years, total follow-up 520.15 person-years). 86 remained in pre-ART care (34.8
      %), 94 were LTFU (38.1 %), 58 initiated ART (23.5 %), 7 died (2.8 %), 2
      transferred out (0.8 %). The LTFU rate was 18.07 per 100 person-years (95 % CI
      14.76-21.12). LTFU before a competing event was 13.5 % at one and 34.4 % at three
      years. Lower LTFU rates were significantly associated with age (>37 versus <=37
      years: adjusted sub-Hazard ratio (aSHR) 0.51, 95 % CI 0.30-0.87), openness with
      family/friends (a little versus not at all, aSHR 0.81, 95 % CI 0.45-1.43; a lot
      versus not at all, aSHR 1.57, 95 % CI 0.94-2.62), children (0 versus 4+, aSHR
      0.68, 95 % CI 0.24-1.87; 1 versus 4+, aSHR 2.05 95 % CI 1.14-3.69, 2 versus 4+;
      aSHR 1.71, 95 % CI 0.94-3.09; 3 versus 4a, aSHR 1.14, 95 % CI 0.57-2.30),
      previous CD4 counts (1 versus 0, aSHR 0.81, 95 % CI 0.45-1.43; 2+ versus 0, aSHR
      0.43, 95 % CI 0.25-0.73), and most recent partner HIV status (not known versus
      HIV-positive, aSHR 0.77, 95 % CI 0.50-1.19; HIV-negative versus HIV-positive,
      aSHR 2.40, 95 % CI 1.18-4.88). The interaction between openness with
      family/friends and HIV partner disclosure was close to significance (p = 0.06).
      Those who had neither disclosed to partners nor were open with family/friends had
      lowest LTFU rates. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to retain younger people in pre-ART
      care are required. How openness with others, partner HIV status and disclosure,
      and children relate to LTFU needs further exploration.

PMID- 27117272
TI  - In vivo Wnt pathway inhibition of human squamous cell carcinoma growth and
      metastasis in the chick chorioallantoic model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive cancer
      with poor overall survival. New therapeutic strategies that target specific
      molecular lesions driving advanced disease are needed. Herein we demonstrate the
      utility of the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay for in vivo human
      HNSCC tumor growth and metastasis and the tumor suppressive effects of a new
      chemotherapeutic agent. METHODS: We tested anti-metastatic effects of a WNT
      pathway inhibitor, WNT974 (also known as LGK974), which targets porcupine (PORCN)
      the palmityl-transferase that is essential for secretion of Wnt proteins. CAM
      assays were performed with 8 HNSCC cell lines: UM-SCC-1, UM-SCC-10A, UM-SCC-10B,
      UM-SCC-11A, UM-SCC-14A UM-SCC-17A, UM-SCC-17B, UM-SCC-25, and UM-SCC-34. RESULTS:
      UM-SCC-1 (University of Michigan Squamous Cell Carcinoma cell line) CAM
      xenografts contain CD44+ and ALDH+ cancer stem cell (CSC) proportions similar to
      UM-SCC-1 mouse xenografts supporting the applicability of the CAM assay for study
      of CSCs. Inhibition of WNT signaling by the PORCN inhibitor WNT974 reduced
      metastatic spread of UM-SCC cells, especially in UM-SCCs with Notch1 deficiency.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate decreased tumor growth and metastases in tumors
      from cell lines that showed in vitro responses to WNT974, providing evidence that
      this agent may have a role in future HNSCC therapy.

PMID- 27117273
TI  - What do international ethics guidelines say in terms of the scope of medical
      research ethics?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In research ethics, the most basic question would always be, "which
      is an ethical issue, which is not?" Interestingly, depending on which ethics
      guideline we consult, we may have various answers to this question. Though we
      already have several international ethics guidelines for biomedical research
      involving human participants, ironically, we do not have a harmonized document
      which tells us what these various guidelines say and shows us the areas of
      consensus (or lack thereof). In this manuscript, we attempted to do just that.
      METHODS: We extracted the imperatives from five internationally-known ethics
      guidelines and took note where the imperatives came from. In doing so, we
      gathered data on how many guidelines support a specific imperative. RESULTS: We
      found that there is no consensus on the majority of the imperatives and that in
      only 8.2% of the imperatives were there at least moderate consensus (i.e.,
      consensus of at least 3 of the 5 ethics guidelines). Of the 12 clusters (Basic
      Principles; Research Collaboration; Social Value; Scientific Validity;
      Participant Selection; Favorable Benefit/Risk Ratio; Independent Review; Informed
      Consent; Respect for Participants; Publication and Registration; Regulatory
      Sanctions; and Justified Research on the Vulnerable Population), Informed Consent
      has the highest level of consensus and Research Collaboration and Regulatory
      Sanctions have the least. CONCLUSION: There was a lack of consensus in the
      majority of imperatives from the five internationally-known ethics guidelines.
      This may be partly explained by the differences among the guidelines in terms of
      their levels of specification as well as conceptual/ideological differences.

PMID- 27117274
TI  - A de novo self-assembling peptide hydrogel biosensor with covalently immobilised
      DNA-recognising motifs.
AB  - We report here the first experimental evidence of a self-assembling three
      dimensional (3D) peptide hydrogel, with recognition motifs immobilized on the
      surface of fibres capable of sequence-specific oligonucleotide detection. These
      systems have the potential to be further developed into diagnostic and prognostic
      tools in human pathophysiology.

PMID- 27117275
TI  - The Perception of History: Seeing Causal History in Static Shapes Induces
      Illusory Motion Perception.
AB  - The perception of shape, it has been argued, also often entails the perception of
      time. A cookie missing a bite, for example, is seen as a whole cookie that was
      subsequently bitten. It has never been clear, however, whether such observations
      truly reflect visual processing. To explore this possibility, we tested whether
      the perception of history in static shapes could actually induce illusory motion
      perception. Observers watched a square change to a truncated form, with a "piece"
      of it missing, and they reported whether this change was sudden or gradual. When
      the contours of the missing piece suggested a type of historical "intrusion" (as
      when one pokes a finger into a lump of clay), observers actually saw that
      intrusion occur: The change appeared to be gradual even when it was actually
      sudden, in a type of transformational apparent motion. This provides striking
      phenomenological evidence that vision involves reconstructing causal history from
      static shapes.

PMID- 27117276
TI  - Vagal Tone and Children's Delay of Gratification: Differential Sensitivity in
      Resource-Poor and Resource-Rich Environments.
AB  - Children from different socioeconomic backgrounds have differing abilities to
      delay gratification, and impoverished children have the greatest difficulties in
      doing so. In the present study, we examined the role of vagal tone in predicting
      the ability to delay gratification in both resource-rich and resource-poor
      environments. We derived hypotheses from evolutionary models of children's
      conditional adaptation to proximal rearing contexts. In Study 1, we tested
      whether elevated vagal tone was associated with shorter delay of gratification in
      impoverished children. In Study 2, we compared the relative role of vagal tone
      across two groups of children, one that had experienced greater impoverishment
      and one that was relatively middle-class. Results indicated that in resource-rich
      environments, higher vagal tone was associated with longer delay of
      gratification. In contrast, high vagal tone in children living in resource-poor
      environments was associated with reduced delay of gratification. We interpret the
      results with an eye to evolutionary-developmental models of the function of
      children's stress-response system and adaptive behavior across varying contexts
      of economic risk.

PMID- 27117278
TI  - [Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in adults].

PMID- 27117277
TI  - Infectious SIV resides in adipose tissue and induces metabolic defects in
      chronically infected rhesus macaques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV reservoirs pose major challenges to viral eradication. The main
      cellular reservoirs include CD4 T cells and macrophages, whereas anatomic
      reservoirs are thought to be primarily lymphoid tissues. Adipose tissue
      represents a potentially important non-lymphoid location for HIV replication and
      persistence because the stromal-vascular-fraction (AT-SVF) contains activated
      innate and adaptive immune cells that increase in number during infections,
      obesity, and chronic inflammation. RESULTS: Adipose tissue from two groups of
      SHIV-SF162p3-infected (~4 weeks acute infection) or SIVmac251-infected (~38 weeks
      chronic infection) rhesus macaques (N = 8 for each group) were studied for immune
      cell content, viral infectiousness, and metabolic health. The AT-SVF cells from
      SHIV-infected monkeys contained abundant memory CD4 and CD8 T cells, with fewer
      NKT cells and macrophages, and no B cells. Proviral DNA (Gag and Env) was readily
      detectable by nested PCR in AT-SVF cells from multiple adipose depots
      (subcutaneous and visceral) of acutely infected monkeys, but mostly from visceral
      fat. More importantly, viral outgrowth assays using input CD4 T cells derived
      from AT-SVF cells or peripheral blood of chronically infected monkeys resulted in
      robust replication of infectious virus from both AT-SVF and peripheral blood CD4
      T cells. Chronically infected monkeys also experienced adipocyte dysfunction
      (suppression of major adipogenic genes) and systemic dyslipidemia (decreased
      serum total cholesterol and free fatty acids, and increased triglycerides),
      similar to metabolic abnormalities of HIV patients. CONCLUSIONS: Adipose tissues
      of SIV-infected rhesus macaques become major compartments for infected immune
      cells, which in turn induce defects in adipose tissue metabolism.

PMID- 27117279
TI  - Applying quantitative and semi-quantitative histopathology to address the
      interaction between sediment-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fish
      gills.
AB  - Even though PAHs are considered priority marine pollutants, information on the
      interaction effects between these compounds is scarce, furthermore under
      ecologically-relevant circumstances. Semi-quantitative and quantitative
      histological analyses were enforced on the gills of the seabass (Dicentrarchus
      labrax), exposed to two model PAHs, single or combined, through a series of 28
      day laboratory bioassays. Fish exposed to sediments contaminated with either PAH
      (250-800ngg(-1)), isolated or combined, exhibited most significant gill
      histopathological alterations after 28 days of exposure, as determined through
      weighted condition indices, especially in animals exposed to the potential
      carcinogen benzo[b]fluoranthene (B[b]F) and to mixtures of this compound with its
      lower, non-carcinogenic counterpart Phenanthrene (Phe). Negative correlations
      between interlamellar hyperplasia (the most remarkable alteration) and goblet
      cell counts suggest that fish exposed to sediments contaminated with B[b]F or
      mixed PAHs increased the thickness of epithelial cells as a response to insult,
      albeit compromising cell differentiation, to which is likely added impaired gas
      exchange and osmotic balance. In contrast, animals exposed to Phe increased the
      number of chloride and goblet cells relatively to control fish at early stages of
      exposure, suggesting then a more efficient protective mechanism. The results also
      showed that histopathological alterations in mixture-exposed animals do not match
      the expected additive effects. Overall, the findings indicate that chronic
      exposures to sediment-bound PAHs, under realistic scenarios, may induce lesions
      in gills that may imply significant hindering of basal metabolic/homeostatic
      pathways in marine fish whose interpretation may be hindered by complicated
      interaction effects and unknown factor involving, more that dose-response, time
      dependent effects. 

PMID- 27117280
TI  - Evaluation of dose-efficacy of sorafenib and effect of transarterial
      chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and sorafenib are the
      therapeutic standard for intermediate and advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) patients respectively. High costs with adverse events (AE) of sorafenib
      might limit sorafenib dosage, further affecting therapeutic response. To attain
      greatest benefit, we evaluated the efficacy of different doses and effect of TACE
      during and after sorafenib discontinuation in patients representing Child-Pugh
      Classification Class A with venous or extra-hepatic invasion. METHODS: A total
      156 patients met the criteria and were divided into Groups I (n = 52) accepting
      800 mg/day; II (n = 58) accepting 800 mg/day and reduced to 400 mg/day owing to
      AE; and III (n = 46) accepting 400 mg/day. TACE was performed during and after
      sorafenib discontinuation and therapeutic response bimonthly to four-monthly was
      rated thereafter. RESULTS: Median duration of sorafenib treatment and patients'
      survival were 4.00 +/- 0.45 and 7.50 +/- 1.44 months in all cases; 2.50 +/- 0.90
      and 5.00 +/- 1.10 months in Group I; 5.50 +/- 1.27 and 16.50 +/- 1.86 months in
      Group II; 4.00 +/- 0.94 and 6.50 +/- 2.49 months in Group III. Group II presented
      the best response and survival benefit (p = 0.010 and p = 0.011 respectively).
      Child-Pugh Classification score 5 (Hazard Ratio = 0.492, p = 0.049), absent AE
      (3.423, p = 0.015), tumor numbers <= 3 (0.313, p = 0.009), sorafenib duration <=
      1 cycle (3.694, p = 0.004), and absent TACE (3.197, p = 0.008) significantly
      correlated with patient survival. TACE benefit appeared in separate and total
      cases during (p = 0.002, p = 0.595, p = 0.074, p = 0.002 respectively) and after
      discontinuation of sorafenib administration (p = 0.001, p = 0.034, p = 0.647, p =
      0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Low-dosage sorafenib not only appeared
      tolerable and lowered economic pressure but also provided satisfactory results.
      TACE benefited patient's survival during and after sorafenib discontinuation.

PMID- 27117281
TI  - Recent History of Effector Use Modulates Practice-Dependent Changes in
      Corticospinal Excitability but Not Motor Learning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The theory of homeostatic metaplasticity has significant implications
      for human motor cortical plasticity and motor learning. Previous work has shown
      that the extent of recent effector use before exogenously-induced plasticity can
      affect the direction, magnitude and variability of aftereffects. However, the
      impact of recent effector use on motor learning and practice-dependent plasticity
      is not known. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that reducing effector use for 8 hours
      via hand/wrist immobilization would facilitate practice-dependent changes in
      corticospinal excitability and TMS-evoked thumb movement kinematics, while also
      promoting 24-hour retention of a ballistic motor skill. METHODS: Subjects
      participated in a crossover study involving two conditions. During the
      immobilization condition, subjects wore a splint that restricted motion of the
      left hand and thumb for 8 hours. While wearing the splint, subjects were
      instructed to avoid using their left hand as much as possible. During the control
      condition, subjects did not wear a splint at any time nor were they instructed to
      avoid hand use. After either an 8 hour period of immobilization or normal hand
      use, we collected MEP and TMS-evoked thumb movement recruitment curves, and
      subjects practiced a ballistic motor skill involving rapid thumb extension. After
      motor practice, MEP and TMS-evoked thumb movement recruitment curves were re
      tested. Retention of the motor skill was tested 30 minutes and 24 hours after
      motor practice. RESULTS: Reduced effector use did not impact pre-practice
      corticospinal excitability but did facilitate practice-dependent changes in
      corticospinal excitability, and this enhancement was specific to the trained
      muscle. In contrast, reducing effector use did not affect practice-dependent
      changes in TMS-evoked thumb movements nor did it promote acquisition or retention
      of the skill. Finally, we detected some associations between pre-practice
      excitability levels, plasticity effects and learning effects, but these did not
      reach our adjusted criterion for significance. CONCLUSION: Experimentally
      enhancing practice-dependent changes in corticospinal excitability is not
      sufficient to promote learning or memory of a ballistic motor skill.

PMID- 27117282
TI  - Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Physical Function and
      Motor Signs in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The short-term beneficial effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic
      stimulation (rTMS) on motor signs in Parkinson's disease (PD) have been addressed
      by previous meta-analyses while its long-term effects remain undetermined.
      Although deterioration of walking and upper limb function greatly affects the
      participation in activities and quality of life of PD sufferers, the effect of
      rTMS thereon has not been systematically studied. OBJECTIVE: This systematic
      review aimed to examine the efficacy of rTMS on improving physical function and
      motor signs over the short- and long-terms in people with PD. METHODS: Five
      electronic databases were systematically searched for English language full-text
      articles using relevant search terms. Only randomized placebo-controlled trials
      investigating the effects of rTMS in PD were considered. The primary outcomes
      were walking performance, upper limb function, and unified Parkinson's disease
      rating scale (UPDRS) section III. Trials with similar outcomes were pooled by
      calculating Hedges' g using random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-two trials
      comprising 555 people with PD were included. Pooled estimates of effect of rTMS
      indicated significantly improved short-term upper limb function (Hedges' g, 0.40,
      P = 0.007), short-term (Hedges' g, 0.61, P = 0.03) and long-term walking
      performance (Hedges' g, 0.89, P = 0.03), short-term (Hedges' g, 0.31, P = 0.003)
      and long-term (Hedges' g, 0.54, P = 0.003) UPDRS III scores. Subgroup analyses
      suggest a more prominent effect for M1 stimulation. Meta-regression revealed that
      a greater number of total stimulation pulses were associated with more UPDRS III
      improvements over the long-term. CONCLUSION: The pooled evidence suggests that
      rTMS improves upper limb function in the short-term, walking performance and
      UPDRS III in the short- and long-terms in PD sufferers. Further studies are
      required to develop optimal rTMS therapeutic protocols for PD.

PMID- 27117283
TI  - Randomized Single Blind Sham Controlled Trial of Adjunctive Home-Based tDCS after
      rTMS for Mal De Debarquement Syndrome: Safety, Efficacy, and Participant
      Satisfaction Assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mal de debarquement syndrome is a medically refractory disorder
      characterized by chronic rocking dizziness that occurs after exposure to passive
      motion. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can acutely suppress
      the rocking dizziness but treatment options that extend the benefit of rTMS are
      needed. OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine whether transcranial direct current
      stimulation (tDCS) added after rTMS can extend the benefit of rTMS; 2) to
      determine whether participants can safely perform tDCS at home. METHODS:
      Participants were given five days of rTMS (1 Hz right DLPFC/10 Hz left DLPFC in
      right-handers, vice versa in left-handers), according to a previously piloted
      protocol. They received three days of training on tDCS self-administration and
      were then randomized to either real or sham tDCS for four-weeks (anode left
      DLPFC/cathode right DLPFC for right-handers, vice versa for left-handers).
      RESULTS: Twenty-three participants completed the study. Those who received real
      tDCS after rTMS showed significant improvements in the degree of rocking
      perception as measured by the MdDS Balance Rating Scale and anxiety ratings by
      Week 4 of tDCS and a trend for improvement on the Dizziness Handicap Inventory.
      Two rTMS non-responders responded well to subsequent open-label tDCS. Side
      effects were mild and not different between real and sham tDCS. There were no
      episodes of skin burns in a group total of 556 sessions of tDCS. Satisfaction was
      rated high. CONCLUSIONS: Home-based tDCS can be performed safely and may be
      beneficial in selected individuals. Adequate teaching, automatic device safety
      features, and a good communications infrastructure are components of successful
      home therapy.

PMID- 27117284
TI  - Is a Price Increase Policy Enough for Adolescent Smokers?: Factors Affecting the
      Effectiveness of Increasing Cigarette Prices Among Korean Adolescent Smokers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cigarette pricing policy is one tool for controlling smoking behavior
      on a national scale. It is unclear, however, what effects such policy has on
      adolescents and which characteristic subgroups of adolescents are more or less
      sensitive to cigarette pricing policy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our data came from
      the 2013 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. The dependent variable was
      whether or not a participant was classified as a "persistent smokers," defined as
      a smoker who would continue smoking despite any price increase. Other variables
      of interest were smoking days (quantity), previous attempts to stop smoking, and
      previous education on smoking cessation. The statistical analysis was performed
      using weighted data and the SURVEYFREQ and SURVEYLOGISTIC procedures in SAS 9.3.
      RESULTS: Among 7094 adolescent smokers (5349 males and 1745 females), 19.9% of
      males and 25.1% of females reported as persistent smokers. Compared with light
      smokers, heavy smokers are more likely to be persistent smokers (male: odds ratio
      [OR] = 2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.04-2.95, P value < .001; female: OR
      = 3.23, 95% CI = 2.44-4.27, P value < .001). When we stratified the data by
      household income, previous attempts to stop smoking, and previous education on
      smoking cessation, that trend remained statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Because heavier smokers with higher risk of health-related consequences were less
      sensitive to pricing policy than mild smokers, pricing policy alone is not enough
      to reduce the societal burden caused by smoking. We suggest that additional
      cessation policy is needed along with pricing policy for adolescents with heavier
      smoking behavior in Korea. IMPLICATION: This study shows that heavy smokers are
      more likely to be persistent smokers despite the cigarette price increase policy,
      compared with light smokers in Korean adolescents. Because heavier smokers were
      less sensitive to pricing policy than mild smokers, pricing policy alone is not
      enough to reduce the societal burden caused by smoking. We suggest that
      additional tobacco control policies should be evaluated and effective ones
      implemented in addition to cigarette prices to reduce smoking among regular
      adolescent smokers.

PMID- 27117285
TI  - Varenicline for Smoking Cessation in Light Smokers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As the prevalence of cigarette smoking has declined, the proportion
      of smokers who smoke less than 10 cigarettes/day (cpd) has increased. Varenicline
      may provide an effective pharmacotherapeutic treatment option for increasing
      smoking abstinence rates among light smokers. METHODS: We conducted a randomized,
      placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of varenicline for
      increasing smoking abstinence rates among light smokers (5-10 cpd). Participants
      received varenicline or placebo for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at 3 and 6
      months. RESULTS: Ninety-three participants were randomized. Fifty-two percent of
      participants terminated the study early. At end-of-treatment (3 months), the
      point prevalence smoking abstinence rate was 53.3% in the varenicline group
      compared to 14.5% in placebo (odds ratio [OR]: 6.69, 95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 2.48-18.06, P < .001), and the prolonged smoking abstinence rate was 40.0%
      and 8.3%, respectively (OR: 7.33, 95% CI: 2.24-23.98, P = .001). At end-of-study
      (6 months), the point prevalence smoking abstinence rate was 40.0% in the
      varenicline group compared to 20.8% in placebo (OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.01-6.34, P =
      .047), and the prolonged smoking abstinence rate was 31.1% and 8.3%, respectively
      (OR: 4.97, 95% CI: 1.49-16.53, P = .009). The estimated magnitude of the
      treatment effect remained consistent across the various missing data assumptions
      and in analyses that adjusted for gender. Nausea and sleep disturbance were more
      commonly reported in the varenicline group. CONCLUSIONS: Varenicline was safe and
      effective for increasing long-term smoking abstinence rates in a population of
      predominantly White light cigarette smoker. The efficacy of varenicline in this
      study was comparable to that observed in heavier smokers. IMPLICATIONS: Our
      findings demonstrate that varenicline is effective for increasing smoking
      cessation in light smokers. Our findings have implications for advancing the
      treatment of light smokers in clinical practice.

PMID- 27117287
TI  - Steroid Induced Bilateral Avascular Necrosis of Head of Femur in an Adult Male
      Patient - A Case Report.
AB  - A 28 year old male patient, known case of pemphigus vulgaris was on dexamethasone
      pulse therapy. Total 7 pulses were given after that he developed avascular
      necrosis of head of femur on both sides, which was confirmed by digital X- ray
      and MRI. Avascular necrosis is a disabling and progressive condition in young
      patients gradually leads to femoral head collapse and eventual total hip
      arthroplasty. As per WHO-UMC causality assessment criteria, the association
      between reaction and drug was possible, Naranjo's score was 7. According to
      Modified Schumock and Thornton's criteria, this reaction was not preventable. The
      Modified Hartwig and Siegel's scale showed that the reaction was severe (level
      6). Here we present a case where the use of steroid for pemphigus vulgaris
      resulting in the development of bilateral avascular necrosis of head of femur. 

PMID- 27117286
TI  - The Ecdysone and Notch Pathways Synergistically Regulate Cut at the Dorsal
      Ventral Boundary in Drosophila Wing Discs.
AB  - Metazoan development requires coordination of signaling pathways to regulate
      patterns of gene expression. In Drosophila, the wing imaginal disc provides an
      excellent model for the study of how signaling pathways interact to regulate
      pattern formation. The determination of the dorsal-ventral (DV) boundary of the
      wing disc depends on the Notch pathway, which is activated along the DV boundary
      and induces the expression of the homeobox transcription factor, Cut. Here, we
      show that Broad (Br), a zinc-finger transcription factor, is also involved in
      regulating Cut expression in the DV boundary region. However, Br expression is
      not regulated by Notch signaling in wing discs, while ecdysone signaling is the
      upstream signal that induces Br for Cut upregulation. Also, we find that the
      ecdysone-Br cascade upregulates cut-lacZ expression, a reporter containing a 2.7
      kb cut enhancer region, implying that ecdysone signaling, similar to Notch,
      regulates cut at the transcriptional level. Collectively, our findings reveal
      that the Notch and ecdysone signaling pathways synergistically regulate Cut
      expression for proper DV boundary formation in the wing disc. Additionally, we
      show br promotes Delta, a Notch ligand, near the DV boundary to suppress aberrant
      high Notch activity, indicating further interaction between the two pathways for
      DV patterning of the wing disc.

PMID- 27117288
TI  - Impairment of Lung Function During Adjuvant Oxaliplatin Treatment in Patients
      with Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Forty-seven cases (38 men and 9 women) of pulmonary toxicity caused
      by oxaliplatin have previously been published, but the issue has not been
      investigated in a prospective setting. Our purpose was to assess how oxaliplatin
      affects the pulmonary function in colorectal cancer patients during adjuvant
      treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients (median age 57.5 years, range 33
      74) radically resected for colorectal cancer, underwent three pulmonary function
      tests during post-surgery adjuvant treatment with oxaliplatin. RESULTS: Mean+/-sd
      haemoglobin corrected diffusion capacity (DLCOc) in the entire patient cohort
      were 7.65+/-2.24 at baseline, 7.11+/-2.11 during and 7.12+/-1.99 three months
      after oxaliplatin treatment (p=0.0002). The decrease was similar in men (n=22,
      p=0.02) and women (n=18, p=0.01), but most prominent in smokers (n=23, p=0.0005)
      and in patients exposed to occupational dust (n=21, p=0.0009). Besides a small
      decrease in the FEV1/FVC ratio (p=0.03), all other pulmonary parameters remained
      constant and no clinical signs of pulmonary failure were observed during the
      study period. CONCLUSION: A decline in DLCOc was detected in a majority of the
      examined patients, but none reported any clinical symptoms of pulmonary distress.
      The subtle decrease in DLCOc does not appear to be an isolated predictor of PT.
      Our data suggest that smoking and dust exposure might aggravate the effect of
      oxaliplatin on DLCOc. Routine pulmonary function test in patients treated with
      oxaliplatin is not recommended, but it is important to be aware of the early
      signs of pulmonary toxicity.

PMID- 27117289
TI  - A Case Report of Antitubercular Drugs Induced Exanthematous Reaction Complicated
      by Acute Onset Levofloxacin Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
AB  - BACKGROUND: We report a case of 25 years old male patient with antitubercular
      drugs induced exanthematous reaction and hepatotoxicity that was complicated by
      levofloxacin induced toxic epidermal necrolysis. The patient was allergic to
      ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. Cross reactivity between ciprofloxacin and
      levofloxacin might be responsible for causing this reaction. CONCLUSION: Issues
      of cross sensitivity should be kept in mind and the same class of drugs should
      strictly be avoided to prevent such complications.

PMID- 27117290
TI  - Health effects of non-occupational exposure to oil extraction.
AB  - Oil extraction may cause extensive environmental impact that can affect health of
      populations living in surrounding areas. Large populations are potentially
      exposed to oil extraction related contamination through residence in areas where
      oil extraction is conducted, especially in low and middle income countries
      (LMICs). Health effects among people residentially exposed to upstream oil
      industry contaminants have been poorly studied. Health effects of exposure to oil
      related contamination have been mainly studied among cleanup workers after oil
      spills from tankers or offshore platforms.In this paper we aim to identify the
      type and extension of residential exposures related to oil extraction activities
      and to comment on the few health studies available. We estimated that 638 million
      persons in LMICs inhabit rural areas close to conventional oil reservoirs. It is
      relevant to specifically study people residentially exposed to upstream oil
      industry for the following reasons: First, persons are exposed during long
      periods of time to oil related contamination. Second, routes of exposure differ
      between workers and people living close to oil fields, who can be exposed by
      ingestion of contaminated waters/foods and by dermal contact with contaminated
      water and/or land during daily activities (e.g. bathing, agricultural activities,
      etc.). Third, individuals potentially more susceptible to the effect of oil
      related contamination and not normally occupationally exposed, such as infants,
      children, pregnant women, elderly or people with previous health conditions, are
      also exposed.There are few papers studying the potential health effects of
      residential exposure to oil related contamination, and most of them share
      important limitations. There is a need for more research through the conduct of
      methodologically robust studies in exposed populations worldwide. Despite the
      difficulties in the conduct of studies in remote areas, novel approaches, such as
      measurement of individual exposure using biomarkers of exposure and effect,
      should be used. These studies should be promoted to understand the health risks
      associated to residential exposure to oil related contamination, support
      effective control policies to avoid such contamination and to sustain public
      health recommendations and policies to avoid exposure in already contaminated
      areas. 

PMID- 27117291
TI  - Biorefinery approach for cassava-based industrial wastes: Current status and
      opportunities.
AB  - Cassava, an important food crop, has been extensively employed as raw materials
      for various agri-industries to produce starch, bioethanol and other biobased
      products/chemicals. These cassava-based industries also generate large quantities
      of wastes/residues, rich in organic matter and suspended solids, and pose
      significant environmental issues. Their complex biochemical composition with high
      organic content endows them with a great potential for bioconversion into value
      added products via biorefinery thereby providing economic and environmental
      sustainability to cassava industries. This state-of-the-art review covers the
      source, composition and characteristics of cassava industrial wastes and
      residues, and their bioconversion into value-added products, mainly biofuels
      (ethanol and butanol), biogas, biosurfactant, organic acids and other valuable
      biochemicals among others. This paper also outlines future perspectives with
      respect to developing more effective and efficient bioconversion processes for
      converting the cassava wastes and residues into high-value products. 

PMID- 27117292
TI  - The radiodensity of cerebrospinal fluid and vitreous humor as indicator of the
      time since death.
AB  - PURPOSE: After death, a series of changes occur naturally in the human body in a
      fairly regular pattern. These postmortem changes are detectable on postmortem CT
      scans (PMCT) and may be useful in estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). The
      purpose of our study is to correlate the PMCT radiodensities of the cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF) and vitreous humor (VH) to the PMI. METHODS: Three patient groups
      were included: group A consisted of 5 donated cadavers, group B, 100 in-hospital
      deceased patients, and group C, 12 out-of-hospital forensic cadavers. Group A
      were scanned every hour for a maximum of 36 h postmortem, and the tympanic
      temperature was measured prior to each scan. Groups B and C were scanned once
      after death (PMI range 0.2-63.8 h). Radiodensities of the VH and CSF were
      measured in Hounsfield units. Correlation between density and PMI was determined
      using linear regression and the influence of temperature was assessed by a
      multivariate regression model. Results from group A were validated in groups B
      and C. RESULTS: Group A showed increasing radiodensity of the CSF and VH over
      time (r (2) CSF, 0.65). PMI overruled the influence of temperature (r = 0.99 and
      p = 0.000). Groups B and C showed more diversity, with CSF and VH radiodensities
      below the mean regression line of Group A. The formula of this upper limit
      indicated the maximum PMI and was correct for >95 % of the cadavers. CONCLUSION:
      The results of group A showed a significant correlation between CSF radiodensity
      and PMI. The radiodensities in groups B and C were higher than in group A,
      therefore the maximum PMI can be estimated with the upper 95 % confidence
      interval of the correlation line of group A.

PMID- 27117293
TI  - Should patients with risk factors be tested for hypersensitivity to contrast
      media: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous hypersensitivity reactions to contrast media (CM), atopy,
      atopic disease, drug allergy, and age (20-29 or >55) are risk factors for CM
      hypersensitivity reactions. Our aim was to evaluate whether these risk factors
      should prompt skin testing for diagnosing CM allergy. METHODS: The study was
      conducted among patients referred for allergy testing with CM. Skin tests were
      performed with non ionic or gadolinium CM, recommended by a radiologist. After
      completion of tests patients were telephonically queried on their symptoms of
      reactions. RESULTS: 151 risk patients (53 men, 98 women; mean age 55.2) were
      included in the study. Only 13 (9 %) had a history of hypersensitivity reaction
      to CM. Compared with the other patients, atopy was significantly more common in
      patients with a history of CM hypersensitivity reactions. Female gender and mean
      age were also higher, but not significant. All of the tests with CMs were
      negative. Only one patient reported urticaria within 1-2 min after administration
      of CM (telephonically). CONCLUSIONS: Atopy can increase the risk of CM allergy.
      However, skin tests with CMs may be inefficient, unnecessary, and time-consuming,
      except in cases with a history of CM allergy. Premedication protocols appear to
      be beneficial in patients with a history of CM allergy and cannot be recommended
      for patients with well-controlled asthma, rhinitis, atopic dermatitis or history
      of drug allergy.

PMID- 27117294
TI  - Diagnosis, Treatment, and Clinical Outcome of Patients with Mitochondrial
      Trifunctional Protein/Long-Chain 3-Hydroxy Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency.
AB  - Deficiency of the mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP) and long-chain 3
      Hydroxy Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) impairs long-chain fatty acid oxidation
      and presents with hypoglycemia, cardiac, liver, eye, and muscle involvement.
      Without treatment, both conditions can be life-threatening. These diseases are
      identified by newborn screening (NBS), but the impact of early treatment on long
      term clinical outcome is unknown. Moreover, there is lack of consensus on
      treatment, particularly on the use of carnitine supplementation. Here, we report
      clinical and biochemical data in five patients with TFP/LCHAD deficiency, three
      of whom were diagnosed by newborn screening. All patients had signs and symptoms
      related to their metabolic disorder, including hypoglycemia, elevated creatine
      kinase (CK), and rhabdomyolysis, and experienced episodes of metabolic
      decompensation triggered by illness. Treatment was started shortly after
      diagnosis in all patients and consisted of a diet low in long-chain fats
      supplemented with medium chain triglycerides (MCT), essential fatty acids, and
      low-dose carnitine (25 mg/kg/day). Patients had growth restriction early in life
      that resolved after 2 years of age. All patients but the youngest (2 years old)
      developed pigmentary retinopathy. Long-chain hydroxylated acylcarnitines did not
      change significantly with age, but increased during acute illnesses. Free
      carnitine levels were maintained within the normal range and did not correlate
      with long-chain hydroxylated acylcarnitines. These results show that patients
      with LCHAD deficiency can have normal growth and development with appropriate
      treatment. Low-dose carnitine supplements prevented carnitine deficiency and did
      not result in increased long-chain hydroxylated acylcarnitines or any specific
      toxicity.

PMID- 27117295
TI  - Acute Metabolic Crises in Maple Syrup Urine Disease After Liver Transplantation
      from a Related Heterozygous Living Donor.
AB  - Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive disorder associated
      with impaired metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine,
      isoleucine, and valine. Children with MSUD suffer from bouts of metabolic
      decompensation, which may lead to neurological damage. Liver transplantation from
      unrelated deceased donors has been considered curative. The natural history of
      the disease following transplantation using a haploidentical (obligate
      heterozygous) living donor is still unclear, although previously described as
      favorable. We describe acute metabolic crises in a 20-month-old child with MSUD
      type II. The first well-documented one occurred 5 months after a successful liver
      transplantation from his mother. The patient developed encephalopathy with
      progressive lethargy and seizures after an episode of gastroenteritis with
      dehydration. Plasma levels of leucine, isoleucine, and valine were markedly
      elevated and alloisoleucine was detected. He promptly responded to dialysis and
      BCAA-free dietetic management and subsequently could resume a normal diet. Since
      then he has had another symptomatic metabolic crisis with seizures. This case
      strongly suggests that some recipients of liver transplantation from a
      haploidentical parent possess limited capacity to oxidize BCAA at the time of
      catabolic stress and dehydration and remain at risk of severe metabolic crises.
      Thus, careful metabolic monitoring and prompt treatment post liver
      transplantation are still required to avoid neurological sequelae of MSUD,
      particularly if the donor is heterozygous for MSUD.

PMID- 27117296
TI  - Phenylobacterium panacis sp. nov., isolated from the rhizosphere of rusty
      mountain ginseng.
AB  - A novel, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated as DCY109T,
      was isolated from the rhizosphere of rusty mountain ginseng root located on
      Hwacheon mountain of Gangwon province, South Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence
      analysis revealed that strain DCY109T belonged to the genus Phenylobacterium and
      was related closely to Phenylobacterium muchangponense KACC 15042T (98.2 %
      similarity), Phenylobacterium immobile DSM 1986T (96.9 %) and Phenylobacterium
      koreense KCTC 12206T (96.7 %). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone
      (Q-10) and the DNA G+C content was 66.9 mol%. The major polar lipids were
      phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid and an unidentified lipid. The
      major fatty acids (>10 %) were C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (which comprised C16 :
      1omega7c and/or C16 : 1omega6c) and summed feature 8 (which comprised C18 :
      1omega7c and/or C18 : 1omega6c). Mean DNA-DNA relatedness between strain DCY109T
      and its closest relative, P. muchangponense KACC 15042T, was 15.1+/-3.9 %. Based
      on the physiological, biochemical, chemotaxonomic and genetic analyses, strain
      DCY109T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Phenylobacterium,
      for which the name Phenylobacterium panacis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain
      is DCY109T (=KCTC 42749T=JCM 31045T).

PMID- 27117298
TI  - Focus on Japan: Challenges for women in health science academic positions.

PMID- 27117297
TI  - Painful and swollen hands 3 months after lungs graft: Suracute voriconazole
      induced periostitis and exostosis.

PMID- 27117299
TI  - Commentary on Tan MF et al. "Nursing management of aggression in a Singapore
      emergency department: A qualitative study". Nursing and Health Sciences. 2015;
      17: 307-312.

PMID- 27117300
TI  - Diagnostic imaging in spontaneous rupture of a thoracic duct cyst in the
      mediastinum.
AB  - Thoracic duct cysts in the mediastinum are extremely rare; they can give rise to
      chylothorax when they spontaneously rupture or after they are operated on. We
      present the case of an adult woman with a thoracic duct cyst in the mediastinum
      and chylothorax from its spontaneous rupture; to our knowledge, this phenomenon
      has not been specifically reported before. We describe the clinical and
      radiological findings, the therapeutic management, and the pathology findings,
      reviewing the literature for this entity.

PMID- 27117301
TI  - Expression of interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins in the chicken and
      possible role in prevention of viral infections.
AB  - In mammals, interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) prevent
      infections by various enveloped viruses. The expression of IFITMs in chicken was
      herein examined in the adult and embryonic organs using a quantitative reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The results obtained revealed that
      IFITM3 was expressed at a higher level than IFITM1, 2 and 5, in both embryonic
      and adult organs. However, the expression levels of IFITMs in embryonic organs
      were less than 5 % of those in adult lungs. Among the embryonic tissues examined,
      primordial germ cells (PGCs) at day 2.5 expressed relatively higher levels of
      IFITM3. IFITM3 expression levels were 1.5-fold higher in the chicken cell line DF
      1 than in PGCs. The knockdown of IFITM3 in DF-1 cells by siRNA increased the
      infectivity of a vesicular stomatitis virus G protein-pseudotyped lentiviral
      vector, suggesting that lower levels of IFITM3 are still sufficient to restrict
      this viral vector.

PMID- 27117302
TI  - Location estimation of approaching objects is modulated by the observer's
      inherent and momentary action capabilities.
AB  - Action capability may be one of the factors that can influence our percept of the
      world. A distinction can be made between momentary action capability (action
      capability at that particular moment) and inherent action capability
      (representing a stable action capability). In the current study, we investigated
      whether there was a biasing effect of these two forms of action capability on
      visual perception of location. In a virtual reality room, subjects had to stop a
      moving ball from hitting a pillar. On some trials, the ball disappeared
      automatically during its motion. Subjects had to estimate the location of the
      ball's disappearance in these trials. We expected that if action is necessary but
      action capability (inherent or momentary) is limiting performance, the location
      of approaching objects with respect to the observer is underestimated. By judging
      the objects to be nearer than they really are, the need to select and execute the
      appropriate action increases, thereby facilitating quick action (Cole et al. in
      Psychol Sci 24(1):34-40, 2013. doi: 10.1177/0956797612446953 ). As a manipulation
      of inherent action capability in a virtual environment, two groups of
      participants (video game players vs. non-video game players) were entered into
      the study (high and low action capability). Momentary action capability was
      manipulated by using two difficulty levels in the experiment (Easy vs.
      Difficult). Results indicated that inherent and momentary action capabilities
      interacted together to influence online location judgments: Non-players
      underestimated locations when the task was Difficult. Taken together, our data
      suggest that both inherent and momentary action capabilities influence location
      judgments.

PMID- 27117303
TI  - Intraoperative imaging to detect coronary stenosis in no-angiography patients.
AB  - Sometimes, patients scheduled for cardiac operations other than coronary artery
      bypass may be unsuitable for preoperative coronary angiography. We routinely use
      intraoperative high-resolution epicardial ultrasound to select the proper target
      for the graft and to check graft anastomosis integrity. We describe 3 patients
      who could not undergo preoperative coronary angiography for different reasons. In
      all cases, we discovered significant stenosis in the left anterior descending
      coronary artery, which required bypass grafting. Intraoperative verification by
      transit-time flow measurements confirmed the significant stenosis detected by
      imaging.

PMID- 27117304
TI  - Abstracts of the 50th Annual Scientific Meeting of the European Society for
      Clinical Investigation Paris, France, 27 - 29 April 2016.

PMID- 27117305
TI  - Cognitively Stimulating Leisure Activity and Subsequent Cognitive Function: A
      SHARE-based Analysis.
AB  - Purpose of the Study: The aim of the inquiry was to examine whether cognitively
      stimulating leisure activity (CSLA) can delay or reduce cognitive decline in late
      life and whether its effect is moderated by education, age, or activity pattern.
      Design and Methods: Employing secondary analysis of data on respondents aged 65
      and older from the 4th and 5th waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and
      Retirement in Europe (N = 16,572), the inquiry regressed cognitive function
      (memory, numeracy, and fluency) at Time 2 on frequency of engagement in CSLA at
      baseline, controlling for cognitive function scores at baseline and a range of
      confounders. The study also considered education by CSLA and age by CSLA
      interactions, as well as the effect of CSLA patterns. Results: CSLA frequency was
      found to be positively related to subsequent cognitive functioning on all
      measures, 2 years later. The effect of CSLA on memory and fluency was stronger
      among those with lower education, whereas the age by CSLA interaction was not
      significant. Respondents who started CSLA after baseline showed better cognitive
      functioning at Time 2 than those who did not engage in CSLA at all and those who
      had engaged in such activity at baseline but stopped. Implications: The study
      documents that CSLAs constitute a potential source for the delay or reduction of
      cognitive decline, regardless of one's age. As such, practitioners should
      recognize the value of this medium and encourage its greater use in appropriate
      settings.

PMID- 27117306
TI  - [Male osteoporosis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis in men is an important public health problem with more
      than 1 million cases in Germany. Although osteoporotic fractures have a much
      higher mortality in men than in women, male patients are still underdiagnosed and
      undertreated. OBJECTIVE: Epidemiology of male osteoporosis and current treatment
      situation, pathophysiological aspects at the hormonal level, risk factors,
      diagnostic work-up and therapeutic options. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overview of
      data concerning male osteoporosis, recommendations for diagnostic work-up and
      presentation of the study situation on pharmaceutical therapies. RESULTS: As risk
      factors for osteoporosis are present in 50-70 % of male patients, a detailed
      patient history is necessary for assessment of the risk factors. Radiological
      imaging of the spine is primarily recommended to identify individuals with
      prevalent vertebral fractures, as approximately 10 % of males above the age of 50
      years have suffered a vertebral fracture. Laboratory testing of relevant
      parameters helps to rule out other metabolic bone diseases. In Germany, specific
      medications available for the treatment of male osteoporosis comprise the active
      vitamin D analogue alfacalcidol, the oral bisphosphonates alendronate and
      risedronate, the intravenous biphosphonate zoledronic acid, the anti- receptor
      activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) antibody denosumab, which can be given as
      intravenous injection and strontium ranelate, a drug with a complex mode of
      action. Teriparatide, a recombinant form of the 34 N-terminal amino acid sequence
      of parathyroid hormone is the only anabolic agent approved for male osteoporosis.
      CONCLUSION: Osteoporosis in men is increasingly being recognized as an important
      public health problem and affected patients need to be adequately diagnosed and
      treated. Nowadays, a broad spectrum of well-proven therapeutic options with
      different modes of action allow individual treatment strategies for male
      osteoporosis patients.

PMID- 27117307
TI  - Prevalence of chronic kidney disease risk factors among low birth weight
      adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: By adulthood, low birth weight infants have an increased risk for
      chronic kidney disease (CKD). The extent to which objective CKD risk factors are
      present at earlier ages is unclear. METHODS: We analyzed 5352 participants aged
      12-15 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2012.
      Participants were classified as low birth weight (LBW; < 2500 g), very low birth
      weight (VLBW; < 1500 g), or normal (2500-4000 g) by parental/proxy recall.
      Albuminuria (albumin/creatinine 30 - <300 mg/g), decreased estimated glomerular
      filtration rate (eGFR; < 90 ml/min/1.73 m(2); Counahan-Barratt), and elevated
      systolic blood pressure (BP; >= 95th percentile for age, height, and sex) were
      considered CKD risk factors. RESULTS: While albuminuria did not vary by birth
      weight, elevated blood pressure (BP) and decreased eGFR occurred more frequently
      in LBW/VLBW adolescents (elevated BP: LBW 6.0 %, VLBW 11.2 %, normal 2.4 %;
      decreased eGFR: LBW 23.2 %, VLBW 32.5 %, normal 16.1 %). After multivariable
      adjustment, LBW/VLBW adolescents had greater odds for both elevated BP (LBW: OR
      2.90, 95 % CI 1.48-5.71; VLBW: 5.23; 1.11-24.74) and decreased eGFR (LBW: 1.49,
      95 % CI 1.06-2.10; VLBW 2.49, 95 % CI 1.20-5.18). CONCLUSIONS: In the U.S.
      population, both decreased eGFR and elevated systolic BP occur frequently among
      adolescents with history of LBW/VLBW.

PMID- 27117308
TI  - Safety and comfort of long-term continuous combined transdermal estrogen and
      intrauterine levonorgestrel administration for postmenopausal hormone
      substitution - a review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the endometrial safety and patient acceptability of long
      term use of continuous transdermal estrogen substitution combined with
      intrauterine release of levonorgestrel (LNG) in postmenopausal women. DESIGN: One
      hundred and fifty-three women who utilized the regimen for 2 IUD cycles were
      followed-up for a period of 10 years. Histology of the endometrium was evaluated
      at the end of this period to assess endometrial safety and the acceptability of
      the method was assessed based on the replacement rate of the LNG-IUS and
      continuation of ET. RESULTS: The regimen, administered over a 10-year period, was
      very well tolerated and the IUD was retained well and no expulsions occurred. The
      dominant endometrial histologic picture was that of inactive endometrium
      characterized by glandular atrophy and stroma decidualization (Kurman
      classification 5b). No cases of endometrial hyperplasia were found. CONCLUSION:
      The low systemic absorption of LNG could be desirable, thus allowing for
      maximization of the beneficial effects of ET on organ tissues (e.g.
      cardiovascular tissues and breast). Repeat LNG-IUS is associated with high
      patient satisfaction. If started before the age of 60, this regimen could be
      advised for lifelong prevention of cardiovascular disease and other prevention
      measures. The LNG-IUS was shown to effectively oppose the secondary effects of
      systemic estrogen on the endometrium tissue resulting in strong suppression
      during the entire period of EPT.

PMID- 27117309
TI  - Protein-protein interaction inference based on semantic similarity of Gene
      Ontology terms.
AB  - Identifying protein-protein interactions is important in molecular biology.
      Experimental methods to this issue have their limitations, and computational
      approaches have attracted more and more attentions from the biological community.
      The semantic similarity derived from the Gene Ontology (GO) annotation has been
      regarded as one of the most powerful indicators for protein interaction. However,
      conventional methods based on GO similarity fail to take advantage of the
      specificity of GO terms in the ontology graph. We proposed a GO-based method to
      predict protein-protein interaction by integrating different kinds of similarity
      measures derived from the intrinsic structure of GO graph. We extended five
      existing methods to derive the semantic similarity measures from the descending
      part of two GO terms in the GO graph, then adopted a feature integration strategy
      to combines both the ascending and the descending similarity scores derived from
      the three sub-ontologies to construct various kinds of features to characterize
      each protein pair. Support vector machines (SVM) were employed as discriminate
      classifiers, and five-fold cross validation experiments were conducted on both
      human and yeast protein-protein interaction datasets to evaluate the performance
      of different kinds of integrated features, the experimental results suggest the
      best performance of the feature that combines information from both the ascending
      and the descending parts of the three ontologies. Our method is appealing for
      effective prediction of protein-protein interaction.

PMID- 27117310
TI  - Otis Brawley-one of the first to question the value of screening.

PMID- 27117311
TI  - Food allergy needs assessment, training curriculum, and knowledge assessment for
      child care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More than half of preschool-aged children are enrolled in child care
      in the United States. Roughly 8% of children between 3 and 5 years of age have a
      food allergy. Child care center workers (CCCWs) are important caregivers who
      frequently encounter food allergies, but little is known about their education
      and understanding of food allergy and anaphylaxis. OBJECTIVE: To perform a food
      allergy and anaphylaxis educational needs assessment, provide a training
      curriculum for CCCWs, and assess the effectiveness of the training curriculum.
      METHODS: An online educational needs assessment and live training curriculum
      addressing food allergy recognition, treatment, and food labeling with pretests
      and posttests were created, and content and face validity were obtained. A needs
      assessment survey was sent to centers in Dallas and Tarrant counties. The
      training curriculum was performed at continuing education conferences. RESULTS:
      Seventy-three workers responded to the needs assessment, with 46% reporting prior
      food allergy training. They reported information sources as parents (73%), self
      (54%), educational curricula (21%), and conferences (19%). Most believed they
      have a high or moderately high proficiency in food allergy management. Forty-five
      workers participated in the training curriculum. Total scores improved from 54%
      correct on the pretest to 83% correct on the posttest (P < .001). Categorical
      subanalysis reveals similar results, with statistically significant improvement
      in all areas. CONCLUSION: CCCWs have diverse educational backgrounds and
      infrequently experience standardized training about food allergies. There is a
      significant lack of knowledge regarding food allergies and anaphylaxis. The
      curriculum was successful at increasing food allergy knowledge among CCCWs.

PMID- 27117313
TI  - In-plane trapping and manipulation of ZnO nanowires by a hybrid plasmonic field.
AB  - In general, when a semiconductor nanowire is trapped by conventional laser beam
      tweezers, it tends to be aligned with the trapping beam axis rather than confined
      in the horizontal plane, and this limits the application of these nanowires in
      many in-plane nanoscale optoelectronic devices. In this work, we achieve the in
      plane trapping and manipulation of a single ZnO nanowire by a hybrid plasmonic
      tweezer system on a flat metal surface. The gap between the nanowire and the
      metallic substrate leads to an enhanced gradient force caused by deep
      subwavelength optical energy confinement. As a result, the nanowire can be
      securely trapped in-plane at the center of the excited surface plasmon polariton
      field, and can also be dynamically moved and rotated by varying the position and
      polarization direction of the incident laser beam, which cannot be performed
      using conventional optical tweezers. The theoretical results show that the
      focused plasmonic field induces a strong in-plane trapping force and a high
      rotational torque on the nanowire, while the focused optical field produces a
      vertical trapping force to produce the upright alignment of the nanowire; this is
      in good agreement with the experimental results. Finally, some typical ZnO
      nanowire structures are built based on this technique, which thus further
      confirms the potential of this method for precise manipulation of components
      during the production of nanoelectronic and nanophotonic devices. 

PMID- 27117312
TI  - Effect of treatment with geraniol on ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma, a complex highly prevalent airway disease, is a major public
      health problem for which current treatment options are inadequate. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the antiasthma activity of geraniol and investigate its underlying
      molecular mechanisms. METHODS: In a standard experimental asthma model, Balb/c
      mice were sensitized with ovalbumin, treated with geraniol (100 or 200 mg/kg) or
      a vehicle control, during ovalbumin challenge. RESULTS: Treatment of ovalbumin
      sensitized/challenged mice with geraniol significantly decreased airway
      hyperresponsiveness to inhaled methacholine. Geraniol treatment reduced eotaxin
      levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and attenuated infiltration of eosinophils
      induced by ovalbumin. Geraniol treatment reduced TH2 cytokines (including
      interleukins 4, 5, and 13), increased TH1 cytokine interferon gamma in
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and reduced ovalbumin-specific IgE in serum. In
      addition, treatment of ovalbumin-sensitized/challenged mice with geraniol
      enhanced T-bet (TH1 response) messenger RNA expression and reduced GATA-3 (TH2
      response) messenger RNA expression in lungs. Furthermore, treatment of ovalbumin 
      sensitized/challenged mice with geraniol further enhanced Nrf2 protein expression
      and activated Nrf2-directed antioxidant pathways, such as glutamate-cysteine
      ligase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione S-transferase, and enhanced
      formation of reduced glutathione and reduced formation of malondialdehyde in
      lungs. CONCLUSION: Geraniol attenuated important features of allergic asthma in
      mice, possibly through the modulation of TH1/TH2 balance and activation the of
      Nrf2/antioxidant response element pathway.

PMID- 27117314
TI  - Home and health among different sub-groups of the ageing population: a comparison
      of two cohorts living in ordinary housing in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: At present a majority of older people remain in their ordinary homes.
      Research has generated knowledge about home and health dynamics and increased the
      awareness of the complexity of housing as related to ageing. As this knowledge is
      based mainly on research on very old, single-living people in ordinary housing
      there is a need to study other sub-groups of the ageing population. Thus, the aim
      of the present descriptive study was to compare a younger old cohort with a very
      old cohort living in ordinary housing in Sweden in order to shed new light on
      home and health dynamics in different sub-groups of the ageing population.
      METHODS: Cross-sectional study of two population-based cohorts: one aged 67-70
      years (n = 371) and one aged 79-89 years (n = 397) drawn from existing Swedish
      databases. Structured interviews and observations were conducted to collect data
      about socio-demographics, aspects of home, and symptoms. Besides descriptive
      statistics we computed tests of differences using the Chi-squared test and Mann
      Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Accessibility was significantly lower in the very old
      cohort compared to the younger old cohort even though the former were objectively
      assessed to have fewer environmental barriers. Those in the very old cohort
      perceived aspects of their housing situation as worse and were more dependent on
      external influences managing their housing situation. Although a larger
      proportion of the very old cohort had more functional limitations 22% were
      independent in ADL. In the younger old cohort 17% were dependent in ADL.
      CONCLUSIONS: Keeping in mind that there were cohort differences beyond that of
      age, despite fewer environmental barriers in their dwellings the very old
      community-living cohort lived in housing with more accessibility problems
      compared to those of the younger old cohort, caused by their higher prevalence of
      functional limitations. Those in the very old cohort perceived themselves in a
      less favourable situation, but still as satisfied with housing as those in the
      younger old cohort. This kind of knowledge is indicative for prevention and
      intervention in health care and social services as well as for housing provision
      and societal planning. Further studies based on truly comparable cohorts are
      warranted.

PMID- 27117315
TI  - Effectiveness of the Polish program for the treatment of severe allergic asthma
      with omalizumab: a single-center experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A national program for the treatment of severe allergic (IgE
      dependent) asthma with omalizumab (OMA) was implemented in Poland in 2013. This
      observational study evaluated the effectiveness of the Polish OMA program and
      monitored asthma control after treatment discontinuation. METHODS: In the first
      year of the program, 53 patients (23 new/30 continuing treatment) received OMA in
      the Barlicki Hospital, Poland. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 16
      weeks of OMA treatment by spirometry, mean dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)
      and oral corticosteroids (OCS), number of asthma exacerbations, the Asthma
      Control Questionnaire (ACQ), and the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ).
      OMA treatment responses were determined using the global effectiveness of
      treatment evaluation scale. Fourteen patients ceased OMA treatment following >=36
      months of therapy and entered follow up. RESULTS: All patients treated with OMA
      de novo for at least 16 weeks had a decrease in asthma exacerbations and showed a
      good (15/16, 94 %) or an excellent (1/16, 6 %) response to treatment. We observed
      a reduction in OCS dose (>=5 mg/day) in 14/16 (88 %) patients. ACQ and AQLQ
      scores improved by >=0.5 points in 15/16 (94 %) and 14/16 (88 %) patients,
      respectively. After OMA cessation, 11/14 (79 %) patients showed worsening of
      asthma control and severe exacerbations. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the OMA program
      show significant benefits, including reduced use of OCS, improved asthma control
      and quality of life. After OMA discontinuation, frequent severe exacerbations
      were observed primarily in patients whose asthma was previously uncontrolled by
      high OCS doses.

PMID- 27117317
TI  - Opportunistic diseases among HIV-infected patients: a multicenter-nationwide
      Korean HIV/AIDS cohort study, 2006 to 2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The frequencies of opportunistic diseases (ODs) vary across
      countries based on genetic, environmental, and social differences. The Korean
      HIV/AIDS cohort study was initiated in 2006 to promote research on human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Korea, and to provide a logistical
      network to support multicenter projects on epidemiological, clinical, and
      laboratory aspects of HIV infection. This study evaluated the prevalence of ODs
      among HIV-infected patients in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy,
      and the risk factors associated with ODs. METHODS: The study enrolled 1,086 HIV
      infected patients from 19 hospitals. This study examined the baseline data of the
      HIV/AIDS Korean cohort study at the time of enrollment from December 2006 to July
      2013. RESULTS: Candidiasis was the most prevalent opportunistic infection (n =
      176, 16.2%), followed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (n = 120, 10.9%),
      Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (n = 121, 11.0%), cytomegalovirus infection (n =
      52, 4.7%), and herpes zoster (n = 44, 4.0%). The prevalence rates of Kaposi's
      sarcoma (n = 8, 0.7%) and toxoplasmosis (n = 4, 0.4%) were very low compared with
      other countries. The risk factors for ODs were a low CD4 T cell count at the time
      of HIV diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; p < 0.01), current smoking (OR, 2.27; p
      = 0.01), current alcohol use (OR, 2.57; p = 0.04), and a history of tuberculosis
      (OR, 5.23; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Using recent Korean nationwide data, this
      study demonstrated that an important predictor of ODs was a low CD4 T cell count
      at the time of HIV diagnosis. Tuberculosis remains one of the most important ODs
      in HIV-infected patients in Korea.

PMID- 27117316
TI  - Vitamin D and its effects on cardiovascular diseases: a comprehensive review.
AB  - Vitamin D is a molecule that is actively involved in multiple metabolic pathways.
      It is mostly known for its implications related to calcium metabolism. It has
      also been determined that it actively participates in the cardiovascular system,
      influencing blood pressure, coronary artery disease and other vascular diseases,
      such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Furthermore, it has been
      established that this vitamin is extensively involved in the regulation of both
      the renin angiotensin aldosterone system and the immune system. In this review,
      we present the different vitamin D metabolic pathways associated with the
      cardiovascular pathophysiology, and we include studies in animal and human
      models, as well as some of the controversies found in the literature. This review
      also incorporates an overview of the implications in the molecular biology and
      public health fields.

PMID- 27117318
TI  - Incidence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection among human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in a large HIV clinic in South Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Increasing incidences of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex were reported in the
      United States and Europe. However, few studies regarding the epidemiology of HCV
      infection in HIV-infected patients in Asian countries have been reported.
      METHODS: To determine the prevalence and incidence of HCV infection in HIV
      infected patients, a retrospective cohort study was conducted. All HIV-infected
      patients who visited a tertiary care hospital in Korea from 2000 to 2013 were
      identified. Patients with >= 1 HCV antibody (Ab) test were included and observed
      until December 2014. RESULTS: Among 996 HIV-infected patients, 790 patients (79%)
      had baseline HCV Ab tests and 41 (5.2%) were positive at baseline and four at
      follow-up. Experience of injecting drug use (IDU; adjusted odds ratio, 16.20; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.56 to 167.89; p < 0.01) was significantly associated
      with prevalent HCV infection. Conversion to HCV Ab positivity was observed in
      four of 384 included patients, with an incidence rate of 2.22 (95% CI, 0.60 to
      5.80)/1,000 person-years (PYs); 164.89 (95% CI, 34.00 to 481.88)/1,000 PYs in
      patients with IDU, and 1.40 (95% CI, 0.35 to 7.79)/1,000 PYs in men who have sex
      with men who denied IDU. There was no significant increase in incidence rate of
      HCV in HIV-infected patients from 2009 to 2014 (p = 0.119). Among 19 patients who
      were positive for HCV RNA, genotype 1b (73%) was the most common following 2a/2c
      (20%). CONCLUSIONS: IDU was an independent risk factor for prevalent HCV
      infection. Prevalence of HCV infection was low and incidence of HCV infection was
      not significantly increased in HIV-infected patients in South Korea.

PMID- 27117319
TI  - Combating radiation therapy-induced damage to the ovarian environment.

PMID- 27117320
TI  - Neck spasms: A late sequela of head and neck irradiation.

PMID- 27117321
TI  - Virulence and serological studies of recombinant infectious hematopoietic
      necrosis virus (IHNV) in rainbow trout.
AB  - Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus is a highly contagious disease of
      juvenile salmonid species. From the IHNV HLJ-09 isolated in China, two
      recombinant viruses were generated by reverse genetics using the RNA polymerase
      II transcription system. The recombinant viruses were confirmed by RT-PCR,
      indirect immunofluorescence assay and electron microscopy. They were referred to
      as rIHNV HLJ-09 and rIHNV-EGFP. rIHNV HLJ-09 and rIHNV-EGFP could stably
      replicate in EPC cell lines and had the same cellular tropism as wtIHNV HLJ-09.
      But the titer of rIHNV-EGFP was significantly lower than rIHNV HLJ-09 and wtIHNV
      HLJ-09. rIHNV-EGFP strain could express EGFP stably at least in 20 passages, and
      the fluorescence could be observed clearly. To assess the virulence and
      pathogenicity of the recombinant viruses in vivo, juvenile rainbow trout were
      challenged by intraperitoneal injection with 20MUl of rIHNV HLJ-09, rIHNV-EGFP or
      wtIHNV HLJ-09 (1*10(6)pfuml(-1)). Fish challenged with rIHNV HLJ-09 and wtIHNV
      HLJ-09 exhibited clinical signs typical of IHN disease and both produced 90%
      cumulative percent mortality, whlie rIHNV-EGFP produced only 5%. Pathological
      sectioning results showed that the tissues (liver, kidney, heart muscle, back
      muscle) of the fish infected with rIHNV HLJ-09 exhibited pathological changes,
      with the exception of cerebral neurons and the cheek. However, no lesions of
      liver, kidney, heart, muscle, brain in rainbow trout of rIHNV-EGFP or the control
      group were observed. Indirect ELISA results showed that a high level of serum
      antibody was detected in the experimental fish challenged with rIHNV HLJ-09, just
      as the same as wtIHNV HLJ-09, while a lower titer was detecred in the fish
      infected with rIHNV-EGFP. This indicated that the recombinant viruses could
      induce humoral immune response in the experimental fish. The recombinant viruses
      had unique genetic tags and could be used for genetic engineering, laying new
      ground for further investigation of IHNV pathopoiesis molecular mechanism, host
      tropism and the development of novel vaccines against IHN.

PMID- 27117322
TI  - Dual infections of equine herpesvirus 1 and equine arteritis virus in equine
      respiratory mucosa explants.
AB  - Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and equine arteritis virus (EAV) induce respiratory
      problems and abortion in horses and are considered as two serious threats to
      equine industry. Both EHV-1 and EAV misuse patrolling leukocytes in the upper
      respiratory tract to breach the basement membrane (BM) and to migrate to blood
      vessels. So far, the behavior and impact of a double infection in the respiratory
      mucosa of a horse are unknown. In the present study, the outcome of double
      infections with EHV-1 and the low virulent EAV strain 08P187 (superinfection with
      an interval of 12h or co-infection) were compared with single infections in fully
      susceptible RK-13 cells and equine upper respiratory mucosa explants. When RK-13
      cells were inoculated with either EHV-1 or EAV 12h prior to the subsequent EAV or
      EHV-1 inoculation, the latter EAV or EHV-1 infection was clearly suppressed at
      24hpi or 36hpi, respectively, without EHV-1 and EAV co-infecting the same RK-13
      cells. After simultaneous infection with EHV-1 and EAV, higher numbers of EAV
      infected cells but similar numbers of EHV-1 infected cells were found compared to
      the single infections, with a low number of EHV-1 and EAV co-infected RK-13 cells
      at 48hpi and 72hpi. In the upper respiratory mucosa exposed to EAV 12h prior to
      EHV-1, the number and size of the EHV-1-induced plaques were similar to those of
      the EHV-1 single infected mucosa explants. In nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosae,
      EAV and EHV-1 pre-infections slightly reduced the number of EHV-1 and EAV
      infected leukocytes compared to the single infections and co-infection. In double
      EAV and EHV-1 infected explants, no co-infected leukocytes were detected. From
      these results, it can be concluded that EAV and EHV-1 are only slightly
      influencing each other's infection and that they do not infect the same mucosal
      leukocytes.

PMID- 27117323
TI  - Leakage of albumin in major abdominal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The time course of plasma albumin concentration (P-alb) and
      cumulative perioperative albumin shift as a measure of albumin extravasation in
      major abdominal surgery is not well described. Knowledge of these indices of the
      vascular barrier and vascular content are important for our understanding of
      fluid physiology during surgery and anesthesia. METHODS: Patients (n = 10) were
      studied during esophageal or pancreatic surgery. P-alb was repeatedly measured
      over 72 h, and the mass balance of albumin and hemoglobin were obtained from
      measures of P-alb, blood hemoglobin and hematocrit. RESULTS: P-alb decreased
      rapidly from baseline (32.8 +/- 4.8 g/L) until the start of surgical
      reconstruction (18.7 +/- 4.8 g/L; p < 0.001), and was thereafter stable until
      postoperative day 3. Cumulative perioperative albumin shift increased until 1 h
      after the end of surgery, when 24 +/- 17 g (p < 0.001) had been lost from the
      circulation. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid fall in P-alb of more than 40 % consistently
      occurred during the first part of the surgical procedure, but albumin leakage
      progressed until 1 h after the end of surgery. After the initial drop, P-alb was
      stable for 72 h.

PMID- 27117325
TI  - Assessment of oral mucosal lesions with autofluorescence imaging and reflectance
      spectroscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of a
      new form of autofluorescence imaging and tissue reflectance spectroscopy
      (Identafi, DentalEZ) in examining patients with oral mucosal lesions. METHODS:
      The authors examined 88 patients with 231 oral mucosal lesions by conventional
      oral examination (COE) using white-light illumination and *2.5 magnification
      loupes, followed by examination using Identafi. The authors noted fluorescence
      visualization loss, the presence of blanching, and diffuseness of vasculature.
      They performed incisional biopsies to provide definitive histopathologic
      diagnosis. RESULTS: Identafi's white light produced lesion visibility and border
      distinctness equivalent to COE. Identafi's violet light displayed a sensitivity
      of 12.5% and specificity of 85.4% for detection of oral epithelial dysplasia
      (OED). The authors noted visible vasculature using the green-amber light in 40.9%
      of lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Identafi's intraoral white light provided detailed
      visualization of oral mucosal lesions comparable with examination using an
      extraoral white-light source with magnification. A high level of clinical
      experience is required to interpret the results of autofluorescence examination
      as the violet light displayed low sensitivity for detection of OED. The green
      amber light provided additional clinical information in relation to underlying
      vasculature and inflammation of lesions. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Examination
      using Identafi can provide clinicians with more clinical data than a standard COE
      with yellow incandescent light, but the clinical and optical findings should be
      interpreted as a whole and not in isolation. Clinicians should use the light
      features of Identafi in a sequential and differential manner.

PMID- 27117324
TI  - Exposure to extreme heat and precipitation events associated with increased risk
      of hospitalization for asthma in Maryland, U.S.A.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have investigated the association between asthma
      exacerbations and exposures to ambient temperature and precipitation. However,
      limited data exists regarding how extreme events, projected to grow in frequency,
      intensity, and duration in the future in response to our changing climate, will
      impact the risk of hospitalization for asthma. The objective of our study was to
      quantify the association between frequency of extreme heat and precipitation
      events and increased risk of hospitalization for asthma in Maryland between 2000
      and 2012. METHODS: We used a time-stratified case-crossover design to examine the
      association between exposure to extreme heat and precipitation events and risk of
      hospitalization for asthma (ICD-9 code 493, n = 115,923). RESULTS: Occurrence of
      extreme heat events in Maryland increased the risk of same day hospitalization
      for asthma (lag 0) by 3 % (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.03, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI):
      1.00, 1.07), with a considerably higher risk observed for extreme heat events
      that occur during summer months (OR: 1.23, 95 % CI: 1.15, 1.33). Likewise,
      summertime extreme precipitation events increased the risk of hospitalization for
      asthma by 11 % in Maryland (OR: 1.11, 95 % CI: 1.06, 1.17). Across age groups,
      increase in risk for asthma hospitalization from exposure to extreme heat event
      during the summer months was most pronounced among youth and adults, while those
      related to extreme precipitation event was highest among <=4 year olds.
      CONCLUSION: Exposure to extreme heat and extreme precipitation events,
      particularly during summertime, is associated with increased risk of
      hospitalization for asthma in Maryland. Our results suggest that projected
      increases in frequency of extreme heat and precipitation event will have
      significant impact on public health.

PMID- 27117326
TI  - Stigma, explanatory models and unmet needs of caregivers of children with
      developmental disorders in a low-income African country: a cross-sectional
      facility-based survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the perspectives of caregivers of children with
      developmental disorders living in low-income countries is important to inform
      intervention programmes. The purpose of this study was to examine the stigma
      experiences, explanatory models, unmet needs, preferred interventions and coping
      mechanisms of caregivers of children with developmental disorders in Ethiopia.
      METHODS: Participants comprised caregivers (n = 102) of children with
      developmental disorders attending two child mental health clinics in Addis Ababa.
      The majority (66.7%; n = 68) had a diagnosis of intellectual disability (ID); 34
      children (33.3%) had autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as their primary diagnosis.
      All caregivers were administered a structured questionnaire via a face-to-face
      interview, which included an adaptation of the Family Interview Schedule, closed
      questions about socio-demographic characteristics, explanatory models of illness,
      type of interventions used or desired and coping strategies, and an open ended
      question regarding the family's unmet needs. RESULTS: Most caregivers reported
      experience of stigma: 43.1% worried about being treated differently, 45.1% felt
      ashamed about their child's condition and 26.7% made an effort to keep their
      child's condition secret. Stigma did not depend on the type of developmental
      disorder, the child's age or gender, or on the age or level of education of the
      caregiver (all p > 0.05). Reported stigma was significantly higher in caregivers
      who had sought traditional help (p < 0.01), provided supernatural explanations
      for their child's condition (p = .02) and in caregivers of Orthodox Christian
      faith (p = .03). Caregivers gave a mixture of biomedical explanations (e.g. head
      injury (30.4%) or birth complications (25.5%)) and supernatural explanations
      (e.g. spirit possession (40.2%) or sinful act (27.5%)) for their child's
      condition. The biggest reported unmet need was educational provision for their
      child (74.5%), followed by treatment by a health professional (47.1%), financial
      support (30.4%) and expert help to support their child's development (27.5%).
      Most caregivers reported that talking to health professionals (86.3%) and family
      (85.3%) helped them to cope. Many caregivers also used support from friends
      (76.5%) and prayer (57.8%) as coping mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      highlights the stigma experienced by families caring for a child with a
      developmental disorder. Designing interventions appropriate for low-income
      settings that improve awareness about developmental disorders, decrease stigma,
      improve access to appropriate education and strengthen caregivers' support are
      needed.

PMID- 27117327
TI  - Absolute quantification of HTLV-1 basic leucine zipper factor (HBZ) protein and
      its plasma antibody in HTLV-1 infected individuals with different clinical
      status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) basic leucine zipper
      factor (HBZ), which is encoded by a minus strand mRNA, is thought to play
      important roles in the development of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1
      associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). However, a
      comprehensive analysis of HBZ, including mRNA and protein expression, humoral
      immunoreactivity against HBZ, and HTLV-1 proviral load (PVL), in HTLV-1-infected
      individuals with different clinical status has not been reported previously.
      RESULTS: In this study, using novel monoclonal antibody-based in-house enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay systems, we report the absolute quantification of HBZ
      protein and its plasma antibody in clinical samples from HTLV-1-infected
      individuals with different clinical status. The data were compared to both HBZ
      mRNA levels and PVL. The results showed that plasma anti-HBZ antibody was
      detectable only in 10.4 % (5/48) of asymptomatic carriers (ACs), 10.8 % (13/120)
      of HAM/TSP patients, and 16.7 % (7/42) of ATL patients. HBZ protein was detected
      in three out of five patients with acute ATL, but was not detected in patients
      with HAM/TSP (0/10) or ACs (0/4). Thus, an antibody response to HBZ was not
      associated with the PVL or the expression of HBZ (both at the mRNA and protein
      levels) or the clinical status of the infection. CONCLUSIONS: The present results
      emphasize the extremely low expression and immunogenicity of HBZ in natural HTLV
      1 infection. However, there is a possibility that the low but distinct expression
      of HBZ protein in PBMCs is associated with the survival of HTLV-1-infected cells
      and the development of ATL.

PMID- 27117328
TI  - The molecular clutch model for mechanotransduction evolves.
AB  - Many biological processes are influenced by the mechanical rigidity of
      surrounding tissues. Now, a combination of experiments and mathematical modelling
      has been used to describe the precise molecular and physical mechanism by which
      cells sense and respond to the mechanical properties of their extracellular
      environment through integrin-based adhesions.

PMID- 27117329
TI  - Directing lipid transport at membrane contact sites.
AB  - Contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane mediate
      receptor signalling. How this function is controlled physically and functionally
      is poorly understood. Extended synaptotagmins are now shown to shuttle the lipid
      metabolite diacylglycerol from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum
      in receptor-stimulated cells.

PMID- 27117330
TI  - Orchestrating Wnt signalling for metabolic liver zonation.
AB  - Wnt/beta-catenin signalling is an important regulator of liver development,
      zonation and regeneration. The cell surface complex RSPO-LGR4/5-ZNF3/RNF43 is now
      shown to direct Wnt/beta-catenin signalling in orchestrating the division of the
      liver into functionally distinct metabolic zones, providing insights into the
      mechanisms that influence organ development and regeneration.

PMID- 27117331
TI  - Fibroblasts form a hospitable metastatic niche in the liver.
AB  - The liver is the most common metastatic route of pancreatic cancer. Early
      recruitment of granulin-secreting inflammatory monocytes to the liver is now
      shown to reprogram hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblasts that modulate the
      liver microenvironment to support the growth of metastasizing tumour cells.

PMID- 27117332
TI  - Cyclic Opioid Peptides.
AB  - For decades the opioid receptors have been an attractive therapeutic target for
      the treatment of pain. Since the first discovery of enkephalin, approximately a
      dozen endogenous opioid peptides have been known to produce opioid activity and
      analgesia, but their therapeutics have been limited mainly due to low blood brain
      barrier penetration and poor resistance to proteolytic degradation. One versatile
      approach to overcome these drawbacks is the cyclization of linear peptides to
      cyclic peptides with constrained topographical structure. Compared to their
      linear parents, cyclic analogs exhibit better metabolic stability, lower
      offtarget toxicity, and improved bioavailability. Extensive structure-activity
      relationship studies have uncovered promising compounds for the treatment of pain
      as well as further elucidate structural elements required for selective opioid
      receptor activity. The benefits that come with employing cyclization can be
      further enhanced through the generation of polycyclic derivatives. Opioid ligands
      generally have a short peptide chain and thus the realm of polycyclic peptides
      has yet to be explored. In this review, a brief history of designing ligands for
      the opioid receptors, including classic linear and cyclic ligands, is discussed
      along with recent approaches and successes of cyclic peptide ligands for the
      receptors. Various scaffolds and approaches to improve bioavailability are
      elaborated and concluded with a discourse towards polycyclic peptides. 

PMID- 27117333
TI  - Integral Light-Harvesting Complex Expression In Symbiodinium Within The Coral
      Acropora aspera Under Thermal Stress.
AB  - Coral reef success is largely dependent on the symbiosis between coral hosts and
      dinoflagellate symbionts belonging to the genus Symbiodinium. Elevated
      temperatures can result in the expulsion of Symbiodinium or loss of their
      photosynthetic pigments and is known as coral bleaching. It has been postulated
      that the expression of light-harvesting protein complexes (LHCs), which bind
      chlorophylls (chl) and carotenoids, are important in photobleaching. This study
      explored the effect a sixteen-day thermal stress (increasing daily from 25-34 
      degrees C) on integral LHC (chlorophyll a-chlorophyll c2-peridinin protein
      complex (acpPC)) gene expression in Symbiodinium within the coral Acropora
      aspera. Thermal stress leads to a decrease in Symbiodinium photosynthetic
      efficiency by day eight, while symbiont density was significantly lower on day
      sixteen. Over this time period, the gene expression of five Symbiodinium acpPC
      genes was quantified. Three acpPC genes exhibited up-regulated expression when
      corals were exposed to temperatures above 31.5  degrees C (acpPCSym_1:1, day
      sixteen; acpPCSym_15, day twelve; and (acpPCSym_18), day ten and day sixteen). In
      contrast, the expression of acpPCSym_5:1 and acpPCSym_10:1 was unchanged
      throughout the experiment. Interestingly, the three acpPC genes with increased
      expression cluster together in a phylogenetic analysis of light-harvesting
      complexes.

PMID- 27117334
TI  - Lower motor neuron dysfunction in ALS.
AB  - In the motor system there is a complex interplay between cortical structures and
      spinal cord lower motor neurons (LMN). In this system both inhibitory and
      excitatory neurons have relevant roles. LMN loss is a marker of motor neuron
      disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (MND/ALS). Conventional needle
      electromyography (EMG) does not allow LMN loss to be quantified. Measurement of
      compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude or area, and the
      neurophysiological index, provide a surrogate estimate of the number of
      functional motor units. Increased motor neuronal excitability is a
      neurophysiological marker of ALS in the context of a suspected clinical and
      electrophysiological diagnosis. In the LMN system, fasciculation potentials (FPs)
      are the earliest changes observed in affected muscles, a feature of LMN
      hyperexcitability. Reinnervation is best investigated by needle EMG although
      other methods can be explored. Moreover needle EMG give information about the
      temporal profile of the reinnervation process, important ancillary data.
      Quantitative motor unit potential analysis is a valuable method of evaluating
      reinnervation. The importance of FPs has been recognized in the Awaji criteria
      for the electrodiagnosis of ALS, criteria that are a sensitive adjunct to the
      revised El Escorial criteria. Finally, functionality of LMN's, and perhaps
      excitability studies in motor nerves, aids understanding of the disease process,
      allowing measurement of potential treatment effects in clinical trials. Other
      investigational techniques, such as electrical impedance myography, muscle and
      nerve ultrasound, and spinal cord imaging methods may prove useful in future.

PMID- 27117335
TI  - Know where your clients are: subcellular localization and targets of calcium
      dependent protein kinases.
AB  - Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are at the forefront of decoding
      transient Ca(2+) signals into physiological responses. They play a pivotal role
      in many aspects of plant life starting from pollen tube growth, during plant
      development, and in stress response to senescence and cell death. At the cellular
      level, Ca(2+) signals have a distinct, narrow distribution, thus requiring a
      conjoined localization of the decoders. Accordingly, most CDPKs have a distinct
      subcellular distribution which enables them to 'sense' the local Ca(2+)
      concentration and to interact specifically with their targets. Here we present a
      comprehensive overview of identified CDPK targets and discuss them in the context
      of kinase-substrate specificity and subcellular distribution of the CDPKs. This
      is particularly relevant for calcium-mediated phosphorylation where different
      CDPKs, as well as other kinases, were frequently reported to be involved in the
      regulation of the same target. However, often these studies were not performed in
      an in situ context. Thus, considering the specific expression patterns, distinct
      subcellular distribution, and different Ca(2+) affinities of CDPKs will narrow
      down the number of potential CDPKs for one given target. A number of aspects
      still remain unresolved, giving rise to pending questions for future research.

PMID- 27117337
TI  - Interrelated modules in cyanobacterial photosynthesis: the carbon-concentrating
      mechanism, photorespiration, and light perception.
AB  - Here we consider the cyanobacterial carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) and
      photorespiration in the context of the regulation of light harvesting, using a
      conceptual framework borrowed from engineering: modularity. Broadly speaking,
      biological 'modules' are semi-autonomous functional units such as protein
      domains, operons, metabolic pathways, and (sub)cellular compartments. They are
      increasingly recognized as units of both evolution and engineering. Modules may
      be connected by metabolites, such as NADPH, ATP, and 2PG. While the Calvin-Benson
      Bassham Cycle and photorespiratory salvage pathways can be considered as
      metabolic modules, the carboxysome, the core of the cyanobacterial CCM, is both a
      structural and a metabolic module. In photosynthetic organisms, which use light
      cues to adapt to the external environment and which tune the photosystems to
      provide the ATP and reducing power for carbon fixation, light-regulated modules
      are critical. The primary enzyme of carbon fixation, RuBisCO, uses CO2 as a
      substrate, which is accumulated via the CCM. However RuBisCO also has a secondary
      reaction in which it utilizes O2, a by-product of the photochemical modules,
      which leads to photorespiration. A complete understanding of the interplay among
      CCM and photorespiration is predicated on uncovering their connections to the
      light reactions and the regulatory factors and pathways that tune these modules
      to external cues. We probe this connection by investigating light inputs into the
      CCM and photorespiratory pathways in the chromatically acclimating cyanobacterium
      Fremyella diplosiphon.

PMID- 27117336
TI  - Arabidopsis FIM5 decorates apical actin filaments and regulates their
      organization in the pollen tube.
AB  - The actin cytoskeleton is increasingly recognized as a major regulator of pollen
      tube growth. Actin filaments have distinct distribution patterns and dynamic
      properties within different regions of the pollen tube. Apical actin filaments
      are highly dynamic and crucial for pollen tube growth. However, how apical actin
      filaments are generated and properly constructed remains an open question. Here
      we showed that Arabidopsis fimbrin5 (FIM5) decorates filamentous structures
      throughout the entire tube but is apically concentrated. Apical actin structures
      are disorganized to different degrees in the pollen tubes of fim5 loss-of
      function mutants. Further observations suggest that apical actin structures are
      not constructed properly because apical actin filaments cannot be maintained at
      the cortex of fim5 pollen tubes. Actin filaments appeared to be more curved in
      fim5 pollen tubes and this was confirmed by measurements showing that the
      convolutedness and the rate of change of convolutedness of actin filaments was
      significantly increased in fim5 pollen tubes. This suggests that the rigidity of
      the actin filaments may be compromised in fim5 pollen tubes. Further, the apical
      cell wall composition is altered, implying that tip-directed vesicle trafficking
      events are impaired in fim5 pollen tubes. Thus, we found that FIM5 decorates
      apical actin filaments and regulates their organization in order to drive
      polarized pollen tube growth.

PMID- 27117338
TI  - An evolutionary view on thylakoid protein phosphorylation uncovers novel
      phosphorylation hotspots with potential functional implications.
AB  - The regulation of photosynthetic light reactions by reversible protein
      phosphorylation is well established today, but functional studies have so far
      mostly been restricted to processes affecting light-harvesting complex II and the
      core proteins of photosystem II. Virtually no functional data are available on
      regulatory effects at the other photosynthetic complexes despite the
      identification of multiple phosphorylation sites. Therefore we summarize the
      available data from 50 published phospho-proteomics studies covering the main
      complexes involved in photosynthetic light reactions in the 'green lineage' (i.e.
      green algae and land plants) as well as its cyanobacterial counterparts. In
      addition, we performed an extensive orthologue search for the major
      photosynthetic thylakoid proteins in 41 sequenced genomes and generated sequence
      alignments to survey the phylogenetic distribution of phosphorylation sites and
      their evolutionary conservation from green algae to higher plants. We observed a
      number of uncharacterized phosphorylation hotspots at photosystem I and the ATP
      synthase with potential functional relevance as well as an unexpected divergence
      of phosphosites. Although technical limitations might account for a number of
      those differences, we think that many of these phosphosites have important
      functions. This is particularly important for mono- and dicot plants, where these
      sites might be involved in regulatory processes such as stress acclimation.

PMID- 27117339
TI  - Dynamic QTLs for sugars and enzyme activities provide an overview of genetic
      control of sugar metabolism during peach fruit development.
AB  - Knowledge of the genetic control of sugar metabolism is essential to enhance
      fruit quality and promote fruit consumption. The sugar content and composition of
      fruits varies with species, cultivar and stage of development, and is controlled
      by multiple enzymes. A QTL (quantitative trait locus) study was performed on
      peach fruit [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], the model species for Prunus Progeny
      derived from an interspecific cross between P. persica cultivars and P. davidiana
      was used. Dynamic QTLs for fresh weight, sugars, acids, and enzyme activities
      related to sugar metabolism were detected at different stages during fruit
      development. Changing effects of alleles during fruit growth were observed,
      including inversions close to maturity. This QTL analysis was supplemented by the
      identification of genes annotated on the peach genome as enzymes linked to sugar
      metabolism or sugar transporters. Several cases of co-locations between annotated
      genes, QTLs for enzyme activities and QTLs controlling metabolite concentrations
      were observed and discussed. These co-locations raise hypotheses regarding the
      functional regulation of sugar metabolism and pave the way for further analyses
      to enable the identification of the underlying genes. In conclusion, we
      identified the potential impact on fruit breeding of the modification of QTL
      effect close to maturity.

PMID- 27117341
TI  - The J-protein AtDjB1 is required for mitochondrial complex I activity and
      regulates growth and development through ROS-mediated auxin signalling.
AB  - AtDjB1 is a mitochondria-located J-protein in Arabidopsis thaliana It is involved
      in the regulation of plant growth and development; however, the exact mechanisms
      remain to be determined. We performed comparison analyses of phenotypes, auxin
      signalling, redox status, mitochondrial structure and function using wild-type
      plants, AtDjB1 mutants, rescued AtDjB1 mutants by AtDjB1 or YUCCA2 (an auxin
      synthesis gene), and AtDjB1 overexpression plants. AtDjB1 mutants (atj1-1 or atj1
      4) exhibited inhibition of growth and development and reductions in the level of
      IAA and the expression of YUCCA genes compared to wild-type plants. The
      introduction of AtDjB1 or YUCCA2 into atj1-1 largely rescued phenotypic defects
      and the IAA level, indicating that AtDjB1 probably regulates growth and
      development via auxin. Furthermore, atj1-1 plants displayed a significant
      reduction in amount/activity of mitochondrial complex I compared to wild-type
      plants; this resulted in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
      Moreover, exogenous H2O2 markedly inhibited the expression of YUCCA genes in wild
      type plants. In contrast, the reducing agent ascorbate increased the expression
      of YUCCA genes and IAA level in atj1-1 plants, indicating that the low auxin
      level observed in atj1-1 was probably due to the high oxidation status. Overall,
      the data presented here suggest that AtDjB1 is required for mitochondrial complex
      I activity and regulates growth and development through ROS-mediated auxin
      signalling in Arabidopsis.

PMID- 27117340
TI  - Use of transcriptomics and co-expression networks to analyze the interconnections
      between nitrogen assimilation and photorespiratory metabolism.
AB  - Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for plants and, in natural soils,
      its availability is often a major limiting factor for plant growth. Here we
      examine the effect of different forms of nitrogen nutrition and of
      photorespiration on gene expression in the model legume Lotus japonicus with the
      aim of identifying regulatory candidate genes co-ordinating primary nitrogen
      assimilation and photorespiration. The transcriptomic changes produced by the use
      of different nitrogen sources in leaves of L. japonicus plants combined with the
      transcriptomic changes produced in the same tissue by different photorespiratory
      conditions were examined. The results obtained provide novel information on the
      possible role of plastidic glutamine synthetase in the response to different
      nitrogen sources and in the C/N balance of L. japonicus plants. The use of gene
      co-expression networks establishes a clear relationship between photorespiration
      and primary nitrogen assimilation and identifies possible transcription factors
      connected to the genes of both routes.

PMID- 27117342
TI  - Short-term effect of bisphenol-a on oxidative stress responses in Atlantic salmon
      kidney cell line: a transcriptional study.
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA) is regularly detected in aquatic ecosystems due to increased
      use of products based on polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It migrates
      from these products directly into rivers and marine waters or indirectly through
      effluents from wastewater treatment plants and landfilled sites. BPA can affect
      aquatic organisms both chronically and acutely at sensitive live stages. Despite
      reports indicating harmful effects of BPA, little is known about its role in
      oxidative stress responses in fish. In this study, we investigated the
      transcriptional effect of BPA (0, 1, 10, 100 MUM) on an Atlantic salmon kidney
      (ASK) cell line for 6 h and 24 h by monitoring expression of 11 genes: elongation
      factor 1-alpha (ef1a), 18S ribosomal RNA (18s), gluthation (gsh), superoxide
      dismutase (sod), thioredoxin (txd), Salmo salar oxidative stress-responsive
      serine-rich 1 (oxr), glucose-regulated protein 78 (grp78), heat shock protein 70
      (hsp70), sequestosome1 (p62), interleukin-1 beta (il-1beta) and toll-like
      receptor 8 (tlr8). In general, only the 100 MUM concentration treatment altered
      the mRNA expression. BPA down-regulated the expression of gsh and sod genes for
      both exposure-times while txd gene was the only down-regulated after 6-h
      exposure. The up-regulation of genes in the ASK cell line exposed for 6 h was
      only observed in il-1beta, while the 24-h exposure resulted in the up-regulation
      of oxr, tlr8, hsp70, p62 and il-1beta genes. The last three genes increased
      several fold compared to the others. The results showed that BPA exposure at 100
      MUM imposed oxidative stress on the ASK cell line and longer exposure time
      involved transcriptional responses of immune-related genes. This may indicate the
      possible role of BPA-associated oxidative stress in induction of inflammatory
      response in this macrophage-like cell type. 

PMID- 27117343
TI  - Degradation of nano-scale cathodes: a new paradigm for selecting low-temperature
      solid oxide cell materials.
AB  - Oxygen electrodes have been able to meet area specific resistance targets for
      solid oxide cell operating temperatures as low as ~500  degrees C, but their
      stability over expected device operation times of up to 50 000 h is unknown.
      Achieving good performance at such temperatures requires mixed ionically and
      electronically-conducting electrodes with nano-scale structure that makes the
      electrode susceptible to particle coarsening and, as a result, electrode
      resistance degradation. Here we describe accelerated life testing of
      nanostructured Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-Ce0.9Gd0.1O2 electrodes combining impedance
      spectroscopy and microstructural evaluation. Measured electrochemical performance
      degradation is accurately fitted using a coarsening model that is then used to
      predict cell operating conditions where required performance and long-term
      stability are both achieved. A new electrode material figure of merit based on
      both performance and stability metrics is proposed. An implication is that cation
      diffusion, which determines the coarsening rate, must be considered along with
      oxygen transport kinetics in the selection of optimal electrode materials.

PMID- 27117344
TI  - Do quality indicators for general practice teaching practices predict good
      outcomes for students?
AB  - Keele medical students spend 113 days in general practices over our five-year
      programme. We collect practice data thought to indicate good quality teaching. We
      explored the relationships between these data and two outcomes for students;
      Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) scores and feedback regarding
      the placements. Though both are surrogate markers of good teaching, they are
      widely used. We collated practice and outcome data for one academic year. Two
      separate statistical analyses were carried out: (1) to determine how much of the
      variation seen in the OSCE scores was due to the effect of the practice and how
      much to the individual student. (2) to identify practice characteristics with a
      relationship to student feedback scores. (1) OSCE performance: 268 students in 90
      practices: six quality indicators independently influenced the OSCE score, though
      without linear relationships and not to statistical significance. (2) Student
      satisfaction: 144 students in 69 practices: student feedback scores are not
      influenced by practice characteristics. The relationships between the quality
      indicators we collect for practices and outcomes for students are not clear. It
      may be that neither the quality indicators nor the outcome measures are reliable
      enough to inform decisions about practices' suitability for teaching. 

PMID- 27117345
TI  - An imaging-based computational model for simulating angiogenesis and tumour
      oxygenation dynamics.
AB  - Tumour growth, angiogenesis and oxygenation vary substantially among tumours and
      significantly impact their treatment outcome. Imaging provides a unique means of
      investigating these tumour-specific characteristics. Here we propose a
      computational model to simulate tumour-specific oxygenation changes based on the
      molecular imaging data. Tumour oxygenation in the model is reflected by the
      perfused vessel density. Tumour growth depends on its doubling time (T d) and the
      imaged proliferation. Perfused vessel density recruitment rate depends on the
      perfused vessel density around the tumour (sMVDtissue) and the maximum VEGF
      concentration for complete vessel dysfunctionality (VEGFmax). The model
      parameters were benchmarked to reproduce the dynamics of tumour oxygenation over
      its entire lifecycle, which is the most challenging test. Tumour oxygenation
      dynamics were quantified using the peak pO2 (pO2peak) and the time to peak pO2 (t
      peak). Sensitivity of tumour oxygenation to model parameters was assessed by
      changing each parameter by 20%. t peak was found to be more sensitive to tumour
      cell line related doubling time (~30%) as compared to tissue vasculature density
      (~10%). On the other hand, pO2peak was found to be similarly influenced by the
      above tumour- and vasculature-associated parameters (~30-40%). Interestingly,
      both pO2peak and t peak were only marginally affected by VEGFmax (~5%). The
      development of a poorly oxygenated (hypoxic) core with tumour growth increased
      VEGF accumulation, thus disrupting the vessel perfusion as well as further
      increasing hypoxia with time. The model with its benchmarked parameters, is
      applied to hypoxia imaging data obtained using a [(64)Cu]Cu-ATSM PET scan of a
      mouse tumour and the temporal development of the vasculature and hypoxia maps are
      shown. The work underscores the importance of using tumour-specific input for
      analysing tumour evolution. An extended model incorporating therapeutic effects
      can serve as a powerful tool for analysing tumour response to anti-angiogenic
      therapies.

PMID- 27117346
TI  - Joy and happiness: a simultaneous and evolutionary concept analysis.
AB  - AIM: To report a simultaneous and evolutionary analysis of the concepts of joy
      and long-term happiness. BACKGROUND: Joy and happiness are underrepresented in
      the nursing literature, though negative concepts are well represented. When
      mentioned in the literature, neither joy nor happiness is adequately defined,
      explained, or clearly understood. To promote further investigation of these
      concepts in nursing and to explore their relationship with health and healing,
      conceptual clarity is an essential first step. DESIGN: Concept analysis. DATA
      SOURCES: The following databases were searched, without time restrictions, for
      articles in English: Academic Search Complete, Anthropology Plus; ATLA Religious
      Database with ATLASerials; Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health
      Literature (CINAHL); Education Research Complete; Humanities International
      Complete; Psych EXTRA; and SocINDEX with Full Text. The final sample size
      consists of 61 articles and one book, published between 1978-2014. METHOD: An
      adapted combination of Rodgers' Evolutionary Model and Haase et al.'s
      Simultaneous Concept Analysis (SCA) method. RESULTS: Though both are positive
      concepts, joy and happiness have significant differences. Attributes of joy
      describe a spontaneous, sudden and transient concept associated with connection,
      awareness, and freedom. Attributes of happiness describe a pursued, long-lasting,
      stable mental state associated with virtue and self-control. CONCLUSION: Further
      exploration of joy and happiness is necessary to ascertain their relationship
      with health and their value to nursing practice and theory development. Nurses
      are encouraged to consider the value of positive concepts to all areas of
      nursing.

PMID- 27117347
TI  - Identification of fluocinolone acetonide to prevent paclitaxel-induced peripheral
      neuropathy.
AB  - Paclitaxel (PTX) is among the most commonly used cancer drugs that cause
      chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a debilitating and serious
      dose-limiting side effect. Currently, no drugs exist to prevent CIPN, and
      symptomatic therapy is often ineffective. In order to identify therapeutic
      candidates to prevent axonal degeneration induced by PTX, we carried out a
      phenotypic drug screening using primary rodent dorsal root ganglion sensory
      neurons. We identified fluocinolone acetonide as a neuroprotective compound and
      verified it through secondary screens. Furthermore, we showed its efficacy in a
      mouse model of PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy and confirmed with four
      different cancer cell lines that fluocinolone acetonide does not interfere with
      PTX's antitumor activity. Our study identifies fluocinolone acetonide as a
      potential therapy to prevent CIPN caused by PTX.

PMID- 27117348
TI  - Towards 3D in vitro models for the study of cardiovascular tissues and disease.
AB  - The field of tissue engineering is developing biomimetic biomaterial scaffolds
      that are showing increasing therapeutic potential for the repair of
      cardiovascular tissues. However, a major opportunity exists to use them as 3D in
      vitro models for the study of cardiovascular tissues and disease in addition to
      drug development and testing. These in vitro models can span the gap between 2D
      culture and in vivo testing, thus reducing the cost, time, and ethical burden of
      current approaches. Here, we outline the progress to date and the requirements
      for the development of ideal in vitro 3D models for blood vessels, heart valves,
      and myocardial tissue.

PMID- 27117349
TI  - Development of cell therapy medicinal products by academic institutes.
AB  - In the rapidly evolving fields of cellular immunotherapy, gene therapy and
      regenerative medicine, a wide range of promising cell therapy medicinal products
      are in clinical development. Most products originate from academic research and
      are explored in early exploratory clinical trials. However, the success rate
      toward approval for regular patient care is disappointingly low. In this paper,
      we define strengths and hurdles applying to the development of cell therapy
      medicinal products in academic institutes, and analyze why only a few promising
      cell therapies have reached late-stage clinical development. Subsequently, we
      provide recommendations to stakeholders involved in development of cell therapies
      to exploit their potential clinical benefit.

PMID- 27117352
TI  - Is the future of the pediatric nursing specialty at risk?

PMID- 27117351
TI  - Giant Biliary Cyst.

PMID- 27117350
TI  - Converging ligand-binding free energies obtained with free-energy perturbations
      at the quantum mechanical level.
AB  - In this article, the convergence of quantum mechanical (QM) free-energy
      simulations based on molecular dynamics simulations at the molecular mechanics
      (MM) level has been investigated. We have estimated relative free energies for
      the binding of nine cyclic carboxylate ligands to the octa-acid deep-cavity host,
      including the host, the ligand, and all water molecules within 4.5 A of the
      ligand in the QM calculations (158-224 atoms). We use single-step exponential
      averaging (ssEA) and the non-Boltzmann Bennett acceptance ratio (NBB) methods to
      estimate QM/MM free energy with the semi-empirical PM6-DH2X method, both based on
      interaction energies. We show that ssEA with cumulant expansion gives a better
      convergence and uses half as many QM calculations as NBB, although the two
      methods give consistent results. With 720,000 QM calculations per transformation,
      QM/MM free-energy estimates with a precision of 1 kJ/mol can be obtained for all
      eight relative energies with ssEA, showing that this approach can be used to
      calculate converged QM/MM binding free energies for realistic systems and large
      QM partitions. (c) 2016 The Authors. Journal of Computational Chemistry Published
      by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27117353
TI  - Pressure on oxygen levels of Jakarta Bay.
AB  - Jakarta Bay is subject to inputs of large amounts of dissolved inorganic
      nutrients and organic matter deriving from the Jakarta Metropolitan Area and its
      hinterland. As a consequence, inorganic and organic nutrient concentrations in
      the nearshore area are considerably increased. The hydrographic pattern inside
      the bay fosters phytoplankton bloom formation due to pronounced vertical density
      gradients. High Biomass Blooms (HBB) of phytoplankton are observed recurrently,
      representing an additional source for oxygen consuming degradable organic matter.
      An oxygen deficiency area of 20km(2) can be identified in the eastern part of
      Jakarta Bay where oxygen levels decrease to 60% saturation, equaling a noxiously
      low concentration of 4.0mg.dm(-3) O2. The absolute minimum detected was 51% O2 or
      3.2mg.dm(-3) O2. The observed oxygen concentrations fail Indonesian quality
      standards for seawater. 

PMID- 27117354
TI  - Distribution of beach litter along the coastline of Cadiz, Spain.
AB  - A total of 59 categories of litter items were found at 20 beaches (13
      mechanically cleaned, 7 non-cleaned) in the Cadiz tourist environment, Spain.
      Cluster Analysis and Principal Components Analysis were used to highlight
      similarities and contrasts between sites and/or associations between litter
      categories. Multivariate analyses separated beaches according to the total
      numbers of litter items present. Non-cleaned sites showed a variety of litter
      category abundance with distinct origins and abundant, ubiquitous items (plastic
      and glass fragments). Of the 7 non-cleaned beaches (49 litter categories) river
      mouth sites were distinct due with high numbers of litter items. The sheltered
      inner part of Cadiz Bay beaches had a wide range of litter type. Many sites were
      associated with locally deposited recreational litter categories; while
      industrial/commercial/fishing categories were abundant only at a few sites,
      indicating items transported onto the shore from the Guadalete river. 

PMID- 27117355
TI  - Initial rigid response and softening transition of highly stretchable kirigami
      sheet materials.
AB  - We study, experimentally and theoretically, the mechanical response of sheet
      materials on which line cracks or cuts are arranged in a simple pattern. Such
      sheet materials, often called kirigami (the Japanese words, kiri and gami, stand
      for cut and paper, respectively), demonstrate a unique mechanical response
      promising for various engineering applications such as stretchable batteries:
      kirigami sheets possess a mechanical regime in which sheets are highly
      stretchable and very soft compared with the original sheets without line cracks,
      by virtue of out-of-plane deformation. However, this regime starts after a
      transition from an initial stiff regime governed by in-plane deformation. In
      other words, the softness of the kirigami structure emerges as a result of a
      transition from the two-dimensional to three-dimensional deformation, i.e., from
      stretching to bending. We clarify the physical origins of the transition and
      mechanical regimes, which are revealed to be governed by simple scaling laws. The
      results could be useful for controlling and designing the mechanical response of
      sheet materials including cell sheets for medical regeneration and relevant to
      the development of materials with tunable stiffness and mechanical force sensors.

PMID- 27117356
TI  - 0.26-Hz-linewidth ultrastable lasers at 1557 nm.
AB  - Narrow-linewidth ultrastable lasers at 1.5 MUm are essential in many applications
      such as coherent transfer of light through fiber and precision spectroscopy.
      Those applications all rely on the ultimate performance of the lasers. Here we
      demonstrate two ultrastable lasers at 1557 nm with a most probable linewidth of
      0.26 Hz by independently frequency-stabilizing to the resonance of 10-cm-long
      ultrastable Fabry-Perot cavities at room temperature. The fractional frequency
      instability of each laser system is nearly 8 * 10(-16) at 1-30 s averaging time,
      approaching the thermal noise limit of the reference cavities. A remarkable
      frequency instability of 1 * 10(-15) is achieved on the long time scale of 100
      4000 s.

PMID- 27117357
TI  - [MR-APT imaging: development from research to practice and from macro to
      molecule].

PMID- 27117358
TI  - [Diffusion-weighted imaging characteristics of uterine leiomyomas with different
      pathological subtypes at 3.0 T].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the imaging features of uterine leiomyomas with
      different pathological subtypes on DWI. METHODS: Clinical records and MR images
      of pathologically confirmed uterine leiomyomas were retrospectively collected
      from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from June 2012
      to April 2015. A total of 60 uterine leiomyomas were found and evaluated.All the
      patients were divided into three groups according to different pathological
      types, which included 17 cases of cellular leiomyomas, 10 cases of degenerated
      leiomyomas and 33 cases of ordinary leiomyomas.The DWI signal and ADC values in
      cellular portion of the lesions and adjacent normal myometrium (the control
      group) were measured. RESULTS: (1) Most cellular leiomyomas showed hyperintensity
      on DWI (15/17), while degenerated leiomyomas manifested hypointensity,
      isointensity or hyperintensity signal on DWI, and most ordinary leiomyomas
      displayed isointensity signal on DWI (57.6%, 19/33). (2) The ADC values of
      cellular leiomyomas, degenerated leiomyomas and ordinary leiomyomas were (1.01+/
      0.14)*10(-3) mm(2)/s, (1.73+/-0.49)*10(-3) mm(2)/s and (1.38+/-0.22)*10(-3)
      mm(2)/s respectively.The ADC values of adjacent normal myometrium (the control
      group) were (1.35+/-0.16)*10(-3) mm(2)/s.There were no significant statistical
      differences in the ADC values between ordinary leiomyomas and adjacent normal
      myometrium (P=0.623). There were significant statistical differences in the ADC
      values among other groups(all P<0.05). (3)The ROC curve showed that the
      diagnostic threshold for cellular leiomyomas was 1.11*10(-3) mm(2)/s, the
      sensitivity and specificity were 88.2%and 93.0% respectively. CONCLUSION: The
      signal intensity on DWI and the ADC values are different in uterine leiomyomas
      with different pathological subtypes.Combination of these two parameters in
      clinical practice may be helpful to reflect the histopathological characteristics
      of uterine leiomyomas.

PMID- 27117359
TI  - [Preliminary study on intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging in laryngeal
      and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of bi-exponential modeling of
      intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal
      carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 32 patients with pathologically proven laryngeal
      and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were included in this study from
      November 2014 to August 2015.All patients underwent IVIM-DWI by using twelve b
      values (0, 10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 100, 150, 200, 400, 800 and 1 000 s/mm(2)). Using
      the IVIM approach, D, D(*) and f values were extracted using a bi-exponential
      fit.These quantitative parameters of primary carcinoma and normal pharyngeal
      tissue were compared.Statistical methods were used to assess differences between
      the tumor and normal pharyngeal tissue. RESULTS: There were no significant
      differences of D (P=0.903) and f (P=0.223) values observed among laryngeal
      carcinoma and hypopharyngeal carcinoma, and D(*) value was significantly
      different among the two groups (P=0.028). The values of D, D(*,) and f for
      primary carcinoma were (0.84+/-0.22)*10(-3) mm(2)/s, (65.71+/-19.66)*10(-3)
      mm(2)/s, and 45%+/-14%, respectively; for normal pharyngeal tissue were (1.48+/
      1.04)*10(-3) mm(2)/s, (37.85+/-14.04)*10(-3) mm(2)/s, and 36%+/-12%, respectively
      (P=0.001, 0.000, and 0.006, respectively). Setting D value 0.949*10(-3) mm(2)/s
      was threshold to distinguish abnormal and normal tissues, the sensitivity,
      specificity and accuracy were 91.2%, 88.2% and 92.5%, respectively.There was no
      statistically significant difference of D and f values(both P>0.05)in different
      pathological grades of primary carcinoma, and there was statistically significant
      difference in D(*) values found among the different pathological grades of
      primary carcinoma (P=0.001). There were statistically significant differences in
      D(*) values between the well differentiated group and the other two group (both
      P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference between the
      moderately differentiated group and poorly differentiated group (P>0.05).
      CONCLUSION: IVIM parameters can reflect the difference between laryngeal and
      hypopharyngeal carcinoma and normal pharyngeal tissue, and the D value has the
      best diagnostic performance.D(*) value in different pathological grades of
      laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is distinct, and it could
      reflect the pathological grade of tumor to some extent.

PMID- 27117360
TI  - [Value of R2(*) in evaluating the biological behavior of primary hepatocellular
      carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between R2(*) value of enhanced T2 star
      weighted angiography (ESWAN) sequence and primary hepatocellular carcinoma
      infiltration and tumor thrombus, and investigate the biological behavior of HCC.
      METHODS: A total of 221 cases of patients' imaging data with MRI
      examination(including ESWAN sequence) diagnosed as primary HCC were
      retrospectively analyzed.All the patients were collected from January 2014 to
      September 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University.The
      differences of R2(*) values in different MR types of HCC were analyzed.All
      patients were divided into infiltration group and non-infiltration group, tumor
      thrombus group and non-tumor thrombus group, the R2(*) values of the paired
      groups were compared.The diagnostic efficiency of R2(*) in HCC infiltration and
      tumor thrombus were evaluated by ROC curve, and to find out the threshold values.
      RESULTS: The MR types of 221 patients included 90 cases of nodular type, 62 cases
      of massive type, 69 cases of diffuse type.70 patients had tumor thrombus.The
      R2(*) values of different MR types were (21.82+/-8.52), (24.17+/-8.84)and
      (34.45+/-11.73) Hz, respectively.There was no statistically significant
      difference between the nodular and the massive types (P=0.144), while the
      difference between the nodular and diffuse type, the massive and diffuse types
      were statistically significant(P=0.000). The R2(*) values of infiltration group
      and non-infiltration group were (34.45+/-11.73) and (22.78+/-8.70) Hz , the R2(*)
      values of tumor thrombus group and non-tumor thrombus group were (31.20+/-12.17)
      and (24.21+/-9.90) Hz, the difference also had statistically significant(t=7.397
      and 4.534, P=0.000 and 0.000). The AUC of R2(*) values for infiltration and tumor
      thrombus were 0.804, 0.681. R2(*) >=24.68 Hz was the threshold value to diagnose
      the infiltration and tumor thrombus. CONCLUSION: R2(*) value can be used as a MR
      non-enhancement quantitative index to evaluate the biological behavior of HCC.

PMID- 27117361
TI  - [Manganese enhanced magnetic resonance imaging investigation in the central
      auditory pathway of the cat].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare enhancement of the central auditory pathway in cats
      receiving auditory stimulation between manganese enhanced magnetic resonance
      imaging (MEMRI) with intraperitoneal manganese injection route and MEMRI with
      intratympanic manganese injection route, and investigate the optimal method for
      displaying enhancement of the central auditory pathway. METHODS: Twenty-seven
      normal hearing adult cats were randomly divided into three groups, receiving
      intraperitoneal manganese injection, left intratympanic manganese injection or
      left intratympanic gadolinium injection respectively.All cats received white
      noise stimulation of 80 dB in twenty-four hours after injection.Three
      dimensionally coronal T1-weighted imaging of the cat brain was obtained with an
      animal dedicated MRI scanner.The signal noise ratios (SNRs) of bilateral cochlear
      nuclei (CN), dorsal nuclei of the trapezoid bodies (DNTB), caudal colliculi (CC)
      and auditory cortices (AC) were measured on reconstructed images and compared.
      RESULTS: Obvious increased SNRs on both sides were shown in intraperitoneal
      mangasese injection group while left predilection was shown in intratympanic
      manganese injection group: left CN 45.7+/-6.0, 37.4+/-11.9, 23.9+/-2.7, F=17.694,
      P=0.000; left DNTB 50.5+/-11.2, 37.1+/-11.2, 27.6+/-7.3, F=11.781, P=0.000; left
      CC 37.6+/-3.9, 22.6+/-3.1, 17.9+/-0.7, F=111.898, P=0.000; left AC 27.7+/-2.5,
      17.3+/-2.3, 14.5+/-1.0, F=105.132, P=0.000; right CN 42.7+/-8.3, 23.9+/-3.0,
      22.7+/-2.1, F=41.492, P=0.000; right DNTB 44.1+/-8.3, 21.9+/-3.0, 23.9+/-4.0,
      F=27.862, P=0.000; right CC 38.0+/-4.0, 21.9+/-3.0, 17.6+/-0.9, F=120.032,
      P=0.000; right AC 26.7+/-3.4, 17.1+/-2.9, 14.9+/-1.3, F=64.587, P=0.000.Compared
      with the left intratympanic gadolinium injection group, the intraperitoneal
      manganese injection group showed higher SNRs in bilateral CN and CC (P<0.05), and
      the left intratympanic manganese injection group showed higher SNRs in left CN,
      AC and bilateral CC.The SNRs of right CN, bilateral DNTB, CC and AC were
      significantly higher in the intraperitoneal manganese injection group than those
      in the left intratympanic manganese injection group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: MEMRI
      with intraperitoneal manganese injection might be the optimal method for
      displaying enhancement of the central auditory pathway in cats receiving auditory
      stimulation.

PMID- 27117362
TI  - [Information processing speed and influential factors in multiple sclerosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the information processing speed and the influential factors
      in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. METHODS: A total of 36 patients with
      relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), 21 patients with secondary progressive MS (SPMS),
      and 50 healthy control subjects from Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical
      University between April 2010 and April 2012 were included into this cross
      sectional study.Neuropsychological tests was conducted after the disease had been
      stable for 8 weeks, including information processing speed, memory, executive
      functions, language and visual perception.Correlation between information
      processing speed and depression, fatigue, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)
      were studied. RESULTS: (1)MS patient groups demonstrated cognitive deficits
      compared to healthy controls.The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (control
      group 57+/-12; RRMS group 46+/-17; SPMS group 35+/-10, P<0.05) and Paced Auditory
      Serial Addition Task (PASAT) (control group 85+/-18; RRMS group 77+/-20; SPMS
      group 57+/-20, P<0.05) impaired most.SPMS patients were more affected compared to
      patients with RRMS subtypes, and these differences were attenuated after control
      for physical disability level as measured by the EDSS scores.MS patients,
      especially SPMS subtype, were more severely impaired than control group in the
      verbal learning test, verbal fluency, Stroop C test planning time, while visual
      spatial function and visual memory were relatively reserved in MS patients.(2)
      According to the Pearson univariate correlation analysis, age, depression, EDSS
      scores and fatigue were related with PASAT and SDMT tests (r=-0.41--0.61,
      P<0.05). Depression significantly affected the speed of information processing
      (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Impairment of information processing speed, verbal memory
      and executive functioning are seen in MS patients, especially in SPMS subtype,
      while visual-spatial function is relatively reserved.Age, white matter change
      scales, EDSS scores, depression are negatively associated with information
      processing speed.

PMID- 27117363
TI  - [Long-term outcome of surgical revascularization in patients with ischemic heart
      disease and left ventricular dysfunction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the long-term results and risk factors of surgical
      revascularization in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and left
      ventricular dysfunction (LVD). METHODS: From January 2003 to July 2013, 2 132
      patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in our institution.
      Among them, 318 patients with LVD[left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)
      <=50%]were included in the final study. There were 26 6 male and 52 female
      patients with age from 36 to 83 (63+/-9) years old. 76 patients underwent off
      pump CABG (OPCAB) and 242 patients underwent conventional CABG (CCABG). Risk
      factors, perioperative results and follow-up data were collected and analyzed
      with cox hazard ratio model. RESULTS: Among 318 patients, 6 cases died of the
      operation with a hospital mortality of 1.9%. With follow-up time from 1 to
      128(45.5+/-32.4)months, 25 patients were lost of follow-up, causing a follow-up
      rate of 92.0%. Among the 287 cases with long-term follow-up results, all-cause
      death, cardiogenic death and re-hospitalization due to heart failure were 14.6%
      (42/287), 5.9%(17/287), 14.6% (42/287), respectively. Re-revascularization rate,
      recurrent angina and myocardial infarction rate and cerebral incidence were
      3.5%(10/287), 13.6% (39/287), 1.7%(5/287), respectively. The five-year survival
      rate was 85.6%. With all-cause death as the endpoint, preoperative LVEF
      (HR=0.943, 95%CI: 0.893-0.995, P=0.031) and perioperative implantation of IABP
      (HR=2.509, 95%CI: 1.051-5.992, P=0.038) emerged as the risk factors that affected
      the long term survival. The five-year survival rate of patients with severe LVD
      (LVEF<=35%) was significantly lower than that of patients with mild to moderate
      LVD (35%<LVEF<=50%) (70.4% vs 86.1%, P=0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative LVEF and
      perioperative implantation of IABP had adverse effect on long-term survival of
      patients with IHD and LVD undergoing surgical revascularization. The long-term
      survival of patients with severe LVD was significantly lower than those with mild
      to moderate LVD. The long-term survival significantly decreased among patients
      undergoing peri-operative implantation of IABP.

PMID- 27117364
TI  - [Dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in patients with adrenal
      hypoplasia congenita due to DAX-1 gene mutation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA) function
      and spermatogenesis in male patients with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita
      (AHC) due to DAX-1 gene mutation. METHODS: Twenty-four adult male patients from
      Peking Union Medical College Hospital between November 2007 and December 2014
      were included.Their DAX-1 gene mutations were confirmed by polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) and clinical features, hormone level and semen assay were
      collected. RESULTS: All patients presented with adrenal deficiency symptom.21
      patients (87.5%) showed the symptoms before the age of 10 years old.The average
      testicular volume was 2.0 (2.0, 3.8) ml at the baseline in 24 patients.Three
      patients had cryptorchidism.Serum testosterone level increased from 0.1 (0, 0.5)
      nmol/L to 13.5 (7.6, 15.4) nmol/L (n=16) after human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)
      stimulation.23 out of 24 patients were diagnosed as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
      (HH) and only one patient was diagnosed as azoospermia with normal gonadotropin
      and testosterone level.Combined gonadotropin therapy was administered in seven
      patients and their serum testosterone level reached 15.3(8.4, 25.3) nmol/L, but
      no obvious testicular enlargement was observed [(4.0+/-2.9) vs (4.9+/-3.3) ml ,
      P=0.270] and seminal analysis revealed persistent azoospermia.Another patient
      showed response to pulsatile GnRH therapy.Luteinizing hormone(LH) level increased
      from 1.0 U/L to 9.3 U/L, and follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) level increased
      from 3.0 U/L to 13.5 U/L.Serum testosterone level increased from 0 nmol/L to 10.0
      nmol/L, but testicular volume maintained 3 ml after treatment for two months.
      CONCLUSIONS: Male patients with DAX-1 gene mutations presented with primary
      defect in spermatogenesis and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.Their Leydig cell
      function was almost normal, while Sertoli cell and seminiferous tubule function
      were seriously damaged.

PMID- 27117365
TI  - [Rapid Group B streptococcus screening methods in late pregnancy and the maternal
      neonatal outcomes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the sensitivity of the quantitative fluorescence polymerase
      chain reaction (QF-PCR) in detecting group B streptococcus (GBS) in late pregnant
      women and the influence of vaginal/rectal GBS colonization on the maternal
      neonatal outcomes. METHODS: A total of 2020 swabs were taken from 505 women who
      received routine culture and QF-PCR screening at 35 and 37 weeks of gestation
      from September, 2013 to April, 2014 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.For
      each subject, two vaginal and two rectal swabs were collected.Samples with
      discordant results from these two methods were further analyzed by gene sequence
      determination.GBS isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing
      using the Kirby-Bauer method.The laboratory results were collected and the
      pregnant outcomes were followed. RESULTS: Of the 38 GBS positive cases , GBS
      could be detected for 13 by both culture and QF-PCR methods, for 24 only by QF
      PCR, for 1 exclusively by culture.GBS colonization rate, sensitivity and negative
      predictive value (NPV) for culture were 2.8%, 36.8%, and 95.1%, respectively.GBS
      colonization rate, sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) for QF-PCR
      were 7.3%, 97.4%, and 99.8%, respectively.There was significant difference
      between the two methods (P<0.001). A higher proportion of GBS were isolated from
      the rectum (6.7%) as compared to the vagina (2.8%) (P<0.01). GBS isolates were
      all (100%) sensitive to penicillins, cephalosporins, vancomycin and
      linezolid.Erythromycinresistance was present in 47.4% of the GBS isolates, while
      clindamycin resistance was present in 36.8%.Compared with the GBS negative group,
      the GBS positive group had higher incidence of gestational hypertension and
      colpitis mycotica (all P<0.05), but had similar incidence of maternal and
      neonatal outcomes, like neonatal infection, septicemia, puerperal disease.
      CONCLUSIONS: QF-PCR assay provides an accurate and rapid method for detecting GBS
      in late pregnancy.Rectum is also an important site for detection of
      GBS.Penicillin therapy remains an appropriate first-line antibiotic choice for
      intrapartum GBS chemoprophylaxis, with erythromycin and clindamycin resistance
      rate being high.The relationship between maternal GBS colonization and the
      pregnancy outcome needs to be further studied.

PMID- 27117366
TI  - [Preliminary study of the expression of connective tissue growth factor in
      papillary muscles of the patients with rheumatic heart disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression and the effect of connective tissue
      growth factor (CTGF) on rheumatic myocardial fibrosis of rheumatic heart disease
      (RHD). METHODS: The papillary muscles samples were obtained from patients with
      RHD during mitral valve replacement.The expression of TGF-beta1, CTGF mRNA and
      CTGF protein were detected with semiquantitative RT-PCR technique and
      immunohistochemistry technologyin the papillary muscles cell from 41RHD patients
      and 20 normal papillary muscles samples.The area of myocardial fibrosis was
      measured by imaging analysis system. SPSS package was used to analyze the
      relationship between the expression of CTGF and the area of myocardial fibrosis.
      RESULTS: Compared with normal controls (PU 2.4+/-0.9), the mean level of CTGF
      protein expression in the papillary muscles samples of the RHD patients (PU
      44.7+/-6.0) was significantly increased(P<0.01). The expression of CTGF protein
      in papillary muscles of RHD was positivelycorrelated with the expression of
      CTGFmRNA (r=0.862, P<0.01) and the area of myocardial fibrosis (r=0.856, P<0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Compared with normal controls, CTGF expression in the papillary
      muscles of the RHD patients is significantly increased, which suggests CTGF may
      play animportant role in myocardial fibrosis of RHD.

PMID- 27117367
TI  - [The circumferential decompression by posterior transpedicular osteotomy and
      segmental instrumentation with interbody fusion for thoracic ossification of
      posterior iongitudinal ligament].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of the circumferential decompression with
      posterior transpedicular osteotomy and segmental instrumentation with interbody
      fusion for thoracic ossification of posterior Iongitudinal ligament (T-OPLL).
      METHODS: From May 2012 to June 2015, 16 consecutive patients underwent posterior
      transpedicular osteotomy and segmental instrumentation with interbody
      fusion.Osteotomy range was depended by length and types of OPLL.Patient's data
      included level, clinical presentation, blood loss, length of surgery,
      complications, VAS, JOA, and Frankel grading system before and after the surgery.
      All data were collected, retrospectively. RESULTS: The follow-up period was (30+/
      19) months (range from 12 to 50 months). The operation time was (261.6+/-51.3)
      min (range from 190 to 310 min). The blood loss was (980.3+/-370.5) ml (range
      from 600 to 2 100 ml). All patients were well treated with posterior compression
      and segmental instrumentation with interbody fusion.The VAS score was (4.2+/-0.2)
      in all patients at a week, improving to (2.7+/-0.1) points at 3 months, (2.4+/
      0.2) at 1 year, and (2.0+/-0.1) at last fellow-up.The statistical analysis of the
      results showed a significant improvement of pain at 3 months (P<0.05) when
      compared to the preoperative status.The preoperative JOA score was (4.2+/-1.7) in
      all patients, improving to (7.8+/-2.5) points at 3 months, (8.5+/-2.7) at 1 year,
      and (9.0+/-1.0) at last fellow-up.The mean recovery rate for the total JOA score
      was (72%+/-8%). Differences in the overall JOA Scores showed significant
      postoperative improvement.Frankel grade improved by either 1 or 2 grades in 16
      patients at the last follow-up.None of the patients showed any signs of
      instrument migration or failure during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The results
      suggested that the procedure achieved a total resection of the ossified posterior
      longitudinal ligament.The treatment method with posterior transpedicular
      osteotomy and circumferential decompression was found to be safe, effective,
      reliable, and technically feasible.

PMID- 27117368
TI  - [Dose optimization of lipid infusionin treatment of patients with acute
      dexmedetomidinepoisoning].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To optimize the dose of lipid infusion in treatment of patients with
      acute dexmedetomidinepoisoning, in order to further guide the rational use of
      medication in clinical practice. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with acute
      dexmedetomidinepoisoning were admitted in this study from January 2012 to October
      2014 at our hospital and divided into three groups based on the intensity of
      poisoning, including: slight poisoning (28 cases), moderate poisoning (32 cases)
      and severe poisoning (20 cases). Patients in each group were given 10% lipid
      infusion or 20% lipid infusion for treatment.Stable blood
      dexmedetomidineconcentrations of patients in pre-treatment and at different time
      points after treatment (pre-treatment and 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 h after treatment)
      and the length of hospital stay, awake time in each group were investigated and
      compared.Ramsay sedation scores were recorded and compared in different time
      points (0.5 h before treatment and 2, 5, 20 h after treatment) in each group for
      different treatments.Side effects and complications were recorded, and follow-up
      was conducted during 1-3 d post discharge to record the recovery condition in
      patients. RESULTS: In each group, patients receiving 20% lipid infusion waked
      earlier than those receiving 10% lipid infusion.And the hospitalization duration
      for patients receiving 20% lipid infusion was significantly shorter than those
      receiving 10% lipid infusion [(4.6+/-1.6) h vs (6.7+/-2.0) h, (2.6+/-0.4) d vs
      (4.0+/-0.6) d, P<0.05]. The Ramsay sedation scores were significantly lower for
      patients receiving 20% lipid infusion than those receiving 10% lipid infusionat 2
      h and 5 h after treatment in each group [(3.4+/-0.3) vs (4.7+/-0.4), (2.6+/-0.3)
      h vs (3.5+/-0.3) h, P<0.05]. The stable plasma concentrations of dexmedetomidine
      were gradually reduced after the treatment, and which were lower when compared
      with the theoretical metabolic concentration.What's more, the plasma
      concentrationsat 1 h, 2 h and 5 h after treatment were significantly lower for
      patientsreceiving 20% lipid infusion than those receiving 10% lipid infusion in
      each group (P>0.05). All patients in our study were cured and discharged without
      severe side effects and complications, and follow-ups showed that no patients
      showed evidence of rebound phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS: Different concentrations of
      lipid infusionare safe and effective in relieving the intensity of
      dexmedetomidinepoisoning, and promoting the clinical recovery.What's more, the
      therapeutic efficacy of 20% lipid infusion is greater than 10% lipid infusion.

PMID- 27117369
TI  - [Characteristics of cognitive impairment of different infarct locations among
      patients after acute ischemic stroke].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of cognitive function changes of
      different infarct sites among patients after acute ischemic stroke, so as to
      provide theoretical basis for preventing and treating vascular cognitive
      dysfunction. METHODS: One hundred and five cases of acute ischemic stroke within
      fourteen days meeting the standard set were enrolled, and they were tested by
      Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
      And the characteristics of cognitive changes with different infarction sites were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with acute stroke suffered cognitive impairment.The
      significantly impaired cognitive domains in MMSE were: graphics execution in
      patients with left hemisphere infarction (P=0.027); verbal repetition in frontal
      infarction (P=0.003); short memory (P=0.04) and verbal repetition (P=0.007) in
      parietal infarction.The significantly impaired cognitive domains in MoCA were:
      language (P=0.002), naming (P=0.011), attention (P=0.028) and time orientation
      (P=0.031) in frontal infarction; delayed memory (P<0.001), attention (P=0.041),
      language (P=0.049) and visual space and executive ability (P=0.049) in parietal
      infarction; attention in temporal infarction (P=0.045); language (P=0.009) and
      time orientation (P=0.026) in basal ganglia region infarction. CONCLUSION: Most
      ischemic stroke patients at acute phase suffered cognitive impairment and the
      characteristics of cognitive changes differed according to different infarction
      sites.Comprehensive assessment of cognitive impairment after acute stroke is of
      great importance.

PMID- 27117370
TI  - [Morphological alterations in gray matter related to primary dysmenorrhea].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the structural changes of gray matter in women with
      primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) and discuss the potential relationships between the
      changes and etiology of the disease. METHODS: We used an optimized voxel-based
      morphometry (VBM) approach to compare total and regional volumetric changes of
      gray matter in 20 primary dysmenorrhea patients with 20 healthy age and menstrual
      cycle matched controls.All subjects were patients from the outpatient department
      of Tongji Hospital in 2015. RESULTS: Abnormal volumetric decreases of gray matter
      were found in the left and right parahippocampus, the left and right middle
      temporal gyrus, the left and right superior parietal lobule, the left postcentral
      cortex, the left and right inferior parietal lobule, which involved in pain
      transmission, pain modulation and somatic sensation. CONCLUSION: Abnormal gray
      matter volume changes are present in some encephalic regions of PDM patients.The
      functions of these regions are associated with pain modulation and somatic
      sensation, which suggests the changes are related with PDM.

PMID- 27117371
TI  - [Influence factors of dislocation after bipolar prosthetic replacement].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discuss the influence factors of dislocation after bipolar
      prosthetic replacement. METHODS: A total of 374 patients who received bipolar
      prosthetic replacement in our hospital from October 2001 to October 2015 were
      retrospectively studied. The clinic data of patients with dislocation after
      operation was summarized to analyze the causes. RESULTS: Dislocation happened in
      12 patients among all the 374 patients.10 cases received manual relocation, 2
      cases open relocation. Most of the 12 patients were accompanied with neurological
      and psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
      sequelae of cerebral infarction, etc. Some factors like improper body position
      caused by these complications were the main influence factors of dislocation.
      CONCLUSION: Accompanied with neurological and psychiatric disorders is the
      important influence factor of dislocation after bipolar prosthetic replacement.

PMID- 27117372
TI  - [Investigation on folic acid supplementation status among Chinese women in the
      first trimester of pregnancy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate folic acid (FA) supplementation status among Chinese
      rural reproductive women in their early pregnancy, and to provide evidence for
      the evaluation of FA supplementation project from national basic public health
      services. METHODS: The data on intake status of FA supplementation from "National
      Free Preconception Health Examination Project (NFPHEP)" database between January
      1, 2010 and December 31, 2012 was used and analyzed.A total of 902 270 women who
      achieved follow-up during early pregnancy from 220 pilot counties of 31 provinces
      were recruited. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2012, the rate of FA intake among women
      recuited were 73.58% (134 131/182 289), 75.88% (329 288/433 970) and 76.53% (218
      896/286 011), respectively, which increased year by year (chitrend(2)=13 371.8,
      P<0.001). Among 682 315 women who took FA, 350 738(51.40%) women began to take FA
      3 months before amenorrhea; 130 683 (19.15%) women began to take FA 1-2 months
      before amenorrhea, and 200 894 (29.44%) began to take FA after amenorrhea.Among
      682 315 women who took FA, 645 310 (94.58%) women took it regularly, and 342 418
      (50.18%) women took FA in a standardized way. CONCLUSIONS: The status of FA
      intake among Chinese rural women in the first trimester of pregnancy was good,
      and 75.62% (682 315/902 270) of them took FA.It is also important for basic
      public health services to improve the rate of FA intake and increase the rate of
      taking FA in a standardized way in Chinese rural pregnant women.

PMID- 27117373
TI  - Endometrial expression and in vitro modulation of the iron transporter divalent
      metal transporter-1: implications for endometriosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) expression in healthy
      women's and endometriosis patients' endometrium and to analyze DMT1 and ferritin
      light chain (Fn-L) expression modulation by iron overload and IL-1beta in
      endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). DESIGN: Observational and experimental study.
      SETTING: University hospital research laboratory. PATIENT(S): Thirty-one healthy
      women and 24 endometriosis patients. INTERVENTION(S): Menstrual, proliferative,
      and secretory endometrial biopsies. Isolated ESCs from seven endometrial biopsies
      incubated with IL-1beta or FeSO4 overload for 24 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):
      Divalent metal transporter-1 endometrial protein expression assessed by
      immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Divalent metal transporter-1 and Fn-L
      proteins expression in stimulated ESCs evaluated by Western blot. RESULT(S):
      Divalent metal transporter-1 is expressed throughout the menstrual cycle in human
      endometrium. Four endometrial DMT1 variants were identified accordingly to their
      molecular weight: DMT-80, -65, -55, and -50. Endometrial expression of DMT-80 and
      -55 is higher in endometriosis patients than in healthy women. In ESCs, iron
      overload induces an overexpression of DMT-80, DMT-50, and Fn-L, whereas IL-1beta
      increases DMT-80 and -50 expressions and decreases Fn-L expression.
      CONCLUSION(S): Divalent metal transporter-1 overexpression in endometriosis
      patients' endometrium can increase iron influx to endometrial cells, inducing
      oxidative stress-mediated proinflammatory signaling. In turn, endometriosis
      related conditions, as iron overload and inflammation (IL-1beta), enhance
      endometriosis patients endometrial DMT1 expression, creating a vicious circle on
      DMT-1-modulated pathways.

PMID- 27117374
TI  - Introduction: Imaging in reproduction.
AB  - The authors of this Views and Reviews outline in detail the indispensable role of
      imaging tools-ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging-in
      the diagnosis and treatment of female and male factor infertility. Equipment
      producing diagnostic images, coupled with ever-increasing computing power, will
      pave the way for novel functional dynamic studies that will expand the
      understanding of reproductive processes and their management. 

PMID- 27117375
TI  - CYP1A1 3801T>C polymorphism implicated in altered xenobiotic metabolism is not
      associated with variations in sperm production and function as measured by total
      motile sperm and fertilization rates with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cytochrome P450 3801T>C polymorphism's frequency in
      relation to semen production, as determined by semen analysis parameters, and
      sperm function, as determined by fertilization rates with intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection (ICSI). DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Academic-affiliated
      private practice. PATIENT(S): This study included patients undergoing IVF from
      2004 to 2014 grouped into categories based on semen analysis parameters performed
      at a single andrology laboratory. Cases were patients with total motile sperm
      (TMS) counts of <=20 * 10(6). Frequency-matched controls were selected with TMS
      of >20 * 10(6). INTERVENTION(S): The 3801T>C polymorphism was identified using
      DNA from serum samples with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): CYP1A1 3801T>C polymorphism frequency in TMS groups and
      distribution in fertilization rate outcomes with ICSI. RESULT(S): A total of 460
      cases were identified with <=20 * 10(6) TMS, and 489 age-matched controls with
      >20 * 10(6) TMS were selected across the study time frame. For those with <5 *
      10(6) vs. >20 * 10(6) TMS there was no difference when comparing heterozygous
      (odds ratio [OR] 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-1.40) or homozygous
      mutant (OR 1.33; 95% CI 0.52-3.20) with the wild-type patients. Additionally, no
      difference was seen when analyzing subgroups <5 * 10(6), 5-20 * 10(6), and >20 *
      10(6) TMS in a similar fashion. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      analysis did not find a significant TMS count based on presence of the
      polymorphism (area under the ROC curve = 0.51). There were 460 patients who
      underwent IVF/ICSI, and fertilization rates did not differ with presence of the
      polymorphism (area under the ROC curve = 0.50). CONCLUSION(S): Allele frequency
      of the 3801T>C polymorphism does not correlate with semen production as
      determined by TMS counts or sperm function as determined by fertilization rates
      with ICSI. The use of neither semen analysis parameters nor fertilization rates
      with ICSI helps identify CYP1A1 polymorphism carriers.

PMID- 27117376
TI  - Age, independent from ovarian reserve status, is the main prognostic factor in
      natural cycle in vitro fertilization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze natural cycle IVF (NC-IVF) results according to patient
      age, ovarian reserve status following the Bologna criteria, cause of infertility,
      and modification of the cycle with the use of GnRH antagonist. DESIGN:
      Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary-care university hospital.
      PATIENT(S): Nine hundred forty-seven natural cycles carried out in 320 patients.
      INTERVENTION(S): Analysis of 947 NC-IVF outcomes performed in one single center
      between January 2010 and December 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy rates
      per cycle started, per ET, and per patient, as well as ongoing pregnancy rate at
      a minimum of 12 weeks of gestation. RESULT(S): Among the three age groups
      analyzed (<=35 years, 36-39 years, and >=40 years), pregnancy rates per cycle
      were significantly lower in the older group of patients (11.4% vs. 11.6% vs.
      5.9%). In addition, miscarriage rate (7.7% vs. 34.4% vs. 50%) and ongoing
      pregnancy rate (10.6% vs. 7.6%vs. 3.0%) were negatively affected by patient age.
      However, no differences were observed according to patient ovarian reserve
      status, cause of infertility, or modification of the cycle with GnRH antagonist.
      The multivariate logistic regression confirmed that patient age was the only
      variable that could predict pregnancy in NC-IVF cycles (odds ratio, 0.93; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.88-0.98). CONCLUSION(S): NC-IVF is a feasible and "patient
      friendly" option to be offered to young patients, independent of their ovarian
      reserve status.

PMID- 27117377
TI  - LL-37: Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide with pleiotropic activity.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is a large family of compounds serving as natural
      antibiotics, widely distributed across the organism, mainly in mucus layers. They
      are designed to prevent pathogens from colonization. Among them, defensins and
      cathelicidins could be found. LL-37, the sole human cathelicidin draws particular
      attention because of its outstanding abilities. In addition to being a broad
      spectrum antibiotic, LL-37 has potent chemotactic and immunomodulatory
      properties. In this review, we discussed the potency of LL-37 as a therapeutic
      agent in four systems: immunological, respiratory, gastrointestinal and in the
      skin. We analyzed the main molecular pathways dependent on human cathelicidin and
      related them to specific diseases. We conclude that LL-37 shows a great potential
      to be further investigated and developed as a drug with clinical use. 

PMID- 27117378
TI  - Inflammatory bowel diseases and reproductive health.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) constitute a group of chronic intestinal
      diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which typically
      involve patients of reproductive age and may influence several features of human
      reproduction. There are many concerns regarding the interactions between the
      course of IBD, applied treatment (pharmacological or surgical), and fertility,
      reproductive outcomes, and also neonatal outcomes. To review the literature
      describing fertility in IBD patients (separately for female and male), and
      possible infertility treatment in this group of patients, a PubMed search for
      English only publications (articles and/or abstracts) was conducted. Initially,
      the titles of publications and their abstracts were screened, and the most
      appropriate articles were selected and reviewed. Overall, in patients with
      quiescent IBD, fertility is almost identical to the general population, but
      particular subgroups of patients (with active disease, on pharmacological
      treatment, and after pelvic or abdominal surgery) may be affected by reduced
      fertility. Additionally, patients with IBD have fewer children than the general
      population, mainly as a result of voluntary childlessness. The main objectives
      for successful reproductive outcomes in IBD patients are proper guidance and also
      optimal treatment for achieving and maintaining disease remission. Recently, the
      European Evidence-Based Consensus on Reproduction and Pregnancy in IBD (the
      European Crohn's and Colitis Organization Guidelines) has been established to
      optimize preconceptional counseling and to promote an appropriate clinical
      management for patients planning to conceive. However, further studies are needed
      regarding the preservation of fertility in IBD patients and introduction of
      optimal infertility treatment in this group of patients. 

PMID- 27117379
TI  - Is insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) system an attractive target inflammatory
      bowel diseases? Benefits and limitation of potential therapy.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic gastrointestinal disorders with
      unknown etiology, whose incidence dramatically increased over the past 50 years.
      Currently available strategies for IBD treatment, such as biological therapies,
      corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive agents are effective, but their side
      effects and economic costs cannot be ignored. Better understanding of IBD
      etiology and new therapeutics are thus needed. The aim of this paper is to
      briefly discuss IGF-1 dependent functions, with particular focus on IGF-1 use in
      IBD therapy. Data collection was based on records found in medical literature.
      Data analysis included records published between 1984 and 2014. The IGF-1 system
      is involved in major physiological functions, such as cell proliferation and
      metabolism, and growth promotion. Most importantly IGF-1 has anti-inflammatory
      properties and its use in IBD treatment can be recommended. However, potential
      IGF-1 therapy has some limitations, which include aggravation of fibrosis in
      Crohn's patients and facilitated transformation to malignancy. Taken into
      consideration their possible side effects, IGF-1 analogs and recombinants are
      nonetheless a promising target for IBD therapy for a specific group of patients.
      Further studies, at the clinical level are thus recommended. 

PMID- 27117380
TI  - Fatal Outcome of Accidental Vitamin D Overdose.

PMID- 27117382
TI  - Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke: Part 1: Development and
      Validation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a nurse-administered screening tool to
      identify aspiration risk in patients with suspected stroke. DESIGN: Validity
      study comparing evidence-based swallowing screening items with the
      videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) results. SETTING: A certified primary
      stroke center in a major metropolitan medical facility. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive
      patients (N=250) admitted with suspected stroke. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were
      administered evidence-based swallowing screening items by nurses. A VFSS was
      completed within 2 hours of swallowing screening. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Validity
      relative to identifying VFSS-determined aspiration for each screening item and
      for various combinations of items. RESULTS: Aspiration was identified in 29 of
      250 participants (12%). Logistic regression revealed that age (P=.012),
      dysarthria (P=.001), abnormal volitional cough (P=.030), and signs related to the
      water swallow trial (P=.021) were significantly associated with aspiration.
      Validity was then determined on the basis of the best combination of significant
      items for predicting aspiration. The results revealed that age >70 years,
      dysarthria, or signs related to the water swallow trial (ie, cough, throat clear,
      wet vocal quality, and inability to continuously drink 90mL water) yielded 93%
      sensitivity and 98% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: The final validated
      tool, Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke, is a valid nurse
      administered tool to detect risk of aspiration in patients presenting with
      suspected stroke.

PMID- 27117381
TI  - Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke: Part 2: Initial and Sustained
      Nurse Accuracy and Reliability.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine registered nurses' (RNs') ability to obtain and maintain
      accurate procedural skills and reliable interpretation of the screening items
      under study to develop the Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke.
      DESIGN: Prospective, observation study. SETTING: A certified primary stroke
      center in a major metropolitan medical facility. PARTICIPANTS: RNs (N=15) were
      recruited and trained in the administration and interpretation of the screening
      items under study to develop the Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke.
      INTERVENTIONS: RNs completed a total of 239 screenings of patients admitted with
      suspected stroke over a 2-year period. RNs administered the swallowing screening
      items and interpreted the patient's response to each item. Independent of the RN,
      a speech-language pathologist simultaneously interpreted the response of the
      participant with stroke to each swallowing screening item. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Reliability of the interpretation and accuracy of the administration of the
      swallowing screening items. RESULTS: The average accuracy rate for the
      administration of the Rapid Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke was 98.33%,
      with the overall accuracy rate for each procedural task ranging from 95.42% to
      100%. For the specific swallowing screening items that formed the Rapid
      Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke, dysarthria and a positive sign after
      water swallow, reliability was high (k=.817). The accuracy rate for the
      administration and reliability of the interpretation of the swallowing screening
      items improved as RNs gained experience, and both were maximized at 20 screening
      opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: RNs demonstrate both excellent accuracy of procedural
      administration and reliability of interpretation of the items of the Rapid
      Aspiration Screening for Suspected Stroke. With feedback and repeated
      opportunities to practice, maintenance of skills is achievable.

PMID- 27117383
TI  - Communication Partner Training in Aphasia: An Updated Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To update a previous systematic review describing the effect of
      communication partner training on individuals with aphasia and their
      communication partners, with clinical questions addressing effects of partner
      training on language, communication activity/participation, psychosocial
      adjustment, and quality of life. DATA SOURCES: Twelve electronic databases were
      searched using 23 search terms. References from relevant articles were hand
      searched. STUDY SELECTION: Three reviewers independently reviewed abstracts,
      excluding those that failed to meet inclusion criteria. Thirty-two full text
      articles were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Articles not meeting inclusion
      criteria were eliminated, resulting in a corpus of 25 articles for full review.
      DATA EXTRACTION: For the 25 articles, 1 reviewer extracted descriptive data
      regarding participants, intervention, outcome measures, and results. A second
      reviewer verified the accuracy of the extracted data. DATA SYNTHESIS: The 3
      member review team classified studies using the American Academy of Neurology
      levels of evidence. Two independent reviewers evaluated each article using design
      specific tools to assess research quality. CONCLUSIONS: All 25 of the current
      review articles reported positive changes from partner training. Therefore, to
      date, 56 studies across 2 systematic reviews have reported positive outcomes from
      communication partner training in aphasia. The results of the current review are
      consistent with the previous review and necessitate no change to the earlier
      recommendations, suggesting that communication partner training should be
      conducted to improve partner skill in facilitating the communication of people
      with chronic aphasia. Additional high-quality research is needed to strengthen
      the original 2010 recommendations and expand recommendations to individuals with
      acute aphasia. High-quality clinical trials are also needed to demonstrate
      implementation of communication partner training in complex environments (eg,
      health care).

PMID- 27117384
TI  - Transfer Technique Is Associated With Shoulder Pain and Pathology in People With
      Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-Sectional Investigation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how transfer technique and subject characteristics relate
      to ultrasound measures of shoulder soft tissue pathology and self-reported
      shoulder pain during transfers in a sample of wheelchair users with spinal cord
      injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: Research
      laboratory, national and local veterans' wheelchair sporting events.
      PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of wheelchair users (N=76) with nonprogressive
      SCI. Participants were aged >18 years, >1 year postinjury, and could complete
      repeated independent wheelchair transfers without the use of their leg muscles.
      INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Transfer pain items from
      the Wheelchair User's Shoulder Pain Index; transfer technique assessed using the
      Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI); and shoulder pathology markers examined
      using the Ultrasound Shoulder Pathology Rating Scale (USPRS). RESULTS: Better
      transfer technique (higher TAI) correlated with less injury (lower USPRS)
      (partial eta(2)=.062, P<.05) and less pain during transfers (partial eta(2)=.049,
      P<.10). Greater age was the strongest predictor of greater pathology (USPRS
      total: partial eta(2)=.225, supraspinatus grade: partial eta(2)=.174, P<.01). An
      interaction between technique and weight was found (P<.10): participants with
      lower body weights showed a decrease in pathology markers with better transfer
      technique (low weight: R(2)=.422, P<.05; middle weight: R(2)=.200, P<.01), while
      those with higher weight showed little change with technique (R(2)=.018, P>.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Participants with better transfer technique exhibited less shoulder
      pathology and reported less pain during transfers. The relationship between
      technique and pathology was strongest in lower-weight participants. While
      causation cannot be proven because of study design, it is possible that using a
      better transfer technique and optimizing body weight could reduce the incidence
      of shoulder pathology and pain.

PMID- 27117385
TI  - Matching Task Difficulty to Patient Ability During Task Practice Improves Upper
      Extremity Motor Skill After Stroke: A Proof-of-Concept Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper
      Extremity "keyform," derived from Rasch analysis, as a method for systematically
      planning and progressing rehabilitation. DESIGN: Feasibility study, single group
      design. SETTING: University rehabilitation research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS:
      Participants (N=10; mean age, 59.70+/-9.96y; 24.1+/-30.54mo poststroke) with
      ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke >3 months prior, voluntarily shoulder flexion >=30
      degrees , and simultaneous elbow extension >=20 degrees . INTERVENTIONS: The
      keyform method defined initial rehabilitation targets (goals) and progressed the
      rehabilitation program after every third session. Targets were repetitively
      practiced within the context of client-selected functional tasks not in
      isolation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Feasibility was defined by subject's pain or
      fatigue, upper extremity motor function (Wolf Motor Function Test), and movement
      patterns (kinematics). Assessments were administered pre- and posttreatment and
      compared using paired t tests. Task-difficulty and patient-ability measures were
      calculated using Rasch analysis and compared using paired t tests (P<.05).
      RESULTS: Ten participants completed 9 sessions, 200 movement repetitions per
      session in <2 hours without pain or fatigue. Participants gained upper extremity
      motor function (Wolf Motor Function Test: pretreatment, 22.23+/-24.26s;
      posttreatment, 15.46+/-22.12s; P=.01), improved shoulder-elbow coordination
      (index of curvature: pretreatment, 1.30+/-0.15; posttreatment, 1.21+/-0.11;
      P=.01), and exhibited reduced trunk compensatory movement (trunk displacement:
      pretreatment, 133.97+/-74.15mm; posttreatment, 108.08+/-64.73mm; P=.02). Task
      difficulty and patient-ability measures were not statistically different
      throughout the program (person-ability measures of 1.01+/-0.05, 1.64+/-0.45, and
      2.22+/-0.65 logits and item-difficulty measures of 0.93+/-0.37, 1.70+/-0.20, and
      2.06+/-0.24 logits at the 3 testing time points, respectively; P>.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity keyform is a
      feasible method to ensure that the difficulty of tasks practiced were well
      matched to initial and evolving levels of upper extremity motor ability.

PMID- 27117386
TI  - Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion associated
      with staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome caused by burns.
AB  - We report a case of acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced
      diffusion (AESD) associated with toxic shock syndrome caused by burns. A one-year
      old girl was admitted to our hospital for treatment of severe burns. On day 3,
      she exhibited a fever, generalized rash and multiple organ failure. She was
      diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome after burns. She had seizures with fever
      twice on the same day, followed by secondary seizures on day 8 and transient
      deterioration of the gross motor functions involved in sitting alone and rolling
      over. On day 9, MRI diffusion-weighted images showed bright tree appearance
      (BTA). We conclude that she developed AESD. 

PMID- 27117387
TI  - Global review of delay time in seeking medical care for chest pain: An
      integrative literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review is to summarise research from a range of
      countries describing the differences in time taken to seek medical care for chest
      pain and factors which contribute to delay times. METHODS: An integrative
      literature review was undertaken using the Medline, CINAHL and Scopus databases
      for publications between 1994 and 2014. Articles dealing with delay time, and the
      factors associated with delay time, were extracted from the literature. RESULTS:
      The search yielded 395 articles of which 205 full-text articles were assessed for
      eligibility. Finally, twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria for the
      review. It was found that time to seeking treatment (delay times) varied between
      countries, ranging from 1.6 to 12.9h, with a mean of 3.4h. The mean delay times
      reported in all the selected studies were greater than the recommended time-frame
      for seeking treatment. As well, time to decision to seek treatment (decision
      time) was reported as a major component of delay time. Meanwhile, the utilisation
      rates of ambulance services ranged from 3.1% in Brazil to 61.0% in Australia. A
      majority of the reviewed studies reported on the factors associated with longer
      delay times, including old age, female gender, ethnicity, low education level,
      history of chronic disease, lack of knowledge of the symptoms, and
      underutilisation of ambulance services. Only three studies included a sub
      analysis by ethnicity, reporting that ethnic groups had longer delay times than
      Caucasians. CONCLUSION: Variability in delay times occurred across countries and
      within continents. The mean time taken to seek care for chest pain in the
      countries reviewed did not meet the recommended times according to international
      guidelines. Demographic and social factors, as well as cognitive and emotional
      factors, influenced delay times. Further research on these influencing factors is
      recommended, including the impact of ethnicity on patient's care-seeking
      behaviours for chest pain.

PMID- 27117388
TI  - Positional distribution of transcription factor binding sites in Arabidopsis
      thaliana.
AB  - Binding of a transcription factor (TF) to its DNA binding sites (TFBSs) is a
      critical step to initiate the transcription of its target genes. It is therefore
      interesting to know where the TFBSs of a gene are likely to locate in the
      promoter region. Here we studied the positional distribution of TFBSs in
      Arabidopsis thaliana, for which many known TFBSs are now available. We developed
      a method to identify the locations of TFBSs in the promoter sequences of genes in
      A. thaliana. We found that the distribution is nearly bell-shaped with a peak at
      50 base pairs (bp) upstream of the transcription start site (TSS) and 86% of the
      TFBSs are in the region from -1,000 bp to +200 bp with respect to the TSS. Our
      distribution was supported by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and
      microarray data and DNase I hypersensitive site sequencing data. When TF families
      were considered separately, differences in positional preference were observed
      between TF families. Our study of the positional distribution of TFBSs seems to
      be the first in a plant.

PMID- 27117389
TI  - Correction: The auditory representation of speech sounds in human motor cortex.

PMID- 27117390
TI  - The importance of DNA methylation in prostate cancer development.
AB  - After briefly reviewing the nature of DNA methylation, its general role in cancer
      and the tools available to interrogate it, we consider the literature surrounding
      DNA methylation as relating to prostate cancer. Specific consideration is given
      to recurrent alterations. A list of frequently reported genes is synthesized from
      17 studies that have reported on methylation changes in malignant prostate
      tissue, and we chart the timing of those changes in the diseases history through
      amalgamation of several previously published data sets. We also review
      associations with genetic alterations and hormone signalling, before the
      practicalities of investigating prostate cancer methylation using cell lines are
      assessed. We conclude by outlining the interplay between DNA methylation and
      prostate cancer metabolism and their regulation by androgen receptor, with a
      specific discussion of the mitochondria and their associations with DNA
      methylation.

PMID- 27117391
TI  - Description of strain FC3T as the neotype strain of Actinobaculum massiliense.
AB  - Actinobaculum massiliense (Euzeby, 2006) was isolated from the urine of an
      elderly woman in 2001. Unfortunately, the strain deposited as the type strain
      was, by error, an Actinobaculum schaalii strain (Yassin et al., 2015). In 2015,
      we isolated a new strain of A. massiliense, FC3, from the urine of a 12-year-old
      patient with acute cystitis. We herein present the characteristics of strain FC3
      (=CSUR P1982=DSM 100580) and formally propose it as the neotype strain of A.
      massiliense.

PMID- 27117392
TI  - A Study on the Growth Behavior and Stability of Molecular Layer Deposited Alucone
      Films Using Diethylene Glycol and Trimethyl Aluminum Precursors, and the
      Enhancement of Diffusion Barrier Properties by Atomic Layer Deposited Al2O3
      Capping.
AB  - As a route to the production of organic-inorganic hybrid multilayers, the growth
      behavior of molecular layer deposited (MLD) alucone and atomic layer deposited
      (ALD) Al2O3 films on top of each other was examined. MLD alucone films were
      prepared using trimethyl aluminum and diethylene glycol precursors, the latter
      resulting in faster growth rates than ethylene glycol precursors. The sensitivity
      of individual alucone films with respect to ambient exposure was found to be
      related to moisture permeation and hydration reactions, of which the mechanism is
      studied by density functional theory calculations. Deleterious effects such as
      thickness reduction over time could be suppressed by applying a protective Al2O3
      layer on top of alucone. A preliminary nucleation period was required in the ALD
      process of Al2O3 films on alucone surfaces, prior to reaching a linear regime
      where the thickness increases linearly with respect to the number of ALD cycles.
      The same behavior was observed for alucone growing on Al2O3. The protective Al2O3
      films were found to effectively suppress moisture permeation, thus isolating the
      underlying alucone from the surrounding environment. The water vapor transmission
      rate was greatly reduced when an Al2O3/alucone/Al2O3 multilayer stack was formed,
      which suggests that proper combinations of organic/inorganic hybrid structures
      may provide chemically stable platforms, especially for mechanically flexible
      applications.

PMID- 27117393
TI  - Tough Physical Double-Network Hydrogels Based on Amphiphilic Triblock Copolymers.
AB  - A series of physical double-network hydrogels is synthesized based on an
      amphiphilic triblock copolymer. The gel, which contains strong hydrophobic
      domains and sacrificial dynamic bonds of hydrogen bonds, is stiff and tough, and
      even stiffens in concentrated saline solution. Furthermore, due to its
      supramolecular structure, the gel features improved self-healing and self
      recovery abilities. 

PMID- 27117394
TI  - Parental perception of treatment and medical care in children with
      craniosynostosis.
AB  - Surgery for craniosynostosis implies a relevant strain on the child and the
      parents. The development of the child's self-perception and self-confidence is
      mainly influenced by parental attitudes. The outcomes of 46 patients were
      analysed, taking into consideration parental perceptions. Parents were asked to
      indicate their satisfaction with the medical care and treatment provided using a
      questionnaire. Aesthetics were evaluated by the parents and doctors using a score
      (1=perfect, 5=deficient). Major surgical complications (2.2%) were reported only
      in the case of complex synostosis. Reoperation was necessary in 2.9% of isolated
      cases and 45.5% of complex cases. In general, parents were satisfied with the
      medical (1.3) and nursing (1.6) inpatient care. Aesthetic assessments differed
      between parents and surgeons, although not significantly (P=0.27). The surgeons
      perceived the results to be better than the parents, especially for complex
      synostosis (1.3 vs. 2.7). Alopecia and persistent asymmetry led to a worse
      perception of aesthetics. Persistent bone defects did not influence parental
      satisfaction. All participating parents would opt for surgery again. Surgery led
      to satisfactory results with a low risk of severe complications. Nevertheless,
      the outcomes and limits of the surgical procedure must be communicated
      effectively to parents, especially in complex cases, to avoid a mismatch in
      expectations. It would be desirable to implement structured interviews with
      parents during regular treatment management.

PMID- 27117395
TI  - Scale-Dependent Viscosity in Polymer Fluids.
AB  - In this communication, we use simple physical arguments to construct a "phase
      diagram" of various frequency and wave vector-dependent regimes of effective
      viscosity for polymer fluids, including nonentangled and entangled melts,
      semidilute solutions without and with hydrodynamic interactions, as well as the
      more exotic case of a melt of unconcatenated ring polymers.

PMID- 27117396
TI  - Endoscopic stenting of acutely obstructing colorectal cancer: a 10-year review
      from a tertiary referral centre.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insertion of self-expanding metallic stents for obstructing
      colorectal cancer (CRC) is a potential alternative to emergency resection, but
      evidence regarding efficacy is inconclusive. We aim to assess local efficacy of
      stent insertion for obstructing CRC, and to establish whether the service could
      be offered regionally. METHOD: Retrospective patient data analysis using local
      paper notes and electronic records was performed. All patients underwent stent
      insertion for an obstructing CRC from April 2004 to March 2014. The main outcome
      measures were success of stent insertion, complications, further surgery and
      overall mortality. RESULTS: Eighty-nine stent insertions were performed. Twenty
      five were performed as a bridge to surgery, 49 due to advanced disease, 11 due to
      patient co-morbidity and four due to patient choice. Time from referral to stent
      insertion for emergency referrals was 1-360 h (median 23). Eighty-seven stents
      were successfully deployed. Perforation occurred in three patients and migration
      in nine patients. Twenty-one patients underwent planned surgery (time to surgery
      was 2-208 days, median 24), 14 patients underwent emergency surgery (time to
      surgery was 0-277 days, median 11). Forty-six patients have died since stent
      insertion (time to death was 0-42 months, median 6.04). CONCLUSION: Stent
      insertion for obstructing CRC is a viable alternative to emergency resection,
      with a low complication rate. Stent insertion may allow a proportion of patients
      to later undergo planned surgery. Stent insertion carries a lower peri-procedure
      mortality than emergency resection. An acute stent insertion service for
      obstructing CRC could potentially be offered at regional level in our Trust.

PMID- 27117397
TI  - Co3O4 nanosheets as a high-performance catalyst for oxygen evolution proceeding
      via a double two-electron process.
AB  - The apparent four-electron oxygen evolution catalyzed by Co3O4 nanosheets indeed
      proceeds via a double two-electron process, because the generated Co(III)/Co(IV)
      redox couple can synchronously, quickly, and effectively oxidate the intermediate
      OOH(ads), and thus accelerate O generation. 

PMID- 27117398
TI  - COSMOS Project: Hemodialysis scenario in Europe.

PMID- 27117399
TI  - An efficient iron-promoted synthesis of 6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinolines and
      neocryptolepine derivatives.
AB  - A facile and practical method for the preparation of 6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinolines
      and neocryptolepines was developed under the promotion of the easily available
      ferric trichloride, affording the desired products with moderate to good yields. 

PMID- 27117400
TI  - Lipids and the eye.

PMID- 27117401
TI  - Alternative Splicing of Neuronal Differentiation Factor TRF2 Regulated by
      HNRNPH1/H2.
AB  - During neuronal differentiation, use of an alternative splice site on the rat
      telomere repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2) mRNA generates a short TRF2 protein
      isoform (TRF2-S) capable of derepressing neuronal genes. However, the RNA-binding
      proteins (RBPs) controlling this splicing event are unknown. Here, using affinity
      pull-down analysis, we identified heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins H1 and
      H2(HNRNPH) as RBPs specifically capable of interacting with the spliced RNA
      segment (exon 7) of Trf2 pre-mRNA. HNRNPH proteins prevent the production of the
      short isoform of Trf2 mRNA, as HNRNPH silencing selectively elevates TRF2-S
      levels. Accordingly, HNRNPH levels decline while TRF2-S levels increase during
      neuronal differentiation. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of hnRNPH2
      selectively accelerates the NGF-triggered differentiation of rat pheochromocytoma
      cells into neurons. In sum, HNRNPH is a splicing regulator of Trf2 pre-mRNA that
      prevents the expression of TRF2-S, a factor implicated in neuronal
      differentiation.

PMID- 27117402
TI  - Ctip1 Regulates the Balance between Specification of Distinct Projection Neuron
      Subtypes in Deep Cortical Layers.
AB  - The molecular linkage between neocortical projection neuron subtype and area
      development, which enables the establishment of functional areas by projection
      neuron populations appropriate for specific sensory and motor functions, is
      poorly understood. Here, we report that Ctip1 controls precision of neocortical
      development by regulating subtype identity in deep-layer projection neurons.
      Ctip1 is expressed by postmitotic callosal and corticothalamic projection neurons
      but is excluded over embryonic development from corticospinal motor neurons,
      which instead express its close relative, Ctip2. Loss of Ctip1 function results
      in a striking bias in favor of subcerebral projection neuron development in
      sensory cortex at the expense of corticothalamic and deep-layer callosal
      development, while misexpression of Ctip1 in vivo represses subcerebral gene
      expression and projections. As we report in a paired paper, Ctip1 also controls
      acquisition of sensory area identity. Therefore, Ctip1 couples subtype and area
      specification, enabling specific functional areas to organize precise ratios of
      appropriate output projections.

PMID- 27117403
TI  - A Molecular-Level Account of the Antigenic Hantaviral Surface.
AB  - Hantaviruses, a geographically diverse group of zoonotic pathogens, initiate cell
      infection through the concerted action of Gn and Gc viral surface glycoproteins.
      Here, we describe the high-resolution crystal structure of the antigenic
      ectodomain of Gn from Puumala hantavirus (PUUV), a causative agent of hemorrhagic
      fever with renal syndrome. Fitting of PUUV Gn into an electron cryomicroscopy
      reconstruction of intact Gn-Gc spike complexes from the closely related but non
      pathogenic Tula hantavirus localized Gn tetramers to the membrane-distal surface
      of the virion. The accuracy of the fitting was corroborated by epitope mapping
      and genetic analysis of available PUUV sequences. Interestingly, Gn exhibits
      greater non-synonymous sequence diversity than the less accessible Gc, supporting
      a role of the host humoral immune response in exerting selective pressure on the
      virus surface. The fold of PUUV Gn is likely to be widely conserved across
      hantaviruses.

PMID- 27117404
TI  - Fbxo30 Regulates Mammopoiesis by Targeting the Bipolar Mitotic Kinesin Eg5.
AB  - Fbxo30 is an orphan member of the F-box protein family with no known substrate or
      function. Here we report that, while Fbxo30(-/-) mice exhibit normal development,
      growth, lifespan, and fertility, the females fail to nurture their offspring as a
      result of defective mammopoiesis. Mass spectrometry analysis of Fbxo30-associated
      proteins revealed that Fbxo30 specifically interacts with the bipolar spindle
      kinesin EG5 (encoded by Kif11). As a result, Fbxo30 targets Eg5 for
      ubiquitinylation and controls its oscillation during the cell cycle. Correlated
      with EG5 dysregulation, Fbxo30(-/-) mammary epithelial cells exhibit multiple
      defects in centrosome homeostasis, mitotic spindle formation, and proliferation.
      Effects on proliferation, centrosome homeostasis, and mammopoiesis in the Fbxo30(
      /-) mice were rescued through normalization of Eg5 activity using shRNA and/or an
      EG5 inhibitor. Our data reveal the Fbxo30-Eg5 interaction as a critical
      checkpoint in mammopoiesis and a critical role for ubiquitinylation-regulated Eg5
      oscillation in the cell cycle.

PMID- 27117405
TI  - Optimal ROS Signaling Is Critical for Nuclear Reprogramming.
AB  - Efficient nuclear reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotency requires
      activation of innate immunity. Because innate immune activation triggers reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) signaling, we sought to determine whether there was a role
      of ROS signaling in nuclear reprogramming. We examined ROS production during the
      reprogramming of doxycycline (dox)-inducible mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs)
      carrying the Yamanaka factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc [OSKM]) into induced
      pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). ROS generation was substantially increased with
      the onset of reprogramming. Depletion of ROS via antioxidants or Nox inhibitors
      substantially decreased reprogramming efficiency. Similarly, both knockdown and
      knockout of p22(phox)-a critical subunit of the Nox (1-4) complex-decreased
      reprogramming efficiency. However, excessive ROS generation using genetic and
      pharmacological approaches also impaired reprogramming. Overall, our data
      indicate that ROS signaling is activated early with nuclear reprogramming, and
      optimal levels of ROS signaling are essential to induce pluripotency.

PMID- 27117407
TI  - Alternative Splice Forms Influence Functions of Whirlin in Mechanosensory Hair
      Cell Stereocilia.
AB  - WHRN (DFNB31) mutations cause diverse hearing disorders: profound deafness
      (DFNB31) or variable hearing loss in Usher syndrome type II. The known role of
      WHRN in stereocilia elongation does not explain these different
      pathophysiologies. Using spontaneous and targeted Whrn mutants, we show that the
      major long (WHRN-L) and short (WHRN-S) isoforms of WHRN have distinct
      localizations within stereocilia and also across hair cell types. Lack of both
      isoforms causes abnormally short stereocilia and profound deafness and vestibular
      dysfunction. WHRN-S expression, however, is sufficient to maintain stereocilia
      bundle morphology and function in a subset of hair cells, resulting in some
      auditory response and no overt vestibular dysfunction. WHRN-S interacts with
      EPS8, and both are required at stereocilia tips for normal length regulation.
      WHRN-L localizes midway along the shorter stereocilia, at the level of inter
      stereociliary links. We propose that differential isoform expression underlies
      the variable auditory and vestibular phenotypes associated with WHRN mutations.

PMID- 27117406
TI  - TNF-Mediated Restriction of Arginase 1 Expression in Myeloid Cells Triggers Type
      2 NO Synthase Activity at the Site of Infection.
AB  - Neutralization or deletion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) causes loss of control
      of intracellular pathogens in mice and humans, but the underlying mechanisms are
      incompletely understood. Here, we found that TNF antagonized alternative
      activation of macrophages and dendritic cells by IL-4. TNF inhibited IL-4-induced
      arginase 1 (Arg1) expression by decreasing histone acetylation, without affecting
      STAT6 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. In Leishmania major-infected
      C57BL/6 wild-type mice, type 2 nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS2) was detected in
      inflammatory dendritic cells or macrophages, some of which co-expressed Arg1. In
      TNF-deficient mice, Arg1 was hyperexpressed, causing an impaired production of NO
      in situ. A similar phenotype was seen in L. major-infected BALB/c mice. Arg1
      deletion in hematopoietic cells protected these mice from an otherwise lethal
      disease, although their disease-mediating T cell response (Th2, Treg) was
      maintained. Thus, deletion or TNF-mediated restriction of Arg1 unleashes the
      production of NO by NOS2, which is critical for pathogen control.

PMID- 27117408
TI  - KRAS-MEK Signaling Controls Ago2 Sorting into Exosomes.
AB  - Secretion of RNAs in extracellular vesicles is a newly recognized form of
      intercellular communication. A potential regulatory protein for microRNA (miRNA)
      secretion is the critical RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) component
      Argonaute 2 (Ago2). Here, we use isogenic colon cancer cell lines to show that
      overactivity of KRAS due to mutation inhibits localization of Ago2 to
      multivesicular endosomes (MVEs) and decreases Ago2 secretion in exosomes.
      Mechanistically, inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MEKs) I
      and II, but not Akt, reverses the effect of the activating KRAS mutation and
      leads to increased Ago2-MVE association and increased exosomal secretion of Ago2.
      Analysis of cells expressing mutant Ago2 constructs revealed that phosphorylation
      of Ago2 on serine 387 prevents Ago2-MVE interactions and reduces Ago2 secretion
      into exosomes. Furthermore, regulation of Ago2 exosomal sorting controls the
      levels of three candidate miRNAs in exosomes. These data identify a key
      regulatory signaling event that controls Ago2 secretion in exosomes.

PMID- 27117409
TI  - The Kinesin KIF21B Regulates Microtubule Dynamics and Is Essential for Neuronal
      Morphology, Synapse Function, and Learning and Memory.
AB  - The kinesin KIF21B is implicated in several human neurological disorders,
      including delayed cognitive development, yet it remains unclear how KIF21B
      dysfunction may contribute to pathology. One limitation is that relatively little
      is known about KIF21B-mediated physiological functions. Here, we generated Kif21b
      knockout mice and used cellular assays to investigate the relevance of KIF21B in
      neuronal and in vivo function. We show that KIF21B is a processive motor protein
      and identify an additional role for KIF21B in regulating microtubule dynamics. In
      neurons lacking KIF21B, microtubules grow more slowly and persistently, leading
      to tighter packing in dendrites. KIF21B-deficient neurons exhibit decreased
      dendritic arbor complexity and reduced spine density, which correlate with
      deficits in synaptic transmission. Consistent with these observations, Kif21b
      null mice exhibit behavioral changes involving learning and memory deficits. Our
      study provides insight into the cellular function of KIF21B and the basis for
      cognitive decline resulting from KIF21B dysregulation.

PMID- 27117411
TI  - Wnt Ligands Secreted by Subepithelial Mesenchymal Cells Are Essential for the
      Survival of Intestinal Stem Cells and Gut Homeostasis.
AB  - Targeting of Wnt signaling represents a promising anti-cancer therapy. However,
      the consequences of systemically attenuating the Wnt pathway in an adult organism
      are unknown. Here, we globally prevent Wnt secretion by genetically ablating
      Wntless. We find that preventing Wnt signaling in the entire body causes
      mortality due to impaired intestinal homeostasis. This is caused by the loss of
      intestinal stem cells. Reconstitution of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling via delivery
      of external Wnt ligands prolongs the survival of intestinal stem cells and
      reveals the essential role of extra-epithelial Wnt ligands for the renewal of the
      intestinal epithelium. Wnt2b is a key extra-epithelial Wnt ligand capable of
      promoting Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and intestinal homeostasis. Wnt2b is
      secreted by subepithelial mesenchymal cells that co-express either Gli1 or Acta2.
      Subepithelial mesenchymal cells expressing high levels of Wnt2b are predominantly
      Gli1 positive.

PMID- 27117410
TI  - Mechanistic Insights into Cofactor-Dependent Coupling of RNA Folding and mRNA
      Transcription/Translation by a Cobalamin Riboswitch.
AB  - Riboswitches are mRNA elements regulating gene expression in response to direct
      binding of a metabolite. While these RNAs are increasingly well understood with
      respect to interactions between receptor domains and their cognate effector
      molecules, little is known about the specific mechanistic relationship between
      metabolite binding and gene regulation by the downstream regulatory domain. Using
      a combination of cell-based, biochemical, and biophysical techniques, we reveal
      the specific RNA architectural features enabling a cobalamin-dependent hairpin
      loop docking interaction between receptor and regulatory domains. Furthermore,
      these data demonstrate that docking kinetics dictate a regulatory response
      involving the coupling of translation initiation to general mechanisms that
      control mRNA abundance. These results yield a comprehensive picture of how RNA
      structure in the riboswitch regulatory domain enables kinetically constrained
      ligand-dependent regulation of gene expression.

PMID- 27117412
TI  - Distributed Representation of Curvilinear Self-Motion in the Macaque Parietal
      Cortex.
AB  - Information about translations and rotations of the body is critical for complex
      self-motion perception during spatial navigation. However, little is known about
      the nature and function of their convergence in the cortex. We measured neural
      activity in multiple areas in the macaque parietal cortex in response to three
      different types of body motion applied through a motion platform: translation,
      rotation, and combined stimuli, i.e., curvilinear motion. We found a continuous
      representation of motion types in each area. In contrast to single-modality cells
      preferring either translation-only or rotation-only stimuli, convergent cells
      tend to be optimally tuned to curvilinear motion. A weighted summation model
      captured the data well, suggesting that translation and rotation signals are
      integrated subadditively in the cortex. Interestingly, variation in the activity
      of convergent cells parallels behavioral outputs reported in human psychophysical
      experiments. We conclude that representation of curvilinear self-motion
      perception is widely distributed in the primate sensory cortex.

PMID- 27117413
TI  - PYY-Dependent Restoration of Impaired Insulin and Glucagon Secretion in Type 2
      Diabetes following Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery.
AB  - Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a weight-reduction procedure resulting in
      rapid resolution of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The role of pancreatic islet function
      in this restoration of normoglycemia has not been fully elucidated. Using the
      diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat model, we demonstrate that RYGB restores normal
      glucose regulation of glucagon and insulin secretion and normalizes islet
      morphology. Culture of isolated islets with serum from RYGB animals mimicked
      these effects, implicating a humoral factor. These latter effects were reversed
      following neutralization of the gut hormone peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) but
      persisted in the presence of a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor
      antagonist. The effects of RYGB on secretion were replicated by chronic exposure
      of diabetic rat islets to PYY in vitro. These findings indicate that the
      mechanism underlying T2D remission may be mediated by PYY and suggest that drugs
      promoting PYY release or action may restore pancreatic islet function in T2D.

PMID- 27117415
TI  - Independent Regulation of Type VI Secretion in Vibrio cholerae by TfoX and TfoY.
AB  - Type VI secretion systems (T6SSs) are nanomachines used for interbacterial
      killing and intoxication of eukaryotes. Although Vibrio cholerae is a model
      organism for structural studies on T6SSs, the underlying regulatory network is
      less understood. A recent study showed that the T6SS is part of the natural
      competence regulon in V. cholerae and is activated by the regulator TfoX. Here,
      we identify the TfoX homolog TfoY as a second activator of the T6SS. Importantly,
      despite inducing the same T6SS core machinery, the overall regulons differ
      significantly for TfoX and TfoY. We show that TfoY does not contribute to
      competence induction. Instead, TfoY drives the production of T6SS-dependent and
      T6SS-independent toxins, together with an increased motility phenotype. Hence, we
      conclude that V. cholerae uses its sole T6SS in response to diverse cues and for
      distinctive outcomes: either to kill for the prey's DNA, leading to horizontal
      gene transfer, or as part of a defensive escape reaction.

PMID- 27117414
TI  - Dysregulation of miRNA-9 in a Subset of Schizophrenia Patient-Derived Neural
      Progenitor Cells.
AB  - Converging evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) may contribute to disease
      risk for schizophrenia (SZ). We show that microRNA-9 (miR-9) is abundantly
      expressed in control neural progenitor cells (NPCs) but also significantly
      downregulated in a subset of SZ NPCs. We observed a strong correlation between
      miR-9 expression and miR-9 regulatory activity in NPCs as well as between miR-9
      levels/activity, neural migration, and diagnosis. Overexpression of miR-9 was
      sufficient to ameliorate a previously reported neural migration deficit in SZ
      NPCs, whereas knockdown partially phenocopied aberrant migration in control NPCs.
      Unexpectedly, proteomic- and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)-based analysis revealed
      that these effects were mediated primarily by small changes in expression of
      indirect miR-9 targets rather than large changes in direct miR-9 targets; these
      indirect targets are enriched for migration-associated genes. Together, these
      data indicate that aberrant levels and activity of miR-9 may be one of the many
      factors that contribute to SZ risk, at least in a subset of patients.

PMID- 27117416
TI  - Homophilic Protocadherin Cell-Cell Interactions Promote Dendrite Complexity.
AB  - Growth of a properly complex dendrite arbor is a key step in neuronal
      differentiation and a prerequisite for neural circuit formation. Diverse cell
      surface molecules, such as the clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs), have long been
      proposed to regulate circuit formation through specific cell-cell interactions.
      Here, using transgenic and conditional knockout mice to manipulate gamma-Pcdh
      repertoire in the cerebral cortex, we show that the complexity of a neuron's
      dendritic arbor is determined by homophilic interactions with other cells.
      Neurons expressing only one of the 22 gamma-Pcdhs can exhibit either exuberant or
      minimal dendrite complexity, depending only on whether surrounding cells express
      the same isoform. Furthermore, loss of astrocytic gamma-Pcdhs, or disruption of
      astrocyte-neuron homophilic matching, reduces dendrite complexity cell non
      autonomously. Our data indicate that gamma-Pcdhs act locally to promote dendrite
      arborization via homophilic matching, and they confirm that connectivity in vivo
      depends on molecular interactions between neurons and between neurons and
      astrocytes.

PMID- 27117417
TI  - Single-Molecule Imaging Reveals a Collapsed Conformational State for DNA-Bound
      Cohesin.
AB  - Cohesin is essential for the hierarchical organization of the eukaryotic genome
      and plays key roles in many aspects of chromosome biology. The conformation of
      cohesin bound to DNA remains poorly defined, leaving crucial gaps in our
      understanding of how cohesin fulfills its biological functions. Here, we use
      single-molecule microscopy to directly observe the dynamic and functional
      characteristics of cohesin bound to DNA. We show that cohesin can undergo rapid
      one-dimensional (1D) diffusion along DNA, but individual nucleosomes, nucleosome
      arrays, and other protein obstacles significantly restrict its mobility.
      Furthermore, we demonstrate that DNA motor proteins can readily push cohesin
      along DNA, but they cannot pass through the interior of the cohesin ring.
      Together, our results reveal that DNA-bound cohesin has a central pore that is
      substantially smaller than anticipated. These findings have direct implications
      for understanding how cohesin and other SMC proteins interact with and distribute
      along chromatin.

PMID- 27117418
TI  - Critical Role of CD2 Co-stimulation in Adaptive Natural Killer Cell Responses
      Revealed in NKG2C-Deficient Humans.
AB  - Infection by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) leads to NKG2C-driven expansion of
      adaptive natural killer (NK) cells, contributing to host defense. However,
      approximately 4% of all humans carry a homozygous deletion of the gene that
      encodes NKG2C (NKG2C(-/-)). Assessment of NK cell repertoires in 60 NKG2C(-/-)
      donors revealed a broad range of NK cell populations displaying characteristic
      footprints of adaptive NK cells, including a terminally differentiated phenotype,
      functional reprogramming, and epigenetic remodeling of the interferon (IFN)-gamma
      promoter. We found that both NKG2C(-) and NKG2C(+) adaptive NK cells expressed
      high levels of CD2, which synergistically enhanced ERK and S6RP phosphorylation
      following CD16 ligation. Notably, CD2 co-stimulation was critical for the ability
      of adaptive NK cells to respond to antibody-coated target cells. These results
      reveal an unexpected redundancy in the human NK cell response to HCMV and suggest
      that CD2 provides "signal 2" in antibody-driven adaptive NK cell responses.

PMID- 27117419
TI  - Macroautophagy Proteins Control MHC Class I Levels on Dendritic Cells and Shape
      Anti-viral CD8(+) T Cell Responses.
AB  - The macroautophagy machinery has been implicated in MHC class II restricted
      antigen presentation. Here, we report that this machinery assists in the
      internalization of MHC class I molecules. In the absence of the autophagy factors
      Atg5 and Atg7, MHC class I surface levels are elevated due to decreased
      endocytosis and degradation. Internalization of MHC class I molecules occurs less
      efficiently if AAK1 cannot be recruited via Atg8/LC3B. In the absence of Atg
      dependent MHC class I internalization, dendritic cells stimulate CD8(+) T cell
      responses more efficiently in vitro and in vivo. During viral infections, lack of
      Atg5 results in enhanced influenza- and LCMV-specific CD8(+) T cell responses in
      vivo. Elevated influenza-specific CD8(+) T cell responses are associated with
      better immune control of this infection. Thus, the macroautophagy machinery
      orchestrates T cell immunity by supporting MHC class II but compromises MHC class
      I restricted antigen presentation.

PMID- 27117420
TI  - KAT2B Is Required for Pancreatic Beta Cell Adaptation to Metabolic Stress by
      Controlling the Unfolded Protein Response.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) unfolded protein response (UPR(er)) pathway plays
      an important role in helping pancreatic beta cells to adapt their cellular
      responses to environmental cues and metabolic stress. Although altered UPR(er)
      gene expression appears in rodent and human type 2 diabetic (T2D) islets, the
      underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. We show here that germline and
      beta cell-specific disruption of the lysine acetyltransferase 2B (Kat2b) gene in
      mice leads to impaired insulin secretion and glucose intolerance. Genome-wide
      analysis of Kat2b-regulated genes and functional assays reveal a critical role
      for Kat2b in maintaining UPR(er) gene expression and subsequent beta cell
      function. Importantly, Kat2b expression is decreased in mouse and human diabetic
      beta cells and correlates with UPR(er) gene expression in normal human islets. In
      conclusion, Kat2b is a crucial transcriptional regulator for adaptive beta cell
      function during metabolic stress by controlling UPR(er) and represents a
      promising target for T2D prevention and treatment.

PMID- 27117421
TI  - Accuracy of bioimpedance vector analysis and brain natriuretic peptide in
      detection of peripheral edema in acute and chronic heart failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA)
      and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in detecting peripheral congestion in heart
      failure (HF). BACKGROUND: BIVA/BNP are biomarkers for congestion in acute (ADHF)
      and chronic HF. METHODS: 487 ADHF and 413 chronic HF patients underwent BIVA and
      BNP tests. RESULTS: BIVA was more accurate than BNP in detecting peripheral
      congestion both in ADHF (AUC 0.88 vs 0.57 respectively; p < 0.001) and chronic HF
      patients (AUC 0.89 vs 0.68, respectively; p < 0.001). In ADHF patients, the
      optimal BNP cut-off for discriminating presence or absence of edema was >870
      pg/mL (PPV = 48% and NPV = 58%) whereas in chronic HF it was >216 pg/mL (PPV =
      18% and NPV = 95%). The BIVA detected edema when the vector fell into the lower
      pole of 75th percentile tolerance ellipse (PPV = 84% and NPV = 78%) in ADHF, the
      lower pole of 50% (PPV = 68% and NPV = 95%) in chronic HF. CONCLUSIONS: In HF
      patients, BIVA is an easy, fast technique to assess peripheral congestion, and is
      even more accurate than BNP.

PMID- 27117422
TI  - Assessment of accuracy and precision of 3D reconstruction of unicompartmental
      knee arthroplasty in upright position using biplanar radiography.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the precision and accuracy of 3D reconstruction of
      UKA component position, contact location and lower limb alignment in standing
      position using biplanar radiograph. Two human specimens with 4 medial UKAs were
      implanted with beads for radiostereometric analysis (RSA). The specimens were
      frozen in standing position and CT-scanned to obtain relative positions between
      the beads, bones and UKA components. The specimens were then imaged using
      biplanar radiograph (EOS). The positions of the femur, tibia, UKA components and
      UKA contact locations were obtained using RSA- and EOS-based techniques.
      Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for inter-observer
      reliability of the EOS technique. The average (standard deviation) of the
      differences between two techniques in translations and rotations were less than
      0.18 (0.29) mm and 0.39 degrees  (0.66 degrees ) for UKA components. The root
      mean-square-errors (RMSE) of contact location along the anterior/posterior and
      medial/lateral directions were 0.84mm and 0.30mm. The RMSEs of the knee rotations
      were less than 1.70 degrees . The ICCs for the EOS-based segmental orientations
      between two raters were larger than 0.98. The results suggest the EOS-based 3D
      reconstruction technique can precisely determine component position, contact
      location and lower limb alignment for UKA patients in weight-bearing standing
      position.

PMID- 27117423
TI  - Bilateral robots for upper-limb stroke rehabilitation: State of the art and
      future prospects.
AB  - Robot-assisted bilateral upper-limb training grows abundantly for stroke
      rehabilitation in recent years and an increasing number of devices and robots
      have been developed. This paper aims to provide a systematic overview and
      evaluation of existing bilateral upper-limb rehabilitation devices and robots
      based on their mechanisms and clinical-outcomes. Most of the articles studied
      here were searched from nine online databases and the China National Knowledge
      Infrastructure (CNKI) from year 1993 to 2015. Devices and robots were categorized
      as end-effectors, exoskeletons and industrial robots. Totally ten end-effectors,
      one exoskeleton and one industrial robot were evaluated in terms of their
      mechanical characteristics, degrees of freedom (DOF), supported control modes,
      clinical applicability and outcomes. Preliminary clinical results of these
      studies showed that all participants could gain certain improvements in terms of
      range of motion, strength or physical function after training. Only four studies
      supported that bilateral training was better than unilateral training. However,
      most of clinical results cannot definitely verify the effectiveness of mechanisms
      and clinical protocols used in robotic therapies. To explore the actual value of
      these robots and devices, further research on ingenious mechanisms, dose-matched
      clinical protocols and universal evaluation criteria should be conducted in the
      future.

PMID- 27117424
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of potent FAAH inhibitors.
AB  - A new series of 3-carboxamido-5-aryl-isoxazoles was designed, synthesized and
      evaluated for their biological activity. Different pharmacomodulations have been
      explored and the lipophilicity of these compounds was assessed. Investigation of
      the in vitro biological activity led to the identification of 5 compounds as
      potent FAAH inhibitors, their good FAAH inhibition capacity is probably
      correlated with their suitable lipophilicity. Specifically, compound 25 showed
      similar inhibition potency against FAAH in comparison with URB597, one of the
      most potent FAAH inhibitor known to date.

PMID- 27117425
TI  - Comparison of small molecules and oligonucleotides that target a toxic, non
      coding RNA.
AB  - Potential RNA targets for chemical probes and therapeutic modalities are
      pervasive in the transcriptome. Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics are commonly
      used to target RNA sequence. Small molecules are emerging as a modality to target
      RNA structures selectively, but their development is still in its infancy. In
      this work, we compare the activity of oligonucleotides and several classes of
      small molecules that target the non-coding r(CCUG) repeat expansion
      (r(CCUG)(exp)) that causes myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), an incurable disease
      that is the second-most common cause of adult onset muscular dystrophy. Small
      molecule types investigated include monomers, dimers, and multivalent compounds
      synthesized on-site by using RNA-templated click chemistry. Oligonucleotides
      investigated include phosphorothioates that cleave their target and vivo
      morpholinos that modulate target RNA activity via binding. We show that compounds
      assembled on-site that recognize structure have the highest potencies amongst
      small molecules and are similar in potency to a vivo-morpholino modified
      oligonucleotide that targets sequence. These studies are likely to impact the
      design of therapeutic modalities targeting other repeats expansions that cause
      fragile X syndrome and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, for example.

PMID- 27117426
TI  - The alkyl linkers in tandem-homodimers of a beta-sheet-forming nonapeptide affect
      the self-assembled nanostructures.
AB  - There is increasing interest in designing smart biomaterials by employing the
      self-assembly characteristics of synthetic peptides. The use of amyloid-like
      fibrils is one approach to nanometer- and micrometer-sized supramolecular
      structures. However, it is generally difficult to predict and/or analyze peptide
      conformations in nanostructures generated by the self-assembly of beta-sheet
      forming peptides such as amyloid-beta peptide because each peptide experiences a
      slightly different environment. Therefore, a methodology for rationally designing
      peptide-based smart materials is required. In this study, we demonstrate the
      design and synthesis of tandem-homodimers of a beta-sheet-forming peptide where
      the amino acid sequence is duplicated in series and joined via alkyl linkers of
      different chain length. The conformations of these tandem-homodimers within the
      self-assembled nanoarchitectures in aqueous solution were characterized. Our
      findings demonstrate that the hydrophobicity and/or flexibility of the alkyl
      linkers significantly affect the peptide conformation (extended or bent) of the
      self-assembled peptide nanostructures. We believe that the present tandem
      homodimerization method represents a new direction for the rational design of
      peptide-based smart biomaterials.

PMID- 27117427
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrazolylaminoquinazoline
      derivatives as highly potent pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors.
AB  - Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are important oncology targets due to
      the dysregulation of this signaling pathway in a wide variety of human cancers.
      We identified a series of pyrazolylaminoquinazoline derivatives as potent FGFR
      inhibitors with low nanomolar potency. The representative compound 29 strongly
      inhibited FGFR1-3 kinase activity and suppressed FGFR signaling transduction in
      FGFR-addicted cancer cells; FGFRs-driven cell proliferation was also strongly
      inhibited regardless of mechanistic complexity implicated in FGFR activation,
      which further confirmed that 29 was a potent pan-FGFR inhibitor. The flexibility
      of our structure offered the potential to preserve good affinity for mutant FGFR,
      which is important for developing TKIs with long-term efficacy.

PMID- 27117428
TI  - 1-Sulfonyl-6-Piperazinyl-7-Azaindoles as potent and pseudo-selective 5-HT6
      receptor antagonists.
AB  - A series of 1-Sulfonyl-6-Piperazinyl-7-Azaindoles, showing strong antagonistic
      activity to 5-HT6 receptor (5-HT6R) was synthesized and characterized. The series
      was optimized to reduce activity on D2 receptor. Based on the selectivity against
      this off-target and the analysis of the ADME-tox profile, compound 1c was
      selected for in vivo efficacy assessment, which demonstrated procognitive effects
      as shown in reversal of scopolamine induced amnesia in an elevated plus maze test
      in mice. Compound 3, the demethylated version of compound 1c, was profiled
      against a panel of 106 receptors, channels and transporters, indicating only D3
      receptor as a major off-target. Compound 3 has been selected for this study over
      compound 1c because of the higher 5-HT6R/D2R binding ratio. These results have
      defined a new direction for the design of our pseudo-selective 5-HT6R
      antagonists.

PMID- 27117429
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of 5-fluorouracil-derived
      benzimidazoles as novel type of potential antimicrobial agents.
AB  - A series of 5-fluorouracil benzimidazoles as novel type of potential
      antimicrobial agents were designed and synthesized for the first time. Bioactive
      assay manifested that some of the prepared compounds exhibited good or even
      stronger antibacterial and antifungal activities against the tested strains in
      comparison with reference drugs norfloxacin, chloromycin and fluconazole.
      Noticeably, 3-fluorobenzyl benzimidazole derivative 5c gave remarkable
      antimicrobial activities against Saccharomyces cerevisiae, MRSA and Bacillus
      proteus with MIC values of 1, 2 and 4MUg/mL, respectively. Experimental research
      revealed that compound 5c could effectively intercalate into calf thymus DNA to
      form compound 5c-DNA complex which might block DNA replication and thus exert
      antimicrobial activities. Molecular docking indicated that compound 5c should
      bind with DNA topoisomerase IA through three hydrogen bonds by the use of
      fluorine atom and oxygen atoms in 5-fluorouracil with the residue Lys 423.

PMID- 27117430
TI  - Effective molarity in a nucleic acid-controlled reaction.
AB  - Positioning of reactive functional groups within a DNA duplex can enable chemical
      reactions that otherwise would not occur to an appreciable extent. However, few
      studies have quantitatively defined the extent to which the enforced proximity of
      reaction partners in duplex DNA can favor chemical processes. Here, we measured
      substantial effective molarities (as high as 25M) afforded by duplex DNA to a
      reaction involving interstrand cross-link formation between 2'-deoxyadenosine and
      a 2-deoxyribose abasic (Ap) site.

PMID- 27117431
TI  - The discovery and the structural basis of an imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-based p21
      activated kinase 4 inhibitor.
AB  - p21-Activated kinases (PAKs) which belong to the family of ste20 serine/threonine
      protein kinases regulate cytoskeletal reorganization, cell motility, cell
      proliferation, and oncogenic transformation which are all related to the cellular
      functions during cancer induction and metastasis. The fact that PAK mutations are
      detected in multiple tumor tissues makes PAKs a novel therapeutic drug target. In
      this study, an imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-based PAK4 inhibitor, KY-04045 (6-Bromo-2
      (3-isopropyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine), was discovered
      using a virtual site-directed fragment-based drug design and was validated using
      an inhibition assay. Although PAK4 affinity to KY-04045 seems much weaker than
      that of the reported PAK4 inhibitors, the location of KY-04045 is clearly defined
      in the structure of PAK4 co-crystallized with KY-04045. The crystal structure
      illustrates that the pyrazole and imidazopyridine rings of KY-04045 are
      sufficient for mediating PAK4 hinge loop interaction. Hence, we believe that KY
      04045 can be exploited as a basic building block in designing novel imidazo[4,5
      b]pyridine-based PAK4 inhibitors.

PMID- 27117432
TI  - Synthesis of new tricyclic thiolactams as potent antitumor agent for pancreatic
      cancer.
AB  - We synthesized the novel tricyclic thiolactams 2a-d, 3d-k, having a benzyl or
      substituted benzyl substituent on the nitrogen of indole subunit, and their
      preferential cytotoxicity under both nutrient-deprived medium (NDM) and
      Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) was evaluated against a human
      pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1. Among the tested compounds, the 4'-hydroxy
      derivative 3d showed the most potent cytotoxicity in NDM (PC50 1.68MUM) although
      the moderate preferential cytotoxicity (PC50 1.68MUM in NDM vs PC50 20MUM in
      DMEM). The 3'-hydroxy derivative 3e exhibited the most preferential cytotoxicity
      (PC50 1.96MUM in NDM vs less than 50% inhibition at 30MUM in DMEM). The benzyl 2a
      and halogenated benzyl derivatives 2b,c showed no cytotoxicity in NDM. In
      addition, the indole (10, PC50 173.7MUM), lactone (11, PC50 131.7MUM), and lactam
      (12, PC50 44.8MUM) derivatives showed week or moderate cytotoxicity in NDM. These
      results indicated that the hydroxy group on the benzyl substituent and tricyclic
      thiolactam ring were essential for the cytotoxicity in NDM against PANC-1 cell
      line. Moreover, 3'-hydroxy derivative 3e compound exhibited antitumor activity
      against the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) xenograft model in vivo.

PMID- 27117433
TI  - Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES).
AB  - Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are defined as change in behavior or
      consciousness resembling epileptic seizures but which have a psychological
      origin. PNES are categorized as a manifestation of dissociative or somatoform
      (conversion) disorders. Video-EEG recording of an event is the gold standard for
      diagnosis. PNES represent a symptom, not the underlying disease and the mechanism
      of dissociation is pivotal in the pathophysiology. Predisposing, precipitating
      and perpetuating factors should be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis.
      The process of communicating the diagnosis using a multidisciplinary approach is
      an important and effective therapeutic step. 

PMID- 27117434
TI  - Plexiform neurolymphomatosis.

PMID- 27117435
TI  - Super-resolved insights into human immunodeficiency virus biology.
AB  - The recent development of fluorescence microscopy approaches overcoming the
      diffraction limit of light microscopy opened possibilities for studying small
      scale cellular processes. The spatial resolution achieved by these novel
      techniques, together with the possibility to perform live-cell and multicolor
      imaging, make them ideally suited for visualization of native viruses and
      subviral structures within the complex environment of a host cell or organ, thus
      providing fundamentally new possibilities for investigating virus-cell
      interactions. Here, we review the use of super-resolution microscopy approaches
      to study virus-cell interactions, and discuss recent insights into human
      immunodeficiency virus biology obtained by exploiting these novel techniques.

PMID- 27117436
TI  - Increased mood symptoms in postmenopausal women related to the polymorphism
      rs743572 of the CYP17 A1 gene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Menopausal and depressive symptoms are highly prevalent after the
      menopause; but may vary from one population to another and genetics play a key
      role. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the intensity of these symptoms in relation to the
      genetic variants of the rs743572 polymorphism of the CYP17 A1 gene in
      postmenopausal women. METHODS: DNA was extracted from the whole blood of 168
      natural postmenopausal women (40-65 years) and tested for the rs743572
      polymorphism of the CYP17 A1 gene. Intensity of menopausal (Menopause Rating
      Scale, MRS) and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depressive Scale, HADS)
      were correlated to polymorphism genotypes. RESULTS: Women with the GG genotype of
      the rs743572 polymorphism displayed significantly higher scores for the MRS
      (items 5 and 6 [irritability and anxiety] and the psychological subscale) and the
      HADS (total and subscales). CONCLUSION: The intensity of menopausal symptoms
      related to mood was found higher among postmenopausal women presenting the GG
      genotype of the rs743572 polymorphism of the CYP17 A1 gene. There is a need for
      more research in this regard.

PMID- 27117437
TI  - Pain in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Prospective Characterization Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is associated with severe
      pain. The underlying neurobiology of this is complex. The primary aim of this
      study was to characterize pain in MPM. METHODS: This study was undertaken as part
      of a trial examining radiotherapy for the treatment of pain in MPM (ISRCTN
      10644347). Patients had MPM with associated pain for which radiotherapy was
      planned and a worst pain score >= 4/10. The following assessments were
      undertaken: clinical neuropathic pain assessment, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI),
      Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS), Short form of the
      McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST). The
      relationship of these characteristics and response to radiotherapy was assessed.
      Unless stated, medians and interquartile range (IQR) are used. RESULTS: Thirty
      seven patients were recruited. Average pain and worst pain was 4 (4-6) and 8 (6
      8), respectively. Higher average pain and higher worst pain scores were
      associated with higher interference scores on the BPI, P < 0.001 and P < 0.0005.
      Twenty patients (54%) had a clinical diagnosis of neuropathic pain, and of these,
      only six patients (40%) screened positively for neuropathic pain using the LANSS.
      Patients with a high LANSS also had higher BPI and SF-MPQs. The presence of
      neuropathic pain (clinically or by LANSS) did not predict response to
      radiotherapy, P < 0.05. The SF-MPQ scores were higher in those with abnormal cool
      sensation on QST (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Pain in mesothelioma varies among
      patients and may have neuropathic components. An adequate pain assessment is
      necessary to guide the clinician in the appropriate choice of analgesics.

PMID- 27117438
TI  - Rigorous Epidemiologic Work Shows Positive Impact of VHA's Efforts to Rein in
      Opioid Prescribing.

PMID- 27117439
TI  - Immunosuppressive Environment in Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Role of Regulatory T
      Cells.
AB  - Interaction between tumour survival tactics and anti-tumour immune response is a
      major determinant for cancer growth. Regulatory T cells (T-regs) contribute to
      tumour immune escape, but their role in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is not
      understood. The fraction of T-regs among T cells was analysed by
      immunohistochemistry followed by automated image analysis in facial BCC,
      peritumoural skin and normal, buttock skin. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR)
      was performed for FOXP3 and cytokines involved in T-reg attraction and T-cell
      activation. T-regs comprised 45% of CD4-cells surrounding BCC. FOXP3 was highly
      expressed in BCC, but absent in buttock skin. Unexpectedly, expression of FOXP3
      was increased in peritumoural skin, with the FOXP3/CD3 fractions exceeding those
      of BCC (p?=?0.0065). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-? and T-reg chemokine
      expression was increased in BCC and peritumoural skin, but not in buttock skin,
      with expression levels correlating with FOXP3. T-regs are abundantly present both
      in BCC and in peritumoural skin, mediating an immunosuppressed microenvironment
      permissive for skin cancer.

PMID- 27117440
TI  - 9-Month Efficacy and Safety Study of Testosterone Solution 2% for Sex Drive and
      Energy in Hypogonadal Men.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated the continued safety and efficacy of testosterone solution
      2% (T-sol) in a 6-month open label extension study following a 3-month, double
      blind, placebo controlled study in which T-sol was safe and efficacious for sex
      drive in men with androgen deficiency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 558
      hypogonadal participants with a mean (SD) age of 55 (11) years entered the open
      label treatment study. Of these patients 275 had previously received placebo
      (formerly placebo group) and 283 had received active treatment with T-sol
      (continuing active group) during the double-blind phase. Outcome measures were
      the proportion of men with total testosterone levels within the normal range;
      assessment of treatment induced change in sex drive measured using the Sexual
      Arousal, Interest, and Drive scale; and assessment of treatment induced change in
      energy measured using the Hypogonadism Energy Diary. RESULTS: At the completion
      of the open label phase 60% and 66% of the participants had total testosterone
      levels within the normal range in the formerly placebo and continuing active
      groups, respectively. Participants assigned to both groups showed baseline to end
      point improvement in Sexual Arousal, Interest, and Drive score (both p <0.001)
      and Hypogonadism Energy Diary score (both p <0.001) during the open label phase.
      No new safety concerns were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Once daily T-sol administered
      for 6 months in an open label study did not indicate new safety concerns, and the
      outcomes of low sex drive and low energy showed further improvement after the
      double-blind phase.

PMID- 27117441
TI  - Clinical Phenotyping Does Not Differentiate Hunner Lesion Subtype of Interstitial
      Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Relook at the Role of Cystoscopy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Identifying Hunner lesions in patients with interstitial
      cystitis/bladder pain syndrome presents an opportunity for objective
      classification into Hunner lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
      (classic interstitial cystitis) and nonHunner lesion bladder pain syndrome. While
      currently the former diagnosis requires cystoscopy, limited data suggest that
      these subtypes can be distinguished without endoscopy based on the degree of
      bladder focused centricity and the infrequent association with generalized pain
      conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients in a prospective, single center
      database of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome who had documented
      cystoscopic findings were categorized with Hunner lesion interstitial
      cystitis/bladder pain syndrome or nonHunner lesion bladder pain syndrome.
      Demographics, pain and symptom scores, voiding symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome
      and clinical UPOINT (urinary, psychosocial, organ specific, infection,
      neurological and tenderness) scoring were comparatively analyzed. RESULTS: We
      reviewed the records of 469 patients, including 359 with documented local
      anesthetic cystoscopic findings, 44 (12.3%) with Hunner lesion interstitial
      cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and 315 (87.7%) with nonHunner bladder pain
      syndrome. Patients with Hunner lesions were older (p = 0.004) and had greater
      urinary frequency (p = 0.013), more nocturia (p = 0.0004) and higher ICSI
      (Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index) scores (p = 0.017). Hunner lesion
      prevalence was significantly lower in those younger than 50 years vs those 50
      years old or older (7.8% vs 14.9%, p = 0.0095). There was no difference in the
      number of UPOINT phenotype domains reported, overall UPOINT scores or the
      prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A subtype
      of interstitial cystitis with Hunner lesions has worse bladder centric symptoms
      but did not show a distinct bladder centric phenotype. Given the management
      implications of distinguishing classic interstitial cystitis from nonHunner
      lesion bladder pain syndrome, we recommend cystoscopy with local anesthesia in
      patients diagnosed with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

PMID- 27117442
TI  - Pregnancy Rates after Testicular Torsion.
AB  - PURPOSE: To our knowledge the effect of testicular torsion on the pregnancy rate
      is unknown. In this study we focused on the pregnancy rate, which is the ultimate
      index of fertility status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 273
      patients who presented to our emergency room with testicular torsion between 1994
      and 2014. Study inclusion criteria included being in a relationship with the
      intent to conceive for at least 1 year, age greater than 25 years and a normal
      contralateral testis. Patients with primary infertility, those who were unwilling
      to participate or unreachable and those with a history of undescended testis
      and/or varicocele were excluded from analysis. Patients were contacted by
      telephone and interviewed according to a standardized questionnaire. Pregnancy
      rates in the orchiopexy and orchiectomy groups were compared to each other and to
      the accepted pregnancy rate in the literature. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients
      met study inclusion criteria, including 41 and 22 in the orchiopexy and
      orchiectomy groups, respectively. The pregnancy rate in the orchiopexy and
      orchiectomy groups was 90.2% and 90.9%, respectively (p = 1.0). The accepted
      pregnancy rate in the general population is 82% to 92%. Mean +/- SD time to
      pregnancy in the orchiopexy and orchiectomy groups was 6.6 +/- 5.50 and 7.2 +/-
      5.4 months, respectively (p = 0.27). CONCLUSIONS: Several studies suggest
      decreased fertility potential in patients with a history of testicular torsion.
      However, in the current study in couples in which the male had a history of
      testicular torsion the pregnancy rate and the interval to pregnancy were within
      the accepted range of the general population.

PMID- 27117443
TI  - Serial Anatomical Prostate Ultrasound during Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance.
AB  - PURPOSE: The growth potential of low grade prostate cancer is unknown and yet it
      is potentially impactful for the practice of active surveillance. We evaluated
      the incidence, growth dynamics and clinical significance of changes in prostate
      lesions on serial transrectal ultrasound among a large cohort of men with
      prostate cancer managed by active surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      retrospective study included men with prostate cancer treated with active
      surveillance at UCSF (University of California-San Francisco) from 2000 to 2014
      who underwent a minimum of 2 transrectal ultrasound studies. Study inclusion
      criteria were prostate specific antigen 20 ng/ml or less, clinical stage T2 or
      less and biopsy Gleason grade 3 + 4 or less. Progression end points included an
      increase in imaging stage, a 50% or greater increase in volume and an increase in
      the number of sites (sextants) with apparent lesions. The relationship between
      transrectal ultrasound progression and biopsy Gleason upgrade was assessed by
      univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: The 875
      identified patients underwent a median of 5 transrectal ultrasound studies (IQR 3
      8). Median followup was 49 months (IQR 27-81). Of the patients 345 (39%)
      progressed on serial transrectal ultrasound, including 51 by size, 265 by the
      number of lesion sites and 279 by stage. Median time to progression was 14
      months. Transrectal ultrasound progression was independently associated with
      biopsy upgrade (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.5, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Local progression
      on transrectal ultrasound was associated with Gleason upgrade at biopsy. These
      results suggest that stable imaging findings on transrectal ultrasound may allow
      for increased intervals between biopsies among men on active surveillance. A
      prospective study is required to evaluate the usefulness of such a practice.

PMID- 27117444
TI  - Metals in sediments: bioavailability and toxicity in a tropical reservoir used
      for public water supply.
AB  - Sediments may be a repository of contaminants in freshwater ecosystems. One way
      to assess the quality of this compartment, in terms of potentially bioavailable
      metals, is by the analysis of acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) and simultaneously
      extracted metals (SEM). In order to investigate the bioavailability, toxicity,
      and compartmentalization of different metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn), sampling
      of surface sediments was performed at nine stations along the Paiva Castro
      reservoir (Sao Paulo, Brazil). The metals were analyzed using atomic absorption
      spectroscopy. Sediment organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC), and grain size
      were also measured. The parameters pH, EH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were
      determined at the sediment-water interface. Chronic and acute toxicological tests
      were performed with sediments from the area where water was extracted for the
      public water supply. Low levels of OM, associated with loss of stratification in
      the water column, explained the relatively low AVS values. The molar ratio ?[SEM]
      [AVS]/fOC was less than 130 mmol/kg(-1) for all the sampling stations, indicating
      that the metals were not bioavailable. With the exception of Cd, metal levels
      were in accordance with background concentrations and the threshold effect level
      (TEL) established by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. The
      ecotoxicological tests confirmed the absence of toxic effects to biota.
      Application of principal component analysis indicated the presence of four
      compartments along the reservoir: (1) a riverine zone, potentially threatened by
      contamination with Cd; (2) an intermediate zone; (3) a limnic area; and (4) the
      area where water was taken for the public water supply.

PMID- 27117445
TI  - Assessment of eco-environmental quality of Western Taiwan Straits Economic Zone.
AB  - Regional eco-environmental quality is the key and foundation to the sustainable
      socio-economic development of a region. Eco-environmental quality assessment can
      reveal the capacity of sustainable socio-economic development in a region and the
      degree of coordination between social production and the living environment. As
      part of a new development strategy for Fujian Province, the Western Taiwan
      Straits Economic Zone (hereafter referred to as the Economic Zone) provides an
      important guarantee for the development of China's southeastern coastal area.
      Based on ecological and remote sensing data on the Economic Zone obtained in
      2000, 2005, and 2010, this study investigated county-level administrative regions
      with a comprehensive index of eco-environmental indicators. An objective
      weighting method was used to determine the importance of each indicator. This led
      to the development of an indicator system to assess the eco-environmental quality
      of the economic zone. ArcGIS software was used to assess the eco-environmental
      quality of the economic zone based on each indicator. The eco-environmental
      quality index (EQI) of the county-level administrative regions was calculated.
      The overall eco-environmental quality of the Economic Zone during the period
      studied is described and analyzed. The results show that the overall eco
      environmental quality of the Economic Zone is satisfactory, but significant
      intraregional differences still exist. The key to improving the overall eco
      environmental quality of this area is to restore vegetation and preserve
      biodiversity. 

PMID- 27117446
TI  - Vancomycin dosing nomograms targeting high serum trough levels in different
      populations: pros and cons.
AB  - PURPOSE: Utilization of higher doses of vancomycin to achieve the trough
      concentrations of 15-20 mg/L for complicated infections has been recommended by
      the Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guideline in recent
      years. Concerning this recommendation, several nomograms have been constructed
      targeting this optimal trough level range in different populations of patients.
      In this review, we have collected available nomograms targeting high trough serum
      levels of vancomycin, particularly comparing their advantages and limitations.
      METHOD: The data were collected by searching Scopus, PubMed, Google scholar,
      Medline, and Cochrane database systematic reviews. The key words used as search
      terms were "vancomycin", "high trough level", "dosing nomogram", "dosing
      strategy", "neonates", "critically ill", "pediatrics", and "hemodialysis". We
      have included 17 related human studies published up to the date of this
      publication. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: Most of the available nomograms have
      determined the doses according to body weight and renal function. Their initial
      predicting success rate were 44-76 % for non-critically ill patients, 42-84 % for
      critically ill patients, 54 % for one nomogram specially designed for
      hemodialysis patients, and 71 % for the only nomogram developed for neonates.
      Based on validation studies, in most of cases, using a vancomycin dosing nomogram
      significantly improved and accelerated achievement of target trough
      concentrations. However, it should be noted that there are limited data about
      patients' clinical and microbiological outcomes and they are only validated in
      narrow groups of patients. Thus, their widespread application could not be
      encouraged for all patients before performing adequately powered, prospective
      randomized studies.

PMID- 27117447
TI  - Sandwich electrode designed for high performance lithium-ion battery.
AB  - We fabricated a sandwich structure Li-ion battery electrode by trapping micron
      sized silicon between a copper current collector and a graphene coating. During
      dynamic electrochemical cycles, the volume change of the silicon can be buffered
      by the coating through the deformation of soft graphenes. This structure can
      effectively prevent the silicon particles from escaping from the current
      collector while keeping the buffered graphene coating integrated and unbroken
      during deformation. The electrodes could be maintained for 400 cycles at a
      constant charge capacity of 1000 mA h g(-1). 

PMID- 27117448
TI  - Development and validation of the Patient Benefit Index for the dermatocosmetic
      treatment of aged skin.
AB  - This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument for the assessment of
      patient-relevant benefit in dermatocosmetic treatment, i.e., skin care, of aged
      skin. Based on an open item collection with 33 elderly persons, items on patient
      relevant treatment goals were collected. An expert panel selected 20 items to be
      most relevant and feasible for the questionnaire named Patient Benefit Index for
      Aged Skin (PBI-AS). The instrument, which assesses goal importance and
      achievement, was tested in a cognitive debriefing and validated in a longitudinal
      study (n = 80) along with the Dry Skin Area and Severity Index (DASI) and the
      Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) as convergent validation criteria. The
      cognitive debriefing showed the good practicability and feasibility of the
      instrument. Significant correlation with change in DASI (r = -0.527; p < 0.001)
      supports convergent validity of the PBI-AS. By contrast, correlation with DLQI
      was poor, indicating the different constructs. The PBI-AS is a valid and feasible
      tool for the patient-centered assessment of dermatocosmetic treatment benefit in
      aged skin. 

PMID- 27117449
TI  - Establishing a baseline on the distribution and pattern of occurrence of
      Salvadora persica L. with meteorological data and assessing its adaptation in the
      adjacent warmed-up zones.
AB  - The natural occurrence of Salvadora persica L., stretching from the coastal area
      of the Arabian sea to northward along the Indus floodplains, was surveyed to
      document the pattern of its occurrence with the available meteorological record
      showing increasing trends of frost northwards. Information was compiled from
      various sources to generate the past and present temperature data in order to
      establish relationship between the changing temperature factors and the extent of
      the area available due to climate change over the years for introducing species
      beyond its range of natural distribution. In addition, the species was
      experimentally introduced in the warmed-up zones to monitor its performance and
      to evaluate its adaptability. The reconnaissance survey showed that the natural
      populations of thorn forest communities with S. persica, as associate, are now
      surviving only as degraded remnants. Its common occurrence is documented in zones
      where the mean winter temperatures are above the threshold level of frost,
      whereas it is rarely found in zones where it drops below this level for a single
      month, which seems to be its range edge. S. persica does not occur in zones where
      low temperature could persist for 2 months. Recent temperature data suggests that
      the month of December has warmed up above the threshold level; therefore, it was
      expected that correspondingly the range edge of the frost-sensitive species has
      potentially shifted further northwards. The response of the species introduced at
      the experimental sites beyond its natural occurrence suggests high survival and
      growth, demonstrating its adaptability to the new sites beyond its limit of
      distribution.

PMID- 27117450
TI  - Sex hormone-binding globulin has no effect on salivary testosterone.

PMID- 27117451
TI  - Erratum to: prostate cancer arising in ectopic prostatic tissue within the left
      seminal vesicle: a rare case diagnosed with multi-parametric magnetic resonance
      imaging and magnetic resonance imaging-transrectal ultrasound fusion biopsy.

PMID- 27117452
TI  - Obinutuzumab for the treatment of indolent lymphoma.
AB  - Obinutuzumab is a humanized, type II anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody designed for
      strong induction of direct cell death and antibody-dependent cell-mediated
      cytotoxicity. The Phase III GADOLIN trial tested the clinical efficacy of
      obinutuzumab plus bendamustine followed by obinutuzumab monotherapy in rituximab
      refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma versus treatment with bendamustine
      alone. It demonstrated significantly longer progression-free survival for the
      obinutuzumab-containing regimen in this difficult to treat patient group. Based
      on the results of this trial, US FDA approval was most recently granted for
      obinutuzumab in the treatment of follicular lymphoma that has relapsed after or
      was refractory to a rituximab-containing regimen. This article summarizes the
      available data on chemistry, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety of
      obinutuzumab in the treatment of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma. 

PMID- 27117453
TI  - Corrigendum to "Zearalenone impairs the male reproductive system functions via
      inducing structural and functional alterations of sertoli cells" [Environ.
      Toxicol. Pharmacol. 42 (2016) 146-155].

PMID- 27117454
TI  - NHS England provides a major boost for general practice.

PMID- 27117455
TI  - Ultrathin bronchoscopy for solitary pulmonary lesions in a region endemic for
      tuberculosis: a randomised pilot trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evaluation of solitary pulmonary lesions (SPL) requires a balance
      between procedure-related morbidity and diagnostic yield, particularly in areas
      where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic. Data on ultrathin bronchoscopy (UB) for this
      purpose is limited. To evaluate feasibility and safety of UB compared to SB for
      diagnosis of SPL in a TB endemic region. METHODS: In this prospective randomised
      trial we compared diagnostic yield and adverse events of UB with standard-size
      bronchoscopy (SB), both combined with fluoroscopy, in a cohort of patients with
      SPL located beyond the visible range of SB. RESULTS: We included 40 patients
      (mean age 55.2 years, 45 % male) with malignant SPL (n = 16; 40 %), tuberculous
      SPL (n = 11; 27.5 %) and other benign SPL (n = 13; 32.5 %). Mean procedure time
      in UB and SB was 30.6 and 26.0 min, respectively (p = 0.15). By trend, adverse
      events were recorded more often with UB than with SB (30.0 vs. 5.0 %, p = 0.091),
      including extensive coughing (n = 2), blocked working channel (n = 2), and
      arterial hypertension requiring therapeutic intervention (n = 1), all with UB.
      The overall diagnostic yield of UB compared to SB was 55.0 % vs. 80.0 %,
      respectively (p = 0.18). Sensitivity for the diagnosis of malignancy of UB and SB
      was 50.0 % and 62.5 %, respectively (p = 0.95). CONCLUSION: UB is not superior to
      SB for the evaluation of SPL in a region endemic with tuberculosis, when combined
      with fluoroscopic guidance only. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov
      (Identifier: NCT02490059 ).

PMID- 27117456
TI  - MicroRNA Target Recognition: Insights from Transcriptome-Wide Non-Canonical
      Interactions.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (~22 nucleotides) regulating gene
      expression at the post-transcriptional level. By directing the RNA-induced
      silencing complex (RISC) to bind specific target mRNAs, miRNA can repress target
      genes and affect various biological phenotypes. Functional miRNA target
      recognition is known to majorly attribute specificity to consecutive pairing with
      seed region (position 2-8) of miRNA. Recent advances in a transcriptome-wide
      method of mapping miRNA binding sites (Ago HITS-CLIP) elucidated that a large
      portion of miRNA-target interactions in vivo are mediated not only through the
      canonical "seed sites" but also via non-canonical sites (~15-80%), setting the
      stage to expand and determine their properties. Here we focus on recent findings
      from transcriptome-wide non-canonical miRNA-target interactions, specifically
      regarding "nucleation bulges" and "seed-like motifs". We also discuss insights
      from Ago HITS-CLIP data alongside structural and biochemical studies, which
      highlight putative mechanisms of miRNA target recognition, and the biological
      significance of these non-canonical sites mediating marginal repression. 

PMID- 27117457
TI  - Navigating sticky areas in transdermal product development.
AB  - The benefits of transdermal delivery over the oral route to combat such issues of
      low bioavailability and limited controlled release opportunities are well known
      and have been previously discussed by many in the field (Prausnitz et al. (2004)
      [1]; Hadgraft and Lane (2006) [2]). However, significant challenges faced by
      developers as a product moves from the purely theoretical to commercial
      production have hampered full capitalization of the dosage forms vast benefits.
      While different technical aspects of transdermal system development have been
      discussed at various industry meetings and scientific workshops, uncertainties
      have persisted regarding the pharmaceutical industry's conventionally accepted
      approach for the development and manufacturing of transdermal systems. This
      review provides an overview of the challenges frequently faced and the industry's
      best practices for assuring the quality and performance of transdermal delivery
      systems and topical patches (collectively, TDS). The topics discussed are broadly
      divided into the evaluation of product quality and the evaluation of product
      performance; with the overall goal of the discussion to improve, advance and
      accelerate commercial development in the area of this complex controlled release
      dosage form.

PMID- 27117458
TI  - A bridge to silencing: Co-assembling anionic nanoparticles of siRNA and
      hyaluronan sulfate via calcium ion bridges.
AB  - Therapeutic implementation of RNA interference (RNAi) through delivery of short
      interfering RNA (siRNA) is still facing several critical hurdles, which mostly
      can be solved through the use of an efficient delivery system. We hereby
      introduce anionic siRNA nanoparticles (NPs) co-assembled by the electrostatic
      interactions of the semi-synthetic polysaccharide hyaluronan-sulfate (HAS), with
      siRNA, mediated by calcium ion bridges. The NPs have an average size of 130nm and
      a mild (-10mV) negative surface charge. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
      using gold-labeled components and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
      demonstrated the spatial organization of siRNA molecules in the particle core,
      surrounded by a layer of HAS. The anionic NPs efficiently encapsulated siRNA,
      were stable in physiological-relevant environments and were cytocompatible, not
      affecting cell viability or homeostasis. Efficient cellular uptake of the anionic
      siRNA NPs, associated with potent gene silencing (>80%), was observed across
      multiple cell types, including murine primary peritoneal macrophages and human
      hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In a clinically-relevant model of acute
      inflammatory response in IL-6-stimulated human hepatocytes, STAT3 silencing
      induced by HAS-Ca(2+)-siRNA NPs resulted in marked decrease in the total and
      activated STAT3 protein levels, as well as in the expression levels of downstream
      acute phase response genes. Collectively, anionic NPs prove to be an efficient
      and cytocompatible delivery system for siRNA.

PMID- 27117459
TI  - Hypoalbuminemia predicts clinical outcome in patients with type B acute aortic
      dissection after endovascular therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported that serum albumin (SA) levels on admission
      were associated with increased risk of long-term outcomes in patients with type B
      acute aortic dissection (AAD). The aim of this study was to investigate the
      effect of admission levels of SA on survival among patients with type B AAD
      undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT). METHODS: A total of 131 patients with type
      B AAD undergoing EVT were retrospectively enrolled and followed up for 2.1years.
      They were divided into hypoalbuminemia and nonhypoalbuminemia groups. We analyzed
      the incidence of inhospital complications and long-term mortality. Kaplan-Meier
      curves and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to investigate the
      associations between SA levels and survival. RESULTS: Among 131 type B AAD
      patients, hypoalbuminemia was detected in 61 (46.6%) at admission. Compared to
      those without hypoalbuminemia, patients with hypoalbuminemia did not have higher
      inhospital complications; however, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that they did
      have a significantly lower survival rate (73.8% vs 92.5%; log-rank chi(2)=9.8;
      P=.002). Multivariable Cox regression analysis further revealed that
      hypoalbuminemia was an independent predictor of long-term mortality among
      patients with type B AAD (hazard ratio, 4.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.36
      13.47; P=.013), over 2.1years. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoalbuminemia is common in type B
      AAD patients and is independently associated with increased risk of long-term
      death. Renal dysfunction may be the main pathophysiological mechanism underlying
      hypoalbuminemia in patients with type B AAD.

PMID- 27117460
TI  - Impending paradoxical embolus: A bedside diagnosis in the Emergency Department.

PMID- 27117461
TI  - The role of combined electrocardiogram criteria in differential diagnosis of
      acute pericarditis: PR segment and QT interval.

PMID- 27117462
TI  - Injury patterns and outcomes of ice-fishing in the United States.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fishing is a common pastime. In the developed world, it is commonly
      performed as a recreational activity. We aim to determine injury patterns and
      outcomes among patients injured while ice fishing. METHODS: Data on initial
      emergency department visits from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance
      System-All Injury Program (NEISS-AIP) from 2009-2014 were analyzed. All patients
      with fishing related injuries were included. Primary endpoint was rate of
      admission or transfer. Secondary endpoints were defined a priori anatomical
      injury categories and patients were assigned into groups. Descriptive and power
      analysis was performed between patients with ice-fishing and traditional fishing
      related injuries. RESULTS: We identified 8220 patients who sustained fishing
      related injuries, of which n=85 (1%) involved ice fishing. Ice fishing injuries
      occurred primarily in males (88%) with a mean age of 39.4years +/-17.5 (std dev).
      The most common injuries related to ice fishing were: orthopedic/musculoskeletal
      (46%), minor trauma (37%), and major trauma (6%). Hot thermal injuries (burns)
      were the fourth most common type of ice-fishing injury (5%) but rarely occurred
      in warmer fishing months (<1%, P=.004). Cold thermal injuries (1%) and
      hypothermia (0%) were rare among ice-fishing injuries and immersion/drowning
      occurred in 5% of cases. The rate of admission/transfer was significantly greater
      in ice-fishing (11%) than the traditional fishing patients 3%, (P<.001), power
      was 90%. CONCLUSION: Ice fishing is associated with more severe injury patterns
      and more thermal injuries and immersion injuries than traditional fishing.
      Providers and participants should be aware of the potential risks and benefits
      and counseled appropriately.

PMID- 27117463
TI  - Ultrasonography as a tool for prehospital recognition of tension pneumothorax:
      Preliminary data.

PMID- 27117464
TI  - Use of WhatsApp application for orthopedic consultations in the ED.

PMID- 27117465
TI  - The effectiveness of a newly developed reduction method of anterior shoulder
      dislocations; Sool's method.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nearly a dozen reduction methods for the treatment of anterior
      shoulder dislocation have been reported, but the majority are painful and require
      patients to be in the supine or prone position. METHODS: This retrospective
      cohort study was conducted in a university-affiliated emergency department (ED).
      Sool's method and traditional shoulder reduction methods (TSRMs) were performed
      for the patient with anterior shoulder dislocation. Fifty-nine eligible patients
      were recruited; 35 were treated with TSRMs, wherease 24 were treated with Sool's
      method. RESULTS: The rate of successful reduction was 80% (26/35) in the TSRM
      group and 75% (18/24) in the Sool's method group (P=.75). The length of stay in
      the ED was 72.3minutes in the Sool's method group and 98.4minutes in the TSRM
      group (P=.037). No significant difference was observed between the neurovascular
      deficit before and after reduction in either group. The procedural time of
      successfully reduced cases in patients treated by Sool's method was shorter than
      that of the failed cases (P=.015). CONCLUSIONS: Sool's method was as successful
      as other methods at reducing shoulder dislocation and has demonstrated
      encouraging results, including significant reduction in length of stay in the ED
      and unnecessary use of sedation. Sool's method is technically easy and requires
      only a place to sit and a single operator.

PMID- 27117466
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27117467
TI  - Sequencing Circulating Cell-Free DNA: The Potential to Refine Precision Cancer
      Medicine.

PMID- 27117468
TI  - Impact of High-Sensitivity Troponin I Testing with Sex-Specific Cutoffs on the
      Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assays show sex
      dependent differences in the 99th percentile of healthy populations, with
      concentrations in women approximately 50% lower. The adoption of sex-specific
      cutoffs seems appropriate, although it is not yet clear what effect these will
      have on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diagnosis and management. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective pre- and postchangeover analysis of troponin I testing
      in the 6 months before and after moving from the contemporary Abbott Architect
      TnI assay (cTnI) to hs-cTnI at 2 tertiary centers in Australia and New Zealand.
      The cTnI cutoff was 30 ng/L for both sexes, whereas a female-specific cutoff of
      16 ng/L was adopted upon changeover to hsTnI. RESULTS: Changeover from the cTnI
      assay to the hs-cTnI assay increased the number of female patients with increased
      troponin I concentrations at both sites (from 29.7% to 34.9% and from 22.4% to
      30.8%; P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant change in the number of
      men with increased concentrations in the same time period (P = 0.09). The
      increased percentage of women with increased troponin I was not associated with
      an increase in the number of women with AMI diagnoses at either center.
      Angiographic data available from 1 center showed no change in the percentage of
      angiograms performed in women. CONCLUSIONS: Although increasing the proportion of
      women with increased troponin I, adopting sex-specific cutoffs with the hs-cTnI
      assay did not lead to an increase in AMI diagnoses in females, or in the number
      of women undergoing angiography.

PMID- 27117469
TI  - Cell-Free DNA Analysis of Targeted Genomic Regions in Maternal Plasma for Non
      Invasive Prenatal Testing of Trisomy 21, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, and Fetal Sex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is great need for the development of highly accurate cost
      effective technologies that could facilitate the widespread adoption of
      noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). METHODS: We developed an assay based on the
      targeted analysis of cell-free DNA for the detection of fetal aneuploidies of
      chromosomes 21, 18, and 13. This method enabled the capture and analysis of
      selected genomic regions of interest. An advanced fetal fraction estimation and
      aneuploidy determination algorithm was also developed. This assay allowed for
      accurate counting and assessment of chromosomal regions of interest. The
      analytical performance of the assay was evaluated in a blind study of 631 samples
      derived from pregnancies of at least 10 weeks of gestation that had also
      undergone invasive testing. RESULTS: Our blind study exhibited 100% diagnostic
      sensitivity and specificity and correctly classified 52/52 (95% CI, 93.2%-100%)
      cases of trisomy 21, 16/16 (95% CI, 79.4%-100%) cases of trisomy 18, 5/5 (95% CI,
      47.8%-100%) cases of trisomy 13, and 538/538 (95% CI, 99.3%-100%) normal cases.
      The test also correctly identified fetal sex in all cases (95% CI, 99.4%-100%).
      One sample failed prespecified assay quality control criteria, and 19 samples
      were nonreportable because of low fetal fraction. CONCLUSIONS: The extent to
      which free fetal DNA testing can be applied as a universal screening tool for
      trisomy 21, 18, and 13 depends mainly on assay accuracy and cost. Cell-free DNA
      analysis of targeted genomic regions in maternal plasma enables accurate and cost
      effective noninvasive fetal aneuploidy detection, which is critical for
      widespread adoption of NIPT.

PMID- 27117470
TI  - Ready, Set, Type! Proteomics vs Agglutination for Escherichia coli H Antigen
      Confirmation.

PMID- 27117471
TI  - A Novel Peptidomic Approach to Strain Typing of Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii
      Isolates Using Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii is a common nosocomial pathogen and strain
      typing methods play an important role in hospital outbreak investigations and
      epidemiologic surveillance. We describe a method for identifying strain-specific
      peptide markers based on LC-MS/MS profiling of digested peptides. This method
      classified a test set of A. baumannii isolates collected from a hospital outbreak
      with discriminatory performance exceeding that of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
      METHODS: Following the construction of a species "pan-peptidome" by in silico
      translation and digestion of whole genome sequences, a hypothetical set of genome
      specific peptides for an isolate was constructed from the disjoint set of the pan
      peptidome and the isolate's calculated peptidome. The genome-specific peptidome
      guided selection of highly expressed genome-specific peptides from LC-MS/MS
      experimental profiles as potential peptide markers. The species specificity of
      each experimentally identified genome-specific peptide was confirmed through a
      Unipept lowest common ancestor analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen A. baumannii isolates
      were analyzed to derive a set of genome- and species-specific peptides that could
      be used as peptide markers. Identified peptides were cross-checked with protein
      BLAST against a set of 22 A. baumannii whole genome sequences. A subset of these
      peptide markers was confirmed to be present in the actual peptide profiles
      generated by multiple reaction monitoring and targeted LC-MS/MS. The
      experimentally identified peptides separated these isolates into 6 strains that
      agreed with multilocus sequence typing analysis performed on the same isolates.
      CONCLUSIONS: This approach may be generalizable to other bacterial species, and
      the peptides may be useful for rapid MS strain tracking of isolates with broad
      application to infectious disease diagnosis.

PMID- 27117472
TI  - Acceptable Analytical Variation May Exceed High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I
      Cutoffs in Early Rule-Out and Rule-In Acute Myocardial Infarction Algorithms.

PMID- 27117473
TI  - Is the 2-h Sample Really Necessary in the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Pregnant
      Females?

PMID- 27117474
TI  - The paradox of the evidence about invasive fungal infection prevention.

PMID- 27117475
TI  - Clobetasol promotes remyelination in a mouse model of neuromyelitis optica.
AB  - Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the
      central nervous system that can produce marked neurological deficit. Current NMO
      therapies include immunosuppressants, plasma exchange and B-cell depletion. Here,
      we evaluated 14 potential remyelinating drugs emerging from prior small molecule
      screens done to identify drugs for repurposing in multiple sclerosis and other
      demyelinating neurological diseases. Compounds were initially evaluated in
      oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) and cerebellar slice cultures, and then in a
      mouse model of NMO produced by intracerebral injection of anti-AQP4 autoantibody
      (AQP4-IgG) and human complement characterized by demyelination with minimal
      axonal damage. The FDA-approved drug clobetasol promoted differentiation in OPC
      cultures and remyelination in cerebellar slice cultures and in mice.
      Intraperitoneal administration of 2 mg/kg/day clobetasol reduced myelin loss by
      ~60 %, even when clobetasol was administered after demyelination occurred.
      Clobetasol increased the number of mature oligodendrocytes within lesions without
      significantly altering initial astrocyte damage or inflammation. These results
      provide proof-of-concept for the potential utility of a remyelinating approach in
      the treatment of NMO.

PMID- 27117476
TI  - Body composition, nutritional status, and endothelial function in physically
      active men without metabolic syndrome--a 25 year cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the relationship
      between body composition, metabolic parameters and endothelial function among
      physically active healthy middle-aged and older men. METHODS: Out of 101
      asymptomatic men prospectively tracked for traditional cardiovascular risk
      factors (mean observation period 25.1 years), 55 metabolically healthy
      individuals who maintained stable leisure time physical activity (LTPA) level
      throughout the observation and agreed to participate in the body composition
      assessment were recruited (mean age 60.3 +/- 9.9 years). Body composition and raw
      bioelectrical parameters were measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis
      (BIA). Microvascular endothelial function was evaluated by means of the reactive
      hyperemia index (RHI) using Endo-PAT2000 system. RESULTS: Strong correlations
      were observed between lifetime physical activity (PA), aerobic fitness and most
      of analyzed body composition parameters. The strongest inverse correlation was
      found for fat mass (p < 0.01) while positive relationship for fat-free mass (p <
      0.01), total body water (p < 0.05 for current aerobic capacity and p < 0.01 for
      historical PA), body cell mass (p < 0.001), muscle mass (p < 0.001), calcium and
      potassium (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 for current aerobic capacity and p < 0.001 and
      p < 0.01 for historical PA, respectively) and glycogen mass (p < 0.001). Among
      metabolic parameters, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and uric acid were significantly
      associated with most body composition indicators. Regarding endothelial function,
      a negative correlation was found for RHI and body mass (p < 0.05) while positive
      relationship for RHI and body cell mass (p < 0.05), calcium (p < 0.05) and
      potassium mass (p < 0.05). Impaired endothelial function was observed among 8
      subjects. Among bioelectrical parameters, impedance (Z) and resistance (R)
      normalized for subjects' height were negatively related with body mass, body mass
      index (BMI) and waist circumference (p < 0.001); while reactance (Xc) normalized
      for patients' height was negatively related with body mass (p < 0.05). The mean
      phase angle value was relatively high (8.83 +/- 1.22) what reflects a good level
      of cellularity and cell function. Phase angle was positively related with body
      mass and BMI (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both fat mass and muscle mass components
      are important predictors of metabolic profile. Maintaining regular high PA level
      and metabolically healthy status through young and middle adulthood may have
      beneficial influence on body composition parameters and may prevent age-related
      decrease of fat-free mass and endothelial dysfunction.

PMID- 27117477
TI  - NMDA receptors are selectively partitioned into complexes and supercomplexes
      during synapse maturation.
AB  - How neuronal proteomes self-organize is poorly understood because of their
      inherent molecular and cellular complexity. Here, focusing on mammalian synapses
      we use blue-native PAGE and 'gene-tagging' of GluN1 to report the first
      biochemical purification of endogenous NMDA receptors (NMDARs) directly from
      adult mouse brain. We show that NMDARs partition between two discrete populations
      of receptor complexes and ~1.5 MDa supercomplexes. We tested the assembly
      mechanism with six mouse mutants, which indicates a tripartite requirement of
      GluN2B, PSD93 and PSD95 gate the incorporation of receptors into ~1.5 MDa
      supercomplexes, independent of either canonical PDZ-ligands or GluN2A. Supporting
      the essential role of GluN2B, quantitative gene-tagging revealed a fourfold molar
      excess of GluN2B over GluN2A in adult forebrain. NMDAR supercomplexes are
      assembled late in postnatal development and triggered by synapse maturation
      involving epigenetic and activity-dependent mechanisms. Finally, screening the
      quaternary organization of 60 native proteins identified numerous discrete
      supercomplexes that populate the mammalian synapse.

PMID- 27117478
TI  - Terminalia Chebula provides protection against dual modes of necroptotic and
      apoptotic cell death upon death receptor ligation.
AB  - Death receptor (DR) ligation elicits two different modes of cell death
      (necroptosis and apoptosis) depending on the cellular context. By screening a
      plant extract library from cells undergoing necroptosis or apoptosis, we
      identified a water extract of Terminalia chebula (WETC) as a novel and potent
      dual inhibitor of DR-mediated cell death. Investigation of the underlying
      mechanisms of its anti-necroptotic and anti-apoptotic action revealed that WETC
      or its constituents (e.g., gallic acid) protected against tumor necrosis factor
      induced necroptosis via the suppression of TNF-induced ROS without affecting the
      upstream signaling events. Surprisingly, WETC also provided protection against DR
      mediated apoptosis by inhibition of the caspase cascade. Furthermore, it
      activated the autophagy pathway via suppression of mTOR. Of the WETC
      constituents, punicalagin and geraniin appeared to possess the most potent anti
      apoptotic and autophagy activation effect. Importantly, blockage of autophagy
      with pharmacological inhibitors or genetic silencing of Atg5 selectively
      abolished the anti-apoptotic function of WETC. These results suggest that WETC
      protects against dual modes of cell death upon DR ligation. Therefore, WETC might
      serve as a potential treatment for diseases characterized by aberrantly
      sensitized apoptotic or non-apoptotic signaling cascades.

PMID- 27117480
TI  - Knowledge on legislation of abortion and experience of abortion among female
      youth in Nepal: A cross sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abortion has been legal in Nepal since 2002 and the country has made
      striking progress in rolling out induced abortion services. It led to well-known
      changes in reproductive behavior, however knowledge about legislation and
      abortion experience by female youth has been least investigated. This paper is an
      attempt to examine knowledge about legislation of abortion and abortion
      experiences among female youth in Nepal. METHODS: This paper uses data from the
      Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2011). The analysis is confined to
      female youth aged 15-24 (n = 5050). Both bivariate and multivariate analyses have
      been performed to describe the knowledge about law and experience of abortion.
      The bivariate analysis (chi-square test) was applied to examine the association
      between dependent variables and female youth's demographic, socioeconomic, and
      cultural characteristics. Besides bivariate analysis, the net effect of each
      independent variable on the dependent variable after controlling for the effect
      of other predictors has also been measured through multivariate analysis
      (logistic regression). RESULTS: Only two-fifth (41%) female youth was aware of
      abortion legislation in the country. Knowledge on at least one condition of
      abortion law is even lower (21%). Less than two percent (1.5%) female youth
      reported that they ever had an abortion. The multivariate analysis found that the
      knowledge and experience of abortion varied with different settings. Youth aged
      20-24 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.3; 95% CI 1.7-5.0)], who have higher
      education (primary aOR = 1.89, ; 95% CI 1.5-2.5 secondary aOR = 4.6; 95% CI 3.7
      5.9), who were from rich households (aOR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.2-1.7), who had high
      autonomy (aOR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.02-1.64) were more likely to be aware compared to
      their counterparts about legislation of abortion. In the other hand, female from
      Dalit (aOR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.5-0.7 and Janajati aOR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.6-0.8) caste,
      who were married (aOR = 0.80; 95% CI 0.7-0.9), who were from Muslim (aOR = 0.54;
      95% CI 0.3-0.9) and who resided in Hill (aOR = 0.63 ; 95% CI 0.5-0.8) and
      Terai/plain area (aOR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.6-0.9) were less likely to be aware about
      the law. Similarly, female youth who have knowledge on abortion law (aOR = 2.8; ;
      95% CI 1.6-4.8), who have primary (aOR = 5.2; 95% CI 1.6-16.9) and secondary
      education (aOR = 3.8; 95% CI 1.2-12.8), married (aOR = 7.7; 95% CI 3.8-12.9), who
      had higher number of children ever born [1-2 children aOR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.6
      and 3 or more children aOR = 3.4; 95% CI 1.1-10.9), who were from rich households
      (aOR = 2.62 ;95% CI 1.3-5.4), who have high autonomy (aOR = 3.0; 95% CI 1.6-5.8),
      who had experienced sexual violence (aOR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.1-8.7) were more likely
      to undergone abortion compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about
      legislation of abortion and conditions of abortion law is low among female youth.
      Awareness program should target these youth as they are more likely to be
      sexually active. There is a need of comprehensive education about abortion to
      these youth which can help eventually reduce unsafe abortion that take a large
      toll on women's life.

PMID- 27117479
TI  - Impact of a well-developed primary care system on the length of stay in emergency
      departments in the Netherlands: a multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Netherlands has a well-developed primary care system, which
      increasingly collaborates with hospital emergency departments (EDs). In this
      setting, insight into crowding in EDs is limited. This study explored links
      between patients' ED Length of Stay (LOS) and their care pathways. METHODS:
      Observational multicenter study of 7000 ED patient records from 1 February 2013.
      Seven EDs spread over the Netherlands, representing overall Dutch EDs, were
      included. This included three EDs with and four EDs without an integrated primary
      care-physician (PCP) cooperative, forming one Emergency Care Access Point (ECAP).
      The main outcome was LOS of patients comparing different care pathways (origin
      and destination of ED attenders). RESULTS: The median LOS of ED attenders was
      130.0 min (IQR 79.0-140.0), which increased with patients' age. Random
      coefficient regression analysis showed that LOS for patients referred by medical
      professionals was 32.9 min longer compared to self-referred patients (95% CI 27.7
      38.2 min). LOS for patients admitted to hospital was 41.2 min longer compared to
      patients followed-up at the outpatient clinic (95% CI 35.3-46.6 min), 49.9 min
      longer compared to patients followed-up at the PCP (95% CI 41.5-58.3 min) and
      44.6 min longer compared to patients who did not receive follow-up (95% CI 38.3
      51.0 min). There was no difference in LOS between hospitals with or without an
      ECAP. CONCLUSIONS: With 130 min, the median LOS in Dutch EDs is relatively short,
      comparing to other Western countries, which ranges from 176 to 480 min. Although
      integration of EDs with out-of-hours primary care was not related to LOS, the
      strong primary care system probably contributed to the overall short LOS of ED
      patients in the Netherlands.

PMID- 27117481
TI  - A qualitative exploration of health workers' and clients' perceptions of barriers
      to completing four antenatal care visits in Morogoro Region, Tanzania.
AB  - Antenatal care (ANC) remains an important contact point on the continuum of care
      for mothers and children in low- and middle-income countries. In Tanzania, the
      proportion of pregnant women completing at least four ANC visits (ANC-4) dropped
      from 70% to 43% between 1999 and 2010. To identify potential causes of the
      decline in the number of ANC visits, we conducted qualitative research at 18
      health centres in Morogoro Region, exploring providers' communication about ANC
      visits and clients' and providers' perceptions of changes in ANC services and
      barriers to completing four visits. We also observed counselling messages
      delivered during 203 ANC consultations. Our results indicate that provider
      communication about ANC visit recommendations is inadequate, and confusion exists
      among clients about when and how often they should attend. Participants
      highlighted how the scale up of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission, with
      routine human immunodeficiency virus testing for women and their male partners,
      presents additional barriers for some women. Changes to the timing and content of
      ANC services following the adoption of the Focused ANC model was described by
      participants as changing women's perceptions and decisions in how they utilize
      ANC services. In particular, condensed delivery of technical interventions
      fostered a sense among clients that multiple visits are unnecessary. Other
      barriers that may contribute to declining ANC-4 include changing norms about
      family planning and birth spacing, out-of-pocket costs for clients and informal
      practices adopted by health facilities and providers such as turning women away
      who attend early in pregnancy or are not accompanied by male partners. Further
      research is needed to determine the role and extent that these barriers may be
      contributing to declining ANC-4. Issues of poor communication, supply
      inadequacies and informal practices, deserve immediate attention from the health
      system. 

PMID- 27117482
TI  - How to do (or not to do)... gender analysis in health systems research.
AB  - Gender-the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes that
      a given society considers appropriate for males, females and other genders
      affects how people live, work and relate to each other at all levels, including
      in relation to the health system. Health systems research (HSR) aims to inform
      more strategic, effective and equitable health systems interventions, programs
      and policies; and the inclusion of gender analysis into HSR is a core part of
      that endeavour. We outline what gender analysis is and how gender analysis can be
      incorporated into HSR content, process and outcomes Starting with HSR content,
      i.e. the substantive focus of HSR, we recommend exploring whether and how gender
      power relations affect females and males in health systems through the use of sex
      disaggregated data, gender frameworks and questions. Sex disaggregation flags
      female-male differences or similarities that warrant further analysis; and
      further analysis is guided by gender frameworks and questions to understand how
      gender power relations are constituted and negotiated in health systems. Critical
      aspects of understanding gender power relations include examining who has what
      (access to resources); who does what (the division of labour and everyday
      practices); how values are defined (social norms) and who decides (rules and
      decision-making). Secondly, we examine gender in HSR process by reflecting on how
      the research process itself is imbued with power relations. We focus on data
      collection and analysis by reviewing who participates as respondents; when data
      is collected and where; who is present; who collects data and who analyses data.
      Thirdly, we consider gender and HSR outcomes by considering who is empowered and
      disempowered as a result of HSR, including the extent to which HSR outcomes
      progressively transform gender power relations in health systems, or at least do
      not further exacerbate them. 

PMID- 27117483
TI  - Does distrust in providers affect health-care utilization in China?
AB  - How trust affects health-care utilization is not well-understood, especially in
      low- and middle-income countries. This article focuses on China, a middle-income
      country where low trust in health-care settings has become a prominent issue, but
      actual levels of distrust and their implications for utilization are unknown. We
      conducted a nationally representative survey of the Chinese population (November
      2012 to January 2013), which resulted in a sample of 3680 adult men and women.
      Respondents rated their trust in different types of health-care providers. Using
      multivariate logistic and negative binomial regression models, we estimated the
      association between distrust in clinics and respondents' hospital visits in the
      last year; whether they had sought hospital treatment first for two common
      symptoms (headache, cold) in the last 2 months; and whether they said they would
      go first to a hospital if they had a minor or major illness. We analysed these
      associations before and after adjusting for performance evaluations of clinics
      and hospitals, controlling for sex, age, education, income, insurance status,
      household registration and self-assessed health. We found that distrust in
      hospitals is low, but distrust in clinics is high and strongly associated with
      increased hospital utilization, especially for minor symptoms and illnesses.
      Further research is needed to understand the reasons for distrust in clinics
      because its effects are not fully accounted for by poor evaluations of their
      competence. 

PMID- 27117484
TI  - Anti-biofilm activity of the metabolites of Streptomyces chrestomyceticus strain
      ADP4 against Candida albicans.
AB  - Candida albicans is a commensal but a significant opportunistic pathogen. It
      forms biofilms, which protect them against anti-Candida compounds. Therefore, an
      agent capable of disrupting the Candida biofilms will be useful in the treatment
      of such infections. The metabolites of Streptomyces chrestomyceticus strain ADP4
      displayed strong anti-Candida activity, hence were investigated further for their
      ability to inhibit biofilm. Strong inhibition of biofilms produced by several
      reference strains of C. albicans was observed with BIC90 values ranging from 4 to
      8 MUg/mL. The anti-biofilm activity of ADP4 metabolites appeared to involve
      membrane disruption and leakage of cellular materials. Also, it effectively
      inhibited Candida cells from adhering to polystyrene surface and inhibited their
      conversion to the hyphal state, thereby preventing further development of the
      biofilm by the adherent cells. This is the first such report on the metabolites
      produced by any strain of S. chrestomyceticus. 

PMID- 27117485
TI  - A framework for visual communication at Nature.
AB  - The scientific journal Nature, published weekly since 1869, serves as an
      excellent case study in visual communication. While journals are becoming
      increasingly specialist, Nature remains firmly multidisciplinary; and unlike many
      scientific journals, it contains original journalism, opinion pieces, and expert
      analysis in addition to peer-reviewed research papers. This variety of content
      types-covering an extensive range of scientific disciplines-translates into a
      wide and varied audience, and the need to employ an equally wide variety of
      communication styles. For example, a research paper may employ technical language
      to communicate to a highly specialized audience in that field, whereas a news
      story on the same subject will explain the science to an educated lay audience,
      often adding a wider context and stripping out acronyms. Each type of piece will
      use a communication approach tailored for its intended audience. This is true for
      visual content as well: the intended audience of a scientific figure,
      illustration or data visualization will determine the design approach to that
      visual. At Nature, given the high volume of content plus high quality standards,
      this process is applied in a fairly systematic way, using a framework to guide
      creative decision-making. That framework is described here, along with a
      discussion of best practices for the design of research figures and graphics by
      context.

PMID- 27117486
TI  - Taking climate change seriously: An analysis of op-ed articles in Spanish press.
AB  - In this article, we study the evolution of opinion genres regarding climate
      change in three Spanish newspapers ( El Pais, El Mundo, and ABC). Analyzing the
      op-ed articles in these newspapers, we observe a significant change in the
      evolution of opinion. While denialism was very present in conservative press in
      2007, 7 years later it is almost absent from El Mundo, and its presence in ABC is
      much lower and inactive: this shows that scientific consensus has prevailed over
      time and Spanish denialism has weakened, exclusively supported by political
      arguments by the most conservative parties.

PMID- 27117487
TI  - A cross-cultural comparison of high school students' responses to a science
      centre show on the physics of sound in South Africa.
AB  - We report on the attitudes and ideas developed by students from three distinct
      school groups to a science show about sound. We addressed two research questions:
      (1) How do the students compare with respect to their (a) attitudes to the sound
      show and to science in general and (b) changes in conceptual understanding as a
      result of the show and (2) what changes could be made to the show, and to science
      shows in general, that would be sensitive to the cultural and language
      differences of the groups? These were addressed by multiple-choice, pre- and post
      tests comprising both attitudinal and conceptual questions. Our results pointed
      to a common enjoyment of the show but a different understanding of concepts and
      consequent learning, which suggest that science shows (and science teaching) need
      to be adjusted to accommodate different cultural groups for maximum impact.

PMID- 27117488
TI  - Gender and support for expert advisers and elected officials in the US public
      sphere.
AB  - This article uses data from the US General Social Survey to examine the
      relationship between gender and support for different forms of cultural
      authority. An analysis of public attitudes about expert advisers and elected
      officials involved in policy decisions related to science reveals that women
      assign more influence than men to experts in decisions about global warming and
      stem cell research but not genetically modified food. In contrast, men assign
      more influence than women to elected leaders across policy domains. Importantly,
      gender differences in support for expert advisers and elected leaders are
      independent of variation in more general attitudes about science and politics.
      Overall, this article suggests that there are underlying differences in men's and
      women's attitudes about cultural authority and it highlights the importance of
      gender in understanding the political legitimacy of scientists in the United
      States.

PMID- 27117489
TI  - Which question do polls about evolution and belief really ask, and why does it
      matter?
AB  - Data from studies conducted to determine acceptance rates for evolution are often
      misleading. The questions that are asked and compared to one another do not
      always give an authentic picture of respondents' views. Quite often, polls, such
      as those by IPSOS, Gallup, and PEW, also run together questions asking
      respondents' beliefs in concepts like God with questions asking respondents'
      beliefs about concepts like evolution. The two are distinct and should not be
      confused. One might believe in evolution while having wrong beliefs about it,
      whereas someone else might decide not to believe in evolution while having
      accurate beliefs about it. Distinguishing between " belief in" and " belief
      about" might help remove an unrecognized confounding element from these studies.

PMID- 27117490
TI  - Pyridine Based Antitumour Compounds Acting at the Colchicine Site.
AB  - Antimitotics binding at the colchicine site of tubulin are important antitumour
      and vascular disrupting agents. Pyridines and azines are privileged scaffolds in
      medicinal chemistry and in recent years many colchicine site ligands (CSL) have
      incorporated them into their structures with the aim of improving their
      pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties. CSL have been classified
      according to their chemical structures and the chemical structures of the
      pyridine and azine containing antimitotic compounds are described. The designed
      principles behind the structural modifications and the achieved effect on the
      biological activity upon inclusion of these heterocycles are also discussed.
      Lessons from the achievements and failures have been extracted and future
      perspectives delineated. 

PMID- 27117491
TI  - First study of fossil rodent middens as source of paleoparasitological evidences
      (northwestern Patagonia, Argentina).

PMID- 27117492
TI  - Two novel bi-functional hybrid materials constructed from POMs and a Schiff base
      with excellent third-order NLO and catalytic properties.
AB  - The first polyoxometalates modified by a porphyrin-resembling planar Schiff base
      have been successfully designed and synthesized under hydrothermal conditions.
      The third-order NLO responses indicated that they are excellent third-order NLO
      materials. Their catalytic performances are also investigated.

PMID- 27117493
TI  - Severe, reversible nelarabine-induced neuropathy and myelopathy.

PMID- 27117494
TI  - Chronic cerebrovascular dysfunction after traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often involve vascular dysfunction that leads to
      long-term alterations in physiological and cognitive functions of the brain.
      Indeed, all the cells that form blood vessels and that are involved in
      maintaining their proper function can be altered by TBI. This Review focuses on
      the different types of cerebrovascular dysfunction that occur after TBI,
      including cerebral blood flow alterations, autoregulation impairments,
      subarachnoid hemorrhage, vasospasms, blood-brain barrier disruption, and edema
      formation. We also discuss the mechanisms that mediate these dysfunctions,
      focusing on the cellular components of cerebral blood vessels (endothelial cells,
      smooth muscle cells, astrocytes, pericytes, perivascular nerves) and their known
      and potential roles in the secondary injury cascade. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27117496
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27117495
TI  - A framework for in vitro systems toxicology assessment of e-liquids.
AB  - Various electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), of which electronic
      cigarettes (e-cigs) are the most recognized prototype, have been quickly gaining
      ground on conventional cigarettes because they are perceived as less harmful.
      Research assessing the potential effects of ENDS exposure in humans is currently
      limited and inconclusive. New products are emerging with numerous variations in
      designs and performance parameters within and across brands. Acknowledging these
      challenges, we present here a proposed framework for an in vitro systems
      toxicology assessment of e-liquids and their aerosols, intended to complement the
      battery of assays for standard toxicity assessments. The proposed framework
      utilizes high-throughput toxicity assessments of e-liquids and their aerosols, in
      which the device-to-device variability is minimized, and a systems-level
      investigation of the cellular mechanisms of toxicity is an integral part. An
      analytical chemistry investigation is also included as a part of the framework to
      provide accurate and reliable chemistry data solidifying the toxicological
      assessment. In its simplest form, the framework comprises of three main layers:
      (1) high-throughput toxicity screening of e-liquids using primary human cell
      culture systems; (2) toxicity-related mechanistic assessment of selected e
      liquids, and (3) toxicity-related mechanistic assessment of their aerosols using
      organotypic air-liquid interface airway culture systems. A systems toxicology
      assessment approach is leveraged to enable in-depth analyses of the toxicity
      related cellular mechanisms of e-liquids and their aerosols. We present example
      use cases to demonstrate the suitability of the framework for a robust in vitro
      assessment of e-liquids and their aerosols. 

PMID- 27117497
TI  - Protein environmental effects on iron-sulfur clusters: A set of rules for
      constructing computational models for inner and outer coordination spheres.
AB  - The structural properties and reactivity of iron-sulfur proteins are greatly
      affected by interactions between the prosthetic groups and the surrounding amino
      acid residues. Thus, quantum chemical investigations of the structure and
      properties of protein-bound iron-sulfur clusters can be severely limited by
      truncation of computational models. The aim of this study was to identify, a
      priori, significant interactions that must be included in a quantum chemical
      model. Using the [2Fe-2S] accessory cluster of the FeFe-hydrogenase as a
      demonstrative example with rich electronic structural features, the electrostatic
      and covalent effects of the surrounding side chains, charged groups, and backbone
      moieties were systematically mapped through density functional theoretical
      calculations. Electron affinities, spin density differences, and delocalization
      indexes from the quantum theory of atoms in molecules were used to evaluate the
      importance of each interaction. Case studies for hydrogen bonding and charged
      side-chain interactions were used to develop selection rules regarding the
      significance of a given protein environmental effect. A set of general rules is
      proposed for constructing quantum chemical models for iron-sulfur active sites
      that capture all significant interactions from the protein environment. This
      methodology was applied to our previously used models in galactose oxidase and
      the 6Fe-cluster of FeFe-hydrogenase. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27117498
TI  - An analysis of tumor control probability of stereotactic body radiation therapy
      for lung cancer with a regrowth model.
AB  - We report a modeling study of tumor response after stereotactic body radiation
      therapy (SBRT) for early-stage non-small-cell lung carcinoma using published
      clinical data with a regrowth model. A linear-quadratic inspired regrowth model
      was proposed to analyze the tumor control probability (TCP) based on a series of
      published data of SBRT, in which a tumor is controlled for an individual patient
      if number of tumor cells is smaller than a critical value K cr. The regrowth
      model contains radiobiological parameters such as alpha, alpha/beta the potential
      doubling time T p. This model also takes into account the heterogeneity of tumors
      and tumor regrowth after radiation treatment. The model was first used to fit TCP
      data from a single institution. The extracted fitting parameters were then used
      to predict the TCP data from another institution with a similar dose
      fractionation scheme. Finally, the model was used to fit the pooled TCP data
      selected from 48 publications available in the literature at the time when this
      manuscript was written. Excellent agreement between model predictions and single
      institution data was found and the extracted radiobiological parameters were
      alpha  =  0.010  +/-  0.001 Gy(-1), alpha /beta  =  21.5  +/-  1.0 Gy and T p  = 
      133.4  +/-  7.6 d. These parameters were alpha  =  0.072  +/-  0.006 Gy(-1),
      alpha/beta  =  15.9  +/-  1.0 Gy and T p  =  85.6  +/-  24.7 d when extracted
      from multi-institution data. This study shows that TCP saturates at a BED of
      around 120 Gy. A few new dose-fractionation schemes were proposed based on the
      extracted model parameters from multi-institution data. It is found that the
      regrowth model with an alpha/beta around 16 Gy can be used to predict the dose
      response of lung tumors treated with SBRT. The extracted radiobiological
      parameters may be useful for comparing clinical outcome data of various SBRT
      trials and for designing new treatment regimens.

PMID- 27117499
TI  - Re: Letter to the Editor in response to 'How much excess body weight, blood
      sugar, or age can double the risk of hypertension'?

PMID- 27117500
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors of child neglect in the general population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Child neglect is a major public health problem. It is the most
      frequently reported and substantiated form of maltreatment in youth protective
      services, and its effects are the most harmful to children. Yet, very few studies
      have documented its extent and risk factors in the general population. This study
      aims at documenting the annual prevalence and risk factors of child-neglect
      behaviours in the general population according to child age and parental gender.
      STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional population survey. METHODS: A sample consisting of
      3298 mothers and 1104 fathers of children between six months and 15 years old
      responded to a telephone survey. The prevalence of neglect was documented using
      the short version of the Parent-Report Multidimensional Neglectful Behaviour
      Scale for three child-age categories. RESULTS: Annual prevalence rates vary
      between 20.6% (95% CI 18.2-23.1) and 29.4% (95% CI 26.6-32.4) depending on the
      children's age. Although statements do not vary by parent gender, the factors
      associated with neglect depend on whether they are reported by the mother or the
      father. Mothers present more mental health problems, while fathers struggle more
      commonly with difficulties related to their life context. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring
      neglect in the population presents numerous challenges. Nonetheless, this study
      made it possible to document the extent of neglectful behaviours in the general
      population. The results confirm that the risk factors related to neglectful
      behaviours are similar to those documented in studies concerning situations of
      neglect reported to the authorities. Other studies are needed to better
      understand how this phenomenon is manifested in the population.

PMID- 27117501
TI  - Failure of NIMV and operator factor: when making things work, sometimes it is
      hard.

PMID- 27117503
TI  - Benefits of Zubex beyond glycemic control: Evidence of the antiatherogenic
      effect.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of Zubex (aqueous extract of Curcuma longa
      linn, Iron murakab, Eugenia jambolana, Lin seed or flflax seed, processed egg
      shell calcium and Asphaltum) on plasma sialic acid (PSA) along with
      cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
      METHODS: Thirty male albino rats were divided into groups (1-6) with 5 rats in
      each group. Group 1 and 2 served as normal control (NC) and diabetic control
      (DC), respectively, and were given normal saline only. Groups 3-5 were given
      Zubex in different doses 100-400 mg/(kg day). Group 6 received glibenclamide 600
      MUg/(kg day) orally as a reference drug. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and PSA
      levels were determined at baseline after every 2 weeks for 10 weeks. The other
      parameters including blood lipids and hepatic enzymes were determined at baseline
      and at the end of the study. Finally, the liver was subjected to histological
      examination. RESULTS: Compared with DC group, Zubex treated groups showed
      signifificant decline in FPG levels (P<0.05). At the endpoint, the decrease in
      PSA concentration was significant (P<0.05) from baseline at the doses of 200 and
      400 mg/(kg day) only and insignifificant at the dose of 100 mg/ (kg day).
      Statistically signifificant improvements were observed in blood lipids at the
      doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg (P<0.05) compared with DC; but, the improvement was
      insignifificant in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol and high density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol at the dose of 100 mg/ (kg day). Signifificant decreases
      were also found in hepatic enzyme levels at all the doses of Zubex (P<0.05).
      Histological examination showed marked improvement in streptozotocin induced
      liver injury after treatment of all the 3 doses of Zubex. CONCLUSION: Zubex could
      ameliorate PSA and other diabetic complications effectively and may be a useful
      alternative/adjuvant in diabetes treatment.

PMID- 27117502
TI  - A single active catalytic site is sufficient to promote transport in P
      glycoprotein.
AB  - P-glycoprotein (Pgp) is an ABC transporter responsible for the ATP-dependent
      efflux of chemotherapeutic compounds from multidrug resistant cancer cells.
      Better understanding of the molecular mechanism of Pgp-mediated transport could
      promote rational drug design to circumvent multidrug resistance. By measuring
      drug binding affinity and reactivity to a conformation-sensitive antibody we show
      here that nucleotide binding drives Pgp from a high to a low substrate-affinity
      state and this switch coincides with the flip from the inward- to the outward
      facing conformation. Furthermore, the outward-facing conformation survives ATP
      hydrolysis: the post-hydrolytic complex is stabilized by vanadate, and the slow
      recovery from this state requires two functional catalytic sites. The
      catalytically inactive double Walker A mutant is stabilized in a high substrate
      affinity inward-open conformation, but mutants with one intact catalytic center
      preserve their ability to hydrolyze ATP and to promote drug transport, suggesting
      that the two catalytic sites are randomly recruited for ATP hydrolysis.

PMID- 27117504
TI  - Secretory pathway retention of mutant prion protein induces p38-MAPK activation
      and lethal disease in mice.
AB  - Misfolding of proteins in the biosynthetic pathway in neurons may cause disturbed
      protein homeostasis and neurodegeneration. The prion protein (PrP(C)) is a GPI
      anchored protein that resides at the plasma membrane and may be misfolded to
      PrP(Sc) leading to prion diseases. We show that a deletion in the C-terminal
      domain of PrP(C) (PrPDelta214-229) leads to partial retention in the secretory
      pathway causing a fatal neurodegenerative disease in mice that is partially
      rescued by co-expression of PrP(C). Transgenic (Tg(PrPDelta214-229)) mice show
      extensive neuronal loss in hippocampus and cerebellum and activation of p38-MAPK.
      In cell culture under stress conditions, PrPDelta214-229 accumulates in the Golgi
      apparatus possibly representing transit to the Rapid ER Stress-induced ExporT
      (RESET) pathway together with p38-MAPK activation. Here we describe a novel
      pathway linking retention of a GPI-anchored protein in the early secretory
      pathway to p38-MAPK activation and a neurodegenerative phenotype in transgenic
      mice.

PMID- 27117505
TI  - UK FASHIoN: feasibility study of a randomised controlled trial of arthroscopic
      surgery for hip impingement compared with best conservative care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a syndrome of hip or groin pain
      associated with shape abnormalities of the hip joint. Treatments include
      arthroscopic surgery and conservative care. This study explored the feasibility
      of a randomised controlled trial to compare these treatments. OBJECTIVES: The
      objectives of this study were to estimate the number of patients available for a
      full randomised controlled trial (RCT); to explore clinician and patient
      willingness to participate in such a RCT; to develop consensus on eligibility
      criteria, surgical and best conservative care protocols; to examine possible
      outcome measures and estimate the sample size for a full RCT; and to develop
      trial procedures and estimate recruitment and follow-up rates. METHODS: Pre-pilot
      work: we surveyed all UK NHS hospital trusts (n = 197) to identify all FAI
      surgeons and to estimate how much arthroscopic FAI surgery they performed. We
      interviewed a purposive sample of 18 patients, 36 physiotherapists, 18 surgeons
      and two sports physicians to explore attitudes towards a RCT and used consensus
      building methods among them to develop treatment protocols and patient
      information. Pilot RCT: we performed a pilot RCT in 10 hospital trusts. Patients
      were randomised to receive either hip arthroscopy or best conservative care and
      then followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months using patient-reported questionnaires for
      hip pain and function, activity level, quality of life, and a resource-use
      questionnaire. Qualitative recruitment intervention: we performed semistructured
      interviews with all researchers and clinicians involved in the pilot RCT in eight
      hospital trusts and recorded and analysed diagnostic and recruitment
      consultations with eligible patients. RESULTS: We identified 120 surgeons who
      reported treating at least 1908 patients with FAI by hip arthroscopy in the NHS
      in the financial year 2011/12. There were 34 hospital trusts that performed >= 20
      arthroscopic FAI operations in the year. We found that clinicians were positive
      about a RCT: only half reported equipoise, but most said that they would be
      prepared to randomise patients. Patients strongly supported a RCT, but expressed
      concerns about its design; these were used to develop patient information for the
      pilot RCT. We developed a surgical protocol and showed that this could be used in
      a RCT. We developed a physiotherapy-led exercise-based package of best
      conservative care called 'personalised hip therapy' and showed that this was
      practicable. In the pilot RCT, we recruited 42 out of 60 eligible patients (70%)
      across nine sites. The mean duration and recruitment rate across all sites were
      4.5 months and one patient per site per month, respectively. The lead site
      recruited for the longest period (9.3 months) and accrued the largest number of
      patients (2.1 patients per month). We recorded and analysed 84 diagnostic and
      recruitment consultations in 60 patients and used these to develop a model for an
      optimal recruitment consultation. We identified the International Hip Outcome
      Tool at 12 months as an appropriate outcome measure and estimated the sample size
      for a full trial as 344 participants: a number that could be recruited in 25
      centres over 18 months. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that it is feasible to
      perform a RCT to establish the clinical effectiveness of hip arthroscopy compared
      with best conservative care for FAI. We have designed a full trial and developed
      and tested procedures for it, including an innovative approach to recruitment. We
      propose that a full trial be implemented. FUNDING: The National Institute for
      Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

PMID- 27117506
TI  - The role of dendritic cells in immune regulation of nasal polyps.
AB  - Nasal polyps (NPs) are caused by a variety of immune cells and inflammatory
      cells. However, as the most potent antigen-presenting cells in the immune system,
      the role of dendritic cells (DCs) in NPs is still unclear. In the present
      research, we studied the role of DCs in immune regulation of NPs. Thirty patients
      with NPs, who served as the experimental group, received systemic and local
      glucocorticoids for 4-7 d, and specimens were collected prior to hormone
      treatment and during surgery. Normal middle turbinate mucosa tissues from 18
      patients who underwent nasal septum surgery were collected as controls. The
      expression levels of CD83, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-4
      (IL-4) and eosinophils (EOS) in NP tissues before and after glucocorticoid
      therapy and in control middle turbinate mucosa tissues were studied. After
      glucocorticoid therapy, the expression levels of CD83, TNF-alpha, IL-4 and EOS
      decreased significantly. In addition, the expression of IL-4 was lower than that
      of TNF-alpha, reversing the Th2 cytokine-dominant condition. CD83 and EOS showed
      a positive correlation. DCs participated in the development and progression of
      NPs and could promote the generation of Th2 cytokines. After interference by
      glucocorticoid therapy, DCs could inhibit the expression of Th2 cytokines and
      induce secretion of Th1 cytokines. DCs and EOS thus might both play roles in
      promoting the development and progression of NPs, but the underlying mechanism
      requires further study.

PMID- 27117507
TI  - Boron-doped diamond oxidation of amoxicillin pharmaceutical formulation:
      Statistical evaluation of operating parameters, reaction pathways and
      antibacterial activity.
AB  - The electrochemical oxidation of a commercial amoxicillin formulation over a
      boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode was investigated. The effect of initial COD
      concentration (1-2 g/L), current density (30-50 mA/cm2), treatment time (15-90
      min), initial pH (3-9) and electrolyte concentration (2-4 g/L NaCl) on COD
      removal was assessed through a factorial design methodology. For the range of
      conditions in question, the first three single effects, as well as the
      interaction between COD and time were the most important ones in terms of mass of
      COD removed. Liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS)
      was employed to identify major transformation by-products (TBPs); thirteen
      compounds were detected as TBPs of AMX electrochemical degradation, while several
      others appear in the original formulation. AMX degradation occurs though the
      following pathways: (i) hydroxylation mainly in the benzoic ring, (ii) opening of
      beta-lactam ring followed by decarboxylation, hydroxylation and re-arrangement,
      and (iii) bond cleavage between the carbons of amino and amide groups.
      Furthermore, the process is accompanied by the release of several ions, i.e.
      nitrate, sulfate and ammonium. The antibiotic activity of AMX up to 1000 mg/L was
      tested against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis reference strains;
      both bacteria are completely inactivated at this concentration but the activity
      is reduced substantially at lower concentrations. Oxidized samples still exhibit
      some antibacterial activity (50-60%) which is due to TBPs and active chlorine
      species present in the liquid phase. The latter are generated from chloride ions
      and enhance considerably AMX degradation rates.

PMID- 27117508
TI  - Bioavailability and risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in garden
      edible vegetables and soils around a highly contaminated former mining area in
      Germany.
AB  - Although soil contamination by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Europe has a
      history of many centuries, related problems are often considered as having been
      dealt with due to the enforcement of tight legislations. However, there are many
      unsolved issues. We aimed to assess PTE levels in highly contaminated soils and
      in garden edible vegetables using human health risk indices in order to evaluate
      the availability and mobilization of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn),
      mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). In four gardens in Germany, situated on,
      or in the vicinity of, a mine dump area, we planted beans (Phaseolus vulgaris
      ssp. nanus), carrots (Daucus sativus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa ssp. capitata).
      We examined soil-to-plant mobilization of elements using transfer coefficient
      (TC), as well as soil contamination using contamination factor (CF), enrichment
      factor (EF), and bioaccumulation index (Igeo). In addition, we tested two human
      health risk assessment indices: Soil-induced hazard quotient (HQS) (representing
      the "direct soil ingestion" pathway), and vegetable-induced hazard quotient (HQV)
      (representing the "vegetable intake" pathway). The studied elements were highly
      elevated in the soils. The values in garden 2 were especially high (e.g., Pb:
      13789.0 and Hg: 36.8 mg kg-1) and largely exceeded the reported regulation limits
      of 50 (for As), 40 (Cu), 400 (Pb), 150 (Zn), and 5 (Hg) mg kg-1. Similarly,
      element concentrations were very high in the grown vegetables. The indices of CF,
      EF and Igeo were enhanced even to levels that are rarely reported in the
      literature. Specifically, garden 2 indicated severe contamination due to multi
      element deposition. The contribution of each PTE to the total of measured HQS
      revealed that Pb was the single most important element causing health risk
      (contributing up to 77% to total HQS). Lead also posed the highest risk
      concerning vegetable consumption, contributing up to 77% to total HQV. The
      presence of lead in both cases was followed by that of As, Mn and Hg. We conclude
      that in multi-element contamination cases, along with high-toxicity elements
      (here, Pb, As and Hg) other elements may also be responsible for increasing human
      health risks (i.e., Mn), due to the possibility of adverse synergism of the PTEs.

PMID- 27117509
TI  - Management of obesity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in primary care.
AB  - AIMS: Obesity and being overweight is the most powerful risk factor accounting
      for 80-90% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The epidemic of
      obesity is driving the diabetes epidemic to alarming levels and primary care is
      becoming an important setting for obesity management in T2DM in India. Yet many
      primary care providers feel ill-equipped or inadequately supported to address
      obesity in patients with diabetes. This article reviews the most recent and
      strongest evidence-based strategies that may aid physicians in management of
      obesity in patients with T2DM in primary care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic
      literature search of MEDLINE using the search terms Obesity, Obesity in T2DM,
      weight loss and Primary Care was conducted. The American Diabetes Association,
      National Institute for Health, National Institute of Health and Excellence
      (NICE), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and World Health
      Organization websites were also searched. Most studies in this area are
      observational in design with few randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Articles
      and studies involving meta-analysis or RCTs were preferred over other types.
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Effective weight management treatment in T2DM patient can
      be implemented in the primary care setting. Evidence based individualized
      lifestyle and pharmacologic measures supported by behavioral intervention and
      counseling with appropriate and informed surgical referrals has the potential to
      improve the success of weight management within primary care.

PMID- 27117510
TI  - Regulatory T Cells in Infections: Getting It Just Right.

PMID- 27117511
TI  - In Situ Detection of Regulatory T Cells in Human Genital Herpes Simplex Virus
      Type 2 (HSV-2) Reactivation and Their Influence on Spontaneous HSV-2
      Reactivation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) reactivation is accompanied by a
      sustained influx of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells that persist in genital tissue for
      extended periods. While CD4(+) T cells have long been recognized as being present
      in herpetic ulcerations, their role in subclinical reactivation and persistence
      is less well known, especially the role of CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs).
      METHODS: We characterized the Treg (CD4(+)Foxp3(+)) population during human HSV-2
      reactivation in situ in sequential genital skin biopsy specimens obtained from
      HSV-2-seropositive subjects at the time of lesion onset up to 8 weeks after
      healing. RESULTS: High numbers of Tregs infiltrated to the site of viral
      reactivation and persisted in proximity to conventional CD4(+) T cells (Tconvs)
      and CD8(+) T cells. Treg density peaked during the lesion stage of the
      reactivation. The number of Tregs from all time points (lesion, healed, 2 weeks
      after healing, 4 weeks after healing, and 8 weeks after healing) was
      significantly higher than in control biopsy specimens from unaffected skin. There
      was a direct correlation between HSV-2 titer and Treg density. CONCLUSIONS: The
      association of a high Treg to Tconv ratio with high viral shedding suggests that
      the balance between regulatory and effector T cells influences human HSV-2
      disease.

PMID- 27117512
TI  - The Oxygen quantum yield in diverse algae and cyanobacteria is controlled by
      partitioning of flux between linear and cyclic electron flow within photosystem
      II.
AB  - We have measured flash-induced oxygen quantum yields (O2-QYs) and primary charge
      separation (Chl variable fluorescence yield, Fv/Fm) in vivo among
      phylogenetically diverse microalgae and cyanobacteria. Higher O2-QYs can be
      attained in cells by releasing constraints on charge transfer at the Photosystem
      II (PSII) acceptor side by adding membrane-permeable benzoquinone (BQ)
      derivatives that oxidize plastosemiquinone QB(-) and QBH2. This method allows
      uncoupling PSII turnover from its natural regulation in living cells, without
      artifacts of isolating PSII complexes. This approach reveals different extents of
      regulation across species, controlled at the QB(-) acceptor site. Arthrospira
      maxima is confirmed as the most efficient PSII-WOC (water oxidizing complex) and
      exhibits the least regulation of flux. Thermosynechococcus elongatus exhibits an
      O2-QY of 30%, suggesting strong downregulation. WOC cycle simulations with the
      most accurate model (VZAD) show that a light-driven backward transition (net
      addition of an electron to the WOC, distinct from recombination) occurs in up to
      25% of native PSIIs in the S2 and S3 states, while adding BQ prevents backward
      transitions and increases the lifetime of S2 and S3 by 10-fold. Backward
      transitions occur in PSIIs that have plastosemiquinone radicals in the QB site
      and are postulated to be physiologically regulated pathways for storing light
      energy as proton gradient through direct PSII-cyclic electron flow (PSII-CEF).
      PSII-CEF is independent of classical PSI/cyt-b6f-CEF and provides an alternative
      proton translocation pathway for energy conversion. PSII-CEF enables variable
      fluxes between linear and cyclic electron pathways, thus accommodating species
      dependent needs for redox and ion-gradient energy sources powered by a single
      photosystem.

PMID- 27117513
TI  - Role of IGF Binding Proteins in Regulating Metabolism.
AB  - Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) circulate in extracellular fluids bound to a
      family of binding proteins. Although they function in a classical manner to limit
      the access of the IGFs to their receptors they also have a multiplicity of
      actions that are independent of this property; they bind to their own receptors
      or are transported to intracellular and intranuclear sites to influence cellular
      functions that may directly or indirectly modify IGF actions. The availability of
      genetically modified animals has helped to determine their functions in a
      physiological context. These results show that many of their actions are cell
      type- and context-specific, and have led to a broader understanding of how these
      proteins function coordinately with IGF-I and -II to regulate growth and
      metabolism.

PMID- 27117514
TI  - Emergence of fluoroquinolone-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in blood
      isolates causing bacteremia: molecular epidemiology and microbiologic
      characteristics.
AB  - Among 127 Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates causing bacteremia, 41 (32.3%)
      were nonsusceptible to levofloxacin, in which four sequence types and 24 diverse
      allelic profiles were detected. The most prevalent ST was ST77 (n = 8, 19.5%),
      followed by ST28 (n = 3, 7.3%). Amino acid substitutions were found in the gyrB
      and parC genes of 10 and 1 isolates, respectively. No amino acid substitutions
      were identified in gyrA. Twenty-three (56.1%) isolates showed amino acid
      substitutions in the parE gene. These results suggest that quinolone resistance
      determining regions of parE may not be the primary targets, but an important
      determining factor of high levels of fluoroquinolone resistance. 

PMID- 27117515
TI  - Bacteremia with the bovis group streptococci: species identification and
      association with infective endocarditis and with gastrointestinal disease.
AB  - DNA sequencing of the intergenic spacer (ITS) region was used to identify 53
      blood culture isolates that had previously been designated to the bovis group
      streptococci and clinical data was collected retrospectively from patients'
      records using a standardized protocol. ITS sequencing identified 19 (35.8%)
      isolates as Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus, 12 (22.6%) as S.
      gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus, two (3.8%) as S. gallolyticus subsp.
      macedonicus, seven (13.2%) as S. infantarius subsp. infantarius, 12 (22.6%) as S.
      lutetiensis and one (1.9%) as S. equinus. The association of S. gallolyticus
      subsp. gallolyticus with colorectal neoplasia and with infective endocarditis and
      the association between S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus and pancreatic cancer
      were found to be clinically important. Also, a very high 1-year mortality rate
      with S. lutetiensis (66.7%) and S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus (58.7%)
      bacteremia calls for intensive investigation for underlying disease focusing on
      the pancreas and the hepatobiliary system. 

PMID- 27117516
TI  - Mycobacterium mucogenicum bacteremia in immune-compromised patients, 2008-2013.
AB  - Mycobacterium mucogenicum (MM) is a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium
      that may rarely cause bacteremia in immune-compromised hosts. All MM cases from
      2008 to 2013 were analyzed across 4 risk groups: stem cell transplantation (SCT),
      hematologic malignancy, solid tumors, and others. Descriptive analysis was
      performed, as well as comparative analysis of neutropenic patients (absolute
      neutrophil count <=1000/MUL) with nonneutropenic patients. Of 39 MM cases, 27
      patients had undergone SCT. Neutropenia was present in 12 patients. There was a
      significant difference in the presence of fever at the time of MM bacteremia
      between neutropenic and nonneutropenic groups (92% versus 42%; P=0.005). Central
      venous catheter (CVC) was present in 33 cases. All patients were treated with >1
      antibiotic. Most frequently used combination antibiotic regimen involved
      clarithromycin and amikacin. Median duration of antibiotic treatment was 42days.
      Bacteremia resolved in all cases with CVC removal and combination antibiotic
      treatment. 

PMID- 27117517
TI  - Rapid detection of measles virus using reverse transcription loop-mediated
      isothermal amplification coupled with a disposable lateral flow device.
AB  - The measles virus (MeV) causes a highly contagious disease and efforts to reduce
      its spread are critical. A reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification assay coupled with a disposable lateral flow device (RT-LAMP-LFD)
      was developed for the rapid detection of MeV. The assay was performed in 40 min
      at an optimal temperature of 58  degrees C, with endpoint results visualized
      directly. A probe that was complementary to the RT-LAMP amplicon was designed to
      enhance assay specificity. Detection limit of the assay was 8.8 copies/MUL
      synthetic RNA, which equals the sensitivity of real-time RT-PCR. Clinical
      specimens were used to validate the RT-LAMP-LFD in provincial Center for Disease
      Control and Prevention (CDC) (n = 245) and six municipal CDCs (n = 249). The
      results obtained using RT-LAMP-LFD and real-time RT-PCR were highly concordant.
      The RT-LAMP-LFD is rapid, stable, and does not require expensive equipment, which
      can be used for routine MeV monitoring in CDC laboratories. 

PMID- 27117518
TI  - Rapid identification of microorganisms from positive blood cultures by testing
      early growth on solid media using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization
      time of flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - We performed a retrospective analysis of a simple modification to MALDI-TOF MS
      for microorganism identification to accurately improve the turnaround time (TAT)
      for identification of Enterobacteriaceae recovered in blood cultures. Relative to
      standard MALDI-TOF MS procedures, we reduced TAT from 28.3 (n=90) to 21.2h
      (n=107). 

PMID- 27117519
TI  - A life course approach to explore the biological embedding of socioeconomic
      position and social mobility through circulating inflammatory markers.
AB  - Lower socioeconomic position (SEP) has consistently been associated with poorer
      health. To explore potential biological embedding and the consequences of SEP
      experiences from early life to adulthood, we investigate how SEP indicators at
      different points across the life course may be related to a combination of 28
      inflammation markers. Using blood-derived inflammation profiles measured by a
      multiplex array in 268 participants from the Italian component of the European
      Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort, we evaluate the
      association between early life, young adulthood and later adulthood SEP with each
      inflammatory markers separately, or by combining them into an inflammatory score.
      We identified an increased inflammatory burden in participants whose father had a
      manual occupation, through increased plasma levels of CSF3 (G-CSF; beta = 0.29; P
      = 0.002), and an increased inflammatory score (beta = 1.96; P = 0.029). Social
      mobility was subsequently modelled by the interaction between father's occupation
      and the highest household occupation, revealing a significant difference between
      "stable Non-manual" profiles over the life course versus "Manual to Non-manual"
      profiles (beta = 2.38, P = 0.023). Low SEP in childhood is associated with modest
      increase in adult inflammatory burden; however, the analysis of social mobility
      suggests a stronger effect of an upward social mobility over the life course.

PMID- 27117520
TI  - The ribosomal protein Asc1/RACK1 is required for efficient translation of short
      mRNAs.
AB  - Translation is a core cellular process carried out by a highly conserved
      macromolecular machine, the ribosome. There has been remarkable evolutionary
      adaptation of this machine through the addition of eukaryote-specific ribosomal
      proteins whose individual effects on ribosome function are largely unknown. Here
      we show that eukaryote-specific Asc1/RACK1 is required for efficient translation
      of mRNAs with short open reading frames that show greater than average
      translational efficiency in diverse eukaryotes. ASC1 mutants in S. cerevisiae
      display compromised translation of specific functional groups, including
      cytoplasmic and mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, and display cellular phenotypes
      consistent with their gene-specific translation defects. Asc1-sensitive mRNAs are
      preferentially associated with the translational 'closed loop' complex comprised
      of eIF4E, eIF4G, and Pab1, and depletion of eIF4G mimics the translational
      defects of ASC1 mutants. Together our results reveal a role for Asc1/RACK1 in a
      length-dependent initiation mechanism optimized for efficient translation of
      genes with important housekeeping functions.

PMID- 27117521
TI  - Neuroendocrine Differentiation of a Primary BRAF Mutant Colon Cancer in a Patient
      With a History of Hairy Cell Leukemia.

PMID- 27117522
TI  - Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage of mouse zygotes triggers G2/M checkpoint and
      phosphorylates Cdc25 and Cdc2.
AB  - In vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos show both cell cycle and developmental arrest.
      We previously showed oxidative damage activates the ATM -> Chk1 -> Cdc25B/Cdc25C
      cascade to mediate G2/M cell cycle arrest for repair of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
      induced oxidative damage in sperm. However, the mechanisms underlying the
      developmental delay of zygotes are unknown. To develop a model of oxidative
      damaged zygotes, we treated mouse zygotes with different concentrations of H2O2
      (0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05 mM), and evaluated in vitro zygote development,
      BrdU incorporation to detect the duration of S phase. We also examined reactive
      oxygen species level and used immunofluorescence to detect activation of
      gammaH2AX, Cdc2, and Cdc25. Oxidatively damaged zygotes showed a delay in G2/M
      phase and produced a higher level of ROS. At the same time, gammaH2AX was
      detected in oxidatively damaged zygotes as well as phospho-Cdc25B (Ser323),
      phospho-Cdc25C (Ser216), and phospho-Cdc2 (Tyr15). Our study indicates that
      oxidative stress-induced DNA damage of mouse zygotes triggers the cell cycle
      checkpoint, which results in G2/M cell cycle arrest, and that phospho-Cdc25B
      (Ser323), phospho-Cdc25C (Ser216), and phospho-Cdc2 (Tyr15) participate in
      activating the G2/M checkpoint.

PMID- 27117523
TI  - The Unique Challenges of Conserving Large Old Trees.
AB  - Large old trees play numerous critical ecological roles. They are susceptible to
      a plethora of interacting threats, in part because the attributes that confer a
      competitive advantage in intact ecosystems make them maladapted to rapidly
      changing, human-modified environments. Conserving large old trees will require
      surmounting a number of unresolved challenges.

PMID- 27117524
TI  - A CRISPR/Cas9 mediated point mutation in the alpha 6 subunit of the nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor confers resistance to spinosad in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Spinosad, a widely used and economically important insecticide, targets the
      nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChRs) of the insect nervous system. Several
      studies have associated loss of function mutations in the insect nAChR alpha6
      subunit with resistance to spinosad, and in the process identified this
      particular subunit as the specific target site. More recently a single non
      synonymous point mutation, that does not result in loss of function, was
      identified in spinosad resistant strains of three insect species that results in
      an amino acid substitution (G275E) of the nAChR alpha6 subunit. The causal role
      of this mutation has been called into question as, to date, functional evidence
      proving its involvement in resistance has been limited to the study of vertebrate
      receptors. Here we use the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing platform to introduce the
      G275E mutation into the nAChR alpha6 subunit of Drosophila melanogaster. Reverse
      transcriptase-PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of the mutation in
      Dalpha6 transcripts of mutant flies and verified that it does not disrupt the
      normal splicing of the two exons in close vicinity to the mutation site. A marked
      decrease in sensitivity to spinosad (66-fold) was observed in flies with the
      mutation compared to flies of the same genetic background minus the mutation,
      clearly demonstrating the functional role of this amino acid substitution in
      resistance to spinosad. Although the resistance levels observed are 4.7-fold
      lower than exhibited by a fly strain with a null mutation of Dalpha6, they are
      nevertheless predicated to be sufficient to result in resistance to spinosad at
      recommended field rates. Reciprocal crossings with susceptible fly strains
      followed by spinosad bioassays revealed G275E is inherited as an incompletely
      recessive trait, thus resembling the mode of inheritance described for this
      mutation in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. This study
      both resolves a debate on the functional significance of a target-site mutation
      and provides an example of how recent advances in genome editing can be harnessed
      to study insecticide resistance.

PMID- 27117525
TI  - iPad experience during clinical rotations from seven medical schools in the
      United States: Lessons learned.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 2010, many US medical schools have introduced the use of mobile
      technology into their curriculum. Preclinical use of mobile technologies has been
      well studied, but use in the clinical years has been less explored. Our objective
      was to identify the clinical uses and limitations of mobile technology in the
      clinical curriculum. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with key personnel at
      seven U. S. medical schools who introduced iPad programs during the clinical
      years. Interviews were qualitatively analyzed using a constant comparison
      technique. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Eight "best practices" for introducing
      mobile technology in the clinical years were identified: (1) plan before
      implementation, (2) define focused goals, (3) establish a tablet "culture," (4)
      recruit appropriate implementation team, (5) invest in training, (6) involve
      students in mentoring, (7) accept variable use, and (8) encourage innovation.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is growing interest in using mobile technology for teaching
      and learning in the clinical curriculum. Following the identified best practices
      may assist schools with the integration of the technology into the curriculum and
      better prepare medical students to handle the increasing use of technology.

PMID- 27117526
TI  - Construction of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Microspheres by Using Helical
      Substituted Polyacetylene and Application in Enantio-Differentiating Release and
      Adsorption.
AB  - Chiral molecularly imprinted polymer microspheres (MIPMs) reported so far are
      majorly limited to being constructed by using achiral polymer together with
      chiral template. The present contribution reports on a unique type of chiral
      MIPMs consisting of chirally helical substituted polyacetylene, which are
      prepared through suspension polymerization by using (a)chiral acetylenics as
      monomer and chiral Boc-d/l-proline as template. The resulting MIPMs after
      removing the template show optical activity that is derived from the chirally
      helical structures of substituted polyacetylene. The microspheres demonstrate
      enantio-differentiating ability in releasing the enantiopure templates. A
      complete release of the template provides the chiral MIPMs. Worthy to mention is
      that the two chiral sources (chirally helical conformation and chiral template
      configuration) work in a synergistic way, obviously increasing the MIPMs'
      enantiodiscrimination ability. The present study develops a strategy for
      preparing chiral MIPMs, which are expected to find significant applications in
      chiral separation, enantioselective release of chiral drugs, etc.

PMID- 27117527
TI  - Erectile Dysfunction in Male Survivors of Childhood Cancer-A Report From the
      Childhood Cancer Survivor Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: With survival rates higher than 80%, the number of survivors from
      pediatric cancer continues to increase. Late effects resulting from cancer and
      cancer therapy are being characterized, but little information exists on sexual
      health for men who have survived childhood cancer. AIM: To assess erectile
      dysfunction (ED) in men who survived childhood and adolescent cancers and to
      identify potential risk factors for ED. METHODS: In total, 1,622 men and 271
      eligible brothers in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort completed the
      Male Health Questionnaire, which provided information on sexual practices and
      sexual function. Combined with demographic, cancer, and treatment information
      from medical record abstraction, results of the Male Health Questionnaire were
      analyzed using multivariable modeling. The International Index of Erectile
      Function was used to identify ED in subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: International
      Index of Erectile Function. RESULTS: Survivors (mean age = 37.4 years, SD = 7.3
      years) reported significantly lower sexual activity in the year before the survey
      than the brothers (mean age = 38.8 years, SD = 8.5 years) without cancer. ED was
      reported by 12.3% (95% CI = 10.4-14.3) of survivors and 4.2% (95% CI = 2.0-7.9)
      of brothers. Survivors showed significantly higher relative risk (RR) for ED (RR
      = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.40-4.97). In addition to older age, survivors who were exposed
      to higher-dose (>=10 Gy) testicular radiation (RR = 3.55, 95% CI = 1.53-8.24),
      had surgery on the spinal cord or nerves (RR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.36-6.05),
      prostate surgery (RR = 6.56, 95% CI = 3.84-11.20), or pelvic surgery (RR = 2.28,
      95% CI = 1.04-4.98) were at higher risk for ED. CONCLUSION: Men who have survived
      childhood cancer have a greater than 2.6-fold increased risk for ED and certain
      cancer-specific treatments are associated with increased risk. Attention to
      sexual health, with its physical and emotional implications, and opportunities
      for early detection and intervention in these individuals could be important.

PMID- 27117528
TI  - Quality of Life of Transgender Women From China and Associated Factors: A Cross
      Sectional Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Transgender women are exposed to stressful situations such as
      gender transition and transition-related discrimination because of their limited
      acceptance by the general population and inadequate government-supplied
      resources, which can compromise their quality of life (QOL). However, there is a
      paucity of research on the QOL of transgender women from China. AIMS: To assess
      the QOL of transgender women from China and explore its associated factors.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed by convenience sampling in
      Shenyang, China from January 2014 to July 2014. This sample consisted of 209
      transgender women. The women were interviewed face-to-face to assess their QOL
      and related factors using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey, the Adult
      Dispositional (Trait) Hope Scale, and the EGO Resilience Scale. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Response scores were calculated based on a questionnaire design.
      Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to explore factors
      associated with QOL. RESULTS: Transgender women who used hormone therapy reported
      significantly lower levels of the physical component summary (PCS) and the mental
      component summary (MCS) compared with those who did not (P < .05). Hierarchical
      multiple regression analysis showed that of the 23 independent variables, 8 were
      significantly associated with the PCS and 9 were significantly associated with
      the MCS. The PCS was significantly and negatively associated with age and being
      chased or insulted by law enforcement officials. The PCS was positively
      associated with not using hormone therapy, having no casual partners, less
      discrimination from friends, knowledge of HIV prevention, hope, and resilience.
      Educational level and being chased or insulted by law enforcement officials were
      negatively associated with the MCS, whereas not using hormone therapy, having no
      regular partners or casual partners, less discrimination from friends, less
      social discrimination, knowledge of HIV prevention, and hope were positively
      associated with the MCS. CONCLUSION: Chinese transgender women reported high
      levels of physical QOL but low levels of mental QOL. Their mental QOL was more
      pronounced than their physical QOL. Transition status and sexual partnership
      played the most important roles in physical and mental health. Furthermore,
      mental QOL was best predicted by assessing positive capabilities, such as levels
      of hope. Future interventions should focus on recognizing transition status and
      identifying risky sexual partnerships, especially for the casual partners
      involved in these partnerships. In addition, positive capabilities are needed to
      ameliorate the negative impact of transition on QOL in Chinese transgender women.

PMID- 27117529
TI  - WHOQOL-100 Before and After Sex Reassignment Surgery in Brazilian Male-to-Female
      Transsexual Individuals.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The 100-item World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment
      (WHOQOL-100) evaluates quality of life as a subjective and multidimensional
      construct. Currently, particularly in Brazil, there are controversies concerning
      quality of life after sex reassignment surgery (SRS). AIM: To assess the impact
      of surgical interventions on quality of life of 47 Brazilian male-to-female
      transsexual individuals using the WHOQOL-100. METHODS: This was a prospective
      cohort study using the WHOQOL-100 and sociodemographic questions for individuals
      diagnosed with gender identity disorder according to criteria of the Diagnostic
      and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. The protocol was used
      when a transsexual person entered the ambulatory clinic and at least 12 months
      after SRS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Initially, improvement or worsening of quality
      of life was assessed using 6 domains and 24 facets. Subsequently, quality of life
      was assessed for individuals who underwent new surgical interventions and those
      who did not undergo these procedures 1 year after SRS. RESULTS: The participants
      showed significant improvement after SRS in domains II (psychological) and IV
      (social relationships) of the WHOQOL-100. In contrast, domains I (physical
      health) and III (level of independence) were significantly worse after SRS.
      Individuals who underwent additional surgery had a decrease in quality of life
      reflected in domains II and IV. During statistical analysis, all results were
      controlled for variations in demographic characteristics, without significant
      results. CONCLUSION: The WHOQOL-100 is an important instrument to evaluate the
      quality of life of male-to-female transsexuals during different stages of
      treatment. SRS promotes the improvement of psychological aspects and social
      relationships. However, even 1 year after SRS, male-to-female transsexuals
      continue to report problems in physical health and difficulty in recovering their
      independence.

PMID- 27117530
TI  - Reply to the letter to the editor 'Abandoning diesel because of health
      perspectives: are there reasonable alternatives?' by Vreugdenhil and Mannaerts.

PMID- 27117531
TI  - Systematic evaluation of pembrolizumab dosing in patients with advanced non-small
      cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the phase I KEYNOTE-001 study, pembrolizumab demonstrated durable
      antitumor activity in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
      We sought to characterize the relationship between pembrolizumab dose, exposure,
      and response to define an effective dose for these patients. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Patients received pembrolizumab 2 mg/kg every 3 weeks (Q3W) (n = 55), 10
      mg/kg Q3W (n = 238), or 10 mg/kg Q2W (n = 156). Response (RECIST v1.1) was
      assessed every 9 weeks. The relationship between the estimated pembrolizumab area
      under the concentration-time curve at steady state over 6 weeks (AUCss-6weeks)
      and the longitudinal change in tumor size (sum of longest diameters) was analyzed
      by regression and non-linear mixed effects modeling. This model was
      simultaneously fit to all tumor size data, then used to simulate response rates,
      normalizing the trial data across dose for prognostic covariates (tumor PD-L1
      expression and EGFR mutation status). The exposure-safety relationship was
      assessed by logistic regression of pembrolizumab AUCss-6weeks versus occurrence
      of adverse events (AEs) of interest based on their immune etiology. RESULTS:
      Overall response rates were 15% [95% confidence interval (CI) 7%-28%] at 2 mg/kg
      Q3W, 25% (18%-33%) at 10 mg/kg Q3W, and 21% (95% CI 14%-30%) at 10 mg/kg Q2W.
      Regression analyses of percentage change from baseline in tumor size versus AUCss
      6weeks indicated a flat relationship (regression slope P > 0.05). Simulations
      showed the exposure-response relationship to be similarly flat, thus indicating
      that the lowest evaluated dose of 2 mg/kg Q3W to likely be at or near the
      efficacy plateau. Exposure-safety analysis showed the AE incidence to be similar
      among the clinically tested doses. CONCLUSIONS: No significant exposure
      dependency on efficacy or safety was identified for pembrolizumab across doses of
      2-10 mg/kg. These results support the use of a 2 mg/kg Q3W dosage in patients
      with previously treated, advanced NSCLC. CLINICALTRIALSGOV REGISTRY: NCT01295827.

PMID- 27117532
TI  - Precision medicine and oncology: an overview of the opportunities presented by
      next-generation sequencing and big data and the challenges posed to conventional
      drug development and regulatory approval pathways.

PMID- 27117533
TI  - P21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) signaling influences therapeutic outcome in
      pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is attributed to various cellular mechanisms and signaling
      molecules that influence as a single factor or in combination. DESIGN: In this
      study, utilizing in vitro p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) overexpression and
      knockdown cell line models along with in vivo athymic mouse tumor xenograft
      models and clinical samples, we demonstrate that Pak1 is a crucial signaling
      kinase in gemcitabine resistance. RESULTS: Pak1 kindles resistance via modulation
      of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and activation of pancreatic stellate cells.
      Our results from gemcitabine-resistant and -sensitive cell line models showed
      that elevated Pak1 kinase activity is required to confer gemcitabine resistance.
      This was substantiated by elevated levels of phosphorylated Pak1 and
      ribonucleotide reductase M1 levels in the majority of human PDAC tumors when
      compared with normal. Delineation of the signaling pathway revealed that Pak1
      confers resistance to gemcitabine by preventing DNA damage, inhibiting apoptosis
      and regulating survival signals via NF-kappaB. Furthermore, we found that Pak1 is
      an upstream interacting substrate of transforming growth factor beta-activated
      kinase 1-a molecule implicated in gemcitabine resistance. Molecular mechanistic
      studies revealed that gemcitabine docks with the active site of Pak1;
      furthermore, gemcitabine treatment induces Pak1 kinase activity both in vivo and
      in cell-free system. Finally, results from athymic mouse tumor models illustrated
      that Pak1 inhibition by IPA-3 enhances the cytotoxicity of gemcitabine and brings
      about pancreatic tumor regression. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the
      first study illustrating the mechanistic role of Pak1 in causing gemcitabine
      resistance via multiple signaling crosstalks, and hence Pak1-specific inhibitors
      will prove to be a better adjuvant with existing chemotherapy modality for PDAC.

PMID- 27117534
TI  - Benefit of therapeutic drug monitoring to disclose pharmacokinetic interaction
      between sunitinib and calcium channel blocker.

PMID- 27117535
TI  - Cervical esophageal cancer: a gap in cancer knowledge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the
      diagnosis, treatment options and treatment-related complications of cervical
      esophageal carcinoma (CEC) and to subsequently provide recommendations to improve
      quality of care. DESIGN: Studies were identified in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of
      Science. A total of 107 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were
      included. RESULTS: CEC is uncommon, accounting for 2%-10% of all esophageal
      carcinomas. These tumors are often locally advanced at presentation and have a
      poor prognosis, with a 5-year overall survival of 30%. Tobacco and alcohol
      consumption seem to be the major risk factors for developing CEC. Surgery is
      usually not possible due to the very close relationship to other organs such as
      the larynx, trachea and thyroid gland. Therefore, the current standard of care is
      definitive chemoradiation (dCRT) with curative intent. Treatment regimens used to
      treat CEC are adapted by established regimens in lower esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, dCRT may be
      accompanied by severe side-effects and complications. Several diagnostic and
      predictive markers have been studied, but currently, there is no other biomarker
      than clinical stage to determine patient management. Suggestions to improve
      patient outcomes are to determine the exact radiation dose needed for adequate
      locoregional control and to combine radiotherapy with optimal systemic therapy
      backbone. CONCLUSION: CEC remains unchartered territory for many practising
      physicians and patients with CEC have a poor prognosis. To improve the outcome
      for CEC patients, future studies should focus on the identification of new
      diagnostic biomarkers or targets for radiosensitizers, amelioration of radiation
      schedules, optimal combination of chemotherapeutic agents and/or new therapeutic
      targets.

PMID- 27117536
TI  - Clinical, pathological and genetic features of follicular lymphoma grade 3A: a
      joint analysis of the German low-grade and high-grade lymphoma study groups GLSG
      and DSHNHL.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histologically, follicular lymphoma (FL) grades 1, 2 and 3A are
      composed of two distinct cell types, centroblasts and centrocytes. FL grade 3B is
      composed only of centroblasts and has been shown to differ in immunophenotype and
      genetics from FL that contain centrocytes. We aimed to understand the
      pathogenetic and clinical relation between FL grade 3A to FL grade 1/2 on the one
      hand and FL grade 3B on the other hand. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Trial patients with
      long-term follow-up and diagnosis of FL grade 3 were selected and samples
      underwent a second central pathological review using a multiple-observer approach
      to assess grading. RESULTS: Interobserver variability for diagnosing FL grade 3
      was high. FL grade 3A frequently harbored areas of FL grade 1/2 within the same
      tissue specimen. FL grade 3B rarely coexisted with grade 1/2 or 3A, suggesting
      divergent pathogenesis. There was no statistically significant difference in
      outcome between 47 cases of FL grade 3A and 14 cases of grade 3B. Compared with
      grade 1/2 FL, both groups showed longer progression-free survival without late
      events, especially after immunochemotherapy; this outcome difference was retained
      after adjustment for clinical prognostic factors. The subgroup of FL grade 3A
      with an additional FL grade 1/2 component or a translocation t(14;18) showed a
      poorer outcome. In contrast, the FL grade 3A lacking t(14;18) and of localized
      stage resembled the pediatric type of FL and showed a very good outcome. FL3 with
      MYC breaks showed a poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that first
      line immunochemotherapy might allow long-lasting remissions in a subgroup of FL
      grade 3A similar to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Within FL3A, prognostic
      subgroups can be identified by analyzing for coexisting FL1/2 and MYC breaks.

PMID- 27117537
TI  - Genetic-Quantitative Study of the First-Service Pregnancy Probability of Murrah
      Heifers.
AB  - Because of the importance of reproduction in stock breeding systems, it is
      necessary to find selection criteria that increase reproductive efficiency. The
      aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for the probability of
      conception on first service (PROB) in Murrah heifers, and its association with
      other traits of economic interest [age at first calving (AFC), service period,
      calving interval and milk yield at 270 days], with the purpose of evaluating
      their use as selection criteria. Reproductive information and first lactation
      records of 1200 Murrah heifers were used to perform two-trait analyses between
      PROB and the other characteristics. Bayesian inference was used to estimate the
      variance components, considering PROB as threshold and the other as linear
      factors. The results demonstrate that this trait has heritability of 0.15,
      indicating the possibility of a genetic gain by using it for selection. With
      respect to the genetic correlation estimates, the only high-magnitude association
      was with AFC (-0.899), which is the current criterion indicating sexual precocity
      of females. In the light of the parameters estimated, the first-service pregnancy
      rate is an alternative for indication of sexual precocity, although presenting a
      smaller genetic gain than the current standard AFC. Nevertheless, additional
      research should be conducted regarding this trait to assess the economic
      importance of its use in dairy buffalo production systems. 

PMID- 27117538
TI  - [Skeletal dysplasias: New medical treatments].

PMID- 27117539
TI  - [Clinical interventions in overweight and obesity: a systematic literature review
      2009-2014].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To update the literature review on the effectiveness of clinical
      interventions on childhood obesity, proposed in Clinical Practice Guidelines,
      excluding prevention and pharmacological and surgical treatments. METHOD: A
      systematic review was carried out in electronic databases of the Cochrane
      Database of Systematic Reviews (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, and SCOPUS,
      replicating the search for the Clinical Practice Guidelines, from 2009 to 2014.
      The Clinical Practice Guidelines of National Institute for Health and Care
      Excellence were taken as a reference. Systematic reviews were given priority, and
      the quality of the studies was assessed. RESULTS: Out of a total of 3,703
      documents initially identified, 48 were finally included. Studies showed great
      heterogeneity in the type and duration of interventions, and in outcome measures.
      Adherence to treatment was, in general, low. Multi-component interventions
      including diet, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, and behaviour changes,
      involving the family, and starting at early ages, were the most effective for
      reducing body mass index. There is no consensus on criteria for referral to
      specialised care. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended to implement multi-component
      programs conducted by professionals with previous training, involving the family,
      and addressing behavioural, individual and socio-demographic aspects. Lack of
      adherence is one of the reasons for failure of interventions. Diagnostic and
      referral criteria, the outcome measures, and the type and duration of
      interventions need to be improved and standardised.

PMID- 27117540
TI  - Gramella sediminilitoris sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat.
AB  - A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, motile by gliding and coccoid,
      ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated GHTF-27T, was isolated from a
      tidal flat at Goheung, South Korea, and subjected to a taxonomic study using a
      polyphasic approach. The novel strain grew optimally at 30  degrees C, at pH 7.0
      8.0 and in the presence of 2.0-5.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S
      rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain GHTF-27T belongs to the genus Gramella.
      It exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.6-98.3 % to the type
      strains of Gramella aestuariivivens, Gramella echinicola, Gramella gaetbulicola,
      Gramella aquimixticola, Gramella aestuarii and Gramella portivictoriae,
      respectively, and of 93.8-96.7 % to the type strains of the other species of the
      genus Gramellawith validly published names. Strain GHTF-27T contained MK-6 as the
      predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty
      acids. The major polar lipids of strain GHTF-27T were phosphatidylethanolamine
      and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain GHTF-27T was 39.7 mol%
      and DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of the six phylogenetically
      closely related species of the genus Gramellawere 12-28 %. The differential
      phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic and genetic
      distinctiveness, revealed that strain GHTF-27T is separated from other species of
      the genus Gramella. On the basis of the data presented, strain GHTF-27T is
      considered to represent a novel species of the genus Gramella, for which the name
      Gramella sediminilitorissp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GHTF-27T (=KCTC
      52208T =NBRC 111992T).

PMID- 27117541
TI  - Degenerative changes and immune response after transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation. Comparison with surgical aortic valve replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the valve degeneration process after
      transcutaneous aortic valve implantations (TAVI) that can have an important
      impact on patients' long-term prognosis. AIM: To evaluate degenerative changes of
      TAVI using computed tomography (CT) compared to findings in patients that
      underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Subsequently, to compare the
      level of immune and inflammatory markers in both groups and test their possible
      role in the valve degeneration process. METHODS AND RESULTS: 49 patients after
      TAVI and 29 patients in the control group after SAVR underwent 2 years of follow
      up and 8 patients from the TAVI group and 7 patients after SAVR underwent five
      years of follow-up. CT was performed in all patients and calcifications on
      prosthesis cusps in both groups were measured using Agatson calcium score. TAVI
      patients were older compared to patients who underwent SAVR [82 (62;86) vs. 74
      (64;84) years, p<0.001], and had more comorbidities - higher EuroScore I [21.0
      (5.0;46.0) vs. 6.15 (2.54;11.17), p<0.001]. TAVI patients had more often
      concomitant coronary artery disease (69.4% vs. 13.8%, p<0.001) and previous
      history of cardiac surgery (32.7% vs. 0.0%, p<0.001). Slight calcifications (mean
      Agatson score 50.76) on prosthetic cusps were found in 2 patients 4-5 years after
      TAVI and in 1 patient 2 years after SAVR (p=NS). Even though significant
      differences were found in values of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and E-selectin
      before, 1 year, and 2 years after implantation, no significant changes in values
      of inflammatory markers were observed during follow-up period in both groups of
      patients. Detailed analysis revealed no significant difference between values of
      inflammatory markers of patients with and without calcifications present on CT.
      CONCLUSION: Minimal degenerative changes on TAVI prosthesis were observed in mid-
      and long-term follow-up. Systemic immune response did not differ between patients
      after TAVI and SAVR.

PMID- 27117542
TI  - Laparoscopic repeat liver resection for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Repeat liver resection is effective for recurrent hepatocellular
      carcinoma (rHCC). This study aimed to determine the outcomes of laparoscopic
      repeat liver resection (LRLR) for rHCC. METHODS: Eight consecutive patients who
      underwent LRLR for rHCC were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Six patients had
      previous open and two had laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). There was one
      (12.5%) open conversion for bleeding and one (12.5%) post-operative morbidity.
      The median tumour size was 24 mm (range: 8-50 mm). LRLR was performed for rHCC in
      the ipsilateral lobe as compared to the index surgery in 4/8 (50%) patients. Five
      of eight (62.5%) patients had rHCC in the difficult posterosuperior segments. Six
      patients had previous open LR, and two had previous LLR. One patient (patient 4)
      had two prior open LR for rHCC, and LRLR was performed for the second recurrence.
      The median duration from the first surgery to LRLR was 29 months (range: 6-109
      months). The median post-operative stay was 3.5 days. All eight patients had R0
      resections, and at a median follow-up of 7.5 months, all patients were disease
      free. CONCLUSION: LRLR for rHCC is feasible and safe. This can be performed even
      for patients with previous open liver resections, cirrhosis, lesions in the
      posterosuperior segments and prior LR of the ipsilateral lobe. LRLR for rHCC is
      feasible and safe in highly selected patients.

PMID- 27117543
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed directing group-assisted C8-triflation of naphthalenes.
AB  - The transition-metal-catalyzed direct triflation of naphthyl amides and naphthyl
      ketones has been accomplished for the first time. Benzophenone (BP) was found to
      be a suitable ligand for the cross-coupling reactions. Density functional theory
      (DFT) calculations revealed that excessive amounts of HOTf inhibit the reductive
      elimination of the C-F bond to realize the unusual reductive elimination of the C
      OTf bond. 

PMID- 27117544
TI  - Role of certain amino acid residues of the coelenterazine-binding cavity in
      bioluminescence of light-sensitive Ca(2+)-regulated photoprotein berovin.
AB  - Bright bioluminescence of ctenophores is caused by Ca(2+)-regulated
      photoproteins. Although these photoproteins are functionally identical to and
      share many properties of cnidarian photoproteins, like aequorin and obelin, and
      retain the same spatial architecture, they are extremely sensitive to light, i.e.
      lose the ability to bioluminesce on exposure to light over the entire absorption
      spectrum. In addition, the degree of identity of their amino acid sequences with
      those of cnidarian photoproteins is only 29.4%. This suggests that the residues
      involved in bioluminescence of ctenophore and cnidarian photoproteins
      significantly differ. Here we describe the bioluminescent properties of berovin
      mutants with substitution of the residues located in the photoprotein internal
      cavity. Since the spatial structure of berovin bound with a substrate is not
      determined yet, to identify these residues we have modeled it with an
      accommodated substrate using the structures of some cnidarian Ca(2+)-regulated
      photoproteins with bound coelenterazine or coelenteramide as templates in order
      to obtain an adequate sampling and to take into account all possible conformers
      and variants for ligand-protein docking. Based on the impact of substitutions on
      the bioluminescent properties and model structures we speculate that within the
      internal cavity of ctenophore photoproteins, coelenterazine is bound as a 2
      peroxy anion adduct which is stabilized owing to Coulomb interaction with a
      positively charged guanidinium group of Arg41 paired with Tyr204. In this case,
      the bioluminescence reaction is triggered by only calcium-induced conformational
      changes leading to the disturbance of charge-charge interaction.

PMID- 27117545
TI  - [Differences in austerity and healthcare privatisation between autonomous
      communities in times of crisis in Spain. Replay].

PMID- 27117546
TI  - Establishment of childhood pneumonia cause in the era of pneumococcal conjugate
      vaccines.

PMID- 27117548
TI  - 26th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

PMID- 27117547
TI  - Aetiology of childhood pneumonia in a well vaccinated South African birth cohort:
      a nested case-control study of the Drakenstein Child Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children
      globally. The cause of pneumonia after introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal
      conjugate vaccine (PCV13) has not been well studied in low-income and middle
      income countries, and most data are from cross-sectional studies of children
      admitted to hospital. We aimed to longitudinally investigate the incidence and
      causes of childhood pneumonia in a South African birth cohort. METHODS: We did a
      nested case-control study of children in the Drakenstein Child Health Study who
      developed pneumonia from May 29, 2012, to Dec 1, 2014. Children received
      immunisations including acellular pertussis vaccine and PCV13. A nested subgroup
      had nasopharyngeal swabs collected every 2 weeks throughout infancy. We
      identified pneumonia episodes and collected blood, nasopharyngeal swabs, and
      induced sputum specimens. We used multiplex real-time PCR to detect pathogens in
      nasopharyngeal swabs and induced sputum of pneumonia cases and in nasopharyngeal
      swabs of age-matched and site-matched controls. To show associations between
      organisms and pneumonia we used conditional logistic regression; results are
      presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs. FINDINGS: 314 pneumonia cases
      occurred (incidence of 0.27 episodes per child-year, 95% CI 0.24-0.31; median age
      5 months [IQR 3-9]) in 967 children during 1145 child-years of follow-up. 60
      (21%) cases of pneumonia were severe (incidence 0.05 episodes per child-year [95%
      CI 0.04-0.07]) with a case fatality ratio of 1% (three deaths). A median of five
      organisms (IQR 4-6) were detected in cases and controls with nasopharyngeal
      swabs, and a median of six organisms (4-7) recorded in induced sputum (p=0.48
      compared with nasopharyngeal swabs). Bordetella pertussis (OR 11.08, 95% CI 1.33
      92.54), respiratory syncytial virus (8.05, 4.21-15.38), or influenza virus (4.13,
      2.06-8.26) were most strongly associated with pneumonia; bocavirus, adenovirus,
      parainfluenza virus, Haemophilus influenzae, and cytomegalovirus were also
      associated with pneumonia. In cases, testing of induced sputum in addition to
      nasopharyngeal swabs provided incremental yield for detection of B pertussis and
      several viruses. INTERPRETATION: Pneumonia remains common in this highly
      vaccinated population. Respiratory syncytial virus was the most frequently
      detected pathogen associated with pneumonia; influenza virus and B pertussis were
      also strongly associated with pneumonia. Testing of induced sputum increases the
      yield for detection of several organisms. New vaccines and strategies are needed
      to address the burden of childhood pneumonia. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates
      Foundation, Medical Research Council South Africa, National Research Foundation
      South Africa, National Institute of Health, and H3Africa.

PMID- 27117549
TI  - Development of Clinical Pharmacology in the Russian Federation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The article aims to provide the history, organization, and approaches to
      clinical pharmacology in the Russian Federation. METHODS: This article is based
      on major international and Russian documents, along with groundbreaking
      historical facts and scientific articles related to the development of modern
      clinical pharmacology the Russian Federation. FINDINGS: Improving the quality of
      drug therapy is the main goal of clinical pharmacology in the Russian Federation.
      Decisions of the World Health Organization, scientific achievements, and the work
      of well-known scientists among the world community and in the Russian Federation
      have strongly influenced the development of clinical pharmacology the Russian
      Federation. Clinical pharmacology in the Russian Federation addresses a wide
      range of problems; it actively engages in modern scientific research, education;
      and clinical practice. Clinical pharmacologists participate in studies of new
      drugs and often have a specific area of expertise. IMPLICATIONS: The future
      development of clinical pharmacology in the Russian Federation will be related to
      improvements in training, refinement of the framework that regulates clinical
      pharmacologists, and the creation of clinical pharmacology laboratories with
      modern equipment.

PMID- 27117551
TI  - Severe early-onset epileptic encephalopathy due to mutations in the KCNA2 gene:
      Expansion of the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, de novo loss- or gain-of-function mutations in the KCNA2
      gene; have been described in individuals with epileptic encephalopathy, ataxia or
      intellectual disability. CASE DESCRIPTION: In this report, we describe a further
      case of KCNA2-early-onset epileptic encephalopathy. The patient presented since
      birth with intractable seizures, progressive microcephaly, developmental delay,
      and progressive brain atrophy. Whole-exome sequencing showed a novel de novo
      mutation in the KCNA2 gene: c.1120A > G (p.Thr374Ala). CONCLUSION: This case
      expands the genotypic and phenotypic disease spectrum of this genetic form of
      KCNA2-early onset epileptic encephalopathy.

PMID- 27117550
TI  - Capsid-deficient alphaviruses generate propagative infectious microvesicles at
      the plasma membrane.
AB  - Alphavirus budding is driven by interactions between nucleocapsids assembled in
      the cytoplasm and envelope proteins present at the plasma membrane. So far, the
      expression of capsid and envelope proteins in infected cells has been considered
      an absolute requirement for alphavirus budding and propagation. In the present
      study, we show that Semliki Forest virus and Sindbis virus lacking the capsid
      gene can propagate in mammalian and insect cells. This propagation is mediated by
      the release of infectious microvesicles (iMVs), which are pleomorphic and have a
      larger size and density than wild-type virus. iMVs, which contain viral RNA
      inside and viral envelope proteins on their surface, are released at the plasma
      membrane and infect cells using the endocytic pathway in a similar way to wild
      type virus. iMVs are not pathogenic in immunocompetent mice when injected
      intravenously, but can infect different organs like lungs and heart. Finally, we
      also show that alphavirus genomes without capsid can mediate the propagation of
      heterologous genes, making these vectors potentially interesting for gene therapy
      or vaccination studies. The minimalist infectious system described in this study
      shows that a self-replicating RNA able to express membrane proteins with binding
      and fusion properties is able to propagate, providing some insights into virus
      evolution.

PMID- 27117552
TI  - Valproate effect on ketosis in children under ketogenic diet.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although ketogenic diet has been proven useful in the management of
      intractable seizures, interactions with other medicines have been reported. This
      study reports two patients on co-administration with ketogenic diet and valproate
      appearing undesirable side effects after increase or decrease of valproate
      pharmaceutical levels. METHODS: Totally 75 patients suffering from drug-resistant
      epilepsy were treated with ketogenic diet in our departments. Their age varied
      from 6 months to 9 years. All patients were followed for at least 12 months and
      up to five years. Clinical and laboratory variables have been regularly assessed.
      RESULTS: In 75 patients treated with ketogenic diet and valproate at the same
      time treatment was well tolerated. Two patients presented mild to moderate
      undesirable effects. In these patients the removal of valproate treatment
      resulted in an increase of ketosis with respective clinical signs. The conversion
      of the diet from 4:1 to 1:1 and 2,5:1 respectively resulted in reduction of
      ketosis and clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: In the majority of cases co
      administration of valproate and ketogenic diet seems to be safe. In two cases,
      valproate appeared to have a negative effect on ketosis (and weaning it led to
      over-ketosis). This interaction is worthy of future study.

PMID- 27117553
TI  - Erratum to: Glomerulopathy in patients with distal duplication of chromosome 6p.

PMID- 27117554
TI  - Population pharmacokinetics analysis of olanzapine for Chinese psychotic patients
      based on clinical therapeutic drug monitoring data with assistance of meta
      analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to build an eligible population
      pharmacokinetic (PK) model for olanzapine in Chinese psychotic patients based on
      therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) data, with assistance of meta-analysis, to
      facilitate individualized therapy. METHODS: Population PK analysis for olanzapine
      was performed using NONMEM software (version 7.3.0). TDM data were collected from
      Guangzhou Brain Hospital (China). Because of the limitations of TDM data, model
      based meta-analysis was performed to construct a structural model to assist the
      modeling of TDM data as prior estimates. After analyzing related covariates, a
      simulation was performed to predict concentrations for different types of
      patients under common dose regimens. RESULTS: A two-compartment model with first
      order absorption and elimination was developed for olanzapine oral tablets, based
      on 23 articles with 390 data points. The model was then applied to the TDM data.
      Gender and smoking habits were found to be significant covariates that influence
      the clearance of olanzapine. To achieve a blood concentration of 20 ng/mL (the
      lower boundary of the recommended therapeutic range), simulation results
      indicated that the dose regimen of olanzapine should be 5 mg BID (twice a day),
      >= 5 mg QD (every day) plus 10 mg QN (every night), or >10 mg BID for female
      nonsmokers, male nonsmokers and male smokers, respectively. CONCLUSION: The
      population PK model, built using meta-analysis, could facilitate the modeling of
      TDM data collected from Chinese psychotic patients. The factors that
      significantly influence olanzapine disposition were determined and the final
      model could be used for individualized treatment.

PMID- 27117556
TI  - Sexual function and quality of life in gynecological cancer pre- and post-short
      term brachytherapy: a prospective study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the sexual function and quality of life pre- and post
      gynecological cancer treatment with high-dose rate brachytherapy in the short
      term. METHODS: This is a descriptive and prospective study involving 20 women
      diagnosed with gynecological cancer aged between 18 and 70 years, resident in
      Florianopolis and the surrounding region. We used the Quality of Life
      Questionnaire Core-30 (QLQ-C30) 3.0 to assess quality of life pre- and post
      brachytherapy treatment and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess
      sexual function. RESULTS: Regarding quality of life, significant worsening was
      observed for the items loss of appetite (p = 0.002) and diarrhea (p = 0.045) from
      pre- to post-brachytherapy treatment, whereas constipation (p = 0.013) improved.
      For sexual function, the statistical difference was found exclusively in the
      domain of lubrication reduction (p = 0.046). Only nine women were sexually active
      before and after brachytherapy treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There was a worsening of
      quality of life in comparing pre- and post-evaluations related to
      gastrointestinal symptoms over a period equivalent to 40 days. Regarding sexual
      function, lack of lubrication was identified in short-term post-gynecological
      cancer brachytherapy.

PMID- 27117555
TI  - The Children's Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Telemental Health
      Treatment Study: Caregiver Outcomes.
AB  - The Children's Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Telemental Health
      Treatment Study (CATTS) tested the hypotheses that children and caregivers who
      received guideline-based treatment delivered through a hybrid telehealth service
      delivery model would experience greater improvements in outcomes than children
      and caregivers receiving treatment via a comparison delivery model. Here, we
      present caregiver outcomes. 88 primary care providers (PCPs) in seven
      geographically underserved communities referred 223 children (ages 5.5 - 12.9
      years) to the randomized controlled trial. Over 22 weeks, children randomized to
      the CATTS service delivery model received six sessions of telepsychiatry and six
      sessions of caregiver behavior management training provided in person by
      community therapists who were trained and supervised remotely. Children
      randomized to the comparison Augmented Primary Care (APC) service model received
      management in primary care augmented by a single telepsychiatry consultation.
      Caregiver outcomes included changes in distress, as measured by the Patient
      Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Parenting Stress Index (PSI), Caregiver Strain
      Questionnaire (CSQ) and Family Empowerment Scale (FES). Caregivers completed five
      assessments. Multilevel mixed effects regression modeling tested for differences
      between the two service delivery models in caregiver outcomes from baseline to 25
      weeks. Compared to caregivers of children in the APC model, caregivers of
      children in the CATTS service model showed statistically significantly greater
      improvements on the PHQ-9 (beta = -1.41, 95 % CI = [-2.74, -0.08], p < .05), PSI
      (beta = -4.59, 95 % CI = [-7.87, - 1.31], p < .001), CSQ (beta = -5.41, 95 % CI =
      [- 8.58, -2.24], p < .001) and FES (beta = 6.69, 95 % CI = [2.32, 11.06], p <
      .01). Improvement in child ADHD symptoms mediated improved caregiver scores on
      the PSI and CSQ. Improvement in child ODD behaviors mediated caregiver CSQ
      scores. The CATTS trial supports the effectiveness of a hybrid telehealth service
      delivery model for reducing distress in caregivers of children with ADHD and
      suggests a mechanism through which the service model affected caregiver distress.

PMID- 27117557
TI  - EGFR inhibitor-induced skin reactions: differentiating acneiform rash from
      superimposed bacterial infections.
AB  - PURPOSE: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are approved for use
      as targeted chemotherapeutic agents against multiple solid-organ malignancies.
      The most common side effect associated with EGFR inhibitor therapy is a
      papulopustular eruption, which can easily be confused with bacterial
      folliculitis. In this study, we examine the relative timing and location of the
      EGFR-induced papulopustular eruption compared to the associated bacterial
      superinfections. METHODS: In this retrospective chart review, patients enrolled
      in our institution's IRB-approved prospective registry of cutaneous reactions to
      chemotherapy were screened for inclusion. All patients who received an EGFR
      inhibitor and developed either a papulopustular eruption or bacterial
      superinfection at some point during treatment were included. RESULTS: Of the 157
      patients who met inclusion criteria, 36 (23 %) developed bacterial
      superinfections at some point during EGFR therapy. Papulopustular eruptions
      developed in a highly predictable time course, with a mean time to onset of 1.5
      weeks and mean duration of 9.4 weeks. Bacterial superinfections occurred at
      widely variable time points during therapy with a mean time to onset of 27.7
      weeks. Papulopustular eruptions much more frequently affected the face (97 %),
      chest (75 %), and back (61 %), while bacterial superinfections occurred more
      commonly on the upper extremity (64 %), lower extremity (47 %), and abdomen (39
      %). CONCLUSIONS: The EGFR inhibitor-induced papulopustular eruption has a
      stereotypical time course and occurs in a characteristic distribution affecting
      the central face, upper chest, and back. Bacterial superinfections more
      frequently affect the extremities, abdomen, and groin and may occur at any point
      during EGFR therapy.

PMID- 27117558
TI  - Fatigue in adolescent and adult survivors of non-CNS childhood cancer: a report
      from project REACH.
AB  - PURPOSE: Studies of fatigue in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are inconclusive,
      with some reporting increased fatigue prevalence in this population while others
      do not. Given the potentially significant consequences of unmanaged fatigue, we
      sought to estimate the prevalence of fatigue and to identify factors associated
      with fatigue in a population of non-CNS CCS ranging from adolescence to middle
      adulthood using a single fatigue measurement tool. METHODS: Two hundred sixty
      eight CCS ages 12-49 years followed in a survivorship clinic at a single cancer
      center completed validated self-report measures of fatigue, depression, and
      quality of life. Demographic and current health data were collected by study
      questionnaire and chart review RESULTS: Based on age-adjusted population norms,
      the prevalence of fatigue was 13.8 %, which is not significantly different
      compared to results in healthy populations. Fatigue was independently associated
      with having >=3 chronic health conditions (OR 4.27, 95 % CI 1.52-11.99). Fatigued
      participants reported lower overall quality of life scores (OR 0.86, 95 % CI 0.82
      0.89) and were more likely to be depressed compared to non-fatigued patients
      (20.4 vs. 1.4 %, respectively, p < 0.0001). There were 41(78.8 %) survivors with
      fatigue in our population who did not report significant depression. CONCLUSIONS:
      CCS did not demonstrate increased fatigue compared to age-matched normative data.
      Fatigued survivors were more likely to have multiple chronic conditions,
      depression, and decreased quality of life. Longitudinal study will promote better
      understanding of the relationship between fatigue and specific chronic
      conditions, thereby facilitating early identification of those individuals most
      at risk.

PMID- 27117560
TI  - Quality of patient care in the critical care unit in relation to nurse patient
      ratio: A descriptive study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intensive care is one of the most resource-intensive forms of medical
      care due to severely ill patients that are cared for in units with high staffing
      levels. Nursing's impact on the health of patients has shown that the number of
      nurses per patient and nurse education effects patient outcome. However, there
      are a lack of studies investigating highly specialised nurses in intensive care
      and their relation to patient outcome. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of
      critical care registry data (all patients >15 years) in general critical care
      units at seven university hospitals. RESULTS: Patient care and complications in
      relation to nurse/patient ratio showed that unplanned extubations occurred in 3
      5.7% of cases. A difference between hospital patients' length of time on
      ventilation was found with the hospitals with the least amount of patients and
      with 0.5-0.6 specialist-nurse/patient a longer time on ventilation was noted. The
      length of ICU stay showed differences between the hospitals and nurse/patient
      ratios, with higher nurse/patient ratio with the longer length of ICU stay.
      CONCLUSION: Despite similarities between hospitals in relation to SAPS III on
      admission to critical care, there was a difference in nurse/patient ratios
      ranging from 1:1 to 0.5:1 and mean time on both invasive and noninvasive
      ventilation.

PMID- 27117559
TI  - The relationship between exercise induced bronchial obstruction and health
      related quality of life in female and male adolescents from a general population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have observed that exercise-induced
      bronchoconstriction (EIB) is more common and more strongly related to exercise
      related breathing problems in female adolescents than male adolescents. However,
      few studies have investigated the association between EIB and health related
      quality of life (HRQoL) from a gender perspective. The aim of this study was to
      examine the association between EIB and HRQoL and physical activity level in
      female and male adolescents with and without EIB. METHODS: From a population
      based study on exercise-induced breathing problems among adolescents (13-15
      years, n = 3838) a cross sectional study with prospective data collection was
      carried out in a random subsample of 140 adolescents. The subjects in the sample
      were tested for EIB with a standardised exercise test, of which 49 adolescents
      were tested positive. HRQoL was assessed with the Pediatric Quality of Life
      Inventory (PedsQL) and the adolescents' physical activity levels were measured
      objectively with accelerometer. RESULTS: The female subjects with EIB reported a
      lower HRQoL, both in total score (p = 0.03) and physical functioning score (p =
      0.009) and had a lower baseline FEV1 compared to females without EIB (88 vs. 94 %
      predicted, p = 0.001). No differences were found in HRQoL or baseline lung
      function between males with or without EIB. There were no differences in minutes
      of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day between females or males with
      and without EIB. CONCLUSION: In a general population, the female adolescents with
      EIB had lower HRQoL and poorer baseline lung function compared to counterparts
      without EIB. These differences were not observed in males. EIB does not appear to
      affect the level of daily physical activity neither in females nor males.

PMID- 27117561
TI  - Delivering on the promise of universal health coverage.

PMID- 27117562
TI  - A Japanese case of hereditary chin trembling responsive to arotinolol.

PMID- 27117563
TI  - Resting-state fMRI reveals potential neural correlates of impaired cognition in
      Huntington's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Huntington's Disease (HD) is characterized by motor, cognitive and
      psychiatric dysfunction. Functional MRI (fMRI) provides new insight into the
      pathologic mechanism underlying the cognitive symptoms. Previous fMRI studies of
      HD focused on functional synchronization of various brain areas by measuring
      functional connectivity, a method that is unable to identify regional intrinsic
      neural activity changes in the brain. To fill in this gap, we utilized amplitude
      of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF). OBJECTIVE: To investigate alterations in
      regional brain activity and their association with clinical characteristics in
      the early stages of HD. METHODS: Ten early stage HD patients and 20 age- and sex
      matched healthy controls were scanned to obtain imaging data. HD patients were
      assessed with the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale, Mini-Mental State
      Exam (MMSE), Stroop test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Verbal Fluency
      Test and Beck Depression Index. RESULTS: Gray matter volume (GMV) reduction was
      detected in bilateral striatum and left calcarine cortex in the HD group. After
      correcting for GMV, HD patients demonstrated significantly decreased ALFF in the
      right precuneus and angular gyrus, and increased ALFF in bilateral inferior
      temporal gyrus (ITG) and left superior frontal gyrus. Increased mean values of
      ALFF in the left ITG were correlated with worse performance in SDMT, and
      decreased mean values of ALFF in the precuneus were correlated with worse
      performance in the Stroop test and SDMT. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that
      intrinsic brain activity alterations in the precuneus and cortico-striatal
      circuit may be the mechanism underlying impaired cognition in early HD.

PMID- 27117564
TI  - Normal phase HPLC-based activity profiling of non-polar crude plant extracts -
      acetylcholinesterase inhibiting guttiferones from Montrouziera cauliflora as a
      case study.
AB  - The study describes bioactive compounds as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase
      (AChE), from the stem bark extract of Montrouziera cauliflora, selected among 19
      dichloromethane extracts from Clusiaceae species. Our work focused on the
      development of an original normal phase HPLC microfractionation strategy to
      rapidly assess highly active zones from this crude active non-polar plant
      extract. Two different microfraction collection methods were evaluated for the
      assessment of the AChE inhibition. Two guttiferones and a tocotrienol were
      directly isolated among five compounds identified off-line by NMR after upscaling
      the fractionation and their AChE inhibition was evaluated. The strengths and
      weaknesses of the two microfractionation collection methods for HPLC-AChE
      activity-based profiling are discussed.

PMID- 27117565
TI  - Amputations in Sickle Cell Disease: Case Series and Literature Review.
AB  - In this study, we describe four new patients with sickle cell disease who had
      limb amputations. Two of the patients had sickle cell anemia [Hb S (HBB: c.20A >
      T) (beta(S)/beta(S))] with refractory leg ulcers that required amputations. The
      third patient had sickle cell trait with an extensive leg ulcer that was
      associated with epidermoid carcinoma. The fourth patient had amputations of both
      forearms and feet due to a misdiagnosis of dactylitis. Review of the literature
      showed that the indications for amputations in sickle cell disease included three
      distinct categories: mythical beliefs, therapeutic and malpractice. All
      therapeutic amputations were for severely painful, large, recalcitrant leg ulcers
      that failed non-interventional therapies. Amputation resulted in pain relief and
      better quality of life. Phantom neuropathic pain was not a major issue post
      operatively. It was absent, transient or well controlled with antidepressants.
      Limb function was restored post-amputation with prosthetic artificial limbs,
      wheelchairs or crutches. Malpractice amputations were due to misdiagnosis or to
      cryotherapy by exposing the painful limb to ice water resulting in thrombosis,
      gangrene and amputation. We strongly suggest that leg amputations should be
      considered in the management of certain patients with severe extensive refractory
      leg ulcers, and topical cryotherapy should never be used to manage sickle cell
      pain. 

PMID- 27117566
TI  - Molecular Epidemiology of Hemoglobinopathies in Cambodia.
AB  - Determining the magnitude of the thalassemia problem in a country is important
      for implementing a national prevention and control program. In order to acquire
      accurate thalassemia prevalence data, the gene frequency of alpha- and beta
      thalassemia (alpha- and beta-thal) in different regions of a country should be
      determined. The molecular basis of thalassemia in Cambodia was performed by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques in a community-based cross
      sectional survey of 1631 unrelated individuals from three regions, Battambang,
      Preah Vihear and Phnom Penh. Thalassemia mutations were detected in 62.7% of the
      three studied population of Cambodia. Hb E (HBB: c.79G > A) was the most common
      beta-globin gene mutation with a frequency ranging from 0.139 to 0.331, while the
      most frequent alpha-globin gene mutation was the -alpha(3.7) (rightward) deletion
      (0.098-0.255). The other frequencies were 0.001-0.003 for beta-thal, 0.008-0.011
      for alpha-thal-1 (- -(SEA)), 0.003-0.008 for alpha-thal-2 [-alpha(4.2) (leftward
      deletion)], 0.021-0.044 for Hb Constant Spring (Hb CS, HBA2: c.427T > C) and
      0.009-0.036 for Hb Pakse (HBA2: c.429A > T). A regional specific thalassemia gene
      frequency was observed. Preah Vihear had the highest prevalence of Hb E (55.9%),
      alpha-thal-2 (24.0%) and nondeletional alpha-thal (15.1%), whereas Phnom Penh had
      the lowest frequency of thalassemia genes. Interestingly, in Preah Vihear, the
      frequency of Hb Pakse was extremely high (0.036), almost equivalent to that of Hb
      CS (0.044). Our results indicate the importance of micromapping and epidemiology
      studies of thalassemia, which will assist in establishing the national prevention
      and control program in Cambodia. 

PMID- 27117567
TI  - Molecular Characterization of beta-Thalassemia Intermedia in Southeast Iran.
AB  - Inheritance of mild mutations within the beta-globin gene and coinheritance of
      alpha-thalassemia (alpha-thal) are known as two important genetic modifiers in
      beta-thalassemia (beta-thal) intermedia (beta-TI). We aimed to evaluate the
      spectrum of beta- and alpha-thal mutations in beta-TI patients in Southeast Iran.
      Common beta- and alpha-globin gene mutations were detected by amplification
      refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and multiplex gap
      PCR, respectively. There were 26 male (57.8%) and 19 female (42.2%) patients.
      HBB: c.92 + 5T > C [IVS-I-5 (G > C)] and HBB: c.-138C + 1G > A [IVS-II-I (G > A)]
      represented the prevalent alleles with respective frequencies of 60.0 and 10.0%.
      Other beta-globin mutations included HBB: c.-138C > T [-88 (C > T)], HBB:
      c.27_28insG [frameshift codons (FSC) 8/9 (+G)], HBB: c.46delT [codon 15 (-T)],
      HBB: c.93-22_95del (IVS-I, 25 del), and the 619 bp deletion (NG_000007.3:
      g.71609_72227del619). The predominant genotypic combinations were beta(0)/beta(0)
      (68.9%), beta(0)/beta(+ )(8.9%) and beta(+)/beta(+ )(2.2%). Coinheritance of
      alpha-thal was observed in 33.0% of the patients, with the -alpha(3.7)
      (rightward) (NG_000006.1: g.34164_37967del3804) as the most common deletion
      (86.0%). One patient was diagnosed with the -alpha(4.2) (leftward) (AF221717) and
      one with the - -(MED) (g.24664_41064del16401) deletions, while no patients
      carried the -(alpha)(20.5) (g.15164_37864del22701), alpha(-5 nt) (HBA2: c.95 +
      2_95_6delTGAGG) or codon 19 (-G) (HBA2: c.56delG) mutations. The alleviating
      molecular mechanism was not explainable by beta(+ )or concurrent alpha-thal in
      more than half of our beta-TI patients. This encourages conducting more studies
      to identify other contributing factors, especially Hb F-inducing genetic
      modifiers. 

PMID- 27117568
TI  - A Family with gamma-Thalassemia and High Hb A2 Levels.
AB  - We describe a family carrying a gamma-globin gene deletion associated with an
      increase of Hb A2 level beyond the normal range. The family included the proband,
      his sister and their father, all with increased Hb A2 and normal Hb F levels. The
      proband and his sister showed borderline values of mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
      and reduced values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (Hb) (MCH). The proband was
      referred to our Medical Genetics Service for preconception counseling together
      with his partner, a typical beta-thalassemia (beta-thal) carrier. The results
      were negative for the most frequent alpha-thalassemia (alpha-thal) mutations, and
      had no significant sequence variations of the coding sequences and promoter of
      the beta- and delta-globin genes. Quantitative analysis by multiplex ligation
      dependent probe amplification (MPLA) of the beta-globin gene cluster detected a
      heterozygous deletion, ranging between 2.1 and 4.7 kb, in the proband, his sister
      and the father. The deletion involved the (G)gamma gene and (G)gamma-(A)gamma
      intergenic region, whereas the 3' region of the (A)gamma gene was preserved. A
      subsequent gap-polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR) showed that a hybrid (GA)gamma
      fusion gene was present. The deletion segregated with the elevation of Hb A2. The
      MLPA analysis of the beta-globin gene cluster in 150 control alleles excluded a
      common polymorphism. Despite stronger evidence being needed, the described family
      suggests a possible role of this gamma-globin gene deletion in contributing to Hb
      A2 elevation, possibly by altering the transcription regulation of the cluster.
      We propose gamma-globin gene dosage analysis to be performed in patients with
      unexplained elevated Hb A2 levels. 

PMID- 27117569
TI  - The Impact of XmnI-HBG2, BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on
      Hb F Variation of Hematologically Normal Iranian Individuals.
AB  - The impact of Hb F on severity of sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia (beta
      thal) is well documented. The XmnI-HBG2, BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) have been introduced as the most important factors causing
      variation in fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) levels in different population studies.
      However, the extent of their effect could be population-specific. In this study,
      multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of
      Hb F with age, sex, and eight SNPs, including XmnI-HBG2, four BCL11A, two HBS1L
      MYB SNPs and the polymorphic palindromic 5' hypersensitive 4-locus control region
      (5'HS4-LCR). One hundred and twenty-two hematologically normal individuals, from
      a previous study cohort, constituted our study population. In multivariate
      regression analyses, no association of Hb F was observed with age or sex of the
      individuals and SNPs in this study. We conducted a univariate regression analysis
      to further investigate the results, which among all the factors only detected
      XmnI-HBG2 and 5'HS4 SNPs as significant modifiers of Hb F. The significance of
      these two factors disappeared in a bivariate analysis. These results suggest that
      either XmnI-HBG2 or 5'HS4-LCR have a stronger contribution in Hb F variations of
      the Iranian population than BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB SNPs. Furthermore, the effect of
      low population size and technical limitations on obtained results could not be
      ruled out. 

PMID- 27117570
TI  - Diagnostic Dilemma of Hb Perth [beta32(B14)Leu->Pro; HBB: c.98T > C] in Mainland
      China.
AB  - Unstable hemoglobin (Hb) variants represent a rare etiology of congenital
      hemolytic anemia. Correct diagnosis can be a challenge due to the relative rarity
      or lack of awareness of this disorder. We report an 18-month-old girl, who
      presented with a long-standing hemolytic anemia. Her diagnosis of unstable Hb
      Perth [beta32(B14)Leu->Pro, HBB: c.98T > C] had not been made until gene
      sequencing of the beta-globin gene was performed. 

PMID- 27117571
TI  - Spectrum of Common alpha-Globin Deletion Mutations in the Southern Region of
      Vietnam.
AB  - The common deletion mutations of alpha-globin genes in the Vietnamese population
      is not well known. Here we report the presence of five deletional mutations of
      Southeast Asia in the southern region of Vietnam. The - -(SEA) (NG_000006.1:
      g.26264_45564del19301) mutation is the most common type of deletion (87.35%),
      followed by the -alpha(3.7) (rightward) (NG_000006.1: g.34164_37967del3804)
      deletion (9.64%), -alpha(4.2) (leftward) (AF221717) deletion (2.41%) and - 
      (THAI) (NG_000006.1: g.10664_44164del33501) (0.6%) mutation in this region. The -
      -(FIL) (NG_000006.1: g.11684_43534del31581) mutation was not detected in this
      study. This result provided a view of the distribution of common alpha-globin
      gene mutations in Vietnam and could serve as a baseline for further
      investigations into these genetic defects. 

PMID- 27117572
TI  - Mild Microcytic Anemia in an Infant with a Compound Heterozygosity for Hb C (HBB:
      c.19G > A) and Hb Osu Christiansborg (HBB: c.157G > A).
AB  - We report an infant with a compound heterozygosity for Hb C (HBB: c.19G > A) and
      Hb Osu Christiansborg (HBB: c.157G > A) and a phenotype of mild microcytic anemia
      with target cell morphology but without overt hemolysis. 

PMID- 27117573
TI  - A New delta-Globin Gene Variant: Hb A2-Fengshun [delta121(GH4)Glu->Lys (HBD:
      c.364G > A)].
AB  - An elevated Hb A2 (alpha2delta2 level) is a diagnostic marker for heterozygous
      beta-thalassemia (beta-thal). Mutations in the delta-globin gene can cause
      decreased expression of Hb A2, compromising screening for heterozygous beta-thal.
      In this report, we describe a novel missense mutation of the delta-globin [Hb A2
      Fengshun or delta121(GH4)Glu->Lys, HBD: c.364G > A] in a Chinese individual who
      had coinherited a heterozygous beta-thal with a normal Hb A2 level. 

PMID- 27117574
TI  - The Natural History of Hb S/Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin in 13
      Children from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
AB  - Children with Hb S (HBB: c.20A > T)/hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin
      (Hb S/HPFH) have a mild clinical phenotype, but some complications have been
      reported. The natural history of Hb S/HPFH in children from the State of Minas
      Gerais, Brazil newborn cohort is described. Clinical and hematological data
      regarding participants' phenotypes were retrieved from medical records. The HPFH
      1, HPFH-2, and HPFH-3 and alpha-thalassemia (alpha-thal) deletions were detected
      by gap-polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR). Thirteen children were included, nine
      (69.2%) had the Hb S/HPFH-2 deletion, and four (30.8%) had Hb S/HPFH-1 deletion;
      11 children (84.6%) had alphaalpha/alphaalpha, and two (15.4%) carried the
      alphaalpha/-alpha(3.7) (rightward) deletion. The mean concentration of total
      hemoglobin (Hb) and Hb F was 12.52 +/- 0.56 g/dL and 42.31% +/- 1.97%,
      respectively. Mild microcytosis and hypochromia were observed. We found acute
      clinical manifestations of sickle cell disease, such as acute chest syndrome
      (ACS) and acute pain crisis in four children; nine (69.2%) children were
      completely asymptomatic during the follow-up period. All children were classified
      as having low-risk transcranial Doppler (TDC). In conclusion, children with Hb
      S/HPFH have a mild clinical phenotype of sickle cell disease, although acute
      clinical manifestations may occur. High Hb F levels and absence of anemia are
      common hematological characteristics. 

PMID- 27117575
TI  - Diffusing colloidal probes of cell surfaces.
AB  - Measurements and analyses are reported to quantify dynamic and equilibrium
      interactions between colloidal particles and live cell surfaces using dark field
      video microscopy. Two-dimensional trajectories of micron-sized polyethylene
      glycol (PEG)-coated silica colloids relative to adherent epithelial breast cancer
      cell perimeters are determined allowing measurement of position dependent
      diffusivities and interaction potentials. PEG was chosen as the material system
      of interest to assess non-specific interactions with cell surfaces and
      establishes a basis for investigation of specific interactions in future studies.
      Analysis of measured potential energies on cell surfaces reveals the spatial
      dependence in cell topography. With the measured cell topography and models for
      particle-cell surface hydrodynamic interactions, excellent agreement is obtained
      between theoretical and measured colloidal transport on cell surfaces.
      Quantitative analyses of association lifetimes showed that PEG coatings act to
      stabilize colloids above the cell surface through net repulsive, steric
      interactions. Our results demonstrate a self-consistent analysis of diffusing
      colloidal probe interactions due to conservative and non-conservative forces to
      characterize biophysical cell surface properties. 

PMID- 27117577
TI  - Impact of central node dissection on postoperative morbidity in pediatric
      patients with suspected or proven thyroid cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric risk factors for postoperative morbidity after central node
      dissection are ill-defined. METHODS: This outcome study aimed to evaluate
      operative morbidity in patients aged <=18 years after total thyroidectomy with or
      without central node dissection for suspected or proven thyroid cancer. RESULTS:
      Included were 102 patients with hereditary C-cell hyperplasia, 66 patients with
      medullary, 60 patients with papillary, and 2 patients with follicular thyroid
      cancer. In all 230 patients, 131 of whom underwent central node dissection,
      transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was significantly associated only with
      central node dissection (100% vs 55%; P = .010). Transient and permanent
      hypoparathyroidism were significantly associated with age (means of 11.9 years
      versus 7.8 years, and 12.9 years versus 8.5 years; P <= .002); central node
      dissection (80% vs 50%, and 100% vs 54%; P <= .001); and the number of central
      lymph nodes cleared (means of 12.2 nodes versus 5.4 nodes, and 26.9 nodes versus
      5.8 nodes, P < .001). These effects were stronger for permanent than transient
      hypoparathyroidism. Correlations between permanent hypoparathyroidism and the
      number of nodes cleared on central node dissection (r = 0.35) were closer than
      those between permanent hypoparathyroidism and age (r = 0.15), but similar for
      transient hypoparathyroidism (r = 0.22 and r = 0.25). CONCLUSION: Owing to the
      incremental morbidity from central node dissection, the extent of a neck
      operation, in experienced hands, should be tailored to the extent of the
      underlying disease regardless of the child's age. The notion that the experience
      of the center and surgeons may be more important than the age of the child
      requires validation in independent series across different health care settings.

PMID- 27117576
TI  - The Arg59Trp variant in ANGPTL8 (betatrophin) is associated with total and HDL
      cholesterol in American Indians and Mexican Americans and differentially affects
      cleavage of ANGPTL3.
AB  - We previously identified a locus linked to total cholesterol (TC) concentration
      in Pima Indians on chromosome 19p. To characterize this locus, we genotyped >2000
      SNPs in 1838 Pimas and assessed association with log(TC). We observed evidence
      for association with log(TC) with rs2278426 (3.5% decrease/copy of the T allele;
      P=5.045*10(-6)) in the ANGPTL8 (angiopoietin-like 8) gene. We replicated this
      association in 2413 participants of the San Antonio Mexican American Family Study
      (SAMAFS: 2.0% decrease per copy of the T allele; P=0.005842). In a meta-analysis
      of the combined data, we found the strongest estimated effect with rs2278426
      (P=2.563*10(-7)). The variant T allele at rs2278426 predicts an Arg59Trp
      substitution and has previously been associated with LDL-C and HDL-C. In Pimas
      and SAMAFS participants, the T allele of rs2278426 was associated with reduced
      HDL-C levels (P=0.000741 and 0.00002, respectively), and the combined estimated
      effect for the two cohorts was -3.8% (P=8.526*10(-8)). ANGPTL8 transcript and
      protein levels increased in response to both glucose and insulin. The variant
      allele was associated with increased levels of cleaved ANGPTL3. We conclude that
      individuals with the variant allele may have lower TC and HDL-C levels due to
      increased activation of ANGPTL3 by ANGPTL8.

PMID- 27117578
TI  - Clinical applications of amylase: Novel perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amylase was the first enzyme to be characterized, and for the
      previous 200 years, its clinical role has been restricted to a diagnostic aid.
      Recent interface research has led to a substantial expansion of its role into
      novel, viable diagnostic, and therapeutic applications to cancer, infection, and
      wound healing. This review provides a concise "state-of-the-art" overview of the
      genetics, structure, distribution, and localization of amylase in humans. METHOD:
      A first-generation literature search was performed with the MeSH search string
      "Amylase AND (diagnost* OR therapeut$)" on OVIDSP and PUBMED platforms. A second
      generation search was then performed by forward and backward referencing on Web
      of KnowledgeTM and manual indexing, limited to the English Language. RESULTS:
      "State of the Art" in amylase genetics, structure, function distribution,
      localisation and detection of amylase in humans is provided. To the 4 classic
      patterns of hyperamylasemia (pancreatic, salivary, macroamylasemia, and
      combinations) a fifth, the localized targeting of amylase to specific foci of
      infection, is proposed. CONCLUSIONS: The implications are directed at novel
      therapeutic and diagnostic clinical applications of amylase such as the novel
      therapeutic drug classes capable of targeted delivery and "smart release" in
      areas of clinical need. Future directions of research in areas of high clinical
      benefit are reported.

PMID- 27117579
TI  - Commentary: Can we go further in the tailoring of bariatric operations?

PMID- 27117580
TI  - Long term results of treatment of breast cancer without axillary surgery -
      Predicting a SOUND approach?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditionally axillary surgery has been used to provide staging
      information and until recently was thought to improve loco-regional control.
      However, a more minimal approach to the axilla is now being adopted. The aim of
      this study was to assess long term outcomes of patients with 'low-risk' breast
      cancers who did not undergo any axillary surgery. 'Low-risk' criteria were:
      postmenopausal, <20 mm grade 1 or <15 mm grade 2, LVI-ve, ER +ve. METHODS: Women
      with invasive breast cancer that did not undergo any axillary surgery were
      identified. Patients were censored when an event or death occurred or at last
      follow-up at breast clinic or with their General Practitioner. RESULTS: Between
      05/01/1995-20/11/2006, 194 patients (199 tumours) were operated upon without
      axillary surgery. Median follow-up was 10.4 years. 128 patients met low-risk
      criteria and 71 did not (patient choice = 42, medical fitness = 29). In the 'low
      risk' cohort there were two axillary recurrences, with a cumulative incidence of
      0.8% and 1.9% at 5 and 10 years respectively. DDFS was 99.2% (94.1-99.9%), and
      97% (90.0-99%) at 5 and 10 years respectively and DFS was 96.6% (91.1-98.7%) and
      91.2% (82.6-95.6%). OS was 90.3% (95% CI: 83.6-94.4) and 75.5% (95% CI: 65.9
      82.8) at 5 and 10 years respectively. CONCLUSION: Axillary recurrence and DDFS in
      this low-risk cohort is favourable. In the modern era of breast cancer management
      it is possible to define a group of women in whom axillary surgery can be
      omitted.

PMID- 27117581
TI  - The Relevance of Geriatric Impairments in Patients Starting Dialysis: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With aging of the general population, patients who
      enter dialysis therapy will more frequently have geriatric impairments and a
      considerable comorbidity burden. The most vulnerable among these patients might
      benefit from conservative therapy. Whether assessment of geriatric impairments
      would contribute to the decision-making process of dialysis initiation is
      unknown. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: A systematic Medline and
      Embase search was performed on December 1, 2015 to identify studies assessing the
      association between risk of mortality or hospitalization and one or more
      geriatric impairments at the start of dialysis therapy, including impairment of
      cognitive function, mood, performance status or (instrumental) activities of
      daily living, mobility (including falls), social environment, or nutritional
      status. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were identified that assessed one or more
      geriatric impairments with respect to prognosis. The quality of most studies was
      moderate. Only seven studies carried out an analysis of elderly patients (>=70
      years old). Malnutrition and frailty were systematically assessed, and their
      relation with mortality was clear. In addition, cognitive impairment and
      functional outcomes at the initiation of dialysis were related to an increased
      mortality in most studies. However, not all studies applied systematic assessment
      tools, thereby potentially missing relevant impairment. None of the studies
      applied a geriatric assessment across multiple domains. CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric
      impairment across multiple domains at dialysis initiation is related to poor
      outcome. However, information in the elderly is sparse, and a systematic approach
      of multiple domains with respect to poor outcome has not been performed. Because
      a geriatric assessment has proved useful in predicting outcome in other medical
      fields, its potential role in the ESRD population should be the subject of future
      research.

PMID- 27117582
TI  - Immune response in breast cancer brain metastases and their microenvironment: the
      role of the PD-1/PD-L axis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A better understanding of immune response in breast cancer brain
      metastases (BCBM) may prompt new preventive and therapeutic strategies. METHODS:
      Immunohistochemical expression of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs:
      CD4, CD8, CTLA4), macrophage/microglial cells (CD68), programmed cell death
      protein 1 receptor (PD-1), programmed cell death protein 1 receptor ligand (PD
      L)1, PD-L2 and glial fibrillary acid protein was assessed in 84 BCBM and their
      microenvironment. RESULTS: Median survival after BCBM excision was 18.3 months
      (range 0-99). Median number of CD4+, CD8+ TILs and CD68+ was 49, 69 and 76 per 1
      mm(2), respectively. PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression in BCBM was present in 53 % and
      36 % of cases, and was not related to BCBM phenotype. PD-1 expression on TILs
      correlated positively with CD4+ and CD8+ TILs (r = 0.26 and 0.33), and so did
      CD68+ (r = 0.23 and 0.27, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, survival
      after BCBM excision positively correlated with PD-1 expression on TILs (hazard
      ratio (HR) = 0.3, P = 0.003), CD68+ infiltration (HR = 0.2, P < 0.001), brain
      radiotherapy (HR = 0.1, P < 0.001), endocrine therapy (HR = 0.1, P < 0.001), and
      negatively with hormone-receptor-negative/human epidermal growth factor receptor
      2 (HER2)-positive phenotype of primary tumor (HR = 2.6, P = 0.01), HER2
      expression in BCBM (HR = 4.9, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression
      is a common occurrence in BCBM, irrespective of primary tumor and BCBM phenotype.
      Favorable prognostic impact of PD-1 expression on TILs suggests a beneficial
      effect of preexisting immunity and implies a potential therapeutic role of immune
      checkpoint inhibitors in BCBM.

PMID- 27117583
TI  - Evaluation of role of telmisartan in combination with 5-fluorouracil in gastric
      cancer cachexia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of
      combination of telmisartan with 5-flourouracil (5-FU) in gastric cancer cachexia
      induced by administering N-methyl-N'-methyl-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). METHOD:
      MNND was administered once daily by oral gavage for two weeks, and saturated NaCl
      (1ml per rat) was then given once every 3days for 4weeks. 5-FU (75mg/kg, i.v.)
      was administered once three weeks from 7th to 22nd week. From 7th to 22nd week,
      telmisartan (5mg/kg, p.o.) was also administered along with 5-FU. RESULT: MNNG
      produced significant decrease in food intake, body weight, caused hyperglycemia,
      dyslipidemia, hypertension worsened hemodyanamics, increased cachexia markers and
      increased tumor markers like lactate dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyltransferase.
      MNNG also produced oxidative stress in the stomach tissue. Treatment with
      combination of telmisartan with 5-FU produced significant increase in food intake
      and body weight, controlled hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, preserved hemodynamic
      function, and decreased the cachexia markers while 5-FU alone did not produce any
      such effects. Further, the combination of telmisartan with 5-FU significantly
      reduced tumor marker levels, oxidative stress and also significantly decreased
      the cell proliferation, apoptosis, hyperkeratosis, keratohyaline granules and
      invasive carcinoma of forestomach and reduced muscle atrophy in tibilias anterior
      skeletal muscle. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that combination of telmisartan
      with 5-FU treatment is beneficial in controlling cancer cachexia. Telmisartan can
      be used as an add-on therapy with 5-FU or other traditional chemotherapeutic
      agents.

PMID- 27117584
TI  - The antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of crocin pretreatment on global
      cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury induced by four vessels occlusion in rats.
AB  - AIMS: Cerebral ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury is a process in which oxidative
      and apoptotic mechanisms play a part. Neuroprotective agents to be found could
      work out well for the efficient and safe minimization of cerebral IR injury.
      Crocin is a strong antioxidant agent; however the influence of this agent on the
      experimental cerebral ischemia model has not been studied extensively and thus it
      is not well-known. The objective of our study was to investigate the antioxidant,
      antiapoptotic and protective effects of crocin on the global cerebral IR induced
      by four-vessel occlusion. MAIN METHODS: A total of 30 adult female Sprague-Dawley
      rats were equally and randomly separated into three groups as follows: sham, IR
      and IR+crocin (40mg/kg/day orally for 10days). 24h after electrocauterization of
      bilateral vertebral arteries, bilateral common carotid arteries were occluded for
      30min and reperfused for 30min. Oxidative stress parameters (TAS, TOS, OSI),
      haematoxylin and eosin staining, caspase-3 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha
      (HIF-1alpha) expressions and TUNEL methods were investigated. KEY FINDINGS: There
      was a significant difference between the IR and sham groups by means of OSI
      level, histopathological scoring, caspase-3, HIF-1alpha and TUNEL-positive cell
      parameters. We have also observed that pre-treatment with crocin reduced these
      parameter levels back to the baseline. SIGNIFICANCE: The data obtained from the
      present study suggest that crocin may exert antiapoptotic, antioxidant and
      protective effects in IR-mediated brain injury induced by four-vessel occlusion.
      To the best of our knowledge, this would be the first study to be conducted in
      this field.

PMID- 27117585
TI  - Bacterial superglue enables easy development of efficient virus-like particle
      based vaccines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Virus-like particles (VLPs) represent a significant advance in the
      development of subunit vaccines, combining high safety and efficacy. Their
      particulate nature and dense repetitive subunit organization makes them ideal
      scaffolds for display of vaccine antigens. Traditional approaches for VLP-based
      antigen display require labor-intensive trial-and-error optimization, and often
      fail to generate dense antigen display. Here we utilize the split-intein
      (SpyTag/SpyCatcher) conjugation system to generate stable isopeptide bound
      antigen-VLP complexes by simply mixing of the antigen and VLP components.
      RESULTS: Genetic fusion of SpyTag or SpyCatcher to the N-terminus and/or C
      terminus of the Acinetobacter phage AP205 capsid protein resulted in formation of
      stable, nonaggregated VLPs expressing one SpyCatcher, one SpyTag or two SpyTags
      per capsid protein. Mixing of spy-VLPs with eleven different vaccine antigens
      fused to SpyCatcher or SpyTag resulted in formation of antigen-VLP complexes with
      coupling efficiencies (% occupancy of total VLP binding sites) ranging from 22-88
      %. In mice, spy-VLP vaccines presenting the malaria proteins Pfs25 or VAR2CSA
      markedly increased antibody titer, affinity, longevity and functional efficacy
      compared to corresponding vaccines employing monomeric proteins. The spy-VLP
      vaccines also effectively broke B cell self-tolerance and induced potent and
      durable antibody responses upon vaccination with cancer or allergy-associated
      self-antigens (PD-L1, CTLA-4 and IL-5). CONCLUSIONS: The spy-VLP system
      constitutes a versatile and rapid method to develop highly immunogenic VLP-based
      vaccines. Our data provide proof-of-concept for the technology's ability to
      present complex vaccine antigens to the immune system and elicit robust
      functional antibody responses as well as to efficiently break B cell self
      tolerance. The spy-VLP-system may serve as a generic tool for the cost-effective
      development of effective VLP-vaccines against both infectious- and non
      communicable diseases and could facilitate rapid and unbiased screening of
      vaccine candidate antigens.

PMID- 27117586
TI  - Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is associated with chronic rhinosinusitis:
      population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the association of chronic
      rhinosinusitis with sudden sensorineural hearing loss using a population-based
      database. METHODS: Sampled subject data were obtained from the Taiwan
      Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. A total of 3325 patients with sudden
      sensorineural hearing loss were identified and 9975 controls were randomly
      selected. A conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio
      for having been previously diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis, for cases and
      controls. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The adjusted odds ratio of having prior chronic
      rhinosinusitis among cases compared to controls was 1.36 (95 per cent confidence
      interval = 1.16-1.60). The significant relationship between sudden sensorineural
      hearing loss and chronic rhinosinusitis was most pronounced among those patients
      aged 44 years or less (compared to controls) (odds ratio = 2.18; 95 per cent
      confidence interval = 1.63-2.92). However, the significant relationship between
      sudden sensorineural hearing loss and prior chronic rhinosinusitis was not
      sustained for patients older than 60 years compared to controls.

PMID- 27117587
TI  - Plasmodium meets AAV-the (un)likely marriage of parasitology and virology, and
      how to make the match.
AB  - The increasing use of screening technologies in malaria research has
      substantially expanded our knowledge on cellular factors hijacked by the
      Plasmodium parasite in the infected host, including those that participate in the
      clinically silent liver stage. This rapid gain in our understanding of the
      hepatic interaction partners now requires a means to validate and further
      disentangle parasite-host networks in physiologically relevant liver model
      systems. Here, we outline seminal work that contributed to our present knowledge
      on the intrahepatic Plasmodium host factors, followed by a discussion of
      surrogate models of mammalian livers or hepatocytes. We finally describe how
      Adeno-associated viruses could be engineered and used as hepatotropic tools to
      dissect Plasmodium-host interactions, and to deliberately control these networks
      for antimalaria vaccination or therapy.

PMID- 27117588
TI  - Epigenetic profiles signify cell fate plasticity in unipotent spermatogonial stem
      and progenitor cells.
AB  - Spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells (SSCs) generate adult male gametes.
      During in vitro expansion, these unipotent murine cells spontaneously convert to
      multipotent adult spermatogonial-derived stem cells (MASCs). Here we investigate
      this conversion process through integrative transcriptomic and epigenomic
      analyses. We find in SSCs that promoters essential to maintenance and
      differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are enriched with histone H3
      lysine4 and -lysine 27 trimethylations. These bivalent modifications are
      maintained at most somatic promoters after conversion, bestowing MASCs an ESC
      like promoter chromatin. At enhancers, the core pluripotency circuitry is
      activated partially in SSCs and completely in MASCs, concomitant with loss of
      germ cell-specific gene expression and initiation of embryonic-like programs.
      Furthermore, SSCs in vitro maintain the epigenomic characteristics of germ cells
      in vivo. Our observations suggest that SSCs encode innate plasticity through the
      epigenome and that both conversion of promoter chromatin states and activation of
      cell type-specific enhancers are prominent features of reprogramming.

PMID- 27117589
TI  - Effect of pharmacist intervention on physician prescribing in patients with
      chronic schizophrenia: a descriptive pre/post study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although pharmacotherapy is one of the most important treatments for
      schizophrenia, the prominent levels of antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-dose
      regimens used in Japan are thought to be inconsistent with treatment regimens
      used in other countries. In this study, we evaluated the effect of pharmacist
      intervention on physician prescribing in patients with chronic schizophrenia.
      METHODS: Participants comprised 52 inpatients at Sawa Hospital (Osaka, Japan),
      treated with at least one antipsychotic agent, who received pharmacist
      intervention for 1 year (2012). We compared the dose and the number of
      antipsychotics prescribed, and the rate of concurrent prescribing of anti
      Parkinson, benzodiazepine and mood-stabilizer medication, pre- and post
      pharmacist intervention. As an indicator of psychosis symptoms, the rate of
      seclusion room use was recorded. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of
      pharmacist intervention on medicine costs. Continuous variables were analyzed by
      Wilcoxon signed-rank sum tests, and categorical data were analyzed using Fisher's
      exact tests. RESULTS: Compared with pre-intervention, the dose (982.6 mg pre vs.
      857.6 mg post; p < 0.01) and the number of antipsychotics (2.0 pre vs. 2.0 post;
      p < 0.05) at 1 year were significantly lower post-intervention. The seclusion
      room use rate was not significantly different but tended to be lower post
      intervention than pre-intervention (p < 0.1). The cost (in USD) for all medicines
      (10.33 pre vs. 8.76 post; p < 0.05), antipsychotics (8.04 pre vs. 6.48 post; p <
      0.05), and psychotropics (9.24 pre vs. 7.68 post; p < 0.01) were significantly
      lower post-intervention than pre-intervention. CONCLUSION: Pharmacist
      intervention has the potential to optimize medication prescribing and reduce
      medication costs in patients with chronic schizophrenia. It might be suggested
      that clinical practitioners as well as medical hospital administrators consider
      the pharmacists' ability to rationalize medication therapy in schizophrenia.

PMID- 27117590
TI  - Circulating miR-29a and miR-150 correlate with delivered dose during thoracic
      radiation therapy for non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risk of normal tissue toxicity limits the amount of thoracic
      radiation therapy (RT) that can be routinely prescribed to treat non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC). An early biomarker of response to thoracic RT may provide a
      way to predict eventual toxicities-such as radiation pneumonitis-during
      treatment, thereby enabling dose adjustment before the symptomatic onset of late
      effects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were studied as potential serological biomarkers for
      thoracic RT. As a first step, we sought to identify miRNAs that correlate with
      delivered dose and standard dosimetric factors. METHODS: We performed miRNA
      profiling of plasma samples obtained from five patients with Stage IIIA NSCLC at
      five dose-points each during radical thoracic RT. Candidate miRNAs were then
      assessed in samples from a separate cohort of 21 NSCLC patients receiving radical
      thoracic RT. To identify a cellular source of circulating miRNAs, we quantified
      in vitro miRNA expression intracellularly and within secreted exosomes in five
      NSCLC and stromal cell lines. RESULTS: miRNA profiling of the discovery cohort
      identified ten circulating miRNAs that correlated with delivered RT dose as well
      as other dosimetric parameters such as lung V20. In the validation cohort, miR
      29a-3p and miR-150-5p were reproducibly shown to decrease with increasing
      radiation dose. Expression of miR-29a-3p and miR-150-5p in secreted exosomes
      decreased with radiation. This was concomitant with an increase in intracellular
      levels, suggesting that exosomal export of these miRNAs may be downregulated in
      both NSCLC and stromal cells in response to radiation. CONCLUSIONS: miR-29a-3p
      and miR-150-5p were identified as circulating biomarkers that correlated with
      delivered RT dose. miR-150 has been reported to decrease in the circulation of
      mammals exposed to radiation while miR-29a has been associated with fibrosis in
      the human heart, lungs, and kidneys. One may therefore hypothesize that outlier
      levels of circulating miR-29a-3p and miR-150-5p may eventually help predict
      unexpected responses to radiation therapy, such as toxicity.

PMID- 27117591
TI  - Novel patient-derived xenograft and cell line models for therapeutic testing of
      pediatric liver cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Pediatric liver cancer is a rare but serious disease whose
      incidence is rising, and for which the therapeutic options are limited.
      Development of more targeted, less toxic therapies is hindered by the lack of an
      experimental animal model that captures the heterogeneity and metastatic
      capability of these tumors. METHODS: Here we established an orthotopic
      engraftment technique to model a series of patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX)
      from pediatric liver cancers of all major histologic subtypes: hepatoblastoma,
      hepatocellular cancer and hepatocellular malignant neoplasm. We utilized standard
      (immuno) staining methods for histological characterization, RNA sequencing for
      gene expression profiling and genome sequencing for identification of druggable
      targets. We also adapted stem cell culturing techniques to derive two new
      pediatric cancer cell lines from the xenografted mice. RESULTS: The patient
      derived tumor xenografts recapitulated the histologic, genetic, and biological
      characteristics-including the metastatic behavior-of the corresponding primary
      tumors. Furthermore, the gene expression profiles of the two new liver cancer
      cell lines closely resemble those of the primary tumors. Targeted therapy of PDTX
      from an aggressive hepatocellular malignant neoplasm with the MEK1 inhibitor
      trametinib and pan-class I PI3 kinase inhibitor NVP-BKM120 resulted in
      significant growth inhibition, thus confirming this PDTX model as a valuable tool
      to study tumor biology and patient-specific therapeutic responses. CONCLUSIONS:
      The novel metastatic xenograft model and the isogenic xenograft-derived cell
      lines described in this study provide reliable tools for developing mutation- and
      patient-specific therapies for pediatric liver cancer. LAY SUMMARY: Pediatric
      liver cancer is a rare but serious disease and no experimental animal model
      currently captures the complexity and metastatic capability of these tumors. We
      have established a novel animal model using human tumor tissue that recapitulates
      the genetic and biological characteristics of this cancer. We demonstrate that
      our patient-derived animal model, as well as two new cell lines, are useful tools
      for experimental therapies.

PMID- 27117592
TI  - Image-based compound profiling reveals a dual inhibitor of tyrosine kinase and
      microtubule polymerization.
AB  - Small-molecule compounds are widely used as biological research tools and
      therapeutic drugs. Therefore, uncovering novel targets of these compounds should
      provide insights that are valuable in both basic and clinical studies. I
      developed a method for image-based compound profiling by quantitating the effects
      of compounds on signal transduction and vesicle trafficking of epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR). Using six signal transduction molecules and two markers
      of vesicle trafficking, 570 image features were obtained and subjected to
      multivariate analysis. Fourteen compounds that affected EGFR or its pathways were
      classified into four clusters, based on their phenotypic features. Surprisingly,
      one EGFR inhibitor (CAS 879127-07-8) was classified into the same cluster as
      nocodazole, a microtubule depolymerizer. In fact, this compound directly
      depolymerized microtubules. These results indicate that CAS 879127-07-8 could be
      used as a chemical probe to investigate both the EGFR pathway and microtubule
      dynamics. The image-based multivariate analysis developed herein has potential as
      a powerful tool for discovering unexpected drug properties.

PMID- 27117593
TI  - Social Inequalities in Inflammation: Age Variations in Older Persons.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Systemic inflammation is an important risk factor for cardiovascular
      diseases and inequalities by race/ethnicity, gender, and education have been
      documented. However, there is incomplete knowledge as to how these disparities
      present across age, especially in late life. This study assesses whether
      differences in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, are contingent
      on age among older persons. METHOD: Data are from the 2006/2008 Health and
      Retirement Study ( n = 10,974) biomarker assessment. CRP was regressed on
      interactions between age and other status characteristics. RESULTS: Racial/ethnic
      differences in inflammation do not vary significantly by age. However, gender and
      education differences are greatest at younger ages and then narrow steadily with
      increasing age. DISCUSSION: There is considerable heterogeneity in how
      disparities in inflammation present across age and characteristics such as
      race/ethnicity, gender, and education. Understanding status differences in the
      influence of age on factors affecting late-life health is useful for health
      disparities research.

PMID- 27117594
TI  - Adrenal Metastasis from Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND : Uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) is a highly malignant form
      of endometrial cancer with a high propensity for metastases and recurrences even
      when there is minimal or no myometrial invasion. It usually metastasizes to the
      pelvis, retroperitoneal lymph nodes, upper abdomen, and peritoneum. However,
      adrenal metastases from UPSC is extremely rare. Here, we present a case of UPSC
      with adrenal metastasis that occurred 6 years after the initial diagnosis. CASE
      REPORT: A 60-year-old woman previously diagnosed with uterine papillary serous
      carcinoma at an outside facility presented in September of 2006 with
      postmenopausal bleeding. She underwent comprehensive surgical staging with FIGO
      (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage 2. Post
      operatively, the patient was treated with radiation and chemotherapy. The
      treatment was completed in April of 2007. The patient had no evidence of disease
      until July 2009 when she was found to have a mass highly suspicious for
      malignancy. Subsequently, she underwent right upper lobectomy. The morphology of
      the carcinoma was consistent with UPSC. She refused chemotherapy due to a
      previous history of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. The patient was followed up
      with regular computed tomography (CT) scans. In October 2012 a new right adrenal
      nodule was seen on CT, which showed intense metabolic uptake on positron emission
      tomography (PET)/CT scan. The patient underwent right adrenalectomy. Pathology of
      the surgical specimen was consistent with UPSC. CONCLUSIONS: UPSC is an
      aggressive variant of endometrial cancer associated with high recurrence rate and
      poor prognoses. Long-term follow-up is needed because there is a possibility of
      late metastases, as in this case.

PMID- 27117595
TI  - The cost of Pancreatoduodenectomy - An analysis of clinical determinants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health care spending is increasing the world over. Determining
      preventable or correctable factors may offer us valuable insights into developing
      strategies aimed at reducing costs and improving patient care. The aim of this
      study was to conduct an exploratory analysis of clinical factors influencing
      costs of Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: The financial and clinical records
      of 173 consecutive patients who underwent PD at a tertiary care referral centre,
      between January 2013 and June 2015 were analysed. RESULTS: Complications, by
      themselves, did not increase costs associated with PD unless they resulted in an
      increase in the duration of stay more than 11 days. Intraoperative blood
      transfusion (p-.098) and performance of an end-to-side PJ (p-.043) were
      independent factors significantly affecting costs. Synchronous venous resections
      significantly increased costs (p-.006) without affecting duration of stay.
      Advancing age, hypertension, neurological and respiratory disorders, preoperative
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), performance of a feeding
      jejunostomy, and surgical complications eg PPH, POPF and DGE significantly
      increased the duration of stay sufficient enough to influence costs of PD.
      CONCLUSIONS: It is not the merely the development, but severity of complications
      that significantly increase the cost of PD by increasing hospital stay.
      Strategies aimed at reducing intraoperative blood transfusion requirement as well
      as minimising the development of POPF can help reduce costs. Synchronous venous
      resections significantly increase costs independent of hospital stay. This study
      identified nine factors that may be included in the development of a preoperative
      nomogram that could be used in preoperative financial counselling of patients
      undergoing PD.

PMID- 27117596
TI  - A novel IgA/Delta-like 4/Notch axis induces immunosuppressive activity in human
      dendritic cells.

PMID- 27117597
TI  - Current status and future prospects for the treatment of antiphospholipid
      syndrome.
AB  - Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a prothrombotic disease characterized by
      thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies
      (apL). Management of thrombosis is based on long-term oral anticoagulation and
      patients with arterial events should be treated aggressively. Primary thrombo
      prophylaxis is recommended in patients with systemic lupus erythromatosus (SLE)
      and obstetric APS. Obstetric APS care is based on high-risk management and
      treatment with aspirin and heparin. Possible future therapies include statins,
      hydroxychloroquine, rituximab, and new anticoagulant drugs. Current research is
      focused on targeting components of the complement system, interfering with aPL
      mediated cell activation and using tailored peptides to block the pathogenic
      subpopulation of aPL. 

PMID- 27117598
TI  - Elution by Le Chatelier's principle for maximum recyclability of adsorbents:
      applied to polyacrylamidoxime adsorbents for extraction of uranium from seawater.
AB  - Amidoxime-based polymer adsorbents have attracted interest within the last decade
      due to their high adsorption capacities for uranium and other rare earth metals
      from seawater. The ocean contains an approximated 4-5 billion tons of uranium and
      even though amidoxime-based adsorbents have demonstrated the highest uranium
      adsorption capacities to date, they are still economically impractical because of
      their limited recyclability. Typically, the adsorbed metals are eluted with a
      dilute acid solution that not only damages the amidoxime groups (metal adsorption
      sites), but is also not strong enough to remove the strongly bound vanadium,
      which decreases the adsorption capacity with each cycle. We resolved this
      challenge by incorporating Le Chatelier's principle to recycle adsorbents
      indefinitely. We used a solution with a high concentration of amidoxime-like
      chelating agents, such as hydroxylamine, to desorb nearly a 100% of adsorbed
      metals, including vanadium, without damaging the metal adsorption sites and
      preserving the high adsorption capacity. The method takes advantage of knowing
      the binding mode between the amidoxime ligand and the metal and mimics it with
      chelating agents that then in a Le Chatelier's manner removes metals by shifting
      to a new chemical equilibrium. For this reason the method is applicable to any
      ligand-metal adsorbent and it will make an impact on other extraction
      technologies.

PMID- 27117599
TI  - Introduction to this Special Issue - Research on Child Victims and Witnesses:
      From Attitudes and Investigations to Courtroom Decisions.

PMID- 27117600
TI  - Developmental Differences across Middle Childhood in Memory and Suggestibility
      for Negative and Positive Events.
AB  - In the present study, we investigated age differences in children's eyewitness
      memory and suggestibility for negative and positive events that children often
      experience during middle childhood. We first examined 216 ratings by children
      aged 8-12 years of the frequency and intensity of personal negative and positive
      experiences (Study 1). Based on those ratings, videotapes depicting the most
      frequent and intense negative (an accident) and positive (a family excursion)
      events were developed. A new sample of 227 children aged 8-12 years was tested
      for recognition memory of the videotapes using the three-stage post-event
      misinformation procedure (Study 2). Compared with 8- to 9-year-olds, 10- to 12
      year-olds exhibited less memory malleability and less compliance with false
      information. Age improvements in recognition accuracy were also evident for
      children who watched the negative event, but not for those who watched the
      positive event. Compliance predicted misinformation effects, particularly in
      regard to peripheral details. Thus, using ecologically representative emotional
      events, age differences in suggestibility and memory accuracy emerged, especially
      for negative events.Theoretical and forensic implications concerning children's
      eyewitness memory and suggestibility are discussed. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley
      & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27117601
TI  - Low-SES Preschool Children's Eyewitness Memory: The Role of Narrative Skill.
AB  - This study investigated the relation between narrative skill and eyewitness
      memory in young children from low-socioeconomic status (SES) communities. A total
      of 176 children aged 3-5 years were interviewed about a conflict event they
      witnessed. The quality of their narratives about the event and their ability to
      narrate a story from a picture book were examined in relation to memory of the
      event. Comprehensive measures of individual differences in vocabulary skill,
      adaptive language use, and behavioral characteristics were also administered. The
      results revealed that children who produced longer, more descriptive, and more
      cohesive narratives about the event recalled more accurate details and made fewer
      memory errors, independent of their language ability and behavioral
      characteristics. The quality of story narratives did not make any independent
      contributions to memory. Child's age was a robust predictor of memory for the
      event. Implications of the findings for understanding eyewitness memory in low
      SES children are discussed. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27117602
TI  - Getting to Know You: Familiarity, Stereotypes, and Children's Eyewitness Memory.
AB  - The present study concerned how the acquisition of social information,
      specifically knowledge about personal characteristics, influences young
      children's memory and suggestibility. Effects of two sources of knowledge about a
      target person were systematically examined: familiarity and stereotypes.
      Children, aged 4-5 and 7-9 years (N = 145), were randomly assigned, per age
      group, to experimental conditions based on a familiarity (6 hours vs. no prior
      exposure) * stereotype (negative depiction as messy and clumsy vs. no stereotype)
      factorial design. Children then watched the target person engage in a target
      event (a series of contests) at a preschool ("Camp Ingrid"). The children's
      memory and suggestibility about the target person and target event were tested
      after a delay of 2 weeks. Results indicated that the negative stereotype resulted
      in an increase in children's correct responses both to free-recall stereotype
      related questions (when children were unfamiliar with the target person) and to
      closed-ended questions overall (for younger children). However, the stereotype
      was associated with greater error to stereotype-related closed-ended questions.
      Moreover, familiarity increased children's accuracy to closed-ended questions.
      Implications for theory and application are discussed. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27117603
TI  - Variation in Acceptable Child Discipline Practices by Child Age: Perceptions of
      Community Norms by Medical and Legal Professionals.
AB  - Mandated child abuse reporters may judge specific disciplinary practices as
      unacceptable for young children, whereas child law professionals arbitrating
      allegations may be less inclusive. Do the views of these groups diverge, by child
      age, regarding discipline? Judgments of community norms across a wide range of
      children's ages were obtained from 380 medical and legal professionals. Because
      the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale (PC-CTS) can be used to assess the
      epidemiology of child disciplinary behaviors and as a proxy to examine the
      incidence or prevalence of child abuse, the disciplinary practices described on
      the PC-CTS were presented as triggers for questions. Significant child age
      effects were found for disciplinary practices classified as "harsh." The
      consistencies between legal and medical professionals were striking. Both groups
      reflected changes in United States norms, as non-physical approaches were the
      most approved. We conclude that instruments estimating the prevalence of child
      maltreatment by parent-report should consider modifying how specific disciplinary
      practices are classified. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27117604
TI  - The Diagnostic Value of Children's Responses to Cross-Examination Questioning.
AB  - In response to a widespread belief within the legal system that cross-examination
      is instrumental in uncovering the truth, we examined the effect of cross
      examination questioning on the reports of children who had-and had not-been
      coached to lie. A group of children, aged 6-11 years (N = 65), played three
      computer games with one of their parents. For half of the pairs, the parents-who
      acted as confederates-coached their children to make lies of commission
      concerning the occurrence of two target activities. For the remaining pairs,
      these two target activities actually occurred, and there was no coaching.
      Immediately afterwards, children were interviewed about the two activities. Those
      who-correctly or incorrectly-reported that both activities occurred were retained
      for the final sample (n = 56); these children were then interviewed again with
      both neutral questions and cross-examination-style challenges. Neither style of
      questioning elicited responses that discriminated between liars and truth
      tellers: although the accuracy of children who were lying increased in response
      to cross-examination questions, the accuracy of truth-telling children saw a
      corresponding decrease. When asked neutral questions, children's responses tended
      to be consistent with their earlier responses, whether or not those responses
      were lies. These findings raise important questions about the function that cross
      examination might serve in trials involving child witnesses. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27117605
TI  - A California Multidisciplinary Juvenile Court: Serving Sexually Exploited and At
      Risk Youth.
AB  - Research suggests that 90% of youth in the juvenile justice system have
      experienced at least one traumatic event (Arroyo, ). One such traumatic event is
      the commercialized sexual exploitation of children and youth (CSEC). Over the
      past decade, governmental organizations and community agencies have recognized
      that the sexual exploitation of children is a significant problem in the United
      States. In California alone, human trafficking task forces have identified 1200
      youth as victims of sexual exploitation from 2010 to 2012 (Walker, ). Youth who
      have experienced sexual exploitation often become involved in the juvenile
      justice system and present with unique challenges and needs. This article reviews
      recent public policy and community responses related to the needs of CSEC youth
      involved in the juvenile justice system. A case example from Sacramento, CA, is
      used to illustrate the key components, innovations, multidisciplinary
      collaborations, and challenges of creating a specialized court. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27117606
TI  - Elucidating the Mechanism of Tofacitinib Oxidative Decyanation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tofacitinib is known to generate two metabolites M2 (alcohol) and M4
      (acid), which are formed as the result of oxidation and loss of the nitrile [1].
      METHOD: Systematic in vitro investigation into generation of M2 and M4 from
      tofacitinib. RESULTS: In vitro using human liver microsomes, we found a new
      geminal diol metabolite of tofacitinib (MX) that lost the nitrile. MX was further
      reduced or oxidized to M2 (alcohol) and M4 (acid), respectively by enzymes such
      as aldo-keto reductase 1C1, aldehyde oxidase and possibly CYP3A4. Stable label
      studies using H2 18O and D2O suggested the source of oxygen was from water in the
      media. This was due to rapid water exchange with MX in the media prior to
      reduction to M2. In case of deuterium, one was incorporated in M2 and this was
      mainly as a result of tofacitinib rapid exchange of two deuterium atoms from D2O
      onto methylene position. After formation of MX, there was one deuterium that no
      longer exchanged with water and therefore retained in M2 for further reduction.
      CONCLUSION: The proposed mechanism involved the initial oxidation by P450 at the
      alpha-carbon to the nitrile group generating an unstable cyanohydrin
      intermediate; followed by the loss of the nitrile group to form a new geminal
      diol metabolite (MX).

PMID- 27117608
TI  - Heavy metals in vegetables sold in the local market in Jordan.
AB  - Heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in various vegetables
      (cabbage, green onion, lettuce, parsley, rocket, spinach, carrot, onion, potato
      and cauliflower) from the market in Jordan were measured using inductively
      coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn ranged
      from 0.009-0.275 mg kg(-1) wet weight, 0.004-0.060 mg kg(-1), 0.003-0.401 mg kg(
      1), 0.105-3.51 mg kg(-1), 0.15-1.15 mg kg(-1), 0.93-14.39 mg kg(-1), 0.044-0.702
      mg kg(-1), 0.072-0.289 mg kg(-1) and 2.23-6.65 mg kg(-1), respectively. Parsley,
      followed by spinach, contained the highest concentration of heavy metals. Onion
      contained high levels of toxic heavy metals. The content of Cu in parsley and
      spinach and Pb in onion exceeded the Codex limits. However, the daily intake of
      heavy metals from the tested vegetables was lower than the maximum limits for
      allowable intake. 

PMID- 27117609
TI  - Analysis of the bond-valence method for calculating (29) Si and (31) P magnetic
      shielding in covalent network solids.
AB  - (29) Si and (31) P magnetic-shielding tensors in covalent network solids have
      been evaluated using periodic and cluster-based calculations. The cluster-based
      computational methodology employs pseudoatoms to reduce the net charge (resulting
      from missing co-ordination on the terminal atoms) through valence modification of
      terminal atoms using bond-valence theory (VMTA/BV). The magnetic-shielding
      tensors computed with the VMTA/BV method are compared to magnetic-shielding
      tensors determined with the periodic GIPAW approach. The cluster-based all
      electron calculations agree with experiment better than the GIPAW calculations,
      particularly for predicting absolute magnetic shielding and for predicting
      chemical shifts. The performance of the DFT functionals CA-PZ, PW91, PBE, rPBE,
      PBEsol, WC, and PBE0 are assessed for the prediction of (29) Si and (31) P
      magnetic-shielding constants. Calculations using the hybrid functional PBE0, in
      combination with the VMTA/BV approach, result in excellent agreement with
      experiment. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27117610
TI  - [Osteoimmunology-overview].
AB  - Bone serves not only as a locomotive organ but also as an organ instrumental in
      many other functions such as hematopoiesis. To this end, bone undergoes renewal
      by sequential resorption and formation. Bone resorption and formation are
      regulated by many systems including the endocrine, the nervous and the immune
      systems. The skeletal and the immune systems are closely related because they
      share many regulatory molecules such as cytokines and transcription factors.
      Studies on such shared molecules and inflammatory bone destruction in rheumatoid
      arthritis have fostered a novel interdisciplinary field, "osteoimmunology".
      Advances in osteoimmunology may lead to the novel therapeutic strategies in bone
      and immune diseases. 

PMID- 27117611
TI  - [The niche for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in bone marrow].
AB  - It has been hypothesized that the special microenvironments known as niches in
      the bone marrow play an essential role in maintaining hematopoietic stem and
      progenitor cells(HSPCs), and the identification of the HSPC niche has been a
      subject of long-standing argument. Recent studies identified candidate cells
      meeting the criteria for HSPC niches and the critical transcription factor of
      their development and maintenance. 

PMID- 27117607
TI  - The status of diabetic embryopathy.
AB  - Diabetic embryopathy is a theoretical enigma and a clinical challenge. Both type
      1 and type 2 diabetic pregnancy carry a significant risk for fetal
      maldevelopment, and the precise reasons for the diabetes-induced teratogenicity
      are not clearly identified. The experimental work in this field has revealed a
      partial, however complex, answer to the teratological question, and we will
      review some of the latest suggestions. 

PMID- 27117612
TI  - [Cellular interplay of bone cells and vascular endothelial cells in bone].
AB  - During endochondral bone development, the longitudinal vascular invasion into
      cartilage primordium initially takes place, by which mineralized cartilage matrix
      would be exposed into bone. Thereafter, osteogenic cells differentiate into
      mature osteoblasts to deposit new bone onto the exposed mineralized cartilage.
      New bone formation at the chondro-osseous junction appears to be achieved by the
      process of modeling, but not by bone remodeling based on cellular coupling
      between osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Recently, a specific vessel subtype in bone
      was reported:Vascular endothelial cells close to the chondro-oseous junction
      showed intense CD31/Endomucin(CD31(hi)Emcn(hi), type H), while the endothelial
      cells of sinusoidal vessels in diaphysis revealed only weak
      CD31/Endomucin(CD31(lo)Emcnlo, type L). It is suggested crucial roles of
      endothelial HIF in controlling bone angiogenesis, type H vessel abundance,
      endothelial growth factor expression and osteogenesis.

PMID- 27117613
TI  - [Immune molecules and the mechanism of joint destruction].
AB  - Inflammation and joint destruction are the major symptom of rheumatoid
      arthritis(RA).Inflammation leads to osteoclast differentiation, resulting in bone
      destruction. Immune-related molecules such as inflammatory cytokines not only
      exacerbate inflammation but also bone destruction in RA. In vivo analysis using
      animal models of RA has contributed to the identification of synovial fibroblasts
      as a major osteoclastogenic cell type and a synergy between a novel Th17 subset
      and synovial fibroblasts as one of the primary axes in the joint destruction.
      Increasing numbers of immune-regulating factors including immune-complexes have
      been identified as new bone-regulating factors and are attractive therapeutic
      targets for bone destruction in RA. 

PMID- 27117614
TI  - [Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva and osteoimmunology].
AB  - Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP) is a genetic disorder characterized
      by progressive heterotopic ossification (HO) in skeletal muscle, tendons and
      ligaments. FOP is caused by gain-of-function mutations of ALK2, a receptor of
      bone morphogenetic proteins. Immune responses have been suggested to be involved
      in HO in FOP, because muscle trauma induces acute HO in patients with FOP.
      Recently, Activin A, a non-osteogenic ligand, was identified as a ligand of the
      mutated ALK2 to induce HO. It was suggested that Activin A is a novel interface
      between FOP and osteoimmunology.

PMID- 27117615
TI  - [Mechanisms of myeloma-induced bone disease].
AB  - Multiple myeloma(MM)develops and expands almost exclusively in the bone marrow,
      and generates devastating bone destruction. MM cells produce a variety of
      cytokines to stimulate RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis and suppress
      osteoblastic differentiation from bone marrow stromal cells, leading to extensive
      bone destruction with rapid loss of bone. Furthermore, osteocyte apoptosis has
      been demonstrated to be induced in parallel with enhanced osteoclast recruitment
      and osteoclastogenesis in myeloma bone lesions. Of note, osteocytes physically
      interact with myeloma cells to skew their signaling pathways and thereby
      production of mediators responsible for exacerbated bone resorption and
      suppressed bone formation in myeloma. The role of osteocytes in myeloma-induced
      bone lesions remains to be further clarified. 

PMID- 27117616
TI  - [Lymphopoiesis supported by osteolineage cells].
AB  - Bone marrow(BM)and thymus are known as the primary lymphoid organs for B and T
      cells, respectively. However, the cell fate for T cell lineage commitment is
      already determined in the BM. Thus, the lymphopoiesis is critically controlled in
      the BM and, according to the recent advances in genetic mouse models, it appears
      that this process is strictly regulated by a series of osteolineage mesenchymal
      populations. 

PMID- 27117617
TI  - [Elucidation of the role of metabolic reprogramming in osteoclast
      differentiation].
AB  - Osteoclasts dramatically alter their metabolic activity during cell
      differentiation. This change in the metabolic status is termed'metabolic
      reprogramming',but its role in osteoclast is not fully understood. Using
      metabolomics approach, we found that metabolic reprogramming during osteoclast
      differentiation increased intracellular S-adenosyle methionine (SAM), a
      metabolite of the methionine cycle. SAM is the universal methyl donor for
      methylation reactions, including histone and DNA methylation. Furthermore, SAM
      mediated DNA methylation is required for osteoclast differentiation. These
      findings reveal the novel role of SAM metabolism in regulating osteoclast
      differentiation.

PMID- 27117618
TI  - [The regulation of various organs by osteoblasts].
AB  - It has been recently demonstrated that osteocalcin, which is secreted from
      osteoblasts, plays a significant role in glucose metabolism, fat metabolism, mail
      fertility, and brain functions. It has been also revealed that fibroblast growth
      factor 23 (FGF23), which is secreted from osteocytes, has an important role in
      phosphate metabolism or calcium homeostasis. These findings suggest that bone is
      not only a target organ of hormones but also involved in regulating other organs
      as an endocrine organ. Bone forms regulatory network with various organs to
      maintain the whole body homeostasis. This review introduces the regulation of
      various organs by osteoblasts.

PMID- 27117619
TI  - [Analysis of bone tissues by intravital imaging].
AB  - In recent years,"the fluorescent imaging techniques"has made rapid advances, it
      has become possible to observe the dynamics of living cells in individuals or
      tissues. It has been considered that it is extremely difficult to observe the
      living bone marrow directly because bone marrow is surrounded by a hard
      calcareous. But now, we established a method for observing the cells constituting
      the bone marrow of living mice in real time by the use of the intravital two
      photon imaging system. In this article, we show the latest data and the reports
      about the hematopoietic stem cells and the leukemia cells by using the intravital
      imaging techniques, and also discuss its further application. 

PMID- 27117620
TI  - [Mechanism of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and perspectives of the
      treatment].
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation
      and destruction of bone and cartilage. Osteoclastogenesis induced by inflammatory
      cytokines contributes to focal and systemic bone and cartilage destruction
      including secondary osteoporosis. Recent progress in treatment enables us to
      prevent disease activity. Not only anti-inflammatory management but also
      therapies directly targeting bone metabolism can further prevent bone destruction
      in RA.

PMID- 27117621
TI  - [Vitamin D and osteoimmunology].
AB  - Vitamin D was considered to be one of nutrients which has an important role in
      the maintenance of calcium and phosphate metabolism. It was then revealed that
      1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D metabolized from vitamin D works as a calciotropic
      hormone. Vitamin D metabolites were further shown to affect cell proliferation
      and differentiation. In immune system, vitamin D metabolites modulate both innate
      and adaptive immunity. Epidemiological studies indicated the associations between
      vitamin D deficiency and various diseases such as autoimmune diseases, allergy,
      infection and malignancy. In addition, vitamin D supplementation was shown to
      improve some these diseases. 

PMID- 27117622
TI  - [Periodontal destruction and trends in periodontal treatment for patients].
AB  - Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory disorders caused by the
      accumulation of a bacterial biofilm, characterized by the destruction of
      periodontal tissues, and result in loss of tooth. Recently, a part of mechanism
      of alveolar bone destruction has been revealed with advances in osteoimmunology.
      Here, we review the possible mechanisms of periodontal destruction. In addition,
      we described future outlook of our translational research for periodontal
      regenerative medicine. 

PMID- 27117623
TI  - [Potential of bone regenerative therapy with mesenchymal stem cells in rheumatoid
      arthritis].
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cell(MSC)exists throughout the body. The discovery of the
      immunosuppressive effect with low immunogenicity has led MSC as a new tool for
      cell therapy in various diseases. Within the arthritis animal model,
      periarticular implantation of bone marrow derived MSC with a scaffold has
      demonstrated treatment effect with low cell number whereas systemic
      administration had limited effect. Bone marrow derived MSC suppressed in vitro
      osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis of MSC was enhanced in the presence of
      IL-1beta.On the other hand, experiments with adipose-derived MSC suggested the
      involvement in abnormal tissue calcification in the presence of IL-6. Therefore,
      MSC generated from the appropriate tissue and clarification of the major
      cytokines involved in pathogenesis is necessary when considering regenerative
      therapy for destructed joint in RA patients. 

PMID- 27117624
TI  - [Understanding and treatment strategy of the pathogenesis of periodontal disease
      based on chronic inflammation].
AB  - Prolonged inflammation continuously promotes the infiltration of macrophages in
      the organization and chronically induces the production of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines such as TNF and IL-1. In periodontal tissues, these inflammatory
      cytokines enhance the differentiation and activity of osteoclasts, which cause
      destruction of the alveolar bone. Therefore, inhibition of inflammatory cytokine
      production leads to the prevention or treatment of periodontal disease. IL-1 is a
      pro-inflammatory cytokine that strongly enhances the bone-resorbing activity of
      osteoclasts. Elucidation of mechanisms for the production of IL-1 is critical for
      understanding the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. This paper reviews recent
      findings of the molecular mechanisms regulating IL-1 production and focuses on
      inflammasome. 

PMID- 27117625
TI  - Comparison of the Cortinez and the Schnider models with a targeted effect-site
      TCI of 3 mcg/ml in biophase in healthy volunteers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the Cortinez and Schnider models in effect-site TCI mode (3
      mcg/ml) in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were prospectively
      studied on 2 occasions. Propofol was administered with the Cortinez or the
      Schnider models, as randomly assigned. Times and predicted concentrations at the
      time of loss and recovery of consciousness (LOC and ROC), mass of drug
      administered, BIS, and haemodynamic variables were compared. Statistical analysis
      was with paired Wilcoxon test. A P<.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The
      propofol bolo was higher (1.4 [1.3-1.6] versus 0.9 [0.7-1.3] mg/kg, P=.005) and
      the LOC occurred earlier (1.33 [0.67-6.83] versus 3.87 [1.66-11.08] minutes,
      P=.02) with the Cortinez model compared to the Schnider model. With the Cortinez
      model, LOC occurred at an effect site concentrations of 2.6 (1.65-3.0) mcg/ml.
      With the Schnider model, LOC occurred at 3.87 min (1.66-11.8) after reaching the
      target of 3 mcg/ml. (P=.001). BIS values, infusion rates, and haemodynamic
      variables were similar between models after 20minutes of infusion (P>.5).
      Recovery (ROC) was longer with the Cortinez model (11.6 [8.1-16.2] vs. 8.5 [4.7
      15.5] min, P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: The Cortinez model is a good alternative to the
      Schnider model for use in effect-site TCI mode in normal weight subjects. With
      the target used in this study (3 mcg/ml), the slower Ke0 incorporated into the
      Cortinez model better discriminated the LOC time.

PMID- 27117626
TI  - Acute exacerbations of COPD: reflections of an unfinished story.

PMID- 27117627
TI  - Identification of miRNomes reveals ssc-miR-30d-R_1 as a potential therapeutic
      target for PRRS viral infection.
AB  - Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is known to cause
      reproductive disorders, such as abortion, in pregnant sows as well as
      immunosuppressive respiratory complications, leading to severe respiratory tract
      infections in young pigs. In this study, an in-depth analysis of the miRNomes in
      mock- and virus-infected pig lungs was carried out. We found that highly
      expressed ssc-miR-30d-R_1 was decreased in infected lungs, and reduced levels
      were significantly correlated with infection by PRRSV. Moreover, ssc-miR-30d-R_1
      was shown to target Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and to suppress the production of
      immune cytokines through inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-kappaB pathway. ssc-miR
      30d-R_1 significantly reduced viral infections and pathological changes in pig
      lungs in vivo. Our current study reveals the miRNomes of PRRSV-infected pig lungs
      and indicates that ssc-miR-30d-R_1 is potential therapeutic agent for controlling
      PRRSV infection.

PMID- 27117628
TI  - Cancer-specific binary expression system activated in mice by bacteriophage HK022
      Integrase.
AB  - Binary systems based on site-specific recombination have been used for tumor
      specific transcription targeting of suicide genes in animal models. In these
      binary systems a site specific recombinase or integrase that is expressed from a
      tumor specific promoter drives tumor specific expression of a cytotoxic gene. In
      the present study we developed a new cancer specific binary expression system
      activated by the Integrase (Int) of the lambdoid phage HK022. We demonstrate the
      validity of this system by the specific expression of a luciferase (luc) reporter
      in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells and in a lung cancer mouse model.
      Due to the absence viral vectors and of cytotoxicity the Int based binary system
      offers advantages over previously described counterparts and may therefore be
      developed into a safer cancer cell killing system.

PMID- 27117629
TI  - Willingness of Australian health educators and health promotion officers to
      conduct rapid HIV testing.
AB  - Issue addressed: Rapid HIV tests were recently approved by the Australian
      government. This paper examines the attitudes and willingness to conduct rapid
      HIV testing (RHT) of Australian health educators and health promotion officers
      (HE/HPO) from various settings and disciplines.Methods: The aim of the Promoting
      Research on Methods in Screening Expertise study was to explore knowledge of HIV,
      attitudes towards people living with HIV, and willingness to conduct RHT among
      HE/HPO in Australia; this information was attained via an online survey of
      HE/HPO. Descriptive statistics, chi2 tests, t-tests, and multivariate logistic
      regression were then conducted.Results: Data from 156 HE/HPOs were analysed.
      Overall, 60% of participants believed that HE/HPO should offer RHT. Additionally,
      70% were personally willing to undergo training in conducting RHT. Fifty-nine
      percent of participants scored as having 'high' HIV knowledge (at least 12 out of
      13 correct answers), with 32% answering all questions correctly. Knowledge was
      strongly associated with willingness to be trained to conduct RHT.Conclusions:
      HE/HPO with advanced training in developing evidence-based approaches to improve
      the health and wellbeing of marginalised and disadvantaged groups may be an
      appropriate workforce to train to conduct RHT and counselling.So what?: As
      government agencies and community-based organisations plan to expand RHT, HE/HPO,
      including those who work outside of sexual health, should be considered as a
      viable workforce to upskill.

PMID- 27117630
TI  - Use of a Lucas-Kanade-Based Template Tracking Algorithm to Examine In Vivo Tendon
      Excursion during Voluntary Contraction Using Ultrasonography.
AB  - Ultrasound imaging can be used to study tendon movement during muscle contraction
      to estimate the tendon force-length relationship in vivo. Traditionally, such
      tendon displacement measurements are made manually (time consuming and
      subjective). Here we evaluated a Lucas-Kanade-based tracking algorithm with an
      optic flow extension that accounts for tendon movement characteristics between
      consecutive frames of an ultrasound image sequence. Eleven subjects performed 12
      voluntary isometric plantar flexion contractions on a dynamometer.
      Simultaneously, the gastrocnemius medialis tendon was visualized via
      ultrasonography. Tendon displacement was estimated manually and by using two
      different automatic tracking algorithms. Maximal tendon elongation (manual: 17.9
      +/- 0.3 mm, automatic: 17.0 +/- 0.3 mm) and tendon stiffness (209 +/- 4 N/mm, 218
      +/- 5 N/mm) generated by the developed algorithm correlated with those obtained
      with the manual method (0.87 <= R <= 0.91), with no differences between methods.
      Our results suggest that optical flow methods can potentially be used for
      automatic estimation of tendon movement during contraction in ultrasound images,
      which is further improved by adding a penalty function.

PMID- 27117631
TI  - Influence of Scan Duration on Pulmonary Capillary Hemorrhage Induced by
      Diagnostic Ultrasound.
AB  - Diagnostic ultrasound can induce pulmonary capillary hemorrhage (PCH) in rats and
      display this as "comet tail" artifacts (CTAs) after a time delay. To test the
      hypothesis that no PCH occurs for brief scans, anesthetized rats were scanned
      using a 6-MHz linear array for different durations. PCH was characterized by
      ultrasound CTAs, micro-computed tomography (MUCT), and measurements of fixed lung
      tissue. The MUCT images revealed regions of PCH, sometimes penetrating the entire
      depth of a lobe, which were reflected in the fixed tissue measurements. At -3 dB
      of power, PCH was substantial for 300-s scans, but not significant for 25-s
      scans. At 0 dB, PCH was not strongly dependent on scan durations of 300 to 10 s.
      Contrary to the hypothesis, CTAs were not evident during most 10-s scans (p >
      0.05), but PCH was significant (p = 0.02), indicating that PCH could occur
      without evidence of the injury in the images.

PMID- 27117632
TI  - Erythrocyte oxidative stress markers in children with sickle cell disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine eight parameters of oxidative stress markers in
      erythrocytes from children with sickle cell disease and compare with the same
      parameters in erythrocytes from healthy children, since oxidative stress plays an
      important role in the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease and because this
      disease is a serious public health problem in many countries. METHODS: Blood
      samples were obtained from 45 children with sickle cell disease (21 males and 24
      females with a mean age of 9 years; range: 3-13 years) and 280 blood samples were
      obtained from children without hemoglobinopathies (137 males and 143 females with
      a mean age of 10 years; range: 8-11 years), as a control group. All blood samples
      were analyzed for methemoglobin, reduced glutathione, thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances, percentage of hemolysis, reactive oxygen species, and
      activity of the enzymes glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase,
      and catalase. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test and were expressed as the
      mean+/-standard deviation. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.
      RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between children with sickle cell
      disease and the control group for the parameters methemoglobin, thiobarbituric
      acid reactive substances, hemolysis, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity,
      and reactive oxygen species, with higher levels in the patients than in the
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress parameters in children's erythrocytes
      were determined using simple laboratory methods with small volumes of blood;
      these biomarkers can be useful to evaluate disease progression and outcomes in
      patients.

PMID- 27117633
TI  - In situ Electrochemical-AFM Study of LiFePO4 Thin Film in Aqueous Electrolyte.
AB  - Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have been widely used in various kinds of
      electronic devices in our daily life. The use of aqueous electrolyte in Li-ion
      battery would be an alternative way to develop low cost and environmentally
      friendly batteries. In this paper, the lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) thin film
      cathode for the aqueous rechargeable Li-ion battery is prepared by radio
      frequency magnetron sputtering deposition method. The XRD, SEM, and AFM results
      show that the film is composed of LiFePO4 grains with olivine structure and the
      average size of 100 nm. Charge-discharge measurements at current density of 10
      MUAh cm(-2) between 0 and 1 V show that the LiFePO4 thin film electrode is able
      to deliver an initial discharge capacity of 113 mAh g(-1). Specially, the
      morphological changes of the LiFePO4 film electrode during charge and discharge
      processes were investigated in aqueous environment by in situ EC-AFM, which is
      combined AFM with chronopotentiometry method. The changes in grain area are
      measured, and the results show that the size of the grains decreases and
      increases during the charge and discharge, respectively; the relevant mechanism
      is discussed. 

PMID- 27117634
TI  - Illumination Effect on Bipolar Switching Properties of Gd:SiO2 RRAM Devices Using
      Transparent Indium Tin Oxide Electrode.
AB  - To discuss the optoelectronic effect on resistive random access memory (RRAM)
      devices, the bipolar switching properties and electron-hole pair generation
      behavior in the transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode of Gd:SiO2 thin
      films under the ultraviolet (lambda = 400 nm) and red-light (lambda = 770 nm)
      illumination for high resistance state (HRS)/low resistance state (LRS) was
      observed and investigated. In dark environment, the Gd:SiO2 RRAM devices
      exhibited the ohmic conduction mechanism for LRS, exhibited the Schottky emission
      conduction and Poole-Frankel conduction mechanism for HRS. For light illumination
      effect, the operation current of the Gd:SiO2 RRAM devices for HRS/LRS was
      slightly increased. Finally, the electron-hole pair transport mechanism,
      switching conduction diagram, and energy band of the RRAM devices will be clearly
      demonstrated and explained. 

PMID- 27117635
TI  - Vertically Free-Standing Ordered Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 Nanocup Arrays by Template
      Assisted Ion Beam Etching.
AB  - In this report, vertically free-standing lead zirconate titanate
      Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) nanocup arrays with good ordering and high density (1.3
      * 10(10) cm(-2)) were demonstrated. By a template-assisted ion beam etching (IBE)
      strategy, the PZT formed in the pore-through anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane
      on the Pt/Si substrate was with a cup-like nanostructure. The mean diameter and
      height of the PZT nanocups (NCs) was about 80 and 100 nm, respectively, and the
      wall thickness of NCs was about 20 nm with a hole depth of about 80 nm.
      Uppermost, the nanocup structure with low aspect ratio realized vertically free
      standing arrays when losing the mechanical support from templates, avoiding the
      collapse or bundling when compared to the typical nanotube arrays. X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectrum revealed that the as-prepared PZT NCs were
      in a perovskite phase. By the vertical piezoresponse force microscopy (VPFM)
      measurements, the vertically free-standing ordered ferroelectric PZT NCs showed
      well-defined ring-like piezoresponse phase and hysteresis loops, which indicated
      that the high-density PZT nanocup arrays could have potential applications in
      ultra-high non-volatile ferroelectric memories (NV-FRAM) or other nanoelectronic
      devices. 

PMID- 27117636
TI  - Improving the Context Supporting Quality Improvement in a Neonatal Intensive Care
      Unit Quality Collaborative: An Exploratory Field Study.
AB  - Successful quality improvement (QI) requires a supportive context. The goal was
      to determine whether a structured curriculum could help QI teams improve the
      context supporting their QI work. An exploratory field study was conducted of 43
      teams participating in a neonatal intensive care unit QI collaborative. Using a
      curriculum based on the Model for Understanding Success in Quality, teams
      identified gaps in their context and tested interventions to modify context.
      Surveys and self-reflective journals were analyzed to understand how teams
      developed changes to modify context. More than half (55%) targeted contextual
      improvements within the microsystem, focusing on motivation and culture.
      "Information sharing" interventions to communicate information about the project
      as a strategy to engage more staff were the most common interventions tested.
      Further study is needed to determine if efforts to modify context consistently
      lead to greater outcome improvements.

PMID- 27117637
TI  - Impact of Frailty and Sociodemographic Factors on Hospital Admission From an
      Emergency Department Observation Unit.
AB  - Understanding factors associated with an increased risk of hospital admission
      from emergency department (ED) observation units (OUs) could be valuable in
      disposition decisions. To evaluate the impact of frailty and sociodemographic
      factors (SDFs) on admission risk, patients in an ED OU were surveyed. Survey
      measures included SDFs, social habits, and frailty measured by the Katz Index of
      Independence in Activities of Daily Living. Of 306 surveyed, 18% were admitted
      and 82% were discharged. Demographics were similar between groups. More admitted
      patients responded positively to the Katz Index (28% vs 13%, P = .007; odds ratio
      = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.35-5.51). College graduation and current employment favored
      the discharge group, while admitted patients were more likely to receive Social
      Security disability insurance. Frailty remained associated with admission on
      multivariable analysis. Frailty, disability insurance, and lower education are
      predictors of admission from an OU and could serve as screening criteria in
      disposition decisions.

PMID- 27117638
TI  - A Systematic Review of Patient Safety Measures in Adult Primary Care.
AB  - Safety measure development has focused on inpatient care despite outpatient
      visits far outnumbering inpatient admissions. Some measures are clearly
      identified as outpatient safety measures when published, yet outcomes from
      quality improvement studies also may be useful measures. The authors conducted a
      systematic review of the literature to identify published articles detailing
      safety measures applicable to adult primary care. A total of 21 articles were
      identified, providing specifications for 182 safety measures. Each measure was
      classified into one of 6 outpatient safety dimensions: medication management,
      sentinel events, care coordination, procedures and treatment, laboratory testing
      and monitoring, and facility structures/resources. Compared to the multitude of
      available inpatient safety measures, the number of existing adult primary care
      measures is low. The measures identified by this systematic review may yield
      further insight into the breadth of safety events causing harm in primary care,
      while also identifying areas of patient safety in primary care that may be
      understudied.

PMID- 27117639
TI  - Adding Value to the Health Care System: Identifying Value-Added Systems Roles for
      Medical Students.
AB  - To catalyze learning in Health Systems Science and add value to health systems,
      education programs are seeking to incorporate students into systems roles, which
      are not well described. The authors sought to identify authentic roles for
      students within a range of clinical sites and explore site leaders' perceptions
      of the value of students performing these roles. From 2013 to 2015, site visits
      and interviews with leadership from an array of clinical sites (n = 30) were
      conducted. Thematic analysis was used to identify tasks and benefits of
      integrating students into interprofessional care teams. Types of systems roles
      included direct patient benefit activities, including monitoring patient progress
      with care plans and facilitating access to resources, and clinic benefit
      activities, including facilitating coordination and improving clinical processes.
      Perceived benefits included improved value of the clinical mission and enhanced
      student education. These results elucidate a framework for student roles that
      enhance learning and add value to health systems.

PMID- 27117640
TI  - Breastfeeding among Somali mothers living in Norway: Attitudes, practices and
      challenges.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data from previous studies indicate a short duration of
      breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, among infants of immigrant
      mothers living in Norway and other Western countries. Norway has a long tradition
      of supporting breastfeeding. AIM: To explore infant feeding practices among
      Somali-born mothers in Norway, and the ways in which they navigate among
      different information sources. METHODS: Qualitative in-depth interviews and focus
      groups were carried out with mothers of children 6, 12 and 24 months of age.
      Women were recruited by a multi-recruitment strategy. Twenty-one mothers
      participated in interviews and twenty-two in five focus groups. The analysis was
      guided by Grounded Theory. FINDINGS: The mothers had positive attitudes to
      breastfeeding, but were unfamiliar with the concept of exclusive breastfeeding.
      Early introduction of water and infant formula was a common practice that
      interfered with exclusive breastfeeding. The mothers experienced challenges of
      dealing with conflicting recommendations and expectations regarding infant
      feeding. They navigated among different sources of information, taking into
      consideration traditional values, experiences and habits from living in Norway,
      and research-based knowledge. Their prioritization of the different information
      sources varied with different life situations, children's age, and the extent to
      which the mothers trusted the information sources. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite the strong focus on breastfeeding in Norway, Somali-born mothers
      encounter obstacles in their breastfeeding practices. These may be due to lack of
      information about exclusive breastfeeding and to the conflicting information they
      received. Breastfeeding practices may be enhanced by promoting culturally
      sensitive communication, and relations of trust at health-care centers.

PMID- 27117641
TI  - Lipid rafts-mediated endocytosis and physiology-based cell membrane traffic
      models of doxorubicin liposomes.
AB  - The clathrin-mediated endocytosis is likely a major mechanism of liposomes'
      internalization. A kinetic approach was used to assess the internalization
      mechanism of doxorubicin (Dox) loaded cationic liposomes and to establish
      physiology-based cell membrane traffic mathematic models. Lipid rafts-mediated
      endocytosis, including dynamin-dependent or -independent endocytosis of
      noncaveolar structure, was a dominant process. The mathematic models divided Dox
      loaded liposomes binding lipid rafts (B) into saturable binding (SB) and
      nonsaturable binding (NSB) followed by energy-driven endocytosis. The
      intracellular trafficking demonstrated early endosome-late endosome-lysosome or
      early/late endosome-cytoplasm-nucleus pathways. The three properties of liposome
      structures, i.e., cationic lipid, fusogenic lipid, and pegylation, were
      investigated to compare their contributions to cell membrane and intracellular
      traffic. The results revealed great contribution of cationic lipid DOTAP and
      fusogenic lipid DOPE to cell membrane binding and internalization. The valid Dox
      in the nuclei of HepG2 and A375 cells treated with cationic liposomes containing
      40mol% of DOPE were 1.2-fold and 1.5-fold higher than that in the nuclei of HepG2
      and A375 cells treated with liposomes containing 20mol% of DOPE, respectively,
      suggesting the dependence of cell type. This tendency was proportional to the
      increase of cell-associated total liposomal Dox. The mathematic models would be
      useful to predict intracellular trafficking of liposomal Dox.

PMID- 27117642
TI  - Interactions of lauryl gallate with phospholipid components of biological
      membranes.
AB  - The effect of different amounts of lauryl gallate (LG) on properties of the model
      membranes of phosphatidylcholines (PC), differing in the presence of double bonds
      in the hydrocarbon chains, and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) was described in terms
      of phase behaviour of mixtures, interactions between both components, monolayers
      stability and their organization. The Langmuir monolayer technique was used to
      monitor the surface thermodynamics (i.e. the excess area and excess Gibbs energy
      of mixing) on the basis of surface pressure-area per molecule (pi-A) isotherms.
      Simultaneously, morphology of the studied monolayers was visualized by the
      Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). This allowed evaluating the kind and magnitude
      of interactions which influence on the phase behaviour and structural properties
      of the monolayers. The obtained results can be helpful to reveal the mechanism of
      phospholipid antioxidant protection and important pharmacological (antimicrobial)
      role of lauryl gallate for production of effective therapeutic substances.

PMID- 27117644
TI  - Ethics and health in WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

PMID- 27117643
TI  - Wild-type opsin does not aggregate with a misfolded opsin mutant.

PMID- 27117645
TI  - Improved water and child health in Egypt: impact of interrupted water supply and
      storage of household water on the prevalence of diarrhoea.
AB  - Egypt is approaching universal access to improved water supply, but the variable
      quality of improved water may have a measureable health impact. We investigated
      the impact of different measures of improved water access on the prevalence of
      diarrhoea among children aged under 5 years. Using data from the 2008 Egypt
      Demographic and Health Survey and propensity score matching techniques we
      compared children in households with improved water supplies, with/without
      interruptions to supplies and with/without in-home storage of water. Access to
      improved water that was not subject to cuts resulted in a significant 2.6
      percentage point reduction in the prevalence of diarrhoea (4.7% reduction in
      rural areas), and access to improved water that was not stored prior to use
      resulted in a 3.5% reduction. Further research is needed to better understand the
      nature and causes of piped water interruptions in Egypt, in order to address
      potential infrastructure challenges that are leading to poorer health outcomes. 

PMID- 27117646
TI  - Relative inequalities in geographic distribution of health care resources in
      Kermanshah province, Islamic Republic of Iran.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate inequalities in the geographical distribution of
      human and physical resources in the health sector of Kermanshah province, Islamic
      Republic of Iran. In a retrospective, cross-sectional study, data from the
      Statistical Centre of Iran were used to calculate inequality measures (Gini
      coefficient and index of dissimilarity) over the years 2005-11. The highest Gini
      coefficient for human resources was observed for pharmacists in 2005 (0.75) and
      the lowest for paramedics in 2010 and 2011 (0.10). The highest indices of
      dissimilarity were also for pharmacists in 2005 (29%) and paramedics in 2011
      (3%). For physical resources, the highest and lowest Gini coefficients were for
      rehabilitation centres in 2010 (0.59) and health houses in 2011 (0.12)
      respectively. Generally, inequalities in the distribution of health care
      resources were lower at the end of the study period, although there was potential
      for more equitable distribution of pharmacists, specialists, health houses and
      beds. 

PMID- 27117647
TI  - Meals served to hypertensive and cardiac inpatients in Jordan: comparison with
      WHO and NIH dietary guidelines.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the compliance of daily meals served to hypertensive
      and cardiac inpatients in Jordan according to WHO guidelines and the Therapeutic
      Lifestyle Changes (TLC) and Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets
      plans. Weekly cycle menus from the food service department of major hospitals in
      Jordan (n = 16) were analysed using ESHA Food Processor software to obtain data
      about macroand micronutrient contents and food groups represented. The results
      showed inappropriate amounts of several nutrients in the menus provided, along
      with a general noncompliance with the DASH, TLC and WHO guidelines. Meals had
      higher than recommended sodium content coupled with low potassium content. Fatty
      acid profiles were often outside the recommended ranges. Meals provided to
      cardiac inpatients in Jordan need to be revised to meet the guidelines specified
      for the health conditions of these patients. 

PMID- 27117648
TI  - Prevalence of oro-dental anomalies among schoolchildren in Sana'a city, Yemen.
AB  - Practitioners and policy-makers need information about the relative frequency of
      dental anomalies among children in their region. This study investigated the
      prevalence of different oral anomalies among schoolchildren in Sana'a city,
      Yemen. A sample of 1000 private and public schoolchildren aged 4-12 years were
      examined by the same examiner using disposable tongue blades. The total
      prevalence of oral anomalies was 15.1%, most commonly in boys (male:female ratio
      3.2:1) aged 7-12 years. The most prevalent dental anomaly related to hard tissues
      was tooth hypoplasia (2.8%), followed by hypocalcification (2.6%), then
      microdontia (0.5%), macrodontia (0.4%), hypodontia (0.4%), supernumerary teeth
      (0.3%), tooth transposition (0.3%), dental fusion (0.2%) and gemination (0.2%).
      The most prevalent soft tissues anomaly was fissured tongue (4.0%), followed by
      ankyloglossia (1.8%), geographic tongue (0.9%), macroglossia (0.4%) and hairy
      tongue (0.3%). Appropriate measures need to be taken early to mitigate the
      negative impact and later costs of treatment of anomalies. 

PMID- 27117649
TI  - Prevalence of and factors associated with smoking among students in Sousse,
      Tunisia.
AB  - Within the framework of the fight against tobacco among young people, we
      conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in 2013 to estimate the prevalence
      of smoking and to identify associated factors among students in Sousse. A
      questionnaire was administered to a representative sample of 556 students in 5
      academic institutions in Sousse randomly drawn. The age of the participants was
      between 17 and 35 years. The prevalence of tobacco consumption in the past 12
      months was 22.1% and consumption during the past 3 months was 65.3%. The average
      age of starting smoking was 17 years. Smoking prevalence was significantly higher
      for males (P < 0.001) and those aged over 25 years (P = 0.002). Students from 2
      of the institutions were using more tobacco than their colleagues in the other
      institutions (P = 0.027). The high prevalence of smoking found among the students
      means that prevention measures are essential; this requires increasing self
      esteem and evaluating intervention programmes implemented before smoking the
      first cigarette. 

PMID- 27117650
TI  - Paediatric continuing medical education needs and preferences of UNRWA physicians
      in Jordan.
AB  - Most physicians who work in the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)
      infant and child health programme in Jordan are general practitioners with no
      postgraduate training in paediatrics. Furthermore, in resource-poor or remote
      settings, the ability to deliver live continuing medical education (CME) is often
      limited. A questionnaire exploring the resources available for accessing CME,
      preferences for types of CME, current sources of CME and topics of interest in
      the field of paediatric care was sent to all 92 physicians practising in UNRWA
      clinics in Jordan. Of the 89 respondents 80% had attended live medical lectures
      for CME and 70% CME meetings. Despite most physicians having access to the
      Internet only 52.8% were interested in Internet-based courses for accessing CME.
      There was a statistically significant relationship between year of graduation
      from medical school and preference for Internet-based CME. Implications for CME
      participation and paediatric CME topics are discussed. 

PMID- 27117651
TI  - Compiling comprehensive national health statistics in a fragmented health
      information system: lessons learned from Lebanon.
AB  - In view of the rapid health transition faced by the country and a highly dominant
      private sector, the issue of obtaining reliable health statistics is becoming a
      priority for Lebanon. This paper reviews the process of compiling and
      disseminating national health statistics from the multitude of public, private
      and nongovernmental partners in the country. The lessons learned from preparing
      two editions of the National health statistics report in Lebanon allow
      identification of some challenges and strengths of the current health information
      system in Lebanon. The experience emphasizes the need for a close partnership
      with all stakeholders, an efficient management system, adequate human resources
      and predefined systems and procedures. The process would benefit from having an
      interactive website for exchange of data and information among stakeholders and
      the public. The existence of clear guidelines with consistent definitions and
      standardized forms would also facilitate the collection and analysis of data.

PMID- 27117652
TI  - Multidrug-resistant disseminated tuberculosis in a 9-month-old infant.

PMID- 27117653
TI  - Ethics in health practice and research: an EMR perspective.

PMID- 27117655
TI  - Association between occupational exposures to pesticides with heterogeneous
      chemical structures and farmer health in China.
AB  - This study analyzed the associations of farmers' exposure to organophosphates
      (OPs), organosulfurs (OSs), organonitrogens (ONs) and pyrethroids (PYRs) with
      parameters of the blood complete counts (CBC), a blood chemistry panel (BCP) and
      the conventional nerve conduction studies among 224 farmers in China in 2012. Two
      health examinations and a series of follow-up field surveys were conducted.
      Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations. The
      results show considerable associations between multiple groups of pesticides and
      several CBC parameters, but it was not enough to provide evidence of
      hematological disorders. The short- and medium-term OPs exposures were mainly
      associated with liver damage and peripheral nerve impairment, respectively, while
      OSs exposure might induce liver damage and renal dysfunction. The neurotoxicity
      of ONs was second only to OPs in addition to its potential liver damage and the
      induced alterations in glucose. In comparison, the estimated results show that
      PYRs would be the least toxic in terms of the low-dose application. In
      conclusion, occupational exposures to pesticides with heterogeneous chemical
      structures are associated with farmer health in different patterns, and the
      association between a specific group of pesticides and farmer health also differs
      between the short- and medium-term exposures.

PMID- 27117656
TI  - Trends in hospital ED closures nationwide and across Medicaid expansion, 2006
      2013.
AB  - STUDY HYPOTHESIS: Low reimbursement from the uninsured has been claimed to
      threaten hospital finances and even hospital emergency department (ED) closure.
      We hypothesized in advance of beginning data collection that states that expanded
      Medicaid ("expansion states") under the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable
      Care Act would experience a reduced rate of ED closure compared with states that
      did not. METHODS: We compiled a national census of EDs from 2006 through 2013
      from federal databases and manually confirmed each closure. We used difference-in
      differences regression on this longitudinal panel to compare the probability over
      time that a hospital was in operation in expansion states to nonexpansion states.
      RESULTS: The number of hospitals grew every year nationally and in nonexpansion
      states. In expansion states, the number fell from 2027 in 2009 to 2019 in 2010,
      not surpassing the 2009 peak until 2012. In regression estimates, hospitals in
      expansion states were 2.2% (95% confidence interval, 0.3%-4.1%) less likely to be
      in operation after 2010 compared with the trend in nonexpansion states.
      CONCLUSIONS: States that expanded Medicaid experienced increased, rather than
      reduced, ED closure rates from 2010 through 2013. The financial benefits of the
      Affordable Care Act may be poorly targeted to the hospitals most vulnerable to
      closure.

PMID- 27117654
TI  - Macrophages and cellular immunity in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - The invertebrate Drosophila melanogaster has been a powerful model for
      understanding blood cell development and immunity. Drosophila is a holometabolous
      insect, which transitions through a series of life stages from embryo, larva and
      pupa to adulthood. In spite of this, remarkable parallels exist between
      Drosophila and vertebrate macrophages, both in terms of development and function.
      More than 90% of Drosophila blood cells (hemocytes) are macrophages
      (plasmatocytes), making this highly tractable genetic system attractive for
      studying a variety of questions in macrophage biology. In vertebrates, recent
      findings revealed that macrophages have two independent origins: self-renewing
      macrophages, which reside and proliferate in local microenvironments in a variety
      of tissues, and macrophages of the monocyte lineage, which derive from
      hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells. Like vertebrates, Drosophila possesses
      two macrophage lineages with a conserved dual ontogeny. These parallels allow us
      to take advantage of the Drosophila model when investigating macrophage lineage
      specification, maintenance and amplification, and the induction of macrophages
      and their progenitors by local microenvironments and systemic cues. Beyond
      macrophage development, Drosophila further serves as a paradigm for understanding
      the mechanisms underlying macrophage function and cellular immunity in infection,
      tissue homeostasis and cancer, throughout development and adult life.

PMID- 27117658
TI  - Human carbon monoxide factory.

PMID- 27117657
TI  - Routine biological tests in self-poisoning patients: results from an
      observational prospective multicenter study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Routine biological tests are frequently ordered in self-poisoning
      patients, but their clinical relevance is poorly studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This is a prospective multicentric observational study conducted in the emergency
      departments and intensive care units of 5 university and nonuniversity French
      hospitals. Adult self-poisoning patients without severely altered vital status on
      admission were prospectively included. RESULTS: Routine biological test (serum
      electrolytes and creatinine, liver enzymes, bilirubin, blood cell count,
      prothrombin time) ordering and results were analyzed. A total of 1027 patients
      were enrolled (age, 40.2 +/- 14 years; women, 61.5%); no patient died during the
      hospital stay. Benzodiazepine was suspected in more than 70% of cases; 65%
      (range, 48%-80%) of patients had at least 1 routine biological test performed. At
      least 1 abnormal test was registered in 23% of these patients. Three factors were
      associated with abnormal test results: age older than 40 years, male sex, and
      poisoning with a drug known to alter routine tests (ie, acetaminophen, NSAIDs,
      metformine, lithium). Depending on these factors, abnormal results ranged from
      14% to 48%. Unexpected severe life-threatening conditions were recorded in 6
      patients. Only 3 patients were referred to the intensive care unit solely because
      of abnormal test results. CONCLUSION: Routine biological tests are commonly
      prescribed in nonsevere self-poisoning patients. Abnormal results are frequent
      but their relevance at bedside remains limited.

PMID- 27117659
TI  - Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry for Clinical Metabolomics.
AB  - In clinical metabolomics, capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) has
      become a very useful technique for the analysis of highly polar and charged
      metabolites in complex biologic samples. A comprehensive overview of recent
      developments in CE-MS for metabolic profiling studies is presented. This review
      covers theory, CE separation modes, capillary coatings, and practical aspects of
      CE-MS coupling. Attention is also given to sample pretreatment and data analysis
      strategies used for metabolomics. The applicability of CE-MS for clinical
      metabolomics is illustrated using samples ranging from plasma and urine to cells
      and tissues. CE-MS application to large-scale and quantitative clinical
      metabolomics is addressed. Conclusions and perspectives on this unique analytic
      strategy are presented. 

PMID- 27117660
TI  - Metabolomics in Newborns.
AB  - Metabolomics is the quantitative analysis of a large number of low molecular
      weight metabolites that are intermediate or final products of all the metabolic
      pathways in a living organism. Any metabolic profiles detectable in a human
      biological fluid are caused by the interaction between gene expression and the
      environment. The metabolomics approach offers the possibility to identify
      variations in metabolite profile that can be used to discriminate disease. This
      is particularly important for neonatal and pediatric studies especially for
      severe ill patient diagnosis and early identification. This property is of a
      great clinical importance in view of the newer definitions of health and disease.
      This review emphasizes the workflow of a typical metabolomics study and
      summarizes the latest results obtained in neonatal studies with particular
      interest in prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation, inborn errors of
      metabolism, perinatal asphyxia, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, kidney
      disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and cardiac malformation and dysfunction. 

PMID- 27117661
TI  - Maternal Plasma DNA and RNA Sequencing for Prenatal Testing.
AB  - Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing has recently become indispensable in diagnostic
      testing and screening. In the prenatal setting, this type of testing is often
      called noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT). With a number of techniques, using
      either next-generation sequencing or single nucleotide polymorphism-based
      approaches, fetal cfDNA in maternal plasma can be analyzed to screen for rhesus D
      genotype, common chromosomal aneuploidies, and increasingly for testing other
      conditions, including monogenic disorders. With regard to screening for common
      aneuploidies, challenges arise when implementing NIPT in current prenatal
      settings. Depending on the method used (targeted or nontargeted), chromosomal
      anomalies other than trisomy 21, 18, or 13 can be detected, either of fetal or
      maternal origin, also referred to as unsolicited or incidental findings. For
      various biological reasons, there is a small chance of having either a false
      positive or false-negative NIPT result, or no result, also referred to as a "no
      call." Both pre- and posttest counseling for NIPT should include discussing
      potential discrepancies. Since NIPT remains a screening test, a positive NIPT
      result should be confirmed by invasive diagnostic testing (either by chorionic
      villus biopsy or by amniocentesis). As the scope of NIPT is widening,
      professional guidelines need to discuss the ethics of what to offer and how to
      offer. In this review, we discuss the current biochemical, clinical, and ethical
      challenges of cfDNA testing in the prenatal setting and its future perspectives
      including novel applications that target RNA instead of DNA. 

PMID- 27117663
TI  - Apoptosis Markers in Breast Cancer Therapy.
AB  - Cancer is a disease characterized by a very little apoptosis, ie, genetically
      programmed cell death. Aberrations in apoptotic pathways are central to
      tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and overall tumor growth and regression in
      response to chemotherapy. It is now increasingly accepted that chemotherapeutic
      drug efficacy is partially related to its ability to induce apoptosis. Apoptosis,
      therefore, represents not only a vital target in cancer therapy but also a unique
      biomarker opportunity that has thus far been largely unexploited. In response to
      therapy, tumor cells undergo apoptosis and release their cellular components in
      the circulation. As such, these materials may serve as biomarkers to assess
      response. Apoptosis markers in breast cancer include circulating soluble FasL,
      granzyme B, and cytochrome c that increase following chemotherapy. Unfortunately,
      there is a paucity of information in the literature with respect to this
      approach. As such, large-scale prospective studies are clearly needed to validate
      this approach and more fully elucidate clinical usefulness. 

PMID- 27117662
TI  - Tumor-Derived Exosomes and Their Role in Cancer Progression.
AB  - Tumor cells actively produce, release, and utilize exosomes to promote tumor
      growth. Mechanisms through which tumor-derived exosomes subserve the tumor are
      under intense investigation. These exosomes are information carriers, conveying
      molecular and genetic messages from tumor cells to normal or other abnormal cells
      residing at close or distant sites. Tumor-derived exosomes are found in all body
      fluids. Upon contact with target cells, they alter phenotypic and functional
      attributes of recipients, reprogramming them into active contributors to
      angiogenesis, thrombosis, metastasis, and immunosuppression. Exosomes produced by
      tumors carry cargos that in part mimic contents of parent cells and are of
      potential interest as noninvasive biomarkers of cancer. Their role in inhibiting
      the host antitumor responses and in mediating drug resistance is important for
      cancer therapy. Tumor-derived exosomes may interfere with cancer immunotherapy,
      but they also could serve as adjuvants and antigenic components of antitumor
      vaccines. Their biological roles in cancer development or progression as well as
      cancer therapy suggest that tumor-derived exosomes are critical components of
      oncogenic transformation. 

PMID- 27117664
TI  - Medical Functions of Hydrogen Sulfide.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is a gasomediator synthesized from L- and D-cysteine in
      various tissues. It is involved in a number of physiological and pathological
      processes. H(2)S exhibits antiatherosclerotic, vasodilator, and proangiogenic
      properties, and protects the kidney and heart from damage following
      ischemia/reperfusion injury. H(2)S donors may be natural or synthetic, and may be
      used for the safe treatment of a wide range of diseases. This review article
      summarizes the current state of knowledge of the therapeutic function of H(2)S.

PMID- 27117665
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27117666
TI  - Reticulons Regulate the ER Inheritance Block during ER Stress.
AB  - Segregation of functional organelles during the cell cycle is crucial to generate
      healthy daughter cells. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ER stress causes an ER
      inheritance block to ensure cells inherit a functional ER. Here, we report that
      formation of tubular ER in the mother cell, the first step in ER inheritance,
      depends on functional symmetry between the cortical ER (cER) and perinuclear ER
      (pnER). ER stress induces functional asymmetry, blocking tubular ER formation and
      ER inheritance. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, we show that
      the ER chaperone Kar2/BiP fused to GFP and an ER membrane reporter, Hmg1-GFP,
      behave differently in the cER and pnER. The functional asymmetry and tubular ER
      formation depend on Reticulons/Yop1, which maintain ER structure. LUNAPARK1
      deletion in rtn1Deltartn2Deltayop1Delta cells restores the pnER/cER functional
      asymmetry, tubular ER generation, and ER inheritance blocks. Thus, Reticulon/Yop1
      dependent changes in ER structure are linked to ER inheritance during the yeast
      cell cycle. 

PMID- 27117667
TI  - Where's my entourage? The curious case of 2-oleoylglycerol, 2-linolenoylglycerol,
      and 2-palmitoylglycerol.
AB  - 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most abundant endogenous cannabinoid in the
      brain and an agonist at two cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). The synthesis,
      degradation and signaling of 2-AG have been investigated in detail but its
      relationship to other endogenous monoacylglycerols has not been fully explored.
      Three congeners that have been isolated from the CNS are 2-linoleoylglycerol (2
      LG), 2-oleoylglycerol (2-OG), and 2-palmitoylglycerol (2-PG). These lipids do not
      orthosterically bind to cannabinoid receptors but are reported to potentiate the
      activity of 2-AG, possibly through inhibition of 2-AG degradation. This
      phenomenon has been dubbed the 'entourage effect' and has been proposed to
      regulate synaptic activity of 2-AG. To clarify the activity of these congeners of
      2-AG we tested them in neuronal and cell-based signaling assays. The signaling
      profile for these compounds is inconsistent with an entourage effect. None of the
      compounds inhibited neurotransmission via CB1 in autaptic neurons. Interestingly,
      each failed to potentiate 2-AG-mediated depolarization-induced suppression of
      excitation (DSE), behaving instead as antagonists. Examining other signaling
      pathways we found that 2-OG interferes with agonist-induced CB1 internalization
      while 2-PG modestly internalizes CB1 receptors. However in tests of pERK, cAMP
      and arrestin recruitment, none of the acylglycerols altered CB1 signaling. Our
      results suggest 1) that these compounds do not serve as entourage compounds under
      the conditions examined, and 2) that they may instead serve as functional
      antagonists. Our results suggest that the relationship between 2-AG and its
      congeners is more nuanced than previously appreciated.

PMID- 27117668
TI  - Label-free cell phenotypic profiling and pathway deconvolution of neurotensin
      receptor-1.
AB  - Neurotensin (NT), an endogenous peptide found in the central nervous system and
      in peripheral tissues, contributes to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative
      and psychiatric diseases, cancer, inflammation, and immunomodulatory disease. NT
      exerts its physiological effects predominantly through its cognate high-affinity
      neurotensin receptor-1 (NTS1). NTS1 emerges as a druggable target; however, there
      are limited numbers of NTS1 active compounds reported to date. Here we reported a
      label-free cell phenotypic profiling model for screening NTS1 ligands and
      differentiating their biased agonism. Resonant waveguide grating enabled dynamic
      mass redistribution (DMR) assay was first optimized against cell confluency and
      then used to characterize the endogenous NTS1 in HT-29 cell using known agonists
      and antagonists. Pathway modulators were also used to deconvolute the signaling
      pathways of endogenous NTS1. Results showed that the NTS1 DMR assay is robust for
      screening and can differentiate biased agonism; and the activation of NTS1 in HT
      29 triggers multiple pathways including Gq signaling and epidermal growth factor
      receptor transactivation. This study highlighted the power of label-free DMR
      assay to characterize receptor signaling and pharmacology of distinct classes of
      ligands for NTS1, G protein-coupled receptors in general.

PMID- 27117669
TI  - Immunoregulatory function of neonatal nucleated red blood cells in humans.
AB  - We found that human cord blood nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) have a
      regulatory function in the innate immune reaction. These cells suppressed the
      production of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha and IL-1beta from
      monocytes in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The NRBCs exerted their
      regulatory function even without cell-to-cell contact with the monocytes.
      However, IL-10 production from the monocytes by LPS stimulation in the presence
      of NRBCs was higher than that from LPS-stimulated monocytes cultured in the
      absence of NRBCs. Addition of an anti-IL-10 receptor blocking antibody restored
      the inflammatory cytokine production from the monocytes, suggesting that the
      functional change of the monocytes caused by the interaction with NRBCs was
      mediated by the increased IL-10 production. A whole-genome microarray analysis
      revealed that the monocytes expressed increased amounts of IL-10 superfamily
      genes after interacting with NRBCs. IL-19, which is a member of the IL-10
      superfamily, enhanced IL-10 production from the monocytes, which suggested a
      cooperative role of the IL-10 superfamily in the suppression of inflammatory
      cytokine production from monocytes. Arginase, which was reported to play an
      important role in the suppressive function of NRBCs in mice monocytes, was found
      to have no significant role in human monocytes. The NRBCs seem to have a
      regulatory role through the induction of IL-10/IL-19 production by monocytes to
      suppress a vigorous innate immune reaction, which can be harmful to fetuses.

PMID- 27117670
TI  - Development of cognitive processing and judgments of knowledge in medical
      students: Analysis of progress test results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Beside acquiring knowledge, medical students should also develop the
      ability to apply and reflect on it, requiring higher-order cognitive processing.
      Ideally, students should have reached higher-order cognitive processing when they
      enter the clinical program. Whether this is the case, is unknown. We investigated
      students' cognitive processing, and awareness of their knowledge during medical
      school. METHODS: Data were gathered from 347 first-year preclinical and 196 first
      year clinical students concerning the 2008 and 2011 Dutch progress tests.
      Questions were classified based upon Bloom's taxonomy: "simple questions"
      requiring lower and "vignette questions" requiring higher-order cognitive
      processing. Subsequently, we compared students' performance and awareness of
      their knowledge in 2008 to that in 2011 for each question type. RESULTS:
      Students' performance on each type of question increased as students progressed.
      Preclinical and first-year clinical students performed better on simple questions
      than on vignette questions. Third-year clinical students performed better on
      vignette questions than on simple questions. The accuracy of students' judgment
      of knowledge decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: The progress test is a useful tool
      to assess students' cognitive processing and awareness of their knowledge. At the
      end of medical school, students achieved higher-order cognitive processing but
      their awareness of their knowledge had decreased.

PMID- 27117671
TI  - Requirements for Forming Efficient 3-D Charge Transport Pathway in
      Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Based Copolymers: Film Morphology vs Molecular Packing.
AB  - To achieve extremely high planarity and processability simultaneously, we have
      newly designed and synthesized copolymers composed of donor units of 2,2'-(2,5
      dialkoxy-1,4-phenylene)dithieno[3,2-b]thiophene (TT-P-TT) and acceptor units of
      diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP). These copolymers consist of a highly planar backbone
      due to intramolecular interactions. We have systematically investigated the
      effects of intermolecular interactions by controlling the side chain bulkiness on
      the polymer thin-film morphologies, packing structures, and charge transport. The
      thin-film microstructures of the copolymers are found to be critically dependent
      upon subtle changes in the intermolecular interactions, and charge transport
      dynamics of the copolymer based field-effect transistors (FETs) has been
      investigated by in-depth structure-property relationship study. Although the size
      of the fibrillar structures increases as the bulkiness of the side chains in the
      copolymer increases, the copolymer with the smallest side chain shows remarkably
      high charge carrier mobility. Our findings reveal the requirement for forming
      efficient 3-D charge transport pathway and highlight the importance of the
      molecular packing and interdomain connectivity, rather than the crystalline
      domain size. The results obtained herein demonstrate the importance of tailoring
      the side chain bulkiness and provide new insights into the molecular design for
      high-performance polymer semiconductors.

PMID- 27117672
TI  - The V1 region of gp120 is preferentially selected during SIV/HIV transmission and
      is indispensable for envelope function and virus infection.
AB  - A transmission bottleneck occurs during each human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      transmission event, which allows only a few viruses to establish new infection.
      However, the genetic characteristics of the transmitted viruses that are
      preferentially selected have not been fully elucidated. Here, we analyzed amino
      acids changes in the envelope protein during simian immunodeficiency virus
      (SIV)/HIV deep transmission history and current HIV evolution within the last 15
      20 years. Our results confirmed that the V1V2 region of gp120 protein,
      particularly V1, was preferentially selected. A shorter V1 region was preferred
      during transmission history, while during epidemic, HIV may evolve to an expanded
      V1 region gradually and thus escape immune recognition. We then constructed
      different HIV-1 V1 mutants using different HIV-1 subtypes to elucidate the role
      of the V1 region in envelope function. We found that the V1 region, although
      highly variable, was indispensable for virus entry and infection, probably
      because V1 deletion mutants exhibited impaired processing of gp160 into mature
      gp120 and gp41. Additionally, the V1 region affected Env incorporation. These
      results indicated that the V1 region played a critical role in HIV transmission
      and infection. 

PMID- 27117673
TI  - Simulating Gas-Liquid-Water Partitioning and Fluid Properties of Petroleum under
      Pressure: Implications for Deep-Sea Blowouts.
AB  - With the expansion of offshore petroleum extraction, validated models are needed
      to simulate the behaviors of petroleum compounds released in deep (>100 m)
      waters. We present a thermodynamic model of the densities, viscosities, and gas
      liquid-water partitioning of petroleum mixtures with varying pressure,
      temperature, and composition based on the Peng-Robinson equation-of-state and the
      modified Henry's law (Krychevsky-Kasarnovsky equation). The model is applied to
      Macondo reservoir fluid released during the Deepwater Horizon disaster,
      represented with 279-280 pseudocomponents, including 131-132 individual
      compounds. We define >n-C8 pseudocomponents based on comprehensive two
      dimensional gas chromatography (GC * GC) measurements, which enable the modeling
      of aqueous partitioning for n-C8 to n-C26 fractions not quantified individually.
      Thermodynamic model predictions are tested against available laboratory data on
      petroleum liquid densities, gas/liquid volume fractions, and liquid viscosities.
      We find that the emitted petroleum mixture was ~29-44% gas and ~56-71% liquid,
      after cooling to local conditions near the broken Macondo riser stub (~153 atm
      and 4.3  degrees C). High pressure conditions dramatically favor the aqueous
      dissolution of C1-C4 hydrocarbons and also influence the buoyancies of bubbles
      and droplets. Additionally, the simulated densities of emitted petroleum fluids
      affect previous estimates of the volumetric flow rate of dead oil from the
      emission source.

PMID- 27117674
TI  - Improving outcomes following reconstruction of pressure sores in spinal injury
      patients: A multidisciplinary approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pressure sore treatment in spinal injury patients is
      challenging. A multidisciplinary approach with joint management by the plastic
      surgery and spinal injury teams was initiated at our institution in 2005 to
      improve patient care and surgical outcomes following reconstruction. This study
      assessed the surgical outcomes following reconstruction using the team approach
      and to compare inpatient stay and readmissions for complications before and after
      the multidisciplinary protocol was introduced. METHODS: A retrospective review of
      consecutive patients in the multidisciplinary pressure sore clinic was performed.
      Data were collected on patient demographics, reconstructive techniques, surgical
      outcomes and readmission for any complications. RESULTS: In total, 45 patients
      with 60 pressure sores (grade 3 or 4) were reviewed in the joint clinic between
      2005 and 2011. The majority of patients were paraplegic (78%), while the
      remaining 22% were tetraplegic. Ischial sores were the most common (45%) followed
      by trochanteric (23%) and sacral (20%) sores. Multiple sores were noted in 44% of
      patients. Flap reconstruction was required in 32 patients (71%); after a mean
      follow-up time of 33 months (range 25-72 months), there were three (9%) major
      complications (two recurrences of pressure sores and one sinus) and seven (22%)
      minor complications. After introduction of patient care pathways through the
      multidisciplinary approach, the rate of readmission for complications decreased
      from 14% to 5.5% and inpatient stay upon readmission reduced from 65 to 45 days.
      CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a multidisciplinary approach was key to optimising
      surgical outcomes, achieving a low recurrence rate (6%) and reducing
      readmissions.

PMID- 27117675
TI  - Evaluation of ADAM-rWBC for counting residual leucocytes in leucocyte-reduced
      whole blood and apheresis platelet concentrates.

PMID- 27117676
TI  - Evidence for an agitated-aggressive syndrome in early-onset psychosis correlated
      with antisocial personality disorder, forensic history, and substance use
      disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Agitation, aggression, and violence are increased in psychotic
      disorders. Additionally, an earlier age at onset may be associated with
      aggressive behavior. However, the relationship of age at onset, an agitated
      aggressive syndrome as measured with the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale for
      Schizophrenia - Excited Component (PANSS-EC), and its potential correlates in
      first-episode psychosis (FEP) has not been studied. METHOD: This study assessed
      the association between age at onset, an agitated-aggressive syndrome, and its
      potential correlates in a prospective sample of 52 FEP patients with early-onset
      and adult-onset followed up for 12months. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients conformed
      to the criteria of early-onset psychosis. Early age at onset was associated with
      antisocial personality disorder (p=0.004; phic=0.39), a history of legal
      involvement (p=0.005; phic=0.39), and higher rates of lifetime substance use
      disorder (SUD; p=0.002; phic=0.42). Early-onset patients had significantly higher
      PANSS-EC scores over the course of observation (F(1,44.4)=5.39; p=0.025;
      d=0.656), but no significant group differences emerged for the remaining PANSS
      subscores. PANSS-EC scores were correlated positively with antisocial personality
      disorder and forensic history at 6weeks, 3months, 6months, and 12months, and with
      lifetime substance use disorder at 3months and 6months. CONCLUSIONS: Patients
      with early onset psychosis may have increased levels of agitation/aggressiveness,
      and, more likely, antisocial personality disorder, forensic history, and lifetime
      substance use disorder. These variables were linked to suicidality,
      aggressiveness, and involuntary treatment.

PMID- 27117677
TI  - Social cognition in schizophrenia in comparison to bipolar disorder: A meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cognitive dysfunction is a common characteristic of both schizophrenia
      and bipolar disorder (BP). While these deficits are more severe in schizophrenia,
      there is a significant overlap between conditions. However, it was hypothesized
      that social cognitive deficits might be more specific to schizophrenia. METHODS:
      We conducted a meta-analysis of studies comparing facial emotion recognition and
      theory of mind (ToM) abilities in schizophrenia and BP. 26 studies comparing 1301
      patients with schizophrenia and 1075 with BP were included. RESULTS:
      Schizophrenia patients significantly underperformed compared with BP patients in
      both facial emotion recognition (d=0.39) and ToM (d=0.57). Neurocognitive
      deficits significantly contributed to schizophrenia-BP group differences for ToM.
      However, between-group differences for social cognition were not statistically
      more severe than neurocognition. CONCLUSION: Social cognitive impairment is more
      severe in schizophrenia in comparison to BP. However, between-group differences
      are modest and are comparable to other neurocognitive differences between
      schizophrenia and BP. There is significant overlap in social cognitive
      performance deficits observed in both schizophrenia and BP.

PMID- 27117678
TI  - HaloTag mediated artificial cellulosome assembly on a rolling circle
      amplification DNA template for efficient cellulose hydrolysis.
AB  - We report here the generation of four-component artificial cellulosomes onto a
      DNA scaffold using the self-labeling HaloTag for DNA conjugation. The resulting
      structures exhibited significantly improved cellulosome assembly as well as
      cellulose hydrolysis over compatible structures generated using protein
      scaffolds. Cellulose hydrolysis was further enhanced by 2-fold using the more
      complex cellulosome structures assembled onto DNA templates generated by rolling
      circle amplification (RCA). The flexibility to insert additional hybridization
      sites in a multiplexing manner using RCA should enable the assembly of a larger
      array of cellulases to better mimic the enzyme diversity of naturally occurring
      cellulosomes.

PMID- 27117679
TI  - Fatal intraperitoneal hepatic bleeding due to metastatic deposit of unknown
      primary: a tribulation for a regional surgeon.

PMID- 27117680
TI  - Prevalence of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Host-Seeking Amblyomma americanum (Acari:
      Ixodidae) and Odocoileus virginianus (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in Florida.
AB  - Amblyomma americanum (L.), the lone star tick, is an aggressive tick that is
      expanding its geographic range within the United States. This tick is the vector
      for the human and veterinary pathogens Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia
      ewingii and is associated with other microbes of unspecified pathogenicity
      including Rickettsia amblyommii, Panola Mountain Ehrlichia, and Borrelia
      lonestari In Florida, there has been sparse contemporary data on the prevalence
      of these organisms in host-seeking lone star ticks. To determine the prevalence
      of this tick and associated microbes in North Central Florida state parks, ~1,500
      lone star tick specimens were collected between 2010 and 2012 analyzed by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing. Additionally, 393 white-tailed deer,
      Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmerman), samples were analyzed for pathogen prevalence
      using molecular methods and serology. In lone star ticks, 14.6, 15.6, and 57.1%
      were positive for E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and Rickettsia spp. DNA,
      respectively. Panola Mountain Ehrlichia or B. lonestari DNA were each detected in
      nearly 2% of tick specimens. In white-tailed deer, 7.3% were PCR positive for E.
      chaffeensis, 6.0% for E. ewingii, and 3.2% for rickettsial species. Approximately
      45% of white-tailed deer specimens had antibodies to Ehrlichia spp., and <1% had
      antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi In summary, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, and
      spotted fever group rickettsia are highly prevalent in host-seeking lone star
      ticks and in white-tailed deer in Florida. The molecular and serological evidence
      of these microbes underscore their zoonotic potential in this region.

PMID- 27117681
TI  - Paludibacterium purpuratum sp. nov., isolated from wetland soil.
AB  - A novel bacterium, designated KJ031T, was isolated from a wetland soil sample
      taken from Jeju island, Republic of Korea. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, curved
      rod shaped, oxidase- and catalase- positive, motile and facultatively anaerobic.
      Growth was observed at pH 6.0-8.0 and at 20-37  degrees C on R2A agar.
      Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KJ031T is a
      member of the genus Paludibacterium, sharing highest sequence similarities with
      Paludibacterium paludis KBP-21T (96.2 %) and Paludibacterium. yongneupense 5YN8
      15T (96.0 %). The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 omega7c and/or
      C16 : 1 omega6c), C16 : 0 and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 omega7c and/or C18 : 1
      omega6c). The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-8. The major polar lipids of
      strain KJ031T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol,
      phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified
      phospholipids and one unidentified polar lipid. The DNA G+C content was 59.2
      mol%. On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain KJ031T
      represents a novel species of the genus Paludibacterium, for which the name
      Paludibacterium purpuratum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KJ031T (=KCTC
      42852T =CECT 8976T).

PMID- 27117682
TI  - Geriatric nutritional risk index, muscle function, quality of life and clinical
      outcome in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) has been reported
      as a useful predictor of prognosis in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients,
      demonstrating GNRI less than 90 as a marker of a poorer nutritional status and
      significantly increased mortality. We tested whether GNRI as a whole associated
      stronger with clinical and laboratory surrogates of nutrition and inflammation,
      muscle function, health-related quality of life (QoL), and predicts all-cause and
      cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality in this population better than its
      individual components (albumin and body weight to ideal body weight ratio).
      METHODS: A prospective observational study with a median follow-up of 30 months
      (interquartile range - 19-41 months) was performed on 352 MHD outpatients (38.0%
      women) with a mean age of 67.4 +/- 13.2 years. All-cause and cardiovascular
      hospitalization and mortality, GNRI, handgrip strength (HGS), body composition
      parameters (anthropometry and bioimpedance) and short form 36 (SF-36) quality-of
      life scores were measured. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed
      to obtain adjusted correlations. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves
      were generated and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were applied to
      identify the predictive value of GNRI and its components separately. RESULTS:
      GNRI positively correlated with total score (r = 0.15, P < 0.05), the physical
      health dimension (r = 0.14, P < 0.05), the general health (r = 0.18, P < 0.01)
      and some other scales of the SF-36. A significant correlation of GNRI with HGS in
      male patients didn't stand up to multivariable adjustments. For each one unit
      increase in baseline GNRI levels, the first hospitalization hazard ratio (HR)
      after adjustments for confounders was 0.98 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.97 to
      0.99) and the first CV event HR was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.97 to 0.99); all-cause death
      HR was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96 to 0.99) and CV death HR was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95-0.99).
      Albumin was related to QoL and clinical outcomes with higher strength and
      magnitude than GNRI. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the significant relationship with
      clinical outcomes and QOL, GNRI is not better and is even slightly worse than
      albumin's performance. This raises doubts as to the clinical utility of GNRI as a
      prognostic tool in the MHD population.

PMID- 27117683
TI  - [Macrocheilia revealing an acute promyelocytic leukemia].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Macrocheilia is a rare presentation for acute promyelocytic
      leukemia (APL). CASE REPORT: A 18 year-old man was referred to our department for
      an acute swollen lower lip, multiple swollen cervical lymph nodes and spontaneous
      gum bleeding. The diagnosis of APL was made and the treatment was rapidly started
      in an intensive care unit. DISCUSSION: APL is often found because of stomatologic
      symptoms but macrocheilia is rarely reported. APL is a vital emergency.

PMID- 27117684
TI  - [Shave excision of an acral fibrokeratoma of the proximal nail matrix associated
      with a subungual exostosis of the thumb].

PMID- 27117685
TI  - Decreased Composite Indices of Femoral Neck Strength in Young Obese Men.

PMID- 27117686
TI  - Quantifying the health impacts of ambient air pollutants: methodological errors
      must be avoided.

PMID- 27117687
TI  - Factors affecting quality of life in patients on haemodialysis: a cross-sectional
      study from Palestine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Haemodialysis (HD) is a life-sustaining treatment for patients with
      end-stage renal disease (ESRD). HD can bring about significant impairment in
      health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and outcomes. Therefore, we sought to
      describe the patterns of HRQOL and determine the independent factors associated
      with poor HRQOL in Palestinian patients on HD. METHODS: A multicenter cross
      sectional study was performed from June 2014 to January 2015 using the EuroQOL-5
      Dimensions instrument (EQ-5D-5L) for the assessment of HRQOL. ESRD patients
      undergoing HD in all dialysis centres in the West Bank of Palestine were
      approached and recruited for this study. Multiple linear regression was carried
      out to identify factors that were significantly associated with HRQOL. RESULTS:
      Two hundred and sixty-seven patients were participated in the current study
      giving response rate of 96 %. Overall, 139 (52.1 %) were male, and the mean +/-
      standard deviation age was 53.3 +/- 16.2 years. The reported HRQOL as measured by
      mean EQ-5D-5L index value and Euro QOL visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) score was
      0.37 +/- 0.44 and 59.38 +/- 45.39, respectively. There was a moderate positive
      correlation between the EQ-VAS and the EQ-5D-5L index value (r = 0.42, p <
      0.001). The results of multiple linear regression showed a significant negative
      association between HRQOL with age, total number of chronic co-morbid diseases
      and the total number of chronic medications. However, a significant positive
      association was found between HRQOL with male gender, university education level
      and patients who live in village. CONCLUSION: Our results provided insight into a
      number of associations between patient variables and their HRQOL. Healthcare
      providers should be aware of low HRQOL among patients with no formal education,
      female gender, patient's residents of refugee camps, multiple co-morbid diseases,
      multiple chronic medications, and elderly patients to improve their quality of
      life.

PMID- 27117688
TI  - Dynamic changes in mitochondrial distribution in human oocytes during meiotic
      maturation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The change of mitochondrial distribution in human oocytes during meiotic
      maturation was assessed using 223 human oocytes donated from patients undergoing
      fertility treatment between June 2013 and February 2016. METHODS: Live cell
      images of fluorescence-labelled mitochondria in human oocytes were analysed to
      investigate dynamic changes in mitochondrial distribution during meiotic
      maturation using a confocal microscope combined with an incubator in the presence
      or absence of colchicine and cytochalasin B, inhibitors for tubulin and actin
      filament, respectively. Subcellular distribution of mitochondria in human oocytes
      was also assessed at various stages using a transmission electron microscope
      (TEM). RESULTS: Live cell imaging analysis revealed that the mitochondria
      occupied cytoplasmic area decreased from 83 to 77 % of the total cytoplasmic area
      around 6 h before germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and that mitochondria
      accumulated preferentially close to the perinuclear region. Then, the
      mitochondria-distributed area rapidly increased to 85 % of total cytoplasm at the
      time of GVBD. On the other hand, there was no significant change in mitochondrial
      distribution before and after polar body extrusion. Such changes in mitochondrial
      localization were affected differently by colchicine and cytochalasin B. Most of
      mitochondria in the cytoplasm formed cluster-like aggregates before GVBD while
      they distributed homogeneously after GVBD. CONCLUSIONS: Most mitochondria
      localized predominantly in the non-cortical region of the cytoplasm of GV stage
      oocytes, while the mitochondria-occupied area decreased transiently before GVBD
      and increased rapidly to occupy the entire area of the cytoplasm at GVBD by some
      cytoskeleton-dependent mechanism.

PMID- 27117689
TI  - Postoperative complications following aggressive repeat hepatectomy for
      colorectal liver metastasis have adverse oncological outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSES: Repeat hepatectomy remains the only curative treatment for recurrent
      colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) after primary hepatectomy. However, the repeat
      resection rate is still low, and there is insufficient data on the outcomes after
      repeat hepatectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and
      prognostic benefit of aggressive repeat hepatectomy for recurrent CLM. METHODS:
      Data were reviewed from 282 consecutive patients who underwent primary curative
      hepatectomy for CLM between January 1994 and March 2015. The short- and long-term
      outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-three patients (68 %)
      developed recurrence, and repeat hepatectomy was conducted in 62 patients.
      Overall, 62 s, 11 third, 4 fourth, and 1 fifth hepatectomies were performed. The
      postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were low (11.5 and 1.3 %,
      respectively). The overall survival rates at 3 and 5 years after primary
      hepatectomy for CLM in the repeat hepatectomy group were 79.5 and 57.4 %,
      respectively. A multivariate analysis indicated that postoperative complications
      were independently associated with overall survival after repeat hepatectomy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Repeat hepatectomy for CLM is feasible, with acceptable rates of
      perioperative morbidity and mortality, and the potential for long-term survival.
      However, postoperative complications following aggressive repeat hepatectomy for
      CLM are associated with adverse oncological outcomes.

PMID- 27117690
TI  - Prospective analysis of functional swallowing outcome after resection of T2
      glottic carcinoma using transoral laser surgery and external vertical
      hemilaryngectomy.
AB  - 56 patients affected by T2 glottic carcinoma were treated in two institutes using
      transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in 40 cases and vertical hemilaryngectomy in
      16 cases between September 2012 and September 2015. In the TLM group, different
      subtypes of type V cordectomy were used according to the extent of tumor. In the
      vertical hemilaryngectomy group, classical operation was used in most of the
      cases and the resection was extended in few cases. Analysis of post-operative
      swallowing function was done using videofluoroscopy (VFS), functional endoscopic
      evaluation of swallowing, and subjectively using MD Anderson dysphagia inventory.
      Objective evaluation of swallowing has been made by obtaining different measures
      from VFS (pharyngeal transit time, pharyngeal constriction ratio, and hyoid
      displacement for example). Analysis also included the need and duration of
      tracheostomy and nasogastric tube, ICU admission, and hospitalization time.
      Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney U and Pearson Chi-square
      tests. Comparison of incidence of aspiration and swallowing outcome showed
      significantly better results in the laser group than in the vertical group (p <
      0.001). The duration of ICU, tracheostomy, nasogastric tube, and hospital stay
      was also significantly shorter in the laser group (p < 0.001). This study shows
      that TLM had significantly better overall postoperative outcome than vertical
      hemilaryngectomy. It was associated with significantly shorter hospital stay and
      less need for tracheostomy, nasogastric tube, and ICU admission). Measures
      obtained from VFS are useful for detection and follow-up of postoperative
      aspiration, because it is a definitive technique for anatomical and physiological
      study of swallowing. 

PMID- 27117691
TI  - 3D-QSAR-aided design, synthesis, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of dipeptidyl
      boronic acid proteasome inhibitors and mechanism studies.
AB  - Proteasome had been clinically validated as an effective target for the treatment
      of cancers. Up to now, many structurally diverse proteasome inhibitors were
      discovered. And two of them were launched to treat multiple myeloma (MM) and
      mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Based on our previous biological results of
      dipeptidyl boronic acid proteasome inhibitors, robust 3D-QSAR models were
      developed and structure-activity relationship (SAR) was summarized. Several
      structurally novel compounds were designed based on the theoretical models and
      finally synthesized. Biological results showed that compound 12e was as active as
      the standard bortezomib in enzymatic and cellular activities. In vivo
      pharmacokinetic profiles suggested compound 12e showed a long half-life, which
      indicated that it could be administered intravenously. Cell cycle analysis
      indicated that compound 12e inhibited cell cycle progression at the G2M stage.

PMID- 27117692
TI  - The emergence and evolution of antimicrobial resistance: Impact on a global
      scale.
AB  - The evolution of antimicrobial resistance is a multifaceted issue that is
      influenced by numerous factors. This growing healthcare problem has significantly
      impacted the public welfare and has substantially burdened the economic system on
      a global scale. In an effort to combat this rising problem, several strategies
      have been implemented in the recent years to stall the progression and decrease
      the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this review article is to
      describe the various factors that have contributed to the current state of
      antimicrobial resistance and to evaluate potential strategies developed to reduce
      the burden of antimicrobial resistance.

PMID- 27117693
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of sialyl-oligonucleotide conjugates
      targeting leukocyte B trans-membranal receptor CD22 as delivery agents for
      nucleic acid drugs.
AB  - Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) modified with ligands which target cell surface
      receptors have the potential to significantly improve potency in the target
      tissue. This has recently been demonstrated using triantennary N-acetyl d
      galactosamine conjugated ASOs. CD22 is a cell surface receptor expressed
      exclusively on B cells thus presenting an attractive target for B cell specific
      delivery of drugs. Herein, we reported the synthesis of monovalent and trivalent
      ASO conjugates with biphenylcarbonyl (BPC) modified sialic acids and their study
      as ASO delivery agents into B cells. CD22 positive cells exhibited reduced
      potency when treated with ligand modified ASOs and mechanistic examination
      suggested reduced uptake into cells potentially as a result of sequestration of
      ASO by other cell-surface proteins.

PMID- 27117694
TI  - Erratum to "The automatic pelvic floor muscle response to the active straight leg
      raise in cases with pelvic girdle pain and matched controls" [Man Ther 18 (4)
      (2013) 327-332].

PMID- 27117695
TI  - Chemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of
      Artemisia marschalliana Sprengel extract.
AB  - The present study was to investigate the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
      (GC/MS), in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activity of the
      ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Artemisia marschalliana Sprengel against
      human gastric carcinoma (AGS) and L929 cell lines. Phytochemical analysis of A.
      marschalliana Sprengel extract showed 22 major components and the most dominant
      compounds were trans-phytol (29.22%), alpha-Linolenic acid (13.47%) and n
      Hexadecanoic acid (9.28%). In addition, the antioxidant and anticancer activity
      of A. marschalliana Sprengel extract were evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide (MTT) methods, respectively. Antibacterial activity against selected
      pathogenic bacteria was also determined. According to the present obtained
      results, it seems that this plant has potential uses for pharmaceutical
      industries and further studies of pharmaceutical importance were suggested to be
      performed on A. marschalliana Sprengel.

PMID- 27117696
TI  - Efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing allogeneic blood products in adolescent
      idiopathic scoliosis surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery usually require
      prolonged operative times with extensive soft tissue dissection and significant
      perioperative blood loss, and allogeneic blood products are frequently needed.
      Methods to reduce the requirement for transfusion would have a beneficial effect
      on these patients. Although many previous studies have revealed the efficacy of
      tranexamic acid (TXA) in spinal surgery, there is still a lack of agreement
      concerning the reduction of both blood loss and transfusion requirements of large
      dose tranexamic acid (TXA) in surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
      The objective of this study was to elevate the efficacy and safety of a large
      dose tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing transfusion requirements of allogeneic
      blood products in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery using a
      retrospective study designed with historical control group. METHODS: One hundred
      thirty seven consecutive AIS patients who underwent surgery treatment with
      posterior spinal pedicle systems from August 2011 to March 2015 in our scoliosis
      center were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups, the
      TXA group and the historical recruited no TXA group (NTXA). Preoperative
      demographics, radiographic parameters, operative parameters, estimated blood loss
      (EBL), total irrigation fluid, number of patients requiring blood transfusion,
      mean drop of Hb (Pre-op Hb-Post-op Hb), haematocrit pre and post-surgery, mean
      volume of blood transfusion, hospitalization time, and adverse effect were
      recorded and compared. RESULTS: All the patients were successfully treated with
      satisfied clinical and radiographic outcomes. There were 71 patients in the TXA
      group and 66 patients in the NTXA group. The preoperative demographics were
      homogeneity between two groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant difference
      in average operative time between two groups (209 min vs 215 min, p >0.05).
      Number of patients in the TXA group showed a significant decrease in transfusion
      requirements with an associated reduced intraoperative blood loss of nearly 45%
      compared with those in NTXA group (8 vs 37, 619 ml vs 1125 ml, P < 0.05). There
      were no significant difference in total irrigation fluid between two groups (540
      vs 550, p >0.05). Additional, patients in NTXA group showed significant decrease
      of Hb compared with patients in TXA group (5.2 g/dL vs 3.3 g/dL, P < 0.05), No
      significant difference were found in hospitalization time between two groups (6.3
      vs 7.2 days, P > 0.05). No minor adverse effects associated with use of TXA were
      noted. CONCLUSIONS: Use of large dose tranexamic acid routinely seems to be
      effective and safe in reducing allogenic blood transfusion and blood loss in
      adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery.

PMID- 27117697
TI  - Quality assessment of studies comparing percutaneous ablative treatments in
      hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 27117698
TI  - Efficacy and safety of switching from reference infliximab to CT-P13 compared
      with maintenance of CT-P13 in ankylosing spondylitis: 102-week data from the
      PLANETAS extension study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of switching from infliximab
      reference product (RP) to its biosimilar or maintaining biosimilar treatment in
      patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: This open-label extension
      study recruited patients with AS who completed a 54-week, randomised controlled
      study comparing CT-P13 with RP (PLANETAS). CT-P13 (5 mg/kg) was administered
      intravenously every 8 weeks from week 62 to week 102. Efficacy end points
      included the proportion of patients achieving Assessment of SpondyloArthritis
      international Society (ASAS)20. Antidrug antibodies (ADAs) were measured using an
      electrochemiluminescent method. Data were analysed for patients treated with CT
      P13 in the main PLANETAS study and the extension (maintenance group) and those
      who were switched to CT-P13 during the extension study (switch group). RESULTS:
      Overall, 174 (82.9%) of 210 patients who completed the first 54 weeks of PLANETAS
      and agreed to participate in the extension were enrolled. Among these, 88 were
      maintained on CT-P13 and 86 were switched to CT-P13 from RP. In these maintenance
      and switch groups, respectively, ASAS20 response rates at week 102 were 80.7% and
      76.9%. ASAS40 and ASAS partial remission were also similar between groups. ADA
      positivity rates were comparable (week 102: 23.3% vs 27.4%). Adverse events led
      to treatment discontinuation during the extension study in 3 (3.3%) and 4 (4.8%)
      patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to show that
      switching from RP to its biosimilar CT-P13 is possible without negative effects
      on safety or efficacy in patients with AS. In the maintenance group, CT-P13 was
      effective and well tolerated over 2 years of treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION
      NUMBER: NCT01571206; Results.

PMID- 27117699
TI  - The association between anti-carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) antibodies and
      radiographic progression in early rheumatoid arthritis: a study exploring
      replication and the added value to ACPA and rheumatoid factor.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Anti-carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) antibodies are reported to
      associate with more radiographic progression within the total rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) population and anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA)-negative
      subgroup. We explored the association of anti-CarP with radiographic progression
      in RA and aimed to replicate the association and evaluate the added value of anti
      CarP antibodies in relation to ACPA and rheumatoid factor (RF). METHODS: 576
      Swedish and 628 Dutch patients with RA (2394 and 3247 sets of radiographs,
      respectively) were longitudinally studied. Replication was restricted to the
      Swedish patients. In both cohorts, the association of anti-CarP with radiographic
      progression was determined in strata of patients with similar ACPA and RF status;
      results of both cohorts were combined in fixed-effect meta-analyses. The net
      percentage of patients for whom the radiographic progression in 5 years was
      additionally correctly classified when adding anti-CarP to a model including ACPA
      and RF was evaluated. RESULTS: Anti-CarP associated with radiographic progression
      in the total Swedish RA population (beta=1.11 per year, p=8.75*10-13) and in the
      ACPA-negative subgroup (beta=1.14 per year, p=0.034). Anti-CarP associated with
      more radiographic progression in the strata of ACPA-positive/RF-negative, ACPA
      negative/RF-positive and ACPA-positive/RF-positive patients with RA (respective p
      values 0.014, 0.019 and 0.0056). A model including ACPA and RF correctly
      classified 54% and 57% of the patients; adding anti-CarP to this model did not
      increase these percentages (54% and 56% were correctly classified). CONCLUSIONS:
      Anti-CarP antibodies associated with more severe radiographic progression in the
      total and ACPA-negative RA population. Anti-CarP-positivity had a statistically
      significant additive value to ACPA and RF, but did not improve correct
      classification of patients.

PMID- 27117700
TI  - Autologous tolerogenic dendritic cells for rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety of intra-articular (IA) autologous tolerogenic
      dendritic cells (tolDC) in patients with inflammatory arthritis and an inflamed
      knee; to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the approach and to assess
      potential effects on local and systemic disease activities. METHODS: An
      unblinded, randomised, controlled, dose escalation Phase I trial. TolDC were
      differentiated from CD14+ monocytes and loaded with autologous synovial fluid as
      a source of autoantigens. Cohorts of three participants received 1*106, 3*106 or
      10*106 tolDC arthroscopically following saline irrigation of an inflamed (target)
      knee. Control participants received saline irrigation only. Primary outcome was
      flare of disease in the target knee within 5 days of treatment. Feasibility was
      assessed by successful tolDC manufacture and acceptability via patient
      questionnaire. Potential effects on disease activity were assessed by
      arthroscopic synovitis score, disease activity score (DAS)28 and Health
      Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Immunomodulatory effects were sought in
      peripheral blood. RESULTS: There were no target knee flares within 5 days of
      treatment. At day 14, arthroscopic synovitis was present in all participants
      except for one who received 10*106 tolDC; a further participant in this cohort
      declined day 14 arthroscopy because symptoms had remitted; both remained stable
      throughout 91 days of observation. There were no trends in DAS28 or HAQ score or
      consistent immunomodulatory effects in peripheral blood. 9 of 10 manufactured
      products met quality control release criteria; acceptability of the protocol by
      participants was high. CONCLUSION: IA tolDC therapy appears safe, feasible and
      acceptable. Knee symptoms stabilised in two patients who received 10*106 tolDC
      but no systemic clinical or immunomodulatory effects were detectable. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01352858.

PMID- 27117701
TI  - Call for preventive care for rheumatic heart disease in refugee children.

PMID- 27117702
TI  - The m(6)A Methyltransferase METTL3 Promotes Translation in Human Cancer Cells.
AB  - METTL3 is an RNA methyltransferase implicated in mRNA biogenesis, decay, and
      translation control through N(6)-methyladenosine (m(6)A) modification. Here we
      find that METTL3 promotes translation of certain mRNAs including epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) and the Hippo pathway effector TAZ in human cancer cells.
      In contrast to current models that invoke m(6)A reader proteins downstream of
      nuclear METTL3, we find METTL3 associates with ribosomes and promotes translation
      in the cytoplasm. METTL3 depletion inhibits translation, and both wild-type and
      catalytically inactive METTL3 promote translation when tethered to a reporter
      mRNA. Mechanistically, METTL3 enhances mRNA translation through an interaction
      with the translation initiation machinery. METTL3 expression is elevated in lung
      adenocarcinoma and using both loss- and gain-of-function studies, we find that
      METTL3 promotes growth, survival, and invasion of human lung cancer cells. Our
      results uncover an important role of METTL3 in promoting translation of oncogenes
      in human lung cancer.

PMID- 27117704
TI  - Going Beyond Common Drug Metabolizing Enzymes: Case Studies of Biotransformation
      Involving Aldehyde Oxidase, gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase, Cathepsin B, Flavin
      Containing Monooxygenase, and ADP-Ribosyltransferase.
AB  - The significant roles that cytochrome P450 (P450) and UDP-glucuronosyl
      transferase (UGT) enzymes play in drug discovery cannot be ignored, and these
      enzyme systems are commonly examined during drug optimization using liver
      microsomes or hepatocytes. At the same time, other drug-metabolizing enzymes have
      a role in the metabolism of drugs and can lead to challenges in drug optimization
      that could be mitigated if the contributions of these enzymes were better
      understood. We present examples (mostly from Genentech) of five different non
      P450 and non-UGT enzymes that contribute to the metabolic clearance or
      bioactivation of drugs and drug candidates. Aldehyde oxidase mediates a unique
      amide hydrolysis of GDC-0834 (N-[3-[6-[4-[(2R)-1,4-dimethyl-3-oxopiperazin-2
      yl]anilino]-4-methyl-5-oxopyrazin-2-yl]-2-methylphenyl]-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1
      benzothiophene-2-carboxamide), leading to high clearance of the drug. Likewise,
      the rodent-specific ribose conjugation by ADP-ribosyltransferase leads to high
      clearance of an interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase inhibitor. Metabolic
      reactions by flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMO) are easily mistaken for P450
      mediated metabolism such as oxidative defluorination of 4-fluoro-N-methylaniline
      by FMO. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is involved in the initial hydrolysis of
      glutathione metabolites, leading to formation of proximate toxins and
      nephrotoxicity, as is observed with cisplatin in the clinic, or renal toxicity,
      as is observed with efavirenz in rodents. Finally, cathepsin B is a lysosomal
      enzyme that is highly expressed in human tumors and has been targeted to release
      potent cytotoxins, as in the case of brentuximab vedotin. These examples of non
      P450- and non-UGT-mediated metabolism show that a more complete understanding of
      drug metabolizing enzymes allows for better insight into the fate of drugs and
      improved design strategies of molecules in drug discovery.

PMID- 27117703
TI  - A complex behavioural change intervention to reduce the risk of diabetes and
      prediabetes in the pre-conception period in Malaysia: study protocol for a
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the past two decades, the population of Malaysia has grown
      rapidly and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Malaysia has dramatically
      increased, along with the frequency of obesity, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension.
      Early-life influences play an important role in the development of non
      communicable diseases. Indeed, maternal lifestyle and conditions such as
      gestational diabetes mellitus or obesity can affect the risk of diabetes in the
      next generation. Lifestyle changes can help to prevent the development of type 2
      diabetes mellitus. This is a protocol for an unblinded, community-based,
      randomised controlled trial in two arms to evaluate the efficacy of a complex
      behavioural change intervention, combining motivational interviewing provided by
      a community health promoter and access to a habit formation mobile application,
      among young Malaysian women and their spouses prior to pregnancy. METHOD/DESIGN:
      Eligible subjects will be Malaysian women in the age group 20 to 39 years, who
      are nulliparous, not diagnosed with diabetes and own a smartphone. With an alpha
      value of 0.05, a statistical power of 90 %, 264 subjects will need to complete
      the study. Subjects with their spouses will be randomised to either the
      intervention or the control arm for an 8-month period. The primary endpoint is
      change in waist circumference from baseline to end of intervention period and
      secondary endpoints are changes in anthropometric parameters, biochemical
      parameters, change in health literacy level, dietary habits, physical activity
      and stress level. Primary endpoint and the continuous secondary endpoints will be
      analysed in a linear regression model, whereas secondary endpoints on an ordinal
      scale will be analysed by using the chi-squared test. A multivariate linear model
      for the primary endpoint will be undertaken to account for potential confounders.
      This study has been approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee of the
      Ministry of Health Malaysia (protocol number: NMRR-14-904-21963) on 21 September
      2015. DISCUSSION: This study protocol describes the first community-based
      randomised controlled trial, to examine the efficacy of a complex intervention in
      improving the pre-pregnancy health of young Malaysian women and their spouses.
      Results from this trial will contribute to improve policy and practices regarding
      complex behavioural change interventions to prevent diabetes in the pre
      conception period in Malaysia and other low- and middle-income country settings.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov
      (www.clinicaltrials.gov) on 30 November 2015, Identifier: NCT02617693 .

PMID- 27117706
TI  - Spectral study of specific interactions between zwitterionic compounds and protic
      solvents.
AB  - The zwitterionic compounds, like ylids, can interact both by universal and
      specific forces with the protic solvents. Ylids have a visible electronic
      absorption band with intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), very sensitive to the
      solvent nature and considered as an indicator of their stability. Two
      zwitterionic compounds: pyridinium dicarbethoxy methylid and iso-quinolinium
      dicarbethoxy methylid were studied from solvatochromic point of view and the
      contribution of solute-solvent specific interactions to the total spectral shift
      of the visible ICT band was established. Ternary solutions of the studied ylids
      were used to estimate the difference of interaction energies in molecular pairs
      ylid-protic solvent and ylid-aprotic solvent in the limits of the cell model of
      three component solutions.

PMID- 27117705
TI  - Quality of life in Arab women with breast cancer: a review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality of life has become an important concept in cancer care. Among
      the quality of lifestudies in cancer patients, breast cancer has received most
      attention. This review reports on quality of life in Arab patients with breast
      cancer. METHODS: The search was conducted using inclusion and exclusion criteria
      and in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta
      Analyses (PRISMA). The databases consulted were PubMed, Sciences Direct, Index
      Medicus for Wordl Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean, African Journals
      Online and African Index Medicus. RESULTS: Thirteen articles from eight countries
      met the inclusion criteria. The EORTC quality of life questionnaires (QLQ-C30 and
      QLQ-BR23) were the most used instrument (7 out of 13). The results showed that
      good scores of global health were recorded at Arab women living in United Arab
      Emirates (mean score = 74.6) compared to other countries. The results indicated
      that there was a difference in quality of life scores and its associated factors
      among Arab women with breast cancer. CONCLUSION: This paper is the first that
      reviewed published research on quality of life among Arab women with breast
      cancer. We found that insufficient results-related information is available.

PMID- 27117707
TI  - Comparison of iron-bearing minerals in ordinary chondrites from H, L and LL
      groups using Mossbauer spectroscopy with a high velocity resolution.
AB  - Ordinary chondrites from H, L and LL groups were studied using Mossbauer
      spectroscopy with a high velocity resolution. Mossbauer parameters of spectral
      components were obtained using new fitting model excluding the effect of previous
      misfits of troilite component. Obtained parameters were related to corresponding
      iron-bearing minerals in ordinary chondrites. The differences of these minerals
      content as well as small differences in the hyperfine parameters of the same iron
      bearing minerals were revealed for different meteorites. The temperatures of
      equilibrium cations distribution in silicates were estimated and suitable
      parameters for classification of H, L and LL chondrites were supposed using
      Mossbauer parameters.

PMID- 27117708
TI  - Maraviroc reduces neuropathic pain through polarization of microglia and
      astroglia - Evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that CCR5 and its ligands are important regulators for the
      development of neuropathic pain and that their modulation can have some
      beneficial properties. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the
      influence of maraviroc (MVC, a CCR5 antagonist) on glial polarization markers and
      intracellular signaling pathways in the spinal cord 7 days after chronic
      constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve and in primary glial cultures
      after LPS stimulation. Our results demonstrated that chronic intrathecal
      administration of MVC diminished neuropathic pain symptoms and nociceptive
      threshold ~60 min after drug administration on days 3 and 7 post-CCI. MVC
      downregulated the levels of phosphorylated p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and NF-kappaB
      proteins in the spinal cord and upregulated STAT3 in the dorsal root ganglia
      (DRG). Additionally, using Western blot analysis, we demonstrated that MVC
      effectively diminished "classical" activation markers: IL-1beta, IL-18, IL-6 and
      NOS2 in the spinal cord. In contrast, MVC upregulated "alternative"
      antinociceptive activation markers: IL-1RA, IL-18BP and IL-10 in the spinal cord.
      In parallel, MVC downregulated the levels of phosphorylated p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and
      NF-kappaB proteins and upregulated STAT3 in microglial and astroglial cell
      cultures. Similarly, MVC reduced pronociceptive (IL-1beta, IL-18, IL-6, NOS2) and
      enhanced the antinociceptive (IL-1RA, IL-18BP, IL-10) factors after LPS
      stimulation. Our studies provide new evidence that MVC attenuates neuropathy
      symptoms, promotes spinal glial "alternative" polarization and restores the
      balance between pro- and antinociceptive factors. Our results suggest the
      modulation of CCR5 by MVC as a novel therapeutic approach for neuropathy.

PMID- 27117710
TI  - Mechanisms of transport of polymeric and lipidic nanoparticles across the
      intestinal barrier.
AB  - Unraveling the mechanisms of nanoparticle transport across the intestinal barrier
      is essential for designing more efficient nanoparticles for oral administration.
      The physicochemical parameters of the nanoparticles (e.g., size, surface charge,
      chemical composition) dictate nanoparticle fate across the intestinal barrier.
      This review aims to address the most important findings regarding polymeric and
      lipidic nanoparticle transport across the intestinal barrier, including the
      evaluation of critical physicochemical parameters of nanoparticles that affect
      nanocarrier interactions with the intestinal barrier.

PMID- 27117711
TI  - Clinical challenges in HIV/AIDS: Hints for advancing prevention and patient
      management strategies.
AB  - Acquired immune deficiency syndrome has been one of the most devastating
      epidemics of the last century. The current estimate for people living with the
      HIV is 36.9 million. Today, despite availability of potent and safe drugs for
      effective treatment, lifelong therapy is required for preventing HIV re-emergence
      from a pool of latently infected cells. However, recent evidence show the
      importance to expand HIV testing, to offer antiretroviral treatment to all
      infected individuals, and to ensure retention through all the cascade of care. In
      addition, circumcision, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and other biomedical tools are
      now available for included in a comprehensive preventive package. Use of all the
      available tools might allow cutting the HIV transmission in 2030. In this
      article, we review the status of the epidemic, the latest advances in prevention
      and treatment, the concept of treatment as prevention and the challenges and
      opportunities for the HIV cure agenda.

PMID- 27117712
TI  - Use of Cancer Genetics Services in African-American Young Breast Cancer
      Survivors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: African-American women have higher rates of early-onset breast
      cancer compared with their Caucasian counterparts; yet, when diagnosed with
      breast cancer at a young age, they underuse genetic counseling and testing to
      manage their risk of developing future cancers. METHODS: Self-reported baseline
      data were collected between September 2012 and January 2013 and analyzed in 2014
      from a subpopulation of 340 African-American young breast cancer survivors
      (YBCSs) enrolled in an RCT. YBCSs were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer or
      ductal carcinoma in situ between ages 20 and 45 years and were randomly selected
      from a statewide cancer registry. Logistic regression examined predictors of
      using cancer genetics services. RESULTS: Overall, 28% of the sample reported
      having genetic counseling and 21% reported having genetic testing, which were
      significantly lower (p<=0.005) compared with white/other YBCSs participating in
      the parent study. In a multivariate analysis, income was positively associated
      with counseling (B=0.254, p<=0.01) and testing (B=0.297, p<=0.01), whereas higher
      education levels (B=-0.328, p<=0.05) and lack of access to healthcare services
      owing to cost (B=-1.10, p<=0.03) were negatively associated with genetic
      counseling. Lower income and lack of care because of high out-of-pocket costs
      were commonly reported barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Despite national recommendations
      for genetic evaluation among women with early-onset breast cancer, few African
      American YBCSs reported undergoing genetic counseling and testing. Most reported
      that their healthcare provider did not recommend these services. Interventions
      addressing patient, provider, and structural healthcare system barriers to using
      genetic counseling and testing in this population are needed.

PMID- 27117713
TI  - The impact of time factors on overall survival in patients with nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma: a population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is most common in Southeast Asia. The
      purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between wait time and
      length of radiotherapy and overall survival (OS) of NPC patients in Taiwan.
      METHODS: From Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, this
      nationwide population-based cohort study identified 3605 NPC patients who
      received radiotherapy between 2008 and 2011. The impact of time factors on NPC
      survival rates was estimated with Kaplan-Meier survival curves. A multivariable
      Cox hazards regression model tested the significance of results after adjustment
      for other covariables. RESULTS: In all, 317 patients had wait times >4 weeks,
      1404 patients had longer duration of radiotherapy (i.e., >10 weeks) and 499 died.
      Patients with wait times > 4 weeks and length of radiotherapy <= 10 weeks didn't
      have significantly inferior survival. Patients with wait times >4 weeks and
      length of radiotherapy >10 weeks had significantly lower OS than other groups,
      with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.7 (95 % CI, 1.10-2.60). CONCLUSION: Time was a
      significant prognostic factor for NPC patients who had both >4 weeks wait times
      and length of radiotherapy >10 weeks. Patients with wait time > 4 weeks and
      length of radiotherapy <= 10 weeks had a trend toward an inferior survival.

PMID- 27117714
TI  - An exploration of clinical practice in sites with and without clinical nurse or
      midwife specialists or advanced nurse practitioners, in Ireland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical specialist (CS) and advanced practitioner (AP) roles have
      increased in nursing and midwifery internationally. This study explored clinical
      practice in sites with and without clinical nurse or midwife specialists or
      advanced nurse practitioners in Ireland. METHODS: Using a case study design,
      interview, observational and documentary data from postholding sites (CSs or APs
      employed) were compared with data from non-postholding sites (no CSs or APs
      employed). Interviews and observations were conducted with postholders (n = 23),
      and compared with data from healthcare professionals (nurses or midwives,
      doctors) (n = 23) in matched services. Interviews were held with Directors of
      Nursing and Midwifery (n = 23), healthcare professionals (n = 41), service users
      (n = 41) with experience of receiving care or working with postholders, and non
      postholders in matched services. The data were analysed using Nvivo (Version 8).
      RESULTS: The findings suggest that postholders' practice appeared to differ from
      non-postholders' in relation to case management and service provision.
      Postholders were seen as having an impact on readmission rates, waiting
      lists/times, collaborative decision-making, continuity of care and workload
      management. Postholders' autonomy to manage caseloads was perceived to lead to
      smoother transition of patients/clients through the healthcare system. Service
      users' self-reports appeared to appreciate the individualised holistic care
      provided by postholders. Postholders' role in facilitating person-centred care
      and promoting interprofessional team working, are essential elements in quality
      care provision and in global healthcare workforce planning. CONCLUSIONS: To meet
      changing healthcare demands, promote person-centred care, and improve service
      delivery, more specialist and advanced practice posts in nursing and midwifery
      should be developed and supported within healthcare.

PMID- 27117715
TI  - Use of video to facilitate sideline concussion diagnosis and management decision
      making.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Video analysis can provide critical information to improve diagnostic
      accuracy and speed of clinical decision-making in potential cases of concussion.
      The objective of this study was to validate a hierarchical flowchart for the
      assessment of video signs of concussion, and to determine whether its
      implementation could improve the process of game day video assessment. DESIGN:
      Prospective cohort study. METHODS: All impacts and collisions potentially
      resulting in a concussion were identified during 2012 and 2013 Australian
      Football League (AFL) seasons. Consensus definitions were developed for clinical
      signs associated with concussion. A hierarchical flowchart was developed based on
      the reliability and validity of the video signs of concussion. Ninety videos were
      assessed, with 45 incidents of clinically confirmed concussion, and 45 cases
      where no concussion was sustained. Each video was examined using the hierarchical
      flowchart, and a single response was given for each video based on the highest
      ranking element in the flowchart. RESULTS: No protective action, impact seizure,
      motor incoordination or blank/vacant look were the highest ranked video signs in
      almost half of the clinically confirmed concussions, but in only 8.8% of non
      concussed individuals. The presence of facial injury, clutching at the head and
      slow to get up were the highest ranked sign in 77.7% of non-concussed
      individuals. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the implementation of a
      flowchart model could improve timely assessment of concussion, and it identifies
      the video signs that should trigger automatic removal from play.

PMID- 27117709
TI  - Identification of four novel susceptibility loci for oestrogen receptor negative
      breast cancer.
AB  - Common variants in 94 loci have been associated with breast cancer including 15
      loci with genome-wide significant associations (P<5 * 10(-8)) with oestrogen
      receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer and BRCA1-associated breast cancer risk. In
      this study, to identify new ER-negative susceptibility loci, we performed a meta
      analysis of 11 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) consisting of 4,939 ER
      negative cases and 14,352 controls, combined with 7,333 ER-negative cases and
      42,468 controls and 15,252 BRCA1 mutation carriers genotyped on the iCOGS array.
      We identify four previously unidentified loci including two loci at 13q22 near
      KLF5, a 2p23.2 locus near WDR43 and a 2q33 locus near PPIL3 that display genome
      wide significant associations with ER-negative breast cancer. In addition, 19
      known breast cancer risk loci have genome-wide significant associations and 40
      had moderate associations (P<0.05) with ER-negative disease. Using functional and
      eQTL studies we implicate TRMT61B and WDR43 at 2p23.2 and PPIL3 at 2q33 in ER
      negative breast cancer aetiology. All ER-negative loci combined account for ~11%
      of familial relative risk for ER-negative disease and may contribute to improved
      ER-negative and BRCA1 breast cancer risk prediction.

PMID- 27117716
TI  - Potential of the beneficial fungus Trichoderma to enhance ecosystem-service
      provision in the biofuel grass Miscanthus x giganteus in agriculture.
AB  - The sterile hybrid grass Miscanthus x giganteus (Mxg) can produce more than 30 t
      dry matter/ha/year. This biomass has a range of uses, including animal bedding
      and a source of heating fuel. The grass provides a wide range of other ecosystem
      services (ES), including shelter for crops and livestock, a refuge for beneficial
      arthropods, reptiles and earthworms and is an ideal cellulosic feedstock for
      liquid biofuels such as renewable (drop-in) diesel. In this study, the effects of
      different strains of the beneficial fungus Trichoderma on above- and below-ground
      biomass of Mxg were evaluated in glasshouse and field experiments, the latter on
      a commercial dairy farm over two years. Other ES benefits of Trichoderma measured
      in this study included enhanced leaf chlorophyll content as well as increased
      digestibility of the dried material for livestock. This study shows, for the
      first time for a biofuel feedstock plant, how Trichoderma can enhance
      productivity of such plants and complements other recent work on the wide-ranging
      provision of ES by this plant species.

PMID- 27117717
TI  - Rare presentation of small bowel intussusception in childhood.
AB  - Small bowel intussusception complicated simultaneously by volvulus in an older
      child is rare but clinically significant, necessitating urgent operative
      management. We report a local case of jejuno-jejunal intussusception complicated
      by volvulus and bowel infarction in a 9-year-old Chinese girl, with diagnosis
      made on preoperative computed tomography and confirmed at laparotomy. An
      intestinal polyp as the lead point for intussusception was identified
      operatively. 

PMID- 27117718
TI  - Hemostatic Techniques for Laparoscopic Management of Cornual Pregnancy: Double
      Impact Devascularization Technique.

PMID- 27117719
TI  - Biologic therapies in the treatment of sarcoidosis.
AB  - Sarcoidosis is a disease of remarkable heterogeneity in organ manifestation,
      severity and natural history, characterized by the presence of non-caseating
      granulomas. The majority of cases are acute and self-limited or remit with short
      courses of glucocorticoids; however, a proportion progress to a life-threatening
      obliterative fibrotic type associated with significant disability related to
      pulmonary, cardiac, ocular or central nervous system involvement. Biologic agents
      have been demonstrated in the successful treatment of refractory organ
      threatening sarcoidosis; and though sarcoidosis remains elusive in predictability
      of progression, strong evidence suggests an indisputably efficacious role for
      these agents in efforts to stave morbidity and mortality related to sarcoidosis.
      This paper provides a review of sarcoidosis mechanistic etiopathogenesis to
      highlight the hypothetical underpinnings of the utility and concerns of current
      biologic treatments in current use and the potential future applications of newer
      agents and those under development. 

PMID- 27117720
TI  - Cardiac Findings of Pulmonary Thromboembolism by Autopsy: A Review of 48 Cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND To identify the overall effects of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) on
      the heart, we evaluated the heart findings and clinical characteristics of
      deceased patients diagnosed with PTE. MATERIAL AND METHODS PTEs were classified
      into 2 categories: fatal and contributory. Cases with a history of
      cardiopulmonary disease or a finding of significant disease at autopsy, including
      valvular heart disease and coronary artery obstruction >50%, were excluded from
      the cardiac evaluation. We defined an LV wall >=1.2 cm thick and an RV wall >=0.8
      cm thick as abnormal. RESULTS Forty-eight cases were included to the study (21
      males and 27 females). The mean age was 41.42 +/- 16.5 years. Of the 48 cases, 5
      were excluded due to cardiopulmonary diseases for determining heart findings. The
      thicknesses of the LV and RV walls were not measured in some patients. In the 43
      cases, cardiac hypertrophy was detected in 28 patients (65.1%). The mean heart
      weight was 387 +/- 83.5 g. The mean thickness of the left ventricle (LV) wall was
      1.40 +/- 0.41 cm in 40 cases, and the mean thickness of the RV wall was 0.41 +/-
      0.135 cm in 41 cases. The LV walls of 35 (87.5%) cases and the RV walls of 2
      cases met criteria for abnormal wall thickness. There were histopathological
      findings of heart in 24/43 cases (56%); these findings were necrosis, fibrosis,
      and hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS The RV is affected by massive pulmonary embolism;
      however, the LV may also play a role in the pathogenesis of PTE.

PMID- 27117721
TI  - Reversible control of the chromium valence in chemically reduced Cr-doped SrTiO3
      bulk powders.
AB  - The effect of chemical reduction by NaBH4 on the electronic structure of Cr-doped
      SrTiO3-delta bulk powders prepared by a solid-state reaction was systematically
      studied as a function of reduction temperature. Electron paramagnetic resonance
      (EPR) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopies (DRS) were utilized to monitor
      changes in the electronic structures of both intrinsic defects (oxygen vacancies
      and/or Ti(3+)) and extrinsic dopants (Cr(3+)) at different reduction
      temperatures. We identify the existence of two temperature regimes where changes
      occur within 30 min. The first temperature regime occurs between 300-375  degrees
      C and results in (1) reduction of oxygen-related surface defects, and (2) an
      increase in the concentration of Cr(3+) by over an order of magnitude, suggesting
      that EPR-silent Cr(4+) or Cr(6+) is being reduced to Cr(3+) by NaBH4. The second
      temperature regime occurs between 375-430  degrees C where we observe clear
      evidence of Ti(3+) formation by EPR spectroscopy that indicates chemical
      reduction of the SrTiO3 lattice. In addition, the oxygen-related surface defects
      observed in regime 1 are not formed in regime 2, but instead lattice oxygen
      vacancies (VO) are observed by EPR. The changes to the Cr-doped SrTiO3 electronic
      structure after chemical reduction in regime 1 are quantitatively reversible
      after aerobic annealing at 400  degrees C for 30 min. The internal oxygen
      vacancies formed during the higher temperature reductions in regime 2 require
      increased temperatures of at least 600  degrees C to be fully reoxidized in 30
      min. The effect of these different oxygen-related defects on the EPR spectrum of
      substitutional Cr(3+) dopants is discussed. These results allow us to
      independently tune the dopant and host electronic structures of a technologically
      relevant multifunctional material by a simple ex situ chemical perturbation. 

PMID- 27117722
TI  - Vascularized fibular grafts extended with vascularized periosteum in children.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to evaluate the results of extending
      vascularized fibular grafts (VFG) with vascularized periosteum (VPG) in bone
      defect reconstruction in children. METHODS: Retrospective study of 10 children,
      mean age at surgery was 9.8 years (range, 4-16 years). Origin of one defect was
      oncological (n = 5), septical (n = 2), traumatic (n = 2), or congenital (n = 1).
      In five cases the flap consisted of a VFG and a vascularized epiphyseal transfer
      (VFET) in five. Mean bone defect was 8.5 cm .Mean length of the vascularized
      periosteal extension was 5.5 cm (range 3.5-8) for VFET, 4.8 cm for VFG (range 3
      8). Bone union was assessed with monthly radiographs. RESULTS: Radiographs showed
      a periosteal callus at 4 weeks in all cases. Bone union was achieved at a mean of
      8.4 weeks (range 4-12). Donor site complications included two cases of flexor
      hallucis longus contracture, and one case of surgical wound marginal necrosis
      following FVG. One transient tibialis anterior weakness and one tibialis anterior
      contracture occurred following VFET harvest. None required surgical treatment.
      Mean follow-up was 28.7 months (range 7-72). CONCLUSIONS: The association of a
      vascularized periosteal extension with fibular flaps seems to accelerate flap to
      recipient bone union. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:410-415,
      2017.

PMID- 27117723
TI  - Ethnic differences in sudden cardiac arrest resuscitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Ethnic differences in sudden cardiac arrest resuscitation have not
      been fully explored and studies have yielded inconsistent results. We examined
      the association of ethnicity with factors affecting sudden cardiac arrest
      outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 3551 white, 440 black and 297
      Asian sudden cardiac arrest cases in Seattle and King County, Washington, USA.
      RESULTS: Compared with whites, blacks and Asians were younger, had lower
      socioeconomic status and were more likely to have diabetes, hypertension and end
      stage renal disease (all p<0.001). Blacks and Asians were less likely to have a
      witnessed arrest (whites 57.6%, blacks 52.1%, Asians 46.1%, p<0.001) or receive
      bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (whites 50.9%, blacks 41.4%, Asians
      47.1%, p=0.001), but had shorter average emergency medical services response time
      (mean in minutes: whites 5.18, blacks 4.75, Asians 4.85, p<0.001). Compared with
      whites, blacks were more likely to be found in pulseless electrical activity
      (blacks 20.9% vs whites 16.6%, p<0.001), and Asians were more likely to be found
      in asystole (Asians 41.1% vs whites 30.0%, p<0.001). One of the strongest
      predictors of resuscitation outcomes was initial cardiac rhythm with 25% of
      ventricular fibrillation, 4% of patients with pulseless electrical activity and
      1% of patients with asystole surviving to hospital discharge (adjusted OR of
      resuscitation in pulseless electrical activity compared with ventricular
      fibrillation: 0.30, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.34, p<0.001, adjusted OR of resuscitation in
      asystole relative to ventricular fibrillation 0.21, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.26,
      p<0.001). Survival to hospital discharge was similar across all three
      ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS: While there were differences in some prognostic
      characteristics between blacks, whites and Asians, we did not detect a
      significant difference in survival following sudden cardiac arrest between the
      three ethnic groups. There was, however, an ethnic difference in presenting
      rhythm, with pulseless electrical activity more prevalent in blacks and asystole
      more prevalent in Asians.

PMID- 27117724
TI  - The efficacy of submucosal corticosteroid injection and dilatation in subglottic
      stenosis of different aetiology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term efficacy of submucosal corticosteroid
      injection plus dilatation for subglottic stenosis as a single modality treatment
      in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and relapsing polychondritis, as compared
      with idiopathic subglottic stenosis and traumatic subglottic stenosis. METHOD:
      Patients who underwent dilatation for autoimmune causes were identified.
      Corticosteroid injection into the submucosa of a stenotic segment was followed by
      serial dilatation. Definitive improvement was defined as good airway patency for
      more than 24 months with no further procedures needed. Clinical, demographic and
      procedural data were recorded. RESULTS: Patients (n = 45) were divided into three
      subglottic stenosis groups: traumatic (n = 24), idiopathic (n = 9) and autoimmune
      (n = 12). Patients were treated with dilatations, with a median follow-up time of
      76 months. Six patients were tracheostomy-dependent. There were no statistical
      differences in the number of final improvements between autoimmune, idiopathic
      and traumatic groups, with values of 75, 56 and 71 per cent, respectively. There
      was no statistical difference between granulomatosis with polyangiitis plus
      relapsing polychondritis and idiopathic subglottic stenosis in terms of
      decannulation rates. CONCLUSION: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis and relapsing
      polychondritis patients have better improvement rates than patients with other
      subglottic stenosis types.

PMID- 27117725
TI  - Effectiveness of Acupuncture Therapies to Manage Musculoskeletal Disorders of the
      Extremities: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Study Design Systematic review. Background Little is known about the
      effectiveness of acupuncture therapies for musculoskeletal disorders. Objective
      To assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture therapies for
      musculoskeletal disorders of the extremities. Methods We searched MEDLINE,
      Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from
      1990 to 2015 for randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control
      studies. Eligible studies were appraised with Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines
      Network criteria. A best-evidence synthesis was performed to synthesize results
      from included studies with a low risk of bias. A sensitivity analysis was
      conducted to determine the impact of excluding studies with a high risk of bias.
      Results The search revealed 5180 articles; 15 were included (10 with a low risk
      of bias, 5 with a high risk of bias). The studies with a low risk of bias
      suggested that (1) traditional needle acupuncture was superior to oral steroids
      (1 RCT, n = 77) and may be superior to vitamin B1/B6 supplements (1 RCT, n = 64)
      for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), and was superior to exercise for Achilles
      tendinopathy (1 RCT, n = 64). Traditional needle acupuncture did not provide
      important benefit over placebo for upper extremity pain (1 RCT, n = 128), or no
      intervention for patellofemoral pain (1 RCT, n = 75), and was inconclusive for
      shoulder pain (2 RCTs, n = 849), suggesting no important benefit; (2)
      electroacupuncture may be superior to placebo for shoulder injuries (1 RCT, n =
      130) and may not be superior to night splinting for persistent CTS (1 RCT, n =
      78); and (3) dry needling may be superior to placebo for plantar fasciitis (1
      RCT, n = 84). Sensitivity analysis suggests that including studies with a high
      risk of bias might have impacted the evidence synthesis in support of managing
      shoulder pain with traditional needle acupuncture, and that would suggest
      traditional needle acupuncture may be effective for lateral epicondylitis and
      piriformis syndrome. Conclusion Evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture for
      musculoskeletal disorders of the extremities was inconsistent. Traditional needle
      acupuncture may be beneficial for CTS and Achilles tendinopathy, but not for
      nonspecific upper extremity pain and patellofemoral syndrome. Electroacupuncture
      may be effective for shoulder injuries and may show similar effectiveness to that
      of night wrist splinting for CTS. The effectiveness of dry needling for plantar
      fasciitis is equivocal. Level of Evidence Therapy, 1a-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther
      2016;46(6):409-429. Epub 26 Apr 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6270. 

PMID- 27117726
TI  - Does Physical Activity Increase After Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty for
      Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review.
AB  - Study Design Systematic review. Background Despite improvements in self-reported
      symptoms and perceived functional ability after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and
      total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it is unclear whether changes in objectively
      measured physical activity (PA) occur after surgery. Objective To determine if
      objectively measured PA increases after THA and TKA in adults with
      osteoarthritis. Methods Five electronic databases were searched from inception to
      March 3, 2015. All study designs objectively measuring PA before and after THA or
      TKA were eligible, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and
      case-control studies. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full
      texts and extracted study demographic, PA, and clinical outcome data.
      Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated
      for accelerometer- and pedometer-derived estimates of PA. Risk of methodological
      bias was assessed with Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists. Results
      Eight studies with a total of 373 participants (238 TKA, 135 THA) were included.
      Findings were mixed regarding improvement in objectively measured PA at 6 months
      after THA (SMDs, -0.20 to 1.80) and TKA (SMDs, -0.36 to 0.63). Larger
      improvements from 2 studies at 1 year postsurgery were generally observed after
      THA (SMDs, 0.39 to 0.79) and TKA (SMDs, 0.10 to 0.85). However, at 1 year, PA
      levels were still considerably lower than those of healthy controls (THA SMDs, 
      0.25 to -0.77; TKA SMDs, -1.46 to -1.80). Risk-of-bias scores ranged from 3 to 9
      out of 11 (27%-82%) for cohort studies, and from 3 to 8 out of 10 (30%-80%) for
      case-control studies. Conclusion The best available evidence indicates negligible
      changes in PA at 6 months after THA or TKA, with limited evidence for larger
      changes at 1 year after surgery. In the 4 studies that reported control-group
      data, postoperative PA levels were still considerably less than those of healthy
      controls. Improved perioperative strategies to instill behavioral change are
      required to narrow the gap between patient-perceived functional improvement and
      the actual amount of PA undertaken after THA and TKA. Registered with PROSPERO
      (registration number CRD42014010155). Level of Evidence Therapy, level 2a. J
      Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(6):431-442. Epub 26 Apr 2016.
      doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6449. 

PMID- 27117727
TI  - Movement-Pattern Training to Improve Function in People With Chronic Hip Joint
      Pain: A Feasibility Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - Study Design Feasibility randomized clinical trial. Background Rehabilitation may
      be an appropriate treatment strategy for patients with chronic hip joint pain;
      however, the evidence related to the effectiveness of rehabilitation is limited.
      Objectives To assess feasibility of performing a randomized clinical trial to
      investigate the effectiveness of movement-pattern training (MPT) to improve
      function in people with chronic hip joint pain. Methods Thirty-five patients with
      chronic hip joint pain were randomized into a treatment (MPT) group or a control
      (wait-list) group. The MPT program included 6 one-hour supervised sessions and
      incorporated (1) task-specific training for basic functional tasks and symptom
      provoking tasks, and (2) strengthening of hip musculature. The wait-list group
      received no treatment. Primary outcomes for feasibility were patient retention
      and adherence. Secondary outcomes to assess treatment effects were patient
      reported function (Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), lower
      extremity kinematics, and hip muscle strength. Results Retention rates did not
      differ between the MPT (89%) and wait-list groups (94%, P = 1.0). Sixteen of the
      18 patients (89%) in the MPT group attended at least 80% of the treatment
      sessions. For the home exercise program, 89% of patients reported performing
      their home program at least once per day. Secondary outcomes support the
      rationale for conduct of a superiority randomized clinical trial. Conclusion
      Based on retention and adherence rates, a larger randomized clinical trial
      appears feasible and warranted to assess treatment effects more precisely. Data
      from this feasibility study will inform our future clinical trial. Level of
      Evidence Therapy, level 2b-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(6):452-461. Epub
      26 Apr 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6279. 

PMID- 27117728
TI  - The Association Between Knee Confidence and Muscle Power, Hop Performance, and
      Postural Orientation in People With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.
AB  - Study Design Cross-sectional. Background The association between muscle function
      and lack of knee confidence in people with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      injury has not been well investigated. Such knowledge would help in the design of
      training programs for this population. Objective To investigate associations
      between self-reported knee confidence and muscle function in patients with ACL
      injury. Methods Cross-sectional data from 54 patients (mean age, 30 years; range,
      20-39 years; 28% women) with ACL injury, treated with training and reconstructive
      surgery (n = 36) or training only (n = 18), were assessed 3 +/- 1 years after
      injury. Univariate and multivariable ordinal regression analyses were conducted
      to test the association between the patient's knee confidence (question 3 from
      the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score as the dependent variable) and
      performance on tests of muscle power, hop performance, and postural orientation
      (test for substitution patterns score) as independent variables (absolute value
      on the injured leg, and limb symmetry index [LSI; injured leg/uninjured leg *
      100] or absolute difference between the injured and uninjured legs). Results
      Sixteen patients reported no trouble with lack of knee confidence, 24 mild
      trouble, 10 moderate trouble, and 4 severe or extreme trouble. Univariate
      analyses revealed significant associations between worse knee confidence and
      lower (worse) LSIs for knee extension power, vertical jump, and side hop, and
      worse test for substitution patterns scores. In the multivariable analysis, worse
      vertical jump LSI (P = .043) and worse side hop LSI (P = .012) significantly
      accounted for 25% of the variation in perceived knee confidence. Conclusion
      Between-leg differences during demanding tasks are associated with knee
      confidence in individuals with ACL injury. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther
      2016;46(6):477-482. Epub 26 Apr 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6374. 

PMID- 27117729
TI  - Validity and Reliability of a Commercial Fitness Watch for Measuring Running
      Dynamics.
AB  - Study Design Validity and reliability study. Background Providing feedback on
      running mechanics is a common intervention to decrease the risk of injury or to
      restore running after an injury. Commercially available devices are able to
      measure running dynamics, such as cadence, ground contact time (GCT), and
      vertical oscillation (VO), but there is limited evidence on the validity and
      reliability of these measures. Objective To determine the validity and
      reliability of measures of cadence, GCT, and VO with a fitness watch compared to
      a motion-analysis system. Methods Twenty runners ran in 3 conditions: (1)
      baseline (self-selected speed and cadence), (2) higher cadence, and (3) decreased
      vertical motion (minimal oscillation). Ten runners also performed an additional
      baseline running session to measure intrasession reliability. For each condition,
      the average cadence, GCT, and VO were collected from a watch and from a motion
      capture system. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess
      validity between devices. An analysis of variance with 2 repeated measures was
      used to determine the ability of the watch and motion analysis to detect change
      in running dynamics. Results The ICCs between the 2 measuring systems were 0.931,
      0.963, and 0.749 for cadence, VO, and GCT, respectively (P<.01). The minimal
      detectable changes at the 95% confidence interval for cadence, VO, and GCT were
      2.53 steps per minute, 0.45 cm, and 0.01 seconds, respectively, for the watch.
      There were no interaction effects, but there was a main effect for condition;
      both devices detected changes in running dynamics. Conclusion The watch is a
      valid and reliable tool for detecting changes in cadence, VO, and GCT. J Orthop
      Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(6):471-476. Epub 26 Apr 2016.
      doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6391. 

PMID- 27117730
TI  - The 5- or 10-km Marikenloop Run: A Prospective Study of the Etiology of Running
      Related Injuries in Women.
AB  - Study Design Prospective cohort. Background The popularity of running events is
      still growing, particularly among women; however, little is known about the risk
      factors for running-related injuries in female runners. Objectives The aims of
      this study were to determine the incidence and characteristics (site and
      recurrence) of running-related injuries and to identify specific risk factors for
      running-related injuries among female runners training for a 5- or 10-km race.
      Methods Four hundred thirty-five women registered for the Marikenloop run of 5 or
      10 km were recruited. Follow-up data were collected over 12 weeks using
      questionnaires, starting 8 weeks before the event and ending 4 weeks after the
      event. Two orthopaedic tests (navicular drop test and extension of the first
      metatarsophalangeal joint) were performed in the 8 weeks before the event.
      Running-related injuries, defined as running-related pain of the lower back
      and/or the lower extremity that restricted running for at least 1 day, were
      assessed at 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-ups. Results Of 417 female runners with
      follow-up data (96%), 93 runners (22.3%) reported 109 running-related injuries,
      mainly of the hip/groin, knee, and lower leg. Multivariable Cox regression
      analysis showed that a weekly training distance of more than 30 km (hazard ratio
      = 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23, 8.75) and a previous running injury
      longer than 12 months prior (hazard ratio = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.45) were
      associated with the occurrence of running-related injuries. Conclusion Hip/groin,
      knee, and lower-leg injuries were common among female runners. Only weekly
      training distance (greater than 30 km) and previous running injury (greater than
      12 months prior) were associated with running-related injuries in female runners
      training for a 5- or 10-km event. Level of Evidence Etiology, 2b. J Orthop Sports
      Phys Ther 2016;46(6):462-470. Epub 26 Apr 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6402. 

PMID- 27117731
TI  - Inactivation of Anisakis simplex L3 in the flesh of white spotted conger (Conger
      myriaster) by high hydrostatic pressure and its effect on quality.
AB  - Koreans consume much seafood; the country is surrounded on the east, west and
      south by the sea. Koreans have eaten raw sashimi for a long time. However, a
      concern in the raw sea food industry is that the parasitic nematode Anisakis
      simplex L3 occurs naturally in marine fish. Thus, the fishery industry needs a
      non-thermal processing method. High hydrostatic pressure (HPP) has been
      demonstrated to be effective. White spotted conger flesh containing 20 live
      larvae was exposed to different pressures (150 and 200 MPa for 1 and 5 min; 250
      and 300 MPa each for 1 min). The viability of A. simplex L3 was significantly (p
      < 0.05) reduced in the flesh of white spotted conger by the stepwise increase of
      high pressure and time. The conditions required to eliminate A. simplex L3 were
      as follows: 200 MPa for 5 min or 300 MPa for 1 min. The flesh of the white
      spotted conger treated at 300 MPa for 1 min was whiter and yellower than
      untreated controls or that treated at 200 MPa for 5 min. No significant changes
      (p > 0.05) in any of the Hunter colour ('L', 'a' and 'b') values were found after
      HPP at 200 MPa for 5 min. The fresh treated at 300 MPa for 1 min scored < 4.0
      (the defect limit of quality) of flavour, texture and overall acceptability in
      untrained sensory evaluation using a seven-point hedonic scale. However, the
      flesh treated at 200 MPa for 5 min scored > 5.0 ('like') for all sensory
      parameters. This study suggested that HPP at 200 MPa for 5 min could potentially
      be used for the inactivation of A. simplex L3 in raw fishery food products
      without any concomitant changes in their colour or sensory qualities. 

PMID- 27117733
TI  - Recognizing Clinical Excellence.

PMID- 27117732
TI  - Systematic review with meta-analysis: development of hepatocellular carcinoma in
      chronic hepatitis B patients with hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in patients
      with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is considered to be associated with favourable
      clinical outcomes. However, previous studies with inconsistent findings reported
      that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could still develop in those patients. AIM:
      To establish the proportion of HCC occurrence in CHB patients after HBsAg
      seroclearance, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. METHODS:
      Databases of Medline, Web of Science and Embase were searched from inception to
      July 2015. The proportion of patients who developed HCC after HBsAg seroclearance
      was pooled by a random-effects model. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were finally
      included, involving 34 952 patients with HBsAg seroclearance. The overall pooled
      proportion suggested that 2.29% (95% CI: 1.19-4.37%) CHB patients would develop
      HCC despite HBsAg seroclearance. In HBsAg seroclearance patients without
      cirrhosis and HCV co-infection, the pooled proportion of HCC development was
      1.55% (95% CI: 0.92-2.61%). Moreover, patients with cirrhosis or age greater than
      50 years at the time of HBsAg seroclearance were at significantly higher risk for
      HCC development. Nonetheless, the seroclearance of HBsAg was significantly
      associated with a reduced risk for HCC compared with persistently positive HBsAg
      (RR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.20-0.56, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite that HBsAg
      seroclearance can significantly reduce the risk for HCC, HCC can still develop in
      a proportion of CHB patient after HBsAg seroclearance. Closer attention should be
      paid to those patients with established cirrhosis or older age than 50 years at
      the time of HBsAg seroclearance.

PMID- 27117734
TI  - Inexpensive Orthodontic Treatment with a Prescription Custom-Base System.

PMID- 27117735
TI  - Upper-Molar Distalization and the Distal Jet.

PMID- 27117737
TI  - Immediate Pontic Fabrication Using Flowable Resin.

PMID- 27117738
TI  - Rapid Canine Retraction by Distraction of the Periodontal Ligament.

PMID- 27117736
TI  - Translucency, Stain Resistance, and Hardness of Composites Used for Invisalign
      Attachments.

PMID- 27117739
TI  - Attachment Beauty Queen: The "Sash" for Rotation Correction of Upper Lateral
      Incisors.

PMID- 27117740
TI  - 2016 Eugene L. Gottlieb JCO Student of the Year: Dr. Krystian Jarosz.

PMID- 27117741
TI  - The Influence of Ionizing Radiation on Exosome Composition, Secretion and
      Intercellular Communication.
AB  - A large variety of vesicles is actively secreted into the extracellular space by
      most type of cells. The smallest nanoparticles (30-120 nm), called exosomes, are
      known to transport their cargo (nucleic acids, proteins and lipids) between
      diverse locations in the body. Specific content of exosomes and their influence
      on recipient cells depends primarily on the type of the secretory (donor) cell,
      yet several studies highlight the importance of environmental stress on which the
      donor cells are exposed. Ionizing radiation, which induces damage to DNA and
      other structures of a target cell, is one of well-recognized stress conditions
      influencing behavior of affected cells. A few recent studies have evidenced
      radiationinduced changes in composition of exosomes released from irradiated
      cells and their involvement in radiation-related communication between cells.
      Inducible pathways of exosome secretion activated in irradiated cells are
      regulated by TSAP6 protein (the transmembrane protein tumor suppressor-activated
      pathway 6), which is transcriptionally regulated by p53, hence cellular status of
      this major DNA damage response factor affects composition and secretion rate of
      exosomes released from target cells. Moreover, exosomes released from irradiated
      cells have been shown to mediate the radiation-induced bystander effect.
      Understanding radiation-related mechanisms involved in exosome formation and
      "makeup" of their cargo would shed light on the role of exosomes in systemic
      response of cells, tissues and organisms to ionizing radiation which may open new
      perspectives in translational medicine and anticancer-treatment. 

PMID- 27117742
TI  - Limbic encephalitis associated with glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies in a
      young adolescent.

PMID- 27117743
TI  - Protecting enzymatic function through directed packaging into bacterial outer
      membrane vesicles.
AB  - Bacteria possess innate machinery to transport extracellular cargo between cells
      as well as package virulence factors to infect host cells by secreting outer
      membrane vesicles (OMVs) that contain small molecules, proteins, and genetic
      material. These robust proteoliposomes have evolved naturally to be resistant to
      degradation and provide a supportive environment to extend the activity of
      encapsulated cargo. In this study, we sought to exploit bacterial OMV formation
      to package and maintain the activity of an enzyme, phosphotriesterase (PTE),
      under challenging storage conditions encountered for real world applications.
      Here we show that OMV packaged PTE maintains activity over free PTE when
      subjected to elevated temperatures (>100-fold more activity after 14 days at 37 
      degrees C), iterative freeze-thaw cycles (3.4-fold post four-cycles), and
      lyophilization (43-fold). We also demonstrate how lyophilized OMV packaged PTE
      can be utilized as a cell free reagent for long term environmental remediation of
      pesticide/chemical warfare contaminated areas.

PMID- 27117744
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro cytocompatibility of Ga-bioactive
      glass/polymer hydrogel composites.
AB  - A bioactive glass series (0.42SiO2-0.10Na2O-0.08CaO-(0.40-x)ZnO-(x)Ga2O3) was
      incorporated in carboxymethyl cellulose-dextran hydrogels at three different
      loadings (0.05, 0.10, and 0.25 m2), and the resulting composites were
      characterized using scanning electron microscopy, physical swelling
      characteristics, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. In
      vitro cytocompatibility was also evaluated for composite extracts in contact with
      L-929 mouse fibroblasts and MC3T3-E1 human osteoblasts. Scanning electron
      microscopy confirmed that glass particles were distributed throughout the
      hydrogels, and swelling studies showed that glass presence can increase the
      amount of fluid that can be absorbed by the hydrogels after seven days of
      immersion in phosphate-buffered saline by up to 180%. Several trends were
      observed in the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy data,
      with the most important being the release of Ga3+ from both Ga-containing glasses
      at all three loadings, with a maximum of 4.7 mg/L released after 30 days of
      incubation in phosphate-buffered saline. Cell viability analysis suggested that
      most composite extracts did not decrease neither fibroblast nor osteoblast
      viability. These results indicate that it is possible to embed bioactive glass
      particles into carboxymethyl cellulose-dextran hydrogels, and upon submersion in
      aqueous media, release ions from the glass particles that may elicit therapeutic
      effects.

PMID- 27117745
TI  - Potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of bacteriogenically synthesized
      gold-silver nanoparticles against pathogenic bacteria and their physiochemical
      characterizations.
AB  - The objective of this study was to develop a bimetallic nanoparticle with
      enhanced antibacterial activity that would improve the therapeutic efficacy
      against bacterial biofilms. Bimetallic gold-silver nanoparticles were
      bacteriogenically synthesized using gamma-proteobacterium, Shewanella oneidensis
      MR-1. The antibacterial activities of gold-silver nanoparticles were assessed on
      the planktonic and biofilm phases of individual and mixed multi-cultures of
      pathogenic Gram negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram
      positive bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus),
      respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of gold-silver nanoparticles
      was 30-50 uM than that of other nanoparticles (>100 uM) for the tested bacteria.
      Interestingly, gold-silver nanoparticles were more effective in inhibiting
      bacterial biofilm formation at 10 uM concentration. Both scanning and
      transmission electron microscopy results further accounted the impact of gold
      silver nanoparticles on biocompatibility and bactericidal effect that the small
      size and bio-organic materials covering on gold-silver nanoparticles improves the
      internalization and thus caused bacterial inactivation. Thus, bacteriogenically
      synthesized gold-silver nanoparticles appear to be a promising nanoantibiotic for
      overcoming the bacterial resistance in the established bacterial biofilms.

PMID- 27117747
TI  - Health literacy of mothers accessing child development services: a model of
      information use.
AB  - This study aimed to explore how mothers use information in home therapy programs
      within child development services. A grounded theory study using semistructured
      interviews was conducted with 14 mothers of children aged 3-6 years accessing
      occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology services for
      developmental needs. A conceptual model of mothers' information use was
      developed. Findings showed that the mothers went through a cyclical process of
      information use and decision making: acquisition (collaboration, learning
      preferences), appraisal (understanding, relevance), application (capacity,
      resourcefulness) and review (evaluation, modification), with contextual factors
      including information characteristics, environment, personal characteristics and
      relationships. Mothers who used information effectively had a sense of
      confidence, control and mastery, and were empowered to apply information to make
      decisions and adapt their child's home therapy. This study adds to knowledge
      about health literacy, specifically how mothers interpret and use health-related
      information at home. Findings will enable health professionals to address
      families' unique health literacy needs and empower them to support their child's
      optimal development, functioning and participation at their stage of life.

PMID- 27117746
TI  - Semiconductor Electronic Label-Free Assay for Predictive Toxicology.
AB  - While animal experimentations have spearheaded numerous breakthroughs in
      biomedicine, they also have spawned many logistical concerns in providing
      toxicity screening for copious new materials. Their prioritization is premised on
      performing cellular-level screening in vitro. Among the screening assays,
      secretomic assay with high sensitivity, analytical throughput, and simplicity is
      of prime importance. Here, we build on the over 3-decade-long progress on
      transistor biosensing and develop the holistic assay platform and procedure
      called semiconductor electronic label-free assay (SELFA). We demonstrate that
      SELFA, which incorporates an amplifying nanowire field-effect transistor
      biosensor, is able to offer superior sensitivity, similar selectivity, and
      shorter turnaround time compared to standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA). We deploy SELFA secretomics to predict the inflammatory potential of
      eleven engineered nanomaterials in vitro, and validate the results with confocal
      microscopy in vitro and confirmatory animal experiment in vivo. This work
      provides a foundation for high-sensitivity label-free assay utility in predictive
      toxicology.

PMID- 27117748
TI  - Disruption of Epac1 protects the heart from adenylyl cyclase type 5-mediated
      cardiac dysfunction.
AB  - Type 5 adenylyl cyclase (AC5) plays an important role in the development of
      chronic catecholamine stress-induced heart failure and arrhythmia in mice. Epac
      (exchange protein activated by cAMP), which is directly activated by cAMP
      independent of protein kinase A, has been recently identified as a novel mediator
      of cAMP signaling in the heart. However, the role of Epac in AC5-mediated cardiac
      dysfunction and arrhythmias remains poorly understood. We therefore generated AC5
      transgenic mice (AC5TG) with selective disruption of the Epac1 gene (AC5TG
      Epac1KO), and compared their phenotypes with those of AC5TG after chronic
      isoproterenol (ISO) infusion. Decreased cardiac function as well as increased
      susceptibility to pacing-induced atrial fibrillation (AF) in response to ISO were
      significantly attenuated in AC5TG-Epac1KO mice, compared to AC5TG mice. Increased
      cardiac apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis were also concomitantly attenuated in
      AC5TG-Epac1KO mice compared to AC5TG mice. These findings indicate that Epac1
      plays an important role in AC5-mediated cardiac dysfunction and AF
      susceptibility.

PMID- 27117750
TI  - More Is More: Disentangling the Importance of Ejaculation Frequency.

PMID- 27117749
TI  - The Clinical Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) Multicentre
      Randomised Trial of Narrow Band Imaging-Assisted Transurethral Resection of
      Bladder Tumour (TURBT) Versus Conventional White Light Imaging-Assisted TURBT in
      Primary Non-Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Patients: Trial Protocol and 1-year
      Results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: White light (WL) is the established imaging modality for
      transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT). Narrow band imaging (NBI) is a
      promising addition. OBJECTIVES: To compare 12-mo recurrence rates following TURBT
      using NBI versus WL guidance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Clinical
      Research Office of the Endourological Society (CROES) conducted a prospective
      randomised single-blind multicentre study. Patients with primary non-muscle
      invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) were randomly assigned 1:1 to TURBT guided by NBI
      or WL. INTERVENTION: TURBT for NMIBC using NBI or WL. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Twelve-month recurrence rates were compared by chi-square
      tests and survival analyses. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Of the 965 patients
      enrolled in the study, 481 patients underwent WL-assisted TURBT and 484 patients
      received NBI-assisted TURBT. Of these, 294 and 303 patients, respectively,
      completed 12-mo follow-up, with recurrence rates of 27.1% and 25.4%, respectively
      (p=0.585, intention-to-treat [ITT] analysis). In patients at low risk for disease
      recurrence, recurrence rates at 12 mo were significantly higher in the WL group
      compared with the NBI group (27.3% vs 5.6%; p=0.002, ITT analysis). Although
      TURBT took longer on average with NBI plus WL compared with WL alone (38.1 vs
      35.0min, p=0.039, ITT; 39.1 vs 35.7min, p=0.047, per protocol [PP] analysis),
      lesions were significantly more often visible with NBI than with WL (p=0.033).
      Frequency and severity of adverse events were similar in both treatment groups.
      Possible limitations were lack of uniformity of surgical resection, data on
      smoking status, central pathology review, and specific data regarding adjuvant
      intravesical instillation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: NBI and WL guidance achieved
      similar overall recurrence rates 12 mo after TURBT in patients with NMIBC. NBI
      assisted TURBT significantly reduced the likelihood of disease recurrence in low
      risk patients. PATIENT SUMMARY: Use of a narrow band imaging technique might
      provide greater detection of bladder tumours and subsequent treatment leading to
      reduced recurrence in low-risk patients.

PMID- 27117752
TI  - Redo Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: One-Step or Two-Step Procedure?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The adjustable gastric band (AGB) is a bariatric procedure that used
      to be widely performed. However, AGB failure-signifying band-related
      complications or unsatisfactory weight loss, resulting in revision surgery (redo
      operations)-frequently occurs. Often this entails a conversion to a laparoscopic
      Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). This can be performed as a one-step or two-step
      (separate band removal) procedure. METHODS: Data were collected from patients
      operated from 2012 to 2014 in a single bariatric centre. We compared 107 redo
      LRYGB after AGB failure with 1020 primary LRYGB. An analysis was performed of the
      one-step vs. two-step redo procedures. All redo procedures were performed by
      experienced bariatric surgeons. RESULTS: No difference in major complication rate
      was seen (2.8 vs. 2.3 %, p = 0.73) between redo and primary LRYGB, and overall
      complication severity for redos was low (mainly Clavien-Dindo 1 or 2). Weight
      loss results were comparable for primary and redo procedures. The one-step and
      two-step redos were comparable regarding complication rates and readmissions. The
      operating time for the one-step redo LRYGB was 136 vs. 107.5 min for the two-step
      (median, p < 0.001), excluding the operating time of separate AGB removal (mean
      61 min, range 36-110). CONCLUSIONS: Removal of a failed AGB and LRYGB in a one
      step procedure is safe when performed by experienced bariatric surgeons. However,
      when erosion or perforation of the AGB occurs, we advise caution and would
      perform the redo LRYGB as a two-step procedure. Equal weights can be achieved at
      1 year post redo LRYGB as after primary LRYGB procedures.

PMID- 27117751
TI  - Analytical Validation and Clinical Qualification of a New Immunohistochemical
      Assay for Androgen Receptor Splice Variant-7 Protein Expression in Metastatic
      Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The androgen receptor splice variant-7 (AR-V7) has been implicated in
      the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and resistance to
      abiraterone and enzalutamide. OBJECTIVE: To develop a validated assay for
      detection of AR-V7 protein in tumour tissue and determine its expression and
      clinical significance as patients progress from hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
      (HSPC) to CRPC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Following monoclonal antibody
      generation and validation, we retrospectively identified patients who had HSPC
      and CRPC tissue available for AR-V7 immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. OUTCOME
      MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Nuclear AR-V7 expression was determined
      using IHC H score (HS) data. The change in nuclear AR-V7 expression from HSPC to
      CRPC and the association between nuclear AR-V7 expression and overall survival
      (OS) was determined. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Nuclear AR-V7 expression was
      significantly lower in HSPC (median HS 50, interquartile range [IQR] 17.5-90)
      compared to CRPC (HS 135, IQR 80-157.5; p<0.0001), and in biopsy tissue taken
      before (HS 80, IQR 30-136.3) compared to after (HS 140, IQR 105-167.5; p=0.007)
      abiraterone or enzalutamide treatment. Lower nuclear AR-V7 expression at CRPC
      biopsy was associated with longer OS (hazard ratio 1.012, 95% confidence interval
      1.004-1.020; p=0.003). While this monoclonal antibody primarily binds to AR-V7 in
      PC biopsy tissue, it may also bind to other proteins. CONCLUSIONS: We provide the
      first evidence that nuclear AR-V7 expression increases with emerging CRPC and is
      prognostic for OS, unlike antibody staining for the AR N-terminal domain. These
      data indicate that AR-V7 is important in CRPC disease biology; agents targeting
      AR splice variants are needed to test this hypothesis and further improve patient
      outcome from CRPC. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study we found that levels of the
      protein AR-V7 were higher in patients with advanced prostate cancer. A higher
      level of AR-V7 identifies a group of patients who respond less well to certain
      prostate cancer treatments and live for a shorter period of time.

PMID- 27117753
TI  - Desmopressin after cardiac surgery in bleeding patients. A multicenter randomized
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that desmopressin decreases post-operative
      blood loss in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. These studies were small and
      never studied the effect of desmopressin in patients with active bleeding.
      Objective of the study was to determine whether desmopressin reduces red blood
      cells transfusion requirements in patients with active bleeding after cardiac
      surgery who had been pre-treated with tranexamic acid. METHODS: This multicenter,
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study randomized
      elective patients with bleeding after cardiac surgery despite pre-treatment with
      tranexamic acid, to receive placebo (saline solution) or a single administration
      of desmopressin (0.3 MUg/kg in saline solution). The primary endpoint was the
      number of patients requiring red blood cells transfusion after randomization and
      during hospital stay. Secondary end points were: blood loss from chest tubes
      during the first 24 h after study drug administration, hours of mechanical
      ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: The
      study was interrupted after inclusion of 67% of the planned patients for
      futility. The number of patients requiring red blood cells transfusion after
      randomization was 37/68 (54%) in desmopressin group and 33/67 (49%) in placebo
      group (P = 0.34) with no difference in blood loss: 575 (interquartile 422-770) ml
      in desmopressin group and 590 (476-1013) ml in placebo group (P = 0.42),
      mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This
      multicenter randomized trial demonstrated that, in patients pre-treated with
      tranexamic acid, desmopressin should not be expected to improve treatment of
      patients who experience bleeding after cardiac surgery.

PMID- 27117755
TI  - Erratum to "Peer-Delivered Recovery Support Services for Addictions in the United
      States: A Systematic Review" [Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 63 (2016) 1
      9].

PMID- 27117754
TI  - Angiogenesis genotyping and clinical outcome during regorafenib treatment in
      metastatic colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - Regorafenib monotherapy is a potential option for metastatic colorectal cancer
      patients. However, the lack of predictive factors and the severe toxicities
      related to treatment have made its use in clinical practice challenging.
      Polymorphisms of VEGF and its receptor (VEGFR) genes might regulate angiogenesis
      and thus potentially influence outcome during anti-angiogenesis treatment such as
      regorafenib. Aim of our study was to evaluate the role of VEGF and VEGFR
      genotyping in determining clinical outcome for colorectal cancer patients
      receiving regorafenib. We retrospectively collected clinical data and samples
      (tumour or blood) of 138 metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with
      regorafenib. We analysed the correlation of different VEGF-A, VEGF-C and VEGFR
      1,2,3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with patients' progression-free
      survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results from angiogenesis genotyping
      showed that only VEGF-A rs2010963 maintained an independent correlation with PFS
      and OS. Among clinical factors only ECOG PS was independently correlated with OS,
      whereas no correlation with PFS was evident. Grouping together those results
      allowed further patients stratification into 3 prognostic groups: favourable,
      intermediate and unfavourable. VEGF-A rs2010963 genotyping may represent an
      important tool for a more accurate selection of optimal candidates for
      regorafenib therapy.

PMID- 27117756
TI  - Developing a broad categorisation scheme to describe risk factors for mental
      illness, for use in prevention policy and planning.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The prevention of mental illness involves identifying and modifying
      those characteristics and exposures of an individual that threaten their mental
      health - commonly referred to as risk factors. Existing categorisations of risk
      factors for mental illness are either limited in their scope or oversimplified in
      their description. As part of a large mental health workforce and service
      planning project, we set out to develop a more detailed and comprehensive
      categorisation scheme to describe risk factors for mental illness. METHODS: We
      conducted a rapid review of MEDLINE and Google Scholar for meta-analytic studies
      that examined the characteristics and exposures that typify the population with
      mental illness in order to identify and categorise potential risk factors.
      RESULTS: The search uncovered 1628 relevant studies, from which 10 primary and 23
      secondary categories of risk factors were identified, ranging from genetic and
      biomedical to psychological and sociocultural. The review revealed interesting
      distortions in the focus of the literature, with the majority of studies focused
      on a few disorders (schizophrenia, depression and neurodegenerative disorders)
      and genetic, psychological and physiological risks. In contrast, environmental
      (e.g. media exposure) and occupational (e.g. employee health) were under
      represented. CONCLUSION: The categorisation scheme developed in this paper is a
      step towards a more detailed taxonomy of risk factors for mental illness; this
      will be most useful in guiding clinicians, researchers and policy-makers in
      driving the prevention agenda forward.

PMID- 27117757
TI  - Efficacy of ProTaper NEXT Compared with Reciproc in Removing Obturation Material
      from Severely Curved Root Canals: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the remaining root canal
      obturation, volume of dentin removed, and apical transportation after retreatment
      of severely curved root canals by using Reciproc (REC) or ProTaper NEXT (PTN)
      systems. METHODS: Twenty-eight mesial canals of mandibular molars were
      instrumented and then obturated with gutta-percha and sealer and allocated into 2
      balanced groups (n = 14), the REC group (R25 file) and the PTN group (X3 and X2
      files). Micro-computed tomography analysis was performed to assess the percentage
      of residual obturation material, the amount of dentin removed, and apical
      transportation. The effective time for the removal of obturation and procedural
      errors were recorded. RESULTS: Obturation was effectively removed from the root
      canal in the REC and PTN groups (P <= .001), and the percentages of remaining
      obturation material were similar between both groups (84.8% PTN vs 86.5% REC) (P
      > .05). The amount of dentin removed (3.17 +/- 2.64 mm(3) PTN versus 3.50 +/-
      2.82 mm(3) REC), apical transportation (at 1 mm: 0.096 +/- 0.189 mm PTN versus
      0.093 +/- 0.186 mm REC; at 3 mm: 0.059 +/- 0.069 mm PTN versus 0.082 +/- 0.080 mm
      REC; at 5 mm: 0.097 +/- 0.093 mm PTN versus 0.133 +/- 0.138 mm REC), and the
      working time (269.69 +/- 19.25 seconds PTN versus 268.62 +/- 16.37 seconds REC)
      were also similar in both groups (P > .05). One file fractured in the REC group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both systems were equally effective in the removal of obturation
      from severely curved canals and can be used for retreatment. Neither system could
      completely remove the obturation material; therefore, additional techniques are
      needed to improve cleaning of the root canal.

PMID- 27117758
TI  - Exosome-Transmitted lncARSR Promotes Sunitinib Resistance in Renal Cancer by
      Acting as a Competing Endogenous RNA.
AB  - Sunitinib resistance is a major challenge for advanced renal cell carcinoma
      (RCC). Understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing effective
      strategies against sunitinib resistance are highly desired in the clinic. Here we
      identified an lncRNA, named lncARSR (lncRNA Activated in RCC with Sunitinib
      Resistance), which correlated with clinically poor sunitinib response. lncARSR
      promoted sunitinib resistance via competitively binding miR-34/miR-449 to
      facilitate AXL and c-MET expression in RCC cells. Furthermore, bioactive lncARSR
      could be incorporated into exosomes and transmitted to sensitive cells, thus
      disseminating sunitinib resistance. Treatment of sunitinib-resistant RCC with
      locked nucleic acids targeting lncARSR or an AXL/c-MET inhibitor restored
      sunitinib response. Therefore, lncARSR may serve as a predictor and a potential
      therapeutic target for sunitinib resistance.

PMID- 27117760
TI  - Impact of definition and procedures used for absent blood culture data on the
      rate of intravascular catheter infection during parenteral nutrition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of intravascular catheter infection may be affected by the
      definition and procedures applied in the absence of blood culture data. AIM: To
      examine the extent to which different definitions of catheter infection and
      procedures for handling absent blood culture data can affect reported catheter
      infection rates. METHODS: Catheter infection rates were established in a cohort
      of hospitalized patients administered parenteral nutrition according to three
      clinical and four published definitions. Paired and unpaired comparisons were
      made using available case analyses, sensitivity analyses and intention-to
      categorize analyses. FINDINGS: Complete data were available for each clinical
      definition (N = 193), and there were missing data (4.1-26.9%) for the published
      definitions. In an available case analysis, the catheter infection rate was 13.0
      36.8% for the clinical definitions and 2.1-12.4% for the published definitions.
      For the published definitions, the rate was 1.6-32.1% in a sensitivity analysis
      and 11.4-16.9% in an intention-to-categorize analysis, with suggestion of bias
      towards a higher catheter infection rate in those with missing data, in keeping
      with the analyses of the clinical definitions. For paired comparisons, the
      strength of agreement between definitions varied from 'poor' (Cohen's kappa
      <0.21) to 'very good' (Cohen's kappa >=0.81). CONCLUSION: The use of different
      definitions of catheter infection and procedures applied in the absence of blood
      culture data produced widely different catheter infection rates, which could
      compromise measurements or comparisons of service quality or study outcome. As
      such, there is a need to establish and use a valid, consistent and practical
      definition.

PMID- 27117762
TI  - Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to daptomycin.

PMID- 27117761
TI  - Outbreak of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli sequence type 131 in a neonatal
      intensive care unit: efficient active surveillance prevented fatal outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria in neonatal
      intensive care units (NICUs) pose a major threat, especially to extremely preterm
      infants. This study describes a 35-day outbreak of multidrug-resistant
      Escherichia coli (E. coli) in a tertiary-level NICU in Germany. AIM: To underline
      the importance of surveillance policies in the particularly vulnerable cohort of
      preterm infants and to describe the efficacy of outbreak control strategies.
      METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from medical reports. Infants and
      environment were tested for E. coli. FINDINGS: The outbreak affected a total of
      13 infants between 25(+1) and 35(+0) weeks of gestation with seven infants
      showing signs of infection. The outbreak strain was identified as E. coli
      sequence type 131. Environmental screening provided no evidence for an
      environmental source. Through colonization surveillance and immediate and
      adequate treatment of potentially infected preterm infants, no fatalities
      occurred. Outbreak control was achieved by strict contact precautions, enhanced
      screening and temporary relocation of the NICU. Relocation and reconstruction
      improved the NICU's structural layout, focusing on isolation capacities. Follow
      up indicated carriage for several months in some infants. CONCLUSION: Routine
      surveillance allowed early detection of the outbreak. The identification of
      carriers of the outbreak strain was successfully used to direct antibiotic
      treatment in case of infection. Enhanced hygienic measures and ward relocation
      were instrumental in controlling the outbreak.

PMID- 27117763
TI  - Bright YAG:Ce Nanorod Phosphors Prepared via a Partial Wet Chemical Route and
      Biolabeling Applications.
AB  - Cerium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:Ce) nanorods were prepared via a
      partial wet chemical route followed by a calcination process by using Al2O3
      nanorods as both templates and the reactant. These novel well-crystallized YAG:Ce
      phosphors with a 200-300 nm diameter and a 2-3 MUm length have a high specific
      surface area while being virtually devoid of surface defects. The YAG:Ce nanorod
      phosphors possess good luminescent properties compared with granular YAG:Ce
      phosphors. Photoluminescence quantum yields of YAG:Ce nanorod phosphors are
      higher than those of granular ones. The YAG:Ce nanorod phosphors exhibit two
      luminescent decay times due to their unique morphology. The YAG:Ce nanorods
      exhibited good cytocompatibility with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and can
      be used as biolabel nanoparticles in bioimaging.

PMID- 27117764
TI  - Detection of Human Enteric Viruses in Freshwater from European Countries.
AB  - The transmission of water-borne pathogens typically occurs by a faecal-oral
      route, through inhalation of aerosols, or by direct or indirect contact with
      contaminated water. Previous molecular-based studies have identified viral
      particles of zoonotic and human nature in surface waters. Contaminated water can
      lead to human health issues, and the development of rapid methods for the
      detection of pathogenic microorganisms is a valuable tool for the prevention of
      their spread. The aims of this work were to determine the presence and identity
      of representative human pathogenic enteric viruses in water samples from six
      European countries by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and to
      develop two quantitative PCR methods for Adenovirus 41 and Mammalian
      Orthoreoviruses. A 2-year survey showed that Norovirus, Mammalian Orthoreovirus
      and Adenoviruses were the most frequently identified enteric viruses in the
      sampled surface waters. Although it was not possible to establish viability and
      infectivity of the viruses considered, the detectable presence of pathogenic
      viruses may represent a potential risk for human health. The methodology
      developed may aid in rapid detection of these pathogens for monitoring quality of
      surface waters.

PMID- 27117765
TI  - Recent advances in the treatment of renal diseases with nebivolol: A literature
      review.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species play an important role in both acute and chronic kidney
      diseases. Chronic kidney disease is associated with various consequences to the
      cardiovascular system and metabolic profiles. Nebivolol, a highly cardioselective
      third-generation beta-blocker, has nitric oxide (NO) induced vasodilation and
      antioxidant properties. Nebivolol affects the endothelial NO pathway in two
      complementary ways: it increases endothelial mediated NO expression and has
      antioxidant action, which leads to a decrease in degradation. Central blood
      pressure can be effectively lowered by nebivolol in the prehypertension phase.
      Clinically nebivolol's ability to modulate endothelial dysfunction may offer
      additional vascular protection in treating hypertension. As well, pre-treatment
      with 5mg nebivolol every 24 hours for 4 days is protective against nephrotoxic
      effects of contrast media. The aim of this study is to review the current
      literature on the efficacy and safety of nebivolol in the treatment of various
      states of renal diseases. 

PMID- 27117767
TI  - Results of the essay competition on the 'deficit concept'.

PMID- 27117766
TI  - [Randall-type monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease: From diagnosis to
      treatment].
AB  - Monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) deposition disease (MIDD) is a rare complication
      of plasma cell disorders, defined by linear Congo red-negative deposits of
      monoclonal light chain (LCDD), heavy chain (HCDD) or both (LHCDD) along basement
      membranes. MIDD should be suspected in patients presenting with glomerular
      proteinuria and monoclonal gammopathy, but none of these criteria is necessary
      for the diagnosis although renal involvement is prominent. Since an abnormal
      serum kappa/lambda ratio is found in virtually all MIDD patients, including those
      with HCDD, serum free light chain assay should be included in the initial workup
      in patients older than 50 presenting with kidney disease. Bortezomib-based
      regimens are efficient and well tolerated, resulting in improvement in both renal
      and global survival, comparatively to historical series. High dose melphalan with
      autologous stem cell transplantation may be proposed as second line therapy in
      selected patients. The achievement of hematological response, based on the
      difference between involved and uninvolved serum free light chains (dFLC), is
      mandatory. In a recent series, post-treatment dFLC<40mg/L was the major
      predictive factor of renal response and was associated with improvement of both
      renal and global survival. In MIDD, bortezomib-based therapy is safe and
      efficient when introduced early after diagnosis. dFLC response is a favorable
      prognostic factor for renal survival. 

PMID- 27117759
TI  - Dietary phytochemicals as epigenetic modifiers in cancer: Promise and challenges.
AB  - The influence of diet and environment on human health has been known since ages.
      Plant-derived natural bioactive compounds (phytochemicals) have acquired an
      important role in human diet as potent antioxidants and cancer chemopreventive
      agents. In past few decades, the role of epigenetic alterations such as DNA
      methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs in the regulation of
      mammalian genome have been comprehensively addressed. Although the effects of
      dietary phytochemicals on gene expression and signaling pathways have been widely
      studied in cancer, the impact of these dietary compounds on mammalian epigenome
      is rapidly emerging. The present review outlines the role of different epigenetic
      mechanisms in the regulation and maintenance of mammalian genome and focuses on
      the role of dietary phytochemicals as epigenetic modifiers in cancer. Above all,
      the review focuses on summarizing the progress made thus far in cancer
      chemoprevention with dietary phytochemicals, the heightened interest and
      challenges in the future.

PMID- 27117768
TI  - The lure of rationality: Why does the deficit model persist in science
      communication?
AB  - Science communication has been historically predicated on the knowledge deficit
      model. Yet, empirical research has shown that public communication of science is
      more complex than what the knowledge deficit model suggests. In this essay, we
      pose four lines of reasoning and present empirical data for why we believe the
      deficit model still persists in public communication of science. First, we posit
      that scientists' training results in the belief that public audiences can and do
      process information in a rational manner. Second, the persistence of this model
      may be a product of current institutional structures. Many graduate education
      programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields generally
      lack formal training in public communication. We offer empirical evidence that
      demonstrates that scientists who have less positive attitudes toward the social
      sciences are more likely to adhere to the knowledge deficit model of science
      communication. Third, we present empirical evidence of how scientists
      conceptualize "the public" and link this to attitudes toward the deficit model.
      We find that perceiving a knowledge deficit in the public is closely tied to
      scientists' perceptions of the individuals who comprise the public. Finally, we
      argue that the knowledge deficit model is perpetuated because it can easily
      influence public policy for science issues. We propose some ways to uproot the
      deficit model and move toward more effective science communication efforts, which
      include training scientists in communication methods grounded in social science
      research and using approaches that engage community members around scientific
      issues.

PMID- 27117769
TI  - In science communication, why does the idea of the public deficit always return?
      Exploring key influences.
AB  - Despite mounting criticism, the deficit model remains an integral part of science
      communication research and practice. In this article, I advance three key factors
      that contribute to the idea of the public deficit in science communication,
      including the purpose of science communication, how communication processes and
      outcomes are conceptualized, and how science and scientific knowledge are
      defined. Affording science absolute epistemic privilege, I argue, is the most
      compelling factor contributing to the continued use of the deficit model. In
      addition, I contend that the deficit model plays a necessary, though not
      sufficient, role in science communication research and practice. Areas for future
      research are discussed.

PMID- 27117770
TI  - In science communication, why does the idea of a public deficit always return?
      How do the shifting information flows in healthcare affect the deficit model of
      science communication?
AB  - The healthcare field contains a multitude of opportunities for science
      communication. Given the many stakeholders dancing together in a multidirectional
      tango of communication, we need to ask how much does the deficit model apply to
      the health field? History dictates that healthcare professionals are the holders
      of all knowledge, and the patients and other stakeholders are the ones that need
      the scientific information communicated to them. This essay argues otherwise, in
      part due to the rise of shared decision-making and patients and other
      stakeholders acting as partners in healthcare. The traditional deficit model in
      health held that: (1) doctors were experts and patients were consumers, (2) it is
      impossible for the public to grasp the many disciplines of knowledge in medicine,
      (3) if experts have trouble keeping up with medical research then the public
      surely can't keep up, and (4) it is safer for healthcare professionals to
      communicate to the public using a deficit model. However, with the rise of
      partnerships with patients in healthcare decision-making, the deficit model might
      be weakening. Examples of public participation in healthcare decision-making
      include: (1) crowd-sourcing public participation in systematic reviews, (2)
      public participation in health policy, (3) public collaboration in health
      research, and (4) health consumer groups acting as producers of health
      information. With the challenges to the deficit model in science communication in
      health, caution is needed with the increasing role of technology and social
      media, and how these may affect the legitimacy of healthcare information flows
      away from the healthcare professional.

PMID- 27117771
TI  - In science communication, why does the idea of a public deficit always return?
AB  - For centuries, science communication has been widely perceived, irrespective of
      context, as a didactic enterprise. That understanding does not accommodate a
      political category of science communication, featuring citizens on an equal
      footing - some of them scientists - who share responsibility for public affairs
      and represent different points of view and ways of reasoning. That may harm, at
      the same time and for the same reasons, democratic knowledge societies as
      political entities and science as a body of knowledge and rational methodology.
      Scientists are discursively excluded from the public. The public is perceived in
      terms of knowledge deficiency. The latter perception has survived decades of
      critique, accompanied by attempts, along an everyman-as-scientist logic, to
      include all citizens in the scientific endeavour. But why should all be
      scientists? With respect to practical-political issues - as distinct from
      technical-scientific ones - the acknowledgement of the citizenship of scientists
      seems more relevant. Only, this would challenge the widespread understanding of
      science as an all-purpose problem solver and the consequent ideas of politics. 

PMID- 27117772
TI  - In science communication, why does the idea of a public deficit always return?
      The eternal recurrence of the public deficit.
AB  - After several years of loud and clear rejection, the idea of a public cognitive
      deficit insistently reappears in the agenda of Science Communication and Public
      Understanding of Science studies. This essay addresses two different kinds of
      reason - practical and epistemic - converging at that point. In the first part,
      it will be argued that the hypothesis of the lack of knowledge among laypeople
      and its controversial relationships with their interests and attitudes towards
      science prevails because it is an intuitive and optimistic way to frame the gap
      between science and society and, therefore, to cope with its causes and
      consequences. In the second part, a deeper level of reasons will be examined, in
      order to show that the persistence of the idea has its roots in the objective
      epistemic asymmetry between scientists and the public, the scope of which is not
      always properly judged. To recognize this asymmetry as a previous condition for
      their interactions may help to surpass the byzantine debate: deficit yes or no
      and open up original questions for the field, summarized in the closing remarks.

PMID- 27117773
TI  - In science communication, why does the idea of a public deficit always return?
AB  - Taking Isabelle Stengers' "ecology of practices" as an inspiration, the author
      answers the question animating the essay competition in four ways, each (it is
      hoped) generating progressively more inter+est between the communities concerned.

PMID- 27117775
TI  - Photoperiodic and thermosensory pathways interact through CONSTANS to promote
      flowering at high temperature under short days.
AB  - Plants detect changes in day length to induce seasonal patterns of flowering. The
      photoperiodic pathway accelerates the flowering of Arabidopsis thaliana under
      long days (LDs) whereas it is inactive under short days (SDs), resulting in
      delayed flowering. This delay is overcome by exposure of plants to high
      temperature (27 degrees C) under SDs (27 degrees C-SD). Previously, the high
      temperature flowering response was proposed to involve either the impaired
      activity of MADS-box transcription factor (TF) floral repressors or PHYTOCHROME
      INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4) TF-mediated activation of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT),
      which encodes the output signal of the photoperiodic pathway. We integrate these
      observations by studying several PIFs, the MADS-box SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP)
      and the photoperiodic pathway under 27 degrees C-SD. We find that the mRNAs of FT
      and its paralogue TWIN SISTER OF FT (TSF) are increased at dusk under 27 degrees
      C-SD compared with 21 degrees C-SD, and that this requires PIF4 and PIF5 as well
      as CONSTANS (CO), a TF that promotes flowering under LDs. The CO and PIF4
      proteins are present at dusk under 27 degrees C-SD, and they physically interact.
      Although Col-0 plants flower at similar times under 27 degrees C-SD and 21
      degrees C-LD the expression level of FT is approximately 10-fold higher under 21
      degrees C-LD, suggesting that responsiveness to FT is also increased under 27
      degrees C-SD, perhaps as a result of the reduced activity of SVP in the meristem.
      Accordingly, only svp-41 ft-10 tsf-1 plants flowered at the same time under 21
      degrees C-SD and 27 degrees C-SD. Thus, we propose that under non-inductive SDs,
      elevated temperatures increase the activity and sensitize the response to the
      photoperiod pathway.

PMID- 27117776
TI  - Autologous plasma and its supporting role in fat graft survival: A relevant
      vector to counteract resorption in lipofilling.
AB  - Fat grafting has become a widespread technique for different reconstructive and
      esthetic purposes. However, the disadvantage of fat grafting is the unpredictable
      resorption rate that often necessitates repetitive procedures, which in turn may
      have an impact on the morbidity. During the immediate, post-graft, ischemic
      period, cells survive due to the process of plasmatic imbibition. This biological
      phenomenon precedes the ingrowth of neo-capillaries that eventually nourish the
      graft and help establish a long-term homeostatic equilibrium. Both partners, the
      graft and the recipient bed, contribute to the revascularization process.
      Hypothetically, enrichment of the recipient site with autologous plasma could
      have a beneficial role to enhance fat graft survival. We investigated whether
      plasma supported the viability of the lipoaspirate (LA) material. Plasma was
      isolated from blood samples collected from eight patients during the elective
      lipofilling procedures. An in vitro study assessed the viability of LA cells
      using plasma as a culture medium compared to the traditional culture media. In
      vitro analysis confirmed sustained viability of LA cells compared to the standard
      media and control media during 7 consecutive days. The behavior of the fat grafts
      in plasma showed similarities with those incubated in the traditional culture
      media. In future, these findings could be translated to a clinical setting.
      Plasma is the only autologous substrate available in large quantities in the
      human body. The addition of the supporting agents, such as plasma, could
      contribute to a better graft survival with more stable clinical outcomes in the
      long term. The rationale behind the technique is based on the phenomenon of
      plasmatic imbibition and the reasoning that the extracellular matrix plays a
      pivotal role in cellular survival. 

PMID- 27117777
TI  - Photoenergy storage and power amplification strategy in membrane-less
      photoelectrochemical biofuel cells.
AB  - The photoelectrochemical biofuel cell (PBFC) has drawn great attention because of
      its potential in the conversion of both photoenergy and chemical energy from
      biomass into electricity. Herein, we proposed a novel integrated PBFC by
      insetting a third electrode with high efficiency energy storage and release
      between the bioelectrode and the photoelectrode, resulting in a higher power
      output than that of the original PBFC. 

PMID- 27117778
TI  - Tailoring of Electron-Collecting Oxide Nanoparticulate Layer for Flexible
      Perovskite Solar Cells.
AB  - Low-temperature-processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs), especially those
      fabricated on flexible substrates, exhibit device performance that is worse than
      that of high-temperature-processed PSCs. One of the main reasons for the inferior
      performance of low-temperature-processed PSCs is the loss of photogenerated
      electrons in the electron collection layer (ECL) or related interfaces, i.e.,
      indium tin oxide/ECL and ECL/perovskite. Here, we report that tailoring of the
      energy level and electron transporting ability in oxide ECLs using Zn2SnO4
      nanoparticles and quantum dots notably minimizes the loss of photogenerated
      electrons in the low-temperature-fabricated flexible PSC. The proposed ECL with
      methylammonium lead halide [MAPb(I0.9Br0.1)3] leads to fabrication of
      significantly improved flexible PSCs with steady-state power conversion
      efficiency of 16.0% under AM 1.5G illumination of 100 mW cm(-2) intensity. These
      results provide an effective method for fabricating high-performance, low
      temperature solution-processed flexible PSCs.

PMID- 27117779
TI  - Mimicry for all modalities.
AB  - Mimicry is a canonical example of adaptive signal design. In principle, what
      constitutes mimicry is independent of the taxonomic identity of the mimic, the
      ecological context in which it operates, and the sensory modality through which
      it is expressed. However, in practice the study of mimicry is inconsistent across
      research fields, with theoretical and empirical advances often failing to cross
      taxonomic and sensory divides. We propose a novel conceptual framework whereby
      mimicry evolves if a receiver perceives the similarity between a mimic and a
      model and as a result confers a selective benefit onto the mimic. Here,
      misidentification and/or deception are no longer formal requirements, and mimicry
      can evolve irrespective of the underlying proximate mechanisms. The centrality of
      receiver perception in this framework enables us to formally distinguish mimicry
      from perceptual exploitation and integrate mimicry and multicomponent signalling
      theory for the first time. In addition, it resolves inconsistencies in our
      understanding of the role of learning in mimicry evolution, and shows that
      imperfect mimicry is expected to be the norm. Mimicry remains a key model for
      understanding signal evolution and cognition, and we recommend the adoption of a
      unified approach to stimulate future interdisciplinary developments in this
      fascinating area of research. 

PMID- 27117780
TI  - Acanthamoeba Keratitis among Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Wearers in the
      United States, 2005 through 2011.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of Acanthamoeba
      keratitis (AK) in rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens wearers and to identify
      modifiable risk factors. DESIGN: Case-control investigation. PARTICIPANTS:
      Patients were RGP contact lens-wearing United States residents with a diagnosis
      of AK from 2005 through 2011. Controls were RGP contact lens wearers with no
      history of AK who were at least 12 years of age. METHODS: Patients were
      identified during 2 multistate AK outbreak investigations. Controls from the
      first investigation in 2007 were identified using a reverse address directory. In
      the second investigation, controls were recruited from participating
      ophthalmology and optometry practices. Patients and controls were interviewed by
      phone using a standardized questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and Fisher exact P
      values were calculated to assess risk factors associated with infection. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare eye disease primarily affecting
      contact lens wearers, is caused by free-living amebae, Acanthamoeba species.
      RESULTS: We identified 37 patients in the 2 investigations, 10 (27%) from the
      2007 investigation and 27 (73%) from 2011. There were 17 healthy controls, 9
      (53%) from 2007 and 8 (47%) from 2011. Among patients, 9 (24%) wore RGP lenses
      for orthokeratology or therapeutic indication; no controls wore RGP lenses for
      these indications. Significant risk factors for AK were wearing lenses for
      orthokeratology (OR, undefined; P = 0.02), sleeping while wearing lenses (OR,
      8.00; P = 0.04), storing lenses in tap water (OR, 16.00; P = 0.001), and topping
      off contact lens solution in the case (OR, 4.80; P = 0.01). After stratifying by
      use of RGP lenses for orthokeratology, storing lenses in tap water and topping
      off remained significant exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one quarter of patients
      were orthokeratology wearers. Using tap water to store RGP lenses and topping off
      solution in the lens case were modifiable risk behaviors identified in RGP
      wearers who wore lenses for both orthokeratology and nonorthokeratology
      indications. Rigid gas permeable wearers should avoid exposing their lenses to
      tap water and should empty their cases and use fresh lens solution each time they
      take out their lenses.

PMID- 27117781
TI  - African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (ADAGES): Racial Differences in
      Optic Disc Hemorrhage and Beta-Zone Parapapillary Atrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the differences in the frequency of optic disc hemorrhage
      (DH) and prevalence of beta-zone parapapillary atrophy (betaPPA) between
      individuals of African descent (AD) and European descent (ED). DESIGN:
      Prospective, multicenter, observational cohort. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1950
      eyes of 1172 participants of the African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study
      (ADAGES). METHODS: Stereoscopic disc photographs of subjects with and without
      glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) followed during the first 13 years of the
      ADAGES underwent masked review searching for DH and betaPPA. A total of 928 eyes
      (non-GON, 581; GON, 347) of 551 AD patients (non-GON, 334; GON, 217) and 1022
      eyes (non-GON, 568; GON, 454) of 611 ED patients (non-GON, 334; GON, 277) were
      included. We compared the number of eyes with detected DH at any time during
      follow-up and eyes with betaPPA between the AD and ED groups. The analyses were
      then adjusted for clinical parameters using multivariable logistic regression.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences in frequency of DH and prevalence of betaPPA.
      RESULTS: A total of 9395 stereoscopic disc photographs were reviewed. More ED
      eyes experience DH than AD eyes (49/1022 [4.8%] vs. 10/928 eyes [1.1%],
      respectively; P < 0.001), whereas betaPPA had higher prevalence in AD eyes (675
      eyes [72%] vs. 659 eyes [64%]; P < 0.001). In the final multivariable model,
      after controlling for confounders, AD eyes were less likely to have at least 1
      detected DH than ED eyes (odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% CI, 0.10-0.45; P < 0.001)
      but were more likely to have betaPPA than ED eyes (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.12-2.14; P
      = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects of ED are at higher risk for developing DH
      compared with AD subjects, whereas AD subjects have greater prevalence of
      betaPPA. These findings suggest that there are structural differences within the
      optic nerve complex between these groups. Further research is needed to determine
      whether racial differences in the frequency of DH and prevalence of betaPPA
      affect the likelihood of glaucomatous progression.

PMID- 27117782
TI  - Cyclic AMP Signaling through Epac Axis Modulates Human Hemogenic Endothelium and
      Enhances Hematopoietic Cell Generation.
AB  - Hematopoietic cells emerge from hemogenic endothelium in the developing embryo.
      Mechanisms behind human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell development remain
      unclear. Using a human pluripotent stem cell differentiation model, we report
      that cyclic AMP (cAMP) induction dramatically increases HSC-like cell
      frequencies. We show that hematopoietic cell generation requires cAMP signaling
      through the Exchange proteins activated by cAMP (cAMP-Epac) axis; Epac signaling
      inhibition decreased both hemogenic and non-hemogenic endothelium, and abrogated
      hematopoietic cell generation. Furthermore, in hematopoietic progenitor and stem
      like cells, cAMP induction mitigated oxidative stress, created a redox-state
      balance, and enhanced C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) expression,
      benefiting the maintenance of these primitive cells. Collectively, our study
      provides insights and mechanistic details on the previously unrecognized role of
      cAMP signaling in regulating human hematopoietic development. These findings
      advance the mechanistic understanding of hematopoietic development toward the
      development of transplantable human hematopoietic cells for therapeutic needs.

PMID- 27117783
TI  - Basal Progenitors Contribute to Repair of the Prostate Epithelium Following
      Induced Luminal Anoikis.
AB  - Contact with the extracellular matrix is essential for maintenance of epithelial
      cells in many tissues, while in its absence epithelial cells can detach and
      undergo anoikis. Here, we show that anoikis of luminal cells in the prostate
      epithelium is followed by a program of tissue repair that is mediated in part by
      differentiation of basal epithelial cells to luminal cells. We describe a mouse
      model in which inducible deletion of E-cadherin in prostate luminal cells results
      in their apoptotic cell death by anoikis, in the absence of phenotypic effects in
      the surrounding stroma. Quantitative assessments of proliferation and cell death
      in the luminal and basal compartments indicate that basal cells can rapidly
      generate luminal cells. Thus, our findings identify a role for basal-to-luminal
      differentiation in prostate epithelial repair, and provide a normal context to
      analogous processes that may occur during prostate cancer initiation.

PMID- 27117784
TI  - A Subpopulation of Label-Retaining Cells of the Kidney Papilla Regenerates
      Injured Kidney Medullary Tubules.
AB  - To determine whether adult kidney papillary label-retaining cells (pLRCs) are
      specialized precursors, we analyzed their transcription profile. Among genes
      overexpressed in pLRCs, we selected candidate genes to perform qPCR and
      immunodetection of their encoded proteins. We found that Zfyve27, which encodes
      protrudin, identified a subpopulation of pLRCs. With Zfyve27-CreERT2 transgenic
      and reporter mice we generated bitransgenic animals and performed cell-lineage
      analysis. Post tamoxifen, Zfyve27-CreERT2 marked cells preferentially located in
      the upper part of the papilla. These cells were low cycling and did not generate
      progeny even after long-term observation, thus they did not appear to contribute
      to kidney homeostasis. However, after kidney injury, but only if severe, they
      activated a program of proliferation, migration, and morphogenesis generating
      multiple and long tubular segments. Remarkably these regenerated tubules were
      located preferentially in the kidney medulla, indicating that repair of injury in
      the kidney is regionally specified. These results suggest that different parts of
      the kidney have different progenitor cell pools.

PMID- 27117785
TI  - Comparative miRNA-Based Fingerprinting Reveals Biological Differences in Human
      Olfactory Mucosa- and Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.
AB  - Previously we reported that nestin-positive human mesenchymal stromal cells
      (MSCs) derived from the olfactory mucosa (OM) enhanced CNS myelination in vitro
      to a greater extent than bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). miRNA-based
      fingerprinting revealed the two MSCs were 64% homologous, with 26 miRNAs
      differentially expressed. We focused on miR-146a-5p and miR-140-5p due to their
      reported role in the regulation of chemokine production and myelination. The
      lower expression of miR-140-5p in OM-MSCs correlated with higher secretion of
      CXCL12 compared with BM-MSCs. Addition of CXCL12 and its pharmacological
      inhibitors to neural co-cultures supported these data. Studies on related miR
      146a-5p targets demonstrated that OM-MSCs had lower levels of Toll-like receptors
      and secreted less pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-8, and CCL2. OM-MSCs
      polarized microglia to an anti-inflammatory phenotype, illustrating potential
      differences in their inflammatory response. Nestin-positive OM-MSCs could
      therefore offer a cell transplantation alternative for CNS repair, should these
      biological behaviors be translated in vivo.

PMID- 27117786
TI  - [Satisfaction of principal caregivers of patients followed-up by palliative care
      teams].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the satisfaction of main caregivers of deceased patients
      followed-up by palliative care teams. METHOD: Web research on electronic data
      bases: PubMed and MEDES, using "Palliative Care" and "Patient Satisfaction" as
      main descriptors, and "Family", "Professional-Family Relations", "Quality of
      Health Care" and "Quality Assurance, Health Care" as secondary descriptors.
      Studies written in Spanish and English were included. RESULTS: Profile of
      principal caregiver: a woman between her mid-forties and her mid-fifties, usually
      related with the patient as a daughter, and of primary educational level. The
      items that the main caregivers valued the most were: a kind manner, feeling free
      to ask questions about problems during the process, tactful explanations,
      receiving information, pain management, time for answering questions, interest
      for emotional problems, and information about treatment. The worse valued items
      were: symptoms control, lack of psychological support after death, preparation
      for a death of a relative, keeping in touch after death, help to resolve
      outstanding issues, and help during grief. In general, a great majority of
      palliative care teams achieved excellent results. CONCLUSION: In spite of the
      good results obtained in satisfaction surveys from caregivers with regard to
      palliative care teams, it is essential to improve the quality of scientific
      technical training (both from the medical and the psychological point of view),
      as well as to improve communicational skills among palliative care staff.

PMID- 27117787
TI  - [Cardiotoxicity. A reality that the primary care physician should be aware].

PMID- 27117788
TI  - [The eternal problem of false positives in mammography screening].

PMID- 27117789
TI  - Yamadazyma endophytica f.a. sp. nov., an ascomycetous yeast species isolated from
      leaf tissue.
AB  - Strain DMKU-CE23T representing a novel yeast species was isolated from tissue of
      a corn leaf (Zea may L.) collected in Thailand. A phylogenetic analysis based on
      the combined sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the
      D1/D2 region of the LSU rRNA gene indicated that strain DMKU-CE23T belongs to the
      Yamadazyma clade and is clearly distinct from other related species. It therefore
      represents a novel species of the genus Yamadazyma although the formation of
      ascospores was not observed. The strain of novel species was most closely related
      to the type strain of Yamadazyma epiphylla but with 5.1 % nucleotide
      substitutions in the ITS region and 3.7 % nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2
      region of the LSU rRNA gene. The name Yamadazyma endophytica f.a., sp. nov. is
      proposed. The type strain is DMKU-CE23T (=CBS 14163T=TBRC 5174T).

PMID- 27117790
TI  - The survival impact of plasma to red blood cell ratio in massively transfused non
      trauma patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: High ratios of Plasma to Packed Red Blood Cells (FFP:PRBC) improve
      survival in massively transfused trauma patients. We hypothesized that non-trauma
      patients also benefit from this transfusion strategy. METHODS: Non-trauma
      patients requiring massive transfusion from November 2003 to September 2011 were
      reviewed. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of
      mortality. The population was stratified using two FFP:PRBC ratio cut-offs (1:2
      and 1:3) and adjusted mortality derived. RESULTS: Over 8 years, 29 % (260/908) of
      massively transfused surgical patients were non-trauma patients. Mortality
      decreased with increasing FFP:PRBC ratios (45 % for ratio <=1:8, 33 % for ratio
      >1:8 and <=1:3, 27 % for ratio >1:3 and <=1:2 and 25 % for ratio >1:2).
      Increasing FFP:PRBC ratio independently predicted survival (AOR [95 % CI]: 1.91
      [1.35-2.71]; p < 0.001). Patients achieving a ratio >1:3 had improved survival
      (AOR [95 % CI]: 3.24 [1.24-8.47]; p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: In non-trauma patients
      undergoing massive transfusion, increasing FFP:PRBC ratio was associated with
      improved survival. A ratio >1:3 significantly improved survival probability.

PMID- 27117791
TI  - The nutritional state of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy is
      associated with oral motor dysfunction and social conditions: a cross sectional
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the main cause of severe physical impairment
      during childhood and has commonly shown oral motor association. It has been
      considered as the main cause of the high prevalence of problems in children's
      nutrition. Respiration, chewing, swallowing, speaking and facial expressionare
      part of the orofacial motor functions and when affected they can interfere in
      children's well-being. The aim of this study was to correlate two methods of
      orofacial motor evaluation, analyze the influence of orofacial motor functional
      impairment on the nutritional status of children and adolescents with CP, and the
      association between socioeconomic factors. METHODS: Seventy children and
      adolescents with CP were selected, age range 6-16 years and following the
      exclusion criteria previously determined; 129 normoreactive children (control
      group), sex and age-matched to patients with CP. For the orofacial motor analysis
      two evaluation instruments were applied, the "Oral Motor Assessment Scale" (OMAS)
      and "Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening" (NOT-S). The anthropometric evaluation was
      based on the World Health Organization (WHO) and followed the criteria
      recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. RESULTS: There was statistically
      significant correlation between the oral motor methods of evaluation (r = -0.439,
      p < 0.0001). Concerning the nutritional status evaluation, being overweight was
      associated with dystonic and mixed CP forms variables (p = 0.034), mother with no
      partnership (p = 0.045) and mild oral motor impairment (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION:
      It could be concluded that, the weight's gain by children and adolescents might
      be favored by a better functional oral motor performance and social factors.

PMID- 27117792
TI  - Nutritional quality assessment of tomato fruits after exposure to uncoated and
      citric acid coated cerium oxide nanoparticles, bulk cerium oxide, cerium acetate
      and citric acid.
AB  - Little is known about the effects of surface modification on the interaction of
      nanoparticles (NPs) with plants. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants were
      cultivated in potting soil amended with bare and citric acid coated nanoceria
      (nCeO2, nCeO2+CA), cerium acetate (CeAc), bulk cerium oxide (bCeO2) and citric
      acid (CA) at 0-500 mg kg-1. Fruits were collected year-round until the harvesting
      time (210 days). Results showed that nCeO2+CA at 62.5, 250 and 500 mg kg-1
      reduced dry weight by 54, 57, and 64% and total sugar by 84, 78, and 81%. At
      62.5, 125, and 500 mg kg-1 nCeO2+CA decreased reducing sugar by 63, 75, and 52%,
      respectively and at 125 mg kg-1 reduced starch by 78%, compared to control. The
      bCeO2 at 250 and 500 mg kg-1, increased reducing sugar by 67 and 58%. In
      addition, when compared to controls, nCeO2 at 500 mg kg-1 reduced B (28%), Fe
      (78%), Mn (33%), and Ca (59%). At 125 mg kg-1 decreased Al by 24%; while nCeO2+CA
      at 125 and 500 mg kg-1 increased B by 33%. On the other hand, bCeO2 at 62.5 mg kg
      1 increased Ca (267%), but at 250 mg kg-1 reduced Cu (52%), Mn (33%), and Mg
      (58%). Fruit macromolecules were mainly affected by nCeO2+CA, while nutritional
      elements by nCeO2; however, all Ce treatments altered, in some way, the
      nutritional quality of tomato fruit. To our knowledge, this is the first study
      comparing effects of uncoated and coated nanoceria on tomato fruit quality.

PMID- 27117793
TI  - Vasculogenic potential evaluation of bottom-up, PCL scaffolds guiding early
      angiogenesis in tissue regeneration.
AB  - Vascularization is a key factor in the successful integration of tissue
      engineered (TE) grafts inside the host body. Biological functions of the newly
      formed tissue depend, in fact, on a reliable and fast spread of the vascular
      network inside the scaffold. In this study, we propose a technique for evaluating
      vascularization in TE constructs assembled by a bottom-up approach. The rational,
      ordered assembly of building blocks (BBs) into a 3D scaffold can improve vessel
      penetration, and-unlike most current technologies-is compatible with the
      insertion of different elements that can be designed independently (e.g.
      structural units, growth factor depots etc.). Poly(epsilon-caprolactone)
      scaffolds composed of orderly and randomly assembled sintered microspheres were
      used to assess the degree of vascularization in a pilot in vivo study. Scaffolds
      were implanted in a rat subcutaneous pocket model, and retrieved after 7 days. We
      introduce three quantitative factors as a measure of vascularization: the total
      percentage of vascularization, the vessels diameter distribution and the vascular
      penetration depth. These parameters were derived by image analysis of
      microcomputed tomographic scans of biological specimens perfused with a
      radiopaque polymer. The outcome of this study suggests that the rational assembly
      of BBs helps the onset and organization of a fully functional vascular network. 

PMID- 27117794
TI  - Dissolution and drug release profiles of phosphate glasses doped with high
      valency oxides.
AB  - This paper investigates phosphate glasses incorporating vanadium and molybdenum
      oxides for effective management of dissolution and drug release. These glass
      formulations are found to reduce the rate of dissolution from the glass surfaces.
      The drug functional groups of vancomycin molecules loaded by immersion showed
      stronger hydrogen bonding with Vanadium doped glasses and consequently lower rate
      of drug release over 2 weeks indicating better surface attachment with the drug
      molecules and slow drug release profiles. This can be explained by the strong
      adherence of drug molecules to glass surfaces compared with the molybdenum
      containing glasses (PM5 and PM10). The strong attachment relates to hydrogen
      bonding between the amino-functional groups of vancomycin and the hydrated P-O-H
      groups in the glass network. In conclusion, the rate of dissolution of doped
      glasses and the rate of drug release can be administered to deliver the drug
      molecules over weeks.

PMID- 27117795
TI  - Children Who Use Communication Aids Instructing Peer and Adult Partners During
      Play-Based Activity.
AB  - Little is known about how children with severe motor impairments who use
      communication aids provide instructions when given control over interaction. In
      this study, 35 children - 18 who used communication aids and 17 who used natural
      speech - were videotaped in play-based activities. Both groups successfully
      instructed partners to build replications of models the partners could not see.
      The results demonstrate that children using communication aids can also have an
      active role in play-based activities using language, but that their experience
      with activities may be limited and their instructions may take longer to give.
      The children who used natural speech provided more detailed instructions and were
      more successful in guiding their partners. Creating opportunities for active
      participation in play may be important for the development of communicative
      autonomy.

PMID- 27117796
TI  - Melding the Old with the New: Trends in Methods Used to Identify, Monitor, and
      Control Microorganisms on Cultural Heritage Materials.
AB  - Microbial activity has an important impact on the maintenance of cultural
      heritage materials, owing to the key role of microorganisms in many deterioration
      processes. In order to minimize such deleterious effects, there is a need to fine
      tune methods that detect and characterize microorganisms. Trends in microbiology
      indicate that this need can be met by incorporating modern techniques. All of the
      methods considered in this review paper are employed in the identification,
      surveillance, and control of microorganisms, and they have two points in common:
      They are currently used in microbial ecology (only literature from 2009 to 2015
      is included), and they are often applied in the cultural heritage sector. More
      than 75 peer-reviewed journal articles addressing three different approaches were
      considered: molecular, sensory and morphological, and biocontrol methods. The
      goal of this review is to highlight the usefulness of the traditional as well as
      the modern methods. The general theme in the literature cited suggests using an
      integrated approach.

PMID- 27117797
TI  - Relative Importance of Individual Climatic Drivers Shaping Arbuscular Mycorrhizal
      Fungal Communities.
AB  - The physiological tolerance hypothesis (PTH) postulates that it is the tolerance
      of species to climatic factors that determines overall community richness. Here,
      we tested whether a group of mutualistic microbes, Glomeromycota, is distributed
      in semi-arid environments in ways congruent with the PTH. For this purpose, we
      modeled with climatic predictors the niche of each of the four orders of
      Glomeromycota and identified predictors of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal
      operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness. Our dataset consisted of 50 paired
      grassland and farmland sites in the farming-pastoral ecotone of northern China.
      We observed shifts in the relative abundance of AM fungal orders in response to
      climatic variables but also declines in OTU richness in grassland sites that had
      experienced high precipitation during the preceding year which was incongruous
      with the PTH. We found pronounced differences across groups of Glomeromycotan
      fungi in their responses to climatic variables and identified strong dependencies
      of AM fungal communities on precipitation. Given that precipitation is expected
      to further decline in the farming-pastoral ecotone over the coming years and that
      mycorrhiza represents an integral constituent of ecosystem functioning, it is
      likely that the ecosystem services in the region will change accordingly.

PMID- 27117798
TI  - Clinical and Immunological Benefits of OM-85 Bacterial Lysate in Patients with
      Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, and COPD and Recurrent Respiratory Infections.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of OM-85 in reducing
      the incidence of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in patients with allergic
      rhinitis, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and its effect
      on immunological parameters, namely serum and secretory IgA levels. METHODS: This
      was an open-label, prospective, sequential study which included 84 consecutive
      patients aged 16-65 years, who presented with recurrent (three or more)
      respiratory infections during the year prior to study entry. In the first year of
      the study, patients received standard optimized care (SOC), according to their
      underlying disease condition (asthma, allergic rhinitis, or COPD). In the
      following year, patients received treatment with OM-85 oral bacterial lysate (one
      7 mg capsule daily for ten consecutive days per month, for 3 months), with a 6
      month follow-up. Medical history, clinical symptoms, serum, and secretory IgA
      levels, and the number of infections and exacerbations were evaluated before and
      after treatment. RESULTS: There was a decrease in the total number of RTIs before
      the OM-85 treatment period (SOC only) compared to the year before the study start
      [69/266 (corresponding to a 74 % reduction)] and an additional decrease [38/69
      (corresponding to a 45 % reduction)] after OM-85 treatment; p < 0.05. There was
      also a significant reduction in the total number of exacerbations related to the
      patients' underlying medical conditions, which decreased from 55 to 35 during OM
      85 (+SOC) treatment, corresponding to a reduction of 36 %. In addition, an
      increase in serum and secretory IgA levels which coincided with the
      administration of OM-85 was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed the
      clinical benefits of OM-85 in reducing RTIs and exacerbations of the underlying
      medical condition, in patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or COPD.

PMID- 27117799
TI  - Historical aspects of Mexican psychiatry.
AB  - Mexican psychiatry initiated since pre-Hispanic times. Historically, treatments
      were a mixture of magic, science and religion. Ancient Nahuas had their own
      medical concepts with a holistic view of medicine, considering men and cosmos as
      a whole. The first psychiatric hospital appeared in 1566 and a more modern
      psychiatric asylum emerged until 1910. International exchanges of theoretical
      approaches started in the National University with the visit of Pierre Janet.
      There were other important figures that influenced Mexican psychiatry, such as
      Erich Fromm, Henri Ey, Jean Garrabe and Yves Thoret. Regarding Mexican
      psychiatrists, some of the most important contributors to Mexican psychiatry were
      Jose Luis Patino Rojas, Manuel Guevara Oropeza and Ramon de la Fuente Muniz. This
      article includes excerpts from "Clinical Psychiatry", a book by Patino Rojas
      where he tries to understand and describe the inner world experienced by patients
      with schizophrenia; also, the thesis conducted by Guevara Oropeza
      ("Psychoanalisis"), which is a critical comparison between the theories of Janet
      and Freud. Finally, we include "The study of consciousness: current status" by
      Ramon de la Fuente, which leads us through the initial investigations concerning
      consciousness, its evolution, and the contributions made by psychology,
      philosophy and neurobiology.

PMID- 27117800
TI  - Primary renal magnesium wasting: an unusual clinical picture of exercise-induced
      symptoms.
AB  - Magnesium is one of the most abundant cations in the human body and plays a key
      role as a metabolic enzyme cofactor and regulatory ion for neurons and
      cardiomyocytes. Hypomagnesemia due to isolated primary renal magnesium wasting is
      a rare clinical condition typically associated with neurological
      hyperexcitability. Exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms are caused by
      ischemic, mechanical, or neurohormonal changes. The role of hypomagnesemia in
      gastrointestinal symptoms is not well understood. We present a case of a 15-year
      old male who presented with exercise-induced abdominal pain, nausea, and
      vomiting, who was found to have profound hypomagnesemia and inappropriately
      elevated fractional excretion of magnesium (FEMg). Testing for multiple intrinsic
      and extrinsic etiologies of renal magnesium wasting was inconclusive. He was
      diagnosed with primary renal magnesium wasting and his symptoms resolved acutely
      with intravenous magnesium sulfate and with long-term oral magnesium chloride.
      Primary renal magnesium wasting is a rare clinical entity that can cause extreme
      hypomagnesemia. It has not been associated previously with exercise-induced
      gastrointestinal symptoms. The effects of hypomagnesemia on the human
      gastrointestinal tract are not well established. This case offers unique insights
      into the importance of magnesium homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract.
      Exercise-induced splanchnic hypoperfusion may contribute to gastrointestinal
      symptoms observed in this chronically hypomagnesemic patient. 

PMID- 27117801
TI  - Functional and transport analyses of CLCN5 genetic changes identified in Dent
      disease patients.
AB  - Dent disease type 1, an X-linked inherited kidney disease is caused by mutations
      in electrogenic Cl(-)/H(+) exchanger, ClC-5. We functionally studied the most
      frequent mutation (S244L) and two mutations recently identified in RKSC patients,
      Q629X and R345W. We also studied T657S, which has a high minor-allele frequency
      (0.23%) in the African-American population, was published previously as
      pathogenic to cause Dent disease. The transport properties of CLC-5 were
      electrophysiologically characterized. WT and ClC-5 mutant currents were inhibited
      by pH 5.5, but not affected by an alkaline extracellular solution (pH 8.5). The
      T657S and R345W mutations showed the same anion selectivity sequence as WT ClC-5
      (SCN(-)>NO3(-)~Cl(-)>Br(-)>I(-)). However, the S244L and Q629X mutations
      abolished this anion conductance sequence. Cell surface CLC-5 expression was
      quantified using extracellular HA-tagged CLC-5 and a chemiluminescent
      immunoassay. Cellular localization of eGFP-tagged CLC-5 proteins was also
      examined in HEK293 cells with organelle-specific fluorescent probes. Functional
      defects of R345W and Q629X mutations were caused by the trafficking of the
      protein to the plasma membrane since proteins were mostly retained in the
      endoplasmic reticulum, and mutations showed positive correlations between surface
      expression and transport function. In contrast, although the S244L transport
      function was significantly lower than WT, cell surface, early endosome, and
      endoplasmic reticulum expression was equal to that of WT CLC-5. Function and
      trafficking of T657S was equivalent to the WT CLC-5 suggesting this is a benign
      variant rather than pathogenic. These studies demonstrate the useful information
      that can be gained by detailed functional studies of mutations predicted to be
      pathogenic. 

PMID- 27117802
TI  - Effect of NBCe1 deletion on renal citrate and 2-oxoglutarate handling.
AB  - The bicarbonate transporter, NBCe1 (SLC4A4), is necessary for at least two
      components of the proximal tubule contribution to acid-base homeostasis, filtered
      bicarbonate reabsorption, and ammonia metabolism. This study's purpose was to
      determine NBCe1's role in a third component of acid-base homeostasis, organic
      anion metabolism, by studying mice with NBCe1 deletion. Because NBCe1 deletion
      causes metabolic acidosis, we also examined acid-loaded wild-type adult mice to
      determine if the effects of NBCe1 deletion were specific to NBCe1 deletion or
      were a non-specific effect of the associated metabolic acidosis. Both NBCe1 KO
      and acid-loading decreased citrate excretion, but in contrast to metabolic
      acidosis alone, NBCe1 KO decreased expression of the apical citrate transporter,
      NaDC-1. Thus, NBCe1 expression is necessary for normal NaDC-1 expression, and
      NBCe1 deletion induces a novel citrate reabsorptive pathway. Second, NBCe1 KO
      increased 2-oxoglutarate excretion. This could not be attributed to the metabolic
      acidosis as experimental acidosis decreased excretion. Increased 2-oxoglutarate
      excretion could not be explained by changes in plasma 2-oxoglutarate levels, the
      glutaminase I or the glutaminase II generation pathways, 2-oxoglutarate
      metabolism, its putative apical 2-oxoglutarate transporter, OAT10, or its
      basolateral transporter, NaDC-3. IN SUMMARY: (1) NBCe1 is necessary for normal
      proximal tubule NaDC-1 expression; (2) NBCe1 deletion results in stimulation of a
      novel citrate reabsorptive pathway; and (3) NBCe1 is necessary for normal 2
      oxoglutarate metabolism through mechanisms independent of expression of known
      transport and metabolic pathways.

PMID- 27117803
TI  - Pronounced expression of the lipolytic inhibitor G0/G1 Switch Gene 2 (G0S2) in
      adipose tissue from brown bears (Ursus arctos) prior to hibernation.
AB  - Prior to hibernation, the brown bear (Ursus arctos) exhibits unparalleled weight
      gain. Unlike humans, weight gain in bears is associated with lower levels of
      circulating free fatty acids (FFA) and increased insulin sensitivity.
      Understanding how free-ranging brown bears suppress lipolysis when gaining weight
      may therefore provide novel insight toward the development of human therapies.
      Blood and subcutaneous adipose tissue were collected from immobilized free
      ranging brown bears (fitted with GPS-collars) during hibernation in winter and
      from the same bears during the active period in summer in Dalarna, Sweden. The
      expression of lipid droplet-associated proteins in adipose tissue was examined
      under the hypothesis that bears suppress lipolysis during summer while gaining
      weight by increased expression of negative regulators of lipolysis. Adipose
      triglyceride lipase (ATGL) expression did not differ between seasons, but in
      contrast, the expression of ATGL coactivator Comparative gene identification-58
      (CGI-58) was lower in summer. In addition, the expression of the negative
      regulators of lipolysis, G0S2 and cell-death inducing DNA fragmentation factor-a
      like effector (CIDE)C markedly increased during summer. Free-ranging brown bears
      display potent upregulation of inhibitors of lipolysis in adipose tissue during
      summer. This is a potential mechanism for increased insulin sensitivity during
      weight gain and G0S2 may serve as a target to modulate insulin sensitivity. 

PMID- 27117804
TI  - Cardiometabolic risk factors predict cerebrovascular health in older adults:
      results from the Brain in Motion study.
AB  - Aging and physical inactivity are associated with an increased risk of developing
      metabolic syndrome (MetS). With the rising prevalence of MetS, it is important to
      determine the extent to which it affects cerebrovascular health. The primary
      purpose of this report is to examine the impact of MetS on cerebrovascular health
      (resting cerebral blood flow (CBF) peak velocity (V-P), cerebrovascular
      conductance (CVC), and CBF responses to hypercapnia) in healthy older adults with
      normal cognition. A secondary goal was to examine the influence of apolipoprotein
      E (APOE) epsilon4 expression on these indices. In a sample of 258 healthy men and
      women older than 53 years, 29.1% met criteria for MetS. MetS, sex, and age were
      found to be significant predictors of CVC, and V-P, MetS, and APOE status were
      significant predictors of V-P-reactivity, and CVC-reactivity was best predicted
      by MetS status. After controlling for these factors, participants with MetS
      demonstrated lower cerebrovascular measures (CVC, V-P, CVC-reactivity, and V-P
      reactivity) compared to participants without MetS. APOE epsilon4 carriers had
      higher V-P-reactivity than noncarriers. These results provide evidence that
      cardiometabolic and vascular risk factors clustered together as the MetS predict
      measures of cerebrovascular health indices in older adults. Higher V-P-reactivity
      in APOE epsilon4 carriers suggests vascular compensation for deleterious effects
      of this known risk allele for Alzheimer's disease and stroke. 

PMID- 27117805
TI  - Pharmacological inhibition of IK1 by PA-6 in isolated rat hearts affects
      ventricular repolarization and refractoriness.
AB  - The inwardly rectifying potassium current (IK 1) conducted through Kir2.X
      channels contribute to repolarization of the cardiac action potential and to
      stabilization of the resting membrane potential in cardiomyocytes. Our aim was to
      investigate the effect of the recently discovered IK 1 inhibitor PA-6 on action
      potential repolarization and refractoriness in isolated rat hearts. Transiently
      transfected HEK-293 cells expressing IK 1 were voltage-clamped with ramp
      protocols. Langendorff-perfused heart experiments were performed on male Sprague
      Dawley rats, effective refractory period, Wenckebach cycle length, and
      ventricular effective refractory period were determined following 200 nmol/L PA-6
      perfusion. 200 nmol/L PA-6 resulted in a significant time-latency in drug effect
      on the IK 1 current expressed in HEK-293 cells, giving rise to a maximal effect
      at 20 min. In the Langendorff-perfused heart experiments, PA-6 prolonged the
      ventricular action potential duration at 90% repolarization (from 41.8 +/- 6.5
      msec to 72.6 +/- 21.1 msec, 74% compared to baseline, P < 0.01, n = 6). In
      parallel, PA-6 significantly prolonged the ventricular effective refractory
      period compared to baseline (from 34.8 +/- 4.6 msec to 58.1 +/- 14.7 msec, 67%, P
      < 0.01, n = 6). PA-6 increased the short-term beat-to-beat variability and
      ventricular fibrillation was observed in two of six hearts. Neither atrial ERP
      nor duration of atrial fibrillation was altered following PA-6 application. The
      results show that pharmacological inhibition of cardiac IK 1 affects ventricular
      action potential repolarization and refractoriness and increases the risk of
      ventricular arrhythmia in isolated rat hearts. 

PMID- 27117806
TI  - PlanHab (Planetary Habitat Simulation): the combined and separate effects of 21
      days bed rest and hypoxic confinement on human skeletal muscle miRNA expression.
AB  - The study concerns effects of 21 days of sustained bedrest and hypoxia, alone and
      in combination, on skeletal muscle microRNA (miRNA) expression. It is expected
      that astronauts undertaking long-duration missions will be exposed not only to
      microgravity but also to a hypoxic environment. The molecular machinery
      underlying microgravity-induced alterations in skeletal muscle structure and
      function is still largely unknown. One possible regulatory mechanism is altered
      expression of miRNAs, a group of noncoding RNAs which down-regulate many
      different target genes through increased degradation or translation of their
      messenger RNA Thirteen healthy men underwent three 21-day interventions,
      interspersed by 4-month washout periods: horizontal bedrest in normoxia, bedrest
      in hypoxia, ambulation in hypoxia. The level of hypoxia corresponded to 4000 m
      altitude. miRNAs from v. lateralis muscle biopsies were analyzed using a
      microarray covering ~4000 human miRNAs. Sixteen mature miRNAs were up-regulated
      and three down-regulated after bedrest. The magnitudes of these changes were
      small and a large portion of the miRNAs affected by bedrest was also
      differentially expressed after washout periods. In fact, the number of
      differentially expressed probe sets over time was substantially larger than what
      could be detected after bedrest. Still, the majority of the miRNAs (let-7, miR
      15, miR-25, miR-199, miR-133) that were differentially expressed following
      bedrest, belong to miRNA families previously reported in the context of muscle
      physiology, in particular to respond to changes in mechanical loading. Since only
      minor changes in miRNA expression could be detected after bedrest, our data
      indicate miRNA to play only a minor role in the substantial change in muscle
      phenotype seen with unloading. 

PMID- 27117807
TI  - Widespread activation of immunity and pro-inflammatory programs in peripheral
      blood leukocytes of HIV-infected patients with impaired lung gas exchange.
AB  - HIV infection is associated with impaired lung gas transfer as indicated by a low
      diffusing capacity (DLCO), but the mechanisms are not well understood. We
      hypothesized that HIV-associated gas exchange impairment is indicative of system
      wide perturbations that could be reflected by alterations in peripheral blood
      leukocyte (PBL) gene expression. Forty HIV-infected (HIV(+)) and uninfected (HIV(
      )) men with preserved versus low DLCO were enrolled. All subjects were current
      smokers and those with acute illness, lung diseases other than COPD or asthma
      were excluded. Total RNA was extracted from PBLs and hybridized to whole-genome
      microarrays. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed between HIV(+)
      versus HIV(-) subjects with preserved DLCO and those with low DLCO to identify
      differentially activated pathways. Using pathway-based analyses, we found that in
      subjects with preserved DLCO, HIV infection is associated with activation of
      processes involved in immunity, cell cycle, and apoptosis. Applying a similar
      analysis to subjects with low DLCO, we identified a much broader repertoire of
      pro-inflammatory and immune-related pathways in HIV(+) patients relative to HIV(
      ) subjects, with up-regulation of multiple interleukin pathways, interferon
      signaling, and toll-like receptor signaling. We confirmed elevated circulating
      levels of IL-6 in HIV(+) patients with low DLCO relative to the other groups. Our
      findings reveal that PBLs of subjects with HIV infection and low DLCO are
      distinguished by widespread enrichment of immuno-inflammatory programs.
      Activation of these pathways may alter the biology of circulating leukocytes and
      play a role in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated gas exchange impairment. 

PMID- 27117808
TI  - A novel mutation affecting the arginine-137 residue of AVPR2 in dizygous twins
      leads to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and attenuated urine exosome aquaporin-2.
AB  - Mutations in the vasopressin V2 receptor gene AVPR2 may cause X-linked
      nephrogenic diabetes insipidus by defective apical insertion of aquaporin-2 in
      the renal collecting duct principal cell. Substitution mutations with exchange of
      arginine at codon 137 can cause nephrogenic syndrome of inappropriate
      antidiuresis or congenital X-linked nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. We present a
      novel mutation in codon 137 within AVPR2 with substitution of glycine for
      arginine in male dizygotic twins. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus was demonstrated
      by water deprivation test and resistance to vasopressin administration. While a
      similar urine exosome release rate was shown between probands and controls by
      western blotting for the marker ALIX, there was a selective decrease in exosome
      aquaporin-2 versus aquaporin-1 protein in probands compared to controls. 

PMID- 27117809
TI  - Bremsstrahlung radiation detection for small animal imaging using a CCD detector.
AB  - The use of optical methods for the detection of radionuclides is becoming an
      established tool for preclinical molecular imaging experiments. In this paper we
      present a set of proof of principle experiments showing that planar
      bremsstrahlung radiation images can be detected with an intensifying screen using
      a small animal optical imager based on charge coupled device detector. We develop
      a bremsstrahlung source using a (32)P-ATP vial placed in a Plexiglas box, the
      source with an intensifying screen on top was placed inside a small animal
      optical imaging system. Bremsstrahlung radiation images were produced with the
      (32)P-ATP source only and also with a pair of pliers placed between the source
      and the screen. We found that the pair of pliers absorption image matches the
      shape of the object. Spatial resolution measurements were not performed however,
      the bremsstrahlung image of the pliers show that the resolution is relatively
      poor due to a large penumbra effect. We conclude that it is possible to produce
      planar bremsstrahlung images using optical imaging devices. 

PMID- 27117810
TI  - Shoulder joint replacement can improve quality of life and outcome in patients
      with dysmelia: a case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arthroplasty is a proven treatment option for glenohumeral
      osteoarthritis. Common indications include primary or posttraumatic
      osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis of the humeral head, rotator cuff tear
      arthropathy and rheumatoid osteoarthritis. Arthroplasty is rarely performed among
      patients with glenohumeral dysmelia. An overuse of the upper limb in patients
      with thalidomide-induced phocomelia and people with similar congenital
      deformities like dysmelia results in premature wear of the shoulder joint. This
      study aims to evaluate our experience with cases of glenohumeral osteoarthritis
      caused by dysmelia and treated with arthroplasty. To date, few reports on the
      outcome of shoulder arthroplasty exist on this particular patient group. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We included four dysmelic patients (five shoulders) with
      substantial glenoid dysplasia in a prospective database after approval by the
      local ethics committee. Once conservative treatment options had been exhausted,
      the patients were treated with shoulder arthroplasty and assessed clinically and
      radiographically before and after surgery. The mean patient age at the time of
      surgery was 50.4 years. The minimum follow-up time was 24 months (24-91 months).
      All patients experienced a considerable improvement of range of motion (ROM) and
      a relief of pain. No intra- or postoperative complications appeared. CONCLUSION:
      Patients with dysmelia have acceptable short and mid-term results with
      resurfacing hemiarthroplasty. It is an effective although somewhat complicated
      method to relieve pain and improve movement. Long-term performance of
      arthroplasty in patients with dysmelia remains to be seen, particularly with
      regard to the remaining problem of the altered and often deficient glenoid.

PMID- 27117811
TI  - Gender dysphoria: shared care is the answer.

PMID- 27117812
TI  - Web-based oral health promotion program for older adults: Development and
      preliminary evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study reports on the impact evaluation of a Web-based oral health
      promotion programme aimed at improving the oral health knowledge, attitudes,
      practices and self-efficacy of independent-living older adults from Melbourne,
      Australia. METHODS: With ethics approval from the University of Melbourne, a
      convenience sample of volunteers 55 years or older was invited to participate in
      a study to test a web-based oral health promotion program. Consenting volunteers
      were asked to undergo a structured interview as part of the pre-intervention data
      collection. The intervention was based on the ORHIS (Oral Health Information
      Seminars/Sheets) Model and involved computer interaction with six oral health
      presentations, with no direct oral health professional input. A one group pre
      test-post-test quasi-experimental design was chosen to evaluate the intervention.
      A series of paired t-tests were used to compare pre-test with post-test results.
      RESULTS: Forty-seven active, independent-living older adults participated in this
      evaluation. After the intervention participants responded with higher levels of
      achievement than before participating in this Web-based oral health program.
      Participants showed significant improvements in oral health attitudes (4.10 vs.
      4.94; p<0.01), knowledge (18.37 vs. 23.83; p<0.0001), and self-efficacy (84.37
      vs.89.23; p<0.01), as well as, self-reported oral hygiene practices (i.e.,
      frequency of use of dental floss) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The e-ORHIS approach was
      successful in improving oral health knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy. As
      such, it represents a helpful approach for the design of (oral) health
      interventions in older adults. Further evaluation with a larger sample is
      required to test the long-term impact including the economic evaluation of the e
      ORHIS approach.

PMID- 27117813
TI  - Transmission mechanisms of an emerging insect-borne rickettsial pathogen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vector-borne pathogens must overcome arthropod infection and escape
      barriers (e.g. midgut and salivary glands) during the extrinsic incubation period
      (EIP) before subsequent transmission to another host. This particular timespan is
      undetermined for the etiological agent of flea-borne spotted fever (Rickettsia
      felis). Artificial acquisition of R. felis by blood-feeding cat fleas revealed
      dissemination to the salivary glands after seven days; however, this length of
      time is inconsistent with co-feeding studies that produced infectious cat fleas
      within 24 h of infection. In the current study, we demonstrated that an
      alternative mechanism is responsible for the early-phase transmission that
      typifies flea-borne R. felis spread. METHODS: Co-feeding transmission bioassays
      were constructed to assess temporal dynamics of R. felis amongst cat fleas,
      including exposure time to produce infectious fleas and association time to
      transmit infection to naive fleas. Additional experiments examined the proportion
      of R. felis-exposed cat fleas with contaminated mouthparts, as well as the
      likelihood for cat fleas to release R. felis from their mouthparts following
      exposure to an infectious bloodmeal. The potential for mechanical transmission of
      R. felis by co-feeding cat fleas was further examined using fluorescent latex
      beads, as opposed to a live pathogen, which would not require a biological
      mechanism to achieve transmission. RESULTS: Analyses revealed that R. felis
      infected cat fleas were infectious to naive fleas less than 24 h after exposure
      to the pathogen, but showed no rickettsial dissemination to the salivary glands
      during this early-phase transmission. Additionally, the current study revealed
      that R. felis-infected cat fleas must co-feed with naive fleas for more than 12 h
      in order for early-phase transmission to occur. Further evidence supported that
      contaminated flea mouthparts may be the source of the bacteria transmitted early,
      and demonstrated that R. felis is released from the mouthparts during brief
      probing events. Moreover, the use of fluorescent latex beads supports the notion
      that early-phase transmission of R. felis is a mechanical mechanism. CONCLUSIONS:
      Determination of the transmission mechanisms utilized by R. felis is essential to
      fully understand the vulnerability of susceptible vertebrate hosts, including
      humans, to this pathogen.

PMID- 27117814
TI  - Interfacial free energy adjustable phase field crystal model for homogeneous
      nucleation.
AB  - To describe the homogeneous nucleation process, an interfacial free energy
      adjustable phase-field crystal model (IPFC) was proposed by reconstructing the
      energy functional of the original phase field crystal (PFC) methodology. Compared
      with the original PFC model, the additional interface term in the IPFC model
      effectively can adjust the magnitude of the interfacial free energy, but does not
      affect the equilibrium phase diagram and the interfacial energy anisotropy. The
      IPFC model overcame the limitation that the interfacial free energy of the
      original PFC model is much less than the theoretical results. Using the IPFC
      model, we investigated some basic issues in homogeneous nucleation. From the
      viewpoint of simulation, we proceeded with an in situ observation of the process
      of cluster fluctuation and obtained quite similar snapshots to colloidal
      crystallization experiments. We also counted the size distribution of crystal
      like clusters and the nucleation rate. Our simulations show that the size
      distribution is independent of the evolution time, and the nucleation rate
      remains constant after a period of relaxation, which are consistent with
      experimental observations. The linear relation between logarithmic nucleation
      rate and reciprocal driving force also conforms to the steady state nucleation
      theory.

PMID- 27117815
TI  - Serotonin release in the subfornical organ area induced by sodium and water
      intake in the rat.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that the subfornical organ (SFO) is involved in the
      modulation of sodium intake in rats. To clarify whether serotonergic mechanisms
      in the SFO participate in the modulatory system, the present study was carried
      out to examine the effects of sodium and water intake on serotonin (5
      hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) release in the subfornical organ (SFO) in freely moving
      rats. The ingestion of 0.3M NaCl and water was induced by subcutaneous injections
      of the diuretic furosemide (FURO, 10mg/kg) and the angiotensin converting enzyme
      inhibitor captopril (CAP, 5mg/kg), and extracellular concentrations of 5-HT and
      its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in the region of the SFO were
      measured using intracerebral microdialysis techniques. The combined treatment
      with FURO and CAP elicited significant decreases in the 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in
      the SFO area. The 0.3M NaCl and water intake caused by the treatment
      significantly enhanced the 5-HT and 5-HIAA concentrations in the SFO area
      compared with the basal levels. No significant changes in the 5-HT and 5-HIAA
      levels caused by either the FURO and CAP treatment or water and NaCl intake were
      observed in the sites away from the SFO. These results suggest that the
      serotonergic mechanism in the SFO may be important for the control of sodium
      appetite and thirst.

PMID- 27117816
TI  - Differences in the association between behavior and neutrophil gelatinase
      associated lipocalin in male and female rats after coronary artery ligation.
AB  - Heart failure is associated with an increased risk of developing depression and
      cognitive dysfunction, which negatively affects prognosis. Plasma levels of
      neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) are increased in heart failure
      and depression. Moreover, NGAL levels are associated with depression in heart
      failure patients. Since women are at a higher risk of developing comorbid
      depression with heart failure, the aim of this study was to examine sex
      differences in the link between NGAL and behavior in a rat model of heart
      failure. In young adult male and female Wistar rats, myocardial infarction (MI)
      was induced by means of coronary artery ligation, while control rats received
      sham surgery. We analyzed aspects of cognition and depression/anxiety using
      various behavioral tests starting three weeks after surgery. Hemodynamic
      measurements were performed and hearts and lungs were weighed. NGAL levels in
      plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue were analyzed. MI induced
      impairment in cardiac contractility and relaxation, and an increase in lung
      weight. NGAL correlated with signs of heart failure in male, but not female rats.
      Male MI rats displayed cognitive problems, but not depressive-like or anxiety
      like behavior. No behavioral effects of MI were observed in female rats. Plasma
      NGAL levels were higher in male than female rats with higher concentrations in MI
      compared to sham. CSF NGAL was higher in MI rats compared to sham and higher in
      males compared to females. The number of NGAL positive cells in the
      paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) was only increased in male MI
      rats. In male, but not in female rats, NGAL levels correlated with depressive
      like behavior and cognitive dysfunction. Data indicate that while MI increased
      NGAL levels in plasma, CSF and PVN, correlations of NGAL with behavior are sex
      specific, but independent of whether sham or MI surgery was performed. This
      suggests that inflammatory processes related to thorax surgery and their
      potential effects on depressive-like behavior and cognition may be sex-specific.

PMID- 27117817
TI  - Behavioural, brain and cardiac responses to hypobaric hypoxia in broiler
      chickens.
AB  - A novel approach to pre-slaughter stunning of chickens has been developed in
      which birds are rendered unconscious by progressive hypobaric hypoxia. Termed Low
      Atmospheric Pressure Stunning (LAPS), this approach involves application of
      gradual decompression lasting 280s according to a prescribed curve. We examined
      responses to LAPS by recording behaviour, electroencephalogram (EEG) and
      electrocardiogram (ECG) in individual male chickens, and interpreted these with
      regard to the welfare impact of the process. We also examined the effect of two
      temperature adjusted pressure curves on these responses. Broiler chickens were
      exposed to LAPS in 30 triplets (16 and 14 triplets assigned to each pressure
      curve). In each triplet, one bird was instrumented for recording of EEG and ECG
      while the behaviour of all three birds was observed. Birds showed a consistent
      sequence of behaviours during LAPS (ataxia, loss of posture, clonic convulsions
      and motionless) which were observed in all birds. Leg paddling, tonic
      convulsions, slow wing flapping, mandibulation, head shaking, open bill
      breathing, deep inhalation, jumping and vocalisation were observed in a
      proportion of birds. Spectral analysis of EEG responses at 2s intervals
      throughout LAPS revealed progressive decreases in median frequency at the same
      time as corresponding progressive increases in total power, followed later by
      decreases in total power as all birds exhibited isoelectric EEG and died. There
      was a very pronounced increase in total power at 50-60s into the LAPS cycle,
      which corresponded to dominance of the signal by high amplitude slow waves,
      indicating loss of consciousness. Slow wave EEG was seen early in the LAPS
      process, before behavioural evidence of loss of consciousness such as ataxia and
      loss of posture, almost certainly due to the fact that it was completely dark in
      the LAPS chamber. ECG recordings showed a pronounced bradycardia (starting on
      average 49.6s into LAPS), often associated with arrhythmia, until around 60s into
      LAPS when heart rate levelled off. There was a good correlation between
      behavioural, EEG and cardiac measures in relation to loss of consciousness which
      collectively provide a loss of consciousness estimate of around 60s. There were
      some effects of temperature adjusted pressure curves on behavioural latencies and
      ECG responses, but in general responses were consistent and very similar to those
      reported in previous research on controlled atmosphere stunning with inert gases.
      The results suggest that the process is humane (slaughter without avoidable fear,
      anxiety, pain, suffering and distress). In particular, the maintenance of slow
      wave EEG patterns in the early part of LAPS (while birds are still conscious) is
      strongly suggestive that LAPS is non-aversive, since we would expect this to be
      interrupted by pain or discomfort.

PMID- 27117819
TI  - Aggregation dynamics and foraging behaviour of striped red mullet Mullus
      surmuletus in the western Mediterranean Sea.
AB  - Habitat-related heterogeneity of striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus
      heterospecific foraging assemblages was examined off the coast of Spain. Video
      based focal-follows conducted on 122 M. surmuletus assemblages (446 total
      individuals) revealed an array of attendant species (n = 7) with composition
      linked to benthic habitat complexity; bare sandy substrata were characterized by
      homospecific groups of M. surmuletus, while habitats with rock and vegetation
      attracted a variety of scrounging labrids and sparids. Although the nature of the
      relationship between M. surmuletus and attendants requires further exploration,
      the present study indicates that substratum composition can be a driving factor
      explaining the dynamics of this heterospecific assemblage. 

PMID- 27117818
TI  - Exosomal microRNA miR-92a concentration in serum reflects human brown fat
      activity.
AB  - Brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipates energy and its activity correlates with
      leanness in human adults. (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission
      tomography coupled with computer tomography (PET/CT) is still the standard for
      measuring BAT activity, but exposes subjects to ionizing radiation. To study BAT
      function in large human cohorts, novel diagnostic tools are needed. Here we show
      that brown adipocytes release exosomes and that BAT activation increases exosome
      release. Profiling miRNAs in exosomes released from brown adipocytes, and in
      exosomes isolated from mouse serum, we show that levels of miRNAs change after
      BAT activation in vitro and in vivo. One of these exosomal miRNAs, miR-92a, is
      also present in human serum exosomes. Importantly, serum concentrations of
      exosomal miR-92a inversely correlate with human BAT activity measured by (18)F
      FDG PET/CT in two unique and independent cohorts comprising 41 healthy
      individuals. Thus, exosomal miR-92a represents a potential serum biomarker for
      BAT activity in mice and humans.

PMID- 27117821
TI  - MicroRNAs underlying memory deficits in neurodegenerative disorders.
AB  - Neurodegenerative disorders are defined by neuronal loss and often associated
      with dementia. Understanding the multifactorial nature of cognitive decline is of
      particular interest. Cell loss is certainly a possibility but also an early
      imbalance in the complex gene networks involved in learning and memory. The small
      (~22nt) non-coding microRNAs play a major role in gene expression regulation and
      have been linked to neuronal survival and cognition. Interestingly, changes in
      microRNA signatures are associated with neurodegenerative disorders. In this
      review, we explore the role of three microRNAs, namely miR-132, miR-124 and miR
      34, which are dysregulated in major neurodegenerative diseases such as
      Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Interestingly,
      these microRNAs have been associated with both memory impairment and neuronal
      survival, providing a potential common molecular mechanism contributing to
      dementia.

PMID- 27117820
TI  - Tryptophan via serotonin/kynurenine pathways abnormalities in a large cohort of
      aggressive inmates: markers for aggression.
AB  - Aggressive behavior is one of the most challenging symptoms in psychiatry, and
      biological markers for aggression lack of large sample validations. Serotonin (5
      HT) and other neuroactive compounds deriving from Tryptophan (Trp), including
      kynurenine (Kyn), have not yet been investigated in large cohorts of aggressive
      individuals to validate their potential as biomarkers of aggression. In 361 male
      inmates we measured serum levels of Trp, 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-HT, Kyn, the
      ratios 5-HT/Trp*1000 and Kyn/Trp*1000, and performed Structured Clinical
      Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I and -II Disorders (SCID-I and -II), global assessment
      of functioning (GAF), and scales for aggressive behavior, impulsivity, adult
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and intelligent quotient (IQ).
      Aggressive compared to non-aggressive inmates exhibited lower Trp and Kyn serum
      levels but higher levels of 5-HT and 5-HT/Trp*1000, higher levels of impulsivity
      and ADHD indices, lower IQ and GAF, higher prevalence of mood disorders, drug
      abuse/dependence, and borderline, conduct and antisocial behaviors.
      Interestingly, Kyn/Trp*1000 was positively correlated to the number of severe
      aggressive acts (r=0.593, P<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors,
      logistic regression analysis indicated that 5-HT/Trp*1000, antisocial behavior,
      and GAF were predictors of aggressive behavior. The model combining these three
      predictors had an area under the ROC curve of 0.851 (95% CI 0.806-0.895). This
      study indicates that while circulating Trp is reduced in aggressive individuals,
      the combination of biological (5-HT/Trp ratio) and psychopathological (antisocial
      behavior and GAF) markers discriminates between aggressive and non-aggressive
      behavior suggesting the potential of a multi-marker approach in psychiatry given
      the heterogenic nature of mental diseases.

PMID- 27117822
TI  - Follow-up on commitments at the Third Global Forum on Human Resources for Health:
      Indonesia, Sudan, Tanzania : "A commitment is a promise, a promise is a debt".
AB  - This study sought to assess actions which Indonesia, Sudan, and Tanzania took to
      implement the health workforce commitments they made at the Third Global Forum on
      Human Resources for Health (HRH) in November 2013. The study was conducted
      through a survey of published and gray literature in English and field research
      consisting of direct contacts with relevant ministries and agencies. Results show
      that the three countries implemented interventions to translate their commitments
      into actions. The three countries focused their commitments on improving the
      availability, geographical accessibility, quality of education, and performance
      of health workers. The implementation of the Recife commitments primarily
      entailed initiatives at the central level, such as the adoption of new
      legislation or the development of accreditation mechanisms. This study shows that
      action is more likely to take place when policy documents explicitly recognize
      and document HRH problems, when stakeholders are involved in the formulation and
      the implementation of policy changes, and when external support is available. The
      Recife Forum appears to have created an opportunity to advance the HRH policy
      agenda, and advocates of health workforce development in these three countries
      took advantage of it. 

PMID- 27117823
TI  - Validation of Improvement of Basic Competency in Arthroscopic Knot Tying Using a
      Bench Top Simulator in Orthopaedic Residency Education.
AB  - PURPOSE: To validate basic competency in arthroscopic knot tying using a unique
      simulator device to compare the level of training needed for learning and tying
      the arthroscopic knot by evaluating the tensile properties of the arthroscopic
      knots. METHODS: Three groups of surgeons of various experience levels
      (postgraduate year [PGY] 1, PGY 3, and experienced surgeons) tied 2 different
      arthroscopic knots (Tennessee Slider, considered easier, and Weston, considered
      more difficult) over a 10-week period. Each group went through 3 separate stages
      of knot tying: stage 1, tying 8 knots without cannula or knot pusher; stage 2,
      tying 12 knots with knot pusher; and stage 3, tying 20 knots with knot pusher
      through a cannula that simulates knot tying during surgery. A single load-to
      failure test was performed and ultimate clinical failure loads were recorded.
      Time needed to tie each knot was also recorded. RESULTS: At stages 1 and 2, the
      PGY 1 group had a significantly weak knot tensile strength (Tennessee Slider
      stage 1: 60 v 129 N, P = .001; Tennessee Slider stage 2: 69 v 132 N, P = .0029;
      Weston stage 1: 73 v 184 N, P = .0000; Weston stage 2: 125 v 173 N, P = .0045)
      and were slower (Weston: 56 v 30 seconds, P = .0010) than the experienced surgeon
      group for both knots. At stage 3, only the initial 2 weeks of Tennessee Slider
      showed a significant difference between groups 1 and 3 (week 6: 87 v 118 N, P =
      .0492; week 7: 89 v 126, P = .01485). Even though the Tennessee Slider knot is
      one of the easier arthroscopic knots to learn to tie, the results showed a slow
      trend of improvement in this knot-tying skill for group 1 after each stage.
      CONCLUSIONS: The data validated an important learning effect in all trainees in
      arthroscopic knot tying over a 10-week period and showed that inexperienced
      trainees will be able to improve their knot-tying skill with training in 3 stages
      with a simulator environment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings of this study
      indicated the importance of hands-on experience in performing arthroscopic knot
      tying, as determined by both knot performance and ultimate suture loop strength.
      In addition, each orthopaedic resident learned and developed his or her
      arthroscopic knot-tying skills and provided a foundation for his or her future
      practice in orthopaedic medicine.

PMID- 27117824
TI  - Profile of Current Opinion on Arthroscopic Acromioplasty: A Video Survey Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To provide a baseline profile of current opinion on use of arthroscopic
      acromioplasty and evaluate the consistency of surgical decision making on whether
      or not to perform acromioplasty across different surgeon practices. METHODS:
      Twenty-two fellowship-trained orthopaedic shoulder surgeons from the Association
      of Clinical Elbow and Shoulder Surgeons completed an Internet-based survey on
      practices associated with acromioplasty, including questions related to 15
      arthroscopic videos. Based on video cases, interobserver and intraobserver
      agreement regarding clinically based decisions related to acromioplasty were
      assessed. RESULTS: Acromioplasty was uncommonly performed in isolation among this
      group and was most commonly performed in conjunction with repair of full
      thickness rotator cuff tears. Nineteen of 22 (86%) surgeons favored an
      arthroscopic approach for acromioplasty. Depth of bony resection was determined
      most commonly based on clinical judgment and experience (68%). The video portion
      of the survey revealed slight interobserver agreement for classification of
      acromion morphology (kappa = 0.099), need for acromioplasty (kappa = 0.020), and
      adequacy of decompression (kappa = 0.1). In contrast, there was fair
      intraobserver reliability regarding acromion morphology (kappa = 0.370) and
      decision whether to perform acromioplasty in a given case (kappa = 0.348) whereas
      there was moderate intraobserver reliability in the presence of a reparable
      rotator cuff tear (kappa = 0.507) and assessment of the adequacy of decompression
      (kappa = 0.453). CONCLUSIONS: Although surgeons had similarities regarding
      principles of acromioplasty, including indications, surgical approach, and
      technique, there was lack of consensus when surgeons reviewed the video of
      clinical cases. Although surgeons may have similar goals in terms of treatment of
      pathology related to subacromial impingement, individual surgeon thresholds for
      the need and adequacy of decompression are varied and are not standardized. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

PMID- 27117825
TI  - Understanding and promoting treatment-seeking for eating disorders and body image
      concerns on college campuses through online screening, prevention and
      intervention.
AB  - While there have been important recent advances in the development of effective
      universal prevention and intervention programs, it is not yet clear how to engage
      large numbers of students in these programs. In this paper, we report findings
      from a two-phase pilot study. In the first phase, we used a population-level,
      online survey to assess eating disorder symptom level and habits/attitudes
      related to service utilization (N=2180). Using validated screening tools, we
      found that roughly one in three students has significant symptoms of eating
      disorders or elevated weight concerns, the vast majority of whom (86.5%) have not
      received treatment. In the second phase, we referred students to online
      prevention and selective/indicated intervention programs based on symptom
      classification (N=1916). We find that program enrollment is highest for students
      in the indicated intervention (18.1%) and lowest for students in the universal
      prevention (4.1%). We find that traditionally-emphasized barriers such as stigma,
      misinformation, and financial limitations do not appear to be the most important
      factors preventing treatment-seeking. Rather students report not seeking help for
      reasons such as lack of time, lack of perceived need, and a desire to deal with
      the issue "on my own." Findings offer insight into the treatment-seeking habits
      and attitudes of college students, including those barriers that may be overcome
      by offering online programs and those that persist despite increased access to
      and convenience of relevant resources.

PMID- 27117826
TI  - Competition between global and local online social networks.
AB  - The overwhelming success of online social networks, the key actors in the Web 2.0
      cosmos, has reshaped human interactions globally. To help understand the
      fundamental mechanisms which determine the fate of online social networks at the
      system level, we describe the digital world as a complex ecosystem of interacting
      networks. In this paper, we study the impact of heterogeneity in network
      fitnesses on the competition between an international network, such as Facebook,
      and local services. The higher fitness of international networks is induced by
      their ability to attract users from all over the world, which can then establish
      social interactions without the limitations of local networks. In other words,
      inter-country social ties lead to increased fitness of the international network.
      To study the competition between an international network and local ones, we
      construct a 1:1000 scale model of the digital world, consisting of the 80
      countries with the most Internet users. Under certain conditions, this leads to
      the extinction of local networks; whereas under different conditions, local
      networks can persist and even dominate completely. In particular, our model
      suggests that, with the parameters that best reproduce the empirical overtake of
      Facebook, this overtake could have not taken place with a significant
      probability.

PMID- 27117827
TI  - Treatment of open fractures with a computer-assisted external fixator system
      without the use of fluoroscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Developed for the treatment of deformity correction, computer
      assisted circular external fixators in recent years have also been used for
      fracture fixation. In this study, we aimed to present the efficacy of computer
      assisted circular external fixator use in open long bone fractures with our new
      technique. METHODS: Between February 2013 and June 2014, 14 patients (mean age
      24.5 (range 20-32)) with open tibial or femoral open fractures were treated with
      the computer-assisted fixation system (Spider Frame-Tasarim Medikal, Istanbul,
      Turkey). In all patients, appropriate positions of the rings and Schanz screws
      were determined by measurements on preoperative radiographs. The length of the
      Schanz screws were determined by depth measure marks on drill bits. Obvious
      deformities were corrected intraoperatively by manipulations, but residual
      deformities were corrected by a software program (Spiderfix, Tasarim Medikal,
      Istanbul, Turkey). We did not use fluoroscopy during the procedures. RESULTS: Ten
      patients had tibia diaphyseal and four patients had femoral diaphyseal fractures.
      Mean surgical time was 24.2 (range 18-28) min. Average follow-up time was 10.2
      (range 9-14) months. Mean time for deformity correction was 3.1 (2-5) days.
      Complete union was observed in all patients with a mean of 4.9 (range 3-9)
      months. There were two grade 2 pin site infections treated with oral
      antibiotherapy and pin site care. We did not detect any Schanz screw breakage,
      loosening, deep infection, nonunion, or malunion. CONCLUSIONS: Computer-assisted
      external fixation systems can be used in the treatment of open fractures, and
      they provide the chance for acute or gradual correction. Preoperative planning
      and assistant devices with depth measures may decrease the procedure time and the
      need for fluoroscopy use.

PMID- 27117828
TI  - Advanced glycation endproducts and their receptor in different body compartments
      in COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung
      disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation and emphysema, and is caused
      by exposure to noxious particles or gases, e.g. cigarette smoke. Smoking and
      oxidative stress lead to accelerated formation and accumulation of advanced
      glycation end products (AGEs), causing local tissue damage either directly or by
      binding the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). This study assessed the association of AGEs
      or RAGE in plasma, sputum, bronchial biopsies and skin with COPD and lung
      function, and their variance between these body compartments. METHODS: Healthy
      smoking and never-smoking controls (n = 191) and COPD patients (n = 97, GOLD
      stage I-IV) were included. Autofluorescence (SAF) was measured in the skin, AGEs
      (pentosidine, CML and CEL) and sRAGE in blood and sputum by ELISA, and in
      bronchial biopsies by immunohistochemistry. eQTL analysis was performed in
      bronchial biopsies. RESULTS: COPD patients showed higher SAF values and lower
      plasma sRAGE levels compared to controls and these values associated with
      decreased lung function (p <0.001; adjusting for relevant covariates). Lower
      plasma sRAGE levels significantly and independently predicted higher SAF values
      (p < 0.001). One SNP (rs2071278) was identified within a region of 50 kB flanking
      the AGER gene, which was associated with the gene and protein expression levels
      of AGER and another SNP (rs2071278) which was associated with the accumulation of
      AGEs in the skin. CONCLUSION: In COPD, AGEs accumulate differentially in body
      compartments, i.e. they accumulate in the skin, but not in plasma, sputum and
      bronchial biopsies. The association between lower sRAGE and higher SAF levels
      supports the hypothesis that the protective mechanism of sRAGE as a decoy
      receptor is impaired in COPD.

PMID- 27117829
TI  - Germ-free and Antibiotic-treated Mice are Highly Susceptible to Epithelial Injury
      in DSS Colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intestinal microbiota is required to maintain immune
      homeostasis and intestinal barrier function. At the same time, intraluminal
      bacteria are considered to be involved in inflammatory bowel disease and are
      required for colitis induction in animal models, with the possible exception of
      dextran sulphate sodium [DSS] colitis. This study was carried out to ascertain
      the mechanism underlying the induction of colitis by DSS in the absence of
      bacteria. METHODS: Conventional and germ-free [GF] Naval Medical Research
      Institute [NMRI] mice were used, plus conventional mice treated with an
      antibiotic cocktail to deplete the intestinal microbiota ['pseudo-GF' or PGF
      mice]. The differential response to DSS was assessed. RESULTS: Conventional mice
      developed DSS-induced colitis normally, whereas GF mice showed only minimal
      inflammation [no colonic thickening, lower myeloperoxidase activity, IL-6, IL-17,
      TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma secretion by splenocytes and mesenteric cell cultures,
      etc.]. However, these mice suffered enhanced haemorrhage, epithelial injury and
      mortality as a consequence of a weakened intestinal barrier, as shown by lower
      occludin, claudin 4, TFF3, MUC3, and IL-22. In contrast, PGF mice had a
      relatively normal, albeit attenuated, inflammatory response, but were less prone
      to haemorrhage and epithelial injury than GF mice. This was correlated with an
      increased expression of IL-10 and Foxp3 and preservation barrier-related markers.
      CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that enteric bacteria are essential for the development
      of normal DSS-induced colitis. The absence of microbiota reduces DSS colonic
      inflammation dramatically but it also impairs barrier function, whereas subtotal
      microbiota depletion has intermediate effects at both levels.

PMID- 27117830
TI  - Treatment and monitoring of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immunologically induced
      lung disease that develops after inhalation of certain environmental antigens
      only in subjects with susceptibility to antigens. Therefore, both environmental
      and host immunological factors play important roles in the aetiology and
      pathogenesis of HP. AREAS COVERED: Determination of an inciting antigen is
      crucial for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. For treatment, modification of
      the environment and of the host immune response are important. The former
      includes reduction of antigenic burden (i.e. disinfectant, cleaning), protective
      devices (i.e. filter, respiratory protection mask, ventilation) and avoidance of
      inciting antigens. The latter includes corticosteroids, lung transplantation and
      smoking cessation. For monitoring, measurement of serum Krebs von den Lungen (KL)
      6 and surfactant protein (SP)-D concentrations can be used to screen for HP and
      to detect HP activity. Expert commentary: Measurement of an inciting antigen may
      be useful to predict the progression and prognosis of the disease. Treatment and
      monitoring are challenging in chronic HP with fibrosis.

PMID- 27117831
TI  - Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome with knee joint disorder.
AB  - Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) involves cutaneous vascular malformation
      characterized by multiple venous malformations. This commonly affects the skin
      and gastrointestinal tract. BRBNS is associated with anemia and occasionally
      involves orthopedic manifestations. A 6-year-old boy was referred to hospital for
      evaluation of anemia. He presented with a rubber-like soft-tissue mass in the
      left knee and the right side of the neck, recurrent pain, and fixed flexion
      contracture of the knee. Blood examination indicated consumption coagulopathy and
      anemia caused by not only iron-deficiency anemia but also microangiopathy.
      Endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract indicated multiple bluish-black sessile
      venous malformations. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of the knee
      showed intra-articular and intramuscular involvement. Based on these findings,
      BRBNS with knee joint disorder was diagnosed. With regard to vascular
      malformations, like other diseases such as inflammatory arthropathy,
      ultrasonography of the joint may become a new diagnostic approach for evaluating
      orthopedic manifestations. 

PMID- 27117832
TI  - PI3K as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Thymic Epithelial Tumors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare tumors originating from
      the epithelium of the thymus with limited therapeutic options beyond surgery. The
      pathogenesis of TETs is poorly understood, and the scarcity of model systems for
      these rare tumors makes the study of their biology very challenging. METHODS: A
      new cell line (MP57) was established from a thymic carcinoma specimen and
      characterized using standard biomarker analysis, as well as next-generation
      sequencing (NGS) and functional assays. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the
      mutations identified by NGS. RESULTS: MP57 possesses all the tested thymic
      epithelial markers and is deemed a bona fide thymic carcinoma cell line. NGS
      analysis of MP57 identified a mutation in the gene PIK3R2, which encodes a
      regulatory subunit of PI3K. Further analysis identified different mutations in
      multiple PI3K subunit genes in another cell line and several primary thymic
      carcinoma samples, including two catalytic subunits (PIK3CA and PIK3CG) and
      another regulatory subunit (PIK3R4). Inhibiting PI3K with GDC-0941 resulted in in
      vitro antitumor activity in TET cells carrying mutant PI3K subunits. CONCLUSIONS:
      Alterations of PI3K due to mutations in its catalytic or regulatory subunits are
      observed in a subgroup of TETs, in particular, thymic carcinomas. Targeting PI3K
      may be an effective strategy to treat these tumors.

PMID- 27117834
TI  - Ruthenium complexes of P-stereogenic phosphines with a heterocyclic substituent.
AB  - The synthesis via phosphine-boranes of 13 new optically pure P-stereogenic
      diarylphosphines P(Het)PhR (Het = 4-dibenzofuranyl (DBF), 4-dibenzothiophenyl
      (DBT), 4-dibenzothiophenyl-S,S-dioxide (DBTO2) and 1-thianthrenyl (TA); R = OMe,
      Me, i-Pr, Fc (ferrocenyl)) following the Juge-Stephan method is described. The
      ligands were designed with the aim of having a heteroatom in a position capable
      of interacting with a metal upon coordination. The ligands and their precursors
      have been fully characterised, including the determination of two crystal
      structures of phosphine-boranes. Ru neutral complexes of the type [RuCl2(eta(6)
      arene)(kappaP-P)] (arene = p-cymene and methyl benzoate) have been prepared and
      characterised, including three crystal structure determinations. Treatment of
      solutions of the complexes with TlPF6 allowed the preparation of well-defined
      cationic complexes [RuCl(eta(6)-arene)(kappa(2)P,S-P)]PF6 for DBT- and TA-based
      phosphines. The complexes possess a stereogenic Ru atom and in most of the cases
      they are present as a single isomer in solution. All the Ru complexes have been
      used in the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone in refluxing 2
      propanol, with good activities and up to 70% ee. 

PMID- 27117833
TI  - PD-L1 Expression in Lung Cancer.
AB  - Immunotherapies targeted against programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its
      receptor (PD-1) have improved survival in a subset of patients with advanced lung
      cancer. PD-L1 protein expression has emerged as a biomarker that predicts which
      patients are more likely to respond to immunotherapy. The understanding of PD-L1
      as a biomarker is complicated by the history of use of different
      immunohistochemistry platforms with different PD-L1 antibodies, scoring systems,
      and positivity cut-offs for immunotherapy clinical trials with different anti-PD
      L1 and anti-PD-1 drugs. Herein, we summarize the brief history of PD-L1 as a
      biomarker and describe the challenges remaining to harmonize PD-L1 detection and
      interpretation for best patient care.

PMID- 27117835
TI  - Studying self-awareness in children: validation of the Questionnaire of Executive
      Functioning (QEF).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: People with accurate representations of their own cognitive
      functioning (i.e. cognitive self-awareness) tend to use appropriate strategies to
      regulate their behavior. Due to the lack of appropriate instruments, few studies
      have examined the development of this ability among children. METHOD: This study
      tested the measurement properties of the self-rating and other-rating forms of
      the Questionnaire of Executive Functioning (QEF), designed to tap children's
      knowledge of their executive functioning. Specifically, the construct,
      convergent, and discriminant validities were investigated and a self-other
      discrepancy score was computed to assess children's executive self-awareness.
      Participants were 317 children aged 7-14 years old. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor
      analyses carried out on the QEF confirmed the eight-factor structure of both
      versions. There were significant correlations between the QEF and the parent
      versions of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, the Dysexecutive
      Questionnaire for Children, and the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory.
      Both forms of the QEF were able to distinguish between children who had sustained
      a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and control participants. A statistical difference
      was observed between the TBI and control groups on this score, suggesting that
      TBI may trigger self-awareness impairments in children. CONCLUSION: The good
      psychometric properties of the two forms of the QEF were established.
      Furthermore, results of the analyses carried out on the different discrepancy
      scores seem to indicate that the QEF could help clinicians to detect patients
      with self-awareness deficits.

PMID- 27117836
TI  - Association between autism symptoms and functioning in children with ADHD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
      symptoms and (a) social functioning, (b) mental health, (c) quality of life and
      (d) sleep in children with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
      (ADHD). METHODS: Participants were 6-10-year-old children with ADHD (N=164) and
      without ADHD (N=198). ADHD was assessed via community-based screening (wave 1)
      and case confirmation using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children IV
      (DISC-IV) (wave 2). ASD symptoms were identified using the Social Communication
      Questionnaire (SCQ). Outcome measures were social functioning (Strengths and
      Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)), mental health (DISC-IV, SDQ), quality of life
      (QoL, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0) and sleep problem severity.
      RESULTS: Greater ASD symptoms were associated with more parent and teacher
      reported peer problems and emotional and conduct problems. For every SD increase
      in SCQ scores, internalising (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3 to 2.6, p=0.001) and
      externalising disorders (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.1, p=0.02) increased, QoL
      decreased by 6.7 units (p<0.001), and moderate/severe sleep problems increased
      (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.2, p=0.04). Most findings held in analyses adjusting for
      socio-demographic factors, ADHD symptom severity and comorbidities (when not the
      outcome), with the exception of externalising disorders and sleep problems.
      CONCLUSIONS: ASD symptoms are associated with poorer functioning in children with
      ADHD. It is important to identify and potentially manage ASD symptoms in children
      with ADHD given that they exacerbate functional impairments in this already
      vulnerable group.

PMID- 27117837
TI  - Back to school: challenges and rewards of engaging young children in scientific
      research.

PMID- 27117838
TI  - Toxic shock syndrome in Australian children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data describing the epidemiology, management and
      outcomes of children with toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a potentially life
      threatening illness. Here, we describe the incidence, clinical features,
      treatment and outcome of children with staphylococcal and streptococcal TSS in
      Victoria, Australia. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of children admitted
      between 2003 and 2014 to two tertiary paediatric referral centres who fulfilled
      the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention case definition of TSS. RESULTS:
      There were 62 cases over the 11-year period; 43 staphylococcal TSS and 19
      streptococcal TSS. The majority (46 (74%)) of cases were admitted to an intensive
      care unit and 44 (71%) required inotropic support. Compared with those with
      staphylococcal TSS, patients with streptococcal TSS were younger, more unwell and
      more likely to have residual morbidity. Adjunctive therapy with intravenous
      immunoglobulin or clindamycin was used in 58 (94%) of cases and fresh frozen
      plasma was used in 15 (24%). Seven patients received extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation. All patients survived. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the
      importance of early recognition of TSS and supports rapid tertiary referral and
      intensive care management, which includes the use of adjunctive therapy with
      intravenous immunoglobulin and clindamycin.

PMID- 27117839
TI  - Melatonin attenuates traumatic brain injury-induced inflammation: a possible role
      for mitophagy.
AB  - Melatonin functions as a crucial mediator of sterile neuroinflammation; however,
      the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Dysfunctional mitochondria, a
      main source of reactive oxygen species, are impacted in inflammation activation.
      This study aimed to examine the effect of melatonin on inflammation via
      elimination of damaged mitochondria after controlled cortical impact, an in vivo
      model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Here, we demonstrated that inhibition of
      mitophagy, the selective degradation of damaged mitochondria by autophagy,
      markedly enhanced inflammation induced by TBI. Melatonin treatment activated
      mitophagy through the mTOR pathway, then to attenuate TBI-induced inflammation.
      Furthermore, treatment with melatonin significantly ameliorated neuronal death
      and behavioral deficits after TBI, while 3-methyladenine reversed this effect by
      inhibiting mitophagy. Taken together, these results highlight a role for
      melatonin in protecting against TBI-triggered immunopathology, which is
      accomplished by negatively regulating inflammation activation and IL-1beta
      secretion via the autophagy of damaged mitochondria. 

PMID- 27117840
TI  - Sleep, circadian rhythm and body weight: parallel developments.
AB  - Circadian alignment is crucial for body-weight management, and for metabolic
      health. In this context, circadian alignment consists of alignment of sleep, meal
      patterns and physical activity. During puberty a significant reduction in sleep
      duration occurs, and pubertal status is inversely associated with sleep duration.
      A consistent inverse association between habitual sleep duration and body-weight
      development occurs, independent of possible confounders. Research on misalignment
      reveals that circadian misalignment affects sleep-architecture and subsequently
      disturbs glucose-insulin metabolism, substrate oxidation, leptin- and ghrelin
      concentrations, appetite, food reward, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis
      activity and gut-peptide concentrations enhancing positive energy balance and
      metabolic disturbance. Not only aligning meals and sleep in a circadian way is
      crucial, also regular physical activity during the day strongly promotes the
      stability and amplitude of circadian rhythm, and thus may serve as an instrument
      to restore poor circadian rhythms. Endogenicity may play a role in interaction of
      these environmental variables with a genetic predisposition. In conclusion,
      notwithstanding the separate favourable effects of sufficient daily physical
      activity, regular meal patterns, sufficient sleep duration and quality sleep on
      energy balance, the overall effect of the amplitude and stability of the
      circadian rhythm, perhaps including genetic predisposition, may integrate the
      separate effects in an additive way.

PMID- 27117841
TI  - eSTGt: a programming and simulation environment for population dynamics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have previously presented a formal language for describing
      population dynamics based on environment-dependent Stochastic Tree Grammars
      (eSTG). The language captures in broad terms the effect of the changing
      environment while abstracting away details on interaction among individuals. An
      eSTG program consists of a set of stochastic tree grammar transition rules that
      are context-free. Transition rule probabilities and rates, however, can depend on
      global parameters such as population size, generation count and elapsed time. In
      addition, each individual may have an internal state, which can change during
      transitions. RESULTS: This paper presents eSTGt (eSTG tool), an eSTG programming
      and simulation environment. When executing a program, the tool generates the
      corresponding lineage trees as well as the internal states values, which can then
      be analyzed either through the tool's GUI or using MATLAB's command-line
      environment. CONCLUSIONS: The presented tool allows researchers to use existing
      biological knowledge in order to model the dynamics of a developmental process
      and analyze its behavior throughout the historical events. Simulated lineage
      trees can be used to validate various hypotheses in silico and to predict the
      behavior of dynamical systems under various conditions. Written under MATLAB
      environment, the tool also enables to easily integrate the output data within the
      user's downstream analysis.

PMID- 27117842
TI  - Clinical and Pathologic Predictors of Lymph Node Metastasis and Recurrence in
      Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
      (PTMC) is controversial because PTMC is often found incidentally and its
      prognosis is very good. Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is one of the main predictors
      of recurrence and survival. This retrospective study aimed to identify clinical
      and pathologic factors that increase the risk of metastasis or recurrence, in
      order to isolate clinically unfavorable PTMCs to help guide therapy. METHODS:
      Clinical and pathologic data were collected from 273 patients diagnosed with PTMC
      at The University of Chicago Medical Center between 2000 and 2011. Data points
      included age, sex, race/ethnicity, tumor size, multifocality, thyroiditis,
      extrathyroidal extension (ETE), surgical margins, preoperative clinical suspicion
      of cancer, central/lateral lymph nodes removed and lymph nodes with metastatic
      carcinoma, treatment, local recurrence, distant recurrence, and survival.
      RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression showed that age <45 years (odds ratio
      [OR] = 3.565 [confidence interval (CI) 1.137-11.177]), multifocality (OR = 3.556
      [CI 1.066-11.855]), and ETE (OR = 4.622 [CI = 1.068-20.011]) significantly
      increased the risk of central LNM (CLNM). However, sex, size of tumor,
      thyroiditis, positive margins, and clinical suspicion were not correlated with an
      increased risk for CLNM. Multivariate logistic regression showed that only ETE
      (OR = 16.066 [CI 1.850-139.488]) significantly increased the risk of lateral LNM.
      In the cohort of 202 patients with follow-up data, only six recurred. Median time
      to recurrence was approximately 12 months (range 3.5-120 months), and median
      follow-up was 42 months. No patient had distant metastasis, and no patients died.
      CONCLUSIONS: PTMC is an indolent disease, but does pose a risk for LNM and local
      recurrence. More aggressive treatment or more frequent follow-up could be
      considered for patients with unfavorable features (age <45 years, multifocality,
      ETE), especially in the setting of involved lymph nodes at the time of surgical
      resection, as these patients may be at an increased risk for recurrence.

PMID- 27117843
TI  - Serologic microbial associated markers can predict Crohn's disease behaviour
      years before disease diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) have serologic responses to
      various microbial antigens. Serologic markers are associated with aggressive
      forms of disease and can be detected before onset of symptoms. Their utility in
      pre-clinical disease or prediction of complicated disease course before diagnosis
      is unclear. AIM: To evaluate the pattern of serologic anti-microbial antibodies
      long prior to diagnosis and the subsequent risk of complicated Crohn's disease at
      diagnosis. METHODS: Sera from 100 US military personnel with Crohn's disease were
      obtained from the Department of Defense Serum Repository. For each patient, four
      samples were obtained at different time points before and around diagnosis, and
      were tested for 6 microbiota-directed antibodies (ASCA-IgA, ASCA-IgG, anti-OmpC,
      anti-CBir1, anti-A4-Fla2 and anti-FlaX). Associations between the presence and
      accumulation of Crohn's disease anti-microbial antibodies before diagnosis and
      with the later development of complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 65
      patients were positive for at least one Crohn's disease associated anti-microbial
      antibody in the earliest available sample, at a median of 6 years before Crohn's
      disease diagnosis (interquartile range, 5.6-8.2). The number of positive anti
      microbial antibodies increased up to the time of Crohn's disease diagnosis.
      Complicated disease developed around the time of diagnosis in 24 patients. The
      proportion of positive antimicrobial antibodies before diagnosis was higher in
      patients with complicated vs. noncomplicated Crohn's disease. There was an
      inverse relationship between the time to first complication and the magnitude of
      serologic response before diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The presence and accumulation of
      circulating anti-microbial antibodies years before Crohn's disease diagnosis was
      associated with complicated Crohn's disease at or shortly after diagnosis.

PMID- 27117844
TI  - Calcium and Vitamin D Deficiency in Vietnamese: Recommendations for an
      Intervention Strategy.
AB  - In recent years, reports have described various roles of vitamin D in human
      health. Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a significant public health problem
      throughout the world. Even in the Vietnamese context, it has been reported to be
      present in a majority of the population in spite of the wide availability of
      sunlight. Vitamin D and calcium are essential nutrients for bone health. The
      proposed health benefits of vitamin D and calcium have attracted increased
      interest from health care professionals, the media, and the public. The aim of
      this paper is to summarize the published data on vitamin D and calcium intake as
      well as on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the Vietnamese population,
      and to provide recommendations for a proper strategy to control calcium and
      vitamin D deficiency in this population. The national authorities should adopt
      policies aimed at improving vitamin D and calcium status by using measures such
      as dietary recommendations, food fortification, vitamin D supplementation, and
      judicious sun exposure. 

PMID- 27117845
TI  - Administration of Thiamine and Thiochrome Enhanced Reproduction of Chlorella,
      Drosophila melanogaster, and Danio.
AB  - Thiochrome, a natural metabolite of thiamine, has scarcely attracted the
      attention of researchers, since many of them considered it to be a biologically
      inactive substance. We examined a possible effect of thiochrome upon the
      reproduction of the organisms of Chlorella, Drosophila, and Danio. We added
      thiamine or thiochrome to the culture medium or to the aquaria. Our data showed
      that the number of cells and organisms were increased in the presence of thiamine
      and thiochrome. We suggest possible effect(s) of thiamine and thiochrome on the
      reproduction of these organisms. 

PMID- 27117846
TI  - Dehydroepiandrosterone Alters Retinol Status and Expression of the beta-Carotene
      15,15'-Monooxygenase and Lecithin:Retinol Acyltransferase Genes.
AB  - Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S) are the
      most abundant adrenal steroids in humans. DHEA has a critical role as a steroidal
      precursor of androgens and/or estrogens, and in human studies and animal
      experiments, both DHEA and DHEA-S have multiple beneficial effects. However,
      there are few reports regarding the relationship between DHEA and nutrient
      status, especially for vitamins. Therefore, we elucidated the effect of DHEA
      administration on retinol status. Wistar rats were fed with a standard diet
      containing 0.4% (wt/wt) DHEA for 2 wk. We assessed retinol status and the
      expression of retinol-related proteins, including metabolic enzymes, binding
      proteins, cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes. Retinol levels
      in the plasma and the liver of DHEA-fed rats were lower than those of controls.
      Expression of beta-carotene 15,15'-monooxygenase (BCMO) in the liver and
      intestine of DHEA-fed rats was lower, whereas BCMO expression in the testes of
      DHEA-fed rats was higher than that of controls. Expression of the retinol
      metabolizing aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme ALDH1A2 was repressed in the
      liver of DHEA rats, whereas ALDH1A1 expression was unaltered. Hepatic expression
      of lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) and CYP26A1 was lower in DHEA-fed rats
      than in controls. Retinol status in DHEA-fed rats might be affected by altered
      BCMO expression in the liver and intestine and hepatic LRAT expression, whereas
      BCMO expression in peripheral tissues may be regulated in a tissue-specific
      manner. We have shown that DHEA administration may influence retinol status and
      the expression of retinol-related proteins. 

PMID- 27117847
TI  - The Effects of Light and Temperature on Biotin Synthesis in Pea Sprouts.
AB  - Biotin is an essential micronutrient, and is a cofactor for several carboxylases
      that are involved in the metabolism of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids.
      Because plant cells can synthesize their own biotin, a wide variety of plant
      based foods contains significant amounts of biotin; however, the influence of
      environmental conditions on the biotin content in plants remains largely unclear.
      In the present study, we investigated the effects of different cultivation
      conditions on the biotin content and biotin synthesis in pea sprouts (Pisum
      sativum). In the experiment, the pea sprouts were removed from their cotyledons
      and cultivated by hydroponics under five different lighting and temperature
      conditions (control [25oC, 12-h light/12-h dark cycle], low light [25oC, 4-h
      light/20-h dark cycle], dark [25oC, 24 h dark], low temperature [12oC, 12-h
      light/12-h dark cycle], and cold [6oC, 12-h light/12-h dark cycle]) for 10 d.
      Compared to the biotin content of pea sprouts under the control conditions, the
      biotin contents of pea sprouts under the low-light, dark, and cold conditions had
      significantly decreased. The dark group showed the lowest biotin content among
      the groups. Expression of the biotin synthase gene (bio2) was also significantly
      decreased under the dark and cold conditions compared to the control condition,
      in a manner similar to that observed for the biotin content. No significant
      differences in the adenosine triphosphate content were observed among the groups.
      These results indicate that environmental conditions such as light and
      temperature modulate the biotin content of pea plant tissues by regulating the
      expression of biotin synthase. 

PMID- 27117848
TI  - Folic Acid Supplementation Reduces the Mutagenicity and Genotoxicity Caused by
      Benzo(a)pyrene.
AB  - Folate is a vital vitamin for the human being and its deficiency can lead to a
      variety of clinical abnormalities ranging from neural tube defects to cancers.
      Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a strong mutagen and carcinogen, is considered one of the
      common contaminants in food. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      positive effect of folate on cancer prevention at a fundamental level. In the
      present study, we investigated the impact of folic acid on BaP-induced
      mutagenicity and genotoxicity by means of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The
      reformed Ames test was applied to study the antimutagenicity of folic acid
      against BaP. The protective effect of folic acid on cytotoxicity caused by BaP in
      human liver cell line L02 was evaluated by MTT assay. In addition, the effect of
      folic acid on the BaP-induced genotoxicity in vivo was assessed by mouse bone
      marrow micronucleus assay. The results indicated that folic acid significantly
      inhibited the reverse mutation of Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100,
      and protected the viability of human liver cells against BaP (p<0.01). The
      micronucleus test showed that all doses of folic acid had a remarkable protective
      effect for the female mice (p<0.01). In conclusion, folic acid was found to
      reduce the mutagenicity and genotoxicity induced by BaP. 

PMID- 27117849
TI  - Capric Acid Up-Regulates UCP3 Expression without PDK4 Induction in Mouse C2C12
      Myotubes.
AB  - Uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) in
      skeletal muscle are key regulators of the glucose and lipid metabolic processes
      that are involved in insulin resistance. Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have
      anti-obesogenic effects in rodents and humans, while long-chain fatty acids
      (LCFAs) cause increases in body weight and insulin resistance. To clarify the
      beneficial effects of MCFAs, we examined UCP3 and PDK4 expression in skeletal
      muscles of mice fed a MCFA- or LCFA-enriched high-fat diet (HFD). Five-week
      feeding of the LCFA-enriched HFD caused high body weight gain and induced glucose
      intolerance in mice, compared with those in mice fed the MCFA-enriched HFD.
      However, the amounts of UCP3 and PDK4 transcripts in the skeletal muscle of mice
      fed the MCFA- or LCFA-enriched HFD were similar. To further elucidate the
      specific effects of MCFAs, such as capric acid (C10:0), on lipid metabolism in
      skeletal muscles, we examined the effects of various FAs on expression of UCP3
      and PDK4, in mouse C2C12 myocytes. Although palmitic acid (C16:0) and lauric acid
      (C12:0) significantly induced expression of both UCP3 and PDK4, capric acid
      (C10:0) upregulated only UCP3 expression via activation of peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor-delta. Furthermore, palmitic acid (C16:0)
      disturbed the insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt, while MCFAs, including
      lauric (C12:0), capric (C10:0), and caprylic acid (C12:0), did not. These results
      suggest that capric acid (C10:0) increases the capacity for fatty acid oxidation
      without inhibiting glycolysis in skeletal muscle. 

PMID- 27117850
TI  - The Effects of a Hypocaloric Diet on Diet-Induced Thermogenesis and Blood Hormone
      Response in Healthy Male Adults: A Pilot Study.
AB  - Calorie restriction is a common strategy for weight loss and management.
      Consumption of food and nutrients stimulates diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), as
      well as pancreatic and gastrointestinal hormone secretion that may regulate
      energy metabolism. Yet, little is known about the impact of hypocaloric diets on
      energy metabolism-related parameters. In this study, we assessed the effects of
      hypocaloric diets on hormonal variance in relation to DIT in healthy adults. Ten
      healthy male adults were enrolled in a randomized crossover study comprising
      three meal trials. Each subject was given a meal of 200 (extremely hypocaloric),
      400 (moderately hypocaloric), or 800 kcal (normocaloric). Postprandial blood
      variables and energy expenditure were measured for 4 h (after the 200- and 400
      kcal meals) or 6 h (after the 800-kcal meal). DIT and postprandial changes in
      blood pancreatic peptide and ghrelin were significantly smaller after the
      extremely or moderately hypocaloric diet than after the normocaloric diet but
      were similar between the hypocaloric diets. Postprandial blood insulin, amylin,
      glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon-like peptide
      type-1 (GLP-1) increased in a calorie-dependent manner. Thermogenic efficiency
      (DIT per energy intake) was negatively correlated with the maximum blood level
      (Cmax) (p=0.01) and incremental area under the curve (p=0.01) of the blood GIP
      response. Calorie restriction thus leads to hormonal responses and lower DIT in
      healthy adults. Extreme calorie restriction, however, led to greater thermogenic
      efficiency compared with moderate calorie restriction. The postprandial GIP
      response may be a good predictor of postprandial thermogenic efficiency. 

PMID- 27117851
TI  - Factors Associated with Dietary Supplement Use among Preschool Children: Results
      from a Nationwide Survey in Japan.
AB  - This study was performed to reveal factors associated with dietary supplement use
      among Japanese preschool children in a nationwide survey. A cross-sectional,
      Internet survey was conducted among 2,058 mothers aged 20-40 y old who had
      preschool children and were registrants of a Japanese social research company in
      February 2013. The questionnaires assessed dietary supplement use, lifestyle and
      eating habits in both children and their mothers, eating awareness among mothers
      and the mothers' sources of health information. The study employed logistic
      regression analysis to evaluate the association between dietary supplement use
      and other variables. Dietary supplements were used by 8.0% of the children.
      Children who used supplements tended to be older in age, less likely to "get up
      cheerfully every morning," more likely to skip breakfast, eat out more
      frequently, and have mothers who used supplements, than children who did not use
      supplements. Mothers' level of education and household income were not associated
      with supplement use among their children. It is likely that mothers' anxiety
      about their children's health or unhealthy eating habits has a striking effect on
      supplement use among children. However, the actual dietary balance and daily
      rhythms of child supplement users were not irregular or unhealthy. It is
      necessary to give more accurate information on children's dietary habits and
      health to address mothers' anxiety. 

PMID- 27117852
TI  - Efficacy of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) and/N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Supplementation
      on Nutritional and Antioxidant Status of Male Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
      Disease (COPD) Patients.
AB  - Antioxidant therapy has a potential to be introduced as therapeutic modality for
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This study aimed to
      determine the effect of antioxidant supplementation [ascorbic acid and N
      Acetylcysteine (NAC)] on nutritional and antioxidant status in male COPD
      patients. A parallel and single blind randomised controlled clinical trial (RCT)
      was conducted at two medical centers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Seventy-nine
      subjects were recruited and randomly divided into four trial arms (i.e., NAC,
      vitamin C, NAC+vitamin C and control groups) for six mo. The primary outcome was
      changes in body mass index by estimating power of 90% and significance level of
      p<0.05. Repeated Measure ANOVA showed that there was a significant interaction
      effect on BMI (p=0.046) and carbohydrate intake (p=0.030), especially in the NAC
      group. Plasma glutathione (GSH) increased significantly in all intervention
      groups, especially in vitamin C (p=0.005). A single supplementation of NAC or
      vitamin C improved nutritional and antioxidant status of subjects. 

PMID- 27117853
TI  - Effects of Resistant Glucan Mixture on Bowel Movement in Female Volunteers.
AB  - Resistant glucan (RG) is a water-soluble polysaccharide resistant to hydrolysis
      by digestive enzymes in the human gastrointestinal system. RG mixture (RGM)
      contains more than 75% RG as dietary fiber and other saccharides. The effects of
      ingestion of 3.3, 6.6, and 13.2 g/d of RGM (containing of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 g/d
      RG as dietary fiber) on the fecal properties and the frequency of defecation were
      investigated in 60 female volunteers with constipation. The study was designed as
      a randomized, single-blinded, and placebo-controlled parallel-group trial. Each
      subject consumed RGM or a placebo (digestible maltodextrin) for 2 wk.
      Questionnaire data on the effects on bowel movement were analyzed according to
      defecation days, defecation frequency, fecal volume, fecal shapes, fecal color,
      fecal odor, and fecal excretory feeling. The results showed significant increases
      in defecation frequency (p<0.05), defecation days (p<0.05), and fecal volume
      (p<0.05) during the 13.2 g/d RGM ingestion period. The effects of RGM on
      defecation days and frequency showed a dose-dependent increase (p<0.05). These
      results suggested that the intake of RGM increased defecation days, defecation
      frequency, and fecal volume. In the gastrointestinal tract, RGM is useful as a
      water-soluble dietary fiber for the improvement of bowel movements. 

PMID- 27117855
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 27117854
TI  - Immune Milk Suppresses Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1.
AB  - Immune milk has been developed as a substitute for colostrum and contains a high
      concentration of IgG antibodies specific to the immunized pathogens. Meanwhile,
      bovine herpesvirus type-1 (BHV-1) naturally infects cattle worldwide, and its
      antibody is found in milk. Moreover, BHV-1 glycoprotein K, the major antigen,
      exhibits substantial homology with human herpes virus simplex 1 (HSV-1)
      glycoprotein K. On the basis of this evidence, we hypothesized BHV-1 antibody
      exists in immune milk and suppresses HSV-1 activity. This study investigated
      whether immune milk IgG recognizes HSV-1 and suppresses HSV-1 activity. IgG in
      immune milk was purified by affinity Protein A columns, and HSV-1-reactive IgG in
      immune milk IgG was detected and quantified by ELISA. The efficacy of the IgG
      against HSV-1 was analyzed using a reduction assay based on the cytopathic effect
      due to HSV-1 in the presence of macrophages. We detected a high concentration of
      HSV-1-reactive IgG in immune milk. Furthermore, IgG suppressed HSV-1
      pathogenicity in the presence of macrophages. These results indicate immune milk
      has protective activity against HSV-1 by opsonic activity owing to its high
      concentration of HSV-1-reactive IgG, which is likely the BHV-1 antibody. HSV-1 is
      currently a refractory infection with a worldwide distribution. Primary infection
      occurs via the oral cavity, but there is no effective precaution at this time.
      However, the present results suggest that taking oral immune milk may be an
      effective measure to prevent primary HSV-1 infection in the oral cavity. 

PMID- 27117856
TI  - Depiction of microglial activation in aging and dementia: Positron emission
      tomography with [11C]DPA713 versus [11C]( R)PK11195.
AB  - The presence of activated microglia in the brains of healthy elderly people is a
      matter of debate. We aimed to clarify the degree of microglial activation in
      aging and dementia as revealed by different tracers by comparing the binding
      potential (BPND) in various brain regions using a first-generation translocator
      protein (TSPO) tracer [11C]( R)PK11195 and a second-generation tracer
      [11C]DPA713. The BPND levels, estimated using simplified reference tissue models,
      were compared among healthy young and elderly individuals and patients with
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) and were correlated with clinical scores. An analysis of
      variance showed category-dependent elevation in levels of [11C]DPA713 BPND in all
      brain regions and showed a significant increase in the AD group, whereas no
      significant changes among groups were found when [11C]( R)PK11195 BPND was used.
      Cognito-mnemonic scores were significantly correlated with [11C]DPA713 BPND
      levels in many brain regions, whereas [11C]( R)PK11195 BPND failed to correlate
      with the scores. As mentioned elsewhere, the present results confirmed that the
      second-generation TSPO tracer [11C]DPA713 has a greater sensitivity to TSPO in
      both aging and neuronal degeneration than [11C]( R)PK11195. Positron emission
      tomography with [11C]DPA713 is suitable for the delineation of in vivo microglial
      activation occurring globally over the cerebral cortex irrespective of aging and
      degeneration.

PMID- 27117857
TI  - Switching to biosimilar infliximab (CT-P13): Evidence of clinical safety,
      effectiveness and impact on public health.
AB  - CT-P13, the biosimilar of infliximab, has been recently approved in the EU,
      Australia, Canada, Japan and many other countries. Thus, it was the first
      biosimilar approved in the field of rheumatology, dermatology and
      gastroenterology. Since there has been debate about the issue of switching from
      RMP to the biosimilar and some national societies have expressed concerns, this
      review was written with the following objectives: The review concludes that
      whilst prudent switching practices should be employed, growing safety experience
      accumulated thus far with CT-P13 and other biosimilars is favorable and does not
      raise any specific concerns. 

PMID- 27117858
TI  - 3D printed cellular solid outperforms traditional stochastic foam in long-term
      mechanical response.
AB  - 3D printing of polymeric foams by direct-ink-write is a recent technological
      breakthrough that enables the creation of versatile compressible solids with
      programmable microstructure, customizable shapes, and tunable mechanical response
      including negative elastic modulus. However, in many applications the success of
      these 3D printed materials as a viable replacement for traditional stochastic
      foams critically depends on their mechanical performance and micro-architectural
      stability while deployed under long-term mechanical strain. To predict the long
      term performance of the two types of foams we employed multi-year-long
      accelerated aging studies under compressive strain followed by a time-temperature
      superposition analysis using a minimum-arc-length-based algorithm. The resulting
      master curves predict superior long-term performance of the 3D printed foam in
      terms of two different metrics, i.e., compression set and load retention. To gain
      deeper understanding, we imaged the microstructure of both foams using X-ray
      computed tomography, and performed finite-element analysis of the mechanical
      response within these microstructures. This indicates a wider stress variation in
      the stochastic foam with points of more extreme local stress as compared to the
      3D printed material, which might explain the latter's improved long-term
      stability and mechanical performance.

PMID- 27117859
TI  - Resourcing an evolution of roles in general-practice: a study to determine the
      validity and reliability of tools to assist nurses and patients to assess
      physical activity.
AB  - Traditionally, GPs have been responsible for physical activity (PA) assessment
      within the general practice setting. Multiple questionnaires are available to
      support uptake of PA assessment but less than 30% of patients are assessed. A
      range of barriers hamper uptake. Evidence indicates that practice nurses (PNs)
      and patients are resourceful members of the general practice team but have been
      underutilised. This study assessed the validity and reliability of two
      instruments for assessing PA, administered by PNs and patients. The study aimed
      to identify robust tool(s) to support the evolving role of PNs and patients in
      prevention and management strategies in general practice. A purposive sample of
      PNs and patients from general practices in Sydney was invited to participate. The
      results of the PN- or patient-administered general practice physical activity
      questionnaire (GPPAQ) and the three-question physical activity questionnaire (3Q)
      were compared against accelerometer activity. The study examined agreement in
      classification of PA levels according to Australian PA recommendations. Validity
      showed low-moderate correlations between accelerometer and GPPAQ (rho=0.26), 3Q
      (rho=0.45). Seven-day test-retest reliability intraclass correlation coefficients
      (ICCs) were 0.82-0.95 for GGPAQ and 0.94-0.98 for 3Q. Agreement with PA
      recommendations was moderate for GPPAQ (kappa 0.73, 95% CI, 0.56-0.85) and fair
      for 3Q (kappa 0.62, 95% CI, 0.47-0.78). Although 3Q demonstrated higher
      correlation with accelerometry, GPPAQ demonstrated higher agreement with PA
      guidelines. Given GPPAQ showed reasonable rigour, it may prove useful for PN and
      patient use.

PMID- 27117860
TI  - The effect of maneuvers for shoulder delivery on perineal trauma: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Approximately 85% of vaginal deliveries are accompanied by perineal
      trauma. The objective of this trial was to compare the incidence of perineal
      trauma after primary delivery of either the anterior or posterior shoulder during
      vaginal delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a randomized single-blinded
      trial comparing primary delivery of either the anterior or posterior shoulder in
      women having their first vaginal delivery. Primary outcome was any perineal
      trauma. Results were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle and
      supplemented with a per-protocol and as-treated analysis. RESULTS: Between June
      2013 and March 2015, 650 women were randomized, and 543 (posterior, n = 281;
      anterior, n = 262) were included in the final intention-to-treat analysis. Most
      group characteristics were similar. The frequency of any perineal trauma did not
      differ between the two groups (posterior: 91.5%, anterior: 90.5%; odds ratio
      1.130, 95% confidence interval 0.628-2.032, p = 0.684). The results did not
      change after adjustment for basic characteristics with significant group
      differences (a1 odds ratio 1.174, 95% confidence interval 0.632-2.179, p = 0.612)
      or predefined risk factors (a2 odds ratio 1.139, 95% confidence interval 0.599
      2.166, p = 0.691). The rate of perineal trauma also did not differ between the
      groups in a "per-protocol" and "as-treated" analysis. CONCLUSIONS: There was no
      difference in the degree of perineal trauma after primary delivery of either the
      anterior or posterior shoulder. Consequently both maneuvers for shoulder delivery
      can be used at vaginal delivery, but further trials are warranted before certain
      methods can be recommended.

PMID- 27117861
TI  - De novo assembly of complete genome sequence of Planococcus kocurii ATCC
      43650(T), a potential plant growth promoting bacterium.
AB  - Planococcus kocurii ATCC 43650(T) is a halotolerant and psychrotolerant bacterium
      isolated from the skin of a North sea cod. Here, we present the first complete
      genome and annotation of P. kocurii ATCC 43650(T), identifying its potential as a
      plant growth promoting bacterium and its capability in the biosynthesis of
      butanol. 

PMID- 27117862
TI  - Generation of exogenous germ cells in the ovaries of sterile NANOS3-null beef
      cattle.
AB  - Blastocyst complementation (BC) systems have enabled in vivo generation of organs
      from allogeneic pluripotent cells, compensating for an empty germ cell niche in
      gene knockout (KO) animals. Here, we succeeded in producing chimeric beef cattle
      (Wagyu) by transferring allogenic germ cells into ovaries using somatic cell
      nuclear transfer and BC technology. The KO of NANOS3 (NANOS3(-/-)) in Wagyu
      bovine ovaries produced a complete loss of germ cells. Holstein blastomeres
      (NANOS3(+/+)) were injected into NANOS3(-/-) Wagyu embryos. Subsequently,
      exogenous germ cells (NANOS3(+/+)) were identified in the NANOS3(-/-) ovary.
      These results clearly indicate that allogeneic germ cells can be generated in
      recipient germ cell-free gonads using cloning and BC technologies.

PMID- 27117863
TI  - Structural insights into ribosome translocation.
AB  - During protein synthesis, tRNA and mRNA are translocated from the A to P to E
      sites of the ribosome thus enabling the ribosome to translate one codon of mRNA
      after the other. Ribosome translocation along mRNA is induced by the universally
      conserved ribosome GTPase, elongation factor G (EF-G) in bacteria and elongation
      factor 2 (EF-2) in eukaryotes. Recent structural and single-molecule studies
      revealed that tRNA and mRNA translocation within the ribosome is accompanied by
      cyclic forward and reverse rotations between the large and small ribosomal
      subunits parallel to the plane of the intersubunit interface. In addition, during
      ribosome translocation, the 'head' domain of small ribosomal subunit undergoes
      forward- and back-swiveling motions relative to the rest of the small ribosomal
      subunit around the axis that is orthogonal to the axis of intersubunit rotation.
      tRNA/mRNA translocation is also coupled to the docking of domain IV of EF-G into
      the A site of the small ribosomal subunit that converts the thermally driven
      motions of the ribosome and tRNA into the forward translocation of tRNA/mRNA
      inside the ribosome. Despite recent and enormous progress made in the
      understanding of the molecular mechanism of ribosome translocation, the sequence
      of structural rearrangements of the ribosome, EF-G and tRNA during translocation
      is still not fully established and awaits further investigation. WIREs RNA 2016,
      7:620-636. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1354 For further resources related to this article,
      please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 27117864
TI  - Eucaloric Ketogenic Diet Reduces Hypoglycemia and Inflammation in Mice with
      Endotoxemia.
AB  - Dietary strategies to alter the immune response to acute inflammation have the
      potential to improve outcomes in critically ill patients. A eucaloric ketogenic
      diet (EKD), composed predominantly of fat with very small amounts of
      carbohydrate, can provide adequate caloric support while minimizing spikes in
      blood glucose and reducing oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the effects of an EKD on glycemic control and the inflammatory response
      after acute endotoxemia in mice. Mice received either an EKD or a carbohydrate
      based control diet (CD) for 4 weeks. Animals subsequently underwent either a 2-h
      fast (postprandial) or an overnight fast (postabsorptive), and half of the
      animals in each diet group were randomized to receive either intraperitoneal
      lipopolysaccharide (1 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of saline. Glycemic
      response, insulin resistance, inflammatory cytokine levels, and the expression of
      key inflammatory and metabolic genes were measured. After endotoxin challenge,
      hypoglycemia was more frequent in mice fed a CD than an EKD in the postprandial
      period. This was due in part to the preservation of hepatic glycogen stores
      despite endotoxin exposure and prolonged fasting in mice fed an EKD. Furthermore,
      mice fed the CD had higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the postabsorptive
      period, with a fivefold higher expression of hepatic NFkappaB compared to mice
      fed the EKD in both fasting periods. These results suggest that the unique
      metabolic state induced by an EKD can alter the response to acute inflammation in
      mice.

PMID- 27117866
TI  - Arthroscopic Management of Hip Chondral Defects: A Systematic Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: To critically evaluate the evidence for arthroscopic management of
      chondral defects in the hip through a systematic literature review. METHODS: A
      systematic literature review was performed to identify all articles addressing
      the arthroscopic management of chondral defects about the hip. Case reports, open
      techniques, and those associated with osteonecrosis were excluded. Articles were
      assessed for sample size, location, severity, and size of chondral defects, and
      the surgical technique. Associated injuries, follow-up duration (months), and
      functional outcomes were recorded. Study cohorts were defined by a surgical
      technique (debridement v microfracture v autologous chondrocyte transplantation
      [ACT]). Statistical analysis was performed with a chi(2) test and analysis of
      variance with post hoc pairwise analysis for categorical and continuous data,
      respectively, with significance defined as P < .05. RESULTS: The literature
      search identified 269 articles, of which 12 clinical studies met inclusion
      criteria for this analysis. After pooling the data, there were 579 (64.7%)
      debridements, 279 (31.2%) microfracture, and 37 (4.1%) ACT performed. Patients
      were followed for an average of 27.1 months (range: 5 to 72 months). All lesions
      treated with either a microfracture or ACT were high grade (Outerbridge 3 to 4).
      However, lesion size was significantly larger in ACT-treated patients compared
      with those who underwent microfracture (357.3 +/- 96.0 mm(2)v 149.5 +/- 20.7
      mm(2); P = .020). All cohorts showed significant improvement in functional
      outcomes after hip arthroscopy (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review
      showed that arthroscopic debridement, microfracture, and ACT are associated with
      equivalent improvement in clinical outcomes in patients with high-grade chondral
      defects in the hip in the short- and midterm follow-up. In addition, although
      there were no differences in patient characteristics and demographics based on
      the surgical technique, we confirmed the hypothesis that lesion size varied
      significantly between arthroscopic techniques, and that the decision to use one
      technique over another may be determined by the size of the defect. Therefore,
      lesion size is likely to influence the development of hip- and technique-specific
      indications, and may also represent a useful metric for success of surgical
      intervention. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV
      studies.

PMID- 27117867
TI  - 5-hydroxymethylcytosine is detected in RNA from mouse brain tissues.
AB  - 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is considered as a novel DNA modification and
      plays an important role in cancer, stem cells, and developmental diseases. In
      this study, we demonstrated the existence of RNA 5hmC modification in mouse brain
      RNA by using a dot blot analysis method. Our data indicated that 5hmC
      modification in RNA samples was less than that in DNA samples. Further, we
      optimized the conditions for 5hmC detection in RNA samples such as DNase
      treatment, denature reagents, denature time, sample air-dry time, and the cross
      linking time between RNA and membrane. Our results demonstrated that DNase
      treatment and denature reagents were two important factors that affected the 5hmC
      detection in RNA samples. By using the optimal conditions for RNA 5hmC detection,
      we found that the brainstem, the hippocampus, and the cerebellum had high levels
      of 5hmC modification and 5mC modification in RNA. Finally, we found that RNA 5hmC
      modification decreased in MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease model in mice. These
      suggest that 5hmC modification in RNA might play an important regulative role on
      protein or microRNA expression in these brain tissues. Because DNA 5hmC
      modification plays an important role in neural differentiation and development as
      well as neurological diseases, the significance of 5hmC modification in RNA in
      different neurological diseases needs further investigation. In summary, our
      study demonstrated for the first time the abundance of 5hmC modification in brain
      RNA by using a dot blot analysis method and proved that dot blot analysis is a
      useful method for 5hmC detection in RNA samples.

PMID- 27117868
TI  - The motor and visual networks in preterm infants: An fMRI and DTI study.
AB  - Knowledge regarding the association between functional connectivity and white
      matter (WM) maturation of motor and visual networks in preterm infants at term
      equivalent age (TEA) and their association with behavioral outcome is currently
      limited. Thirty-two preterm infants born <34 weeks gestational-age without major
      brain abnormalities were included in this study, underwent resting-state fMRI at
      TEA. Thirteen infants also underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
      Neurobehavioral assessments were performed at one and two years corrected age
      using the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales. Functional connectivity between
      homolog motor and visual regions were detected, which may reflect that a level of
      organization in these domains is present already at TEA. DTI parameters of WM
      tracts at TEA demonstrated spatial-temporal variability, with the splenium of the
      corpus-callosum (CC) found to be the most mature fiber bundle. Correlations
      between DTI parameters, functional connectivity and behavioral outcome were
      detected, yet did not show the same pattern of diffusivity changes in the
      different networks. Visual functional connectivity was negatively correlated with
      radial-diffusivity (RD) in the optic radiation, while motor functional
      connectivity was positively correlated with RD in the splenium. In addition,
      axial-diffusivity (AD) and RD in the genu and midbody of the CC were positively
      correlated with neurobehavioral outcome at one and 2 years of age. This study
      highlights the importance of understanding the spatial-temporal changes occurring
      during this sensitive period of development and the potential effect of
      extrauterine exposure on the microstructural changes as measured by DTI; their
      correlation with functional connectivity; and their long term relationship with
      neuro-behavioral development.

PMID- 27117865
TI  - Fatty Acid Binding Protein-1 (FABP1) and the Human FABP1 T94A Variant: Roles in
      the Endocannabinoid System and Dyslipidemias.
AB  - The first discovered member of the mammalian FABP family, liver fatty acid
      binding protein (FABP1, L-FABP), occurs at high cytosolic concentration in liver,
      intestine, and in the case of humans also in kidney. While the rat FABP1 is well
      studied, the extent these findings translate to human FABP1 is not clear
      especially in view of recent studies showing that endocannabinoids and
      cannabinoids represent novel rat FABP1 ligands and FABP1 gene ablation impacts
      the hepatic endocannabinoid system, known to be involved in non-alcoholic fatty
      liver (NAFLD) development. Although not detectable in brain, FABP1 ablation
      nevertheless also impacts brain endocannabinoids. Despite overall tertiary
      structure similarity, human FABP1 differs significantly from rat FABP1 in
      secondary structure, much larger ligand binding cavity, and
      affinities/specificities for some ligands. Moreover, while both mouse and human
      FABP1 mediate ligand induction of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor
      alpha (PPARalpha), they differ markedly in pattern of genes induced. This is
      critically important because a highly prevalent human single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) (26-38 % minor allele frequency and 8.3 +/- 1.9 % homozygous)
      results in a FABP1 T94A substitution that further accentuates these species
      differences. The human FABP1 T94A variant is associated with altered body mass
      index (BMI), clinical dyslipidemias (elevated plasma triglycerides and LDL
      cholesterol), atherothrombotic cerebral infarction, and non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease (NAFLD). Resolving human FABP1 and the T94A variant's impact on the
      endocannabinoid and cannabinoid system is an exciting challenge due to the
      importance of this system in hepatic lipid accumulation as well as behavior,
      pain, inflammation, and satiety.

PMID- 27117869
TI  - Non-symbolic and symbolic notations in simple arithmetic differentially involve
      intraparietal sulcus and angular gyrus activity.
AB  - Addition problems can be solved by mentally manipulating quantities for which the
      bilateral intraparietal sulcus (IPS) is likely recruited, or by retrieving the
      answer directly from fact memory in which the left angular gyrus (AG) and
      perisylvian areas may play a role. Mental addition is usually studied with
      problems presented in the Arabic notation (4+2), and less so with number words
      (four+two) or dots (:: +..). In the present study, we investigated how the
      notation of numbers influences processing during simple mental arithmetic. Twenty
      five highly educated participants performed simple arithmetic while their brain
      activity was recorded with functional magnetic resonance imaging. To reveal the
      effect of number notation, arithmetic problems were presented in a non-symbolic
      (Dots) or symbolic (Arabic; Words) notation. Furthermore, we asked whether IPS
      processing during mental arithmetic is magnitude specific or of a more general,
      visuospatial nature. To this end, we included perception and manipulation of non
      magnitude formats (Colors; unfamiliar Japanese Characters). Increased IPS
      activity was observed, suggesting magnitude calculations during addition of non
      symbolic numbers. In contrast, there was greater activity in the AG and
      perisylvian areas for symbolic compared to non-symbolic addition, suggesting
      increased verbal fact retrieval. Furthermore, IPS activity was not specific to
      processing of numerical magnitude but also present for non-magnitude stimuli that
      required mental visuospatial processing (Color-mixing; Character-memory measured
      by a delayed match-to-sample task). Together, our data suggest that simple non
      symbolic sums are calculated using visual imagery, whereas answers for simple
      symbolic sums are retrieved from verbal memory.

PMID- 27117870
TI  - Injury to the nervous system: A look into the ER.
AB  - Injury to the central or peripheral nervous systems leads to the loss of
      cognitive and/or sensorimotor capabilities that still lack an effective
      treatment. Although injury to the nervous system involves multiple and complex
      molecular factors, alteration to protein homeostasis is emerging as a relevant
      pathological mechanism. In particular, chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress
      is proposed as a possible driver of neuronal dysfunction in conditions such as
      spinal cord injury, stroke and damage to peripheral nerves. Importantly,
      manipulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a homeostatic pathway
      engaged by ER stress, has proved effective in improving cognitive and motor
      recovery after nervous system injury. Here we provide an overview on recent
      findings depicting a functional role of the UPR to the functional recovery after
      injury in the peripheral and central nervous systems. This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled SI:ER stress.

PMID- 27117871
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum stress in human photoreceptor diseases.
AB  - Photoreceptors are specialized sensory neurons essential for light detection in
      the human eye. Photoreceptor cell dysfunction and death cause vision loss in many
      eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and achromatopsia. Endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) stress and Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) signaling have been
      implicated in the development and pathology of heritable forms of retinitis
      pigmentosa and achromatopsia. We review the role of ER stress and UPR in
      retinitis pigmentosa arising from misfolded rhodopsins (RHO) and in achromatopsia
      arising from genetic mutations in Activating Transcription Factor 6 (ATF6). This
      article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:ER stress.

PMID- 27117872
TI  - sFRP4-dependent Wnt signal modulation is critical for bone remodeling during
      postnatal development and age-related bone loss.
AB  - sFRP4 is an extracellular Wnt antagonist that fine-tunes its signal activity by
      direct binding to Wnts. Bone fragility under oxidative stress by diabetes and
      aging is partly related to the suppression of the Wnt signal through upregulated
      sFRP4. Here, to explore the functions of sFRP4 as a balancer molecule in bone
      development and remodeling, we analyzed the sFRP4 knock-in mouse strain. X-gal
      and immunohistochemically stained signals in sFRP4-LacZ heterozygous mice were
      detectable in restricted areas, mostly in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, of the
      femoral diaphysis after neonatal and postnatal stages. Histological and MUCT
      analyses showed increased trabecular bone mass with alteration of the Wnt signal
      and osteogenic activity in sFRP4 mutants; this augmented the effect of the
      buildup of trabecular bone during the ageing period. Our results indicate that
      sFRP4 plays a critical role in bone development and remodeling by regulating
      osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and that its functional loss prevents age-related
      bone loss in the trabecular bone area. These findings imply that sFRP4 functions
      as a key potential endogenous balancer of the Wnt signaling pathway by
      efficiently having direct influence on both bone formation and bone absorption
      during skeletal bone development and maintenance through remodeling.

PMID- 27117873
TI  - Determining and characterizing hapten loads for carrier proteins by MALDI-TOF MS
      and MALDI-TOF/RTOF MS.
AB  - The increasing number of bioconjugates used for bioanalytical purposes and in
      pharmaceutical industries has led to an increasing demand for robust quality
      control of products derived from covalently linking small molecules to proteins.
      Here we report, for the first time, a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF)-based method to determine the quantity and location
      of the hapten zearalenone (ZEN) introduced to the carrier protein conalbumin
      (Con). This bioconjugate is of special interest because of its application in
      lateral flow immunoassays commercially available for fast testing of food and
      feed for the presence of ZEN, a common contaminant of all major cereal grains
      worldwide. Mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of the intact protein turned out to be
      highly reproducible allowing for the determination of the average hapten load of
      the carrier protein. In that way an easy and fast method to screen for changes in
      ZEN load after bioconjugate synthesis was established. For a more detailed hapten
      load characterization, measurements at the peptide level were of importance.
      Systematic studies, implementing post-source decay (PSD) and high- and low-energy
      collision-induced dissociation (CID), showed characteristic fragmentation pattern
      for three model peptides carrying between one and three lysines (the primary
      target for the ZEN modification) besides other, less obvious modification sites
      (serine, arginine and the N-terminus). By this, indicative reporter ions (m/z 203
      and 316) and neutral losses (Deltam/z 373 and 317) for the ZEN modification in
      general, plus immonium ions (m/z 87, 142 and 159) for the lysine modification in
      particular were identified. Based on these findings, proteolytic peptides,
      tentatively assigned to be modified, were unequivocally confirmed to be affected
      by bioconjugation. For a protein carrying on average only 2-3 modifications per
      molecule 29 Lys out of 59 potential modifications sites were actually modified.
      Considerations taking the protein structure into account showed that the affected
      Lys were predominantly located on the protein's surface.

PMID- 27117874
TI  - A Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial of Single Dose of Oral Dexamethasone
      Versus 5 Days of Oral Prednisone in Acute Adult Asthma.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: Oral dexamethasone demonstrates bioavailability similar to that
      of oral prednisone but has a longer half-life. We evaluate whether a single dose
      of oral dexamethasone plus 4 days of placebo is not inferior to 5 days of oral
      prednisone in treatment of adults with mild to moderate asthma exacerbations to
      prevent relapse defined as an unscheduled return visit for additional treatment
      for persistent or worsening asthma within 14 days. METHODS: Adult emergency
      department patients (aged 18 to 55 years) were randomized to receive either a
      single dose of 12 mg of oral dexamethasone with 4 days of placebo or a 5-day
      course of oral prednisone 60 mg a day. Outcomes including relapse were assessed
      by a follow-up telephone interview at 2 weeks. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-three
      dexamethasone and 203 prednisone subjects completed the study regimen and
      telephone follow-up. The dexamethasone group by a small margin surpassed the
      preset 8% difference between groups for noninferiority in relapse rates within 14
      days (12.1% versus 9.8%; difference 2.3%; 95% confidence interval -4.1% to 8.6%).
      Subjects in the 2 groups had similar rates of hospitalization for their relapse
      visit (dexamethasone 3.4% versus prednisone 2.9%; difference 0.5%; 95% confidence
      interval -4.1% to 3.1%). Adverse effect rates were generally the same in the 2
      groups. CONCLUSION: A single dose of oral dexamethasone did not demonstrate
      noninferiority to prednisone for 5 days by a very small margin for treatment of
      adults with mild to moderate asthma exacerbations. Enhanced compliance and
      convenience may support the use of dexamethasone regardless.

PMID- 27117875
TI  - Seroprevalence and risk factors of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
      virus infection in endemic areas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the seroprevalence, latent infection rate and risk
      factors for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) infection,
      a cross-sectional study was conducted in the general population of the Western
      region of Anhui Province of China from 1 September to 31 December 2014. METHODS:
      Twelve villages with the highest rates of endemic SFTS infection were selected
      from six towns in two counties in the western region of Anhui Province. Blood
      samples were collected and tested for the presence of SFTSV-IgG antibodies by
      ELISA. Each participant was interviewed using a structured questionnaire before
      blood collection. Participants with seropositive specimens were further
      investigated using another structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 2126 blood
      specimens collected, 99 (4.66%) were seropositive for SFTSV. None of the
      participants had been diagnosed with SFTS before the blood collection or were
      accompanied by fever, thrombocytopenia and leukocytopenia after blood collection.
      Multivariate logistic regression model analysis revealed living in areas of
      uncontrolled vegetation growth, long-term residents of the locality and tick
      bites as high risk factors for SFTSV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The overall
      seroprevalence of SFTSV is higher in the western region of Anhui, possibly due to
      latent infection, with the main risk factors being living in areas of
      uncontrolled vegetation growth, long-term residents of the locality and tick
      bites. Further investigations are warranted to clarify the modes of SFTS virus
      transmission, while vector management, education on tick bite prevention and
      personal hygiene management should be implemented for high risk groups in endemic
      areas.

PMID- 27117876
TI  - A Population Shift between Sparsely Populated Folding Intermediates Determines
      Amyloidogenicity.
AB  - The balance between protein folding and misfolding is a crucial determinant of
      amyloid assembly. Transient intermediates that are sparsely populated during
      protein folding have been identified as key players in amyloid aggregation.
      However, due to their ephemeral nature, structural characterization of these
      species remains challenging. Here, using the power of nonuniformly sampled NMR
      methods we investigate the folding pathway of amyloidogenic and nonamyloidogenic
      variants of beta2-microglobulin (beta2m) in atomic detail. Despite folding via
      common intermediate states, we show that the decreased population of the
      aggregation-prone ITrans state and population of a less stable, more dynamic
      species ablate amyloid formation by increasing the energy barrier for amyloid
      assembly. The results show that subtle changes in conformational dynamics can
      have a dramatic effect in determining whether a protein is amyloidogenic, without
      perturbation of the mechanism of protein folding.

PMID- 27117877
TI  - Coupling of dyspnea perception and occurrence of tachypnea during exercise.
AB  - During exercise, tidal volume initially contributes to ventilatory responses more
      than respiratory frequency, and respiratory frequency then increases rapidly
      while tidal volume stabilizes. Dyspnea intensity is also known to increase in a
      threshold-like manner. We tested the possibility that the threshold of tachypneic
      breathing is equal to that of dyspnea perception during cycle ergometer exercise
      (n = 27). Dyspnea intensity was scored by a visual analog scale. Thresholds were
      expressed as values of pulmonary O2 uptake at each breakpoint. Dyspnea intensity
      and respiratory frequency started increasing rapidly once the intensity of
      stimuli exceeded a threshold level. The thresholds for dyspnea intensity and for
      occurrence of tachypnea were significantly correlated. An intraclass correlation
      coefficient of 0.71 and narrow limits of agreement on the Bland-Altman plot
      indicated a good agreement between these thresholds. These results suggest that
      the start of tachypneic breathing coincides with the threshold for dyspnea
      intensity during cycle ergometer exercise.

PMID- 27117878
TI  - Dietary astaxanthin supplementation attenuates disuse-induced muscle atrophy and
      myonuclear apoptosis in the rat soleus muscle.
AB  - Extended periods of skeletal muscle disuse results in muscle atrophy and
      weakness. Currently, no therapeutic treatment is available for the prevention of
      this problem. Nonetheless, growing evidence suggests that prevention of disuse
      induced oxidative stress in inactive muscle fibers can delay inactivity-induced
      muscle wasting. Therefore, this study tested the hypothesis that dietary
      supplementation with the antioxidant astaxanthin would protect against disuse
      muscle atrophy, in part, by prevention of myonuclear apoptosis. Wistar rats (8
      weeks old) were divided into control (CT, n = 9), hindlimb unloading (HU, n = 9),
      and hindlimb unloading with astaxanthin (HU + AX, n = 9) groups. Following 2
      weeks of dietary supplementation, rats in the HU and HU + AX groups were exposed
      to unloading for 7 days. Seven-day unloading resulted in reduced soleus muscle
      weight and myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA) by ~30 and ~47 %, respectively.
      Nonetheless, relative muscle weights and CSA of the soleus muscle in the HU + AX
      group were significantly greater than those of the HU group. Moreover,
      astaxanthin prevented disuse-induced increase in the number of terminal
      deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive nuclei. We
      conclude that astaxanthin supplementation prior to and during hindlimb unloading
      attenuates soleus muscle atrophy, in part, by suppressing myonuclear apoptosis.

PMID- 27117879
TI  - P-class pentatricopeptide repeat protein PTSF1 is required for splicing of the
      plastid pre-tRNA(I) (le) in Physcomitrella patens.
AB  - Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are widely distributed in eukaryotes and
      are mostly localized in mitochondria or plastids. PPR proteins play essential
      roles in various RNA processing steps in organelles; however, the function of the
      majority of PPR proteins remains unknown. To examine the function of plastid PPR
      proteins, PpPPR_4 gene knock-out mutants were characterized in Physcomitrella
      patens. The knock-out mosses displayed severe growth retardation and reduced
      effective quantum yield of photosystem II. Immunoblot analysis showed that knock
      out of PpPPR_4 resulted in a strongly reduced level of plastid-encoded proteins,
      such as photosystem II reaction center protein D1, the beta subunit of ATP
      synthase, and the stromal enzyme, Rubisco. To further investigate whether knock
      out of the PpPPR_4 gene affects plastid gene expression, we analyzed steady-state
      transcript levels of protein- and rRNA-coding genes by quantitative RT-PCR. This
      analysis showed that the level of many protein-coding transcripts increased in
      the mutants. In contrast, splicing of a spacer tRNA(I) (le) precursor encoded by
      the rrn operon was specifically impaired in the mutants, whereas the accumulation
      of other plastid tRNAs and rRNAs was not largely affected. Thus, the defect in
      tRNA(I) (le) splicing leads to a considerable reduction of mature tRNA(I) (le) ,
      which may be accountable for the reduced protein level. An RNA mobility shift
      assay showed that the recombinant PpPPR_4 bound preferentially to domain III of
      the tRNA(I) (le) group-II intron. These results provide evidence that PpPPR_4
      functions in RNA splicing of the tRNA(I) (le) intron, and hence PpPPR_4 was named
      plastid tRNA splicing factor 1 (PTSF1).

PMID- 27117880
TI  - Actinomadura adrarensis sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from Saharan soil.
AB  - A novel actinobacterial strain, designated ACD12T, was isolated from a Saharan
      soil sample collected from Adrar province, southern Algeria. A polyphasic study
      was carried out to establish the taxonomic position of this strain. Strain ACD12T
      was observed to form extensively branched substrate mycelia. Aerial mycelium was
      absent or was weakly produced on all media tested, while spore chains were short
      with a hooked and irregular spiral form (2-3 turns). The dominant diaminopimelic
      acid isomer in the cell wall was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Glucose, ribose,
      galactose, mannose and madurose occured in whole-cell hydrolysates. The major
      phospholipid was diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The predominant
      menaquinone was MK-9(H6). The fatty acid profile was characterized by the
      presence of C16 : 0, C17 : 0, C15 : 0, C18 : 0, C18 : 1 cis9 and iso-C16 : 0.
      Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain ACD12T shared
      the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Actinomadura sputi
      DSM 45233T (98.3 %) and Actinomadura hallensis DSM 45043T (97.8 %). All tree
      making algorithms used also supported strain ACD12T forming a distinct clade with
      its most closely related species. In addition, DNA-DNA hybridization indicated
      only 39.8 % relatedness with A. sputi DSM 45233T and 18.7 % relatedness with A.
      hallensis DSM 45043T. The combined phenotypic and genotypic data show that the
      novel isolate represents a novel species of the genus Actinomadura, for which the
      name Actinomadura adrarensis sp. nov., is proposed, with the type strain ACD12T
      (=DSM 46745T =CECT 8842T).

PMID- 27117881
TI  - Effect of Water Adsorption on the Photoluminescence of Silicon Quantum Dots.
AB  - The optical properties of silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) are strongly influenced
      by circumjacent surface-adsorbed molecules, which would highly affect their
      applications; however, water, as the ubiquitous environment, has not received
      enough attention yet. We employed the time-dependent density functional
      calculations to investigate the water effect of photoluminescence (PL) spectra
      for Si QDs. In contrast with the absorption spectra, PL spectra exhibit distinct
      characteristics. For Si32H38, PL presents the single maximum in the dry and humid
      environment, while the emission spectrum displays a dual-band fluorescence
      spectroscopy in the low-humidity environment. This phenomenon is also observed in
      the larger Si QDs. The distinct character in spectroscopy is dominated by the
      stretching of the Si-Si bond, which could be explained by the self-trapped
      exciton model. Our results shed light on the Si-water interaction that is
      important for the development of optical devices based on Si-coated surfaces.

PMID- 27117883
TI  - Correction to Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2015; 3: 339-55.

PMID- 27117882
TI  - Explaining geographical variation in the presentation of primary
      hyperparathyroidism.

PMID- 27117884
TI  - Combining solid-state NMR spectroscopy with first-principles calculations - a
      guide to NMR crystallography.
AB  - Recent advances in the application of first-principles calculations of NMR
      parameters to periodic systems have resulted in widespread interest in their use
      to support experimental measurement. Such calculations often play an important
      role in the emerging field of "NMR crystallography", where NMR spectroscopy is
      combined with techniques such as diffraction, to aid structure determination.
      Here, we discuss the current state-of-the-art for combining experiment and
      calculation in NMR spectroscopy, considering the basic theory behind the
      computational approaches and their practical application. We consider the issues
      associated with geometry optimisation and how the effects of temperature may be
      included in the calculation. The automated prediction of structural candidates
      and the treatment of disordered and dynamic solids are discussed. Finally, we
      consider the areas where further development is needed in this field and its
      potential future impact. 

PMID- 27117885
TI  - Pneumopericardium after pericardiostomy.

PMID- 27117886
TI  - Establishing and evaluating FRAX(r) probability thresholds in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The Taiwanese FRAX(r) calculator was launched in 2010.
      However, cost-effectiveness thresholds for the prescription of antiosteoporosis
      medications were not established. This study aims to establish and evaluate
      FRAX(r)-based probability thresholds in Taiwan. METHODS: Using previous data from
      Taiwan and literature, we determined cost-effectiveness thresholds for prevention
      of osteoporotic fractures by alendronate with a Markov model, as well as using
      two other translational approaches. Sensitivity analysis was applied using
      different alendronate prices. A clinical sample was used to test these Taiwan
      specific thresholds by determining the percentages of high-risk patients who
      would be qualified for current National Health Insurance reimbursement. RESULTS:
      With the Markov model, the intervention threshold for hip fracture was 7% for
      women and 6% for men; for major osteoporotic fracture, it was 15% for women and
      12.5% for men. Both translational approach models were cost effective only for
      certain age groups. However, if branded alendronate was reimbursed at 60% of the
      current price, they became cost effective in almost all age groups. This clinical
      screening study showed that the National Health Insurance Administration model
      identified the highest proportion (44%) of patients qualified for National Health
      Insurance reimbursements, followed by the Markov model (30%), and the United
      States model (22%). CONCLUSION: Three FRAX(r)-based models of alendronate use
      were established in Taiwan to help optimize treatment strategies. The government
      is encouraged to incorporate FRAX(r)-based approaches into the reimbursement
      policy for antiosteoporosis medicines.

PMID- 27117887
TI  - Serial follow-up of presurgical treatment using pasireotide long-acting release
      with or without octreotide long-acting release for naive active acromegaly.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the serial changes of GH and IGF-1
      in seven patients with naive, active acromegaly following presurgical treatment
      of the somatostatin analog pasireotide long-acting release (LAR) and octreotide
      LAR. The patients were treated with pasireotide LAR with or without octreotide
      LAR for two years and underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomy. After treatment
      with the somatostatin analogs, the surgical cure rate was similar to that in
      patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery alone. Diabetes insipidus was not
      identified in any patients after the operation. Pasireotide LAR was effective on
      GH as well as IGF-1 suppression and tumor size decreasing when used as the
      primary therapy. Future large-population studies to investigate the surgical
      curative rate after presurgical treatment with somatostatin analogs in patients
      with acromegaly and macroadenomas close to the cavernous sinus are warranted.
      However, that hyperglycemia developed following pre-surgical treatment with
      pasireotide should take into consideration. 

PMID- 27117888
TI  - Impact of Saharan dust events on radionuclide levels in Monaco air and in the
      water column of the northwest Mediterranean Sea.
AB  - Characterization of atmospheric aerosols collected in Monaco (2004-2008) and in
      sediment traps at 200 m and 1000 m water depths at the DYFAMED (Dynamics of
      Atmospheric Fluxes in the Mediterranean Sea) station (2004) was carried out to
      improve our understanding of the impact of Saharan dust on ground-level air and
      on the water column. Activity concentrations of natural (210Pb, 210Po, uranium
      and radium isotopes) and anthropogenic (137Cs, 239Pu, 240Pu, and 239+240Pu)
      radionuclides and their isotopic ratios confirmed a Saharan impact on the
      investigated samples. In association with a large particulate matter deposition
      event in Monaco on 20 February 2004, the 137Cs (~40 Bq kg-1) and 239+240Pu (~1 Bq
      kg-1) activities were almost a factor of two higher than other Saharan deposition
      dust events. This single-day particle flux represented 72% of the annual
      atmospheric deposition in Monaco. The annual deposition of Saharan dust on the
      sea was 232-407 mBq m-2 for 137Cs and 6.8-9.8 mBq m-2 for 239+240Pu and
      contributed significantly (28-37% for 137Cs and 34-45% for 239+240Pu) to the
      total annual atmospheric input to the northwest Mediterranean Sea. The
      137Cs/239+240Pu activity ratios in dust samples collected during different
      Saharan dust events confirmed their global fallout origin or mixing with local re
      suspended soil particles. In the sediment trap samples the 137Cs activity varied
      by a factor of two, while the 239+240Pu activity was constant, confirming the
      different behaviors of Cs (dissolved) and Pu (particle reactive) in the water
      column. The 137Cs and 239+240Pu activities of sinking particles during the period
      of the highest mass flux collected in 20 February 2004 at the 200 m and 1000 m
      water depths represented about 10% and 15%, respectively, of annual deposition
      from Saharan dust events.

PMID- 27117889
TI  - The nature of genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis: constraining the
      possibilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological observations regarding certain population-wide
      parameters (e.g., disease-prevalence, recurrence-risk in relatives, gender
      predilections, and the distribution of common genetic-variants) place important
      constraints on the possibilities for the genetic-basis underlying susceptibility
      to multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Using very broad range-estimates for the
      different population-wide epidemiological parameters, a mathematical model can
      help elucidate the nature and the magnitude of these constraints. RESULTS: For MS
      no more than 8.5 % of the population can possibly be in the "genetically
      susceptible" subset (defined as having a life-time MS-probability at least as
      high as the overall population average). Indeed, the expected MS-probability for
      this subset is more than 12 times that for every other person of the population
      who is not in this subset. Moreover, provided that those genetically susceptible
      persons (genotypes), who carry the well-established MS susceptibility allele
      (DRB1*1501), are equally or more likely to get MS than those susceptible persons,
      who don't carry this allele, then at least 84 % of MS-cases must come from this
      "genetically susceptible" subset. Finally, because men, compared to women, are at
      least as likely (and possibly more likely) to be susceptible, it can be
      demonstrated that women are more responsive to the environmental factors that are
      involved in MS-pathogenesis (whatever these are) and, thus, susceptible women are
      more likely actually to develop MS than susceptible men. Finally, in contrast to
      genetic susceptibility, more than 70 % of men (and likely also women) must have
      an environmental experience (including all of the necessary factors), which is
      sufficient to produce MS in a susceptible individual. CONCLUSIONS: As a result,
      because of these constraints, it is possible to distinguish two classes of
      persons, indicating either that MS can be caused by two fundamentally different
      pathophysiological mechanisms or that the large majority of the population is at
      no risk of the developing this disease regardless of their environmental
      experience. Moreover, although environmental-factors would play a critical role
      in both mechanisms (if both exist), there is no reason to expect that these
      factors are the same (or even similar) between the two.

PMID- 27117890
TI  - Quality of diabetic care in an urban slum area of Mysore: A community based
      study.
AB  - AIMS:  MATERIALS AND METHODS: Community based cross sectional study was conducted
      in an urban slum of Mysore. Data was collected between July and August 2011.
      Known diabetics residing in this area were included in the study. Socio
      demographic information of diabetic patients, history, physicians advice and the
      extent of compliance of patients towards treatment were assessed. Descriptive
      statistics, like percentages were calculated. RESULTS: Study comprised of 104
      patients. Mean fasting and post prandial blood glucose was 163+/-70mg/dl and
      239+/-89mg/dl respectively. Common co-morbid conditions were hypertension and
      obesity. Key process indicators of care, indicated that adherence to medication
      advice was maximum and less than one fourth of them had an annual Hba1c and lipid
      profile examinations. CONCLUSIONS: To prevent long term complications associated
      with diabetes, doctors must adhere to the guidelines. There is a need to improve
      the health system, in terms of developing facilities to provide annual eye
      examination, annual lipid profile, urea, creatinine testing for diabetic patient.

PMID- 27117891
TI  - Translation into Portuguese and validation of the Rhinitis Control Assessment
      Test (RCAT) questionnaire.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT) is a simple self
      administered questionnaire developed to assess control of rhinitis. OBJECTIVES:
      Translate into Brazilian Portuguese and validate the RCAT. METHODS: The RCAT was
      translated into Portuguese by two translators and subsequently back-translated
      into English. It was then applied to 141 adolescents with allergic rhinitis.
      RESULTS: The internal consistency of the RCAT was 0.73. The questionnaire scores
      showed significant correlation with total nasal and extra-nasal symptom scores
      and nasal peak inspiratory flow (r: -0.73, -0.58 and 0.52, respectively; p<0.001)
      and were significantly different when divided by physician global assessment and
      total nasal symptom score severity. Cutoff points between 22 and 24 had the
      higher areas under the ROC curve to identify patients with rhinitis control.
      Total nasal and extra-nasal symptom scores were significantly different when a
      cutoff point of 22 was used (median: 4.0 vs. 8.0 and 2.0 vs. 5.0; p<0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the RCAT was shown to be a valid
      and discriminant tool to identify patients with controlled and uncontrolled
      allergic rhinitis.

PMID- 27117892
TI  - Human papillomavirus in oral cavity and oropharynx carcinomas in the central
      region of Brazil.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Molecular studies about carcinomas of the oral cavity and
      oropharynx demonstrate the presence of human papilomavirus genome in these
      tumors, reinforcing the participation of human papilomavirus in oral
      carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of human
      papilomavirus and genotype distribution of HPV16 and HPV18 in oral cavity and
      oropharynx carcinomas, as well as their association with clinical characteristics
      of the tumors. METHODS: This is a retrospective study, with clinical data
      collected from 82 patients. Human papilomavirus detection was conducted on
      specimens of oral cavity and oropharynx carcinomas included in paraffin blocks.
      Patients were assisted in a cancer reference center, in the central region of
      Brazil, between 2005 and 2007. Polymerase chain reaction was used for the
      detection and genotyping of human papilomavirus. RESULTS: Among the patients
      evaluated, 78% were male. The average age of the group was about 58 years. Risk
      factors, such as smoking (78%) and alcohol consumption (70.8%) were recorded for
      the group. HPV DNA was detected in 21 cases (25.6%; 95% confidence interval 16.9
      36.6) of which 33.3% were HPV16 and 14.3% were HPV18. The presence of lymph node
      metastases and registered deaths were less frequent in human papilomavirus
      positive tumors, suggesting a better prognosis for these cases; however, the
      differences between the groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION:
      The results obtained in the present study, with respect to the presence of the
      high-risk HPV16 and HPV18 genotypes, highlight the importance of human
      papilomavirus vaccination in the control of oral cavity and oropharynx
      carcinomas.

PMID- 27117893
TI  - Cavernous hemangioma in unusual location: pterygopalatine fossa.

PMID- 27117896
TI  - Comparative and transcriptional analysis of the predicted secretome in the
      lignocellulose-degrading basidiomycete fungus Pleurotus ostreatus.
AB  - Fungi interact with their environment by secreting proteins to obtain nutrients,
      elicit responses and modify their surroundings. Because the set of proteins
      secreted by a fungus is related to its lifestyle, it should be possible to use it
      as a tool to predict fungal lifestyle. To test this hypothesis, we
      bioinformatically identified 538 and 554 secretable proteins in the monokaryotic
      strains PC9 and PC15 of the white rot basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus.
      Functional annotation revealed unknown functions (37.2%), glycosyl hydrolases
      (26.5%) and redox enzymes (11.5%) as the main groups in the two strains. When
      these results were combined with RNA-seq analyses, we found that the relative
      importance of each group was different in different strains and culture
      conditions and the relevance of the unknown function proteins was enhanced. Only
      a few genes were actively expressed in a given culture condition in expanded
      multigene families, suggesting that family expansi on could increase adaptive
      opportunities rather than activity under a specific culture condition. Finally,
      we used the set of P. ostreatus secreted proteins as a query to search their
      counterparts in other fungal genomes and found that the secretome profiles
      cluster the tested basidiomycetes into lifestyle rather than phylogenetic groups.

PMID- 27117897
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27117898
TI  - Designing and validation of a yoga-based intervention for obsessive compulsive
      disorder.
AB  - Some yoga-based practices have been found to be useful for patients with
      obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The authors could not find a validated yoga
      therapy module available for OCD. This study attempted to formulate a generic
      yoga-based intervention module for OCD. A yoga module was designed based on
      traditional and contemporary yoga literature. The module was sent to 10 yoga
      experts for content validation. The experts rated the usefulness of the practices
      on a scale of 1-5 (5 = extremely useful). The final version of the module was
      pilot-tested on patients with OCD (n = 17) for both feasibility and effect on
      symptoms. Eighty-eight per cent (22 out of 25) of the items in the initial module
      were retained, with modifications in the module as suggested by the experts along
      with patients' inputs and authors' experience. The module was found to be
      feasible and showed an improvement in symptoms of OCD on total Yale-Brown
      Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) score (p = 0.001). A generic yoga therapy
      module for OCD was validated by experts in the field and found feasible to
      practice in patients. A decrease in the symptom scores was also found following
      yoga practice of 2 weeks. Further clinical validation is warranted to confirm
      efficacy.

PMID- 27117899
TI  - Subfoveal choroidal thickness as a predictor of treatment response to anti
      vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

PMID- 27117900
TI  - A phase I dose escalation study using simultaneous integrated-boost IMRT with
      temozolomide in patients with unifocal glioblastoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the maximum tolerated dose of simultaneous integrated-boost
      intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT) associated with temozolomide in
      patients with glioblastoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2009 and
      January 2012, nine patients with malignant glioma were enrolled in this phase I
      clinical trial. Radiotherapy was delivered using fractions of 2.5Gy on the
      planning target volume b and of 1.9Gy on the planning target volume a. Volumes
      were defined as follow: gross tumour volume b: tumour taking up contrast on T1
      weighted MRI images; clinical target volume b: gross tumour volume b+0.5cm
      (adapted to the anatomical structures) and lastly planning target volume b:
      clinical target volume b+0.5cm; gross tumour volume a: tumour (gross tumour
      volume b)+2cm and including oedema outlined on T2Flair MRI sequences; clinical
      target volume a gross tumour volume a+0.5cm (adapted to the anatomical
      structures); planning target volume a: clinical target volume a+0.5cm. Three
      patients were enrolled at each of the three levels of dose (70, 75 and 80Gy
      prescribed on the planning target volume b and 56, 60 and 60.8Gy on the planning
      target volume a). Radiotherapy was delivered with temozolomide according to the
      standard protocol. Dose-limiting toxicities were defined as any haematological
      toxicities at least grade 4 or as any radiotherapy-related non-haematological
      acute toxicities at least grade 3, according to the Common Terminology Criteria
      for Adverse Events, version 3.0. RESULTS: Until the last dose level of 80Gy, no
      patient showed dose-limiting toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: SIB-IMRT, at least until a
      dose of 80Gy in 32 daily fractions, associated with temozolomide is feasible and
      well tolerated.

PMID- 27117901
TI  - Three-dimensional computed tomographic analysis of variations of the carotid
      artery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the terms tortuous, coiling, and kinking have been used to
      describe the curvature of the carotid artery, the prevalence rates of these
      patterns have differed among studies. We morphologically evaluated the
      characteristics of the carotid artery by means of three-dimensional computed
      tomography (3DCT) to clarify the prevalence of tortuosity, coiling, and kinking.
      We present our results and discuss the clinical impact of our findings. METHODS:
      A total 148 patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT (including 55 patients who
      underwent dynamic CT), and anatomical variations were analyzed on the basis of
      3DCT images. RESULTS: Among the 296 arteries, tortuosity was present in 254
      (85.8%), coiling in 9 (3.0%), kinking in 3 (1.0%), and occlusion in 2 (0.7%).
      CONCLUSION: 3DCT image reconstruction is an effective means for classifying
      morphological variations of the ICA and detecting abnormalities of the carotid
      artery. It can thereby potentially reduce the risk of serious complications
      during neck surgery.

PMID- 27117902
TI  - Tracing Spasmodic Dysphonia: The Source of Ludwig Traube's Priority.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Since the mid-20th century, one citation is given historical priority
      as the first description of spasmodic dysphonia (SD): Ludwig Traube's 1871 case
      of the "spastic form of nervous hoarseness." Our objective is to understand how
      this case serves as the foundation of understanding laryngeal movement disorders.
      METHODS: The original German paper was located and translated. Bibliographical
      and bibliometric methods are used to determine the citation history of this
      original source over the past 140 years. RESULTS: Although secondary citations in
      contemporary publications typically credit Traube for establishing the clinical
      entity SD, his case does not conform to currently accepted diagnostic features.
      Citation patterns indicate the source of Traube's priority is publications by
      Arnold and Luchsinger, mid-20th-century ENT clinicians, particularly their
      influential 1965 textbook used to train US and UK clinicians on voice disorders
      for several generations. CONCLUSIONS: Sometimes secondary citations in medical
      literature lead to the inadvertent perpetuation of factual misrepresentation. The
      clinical picture of Traube's original case does not represent what clinicians
      would recognize as SD today. The rich 19th-century literature on voice disorders
      is a valuable resource for present day clinicians.

PMID- 27117903
TI  - Combined Surgical Approach to Giant Cholesteatoma: A Case Report and Literature
      Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cholesteatomas can grow to a remarkable size before clinically making
      their presence felt. Managing giant cholesteatomas and their complications can
      become a challenge for the otological surgeon. METHODS: We describe a case of a
      giant congenital cholesteatoma of the mastoid in an adult. The lesion extended to
      the sigmoid sinus, jugular bulb, carotid canal, occipital condyle, and the
      lateral portion of the first cervical vertebra. Surgical excision was performed
      using a combined microscopic and endoscopic surgical approach. RESULTS: Our
      combined surgical technique enabled a more accurate removal of the cholesteatoma
      than a microscopic approach alone, with no surgical complications or damage to
      the structures affected by the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Using endoscopic instruments
      to manage giant cholesteatomas can help to avoid complications and improve
      surgical radicality.

PMID- 27117904
TI  - Penetrating Neck Trauma: An Unusual Case Presentation and Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this report is to describe a case of a retained projectile
      metal object to the neck that occurred after airbag deployment during a motor
      vehicle accident. METHODS: Case report with literature review. RESULTS: After a
      motor vehicle accident on the interstate, a 19-year-old man presents to the
      emergency department for several open extremity fractures, a neck laceration, and
      a C1 lateral mass fracture. The trauma surgery team repaired the neck laceration
      with no further evidence of injury. Several weeks later on follow-up, the patient
      presents with dysphagia and pain when turning his head to the right. A repeat
      computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan revealed a metallic foreign body in
      the left posterior pharyngeal, prevertebral soft tissues, which was subsequently
      removed during exploratory surgery 2 months after his initial accident.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report, to our knowledge, of a projectile metal
      object to the neck that may be related to airbag deployment. The car involved in
      this accident was under recall for airbags that were associated with projectile
      objects, which warrants further investigation into the possible risks of such
      airbags.

PMID- 27117905
TI  - Superficial siderosis complicated by hydrocephalus: bleeding from the dura mater
      in the cerebrospinal fluid cavity after brain tumor surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In most patients with superficial siderosis of the central nervous
      system, the exact source of bleeding remains unknown and a treatment has not yet
      been established. METHODS: We herein presented a case of superficial siderosis
      complicated by hydrocephalus 19 years after supratentorial brain tumor resection.
      RESULTS: The bleeding source was identified as the dura mater in the intracranial
      cerebrospinal fluid cavity, and not a recurrent tumor. CONCLUSION: Chronic
      intracranial bleeding from the dura mater was successfully arrested by
      replacement of the dura mater with the autologous fascia of the thigh, and
      hydrocephalus was treated with endoscopic surgery.

PMID- 27117906
TI  - Clinical outcomes during the learning curve of MIDline Lumbar Fusion (MIDLF(r))
      using the cortical bone trajectory.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to review the clinical outcomes of a
      novel minimally invasive surgery (MIS) technique for the treatment of instability
      of the lumbar spine using the cortical bone trajectory (CBT). We present a
      prospective review of the clinical outcomes from the first 25 consecutive cases
      in a single unit during the initial learning phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      investigation group included the first 25 patients (eight males and 17 females)
      who underwent MIDLF(r) since the introduction of this technique in a single unit.
      All patients were operated on by the same surgeon. Patients' demographics, as
      well as duration their surgery, intraoperative blood loss, duration of
      hospitalization, and complications were analyzed. From the patients' satisfaction
      survey; pre and post-operative analgesics use, visual analogue scale (VAS) score
      for both back pain and radicular symptoms, as well as the Oswestry disability
      index (ODI) were measured and analyzed. RESULTS: There was a clear improvement in
      all measured parameters. The median intraoperative blood loss was 250 ml (200
      700) with an average operative time of 190 (+/-46) and 237 (+/-14) min for one-
      and two-level fixation respectively and a median hospital stay of 2 days (1-12)
      inclusive of the day of surgery. The mean preoperative ODI was 59 % (+/-18.7)
      versus 34 % (+/-19.5) post-operatively. In this series, 84 % of the patients (n =
      21) reported a significant reduction in the use of analgesia, and 44 % (n = 11)
      reported total freedom from intake of painkillers. The median postoperative pain
      free walking distance increased from 50 (0-3520) to 1000 (0-8880) yards. Three
      complications were reported without any significant postoperative morbidity.
      While in this case series the preoperative ODI and back pain VAS significantly
      predicted the post-operative variable, the same could not be demonstrated for leg
      pain, preoperative walking distance, number of pain killers, or the patient body
      mass index (BMI). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that lumbar instrumentation
      using CBT is safe and effective with comparable results to those published for
      posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) even with the learning curve of new
      procedures. Patients who underwent a MIDLF(r) needed a shorter operative time,
      and they were mobilized and discharged quicker, with figures almost similar to
      those from non-instrumented surgery. While in this case series the preoperative
      ODI and back pain VAS significantly predicted the post-operative variable, the
      same could not be demonstrated for leg pain, preoperative walking distance,
      number of pain killers, or the patient BMI. Larger studies with longer follow-up
      are needed in order to better understand and assess the possible advantages of
      this technique.

PMID- 27117907
TI  - Endoscopic endonasal anatomy of the ophthalmic artery in the optic canal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The endoscopic endonasal opening of the optic canal has been recently
      proposed for tumors with medial invasion of this canal, such as tuberculum sellae
      meningiomas. Injury of the ophthalmic artery represents a dramatic risk during
      this maneuver. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the endoscopic
      endonasal anatomy of the precanalicular and canalicular portion of this vessel,
      discussing its clinical implication. METHODS: The course of the ophthalmic artery
      was analyzed through five endoscopic endonasal dissections, and 40
      nonpathological consecutive MRAs were reviewed. RESULTS: The ophthalmic artery
      arises from the intradural portion of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery,
      in 93 % of cases about 1.9 mm (range: 1-3) posterior to the falciform ligament.
      At the entrance into the optic canal, the ophthalmic artery is located infero
      medially to the optic nerve in 13 % of cases. In 50 % of these cases the artery
      moves infero-laterally along its course, remaining in a medial position in the
      others. In cases with an non medial entrance of the ophthalmic artery, it runs
      infero-lateral to the optic nerve for its entire canalicular portion, with just
      one exception. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic endonasal approach gives a direct,
      extensive and panoramic view of the course of the precanalicular and canalicular
      portion of the ophthalmic artery. Dedicated high-field neuroimaging studies are
      of paramount importance in preoperative planning to evaluate the anatomy of the
      ophthalmic artery, reducing the risk of jeopardizing the vessel, particularly for
      those uncommon cases with an infero-medial course of the artery.

PMID- 27117908
TI  - [Acute myocardial infarction in a patient with no cardiovascular risk factors. A
      look backwards].

PMID- 27117909
TI  - [Abdominal aneurism screening in Primary Care].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To obtain the percentage of abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA)
      determined in men between 65-74 years old in a health centre using ultrasound,
      and to describe the distribution of risk factors in the whole sample and in
      patients with aneurism, as well as determining how many AAA are confirmed at the
      hospital and those cases of uncertain diagnosis. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A cross
      sectional study conducted on patients included from September 2014 to February
      2015. From a total of 212 randomised patients, a clinical interview and abdominal
      ultrasound were performed on 115 men, aged 65 to 74, telephone-recruited from a
      total of 171 that fulfilled inclusion criteria. RESULTS: An infra-renal AAA was
      found in 2.6% of the sample (95% CI 0.54-7.4). Just over half (51.3%) of the
      sample had arterial hypertension, and 76.1% were smokers or former smokers. The 3
      AAA found, one of which had an initial doubtful diagnosis, were confirmed by the
      Hospital Universitario Fundacion Jimenez Diaz. There were no losses. All of the
      patients with AAA were active smokers and had at least one other risk factor.
      CONCLUSION: The percentage of infra-renal AAA in the sample was lower than
      expected, but higher than the percentage found in other studies that did not
      consider smoking in the inclusion criteria.

PMID- 27117910
TI  - Autobiography Series: A Celebration of Memorable and Remarkable Teachers.

PMID- 27117911
TI  - The prevalence of periarticular lesions detected on magnetic resonance imaging in
      middle-aged and elderly persons: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that among persons with radiographic knee OA,
      periarticular lesions were significantly more common among participants with knee
      pain than those without. However, data were derived mostly from persons with knee
      OA, and there were few normal participants without knee OA in the data analyses.
      The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of periarticular
      lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to examine their
      prevalence according to the presence of knee pain and radiographic knee
      osteoarthritis (OA) in community residents in Korea. METHODS: Demographic and
      knee pain data were obtained by questionnaire from 358 participants of the
      population-based Hallym Aging Study who were recruited irrespective of the
      presence of knee OA or pain. Radiographic evaluations consisted of weight-bearing
      knee anteroposterior radiographs and 1.5-T MRI scans. Periarticular lesions
      included prepatellar or anserine bursitis, Baker's cyst, and tibiofibular cyst.
      The prevalence of each lesion in subjects with knee OA or knee pain compared to
      those without was examined by a chi-square test. RESULTS: The mean age of the
      subjects was 72 years and 50.6% were female. Radiographic knee OA was present in
      34.5%. The most prevalent peri-articular lesion was Baker's cyst (27.9%),
      followed by tibiofibular cyst (9.5%). Anserine bursitis and tibulofibular cyst
      were more common in subjects with knee OA (17.5% vs 2.2% for anserine bursitis,
      15.8% vs 6.1% for tibiofibular cyst in subjects with and without OA,
      respectively), while Baker's cyst and anserine bursitis were more common in
      subjects with knee pain (36.3% vs 21.8% for Baker's cyst, 14.4% vs 2.5% for
      anserine bursitis in subjects with and without knee pain, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Periarticular lesions on MRI of the knee are common in middle-aged
      and elderly persons. Anserine bursitis and Baker's cysts are more common in
      subjects with knee pain compared to those without.

PMID- 27117912
TI  - Bioelectrochemical enhancement of methane production in low temperature anaerobic
      digestion at 10  degrees C.
AB  - Anaerobic digestion at low temperature is an attractive technology especially in
      moderate climates, however, low temperature results in low microbial activity and
      low rates of methane formation. This study investigated if bioelectrochemical
      systems (BESs) can enhance methane production from organic matter in low
      temperature anaerobic digestion (AD). A bioelectrochemical reactor was operated
      with granular activated carbon as electrodes at 10  degrees C. Our results showed
      that bioelectrochemical systems can enhance CH4 yield, accelerate CH4 production
      rate and increase acetate removal efficiency at 10  degrees C. The highest CH4
      yield of 31 mg CH4-COD/g VSS was achieved in the combined BES-AD system at a
      cathode potential of -0.90 V (Ag/AgCl), which was 5.3-6.6 times higher than that
      in the AD reactor at 10  degrees C. CH4 production rate achieved in the combined
      BES-AD system at 10  degrees C was only slightly lower than that in the AD
      reactor at 30  degrees C. The presence of an external circuit between the acetate
      oxidizing bioanode and methane-producing cathode provided an alternative pathway
      from acetate via electrons to methane, potentially via hydrogen. This alternative
      pathway seems to result in higher CH4 production rates at low temperature
      compared with traditional methanogenesis from acetate. Integration of BES with AD
      could therefore be an attractive alternative strategy to enhance the performance
      of anaerobic digestion in cold areas.

PMID- 27117913
TI  - The larvicidal effects of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and piperine against
      insecticide resistant and susceptible strains of Anopheles malaria vector
      mosquitoes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insecticide resistance carries the potential to undermine the
      efficacy of insecticide based malaria vector control strategies. Therefore, there
      is an urgent need for new insecticidal compounds. Black pepper (dried fruit from
      the vine, Piper nigrum), used as a food additive and spice, and its principal
      alkaloid piperine, have previously been shown to have larvicidal properties. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the larvicidal effects of ground black
      pepper and piperine against third and fourth instar Anopheles larvae drawn from
      several laboratory-reared insecticide resistant and susceptible strains of
      Anopheles arabiensis, An. coluzzii, An. gambiae, An. quadriannulatus and An.
      funestus. METHODS: Larvae were fed with mixtures of standard larval food and
      either ground black pepper or piperine in different proportions. Mortality was
      recorded 24 h after black pepper and 48 h after piperine were applied to the
      larval bowls. RESULTS: Black pepper and piperine mixtures caused high mortality
      in the An. gambiae complex strains, with black pepper proving significantly more
      toxic than piperine. The An. funestus strains were substantially less sensitive
      to black pepper and piperine which may reflect a marked difference in the feeding
      habits of this species compared to that of the Gambiae complex or a difference in
      food metabolism as a consequence of differences in breeding habitat between
      species. CONCLUSIONS: Insecticide resistant and susceptible strains by species
      proved equally susceptible to black pepper and piperine. It is concluded that
      black pepper shows potential as a larvicide for the control of certain malaria
      vector species.

PMID- 27117914
TI  - A cell cycle kinase with tandem sensory PAS domains integrates cell fate cues.
AB  - All cells must integrate sensory information to coordinate developmental events
      in space and time. The bacterium Caulobacter crescentus uses two-component
      phospho-signalling to regulate spatially distinct cell cycle events through the
      master regulator CtrA. Here, we report that CckA, the histidine kinase upstream
      of CtrA, employs a tandem-PAS domain sensor to integrate two distinct
      spatiotemporal signals. Using CckA reconstituted on liposomes, we show that one
      PAS domain modulates kinase activity in a CckA density-dependent manner,
      mimicking the stimulation of CckA kinase activity that occurs on its transition
      from diffuse to densely packed at the cell poles. The second PAS domain interacts
      with the asymmetrically partitioned second messenger cyclic-di-GMP, inhibiting
      kinase activity while stimulating phosphatase activity, consistent with the
      selective inactivation of CtrA in the incipient stalked cell compartment. The
      integration of these spatially and temporally regulated signalling events within
      a single signalling receptor enables robust orchestration of cell-type-specific
      gene regulation.

PMID- 27117916
TI  - Effects of 3,5-dichlorophenol on excess biomass reduction and bacterial community
      dynamics in activated sludge as revealed by a polyphasic approach.
AB  - The effects of 3,5-dichlorophenol (DCP) on excess sludge reduction and microbial
      community dynamics were studied using laboratory-scale activated sludge reactors.
      The addition of 3,5-DCP at an interval of 7-8 days of operation resulted in
      effective reduction of growing biomass without a significant decrease in
      substrate removal activity. However, this uncoupling effect completely
      disappeared after 30 days of operation. Quinone profiling showed that a drastic
      component shift from ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) to Q-10 as the major homolog took place
      during this period of operation, suggesting that Q-10-containing bacteria, i.e.,
      Alphaproteobacteria, became predominant at the uncoupler-ineffective stage. This
      result was supported by PCR-aided denaturating gradient gel electrophoresis and
      clone library analyses of 16S rRNA genes and fluorescence in situ hybridization.
      Among the gene clones detected, those corresponding to Brevundimonas predominated
      at the uncoupler-ineffective stage. The uncoupler-added reactor yielded 3,5-DCP
      resistant Pseudomonas strains as the predominant cultivable bacteria and non-3,5
      DCP-resistant Brevundimonas strains as the second most abundant isolates These
      results suggest that the disappearance of the uncoupling function of 3,5-DCP
      during the long-term operation of the reactor is related to the drastic community
      change with increasing populations of Alphaproteobacteria. Most of these
      alphaproteobacteria represented by Brevundimonas are not resistant to 3,5-DCP
      but, by an unknown mechanism, may support the bioprotection of the microbial
      community from the uncoupling effect. 

PMID- 27117917
TI  - In vitro formation of vascular-like networks using hydrogels.
AB  - Tissue engineering has great potential to create tissue and organ constructs of
      clinically relevant sizes. The main obstacle to creating volumetric tissue
      constructs was the lack of a technique for fabricating dense and perfusable
      vascular networks in vitro within the constructs. In significant efforts to
      develop such a technique, hydrogels have been used as materials for templates and
      support architectures of vascular-like networks because of their excellent
      properties, such as high biocompatibility, flexibility, and the rapid diffusion
      of oxygen and nutrients compared with solid materials. Herein, we reviewed
      current hydrogel-based strategies to fabricate vascular-like networks in vitro.
      The first strategy was based on the ability of vascular endothelial cells to form
      capillary-like tubes. The second was an engineering-based strategy that can be
      categorized into templating, modular assembly, microfabrication, rapid
      prototyping technique, and their hybrid model. Finally, we discussed future
      directions in tissue engineering for creating transplantable and volumetric
      constructs.

PMID- 27117918
TI  - Isoliquiritigenin impairs insulin signaling and adipocyte differentiation through
      the inhibition of protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B oxidation in 3T3-L1
      preadipocytes.
AB  - Isoliquritigenin (ISL) is an abundant dietary flavonoid with a chalcone
      structure, which is an important constituent in Glycyrrhizae Radix (GR). ISL
      exhibits anti-oxidant activity, and this activity has been shown to play a
      beneficial role in various health conditions. However, it is unclear whether the
      anti-oxidant activity of ISL affects insulin signaling pathway and lipid
      accumulation of adipocytes. We sought to investigate the effects and molecular
      mechanisms of ISL on insulin-stimulated adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. We
      investigated whether ISL attenuates insulin-induced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
      generation, and whether ISL inhibits the lipid accumulation and the expression of
      adipogenic-genes during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. ISL blocked the ROS
      generation, suppressed the lipid accumulation and the expression of adipocyte
      specific proteins, which are increased in response to insulin stimulation during
      adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells. We also investigated whether the anti
      oxidant capacity of ISL is involved in regulating the molecular events of insulin
      signaling cascade in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. ISL restores PTP1B activity by inhibiting
      PTP1B oxidation and IR/PI3K/AKT phosphorylation during the early stages of
      insulin-induced adipogenesis. Our findings show that the anti-oxidant capacity of
      ISL attenuated insulin IR/PI3K/AKT signaling through inhibition of PTP1B
      oxidation, and ultimately attenuated insulin-induced adipocyte differentiation of
      3T3-L1 cells. 

PMID- 27117919
TI  - Food-grade titanium dioxide exposure exacerbates tumor formation in colitis
      associated cancer model.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is the fourth worldwide cause of death and even if some dietary
      habits are consider risk factors, the contribution of food additives including
      foodgrade titanium dioxide (TiO2), designated as E171, has been poorly
      investigated. We hypothesized that oral E171 intake could have impact on the
      enhancement of colorectal tumor formation and we aimed to investigate if E171
      administration could enhance tumor formation in a colitis associated cancer (CAC)
      model. BALB/c male mice were grouped as follows: a) control, b) E171, c) CAC and
      d) CAC + E171 group (n = 6). E171 used in this study formed agglomerates of 300
      nm in water. E171 intragastric administration (5 mg/kg body weight/5 days/10
      weeks) was unable to induce tumor formation but dysplastic alterations were
      observed in the distal colon but enhanced the tumor formation in distal colon
      (CAC + E171 group) measured by tumor progression markers. Some E171 particles
      were internalized in colonic cells of the E171 and CAC + E171 groups and both
      groups showed a decrease in goblet cells in the distal colon. However the CAC +
      E171 group showed a higher decrease of these cells that act as protection barrier
      in colon. These results suggest that E171 could worsen pre-existent intestinal
      diseases. 

PMID- 27117920
TI  - Variations of body geometry in Brycon henni (Teleostei: Characiformes,
      Bryconidae) in different rivers and streams.
AB  - Landmark-based geometric morphometrics were used to evaluate the effect of flow
      and depth in the water column on the body size and shape of Brycon henni from
      river and stream populations. The dendrogram showed that stream populations
      clustered apart and showed significantly smaller centroid size and narrower
      bodies than river populations, indicating a role for flow and depth on whole body
      morphometric variation. The results are concordant with morphometric variation
      described in other fish species and provide the first insights into phenotypic
      variation in natural populations of B. henni. 

PMID- 27117921
TI  - Health personnel retention strategies in a peri-urban community: an exploratory
      study on Epworth, Zimbabwe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The need to retain health personnel is a policy challenge undermining
      health system reform of the 21st century. The need to resolve this global health
      workforce crisis resulted in the First Global Forum on Human Resources for Health
      in 2008 from which the Kampala Declaration and Agenda for Global Action was
      formulated. However, whilst there have been several studies exploring the
      retention of health personnel towards this end, available literature does not
      provide a detailed narrative on strategies used in peri-urban communities. The
      aim of this study was to explore retention strategies implemented in a Zimbabwean
      peri-urban community between 2009 and 2014 and implications for peri-urban
      communities towards the health system reform agenda. METHODS: The study was
      carried out in Epworth, a peri-urban community in Harare, Zimbabwe. The research
      design was a cross-sectional survey, in which qualitative methods were used in
      sampling, data collection, reporting and analysis. Qualitative tools were used to
      collect data through in-depth interviews with purposively selected health
      personnel managers at 10 local clinics and sample interviews with purposively
      selected healthcare workers who included registered general nurses, state
      certified nurses, midwives, environmental health technicians, nurse aids and
      community health volunteers at each clinic. Two focus group discussions were
      carried out with community health volunteers. Qualitative data was subjected to
      thematic analysis, with coding being performed manually. RESULTS: A programme
      specific strategic partnership between the government and donor community
      contributed towards the mobilisation of more health personnel, health facilities,
      worker development and remuneration. To complement this, the Ministry of Health
      intervened through the review and payment of salaries, support towards post-basic
      training and development, and protection. The local board, mission and donors
      contributed through the payment of top-up allowances and provision of non
      monetary incentives. CONCLUSIONS: The review of salaries, engagement of
      international strategic partners, payment of top-up allowances, support towards
      post-basic training and development, mobilisation of more health personnel, non
      monetary incentives and healthcare worker protection were critical towards the
      retention of health personnel in the Epworth peri-urban community between 2009
      and 2014.

PMID- 27117922
TI  - Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) during follow-up of cervical cancer
      patients: Role in the early diagnosis of recurrence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the potential benefit of routine
      squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) assessment during follow-up of patients
      after treatment for early cervical cancer with regard to early diagnosis of
      cancer recurrence before clinical signs and symptoms occur. METHODS: All
      clinical, pathological, and serological data of patients referred to the
      Department of Gynecologic Oncology between July 1999 and June 2014, were
      retrospectively collected and analyzed. The SCC-Ag levels of 197 patients with
      diagnosis of stage I or II cervical squamous carcinoma, were performed. RESULTS:
      In the univariate analysis, serum SCC-Ag was not significantly associated with
      grading (p=0.85), LVSI (p=0.95) and FIGO stage (p=0.83) but it was significantly
      associated with recurrence of disease (p<0.001). The Cox multivariate analyses
      showed that serum SCC-Ag level was an independent and statistically significant
      prognostic factor for OS and PFS. The median time interval between SCC-Ag test
      and diagnosis of recurrence were 0.3 and 1.8months for positive and negative SCC
      Ag groups respectively (p=0.01). Considering patients with recurrence, no
      significant difference in terms of DFS and OS was found between women with high
      or low SCC-Ag levels. CONCLUSIONS: Serum SCC-Ag reflects the response to
      treatment, and rising antigen levels often precede the clinical detection of
      recurrent disease, and may lead to early diagnosis. However such an advantage
      does not seem to improve the cure rate of patients with elevated SCC-Ag levels,
      most likely due to the lack of curative salvage treatments.

PMID- 27117924
TI  - Corrections.

PMID- 27117923
TI  - Clinicopathologic characteristics and survival of patients with gynecologic
      malignancies metastatic to the brain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: No standardized treatment strategies exist for patients with
      gynecologic malignancies complicated by brain metastases. Identification of poor
      outcome characteristics, long-term survival indicators, and molecular markers
      could help individualize and optimize treatment. METHODS: This retrospective
      cohort study included 100 gynecologic cancer patients with brain metastases
      treated at our institution between January 1990 and June 2009. Primary outcome
      was overall survival (OS) from time of diagnosis of brain metastases. We used
      univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate associations between OS and
      clinical factors. We used immunohistochemistry to examine expression of five
      molecular markers in primary tumors and brain metastases in a subset of patients
      and matched controls. Statistical tests included the Student's paired t-test (for
      marker expression) and Kaplan-Meier test (for correlations). RESULTS: On
      univariate analysis, primary ovarian disease, CA-125<81units/mL at brain
      metastases diagnosis, and isolated versus multi-focal metastases were all
      associated with longer survival. Isolated brain metastasis remained the only
      significant predictor on multivariate analysis (HR 2.66; CI 1.19-5.93; p=0.017).
      Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) was higher in
      metastatic brain samples than in primary tumors of controls (p<0.0001). None of
      the molecular markers were significantly associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS:
      Multi-modality therapy may lead to improved clinical outcomes, and VEGF therapy
      should be investigated in treatment of brain metastases.

PMID- 27117925
TI  - Screening for mental problems in people presenting with hypertension and
      comorbidities.

PMID- 27117926
TI  - Updated guidelines (2015) for management and monitoring of adult and adolescent
      asthmatic patients (from 12 years and older) of the Societe de pneumologie de
      langue francaise (SPLF) (summary).

PMID- 27117927
TI  - ?

PMID- 27117928
TI  - Incommensurate spin correlations in highly oxidized cobaltates La2-xSrxCoO4.
AB  - We observe quasi-static incommensurate magnetic peaks in neutron scattering
      experiments on layered cobalt oxides La2-xSrxCoO4 with high Co oxidation states
      that have been reported to be paramagnetic. This enables us to measure the
      magnetic excitations in this highly hole-doped incommensurate regime and compare
      our results with those found in the low-doped incommensurate regime that exhibit
      hourglass magnetic spectra. The hourglass shape of magnetic excitations
      completely disappears given a high Sr doping. Moreover, broad low-energy
      excitations are found, which are not centered at the incommensurate magnetic peak
      positions but around the quarter-integer values that are typically exhibited by
      excitations in the checkerboard charge ordered phase. Our findings suggest that
      the strong inter-site exchange interactions in the undoped islands are critical
      for the emergence of hourglass spectra in the incommensurate magnetic phases of
      La2-xSrxCoO4.

PMID- 27117929
TI  - Overgrowth of the femoral neck after hip fractures in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overgrowth after pediatric femoral shaft fractures is well
      documented; however, overgrowth of the femoral neck after hip fractures has not
      been especially reported previously. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
      the incidence and characteristics of femoral neck overgrowth after hip fractures
      in children. METHODS: From January 1990 to December 2012, there were 30
      consecutive patients with pediatric hip fractures. We retrospectively reviewed
      the medical record of all the patients, including age at injury, gender, injury
      mechanism, fracture type, methods of treatment, time to bony union, and
      complications. The functional outcome was evaluated by Ratliff's criteria. The
      radiography of the pelvis was performed in controlled positions of abduction and
      external rotation. The length of the femoral neck was measured by two observers.
      The overgrowth of the femoral neck was defined as lengthening more than 3 mm in
      comparison with the uninjured hip. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 4.9 years
      (range 2-8 years), 12 patients (40 %) had an overgrowth of the femoral neck. The
      average overgrowth of the femoral neck was 6.2 mm (range 3.2-8.5 mm). The
      patients with femoral neck overgrowth were younger (p = 0.0002), have lower rate
      of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (p = 0.0006), and have better
      functional outcome (p = 0.0026). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence that
      overgrowth of the femoral neck following hip fractures may occur in children and
      the overgrowth phenomenon in the femoral neck was a predictor of good outcomes
      after treatment.

PMID- 27117930
TI  - Protein substitutes for phenylketonuria in Europe: access and nutritional
      composition.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Protein substitutes (PS) are an essential component in the
      dietary management of phenylketonuria (PKU). PS are available as phenylalanine
      free amino-acid mixtures (AAM), glycomacropeptide-based PS (GMP) and large
      neutral amino acids (LNAA). There is a lack of information regarding their
      availability in different countries and comparison of their nutritional
      composition is limited. The objectives of this study were to identify the number
      of PS available in different European countries and Turkey and to compare their
      nutritional composition. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Members of the European Nutritionist
      Expert Panel on PKU (ENEP) (Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Germany,
      Netherlands, United Kingdom, Denmark and Turkey) provided data on PS available in
      each country. The nutritional composition of PS available in Portugal was
      analyzed. RESULTS: The number of PS available in each country varied from 30
      (Turkey) to 105 (Germany), with a median of 64. GMP was available only in
      Portugal, whereas LNAA was an option in Portugal, Italy, Turkey and Denmark. Some
      PS were designed for weaning. Many PS did not contain added fat and fiber. GMP
      contained the highest carbohydrate (CHO) and energy content as well as higher
      LNAA content compared with AAM. Only one AAM contained added fructo
      oligosaccharides and galacto-oligosaccharides. AAM designed for the first year of
      life had the highest CHO, fat and LNAA contribution. Liquid AAM had lower CHO and
      fat contents compared with powdered AAM, but contained higher LNAA. CONCLUSIONS:
      There was widely dissimilar numbers of PS available in different countries.
      Nutritional composition of different PS was variable and should be considered
      before prescription.

PMID- 27117931
TI  - Assessment of vitamin D status and serum CrossLaps levels in adults with primary
      lactose malabsorption.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Primary adult-type lactose malabsorption (PALM) is a
      widespread inherited autosomal recessive condition, which is considered to be
      associated with osteoporosis. This prospective study aimed at assessing the 25
      hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) status and serum CrossLaps levels in individuals with
      PALM and normal controls. SUBJECTS/METHODS: All participants (n=210) underwent
      genotyping for the LCT C/T-13910 polymorphism, 25(OH)D and CrossLaps measurements
      and clinical examinations. In addition, the anthropometric data (that is, height,
      weight and body mass index) were determined. RESULTS: Fifty-five individuals with
      PALM (that is, LCT C/C-13910 homozygotes) showed lower 25(OH)D (mean: 24.95+/
      10.04 vs 28.59+/-9.56 ng/ml, P=0.018) and higher CrossLaps serum levels (mean:
      0.46+/-0.31 vs 0.43+/-0.49 ng/ml, P=0.251) compared with 155 normal controls
      (that is, LCT C/T-13910 hetero- or T/T-13910 homozygotes). Anthropometric data
      were similar between PALM probands and controls. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with
      PALM were found to have lower 25(OH)D and higher CrossLaps serum levels compared
      with normal controls. In order to preserve life-long bone health, routine 25(OH)D
      and CrossLaps serum measurements should be performed in individuals with PALM.

PMID- 27117932
TI  - Outcome of intestinal failure after bariatric surgery: experience from a national
      UK referral centre.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Bariatric surgery for morbid obesity provides sustained
      weight loss. Complications of bariatric surgery include severe nutritional
      decline, but minimal data describing occurrence and outcome of intestinal failure
      (IF) exist. SUBJECTS/METHODS: All patients referred to one of the UK's National
      IF units (IFU) are prospectively entered onto a database; case notes were
      assessed for bariatric surgery details, IF onset, outcomes, resulting intestinal
      anatomy, mortality and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). RESULTS:
      A total of six patients (mean referral age 54.0 years; 95% confidence interval
      (CI): 44.6-63.4; 5 female) were identified with IF after bariatric surgery from
      457 patients (total cohort) managed on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) at the IFU
      between 2008 and 2014. In all, 6/6 had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass bariatric
      surgery. Median (range) time from index bariatric surgery to IF development was
      28.7 months (1.7-106). IF aetiology was internal herniation (4/6), ischaemia
      (1/6) and anastomotic leak (1/6); all patients required HPN for a median of 26.4
      months (15.3-34.7). CRBSI occurred on 7 occasions in 3 patients, equivalent to
      1.5/1000 catheter days in these 6 compared with 0.32/1000 in the 451 IFU HPN
      patients during this time period. In all, 0/6 patients died, 6/6 had continuity
      restored in a median of 16.5 months (6.5-32.5) after IF diagnosis and 3/6 (50%)
      were weaned from PN by a median of 2.2 months (0.6-12.8). CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric
      surgery, an increasingly common operation, can be associated with IF
      necessitating long-term HPN. The cohort presented had a higher CRBSI compared
      with other HPN patients; more stringent approaches to catheter care may be
      required in this patient group, although more collective data are required.

PMID- 27117933
TI  - Body composition analysis by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in young preschool
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is considered a
      specific method for measuring body composition to assess obesity and
      osteoporosis, although few studies have been conducted in preschool children. The
      aim of this study was to provide sex - and age-specific references for bone
      mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), fat mass (FM) and fat-free
      mass (FFM) normative data for children aged 2 to <6 years. SUBJECTS/METHODS: One
      hundred and eighty seven healthy white children from Buenos Aires City suburbs,
      Argentina, were studied by the Lunar DPX-L DXA, pediatric software: BMC less head
      (g), BMD (g/cm2), FM (%) and FFM (g). RESULTS: BMD and BMC increased
      significantly with age (P<0.0001), but only BMD was significantly different
      between boys and girls of similar age, being greater for boys (P=0.013). FM was
      not significantly different among the various age groups of boys and girls.
      However, the FFM/height was higher in boys and the BMC/FFM was higher in girls.
      The Z-scores and centile curves were derived separately for each sex and age. Q-Q
      detrended plots and LMS curves produced robust, unbiased fits that generated
      references for the 3rd, 50th and 97th percentiles for BMD, BMC, FM and FFM data,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These DXA scans add to the scarcity of accurate
      measurements of body composition of white young children. The data analyses
      provided greater accuracy, particularly at the upper and lower ends of the
      distribution, which is important in clinical settings for identification of
      children with impaired body composition.

PMID- 27117934
TI  - A survey of people with inflammatory bowel disease to investigate their views of
      food and nutritional issues.
AB  - Survey aims were to investigate the dietary concerns, beliefs and opinions of
      people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and differences between those with
      Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). A cross-sectional postal
      questionnaire was sent to people with IBD who were booked into an adult IBD or
      Gastroenterology clinic over a 6-week period. There were 416 eligible people and
      168 (40%) responded. Sixty-four (42%) people indicated that food affects their
      symptoms a lot or severely. Eighty (51%) respondents indicated that diet was
      important or extremely important in controlling symptoms. Significantly more
      people with CD reported meat, fatty foods, chocolate and salad as a trigger than
      people with UC. Significantly more people with UC reported wheat as a trigger.
      More people with CD avoided meat and chocolate than UC. This survey highlights
      the importance of nutrition and diet to people with IBD. Frequent food avoidance
      was reported. This may impact on nutrition-related health problems.

PMID- 27117935
TI  - Patterns of molecular evolution of RNAi genes in social and socially parasitic
      bumblebees.
AB  - The high frequency of interactions amongst closely related individuals in social
      insect colonies enhances pathogen transmission. Group-mediated behavior
      supporting immune defenses tends to decrease selection acting on immune genes.
      Along with low effective population sizes this might result in relaxed constraint
      and rapid evolution of immune system genes. Here, we show that antiviral siRNA
      genes show high rates of molecular evolution with argonaute 2, armitage and
      maelstrom evolving faster in social bumblebees compared to their socially
      parasitic cuckoo bumblebees that lack a worker caste. RNAi genes show frequent
      positive selection at the codon level additionally supported by the occurrence of
      parallel evolution. Their evolutionary rate is linked to their pathway specific
      position with genes directly interacting with viruses showing the highest rates
      of molecular evolution. We suggest that higher pathogen load in social insects
      indeed drives the molecular evolution of immune genes including antiviral siRNA,
      if not compensated by behavior.

PMID- 27117936
TI  - Lack of specific alleles for the bovine chemokine (C-X-C) receptor type 4 (CXCR4)
      gene in West African cattle questions its role as a candidate for
      trypanotolerance.
AB  - A panel of 81 Asian, African and European cattle (Bos taurus and B. indicus) was
      analysed for the whole sequence of the CXCR4 gene (3844bp), a strong candidate
      for cattle trypanotolerance. Thirty-one polymorphic sites identified gave 31
      different haplotypes. Neutrality tests rejected the hypothesis of either positive
      or purifying selection. Bayesian phylogenetic tree showed differentiation of
      haplotypes into two clades gathering genetic variability predating domestication.
      Related with clades definition, linkage disequilibrium analyses suggested the
      existence of one only linkage block on the CXCR4 gene. Two tag SNPs identified on
      exon 2 captured 50% of variability. Whatever the analysis carried out, no clear
      separation between cattle groups was identified. Most haplotypes identified in
      West African taurine cattle were also found in European cattle and in Asian and
      West African zebu. West African taurine samples did not carry unique variants on
      the CXCR4 gene sequence. The current analysis failed in identifying a causal
      mutation on the CXCR4 gene underlying a previously reported QTL for cattle
      trypanotolerance on BTA2.

PMID- 27117937
TI  - Highly selective luminescence sensing of nitrite and benzaldehyde based on 3d-4f
      heterometallic metal-organic frameworks.
AB  - Framework-isomeric three-dimensional (3D) Zn-Ln heterometallic metal-organic
      frameworks, {[Ln2Zn(abtc)2(H2O)4].2H2O}infinity {Ln = Sm(1), Tb(2)}, were
      synthesized using a convenient solvothermal reaction. They can serve as excellent
      sensors for the specific identification of benzaldehyde and NO2(-) through a
      fluorescence quenching process. 

PMID- 27117938
TI  - Clinical utility of the memory complaints inventory to detect invalid test
      performance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This investigation was designed to examine the classification
      statistics of Memory Complaints Inventory (MCI) scores relative to the Medical
      Symptom Validity Test (MSVT) and the Non-Verbal Medical Symptom Validity Test (NV
      MSVT), as well as various validity scales on the Personality Assessment Inventory
      (PAI) and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form(MMPI-2
      RF). METHOD: The sample consisted of 339 active duty service members with a
      history of concussion who completed performance validity tests (PVTs), symptom
      validity tests (SVTs), and the MCI. RESULTS: Those who failed the MSVT and NV
      MSVT had significantly higher scores across all MCI scales. In addition, those
      who scored above specified cut scores on the evaluated PAI and MMPI-2-RF validity
      scales also had significantly higher MCI scale scores. Receiver operator
      characteristics analysis demonstrated acceptable area under the curve (AUC)
      across the evaluated SVTs for the mean of all MCI subtests with values ranging
      from (.77 to .86), with comparable findings for PVTs (MSVT AUC = .75; NV-MSVT AUC
      = .72). CONCLUSIONS: In general the MCI scales demonstrated better classification
      statistics relative to SVTs vs. PVTs, which is consistent with the nature of the
      MCI as a self-report instrument.

PMID- 27117939
TI  - Long-term efficacy and safety of transanal irrigation in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the commonest disabling neurological
      disease in young adults. A majority of patients experience bowel dysfunction,
      reporting a wide spectrum of bowel symptoms that significantly negatively impact
      social activities and emotional state. Transanal irrigation (TAI) is a method of
      managing such bowel symptoms. We aimed to investigate long-term efficacy of TAI,
      to measure health status-related quality of life and identify factors predictive
      of TAI outcome. METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive MS patients (37 female; mean age
      51, range 26-80) were studied. We investigated predominant symptoms, reason for
      beginning TAI and medical comorbidity. All patients underwent anorectal
      physiology testing. They completed Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction and EQ-5D
      questionnaires at baseline and annual follow-up. KEY RESULTS: Mean follow-up was
      40 months, at which there was 55% rate of continuation of TAI. Severe bowel
      dysfunction was present in 47% at baseline, falling to 18%. The EQ-5D scores at
      latest follow-up were not statistically significant, but 42% had improved visual
      analog scores. The only predictive factor for successful therapy was impaired
      anal electrosensitivity (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Long-term
      continuation of TAI, with improved bowel symptomatology, is seen in the majority
      of patients. The EQ-5D is insufficiently sensitive to show change in MS patients
      that using TAI.

PMID- 27117940
TI  - The clinical value of metabolic syndrome and risks of cardiometabolic events and
      mortality in the elderly: the Rotterdam study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the clinical value of metabolic syndrome based on
      different definitions [American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood
      Institute (AHA/NHLBI), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and European Group
      for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR)] in middle-aged and elderly
      populations. METHODS: We studied 8643 participants from the Rotterdam study (1990
      2012; mean age 62.7; 57.6 % female), a large prospective population-based study
      with predominantly elderly participants. We performed cox-proportional hazards
      models for different definitions, triads within definitions and each separate
      component for the risk of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart
      disease, stroke, cardiovascular- and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: In our
      population of 8643 subjects, metabolic syndrome was highly prevalent (prevalence
      between 19.4 and 42.4 %). Metabolic syndrome in general was associated with
      incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (median follow-up of 6.8 years, hazard ratios
      3.13-3.78). The associations with coronary heart disease (median follow-up of 7.2
      years, hazard ratios 1.08-1.32), stroke (median follow-up of 7.7 years, hazard
      ratios 0.98-1.32), cardiovascular mortality (median follow-up of 8.2 years,
      ratios 0.95-1.29) and all-cause mortality (median follow-up of 8.7 years, hazard
      ratios 1.05-1.10) were weaker. AHA/NHLBI- and IDF-definitions showed similar
      associations with clinical endpoints compared to the EGIR, which was only
      significantly associated with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus. All significant
      associations disappeared after correcting metabolic syndrome for its individual
      components. CONCLUSIONS: Large variability exists between and within definitions
      of the metabolic syndrome with respect to risk of clinical events and mortality.
      In a relatively old population the metabolic syndrome did not show an additional
      predictive value on top of its individual components. So, besides as a manner of
      easy identification of high risk patients, the metabolic syndrome does not seem
      to add any predictive value for clinical practice.

PMID- 27117941
TI  - Melatonin enhances mitochondrial ATP synthesis, reduces reactive oxygen species
      formation, and mediates translocation of the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2
      resulting in activation of phase-2 antioxidant enzymes (gamma-GCS, HO-1, NQO1) in
      ultraviolet radiation-treated normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK).
AB  - Melatonin is an ubiquitous molecule with a variety of functions including potent
      antioxidative properties. Due to its lipophilic character, it easily crosses
      cellular and intracellular membranes and reaches all subcellular organelles.
      Because of its ability to scavenge free radicals, melatonin protects against
      oxidative stress, for example, induced by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Here, we
      investigated, in a dose-dependent (0, 10, 25, and 50 mJ/cm(2) ) and time
      dependent (0, 4, 24, 48 hr post-UVR) manner, whether melatonin prevents the UVR
      mediated alterations in ATP synthesis and the generation of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK). Additionally, we
      evaluated the molecular mechanism of action of melatonin with regard to
      activation of phase-2 antioxidative enzymes via nuclear erythroid 2-related
      factor (Nrf2). We found that (i) melatonin counteracted UVR-induced alterations
      in the ATP synthesis and reduced free radical formation; (ii) melatonin induced
      the translocation of Nrf2 transcription factor from the cytosol into the nucleus
      resulting in, (iii) melatonin enhanced gene expression of phase-2 antioxidative
      enzymes including gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS), heme oxygenase-1
      (HO-1), and NADPH: quinone dehydrogenase-1 (NQO1) representing an elevated
      antioxidative response of keratinocytes. These results suggest that melatonin not
      only directly scavenges ROS, but also significantly induces the activation of
      phase-2 antioxidative enzymes via the Nrf2 pathway uncovering a new action
      mechanism that supports the ability of keratinocytes to protect themselves from
      UVR-mediated oxidative stress. 

PMID- 27117942
TI  - Ethics of Clinical Decision-Making for Older Drivers: Reporting Health-Related
      Driving Risk.
AB  - The number of older drivers will continue to increase as the population ages.
      Health care professionals have the responsibility of providing care and
      maintaining confidentiality for their patients while ensuring public safety. This
      article discusses the ethics of clinical decision-making pertaining to reporting
      health-related driving risk of older drivers to licensing authorities. Ethical
      considerations inherent in reporting driving risk, including autonomy,
      confidentiality, therapeutic relationships, and the uncertainty about determining
      individual driving safety and risk, are discussed. We also address the moral
      agency of reporting health-related driving risk and raise the question of whose
      responsibility it is to report. Issues of uncertainty surrounding clinical
      reasoning and concepts related to risk assessment are also discussed. Finally, we
      present two case studies to illustrate some of the issues and challenges faced by
      health care professionals as they seek to balance their responsibilities for
      their patients while ensuring road safety for all citizens.

PMID- 27117943
TI  - Radioiodine Therapy Does Not Change the Atherosclerotic Burden of the Carotid
      Arteries.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Atherosclerosis evolves or accelerates when arteries are
      exposed to ionizing radiation, both early and late after exposure. Radioiodine
      therapy of benign thyroid disease exposes the carotid arteries to 4-50 Gy, and
      may thereby increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Increased risk of
      cerebrovascular events has been reported after radioiodine therapy. This study
      aimed to examine whether atherosclerosis develops early or late after radioiodine
      therapy of benign thyroid disease. METHOD: Patients treated for benign thyroid
      disorders (nontoxic goiter, adenoma, and hyperthyroidism) were examined with
      ultrasound for the main outcome, carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), and for
      plaque presence (plaque presence only in late damage). Signs of early damage from
      radioiodine were studied in 39 radioiodine-treated patients, who were examined
      before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Late changes were
      studied in a cross-sectional case-control design, with radioiodine-treated
      patients as cases (n = 193) and patients treated with surgery as controls (n =
      95). Data were analyzed with repeated measurement for longitudinal data, and with
      multivariate regression for cross-sectional data. Results were adjusted for age,
      sex, cholesterol, smoking status, known atherosclerotic disease, and body mass
      index. RESULTS: No changes in CIMT were found in the patients followed
      prospectively for one year after treatment with radioactive iodine for benign
      thyroid disease (p = 0.58). In the study on late effects, there was no difference
      in CIMT (p = 0.25) or presence of plaques (p = 0.70) between those treated with
      radioactive iodine and those treated with surgery (9.8 and 5.6 years since
      treatment, respectively). Furthermore, the level of thyrotropin (TSH) did not
      influence these atherosclerosis markers. CONCLUSION: No early changes in CIMT
      were detected in patients treated with radioactive iodine for benign thyroid
      disease. No signs of late effects of radioactive iodine on CIMT or plaque
      presence were found after 10 years of follow-up. The radiation to the carotid
      arteries by radioactive iodine therapy for benign thyroid disease may therefore
      have no or low effect on atherosclerotic burden of the carotid arteries in
      general.

PMID- 27117944
TI  - Clinical outcomes after coronary angiography in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PMID- 27117945
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27117946
TI  - Construction of dynamic probabilistic protein interaction networks for protein
      complex identification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, high-throughput experimental techniques have generated a
      large amount of protein-protein interaction (PPI) data which can construct large
      complex PPI networks for numerous organisms. System biology attempts to
      understand cellular organization and function by analyzing these PPI networks.
      However, most studies still focus on static PPI networks which neglect the
      dynamic information of PPI. RESULTS: The gene expression data under different
      time points and conditions can reveal the dynamic information of proteins. In
      this study, we used an active probability-based method to distinguish the active
      level of proteins at different active time points. We constructed dynamic
      probabilistic protein networks (DPPN) to integrate dynamic information of protein
      into static PPI networks. Based on DPPN, we subsequently proposed a novel method
      to identify protein complexes, which could effectively exploit topological
      structure as well as dynamic information of DPPN. We used three different yeast
      PPI datasets and gene expression data to construct three DPPNs. When applied to
      three DPPNs, many well-characterized protein complexes were accurately identified
      by this method. CONCLUSION: The shift from static PPI networks to dynamic PPI
      networks is essential to accurately identify protein complex. This method not
      only can be applied to identify protein complex, but also establish a framework
      to integrate dynamic information into static networks for other applications,
      such as pathway analysis.

PMID- 27117947
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9: A realiable marker for inflammation in early
      human trichinellosis.
AB  - Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in many physiological and
      pathological processes. As regards parasitic infections, the role of these
      proteins has been particularly studied in malaria, neurocysticercosis and
      angiostrongyloidosis. Recently, we evaluated serum levels of MMP-9 and -2
      (gelatinases) in mice experimentally infected with Trichinella spiralis or
      Trichinella pseudospiralis, which cause different degrees of myositis and we
      found their significant increase in the former and, at a lesser extent, in the
      latter, thus suggesting the possibility that these gelatinases, particularly MMP
      9, represent a marker of inflammation. Our aim was to evaluate the levels of MMP
      9 and 2 in trichinellosis patients, to assess their possible clinical
      significance. Serum samples from 31 Trichinella britovi-infected individuals (20
      males and 11 females), living in Tuscany, Central Italy, were analysed for MMP-9
      and MMP-2 serum levels. Patients acquired infection with Trichinella after
      consuming raw or undercooked meat of wild boar. Their median age was 49+/
      0.33years (range from 7 to 91). Sera was collected before starting anti
      inflammatory treatment, aliquoted and stored at -20 degrees C until use. Sera
      from healthy subjects was considered as controls. The gelatinolytic activity of
      MMPs was analysed by gelatin zymography on 8% polyacrylamide-SDS gels containing
      0.1% porcine gelatin, under non-reducing conditions. Clear bands corresponding to
      the digested areas were evaluated with an appropriate software. MMP-9 levels were
      additionally determined in 15 patients using a commercial ELISA kit for human MMP
      9. The zymographic analysis of the gels showed the presence in serum samples of
      gelatinase bands at approximately 125-kDa, 92-kDa and 72-kDa, corresponding to
      the MMP-9/Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) complex and proenzyme
      forms of MMP-9 and MMP-2, respectively. A significant (p<0.01) increase in
      gelatinolytic activity in patients compared to the control group was observed for
      pro-MMP-9 in 25 out of 31. The mean increase in activity was 39.25%+/-16.67%. No
      significant differences were observed for pro-MMP-2 activity. The MMP-9 levels
      detected by ELISA showed significant correlation with zymographic data (r2=0.62,
      p<0.003) and were higher in more affected patients (suffering diarrhea, facial
      edemas and myalgia). In conclusion, MMP-9 might be considered as a marker of
      inflammation in T. britovi patients. On the contrary, MMP-2 did not result
      significantly different in patients, compared to controls.

PMID- 27117948
TI  - Three-Dimensional Printing: An Enabling Technology for IR.
AB  - Rapid prototyping, also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is a recent
      technologic advancement with tremendous potential for advancing medical device
      design. A wide range of raw materials can be incorporated into complex 3D
      structures, including plastics, metals, biocompatible polymers, and even living
      cells. With its promise of highly customized, adaptable, and personalized device
      design at the point of care, 3D printing stands to revolutionize medical care.
      The present review summarizes the methods for 3D printing and their current and
      potential roles in medical device design, with an emphasis on their potential
      relevance to interventional radiology. 

PMID- 27117949
TI  - Technical and Anatomic Factors Influencing the Success of Inferior Vena Caval
      Stent Placement for Malignant Obstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of inferior vena cava (IVC) stent placement for
      malignant obstruction and to identify anatomic and procedural factors influencing
      technical and clinical success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 57 patients (37
      male, 20 female; age range, 22-86 y) underwent 62 IVC stent placement procedures
      using 97 stents (47 Wallstents, 15 S.M.A.R.T. stents, 18 Wallflex stents, 17
      others) from 2005 to 2016 for malignant IVC obstruction caused by hepatic
      metastases (n = 22; 39%), primary hepatic malignancy (n = 16; 28%),
      retroperitoneal metastases (n = 16; 28%), or other primary malignancy (n = 5;
      9%). Presenting symptoms included lower-extremity edema (n = 54; 95%), ascites (n
      = 28; 50%), and perineal edema (n = 14; 25%). Sixteen percent (n = 10) and 10% (n
      = 6) of the procedures involved tumor and bland thrombus, respectively. RESULTS:
      Stent placements resulted in 100% venographic patency and significantly decreased
      pressure gradients (P < .0001). Lower-extremity swelling, perineal swelling, and
      abdominal distension improved within 7 days in 83% (35 of 42), 100% (9 of 9), and
      40% (6 of 15) of patients, respectively, and at 30 days after the procedure in
      86% (25 of 29), 89% (8 of 9), and 80% (4 of 5) of patients, respectively.
      Increased pre- and post-stent placement pressure gradients were associated with
      worse outcomes. A 4% stent misplacement rate (4 of 97) was related to the use of
      Wallstents with caudal stent tapering, asymmetric deployment superior to the
      obstruction, suprahepatic IVC involvement, and decreased stent adherence to the
      IVC wall as a result of local mechanical factors. CONCLUSIONS: Stent placement is
      reliable, rapid, and durable in improving malignant IVC syndrome. Understanding
      of technical and anatomic factors can improve accuracy and avoid complications of
      stent misplacement.

PMID- 27117950
TI  - Stress Test of Contrast-Enhanced US with Phenylephrine in a Rabbit VX2 Liver
      Tumor Model: Differentiating Benign Periablational Enhancement from Residual
      Tumor after Radiofrequency Ablation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To differentiate benign periablational enhancement (BPE) from residual
      tumor after radiofrequency (RF) ablation by using a stress contrast-enhanced
      ultrasonography (US) test with phenylephrine in a rabbit VX2 liver tumor model.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: VX2 tumors were implanted in the livers of 40 rabbits for
      two experiments. In experiment one, liver tumors from 32 animals were completely
      ablated. On days 2, 7, 14, and 21 after RF ablation, eight animals were randomly
      chosen for contrast-enhanced US before and after phenylephrine administration,
      and the microvessel density (MVD) of BPE at these four time points was assessed.
      In experiment two, liver tumors from eight animals were partly ablated, and each
      animal underwent contrast-enhanced US before and after phenylephrine
      administration on day 7 after RF ablation. Perfusion parameters were observed,
      including maximum intensity (IMAX), rise time (ie, time between 10% and 90% of
      IMAX), time to peak, mean transit time, and area under the curve (AUC), along
      with the profile of time-intensity curves (TICs) in BPE and residual tumor in
      response to phenylephrine. RESULTS: Among the four time points after ablation,
      the IMAX and AUC before phenylephrine administration and the MVD of BPE were
      greatest on day 7 (P < .05). The profile of TICs and the corresponding perfusion
      parameters in residual tumor did not change significantly in response to
      phenylephrine. However, those from BPE changed significantly (P < .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced US with phenylephrine stress may be helpful in
      differentiating BPE from residual tumor after RF ablation in hepatocellular
      carcinoma.

PMID- 27117951
TI  - Variation in NICU Admission Rates Without Identifiable Cause.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Admission to the NICU is influenced by physiologic compromise and by
      hospital care protocols. Providing appropriate care must be balanced with adverse
      consequences of NICU admission, such as interrupting maternal-infant bonding and
      unnecessary interventions. This study aims to determine the variation in NICU
      admissions in term and late preterm infants among 19 hospitals. METHODS: We used
      the Consortium on Safe Labor (CSL) database to determine NICU admission rates.
      This database includes data from 217 442 infants aged 35 to 42 weeks within 19 US
      maternal delivery hospitals from 2002 to 2008. NICU admission rates were
      evaluated for absolute factors including, but not limited to, sepsis, asphyxia,
      respiratory distress, and intracranial hemorrhage, as well as relative factors,
      such as maternal drug use, chorioamnionitis, and infant birth weight <= 2500 g.
      RESULTS: Percentage of infants 35 to 42 weeks' gestation admitted to the NICU
      without an identifiable absolute or relative cause for intensive care services
      ranged from 0% to 59.4% (mean, 10.8%; P < .001). Among infants 35 to 42 weeks'
      gestation and >= 2500 g, infants without absolute or relative identified cause
      accounted for 9.1% of total NICU days and had lower length of stays (-2.7 days;
      95% confidence interval -3.4; -2.1) compared to those with an identified reason.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variation in admission rates among NICUs that
      cannot be explained by infant health conditions. Further analysis is needed to
      determine the cause of between-site variation and potential opportunities to
      refine protocols and optimize use of NICU services.

PMID- 27117952
TI  - Passive interventions in primary healthcare waiting rooms are effective in
      promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours: an integrative review.
AB  - Primary healthcare waiting rooms have the potential to provide health-promoting
      environments to support healthy lifestyle behaviours such as smoking cessation,
      weight management and safe contraception. Passive interventions are cost
      effective and continually available within an environment or setting, allowing
      individuals to interact, engage and learn about topics. The aim of this study was
      to undertake an integrative review to investigate the effectiveness of passive
      health-related waiting room interventions in improving healthy lifestyle
      behaviours, as well as precursors to behaviour change. The integrative review
      encompassed five phases: problem identification, literature search, data
      evaluation, data analysis and presentation of results. Quantitative, qualitative
      and mixed methods studies were included. Of the 9205 studies originally
      identified, 33 publications were included and grouped under four areas: knowledge
      about a health condition or behaviour, attitudes and intentions towards a health
      condition or behaviour, healthcare use and interactions, and health-related
      behaviours. Overall, the passive interventions had a general positive influence
      on knowledge, intentions, healthcare use and behaviours. Variable outcomes were
      reported regarding attitude towards a health topic. Few studies were assessed as
      both high quality and the highest suitability to assess effectiveness of
      interventions. Consideration of the clinical significance of improvements is
      warranted before implementation of future interventions. Overall, passive waiting
      room interventions appear to be effective in promoting healthy lifestyle
      behaviours.

PMID- 27117953
TI  - Excretion of dengue virus RNA by Aedes aegypti allows non-destructive monitoring
      of viral dissemination in individual mosquitoes.
AB  - Successful transmission of a vector-borne pathogen relies on a complex life cycle
      in the arthropod vector that requires initial infection of the digestive tract
      followed by systemic viral dissemination. The time interval between acquisition
      and subsequent transmission of the pathogen, called the extrinsic incubation
      period, is one of the most influential parameters of vector-borne pathogen
      transmission. However, the dynamic nature of this process is often ignored
      because vector competence assays are sacrificial and rely on end-point
      measurements. Here, we report that individual Aedes aegypti mosquitoes release
      large amounts of dengue virus (DENV) RNA in their excreta that can be non
      sacrificially detected over time following oral virus exposure. Further, we
      demonstrate that detection of DENV RNA in excreta from individual mosquitoes is
      correlated to systemic viral dissemination with high specificity (0.9-1) albeit
      moderate sensitivity (0.64-0.89). Finally, we illustrate the potential of our
      finding to detect biological differences in the dynamics of DENV dissemination in
      a proof-of-concept experiment. Individual measurements of the time required for
      systemic viral dissemination, a prerequisite for transmission, will be valuable
      to monitor the dynamics of DENV vector competence, to carry out quantitative
      genetics studies, and to evaluate the risk of DENV transmission in field
      settings.

PMID- 27117954
TI  - The many faces of interleukin-17 in inflammatory skin diseases.
AB  - Interleukin (IL)-17 is an emerging target for inflammatory skin disorders. Given
      the remarkable success of its therapeutic inhibition in psoriasis, the pathogenic
      role of this cytokine is being explored in other immune-mediated diseases.
      Interestingly, IL-17 is linked to particular skin conditions where its activation
      coincides with disease flares. The leading hypothesis for its contribution to
      proinflammatory signalling cascades is driving inflammasome activation. However,
      IL-17 stimulation also releases a range of noninflammasome-related cytokines from
      human skin. Furthermore, a role in cytotoxic responses and an important interplay
      with the microbiome is hypothesized. While treatment failure would be surprising
      in neutrophilic dermatoses, the picture might be more complex in lymphocyte
      mediated conditions. Nonetheless, increasing insights into the pathogenesis
      suggest that beneficial responses are also probable in the latter conditions.
      Study of this pathway in the skin reveals some intriguing aspects of the IL-17
      related immunological network.

PMID- 27117955
TI  - Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Downregulates Expression of Inducible Nitride
      Oxide Synthase and Caspase-3 after Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in
      Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various investigations have demonstrated that calcitonin gene-related
      peptide (CGRP) plays an important role in mediating ischemic preconditioning.
      CGRP has been shown to mimic the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning
      and mitigate ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in the heart, brain,
      gastrointestinal system, and other tissues. This study aimed to examine whether
      CGRP, a proven intestinal cytoprotective molecule, exerted its protective effects
      through modulation of inducible nitride oxide synthase (iNOS) and apoptosis after
      intestinal I/R injury. METHODS: This animal study randomly divided 30 rats into
      the following five groups: (1) the normal control group, (2) the ischemia group
      with normal saline, (3) the I/R group with normal saline, (4) the ischemia group
      with CGRP (300 MUg/kg), and (5) the I/R group with CGRP (300 MUg/kg). Levels of
      iNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein, and caspase-3 protein were determined by
      real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analyses,
      respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance with
      Dunn test. RESULTS: The mRNA levels of iNOS increased after the intestinal
      ischemia or intestinal reperfusion phase (p < 0.01), and CGRP pretreatment
      significantly decreased iNOS mRNAs and protein levels (p < 0.01). The expression
      protein levels of caspase-3 increased after the intestinal ischemia or intestinal
      reperfusion phase. CGRP pretreatment significantly decreased the levels of
      caspase-3 proteins. CGRP intestinal cytoprotection is mediated, in part, by
      downregulation of expression of iNOS and caspase-3 after intestinal I/R injury.
      CONCLUSION: The study indicates that the cytoprotective role of CGRP (i.e.,
      antiapoptotic effect) after I/R injury could be via downregulation of iNOS, which
      may relieve I/R tissue damage by blocking iNOS activity.

PMID- 27117956
TI  - Resting electrical network activity in traps of the aquatic carnivorous plants of
      the genera Aldrovanda and Utricularia.
AB  - In this study the MEA (multielectrode array) system was used to record electrical
      responses of intact and halved traps, and other trap-free tissues of two aquatic
      carnivorous plants, Aldrovanda vesiculosa and Utricularia reflexa. They exhibit
      rapid trap movements and their traps contain numerous glands. Spontaneous
      generation of spikes with quite uniform shape, propagating across the recording
      area, has been observed for all types of sample. In the analysis of the
      electrical network, higher richer synchronous activity was observed relative to
      other plant species and organs previously described in the literature: indeed,
      the time intervals between the synchronized clusters (the inter-spike intervals)
      create organized patterns and the propagation times vary non-linearly with the
      distance due to this synchronization. Interestingly, more complex electrical
      activity was found in traps than in trap-free organs, supporting the hypothesis
      that the nature of the electrical activity may reflect the anatomical and
      functional complexity of different organs. Finally, the electrical activity of
      functionally different traps of Aldrovanda (snapping traps) and Utricularia
      (suction traps) was compared and some differences in the features of signal
      propagation were found. According to these results, a possible use of the MEA
      system for the study of different trap closure mechanisms is proposed.

PMID- 27117957
TI  - What Happened to Paul? Manifestation of Abnormal Pain Response for Individuals
      With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - During the progression of a pilot nutrition intervention designed to teach
      cooking skills to young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one
      participant-Paul-fell in the parking lot. Prior to the accident, Paul had been
      making significant gains in the program and had communicated in a number of ways
      his enthusiasm. After his accident, which resulted in broken and dislocated bones
      in his ankle, his demeanor was dramatically altered, program gains were lost, and
      staff noted the appearance of many new challenging behaviors. This article
      analyzes Paul's behavior in reference to the pain response in autism. For some
      time, it was believed that many individuals with ASD did not experience pain
      based on anecdotal reports of how individuals responded to injury with seeming
      indifference. This view has given way of late to a more nuanced understanding of
      how atypical sensory processing and stimulus over-selectivity spill over into
      pain pathways and pain amplification mechanisms. The consequence is not a
      reduction in pain sensation, but a different expression of pain, determined by
      that individual's particular communicative, cognitive, or physiological
      challenges. From this perspective, many of the disruptive and harmful behaviors
      that emerged after Paul's accident can be seen as a delayed response to the
      incident. This article concludes by arguing that professionals across all domains
      of health care need to begin to see behavior as communicative for those with ASD.
      This is particularly true of changes in behavior, which can be significant
      indicators of health care problems rather than something to be dismissed as
      another manifestation of the condition.

PMID- 27117958
TI  - The Experiences of Young Adult Offenders Who Completed a Drug Court Treatment
      Program.
AB  - Although there has been a proliferation of studies on the effectiveness of drug
      court programs, these studies are largely quantitative in nature. Little is known
      about the experiences of persons who participate in drug court. In this study, we
      aimed to fill this knowledge gap by exploring experiences of young adults who
      completed an adult drug court treatment program. Nine semi-structured interviews
      were conducted, typed into a word-processing program, and then entered into a
      data analysis software program. Using grounded theory strategies, analysis
      revealed several emergent themes, which are presented chronologically to provide
      a narrative of study participants' experiences before, during, and after the
      program. Findings provide insights on how participants perceive drug courts and
      experiences that might facilitate or impede completion of drug court programs.
      Our findings are particularly important for drug court professionals as they
      attempt to develop appropriate recommendations for best practices and new policy
      initiatives.

PMID- 27117959
TI  - How Do People With COPD Value Different Activities? An Adapted Meta-Ethnography
      of Qualitative Research.
AB  - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term condition where
      activities of daily living (ADLs) may be very restricted; people with COPD need
      to prioritize what is important to them. We conducted a meta-ethnography to
      understand which ADLs are valued and why, systematically searching for articles
      including experiences of ADLs and organizing themes from the articles into five
      linked concepts: (a) caring for the body, (b) caring for the personal
      environment, (c) moving between spaces, (d) interacting with others, and (e)
      selfhood across time. In addition, we identified three key aspects of personal
      integrity: effectiveness, connectedness, and control. We found that ADLs were
      valued if they increased integrity; however, this process was also informed by
      gendered roles and social values. People whose sense of control depended on
      effectiveness often found accepting help very difficult to bear; therefore,
      redefining control as situational and relational may help enjoyment of activities
      that are possible.

PMID- 27117960
TI  - Finding Qualitative Research Evidence for Health Technology Assessment.
AB  - Health technology assessment (HTA) agencies increasingly use reviews of
      qualitative research as evidence for evaluating social, experiential, and ethical
      aspects of health technologies. We systematically searched three bibliographic
      databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Social Science Citation Index [SSCI]) using
      published search filters or "hedges" and our hybrid filter to identify
      qualitative research studies pertaining to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      and early breast cancer. The search filters were compared in terms of
      sensitivity, specificity, and precision. Our screening by title and abstract
      revealed that qualitative research constituted only slightly more than 1% of all
      published research on each health topic. The performance of the published search
      filters varied greatly across topics and databases. Compared with existing search
      filters, our hybrid filter demonstrated a consistently high sensitivity across
      databases and topics, and minimized the resource-intensive process of sifting
      through false positives. We identify opportunities for qualitative health
      researchers to improve the uptake of qualitative research into evidence-informed
      policy making.

PMID- 27117961
TI  - Illness Narratives of African Americans Living With Coronary Heart Disease: A
      Critical Interactionist Analysis.
AB  - How African American men and women respond to and manage living with coronary
      heart disease (CHD) is not well understood despite the well-documented
      disproportionate burden of CHD and its complications among African Americans in
      the United States. Through a critical interactionist perspective, we explore
      illness experiences of African Americans living with CHD and describe a broad
      range of micro-, meso-, and macro-contextual factors that influence their illness
      experiences. For participants in this study, CHD has become a "Black disease"
      wherein certain bodies have become historically and racially marked; a
      conceptualization maintained and passed on by African Americans themselves. Such
      findings highlight that CHD is more than a "lifestyle disease" where high-risk
      behaviors and lack of healthy choices are ultimate culprits. Rather, CHD is
      perceived by African Americans who have it as yet another product of ongoing
      racial and socio-structural dynamics through which their health burdens are
      created, sustained, and reproduced.

PMID- 27117962
TI  - Stomach arteriovenous malformation resected by laparoscopy-assisted surgery: A
      case report.
AB  - Arteriovenous malformations of the stomach are an uncommon cause of upper GI
      bleeding. We report a case of stomach arteriovenous malformation in an 85-year
      old Asian man who presented with massive hematemesis. Initial
      esophagogastroduodenoscopy did not detect this lesion, but contrast multi
      detector CT confirmed GI bleeding. Multi-detector CT revealed a mass of blood
      vessels underlying the submucosa that arose from the right gastroepiploic artery.
      Repeat esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed that the lesion was a submucosal tumor
      with erosion and without active bleeding in the lower body of the stomach on the
      greater curvature. We performed partial gastrectomy via laparoscopy-assisted
      surgery. The histopathological diagnosis was arteriovenous malformation. 

PMID- 27117963
TI  - Chylous leakage from a remaining duplicated left-sided thoracic duct after
      esophagectomy successfully treated by ligation of the left-sided thoracic duct
      with left-sided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with the patient in the
      prone position.
AB  - A 69-year-old man who had undergone an esophagectomy was diagnosed with chylous
      leakage on postoperative day 2, and his pleural effusion output gradually
      increased daily. On postoperative day 6, intranodal lymphangiography using
      lipiodol demonstrated chylous leakage from branches of an incomplete duplicated
      left-sided thoracic duct; it also indicated successful ligation of the right
      sided thoracic duct at initial operation. After lymphangiography, the chylous
      leakage did not heal and remained uncontrollable. Based on the preoperative
      lymphangiographic findings, we ligated the left-sided thoracic duct with left
      sided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, with the patient in the prone
      position, on postoperative day 9. The patient experienced no other postoperative
      complications. The use of the prone position with pneumothorax treatment was
      helpful in providing a wide operative field in the posterior mediastinum, thus
      allowing for a better chance for a successful postoperative outcome. 

PMID- 27117964
TI  - Combined laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection and robotic-assisted
      prostatectomy for synchronous double cancer of the rectum and the prostate.
AB  - Here we report a combined laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection and robotic
      assisted prostatectomy. A 74-year-old man was diagnosed with T4b low rectal and
      prostate cancer. The operation was performed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for
      the rectal cancer. The procedure used eight ports in total, five for laparoscopic
      abdominoperineal resection and six for robotic-assisted prostatectomy. First,
      laparoscopic total mesorectal excision including division of the inferior
      mesenteric artery was performed, and then, robotic dissection of the prostate was
      performed. The en bloc specimen was removed through the perineal wound. Then,
      robotic urethrovesical anastomosis was performed. An extraperitoneal end
      colostomy was created to finish the operation. The operating time was 545 min,
      and blood loss was 170 mL. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the
      patient discharged on postoperative day 17. The combined laparoscopic
      abdominoperineal resection and robotic-assisted prostatectomy were performed
      safely without any additional technical difficulty, as both procedures shared
      port settings and patient positions. 

PMID- 27117965
TI  - Postoperative Mycoplasma hominis infection after robot-assisted laparoscopic
      radical prostatectomy: A case report.
AB  - A 59-year-old man developed a high fever, elevated white blood cell count,
      elevated C-reactive protein level, and perineal pain 5 days after robot-assisted
      laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Treatment with cefmetazole was ineffective. A
      urine specimen was submitted for culture on postoperative day 7, and Mycoplasma
      hominis (M. hominis) was detected 1 week later. Cefmetazole was therefore
      switched to quinolone. The clinical symptoms and laboratory data immediately
      showed marked improvement. M. hominis has been shown to inhabit the genitourinary
      tract. Although it is considered to induce urethritis, its pathogenicity in
      healthy male subjects has not been investigated. M. hominis is difficult to
      detect and is resistant to beta-lactams because it lacks a cell wall. Urine
      culture sometimes results in false-negative results. In cases where empirical
      therapy for postoperative infection is ineffective, surgeons should recognize the
      possibility of M. hominis involvement and consider changing the antibiotic used. 

PMID- 27117966
TI  - Two-stage surgery to repair a dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm in a severely
      obese patient: Open bifurcated graft replacement after laparoscopic sleeve
      gastrectomy.
AB  - With the increasing prevalence of severe obesity worldwide, surgical treatment
      for severely obese patients is becoming more popular. Bariatric surgery has
      occasionally been performed as a precursor to major operations for serious
      diseases to make these difficult surgeries safer for severely obese patients. We
      present the case of a severely obese patient with a dissected abdominal aortic
      aneurysm and left iliac artery aneurysm. Initially, we performed bariatric
      surgery on this patient to reduce perioperative risk and then subsequently
      performed bifurcated graft replacement. A 54-year-old man presented at our
      hospital for bariatric surgery before open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
      Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed; 15 months later, the patient's
      weight and BMI had decreased from 139.0 kg to 97.6 kg and from 48.7 kg/m(2) to
      34.2 kg/m(2) , respectively. Bifurcated graft replacement was performed safely
      without postoperative complications. Bariatric surgery was also effective in
      controlling the patient's blood pressure during the interval between surgeries. 

PMID- 27117967
TI  - Indications for the laparoscopic approach to acute small bowel obstruction: A
      retrospective review of 50 cases, a literature review, and a single hospital's
      preliminary experience.
AB  - Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is mainly caused by postoperative adhesions, but a
      broad spectrum of diseases may cause this pathogenetic condition. Laparoscopic
      treatment represents an efficient approach to SBO. The aim of this paper was to
      review a single center's experience with a minimally invasive approach to
      multiple pathologic scenarios causing SBO. From January 2010 to December 2012, 50
      consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for mechanical SBO. In 90% of
      patients, the surgical procedure was totally laparoscopic, while 10% required
      conversion to midline laparotomy. In-hospital morbidity was 15% among totally
      laparoscopic patients and 40% among those who underwent conversion to midline
      laparotomy. Thirty-day mortality was zero. One patient died 4 months
      postoperatively from neoplastic disease progression; the remaining patients were
      free from occlusive symptoms at follow-up. The minimally invasive technique
      applies to a broad spectrum of cases. A larger cohort of patients seems necessary
      to reproduce our results and confirm the effectiveness of a laparoscopic approach
      to SBO. 

PMID- 27117968
TI  - Laparoscopic repair of left paraduodenal hernia: Report of two cases and review
      of the literature.
AB  - Internal hernia is the cause of only 1% of intestinal obstructions, and left
      paraduodenal hernias (PDH) comprise about 50% of these cases. As the presentation
      of PDH is varied, diagnosis is often delayed. Here, we report two patients with
      left PDH presenting in a subacute manner and diagnosed rapidly with the help of a
      CT scan. Both underwent successful laparoscopic repair; one patient had closure
      of the defect, and the other required excision of the sac prior to the closure.
      We review 21 cases of left PDH treated laparoscopically that were previously
      reported in the literature, including 14 from Asian countries. 

PMID- 27117969
TI  - Laparoscopic Hartmann reversal: Video presentation of a case.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic Hartmann reversal (LHR) has decreased postoperative
      recovery time and a lower wound infection rate compared to open HR. However its
      technical difficulty and high conversion rates make it a challenging procedure.
      We aim to demonstrate the technique of LHR via a video presentation. Our patient,
      a 64 year old Chinese man with no history of previous surgery underwent a
      Hartmann procedure for an obstructing sigmoid stricture secondary to diverticular
      disease. Three months later, he underwent an elective LHR. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL
      TECHNIQUE: A 10 mm port was initially inserted in the right iliac fossa under
      direct vision away from expected adhesions due to the previous midline incision.
      Additional 5mm working ports were inserted in the right flank and right
      hypochondrium. An additional 10mm optical port was then inserted in the
      epigastrium and the laparoscopic camera was switched to the epigastric port.
      Omental adhesions to abdominal wall were taken down. The left colon was then
      brought down to the pelvis to ensure adequate length of bowel for anastomosis. A
      colorectal side to end anastomosis was then performed. The stoma wound was closed
      and the patient was discharged well on post-operative day 5. DISCUSSION: LHR can
      be adopted as an initial approach to visualize intra-abdominal adhesions and
      determine feasibility of operation. With experienced hands, LHR can achieve good
      patient outcomes.

PMID- 27117970
TI  - Stealth surgery for congenital muscular torticollis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We report a case of congenital muscular torticollis managed
      successfully by the endoscopic transaxillary subcutaneous approach without any
      neck incision. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A 10-year-old girl was diagnosed
      as having right torticollis. After her condition and the necessary procedure were
      explained to her parents, the patient underwent surgery. The patient was placed
      in the supine position. A subcutaneous tunnel was made from the anterior axillary
      fold up to the right sternocleidomastoid muscle. Flow rate and pressure were
      gradually increased during this process. Then the sternocleidomastoid muscle's
      sternal and clavicular attachments were dissected and divided. DISCUSSION:
      Scarless surgery is in great demand today. Stealth surgery refers to endoscopic
      subcutaneous procedures performed without leaving any obvious evidence that an
      operation has occurred. It involves the excision of benign subcutaneous lesions
      of the head and neck in children through an incision in the axilla or a hidden
      incision in the scalp.

PMID- 27117971
TI  - Endoscopy-assisted transanal repair of afferent limb obstruction and long
      efferent limb with ileopexy after ileal J-pouch-anal anastomosis.
AB  - Afferent limb obstruction can be a persistent complication after restorative
      proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. We present a case of afferent
      limb obstruction complicated by a long efferent limb of the ileal pouch that we
      successfully treated with side-to-side anastomosis of the afferent and efferent
      limbs. The procedure involved using a transanal endoscopic stapling device
      assisted by transanal endoscopy with a thin intestinal video endoscope. This
      allowed reliable, safe visualization of the lesion from the tight pouch-anal
      anastomosis and facilitated repair with an endoscopic stapling device. Because
      the technique was performed without enterotomy, it reduced the risks of
      contamination and leakage from transabdominal small bowel anastomosis. Laparotomy
      view also prevented of injury to the pouch itself and entrapment of the mesentery
      of the afferent and efferent limbs of the pouch between the stapler anvils. 

PMID- 27117973
TI  - A 'spot' diagnosis.

PMID- 27117972
TI  - German Center Subanalysis of the LEVANT 2 Global Randomized Study of the Lutonix
      Drug-Coated Balloon in the Treatment of Femoropopliteal Occlusive Disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a subanalysis of the German centers enrolling patients in the
      prospective, global, multicenter, randomized LEVANT 2 pivotal trial
      (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01412541) of the Lutonix drug-coated balloon
      (DCB) for the treatment of femoropopliteal occlusive disease. METHODS: Among the
      476 patients in LEVANT 2, 126 patients (mean age 67.1+/-9.6 years; 79 men) were
      enrolled at the 8 participating German sites between August 2011 and July 2012
      and were randomized 2:1 to treatment with the Lutonix DCB (n=83) vs an uncoated
      balloon during percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA, n=43). All patients
      had intermittent claudication or rest pain (Rutherford categories 2-4). Average
      lesion length was 58 mm and average treated length was 100 mm. Severe
      calcification was present in 11% of lesions, and 23% were total occlusions. The
      efficacy outcome was primary patency at 12 months, and the safety outcome was 12
      month freedom from a composite of perioperative death, index limb-related death,
      amputation (below or above the ankle), and index limb revascularization.
      Secondary endpoints included target lesion revascularization (TLR), major adverse
      events, and functional outcomes. RESULTS: Demographic, clinical, and lesion
      characteristics were matched between Lutonix DCB and PTA groups, as were the
      final percent diameter stenosis (19%) and procedure success (91%). By Kaplan
      Meier analysis, the 12-month primary patency rate was 80% vs 58% (p=0.015) and
      the composite safety endpoint rate was 94% vs 72% (p=0.001), respectively.
      Freedom from TLR was higher for DCBs (96%) vs PTA (82%, p=0.012). Major adverse
      events were similar for both groups. The benefit favoring DCB over PTA was
      observed in German men and women. Compared to the non-German LEVANT 2 cohort,
      there was a shorter time between insertion and inflation of treatment balloons
      (21.8 vs 39.5 seconds, p<0.001) in the German cohort. Balloons were inflated to
      higher pressures (9.0 vs 7.7 atm, p<0.001) but for a shorter period of time (130
      vs 167 seconds, p<0.001), and although treated lesions in the German cohort had a
      higher baseline stenosis, final postprocedure diameter stenosis was lower (19% vs
      22%, p=0.04) than in the non-German patients. CONCLUSION: Superiority of DCB over
      PTA in the German cohort of LEVANT 2 was demonstrated for primary patency,
      composite safety, and freedom from TLR. The benefit of DCB was also consistent
      for both genders. Geographic or regional differences in procedural variables may
      account for the different outcomes between the German and non-German cohorts.

PMID- 27117974
TI  - A neonate with abdominal distension and failure to thrive.

PMID- 27117976
TI  - Effects of mipafox, paraoxon, chlorpyrifos and its metabolite chlorpyrifos-oxon
      on the expression of biomarker genes of differentiation in D3 mouse embryonic
      stem cells.
AB  - Chlorpyrifos (CPS) is an organophosphorus compound (OP) capable of causing well
      known cholinergic and delayed syndromes through the inhibition of
      acetylcholinesterase and Neuropathy Target Esterase (NTE), respectively. CPS is
      also able to induce neurodevelopmental toxicity in animals. NTE is codified by
      the Pnpla6 gene and plays a central role in differentiation and
      neurodifferentiation. We tested, in D3 mouse embryonic stem cells under
      differentiation, the effects of the NTE inhibition by the OPs mipafox, CPS and
      its main active metabolite chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO) on the expression of genes
      Vegfa, Bcl2, Amot, Nes and Jun, previously reported to be under- or overexpressed
      after Pnpla6 silencing in this same cellular model. Mipafox did not significantly
      alter the expression of such genes at concentrations that significantly inhibited
      NTE. However, CPS and CPO at concentrations that caused NTE inhibition at similar
      levels to mipafox statistically and significantly altered the expression of most
      of these genes. Paraoxon (another OP with capability to inhibit esterases but not
      NTE) caused similar effects to CPS and CPO. These findings suggest that the
      molecular mechanism for the neurodevelopmental toxicity induced by CPS is not
      based on NTE inhibition, and that other unknown esterases might be potential
      targets of neurodevelopmental toxicity.

PMID- 27117975
TI  - Mechanisms of Cardiotoxicity of Cancer Chemotherapeutic Agents: Cardiomyopathy
      and Beyond.
AB  - Tremendous strides have been made in the treatment of various oncological
      diseases such that patients are surviving longer and are having better quality of
      life. However, the success has been tainted by the iatrogenic cardiac toxicities.
      This is especially concerning in the younger population who are facing cardiac
      disease such as heart failure in their 30s and 40s as the consequence of the
      anthracycline's side effects (used for childhood leukemia and lymphoma). This
      resulted in the awareness of cardiotoxic effects of anticancer drugs and
      emergence of a new discipline: oncocardiology. Since then, numerous anticancer
      drugs have been correlated to cardiomyopathy. Additionally, other cardiovascular
      effects have been identified, which includes but is not limited to myocardial
      infarction, thrombosis, hypertension, arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. In
      this review we examine some of the anticancer agents that mitigate cardiotoxicity
      and present current knowledge of molecular mechanism(s). The aim of the review is
      to ignite awareness of emerging cardiotoxic effects as new generations of
      anticancer agents are being tested in clinical trials and introduced as part of
      the therapeutic armamentarium to our oncological patients.

PMID- 27117977
TI  - Role of EGF receptor ligands in TCDD-induced EGFR down-regulation and cellular
      proliferation.
AB  - In cultures of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs), 2,3,7,8
      tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) induces the expression of the epidermal growth
      factor receptor ligands transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and
      epiregulin (EREG). TCDD also down-regulates EGF receptors (EGFR), suggesting that
      decreases in signaling contribute to the effects of TCDD. In this study, we
      treated post-confluent NHEKs with 10 nM TCDD and assessed its effects on EGFR
      binding, EGFR ligand secretion, basal ERK activity, and proliferation. TCDD
      caused time-dependent deceases in [(125)I]-EGF binding to levels 78% of basal
      cell values at 72 h. Amphiregulin (AREG) levels increased with time in culture in
      basal and TCDD-treated cells, while TGF-alpha and epiregulin (EREG) secretion
      were stimulated by TCDD. Inhibiting EGFR ligand release with the
      metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat prevented EGFR down-regulation and
      neutralizing antibodies for AREG and EREG relieved receptor down-regulation. In
      contrast, neutralizing TGF-alpha intensified EGFR down-regulation. Treating NHEKs
      with AREG or TGF-alpha caused rapid internalization of receptors with TGF-alpha
      promoting recycling within 90 min. EREG had limited effects on rapid
      internalization or recycling. TCDD treatment increased ERK activity, a response
      reduced by batimastat and the neutralization of all three ligands indicating that
      the EGFR and its ligands maintain ERK activity. All three EGFR ligands were
      required for the maintenance of total cell number in basal and TCDD-treated
      cultures. The EGFR inhibitor PD1530305 blocked basal and TCDD-induced increases
      in the number of cells labeled by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, identifying an EGFR
      dependent pool of proliferating cells that is larger in TCDD-treated cultures.
      Overall, these data indicate that TCDD-induced EGFR down-regulation in NHEKs is
      caused by AREG, TGF-alpha, and EREG, while TGF-alpha enhances receptor recycling
      to maintain a pool of EGFR at the cell surface. These receptors are required for
      ERK activity, maintenance of total cell number, and stimulating the proliferation
      of a small subset cells. 

PMID- 27117978
TI  - Coding deficits in hidden hearing loss induced by noise: the nature and impacts.
AB  - Hidden hearing refers to the functional deficits in hearing without deterioration
      in hearing sensitivity. This concept is proposed based upon recent finding of
      massive noise-induced damage on ribbon synapse between inner hair cells (IHCs)
      and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the cochlea without significant permanent
      threshold shifts (PTS). Presumably, such damage may cause coding deficits in
      auditory nerve fibers (ANFs). However, such deficits had not been detailed except
      that a selective loss of ANFs with low spontaneous rate (SR) was reported. In the
      present study, we investigated the dynamic changes of ribbon synapses and the
      coding function of ANF single units in one month after a brief noise exposure
      that caused a massive damage of ribbon synapses but no PTS. The synapse count and
      functional response measures indicates a large portion of the disrupted synapses
      were re-connected. This is consistent with the fact that the change of SR
      distribution due to the initial loss of low SR units is recovered quickly.
      However, ANF coding deficits were developed later with the re-establishment of
      the synapses. The deficits were found in both intensity and temporal processing,
      revealing the nature of synaptopathy in hidden hearing loss.

PMID- 27117979
TI  - A simplified protocol for high-yield expression and purification of bacterial
      topoisomerase I.
AB  - Type IA topoisomerases represent promising antibacterial drug targets. Data
      exists suggesting that the two bacterial type IA topoisomerase enzymes
      topoisomerase I and topoisomerase III-share an overlapping biological role.
      Furthermore, topoisomerase I has been shown to be essential for the survival of
      certain organisms lacking topoisomerase III. With this in mind, it is plausible
      that topoisomerase I may represent a potential target for selective antibacterial
      drug development. As many reported bacterial topoisomerase I purification
      protocols have either suffered from relatively low yield, numerous steps, or a
      simple failure to report target protein yield altogether, a high-yield and high
      purity bacterial topoisomerase I expression and purification protocol is highly
      desirable. The goal of this study was therefore to optimize the expression and
      purification of topoisomerase I from Streptococcus mutans, a clinically relevant
      organism that plays a significant role in oral and extra-oral infection, in order
      to quickly and easily attain the requisite quantities of pure target enzyme
      suitable for use in assay development, compound library screening, and carrying
      out further structural and biochemical characterization analyses. Herein we
      report the systematic implementation and analysis of various expression and
      purification techniques leading to the development and optimization of a rapid
      and straightforward protocol for the auto-induced expression and two-step,
      affinity tag purification of Streptococcus mutans topoisomerase I yielding >20
      mg/L of enzyme at over 95% purity.

PMID- 27117980
TI  - Is There a Role for Robotic Surgery in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer?
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Given the potential for long-term toxicities from concurrent
      chemoradiation, there is great interest in surgery as a primary treatment
      modality for head and neck cancers, particularly in the younger HPV-positive
      oropharyngeal cancer patient. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has proven to be
      an effective technique to safely treat oropharyngeal and select supraglottic
      tumors surgically. Sound, traditional surgical principles are employed using
      improved endoscopic visualization and precise instrumentation to perform
      oncologic surgery without the morbidity of transmandibular or transcervical
      approaches. Although level 1 evidence prospective clinical trials are currently
      underway for TORS, the literature supports its safety and efficacy based on
      numerous studies. Currently, prospective randomized trials are underway to
      provide better evidence for or against TORS in oropharyngeal cancer. Patient
      selection based on comorbidities, anatomy, and available pathological data is
      critical in choosing patients for TORS.

PMID- 27117981
TI  - Emergence of blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-169 and blaPER-1 extended-spectrum beta
      lactamase genes among different Salmonella enterica serovars from human faecal
      samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Broad-spectrum beta-lactams are used for empirical therapy of severe
      infections with non-typhoid Salmonella serotypes; however, activities of these
      drugs against the strains producing different beta-lactamase is not so clear.
      This study investigated the prevalence of beta-lactamase genes among isolates of
      S. enterica serovars from human faecal samples and determined their diversity in
      activity against different beta-lactams. METHODS: Antimicrobial resistance of
      faecal isolates of S. enterica to extended-spectrum cephalosporins was analysed
      and MIC values were determined for the strains presenting extended-spectrum beta
      lactamases (ESBLs) phenotypes. The beta-lactamase genes were identified by PCR
      and sequencing. beta-lactamase activity of the Salmonella strains exhibiting ESBL
      phenotype was detected by biological, iodometric, spectrophotometry and
      nitrocefin assays. RESULTS: Out of 202 S. enterica isolates, ESBLs phenotype was
      detected among 3.4% (7/202) of the strains. blaTEM-1 and blaCTX-M-15 were among
      the frequent beta-lactamase genes. Detection of blaTEM-169 in S. enterica serovar
      Typhimurium and S. enterica serovar Bredeney and blaPER-1 in S. enterica serovar
      Infantis was a new finding in this experiment. Location of blaCTX-M-15/blaTEM
      169/blaPER-1 genes on plasmid was confirmed in a transformation experiment. While
      crude extracts of the enzymes from each strain showed higher activity against
      cephalothin and cefotaxime, the lowest activity was detected against ceftazidime.
      The greatest synergistic activity was seen in a strain of S. enterica that
      carried blaCTX-M-15 and blaPER-1 genes compared with those presenting blaCTX-M
      15/blaTEM-169 or blaCTX-M-15/blaTEM-1 genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: The results show
      dissemination of ESBLs encoding genes and their combined activity among different
      serovars of S. enterica that are a threat for future treatment options.

PMID- 27117983
TI  - Histone modifications interact with DNA methylation at the GATA4 promoter during
      differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A previous study of ours confirmed that Islet-1 specifically induces
      differentiation of MSCs into cardiomyocytes, and that one of the mechanisms
      underlying that process is regulation of histone acetylation. Here, we further
      explore the mechanism of MSC differentiation into cardiomyocytes from the
      perspective of interactions between epigenetic modifications. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We used lentiviral vectors to overexpress Islet-1 in MSCs, and ChIP
      qPCR, MSP and BSP were performed to detect levels of histone
      acetylation/methylation and DNA methylation in the GATA4 and Nkx2.5 promoters. To
      further explore relationships between these epigenetic modifications, we used 5
      aza or TSA to interfere with DNA methylation and histone acetylation,
      respectively, and detected effects on the other two modifications. RESULTS:
      Histone acetylation level increased and its methylation level decreased at GATA4
      and Nkx2.5 promoters; DNA methylation level was reduced at the GATA4 promoter but
      did not change at the Nkx2.5 promoter. Furthermore, 5-aza increased histone
      acetylation level and reduced its methylation level at the GATA4 promoter but had
      no effect on the Nkx2.5 promoter; TSA reduced histone methylation and DNA
      methylation levels at the GATA4 promoter, but it only reduced histone methylation
      level at the Nkx2.5 promoter. CONCLUSIONS: Histone acetylation/methylation and
      DNA methylation were both involved in regulating GATA4 expression, but Nkx2.5
      expression was not regulated by DNA methylation. These three modifications had
      high correlation with each other during regulation of GATA4 and produced a
      regulation loop at the GATA4 promoter.

PMID- 27117984
TI  - A Single In-Vial Dual Extraction Strategy for the Simultaneous Lipidomics and
      Proteomics Analysis of HDL and LDL Fractions.
AB  - A single in-vial dual extraction (IVDE) procedure for the subsequent analysis of
      lipids and proteins in the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL) fractions derived from the same biological sample is presented.
      On the basis of methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) extraction, IVDE leads to the
      formation of three phases: a protein pellet at the bottom, an aqueous phase with
      polar compounds, and an ether phase with lipophilic compounds. After sample
      extraction, performed within a high-performance liquid chromatography vial
      insert, the ether phase was directly injected for lipid fingerprinting, while the
      protein pellet, after evaporation of the remaining sample, was used for
      proteomics analysis. Human HDL and LDL isolates were used to test the suitability
      of the IVDE methodology for lipid and protein analysis from a single sample in
      terms of data quality and matching composition to that of HDL and LDL.
      Subsequently, HDL and LDL fractions isolated from ApoE-KO and wild-type mice were
      used to validate the capacity of IVDE for revealing changes in lipid and protein
      abundance. Results indicate that IVDE can be successfully used for the subsequent
      analysis of lipids and proteins with the advantages of time saving, simplicity,
      and reduced sample amount.

PMID- 27117985
TI  - Radionecrosis versus disease progression in brain metastasis. Value of (18)F-DOPA
      PET/CT/MRI.
AB  - The use of (18)F-DOPA PET/CT with magnetic resonance imaging fusion and the use
      of visual methods and quantitative analysis helps to differentiate between
      changes post-radiosurgery vs. suspicion of disease progression in a patient with
      brain metastases from melanoma, thus facilitating taking early surgical action. 

PMID- 27117986
TI  - Towards the application of HD-EMG decomposition in clinical practice.

PMID- 27117987
TI  - Effects of a TiC substrate on the catalytic activity of Pt for NO reduction.
AB  - Density functional theory calculations are used to elucidate the catalytic
      properties of a Pt monolayer supported on a TiC(001) substrate (Pt/TiC) toward NO
      reduction. It is found that the compound system of Pt/TiC has a good stability
      due to the strong Pt-TiC interaction. The diverse dissociation paths (namely the
      direct dissociation mechanism and the dimeric mechanism) are investigated. The
      transition state searching calculations suggest that NO has strong diffusion
      ability and small activation energy for dissociation on the Pt/TiC. For NO
      reduction on the Pt/TiC surface, we have found that the direct dissociation
      mechanisms (NO + N + O -> NO2 + N and NO + N + O -> N2 + O + O) are easier with a
      smaller dissociation barrier than those on the Pt(111) surface; and the dimeric
      process (NO + NO -> (NO)2 -> N2O + O -> N2 + O + O) is considered to be dominant
      or significant with even a lower energy barrier than that of the direct
      dissociation. The results show that Pt/TiC can serve as an efficient catalyst for
      NO reduction.

PMID- 27117988
TI  - Factors influencing anesthesia residency selection: impact of global health
      opportunities.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is growing evidence to suggest that the current generation of
      medical students and young physicians is interested in global health. However,
      there are few data on the interest in global health by students pursuing a career
      in anesthesiology. The objective of this survey was to evaluate the importance of
      global health opportunities in regard to applicants' choice of anesthesiology
      residency programs. METHODS: Anesthesiology residency program directors in the
      United States were invited to distribute an online survey to recently matched
      residents. To reduce study bias, the survey included a wide selection of reasons
      for program choices in addition to global health. Participants were asked to rate
      independently, on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = least important, 10 = most important),
      the importance that each factor had on their selection of an anesthesiology
      residency program. RESULTS: Of the 117 U.S. anesthesiology programs contacted, 87
      (74%) distributed the survey. Completed surveys were obtained from 582 of 1,092
      (53%) polled participants. All factors assessed were rated between 5 and 9 and
      the global health median [interquartile range] rating was 6 [3-7]. Nearly half of
      the survey respondents were interested in incorporating global health into future
      careers. More than three-quarters reported being interested in participating in,
      or reading about, global health activities during their residency. Responders
      with previous global health experience, or who were interested in an "in-country"
      experience, were more likely to choose programs that had global health
      opportunities available during residency. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia residency
      program applicants are interested in global health. Having a global health
      opportunity was an important reason for choosing a residency program, comparable
      to some more traditional factors. Regardless of previous global health
      experience, the majority of future anesthesia residents are either planning or
      considering participation in global health activities during or after training.

PMID- 27117990
TI  - A place that is easier to get into than to get out of!

PMID- 27117991
TI  - Prolonged transesophageal echocardiography during percutaneous closure of the
      left atrial appendage without general anesthesia: the utility of the Janus mask.
AB  - PURPOSE: Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an interventional procedure
      increasingly used to prevent stroke in patients with permanent atrial
      fibrillation and contraindications to anticoagulation therapy. As this procedure
      requires a relatively immobile patient and performance of continuous and
      prolonged transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), it is usually performed under
      general anesthesia. In this case series, we describe the feasibility of prolonged
      TEE for percutaneous LAA closure using a new noninvasive ventilation device that
      can avoid the need for endotracheal intubation and general anesthesia. CLINICAL
      FEATURES: Percutaneous LAA closure was performed under deep sedation in three
      elderly patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. Sedation was obtained with a
      combination of midazolam, propofol, and remifentanil. Continuous intraoperative
      TEE was performed through the port of the newly available Janus mask (Biomedical
      Srl; Florence, Italy), allowing for noninvasive ventilation (pressure support =
      12-16 cm H2O; positive end-expiratory pressure = 7 cm H2O; FIO2 = 0.3) in these
      spontaneously breathing patients. The total procedure times ranged from 75-90
      min. The patients reported excellent satisfaction with the sedation received in
      terms of discomfort experienced during the procedure, capacity to recall the
      procedure, and comfort with the mask. The operators also rated the procedural
      conditions as excellent. CONCLUSION: Deep sedation with noninvasive ventilation
      may be a reasonable and safe alternative to general endotracheal anesthesia in
      patients requiring prolonged TEE for noninvasive cardiac procedures, including
      LAA closure.

PMID- 27117992
TI  - Description of Comamonas sediminis sp. nov., isolated from lagoon sediments.
AB  - Strain S3T was isolated from lagoon sediments, and appeared as transparent
      colonies on agar plates, with cells staining Gram-negative. Catalase and oxidase
      were positive. S3T hydrolyzed starch, casein and tween-20, while urea, chitin,
      gelatin and tween-80 were not hydrolysed. C18 : 1omega6c/C18 : 1omega7c, C16 :
      1omega6c/C16 : 1omega7c,C17 : 0 cyclo and C16 : 0 were the predominant fatty
      acids with minor amounts of C10 : 0 3-OH, C12 : 0, C14 : 0 and C16 : 0 2-OH. S3T
      contained diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and
      phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) as major polar lipids with minor amounts of
      unidentified phospholipid (PL) and unidentified lipids (L1-2). Genomic DNA G+C
      content was 68.3 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons indicated that S3T
      represents a member of the genus Comamonas in family Comamonadaceae of the class
      Betaproteobacteria. S3T has a sequence similarity of 98.96 % with Comamonas
      koreensis YH12T, 97.93 % with Comamonas guangdongensis CY01T and <96.97 % with
      other members of the genus Comamonas. DNA-DNA hybridization values between S3T
      and the type strains of the most closely related species were clearly below the
      70 % threshold. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic analysis,
      it is proposed that S3T represents a novel species of the genus Comamonas, for
      which the name Comamonas sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S3T
      (=KEMB 563-466T =JCM 31169T).

PMID- 27117993
TI  - [Exercise therapy in the treatment of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis: Is it
      useful?].
AB  - Many practitioners, pediatricians, and general practitioners prescribe physical
      therapy when tracking scoliosis. However, has physical therapy alone proved its
      efficacy in the care of the scoliosis to slow down progression? Our purpose is to
      report the results of a literature review on the effectiveness of rehabilitation
      in idiopathic scoliosis. No current study presents sufficient scientific proof to
      validate the efficacy of isolated exercise therapy in scoliosis. Learned
      societies recognize, however, the efficacy of combining conservative therapy
      (brace+physiotherapy) in idiopathic scoliosis. Should we then still prescribe
      rehabilitation without brace treatment? Although physical therapy alone does not
      seem effective in treating scoliosis, it can limit potential painful phenomena
      and be beneficial for respiratory function. The physical therapist can also teach
      the teenager the classic principles of hygiene of the back. It may therefore be
      appropriate to prescribe physical therapy, but the principles and objectives must
      be explained to the patient and family in light of current evidence-based
      medicine. 

PMID- 27117994
TI  - [Pilot study evaluating the ratio of medication errors related to antimicrobials
      compared to their consumption].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As part of our antimicrobial stewardship program, we were
      interested in the use of anti-infectious drugs and the prevalence of medication
      errors associated with the use of these drugs. METHODS: The retrospective and
      descriptive study was conducted over a 1-year-period between 1 April 2012 and 31
      March 2013 in a teaching mother-child hospital. The aim of the study was to
      determine the number and the type of medication errors related to anti-infectious
      drugs. We evaluated the importance, the significance, and the severity of
      medication errors and at the same time we evaluated antimicrobial consumption.
      Therefore, we determined the ratio of medication errors per 10,000 defined daily
      doses (DDD) or 10,000 days of therapy (DOT). The secondary objective of the study
      was to compare the medication errors related to anti-infectious drugs with the
      data published in the Quebec Registry of Incidents and Accidents. RESULTS: We
      found a total of 2164 medication errors including 301 (14%) medication errors
      related to anti-infectious drugs during the 2012-2013 fiscal year. The majority
      (95%) of the medication errors related to anti-infectious drugs was not harmful,
      with no consequences for the patient. Seventy-four percent of medication errors
      related to anti-infectious drugs were part of the C class on the severity scale.
      Omission (26%) and wrong dose administration were the two most frequently
      reported events. Eighty percent (n=242/301) of medication errors occurred during
      the administration step while only 8% (n=24/301) occurred during the prescribing
      step. Three anti-infectious drugs had the highest ratio of medication errors per
      10,000 DDD or DOT: linezolid (376 medication errors per 10,000 DDD), doxycycline
      (357 medication errors per 10,000 DDD), and acyclovir (202 medication errors per
      10,000 DDD). The nonparametric tests showed no significant differences between
      frequently used and infrequently used anti-infectious drugs for the ratio of
      medication errors per 10,000 DOT. This pilot study showed a ratio of 65.4
      medication errors/10,000 DDD of anti-infectious drugs and a ratio of 41.9
      medication errors/10,000 DOT of anti-infectious drugs. CONCLUSION: The use of
      these ratios could contribute to focusing on monitoring anti-infectious drugs and
      improving the risk management system associated with this class of drugs. It also
      shows that less frequently used anti-infectious drugs should be managed with
      greater caution. Anti-infectious stewardship programs should also consider ratios
      of medication errors for anti-infectious drugs used in order to improve patient
      safety and optimize use of drugs.

PMID- 27117995
TI  - [Newborn hearing screening and deafness care in deaf families: Be careful of
      tactlessness!].

PMID- 27117996
TI  - [Assessment and management of gender dysphoria in children and adolescents].
AB  - Gender dysphoria, originally called gender identity disorder, is characterized by
      the dissociation between one's expressed gender and the gender of rearing as
      assigned at birth, which generates significant clinical distress and social,
      academic, and other important forms of isolation. This state is also known as
      transgender or transsexualism and is recognized as a medical disease. Adults with
      gender dysphoria can benefit from psychological, medical, and surgical care.
      However, gender dysphoria rarely occurs in adulthood but rather emerges in
      childhood or adolescence, generating deep social and academic difficulties,
      especially at puberty. For the last 10years, the management of gender dysphoria
      in children and adolescents has developed in several countries, specifically in
      Europe, but remains under-recognized in France. Since 2013, several pediatric
      psychiatry and endocrinology departments have initiated a multidisciplinary
      evaluation and management approach for these patients. This article reviews the
      clinical criteria helping diagnose gender dysphoria and presents the different
      steps in the assessment and management of these patients in accordance with
      international guidelines. 

PMID- 27117997
TI  - [Drugs news].

PMID- 27117998
TI  - [Constipation in infants and children: How should it be treated?].
AB  - Functional constipation is a common pediatric problem in general practice and
      even more so in pediatric gastroenterology clinics. Treatment is often delayed
      with psychosocial and digestive consequences. However, treatment is well codified
      and effective. Hyperosmotic mineral water, diet, and endoanal medications are not
      treatments for established constipation, whatever the age. The lactulose/lactitol
      based medications are authorized and effective before 6 months of age and
      polyethylene-glycol for infants over 6 months. Mineral oil is less prescribed.
      The rule for treatment is a sufficient dose for a long time. In case of fecal
      impaction with or without fecal incontinence, the first stage is fecal
      disimpaction, using a high dose of PEG the first few days, or repeated phosphate
      enemas. Education regarding the adaptation of toilets and a daily bowel movement
      should restore colic motility and avoid relapses when the treatment is
      discontinued. Psychological concerns should be evaluated and treated. 

PMID- 27117999
TI  - [Nephrotic syndrome in children at the Dakar University Hospital].

PMID- 27118000
TI  - An evaluation of perinatal mental health interventions: An integrative literature
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: National statistics related specifically to the mental health of
      women in the perinatal period is poorly acknowledged in Australia. Maternal
      deaths related to mental health in the perinatal period can be attributed to a
      lack of appropriate treatment and/or support. A barrier to women's help-seeking
      behaviors is the lack of discrete, perinatal specific interventions where women
      can self-assess and access support. AIM: This review examines original research
      evaluating perinatal mental health interventions used by women to improve mental
      health. METHOD: An integrative literature review was undertaken. A comprehensive
      search strategy using 5 electronic databases resulted in the retrieval of 1898
      articles. Use of an inclusion and exclusion criteria and Critical Appraisal
      Skills Program tools resulted in 4 original research papers. Thematic analysis
      identified universal themes. FINDINGS: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral
      Activation and Mindfulness-based interventions, specifically adapted to meet the
      needs of women in the perinatal period, demonstrate an overall improvement in
      mental health. Women involved in the interventions experienced both improvements
      in symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as secondary benefits from
      participating in the research. CONCLUSION: To improve perinatal mental health
      outcomes, innovative modes of providing effective perinatal mental health
      interventions that address the unique needs of women in the perinatal period are
      needed. Future development of perinatal mental health interventions require
      adaptions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation and/or
      Mindfulness-based methods to address mental health outcomes for women in the
      perinatal period.

PMID- 27118001
TI  - Stressful events, social health issues and psychological distress in Aboriginal
      women having a baby in South Australia: implications for antenatal care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Around 6% of births in Australia are to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
      Islander families. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 2-3 times more
      likely to experience adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes than non-Aboriginal
      women in Australia. METHODS: Population-based study of mothers of Aboriginal
      babies born in South Australia, July 2011 to June 2013. Mothers completed a
      structured questionnaire at a mean of 7 months postpartum. The questionnaire
      included measures of stressful events and social health issues during pregnancy
      and maternal psychological distress assessed using the Kessler-5 scale. RESULTS:
      Three hundred forty-four women took part in the study, with a mean age of 25
      years (range 15-43). Over half (56.1%) experienced three or more social health
      issues during pregnancy; one in four (27%) experienced 5-12 issues. The six most
      commonly reported issues were: being upset by family arguments (55%), housing
      problems (43%), family member/friend passing away (41%), being scared by others
      people's behavior (31%), being pestered for money (31%) and having to leave home
      because of family arguments (27%). More than a third of women reporting three or
      more social health issues in pregnancy experienced high/very high postpartum
      psychological distress (35.6% versus 11.1% of women reporting no issues in
      pregnancy, Adjusted Odds Ratio = 5.4, 95% confidence interval 1.9-14.9).
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight unacceptably high rates of social health
      issues affecting Aboriginal women and families during pregnancy and high levels
      of associated postpartum psychological distress. In order to improve Aboriginal
      maternal and child health outcomes, there is an urgent need to combine high
      quality clinical care with a public health approach that gives priority to
      addressing modifiable social risk factors for poor health outcomes.

PMID- 27118002
TI  - Low Risk of Skin and Nipple Sensitivity and Lactation Issues After Primary Breast
      Augmentation with Form-Stable Silicone Implants: Follow-Up in 4927 Subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Natrelle 410 implants (Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA) are approved in
      the United States for breast augmentation, reconstruction, and revision.
      OBJECTIVES: To assess the risk of nipple and skin sensation changes and lactation
      issues in subjects receiving implants for primary breast augmentation and
      ascertain whether differences based on incision site exist. METHODS: We used 410
      Continued Access study data to assess safety and effectiveness of devices
      implanted via inframammary or periareolar incision sites. Subjects were evaluated
      preoperatively and at 4 weeks, 6 months, and annually up to 10 years
      postoperatively. Lactation issues and nipple and skin sensation changes
      (hypersensitivity/paresthesia, loss of sensation) were assessed. RESULTS: The
      inframammary and periareolar cohorts comprised 9217 and 610 implanted devices,
      with mean follow-up of 4.1 years (range, 0-10.1 years) and 4.8 years (range, 0
      10.1 years), respectively. In the inframammary cohort, risk of first occurrence
      of nipple sensation changes was 0.3% (95% CI: 0.2-0.5) at week 4 and month 6, and
      0.4% (0.3-0.7) at year 10. Risk of skin sensation changes was 0.0% (95% CI: 0.0
      0.2) at week 4, 0.1% (0.0-0.2) at month 6, and 0.1% (0.0-0.3) at all subsequent
      time points. No nipple or skin changes occurred in the periareolar cohort.
      Incidence of lactation issues was similar to that reported in postpartum women
      who did not have breast implants. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the risk of nipple
      or skin sensation changes and lactation issues is low and provide long-term
      safety and effectiveness data on subjects receiving implants for primary breast
      augmentation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3: Therapeutic.

PMID- 27118003
TI  - Response to "Comments on 'Maximizing the Volume of Latissimus Dorsi Flap in
      Autologous Breast Reconstruction with Simultaneous Multisite Fat Grafting'".

PMID- 27118004
TI  - Comments on "Maximizing the Volume of Latissimus Dorsi Flap in Autologous Breast
      Reconstruction with Simultaneous Multisite Fat Grafting".

PMID- 27118005
TI  - Commentary on: Micro-Shuttle Lifting of the Neck: A Percutaneous Loop Suspension
      Method Using a Novel Double-Ended Needle.

PMID- 27118006
TI  - Changing society's whole approach to psychosis.

PMID- 27118007
TI  - [Medical care for migrants].

PMID- 27118008
TI  - [Therapeutic algorithm for lipoprotein apheresis and PCSK9 inhibition for severe
      hypercholesterolemia or isolated lipoprotein(a) hyperlipoproteinemia].

PMID- 27118009
TI  - Detection of Cardiac Abnormalities from Multilead ECG using Multiscale Phase
      Alternation Features.
AB  - The cardiac activities such as the depolarization and the relaxation of atria and
      ventricles are observed in electrocardiogram (ECG). The changes in the
      morphological features of ECG are the symptoms of particular heart pathology. It
      is a cumbersome task for medical experts to visually identify any subtle changes
      in the morphological features during 24 hours of ECG recording. Therefore, the
      automated analysis of ECG signal is a need for accurate detection of cardiac
      abnormalities. In this paper, a novel method for automated detection of cardiac
      abnormalities from multilead ECG is proposed. The method uses multiscale phase
      alternation (PA) features of multilead ECG and two classifiers, k-nearest
      neighbor (KNN) and fuzzy KNN for classification of bundle branch block (BBB),
      myocardial infarction (MI), heart muscle defect (HMD) and healthy control (HC).
      The dual tree complex wavelet transform (DTCWT) is used to decompose the ECG
      signal of each lead into complex wavelet coefficients at different scales. The
      phase of the complex wavelet coefficients is computed and the PA values at each
      wavelet scale are used as features for detection and classification of cardiac
      abnormalities. A publicly available multilead ECG database (PTB database) is used
      for testing of the proposed method. The experimental results show that, the
      proposed multiscale PA features and the fuzzy KNN classifier have better
      performance for detection of cardiac abnormalities with sensitivity values of
      78.12 %, 80.90 % and 94.31 % for BBB, HMD and MI classes. The sensitivity value
      of proposed method for MI class is compared with the state-of-art techniques from
      multilead ECG. 

PMID- 27118010
TI  - Designing a Model of a Digital Ecosystem for Healthcare and Wellness Using the
      Business Model Canvas.
AB  - Wellness is a term often used to talk about optimal health as "dynamic balance of
      physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health." While
      healthcare is a term about care offered to patients for improving their health.
      We use both terms, as well as the Business Model Canvas (BMC) methodology, to
      design a digital ecosystem model for healthcare and wellness called DE4HW; the
      model considers economic, technological, and legal asymmetries, which are present
      on e-services beyond geographical regions. BMC methodology was embedded into the
      global project strategy called: IBOT (Initiate, Build, Operate and Transfer); it
      is a methodology to establish a functional, integrated national telemedicine
      network and virtual education network; of which we took its phases rationale. The
      results in this work illustrate the design of DE4HW model, into the first phase
      of IBOT, enriched with the BMC, which enables us to define actors, their
      interactions, rules and protocols, in order to build DE4HW, while IBOT strategy
      manages the project goal, up to the transfer phase, where an integral service
      platform of healthcare and wellness is turned over to stakeholders. 

PMID- 27118011
TI  - Telemedicine Use in Rural Native American Communities in the Era of the ACA: a
      Systematic Literature Review.
AB  - Native American communities face serious health disparities and, living in rural
      areas, often lack regular access to healthcare services as compared to other
      Americans. Since the early 1970's, telecommunication technology has been explored
      as a means to address the cost and quality of, as well as access to, healthcare
      on rural reservations. This systematic review seeks to explore the use of
      telemedicine in rural Native American communities using the framework of cost,
      quality, and access as promulgated by the Affordable Care Act of 2010 and urge
      additional legislation to increase its use in this vulnerable population. As a
      systematic literature review, this study analyzes 15 peer-reviewed articles from
      four databases using the themes of cost, quality, and access. The theme of access
      was referenced most frequently in the reviewed literature, indicating that access
      to healthcare may be the biggest obstacle facing widespread adoption of
      telemedicine programs on rural Native American reservations. The use of
      telemedicine mitigates the costs of healthcare, which impede access to high
      quality care delivery and, in some cases, deters prospective patients from
      accessing healthcare at all. Telemedicine offers rural Native American
      communities a means of accessing healthcare without incurring high costs. With
      attention to reimbursement policies, educational services, technological
      infrastructure, and culturally competent care, telemedicine has the potential to
      decrease costs, increase quality, and increase access to healthcare for rural
      Native American patients. While challenges facing the implementation of
      telemedicine programs exist, there is great potential for it to improve
      healthcare delivery in rural Native American communities. Public policy that
      increases funding for programs that help to expand access to healthcare for
      Native Americans will improve outcomes because of the increase in access. 

PMID- 27118012
TI  - Microbial community characterization and functional gene quantification in RDX
      degrading microcosms derived from sediment and groundwater at two naval sites.
AB  - The explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) has long been
      recognized as a problematic environmental pollutant, and efforts to remediate
      contaminated soils, sediments, and groundwater have been going on for decades. In
      recent years, much interest has focused on using bioremediation to clean up these
      sites. The current study investigated the microorganisms (16S rRNA genes,
      Illumina) and functional genes (xenA, xenB, and xplA) linked to RDX
      biodegradation in microcosms composed of sediment or groundwater from two Navy
      sites. For this, experiments included sediment samples from three depths (5 to 30
      ft) from two wells located in one Navy site. In addition, the groundwater
      upstream and downstream of an emulsified oil biobarrier was examined from another
      Navy site. Further, for the groundwater experiments, the effect of glucose
      addition was explored. For the sediment experiments, the most enriched phylotypes
      during RDX degradation varied over time, by depth and well locations. However,
      several trends were noted, including the enrichment of Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus,
      Arthrobacter, and Sporolactobacillus in the sediment microcosms. For the
      groundwater-based experiments, Pseudomonas, unclassified Rhodocyclaceae,
      Sphingomonas, and Rhodococcus were also highly abundant during RDX degradation.
      The abundance of both xplA and xenA significantly increased during RDX
      degradation compared to the control microcosms for many treatments (both
      groundwater and sediment microcosms). In a limited number of microcosms, the copy
      number of the xenB gene increased. Phylotype data were correlated with functional
      gene data to highlight potentially important biomarkers for RDX biodegradation at
      these two Navy sites. 

PMID- 27118013
TI  - Production of hydrophobic amino acids from biobased resources: wheat gluten and
      rubber seed proteins.
AB  - Protein hydrolysis enables production of peptides and free amino acids that are
      suitable for usage in food and feed or can be used as precursors for bulk
      chemicals. Several essential amino acids for food and feed have hydrophobic side
      chains; this property may also be exploited for subsequent separation. Here, we
      present methods for selective production of hydrophobic amino acids from
      proteins. Selectivity can be achieved by selection of starting material,
      selection of hydrolysis conditions, and separation of achieved hydrolysate.
      Several protease combinations were applied for hydrolysis of rubber seed protein
      concentrate, wheat gluten, and bovine serum albumin (BSA). High degree of
      hydrolysis (>50 %) could be achieved. Hydrophobic selectivity was influenced by
      the combination of proteases and by the extent of hydrolysis. Combination of
      Pronase and Peptidase R showed the highest selectivity towards hydrophobic amino
      acids, roughly doubling the content of hydrophobic amino acids in the products
      compared to the original substrates. Hydrophobic selectivity of 0.6 mol
      hydrophobic/mol-total free amino acids was observed after 6 h hydrolysis of wheat
      gluten and 24 h hydrolysis of rubber seed proteins and BSA. The results of
      experiments with rubber seed proteins and wheat gluten suggest that this process
      can be applied to agro-industrial residues. 

PMID- 27118014
TI  - Manufacturing demonstration of microbially mediated zinc sulfide nanoparticles in
      pilot-plant scale reactors.
AB  - The thermophilic anaerobic metal-reducing bacterium Thermoanaerobacter sp. X513
      efficiently produces zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles (NPs) in laboratory-scale
      (<= 24-L) reactors. To determine whether this process can be up-scaled and
      adapted for pilot-plant production while maintaining NP yield and quality, a
      series of pilot-plant scale experiments were performed using 100-L and 900-L
      reactors. Pasteurization and N2-sparging replaced autoclaving and boiling for
      deoxygenating media in the transition from small-scale to pilot plant reactors.
      Consecutive 100-L batches using new or recycled media produced ZnS NPs with
      highly reproducible ~2-nm average crystallite size (ACS) and yields of ~0.5 g L(
      1), similar to the small-scale batches. The 900-L pilot plant reactor produced
      ~320 g ZnS without process optimization or replacement of used medium; this
      quantity would be sufficient to form a ZnS thin film with ~120 nm thickness over
      0.5 m width * 13 km length. At all scales, the bacteria produced significant
      amounts of acetic, lactic, and formic acids, which could be neutralized by the
      controlled addition of sodium hydroxide without the use of an organic pH buffer,
      eliminating 98 % of the buffer chemical costs. The final NP products were
      characterized using XRD, ICP-OES, TEM, FTIR, PL, DLS, HPLC, and C/N analyses,
      which confirmed that the growth medium without organic buffer enhanced the ZnS NP
      properties by reducing carbon and nitrogen surface coatings and supporting better
      dispersivity with similar ACS. 

PMID- 27118015
TI  - A case of arthritis under pembrolizumab.

PMID- 27118016
TI  - Risk of postoperative infections and the discontinuation of TNF inhibitors in
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether continuation of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors
      (TNFi) before surgery increases the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) in
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: A systematic review of the
      literature was conducted from January 2000 to May first 2014, using the databases
      of PubMed, Cochrane review, Embase, and manual research of abstracts presented in
      scientific congresses. Most included studies were retrospective. We compared the
      risk of SSI in the case of discontinuation of TNFi versus continuing TNFi
      treatment before a surgery. RESULTS: Six studies, with a total of 2743 patients
      (1360 in the group continuing TNFi agent and 1383 in the group discontinuing
      TNFi) were included. There was a decreased risk of SSI in patients stopping TNFi
      (relative risk [RR]=0.62 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43-0.89], P=0.99,
      I2=0%). Concerning overall complications, there was also a decreased risk in
      patients discontinuing TNFi treatment (RR=0.60 [95% CI 0.42-0.87], P=0.26,
      I2=25%). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed an increased risk of SSI in
      patients under TNF inhibitor, and a decreased risk of SSI in case of interruption
      of treatment during the perioperative time.

PMID- 27118017
TI  - Stress fractures healing with bisphosphonates in Paget's disease.

PMID- 27118018
TI  - Glycated albumin increases with disease activity in rheumatoid factor positive
      rheumatoid arthritis patients with normal fasting glucose and HbA1c.

PMID- 27118019
TI  - Diminished bone resorption in overweight/obese women despite vitamin D
      insufficiency.

PMID- 27118020
TI  - Images of thoracic spinal cord compression due to intraspinal gouty tophus in two
      patients.

PMID- 27118021
TI  - Early clinical response predicts low disease activity at one year in rheumatoid
      arthritis patients on treatment with certolizumab in real-life settings. An
      appraisal of the Italian registry GISEA.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess whether good EULAR response
      assessed at 3months may predict the achievement of low disease activity (LDA) at
      1year in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients on treatment with certolizumab pegol
      (CZP). METHODS: From the nationwide Italian registry, we analysed 278 RA patients
      (age 54.8+/-12years, duration of disease 9.8+/-8years, female 84%) initiating CZP
      as first line (68%) or>=second line (32%) of biological treatment because of
      their active disease. Assessment of disease activity was based on 28 joint
      Disease Activity Score (DAS28). A reduction of DAS28>1.2 (good EULAR response)
      was assessed at 3months, and the achievement of LDA (DAS28<=3.2) was evaluated at
      1year. Multiple regression models were used to estimate predictors of early good
      EULAR response or LDA. RESULTS: The percentages of patients attaining good EULAR
      response were 52% at 3, 65% at 6, and 66% at 12months. Furthermore, 51.2%
      (98/192) of the patients reached LDA at 12months. Patients taking CZP as first
      biological treatment had adjusted odds ratios (OR) of good EULAR response at
      3months 6 folds higher than in those with>=1 prior biological drug (OR 6.7, 95%
      CI 1.97-23.1). While, the strongest variable correlating with 12months LDA was
      the achievement of good EULAR response at 3months (OR 11.3, 95% CI 13.1-34.8).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that attaining good EULAR response at 3months
      strongly predicted 1year LDA in RA patients treated with CZP in real-life
      settings.

PMID- 27118022
TI  - Antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and malignant
      hemopathies, a retrospective study of 16 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: ANCA-associated vasculitis are severe autoimmune pathologies that are
      characterized by inflammation and necrosis of the small vessels. The
      physiopathological mechanisms are complex and have yet to be totally elucidated.
      Several environmental factors have been described as being associated:
      medications, infectious agents... and rarely, neoplasms. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective multicenter study over a period of 12 years with a view to
      describing the association of ANCA-associated vasculitis and malignant
      hemopathies, excluding hemopathies secondary to vasculitis treatment. RESULTS:
      Sixteen patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis with an hemopathy were
      identified. The gender ratio was 7 and the mean age was 65 years. The frequency
      of this association is estimated at 1%. The ANCA-associated vasculitis were
      micropolyangiitis (n=7), followed by granulomatous polyangiitis (n=4), vasculitis
      limited to the kidney (n=3), and eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis (n=2).
      The associated malignant hemopathies were mainly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in seven
      cases and myelodysplasia in five cases. The other hemopathies were: Hodgkin's
      disease, hypereosinophilic syndrome, and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
      Hemopathy treatment was associated with vasculitis treatment in seven cases.
      CONCLUSION: The association of ANCA-associated vasculitis and malignant hemopathy
      is rare but must nevertheless be recognized because: (i) the clinical signs of
      both pathologies are not specific, (ii) the survival scores that are used for
      ANCA-associated vasculitis do not appear to be applicable, (iii) both pathologies
      must be taken into account in order to implement an effective therapeutic
      strategy that limits the inherent risks.

PMID- 27118023
TI  - Very early renal relapse of microscopic polyangiitis after kidney
      transplantation.

PMID- 27118024
TI  - Comparison of modified disease-activity scores with original composite scores for
      prediction of structural damages in rheumatoid arthritis: Data from the ESPOIR
      cohort.

PMID- 27118025
TI  - Only complementary voices tell the truth: a reevaluation of validity in multi
      informant approaches of child and adolescent clinical assessments.
AB  - Multi-informant approaches are thought to be key to clinical assessment.
      Classical theories of psychological measurements assume that only convergence
      among different informants' reports allows for an estimate of the true nature and
      causes of clinical presentations. However, the integration of multiple accounts
      is fraught with problems because findings in child and adolescent psychiatry do
      not conform to the fundamental expectation of convergence. Indeed, reports
      provided by different sources (self, parents, teachers, peers) share little
      variance. Moreover, in some cases informant divergence may be meaningful and not
      error variance. In this review, we give an overview of conceptual and theoretical
      foundations of valid multi-informant assessment and discuss why our common
      concepts of validity need revaluation.

PMID- 27118026
TI  - How half sandwich ruthenium compounds interact with DNA while not being
      hydrolyzed; a comparative study.

PMID- 27118027
TI  - Pervanadate induces Mammalian Ste20 Kinase 3 (MST3) tyrosine phosphorylation but
      not activation.
AB  - The yeast Ste20 (sterile) protein kinase, which is a serine/threonine kinase,
      responds to the stimulation of the G proteincoupled receptor (GPCR) pheromone
      receptor. Ste20 protein kinase serves as the critical component that links
      signaling from the GPCR/G proteins to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      cascade in yeast. The yeast Ste20p functions as a MAP kinase kinase kinase kinase
      (MAP4K) in the pheromone response. Ste20-like kinases are structurally conserved
      from yeast to mammals. The mechanism by which MAP4K links GPCR to the MAPK
      pathway is less clearly defined in vertebrates. In addition to MAP4K, the
      tyrosine kinase cascade bridges G proteins and the MAPK pathway in vertebrate
      cells. Mammalian Ste20 Kinase 3 (MST3) has been categorized into the Ste20 family
      and has been reported to function in the regulation of cell polarity and
      migration. However, whether MST3 tyrosine phosphorylation regulates diverse
      signaling pathways is unknown. In this study, the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor
      pervanadate was found to induce MST3 tyrosine phosphorylation in intact cells,
      and the activity of tyrosine-phosphorylated MST3 was measured. This tyrosine
      directed phosphorylation was independent of MST3 activity. Parameters including
      protein conformation, Triton concentration and ionic concentration influenced the
      sensitivity of MST3 activity. Taken together, our data suggests that the
      serine/threonine kinase MST3 undergoes tyrosinedirected phosphorylation. The
      tyrosine-phosphorylated MST3 may create a docking site for the structurally
      conserved SH2/SH3 (Src Homology 2 and 3) domains within the Src oncoprotein. The
      unusual tyrosinephosphorylated MST3 may recruit MST3 to various signaling
      components.

PMID- 27118028
TI  - Synthesis of novel Iron(III) chelators based on triaza macrocycle backbone and 1
      hydroxy-2(H)-pyridin-2-one coordinating groups and their evaluation as
      antimicrobial agents.
AB  - Several novel chelators based on 1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinone coordinating groups
      decorating a triaza macrocyclic backbone scaffold were synthesised as potential
      powerful Fe(3+) chelators capable of competing with bacterial siderophores. In
      particular, a novel chloromethyl derivative of 1-hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinone
      exploiting a novel protective group for this family of coordinating groups was
      developed. These are the first examples of hexadentate chelators based on 1
      hydroxy-2(1H)-pyridinone to be shown to have a biostatic activity against a range
      of pathogenic bacteria. Their efficacy as biostatic agents was assessed revealing
      that minor variations in the structure of the chelator can affect efficacy
      profoundly. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of our best tested novel
      chelators approach or are comparable to those for 1,4,7-tris(3-hydroxy-6-methyl-2
      pyridylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane, the best Fe(3+) chelator known to date.
      The retarding effect these chelators have on microbial growth suggests that they
      could have a potential application as a co-active alongside antibiotics in the
      fight against infections.

PMID- 27118029
TI  - Cell cycle, apoptosis, cellular uptake and whole-transcriptome microarray gene
      expression analysis of HeLa cells treated with a ruthenium(II)-arene complex with
      an isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid ligand.
AB  - Ruthenium(II)-arene complexes are promising drug candidates for the therapy of
      solid tumors. In previous work, seven new compounds of the general formula
      [Ru(eta6-p-cymene)(L1-7)Cl] were synthesized and characterized, of which the
      complex with L=isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (RuT7) was two times as active on
      HeLa cells compared to normal cell line MRC-5, as indicated by IC50 values
      determined after 48h of incubation (45.4+/-3.0 vs. 84.2+/-5.7MUM, respectively).
      In the present study, cell cycle analysis of HeLa cells treated with RuT7 showed
      S phase arrest and an increase in sub-G1 population. The apoptotic potential of
      the title compound was confirmed with the Annexin V-FITC/PI assay together with a
      morphological evaluation of cells using fluorescent microscopy. Analysis of the
      intracellular accumulation of ruthenium showed 8.9ng Ru/106 cells after 6h of
      incubation. To gain further insight in the molecular mechanism of action of RuT7
      on HeLa cells, a whole-transcriptome microarray gene expression analysis was
      performed. Analysis of functional categories and signaling and biochemical
      pathways associated with the response of HeLa cells to treatment with RuT7 showed
      that it leads the cells through the intrinsic (mitochondrial) apoptotic pathway,
      via indirect DNA damage due to the action of reactive oxygen species, and through
      direct DNA binding of RuT7. Statistical analysis for enrichment of gene sets
      associated with known drug-induced toxicities identified fewer associated
      toxicity profiles in RuT7-treated cells compared to cisplatin treatment.
      Altogether these results provide the basis for further development of RuT7 in
      animal and pre-clinical studies as a potential drug candidate.

PMID- 27118030
TI  - Influence of chelation strength and bacterial uptake of gallium salicylidene
      acylhydrazide on biofilm formation and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria causes major challenges for our
      society and has prompted a great need for new and alternative treatment methods
      for infection. One promising approach is to target bacterial virulence using for
      example salicylidene acylhydrazides (hydrazones). Hydrazones coordinate metal
      ions such as Fe(III) and Ga(III) through a five-membered and a six-membered
      chelation ring. One suggested mode of action is via restricting bacterial Fe
      uptake. Thus, it was hypothesized that the chelating strength of these substances
      could be used to predict their biological activity on bacterial cells. This was
      investigated by comparing Ga chelation strength of two hydrazone complexes, as
      well as bacterial Ga uptake, biofilm formation, and virulence in the form of
      production and secretion of a toxin (ExoS) by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Equilibrium
      constants for deprotonation and Ga(III) binding of the hydrazone N'-(5-chloro-2
      hydroxy-3-methylbenzylidene)-2,4-dihydroxybenzhydrazide (ME0329), with anti
      virulence effect against P. aeruginosa, were determined and compared to bacterial
      siderophores and the previously described Ga(III) 2-oxo-2-[N-(2,4,6-trihydroxy
      benzylidene)-hydrazino]-acetamide (Ga-ME0163) and Ga-citrate complexes. In
      comparison with these two complexes, it was shown that the uptake of Ga(III) was
      higher from the Ga-ME0329 complex. The results further show that the Ga-ME0329
      complex reduced ExoS expression and secretion to a higher extent than Ga-citrate,
      Ga-ME0163 or the non-coordinated hydrazone. However, the effect against biofilm
      formation by P. aeruginosa, by the ME0329 complex, was similar to Ga-citrate and
      lower than what has been reported for Ga-ME0163.

PMID- 27118032
TI  - Sn-doped Bi1.1Sb0.9Te2S bulk crystal topological insulator with excellent
      properties.
AB  - A long-standing issue in topological insulator research has been to find a bulk
      single crystal material that provides a high-quality platform for characterizing
      topological surface states without interference from bulk electronic states. This
      material would ideally be a bulk insulator, have a surface state Dirac point
      energy well isolated from the bulk valence and conduction bands, display quantum
      oscillations from the surface state electrons and be growable as large, high
      quality bulk single crystals. Here we show that this material obstacle is
      overcome by bulk crystals of lightly Sn-doped Bi1.1Sb0.9Te2S grown by the
      vertical Bridgman method. We characterize Sn-BSTS via angle-resolved
      photoemission spectroscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy, transport studies, X
      ray diffraction and Raman scattering. We present this material as a high-quality
      topological insulator that can be reliably grown as bulk single crystals and thus
      studied by many researchers interested in topological surface states.

PMID- 27118031
TI  - The challenging interplay between rheumatoid arthritis, ageing and comorbidities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is expected to increase
      over the next 10 years in the European Union because of the increasing proportion
      of elderly people. As both RA and ageing are associated with emerging
      comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, malignancies and osteoporosis,
      these factors will have a profound effect on the management of RA. In addition,
      both increasing age and comorbidities may independently alter commonly used RA
      specific outcome measures. DISCUSSION: Age-related decline in immune cell
      functions (immunosenescence), such as a decrease in T-cell function, may
      contribute to the development of RA, as well as comorbidity. The chronic immune
      stimulation that occurs in RA may also lead to premature ageing and comorbidity.
      The interplay between RA, ageing and (emerging) comorbidities is interesting but
      complex. Cardiovascular disease, lung disease, malignancies, bone and muscle
      wasting and neuropsychiatric disease all occur more frequently in RA patients as
      compared to the general population. It is unclear how RA should be managed in
      'today's world of multiple comorbidities'. Evidence that treatment of RA improves
      comorbidities is currently lacking, although some promising indirect observations
      are available. On the other hand, there is limited evidence that medication
      regularly prescribed for comorbidities, such as statins, might improve RA disease
      activity. Both ageing and comorbidity have an independent effect on commonly used
      outcome measures in the RA field, such as the Health Assessment Questionnaire
      (HAQ) and the clinical disease activity index (CDAI). Prospective studies, that
      also account for the presence of comorbidity in (elderly) RA patients are
      therefore urgently needed. To address gaps in knowledge, future research should
      focus on the complex interdependencies between RA, ageing and comorbidity. In
      addition, these findings should be integrated into daily clinical practice by
      developing and testing integrated and coordinated health care services.
      Adaptation of management recommendations is likely required. The elderly RA
      patient who also deals with (emerging) comorbidities presents a unique challenge
      to treating clinicians. A paradigm shift from disease-centered to goal-oriented
      approach is needed to develop adequate health care services for these patients.

PMID- 27118033
TI  - [Urological complications after kidney transplantation from extended criteria
      donors: Ureteroneocystostomy versus pyelo-ureterostomy].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The use of transplants from extended criteria donors increases the
      number of urological complications after renal transplantation. Two different
      anastomosis techniques used to restore urinary continuity are compared in this
      study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study, bi-center over a period of 5
      years. One hundred and seventy six patients operated at Hospices Civils de Lyon
      benefited from ureteroneocystostomy according to De Campos-Freire (group 1) and
      167 patients operated at the Necker Hospital in Paris had a pyelo-ureterostomy
      (group 2). The various urological complications (fistulas, strictures, seromas,
      haematomas and vesico-ureteric reflux) and their care were compared. Risk factors
      were sought. RESULTS: The waiting time before transplantation was longer in group
      2 than in group 1 (51 and 33.84 months) as the percentage of anuric patients
      (52.9 % against 32.9 %) (P<0.001). The cold ischemic time was shorter in group 1
      (939.3minutes on average against 1325.3minutes for group 2) (P<0.001). A double J
      stent was put in place in 97.6 % of cases in group 2 against 84.2 % for group 1
      (P<0.001). We did not find any significant difference in the occurrence of
      stenosis and fistulas (major complications) between the 2 groups. There were more
      minor complications (hematoma, seroma and vesico-ureteric reflux) in group 1
      (P=0.033). There was a difference in the treatment of these complications,
      especially stenosis (P=0.024) with a significantly more conservative approach in
      group 2. Multivariate analysis found anuria, sex of recipients and donor age as
      independent risk factors in the onset of complications and the double J stent as
      a protective factor. CONCLUSION: This study does not demonstrate the superiority
      of a urinary anastomosis technique. The establishment of a double J stent reduces
      the risk of complications. Analysis of risk factors allows to propose a decision
      tree to guide the surgical strategy, particularly in the population of anuric
      recipients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

PMID- 27118034
TI  - Detrusor contractility in women: Influence of ageing and clinical conditions.
AB  - AIMS: We assume that the voiding process in women is governed by the detrusor
      contractility and a "urethral resistance". The value of these 2 parameters,
      respectively named k and U in the VBN (Valentini-Besson-Nelson) mathematical
      model of micturition is deduced from the VBN analysis of pressure-flow recordings
      (PFs). Our objectives were to search for a correlation between these 2 parameters
      and clinically relevant variables such as chief complaint, urodynamic diagnosis
      (UD), and age by decades. METHODS: PFs from 125 non-neurogenic women (mean age
      58.0+/-17.2years [range 20-90years]) were retrospectively analyzed using the VBN
      model. VBN criteria for inclusion were maximum flow rate>2mL/s, voided
      volume>100mL, and non-interrupted flow. Evaluated parameters were k (without
      unit) and U (unit: cm H2O). Standard values were k=1.0 and U=0. RESULTS: VBN
      parameter ranges were k [0.14-1.55] and U [0.0-73.0cm H2O]. There was a
      significant correlation between k and U for the whole population (P<0.0001) with
      k=(.259+0.015*U) (R(2)=0.723) and each chief complaint. For UD, significant
      difference comparing k and U in phasic detrusor overactivity with intrinsic
      sphincter deficiency and urodynamic stress incontinence was noted. In sub-groups
      defined according to decades of age, the values of k and U remained similar in
      sub-groups for those who are less than 50years old and decreased regularly with
      ageing. CONCLUSION: The detrusor contractility can be easily evaluated in women;
      lower than in men, its range is less spread out but also adjusted to compensate a
      "urethral resistance". Phasic detrusor overactivity and post-menopausal age
      significantly affect detrusor force value. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27118035
TI  - Arsenic in private well water part 3 of 3: Socioeconomic vulnerability to
      exposure in Maine and New Jersey.
AB  - Arsenic is a naturally occurring toxic element often concentrated in groundwater
      at levels unsafe for human consumption. Private well water in the United States
      is mostly unregulated by federal and state drinking water standards. It is the
      responsibility of the over 13 million U.S. households regularly depending on
      private wells for their water to ensure it is safe for drinking. There is a
      consistent graded association with health outcomes at all levels of socioeconomic
      status (SES) in the U.S. Differential exposure to environmental risk may be
      contributing to this persistent SES-health gradient. Environmental justice
      advocates cite overwhelming evidence that income and other SES measures are
      consistently inversely correlated with exposure to suboptimal environmental
      conditions including pollutants, toxins, and their impacts. Here we use private
      well household surveys from two states to investigate the association between SES
      and risks for arsenic exposure, examining the potentially cumulative effects of
      residential location, testing and treatment behavior, and psychological factors
      influencing behavior. We find that the distribution of natural arsenic hazard in
      the environment is socioeconomically random. There is no evidence that higher SES
      households are avoiding areas with arsenic or that lower SES groups are
      disproportionately residing in areas with arsenic. Instead, disparities in
      exposure arise from differing rates of protective action, primarily testing well
      water for arsenic, and secondly treating or avoiding contaminated water. We
      observe these SES disparities in behavior as well as in the psychological factors
      that are most favorable to these behaviors. Assessment of risk should not be
      limited to the spatial occurrence of arsenic alone. It is important that social
      vulnerability factors are incorporated into risk modeling and identifying
      priority areas for intervention, which should include strategies that
      specifically target socioeconomically vulnerable groups as well as all the
      conditions which cause these disparities in testing and treatment behavior.

PMID- 27118036
TI  - 'Journal Bias' in peer-reviewed literature: an analysis of the surgical high
      grade glioma literature.
AB  - The core premise of evidence-based medicine is that clinical decisions are
      informed by the peer-reviewed literature. To extract meaningful conclusions from
      this literature, one must first understand the various forms of biases inherent
      within the process of peer review. We performed an exhaustive search that
      identified articles exploring the question of whether survival benefit was
      associated with maximal high-grade glioma (HGG) resection and analysed this
      literature for patterns of publication. We found that the distribution of these
      108 articles among the 26 journals to be non-random (p<0.01), with 75 of the 108
      published articles (69%) appearing in 6 of the 26 journals (25%). Moreover,
      certain journals were likely to publish a large number of articles from the same
      medical academic genealogy (authors with shared training history and/or mentor).
      We term the tendency of certain types of articles to be published in select
      journals 'journal bias' and discuss the implication of this form of bias as it
      pertains to evidence-based medicine.

PMID- 27118037
TI  - Ocular blood flow values measured by laser speckle flowgraphy correlate with the
      postmenstrual age of normal neonates.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationships between optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow
      by laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG), and postmenstrual age and body weight in
      normal neonates. METHODS: During their normal sleep, we studied 24 infants
      (postmenstrual age, 248-295 days) whose ocular blood flow could be measured three
      consecutive times. While the subjects slept in the supine position, three mean
      blur rate (MBR) values of the ONH were obtained: the MBR-A (mean of all values),
      MBR-V (vessel mean) and MBR-T (tissue mean) in the ONH. With regard to eye
      diseases, no retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was observed, and no severe
      systemic diseases requiring treatment were noted in the subjects. Pearson's
      correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationship between the MBR
      A, -V, -T and postmenstrual age (days) and body weight (g). RESULTS:
      Postmenstrual age was significantly correlated with MBR-A (r = 0.64, p = 0.0007),
      MBR-V (r = 0.62, p = 0.0012) and MBR-T (r = 0.62, p = 0.0012). However, the body
      weight was not correlated with the MBR (MBR-A: r = 0.37, p = 0.07, MBR-V: r =
      0.31, p = 0.14, MBR-T: r = 0.38, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Our results clarified
      that the values of ocular blood flow measured by LSFG correlate with the
      postmenstrual age of normal neonates.

PMID- 27118038
TI  - Analyzing biomechanical parameters of the cornea with glaucoma severity in open
      angle glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose was to investigate a possible association of corneal
      hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) with open-angle glaucoma and
      the severity of disease. METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study we
      recruited 86 open-angle glaucoma patients, 16 patients with ocular hypertension
      (OHT,) and 44 age-matched controls. Each participant had a complete glaucoma
      workup including measurements with the Ocular Response Analyzer and computerized
      perimetry with the Humphrey 30-2 SITA Standard program. Visual field damage was
      based on mean deviation (MD) and considered as early glaucomatous with a MD > - 6
      dB, moderate glaucomatous between -6 and -12 dB and advanced glaucomatous < -12
      dB. The association between ORA parameters, glaucoma, and disease severity was
      evaluated using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. RESULTS:
      There was a statistically significant correlation between the biomechanical
      parameters and intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, axial length, and
      age. On average, glaucoma patients had the lowest adjusted CH (8.96 +/- 1.43
      mmHg) and CRF (9.07 +/- 1.93 mmHg) values in comparison to OHT patients (CH: 10.2
      +/- 1.5 mmHg; CRF: 10.6 +/- 2.1 mmHg) and controls (CH: 9.7 +/- 1.4 mmHg; CRF:
      10.2 +/- 1.9 mmHg). This difference was statistically significant (CH: p = 0.003;
      CRF: p = 0.008). There was also a statistically significant difference in
      adjusted CH (p = 0.001) and CRF (p = 0.004) values between the controls and the
      visual field groups, with the lowest values being in the most advanced group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Before interpreting corneal biomechanical parameters, it seems
      important to adjust the measured data for their underlying influencing factors.
      Glaucoma patients with lower adjusted CH and CRF probably have more advanced
      disease and should, therefore, be treated more aggressively and monitored more
      carefully and frequently.

PMID- 27118039
TI  - [Exercise-induced shear stress: Physiological basis and clinical impact].
AB  - The physiological regulation of vascular function is essential for cardiovascular
      health and depends on adequate control of molecular mechanisms triggered by
      endothelial cells in response to mechanical and chemical stimuli induced by blood
      flow. Endothelial dysfunction is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular
      disease, where an imbalance between synthesis of vasodilator and vasoconstrictor
      molecules is one of its main mechanisms. In this context, the shear stress is one
      of the most important mechanical stimuli to improve vascular function, due to
      endothelial mechanotransduction, triggered by stimulation of various endothelial
      mechanosensors, induce signaling pathways culminating in increased
      bioavailability of vasodilators molecules such as nitric oxide, that finally
      trigger the angiogenic mechanisms. These mechanisms allow providing the
      physiological basis for the effects of exercise on vascular health. In this
      review it is discussed the molecular mechanisms involved in the vascular response
      induced by shear stress and its impact in reversing vascular injury associated
      with the most prevalent cardiovascular disease in our population. 

PMID- 27118040
TI  - Identifying factors associated with concordance with the American College of
      Rheumatology rheumatoid arthritis treatment recommendations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Factors associated with care concordant with the American College of
      Rheumatology (ACR) recommendations for the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic
      drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are unknown. METHODS: We identified a
      national cohort of biologic-naive patients with RA with visits between December
      2008 and February 2013. Treatment acceleration (initiation or dose escalation of
      biologic and nonbiologic DMARDs) in response to moderate to high disease activity
      (using the Clinical Disease Activity Index) was assessed. The population was
      divided into two subcohorts: (1) methotrexate (MTX)-only users and (2) multiple
      nonbiologic DMARD users. In both subcohorts, we compared the characteristics of
      patients who received care consistent with the ACR recommendations (e.g.,
      prescriptions for treatment acceleration) and their providers with the
      characteristics of those who did not at the conclusion of one visit and over two
      visits, using logistic regression and adjusting for clustering of patients by
      rheumatologist. RESULTS: Our study included 741 MTX monotherapy and 995 multiple
      nonbiologic DMARD users cared for by 139 providers. Only 36.2 % of MTX
      monotherapy users and 39.6 % of multiple nonbiologic DMARD users received care
      consistent with the recommendations after one visit, which increased over two
      visits to 78.3 % and 76.2 %, respectively (25-30 % achieved low disease activity
      by the second visit without DMARD acceleration). Increasing time since the ACR
      publication on RA treatment recommendations was not associated with improved
      adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Allowing two encounters for treatment acceleration was
      associated with an increase in care concordant with the recommendations; however,
      time since publication was not.

PMID- 27118042
TI  - Promoting oral cancer examinations to medical primary care providers: a cluster
      randomized trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the percentage of patients who had an oral cancer
      examination (OCE) by their primary care provider (PCP) in medical clinics
      participating in a web-based education with poster reminder intervention to that
      of patients in control clinics. To also determine the effects for PCPs in medical
      clinics participating in the web-based education with poster reminder
      intervention as compared with those in control clinics regarding: a) index of
      knowledge of oral cancer risk factors (RiskOC) and b) index of knowledge of oral
      cancer diagnostic procedures (DiagOC). METHODS: Six medical clinics were
      recruited to participate in this study and randomly assigned to an intervention
      group or a control group. PCPs (physicians, physician assistants, and advanced
      practice registered nurses) took a pretest; 2 weeks later, they participated in
      the web-based educational program, including a posttest (intervention group) or
      took a posttest only (control group). In each clinic, 1 week following completion
      of the PCPs' posttests, 94 patients were recruited to complete a one-page survey.
      RESULTS: The intervention clinics were found to be a significant factor for the
      PCPs to perform patient OCEs, after controlling for significant covariates, that
      is, age, main reason for clinic visit, OCE for patient in the past year, clinic's
      mean DiagOC score, and clinic's mean RiskOC score. The intervention also resulted
      in the PCPs increasing their pretest to posttest RiskOC scores. CONCLUSIONS: The
      use of intervention has the potential to increase PCPs' short-term knowledge and
      to increase the frequency of PCPs' routine, nonsymptomatic opportunistic OCE on
      patients.

PMID- 27118043
TI  - Long-term adaptation to hypoxia preserves hematopoietic stem cell function.
AB  - Molecular oxygen sustains aerobic life, but it also serves as the substrate for
      oxidative stress, which has been associated with the pathogenesis of disease and
      with aging. Compared with mice housed in normoxia (21% O2), reducing ambient
      oxygen to 10% O2 (hypoxia) resulted in increased hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)
      function as measured by bone marrow (BM) cell engraftment onto lethally
      irradiated recipients. The number of BM c-Kit(+)Sca-1(+)Lin(-) (KSL) cells as
      well as the number of cells with other hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell
      markers were increased in hypoxia mice, whereas the BM cells' colony-forming
      capacity remained unchanged. KSL cells from hypoxia mice showed a decreased level
      of oxidative stress and increased expression of transcription factor Gata1 and
      cytokine receptor c-Mpl, consistent with the observations of increased
      erythropoiesis and enhanced HSC engraftment. These observations demonstrate the
      benefit of a hypoxic HSC niche and suggest that hypoxic conditions can be further
      optimized to preserve stem cell integrity in vivo.

PMID- 27118044
TI  - Microenvironmental oxygen partial pressure in acute myeloid leukemia: Is there
      really a role for hypoxia?
AB  - Reduced oxygen partial pressure (pO2) has been recognized as being relevant in
      hematopoiesis and the pathophysiology of malignant diseases. Although hypoxic
      (meaning insufficient supply of oxygen) and anoxic areas are present and of
      pathophysiologic importance (by hypoxia-induced pathways such as HiF1alpha) in
      solid tumors, this may not be true for (malignant) hematologic cells.
      Hematopoiesis occurs in the stem cell niche, which is characterized, among other
      things, by extremely low pO2. However, in contrast to solid tumors, in this
      context, the low pO2 is physiological and this feature, among others, is shared
      by the malignant stem cell niche harboring leukemia-initiating cells. Upon
      differentiation, hematopoietic cells are constantly exposed to changes in pO2 as
      they travel throughout the human body and encounter arterial and venous blood and
      migrate into oxygen-carrier-free tissue with low pO2. Hematologic malignancies
      such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) make little difference in this respect and,
      whereas low oxygen is the usual environment of AML cells, recent evidence
      suggests no role for real hypoxia. Although there is no evidence that AML
      pathophysiology is related to hypoxia, leukemic blasts still show several
      distinct biological features when exposed to reduced pO2: they down- or
      upregulate membrane receptors such as CXCR4 or FLT3, activate or inhibit
      intracellular signaling pathways such as PI3K, and specifically secrete cytokines
      (IL-8). In summary, reduced pO2 should not be mistaken for hypoxia (nor should it
      be so called), and it does not automatically induce hypoxia-response mechanisms;
      therefore, a strict distinction should be made between physiologically low pO2
      (physoxia) and hypoxia.

PMID- 27118045
TI  - Rapid, facile microwave-assisted synthesis of xanthan gum grafted polyaniline for
      chemical sensor.
AB  - Grafting method, through microwave radiation procedure is extremely productive in
      terms of time consumption, cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness. In
      this study, conductive and thermally stable composite (mwXG-g-PANi) was
      synthesized by grafting of aniline (ANi) on to xanthan gum (XG) using catalytic
      weight of initiator, ammonium peroxydisulfate in the process of microwave
      irradiation in an aqueous medium. The synthesis of mwXG-g-PANi were confirm by
      FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM. The influence of altering the microwave power, exposure
      time of microwave, concentration of monomer and the amount of initiator of graft
      polymerization were studied over the grafting parameters, for example, grafting
      percentage (%G) and grafting efficiency (%E). The maximum %G and %E achieved was
      172 and 74.13 respectively. The outcome demonstrates that the microwave
      irradiation strategy can increase the reaction rate by 72 times over the
      conventional method. Electrical conductivity of XG and mwXG-g-PANi composite film
      was performed. The fabricated grafted sample film were then examined for the
      chemical sensor. The mwXG-g-PANi, effectively integrated and handled, are NH3
      sensitive and exhibit a rapid sensing in presence of NH3 vapor. Chemiresistive
      NH3 sensors with superior room temperature sensing performance were produced with
      sensor response of 905 at 1ppb and 90% recovery within few second. 

PMID- 27118046
TI  - Separation of macromolecular proteins and removal of humic acid by cellulose
      acetate modified UF membranes.
AB  - Surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs) were synthesized with various
      polyurethane pre polymers end-capped with different groups and blended into the
      casting solution of cellulose acetate (CA) to prepare surface modified ultra
      filtration (UF) membranes for water filtration applications. The surface
      modification of the CA membranes was confirmed by the FTIR and static contact
      angle (SCA) measurements. The membranes so prepared had the typical
      characteristics of UF membranes as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy
      (SEM). Membrane properties were studied in terms of membrane compaction,
      percentage water content (%WC), pure water flux (PWF), membrane hydraulic
      resistance (Rm), molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), average pore size and porosity.
      The result showed that PWF, %WC, MWCO and pore size increased whereas the Rm
      decreased by the addition of SMMs. The significant effect of SMMs on the fouling
      by humic acid (HA) was also observed. It was found that the cSMM-3 membrane, in
      which SMM was synthesized with diethylene glycol (DEG) and hydroxyl benzene
      sulfonate (HBS) was blended, had the highest flux recovery ratio FRR (84.6%), as
      well as the lowest irreversible fouling (15.4%), confirming their improved
      antifouling properties. Thus, the SMM modified CA membranes had proven, to play
      an important role in the water treatment by UF. 

PMID- 27118047
TI  - Chemoradiotherapy for anal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Anal cancer is a relatively rare cancer, making up
      approximately 0.4% of all new diagnoses of cancer.(1) The incidence of anal
      cancer, however, has increased in recent years.(2) The aim of this paper is to
      review current treatment of anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the most common
      type of anal cancer. METHODS: This review article focuses on recent and ongoing
      trials studying the outcomes of various chemoradiotherapy (CRT) regimens in the
      treatment of anal SCC. PubMed was initially searched for relevant trials. This
      search was then supplemented by hand searches of reference lists and abstracts of
      relevant conferences. MAIN FINDINGS: CRT with mitomycin C (MMC) and 5
      fluorouracil (5-FU) has been proven to have effective results in the treatment of
      anal SCC. Salvage surgery has a role in some patients in the treatment of
      persistent or recurrent disease beyond 26 weeks. The addition of induction or
      maintenance chemotherapy to CRT has not been shown to have any benefit.
      CONCLUSIONS: Primary CRT with MMC and 5-FU is the current standard treatment for
      anal SCC. There is currently no role for induction or maintenance chemotherapy.

PMID- 27118048
TI  - Changing R&D models in research-based pharmaceutical companies.
AB  - New drugs serving unmet medical needs are one of the key value drivers of
      research-based pharmaceutical companies. The efficiency of research and
      development (R&D), defined as the successful approval and launch of new medicines
      (output) in the rate of the monetary investments required for R&D (input), has
      declined since decades. We aimed to identify, analyze and describe the factors
      that impact the R&D efficiency. Based on publicly available information, we
      reviewed the R&D models of major research-based pharmaceutical companies and
      analyzed the key challenges and success factors of a sustainable R&D output. We
      calculated that the R&D efficiencies of major research-based pharmaceutical
      companies were in the range of USD 3.2-32.3 billion (2006-2014). As these numbers
      challenge the model of an innovation-driven pharmaceutical industry, we analyzed
      the concepts that companies are following to increase their R&D efficiencies: (A)
      Activities to reduce portfolio and project risk, (B) activities to reduce R&D
      costs, and (C) activities to increase the innovation potential. While category A
      comprises measures such as portfolio management and licensing, measures grouped
      in category B are outsourcing and risk-sharing in late-stage development.
      Companies made diverse steps to increase their innovation potential and open
      innovation, exemplified by open source, innovation centers, or crowdsourcing,
      plays a key role in doing so. In conclusion, research-based pharmaceutical
      companies need to be aware of the key factors, which impact the rate of
      innovation, R&D cost and probability of success. Depending on their company
      strategy and their R&D set-up they can opt for one of the following open
      innovators: knowledge creator, knowledge integrator or knowledge leverager.

PMID- 27118050
TI  - Unequal treatment of transgender people.

PMID- 27118049
TI  - The tract terminations in the temporal lobe: Their location and associated
      functions.
AB  - Temporal lobe networks are associated with multiple cognitive domains. Despite an
      upsurge of interest in connectional neuroanatomy, the terminations of the main
      fibre tracts in the human brain are yet to be mapped. This information is
      essential given that neurological, neuroanatomical and computational accounts
      expect neural functions to be strongly shaped by the pattern of white-matter
      connections. This paper uses a probabilistic tractography approach to identify
      the main cortical areas that contribute to the major temporal lobe tracts. In
      order to associate the tract terminations to known functional domains of the
      temporal lobe, eight automated meta-analyses were performed using the Neurosynth
      database. Overlaps between the functional regions highlighted by the meta
      analyses and the termination maps were identified in order to investigate the
      functional importance of the tracts of the temporal lobe. The termination maps
      are made available in the Supplementary Materials of this article for use by
      researchers in the field.

PMID- 27118051
TI  - Contemporary outcomes after pericardial window surgery: impact of operative
      technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal window procedure for drainage of a large pericardial
      effusion has yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to compare the
      outcomes associated with the subxiphoid and thoracotomy pericardial window
      techniques, with a focus on perioperative pain and effusion recurrence rates.
      METHODS: A retrospective single-center observational study of all pericardial
      window operations was performed, with the incision based on surgeon preference.
      Perioperative data was recorded including time to extubation, narcotic
      requirements, and the development of a recurrent pericardial effusion. RESULTS:
      From 2002 to 2015, 179 patients with a large pericardial effusion underwent
      either a subxiphoid (n = 127) or left anterior mini-thoracotomy (n = 52)
      pericardial window procedure. Patients (mean age 73.2 years, 56 % female) had a
      high incidence of previous malignancy (49 %), chronic anticoagulation (34 %),
      recent infection (26 %), or renal failure (18 %). Cardiac tamponade was present
      in 50 %, and 12 % had undergone previous pericardiocentesis. Comparing the two
      techniques, there was no difference in the amount of fluid drained or in the
      perioperative mortality rate. Postoperatively, patients who had the subxiphoid
      approach required less time before extubation (P = 0.002) and needed less
      narcotics within 48 h after surgery (P = 0.0001) compared to thoracotomy
      patients. However, patients treated with the subxiphoid technique more often
      developed recurrent moderate or large pericardial effusions (P = 0.02), and there
      was a trend towards more repeat operations needed (P = 0.15). CONCLUSION:
      Pericardial window surgery via a subxiphoid incision is associated with less
      postoperative pain and faster time to extubation. However, the thoracotomy
      approach may be more effective at preventing effusion recurrence and the need for
      repeat surgery.

PMID- 27118052
TI  - Influence of Weight on Shared Core Symptoms in Eating Disorders: Support or
      Challenge for a Transdiagnostic Perspective?
AB  - In terms of the transdiagnostic model of eating disorders, Anorexia Nervosa (AN),
      Bulimia Nervosa (BN), and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) share the same distinctive
      psychopathology. However, empirical evidence showing similarities between these
      eating disorder diagnoses for core symptoms is scarce, and the role of weight
      status is unclear. Data from a total of 168 female participants were collected
      between April 2004 and April 2008, at an outpatient unit specialized in eating
      disorder treatment. Core symptoms of eating disorders were measured via self
      report questionnaires. In particular, women with BED and BN showed similar
      patterns of core symptomatology compared with AN. However, when body mass index
      (BMI) was considered in the analyses, there were no differences between the three
      diagnostic groups in relation to body image. Differences in eating behavior are
      not solely triggered by weight differences, whereas body image disturbances are a
      transdiagnostic phenomenon among EDs and should also be considered in the
      treatment of BED.

PMID- 27118053
TI  - Comparing Versions of the Good Behavior Game: Can a Positive Spin Enhance
      Effectiveness?
AB  - Disruptions can prevent the classroom from being an effective learning
      environment. The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a group contingency that has been
      proven to effectively prevent disruptions and increase engagement. However, the
      traditional methods of the GBG include teacher scanning for negative student
      behaviors, and may not align with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
      (PBIS), which is becoming widely adopted in many schools. Extending the findings
      of Wright and McCurdy, the current study compared the effects of the GBG and a
      positive version of the GBG, called the Caught Being Good Game (CBGG), on student
      behavior, including engagement and off-task behaviors, as well as teachers' use
      of positive and negative statements. Results showed both the GBG and the CBGG
      improved student behavior, with data not clearly indicating one was superior.
      Neither intervention led to an increase in positive teacher statements.
      Implications for teachers and suggestions for further research are discussed.

PMID- 27118054
TI  - The Extinction and Return of Fear of Public Speaking.
AB  - Prior studies indicate extinguished fear often partially returns when
      participants are later tested outside the extinction context. Cues carried from
      the extinction context to the test context sometimes reduce return of fear, but
      it is unclear whether such extinction cues (ECs) reduce return of fear of public
      speaking. Here we assessed return of fear of public speaking, and whether either
      of two types of ECs can attenuate it. Participants gave speeches of increasing
      difficulty during an exposure practice session and were tested 2 days later in a
      different context. Testing occurred in the presence of physical ECs, after
      mentally rehearsing the exposure session, or without either reminder. Practice
      reduced fear of public speaking, but fear partially returned at test. Neither
      physical nor mental ECs reduced partial return of fear of public speaking. The
      return of extinguished fear of public speaking, although small, was reliable, but
      not appreciably sensitive to presence of ECs.

PMID- 27118055
TI  - Improving ethanol yield in acetate-reducing Saccharomyces cerevisiae by cofactor
      engineering of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and deletion of ALD6.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acetic acid, an inhibitor of sugar fermentation by yeast, is
      invariably present in lignocellulosic hydrolysates which are used or considered
      as feedstocks for yeast-based bioethanol production. Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      strains have been constructed, in which anaerobic reduction of acetic acid to
      ethanol replaces glycerol formation as a mechanism for reoxidizing NADH formed in
      biosynthesis. An increase in the amount of acetate that can be reduced to ethanol
      should further decrease acetic acid concentrations and enable higher ethanol
      yields in industrial processes based on lignocellulosic feedstocks. The
      stoichiometric requirement of acetate reduction for NADH implies that increased
      generation of NADH in cytosolic biosynthetic reactions should enhance acetate
      consumption. RESULTS: Replacement of the native NADP(+)-dependent 6
      phosphogluconate dehydrogenase in S. cerevisiae by a prokaryotic NAD(+)-dependent
      enzyme resulted in increased cytosolic NADH formation, as demonstrated by a ca.
      15% increase in the glycerol yield on glucose in anaerobic cultures. Additional
      deletion of ALD6, which encodes an NADP(+)-dependent acetaldehyde dehydrogenase,
      led to a 39% increase in the glycerol yield compared to a non-engineered strain.
      Subsequent replacement of glycerol formation by an acetate reduction pathway
      resulted in a 44% increase of acetate consumption per amount of biomass formed,
      as compared to an engineered, acetate-reducing strain that expressed the native 6
      phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and ALD6. Compared to a non-acetate reducing
      reference strain under the same conditions, this resulted in a ca. 13% increase
      in the ethanol yield on glucose. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of NAD(+)-dependent
      6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase expression and deletion of ALD6 resulted in a
      marked increase in the amount of acetate that was consumed in these proof-of
      principle experiments, and this concept is ready for further testing in
      industrial strains as well as in hydrolysates. Altering the cofactor specificity
      of the oxidative branch of the pentose-phosphate pathway in S. cerevisiae can
      also be used to increase glycerol production in wine fermentation and to improve
      NADH generation and/or generation of precursors derived from the pentose
      phosphate pathway in other industrial applications of this yeast.

PMID- 27118056
TI  - Long-term Follow-up of Coronary Artery Bypass Patients With Preoperative and New
      Postoperative Native Coronary Artery Chronic Total Occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of native coronary arteries are a
      frequent finding among patients who are referred for surgical revascularization
      with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The long-term clinical significance
      of native coronary artery CTO identified at baseline and 1 year after CABG is
      unknown. METHODS: All patients who underwent 1-year follow-up angiography as part
      of the multicentre Radial Artery Patency Study (RAPS) were assessed for late
      clinical events. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 7.3 +/- 2.9 years, the study
      group of 388 patients had the following outcomes: 39 (10%) deaths, 6 (1.5%) cases
      of nonfatal myocardial infarction, and 19 (4.9%) cases of percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI). CTO of >= 1 native coronary artery in the baseline
      preoperative coronary angiogram was demonstrated in 240 (61.9%) patients. The
      composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and PCI occurred
      significantly more often in patients with at least 1 preoperative CTO than in
      patients without a preoperative CTO (20% vs 11%; P = 0.048). A new native
      coronary artery CTO 1 year after surgery occurred in 169 (43.6%) patients. The
      composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and PCI occurred
      significantly more often in patients with a new CTO 1 year after CABG compared
      with those without a new CTO (21.3% vs 12.8%; P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients undergoing CABG, both preoperative CTOs and new CTOs that develop 1 year
      after surgery are associated with adverse long-term clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27118057
TI  - Net Clinical Benefit of Dabigatran Over Warfarin in Patients With Atrial
      Fibrillation Stratified by CHA2DS2-VASc and Time in Therapeutic Range.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although dabigatran is 1 of the preferred agents for stroke
      prevention in atrial fibrillation, warfarin remains the mainstay treatment in
      many publicly financed health care systems. Little is known about the net
      clinical benefit of switching patients who are receiving warfarin and have
      different risk profiles and time in therapeutic range (TTR) to dabigatran. In
      this study, we aimed to investigate the net clinical benefit of switching
      warfarin to dabigatran in relation to CHA2DS2-VASc and TTR. METHODS: This was a
      hospital-based observational registry. RESULTS: A total of 2153 patients (72.7 +/
      12.2 years; CHA2DS2-VASc, 3.65 +/- 1.94) were included in the analysis: 1686
      patients were receiving warfarin, and 467 were receiving dabigatran. After a 4.2
      year follow-up, the incidence of ischemic stroke among patients receiving
      warfarin and dabigatran were 4.25%/y and 1.89%/y, respectively. Among patients
      receiving warfarin, ischemic stroke risk was positively correlated with CHA2DS2
      VASc score and negatively correlated with TTR. It was found on regression
      analysis that for every 10% increase in TTR, the incidence of annual ischemic
      stroke decreased by 0.74%/y (R2 = 0.77; P = 0.04). Patients with higher CHA2DS2
      VASc scores had greater ischemic stroke risk reductions per 10% TTR increment
      (ie, for CHA2DS2-VASc score <= 2, 3-4, and >= 5, the reductions were -0.38%/y, 
      0.60%/y, and -0.84%/y, respectively). Similar trends were also observed in
      intracranial hemorrhage. The net clinical benefit favoured switching from
      warfarin to dabigatran for all patients, but the best benefit was found in those
      with high CHA2DS2-VASc and poor TTR. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of CHA2DS2-VASc
      and TTR facilitates patient prioritization for dabigatran. The best net clinical
      benefit for switching from warfarin to dabigatran was found in those with both
      high CHA2DS2-VASc and poor TTR.

PMID- 27118058
TI  - Prevention, Detection, and Management of Chemotherapy-Related Cardiac
      Dysfunction.
AB  - Cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) occurs with many agents used
      in the treatment of cancer. This is most relevant in patients receiving cancer
      treatment with curative intent as opposed to those treated with a palliative
      intent where lifespan is more likely to be limited by the cancer diagnosis.
      Clinicians need to be aware of methods to prevent, detect, and manage CTRCD. This
      article frames an approach to CTCRD based on the American College of
      Cardiology/American Heart Association stages of heart failure (HF). In patients
      who are at risk for CTRCD (stage A HF), risk reduction methods may be warranted,
      including management of cardiovascular risk factors, modification of cancer
      treatment, and universal preventive therapy. Once cancer therapy begins, it is
      prudent to detect and promptly treat myocardial dysfunction (stage B HF). This
      can be achieved by careful monitoring during therapy using echocardiography,
      multigated acquisition scans, or cardiac MRI. Subclinical myocardial systolic
      dysfunction (ie, without a drop in ejection fraction) can be identified using
      either echocardiography measured peak systolic global longitudinal strain or
      cardiac troponin I. At present, there is insufficient evidence to institute
      preventive interventions based on changes in these preclinical markers. Finally,
      in patients with stage C/D HF, management strategies should follow existing
      guidelines. Advanced treatment including cardiac transplantation and mechanical
      circulatory support may be considered in appropriate circumstances.

PMID- 27118059
TI  - Predictors for Progression of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Awaiting Atrial
      Fibrillation Ablation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Success rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation have been shown to
      be significantly lower for patients with persistent AF. However, little is known
      about the risk factors predicting progression to persistent AF in patients
      awaiting AF ablation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, single-centre
      investigation of patients with paroxysmal AF at the time of placement on the
      ablation waiting list. Patients were defined as having progressed if they had
      developed self-reported or electrocardiogram-recorded AF durations more than 7
      days while awaiting ablation. After ablation, clinical visits at 3, 6, 9, 12, and
      18 months were performed with a minimum of a 48-hour-Holter and
      electrocardiogram. Baseline characteristics including left atrial diameter (LA)
      and the HATCH score were analyzed by univariable and multivariable analysis for
      predicting progression to persistent AF. RESULTS: During a median waiting time of
      9.7 (6.1, 14.2) months, 60 of 564 patients (11%) progressed to persistent AF. In
      patients who progressed, ablation took longer (180 [150, 249] minutes vs 157
      [125, 210] minutes; P = 0.009) and was associated with a higher rate of
      recurrence after a median of 12 months (53.3% vs 39.1%; P < 0.001). The HATCH
      score was a poor predictor of AF progression (area under the curve 0.54), whereas
      an LA diameter of more than 45 mm (odds ratio 3.46, P < 0.001) and heart failure
      (odds ratio 3.11, P = 0.036) were strong and independent predictors of AF
      progression in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with an increased LA
      diameter or heart failure have a significantly increased risk of progression to
      persistent AF. These characteristics may define patients who should undergo
      earlier catheter ablation to optimize outcome.

PMID- 27118060
TI  - Does Milk Consumption Contribute to Cardiometabolic Health and Overall Diet
      Quality?
AB  - Although milk consumption is recommended in most dietary guidelines around the
      world, its contribution to overall diet quality remains a matter of debate in the
      scientific community as well as in the public domain. This article summarizes the
      discussion among experts in the field on the place of milk in a balanced healthy
      diet. The evidence to date suggests at least a neutral effect of milk intake on
      health outcomes. The possibility that milk intake is simply a marker of diets
      higher in nutritional quality cannot be ruled out. This review also identifies a
      number of key research gaps pertaining to the impact of milk consumption on
      health. These need to be addressed to better inform future dietary guidelines.

PMID- 27118061
TI  - Consensus pan-genome assembly of the specialised wine bacterium Oenococcus oeni.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oenococcus oeni is a lactic acid bacterium that is specialised for
      growth in the ecological niche of wine, where it is noted for its ability to
      perform the secondary, malolactic fermentation that is often required for many
      types of wine. Expanding the understanding of strain-dependent genetic variations
      in its small and streamlined genome is important for realising its full potential
      in industrial fermentation processes. RESULTS: Whole genome comparison was
      performed on 191 strains of O. oeni; from this rich source of genomic information
      consensus pan-genome assemblies of the invariant (core) and variable (flexible)
      regions of this organism were established. Genetic variation in amino acid
      biosynthesis and sugar transport and utilisation was found to be common between
      strains. Furthermore, we characterised previously-unreported intra-specific
      genetic variations in the natural competence of this microbe. CONCLUSION: By
      assembling a consensus pan-genome from a large number of strains, this study
      provides a tool for researchers to readily compare protein-coding genes across
      strains and infer functional relationships between genes in conserved syntenic
      regions. This establishes a foundation for further genetic, and thus phenotypic,
      research of this industrially-important species.

PMID- 27118062
TI  - Bioinformatic analysis reveals pancreatic cancer molecular subtypes specific to
      the tumor and the microenvironment.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease characterized by a
      dense desmoplastic reaction surrounding malignant epithelial cells. Interaction
      between the epithelial and stromal compartments is suggested to enhance its
      aggressive nature. Indeed, therapies targeting the stroma, as well as the tumor
      cells, may improve survival outcomes for patients. The evaluated study by Moffitt
      et al. used bioinformatic techniques to separate gene expression patterns of
      normal tissues from PDAC and stroma in a large cohort of samples. The researchers
      identified two different subtypes of PDAC ('classical' and 'basal-like') and
      surrounding stroma ('normal' and 'activated'). The basal-like subtype was
      associated with worse prognosis and a trend towards better response to adjuvant
      therapy. Hopefully, the molecular stratification of PDAC will potentially allow
      more personalized treatment strategies and guide clinical decision making.

PMID- 27118063
TI  - Hepatitis C management in prisons: An insight into daily clinical practice in
      three major Italian correctional houses.

PMID- 27118064
TI  - Field-driven Domain Wall Motion in Ferromagnetic Nanowires with Bulk
      Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interaction.
AB  - Field-driven domain wall (DW) motion in ferromagnetic nanowires with easy- and
      hard-axis anisotropies was studied theoretically and numerically in the presence
      of the bulk Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) based on the Landau-Lifshitz
      Gilbert equation. We propose a new trial function and offer an exact solution for
      DW motion along a uniaxial nanowire driven by an external magnetic field. A new
      strategy was suggested to speed up DW motion in a uniaxial magnetic nanowire with
      large DMI parameters. In the presence of hard-axis anisotropy, we find that the
      breakdown field and velocity of DW motion was strongly affected by the strength
      and sign of the DMI parameter under external fields. This work may be useful for
      future magnetic information storage devices based on DW motion.

PMID- 27118065
TI  - Phospholipophilicity of CxHyN(+) amines: chromatographic descriptors and
      molecular simulations for understanding partitioning into membranes.
AB  - Using immobilized artificial membrane high-performance liquid chromatography (IAM
      HPLC) the sorption affinity of 70 charged amine structures to phospholipids was
      determined. The amines contained only 1 charged moiety and no other polar groups,
      the rest of the molecule being aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbon groups. We
      systematically evaluated the influence of the amine type (1 degrees , 2 degrees ,
      3 degrees  amines and quaternary ammonium), alkyl chain branching, phenyl ring
      positioning, charge positioning (terminal vs. central in the molecule) on the
      phospholipid-water partitioning coefficient (KPLIPW). These experimental results
      were compared with quantum-chemistry based three-dimensional (3D) molecular
      simulations of the partitioning of charged amines, including the most likely
      solute conformers, using a hydrated phospholipid bilayer in the COSMOmic module
      of COSMOtherm software. Both IAM-HPLC retention data and the simulations suggest
      that the molecular orientation of charged amines at the location in the bilayer
      with the lowest calculated Gibbs free energy exerts a strong influence over the
      partitioning within the membrane. The most favourable position of charged amines
      coincides with the region where the phosphate anions in the phospholipid bilayer
      are most abundant. Hydrocarbon units oriented in this layer are located more
      towards the aqueous phase and contribute less to the overall membrane affinity
      than hydrocarbon units extending into the more hydrophobic core of the bilayer.
      COSMOmic simulations explain most of the trends between the structural
      differences observed in IAM-HPLC based KPLIPW. For this set of cationic
      structures, the mean absolute difference between COSMOmic simulations and IAM
      HPLC data, accounting only for amine type corrective increments, is 0.31 log
      units. 

PMID- 27118066
TI  - Older Adults and the Fear of Death: The Protective Function of Generativity.
AB  - Terror management theory (TMT) posits that cultural worldviews function to allay
      concerns about human mortality. Preliminary research with older adults has
      indicated that seniors do not respond to death reminders in the same way as their
      younger counterparts. The purpose of the current study was to test a
      developmentally relevant construct that may buffer death anxiety in later life.
      It was hypothesized that Erikson's concept of generativity may encompass death
      denying properties for older adults. One hundred and seventy-nine seniors were
      recruited to determine if subtle mortality salience inductions would lead
      participants to rate their own generativity as higher than after a blatant
      induction, or no induction, after controlling for pre-induction generativity. As
      expected, participants exposed to subtle death primes rated themselves as having
      higher levels of generativity than the other two groups after co-varying pre
      induction generativity. Explanations are discussed in light of the literatures on
      TMT and generativity.

PMID- 27118067
TI  - Accuracy of computed tomographic angiography in the diagnosis of patients with
      inferior vena cava partial obstruction in Budd-Chiari syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: The diagnosis of the partially obstructed inferior vena cava
      (IVC) in Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients has received little attention. We
      aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomographic angiography
      (CTA) for patients with BCS and a partially obstructed IVC. METHODS: A total of
      329 patients with BCS and an obstructed IVC were endovascularly treated with
      balloon dilation and/or stent placement. All patients underwent a CTA examination
      prior to endovascular treatment, and the data were retrospectively reviewed. The
      presence of a round, oval, irregular shape or jet sign low-density area without
      enhancement within the enhanced proximal IVC was considered a sign of a partially
      obstructed IVC. Digital subtraction angiography was used as the gold standard.
      RESULTS: The results from the digital subtraction angiography revealed a
      partially obstructed IVC in 108 BCS patients and a complete obstruction in 221
      patients. The CTA discovered a partially obstructed IVC in 99 patients and a
      completely obstructed IVC in 230 patients. From the CTA results, 15 were false
      negatives, and six were false positives. The patient-based evaluation yielded an
      accuracy of 93.6%, a sensitivity of 86.1%, specificity of 97.3%, positive
      predictive value of 93.9%, and negative predictive value of 93.5% for the
      detection of BCS patients with a partial IVC obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Computed
      tomographic angiography offered a high diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity in BCS
      patients with a partially obstructed IVC. The low-density area within the
      enhanced proximal IVC above the membrane in artery phase can be considered a
      reliable indicator of a stenotic IVC in BCS patients.

PMID- 27118068
TI  - Which adherence measure - self-report, clinician recorded or pharmacy refill - is
      best able to predict detectable viral load in a public ART programme without
      routine plasma viral load monitoring?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) suppresses viral replication
      to an undetectable level if a sufficiently high level of adherence is achieved.
      We investigated which adherence measurement best distinguishes between patients
      with and without detectable viral load in a public ART programme without routine
      plasma viral load monitoring. METHOD: We randomly selected 870 patients who
      started cART between May 2009 and April 2012 in 10 healthcare facilities in Addis
      Ababa, Ethiopia. Six hundred and sixty-four (76.3%) patients who were retained in
      HIV care and were receiving cART for at least 6 months were included and 642 had
      their plasma HIV-1 RNA concentration measured. Patients' adherence to cART was
      assessed according to self-report, clinician recorded and pharmacy refill
      measures. Multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify the
      predictors of detectable viremia. Model accuracy was evaluated by computing the
      area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULT: A total of
      9.2% and 5.5% of the 642 patients had a detectable viral load of >=40 and >=400
      RNA copies/ml, respectively. In the multivariate analyses, younger age, lower CD4
      cell count at cART initiation, being illiterate and widowed, and each of the
      adherence measures were significantly and independently predictive of having
      >=400 RNA copies/ml. The ROC curve showed that these variables altogether had a
      likelihood of more than 80% to distinguish patients with a plasma viral load of
      >=400 RNA copies/ml from those without. CONCLUSION: Adherence to cART was
      remarkably high. Self-report, clinician recorded and pharmacy refill non
      adherence were all significantly predictive of detectable viremia. The choice for
      one of these methods to detect non-adherence and predict a detectable viral load
      can therefore be based on what is most practical in a particular setting.

PMID- 27118069
TI  - Thigh burns from exploding e-cigarette lithium ion batteries: First case series.
AB  - E-cigarette (EC) use has risen meteorically over the last decade. The majority of
      these devices are powered by re-chargeable lithium ion batteries, which can
      represent a fire hazard if damaged, over-heated, over-charged or stored
      inappropriately. There are currently no reports in the medical literature of
      lithium ion battery burns related to EC use and no guidance on the appropriate
      management of lithium ion battery associated injuries. We report two individual
      cases of burn resulting from explosion of EC re-chargeable lithium ion batteries.
      Both patients required in-patient surgical management. We provide evidence that
      lithium ion battery explosions can be associated with mixed thermal and alkali
      chemical burns, resulting from the significant discharge of thermal energy and
      the dispersal of corrosive lithium ion compounds. We would recommend, as with
      other elemental metal exposures, caution in exposing lithium ion battery burns to
      water irrigation. Early and thorough cleaning and debridement of such burns, to
      remove residual lithium contamination, may limit the risk of burn wound extension
      and potentially improve outcomes. 

PMID- 27118070
TI  - Intranasal application of polyethyleneimine suppresses influenza virus infection
      in mice.

PMID- 27118071
TI  - Switching of the rotational direction of rhizoidal colonies in a newly isolated
      Bacillus mycoides strain Ko01.
AB  - Bacillus mycoides are known to form rhizoidal colonies on solid medium. In this
      study, a new strain of B. mycoides, strain Ko01, was isolated from soil. Genetic
      and growth patterns indicated that this strain belongs to subgroup II of the B.
      cereus group. Strain Ko01 forms extensive rhizoidal colonies with predictable
      directions of rotation. The concentration of the agar, and not the chemical
      composition, altered the direction of the colony rotation, switching from
      counterclockwise to clockwise. Agar concentration-dependent switching of rotation
      direction was unique to strain Ko01 and was not seen in colonies of other B.
      mycoides strains that were tested. Factors affecting colony chirality patterns
      appeared to be variable among B. mycoides strains. This feature can be used for
      the classification of B. mycoides strains. 

PMID- 27118072
TI  - Impeding Bacillus spore germination in vitro and in milk by soy glycinin during
      long cold storage.
AB  - This paper presents a study of the magnitude and mechanism of impeding the
      emergent spore germination of Bacillus subtilis (non-hemolytic strain) and
      Bacillus licheniformis (hemolytic strain) under the action of soybean glycinin
      and its basic subunit (BS). Incubating B. licheniformis spores with 100 MUg/ml of
      glycinin or BS at 35 degrees C for 24 h totally prevented the hemolytic activity
      associated with the emergent vegetative cells on blood agar during 3-5 days of
      incubation at 35 degrees C in contrast to the control. Glycinin and BS (100
      MUg/ml) also resulted in the leakage of 70 and 73% of the initially germinating
      spore contents of A260 absorbing materials of the two bacterial species after 2 h
      of incubation at 35 degrees C, respectively. Increasing the concentration of
      glycinin and BS up to 400 MUg/ml increased the germinating spore leakage to 83
      and 88%, respectively. Spore germination in Muller Hinton Broth containing
      glycinin and BS (100 MUg/ml) was practically nil after 4 days of incubation at 35
      degrees C. Supplementing milk preheated at 80 degrees C/5 min with both glycinin
      and BS kept the final vegetative cell counts down to about 30 and 20% of the
      corresponding control, respectively, after 50 days of storage at 4 degrees C.
      Both light, and transmission electron, microscopy images revealed significant
      morphological and structural distorting changes in BS-treated spores of B.
      licheniformis. 

PMID- 27118073
TI  - Characterization of N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) producing bacteria isolated
      from vacuum-packaged refrigerated turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and possible
      influence of exogenous AHLs on bacterial phenotype.
AB  - Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication mechanism through which
      microbial cells communicate and regulate their wide variety of biological
      activities. N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) are considered to be the most
      important QS signaling molecules produced by several Gram-negative bacteria. The
      present study aimed to screen the AHLs-producing bacteria from spoiled vacuum
      packaged refrigerated turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) by biosensor assays, and the
      profiles of AHLs produced by these bacteria were determined using reversed-phase
      thin-layer chromatography (RP-TLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC
      MS). Effects of exogenous AHLs and QS inhibitor (QSI) on the phenotypes (i.e.,
      extracellular proteolytic activity and biofilm formation) of the AHLs-producing
      bacteria were also evaluated. Our results demonstrated that eight out of twenty
      two isolates were found to produce AHLs. Three of the AHLs-producing isolates
      were identified as Serratia sp., and the other five were found to belong to the
      family of Aeromonas. Two isolates (i.e., S. liquefaciens A2 and A. sobria B1)
      with higher AHLs-producing activities were selected for further studies. Mainly,
      RP-TLC and GC-MS analysis revealed three AHLs, i.e., 3-oxo-C6-HSL, C8-HSL and C10
      HSL were produced by S. liquefaciens A2, while five AHLs, i.e., C4-HSL, C6-HSL,
      C8-HSL, C10-HSL, and C12-HSL, were produced by A. sobria B1. Moreover, production
      of AHLs in both bacterial strains were found to be density-dependent, and the
      AHLs activity reached a maximum level in their middle logarithmic phase and
      decreased in the stationary phase. The addition of exogenous AHLs and QSI
      decreased the specific protease activity both of the Serratia A2 and Aeromonas
      B1. Exogenous AHLs inhibited the biofilm formation of Serratia A2 while it
      enhanced the biofilm formation in Aeromonas B1. QSI inhibited the specific
      protease activity and biofilm formation in both bacterial strains. 

PMID- 27118074
TI  - Development of corn silk as a biocarrier for Zymomonas mobilis biofilms in
      ethanol production from rice straw.
AB  - Z. mobilis cell immobilization has been proposed as an effective means of
      improving ethanol production. In this work, polystyrene and corn silk were used
      as biofilm developmental matrices for Z. mobilis ethanol production with rice
      straw hydrolysate as a substrate. Rice straw was hydrolyzed by dilute sulfuric
      acid (H2SO4) and enzymatic hydrolysis. The final hydrolysate contained furfural
      (271.95 +/- 76.30 ppm), 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (0.07 +/- 0.00 ppm), vanillin
      (1.81 +/- 0.00 ppm), syringaldehyde (5.07 +/- 0.83 ppm), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4
      HB) (2.39 +/- 1.20 ppm) and acetic acid (0.26 +/- 0.08%). Bacterial attachment or
      biofilm formation of Z. mobilis strain TISTR 551 on polystyrene and delignified
      corn silk carrier provided significant ethanol yields. Results showed up to 0.40
      +/- 0.15 g ethanol produced/g glucose consumed when Z. mobilis was immobilized on
      a polystyrene carrier and 0.51 +/- 0.13 g ethanol produced/g glucose consumed
      when immobilized on delignified corn silk carrier under batch fermentation by Z.
      mobilis TISTR 551 biofilm. The higher ethanol yield from immobilized, rather than
      free living, Z. mobilis could possibly be explained by a higher cell density,
      better control of anaerobic conditions and higher toxic tolerance of Z. mobilis
      biofilms over free cells. 

PMID- 27118075
TI  - Isolation of lactic acid bacteria exhibiting high scavenging activity for
      environmental hydrogen peroxide from fermented foods and its two scavenging
      enzymes for hydrogen peroxide.
AB  - To obtain lactic acid bacteria that scavenge environmental hydrogen peroxide, we
      developed a specialized enrichment medium and successfully isolated Pediococcus
      pentosaceus Be1 strain from a fermented food. This strain showed vigorous
      environmental hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity over a wide range of hydrogen
      peroxide concentrations. High Mn-catalase and NADH peroxidase activities were
      found in the cell-free extract of the P. pentosaceus Be1 strain, and these two
      hydrogen peroxide scavenging enzymes were purified from the cell-free extract of
      the strain. Mn-catalase has been purified from several microorganisms by several
      researchers, and the NADH peroxidase was first purified from the original strain
      in this report. After cloning the genes of the Mn-catalase and the NADH
      peroxidase, the deduced amino acid sequences were compared with those of known
      related enzymes. 

PMID- 27118076
TI  - Exploration of a N-terminal disulfide bridge to improve the thermostability of a
      GH11 xylanase from Aspergillus niger.
AB  - To improve the thermostability of xylanase XynZF-2 from Aspergillus niger XZ-3S,
      a disulfide bridge was introduced in the N-terminal domains by site-directed
      mutagenesis (V1C and E27C). Simultaneously, the active sites of XynZF-2 were
      predicted by bioinformatics software and verified by site-directed mutagenesis
      (E103D and E194D). The mutated active sites xynED- and the mutated disulfide
      bridge xynDC-encoding genes were constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli
      BL21 (DE3). Compared to the native xylanase, it was found that the residual
      activity of the mutated XynED was 0.17%. The optimum temperature of the variant
      XynDC was increased to 45 degrees C from 40 degrees C of XynZF-2. After treatment
      at 40 degrees C for 60 min, the variant XynDC retained 66.77% of their original
      activity, while the XynZF-2 retained about 44.36% residual activity. t1/2(45
      degrees C) of the variant XynDC also increased from 7 min to 14 min. The results
      of the mutated xylanases indicated that the active center of XynZF-2 mainly
      consisted of two catalytic residues (Glu103 and Glu194), and the introduction of
      a disulfide bridge in the N-terminal domains can improve the thermostability of
      XynZF-2. 

PMID- 27118077
TI  - Bio-statistical enhancement of acyl transfer activity of amidase for
      biotransformation of N-substituted aromatic amides.
AB  - Acyl transfer activity (ATA) of amidase transfers an acyl group of different
      amides to hydroxylamine to form the corresponding hydroxamic acid. Bacterial
      isolate BR-1 was isolated from cyanogenic plant Cirsium vulgare rhizosphere and
      identified as Pseudomonas putida BR-1 by 16S rDNA sequencing. This organism
      exhibited high ATA for the biotransformation of N-substituted aromatic amide to
      the corresponding hydroxamic acid. Optimization of media, tryptone (0.6%),
      inducer, pH 8.5, and a growth temperature 25 degrees C for 56 h, resulted in a 7
      fold increase in ATA. Further, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and multiple
      feeding approach (20 mM after 14 h) of inducer led to a 29% enhancement of ATA
      from this organism. The half life (t1/2) of this enzyme at 50 degrees C and 60
      degrees C was 3 h and 1 h, respectively. The ATA of amidase of Pseudomonas putida
      BR-1 makes it a potential candidate for the production of a variety of N
      substituted aromatic hydroxamic acid. 

PMID- 27118078
TI  - Identification of sirtuin and its target as the ribosomal protein S4 in
      Lactobacillus paracasei.
AB  - Sirtuin is a protein with an enzymatic activity of NAD(+)-dependent protein
      deacetylation. It was first identified in yeast and its homologous genes have
      been widely found in various organisms. In bacteria, sirtuin gene was first
      described as cobB, encoding a cobalamin processing enzyme; and later its
      potential involvement in regulating acetylation levels of metabolic enzymes,
      transcription factors, chemotactic proteins and others have been reported. In
      order to study its physiological relevance in probiotic lactic acid bacteria, we
      analyzed the whole genome of three L. paracasei strains. All strains tested had
      sirtuin homolog genes designated hereby as sirA, and one of them had an
      additional gene designated as sirB. Following confirmation of their coding
      sequences by individual gene cloning, corresponding recombinant proteins have
      been generated and purified. The enzymatic characterization revealed that the
      intrinsic NAD(+)-dependent deacetylation activity of LpSirA (protein encoded by
      sirA) is comparable to human SIRT1. Furthermore, by blocking sirtuin activity
      using nicotinamide in vivo, together with an in vitro deacetylation reaction
      using recombinant LpSirA, we identified one of the target proteins in the lactic
      acid bacteria as the 30S ribosomal protein S4 (rpsD product). 

PMID- 27118079
TI  - Expressions of alkaline phosphatase genes during phosphate starvation are under
      positive influences of multiple cell wall hydrolase genes in Bacillus subtilis.

PMID- 27118080
TI  - Gingival Bleeding and Bloody Dialysate: A Case Report of Scurvy in a Child With
      End-Stage Renal Disease Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis.
AB  - Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease are at risk
      for vitamin C deficiency and scurvy due to diet restriction, increased urinary
      loss of the water-soluble vitamin C with diuretics, and in case of patients who
      are on dialysis, through dialysates. The condition may be overlooked as the
      clinical manifestation of scurvy may be subtle, and some presentations may mimic
      clinical signs in CKD. We reported a case of scurvy presenting with gingival
      bleeding and blood dialysate in a 6-year-old girl with end-stage renal disease
      who was on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Physical examination showed
      gingival hyperplasia and bleeding, and the pathognomonic bleeding of
      perifollicular hemorrhage. The typical radiographic changes were present. The
      clinical signs and symptoms resolved after ascorbic acid treatment. This case
      underscores the importance of awareness of the increased risk for vitamin C
      deficiency in patients with CKD and receiving dialysis.

PMID- 27118082
TI  - Changes in the central and peripheral circulatory system in response to the cold:
      own studies using impedance plethysmography and Doppler ultrasound.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine the cardiovascular response to continuous
      (4  degrees C for 60 min) and intermittent (10 min at 4  degrees C and 10 min at
      room temperature alternately) exposure to the cold in 30 healthy young men. The
      subjects were equipped with a set of identical clothing (insulation 2.1 clo) and
      during the stay in the chamber and outside performed the same activities, i.e.,
      walking on a treadmill at a speed of 0.5 km/h. The tests included assessing the
      central circulatory system using the Holter system and assessing the peripheral
      circulatory system using impedance plethysmography and Doppler ultrasound. The
      analysis of the parameters that describe the central and peripheral circulation
      poses a difficulty in determining which variant of exposure constitutes a greater
      load on the circulatory system. It should be noted that even the conditions used
      in the study may cause adverse effects in the cardiovascular system.

PMID- 27118081
TI  - Increased and prolonged human norovirus infection in RAG2/IL2RG deficient
      gnotobiotic pigs with severe combined immunodeficiency.
AB  - Application of genetically engineered (GE) large animals carrying multi-allelic
      modifications has been hampered by low efficiency in production and extended
      gestation period compared to rodents. Here, we rapidly generated RAG2/IL2RG
      double knockout pigs using direct injection of CRISPR/Cas9 system into developing
      embryos. RAG2/IL2RG deficient pigs were immunodeficient, characterized by
      depletion of lymphocytes and either absence of or structurally abnormal immune
      organs. Pigs were maintained in gnotobiotic facility and evaluated for human
      norovirus (HuNoV) infection. HuNoV shedding lasted for 16 days in wild type pigs,
      compared to 27 days (until the end of trials) in RAG2/IL2RG deficient pigs.
      Additionally, higher HuNoV titers were detected in intestinal tissues and
      contents and in blood, indicating increased and prolonged HuNoV infection in
      RAG2/IL2RG deficient pigs and the importance of lymphocytes in HuNoV clearance.
      These results suggest that GE immunodeficient gnotobiotic pigs serve as a novel
      model for biomedical research and will facilitate HuNoV studies.

PMID- 27118083
TI  - Ear-body lift and a novel thrust generating mechanism revealed by the complex
      wake of brown long-eared bats (Plecotus auritus).
AB  - Large ears enhance perception of echolocation and prey generated sounds in bats.
      However, external ears likely impair aerodynamic performance of bats compared to
      birds. But large ears may generate lift on their own, mitigating the negative
      effects. We studied flying brown long-eared bats, using high resolution, time
      resolved particle image velocimetry, to determine the aerodynamics of flying with
      large ears. We show that the ears and body generate lift at medium to cruising
      speeds (3-5 m/s), but at the cost of an interaction with the wing root vortices,
      likely reducing inner wing performance. We also propose that the bats use a novel
      wing pitch mechanism at the end of the upstroke generating thrust at low speeds,
      which should provide effective pitch and yaw control. In addition, the wing tip
      vortices show a distinct spiraling pattern. The tip vortex of the previous
      wingbeat remains into the next wingbeat and rotates together with a newly formed
      tip vortex. Several smaller vortices, related to changes in circulation around
      the wing also spiral the tip vortex. Our results thus show a new level of
      complexity in bat wakes and suggest large eared bats are less aerodynamically
      limited than previous wake studies have suggested.

PMID- 27118084
TI  - Chitosan nanoparticles enhance the efficiency of methylene blue-mediated
      antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation of bacterial biofilms: An in vitro study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biodegradable chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) with an intrinsic
      antimicrobial activity may be a good choice to improve the effectiveness of
      antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (APDI). The aim of this study was to
      investigate the effect of CSNPs on the efficiency of methylene blue (MB)-mediated
      APDI of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. We also
      assessed the phototoxicity of MB+CSNPs towards human fibroblasts. METHODS: CSNPs
      were prepared using ionic gelation method and characterized by dynamic light
      scattering (DLS) and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM).
      Biofilms were developed in a 96-well polystyrene plate for 24h. In vitro
      phototoxic effect of MB+CSNPs (at final concentrations of 50MUM MB) at fluence of
      22.93J/cm(2)) on biofilms were studied. Appropriate controls were included. Also,
      in vitro cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of the above mixture was assessed on
      human dermal fibroblasts. RESULTS: DLS and FESEM measurements confirmed the
      nanometric size of the prepared CSNPs. APDI mediated by the mixture of MB and
      CSNPs showed significant anti-biofilm photoinactivation (P<0.001, >3 and >2 log10
      CFU reduction in S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms, respectively) while MB
      induced APDI led to approximately <1 log10 CFU reduction. At the same
      experimental conditions, only 25.1% of the fibroblasts were photoinactivated by
      MB+CSNPs. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that CSNPs enhanced the efficacy of MB
      APDI; it may be due to the disruption of biofilm structure by polycationic CSNPs
      and subsequently deeper and higher penetration of MB into the biofilms.

PMID- 27118085
TI  - Potential of curcumin-mediated photodynamic inactivation to reduce oral
      colonization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed the susceptibility of salivary pathogens to
      photodynamic inactivation (PDI), mediated by a water-soluble mixture of
      curcuminoids (CRM) and LED light. METHODS: A 10mL sample of unstimulated saliva
      was collected from volunteers. The inoculum was prepared using 9mL of saline and
      1mL of saliva. Inoculum suspensions were divided into 14 groups and treated
      according to the description below. Groups that received the PDI treatment (light
      for 1min or 5min and 1.5g/L or 3.0g/L of CRM concentration) were called C1.5L1.8,
      C1.5L9.0, C3.0L1.8, C3.0L9.0. To evaluate the CRM decontamination alone, the
      C1.5/1,C1.5/5,C3.0/1 and C3.0/5 groups were assessed. Likewise, light alone was
      evaluated through the L1.8 and L9.0 groups. Chlorhexidine at 0.12% (CLX) for 1 or
      5min was used for the positive control groups (CLX1 and CLX5, respectively);
      saline was used for 1 or 5min (CTR1, CTR5, respectively) for the negative control
      groups. After the tests, serial dilutions were performed, and the resulting
      samples were plated on blood agar in microaerophilic conditions. The number of
      colony forming units (CFU/mL) was determined and log10-transformed. Data were
      analyzed using a One-way Analysis of Variance with Welch correction, followed by
      the Games Howell's test (alpha=0.05). Log reduction (LR) measure for
      antimicrobial efficacy was also calculated using data from the CTR5 as untreated
      samples. RESULTS: The CHX5 showed the best antimicrobial result, followed by the
      CLX1. The antimicrobial effect of CRM was more pronounced when associated with
      light (PDI), but significantly lower than the CLX5 effect. The C3.0L9.0 protocol
      showed similar results to the CLX1. CONCLUSION: The results show that PDI with
      CRM at the studied concentrations is as effective for oral decontamination in
      clinical dental care conditions as the CLX at 0.12% for 1min.

PMID- 27118086
TI  - Infection with Babesia microti in humans with non-specific symptoms in North East
      Poland.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical course and effectiveness
      of diagnostics tools for Babesia spp. infection in patients bitten by ticks.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred and forty-eight patients hospitalised or seen
      in outpatients department because of various symptoms after a tick bite were
      included in the study. PCR, nucleotide sequencing of Babesia 18S rRNA gene
      fragment, blood smears and serological tests for Babesia spp., TBEV, A.
      phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi were performed in all patients. Six patients
      infected with Babesia were included in the final analysis. They had PCR, Babesia
      18S rRNA gene fragment nucleotide sequencing, blood smears and serological tests
      for Babesia spp., TBEV, A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi performed twice.
      RESULTS: Tick-borne infection with Babesia microti in six immunocompetent
      patients with non-specific symptoms was confirmed for the first time in Poland.
      No severe course of the disease was seen. No piroplasm forms were noticed within
      erythrocytes on blood smear. Three patients developed a serological response.
      CONCLUSIONS: Immunocompetent patients may be unaware of infection with Babesia
      microti after a tick bite. It must be included in the differential diagnosis
      after the tick bite. In patients with low parasitaemia PCR and serology seem
      useful when blood smear is negative. Self-elimination of Babesia spp. is
      possible, especially in cases with low parasitaemia.

PMID- 27118087
TI  - Contour junctions underlie neural representations of scene categories in high
      level human visual cortex.
AB  - Humans efficiently grasp complex visual environments, making highly consistent
      judgments of entry-level category despite their high variability in visual
      appearance. How does the human brain arrive at the invariant neural
      representations underlying categorization of real-world environments? We here
      show that the neural representation of visual environments in scene-selective
      human visual cortex relies on statistics of contour junctions, which provide cues
      for the three-dimensional arrangement of surfaces in a scene. We manipulated line
      drawings of real-world environments such that statistics of contour orientations
      or junctions were disrupted. Manipulated and intact line drawings were presented
      to participants in an fMRI experiment. Scene categories were decoded from neural
      activity patterns in the parahippocampal place area (PPA), the occipital place
      area (OPA) and other visual brain regions. Disruption of junctions but not
      orientations led to a drastic decrease in decoding accuracy in the PPA and OPA,
      indicating the reliance of these areas on intact junction statistics. Accuracy of
      decoding from early visual cortex, on the other hand, was unaffected by either
      image manipulation. We further show that the correlation of error patterns
      between decoding from the scene-selective brain areas and behavioral experiments
      is contingent on intact contour junctions. Finally, a searchlight analysis
      exposes the reliance of visually active brain regions on different sets of
      contour properties. Statistics of contour length and curvature dominate neural
      representations of scene categories in early visual areas and contour junctions
      in high-level scene-selective brain regions.

PMID- 27118089
TI  - Plasma cardiac troponin I concentrations in healthy neonates, children and
      adolescents measured with a high sensitive immunoassay method: High sensitive
      troponin I in pediatric age.
AB  - Over the past 10years cardiac troponin (cTn) immunoassays have been improved in
      analytical sensitivity and precision thereby allowing the measurement of cTn in
      adult healthy subjects. However, there are currently substantial gaps in our
      knowledge on circulating levels of cTn in healthy children. The aim of this study
      is to evaluate the distribution of plasma troponin concentration in apparently
      healthy pediatric subjects using a high sensitive immunoassay for cTnI
      measurement (hs-cTnI). Blood samples were obtained from 357 healthy pediatric
      subjects [204 males; age range 0-18years; mean (SD): 8.7(6) years], including 36
      subjects aged <1month (neonates), 57 between 1 and 12months (infants), 65 between
      1 and 10years (toddlers), and 223 between 10 and 18years (adolescents). The
      percentages of healthy population with cTnI values equal or less than the
      calculated and LOD value were 13.1%. cTnI plasma levels were highest in the first
      month of life with a progressive decline in the next years and were lower in
      female. At multivariate analysis, only age was predictor of hs-cTnI plasma
      levels. The age and sex of children influence normal and physiologically released
      circulating concentrations of hs-cTnI, suggesting the need of reference intervals
      specific for age and sex. 

PMID- 27118090
TI  - Results from external quality assurance (EQA) schemes should be interpreted with
      caution: A practical example.

PMID- 27118088
TI  - Classification of schizophrenia and bipolar patients using static and dynamic
      resting-state fMRI brain connectivity.
AB  - Recently, functional network connectivity (FNC, defined as the temporal
      correlation among spatially distant brain networks) has been used to examine the
      functional organization of brain networks in various psychiatric illnesses.
      Dynamic FNC is a recent extension of the conventional FNC analysis that takes
      into account FNC changes over short periods of time. While such dynamic FNC
      measures may be more informative about various aspects of connectivity, there has
      been no detailed head-to-head comparison of the ability of static and dynamic FNC
      to perform classification in complex mental illnesses. This paper proposes a
      framework for automatic classification of schizophrenia, bipolar and healthy
      subjects based on their static and dynamic FNC features. Also, we compare cross
      validated classification performance between static and dynamic FNC. Results show
      that the dynamic FNC significantly outperforms the static FNC in terms of
      predictive accuracy, indicating that features from dynamic FNC have distinct
      advantages over static FNC for classification purposes. Moreover, combining
      static and dynamic FNC features does not significantly improve the classification
      performance over the dynamic FNC features alone, suggesting that static FNC does
      not add any significant information when combined with dynamic FNC for
      classification purposes. A three-way classification methodology based on static
      and dynamic FNC features discriminates individual subjects into appropriate
      diagnostic groups with high accuracy. Our proposed classification framework is
      potentially applicable to additional mental disorders.

PMID- 27118091
TI  - Characterization of left atrial dysfunction in hypereosinophilic syndrome -
      Insights from the Motion analysis of the heart and great vessels by three
      dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in pathological cases (MAGYAR-Path)
      Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The present study was designed to compare three-dimensional speckle
      tracking echocardiography (3DSTE)-derived left atrial (LA) volumetric, volume
      based functional and strain parameters between patients with hypereosinophilic
      syndrome (HES) and matched controls. METHODS: A total of 10 HES patients and 19
      age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Complete two
      dimensional Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE were performed in all HES cases
      and controls. RESULTS: Significantly increased maximum (72.9+/-38.8 ml vs. 45.6+/
      15.5 ml, p=0.01) and minimum (46.3+/-33.3 ml vs. 26.0+/-15.0 ml, p=0.03) LA
      volumes and LA volume before atrial contraction (62.0+/-36.0 ml vs. 36.5+/-16.6
      ml, p=0.01) were found in HES patients compared to controls. Both peak global
      (18.3+/-6.7% vs. 25.6+/-9.0%, p=0.03) and mean segmental (22.2+/-6.0% vs. 31.0+/
      12.1%, p=0.04) circumferential strains were significantly reduced in HES
      patients, suggesting decreased LA reservoir function. CONCLUSION: Increased LA
      volumes can be demonstrated in HES patients, accompanied by reduced LA peak
      circumferential strain as assessed by 3DSTE, suggesting LA remodeling.

PMID- 27118092
TI  - Proteomic analysis associated with coronary artery dilatation caused by Kawasaki
      disease using serum exosomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the serum exosome proteome
      profile of coronary artery dilatation (CAD) caused by Kawasaki disease (KD).
      METHODS: Two-dimensional electrophoresis was implemented on proteins of serum
      exosomes obtained from children with CAD caused by KD and from healthy controls.
      Differentially expressed proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis.
      RESULTS: We identified 38 differentially expressed proteins (13 up-regulated and
      25 down-regulated) from serum exosomes of patients with CAD caused by KD compared
      with healthy controls. Expression levels of three differentially expressed
      proteins (leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein, sex hormone-binding globulin, and
      serotransferrin) were validated using western blot analysis. Classification and
      protein-protein network analysis showed that they are associated with multiple
      functional groups involved in the acute inflammatory response, defense response,
      complement activation, humoral immune response, and response to wounding. The
      majority of the proteins are involved in the inflammation and coagulation
      cascades. CONCLUSIONS: These findings establish a comprehensive proteome profile
      of CAD caused by KD and increase our knowledge of scientific insight into its
      mechanisms.

PMID- 27118093
TI  - Computed tomography-guided pericardiocentesis - A single-center experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Pericardial effusion is a common complication in
      clinical situations such as cardiothoracic surgery and cancer, in which
      pericardiocentesis may be essential. Pericardiocentesis can be guided by
      different imaging techniques, most commonly echocardiography. Computed tomography
      (CT) has significant advantages but there is still little evidence supporting its
      use in this context. In this work we describe our experience with CT-guided
      pericardiocentesis (CTP) in a single center. METHODS: Patients referred for CTP
      between August 2008 and February 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. We assessed
      demographics, etiology of the effusion, international normalized ratio during the
      procedure, radiation doses, success rate and complications. Results were compared
      with those in the literature. RESULTS: During this period, 51 procedures were
      performed, in 46 patients. Five patients underwent a repeat procedure due to
      recurrence of effusion. The most common etiologies were post-surgical (48%, 22
      patients) and neoplasm-related (17%, eight patients). Drainage was considered
      completely successful in 46 cases (90%), partially successful in two (4%) and
      unsuccessful in three (6%). The median duration of the procedure was 65 min
      (interquartile range 50-80) and median effective radiation exposure was 3.3 mSv
      (interquartile range 2.4-5.2 mSv). There were no significant adverse events
      related to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: By providing high-definition three
      dimensional images, CTP enables accurate positioning of pericardiocentesis
      material. It was shown to be an accurate, effective and safe method, in agreement
      with previous findings. CTP should be considered a good option in centers with CT
      facilities.

PMID- 27118094
TI  - Prevalence, predictors and prognosis of ventricular reverse remodeling in
      idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cardiac remodeling is manifested as changes in size, shape and
      function of the heart. We studied the prevalence, prognosis and predictors of
      left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
      (IDCM) after optimized medical therapy. METHODS: A total of 113 IDCM patients
      were followed for 7.1+/-5.6 years. LVRR was defined as an increase of 10 units in
      ejection fraction (EF) and decrease in left ventricular diastolic diameter
      (LVDD), in the absence of resynchronization therapy. RESULTS: Baseline EF was
      27+/-8% and LVDD index was 37.1+/-6.3 mm/m(2). LVRR occurred in 34.5% within 22.6
      months. Final EF was 47.5+/-10.1%, LVDD index was 30.2+/-3.9 mm/m(2). LVRR was
      associated with better NYHA class (I-II) and lower BNP (p<0.01) and all patients
      were alive. Univariate predictive factors of LVRR (p<0.05) were mild
      hypertension, atrial fibrillation, ventricular hypertrophy on ECG, absence of
      left bundle branch block, shorter QRS duration, higher hematocrit, lower LVDD
      index, higher peak oxygen uptake efficiency (VO2/log 10[VE]) and lower
      dVE/VCO2/VO2, treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
      (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and use of maximal doses of ACEI/ARB
      and beta-blockers. Multivariate regression analysis showed that higher doses of
      ACEI/ARB (OR: 0.32, 95% CI 0.11-0.92) were independently associated with LVRR.
      Non-transmural late enhancement on cardiac MRI was not a predictor of LVRR.
      CONCLUSIONS: LVRR occurred in one third of IDCM patients, especially in those
      with mild hypertension and with less advanced disease, who may have benefited
      from maximal drug titration.

PMID- 27118096
TI  - A closer look at acute heart failure: Putting Portuguese and European data into
      perspective.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a heterogeneous
      clinical syndrome requiring urgent therapy. The prognosis is poor after the index
      hospitalization, with a high risk for rehospitalization and early death. The
      costs of managing AHF are thus increasing rapidly. A literature review was
      performed to gather and compare data on prevalence and treatment and to identify
      gaps in AHF management, based on European and Portuguese studies. METHODS: A
      literature search from 1995 to 2014 was conducted in selected databases (BIOSIS
      Previews, EMBASE and Ovid MEDLINE). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Seven Portuguese and
      nine European studies were analyzed. The mean age of AHF patients was >=65 years
      and 30-50% were women. Coronary artery disease (42.3% vs. 61.9%) and hypertension
      (53.3% vs. 76.7%) were identified as primary etiologies in Europe and in
      Portugal. Similar proportions of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
      were found in the Portuguese (19.9-44.7%) and European (32.8-39.1%) studies.
      Overall, all-cause mortality rates were comparable (six months: 9.3-25.5% vs.
      13.5-27.4%; one year: 15.9-31% vs. 17.4-46.5%), as was in-hospital mortality (5.5
      14% vs. 3.8-12%) in Portuguese and European studies, respectively. Length of stay
      was comparable. The studies were performed in very different hospital settings
      and data on treatment were scarce. CONCLUSIONS: Gaps were identified in treatment
      and clinical pathways of patients with AHF. Based on the results of this review,
      collection and investigation of data on the disease and treatment solutions,
      training in disease management, and improved organization of healthcare should be
      the subject of further investment.

PMID- 27118095
TI  - Two potentially fatal surprises in the preoperative assessment of an asymptomatic
      young adult.
AB  - Isolated left ventricular non-compaction is a rare disease classified as a
      primary genetic cardiomyopathy and is characterized by heart failure, systemic
      embolism and ventricular arrhythmias. The diagnosis is established by Doppler
      echocardiography. We report the case of an asymptomatic young adult, with no
      history of heart disease, who underwent preoperative assessment for low-risk
      orthopedic surgery. The electrocardiogram showed left bundle branch block, which
      prompted further investigation with Doppler echocardiography, cardiac computed
      tomography angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. A diagnosis of
      isolated left ventricular non-compaction and pulmonary embolism was made. Some
      aspects of preoperative assessment in low-risk surgical patients are discussed. 

PMID- 27118097
TI  - Hemiarthroplasty versus reverse shoulder arthroplasty in 4-part displaced
      fractures of the proximal humerus: Multicenter retrospective study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Complex 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus are one of the
      most difficult fractures to manage. For several years, reverse total arthroplasty
      (RSA) has been proposed as an alternative to hemiarthroplasty (HA) when internal
      fixation is insufficient. The goal of this study was to compare the short and
      intermediate term results of these 2 different types of arthroplasty. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In a retrospective, multicenter study, 57 HA and 41 RSA were
      reviewed after a follow-up of at least 2 years. The clinical evaluation was based
      on the absolute and adjusted Constant scores, Simple shoulder value (SSV) and the
      quick-DASH scores. The radiological assessment included standard radiological
      tests. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 39 months, the RSA group had a
      significantly higher adjusted Constant score than the HA group (83% vs 73%,
      respectively P=0.02). However, there was no significant difference in the
      absolute Constant score, the quick-DASH or the SSV scores. Active anterior
      elevation was better in the RSA group, while internal rotation was better in the
      HA group (130 degrees  vs 112 degrees , P=0.01; sacrum vs L3, P=0.03). There was
      no significant difference in external rotation (28 degrees  vs 23 degrees ,
      P=0.31). The rate of complications was higher in the HA group than in the RSA
      group (24% vs 10%, P=0.01). The radiological rate of union of the greater
      tuberosity was similar in both groups (70%) and scapular notching was found in
      23% of the RSA group. CONCLUSION: The short and intermediate term clinical
      outcomes are better with RSA than with HA. The complication rate is higher with
      HA. Nevertheless, scapular notching occurred in more than 20% of patients with
      RSA, suggesting that care should be taken when using this prosthesis in young,
      active patients.

PMID- 27118098
TI  - Determining Waiting Room Occupancy at an Outpatient Clinic Using Simulated
      Observations and Probability-Duration Curves.
AB  - Adequate allocation of physical resources in hospitals has become increasingly
      important with the rise of health care costs. Seat utilization in outpatient
      clinic waiting rooms is one resource that is particularly important to monitor,
      to not only ensure patient satisfaction but also accommodate patient flow.
      Currently, very few studies are available on seat occupancy and patient flow in
      standard waiting rooms, and studies often neglect important factors, such as
      hourly patterns of patient influx and occupancy duration. These factors were
      taken into consideration in our study of visitor occupancy and patient flow in an
      imaging-facility waiting room. This paper discusses the simulated observation
      approach that we have developed, which coupled in-person observations with RIS
      data analysis. Using RIS data to guide our initial in-person observations, we
      built a model for simulated observations, based on the merged RIS and observation
      data. To determine the appropriate number of seats needed to accommodate patients
      and their companions, simulated observation results were analyzed using a
      probability-duration curve. This curve considers maximum room occupancies as
      temporal events, with certain probabilities and durations. We demonstrated how
      simulated observations and probability-duration curves can provide hospital
      managers with an efficient and pragmatic way to determine waiting room occupancy.

PMID- 27118099
TI  - Changing Utilization Patterns of Cervical Spine Imaging in the Emergency
      Department: Perspectives From Two Decades of National Medicare Claims.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the changing use of emergency
      department (ED) cervical spine imaging in the Medicare population. METHODS: Using
      national aggregate Medicare claims data from 1994 through 2012, all cervical
      spine radiographic, CT, and MR examinations performed in the ED setting were
      identified. Shifts in modalities and providers and changes in utilization rates
      were studied. RESULTS: Between 1994 and 2004, ED cervical spine radiography
      volumes in the Medicare fee-for-service population increased from 203,645 to
      306,442 (+50.5%) and then declined to 152,755 (-50.2%) by 2012. CT volumes
      increased every year, overall by +8,864% from 1994 through 2012 (from 6,360 to
      570,121). MR grew by +1,381%, but volumes overall were small (from 944 to
      13,979). With these changes, CT overtook radiography as the dominant ED cervical
      spine imaging modality in 2007. Per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries, utilization
      rates of radiography, CT, and MR changed by -27%, +8,682%, and +1,351% from 1994
      through 2012 (from 6.3 to 4.6, from 0.2 to 17.3, and from 0.0 to 0.4). For all
      years, compared with other specialists, radiologists remained by far the dominant
      providers of radiography, CT, and MR (+91.7%, +93.4%, and +96.0% in 1994 and
      +96.9%, +99.3%, and +99.0% in 2012) in the ED setting. CONCLUSIONS: Between 1994
      and 2012, the overall utilization rate of cervical spine imaging for Medicare
      beneficiaries in the ED setting more than tripled. With a small decline in
      radiography (-27%) but a dramatic increase in CT (+8,864%), CT is now by far the
      dominant modality for imaging the cervical spine in the ED. Radiologists remain
      overwhelmingly the dominant providers of these interpretive services.

PMID- 27118100
TI  - Risk factors for cancer in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
      population: a systematic review.
AB  - Cancer incidence in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
      population is higher and survival lower compared with non-Indigenous Australians.
      A proportion of these cancers are potentially preventable if factors associated
      with carcinogenesis are known and successfully avoided. We conducted a systematic
      review of the published literature to examine risk factors for cancer in the
      Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. Electronic databases
      Medline, Web of Science and the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
      Health Bibliographic Index were searched through August 2014 using broad search
      terms. Studies reporting a measure of association between a risk factor and any
      cancer site in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population
      were eligible for inclusion. Ten studies (1991-2014) were identified, mostly with
      small sample sizes, showing marked heterogeneity in terms of methods used to
      assess exposure and capture outcomes, and often using descriptive comparative
      analyses. Relatively young (as opposed to elderly) and geographically remote
      Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were found to be at increased risk for
      selected cancers while most modifiable lifestyle and behavioural risk factors
      were rarely assessed. Further studies examining associations between potential
      risk factors and cancer will help define public health policy for cancer
      prevention in the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. 

PMID- 27118101
TI  - Microfluidics for simultaneous quantification of platelet adhesion and blood
      viscosity.
AB  - Platelet functions, including adhesion, activation, and aggregation have an
      influence on thrombosis and the progression of atherosclerosis. In the present
      study, a new microfluidic-based method is proposed to estimate platelet adhesion
      and blood viscosity simultaneously. Blood sample flows into an H-shaped
      microfluidic device with a peristaltic pump. Since platelet aggregation may be
      initiated by the compression of rotors inside the peristaltic pump, platelet
      aggregates may adhere to the H-shaped channel. Through correlation mapping, which
      visualizes decorrelation of the streaming blood flow, the area of adhered
      platelets (APlatelet) can be estimated without labeling platelets. The platelet
      function is estimated by determining the representative index IA.T based on
      APlatelet and contact time. Blood viscosity is measured by monitoring the flow
      conditions in the one side channel of the H-shaped device. Based on the relation
      between interfacial width (W) and pressure ratio of sample flows to the
      reference, blood sample viscosity (MU) can be estimated by measuring W.
      Biophysical parameters (IA.T, MU) are compared for normal and diabetic rats using
      an ex vivo extracorporeal model. This microfluidic-based method can be used for
      evaluating variations in the platelet adhesion and blood viscosity of animal
      models with cardiovascular diseases under ex vivo conditions.

PMID- 27118103
TI  - Corrigendum to "DHEA improves the antioxidant capacity of endometrial stromal
      cells and improves endometrium receptivity via androgen receptor" [Eur. J.
      Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. 198 (2016) 120-126].

PMID- 27118102
TI  - Real-world treatment practice in patients with advanced melanoma in the era
      before ipilimumab: results from the IMAGE study.
AB  - The therapeutic landscape for advanced melanoma has recently been transformed by
      several novel agents (immune checkpoint inhibitors and molecular-targeted
      agents). The prospective, multi-site, observational study IMAGE (ipilimumab:
      management of advanced melanoma in real practice) included a retrospective cohort
      to describe real-world treatment prior to approval of the immune checkpoint
      inhibitor ipilimumab. This retrospective cohort of patients, who started second
      line/subsequent treatment (index therapy) for advanced melanoma within 3 years
      before ipilimumab approval, was selected randomly by chart review. Collected data
      included treatment history, patient outcomes, and healthcare resource
      utilization. All patients had >=1 year of follow-up data. This analysis included
      177 patients from Europe (69%) and North America (31%). The most common index
      therapies (used alone or in combination) were fotemustine (23%), dacarbazine
      (21%), temozolomide (14%), and platinum-based chemotherapy (14%). Most patients
      (89%) discontinued index treatment during the study period; the most common
      reason was disease progression (59%). Among patients with tumor assessment
      (153/177; 86%), 2% had complete response, 5% had partial response, and 12% had
      stable disease on last tumor assessment. At 1-year study follow-up, median
      progression-free survival was 2.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-2.9)
      and median overall survival was 8.8 months (95% CI, 6.5-9.7). During follow-up,
      95% of the patients had healthcare visits for advanced melanoma, 74% of whom were
      hospitalized or admitted to a hospice facility. These results provide insights
      into patient care with advanced melanoma in the era before ipilimumab and may
      serve as a benchmark for new agents in future real-world studies.

PMID- 27118104
TI  - Adsorption of Lysine on Na-Montmorillonite and Competition with Ca(2+): A
      Combined XRD and ATR-FTIR Study.
AB  - Lysine adsorption at clay/aqueous interfaces plays an important role in the
      mobility, bioavailability, and degradation of amino acids in the environment.
      Knowledge of these interfacial interactions facilitates our full understanding of
      the fate and transport of amino acids. Here, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and
      attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR)
      measurements were used to explore the dynamic process of lysine adsorption on
      montmorillonite and the competition with Ca(2+) at the molecular level. Density
      functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to determine the peak
      assignments of dissolved lysine in the solution phase. Three surface complexes,
      including dicationic, cationic, and zwitterionic structures, were observed to
      attach to the clay edge sites and penetrate the interlayer space. The increased
      surface coverage and Ca(2+) competition did not affect the interfacial lysine
      structures at a certain pH, whereas an elevated lysine concentration contributed
      to zwitterionic-type coordination at pH 10. Moreover, clay dissolution at pH 4
      could be inhibited at a higher surface coverage with 5 and 10 mM lysine, whereas
      the inhibition effect was inconspicuous or undetected at pH 7 and 10. The
      presence of Ca(2+) not only could remove a part of the adsorbed lysine but also
      could facilitate the readsorption of dissolved Si(4+) and Al(3+) and surface
      protonation. Our results provide new insights into the process of lysine
      adsorption and its effects on montmorillonite surface sites.

PMID- 27118105
TI  - Correlates of attitudes and perceived behavioural control towards oral care
      provision among trained and untrained nursing home caregivers in Singapore.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the perspectives of nursing home caregivers
      towards oral care and the determinants of their attitudes and perceived
      behavioural control. BACKGROUND: There are few studies analysing nursing home
      caregivers' perspectives on the provision of oral care and factors correlated
      with these perspectives. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Interviewer
      administered survey questionnaires were completed by caregivers from five nursing
      homes in Singapore (n = 94). The rating-scale questionnaire items explored
      caregivers' attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control, as
      guided by the theory of planned behaviour. Demographic characteristics, oral care
      training received, years of work experience, oral hygiene behaviour and dental
      visit frequency of the caregivers, as well as organisational characteristics such
      as a requirement for oral care and the number of patients under their care, were
      obtained. RESULTS: Caregivers had very positive attitudes towards the provision
      of oral care. Half of the caregivers lacked confidence in providing oral care
      without harming the patients and this was not different by oral care training
      received. Multivariable linear regression analysis found that receiving oral care
      training and having a requirement by the nursing home to provide oral care were
      related to higher attitude scores but not perceived behaviour control. Having
      more residents under their care and on-the-job caregiver training were associated
      with lower perceived behavioural control. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that
      nursing home caregivers had positive attitudes towards providing oral care, but
      more modest perspectives about their ability to perform that behaviour. RELEVANCE
      TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These findings have useful implications for the oral care
      training of nursing home caregivers. While attitudes towards the importance of
      oral care may be positive among nursing home caregivers, our study suggests that
      future interventions should include practical skills training for oral care
      management and consider organisational strategies for encouraging oral care
      provision.

PMID- 27118106
TI  - Study of the binding mechanism between aptamer GO18-T-d and gonyautoxin 1/4 by
      molecular simulation.
AB  - GTX1/4 can induce the formation of an antiparallel G-quadruplex structure in
      aptamer GO18-T-d and combine steadily in the groove at the top of the G
      quadruplex structure. The complex structures and special induced fit mechanism
      between aptamer and small molecules provide a reference for aptamer development
      in molecular diagnostics and therapeutic application. 

PMID- 27118107
TI  - Suppression of plasma free fatty acids reduces myocardial lipid content and
      systolic function in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is closely associated with the
      development of heart failure, which might be related with impaired substrate
      metabolism and accumulation of myocardial lipids (MYCL). The aim of this study
      was to investigate the impact of an acute pharmacological inhibition of adipose
      tissue lipolysis leading to reduced availability of circulating FFA on MYCL and
      heart function in T2DM. METHODS AND RESULTS: 8 patients with T2DM (Age: 56 +/-
      11; BMI: 28 +/- 3.5 kg/m(2); HbA1c: 7.29 +/- 0.88%) were investigated on two
      study days in random order. Following administration of Acipimox or Placebo MYCL
      and heart function were measured by (1)H-magnetic-resonance-spectroscopy and
      tomography at baseline, at 2 and at 6 h. Acipimox reduced circulating FFA by -69%
      (p < 0.001), MYCL by -39 +/- 41% (p < 0.001) as well as systolic heart function
      (Ejection Fraction (EF): -13 +/- 8%, p = 0.025; Cardiac Index: -16 +/- 15%, p =
      0.063 compared to baseline). Changes in plasma FFA concentrations strongly
      correlated with changes in MYCL (r = 0.707; p = 0.002) and EF (r = 0.651; p =
      0.006). Diastolic heart function remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicate, that inhibition of adipose tissue lipolysis is associated with a rapid
      depletion of MYCL-stores and reduced systolic heart function in T2DM. These
      changes were comparable to those previously found in insulin sensitive controls.
      MYCL thus likely serve as a readily available energy source to cope with short
      time changes in FFA availability.

PMID- 27118110
TI  - Effects of Temperature and Photoperiod on the Reproductive Biology and Diapause
      of Oobius agrili (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), an Egg Parasitoid of Emerald Ash
      Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae).
AB  - Oobius agrili Zhang and Huang (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a solitary egg
      parasitoid of the invasive emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire
      (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), and has been introduced to the United States for
      classical biological control. We characterized the weekly survivorship,
      fecundity, and diapause patterns of both diapaused and nondiapaused populations
      of O. agrili under four different temperature-photophase combinations: 30 degrees
      C (warm) and 20 degrees C (cold) temperatures with both long-day (16 h) and short
      day (8 h) photophase. Results of this study showed that regardless of the length
      of photophase, parental parasitoids of both diapaused and nondiapaused O. agrili
      survived significantly longer at 20 degrees C than at 30 degrees C. Both
      populations also laid their eggs faster at 30 degrees C compared with those at 20
      degrees C. Higher proportions of the progeny produced by both populations of O.
      agrili were induced into diapause by short-day (8 h) photophase, regardless of
      rearing temperature. In addition, the diapaused parasitoids in the short-day
      photophase treatment at both warm and cold temperatures produced increasing
      proportions of diapaused progeny over time, whereas no significant differences
      were observed in the proportions of diapaused progeny by the nondiapaused
      parasitoids over different sampling times. These findings suggest that O. agrili
      should be continuously reared under warm temperature and long-day photoperiod (to
      avoid diapause for increased reproduction). In addition, we recommend that
      diapaused adults be used for field releases in early summer when temperatures are
      still relatively low (~20 degrees C) and host eggs are available so that they can
      produce multiple generations prior to overwintering.

PMID- 27118108
TI  - Effects of moderate beer consumption on health and disease: A consensus document.
AB  - A large evidence-based review on the effects of a moderate consumption of beer on
      human health has been conducted by an international panel of experts who reached
      a full consensus on the present document. Low-moderate (up to 1 drink per day in
      women, up to 2 in men), non-bingeing beer consumption, reduces the risk of
      cardiovascular disease. This effect is similar to that of wine, at comparable
      alcohol amounts. Epidemiological studies suggest that moderate consumption of
      either beer or wine may confer greater cardiovascular protection than spirits.
      Although specific data on beer are not conclusive, observational studies seem to
      indicate that low-moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced risk
      of developing neurodegenerative disease. There is no evidence that beer drinking
      is different from other types of alcoholic beverages in respect to risk for some
      cancers. Evidence consistently suggests a J-shaped relationship between alcohol
      consumption (including beer) and all-cause mortality, with lower risk for
      moderate alcohol consumers than for abstainers or heavy drinkers. Unless they are
      at high risk for alcohol-related cancers or alcohol dependency, there is no
      reason to discourage healthy adults who are already regular light-moderate beer
      consumers from continuing. Consumption of beer, at any dosage, is not recommended
      for children, adolescents, pregnant women, individuals at risk to develop
      alcoholism, those with cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, depression, liver and
      pancreatic diseases, or anyone engaged in actions that require concentration,
      skill or coordination. In conclusion, although heavy and excessive beer
      consumption exerts deleterious effects on the human body, with increased disease
      risks on many organs and is associated to significant social problems such as
      addiction, accidents, violence and crime, data reported in this document show
      evidence for no harm of moderate beer consumption for major chronic conditions
      and some benefit against cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27118111
TI  - Oviposition Preferences of Pickleworm (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Relation to a
      Potential Push-Pull Cropping Management Approach.
AB  - Pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis Cramer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a major pest
      of cucurbits. The current management approach for this pest is weekly insecticide
      applications. A push-pull cropping approach may be an alternative management
      practice and could reduce reliance on pesticides. One potential push-pull
      scenario is the use of squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) as a trap crop and watermelon
      (Citrullus lanatus [Thunb.] Matsum. & Nakai) as a deterrent intercrop to manage
      pickleworm on cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.). This study investigated if the
      underlying mechanism required for the success of this management approach (a
      female oviposition preference or nonpreference among squash, cantaloupe, and
      watermelon) is present. A series of oviposition preference experiments was
      conducted to see how individual females responded when presented with different
      host plants for oviposition. Under laboratory conditions, when females had the
      choice of a leaf from squash, cantaloupe, and watermelon, they laid a higher
      proportion of their eggs on the cantaloupe leaf. However, under greenhouse
      conditions, when females were presented with whole plants of the three different
      species, they laid a higher percent of their eggs on the squash plant. Females
      laid a similar number of eggs on watermelon as compared with cantaloupe under
      greenhouse conditions, and appeared to not be averse to laying their eggs on
      watermelon. However, when presented with a noncucurbit, such as bean, females
      laid a low number of total eggs. Overall, it appears that squash may be more
      preferred as an oviposition substrate than cantaloupe or watermelon and may be a
      useful trap crop or pull. Further study to determine a suitable deterrent
      intercrop or push and evaluation of the proposed system under field conditions
      are needed.

PMID- 27118109
TI  - Monotherapy with pixantrone in histologically confirmed relapsed or refractory
      aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: post-hoc analyses from a phase III trial.
AB  - This post hoc analysis of a phase 3 trial explored the effect of pixantrone in
      patients (50 pixantrone, 47 comparator) with relapsed or refractory aggressive B
      cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) confirmed by centralized histological review.
      Patients received 28-d cycles of 85 mg/m(2) pixantrone dimaleate (equivalent to
      50 mg/m(2) in the approved formulation) on days 1, 8 and 15, or comparator. The
      population was subdivided according to previous rituximab use and whether they
      received the study treatment as 3rd or 4th line. Median number of cycles was 4
      (range, 2-6) with pixantrone and 3 (2-6) with comparator. In 3rd or 4th line,
      pixantrone was associated with higher complete response (CR) (23.1% vs. 5.1%
      comparator, P = 0.047) and overall response rate (ORR, 43.6% vs. 12.8%, P =
      0.005). In 3rd or 4th line with previous rituximab (20 pixantrone, 18
      comparator), pixantrone produced better ORR (45.0% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.033), CR
      (30.0% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.093) and progression-free survival (median 5.4 vs. 2.8
      months, hazard ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.26-1.04) than the
      comparator. Similar results were found in patients without previous rituximab.
      There were no unexpected safety issues. Pixantrone monotherapy is more effective
      than comparator in relapsed or refractory aggressive B-cell NHL in the 3rd or 4th
      line setting, independently of previous rituximab. 

PMID- 27118112
TI  - Uteroplacental Insufficiency Alters the Retinoid Pathway and Lung Development in
      Newborn Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is associated with reduced
      lung function during infancy and perhaps throughout adulthood. The retinoic acid
      (RA) signaling pathway modulates pre- and postnatal lung development. This study
      was conducted to test our hypothesis that uteroplacental insufficiency alters the
      elements of the retinoid pathway in developing lungs. METHODS: On Gestation Day
      18, either uteroplacental insufficiency was induced through bilateral uterine
      vessel ligation (IUGR group) or sham surgery (control group) was performed. Lung
      tissues from the offspring were examined through Western blotting,
      immunohistochemistry, and morphometry on Postnatal Day 3 and Postnatal Day 7.
      RESULTS: Compared with control rats, the IUGR rats exhibited significantly lower
      body weights on Postnatal Day 3 and Postnatal Day 7 and significantly lower lung
      weights on Postnatal Day 3. Uteroplacental insufficiency significantly increased
      RA receptor (RAR)-beta protein expression on Postnatal Day 3. The expression of
      RAR-alpha, RAR-gamma, cellular RA-binding protein-1, and cellular RA-binding
      protein-2 between the control and IUGR rats was comparable on Postnatal Day 3 and
      Postnatal Day 7. Compared with the control rats, the IUGR rats exhibited a
      significantly higher volume fraction of alveolar airspace on Postnatal Day 3 and
      Postnatal Day 7 and a significantly lower volume fraction of alveolar walls on
      Postnatal Day 3. CONCLUSION: Uteroplacental insufficiency causes defective
      alveolarization and transient increases in RAR-beta expression in the lungs of
      newborn rats. The retinoid pathway may be one of the probable pathways mediating
      lung abnormalities caused by uteroplacental insufficiency.

PMID- 27118113
TI  - Nationwide Population-Based Epidemiologic Study of Hirschsprung's Disease in
      Taiwan.

PMID- 27118114
TI  - From research to practice: dissemination of the Contraceptive CHOICE Project.
AB  - Unintended pregnancy is a public health problem with societal consequences. The
      Contraceptive CHOICE Project (CHOICE) demonstrated a reduction in teen pregnancy
      and abortion by removing barriers to effective contraception. The purpose of the
      study was to describe the dissemination approach used to create awareness of and
      promote desire to adopt the CHOICE model among selected audiences. We used a 4
      stage approach and detail the work completed in the first 2 stages. We describe
      stakeholder involvement in the first stage and the process of undertaking core
      strategies in the second stage. We examine insights gained throughout the
      process. Through our dissemination approach, we reached an estimated 300,000
      targeted individuals, not including the population reached through media. We were
      contacted by 141 entities for technical assistance. The completion and reporting
      of dissemination processes is an important component of research. There is a need
      to fully document and disseminate strategies that can help facilitate practice
      change.

PMID- 27118117
TI  - Stroke and aphasia quality-of-life scale-39: Reliability and validity of the
      Turkish version.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to adapt the stroke and aphasia quality-of
      life scale-39 (SAQoL-39) to the Turkish language and carry out a reliability and
      validity study of the instrument in a group of patients with aphasia. METHOD: The
      study was a descriptive study and contained three phases: adaptation of the SAQoL
      39 to the Turkish language, administration of the scale to 30 aphasia patients
      and reliability and validity studies of the scale. Internal consistency was
      assessed with Cronbach's alpha and test-re-test reliability was explored (n =
      14). The adaptation process was completed based on inter-rater agreement on the
      translated items and within the scope of final editing by the authors of the
      study. RESULT: The SAQoL-39 in Turkish exhibited high test-re-test reliability
      (ICC =0.97) as well as acceptability with minimal missing data (0-1.4). This
      instrument exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.70-0.97),
      domain-total correlations (r = 0.76-0.85) and inter-domain correlations (r = 0.40
      0.68). CONCLUSION: The analysis shows that the Turkish version of SAQoL-39 is a
      scale that is highly acceptable, valid and reliable and can be easily used in
      evaluating the quality-of-life of Turkish people with aphasia.

PMID- 27118115
TI  - Exploring the theoretical pathways through which asthma app features can promote
      adolescent self-management.
AB  - Asthma apps often lack strong theoretical underpinnings. We describe how specific
      features of asthma apps influenced adolescents' self-observation, self-judgment,
      and self-reactions, which are key constructs of Self-Regulation Theory (SRT).
      Adolescents (ages 12-16) with persistent asthma (n = 20) used two asthma self
      management apps over a 1-week period. During semi-structured interviews,
      participants identified their asthma goals and the app features that best
      promoted self-observation, self-judgment, and fostered positive self-reactions.
      Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed
      thematically using MAXQDA. Adolescents' goals were to reduce the impact of asthma
      on their lives. Adolescents reported that self-check quizzes, reminders, and
      charting features increased their ability to self-observe and self-judge their
      asthma, which, in turn, helped them feel more confident they could manage their
      asthma independently and keep their asthma well-controlled. Asthma apps can
      positively influence adolescents' self-management behaviors via increased self
      observation, self-judgment, and increased self-efficacy.

PMID- 27118116
TI  - Filimonas zeae sp. nov., an endophytic bacterium isolated from maize root.
AB  - A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile by gliding and filamentous strain,
      designated 772T,was isolated from surface-sterilized root tissue of maize planted
      in the Fangshan District of Beijing, China. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis
      indicated that strain 772T was closely related to Filimonas endophytica SR2-06T
      andFilimonas lacunae YT21T of the family Chitinophagaceae with sequence
      similarities of 99.0 and 96.9 %, respectively. However, the new isolate exhibited
      relatively low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness with respect to Filimonas.
      endophytica KCTC 42060T (18.7+/-1.8 %) and Filimonas. lacunae DSM 21054T (17.9+/
      2.0%). The DNA G+C content of strain 772T was 44.9 mol%. The respiratory quinone
      was menaquinone-7 and the polar lipid profile consisted of
      phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, two unidentified
      phospholipids and one unidentified lipid. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0
      and iso-C15 : 1 G. The results of the physiological and biochemical tests and
      minor differences in the fatty acid profiles allowed the clear phenotypic
      differentiation of strain 772T from the closely related species Filimonas.
      endophytica andF. lacunae. Strain 772T thus represents a novel species within the
      genus Filimonas, for which the name Filimonas zeae sp. nov. is proposed. The type
      strain is 772T (=CGMCC 1.15290T=DSM 100760T).

PMID- 27118118
TI  - The impact of caesarean section on breastfeeding initiation, duration and
      difficulties in the first four months postpartum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The caesarean section (c-section) rate in Canada is 27.1%, well above
      the 5-15% of deliveries suggested by the World Health Organization in 2009.
      Emergency and planned c-sections may adversely affect breastfeeding initiation,
      milk supply and infant breastfeeding receptivity compared to vaginal deliveries.
      Our study examined mode of delivery and breastfeeding initiation, duration, and
      difficulties reported by mothers at 4 months postpartum. METHODS: The All Our
      Babies study is a prospective pregnancy cohort in Calgary, Alberta, that began in
      2008. Participants completed questionnaires at <25 and 34-36 weeks gestation and
      approximately 4 months postpartum. Demographic, mental health, lifestyle, and
      health services data were obtained. Women giving birth to singleton infants were
      included (n = 3021). Breastfeeding rates and difficulties according to mode of
      birth (vaginal, planned c-section and emergency c-section) were compared using
      cross-tabulations and chi-square tests. A multivariable logistic regression model
      was created to examine the association between mode of birth on breastfeeding
      duration to 12 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: More women who delivered by planned c
      section had no intention to breastfeed or did not initiate breastfeeding (7.4%
      and 4.3% respectively), when compared to women with vaginal births (3.4% and
      1.8%, respectively) and emergency c-section (2.7% and 2.5%, respectively). Women
      who delivered by emergency c-section were found to have a higher proportion of
      breastfeeding difficulties (41%), and used more resources before (67%) and after
      (58%) leaving the hospital, when compared to vaginal delivery (29%, 40%, and 52%,
      respectively) or planned c-sections (33%, 49%, and 41%, respectively). Women who
      delivered with a planned c-section were more likely (OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.14,
      2.26; p = 0.014) to discontinue breastfeeding before 12 weeks postpartum compared
      to those who delivered vaginally, controlling for income, education, parity,
      preterm birth, maternal physical and mental health, ethnicity and breastfeeding
      difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: We found that when controlling for socio-demographic
      and labor and delivery characteristics, planned c-section is associated with
      early breastfeeding cessation. Anticipatory guidance around breastfeeding could
      be provided to women considering a planned c-section. As well, additional
      supportive care could be made available to lactating women with emergency c
      sections, within the first 24 hours post birth and throughout the early
      postpartum period.

PMID- 27118119
TI  - Use of class I histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin in combination regimens.
AB  - Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are epigenetic-modifying agents that have
      shown promise as anticancer therapies. Several HDAC inhibitors have been approved
      by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as single-agent therapies to treat T
      cell lymphoma. The synergistic combination of HDAC inhibitors with other
      anticancer agents has the potential to constitute treatment regimens with
      enhanced efficacy. Romidepsin is a structurally unique, potent, bicyclic class 1
      selective HDAC inhibitor approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with
      peripheral T-cell lymphoma who have had at least 1 prior therapy and patients
      with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma who have had at least 1 prior systemic therapy.
      Here, we review data that support the use of romidepsin in combination with other
      anticancer agents for the treatment of various malignancies. Promising results
      have emerged from early clinical studies, supporting the potential for romidepsin
      combination regimens to constitute safe and effective treatments for cancer.

PMID- 27118121
TI  - [Value of intraoperative frozen section of sentinel lymph node in breast cancer.
      Retrospective study about 293 patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Intraoperative positive frozen section of sentinel axillary lymph
      node in breast cancer allows the full node dissection at the same time of the
      breast surgery and the enhancement of adjuvant therapies with no delay. The low
      frequency of node involvement and the high rate of false-negative, make consider
      the value of intraoperative frozen section. The aim of this study was to analyze
      the potential advantage of intraoperative frozen section performed routinely.
      METHODS: Retrospective monocentric study of 293 patients, operated on for stage
      pT1 or pT2 breast cancer with a sentinel node biopsy (SNB). RESULTS: A total of
      289 patients had an intraoperative frozen section of the SNB. A sentinel node was
      identified in 98.6% of the cases. On intraoperative section, sentinel node was
      negative, positive or was not performed in 252 (86%), 37 (12.6%) and 4 (1.4%)
      cases respectively. In total, ibtraoperative frozen sections identified 48.7% of
      the metastatic SNB (37/76). The metastatic lymph node distribution, after final
      histological analysis, was as follows: 17% macro metastasis, 5.8% micro
      metastasis and 3% isolated tumor cells. The false-negatives rate was 13.5%. Fifty
      eight patients (19.8%) underwent axillary full lymph node dissection: 39 during a
      primary surgery and 19 during a secondary one. Histological analysis of the lymph
      nodes was totally negative in 62% of cases. Intraoperative frozen sections
      benefited to 12.8% of the patients who had their full lymph node dissection at
      the same surgery. CONCLUSION: The intraoperative frozen section of SNB benefits
      to a limited number of patients, due to its high rate of false-negatives.
      Sensitivity of frozen sections could be lowered if the preoperative axillary
      ultrasound examination becomes a routine, which would question its value.

PMID- 27118122
TI  - [How I do... mini-invasive vaginal hysterectomy using thermofusion].

PMID- 27118120
TI  - Chaperonin 60 regulation of SOX9 ubiquitination mitigates the development of knee
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - Articular cartilage integrity loss is a prominently deleterious feature of
      osteoarthritis (OA). The mechanistic underlying the development of OA warrants
      characterization. Heat shock proteins (HSPs), members of the chaperone family,
      reportedly orchestrate tissue homeostasis and remodeling in response to
      detrimental stress. This study was undertaken to characterize the biological role
      of HSP60 in the pathogenesis of OA knee. Articular specimens from OA knee
      patients displayed severe articular damage histopathology concomitant with low
      HSP60 concentrations in cartilage and synovial fluid compared to non-OA patients.
      In vitro, a gain of HSP60 signaling counteracted the IL-1beta-mediated
      suppression of mitochondrial biogenesis, chondrogenic transcription factor SOX9,
      and cartilage matrix expression of human chondrocytes cultures. Transgenic mice
      that overexpressed human HSP60 (TgHSP60) had higher chondrocyte proliferation and
      thicker articular cartilage than wild-type mice. In collagenase-induced OA knees,
      analyses of CatWalk, 2-deoxyglucose-probed fluorescence imaging, and MUCT
      revealed that affected knees of TgHSP60 mice showed minor footprint irregularity,
      joint inflammation, and osteophyte formation. HSP60 overexpression also
      alleviated the histopathology of cartilage damage, synovial hypervascularization,
      and macrophage infiltration within joint lesions. Intra-articular administration
      of exogenous HSP60 ameliorated the pathogenesis of cartilage deterioration,
      synovitis, and osteophyte accumulation, thereby improving gait profiles of the
      collagenase-injured knees. HSP60 signaling maintains SOX9 levels by attenuating
      SOX9 hyper-ubiquitination of affected joints. Taken together, HSP60 deficiency in
      articular compartments was relevant to OA knee incidence. Sustained HSP60
      signaling is favorable to mitigate the progression of OA. This study highlights
      the joint-anabolic actions of HSP60 and provides perspective on its therapeutic
      potential for OA. KEY MESSAGES: HSP60 deficiency is relevant to the existence of
      end-stage knee osteoarthritis. HSP60 overexpression attenuates cartilage matrix
      loss of inflammatory chondrocytes. HSP60 transgenic mice showed mild articular
      injury during knee osteoarthritis. HSP60 maintains knee joint homeostasis through
      reducing SOX9 ubiquitination. Control of cartilage-anabolic regulator HSP60
      ameliorates knee osteoarthritis.

PMID- 27118123
TI  - Penalized estimation for competing risks regression with applications to high
      dimensional covariates.
AB  - High-dimensional regression has become an increasingly important topic for many
      research fields. For example, biomedical research generates an increasing amount
      of data to characterize patients' bio-profiles (e.g. from a genomic high
      throughput assay). The increasing complexity in the characterization of patients'
      bio-profiles is added to the complexity related to the prolonged follow-up of
      patients with the registration of the occurrence of possible adverse events. This
      information may offer useful insight into disease dynamics and in identifying
      subset of patients with worse prognosis and better response to the therapy.
      Although in the last years the number of contributions for coping with high and
      ultra-high-dimensional data in standard survival analysis have increased (Witten
      and Tibshirani, 2010. Survival analysis with high-dimensional covariates.
      Statistical Methods in Medical Research 19: (1), 29-51), the research regarding
      competing risks is less developed (Binder and others, 2009. Boosting for high
      dimensional time-to-event data with competing risks. Bioinformatics 25: (7), 890
      896). The aim of this work is to consider how to do penalized regression in the
      presence of competing events. The direct binomial regression model of Scheike and
      others (2008. Predicting cumulative incidence probability by direct binomial
      regression. Biometrika 95: (1), 205-220) is reformulated in a penalized framework
      to possibly fit a sparse regression model. The developed approach is easily
      implementable using existing high-performance software to do penalized
      regression. Results from simulation studies are presented together with an
      application to genomic data when the endpoint is progression-free survival. An R
      function is provided to perform regularized competing risks regression according
      to the binomial model in the package timereg (Scheike and Martinussen, 2006.
      Dynamic Regression models for survival data New York: Springer), available
      through CRAN.

PMID- 27118124
TI  - Therapeutic Work as a Facilitator for Return to Paid Work in Cancer Survivors.
AB  - Purpose The increase of flexible employment in European labour markets has
      contributed to workers' risk of job loss. For sick-listed workers with chronic
      illnesses, such as cancer, and especially those without an employment contract,
      participation in therapeutic work may be an important step towards paid
      employment. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of therapeutic
      employment as facilitator for return to paid work, in a cohort of sick-listed
      cancer survivors (CSs) with and without an employment contract. Methods In this
      longitudinal study, data were used from a cohort of Dutch CSs (N = 192), who
      applied for disability benefits after 2 years of sick leave. The primary outcome
      measure was return to paid work after 1 year. Logistic regression analysis was
      applied. Results Of the participating CSs (mean age 50.7 years, 33 % male), 69 %
      had an employment contract at baseline. CSs without an employment contract
      participated significantly less in therapeutic work (p < 0.001) and were less
      likely to return to paid work after 1 year (p = 0.001), than those with a
      contract. Participation in therapeutic work significantly increased the chance of
      return to paid work after 1 year (OR 6.97; 95 % CI 2.94-16.51), adjusted for age,
      gender, level of work disability and having an employment contract. Conclusions
      Participation in therapeutic work could be an important facilitator for return to
      paid work in sick-listed CSs. The effectiveness of therapeutic work as a means to
      return to paid employment for sick-listed workers should be studied in an
      experimental setting.

PMID- 27118125
TI  - Homotypic cell competition regulates proliferation and tiling of zebrafish
      pigment cells during colour pattern formation.
AB  - The adult striped pattern of zebrafish is composed of melanophores, iridophores
      and xanthophores arranged in superimposed layers in the skin. Previous studies
      have revealed that the assembly of pigment cells into stripes involves
      heterotypic interactions between all three chromatophore types. Here we
      investigate the role of homotypic interactions between cells of the same
      chromatophore type. Introduction of labelled progenitors into mutants lacking the
      corresponding cell type allowed us to define the impact of competitive
      interactions via long-term in vivo imaging. In the absence of endogenous cells,
      transplanted iridophores and xanthophores show an increased rate of proliferation
      and spread as a coherent net into vacant space. By contrast, melanophores have a
      limited capacity to spread in the skin even in the absence of competing
      endogenous cells. Our study reveals a key role for homotypic competitive
      interactions in determining number, direction of migration and individual spacing
      of cells within chromatophore populations.

PMID- 27118126
TI  - The 2015 Revised American Thyroid Association guidelines for the management of
      medullary thyroid carcinoma: the "evidence-based" refusal to endorse them by EANM
      due to the "not evidence-based" marginalization of the role of Nuclear Medicine.

PMID- 27118127
TI  - Prognostic impact of incomplete surgical clearance of radioiodine sensitive local
      lymph node metastases diagnosed by post-operative (124)I-NaI-PET/CT in patients
      with papillary thyroid cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nodal involvement is an independent risk factor of recurrence in
      papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Neither the international guidelines nor the
      recently introduced ongoing risk adaptation concept consider the extent of
      initial surgical clearance of radioiodine sensitive lymph node metastases in
      their stratification systems. We investigated the prognostic relevance of
      incomplete initial surgical clearance in patients with purely lymphogeneous
      metastatic PTC (pN1 M0) despite successful radioiodine therapy. Accurate
      assessment of pre-ablative nodal status was attempted using PET/CT studies with
      both (124)I-NaI and (18)F-FDG along with high-resolution cervical ultrasound.
      METHODS: Sixty-five patients with histologically diagnosed lymph node metastases
      (pN1 M0) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with iodine-negative lymph node
      metastases diagnosed by (18)F-FDG PET/CT or distant metastases were excluded from
      the analysis. The association of disease recurrence with the pre-ablative nodal
      status, as well as other baseline characteristics, were examined applying
      nonparametric tests for independent samples and multiple regression analysis.
      Patients with persistent lymph node metastases in (124)I-NaI PET/CT were further
      divided according to the additional presence or absence of FDG-uptake in (18)F
      FDG PET/CT. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier curves and the
      Cox proportional hazards model for uni- and multivariate analyses to assess the
      influence of prognostic factors on progression free survival (PFS). RESULTS:
      Incomplete metastatic lymph node resection captured by (124)I-NaI PET/CT (n = 33)
      was an independent risk factor for recurrence (61 % vs 25 %, p = 0.006) and
      shorter PFS (46 months vs not reached, HR 4.0 [95 %-CI, 1.7-9.2], p = 0.001).
      Ultrasound could detect lymph node metastases only in 19/33 patients (58 %).
      Among patients with positive nodal status, FDG-avidity of metastatic iodine
      positive lymph nodes worsened the outcome (16 vs 69 months, p = 0.047). From all
      other investigated factors including age, N-stage (N1a vs N1b), and T-Stage (T4
      vs T1-3), only large tumor size (pT4) had a significant impact on PFS (HR 2.9 [95
      %-CI, 1.3-6.4], p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Incomplete initial surgical clearance of
      lymph node metastases even after successful radioiodine therapy may increase the
      chances of recurrence and is an independent risk factor for impaired survival of
      patients with PTC. Pre-ablative (dual tracer PET/CT) imaging with (124)I-Na and
      (18)F provides a prognostic tool for these patients and may considerably
      complement the current risk stratification systems.

PMID- 27118128
TI  - Carboxyspermidine decarboxylase of the prominent intestinal microbiota species
      Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is required for spermidine biosynthesis and
      contributes to normal growth.
AB  - Recent studies have indicated that polyamines produced by gut microbes
      significantly influence host health; however, little is known about the microbial
      polyamine biosynthetic pathway except for that in Escherichia coli, a minor
      component of the gastrointestinal microbiota. Here, we investigated the polyamine
      biosynthetic ability of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, a predominant
      gastrointestinal bacterial species in humans. High-performance liquid
      chromatography analysis revealed that B. thetaiotaomicron cultured in polyamine
      free minimal medium accumulated spermidine intracellularly at least during the
      mid-log and stationary phases. Deletion of the gene encoding a putative
      carboxyspermidine decarboxylase (casdc), which converts carboxyspermidine to
      spermidine, resulted in the depletion of spermidine and loss of decarboxylase
      activity in B. thetaiotaomicron. The Deltacasdc strain also showed growth defects
      in polyamine-free growth medium. The complemented Deltacasdc strain restored the
      spermidine biosynthetic ability, decarboxylase activity, and growth. These
      results indicate that carboxyspermidine decarboxylase is essential for
      synthesizing spermidine in B. thetaiotaomicron and contributes to the growth of
      this species.

PMID- 27118129
TI  - No clear benefit or drawback to the use of closed drainage after primary total
      knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Closed drainage after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been
      used routinely for many decades, but controversies have arisen in recent years.
      The purposes of this study were to compare the clinical outcomes of closed
      drainage with nondrainage after primary TKA; and to assess the benefit and
      drawback of closed drainage. METHODS: Electronic databases (PubMed/Medline,
      CENTRAL, Embase and Web of Science) were systematically searched for randomised
      controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy and risks of closed
      drainage after primary TKA. Two investigators independently reviewed studies for
      eligibility, assessed the risk of bias and extracted the data. A meta-analysis
      was then performed using Review Manager Software. RESULTS: Twelve RCTs totalling
      889 TKAs were identified. No significant differences in infection rate or blood
      loss were found between the closed drainage and nondrainage TKAs, and there was
      also no significant difference in haematoma formation, deep venous thrombosis,
      postoperative VAS score or range of motion between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      There appears to be no clear benefit or drawback to the use of closed drainage
      after primary TKA. Improving the use of closed drainage might provide better
      outcomes.

PMID- 27118130
TI  - On-plot drinking water supplies and health: A systematic review.
AB  - Many studies have found that household access to water supplies near or within
      the household plot can reduce the probability of diarrhea, trachoma, and other
      water-related diseases, and it is generally accepted that on-plot water supplies
      produce health benefits for households. However, the body of research literature
      has not been analyzed to weigh the evidence supporting this. A systematic review
      was conducted to investigate the impacts of on-plot water supplies on diarrhea,
      trachoma, child growth, and water-related diseases, to further examine the
      relationship between household health and distance to water source and to assess
      whether on-plot water supplies generate health gains for households. Studies
      provide evidence that households with on-plot water supplies experience fewer
      diarrheal and helminth infections and greater child height. Findings suggest that
      water-washed (hygiene associated) diseases are more strongly impacted by on-plot
      water access than waterborne diseases. Few studies analyzed the effects of on
      plot water access on quantity of domestic water used, hygiene behavior, and use
      of multiple water sources, and the lack of evidence for these relationships
      reveals an important gap in current literature. The review findings indicate that
      on-plot water access is a useful health indicator and benchmark for the
      progressive realization of the Sustainable Development Goal target of universal
      safe water access as well as the human right to safe water.

PMID- 27118132
TI  - Production and turnover of ectomycorrhizal extramatrical mycelial biomass and
      necromass under elevated CO2 and nitrogen fertilization.
AB  - Extramatrical mycelia (EMM) of ectomycorrhizal fungi are important in carbon (C)
      and nitrogen (N) cycling in forests, but poor knowledge about EMM biomass and
      necromass turnovers makes the quantification of their role problematic. We
      studied the impacts of elevated CO2 and N fertilization on EMM production and
      turnover in a Pinus taeda forest. EMM C was determined by the analysis of
      ergosterol (biomass), chitin (total bio- and necromass) and total organic C (TOC)
      of sand-filled mycelium in-growth bags. The production and turnover of EMM bio-
      and necromass and total C were estimated by modelling. N fertilization reduced
      the standing EMM biomass C to 57% and its production to 51% of the control (from
      238 to 122 kg C ha(-1)  yr(-1) ), whereas elevated CO2 had no detectable effects.
      Biomass turnover was high (~13 yr(-1) ) and unchanged by the treatments.
      Necromass turnover was slow and was reduced from 1.5 yr(-1) in the control to
      0.65 yr(-1) in the N-fertilized treatment. However, TOC data did not support an N
      effect on necromass turnover. An estimated EMM production ranging from 2.5 to 6%
      of net primary production stresses the importance of its inclusion in C models. A
      slow EMM necromass turnover indicates an importance in building up forest humus.

PMID- 27118133
TI  - Brain STAT5 signaling and behavioral control.
AB  - Several growth factors and cytokines recruit the signal transducer and activator
      of transcription 5 (STAT5) signaling pathway to control cell proliferation,
      differentiation and apoptosis. Nonetheless, the importance of this transcription
      factor for brain functions is still poorly understood. Because some STAT5
      inducing hormones, such as prolactin and leptin, act in the brain to regulate the
      expression of motivated behaviors, this signaling pathway is likely involved in
      behavioral modulation. Therefore, the objective of the present review was to
      summarize and discuss the available data regarding the possible role of central
      STAT5 signaling in the regulation of brain functions, especially on behavioral
      control. We discussed studies that investigated the importance of STAT5 signaling
      in the regulation of maternal and feeding behaviors. Additionally, we highlighted
      other behaviors that could be potentially affected by STAT5 signaling. This
      knowledge may help to understand how motivated behaviors are regulated at the
      cellular level.

PMID- 27118134
TI  - A place for the hippocampus in the cocaine addiction circuit: Potential roles for
      adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
AB  - Cocaine addiction is a chronic brain disease in which the drug seeking habits and
      profound cognitive, emotional and motivational alterations emerge from drug
      induced neuroadaptations on a vulnerable brain. Therefore, a 'cocaine addiction
      brain circuit' has been described to explain this disorder. Studies in both
      cocaine patients and rodents reveal the hippocampus as a main node in the cocaine
      addiction circuit. The contribution of the hippocampus to cocaine craving and the
      associated memories is essential to understand the chronic relapsing nature of
      addiction, which is the main obstacle for the recovery. Interestingly, the
      hippocampus holds a particular form of plasticity that is rare in the adult
      brain: the ability to generate new functional neurons. There is an active
      scientific debate on the contributions of these new neurons to the addicted
      brain. This review focuses on the potential role(s) of adult hippocampal
      neurogenesis (AHN) in cocaine addiction. Although the current evidence primarily
      originates from animal research, these preclinical studies support AHN as a
      relevant component for the hippocampal effects of cocaine.

PMID- 27118135
TI  - Animal models of Central Diabetes Insipidus: Human relevance of acquired beyond
      hereditary syndromes and the role of oxytocin.
AB  - The aim of this study was to review different animal models of Central Diabetes
      Insipidus, a neurobiological syndrome characterized by the excretion of copious
      amounts of diluted urine (polyuria), a consequent water intake (polydipsia), and
      a rise in the serum sodium concentration (hypernatremia). In rodents, Central
      Diabetes Insipidus can be caused by genetic disorders (Brattleboro rats) but also
      by various traumatic/surgical interventions, including neurohypophysectomy,
      pituitary stalk compression, hypophysectomy, and median eminence lesions.
      Regardless of its etiology, Central Diabetes Insipidus affects the neuroendocrine
      system that secretes arginine vasopressin, a neurohormone responsible for
      antidiuretic functions that acts trough the renal system. However, most Central
      Diabetes Insipidus models also show disorders in other neurobiological systems,
      specifically in the secretion of oxytocin, a neurohormone involved in body sodium
      excretion. Although the hydromineral behaviors shown by the different Central
      Diabetes Insipidus models have usually been considered as very similar, the
      present review highlights relevant differences with respect to these behaviors as
      a function of the individual neurobiological systems affected. Increased
      understanding of the relationship between the neuroendocrine systems involved and
      the associated hydromineral behaviors may allow appropriate action to be taken to
      correct these behavioral neuroendocrine deficits.

PMID- 27118136
TI  - Malaria, helminths and malnutrition: a cross-sectional survey of school children
      in the South-Tongu district of Ghana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As part of malaria characterization study in the South-Tongu district
      of Ghana, the current study was conducted to explore relationships between
      malaria, schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminths and malnutrition in riparian
      community settings that had hitherto encountered episodes of mass deworming
      exercises. METHODS: School-age children were enrolled in a cross-sectional study
      from April through July 2012. Stool and urine samples were examined respectively
      for helminths and Schistosoma haematobium. Blood samples were analyzed for
      malaria parasites and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, respectively.
      Anthropometric indices were measured. Relationships were determined using
      generalized linear models. RESULTS: The results show low numbers of asymptomatic
      Plasmodium falciparum (9.2%, n = 37/404) and S. haematobium (2.5%, n = 10/404)
      infections. The associations between significance terms in the multivariate
      analysis for P. falciparum infections were further assessed to test the
      significance of the product terms directly i.e., age in years [adjusted odds
      ratio (AOR), 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-5.6], Hb concentration (AOR =
      0.71; 95% CI 0.42-2.3), and stunted malnutrition (AOR, 8.72; 95% CI 4.8-25.1).
      The P. falciparum-associated decrease in mean Hb concentration was 2.82 g/dl (95%
      CI 1.63-4.1 g/dl; P = 0.001) in stunted children, and 0.75 g/dl (95% CI 1.59
      0.085 g/dl; P = 0.076) in the non-stunted cohort. The anaemia-associated decrease
      in mean parasitaemia in stunted children was 3500 parasites/ul of blood (95% CI
      262.46-6737.54 parasites/ul of blood; P = 0.036), and in non-stunted children
      2127 parasites/ul of blood (95% CI -0.27 to 4.53; P = 0.085). Stunted
      malnutrition was the strongest predictor of S. haematobium infection (AOR = 11;
      95% CI 3.1-33.6) but significant associations as described for P. falciparum
      infections were absent. The population attributable risk of anaemia due to P.
      falciparum was 6.3% (95% CI 2.5-9.3), 0.9% (95% CI 0.4-2.3) for S. haematobium,
      and 12.5% (95% CI 9.11-19.52) for stunted malnutrition. CONCLUSION: Plasmodium
      falciparum, S. haematobium, intestinal helminths and their co-infections were
      uncommon in our school-age children. Stunting exacerbated the extent to which
      malaria was associated with loss in Hb concentration.

PMID- 27118137
TI  - The tobacco paradox in acute coronary syndrome. The prior cessation of smoking as
      a marker of a better short-term prognosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The tobacco paradox is a phenomenon insufficiently explained by
      previous studies. This study analyses the prognostic role of prior or active
      smoking in patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: We obtained data from
      the ARIAM registry, between 2001 and 2012. The study included 42,827 patients
      with acute coronary syndrome (mean age, 65+/-13 years; 26.4% women). The
      influence of smoking and that of being an ex-smoker on mortality was analysed
      using a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The smokers were younger, were more often
      men, had less diabetes, hypertension and prior history of heart failure, stroke,
      arrhythmia and renal failure and more frequently had ST-elevation and a family
      history of smoking. The ex-smokers had more dyslipidaemia and history of angina,
      myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, peripheral vasculopathy and
      chronic bronchial disease. Smokers and ex-smokers less frequently developed
      cardiogenic shock (smokers 4.2%, ex-smokers 4.7% and nonsmokers 6.9%, P<.001).
      Hospital mortality was 7.8% for the nonsmokers, 4.9% for the ex-smokers and 3.1%
      for the smokers (P<.001). In the multivariate analysis, the smoker factor lost
      its influence in the prognosis (-0.26%, p=.52 using an inverse probability
      calculation; and+0.26%, P=.691 using a propensity analysis). However, the
      exsmoker factor showed a significant reduction in mortality in both tests (-2.4%
      in the inverse probability analysis, P<.001; and -1.5% in the propensity
      analysis, P=.005). CONCLUSIONS: The tobacco paradox is a finding that could be
      explained by other prognostic factors. Smoking cessation prior to hospitalization
      for acute coronary syndrome is associated with a better prognosis.

PMID- 27118138
TI  - The Prevalence of Food Security and Insecurity Among Illinois University
      Students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to define the food security status of Illinois
      university students and whether sociodemographic characteristics are related to
      that status. DESIGN: A cross-sectional research design was used to analyze the
      food security status of undergraduate Illinois university students, employing a
      survey containing the Household Food Security Survey Module that was distributed
      via e-mail to student participants. SETTING: Four public Illinois universities
      were highlighted, including Eastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois
      University, Southern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University.
      PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1,882 undergraduate students participated in the
      research study in April, 2013. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Variables include food
      security status and sociodemographic characteristics such as age, sex, race, and
      academic standing. ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis included frequencies and chi
      square tests. RESULTS: The percentage of student respondents in the total sample
      who were considered food insecure was 35.0%. There were significant relationships
      between food security status and sociodemographic variables including race, grade
      point average, loan use, and living location. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This
      study suggests that 35% of respondents were food insecure based on quantitative
      assessment. Understanding the significant relationship between food security
      status and race, grade point average, loan use, and living location may be useful
      in developing services for those in need.

PMID- 27118139
TI  - Atractylenolide I modulates ovarian cancer cell-mediated immunosuppression by
      blocking MD-2/TLR4 complex-mediated MyD88/NF-kappaB signaling in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: TLR4/MD-2 complex-mediated MyD88-dependent activation of NF-kappaB
      and Akt promotes tumor-associated immunosuppression in epithelial ovarian cancer
      (EOC) via induction of immunesuppressive cytokines and indoleamine 2,3
      dioxygenase (IDO). Atractylenolide I (AO-1) is a naturally occurring
      sesquiterpene lactone known to change the conformational ensemble of human MD-2
      on EOC cells. This study examined the modulation by AO-1 of TLR4/MD-2 complex
      mediated MyD88/NF-kappaB signaling. METHODS: The expression and activation of NF
      kappaB, Akt and IDO1 by MyD88(+) EOC SKOV3 cells was determined using western
      blot; the TLR4/MD-2 complex on SKOV3 cells and the phenotype of T lymphocytes
      were determined using flow cytometry; IDO activity was evaluated by measuring L
      kynurenine; Immunesuppressive cytokines were detected using ELISA; T-cell
      proliferation to mitogen stimulation was assessed by MTT assay; the cytotoxicity
      of lymphocytes and NK cells was measured using LDH-cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS:
      AO-1 could down-regulate expression of TLR4/MD-2 complex, resulting in
      downregulation of MyD88/NF-kappaB signaling and activation of NF-kappaB, Akt and
      IDO1 and secretion of IL-6, TGF-beta1, VEGF and IL-17A by EOC SKOV3 cells, and
      further reduce increased levels of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) and improve
      decreased proliferative response and antitumor cytotoxicity of T lymphocytes
      exposed to EOC SKOV3 cell supernatant. CONCLUSION: AO-1 may reverse EOC cell
      mediated immunosuppression through blocking TLR4/MD-2 complex-mediated MyD88/NF
      kappaB signaling.

PMID- 27118140
TI  - Influence of body mass index on outcomes after minimal-access aortic valve
      replacement through a J-shaped partial upper sternotomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimal-access aortic valve replacement (MAAVR) may reduce post
      operative blood loss and transfusion requirements, decrease post-operative pain,
      shorten length stay and enhance cosmesis. This may be particularly advantageous
      in overweight/obese patients, who are at increased risk of post-operative
      complications. Obese patients are however often denied MAAVR due to the perceived
      technical procedural difficulty. This retrospective analysis sought to determine
      the effect of BMI on post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing MAAVR.
      METHODS: Ninety isolated elective MAAVR procedures performed between May 2006
      October 2013 were included. Intra- and post-operative data were prospectively
      collected. Ordinary least squares univariate linear regression analysis was
      performed to determine the effect of BMI as a continuous variable on post
      operative outcomes. One-way ANOVA and Chi-squared testing was used to assess
      differences in outcomes between patients with BMI <25 (n = 36) and BMI >=25 (n =
      54) as appropriate. RESULTS: There was no peri-operative mortality, myocardial
      infarction or stroke. Univariate regression demonstrated longer cross-clamp times
      (p = 0.0218) and a trend towards increased bypass times (p = 0.0615) in patients
      with higher BMI. BMI >=25 was associated with an increased incidence of hospital
      acquired pneumonia (p = 0.020) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (p = 0.036)
      compared to BMI <25. However, raised BMI did not extend ICU (p = 0.3310) or
      overall hospital stay (p = 0.2614). Similar rates of sternal wound complications,
      inotrope requirements and renal dysfunction were observed in both normal- and
      overweight/obese-BMI groups. Furthermore, increasing BMI correlated with reduced
      mechanical ventilation time (p = 0.039) and early post-operative blood loss (p =
      0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that within the range of this study,
      MAAVR is a safe, reproducible and effective procedure, affording equivalent
      clinical outcomes in both overweight/obese and normal-weight patients considered
      for an isolated first-time AVR, with low post-operative morbidity and mortality.
      MAAVR should therefore be considered as an alternative surgical strategy to
      reduce obesity-related complications in patients requiring aortic valve
      replacement.

PMID- 27118141
TI  - Determination of the foraging behaviour and blood meal source of malaria vector
      mosquitoes in Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka using a multiplex real time
      polymerase chain reaction assay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies of host preference patterns in blood-feeding anopheline
      mosquitoes are crucial to incriminating malaria vectors. However, little
      information is available on host preferences of Anopheles mosquitoes in Sri
      Lanka. METHODS: Adult Anopheles mosquitoes were collected from five selected
      sentinel sites in Trincomalee District during June-September 2011. Each blood-fed
      mosquito was processed on filter papers. DNA was extracted using the dried blood
      meal protocol of the QIAmp DNA mini kit. A multiplexed, real-time PCR assay
      targeting eight animals was developed for two panels to identify the host meal of
      Anopheles. Human blood index (HBI), forage ratio (FR) and host feeding index
      (HFI) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 280 field-caught, freshly engorged
      female mosquitoes belonging to 12 anopheline species were analysed. The overall
      HBI and HFI in the present study were low indicating that humans were not the
      preferred host for the tested anopheline species. Nevertheless, a small
      proportion engorged Anopheles aconitus, Anopheles culicifacies, Anopheles
      barbirostris, Anopheles annularis, Anopheles subpictus, Anopheles peditaeniatus,
      Anopheles pseudojamesi, and Anopheles barbumbrosus contained human blood.
      CONCLUSION: The presence of human blood in mosquito species indicates the
      possibility of them transmitting malaria. Further studies on vector competence
      are needed to determine the role of each of the above anopheline species as
      efficient vectors of malaria.

PMID- 27118142
TI  - Diagnostic approach to cardiac amyloidosis: A case report.
AB  - The authors present a case of systemic amyloidosis with cardiac involvement. We
      discuss the need for a high level of suspicion to establish a diagnosis,
      diagnostic techniques and treatment options. Our patient was a 78-year-old man
      with chronic renal disease and atrial fibrillation admitted with acute
      decompensated heart failure of unknown cause. The transthoracic echocardiogram
      revealed severely impaired left ventricular function with phenotypic overlap
      between hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathy. After an extensive
      diagnostic workup, which included an abdominal fat pad biopsy, the final
      diagnosis was amyloidosis. 

PMID- 27118144
TI  - Are current ICER thresholds outdated? Valuing medicines in the era of
      personalized healthcare.

PMID- 27118145
TI  - Successful antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis C leads to a rapid decline of
      liver stiffness without an early effect on spleen stiffness.

PMID- 27118143
TI  - Integrative analysis of the Trypanosoma brucei gene expression cascade predicts
      differential regulation of mRNA processing and unusual control of ribosomal
      protein expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trypanosoma brucei is a unicellular parasite which multiplies in
      mammals (bloodstream form) and Tsetse flies (procyclic form). Trypanosome RNA
      polymerase II transcription is polycistronic, individual mRNAs being excised by
      trans splicing and polyadenylation. We previously made detailed measurements of
      mRNA half-lives in bloodstream and procyclic forms, and developed a mathematical
      model of gene expression for bloodstream forms. At the whole transcriptome level,
      many bloodstream-form mRNAs were less abundant than was predicted by the model.
      RESULTS: We refined the published mathematical model and extended it to the
      procyclic form. We used the model, together with known mRNA half-lives, to
      predict the abundances of individual mRNAs, assuming rapid, unregulated mRNA
      processing; then we compared the results with measured mRNA abundances.
      Remarkably, the abundances of most mRNAs in procyclic forms are predicted quite
      well by the model, being largely explained by variations in mRNA decay rates and
      length. In bloodstream forms substantially more mRNAs are less abundant than
      predicted. We list mRNAs that are likely to show particularly slow or inefficient
      processing, either in both forms or with developmental regulation. We also
      measured ribosome occupancies of all mRNAs in trypanosomes grown in the same
      conditions as were used to measure mRNA turnover. In procyclic forms there was a
      weak positive correlation between ribosome density and mRNA half-life, suggesting
      cross-talk between translation and mRNA decay; ribosome density was related to
      the proportion of the mRNA on polysomes, indicating control of translation
      initiation. Ribosomal protein mRNAs in procyclics appeared to be exceptionally
      rapidly processed but poorly translated. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of mRNAs in
      procyclic form trypanosomes are determined mainly by length and mRNA decay, with
      some control of precursor processing. In bloodstream forms variations in nuclear
      events play a larger role in transcriptome regulation, suggesting aquisition of
      new control mechanisms during adaptation to mammalian parasitism.

PMID- 27118146
TI  - Detection of driver pathways using mutated gene network in cancer.
AB  - Distinguishing driver pathways has been extensively studied because they are
      critical for understanding the development and molecular mechanisms of cancers.
      Most existing methods for driver pathways are based on high coverage as well as
      high mutual exclusivity, with the underlying assumption that mutations are
      exclusive. However, in many cases, mutated driver genes in the same pathways are
      not strictly mutually exclusive. Based on this observation, we propose an index
      for quantifying mutual exclusivity between gene pairs. Then, we construct a
      mutated gene network for detecting driver pathways by integrating the proposed
      index and coverage. The detection of driver pathways on the mutated gene network
      consists of two steps: raw pathways are obtained using a CPM method, and the
      final driver pathways are selected using a strict testing strategy. We apply this
      method to glioblastoma and breast cancers and find that our method is more
      accurate than state-of-the-art methods in terms of enrichment of KEGG pathways.
      Furthermore, the detected driver pathways intersect with well-known pathways with
      moderate exclusivity, which cannot be discovered using the existing algorithms.
      In conclusion, the proposed method provides an effective way to investigate
      driver pathways in cancers.

PMID- 27118147
TI  - Discovery of new MD2 inhibitor from chalcone derivatives with anti-inflammatory
      effects in LPS-induced acute lung injury.
AB  - Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening acute inflammatory disease with
      limited options available for therapy. Myeloid differentiation protein 2, a co
      receptor of TLR4, is absolutely required for TLR4 sense LPS, and represents an
      attractive target for treating severe inflammatory diseases. In this study, we
      designed and synthesized 31 chalcone derivatives that contain the moiety of (E)-4
      phenylbut-3-en-2-one, which we consider the core structure of current MD2
      inhibitors. We first evaluated the anti-inflammatory activities of these
      compounds in MPMs. For the most active compound 20, we confirmed that it is a
      specific MD2 inhibitor through a series of biochemical experiments and elucidated
      that it binds to the hydrophobic pocket of MD2 via hydrogen bonds with Arg(90)
      and Tyr(102) residues. Compound 20 also blocked the LPS-induced activation of
      TLR4/MD2 -downstream pro-inflammatory MAPKs/NF-kappaB signaling pathways. In a
      rat model with ALI induced by intracheal LPS instillation, administration with
      compound 20 exhibited significant protective effect against ALI, accompanied by
      the inhibition of TLR4/MD2 complex formation in lung tissues. Taken together, the
      results of this study suggest the specific MD2 inhibitor from chalcone
      derivatives we identified is a potential candidate for treating acute
      inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27118148
TI  - The Intergenerational Impact of Genetic and Psychological Factors on Blood
      Pressure (InterGEN) Study: Design and Methods for Complex DNA Analysis.
AB  - The Intergenerational Impact of Genetic and Psychological Factors on Blood
      Pressure (InterGEN) study aims to delineate the independent and interaction
      effects of genomic (genetic and epigenetic) and psychological-environmental
      (maternally perceived racial discrimination, mental health, and parenting
      behavior) factors on blood pressure (BP) among African American mother-child
      dyads over time. The purpose of this article is to describe the two-step genetic
      and epigenetic approach that will be executed to explore Gene * Environment
      interactions on BP using a longitudinal cohort design. Procedure for the single
      collection of DNA at Time 1 includes the use of the Oragene 500-format saliva
      sample collection tube, which provides enough DNA for both the Illumina Multi
      Ethnic Genotyping and 850K EPIC methylation analyses. BP readings, height,
      weight, percentage of body fat, and percentage of body water will be measured on
      all participants every 6 months for 2 years for a total of 4 time points. Genomic
      data analyses to be completed include multivariate modeling, assessment of
      population admixture and structure, and extended analyses including Bonferroni
      correction, false discovery rate methods, Monte Carlo approach, EIGENSTRAT
      methods, and so on, to determine relationships among both main and interaction
      effects of genetic, epigenetic, and psychological environmental factors on BP.

PMID- 27118150
TI  - Early warning epidemic surveillance in the Pacific island nations: an evaluation
      of the Pacific syndromic surveillance system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Pacific Syndromic Surveillance System (PSSS), launched in 2010,
      provides a simple mechanism by which 121 sentinel surveillance sites in 21
      Pacific island countries and areas perform routine indicator- and event-based
      surveillance for the early detection of infectious disease outbreaks. This
      evaluation aims to assess whether the PSSS is meeting its objectives, what
      progress has been made since a formative evaluation of the system was conducted
      in 2011, and provides recommendations to enhance the PSSS's performance in the
      future. METHODS: Twenty-one informant interviews were conducted with national
      operators of the system and regional public health agencies that use information
      generated by it. Historic PSSS data were analysed to assess timeliness and
      completeness of reporting. RESULTS: The system is simple, acceptable and useful
      for public health decision-makers. The PSSS has greatly enhanced Pacific island
      countries' ability to undertake early warning surveillance and has contributed to
      efforts to meet national surveillance-related International Health Regulation
      (2005) capacity development obligations. Despite this, issues with timeliness and
      completeness of reporting, data quality and system stability persist. CONCLUSION:
      A balance between maintaining the system's simplicity and technical advances will
      need to be found to ensure its long-term sustainability, given the low-resource
      context for which it is designed.

PMID- 27118149
TI  - Risk and predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma for chronic hepatitis B patients
      with newly developed cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Most studies on risk predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) among cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B patients do not confirm the date at
      cirrhosis diagnosis. We examined HCC risk and predictors in chronic hepatitis B
      patients with newly diagnosed cirrhosis. METHODS: 4155 HBsAg seropositive
      participants were followed every 6-12 months with seromarker testing. Cirrhosis
      was ascertained through abdominal ultrasonography and computerized linkage with
      national health insurance profiles. Predictors included in Cox proportional
      hazards models were age, HBeAg serostatus, serum levels of HBsAg, alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and ALDH2 rs671 genotypes.
      RESULTS: A total of 301 patients developed cirrhosis, 76 of whom later developed
      HCC after 2462 person-years, showing an average annual incidence of 3.1%. The 15
      year cumulative HCC risk among cirrhotics was 39.8% with a lifetime (30-80 years
      old) HCC risk of 78.5%. The adjusted HR's (95% CI, P-value) were 14.26 (3.17
      64.08, P = 0.0005) for age at cirrhosis diagnosis of >=60 years (vs 30-39 years),
      2.85 (1.49-5.46, P = 0.0015) for HBeAg seropositivity (vs HBeAg seronegativity
      with HBsAg levels <1000 IU/mL), 0.35 (0.20-0.59, P < 0.0001) for AA/AG genotypes
      of rs671 (vs GG genotype), 3.68 (1.70-7.99, P = 0.0010) for ALT levels >45 U/L
      (vs <15 U/L), 3.52 (1.78-6.93, P = 0.0003) for AFP levels >20 ng/mL (vs <10
      ng/mL), and 2.64 (1.38-5.07, P = 0.0035) for HBsAg levels >=1000 IU/mL (vs <1000
      IU/mL among HBeAg seronegatives). CONCLUSIONS: Older age, GG genotype of ALDH2
      rs671, HBeAg seropositivity, and elevated serum levels of ALT, AFP, and HBsAg at
      cirrhosis diagnosis were HCC risk predictors in cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B
      patients.

PMID- 27118151
TI  - Arsenic in private well water part 1 of 3: Impact of the New Jersey Private Well
      Testing Act on household testing and mitigation behavior.
AB  - Regularly ingesting water with elevated arsenic increases adverse health risks.
      Since September 2002, the NJ Private Well Testing Act (PWTA) has required testing
      untreated well water for arsenic during real estate transactions in 12 counties.
      Its implementation provides an opportunity to investigate the effects of policy
      intervention on well testing and treatment behavior. Here we analyze results of a
      survey mailed to 1943 random addresses (37% response), including responses from
      502 private well households who purchased their homes prior to PWTA commencement
      and 168 who purchased after. We find the PWTA has significantly increased arsenic
      testing rates in an area where 21% of wells contain arsenic above the 5MUg/L NJ
      drinking water standard. The PWTA has allowed identification of more wells with
      arsenic (20% of post-PWTA vs. 4% of pre-PWTA households) and more treatment for
      arsenic (19% of post-PWTA vs. 3% of pre-PWTA households). Such an Act is a
      partial answer to significant socioeconomic disparities in testing observed among
      households for whom it is not required. Additionally residents purchasing homes
      since 2002 are younger and disproportionately more likely to have children in
      their household (60% vs. 32%), a priority group given their particular
      vulnerability to effects of arsenic. Despite more wells tested under the PWTA,
      post-PWTA well owners forget or misremember arsenic test results more often, are
      more likely to report not knowing what kind of treatment they are using, and are
      not reporting better maintenance or monitoring of their treatment systems than
      pre-PWTA households. This suggests serious challenges to reducing arsenic
      exposure remain even when testing is a requirement. Furthermore, only a fraction
      of wells have been tested under the PWTA due to the slow pace of housing
      turnover. We recommend more public resources be made available to support private
      well testing among socially and biologically vulnerable groups.

PMID- 27118152
TI  - Size and Fiber Density Controlled Synthesis of Fibrous Nanosilica Spheres (KCC
      1).
AB  - We report a facile protocol for the synthesis of fibrous nano-silica (KCC-1) with
      controllable size and fiber density. In this work, we have shown that the
      particle size, fiber density, surface area and pore volume of KCC-1 can be
      effectively controlled and tuned by changing various reaction parameters, such as
      the concentrations of urea, CTAB, 1-pentanol, reaction time, temperature, solvent
      ratio, and even outside stirring time. For the first time, we were able to
      control the particle size ranging from as small as 170 nm to as large as 1120 nm.
      We were also able to control the fiber density from low to medium to very dense,
      which consequently allowed the tuning of the pore volume. We were able to achieve
      a pore volume of 2.18 cm(3)/g, which is the highest reported for such a fibrous
      material. Notably we were even able to increase the surface area up to 1244
      m(2)/g, nearly double the previously reported surface area of KCC-1. Thus, one
      can now synthesize KCC-1 with various degrees of size, surface area, pore volume,
      and fiber density.

PMID- 27118153
TI  - Dissection of allelic interactions among Pto-miR257 and its targets and their
      effects on growth and wood properties in Populus.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have important roles in the regulation of genes; however, for
      trees few studies have explored the potential impact of the interactions between
      miRNAs and their target genes. Here, we performed transcript profiling and
      association genetics (single-SNP, haplotype-based and multi-SNP associations) to
      study the genetic regulatory relationship of Pto-miR257 and its 12 target genes
      in 435 individuals of a natural population of Populus tomentosa. Expression
      profiling of Pto-miR257 and its targets showed a negative relationship between
      their expression levels. Of the 61 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      detected in Pto-miR257, 6 in the pre-mature region strongly affected its
      secondary stability and 1 in the mature region could alter its target spectrum.
      Among the 1029 SNPs in the targets, 3 were located in target sites that could
      change the binding affinity of Pto-miR257. Single-SNP association analysis
      revealed that SNPs in Pto-miR257 and target genes associated with both growth and
      wood property traits, in agreement with haplotype-based identifications. Multi
      SNP association found that 10 targets shared at least one common trait with Pto
      miR257, with phenotypic variance from 0.5 to 8.5%, suggesting a possible internal
      genetic interaction between them. Epistasis analysis showed significant epistatic
      interactions among Pto-miR257 and its targets. Therefore, our study demonstrated
      Pto-miR257 and its 12 targets had roles in wood formation and revealed the
      genetic interaction network between the miRNA and its targets under additive,
      dominant and epistatic models. Thus, association genetics can be used to decipher
      the interactions between miRNAs and their target genes and to help understand the
      genetic architecture of complex traits.

PMID- 27118154
TI  - Improvement in nitrogen fixation capacity could be part of the domestication
      process in soybean.
AB  - Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in soybeans is a complex process involving the
      interplay between the plant host and the symbiotic rhizobia. As nitrogen supply
      has a crucial role in growth and development, higher nitrogen fixation capacity
      would be important to achieve bigger plants and larger seeds, which were
      important selection criteria during plant domestication by humans. To test this
      hypothesis, we monitored the nitrogen fixation-related performance in 31
      cultivated and 17 wild soybeans after inoculation with the slow-growing
      Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens sp. nov. USDA110 and the fast-growing Sinorhizobium
      (Ensifer) fredii CCBAU45436. Our results showed that, in general, cultivated
      soybeans gave better performance in BNF. Electron microscopic studies indicated
      that there was an exceptionally high accumulation of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate
      bodies in bacteroids in the nodules of all wild soybeans tested, suggesting that
      the C/N balance in wild soybeans may not be optimized for nitrogen fixation.
      Furthermore, we identified new quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for total ureides
      and total nodule fresh weight by employing a recombinant inbred population
      composed of descendants from a cross between a cultivated and a wild parent.
      Using nucleotide diversity (thetapi), divergence index (Fst) and distribution of
      fixed single-nucleotide polymorphisms as parameters, we found that some regions
      in the total ureides QTL on chromosome 17 and the total nodule fresh weight QTL
      on chromosome 12 exhibited very low diversity among cultivated soybeans,
      suggesting that these were traits specially selected during the domestication and
      breeding process.

PMID- 27118155
TI  - Moderate genetic drift is driven by extreme recruitment events in the invasive
      mollusk Crepidula fornicata.
AB  - Effective population size (Ne) is a measure of genetic drift and is thus a
      central parameter in evolution, conservation genetics and invasion biology.
      Interestingly, in native marine species, Ne is typically several orders of
      magnitude lower than the census size. This pattern has often been explained by
      high fecundity, variation in reproductive success and pronounced early mortality,
      resulting in genetic drift across generations. Data documenting genetic drift
      and/or Ne in marine invasive species are, however, still scarce. We examined the
      importance of genetic drift in the invasive species Crepidula fornicata by
      genotyping 681 juveniles sampled during each annual recruitment peak over nine
      consecutive years in the Bay of Morlaix (Brittany, France). Observed variations
      in genetic diversity were partially explained by variation in recruitment
      intensity. In addition, substantial temporal genetic differentiation was
      documented (that is, genetic drift), and was attributed to nonrandom variance in
      the reproductive success of different breeding groups across years in the study
      species. Using a set of single-sample and temporal estimators for Ne, we
      estimated Ne to be three or four orders of magnitude smaller than the census size
      (Nc). On one hand, this reduction in Ne relative to Nc appeared congruent with,
      although slight higher than, values commonly observed in native marine species.
      Particular life-history traits of this invasive species may play an important
      role in buffering genetic drift. On the other hand, Ne still remained far below
      Nc, hence, possibly reducing the efficiency of selection effects.

PMID- 27118157
TI  - Demographic inference under a spatially continuous coalescent model.
AB  - In contrast with the classical population genetics theory that models population
      structure as discrete panmictic units connected by migration, many populations
      exhibit heterogeneous spatial gradients in population connectivity across semi
      continuous habitats. The historical dynamics of such spatially structured
      populations can be captured by a spatially explicit coalescent model recently
      proposed by Etheridge (2008) and Barton et al. (2010a, 2010b) and whereby allelic
      lineages are distributed in a two-dimensional spatial continuum and move within
      this continuum based on extinction and coalescent events. Though theoretically
      rigorous, this model, which we here refer to as the continuum model, has not yet
      been implemented for demographic inference. To this end, here we introduce and
      demonstrate a statistical pipeline that couples the coalescent simulator of
      Kelleher et al. (2014) that simulates genealogies under the continuum model, with
      an approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) framework for parameter estimation of
      neighborhood size (that is, the number of locally breeding individuals) and
      dispersal ability (that is, the distance an offspring can travel within a
      generation). Using empirically informed simulations and simulation-based ABC
      cross-validation, we first show that neighborhood size can be accurately
      estimated. We then apply our pipeline to the South African endemic shrub species
      Berkheya cuneata to use the resulting estimates of dispersal ability and
      neighborhood size to infer the average population density of the species. More
      generally, we show that spatially explicit coalescent models can be successfully
      integrated into model-based demographic inference.

PMID- 27118156
TI  - The contribution of dominance to phenotype prediction in a pine breeding and
      simulated population.
AB  - Pedigrees and dense marker panels have been used to predict the genetic merit of
      individuals in plant and animal breeding, accounting primarily for the
      contribution of additive effects. However, nonadditive effects may also affect
      trait variation in many breeding systems, particularly when specific combining
      ability is explored. Here we used models with different priors, and including
      additive-only and additive plus dominance effects, to predict polygenic (height)
      and oligogenic (fusiform rust resistance) traits in a structured breeding
      population of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Models were largely similar in
      predictive ability, and the inclusion of dominance only improved modestly the
      predictions for tree height. Next, we simulated a genetically similar population
      to assess the ability of predicting polygenic and oligogenic traits controlled by
      different levels of dominance. The simulation showed an overall decrease in the
      accuracy of total genomic predictions as dominance increases, regardless of the
      method used for prediction. Thus, dominance effects may not be accounted for as
      effectively in prediction models compared with traits controlled by additive
      alleles only. When the ratio of dominance to total phenotypic variance reached
      0.2, the additive-dominance prediction models were significantly better than the
      additive-only models. However, in the prediction of the subsequent progeny
      population, this accuracy increase was only observed for the oligogenic trait.

PMID- 27118158
TI  - How Well Do All Patient Refined-Diagnosis-Related Groups Explain Costs of
      Pediatric Cancer Chemotherapy Admissions in the United States?
AB  - PURPOSE: State-based Medicaid programs have begun using All Patient Refined
      Diagnosis-Related Groups (APR-DRGs) to determine hospital reimbursement rates.
      Medicaid provides coverage for 45% of childhood cancer admissions. This study
      aimed to examine how well APR-DRGs reflect admission costs for childhood cancer
      chemotherapy to inform clinicians, hospitals, and policymakers in the wake of
      policy changes. METHODS: We identified 25,613 chemotherapy admissions in the 2009
      Kids' Inpatient Database. To determine how well APR-DRGs explain costs, we
      applied a hierarchic linear regression model of hospital costs, allowing for a
      variety of patient, hospital, and geographic confounders. RESULTS: APR-DRGs
      proved to be the most important predictors of admission costs (P < .001), with
      costs increasing by DRG severity code. Diagnosis, age, and hospital
      characteristics also predicted costs above and beyond those explained by APR
      DRGs. Compared with admissions for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia,
      costs of admissions for patients with acute myelomonocytic leukemia were 82%
      higher; non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 20% higher; Hodgkin lymphoma, 25% lower; and CNS
      tumors, 27% lower. Admissions for children who were 10 years of age or older cost
      26% to 35% more than admissions for infants. Admissions to children's hospitals
      cost 46% more than admissions to other hospital types. CONCLUSION: APR-DRGs
      developed for adults are applicable to childhood cancer chemotherapy but should
      be refined to account for cancer diagnosis and patient age. Possible policy and
      clinical management changes merit further study to address factors not captured
      by APR-DRGs.

PMID- 27118159
TI  - Young Men With Cancer Experience Low Referral Rates for Fertility Counseling and
      Sperm Banking.
AB  - PURPOSE: With improved cancer survival rates and the current trend of delaying
      parenthood, fertility is a growing issue among cancer patients. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate the incidence of fertility counseling and sperm
      banking in reproductive-age male cancer patients and to assess factors that
      influence counseling and banking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male patients ages 13 to
      50 years who received a new cancer diagnosis from January 1, 2013, to May 1,
      2015, and planned to initiate curative chemotherapy at our center were
      identified. Documentation of fertility counseling and sperm cryopreservation was
      abstracted from the medical record. Univariable and multivariable logistic
      regression modeling was used to examine variables associated with fertility
      counseling and sperm banking. RESULTS: Of 201 patients who fit the study
      criteria, 59 (29%) received fertility counseling and 23 (11%) attempted sperm
      banking. All patients who banked sperm had documentation of fertility counseling.
      Younger patients were significantly more likely to be counseled, with mean ages
      of 27.4 and 40.4 years for counseled and noncounseled patients, respectively (P <
      .001). Among counseled patients, those with a lower median income (P = .038) or
      who had Medicaid or no insurance (P = .042) were less likely to bank sperm. In a
      multivariable logistic regression model, older age (5-year odds ratio, 0.61; P <
      .001) and presence of comorbidities (odds ratio, 0.15; P = .03) remained
      significantly associated with a lower counseling rate. CONCLUSION: There is a low
      rate of fertility counseling and referral for sperm banking in young men with
      cancer receiving chemotherapy. Further work is needed to develop interventions to
      improve fertility counseling rates and opportunities for sperm banking.

PMID- 27118161
TI  - Amputations and mortality in in-hospital treated patients with peripheral artery
      disease and diabetic foot syndrome.
AB  - AIMS: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its associated complications
      such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) are
      increasing worldwide. We aimed to determine the contemporary acute and long-term
      outcome of patients with PAD and DFS in Germany. METHODS: Nationwide, anonymized
      data of 40,335 patients hospitalized for PAD and/or DFS from the years 2009-2011
      were analyzed and followed up until 2013. Patients were classified into 3 groups:
      DFS, PAD+DM and PAD without DM. In-hospital and long-term outcome (1156days, 95%
      CI 1.151-1.161) regarding major and minor amputation and mortality was assessed.
      Cumulative amputation-free survival and overall survival rates were calculated
      using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: The proportion of DFS, PAD+DM and PAD only
      was 17.3%, 21.5% and 61.2%, respectively. At index-hospitalization, DFS patients
      had the highest amputation (31.9% vs. 11.1% vs. 6.0%), yet the lowest
      revascularization rate (18.2% vs. 67.8% vs. 71.6%) compared to patients with PAD
      only and PAD+DM (P<0.001). Cumulative 4-year survival (57.4%, 60.8% and 70.0%)
      and amputation-free-survival (45.4%, 74.4% and 86.5%) were lowest for DFS
      followed by PAD+DM and PAD only (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetes,
      particularly those with DFS, have persistent high rates of limb amputation and of
      mortality in a real-world setting. Our data emphasize the need for further
      dedicated research to identify and target the underlying causes of the
      extraordinary poor outcome in this high risk population.

PMID- 27118162
TI  - Erratum to "The impact of nutritional status on treatment outcomes of patients
      with limb-threatening diabetic foot ulcers" [Journal of Diabetes and Its
      Complications 30 (2016) 138-142].

PMID- 27118163
TI  - Diabetes distress in adults with type 1 diabetes: Prevalence, incidence and
      change over time.
AB  - AIMS: To document the prevalence and 9-month incidence of elevated diabetes
      distress (DD) and the stability of DD over time using both single threshold and
      minimal clinically important differences (MCID) approaches. METHODS: Adults with
      type 1 diabetes (T1D) (N=224) completed the 28-item T1-Diabetes Distress Scale
      (T1-DDS) at baseline and 9months. A T1-DDS threshold was identified with spline
      analysis and MCID was calculated from the standard error of measurement. RESULTS:
      Analyses supported a cut-point of >=2.0 for elevated DD. The prevalence and 9
      month incidence of elevated DD was 42.1% and 54.4%, respectively. MCID was +/
      0.19 but varied by subscale (.26 to .50). Elevated DD was stable: only 20%
      crossed 2.0 over 9months. MCID analyses showed that change also occurred among
      those who remained either below or above 2.0 over time. Change varied by source
      of distress, with Powerlessness the most prevalent and stable. Using MCID, only
      participant age, gender and number of complications predicted change.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence, 9-month incidence and stability of elevated DD are
      high among adults with T1D, with change based on source of DD. We propose a
      combined cut-point/MCID framework for measuring change in DD, since each approach
      reflects unique characteristics of change over time.

PMID- 27118164
TI  - Long-Range Interactions Restrict Water Transport in Pyrophyllite Interlayers.
AB  - Water diffusion within smectite clay interlayers is reduced by confinement and
      hence is highly determined by the interlayer spacings that are adopted during
      swelling. However, a molecular understanding of the short- and long-range forces
      governing interlayer water structure and dynamics is lacking. Using molecular
      dynamics simulations of water intercalated between pyrophyllite (smectite
      prototype) layers we provide a detailed picture of the variation of interlayered
      water mobility accompanying smectite expansion. Subtle changes in hydrogen bond
      network structure cause significant changes in water mobility that is greater for
      stable hydration states and reduced for intermediate separations. By studying
      pyrophyllite with and without external water we reveal that long-range
      electrostatic forces apply a restraining effect upon interlayer water mobility.
      Our findings are relevant for broad range of confining nanostructures with walls
      thin enough to permit long-range interactions that could affect the mobility of
      confined solvent molecules and solute species.

PMID- 27118165
TI  - Preparation, Physicochemical Properties, and Transfection Activities of Tartaric
      Acid-Based Cationic Lipids as Effective Nonviral Gene Delivery Vectors.
AB  - In this work two novel cationic lipids using natural tartaric acid as linking
      backbone were synthesized. These cationic lipids were simply constructed by
      tartaric acid backbone using head group 6-aminocaproic acid and saturated
      hydrocarbon chains dodecanol (T-C12-AH) or hexadecanol (T-C16-AH). The
      physicochemical properties, gel electrophoresis, transfection activities, and
      cytotoxicity of cationic liposomes were tested. The optimum formulation for T-C12
      AH and T-C16-AH was at cationic lipid/dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE)
      molar ratio of 1 : 0.5 and 1 : 2, respectively, and N/P charge molar ratio of 1 :
      1 and 1 : 1, respectively. Under optimized conditions, T-C12-AH and T-C16-AH
      showed effective gene transfection capabilities, superior or comparable to that
      of commercially available transfecting reagent 3beta-[N-(N',N'
      dimethylaminoethyl)carbamoyl]cholesterol (DC-Chol) and N-[2,3-dioleoyloxypropyl]
      N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP). The results demonstrated that the two
      novel tartaric acid-based cationic lipids exhibited low toxicity and efficient
      transfection performance, offering an excellent prospect as nonviral vectors for
      gene delivery. 

PMID- 27118166
TI  - Bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria and their applications in meat and meat
      products.
AB  - Meat and meat products have always been an important part of human diet, and
      contain valuable nutrients for growth and health. Nevertheless, they are
      perishable and susceptible to microbial contamination, leading to an increased
      health risk for consumers as well as to the economic loss in meat industry. The
      utilization of bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a natural
      preservative has received a considerable attention. Inoculation of bacteriocin
      producing LAB cell as starter or protective cultures is suitable for fermented
      meats, whilst the direct addition of bacteriocin as food additive is more
      preferable when live cells of LAB could not produce bacteriocin in the real meat
      system. The incorporation of bacteriocins in packaging is another way to improve
      meat safety to avoid direct addition of bacteriocin to meat. Utilization of
      bacteriocins can effectively contribute to food safety, especially when
      integrated into hurdle concepts. In this review, LAB bacteriocins and their
      applications in meat and meat products are revisited. The molecular structure and
      characteristics of bacteriocins recently discovered, as well as exemplary
      properties are also discussed. 

PMID- 27118167
TI  - Affinity Proteomics in the mountains: Alpbach 2015.
AB  - The 2015 Alpbach Workshop on Affinity Proteomics, organised by the EU AFFINOMICS
      consortium, was the 7th workshop in this series. As in previous years, the focus
      of the event was the current state of affinity methods for proteome analysis,
      including complementarity with mass spectrometry, progress in recombinant binder
      production methods, alternatives to classical antibodies as affinity reagents,
      analysis of proteome targets, industry focus on biomarkers, and diagnostic and
      clinical applications. The combination of excellent science with Austrian
      mountain scenery and winter sports engender an atmosphere that makes this series
      of workshops exceptional. The articles in this Special Issue represent a cross
      section of the presentations at the 2015 meeting. 

PMID- 27118168
TI  - Reasons given for not receiving an influenza vaccination, 2011-12 influenza
      season, United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccination coverage in the United States remains below
      national targets and racial/ethnic differences persist. OBJECTIVES: To gain
      insights into potential strategies for improving influenza vaccination by
      examining reasons given for not receiving an influenza vaccination during the
      2011-12 influenza season. METHODS: Data from the National Flu Survey were
      analyzed for the 2011-12 influenza season. Tests of association between reasons
      for non-vaccination and demographic variables were conducted using Wald chi
      square tests. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine
      variables independently associated with each reason for non-vaccination. RESULTS:
      For adults and children, there were no racial/ethnic differences in the overall
      most frequent reason for non-vaccination: "unlikely to get very sick from the
      flu". Regarding adults, there were racial/ethnic differences in seven of the
      twelve reasons for non-vaccination in bivariate analyses, but only three remained
      significant in the multivariable models. Most notable of these was that blacks
      (40.9%) were more likely than Hispanics (27.0%), whites (25.2%), and adults of
      other/multiple races (21.2%) to report concerns about getting the flu from the
      vaccination and blacks (39.8%) were more likely than whites (28.4%) and adults of
      other/multiple races (29.3%) to report concerns about side effects from the
      vaccine. Regarding children, there were racial/ethnic differences for three of
      the reasons for non-vaccination, and these remained significant in the
      multivariable models. The most noteworthy of these was that more black (44.4%)
      than white (24.0%) and other/multiple race (19.0%) parents had concerns about
      their child getting the flu from the vaccination. Other demographic variables
      (age, gender income, MSA for adults and age and income for children) were also
      associated with reasons for non-vaccination based on the multivariable models.
      CONCLUSIONS: There are racial/ethnic group differences in reasons for not
      receiving an influenza vaccination; recognition of these differences should guide
      the choice of interventions to increase vaccination rates.

PMID- 27118169
TI  - Diagnostic performance of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of
      flight mass spectrometry in blood bacterial infections: a systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has shown promise in decreasing time to
      identification of causative organisms compared to traditional methods; however,
      the utility of MALDI-TOF MS in a heterogeneous clinical setting is uncertain.
      OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic review on the operational performance of the
      Bruker MALDI-TOF MS system and evaluate published cut-off values compared to
      traditional blood cultures. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was
      performed. Studies were included if they performed direct MALDI-TOF MS analysis
      of blood culture specimens in human patients with suspected bacterial infections
      using the Bruker Biotyper software. Sensitivities and specificities of the
      combined studies were estimated using a hierarchical random effects linear model
      (REML) incorporating cut-off scores of >=1.7 and >=2.0. RESULTS: Fifty
      publications were identified, with 11 studies included after final review. The
      estimated sensitivity utilising a cut-off of >=2.0 from the combined studies was
      74.6% (95% CI = 67.9-89.3%), with an estimated specificity of 88.0% (95% CI =
      74.8-94.7%). When assessing a cut-off of >=1.7, the combined sensitivity
      increases to 92.8% (95% CI = 87.4-96.0%), but the estimated specificity decreased
      to 81.2% (95% CI = 61.9-96.6%). CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis, MALDI-TOF MS
      showed acceptable sensitivity and specificity in bacterial speciation with the
      current recommended cut-off point compared to blood cultures; however, lowering
      the cut-off point from >=2.0 to >=1.7 would increase the sensitivity of the test
      without significant detrimental effect on the specificity, which could improve
      clinician confidence in their results.

PMID- 27118170
TI  - Colorectal anastomotic leakage can be predicted by abdominal aortic calcification
      on preoperative CT scans: A pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There have been no solid data regarding whether patients with aortic
      calcification (AC) who have undergone colorectal surgery are at increased risk
      for anastomotic leakage. Our study aim to investigate the impact of AC on
      anastomotic leakage (AL) and postoperative morbidity after colorectal resection.
      METHODS: This was a cohort study of 60 patients who were prospectively registered
      in a database. We evaluated the relationship between an aortic calcification
      score (ACS), measured on preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging, and
      surgical complications in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. RESULTS: ACS
      was strongly correlated with mortality rate. All three of the deceased patients
      were in the ACS-2 group (5%; P=0.021). The rate of AL was positively correlated
      with ACS; no leakage was found cases of ACS-0, with a rate of 18% in cases of ACS
      1 and 44% in cases of ACS-2 (P=0.022). The consequences of AL were more serious
      according to the grade of ACS. DISCUSSION: This study suggested that aortic
      calcification score is correlated with surgical outcomes, particularly
      anastomosis leakage, after colorectal surgery. These findings could provide
      useful tools for adapting surgical strategies by delaying colorectal anastomosis
      in high-risk patients.

PMID- 27118171
TI  - Feasibility prospective study of laparoscopic cholecystectomy with suprapubic
      approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the publication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) using
      three ports instead of four, no significant evolution has impacted on our
      clinical practice in order to improve length of stay, postoperative pain, time of
      recovery and cosmetic results. Recently, a renewed interest has been observed
      with the suprapubic approach, called occult scar laparoscopic cholecystectomy
      (OSLC). The aim of this prospective multicentric study was to evaluate the
      feasibility of OSLC in 2 French centers. METHODS: From March to September 2014,
      60 patients were prospectively included in this study. The operation incisions
      consisted of an umbilical incision for camera; an incision in the right groin for
      maneuvers of exposition and a suprapubic incision for instrumental dissection and
      clipping. Outcome was by operative time, operative complications, hospital length
      of stay, analgesia required after surgery, and cosmetic outcomes. The Patient
      Satisfaction Scale and Visual Analog Score (VAS) also were used to evaluate the
      level of cosmetic result and postoperative pain. RESULTS: No laparoscopy was
      converted to an open procedure, the mean operative time was 53+/-20min. No
      patient had intraoperative bile duct injury or significant bleeding. The mean
      length of stay was 1.70+/-0.76 days. Two patients (3%) experienced postoperative
      complication (1 intra-abdominal abscess treated by antibiotics and 1 subcutaneous
      seroma of the 11-mm port wound treated successfully by needle aspiration).
      CONCLUSION: The technique proved to be safe and feasible with no specific
      complication and without specific instrument. It offers satisfactory
      postoperative pain level and good cosmetic results.

PMID- 27118172
TI  - Response to Letter to the Editor on "Antioxidants as a treatment for acute
      pancreatitis: A meta-analysis".

PMID- 27118173
TI  - Peptide-induced de novo bone formation after tooth extraction prevents alveolar
      bone loss in a murine tooth extraction model.
AB  - Tooth extraction causes bone resorption of the alveolar bone volume. Although
      recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) markedly promotes de
      novo bone formation after tooth extraction, the application of high-dose rhBMP-2
      may induce side effects, such as swelling, seroma, and an increased cancer risk.
      Therefore, reduction of the necessary dose of rhBMP-2 which can still obtain
      sufficient bone mass is necessary by developing a new osteogenic reagent.
      Recently, we showed that the systemic administration of OP3-4 peptide, which was
      originally designed as a bone resorption inhibitor, had osteogenic ability both
      in vitro and in vivo. This study evaluated the ability of the local application
      of OP3-4 peptide to promote bone formation in a murine tooth extraction model
      with a very low-dose of BMP. The mandibular incisor was extracted from 10-week
      old C57BL6/J male mice and a gelatin hydrogel containing rhBMP-2 with or without
      OP3-4 peptide (BMP/OP3-4) was applied to the socket of the incisor. Bone
      formation inside the socket was examined radiologically and histologically at 21
      days after the extraction. The BMP/OP3-4-group showed significant bone formation
      inside the mandibular extraction socket compared to the gelatin-hydrogel-carrier
      control group or rhBMP-2-applied group. The BMP/OP3-4-applied mice showed a lower
      reduction of alveolar bone and fewer osteoclast numbers, suggesting that the
      newly formed bone inside the socket may prevent resorption of the cortical bone
      around the extraction socket. Our data revealed that OP3-4 peptide promotes BMP
      mediated bone formation inside the extraction socket of mandibular bone,
      resulting in preservation from the loss of alveolar bone. 

PMID- 27118174
TI  - Protective effects of a dimeric derivative of ferulic acid in animal models of
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Ferulic acid is a compound with potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory
      activities. We previously reported the protective effects of ferulic acid
      administration against two animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD):
      intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Abeta1-42 in mice and APP/PS1
      mutant transgenic mice. In this study using the same AD animal models, we
      examined the effect of KMS4001, one of dimeric derivatives of ferulic acid.
      Intragastric pretreatment of mice with KMS4001 (30mg/kg/day) for 5 days
      significantly attenuated the Abeta1-42 (i.c.v.)-induced memory impairment both in
      passive avoidance test and in Y-maze test. APP/PS1 mutant transgenic mice at
      KMS4001 doses of 3 and 30mg/kg/day via drinking water showed the significantly
      enhanced novel-object recognition memory at both 1.5 and 3 months after the start
      of KMS4001 treatment. Treatment of APP/PS1 mutant transgenic mice with KMS4001
      for 3 months at the doses of 3 and 30mg/kg/day markedly decreased Abeta1-40 and
      Abeta1-42 levels in the frontal cortex. The KMS4001 dose-response relationships
      for Abeta decrease and for improvement in novel-object recognition test
      corresponded to each other. Taken together, these results suggest that KMS4001
      could be an effective drug candidate against AD. 

PMID- 27118176
TI  - Prevention of cardiovascular disease in rural Australian primary care: an
      exploratory study of the perspectives of clinicians and high-risk men.
AB  - Rural primary care services have the potential to play a major role in reducing
      the gap in cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes between rural and metropolitan
      Australians, particularly in men at high risk of CVD. The aim of this study was
      to explore the self-reported behaviours and satisfaction with their general
      practice/practitioner of men at high risk of CVD, and attitudes of rural primary
      care clinicians regarding the role of primary care in CVD prevention. This
      observational research was addressed through survey questionnaires with rural men
      at high risk of CVD and semi-structured interviews with rural primary care
      clinicians. Fourteen rural primary care practices from towns with populations
      less than 25000 participated. One hundred and fifty-eight high-risk men completed
      the questionnaire. Their responses demonstrated poorly controlled risk factors
      despite a willingness to change. Alternatively, rural primary care clinicians
      (n=20) reported that patients were unlikely to change and that illness-based
      funding models inhibited cardiovascular preventive activities. Australians living
      in rural areas have worse CVD outcomes. In addition, there is a disparity in the
      assumptions of health providers and male patients at high risk of CVD in rural
      areas. This necessitates innovative rural primary care models that include a
      blended payment system that incentivises or funds preventive care alongside an
      emphasis on lifestyle advice, as well as an explicit strategy to influence
      clinician and patient behaviour to help address the disparity.

PMID- 27118175
TI  - Enhanced nitric oxide generation from nitric oxide synthases as the cause of
      increased peroxynitrite formation during acute restraint stress: Effects on
      carotid responsiveness to angiotensinergic stimuli in type-1 diabetic rats.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is associated with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species
      accumulation. Behavioral stress increases nitric oxide production, which may
      trigger a massive impact on vascular cells and accelerate cardiovascular
      complications under oxidative stress conditions such as Diabetes. For this study,
      type-1 Diabetes mellitus was induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection
      of streptozotocin. After 28 days, cumulative concentration-response curves for
      angiotensin II were obtained in endothelium-intact carotid rings from diabetic
      rats that underwent to acute restraint stress for 3h. The contractile response
      evoked by angiotensin II was increased in carotid arteries from diabetic rats.
      Acute restraint stress did not alter angiotensin II-induced contraction in
      carotid arteries from normoglycaemic rats. However acute stress combined with
      Diabetes increased angiotensin II-induced contraction in carotid rings. Western
      blot experiments and the inhibition of nitric oxide synthases in functional
      assays showed that neuronal, endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase
      isoforms contribute to the increased formation of peroxynitrite and contractile
      hyperreactivity to angiotensin II in carotid rings from stressed diabetic rats.
      In summary, these findings suggest that the increased superoxide anion generation
      in carotid arteries from diabetic rats associated to the increased local nitric
      oxide synthases expression and activity induced by acute restrain stress were
      responsible for exacerbating the local formation of peroxynitrite and the
      contraction induced by angiotensin II. 

PMID- 27118177
TI  - High-mobility ZrInO thin-film transistor prepared by an all-DC-sputtering method
      at room temperature.
AB  - Thin-film transistors (TFTs) with zirconium-doped indium oxide (ZrInO)
      semiconductor were successfully fabricated by an all-DC-sputtering method at room
      temperature. The ZrInO TFT without any intentionally annealing steps exhibited a
      high saturation mobility of 25.1 cm(2)V(-1)s(-1). The threshold voltage shift was
      only 0.35 V for the ZrInO TFT under positive gate bias stress for 1 hour.
      Detailed studies showed that the room-temperature ZrInO thin film was in the
      amorphous state with low carrier density because of the strong bonding strength
      of Zr-O. The room-temperature process is attractive for its compatibility with
      almost all kinds of the flexible substrates, and the DC sputtering process is
      good for the production efficiency improvement and the fabrication cost
      reduction.

PMID- 27118178
TI  - Evolution of circoviruses in lorikeets lags behind its hosts.
AB  - The presence of endogenous viral elements in host genomes hints towards much
      older host-virus relationships than predicted by exogenous phylogenies, with
      highly mutable single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses and RNA viruses often
      occupying entangled multispecies ecological niches. The difficulty lies in
      unravelling the long-term evolutionary history of vertebrate virus-host
      relationships and determining the age of a potentially ancient tree based only
      fresh shoots at the tips. Resolving such lineages, and the sometimes great
      discrepancy amongst evolutionary timescales, is problematic, especially when
      purifying selection or recombination can significantly alter the accuracy of
      phylogenetic reconstruction methods. Pathogens which occupy entangled
      multispecies ecological niches add a further layer of complexity but we show that
      multi-host scenarios may also provide opportunities to identify allopatric or
      sympatric paleobiological signals that can unlock longer term phylogenies. We
      identified host-based, cryptic, sympatric differentiation in beak and feather
      disease virus in the Psittaciformes tribe Loriini along with endogenous
      circovirus motifs in Kea (Nestor notabilis) and Gondwanan vicariance estimates to
      infer the evolutionary timescale of the circoviruses. This demonstrated a
      chronology of psittacine circovirus speciation aligned to conservative Zealandic
      divergences for relic circovirus motifs in Kea and a 10million year divergence
      coinciding with the Papuan central range orogeny that triggered the radiation of
      Loriini and segregation of an antecedent viral clade in Australian lorikeets.
      Estimates of circovirus speciation in birds highlighted a Gondwanan dominant
      group in Neoaves with passerine, columbid and larid circoviruses deeply separated
      from those in waterfowl, consistent with a Triassic divergence of Galloanserae.
      The circovirus tree had a deep ancestry in invertebrates with a Palaeozoic
      expansion in fish and mammals. We show that longer term evolutionary
      relationships in viruses which have a high rate of mutation and admixture can be
      disentangled, highlighting that contemporary virus host-switching can be
      explained by deep intra-lineage host phylogeny.

PMID- 27118180
TI  - Phylogeny, phylogeography, and evolution in the Mediterranean region: News from a
      freshwater mussel (Potomida, Unionida).
AB  - The Potomida genus (Bivalvia, Unionida) has a Circum-Mediterranean distribution
      and like other freshwater mussel species, its populations have suffered dramatic
      declines. Although this genus is currently considered as monotypic, it has a long
      history of taxonomic revisions and presently many aspects of its systematics and
      evolutionary history are unclear. We sampled a total of 323 individuals from 39
      different sites across the Potomida genus distribution, and sequenced two
      mitochondrial (16S rDNA and Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I) and one nuclear (28S
      rDNA) genes to clarify its phylogeny and phylogeographic history. Our results
      show that the genus includes two well-supported clades, one comprising solely the
      western Mediterranean species Potomida littoralis, and the other including two
      eastern Mediterranean species, the Greek endemic P. acarnanica and the Anatolian
      and Middle Eastern P. semirugata. We suggest that Potomida started radiating
      during the upper Miocene, and that both vicariance and dispersal events shaped
      the diversification and distribution of the genus along the Mediterranean region.
      P. littoralis is further divided in two mitochondrial lineages, one restricted to
      Europe and the other occurring mostly in North Africa. Moreover, some European
      basins present both lineages in sympatry. The conservation status of the three
      recognized species should be reevaluated, particularly P. acarnanica, since it is
      restricted to two Greek river basins presenting a high risk of extinction.
      Overall, our results clarify some important gaps in knowledge concerning the
      phylogeny, phylogeography and evolution of the Potomida genus in the
      Mediterranean region with important taxonomical, ecological and conservational
      implications.

PMID- 27118179
TI  - Molecular phylogeny of Panaspis and Afroablepharus skinks (Squamata: Scincidae)
      in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - African snake-eyed skinks are relatively small lizards of the genera Panaspis and
      Afroablepharus. Species allocation of these genera frequently changed during the
      20th century based on morphology, ecology, and biogeography. Members of these
      genera occur primarily in savanna habitats throughout sub-Saharan Africa and
      include species whose highly conserved morphology poses challenges for taxonomic
      studies. We sequenced two mitochondrial (16S and cyt b) and two nuclear genes
      (PDC and RAG1) from 76 Panaspis and Afroablepharus samples from across eastern,
      central, and southern Africa. Concatenated gene-tree and divergence-dating
      analyses were conducted to infer phylogenies and biogeographic patterns.
      Molecular data sets revealed several cryptic lineages, with most radiations
      occurring during the mid-Miocene to Pliocene. We infer that rifting processes
      (including the formation of the East African Rift System) and climatic
      oscillations contributed to the expansion and contraction of savannas, and caused
      cladogenesis in snake-eyed skinks. Species in Panaspis and Afroablepharus used in
      this study, including type species for both genera, formed a monophyletic group.
      As a result, the latter genus should be synonymized with the former, which has
      priority. Conservatively, we continue to include the West African species P.
      breviceps and P. togoensis within an expanded Panaspis, but note that they occur
      in relatively divergent clades, and their taxonomic status may change with
      improved taxon sampling. Divergence estimates and cryptic speciation patterns of
      snake-eyed skinks were consistent with previous studies of other savanna
      vertebrate lineages from the same areas examined in this study.

PMID- 27118181
TI  - Phylogeographic patterns in New Zealand and temperate Australian cantharidines
      (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Trochidae: Cantharidinae): Trans-Tasman divergences are
      ancient.
AB  - Current taxonomic treatments of New Zealand and temperate Australian members of
      the gastropod subfamily Cantharidinae imply that species on either side of the
      Tasman Sea are closely related and, in some cases, congeneric. Such a close
      relationship, however, entails a relatively recent divergence of Australian and
      New Zealand lineages, which seems inconsistent with what is known about
      cantharidine larval development in general. In order to address these issues,
      mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences were used to ascertain how cantharidine
      genera became established over the wide geographical range of temperate Australia
      and New Zealand, including their subantarctic islands. Our robust and dated
      phylogenies (based on 16S, COI, 12S and 28S sequences) revealed that Australian
      and New Zealand species fall into endemic clades that have been separated for, at
      most, 35million years. This divergence date postdates a vicariant split by around
      50million years and we suggest that, once again, long-distance trans-Tasman
      dispersal has played a pivotal role in molluscan evolution in this part of the
      world. Our results also show that the current classification requires revision.
      We recognize three genera (Cantharidus [comprising 2 subgenera: Cantharidus
      s.str. and Pseudomargarella n. subgen.], Micrelenchus [comprising 2 subgenera:
      Micrelenchus s.str. and Mawhero] and Roseaplagis n. gen.) for New Zealand
      cantharidine species. In our dated BEAST tree, these genera form a clade with the
      endemic Australian Prothalotia and South African Oxystele. Other temperate
      Australian cantharidines in our study fall into previously recognized genera
      (Phasianotrochus, Thalotia, Calthalotia), which are all quite distinct from
      Cantharidus in spite of some authors considering various of them to be possible
      synonyms. Finally, we remove the Australian genus Cantharidella from the
      Cantharidinae to the subfamily Trochinae and erect a new genus, Cratidentium n.
      gen., also in the Trochinae, to accommodate several Australian species previously
      considered to belong to Cantharidella.

PMID- 27118182
TI  - Aspirin Can Be Used as Prophylaxis for Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism After
      Revision Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal prophylaxis for prevention of venous thromboembolic
      events (VTEs) after revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains unknown. The
      objective of this study was to evaluate whether aspirin, known to be effective
      for prevention of VTEs after primary arthroplasty, is also effective after
      revision TJA. METHODS: We studied 2997 consecutive patients who underwent
      revision TJA between 2005 and 2013 and were treated with intermittent pneumatic
      compression devices and either aspirin (534 patients) or warfarin (2463 patients)
      for VTE prophylaxis. Pertinent data including the incidence of symptomatic VTEs,
      bleeding events, infection, and mortality were retrieved from our prospectively
      collected database. RESULTS: The incidence of symptomatic VTEs was significantly
      higher in the warfarin group at 1.75% (43 of 2463) compared with 0.56% (3 of 534)
      in the aspirin group (odds ratio: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.03-16.3; P = .03). There was a
      higher rate of bleeding events with administration of warfarin (1.5%) compared
      with aspirin (0.4%; P = .02; odds ratio: 4.1; 95% CI: 1.2-34.0). The rate of
      surgical site infection was similar between the aspirin group and the warfarin
      group (1.61% and 1.70%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Administration of aspirin as
      prophylaxis against VTEs after revision arthroplasty may be a viable option as it
      appears to be more effective than warfarin in prevention of symptomatic VTEs and
      is associated with a lower rate of complications.

PMID- 27118183
TI  - Generating an agricultural risk map based on limited ecological information: A
      case study using Sicyos angulatus.
AB  - In this study, we propose a method for estimating the risk of agricultural damage
      caused by an invasive species when species-specific information is lacking. We
      defined the "risk" as the product of the invasion probability and the area of
      potentially damaged crop for production. As a case study, we estimated the risk
      imposed by an invasive weed, Sicyos angulatus, based on simple cellular
      simulations and governmental data on the area of crop that could potentially be
      damaged in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Simulation results revealed that the current
      distribution range was sufficiently accurate for practical purposes. Using these
      results and records of crop areas, we present risk maps for S. angulatus in
      agricultural fields. Managers will be able to use these maps to rapidly establish
      a management plan with minimal cost. Our approach will be valuable for
      establishing a management plan before or during the early stages of invasion.

PMID- 27118184
TI  - Better than nothing? maternal, newborn, and child health services and perinatal
      mortality, Lubumbashi, democratic republic of the Congo: a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has a high rate of perinatal
      mortality (PMR), and health measures that could reduce this high rate of
      mortality are not accessible to all women. Where they are in place, their quality
      is not optimal. This study was initiated to assess the relationship between these
      suboptimal maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) services and perinatal
      mortality (PM) in Lubumbashi, DRC's second-largest city. METHODS: We conducted a
      prospective cohort study, comparing women who had no, low, moderate, or high
      numbers of antenatal care (ANC) visits; three different levels of delivery care;
      and who did or did not attend postnatal care (PNC). Women were followed for 50
      days after delivery, with PM as the primary endpoint. RESULTS: Uptake of
      recommended prenatal interventions was between 11-43% among ANC attenders,
      regardless of the frequency of their visits. PM was 26 per 1000. ANC attendance
      was associated with PM. Newborns of mothers who had the lowest attendance had a
      mortality two times higher than newborns of women who had not attended ANC (low
      visits: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4-3.8).
      However, moderate (aOR = 1.4; 95% CI =0.7-2.2) and high (aOR = 1.3; 95% CI 0.7
      2.2) attendance were not statistically significantly associated with PM. PNC
      attendance was not significantly associated with lower PM (relative risk 0.4, 95%
      CI 0.1-2.6). Emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) was significantly
      associated with a reduction in mortality (aOR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.2-0.8), with an
      84.4% reduction among newborns at risk, and an overall reduction in mortality of
      10% for all births. CONCLUSION: Perinatal mortality was high among the infants of
      women in the cohort under study (26 per 1000 live births). Availability of MNCH,
      specifically EmONC, was associated with lower perinatal mortality, and if this
      association is causal, might avert 84.4% of perinatal deaths among newborns at
      high-risk.

PMID- 27118185
TI  - Structure and function of the elastic organ in the tibia of a tenebrionid beetle.
AB  - Many insects have a pair of claws on the tip of each foot (tarsus and pretarsus).
      The movement of the pretarsal claws is mediated by a long apodeme that originates
      from the claw retractor muscles in the femur. It is generally accepted that the
      pulling of the apodeme by the muscles flexes the claws to engage with a rough
      surface of a substrate, and the flexed claws return to their initial position by
      passive elastic forces within the tarso-pretarsal joint. We found that each tibia
      of the tenebrionid beetle Zophobas atratus had a chordal elastic organ that tied
      the apodeme to the distal end of the tibia and assisted the pulled apodeme to
      return smoothly. The elastic body of the elastic organ consists of a bundle of
      more than 1000 thin fibrils (0.3-1.5 MUm in diameter) with a hairy yarn-shaped
      structure made by assemblies of intricately interwoven microfibers. Both ends of
      the fibrillar elastic body were supported by clusters of columnar cells. Ablation
      of the elastic organ often disturbed the rapid and smooth return of claws from a
      flexed position when the tarsal segments were forced to curve in order to
      increase the friction between the apodeme and surrounding tissues in the
      segments. The result suggests that rapid claw disengagement is an important step
      in each cycle of leg movements, and the elastic organ may have evolved to assist
      the reliable detachment of claws that engage tightly with the substrate when
      climbing or traversing inverted surfaces. 

PMID- 27118186
TI  - Salipaludibacillus aurantiacus gen. nov., sp. nov. a novel alkali tolerant
      bacterium, reclassification of Bacillus agaradhaerens as Salipaludibacillus
      agaradhaerens comb. nov. and Bacillus neizhouensis as Salipaludibacillus
      neizhouensis comb. nov.
AB  - Two novel (S9T and S12) Gram-stain-positive, rod shaped, non-motile and endospore
      forming bacteria were isolated from Narayan Sarovar lake, in India. The high 16S
      rRNA gene sequence similarity (99.9 %) and DNA-DNA relatedness (86+/-2 %)
      indicated that strains S9T and S12 were members of a single species. Based on the
      16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, these strains were identified as belonging to
      the class Firmibacteria and were most closely related to Bacillus agaradhaerens
      PN-105T (96.8 % sequence similarity), Bacillus neizhouensis JSM 071004T (96.5 %)
      and Bacillus luteus JC167T (96.1 %). However, these strains shared only 90.3 %
      16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis DSM 10T,
      indicating that they might not be members of the genus Bacillus. The cell-wall
      peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. Polar lipids included
      diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one
      unknown phospholipid and an unknown lipid. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was
      MK-7. Major fatty acids (>5 %) included anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0,
      anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and summed feature 3. The results of phylogenetic,
      chemotaxonomic and biochemical tests allowed a clear differentiation of strains
      S9T and S12 from all other members of the family Bacillaceae.The strains
      therefore represent a novel member of a new genus from the family Bacillaceae,
      for which the name Salipaludibacillus aurantiacus gen. nov., sp. nov. is
      proposed. The type strain is S9T (=KCTC 33633T=LMG 28644T). Based on the present
      study, it is also proposed to transfer Bacillus agaradhaerens and Bacillus
      neizhouensis to this new genus as Salipaludibacillus agaradhaerens comb. nov. and
      Salipaludibacillus neizhouensis comb. nov.

PMID- 27118187
TI  - Functionalization of Polydopamine via the Aza-Michael Reaction for Antimicrobial
      Interfaces.
AB  - Polydopamine (pDA) coatings afford tremendous versatility due to their
      capabilities to provide substrate-independent functionalization with a wide range
      of amine- and thiol-containing molecules. In this work, we developed a new and
      facile conjugation approach to the formation of beta-amino carbonyl linkages
      between pDA and acrylate/acrylamide molecules via the aza-Michael reaction.
      Sulfobetaine acrylamide (SBAA), sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), and
      poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) were employed to graft onto pDA films,
      giving rise to formation of antifouling coatings. Because of the universal
      adhesive property of pDA, the coating strategy was applied to different
      substrates, including TiO2, gold, SiO2, Nitinol alloy, polystyrene, and
      poly(dimethylsiloxane). The variation of surface chemistry and surface
      wettability upon pDA modification and subsequent conjugation was monitored with X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle measurements.
      Antifouling properties of coatings were challenged by three common Gram-negative
      and Gram-positive bacteria. Cytocompatibility of the coatings with NIH-3T3
      fibroblasts was accessed using MTT assay. The results showed that pDA coatings
      grafted with SBAA exhibited superhydrophilicity and excellent fouling resistance
      likely due to the high chemical reactivity of acrylamide, leading to high
      grafting density. In addition, dual functional coatings containing passive and
      active antibacterial components were constructed through the in situ deposition
      of antimicrobial agent, silver nanoparticles, in pDA, followed by the grafting of
      SBAA for bacterial repellence. The composite coatings allowed reducing adsorption
      of E. coli by >95%, while killing attached bacteria by up to 98% upon the
      releasing of Ag(+) ions as measured by inductively coupled plasma mass
      spectrometry. Consequently, this work paves a new avenue to the grafting strategy
      to engineer pDA and to the functional bioinspired antifouling interfaces in a
      substrate-independent fashion.

PMID- 27118188
TI  - The role of halide ions in the anisotropic growth of gold nanoparticles: a
      microscopic, atomistic perspective.
AB  - We provide a microscopic view of the role of halides in controlling the
      anisotropic growth of gold nanorods through a combined computational and
      experimental study. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations unveil that Br(-)
      adsorption is not only responsible for surface passivation, but also acts as the
      driving force for CTAB micelle adsorption and stabilization on the gold surface
      in a facet-dependent way. The partial replacement of Br(-) by Cl(-) decreases the
      difference between facets and the surfactant density. Finally, in the CTAC
      solution, no halides or micellar structures protect the gold surface and further
      gold reduction should be uniformly possible. Experimentally observed
      nanoparticle's growth in different CTAB/CTAC mixtures is more uniform and faster
      as the amount of Cl(-) increases, confirming the picture from the simulations. In
      addition, the surfactant layer thickness measured on nanorods exposed to CTAB and
      CTAC quantitatively agrees with the simulation results.

PMID- 27118189
TI  - Molecular imaging using PSMA PET/CT versus multiparametric MRI for initial
      staging of prostate cancer: comparing apples with oranges?

PMID- 27118190
TI  - Neuroretinal rim in non-glaucomatous large optic nerve heads: a comparison of
      confocal scanning laser tomography and spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To compare margin-based rim area measurements from confocal
      scanning laser tomography (CSLT) with Bruch's membrane opening (BMO)-based
      measurements from spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) by
      analysis of a group of non-glaucomatous eyes with large optic discs, so-called
      macrodiscs (disc size >2.45 mm2 in CSLT). Objective is to create a reference base
      for large optic nerve heads in SD-OCT diagnostics. METHODS: 102 eyes received
      CSLT and SD-OCT measurements and clinical examination on the same day. Visual
      field testing confirmed absence of glaucomatous defects. Statistical and
      correlation analysis was performed for rim area by CSLT as well as retinal nerve
      fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) and BMO minimal rim width (BMO-MRW) by SD-OCT.
      RESULTS: Mean disc size in CSLT was 2.98+/-0.4 mm2 (range 2.45-4.23), mean rim
      area of 1.55+/-0.4 mm2. BMO area was 2.51+/-0.33 mm2 (range 1.61-3.51), mean
      global RNFLT was 79.55+/-17.2 MUm, mean global BMO-MRW was 234.84+/-48.3 MUm.
      Correlation of BMO-MRW to global RNFLT was stronger (r=0.60, p<10-5) than
      correlation of CSLT rim area to global RNFLT (r=0.26, p=0.24). BMO-MRW and CSLT
      rim area correlated with r=0.59 (p<10-5). BMO-MRW and RNFLT significantly
      decreased with increasing age (p<0.001). Annual loss of BMO-MRW was 0.8 MUm/year
      (R2=0.14, p<0.001), loss of RNFLT was 0.27 MUm/year (R2=0.17, p=0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: In large optic discs, BMO-MRW is thinner compared with normal-sized
      discs and correlates better than CSLT parameters with the RNFLT. An age-depended
      loss of BMO-MRW needs to be taken into account in evaluation of the neuroretinal
      rim.

PMID- 27118191
TI  - Is LabTutor a helpful component of the blended learning approach to biosciences?
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of LabTutor (a physiological data
      capture and e-learning package) in bioscience education for student nurses.
      BACKGROUND: Knowledge of biosciences is important for nurses the world over, who
      have to monitor and assess their patient's clinical condition, and interpret that
      information to determine the most appropriate course of action. Nursing students
      have long been known to find acquiring useable bioscience knowledge challenging.
      Blended learning strategies are common in bioscience teaching to address the
      difficulties students have. Student nurses have a preference for hands-on
      learning, small group sessions and are helped by close juxtaposition of theory
      and practice. DESIGN: An evaluation of a new teaching method using in-classroom
      voluntary questionnaire. METHODS: A structured survey instrument including
      statements and visual analogue response format and open questions was given to
      students who participated in Labtutor sessions. The students provided feedback in
      about the equipment, the learning and the session itself. RESULTS: First year (n
      = 93) and third year (n = 36) students completed the evaluation forms. The
      majority of students were confident about the equipment and using it to learn
      although a few felt anxious about computer-based learning. They all found the
      equipment helpful as part of their bioscience education and they all enjoyed the
      sessions. CONCLUSION: This equipment provides a helpful way to encourage guided
      independent learning through practice and discovery and because each session is
      case study based and the relationship of the data to the patient is made clear.
      Our students helped to evaluate our initial use of LabTutor and found the
      sessions enjoyable and helpful. LabTutor provides an effective learning tool as
      part of a blended learning strategy for biosciences teaching. RELEVANCE TO
      CLINICAL PRACTICE: Improving bioscience knowledge will lead to a greater
      understanding of pathophysiology, treatments and interventions and monitoring.

PMID- 27118192
TI  - Bone mineral disorder in chronic kidney disease: Klotho and FGF23; cardiovascular
      implications.
AB  - Cardiovascular factors are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in
      patients with chronic kidney disease. Bone mineral metabolism disorders and
      inflammation are pathological conditions that involve increased cardiovascular
      risk in chronic kidney disease. The cardiovascular risk involvement of bone
      mineral metabolism classical biochemical parameters such as phosphorus, calcium,
      vitamin D and PTH is well known. The newest markers, FGF23 and klotho, could also
      be implicated in cardiovascular disease. 

PMID- 27118193
TI  - PrEFiNe Plan: Strategic plan for Fabry diseases in Nephrology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal failure is one of the main causes of death in patients with
      Fabry disease (FD). Due to the low prevalence of FD, delayed diagnosis and
      misdiagnosis, often the correct diagnosis is made when organ damage is already
      present. Early recognition of the disease would allow the prevention of severe
      complications and the premature death of patients with FD. OBJECTIVE: We present
      here the PrEFiNE project, which includes a wide spectrum of activities with the
      aim of improve knowledge and diagnosis of FD. The project is sponsored by Shire
      Iberia (http://shireiberica.com/) METHODS: From January 2016 to the end of 2017
      several activities will be carried out, starting with a survey to evaluate
      current FD knowledge among nephrologists; in addition some studies to assess
      prevalence of this disease will be performed. One study will include patients
      receiving dialysis, another study will cover kidney transplant patients, and a
      pilot study in chronic kidney disease in stage 3-5 predialysis. Also planned is a
      pharmacoeconomic study to focus on burden of FD. At the same time medical
      education activities will be conducted both on line and on site. Plan for
      dissemination will include medical publications and diffusion to media. PrEFiNE
      Project will finish with the publication of a compilation book on FD in
      Nephrology including all planned activities and proposing recommendations based
      on results and detected unmet needs. PrEfiNE Plan will be coordinated by severa
      scientific committees, one at national level and 10 other regionals comittees,
      tha will be responsible to ensure the maximum scientific quality of proposed
      activities. An advisory board will supervise the project. DISCUSSION: PrEfiNE
      project will evaluate an action plan focused on improving FD knowledge to make
      necessary recommendations for an early recognition of the disease. In addition
      will generate a plan to improve previously undetected needs.

PMID- 27118195
TI  - Metformin and lifestyle modification in polycystic ovary syndrome: systematic
      review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 27118194
TI  - Weekly injections of Hylan G-F 20 delay cartilage degeneration in partial
      meniscectomized rat knees.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cross-linked hyaluronan--also called Hylan G-F 20--is a medical
      device developed to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. However, it is still
      controversial whether Hylan G-F 20 has a cartilage protective effect in trauma
      induced osteoarthritis. We investigated whether Hylan G-F 20 delayed
      osteoarthritis progression in a partial meniscectomized rat model. METHODS: Lewis
      rats were used for the experiments. The anterior medial meniscus was resected at
      the level of the medial collateral ligament in both knees. From 1 week after the
      surgery, 50 MUl of Hylan G-F 20 was injected weekly into the left knee and
      phosphate buffered saline was injected into the right knee. Cartilage was
      evaluated for macroscopic findings, histology with safranin-o, and expression of
      type II collagen at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Synovitis was also evaluated, and
      immunohistochemical analysis was performed for ED1. RESULTS: Macroscopic findings
      demonstrated that India ink positive area, representing fibrillated cartilage,
      was significantly smaller in the Hylan G-F 20 group than in the control group at
      2, 4, and 8 weeks (n = 5). There were no significant differences in osteophyte
      score between the Hylan G-F 20 group and the control group at 2, 4, and 8 weeks.
      Histologically, the cartilage in the medial tibial plateau was destroyed at 8
      weeks in the control group, while type II collagen expression was still observed
      at 8 weeks in the Hylan G-F 20 group. OARSI score for cartilage histology was
      significantly lower in the Hylan G-F 20 group than in the control group at 4 and
      8 weeks (n = 5). There were no significant differences in synovial cell number or
      modified synovitis score between the Hylan G-F 20 group and the control group at
      2, 4, and 8 weeks (n = 5). In the Hylan G-F 20 group, foreign bodies surrounded
      by ED1 positive macrophages were observed in the synovium. CONCLUSION: Weekly
      injections of Hylan G-F 20 starting 1 week after surgery delayed cartilage
      degeneration after meniscectomy in a rat model. Synovitis induced by meniscectomy
      was not alleviated by Hylan G-F 20. Insoluble gels were observed in the synovium
      after the Hylan G-F 20 injection.

PMID- 27118198
TI  - The Primary Structure of beta(I)-Chain of Hemoglobin from Snake Sindhi Krait
      (Bungarus sindanus sindanus).
AB  - The amino acid sequence of beta(I)-globin chain from Sindhi Krait (Bungarus
      sindanus sindanus) was determined to study the molecular evolution among snakes.
      The hemoglobin was isolated from the red blood cells and was analyzed by ion
      exchange chromatography (IEX). The crude globin was subjected to reversed phased
      high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) using C4 column. The N-terminal
      sequences of intact globin chains and tryptic peptides were determined by Edman
      degradation in a pulsed liquid gas phase sequencer using an online
      Phenylthiohydantoin analyzer. Sindhi Krait is expected to express three
      hemoglobin components that are composed of beta(II), beta(I), alpha(D) and
      alpha(A)-globin chains, as apparent by IEX, RP-HPLC and N-terminal sequence
      analyses. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses of beta(I) globin chain
      from Sindhi Krait showed closest relationship with beta(I) globin chain from
      Rattlesnake, Water snake and Indigo snake. Interestingly, comparison of primary
      sequence of beta(I) globin chain of Sindhi Krait with human beta chain revealed
      63 % similarity along with the retention of all heme contact points. Variations
      among the two sequences were prominent at alphabeta contact points and in regions
      directly not important for function.

PMID- 27118197
TI  - Hybrid intravascular imaging: recent advances, technical considerations, and
      current applications in the study of plaque pathophysiology.
AB  - Cumulative evidence from histology-based studies demonstrate that the currently
      available intravascular imaging techniques have fundamental limitations that do
      not allow complete and detailed evaluation of plaque morphology and pathobiology,
      limiting the ability to accurately identify high-risk plaques. To overcome these
      drawbacks, new efforts are developing for data fusion methodologies and the
      design of hybrid, dual-probe catheters to enable accurate assessment of plaque
      characteristics, and reliable identification of high-risk lesions. Today several
      dual-probe catheters have been introduced including combined near infrared
      spectroscopy-intravascular ultrasound (NIRS-IVUS), that is already commercially
      available, IVUS-optical coherence tomography (OCT), the OCT-NIRS, the OCT-near
      infrared fluorescence (NIRF) molecular imaging, IVUS-NIRF, IVUS intravascular
      photoacoustic imaging and combined fluorescence lifetime-IVUS imaging. These
      multimodal approaches appear able to overcome limitations of standalone imaging
      and provide comprehensive visualization of plaque composition and plaque biology.
      The aim of this review article is to summarize the advances in hybrid
      intravascular imaging, discuss the technical challenges that should be addressed
      in order to have a use in the clinical arena, and present the evidence from their
      first applications aiming to highlight their potential value in the study of
      atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27118196
TI  - Targeting reperfusion injury in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction: trials and tribulations.

PMID- 27118200
TI  - Physical activity in axial spondyloarthritis-tails from bench to bedside.
AB  - Physical therapy and exercise (recreational activity) are the cornerstones of non
      pharmacologic therapy in axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) [1, 2]. These are
      components of physical activity, though physical activity is made up of
      activities beyond these and also include occupational activity. Not all
      activities in AxSpA appear to derive the same benefit for patients. In fact, it
      might be that while some activities are extremely beneficial for disease
      activity, function, and other outcomes, other activities may be harmful for the
      disease. The following review will examine animal model-based evidence and
      epidemiologic studies on physical activity in AxSpA. 

PMID- 27118199
TI  - Risk factors for malignancy in systemic sclerosis patients.
AB  - Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease with
      multisystem involvement. An increased incidence of cancer in SSc patients
      compared with the general population has been reported in several reports. Our
      aims in this study were to determine the most common malignancies and to
      investigate the possible risk factors for the development of malignancy in
      patients with SSc. Three hundred forty SSc patients from 13 centers were included
      to the study. Data of the patients were obtained by evaluating their medical
      records retrospectively. A total of 340 patients with SSc were evaluated. Twenty
      five of the patients had 19 different types of malignancy. Bladder cancer was the
      most common type of cancer with four patients and was followed by breast cancer
      with three patients, and cervix cancer and ovarian cancer with two patients each.
      Other types of cancers such as squamous cell skin cancer, adenocancer with an
      unknown origin, multiple myeloma, chronic myeloid leukemia, papillary thyroid
      cancer, larynx cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, follicular type non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma (NHL), endometrium cancer, colon cancer, uterus cancer, neuroendocrine
      tumor, glioblastoma multiforme, and soft tissue sarcoma were diagnosed in one
      patient each. The only cancer type that showed an association with
      cyclophosphamide dose was bladder carcinoma. Other malignancies did not show a
      correlation with age, sex, smoking, type and duration of the disease,
      autoantibodies, organ involvement, and dose and duration of cyclophosphamide
      therapy. Cancer may develop in any organ in patients with SSc. Continuous
      screening of the patients during a follow-up period is necessary for the early
      detection of the tumor development. 

PMID- 27118202
TI  - Sequencing and characterization of a multi-organ Arctic charr transcriptome: A
      toolbox for investigating polymorphism and seasonal life in a high Arctic fish.
AB  - The Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L.) inhabits fresh water ecosystems of the
      high North. The species has developed a strong phenotypic plasticity and
      variability in life history characteristics which has made this species an
      attractive model for investigations on phenotype plasticity, morph formation and
      ecological speciation. Further, the extreme seasonal variations in environmental
      conditions (e.g. food availability) in the high North induce seasonal changes in
      phenotype, which require precise timing mechanisms and physiological
      preparations. Individual gating of life-history strategies (e.g. formation of
      resident and sea-migrating morphs) and transitions (e.g. maturation) depends on
      conditional traits (size/energy status) at specific assessment time windows, and
      complex neuroendocrine regulation, which so far is poorly understood. In the
      absence of a reference genome, and in order to facilitate the investigation of
      the complex biological mechanisms of this unique fish model, the present study
      reveals a reference transcriptome for the Arctic charr. Using Roche 454 GS FLX+,
      we targeted various organs being either at the crossroads of many key pathways
      (neuroendocrine, metabolic, behavioral), of different ontological origins or
      displaying complementary physiological functions. The assemblage yielded 34,690
      contigs greater than 1000bp with an average length (1690bp) and annotation rate
      (52%) within the range, or even higher, than what has been previously obtained
      with other teleost de novo transcriptomes. We dramatically improve the publically
      available transcript data on this species that may indeed be useful for various
      disciplines, from basic research to applied aspects related to conservation
      issues and aquaculture.

PMID- 27118201
TI  - Right atrial morphology and function in patients with systemic sclerosis compared
      to healthy controls: a two-dimensional strain study.
AB  - Enlargement and dysfunction of the right atrium might be an early sign for
      pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis (SSc). This is the first study to
      analyse right atrial morphology and function in SSc patients compared to healthy
      controls by speckle-tracking two-dimensional strain echocardiography (2DSE) at
      rest and during exercise. Furthermore, right atrial function was correlated with
      further clinical findings. Adult patients with SSc for >3 years (n = 90) and 55
      age- and gender-matched healthy controls underwent a panel of non-invasive
      assessments including transthoracic echocardiography, pulsed Doppler myocardial
      imaging and 2DSE at rest and during exercise. Furthermore, serological tests and
      high-resolution chest computed tomography were performed. SSc patients showed
      significant impairment of right atrial function and the right atrial enlargement,
      measured by 2DSE at rest and during exercise compared to controls (both p <
      0.001). These findings were more evident in SSc patients with pulmonary fibrosis
      (p < 0.001) and in patients with high pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PAPs)
      during exercise. In the SSC patients, right atrial lateral strain was
      significantly associated with PAPs during effort, right atrial area, left
      ventricle stroke volume and inferior vena cava diameter using multivariable
      analysis. The findings of this study suggest that a high proportion of SSc
      patients reveal right atrial dysfunction even without manifest pulmonary
      hypertension. Impaired right atrial function occurred mostly in patients with
      pulmonary fibrosis and/or elevated PAPs during exercise, was independently
      associated with prognostic factors and may therefore be useful for risk
      stratification. Further studies are needed to analyse if right atrial dysfunction
      assessed by 2DSE may help to improve early diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. 

PMID- 27118203
TI  - Microorganisms in the rumen and reticulum of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) fed two
      different feeding systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The community of microorganisms in the rumen and reticulum is
      influenced by feeding as well as the species and geographical distribution of
      ruminant animals. Bacteria, methanogenic archaea and ciliate protozoa existing in
      the rumen and reticulum were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and
      light microscopy in buffalo in two feeding systems, grazing and feedlot. RESULTS:
      No significant differences were observed in the total concentrations of
      bacteria/mL and archaea between rumen and reticulum, and between pasture and
      feedlots, or interactions between variables. However, the largest density of
      bacteria and smallest density of archaea was observed in the rumen of grazing
      animals. The total ciliates protozoa community was higher in grazing buffalo than
      those in the feedlot on a concentrated diet. There were significant interactions
      between location in the gastrointestinal tract (rumen vs reticulum) and types of
      diets (grazing vs feedlot) in the composition of ciliates. CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      showed differences in the microbial community of the rumen and reticulum between
      grazing and feedlot feeding systems demonstrating relevant changes in the
      microorganism:host relationship existing on rumen-reticulum ecosystem.

PMID- 27118205
TI  - An immunocompetent 49-year-old man with a disseminated infection.

PMID- 27118204
TI  - Effects of vagus nerve stimulation on cognitive functioning in rats with cerebral
      ischemia reperfusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has become the most common non
      pharmacological treatment for intractable drug-resistant epilepsy. However, the
      contribution of VNS to neurological rehabilitation following stroke has not been
      thoroughly examined. Therefore, we investigated the specific role of acute VNS in
      the recovery of cognitive functioning and the possible mechanisms involved using
      a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury model in rats. METHODS: The I/R
      related injury was modeled using occlusion and reperfusion of the middle cerebral
      artery (MCAO/R) in Sprague-Dawley rats. VNS was concurrently applied to the vagus
      nerve using a stimulation intensity of 1 mA at a fixed frequency of 20 Hz with a
      0.4-ms bipolar pulse width. The stimulation duration and inter-train interval
      were both 3 s. Next, Morris water maze and shuttle-box behavioral experiments
      were conducted to assess the effects of VNS on the recovery of learning, memory,
      and inhibitory avoidance following I/R injury. Intracerebroventricular injection
      of N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride (DSP-4), a
      selective neurotoxin for noradrenergic neurons, was used to evaluate the role of
      norepinephrine (NE) as a mediator of therapeutic effects of VNS on cognitive
      recovery. RESULTS: Compared with the MCAO/R group, the VNS+MCAO/R group had
      improved spatial memory as indicated by swimming path lengths and escape
      latencies in the Morris water maze, and fear memory, as indicated by the
      avoidance conditioned response rate, mean shock duration, and avoidance time in
      shuttle-box behavior experiments. Compared with the VNS+MCAO/R group, the DSP
      4+VNS+MCAO/R group, which had reduced NE levels in cortical and hippocampal brain
      regions, showed a reversal of the VNS-induced benefits on spatial and fear memory
      performance. CONCLUSIONS: VNS improves spatial and fear memory in a rat model of
      MCAO/R injury. However, a reduction in NE from the administration of DSP-4 blocks
      these protective effects, suggesting that NE may contribute to the influence
      exhibited by VNS on memory performance in rats with cerebral I/R-related injury.

PMID- 27118206
TI  - Comparison of low-normal and high-normal IGF-1 target levels during growth
      hormone replacement therapy: A randomized clinical trial in adult growth hormone
      deficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current guidelines state that the goals of growth hormone (GH)
      therapy in adults should be an appropriate clinical response, avoidance of side
      effects, and an IGF-1 value within the age-adjusted reference range. There are no
      published studies on the target level for IGF-1 that offer specific guidance in
      this regard. OBJECTIVES: To compare low-normal and high-normal target levels of
      IGF-1 on efficacy and safety of GH treatment. METHODS: A randomized, open-label,
      clinical trial including thirty-two adults from one university hospital receiving
      GH therapy for at least one year with a stable IGF-1 concentration between -1 and
      1 SD score (SDS). Subjects were randomized to receive either a decrease (IGF-1
      target level of -2 to -1 SDS) or an increase of their daily GH dose (IGF-1 target
      level of 1 to 2 SDS) for a period of 24weeks. The effect on cardiovascular risk
      factors and physical performance, next to tolerability, was compared. RESULTS:
      Thirty subjects (65.6% men, mean age 46.6 (SD 9.9) years) could be analyzed. In
      subjects with a high-normal IGF-1 target level, waist circumference decreased
      (p=0.05), and overall they felt better (p=0.04), compared to subjects with a low
      normal IGF-1 target level. However, increasing IGF-1 levels led to more myalgia,
      and decreasing IGF-1 levels to more fatigue. There was a gender-dependent
      difference in effect on HDL cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Although increasing GH dose
      to IGF-1 levels between 1 and 2 SDS improved waist circumference and well-being,
      safety was not guaranteed with the demonstrated effect on HDL cholesterol in men,
      and reported myalgia.

PMID- 27118207
TI  - Gene delivery to neuroblastoma cells by poly (l-lysine)-grafted low molecular
      weight polyethylenimine copolymers.
AB  - Polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly (l-lysine) (PLL) are among the most investigated
      non-viral gene carriers. However, both polymers contain deficiencies that
      restrict their applications. In the present study, we synthesized PLL-alkyl-PEI
      conjugates via 6-carbon alkyl linker and investigated their possible advantages
      in gene delivery. Four PLL copolymers were synthesized with different molecular
      weights and ratios of PEI. The physiochemical properties of synthesized
      conjugates such as size, zeta potential, DNA condensation ability, buffering
      capacity and cytotoxicity were investigated. Renilla luciferase assay was
      employed to evaluate the gene transfection efficiency of pDNA-polymer to Neuro2A
      cell line. DNA condensation and particle size measurements showed that new PLL
      PEI conjugates could form polyplexes in nano-scale size in the range of 99-122 nm
      and were able to condense DNA at low concentration. While cytotoxicity reduced in
      some groups, the transfection efficiency increased about 2.8 and 4 fold as
      compared to the unmodified PEI 1.8 kDa and 10 kDa, respectively. The results of
      the present study showed that the chemical modifications of PEI with PLL could
      significantly improve transfection efficiency and PLP10-10% shows the most
      promise as a new gene carrier. 

PMID- 27118208
TI  - Intrathoracic splenosis - lesson learned: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intrathoracic splenosis presents an extremely rare thoracic lesion
      occurring after a simultaneous rupture of the spleen and diaphragm as a
      consequence of heterotopic autotransplantation and implantation of splenic
      tissue. Intrathoracic splenosis is usually an asymptomatic, incidental finding,
      which should be ideally managed without surgical intervention. CASE PRESENTATION:
      We present a case of 68-year old woman with intrathoracic splenosis. Patient
      presented with a 2-month history of a dry cough unresponsive to administered
      antibiotics and antimycotics. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed two
      homogeneous pleural nodules (diameters of 2 and 4 cm) in the left upper lung
      field. Two consequent CT-assisted transthoracic core-cut biopsies were performed.
      Histopathology examination of both biopsy specimens was inconclusive
      (haemorrhagic and non-specific tissue). After that, patient was referred to the
      department of thoracic surgery with a suspicion of malignant mesothelioma or
      metastatic lesions. Thoracoscopic revision of the left pleural cavity was
      performed and the presence of pleural nodules was confirmed. Bloody looking
      nodules were resected (standard thoracoscopic resection). Postoperative recovery
      was uneventful. The histopathology examination of the specimen showed normal
      splenic tissue. Only with the histopathology report in hand, a detailed medical
      history was taken. It revealed a gunshot injury requiring splenectomy (without
      known diaphragm or lung injury) 44 years ago (one of the longest time periods in
      the literature). CONCLUSIONS: We would like to point out that following the
      recommendations regarding splenosis may be very difficult in daily routine
      practice. The simple question regarding abdominal trauma in a patient's history
      can lead the clinician to the diagnosis of splenosis, which can be unequivocally
      established via scintigraphy. The importance of thorough medical history taking,
      therefore, cannot be underestimated.

PMID- 27118209
TI  - TCR-CD3zeta gene polymorphisms and expression profile in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent evidence has demonstrated that CD3zeta (also called CD247)
      play a vital role in multiple autoimmune diseases. In this study, we explored the
      association between CD247 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a Chinese Han population. We also evaluated the
      CD3zeta expression profile in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from
      patients with RA and health controls. METHODS: Three CD247 polymorphisms
      (rs704853, rs1214611 and rs858554) were studied in 612 patients with RA and 848
      controls in a Chinese population. Genotyping was performed using the Fluidigm
      192.24 Dynamic ArrayTM Integrated Fluidic Circuit (IFC). For gene expression
      study, CD3zeta mRNA levels of 36 patients with RA and 39 healthy individuals were
      assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data were analyzed by
      SPSS 11.5 software. RESULTS: A significant association between rs858554
      polymorphism and RA was found under all genetic models (all p < 0.05). Moreover,
      we found the genotype distribution and allele frequency of rs858554 were
      significant associated with ACCP+ and RF+ phenotype as compare to health controls
      (all p < 0.05). Unfortunately, we did not detect any significant associations
      between rs704853, rs1214611 and RA susceptibility and autoantibody profiles (all
      p > 0.05). The gene expression assays showed that CD3zeta mRNA levels were
      downregulated in PBMCs of patients with RA when compared to healthy controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results, the first reported for distinct Chinese populations,
      support a role of the CD247 gene in the susceptibility to RA. Further studies
      with more sample size are necessary to clarify the exact role of CD247 gene in
      the pathogenesis of RA.

PMID- 27118210
TI  - Optical painting and fluorescence activated sorting of single adherent cells
      labelled with photoswitchable Pdots.
AB  - The efficient selection and isolation of individual cells of interest from a
      mixed population is desired in many biomedical and clinical applications. Here we
      show the concept of using photoswitchable semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) as
      an optical 'painting' tool, which enables the selection of certain adherent cells
      based on their fluorescence, and their spatial and morphological features, under
      a microscope. We first develop a Pdot that can switch between the bright (ON) and
      dark (OFF) states reversibly with a 150-fold contrast ratio on irradiation with
      ultraviolet or red light. With a focused 633-nm laser beam that acts as a
      'paintbrush' and the photoswitchable Pdots as the 'paint', we select and 'paint'
      individual Pdot-labelled adherent cells by turning on their fluorescence, then
      proceed to sort and recover the optically marked cells (with 90% recovery and
      near 100% purity), followed by genetic analysis.

PMID- 27118211
TI  - Seasonal influenza vaccine (A/New York/39/2012) effectiveness against influenza A
      virus of health care workers in a long term care facility attached with the
      hospital, Japan, 2014/15: A cohort study.
AB  - The 2014/15 influenza season started earlier than usual, and intense activity was
      reflection of circulation of antigenically-drifted and vaccine-mismatched
      dominant A(H3N2) viruses. Although inpatients and health-care workers (HCWs) had
      a high influenza vaccination coverage rate well prior to the beginning of
      influenza season, numerous outbreaks of influenza A(H3N2) infection with fatal
      cases were reported in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Japan during 2014/15
      influenza season. In January 2015, we were given opportunity to conduct outbreak
      investigation of influenza A at facility A (LTCF attached with hospital) in
      Western part of Japan. We evaluated overall and occupation-stratified influenza
      vaccine effectiveness (VE) among HCWs at facility A using a retrospective cohort
      design. Overall VE, occupation-stratified VE and adjusted VE (AVE) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the following formula: (1
      relative risks (RR) or 1-adjusted RR) * 100%. Overall vaccine coverage rate among
      HCWs was 85%. Overall VE for HCWs was 28% (95% CI: -70 to 67) and overall AVE was
      3% (95% CI: -34 to 30). Although there was no severe cases, our results indicated
      that even with high vaccination coverage rate with appropriate vaccination
      timing, the VE was low for HCWs, which echoes with previously reported VE from
      other northern hemisphere countries. However, rehabilitation group who had high
      awareness against influenza as a group and carried out intensive precautions from
      early influenza season had no cases. We conclude that multiple preventive
      measures in addition to high vaccination rate is necessary for preventing
      influenza of HCWs working at LCTFs.

PMID- 27118212
TI  - Pharmacokinetic properties of intramuscular versus oral syrup paracetamol in
      Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fever is an inherent symptom of malaria in both adults and children.
      Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the recommended antipyretic as it is inexpensive,
      widely available and has a good safety profile, but patients may not be able to
      take the oral drug reliably. A comparison between the pharmacokinetics of oral
      syrup and intramuscular paracetamol given to patients with acute falciparum
      malaria and high body temperature was performed. METHODS: A randomized, open
      label, two-treatment, crossover, pharmacokinetic study of paracetamol dosed
      orally and intramuscularly was conducted. Twenty-one adult patients with
      uncomplicated falciparum malaria were randomized to receive a single 600 mg dose
      of paracetamol either as syrup or intramuscular injection on day 0 followed by a
      single dose administered by the alternative route on day 1. Paracetamol plasma
      concentrations were quantified frequently and modelled simultaneously using
      nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. The final population pharmacokinetic model was
      used for dose optimization simulations. Relationships between paracetamol
      concentrations with temperature and parasite half-life were investigated using
      linear and non-linear regression analyses. RESULTS: The population
      pharmacokinetic properties of paracetamol were best described by a two
      compartment disposition model, with zero-order and first-order absorption for
      intramuscular and oral syrup administration, respectively. The relative
      bioavailability of oral syrup was 84.4 % (95 % CI 68.2-95.1 %) compared to
      intramuscular administration. Dosing simulations showed that 1000 mg of
      intramuscular or oral syrup administered six-hourly reached therapeutic steady
      state concentrations for antipyresis, but more favourable concentration-time
      profiles were achieved with a loading dose of 1500 mg, followed by a 1000 mg
      maintenance dose. This ensured that maximum therapeutic concentrations were
      reached rapidly during the first 6 h. No significant relationships between
      paracetamol concentrations and temperature or parasite half-life were found.
      CONCLUSIONS: Paracetamol plasma concentrations after oral syrup and intramuscular
      administration in patients with acute falciparum malaria were described
      successfully by a two-compartment disposition model. Relative oral
      bioavailability compared to intramuscular dosing was estimated as 84.4 % (95 % CI
      68.2-95.1 %). Dosing simulations showed that a loading dose followed by six
      hourly dosing intervals reduced the time delay to reach therapeutic drug levels
      after both routes of administration. The safety and efficacy of loading dose
      paracetamol antipyretic regimens now needs to be established in larger studies.

PMID- 27118213
TI  - Appendectomy in the pediatric population-a German nationwide cohort analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meta-analyses indicate advantages of laparoscopic compared to open
      appendectomy. Nationwide analyses on results of laparoscopic appendectomy are
      scarce and studies from Germany are not available. This observational cohort
      study based on a nationwide insurance database was performed to analyze results
      of pediatric laparoscopic versus open appendectomy in general use. METHODS: Data
      were extracted from the largest German statutory health insurance TK (~9 million
      clients) in a 3-year period (2010-2012). All patients aged 4-17 years with
      International Classification of Procedures in Medicine (ICPM) code "appendectomy"
      were included. Logistic regression analysis for the risk of a surgical
      complication within 180 postoperative days was performed. RESULTS: Appendectomy
      was performed in 8110 patients (52.6 % male; 47.4 % female) and conducted
      laparoscopically in 75.0 % of the patients (conversion rate = 1.2 %).
      Laparoscopic compared to open surgery was associated with a shorter length of
      hospital stay in both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. Patients with
      complicated appendicitis had lower readmission rates for surgical complications
      after laparoscopic appendectomy and logistic regression analysis confirmed a
      significantly lower risk of readmission for surgical complications after
      laparoscopic compared to open operation in adolescents. Pediatric surgeons
      operated 23.9 % and general surgeons 76.1 % of patients. Laparoscopy was less
      frequently used and the conversion rate was significantly higher in pediatric
      surgical departments. CONCLUSION: This first nationwide German cohort study
      confirms that laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with a less complicated
      postoperative course compared to open appendectomy, particularly in patients with
      complicated appendicitis. Pediatric surgeons used laparoscopy less frequently
      compared to general surgeons. Laparoscopic appendectomy should therefore be
      further promoted in pediatric surgical centers in Germany.

PMID- 27118214
TI  - Supporting community annotation and user collaboration in the integrated
      microbial genomes (IMG) system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The exponential growth of genomic data from next generation
      technologies renders traditional manual expert curation effort unsustainable.
      Many genomic systems have included community annotation tools to address the
      problem. Most of these systems adopted a "Wiki-based" approach to take advantage
      of existing wiki technologies, but encountered obstacles in issues such as
      usability, authorship recognition, information reliability and incentive for
      community participation. RESULTS: Here, we present a different approach, relying
      on tightly integrated method rather than "Wiki-based" method, to support
      community annotation and user collaboration in the Integrated Microbial Genomes
      (IMG) system. The IMG approach allows users to use existing IMG data warehouse
      and analysis tools to add gene, pathway and biosynthetic cluster annotations, to
      analyze/reorganize contigs, genes and functions using workspace datasets, and to
      share private user annotations and workspace datasets with collaborators. We show
      that the annotation effort using IMG can be part of the research process to
      overcome the user incentive and authorship recognition problems thus fostering
      collaboration among domain experts. The usability and reliability issues are
      addressed by the integration of curated information and analysis tools in IMG,
      together with DOE Joint Genome Institute (JGI) expert review. CONCLUSION: By
      incorporating annotation operations into IMG, we provide an integrated
      environment for users to perform deeper and extended data analysis and annotation
      in a single system that can lead to publications and community knowledge sharing
      as shown in the case studies.

PMID- 27118215
TI  - Overview of the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory.
AB  - Emerging infectious diseases arising from livestock and wildlife pose serious
      threats to global human health, as shown by a series of continuous outbreaks
      involving highly pathogenic influenza, SARS, Ebola and MERS. The risk of
      pandemics and bioterrorism threats is ever present and growing, but our ability
      to combat them is limited by the lack of available vaccines, therapeutics and
      rapid diagnostics. The use of high bio-containment facilities, such as the CSIRO
      Australian Animal Health Laboratory, plays a key role studying these dangerous
      pathogens and facilitates the development of countermeasures. To combat diseases
      like MERS, we must take a holistic approach that involves the development of
      early biomarkers of infection, a suite of treatment options (vaccines, anti-viral
      drugs and antibody therapeutics) and appropriate animal models to test the safety
      and efficacy of candidate treatments. 

PMID- 27118216
TI  - Molecular dissection of Oryza sativa salt-induced RING Finger Protein 1
      (OsSIRP1): possible involvement in the sensitivity response to salinity stress.
AB  - Ubiquitination-mediated protein degradation via Really Interesting New Gene
      (RING) E3 ligase plays an important role in plant responses to abiotic stress
      conditions. Many plant studies have found that RING proteins regulate the
      perception of various abiotic stresses and signal transduction. In this study,
      Oryza sativa salt-induced RING Finger Protein 1 (OsSIRP1) gene was selected
      randomly from 44 Oryza sativa RING Finger Proteins (OsRFPs) genes highly
      expressed in rice roots exposed to salinity stress. Transcript levels of OsSIRP1
      in rice leaves after various stress treatments, including salt, heat, drought and
      hormone abscisic acid (ABA), were observed. Poly-ubiquitinated products of
      OsSIRP1 were investigated via an in vitro ubiquitination assay.35S:OsSIRP1-EYFP
      was distributed in the cytosol of untreated and salt-treated rice protoplasts.
      Heterogeneous overexpression of OsSIRP1 in Arabidopsis reduced tolerance for
      salinity stress during seed germination and root growth. Our findings indicate
      that OsSIRP1 acts as a negative regulator of salinity stress tolerance mediated
      by the ubiquitin 26S proteasome system. 

PMID- 27118217
TI  - Autofluorescent micelles self-assembled from an AIE-active luminogen containing
      an intrinsic unconventional fluorophore.
AB  - Autofluorescent micelles were constructed via the self-assembly of amphiphilic
      molecules containing an intrinsic fluorophore. The amphiphilic molecule was an
      AIE-active luminogen without a conventional pi-pi conjugated structure. In this
      unconventional luminogenic system, the hydrogen-bonded amide groups were assigned
      as the emitting sources.

PMID- 27118218
TI  - Functional changes in gut microbiota during hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation for severe combined immunodeficiency.

PMID- 27118219
TI  - Cadherin-11 (CDH11) expression in the peripheral blood of patients with active
      Multiple Myeloma.

PMID- 27118220
TI  - Migraine and incidence of ischemic stroke: A nationwide population-based study.
AB  - Background The association between migraine and the incidence of ischemic stroke
      varies in different subgroups of patients. We aimed to clarify this association
      using a population-based database. Method A nationwide cohort study was conducted
      using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Two
      cohorts were extracted: a neurologist-diagnosed migraine cohort, and a non
      headache, propensity score-matched comparison cohort. All participants were
      enrolled in this study between 2005 and 2009, and were followed through the end
      of 2010, death, or the occurrence of ischemic stroke. Adjusted hazard ratios
      (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a Cox proportional
      hazards model to compare the between-group risks. Results Both cohorts ( n =
      119,017 each) were followed for a mean period of 3.6 +/- 1.3 years. A total of
      744 migraine patients (429,741 person-years) and 617 matched comparison
      individuals (436,141 person-years) developed ischemic stroke during the research
      period. Compared to the comparison cohort, patients with migraine were at an
      increased risk of ischemic stroke (aHR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.12-1.38, p < 0.001).
      Subgroup analysis by age and sex revealed the highest risk in women aged <= 45
      years (aHR: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.20-5.39, p < 0.001), especially among those with
      migraine with aura (aHR: 4.58, 95% CI: 2.45 - 8.56, p < 0.001). A trend for
      increased stroke risk was observed in men aged <= 45 years (aHR: 1.54, 95% CI:
      0.96-2.48, p = 0.075). Conclusion Migraine is associated with an increased risk
      of ischemic stroke, especially in younger (age <= 45 years) women with migraine
      with aura. The trend toward ischemic stroke in younger men merits further
      exploration.

PMID- 27118221
TI  - Anterior horn syndrome: A rare manifestation of primary Sjogren's syndrome.
AB  - The authors report an exceptional case of an anterior horn syndrome associated
      with Sjogren's syndrome in a 58-year-old patient with a flaccid tetraparesis
      revealed by asymmetric atrophy and diffuse fasciculations associated with
      xerostomia and xerophthalmia. The electroneuromyography objectified a diffuse
      anterior horn syndrome. The brain MRI and spinal cord were normal. Laboratory
      tests revealed positive anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibody. The salivary glands
      biopsy objectified lymphocytic sialadenitis grade 3 of Chisholm. The Schirmer's
      test was abnormally low. Diagnosis of anterior horn syndrome as part of Sjogren's
      syndrome was retained. The methylprednisolone bolus allowed partial clinical
      improvement after 12 months of evolution. Therefore, in patients with isolated
      anterior horn involvement, a correct diagnosis of the underlying SS is often
      delayed or overlooked entirely; in these instances, standard clinicoserological
      assessment is recommendable. 

PMID- 27118222
TI  - Missed Appointments at a Diabetes Centre: Not a Small Problem.

PMID- 27118223
TI  - Smartphone Imaging in Ophthalmology: A Comparison with Traditional Methods on the
      Reproducibility and Usability for Anterior Segment Imaging.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the reproducibility and usability of
      anterior segment images taken from a smartphone stabilised on a slit-lamp with
      those taken from a custom-mounted slit-lamp camera. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      was a prospective, single- blind comparative digital imaging validation study.
      Digital photographs of patients with cataract were taken using a smartphone
      camera (an iPhone 5) on a telescopic mount and a Canon EOS 10D anterior segment
      camera. Images were graded and compared according to the Lens Opacification
      Classification System III (LOCS III). RESULTS: A total of 440 anterior segment
      images were graded independently by 2 ophthalmologists, 2 residents and 2 medical
      students. Intraclass correlation (ICC) between the iPhone and anterior segment
      camera images were fair for nuclear opalescence (NO) and nuclear colour (NC), and
      excellent for cortical (C) and posterior subcapsular (PSC) (NO: ICC 0.40, 95% CI,
      0.16 to 0.57; NC: ICC 0.47, 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.66; C: ICC 0.76, 95% CI, 0.71 to
      0.81; PSC: ICC 0.81, 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.85). There was no difference in grader
      impression of confidence and images usability between both cameras (P = 0.66 and
      P = 0.58, respectively). CONCLUSION: Anterior segment images taken from an iPhone
      have good reproducibility for retro-illuminated images, but fair reproducibility
      for NO and NC under low light settings. There were no differences in grader
      confidence and subjective image suitability.

PMID- 27118224
TI  - Comparison of Medication Adherence and Treatment Persistence between New Oral
      Anticoagulant and Warfarin among Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare medication adherence and treatment
      persistence of patients on warfarin versus rivaroxaban in Singapore. A secondary
      objective was to identify significant covariates influencing adherence. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted where data from September
      2009 to October 2014 was retrieved from the hospital electronic databases.
      Prescription records of rivaroxaban patients with 3 months or more of continuous
      prescription were extracted and compared against those of patients on warfarin.
      Primary outcome of adherence was determined based on the medication possession
      ratio (MPR), while treatment persistence was determined by outpatient clinic
      appointment gaps. RESULTS: A total of 94 rivaroxaban and 137 warfarin users were
      analysed by complete case analysis. The MPR of warfarin patients was lower than
      rivaroxaban patients by 10% (95% CI, 6.4% to 13.6%; P <0.0001). Also, there were
      more warfarin patients who had gaps in treatment persistence compared to those
      prescribed rivaroxaban (8.0% vs 1.1%; P = 0.03). Significant factors affecting
      medication adherence were age and duration of anticoagulant use. For every 10
      year increase in age, MPR increased by 1.7% (95% CI, 0.7% to 2.8%). Similarly,
      for every year increase in duration of use, MPR increased by 1.8% (95% CI, 0.6%
      to 3.0%). Race, gender, concomitant medication and type of residence were not
      found to be significant covariates in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION:
      Patients on rivaroxaban are likely to be more adherent to their prescribed oral
      anticoagulant with increasing age and duration of treatment influencing
      adherence.

PMID- 27118225
TI  - Prevalence, Presentation, and Outcome of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection
      Fraction among Patients Presenting with Undifferentiated Dyspnoea to the
      Emergency Room: A 10-year Analysis from a Tertiary Centre.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We assessed the local prevalence, characteristics and 10-year
      outcomes in a heart failure (HF) cohort from the emergency room (ER). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Patients presenting with acute dyspnoea to ER were prospectively
      enrolled from December 2003 to December 2004. HF was diagnosed by physicians'
      adjudication based on clinical assessment and echocardiogram within 12 hours,
      blinded to N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) results. They
      were stratified into heart failure with preserved (HFPEF) and reduced ejection
      fraction (HFREF) by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). RESULTS: At
      different cutoffs of LVEF of >=50%, >=45%, >=40%, and >50% plus excluding LVEF
      40% to 50%, HFPEF prevalence ranged from 38% to 51%. Using LVEF >=50% as the
      final cutoff point, at baseline, HFPEF (n = 35), compared to HFREF (n = 55), had
      lower admission NT- proBNP (1502 vs 5953 pg/mL, P <0.001), heart rate (86 +/- 22
      vs 98 +/- 22 bpm, P = 0.014), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (75 +/- 14 vs 84
      +/- 20 mmHg, P = 0.024). On echocardiogram, compared to HFREF, HFPEF had more LV
      concentric remodelling (20% vs 2%, P = 0.003), less eccentric hypertrophy (11% vs
      53%, P <0.001) and less mitral regurgitation from functional mitral regurgitation
      (60% vs 95%, P = 0.027). At 10 years, compared to HFREF, HFPEF had similar
      primary endpoints of a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial
      infarction, non-fatal stroke, and rehospitalisation for congestive heart failure
      (CHF) (HR 0.886; 95% CI, 0.561 to 1.399; P = 0.605), all-cause mortality (HR
      0.663; 95% CI, 0.400 to 1.100; P = 0.112), but lower cardiovascular mortality (HR
      0.307; 95% CI, 0.111 to 0.850; P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: In the long term, HFPEF
      had higher non-cardiovascular mortality, but lower cardiovascular mortality
      compared to HFREF.

PMID- 27118226
TI  - Time for Action on Viral Hepatitis.
AB  - The recent outbreak of hepatitis C virus (HCV) at Singapore General Hospital
      (SGH) has highlighted the dangers of viral hepatitis. In this case, infection
      control and environmental contamination were the culprits, particularly, a drop
      of blood containing 5 million IU HCV. From a broader perspective, there has been
      a revolution in HCV therapy with the recent rapid evolution of short-term (12
      weeks) safe, all oral directly- acting antiviral (DAA) therapy leading to cure
      rates of 90% to 100%, even in previously difficult to treat patients with liver
      cirrhosis, previous treatment failure and those on immunosuppression.
      Consequently, treating HCV in risk groups such as renal dialysis and
      haemophiliacs can eliminate a pool of infected patients to prevent future
      outbreaks. A seroprevalence study is needed to identify a possible "birth cohort"
      effect that could aid screening. For HBV, vaccination has reduced prevalence to
      3.8%, but these patients are prone to complications such as HBV flares. Since
      2014, 13 patients developed liver failure and were listed for liver
      transplantation at National University Hospital (NUH) but 6 died beforehand. This
      avoidable catastrophe is due to undiagnosed HBV infection or patients who did not
      return for follow-up. Good antiviral therapy is available, but the issues are
      similar to HCV, identification of patients and linkage to care. A cure seems
      likely in the future as pharmaceutical companies are developing new agents.
      Singapore has joined in this initiative with a recent award of a national
      research translational grant to better understand the pathophysiology and the
      processes needed for a cure of HBV. 

PMID- 27118227
TI  - Transvaginal Drainage of Pelvic Collections: a 5-year Retrospective Review in a
      Tertiary Gynaecology Centre.

PMID- 27118228
TI  - Demographics of Multiligamentous Knee Injuries at a Level 1 Trauma Centre.

PMID- 27118229
TI  - Professor Feng Pao Hsii (1936 - 2015).

PMID- 27118230
TI  - Improvement of Left Ventricular Remodelling by Inhibition of NF-kappaB in a Rat
      Model of Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of inhibition of NF-kappaB activation on
      left ventricular (LV) remodelling in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI).
      METHODS: The acute MI model was established by ligation of left anterior
      descending coronary artery. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) (20mg/kg, Qd) was
      administered intraperitoneally to inhibit NF-kappaB activation. Eight weeks
      later, the cardiac structure and LV ejection fraction were assessed with
      echocardiography. The rat body, heart, and LV weights were measured to calculate
      LV mass indices. Activation of NF-kappaB in non-infarcted myocardium was detected
      by a TransAM NF-kappaB p65 Transcription Factor Assay Kit. Cardiac collagen
      volume fraction was evaluated by Masson staining. RESULTS: Eight weeks after the
      MI model was established, the LV posterior wall thickness in PDTC and MI group
      was 1.75+/-0.07mm and 1.85+/-0.07mm respectively (p<0.05). The LV mass index in
      the PDTC group (2.53+/-0.09) was lower than in the MI group (2.65+/-0.08,
      p<0.05). The LVEF in the PDTC group (63.89%+/-4.21%) was higher than in the MI
      group (42.73%+/-8.94%, p<0.05). The interstitial collagen deposition in the non
      infarcted myocardium in the PDTC group was less than in the MI group (7.25%+/
      1.88% vs. 10.09%+/-2.19%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Inhibition of activation of NF
      kappaB may result in improvement of myocardial remodelling after myocardial
      infarction, which is possibly attributable to reduced collagen deposition in non
      infarcted areas.

PMID- 27118231
TI  - Monocyte to HDL Cholesterol Ratio Predicts Coronary Artery Disease Severity and
      Future Major Cardiovascular Adverse Events in Acute Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the usefulness of monocyte to HDL cholesterol
      ratio (MHR) in predicting coronary artery disease severity and future major
      adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS). METHODS: 2661 patient with ACS were enrolled and followed up during median
      31.6 months. RESULTS: MHR were significantly positively correlated with
      neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (r=0.438), CRP (r=0.394), Gensini (r=0.407), and
      SYNTAX score (r=0.333). During in-hospital and long-term follow-up, MACE, stent
      thrombosis, non-fatal MI, and mortality occurred more frequently in the third
      tertile group. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed the higher occurrence of MACE in
      the third tertile group compared with other tertiles. Adjusting for other
      factors, a MHR value in the third tertile group was determined as an independent
      predictor of in-hospital and long-term MACE. CONCLUSIONS: MHR as a novel
      inflammation-based marker seemed to be an independent predictor of severity of
      coronary artery disease and future cardiovascular events in patients with ACS.
      MHR may utilise the identification of patients who are at higher risk for MACE
      and individualisation of targeted therapy.

PMID- 27118232
TI  - Systolic Right Ventricular Function in Children with Cystic Fibrosis.

PMID- 27118233
TI  - Parallel Running Two-way Right Ventricles as a Cause of Refractory Right Heart
      Failure.

PMID- 27118235
TI  - Corrigendum on: Diaz-Gallardo P, Francisco S and Allende C. Traumatic midcarpal
      dislocation in an 8-year-old girl. J Hand Surg Eur. Epub ahead of print 19th
      February 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1753193416632155.

PMID- 27118234
TI  - Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulators: a Novel Treatment Option for Heart Failure
      Associated with Cardiorenal Syndromes?
AB  - Heart failure in the setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasingly
      common scenario and carries a poor prognosis. Clinicians lack tools for primary
      or secondary heart failure prevention in patients with cardiorenal syndromes. In
      patients without CKD, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) or
      angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and statins mitigate cardiovascular risk in
      large part due to salutary effects on the endothelium. In the setting of CKD, use
      of these therapies is limited by adverse effects of hyperkalemia in pre-dialysis
      CKD (ACE-I/ARB), or potential increased risk of stroke in end-stage renal disease
      (statins). The soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators are a novel class of
      medications that promote endothelial and myocardial function with no known risk
      of hyperkalemia or stroke. In this review, we discuss the evidence emerging from
      recent clinical trials of sGC stimulators in pulmonary hypertension and heart
      failure, the diseased pathways involved in cardiorenal syndromes likely to be
      restored by sGC stimulators, and several strategies for designing future clinical
      trials of cardiorenal syndromes that might shorten the timeline for discovery and
      approval of effective cardiovascular therapies in these high-risk patients.

PMID- 27118236
TI  - Stick-slip at soft adhesive interfaces mediated by slow frictional waves.
AB  - Stick-slip is a friction instability that governs diverse phenomena from
      squealing automobile brakes to earthquakes. At soft adhesive interfaces, this
      instability has long been attributed to Schallamach waves, which are a type of
      slow frictional wave. We use a contact configuration capable of isolating single
      wave events, coupled with high speed in situ imaging, to demonstrate the
      existence of two new stick-slip modes. It is shown that these modes also
      correspond to the passage of slow waves-separation pulse and slip pulse-with
      distinct nucleation and propagation characteristics. The slip pulse,
      characterized by a sharp stress front, propagates in the same direction as the
      Schallamach wave. In contrast, the separation pulse, involving local interface
      detachment and resembling a tensile neck, travels in exactly the opposite
      direction. A change in the stick-slip mode from the separation to the slip pulse
      is effected simply by increasing the normal force. Taken together, the three
      waves constitute all possible stick-slip modes in low-velocity sliding. The
      detailed observations enable us to present a phase diagram delineating the
      domains of occurrence of these waves. We suggest a direct analogy between the
      observed slow frictional waves and well known muscular locomotory waves in soft
      bodied organisms. Our work answers basic questions about adhesive mechanisms of
      frictional instabilities in natural and engineered systems, with broader
      implications for slow surface wave phenomena. 

PMID- 27118237
TI  - A neutron spectrometer concept implementing RENS for studies in life sciences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resolution Elastic Neutron Scattering (RENS) method involves
      performing elastic scattering intensity scans as a function of the instrumental
      energy resolution and as a function of temperature. METHODS: In the framework of
      RENS, numerical simulation and experimental data show that in the measured
      elastic scattering law against the logarithm of the instrumental energy
      resolution an inflection point occurs when the resolution time intersects the
      system relaxation time; conversely, in the measured elastic scattering law
      against temperature an inflection point turns up when the system relaxation time
      intersects the resolution time. RESULTS: For practical implementation of the RENS
      technique, a dedicated neutron spectrometer would be needed. Here we propose a
      concept of such a spectrometer that utilizes mechanical velocity selection of
      both incident and scattered neutrons over a wide angular range. The instrument is
      able to collect intensity scans vs energy resolution where the instrumental
      resolution time changes crisscrossing the system relaxation time, and intensity
      scans vs temperature where the system relaxation time changes intersecting the
      instrumental resolution time. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a RENS spectrometer concept
      based on velocity selection of incident neutrons and wide-angle velocity
      selection of scattered neutrons achieved by the same rotating collimator-type
      mechanical device with the optimized shape of blades. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: RENS
      spectrometer is strongly appealing and innovative because of the simultaneous
      data collection as a function of energy resolution, wide wavevector range and
      temperature. Such a spectrometer would be the first practical implementation of
      RENS concept with a broad range of applications in Life Sciences. This article is
      part of a Special Issue entitled "Science for Life" Guest Editor: Dr. Austen
      Angell, Dr. Salvatore Magazu and Dr. Federica Migliardo.

PMID- 27118238
TI  - Hepatitis C genotype 4R resistance-associated polymorphisms: The achilles heel of
      the nonstructural 5A inhibitors?

PMID- 27118239
TI  - The effects of topical diclofenac, topical flurbiprofen, and humidity on corneal
      sensitivity in normal dogs.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the immediate and chronic effects of topical 0.1%
      diclofenac and 0.03% flurbiprofen on corneal sensitivity in normal canine eyes.
      ANIMALS STUDIED: Eighteen normal, nonbrachycephalic dogs. METHODS: A prospective,
      randomized, masked, crossover study was performed. To determine the immediate
      effects associated with treatment, the study drug was instilled into the eye
      every 5 min for five doses, and corneal sensitivity of treated and untreated eyes
      was obtained prior to treatment and every 15 min post-treatment for 60 min. To
      determine the chronic effects, the study drug was instilled every 12 h for 30
      days, and corneal sensitivity of treated and untreated eyes was obtained prior to
      treatment on days 0 and 30. A washout period of at least 30 days occurred between
      drug crossover. Ambient temperature and humidity were measured throughout the
      study. RESULTS: After multiple instillations, there was no difference in corneal
      sensitivity between eyes over time for diclofenac (P = 0.67) or flurbiprofen (P =
      0.54), with a median sensitivity of 25 mm (1.8 g/mm2 ). After chronic dosing,
      there was no difference in corneal sensitivity between eyes over time for
      diclofenac (P = 0.82) or flurbiprofen (P = 0.56), with a median sensitivity of 35
      mm (1.0 g/mm2 ). Decreasing ambient humidity was associated with an increase in
      sensitivity measurements (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Neither diclofenac nor
      flurbiprofen had an effect on corneal sensitivity after multiple-drops or twice
      daily dosing for 30 days. Ambient humidity may have an effect on corneal
      sensitivity measurements, with a longer filament length eliciting a blink
      response at lower humidity.

PMID- 27118241
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27118240
TI  - KRAS mutation analysis by next-generation sequencing in endoscopic ultrasound
      guided sampling for solid liver masses.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: KRAS mutation analysis may provide ancillary diagnostic yield
      in an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided histopathological evaluation. We
      evaluated the clinical impact of KRAS mutation analysis with cytological and
      histological evaluations in EUS-guided tissue sampling, using a core biopsy
      needle for solid liver masses. METHODS: EUS-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB)
      using a core biopsy needle was performed in patients with primary or metastatic
      liver masses that were suspected malignancies. KRAS mutations were analyzed in
      all specimens obtained. The peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-mediated polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) clamping method was compared with a next-generation sequencing
      (NGS) method for detecting KRAS mutations. RESULTS: EUS-FNB with a core biopsy
      needle was performed in 28 patients with solid liver masses located in the
      liver's left lobe. The diagnostic accuracies for malignancy of on-site cytology,
      cytology using Papanicolaou staining, and histology including immunohistochemical
      stains were 82.1%, 85.7%, and 89.3%, respectively. KRAS gene mutations were
      observed in 14.3% of patients by the PNA-PCR clamping method. The NGS method
      detected more KRAS mutations than the PNA-PCR clamping method: in 25% of
      patients. Adding the results of KRAS mutation analysis to the
      cytohistopathological evaluation, the overall diagnostic accuracy of EUS-guided
      tissue sampling was 96.4%. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided tissue sampling for solid
      liver masses in the left lobe provided high diagnostic accuracy from cytological
      and histological evaluations. KRAS mutation analysis provided additional
      diagnostic yield in patients with inconclusive cytohistopathological results from
      EUS-guided tissue sampling. The NGS method detected additional KRAS mutations in
      patients with negative PNA-mediated PCR clamping test results.

PMID- 27118242
TI  - Recognition of acyl carrier proteins by ketoreductases in assembly line
      polyketide synthases.
AB  - Ketoreductases (KRs) are the most widespread tailoring domains found in
      individual modules of assembly line polyketide synthases (PKSs), and are
      responsible for controlling the configurations of both the alpha-methyl and beta
      hydroxyl stereogenic centers in the growing polyketide chain. Because they
      recognize substrates that are covalently bound to acyl carrier proteins (ACPs)
      within the same PKS module, we sought to quantify the extent to which protein
      protein recognition contributes to the turnover of these oxidoreductive enzymes
      using stand-alone domains from the 6-deoxyerythronolide B synthase (DEBS).
      Reduced 2-methyl-3-hydroxyacyl-ACP substrates derived from two enantiomeric acyl
      chains and four distinct ACP domains were synthesized and presented to four
      distinct KR domains. Two KRs, from DEBS modules 2 and 5, displayed little
      preference for oxidation of substrates tethered to their cognate ACP domains over
      those attached to the other ACP domains tested. In contrast, the KR from DEBS
      module 1 showed an ~10-50-fold preference for substrate attached to its native
      ACP domain, whereas the KR from DEBS module 6 actually displayed an ~10-fold
      preference for the ACP from DEBS module 5. Our findings suggest that recognition
      of the ACP by a KR domain is unlikely to affect the rate of native assembly line
      polyketide biosynthesis. In some cases, however, unfavorable KR-ACP interactions
      may suppress the rate of substrate processing when KR domains are swapped to
      construct hybrid PKS modules.

PMID- 27118244
TI  - Development of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assay for Rapid
      Detection of Cannabis sativa.
AB  - In many parts of the world, the possession and cultivation of Cannabis sativa L.
      are restricted by law. As chemical or morphological analyses cannot identify the
      plant in some cases, a simple yet accurate DNA-based method for identifying C.
      sativa is desired. We have developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification
      (LAMP) assay for the rapid identification of C. sativa. By optimizing the
      conditions for the LAMP reaction that targets a highly conserved region of
      tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase gene, C. sativa was identified within
      50 min at 60-66 degrees C. The detection limit was the same as or higher than
      that of conventional PCR. The LAMP assay detected all 21 specimens of C. sativa,
      showing high specificity. Using a simple protocol, the identification of C.
      sativa could be accomplished within 90 min from sample treatment to detection
      without use of special equipment. A rapid, sensitive, highly specific, and
      convenient method for detecting and identifying C. sativa has been developed and
      is applicable to forensic investigations and industrial quality control. 

PMID- 27118243
TI  - Synthesis and antibacterial activity of novel 11-[3
      [(arylcarbamoyl)oxy]propylamino]-11-deoxy-6-O-methyl-3-oxoerythromycin A 11-N,12
      O-cyclic carbamate derivatives.
AB  - A series of novel 11-[3-[(arylcarbamoyl)oxy]propylamino]-11-deoxy-6-O-methyl-3
      oxoerythromycin A 11-N,12-O-cyclic carbamate derivatives (6a-h) were designed,
      synthesized and evaluated for their antibacterial activities in vitro. Most of
      these compounds had significant antibacterial activity against two groups of
      pathogens of Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MIC50=0.031-2 MUg ml-1)
      except 6g and Methicillin-sensitive S. epidermidis (MIC50=0.031-0.5 MUg ml-1).
      MIC90 of 6d against Methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis was at least 16-fold
      better than that of erythromycin (EMA), azithromycin (AZM) and ABT-773. 6d and 6e
      had more potent antibacterial activity against S. pneumoniae than EMA, AZM and
      ABT-773. In particular, compounds 6d and 6e also showed relatively potent
      activity against Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus hemolyticus.

PMID- 27118245
TI  - High levels of susceptibility to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) in HIV-infected
      individuals in Ireland.

PMID- 27118246
TI  - Experience and information loss in auditory and visual memory.
AB  - Recent studies show that recognition memory for sounds is inferior to memory for
      pictures. Four experiments were conducted to examine the nature of auditory and
      visual memory. Experiments 1-3 were conducted to evaluate the role of experience
      in auditory and visual memory. Participants received a study phase with
      pictures/sounds, followed by a recognition memory test. Participants then
      completed auditory training with each of the sounds, followed by a second memory
      test. Despite auditory training in Experiments 1 and 2, visual memory was
      superior to auditory memory. In Experiment 3, we found that it is possible to
      improve auditory memory, but only after 3 days of specific auditory training and
      3 days of visual memory decay. We examined the time course of information loss in
      auditory and visual memory in Experiment 4 and found a trade-off between visual
      and auditory recognition memory: Visual memory appears to have a larger capacity,
      while auditory memory is more enduring. Our results indicate that visual and
      auditory memory are inherently different memory systems and that differences in
      visual and auditory recognition memory performance may be due to the different
      amounts of experience with visual and auditory information, as well as
      structurally different neural circuitry specialized for information retention.

PMID- 27118247
TI  - A hybrid system with highly enhanced graphene SERS for rapid and tag-free tumor
      cells detection.
AB  - By dint of unique physical/chemical properties and bio-compatibility, graphene
      can work as a building block for a SERS substrate and open up a unique platform
      for tumor cells detection with high sensitivity. Herein we demonstrate a facile
      system with highly enhanced surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of graphene (G
      SERS). The system consists of a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sandwiched by silver
      and gold nanostructures. Due to the ultrasmall thickness of rGO, the inter
      coupling between Ag and Au nanoparticles is precisely controlled and the local
      field enhancement has been improved to more than 70 times. Associated with the
      unique chemical mechanism of rGO, the hybrid system has been utilized to identify
      tumor cells without using any biomarkers. We believe this research will be
      important for the applications of rGO in cancer screening.

PMID- 27118248
TI  - The Potential Impact on Children of New CDC Opioid Guidelines.

PMID- 27118249
TI  - Rapid Stencil Mask Fabrication Enabled One-Step Polymer-Free Graphene Patterning
      and Direct Transfer for Flexible Graphene Devices.
AB  - We report a one-step polymer-free approach to patterning graphene using a stencil
      mask and oxygen plasma reactive-ion etching, with a subsequent polymer-free
      direct transfer for flexible graphene devices. Our stencil mask is fabricated via
      a subtractive, laser cutting manufacturing technique, followed by lamination of
      stencil mask onto graphene grown on Cu foil for patterning. Subsequently, micro
      sized graphene features of various shapes are patterned via reactive-ion etching.
      The integrity of our graphene after patterning is confirmed by Raman
      spectroscopy. We further demonstrate the rapid prototyping capability of a
      stretchable, crumpled graphene strain sensor and patterned graphene condensation
      channels for potential applications in sensing and heat transfer, respectively.
      We further demonstrate that the polymer-free approach for both patterning and
      transfer to flexible substrates allows the realization of cleaner graphene
      features as confirmed by water contact angle measurements. We believe that our
      new method promotes rapid, facile fabrication of cleaner graphene devices, and
      can be extended to other two dimensional materials in the future.

PMID- 27118250
TI  - The establishment of DOHaD working groups in Australia and New Zealand.
AB  - The evidence underpinning the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD)
      is overwhelming. As the emphasis shifts more towards interventions and the
      translational strategies for disease prevention, it is important to capitalize on
      collaboration and knowledge sharing to maximize opportunities for discovery and
      replication. DOHaD meetings are facilitating this interaction. However,
      strategies to perpetuate focussed discussions and collaborations around and
      between conferences are more likely to facilitate the development of DOHaD
      research. For this reason, the DOHaD Society of Australia and New Zealand (DOHaD
      ANZ) has initiated themed Working Groups, which convened at the 2014-2015
      conferences. This report introduces the DOHaD ANZ Working Groups and summarizes
      their plans and activities. One of the first Working Groups to form was the
      ActEarly birth cohort group, which is moving towards more translational goals.
      Reflecting growing emphasis on the impact of early life biodiversity - even
      before birth - we also have a Working Group titled Infection, inflammation and
      the microbiome. We have several Working Groups exploring other major non
      cancerous disease outcomes over the lifespan, including Brain, behaviour and
      development and Obesity, cardiovascular and metabolic health. The Epigenetics and
      Animal Models Working Groups cut across all these areas and seeks to ensure
      interaction between researchers. Finally, we have a group focussed on
      'Translation, policy and communication' which focusses on how we can best take
      the evidence we produce into the community to effect change. By coordinating and
      perpetuating DOHaD discussions in this way we aim to enhance DOHaD research in
      our region.

PMID- 27118251
TI  - Cellular and Animal Studies: Insights into Pathophysiology and Therapy of PCOS.
AB  - Basic science studies have advanced our understanding of the role of key enzymes
      in the steroidogenesis pathway and those that affect the pathophysiology of PCOS.
      Studies with ovarian theca cells taken from women with PCOS have demonstrated
      increased androgen production due to increased CYP17A1 and HSD3B2 enzyme
      activities. Furthermore, overexpression of DENND1A variant 2 in normal theca
      cells resulted in a PCOS phenotype with increased androgen production. Notably,
      cellular steroidogenesis models have facilitated the understanding of the
      mechanistic effects of pharmacotherapies, including insulin sensitizers (e.g.,
      pioglitazone and metformin) used for the treatment of insulin resistance in PCOS,
      on androgen production. In addition, animal models of PCOS have provided a
      critical platform to study the effects of therapeutic agents in a manner closer
      to the physiological state. Indeed, recent breakthroughs have demonstrated that
      natural derivatives such as the dietary medium-chain fatty acid decanoic acid
      (DA) can restore estrous cyclicity and lower androgen levels in an animal model
      of PCOS, thus laying the platform for novel therapeutic developments in PCOS.
      This chapter reviews the current understanding on the pathways modulating
      androgen biosynthesis, and the cellular and animal models that form the basis for
      preclinical research in PCOS, and sets the stage for clinical research.

PMID- 27118252
TI  - Sonographic evaluation of polycystic ovaries.
AB  - The morphological features of the ovaries in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
      (PCOS) have been well described by ultrasound imaging technology. These include
      enlarged ovary size, multiple small follicles of similar size, increased ovarian
      stromal volume and echogenicity, peripheral distribution of the follicles, and
      higher stromal blood flow. Ultrasound identification of the presence of
      polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) has been recognized as a component of PCOS
      diagnosis. With the advance of ultrasound technology, new definition has been
      proposed recently. There is, however, a paucity of data for the ovarian
      morphology in normal and PCOS adolescents. Magnetic resonance imaging has the
      potential to be an alternative imaging modality for diagnosing PCOM in
      adolescence.

PMID- 27118253
TI  - Socio-economic differences in HIV/AIDS mortality in South Africa.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To quantify socio-economic differences in the risk of HIV/AIDS
      mortality in South Africa for different measures of socio-economic status.
      METHODS: Systematic literature search in Web of Knowledge and PubMed. Measures of
      relative risk (RR) were pooled separately for education, income, assets score and
      employment status as measures of socio-economic status, using inverse-variance
      weighted DerSimonian-Laird random effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: Ten studies
      were eligible for inclusion comprising over 175 000 participants and 6700 deaths.
      For income (RR 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-2.09), assets score (RR
      1.63, 95% CI 1.12-2.36) and employment status (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.21-1.92),
      persons of low socio-economic status had an over 50% higher risk of dying from
      HIV/AIDS. The RR of 1.10 for education was not significant (95% CI 0.74-1.65).
      CONCLUSIONS: Future research should identify effective strategies to reduce
      HIV/AIDS mortality and alleviate the consequences of HIV/AIDS deaths,
      particularly for poorer households.

PMID- 27118254
TI  - Early transcriptomic response of Arabidopsis thaliana to polymetallic
      contamination: implications for the identification of potential biomarkers of
      metal exposure.
AB  - Heavy metal contaminated sites are frequently characterized by the simultaneous
      presence of several heavy metals. However, many studies report metal-induced
      plant responses after long-term exposure to just one metal. By contrast, whole
      genome expression microarrays were employed here to investigate the early (3 h)
      transcriptional responses of Arabidopsis thaliana plants exposed to polymetallic
      treatment (Pb, Hg, Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, Zn, and Mn) at low (L) and high (H)
      concentrations. After 3 h of exposure to polymetallic treatment, a total of 1315
      noticeably (>=2-fold) and significantly (P < 0.05) differentially expressed genes
      were identified: 656 and 351 upregulated and 314 and 200 downregulated genes in L
      and H treatments, respectively. Functional analysis revealed that many genes
      involved in oxidative stress and perception/signalling/regulation systems were
      activated. Genes encoding proteins involved in hormone regulation (jasmonic acid,
      abscisic acid, ethylene, and auxins), glucosinolate metabolism and sulphur and
      nitrogen transport were also modulated. RT-qPCR analysis of four downregulated
      (AOP2, SAUR16, BBX31, and MTPC3) and upregulated genes (ASN1, DIN2, BT2, and
      EXL5), markedly responsive to both L and H treatments, validated our microarray
      data and suggested the potential of some of these genes (AOP2, SAUR16, ASN1, and
      DIN2) as early biomarkers of metal exposure. Relevant changes in gene expression
      occur as early as 3 h after exposure to polymetallic treatment. Four genes
      deserve further studies as novel putative biomarkers of early metal exposure and
      also owing to their potential implications in stress-related mechanisms: sulphur
      balance (AOP2), phytohormone regulation of plant growth and development (SAUR16),
      ammonium detoxification (ASN1) and senescence (DIN2).

PMID- 27118255
TI  - Comparison of various bone cement ossiculoplasty techniques and functional
      results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study, functional results of different bone cement
      ossiculoplasty techniques are compared. METHODS: Retrospective case review at a
      tertiary referral center. Patients who underwent middle ear surgery and bone
      cement ossiculoplasty between 2006-2012 were included. A total of 52 patients,
      including 30 patients with 'Incus to stapes' (Group 1) and 13 patients with
      'malleus to stapes' (Group 2), five patients with 'incudoplasty + stapedotomy'
      (Group 3), and four patients with 'malleus to incus' (Group 4) ossiculoplasty
      were enrolled in the study. Pre-operative and post-operative audiological
      findings of each group were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean hearing gain (the
      difference between pre-operative and post-operative air bone gap (ABG)) was 13 dB
      for Group 1, 30 dB for Group 2, 24 dB for Group 3, and 9 dB for Group 4. The pre
      operative air pure tone averages (PTA) of groups 1, 2, and 3 improved
      significantly in the post-operative period (p < 0.05). Closure of post-operative
      ABG of patients to less than 20 dB and 10 dB were as follows: ~70% and 43% in
      group 1; 86% and 76% in group 2; 100% and 60% in group 3; and 75% and 50% in
      group 4, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that glass ionomer cement
      is a simple and effective method for reconstruction of ossicular discontinuity in
      various ossicular chain pathologies and can be an alternative to conventional
      rebridging techniques such as sculpted incus interposition or partial ossicular
      replacement prosthesis (PORP).

PMID- 27118256
TI  - Hand grip strength as a screening tool for frailty in older patients with
      haematological malignancies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by decreased
      physiological reserves and an age-related vulnerability to stressors with higher
      risk of adverse health outcomes. Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) might
      detect frailty but is time-consuming, implying the need for initial frailty
      screening. Most frailty screening tools do not include functional measures. Hand
      grip strength (HGS) is a reliable surrogate for overall muscle strength and
      predicts functional decline, morbidity and mortality. No studies are available in
      cancer patients on HGS as screening tool for frailty. We aimed to assess whether
      HGS can be used as a screening tool to predict an abnormal CGA and therefore
      frailty. METHODS: Single centre cohort study in 59 patients aged 70 years or more
      with a haematological malignancy. HGS was measured using a vigorimeter. A patient
      was considered frail if any of the CGA elements were impaired. RESULTS: Mean HGS
      before start of therapy in women was 37.0 +/- 14.3 kPa and in men 66.1 +/- 13.1
      kPa. An abnormal CGA was present in 52 subjects (88%). HGS was associated with
      concurrent abnormal CGA (p = 0.058 in women, p = 0.009 in men). AUC was 0.800 (SE
      = 0.130) in women and 0.847 (SE = 0.118) in men. Optimal HGS cut-off points for
      likelihood of abnormal CGA were <=52 kPa in women and <=80 kPa in men.
      DISCUSSION: In older patients with haematological malignancies, impairment in
      muscle function is present at diagnosis. HGS seems a promising screening tool to
      identify patients with abnormal CGA.

PMID- 27118257
TI  - Association of Notch pathway down-regulation with Triple Negative/Basal-like
      breast carcinomas and high tumor-infiltrating FOXP3+ Tregs.
AB  - T regulatory cells (Tregs) are a lineage of lymphocytes involved in immune
      response suppression that are characterized by the expression of the forkhead box
      P3 (FOXP3) transcription factor. Notch pathway regulates FOXP3 transcription in
      Tregs, but its role in breast cancer is unknown. We aimed at studying whether
      Notch pathway regulates FOXP3 expression and Tregs content in breast cancer, and
      its association with luminal breast carcinomas. We analyzed by quantitative Real
      Time PCR the mRNA levels of FOXP3, Notch pathway genes (Notch1, Notch2, Notch4
      and Jagged1) and STAT3 in a series of 152 breast carcinomas including hormone
      receptor-positive and -negative phenotypes (luminal and Triple Negative/Basal
      like). We also studied the protein expression of Notch1, STAT3 and FOXP3 by
      immunohistochemistry. High FOXP3 mRNA levels correlated with larger tumor size
      (p=0.010), histological grade 3 (p=0.008) and positive lymph-node status
      (p=0.031). Also, low levels of Notch pathway genes mRNA correlated with poor
      prognostic factors such as larger tumor size, positive lymph-node status, tumor
      phenotype and infiltrating tumor Tregs. A survival analysis for the patients
      showed that large tumor size, histological grade 3, vascular invasion,
      infiltrating Tregs and low Notch1 mRNA expression were significantly associated
      with a decreased patients' overall survival (p<=0.05). On a multivariate
      analysis, high Tregs content (HR=3.00, 95% CI 1.04-8.90, p=0.042) and low Notch1
      mRNA levels (HR=3.33, 95% CI 1.02-10.86, p=0.046) were independent markers for
      overall survival. Our results support that the Notch pathway up-regulation
      promotes luminal breast carcinomas, whereas down-regulation correlates with the
      expression of FOXP3, favors tumor Tregs infiltration and associates with Triple
      Negative/Basal-like tumors.

PMID- 27118259
TI  - Halostella salina gen. nov., sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated
      from solar salt.
AB  - A novel halophilic archaeon designated strain CBA1114T was isolated from solar
      salt in the Republic of Korea. Strain CBA1114T, cells of which were coccoid and
      Gram-stain-negative, grew in the presence of 15-30 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 20 %)
      and at 20-50  degrees C (optimum, 40  degrees C) and pH 7.0-9.0 (optimum, pH
      8.0). Strain CBA1114T required Mg2+ for growth. Strain CBA1114T had three 16S
      rRNA genes, rrnA, rrnB and rrnC; levels of similarity between the sequences were
      99.7-99.9 %. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain CBA1114T showed 91.7 %
      similarity to that of Haloterrigena thermotolerans PR5T. In multilocus sequence
      analysis (MLSA), five housekeeping genes, atpB, EF-2, radA, rpoB' and secY, were
      found to be closely related to those of the members of the genera
      Halorientalis(89.7 % similarity of the atpB gene sequence), Halomicroarcula(91.9
      %, EF-2), Haloterrigena(85.4 %, radA), Natronoarchaeum(89.2 %, rpoB') and
      Natrinema(75.7 %, secY). A phylogenetic tree generated from the results of MLSA
      of the five housekeeping genes showed that strain CBA1114T was closely related to
      species of the genus Halorientalis in the family Halobacteriaceae. The major
      polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol
      phosphate methyl ester and unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the genomic
      DNA of strain CBA1114T was 68.1 mol%. According to the results of phylogenetic,
      phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, we designate strain CBA1114T (=JCM
      30111T=KCTC 4206T) as the type strain of Halostella salina gen. nov., sp. nov., a
      novel species of a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae.

PMID- 27118258
TI  - Risks of developing breast and colorectal cancer in association with incomes and
      geographic locations in Texas: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No study has been conducted to investigate the spatial pattern and
      association of socioeconomic status (such as income) with breast and colorectal
      cancer incidence in Texas, United States. This study aimed to determine whether
      median household income was associated with the risk of developing breast and
      colorectal cancer in Texas and to identify higher cancer risks by race/ethnicity
      and geographic areas. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study with an
      ecological component in using aggregated measures at the county level. We
      identified 243,677 women with breast cancer and 155,534 men and women with
      colorectal cancer residing in 254 counties in Texas in 1995-2011 from the public
      use dataset of Texas Cancer Registry. The denominator population and median
      household income at the county level was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of the
      Census. Cancer incidence rates were calculated as number of cases per 100,000
      persons and age-adjusted using the 2000 US population data. We used the ArcGIS
      v10.1 (geographic information system software) to identify multiple clustered
      counties with high and low cancer incidences in Texas. RESULTS: Age-adjusted
      breast cancer incidence rate in the highest median income quintile group was
      151.51 cases per 100,000 in 2008-2011 as compared to 98.95 cases per 100,000 in
      the lowest median income quintile group. The risk of colorectal cancer appeared
      to decrease with increasing median income in racial/ethnic population. Spatial
      analysis revealed the significant low breast cancer incidence cluster regions
      located in southwest US-Mexico border counties in Texas. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrated that higher income was associated with an increased risk of breast
      cancer and a decreased risk of colorectal cancer in Texas. There were geographic
      variations with cancer incidence clustered in high risk areas in Texas. Future
      studies may need to explore more factors that might explain income and cancer
      risk associations and their geographic variations.

PMID- 27118261
TI  - ECG telemetry in conscious guinea pigs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: During preclinical drug development, monitoring of the
      electrocardiogram (ECG) is an important part of cardiac safety assessment. To
      detect potential pro-arrhythmic liabilities of a drug candidate and for internal
      decision-making during early stage drug development an in vivo model in small
      animals with translatability to human cardiac function is required. METHODS: Over
      the last years, modifications/improvements regarding animal housing, ECG
      electrode placement, and data evaluation have been introduced into an established
      model for ECG recordings using telemetry in conscious, freely moving guinea pigs.
      Pharmacological validation using selected reference compounds affecting different
      mechanisms relevant for cardiac electrophysiology (quinidine, flecainide,
      atenolol, dl-sotalol, dofetilide, nifedipine, moxifloxacin) was conducted and
      findings were compared with results obtained in telemetered Beagle dogs. RESULTS
      AND CONCLUSION: Under standardized conditions, reliable ECG data with low
      variability allowing largely automated evaluation were obtained from the
      telemetered guinea pig model. The model is sensitive to compounds blocking
      cardiac sodium channels, hERG K(+) channels and calcium channels, and appears to
      be even more sensitive to beta-blockers as observed in dogs at rest. QT interval
      correction according to Bazett and Sarma appears to be appropriate methods in
      conscious guinea pigs. Overall, the telemetered guinea pig is a suitable model
      for the conduct of early stage preclinical ECG assessment.

PMID- 27118260
TI  - Chaotic time series prediction for prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls
      in umbilical cord blood using the least squares SEATR model.
AB  - Chaotic time series prediction based on nonlinear systems showed a superior
      performance in prediction field. We studied prenatal exposure to polychlorinated
      biphenyls (PCBs) by chaotic time series prediction using the least squares self
      exciting threshold autoregressive (SEATR) model in umbilical cord blood in an
      electronic waste (e-waste) contaminated area. The specific prediction steps
      basing on the proposal methods for prenatal PCB exposure were put forward, and
      the proposed scheme's validity was further verified by numerical simulation
      experiments. Experiment results show: 1) seven kinds of PCB congeners negatively
      correlate with five different indices for birth status: newborn weight, height,
      gestational age, Apgar score and anogenital distance; 2) prenatal PCB exposed
      group at greater risks compared to the reference group; 3) PCBs increasingly
      accumulated with time in newborns; and 4) the possibility of newborns suffering
      from related diseases in the future was greater. The desirable numerical
      simulation experiments results demonstrated the feasibility of applying
      mathematical model in the environmental toxicology field.

PMID- 27118262
TI  - LncRNA uc.48+ siRNA improved diabetic sympathetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetic
      rats mediated by P2X7 receptor in SCG.
AB  - Diabetic autonomic neuropathy includes the sympathetic ganglionic dysfunction.
      P2X7 receptor in superior cervical ganglia (SCG) participated in the pathological
      changes of cardiac dysfunction. Abnormal expression of long noncoding RNAs
      (lncRNAs) was reported to be involved in nervous system diseases. Our preliminary
      results obtained from rat lncRNA array profiling revealed that the expression of
      the uc.48+ was significantly increased in the rat SCG in response to diabetic
      sympathetic pathology. In this study, we found that lncRNAuc.48+ and P2X7
      receptor in the SCG were increased in type 2 diabetic rats and were associated
      with the cardiac dysfunction. The uc.48+ small interference RNA (siRNA) improved
      the cardiac autonomic dysfunction and decreased the up-regulation P2X7 and the
      ratio of phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinases1/2 (p-ERK1/2) to
      ERK1/2 in SCG of type 2 diabetic rats. In conclusion, lncRNA uc.48+ siRNA
      improved diabetic sympathetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetic rats through
      regulating the expression of P2X7 and ERK signaling in SCG.

PMID- 27118263
TI  - How different is the proteome of the extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing
      Escherichia coli strains from seagulls of the Berlengas natural reserve of
      Portugal?
AB  - beta-Lactam antibiotics like cefotaxime are the most commonly used antibacterial
      agents. Escherichia coli strains 5A, 10A, 12A and 23B isolated from Seagulls
      feces, are cefotaxime-resistant strains that produces extended-spectrum beta
      lactamases. Bacterial resistance to these antibiotics occurs predominantly
      through structural modification on the penicillin-binding proteins and enzymatic
      inactivation by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Using classical proteomic
      techniques (2D-GE) coupled to mass spectrometry and bioinformatics extended
      analysis, in this study, we report several significant differences in cytoplasmic
      proteins expression when the strains were submitted to antibiotic stress and when
      the resistant strains were compared with a non-resistant strain. A total of 79
      differentially expressed spots were collected for protein identification.
      Significant level of expression was found in antibiotic resistant proteins like
      beta-lactamase CTX-M-1 and TEM and also in proteins related with oxidative
      stress. This approach might help us understand which pathways form barriers for
      antibiotics, another possible new pathways involved in antibiotic resistance to
      devise appropriate strategies for their control already recognized by the World
      Health Organization and the European Commission. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This
      study highlights the protein differences when a resistant strain is under
      antibiotic pressure and how different can be a sensible and resistant strain at
      the protein level. This survey might help us to understand the specifics barriers
      for antibiotics and which pathways are involved in its resistance crosswise the
      wildlife.

PMID- 27118264
TI  - Monosomy 22 and partial loss of INI1 expression in a biphasic synovial sarcoma
      with an Ewing sarcoma-like poorly differentiated component: Report of a case.
AB  - Poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma (PDSS) is a less common subtype of
      synovial sarcoma (SS) associated with a poor prognosis. We present a case of a SS
      with a poorly differentiated component that resembles Ewing sarcoma (ES). Initial
      immunohistochemical staining revealed a characteristic and strong expression of
      transducin-like enhancer of split 1 (TLE1) and weak to absent expression of
      integrase integrator 1 (INI1) staining. Stainings for keratin and epithelial
      membrane antigen (EMA) were negative in the tumoral lesion. Fluorescence In Situ
      Hybridization (FISH) analysis showed a rearrangement of the synaptotagmin (SYT)
      gene, confirming the diagnosis of SS. FISH analysis for the EWS RNA-binding
      protein 1 (EWSR1) gene revealed monoallelic loss of EWSR1. This finding was
      confirmed by an array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), showing complete
      loss of chromosome 22. Based on literature review, showing only a handful of
      cases of cytogenetically studied SS with loss of chromosome 22, this is probably
      a rare event in SS. Therefore, we assume that monoallelic loss of chromosome 22
      cannot fully elaborate the underlying mechanism of the INI1 staining pattern in
      all SS, but it could account for the weak to absent INI1 staining in at least
      some cases. 

PMID- 27118265
TI  - Ethnic Differences in Coronary Revascularisation following an Acute Coronary
      Syndrome in New Zealand: A National Data-linkage Study (ANZACS-QI 12).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe ethnic differences in
      angiography and revascularisation rates following an acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS) in New Zealand. METHODS: National hospitalisation and mortality data were
      anonymously linked to determine receipt of angiography and revascularisation for
      30-84 year-olds hospitalised with ACS between 2007 and 2012. Multilevel Cox
      regression, accounting for individual factors and admitting hospital, was used to
      estimate adjusted procedural rates within 30 days of admission. RESULTS: Of the
      50,324 ACS patients included, 10% were Maori, 4% Pacific, 3% Indian and 83% New
      Zealand European or Other ethnicities (NZEO). A larger proportion of Maori (48%)
      than NZEO (36%), Pacific (19%) and Indian (14%) patients were admitted to
      hospitals without catheterisation facilities. More Maori and Pacific (22-24%)
      than NZEO and Indian patients (12-13%) had severe comorbidities. Maori and
      Pacific were less likely than NZEO patients to receive angiography (adjusted HRs
      0.94 [0.91-0.98] and 0.93 [0.87-0.98] respectively) and revascularisation
      (adjusted HRs 0.79 [0.75-0.83] and 0.77 [0.71-0.83]), even after adjusting for
      important demographic and clinical factors. CONCLUSIONS: A higher comorbidity
      burden in Maori and Pacific patients and reduced access to catheterisation
      facilities for non-urban Maori contributed to lower procedure rates after ACS
      admission. Ethnic differences remained after adjustment for these factors and
      require further investigation.

PMID- 27118266
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Spironolactone in Patients with Resistant Hypertension: A
      Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment of resistant hypertension (RH) is challenging. Several
      observational studies have suggested that the addition of spironolactone to
      triple-drug therapy might have a promising anti-hypertensive effect on RH. To
      provide more definite evidence for the benefit of spironolactone, we performed a
      meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy and
      safety of spironolactone in RH patients. METHODS: Articles were searched from
      PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Randomised controlled trials investigating
      the effect of additional spironolactone on office blood pressure (BP), ambulatory
      BP or adverse events in RH patients were included for analysis. Then quality
      assessment, subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed.
      RESULTS: Five RCTs involving a total of 553 patients were eligible for inclusion.
      Compared with control therapies, additional spironolactone treatment in RH
      patients significantly decreased 24-h ambulatory systolic BP (ASBP, weight mean
      difference [WMD]= -10.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -12.30 to -8.71,
      P<0.001), 24-h ambulatory diastolic BP (ADBP, WMD = -4.09, 95% CI = -5.28 to 
      2.91, P<0.001), daytime ASBP (WMD = -10.20, 95% CI = -12.41 to -7.99, P<0.001),
      daytime ADBP (WMD = -4.14, 95% CI = -5.50 to -2.78, P<0.001), night-time ASBP
      (WMD = -10.02, 95% CI = -12.63 to -7.41), night-time ADBP (WMD=-3.21, 95% CI=
      4.84 to -1.58, P<0.001), office systolic BP (WMD=-16.99, 95% CI=-25.04 to -8.95,
      P<0.001) and office diastolic BP (WMD=-6.18, 95% CI=-9.30 to -3.05, P<0.001).
      However, serum potassium might be slightly elevated by additional spironolactone
      (WMD=0.181, 95% CI=0.042 to 0.319, P=0.011). CONCLUSION: Spironolactone combined
      with triple-drug therapy may be an effective and relatively safe strategy for the
      management of RH patients.

PMID- 27118267
TI  - Multimodality Approach to Diagnose Pseudomalignant Myxoma of the Heart.

PMID- 27118269
TI  - CO oxidation by MoS2-supported Au19 nanoparticles: effects of vacancy formation
      and tensile strain.
AB  - The mechanism of the catalytic oxidation of CO activated by MoS2-supported Au19
      nanoparticles (NPs) was studied using density functional theory calculations. Of
      particular interest were the effects of the physical/chemical modification of a
      MoS2 support on the CO oxidation pathway and the activation of specific reactive
      centers, i.e., the Au atoms of Au19 or the Au-MoS2 perimeter sites. We
      systematically modified MoS2 by introducing an S vacancy or 5% tensile strain and
      studied the shift of each reaction step and the overall change in the reaction
      pathway and activity. Despite the lack of direct involvement of the Au-MoS2
      perimeter in the reaction, the combination of an S vacancy and the tensile strain
      in the MoS2 support was found to improve the stability and catalytic activity of
      Au NPs for CO oxidation. The results show that support modification can provide
      information for new pathways for the rational design of Au-based catalysts.

PMID- 27118268
TI  - In-bore magnetic resonance-guided transrectal biopsy for the detection of
      clinically significant prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of in-bore magnetic resonance
      guided prostate biopsy (MRGB) for detection of clinically significant disease
      (CSD) in untreated men with known or suspected prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS:
      512 patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (Mp-MRI)
      followed by MRGB at one of three centers in this IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant,
      retrospective study. Exclusion criteria were prior prostate cancer therapy and
      incomplete Mp-MRI (n = 51). Patients (n = 461) were analyzed in two subcohorts:
      no prior PCa (NP) (n = 381) and active surveillance (AS) (n = 80). Detection
      rates of PCa and CSD (Gleason Score >=3 + 4) were calculated and compared among
      subcohorts and by Mp-MRI assessment grade. Logistic regression was performed to
      identify predictors for detection of PCa and CSD. RESULTS: Mean patient age was
      66 years, median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 7.5 ng/mL, and median
      prostate volume was 54 cc. A mean of 1.7 targets was sampled per gland.
      Significant adverse events (urosepsis and hematuria with obstruction) occurred in
      1% (5/461). Overall PCa detection rates were 51% per patient (233/461) and 37%
      per lesion (282/757). 65% (151/233) of men with detected PCa had CSD. Per-patient
      PCa detection rates in the NP and AS subcohorts were 47% (178/381) and 69%
      (55/80), respectively, significantly higher in the AS group (p < 0.001). CSD was
      detected in 10% (47/451), 43% (96/225) and 84% (68/81) of lesions with Mp-MRI
      assessment grades of 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Older age, higher PSA, and lower
      prostate volume predicted MRGB detection of CSD (OR 1.07 and p = 0.003, OR 1.1
      and p = 0.014, and OR 0.98 and p = 0.032, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In-bore
      MRGB is safe and high yield for detection of CSD.

PMID- 27118270
TI  - Principles of safe laparoscopic entry.

PMID- 27118271
TI  - Commentary: Writing and Evaluating Qualitative Research Reports.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of qualitative methods, particularly for
      reviewers and authors who may be less familiar with qualitative research.
      METHODS: A question and answer format is used to address considerations for
      writing and evaluating qualitative research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: When
      producing qualitative research, individuals are encouraged to address the
      qualitative research considerations raised and to explicitly identify the
      systematic strategies used to ensure rigor in study design and methods, analysis,
      and presentation of findings. Increasing capacity for review and publication of
      qualitative research within pediatric psychology will advance the field's ability
      to gain a better understanding of the specific needs of pediatric populations,
      tailor interventions more effectively, and promote optimal health.

PMID- 27118272
TI  - Developmental Course and Determinants of Sleep Disturbances in Adolescents With
      Spina Bifida.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine (1) trajectories of sleep disturbances in adolescents with
      spina bifida (SB) compared with a typically developing (TD) group over a 10-year
      period and (2) individual, family, and socioeconomic determinants of changes in
      sleep disturbances. METHODS: Participants were 68 families of youth with SB and
      68 families of TD youth. Parent-report of adolescent sleep was collected every 2
      years at 6 time points (T1: ages 8-9; T6: ages 18-19). Multiple informants and
      measures were used to examine internalizing, externalizing, and inattention
      symptoms, dyadic/family conflict, socioeconomic status (SES), and family income.
      RESULTS: Sleep disturbances increased over the 10-year period. Youth with SB had
      greater sleep disturbances during early adolescence. Greater preadolescent
      externalizing symptoms, greater parent-child and marital conflict, and lower SES
      predicted increased sleep disturbances. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disturbances are
      common and persistent in adolescents with SB. Sleep assessment and management are
      important clinical and research priorities in this population.

PMID- 27118273
TI  - International Olympic Committee consensus statement: harassment and abuse (non
      accidental violence) in sport.
AB  - Despite the well-recognised benefits of sport, there are also negative influences
      on athlete health, well-being and integrity caused by non-accidental violence
      through harassment and abuse. All athletes have a right to engage in 'safe
      sport', defined as an athletic environment that is respectful, equitable and free
      from all forms of non-accidental violence to athletes. Yet, these issues
      represent a blind spot for many sport organisations through fear of reputational
      damage, ignorance, silence or collusion. This consensus statement extends the
      2007 IOC Consensus Statement on Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport, presenting
      additional evidence of several other types of harassment and abuse-psychological,
      physical and neglect. All ages and types of athletes are susceptible to these
      problems but science confirms that elite, disabled, child and
      lesbian/gay/bisexual/trans-sexual (LGBT) athletes are at highest risk, that
      psychological abuse is at the core of all other forms and that athletes can also
      be perpetrators. Harassment and abuse arise from prejudices expressed through
      power differences. Perpetrators use a range of interpersonal mechanisms including
      contact, non-contact/verbal, cyber-based, negligence, bullying and hazing.
      Attention is paid to the particular risks facing child athletes, athletes with a
      disability and LGBT athletes. Impacts on the individual athlete and the
      organisation are discussed. Sport stakeholders are encouraged to consider the
      wider social parameters of these issues, including cultures of secrecy and
      deference that too often facilitate abuse, rather than focusing simply on
      psychopathological causes. The promotion of safe sport is an urgent task and part
      of the broader international imperative for good governance in sport. A
      systematic multiagency approach to prevention is most effective, involving
      athletes, entourage members, sport managers, medical and therapeutic
      practitioners, educators and criminal justice agencies. Structural and cultural
      remedies, as well as practical recommendations, are suggested for sport
      organisations, athletes, sports medicine and allied disciplines, sport scientists
      and researchers. The successful prevention and eradication of abuse and
      harassment against athletes rests on the effectiveness of leadership by the major
      international and national sport organisations. 

PMID- 27118274
TI  - Prognostic role of phase angle in hospitalized patients with acute decompensated
      heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) have
      exacerbation of symptoms and fluid retention, and high risk of re
      hospitalizations and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of
      phase angle at hospital admission as a prognostic marker of mortality in patients
      with ADHF. METHODS: Patients hospitalized for ADHF, with left ventricular
      ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% and BOSTON criteria >=8 points were included. The
      patients were evaluated at hospital admission (first 36 h) and then followed up
      for assessment of outcomes. Phase angle was measured with tetra polar
      bioelectrical impedance device. Mortality data was obtained from an average of 24
      months after discharge, from the medical records of the hospital and outpatient
      or telephone contact with patients or family members. The best-discriminatory
      level of phase angle was selected based on the ROC curve for mortality. RESULTS:
      Seventy-one patients were included and the majority was male (63%), with a mean
      age of 61 +/- 12 years, ischemic etiology being the most prevalent (48%) and LVEF
      average of 26 +/- 8%. Mortality was 49% at an average of 24 months after hospital
      discharge. The average phase angle at hospital admission was 5.6 +/- 2 degrees ,
      and lower values were associated with higher mortality. Survivors were compared
      to died patients in the risk factor variables for mortality. In multivariate
      analysis adjusting for age, LVEF and urea, phase angle <4.8 degrees  was
      independently associated with increased mortality (HR 2.67; p = 0.015).
      CONCLUSIONS: Phase angle seems to be a prognostic marker in patients with ADHF
      independently of other known risk factors.

PMID- 27118275
TI  - Effect of two polymorphisms of the resistin gene (rs10401670 and rs1862513) on
      resistin levels and biochemical parameters in morbidly obese patients 1 year
      after a biliopancreatic diversion surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the resistin
      gene RETN have been described: rs10401670 and rs1862513. The objective of this
      study was to investigate the effect of these SNPs on changes in serum resistin
      levels, biochemical parameters and weight after biliopancreatic diversion surgery
      in morbidly obese patients without diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A sample of 155
      patients with morbid obesity without diabetes mellitus was enrolled.
      Anthropometric and biochemical evaluations were realized at the basal visit and
      at 12 months. The percentage of subjects with hypertension and hyperlipidemia was
      also reported. RESULTS: Initial percentage excess weight loss, body mass index,
      weight, waist circumference, fat mass, blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides levels, insulin and the homeostasis
      model assessment for insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR) improve after 12 months. No
      differences in these improvements were detected between the two genotypes (wild
      vs mutant group) in each SNP analysis. Resistin levels only changed after surgery
      in wild genotypes of both SNPs (rs1862513 and rs10401670). The improvement in
      insulin levels was lower in the mutant group of rs1862513 (-3.4 +/- 0.4 UI/dl vs 
      2.3 +/- 0.2 UI/dl; P < 0.05) and rs1040167 (-3.3 +/- 0.2 UI/dl vs -1.9 +/- 0.3
      UI/dl; P < 0.05). The decrease of HOMA-IR was lower in mutant group of rs1862513
      (-1.4 +/- 0.1 units vs -0.9 +/- 0.3 units; P < 0.05) and rs10401670 (-1.2 +/- 0.2
      units vs -0.9 +/- 0.3 units; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The main result of this
      study was that the mutant genotype of two SNPs of the RETN gene (rs1862513 and
      rs10401670) was associated with a lack of change in resistin secondary to
      biliopancreatic diversion. The improvement in insulin levels and HOMA-IR was also
      lower in these patients.

PMID- 27118276
TI  - The Role of Nuclear Factor-E2-Related Factor 1 in the Oxidative Stress Response
      in MC3T3-E1 Osteoblastic Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants are associated with
      maintenance of cellular function and metabolism. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor
      1 (NFE2L1, Nrf1) is known to regulate the expression of a number of genes
      involved in oxidative stress and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to
      examine the effects of NFE2L1 on the response to oxidative stress in osteoblastic
      MC3T3-E1 cells. METHODS: The murine calvaria-derived MC3T3-E1 cell line was
      exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for oxidative stress induction. NFE2L1
      effects were evaluated using small interfering RNA (siRNA) for NFE2L1 mRNA. ROS
      generation and the levels of known antioxidant enzyme genes were assayed.
      RESULTS: NFE2L1 expression was significantly increased 2.4-fold compared to the
      control group at 10 MUg/mL LPS in MC3T3-E1 cells (P<0.05). LPS increased
      formation of intracellular ROS in MC3T3-E1 cells. NFE2L1 knockdown led to an
      additional increase of ROS (20%) in the group transfected with NFE2L1 siRNA
      compared with the control group under LPS stimulation (P<0.05). RNA interference
      of NFE2L1 suppressed the expression of antioxidant genes including
      metallothionein 2, glutamatecysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and glutathione
      peroxidase 1 in LPS-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that
      NFE2L1 may have a distinct role in the regulation of antioxidant enzymes under
      inflammation-induced oxidative stress in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells.

PMID- 27118277
TI  - Cardiovascular Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists.
AB  - Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a member of the proglucagon incretin family,
      and GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) have been introduced as a new class of
      antidiabetic medications in the past decade. The benefits of GLP-1 RAs are
      derived from their pleiotropic effects, which include glucose-dependent insulin
      secretion, suppressed glucagon secretion, and reduced appetite. Moreover, GLP-1
      RAs also exert beneficial roles on multiple organ systems in which the GLP-1
      receptors exist, including the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular effects of
      GLP-1 RAs have been of great interest since the burden from cardiovascular
      diseases (CVD) has been unbearably increasing in a diabetic population worldwide,
      despite strict glycemic control and advanced therapeutic techniques to treat CVD.
      Preclinical studies have already demonstrated the beneficial effects of GLP-1 on
      myocardium and vascular endothelium, and many clinical studies evaluating changes
      in surrogate markers of CVD have suggested potential benefits from the use of GLP
      1 RAs. Data from numerous clinical trials primarily evaluating the
      antihyperglycemic effects of multiple GLP-1 RAs have also revealed that changes
      in most CVD risk markers reported as secondary outcomes have been in favor of GLP
      1 RAs treatment. However, to date, there is only one randomized clinical trial of
      GLP-1 RAs (the ELIXA study) evaluating major cardiovascular events as their
      primary outcomes, and in this study, a neutral cardiovascular effect of
      lixisenatide was observed in high-risk diabetic subjects. Therefore, the results
      of ongoing CVD outcome trials with the use of GLP-1 RAs should be awaited to
      elucidate the translation of benefits previously seen in CVD risk marker studies
      into large clinical trials with primary cardiovascular outcomes. 

PMID- 27118278
TI  - Endocrine Risk Factors for Cognitive Impairment.
AB  - Cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia,
      is a major health problem in older adults worldwide. Although numerous
      investigators have attempted to develop effective treatment modalities or drugs,
      there is no reasonably efficacious strategy for preventing or recovering from
      cognitive impairment. Therefore, modifiable risk factors for cognitive impairment
      have received attention, and the growing literature of metabolic risk factors for
      cognitive impairment has expanded from epidemiology to molecular pathogenesis and
      therapeutic management. This review focuses on the epidemiological evidence for
      the association between cognitive impairment and several endocrine risk factors,
      including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin D
      deficiency, and subclinical atherosclerosis. Researches suggesting possible
      mechanisms for this association are reviewed. The research investigating
      modifiable endocrine risk factors for cognitive impairment provides clues for
      understanding the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment and developing novel
      treatment modalities. However, so far, interventional studies investigating the
      beneficial effect of the "modification" of these "modifiable risk factors" on
      cognitive impairment have reported variable results. Therefore, well-designed,
      randomized prospective interventional studies are needed. 

PMID- 27118279
TI  - Usefulness of Measuring Thyroid Stimulating Antibody at the Time of Antithyroid
      Drug Withdrawal for Predicting Relapse of Graves Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperthyroidism relapse in Graves disease after antithyroid drug
      (ATD) withdrawal is common; however, measuring the thyrotropin receptor antibody
      (TRAb) at ATD withdrawal in order to predict outcomes is controversial. This
      study compared measurement of thyroid stimulatory antibody (TSAb) and thyrotropin
      binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) at ATD withdrawal to predict relapse.
      METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients with Graves disease who were
      treated with ATDs and whose serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were normal
      after receiving low-dose ATDs. ATD therapy was stopped irrespective of TRAb
      positivity after an additional 6 months of receiving the minimum dose of ATD
      therapy. Patients were followed using thyroid function tests and TSAb (TSAb
      group; n=35) or TBII (TBII group; n=39) every 3 to 6 months for 2 years after ATD
      withdrawal. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (38%) relapsed for a median follow-up
      of 21 months, and there were no differences in baseline clinical characteristics
      between groups. In the TSAb group, relapse was more common in patients with
      positive TSAb at ATD withdrawal (67%) than patients with negative TSAb (17%;
      P=0.007). Relapse-free survival was shorter in TSAb-positive patients. In the
      TBII group, there were no differences in the relapse rate and relapse-free
      survivals according to TBII positivity. For predicting Graves disease relapse,
      the sensitivity and specificity of TSAb were 63% and 83%, respectively, whereas
      those of TBII were 28% and 65%. CONCLUSION: TSAb at ATD withdrawal can predict
      the relapse of Graves hyperthyroidism, but TBII cannot. Measuring TSAb at ATD
      withdrawal can assist with clinical decisions making for patients with Graves
      disease.

PMID- 27118281
TI  - Correction. Determinants for tuberculosis in HIV-infected adults in Northwest
      Ethiopia: a multicentre case-control study.

PMID- 27118280
TI  - A survey on beliefs and attitudes of trainee surgeons towards placebo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the beliefs and attitudes of
      trainee surgeons regarding placebo interventions, in surgical practice and in
      research, and to compare them to those of senior orthopaedic surgeons. METHODS:
      An invitation to participate in an online survey was sent to all the email
      addresses in the members' database of the British Orthopaedic Trainees
      Association (BOTA). RESULTS: All 987 members of BOTA were invited to participate
      in the survey and 189 responded (19 %). The majority of trainees think that the
      placebo effect is real (88 %), has therapeutic benefits (88 %) and that placebo
      manipulations are permissible (98 %). Sixty per cent of respondents agree that
      placebo can be used outside of research, most commonly, to distinguish between
      organic and non-organic symptoms (36 %). Trainees are more likely than senior
      surgeons to use placebo for pain management (34 % vs. 12 %). They are mainly
      concerned about the risk of side effects associated with the use of placebo (80
      %) and prefer placebo interventions with minimal invasiveness. Seventy-three per
      cent respondents would recruit patients into the proposed randomised controlled
      surgical trial. CONCLUSIONS: The views regarding efficacy, permissibility and
      indications for placebo among trainees are similar to those of orthopaedic
      consultants. Orthopaedic trainees regard placebo as permissible and show
      willingness to recruit into placebo-controlled trials. However, they seem to have
      limited understanding of mechanisms of placebo effect and underestimate its
      ubiquity.

PMID- 27118282
TI  - Correction. Social inequalities in prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed
      diabetes and impaired glucose regulation in participants in the Health Surveys
      for England series.

PMID- 27118283
TI  - Correction. Measurement of Exercise Tolerance before Surgery (METS) study: a
      protocol for an international multicenter prospective cohort study of
      cardiopulmonary exercise testing prior to major noncardiac surgery.

PMID- 27118285
TI  - Association between alcohol drinking behaviour and cognitive function: results
      from a nationwide longitudinal study of South Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This research intends to determine how drinking behaviour, such as
      episodic heavy drinking, is related to cognitive performance in middle-aged and
      old-aged people in South Korea. METHODS: A cohort data of 5157 adults, age 45
      years or older, with normal cognitive function (the Korean version of the Mini
      mental state examination (K-MMSE) >=24) at baseline (2006), was derived from the
      Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. Alcohol drinking behaviour was assessed using
      the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) questionnaire. The relationships
      between baseline drinking behaviour (in 2006) to the extent of cognitive decline
      (between 2006 and 2012) and development of cognitive impairment (in 2012) were
      assessed. RESULTS: Individuals with problematic drinking behaviour at baseline
      experienced a faster decline in cognitive function than those with non
      problematic drinking (p<0.05) during 6 years of follow-up, especially among those
      with relatively lownormal K-MMSE score (24-26) at baseline (p<0.05). Problematic
      alcohol drinking behaviour was also significantly associated with onset of severe
      cognitive impairment (SCI) (K-MMSE score <=17) among those with relatively low
      normal K-MMSE score (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.76, 95% CI 1.46 to 9.67). In addition,
      abstinence, compared with non-problematic drinking, was related to higher risk
      for developing SCI among men (aOR=1.62, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.39). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that those with problematic alcohol drinking behaviour could be
      at an increased risk of cognitive impairment/decline. While further research will
      provide stronger evidence, intervention targeting alcohol abuse may play a role
      in prevention of cognitive impairment.

PMID- 27118284
TI  - Prospective observational study protocol to investigate long-term adverse effects
      of methylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD: the Attention Deficit
      Hyperactivity Disorder Drugs Use Chronic Effects (ADDUCE) study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Methylphenidate is the most frequently used medication for the
      treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Europe. Following
      concerns about its safety, the European Commission called for research into the
      long-term effects of methylphenidate on children and adolescents with ADHD. The
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Drugs Use Chronic Effects (ADDUCE)
      research programme was designed to address this call. At the heart of this
      programme is a 2-year longitudinal naturalistic pharmacovigilance study being
      conducted in 27 European sites. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: 3 cohorts of children and
      adolescents (aged 6-17) living in the UK, Germany, Italy and Hungary are being
      recruited:Group 1 (Medicated ADHD): 800 ADHD medication-naive children and
      adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD about to start methylphenidate
      treatment for the first time.Group 2 (Unmedicated ADHD): 400 children and
      adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD who have never been treated with
      ADHD medication and have no intention of beginning medication.Group 3 (Non-ADHD):
      400 children and adolescents without ADHD who are siblings of individuals in
      either group 1 or 2.All participants will be assessed 5 times during their 2-year
      follow-up period for growth and development, psychiatric, neurological and
      cardiovascular health. The primary outcome measure will be the height velocity SD
      score. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval for the study has been granted
      by the East of Scotland Research Ethics Service. Following this approval, patient
      information leaflets and consent forms were translated as necessary and
      submissions made by lead sites in each of the other 3 countries to their own
      ethics committees. Following ethical approval in each country, local ethical
      permissions at each site were sought and obtained as needed. The study's website
      (http://www.adhd-adduce.org/page/view/2/Home) provides information for
      researchers, participants and the general public. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      NCT01470261.

PMID- 27118286
TI  - The iMpact on practice, oUtcomes and costs of New roles for health pROfeSsionals:
      a study protocol for MUNROS.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The size and composition of the European Union healthcare workforce
      are key drivers of expenditure and performance; it now includes new health
      professions and enhanced roles for established professions. This project will
      systematically analyse how this has contributed to health service redesign,
      integration and performance in 9 European countries (Scotland, England,
      Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Norway, and Turkey(i)). This
      paper describes the protocol for collection of survey data in 3 distinct care
      pathways, and sets it in the context of the wider programme. METHODS:
      Questionnaires will be distributed to healthcare professionals (n=14,580),
      managers (n=3564) and patients (n=19,440) in 3 care pathways (breast cancer; type
      2 diabetes; and coronary heart disease) within 12 hospitals and associated
      primary care settings in each country. Questionnaire topics will include
      demography, the different professionals working on the care pathway, the tasks
      they do and the time taken, their decision-making abilities when considering
      skill mix, specialisation and integration of care. Patient satisfaction,
      healthcare utilisation and preferences will be explored. In later work, register
      data and data from patient records will be used to record clinical outcomes. Data
      will also be collected on workforce and procedure costs. Descriptive analysis
      will identify the different models of care and multivariate analysis will
      establish the most clinically and cost-effective models. ETHICS AND
      DISSEMINATION: This protocol was approved by ethical committees in each country.
      Findings will be disseminated through national/international clinical, health
      services research and health workforce conferences, and publications in
      national/international peer-reviewed journals.

PMID- 27118287
TI  - Conflicts of interest and spin in reviews of psychological therapies: a
      systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore conflicts of interest (COI) and their reporting in
      systematic reviews of psychological therapies, and to evaluate spin in the
      conclusions of the reviews. METHODS: MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were searched
      for systematic reviews published between 2010 and 2013 that assessed effects of
      psychological therapies for anxiety, depressive or personality disorders, and
      included at least one randomised controlled trial. Required COI disclosure by
      journal, disclosed COI by review authors, and the inclusion of own primary
      studies by review authors were extracted. Researcher allegiance, that is, that
      researchers concluded favourably about the interventions they have studied, as
      well as spin, that is, differences between results and conclusions of the
      reviews, were rated by 2 independent raters. RESULTS: 936 references were
      retrieved, 95 reviews fulfilled eligibility criteria. 59 compared psychological
      therapies with other forms of psychological therapies, and 36 psychological
      therapies with pharmacological interventions. Financial, non-financial, and
      personal COI were disclosed in 22, 4 and 1 review, respectively. 2 of 86 own
      primary studies of review authors included in 34 reviews were disclosed by review
      authors. In 15 of the reviews, authors showed an allegiance effect to the
      evaluated psychological therapy that was never disclosed. Spin in review
      conclusions was found in 27 of 95 reviews. Reviews with a conclusion in favour of
      psychological therapies (vs pharmacological interventions) were at high risk for
      a spin in conclusions (OR=8.31 (1.41 to 49.05)). Spin was related in trend to the
      inclusion of own primary studies in the systematic review (OR=2.08 (CI 0.83 to
      5.18) p=0.11) and researcher allegiance (OR=2.63 (0.84 to 8.16) p=0.16).
      CONCLUSIONS: Non-financial COI, especially the inclusion of own primary studies
      into reviews and researcher allegiance, are frequently seen in systematic reviews
      of psychological therapies and need more transparency and better management.

PMID- 27118288
TI  - Impact of clinical registries on quality of patient care and health outcomes:
      protocol for a systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Many developed countries have regional and national clinical
      registries aimed at improving health outcomes of patients diagnosed with
      particular diseases or cared for in particular healthcare settings. Clinical
      quality registries (CQRs) are clinical registries established with the purpose of
      monitoring quality of care and providing feedback to improve health outcomes. The
      aim of this systematic review is to understand the impact of CQRs on (1)
      mortality/survival; (2) measures of outcome that reflect a process or outcome of
      healthcare; (3) healthcare utilisation and (4) costs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The
      PRISMA-P methodology, checklist and standard strategy using predefined inclusion
      and exclusion criteria and structured data abstraction tools will be followed. A
      search of the electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and CINAHL will be undertaken, in addition to Google
      Scholar and grey literature, to identify studies in English covering the period
      January 1980 to December 2014. Case-control, cohort, randomised controlled trials
      and controlled clinical trials which describe the registry as an intervention
      will be eligible for inclusion. Narrative synthesis of study findings will be
      conducted, guided by a conceptual framework developed to analyse the outcome
      measure of the registry using defined criteria. If sufficient studies are
      identified with a similar outcome of interest and measure using the same
      comparator and time of interval, results will be pooled for random-effects meta
      analysis. Test for heterogeneity and sensitivity analysis will be conducted. To
      identify reporting bias, forest plots and funnel plots will be created and, if
      required, Egger's test will be conducted. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical
      approval is not required as primary data will not be collected. Review results
      will be published as a part of thesis, peer-reviewed journal and conferences.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42015017319.

PMID- 27118289
TI  - Balancing student/trainee learning with the delivery of patient care in the
      healthcare workplace: a protocol for realist synthesis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A national survey was recently conducted to explore medical
      education research priorities in Scotland. The identified themes and underlying
      priority areas can be linked to current medical education drivers in the UK. The
      top priority area rated by stakeholders was: 'Understanding how to balance
      service and training conflicts'. Despite its perceived importance, a preliminary
      scoping exercise revealed the least activity with respect to published literature
      reviews. This protocol has therefore been developed so as to understand how
      patient care, other service demands and student/trainee learning can be
      simultaneously facilitated within the healthcare workplace. The review will
      identify key interventions designed to balance patient care and student/trainee
      learning, to understand how and why such interventions produce their effects. Our
      research questions seek to address how identified interventions enable balanced
      patient care-trainee learning within the healthcare workplace, for whom, why and
      under what circumstances. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Pawson's five stages for
      undertaking a realist review underpin this protocol. These stages may progress in
      a non-linear fashion due to the iterative nature of the review process. We will:
      (1) clarify the scope of the review, identifying relevant interventions and
      existing programme theories, understanding how interventions act to produce their
      intended outcomes; (2) search journal articles and grey literature for empirical
      evidence from 1998 (introduction of the European Working Time Directive) on the
      UK multidisciplinary team working concerning these interventions, theories and
      outcomes, using databases such as ERIC, Scopus and CINAHL; (3) assess study
      quality; (4) extract data; and (5) synthesise data, drawing conclusions. ETHICS
      AND DISSEMINATION: A formal ethical review is not required. These findings should
      provide an important understanding of how workplace-based interventions influence
      the balance of trainee learning and service provision. They should benefit
      various stakeholders involved in workplace-based learning interventions, and
      inform the medical education research agenda in the UK.

PMID- 27118290
TI  - Giant atrial septal aneurysm originating from the right coronary artery.
AB  - Giant coronary artery aneurysm is a rare clinical entity and its involvement in
      the interatrial space is extremely rare. We here report the rare surgical case of
      a 67-year old man with giant right coronary artery aneurysm located in the atrial
      septum with fistula formation to the right atrium, complicated with congestive
      heart failure, rapid atrial fibrillation and left atrial appendage thrombus. The
      patient eventually recovered fully without sequelae.

PMID- 27118292
TI  - Hypertension Canada's 2016 Canadian Hypertension Education Program Guidelines for
      Blood Pressure Measurement, Diagnosis, and Assessment of Risk of Pediatric
      Hypertension.
AB  - We present the inaugural evidence-based Canadian recommendations for the
      measurement of blood pressure in children and the diagnosis and evaluation of
      pediatric hypertension. Rates of pediatric hypertension are increasing
      concomitant with increased rates of childhood obesity. With this, there is
      growing awareness of the need to measure blood pressure in children.
      Consequently, the present recommendations have been developed to address an
      important gap and improve the clinical care of children. For 2016, a total of 15
      recommendations are presented. These are categorized in a fashion similar to that
      of the existing adult recommendations. Specifically, we present recommendations
      on (1) accurate measurement of blood pressure in children, (2) criteria for
      diagnosis of hypertension in children, (3) assessment of overall cardiovascular
      risk in hypertensive children, (4) routine laboratory tests for the investigation
      of children with hypertension, (5) ambulatory blood pressure measurement in
      children, and (6) the role of echocardiography. We discuss the rationale for the
      recommendations and present additional supporting material for the clinician,
      including tables with standardized techniques for blood pressure measurement and
      determination of normative blood pressure values for children. Hypertension
      Canada's Canadian Hypertension Education Program Guidelines Task Force will
      update the recommendations annually and develop future evidence-based
      recommendations to guide prevention and treatment of pediatric hypertension.

PMID- 27118291
TI  - Hypertension Canada's 2016 Canadian Hypertension Education Program Guidelines for
      Blood Pressure Measurement, Diagnosis, Assessment of Risk, Prevention, and
      Treatment of Hypertension.
AB  - Hypertension Canada's Canadian Hypertension Education Program Guidelines Task
      Force provides annually updated, evidence-based recommendations to guide the
      diagnosis, assessment, prevention, and treatment of hypertension. This year, we
      present 4 new recommendations, as well as revisions to 2 previous
      recommendations. In the diagnosis and assessment of hypertension, automated
      office blood pressure, taken without patient-health provider interaction, is now
      recommended as the preferred method of measuring in-office blood pressure. Also,
      although a serum lipid panel remains part of the routine laboratory testing for
      patients with hypertension, fasting and nonfasting collections are now considered
      acceptable. For individuals with secondary hypertension arising from primary
      hyperaldosteronism, adrenal vein sampling is recommended for those who are
      candidates for potential adrenalectomy. With respect to the treatment of
      hypertension, a new recommendation that has been added is for increasing dietary
      potassium to reduce blood pressure in those who are not at high risk for
      hyperkalemia. Furthermore, in selected high-risk patients, intensive blood
      pressure reduction to a target systolic blood pressure <= 120 mm Hg should be
      considered to decrease the risk of cardiovascular events. Finally, in
      hypertensive individuals with uncomplicated, stable angina pectoris, either a
      beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker may be considered for initial therapy.
      The specific evidence and rationale underlying each of these recommendations are
      discussed. Hypertension Canada's Canadian Hypertension Education Program
      Guidelines Task Force will continue to provide annual updates.

PMID- 27118294
TI  - The Noninvasive Assessment of Vascular Aging.
AB  - The growing interest in the clinical measurement of arterial aging through the
      noninvasive assessment of arterial stiffness is associated with important
      developments in novel methods and apparatus. In this review, we aimed to describe
      the major principles of the measurement of arterial stiffness and to critically
      review the advantages and limitations of the different methods. The measurement
      of regional stiffness is recommended by international guidelines for routine
      clinical practice. It is most often determined through pulse wave velocity (PWV)
      between 2 arterial sites. Methods using a single-site cuff-based measurement are
      promising. Local determination of arterial stiffness, obtained either with the
      well-established, high-resolution echo tracking systems or more recently with
      magnetic resonance imaging, is indicated for pathophysiological and pharmacologic
      studies. Novel apparatus that were developed for determining arterial stiffness
      claimed superiority over pioneering methods either through greater simplicity of
      use, better repeatability, or a more pertinent arterial pathway. However, the
      true additive value of measuring arterial aging with a given apparatus had to be
      translated into the predictive value of arterial stiffness as an intermediate end
      point, ie, the higher the arterial stiffness the higher the number of
      cardiovascular (CV) events. Thus, another important aim of this review was to
      analyze the amount of epidemiologic evidence obtained with a given method
      regarding the predictive value of arterial stiffness for CV events.

PMID- 27118293
TI  - Vascular Fibrosis in Aging and Hypertension: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical
      Implications.
AB  - Aging is the primary risk factor underlying hypertension and incident
      cardiovascular disease. With aging, the vasculature undergoes structural and
      functional changes characterized by endothelial dysfunction, wall thickening,
      reduced distensibility, and arterial stiffening. Vascular stiffness results from
      fibrosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, processes that are
      associated with aging and are amplified by hypertension. Some recently
      characterized molecular mechanisms underlying these processes include increased
      expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinases, activation of
      transforming growth factor-beta1/SMAD signalling, upregulation of galectin-3, and
      activation of proinflammatory and profibrotic signalling pathways. These events
      can be induced by vasoactive agents, such as angiotensin II, endothelin-1, and
      aldosterone, which are increased in the vasculature during aging and
      hypertension. Complex interplay between the "aging process" and prohypertensive
      factors results in accelerated vascular remodelling and fibrosis and increased
      arterial stiffness, which is typically observed in hypertension. Because the
      vascular phenotype in a young hypertensive individual resembles that of an
      elderly otherwise healthy individual, the notion of "early" or "premature"
      vascular aging is now often used to describe hypertension-associated vascular
      disease. We review the vascular phenotype in aging and hypertension, focusing on
      arterial stiffness and vascular remodelling. We also highlight the clinical
      implications of these processes and discuss some novel molecular mechanisms of
      fibrosis and ECM reorganization.

PMID- 27118295
TI  - Accelerated Vascular Aging as a Paradigm for Hypertensive Vascular Disease:
      Prevention and Therapy.
AB  - Aging is considered the most important nonmodifiable risk factor for
      cardiovascular disease and death after age 28 years. Because of demographic
      changes the world population is expected to increase to 9 billion by the year
      2050 and up to 12 billion by 2100, with several-fold increases among those 65
      years of age and older. Healthy aging and prevention of aging-related diseases
      and associated health costs have become part of political agendas of governments
      around the world. Atherosclerotic vascular burden increases with age;
      accordingly, patients with progeria (premature aging) syndromes die from
      myocardial infarctions or stroke as teenagers or young adults. The incidence and
      prevalence of arterial hypertension also increases with age. Arterial
      hypertension-like diabetes and chronic renal failure-shares numerous pathologies
      and underlying mechanisms with the vascular aging process. In this article, we
      review how arterial hypertension resembles premature vascular aging, including
      the mechanisms by which arterial hypertension (as well as other risk factors such
      as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, or chronic renal failure) accelerates the
      vascular aging process. We will also address the importance of cardiovascular
      risk factor control-including antihypertensive therapy-as a powerful intervention
      to interfere with premature vascular aging to reduce the age-associated
      prevalence of diseases such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypertensive
      nephropathy, and vascular dementia due to cerebrovascular disease. Finally, we
      will discuss the implementation of endothelial therapy, which aims at active
      patient participation to improve primary and secondary prevention of
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27118296
TI  - Evidence for Charge Transfer at the Interface between Hybrid Phosphomolybdate and
      Epitaxial Graphene.
AB  - The interfacing of polyoxometalates and graphene can be considered to be an
      innovative way to generate hybrid structures that take advantage of the
      properties of both components. Polyoxometalates are redox-sensitive and
      photosensitive compounds with high temperature stability (up to 400  degrees C
      for some), showing tunable properties depending on the metal incorporated inside
      the complex. Graphene has a unique electronic band structure combined with good
      material properties for electrical and optical applications. The spontaneous,
      rather than electrochemical, functionalization of epitaxial graphene on SiC with
      Keggin phosphomolybdate derivative TBA3[PMo11O39{Sn(C6H4)C=C(C6H4)N2}] (named
      K(Mo)Sn[N2(+)]) bearing a phenyl diazonium unit is investigated. Graphene
      decoration is evidenced by means of AFM, Raman, XPS, and cyclic voltammetry,
      indicating a successful immobilization of the polyoxomolybdate. The covalent
      bonding of the polyoxometalate to the graphene substrate can be deduced from the
      appearance of a D band in the Raman spectra and from the loss of mobility in the
      electrical conduction. High-resolution XPS spectra reveal an electron transfer
      from the graphene to the Mo complex. The comparison of charge-carrier density
      measurements before and after grafting supports the p-type doping effect, which
      is further evidenced by work function UPS measurements.

PMID- 27118297
TI  - Performance of manual hyperinflation: consistency and modification of the
      technique by intensive care unit nurses during physiotherapy.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the consistency and safety of manual
      hyperinflation delivery by nurses of variable clinical experience using a
      resuscitator bag during physiotherapy treatment. BACKGROUND: Manual
      hyperinflation involves the delivery of larger than normal gas volumes to
      intubated patients and is routinely used by nurses in collaboration with
      physiotherapists for the management of retained sputum. The aim is to deliver
      slow deep breaths with an inspiratory hold without unsafe airway pressures, lung
      volumes or haemodynamic changes. In addition, nursing staff should be able to
      'feel' differences in resistance and adjust their technique accordingly. DESIGN:
      Prospective observational study utilising the simulation of a mechanically
      ventilated patient. METHODS: Thirty-three nurses delivered manual hyperinflation
      to a SimMan3G mannequin who had three distinct lung scenarios applied (normal;
      asthma; Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) in randomised order during simulated
      physiotherapy treatment. Respiratory rate, tidal volume (Vt ), mean inspiratory
      flow rate (Vt /Ti), and peak airway pressure data were generated. RESULTS: Over
      all scenarios, mean respiratory rate = 12.3 breaths/minute, mean Vt  = 638.6 mls,
      mean inflation time = 1.3 seconds and peak airway pressure exceeded 40 cm H2 O in
      41% of breaths, although only in 10% of breaths during the 'normal' lung
      scenario. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced nurses were able to manually hyperinflate
      'normal' patients in a simulated setting safely. Despite their knowledge of
      barotrauma, unsafe airway pressures were delivered in some scenarios. RELEVANCE
      TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Training with regard to safe airway pressures, breath hold
      and adequate volumes is recommended for all nurses undertaking the procedure.
      Nurses and physiotherapists must closely monitor the patient's condition during
      manual hyperinflation thereby recognising changes with regard to lung compliance
      and airway resistance, with nurses responding by altering their technique. The
      addition of a pressure manometer in the circuit may improve patient safety when
      performing manual hyperinflation.

PMID- 27118298
TI  - Adult-onset severe methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency characterized
      by reversible spastic paraplegia with a novel mutation.

PMID- 27118299
TI  - Semiparametric partially linear varying coefficient models with panel count data.
AB  - This paper studies semiparametric regression analysis of panel count data, which
      arise naturally when recurrent events are considered. Such data frequently occur
      in medical follow-up studies and reliability experiments, for example. To explore
      the nonlinear interactions between covariates, we propose a class of partially
      linear models with possibly varying coefficients for the mean function of the
      counting processes with panel count data. The functional coefficients are
      estimated by B-spline function approximations. The estimation procedures are
      based on maximum pseudo-likelihood and likelihood approaches and they are easy to
      implement. The asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators are established,
      and their finite-sample performance is assessed by Monte Carlo simulation
      studies. We also demonstrate the value of the proposed method by the analysis of
      a cancer data set, where the new modeling approach provides more comprehensive
      information than the usual proportional mean model.

PMID- 27118300
TI  - Swedish isolates of Vibrio cholerae enhance their survival when interacted
      intracellularly with Acanthamoeba castellanii.
AB  - Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative bacterium that occurs naturally in aquatic
      environment. Only V. cholerae O1 and V. cholerae O139 produce cholera toxin and
      cause cholera, other serogroups can cause gastroenteritis, open wounds infection,
      and septicaemia. V. cholerae O1 and V. cholerae O139 grow and survive inside
      Acanthamoeba castellanii. The aim of this study is to investigate the
      interactions of the Swedish clinical isolates V. cholerae O3, V. cholerae O4, V.
      cholerae O5, V. cholerae O11, and V. cholerae O160 with A. castellanii. The
      interaction between A. castellanii and V. cholerae strains was studied by means
      of amoeba cell counts, viable counts of the bacteria in the absence or presence
      of amoebae, and of the intracellularly growing bacteria, visualised by electron
      microscopy. These results show that all V. cholerae can grow and survive outside
      and inside the amoebae, disclosing that V. cholerae O3, V. cholerae O4, V.
      cholerae O5, V. cholerae O11, and V. cholerae O160 all can be considered as
      facultative intracellular bacteria. 

PMID- 27118301
TI  - Physical Activity in School-Aged Children with Asthma in an Urban City of Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been reported that physical activity is limited in children
      with asthma. The aims of this study were to compare and quantify the physical
      activity levels between asthmatic children and their healthy peers. Factors
      associated with limitation of physical activity in asthmatic children were also
      investigated. METHODS: A total of 120 asthmatic children and 262 age-matched
      healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Clinical phenotype including
      severity and lung function were obtained from medical records. A questionnaire
      addressing physical activity, asthma diagnosis, symptoms, parental health
      beliefs, physician's advice and, community resources was accomplished by children
      and their parents. The physical activity levels of children with and without
      asthma were compared. Factors that might limit the activity level were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Children with asthma were less active than their peers. The significant
      difference was between normal controls and moderate-to-severe asthmatic children,
      but not children with mild asthma. Among children with asthma, physical activity
      was associated with the severity level but not parental health beliefs,
      physician's advice, or the convenience for physical activity. Children with
      moderate or severe persistent asthma were more likely to be inactive. CONCLUSION:
      Children with asthma had a lower level of physical activity, particularly those
      with moderate-to-severe asthma. To achieve an appropriate level of physical
      activity, improvement of asthma management and control is considered important.

PMID- 27118303
TI  - Serologic and molecular biomarkers for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma
      after liver transplantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of mortality. Knowledge on biomarkers may
      contribute to better surveillance based on the patients' risk of recurrence.
      Reviewing the literature, we aimed to identify serological and molecular
      biomarkers for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver
      transplantation. METHODS: A literature search was performed in the databases
      PubMed and Scopus to identify observational studies evaluating serological or
      molecular biomarkers for recurrence of HCC after LT using adjusted analysis to
      correct for confounding. RESULTS: Of 502 records, 69 mainly retrospective studies
      were included with a total of 15,213 patients. Of these, 41 studies were suitable
      for meta-analyses, which showed that the serum markers pre-transplant alpha
      fetoprotein (AFP) (hazard ratio (HR) 2.69 [2.08-3.47]), pre-transplant des-gamma
      carboxy prothrombin (DCP) (HR 5.99 [3.27-10.98]), and allelic imbalance in
      microsatellites in DNA of tumor tissue (HR 13.49 [3.17-57.30]) were related to
      recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: AFP, DCP and allelic imbalance in microsatellites may be
      used to predict recurrence. Together with other modalities, biomarkers may be
      used in future transplantation criteria to optimize selection of suitable
      patients.

PMID- 27118302
TI  - Primary bone diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a retrospective evaluation on 76
      cases from French institutional and LYSA studies.
AB  - Primary bone diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PB-DLBCL) is a rare DLBCL location
      variant. We treated 76 PB-DLBCL patients by immuno-chemotherapy, resulting in an
      84% sustained complete remission rate and a 78.9% survival over a 4.7-year median
      follow-up period. Ann Arbor stage IV and high age-adjusted international
      prognostic index were predictive of adverse outcome in univariate analysis. In
      multivariate analysis using a Cox model, only aa-IPI predicted long-term
      survival. While based on a limited number of cases, we suggested that
      radiotherapy may be useful as a consolidation modality in PB-DLBCL. We also
      suggested that positron emission tomography/CT scan should be interpreted with
      caution due to a persistent [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose [18FDG] uptake of bone
      lesions even after remission in some in PB-DLBCL patients. Our study based on a
      homogeneous cohort of PB-DLBCL patients confirmed the favorable outcome of this
      DLBCL variant and support the implementation of prospective clinical trials in
      this disease.

PMID- 27118304
TI  - Corrigendum: Growth of semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes with a narrow
      band-gap distribution.

PMID- 27118305
TI  - Imipenem-cilastatin-induced psychosis: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elderly patients, in particular, have been reported to develop
      psychiatric side effects from antibiotics. Clarithromycin, quinolones,
      sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, isoniazid, penicillin, and cephalosporins have
      been reported to cause psychosis. This case report bridges a void in the medical
      literature with regards to the psychiatric adverse effects of imipenem
      cilastatin. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old Hispanic man in septic shock due to
      urinary tract infection was initiated on imipenem-cilastatin and mechanically
      ventilated, following admission to hospital. His mentation was normal for 72
      hours after extubation and discontinuation of sedatives and opioids, following
      which he was noted to be in acute psychosis. Our patient's imipenem-cilastatin
      dose had been increased 24 hours prior to his violent visual and auditory
      hallucinations because his renal function had improved. The physical examination
      and laboratory tests did not reveal evidence of a new central nervous infection
      or endocrinopathy. His mentation improved after his antibiotic was switched to
      ceftriaxone, based on culture and sensitivity testing. Similar psychiatric
      symptoms developed 2 months later when he was treated with imipenem for a
      recurrent urinary tract infection. His symptoms again resolved with modification
      of his antibiotic regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Endocrine dysfunctions (thyroid, adrenal,
      and pituitary disorders) and toxic ingestions are medical disorders known to
      cause brief psychotic episodes. Fluoroquinolones, penicillins, and trimethoprim
      sulfamethoxazole are common antibiotics associated with this rare adverse effect.
      Several pharmacokinetic hypotheses have been proposed for this adverse effect:
      (1) N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor hypofunctioning, (2) sequential blockade of
      folic acid production, (3) inhibition of prostaglandin E2 and proinflammatory
      cytokine production, (4) increased central dopamine turnover, and (5)
      accumulation of toxic levels of the drug. Pre-existing psychopathology, relevant
      comorbidities, slow acetylation status, and increased permeability of the blood
      brain barrier have been suggested to make patients more prone to developing
      psychosis. According to the literature, this psychiatric manifestation resolves
      within 2 weeks of discontinuing the offending agent. There appears to be
      underreporting of the psychiatric manifestations of imipenem-cilastatin, contrary
      to post-marketing surveillance data. It is imperative that physicians recognize
      these psychiatric side effects of antibiotics, because they are a fundamental
      treatment option.

PMID- 27118306
TI  - Corrigendum to 'Intraprosthetic screw fixation increases primary fixation
      stability in periprosthetic fractures of the femur-A biomechanical study.' [Med.
      Eng. Phys. 36 (2014) 239-243].

PMID- 27118307
TI  - A robust approach for ECG-based analysis of cardiopulmonary coupling.
AB  - Deriving respiratory signal from a surface electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement
      has advantage of simultaneously monitoring of cardiac and respiratory activities.
      ECG-based cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) analysis estimated by heart period
      variability and ECG-derived respiration (EDR) shows promising applications in
      medical field. The aim of this paper is to provide a quantitative analysis of the
      ECG-based CPC, and further improve its performance. Two conventional strategies
      were tested to obtain EDR signal: R-S wave amplitude and area of the QRS complex.
      An adaptive filter was utilized to extract the common component of inter-beat
      interval (RRI) and EDR, generating enhanced versions of EDR signal. CPC is
      assessed through probing the nonlinear phase interactions between RRI series and
      respiratory signal. Respiratory oscillations presented in both RRI series and
      respiratory signals were extracted by ensemble empirical mode decomposition for
      coupling analysis via phase synchronization index. The results demonstrated that
      CPC estimated from conventional EDR series exhibits constant and proportional
      biases, while that estimated from enhanced EDR series is more reliable. Adaptive
      filtering can improve the accuracy of the ECG-based CPC estimation significantly
      and achieve robust CPC analysis. The improved ECG-based CPC estimation may
      provide additional prognostic information for both sleep medicine and autonomic
      function analysis.

PMID- 27118308
TI  - A pressure and shear sensor system for stress measurement at lower limb
      residuum/socket interface.
AB  - A sensor system for measurement of pressure and shear at the lower limb
      residuum/socket interface is described. The system comprises of a flexible sensor
      unit and a data acquisition unit with wireless data transmission capability.
      Static and dynamic performance of the sensor system was characterised using a
      mechanical test machine. The static calibration results suggest that the
      developed sensor system presents high linearity (linearity error <= 3.8%) and
      resolution (0.9 kPa for pressure and 0.2 kPa for shear). Dynamic characterisation
      of the sensor system shows hysteresis error of approximately 15% for pressure and
      8% for shear. Subsequently, a pilot amputee walking test was conducted. Three
      sensors were placed at the residuum/socket interface of a knee disarticulation
      amputee and simultaneous measurements were obtained during pilot amputee walking
      test. The pressure and shear peak values as well as their temporal profiles are
      presented and discussed. In particular, peak pressure and shear of approximately
      58 kPa and 27 kPa, respectively, were recorded. Their temporal profiles also
      provide dynamic coupling information at this critical residuum/socket interface.
      These preliminary amputee test results suggest strong potential of the developed
      sensor system for exploitation as an assistive technology to facilitate socket
      design, socket fit and effective monitoring of lower limb residuum health.

PMID- 27118309
TI  - Calprotectin could be a potential biomarker for acute appendicitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is a common cause for a visit to the emergency
      department and appendectomy represents the most common emergency procedure in
      surgery. The rate of negative appendectomy however has remained high despite
      modern diagnostic apparatus. Therefore, there is need for a better preoperative
      screening of patients with suspected appendicitis. Calprotectin represents a
      predominant protein in the cytosol of neutrophil granulocytes and has been
      extensively investigated with regard to bowel pathologies. This study
      investigates the expression of calprotectin in the lumen of the vermiform
      appendix of patients undergoing appendectomy for suspected appendicitis. METHODS:
      Appendix specimens from patients undergoing emergency appendectomy for suspected
      acute appendicitis were examined. Acute appendicitis was confirmed on
      histopathology. The qualitative expression of calprotectin in the vermiform
      appendix specimens was analyzed using specific calprotectin antibodies. RESULTS:
      Vermiform appendix specimens from 52 patients (22 female and 30 male) including
      11 with uncomplicated and 41 with complicated appendicitis were analyzed. Strong
      immunostainings were achieved with calprotectin antibody in the lumen of all
      specimens irrespective of the extent of appendicitis. Immunostaining was negative
      in the uninflamed appendix. CONCLUSIONS: High calprotectin activity could be
      demonstrated within the lumen of vermiform appendix specimens following
      appendectomy for acute appendicitis. The high luminal accumulation of
      calprotectin-carrying cells could be interpreted as an invitation to study the
      expression of calprotectin in stool as a new diagnostic aid in patients with
      suspected appendicitis.

PMID- 27118310
TI  - Tau mutant A152T, a risk factor for FTD/PSP, induces neuronal dysfunction and
      reduced lifespan independently of aggregation in a C. elegans Tauopathy model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A certain number of mutations in the Microtubule-Associated Protein
      Tau (MAPT) gene have been identified in individuals with high risk to develop
      neurodegenerative diseases, collectively called tauopathies. The mutation
      A152TMAPT was recently identified in patients diagnosed with frontotemporal
      spectrum disorders, including Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP),
      Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), and Alzheimer
      disease (AD). The A152TMAPT mutation is unusual since it lies within the N
      terminal region of Tau protein, far outside the repeat domain that is responsible
      for physiological Tau-microtubule interactions and pathological Tau aggregation.
      How A152TMAPT causes neurodegeneration remains elusive. RESULTS: To understand
      the pathological consequences of this mutation, here we present a new
      Caenorhabditis elegans model expressing the mutant A152TMAPT in neurons. While
      expression of full-length wild-type human tau (Tau(wt), 2N4R) in C. elegans
      neurons induces a progressive mild uncoordinated locomotion in a dose-dependent
      manner, mutant tau (Tau(A152T), 2N4R) induces a severe paralysis accompanied by
      acute neuronal dysfunction. Mutant Tau(A152T) worms display morphological changes
      in neurons reminiscent of neuronal aging and a shortened life-span. Moreover,
      mutant A152T overexpressing neurons show mislocalization of pre-synaptic proteins
      as well as distorted mitochondrial distribution and trafficking. Strikingly,
      mutant tau-transgenic worms do not accumulate insoluble tau aggregates, although
      soluble oligomeric tau was detected. In addition, the full-length A152T-tau
      remains in a pathological conformation that accounts for its toxicity. Moreover,
      the N-terminal region of tau is not toxic per se, despite the fact that it
      harbours the A152T mutation, but requires the C-terminal region including the
      repeat domain to move into the neuronal processes in order to execute the
      pathology. CONCLUSION: In summary, we show that the mutant Tau(A152T) induces
      neuronal dysfunction, morphological alterations in neurons akin to aging
      phenotype and reduced life-span independently of aggregation. This comprehensive
      description of the pathology due to Tau(A152T) opens up multiple possibilities to
      identify cellular targets involved in the Tau-dependent pathology for a potential
      therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 27118311
TI  - History of malaria treatment as a predictor of subsequent subclinical
      parasitaemia: a cross-sectional survey and malaria case records from three
      villages in Pailin, western Cambodia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of the sub-clinical reservoir of malaria, which may
      maintain transmission, could be an important component of elimination strategies.
      The reliable detection of asymptomatic infections with low levels of parasitaemia
      requires high-volume quantitative polymerase chain reaction (uPCR), which is
      impractical to conduct on a large scale. It is unknown to what extent sub
      clinical parasitaemias originate from recent or older clinical episodes. This
      study explored the association between clinical history of malaria and subsequent
      sub-clinical parasitaemia. METHODS: In June 2013 a cross-sectional survey was
      conducted in three villages in Pailin, western Cambodia. Demographic and
      epidemiological data and blood samples were collected. Blood was tested for
      malaria by high-volume qPCR. Positive samples were analysed by nested PCR to
      determine the Plasmodium species. To identify previous episodes of malaria, case
      records were collected from village malaria workers and local health facilities
      and linked to study participants. RESULTS: Among 1343 participants, 40/122 (32.8
      %) with a history of clinical malaria were parasitaemic during the cross
      sectional survey, compared to 172/1221 (14.1 %) without this history (p < 0.001).
      Among the 212 parasitaemic participants in the survey, 40 (18.9 %) had a history
      of clinical malaria, compared to 87 out of 1131 (7.7 %) parasite-negative
      participants; p < 0.001, adjusted OR 3.3 (95 % CI; 2.1-5.1). A history of
      Plasmodium vivax was associated with sub-clinical P. vivax parasitaemia in the
      survey (p < 0.001), but this association was not seen with Plasmodium falciparum
      (p = 0.253); only three participants had both P. falciparum parasites in the
      survey and a clinical history of P. falciparum. CONCLUSIONS: A clinical episode
      of vivax malaria was associated with subsequent sub-clinical parasitaemia.
      Treatment of P. vivax with artemisinin-based combination therapy without
      primaquine often resulted in recurrent episodes. Targeting individuals with a
      history of clinical malaria will be insufficient to eliminate the sub-clinical
      reservoir as they constitute a minority of parasitaemias.

PMID- 27118312
TI  - A staged decompression of right ventricle allows growth of right ventricle and
      subsequent biventricular repair in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact
      ventricular septum.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To achieve the growth of right-sided heart structures, our choice of
      the first palliation for patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular
      septum (PA-IVS) includes a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS) with pulmonary
      valvotomy. We sought to analyse the impact of the first palliation on the growth
      of right-sided heart structures and factors associated with a choice of
      definitive surgical procedure. METHODS: Fifty patients with PA-IVS who underwent
      a staged surgical approach from 1991 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.
      RESULTS: Right ventricular (RV)-coronary artery fistulas were seen in 42% of
      patients at the time of birth. All 50 patients had a modified BTS with pulmonary
      valvotomy. Six patients died after the first palliation or inter-stage. Thirty
      patients achieved a biventricular repair (BVR group), 6 patients had a 1 + 1/2
      ventricular repair (1 + 1/2V group) and 5 patients had a Fontan completion
      (Fontan group). After modified BTS with pulmonary valvotomy, tricuspid valve z
      score did not increase in any of the group (BVR: pre -2.79 vs post -2.24, 1 +
      1/2V: pre -5.25 vs post -6.69, Fontan: pre -6.82 vs post -7.94). Normalized RV
      end-diastolic volume increased only in BVR group after modified BTS with
      pulmonary valvotomy (BVR: pre 32% vs post 64%, 1 + 1/2V: pre 43% vs post 42%,
      Fontan: pre 29% vs post 32%). Major RV-coronary artery fistula was a strong
      factor with proceeding single-ventricle palliation [BVR: 4/30 (13%) patients, 1 +
      1/2V: 1/6 (17%) and Fontan: 4/5 (80%)]. CONCLUSIONS: Tricuspid valve growth was
      not obtained by modified BTS with pulmonary valvotomy; therefore, tricuspid valve
      size at birth appeared to be a predictor for achieving BVR. Proportionate RV
      growth was seen only in patients who achieved BVR. However, RV growth was not
      seen in patients having 1 + 1/2 ventricular repair. Major RV-coronary artery
      fistula was a strong predictor for proceeding single-ventricle palliation.

PMID- 27118313
TI  - Comparison between off- and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: long-term
      results of a real-world registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare 5-year rates of overall death,
      cardiac-related death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, stroke
      and new occurrence of postoperative renal failure in a large cohort of patients
      with coronary disease, treated with on- or off-pump coronary artery bypass
      grafting (CABG). METHODS: Two propensity score-matched cohorts, each of 560
      patients, undergoing isolated surgical coronary revascularization at the regional
      public and private centres of Emilia-Romagna region (Italy) over the period 1
      January 2003 - 31 December 2013, were used to compare long-term outcomes of on
      pump CABG (6711 patients) and off-pump CABG (597 patients). RESULTS: The matched
      on-pump group received significantly more bypass grafts than the matched off-pump
      group (2.4 +/- 1.1 vs 1.6 +/- 0.9, P < 0.0001). The on-pump group reported
      statistically significant lower cardiac-related mortality. There was a trend
      towards higher overall mortality and the need for repeat revascularization
      procedures in the off-pump group. No difference was found for myocardial
      infarction, stroke or new occurrence of postoperative renal failure between
      groups in the follow-up. The multivariate analysis of significant predictors of
      mortality in the overall population confirmed that the off-pump revascularization
      strategy was an independent predictor of death at long-term follow-up. On-pump
      CABG reported significantly better results in terms of mortality in the subgroups
      of patients with a depressed left ventricular ejection fraction and in patients
      with three-vessel disease. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing elective isolated
      CABG, on-pump strategy conferred a long-term survival advantage compared with off
      pump strategy, particularly for patients with more extensive coronary disease. No
      benefits were found in terms of reduction of postoperative morbidity with the off
      pump strategy. On-pump surgery should be the preferred revascularization
      technique, and off-pump surgery reserved for patients for whom the perioperative
      risk of cardiopulmonary bypass is greater than the risk of a less complete
      coronary revascularization.

PMID- 27118314
TI  - The anaerobic linalool metabolism in Thauera linaloolentis 47 Lol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The betaproteobacterium Thauera linaloolentis 47Lol(T) was isolated
      on the tertiary monoterpene alcohol (R,S)-linalool as sole carbon and energy
      source under denitrifying conditions. Growth experiments indicated the formation
      of geraniol and geranial. Thus, a 3,1-hydroxyl-Delta(1)-Delta(2)-mutase (linalool
      isomerase) activity may initiate the degradation, followed by enzymes of the
      acyclic terpene utilization (Atu) and leucine/isovalerate utilization (Liu)
      pathways that were extensively studied in Pseudomonas spp. growing on citronellol
      or geraniol. RESULTS: A transposon mutagenesis yielded 39 transconjugants that
      could not grow anaerobically on linalool and nitrate in liquid medium. The
      deficiencies were apparently based on gene functions required to overcome the
      toxicity of linalool, but not due to inactivation of genes in the degradation
      pathway. Growing cultures formed geraniol and geranial transiently, but also
      geranic acid. Analysis of expressed proteins detected several enzymes of the Atu
      and Liu pathways. The draft genome of T. linaloolentis 47Lol(T) had atu and liu
      genes with homology to those of Pseudomonas spp.. CONCLUSION: The in comparison
      to monoterpenes larger toxicity of monoterpene alcohols is defeated by several
      modifications of the cellular structure and metabolism in Thauera linaloolentis
      47Lol(T). The acyclic terpene utilization pathway is used in T. linaloolentis
      47Lol(T) during growth on (R,S)-linalool and nitrate under anoxic conditions.
      This is the first experimental verification of an active Atu pathway outside of
      the genus Pseudomonas.

PMID- 27118315
TI  - Effects of chewing rate and reactive hyperemia on blood flow in denture
      supporting mucosa during simulated chewing.
AB  - PURPOSE: We examined how chewing rate and the extent of reactive hyperemia affect
      the blood flow in denture-supporting mucosa during chewing. METHODS: The left
      palatal mucosa was loaded under conditions of simulated chewing or simulated
      clenching for 30s, and the blood flow during loading was recorded. We compared
      the relative blood flow during loading under conditions that recreated different
      chewing rates by combining duration of chewing cycle (DCC) and occlusal time
      (OT): fast chewing group, typical chewing group, slow chewing group and clenching
      group. The relationship between relative blood flow during simulated chewing and
      the extent of reactive hyperemia was also analyzed. RESULTS: When comparing the
      different chewing rate, the relative blood flow was highest in fast chewing rate,
      followed by typical chewing rate and slow chewing rate. Accordingly, we suggest
      that fast chewing increases the blood flow more than typical chewing or slow
      chewing. There was a significant correlation between the amount of blood flow
      during simulated chewing and the extent of reactive hyperemia. CONCLUSIONS:
      Within the limitations of this study, we concluded that slow chewing induced less
      blood flow than typical or fast chewing in denture-supporting mucosa and that
      people with less reactive hyperemia had less blood flow in denture-supporting
      mucosa during chewing.

PMID- 27118317
TI  - NHS England misses cancer referral targets again.

PMID- 27118316
TI  - Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulators and Activators: Novel Therapies for
      Pulmonary Vascular Disease or a Different Method of Increasing cGMP?
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressively worsening disorder
      characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance leading to increased
      afterload, right ventricular hypertrophy, and ultimately right heart failure and
      death. Current pharmacologic treatments primarily act to reduce pulmonary
      vascular resistance (PVR) and provide some benefit but do not cure PAH. Canonical
      vasodilator therapy involving the nitric oxide (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase
      (sGC)-cGMP pathway has demonstrated efficacy, but in pathologic states,
      endothelial dysfunction within the pulmonary vasculature leads to the reduced
      synthesis and bioavailability of NO. Acting downstream of NO, sGC stimulators and
      activators restore the endogenous functions of NO and exploit the positive
      effects of sGC stimulation on various organ systems, including the heart.
      Riociguat (BAY 63-2521) is the first agent in a class of sGC stimulators to
      receive FDA approval for the treatment of PAH and chronic thromboembolic
      hypertension (CTEPH). Riociguat has demonstrated significant benefit as assessed
      by 6MWD, PVR, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, time
      to clinical worsening, World Health Organization (WHO) functional class, and
      other quality of life measures in clinical trials as a monotherapy and in
      combination with endothelin receptor antagonists or non-intravenous prostanoids.
      Riociguat is the first FDA-approved treatment option for inoperable or persistent
      CTEPH and adds a new effective drug to available treatment options for pulmonary
      hypertension (PH). The question of whether riociguat is superior to other
      available treatment options is unanswered at the present time and requires
      further study. 

PMID- 27118318
TI  - Thyroid cancer subtype downgraded to non-cancer.

PMID- 27118319
TI  - A prognostic model for survival after salvage treatment with FLAG-Ida +/-
      gemtuzumab-ozogamicine in adult patients with refractory/relapsed acute myeloid
      leukaemia.
AB  - The combination of fludarabine, cytarabine, idarubicin, and granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor (FLAG-Ida) is widely used in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid
      leukaemia (AML). We retrospectively analysed the results of 259 adult AML
      patients treated as first salvage with FLAG-Ida or FLAG-Ida plus Gentuzumab
      Ozogamicin (FLAGO-Ida) of the Programa Espanol de Tratamientos en Hematologia
      (PETHEMA) database, developing a prognostic score system of survival in this
      setting (SALFLAGE score). Overall, 221 patients received FLAG-Ida and 38 FLAGO
      Ida; 92 were older than 60 years. The complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete
      blood count recovery (CRi) rate was 51%, with 9% of induction deaths. Three
      covariates were associated with lower CR/CRi: high-risk cytogenetics and t(8;21)
      at diagnosis, no previous allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) and
      relapse-free interval <1 year. Allo-SCT was performed in second CR in 60 patients
      (23%). The median overall survival (OS) of the entire cohort was 0.7 years, with
      22% OS at 5-years. Four independent variables were used to construct the score:
      cytogenetics, FLT3-internal tandem duplication, length of relapse-free interval
      and previous allo-SCT. Using this stratification system, three groups were
      defined: favourable (26% of patients), intermediate (29%) and poor-risk (45%),
      with an expected 5-year OS of 52%, 26% and 7%, respectively. The SALFLAGE score
      discriminated a subset of patients with an acceptable long-term outcome using
      FLAG-Ida/FLAGO-Ida regimen. The results of this retrospective analysis should be
      validated in independent external cohorts.

PMID- 27118320
TI  - Countercurrent assisted quantitative recovery of metabolites from plant
      associated natural deep eutectic solvents.
AB  - NAtural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES) are chemically simple but physiologically
      important plant constituents that exhibit unique solubilizing properties of other
      metabolites, including bioactive constituents. The high polarity of NADES
      introduces a challenge in the ability of conventional solid-support based
      chromatography to recover potential bioactive metabolites. This complicates the
      systematic explanation of the NADES' functions in botanical extracts. The present
      study utilizes countercurrent separation (CCS) methodology to overcome the
      recovery challenge. To demonstrate its feasibility, Glucose-Choline chloride
      Water (GCWat, 2:5:5, mole/mole) served as a model NADES, and four widely used
      marker flavonoids with different polarities (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and
      daidzein) were chosen as model target analytes. In order to prepare GCWat with
      high consistency, a water drying study was performed. The unique capabilities of
      the recently introduced CherryOne system, offering volumetric phase metering,
      were used to monitor the CCS operations. The collected fractions were analyzed
      using UHPLC and NMR/quantitative NMR. CCS was able to recover the analytes from
      the NADES matrix with quantitative recoveries of 95.7%, 94.6%, 97.0%, and 96.7%
      for rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and daidzein respectively. The CCS strategy
      enables recovery of target metabolites from NADES-containing crude extracts as
      well as from other chemical mixtures, and moreover offers a means of using NADES
      as environmentally friendly extraction solvents. 

PMID- 27118321
TI  - Lignans and triterpenoids from Vitex negundo var. heterophylla and their
      biological evaluation.
AB  - Three new phenylnaphthalene-type lignans, vitexnegheteroins E-G (1-3), and a new
      polyoxygenated ursane-type triterpene, vitexnegheteroin H (9), were isolated from
      the seeds of Vitex negundo var. heterophylla, together with ten known compounds.
      Their structures were established on the basis of extensive 1D and 2D NMR
      experiments, as well as their mass spectroscopic data. The absolute
      configurations of compounds 1 and 2 were determined by comparing their
      experimental ECD spectra with that calculated by the time-dependent density
      functional theory (TDDFT) method. The isolates were evaluated for their
      cytotoxicities against three human cancer cell lines, inhibitory activities on
      lipopolysaccharide-induced NO production in murine microglial BV-2 cells, and
      antioxidant activities for ABTS radical scavenging. 

PMID- 27118322
TI  - New steroidal saponins from the rhizomes of Paris delavayi and their
      cytotoxicity.
AB  - Four new furostanol saponins, named padelaosides C-F (1-4), together with four
      known spirostanol saponins 5-8 were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris delavayi
      Franchet. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive
      spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidences. The discovery of the new compounds
      1-4 extended the diversity and complexity of this furostanol saponin family. The
      cytotoxicity of all the saponins was evaluated for their cytotoxicity against
      human glioblastoma U87MG and human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep-G2 cell lines.
      The known spirostanol saponins 7 and 8 exhibited notable cytotoxicity against the
      two tumor cell lines with IC50 values of 1.13 and 3.42MUM, respectively, while
      the new furostanol saponins 3 and 4 showed moderate cytotoxicity with IC50 values
      of 15.28 to 16.98MUM. 

PMID- 27118323
TI  - Oxidative stress controlling agents are effective for small intestinal injuries
      induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Video-capsule endoscopy (VCE) has shown that intestinal
      ulcers are common in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) users,
      although the mechanisms and management have not been clearly defined. To explore
      the contribution of oxidative stress and potential of anti-oxidants for NSAIDs
      induced intestinal ulcers, we assessed human serum oxidative stress balance and
      the effect of anti-oxidants using a mouse model. METHODS: A total of 30 NSAIDs
      users (17 aspirin and 13 non-aspirin users) received VCE. Serum reactive oxygen
      metabolite (d-ROM) and antioxidative OXY-adsorbent test (OXY) were measured. The
      indomethacin (IND)-induced mouse intestinal ulcer model was used to assess the
      effect of anti-oxidants. Eight-week-old mice were divided into four groups;
      control diet and diet including IND (N group), IND and L-carnitine (NC group),
      and IND and vitamin E (NE group). RESULTS: Serum OXY levels among non-aspirin
      users were lower in the mucosal injuries positive group than the negative group
      (P < 0.05). In the mouse models, the degree of mucosal injuries was lower in NC
      and NE than N (P < 0.01). Serum d-ROM levels were lower in NC and NE than N (P <
      0.01), and OXY levels were higher in NC than N and NE (P < 0.01). The
      degeneration of intestinal mitochondria was mild in NC and NE. The serum KC/CXCL
      1 level and hepatic expression of the anti-oxidant molecule Gpx4 were lower in NC
      than N. CONCLUSIONS: Non-aspirin NSAID-induced intestinal ulcers are related to
      decreased anti-oxidative stress function. Anti-oxidants, especially L-carnitine,
      are good candidates for intestinal ulcers.

PMID- 27118324
TI  - Amos B Smith, III: chemist, collaborator and mentor.

PMID- 27118325
TI  - Professor Amos B Smith, III.

PMID- 27118326
TI  - The first total synthesis and the second- or third-generation approach.

PMID- 27118327
TI  - A novel block of plant virus movement genes.
AB  - Hibiscus green spot virus (HGSV) is a recently discovered and so far poorly
      characterized bacilliform plant virus with a positive-stranded RNA genome
      consisting of three RNA species. Here, we demonstrate that the proteins encoded
      by the ORF2 and ORF3 in HGSV RNA2 are necessary and sufficient to mediate cell-to
      cell movement of transport-deficient Potato virus X in Nicotiana benthamiana.
      These two genes represent a specialized transport module called a 'binary
      movement block' (BMB), and ORF2 and ORF3 are termed BMB1 and BMB2 genes. In
      agroinfiltrated epidermal cells of N. benthamiana, green fluorescent protein
      (GFP)-BMB1 fusion protein was distributed diffusely in the cytoplasm and the
      nucleus. However, in the presence of BMB2, GFP-BMB1 was directed to cell wall
      adjacent elongated bodies at the cell periphery, to cell wall-embedded punctate
      structures co-localizing with callose deposits at plasmodesmata, and to cells
      adjacent to the initially transformed cell. Thus, BMB2 can mediate the transport
      of BMB1 to and through plasmodesmata. In general, our observations support the
      idea that cell-to-cell trafficking of movement proteins involves an initial
      delivery to membrane compartments adjacent to plasmodesmata, subsequent entry of
      the plasmodesmata cavity and, finally, transport to adjacent cells. This process,
      as an alternative to tubule-based transport, has most likely evolved
      independently in triple gene block (TGB), double gene block (DGB), BMB and the
      single gene-coded transport system.

PMID- 27118329
TI  - Objects but not concepts modulate the size of the attended region.
AB  - Here we investigated the types of stimuli that modulate the size of the
      attentional spotlight. In particular, it has been previously shown that
      conceptual cues that either directly refer to or are semantically related to
      particular spatial locations can shift attention to that location (known as
      "conceptual cueing"). For example, reading the word sun or joy can shift
      attention upward whereas the word boot or hostile can shift attention downward.
      Here, therefore, we tested whether words could modulate the size of the attended
      area. Across five experiments, we found that words that either directly referred
      to, or were abstractly associated with, particular sizes (small versus large) did
      not change the size of the attentional spotlight, whereas the presence of
      differently sized stimuli did, as evidenced by faster responses to targets when
      the spotlight is small than when it is large. This suggests that physical but not
      conceptual inducers can modulate the size of the attentional spotlight. This
      highlights an important difference between the regulation of spotlight size and
      shifts of attention, supporting the notion that they are subserved by distinct
      mechanisms.

PMID- 27118328
TI  - Novel strategies for development of hemorrhagic fever arenavirus live-attenuated
      vaccines.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Several arenaviruses, chiefly Lassa virus (LASV), cause hemorrhagic
      fever (HF) disease in humans and pose significant public health problems in their
      endemic regions. Moreover, HF arenaviruses represent credible biodefense threats.
      There are not FDA-approved arenavirus vaccines and current anti-arenaviral
      therapy is limited to an off-label use of ribavirin that is only partially
      effective. AREAS COVERED: Live-attenuated vaccines (LAV) represent the most
      feasible approach to control HF arenaviruses within their endemic regions.
      Different platforms, including recombinant viral vectors expressing LASV
      antigens, and the use of attenuated reassortant arenaviruses, have been used to
      develop LAV candidates against LASV with promising results in animal models of
      LASV infection, but none of them has entered a clinical trial. These vaccine
      efforts have been the subject of recent reviews and will not be examined in this
      review, which is focused on new avenues for the development of safe and effective
      LAV to combat HF arenaviruses. Expert commentary: The development of arenavirus
      reverse genetics has provided investigators with a novel powerful approach to
      manipulate the genomes of HF arenaviruses, which has opened new avenues for the
      rapid development of safe and effective LAV to combat these human pathogens.

PMID- 27118330
TI  - IL-6 blockade therapy for inflammatory diseases: current perspectives and future
      directions.
AB  - Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a prototypical cytokine featuring pleiotropic and
      redundant activity. It is an essential factor to protect host from environmental
      stress and to maintain homeostasis, whereas its dysregulated, excessive or
      persistent production plays a pathological role in various inflammatory diseases.
      Then, IL-6 blockade was expected to become a novel therapeutic strategy and a
      humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab was developed. Indeed, through
      clinical trials its efficacy and tolerable safety was proved and is now in
      clinical use for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as
      rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Castleman's disease.
      Moreover, ongoing various clinical studies suggest that it will be widely
      applicable for the treatment of intractable chronic immune-mediated diseases as
      well as acute severe inflammatory diseases presenting with "cytokine storm".

PMID- 27118331
TI  - Relevance of involvement of tofacitinib in T cell subsets to clinical courses and
      adverse events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Recent advance in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been derived by
      biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) targeting cytokines. A
      Jak inhibitor tofacitinib, the first drug of targeted synthetic DMARD (tsDMARD),
      a novel category of DMARD, shows similar efficacy profile, but different safety
      concerns, compared to bDMARDs. It is, therefore, essential to understand the mode
      of action of tofacitinib in the context of safety and efficacy. We here document
      the possible mechanism of tofacitinib in patiens with RA, shedding light upon a
      characteristic adverse event, herpes zoster.

PMID- 27118332
TI  - Gut to systemic immune-homeostasis mediated by innate signals.
AB  - To accommodate the vast antigenic exposure from both food components and
      commensal bacteria, the gut has evolved a naturally anti-inflammatory
      environment. We have recently shown that lactic acid bacteria (LAB), a major
      population of small intestinal microbiota and often found in fermented foods,
      contain a large amount of double-stranded RNA and capable of inducing interferon
      beta (IFN-beta) production from dendritic cells (DCs) via the Toll-like receptor
      3 (TLR3) pathway. It is a significant feature of LAB and was not observed in
      other bacteria tested. Moreover, IFN-beta secreted in response to LAB prevented
      experimental colitis. These results identify TLR3 as a sensor to small intestinal
      commensal bacteria and contribute to anti-inflammatory mechanism. We also show
      that oral administration of beta-glucan enhance intestinal and systemic immune
      response in dectin-1-dependent manner. Thus elucidation of "gut to systemic
      immune-homeostasis" mediated by innate signals will be valued for the development
      of gut-biology and science-based food immunology, with a focus on innovation in
      the health and medical industries.

PMID- 27118333
TI  - The participations of the physicians on the diagnosis and treatments of
      antiphospholipid related pregnancy morbidities in Japan: from the result of
      nationwide survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thromboses and pregnancy morbidities are major pathologies of
      antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). In general, rheumatologists or hematologists see
      APS thrombosis patients, and they often give advices for the treatments of APS
      related pregnancy morbidities, such as measurements and interpretations of
      antiphospholipid antibodies(aPL). OBJECTIVE: To survey the approaches of
      physicians in Japan to the diagnosis and treatment of aPL-associated pregnancy
      morbidities. METHOD: The study group on the Health and Labour Sciences Research
      Grants sent a questionnaire to 550 board members of the Japan College of
      Rheumatology and the Japanese Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis, and analyzed
      the responses. RESULT: The number of valid responses was 157 (28.5%). The number
      of pregnant women who were diagnosed as having APS was 118.7 patients/year in 53
      of 157 hospitals (33.8%). With respect to aPL measurements, 128 out of 157
      hospitals (81.5%) determined one or more anticardiolipin antibodies or beta2GPI
      dependent anticardiolipin antibodies with one or more lupus anticoagulants;
      however aPL tests of only 2 hospitals (1.3%) covered all aPLs defined in the
      classification criteria. The obstetricians were responsible for treatments in
      33.1% to 42.3% of the hospitals. The treatment methods or duration of treatments
      did not reach to the general consensus. CONCLUSION: The number of cases of aPL
      related pregnancy complications that physicians have intervened was relatively
      small. There are considerable patients that are not diagnosed as having the
      disease due to insufficient aPL examinations. There were less involvement of
      physicians to the diagnosis and treatment of pregnant women with aPLs.

PMID- 27118334
TI  - Clinical study of giant cell arteritis in our hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical and laboratory features of giant cell
      arteritis (GCA). METHOD: We included 24 patients (6 men, 18 women; mean age 69.8
      years) in this study. GCA was diagnosed based on the American College of
      Rheumatology 1990 classification criteria. RESULTS: Mean serum C-reactive protein
      was 9.03 mg/dl. GCA was classified into three types: classic temporal arteritis
      type (cranial GCA, nine patients); large-vessel type, affecting the aorta and its
      major branches without temporal arteries (12 patients); generalized type,
      affecting both temporal arteries and large vessels (three patients). Swelling and
      tenderness of temporal arteries were recognized in temporal arteritis and
      generalized arteritis. Ten of these patients also had histopathologic findings of
      arteritis, including giant cells in biopsy specimens. Examination of HLA-class 1
      expression showed that one patient with cranial GCA, three with generalized GCA,
      and seven with large-vessel GCA were positive for HLA-A24, and four patients with
      large-vessel GCA were positive for HLA-B39. One patient with cranial GCA, one
      with generalized GCA, and six with large-vessel GCA were positive for HLA-B52.
      Nine patients were positive for anti-phospholipid antibodies (seven for anti
      cardiolipin antibody immunoglobulin G, seven for anti-cardiolipin beta2
      glycoprotein-1 antibody, one for lupus anticoagulant). CONCLUSION: Our study
      demonstrated that HLA-class 1 expression in GCA resembles that in Takayasu
      arteritis, suggesting that these two arteritis types share the same genetic
      background. In contrast, the difference in the prevalence of anti-phospholipid
      antibodies in GCA and Takayasu arteritis patients shows a difference in the
      characteristic aspects of these two arteritis types.

PMID- 27118336
TI  - Functional and mechanistic analysis of telomerase: An antitumor drug target.
AB  - The current research on anticancer drugs focuses on exploiting particular traits
      or hallmarks unique to cancer cells. Telomerase, a special reverse transcriptase,
      has been recognized as a common factor in most tumor cells, and in turn a
      distinctive characteristic with respect to non-malignant cells. This feature has
      made telomerase a preferred target for anticancer drug development and cancer
      therapy. This review aims to analyze the pharmacological function and mechanism
      and role of telomerase in oncogenesis; to provide fundamental knowledge for
      research on the structure, function, and working mechanism of telomerase; to
      expound the role that telomerase plays in the initiation and development of tumor
      and its relationship with tumor cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and
      related pathway molecules; and to display potential targets of antitumor drug for
      inhibiting the expression, reconstitution, and trafficking of the enzyme. We
      therefore summarize recent advances in potential telomerase inhibitors for
      antitumor including natural products, synthetic small molecules, peptides and
      proteins, which indicate that optimizing the delivery method and drug combination
      could be of help in a combinatorial drug treatment for tumor. More extensive
      understanding of the structure, biogenesis, and mechanism of telomerase will
      provide invaluable information for increasing the efficiency of rational
      antitumor drug design.

PMID- 27118335
TI  - Marked efficacy of adalimumab for secondary gastrointestinal amyloidosis
      accompanied with ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - A 39-year-old man with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis which was refractory to
      methotrexate and prednisolone therapy complained of epigastralgia, melena and
      diarrhea. Diffuse mucosal damage was observed on endoscopic examination, and
      histological findings of the gastric and colonal mucosa showed AA type
      amyloidosis. He was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on the basis of
      the clinical feature such as the limitation in range of motion of lumber spine,
      and sacroiliitis on MR imaging. Although digestive symptom ameliorated by fasting
      and antibiotic therapy, laboratory findings continued to reveal an elevation of
      serum C-reactive protein (CRP) value and arthritis worsened. However, after the
      initiation of the treatment with adalimumab (ADA), not only his manifestation but
      also serum levels of CRP became normalized promptly. As far as we could
      evaluated, follow-up colonoscopic examination showed normal mucosal findings and
      histologic examination proved that amyloid protein disappeared. Secondary
      gastrointestinal amyloidosis is ralely associated with AS. Therefore standard
      therapy is not established. This case might indicate an efficacy of ADA for
      secondary gastrointestinal amyloidosis accompanied with AS.

PMID- 27118337
TI  - Diverse roles of HDAC6 in viral infection: Implications for antiviral therapy.
AB  - Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), a cytoplasmic enzyme important for many biological
      processes, has recently emerged as a critical regulator of viral infection. HDAC6
      exerts this function either directly, via orchestrating various stages of the
      viral life cycle, or indirectly via modulating cytokine production by host cells.
      The broad influence of HDAC6 on viral pathogenesis suggests that this protein may
      represent an antiviral target. However, the feasibility of targeting HDAC6 and
      the optimal strategy by which this could be accomplished cannot simply be
      concluded from individual studies. The primary challenge in developing HDAC6
      targeted therapies is to understand how its antiviral effect can be selectively
      harnessed. As a springboard for future investigations, in this review we
      recapitulate recent findings on the diverse roles of HDAC6 in viral infection and
      discuss its alluring potential as a novel antiviral target.

PMID- 27118339
TI  - Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus by treating
      mothers with high viral loads.

PMID- 27118340
TI  - Logical operations with single x-ray photons via dynamically-controlled nuclear
      resonances.
AB  - Photonic qubits lie at the heart of quantum information technology, often
      encoding information in their polarization state. So far, only low-frequency
      optical and infrared photons have been employed as flying qubits, as the
      resources that are at present easiest to control. With their essentially
      different way of interacting with matter, x-ray qubits would bear however
      relevant advantages: they are extremely robust, penetrate deep through materials,
      and can be focused down to few-nm waveguides, allowing unprecedented
      miniaturization. Also, x-rays are resonant to nuclear transitions, which are very
      well isolated from the environment and present long coherence times. Here, we
      show theoretically that x-ray polarization qubits can be dynamically controlled
      by nuclear Mossbauer resonances. The control knob is played by nuclear hyperfine
      magnetic fields, that allow via fast rotations precise processing of single x-ray
      quanta polarization. With such rotations, single-qubit and binary logical
      operations such as a destructive C-NOT gate can be implemented.

PMID- 27118338
TI  - State-of-the-art of regulatory dendritic cells in cancer.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) with robust immunosuppressive activity are commonly found
      in the microenvironment of advanced solid tumors. These innate immune cells are
      generically termed regulatory DCs and include various subsets such as
      plasmacytoid, conventional and monocyte-derived/inflammatory populations whose
      normal function is subverted by tumor-derived signals. This review summarizes
      recent findings on the nature and function of regulatory DCs, their relationship
      with other myeloid subsets and unique therapeutic opportunities to abrogate
      malignant progression through their targeting.

PMID- 27118341
TI  - [Iconographic imaging (ultrasound/MRI) in prenatal evaluation of cervical cystic
      lymphatic malformations].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Assess imaging (ultrasound+/-MRI) in the diagnosis of cervical cystic
      lymphangioma. METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive study of the patients who
      underwent reference ultrasound screening for fetal anterior cervival masses in
      multidisciplinary prenatal diagnosis center of the Lille Regional University
      Hospital from 1997 to 2014. RESULTS: Seventeen lymphangiomas were identified.
      Seventy-three percent of lymphangiomas (n=12) were diagnosed in the baseline
      ultrasound and 85% (n=11) in MRI. An extra-cervical extension was identified in
      10 (62%) with ultrasound and 11 (85%) with MRI. Main sites of mass extension
      objectived by ultrasound and MRI were respectively the face (4,23%/6,46%), the
      base of tongue (3, 18%/2, 15%) and buccal floor (3, 18%/3, 15%). Pharyngeal
      disease (5,38%) and mandible (4,31%) were detected by MRI and not found on
      ultrasound. Associated malformations detected with ultrasound were 2 (12%)
      urogenital malformation, 1 (6%) heart defect and 1 (6%) facial anomalies.
      Lymphangiomas remained stable in volume in 12 (71%) cases and disappeared before
      birth in 2 (12%) cases. CONCLUSION: MRI and ultrasound seem inseparable to assess
      and optimally manage fetal cervical masses. Detection of associated lesions seems
      to help in the final lymphangioma diagnosis. Most of the time, lymphangiomas seem
      to be stable lesion during pregnancy and a good prognosis in cases of
      uncomplicated cervical lymphatic mass and without pejorative extension.

PMID- 27118342
TI  - [Deep infiltrating endometriosis surgical management and pelvic nerves injury].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Deep pelvic endometriosis surgery may need substantial excisions,
      which in turn expose to risks of injury to the pelvic nerves. To limit functional
      complications, nerve-sparing surgical techniques have been developed but should
      be adapted to the specific multifocal character of endometriotic lesions. The
      objective was to identify the anatomical areas where the pelvic nerves are most
      at risk of injury during endometriotic excisions. METHODS: The Medline and Embase
      databases have been searched for available literature using the keywords
      "hypogastric nerve or hypogastric plexus [Mesh] or autonomic pathway [Mesh],
      anatomy, endometriosis, surgery [Mesh]". All relevant French and English
      publications, selected based on their available abstracts, have been reviewed.
      Five female adult fresh cadavers have been dissected to localize the key
      anatomical areas where the pelvic nerves are most at risk of injury. RESULTS: Six
      anatomical areas of high risk for pelvic nerves have been identified, analysed
      and described. Pelvic nerves can be damaged during the dissection of retrorectal
      space and the anterolateral rectal excision. Furthermore, before an uterosacral
      ligament excision, a parametrial excision, a colpectomy or a dissection of the
      vesico-uterine ligament, the hypogastric nerves, splanchnic nerves, inferior
      hypogastric plexus and its efferent pathways must be mapped out to avoid injury.
      The distance between the deep uterin vein and the pelvic splanchnic nerves were
      measured on four cadavers and varied from 2.5cm to 4cm. CONCLUSION: Six key
      anatomical pitfalls must be known in order to limit the functional complications
      of the endometriotic surgical excision. Applying nerve-sparing surgical
      techniques for endometriosis would lead to less urinary functional complications
      and a better short-term postoperative satisfaction.

PMID- 27118343
TI  - ?

PMID- 27118344
TI  - I Love You but I Cyberbully You: The Role of Hostile Sexism.
AB  - Cyberbullying is attracting social, political, and academic interest as the use
      of electronic devices such as computers and mobile phones by young people has
      increased dramatically. However, little is known about the factors involved in
      their perpetration, particularly in the context of college students' dating
      relationships. The aim of this study is to examine the involvement of college
      students in cyberbullying in the context of their dating relationships and to
      explore the impact of sexism on males' cyberbullying of their girlfriends.
      Participants are 219 undergraduate students from a university in the south of
      Spain. Results showed that 48.4% of participants reported having bullied their
      partners during the last year via mobile phone and 37.5% via Internet. Males
      reported a greater extent of cyberbullying of their girlfriends through both
      means. Regression analyses indicated that males' levels of hostile sexism are
      related to males' cyberbullying of their girlfriends. These findings suggest a
      modernization in the forms of violence toward women among college students and
      also expand current literature by revealing the influence of participants'
      hostile sexism on this type of cyber aggression against women in dating
      relationships.

PMID- 27118346
TI  - Consumer-run services research and implications for mental health care.
AB  - Mental health consumers/survivors developed consumer-run services (CRSs) as
      alternatives to disempowering professionally run services that limited
      participant self-determination. The objective of the CRS is to promote recovery
      outcomes, not to cure or prevent mental illness. Recovery outcomes pave the way
      to a satisfying life as defined by the individual consumer despite repetitive
      episodes of disorder. Recovery is a way of life, which through empowerment, hope,
      self-efficacy, minimisation of self-stigma, and improved social integration, may
      offer a path to functional improvement that may lead to a better way to manage
      distress and minimise the impact of illness episodes. 'Nothing about us without
      us' is the defining objective of the process activity that defines self-help. It
      is the giving of agency to participants. Without such process there is a real
      question as to whether an organisation is a legitimate CRS or simply a non
      governmental organisation run by a person who claims lived experience. In
      considering the effectiveness of CRSs, fidelity should be defined by the extent
      to which the organisation's process conveys agency. Unidirectional helping often
      does for people what they can do for themselves, stealing agency. The consequence
      of the lack of fidelity in CRSs to the origins of the self-help movement has been
      a general finding in multisite studies of no or little difference in outcomes
      attributable to the consumer service. This, from the perspective of the research
      summarised herein, results in the mixing of programmatic efforts, some of which
      enhance outcomes as they are true mutual assistance programmes and some of which
      degrade outcomes as they are unidirectional, hierarchical, staff-directed helping
      efforts making false claims to providing agency. The later CRS interventions may
      provoke disappointment and additional failure. The indiscriminate combining of
      studies produces the average: no effect.

PMID- 27118345
TI  - Transcriptome analysis of interactions between silkworm and cytoplasmic
      polyhedrosis virus.
AB  - Bombyx mori cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (BmCPV) specifically infects silkworm
      midgut (MG) and multiplication occurs mainly in posterior midgut (PM). In this
      study, MG and fat body (FB) were extracted at 0, 3, 24, and 72 h after BmCPV
      infection. The total sequence reads of each sample were more than 1510000, and
      the mapping ratio exceeded 95.3%. Upregulated transcripts increased in MG during
      the infection process. Gene ontology (GO) categories showed that antioxidants
      were all upregulated in FB but not in MG. BGI001299, BGI014434, BGI012068, and
      BGI009201 were MG-specific genes with transmembrane transport function, the
      expression of which were induced by BmCPV. BGI001299, BGI014434, and BGI012068
      expressed in entire MG and may be involved in BmCPV invasion. BGI009201 expressed
      only in PM and may be necessary for BmCPV proliferation. BmPGRP-S2 and BGI012452
      (a putative serine protease) were induced by BmCPV and may be involved in immune
      defense against BmCPV. The expression level of BmCPV S1, S2, S3, S6, and S7 was
      high and there was no expression of S9 in MG 72 h, implying that the expression
      time of structural protein coding genes is earlier. These results provide
      insights into the mechanism of BmCPV infection and host defense.

PMID- 27118347
TI  - Status of the Regional Nodal Basin Remains Highly Prognostic in Melanoma Patients
      with In-Transit Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of SLNB for in-transit (IT) melanoma is controversial. The
      objective of this study was to determine the rate and prognostic significance of
      occult nodal disease in patients undergoing surgical nodal staging for IT
      disease. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with IT
      melanoma from May 2005 through September 2014. Analysis was limited to patients
      with a first-time IT event who underwent surgical excision. Associations between
      clinicopathologic characteristics, patterns of recurrence, and survival were
      analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 261 patients treated at our center were identified
      and 157 met inclusion criteria, of which 135 (86%) presented with no evidence of
      nodal disease. At the time of surgical excision of the IT lesion, 80 (58%)
      clinically node-negative patients underwent observation of the nodal basin and 55
      (41%) surgical nodal staging. Twenty (36%) clinically node-negative but
      surgically staged patients were found to have nodal disease. Distant metastasis
      free survival was 70.8 months for surgically staged node-negative patients, 19.2
      months for surgically staged node-positive patients, 22.8 months for those staged
      node-negative by clinical examination only and 4.8 months for those with clinical
      nodal disease (p = 0.01). The regional nodal basin was the first site of failure
      in 14 of 66 (21%) clinically staged patients, 5 of 50 (10%) for those surgically
      staged, and 6 of 16 (38%) for those with clinical nodal disease. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with IT disease are at high risk for occult nodal metastasis. Because
      clinical staging is unreliable, SLNB should be considered. For patients with IT
      recurrence, the status of the regional basin is strongly prognostic and
      stratifies patients into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups.

PMID- 27118348
TI  - Should All Patients Be Included in Alternative Payment Models for Primary Total
      Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alternative payment models in total joint replacement incentivize
      cost effective health care delivery and reward reductions in length of stay
      (LOS), complications, and readmissions. If not adjusted for patient
      comorbidities, they may encourage restrictive access to health care. METHODS: We
      prospectively evaluated 802 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasty and total
      knee arthroplasty patients evaluating comorbidities associated with increased LOS
      and readmissions. RESULTS: During this 9-month period, 115 patients (14.3%)
      required hospitalization >3 days and 16 (1.99%) were readmitted within 90 days.
      Univariate analysis demonstrated that preoperative narcotic use, heart failure,
      stroke, chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD), and liver disease were more likely to require hospitalization >3 days. In
      multivariate analysis, CKD and COPD were independent risk factors for LOS >3
      days. A Charlson comorbidity index >5 points was associated with increased LOS
      and readmissions. CONCLUSION: Patients with CKD, COPD, and Charlson comorbidity
      index >5 points should not be included in alternative payment model for THA and
      TKA.

PMID- 27118349
TI  - Patient Optimization-Strategies That Work: Malnutrition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient optimization is receiving increasing attention as outcomes
      monitoring and bundled payments have been introduced in joint arthroplasty.
      Optimization of nutrition is an important aspect of perioperative management.
      METHODS: This manuscript is a review of previously published material related to
      nutrition and the impact of malnutrition on surgical outcomes, with guidance for
      surgeons preparing patients for elective joint arthroplasty. RESULTS: Patients
      with optimized nutritional parameters have fewer complications, especially
      related to wound healing and infection. CONCLUSION: Nutritional assessment and
      optimization should be a part of the perioperative management of patients
      undergoing lower extremity arthroplasty.

PMID- 27118350
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Adverse Local Tissue Reaction Histologic
      Severity in Modular Neck Total Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between advanced imaging, serum metal ion levels, and
      histologic adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) severity has not been previously
      reported for Rejuvenate modular neck femoral stems. METHODS: A cohort of 90
      patients with 98 Rejuvenate modular neck femoral stems was revised by a single
      surgeon from July 2011 to December 2014. Before revision, patients underwent
      multiacquisition variable resonance image combination sequence magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI), and serum cobalt and chromium ion levels were measured. Histologic
      samples from the revision surgery were scored for synovial lining, inflammatory
      infiltrate, and tissue organization as proposed by Campbell. Regression based on
      the generalized estimating equations approach was used to assess the univariate
      association between each MRI, demographic, and metal ion measure and ALTR
      severity while accounting for the correlation between bilateral hips. Random
      forest analysis was then used to determine the relative importance of MRI
      characteristics, demographics, and metal ion levels in predicting ALTR severity.
      RESULTS: Synovial thickness as measured on MRI was found to be the strongest
      predictor of ALTR histologic severity in a recalled modular neck femoral stem.
      CONCLUSION: MRI can accurately describe ALTR in modular femoral neck total hip
      arthroplasty. MRI characteristics, particularly maximal synovial thickness and
      synovitis volume, predicted histologic severity. Serum metal ion levels do not
      correlate with histologic severity in Rejuvenate modular neck total hip
      arthroplasty.

PMID- 27118351
TI  - Is Metal-On-Metal Total Hip Arthroplasty Associated With Neurotoxicity?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolated case reports in the literature describe systemic neurologic
      side effects associated with metal-on-metal (MOM) bearing surfaces, yet the
      incidence of these effects have not been evaluated beyond individual cases. The
      purpose of this study was to compare new diagnoses of these side effects
      described in isolated cases in large patient cohorts of MOM vs metal on
      polyethylene (MOP). METHODS: We queried the entire Medicare database from 2005 to
      2012. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and bearing surface were determined using
      International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision procedure codes. Patients
      with 5-year follow-up were selected. Using International Classification of
      Diseases, 9th revision codes, we identified new diagnoses of previously reported
      neurologic side effects: peripheral neuropathy, sensorineural hearing loss,
      visual impairment, paresthesias, tinnitus, and vertigo. Comorbidities and
      demographics were collected. Odds ratios, CIs, and P values were calculated.
      RESULTS: Overall, 29,483 MOM THAs and 23,587 age- and gender-matched MOP THAs
      were identified. The average Charlson Comorbidity Index was 5 for both groups.
      MOM and MOP patients had 26 of 30 identical prevalence of Elixhauser-measure
      comorbidities. There was no statistically significant difference in new diagnoses
      of any of the side effects at any time point between the 2 groups over 5 years.
      CONCLUSION: This study represents, to our knowledge, the first longitudinal
      analysis of systemic neurotoxicity after THA in a large cohort of patients. The
      results of our study suggest that on the large scale, neurologic side effects
      previously described do not occur as a common attributable complication. Rather,
      these cases may be due to individual patient hypersensitivity to metal ions.

PMID- 27118352
TI  - Modifying Risk Factors: Strategies That Work Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - An estimated 29.1 million Americans are currently diagnosed with diabetes, and
      this number is expected to increase to 48.3 million Americans by 2050.
      Correspondingly, the present burden of diabetes among patients undergoing total
      joint arthroplasty is significant and rising. Diabetes as a chronic condition is
      a well-established risk factor for complication after total joint arthroplasty. A
      growing body of evidence also indicates that hyperglycemia in the perioperative
      period, and not the diagnosis of diabetes alone, is similarly associated with
      increased complication risk. As a result, a coordinated approach to preoperative
      screening and optimization, combined with judicious perioperative glycemic
      control, may present an opportunity to improve outcomes, reduce complications,
      and avoid complication-related costs for patients undergoing total joint
      arthroplasty.

PMID- 27118353
TI  - Evaluation of the Painful Dual Taper Modular Neck Stem Total Hip Arthroplasty: Do
      They All Require Revision?
AB  - Although dual taper modular-neck total hip arthroplasty (THA) design with
      additional neck-stem modularity has the potential to optimize hip biomechanical
      parameters by facilitating adjustments of leg length, femoral neck version and
      offset, there is increasing concern regarding this stem design as a result of the
      growing numbers of adverse local tissue reactions due to fretting and corrosion
      at the neck-stem taper junction. Implant factors such as taper cone angle, taper
      surface roughness, taper contact area, modular neck taper metallurgy, and femoral
      head size play important roles in influencing extent of taper corrosion. There
      should be a low threshold to conduct a systematic clinical evaluation of patients
      with dual-taper modular-neck stem THA using systematic risk stratification
      algorithms as early recognition and diagnosis will ensure prompt and appropriate
      treatment. Although specialized tests such as metal ion analysis and cross
      sectional imaging modalities such as metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic
      resonance imaging (MARS MRI) are useful in optimizing clinical decision-making,
      overreliance on any single investigative tool in the clinical decision-making
      process for revision surgery should be avoided.

PMID- 27118354
TI  - How Do Demographic, Surgical, Patient, and Cultural Factors Affect Pain Control
      After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty? A Multivariable Regression Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controlling pain after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is
      essential for improving patient satisfaction, minimizing complications, and early
      rehabilitation. There is little literature available evaluating the effect of
      both treatment and patient characteristics on in-hospital pain after UKA. The
      purpose of this study was to examine the effect of patient and treatment
      characteristics on in-hospital pain after UKA. This study also evaluated the role
      of analgesic cocktail (traditional periarticular injection cocktail "[PAI]" vs
      cocktail including liposomal bupivacaine "[LBUP]"). METHODS: The study sample
      included 442 consecutive UKA cases performed between December 2011 and August
      2013. The primary outcome measures were the average Visual Analog Scale pain
      score and the percent of pain scores during hospitalization that were 0, that is,
      "no pain." Multivariable regression analyses were implemented to investigate
      associations between patient demographics and analgesic group with the outcomes.
      For the analgesic groups, the "PAI" group received injections of a cocktail
      including Marcaine, ketorolac, and morphine, the "LBUP" group received injections
      of LBUP. RESULTS: Postoperative pain was higher in females (P < .001) and younger
      patients (P = .002). The patient group treated with LBUP injection technique had
      similar overall average Visual Analog Scale pain scores to patients in the PAI
      group (P = .729); however, there was also a significant improvement in pain
      scores over time (as the study progressed) for patients in the LBUP group
      relative to the PAI group (P = .003), potentially indicating better outcomes with
      more experience with the injection technique. When compared individually by day,
      the LBUP group had lower pain scores from day 1 to 3 (P < .024). CONCLUSION: The
      results showed that in patients undergoing UKA, postoperative pain was lower in
      males, older patients, patients with lower body mass index, and those treated
      with LBUP over the study period. Understanding these associations is necessary to
      effectively manage pain and encourage earlier ambulation and physiotherapy after
      UKA.

PMID- 27118355
TI  - Non-invasive ventilation in paediatric critical care.
AB  - Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a well recognised and increasingly prevalent
      intervention in the paediatric critical care setting. In the acute setting NIV is
      used to provide respiratory support in a flexible manner that avoids a
      requirement for endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy, with the aim of avoiding
      the complications of invasive ventilation. This article will explore the
      physiological benefits, complications and epidemiology of the different modes of
      NIV including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), non-invasive positive
      pressure ventilation (NIPPV) and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC). The
      currently available equipment and patient interfaces will be described, and the
      practical aspects of using NIV clinically will be explored. The current evidence
      for use of NIV in different clinical settings will be discussed, drawing on adult
      and neonatal as well as paediatric literature.

PMID- 27118358
TI  - Editorial: Strategies for cellular target identification of natural products.

PMID- 27118357
TI  - Maternal obesity and Caesarean delivery in sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To quantify maternal obesity as a risk factor for Caesarean delivery
      in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis using
      31 nationally representative cross-sectional data sets from the Demographic and
      Health Surveys (DHS). RESULTS: Maternal obesity was a risk factor for Caesarean
      delivery in sub-Saharan Africa; a clear dose-response relationship (where the
      magnitude of the association increased with increasing BMI) was observable.
      Compared to women of optimal weight, overweight women (BMI 25-29 kg/m(2) ) were
      significantly more likely to deliver by Caesarean (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.33, 1.78),
      as were obese women (30-34.9 kg/m(2) (OR: 2.39; 95%CI: 1.96-2.90); 35-39.9
      kg/m(2) (OR: 2.47 95%CI: 1.78-3.43)) and morbidly obese women (BMI >=40 kg/m(2)
      OR: 3.85; 95% CI: 2.46-6.00). CONCLUSIONS: BMI is projected to rise substantially
      in sub-Saharan Africa over the next few decades and demand for Caesarean sections
      already exceeds available capacity. Overweight women should be advised to lose
      weight prior to pregnancy. Furthermore, culturally appropriate prevention
      strategies to discourage further population-level rises in BMI need to be
      designed and implemented.

PMID- 27118356
TI  - Management of multiple myeloma in older adults: Gaining ground with geriatric
      assessment.
AB  - Multiple myeloma increases in incidence with age. With the aging of the
      population, the number of cases of multiple myeloma diagnosed in older adults
      each year will nearly double in the next 20years. The novel therapeutic agents
      have significantly improved survival in older adults, but their outcomes remain
      poorer than in younger patients. Older adults may be more vulnerable to toxicity
      of therapy, resulting in decreased dose intensity and contributing to poorer
      outcomes. Data are beginning to emerge to aid in identifying which individuals
      are at greater risk for toxicity of therapy; comorbidities, functional
      limitations, and age over 80years are among the factors associated with greater
      risk. Geriatric assessment holds promise in the care of older adults with
      multiple myeloma, both to allow modification of treatment to prevent toxicity,
      and to identify vulnerabilities that may require intervention. Emerging
      treatments with low toxicity and attention to individualizing therapy based on
      geriatric assessment may aid in further improving outcomes in older adults with
      multiple myeloma.

PMID- 27118359
TI  - Clinical analysis on surgical management of type III external auditory canal
      cholesteatoma: a report of 12 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate surgical management of type III EACC with lesions
      involving the posterior external auditory canal and mastoid. METHODS: This
      retrospective case review was conducted in 12 patients with type III EACC who
      underwent intact canal wall mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty and canal wall
      reconstruction with autologous cortical bone. RESULTS: During the follow-up, all
      patients obtained successful results on external auditory canal structures and
      hearing improvement, except for one patient who needed a revision operation for
      the fistula between the reconstructed wall and the mastoid. CONCLUSION: Intact
      canal wall mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty and canal wall reconstruction with
      autologous cortical bone was proved to be an effective and inexpensive choice for
      the patients with type III external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC) to
      achieve optimal outcomes.

PMID- 27118360
TI  - Q fever: a contemporary case series from a Belgian hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Q fever is a global zoonosis that can cause both acute and chronic
      infections in humans through aerogenic transmission. Although Q fever was
      discovered already 80 years ago, this infectious disease remains largely unknown.
      We studied a case series in a Belgian tertiary care hospital. METHODS: A
      laboratory and file query at our department was performed to detect patients who
      were newly diagnosed with Q fever from 01 January 2005 to 01 October 2014.
      RESULTS: In total, 10 acute Q fever and 5 chronic Q fever infections were
      identified. An aspecific flu-like illness was the prevailing manifestation of
      acute Q fever, while this was infective endocarditis in chronic Q fever cases.
      Noteworthy are the high percentage of myocarditis cases in the acute setting and
      one case of amyloidosis as a manifestation of chronic Q fever. No evolution from
      acute to chronic Q fever was noted; overall outcome for both acute and chronic Q
      fever was favourable with a 94% survival rate. DISCUSSION: Q fever is an
      infectious disease characterised by a variable clinical presentation. Detection
      requires correct assessment of the clinical picture in combination with a
      laboratory confirmation. Treatment and follow-up are intended to avoid a negative
      outcome.

PMID- 27118361
TI  - Development of a Solid Dispersion System for Improving the Oral Bioavailability
      of Resveratrol in Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene; RES)
      produces a variety of pharmacological effects; however, its oral bioavailability
      (BA) approaches zero. In this study, grape peel extract (GPE) was incorporated
      into a solid dispersion delivery system to improve the solubility, dissolution
      and oral absorption of RES. METHODS: The dripping pill (DP) oral delivery system
      was developed through the hot-melt method, and the optimal formulation consisted
      of GPE, propylene glycol monocaprylate, poloxamer 188, polyoxyl 35 castor oil and
      polyethylene glycol 6000. RESULTS: The DPs enhanced the (mean +/- SD) dissolution
      of RES from 23.3 +/- 1.0 to 67.8 +/- 0.4 %. The pharmacokinetic profiles in the
      rats revealed that the DPs increased the oral BA of RES from 0.9 +/- 0.1 to 10.5
      +/- 0.9 %; this represented an approximately 12-fold increase in absorption.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that the DP formulation improves the
      dissolution and oral BA of RES. Thus, this could be an effective and practical
      technique for food and pharmaceutical applications.

PMID- 27118362
TI  - Simplifying the audit of risk factor recording and control: A report from an
      international study in 11 countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To simplify the assessment of the recording and control of coronary
      heart disease risk factors in different countries and regions. DESIGN: The SUrvey
      of Risk Factors (SURF) is an international clinical audit. METHODS: Data on
      consecutive patients with established coronary heart disease from countries in
      Europe, Asia and the Middle East were collected on a one-page collection sheet or
      electronically during routine clinic visits. Information on demographics,
      diagnostic category, risk factors, physical and laboratory measurements, and
      medications were included and key variables summarized in a Cardiovascular Health
      Index Score. RESULTS: Coronary heart disease patients (N = 10,186; 29% women)
      were enrolled from 79 centres in 11 countries. Recording of risk factors varied
      considerably: smoking was recorded in over 98% of subjects, while about 20%
      lacked data on laboratory measurements relevant to cardiovascular disease risk.
      Sixteen per cent of participants reported smoking, 29% were obese, and 46% had
      abdominal obesity. Sixty per cent of participants had blood pressure <140/90 mmHg
      (140/80 mmHg for diabetics), 48% had HbA1c<7%, 30% had low-density lipoprotein
      <1.8 mmol/l and 17% had a good cardiovascular health index score. There were
      substantial regional variations. Less than 3% of patients attended cardiac
      rehabilitation in Asia or the Middle East, compared with 45% in Europe. In Asia,
      15% of patients had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <1.8 mmol/l compared with
      33% in Europe and 36% in the Middle East. Variations in medications were noted,
      with lower use of statins in Asia. CONCLUSIONS: SURF proved to be practical in
      daily practice. Results indicated poor control of risk factors with substantial
      variation between countries, calling for development and implementation of
      clinical standards of secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.

PMID- 27118363
TI  - Trends in overweight and obesity among rural children and adolescents from 1985
      to 2014 in Shandong, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood overweight and obesity has increased dramatically during
      the past decades, both in developing and developed countries. The present study
      examined the prevalent trends in overweight and obesity among rural children and
      adolescents over the past 29 years (1985-2014) in Shandong, China. METHODS: Data
      for this study were obtained from six cross-sectional surveys (1985, 1995, 2000,
      2005, 2010 and 2014) of schoolchildren in Shandong Province, China. A total of
      27,840 rural students aged 7-18 years were included in this study. Body mass
      index cut-off points recommended by the Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC),
      the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and the World Health Organization
      (WHO) were used to define overweight and obesity. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      overweight and obesity has been increasing continually in rural areas over the
      past 29 years (1985-2014). Using WGOC criteria, for boys, the prevalence of
      overweight and obesity increased from 0.74% and 0.03% in 1985 to 16.35% and
      17.20% in 2014, and for girls it increased from 1.45% and 0.12% in 1985 to 13.91%
      and 9.11% in 2014, respectively. A similar increasing trend was observed by IOTF
      and WHO criteria. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among
      children and adolescents in Shangdong rural areas increased rapidly between 1985
      and 2014. Rural areas should not be neglected in obesity intervention, policy
      makers and experts should pay more attention to the new tendency.

PMID- 27118364
TI  - Time to rethink physical activity advice and blood pressure: A role for
      occupation-based interventions?

PMID- 27118365
TI  - Iris ultrastructure in patients with synechiae as revealed by in vivo laser
      scanning confocal microscopy : In vivo iris ultrastructure in patients with
      Synechiae by Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iris plays important roles in ocular physiology and disease
      pathogenesis. Currently it is technically challenging to noninvasively examine
      the human iris ultrastructure in vivo. The purpose of the current study is to
      reveal human iris ultrastructure in patients with synechiae by using noninvasive
      in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). METHODS: The ultrastructure of
      iris in thirty one patients, each with synechiae but transparent cornea, was
      examined by in vivo LSCM. RESULTS: Five characteristic iris ultrastructures was
      revealed in patients with synechiae by in vivo LSCM, which include: 1. tree trunk
      like structure; 2. tree branch/bush-like structure; 3. Fruit-like structure; 4.
      Epithelioid-like structure; 5. deep structure. Pigment granules can be observed
      as a loose structure on the top of the arborization structure. In iris-associated
      diseases with Tyndall's Phenomenon and keratic precipitates, the pigment
      particles are more likely to fall off from the arborization structure.
      CONCLUSIONS: The ultrastructure of iris in patients with synechiae has been
      visualized using in vivo LSCM. Five iris ultrastructures can be clearly observed,
      with some of the structures maybe disease-associated. The fall-off of the pigment
      particles may cause the Tyndall's Phenomenon positive. In vivo LSCM provides a
      non-invasive approach to observe the human iris ultrastructure under certain eye
      disease conditions, which sets up a foundation to visualize certain iris
      associated diseases in the future.

PMID- 27118366
TI  - [Shaken baby syndrome].
AB  - The shaken baby syndrome (SBS) or shaking trauma describes the occurrence of
      subdural hematoma, retinal hemorrhage and diffuse injury to the brain by vigorous
      shaking of an infant that has a poor prognosis. Rapid cranial acceleration and
      deceleration leads to tearing of bridging veins, retinal hemorrhages and diffuse
      brain injuries. In addition to clinical symptoms, such as irritability, feeding
      difficulties, somnolence, apathy, seizures, apnea and temperature regulation
      disorders, vomiting also occurs due to increased intracranial pressure. Milder
      forms of SBS often go undiagnosed and the number of unreported cases (grey area)
      is probably much higher. Up to 20 % of patients die within days or weeks due to
      SBS and survivors often show cognitive deficits and clinical symptoms, such as
      physical disabilities, impaired hearing, impaired vision up to blindness,
      epilepsy and mental retardation as well as a combination of these conditions;
      therefore, prevention is very important. 

PMID- 27118367
TI  - [Accident or maltreatment? Radiographic X-ray patterns in non-accidental trauma :
      The concept of sentinel injuries].
AB  - The focus of this review article is on child abuse and the radiographic pattern
      of X-ray findings. The radiologist should be able to recognize typical injuries
      resulting from child abuse. In some cases the findings are highly specific for
      abuse and these include metaphyseal corner fractures of the long bones in
      children aged up to 24 months. In other cases the fractures are not specific but
      highly indicative of child abuse: rib fractures, for example can be associated
      with child abuse in more than 50 % of the cases; however, maltreatment is
      difficult to diagnose without taking the entire pattern of skeletal findings into
      consideration so that a radiological screening of the entire skeleton is often
      necessary. The concept of sentinel injuries might be helpful for deciding in
      which cases a complete skeletal screening should be performed. In the age group
      up to 24 months old a complete skeletal status (with some exceptions) is
      recommended if one of the three sentinel injuries of rib fractures, intracranial
      bleeding and abdominal trauma is present. 

PMID- 27118368
TI  - [Child abuse from a pediatric perspective].
AB  - CLINICAL ISSUE: Child abuse is the physical, sexual or emotional maltreatment, or
      neglect of a child or children. Child maltreatment is defined as any act or
      series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that
      results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. Child abuse
      can occur in a child's home, or in the organizations, schools or communities the
      child interacts with. There are four major categories of child abuse: neglect,
      physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. DIAGNOSTIC
      WORK-UP: In child abuse, establishing an early diagnosis is essential. Apart from
      taking a detailed history and performing a meticulous physical examination,
      including forensic evaluation as indicated, further diagnostic steps (imaging
      studies, ophthalmic examination/funduscopy, laboratory studies, etc.) may be
      warranted. PRACTICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: In addition to providing acute medical
      help, longer-term, multidisciplinary interventions have to be put in place in
      cases of child abuse. This article summarizes the most important facts pertinent
      to this subject.

PMID- 27118369
TI  - [Chronic sports injuries of the knee joint].
AB  - Chronic sports injuries of the knee joint are common and mainly caused by
      repetitive (micro) trauma and exertion. Chronic insertion tendinopathies and
      avulsion fractures and symptoms related to entrapment, friction and impingement
      can be pathophysiologically distinguished in athletes. In this review, we depict
      the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the most commonly
      occurring pathologies. 

PMID- 27118370
TI  - Methodological considerations for researching the financial costs of family
      caregiving within a palliative care context.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The financial impact of family caregiving in a palliative care
      context has been identified as an issue which requires further research. However,
      little is known about how research should be conducted in this area. OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of this study was to explore the opinions of family caregivers in New
      Zealand regarding the need to conduct research relating to the financial costs of
      family caregiving and to explore their perspectives on acceptable and feasible
      methods of data collection. METHODS: A qualitative study design was adopted.
      Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 family caregivers who were
      either currently caring for a person with palliative care needs or had done so in
      the past year. RESULTS: All participants felt that research relating to the costs
      of family caregiving within a palliative care context was important. There was
      little consensus regarding the most appropriate methods of data collection and
      administration. Online methods were preferred by many participants, although face
      to-face methods were particularly favoured by Ma-ori participants. Both
      questionnaires and cost diaries were felt to have strengths and weaknesses.
      CONCLUSIONS: Prospective longitudinal designs are likely to be most appropriate
      for future research, in order to capture variations in costs over time. The lack
      of consensus for a single preferred method makes it difficult to formulate
      specific recommendations regarding methods of data collection; providing
      participants with options for methods of completion may therefore be appropriate.

PMID- 27118371
TI  - Mice with Sort1 deficiency display normal cognition but elevated anxiety-like
      behavior.
AB  - Exposure to stressful life events plays a central role in the development of mood
      disorders in vulnerable individuals. However, the mechanisms that link mood
      disorders to stress are poorly understood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
      (BDNF) has long been implicated in positive regulation of depression and anxiety,
      while its precursor (proBDNF) recently showed an opposing effect on such mental
      illnesses. P75(NTR) and sortilin are co-receptors of proBDNF, however, the role
      of these receptors in mood regulation is not established. Here, we aimed to
      investigate the role of sortilin in regulating mood-related behaviors and its
      role in the proBDNF-mediated mood abnormality in mice. We found that sortilin was
      up-regulated in neocortex (by 78.3%) and hippocampus (by 111%) of chronically
      stressed mice as assessed by western blot analysis. These changes were associated
      with decreased mobility in the open field test and increased depression-like
      behavior in the forced swimming test. We also found that sortilin deficiency in
      mice resulted in hyperlocomotion in the open field test and increased anxiety
      like behavior in both the open field and elevated plus maze tests. No depression
      like behavior in the forced swimming test and no deficit in spatial cognition in
      the Morris water maze test were found in the Sort1-deficient mice. Moreover, the
      intracellular and extracellular levels of mature BDNF and proBDNF were not
      changed when sortilin was absent in vivo and in vitro. Finally, we found that
      both WT and Sort1-deficient mice injected with proBDNF in lateral ventricle
      displayed increased depression-like behavior in the forced swimming test but not
      anxiety-like behaviors in the open field and elevated plus maze tests. The
      present study suggests that sortilin functions as a negative regulator of mood
      performance and can be a therapeutic target for the treatment of mental illness.

PMID- 27118372
TI  - Reduced motor neuron excitability is an important contributor to weakness in a
      rat model of sepsis.
AB  - The mechanisms by which sepsis triggers intensive care unit acquired weakness
      (ICUAW) remain unclear. We previously identified difficulty with motor unit
      recruitment in patients as a novel contributor to ICUAW. To study the mechanism
      underlying poor recruitment of motor units we used the rat cecal ligation and
      puncture model of sepsis. We identified striking dysfunction of alpha motor
      neurons during repetitive firing. Firing was more erratic, and often
      intermittent. Our data raised the possibility that reduced excitability of motor
      neurons was a significant contributor to weakness induced by sepsis. In this
      study we quantified the contribution of reduced motor neuron excitability and
      compared its magnitude to the contributions of myopathy, neuropathy and failure
      of neuromuscular transmission. We injected constant depolarizing current pulses
      (5s) into the soma of alpha motor neurons in the lumbosacral spinal cord of
      anesthetized rats to trigger repetitive firing. In response to constant
      depolarization, motor neurons in untreated control rats fired at steady and
      continuous firing rates and generated smooth and sustained tetanic motor unit
      force as expected. In contrast, following induction of sepsis, motor neurons were
      often unable to sustain firing throughout the 5s current injection such that
      force production was reduced. Even when firing, motor neurons from septic rats
      fired erratically and discontinuously, leading to irregular production of motor
      unit force. Both fast and slow type motor neurons had similar disruption of
      excitability. We followed rats after recovery from sepsis to determine the time
      course of resolution of the defect in motor neuron excitability. By one week,
      rats appeared to have recovered from sepsis as they had no piloerection and
      appeared to be in no distress. The defects in motor neuron repetitive firing were
      still striking at 2weeks and, although improved, were present at one month. We
      infer that rats suffered from weakness due to reduced motor neuron excitability
      for weeks after resolution of sepsis. To assess whether additional contributions
      from myopathy, neuropathy and defects in neuromuscular transmission contributed
      to the reduction in force generation, we measured whole-muscle force production
      in response to electrical stimulation of the muscle nerve. We found no
      abnormality in force generation that would suggest the presence of myopathy,
      neuropathy or defective neuromuscular transmission. These data suggest disruption
      of repetitive firing of motor neurons is an important contributor to weakness
      induced by sepsis in rats and raise the possibility that reduced motor neuron
      excitability contributes to disability that persists after resolution of sepsis.

PMID- 27118373
TI  - Autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty in osteochondritis dissecans of the patella
      in adolescents.
AB  - PURPOSE: Osteochondritis dissecans of the patella (OCDP) is rare in adolescents.
      The objective of this study was to evaluate functional results of OCDP management
      in adolescents with mosaicplasty and to analyze proper integration of
      osteochondral grafts via MRI. METHODS: This is a retrospective series of eight
      cases of OCDP treated by mosaicplasty. Mean age at the surgery was 15 years
      (range 12-17). Clinical features were represented by retropatellar pain,
      hydarthrosis, locking and crepitus. All patients benefited from knee radiographs
      as well as pre-operative MRI. Six OCDP were evaluated International Cartilage
      Repair Society (ICRS) grade III and two were ICRS grade IV. Mean surface of the
      lesion was 97.5 mm2. The pre- and post-operative assessments were conducted with
      scores obtained on the IKDC subjective knee evaluation form, Lysholm knee score,
      and Tegner activity scale. These assessments were completed by post-operative
      MRI. The magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) score
      was calculated from the latest MRI examination conducted after surgery. RESULTS:
      Mean follow-up was 28.6 months. At the latest follow-up, the mean IKDC score was
      86.5, Lysholm score was 89, and Tegner activity scale score was 6.2 (pre
      operative scores were respectively 49.9, 53.8, and 4.5). Radiographs and MRI
      showed a complete integration of grafts at the latest follow-up with a
      satisfactory reconstruction of the joint surface. Mean MOCART score was 75/100.
      CONCLUSIONS: Autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty to manage OCDP in adolescents
      appears to be a reliable technique on the short term to restore patellar joint
      surface and obtain satisfactory functional results.

PMID- 27118374
TI  - Interspinous dynamic stabilization adjacent to fusion versus double-segment
      fusion for treatment of lumbar degenerative disease with a minimum follow-up of
      three years.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of symptomatic lumbar
      degenerative disease treated with topping-off technique (Coflex(TM) combined with
      fusion) and compare two-segment fusion at mid-long term follow-up; and find out
      whether the topping-off technique can reduce the rate of adjacent segment
      degeneration (ASD) after fusion. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four consecutive
      patients who received topping-off surgery (76 patients) and two-segment fusion
      surgery (88 patients) from March 2009 to March 2012 were studied. All patients
      included in the analysis had a minimum of three years of follow-up. Radiographic
      and clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared. A logistic regression
      analysis was used to analyze risk factors for developing radiographic ASD.
      RESULTS: Significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed between these
      two groups at three post-operative years (all, p < 0.05). Compared with the
      fusion group, the topping-off group showed preserved mobility at the Coflex(TM)
      level (p = 0.000), which is associated with less blood loss (p = 0.000), shorter
      duration of surgery (p = 0.000) and lower incidence of ASD (Chi-square test, rate
      topping-off vs fusion = 13.2 vs 26.1 %, p = 0.039). There were no differences in
      complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Mid-long term follow-up
      efficacy and safety between topping-off and fusion were similar, while topping
      off reduced the rate of ASD. Under strict indications, topping-off surgery is an
      acceptable alternative to fusion surgery for the treatment of two-segment lumbar
      disease.

PMID- 27118375
TI  - Risk factors of recompression of cemented vertebrae after kyphoplasty for
      osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk factors correlated with loss of cemented vertebral
      body height after kyphoplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression
      fractures. METHODS: Thirty-four consecutive patients with single-level
      osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures who underwent kyphoplasty in the
      Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University between January 2012 and August 2014
      were retrospectively analysed. Eight independent variables (age, gender, body
      mass index, pre-operative T-score in bone mineral density, the volume of
      polymethylmethacrylate injected, pre-operatively vertebral body height, the
      restoration of body height and the distance between polymethylmethacrylate and
      endplate) were assessed. The recompression of body height was the dependent
      variable. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine the
      factors associated with recompression of body height. RESULTS: Multiple linear
      regression analyses indicated that the recompression of cemented vertebral body
      height was correlated with the distance between polymethylmethacrylate and
      endplate (P = 0.008, b' = 0.489). The final multiple linear regression model,
      which included only the distance between polymethylmethacrylate and endplate,
      resulted in a formula that accounted for 41.02 % of the recompression of body
      height. CONCLUSIONS: The distance between polymethylmethacrylate and endplate is
      an important risk factor of recompression of cemented vertebrae after kyphoplasty
      for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

PMID- 27118376
TI  - Causality, mosaics, and the health sciences.

PMID- 27118377
TI  - Characteristic of optic canal invasion in 31 consecutive cases with tuberculum
      sellae meningioma.
AB  - Optic canal invasion by tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSMs) has been reported,
      but the characteristics of invasion remain unclear. This study was performed to
      clarify the incidence and characteristics of optic canal invasion by TSM and to
      determine whether optic canal invasion could be predicted preoperatively by
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Between February 2002 and August 2014, 31
      patients with TSM underwent tumor resection in our institute. In all cases, the
      optic canal was explored to identify any tumor invasion. We classified the
      characteristics of optic canal invasion from intraoperative findings. Invasion
      was classified into four types: type 1: no invasion; type 2: secondary invasion;
      type 3: partial wall invasion (two subtypes); and type 4: invasion into the
      supero-medial-inferior walls of the optic canal. Thirty of 31 cases showed optic
      canal invasion. Of these 30 cases, 9 (30 %) showed bilateral optic canal
      invasion. The most common finding was type 1 (23 sides). Among cases with optic
      canal invasion (39 sides), type 4 was the most common pattern (17 sides),
      followed by type 3-infero-medial (13 sides), type 2 (5 sides), and type 3-supero
      medial (4 sides). Blinded prediction of tumor invasion was accurate in 61 % of
      cases, but characteristics of tumor invasion were undeterminable from
      preoperative MRI. In conclusion, optic canal invasion was frequently seen in our
      consecutive series of TSM, characteristics of which were unpredictable
      preoperatively. Neurosurgeons should be aware of the high incidence and variety
      of optic canal invasion in planning strategies for TSM treatment. 

PMID- 27118378
TI  - Acute carotid artery stenting in symptomatic high-grade cervical carotid artery
      stenosis.
AB  - The safety and efficacy of emergency carotid artery stenting (CAS) for patients
      with acute ischemic stroke resulting from internal carotid artery stenosis are
      not established. In this retrospective study, we evaluated outcomes for CAS
      performed within 2 weeks of acute ischemic stroke for 16 patients treated between
      December 2009 and February 2014. Cases of internal carotid artery occlusion,
      internal carotid dissection, or intracranial major arterial trunk occlusion were
      excluded. Five patients were treated with CAS during the hyperacute phase (within
      24 h of stroke onset), three in the advanced phase (within 24 h of stroke-in
      evolution after admission), and eight in the acute phase (24 h to 2 weeks after
      onset). We evaluated modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores 90 days after CAS. For
      patients treated during the hyperacute phase without intravenous tissue-type
      plasminogen activator (IV-tPA), two had mRS scores of 2 and one had a score of 3.
      Two patients treated in the hyperacute phase with IV-tPA had scores of 5: one
      with symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and the other with acute brain
      swelling. For patients treated in the advanced phase, mRS scores were 1, 3, and
      5; the patient with 5 had contralateral cerebral infarction. All patients treated
      in the acute phase had scores of 2 or lower. Patients treated with IV-tPA in
      advanced or acute phases had no severe post-CAS complications. CAS was effective
      and safe for treating ischemic stroke within 2 weeks of onset. However, IV-tPA
      treatment may be a risk factor for CAS treatment during the hyperacute phase.

PMID- 27118379
TI  - Virtual Raters for Reproducible and Objective Assessments in Radiology.
AB  - Volumetric measurements in radiologic images are important for monitoring tumor
      growth and treatment response. To make these more reproducible and objective we
      introduce the concept of virtual raters (VRs). A virtual rater is obtained by
      combining knowledge of machine-learning algorithms trained with past annotations
      of multiple human raters with the instantaneous rating of one human expert. Thus,
      he is virtually guided by several experts. To evaluate the approach we perform
      experiments with multi-channel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data sets. Next
      to gross tumor volume (GTV) we also investigate subcategories like edema,
      contrast-enhancing and non-enhancing tumor. The first data set consists of N = 71
      longitudinal follow-up scans of 15 patients suffering from glioblastoma (GB). The
      second data set comprises N = 30 scans of low- and high-grade gliomas. For
      comparison we computed Pearson Correlation, Intra-class Correlation Coefficient
      (ICC) and Dice score. Virtual raters always lead to an improvement w.r.t. inter-
      and intra-rater agreement. Comparing the 2D Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology
      (RANO) measurements to the volumetric measurements of the virtual raters results
      in one-third of the cases in a deviating rating. Hence, we believe that our
      approach will have an impact on the evaluation of clinical studies as well as on
      routine imaging diagnostics.

PMID- 27118380
TI  - Mental health inequalities among gay and bisexual men in England, Scotland and
      Wales: a large community-based cross-sectional survey.
AB  - Background: Sexual minorities suffer worse mental health than the sexual majority
      but little is known about differences in mental health within sexual minorities.
      We aimed to describe inequality in mental health indicators among gay and
      bisexual men. Methods: Using multi-channel community-based opportunistic sampling
      we recruited 5799 eligible men aged 16 years and over, living in England,
      Scotland and Wales and who were sexually attracted to other men, to a self
      completion Internet health survey. Mental health indicators (depression (PHQ-9),
      anxiety (GAD-7), suicide attempt and self-harm) were examined for independent
      associations across common axes of inequality (age, ethnicity, migrancy,
      education, income, cohabitation and living in London). Results: Mental ill-health
      was common: 21.3% were depressed and 17.1% anxious, while 3.0% had experienced
      attempted suicide and 6.5% had self-harmed within the last 12 months. All four
      indicators were associated with younger age, lower education and lower income.
      Depression was also associated with being a member of visible ethnic minorities
      and sexual attraction to women as well as men. Cohabiting with a male partner and
      living in London were protective of mental health. Conclusion: Community
      interventions to increase mental health among gay and bisexual men should be
      designed to disproportionately benefit younger men and those living on lower
      incomes.

PMID- 27118381
TI  - Considerations for management of interstitial ectopic pregnancies: two case
      reports.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conventional treatment of interstitial pregnancies includes systemic
      methotrexate, direct methotrexate injection, wedge resection, or hysterectomy. We
      present two cases of interstitial pregnancies that were successfully managed by
      different minimally invasive surgical techniques. We also report the novel use of
      hysteroscopic urologic stone retrieval forceps in the transvaginal removal of
      persistent products of conception after systemic methotrexate for an interstitial
      pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1 was a 28-year-old gravida 1 white woman at 8
      weeks gestation; she was diagnosed with a left interstitial pregnancy. After
      laparoscopic confirmation of the interstitial pregnancy, successful ultrasound
      guided suction dilation and curettage was performed. Case 2 was a 33-year-old
      gravida 3 para 1021 (one term pregnancy, no preterm pregnancies, one ectopic
      pregnancy and one spontaneous miscarriage, and one living child) Hispanic woman
      with persistent products of conception after systemic methotrexate for a left
      interstitial pregnancy. She underwent hysteroscopic-guided removal of the
      persistent products of conception, which was possible due to novel use of
      urologic stone retrieval forceps. CONCLUSIONS: Successful minimally invasive
      treatment of interstitial pregnancies may be possible in certain cases.
      Collaboration between different specialties continues to be important for
      improving minimally invasive options.

PMID- 27118382
TI  - A test of priority effect persistence in semi-natural grasslands through the
      removal of plant functional groups during community assembly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is known that during plant community assembly, the early
      colonizing species can affect the establishment, growth or reproductive success
      of later arriving species, often resulting in unpredictable assembly outcomes.
      These so called 'priority effects' have recently been hypothesized to work
      through niche-based processes, with early colonizing species either inhibiting
      the colonization of other species of the same niche through niche preemption, or
      affecting the colonization success of species of different niches through niche
      modification. With most work on priority effects performed in controlled, short
      term mesocosm experiments, we have little insight in how niche preemption and
      niche modification processes interact to shape the community composition of
      natural vegetations. In this study, we used a functional trait approach to
      identify potential niche-based priority effects in restored semi-natural
      grasslands. More specifically, we imposed two treatments that strongly altered
      the community's functional trait composition; removal of all graminoid species
      and removal of all legume species, and we compared progressing assembly with
      unaltered control plots. RESULTS: Our results showed that niche preemption
      effects can be, to a limited extent, relieved by species removal. This relief was
      observed for competitive grasses and herbs, but not for smaller grassland
      species. Although competition effects acting within functional groups (niche
      preemption) occurred for graminoids, there were no such effects for legumes. The
      removal of legumes mainly affected functionally unrelated competitive species,
      likely through niche modification effects of nitrogen fixation. On the other
      hand, and contrary to our expectations, species removal was after 4 years almost
      completely compensated by recolonization of the same species set, suggesting that
      priority effects persist after species removal, possibly through soil legacy
      effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that both niche modification and niche
      preemption priority effects can act together in shaping community composition in
      a natural grassland system. Although small changes in species composition
      occurred, the removal of specific functional groups was almost completely
      compensated by recolonization of the same species. This suggests that once
      certain species get established, it might prove difficult to neutralize their
      effect on assembly outcome, since their imposed priority effects might act long
      after their removal.

PMID- 27118384
TI  - Nanoband array electrode as a platform for high sensitivity enzyme-based glucose
      biosensing.
AB  - We describe a novel glucose biosensor based on a nanoband array electrode design,
      manufactured using standard semiconductor processing techniques, and bio-modified
      with glucose oxidase immobilized at the nanoband electrode surface. The nanoband
      array architecture allows for efficient diffusion of glucose and oxygen to the
      electrode, resulting in a thousand-fold improvement in sensitivity and wide
      linear range compared to a conventional electrode. The electrode constitutes a
      robust and manufacturable sensing platform. 

PMID- 27118385
TI  - The impact of low-volume uterine lavage on endometrial biopsy classification.
AB  - In the mare, the low-volume uterine lavage technique allows for bacterial
      sampling of the entire uterine lumen and is usually performed after obtaining the
      traditional double-guarded endometrial swab for aerobic culture and cytology and
      before procurement of an endometrial biopsy sample during a breeding soundness
      examination. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential effects of
      the low-volume lavage on the endometrial biopsy classification and
      polymorphonuclear cell (PMNs) infiltration in the context of a breeding soundness
      examination. Fourteen light horse mares of mixed breed, age 7 to 21 years, with
      known reproductive history, were included in the study, matched by age and
      reproductive history, and then divided into treatment and control groups.
      Transrectal palpation and ultrasonography, endometrial swabbing, and the first
      endometrial biopsy were performed in all mares. Low-volume uterine lavage was
      performed in the treatment group but not the control group. After either the
      lavage or a 15-minute rest, a second endometrial biopsy was obtained from both
      the control and treatment groups. Endometrial swabs and effluent from the low
      volume lavages were submitted for aerobic culture and sensitivity. Biopsy samples
      were fixed in Bouin's solution for 24 hours, processed, stained with hematoxylin
      and eosin, and then viewed under bright light microscopy. Additional staining
      with anti-neutrophil elastase antibody (ab68672) was performed for indirect
      immunohistochemistry. All samples were interpreted by a blinded observer. When
      the first (pre-uterine lavage) and second (post-uterine lavage) biopsies were
      compared using a mixed-effects logistic regression, there was no difference in
      endometrial biopsy classification (P = 0.74), presence of PMNs in blood vessels
      (P = 0.728), or infiltration of PMNs in the tissue (P = 0.934) between the
      treatment and control groups. In this study, the low-volume uterine lavage did
      not affect the endometrial biopsy classification. 

PMID- 27118383
TI  - CTLA-4 polymorphisms and haplotype correlate with survival in ALL after
      allogeneic stem cell transplantation from related HLA-haplotype-mismatched donor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has
      been established as an effective treatment for patients with hematological
      malignancies. Disease relapse remains a major cause of transplant failure. T cell
      homeostasis is critical to determine the potency of the GVT effect. Recent
      studies have shown the association of the CTLA-4 polymorphisms with the outcome
      after HLA-identical sibling allogeneic HSCT. METHODS: In this study, we focused
      on four CTLA-4 polymorphisms, and analyzed the impact of donor genotypes and
      haplotypes on the conditions of 152 acute leukemia patients (ALL 83) after
      related HLA-haplotype- mismatched transplantation. The four SNP genotypes (-1661,
      -318, CT60 and +49) were determined by TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. RESULTS: ALL
      recipients of donors with +49 GG showed significantly lower OS (67.7 vs. 90.3 %,
      P = 0.015) than those with GA+AA. Multivariate analyses showed that +49 GG was an
      independent risk factor for OS (HR: 0.306, 95 % CI 0.111-0.842, P = 0.022) .23
      ALL patients receiving mDLI showed significantly lower OS with +49 GG donor than
      those with GA+AA (30.0 vs. 83.1 %, P = 0.003). The haplotype analysis revealed
      only three haplotypes in the donor population -1661/-318/CT60/+49 i.e., ACGG,
      ACAA and GTGA, the frequencies were 64.1, 19.4 and 16.5 %, respectively. Donors
      with and without the ACGG/ACGG haplotype had the same effect on transplant
      outcomes as those with +49 GG and +49 GA+AA. CONCLUSION: In summary, the CTLA-4
      +49 GG and the haplotype ACGG/ACGG reduced the overall survival in ALL after allo
      HSCT from the related HLA-haplotype-mismatched donor, knowledge of the CTLA-4
      polymorphism and haplotype may provide useful information for donor selection and
      individual application of immunosuppressive agents and immunotherapy.

PMID- 27118386
TI  - Efficacy of induction of luteolysis in superovulated cows is dependent on time of
      prostaglandin F2alpha analog treatment: effects on plasma progesterone and
      luteinizing hormone profiles.
AB  - The objectives were to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of induction of luteolysis
      in superovulated (SOV) cows at two distinct time points after embryo flushing;
      and (2) compare the pattern of LH release after treatment with PGF in cows with
      single vs. multiple ovulations. In the first experiment, Holstein cows were SOV
      with 400 IU of FSH following standard procedures. Uterine flushing for embryo
      recovery was performed 7 days after artificial insemination (Day 0), and cows
      were randomly allocated into two groups to receive PGF (0.5-mg sodium
      cloprostenol, intramascular) either immediately after flushing (Day 7 group, N =
      19) or 4 days later (Day 11 group, N = 20). Time of luteolysis was determined on
      the basis of plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations. There was no difference (P
      > 0.05) in plasma P4 before treatment between Day 7 and Day 11 groups. A decline
      in plasma P4 was observed 48 hours after PGF treatment in both the groups (P <
      0.0001). In Day 11 cows, P4 continued to decrease thereafter, whereas Day 7
      animals had no further reduction in plasma P4. Luteolysis (P4 < 1 ng/mL) occurred
      in all Day 11 cows. In the Day 7 group, however, luteolysis failure was observed
      for 11 of 19 cows (57.9%). In cows without luteolysis, plasma P4 increased after
      the initial PGF-induced decline. The second experiment compared luteolysis in
      (SOV, N = 6) vs. non-SOV (control, N = 8) cows. Both groups received a single PGF
      treatment on Day 11 after estrus, and luteolysis was monitored daily by ovarian
      ultrasonography and plasma P4 measurements. In addition, plasma LH was measured
      in blood samples taken every 20 minutes for 1 hour during five consecutive days
      after treatment. A similar percentage of reduction in P4 was observed in both
      groups 24 hours after treatment; however, SOV cows only reached plasma P4 values
      similar (P > 0.05) to controls 96 hours after treatment. There was no difference
      in initial LH values between SOV and controls (P > 0.05). The slower decrease in
      plasma P4 in the SOV group prevented an increase in LH for up to 96 hours after
      luteolysis induction, whereas LH values increased (P < 0.05) in controls 24 hours
      after treatment. In conclusion, (1) luteolysis may fail or be incomplete when PGF
      treatment is given on the day of uterine flushing (Day 7) in SOV cows; (2)
      induction of luteolysis 4 days later (Day 11) is effective, but the initial high
      plasma P4 concentrations result in a slower slope of P4 decline to basal levels,
      and consequently, delayed increase in LH pulses. 

PMID- 27118387
TI  - Establishment of superovulation procedure in Japanese field vole, Microtus
      montebelli.
AB  - Japanese field vole (Microtus montebelli) is a wild-derived rodent and have
      unique characteristic. Thus, these species have been expected as model animal.
      This study was performed to develop novel superovulation procedure for Japanese
      field vole. First, when 30 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and 30 IU
      human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were administrated 48 hours apart, females
      showed higher response to hCG compared with three concentrations of PMSG. Second,
      to effectively induce ovulation on females after vaginal opening, they were mated
      with vasectomized male instead of hCG administration. Average number of ovulated
      oocytes using PMSG mating (13.9 +/- 1.9 oocytes) was higher than PMSG-hCG
      (control; 6.9 +/- 2.3 oocytes) or PMSG-hCG mating (6.8 +/- 0.8 oocytes). Finally,
      we attempted superovulation using GnRH agonist (GnRHa). With this treatment, we
      speculated that GnRHa might induce endogenous luteinizing hormone releasing to
      cause ovulation. Such superovulation was performed with 30 IU PMSG and different
      concentration of 20% polyvinylpyrrolidone-GnRHa (15, 30, 45, and 60 MUg/kg). As
      results, average number of ovulated oocytes was highest with 30 MUg/kg GnRHa
      (14.5 +/- 4.1 oocytes). The numbers of ovulated oocytes of other concentrations
      were 5.0 +/- 1.4 (15 MUg/kg), 12.8 +/- 2.7 (45 MUg/kg), and 8.8 +/- 3.7 oocytes
      (60 MUg/kg). Nuclear status of most collected oocytes was the second meiotic
      division (range, 94.3%-100%). These superovulation procedures will be useful for
      development of in vitro culture systems and assisted reproductive technologies
      for not only Japanese field vole but also other voles. 

PMID- 27118388
TI  - The AS-RBM15 lncRNA enhances RBM15 protein translation during megakaryocyte
      differentiation.
AB  - Antisense RNAs regulate the transcription and translation of the corresponding
      sense genes. Here, we report that an antisense RNA, AS-RBM15, is transcribed in
      the opposite direction within exon 1 of RBM15 RBM15 is a regulator of
      megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation and is also involved in a chromosome
      translocation t(1;22) in acute megakaryocytic leukemia. MK terminal
      differentiation is enhanced by up-regulation of AS-RBM15 expression and
      attenuated by AS-RBM15 knockdown. At the molecular level, AS-RBM15 enhances RBM15
      protein translation in a CAP-dependent manner. The region of the antisense AS
      RBM15 RNA, which overlaps with the 5'UTR of RBM15, is sufficient for the up
      regulation of RBM15 protein translation. In addition, we find that transcription
      of both RBM15 and AS-RBM15 is activated by the transcription factor RUNX1 and
      repressed by RUNX1-ETO, a leukemic fusion protein. Therefore, AS-RBM15 is a
      regulator of megakaryocyte differentiation and may play a regulatory role in
      leukemogenesis.

PMID- 27118390
TI  - Clustering and genetic differentiation of the normocyte binding protein (nbpxa)
      of Plasmodium knowlesi clinical isolates from Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysia
      Borneo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The zoonotic malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi has become an
      emerging threat to South East Asian countries particular in Malaysia. A recent
      study from Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) discovered two distinct normocyte binding
      protein xa (Pknbpxa) types of P. knowlesi. In the present study, the Pknbpxa of
      clinical isolates from Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah (Malaysian Borneo) were
      investigated for the presence of Pknbpxa types and natural selection force acting
      on the gene. METHOD: Blood samples were collected from 47 clinical samples from
      Peninsular Malaysia (n = 35) and Sabah (Malaysian Borneo, n = 12) were used in
      the study. The Pknbpxa gene was successfully amplified and directly sequenced
      from 38 of the samples (n = 31, Peninsular Malaysia and n = 7, Sabah, Malaysian
      Borneo). The Pknbpxa sequences of P. knowlesi isolates from Sarawak (Malaysian
      Borneo) were retrieved from GenBank and included in the analysis. Polymorphism,
      genetic diversity and natural selection of Pknbpxa sequences were analysed using
      DNAsp v 5.10, MEGA5. Phylogentics of Pknbpxa sequences was analysed using MrBayes
      v3.2 and Splits Tree v4.13.1. The pairwise F ST indices were used to determine
      the genetic differentiation between the Pknbpxa types and was calculated using
      Arlequin 3.5.1.3. RESULTS: Analyses of the sequences revealed Pknbpxa dimorphism
      throughout Malaysia indicating co-existence of the two types (Type-1 and Type-2)
      of Pknbpxa. More importantly, a third type (Type 3) closely related to Type 2
      Pknbpxa was also detected. This third type was found only in the isolates
      originating from Peninsular Malaysia. Negative natural selection was observed,
      suggesting functional constrains within the Pknbpxa types. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study revealed the existence of three Pknbpxa types in Malaysia. Types 1 and 2
      were found not only in Malaysian Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah) but also in
      Peninsular Malaysia. A third type which was specific only to samples originating
      from Peninsular Malaysia was discovered. Further genetic studies with a larger
      sample size will be necessary to determine whether natural selection is driving
      this genetic differentiation and geographical separation.

PMID- 27118389
TI  - Management of Small Vessel Vasculitides.
AB  - Inflammation mediated by cells of the immune system and necrosis are the most
      striking features observed at the histologic level in patients with vasculitides,
      clinical entities classified according to pathologic findings involving different
      organs, to etiology, or to size of vessels involved. Small vessel vasculitides
      (SVV) are a peculiar group of systemic disorders electively involving small
      intraparenchymal arteries, arterioles, capillaries, or venules and leading to
      different levels of vascular obstruction, tissue ischemia and risk of infarction;
      they can be divided into anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated
      vasculitides and immune complex vasculitides. Despite the significant advances in
      understanding the whole disease process and pathophysiology of SVV, strong
      efforts are still needed to draft, share and spread guidelines in the therapeutic
      management of these protean disorders. After an accurate evaluation of different
      open or double-blind trials and cohort studies in this review, we analyze the
      actual medical tools suggested for treating granulomatosis with polyangiitis,
      microscopic polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Henoch
      Schonlein purpura, cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, anti-glomerular basement membrane
      disease and hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis. 

PMID- 27118391
TI  - Spontaneous Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Compartment Syndrome.
AB  - We report a case of isolated compartment syndrome within the extensor carpi
      ulnaris (ECU) compartment in the forearm of a 40-year-old diabetic man. Magnetic
      resonance imaging of his forearm showed isolated changes in the ECU muscle belly;
      compartment syndrome was confirmed on manometry. In view of the short history of
      symptoms and his diabetic status, the patient was managed conservatively. Twenty
      four hours after onset of the symptoms, the pain and swelling resolved and he was
      able to be discharged. To date, 3 cases of ECU compartment syndrome secondary to
      trauma have been reported. This report illustrates a case of confirmed
      compartment syndrome without antecedent trauma, highly unusual in terms of both
      its etiology and its anatomical location. 

PMID- 27118392
TI  - Modified Extensor Pollicis Longus Rerouting Technique for Boutonniere Deformity
      of the Thumb in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the outcomes of a modified extensor pollicis longus (EPL)
      rerouting technique for boutonniere deformity of the thumb in patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: A total of 21 thumbs in 18 patients with a mean
      age of 63 years were retrospectively analyzed after an average follow-up period
      of 3.2 years. The preoperative deformities were classified as either mild (5
      thumbs) or moderate (16 thumbs). After either metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint
      synovectomy or implant arthroplasty, the ulnarly dislocated EPL tendon was
      reduced dorsally and sutured to the dorsal base of the proximal phalanx. If the
      interphalangeal (IP) joint extended with manual traction on the proximal portion
      of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon, no further treatment was considered. If
      the IP joint did not extend with this maneuver, the insertion of the extensor
      pollicis brevis tendon was dissected and transferred to the distal portion of the
      EPL tendon. RESULTS: The average MCP joint extensor lag improved from 62 degrees 
      (range, 32 degrees  to 85 degrees ) before surgery to 17 degrees  (range, active
      extension 12 degrees  to extensor lag 70 degrees ) at the final follow-up (P <
      .05), whereas average MCP joint flexion decreased from 83 degrees  (range, 52
      degrees  to 95 degrees ) to 68 degrees  (range, 30 degrees  to 90 degrees ) (P <
      .05). Hyperextension at the IP joint was improved from 30 degrees  (range, 10
      degrees  to 50 degrees ) before surgery to an average extensor lag of 2 degrees 
      (range, extensor lag 24 degrees  to hyperextension 20 degrees ) at the final
      follow-up. The average combined MCP and IP motion did not significantly change.
      The boutonniere deformity was improved in 18 of 21 thumbs. The 3 failures all had
      moderate-stage deformity prior to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A modified EPL
      rerouting technique provided satisfactory results together with a low risk of IP
      joint extension loss. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

PMID- 27118393
TI  - A chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the coronoid process mimicking a fragmented
      coronoid process in a dog.
AB  - A 6-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback was presented with a 1.5 year history of right
      forelimb lameness. Clinical, radiological and computed tomographic findings
      suggested the presence of fragmented medial coronoid process. A subtotal
      coronoidectomy was performed and, due to the atypical appearance of the medial
      coronoid process on imaging and at surgery, histopathology of the fragments was
      performed which revealed chondroblastic OS. Ten months after surgery, the dog was
      re-presented with the same clinical signs and the radiographic changes were
      suggestive of a recurrence of the OS. Palliative therapy was instigated at the
      owner's request. Thirty months after surgery of the neoplasm, the dog was
      presented with dyspnea. Thoracic radiographs showed lesions consistent with lung
      metastases. Euthanasia was requested by the owner, who declined post-mortem
      examination. 

PMID- 27118394
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) to
      investigate lost/acquired genes during rice domestication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is widely accepted that cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) was
      domesticated from common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.). Compared to other
      studies which concentrate on rice origin, this study is to genetically elucidate
      the substantially phenotypic and physiological changes from wild rice to
      cultivated rice at the whole genome level. RESULTS: Instead of comparing two
      assembled genomes, this study directly compared the Dongxiang wild rice (DXWR)
      Illumina sequencing reads with the Nipponbare (O. sativa) complete genome without
      assembly of the DXWR genome. Based on the results from the comparative genomics
      analysis, structural variations (SVs) between DXWR and Nipponbare were determined
      to locate deleted genes which could have been acquired by Nipponbare during rice
      domestication. To overcome the limit of the SV detection, the DXWR transcriptome
      was also sequenced and compared with the Nipponbare transcriptome to discover the
      genes which could have been lost in DXWR during domestication. Both 1591
      Nipponbare-acquired genes and 206 DXWR-lost transcripts were further analyzed
      using annotations from multiple sources. The NGS data are available in the NCBI
      SRA database with ID SRP070627. CONCLUSIONS: These results help better
      understanding the domestication from wild rice to cultivated rice at the whole
      genome level and provide a genomic data resource for rice genetic research or
      breeding. One finding confirmed transposable elements contribute greatly to the
      genome evolution from wild rice to cultivated rice. Another finding suggested the
      photophosphorylation and oxidative phosphorylation system in cultivated rice
      could have adapted to environmental changes simultaneously during domestication.

PMID- 27118396
TI  - Relationship between saccadic eye movements and formation of the Krukenberg's
      spindle-a CFD study.
AB  - In this research, a series of numerical simulations for evaluating the effects of
      saccadic eye movement on the aqueous humour (AH) flow field and movement of
      pigment particles in the anterior chamber (AC) was performed. To predict the flow
      field of AH in the AC, the unsteady forms of continuity, momentum balance and
      conservation of energy equations were solved using the dynamic mesh technique for
      simulating the saccadic motions. Different orientations of the human eye
      including horizontal, vertical and angles of 10 degrees  and 20 degrees  were
      considered. The Lagrangian particle trajectory analysis approach was used to find
      the trajectories of pigment particles in the eye. Particular attention was given
      to the relation between the saccadic eye movement and potential formation of
      Krukenberg's spindle in the eye. The simulation results revealed that the natural
      convection flow was an effective mechanism for transferring pigment particles
      from the iris to near the cornea. In addition, the saccadic eye movement was the
      dominant mechanism for deposition of pigment particles on the cornea, which could
      lead to the formation of Krukenberg's spindle. The effect of amplitude of saccade
      motion angle in addition to the orientation of the eye on the formation of
      Krukenberg's spindle was investigated.

PMID- 27118395
TI  - Mass drug administration: the importance of synchrony.
AB  - Mass drug administration, a strategy in which all individuals in a population are
      subject to treatment without individual diagnosis, has been recommended by the
      World Health Organization for controlling and eliminating several neglected
      tropical diseases, including trachoma and soil-transmitted helminths. In this
      article, we derive effective reproduction numbers and average post-treatment
      disease prevalences of a simple susceptible-infectious-susceptible epidemic model
      with constant, impulsive synchronized and non-synchronized drug administration
      strategies. In the non-synchronized model, the individuals in the population are
      treated at most once per period and their treatment times are uniformly
      distributed. Mathematically, the set of pulses for the non-synchronized model has
      the cardinality of the continuum. We show that synchronized and constant
      strategies are, respectively, the most and least effective treatments in disease
      control. Elimination through synchronized treatment is always possible when
      adequate drug efficacy and coverage are fulfilled and sustained. For a strategy
      with multiple rounds of synchronized treatment per period, the average post
      treatment prevalence is irrelevant what the time differences between treatments
      are, as long as there are the same number of treatments per period.

PMID- 27118397
TI  - Enzyme-Based Test Strips for Visual or Photographic Detection and Quantitation of
      Gaseous Sulfur Mustard.
AB  - Sulfur mustard is a chemical agent of high military and terroristic significance.
      No effective antidote exists, and sulfur mustard can be fairly easily produced in
      large quantity. Rapid field testing of sulfur mustard is highly desirable.
      Existing analytical devices for its detection are available but can suffer from
      low selectivity, laborious sample preparation, and/or the need for complex
      instrumentation. We describe a new kind of test strip for rapid detection of
      gaseous sulfur mustard that is based on its degradation by the enzyme haloalkane
      dehalogenase that is accompanied by a change of local pH. This change can be
      detected using pH indicators contained in the strips whose color changes from
      blue-green to yellow within 10 min. In addition to visual read-out, we also
      demonstrate quantitative reflectometric readout by using a conventional digital
      camera based on red-green-blue data acquisition. Organic haloalkanes, such as 1,2
      dichloroethane, have a negligible interfering effect. The visual limit of
      detection is 20 MUg/L, and the one for red-green-blue read-out is as low as 3
      MUg/L. The assays have good reproducibility +/-6% and +/-2% for interday assays
      and intraday assays, respectively. The strips can be stored for at least 6 months
      without loss of function. They are disposable and can be produced fairly rapidly
      and at low costs. Hence, they represent a promising tool for in-field detection
      of sulfur mustard.

PMID- 27118399
TI  - Altered joint tribology in osteoarthritis: Reduced lubricin synthesis due to the
      inflammatory process. New horizons for therapeutic approaches.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease. This review aimed
      to consolidate the current evidence that implicates the inflammatory process in
      the attenuation of synovial lubrication and joint tissue homeostasis in OA.
      Moreover, with these findings, we propose some evidence for novel therapeutic
      strategies for preventing and/or treating this complex disorder. The studies
      reviewed support that inflammatory mediators participate in the onset and
      progression of OA after joint injury. The flow of pro-inflammatory cytokines
      following an acute injury seems to be directly associated with altered
      lubricating ability in the joint tissue. The latter is associated with reduced
      level of lubricin, one of the major joint lubricants. Future research should
      focus on the development of new therapies that attenuate the inflammatory process
      and restore lubricin synthesis and function. This approach could support joint
      tribology and synovial lubrication leading to improved joint function and pain
      relief. 

PMID- 27118398
TI  - Suppression of REDD1 in osteoarthritis cartilage, a novel mechanism for
      dysregulated mTOR signaling and defective autophagy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aging is a main risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis (OA)
      and the molecular mechanisms underlying the aging-related changes in articular
      cartilage include increased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and
      defective autophagy. REDD1 is an endogenous inhibitor of mTOR that regulates
      cellular stress responses. In this study we measured REDD1 expression in normal,
      aged and OA cartilage and assessed REDD1 function in human and mouse articular
      chondrocytes. METHODS: REDD1 expression was analyzed in human and mouse articular
      cartilage by qPCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. For functional
      studies, REDD1 and TXNIP knockdown or overexpression was performed in
      chondrocytes in the presence or absence of rapamycin and chloroquine, and mTOR
      signaling and autophagy were measured by western blotting. REDD1/TXNIP protein
      interaction was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. RESULTS: Human
      and mouse cartilage from normal knee joints expressed high levels of REDD1. REDD1
      expression was significantly reduced in aged and OA cartilage. In cultured
      chondrocytes, REDD1 knockdown increased whereas REDD1 overexpression decreased
      mTOR signaling. In addition, REDD1 activated autophagy by an mTOR independent
      mechanism that involved protein/protein interaction with TXNIP. The REDD1/TXNIP
      complex was required for autophagy activation in chondrocytes. CONCLUSION: The
      present study shows that REDD1 is highly expressed in normal human articular
      cartilage and reduced during aging and OA. REDD1 in human chondrocytes negatively
      regulates mTOR activity and is essential for autophagy activation. Reduced REDD1
      expression thus represents a novel mechanism for the increased mTOR activation
      and defective autophagy observed in OA.

PMID- 27118400
TI  - Communication with patient's families in the intensive care unit: Do we really
      meet their needs?

PMID- 27118401
TI  - Biochemical Basis of CO2-Related Internal Browning Disorders in Pears (Pyrus
      communis L. cv. Rocha) during Long-Term Storage.
AB  - This study aimed at understanding the biochemical basis of internal browning
      disorders (IBDs) in 'Rocha' pear. For this purpose, the effects of storage under
      normal controlled atmosphere (CA) (3 kPa of O2 + 0.5 kPa of CO2) and IBD-inducing
      CA (1 kPa of O2 + 10 kPa of CO2) on the antioxidant and fermentative metabolisms
      and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and phenolics concentration were studied.
      The higher IBD incidence in high CO2-stored fruits was positively correlated with
      fermentative metabolites and negatively with ascorbate and H2O2 concentrations,
      and it was linked to PPO activation. These results indicate that both the
      antioxidant and fermentative metabolisms are involved in the occurrence of IBD in
      'Rocha' pear. From the integration of the biochemical and enzymatic data, a
      schematic model illustrating the effects of high CO2 and low O2 in 'Rocha' pears
      during long-term storage was constructed. 

PMID- 27118402
TI  - CREB engages C/EBPdelta to initiate leukemogenesis.
AB  - cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) is frequently overexpressed in acute
      myeloid leukemia (AML) and acts as a proto-oncogene; however, it is still debated
      whether such overactivation alone is able to induce leukemia as its pathogenetic
      downstream signaling is still unclear. We generated a zebrafish model
      overexpressing CREB in the myeloid lineage, which showed an aberrant regulation
      of primitive hematopoiesis, and in 79% of adult CREB-zebrafish a block of myeloid
      differentiation, triggering to a monocytic leukemia akin the human counterpart.
      Gene expression analysis of CREB-zebrafish revealed a signature of 20
      differentially expressed human homologous CREB targets in common with pediatric
      AML. Among them, we demonstrated that CREB overexpression increased CCAAT
      enhancer-binding protein-delta (C/EBPdelta) levels to cause myeloid
      differentiation arrest, and the silencing of CREB-C/EBPdelta axis restored
      myeloid terminal differentiation. Then, C/EBPdelta overexpression was found to
      identify a subset of pediatric AML affected by a block of myeloid differentiation
      at monocytic stage who presented a significant higher relapse risk and the
      enrichment of aggressive signatures. Finally, this study unveils the aberrant
      activation of CREB-C/EBPdelta axis concurring to AML onset by disrupting the
      myeloid cell differentiation process. We provide a novel in vivo model to perform
      high-throughput drug screening for AML cure improvement.

PMID- 27118404
TI  - Frequent reconstitution of IDH2(R140Q) mutant clonal multilineage hematopoiesis
      following chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 27118403
TI  - A novel hypoxia-selective epigenetic agent RRx-001 triggers apoptosis and
      overcomes drug resistance in multiple myeloma cells.
AB  - The hypoxic bone marrow (BM) microenvironment confers growth/survival and drug
      resistance in multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Novel therapies targeting the MM cell
      in its hypoxic BM milieu may overcome drug resistance. Recent studies led to the
      development of a novel molecule RRx-001 with hypoxia-selective epigenetic and
      nitric oxide-donating properties. Here, we demonstrate that RRx-001 decreases the
      viability of MM cell lines and primary patient cells, as well as overcomes drug
      resistance. RRx-001 inhibits MM cell growth in the presence of BM stromal cells.
      RRx-001-induced apoptosis is associated with: (i) activation of caspases; (ii)
      release of ROS and nitrogen species; (iii) induction of DNA damage via ATM/gamma
      H2AX; and (iv) decrease in DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and global methylation.
      RNA interference study shows a predominant role of DNMT1 in MM cell survival
      versus DNMT3a or DNMT3b. The deubiquitylating enzyme USP7 stimulates DNMT1
      activity, and conversely, USP7-siRNA reduced DNMT1 activity and decreased MM cell
      viability. RRx-001 plus USP7 inhibitor P5091 triggered synergistic anti-MM
      activity. MM xenograft studies show that RRx-001 is well tolerated, inhibits
      tumor growth and enhances survival. Combining RRx-001 with pomalidomide,
      bortezomib or SAHA induces synergistic anti-MM activity. Our results provide the
      rationale for translation of RRx-001, either alone or in combination, to clinical
      evaluation in MM.

PMID- 27118405
TI  - Discovery and functional characterization of a germline, CSF2RB-activating
      mutation in leukemia.

PMID- 27118406
TI  - Proteasome inhibitor-adapted myeloma cells are largely independent from
      proteasome activity and show complex proteomic changes, in particular in redox
      and energy metabolism.
AB  - Adaptive resistance of myeloma to proteasome inhibition represents a clinical
      challenge, whose biology is poorly understood. Proteasome mutations were
      implicated as underlying mechanism, while an alternative hypothesis based on low
      activation status of the unfolded protein response was recently suggested
      (IRE1/XBP1-low model). We generated bortezomib- and carfilzomib-adapted, highly
      resistant multiple myeloma cell clones (AMO-BTZ, AMO-CFZ), which we analyzed in a
      combined quantitative and functional proteomic approach. We demonstrate that
      proteasome inhibitor-adapted myeloma cells tolerate subtotal proteasome
      inhibition, irrespective of a proteasome mutation, and uniformly show an
      'IRE1/XBP1-low' signature. Adaptation of myeloma cells to proteasome inhibitors
      involved quantitative changes in >600 protein species with similar patterns in
      AMO-BTZ and AMO-CFZ cells: proteins involved in metabolic regulation, redox
      homeostasis, and protein folding and destruction were upregulated, while
      apoptosis and transcription/translation were downregulated. The quantitatively
      most upregulated protein in AMO-CFZ cells was the multidrug resistance protein
      (MDR1) protein ABCB1, and carfilzomib resistance could be overcome by MDR1
      inhibition. We propose a model where proteasome inhibitor-adapted myeloma cells
      tolerate subtotal proteasome inhibition owing to metabolic adaptations that favor
      the generation of reducing equivalents, such as NADPH, which is supported by
      oxidative glycolysis. Proteasome inhibitor resistance may thus be targeted by
      manipulating the energy and redox metabolism.

PMID- 27118407
TI  - Detection of circulating mast cells in advanced systemic mastocytosis.

PMID- 27118408
TI  - Loss-of-function mutations of Dynamin 2 promote T-ALL by enhancing IL-7
      signalling.
AB  - Mutations in the DYNAMIN2 (DNM2) gene are frequently detected in human acute T
      cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), although the mechanisms linking these
      mutations to disease pathogenesis remain unknown. Using an ENU-based forward
      genetic screen for mice with erythroid phenotypes, we identified a heterozygous
      mouse line carrying a mutation in the GTPase domain of Dnm2 (Dnm2V265G) that
      induced a microcytic anemia. In vitro assays using the V265G mutant demonstrated
      loss of GTPase activity and impaired endocytosis that was comparable to other
      DNM2 mutants identified in human T-ALL. To determine the effects of DNM2
      mutations in T-ALL, we bred the Dnm2V265G mice with the Lmo2 transgenic mouse
      model of T-ALL. Heterozygous Dnm2 mutants lacking the Lmo2 transgene displayed
      normal T-cell development, and did not develop T-ALL. In contrast, compound
      heterozygotes displayed an accelerated onset of T-ALL compared with mice carrying
      the Lmo2 oncogene alone. The leukemias from these mice exhibited a more immature
      immunophenotype and an expansion in leukemic stem cell numbers. Mechanistically,
      the Dnm2 mutation impaired clathrin-mediated endocytosis of the interleukin (IL)
      7 receptor resulting in increased receptor density on the surface of leukemic
      stem cells. These findings suggest that DNM2 mutations cooperate with T-cell
      oncogenes by enhancing IL-7 signalling.

PMID- 27118409
TI  - Targeting proteasome ubiquitin receptor Rpn13 in multiple myeloma.
AB  - Proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is an effective therapy for relapsed and newly
      diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM); however, dose-limiting toxicities and the
      development of resistance can limit its long-term utility. Recent research has
      focused on targeting ubiquitin receptors upstream of 20S proteasome, with the aim
      of generating less toxic therapies. Here we show that 19S proteasome-associated
      ubiquitin receptor Rpn13 is more highly expressed in MM cells than in normal
      plasma cells. Rpn13-siRNA (small interfering RNA) decreases MM cell viability. A
      novel agent RA190 targets Rpn13 and inhibits proteasome function, without
      blocking the proteasome activity or the 19S deubiquitylating activity.
      CRISPR/Cas9 Rpn13-knockout demonstrates that RA190-induced activity is dependent
      on Rpn13. RA190 decreases viability in MM cell lines and patient MM cells,
      inhibits proliferation of MM cells even in the presence of bone marrow stroma and
      overcomes bortezomib resistance. Anti-MM activity of RA190 is associated with
      induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis and unfolded protein response-related
      apoptosis. MM xenograft model studies show that RA190 is well tolerated, inhibits
      tumor growth and prolongs survival. Combining RA190 with bortezomib, lenalidomide
      or pomalidomide induces synergistic anti-MM activity. Our preclinical data
      validates targeting Rpn13 to overcome bortezomib resistance, and provides the
      framework for clinical evaluation of Rpn13 inhibitors, alone or in combination,
      to improve patient outcome in MM.

PMID- 27118411
TI  - A matter of life or early death in CLL: do serum immunoglobulin levels really
      count?

PMID- 27118412
TI  - Professional Competence and Teamwork in the Treatment of Patients With Acute and
      Critical Heart Disease. Response.

PMID- 27118410
TI  - Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for multiple myeloma in Europe:
      trends and outcomes over 25 years. A study by the EBMT Chronic Malignancies
      Working Party.
AB  - We describe the use and outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (allo-HSCT) for multiple myeloma (MM) in Europe between January
      1990 and December 2012. We identified 7333 patients, median age at allo-HSCT was
      51 years (range: 18-78), of whom 4539 (62%) were males. We distinguished three
      groups: (1) allo-HSCT upfront (n=1924), (2) tandem auto-allo-HSCT (n=2004) and
      (3) allo-HSCT as a second line treatment and beyond (n=3405). Overall, there is a
      steady increase in numbers of allo-HSCT over the years. Upfront allo-HSCT use
      increased up to year 2000, followed by a decrease thereafter and represented 12%
      of allo-HSCTs performed in 2012. Tandem auto-allo-HSCT peaked around year 2004
      and contributed to 19% of allo-HSCTs in 2012. Allo-HSCT as salvage after one or
      two or three autografts was steadily increasing over the last years and
      represented 69% of allo-HSCTs in 2012. Remarkable heterogeneity in using allo
      HSCT was observed among the different European countries. The 5-year survival
      probabilities from time of allo-HSCT for the three groups after year 2004 were
      42%, 54% and 32%, respectively. These results show that the use of allo-HSCT is
      increasing in Europe, especially as second line treatment and beyond. There is an
      unmet need for well-designed prospective studies investigating allo-HSCT as
      salvage therapy for MM.

PMID- 27118414
TI  - Accumulating Evidence for Physical Activity and Prostate Cancer Survival: Time
      for a Definitive Trial of Exercise Medicine?

PMID- 27118415
TI  - Research-to-policy translation for prevention of disordered weight and shape
      control behaviors: A case example targeting dietary supplements sold for weight
      loss and muscle building.
AB  - New approaches to universal eating disorders prevention and interventions
      targeting macro-environmental change are greatly needed, and research-to-policy
      translation efforts hold promise for advancing both of these goals. This paper
      describes as a policy-translation case example an academic-community-government
      partnership of the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating
      Disorders, Multi-Service Eating Disorders Association, and the office of
      Massachusetts Representative Kay Khan, all based in Massachusetts, USA. The
      partnership's research-to-policy translation project focused on dietary
      supplements sold for weight loss and muscle building, which have been linked with
      serious injury and death in consumers. Youth and people of all ages with eating
      disorders and body dysmorphic disorder may be especially vulnerable to use these
      products due to deceptive promises of fast and safe weight loss and muscle gain.
      The research-to-policy translation project was informed by a triggers-to-action
      framework to establish the evidentiary base of harm to consumers, operationalize
      policy solutions to mitigate harm through legislation, and generate political
      will to support action through legislation introduced in the Massachusetts
      legislature to restrict sales of weight-loss and muscle-building dietary
      supplements. The paper concludes with lessons learned from this unique policy
      translation effort for the prevention of disordered weight and shape control
      behaviors and offers recommendations for next steps for the field to advance
      research and practice for universal, macro-environmentally targeted prevention.

PMID- 27118413
TI  - Efficacy and effectiveness of anti-digoxin antibodies in chronic digoxin
      poisonings from the DORA study (ATOM-1).
AB  - CONTEXT: We hypothesized that in chronic digoxin toxicity, anti-digoxin
      antibodies (Fab) would be efficacious in binding digoxin, but this may not
      translate into improved clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to
      investigate changes in free digoxin concentrations and clinical effects on heart
      rate and potassium concentrations in chronic digoxin poisoning when anti-digoxin
      Fab are given. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study.
      Patients were recruited if they have been treated with anti-digoxin Fab for
      chronic digoxin poisoning. Data was entered into a standardised prospective form,
      supplemented with medical records. Their serum or plasma was collected, analysed
      for free and bound digoxin and free anti-digoxin Fab concentrations. RESULTS:
      From September 2013 to February 2015, 36 patients (median age, 78 years; 22
      females) were recruited from 18 hospitals. Median heart rate (HR) was 49
      beats/min. Initial median digoxin and potassium concentrations were 4.7 nmol/L
      (3.6 MUg/L) (range: 2.3-11.2 nmol/L) and 5.3 mmol/L (range: 2.9-9.2 mmol/L)
      respectively. Beta-blockers (n = 18), calcium antagonists (n = 6), spironolactone
      and/or angiotensin blocking agents (n = 24) were also used concomitantly. Renal
      impairment and gastrointestinal symptoms were present in 31 (86%) and 22 (63%)
      patients respectively. Five patients died from conditions unrelated to digoxin
      toxicity. Median change in HR was 8 beats/min post-Fab with no effect on blood
      pressure; they were 4, 10 and 17 beats/min for the 1, 2 and >=3 vials of anti
      digoxin Fab groups respectively. Concomitant treatments with potassium lowering
      agents (12/36) and inotropic drugs (7/36) were used. Gastrointestinal effects
      resolved in all 22 patients. The median decrease for potassium was 0.3 mmol/L.
      Digoxin concentration reduced from 3.8 to 0 nmol/L post-Fab. There was a rebound
      observed in the free digoxin concentration in 25 patients but none had associated
      clinical deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: One to two vials of anti-digoxin Fab
      initially bound all free digoxin confirming Fab efficacy. However, this was
      associated with only a moderate improvement in HR and potassium, suggesting
      bradyarrhythmia and hyperkalaemia may be from other co-morbidities.

PMID- 27118416
TI  - Treatment patterns of advanced malignant melanoma (stage III-IV) - A review of
      current standards in Europe.
AB  - AIMS AND BACKGROUND: With the recent emergence of immunotherapies and novel
      targeted treatments for advanced and metastatic melanoma such as selective B-Raf
      inhibitors and checkpoint inhibitors, the treatment landscape in Europe has
      changed considerably. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of
      current treatment pathways in Europe for the treatment of advanced melanoma,
      unresectable stage III-IV. METHODS: A literature search of four databases was
      conducted to identify publications reporting on the treatment patterns of
      advanced and metastatic melanoma (stage III-IV) in European populations. RESULTS:
      Seven full-text publications and two conference abstracts reported on
      observational studies of melanoma treatment practices in France, Italy and the
      United Kingdom. Treatment patterns were identified for two time periods: 2005
      2009 and 2011-2012. Common treatments reported for both periods included
      chemotherapy with dacarbazine, fotemustine or temozolomide. The main differences
      between the two periods were the introduction and prescription of immunotherapy
      ipilimumab and targeted therapy vemurafenib between 2011 and 2012. Across the
      three countries studied, the types of treatments prescribed between 2005 and 2009
      were relatively similar, however, with noticeable differences in the frequency
      and priority of administration. CONCLUSION: Treatment practices for advanced
      melanoma vary markedly across different European countries and continue to evolve
      with the introduction of new therapies. The results of this review highlight a
      considerable evidence gap with regards to recent treatment patterns for advanced
      melanoma in Europe, especially post-2011 after the introduction of novel
      therapeutic agents, and more recently with the introduction of programmed cell
      death 1 inhibitors.

PMID- 27118417
TI  - Family members' narratives of lifespace: Mapping changes before and after a brain
      injury causing driving disruption.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Family members of a person with an acquired brain injury often
      provide transport assistance during driving disruption with potential impacts on
      their own travel and participation within the community. The geographic area in
      which people travel and conduct their activities is known as lifespace. This
      study aimed to describe the quantitative changes in family members' lifespace
      after brain injury and understand their subjective experiences through
      interacting with maps during narratives. METHODS: Mapping was embedded within in
      depth semi-structured interviews with 15 family members. Two sets of maps were
      generated per participant showing the number of travel locations before and after
      brain injury. In the interviews, participants reflected on the perceived meaning
      of lifespace change. Qualitative data were analysed using a narrative approach.
      RESULTS: Quantitative data from the mapping revealed an increase in travel
      locations for nine participants, a decrease for five, and no change for one
      participant. Data analysis revealed four typologies which complemented and
      enriched the quantitative data: (i) I will do everything for him or her; (ii)
      Trying to fit all in; (iii) We spend all our time together now; (iv) I need to
      also care for myself. CONCLUSIONS: The findings describe the change in family
      members' lifespace after taking on the driver role following acquired brain
      injury. This study highlights the importance of understanding both quantitative
      and qualitative aspects of lifespace. The subjective experiences and consequences
      of lifespace changes are different from the impact on individuals with health
      conditions. Mapping in an interview as a tool has potential clinical utility.

PMID- 27118418
TI  - Automated sample preparation in a microfluidic culture device for cellular
      metabolomics.
AB  - Sample pretreatment in conventional cellular metabolomics entails rigorous lysis
      and extraction steps which increase the duration as well as limit the consistency
      of these experiments. We report a biomimetic cell culture microfluidic device
      (MFD) which is coupled with an automated system for rapid, reproducible cell
      lysis using a combination of electrical and chemical mechanisms. In-channel
      microelectrodes were created using facile fabrication methods, enabling the
      application of electric fields up to 1000 V cm(-1). Using this platform, average
      lysing times were 7.12 s and 3.03 s for chips with no electric fields and
      electric fields above 200 V cm(-1), respectively. Overall, the electroporation
      MFDs yielded a ~10-fold improvement in lysing time over standard chemical
      approaches. Detection of multiple intracellular nucleotides and energy
      metabolites in MFD lysates was demonstrated using two different MS platforms.
      This work will allow for the integrated culture, automated lysis, and metabolic
      analysis of cells in an MFD which doubles as a biomimetic model of the
      vasculature. 

PMID- 27118419
TI  - Perceived social support at different times after myocardial infarction and long
      term mortality risk: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previous research has explored the association between social support
      (SS), cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Perceived SS (PSS) refers to an
      individual's attitude toward received SS. This study aimed to: (1) assess the
      association between PSS levels and long-term mortality among first myocardial
      infarction (MI) survivors, (2) compare the effect of PSS measured shortly after
      the first MI to PSS measured 10-13 years after MI, and (3) compare the prognostic
      role of different PSS components: family, friends, and significant others.
      METHODS: Patients were drawn from the longitudinal prospective Israel Study of
      First Acute Myocardial Infarction (ISFAMI). PSS, sociodemographic and health
      variables were assessed in two subcohorts during initial hospitalization from
      1992 to 1993 (T1, n = 660) and in 2002-2005 (T2, n = 969). Vital status was
      determined through 2011. Cox regression models assessed mortality risk associated
      with PSS. RESULTS: By the end of follow-up, 212 (32%) of the T1 and 229 (24%) of
      T2 subcohorts had died. Higher PSS levels were associated with lower mortality
      risk at both T1 and T2 (per one standard deviation [1SD] increase hazard ratio
      [HR] = 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.75-0.96; HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.66
      0.83, respectively). These associations were attenuated on adjustment for
      sociodemographic and clinical variables (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.80-1.07; HR =
      0.88, 95% CI = 0.77-1.00, respectively). PSS from friends was significantly
      associated with lower mortality risk at both T1 and T2 and remained significant
      only at T2 after adjustment (HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.73-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Higher
      PSS levels were significantly associated with reduced mortality risk post-MI.
      This should encourage clinicians to assess post-MI psychosocial status to
      identify high-risk patients.

PMID- 27118420
TI  - Impact of age and sex on the composition and abundance of the intestinal
      microbiota in individuals with and without enteric infections.
AB  - PURPOSE: The intestinal microbiome is critical for human health and preventing
      colonization by enteric pathogens. There are notable differences in the
      microbiota composition among individuals with and without enteric infections,
      though the impact that age and gender has on the composition and abundance of
      intestinal microbes is not known. METHODS: A comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing
      study was performed on stool DNA from 200 patients with enteric infections and 75
      healthy family members representing both sexes and multiple age groups. RESULTS:
      Microbial community profiles were affected by age and sex in patients with
      enteric infections and their healthy family members. Overall, we observed an
      increase in Bacteroides abundance and decrease in Escherichia abundance with age,
      though these differences were most apparent for patients with enteric infections.
      Genus Bacteroides was also higher in female communities while Escherichia
      predominated in males. CONCLUSIONS: Because Escherichia abundance was previously
      linked to symptom severity, children with enteric infections may be most
      susceptible to severe disease outcomes due to high and low abundance of
      Escherichia and Bacteroides, respectively. Future studies should focus on
      classifying specific differences in the microbiome using metagenomics and
      identifying novel methods aimed at shifting the intestinal microbiome to a
      healthy state.

PMID- 27118421
TI  - Adsorption and dissociation of H2O on the (001) surface of uranium mononitride:
      energetics and mechanism from first-principles investigation.
AB  - The interfacial interaction of uranium mononitride (UN) with water from the
      environment unavoidably leads to corrosion of nuclear fuels, which affects a lot
      of processes in the nuclear fuel cycle. In this work, the microscopic adsorption
      behaviors of water on the UN(001) surface as well as water dissociation and
      accompanying H2 formation mechanisms have been investigated on the basis of DFT+U
      calculations and ab initio atomistic thermodynamics. For adsorption of one H2O
      monomer, the predicted adsorption energies are -0.88, -2.07, and -2.07 eV for the
      most stable molecular, partially dissociative, and completely dissociative
      adsorption, respectively. According to our calculations, a water molecule
      dissociates into OH and H species via three pathways with small energy barriers
      of 0.78, 0.72, and 0.85 eV, respectively. With the aid of the neighboring H atom,
      H2 formation through the reaction of H* + OH* can easily occur via two pathways
      with energy barriers of 0.61 and 0.36 eV, respectively. The molecular adsorption
      of water shows a slight coverage dependence on the surface while this dependence
      becomes obvious for partially dissociative adsorption as the water coverage
      increases from 1/4 to 1 ML. In addition, based on the "ab initio atomistic
      thermodynamic" simulations, increasing H2O partial pressure will enhance the
      stability of the adsorbed system and water coverage, while increasing temperature
      will decrease the H2O coverage. We found that the UN(001) surface reacts easily
      with H2O at room temperature, leading to dissolution and corrosion of the UN fuel
      materials.

PMID- 27118422
TI  - Social choice for one: On the rationality of intertemporal decisions.
AB  - When faced with an intertemporal choice between a smaller short-term reward and a
      larger long-term prize, is opting for the latter always indicative of delay
      tolerance? And is delay tolerance always to be regarded as a manifestation of
      self-control, and thus as a rational solution to intertemporal dilemmas? I argue
      in favor of a negative answer to both questions, based on evidence collected in
      the delay discounting literature. This highlights the need for a nuanced
      understanding of rationality in intertemporal choice, to capture also situations
      in which waiting is not the optimal strategy. This paper suggests that such an
      understanding is fostered by adopting social choice theory as a promising
      framework to model intertemporal decision making. Some preliminary results of
      this approach are discussed, and its potential is compared with a much more
      studied formal model for intertemporal choice, i.e. game theory. 

PMID- 27118423
TI  - Low-dose intensive insulin therapy in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
      accompanied by Left Ventricular Failure: audit of two UK hospitals.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a low-dose intravenous insulin regimen
      reduces blood glucose levels at a timely rate and associated side effects among
      patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Left Ventricular Failure. BACKGROUND:
      Induced hypoglycaemia and the associated risks have questioned the benefits of
      intensive insulin therapy in patients presenting with raised blood glucose levels
      and Acute Coronary Syndromes. Local audit data identified that patients with
      Acute Coronary Syndrome and Left Ventricular Failure experienced more
      hypoglycaemic episodes than those with Acute Coronary Syndrome alone.
      Consequently, a new regimen of low-dose insulin for this group was implemented
      and audited over 12 months. DESIGN: Audit. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive
      patient notes with a diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome and blood glucose of
      >=10 mmol/l treated with a new insulin therapy regimen were analysed. Data were
      extracted using a standardised form and entered into an Excel spreadsheet for
      analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample was 70 years with 66% of subjects
      being men and 50% presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Left Ventricular
      Failure. The low-dose regimen was effective in achieving normoglycaemia, (range 4
      8 mmol/l) for a consecutive six-hour period. This was achieved in 72% of patients
      and within a median time of 13 hours. CONCLUSION: The audit suggests that a low
      dose insulin regimen can effectively stabilise blood glucose in patients
      presenting with both Acute Coronary Syndrome and Left Ventricular Failure. The
      importance of regularly monitoring blood sugar levels is vital and highlights the
      role of nurses in minimising patient risk and promoting safety. RELEVANCE TO
      PRACTICE: Nurses are instrumental in the safe implementation of intensive insulin
      guidelines. Close monitoring of patients is essential, enabling timely
      adjustments to treatments and ensuring patient safety. Regular audits allow
      nurses to evaluate care provision and continue to drive practice forward.

PMID- 27118424
TI  - Bilateral papilloedema in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: is there central
      nervous system infiltration?

PMID- 27118425
TI  - Brain-Region-Specific Organoids Using Mini-bioreactors for Modeling ZIKV
      Exposure.
AB  - Cerebral organoids, three-dimensional cultures that model organogenesis, provide
      a new platform to investigate human brain development. High cost, variability,
      and tissue heterogeneity limit their broad applications. Here, we developed a
      miniaturized spinning bioreactor (SpinOmega) to generate forebrain-specific
      organoids from human iPSCs. These organoids recapitulate key features of human
      cortical development, including progenitor zone organization, neurogenesis, gene
      expression, and, notably, a distinct human-specific outer radial glia cell layer.
      We also developed protocols for midbrain and hypothalamic organoids. Finally, we
      employed the forebrain organoid platform to model Zika virus (ZIKV) exposure.
      Quantitative analyses revealed preferential, productive infection of neural
      progenitors with either African or Asian ZIKV strains. ZIKV infection leads to
      increased cell death and reduced proliferation, resulting in decreased neuronal
      cell-layer volume resembling microcephaly. Together, our brain-region-specific
      organoids and SpinOmega provide an accessible and versatile platform for modeling
      human brain development and disease and for compound testing, including potential
      ZIKV antiviral drugs. 

PMID- 27118426
TI  - Immune responses induced by oligogalacturonides are differentially affected by
      AvrPto and loss of BAK1/BKK1 and PEPR1/PEPR2.
AB  - Plants possess an innate immune system capable of restricting invasion by most
      potential pathogens. At the cell surface, the recognition of microbe-associated
      molecular patterns (MAMPs) and/or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) by
      pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) represents the first event for the prompt
      mounting of an effective immune response. Pathogens have evolved effectors that
      block MAMP-triggered immunity. The Pseudomonas syringae effector AvrPto abolishes
      immunity triggered by the peptide MAMPs flg22 and elf18, derived from the
      bacterial flagellin and elongation factor Tu, respectively, by inhibiting the
      kinase function of the corresponding receptors FLS2 and EFR, as well as their co
      receptors BAK1 and BKK1. Oligogalacturonides (OGs), a well-known class of DAMPs,
      are oligomers of alpha-1,4-linked galacturonosyl residues, released on partial
      degradation of the plant cell wall homogalacturonan. We show here that AvrPto
      affects only a subset of the OG-triggered immune responses and that, among these
      responses, only a subset is affected by the concomitant loss of BAK1 and BKK1.
      However, the antagonistic effect on auxin-related responses is not affected by
      either AvrPto or the loss of BAK1/BKK1. These observations reveal an
      unprecedented complexity among the MAMP/DAMP response cascades. We also show that
      the signalling system mediated by Peps, another class of DAMPs, and their
      receptors PEPRs, contributes to OG-activated immunity. We hypothesize that OGs
      are sensed through multiple and partially redundant perception/transduction
      complexes, some targeted by AvrPto, but not necessarily comprising BAK1 and BKK1.

PMID- 27118427
TI  - Association study of inflammatory genes with rheumatic heart disease in North
      Indian population: A multi-analytical approach.
AB  - Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease; occurring
      as a consequence of group A streptococcal infection complicated by rheumatic
      fever (RF). An inappropriate immune response is the central signature tune to the
      complex pathogenesis of RHD. However, some of those infected develop RHD, and
      genetic host susceptibility factors are thought to play a key role in
      diseasedevelopment. Therefore, the present study was designed to explore the role
      of genetic variants in inflammatory genes in conferring risk of RHD. The study
      recruited total of 700 subjects, including 400 RHD patients and 300 healthy
      controls. We examined the associations of 8 selected polymorphisms in seven
      inflammatory genes: IL-6 [rs1800795G/C], IL-10 [rs1800896G/A], TNF-A
      [rs1800629G/A], IL-1beta [rs2853550C/T], IL-1VNTR [rs2234663], TGF-beta1
      [rs1800469C/T]; [rs1982073T/C], and CTLA-4 [rs5742909C/T] with RHD risk.
      Genotyping for all the polymorphisms was done using PCR-ARMS/PCR/RFLP methods.
      Multifactor dimensionality reduction and classification and regression tree
      approaches were combined with logistic regression to discover high-order gene
      gene interactions in studiedgenes involved in RHD susceptibility.In univariate
      logistic regression analysis, we found significant association of variant
      containing genotypes (CT&TT) of TGF-beta1 869T/C [rs1982073]; [p=0.0.004 & 0.001,
      OR (95% CI)=1.65 (1.2-2.3) & 2.25 (1.4-3.6) respectively], variant genotype (CC)
      of IL-1beta -511C/T [rs2853550]; [p=0.001, OR (95% CI)=2.33 (1.4-3.8)] and IL-1
      VNTR [rs2234663]; [p=0.03, OR (95% CI)=5.25 (1.2-23.4)] SNPs with RHD risk. CART
      analysis revealed that individuals with the combined genotypes of TGF-beta1T/C_
      rs1982073 (CT/TT) and IL-1 beta_ rs2853550 (CC) had significantly higher
      susceptibility for RHD [p=0.0005, OR (95% CI)=5.91 (2.9-12.5)]. In MDR analysis,
      TGF-beta1 869T>C yielded the highest testing accuracy of 0.562. In conclusion,
      using multi-analytical approaches, our study revealed important role of TGF-beta1
      869T/C [rs1982073] in RHD susceptibility.

PMID- 27118428
TI  - Dry influenza vaccines: towards a stable, effective and convenient alternative to
      conventional parenteral influenza vaccination.
AB  - Cold-chain requirements, limited stockpiling potential and the lack of potent
      immune responses are major challenges of parenterally formulated influenza
      vaccines. Decreased cold chain dependence and stockpiling can be achieved if
      vaccines are formulated in a dry state using suitable excipients and drying
      technologies. Furthermore, having the vaccine in a dry state enables the
      development of non-parenteral patient friendly dosage forms: microneedles for
      transdermal administration, tablets for oral administration, and powders for
      epidermal, nasal or pulmonary administration. Moreover, these administration
      routes have the potential to elicit an improved immune response. This review
      highlights the rationale for the development of dried influenza vaccines, as well
      as processes used for the drying and stabilization of influenza vaccines; it also
      compares the immunogenicity of dried influenza vaccines administered via non
      invasive routes with that of parenterally administered influenza vaccines.
      Finally, it discusses unmet needs, challenges and future developments in the
      field of dried influenza vaccines.

PMID- 27118429
TI  - Effective and selective recovery of gold and palladium ions from metal wastewater
      using a sulfothermophilic red alga, Galdieria sulphuraria.
AB  - The demand for precious metals has increased in recent years. However, low
      concentrations of precious metals dissolved in wastewater are yet to be recovered
      because of high operation costs and technical problems. The unicellular red alga,
      Galdieria sulphuraria, efficiently absorbs precious metals through biosorption.
      In this study, over 90% of gold and palladium could be selectively recovered from
      aqua regia-based metal wastewater by using G. sulphuraria. These metals were
      eluted from the cells into ammonium solutions containing 0.2M ammonium salts
      without other contaminating metals. The use of G. sulphuraria is an eco-friendly
      and cost-effective way of recovering low concentrations of gold and palladium
      discarded in metal wastewater. 

PMID- 27118430
TI  - A systematic review of the effects of non-conscious regulatory processes in
      physical activity.
AB  - Physical activity theories have almost exclusively focused on conscious
      regulatory processes such as plans, beliefs, and expected value. The aim of this
      review was to aggregate the burgeoning evidence showing that physical activity is
      also partially determined by non-conscious processes (e.g., habits, automatic
      associations, priming effects). A systematic search was conducted and study
      characteristics, design, measures, effect size of the principle summary measures,
      and main conclusions of 52 studies were extracted by two independent coders. The
      findings support that habitual regulatory processes measured via self-report are
      directly associated with physical activity beyond conscious processes, and that
      there is likely interdependency between habit strength and intentions. Response
      latency measures of automatic associations with physical activity were widely
      disparate, precluding conclusions about specific effects. A small body of
      evidence demonstrated a variety of priming effects on physical activity. Overall,
      it is evident that physical activity is partially regulated by non-conscious
      processes, but there remain many unanswered questions for this area of research.
      Future research should refine the conceptualisation and measurement of non
      conscious regulatory processes and determine how to harness them to promote
      physical activity.

PMID- 27118431
TI  - Morphological Modifications in Myofibrils by Suppressing Tropomyosin 4alpha in
      Chicken Cardiac Myocytes.
AB  - Tropomyosin (TPM) localizes along F-actin and, together with troponin T (TnT) and
      other components, controls calcium-sensitive muscle contraction. The role of the
      TPM isoform (TPM4alpha) that is expressed in embryonic and adult cardiac muscle
      cells in chicken is poorly understood. To analyze the function of TPM4alpha in
      myofibrils, the effects of TPM4alpha-suppression were examined in embryonic
      cardiomyocytes by small interference RNA transfection. Localization of myofibril
      proteins such as TPM, actin, TnT, alpha-actinin, myosin and connectin was
      examined by immunofluorescence microscopy on day 5 when almost complete TPM4alpha
      suppression occurred in culture. A unique large structure was detected,
      consisting of an actin aggregate bulging from the actin bundle, and many curved
      filaments projecting from the aggregate. TPM, TnT and actin were detected on the
      large structure, but myosin, connectin, alpha-actinin and obvious myofibril
      striations were undetectable. It is possible that TPM4alpha-suppressed actin
      filaments are sorted and excluded at the place of the large structure. This
      suggests that TPM4alpha-suppression significantly affects actin filament, and
      that TPM4alpha plays an important role in constructing and maintaining sarcomeres
      and myofibrils in cardiac muscle. 

PMID- 27118432
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of antiviral therapy in patients with advanced
      hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Antiviral therapy has been demonstrated to significantly
      improve the survival in patients with advanced hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the study was to investigate the cost
      effectiveness of antiviral therapy in patients with advanced HBV-related HCC
      treated with sorafenib. METHODS: To conduct the analysis, a Markov model
      comprising three health states (progression-free survival, progressive disease,
      and death) was created. The efficacy data were derived from medical records. Cost
      data were collected based on the Chinese national drug prices. Utility data came
      from the previously published studies. One-way sensitivity analyses as well as
      probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to explore model uncertainties.
      RESULTS: In the base-case analysis, addition of antiviral therapy to sorafenib
      generated an effectiveness of 0.68 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at a cost
      of $25 026.04, while sorafenib monotherapy gained an effectiveness of 0.42 QALYs
      at a cost of $20 249.64. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $18
      370.77/QALY for antiviral therapy group versus non-antiviral therapy group. On
      the other hand, the ICER between the two groups in patients with high or low HBV
      DNA load, with or without cirrhosis, normal or elevated alanine
      aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase were $16 613.97/QALY, $19
      774.16/QALY, $14 587.66/QALY, $19 873.84/QALY, $17 947.07/QALY, and $18
      785.58/QALY, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the cost-effectiveness threshold
      ($20 301.00/QALY in China), addition of antiviral therapy to sorafenib is
      considered to be a cost-effective option compared with sorafenib monotherapy in
      patients with advanced HBV-related HCC in China from the patient's perspective.

PMID- 27118433
TI  - Substantial and robust changes in microRNA transcriptome support postnatal
      development of the hypothalamus in rat.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) modulate gene expression in male germ cells and somatic
      tissues of mammals on a genome-wide scale. Hundreds of miRNAs are encoded by
      mammalian genomes, a large fraction of which is expressed in brain. Here we have
      investigated the complexity and dynamics of miRNA transcriptomes that associate
      with neuronal network maturation of hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and median
      eminence (ARC/ME) in rat by analysing more than 300 miRNAs from 3-7 biological
      replicates at 5 postnatal time-points. The network connecting ARC/ME to other
      hypothalamic and extra-hypothalamic regions maturates in an environment-dependent
      manner. We therefore analyzed miRNA transcriptomes of progeny of dams fed either
      a balanced or unbalanced diet during gestation and lactation. More than 30% of
      the miRNAs displayed significative changes of expression between stages P8 and
      P14, and P21 and P28; half of the changes were greater than 3-fold. Among those
      miRNAs were well-known and dozens of still poorly documented miRNAs. Progeny of
      dams fed an unbanced diet displayed a severe growth retardation phenotype, lower
      levels of plasma leptin but almost identical miRNA transcriptomes. Together these
      data demonstrate that two substantial and robust changes in miRNA transcriptome
      of ARC/ME occur at a period crucial for neuronal network functional organization.

PMID- 27118434
TI  - Reply to Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27118435
TI  - CREB regulates TNF-alpha-induced GM-CSF secretion via p38 MAPK in human lung
      fibroblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a
      cytokine that mediates eosinophilic differentiation, migration and survival,
      causing respiratory tract inflammation. GM-CSF is also known to be secreted from
      respiratory tract structural cells. However, the mechanisms of GM-CSF secretion
      have not been well established. METHODS: Human fetal lung fibroblasts and human
      primary asthmatic lung fibroblasts were used for the study of tumor necrosis
      factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced GM-CSF secretion. GM-CSF secretion and mRNA
      expression were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative
      real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively.
      Knockdown of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in fibroblasts was
      carried out by using specific small interfering RNAs of CREB. RESULTS: Among
      respiratory tract structural cells, pulmonary fibroblasts exhibited increased GM
      CSF secretion and mRNA expression after stimulation with TNF-alpha in a
      concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK) inhibitor controlled TNF-alpha-induced GM-CSF secretion, and roflumilast
      and rolipram, inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-4, suppressed TNF-alpha-induced GM
      CSF secretion. Consistent with this, forskolin also completely blocked GM-CSF
      secretion, and similar results were observed in response to cAMP treatment,
      suggesting that cAMP signaling suppressed TNF-alpha-induced GM-CSF secretion in
      human lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, CREB was phosphorylated through p38 MAPK but
      not cAMP signaling after TNF-alpha stimulation, and GM-CSF secretion was
      inhibited by CREB knockdown. Finally, these effects were also demonstrated in
      human primary lung fibroblasts in a patient with asthma. CONCLUSIONS: CREB
      signaled independent of cAMP signaling and was phosphorylated by p38 MAPK
      following TNF-alpha stimulation, playing a critical role in GM-CSF secretion in
      human lung fibroblasts.

PMID- 27118436
TI  - Eosinophil infiltration in the upper gastrointestinal tract of patients with
      bronchial asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is related to allergic diseases such
      as bronchial asthma (BA), atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. The aim of
      this study was to examine the eosinophil infiltration in the upper
      gastrointestinal (GI) tract in patients with BA using esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
      METHODS: Patients with BA who had upper GI tract symptoms were enrolled. Patients
      who received systemically administered steroids were excluded. Eosinophil
      infiltrations in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum were examined with regard
      to the endoscopic findings and pathological findings of biopsy specimens
      (UMIN000010132). RESULTS: Ninety patients were enrolled from October in 2012 to
      September in 2014. Thirty-six were male, 54 were female, and the mean age was
      57.5 years. Eighty-one (90%) used inhaled corticosteroids. Fourteen patients
      (15.6%) had reflux esophagitis, 8 of whom had grade A and 6 had grade B. No
      patient with EoE was observed. One female patient who had marked eosinophil
      infiltration in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum was diagnosed as having
      eosinophilic gastroenteritis, but endoscopy showed only mucosal edema in the
      antrum. Another female patient who had marked eosinophil infiltration in the
      esophagus, stomach, and duodenum was diagnosed as having eosinophilic
      granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and endoscopy showed erosions in the antrum and
      the duodenum. Three patients had eosinophil infiltration in the stomach, but none
      of them had severe symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with asthma who had upper
      gastrointestinal symptoms rarely had eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders.
      Biopsy specimens are of high importance in the diagnosis of eosinophilic
      gastrointestinal disorders even if there is no remarkable endoscopic finding.

PMID- 27118437
TI  - Rem2, a member of the RGK family of small GTPases, is enriched in nuclei of the
      basal ganglia.
AB  - Rem2 is a member of the RGK subfamily of RAS small GTPases. Rem2 inhibits high
      voltage activated calcium channels, is involved in synaptogenesis, and regulates
      dendritic morphology. Rem2 is the primary RGK protein expressed in the nervous
      system, but to date, the precise expression patterns of this protein are unknown.
      In this study, we characterized Rem2 expression in the mouse nervous system. In
      the CNS, Rem2 mRNA was detected in all regions examined, but was enriched in the
      striatum. An antibody specific for Rem2 was validated using a Rem2 knockout mouse
      model and used to show abundant expression in striatonigral and striatopallidal
      medium spiny neurons but not in several interneuron populations. In the PNS, Rem2
      was abundant in a subpopulation of neurons in the trigeminal and dorsal root
      ganglia, but was absent in sympathetic neurons of superior cervical ganglia.
      Under basal conditions, Rem2 was subject to post-translational phosphorylation,
      likely at multiple residues. Further, Rem2 mRNA and protein expression peaked at
      postnatal week two, which corresponds to the period of robust neuronal maturation
      in rodents. This study will be useful for elucidating the functions of Rem2 in
      basal ganglia physiology.

PMID- 27118438
TI  - Intraorbital foreign body: A rifle bullet removed 20 years after the accident.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Trauma of the orbit and eyeball is common, but intraorbital bullet
      is a relatively rare event. CLINICAL CASES: The authors report the management of
      a patient with chorioretinitis sclopetaria secondary to a gunshot wound twenty
      years previously. DISCUSSION: The clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of
      this unusual case of intraorbital foreign body are discussed.

PMID- 27118439
TI  - Neck tumour.

PMID- 27118440
TI  - Oral habits, dental trauma, and occlusal characteristics among 4- to 12-year-old
      institutionalized orphan children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the oral habit practices, dental trauma, and
      occlusal characteristics of 4- to 12-year-old orphans living in governmental
      orphanages in Riyadh. This cross-sectional study was conducted in three
      government orphanages and three ordinary schools. All 90 orphans, residing in the
      orphanage, were included. Ninety schoolchildren were selected to serve as the
      controls. Demographic data, oral habit history, and dental trauma history were
      obtained through a questionnaire. All children were examined to confirm the
      presence of signs of oral habits, dental trauma, and associated occlusal
      characteristics. Pearson chi-square was used for statistical analysis. Orphans
      were found to have more digit sucking and oral self-mutilation habits; however,
      the control children were found to have more nail biting habit. Nearly 21% of the
      orphans had dental trauma compared to 10% of the control group. About 70% of the
      dental trauma affected permanent teeth among orphans, whereas, 85% affected
      primary teeth in the control children. Dental trauma increased as the orphans got
      older; however, it decreased significantly as the control children got older.
      Orphans were found to have more cross-bite, increased over-jet, and open-bite.
      Digit sucking habit was positively associated with class II molar relation,
      presence of posterior cross-bite, and open-bite. Orphans had increased prevalence
      of digit sucking habit, self-mutilation, dental trauma, and malocclusion.

PMID- 27118441
TI  - A Randomized, Phase II Trial of Cetuximab With or Without PX-866, an Irreversible
      Oral Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With Metastatic
      Colorectal Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The phosphotidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/serine-threonine
      kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway is frequently altered in
      colorectal cancer (CRC). PX-866 is an oral, irreversible, pan-isoform inhibitor
      of PI3K. This randomized phase II study evaluated cetuximab with or without PX
      866 in patients with metastatic, anti-epidermal growth factor receptor-naive,
      KRAS codon 12 and 13 wild-type CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with
      metastatic CRC who had received both oxaliplatin and irinotecan were randomized
      (1:1) to cetuximab (400 mg/m2 loading then 250 mg/m2 weekly) with or without PX
      866 (8 mg orally daily; arms A and B, respectively). The primary endpoint was
      progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included objective response
      rate, overall survival (OS), toxicity, and correlation of relevant biomarkers
      with efficacy outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients were enrolled. The median
      PFS was 59 days versus 104 days for arms A (cetuximab + PX-866) and B (cetuximab
      alone), respectively (P = .77). OS between the 2 arms (266 vs. 333 days for arm A
      vs. B) were similar (P = .83). Overall toxicity, including treatment-related
      toxicity, was higher in arm A compared with arm B, especially in terms of all
      grade nausea (66% vs. 37%), vomiting (50% vs. 29%), diarrhea (64% vs. 18%), and
      rash (66% vs. 37%). Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in 19% of patients in Arm A and 0%
      in Arm B. PIK3CA mutations and PTEN loss by immunohistochemistry were
      infrequently seen. CONCLUSION: The addition of PX-866 to cetuximab did not
      improve PFS, objective response rate, or OS in patients with metastatic CRC. The
      combination arm had greater toxicity and may have been harmful in this study.

PMID- 27118442
TI  - Guidance on conducting systematic reviews/meta-analyses of
      pharmacoepidemiological studies of safety outcomes: the gap is now filled.
AB  - Until recently, no comprehensive guidance specifically on the conduction of
      systematic reviews and meta-analyses of pharmacoepidemiological studies of safety
      outcomes was available. In December 2015, the European Network of Centres for
      Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharamacovigilance (ENCePP), a network coordinated by
      the European Medicines Agency, published their 'Guidance on conducting systematic
      reviews and meta-analyses of completed comparative pharmacoepidemiological
      studies of safety outcomes', filling an important gap in the field. This paper
      highlights the ENCePP recommendations in terms of study identification, data
      extraction, study quality appraisal and analytical plan. Although the ENCePP
      document should not be considered as definitive, since it will likely be refined
      following researchers' feedback, it is expected that it will be highly
      influential and useful for the field, with the ultimate goal to improve and
      standardise the conduction and reporting of systematic reviews/meta-analyses of
      pharmacoepidemiological studies of safety outcomes.

PMID- 27118443
TI  - A systematic review of interventions to improve postpartum retention of women in
      PMTCT and ART care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The World Health Organization recommends lifelong antiretroviral
      therapy (ART) for all pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV. Effective
      transitioning from maternal and child health to ART services, and long-term
      retention in ART care postpartum is crucial to the successful implementation of
      lifelong ART for pregnant women. This systematic review aims to determine which
      interventions improve (1) retention within prevention of mother-to-child HIV
      transmission (PMTCT) programmes after birth, (2) transitioning from PMTCT to
      general ART programmes in the postpartum period, and (3) retention of postpartum
      women in general ART programmes. METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, ISI Web of
      Knowledge, the regional World Health Organization databases and conference
      abstracts for data published between 2002 and 2015. The quality of all included
      studies was assessed using the GRADE criteria. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: After
      screening 8324 records, we identified ten studies for inclusion in this review,
      all of which were from sub-Saharan Africa except for one from the United Kingdom.
      Two randomized trials found that phone calls and/or text messages improved early
      (six to ten weeks) postpartum retention in PMTCT. One cluster-randomized trial
      and three cohort studies found an inconsistent impact of different levels of
      integration between antenatal care/PMTCT and ART care on postpartum retention.
      The inconsistent results of the four identified studies on care integration are
      likely due to low study quality, and heterogeneity in intervention design and
      outcome measures. Several randomized trials on postpartum retention in HIV care
      are currently under way. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the evidence base for
      interventions to improve postpartum retention in HIV care is weak. Nevertheless,
      there is some evidence that phone-based interventions can improve retention in
      PMTCT in the first one to three months postpartum.

PMID- 27118444
TI  - Photoassisted photoluminescence fine-tuning of gold nanodots through free radical
      mediated ligand-assembly.
AB  - In this study, we have developed a simple photoassisted ligand assembly to fine
      tune the photoluminescence (PL) of (11-mercaptoundecyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium
      bromide-capped gold nanodots (11-MUTAB-Au NDs). The 11-MUTAB-Au NDs (size: ca.
      1.8 nm), obtained from the reaction of gold nanoparticles (ca. 3 nm) and 11
      MUTAB, exhibited weak, near-infrared (NIR) PL at 700 nm with a quantum yield (QY)
      of 0.37% upon excitation at 365 nm. The PL QY of the Au NDs increased to 11.43%
      after reaction with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA) for 30 min under
      ultraviolet (UV) light, which was accompanied by a PL wavelength shift to the
      green region (~520 nm). UV-light irradiation accelerates 11-MUA assembly on the
      11-MUTABAu NDs (11-MUA/11-MUTAB-Au NDs) through a radical-mediated reaction.
      Furthermore, the PL wavelength of the 11-MUA/11-MUTAB-Au NDs can be switched to
      640 nm via cysteamine under UV-light irradiation. We propose that the PL of the
      Au NDs with NIR and visible emissions was originally from the surface thiol-Au
      complexes and the Au core, respectively. These dramatically different optical
      properties of the Au NDs were due to variation in the surface ligands, as well as
      the densities and surface oxidant states of the surface Au atoms/ions. These
      effects can be controlled by assembling surface thiol ligands and accelerated by
      UV irradiation. 

PMID- 27118445
TI  - Impact of dietary nitrate on age-related diastolic dysfunction.
AB  - AIMS: Diastolic dysfunction is highly prevalent, and ageing is the main
      contributor due to impairments in active cardiac relaxation, ventriculo-vascular
      stiffening, and endothelial dysfunction. Nitric oxide (NO) affects cardiovascular
      functions, and NO bioavailability is critically reduced with ageing. Whether
      replenishment of NO deficiency with dietary inorganic nitrate would offer a novel
      approach to reverse age-related cardiovascular alterations was not known. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: A dietary nitrate supplementation was applied to young (6 month) and
      old (20 month) wild-type mice for 8 weeks and compared with controls. High
      resolution ultrasound, pressure-volume catheter techniques, and isolated heart
      measurements were applied to assess cardiac diastolic and vascular functions.
      Cardiac manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was performed to study the
      effects of dietary nitrate on myocyte calcium handling. In aged mice with
      preserved systolic function, dietary nitrate supplementation improved LV
      diastolic function, arterial compliance, and coronary flow reserve.
      Mechanistically, improved cardiovascular functions were associated with an
      accelerated cardiomyocyte calcium handling and augmented NO/cyclic guanosine
      monophosphate/protein kinase G signalling, while enhanced nitrate reduction was
      related to age-related differences in the oral microbiome. CONCLUSION: Dietary
      inorganic nitrate reverses age-related LV diastolic dysfunction and improves
      vascular functions. Our results highlight the potential of a dietary approach in
      the therapy of age-related cardiovascular alterations.

PMID- 27118446
TI  - Gender difference in Chinese adults with post-viral olfactory disorder:a hospital
      based study.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: This hospital-based study found a gender differences in Chinese
      subjects with post-viral olfactory disorder (PVOD). Women appear to face higher
      susceptibility to PVOD, a finding that appears to be magnified with age and
      duration of olfactory loss. OBJECTIVES: PVOD is one of the most common reasons
      for acquired olfactory dysfunction, but there is little data in Chinese
      populations. We analyzed Chinese subjects with PVOD in order to determine
      demographic risk factors and clinical features in this major population group.
      METHODS: Data from 143 consecutive subjects with PVOD and 117 subjects with other
      olfactory disorders (controls) were analyzed. This study examined age, duration,
      and severity of olfactory loss, and compared the differences of subjective and
      objective olfactory function tests between two groups, using Sniffin' Sticks,
      Olfactory Event Related Potential (OERP), and olfactory pathway MRI. RESULTS:
      There were more women in the PVOD group compared to controls (p < 0.001). Older
      subjects with PVOD were more likely to be women (p = 0.027), and the proportion
      of women with PVOD increased with the duration of olfactory loss (p = 0.032).
      There were no differences in the prevalence of abnormal OERP between two groups,
      although the female-to-male ratio was higher in the PVOD group (p = 0.041). Women
      with PVOD were less likely to have olfactory pathway abnormalities by MRI
      compared to controls (p < 0.001).

PMID- 27118447
TI  - Why neurology? Factors which influence career choice in neurology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors which influence the decision to pursue a
      career in neurology. METHODS: An anonymous survey was developed using a Likert
      scale to rate responses. The survey was sent to adult and child neurology
      faculty, residents and fellows, as well as medical students applying for
      neurology. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the factors of influence.
      Respondents were subsequently categorized into pre-neurology trainees, neurology
      trainees, child neurologists and adult neurologists, and differences between the
      groups were analysed using Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: One hundred and
      thirty-three anonymous responses were received. The respondents were neurologists
      across all levels of training and practice. Across all respondents, the most
      common factor of high importance was intellectual content of specialty,
      challenging diagnostic problems, type of patient encountered and interest in
      helping people. Responses were similar across the groups; however, the earliest
      trainees cited interest in helping people as most important, while those in
      neurology training and beyond cite intellectual content of the specialty as most
      important. DISCUSSION: As trainees transition from their earliest levels of
      clinical experience into working as residents and faculty, there is a shift in
      the cited important factors. Lifestyle and financial factors seem to be the least
      motivating across all groups. Encouragement from peers, mentors, faculty and
      practicing physicians is considered high influences in a smaller number of
      neurologists. This may present an opportunity for practicing neurologists to make
      connections with medical students early in their education in an effort to
      encourage and mentor candidates.

PMID- 27118448
TI  - Evaluation of surgical technique on outcomes from ruptured aneurysms of the
      middle cerebral artery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of surgical technique on outcomes from
      ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms (RMCAA). METHODS: A retrospective
      review was performed of patients with RMCAA, who were treated at the authors'
      institutions. The study compares the clipping efficacy, the postoperative CT
      findings as well as the clinical outcome in 87 acute operated patients. Forty
      patients who underwent a surgical adapted technique to the preoperative
      radiological findings in the last 2 1/2 years were included in Group 1, and 47
      previously operated cases who underwent a standardized pterional approach with
      aneurysm preparation from proximal to distal were included in Group 2. RESULTS:
      Angiographically assessed clip efficacy confirmed aneurysm occlusion in 87.5% of
      the patients in Group 1 and in 70.2% for Group 2 (p < 0.05). In 13 cases (32.2%)
      of Group 1 versus 27 cases (57.4%) of Group 2, postoperative CT scan showed
      hypodense brain areas (p < 0.05). In 2 cases of Group 1 versus 8 cases of Group
      2, a residual haematoma was found. Three months after bleeding, 25 cases in Group
      1 showed a good recovery, 10 a moderate disability, and 5 severe disability or
      death. In Group 2, 26 patients showed a good recovery, 9 a moderate disability,
      and 12 severe disability or death. There was a difference for patients with
      severe disability/death between both groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Individually
      adapted surgical technique in patients with RMCAA improves the efficacy of
      aneurysm clipping and clot removal, reduces postoperative hypodense brain areas
      and improves the patients' outcome.

PMID- 27118449
TI  - Identification of novel mutations of the CLCN1 gene for myotonia congenital in
      China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The identification of disease-specific genetic and
      electrophysiological patterns for myotonia congenital (MC) could help clinicians
      apply in the findings of genetic studies to improve diagnosis. We examined the
      molecular, clinical, and histopathological characteristics of eight patients with
      MC. METHODS: Optimization PCR was used to exclude myotonic dystrophies and the
      CLCN1 gene was sequenced in patients having clinical and electrophysiological
      features indicative of MC. RESULTS: Genetic screening identified nine CLCN1
      mutations among the eight patients, including two missense, three nonsense, two
      insertion, and two deletion mutations. The patients showed typical myotonia and
      muscle hypertrophy. In contrast to the previous studies, secondary dystonia,
      joint contracture, and abnormal cardiac activity were also observed. Patients
      with novel mutations did not show any new muscle pathology compared with
      established mutations. Disscussion: Molecular genetics analysis offers an
      accurate method for diagnosing MC. The results of this analysis should be
      considered alongside clinical and electrophysiological characteristics. In this
      study, novel mutations in CLCN1 were detected, and the spectrum of CLCN1
      mutations known to be associated with MC was expanded.

PMID- 27118450
TI  - The concentration of cell-free DNA in video-EEG patients is dependent on the
      epilepsy syndrome and duration of epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) is a marker of inflammation and cell death. The
      purpose of the present study was to analyze the role of cf-DNA as a putative
      biomarker in refractory epilepsy. METHODS: Baseline concentration of cf-DNA was
      measured in the serum of 51 carefully evaluated refractory epilepsy patients
      undergoing video-EEG monitoring. Epilepsy was classified based on seizure
      semiology, patient history, and imaging findings. Majority of the patients (47)
      had focal epilepsy. The association of the concentration cf-DNA with different
      clinical determinants was analyzed. 250 healthy individuals served as control
      subjects. RESULTS: The mean baseline concentration of cf-DNA was lower in
      patients with extra temporal lobe epilepsy (XTLE) compared to control subjects
      (0.72 MUg/ml vs. 0.80 MUg/ml; p = 0.001). The difference in concentration of cf
      DNA between patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and control subjects was
      not significant. The maximum concentration of cf-DNA after baseline measurement
      was significantly lower in patients with duration of epilepsy >= 18 years
      compared to those with duration of epilepsy < 18 years (0.022 MUg/ml vs. 0.031
      MUg/ml; p = 0.044). The maximum concentration of cf-DNA was higher in patients
      with body mass index (BMI) >= 25 compared to those with BMI < 25 (0.004 MUg/ml
      vs. 0.041 MUg/ml; p = 0.006). DISCUSSION: The difference in cf-DNA concentration
      between patients with XTLE and control subjects strengthens the previous
      observations of the importance of epilepsy type with regard of different
      biomarkers.

PMID- 27118451
TI  - Extracellular vesicles released by CD40/IL-4-stimulated CLL cells confer altered
      functional properties to CD4+ T cells.
AB  - The complex interplay between cancer cells, stromal cells, and immune cells in
      the tumor microenvironment (TME) regulates tumorigenesis and provides emerging
      targets for immunotherapies. Crosstalk between CD4(+) T cells and proliferating
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) tumor B cells occurs within lymphoid tissue
      pseudofollicles, and investigating these interactions is essential to understand
      both disease pathogenesis and the effects of immunotherapy. Tumor-derived
      extracellular vesicle (EV) shedding is emerging as an important mode of
      intercellular communication in the TME. In order to characterize tumor EVs
      released in response to T-cell-derived TME signals, we performed microRNA (miRNA
      [miR]) profiling of EVs released from CLL cells stimulated with CD40 and
      interleukin-4 (IL-4). Our results reveal an enrichment of specific cellular
      miRNAs including miR-363 within EVs derived from CD40/IL-4-stimulated CLL cells
      compared with parental cell miRNA content and control EVs from unstimulated CLL
      cells. We demonstrate that autologous patient CD4(+) T cells internalize CLL-EVs
      containing miR-363 that targets the immunomodulatory molecule CD69. We further
      reveal that autologous CD4(+) T cells that are exposed to EVs from CD40/IL-4
      stimulated CLL cells exhibit enhanced migration, immunological synapse signaling,
      and interactions with tumor cells. Knockdown of miR-363 in CLL cells prior to
      CD40/IL-4 stimulation prevented the ability of CLL-EVs to induce increased
      synapse signaling and confer altered functional properties to CD4(+) T cells.
      Taken together, these data reveal a novel role for CLL-EVs in modifying T-cell
      function that highlights unanticipated complexity of intercellular communication
      that may have implications for bidirectional CD4(+) T-cell:tumor interactions
      within the TME.

PMID- 27118452
TI  - Phase 1 studies of central memory-derived CD19 CAR T-cell therapy following
      autologous HSCT in patients with B-cell NHL.
AB  - Myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a
      mainstay of therapy for relapsed intermediate-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
      (NHL); however, relapse rates are high. In phase 1 studies designed to improve
      long-term remission rates, we administered adoptive T-cell immunotherapy after
      HSCT, using ex vivo-expanded autologous central memory-enriched T cells (TCM)
      transduced with lentivirus expressing CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptors
      (CARs). We present results from 2 safety/feasibility studies, NHL1 and NHL2,
      investigating different T-cell populations and CAR constructs. Engineered TCM
      derived CD19 CAR T cells were infused 2 days after HSCT at doses of 25 to 200 *
      10(6) in a single infusion. In NHL1, 8 patients safely received T-cell products
      engineered from enriched CD8(+) TCM subsets, expressing a first-generation CD19
      CAR containing only the CD3zeta endodomain (CD19R:zeta). Four of 8 patients (50%;
      95% confidence interval [CI]: 16-84%) were progression free at both 1 and 2
      years. In NHL2, 8 patients safely received T-cell products engineered from
      enriched CD4(+) and CD8(+) TCM subsets and expressing a second-generation CD19
      CAR containing the CD28 and CD3zeta endodomains (CD19R:28zeta). Six of 8 patients
      (75%; 95% CI: 35-97%) were progression free at 1 year. The CD4(+)/CD8(+) TCM
      derived CD19 CAR T cells (NHL2) exhibited improvement in expansion; however,
      persistence was <=28 days, similar to that seen by others using CD28 CARs.
      Neither cytokine release syndrome nor delayed hematopoietic engraftment was
      observed in either trial. These data demonstrate the safety and feasibility of
      CD19 CAR TCM therapy after HSCT. Trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov
      as #NCT01318317 and #NCT01815749.

PMID- 27118453
TI  - Minimal residual disease monitoring and immune profiling in multiple myeloma in
      elderly patients.
AB  - The value of minimal residual disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma (MM) has been
      more frequently investigated in transplant-eligible patients than in elderly
      patients. Because an optimal balance between treatment efficacy and toxicity is
      of utmost importance in patients with elderly MM, sensitive MRD monitoring might
      be particularly valuable in this patient population. Here, we used second
      generation 8-color multiparameter-flow cytometry (MFC) to monitor MRD in 162
      transplant-ineligible MM patients enrolled in the PETHEMA/GEM2010MAS65 study. The
      transition from first- to second-generation MFC resulted in increased sensitivity
      and allowed us to identify 3 patient groups according to MRD levels: MRD negative
      (<10(-5); n = 54, 34%), MRD positive (between <10(-4) and >=10(-5); n = 20, 12%),
      and MRD positive (>=10(-4); n = 88, 54%). MRD status was an independent
      prognostic factor for time to progression (TTP) (hazard ratio [HR], 2.7; P =
      .007) and overall survival (OS) (HR, 3.1; P = .04), with significant benefit for
      MRD-negative patients (median TTP not reached, 70% OS at 3 years), and similar
      poorer outcomes for cases with MRD levels between <10(-4) and >=10(-5) vs >=10(
      4) (both with a median TTP of 15 months; 63% and 55% OS at 3 years,
      respectively). Furthermore, MRD negativity significantly improved TTP of patients
      >75 years (HR, 4.8; P < .001), as well as those with high-risk cytogenetics (HR,
      12.6; P = .01). Using second-generation MFC, immune profiling concomitant to MRD
      monitoring also contributed to identify patients with poor, intermediate, and
      favorable outcomes (25%, 61%, and 100% OS at 3 years, respectively; P = .01), the
      later patients being characterized by an increased compartment of mature B cells.
      Our results show that similarly to transplant candidates, MRD monitoring is one
      of the most relevant prognostic factors in elderly MM patients, irrespectively of
      age or cytogenetic risk. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as
      #NCT01237249.

PMID- 27118454
TI  - Efficacy of hematopoietic cell transplantation in metachromatic leukodystrophy:
      the Dutch experience.

PMID- 27118455
TI  - Epididymal Cysts: Are They Associated With Infertility?
AB  - Scrotal sonography is commonly used for evaluation of the infertile male. While
      epididymal cysts are frequently observed during sonographic assessment, their
      presence has uncertain import. This study is a retrospective case-control
      sonographic and chart review comparison of infertile men and fertile volunteers
      to clarify the possible association of epididymal cysts and infertility. The
      study included 91 consecutively recruited patients from January 2012 to December
      2014. The infertile group consisted patients with male factor infertility who
      underwent scrotal sonography ( n = 67). The fertile group consisted of men
      requesting vasectomy who were recruited for study involvement and consented to
      undergo scrotal sonography ( n = 24). The main outcome measure was infertility.
      The existence of epididymal cysts on scrotal sonography was the main risk factor.
      Predictably, the only sonographic findings associated with infertility were small
      testes (right: t(df = 89) = -2.52; left: t(df = 89) = -2.28, both p = .01) and
      the presence of a varicocele, chi2(df = 1) = 5.766 with p = .02. The infertile
      men were also younger and more likely to use alcohol. Of the 91 men studied, 71%
      demonstrated epididymal cysts (73% of infertile and 67% of fertile men).
      Epididymal cysts were not be associated with infertility, chi2(df = 1) = 0.362
      with p = .55. This occurrence of epididymal cysts is the highest ever reported
      (71% of all men). While the occurrence of epididymal cysts in this cohort is
      unexplained, our observation that these cysts are not associated with infertility
      will be useful for those clinicians counseling patients observed to have these
      structures.

PMID- 27118456
TI  - Predictors of Cancer Screening Among Culturally Diverse Men.
AB  - Men have higher rates of all cancers and are more likely to die from cancer than
      women; however, men are less likely to utilize disease prevention services.
      African American/Black men and Hispanic men have lower cancer survival rates and
      are less likely to utilize health care services than non-Hispanic White men. The
      present study examined demographic variables (age, household income, education,
      marital status, race/ethnicity, health insurance status), motivators to engage in
      healthy eating, and motivators to engage in physical activity as predictors of
      culturally diverse, medically underserved men's likelihood of getting a cancer
      screening (a) at the present time, (b) if no cancer symptoms are present, and (c)
      if a doctor discovers some cancer symptoms. Analyses were conducted using data
      from 243 men (47.3% non-Hispanic Black, 29.5% Hispanic, 16.5% non-Hispanic White,
      and 6.8% "other") recruited at the Men's Health Forum in Tampa, Florida. Age,
      having a medical or health condition that benefits from eating healthy, and
      having a commitment to physical activity were significant positive predictors of
      the likelihood of receiving a cancer screening. Motivation to engage in physical
      activity because of a personal priority was a significant negative predictor of
      the likelihood of getting a cancer screening. The findings from this study
      suggest that interventions to increase cancer screenings among culturally
      diverse, medically underserved men should be informed at least in part by an
      assessment of participating men's motivators for engaging in health promoting
      lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity and healthy eating.

PMID- 27118457
TI  - Anthelmintic effect of herbicidal dinitroanilines on the nematode model
      Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Dinitroanilines are known herbicides that impair the polymerization of
      microtubules. This study investigated the effects of oryzalin and trifluralin on
      the viability, morphology, and ultrastructure of different life stages of
      Caenorhabditis elegans. Both drugs reduced the survival of the adult population
      in 50% after three days of treatment with concentrations of approximately 30 MUM
      and 57 MUM, respectively. The development of new adults was monitored for seven
      days and treatment with both drugs also showed a decrease in the adult
      population. 25 MUM Oryzalin or trifluralin inhibited the hatching of eggs by
      nearly 100%. Both drugs showed remarkable larvicidal activity at 25 MUM against
      the larvae at first and second stages (L1-L2) and at third and fourth stages (L3
      L4) after 24 h. Treatment with dinitroanilines led to incomplete egg embryo
      development. The oryzalin and trifluralin treatments caused the detachment of
      cuticular layers of adults and larvae and the formation of a large number of
      intracellular membrane whirls and lipid bodies in the hypodermal cells and non
      contractile muscles of adults. Both drugs also provoked the bagging process,
      which generated lesions in the uterus of the adults. In addition, trifluralin
      caused the detachment of certain areas of the cuticle adjacent to the hypodermis
      in a large number of nematodes. Our results suggest that dinitroanilines are a
      potentially new alternative for anthelmintic chemotherapy. 

PMID- 27118458
TI  - Using a practical molecular capsular serotype prediction strategy to investigate
      Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance in
      Chinese local hospitalized children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: China is one of ten countries with the highest prevalence rate of
      pneumococcal infections. However, there is limited serotype surveillance data for
      Streptococcus pneumoniae, especially from the community or rural regions, partly
      due to limited serotyping capacity because Quellung serotyping is only available
      in few centers in China. The aim of this study was to develop a simple, practical
      and economic pneumococcal serotype prediction strategy suitable for future
      serotype surveillance in China. METHODS: In this study, 193 S. pneumoniae
      isolates were collected from hospitalized children, 96.9 % of whom were < 5 years
      old. The cpsB sequetyping, complemented by selective and modified USA CDC
      sequential multiplex-PCR, was performed on all the isolates, and serotypes 6A-6D
      specific PCRs were done on all serogroup 6 isolates. Based on systematic analysis
      of available GenBank cpsB sequences, we established a more comprehensive cpsB
      sequence database than originally published for cpsB sequetyping. Antibiotic
      susceptibility of all isolates was determined using the disk diffusion or E-test
      assays. RESULTS: We built up a comprehensive S. pneumoniae serotype cpsB
      sequetyping database for all the 95 described serotypes first, and then developed
      a simple strategy for serotype prediction based on the improved cpsB sequetyping
      and selective multiplex-PCR. Using the developed serotype prediction strategy,
      191 of 193 isolates were successfully "serotyped", and only two isolates were
      "non-serotypeable". Sixteen serotypes were identified among the 191
      "serotypeable" isolates. The serotype distribution of the isolates from high to
      low was: 19 F (34.7 %), 23 F (17.1 %), 19A (11.9 %), 14 (7.3 %), 15B/15C (6.7 %),
      6B (6.7 %), 6A (6.2 %), 9 V/9A (1.6 %); serotypes 6C, 3, 15 F/15A, 23A and 20
      (each 1.1 %); serotypes 10B, 28 F/28A and 34 (each 0.5 %). The prevalence of
      parenteral penicillin resistance was 1.0 % in the non-meningitis isolates and
      88.6 % in meningitis isolates. The total rate of multidrug resistance was 86.8 %.
      CONCLUSIONS: The integrated cpsB sequetyping supplemented with selective mPCR and
      serotypes 6A-6D specific PCRs "cocktail" strategy is practical, simple and cost
      effective for use in pneumococcal infection serotype surveillance in China. For
      hospitalized children with non-meningitis penicillin-susceptible pneumococcal
      infections, clinicians still can use narrow-spectrum and cheaper penicillin,
      using the parenteral route, rather than using broader-spectrum and more expensive
      antimicrobials.

PMID- 27118459
TI  - Au-Ag-Cu nano-alloys: tailoring of permittivity.
AB  - Precious metal alloys enables new possibilities to tailor materials for specific
      optical functions. Here we present a systematic study of the effects of a
      nanoscale alloying on the permittivity of Au-Ag-Cu metals at 38 different atomic
      mixing ratios. The permittivity was measured and analyzed numerically by applying
      the Drude model. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the face centered cubic lattice
      of the alloys. Both, optical spectra and XRD results point towards an equivalent
      composition-dependent electron scattering behavior. Correlation between the
      fundamental structural parameters of alloys and the resulting optical properties
      is elucidated. Plasmonic properties of the Au-Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles were
      investigated by numerical simulations. Guidelines for designing plasmonic
      response of nano- structures and their patterns are presented from the material
      science perspective.

PMID- 27118460
TI  - Visuospatial working memory influences the interaction between space and time.
AB  - How do representations of space inform our perception of time? In language,
      spatial vocabulary is frequently used to describe temporal concepts, and spatial
      information biases temporal perception even in non-verbal tasks. In contrast,
      temporal information typically exerts little, if any, influence on the perception
      of spatial extent. Here, we used spatial and temporal reproduction tasks, both
      with and without verbal and spatial dual tasks, to investigate the mechanism
      underlying the asymmetric relation between space and time. Specifically, we
      tested whether the asymmetric interference between spatial and temporal stimulus
      attributes arises from interference in verbal or visuospatial working memory. We
      found that loading visuospatial working memory, but not verbal working memory,
      eliminated the asymmetric pattern of interference. This suggests that the
      interference between spatial and temporal representations arises due to
      processing constraints in visuospatial working memory. These findings are
      discussed in terms of the load theory of attention and the relative automaticity
      with which spatial and temporal information is processed.

PMID- 27118461
TI  - Quality indicators to compare accredited independent pharmacies and accredited
      chain pharmacies in Thailand.
AB  - Background Quality indicators determine the quality of actual practice in
      reference to standard criteria. The Community Pharmacy Association (Thailand),
      with technical support from the International Pharmaceutical Federation,
      developed a tool for quality assessment and quality improvement at community
      pharmacies. This tool has passed validity and reliability tests, but has not yet
      had feasibility testing. Objective (1) To test whether this quality tool could be
      used in routine settings. (2) To compare quality scores between accredited
      independent and accredited chain pharmacies. Setting Accredited independent
      pharmacies and accredited chain pharmacies in the north eastern region of
      Thailand. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in 34 accredited
      independent pharmacies and accredited chain pharmacies. Quality scores were
      assessed by observation and by interviewing the responsible pharmacists. Data
      were collected and analyzed by independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test as
      appropriate. Results were plotted by histogram and spider chart. Main outcome
      measure Domain's assessable scores, possible maximum scores, mean and median of
      measured scores. Results Domain's assessable scores were close to domain's
      possible maximum scores. This meant that most indicators could be assessed in
      most pharmacies. The spider chart revealed that measured scores in the personnel,
      drug inventory and stocking, and patient satisfaction and health promotion
      domains of chain pharmacies were significantly higher than those of independent
      pharmacies (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between independent
      pharmacies and chain pharmacies in the premise and facility or dispensing and
      patient care domains. Conclusion Quality indicators developed by the Community
      Pharmacy Association (Thailand) could be used to assess quality of practice in
      pharmacies in routine settings. It is revealed that the quality scores of chain
      pharmacies were higher than those of independent pharmacies. 

PMID- 27118462
TI  - Resource use and cost of care with biologicals in Crohn's disease in South
      Africa: a retrospective analysis from a payer perspective.
AB  - Background Crohn's disease is a relapsing remitting inflammatory disease of the
      gastrointestinal tract. Treatment may require expensive biological therapy in
      severe patients. Affordability of the high cost anti-TNF-alpha agents has raised
      concern although evidence suggests cost-offsets can be achieved. There is little
      information on the resource utilisation of Crohn's patients in low and middle
      income countries. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the
      resource utilisation and costs associated with biologicals treatment of Crohn's
      disease. Setting The setting for this study is in private healthcare in South
      Africa from a payer perspective. Method A retrospective longitudinal analysis of
      an administrative claims database from a large private healthcare insurer of
      patients who had at least 1 year claims exposure prior to starting biologicals
      and 2 years follow-up thereafter. Resource utilisation and costs including total
      Crohn's costs, hospital admissions and surgery, out of hospital costs,
      biologicals and chronic medicines were analysed. Main outcome measure The primary
      objective was to compare the change in resource utilisation and costs for Crohn's
      related conditions before and after starting biological treatment. Results A
      cohort of 72 patients was identified with a 35% (p = 0.005) reduction in Crohn's
      related costs (excluding the cost of biologicals) from ZAR 55,925 (U$5369) 1 year
      before compared to ZAR 36,293 (U$3484) 2 years after starting biological
      medicines. However, inclusion of the cost of biologicals more than doubled the
      total costs to ZAR 150,915 (+/-91,642) U$14,488 (+/-8798) in Year 2. Significant
      reductions in out-of hospital Crohn's related spend was also observed.
      Conclusions A reduction in healthcare costs is seen following starting
      biologicals in patients with moderate to severe Crohn's disease. However, the
      high cost of biological therapy outweighs any possible savings achieved in other
      areas of healthcare utilisation. 

PMID- 27118463
TI  - An Islanded Rabbit Auricular Skin Flap Model of Hyaluronic Acid Injection-Induced
      Embolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) injection-induced embolism is a rare but severe
      complication. This article is aimed to introduce an islanded rabbit auricular
      skin flap model of HA injection-induced embolism and to study its
      pathophysiological progress. METHODS: An islanded skin flap was elevated based on
      the proximal central auricular artery/vein. Eighteen rabbits were randomized into
      three groups. Ten, twenty, and forty microliters of HA were injected into the
      central auricular artery in each group, respectively. Flap fluorescence
      angiography was performed. One-way ANOVA was used to compare fluorescence area at
      different time points and between dose groups. Two rabbits in each group were
      randomly chosen for histology examination. In addition to regular HE staining,
      Alcian Blue staining was performed to better show the existence of HA in the
      vessel lumen. RESULTS: The mean calculated fluorescence area was 64.41 % on POD
      1, 79.77 % on POD 3, 88.20 % on POD 5, and 92.03 % on POD 7 in 10 MUl group;
      60.51 % on POD 1, 58.84 % on POD 3, 71.20 % on POD 5, and 76.54 % on POD 7 in 20
      MUl group; 21.60 % on POD 1, 3.08 % on POD 3, 2.91 % on POD 5, and 7.52 % on POD
      7 in 40 MUl group. In all three groups, infiltration of eosinophilic granulocytes
      was observed in the muscular layer of both artery and vein. CONCLUSION: Our study
      successfully created a rabbit auricular skin necrosis model of HA embolism, which
      provided a valuable animal model for further investigation of the
      pathophysiological progress and the efficacy of potential treatments. NO LEVEL
      ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each
      article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please
      refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors
      www.springer.com/00266 .

PMID- 27118464
TI  - Neonatal diabetes caused by a homozygous KCNJ11 mutation demonstrates that tiny
      changes in ATP sensitivity markedly affect diabetes risk.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The pancreatic ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel plays a
      pivotal role in linking beta cell metabolism to insulin secretion. Mutations in
      KATP channel genes can result in hypo- or hypersecretion of insulin, as in
      neonatal diabetes mellitus and congenital hyperinsulinism, respectively. To date,
      all patients affected by neonatal diabetes due to a mutation in the pore-forming
      subunit of the channel (Kir6.2, KCNJ11) are heterozygous for the mutation. Here,
      we report the first clinical case of neonatal diabetes caused by a homozygous
      KCNJ11 mutation. METHODS: A male patient was diagnosed with diabetes shortly
      after birth. At 5 months of age, genetic testing revealed he carried a homozygous
      KCNJ11 mutation, G324R, (Kir6.2-G324R) and he was successfully transferred to
      sulfonylurea therapy (0.2 mg kg(-1) day(-1)). Neither heterozygous parent was
      affected. Functional properties of wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous mutant
      KATP channels were examined after heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes.
      RESULTS: Functional studies indicated that the Kir6.2-G324R mutation reduces the
      channel ATP sensitivity but that the difference in ATP inhibition between
      homozygous and heterozygous channels is remarkably small. Nevertheless, the
      homozygous patient developed neonatal diabetes, whereas the heterozygous parents
      were, and remain, unaffected. Kir6.2-G324R channels were fully shut by the
      sulfonylurea tolbutamide, which explains why the patient's diabetes was well
      controlled by sulfonylurea therapy. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The data
      demonstrate that tiny changes in KATP channel activity can alter beta cell
      electrical activity and insulin secretion sufficiently to cause diabetes. They
      also aid our understanding of how the Kir6.2-E23K variant predisposes to type 2
      diabetes.

PMID- 27118465
TI  - Safety, feasibility, and short-term outcomes in 588 patients undergoing minimally
      invasive ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a single-institution experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: A laparoscopic approach to proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal
      anastomosis (IPAA) in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and familial
      adenomatous polyposis has grown in popularity secondary to reports of small
      series demonstrating short-term patient benefits. Limited data exist in large
      numbers of patients undergoing laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (L
      IPAA). We aimed to analyze surgical outcomes in a large cohort of patients
      undergoing L-IPAA. METHODS: From a prospectively maintained surgical database, 30
      day surgical outcome data were reviewed for all L-IPAA performed for chronic
      ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis from 1999 to 2012.
      Demographics, operative approach, and operative and postoperative complications
      were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 588 L-IPAA ileal pouch-anal anastomoses were
      performed predominantly for chronic ulcerative colitis (93.9 %). The mean age was
      36.2 years, and 54.3 % were male, with a mean BMI of 24.1 kg/m(2). Three-stage
      operations were performed in 17.7 %. The mean operating time of the patients
      excluding 3-stage operation was 269.4 min. Minimally invasive techniques included
      hand-assist in 55 % and straight laparoscopy in 45 %. Conversion to open occurred
      in 8.8 %. Median length of stay was 5 days. There was no mortality. Complications
      occurred in 36.9 % of patients: Clavien grade I (17.5 %), grade II (72.8 %), and
      grade III (9.7 %). Analysis of the grouped data over time demonstrated a
      statistically significant reduction in operative time (p < 0.001) and an increase
      in the ratio of hand-assisted over straight laparoscopy (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Minimally invasive IPAA performed using either a laparoscopic or hand-assisted
      technique is safe, can be performed with low conversion rates, and confers
      beneficial perioperative outcomes.

PMID- 27118466
TI  - Combined endoscopic-laparoscopic treatment of a rectal pocket syndrome after
      sigmoid resection.

PMID- 27118467
TI  - Cellular Profile and Expression of Immunologic Markers in Chronic Apical
      Periodontitis from HIV-infected Patients Undergoing Highly Active Antiretroviral
      Therapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study tested the hypothesis that the inflammatory cell profile
      (CD3-, CD4-, CD8-, CD20-, and CD68-positive cells) and the expression of
      immunologic markers (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon-gamma, interleukin
      6, and interleukin-18) in chronic apical periodontitis are the same between non
      HIV-infected patients and HIV-infected patients undergoing highly active
      antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS: Thirty-four surgically excised chronic
      apical periodontitis lesions were sampled from 34 patients (17 HIV-infected and
      17 non-HIV-infected). The lesions were extracted from teeth with no previous
      endodontic treatment. All HIV-infected patients were undergoing HAART. The
      specimens were submitted to histopathologic and immunohistochemical analyses by
      using an optical microscope. Immunoexpression was graded into 2 levels, focal to
      weak and moderate to strong. The chi(2), Fisher exact, and Mann-Whitney tests
      were used to analyze all significant differences between groups. RESULTS:
      Periapical cysts represented 70.6% and 52.9% of the lesions in the HIV-infected
      and non-HIV-infected groups, respectively; however, no statistically significant
      difference was observed (P = .481). There were no statistically significant
      differences between groups for the inflammatory cell profile and for any of the
      immunologic markers (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: There are no statistically
      significant differences of the cellular profile and expression of immunologic
      markers in chronic apical periodontitis between non-HIV-infected patients and HIV
      infected patients undergoing HAART.

PMID- 27118468
TI  - In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicity Evaluation of Colloidal Silver Nanoparticles Used
      in Endodontic Treatments.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Silver nanoparticles have been used for different purposes in
      dentistry, including endodontic treatments. The aim of this study was to
      determine the cytotoxicity of different types of silver nanoparticles on mouse
      fibroblast cell line L929 and the reaction of subcutaneous connective tissue of
      Wistar rats to these nanoparticles. METHODS: Silver nanoparticles of an average
      size of 5 nm were synthesized with ammonia (SNA) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (SNP).
      L929 was exposed to SNA and SNP (0.1-100 MUg/mL), and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2
      yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were
      performed after 6, 24, and 48 hours. Culture medium was used as the control.
      Sixteen rats received, individually, 3 polyethylene tubes filled with a fibrin
      sponge embedded in 100 MUL SNA or SNP (1 MUg/mL). A fibrin sponge with no
      embedding was the control. Tissue reaction was performed qualitatively and
      quantitatively after 7, 15, 30, and 90 days of implantation in the dorsal
      connective tissue of Wistar rats. RESULTS: SNA and SNP were cytotoxic to L929 in
      higher concentrations, with SNA significantly more toxic than SNP. SNA and SNP
      did not induce significant interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6 production. The
      release of stem cell factor by L929 increased 48 hours after the treatment with
      SNP at 5 MUg/mL. Histologic examination showed that the inflammatory responses
      caused by SNA and SNP at 1 MUg/mL were similar to the control in all experimental
      periods. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that SNA and SNP were not cytotoxic at 25
      MUg/mL or lower concentrations. However, for safe clinical use, further studies
      establishing others points of its toxicologic profile are recommended.

PMID- 27118469
TI  - Fanconi anemia proteins in telomere maintenance.
AB  - Mammalian chromosome ends are protected by nucleoprotein structures called
      telomeres. Telomeres ensure genome stability by preventing chromosome termini
      from being recognized as DNA damage. Telomere length homeostasis is inevitable
      for telomere maintenance because critical shortening or over-lengthening of
      telomeres may lead to DNA damage response or delay in DNA replication, and hence
      genome instability. Due to their repetitive DNA sequence, unique architecture,
      bound shelterin proteins, and high propensity to form alternate/secondary DNA
      structures, telomeres are like common fragile sites and pose an inherent
      challenge to the progression of DNA replication, repair, and recombination
      apparatus. It is conceivable that longer the telomeres are, greater is the
      severity of such challenges. Recent studies have linked excessively long
      telomeres with increased tumorigenesis. Here we discuss telomere abnormalities in
      a rare recessive chromosomal instability disorder called Fanconi Anemia and the
      role of the Fanconi Anemia pathway in telomere biology. Reports suggest that
      Fanconi Anemia proteins play a role in maintaining long telomeres, including
      processing telomeric joint molecule intermediates. We speculate that ablation of
      the Fanconi Anemia pathway would lead to inadequate aberrant structural barrier
      resolution at excessively long telomeres, thereby causing replicative burden on
      the cell.

PMID- 27118470
TI  - Anti-platelet drugs attenuate the expansion of circulating CD14highCD16+
      monocytes under pro-inflammatory conditions.
AB  - AIMS: Levels of circulating CD14(high)CD16(+) monocytes increase in
      atherosclerotic patients and are predictive of future cardiovascular events.
      Platelet activation has been identified as a crucial determinant in the
      acquisition of a CD16(+) phenotype by classical CD14(high)CD16(-) cells. We
      tested the hypothesis that anti-platelet drugs modulate the phenotype of
      circulating monocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty healthy subjects undergoing
      influenza immunization were randomly assigned to either no treatment or anti
      platelet therapy, namely aspirin 300 mg or 75 mg daily, or clopidogrel (300 mg
      loading dose followed by 75 mg), for 48 h post-immunization (n = 15/group).
      Monocyte subsets, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, pro-inflammatory
      cytokines, and P-selectin were measured at baseline and post-immunization. The
      CD14(high)CD16(+) monocyte cell count rose by 67.3% [interquartile range (IQR):
      35.7/169.2; P = 0.0002 vs. baseline] in untreated participants. All anti-platelet
      regimes counteracted expansion of this monocytic subpopulation. Although no
      statistical differences were noted among the three treatments, aspirin 300 mg was
      the most efficacious compared with the untreated group (-12.5% change from
      baseline; IQR: -28.7/18.31; P = 0.001 vs. untreated). Similarly, the rise in P
      selectin (17%; IQR: -5.0/39.7; P = 0.03 vs. baseline) observed in untreated
      participants was abolished by all treatments, with aspirin 300 mg exerting the
      strongest effect (-30.7%; IQR: -58.4/-0.03; P = 0.007 vs. untreated). Changes in
      P-selectin levels directly correlated with changes in CD14(high)CD16(+) cell
      count (r = 0.5; P = 0.0002). There was a similar increase among groups in high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein (P < 0.03 vs. baseline levels). CONCLUSIONS: Anti
      platelet drugs exert an immunomodulatory action by counteracting
      CD14(high)CD16(+) monocyte increase under pro-inflammatory conditions, with this
      effect being dependent on the amplitude of P-selectin reduction.

PMID- 27118471
TI  - The trans-well coculture of human synovial mesenchymal stem cells with
      chondrocytes leads to self-organization, chondrogenic differentiation, and
      secretion of TGFbeta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Synovial mesenchymal stem cells (SMSC) possess a high chondrogenic
      differentiation potential, which possibly supports natural and surgically induced
      healing of cartilage lesions. We hypothesized enhanced chondrogenesis of SMSC
      caused by the vicinity of chondrocytes (CHDR). METHODS: Human SMSC and CHDR
      interactions were investigated in an in-vitro trans-well monolayer coculture over
      a time period of up to 21 days. Protein expression was analyzed using histology,
      immunostaining, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, mRNA
      expression was assessed by quantitative PCR. RESULTS: After 7 days, phase
      contrast microscopy revealed cell aggregation of SMSC in coculture with CHDR.
      Afterwards, cells formed spheres and lost adherence. However, this phenomenon was
      not observed when culturing SMSC alone. Fluorescence labeling showed concurrent
      collagen type II expression. Addition of transforming growth factor beta
      (TGFbeta) to the cocultures induced SMSC aggregation in less time and with higher
      intensity. Additionally, alcian blue staining demonstrated enhanced
      glycosaminoglycan expression around SMSC aggregates after 1 and 2 weeks. Although
      TGFbeta mRNA was expressed in all SMSC, the protein was measured with constantly
      increasing levels over 21 days only in supernatants of the cocultures.
      Considering the enhanced mRNA levels following supplementation with TGFbeta, a
      positive feedback mechanism can be supposed. In line with the development of a
      chondrogenic phenotype, aggrecan mRNA expression increased after 7 and 14 days in
      the cocultures with and without TGFbeta. Coculture conditions also amplified
      collagen type II mRNA expression after 2 weeks without and already after 1 week
      with TGFbeta. There was no difference in collagen type I and type X expression
      between SMSC alone and the coculture with CHDR. Expression of both collagens
      increased following addition of TGFbeta. mRNA data correlated with the intensity
      of immunofluorescence staining. CONCLUSIONS: Paracrine effects of CHDR induce a
      chondrogenic phenotype in SMSC possibly mimicking joint homeostasis. Coculture
      approaches may lead to a better understanding of cellular interactions with
      potential implications for cartilage repair procedures.

PMID- 27118474
TI  - Spatial patterns of genetic diversity, community composition and occurrence of
      native and non-native amphipods in naturally replicated tributary streams.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide, natural communities are invaded by non-native species,
      with potentially devastating effects on the native communities. A large part of
      past research aimed at finding traits and characteristics of the invading species
      or the invaded community explaining observed invasions. Only recently, the focus
      shifted on the spatial patterns during invasions per se. Empirical data, however,
      are limited, as invasions are often unique incidences of a complex spatio
      temporal process. In order to identify generalities of invasion patterns, we
      studied 13 naturally replicated tributary streams draining into Lake Constance,
      and studied the occurrence of native and non-native amphipods along linear
      transects from the stream outlets to the upstream headwater reaches. RESULTS: We
      found repeated spatial patterns of community composition and the occurrence of
      native and non-native amphipod species across two different years. Specifically,
      occurrence as well as abundance of two non-native amphipod species decreased from
      the stream outlets at the lake site towards upstream headwater reaches.
      Populations of the most common native amphipod species were largest at the
      uppermost headwater reaches. All populations of this native species, however,
      showed significant signals of recent genetic bottlenecks, irrespective of the
      stream position and occurrence of non-native species. Contrary to our
      expectations, this native species also showed no longitudinal genetic
      differentiation within individual tributaries as postulated for headwater versus
      outlet populations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that invasions of river
      systems may overall follow predictable patterns on the level of spatial
      distributions and community composition. However, effects of invading organisms
      on the genetic diversity and genetic structure of native populations observed at
      larger scales may not necessarily be directly reflected at the scale of smaller
      tributaries.

PMID- 27118475
TI  - GIFT4 fusokine converts leukemic B cells into immune helper cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains incurable with standard
      therapy, and is characterized by excessive expansion of monoclonal abnormal
      mature B cells and more regulatory immune properties of T cell compartment. Thus,
      developing novel strategies to enhance immune function merits further
      investigation as a possible therapy for CLL. METHODS: We generated a fusion
      cytokine (fusokine) arising from the combination of human GM-CSF and IL-4 (named
      GIFT4). Primary CLL cells were treated with GIFT4 or GM-CSG and IL-4 in vitro.
      GIFT4-triggered STAT5 signaling in CLL cells was examined by Western blot. The
      phenotype and secretome of GIFT4-treated CLL cells (GIFT4-CLL cells), and the
      immune stimulatory function of GIFT4-CLL cells on autologous T cells were
      analyzed by flow cytometry and luminex assay. RESULTS: GIFT4-CLL up-regulated the
      expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD40, CD80 and CD86 and adhesion molecule
      CD54. GIFT4-CLL cells secreted IL-1beta, IL-6, ICAM-1 and substantial IL-2
      relative to unstimulated CLL cells. GIFT4 treatment led to JAK1, JAK2 and JAK3
      mediated hyper-phosphorylation of STAT5 in primary CLL cells, which is essential
      for GIFT4-triggered conversion of CLL cells. GIFT4-CLL cells directly propelled
      the expansion of autologous IFN-gamma-producing CD314(+) cytotoxic T cells in
      vitro, and that these could lyse autologous CLL cells. Furthermore,
      administration of GIFT4 protein promoted the expansion of human T cells in NOD
      scid IL2Rgamma(null) immune deficient mice adoptively pre-transferred with
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells from subjects with CLL. CONCLUSION: GIFT4 has
      potent capability to converts primary CLL cells into APC-like immune helper cells
      that initiate a T cell driven anti-CLL immune response.

PMID- 27118476
TI  - How important is the angle of tilt in the WHO cone bioassay?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) cone bioassay plays an integral
      role in the evaluation of the efficacy of long-lasting insecticidal nets as well
      as insecticides used in indoor residual spraying. The test is used on a variety
      of treated substrates, such as pieces of bed nets, mud, cement and wood. The cone
      setup assumes a wide variety of angles under different settings in which it is
      applied. However, the guidelines provided for the performance of the assay do not
      specify the angle at which the test must be performed. METHODS: Laboratory
      colonies of Anopheles gambiae Kisumu-1 and Anopheles stephensi STI were tested in
      the WHO cone bioassay at four different angles (0 degrees , 45 degrees , 60
      degrees  and 90 degrees ) following the WHO guidelines against net pieces of
      Olyset Plus and Netprotect. The tests were repeated after 20 washes of the nets.
      Individual mosquitoes were also exposed at 0 degrees  and 60 degrees  and the
      amount of time each spent in contact with the net was recorded. RESULTS:
      Mosquitoes spent more time on the net at 60 degrees  as compared to 0 degrees 
      (coefficient = 45.8, 95 % CI 34.6-55.6, p < 0.001) and were more likely to die
      when the test was done at 45 degrees  (OR 3.3, 95 % CI 1.7-6.3, p = 0.001), 60
      degrees  (OR 3.1, 95 % CI 1.7-5.9, p < 0.001) and 90 degrees  (OR 6.0, 95 % CI
      1.9-18.5, p = 0.002) as compared to 0 degrees . CONCLUSION: The angle at which
      the test is performed significantly affects the amount of time mosquitoes spend
      resting on the nets, and subsequently mortality. Angle must thus be considered as
      an important component in the performance of the assay and duly incorporated into
      the guidelines.

PMID- 27118477
TI  - Nucleoside-Based Ultrasensitive Fluorescent Probe for the Dual-Mode Imaging of
      Microviscosity in Living Cells.
AB  - Microviscosity changes of living cells have a far-reaching influence on diffusion
      and movement capacity of RNA and, more seriously, could modify RNA functions in
      living cells. Fluorescent rotor, whose fluorescence responds to different
      environmental viscosities, holds great potential for the imaging of viscosity in
      biosystem. Although many fluorescent rotors have been reported for viscosity, the
      fluorogenic rotor with ultrasensitivity for the determination of microviscosity
      (<10 cP) was rarely reported. Herein, we report a nucleoside-based two-photon
      fluorescent rotor (dABp-3) that can selectively and ultrasensitively image
      microviscosity in RNA region of living cells for the first time. 2'
      Deoxyadenosine is selected as an electron donor to permit energy transfer via the
      acetylenic bond to acceptor, a typical boron dipyrromethene moiety. Another
      highlight, dABp-3 is based on 2'-deoxyadenosine, which result in its recognition
      capacity for RNA. dABp-3 with ultrasensitivity provides a varied linear response
      to the microrange viscosity (1.8-6.0 cP) in RNA region of living cells on dual
      mode-two-photon ratio mode and fluorescence lifetime mode. After screening and
      optimization, advantageously, dABp-3 can be used to screen reticulocytes from
      mature blood cells of thrombosis models in vitro and in vivo because of targeting
      RNA, while simultaneously image microviscosity changes in these cells. So, dABp-3
      as an analytical tool holds considerable promise for bioimaging and monitoring of
      microviscosity changes in complex biological systems.

PMID- 27118478
TI  - Copaifera reticulata oleoresin: Chemical characterization and antibacterial
      properties against oral pathogens.
AB  - Oral infections such as periodontitis and tooth decay are the most common
      diseases of humankind. Oleoresins from different copaifera species display
      antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Copaifera reticulata is the
      commonest tree of this genus and grows abundantly in several Brazilian states,
      such as Para, Amazonas, and Ceara. The present study has evaluated the chemical
      composition and antimicrobial potential of the Copaifera reticulata oleoresin
      (CRO) against the causative agents of tooth decay and periodontitis and has
      assessed the CRO cytotoxic potential. Cutting edge analytical techniques (GC-MS
      and LC-MS) aided the chemical characterization of CRO. Antimicrobial assays
      included determination of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC),
      determination of the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), determination of
      the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Biofilm (MICB50), Time Kill Assay, and
      Checkerboard Dilution. Conduction of XTT assays on human lung fibroblasts
      (GM07492-A cells) helped to examine the CRO cytotoxic potential. Chromatographic
      analyses revealed that the major constituents of CRO were beta-bisabolene, trans
      alpha-bergamotene, beta-selinene, alpha-selinene, and the terpene acids ent
      agathic-15-methyl ester, ent-copalic acid, and ent-polyalthic acid. MIC and MBC
      results ranged from 6.25 to 200 MUg/mL against the tested bacteria. The time-kill
      assay conducted with CRO at concentrations between 50 and 100 MUg/mL showed
      bactericidal activity against Fusobacterium nucleatum (ATCC 25586) and
      Streptococcus mitis (ATCC 49456) after 4 h, Prevotella nigrescens (ATCC 33563)
      after 6 h, Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC 33277) and Lactobacillus casei
      (clinical isolate) after 12 h, and Streptococcus salivarius (ATCC 25975) and
      Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 25175) after 18 h. The fractional inhibitory
      concentration indexes (FICIs) revealed antagonistic interaction for Lactobacillus
      casei (clinical isolate), indifferent effect for Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC
      33277), Fusobacterium nucleatum (ATCC 25586), Prevotella nigrescens (ATCC 33563),
      and Streptococcus salivarius (ATCC 25975), and additive effect for Streptococcus
      mutans (ATCC 25175) and Streptococcus mitis (ATCC 49456). Treatment of GM07492-A
      cells with CRO demonstrated that concentrations up to 39 MUg/mL significantly
      reduced cell viability as compared to the negative control, being IC50 equal to
      51.85 +/- 5.4 MUg/mL. These results indicated that CRO plays an important part in
      the search for novel sources of agents that can act against oral pathogens. 

PMID- 27118479
TI  - Structural characterization of tick cement cones collected from in vivo and
      artificial membrane blood-fed Lone Star ticks (Amblyomma americanum).
AB  - The Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum, is endemic to the southeastern United
      States and capable of transmitting pathogenic diseases and causing non-pathogenic
      conditions. To remain firmly attached to the host, the tick secretes a
      proteinaceous matrix termed the cement cone which hardens around the tick's
      mouthparts to assist in the attachment of the tick as well as to protect the
      mouthparts from the host immune system. Cement cones collected from ticks on a
      host are commonly contaminated with host skin and hair making analysis of the
      cone difficult. To reduce the contamination found in the cement cone, we have
      adapted an artificial membrane feeding system used to feed long mouthpart ticks.
      Cones collected from in vivo and membrane fed ticks are analyzed to determine
      changes in the cone morphology. Comparisons of the cement cones using light
      microscopy shows similar structures and color however using scanning electron
      microscopy the cones have drastically different structures. The in vivo cones
      contain fibrils, sheets, and are heavily textured whereas cones from membrane fed
      ticks are remarkably smooth with no distinct structures. Analysis of the
      secondary protein structures using FTIR-ATR show both in vivo and membrane fed
      cement cones contain beta sheets but only in vivo cement cones contain helical
      protein structures. Additionally, proteomic analysis using LC-MS/MS identifies
      many proteins including glycine rich proteins, metalloproteases, and protease
      inhibitors. Proteomic analysis of the cones identified both secreted and non
      secreted tick proteins. Artificial membrane feeding is a suitable model for
      increased collection of cement cones for proteomic analysis however, structurally
      there are significant differences.

PMID- 27118480
TI  - Transcriptome profiling of grapevine seedless segregants during berry development
      reveals candidate genes associated with berry weight.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Berry size is considered as one of the main selection criteria in
      table grape breeding programs. However, this is a quantitative and polygenic
      trait, and its genetic determination is still poorly understood. Considering its
      economic importance, it is relevant to determine its genetic architecture and
      elucidate the mechanisms involved in its expression. To approach this issue, an
      RNA-Seq experiment based on Illumina platform was performed (14 libraries),
      including seedless segregants with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight at
      fruit setting (FST) and 6-8 mm berries (B68) phenological stages. RESULTS: A
      group of 526 differentially expressed (DE) genes were identified, by comparing
      seedless segregants with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight: 101 genes from
      the FST stage and 463 from the B68 stage. Also, we integrated differential
      expression, principal components analysis (PCA), correlations and network co
      expression analyses to characterize the transcriptome profiling observed in
      segregants with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight. After this, 68 DE genes
      were selected as candidate genes, and seven candidate genes were validated by
      real time-PCR, confirming their expression profiles. CONCLUSIONS: We have carried
      out the first transcriptome analysis focused on table grape seedless segregants
      with contrasting phenotypes for berry weight. Our findings contributed to the
      understanding of the mechanisms involved in berry weight determination. Also,
      this comparative transcriptome profiling revealed candidate genes for berry
      weight which could be evaluated as selection tools in table grape breeding
      programs.

PMID- 27118481
TI  - Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring After Acute Decompensation for Heart Failure: Results
      from the CARRYING ON for HF Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There's scarce evidence about cardiovascular events (CV) in patients
      with hospitalization for acute heart failure (HF) and no indication for immediate
      device implant. OBJECTIVE: The CARdiac RhYthm monitorING after acute
      decompensatiON for Heart Failure study was designed to assess the incidence of
      prespecified clinical and arrhythmic events in this patient population. METHODS:
      In this pilot study, 18 patients (12 (67%) male; age 72+/-10; 16 (89%) NYHA II
      III), who were hospitalized for HF with low left ventricular ejection fraction
      (LVEF) (<40%) and no immediate indication for device implant received an
      implantable loop recorder (ILR) before hospital discharge. Follow-up visits were
      scheduled at 3 and 6 months, and at every 6 months until study closure; device
      data were remotely reviewed monthly. CV mortality, unplanned CV hospitalization,
      and major arrhythmic events during follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: During a
      median follow-up of 593 days, major CV occurred in 13 patients (72%); of those, 7
      patients had at least 1 cardiac arrhythmic event, 2 had at least a clinical event
      (CV hospitalization or CV death), and 4 had both an arrhythmic and a CV event.
      Six (33%) patients experienced 10 major clinical events, 5 of them (50%) were HF
      related. During follow-up, 2 (11%) patients died due to a CV cause and 3 (16%)
      patients received a permanent cardiac device. CONCLUSIONS: After an acute HF
      hospitalization, patients with LVEF<40% and who are not readily eligible for
      permanent cardiac device implant have a known high incidence of major CV event.
      In these patients, ILR allows early detection of major cardiac arrhythmias and
      the ability to react appropriately in a timely manner. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01216670; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01216670.

PMID- 27118482
TI  - Sensory and Flavor Chemistry Characteristics of Australian Beef: Influence of
      Intramuscular Fat, Feed, and Breed.
AB  - The sensory attributes and flavor chemistry of grilled beef striploins (M.
      longissimus lumborum, n = 42) varying widely in marbling from commercial
      production types typical for Southern Australia were extensively characterized.
      Striploins from Angus grass-fed yearlings (5.2-9.9% intramuscular fat), Angus
      grain-finished steers (10.2-14.9%), and Wagyu grass-fed heifers (7.8-17.5%) were
      evaluated. Inherent differences between samples from grass- and grain-fed Angus
      cattle were minimal when the intramuscular fat content was above ~5%. After
      adjusting for intramuscular fat, Wagyu samples had more intense flavor and higher
      tenderness and juiciness compared to Angus grass-fed samples. Grilled beef
      flavor, dairy fat, and sweetness increased with the marbling level, and sourness
      and astringency decreased. Tenderness and juiciness increased with the marbling
      level and were correlated with Warner-Bratzler peak force measurements. Trained
      panel sensory differences in flavor corresponded with increases in aroma
      volatiles and changes in nonvolatile flavor compounds. Unsaturated fatty acids
      with potential health benefits (vaccenic, oleic, and rumenic acids) increased
      with the level of marbling. 

PMID- 27118483
TI  - Association between metabolic syndrome and 10-year risk of developing
      cardiovascular disease in a Nigerian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and consequential
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) events are on the increase in Nigeria. The study
      aimed to identify the prevalence of 10-year CVD risk in a Nigerian population and
      assess its relationship with different indices of MetS. METHOD: A cross-sectional
      study was carried out on apparently healthy persons aged 18 years of age or
      older. Ten-year risk was calculated using the ATPIII/Framingham criteria.
      Subjects with risk score <10% were considered as having low risk, 10-20% moderate
      risk and >20% at high risk of developing CVD in 10 years. MetS was defined based
      on the Joint Scientific Statement on Harmonizing the MetS. RESULT: Of the 211
      subjects, mean age was 51.3+/-17.3 years. Average risk of developing CVD in the
      next 10 years was 3.7+/-5.3%. Prevalence of low, moderate and high risk of
      developing CVD among study participants was 86.3% (95% CI 82.0-91.3%), 11.8% (95%
      CI 6.9-16.1%) and 1.9% (95% CI 0.0-3.8%), respectively. Prevalence of MetS was
      26.7% (95% CI 21.0-33.3%). There was poor agreement between MetS and the CVD risk
      scores (kappa=0.209, p=0.001) CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that complementary
      use of MetS and CVD risk score is imperative, as there is indication of risk in
      individuals without MetS. Also a large proportion of the study population
      requires lifestyle intervention. These findings provide the evidence necessary to
      tailor public health interventions in this population, especially towards younger
      age groups.

PMID- 27118485
TI  - Hypertension in the frail elderly.
AB  - Extant data indicate that treating to lower systolic pressure confers significant
      advantage to younger people in general good health and to relatively healthy
      octogenarians. Few data exist to guide practitioners on the treatment of frail
      elderly hypertensives. Chronological age alone does not suffice to make useful
      judgments regarding therapy. The definition of frailty remains controversial. One
      method, use of a simple questionnaire or a test of walking speed is practical but
      not universally accepted. Frail subjects, while at higher risk for cardiovascular
      complications, seem to benefit less or not at all from antihypertensive drug
      treatment. Clinicians should treat robust older patients as they would younger
      patients because the benefits far outweigh the low risk of adverse effects.
      Successful antihypertensive therapy in those younger than 80 years should not be
      discontinued simply because that age milestone has been crossed. Treatment of
      frail older patients must be individualized. Some frail survivors age 80 years or
      older may actually fare better with elevated systolic pressures. Pending the
      cognitive function substudy of Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial, there
      is little evidence that antihypertensive treatment benefits established cognitive
      dysfunction. Because hypertension in middle age is a good predictor of later
      cognitive dysfunction, the clinical approach should be one of early prevention.

PMID- 27118486
TI  - Symmetric ambulatory arterial stiffness index in the young.
AB  - The ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and the symmetric ambulatory
      arterial stiffness index (s-AASI) have been shown to correlate to arterial
      stiffness in adults. This study assesses these indices with anthropometric and
      blood pressure (BP) measures in children. A total of 102 children at a pediatric
      hypertension clinic who had ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) done from
      2009 to 2013 were included (75% males, 7-22yo, 47% hypertensive, 24%
      prehypertensive, and 34% white-coat hypertensives). AASI is 1 minus the
      regression slope of diastolic BP values on systolic BP values from a 24-hour
      ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. s-AASI is the symmetric regression of AASI.
      Obese patients had a significantly higher AASI. s-AASI correlated with systolic
      BP variability. In multivariable regression, BP variability independently
      correlated with AASI and s-AASI. s-AASI is related to systolic dipping.AASI and s
      AASI are highly dependent on BP variability in children. Further studies are
      necessary to assess their utility.

PMID- 27118487
TI  - Mutation analysis of the CHCHD2 gene in Chinese Han patients with Parkinson's
      disease.

PMID- 27118488
TI  - Isolated task-specific lip tremor.

PMID- 27118489
TI  - Gut commensal Bacteroides acidifaciens prevents obesity and improves insulin
      sensitivity in mice.
AB  - In humans, the composition of gut commensal bacteria is closely correlated with
      obesity. The bacteria modulate metabolites and influence host immunity. In this
      study, we attempted to determine whether there is a direct correlation between
      specific commensal bacteria and host metabolism. As mice aged, we found
      significantly reduced body weight and fat mass in Atg7DeltaCD11c mice when
      compared with Atg7f/f mice. When mice shared commensal bacteria by co-housing or
      feces transfer experiments, body weight and fat mass were similar in both mouse
      groups. By pyrosequencing analysis, Bacteroides acidifaciens (BA) was
      significantly increased in feces of Atg7DeltaCD11c mice compared with those of
      control Atg7f/f mice. Wild-type C57BL/6 (B6) mice fed with BA were significantly
      more likely to gain less weight and fat mass than mice fed with PBS. Of note, the
      expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha)
      was consistently increased in the adipose tissues of Atg7DeltaCD11c mice, B6 mice
      transferred with fecal microbiota of Atg7DeltaCD11c mice, and BA-fed B6 mice.
      Furthermore, B6 mice fed with BA showed elevated insulin levels in serum,
      accompanied by increased serum glucagon-like peptide-1 and decreased intestinal
      dipeptidyl peptidase-4. These finding suggest that BA may have potential for
      treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

PMID- 27118490
TI  - Cross-protective mucosal immunity mediated by memory Th17 cells against
      Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection.
AB  - Pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) remains a leading cause of
      serious illness and death worldwide. Immunization with conjugated pneumococcal
      vaccine has lowered the colonization rate and consequently invasive diseases by
      inducing serotype-specific antibodies. However, many of the current pneumonia
      cases result from infection by serotype strains not included in the vaccine. In
      this study, we asked if cross-protection against lung infection by heterologous
      strains can be induced, and investigated the underlying immune mechanism. We
      found that immune mice recovered from a prior infection were protected against
      heterologous Sp strains in the pneumonia challenge model, as evident by
      accelerated bacterial clearance, reduced pathology, and apoptosis of lung
      epithelial cells. Sp infection in the lung induced strong T-helper type 17 (Th17)
      responses at the lung mucosal site. Transfer of CD4+ T cells from immune mice
      provided heterologous protection against pneumonia, and this protection was
      abrogated by interleukin-17A (IL-17A) blockade. Transfer of memory CD4+ T cells
      from IL-17A-knockout mice failed to provide protection. These results indicate
      that memory Th17 cells had a key role in providing protection against pneumonia
      in a serotype-independent manner and suggest the feasibility of developing a
      broadly protective vaccine against bacterial pneumonia by targeting mucosal Th17
      T cells.

PMID- 27118491
TI  - A key requirement for CD300f in innate immune responses of eosinophils in
      colitis.
AB  - Eosinophils are traditionally studied in the context of type 2 immune responses.
      However, recent studies highlight key innate immune functions for eosinophils
      especially in colonic inflammation. Surprisingly, molecular pathways regulating
      innate immune activities of eosinophil are largely unknown. We have recently
      shown that the CD300f is highly expressed by colonic eosinophils. Nonetheless,
      the role of CD300f in governing innate immune eosinophil activities is ill
      defined. RNA sequencing of 162 pediatric Crohn's disease patients revealed
      upregulation of multiple Cd300 family members, which correlated with the presence
      of severe ulcerations and inflammation. Increased expression of CD300 family
      receptors was also observed in active ulcerative colitis (UC) and in mice
      following induction of experimental colitis. Specifically, the expression of
      CD300f was dynamically regulated in monocytes and eosinophils. Dextran sodium
      sulfate (DSS)-treated Cd300f-/- mice exhibit attenuated disease activity and
      histopathology in comparison with DSS-treated wild type (WT). Decreased disease
      activity in Cd300f-/- mice was accompanied with reduced inflammatory cell
      infiltration and nearly abolished production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
      Monocyte depletion and chimeric bone marrow transfer experiments revealed a cell
      specific requirement for CD300f in innate immune activation of eosinophils.
      Collectively, we uncover a new pathway regulating innate immune activities of
      eosinophils, a finding with significant implications in eosinophil-associated
      gastrointestinal diseases.

PMID- 27118492
TI  - Successful treatment of scleromyxedema with melphalan and dexamethasone followed
      by thalidomide maintenance therapy.

PMID- 27118494
TI  - The future of cancer treatment: immunomodulation, CARs and combination
      immunotherapy.

PMID- 27118495
TI  - Impact of postoperative drainage autologous blood re-transfusion on the
      coagulation parameters and D-dimer levels of patients after total hip
      arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative drainage autologous blood re-transfusion (ABT) is an
      important treatment method that maintains a high haemoglobin (HGB) content and
      obviates the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in patients after surgery.
      However, the safety of ABT remains controversial. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: This
      study aimed to investigate the safety of postoperative drainage ABT in primary
      total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this randomized, controlled study, patients
      undergoing THA were selected and randomly divided into two groups. A device for
      postoperative ABT was used for the 49 patients in the ABT group, whereas
      conventional postoperative vacuum drainage was used for the 42 patients in the
      drainage blood (Drain) group without ABT. The coagulation parameters and D-dimer
      (DD) levels of the two groups of patients were recorded before surgery (T0) and
      on postoperative days one (T1), three (T2), seven (T3), and 14 (T4). RESULTS: A
      within-group comparison after THA showed that the postoperative fibrinogen (FIB)
      and DD levels were higher than those before surgery in both groups (P < 0.01). A
      between-group comparison showed that, at different time points, the postoperative
      drainage blood amount and the coagulation parameters were not significantly
      different between the two groups. Compared with the Drain group, the DD levels in
      the ABT group were significantly higher at T1, T2, and T3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Postoperative drainage ABT did not significantly impact the coagulation
      parameters of patients after THA. However, the DD levels after ABT significantly
      increased, which may affect the risk of thrombosis.

PMID- 27118493
TI  - Balancing efficacy of and host immune responses to cancer therapy: the yin and
      yang effects.
AB  - Local and systemic treatments for cancer include surgery, radiation,
      chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, molecularly targeted therapies, antiangiogenic
      therapy, and immunotherapy. Many of these therapies can be curative in patients
      with early stage disease, but much less frequently is this the case when they are
      used to treat advanced-stage metastatic disease. In the latter setting, innate
      and/or acquired resistance are among the reasons for reduced responsiveness or
      nonresponsiveness to therapy, or for tumour relapse after an initial response.
      Most studies of resistance or reduced responsiveness focus on 'driver' genetic
      (or epigenetic) changes in the tumour-cell population. Several studies have
      highlighted the contribution of therapy-induced physiological changes in host
      tissues and cells that can reduce or even nullify the desired antitumour effects
      of therapy. These unwanted host effects can promote tumour-cell proliferation
      (repopulation) and even malignant aggressiveness. These effects occur as a result
      of systemic release of numerous cytokines, and mobilization of various host
      accessory cells, which can invade the treated tumour microenvironment. In short,
      the desired tumour-targeting effects of therapy (the 'yin') can be offset by a
      reactive host response (the 'yang'); proactively preventing or actively
      suppressing the latter represents a possible new approach to improving the
      efficacy of both local and systemic cancer therapies.

PMID- 27118496
TI  - Massive acetaminophen overdose: effect of hemodialysis on acetaminophen and
      acetylcysteine kinetics.
AB  - CONTEXT: Early onset acidosis from mitochondrial toxicity can be observed in
      massive acetaminophen poisoning prior to the development of hepatotoxicity. In
      this context, the efficacy of acetylcysteine to reverse mitochondrial toxicity
      remains unclear and hemodialysis may offer prompt correction of acidosis.
      Unfortunately, toxicokinetics of acetaminophen and acetylcysteine during
      extracorporeal treatments hemodialysis have seldom been described. CASE DETAILS:
      An 18-year-old woman presented to the emergency department 60 minutes after
      ingestion of 100 g of acetaminophen, and unknown amounts of ibuprofen and
      ethanol. Initial assessment revealed an agitated patient. Her mental status
      worsened and she required intubation for airway protection. Investigations showed
      metabolic acidosis with lactate peaking at 8.6 mmol/L. Liver and coagulation
      profiles remained normal. Acetaminophen concentration peaked at 981 MUg/ml (6496
      MUmol/L). Pending hemodialysis, the patient received 100 g of activated charcoal
      and an acetylcysteine infusion at 150 mg/kg over 1 hour, followed by 12.5 mg/kg/h
      for 4 hours. During hemodialysis, the infusion was maintained at 12.5 mg/kg/h to
      compensate for expected removal before it was decreased to 6.25 mg/kg for 20
      hours after hemodialysis. The patient rapidly improved during hemodialysis and
      was discharged 48 hours post-admission. TOXICOKINETICS: The acetaminophen
      elimination half-life was 5.2 hours prior to hemodialysis, 1.9-hours during
      hemodialysis and 3.6 hours post hemodialysis. The acetaminophen and
      acetylcysteine clearances by A-V gradient during hemodialysis were 160.4 ml/min
      and 190.3 ml/min, respectively. Hemodialysis removed a total of 20.6 g of
      acetaminophen and 17.9 g of acetylcysteine. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the
      high dialyzability of both acetaminophen and acetylcysteine. Hemodialysis appears
      to be a beneficial therapeutic option in cases of massive acetaminophen ingestion
      with coma and lactic acidosis. Additionally, these results suggest that the
      infusion rate of acetylcysteine must be more than double during hemodialysis to
      compensate for its ongoing removal and provide similar plasma concentrations to
      the usual acetylcysteine regimen.

PMID- 27118497
TI  - Facile and efficient synthesis and biological evaluation of 4-anilinoquinazoline
      derivatives as EGFR inhibitors.
AB  - Series of 4-anilinoquinazoline derivatives were conveniently and efficiently
      synthesized and their antitumor activities were evaluated by MTT assay in three
      human cancer cell lines: H1975, HepG2 and SMMC-7721. New compounds 19a-19h were
      designed and synthesized to seek for powerful EGFR inhibitors and to explore
      whether methyl group at C-2 position of quinazoline ring has a positive effect on
      EGFR inhibition. All the compounds of 19a-19h were found potent against all three
      cell lines and five compounds (19c, 19d, and 19f-19h) were found more potent
      against H1975 than gefitinib. SAR studies revealed that methyl group at C-2
      position of quinazoline ring could significantly improve the antitumor potency of
      4-anilinoquinazolines. The same conclusion was also drawn according to the
      results of Western blotting analysis. Among all the tested compounds, 19g
      exhibited extremely potent against H1975 with an IC50 value of 0.11MUM,
      remarkably lower than that of gefitinib (1.23MUM). The results of western
      blotting analysis showed that compounds 19c and 19g could notably inhibit the
      expression of phosphorylated EGFR, especially 19g, almost inhibited completely.

PMID- 27118498
TI  - [The relationship of lipid imbalance and chronic inflammation mediated by PPAR].
AB  - Obesity is a serious metabolic disease that threatens patients with increasing
      incidence of the metabolic, cardiovascular, cancer1-3) and other associated,
      especially autoimmune diseases. It increases significantly the morbidity and
      mortality of patients and reduces quality of their life.The imbalance between
      lipolysis and lipogenesis results in a number of metabolic related disorders at
      the different regulatory levels of transcription, translation, and/or activity of
      enzymes. One of the extensively studied areas in regulating lipogenesis, often
      accompanied by inflammation, is a peroxisome proliferator activated receptors
      (PPARs), especially its isomer PPAR-gamma. PPAR-gamma is a ligand-activated
      transcription factor belonging to the family of nuclear receptors. It is mostly
      presented in differentiated macrophages and adipose tissue5, 6). It has an
      important function of adipocyte differentiation and inflammation management in
      terms of gene expression inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. PPAR-gamma
      inhibition of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha may present the molecular
      mechanism of lipid disorders, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of various
      diseases, e.g. inflammation, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis, for which
      the lipid metabolism disorders are a common feature. Under the action of specific
      agonists, PPAR-gamma alter the release of signal molecules from adipose tissue,
      which has far-reaching metabolic consequences in other tissues. It plays an
      important role in the inhibition of inflammation and the development of insulin
      resistance. KEY WORDS: obesity inflammation PPAR-gamma cytokines.

PMID- 27118499
TI  - Antimicrobial, antiparasitic and anticancer properties of Hibiscus sabdariffa
      (L.) and its phytochemicals: in vitro and in vivo studies.
AB  - In the last few decades, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae; H. sabdariffa) has
      gained much attention in research field because of its potentially useful
      bioactivity as well as a great safety and tolerability. For decades, microbial,
      parasitic and cancer diseases remain a serious threat to human health and animals
      as well. To treat such diseases, a search for new sources such as plants that
      provide various bioactive compounds useful in the treatment of several
      physiological conditions is urgently needed, since most of the drugs currently
      used in the therapy have several undesirable side effects, toxicity, and drug
      resistance. In this paper, we aim to present an updated overview of in vitro and
      in vivo studies that show the significant therapeutic properties of the crude
      extracts and phytochemicals derived from H. sabdariffa as antimicrobial,
      antiparasitic, and anticancer agents. The future directions of the use of H.
      sabdariffa in clinical trials will be discussed. KEY WORDS: Hibiscus sabdariffa
      L. antimicrobial agents cancer preventive agents antiparasitic drugs natural
      products.

PMID- 27118500
TI  - [Oral films as perspective dosage form].
AB  - Oral films, namely buccal mucoadhesive films and orodispersible films represent
      innovative formulations for administration of a wide range of drugs. Oral films
      show many advantageous properties and are intended for systemic drug delivery or
      for local treatment of the oral mucosa. In both cases, the film represents a thin
      layer, which could be intended to adhere to the oral mucosa by means of
      mucoadhesion; or to rapid dissolution and subsequent swallowing without the need
      of liquid intake, in the case of orodispersible films. Main constitutive
      excipients are film-forming polymers, which must in the case of mucoadhesive
      forms remain on the mucosa within the required time interval. Oral films are
      currently available on the pharmaceutical market and could compete with
      conventional oral dosage forms in the future. KEY WORDS: oral cavity oral films
      buccal mucoadhesive films orodispersible films film-forming polymers.

PMID- 27118501
TI  - [Influence of the mesh of extrusion dies on the properties of cores intended for
      the preparation of pellets with controlled glucose release].
AB  - Diabetes mellitus and its compensation are accompanied by serious complications.
      One of them is hypoglycaemia, which occurs in patients treated with insulin
      and/or certain peroral antidiabetics. Hypoglycaemic episodes can be prevented by
      a dosage form with controlled release of glucose. The pellet cores of four
      compositions and three different sizes corresponding to the diameter of extrusion
      screen mesh (0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mm) were prepared for this purpose. The cores
      contain 75-80% of glucose combined with one of the following osmotically or
      swellable active agents: croscarmellose sodium (ADS), a mixture of
      microcrystalline cellulose and carmellose sodium Avicel RC 591 (RC), polyethylene
      glycol 6000 (PEG), and carboxymethyl starch (CMS). The cores were prepared by
      extrusion-spheronization and are intended for subsequent coating by a
      semipermeable membrane based on ethylcellulose. The aim of the work was to
      statistically evaluate the results of the physical evaluation of the pellets
      which were prepared and evaluated in previously published papers. The results are
      processed in the form of a meta-analysis using principle component analysis. The
      physical characteristics of the individual pellet sizes were different among
      themselves. Although the same compositions and manufacturing methods were used
      for all the pellets sizes, the cores produced through a 0.6 and 0.8 mm mesh
      screens showed similar properties while the properties of cores produced through
      a 1.0 mm mesh screen were rather different. KEY WORDS: hypoglycemia delayed
      release glucose principal component analysis PCA meta-analysis of data.

PMID- 27118502
TI  - Potential anticancer agent hypericin and its model compound emodin: interaction
      with DNA.

PMID- 27118503
TI  - Development of a spectrophotometric method for carmoisine determination in
      quality control of equipment cleaning.

PMID- 27118504
TI  - Thin-layer chromatography application for the standardization of Sophora flowers.

PMID- 27118505
TI  - A portable immunomagnetic cell capture system to accelerate culture diagnosis of
      bacterial infections.
AB  - Bacterial infections continue to be a major cause of deaths globally,
      particularly in resource-poor settings. In the absence of rapid and affordable
      diagnostic solutions, patients are mostly administered broad spectrum antibiotics
      leading to antibiotics resistance and poor recovery. Culture diagnosis continues
      to be a gold standard for diagnosis of bacterial infection, despite its long
      turnaround time of 24 to 48 h. We have developed a portable immunomagnetic cell
      capture (iMC(2)) system that allows rapid culture diagnosis of bacterial
      pathogens. Our approach involves the culture growth of the blood samples in broth
      media for 6 to 8 h, followed by immunomagnetic enrichment of the target cells
      using the iMC(2) device. The device comprises a disposable capture chip that has
      two chambers of 5 ml and 50 MUl volume connected through a channel with a manual
      valve. Bacterial cells bound to antibody coated magnetic nanoparticles are swept
      from the 5 ml sample chamber into the 50 MUl recovery chamber by moving an
      external magnetic field with respect to the capture chip using a linear
      positioner. This enables specific isolation and up to 100* enrichment of the
      target cells. The presence of bacteria in the recovered sample is confirmed
      visually using a lateral flow immunoassay. The system is demonstrated in buffer
      and blood samples spiked with S. typhi. The method has high sensitivity (10 CFU
      ml(-1)), specificity and a rapid turnaround time of less than 7 h, a significant
      improvement over conventional methods. 

PMID- 27118506
TI  - Embracing an occupational perspective: Occupation-based interventions in hand
      therapy practice.

PMID- 27118507
TI  - Looking inside the pores of a MCM-41 based Mo heterogeneous styrene oxidation
      catalyst: an inelastic neutron scattering study.
AB  - Styrene oxidation mediated by a Mo-based mesoporous catalyst can yield
      selectively styrene oxide or benzaldehyde. Kinetic data evidenced that styrene
      oxide is the initial single-product formed by the catalytic Mo-mediated process.
      However, after some hours of reaction benzaldehyde yield rises while that of the
      epoxide decreases concomitantly. The mechanistic proposal pointed to a surface
      assisted acid-base mechanism by which styrene oxide is interconverted into
      benzaldehyde through over-oxidation and cleavage of the C-C bond and releases
      formaldehyde as well. In an attempt to gain some insight into whether this
      mechanistic proposal is realistic we have conducted a combined DRIFT and
      inelastic neutron scattering (INS) study to assess the adsorbed species at the
      catalyst's surface and confirm the mechanistic proposal. INS and DRIFT provided
      complementary insight into surface-adsorbed species by probing donor (INS) and
      acceptor (DRIFT) species. INS also allowed for an estimation of product
      selectivity by means of a Job method stressing the power of the technique. 

PMID- 27118508
TI  - The role of lipoprotein(a) in progression of renal disease: Causality or reverse
      causality?

PMID- 27118509
TI  - Validation of the close-to-delivery prediction model for vaginal birth after
      cesarean delivery in a Middle Eastern cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate a prediction model for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
      that incorporates variables available at admission for delivery among Middle
      Eastern women. METHODS: The present prospective cohort study enrolled women at
      37weeks of pregnancy or more with cephalic presentation who were willing to
      attempt a trial of labor (TOL) after a single prior low transverse cesarean
      delivery at Al-Jahra Hospital, Kuwait, between June 2013 and June 2014. The
      predicted success rate of VBAC determined via the close-to-delivery prediction
      model of Grobman et al. was compared between participants whose TOL was and was
      not successful. RESULTS: Among 203 enrolled women, 140 (69.0%) had successful
      VBAC. The predicted VBAC success rate was higher among women with successful TOL
      (82.4%+/-13.1%) than among those with failed TOL (67.7%+/-18.3%; P<0.001). There
      was a high positive correlation between actual and predicted success rates. For
      deciles of predicted success rate increasing from >30%-40% to >90%-100%, the
      actual success rate was 20%, 30.7%, 38.5%, 59.1%, 71.4%, 76%, and 84.5%,
      respectively (r=0.98, P=0.013). CONCLUSION: The close-to-delivery prediction
      model was found to be applicable to Middle Eastern women and might predict VBAC
      success rates, thereby decreasing morbidities associated with failed TOL.

PMID- 27118510
TI  - Usefulness of cervical magnetic resonance imaging for detecting type A acute
      aortic dissection with acute stroke symptoms.
AB  - Type A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) sometimes presents with acute stroke-like
      symptoms. When intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) therapy is
      considered for acute ischemic stroke, TAAAD must be excluded. Painless TAAAD
      presenting with acute stroke may be easily missed. Two cases of painless TAAAD
      presenting with acute stroke in which IV-tPA therapy was considered are reported.
      In these cases, cervical magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) was useful for
      detecting TAAAD, and IV-tPA therapy was canceled. The mottled high signal
      ("snowstorm") in the common carotid artery on cervical MRA is specific for TAAAD.
      We have thus named this phenomenon the "snowstorm sign" and believe it can help
      diagnose TAAAD.

PMID- 27118511
TI  - A New, Dynamic Era for Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer?
AB  - Cloning animals by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has remained an
      uncontrollable process for many years. High rates of embryonic losses,
      stillbirths, and postnatal mortality have been typical outcomes. These
      developmental problems arise from abnormal genomic reprogramming: the capacity of
      the oocyte to reset the differentiated memory of a somatic cell. However,
      effective reprogramming strategies are now available. These target the whole
      genome or single domains such as the Xist gene, and their effectiveness has been
      validated with the ability of experimental animals to develop to term. Thus, SCNT
      has become a controllable process that can be used to 'rescue' endangered
      species, and for biomedical research such as therapeutic cloning and the
      isolation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

PMID- 27118512
TI  - Symbiodinium population genetics: testing for species boundaries and analysing
      samples with mixed genotypes.
AB  - Population genetic markers are increasingly being used to study the diversity,
      ecology and evolution of Symbiodinium, a group of eukaryotic microbes that are
      often mutualistic with reef-building corals. Population genetic markers can
      resolve individual clones, or strains, from samples of host tissue; however,
      samples may comprise different species that may confound interpretations of gene
      flow and genetic structure. Here, we propose a method for resolving species from
      population genetic data using tests for genetic recombination. Assigning
      individuals to genetically recombining populations prior to further analyses
      avoids critical errors in the interpretation of gene flow and dispersal. To
      demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach, we first apply this method to a
      simulated data set. We then use the method to resolve two species of host
      generalist Symbiodinium that commonly co-occur in reef-building corals collected
      from Indo-West Pacific reefs. We demonstrate that the method is robust even when
      some hosts contain genotypes from two distinct species. Finally, we examine
      population genetic data sets from two recently published papers in Molecular
      Ecology. We show that each strongly supports a two species interpretation, which
      significantly changes the original conclusions presented in these studies. When
      combined with available phylogenetic and ecological evidence, the use of
      population genetic data offers a robust method for unambiguously delimiting
      morphologically cryptic species.

PMID- 27118513
TI  - The complement receptor 3 (CD11b/CD18) agonist Leukadherin-1 suppresses human
      innate inflammatory signalling.
AB  - Complement receptor 3 (CR3, CD11b/CD18) is a multi-functional receptor expressed
      predominantly on myeloid and natural killer (NK) cells. The R77H variant of
      CD11b, encoded by the ITGAM rs1143679 polymorphism, is associated robustly with
      development of the autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and
      impairs CR3 function, including its regulatory role on monocyte immune
      signalling. The role of CR3 in NK cell function is unknown. Leukadherin-1 is a
      specific small-molecule CR3 agonist that has shown therapeutic promise in animal
      models of vascular injury and inflammation. We show that Leukadherin-1
      pretreatment reduces secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumour necrosis factor
      (TNF) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1beta by monokine-stimulated NK
      cells. It was associated with a reduction in phosphorylated signal transducer and
      activator of transcription (pSTAT)-5 following interleukin (IL)-12 + IL-15
      stimulation (P < 0.02) and increased IL-10 secretion following IL-12 + IL-18
      stimulation (P < 0.001). Leukadherin-1 pretreatment also reduces secretion of IL
      1beta, IL-6 and TNF by Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and TLR-7/8-stimulated
      monocytes (P < 0.01 for all). The R77H variant did not affect NK cell response to
      Leukadherin-1 using ex-vivo cells from homozygous donors; nor did the variant
      influence CR3 expression by these cell types, in contrast to a recent report.
      These data extend our understanding of CR3 biology by demonstrating that
      activation potently modifies innate immune inflammatory signalling, including a
      previously undocumented role in NK cell function. We discuss the potential
      relevance of this to the pathogenesis of SLE. Leukadherin-1 appears to mediate
      its anti-inflammatory effect irrespective of the SLE-risk genotype of CR3,
      providing further evidence to support its evaluation of Leukadherin-1 as a
      potential therapeutic for autoimmune disease.

PMID- 27118514
TI  - Response to the 'Letter to the Editor on the Maastricht Sarcopenia Study'.

PMID- 27118515
TI  - Differential abundances of four forms of Binder of SPerm 1 in the seminal plasma
      of Bos taurus indicus bulls with different patterns of semen freezability.
AB  - The Binder of SPerm 1 (BSP1) protein is involved in the fertilization and semen
      cryopreservation processes and is described to be both beneficial and detrimental
      to sperm. Previously, the relationship of BSP1 with freezability events has not
      been completely understood. The objective of this work was to determine the
      differential abundance of the forms of the BSP1 protein in cryopreserved seminal
      plasma of Bos taurus indicus bulls with different patterns of semen freezability
      using proteomics. A wide cohort of adult bulls with high genetic value from an
      artificial insemination center was used as donors of high quality, fresh semen.
      Nine bulls presenting different patterns of semen freezability were selected. Two
      dimensional gel electrophoresis showed differential abundance in a group of seven
      protein spots in the frozen/thawed seminal plasma from the bulls, ranging from 15
      to 17 kDa, with pI values from 4.6 to 5.8. Four of these spots were confirmed to
      be BSP1 using mass spectrometry, proteomics, biochemical, and computational
      analysis (Tukey's test at P < 0.05). The protein spot weighing 15.52 +/- 0.53 kDa
      with a pI value of 5.78 +/- 0.12 is highlighted by its high abundance in bulls
      with low semen freezability and its absence in bulls presenting high semen
      freezability. This is the first report showing that more than two forms of BSP1
      are found in the seminal plasma of Nelore adult bulls and not all animals have a
      similar abundance of each BSP1 form. Different BSP1 forms may be involved in
      different events of fertilization and the cryopreservation process. 

PMID- 27118516
TI  - Alteration of gene expression by zinc oxide nanoparticles or zinc sulfate in vivo
      and comparison with in vitro data: A harmonious case.
AB  - Granulosa cells (GCs) are those somatic cells closest to the female germ cell.
      GCs play a vital role in oocyte growth and development, and the oocyte is
      necessary for multiplication of a species. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs)
      readily cross biologic barriers to be absorbed into biologic systems that make
      them promising candidates as food additives. The objective of the present
      investigation was to explore the impact of intact NPs on gene expression and the
      functional classification of altered genes in hen GCs in vivo, to compare the
      data from in vivo and in vitro studies, and finally to point out the adverse
      effects of ZnO NPs on the reproductive system. After a 24-week treatment, hen GCs
      were isolated and gene expression was quantified. Intact NPs were found in the
      ovary and other organs. Zn levels were similar in ZnO-NP-100 mg/kg- and ZnSO4-100
      mg/kg-treated hen ovaries. ZnO-NP-100 mg/kg and ZnSO4-100 mg/kg regulated the
      expression of the same sets of genes, and they also altered the expression of
      different sets of genes individually. The number of genes altered by the ZnO-NP
      100 mg/kg and ZnSO4-100 mg/kg treatments was different. Gene Ontology (GO)
      functional analysis reported that different results for the two treatments and,
      in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment, 12 pathways (out of
      the top 20 pathways) in each treatment were different. These results suggested
      that intact NPs and Zn(2+) had different effects on gene expression in GCs in
      vivo. In our recent publication, we noted that intact NPs and Zn(2+)
      differentially altered gene expression in GCs in vitro. However, GO functional
      classification and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed close similarities
      for the changed genes in vivo and in vitro after ZnO NP treatment. Furthermore,
      close similarities were observed for the changed genes after ZnSO4 treatments in
      vivo and in vitro by GO functional classification and KEGG pathway enrichment
      analyses. Therefore, the effects of ZnO NPs on gene expression in vitro might
      represent their effects on gene expression in vivo. The results from this study
      and our earlier studies support previous findings indicating ZnO NPs promote
      adverse effects on organisms. Therefore, precautions should be taken when ZnO NPs
      are used as diet additives for hens because they might cause reproductive issues.

PMID- 27118517
TI  - Role of MicroRNA 126 in screening, diagnosis, and prognosis of diabetic patients
      in Egypt.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs), family of non-coding small RNAs, play a vital role in the
      regulation of blood glucose level. We aimed to investigate the relation of serum
      miRNA-126 expression with impaired glucose tolerance as well as type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM) patients with and without complications. One hundred healthy
      controls, eighty-six patients with IGT, and one hundred patients with T2DM were
      recruited in this study. Serum miRNA-126 expression was assessed by quantitative
      real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found a significant decrease of serum
      miRNA-126 expression between IGT patients as well as diabetic patients when both
      compared with controls and between diabetic patients compared to IGT patients. A
      significant decrease of serum miRNA-126 expression was detected in diabetic
      patients with complications compared to those without evident complications
      especially those with diabetic macrovascular complications and diabetic
      retinopathy. Serum microRNA-126 expression could be a good marker for diagnosis
      of IGT and T2DM as well as for monitoring the outcomes of such disease. (c) 2016
      IUBMB Life, 68(6):452-458, 2016.

PMID- 27118518
TI  - Development of a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification
      assay for the detection of vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus: Use of rapid
      molecular assays to differentiate between vesicular disease viruses.
AB  - Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is endemic in Central America and northern regions of
      South America, where sporadic outbreaks in cattle and pigs can cause clinical
      signs that are similar to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). There is therefore a
      pressing need for rapid, sensitive and specific differential diagnostic assays
      that are suitable for decision making in the field. RT-LAMP assays have been
      developed for vesicular diseases such as FMD and swine vesicular disease (SVD)
      but there is currently no RT-LAMP assay that can detect VS virus (VSV), nor are
      there any multiplex RT-LAMP assays which permit rapid discrimination between
      these 'look-a-like' diseases in situ. This study describes the development of a
      novel RT-LAMP assay for the detection of VSV focusing on the New Jersey (VSNJ)
      serotype, which has caused most of the recent VS cases in the Americas. This RT
      LAMP assay was combined in a multiplex format combining molecular lateral-flow
      devices for the discrimination between FMD and VS. This assay was able to detect
      representative VSNJV's and the limit of detection of the singleplex and multiplex
      VSNJV RT-LAMP assays were equivalent to laboratory based real-time RT-PCR assays.
      A similar multiplex RT-LAMP assay was developed to discriminate between FMDV and
      SVDV, showing that FMDV, SVDV and VSNJV could be reliably detected within
      epithelial suspensions without the need for prior RNA extraction, providing an
      approach that could be used as the basis for a rapid and low cost assay for
      differentiation of FMD from other vesicular diseases in the field.

PMID- 27118519
TI  - Recent advances in nontoxic Escherichia coli heat-labile toxin and its derivative
      adjuvants.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The nontoxic heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) of Escherichia coli and
      the B subunit of LT (LTB) have been extensively studied as potent vaccine
      adjuvants. Areas covered: This review covers the area of enterotoxin based
      vaccine adjuvant and summarizes the development of nontoxic LT mutant (mLT) and
      LTB and their potency as oral, parenteral and injection adjuvants. Recent
      evidences indicated that the mechanism of LTB adjuvanticity was to enhance the
      turnover of dendritic cells (DCs) in spleen and increase DCs capacity to perform
      as antigen presentation cells (APCs) encountered with T cells. LTB also induces B
      and T cells clustering and delay/arrest in T-cell division following endocytosis
      or B-cell receptor (BCR) uptaking of antigen in a ganglioside-mediated manner.
      Expert commentary: It is pointed out that the immunogenicity of LTB (or LT) is
      more important than the receptor binding property (or ADP-ribosylation activity)
      for the adjuvanticity of LT toxoid. The immunogenicity of LTB (or LT) might
      confer unknown characteristics to maintain LT toxoid adjuvanticity.

PMID- 27118520
TI  - Health behavior change: a field just picking up speed. A comment on Ogden (2016).

PMID- 27118521
TI  - Biokinetics of radiocesium depuration in marine fish inhabiting the vicinity of
      the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant.
AB  - Radiocesium (134Cs and 137Cs) released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power
      Plant (1FNPP) accident contaminated the fish inhabiting the port of 1FNPP.
      Radiocesium concentrations in some fishes, especially rockfish, have still
      remained at elevated levels, while concentrations in olive flounder have
      decreased in 2015 to the level which is close to the Japanese regulatory limit
      for seafood products (0.1 kBq kg-wet-1). In this study a dynamic food chain
      transfer model was applied to reconstruct radiocesium levels in olive flounder
      residing around the port area. As a result, the observed 137Cs concentrations in
      olive flounder collected from the port could be explained by the simulated values
      in the fish, using the seawater level records at the port entrance. The
      reconstructed maximum 134+137Cs concentration in olive flounder inhabiting the
      port area was 72 kB kg-wet-1 in July 2011 and the ecological half-life (EHL) was
      estimated as being 180 days during the period of 2014-2015. Short term simulation
      which assumed that the coastal water fish swam into the port during 1 month,
      demonstrated that the radiocesium level in the olive flounder may become
      equivalent to the depurated level in the fish which were initially contaminated.
      This result indicated that the increase of radiocesium levels in wandering fish
      is unlikely to change total radiocesium concentrations in the olive flounder. In
      this sense, the radiocesium levels in the olive flounder of the port area can be
      interpreted as being convergent in 2015, regardless of the differences in their
      contamination histories. On the other hand, the higher 137Cs concentrations in
      fat greenling, compared to the olive flounder, can be attributed to a history of
      exposure to the contaminated seawater and food at the inner area of the port,
      such as the shallow draft quay and seawall area. As a result of the reconstructed
      initial higher radiocesium concentration, constrained by exposure history at the
      inner area of the port, the depurated radiocesium concentration in fat greenling
      is still likely to be greater than the regulatory level in the port area in 2015.

PMID- 27118522
TI  - Pulmonary Resection for Metastatic Gastric Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary metastasectomy has come to be recognized as an effective
      treatment for selected patients with some malignancies. On the other hand, the
      role of pulmonary metastasectomy for gastric cancer is still unknown.
      Metastasectomy is rarely indicated in cases of pulmonary metastasis from gastric
      cancer, because in most cases, the metastasis occurs in the form of lymphangitic
      carcinomatosis and the lesions are numerous. The purpose of this study was to
      determine the surgical outcomes and prognostic factors for survival after
      pulmonary metastasectomy. METHODS: From 1985 to 2012, 10 patients underwent
      pulmonary metastasectomy for gastric cancer at Saitama Cancer Center, Japan. The
      overall survival rate was examined by the Kaplan-Meier method and univariate
      analysis was carried out to identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: The overall 3
      year survival rate was 30.0 %. The median follow-up period was 26.8 months
      (range, 6.5-96.6) after the pulmonary metastasectomy. Univariate analysis
      revealed an advanced pathological stage of the gastric cancer and occurrence of
      extrapulmonary metastasis before the pulmonary metastasectomy as unfavorable
      prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary metastasectomy should be considered in
      selected patients with lung metastasis from gastric cancer. An advanced
      pathological stage of gastric cancer and occurrence of extrapulmonary metastasis
      before the pulmonary metastasectomy are unfavorable prognostic factors.

PMID- 27118523
TI  - Gastrointestinal: Ano-popliteal fistula in Crohn's disease.

PMID- 27118524
TI  - Development of camelid single chain antibodies against Shiga toxin type 2 (Stx2)
      with therapeutic potential against Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
AB  - Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections are implicated in
      the development of the life-threatening Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Despite
      the magnitude of the social and economic problems caused by STEC infections, no
      licensed vaccine or effective therapy is presently available for human use.
      Single chain antibodies (VHH) produced by camelids exhibit several advantages in
      comparison with conventional antibodies, making them promising tools for
      diagnosis and therapy. In the present work, the properties of a recently
      developed immunogen, which induces high affinity and protective antibodies
      against Stx type 2 (Stx2), were exploited to develop VHHs with therapeutic
      potential against HUS. We identified a family of VHHs against the B subunit of
      Stx2 (Stx2B) that neutralize Stx2 in vitro at subnanomolar concentrations. One
      VHH was selected and was engineered into a trivalent molecule (two copies of anti
      Stx2B VHH and one anti-seroalbumin VHH). The resulting molecule presented
      extended in vivo half-life and high therapeutic activity, as demonstrated in
      three different mouse models of Stx2-toxicity: a single i.v. lethal dose of Stx2,
      several i.v. incremental doses of Stx2 and intragastrical STEC infection. This
      simple antitoxin agent should offer new therapeutic options for treating STEC
      infections to prevent or ameliorate HUS outcome.

PMID- 27118525
TI  - The inter-rater reliability of the modified finger goniometer for measuring
      forearm rotation.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To compare the
      inter-rater reliability of using a modified finger goniometer (MFG) for the
      measurement of isolated forearm rotation for patients with distal radius
      fractures to the currently accepted technique for isolated forearm measurement.
      INTRODUCTION: The currently accepted method of forearm measurement requires the
      assessor to visually estimate vertical for the stationary arm and placement of
      the moveable arm while placing a straight edge along a curved surface. Inter
      rater reliability may be limited as assessors may estimate the placement of the
      goniometer arms differently depending on their experience, posture, and even
      their positioning relative to the patient. Rather than continue to place a
      straight edge on a round surface, we evaluate a new technique using an MFG for
      measuring isolated forearm rotation. METHODS: Patients with clinically healed
      distal radius fractures were enrolled in the study. Measurement of active forearm
      pronation and supination was recorded using 2 separate measurement techniques.
      These measurements were taken by 2 separate hand therapists with more than 10
      years of clinical experience in a tertiary care setting at the beginning and end
      of hand therapy sessions for 3 consecutive weekly visits. Intraclass correlation
      coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change
      were calculated for each technique. RESULTS: The point estimates for the MFG
      method demonstrated a slightly higher ICC than the standard method for pronation
      (0.86 vs 0.82). For supination, both measurement techniques displayed equally
      high pooled ICCs (0.95). The standard error of measurements for the MFG were 2.1
      for pronation and 1.2 for supination compared with 2.9 (pronation) and 1.2
      (supination) for the standard technique. These translate into 90% minimal
      detectable changes of 5 degrees  and 3 degrees  for the MFG pronation/supination
      compared with 7 degrees  (pronation) and 3 degrees  (supination) for the standard
      technique, respectively. DISCUSSION: Although the point estimates for the ICCs of
      the MFG method are equal or higher than the standard method, the confidence
      intervals for the ICCs overlap, indicating that the MFG is at least equivalent to
      the standard method in terms of inter-rater reliability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

PMID- 27118526
TI  - Technology and Radiology Education-Meeting the Needs of Millennial Learners.

PMID- 27118527
TI  - Professional Competence and Teamwork in the Treatment of Patients With Acute and
      Critical Heart Disease.

PMID- 27118528
TI  - 3'UTR SNPs and Haplotypes in the GATA4 Gene Contribute to the Genetic Risk of
      Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms within a microRNA
      binding site can have different effects on gene expression, influencing the risk
      of disease. This study aimed to evaluate the association between single
      nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes in the 3'UTR of the GATA4 gene and
      congenital heart disease risk. METHODS: Bioinformatics algorithms were used to
      analyze single-nucleotide polymorphisms in putative microRNA-binding sites of
      GATA4 3'UTR and to calculate the difference in free energy of hybridization
      (DeltaFE, kcal/mol) for each wild-type vs the variant allele. RESULTS: The study
      population comprised 146 Caucasian patients (73 males; 6.68 +/- 7.79 years) and a
      265 healthy newborn participants (147 males). The sum of all |DeltaFE| was
      considered to predict the biological importance of single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms binding more microRNAs. Next, the 4 polymorphisms (+1158C > T,
      +1256 A > T, +1355 G > A, +1521C > G) with the highest predicted |DeltaFEtot|
      (9.91, 14.85, 11.03, 21.66kcal/mol, respectively) were genotyped in a case
      control study (146 patients and 250 controls). Applying a correction for multiple
      testing only the +1158 T allele was found to be associated with a reduced risk
      showing significant difference between patients and controls. Haplotype analysis
      showed that the T-T-G-C haplotype (more uncommon in congenital heart diseases
      than in controls) was associated with a significantly decreased risk (P = .03),
      while the rare C-A-A-C haplotype, which was very uncommon in controls (0.3%)
      compared with the disease (2.4%), was associated with a 4-fold increased risk of
      disease (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Common variants in 3'UTR of the GATA4 gene
      jointly interact, affecting the congenital heart disease susceptibility, probably
      by altering microRNA posttranscriptional regulation.

PMID- 27118529
TI  - Treating posttraumatic stress disorder with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy: A
      preliminary meta-analysis and comparison to prolonged exposure therapy.
AB  - Since the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has
      become a major area of research and development. The most widely accepted
      treatment for PTSD is prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, but for many patients it
      is intolerable or ineffective. +/-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
      assisted psychotherapy (MDMA-AP) has recently re-emerged as a new treatment
      option, with two clinical trials having been published and both producing
      promising results. However, these results have yet to be compared to existing
      treatments. The present paper seeks to bridge this gap in the literature. Often
      the statistical significance of clinical trials is overemphasized, while the
      magnitude of the treatment effects is overlooked. The current meta-analysis aims
      to provide a comparison of the cumulative effect size of the MDMA-AP studies with
      those of PE. Effect sizes were calculated for primary and secondary outcome
      measures in the MDMA-AP clinical trials and compared to those of a meta-analysis
      including several PE clinical trials. It was found that MDMA-AP had larger effect
      sizes in both clinician-observed outcomes than PE did (Hedges' g=1.17 vs. g=1.08,
      respectively) and patient self-report outcomes (Hedges' g=0.87 vs. g=0.77,
      respectively). The dropout rates of PE and MDMA-AP were also compared, revealing
      that MDMA-AP had a considerably lower percentage of patients dropping out than PE
      did. These results suggest that MDMA-AP offers a promising treatment for PTSD.

PMID- 27118530
TI  - Rasch analysis of the Personal Wellbeing Index.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI) is used internationally to measure
      subjective well-being. While numerous studies have reported on the psychometric
      properties of the PWI using classic test theory, the current paper provides
      additional psychometric evaluation using the Rasch measurement model. METHOD: The
      responses to the PWI items of 593 healthy adults living in Australia or Canada
      were analysed using Rasch analysis. Assessed were overall model fit was assessed,
      individual person fit and item fit, reliability, differential item functioning
      (DIF), unidimensionality, targeting, and response format. RESULTS: Results
      indicate excellent psychometric properties of the PWI, provided the
      religion/spirituality item is excluded. The seven-item PWI showed good model fit
      (overall item-trait interaction chi (2) = 70.59, df = 63, p = 0.24), excellent
      person separation (PSI = .89), no item or person misfit, and no DIF for country
      or gender, and unidimensionality was supported. In addition, only very mild
      disordered thresholds were observed for the 'safety' item, indicating that
      overall, the 11-point response format was suitable for this population.
      CONCLUSION: It is recommended that the religion/spirituality item not be included
      in the aggregated or averaged total score in Western context and that caution
      should be used in comparison across different groups where the eight-item version
      has been used.

PMID- 27118531
TI  - Highly sensitive SnO2 sensor via reactive laser-induced transfer.
AB  - Gas sensors based on tin oxide (SnO2) and palladium doped SnO2 (Pd:SnO2) active
      materials are fabricated by a laser printing method, i.e. reactive laser-induced
      forward transfer (rLIFT). Thin films from tin based metal-complex precursors are
      prepared by spin coating and then laser transferred with high resolution onto
      sensor structures. The devices fabricated by rLIFT exhibit low ppm sensitivity
      towards ethanol and methane as well as good stability with respect to air,
      moisture, and time. Promising results are obtained by applying rLIFT to transfer
      metal-complex precursors onto uncoated commercial gas sensors. We could show that
      rLIFT onto commercial sensors is possible if the sensor structures are reinforced
      prior to printing. The rLIFT fabricated sensors show up to 4 times higher
      sensitivities then the commercial sensors (with inkjet printed SnO2). In
      addition, the selectivity towards CH4 of the Pd:SnO2 sensors is significantly
      enhanced compared to the pure SnO2 sensors. Our results indicate that the
      reactive laser transfer technique applied here represents an important technical
      step for the realization of improved gas detection systems with wide-ranging
      applications in environmental and health monitoring control.

PMID- 27118532
TI  - A pediatric patient with interstitial pneumonia due to enterovirus D68.
AB  - Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infection is associated with upper and lower respiratory
      tract symptoms such as fever, cough, and wheezing. Pediatric patients with EV-D68
      infection easily develop more severe respiratory complications compared to
      patients infected with other species of enterovirus, and consequently, have a
      higher rate of hospitalization and admission to intensive care units. Therefore,
      the clinical picture of respiratory complications associated with EV-D68
      infection needs to be elucidated. Here, we report a 4-year-old girl of EV-D68
      infection that required artificial respiration management within 24 h from the
      onset of cold symptoms. The patient was diagnosed with interstitial pneumonia on
      the basis of chest imaging findings with patchy, funicular and frosted glassy
      shadows, increased blood markers of surfactant protein-A, surfactant protein-D
      and sialylated carbohydrate antigen KL-6, and increased neutrophils and
      lymphocytes in the bronchoalveolar lavage. Steroids showed a remarkable effect in
      her treatment. Further investigations are needed to confirm the efficacy of
      steroids for interstitial pneumonia due to EV-D68 infection. As rapid
      deterioration of respiratory status is observed in EV-D68 infection, the
      possibility of interstitial pneumonia may be considered. 

PMID- 27118533
TI  - Light-stimulated carrier dynamics of CuInS2/CdS heterotetrapod nanocrystals.
AB  - We synthesized a heterotetrapod composed of a chalcopyrite(ch)-CuInS2 core and
      wurtzite(w)-CdS arms and elucidated its optical properties and light-stimulated
      carrier dynamics using fs-laser flash photolysis. The CuInS2/CdS heterotetrapod
      possessed quasi-type II band alignment, which caused much longer-lived charge
      separation than that in the isolated CuInS2 nanocrystal. 

PMID- 27118534
TI  - No increased heart failure risk is reported with DPP-4 inhibitors.

PMID- 27118535
TI  - Effect of polar intermolecular interactions on the elastic constants of bent-core
      nematics and the origin of the twist-bend phase.
AB  - A molecular theory of both elastic constants and the flexoelectric coefficients
      of bent-core nematic liquid crystals has been developed taking into account
      dipole-dipole interactions as well as polar interactions determined by the bent
      molecular shape. It has been shown that if polar interactions are neglected, the
      elastic constants are increasing monotonically with the decreasing temperature.
      On the other hand, dipolar interactions between bent-core molecules may result in
      a dramatic increase of the bend flexocoefficient. As a result, the flexoelectric
      contribution to the bend elastic constant increases significantly, and the bend
      elastic constant appears to be very small throughout the nematic range and may
      vanish at a certain temperature. This temperature may then be identified as a
      temperature of the elastic instability of the bent-core nematic phase which
      induces a transition into the modulated phases with bend deformations like
      recently reported twist-bend phase. The temperature variation of the elastic
      constants is qualitatively similar to the typical experimental data for bent-core
      nematics. 

PMID- 27118536
TI  - On moving contact lines simulated by the single-component two-phase lattice
      Boltzmann method.
AB  - We studied moving contact lines (MCLs) simulated by the single-component two
      phase lattice-Boltzmann method (TP-LBM) based on the free-energy theory. In TP
      LBM simulations CL moves by evaporation and condensation, and they do not involve
      an explicit slip length. How the CL motion compares with those by other methods
      using a slip model is not well understood yet. By comparing the results for a
      benchmark problem with established analytical solutions, we found an effective
      slip length proportional to the interface thickness in TP-LBM simulations.
      Besides, it was found that a recently proposed simple method originally in the
      framework of LBM for binary fluids can also be applied to TP-LBM to regulate the
      CL motion, and this method can greatly enhance its capability to simulate
      realistic two-phase flows with very small slip lengths. 

PMID- 27118537
TI  - Tracking post-infectious fatigue in clinic using routine Lab tests.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While biomarkers for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are beginning to
      emerge they typically require a highly specialized clinical laboratory. We
      hypothesized that subsets of commonly measured laboratory markers used in
      combination could support the diagnosis of post-infectious CFS (PI-CFS) in
      adolescents following infectious mononucleosis (IM) and help determine who might
      develop persistence of symptoms. METHODS: Routine clinical laboratory markers
      were collected prospectively in 301 mono-spot positive adolescents, 4 % of whom
      developed CFS (n = 13). At 6, 12, and 24 months post-diagnosis with IM, 59
      standard tests were performed including metabolic profiling, liver enzyme panel,
      hormone profiles, complete blood count (CBC), differential white blood count
      (WBC), salivary cortisol, and urinalysis. Classification models separating PI-CFS
      from controls were constructed at each time point using stepwise subset
      selection. RESULTS: Lower ACTH levels at 6 months post-IM diagnosis were highly
      predictive of CFS (AUC p = 0.02). ACTH levels in CFS overlapped with healthy
      controls at 12 months, but again showed a trend towards a deficiency at 24
      months. Conversely, estradiol levels depart significantly from normal at 12
      months only to recover at 24 months (AUC p = 0.02). Finally, relative neutrophil
      count showed a significant departure from normal at 24 months in CFS (AUC p =
      0.01). Expression of these markers evolved differently over time between groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results suggest that serial assessment of stress and sex
      hormones as well as the relative proportion of innate immune cells measured using
      standard clinical laboratory tests may support the diagnosis of PI-CFS in
      adolescents with IM.

PMID- 27118538
TI  - Calibration of PET/CT scanners for multicenter studies on differentiated thyroid
      cancer with (124)I.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies on imaging of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) using
      (124)I often require a multicenter approach, as the prevalence of DTC is low.
      Calibration of participating scanners is required to obtain comparable
      quantification. As determination of a well-defined range of recovery coefficients
      is complicated for various reasons, a simpler approach based on the assumption
      that the iodine uptake is highly focal with a background that significantly lacks
      radioactivity might be more efficient. For each scanner, a linear conversion
      between known and observed activity can be derived, allowing quantification that
      can be traced to a common source for all scanners within one study-protocol. The
      aim of this paper is to outline a procedure using this approach in order to set
      up a multicenter calibration of PET/CT scanners for (124)I. METHODS: A
      cylindrical polyethylene phantom contained six 2-ml vials with reference
      activities of ~2, 10, 20, 100, 400, and 2000 kBq, produced by dilution from a
      known activity. The phantom was scanned twice on PET/CT scanners of participating
      centers within 1 week. For each scanner, the best proportional and linear fit
      between measured and known activities were derived and based on statistical
      analyses of the results of all scanners; it was determined which fit should be
      applied. In addition, a Bland-Altman analysis was done on calibrated activities
      with respect to reference activities to asses the relative precision of the
      scanners. RESULTS: Nine Philips (vendor A) and nine Siemens (vendor B) PET/CT
      scanners were calibrated in a time period of 3 days before and after the
      reference time. No significant differences were detected between the two
      subsequent scans on any scanner. Six fitted intercepts of vendor A were
      significantly different from zero, so the linear model was used. Intercepts
      ranged from -8 to 26 kBq and slopes ranged from 0.80 to 0.98. Bland-Altman
      analysis of calibrated and reference activities showed that the relative error of
      calibrated activities was smaller than that of uncalibrated activities.
      CONCLUSIONS: A simplified multicenter calibration procedure for PET/CT scans that
      show highly focal uptake and negligible background is feasible and results in
      more precise quantification. Our procedure can be used in multicenter (124)I PET
      scans focusing on (recurrent) DTC.

PMID- 27118539
TI  - Procalcitonin-guided protocol is not useful to manage antibiotic therapy in
      febrile neutropenia: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Febrile neutropenia (FN) requires immediate use of antibiotics (ATB), and
      procalcitonin (PCT) is proven to be useful in guiding antibiotic therapy in
      different settings. This study investigated the use of PCT as a guide for the
      duration of ATB in FN. A randomized controlled trial was carried out from January
      December 2010. A total of 62 hematological adult patients with FN were
      randomized, in 1:1 ratio, into two groups: (1) PCT group: length of ATB guided by
      institutional protocol plus PCT dynamics, and (2) control group: duration of ATB
      in accordance with institutional protocol. There was no difference between groups
      regarding the use of ATB for the first episode of fever (HR 1.14, 95 % CI 0.66
      1.95, p = 0.641), with equivalent median duration of ATB therapy (PCT group 9.0
      days and control group 8.0 days, p = 0.67), and median number of days without ATB
      (0 days, IQR 0-2 days for both groups, p = 0.96). We observed no difference in
      clinical cure rate (p = 0.68), infection relapse (p = 1.0), superinfection (p =
      0.85), length of hospitalization (p = 0.64), and mortality at 28 days (p = 0.39)
      and at 90 days (p = 0.72). Considering the cut-off of 0.5 ng/ml, PCT was
      correlated with bacteremia (sensitivity of 51.9 % and specificity of 76.5 %). In
      this randomized controlled trial, adding a PCT-guided protocol to the standard
      recommendations did not reduce the use of antibiotics in febrile neutropenia,
      although no apparent harm was caused. PCT proved to be a marker of bacteremia in
      this setting. 

PMID- 27118540
TI  - A phase 1 clinical trial of flavopiridol consolidation in chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia patients following chemoimmunotherapy.
AB  - Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who receive chemoimmunotherapy
      and do not achieve complete remission experience significantly shortened
      progression-free interval (PFS). Additionally, the majority of patients treated
      for relapsed disease demonstrate evidence of measurable disease. Eradication of
      minimal residual disease (MRD) results in improved PFS and overall survival.
      Maintenance therapy might result in eradication of MRD and improve response
      duration but might be associated with an increase in incidence of infectious
      complications. Flavopiridol is a broad cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor
      with established safety and efficacy in patients with relapsed CLL, particularly
      patients with high-risk cytogenetic features. A pharmacologically derived
      schedule was utilized as consolidation therapy in this phase I study to assess
      the safety and feasibility of outpatient therapy with flavopiridol in patients
      with low tumor burden. Flavopiridol was administered as a 30-min loading dose of
      30 mg/m(2) followed by a 4-h infusion of 30 mg/m(2) once weekly for 3 weeks every
      5 weeks (1 cycle) for planned 2 cycles in ten patients. Therapy was extremely
      well tolerated and no patient developed acute tumor lysis syndrome. The most
      common toxicities were gastrointestinal. Of the patients, 22 % improved their
      response from a PR to CR. Eighty-eight percent experienced a reduction in tumor
      burden as measured by extent of bone marrow involvement including patients with
      del17p and complex karyotype. The study establishes the safety and efficacy of
      flavopiridol as consolidation therapy after chemoimmunotherapy for patients with
      CLL. Further evaluation is required in larger trials for the utility of CDK
      inhibitors as consolidation or maintenance strategies.Registration number at
      ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00377104. 

PMID- 27118541
TI  - Emerging strategies for the treatment of older patients with acute myeloid
      leukemia.
AB  - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults, and its
      incidence increases with age. Clinical outcomes in younger patients have improved
      over the years but, unfortunately, there is little evidence for an equivalent
      improvement in outcome for older patients. Approximately 50 % of older patients
      who are able to receive intensive chemotherapy will achieve a complete remission;
      however, they face a much higher relapse rate than younger patients, and survival
      rates for this group are low. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve
      outcomes in older patients with AML. In this article, we discuss current
      treatment paradigms for older patients with AML including the challenges faced
      when determining which patients are eligible for intensive chemotherapy. We then
      highlight new treatments in development that may benefit this patient group.
      Cytotoxic agents, hypomethylating agents, molecularly targeted agents, and cell
      cycle kinase inhibitors are discussed, with a focus on novel agents that have
      achieved an advanced stage of development. Overall, the treatment of AML in older
      patients remains a challenge and, whenever possible, treatment should be offered
      in the context of clinical trials and should be planned with curative intent. 

PMID- 27118542
TI  - Clinical significance of osteoblast precursors and osteoclast precursors in
      earlier diagnosis and monitoring of myeloma bone disease.
AB  - Bone disease is the most common complication of multiple myeloma (MM). In order
      to diagnose and monitor the bone damages earlier, we detected circulating
      osteoclast precursors (OCPs) and osteoblast precursors (OBPs) by flow cytometry,
      comparing with special biochemical markers, such as tartrate-resistant acid
      phosphatase isoform 5b (TRACP-5b), carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of
      type I collagen (CTX), osteocalcin (OCN), and procollagen I amino-terminal
      propeptide (PINP). The results showed that the circulating OBPs in the newly
      diagnosed MM patients significantly decreased compared with the normal controls
      (7.14 vs 12.82 %, P = 0.045), while circulating OCPs in the newly diagnosed
      patients and remission patients were significantly increased than the normal
      controls (2.46 vs 0.17 %, P = 0.000; 1.87 vs 0.17 %, P = 0.000, respectively).
      According to X-ray, newly diagnosed patients were divided into stages A and B
      (without and with osteolytic lesions). Compared with the normal controls, the
      circulating OBPs in stages A and B reduced (12.82 vs 7.47 %, P = 0.041; 12.82 vs
      7.14 %, P = 0.010, respectively), while the circulating OCPs elevated (0.17 vs
      2.31 %, P=0.010; 0.17 % vs 2.71 %, P=0.001, respectively). The levels of TRACP-5b
      and CTX in the newly diagnosed patients were higher than the normal controls (P =
      0.014, P = 0.037) and remission patients (P = 0.025, P = 0.003), and they were
      significantly higher in stage B than the normal controls (P = 0.015, P = 0.002).
      However, the PINP and OCN levels had no significant changes in different stages.
      In conclusion, abnormal circulating OBPs and OCPs were found earlier before X-ray
      in MM and still existed in remission patients, indicating that they may be novel
      predictive markers for early diagnosing and monitoring bone disease. 

PMID- 27118543
TI  - Self-stigma and affiliate stigma in first-episode psychosis patients and their
      caregivers.
AB  - PURPOSE: Stigma is a major factor causing delayed help-seeking and poor treatment
      adherence in patients with psychotic disorders. Previous research has mostly
      focused on chronic samples and the impact of culturally-relevant variables on
      both patients' and their caregivers' stigmatization is understudied. This study
      aimed to examine the relationships between various forms of stigma, "face
      concern", and clinical characteristics in a group of Chinese first-episode
      psychosis (FEP) patients and their caregivers. METHODS: Forty-four Hong Kong
      Chinese aged 15-54 years presenting with FEP to psychiatric services and their
      caregivers were recruited. Assessments on self-stigma, affiliate stigma,
      perceived public stigma, "face concern", symptom severity and subjective quality
      of life (QoL) were conducted. RESULTS: Self-stigma of FEP patients was correlated
      with perceived public stigma, "face concern", insight and psychological health of
      QoL. Multiple regression analysis revealed that perceived public stigma and "face
      concern" independently predicted self-stigma. Mediation analysis further
      suggested that "face concern" partially mediated the relationship between
      perceived public stigma and self-stigma. Caregivers' affiliate stigma was
      significantly associated with higher levels of stress, and symptoms of depression
      and anxiety. Affiliate stigma did not correlate with perceived public stigma and
      "face concern". CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a critical role of perceived
      public stigma and fear of losing face in determining self-stigma in Chinese
      patients with FEP. Caregivers with greater degree of affiliate stigma experience
      increased stress and emotional distress. Our findings highlight the importance to
      examine culturally specific factors that may contribute to the development of
      self-stigma in first-episode populations of different ethnicities.

PMID- 27118544
TI  - Rationale and design of the DP-TRANSFERS project: diabetes prevention
      transferring findings from European research to society in Catalonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Compelling evidence has been accumulated to support the effectiveness
      of intensive lifestyle intervention in delaying progression to Type 2 diabetes
      even in people identified as being at high risk determined by the Finnish
      diabetes risk score. The DE-PLAN-CAT project (diabetes in Europe-prevention using
      lifestyle, physical activity and nutritional intervention-Catalonia) evidenced
      that intensive lifestyle intervention was feasible and cost-effective on a short
      scale in real-life primary care settings, at least over 4 years. However,
      transferring such lifestyle interventions to society remains the major challenge
      of research in the field of diabetes prevention. METHODS/DESIGN: The derived DP
      TRANSFERS (diabetes prevention-transferring findings from European research to
      society) is a large scale national programme aimed at translating a tailored
      lifestyle intervention to the maximum of primary care centres where feasible
      through a core proposal agreed with all the partners. The method is built upon a
      3-step (screening, intervention and follow-up) real-life, community-wide
      structure on the basis of a dual intensity lifestyle intervention (basic and
      continuity modules) and supported by a 4-channel transfer strategy (institutional
      relationships, facilitators' workshops, collaborative groupware and programme WEB
      page). Participation will initially cover nine health departments (7 million
      inhabitants) through nine coordinating centres located in metropolitan (3.2
      million), semi-urban (2.9 million) and rural (0.9 million) areas from which it is
      expected accessing 25 % of all primary care settings, equivalent to 90 associated
      centres (1.6-1.8 million people) with an estimate of 0.32 million participants
      aged 45-75 years at high risk of future development of diabetes. To ascertain
      sustainability, effect, satisfaction and quality of the translation programme
      statistical analyses will be performed from both the entire population
      (facilitators and participants) and a stratified representative sample obtained
      by collecting data from at least 920 participants. DISCUSSION: The DP-TRANSFERS
      will use a strategy of approach to society consistent with the impact of the
      disease and the fast accessibility provided by primary care settings in
      Catalonia. Both the widespread effect of the lifestyle intervention and the
      translational process itself could be assessed.

PMID- 27118545
TI  - Sublethal effects of acaricides and Nosema ceranae infection on immune related
      gene expression in honeybees.
AB  - Nosema ceranae is an obligate intracellular parasite and the etiologic agent of
      Nosemosis that affects honeybees. Beside the stress caused by this pathogen,
      honeybee colonies are exposed to pesticides under beekeeper intervention, such as
      acaricides to control Varroa mites. These compounds can accumulate at high
      concentrations in apicultural matrices. In this work, the effects of
      parasitosis/acaricide on genes involved in honeybee immunity and survival were
      evaluated. Nurse bees were infected with N. ceranae and/or were chronically
      treated with sublethal doses of coumaphos or tau-fluvalinate, the two most
      abundant pesticides recorded in productive hives. Our results demonstrate the
      following: (1) honeybee survival was not affected by any of the treatments; (2)
      parasite development was not altered by acaricide treatments; (3) coumaphos
      exposure decreased lysozyme expression; (4) N. ceranae reduced levels of
      vitellogenin transcripts independently of the presence of acaricides. However,
      combined effects among stressors on imagoes were not recorded. Sublethal doses of
      acaricides and their interaction with other ubiquitous parasites in colonies,
      extending the experimental time, are of particular interest in further research
      work.

PMID- 27118546
TI  - Impact of the Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative on Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
      Practice.
AB  - This paper describes the goals of the American Society of Health-System
      Pharmacists' Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative (PPMI) and its recommendations
      for health-system pharmacy practice transformation to meet future patient care
      needs and elevate the role of pharmacists as patient care providers. PPMI
      envisions a future in which pharmacists have greater responsibility for
      medication-related outcomes and technicians assume greater responsibility for
      product-related activities. Although the PPMI recommendations have elevated the
      level of practice in many settings, they also potentially affect existing
      clinical pharmacists, in general, and clinical pharmacy specialists, in
      particular. Moreover, although more consistent patient care can be achieved with
      an expanded team of pharmacist providers, the role of clinical pharmacy
      specialists must not be diminished, especially in the care of complex patients
      and populations. Specialist practitioners with advanced training and credentials
      must be available to model and train pharmacists in generalist positions,
      residents, and students. Indeed, specialist practitioners are often the
      innovators and practice leaders. Negotiation between hospitals and pharmacy
      schools is needed to ensure a continuing role for academic clinical pharmacists
      and their contributions as educators and researchers. Lessons can be applied from
      disciplines such as nursing and medicine, which have developed new models of care
      involving effective collaboration between generalists and specialists. Several
      different pharmacy practice models have been described to meet the PPMI goals,
      based on available personnel and local goals. Studies measuring the impact of
      these new practice models are needed.

PMID- 27118547
TI  - Endothelin-1 is independently associated with 180-day mortality after adjusting
      for body mass index.

PMID- 27118548
TI  - Modeling health gains and cost savings for ten dietary salt reduction targets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dietary salt reduction is included in the top five priority actions
      for non-communicable disease control internationally. We therefore aimed to
      identify health gain and cost impacts of achieving a national target for sodium
      reduction, along with component targets in different food groups. METHODS: We
      used an established dietary sodium intervention model to study 10 interventions
      to achieve sodium reduction targets. The 2011 New Zealand (NZ) adult population
      (2.3 million aged 35+ years) was simulated over the remainder of their lifetime
      in a Markov model with a 3 % discount rate. RESULTS: Achieving an overall 35 %
      reduction in dietary salt intake via implementation of mandatory maximum levels
      of sodium in packaged foods along with reduced sodium from fast foods/restaurant
      food and discretionary intake (the "full target"), was estimated to gain 235,000
      QALYs over the lifetime of the cohort (95 % uncertainty interval [UI]: 176,000 to
      298,000). For specific target components the range was from 122,000 QALYs gained
      (for the packaged foods target) down to the snack foods target (6100 QALYs; and
      representing a 34-48 % sodium reduction in such products). All ten target
      interventions studied were cost-saving, with the greatest costs saved for the
      mandatory "full target" at NZ$1260 million (US$820 million). There were
      relatively greater health gains per adult for men and for Maori (indigenous
      population). CONCLUSIONS: This work provides modeling-level evidence that
      achieving dietary sodium reduction targets (including specific food category
      targets) could generate large health gains and cost savings for a national health
      sector. Demographic groups with the highest cardiovascular disease rates stand to
      gain most, assisting in reducing health inequalities between sex and ethnic
      groups.

PMID- 27118549
TI  - Functional Characterization of a Novel Dactylosporangium Esterase and Its
      Utilization in the Asymmetric Synthesis of (R)-Methyl Mandelate.
AB  - One novel esterase DAEst6 was identified from the genome of Dactylosporangium
      aurantiacum subsp. Hamdenensis NRRL 18085. DAEst6 was further characterized to be
      an esterase which exhibited high resistance to high pH values. Esterase DAEst6
      could resolve racemic methyl mandelate and generate (R)-methyl mandelate, one key
      drug intermediate, with an enantiomeric excess and a conversion of 99 and 49 %,
      respectively, after process optimization. The optimal working condition for the
      preparation of (R)-methyl mandelate through DAEst6 was found to be 10-mM racemic
      methyl mandelate, no organic co-solvents, pH 7.5, and 40  degrees C, for 5 h. Our
      work was the first report about the functional characterization of one novel
      Dactylosporangium esterase and the utilization of one Dactylosporangium esterase
      in kinetic resolution. Dactylosporangium esterases represented by DAEst6 possess
      great potential in the generation of valuable chiral drug intermediates and
      chemicals. 

PMID- 27118550
TI  - Functional Characterization of a Novel Marine Microbial Esterase and its
      Utilization in the Enantioselective Preparation of (R)-Methyl 2-Chloropropionate.
AB  - Chiral 2-chloropropanoic acids and their ester derivatives are crucial
      intermediates in the synthesis of many chemicals, especially herbicides. The
      enzymatic synthesis of chiral 2-chloropropanoic acids and their ester derivatives
      by esterases was not easily achieved, because the structural difference between
      the two enantiomers was too small to be recognized by esterases. Herein, we
      report the expression and functional characterization of one novel low
      temperature-resistant esterase EST12-7 identified from the genome of
      Pseudonocardia antitumoralis SCSIO 01299 isolated from the sediments of the South
      China Sea. Biocatalyst EST12-7 could hydrolyze racemic methyl 2-chloropropinate
      and generate optically pure (R)-methyl 2-chloropropinate with high enantiomeric
      excess (>99 %) and conversion (>49 %) after process optimization. Notably, the
      addition of different surfactants and using surfactants of different
      concentrations in the kinetic resolution catalyzed by EST12-7 could greatly
      affect the enantiomeric excess and conversion rate of product (R)-methyl 2
      chloropropinate. 

PMID- 27118551
TI  - Revision for the Rapid Emergency Triage and Treatment System Adult (RETTS-A)
      needed?
AB  - The study highlights the prognostic role of patient's vital signs at presentation
      to the emergency department (ED): The predictive role of vital signs in ED triage
      has been controversially discussed probably due to a paucity of data on the value
      of vital signs in ED at presentation. However, the authors did not find a
      suitable way to adjust for the inherent influence of triage decision and medical
      treatment on mortality. We have discussed that ambiguity concerning the
      assessment of vital signs criteria in RETTS-A Red priority may threaten any
      association between patient acuity and fatal outcome. 

PMID- 27118552
TI  - Immigrant disadvantage or the healthy immigrant effect? Evidence about low birth
      weight differences in the Czech Republic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most of the research about immigrants' birth outcomes comes from
      countries with high numbers of immigrants. This article provides evidence from
      the Czech Republic, a country with a short immigration history and a small
      immigrant population. Two hypotheses are tested: the immigrant disadvantage
      hypothesis and the healthy immigrant hypothesis. METHODS: Live singleton births
      in 2013-14 from the national birth register are analysed. The odds of low birth
      weight (LBW) among the native population and five immigrant groups are compared
      using logistic regression. Control variables include maternal age, parity,
      education and marital status, paternal immigrant status, age and education.
      RESULTS: All immigrant groups, except for Slovaks, showed smaller odds of LBW
      than native mothers. Adjusted odds ratios for non-Slovak immigrants range between
      0.52 and 0.65. Furthermore, maternal immigrant status interacts with education.
      There is a wide educational gradient in LBW among Czech and Slovak mothers with
      low education representing a large disadvantage. Such pattern is not present
      among other ethnic groups. This makes the outcomes of Czech and Slovak mothers
      less favourable. Native mothers and immigrants with higher level of education
      show more similar outcomes. Paternal immigrant status does not have a net effect
      on LBW when maternal ethnicity is taken into account. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      provide evidence for the healthy immigrant effect. The favourable outcomes of non
      Slovak immigrants seem to result from a combination of two factors, health
      selection of immigrants and relatively high prevalence of LBW in the native
      population caused by adverse outcomes of mothers with low education.

PMID- 27118553
TI  - The effect of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf flavonoids on spatial learning
      and memory in chronic cerebral ischemia-induced vascular dementia of rats.
AB  - Flavonoids have been shown to improve cognitive function and delay the dementia
      progression. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In the present
      study, we examined the effect of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total
      flavonoids (SSTFs) extracted from S. baicalensis Georgi on spatial learning and
      memory in a vascular dementia (VaD) rat model and explored its molecular
      mechanisms. The VaD rats were developed by permanent bilateral occlusion of the
      common carotid artery. Seven days after recovery, the VaD rats were treated with
      either 50 or 100 mg/kg of SSTF for 60 days. The spatial learning and memory was
      evaluated in the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The tau hyperphosphorylation and
      the levels of the related protein kinases or phosphatases were examined by
      western blot analysis. In VaD rats, SSTF treatment at 100 mg/kg significantly
      reduced the escape latency in training trial in MWM test. In the probe trial,
      SSTF treatment increased the searching time and travel distance in the target
      quadrant. SSTF treatment inhibited the tau phosphorylation in both cortex and
      hippocampus in VaD rats. Meanwhile, SSTF reduced the activity of glycogen
      synthase kinase 3beta and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 in VaD rats. In contrast,
      SSTF treatment increased the level of the protein phosphatase 2A subunit B in VaD
      rats. SSTF treatment significantly improved the spatial cognition in VaD rats.
      Our results suggest that SSTF may alleviate tau-hyperphosphorylation-induced
      neurotoxicity through coordinating the activity of kinases and phosphatase after
      a stroke. SSTF may be developed into promising novel therapeutics for VaD. 

PMID- 27118555
TI  - College Sports Dilemma.

PMID- 27118554
TI  - A novel serine protease, Sep1, from Bacillus firmus DS-1 has nematicidal activity
      and degrades multiple intestinal-associated nematode proteins.
AB  - Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause serious harm to agricultural production.
      Bacillus firmus shows excellent control of PPNs and has been produced as a
      commercial nematicide. However, its nematicidal factors and mechanisms are still
      unknown. In this study, we showed that B. firmus strain DS-1 has high toxicity
      against Meloidogyne incognita and soybean cyst nematode. We sequenced the whole
      genome of DS-1 and identified multiple potential virulence factors. We then
      focused on a peptidase S8 superfamily protein called Sep1 and demonstrated that
      it had toxicity against the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and M. incognita.
      The Sep1 protein exhibited serine protease activity and degraded the intestinal
      tissues of nematodes. Thus, the Sep1 protease of B. firmus is a novel biocontrol
      factor with activity against a root-knot nematode. We then used C. elegans as a
      model to elucidate the nematicidal mechanism of Sep1, and the results showed that
      Sep1 could degrade multiple intestinal and cuticle-associated proteins and
      destroyed host physical barriers. The knowledge gained in our study will lead to
      a better understanding of the mechanisms of B. firmus against PPNs and will aid
      in the development of novel bio-agents with increased efficacy for controlling
      PPNs.

PMID- 27118556
TI  - Compliance With Injury Prevention Measures in Youth Pitchers: Survey of Coaches
      in Little League of Puerto Rico.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of the problem of elbow and shoulder injuries in baseball
      pitchers between 9 and 14 years of age, the USA Baseball Medical & Safety
      Advisory Committee and the Department of Recreation and Sports in Puerto Rico
      developed injury prevention guidelines for pitchers. The purpose of this study
      was to determine the compliance of pitching coaches of 9- to 14-year-old Little
      League teams in Puerto Rico with the Administrative Order 2006-01 and the USA
      Baseball guidelines. HYPOTHESES: (1) The coaches will have a satisfactory level
      of compliance with the Administrative Order as well as with the USA Baseball
      guidelines and (2) both the level of education of the coach as well as the years
      of experience will correlate with the level of compliance. STUDY DESIGN:
      Descriptive cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. METHODS: A self
      administered questionnaire was developed based on the Administrative Order and on
      the USA Baseball guidelines. A descriptive univariate analysis was conducted to
      determine the mean coach compliance with both guidelines. Pearson correlation
      coefficients were used to describe the correlation between the level of education
      and the years of experience of the coaches with the level of compliance. RESULTS:
      Thirty-five coaches (response rate, 78%) participated in the study. On average,
      the coaches complied with 70% of the Administrative Order and with 73% of the USA
      Baseball guidelines. No significant correlations were found. CONCLUSION: The
      coaches who participated in the study did not reflect a satisfactory level of
      compliance with the USA Baseball guidelines or with the Administrative Order.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings emphasize the need for reinforcing compliance
      with the injury prevention guidelines and the need to provide resources and
      training to coaches to effectively prevent elbow and shoulder injuries in
      pitchers.

PMID- 27118558
TI  - The beta-glucosidase assay: a new diagnostic tool for necrotizing enterocolitis.
      Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.
AB  - We aimed to establish the utility of serum cytosolic beta-glycosidase (CBG) assay
      as a NEC diagnosis tool. CBG activity has been compared in 192 NEC-free (NEC(-))
      and 13 NEC-affected (NEC(+)) neonates, with modified Bell's stages II/III, born
      at Reina Sofia University Hospital; additional blood hematology, microbiology,
      and biochemical parameters have been assayed. NEC(+) neonates have higher serum
      CBG activity, 26.4 +/- 12.4 mU/mg; 95 % CI (18.8-33.9), than NEC(-) infants, 11.0
      +/- 6.6 mU/mg; 95 % CI (10.1-11.9) (p < 0.0001). The CBG cutoff value in the ROC
      curve, 15.6 mU/mg, discriminates NEC(+)/NEC(-) infants with 84.6 % sensitivity,
      85.9 % specificity, 37.9 positive predictive value and 98.2 negative predictive
      value, 6.11 positive likelihood ratio and 0.18 negative likelihood ratio, 33.61
      DOR, and 0.89 AUC. A combined panel [CBG + aspartate aminotransferase + C
      reactive protein] shows a 0.90 AUC value in multiple linear regressions.
      CONCLUSIONS: The serum CBG level is a good NEC diagnosis test and a novel NEC
      biomarker which may become a screening tool. WHAT IS KNOWN: *NEC affects ~2.5 %
      of infants at NICU, ~90 % of them weighing <1500 g. *NEC requires a careful
      differential diagnosis, being lethal if not diagnosed and treated. What is new:
      *CBG assay will be useful to determine infants without NEC and preventing
      unnecessary treatment. *CBG assay could discriminate NEC better than other gut
      specific sera protein biomarkers.

PMID- 27118559
TI  - The cohort multiple randomized controlled trial design: a valid and efficient
      alternative to pragmatic trials?
AB  - Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)-the gold standard for evaluating the effects
      of medical interventions-are notoriously challenging in terms of logistics,
      planning and costs. The cohort multiple randomized controlled trial approach is
      designed to facilitate randomized trials for pragmatic evaluation of (new)
      interventions and is a promising variation from conventional pragmatic RCTs. In
      this paper, we evaluate methodological challenges of conducting an RCT within a
      cohort. We argue that equally valid results can be obtained from trials conducted
      within cohorts as from pragmatic RCTs. However, whether this design is more
      efficient compared with conducting a pragmatic RCT depends on the amount and
      nature of non-compliance in the intervention arm.

PMID- 27118560
TI  - High body mass index and risk of exacerbations and pneumonias in individuals with
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: observational and genetic risk estimates
      from the Copenhagen General Population Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the clinic, the combination of obesity and chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) has been increasing. However, whether high body mass
      index (BMI) affects the risk of exacerbations and pneumonias in individuals with
      COPD is presently unknown. Genetics can be used to assess the causal role of high
      BMI in exacerbations and pneumonias in individuals with COPD. We tested the
      hypothesis that high BMI is associated with an increased risk of exacerbations
      and pneumonias in individuals with COPD, both observationally and genetically.
      METHODS: We genotyped 93 894 individuals of Danish descent, aged 20-100 years,
      from the Copenhagen General Population Study, for FTO (rs9939609), MC4R
      (rs17782313) and TMEM18 (rs6548238), and created an allele score. A total of 10
      883 individuals had spirometric COPD with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)
      / forced vital capacity (FVC) < lower limit of normal (LLN). In these
      individuals, we observed 1453 exacerbations and 3390 pneumonias during 4.7 years
      of follow-up. RESULTS: For each increase in allele score, BMI was 0.28 kg/m2 [95%
      confidence interval (CI): 0.25-0.30) higher. Age- and sex-adjusted genetic hazard
      ratios (HRs) per one allele score increase in individuals with COPD were 1.13
      (1.01-1.27) for exacerbations, 1.10 (1.03-1.19) for pneumonias and 1.12 (1.04
      1.21) for exacerbations and/or pneumonias. Corresponding multivariable adjusted
      observational HRs per unit (kg/m2) BMI increase were 0.98 (0.95-1.01), 0.99 (0.96
      1.03) and 0.99 (0.96-1.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Genetically determined
      high BMI was associated with an increased risk of recurrent exacerbations and
      pneumonias in individuals with COPD, whereas this was not the case for
      observationally determined high BMI. The genetic data are compatible with the
      notion that high BMI leads to increased risk of exacerbations and pneumonias in
      individuals with COPD.

PMID- 27118561
TI  - Metabolomics in epidemiology: from metabolite concentrations to integrative
      reaction networks.
AB  - Metabolomics is becoming feasible for population-scale studies of human disease.
      In this review, we survey epidemiological studies that leverage metabolomics and
      multi-omics to gain insight into disease mechanisms. We outline key practical,
      technological and analytical limitations while also highlighting recent successes
      in integrating these data. The use of multi-omics to infer reaction rates is
      discussed as a potential future direction for metabolomics research, as a means
      of identifying biomarkers as well as inferring causality. Furthermore, we
      highlight established analysis approaches as well as simulation-based methods
      currently used in single- and multi-cell levels in systems biology.

PMID- 27118563
TI  - Concern over arsenic in infants' rice products rises after US study.

PMID- 27118562
TI  - Predictive coding as a model of cognition.
AB  - Previous work has shown that predictive coding can provide a detailed explanation
      of a very wide range of low-level perceptual processes. It is also widely
      believed that predictive coding can account for high-level, cognitive, abilities.
      This article provides support for this view by showing that predictive coding can
      simulate phenomena such as categorisation, the influence of abstract knowledge on
      perception, recall and reasoning about conceptual knowledge, context-dependent
      behavioural control, and naive physics. The particular implementation of
      predictive coding used here (PC/BC-DIM) has previously been used to simulate low
      level perceptual behaviour and the neural mechanisms that underlie them. This
      algorithm thus provides a single framework for modelling both perceptual and
      cognitive brain function. 

PMID- 27118564
TI  - A novel e8a2 BCR-ABL1 intronic fusion through insertion of a chromosome 22 BCR
      gene fragment into chromosome 9 in an atypical Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome
      chronic myeloid leukemia patient.

PMID- 27118565
TI  - Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts mortality better than neutrophil-to
      lymphocyte ratio in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio
      (PLR) were established showing the poor prognosis in some diseases, such as
      cardiovascular diseases and malignancies. The risk of mortality in patients with
      end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was higher than normal population. In this study,
      we aimed to investigate the relationship between NLR, PLR, and all-cause
      mortality in prevalent hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: Eighty patients were
      enrolled in study. NLR and PLR obtained by dividing absolute neutrophil to
      absolute lymphocyte count and absolute platelet count to absolute lymphocyte
      count, respectively. The patients were followed prospectively for 24 months. The
      primary end point was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Mean levels of neutrophil,
      lymphocyte, and platelet were 3904 +/- 1543/mm(3), 1442 +/- 494/mm(3), 174 +/- 56
      * 10(3)/mm(3), respectively. Twenty-one patients died before the follow-up at 24
      months. Median NLR and PLR were 2.52 and 130.4, respectively. All-cause mortality
      was higher in patients with high NLR group compared to the patients with low NLR
      group (18.8 vs. 7.5 %, p = 0.031) and in patients with higher PLR group compared
      to patients with lower PLR group (18.8 vs. 7.5 %, p = 0.022). Following adjusted
      Cox regression analysis, the association of mortality and high NLR was lost (p =
      0.54), but the significance of the association of high PLR and mortality
      increased (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Although both NLR and PLR were associated with
      all-cause mortality in prevalent HD patients, only PLR could independently
      predict all-cause mortality in these populations.

PMID- 27118566
TI  - Associations of fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) and CCR5 gene variants with
      hypertension, diabetes and atherosclerosis in chronic renal failure patients
      undergoing hemodialysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the associations of fractalkine receptor
      (CX3CR1) V249I, T280M and CCR5-59029 A/G gene polymorphisms in chronic renal
      failure (CRF) subjects undergoing hemodialysis and to evaluate possible
      associations of these polymorphisms with hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus
      (DM) and atherosclerosis (AS). METHODS: A total of 225 CRF subjects undergoing
      hemodialysis and 201 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. CRF subjects
      were divided into three major subgroups according to comorbidities including HT
      (n = 127), DM (n = 65) and AS (n = 33). Genotyping was done using polymerase
      chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: The II
      genotype and I allele frequencies of CX3CR1 V249I polymorphism were found
      significantly more frequent in CRF subjects, CRF subjects with DM and CRF
      subjects with AS compared with controls (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). G allele
      frequency of CCR5 polymorphism was found significantly more prevalent in CRF
      subjects with DM than that of controls. Further, GG genotype and G allele
      frequencies of CCR5 polymorphism were significantly more prevalent in CRF
      subjects with AS compared with controls (p < 0.05). We also explored these
      polymorphisms among CRF subjects with and without following comorbidities: HT,
      DM, AS. We found significant association between CRF subjects with HT and without
      HT in terms of genotype and allele frequencies of V249I polymorphism (p < 0.05).
      CX3CR1 T280M polymorphism was not found significantly different in none of the
      comparisons. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate possible associations between
      CX3CR1 V249I and CCR5-59029 A/G polymorphisms and/or HT, DM and AS in CRF
      subjects.

PMID- 27118567
TI  - Is it appropriate to conduct conventional active surveillance for Asian men with
      low-risk prostate cancer?

PMID- 27118568
TI  - Carbachol-induced signaling through Thr696-phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase
      targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) in rat bladder smooth muscle cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lines of evidence suggest that Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK)
      mediated myosin phosphatase-targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) phosphorylation plays a
      central role in smooth muscle contraction. However, the physiological
      significance of MYPT1 phosphorylation at Thr696 catalyzed by ROCK in bladder
      smooth muscle remains controversial. We attempt to directly observe the
      quantitative protein expression of Rho A/ROCK and phosphorylation of MYPT1 at
      Thr696 after carbachol administration in rat bladder smooth muscle cells
      (RBMSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary cultured smooth muscle cells were
      obtained from rat bladders. The effects of both concentration and time-course
      induced by the muscarinic agonist carbachol were investigated by assessing the
      expression of Rho A/ROCK and MYPT1 phosphorylation at Thr696 using Western blot.
      RESULTS: In the dose-course studies, carbachol showed significant increase in
      phosphorylation of MYPT1 at Thr696 (p-MYPT1) from concentrations of 15-100 MUM
      based on Western blot results (p < 0.05, ANOVA test). In the time-course studies,
      treatment of cells with 15 MUM of carbachol significantly enhanced the expression
      of p-MYPT1 from 3 to 15 h (p < 0.05, ANOVA test) and induced the expression of
      Rho A from 10 to 120 min (p < 0.05, ANOVA test). CONCLUSIONS: Carbachol can
      induce the expression of ROCK pathway, leading to MYPT1 phosphorylation at Thr696
      and thereby sustained RBSMCs contraction.

PMID- 27118569
TI  - Lutibacter profundi sp. nov., isolated from a deep-sea hydrothermal system on the
      Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge and emended description of the genus Lutibacter.
AB  - A bacterial strain designated LP1T was isolated from a microbial mat growing on
      the surface of a black smoker chimney at the Loki's Castle hydrothermal system,
      which is located on the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge. Phylogenetic analyses based on
      16S rRNA gene sequences positioned strain LP1T within the family
      Flavobacteriaceae with Lutibacterholmesii as the closest relative (97.5 % 16S
      rRNA gene sequence similarity). Strain LP1T was rod-shaped, Gram-reaction
      negative and non-motile. It grew in a modified artificial seawater medium
      supplemented with tryptone and vitamins at pH 5.5-7.5 (optimum pH 6.0-6.5),
      within a temperature range of 13-34  degrees C (optimum 23  degrees C), and under
      microaerobic conditions. The most abundant fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0
      (25.2 %) and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH (14.5 %). The genome of strain LP1T has a DNA G+C
      content of 29.8 mol%. Based on the results of the polyphasic characterization
      presented here, strain LP1T is considered to represent a novel species of the
      genus Lutibacter, for which the name Lutibacter profundi sp. nov. is proposed.
      The type strain is LP1T (=DSM 100437T =JCM 30585T). An emended description of the
      genus Lutibacter is also provided to fit the description of strain LP1T.

PMID- 27118570
TI  - Higher Early Monocyte and Total Lymphocyte Counts Are Associated with Better
      Overall Survival after Standard Total Body Irradiation, Cyclophosphamide, and
      Fludarabine Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Double Umbilical Cord Blood Allogeneic
      Stem Cell Transplantation in Adults.
AB  - This single-center retrospective study aimed to report the impact of early
      hematopoietic and immune recoveries after a standard total body irradiation,
      cyclophosphamide, and fludarabine (TCF) reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC)
      regimen for double umbilical cord blood (dUCB) allogeneic stem cell
      transplantation (allo-SCT) in adults. We analyzed 47 consecutive patients older
      than 17 years who engrafted after a dUCB TCF allo-SCT performed between January
      2006 and April 2013 in our department. Median times for neutrophil and platelet
      recoveries were 17 (range, 6 to 59) and 37 days (range, 0 to 164), respectively.
      The 3-year overall (OS) and disease-free survivals, relapse incidence, and
      nonrelapse mortality were 65.7%, 57.2%, 27.1%, and 19%, respectively. In
      multivariate analysis, higher day +30 monocyte (>=615/mm(3); hazard ratio [HR],
      .04; 95% confidence interval [CI], .004 to .36; P < .01) and day +42 lymphocyte
      (>=395/mm(3); HR, .16; 95% CI, .03 to .78; P = .02) counts were independently
      associated with better OS. These results suggest that early higher hematopoietic
      and immune recovery is predictive of survival after dUCB TCF RIC allo-SCT in
      adults. Factors other than granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, which was used
      in all cases, favoring expansion of monocytes or lymphocytes, should be tested in
      the future as part of the UCB transplantation procedure.

PMID- 27118571
TI  - Reduced-Intensity Conditioning with Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide, and High-Dose
      Rituximab for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Follicular
      Lymphoma: A Phase Two Multicenter Trial from the Blood and Marrow Transplant
      Clinical Trials Network.
AB  - Allogeneic (allo) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can induce long-term
      remissions in chemosensitive relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL). The Blood and
      Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network conducted a multicenter phase 2 trial
      to examine the efficacy of alloHCT using reduced-intensity conditioning with
      rituximab (RTX) in multiply relapsed, chemosensitive FL. The primary endpoint was
      2-year progression-free survival (PFS). The conditioning regimen consisted of
      fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and high-dose RTX (FCR), in which 3 of the 4 doses
      of RTX were administered at a dose of 1 gm/m(2). Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
      prophylaxis was with tacrolimus and methotrexate. Sixty-five patients were
      enrolled and 62 were evaluable. Median age was 55 years (range, 29 to 74). This
      group was heavily pretreated: 77% had received >= 3 prior regimens, 32% had
      received >= 5 prior regimens, and 11% had received prior autologous HCT. Donors
      were HLA-matched siblings (n = 33) or HLA-matched unrelated adults (n = 29). No
      graft failures occurred. The overall response rate after HCT was 94% with 90% in
      complete remission (CR), including 24 patients not in CR before alloHCT. With a
      median follow-up of 47 months (range, 30 to 73), 3-year PFS and overall survival
      rates were 71% (95% confidence interval, 58% to 81%) and 82% (95% confidence
      interval, 70% to 90%), respectively. Three-year cumulative incidences of
      relapse/progression and nonrelapse mortality were 13% and 16%, respectively. Two
      year cumulative incidences of grades 2 to 4 and grades 3 or 4 acute GVHD were 27%
      and 10%, respectively, and extensive chronic GVHD incidence was 55%. Serum RTX
      concentrations peaked at day +28 and remained detectable as late as 1 year in 59%
      of patients with available data. In conclusion, alloHCT with FCR conditioning
      confers high CR rates, a low incidence of relapse/progression, and excellent
      survival probabilities in heavily pretreated FL patients.

PMID- 27118573
TI  - Amyloid beta plaque: a culprit for neurodegeneration.
AB  - Increasing life expectancy has resulted in an increase in neurodegenerative
      disorders like Alzheimer's disease. None of the hypothesis proposed till date
      explains the exact pathobiology of the disease. It is therefore imperative to
      understand the underlying mechanisms. Amyloid beta (Abeta) is regarded as the
      main culprit and maximum therapeutic efforts are centered towards Abeta. This
      review will discuss about the biosynthesis, the physiological role of Abeta
      including the pathogenic aggregation of Abeta resulting neurodegenerative
      cognitive disabilities. Most studies of Alzheimer's disease have focused on the
      biochemical mechanisms involved in the neurodegenerative processes triggered by
      Abeta aggregates. Abeta is generated from mature amyloid precursor protein being
      metabolized by two competing pathways, alpha-secretase pathway (non-amyloidogenic
      pathway) and beta-secretase (amyloidogenic pathway). The physiological roles of
      Abeta reported in neurotrophic properties, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity,
      metal ion sequestration and specificity of blood brain barrier. The neuronal
      injury is the result of Abeta oligomerization and it is reported that
      oligomerization of Abeta contributes to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.
      The physiological role of Abeta must be considered in the development of
      medications that intended to decrease its oligomerization forming plaques in a
      disease like Alzheimer's disease. The biosynthetic pathways for transport and
      accumulation of Abeta need to be ascertained as an attempt to develop future
      strategies for prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 27118572
TI  - Characterization and Risk Factor Analysis of Osteoporosis in a Large Cohort of
      Patients with Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease.
AB  - The National Institutes of Health Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (cGVHD)
      Consensus Project Ancillary and Supportive Care Guidelines recommend annual
      assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) to monitor bone health. The study of
      osteoporosis in patients with cGVHD has been limited to small numbers of
      patients, and the guidelines are based on experience with other chronic diseases
      and expert opinion. We hypothesized that the prevalence of osteoporosis is high
      in a cohort of 258 patients with moderate to severe cGVHD because of prolonged
      exposure to risk factors for osteoporosis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation. We defined osteoporosis using BMD criteria (T-score <=-2.5)
      at 3 anatomic sites-the femoral neck (FN), lumbar spine (LS), and total hip (TH)
      and characterized risk factors through univariate and multivariate analyses. We
      found that low body weight (FN, P < .0001; LS, P = .0002; TH, P < .0001),
      malnutrition (FN, P = .0002; LS, P = .03; TH, P = .0076), higher platelet count
      (FN, P = .0065; TH, P = .0025), higher average National Institutes of Health
      organ score (FN, P = .038), higher prednisone dose (LS, P = .032), lower
      complement component 3 (LS, P = .0073), and physical inactivity (FN, P = .01)
      were associated with osteoporosis in at least 1 site. T-scores were significantly
      lower in the FN compared with the LS or TH (P < .0001 for both). The prevalence
      of osteoporosis and osteopenia was high (17% and 60%, respectively), supporting
      current recommendations for frequent monitoring of BMD. The association of higher
      platelet count in patients with cGVHD and osteoporosis has not been reported
      previously and represents a new area of interest in the study of osteoporosis
      after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 27118574
TI  - Combinational strategies of metformin and chemotherapy in cancers.
AB  - Chemotherapeutic regimens are the most common treatment to inhibit tumor growth,
      but there is great variability in clinical responses of cancer patients; cancer
      cells often develop resistance to chemotherapeutics which results in tumor
      recurrence and further progression. Metformin, an extensively prescribed and well
      tolerated first-line therapeutic drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus, has recently
      been identified as a potential and attractive anticancer adjuvant drug combined
      with chemotherapeutic drugs to improve treatment efficacy and lower doses. In
      this review, we summarized the molecular mechanisms underlying anticancer effects
      of metformin, which included insulin- and AMPK-dependent effects, selectively
      targeting cancer stem cells, reversing multidrug resistance, inhibition of the
      tumor metastasis and described the antineoplastic effects of metformin combined
      with chemotherapeutic agents in digestive system cancers (colorectal, gastric,
      hepatic and pancreatic cancer), reproductive system cancers (ovarian and
      endometrial cancer), prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, etc. Moreover,
      the clinical trials regarding metformin in combination of chemotherapeutic drugs
      were presented and the clinical obstacle or limitation related to the potential
      role of metformin in cancer treatment was also discussed in this review.

PMID- 27118575
TI  - Zika virus-associated Guillain-Barre syndrome: a warning for critical care
      physicians.

PMID- 27118576
TI  - Exploring self-use, attitude and interest to study complementary and alternative
      medicine (CAM) among final year undergraduate medical, pharmacy and nursing
      students in Sierra Leone: a comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CAM inclusion into the curricula of health training institutions, a
      strategy for its integration into the main stream healthcare delivery system is
      growing globally. Future healthcare professionals knowledge and perception of CAM
      are key determinants to its successful integration. Thus, the main objective of
      this study was to compare the use, attitude and interest to study CAM among final
      year undergraduate medical, pharmacy and nursing students at the College of
      Medicine and Allied Health Sciences University of Sierra Leone (COMAHS-USL).
      METHODS: A questionnaire based cross-sectional survey was carried out among final
      year medical, pharmacy and nursing students enrolled at the College of Medicine
      and Allied Health Sciences University of Sierra Leone (COMAHS-USL). Chi square,
      fisher exact two tailed test and Kruskal-wallis test were used to analyze data
      collected. RESULTS: Close to two-thirds (61 %) of all the three groups of final
      year students used one form of CAM or the other with pharmacy (72.7 %) and
      nursing (55.6 %) students being the highest and least users respectively. No
      significant difference was observed among the three groups. In general, final
      year students in all three cadres demonstrated a positive attitude toward CAM
      (33.80 +/- 3. 2) with medical students showing more positive attitude than
      pharmacy (p = 0.022) and nursing student (p = 0.008). No significant difference
      in attitude was observed between students in pharmacy and nursing programs (p =
      0.354). More than three quarter (76.6 %) of the students in all the three groups
      indicated their interest in studying CAM, with preference for the subject to be
      taught as an elective module (81.6 %). CONCLUSION: An appreciable number of final
      year medical, pharmacy and nursing students at COMAHS-USL have used at least one
      CAM modality and demonstrated an overall positive attitude towards CAM. Interest
      to study CAM was also observed among most of them even though they preferred it
      to be taught as an elective module.

PMID- 27118577
TI  - The benefits of newborn screening for cystic fibrosis: The Canadian experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of newborn screening (NBS) for cystic fibrosis (CF) on
      early indicators of long-term health was evaluated in the context of government
      sponsored healthcare and access to current therapies. METHODS: Using data from
      the Canadian CF Registry between 2008 and 2013, we compared the rates of
      respiratory infections and markers of nutritional status in those diagnosed
      through NBS to those who were diagnosed clinically within the same time period
      using Mann-Whitney and Fischer's exact test as appropriate. RESULTS: The study
      included 303 subjects, 201 in the NBS group and 102 in the non-NBS group. NBS
      patients were diagnosed earlier and had their first clinic visit at a younger
      age. Pancreatic insufficiency was less common in NBS patients. The incidence of
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were lower in NBS patients.
      After adjusting for age at clinic visit, gender, pancreatic status, and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection status, mean z-scores for weight-for-age and
      height-for-age were higher in NBS patients, with no differences in BMI-for-age.
      CONCLUSIONS: NBS programs for CF lead to improved long-term health outcomes for
      the CF population.

PMID- 27118578
TI  - Correction to: The Role of Tensor Veli Platini muscle (TVP) and Levetor Veli
      Platini muscle (LVP) in the opening and closing of pharyngeal orifice of
      Eustachian tube.

PMID- 27118581
TI  - Association between clean intermittent catheterization and urinary tract
      infection in infants and toddlers with spina bifida.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The primary goal of urologic management in children with spina
      bifida is to reduce the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and associated
      renal injury. While clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) has been the
      mainstay of treatment, recent studies have suggested that this approach is not
      without risk. The objective of this study was to examine the association between
      alternative bladder management strategies and UTI in infants and toddlers with
      spina bifida. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on spina bifida
      patients, aged 0-3 years, seen in a multidisciplinary spinal defects clinic
      between 2008 and 2013. Inclusion criteria included: a primary diagnosis of
      meningocele, myelomeningocele, or lipomyelomeningocele. Patients were excluded if
      they had: <1 year of follow-up, urologic surgery prior to initial evaluation, or
      incomplete data for analysis. Bivariate analyses were performed using Chi-squared
      or Fisher's exact tests. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic
      regression. RESULTS: A total of 107 patients meeting study criteria were
      identified. The majority of patients had lumbar lesions (74.8%) and
      ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts (72.9%). Initial bladder management was by CIC
      in 39.3% of patients and spontaneous voiding in 60.8% of patients. Median age at
      follow-up was 2.5 years. During the study period, 23.4% of patients switched from
      spontaneous voiding to CIC. Patients managed with CIC were more likely to have
      UTIs at final follow-up than those managed with voiding (35.7% vs. 18.5%; P =
      0.045). Patients with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were also more likely to have
      UTIs (54.5% vs. 17.9%; P = 0.015). Patients who switched from spontaneous voiding
      to CIC over the study period were more likely to be evaluated with urodynamics
      (72.0% vs. 31.8%; P < 0.0001) than those managed with voiding alone. Patients who
      switched to CIC were also more likely to have VUR (16% vs. 0%; P = 0.09) and UTIs
      (24% vs. 15%; P = 0.06) than those managed with voiding alone; however, these
      differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In the present
      series, infants and toddlers with spina bifida who were initially managed with
      spontaneous voiding had a lower risk of UTI than those managed with CIC. Patients
      who switched to CIC after a period of initial observation with voiding did not
      have a significantly different risk of UTI compared with those managed with CIC
      alone. These findings suggest that early initiation of CIC may not be warranted
      in all infants with spina bifida. Further studies are needed to more clearly
      define optimal indications for initiation of CIC in these patients.

PMID- 27118582
TI  - Relation of perceptions of educational environment with mindfulness among Chinese
      medical students: a longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perceived educational environment influences academic outcomes, such
      as academic achievement, students' behaviors, well-being, socio-emotional
      adjustment and explicit self-esteem. Mindfulness is a set of skills that are
      beneficial to physical and mental health. Recently, it has been increasingly
      discussed about its usefulness in education, but little research has explored
      whether mindfulness can predict perceptions of educational environment. The aim
      of this study was to explore Chinese medical students' perceptions of learning
      environment and their relationship with mindfulness. METHODS: Medical students at
      the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (N=431) completed the
      Chinese version of Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM-C) and the
      Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS-C). One year later, a subgroup of
      the cohort (N=231) completed the DREEM-C again. Independent-samples t-test,
      variance analysis, correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression
      (HMR) were conducted. RESULTS: DREEM-C total and subscales scores were net
      positive, but with room for improvement. Perceptions differed in relation to
      gender, academic year, and age. KIMS-C scores correlated with DREEM-C scores. The
      predictive effect persisted 1 year later. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students had net
      positive perceptions about their learning environment. Higher mindfulness scores
      were associated with greater satisfaction with the environment and this
      association showed persistence.

PMID- 27118583
TI  - High-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy as monotherapy in one fraction for the
      treatment of favorable stage prostate cancer: Toxicity and long-term biochemical
      results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate acute and late genitourinary, the gastrointestinal
      toxicity and the long-term biochemical control after HDR monotherapy in one
      fraction (19Gy). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between April 2008 and October 2010, 60
      consecutive patients were treated with favorable clinically localized prostate
      cancer; the median follow-up was 72months (range 32-91). All patients received
      one implant and one fraction of HDR. Fraction dose was 19Gy. Toxicity was
      reported according to the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Event, Version 4.0
      (CTAE v4.02) by the National Cancer Institute. RESULTS: No intraoperative or
      perioperative complications occurred. Acute toxicity grade 2 or more was not
      observed in any patients. No chronic toxicity, such as incontinence, late urinary
      retention, urethral narrowing, rectal bleeding, anal ulcer and/or rectourethral
      fistula has been observed after treatment. The overall survival and failure in
      tumor-free survival (TFS) according to Kaplan-Meier estimates was 90% (+/-5%) and
      88% (+/-5%) respectively at 6years. The actuarial biochemical control was 66% (+/
      6%) at 6years. CONCLUSIONS: This protocol is feasible and very well tolerated
      with low genitourinary morbidity, no gastrointestinal toxicity but no the same
      level of LDR biochemical control at 6years.

PMID- 27118584
TI  - Trimming Surface Sugars Protects Histoplasma from Immune Attack.
AB  - Dectin-1 is an essential innate immune receptor that recognizes beta-glucans in
      fungal cell walls. Its importance is underscored by the mechanisms that fungal
      pathogens have evolved to avoid detection by this receptor. One such pathogen is
      Histoplasma capsulatum, and in a recent article in mBio, Rappleye's group
      presented data showing that yeasts of this organism secrete a beta-glucanase,
      Eng1, which acts to prune beta-glucans that are exposed on the fungal cell
      surface [A. L. Garfoot et al., mBio 7(2):e01388-15, 2016,
      http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01388-15]. The trimming of these sugars reduces
      immune recognition through Dectin-1 and subsequent inflammatory responses,
      enhancing the pathogenesis of H. capsulatum. 

PMID- 27118585
TI  - Molecular Dissection of Xyloglucan Recognition in a Prominent Human Gut Symbiont.
AB  - Polysaccharide utilization loci (PUL) within the genomes of resident human gut
      Bacteroidetes are central to the metabolism of the otherwise indigestible complex
      carbohydrates known as "dietary fiber." However, functional characterization of
      PUL lags significantly behind sequencing efforts, which limits physiological
      understanding of the human-bacterial symbiosis. In particular, the molecular
      basis of complex polysaccharide recognition, an essential prerequisite to
      hydrolysis by cell surface glycosidases and subsequent metabolism, is generally
      poorly understood. Here, we present the biochemical, structural, and reverse
      genetic characterization of two unique cell surface glycan-binding proteins
      (SGBPs) encoded by a xyloglucan utilization locus (XyGUL) from Bacteroides
      ovatus, which are integral to growth on this key dietary vegetable
      polysaccharide. Biochemical analysis reveals that these outer membrane-anchored
      proteins are in fact exquisitely specific for the highly branched xyloglucan
      (XyG) polysaccharide. The crystal structure of SGBP-A, a SusD homolog, with a
      bound XyG tetradecasaccharide reveals an extended carbohydrate-binding platform
      that primarily relies on recognition of the beta-glucan backbone. The unique,
      tetra-modular structure of SGBP-B is comprised of tandem Ig-like folds, with XyG
      binding mediated at the distal C-terminal domain. Despite displaying similar
      affinities for XyG, reverse-genetic analysis reveals that SGBP-B is only required
      for the efficient capture of smaller oligosaccharides, whereas the presence of
      SGBP-A is more critical than its carbohydrate-binding ability for growth on XyG.
      Together, these data demonstrate that SGBP-A and SGBP-B play complementary,
      specialized roles in carbohydrate capture by B. ovatus and elaborate a model of
      how vegetable xyloglucans are accessed by the Bacteroidetes IMPORTANCE: The
      Bacteroidetes are dominant bacteria in the human gut that are responsible for the
      digestion of the complex polysaccharides that constitute "dietary fiber."
      Although this symbiotic relationship has been appreciated for decades, little is
      currently known about how Bacteroidetes seek out and bind plant cell wall
      polysaccharides as a necessary first step in their metabolism. Here, we provide
      the first biochemical, crystallographic, and genetic insight into how two surface
      glycan-binding proteins from the complex Bacteroides ovatus xyloglucan
      utilization locus (XyGUL) enable recognition and uptake of this ubiquitous
      vegetable polysaccharide. Our combined analysis illuminates new fundamental
      aspects of complex polysaccharide recognition, cleavage, and import at the
      Bacteroidetes cell surface that may facilitate the development of prebiotics to
      target this phylum of gut bacteria.

PMID- 27118586
TI  - The Bee Microbiome: Impact on Bee Health and Model for Evolution and Ecology of
      Host-Microbe Interactions.
AB  - As pollinators, bees are cornerstones for terrestrial ecosystem stability and key
      components in agricultural productivity. All animals, including bees, are
      associated with a diverse community of microbes, commonly referred to as the
      microbiome. The bee microbiome is likely to be a crucial factor affecting host
      health. However, with the exception of a few pathogens, the impacts of most
      members of the bee microbiome on host health are poorly understood. Further, the
      evolutionary and ecological forces that shape and change the microbiome are
      unclear. Here, we discuss recent progress in our understanding of the bee
      microbiome, and we present challenges associated with its investigation. We
      conclude that global coordination of research efforts is needed to fully
      understand the complex and highly dynamic nature of the interplay between the bee
      microbiome, its host, and the environment. High-throughput sequencing
      technologies are ideal for exploring complex biological systems, including host
      microbe interactions. To maximize their value and to improve assessment of the
      factors affecting bee health, sequence data should be archived, curated, and
      analyzed in ways that promote the synthesis of different studies. To this end,
      the BeeBiome consortium aims to develop an online database which would provide
      reference sequences, archive metadata, and host analytical resources. The goal
      would be to support applied and fundamental research on bees and their associated
      microbes and to provide a collaborative framework for sharing primary data from
      different research programs, thus furthering our understanding of the bee
      microbiome and its impact on pollinator health. 

PMID- 27118587
TI  - Peptidomimetic Small Molecules Disrupt Type IV Secretion System Activity in
      Diverse Bacterial Pathogens.
AB  - Bacteria utilize complex type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) to translocate diverse
      effector proteins or DNA into target cells. Despite the importance of T4SSs in
      bacterial pathogenesis, the mechanism by which these translocation machineries
      deliver cargo across the bacterial envelope remains poorly understood, and very
      few studies have investigated the use of synthetic molecules to disrupt T4SS
      mediated transport. Here, we describe two synthetic small molecules (C10 and
      KSK85) that disrupt T4SS-dependent processes in multiple bacterial pathogens.
      Helicobacter pylori exploits a pilus appendage associated with the cag T4SS to
      inject an oncogenic effector protein (CagA) and peptidoglycan into gastric
      epithelial cells. In H. pylori, KSK85 impedes biogenesis of the pilus appendage
      associated with the cag T4SS, while C10 disrupts cag T4SS activity without
      perturbing pilus assembly. In addition to the effects in H. pylori, we
      demonstrate that these compounds disrupt interbacterial DNA transfer by
      conjugative T4SSs in Escherichia coli and impede vir T4SS-mediated DNA delivery
      by Agrobacterium tumefaciens in a plant model of infection. Of note, C10
      effectively disarmed dissemination of a derepressed IncF plasmid into a recipient
      bacterial population, thus demonstrating the potential of these compounds in
      mitigating the spread of antibiotic resistance determinants driven by
      conjugation. To our knowledge, this study is the first report of synthetic small
      molecules that impair delivery of both effector protein and DNA cargos by diverse
      T4SSs. IMPORTANCE: Many human and plant pathogens utilize complex nanomachines
      called type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) to transport proteins and DNA to target
      cells. In addition to delivery of harmful effector proteins into target cells,
      T4SSs can disseminate genetic determinants that confer antibiotic resistance
      among bacterial populations. In this study, we sought to identify compounds that
      disrupt T4SS-mediated processes. Using the human gastric pathogen H. pylori as a
      model system, we identified and characterized two small molecules that prevent
      transfer of an oncogenic effector protein to host cells. We discovered that these
      small molecules also prevented the spread of antibiotic resistance plasmids in E.
      coli populations and diminished the transfer of tumor-inducing DNA from the plant
      pathogen A. tumefaciens to target cells. Thus, these compounds are versatile
      molecular tools that can be used to study and disarm these important bacterial
      machines.

PMID- 27118588
TI  - Murine Cytomegalovirus Exploits Olfaction To Enter New Hosts.
AB  - Viruses transmit via the environmental and social interactions of their hosts.
      Herpesviruses have colonized mammals since their earliest origins, suggesting
      that they exploit ancient, common pathways. Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are assumed
      to enter new hosts orally, but no site has been identified. We show by live
      imaging that murine CMV (MCMV) infects nasally rather than orally, both after
      experimental virus uptake and during natural transmission. Replication-deficient
      virions revealed the primary target as olfactory neurons. Local, nasal
      replication by wild-type MCMV was not extensive, but there was rapid systemic
      spread, associated with macrophage infection. A long-term, transmissible
      infection was then maintained in the salivary glands. The viral m131/m129
      chemokine homolog, which influences tropism, promoted salivary gland colonization
      after nasal entry but was not required for entry per se The capacity of MCMV to
      transmit via olfaction, together with previous demonstrations of experimental
      olfactory infection by murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4) and herpes simplex virus 1
      (HSV-1), suggest that this is a common, conserved route of mammalian herpesvirus
      entry. IMPORTANCE: Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) infect most mammals. Human CMV (HCMV)
      harms people with poor immune function and can damage the unborn fetus. It
      infects approximately 1% of live births. We lack a good vaccine. One problem is
      that how CMVs first enter new hosts remains unclear. Oral entry is often assumed,
      but the evidence is indirect, and no infection site is known. The difficulty of
      analyzing HCMV makes related animal viruses an important source of insights.
      Murine CMV (MCMV) infected not orally but nasally. Specifically, it targeted
      olfactory neurons. Viral transmission was also a nasal infection. Like HCMV, MCMV
      infected cells by binding to heparan, and olfactory surfaces display heparan to
      incoming viruses, whereas most other mucosal surfaces do not. These data
      establish a new understanding of CMV infections and a basis for infection
      control.

PMID- 27118589
TI  - Sequential Acquisition of Virulence and Fluoroquinolone Resistance Has Shaped the
      Evolution of Escherichia coli ST131.
AB  - Escherichia coli ST131 is the most frequently isolated fluoroquinolone-resistant
      (FQR) E. coli clone worldwide and a major cause of urinary tract and bloodstream
      infections. Although originally identified through its association with the CTX-M
      15 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase resistance gene, global genomic epidemiology
      studies have failed to resolve the geographical and temporal origin of the ST131
      ancestor. Here, we developed a framework for the reanalysis of publically
      available genomes from different countries and used this data set to reconstruct
      the evolutionary steps that led to the emergence of FQR ST131. Using Bayesian
      estimation, we show that point mutations in chromosomal genes that confer FQR
      coincide with the first clinical use of fluoroquinolone in 1986 and illustrate
      the impact of this pivotal event on the rapid population expansion of ST131
      worldwide from an apparent origin in North America. Furthermore, we identify
      virulence factor acquisition events that predate the development of FQR,
      suggesting that the gain of virulence-associated genes followed by the tandem
      development of antibiotic resistance primed the successful global dissemination
      of ST131. IMPORTANCE: Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131) is a recently
      emerged and globally disseminated multidrug-resistant clone frequently associated
      with human urinary tract and bloodstream infections. In this study, we have used
      two large publically available genomic data sets to define a number of critical
      steps in the evolution of this important pathogen. We show that resistance to
      fluoroquinolones, a class of broad-spectrum antibiotic used extensively in human
      medicine and veterinary practice, developed in ST131 soon after the introduction
      of these antibiotics in the United States, most likely in North America. We also
      mapped the acquisition of several fitness and virulence determinants by ST131 and
      demonstrate these events occurred prior to the development of fluoroquinolone
      resistance. Thus, ST131 has emerged by stealth, first acquiring genes associated
      with an increased capacity to cause human infection, and then gaining a
      resistance armory that has driven its massive population expansion across the
      globe.

PMID- 27118590
TI  - Biosynthesis of Conjugate Vaccines Using an O-Linked Glycosylation System.
AB  - Conjugate vaccines are known to be one of the most effective and safest types of
      vaccines against bacterial pathogens. Previously, vaccine biosynthesis has been
      performed by using N-linked glycosylation systems. However, the structural
      specificity of these systems for sugar substrates has hindered their application.
      Here, we report a novel protein glycosylation system (O-linked glycosylation via
      Neisseria meningitidis) that can transfer virtually any glycan to produce a
      conjugate vaccine. We successfully established this system in Shigella spp.,
      avoiding the construction of an expression vector for polysaccharide synthesis.
      We further found that different protein substrates can be glycosylated using this
      system and that the O-linked glycosylation system can also effectively function
      in other Gram-negative bacteria, including some strains whose polysaccharide
      structure was not suitable for conjugation using the N-linked glycosylation
      system. The results from a series of animal experiments show that the conjugate
      vaccine produced by this O-linked glycosylation system offered a potentially
      protective antibody response. Furthermore, we elucidated and optimized the
      recognition motif, named MOOR, for the O-glycosyltransferase PglL. Finally, we
      demonstrated that the fusion of other peptides recognized by major
      histocompatibility complex class II around MOOR had no adverse effects on
      substrate glycosylation, suggesting that this optimized system will be useful for
      future vaccine development. Our results expand the glycoengineering toolbox and
      provide a simpler and more robust strategy for producing bioconjugate vaccines
      against a variety of pathogens. IMPORTANCE: Recently, the rapid development of
      synthetic biology has allowed bioconjugate vaccines with N-linked protein
      glycosylation to become a reality. However, the difficulty of reestablishing the
      exogenous polysaccharide synthetic pathway in Escherichia coli hinders their
      application. Here, we show that an O-linked protein glycosylation system from
      Neisseria meningitidis, which has a lower structure specificity for sugar
      substrates, could be engineered directly in attenuated pathogens to produce
      effective conjugate vaccines. To facilitate the further design of next-generation
      bioconjugate vaccines, we optimized a novel short motif consisting of 8 amino
      acids that is sufficient for glycosylation. Our results expand the application
      potential of O-linked protein glycosylation and demonstrate a simpler and more
      robust strategy for producing bioconjugate vaccines against different pathogens.
      In the future, bacterial antigenic polysaccharides could be attached to major
      histocompatibility complex binding peptides to improve immunological memory or
      attached to protein subunit vaccine candidates to provide double immune
      stimulation.

PMID- 27118591
TI  - Deletion of a Yci1 Domain Protein of Candida albicans Allows Homothallic Mating
      in MTL Heterozygous Cells.
AB  - It has been proposed that the ancestral fungus was mating competent and
      homothallic. However, many mating-competent fungi were initially classified as
      asexual because their mating capacity was hidden behind layers of regulation. For
      efficient in vitro mating, the essentially obligate diploid ascomycete pathogen
      Candida albicans has to change its mating type locus from heterozygous MTLa/alpha
      to homozygous MTLa/a or MTLalpha/alpha and then undergo an environmentally
      controlled epigenetic switch to the mating-competent opaque form. These
      requirements greatly reduce the potential for C. albicans mating. Deletion of the
      Yci1 domain gene OFR1 bypasses the need for C. albicans cells to change the
      mating type locus from heterozygous to homozygous prior to switching to the
      opaque form and mating and allows homothallic mating of MTL heterozygous strains.
      This bypass is carbon source dependent and does not occur when cells are grown on
      glucose. Transcriptional profiling of ofr1 mutant cells shows that in addition to
      regulating cell type and mating circuitry, Ofr1 is needed for proper regulation
      of histone and chitin biosynthesis gene expression. It appears that OFR1 is a key
      regulator in C. albicans and functions in part to maintain the cryptic mating
      phenotype of the pathogen. IMPORTANCE: Candida albicans is a human fungal
      pathogen with a recently discovered, highly cryptic mating ability. For efficient
      mating, it has to lose heterozygosity at its mating type locus. Then, MTL
      homozygous strains can undergo an epigenetic switch to an elongated yeast state,
      termed the opaque form, and become mating competent. This infrequent two-step
      process greatly reduces the potential for mating; few strains are MTL homozygous,
      and the opaque state is unstable at the temperature of the mammalian host. C.
      albicans has a complex mechanism for mating that appears designed to ensure that
      mating is infrequent. Here, we have characterized a new gene, opaque-formation
      regulator 1 (OFR1). Deleting the OFR1 gene allows MTL A: /alpha strains to mate
      efficiently with either mating type or even mate homothallically. It is possible
      that downregulating OFR1 in the host environment could allow mating in C.
      albicans by a route that does not involve MTL homozygosis.

PMID- 27118593
TI  - RTS,S Malaria Vaccine and Increased Mortality in Girls.

PMID- 27118592
TI  - Structures of Pathogenic Fungal FKBP12s Reveal Possible Self-Catalysis Function.
AB  - Invasive fungal infections remain difficult to treat and require novel targeting
      strategies. The 12-kDa FK506-binding protein (FKBP12) is a ubiquitously expressed
      peptidyl-prolyl isomerase with considerable homology between fungal pathogens and
      is thus a prime candidate for future targeting efforts to generate a panfungal
      strategy. Despite decades of research on FKBPs, their substrates and mechanisms
      of action remain unclear. Here we describe structural, biochemical, and in vivo
      analyses of FKBP12s from the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans, Candida glabrata,
      and Aspergillus fumigatus Strikingly, multiple apo A. fumigatus and C. albicans
      FKBP12 crystal structures revealed a symmetric, intermolecular interaction
      involving the deep insertion of an active-site loop proline into the active-site
      pocket of an adjacent subunit. Such interactions have not been observed in
      previous FKBP structures. This finding indicates the possibility that this is a
      self-substrate interaction unique to the A. fumigatus and C. albicans fungal
      proteins that contain this central proline. Structures obtained with the proline
      in the cis and trans states provide more data in support of self-catalysis.
      Moreover, cysteine cross-linking experiments captured the interacting dimer,
      supporting the idea that it forms in solution. Finally, genetic studies exploring
      the impact of mutations altering the central proline and an adjacent residue
      provide evidence that any dimeric state formed in vivo, where FKBP12
      concentrations are low, is transient. Taken together, these findings suggest a
      unique mechanism of self-substrate regulation by fungal FKBP12s, lending further
      novel understanding of this protein for future drug-targeting efforts.
      IMPORTANCE: FKBP12 is a cis-trans peptidyl-prolyl isomerase that plays key roles
      in cellular protein homeostasis. FKBP12s also bind the immunosuppressive drug
      FK506 to inhibit the phosphatase calcineurin (CaN). CaN is required for virulence
      of A. fumigatus, C. albicans, C. glabrata, and other deadly fungal pathogens,
      marking FKBP12 and CaN as potential broad-spectrum drug targets. Here we describe
      structures of fungal FKBP12s. Multiple apo A. fumigatus and C. albicans FKBP12
      structures reveal the insertion of a proline, conspicuously conserved in these
      proteins, into the active sites of adjacent molecules. This suggests that these
      proteins might serve as their own substrates. Cysteine disulfide trapping
      experiments provide support for this self-interaction and hence possible
      intermolecular catalysis by these enzymes.

PMID- 27118595
TI  - Production tolerance of additive manufactured polymeric objects for clinical
      applications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the production tolerance of four commercially available
      additive manufacturing systems. METHODS: By reverse engineering annex A and B
      from the ISO_12836;2012, two geometrical figures relevant to dentistry was
      obtained. Object A specifies the measurement of an inlay-shaped object and B a
      multi-unit specimen to simulate a four-unit bridge model. The objects were
      divided into x, y and z measurements, object A was divided into a total of 16
      parameters and object B was tested for 12 parameters. The objects were designed
      digitally and manufactured by professionals in four different additive
      manufacturing systems; each system produced 10 samples of each objects. RESULTS:
      For object A, three manufacturers presented an accuracy of <100MUm and one system
      showed an accuracy of <20MUm. For object B, all systems presented an accuracy of
      <100MUm, and most parameters were <40MUm. The standard deviation for most
      parameters were <40MUm. SIGNIFICANCE: The growing interest and use of intra-oral
      digitizing systems stresses the use of computer aided manufacturing of working
      models. The additive manufacturing techniques has the potential to help us in the
      digital workflow. Thus, it is important to have knowledge about production
      accuracy and tolerances. This study presents a method to test additive
      manufacturing units for accuracy and repeatability.

PMID- 27118594
TI  - Local Population Structure and Patterns of Western Hemisphere Dispersal for
      Coccidioides spp., the Fungal Cause of Valley Fever.
AB  - Coccidioidomycosis (or valley fever) is a fungal disease with high morbidity and
      mortality that affects tens of thousands of people each year. This infection is
      caused by two sibling species, Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii, which are
      endemic to specific arid locales throughout the Western Hemisphere, particularly
      the desert southwest of the United States. Recent epidemiological and population
      genetic data suggest that the geographic range of coccidioidomycosis is
      expanding, as new endemic clusters have been identified in the state of
      Washington, well outside the established endemic range. The genetic mechanisms
      and epidemiological consequences of this expansion are unknown and require better
      understanding of the population structure and evolutionary history of these
      pathogens. Here we performed multiple phylogenetic inference and population
      genomics analyses of 68 new and 18 previously published genomes. The results
      provide evidence of substantial population structure in C. posadasii and
      demonstrate the presence of distinct geographic clades in central and southern
      Arizona as well as dispersed populations in Texas, Mexico, South America, and
      Central America. Although a smaller number of C. immitis strains were included in
      the analyses, some evidence of phylogeographic structure was also detected in
      this species, which has been historically limited to California and Baja, Mexico.
      Bayesian analyses indicated that C. posadasii is the more ancient of the two
      species and that Arizona contains the most diverse subpopulations. We propose a
      southern Arizona-northern Mexico origin for C. posadasii and describe a pathway
      for dispersal and distribution out of this region. IMPORTANCE:
      Coccidioidomycosis, or valley fever, is caused by the pathogenic fungi
      Coccidioides posadasii and C. immitis The fungal species and disease are
      primarily found in the American desert southwest, with spotted distribution
      throughout the Western Hemisphere. Initial molecular studies suggested a likely
      anthropogenic movement of C. posadasii from North America to South America. Here
      we comparatively analyze eighty-six genomes of the two Coccidioides species and
      establish local and species-wide population structures to not only clarify the
      earlier dispersal hypothesis but also provide evidence of likely ancestral
      populations and patterns of dispersal for the known subpopulations of C.
      posadasii.

PMID- 27118597
TI  - Improved animal welfare, the right technology and increased business.
AB  - Animal welfare is receiving increasing attention from the authorities, the public
      and NGOs. For this reason, the improvement of animal welfare and animal handling
      systems is of the utmost importance for the meat industry. Technological
      developments have led to more animal friendly systems that handle animals on the
      day of slaughter, and these developments will be even more important as
      consideration for animal welfare and sustainability is no longer just a trend but
      a licence to operate. Improvement of animal welfare also leads to a higher value
      of the carcasses due to higher product quality, less cut-off caused by fewer
      injuries, and reduced working load, which leads to increased business
      opportunities. Therefore, good animal welfare is good business, and the
      development and implementation of new technology is the way to obtain improved
      animal welfare. These subjects will be addressed using examples and cases from
      the pork and broiler production industry. 

PMID- 27118596
TI  - Impact of healthcare-associated sepsis on mortality in critically ill infants.
AB  - Healthcare-associated sepsis (HAS) is a life-threatening complication in neonatal
      intensive care. Research into the impact of HAS on mortality adjusted for
      comorbidities is however limited. We conducted a historical cohort study to
      evaluate impact of HAS on mortality stratified by birth weight and risk factors
      for mortality in the HAS cohort. HAS was defined according to the National
      Institute of Child Health and Human Development criteria. Logistic regression was
      used to calculate adjusted odds of mortality. Of 5134 admissions, 342 infants
      developed HAS (6.7 %). Mortality in the total and HAS cohort was 5.6 and 10.5 %,
      respectively. The majority of HAS was caused by commensals (HAS-COM, 59.4 %) and
      40.6 % by recognized pathogens (HAS-REC). Adjusted for comorbidities, "HAS-REC"
      is only a risk factor for mortality in newborns >1500 g (adjusted odds ratio
      [aOR] 2.3, confidence interval [CI] 1.1-4.9). Post-hoc analysis identified HAS
      REC as an independent risk factor for mortality in infants with gastrointestinal
      disease (aOR 4.8, CI 2.1-10.8). "Renal insufficiency," "focal intestinal
      perforation," and "necrotizing enterocolitis" are independent risk factors for
      mortality in the HAS cohort (aOR 13.5, CI 4.9-36.6; aOR 7.7, CI 1.5-39.2; aOR
      2.1, CI 1.0-4.7, respectively). CONCLUSION: For very low birth weight infants
      (<=1500 g), several comorbidities overrule the impact of HAS on mortality. After
      adjustment for comorbidities, HAS-REC independently predicts in-hospital
      mortality in heavier infants and in those with gastrointestinal disease. WHAT IS
      KNOWN: * The relationship between healthcare-associated sepsis and mortality is
      influenced by the causative pathogen and is confounded by comorbidities. *
      Research on impact of healthcare-associated sepsis on mortality adjusted for
      comorbidities is limited as well as research on independent risk factors for
      mortality in neonates with sepsis. What is New: * We included a large list of
      comorbidities and stratified risk by birth weight in order to assess the true
      effect of healthcare-associated sepsis on mortality. * Risk for mortality was
      calculated for commensal flora and for recognized pathogens as causative micro
      organisms.

PMID- 27118598
TI  - Ontogenetic thermal tolerance and performance of ectotherms at variable
      temperatures.
AB  - Early experience and environmental conditions during ontogeny may affect
      organismal structure, physiology and fitness. Here, we assessed the effect of
      developmental acclimation to environmental thermal variability on walking speed
      in Drosophila melanogaster adults. Our results showed a shift in the performance
      curve to the right. Thus, upper and lower thermal limits exhibited developmental
      plasticity. Additionally, in constant and variable climatic scenarios, flies
      shifted to the right the optimum temperature but the maximum performance
      decreased only in flies reared on high temperatures and high thermal variability.
      Overall, we showed that environmental cues during ontogeny might help to
      construct phenotypic variation, which supports the hypothesis of ontogenetic
      dependence of thermal tolerances.

PMID- 27118599
TI  - Accumulation of isolevuglandin-modified protein in normal and fibrotic lung.
AB  - Protein lysine modification by gamma-ketoaldehyde isomers derived from
      arachidonic acid, termed isolevuglandins (IsoLGs), is emerging as a mechanistic
      link between pathogenic reactive oxygen species and disease progression. However,
      the questions of whether covalent modification of proteins by IsoLGs are subject
      to genetic regulation and the identity of IsoLG-modified proteins remain unclear.
      Herein we show that Nrf2 and Nox2 are key regulators of IsoLG modification in
      pulmonary tissue and report on the identity of proteins analyzed by LC-MS
      following immunoaffinity purification of IsoLG-modified proteins. Gene ontology
      analysis revealed that proteins in numerous cellular pathways are susceptible to
      IsoLG modification. Although cells tolerate basal levels of modification,
      exceeding them induces apoptosis. We found prominent modification in a murine
      model of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis and in idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis, two diseases considered to be promoted by gene-regulated oxidant
      stress. Based on these results we hypothesize that IsoLG modification is a
      hitherto unrecognized sequelae that contributes to radiation-induced pulmonary
      injury and IPF.

PMID- 27118600
TI  - Validity of Preoperative Clinical Findings to Identify Dental Pulp Status: A
      National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endodontic diagnostic tests are often used clinically to assess
      pulp status as a basis for the diagnosis and determination of whether root canal
      treatment (RCT) is indicated. Response to cold and pain on percussion are 2
      common tests, yet their validity in identifying nonvital pulp in regular dental
      practice has not been reported. METHODS: We assessed the validity of cold and
      percussion tests to identify nonvital pulp in teeth requiring RCT in a dental
      practice setting performed by 46 general dentists and 16 endodontists in the
      National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. The influence of patient-, tooth
      , and dentist-related characteristics was investigated. Observed bleeding from
      the pulp chamber was the clinical reference. Sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP),
      overall test accuracy (TA), positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values,
      and likelihood and diagnostic odds ratios (LR+, LR-, dORs) were calculated for
      each single test and the combined cold and percussion tests. RESULTS: Seven
      hundred eight patient teeth were included. Cold test showed high validity to
      identify a nonvital pulp status (SN = 89%, SP = 80%, TA = 84%, PPV = 81%, NPV =
      88%, LR+ = 4.35, LR- = 0.14, dOR = 31.4), whereas pain on percussion had lower
      validity (SN = 72%, SP = 41%, TA = 56%, PPV = 54%, NPV = 60%, LR+ = 1.22, LR- =
      0.69, dOR = 1.78). Combining the 2 tests did not increase validity, whereas
      preoperative pain, medication intake, patient age and sex, and dentist training
      level affected test validity significantly. CONCLUSIONS: In regular dental
      practice, the cold test exhibits higher validity to discriminate between vital
      and nonvital pulp than the tooth percussion test.

PMID- 27118601
TI  - [Autochthonous cutaneous larva migrans in Chile. A case report].

PMID- 27118602
TI  - Immunomodulatory effects of bone marrow versus adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal
      stromal cells on NK cells: implications in the transplantation setting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The ability of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) to suppress T-cell
      function has prompted their therapeutic use for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
      control. However, as MSC also modulate the activity of NK cells, which play an
      important role in graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) reaction, their administration
      could hamper this beneficial effect of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation. MSC can be expanded from several sources, especially bone marrow
      and fat, but it is not well established if the cell source makes a difference in
      their immunoregulatory capacity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare
      the immunomodulatory effect of MSC derived from bone marrow (BM-CSM) or adipose
      tissue (AT-MSC) on NK cells, to determine whether the use of MSC from one or the
      other origin could be more favorable to preserve NK cell activity and, therefore,
      GVL. METHODS: Human NK cells were stimulated with IL-15 in the presence of BM-MSC
      or AT-MSC. The effect of both MSC populations on NK cell proliferation, cell
      cycle progression, and CD56 expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cytokine
      secretion was measured by ELISA, and cytotoxic activity was assessed by calcein
      release assays. RESULTS: Although both BM-MSC and AT-MSC induced a similar
      inhibition of NK cell proliferation, only BM-MSC decreased significantly NK cell
      cytotoxic activity and showed a trend for a higher reduction of IFN-gamma
      secretion. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that, in the context of GVHD
      inhibition, the use of AT-MSC rather than BM-MSC could further preserve NK cell
      activity and, thus, favor GVL.

PMID- 27118603
TI  - A complex-polarization-propagator protocol for magneto-chiral axial dichroism and
      birefringence dispersion.
AB  - A computational protocol for magneto-chiral dichroism and magneto-chiral
      birefringence dispersion is presented within the framework of damped response
      theory, also known as complex polarization propagator theory, at the level of
      time-dependent Hartree-Fock and time-dependent density functional theory. Magneto
      chiral dichroism and magneto-chiral birefringence spectra in the (resonant)
      frequency region below the first ionization threshold of R-methyloxirane and l
      alanine are presented and compared with the corresponding results obtained for
      both the electronic circular dichroism and the magnetic circular dichroism. The
      additional information content yielded by the magneto-chiral phenomena, as well
      as their potential experimental detectability for the selected species, is
      discussed.

PMID- 27118604
TI  - The use of intrarenal Doppler ultrasonography as predictor for positive outcome
      after renal artery revascularization.
AB  - Whether patients with renal artery stenosis should undergo therapeutic
      revascularization is controversial. In this retrospective study, we evaluated
      prognostic intrarenal Doppler ultrasound parameters that might have a predictive
      value for a beneficial response after renal revascularization. From January 2003
      until December 2012, all renovascular interventions for renal artery stenosis
      were analyzed. The resistive index and the maximal systolic acceleration were
      determined by Doppler ultrasonography prior to intervention. Thirty-two patients
      who underwent a renal revascularization procedure were included: 13 combined
      positive responders and 19 combined non-responders. The combined positive
      responders had a significant lower resistive index than the combined non
      responders (0.5 vs. 0.6, P = 0.001) and a significant lower maximal systolic
      acceleration (1.0 vs. 3.8, P = 0.001) before revascularization. A prediction
      model (RI <= 0.5 and ACCmax <= 1.3 m/s2) was formulated to identify a subgroup
      that benefits from renal revascularization. This model has an expected
      sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 89% for improvement in renal function
      and/or blood pressure after revascularization. The non-invasive intrarenal
      Doppler ultrasound parameters resistive index and maximal systolic acceleration
      can be used as tools to predict improvement in renal function and/or blood
      pressure after revascularization of renal artery stenosis. The clinical value of
      this prediction model should be evaluated in a prospective trial.

PMID- 27118605
TI  - New entry point for C2 screw, in posterior C1-C2 fixation (Goel-Harm's technique)
      significantly reducing the possibility of vertebral artery injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To reduce the chance of vertebral artery injury in posterior C1
      lateral mass and C2 pedicle/pars screw-rod fixation (Goel-Harms technique ).
      METHOD: 49 patients, 30 males and 19 females, 12years - 82 years, underwent
      posterior C1-C2 fixation from February 2007 till June2013. A new entry point for
      the posterior C2 screw, 3mm below the midpoint of the C1-C2 joint which is
      directed medially and downwards into the C2 body , probably avoids the vertebral
      artery. As the screw now bypasses the pedicle/ pars , the chance of injuring the
      vertebral artery is probably reduced. RESULTS: No case of intra-operative
      vertebral artery injury. CONCLUSION: The new technique of C2 screw fixation
      allows rigid immobilization of the C1-C2 joint without significant risk of
      vertebral artery injury.

PMID- 27118606
TI  - Neuroimmunomodulation by allogeneic seminal vesicle fluid in CNS is sex
      independent.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Thymus-arisen FoxP3 regulatory T cells (Tregs) are one of the most
      important immunoregulatory mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS) and
      pregnancy. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of CNS associated
      with a reduced frequency and/or function of Tregs. Previous works have shown that
      seminal vesicle fluid affects female immune system and causes expansion of Tregs
      pool in the female reproductive tissue upon mating. Accordingly, it has been
      demonstrated that intra-CSF administration of seminal vesicle fluid from Wistar
      rats can ameliorate clinical sign of a female Lewis rat model of experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS. The results indicated
      an up-regulation of FoxP3 expression in the brain and spinal cord. However, there
      are sex-based differences in the CNS structure & composition, sex hormones
      influence immune system, and gender-based differences affect treatment response.
      Therefore, we decided to find out if anti-inflammatory effect of seminal vesicle
      fluid is sex-dependent or -independent. METHODS: EAE was induced in male Lewis
      rats using guinea pig spinal cord and complete Freund's adjuvant. Intra-CSF
      injection was done on day 7 after EAE induction and the animals were followed-up
      until on day 14 after EAE induction when sacrificed. Then, brain and spinal cord
      of the animals were isolated, total RNA was extracted, and expression of mRNA for
      IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-17, and FoxP3 was determined using real-time PCR where beta
      actin was used as reference gene. RESULT: demonstrated that intra-CSF
      administration of seminal vesicle fluid from male Wistar rats ameliorated EAE in
      male Lewis rats and increased FoxP3 in the brain and spinal cord. CONCLUSION:
      This study suggests that seminal vesicle fluid from Wistar rats has anti
      inflammatory effect on Lewis rats in a sex-independent manner. In addition,
      seminal vesicle fluid from Lewis rats had not beneficial effect on EAE in male
      Lewis rats. This is consistent with Tregs increase in allogeneic mating. More
      research is required to find out the immunologic aspect of allogeneic versus
      syngeneic administration of seminal vesicle fluid.

PMID- 27118607
TI  - Deep-wound and organ-space infection after surgery for degenerative spine
      disease: an analysis from 2006 to 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence and risk factors of deep-wound and organ-space
      surgical site infection (SSI) following surgery for degenerative spine disease.
      METHODS: Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program were obtained for the years 2006-2012. All adult patients
      over 40 years of age who underwent elective cervical or lumbar spine surgery for
      degenerative spine disease were identified. Rates of deep-wound and organ-space
      SSI were calculated for each procedure. A multivariate logistic regression
      analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for SSI development.
      RESULTS: A total of 36,440 patients were identified, with 7,627 patients (20.93%)
      undergoing cervical spine surgery and 28,813 patients (79.07%) undergoing lumbar
      spine surgery. The overall rate of SSI was 0.72% (n = 264); there were 189 deep
      wound infections (0.52%) and 75 organ-space infections (0.21%). The highest rates
      of SSI were for patients undergoing a posterolateral fusion of the lumbar spine
      (1.04%), followed by patients undergoing a posterior cervical decompression
      (1.02%); the lowest rates were for patients undergoing cervical disc replacement
      (0.00%). The multivariate analysis revealed that chronic steroid use (OR 3.66)
      and increasing operative time (OR 1.002) were the strongest independent risk
      factors for SSI development in the cervical spine, and renal morbidity (OR 3.93),
      hemato-oncological morbidity (OR 2.55), and chronic steroid use (2.04) were the
      strongest risk factors for lumbar SSI. Additionally, patients with a SSI had
      longer lengths of stay and higher mortality rates (0.76%) when compared to
      patients without a SSI (0.09%). CONCLUSION: Deep-wound and organ-space infections
      are severe complications in patients undergoing spine surgery. In this study of a
      multi-centre and prospectively collected database, the rate of SSI was 0.72%.
      Patients with renal disorders, chronic steroid use, hemato-oncological disease,
      and diabetes, among others, had significantly higher odds of SSI development.

PMID- 27118608
TI  - Vincristine-induced neurotoxicity: electrophysiological features in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neuropathy caused by vincristine toxicity can be diagnosed by
      electrophysiological examination. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the
      electrophysiological features of vincristine toxicity. METHODS:
      Electrophysiological data from 25 children receiving vincristine treatment and 25
      normal controls were evaluated retrospectively. Nerve conduction study (NCS)
      parameters were compared. Additionally amplitude and negative peak duration (NPD)
      of distal compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) were analysed by factor
      analysis. RESULTS: Distal CMAP amplitudes in the patient group were significantly
      lower and the distal CMAP NPDs were prolonged. There were no significant
      differences in other motor and sensory NCS parameters. CONCLUSION: Contrary to
      generally accepted sensorimotor involvement, motor NCS abnormalities are more
      pronounced in vincristine toxicity. The current study is the first time prolonged
      distal CMAP NPDs were detected and indicated in vincristine-related weakness,
      which may be a clue to understanding its mechanism, as well as differentiating
      from other situations.

PMID- 27118609
TI  - Altered bulbocavernosus reflex in patients with multiple system atrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is characterized by a combination of
      symptoms including autonomic dysfunction, parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia, and
      cortico-spinal disorders. The disease can have either predominant parkinsonism or
      cerebellar features (MSA-P and MSA-C, respectively). The measurement of the
      bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) and pudendal nerve somatosensory-evoked potentials
      (PSEPs) was originally developed to diagnose diabetic cystopathy and other
      neuropathologic diseases that share similar symptoms with MSA. We investigated
      the relationship between abnormalities of neurophysiological parameters and MSA,
      and estimated the potential value of BCR. METHODS: Fifty-one MSA patients (28 and
      23 MSA-P and 23 MSA-C patients, respectively) and 30 healthy controls who were
      seen at the Department of Neurology were included in the study. A Keypoint EMG/EP
      system was used to test BCR and PSEPs, and the latencies and amplitudes were
      recorded for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The BCR was elicited in 78.4%
      patients with MSA (22/28 MSA-P, 18/23 MSA-C). Prolonged BCR latencies were found
      in patients with MSA compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). BCR amplitudes
      were significantly lower in the MSA group than the control group (p < 0.001).
      PSEP P41 amplitudes were not significantly different between the MSA and control
      groups in males (p = 0.608) or females (p = 0.897). There were no significant
      differences in PSEP latencies among the MSA-P, MSA-C, and control groups (p =
      1.0, p = 0.263, and p = 0.060, respectively). DISCUSSION: MSA patients exhibit
      prolonged BCR latencies and lower amplitudes, which provides a rough anatomical
      localization of nervous system lesions in MSA patients.

PMID- 27118610
TI  - Interleukin-21 expression in hippocampal astrocytes is enhanced following kainic
      acid-induced seizures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a cytokine that is an important modulator of
      immune responses. However, its roles in epilepsy are not completely clear. Here,
      we investigated the expression and distribution of IL-21 in a kainic acid (KA)
      induced acute seizure mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice (n = 146) were
      randomly divided into an age-matched group, PBS injection group, and a KA
      injection group. The KA-injected mice were evaluated at 1, 3, and 24 h post
      injection. IL-21 mRNA and protein expression levels were measured using RT-PCR
      and western blotting. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were
      performed to further characterize the pattern and distribution of IL-21
      expression. RESULTS: The IL-21 mRNA and protein expression levels in the
      hippocampal tissues of the KA-treated mice were significantly increased as early
      as 1 h compared with the age-matched mice and PBS-treated mice. After this time
      point, the expression was reduced, but it remained higher than the level in the
      PBS-treated mice (p < 0.01). Immunohistochemical staining showed that IL-21
      expression was distributed throughout the hippocampus, including areas CA1 and
      CA3, the dentate gyrus and the hilus. Moreover, immunofluorescence further showed
      that in the hippocampi of the KA-treated mice, IL-21 was mainly expressed in GFAP
      positive astrocytes rather than in NeuN-positive neurons or CD11b-positive
      microglia. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data suggest that an increase in astrocyte-derived
      IL-21 expression in hippocampal subregions following KA-induced seizures may have
      potent regulatory effects on epileptogenesis.

PMID- 27118611
TI  - Quantitation of oxygen-induced hypercapnia in respiratory pump failure.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the likelihood that clinicians know carbon dioxide levels
      before administering supplemental oxygen to patients with neuromuscular
      disorders, to quantitate the effect of oxygen therapy on carbon dioxide
      retention, and to explore hypercapnia contributing to the need to intubate and
      use of continuous noninvasive ventilatory support to avert it. BASIC PROCEDURES:
      A retrospective chart review for patients with neuromuscular disorders intubated
      or having intubation averted by using continuous noninvasive ventilatory support
      with carbon dioxide known pre- and during oxygen administration. MAIN FINDINGS:
      For only 2 of 316 patients who were intubated did clinicians know carbon dioxide
      levels prior to administering oxygen. For four cases, intubation was averted by
      continuous noninvasive ventilatory support and mechanical insufflation
      exsufflation despite severe hypercapnia and acidosis. After initiating oxygen
      therapy, patients' carbon dioxide partial pressures increased 52.1+/-42.0mmHg in
      over as little as 20min. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should attempt to use
      continuous noninvasive ventilatory support and mechanical insufflation
      exsufflation rather than supplemental oxygen to normalize blood gases for
      neuromuscular ventilatory failure and should be prepared to intubate hypercapnic
      patients for whom oxygen is administered.

PMID- 27118612
TI  - Polymorphisms of the NS3 Proteins of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1b Are Associated
      with Liver Cirrhosis.
AB  - Polymorphisms of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein and NS3 have been
      described to be associated with liver cirrhosis (LC) and/or hepatocellular
      carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b (HCV 1b). Here, we
      determine whether there is an association between LC and polymorphisms of viral
      core protein and NS3 in patients in Hubei province, China. A total of 42 patients
      with chronic HCV 1b (21 patients with LC and 21 with chronic hepatitis [CH]) were
      enrolled, amino acid sequence of the core protein and N-terminus of NS3 were
      obtained by direct sequencing and compared with the prototype strain HCV-J. No
      significant difference of amino acid polymorphisms was observed between isolates
      from LC and CH patients in the core protein. However, in the N-terminus of NS3,
      amino acid polymorphisms at positions A1072T (Ala 1072 chronic Thr 1072
      cirrhosis), I1074V (Ile 1074 chronic Val 1074 cirrhosis), and T1098N/I (Thr 1098
      chronic Asn or Ile 1098 cirrhosis) correlated significantly with LC. These
      findings indicate that the polymorphisms of HCV at these sites may be the risk
      factors for the development of LC in patients with chronic HCV 1b.

PMID- 27118613
TI  - SOCS3 induces neurite differentiation and promotes neuronal cell survival.
AB  - Cytokines and growth factors play an important role in neuronal survival as well
      as cell death. The family of suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins,
      which includes SOCS1-7 and cytokine-induced suppressor (CIS), has been shown to
      act as negative regulators of cytokine-induced signalling. In this report, we
      highlight the role of SOCS3 in regulating neuronal differentiation and survival.
      We observed increased SOCS3 expression upon differentiation of PC12 cells as well
      as neural stem cells. SOCS3 overexpression upregulated differentiation of both
      neural stem cells and PC12 cells even in the absence of NGF, as evidenced by
      enhanced neurite outgrowth and upregulation of GAP43, marker associated with
      neurite outgrowth. siRNA-mediated silencing of SOCS3 confirmed the potential role
      of SOCS3 in neuritogenesis. We observed that, SOCS3-induced neurite
      differentiation was mediated via the PI3 kinase pathway. Another interesting
      observation was that SOCS3 overexpression promoted neuronal cell survival under
      H2 O2 -mediated stress indicating its fundamental role in cell survival. In
      conclusion, our results indicate that SOCS3 promotes differentiation and survival
      of neural cells and could be potentially useful in future therapy for treatment
      of neurodegenerative disorders. (c) 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(6):468-476, 2016.

PMID- 27118614
TI  - An exploratory international study into occupational therapy students'
      perceptions of professional identity.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The successful development and maintenance of professional
      identity is associated with professional development and retention in the health
      workforce. This paper explores students' perspectives on the ways pre-entry
      experiences and curricula content shape professional identity. METHODS: An online
      cross-sectional survey was sent to students enrolled in the final year of entry
      level programmes in five countries. Descriptive statistical analyses of data were
      completed. RESULTS: The results reflect the perceptions of 319 respondents from
      five countries. Respondents identified professional education (98%) and
      professional socialisation during placement (92%) as curricula components with
      the greatest influence on professional identity formation. Discipline-specific
      knowledge such as, occupation-focussed models and occupational science were
      ranked lower than these aspects of practice. The students' length of programme
      and level of entry-level programme did not impact on these results. CONCLUSION:
      When designing curricula educators need to be mindful that students perceive
      practice education and professional socialisation have the greatest affect on
      professional identity formation. The findings reinforce the need for curricula to
      provide students with a range of practice experiences, which allow the
      observation and application of occupation-based practices. It highlights a need
      for educators to provide university-based curricula activities, which better
      prepare students for a potential dissonance between explicit occupation-based
      curricula and observed practice education experiences. The study indicates the
      need for further research into the role curricula content, and in particular
      practice education, plays in the multidimensional formation of professional
      development within entry-level programmes.

PMID- 27118615
TI  - Use of three-dimensional printing to assess transport vectors in mandibular
      distraction osteogenesis.
AB  - It can be difficult to assess the transport vectors for mandibular distraction
      osteogenesis intraoperatively. Computed tomography (CT) and 3-dimensional digital
      reconstruction allow "on screen" assessment, but they have limitations, and
      errors can occur when the 2-dimensional preoperative plan is translated into the
      operation. We can simulate the operation and reconstruction with 3-dimensional
      printed models. This allows us to make cutting guides that indicate the position
      of the osteotomy, which can be extended to position the distractor accurately.
      The success of this technique relies on close communication with the prosthetic
      scientist.

PMID- 27118616
TI  - Comparison of ultrasound-guided and conventional arthrocentesis of the
      temporomandibular joint.
AB  - Arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be done either
      conventionally or under ultrasonographic guidance, and we have compared the
      effectiveness of the two techniques. Twenty patients who required arthrocentesis
      of the TMJ were randomly assigned to ultrasonographically guided (US-guided) and
      conservative arthrocentesis (n=10 in each group). The number of relocations of
      the first and second punctures, pain experienced during each procedure measured
      using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and the duration of the procedure were the
      main outcome variables. The pain score compared with the maximal interincisal
      mouth opening measured preoperatively, immediately after operation, at 1 week,
      and 1 and 3 months, were secondary outcome variables. No patient in either group
      developed a complication, and there was no significant difference between the two
      groups, except that US-guided arthrocentesis took significantly longer than the
      conventional technique (p=0.000). US-guided arthrocentesis of the TMJ was no more
      successful than the conventional technique, and took longer. Further studies with
      more patients are required to validate these findings. 

PMID- 27118617
TI  - Fistula Rate after primary palatal repair with intravelarveloplasty: a
      retrospective three-year audit of six units (NorCleft) in the UK.
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate the rate of fistulation after one-stage palatal repair by
      intravelarveloplasty in the NorCleft Cleft Services (Scotland and Northern
      England), this being a primary outcome measure after repair of a cleft palate. We
      designed a retrospective, three-year clinical audit of six cleft units in the UK,
      and retrospectively reviewed the casenotes of babies with cleft palate born in
      2006-2008 who were treated by intravelarveloplasty. We recorded type of cleft and
      procedure, including lateral relieving incisions, and our main outcome measure
      was the presence of a fistula behind the incisive foramen at 3 years of age, or a
      history of repair of a fistula. A total of 743 patients had cleft palates, but 69
      (9%) were excluded (because they had not been operated on, or had not been
      reviewed by the age of 3 years, or their records were unavailable). A total of
      626 patients had had a Sommerlad intravelarveloplasty repair, and 48 had had
      mixed procedures including Veau-Wardill-Kilner, Furlow, or two-stage repairs, and
      were not studied further. Eighty-seven (14%) who had had intravelarvoloplasty had
      a fistula behind the incisive foramen. There was no significant difference in age
      at time of repair between those who developed a fistula and those who did not
      (p=0.65). The fistula rate of 14% is comparable with that of Sommerlad. The
      fistula rate was higher in patients who had had lateral releasing incisions
      (58/275, 21%) or who had bilateral cleft palate (16/63, 25%). To our knowledge
      this is the largest review of the fistula rate in patients who had primary
      palatal repair using the intravelarveloplasty technique in the UK, and shows
      significant correlation between lateral releasing incisions and formation of a
      fistula, except in the unilateral cleft lip and palate group (p=0.12). 

PMID- 27118618
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of Elective Endovascular Aneurysm Repair Versus Open Surgical
      Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to estimate the lifetime cost
      effectiveness of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) versus open surgical repair
      (OSR) in the Netherlands, based on recently published literature. METHODS: A
      model was developed to simulate a cohort of individuals (age 72 years, 87% men)
      with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter of at least 5.5 cm and
      considered fit for both repairs. The model consisted of two sub-models that
      estimated the lifetime cost-effectiveness of EVAR versus OSR: (1) a decision tree
      for the first 30 post-operative days; and (2) a Markov model for the period
      thereafter (31 days-30 years). RESULTS: In the base case analysis, EVAR was
      slightly more effective (4.704 vs. 4.669 quality adjusted life years) and less
      expensive (?24,483 vs. ?25,595) than OSR. Improved effectiveness occurs because
      EVAR can reduce 30 day mortality risk, as well as the risk of events following
      the procedure, while lower costs are primarily due to a reduction in length of
      hospital stay. The cost-effectiveness of EVAR is highly dependent on the price of
      the EVAR device and the reduction in hospital stay, complications, and 30 day
      mortality. CONCLUSION: EVAR and OSR can be considered equally effective, while
      EVAR can be cost saving compared with OSR. EVAR can therefore be considered as a
      cost-effective solution for patients with AAAs.

PMID- 27118620
TI  - Impact of Renal Denervation on Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and
      Resistant Hypertension - Insights From the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with activation of the
      sympathetic nervous system, and patients with this condition often experience
      elevated blood pressure (BP), increased BP variability, and nocturnal BP surges.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: The SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial was a large prospective,
      randomized, blinded, sham-controlled trial of renal denervation for treatment of
      uncontrolled, apparently treatment-resistant hypertension. In a post hoc
      analysis, we examined the effect of renal denervation vs. sham control on office
      and ambulatory (including nocturnal) systolic BP in patients with and without
      OSA. 26% (94/364) of renal denervation subjects and 32% (54/171) of sham control
      subjects had OSA. Baseline office and nighttime systolic BP values were similar
      in both arms, including in subjects with and without OSA. Compared with sham
      control, renal denervation reduced the 6-month office systolic BP in subjects
      with (-17.0+/-22.4 vs. -6.3+/-26.1 mmHg, P=0.01) but not in subjects without OSA
      (-14.7+/-24.5 vs. -13.4+/-26.4 mmHg, P=0.64), P=0.07 for the interaction between
      treatment arm and OSA status. In those with sleep apnea, renal denervation was
      also associated with a reduction in maximum (-4.8+/-21.8 vs. 4.5+/-24.6 mmHg,
      P=0.03) and average peak (-5.6+/-20.4 vs. 3.2+/-22.4 mmHg, P=0.02) nighttime
      systolic BP. CONCLUSIONS: OSA subjects appeared to be responsive to renal
      denervation therapy. However, this hypothesis requires prospective testing. (Circ
      J 2016; 80: 1404-1412).

PMID- 27118619
TI  - Evolution of Computed Tomographic Characteristics of Spontaneous Isolated
      Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection During Conservative Management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery (SMA) dissection is a
      rare condition, and its clinical and angiographic courses are poorly defined. We
      aimed to monitor the morphological characteristics of spontaneous isolated SMA
      dissection using computed tomography (CT) over 2 years of follow-up, including
      the recovery process via vascular remodeling, and identify the factors that
      affect vascular remodeling using univariate analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the medical records and morphological findings of 59
      consecutive patients with spontaneous isolated SMA dissection between October
      2007 and July 2014, which included 36 symptomatic and 23 asymptomatic patients.
      Surgical intervention with open laparotomy was required in 3 patients during the
      follow-up period; 41 patients who received conservative treatment were followed
      up over 2 years with regular CT. Complete remodeling was achieved in 16 of 25
      symptomatic patients who were treated conservatively (64.0%). A patent false
      lumen and aneurysmal formation on an initial CT scan were identified as negative
      factors that affected remodeling in patients with spontaneous isolated SMA
      dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management of spontaneous isolated SMA
      dissection is associated with a good prognosis, both clinically and
      morphologically. Surgical intervention is only required in patients with severe
      intestinal ischemia or rapid aneurysmal enlargement. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1452
      1459).

PMID- 27118621
TI  - Multicenter Cohort Study of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Korea - Interim
      Analysis of the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institutes of
      Health Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR)-National
      Institutes of Health (NIH) registry has the aim of evaluating the clinical
      characteristics, management, and long-term outcomes of patients with acute
      myocardial infarction (AMI) in Korea. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients hospitalized
      for AMI in 20 tertiary university hospitals in Korea have been enrolled since
      November 2011. The study is expected to complete the scheduled enrollment of
      approximately 13,000 patients in October 2015, and follow-up duration is up to 5
      years for each patient. As of October 2015, an interim analysis of 13,623
      subjects was performed to understand the baseline clinical profiles of the study
      population. The mean age was 64.1 years; 73.5% were male; and 48.2% were
      diagnosed with ST-segment elevation AMI. Hypertension is a leading cause of AMI
      in Korea (51.2%), followed by smoking (38.5%) and diabetes mellitus (28.6%).
      Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 87.4% and its success rate
      was very high (99.4%). In-hospital, 1-year, and 2-year mortality rates were 3.9%,
      4.3%, and 8.6%, respectively. The rates of major adverse cardiac events at 1 and
      2 years were 9.6% and 18.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis
      demonstrated the clinical characteristics of Korean AMI patients in comparison
      with those of other countries. It is necessary to develop guidelines for Asian
      populations to further improve their prognosis. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1427-1436).

PMID- 27118622
TI  - Comparison of three methods for identifying the heelstrike transient during
      walking gait.
AB  - Impulsive, or high rate, loading contributes to cartilage degradation and is
      commonly identified via the heelstrike transient (HST) in the vertical ground
      reaction force (vGRF) during gait. Investigation of the HST may improve our
      understanding of knee osteoarthritis mechanical pathogenesis. However, the most
      appropriate method for objectively identifying the HST is unclear. Twenty-eight
      healthy subjects walked at a self-selected pace while vGRF data were captured.
      The efficacies of three HST identification methods (Radin, Hunt, and Modified
      Hunt) were evaluated using vGRF data lowpass filtered at three frequencies
      (raw/unfiltered, 75Hz, and 50Hz). Both the HST identification method and lowpass
      filter frequency influenced whether a HST was identified and whether a subject
      was classified as an "impulsive loader" (i.e. HST identified in 3 of 5 trials).
      The methods identified different phenomena in the vGRF, with the Radin and
      Modified Hunt methods identifying the HST 11-16ms following ground contact and
      the Hunt method identifying the HST 83-122ms following ground contact. Lowpass
      filtering the vGRF at 75Hz and implementing the Radin method was the most
      effective approach for identifying the HST. Future longitudinal observations are
      necessary to determine if specific HST criteria are indicative of knee
      osteoarthritis development and progression.

PMID- 27118623
TI  - Segmented beat modulation method for electrocardiogram estimation from noisy
      recordings.
AB  - Clinical utility of an electrocardiogram (ECG) affected by too high levels of
      noise such as baseline wanders, electrode motion artifacts, muscular artifacts
      and power-line interference may be jeopardized if not opportunely processed.
      Template-based techniques have been proposed for ECG estimation from noisy
      recordings, but usually they do not reproduce physiological ECG variability,
      which, however, provides clinically useful information on the patient's health.
      Thus, this study proposes the Segmented-Beat Modulation Method (SBMM) as a new
      template-based filtering procedure able to reproduce ECG variability, and
      assesses SBMM robustness to the aforementioned noises in comparison to a standard
      template method (STM). SBMM performs a unique ECG segmentation into QRS segment
      and TUP segment, and successively modulates/demodulates (by stretching or
      compressing) the former segments in order to adaptively adjust each estimated
      beat to its original morphology and duration. Consequently, SBMM estimates ECG
      with significantly lower estimation errors than STM when applied to recordings
      affected by various levels of the considered noises (SBMM: 176-232uV and 79
      499uV; STM: 215-496uV and 93-1056uV, for QRS and TUP segments, respectively).
      Thus, SBMM is able to reproduce ECG variability and is more robust to noise than
      STM.

PMID- 27118624
TI  - Diffuse colonic metastases from primary pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 27118625
TI  - Rendezvous endoscopic access and treatment of esophagopleural fistula.

PMID- 27118627
TI  - Pancreatic cancer: Infiltrating macrophages support liver metastasis.

PMID- 27118626
TI  - Molecular cytology genotyping of primary and metastatic GI stromal tumors by
      using a custom two-gene targeted next-generation sequencing panel with
      therapeutic intent.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In an era of precision medicine, customized genotyping of GI
      stromal tumors by screening for driver mutations will become the standard of
      care. The fidelity of genotype concordance between paired cytology smears and
      surgical pathology specimens is unknown. In patients with either primary or
      metastatic sporadic disease, we sought to determine the frequency of KIT and
      PDGFRA pathogenic alterations within such specimens, imatinib sensitivity, and
      the concordance of pathogenic alterations between paired specimens. METHODS: DNA
      obtained from cytology smears from 36 patients, 24 of whom had paired surgical
      pathology specimens, underwent targeted next-generation sequencing by using a
      custom panel to evaluate somatic mutations within KIT (exon 2, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14,
      15, 17, 18) and PDGFRA (exon 12, 14, 15, 18) genes. Patients with KIT and PDGRFA
      wild-type genes completed the Qiagen Human Comprehensive Cancer GeneRead DNAseq
      Targeted Array V2. RESULTS: Genotyping revealed KIT and PDGFRA mutations in 68%
      and 15% of patients. The wild-type population did not harbor mutations in BRAF,
      RAS family, SDHB, SETD2, or NF1. Imatinib sensitivity based on the oncogenic
      kinase mutation prevalence was estimated to be 68%. Mutational concordance
      between paired cytology and surgical pathology specimens was 96%. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our data have demonstrated the ability to stratify either primary or metastatic
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors by mutational subtype using a targeted next
      generation sequencing 2 gene mutation panel. We highlight the ability to use
      cytology specimens obtained via minimally invasive techniques as a surrogate to
      surgical specimens given the high mutational landscape concordance between paired
      specimens.

PMID- 27118628
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus: the current state of disease, pathophysiology and
      strategies for prevention.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is both a commensal organism and also an important
      opportunistic human pathogen, causing a variety of community and hospital
      associated pathologies, such as bacteremia-sepsis, endocarditis, pneumonia,
      osteomyelitis, arthritis and skin diseases. The resurgence of S. aureus during
      the last decade in many settings has been facilitated not only by bacterial
      antibiotic resistance mechanisms but also by the emergence of new S. aureus
      clonal types with increased expression of virulence factors and the capacity to
      neutralize the host immune response. Prevention of the spread of S. aureus
      infection relies on the use of contact precautions and adequate procedures for
      infection control that so far have not been fully effective. Prevention using a
      prophylactic vaccine would complement these processes, having the potential to
      bring additional, significant progress toward decreasing invasive disease due to
      S. aureus.

PMID- 27118629
TI  - A comparison of change point models with application to longitudinal lung
      function measurements in children with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary lung disease characterized by loss of lung
      function over time. Lung function in CF is believed to decline at a higher rate
      during the adolescence period. It has been also hypothesized that there is a
      subgroup of individuals for whom lung disease remains relatively stable with only
      a slight decline over their lifetime. Using data from the University of Colorado
      CF Children's Registry, we investigate four change point models to model the
      decline of lung function in children and adolescents: (i) a two-component mixture
      random change point model, (ii) a two-component mixture-fixed change point model,
      (iii) a random change point model, and (iv) a fixed change point model. The
      models are investigated through posterior predictive simulation at the individual
      and population levels, and a simulation study examining the effects of model
      misspecification. The data support the mixed random change point model as the
      preferred model, with roughly 30% of adolescents experiencing a steady decline of
      0.5 %FEV1 per year and 70% experiencing an increase in decline of 4.4 %FEV1 per
      year beginning on average at 14.6 years of age. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27118630
TI  - On the limitations of permuted blocked randomization.

PMID- 27118631
TI  - Delayed unmasking and selection bias.

PMID- 27118632
TI  - Are the emergence of affective disturbances in neuropathic pain states contingent
      on supraspinal neuroinflammation?
AB  - Neuro-immune interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain due
      to peripheral nerve injury. A large body of preclinical evidence supports the
      idea that the immune system acts to modulate the sensory symptoms of neuropathy
      at both peripheral and central nervous system sites. The potential involvement of
      neuro-immune interactions in the highly debilitating affective disturbances of
      neuropathic pain, such as depression, anhedonia, impaired cognition and reduced
      motivation has received little attention. This is surprising given the widely
      accepted view that sickness behaviour, depression, cognitive impairment and other
      neuropsychiatric conditions can arise from inflammatory mechanisms. Moreover,
      there is a set of well-described immune-to-brain transmission mechanisms that
      explain how peripheral inflammation can lead to supraspinal neuroinflammation. In
      the last 5years increasing evidence has emerged that peripheral nerve injury
      induces supraspinal changes in cytokine or chemokine expression and alters glial
      cell activity. In this systematic review, based on strong preclinical evidence,
      we advance the argument that the emergence of affective disturbances in
      neuropathic pain states are contingent on pro-inflammatory mediators in the
      interconnected hippocampal-medial prefrontal circuitry that subserve affective
      behaviours. We explore how dysregulation of inflammatory mediators in these
      networks may result in affective disturbances through a wide variety of
      neuromodulatory mechanisms. There are also promising results from clinical trials
      showing that anti-inflammatory agents have efficacy in the treatment of a variety
      of neuropsychiatric conditions including depression and appear suited to sub
      groups of patients with elevated pro-inflammatory profiles. Thus, although
      further research is required, aggressively targeting supraspinal pro-inflammatory
      mediators at critical time-points in appropriate clinical populations is likely
      to be a novel avenue to treat debilitating affective disturbances in neuropathic
      conditions. 

PMID- 27118633
TI  - Neurological assessment.
AB  - Neurological system assessment is an important skill for the orthopaedic nurse
      because the nervous system has such an overlap with the musculoskeletal system.
      Nurses whose scope of practice includes such advanced evaluation, e.g. nurse
      practitioners, may conduct the examination described here but the information
      will also be useful for nurses caring for patients who have abnormal neurological
      assessment findings. Within the context of orthopaedic physical assessment,
      possible neurological findings are evaluated as they complement the patient's
      history and the examiner's findings. Specific neurological assessment is integral
      to diagnosis of some orthopaedic conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In
      other situations such as crushing injury to the extremities, there is high risk
      of associated neurological or neurovascular injury. These patients need
      anticipatory examination and monitoring to prevent complications. This article
      describes a basic neurological assessment; emphasis is on sensory and motor
      findings that may overlap with an orthopaedic presentation. The orthopaedic nurse
      may incorporate all the testing covered here or choose those parts that further
      elucidate specific diagnostic questions suggested by the patient's history,
      general evaluation and focused musculoskeletal examination. Abnormal findings
      help to suggest further testing, consultation with colleagues or referral to a
      specialist. 

PMID- 27118634
TI  - Waiting for Godot: Predictive factors for adjuvant treatment of patients with
      luminal breast cancer.

PMID- 27118635
TI  - Erratum: 'Atlanto-axial infection after acupuncture.'.

PMID- 27118636
TI  - Self-assembly of virus-like particles of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus capsid
      protein expressed in Escherichia coli and their immunogenicity in rabbits.
AB  - In this study, virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from rabbit hemorrhagic
      disease virus (RHDV) were evaluated for the development of a vaccine against RHDV
      infection. The VP60 gene was cloned and inserted into a pSMK expression vector
      containing a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) tag that can promote the
      soluble expression of heterologous proteins in Escherichia coli cells. After
      expression and purification of His-SUMO-VP60 and cleavage of the SUMO tag, we
      found that the RHDV VP60 protein had self-assembled into VLPs with a similar
      shape and smaller size compared with authentic RHDV capsid. Next, the
      antigenicity and immunogenicity of the VLPs were examined. The results showed
      that RHDV-specific responses were clearly induced in rabbits and that all rabbits
      in the VLP group survived while those in the negative control group died within
      72 h post-infection. These results suggest that VLP-based RHDV could be a
      promising RHDV vaccine candidate.

PMID- 27118637
TI  - Molecular-Counting-Free and Electrochemiluminescent Single-Molecule Immunoassay
      with Dual-Stabilizers-Capped CdSe Nanocrystals as Labels.
AB  - Biorelated single-molecule detection (SMD) has been achieved typically by imaging
      the redox fluorescent labels and then determining each label one by one. Herein,
      we demonstrated that the capping agents (i.e., mercaptopropionic acid and sodium
      hexametaphosphate) can facilitate the electrochemical involved hole (or electron)
      injecting process and improve the stability of the dual-stabilizers-capped CdSe
      nanocrystals (NCs), so that the CdSe NCs could be electrochemically and
      repeatedly inspired to excited states by giving off electrochemiluminescence
      (ECL) in a cyclic pattern. With the CdSe NCs as ECL label and carcinoembryonic
      antigen (CEA) as target molecule, a convenient single-molecule immunoassay was
      proposed by simply detecting the ECL intensity of the dual-stabilizers-capped
      CdSe NCs in a sandwich-typed immune complex. The limit of detection is 0.10 fg/mL
      at S/N = 3, which corresponds to about 6-8 CEA molecules in 20 MUL of serum
      sample. Importantly, the ECL spectra of both CdSe NCs and its conjugate with
      probe antigen in the immune complex were almost identical to the
      photoluminescence spectrum of bare CdSe NCs, indicating that all emissions were
      originated from the same excited species. The molecular-counting-free and ECL
      based SMD might be a promising alternative to the fluorescent SMD.

PMID- 27118639
TI  - Quantitative analysis of trace palladium contamination in solution using
      electrochemical X-ray fluorescence (EC-XRF).
AB  - The application of electrochemical X-ray fluorescence (EC-XRF), for the detection
      of palladium (Pd) contamination in a range of solutions containing
      electrochemically active compounds, present in excess and relevant to the
      pharmaceutical and food industries, is reported. In EC-XRF, EC is used to
      electrochemically pre-concentrate metal on an electrode under forced convection
      conditions, whilst XRF is employed to spectroscopically quantify the amount of
      metal deposited, which quantitatively correlates with the original metal
      concentration in solution. Boron doped diamond is used as the electrode due to
      its very wide cathodic window and the fact that B and C are non-interfering
      elements for XRF analysis. The effect of several parameters on the Pd XRF signal
      intensity are explored including: deposition potential (Edep), deposition time
      (tdep) and Pd(2+) concentration, [Pd(2+)]. Under high deposition potentials (Edep
      = -1.5 V), the Pd XRF peak intensity varies linearly with both tdep and [Pd(2+)].
      Quantification of [Pd(2+)] is demonstrated in the presence of excess
      acetaminophen (ACM), l-ascorbic acid, caffeine and riboflavin. We show the same
      Pd XRF signal intensity (for [Pd(2+)] = 1.1 MUM and tdep = 325 s) is observed,
      i.e. same amount of Pd is deposited on the electrode surface, irrespective of
      whether these redox active molecules are present or absent. For tdep = 900 s we
      report a limit of detection for [Pd(2+)] of 3.6 ppb (34 nM). Even lower LODs are
      possible by increasing tdep or by optimising the X-ray source specifically for
      Pd. The work presented for Pd detection in the presence of ACM, achieves the
      required detection sensitivity stipulated by international pharmacopeia
      guidelines. 

PMID- 27118638
TI  - Transcriptome signature for dampened Th2 dominance in acellular pertussis vaccine
      induced CD4(+) T cell responses through TLR4 ligation.
AB  - Current acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines promote a T helper 2 (Th2)-dominated
      response, while Th1/Th17 cells are protective. As our previous study showed,
      after adding a non-toxic TLR4 ligand, LpxL1, to the aP vaccine in mice, the
      Bordetella pertussis-specific Th2 response is decreased and Th1/Th17 responses
      are increased as measured at the cytokine protein level. However, how this shift
      in Th response by LpxL1 addition is regulated at the gene expression level
      remains unclear. Transcriptomics analysis was performed on purified CD4(+) T
      cells of control and vaccinated mice after in vitro restimulation with aP vaccine
      antigens. Multiple key factors in Th differentiation, including transcription
      factors, cytokines, and receptors, were identified within the differentially
      expressed genes. Upregulation of Th2- and downregulation of follicular helper T
      cell-associated genes were found in the CD4(+) T cells of both aP- and aP+LpxL1
      vaccinated mice. Genes exclusively upregulated in CD4(+) T cells of aP+LpxL1
      vaccinated mice included Th1 and Th17 signature cytokine genes Ifng and Il17a
      respectively. Overall, our study indicates that after addition of LpxL1 to the aP
      vaccine the Th2 component is not downregulated at the gene expression level.
      Rather an increase in expression of Th1- and Th17-associated genes caused the
      shift in Th subset outcome.

PMID- 27118640
TI  - A new type of power energy for accelerating chemical reactions: the nature of a
      microwave-driving force for accelerating chemical reactions.
AB  - The use of microwave (MW) irradiation to increase the rate of chemical reactions
      has attracted much attention recently in nearly all fields of chemistry due to
      substantial enhancements in reaction rates. However, the intrinsic nature of the
      effects of MW irradiation on chemical reactions remains unclear. Herein, the
      highly effective conversion of NO and decomposition of H2S via MW catalysis were
      investigated. The temperature was decreased by several hundred degrees
      centigrade. Moreover, the apparent activation energy (Ea') decreased
      substantially under MW irradiation. Importantly, for the first time, a model of
      the interactions between microwave electromagnetic waves and molecules is
      proposed to elucidate the intrinsic reason for the reduction in the Ea' under MW
      irradiation, and a formula for the quantitative estimation of the decrease in the
      Ea' was determined. MW irradiation energy was partially transformed to reduce the
      Ea', and MW irradiation is a new type of power energy for speeding up chemical
      reactions. The effect of MW irradiation on chemical reactions was determined. Our
      findings challenge both the classical view of MW irradiation as only a heating
      method and the controversial MW non-thermal effect and open a promising avenue
      for the development of novel MW catalytic reaction technology.

PMID- 27118641
TI  - Remapping Attention Pointers: Linking Physiology and Behavior.
AB  - Our eyes rapidly scan visual scenes, displacing the projection on the retina with
      every move. Yet these frequent retinal image shifts do not appear to hamper
      vision. Two recent physiological studies shed new light on the role of attention
      in visual processing across saccadic eye movements.

PMID- 27118642
TI  - Navigating the Affordance Landscape: Feedback Control as a Process Model of
      Behavior and Cognition.
AB  - We discuss how cybernetic principles of feedback control, used to explain
      sensorimotor behavior, can be extended to provide a foundation for understanding
      cognition. In particular, we describe behavior as parallel processes of
      competition and selection among potential action opportunities ('affordances')
      expressed at multiple levels of abstraction. Adaptive selection among currently
      available affordances is biased not only by predictions of their immediate
      outcomes and payoffs but also by predictions of what new affordances they will
      make available. This allows animals to purposively create new affordances that
      they can later exploit to achieve high-level goals, resulting in intentional
      action that links across multiple levels of control. Finally, we discuss how such
      a 'hierarchical affordance competition' process can be mapped to brain structure.

PMID- 27118643
TI  - [Nicotine Induced Lung Cancer Cells Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition ?and
      Promote Its Vitro Invasion Potential].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our previous study found that nicotine could induce lung cancer cell
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The aim of this study is to explore the
      relationship between nicotine-induced EMT and lung cancer invasion and
      metastasis. METHODS: Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the
      expression changes of EMT-related markers, E-cadherin and Vimentin, in A549 lung
      cancer cells treated with nicotine; The transposition of beta-catenin protein
      expression was determined by immunofluorescence; Scratch test and Transwell
      invasion assay were used to detect the effects of nicotine on lung cancer cell
      migration and invasion. RESULTS: Nicotine can significantly down-regulate the
      expressional level of E-cadherin mRNA and protein of A549 cells in a manner of
      dose and time-dependent (P<0.01, P<0.01); Nicotine can significantly up-regulate
      the expressional level of Vimentin mRNA and protein of A549 cells in a manner of
      dose and time-dependent (P<0.01, P<0.01); Immunofluorescence results showed that
      beta-catenin protein was significantly transfered to nucleus; Scratch test and
      Transwell assay showed that Nicotine could remarkably increase the migration and
      invasion potential of lung cancer cells (P<0.01, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine
      can induce cancer cells EMT, and promote the invasion and metastasis ability of
      lung cancer cells.

PMID- 27118644
TI  - [LRRC3B is Downregulated in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Connected with Cell
      Proliferation and Invasion].
AB  - BACKGROUND: LRRC3B expression is downregulated in many kinds of malignant tumors
      and it is regarded as tumor inhibition protein. However, the expression pattern
      and biological effect are still unclear in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
      Study of human cancer microarray showed LRRC3B was downregulated in breast cancer
      and colorectal cancer, which declares that LRRC3B takes part in tumor formation.
      This study is to investigate the expression of LRRC3B in lung cancer cell lines
      and the influence of LRRC3B during cell proliferation, invasion and cell cycle.
      METHODS: The expression of LRRC3B was detected through Western blot and Realtime
      RT-PCR. MTT assay, colony formation assay and matrigel invasion assay were
      performed to explore the effect of LRRC3B on cell proliferation, invasion and
      cell cycle. LRRC3B siRAN was transfected in lung cancer cell line H3255, and then
      the effect of LRRC3B on cell proliferation, invasion and cell cycle was analyzed.
      RESULTS: During 4 of 9 lung cancer cell lines, the expression of LRRC3B is
      downregulated compared with normal epithelial cells. Cell proliferation and
      invasion were inhibited in A549 and H460 after LRRC3B transfected. LRRC3B
      suppressed the progress of cell cycle and downregulated the expression of cyclin
      D1 and MMP9. The activity of proliferation and invasion was promoted after LRRC3B
      was knocked out in H3255. CONCLUSIONS: LRRC3B expression downreguated in lung
      cancer cell lines and LRRC3B could inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation,
      invasion and cell cycle progress. LRRC3B could be a new target for lung cancer
      therapy.?.

PMID- 27118645
TI  - [First-line Chemotherapy for Extensive-disease Small Cell Lung Cancer: ?A Network
      Meta-analysis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regimens that combine irinotecan or etoposide with cisplatin or
      carboplatin have been recommended as first-line regimen for extensive-disease
      small cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC). In our network meta-analysis, we synthesized
      the direct and indirect lines of evidence to rank the short-term efficacies of
      these recommended chemotherapy regimens. METHODS: We searched databases,
      including EMBASE, PubMed, CENTRAL and clinicaltrial.gov, for relevant randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacies of these treatments. A risk
      of bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, whereas
      Stata 13.1 was used for statistical synthesis. RESULTS: Our study included 10
      RCTs that involved 2,378 patients. Compared with that of the regimen that
      combined etoposide and carboplatin, the complete remission rate was significantly
      higher in the group treated with irinotecan combined with carboplatin. The
      efficacy of the regimen that combined irinotecan with carboplatin was
      significantly superior over that of the combination of etoposide and cisplatin.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data presented here suggest that the effect of Irinotecan
      combination with Carboplatin is remarkably superior.

PMID- 27118646
TI  - [Analysis of the Role of PET/CT SUVmax in Prognosis and Its Correlation with
      ?Clinicopathological Characteristics in Resectable Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women in
      the world, more than one-half of cases are diagnosed at a advanced stage, and the
      overall 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is 18%. Lung cancer is divided into
      non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC).
      Approximately 80%-85% of cases are NSCLC which includes three main types:
      adenocarcinoma (40%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (20%-30%), and large cell
      carcinoma (10%). Although therapies that target driver mutations in
      adenocarcinomas are showing some promise, they are proving ineffective in smoking
      related SCC. We need pay more attention to the diagnosis and treatment of SCC.
      18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has emerged
      as an accurate staging modality in lung cancer diagnosis. The aim of this study
      is to investigate the role of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) on PET
      CT in prognosis and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics in
      resectable SCC. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-two resectable SCC patients who
      underwent PET/CT imaging between May 2005 and October 2014 were enrolled into
      this retrospectively study. All the enrolled patients had underwent pulmonary
      resection with mediastinal lymph node dissection without preoperative
      chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Survival outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan
      Meier method and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Correlation between
      SUVmax and clinicopathological factors was analysed using Pearson correlation
      analysis and Spearman rank correlation analysis. RESULTS: The patients were
      divided into two groups on the basis of SUVmax 13.0 as cutoff value, and patients
      with SUVmax more than 13.0 had shorter median overall survival than patients less
      than 13.0 in univariate analysis (56 months vs 87 months; P=0.022). There was
      remarkable correlation between SUVmax and gender, tumor size, tumor-node
      metastasis (TNM) stage, neutrophil, NLR, hemoglobin (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox
      analysis demonstrated that SUVmax (HR=1.714, 95%CI: 1.021-2.876, P=0.042), TNM
      stage (HR=1.677, 95%CI: 1.231-2.284, P=0.001) were independent predictors for
      survival. Furthermore, univariate survival analysis showed significant difference
      by SUVmax in patients of stage I (P=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: SUVmax may be of
      importance prognostic factor independent of TNM stage, which was considerable for
      risk stratification in patients with TNM stage. Besides, there was correlation
      between SUVmax of primary tumor and clinicopathological characteristics.?.

PMID- 27118647
TI  - [Clinical Analysis of Icotinib on Beneficiary of ?Advanced Non-small Cell Lung
      Cancer with EGFR Common Mutation].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Targeted therapy has become an indispensable therapy method in
      advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Epithelial growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) can significantly prolong the
      survival of patients harboring EGFR gene mutation. Icotinb is China's first EGFR
      TKI with independent intellectual property rights. The aim of this study is to
      investigate the clinical characteristics about the beneficiary of advanced NSCLC
      patients with EGFR Common mutation who were treated with Icotinib.
      Retrospectively collect the data about beneficiary [progression-free survival
      (PFS)>=6 months] and analysis of the related risk factors for prognosis. METHODS:
      From September 1, 2011 to September 30, 2015, 231 cases of advanced NSCLC
      beneficiary with EGFR common mutation were enrolled for treatment with icotinib
      in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital. RESULTS: The one year benefit rate was 67.9% in the
      group treated with Icotinib as first line, and in the groupas second line or
      above was 53.6%, which is statisticallysignificant. The two years benefit rate
      was 18.7% and 9.3%, respectively. The median PFS of first line group and the
      second line or above was 16.7 and 12.4 months, respectively. The presence of
      brain metastasis (P=0.010), Prior chemotherapy (P=0.001), Eastern Cooperative
      Oncology Group (ECOG) score (P=0.001) were the main factors influencing the
      prognosis. The most common adverse were skin rashes (51 cases, 22.1%) and
      diarrhea (27 cases, 11.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Icotinib offers long-term clinical
      benefit and good tolerance for advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR gene mutation. Its
      advantage groups in addition to the patients with brain metastases and better
      ECOG score, the curative effect of patients with the first-line treatment is
      superior to second or further line. ?.

PMID- 27118648
TI  - [Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokine-1 (MIC-1) as A Biomarker for Diagnosis ?and
      Prognosis of Stage I-II Non-small Cell Lung Cancer].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1), member of
      transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, was found in patients
      serum with epithelial tumors. Therefore, our aim was to delineate the diagnostic
      and prognostic value of serum MIC-1 in patients with stage I-II non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: A total of 152 consecutive patients with stage I-II
      NSCLC were prospectively enrolled and underwent follow up after total resection
      of tumor. Serum MIC-1 level was detected in lung cancer patients by ELISA, 48
      benign pulmonary disease patients and 105 healthy controls, and was correlated
      with clinical features and prognosis of patients. RESULTS: The level of MIC-1 of
      NSCLC patients was significantly higher than that of controls (P<0.001) and
      benign pulmonary disease patients (P<0.001). A threshold of 1,000 pg/mL could be
      used to diagnose early-stage NSCLC with 70.4% sensitivity and 99.0% specificity.
      The level of MIC-1 was associated with elder age (P=0.001), female (P=0.03) and
      T2 (P=0.022). A threshold of 1,465 pg/mL could identify patients with early poor
      outcome with 72.2% sensitivity and 66.1% specificity. The overall 3-year survival
      rate in patients with high level of MIC-1 (>=1,465 pg/mL) was significantly lower
      than that of patients with low MIC-1 level (77.6% vs 94.8%). Multivariable Cox
      regression revealed that a high level of MIC-1 was an independent risk factor for
      compromised overall survival (HR=3.37, 95%CI: 1.09-10.42, P=0.035). CONCLUSIONS:
      High level of serum MIC-1 could be served as a potential biomarker for diagnosis
      and poorer outcome in patients with early-stage NSCLC.?.

PMID- 27118649
TI  - [Clinical Study of Surgical Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer ?10 mm or
      Less in Diameter Under Video-assisted Thoracoscopy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The reasonable operational manner of non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) in early stage is in dispute. This clinical study is to investigate the
      operational manner of NSCLC 10 mm or less in diameter. METHODS: The clinical
      datas of 46 cases with NSCLC 10 mm or less in diameter were retrospectively
      analyzed in our hospital from July 2013 to March 2016. Thin-section computed
      tomography (CT) was done on all cases with 46 pulmonary nodules (5 solid nodules,
      23 mGGOs and 18 pGGOs). Lobectomy, wedge resection and segmentectomy with lymph
      node dissection may be performed in patients according to age or heart and lung
      function. CT-guided Hook-wire precise localization was done on 7 cases. RESULTS:
      Lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection under video-assisted thoracic
      surgery (VATS) were performed in patients with 23 pulmonary nodules (15 mGGOs, 4
      pGGOs and 4 solid nodules ), among wich, only one patient with N2 lymph node
      matastasis was found. Wedge resection and selective lymph node dissection under
      VATS were done in patients with 5 pulmonary nodules (2 mGGOs and 3 pGGOs), and
      segmentectomy and selective lymph node dissection under VATS were done in
      patients with 4 pulmonary nodules (2 mGGOs and 2 pGGOs), among wich, no patient
      with lymph node matastasis was found. CT-guided Hook-wire precise localization
      was done successfully on 7 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Usually NSCLC with pGGO and mGGO
      nodules 10 mm or less in diameter has no lymph node metastasis, therefore,
      systematic lymph node dissection may be not necessary. Selective lymph node
      dissection or systematic lymph node dissection should be performed in patients
      with solid nodules 10 mm or less in diameter. Wedge resection and segmentectomy
      may be performed in patients with advanced age or lower heart and lung function.
      The preoperative CT-guided Hook-wire localization for pulmonary nodules
      particularly for GGOs is an effective and safe technique to assist VATS resection
      of the GGOs.

PMID- 27118650
TI  - [Complete Single-Utility-Port Thoracoscopic Resection of Lung Cancer ?with Single
      Rib Metastasis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complete thoracoscopic surgery has advanced, and its indication has
      also been extended to complex procedures. The aim of this study is to investigate
      the feasibility of complete single-utility-port thoracoscopic lobectomy with rib
      resection. METHODS: A patient was diagnosed with lung cancer and single-rib
      metastasis. The patient received lobectomy and segment costectomy through
      complete single-utility-port thoracoscopic surgery. The literature was also
      reviewed. RESULTS: The tumor was staged at T1N1M1. The patient made an uneventful
      recovery and was dismissed on day 4 after surgery. At the last follow-up, the
      patient was alive and well, with no evidence of the disease at 18 months
      postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Highly selected cases of lung cancer with single
      rib metastasis are appropriate candidates for complete single-utility-port
      thoracoscopic resection.

PMID- 27118651
TI  - [Whole Brain Irradiation and Hypo-fractionation Radiotherapy for the Metastases
      in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer].
AB  - Up to 40% non-small cell lung cancer patients developed brain metastasis during
      progression. Multiple brain metastases are common in non-small cell lung cancer.
      The prognosis of brain metastasis is poor with median survival of less than 1
      year. Radio therapy for brain metastases has gradually developed from whole brain
      radiotherapy (WBRT) to various radiation strategies. WBRT, surgery+WBRT,
      stereotactic radiotherapy+WBRT or WBRT with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB),
      etc. have better overall survival than those untreated patients. The damage of
      the cognitive function from WBRT has been realized recently, however, options of
      radiation strategies for long expected survival patients remain controversial.
      This paper will discuss different WBRT strategies and treatment side effects of
      non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastases. 

PMID- 27118652
TI  - [Current Research of the Roles of IL-35 in Tumor Progression].
AB  - Interleukin(IL)-35 is a new member of the interleukin-12 superfamily. Since its
      first report in 2007, IL-35 rapidly became a research highlight in the field of
      immunology. Like other IL-12 superfamily members, IL-35 was a heterodimer which
      was composed of an alpha chain P35 and a beta chain Epstein-Barr virus induced
      gene 3 (EBI3). Recent research work revealed two distinct roles of IL-35.
      Firstly, IL-35 is highly expressed in some kinds of inflammatory diseases and
      autoimmune diseases and plays import roles in the pathogenesis. Secondly, IL-35
      is positively expressed in some cancers and plays some roles in the process of
      tumor progression. Here we demonstrate the structure and the signalling of IL-35.
      We reviewed the the roles of IL-35 in promoting tumor progression. 

PMID- 27118653
TI  - [Advances on Driver Mutations of Small Cell Lung Cancer].
AB  - Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive tumor and prognosis remains
      dismal. Screening for the targetable driver mutations of this malignant tumor
      contributes to improve the therapeutic approaches and outcome. This review will
      report the advances on some latest driver mutations. 

PMID- 27118655
TI  - Author's reply to Luke.

PMID- 27118654
TI  - Optically active red-emitting Cu nanoclusters originating from complexation and
      redox reaction between copper(ii) and d/l-penicillamine.
AB  - Despite a significant surge in the number of investigations into both optically
      active Au and Ag nanostructures, there is currently only limited knowledge about
      optically active Cu nanoclusters (CuNCs) and their potential applications. Here,
      we have succeeded in preparing a pair of optically active red-emitting CuNCs on
      the basis of complexation and redox reaction between copper(ii) and penicillamine
      (Pen) enantiomers, in which Pen serves as both a reducing agent and a stabilizing
      ligand. Significantly, the CuNCs feature unique aggregation induced emission
      (AIE) characteristics and therefore can serve as pH stimuli-responsive functional
      materials. Impressively, the ligand chirality plays a dramatic role for the
      creation of brightly emissive CuNCs, attributed to the conformation of racemic
      Pen being unfavorable for the electrostatic interaction, and thus suppressing the
      formation of cluster aggregates. In addition, the clusters display potential
      toward cytoplasmic staining and labelling due to the high photoluminescence (PL)
      quantum yields (QYs) and remarkable cellular uptake, in spite that no chirality
      dependent effects in autophagy and subcellular localization are observed in the
      application of chiral cluster enantiomer-based cell imaging. 

PMID- 27118656
TI  - Macrophages and regeneration: Lessons from the heart.
AB  - One of the most ambitious goals in modern cardiology is to regenerate the injured
      myocardium. The human myocardium has poor regenerative power. Thus, significant
      myocardial injury results in irreversible damage, scar formation, remodeling, and
      dysfunction. The search for therapies that will improve myocardial regeneration
      needs a better understanding of the mechanisms of repair and regeneration. While
      the role of macrophages in inflammation, scar formation, and fibrosis are well
      defined, their role in myocardial regeneration is less clear. Recent reports have
      suggested that cardiac macrophages regulate myocardial regeneration in neonatal
      mice. The present review aims to describe the latest discoveries about the
      possible role of macrophages in myocardial regeneration. We discuss the promises
      and difficulties to translate the latest findings into new therapies.

PMID- 27118657
TI  - The Gas-Phase Photophysics of Eosin Y and its Maleimide Conjugate.
AB  - The use of the xanthene family of dyes as fluorescent probes in a wide range of
      applications has provided impetus for the studying of their photophysical
      properties. In particular, recent advances in gas-phase techniques such as FRET
      that utilize such chromophores have placed a greater importance on the
      characterization of these properties in the gas phase. Additionally, the use of
      synthetic linker chains to graft the chromophores in a site-specific manner to
      their target system is ubiquitous. There is, however, often limited information
      on how the addition of such a linker chain may affect the photophysical
      properties of the chromophores, which is of fundamental importance for
      interpretation of experimental data reliant on grafted chromophores. Here, we
      present data on the optical spectroscopy of different protonation states of Eosin
      Y, a fluorescein derivative. We compare the photophysics of Eosin Y to its
      maleimide conjugate, and to the thioether product of the reaction of this
      conjugate with cysteamine. Comparison of the mass spectra following laser
      irradiation shows that very different relaxation takes place upon addition of the
      maleimide moiety but that the photophysics of the bare chromophore are restored
      upon addition of cysteamine. This radical change in the photophysics is
      interpreted in terms of charge-transfer states, whose energy relative to the S1 <
      S0 transition of the chromophore is dependent on the conjugation of the
      maleimide moiety. We also show that the shape of the absorption band is unchanged
      in the gas-phase as compared to the solution-phase, showing a maximum with a
      shoulder toward the blue, and examination of isotope distributions of the
      isolated ions show that this shoulder cannot be due to the presence of dimers.
      Consideration of the fluorescence emission spectrum allows a tentative assignment
      of the shoulder to be due to a vibrational progression with a high Franck-Condon
      factor. 

PMID- 27118658
TI  - Patient responses to inhaler advice given by community pharmacies: The importance
      of meaningfulness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The value of counseling in community pharmacy depends on its ability
      to help patients improve their use of medicine and thereby health status, by
      their adherence to recommendations. Studies showing how patients respond to daily
      pharmacy counseling are, however, scarce. The aim of this study was therefore to
      investigate how patients respond to medical advice given by pharmacy staff.
      METHODS: A heterogeneous sample of patients who received the 'Inhaler Technique
      Assessment Service' (ITAS) in Denmark were interviewed, using a semi-structured
      schedule. Meaning condensation and theoretical analysis were conducted. RESULTS:
      Twenty-two patients who had received the ITAS were included in the analysis.
      Participants found recommendations about optimal inhalation technique meaningful
      and accepted these without questioning. This contrasted how they accepted advice
      toward their medicines, in general. Participants experienced various difficulties
      when trying to adhere with ITAS recommendations at home. Participants who used
      inhalers for a long time did not feel an improvement in disease symptoms due to
      having improved their inhalation technique; however, they still continued to
      inhale the way proposed by pharmacy staff. CONCLUSIONS: ITAS recommendations
      seemed important to adhere with for patients despite experiencing difficulties
      when doing so and secondly not feeling an immediate improvement of health.
      Reasons for this appear to be connected with the concept of meaningfulness.
      Hence, this aspect should be investigated further, as this could help staff
      providing adequate counseling to patients. Further, pharmacy staff should focus
      more on supporting patients implementing their health advice at home.

PMID- 27118659
TI  - Mutant p53 proteins counteract autophagic mechanism sensitizing cancer cells to
      mTOR inhibition.
AB  - Mutations in TP53 gene play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and cancer
      development. Here, we report that gain-of-function mutant p53 proteins inhibit
      the autophagic pathway favoring antiapoptotic effects as well as proliferation of
      pancreas and breast cancer cells. We found that mutant p53 significantly
      counteracts the formation of autophagic vesicles and their fusion with lysosomes
      throughout the repression of some key autophagy-related proteins and enzymes as
      BECN1 (and P-BECN1), DRAM1, ATG12, SESN1/2 and P-AMPK with the concomitant
      stimulation of mTOR signaling. As a paradigm of this mechanism, we show that
      atg12 gene repression was mediated by the recruitment of the p50 NF-kappaB/mutant
      p53 protein complex onto the atg12 promoter. Either mutant p53 or p50 NF-kappaB
      depletion downregulates atg12 gene expression. We further correlated the low
      expression levels of autophagic genes (atg12, becn1, sesn1, and dram1) with a
      reduced relapse free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS)
      of breast cancer patients carrying TP53 gene mutations conferring a prognostic
      value to this mutant p53-and autophagy-related signature. Interestingly, the
      mutant p53-driven mTOR stimulation sensitized cancer cells to the treatment with
      the mTOR inhibitor everolimus. All these results reveal a novel mechanism through
      which mutant p53 proteins promote cancer cell proliferation with the concomitant
      inhibition of autophagy.

PMID- 27118660
TI  - Aliskiren protecting atrial structural remodeling from rapid atrial pacing in a
      canine model.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) contributing to the increasing mortality risk is the
      most common disease in clinical practice. Owing to the side effects and relative
      inefficacy of current antiarrhythmic drugs, some research focuses on renin
      angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) for finding out the new treatment of AF. The
      purpose of this study is to confirm whether aliskiren as a proximal inhibitor of
      renin, which completely inhibits RAS, has beneficial effects on atrial structural
      remodeling in AF. In this study, rapid atrial pacing was induced at 500 beats per
      minute for 2 weeks in a canine model. A different dose of aliskiren was given
      orally for 2 weeks before rapid atrial pacing. HE staining and Masson's staining
      were used for analysis of myocardial fibrosis. TGF-beta1, signal pathways, and
      pro-inflammatory cytokines were shown for the mechanism of structural remodeling
      after the treatment of aliskiren. Serious atrial fibrosis was induced by rapid
      atrial pacing, followed by the elevated TGF-beta1, upregulated MEK and ERK1/2,
      and increased inflammatory factors. Aliskiren could apparently improve myocardial
      fibrosis by reducing the expression of TGF-beta1, inhibiting MEK and ERK1/2
      signal pathways, and decreasing IL-18 and TLR4 in both serum and atrial tissue.
      In conclusion, aliskiren could prevent atrial structural remodeling from rapid
      atrial pacing for 2 weeks. Aliskiren may play a potential beneficial role in the
      treatment of AF induced by rapid atrial pacing. 

PMID- 27118661
TI  - Gadolinium and ruthenium red attenuate remote hind limb preconditioning-induced
      cardioprotection: possible role of TRP and especially TRPV channels.
AB  - Remote ischemic preconditioning is a well reported therapeutic strategy that
      induces cardioprotective effects but the underlying intracellular mechanisms have
      not been widely explored. The current study was designed to investigate the
      involvement of TRP and especially TRPV channels in remote hind limb
      preconditioning-induced cardioprotection. Remote hind limb preconditioning
      stimulus (4 alternate cycles of inflation and deflation of 5 min each) was
      delivered using a blood pressure cuff tied on the hind limb of the anesthetized
      rat. Using Langendorff's system, the heart was perfused and subjected to 30-min
      ischemia and 120-min reperfusion. The myocardial injury was assessed by measuring
      infarct size, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), LVDP, +dp/dtmax,
      -dp/dtmin, heart rate, and coronary flow rate. Gadolinium, TRP blocker, and
      ruthenium red, TRPV channel blocker, were employed as pharmacological tools.
      Remote hind limb preconditioning significantly reduced the infarct size, LDH
      release, CK release and improved coronary flow rate, hemodynamic parameters
      including LVDP, +dp/dtmax, -dp/dtmin, and heart rate. However, gadolinium (7.5
      and 15 mg kg(-1)) and ruthenium red (4 and 8 mg kg(-1)) significantly attenuated
      the cardioprotective effects suggesting the involvement of TRP especially TRPV
      channels in mediating remote hind limb preconditioning-induced cardioprotection.
      Remote hind limb preconditioning stimulus possibly activates TRPV channels on the
      heart or sensory nerve fibers innervating the heart to induce cardioprotective
      effects. Alternatively, remote hind limb preconditioning stimulus may also
      activate the mechanosensitive TRP and especially TRPV channels on the sensory
      nerve fibers innervating the skeletal muscles to trigger cardioprotective
      neurogenic signaling cascade. The cardioprotective effects of remote hind limb
      preconditioning may be mediated via activation of mechanosensitive TRP and
      especially TRPV channels. 

PMID- 27118663
TI  - Consumer perspectives of medication-related problems following discharge from
      hospital in Australia: a quantitative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the consumer's perspectives
      and experiences regarding medication related problems (MRPs) following discharge
      from hospital. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online 80
      question survey. SETTING: Survey participants were recruited through an online
      market research company. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred and six participants
      completed the survey. Participants were included if they were aged 50 years or
      older, taking 5 or more prescription medicines, had been admitted to hospital
      with a minimum stay of 24 h, admitted to hospital within the last 4 months and
      discharged from hospital within the last 1 month. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The
      survey comprised questions measuring: health literacy, health status, medication
      safety (measured by reported MRPs), missed dose(s), role of health professionals,
      health services and cost, and socio-demographic status. Descriptive and
      univariate statistics and logistic regression analysis was performed to examine
      the predictors of experiencing MRPs. RESULTS: Four main risk factors of MRPs
      emerged as significant: health literacy (P < 0.05), health status (P < 0.05),
      consumer engagement (P < 0.05) and cost of medicines (P = 0.001). Participants
      reporting a lack of perceived control over their medicines (OR 6.3; 95% CI: 3.4
      11.8) or those who played less of a role in follow-up discussions with their
      healthcare professionals (OR 7.6; 95% CI: 1.3-45.7) were more likely to
      experience a self-reported MRP. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insight into
      consumers' experiences and perceptions of self-reported MRPs following hospital
      discharge. Results highlight novel findings demonstrating the importance of
      consumer engagement in developing processes to ensure medication safety on
      patient discharge.

PMID- 27118664
TI  - How do we learn about improving health care: a call for a new epistemological
      paradigm.
AB  - PURPOSE: The field of improving health care has been achieving more significant
      results in outcomes at scale in recent years. This has raised legitimate
      questions regarding the rigor, attribution, generalizability and replicability of
      the results. This paper describes the issue and outlines questions to be
      addressed in order to develop an epistemological paradigm that responds to these
      questions. QUESTIONS: We need to consider the following questions: (i) Did the
      improvements work? (ii) Why did they work? (iii) How do we know that the results
      can be attributed to the changes made? (iv) How can we replicate them? (Note, the
      goal is not to copy what was done, but to affect factors that can yield similar
      results in a different context.) NEXT STEPS: Answers to these questions will help
      improvers find ways to increase the rigor of their improvements, attribute the
      results to the changes made and better understand what is context specific and
      what is generalizable about the improvement.

PMID- 27118662
TI  - Effect of tiron on remote organ injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis
      induced by L-arginine.
AB  - Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory disorder of the pancreas that
      can be complicated by involvement of other remote organs. Oxidative stress is
      known to have a crucial role in the development of pancreatic acinar damage and
      one of the main causes in multisystem organ failure in experimental AP. The aim
      of the study was to determine the effect of tiron on pancreas and remote organ
      damage in L-arginine (L-Arg) induced AP rat model. Thirty-two male rats were
      divided in random into four groups: control, tiron, L-Arg, and tiron with L-Arg.
      At the end of the experiment, blood samples were withdrawn for biochemical
      analysis. The pancreas, lung, kidney, and liver were collected for
      histopathological examination. Estimation of pancreatic water content was done.
      Analysis of pulmonary, hepatic, renal, and pancreatic lipid peroxide levels
      (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were carried
      out. Finally, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and transforming growth factor
      beta1 (TGF-beta1) expression in pancreatic tissue was determined. Results
      indicated that treatment with tiron significantly decreased lipid peroxide levels
      and markedly increased both SOD activity and GSH level. Moreover,
      histopathological analysis further confirmed that administration of tiron
      relatively ameliorates pancreatic acinar cells and remote organ damage. Increased
      immunoreactivity of NF-kappaB and TGF-beta1 were reduced also by tiron treatment.
      These findings pointed out the protective role of the mitochondrial antioxidant,
      tiron against AP induced by L-Arg. 

PMID- 27118665
TI  - The Prevalence and Incidence of Diabetes in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The database of the German Institute of Medical Documentation and
      Information makes it possible for the first time to compute statistics on
      diabetes for all insurees of the statutory health insurance scheme in Germany.
      Data from this comprehensive source are less likely to be biased by differences
      in the membership structures of individual insurance carriers or by the
      underrepresentation of persons over age 80 that is seen in most population-based
      studies. METHODS: International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-coded diagnosis
      data from the inpatient and outpatient sectors were used to define persons as
      having diabetes. Incidences were estimated from differences in prevalence from
      one year to the next and the expected mortality of persons with and without
      diabetes. RESULTS: A diabetes diagnosis was present in 6.4 million out of a total
      of 65.6 million insurees in 2009 and in 6.7 million out of 64.9 million insures
      in 2010. The corresponding age and sex standardized prevalences of diabetes were
      9.7% in 2009 and 9.9% in 2010, respectively. The number of persons with type 2
      diabetes was 4.6 million in 2009 and 4.7 million in 2010. The prevalence and
      incidence of type 2 diabetes rose steeply from age 50 to age 80. Peak incidence
      was at age 85, with 24 newly diagnosed cases of diabetes per 1000 person-years.
      CONCLUSION: On the basis of these data, we estimate that 5.8 million persons with
      type 2 diabetes are living in Germany today. The database used in this study is a
      valuable complement to population-based studies for monitoring the prevalence of
      diabetes, particularly in persons over age 80.

PMID- 27118666
TI  - Mental Health Problems in a School Setting in Children and Adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 10-20% of children and adolescents have a mental health problem of
      some type. Manifestations such as attention deficits, cognitive disturbances,
      lack of motivation, and negative mood all adversely affect scholastic
      development. It is often unclear what factors associated with school affect
      children's mental development and what preventive measures and interventions at
      school might be effective. METHODS: This review is based on systematic reviews,
      meta-analyses, and randomized and non-randomized controlled trials that were
      retrieved by a selective search in the PubMed, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar
      databases. RESULTS: The prevalence of hyperkinetic disorder is 1-6%. Its main
      manifestations are motor hyperactivity, an attention deficit, and impulsive
      behavior. Learning disorders such as dyscalculia and dyslexia affect 4-6% of
      children each, while 4-5% of children and adolescents suffer from depression,
      which is twice as prevalent in girls as in boys. Mental health problems increase
      the risk of repeating a grade, truancy, and dropping out of school. The risk of
      developing an internalizing or externalizing mental health problem can be
      lessened by changes in the school environment and by the implementation of
      evidencebased school programs. CONCLUSION: Physicians, in collaboration with
      school social workers and psychologists, should help teachers recognize and
      contend with mental health problems among the children and adolescents whom they
      teach, to enable the timely detection of stress factors at school and the
      initiation of the necessary measures and aids. In particular, the school-entrance
      examination and screening for risk factors at school can make a positive
      contribution. Evidence-based preventive programs should be implemented in
      schools, and beneficial changes of the school environment should be a further
      goal.

PMID- 27118667
TI  - Where Are the Advantages Mentioned?

PMID- 27118668
TI  - Need for Innovations.

PMID- 27118669
TI  - Legal Situation.

PMID- 27118670
TI  - Substantial Advantages for Older Primiparae.

PMID- 27118671
TI  - An Act of Unpredictability.

PMID- 27118672
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27118673
TI  - Characterization of growth and exopolysaccharide production of selected acetic
      acid bacteria in buckwheat sourdoughs.
AB  - Sourdough technology is a promising approach to improve the quality of gluten
      free (GF) breads. It offers replacement of currently used structure-forming
      commercial hydrocolloids by in situ produced exopolysaccharides (EPS). Acetic
      acid bacteria (AAB) can produce EPS of extremely high molecular weight, which are
      promising candidates for structure formation in breads. In this work, an
      alternative aerobic GF cereal fermentation by the levan producing AAB strains
      Gluconobacter albidus TMW 2.1191, Kozakia baliensis NBRC 16680 and Neoasaia
      chiangmaiensis NBRC 101099 was established in buckwheat doughs containing
      molasses as a natural source of sucrose. All three strains reached up to 109CFU/g
      dough at 48h and produced 16-20g/kg flour of fructans. The efficiency of EPS
      production was strain dependent and was additionally affected by initial molasses
      concentrations, inoculum sizes and dough yields, which influenced the respective
      bacterial growth and levan forming capabilities. G. albidus was the most
      competitive strain to grow in the buckwheat doughs, accordingly, the levan
      produced by this strain was further examined for its molecular mass and size
      determination. The structural analysis of levans from G. albidus in buckwheat
      doughs at 24 and 48h revealed the changes in particle sizes during fermentation.
      The ability of AAB strains to grow well and to produce high amounts of levan in
      situ in buckwheat-molasses doughs has opened a new possibility of using AAB
      doughs as a natural ingredient for quality improvement of GF baked products.

PMID- 27118674
TI  - Regulation of brain endothelial barrier function by microRNAs in health and
      neuroinflammation.
AB  - Brain endothelial cells constitute the major cellular element of the highly
      specialized blood-brain barrier (BBB) and thereby contribute to CNS homeostasis
      by restricting entry of circulating leukocytes and blood-borne molecules into the
      CNS. Therefore, compromised function of brain endothelial cells has serious
      consequences for BBB integrity. This has been associated with early events in the
      pathogenesis of several disorders that affect the CNS, such as multiple
      sclerosis, HIV-associated neurologic disorder, and stroke. Recent studies
      demonstrate that brain endothelial microRNAs play critical roles in the
      regulation of BBB function under normal and neuroinflammatory conditions. This
      review will focus on emerging evidence that indicates that brain endothelial
      microRNAs regulate barrier function and orchestrate various phases of the
      neuroinflammatory response, including endothelial activation in response to
      cytokines as well as restoration of inflamed endothelium into a quiescent state.
      In particular, we discuss novel microRNA regulatory mechanisms and their
      contribution to cellular interactions at the neurovascular unit that influence
      the overall function of the BBB in health and during neuroinflammation.-Lopez
      Ramirez, M. A., Reijerkerk, A., de Vries, H. E., Romero, I. A. Regulation of
      brain endothelial barrier function by microRNAs in health and neuroinflammation.

PMID- 27118675
TI  - Hydroxymethylation is uniquely distributed within term placenta, and is
      associated with gene expression.
AB  - The conversion of cytosine to 5-methylcystosine (5mC) is an important regulator
      of gene expression. 5mC may be enzymatically converted to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine
      (5hmC), with a potentially distinct regulatory function. We sought to investigate
      these cytosine modifications and their effect on gene expression by parallel
      processing of genomic DNA using bisulfite and oxidative bisulfite conversion in
      conjunction with RNA sequencing. Although values of 5hmC across the placental
      genome were generally low, we identified ~21,000 loci with consistently elevated
      levels of 5-hydroxymethycytosine. Absence of 5hmC was observed in CpG islands
      and, to a greater extent, in non-CpG island-associated regions. 5hmC was enriched
      within poised enhancers, and depleted within active enhancers, as defined by
      H3K27ac and H3K4me1 measurements. 5hmC and 5mC were significantly elevated in
      transcriptionally silent genes when compared with actively transcribed genes.
      5hmC was positively associated with transcription in actively transcribed genes
      only. Our data suggest that dynamic cytosine regulation, associated with
      transcription, provides the most complete epigenomic landscape of the human
      placenta, and will be useful for future studies of the placental epigenome.
      Green, B. B., Houseman, E. A., Johnson, K. C., Guerin, D. J., Armstrong, D. A.,
      Christensen, B. C., Marsit, C. J. Hydroxymethylation is uniquely distributed
      within term placenta, and is associated with gene expression.

PMID- 27118677
TI  - Antioxidative stress effect of epicatechin and catechin induced by Abeta25-35 in
      rats and use of the electrostatic potential and the Fukui function as a tool to
      elucidate specific sites of interaction.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the
      aggregation of the amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) in senile plaques and cerebral
      vasculature. The Abeta25-35 fraction has shown the most toxicity; its neurotoxic
      mechanisms are associated with the generation of oxidative stress and reactive
      astrogliosis that induce neuronal death and memory impairment. Studies indicate
      that pharmacological treatment with flavonoids reduces the rate of AD, in
      particular, it has been shown that antioxidants are compounds that could interact
      with this peptide due to their antioxidant proprieties. In this study,
      experimental and computational tools were used to calculate the molecular
      electrostatic potential and the Fukui function with the Gaussian 09 computational
      program, to predict the most reactive parts of these molecules and make the
      complex between Abeta25-35 and two flavonoids (catechin and epicatechin) in the
      absolute gas-phase, where a possible interaction between them was observed. This
      is important for understanding the Abeta25-35-Flavonoid (A-F) interaction as a
      therapeutic strategy to inhibit the neurotoxic effects that this peptide causes
      in AD, which currently is still considered an ambiguous process.

PMID- 27118678
TI  - [Maternal morbidity and mortality associated with conservative management for
      placenta morbidly adherent (accreta) diagnosed during pregnancy. Report of 15
      cases].
AB  - BACKGROUND: High risk of morbidly adherent placenta increased during past years.
      Their management is controversial. Cesarean hysterectomy, considered the gold
      standard treatment by American Society, is associated with high risk of maternal
      morbimortality. Conservative management has been sought to reduce maternal
      morbidity associated with caesarean hysterectomy while maintaining fertility. It
      consists of leaving the placenta in place but long-term monitoring. Our main
      objective was to determine advantage/disadvantage of conservative management on
      patient with an antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta, increta or percreta.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients with an
      antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta, increta or percreta between 2007 and
      2014. Conservative treatment was systematically attempted according to our
      protocol. The primary outcome was defined as uterine conservation and the
      secondary outcome as maternal morbimortality defined as any medical or surgical
      condition occurring after childbirth. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (0.07 % of all
      living childbirths) were included. Conservative management was successful in 80 %
      of patients. There was no case of maternal death. Severe post-partum hemorrhage
      occurred in 4 patients (33.3 %) requiring uterine arteries embolization in one
      patient and hysterectomy in the 3 others. They underwent immediate blood
      transfusion of 13.5+/-4.5 average of red blood cell units. No severe septic
      condition occurred but 4 patients suffered from endometritis, 2.6+/-0.5 months
      after birth requiring intravenous antibiotics treatment in conventional
      hospitalization. Mean duration for spontaneous abortion of the placenta was
      23.0+/-7.2 weeks. Three spontaneous pregnancies occurred in 2 patients after 19+/
      16.9 months. CONCLUSION: Conservative management seems encouraging but is
      associated with a non-insignificant risk of secondary complication requiring long
      term monitoring in conciliant patients.

PMID- 27118679
TI  - [Anatomic, functional and identity results after clitoris transposition].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Every year 3 millions of young women had undergone female genital
      mutilation. The psychological, identical and sexual consequences, as well as the
      treatment were described only recently. After a sociodemographic and cultural
      reminder, we analyze the anatomical, psychological, identital, and functional
      results of the reconstructive surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective monocentric study. Thirty women were included in our series. All
      the patients operated according to the technique of Pierre Foldes were contacted
      again, to estimate their motivations for this surgery and study the results on
      femininity, anatomy, psychology and functionality of this intervention. RESULTS:
      Twenty-six women were able to be estimated in the long term. Their main
      motivation was in 77% of the cases the research for a feminine identity. We
      compared the pre- and postoperative results, as well as different predefined
      under groups. The results shown a significant improvement between the pre- and
      the postoperative estimation for each of the items. The patients indicate an
      improvement: anatomical in 96% of the cases, for identity in 88% of the cases,
      psychological in 96% of the cases, and for sexuality in 88% of the cases.
      DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This technique allows an improvement for anatomy and
      functionality but also for physical image, well-being and feminity.

PMID- 27118676
TI  - CIB1: a small protein with big ambitions.
AB  - Calcium- and integrin-binding protein 1 (CIB1) is a small, ubiquitously expressed
      protein that was first identified as an intracellular binding partner of a
      platelet-specific alpha-integrin cytoplasmic tail. Although early studies
      revealed a role for CIB1 in regulating platelet integrin activity, recent studies
      have indicated a more diverse role for CIB1 in many different cell types and
      processes, including calcium signaling, migration, adhesion, proliferation, and
      survival. Increasing evidence also points to a novel role for CIB1 in cancer and
      cardiovascular disease. In addition, an array of CIB1 binding partners has been
      identified that provide important insight into how CIB1 may regulate these
      processes. Some of these binding partners include the serine/threonine kinases,
      p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), and
      polo-like kinase 3 (PLK3). Structural and mutational studies indicate that CIB1
      binds most or all of its partners via a well-defined hydrophobic cleft. Although
      CIB1 itself lacks known enzymatic activity, it supports the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK
      oncogenic signaling pathways, in part, by directly modulating enzymes in these
      pathways. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of CIB1 and key
      questions regarding structure and function and how this seemingly diminutive
      protein impacts important signaling pathways and cellular processes in human
      health and disease.-Leisner, T. M., Freeman, T. C., Black, J. L., Parise, L. V.
      CIB1: a small protein with big ambitions.

PMID- 27118680
TI  - Evolution of sex chromosomes prior to speciation in the dioecious Phoenix
      species.
AB  - Understanding the driving forces and molecular processes underlying dioecy and
      sex chromosome evolution, leading from hermaphroditism to the occurrence of male
      and female individuals, is of considerable interest in fundamental and applied
      research. The genus Phoenix, belonging to the Arecaceae family, consists uniquely
      of dioecious species. Phylogenetic data suggest that the genus Phoenix has
      diverged from a hermaphroditic ancestor which is also shared with its closest
      relatives. We have investigated the cessation of recombination in the sex
      determination region within the genus Phoenix as a whole by extending the
      analysis of P. dactylifera SSR sex-related loci to eight other species within the
      genus. Phylogenetic analysis of a date palm sex-linked PdMYB1 gene in these
      species has revealed that sex-linked alleles have not clustered in a species
      dependent way but rather in X and Y-allele clusters. Our data show that sex
      chromosomes evolved from a common autosomal origin before the diversification of
      the extant dioecious species.

PMID- 27118682
TI  - Peel strength and interfacial characterization of maxillofacial silicone
      elastomers bonded to titanium.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of three adhesive primers on the
      morphology, chemistry and peel bond strength of two maxillofacial silicone
      elastomers with commercially pure titanium (cpTi). METHODS: The effect of three
      primers (PR2:A-304 Primer/A-320 Bonding Enhancer, PR3:Super Bond, and PR4:Super
      Glue) on cpTi morphology and chemistry were studied by reflected light polarized
      microscopy (RPOLM) and reflection Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy
      (RFTIRM). For testing the bond strength between two elastomers (EL1:MDX4-4210,
      EL2:A-2006) and primed cpTi surfaces, a 90 degrees  T peel test was performed
      (PBS), using as reference EL1, EL2 specimens bonded to heat-cured poly(methyl
      methacrylate) resin (PMMA) primed with A-330G primer (PR1). Failure modes were
      analyzed under a stereomicroscope, and the percentage of remaining silicone (RS%)
      on cpTi and PMMA were calculated by image analysis. Scanning electron
      microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDX) was used to investigate
      representative failure patterns on cpTi. Data were analyzed with Weibull
      analysis, ANOVA plus post hoc tests, and Pearson correlation coefficient
      (a=0.05). RESULTS: Thick-irregular (PR2), thin-smooth (PR3), and uniform-porous
      (PR4) films were identified on cpTi by RPOLM. RFTIRM revealed: a strong peak of
      Si-O-Si with a distribution following the outline of the image (PR2); COO-M
      groups developed, but unevenly distributed (PR3); and reduction in CC groups due
      to in situ polymerization (PR4). Following PBS, the ranking of the statistical
      significant differences in Weibull scale parameter (sigma0) of the EL1 group was
      PMMA_PR1>cpTi_PR2,cpTi_PR3>cpTi_PR4, whereas for the EL2 group
      cpTi_PR2>PMMA_PR1>cpTi_PR4,cpTi_PR3. For RS%, the ranking in the EL1 group was:
      PMMA_PR1>cpTi_PR2>cpTi_PR3>cpTi_PR4, and in the EL2
      cpTi_PR2>cpTi_PR3>cpTi_PR4,PMMA_PR1. There was no statistically significant
      correlation between PBS and RS%, with the exception of EL1_PMMA_PR1. In all
      groups mixed failure modes were found by SEM/EDX. SIGNIFICANCE: Although there is
      evidence of bonding with cpTi, there are important differences among the
      primer/elastomer combination that may affect the clinical performance of these
      materials.

PMID- 27118681
TI  - LPS-induced NFkappaB enhanceosome requires TonEBP/NFAT5 without DNA binding.
AB  - NFkappaB is a central mediator of inflammation. Present inhibitors of NFkappaB
      are mostly based on inhibition of essential machinery such as proteasome and
      protein kinases, or activation of nuclear receptors; as such, they are of limited
      therapeutic use due to severe toxicity. Here we report an LPS-induced NFkappaB
      enhanceosome in which TonEBP is required for the recruitment of p300. Increased
      expression of TonEBP enhances the NFkappaB activity and reduced TonEBP expression
      lowers it. Recombinant TonEBP molecules incapable of recruiting p300 do not
      stimulate NFkappaB. Myeloid-specific deletion of TonEBP results in milder
      inflammation and sepsis. We discover that a natural small molecule cerulenin
      specifically disrupts the enhanceosome without affecting the activation of
      NFkappaB itself. Cerulenin suppresses the pro-inflammatory activation of
      macrophages and sepsis without detectable toxicity. Thus, the NFkappaB
      enhanceosome offers a promising target for useful anti-inflammatory agents.

PMID- 27118683
TI  - Chewing efficiency and maximum bite force with different attachment systems of
      implant overdentures: a crossover study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This crossover study aimed to evaluate and compare chewing efficiency
      and maximum bite force (MBF) with resilient telescopic and bar attachment systems
      of implant overdentures in patients with atrophied mandibles. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Ten participants with severely resorbed mandibles and persistent denture
      problems received new maxillary and mandibular conventional dentures (control,
      CD). After 3 months of adaptation, two implants were inserted in canine region of
      the mandible. In a quasi-random method, overdentures were connected to the
      implants with either bar overdentures (BOD) or resilient telescopic overdentures
      (TOD) attachment systems. Chewing efficiency in terms of unmixed fraction (UF)
      was measured using chewing gum (after 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 strokes), and MBF was
      measured using a bite force transducer. Measurements were performed 3 months
      after using each of the following prostheses: CD, BOD and TOD. RESULTS: Chewing
      efficiency and MBF increased significantly with BOD and TOD compared to CD. As
      the number of chewing cycles increased, the UF decreased. TOD recorded
      significant higher chewing efficiency and MBF than BOD. CONCLUSION: Resilient
      telescopic attachments are associated with increased chewing efficiency and MBF
      compared bar attachments when used to retain overdentures to the implants in
      patients with atrophied mandibles.

PMID- 27118684
TI  - Amplified fluorescence emission of bolaamphiphilic perylene-azacrown ether
      derivatives directed towards molecular recognition events.
AB  - Long-term creative approaches have been considered in the design of molecular
      probes to overcome the quenching effect of important dyes in an aqueous medium.
      Using the rational donor-acceptor based design principle, we demonstrate herein
      the different fluorescence states of a non-conjugated symmetrical perylene
      azacrown ether system in a solution, from the molecular to the aggregated states.
      The ethylene-spacer is exceptionally capable of fluorescence enhancement, even in
      the aggregated state (organic nanoparticle, ONPs, 44 nm), overcoming the
      quenching effect on changing the solvent from tetrahydrofuran to water. The ONPs
      with crown ether receptors at the surface show colloidal stability in an aqueous
      solution. Furthermore, an improved fluorescent state is developed via ONPs
      polymer (protamine, Pro) hybridization. Supramolecular interactions between the
      crown ring and the guanidinium group in Pro play an important role in the ONPs
      Pro hybrid formation. The decorated fluorescent hybrid state is finally used as a
      nano-probe for sensing heparin via the turn-OFF mechanism. The decoration method
      is further generalized by recognition of the nucleotides. Herein, we detail the
      bottom-up approach to the molecular design and development of the different
      fluorescent states of a useful probe. Most excitingly, this new approach is very
      general and adaptive to facile detection.

PMID- 27118685
TI  - An Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of the Genus
      Meconopsis.
AB  - The Meconopsis plants (Chinese: ), belonging to the family Papaveraceae, have
      been used as traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) for thousands of years.
      Meconopsis has the effects of clearing heat, reducing swelling, and easing pain,
      and is mainly prescribed for heat syndromes, hepatitis, pneumonia, and pain in
      joints. Phytochemical studies have revealed the presence of major isoquinoline
      alkaloids and flavonoids. Modern pharmacological research has demonstrated its
      antitumor, hepatoprotective, analgestic, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant,
      antitussive, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, resource availability, in
      depth in vivo pharmacological study and qualitative and quantitative analysis are
      still insufficient and deserve further efforts. This paper provides a
      comprehensive advance on the ethnopharmacological, phytochemical, and
      pharmacological studies of the genus, in hopes of promoting a better
      understanding of their medicinal values. 

PMID- 27118686
TI  - Spectroscopic investigation of water-soluble alloyed QDs with bovine serum
      albumin.
AB  - We present here a systematic investigation on the interaction between a water
      soluble alloyed semiconductor quantum dot and bovine serum albumin using various
      spectroscopic techniques i.e. fluorescence quenching, resonance light scattering
      and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. The analysis of fluorescence spectrum
      and fluorescence intensity indicates that the intrinsic fluorescence of bovine
      serum albumin (BSA) gets quenched by both static and dynamic quenching mechanism.
      The Stern-Volmer quenching constants, energy transfer efficiency parameters,
      binding parameters and corresponding thermodynamic parameters (DeltaH0 , DeltaS0
      and DeltaG0 ) have been evaluated by using van 't Hoff equation at different
      temperatures. A positive entropy change with a positive enthalpy change was
      observed suggesting that the binding process was an entropy-driven, endothermic
      process associated with the hydrophobic effect. The intermolecular distance (r)
      between donor (BSA) and acceptor (CdSeS/ZnS quantum dots) was estimated according
      to Forster's theory of non-radiative energy transfer. The synchronous
      fluorescence spectra revealed a blue shift in the emission maxima of tryptophan
      which is indicative of increasing hydrophobicity. Negative DeltaG0 values implied
      that the binding process was spontaneous. It was found that hydrophobic forces
      played a role in the quenching process. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 27118688
TI  - A pilot play-based intervention to improve the social play interactions of
      children with autism spectrum disorder and their typically developing playmates.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Occupational therapists play a key role in addressing the social
      difficulties of children with ASD. However, interventions are often time
      intensive, without outcomes generalising beyond the clinic setting. To examine
      the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an intervention to address the
      social play skills of children with ASD. METHODS: Participants in this multiple
      case study design were five children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), five
      typically developing playmates and five parents of children with ASD. Two
      therapists and parents delivered the intervention involving clinic play sessions
      and home modules. Parents' treatment adherence was recorded. The Test of
      Playfulness was scored by a blinded rater to examine child outcomes following the
      intervention. Line graphs were used to examine case data. Percentage of non
      overlapping data (PND) was used to calculate the single-case effect size for each
      child. RESULTS: Parents completed 92.2% of the intervention. Children's case data
      showed an upwards trend from pre- to post-intervention in four of the five pairs
      (child with ASD and playmate). However, there was a decrease in scores from post
      intervention to the two-month home follow-up for all but one pair. PND indicated
      the intervention was effective for two children with ASD and three of their
      playmates, had a questionable effect on three children with ASD and no observable
      effect on two playmates. CONCLUSION: The intervention demonstrated preliminary
      feasibility and effectiveness for improving the social play skills of some
      children with ASD. Careful consideration is needed to identify which children
      with ASD and which playmates would be best suited for this intervention approach.

PMID- 27118689
TI  - Are Abused Women's Protective Actions Associated With Reduced Threats, Stalking,
      and Violence Perpetrated by Their Male Intimate Partners?
AB  - Victims of intimate partner violence may take various actions to protect
      themselves from their partner. This research examined the association between
      abused women's ( N = 755) protective strategies at baseline and her partner's
      threats, stalking, and moderate and severe violence 8 months later. Emergency
      domestic violence shelter and orders of protection significantly reduced
      subsequent abuse. Receiving medical treatment was associated with a significant
      increase in violence, and security devices (e.g., mace, changing locks) with an
      increase in stalking. Safety planning and other strategies had no statistical
      association with abuse at follow-up. Future research should continue to examine
      the efficacy of safety strategies.

PMID- 27118687
TI  - Smoking and Adverse Outcomes in Patients With CKD: The Study of Heart and Renal
      Protection (SHARP).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The absolute and relative importance of smoking to vascular and
      nonvascular outcomes in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well its
      relevance to kidney disease progression, is uncertain. STUDY DESIGN:
      Observational study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 9,270 participants with CKD enrolled
      in SHARP. PREDICTOR: Baseline smoking status (current, former, and never).
      OUTCOMES: Vascular events, site-specific cancer, ESRD, rate of change in
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and cause-specific mortality.
      RESULTS: At baseline, 1,243 (13%) participants were current smokers (median
      consumption, 10 cigarettes/day); 3,272 (35%), former smokers; and 4,755 (51%),
      never smokers. Median follow-up was 4.9 years. Vascular event rates were 36%
      higher for current than never smokers (2,317 events; relative risk [RR], 1.36;
      95% CI, 1.19-1.55), reflecting increases in both atherosclerotic (RR, 1.49; 95%
      CI, 1.26-1.76) and nonatherosclerotic (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.05-1.50) events.
      Cancer was 37% higher among current smokers (632 events; RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.07
      1.76), with the biggest RRs for lung (RR, 9.31; 95% CI, 4.37-19.83) and upper
      aerodigestive tract (RR, 4.87; 95% CI, 2.10-11.32) cancers. For 6,245 patients
      not receiving dialysis at baseline, ESRD incidence did not differ significantly
      between current and never smokers (2,141 events; RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.89-1.17),
      nor did estimated rate of change in eGFR (current smokers, -1.77+/-0.14 [SE];
      never smokers, -1.70+/-0.07mL/min/1.73m(2) per year). All-cause mortality was 48%
      higher among current smokers (2,257 events; RR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.30-1.70), with
      significant increases in vascular (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.07-1.69) and nonvascular
      (RR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.34-1.91) causes of death, especially cancer (RR, 2.32; 95%
      CI, 1.58-3.40) and respiratory (RR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.51-3.35) mortality.
      LIMITATIONS: Smoking status not assessed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      study of patients with CKD, smoking significantly increased the risks for
      vascular and nonvascular morbidity and mortality, but was not associated with
      kidney disease progression. The associations with vascular and neoplastic disease
      are in keeping with those observed in the general population and are likely
      modifiable by cessation.

PMID- 27118690
TI  - Imaging of traumatic injury and impingement of anterior knee fat.
AB  - Fat is not just used by the body as bulk tissue. In addition to its role in
      storing energy and regulating hormone action, fat is used in some parts of the
      body for its mechanical properties. The anatomy of anterior knee fat is more
      complex than it appears at first sight and is capable of withstanding
      considerable compressive and shear stress. Specific lesions occur when such
      mechanical stress exceeds the physiological limits and are yet little known.
      Superficial fat can be the site of either acute injury by closed degloving called
      the Morel-Lavallee lesion or chronic injury, when subject to repeat excessive
      shear forces, due to more complex and less well-defined disruptions that result
      in pseudo-bursitis. There are three main anterior, intracapsular and
      extrasynovial fat pads in the knee joint, which are the infrapatellar fat pad
      (IFP) or Hoffa's fat pad, the quadriceps fat pad and the prefemoral fat pad. The
      IFP plays an important role as a mechanical shock absorber and guides the patella
      tendon and even the patella itself during flexion-extension movements. In
      response to repeated excessive stress, an inflammatory reaction and swelling of
      the IFP is first observed, followed by a fibrotic reaction with metaplastic
      transformation into fibrous, cartilaginous or bone tissue. More rarely, the two
      other deep fat pads (quadriceps and prefemoral) can, if subject to repeated
      stress, undergo similar restructuring inflammatory reactions with metaplasia
      resulting in tissue hardening, anterior pain and partial loss of function. 

PMID- 27118691
TI  - Driven to extinction? The ethics of eradicating mosquitoes with gene-drive
      technologies.
AB  - Mosquito-borne diseases represent a significant global disease burden, and recent
      outbreaks of such diseases have led to calls to reduce mosquito populations.
      Furthermore, advances in 'gene-drive' technology have raised the prospect of
      eradicating certain species of mosquito via genetic modification. This technology
      has attracted a great deal of media attention, and the idea of using gene-drive
      technology to eradicate mosquitoes has been met with criticism in the public
      domain. In this paper, I shall dispel two moral objections that have been raised
      in the public domain against the use of gene-drive technologies to eradicate
      mosquitoes. The first objection invokes the concept of the 'sanctity of life' in
      order to claim that we should not drive an animal to extinction. In response, I
      follow Peter Singer in raising doubts about general appeals to the sanctity of
      life, and argue that neither individual mosquitoes nor mosquitoes species
      considered holistically are appropriately described as bearing a significant
      degree of moral status. The second objection claims that seeking to eradicate
      mosquitoes amounts to displaying unacceptable degrees of hubris. Although I argue
      that this objection also fails, I conclude by claiming that it raises the
      important point that we need to acquire more empirical data about, inter alia,
      the likely effects of mosquito eradication on the ecosystem, and the likelihood
      of gene-drive technology successfully eradicating the intended mosquito species,
      in order to adequately inform our moral analysis of gene-drive technologies in
      this context.

PMID- 27118692
TI  - Why I wrote my advance decision to refuse life-prolonging treatment: and why the
      law on sanctity of life remains problematic.
AB  - This paper, pursuing themes indefatigably defended in this journal and elsewhere
      by Professors Jenny and Celia Kitzinger, explains what led me to write my own
      advance decision (AD) to refuse life-prolonging treatment if I become legally
      incapacitated to make my own healthcare decisions for longer than 3 months and am
      medically assessed as very unlikely to regain such legal capacity. I attach my
      Advance Decision to Refuse Life Prolonging Treatment to the online version of
      this paper for comment advice and possible general interest. I argue that while a
      Supreme Court judgement in 2013, followed by a Court of Protection judgement in
      2015 greatly ameliorate my earlier concerns about excessive judicial emphasis on
      the sanctity of life, certain current requirements in the Code of Practice to the
      Mental Capacity Act 2005 and in the Rules of the Court of Protection, especially
      Practice Direction 9E, concerning permanent vegetative state and minimally
      conscious state, seem clearly to contradict aspects of that Supreme Court
      judgement. If the logical implications of those legal requirements were
      thoroughly implemented medical practice would be substantially and undesirably
      skewed towards provision of treatments to prolong life that are unwanted, non
      beneficial and wasteful of healthcare resources. I urge that these legal
      requirements are modified to make them consistent with the Supreme Court's
      judgement in Aintree v James.

PMID- 27118693
TI  - Deus ex Machina.

PMID- 27118694
TI  - A duty of kindness.

PMID- 27118695
TI  - The NHS could do better.

PMID- 27118697
TI  - All health researchers should begin their training by preparing at least one
      systematic review.

PMID- 27118696
TI  - Do invitations for cervical screening provide sufficient information to enable
      informed choice? A cross-sectional study of invitations for publicly funded
      cervical screening.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether invitations for publicly funded cervical
      screening provide sufficient information to enable an informed choice about
      participation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using a checklist of 23 information
      items on benefits and harms from cervical screening and the risks related to
      cervical cancer. MATERIAL: Invitations to publicly funded cervical screening in
      10 Scandinavian and English-speaking countries. SETTING: Ten Scandinavian and
      English speaking countries. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen screening units representing 10
      Scandinavian and English speaking countries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of
      information items presented in invitations for cervical screening. RESULTS: We
      contacted 21 coordinating units from 11 countries and 20 (95%) responded. Of
      these, four units did not issue invitations, but the remaining 16 coordinating
      units in 10 different countries supplied a sample. The invitations for cervical
      screening were generally information poor and contained a median of only four out
      of 23 information items possible (17%), ranging from 0 to 12 (0-52%). The most
      important harms of cancer screening, overdiagnosis and overtreatment, were
      typically downplayed or unmentioned. The same applied to other important harms,
      such as false-positive results and the psychological consequences from an
      abnormal test result. The majority of invitations took a paternalistic approach.
      While only two invitations (17%) included a pre-assigned appointment date, eight
      (70%) of the invitations contained strong appeals for participation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Invitations to cervical cancer screening were information poor and biased in
      favour of participation. This means that informed choice is not possible, which
      is in conflict with modern requirements for personal involvement in medical
      decisions.

PMID- 27118698
TI  - Surgical care practitioners in orthopaedics.

PMID- 27118699
TI  - Nomograms for two-dimensional echocardiography derived valvular and arterial
      dimensions in Caucasian children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances, current pediatric echocardiographic
      nomograms for valvular and arterial dimensions remain limited. METHODS: We
      prospectively studied healthy Caucasian Italian children by two-dimensional (2D)
      echocardiography. Echocardiographic measurements for 18 valvular and arterial
      dimensions were performed and models were generated testing for linear,
      logarithmic, exponential, and square root relationships. Heteroscedasticity was
      accounted for by White or Breusch-Pagan test. Age, weight, height, heart rate,
      and body surface area (BSA) were used as independent variables in different
      analyses to predict the mean values of each measurement. Structured Z-scores were
      then computed. RESULTS: In all, 1151 subjects (age 0 days to 17 years; 45%
      females; BSA 0.12-2.12m2) were studied. The Haycock formula was used when
      presenting data as predicted values (mean+/-2 SDs) for a given BSA and within
      equations relating echocardiographic measurements to BSA. The predicted values
      and Z-score boundaries for all measurements are presented. CONCLUSIONS: We report
      echocardiographic nomograms for valvular and arterial dimensions derived from a
      large population of children. Integration of these data with those of previous
      reports would allow for a comprehensive coverage of pediatric 2D
      echocardiographic nomograms for measurement of 2D cardiac structures.

PMID- 27118701
TI  - Antidepressant use and cardiovascular risk: moving from emotive rhetoric towards
      evidence based care.

PMID- 27118702
TI  - Temporal and associated disorders of perception in infants born extremely
      preterm.

PMID- 27118700
TI  - Increasing delirium skills at the front door: results from a repeated survey on
      delirium knowledge and attitudes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: delirium is under-recognised in comparison to other common and
      serious acute disorders. A 2006 survey of UK junior doctors (not undertaking
      specialist training) identified poor knowledge of the diagnostic criteria and
      treatment of delirium. We hypothesised that increased prominence accorded to
      delirium in the form of national initiatives and guidelines may have had an
      impact on understanding among junior doctors. OBJECTIVE: we repeated a multi
      centre survey of knowledge of and attitudes to delirium in junior doctors (not
      undertaking specialist training) assessing unselected acute medical presentations
      (the 'medical take'). DESIGN: questionnaire-based survey in 48 acute hospitals in
      UK and Ireland. METHODS: we used questionnaires designed to test understanding of
      delirium, including prevalence, knowledge of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, use
      of specific screening tools, association with adverse outcomes and
      pharmacological management. RESULTS: one thousand two hundred and fifteen trainee
      physicians participated. Compared with the 2006 cohort, improvements were seen in
      9 of 17 knowledge-based questions and overall score improved in the 2013 cohort.
      Nonetheless, significant deficits in knowledge, particularly for the diagnostic
      criteria for delirium, remained. CONCLUSIONS: despite improvements in some
      aspects of delirium knowledge, the diagnostic criteria for delirium remain poorly
      understood. Challenges remain in ensuring adequate training for junior doctors in
      delirium.

PMID- 27118703
TI  - Prolactin and cortisol mediate the maintenance of hyperosmoregulatory ionocytes
      in gills of Mozambique tilapia: Exploring with an improved gill incubation
      system.
AB  - Endocrine control of osmoregulation is essential for teleosts to adapt to various
      aquatic environments. Prolactin (PRL) is known as a fundamental endocrine factor
      for hyperosmoregulation in teleost fishes, acting on ionocytes in the gills to
      maintain ion concentrations of body fluid within narrow physiological ranges in
      freshwater conditions. Cortisol is also known as an osmoregulation-related
      steroid in teleosts; however, its precise function is still controversial. Here,
      we investigated more detailed effects of PRL and roles of cortisol on ionocytes
      of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) in freshwater, using an improved
      gill filament incubation system. This incubation system resulted in enhanced cell
      viability, as evaluated using the dead cell marker propidium iodide. PRL was
      shown to maintain the density of freshwater-type ionocytes in isolated gill
      filaments; this effect of PRL is not achieved by the activation of cell
      proliferation, but by the maintenance of existing ionocytes. Cortisol alone did
      not show any distinct effect on ionocyte density in isolated gill filaments. We
      also assessed effects of PRL and cortisol on relative mRNA levels of NCC2, NHE3,
      NKAa1a, and NKAa1b. PRL maintained relative NCC2 and NKAa1a mRNA abundance, and
      cortisol showed a stimulatory effect on relative NCC2 and NKAa1a mRNA levels in
      combination with PRL, though cortisol alone exerted no effect on these genes. An
      increase in NKAa1b mRNA abundance was detected in cortisol-treated groups. PRL
      treatment also maintained normal NCC2 localization at the apical membrane of the
      ionocytes. These results indicate that PRL maintains freshwater-type ionocytes,
      and that cortisol stimulates the function of ionocytes maintained by PRL.

PMID- 27118704
TI  - Maternal corticosterone deposition in avian yolk: Influence of laying order and
      group size in a joint-nesting, cooperatively breeding species.
AB  - Glucocorticoid hormones play a key role in day-to-day adjustments to fluctuating
      metabolic needs. These hormones also mediate physiological and behavioral
      responses to stressful events, allowing individuals to cope with stressors.
      Various environmental insults, such as a food shortages, predation attempts, and
      agonistic encounters often elevate plasma glucocorticoid levels in vertebrates.
      Because exposure to maternally-derived (via circulation or egg) glucocorticoids
      may be detrimental to the developing embryo, maternal stress can have negative
      carryover effects on offspring fitness. We examined corticosterone, the primary
      avian glucocorticoid, concentrations in egg yolk in a plural-breeding, joint
      nesting species, the smooth-billed ani (Crotophaga ani), in which females compete
      among themselves to lay eggs in the final incubated clutch. We investigated
      whether yolk corticosterone levels varied with laying order and group size.
      Because egg-laying competition leads to physiological and social stress that is
      intensified with group size and laying order, we predicted that yolk
      corticosterone levels should increase from the early to the late egg-laying
      period and from single female to multi-female groups. In this two-year field
      study, we found that yolk corticosterone levels of late-laid eggs within the
      communal clutch were higher in multi-female groups than in single female groups.
      Results from this study suggest that laying females experience higher levels of
      stress in multi-female groups and that this maternal stress influences yolk
      corticosterone concentrations. This study identifies a novel cost of group-living
      in plural-breeding cooperatively breeding birds, namely an increase in yolk
      corticosterone levels with group size that may result in detrimental effects on
      offspring development.

PMID- 27118705
TI  - Identification, expression analysis, and functional characterization of peptide
      YY in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus).
AB  - Peptide YY (PYY) functions as a postprandial satiety signal in mammals. However,
      the genomic information and physiological roles of chicken PYY have not yet been
      clarified, although PYY peptide was isolated from chicken intestines in 1992. In
      this study, we identified a full-length complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence
      encoding the chicken PYY precursor. The deduced amino acid sequence of chicken
      PYY was completely consistent with the previously identified peptide sequence.
      PYY mRNA was abundantly expressed in the small intestine compared with the large
      intestine. PYY mRNA levels in the jejunum were significantly higher during ad
      libitum feeding compared with fasting, suggesting that intestinal PYY expression
      is altered in response to nutritional status in chicks. Intravenous
      administration of PYY significantly suppressed food intake in chicks.
      Furthermore, neuropeptide Y receptor Y2, a possible target of PYY, was expressed
      in various brain regions including the appetite-regulating centers in chicks.
      This is the first evidence that the intestinal hormone PYY may function as an
      anorexigenic hormone in chicks.

PMID- 27118706
TI  - Oleic acid induces specific alterations in the morphology, gene expression and
      steroid hormone production of cultured bovine granulosa cells.
AB  - After parturition, one of the major problems related to nutritional management
      that is faced by the majority of dairy cows is negative energy balance (NEB).
      During NEB, excessive lipid mobilization takes place and hence the levels of free
      fatty acids, among them oleic acid, increase in the blood, but also in the
      follicular fluid. This accumulation can be associated with serious metabolic and
      reproductive disorders. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of
      physiological concentrations of oleic acid on cell morphology, apoptosis,
      necrosis, proliferation and steroid production, and on the abundance of selected
      transcripts in cultured bovine granulosa cells. Increasing oleic acid
      concentrations induced intracellular lipid droplet accumulation, thus resulting
      in a foam cell-like morphology, but had no effects on apoptosis, necrosis or
      proliferation. Oleic acid also significantly reduced the transcript abundance of
      the gonadotropin hormone receptors, FSHR and LHCGR, steroidogenic genes STAR,
      CYP11A1, HSD3B1 and CYP19A1, the cell cycle regulator CCND2, but not of the
      proliferation marker PCNA. In addition, treatment increased the transcript levels
      of the fatty acid transporters CD36 and SLC27A1, and decreased the production of
      17-beta-estradiol and progesterone. From these data it can be concluded that
      oleic acid specifically affects morphological and physiological features and gene
      expression levels thus altering the functionality of granulosa cells.
      Suggestively, these effects might be partly due to the reduced expression of FSHR
      and thus the reduced responsiveness to FSH stimulation.

PMID- 27118707
TI  - Environmentally relevant concentrations of nitrate increase plasma testosterone
      concentrations in female American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis).
AB  - Anthropogenic nitrogen is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant that is
      contributing to the degradation of freshwater, estuarine, and coastal ecosystems
      worldwide. The effects of environmental nitrate, a principal form of nitrogen, on
      the health of aquatic life is of increasing concern. We exposed female American
      alligators to three concentrations of nitrate (0.7, 10 and 100mg/L NO3-N) for a
      duration of five weeks and five months from hatch. We assessed growth, plasma sex
      steroid and thyroid hormone concentrations, and transcription levels of key genes
      involved in steroidogenesis (StAR, 3beta-HSD, and P450scc) and hepatic clearance
      (Cyp1a, Cyp3a). Exposure to 100mg/L NO3-N for both five weeks and five months
      resulted in significantly increased plasma testosterone (T) concentrations
      compared with alligators in the reference treatment. No differences in 17beta
      estradiol, progesterone, or thyroid hormones were observed, nor were there
      differences in alligator weight or the mRNA abundance of steroidogenic or hepatic
      genes. Plasma and urinary nitrate concentrations increased with increasing
      nitrate treatment levels, although relative plasma concentrations of nitrate were
      significantly lower in five month, versus five week old animals, possibly due to
      improved kidney function in older animals. These results indicate that
      environmentally relevant concentrations of nitrate can increase circulating
      concentrations of T in young female alligators.

PMID- 27118708
TI  - High-Content Screening for Quantitative Cell Biology.
AB  - High-content screening (HCS), which combines automated fluorescence microscopy
      with quantitative image analysis, allows the acquisition of unbiased
      multiparametric data at the single cell level. This approach has been used to
      address diverse biological questions and identify a plethora of quantitative
      phenotypes of varying complexity in numerous different model systems. Here, we
      describe some recent applications of HCS, ranging from the identification of
      genes required for specific biological processes to the characterization of
      genetic interactions. We review the steps involved in the design of useful
      biological assays and automated image analysis, and describe major challenges
      associated with each. Additionally, we highlight emerging technologies and future
      challenges, and discuss how the field of HCS might be enhanced in the future.

PMID- 27118709
TI  - Neuroplasticity: Effects of Physical and Cognitive activity on brain structure
      and function.

PMID- 27118710
TI  - Transpancreatic Mattress Suture with Vicryl Mesh Around the Stump During Distal
      Pancreatectomy: A Novel Technique for Preventing Postoperative Pancreatic
      Fistula.

PMID- 27118711
TI  - A New Procedure for the Treatment of Extrahepatic Portal Hypertension in
      Children: Portal Cavernoma-Rex Shunt with Interposition of Grafted Portal Vessel.

PMID- 27118712
TI  - Positive Nipple Margins in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomies: Rates, Management, and
      Oncologic Safety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When a nipple margin of a nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) contains
      malignancy, current practice includes removal of the nipple or nipple areola
      complex (NAC). We evaluated rates and trends of positive nipple margins,
      subsequent management, and oncologic outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective
      chart review of all NSM at our institution from 2007 to 2014 was performed. A
      descriptive analysis was performed of patients with positive nipple/subareolar
      margins. RESULTS: Among 1,326 NSM, 43 of 642 (6.7%) therapeutic and 3 of 684
      (0.4%) prophylactic NSM had positive nipple margins. Nipple or NAC excision was
      performed for 39 of 46 (85%) positive nipple margins: 20 of 39 (51%) had nipple
      only and 19 of 39 (49%) had the entire NAC excised. Practice evolved to remove
      only the nipple and retain the areola for positive nipple margins: in 2007 to
      2011, 7 of 17 (41%) underwent nipple-only excision compared with 14 of 22 (64%)
      in 2012 to 2014. Among 39 excised nipples/NAC, 28 (72%) contained no residual
      malignancy, while 8 contained ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 2 had invasive
      lobular carcinoma, and 1 had invasive ductal carcinoma. With experience, rates of
      positive nipple margins for therapeutic NSM decreased from 11% (17 of 160) in
      2007 to 2011 to 5.4% (26 of 482) in 2012 to 2014 (p < 0.05). At 36 month median
      follow-up, there were no recurrences in the nipple/NAC. CONCLUSIONS: Early
      results suggest that excision of the nipple with retention of the areola is a
      safe approach for management of a positive nipple margin after NSM. With
      experience, low rates of positive nipple margins are possible in therapeutic NSM.
      Overall risk of nipple/NAC recurrence after NSM remains extremely low.

PMID- 27118713
TI  - Prolonged Length of Stay after Esophageal Resection: Identifying Drivers of
      Increased Length of Stay Using the NSQIP Database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although influence of technical complications in association to
      hospital length of stay has been studied extensively in esophageal resection,
      nontechnical factors responsible for prolonged length of stay have not been
      reported. Using the NSQIP dataset, we hypothesized that we would be able to
      identify factors associated with prolonged length of stay after esophagectomy.
      STUDY DESIGN: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2005 to
      2012 were reviewed for CPT codes for esophagectomy. Outlier status for length of
      stay was defined as >75th percentile. Logistic regression was used to predict
      outlier status and linear regression to discern factors contributing to longer
      lengths of stay. RESULTS: A total of 3,538 cases were reviewed. The 75th
      percentile for length of stay was 17 days. Preoperative predictors of hospital
      stay outliers include emergency surgery and frailty index (odds ratios = 3.7 and
      3.6; p < 0.001). Deep organ space infection and progressive renal insufficiency
      had the highest likelihood of prolonged length of stay (odds ratios = 5.2 and
      5.1; p < 0.001). Failure to wean off of ventilator in 48 hours, urinary tract
      infection, and pneumonia were associated with length of stay outlier (odds ratios
      = 3.7, 2.7, and 2.7; all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Urinary tract infection and
      pneumonia after esophagectomy are associated with longer hospital stays. Although
      meticulous surgical technique remains paramount, our study demonstrates that
      postoperative nontechnical complications factor into prolonged hospital stays.
      Focus on such factors can lead to reductions in hospital stays.

PMID- 27118714
TI  - Analyzing Risk Factors for Morbidity and Mortality after Lung Resection for Lung
      Cancer Using the NSQIP Database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our goal was to develop a predictive model that identifies how
      preoperative risk factors and perioperative complications lead to mortality after
      anatomic pulmonary resections. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort
      study. The American College of Surgeons NSQIP database was examined for all
      patients undergoing elective lobectomies for cancer from 2005 through 2012. Fifty
      eight pre- and intraoperative risk factors and 13 complications were considered
      for their impact on perioperative mortality within 30 days of surgery.
      Multivariate logistic regression and a logistic regression model using least
      absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) selection methods were used to
      identify preoperative risk factors that were significant for predicting
      mortality, either through or independent of complications. Only factors that were
      significant under both the multivariate logistic regression and LASSO-selected
      models were considered to be validated for the final model. RESULTS: There were
      6,435 lobectomies identified. After multivariate logistic regression modeling, 28
      risk factors and 5 complications were found to be predictors for mortality. This
      was then tested against the LASSO method. There were 7 factors shared between the
      LASSO and multivariate logistic regressions that predicted mortality based on
      comorbidity: age (p = 0.007), male sex (p = 0.011), open lobectomy (p = 0.001),
      preoperative dyspnea at rest (p < 0.001), preoperative dyspnea on exertion (p =
      0.003), preoperative dysnatremia (serum sodium <135 mEq/L or >145 mEq/L) (p =
      0.011), and preoperative anemia (p = 0.002). Of these, 3 variables predicted
      mortality independent of any complications: dyspnea at rest, dyspnea on exertion,
      and dysnatremia. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical factors that predict postoperative
      complications and mortality are multiple and not necessarily aligned. Efforts to
      improve quality after anatomic pulmonary resections should focus on mechanisms to
      address both types of adverse outcomes.

PMID- 27118715
TI  - The norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor reboxetine is more potent in treating
      murine narcoleptic episodes than the serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram.
AB  - One of the major symptoms of narcolepsy is cataplexy, a sudden loss of muscle
      tone. Despite the advances in understanding the neuropathology of narcolepsy,
      cataplexy is still treated symptomatically with antidepressants. Here, we
      investigate in a murine narcolepsy model the hypothesis that the antidepressants
      specifically blocking norepinephrine reuptake are more potent in treating
      narcoleptic episodes than the antidepressants blocking of serotonin reuptake.
      Furthermore, we tested the effects of alpha1 receptor stimulation and blockade,
      respectively, on narcoleptic episodes. Orexin-deficient mice were treated with
      different doses of the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor reboxetine, the
      serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram, the alpha1 receptor agonist cirazoline
      or the alpha1 receptor antagonist prazosin. The effect of these treatments on
      narcoleptic episodes was tested. Additionally, potential treatment effects on
      locomotor activity in an open-field were tested. Reboxetine (doses >=0.55mg/kg)
      as well as escitalopram (doses >=3.0mg/kg) dose-dependently reduced the number of
      narcoleptic episodes in orexin-deficient mice. The ED50 for reboxetine
      (0.012mg/kg) was significantly lower than for escitalopram (0.44mg/kg).
      Cirazoline and prazosin did not affect narcoleptic episodes. Furthermore,
      cirazoline but not the other compounds reduced locomotor activity of the mice.
      The present study strongly supports the hypothesis that a specific blockade of
      norepinephrine reuptake is more potent in treating cataplexy than a specific
      blockade of serotonin reuptake. This argues for the development of more specific
      norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of narcolepsy.

PMID- 27118716
TI  - Training Rehabilitation as an Effective Treatment for Patients With Vascular
      Cognitive Impairment With No Dementia.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible therapeutic effect
      of cognitive training on the cognitive function of patients with vascular
      cognitive impairment with no dementia (VCIND). DESIGN: A randomized controlled
      trial. METHOD: Seventy-three cases of VCIND patients were used as subjects, of
      which 36 patients were subjected to routine care with systemic cognitive training
      and classified as the intervention group, whereas the other 37 patients were
      subjected to a routine care only and classified as the control group.
      Multidimensional neuropsychological assessments were performed 3 months before
      and after the intervention. FINDINGS: The patients' performance on functional
      tests was significantly improved after intervention (p < .05) except from Stroop
      Color-Word Test (p >= .05). CONCLUSIONS: After systemic cognitive training, VCIND
      patients showed a significant improvement in visuospatial function, memory
      function, language function, and attention function, whereas their execution
      function was partially improved. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Despite the promising
      results, there is still a need to improve the support for patients affected by
      VCIND requiring rehabilitation.

PMID- 27118717
TI  - The Efficacy of Body-Oriented Yoga in Mental Disorders-A Systematic Review and
      Meta-Analysis
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy of body-oriented yoga in the treatment of mental
      disorders has been investigated in numerous studies. This article is a systematic
      review and meta-analysis of the relevant publications. METHODS: All studies in
      which the efficacy of hatha-yoga, i.e., body-oriented yoga with asanas and
      pranayama, was studied in adult patients suffering from a mental disorder (as
      diagnosed by ICD or DSM criteria) were included in the analysis. The primary
      endpoint was disorder-specific symptom severity. The publications were identified
      by a systematic search in the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO and ProQuest
      databases, supplemented by a search with the Google Scholar search engine and a
      manual search in the reference lists of meta-analyses and primary studies, as
      well as in specialized journals. RESULTS: 25 studies with a total of 1339
      patients were included in the analysis. A large and significant effect of yoga
      was seen with respect to the primary endpoint (symptom severity) (Hedges' g =
      0.91; 95% confidence interval [0.55; 1.28]; number needed to treat [NNT]: 2.03),
      with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 69.8%) compared to untreated control groups.
      Small but significant effects of yoga were also seen in comparison with attention
      control (g = 0.39; [0.04; 0.73]; NNT: 4.55) and physical exercise (g = 0.30;
      [0.01; 0.59]; NNT: 5.75); no difference in efficacy was found between yoga and
      standard psychotherapy (g = 0.08; [-0.24; 0,40]; NNT: 21.89). In view of the
      relatively high risk of bias, these findings should be interpreted with caution.
      CONCLUSION: Body-oriented yoga with asanas and pranayama as central components is
      a promising complementary treatment for mental disorders and should be
      investigated in further high-quality studies.

PMID- 27118719
TI  - Proctologists Omitted.

PMID- 27118718
TI  - Health and Disease at Age 100.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Centenarian studies from around the world have shown that reaching
      age 100 typically involves substantial health issues. The present study adds to
      the existing knowledge from other countries by describing health conditions in
      German centenarians. METHODS: A total of 112 centenarians or their primary
      contacts provided information on acute and chronic health conditions and pain in
      the context of the Second Heidelberg Centenarian Study (mean age = 100.45 years,
      standard deviation [SD] = 0.47, 89% females). RESULTS: Participants showed high
      comorbidity, with an average of five illnesses (mean = 5.3; SD = 2.20). Health
      conditions with highest prevalence were sensory (vision, hearing; 94%), mobility
      (72%) and musculoskeletal conditions (60%). Cardiovascular conditions (57%) and
      urinary system ailments (55%) were also common. Pain was experienced often by 30%
      of the participants. Of those reporting any pain, 36% indicated pain exceeding
      bearable levels. CONCLUSION: German centenarians experienced a substantial number
      of ill nesses, dominated by sensory and mobility conditions. Cardiovascular
      diseases were the only potentially lethal illnesses with high prevalence.
      Evidence of unaddressed pain seems alarming, requiring future research. Emerging
      health profiles indicate that even in very advanced age, quality of life may be
      improved by enhanced diagnostics and optimal disease management. Mobility
      limitations may be addressed with preventive efforts.

PMID- 27118720
TI  - Broadened View.

PMID- 27118721
TI  - Vaginal Delivery as Leading Risk Factor.

PMID- 27118722
TI  - NPH Among the Potential Causes.

PMID- 27118723
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27118724
TI  - Differential utilization of binding loop flexibility in T cell receptor ligand
      selection and cross-reactivity.
AB  - Complementarity determining region (CDR) loop flexibility has been suggested to
      play an important role in the selection and binding of ligands by T cell
      receptors (TCRs) of the cellular immune system. However, questions remain
      regarding the role of loop motion in TCR binding, and crystallographic structures
      have raised questions about the extent to which generalizations can be made. Here
      we studied the flexibility of two structurally well characterized alphabeta TCRs,
      A6 and DMF5. We found that the two receptors utilize loop motion very differently
      in ligand binding and cross-reactivity. While the loops of A6 move rapidly in an
      uncorrelated fashion, those of DMF5 are substantially less mobile. Accordingly,
      the mechanisms of binding and cross-reactivity are very different between the two
      TCRs: whereas A6 relies on conformational selection to select and bind different
      ligands, DMF5 uses a more rigid, permissive architecture with greater reliance on
      slower motions or induced-fit. In addition to binding site flexibility, we also
      explored whether ligand-binding resulted in common dynamical changes in A6 and
      DMF5 that could contribute to TCR triggering. Although binding-linked motional
      changes propagated throughout both receptors, no common features were observed,
      suggesting that changes in nanosecond-level TCR structural dynamics do not
      contribute to T cell signaling.

PMID- 27118726
TI  - Low-temperature catalytic oxidative coupling of methane in an electric field over
      a Ce-W-O catalyst system.
AB  - We examined oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) over various Ce-W-O catalysts at
      423 K in an electric field. Ce2(WO4)3/CeO2 catalyst showed high OCM activity. In
      a periodic operation test over Ce2(WO4)3/CeO2 catalyst, C2 selectivity exceeded
      60% during three redox cycles. However, Ce2(WO4)3/CeO2 catalyst without the
      electric field showed low activity, even at 1073 K: CH4 Conv., 6.0%; C2 Sel.,
      2.1%. A synergetic effect between the Ce2(WO4)3 structure and electric field
      created the reactive oxygen species for selective oxidation of methane. Results
      of XAFS, in-situ Raman and periodic operation tests demonstrated that OCM
      occurred as the lattice oxygen in Ce2(WO4)3 (short W-O bonds in distorted WO4
      unit) was consumed. The consumed oxygen was reproduced by a redox mechanism in
      the electric field.

PMID- 27118725
TI  - Multistep Compositional Remodeling of Supported Lipid Membranes by Interfacially
      Active Phosphatidylinositol Kinases.
AB  - The multienzyme catalytic phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) in a
      supported lipid membrane platform is demonstrated for the first time. One-step
      treatment with PI 4-kinase IIIbeta (PI4Kbeta) yielded PI 4-phosphate (PI4P),
      while a multistep enzymatic cascade of PI4Kbeta followed by PIP 5-kinase produced
      PI-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2 or PIP2). By employing quartz crystal microbalance
      with dissipation monitoring, we were able to track membrane association of kinase
      enzymes for the first time as well as detect PI4P and PI(4,5)P2 generation based
      on subsequent antibody binding to the supported lipid bilayers. Pharmacologic
      inhibition of PI4Kbeta by a small molecule inhibitor was also quantitatively
      assessed, yielding an EC50 value that agrees well with conventional biochemical
      readout. Taken together, the development of a PI-containing supported membrane
      platform coupled with surface-sensitive measurement techniques for kinase studies
      opens the door to exploring the rich biochemistry and pharmacological targeting
      of membrane-associated phosphoinositides.

PMID- 27118727
TI  - Isolation and characterization of culturable seed-associated bacterial endophytes
      from gnotobiotically grown Marama bean seedlings.
AB  - Marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) is an indigenous non-nodulating legume to the
      arid agro-ecological parts of Southern Africa. It is a staple food for the
      Khoisan and Bantu people from these areas. It is intriguing how it is able to
      synthesize the high-protein content in the seeds since its natural habitat is
      nitrogen deficient. The aim of the study was to determine the presence of seed
      transmittable bacterial endophytes that may have growth promoting effects, which
      may be particularly important for the harsh conditions. Marama bean seeds were
      surface sterilized and gnotobiotically grown to 2 weeks old seedlings. From
      surface-sterilized shoots and roots, 123 distinct bacterial isolates were
      cultured using three media, and identified by BOX-PCR fingerprinting and sequence
      analyses of the 16S rRNA and nifH genes. Phylogenetic analyses of 73 putative
      endophytes assigned them to bacterial species from 14 genera including
      Proteobacteria (Rhizobium, Massilia, Kosakonia, Pseudorhodoferax, Caulobacter,
      Pantoea, Sphingomonas, Burkholderia, Methylobacterium), Firmicutes (Bacillus),
      Actinobacteria (Curtobacterium, Microbacterium) and Bacteroidetes
      (Mucilaginibacter, Chitinophaga). Screening for plant growth-promoting activities
      revealed that the isolates showed production of IAA, ACC deaminase, siderophores,
      endoglucanase, protease, AHLs and capacities to solubilize phosphate and fix
      nitrogen. This is the first report that marama bean seeds may harbor endophytes
      that can be cultivated from seedlings; in this community of bacteria,
      physiological characteristics that are potentially plant growth promoting are
      widespread. 

PMID- 27118728
TI  - Impact of Type 1 Diabetes Technology on Family Members/Significant Others of
      People With Diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to explore the impact of diabetes-related technology to
      ensure that such devices are used in a way that returns maximum benefit from a
      medical and psychological perspective. METHOD: Spouses and caregivers of people
      with type 1 diabetes were invited to complete an online questionnaire about their
      experiences with diabetes technologies used by their family members. Participants
      were recruited via the Glu online community website. Questions explored impact on
      daily living, frequency and severity of hypoglycemia, and diabetes-related
      distress. RESULTS: In all, 100 parents/caregivers and 74 partners participated in
      this survey. Average (mean) duration of living with a person with type 1 diabetes
      was 16 years (SD = 13) for partners, with duration of diabetes for children being
      4.2 +/- 3.2 years. Average duration of current therapy was 8.3 +/- 7.3 years for
      adults and 3.4 +/- 2.9 years for children. Of the participants, 86% partners and
      82% parents/caregivers reported diabetes technology had made it easier for their
      family members to achieve blood glucose targets. Compared to partners,
      parents/caregivers reported more negative emotions (P < .001) and decreased well
      being (P < .001) related to their family members type 1 diabetes. Diabetes
      related distress was common, as was sleep disturbance associated with device
      alarms and fear of hypoglycemia. Reduced frequency and severity of hypoglycemia
      related to device use was reported by approximately half of participants.
      CONCLUSION: There is little doubt about the medical benefit of diabetes
      technologies and their uptake is increasing but some downsides were reported.
      Barriers to uptake of technologies lie beyond the mechanics of diabetes
      management. Supporting users in using diabetes technology to achieve the best
      possible glycemic control, in the context of their own life, is crucial.
      Furthermore, understanding these issues with input from the type 1 diabetes
      community including family members and caregivers will help innovation and design
      of new technology.

PMID- 27118731
TI  - The use of ultrasound to assess fetal growth in a guinea pig model of fetal
      growth restriction.
AB  - Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common and potentially severe pregnancy
      complication. Currently there is no treatment available. The guinea pig is an
      attractive model of human pregnancy as placentation is morphologically very
      similar between the species. Nutrient restriction of the dam creates growth
      restricted fetuses while leaving an intact uteroplacental circulation, vital for
      evaluating novel therapies for FGR. Growth-restricted fetuses were generated by
      feeding Dunkin Hartley guinea pig dams 70% of ad libitum intake from four weeks
      before and throughout pregnancy. The effect of maternal nutrient restriction
      (MNR) on dams and fetuses was carefully monitored, and ultrasound measurements of
      pups collected. There was no difference in maternal weight at conception, however
      by five weeks post conception MNR dams were significantly lighter ( P < 0.05).
      MNR resulted in significantly smaller pup size from 0.6-0.66 gestation.
      Ultrasound is a powerful non-invasive tool for assessing the effect of
      therapeutic interventions on fetal growth, allowing longitudinal measurement of
      fetuses. This model and method yield data applicable to the human condition
      without the need for animal sacrifice and will be useful in the translation of
      therapies for FGR into the clinic.

PMID- 27118729
TI  - The Quantitative Relationship Between ISO 15197 Accuracy Criteria and Mean
      Absolute Relative Difference (MARD) in the Evaluation of Analytical Performance
      of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) Systems.
AB  - The relationship between International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
      accuracy criteria and mean absolute relative difference (MARD), 2 methods for
      assessing the accuracy of blood glucose meters, is complex. While lower MARD
      values are generally better than higher MARD values, it is not possible to define
      a particular MARD value that ensures a blood glucose meter will satisfy the ISO
      accuracy criteria. The MARD value that ensures passing the ISO accuracy test can
      be described only as a probabilistic range. In this work, a Bayesian model is
      presented to represent the relationship between ISO accuracy criteria and MARD.
      Under the assumptions made in this work, there is nearly a 100% chance of
      satisfying ISO 15197:2013 accuracy requirements if the MARD value is between
      3.25% and 5.25%.

PMID- 27118732
TI  - Authors' reply to Ninan and Millar and Abou-saleh.

PMID- 27118733
TI  - Patient safety took second place to research needs at NIH hospital, says report.

PMID- 27118734
TI  - Older people need an individualised approach to treating hypertension.

PMID- 27118735
TI  - Hydrogen-rich gas production via fast pyrolysis of biophysical dried sludge:
      Effect of particle size and moisture content on product yields and syngas
      composition.
AB  - After biophysical drying, a novel biophysical dried sludge particle was obtained.
      This work aims to investigate the function and effects of particle sizes and
      moisture contents on the fast pyrolysis of biophysical dried sludge particles.
      The results showed that large particles (>4 mm) favoured the oil generation with
      a maximum value of 19.0%, and small particles (<0.27 mm) favoured the char yield
      with a maximum value of 60.6%. Medium particle fractions (between 0.27 mm and 4
      mm) benefited syngas production and induced higher H2 and CO emission, owing to
      the well-developed microstructure, enrichment of cellulose, and enhanced
      catalytic effects during the charring process. The introduction of proper
      moisture content (53.9% to 62.6%) to biophysical dried sludge was found to
      dramatically enhance syngas yield, hydrogen production, and carbon conversion
      efficiency. H2 molar concentration reached a maximum of 46.02% at a moisture
      content of 53.9%, which was attributed to the steam reforming and steam
      gasification accompanying the initial biophysical dried sludge pyrolysis. 

PMID- 27118736
TI  - Utilisation of biomass gasification by-products for onsite energy production.
AB  - Small scale biomass gasification is a sector with growth and increasing
      applications owing to the environmental goals of the European Union and the
      incentivised policies of most European countries. This study addresses two
      aspects, which are at the centre of attention concerning the operation and
      development of small scale gasifiers; reuse of waste and increase of energy
      efficiency. Several authors have denoted that the low electrical efficiency of
      these systems is the main barrier for further commercial development. In
      addition, gasification has several by-products that have no further use and are
      discarded as waste. In the framework of this manuscript, a secondary reactor is
      introduced and modelled. The main operating principle is the utilisation of char
      and flue gases for further energy production. These by-products are reformed into
      secondary producer gas by means of a secondary reactor. In addition, a set of
      heat exchangers capture the waste heat and optimise the process. This case study
      is modelled in a MATLAB-Cantera environment. The model is non-stoichiometric and
      applies the Gibbs minimisation principle. The simulations show that some of the
      thermal energy is depleted during the process owing to the preheating of flue
      gases. Nonetheless, the addition of a secondary reactor results in an increase of
      the electrical power production efficiency and the combined heat and power (CHP)
      efficiency. 

PMID- 27118737
TI  - Improvements to enforcement of multilateral environmental agreements to control
      international shipments of chemicals and wastes.
AB  - Illegal trade in hazardous waste and harmful chemicals has caused severe damage
      on human health and the environment, and brought big challenges to countries to
      meet their commitments to related multilateral environmental agreements. Synergy
      building, like organising law enforcement operations, is critical to address
      illegal trade in waste and chemicals, and further improve the effectiveness of
      environmental enforcement. This article discusses how and why law enforcement
      operations can help countries to implement chemical and waste-related
      multilateral environmental agreements in a more efficient and effective way. The
      research explores key barriers and factors for organising law enforcement
      operations, and recommends methods to improve law enforcement operations to
      address illegal trade in hazardous waste and harmful chemicals. 

PMID- 27118738
TI  - Assessment of alternative disposal methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
      from municipal solid waste in India.
AB  - Open dumping, the most commonly practiced method of solid waste disposal in
      Indian cities, creates serious environment and economic challenges, and also
      contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The present article
      attempts to analyse and identify economically effective ways to reduce greenhouse
      gas emissions from municipal solid waste. The article looks at the selection of
      appropriate methods for the control of methane emissions. Multivariate functional
      models are presented, based on theoretical considerations as well as the field
      measurements to forecast the greenhouse gas mitigation potential for all the
      methodologies under consideration. Economic feasibility is tested by calculating
      the unit cost of waste disposal for the respective disposal process. The purpose
      built landfill system proposed by Yedla and Parikh has shown promise in
      controlling greenhouse gas and saving land. However, these studies show that
      aerobic composting offers the optimal method, both in terms of controlling
      greenhouse gas emissions and reducing costs, mainly by requiring less land than
      other methods. 

PMID- 27118739
TI  - Relapsing peritonitis with Bacillus cereus in a patient on continuous ambulatory
      peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - We present a case where Bacillus cereus was determined to be the causative agent
      of relapsing peritonitis in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal
      dialysis (CAPD). The patient, a 70-year-old man from the Faroe Islands, was
      admitted with relapsing peritonitis four times over a 3-month period. Peritoneal
      cultures were positive for growth of B. cereus, a rare bacterial cause of
      peritonitis. The cultures demonstrated susceptibility to vancomycin, and
      therefore the patient was treated with intraperitoneal vancomycin,
      intraperitoneal gentamycin and oral ciprofloxacin. As a result of the relapsing
      B. cereus peritonitis diagnosis and a CT scan showing contraction of the
      peritoneum after longstanding inflammation, the peritoneal catheter was removed
      and the patient converted to haemodialysis. To date, the patient has not been
      readmitted due to peritonitis. A lack of proper hygiene when changing the
      dialysis bag was the suspected source of infection with B. cereus. 

PMID- 27118740
TI  - Incidentally discovered urachal cancer in a patient with necrotising fasciitis of
      the abdominal wall.

PMID- 27118741
TI  - Trimethylaminuria.
AB  - We report the case of a 9-year-old boy referred to secondary care with an unusual
      presentation of a fishy odour to his hands, feet, saliva and urine. Laboratory
      investigations including urine analysis and genetic testing confirmed the
      diagnosis of trimethylaminuria. The patient was referred to a geneticist and
      dietician, and consequently treated with dietary modification. He now has an
      arguably much improved quality of life. 

PMID- 27118742
TI  - Hypophosphataemia due to FGF-23 producing B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
AB  - Oncogenic osteomalacia (or tumour-induced osteomalacia) is a rare paraneoplastic
      syndrome caused by overproduction of fibroblastic growth factor 23 (FGF-23) by
      tumours. Excessive production of FGF-23 can lead to severe, symptomatic
      hypophosphataemia. The majority of cases have been associated with benign tumours
      of bone or soft tissue, such as haemangiopericytomas or other neoplasms of
      mesenchymal origin. We present a case of a 68-year-old woman with an FGF-23
      producing B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Treatment with immunochemotherapy
      resulted in normalisation of serum FGF-23 and phosphate levels. 

PMID- 27118743
TI  - Rare case of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis in two patients with
      alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (PiSZ).
AB  - We present two cases of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis occurring
      with alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, both PiSZ phenotype. The simultaneous
      occurrence of these two conditions has seldom been described in the literature,
      despite evidence of an association between alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and
      other forms of vasculitis. Both patients had pulmonary involvement and reported
      intermittent exacerbations of vasculitic symptoms. Both patients were managed on
      low-dose oral steroids and azathioprine remaining well with occasional
      exacerbations. It is important to consider whether there is an association
      between eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and alpha-1-antitrypsin
      deficiency, as this may lead to more severe pulmonary symptoms during
      exacerbations. If a genetic association between the two conditions is found,
      clinicians should be aware of the possible need to screen for alpha-1-antitrypsin
      deficiency in appropriate patients. 

PMID- 27118744
TI  - Osteolysis of the terminal phalanges of the hand.

PMID- 27118745
TI  - Burning vasculitis.
AB  - We present the case of a 69-year-old man who was found collapsed close to a heat
      source and admitted to hospital for severe sepsis. He was also found to have
      widespread blistering and ulceration of his right leg; however, a history was
      unobtainable due to reduced consciousness levels. The leg lesions had the initial
      appearance of mixed depth burns and a management plan was made to transfer the
      patient to a burns unit for debridement. It was subsequently noted that the
      patient had a previous diagnosis of seropositive erosive rheumatoid arthritis. A
      biopsy of the leg lesion was performed and a diagnosis of rheumatoid vasculitis
      confirmed. Treatment with systemic steroids, intravenous antibiotics and
      intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for severe hypogammaglobulinaemia was started,
      and the patient was not transferred for surgical debridement. Rheumatoid
      vasculitis is a rare and extremely serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis
      that can manifest in a number of ways, occasionally mimicking other conditions.
      This case is essential to raise awareness of rare, severe rheumatoid vasculitis
      and of the potential for its misdiagnosis as a mixed depth burn. 

PMID- 27118746
TI  - Convexity subarachnoid haemorrhage secondary to internal carotid stenosis: an
      indication for revascularisation.
AB  - With increasing prevalence due to an ageing population, carotid artery stenosis
      is a significant cause of stroke morbidity and mortality. The indication for
      revascularisation treatment in symptomatic carotid stenosis is widely documented
      and accepted in the scientific community. However, treatment of asymptomatic
      carotid stenosis remains controversial. We report a case of a 78-year-old woman
      who was admitted with a convexity subarachnoid haemorrhage (cSAH) secondary to an
      asymptomatic high-grade carotid artery stenosis. Two months later, she suffered
      an atherothrombotic ischaemic stroke and was referred to surgery. Transcranial
      Doppler studies showed impaired cerebral vasoreactivity and, after
      endarterectomy, the patient developed a reperfusion syndrome; both findings
      consisting of exhausted collaterals as the underlying mechanism. We propose that
      cSAH secondary to a high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis is a high risk
      marker for stroke, and revascularisation therapy should be considered. 

PMID- 27118747
TI  - Newborn with severe epidermolysis bullosa: to treat or not to treat?
AB  - Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an inherited skin disease with four main subtypes
      that cannot be distinguished clinically at birth. All subtypes may present with
      widespread life-threatening blisters and fragile skin, making treatment and
      handling of the newborn with EB challenging. The prognosis of EB depends on the
      subtype, and therefore maximum treatment is necessary until the final diagnosis
      is known. In this case, it took 2 weeks before a final diagnosis was reached. In
      the meantime, we had several ethical discussions on the treatment level. The most
      important issues were management of pain and nutrition. For immediate pain
      relief, intranasal fentanyl worked best and gabapentin was successfully used for
      chronic pain. The feeding difficulties were handled first by a nasogastric
      feeding tube. Later a normal feeding bottle proved to be adequate.

PMID- 27118748
TI  - Severe acute kidney injury as presentation of Burkitt's lymphoma.
AB  - We discuss a case of acute kidney injury (AKI) at a very young age caused by
      primary lymphomatous renal infiltration due to Burkitt's lymphoma and analyse the
      literature on this rare condition. At presentation, clinical examination showed
      impressive bilateral nephromegaly and hypertension. Blood analysis indicated
      severe AKI, mild anaemia and normal serum electrolytes. There were no signs of
      tumour lysis syndrome. Urine sediment was normal, with neither haematuria nor
      proteinuria. Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated bilateral renal enlargement (+12
      SD), with increased corticomedullar differentiation. MRI demonstrated the
      presence of a homogenous renal enlargement with features of an infiltrative
      lesion. Ultimately, microscopic and immunohistochemical analysis of the renal
      biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma. Early and aggressive
      therapy is the key to ensure a good outcome. 

PMID- 27118749
TI  - Ocular presentation of natural killer/T-cell lymphoma in a Caucasian man.
AB  - Natural killer/T-cell (NK/T-cell) lymphoma-nasal subtype, is a rare form of non
      Hodgkin's lymphoma, most common in South East Asia, and can have an
      ophthalmological presentation. This report describes a 51-year-old Caucasian man
      with uveitis, recurrent retinal detachment and paraneoplastic features
      subsequently diagnosed as NK/T-cell lymphoma. 

PMID- 27118750
TI  - Extra-axial primary non-Hodgkin's CNS lymphoma mimicking meningioma, in a 5-year
      old immunocompetent child: a rare entity.
AB  - We describe a case of a 5-year-old immunocompetent girl who presented with
      features of raised intracranial pressure with left eye ptosis of 1-month
      duration. CT scan and MRI of the brain showed an extra-axial, intensely contrast
      enhancing lesion in the left temporoparieto-occipital region, consistent with
      meningioma. On open tissue biopsy and immunohistochemistry staining, a diagnosis
      of B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was made. Six cycles of chemotherapy with
      cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine and prednisolone regimen were given and
      showed a good clinical outcome without any recurrence during follow-up of 5
      months. 

PMID- 27118751
TI  - Tumefactive multiple sclerosis presenting with tonic-clonic seizure.

PMID- 27118752
TI  - Nadroparin-induced skin necrosis: clinical manifestation of HIT-2 even in the
      absence of thrombocytopaenia.

PMID- 27118753
TI  - Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis associated with JAK-2 positive
      myeloproliferative disorder.
AB  - We present a case of a 77-year-old man with a history of myeloproliferative
      disorder. He was admitted with a 2-week history of erythaema, swelling and
      significant pain of the right forearm following a mechanical fall at home, which
      had caused a skin laceration. During his admission, he developed ongoing
      intermittent fever and persistently elevated C reactive protein, and total white
      cell count. Initially, he was treated with antibiotics for suspected cellulitis.
      However, symptoms continued to progress, making a suitable management plan
      challenging. Wound swabs, blood cultures and viral PCR did not confirm infection.
      A punch biopsy of a skin lesion on the forearm was performed. The histology
      demonstrated a dense infiltrate of neutrophils and neutrophilic debris in keeping
      with acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet's syndrome). He was treated
      with oral steroids and after that he had a complete resolution of symptoms.
      However, he required a period of rehabilitation before returning home. 

PMID- 27118754
TI  - Dome-shaped macula in oculocutaneous albinism.

PMID- 27118755
TI  - Milroy's disease and scrotal lymphoedema: pathological insight.

PMID- 27118756
TI  - Granulomatous rosacea-like facial eruption in an elderly man: leukaemia cutis.

PMID- 27118757
TI  - Application of the clip method, using thread, for duodenal endoscopic mucosal
      resection.
AB  - Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of a duodenal tumour is associated with a risk
      of loss of the resected specimen resulting from air introduction, peristaltic
      motion of the intestines, insertion of the retrieval device or endoscopic
      operation, or in cases where the specimen is too large to pass the pylorus. There
      is a high possibility of losing the tumour if the resected tumour is passed
      through the second portion of the duodenum. Retrieving a specimen after EMR is
      essential to obtain a pathological finding. The clip method using thread has been
      useful for endoscopic submucosal dissection of the oesophagus and stomach. We
      report the effectiveness of the clip method using thread during duodenal EMR. 

PMID- 27118758
TI  - Detection of Neuroinflammation in a Rat Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Using
      [18F]DPA-714 PET Imaging.
AB  - Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can lead to delayed cerebral ischemia, which
      increases the rate of morbidity and mortality. The detection of microglial
      activation may serve as a biomarker for the identification of patients at risk of
      this deleterious consequence. We assessed this hypothesis in a rat model of SAH
      in which the exploration of neuroinflammation related to microglial activation
      was correlated with the degree of bleeding. We used the rat filament model and
      evaluated (at 48 hours postsurgery) the intensity of neuroinflammation using
      positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with the 18-kDa translocator protein
      (TSPO) tracer [(18)F]DPA-714, quantitative autoradiography with [(3)H]PK-11195,
      and SAH grade by postmortem brain picture. High SAH grades were strongly and
      positively correlated with in vivo PET imaging of TSPO in the cortex and
      striatum. In addition, a positive correlation was found in the cortex in TSPO,
      with densities determined by imaging and autoradiographic approaches. Qualitative
      immunofluorescence studies indicated that overexpression of TSPO was linked to
      astrocytic/microglial activation. In this model, PET imaging of TSPO using
      [(18)F]DPA-714 appeared to be a relevant index of the degree of bleeding,
      indicating that this imaging method could be used in human patients to improve
      the management of patients with SAH.

PMID- 27118759
TI  - De Novo Glutamine Synthesis: Importance for the Proliferation of Glioma Cells and
      Potentials for Its Detection With 13N-Ammonia.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of de novo glutamine
      (Gln) synthesis in the proliferation of C6 glioma cells and its detection with
      (13)N-ammonia. METHODS: Chronic Gln-deprived C6 glioma (0.06C6) cells were
      established. The proliferation rates of C6 and 0.06C6 cells were measured under
      the conditions of Gln deprivation along with or without the addition of ammonia
      or glutamine synthetase (GS) inhibitor. (13)N-ammonia uptake was assessed in C6
      cells by gamma counting and in rats with C6 and 0.06C6 xenografts by micro
      positron emission tomography (PET) scanning. The expression of GS in C6 cells and
      xenografts was assessed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry,
      respectively. RESULTS: The Gln-deprived C6 cells showed decreased proliferation
      ability but had a significant increase in GS expression. Furthermore, we found
      that low concentration of ammonia was sufficient to maintain the proliferation of
      Gln-deprived C6 cells, and (13)N-ammonia uptake in C6 cells showed Gln-dependent
      decrease, whereas inhibition of GS markedly reduced the proliferation of C6 cells
      as well as the uptake of (13)N-ammoina. Additionally, microPET/computed
      tomography exhibited that subcutaneous 0.06C6 xenografts had higher (13)N-ammonia
      uptake and GS expression in contrast to C6 xenografts. CONCLUSION: De novo Gln
      synthesis through ammonia-glutamate reaction plays an important role in the
      proliferation of C6 cells. (13)N-ammonia can be a potential metabolic PET tracer
      for Gln-dependent tumors.

PMID- 27118761
TI  - Reflections of the changes in patent ductus arteriosus management during the last
      10 years.
AB  - Despite a large body of scientific evidence on the management of premature
      infants with a patent ductus arteriosus controversy remains and neonatologists
      remain challenged for knowing which patient to treat, what is the most optimal
      timing of treatment and which treatments have a positive impact on both short
      term and long-term outcomes. In this review article we discuss the increased body
      of evidence over the past 10 years, much of which questions the role of treatment
      and suggests the need to reconsider how haemodynamic significance is adjudicated.
      In addition, we discuss novel approaches to assessment and diagnosis, and
      highlight areas for future investigation. 

PMID- 27118760
TI  - MS-1 magA: Revisiting Its Efficacy as a Reporter Gene for MRI.
AB  - Bacterial genes involved in the biomineralization of magnetic nanoparticles in
      magnetotactic bacteria have recently been proposed as reporters for magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI). In such systems, the expression of the bacterial genes
      in mammalian cells purportedly leads to greater concentrations of intracellular
      iron or the biomineralization of iron oxides, thus leading to an enhancement in
      relaxation rate that is detectable via MRI. Here, we show that the constitutive
      expression of the magA gene from Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum is tolerated by
      human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells but induces a strong toxic effect in murine
      mesenchymal/stromal cells and kidney-derived stem cells, severely restricting its
      effective use as a reporter gene for stem cells. Although it has been suggested
      that magA is involved in iron transport, when expressed in HEK cells, it does not
      affect the transcription of endogenous genes related to iron homeostasis.
      Furthermore, the magA-induced enhancement in iron uptake in HEK cells is
      insignificant, suggesting this gene is a poor reporter even for cell types that
      can tolerate its expression. We suggest that the use of magA for stem cells
      should be approached with caution, and its efficacy as a reporter gene requires a
      careful assessment on a cell-by-cell basis.

PMID- 27118762
TI  - Screening for retinopathy of prematurity: does one size fit all?

PMID- 27118763
TI  - Post-Encephalitic Parkinsonism and Sleep Disorder Responsive to Immunological
      Treatment: A Case Report.
AB  - We describe a 70-year-old man who, after a viral encephalitis associated with
      pneumonia, progressively developed a parkinsonism associated with lethargy.
      Encephalitis manifested with persistent hiccups, seizures and impairment of
      consciousness. After 2 weeks, the initial neurologic symptoms subsided and the
      patient progressively developed movement disorders (rigidity and bradykinesia,
      resistant to L-DOPA), lethargy and behavioral hypersomnia. Magnetic resonance
      imaging showed thalamic and hippocampal signal abnormalities,
      immunohistochemistry on a mouse brain substrate revealed serum autoantibodies
      binding to the brainstem neuropil. Polysomnographic monitoring was consistent
      with a very severe disruption of sleep: the sleep-wake cycle was fragmented, and
      the NREM-REM ultradian cycle was irregular. Intravenous immune globulin therapy
      resulted in the complete reversal of the movement and the sleep disorders. Our
      observation confirms that parkinsonism and sleep disorders may be consequences of
      encephalitis, that an immune-mediated pathogenesis is likely, and, consequently,
      that immunotherapy can be beneficial in these patients. The polysomnographic
      monitoring suggests that lethargia, rather than a mere hypersomnia, is the result
      of a combination between sleep disruption and altered motor control.

PMID- 27118764
TI  - Long-Term Evolution Electromagnetic Fields Exposure Modulates the Resting State
      EEG on Alpha and Beta Bands.
AB  - Long-term evolution (LTE) wireless telecommunication systems are widely used
      globally, which has raised a concern that exposure to electromagnetic fields
      (EMF) emitted from LTE devices can change human neural function. To date, few
      studies have been conducted on the effect of exposure to LTE EMF. Here, we
      evaluated the changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) due to LTE EMF exposure. An
      LTE EMF exposure system with a stable power emission, which was equivalent to the
      maximum emission from an LTE mobile phone, was used to radiate the subjects.
      Numerical simulations were conducted to ensure that the specific absorption rate
      in the subject's head was below the safety limits. Exposure to LTE EMF reduced
      the spectral power and the interhemispheric coherence in the alpha and beta bands
      of the frontal and temporal brain regions. No significant change was observed in
      the spectral power and the inter-hemispheric coherence in different timeslots
      during and after the exposure. These findings also corroborated those of our
      previous study using functional magnetic resonant imaging.

PMID- 27118765
TI  - Lance-Adams Syndrome in the Pretargeted Temperature Management Era.
AB  - Acute posthypoxic myoclonus portends a poor prognosis. Another form of
      posthypoxic myoclonus, Lance-Adams syndrome, is associated with a better outcome.
      Differentiating these two entities is important in prognostication and guiding
      further medical intervention. This can be difficult in the acute setting after
      hypoxic brain injury but the use of neurophysiologic studies may be helpful. In
      this article, we present a case of a patient who presented after pulseless
      electrical activity arrest, underwent targeted temperature management and
      subsequently developed Lance-Adams syndrome. The neurologic and
      electroencephalographic findings in Lance-Adams syndrome are discussed with an
      updated review.

PMID- 27118766
TI  - Methods to improve patient recruitment and retention in stroke trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The success of randomized-controlled stroke trials is dependent on
      the recruitment and retention of a sufficient number of patients, but fewer than
      half of all trials meet their target number of patients. METHODS: We performed a
      search and review of the literature, and conducted a survey and workshop among 56
      European stroke trialists, to identify barriers, suggest methods to improve
      recruitment and retention, and make a priority list of interventions that merit
      further evaluation. RESULTS: The survey and workshop identified a number of
      barriers to patient recruitment and retention, from patients' incapacity to
      consent, to handicaps that prevent patients from participation in trial-specific
      follow-up. Methods to improve recruitment and retention may include simple
      interventions with individual participants, funding of research networks, and
      reimbursement of new treatments by health services only when delivered within
      clinical trials. The literature review revealed that few methods have been
      formally evaluated. The top five priorities for evaluation identified in the
      workshop were as follows: short and illustrated patient information leaflets,
      nonwritten consent, reimbursement for new interventions only within a study, and
      monetary incentives to institutions taking part in research (for recruitment);
      and involvement of patient groups, remote and central follow-up, use of mobile
      devices, and reminders to patients about their consent to participate (for
      retention). CONCLUSIONS: Many interventions have been used with the aim of
      improving recruitment and retention of patients in stroke studies, but only a
      minority has been evaluated. We have identified methods that could be tested, and
      propose that such evaluations may be nested within on-going clinical trials.

PMID- 27118767
TI  - Sensory profile and acceptability for pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) nectar with
      different sweeteners.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensory properties and
      acceptability of pitanga nectar samples prepared with sucrose and different
      sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, stevia with 40% rebaudioside A, stevia with 95%
      rebaudioside A, neotame, and a 2:1 cyclamate/saccharin blend). A total of 13
      assessors participated in a quantitative descriptive analysis and evaluated the
      samples in relation to the descriptor terms. The acceptability test was carried
      out by 120 fruit juice consumers. The results of the quantitative descriptive
      analysis of pitanga nectar showed that samples prepared with sucralose,
      aspartame, and the 2:1 cyclamate/saccharin blend had sensory profiles similar to
      that of the sample prepared with sucrose. Consumers' most accepted samples were
      prepared with sucrose, sucralose, aspartame, and neotame. The sweeteners that
      have the greatest potential to replace sucrose in pitanga nectar are sucralose
      and aspartame.

PMID- 27118768
TI  - Evaluation of a potentially probiotic non-dairy beverage developed with honey and
      kefir grains: Fermentation kinetics and storage study.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the fermentation process of honey with kefir
      grains through a comprehensive understanding of its rheological properties,
      probiotic cell viability, instrumental color parameters and kinetic aspects in a
      batch bioreactor and during storage. The results showed that kefir grains were
      well adapted to bioreactor conditions, reaching high levels of cell viability
      (over 106 CFU mL-1 for total yeast and bacteria), phenolic compounds content (190
      GAE/100 g) and acidification after 24 h of fermentation at 30 C. Colorimetric
      analysis showed that lightness (L*) and redness (a*) remained constant, while
      yellowness intensities (b*) decreased during fermentation time. After 35 days of
      storage, honey kefir beverage maintained its chemical characteristics and
      microbial viability as required to be classified as a probiotic product. The
      Ostwald-de-Waele (R2 >= 0.98) and Herschel-Bulkley (R2 >= 0.99) models can be
      used to predict the behavior of honey kefir beverage. The parameters analyzed in
      this study should be taken into account for industrial production of this novel
      non-dairy beverage.

PMID- 27118769
TI  - ERK-GluR1 phosphorylation in trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis neurons is
      involved in pain associated with dry tongue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dry mouth is known to cause severe pain in the intraoral structures,
      and many dry mouth patients have been suffering from intraoral pain. In
      development of an appropriate treatment, it is crucial to study the mechanisms
      underlying intraoral pain associated with dry mouth, yet the detailed mechanisms
      are not fully understood. To evaluate the mechanisms underlying pain related to
      dry mouth, the dry-tongue rat model was developed. Hence, the mechanical or heat
      nocifensive reflex, the phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase and
      phosphorylated GluR1-IR immunohistochemistries, and the single neuronal activity
      were examined in the trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis of dry-tongue rats.
      RESULTS: The head-withdrawal reflex threshold to mechanical, but not heat,
      stimulation of the tongue was significantly decreased on day 7 after tongue
      drying. The mechanical, but not heat, responses of trigeminal spinal subnucleus
      caudalis nociceptive neurons were significantly enhanced in dry-tongue rats
      compared to sham rats on day 7. The number of phosphorylated extracellular signal
      regulated kinase-immunoreactive cells was also significantly increased in the
      trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis following noxious stimulation of the tongue
      in dry-tongue rats compared to sham rats on day 7. The decrement of the
      mechanical head-withdrawal reflex threshold (HWT) was reversed during
      intracisternal administration of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1
      inhibitor, PD98059. The trigeminal spinal subnucleus caudalis neuronal activities
      and the number of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      immunoreactive cells following noxious mechanical stimulation of dried tongue
      were also significantly decreased following intracisternal administration of
      PD98059 compared to vehicle-administrated rats. Increased number of the
      phosphorylated GluR1-IR cells was observed in the trigeminal spinal subnucleus
      caudalis of dry-tongue rats, and the number of phosphorylated GluR1-IR cells was
      significantly reduced in PD98059-administrated rats compared to the vehicle
      administrated tongue-dry rats. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the pERK
      pGluR1 cascade is involved in central sensitization of trigeminal spinal
      subnucleus caudalis nociceptive neurons, thus resulting in tongue mechanical
      hyperalgesia associated with tongue drying.

PMID- 27118770
TI  - Impacts of anti-nerve growth factor antibody on pain-related behaviors and
      expressions of opioid receptor in spinal dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia of
      rats with cancer-induced bone pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impacts of anti-nerve growth factor antibody on
      pain-related behaviors and expressions of MU-opioid receptor in spinal dorsal
      horn and dorsal root ganglia of rats with cancer-induced bone pain. METHODS: The
      rats were randomly grouped and then injected with 10 MUl of phosphate buffer
      saline or Walker256 tumor cells into the upper segment of left tibia. Thirteen
      days after the injection, the intrathecal catheterization was performed, followed
      by the injection of saline, anti-nerve growth factor, nerve growth factor, and
      naloxone twice a day. The pain ethological changes were measured at the set time
      points; the expression changes of MU-opioid receptor protein and mRNA in spinal
      dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia were detected on the 18th day. RESULTS: After
      the tumor cells were injected into the tibia, hyperalgesia appeared and the
      expression of MU-opioid receptor protein and mRNA in spinal dorsal horn and
      dorsal root ganglia was increased, compared with the sham group; after
      intrathecally injected anti-nerve growth factor, the significant antinociceptive
      effects appeared, and the MU-opioid receptor expression was increased, compared
      with the cancer pain group; the MU-opioid receptor expressions in the other
      groups showed no statistical significance. The naloxone pretreatment could mostly
      inverse the antinociception effects of anti-nerve growth factor. CONCLUSIONS:
      Anti-nerve growth factor could reduce hyperalgesia in the cancer-induced bone
      pain rats, and the antinociceptive effects were related with the upregulation of
      MU-opioid receptor.

PMID- 27118772
TI  - Isolation of mecC MRSA in Australia.

PMID- 27118771
TI  - Enhanced itch elicited by capsaicin in a chronic itch model.
AB  - Chronic itch (pruritus) is an important clinical problem. However, the underlying
      molecular basis has yet to be understood. The Transient Receptor Potential
      Vanilloid 1 channel is a heat-sensitive cation channel expressed in primary
      sensory neurons and involved in both thermosensation and pain, but its role in
      chronic itch remains elusive. Here, we for the first time revealed an increased
      innervation density of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1-expressing
      sensory fibers in the skin afflicted with chronic itch. Further analysis
      indicated that this phenomenon is due to an expansion of Transient Receptor
      Potential Vanilloid 1-expressing sensory neurons under chronic itch conditions.
      As a functional correlates of this neuronal expansion, we observed an enhanced
      neuronal responsiveness to capsaicin under the dry skin conditions. Importantly,
      the neuronal hypersensitivity to capsaicin results in itch, rather than pain
      sensation, suggesting that the up-regulated Transient Receptor Potential
      Vanilloid 1 underlies the pain-to-itch switch under chronic itchy conditions. The
      study shows that there are different mechanisms of chronic pain and itching, and
      Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 plays an important role in chronic itch.

PMID- 27118773
TI  - Characterization of an outbreak due to CTX-M-15-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
      lacking the blaOXA-48 gene belonging to clone ST405 in a neonatal unit in
      southern Spain.

PMID- 27118774
TI  - Unnatural amino acid analogues of membrane-active helical peptides with anti
      mycobacterial activity and improved stability.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The emergence of MDR-TB, coupled with shrinking antibiotic pipelines,
      has increased demands for new antimicrobials with novel mechanisms of action.
      Antimicrobial peptides have increasingly been explored as promising alternatives
      to antibiotics, but their inherent poor in vivo stability remains an impediment
      to their clinical utility. We therefore systematically evaluated unnatural amino
      acid-modified peptides to design analogues with enhanced anti-mycobacterial
      activities. METHODS: Anti-mycobacterial activities were evaluated in vitro and
      intracellularly against drug-susceptible and MDR isolates of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis using MIC, killing efficacy and intracellular growth inhibition
      studies. Toxicity profiles were assessed against mammalian cells to verify cell
      selectivity. Anti-mycobacterial mechanisms were investigated using microfluidic
      live-cell imaging with time-lapse fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser
      scanning microscopy. RESULTS: Unnatural amino acid incorporation was well
      tolerated without an appreciable effect on toxicity profiles and secondary
      conformations of the synthetic peptides. The modified peptides also withstood
      proteolytic digestion by trypsin. The all d-amino acid peptide, i(llkk)2i (II-D),
      displayed superior activity against all six mycobacterial strains tested, with a
      4-fold increase in selectivity index as compared with the unmodified l-amino acid
      peptide in broth. II-D effectively reduced the intracellular bacterial burden of
      both drug-susceptible and MDR clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis after 4 days
      of treatment. Live-cell imaging studies demonstrated that II-D permeabilizes the
      mycobacterial membrane, while confocal microscopy revealed that II-D not only
      permeates the cell membrane, but also accumulates within the cytoplasm.
      CONCLUSIONS: Unnatural amino acid modifications not only decreased the
      susceptibility of peptides to proteases, but also enhanced mycobacterial
      selectivity.

PMID- 27118775
TI  - Evaluation of the K-SeT R.E.S.I.S.T. immunochromatographic assay for the rapid
      detection of KPC and OXA-48-like carbapenemases.

PMID- 27118776
TI  - Evidence from a New York City hospital of rising incidence of genetically diverse
      carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae and dominance of ST171, 2007-14.

PMID- 27118777
TI  - l-Serine potentiates fluoroquinolone activity against Escherichia coli by
      enhancing endogenous reactive oxygen species production.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increase in multiple antimicrobial-resistant bacteria seriously
      threatens global public health. Novel effective strategies are urgently needed. l
      Serine was reported as the most effective amino acid inhibitor against bacterial
      growth and can sensitize Escherichia coli cells to gentamicin. It is currently
      unknown whether l-serine affects other type of antibiotics such as beta-lactams
      and fluoroquinolones. METHODS: Using E. coli, we studied the combination of l
      serine with diverse antibiotics against laboratory and clinical E. coli cultures
      and persisters. The intracellular NAD(+)/NADH level and ROS were determined using
      kits. Total cellular iron was determined by using a colorimetric ferrozine-based
      assay. RESULTS: Exogenous l-serine sensitized E. coli ATCC 25922 and clinically
      isolated fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli to fluoroquinolones. This potentiation
      is independent of growth phase. Addition of serine increases the production of
      NADH. The underlying mechanism of this strategy is that the combination of serine
      with ofloxacin or moxifloxacin increases the NAD(+)/NADH ratio, disrupts the Fe-S
      clusters and increases the production of endogenous reactive oxygen species.
      Furthermore, we used a serine and ofloxacin or moxifloxacin combination in vitro
      to combat bacterial persister cells, compared with antibiotic treatment alone;
      combinational treatments of persister cells with antibiotics and l-serine
      resulted in a significantly greater decrease in cell viability. CONCLUSIONS: To
      our knowledge, this is the first report that l-serine can potentiate the action
      of ofloxacin or moxifloxacin against Gram-negative bacteria and could constitute
      a new strategy for the eradication of bacterial infections.

PMID- 27118778
TI  - Clinically relevant concentrations of fosfomycin combined with polymyxin B,
      tobramycin or ciprofloxacin enhance bacterial killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
      but do not suppress the emergence of fosfomycin resistance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Fosfomycin resistance occurs rapidly with monotherapy. This study
      systematically investigated bacterial killing and emergence of fosfomycin
      resistance with fosfomycin combinations against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS:
      Four clinical isolates and a reference strain of P. aeruginosa were employed.
      Combinations of fosfomycin plus polymyxin B, tobramycin or ciprofloxacin were
      examined over 24 h using time-kill studies (inocula ~10(6) cfu/mL) incorporating
      clinically relevant concentrations (fosfomycin, 30, 150 or 300 mg/L; polymyxin B,
      0.5, 1 or 2 mg/L; tobramycin, 0.5, 1.5 or 4 mg/L; ciprofloxacin, 0.5, 1 or 2.5
      mg/L). Microbiological response was examined by log changes and population
      analysis profiles. RESULTS: Against susceptible isolates, monotherapy produced
      varying degrees of initial killing followed by rapid regrowth. Fosfomycin plus
      polymyxin B or tobramycin produced greater initial killing (up to ~4 log10
      cfu/mL) with many concentrations compared with monotherapy against fosfomycin
      susceptible (FOF(S)) isolates. With these combinations, synergy or additivity was
      observed in 54 (67%) and 49 (60%) of 81 cases (nine combinations across three
      isolates at three timepoints) for polymyxin B and tobramycin, respectively.
      Substantial improvements in killing were absent against fosfomycin-resistant
      (FOF(R)) isolates. For fosfomycin/ciprofloxacin combinations, synergy or
      additivity was observed against FOF(R) isolates in 33 of 54 (61%) cases (nine
      combinations across two isolates at three timepoints), while improvements in
      killing were largely absent against FOF(S) isolates. No combination prevented
      emergence of fosfomycin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Against P. aeruginosa,
      fosfomycin in combination with polymyxin B or tobramycin (FOF(S) isolates) or
      ciprofloxacin (FOF(R) isolates) increased bacterial killing, but did not suppress
      emergence of fosfomycin resistance.

PMID- 27118779
TI  - Risk factors for the acquisition of OXA-48-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a
      hospital outbreak setting: a matched case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In the context of a large outbreak of OXA-48-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae (OXA-E) in a Dutch hospital we determined risk factors for
      acquisition of OXA-E. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A matched case-control study was
      performed in which cases (culture positive for OXA-E) were matched 1:3 to
      controls (culture negative for OXA-E) based on hospital ward, index date (+/-1
      week) and time exposed in the hospital (best match). Stratified analyses were
      performed for patients with OXA-E producing and not producing ESBL. Potential
      risk factors included age, gender, surgery and ICU admission within 30 days
      preceding the index date, presence of comorbidities and in-hospital antibiotic
      treatment within 30 days preceding the index date. Data analysis was performed
      using multivariable conditional logistic regression with Firth correction.
      RESULTS: In total, 73 cases were matched to 211 controls. In the multivariable
      conditional logistic regression model, male gender (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.25-5.53),
      age (per year increase, OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05) and use of fluoroquinolones
      within 30 days preceding the index date (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.06-8.41) were risk
      factors for acquisition of OXA-E. In the stratified multivariable conditional
      logistic regression model, quinolone use was a risk factor for the acquisition of
      ESBL-producing OXA-E and surgery was a risk factor for the acquisition of non
      ESBL-producing OXA-E. CONCLUSIONS: During a large, hospital-wide OXA-E outbreak,
      male gender, age and previous use of fluoroquinolones were risk factors for
      acquisition of OXA-E. These findings may help in optimizing screening and
      isolation strategies in future OXA-E outbreaks.

PMID- 27118780
TI  - National surveillance of Staphylococcus epidermidis recovered from bloodstream
      infections in Belgian hospitals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were: (i) to determine the species
      diversity of CoNS isolated from bloodstream infections collected during a
      national surveillance study; and (ii) to examine the antimicrobial resistance and
      genomic diversity among Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates. METHODS: Eighty CoNS
      were identified by MALDI-TOF. Antimicrobial resistance determination, molecular
      characterization of resistance and virulence genes, and molecular typing were
      performed for S. epidermidis isolates. RESULTS: The majority (76%) of CoNS were
      identified as S. epidermidis. Among these S. epidermidis, 77% were resistant to
      methicillin [methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE)] and showed
      multiresistance to other antimicrobials. Genes implicated in resistance were
      erm(C), erm(A) and msr(A) for erythromycin, aacA-aphD and aadC for
      aminoglycosides, tet(K) for tetracycline and mupA for high-level resistance to
      mupirocin. Molecular typing showed that 34/40 MRSE isolates (85%) belonged to
      clonal complex (CC) 2 that could be subdivided into CC2-I (ST2) and CC2-II (ST5,
      ST59 and ST88). In contrast, methicillin-susceptible S. epidermidis displayed
      high genomic diversity. The majority (70%) of S. epidermidis isolates contained
      an icaA or arcA gene. The icaA gene was found in the CC2-I subgroup, whereas arcA
      was more common in methicillin-susceptible S. epidermidis. CONCLUSIONS: S.
      epidermidis was frequently recovered among CoNS isolated from bloodstream
      infections with a high proportion of MRSE being multiresistant. A large number of
      S. epidermidis belonged to CC2, a clone that is disseminated worldwide. More
      studies are needed to understand its clonal evolutionary success.

PMID- 27118781
TI  - Tolerance to multiple metal stressors in emerging non-typhoidal MDR Salmonella
      serotypes: a relevant role for copper in anaerobic conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Factors driving the expansion of particular MDR Salmonella
      serotypes/clones are not completely understood. We assessed if emergent MDR
      Salmonella serotypes/clones were more enriched in metal tolerance genes (e.g. to
      Cu/Ag) than other less frequent ones, as an additional feature to survive in
      environments contaminated with metals. METHODS: Metal (Cu pco/Ag,Cu sil/Hg mer/As
      ars/Te ter) tolerance genes screening (PCR/sequencing), MICs of CuSO4/AgNO3
      (aerobiosis/anaerobiosis), genetic element characterization (S1/I-CeuI PFGE) and
      conjugation assays were performed in a well-characterized Salmonella collection
      (n = 275 isolates; 2000-14; 49 serotypes/clones). RESULTS: The sil +/- pco genes
      were detected in 37% of isolates from diverse serotypes, mainly in emergent
      Rissen/ST469 and Typhimurium/ST34 European clone (100%), which are mostly
      associated with pig settings where Cu is highly used. These genes were frequently
      co-located with merA +/- terF and/or antibiotic resistance genes in plasmids (100
      270 kb; IncHI2/IncHI1/IncN/IncFIIA; mostly transferable by conjugation) or in the
      chromosome. Most sil +/- pco(+) isolates (77%) were MDR contrasting with sil +/-
      pco(-) ones (48%). The sil +/- pco(+) isolates presented significantly higher
      MICCuSO4 under anaerobiosis (MIC50/MIC90 = 28/32 mM) and MICAgNO3 after previous
      Ag contact (MIC50/MIC90 > 3 mM) than sil(-) ones (MIC50/MIC90 = 2/8 mM to CuSO4;
      MIC50/MIC90 = 0.125/0.16 mM to AgNO3). Use of these modified methodological
      approaches allowed the establishment of CuSO4/AgNO3 tolerance cut-offs to
      differentiate sil(+) and sil(-) isolates, here firstly proposed. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study demonstrates that acquisition of Cu/Ag tolerance genes (sil/pco genes)
      might contribute to the emergence of particular clinically relevant MDR
      Salmonella serotypes/clones by facilitating their survival in diverse metal
      contaminated settings, particularly in pig production. Assessment of control
      measures for the use and/or accumulation of metals in diverse environments are
      needed to prevent a wider expansion of such strains or the emergence of new ones.

PMID- 27118782
TI  - Molecular analysis of Streptococcus pyogenes macrolide resistance of paediatric
      isolates during a 7 year period (2007-13).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The molecular characterization of paediatric group A Streptococcus
      (GAS) isolates regarding macrolide resistance and relevant emm types in Athens,
      Greece. METHODS: Pharyngeal and non-pharyngeal GAS isolates were collected during
      a 7 year period (2007-13) and examined for antibiotic susceptibility, macrolide
      resistance genes [mef(A), erm(A) and erm(B)] and relevant emm types. RESULTS:
      Overall, 20.4% (270/1324) of GAS isolates were resistant to macrolides. The
      macrolide resistance rate varied during the study period with a maximum rate
      observed in 2008 (29.57%) and a minimum rate observed in 2013 (10.95%) (P value
      for trend = 0.007). During the same period, consumption of macrolides was
      gradually reduced by 56.6%. No difference was observed in macrolide resistance
      between pharyngeal and non-pharyngeal isolates (P = 0.7). Among macrolide
      resistant isolates, mef(A) was detected in 87 (32.2%), erm(A) in 136 (50.4%),
      erm(B) in 44 (16.3%) and both mef(A) and erm(A) in 3 (1.1%) isolates. The most
      prevalent emm types among macrolide-resistant isolates were emm77 (31.5%), emm4
      (18.1%) and emm12 (10.7%). Ten emm types (77, 4, 12, 28, 1, 22, 11, 2, 44 and 89)
      accounted for 90.3% of macrolide-resistant isolates. emm types 4, 22, 44 and 77
      were more prevalent in macrolide-resistant compared with macrolide-susceptible
      isolates, whereas emm types 1, 3, 5, 6, 75 and 89 were more prevalent in
      macrolide-susceptible compared with macrolide-resistant isolates. CONCLUSIONS:
      GAS macrolide resistance remained significant in our area during the study
      period. A substantial decline in the resistance rate was observed in the last
      year of the study, which may be related to reduced consumption of macrolides.

PMID- 27118783
TI  - Roles of subunit NuoL in the proton pumping coupling mechanism of NADH:ubiquinone
      oxidoreductase (complex I) from Escherichia coli.
AB  - Respiratory complex I has an L-shaped structure formed by the hydrophilic arm
      responsible for electron transfer and the membrane arm that contains protons
      pumping machinery. Here, to gain mechanistic insights into the role of subunit
      NuoL, we investigated the effects of Mg2+, Zn2+ and the Na+/H+ antiporter
      inhibitor 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride (EIPA) on proton pumping activities
      of various isolated NuoL mutant complex I after reconstitution into Escherichia
      coli double knockout (DKO) membrane vesicles lacking complex I and the NADH
      dehydrogenase type 2. We found that Mg2+ was critical for proton pumping activity
      of complex I. At 2 uM Zn2+, proton pumping of the wild-type was selectively
      inhibited without affecting electron transfer; no inhibition in proton pumping of
      D178N and D400A was observed, suggesting the involvement of these residues in
      Zn2+ binding. Fifteen micromolar of EIPA caused up to ~40% decrease in the proton
      pumping activity of the wild-type, D303A and D400A/E, whereas no significant
      change was detected in D178N, indicating its possible involvement in the EIPA
      binding. Furthermore, when menaquinone-rich DKO membranes were used, the proton
      pumping efficiency in the wild-type was decreased significantly (~50%) compared
      with NuoL mutants strongly suggesting that NuoL is involved in the high
      efficiency pumping mechanism in complex I.

PMID- 27118784
TI  - Enhancing Biospecimen Knowledge Among Health Care Providers and Representatives
      From Community Organizations.
AB  - In a personalized medicine environment, it is necessary to have access to a range
      of biospecimens to establish optimal plans for disease diagnosis and treatment
      for individual patients. Cancer research is especially dependent on biospecimens
      for determining ideal personalized treatment for patients. Unfortunately, the
      vast majority of biospecimens are collected from non-Hispanic White individuals;
      thus, minority representation is lacking. This has negative implications for
      comprehensive cancer treatment. The Geographic Management of Cancer Health
      Disparities Program (GMaP) Region 6 implemented a series of biospecimen education
      seminars adapted from the Biospecimen and Biobanking module of an existing Cancer
      Education and Training Program. Regional GMaP partners participated in a train
      the-trainer webinar to familiarize themselves with the training materials.
      Participants trained by the trainers completed pre- and posttests to document
      changes in awareness, knowledge, and intention. Nine biospecimen education
      seminars were offered in 2013; 255 health care professionals and representatives
      from community organizations attended. Participants demonstrated a significant
      increase in knowledge, intention to donate samples, and intention to talk to
      patients about biospecimen sample donation. Representatives from community
      organizations had more improvement on knowledge scores than health care
      providers. Participation in a well-designed biospecimen education program may
      ameliorate some of the distrust of biomedical research experienced by
      racial/ethnic minorities and, in turn, increase needed minority representation in
      biospecimen collection.

PMID- 27118785
TI  - Long-acting Neuraminidase Inhibitor Laninamivir Octanoate as Post-exposure
      Prophylaxis for Influenza.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A single administration of laninamivir octanoate, a long-acting
      neuraminidase inhibitor, has been proven to be effective in the treatment of
      influenza but not for post-exposure prophylaxis. METHODS: We conducted a double
      blind, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study to determine if a single
      administration of laninamivir octanoate 40 mg was superior to placebo for post
      exposure prophylaxis. Eligible participants who had cohabited with an influenza
      patient within 48 hours of symptom onset were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to 1 of 3
      groups: 40 mg of laninamivir octanoate single administration (LO-40SD), 20 mg of
      laninamivir octanoate once daily for 2 days (LO-20TD), or placebo. The primary
      efficacy endpoint was the proportion of participants who developed clinical
      influenza (defined as influenza virus positive, an axillary temperature >37.5
      degrees C, and at least 2 symptoms) over a 10-day period. RESULTS: A total of 803
      participants were enrolled, with 801 included in the primary analysis. The
      proportions of participants with clinical influenza were 4.5% (12/267), 4.5%
      (13/269), and 12.1% (32/265) in the LO-40SD, LO-20TD, and placebo groups,
      respectively. A single administration of laninamivir octanoate 40 mg
      significantly reduced the development of influenza compared with placebo (P =
      .001). The relative risk reductions compared with the placebo group were 62.8%
      and 63.1% for the LO-40SD and LO-20TD groups, respectively. The incidence of
      adverse events in the LO-40SD group was similar to that of the LO-20TD and
      placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: A single administration of laninamivir octanoate was
      effective and well tolerated as post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent the
      development of influenza. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: JapicCTI-142679.

PMID- 27118786
TI  - Use of Postexposure Prophylaxis After Occupational Exposure to Zaire ebolavirus.
AB  - From September 2014 to April 2015, 6 persons who had occupational exposures to
      Zaire ebolavirus in West Africa received investigational agent rVSV-ZEBOV or TKM
      100802 for postexposure prophylaxis and were monitored in the United States. All
      patients experienced self-limited symptoms after postexposure prophylaxis; none
      developed Ebola virus disease.

PMID- 27118788
TI  - Systemic Reactions Caused by Bed Bug Bites.

PMID- 27118787
TI  - HIV Infection and Carotid Artery Intima-media Thickness: Pooled Analyses Across 5
      Cohorts of the NHLBI HIV-CVD Collaborative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Age and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment may affect the
      association of HIV infection with atherosclerosis. METHODS: We used identical
      carotid artery B-mode ultrasonographic methods in 5 cohorts participating in the
      National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute HIV-CVD Collaborative to measure intima
      media thickness of the right far wall of the common carotid artery (CCA-IMT) and
      carotid artery bifurcation (BIF-IMT) between 2010 and 2013. Participants aged 6
      75 years were either HIV infected or uninfected. Linear regression assessed
      associations of CCA-IMT and BIF-IMT with HIV infection and cardiovascular disease
      risk factors, within age and HIV treatment groups. Adjustment variables included
      sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, height, weight, and use of antihypertensive and
      lipid-lowering drugs. RESULTS: We studied 867 HIV-infected and 338 HIV-uninfected
      male and 696 HIV-infected and 246 HIV-uninfected female participants. Among both
      middle-aged (30-49 years) and older adults (50-75 years), HIV-infected
      participants had CCA-IMT and BIF-IMT values that were similar to or lower than
      those in HIV-uninfected participants. In contrast, among those aged 6-29 years,
      HIV infection was associated with higher CCA-IMT and BIF-IMT values. Among HIV
      infected participants, associations of higher systolic blood pressure and lower
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with Carotid artery intima-media thickness
      strengthened with age. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of HIV on carotid artery
      structure may differ across the lifespan, with traditional determinants of
      cardiovascular disease burden playing a larger role and HIV playing a lesser role
      in older adults than in young adults and children.

PMID- 27118790
TI  - Maintaining Life-saving Testing for Patients With Infectious Diseases: Infectious
      Diseases Society of America, American Society for Microbiology, and Pan American
      Society for Clinical Virology Recommendations on the Regulation of Laboratory
      developed Tests.
AB  - In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed to regulate
      laboratory-developed tests (LDTs)-diagnostics designed, manufactured, and used
      within a single laboratory. The Infectious Diseases Society of America, the
      American Society for Microbiology, and the Pan American Society for Clinical
      Virology recognize that the FDA is committed to protecting patients. However, our
      societies are concerned that the proposed regulations will limit access to
      testing and negatively impact infectious diseases (ID) LDTs. In this joint
      commentary, our societies discuss why LDTs are critical for ID patient care,
      hospital infection control, and public health responses. We also highlight how
      the FDA's proposed regulation of LDTs could impair patient access to life-saving
      tests and stifle innovation in ID diagnostics. Finally, our societies make
      specific recommendations for the FDA's consideration to reduce the burden of the
      proposed new rules on clinical laboratories and protect patients' access to state
      of-the art, quality LDTs.

PMID- 27118791
TI  - Weekend Effect in Children With Stroke in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Studies have demonstrated differences in clinical
      outcomes in adult patients with stroke admitted on weekdays versus weekends. The
      study's objective was to determine whether a weekend impacts clinical outcomes in
      children with ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. METHODS: Children aged 1 to
      18 years admitted to US hospitals from 2002 to 2011 with a primary discharge
      diagnosis of ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke were identified by
      International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, codes. Logistic regression
      estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for in-hospital mortality and
      discharge to a nursing facility among children admitted on weekends (Saturday and
      Sunday) versus weekdays (Monday to Friday), adjusting for potential confounders.
      RESULTS: Of 8467 children with ischemic stroke, 28% were admitted on a weekend.
      Although children admitted on weekends did not have a higher in-hospital
      mortality rate than those admitted on weekdays (4.1% versus 3.3%; P=0.4),
      children admitted on weekends had a higher rate of discharge to a nursing
      facility (25.5% versus 18.6%; P=0.003). After adjusting for age, sex, and
      confounders, the odds of discharge to a nursing facility remained increased among
      children admitted on weekends (odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.9;
      P=0.006). Of 10 919 children with hemorrhagic stroke, 25.3% were admitted on a
      weekend. Children admitted on weekends had a higher rate of in-hospital mortality
      (12% versus 8%; P=0.006). After adjusting for age, sex, and confounders, the odds
      of in-hospital mortality remained higher among children admitted on weekends
      (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.9; P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: There
      seems to be a weekend effect for children with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
      Quality improvement initiatives should examine this phenomenon prospectively.

PMID- 27118792
TI  - Redesigned Fall and Injury Management of Patients With Stroke.

PMID- 27118794
TI  - Response to Letter Regarding Article, "Sleep Fragmentation, Cerebral
      Arteriolosclerosis, and Brain Infarct Pathology in Community-Dwelling Older
      People".

PMID- 27118793
TI  - Impact of Guidelines on Clinical Practice: Intravenous Heparin Use for Acute
      Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Since its introduction, controversy has existed about the
      administration of intravenous heparin for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
      We studied trends in the intravenous heparin use during a 6-year time period and
      the potential influence of clinical guidelines in national language on
      intravenous heparin administration in Korea. METHODS: On the basis of a
      prospective nationwide multicenter stroke registry, we collected data on patients
      with acute ischemic stroke who arrived within 7 days of symptom onset during the
      time period 2008 to 2013. We studied patient demographics, prestroke medical
      history, stroke characteristics, and stroke treatment. Data from a total of 23
      425 patients from 12 university hospitals or regional stroke centers were
      analyzed. RESULTS: The administration of intravenous heparin steadily decreased
      throughout the study period: 9.7% in 2008, 10.9% in 2009, 9.4% in 2010, 6.0% in
      2011, 4.7% in 2012, and 4.3% in 2013 (P for trend <0.001). The reduced
      intravenous heparin use was associated with moderate stroke severity, atrial
      fibrillation, and stroke of cardioembolic, other-, and undetermined etiology. In
      a multivariable logistic model, increase of 1 calendar year (odds ratio, 0.89;
      95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.95; P<0.001) and release of clinical practice
      guidelines in Korean (odd ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.91;
      P<0.01) were independent factors associated with reduction in the frequency of
      intravenous heparin use. CONCLUSIONS: Use of intravenous heparin for acute
      ischemic stroke treatment has decreased in Korea, and this change may be
      attributable to the spread and successful implementation of regional clinical
      practice guidelines.

PMID- 27118795
TI  - Letter by Kawada Regarding Article, "Sleep Fragmentation, Cerebral
      Arteriolosclerosis, and Brain Infarct Pathology in Community-Dwelling Older
      People".

PMID- 27118796
TI  - Recanalization Modulates Association Between Blood Pressure and Functional
      Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Historical stroke cohorts reported a U- or J-shaped
      relationship between blood pressure (BP) and clinical outcome. However, these
      studies predated current revascularization strategies, disregarding the
      recanalization state of the affected arterial territory. We aimed to investigate
      the relationship between BP in the first 24 hours after ischemic stroke and
      clinical outcome in patients submitted to intravenous or intra-arterial
      recanalization treatments. METHODS: Consecutive patients with acute stroke
      treated with intravenous thrombolysis or intra-arterial therapies were enrolled
      in a retrospective cohort study. BP was measured on regular intervals throughout
      day and night during the first 24 hours after stroke onset. The mean systolic BP
      and diastolic BP during the first 24 hours post stroke were calculated.
      Recanalization was assessed at 6 hours by transcranial color-coded Doppler,
      angiography, or angio-computed tomography. Functional outcome was assessed at 3
      months by modified Rankin Scale. Linear and quadratic multivariate regression
      models were performed to determine associations between BP and functional outcome
      for the whole population and recanalyzed and nonrecanalyzed patients. RESULTS: We
      included 674 patients; mean age was 73.28 (SD, 11.50) years. Arterial
      recanalization was documented in 355 (52.70%) patients. In multivariate analyses,
      systolic BP and diastolic BP in the first 24 hours post stroke show a J-shaped
      relationship with functional outcome in the total population and in the
      nonrecanalyzed patients. Recanalyzed patients show a linear association with
      functional outcome (systolic BP: odds ratio, 1.015; 95% confidence interval,
      1.007-1.024; P=0.001; R(2) change=0.001; P=0.412 and diastolic BP: odds ratio,
      1.019; 95% confidence interval, 1.004-1.033; P=0.012; R(2) change<0.001;
      P=0.635). CONCLUSIONS: Systemic BP in the first 24 hours after ischemic stroke
      influences 3-month clinical outcome. This association is dependent on the
      revascularization status.

PMID- 27118797
TI  - The conserved dual phosphorylation sites of the Candida albicans Hog1 protein are
      crucial for white-opaque switching, mating, and pheromone-stimulated cell
      adhesion.
AB  - Candida albicans is an opportunistic human pathogen capable of causing life
      threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. C. albicans has a unique
      morphological transition between white and opaque phases. These two cells differ
      in virulence, mating capability, biofilm formation, and host-cell interaction.
      Previous studies revealed that deletion of the SSK2, PBS2, or HOG1 gene resulted
      in 100% opaque cell formation and suppressed the mating response. Thr-174 and Tyr
      176 of the Hog1 protein are important phosphoacceptors and can be activated in
      response to stimuli. In this study, we first demonstrated the importance of two
      conserved phosphorylation sites in white-opaque switching, mating, and pheromone
      stimulated cell adhesion. Six Hog1 point-mutated strains were generated,
      including nonphosphorylated strains (Hog1(T174A), Hog1(Y176F), and
      Hog1(T174A,Y176F)) and negatively charged phosphorylated strains (Hog1(T174D),
      Hog1(Y176D), and Hog1(T174D,Y176D)). Point mutation on Thr-174, Tyr-176 or in
      combination with the Hog1 protein in C. albicans MTL homozygous strains
      stimulated opaque cell formation at a frequency of 100%. Furthermore, mating
      projections of point-mutated strains were significantly shorter and their mating
      efficiencies and pheromone-stimulated cell adhesive numbers were lower than those
      of the wild-type. By investigating the effects of Hog1 phosphorylation in
      ssk1Delta and sln1Delta, we also demonstrate that the phosphorylation intensity
      of Hog1p is directly involved in the white-opaque switching. Taken together, the
      results of our study demonstrate that dual phosphorylation sites of C. albicans
      are crucial for white-opaque transition, sexual mating, and pheromone-induced
      cell adhesion. 

PMID- 27118798
TI  - A few shared up-regulated genes may influence conidia to yeast transformation in
      dimorphic fungal pathogens.
AB  - The small number of fungi that commonly cause disease in normal people share the
      capacity to grow as mycelia in the soil at 25 degrees C and as yeast (or
      spherules) in mammals at 37 degrees C. This remarkable conversion has long been a
      topic of interest in medical mycology. The conidia to yeast conversion has been
      studied by transcription profiling in several fungal species, including
      Histoplasma capsulatum, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, Coccidioides spp.,
      Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Talaromyces marneffei One limitation of
      transcriptional profiling is determining which genes are involved in the process
      of conversion to yeast as opposed to a result of conversion to yeast. If there
      are genes that are up-regulated in the yeast phase of more than one dimorphic,
      pathogenic fungus they might be required for conversion to yeast (or spherules).
      To address this issue, 24 up-regulated genes common to Coccidioides spp spherules
      and H. capsulatum yeasts were identified. Four homologs of these genes were also
      found in P. brasiliensis, B. dermatitidis or T. marneffei genes that were up
      regulated in yeast. 4-hydroxyphenylpurvate dioxygenase, a gene involved in
      tyrosine metabolism and melanin synthesis that has been shown to be required for
      yeast conversion, is conserved and up-regulated in yeast in all five species.
      Another up-regulated gene that is conserved in all five species is a MFS sugar
      porter. These results suggest that a minority of up-regulated yeast (or spherule)
      genes are conserved across species and raises the possibility that conserved up
      regulated genes may be of special interest for differentiation of mycelium into
      yeast. 

PMID- 27118799
TI  - The ZIP family zinc transporters support the virulence of Cryptococcus
      neoformans.
AB  - Zinc is an essential element in living organisms and a cofactor for various
      metalloproteins. To disseminate and survive, a pathogenic microbe must obtain
      zinc from the host, which is an environment with extremely limited zinc
      availability. In this study, we investigated the roles of the ZIP family zinc
      transporters Zip1 and Zip2 in the human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans
      Zip1 and Zip2 are homologous to Zrt1 and Zrt2 of the model fungus, Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae, respectively. We found that the expression of ZIP1 was regulated by
      the zinc concentration in the environment. Furthermore, the mutant lacking ZIP1
      displayed a severe growth defect under zinc-limited conditions, while the mutant
      lacking ZIP2 displayed normal growth. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission
      spectroscopy analysis showed that the absence of Zip1 expression significantly
      reduced total cellular zinc levels relative to that in the wild type, while
      overexpression of Zip1 was associated with increased cellular zinc levels. These
      findings suggested that Zip1 plays roles in zinc uptake in C. neoformans We also
      constructed a Zip1-FLAG fusion protein and found, by immunofluorescence, not only
      that the protein was localized to the periphery implying it is a membrane
      transporter, but also that the protein was N-glycosylated. Furthermore, the
      mutant lacking ZIP1 showed attenuated virulence in a murine inhalation model of
      cryptococcosis and reduced survival within murine macrophages. Overall, our data
      suggest that Zip1 plays essential roles in zinc transport and the virulence of C.
      neoformans. 

PMID- 27118800
TI  - Protein A/G-based immunochromatographic test for serodiagnosis of pythiosis in
      human and animal subjects from Asia and Americas.
AB  - Pythiosis is a life-threatening infectious disease of both humans and animals
      living in Asia, Americas, Africa, and parts of Australia and New Zealand. The
      etiologic pathogen is the fungus-like organism Pythium insidiosum The disease has
      high mortality and morbidity rates. Use of antifungal drugs are ineffective
      against P. insidiosum, leaving radical surgery the main treatment option. Prompt
      treatment leads to better prognosis of affected individuals, and could be
      achieved by early and accurate diagnosis. Since pythiosis has been increasingly
      reported worldwide, there is a need for a rapid, user-friendly, and efficient
      test that facilitates the diagnosis of the disease. This study aims to develop an
      immunochromatographic test (ICT), using the bacterial protein A/G, to detect anti
      P. insidiosum IgGs in humans and animals, and compare its diagnostic performance
      with the established ELISA. Eighty-five serum samples from 28 patients, 24 dogs,
      12 horses, 12 rabbits, and 9 cattle with pythiosis, and 143 serum samples from 80
      human and 63 animal subjects in a healthy condition, with thalassemia, or with
      other fungal infections, were recruited for assay evaluation. Detection
      specificities of ELISA and ICT were 100.0%. While the detection sensitivity of
      ELISA was 98.8%, that of ICT was 90.6%. Most pythiosis sera, that were falsely
      read negative by ICT, were weakly positive by ELISA. In conclusion, a protein A/G
      based ICT is a rapid, user-friendly, and efficient assay for serodiagnosis of
      pythiosis in humans and animals. Compared to ELISA, ICT has an equivalent
      detection specificity and a slightly lower detection sensitivity. 

PMID- 27118801
TI  - Childhood histoplasmosis in Colombia: Clinical and laboratory observations of 45
      patients.
AB  - Histoplasmosis is an important mycosis in the Americas; and in children with no
      immune system abnormalities, histoplasmosis is typically a self-limited process.
      In contrast, in children with immune problems, disease manifestations are
      frequently more severe and include dissemination. From 1984 to 2010, a
      retrospective study of paediatric patients who had been diagnosed with
      histoplasmosis was performed. A total of 45 pediatric cases of histoplasmosis
      were identified. The most important risk factor was malnutrition (37%), followed
      by environmental exposure (33%). The patients exhibited pulmonary infiltrates
      (83%), fever (76%), cough, constitutional symptoms (38%), headache (35%), and
      lymph node hypertrophy (33%). Concerning the clinical forms, 64% of the patients
      presented with the progressive disseminated form that frequently affected the
      central nervous system (48%). Diagnostic laboratory tests indicated that the
      cultures were positive for 80% of the patients, the agar gel immunodiffusion was
      reactive in 95%, the M band of the precipitate was more commonly observed (81%),
      and the complement fixation tests were reactive in 88% of the patients. The
      timely diagnosis of histoplasmosis is important, and for this reason, it is hoped
      that the results of this study will lead pediatricians toward a better
      understanding of this mycosis in children. 

PMID- 27118803
TI  - Toward the identification, characterization and experimental culture of Lacazia
      loboi from Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).
AB  - Lobomycosis (lacaziosis) is a chronic, granulomatous, fungal infection of the
      skin and subcutaneous tissues of humans and dolphins. To date, the causative
      agent, the yeast-like organism Lacazia loboi, has not been grown in the
      laboratory, and there have been no recent reports describing attempts to culture
      the organism. As a result, studies on the efficacy of therapeutics and potential
      environmental reservoirs have not been conducted. Therefore, the objective of the
      current study was to utilize both classical and novel microbiological methods in
      order to stimulate growth of Lacazia cells collected from dolphin lesions. This
      included the experimental inoculation of novel media, cell culture, and the use
      of artificial skin matrices. Although unsuccessful, the methods and results of
      this study provide important insight into new approaches that could be utilized
      in future investigations of this elusive organism. 

PMID- 27118802
TI  - The environmental source of emerging Apophysomyces variabilis infection in India.
AB  - The rare mucoraceous fungus, Apophysomyces species complex ranks second after
      Rhizopus arrhizus causing mucormycosis in India. The source of this agent in the
      environment is not clearly known. We conducted an environmental study to find its
      presence in Indian soil. The soil samples from different geographical locations
      were analyzed for isolation of Mucorales. Rhizopus arrhizus (24.6%) was most
      commonly isolated from soil, followed by Lichtheimia spp. (23.2%), Cunninghamella
      spp. (21.7%), Rhizopus microsporus (14%) and Apophysomyces spp. (4.5%). The
      isolation of Apophysomyces species complex was significantly associated with low
      nitrogen content of the soil. Based on sequencing of internal transcribed spacer
      (ITS) and 28S (D1/D2) regions of ribosomal DNA, the Apophysomyces isolates were
      identified as Apophysomyces variabilis with 98 to 100% similarity to type strain
      A. variabilis (CBS658.93). The analysis of amplified fragment length polymorphism
      (AFLP) fingerprinting data demonstrated genomic diversity of A. variabilis
      isolates with multiple clades (similarity 40-90%). The minimum inhibitory
      concentrations (MIC), MIC50 and MIC90 for A. variabilis isolates were 1 and 4
      MUg/ml for amphotericin B, 0.25 and 0.5 MUg/ml for itraconazole, 0.125 and 0.25
      MUg/ml for posaconazole, 0.06 and 0.12 MUg/ml for terbinafine, respectively. The
      present study revealed abundant presence of A. variabilis in Indian soil with low
      nitrogen content, its genetic heterogeneity and relatively high MICs for
      amphotericin B. 

PMID- 27118804
TI  - In vitro activity of new azoles luliconazole and lanoconazole compared with ten
      other antifungal drugs against clinical dermatophyte isolates.
AB  - In vitro susceptibilities of 100 clinical dermatophyte isolates belonging to five
      species from Iran toward lanoconazole and luliconazole were compared with ten
      other antifungal agents including econazole, itraconazole, miconazole,
      fluconazole, griseofulvin, butenafine, terbinafine, caspofungin, anidulafungin
      and tolnaftate. MIC and MEC values were analyzed according to CLSI M38-A2
      document. The isolates were previously identified to the species level using PCR
      RFLP on ITS rDNA region. The range of luliconazole and lanoconazole minimum
      inhibitory concentrations (MICs) was 0.016-0.032 and 0.063-1 MUg/ml, respectively
      for dermatophyte species. Luliconazole and lanoconazole revealed potent activity
      against all dermatophyte isolates. Anidulafungin, caspofungin, and luliconazole
      showed the best activity with the lowest geometric mean 0.01, 0.016, and 0.018
      MUg/ml, respectively, followed by tolnaftate (0.06 MUg/ml), terbinafine (0.07
      MUg/ml), itraconazole (0.183 MUg/ml), butenafine (0.188 MUg/ml), econazole (0.20
      MUg/ml), lanoconazole (0.24 MUg/ml), griseofulvin (1.28 MUg/ml), miconazole (2.34
      MUg/ml) and fluconazole (15.34 MUg/ml). The current study demonstrated
      luliconazole and lanoconazole displayed excellent activity against all
      dermatophyte isolates, although the majority of dermatophyte isolates showed low
      susceptibility to griseofulvin and very low to miconazole, and fluconazole. 

PMID- 27118805
TI  - Cryptococcosis in non-HIV/non-transplant patients: A Brazilian case series.
AB  - Cryptococcosis is a classical systemic opportunistic mycosis, primarily occurring
      among patients with significant immunologic impairment. However, this disease
      could also affect patients without any recognized immunologic defects, that is,
      phenotypically normal patients. The medical records of 29 non-HIV/nontransplant
      patients with cryptococcal disease during the period 2007-2014 were
      retrospectively reviewed. The most common site of infection was the central
      nervous system (n = 25, 86.2%), followed by the pulmonary system (n = 11, 37.9%)
      and blood (n = 2, 6.8%). Thoracic- and brain-computed tomography demonstrated
      abnormalities of 81.2% (n = 13) and 62.5% (n = 15), respectively. In sum, 22% (n
      = 6) of the patients experienced a significant underlying condition. More than
      one therapeutic regimen was used in 77.8% (n = 21) of the patients. The isolates
      were identified as being Cryptococcus neoformans species complex (n = 4, 36.4%)
      and Cryptococcus gattii species complex (n = 7, 63.6%). The overall mortality was
      20.7% (n = 6). Herein, we presented the first case series of cryptococcosis in
      this specific population in Sao Paulo City, Brazil. The incidence of
      cryptococcosis in our hospital has not increased in recent years, and 77.8% (n =
      21) of cases had no obvious predisposing factor. However, this disease remains
      associated with high mortality. 

PMID- 27118806
TI  - The epidemiology of fungemia in an infectious diseases hospital in Mexico city: A
      10-year retrospective review.
AB  - The epidemiology of invasive fungal infections has recently changed in
      immunosuppressed populations as a result of HIV infection, organ transplant,
      chemotherapy and in elderly patients. The diagnosis of invasive fungal infections
      by culture is prolonged since fungi grow slowly in vitro. we wanted to estimate
      the frequency of fungemia diagnoses established through the Clinical Mycology
      Laboratory over the past 10 years; through a retrospective study; data was
      obtained from the laboratory patient registry in the Infectious Disease
      Hospital's laboratory registry of patients with a systemic fungal isolate between
      2005 and 2014. One hundred and thirty two (132) systemic fungal infections were
      identified. They were more prevalent in males, in the age group between 20 and 59
      years and in patients with a diagnosis of AIDS. The most frequently isolated
      agents belonged to the genus Candida and others such as Histoplasma sp.,
      Cryptococcus sp., Aspergillus sp., and Coccidioides sp. Of all blood and bone
      marrow cultures received 17.9% had fungal development; of these, in 70% of cases
      it was through blood cultures. In general, fungal agents were not diagnostically
      suspected. We identified that Sixty percent (60%) of fungemias developed in AIDS
      patients, followed by patients with sepsis. The most common agents belonged to
      the genus Candida, predominantly the albicans species. They were more frequently
      identified by blood culture than by bone marrow culture. Invasive fungal
      infections have not followed a usual clinical pattern and are not easily
      recognizable. 

PMID- 27118807
TI  - Astroglial Scarring and Seizures: A Cell Biological Perspective on Epilepsy.
AB  - Epilepsy is among the most prevalent chronic neurological diseases and affects an
      estimated 2.2 million people in the United States alone. About one third of
      patients are resistant to currently available antiepileptic drugs, which are
      exclusively targeting neuronal function. Yet, reactive astrocytes have emerged as
      potential contributors to neuronal hyperexcitability and seizures. Astrocytes
      react to any kind of CNS insult with a range of cellular adjustments to form a
      scar and protect uninjured brain regions. This process changes astrocyte
      physiology and can affect neuronal network function in various ways. Traumatic
      brain injury and stroke, both conditions that trigger astroglial scar formation,
      are leading causes of acquired epilepsies and surgical removal of this glial scar
      in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy can alleviate the seizures. This review
      will summarize the currently available evidence suggesting that epilepsy is not a
      disease of neurons alone, but that astrocytes, glial cells in the brain, can be
      major contributors to the disease, especially when they adopt a reactive state in
      response to central nervous system insult.

PMID- 27118808
TI  - The Anti-Allodynic Gabapentinoids: Myths, Paradoxes, and Acute Effects.
AB  - The gabapentinoids (pregabalin and gabapentin) are first line treatments for
      neuropathic pain. They exert their actions by binding to the alpha2delta
      accessory subunits of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Because these subunits
      interact with critical aspects of the neurotransmitter release process,
      gabapentinoid binding prevents transmission in nociceptive pathways.
      Gabapentinoids also reduce plasma membrane expression of voltage-gated Ca2+
      channels but this may have little direct bearing on their therapeutic actions. In
      animal models of neuropathic pain, gabapentinoids exert an anti-allodynic action
      within 30 minutes but most of their in vitro effects are 30-fold slower, taking
      at least 17 hours to develop. This difference may relate to increased levels of
      alpha2delta expression in the injured nervous system. Thus, in situations where
      alpha2delta is experimentally upregulated in vitro, gabapentinoids act within
      minutes to interrupt trafficking of alpha2delta subunits to the plasma membrane
      within nerve terminals. When alpha2delta is not up-regulated, gabapentinoids act
      slowly to interrupt trafficking of alpha2delta protein from cell bodies to nerve
      terminals. This improved understanding of the mechanism of gabapentinoid action
      is related to their slowly developing actions in neuropathic pain patients, to
      the concept that different processes underlie the onset and maintenance of
      neuropathic pain and to the use of gabapentinoids in management of postsurgical
      pain.

PMID- 27118809
TI  - The problem of sexual imbalance and techniques of the self in the Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
AB  - This article examines the problematization of sexual appetite and its imbalances
      in the development of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
      (DSM) in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The dominant strands of
      historiographies of sexuality have focused on historicizing sexual object choice
      and understanding the emergence of sexual identities. This article emphasizes the
      need to contextualize these histories within a broader frame of historical
      interest in the problematization of sexual appetite. The first part highlights
      how sexual object choice, as a paradigm of sexual dysfunctions, progressively
      receded from medical interest in the twentieth century as the clinical gaze
      turned to the problem of sexual appetite and its imbalances. The second part uses
      the example of the newly introduced Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder in
      the DSM-5 to explore how the Manual functions as a technique for taking care of
      the self. I argue that the design of the Manual and associated inventories and
      questionnaires paved the way for their interpretation and application as
      techniques for self-examination.

PMID- 27118810
TI  - Memory as persona non grata in the work of Eugene Minkowski: a historical
      approach.
AB  - Memory is both ubiquitous and persona non grata in the work of Eugene Minkowski.
      Despite the relevance of memory in the works of those who influenced him, in
      particular Bergson, Minkowski nonetheless repeatedly overlooked its importance in
      his writings. To the reader of his work this fact is as much evident as
      unaccounted for - both by prior research and by Minkowski himself. I shall try to
      prove that this disregard for memory was conditio sine qua non of Minkowski's
      first synthesis of Bleuler and Bergson in a 1921 article, which resulted in his
      famous concept of loss of vital contact with reality and which he equated with
      schizophrenia. Moreover, this historical approach will, on the one hand, explain
      the fragmentary use made by Minkowski of the philosophy of Bergson and, on the
      other, shed light on central aspects of his Le temps vecu of 1933 that an
      exclusively philosophical analysis cannot reveal.

PMID- 27118811
TI  - A rare intravascular tumour diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound.

PMID- 27118814
TI  - Benefits of smoking bans on preterm and early-term births: a natural experimental
      design in Switzerland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Birth outcomes are relevant for future children's heath. Capitalising
      on a natural experimental design in Switzerland, we evaluated how regional
      smoking bans introduced at different time points affected birth outcomes,
      including preterm and early-term births. METHODOLOGY: We used birth registry data
      of all singleton neonates born in Switzerland (2007-2012). We developed canton
      specific interrupted time-series followed by random meta-analysis to evaluate the
      benefits of smoking bans on preterm (<37 gestational weeks) and early-term (37-38
      gestational weeks) births. Heterogeneity across type of ban and contextual
      characteristics was explored through metaregression. A time-to-event approach was
      used for evaluating duration of pregnancy under the smoking bans and effects,
      taking into account individual maternal factors. RESULTS: We observed a decrease
      in the risk of preterm birth of 3.6% (95% CI, -9.3% to 2.5%), and early-term
      birth of 5.0% (95% CI -7.5% to -2.5%). Results showed a clear dose-response
      relationship. Greater risk reductions were obtained for preterm births in areas
      with more comprehensive bans (-6.8%; 95% CI -12.1% to 0.1%), and for pregnancies
      with the longest gestational time under smoking bans (HR, 0.991; 95% CI 0.984 to
      0.997 per 10% increase in duration). Benefits were unequal across outcomes and
      characteristics of cantons and mothers. CONCLUSION: Smoking bans resulted in
      improved birth outcomes in Switzerland with cantons that adopted more
      comprehensive smoking bans achieving greater benefits. Early-term births
      constitute a previously ignored though important group.

PMID- 27118812
TI  - Systemic inflammation after critical illness: relationship with physical recovery
      and exploration of potential mechanisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical recovery following critical illness is slow, often
      incomplete and is resistant to rehabilitation interventions. We aimed to explore
      the contribution of persisting inflammation to recovery, and investigated the
      potential role of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in its pathogenesis.
      METHODS: In an a priori nested inflammatory biomarker study in a post-intensive
      care unit (ICU) rehabilitation trial (RECOVER; ISRCTN09412438), surviving adult
      ICU patients ventilated >48 h were enrolled at ICU discharge and blood sampled at
      ICU discharge (n=184) and 3 month follow-up (N=123). C-reactive protein (CRP),
      human neutrophil elastase (HNE), interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, transforming
      growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) and secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI)
      were measured. HCMV IgG status was determined (previous exposure), and DNA PCR
      measured among seropositive patients (lytic infection). Physical outcome measures
      including the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) were measured at 3 months. RESULTS:
      Many patients had persisting inflammation at 3 months (CRP >3 mg/L in 59%; >10
      mg/L in 28%), with proinflammatory phenotype (elevated HNE, IL-6, IL-8, SLPI; low
      TGFbeta1). Poorer mobility (RMI) was associated with higher CRP (beta=0.13;
      p<0.01) and HNE (beta=0.32; p=0.03), even after adjustment for severity of acute
      illness and pre-existing co-morbidity (CRP beta=0.14; p<0.01; HNE beta=0.30;
      p=0.04). Patients seropositive for HCMV at ICU discharge (63%) had a more
      proinflammatory phenotype at 3 months than seronegative patients, despite
      undetectable HMCV by PCR testing. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation is prevalent after
      critical illness and is associated with poor physical recovery during the first 3
      months post-ICU discharge. Previous HCMV exposure is associated with a
      proinflammatory phenotype despite the absence of detectable systemic viraemia.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN09412438, post results.

PMID- 27118815
TI  - Sensing a revolution.

PMID- 27118816
TI  - Biomechanics of Pharyngeal Deglutitive Function following Total Laryngectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Postlaryngectomy, pharyngeal weakness, and pharyngoesophageal junction
      (PEJ) restriction are the candidate mechanisms of dysphagia. The aims were, in
      laryngectomees, whether (1) hypopharyngeal propulsion is reduced and/or PEJ
      resistance is increased, (2) dilatation improves dysphagia, and (3) whether
      symptomatic improvement correlates with reduced PEJ resistance. DESIGN:
      Multidisciplinary cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary academic hospital.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Swallow biomechanics were assessed in 30 laryngectomees.
      Patients were stratified into severe dysphagia (Sydney Swallow Questionnaire
      >500) and mild/nil dysphagia (Sydney Swallow Questionnaire <=500). Average
      hypopharyngeal peak (contractile) pressure (hPP) and hypopharyngeal intrabolus
      pressure (hIBP) were measured from high-resolution manometry with concurrent
      videofluoroscopy based on barium swallows (2.5 and 10 mL). In consecutive 5
      patients, measurements were repeated after dilatation. RESULTS: Dysphagia was
      reported by 87%, and 57% had severe and 43% had mild/nil dysphagia. hIBP
      increased with larger bolus volumes (P < .0001), while hPP stayed stable and PEJ
      diameter plateaued at 9 mm. Laryngectomees had lower hPP (110 +/- 14 vs 170 +/-
      15 mm Hg; P = .0162) and higher hIBP (29 +/- 5 vs 6 +/- 5 mm Hg; P = .156) than
      controls. There were no differences in hPP between patient groups. However, hIBP
      was higher in severe than in mild/nil dysphagia (41 +/- 10 vs 13 +/- 3 mm Hg; P =
      .02). Predilation hIBP (R(2) = 0.97) and its decrement postdilatation (R(2) =
      0.98) well predicted symptomatic improvement. CONCLUSIONS: PEJ resistance
      correlates better with dysphagia severity than peak pharyngeal pressure and is
      more sensitive to bolus sizes than PEJ diameter. Both baseline PEJ resistance and
      its decrement following dilatation are strong predictors of treatment outcome.
      PEJ resistance is vital to detect, as it is reversible and can predict the
      response to dilatation regimens.

PMID- 27118817
TI  - Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Middle Ear Pressure and
      Acoustic Stapedial Reflex.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of continuous positive airway
      pressure (CPAP) on middle ear pressure and acoustic stapedial reflex and the
      correlation between CPAP and middle ear pressure. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective
      cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary hospitals. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients
      with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome were assigned to the study group,
      and 50 healthy volunteers were assigned to the control group. The subjects
      underwent standard tympanometry while wearing a CPAP device (ie, simulated CPAP
      treatment), which was set to 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O, respectively. Tympanometry
      was performed before and after swallowing at each pressure of CPAP treatment.
      RESULTS: The mean middle ear pressures were 21.2, 22.6, 22.7, and 23.4 daPa
      (before swallowing) and 21.6, 42.6, 81.4, and 118.6 daPa (after swallowing) in
      the study group and 17.6, 18.7, 19.5, and 20.8 daPa (before swallowing) and 17.7,
      44.2, 85.6, and 120.5 daPa (after swallowing) in the control group at the CPAPs
      of 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O, respectively. While the CPAPs were at 0 and 15 cm
      H2O, the stapedial muscle reflex at 1.0 kHz did not have a significant difference
      between the 2 groups (chi(2) = 0.521, P = .470). The Pearson correlation
      coefficient of the CPAP pressure and the middle ear pressure after swallowing was
      0.812 (P < .001). CONCLUSION: CPAP affected middle ear pressure and was directly
      proportional to the pressure of the CPAP. However, CPAP treatment had no
      significant effect on stapedial muscle reflex.

PMID- 27118818
TI  - Association between Magnesium Disorders and Hypocalcemia following Thyroidectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with postoperative hypocalcemia after
      thyroid surgery and to understand the relationship among hypocalcemia, length of
      hospitalization, and costs of care. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective database
      analysis. METHODS: Discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for
      620,744 patients who underwent thyroid surgery from 2001 to 2010 were analyzed
      through cross-tabulations and multivariate regression modeling. Hypocalcemia,
      length of stay, and costs were examined as dependent variables. Secondary
      independent variables included magnesium and phosphate metabolism disorders,
      vitamin D deficiency, menopause, sex, extent of surgery, malignancy, and surgeon
      volume. RESULTS: Hypocalcemia was reported in 6% of patients and was
      significantly more common for the following variables: women, age <65 years,
      patients from the Northeast, total thyroidectomy +/- neck dissection patients,
      low-volume surgical care, malignancy, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and
      patients with disorders of magnesium or phosphate metabolism (P < .001).
      Magnesium and phosphate disorders were present in <1% of patients. Magnesium
      disorders were significantly more likely for patients with hypocalcemia (7%; P <
      .001), and hypocalcemia was present in 52% of patients with magnesium disorders
      (P < .001). On multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds of hypocalcemia
      were greatest for patients with magnesium disorders (odds ratio, 12.71; 95%
      confidence interval, 8.59-18.82). This relationship was not attenuated by high
      volume surgical care. Hypocalcemia and magnesium disorders were both associated
      with increased length of stay and costs, with a greater effect for magnesium
      disorders than for hypocalcemia (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Disorders of magnesium
      metabolism are an independent risk factor for postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia and
      are associated with significantly increased costs and length of stay.

PMID- 27118819
TI  - Tablet Audiometry in Canada's North: A Portable and Efficient Method for Hearing
      Screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Access to hearing health care is limited in many parts of the world,
      creating a lack of prompt diagnosis, which further complicates treatment. The use
      of portable audiometry for hearing loss testing can improve access to diagnostics
      in marginalized populations. Our study objectives were twofold: (1) to determine
      the prevalence of hearing loss in children aged 4 to 11 years in Iqaluit,
      Nunavut, and (2) to test and demonstrate the use of our tablet audiometer as a
      portable hearing-testing device in a remote location. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective
      cross-sectional observational. SETTING: Remote elementary schools in 3 Canadian
      Northern communities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Tablet audiometers were used to test
      hearing in 218 children. Air conduction pure tones thresholds were obtained at
      500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Children with hearing loss >=30 dB in either ear
      were referred for audiology services. RESULTS: Tablet audiometry screening
      testing revealed abnormal results in 14.8% of the study participants. No
      significant difference in the rate of hearing loss was seen by sex; however, the
      rate of hearing loss decreased significantly with increasing age. The median
      duration of the hearing test was 5 minutes 30 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: Of the study
      population, 14.8% tested positive for hearing loss based on our interactive
      tablet audiometer. In this setting, the tablet audiometer was both time efficient
      and largely language independent. This type of testing is valuable for providing
      much-needed hearing health care for high-risk populations in rural and remote
      areas where audiology services are often unavailable.

PMID- 27118821
TI  - Irradiance Decay in Fluorescent and Light-emitting Diode-based Phototherapy
      Devices: A Pilot Study.
AB  - We set out to determine the rate of decline of irradiance for fluorescent tube
      (FT) and light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy devices in resource-limited
      settings where routine irradiance monitoring is uncommon. Irradiance levels
      (MUW/cm(2)/nm) were measured weekly using BiliBlanket((r)) II Meter on three FT
      based and two LED-based phototherapy devices over a 19 week period. The two LED
      devices showed stable irradiance levels and did not require any lamp changes. The
      three FT-based devices showed rapid decline in irradiance, and all required three
      complete lamp exchanges approximately every 5-6 weeks. FT-based devices are
      associated with more rapid decline in irradiance to sub-therapeutic levels and
      require more frequent lamp changes than LED devices. Clinicians should be alert
      to the maintenance requirements of the phototherapy devices available in their
      settings to ensure efficacy of treatment.

PMID- 27118820
TI  - Quality of Life in Children with Hearing Impairment: Systematic Review and Meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of pediatric hearing loss (HL) on quality of
      life (QOL). DATA SOURCES: A qualified medical librarian conducted a literature
      search for relevant publications that evaluate QOL in school-aged children with
      HL. REVIEW METHODS: Studies were assessed independently by 2 reviewers for
      inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. RESULTS: From 979
      abstracts, 69 were identified as relevant; ultimately, 40 articles were included
      in the systematic review. This review revealed that children with HL generally
      report a lower QOL than their normal-hearing peers and that QOL improves after
      interventions. The extent of these differences is variable among studies and
      depends on the QOL measure. Four studies using the Pediatric Quality of Life
      Inventory (PedsQL) had sufficient data for inclusion in a meta-analysis. After
      studies were pooled, statistically and clinically significant differences in
      PedsQL scores were found between children with normal hearing and those with HL,
      specifically in the social and school domains. Statistically significant
      differences were also noted in total scores for children with unilateral HL and
      in the physical domain for children with bilateral HL as compared with those
      having normal hearing; however, these differences were not clinically meaningful.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis reveals that decreased QOL in children with HL is
      detected in distinct domains of the PedsQL. These domains-school activities and
      social interactions-are especially important for development and learning. Future
      work should focus on these aspects of QOL when assessing HL in the pediatric
      population.

PMID- 27118822
TI  - Effect of Treatment of Premature Infants with Respiratory Distress Using Low-cost
      Bubble CPAP in a Rural African Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kenya's neonatal mortality rate remains unacceptably high, at 22
      deaths per 1000 live births, with a third of those attributable to prematurity.
      Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the single most important cause of
      morbidity and mortality in the premature neonate. Continuous positive airway
      pressure (CPAP) is a proven modality of therapy but is rarely used in low
      resource settings. We report on the introduction of bubble CPAP (BCPAP), a low
      cost method of delivering CPAP appropriate to our setting, by comparing survival
      to-discharge before and after the technology was introduced. METHODS: The
      inpatient hospital records of all preterm infants (<37 weeks) diagnosed with RDS
      in the AIC Kijabe Hospital Nursery during two 18-month periods before and after
      the introduction of BCPAP (46 infants enrolled from 1 November 2007 to 30 April
      2009 vs. 72 infants enrolled from 1 November 2009 to 30 April 2011) were
      reviewed. Differences in survival-to-discharge rates between the two time periods
      were analyzed. RESULTS: The survival-to-discharge rate was higher in Period 2
      (after the introduction of BCPAP) than in Period 1 (pre-BCPAP) (85% vs. 61%, p  =
      0.007). Similarly, there were lower referral rates of preterm infants with RDS
      in Period 2 than Period 1 (4% vs. 17%, p  =  0.037). CONCLUSION: BCPAP has
      contributed significantly to favorable outcomes for preterm infants with RDS at
      AIC Kijabe Hospital. The use of this simple technology should be considered and
      studied for expansion to all hospitals in Kenya that care for preterm infants.

PMID- 27118823
TI  - Use of palivizumab with other infection control measures to control respiratory
      syncytial virus outbreaks in neonatal care units.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: No guidelines exist on the use of palivizumab during outbreaks of
      Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). We
      aimed to describe an outbreak of RSV in NICU settings and the role of palivizumab
      in controlling the outbreak. METHODS: The index case was a 30-day-old premature
      infant. During the outbreak, 13 cases of RSV were confirmed by RT-PCR. All
      infants in the NICU received palivizumab after RSV diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 13
      cases, seven were male; and the median (interquartile) of birth weight was 1585
      (IQR: 1480-1705) g. All cases were premature under 34-weeks-gestation. Age at
      onset of disease varies between 10 and 160 days. Only four cases occurred after
      administering palivizumab and applying other infection control measures.
      CONCLUSION: During nosocomial outbreaks of RSV, administration of palivizumab to
      all infants in NICU appears to be rational and may help contain outbreaks.

PMID- 27118824
TI  - Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity Among Postmenopausal Women: Discrepancies
      in Accelerometry-Based Cut-Points.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
      (MVPA), minutes per week (min/wk), and fulfillment of the current recommendation
      (150 min/wk of MVPA) based on different cut-points in postmenopausal women. The
      sample was composed of 233 postmenopausal women aged 59.8 +/- 6.7 years old. MVPA
      was measured using triaxial accelerometers. Accelerometers were initialized to
      collect in 60-s epochs. Participants were included if using at least 5 days. MVPA
      min/wk were obtained using Freedson, Troiano, Copeland, and Sasaki cut-points.
      Box-plot indicated large mean differences between almost all cut-points, except
      for Freedson and Troiano (9.3 [95% LoA: -5.6; 24.3] min/wk). The proportion of
      women who achieved 150 min/wk of MVPA was similar between Freedson and Troiano
      (31% vs. 30%). Sasaki and Copeland cut-points resulted in a greater proportion
      than other cut-points. We concluded that the cut-points analyzed generated
      different results in MVPA min/wk and low agreement when using current guidelines
      for MVPA pattern classification, except for the comparisons between Freedson and
      Troiano cut-points.

PMID- 27118826
TI  - News Feature: Liquid sunlight.

PMID- 27118828
TI  - Executive Summary: Implementing an Antibiotic Stewardship Program: Guidelines by
      the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Society for Healthcare
      Epidemiology of America.
AB  - Evidence-based guidelines for implementation and measurement of antibiotic
      stewardship interventions in inpatient populations including long-term care were
      prepared by a multidisciplinary expert panel of the Infectious Diseases Society
      of America and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. The panel
      included clinicians and investigators representing internal medicine, emergency
      medicine, microbiology, critical care, surgery, epidemiology, pharmacy, and adult
      and pediatric infectious diseases specialties. These recommendations address the
      best approaches for antibiotic stewardship programs to influence the optimal use
      of antibiotics.

PMID- 27118830
TI  - Limb Embolism in a 52-Year-Old Woman.

PMID- 27118831
TI  - Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is stable under global warming.

PMID- 27118832
TI  - Human DDX3 protein is a valuable target to develop broad spectrum antiviral
      agents.
AB  - Targeting a host factor essential for the replication of different viruses but
      not for the cells offers a higher genetic barrier to the development of
      resistance, may simplify therapy regimens for coinfections, and facilitates
      management of emerging viral diseases. DEAD-box polypeptide 3 (DDX3) is a human
      host factor required for the replication of several DNA and RNA viruses,
      including some of the most challenging human pathogens currently circulating,
      such as HIV-1, Hepatitis C virus, Dengue virus, and West Nile virus. Herein, we
      showed for the first time, to our knowledge, that the inhibition of DDX3 by a
      small molecule could be successfully exploited for the development of a broad
      spectrum antiviral agent. In addition to the multiple antiviral activities, hit
      compound 16d retained full activity against drug-resistant HIV-1 strains in the
      absence of cellular toxicity. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies in rats
      confirmed a good safety profile and bioavailability of 16d. Thus, DDX3 is here
      validated as a valuable therapeutic target.

PMID- 27118834
TI  - Single-enzyme biomineralization of cadmium sulfide nanocrystals with controlled
      optical properties.
AB  - Nature has evolved several unique biomineralization strategies to direct the
      synthesis and growth of inorganic materials. These natural systems are complex,
      involving the interaction of multiple biomolecules to catalyze biomineralization
      and template growth. Herein we describe the first report to our knowledge of a
      single enzyme capable of both catalyzing mineralization in otherwise unreactive
      solution and of templating nanocrystal growth. A recombinant putative
      cystathionine gamma-lyase (smCSE) mineralizes CdS from an aqueous cadmium acetate
      solution via reactive H2S generation from l-cysteine and controls nanocrystal
      growth within the quantum confined size range. The role of enzymatic nanocrystal
      templating is demonstrated by substituting reactive Na2S as the sulfur source.
      Whereas bulk CdS is formed in the absence of the enzyme or other capping agents,
      nanocrystal formation is observed when smCSE is present to control the growth.
      This dual-function, single-enzyme, aerobic, and aqueous route to functional
      material synthesis demonstrates the powerful potential of engineered functional
      material biomineralization.

PMID- 27118833
TI  - Memory retrieval of inhibitory avoidance requires histamine H1 receptor
      activation in the hippocampus.
AB  - Retrieval represents a dynamic process that may require neuromodulatory
      signaling. Here, we report that the integrity of the brain histaminergic system
      is necessary for retrieval of inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory, because rats
      depleted of histamine through lateral ventricle injections of alpha
      fluoromethylhistidine (a-FMHis), a suicide inhibitor of histidine decarboxylase,
      displayed impaired IA memory when tested 2 d after training. a-FMHis was
      administered 24 h after training, when IA memory trace was already formed.
      Infusion of histamine in hippocampal CA1 of brain histamine-depleted rats (hence,
      amnesic) 10 min before the retention test restored IA memory but was ineffective
      when given in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) or the ventral medial prefrontal
      cortex (vmPFC). Intra-CA1 injections of selective H1 and H2 receptor agonists
      showed that histamine exerted its effect by activating the H1 receptor.
      Noteworthy, the H1 receptor antagonist pyrilamine disrupted IA memory retrieval
      in rats, thus strongly supporting an active involvement of endogenous histamine;
      90 min after the retention test, c-Fos-positive neurons were significantly fewer
      in the CA1s of a-FMHis-treated rats that displayed amnesia compared with in the
      control group. We also found reduced levels of phosphorylated cAMP-responsive
      element binding protein (pCREB) in the CA1s of a-FMHis-treated animals compared
      with in controls. Increases in pCREB levels are associated with retrieval of
      associated memories. Targeting the histaminergic system may modify the retrieval
      of emotional memory; hence, histaminergic ligands might reduce dysfunctional
      aversive memories and improve the efficacy of exposure psychotherapies.

PMID- 27118835
TI  - Reply to Parker: Robust response of AMOC interdecadal variability to future
      intense warming.

PMID- 27118836
TI  - Programmable RNA-binding protein composed of repeats of a single modular unit.
AB  - The ability to monitor and perturb RNAs in living cells would benefit greatly
      from a modular protein architecture that targets unmodified RNA sequences in a
      programmable way. We report that the RNA-binding protein PumHD (Pumilio homology
      domain), which has been widely used in native and modified form for targeting
      RNA, can be engineered to yield a set of four canonical protein modules, each of
      which targets one RNA base. These modules (which we call Pumby, for Pumilio-based
      assembly) can be concatenated in chains of varying composition and length, to
      bind desired target RNAs. The specificity of such Pumby-RNA interactions was
      high, with undetectable binding of a Pumby chain to RNA sequences that bear three
      or more mismatches from the target sequence. We validate that the Pumby
      architecture can perform RNA-directed protein assembly and enhancement of
      translation of RNAs. We further demonstrate a new use of such RNA-binding
      proteins, measurement of RNA translation in living cells. Pumby may prove useful
      for many applications in the measurement, manipulation, and biotechnological
      utilization of unmodified RNAs in intact cells and systems.

PMID- 27118838
TI  - Tipping the balance toward trophoblast development.

PMID- 27118837
TI  - Body mass scaling of passive oxygen diffusion in endotherms and ectotherms.
AB  - The area and thickness of respiratory surfaces, and the constraints they impose
      on passive oxygen diffusion, have been linked to differences in oxygen
      consumption rates and/or aerobic activity levels in vertebrates. However, it
      remains unclear how respiratory surfaces and associated diffusion rates vary with
      body mass across vertebrates, particularly in relation to the body mass scaling
      of oxygen consumption rates. Here we address these issues by first quantifying
      the body mass dependence of respiratory surface area and respiratory barrier
      thickness for a diversity of endotherms (birds and mammals) and ectotherms
      (fishes, amphibians, and reptiles). Based on these findings, we then use Fick's
      law to predict the body mass scaling of oxygen diffusion for each group. Finally,
      we compare the predicted body mass dependence of oxygen diffusion to that of
      oxygen consumption in endotherms and ectotherms. We find that the slopes and
      intercepts of the relationships describing the body mass dependence of passive
      oxygen diffusion in these two groups are statistically indistinguishable from
      those describing the body mass dependence of oxygen consumption. Thus, the area
      and thickness of respiratory surfaces combine to match oxygen diffusion capacity
      to oxygen consumption rates in both air- and water-breathing vertebrates. In
      particular, the substantially lower oxygen consumption rates of ectotherms of a
      given body mass relative to those of endotherms correspond to differences in
      oxygen diffusion capacity. These results provide insights into the long-standing
      effort to understand the structural attributes of organisms that underlie the
      body mass scaling of oxygen consumption.

PMID- 27118839
TI  - Big data visualization identifies the multidimensional molecular landscape of
      human gliomas.
AB  - We show that visualizing large molecular and clinical datasets enables discovery
      of molecularly defined categories of highly similar patients. We generated a
      series of linked 2D sample similarity plots using genome-wide single nucleotide
      alterations (SNAs), copy number alterations (CNAs), DNA methylation, and RNA
      expression data. Applying this approach to the combined glioblastoma (GBM) and
      lower grade glioma (LGG) The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets, we find that combined
      CNA/SNA data divide gliomas into three highly distinct molecular groups. The
      mutations commonly used in clinical evaluation of these tumors are regionally
      distributed in these plots. One of the three groups is a mixture of GBM and LGG
      that shows similar methylation and survival characteristics to GBM. Altogether,
      our approach identifies eight molecularly defined glioma groups with distinct
      sequence/expression/methylation profiles. Importantly, we show that regionally
      clustered samples are enriched for specific drug targets.

PMID- 27118840
TI  - Mice carrying a human GLUD2 gene recapitulate aspects of human transcriptome and
      metabolome development.
AB  - Whereas all mammals have one glutamate dehydrogenase gene (GLUD1), humans and
      apes carry an additional gene (GLUD2), which encodes an enzyme with distinct
      biochemical properties. We inserted a bacterial artificial chromosome containing
      the human GLUD2 gene into mice and analyzed the resulting changes in the
      transcriptome and metabolome during postnatal brain development. Effects were
      most pronounced early postnatally, and predominantly genes involved in neuronal
      development were affected. Remarkably, the effects in the transgenic mice
      partially parallel the transcriptome and metabolome differences seen between
      humans and macaques analyzed. Notably, the introduction of GLUD2 did not affect
      glutamate levels in mice, consistent with observations in the primates. Instead,
      the metabolic effects of GLUD2 center on the tricarboxylic acid cycle, suggesting
      that GLUD2 affects carbon flux during early brain development, possibly
      supporting lipid biosynthesis.

PMID- 27118841
TI  - Another piece to the intracellular FGF/Na+ channel puzzle.

PMID- 27118843
TI  - Mosquito vectors of ape malarias: Another piece of the puzzle.

PMID- 27118842
TI  - Tobacco mosaic virus-directed reprogramming of auxin/indole acetic acid protein
      transcriptional responses enhances virus phloem loading.
AB  - Vascular phloem loading has long been recognized as an essential step in the
      establishment of a systemic virus infection. In this study, an interaction
      between the replication protein of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and phloem-specific
      auxin/indole acetic acid (Aux/IAA) transcriptional regulators was found to
      modulate virus phloem loading in an age-dependent manner. Promoter expression
      studies show that in mature tissues TMV 126/183-kDa-interacting Aux/IAAs
      predominantly express and accumulate within the nuclei of phloem companion cells
      (CCs). Furthermore, CC Aux/IAA nuclear localization is disrupted upon infection
      with an interacting virus. In situ analysis of virus spread shows that the
      inability to disrupt Aux/IAA CC nuclear localization correlates with a reduced
      ability to load into the vascular tissue. Subsequent systemic movement assays
      also demonstrate that a virus capable of disrupting Aux/IAA localization is
      significantly more competitive at moving out of older plant tissues than a
      noninteracting virus. Similarly, CC expression and overaccumulation of a
      degradation-resistant Aux/IAA-interacting protein was found to inhibit TMV
      accumulation and phloem loading selectively in flowering plants. Transcriptional
      expression studies demonstrate a role for Aux/IAA-interacting proteins in the
      regulation of salicylic and jasmonic acid host defense responses as well as virus
      specific movement factors, including pectin methylesterase, that are involved in
      regulating plasmodesmata size-exclusion limits and promoting virus cell-to-cell
      movement. Combined, these findings indicate that TMV directs the reprogramming of
      auxin-regulated gene expression within the vascular phloem of mature tissues as a
      means to enhance phloem loading and systemic spread.

PMID- 27118844
TI  - Dodecagonal quasicrystalline order in a diblock copolymer melt.
AB  - We report the discovery of a dodecagonal quasicrystalline state (DDQC) in a
      sphere (micelle) forming poly(isoprene-b-lactide) (IL) diblock copolymer melt,
      investigated as a function of time following rapid cooling from above the order
      disorder transition temperature (TODT = 66  degrees C) using small-angle X-ray
      scattering (SAXS) measurements. Between TODT and the order-order transition
      temperature TOOT = 42  degrees C, an equilibrium body-centered cubic (BCC)
      structure forms, whereas below TOOT the Frank-Kasper sigma phase is the stable
      morphology. At T < 40  degrees C the supercooled disordered state evolves into a
      metastable DDQC that transforms with time to the sigma phase. The times required
      to form the DDQC and sigma phases are strongly temperature dependent, requiring
      several hours and about 2 d at 35  degrees C and more than 10 and 200 d at 25 
      degrees C, respectively. Remarkably, the DDQC forms only from the supercooled
      disordered state, whereas the sigma phase grows directly when the BCC phase is
      cooled below TOOT and vice versa upon heating. A transition in the rapidly
      supercooled disordered material, from an ergodic liquid-like arrangement of
      particles to a nonergodic soft glassy-like solid, occurs below ~40  degrees C,
      coincident with the temperature associated with the formation of the DDQC. We
      speculate that this stiffening reflects the development of particle clusters with
      local tetrahedral or icosahedral symmetry that seed growth of the temporally
      transient DDQC state. This work highlights extraordinary opportunities to uncover
      the origins and stability of aperiodic order in condensed matter using model
      block polymers.

PMID- 27118845
TI  - GABAB receptor-mediated, layer-specific synaptic plasticity reorganizes gamma
      frequency neocortical response to stimulation.
AB  - Repeated presentations of sensory stimuli generate transient gamma-frequency (30
      80 Hz) responses in neocortex that show plasticity in a task-dependent manner.
      Complex relationships between individual neuronal outputs and the mean, local
      field potential (population activity) accompany these changes, but little is
      known about the underlying mechanisms responsible. Here we show that transient
      stimulation of input layer 4 sufficient to generate gamma oscillations induced
      two different, lamina-specific plastic processes that correlated with lamina
      specific changes in responses to further, repeated stimulation: Unit rates and
      recruitment showed overall enhancement in supragranular layers and suppression in
      infragranular layers associated with excitatory or inhibitory synaptic
      potentiation onto principal cells, respectively. Both synaptic processes were
      critically dependent on activation of GABAB receptors and, together, appeared to
      temporally segregate the cortical representation. These data suggest that
      adaptation to repetitive sensory input dramatically alters the spatiotemporal
      properties of the neocortical response in a manner that may both refine and
      minimize cortical output simultaneously.

PMID- 27118847
TI  - A topologically driven glass in ring polymers.
AB  - The static and dynamic properties of ring polymers in concentrated solutions
      remains one of the last deep unsolved questions in polymer physics. At the same
      time, the nature of the glass transition in polymeric systems is also not well
      understood. In this work, we study a novel glass transition in systems made of
      circular polymers by exploiting the topological constraints that are conjectured
      to populate concentrated solutions of rings. We show that such rings strongly
      interpenetrate through one another, generating an extensive network of
      topological interactions that dramatically affects their dynamics. We show that a
      kinetically arrested state can be induced by randomly pinning a small fraction of
      the rings. This occurs well above the classical glass transition temperature at
      which microscopic mobility is lost. Our work both demonstrates the existence of
      long-lived inter-ring penetrations and realizes a novel, topologically induced,
      glass transition.

PMID- 27118846
TI  - Canonical and noncanonical intraflagellar transport regulates craniofacial
      skeletal development.
AB  - The primary cilium is a cellular organelle that coordinates signaling pathways
      critical for cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and homeostasis.
      Intraflagellar transport (IFT) plays a pivotal role in assembling primary cilia.
      Disruption and/or dysfunction of IFT components can cause multiple diseases,
      including skeletal dysplasia. However, the mechanism by which IFT regulates
      skeletogenesis remains elusive. Here, we show that a neural crest-specific
      deletion of intraflagellar transport 20 (Ift20) in mice compromises ciliogenesis
      and intracellular transport of collagen, which leads to osteopenia in the facial
      region. Whereas platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRalpha) was
      present on the surface of primary cilia in wild-type osteoblasts, disruption of
      Ift20 down-regulated PDGFRalpha production, which caused suppression of PDGF-Akt
      signaling, resulting in decreased osteogenic proliferation and increased cell
      death. Although osteogenic differentiation in cranial neural crest (CNC)-derived
      cells occurred normally in Ift20-mutant cells, the process of mineralization was
      severely attenuated due to delayed secretion of type I collagen. In control
      osteoblasts, procollagen was easily transported from the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) to the Golgi apparatus. By contrast, despite having similar levels of
      collagen type 1 alpha 1 (Col1a1) expression, Ift20 mutants did not secrete
      procollagen because of dysfunctional ER-to-Golgi trafficking. These data suggest
      that in the multipotent stem cells of CNCs, IFT20 is indispensable for regulating
      not only ciliogenesis but also collagen intracellular trafficking. Our study
      introduces a unique perspective on the canonical and noncanonical functions of
      IFT20 in craniofacial skeletal development.

PMID- 27118848
TI  - Arabidopsis SAURs are critical for differential light regulation of the
      development of various organs.
AB  - During deetiolation of Arabidopsis seedlings, light promotes the expansion of
      cotyledons but inhibits the elongation of hypocotyls. The mechanism of this
      differential regulation of cell enlargement is unclear. Our organ-specific
      transcriptomic analysis identified 32 Small Auxin Up RNA (SAUR) genes whose
      transcripts were light-induced in cotyledons and/or repressed in hypocotyls. We
      therefore named these SAURs as lirSAURs Both overexpression and mutation analyses
      demonstrated that lirSAURs could promote cotyledon expansion and opening and
      enhance hypocotyl elongation, possibly by inhibiting phosphatase activity of D
      clade type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2C-Ds). Light reduced auxin levels to down
      regulate the expression of lirSAURs in hypocotyls. Further, phytochrome
      interacting factors (PIFs) were shown to directly bind the genes encoding these
      SAURs and differentially regulate their expression in cotyledons and hypocotyls.
      Together, our study demonstrates that light mediates auxin levels and PIF
      stability to differentially regulate the expression of lirSAURs in cotyledons and
      hypocotyls, and these lirSAURs further mediate the differential growth of these
      two organs.

PMID- 27118850
TI  - High impact grand mal.

PMID- 27118849
TI  - Astrocytes regulate heterogeneity of presynaptic strengths in hippocampal
      networks.
AB  - Dendrites are neuronal structures specialized for receiving and processing
      information through their many synaptic inputs. How input strengths are modified
      across dendrites in ways that are crucial for synaptic integration and plasticity
      remains unclear. We examined in single hippocampal neurons the mechanism of
      heterosynaptic interactions and the heterogeneity of synaptic strengths of
      pyramidal cell inputs. Heterosynaptic presynaptic plasticity that counterbalances
      input strengths requires N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and astrocytes.
      Importantly, this mechanism is shared with the mechanism for maintaining highly
      heterogeneous basal presynaptic strengths, which requires astrocyte Ca(2+)
      signaling involving NMDAR activation, astrocyte membrane depolarization, and L
      type Ca(2+) channels. Intracellular infusion of NMDARs or Ca(2+)-channel blockers
      into astrocytes, conditionally ablating the GluN1 NMDAR subunit, or
      optogenetically hyperpolarizing astrocytes with archaerhodopsin promotes
      homogenization of convergent presynaptic inputs. Our findings support the
      presence of an astrocyte-dependent cellular mechanism that enhances the
      heterogeneity of presynaptic strengths of convergent connections, which may help
      boost the computational power of dendrites.

PMID- 27118851
TI  - Tuberculosis and Healthcare Workers in Underresourced Settings.

PMID- 27118852
TI  - Protecting Our Front-liners: Occupational Tuberculosis Prevention Through
      Infection Control Strategies.
AB  - Healthcare workers (HCWs) in low- and middle-income countries with high
      tuberculosis prevalence are at increased risk of tuberculosis infection; however,
      tuberculosis infection control (TBIC) measures are often poorly implemented. The
      World Health Organization recommends 4 levels of TBIC: managerial (establishment
      and oversight of TBIC policies), administrative controls (reducing HCWs' exposure
      to tuberculosis), environmental controls (reducing the concentration of
      infectious respiratory aerosols in the air), and personal respiratory protection.
      This article will discuss each of these levels of TBIC, and review the available
      data on the implementation of each in sub-Saharan African countries. In addition,
      we review the attitudes and motivation of HCWs regarding TBIC measures, and the
      impact of stigma on infection control practices and implementation. After
      summarizing the challenges facing effective TBIC implementation, we will discuss
      possible solutions and recommendations. Last, we present a case study of how a
      clinic effectively addressed some of the challenges of TBIC implementation.

PMID- 27118853
TI  - Infection Control for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis: Early Diagnosis and Treatment
      Is the Key.
AB  - Multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis, "Ebola with wings," is a significant
      threat to tuberculosis control efforts. Previous prevailing views that resistance
      was mainly acquired through poor treatment led to decades of focus on drug
      sensitive rather than drug-resistant (DR) tuberculosis, driven by the World
      Health Organization's directly observed therapy, short course strategy. The
      paradigm has shifted toward recognition that most DR tuberculosis is transmitted
      and that there is a need for increased efforts to control DR tuberculosis. Yet
      most people with DR tuberculosis are untested and untreated, driving transmission
      in the community and in health systems in high-burden settings. The risk of
      nosocomial transmission is high for patients and staff alike. Lowering
      transmission risk for MDR tuberculosis requires a combination approach centered
      on rapid identification of active tuberculosis disease and tuberculosis drug
      resistance, followed by rapid initiation of appropriate treatment and adherence
      support, complemented by universal tuberculosis infection control measures in
      healthcare facilities. It also requires a second paradigm shift, from the classic
      infection control hierarchy to a novel, decentralized approach across the
      continuum from early diagnosis and treatment to community awareness and support.
      A massive scale-up of rapid diagnosis and treatment is necessary to control the
      MDR tuberculosis epidemic. This will not be possible without intense efforts
      toward the implementation of decentralized, ambulatory models of care. Increasing
      political will and resources need to be accompanied by a paradigm shift. Instead
      of focusing on diagnosed cases, recognition that transmission is driven largely
      by undiagnosed, untreated cases, both in the community and in healthcare
      settings, is necessary. This article discusses this comprehensive approach,
      strategies available, and associated challenges.

PMID- 27118854
TI  - The Development and Piloting of Parallel Scales Measuring External and Internal
      HIV and Tuberculosis Stigma Among Healthcare Workers in the Free State Province,
      South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The dual burden of tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) is severely impacting the South African healthcare workforce. However, the
      use of on-site occupational health services is hampered by stigma among the
      healthcare workforce. The success of stigma-reduction interventions is difficult
      to evaluate because of a dearth of appropriate scientific tools to measure stigma
      in this specific professional setting. METHODS: The current pilot study aimed to
      develop and test a range of scales measuring different aspects of stigma-internal
      and external stigma toward tuberculosis as well as HIV-in a South African
      healthcare setting. The study employed data of a sample of 200 staff members of a
      large hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor
      analysis produced 7 scales, displaying internal construct validity: (1)
      colleagues' external HIV stigma, (2) colleagues' actions against external HIV
      stigma, (3) respondent's external HIV stigma, (4) respondent's internal HIV
      stigma, (5) colleagues' external tuberculosis stigma, (6) respondent's external
      tuberculosis stigma, and (7) respondent's internal tuberculosis stigma.
      Subsequent analyses (reliability analysis, structural equation modeling)
      demonstrated that the scales displayed good psychometric properties in terms of
      reliability and external construct validity. CONCLUSIONS: The study outcomes
      support the use of the developed scales as a valid and reliable means to measure
      levels of tuberculosis- and HIV-related stigma among the healthcare workforce in
      a resource-limited context. Future studies should build on these findings to fine
      tune the instruments and apply them to larger study populations across a range of
      different resource-limited healthcare settings with high HIV and tuberculosis
      prevalence.

PMID- 27118855
TI  - Occupational Risk Factors for Tuberculosis Among Healthcare Workers in KwaZulu
      Natal, South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a known occupational hazard for healthcare workers
      (HCWs), especially in countries with a high burden of tuberculosis. It is
      estimated that HCWs have a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of developing tuberculosis
      compared with the general population. The objective of this study was to identify
      occupational risk factors for tuberculosis among HCWs in 3 district hospitals
      with specialized multidrug-resistant tuberculosis wards in KwaZulu-Natal, South
      Africa. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of HCWs diagnosed with
      tuberculosis between January 2006 and December 2010. Cases and controls were
      asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire regarding potential risk
      factors for tuberculosis. RESULTS: Of 307 subjects selected, 145 (47%) HCWs
      responded to the questionnaire; 54 (37%) tuberculosis cases and 91 (63%)
      controls. Cases occurred more frequently among clinical staff 46% (n = 25) and
      support staff 35% (n = 19). Thirty-two (26% [32/125]) HCWs were known to be
      infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), including 45% (21/54) of cases.
      HCWs living with HIV (odds ratio [OR], 6.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.54
      11.37) and those who spent time working in areas with patients (OR, 2.24; 95% CI,
      1.40-3.59) had significantly greater odds of developing tuberculosis, controlling
      for occupation, number of wards worked in, and household crowding. CONCLUSIONS:
      HIV was the major independent risk factor for tuberculosis among HCWs in this
      sample. These findings support the need for HCWs to know their HIV status, and
      for HIV-infected HCWs to be offered antiretroviral therapy and isoniazid
      preventive therapy. Infection prevention and control should also be improved to
      prevent transmission of tuberculosis in healthcare settings to protect both HCWs
      and patients.

PMID- 27118857
TI  - Where Caring Is Sharing: Evolving Ethical Considerations in Tuberculosis
      Prevention Among Healthcare Workers.
AB  - In many settings, the dedication of healthcare workers (HCWs) to the treatment of
      tuberculosis exposes them to serious risks. Current ethical considerations
      related to tuberculosis prevention in HCWs involve the threat posed by
      comorbidities, issues of power and space, the implications of intersectoral
      collaborations, (de)professionalization, just remuneration, the duty to care, and
      involvement in research. Emerging ethical considerations include mandatory
      vaccination and the use of geolocalization services and information technologies.
      The following exploration of these various ethical considerations demonstrates
      that the language of ethics can fruitfully be deployed to shed new light on
      policies that have repercussions on the lives of HCWs in underresourced settings.
      The language of ethics can help responsible parties get a clearer sense of what
      they owe HCWs, particularly when these individuals are poorly compensated, and it
      shows that it is essential that HCWs' contribution be acknowledged through a
      shared commitment to alleviate ethically problematic aspects of the environments
      within which they provide care. For this reason, there is a strong case for the
      community of bioethicists to continue to take greater interest both in the micro
      level (eg, patient-provider interactions) and macro-level (eg, injustices that
      occur as a result of the world order) issues that put HCWs working in areas with
      high tuberculosis prevalence in ethically untenable positions. Ultimately,
      appropriate responses to the various ethical considerations explored here must
      vary based on the setting, but, as this article shows, they require thoughtful
      reflection and courageous action on the part of governments, policy makers, and
      managers responsible for national responses to the tuberculosis epidemic.

PMID- 27118856
TI  - BCG and New Preventive Tuberculosis Vaccines: Implications for Healthcare
      Workers.
AB  - Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)
      infection and tuberculosis disease, but also play a crucial role in implementing
      healthcare. Preexposure tuberculosis vaccination, including revaccination with
      BCG, might benefit Mtb-uninfected HCWs, but most HCWs in tuberculosis-endemic
      countries are already sensitized to mycobacteria. A new postexposure tuberculosis
      vaccine offers greatest potential for protection, in the setting of repeated
      occupational Mtb exposure. Novel strategies for induction of mycobacteria
      specific resident memory T cells in the lung by aerosol administration, or
      induction of T cells with inherent propensity for residing in mucosal sites, such
      as CD1-restricted T cells and mucosa-associated innate T cells, should be
      explored. The need for improved protection of HCWs against tuberculosis disease
      is clear. However, health systems in tuberculosis-endemic countries would need
      significantly improved occupational health structures to implement a screening
      and vaccination strategy for HCWs.

PMID- 27118858
TI  - Exposed, but Not Protected: More Is Needed to Prevent Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
      in Healthcare Workers and Students.
AB  - "Occupational MDR-TB"  ...  "XDR-TB"  ...  "Treatment-induced hearing loss": 3
      life-changing messages imparted over the phone. Three personal accounts are
      shared highlighting the false belief held by many healthcare workers (HCWs) and
      students in low-resource settings-that they are immune to tuberculosis despite
      high levels of occupational tuberculosis exposure. This misconception reflects a
      lack of awareness of tuberculosis transmission and disease risk, compounded by
      the absence of accurate occupational tuberculosis estimates. As the global
      problem of drug-resistant (DR) tuberculosis evolves, HCWs are increasingly
      infected and suffer considerable morbidity and mortality from occupational DR
      tuberculosis disease. Similarly, healthcare students are emerging as a vulnerable
      and unprotected group. There is an urgent need for improved detection, vaccines,
      preventive therapy, treatment, and support for affected HCWs and those they care
      for, as well as destigmatization of all forms of tuberculosis. Finally, efforts
      to protect HCWs and prevent DR tuberculosis transmission by universal
      implementation of tuberculosis infection control measures should be prioritized.

PMID- 27118859
TI  - Potential pharmacokinetic effect of rifampicin on enrofloxacin in broilers: Roles
      of P-glycoprotein and BCRP induction by rifampicin.
AB  - P-glycoprotein ( P-GP: , encoding gene Abcb1) and Breast Cancer Resistance
      Protein ( BCRP: , encoding gene Abcg2) are transport proteins that play a major
      role in modulating the bioavailability of oral drugs in humans and rodents. It
      has been shown that rifampicin is the typical inducer of P-gp in rodents by
      activating the nuclear receptor. However, its effect on Abcb1, Abcg2, CYP3A, and
      chicken xenobiotic-sensing orphan nuclear receptor ( CXR: ) mRNA expression in
      broilers is poorly understood. This study explored the effect of rifampicin on
      mRNA expression of Abcb1, Abcg2, CYP3A37, CXR as well as its effect on the
      pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in broilers. The mRNA levels of Abcb1, Abcg2,
      CYP3A37, and CXR were significantly increased in the liver (except Abcg2),
      kidney, jejunum, and ileum (P < 0.05) but not significantly changed in the
      duodenum (P > 0.05) after treated with rifampicin. Further analysis revealed that
      the variation tendencies of Abcb1, Abcg2, and CYP3A37 expression levels were
      significantly correlated with CXR mRNA expression levels in liver, kidney,
      jejunum, and ileum. Coadministration of rifampicin significantly changed the
      pharmacokinetic behavior of enrofloxacin orally administered by showing clearly
      lower AUC0-infinity, AUC0-t, and Cmax as well as longer Tmax. The bioavailability
      of orally administered enrofloxacin was decreased from 72.5% to 24.8% by
      rifampicin. However, rifampicin did not significantly change the pharmacokinetics
      of enrofloxacin following intravenous administration. Our study shows that
      rifampicin up-regulated the small intestinal level of P-gp and BCRP and suggests
      that P-gp and BCRP are key factors that affected pharmacokinetic behavior of
      orally administered enrofloxacin by limiting its absorption from the intestine in
      broilers. 

PMID- 27118860
TI  - Effects of dietary L-isoleucine on laying performance and immunomodulation of
      laying hens.
AB  - Isoleucine may be a limiting amino acid for laying hens fed diets with a lowered
      protein level. An experiment was conducted to examine laying performance and the
      immune function of laying hens provided diets varying in digestible isoleucine
      levels during the peak production period. A total number of 400 Lohmann Brown
      laying hens, 28 wk of age, were allocated to 5 dietary treatment groups, each of
      which included 5 replicates of 16 hens per replicate (4 cages / replicate; 80
      hens / treatment). L-isoleucine was added to the experimental diet (14% CP)
      containing synthetic amino (methionine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, and
      valine) by zero, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 g/kg, corresponding to 0.54%, 0.64%,
      0.74%, 0.84, and 0.94% digestible isoleucine, respectively. At the end of the
      experiment (wk 40), dietary isoleucine did not affect laying performance or egg
      quality. Serum albumin concentration increased quadratically (P < 0.05) in
      response to digestible dietary isoleucine at 0.74%. Serum free isoleucine and
      lysine increased (P < 0.05) in response to digestible dietary isoleucine at
      0.74%. Digestible dietary isoleucine levels did not affect the serum
      concentrations of total antioxidative capability (T-AOC), total superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and CuZn-superoxide
      dismutase (CuZn-SOD). There was no significant (P > 0.05) response of excess
      digestible isoleucine level on the serum level of IgG, IgA, or IgM. In addition,
      dietary isoleucine levels did not affect the concentrations of secretory
      immunoglobulin A (sIgA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), or interleukin
      (IL-2 and IL-6) in the ileum. Also, expressions of ileal MUC2 mRNA, sIgA mRNA,
      and IL-1beta mRNA were not changed (P > 0.05) by excess digestible isoleucine
      level. Furthermore, excess digestible isoleucine level did not change mRNA
      expression of ileal tight junction protein (claudin-1 and occludin). No effect
      occurred when isoleucine was supplemented, suggesting that it is not a limiting
      amino acid in the low crude protein diet on laying performance and intestinal
      mucosal immune. 

PMID- 27118861
TI  - Determination of yolk contamination in liquid egg white using Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - Purified egg white is an important ingredient in a number of baked and
      confectionary foods because of its foaming properties. However, yolk
      contamination in amounts as low as 0.01% can impede the foaming ability of egg
      white. In this study, we used Raman spectroscopy to evaluate the hypothesis that
      yolk contamination in egg white could be detected based on its molecular optical
      properties. Yolk contaminated egg white samples (n = 115) with contamination
      levels ranging from 0% to 0.25% (on weight basis) were prepared. The samples were
      excited with a 785 nm laser and Raman spectra from 250 to 3,200 cm(-1) were
      recorded. The Raman spectra were baseline corrected using an optimized piecewise
      cubic interpolation on each spectrum and then normalized with a standard normal
      variate transformation. Samples were randomly divided into calibration (n = 77)
      and validation (n = 38) data sets. A partial least squares regression (PLSR)
      model was developed to predict yolk contamination levels, based on the Raman
      spectral fingerprint. Raman spectral peaks, in the spectral region of 1,080 and
      1,666 cm(-1), had the largest influence on detecting yolk contamination in egg
      white. The PLSR model was able to correctly predict yolk contamination levels
      with an R(2) = 0.90 in the validation data set. These results demonstrate the
      capability of Raman spectroscopy for detection of yolk contamination at very low
      levels in egg white and present a strong case for development of an on-line
      system to be deployed in egg processing plants. 

PMID- 27118862
TI  - Temperature during the last week of incubation. II. Effects on first week broiler
      development and performance.
AB  - Little is known about applying various eggshell temperatures (EST) during the
      last week of incubation. In particular, the effect of an EST below 37.8 degrees C
      during the last week of incubation is poorly investigated. Therefore, we
      investigated effects of EST of 35.6, 36.7, 37.8, or 38.9 degrees C applied from d
      of incubation (E) 15, E17, or E19 on first week broiler development and
      performance. A total of 2,850 first grade eggs of a 43 wk old Ross 308 broiler
      breeder flock were incubated at an EST of 37.8 degrees C until E15. From E15,
      E17, or E19 onward, eggs were incubated at an EST of 35.6, 36.7, 37.8, or 38.9
      degrees C. Chick quality was determined at placement in the broiler house and
      organ development was measured at d 7. BW was determined at placement, d4, and
      d7. Feed intake (FI) was measured at d4 and d7 and G:F was calculated between
      placement and d4, and between d4 and d7. Chick quality at placement was higher at
      an EST of 35.6 degrees C compared to all other EST treatments, expressed by a
      longer chick length and highest prevalence of closed navels. BW d 7 was higher at
      an EST of 36.7 degrees C compared to all other EST treatments, which was not
      caused by a higher FI during the first week. A higher G:F between d 0 and d 7 was
      found at an EST of 36.7 degrees C compared to 35.6 and 38.9 degrees C. At d 7, a
      higher relative heart weight was found at an EST of 35.6 compared to 38.9 degrees
      C. This study indicates that an EST of 38.9 degrees C applied from E15 onward
      negatively affected chick quality, organ development, and G:F until d 7 compared
      to 37.8 degrees C. Moreover, an EST of 36.7 degrees C had a clear positive effect
      on chick quality, organ development, G:F, and growth performance until d 7. An
      EST of 35.6 degrees C resulted in equal or higher chick quality and organ weights
      compared to 36.7 degrees C, but this was not reflected in performance parameters.

PMID- 27118863
TI  - Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella
      Typhimurium in raw chicken meat at retail markets in Malaysia.
AB  - Salmonellosis is one of the major food-borne diseases in many countries. This
      study was carried out to determine the occurrence of Salmonella spp., Salmonella
      Enteritidis, and Salmonella Typhimurium in raw chicken meat from wet markets and
      hypermarkets in Selangor, as well as to determine the antibiotic susceptibility
      profile of S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium. The most probable number (MPN) in
      combination with multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) method was used to
      quantify the Salmonella spp., S. Enteritidis, and S. Typhimurium in the samples.
      The occurrence of Salmonella spp., S. Enteritidis, and S. Typhimurium in 120
      chicken meat samples were 20.80%, 6.70%, and 2.50%, respectively with estimated
      quantity varying from <3 to 15 MPN/g. The antibiogram testing revealed
      differential multi-drug resistance among S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium
      isolates. All the isolates were resistance to erythromycin, penicillin, and
      vancomycin whereas sensitivity was recorded for Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid,
      Gentamicin, Tetracycline, and Trimethoprim. Our findings demonstrated that the
      retail chicken meat could be a source of multiple antimicrobial-resistance
      Salmonella and may constitute a public health concern in Malaysia. 

PMID- 27118864
TI  - Copy number variation identification and analysis of the chicken genome using a
      60K SNP BeadChip.
AB  - Copy number variation (CNV) is an important source of genetic variation in
      organisms and a main factor that affects phenotypic variation. A comprehensive
      study of chicken CNV can provide valuable information on genetic diversity and
      facilitate future analyses of associations between CNV and economically important
      traits in chickens. In the present study, an F2 full-sib chicken population (554
      individuals), established from a cross between Xinghua and White Recessive Rock
      chickens, was used to explore CNV in the chicken genome. Genotyping was performed
      using a chicken 60K SNP BeadChip. A total of 1,875 CNV were detected with the
      PennCNV algorithm, and the average number of CNV was 3.42 per individual. The CNV
      were distributed across 383 independent CNV regions (CNVR) and covered 41
      megabases (3.97%) of the chicken genome. Seven CNVR in 108 individuals were
      validated by quantitative real-time PCR, and 81 of these individuals (75%) also
      were detected with the PennCNV algorithm. In total, 274 CNVR (71.54%) identified
      in the current study were previously reported. Of these, 147 (38.38%) were
      reported in at least 2 studies. Additionally, 109 of the CNVR (28.46%) discovered
      here are novel. A total of 709 genes within or overlapping with the CNVR was
      retrieved. Out of the 2,742 quantitative trait loci (QTL) collected in the
      chicken QTL database, 43 QTL had confidence intervals overlapping with the CNVR,
      and 32 CNVR encompassed one or more functional genes. The functional genes
      located in the CNVR are likely to be the QTG that are associated with underlying
      economic traits. This study considerably expands our insight into the structural
      variation in the genome of chickens and provides an important resource for
      genomic variation, especially for genomic structural variation related to
      economic traits in chickens. 

PMID- 27118865
TI  - Nutritional quality of eggs from hens fed distillers dried grains with solubles.
AB  - A feeding trial was conducted with laying hens where either 10% or 20% regular
      fat distiller's dried grains with solubles (R-DDGS) or low-fat DDGS (L-DDGS) were
      incorporated into the feed. Production parameters and the effect of DDGS on egg
      nutritional quality, focusing on yolk lipids, were evaluated. Neither R-DDGS nor
      L-DDGS at up to 20% of laying hen feeds had a statistically significant impact on
      hen weight gain, egg production, feed intake, feed efficiency, egg mass, or egg
      weight. Specific gravity was slightly lower for eggs from hens fed 10% R-DDGS or
      20% L-DDGS. Eggs from layers fed DDGS had enhanced levels of tocopherols,
      tocotrienols, and xanthophylls in the yolk, as well as also increased yolk yellow
      and red color. Eggs from L-DDGS diet had higher tocopherol content, but eggs from
      R-DDGS diets had higher xanthophylls. Fatty acid composition in eggs was slightly
      altered by DDGS, but the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids was very
      similar. Feeding DDGS to layer hens had no effect on lecithin or cholesterol
      content of the eggs. Thus, inclusion of DDGS in the diet of laying hens resulted
      in increases of several beneficial lipophilic nutrients in egg yolks with no
      apparent detrimental effects.

PMID- 27118866
TI  - Effect of d-allulose on rheological properties of chicken breast sausage.
AB  - d-Allulose (Alu), a rare sugar, was applied to chicken breast sausage as a
      sucrose (Suc) substitute. The ratio (w/w) of Alu to Suc in sugar that was added
      to the sausage batter was 0/1 (A0S1), 3/7 (A3S7), 7/3 (A7S3), and 1/0 (A1S0). The
      total amount of Suc used was 2.5% of the weight of minced chicken breast meat.
      Substituting Suc with Alu did not affect water content, cooking loss, breaking
      stress, breaking strain, and modulus of elasticity of chicken breast sausage, but
      a 100% substitution with Alu caused a 10% decrease in viscosity and a 31%
      decrease in expressible water. A significant difference appeared in the
      rheological properties of elasticity, viscosity, and water-holding capacity of
      chicken breast sausage frozen-stored (-20 degrees C) for 90 d. Particularly, the
      modulus of elasticity for A1S0 chicken breast sausage was 19% higher than that of
      the control A0S1 chicken breast sausage, suggesting that Alu appreciably reduced
      the deterioration in elasticity that is caused by long-term frozen storage of
      sausage. The quality improvement of frozen-stored chicken breast sausage
      demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of the application of Alu to frozen
      foods. 

PMID- 27118867
TI  - Unveiling the basis of alkaline stability of an evolved versatile peroxidase.
AB  - A variant of high biotechnological interest (called 2-1B) was obtained by
      directed evolution of the Pleurotus eryngii VP (versatile peroxidase) expressed
      in Saccharomyces cerevisiae [Garcia-Ruiz, Gonzalez-Perez, Ruiz-Duenas, Martinez
      and Alcalde (2012) Biochem. J. 441: , 487-498]. 2-1B shows seven mutations in the
      mature protein that resulted in improved functional expression, activity and
      thermostability, along with a remarkable stronger alkaline stability (it retains
      60% of the initial activity after 120 h of incubation at pH 9 compared with
      complete inactivation of the native enzyme after only 1 h). The latter is highly
      demanded for biorefinery applications. In the present study we investigate the
      structural basis behind the enhanced alkaline stabilization of this evolved
      enzyme. In order to do this, several VP variants containing one or several of the
      mutations present in 2-1B were expressed in Escherichia coli, and their alkaline
      stability and biochemical properties were determined. In addition, the crystal
      structures of 2-1B and one of the intermediate variants were solved and carefully
      analysed, and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out. We concluded that
      the introduction of three basic residues in VP (Lys-37, Arg-39 and Arg-330) led
      to new connections between haem and helix B (where the distal histidine residue
      is located), and formation of new electrostatic interactions, that avoided the
      hexa-co-ordination of the haem iron. These new structural determinants stabilized
      the haem and its environment, helping to maintain the structural enzyme integrity
      (with penta-co-ordinated haem iron) under alkaline conditions. Moreover, the
      reinforcement of the solvent-exposed area around Gln-305 in the proximal side,
      prompted by the Q202L mutation, further enhanced the stability.

PMID- 27118868
TI  - A polybasic motif in ErbB3-binding protein 1 (EBP1) has key functions in
      nucleolar localization and polyphosphoinositide interaction.
AB  - Polyphosphoinositides (PPIns) are present in the nucleus where they participate
      in crucial nuclear processes, such as chromatin remodelling, transcription and
      mRNA processing. In a previous interactomics study, aimed to gain further insight
      into nuclear PPIns functions, we identified ErbB3 binding protein 1 (EBP1) as a
      potential nuclear PPIn-binding protein in a lipid pull-down screen. EBP1 is a
      ubiquitous and conserved protein, located in both the cytoplasm and nucleolus,
      and associated with cell proliferation and survival. In the present study, we
      show that EBP1 binds directly to several PPIns via two distinct PPIn-binding
      sites consisting of clusters of lysine residues and positioned at the N- and C
      termini of the protein. Using interaction mutants, we show that the C-terminal
      PPIn-binding motif contributes the most to the localization of EBP1 in the
      nucleolus. Importantly, a K372N point mutation, located within the C-terminal
      motif and found in endometrial tumours, is sufficient to alter the nucleolar
      targeting of EBP1. Our study reveals also the presence of the class I
      phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) catalytic subunit p110beta and its product
      PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 together with EBP1 in the nucleolus. Using NMR, we further
      demonstrate an association between EBP1 and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 via both
      electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Taken together, these results show
      that EBP1 interacts directly with PPIns and associate with PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 in the
      nucleolus. The presence of p110beta and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 in the nucleolus
      indicates their potential role in regulating nucleolar processes, at least via
      EBP1.

PMID- 27118870
TI  - FAP finds FGF21 easy to digest.
AB  - Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine hormone that regulates
      carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In humans, circulating FGF21 is inactivated by
      proteolytic cleavage of its C-terminus, thereby preventing signalling through a
      receptor complex. The mechanism for this cleavage event and the factors
      contributing to the post-translational regulation of FGF21 activity has
      previously been unknown. In a recent issue of the Biochemical Journal, Zhen et
      al. have identified fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as the endopeptidase
      responsible for this site-specific cleavage of human FGF21 (hFGF21), and propose
      that inhibition of FAP may be a therapeutic strategy to increase endogenous
      levels of active FGF21.

PMID- 27118869
TI  - SLC transporters as a novel class of tumour suppressors: identity, function and
      molecular mechanisms.
AB  - The role of plasma membrane transporters in cancer is receiving increasing
      attention in recent years. Several transporters for essential nutrients are up
      regulated in cancer and serve as tumour promoters. Transporters could also
      function as tumour suppressors. To date, four transporters belonging to the SLC
      gene family have been identified as tumour suppressors. SLC5A8 is a Na(+)-coupled
      transporter for monocarboxylates. Among its substrates are the bacterial
      fermentation products butyrate and propionate and the ubiquitous metabolite
      pyruvate. The tumour-suppressive function of this transporter relates to the
      ability of butyrate, propionate and pyruvate to inhibit histone deacetylases
      (HDAC). SLC5A8 functions as a tumour suppressor in most tissues studied thus far,
      and provides a molecular link to Warburg effect, a characteristic feature in most
      cancers. It also links colonic bacteria and dietary fibre to the host. SLC26A3 as
      a tumour suppressor is restricted to colon; it is a Cl(-)/HCO(-) 3 exchanger,
      facilitating the efflux of HCO(-) 3 The likely mechanism for the tumour
      suppressive function of SLC26A3 is related to intracellular pH regulation.
      SLC39A1 is a Zn(2+) transporter and its role in tumour suppression has been shown
      in prostate. Zn(2+) is present at high concentrations in normal prostate where it
      elicits its tumour-suppressive function. SLC22A18 is possibly an organic cation
      transporter, but the identity of its physiological substrates is unknown. As
      such, there is no information on molecular pathways responsible for the tumour
      suppressive function of this transporter. It is likely that additional SLC
      transporters will be discovered as tumour suppressors in the future.

PMID- 27118871
TI  - Does it matter how much physician trainees work anymore?

PMID- 27118872
TI  - Health-related quality of life in different stages of chronic kidney disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Improved survival of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients has led
      to an increased focus on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for evaluating
      treatment effectiveness and assessing health outcomes of these patients.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate HRQoL in patients in different stages of CKD and to
      explore possible correlating and influencing factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional
      design with 200 patients from India in CKD stages 1-5 assessed for HRQoL through
      36-item short-form together with biomarkers. Patients were divided into four
      groups according to their estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR); group A
      with GFR range > 90 ml/min/1.73 m2, group B with GFR range 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2,
      group C with GFR range 15-29 ml/min/1.73 m2 and group D with GFR < 15 ml/min/1.73
      m2 RESULTS: HRQoL scores in all dimensions impaired progressively and
      significantly across renal function levels and CKD stages. A statistically
      significant decreasing trend in physical composite summary and mental composite
      summary scores was found in patients from group A to D (P< 0.001). Patients with
      eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2, Diabetes Mellitus, Cardio vascular disease (CVD), C
      reactive protein (CRP) >= 5 mg/l, Hemoglobin  <= 90 g/l, erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate  >= 20 and mean arterial pressure  >= 100 mm hg had
      significantly lower scores on all HRQoL dimensions. Among these CRP, reduced GFR
      and CVD were the most important predictors of impaired HRQoL. CONCLUSION:
      Considering the worldwide growing prevalence of CKD and increasing importance of
      HRQoL in chronic diseases, improving our knowledge about HRQoL and its predictors
      in CKD patients is important. Assessment of HRQoL early in disease course will
      help to identify high risk patients in whom modifying these factors may help them
      lead an active and healthy life.

PMID- 27118873
TI  - Influence of social deprivation, overcrowding and family structure on emergency
      medical admission rates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients from deprived backgrounds have a higher in-patient mortality
      following emergency medical admission. AIM: To evaluate the influence of
      Deprivation Index, overcrowding and family structure on hospital admission rates.
      DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: All emergency medical admissions
      from 2002 to 2013 were evaluated. Based on address, each patient was allocated to
      an electoral division, whose small area population statistics were available from
      census data. Patients were categorized by quintile of Deprivation Index,
      overcrowding and family structure, and these were evaluated against hospital
      admission rate, calculated as rate/1000 population. Univariate and multivariable
      risk estimates (Odds Ratios or Incidence Rate Ratios) were calculated, using
      logistic or zero truncated Poisson regression as appropriate. RESULTS: There were
      66 861 admissions in 36 214 patients over the 12-year study period. Deprivation
      Index quintile independently predicted the admission rate, with rates of Q1 12.0
      (95% CI 11.8-12.2), Q2 19.5 (95% CI 19.3-19.6), Q3 33.7 (95% CI 33.3-34.0), Q4
      31.4 (95% CI 31.2-31.6) and Q5 38.1 (95% CI 37.7-38.5). Similarly the proportions
      of families with children <15 years old, was an independent predictor of the
      admission rate with rates of Q1 20.8 (95% CI 20.4-21.1), Q2 23.0 (95% CI 22.7
      23.3), Q3 32.2 (95% CI 31.9-32.5), Q4 32.4 (95% CI 32.2-32.7) and Q5 37.2 (95% CI
      36.6-37.8). The proportion of families with children >=15-years old was also
      predictive but quintile of overcrowding was only predictive in the univarate
      model. CONCLUSION: Deprivation Index and family structure strongly predict
      emergency medical hospital admission rates.

PMID- 27118874
TI  - Is Renal Impairment an Anticipated COPD Comorbidity?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies have investigated COPD-linked comorbidities and their
      influence on associated outcomes, but the extent to which COPD is related to
      chronic renal failure is undetermined. The objective of this work was to assess
      the prevalence of chronic renal failure (overt or concealed) in a cohort with
      COPD compared with that of a control group, and to investigate the relationships
      of the clinical and functional data with the subjects' renal conditions. METHODS:
      The study was performed with 136 subjects with COPD and 104 control subjects. The
      subjects with COPD were divided into 2 groups according to a combined assessment.
      The COPD and control groups were compared in terms of clinical factors, renal
      function, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and spirometry data. The
      prevalence of the renal status types was examined in all groups, and the
      correlations of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate with
      all of the clinical and spirometry data were examined. RESULTS: There were
      significant differences between both COPD groups and the controls regarding
      estimated glomerular filtration rate. Significantly worse renal function was
      observed in the COPD group, which also exhibited a greater percentage of subjects
      with concealed chronic renal failure. Additionally, there were significant
      differences in renal status among the 3 groups; the percentage of subjects with
      concealed chronic renal failure was significantly greater in group 2 than in both
      group 1 and the control group. Additionally, the percentages of subjects with
      concealed chronic renal failure were greater than those with overt chronic renal
      failure in the 3 groups. There were significant correlations of serum creatinine
      with COPD assessment test, exacerbations and hospitalizations, percent-of
      predicted FVC, percent-of-predicted FEV1/FVC, percent-of-predicted maximum mid
      expiratory flow, and percent-of-predicted peak expiratory flow. Moreover, there
      were significant correlations between estimated glomerular filtration rate and
      all of the clinical and spirometry data. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic renal failure
      should not be ignored or underestimated in patients with COPD because it
      frequently cannot be recognized based on serum creatinine because decreases in
      estimated glomerular filtration rate are more prevalent.

PMID- 27118875
TI  - The Severe Respiratory Insufficiency Questionnaire for Subjects With COPD With
      Long-Term Oxygen Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory insufficiency in COPD may present as hypoxic and/or
      hypercapnic respiratory failure treated with long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT)
      and/or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with LTOT. The Severe Respiratory
      Insufficiency Questionnaire (SRI) is a tool for the assessment of health-related
      quality of life (HRQOL) in subjects receiving NIV. However, it remains unclear
      whether the SRI is also capable of assessing and discriminating HRQOL in subjects
      receiving LTOT. METHODS: Stable subjects with COPD receiving LTOT or NIV + LTOT
      (NIV) were prospectively recruited and completed the SRI, lung function tests,
      and blood gases. Confirmatory factor analysis for construct validity and internal
      consistency reliability were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five subjects
      were included (113 LTOT, 42 NIV). The Cronbach alpha coefficient of the 7
      subscales ranged between 0.69 and 0.89 (LTOT) and between 0.79 and 0.93 (NIV),
      respectively. In both groups, confirmatory factor analysis revealed a one-factor
      model for the SRI summary scale; in 5 subscales, one- or 2-factor models could be
      established. Group differences in the SRI subsets were all P <.05 (except for
      physical functioning) with higher scores in subjects receiving NIV. CONCLUSIONS:
      The SRI showed high reliability and validity in subjects with COPD receiving
      LTOT. Subjects receiving LTOT had lower SRI scores, indicating a poorer HRQOL
      compared with subjects with established NIV and LTOT.

PMID- 27118876
TI  - Adherence and Subthreshold Adherence in Sleep Apnea Subjects Receiving Positive
      Airway Pressure Therapy: A Retrospective Study Evaluating Differences in
      Adherence Versus Use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research on subthreshold compliance with positive airway pressure
      (PAP) therapy in sleep apnea patients may inform clinical sleep medicine
      practice. We retrospectively assessed compliant and subthreshold compliant sleep
      apnea subjects to test whether regular but fewer hours of PAP use would
      demonstrate clinically meaningful improvements and correlate with outcomes.
      METHODS: A chart review was conducted of 113 consecutive sleep apnea subjects,
      naive to treatment, who completed a titration study and filled a PAP therapy
      prescription. Objective data categorized subjects into 3 groups: compliant,
      subthreshold compliant, and minimal use. Outcome measures assessed changes in
      insomnia, sleepiness, and nocturia on average 7 months from PAP initiation.
      Correlation coefficients analyzed dose-response relationships between hours of
      use and changes in outcomes. RESULTS: Among 113 PAP attempters, 104 (92%) were
      current users. Among 93 users with objective data, regular (consistent) PAP users
      included 59 compliant and 21 subthreshold compliant, and 13 subjects were minimal
      users. Compliant users averaging 6.6 +/- 1.3 h/night and 42.0 +/- 12.1 h/week
      showed the largest outcome improvements (all P < .05) with moderate to large
      effects for insomnia (d = 0.94), sleepiness (d = 0.58), and nocturia (d = 0.56).
      Subthreshold users averaging 4.1 +/- 0.7 h/night but only 18.0 +/- 5.6 h/week
      showed a large effect for insomnia (d = 0.76, P = .03) and nonsignificant, small
      effects for sleepiness (d = 0.38) and nocturia (d = 0.22). Correlation
      coefficients showed a trend for decrease in insomnia (P = .08; r = .20) and a
      significant decrease in nocturia (P = .034; r = 0.25), each in association with
      hours of PAP use. CONCLUSIONS: In a clinical sample, 86% of sleep apnea subjects
      regularly used PAP, but adherence was 63%. Regular users showed clinical
      treatment effects and potential dose-response relationships, suggesting that the
      term use offers advantages over the term adherence. Currently, subthreshold
      compliance may not merit insurance coverage in many countries, an issue affecting
      many sleep apnea patients.

PMID- 27118877
TI  - Risk of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
      treated with inhibitors of tumour necrosis factor alpha: results from the British
      Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

PMID- 27118878
TI  - Comment on: Delay to diagnosis in axial spondyloarthritis: are we improving in
      the UK?

PMID- 27118879
TI  - Mirroring multiple agents: motor resonance during action observation is modulated
      by the number of agents.
AB  - Although social situations regularly involve multiple persons acting together,
      research on the mirror neuron system has focused on situations in which a single
      agent is observed. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to explore the
      role of the mirror mechanism in situations involving multiple agents.
      Specifically, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate
      whether mirror activation is modulated by the number of observed agents. Based on
      group contagion research, we hypothesized that multiple agents would provide a
      stronger trigger to the motor system and would therefore produce a stronger
      mirror response than a single agent. Participants observed movements performed by
      a single hand or by two hands while TMS was applied to the primary motor cortex.
      The results confirmed that activation in the motor system was stronger for two
      hands. This suggests that input to the motor system increases as the number of
      agents grows. Relating back to group contagion, our study suggests that groups
      may be more contagious simply because their actions resonate louder. Given that
      the mirror mechanism has been linked to a variety of social skills, our findings
      additionally have important implications for the understanding of social
      interaction at the group level.

PMID- 27118881
TI  - Unified analytical expressions of the three-dimensional fundamental solutions and
      their derivatives for linear elastic anisotropic materials.
AB  - Novel unified analytical displacement and stress fundamental solutions as well as
      the higher order derivatives of the displacement fundamental solutions for three
      dimensional, generally anisotropic and linear elastic materials are presented in
      this paper. Adequate integral expressions for the displacement and stress
      fundamental solutions as well as the higher order derivatives of the displacement
      fundamental solutions are evaluated analytically by using the Cauchy residue
      theorem. The resulting explicit displacement fundamental solutions and their
      first and second derivatives are recast into convenient analytical forms which
      are valid for non-degenerate, partially degenerate, fully degenerate and nearly
      degenerate cases. The correctness and the accuracy of the novel unified and
      closed-form three-dimensional anisotropic fundamental solutions are verified by
      using some available analytical expressions for both transversely isotropic (non
      degenerate or partially degenerate) and isotropic (fully degenerate) linear
      elastic materials.

PMID- 27118880
TI  - Two tagSNPs rs352493 and rs3760908 within SIRT6 Gene Are Associated with the
      Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in a Chinese Han Population.
AB  - SIRT6 has been demonstrated to exert protective effects on endothelial cells and
      is closely associated with lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism, and obesity,
      indicating an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of coronary
      artery disease (CAD). Nonetheless, the biological significance of SIRT6 variants
      on CAD is far to be elucidated. Here we aimed to investigate the influence of
      SIRT6 polymorphisms on individual susceptibility and severity of CAD.
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis exhibited no significant association
      between these five polymorphisms and CAD risk in the genotype and allele
      frequencies. However, we found that the rs352493 polymorphism in SIRT6 exhibited
      a significant effect on the severity of CAD; C allele (chi(2) = 7.793, adjusted P
      = 0.013) and the combined CC/CT genotypes (chi(2) = 5.609, adjusted P = 0.031)
      presented the greater CAD severity. In addition, A allele (chi(2) = 5.208,
      adjusted P = 0.046) and AA (chi(2) = 4.842, adjusted P = 0.054) of rs3760908 were
      also associated with greater CAD severity in Chinese subjects. Our data provided
      the first evidence that SIRT6 tagSNPs rs352493 and rs3760908 play significant
      roles in the severity of CAD in Chinese Han subjects, which might be useful
      predictors of the severity of CAD.

PMID- 27118882
TI  - Dynamics, morphogenesis and convergence of evolutionary quantum Prisoner's
      Dilemma games on networks.
AB  - The authors proposed a quantum Prisoner's Dilemma (PD) game as a natural
      extension of the classic PD game to resolve the dilemma. Here, we establish a new
      Nash equilibrium principle of the game, propose the notion of convergence and
      discover the convergence and phase-transition phenomena of the evolutionary games
      on networks. We investigate the many-body extension of the game or evolutionary
      games in networks. For homogeneous networks, we show that entanglement guarantees
      a quick convergence of super cooperation, that there is a phase transition from
      the convergence of defection to the convergence of super cooperation, and that
      the threshold for the phase transitions is principally determined by the Nash
      equilibrium principle of the game, with an accompanying perturbation by the
      variations of structures of networks. For heterogeneous networks, we show that
      the equilibrium frequencies of super-cooperators are divergent, that entanglement
      guarantees emergence of super-cooperation and that there is a phase transition of
      the emergence with the threshold determined by the Nash equilibrium principle,
      accompanied by a perturbation by the variations of structures of networks. Our
      results explore systematically, for the first time, the dynamics, morphogenesis
      and convergence of evolutionary games in interacting and competing systems.

PMID- 27118883
TI  - Explanation of [Formula: see text] fractional quantum Hall state in bilayer
      graphene.
AB  - The commensurability condition is applied to determine the hierarchy of
      fractional filling of Landau levels for fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) in
      monolayer and bilayer graphene. Good agreement with experimental data is
      achieved. The presence of even-denominator filling fractions in the hierarchy of
      the FQHE in bilayer graphene is explained, including the state at [Formula: see
      text].

PMID- 27118884
TI  - Non-singular acoustic cloak derived by the ray tracing method with rotationally
      symmetric transformations.
AB  - Recently, the ray tracing method has been used to derive the non-singular
      cylindrical invisibility cloaks for out-of-plane shear waves, which is impossible
      via the transformation method directly owing to the singular push-forward
      mapping. In this paper, the method is adopted to design a kind of non-singular
      acoustic cloak. Based on Hamilton's equations of motion, eikonal equation and pre
      designed ray equations, we derive several constraint equations for bulk modulus
      and density tensor. On the premise that the perfect matching conditions are
      satisfied, a series of non-singular physical profiles can be obtained by
      arranging the singular terms reasonably. The physical profiles derived by the ray
      tracing method will degenerate to the transformation-based solutions when taking
      the transport equation into consideration. This illuminates the essence of the
      newly designed cloaks that they are actually the so-called eikonal cloaks that
      can accurately control the paths of energy flux but with small disturbance in
      energy distribution along the paths. The near-perfect invisible performance has
      been demonstrated by the numerical ray tracing results and the pressure
      distribution snapshots. Finally, a kind of reduced cloak is conceived, and the
      good invisible performance has been measured quantitatively by the normalized
      scattering width.

PMID- 27118885
TI  - Towards a physics-based multiscale modelling of the electro-mechanical coupling
      in electro-active polymers.
AB  - Owing to the increasing number of industrial applications of electro-active
      polymers (EAPs), there is a growing need for electromechanical models which
      accurately capture their behaviour. To this end, we compare the predicted
      behaviour of EAPs undergoing homogeneous deformations according to three
      electromechanical models. The first model is a phenomenological continuum-based
      model composed of the mechanical Gent model and a linear relationship between the
      electric field and the polarization. The electrical and the mechanical responses
      according to the second model are based on the physical structure of the polymer
      chain network. The third model incorporates a neo-Hookean mechanical response and
      a physically motivated microstructurally based long-chains model for the
      electrical behaviour. In the microstructural-motivated models, the integration
      from the microscopic to the macroscopic levels is accomplished by the micro
      sphere technique. Four types of homogeneous boundary conditions are considered
      and the behaviours determined according to the three models are compared. For the
      microstructurally motivated models, these analyses are performed and compared
      with the widely used phenomenological model for the first time. Some of the
      aspects revealed in this investigation, such as the dependence of the intensity
      of the polarization field on the deformation, highlight the need for an in-depth
      investigation of the relationships between the structure and the behaviours of
      the EAPs at the microscopic level and their overall macroscopic response.

PMID- 27118887
TI  - Asymmetric bifurcation of thermally and electrically actuated functionally graded
      material microbeam.
AB  - In this paper, we investigate the symmetric snap-through buckling and the
      asymmetric bifurcation behaviours of an initially curved functionally graded
      material (FGM) microbeam subject to the electrostatic force and uniform/non
      uniform temperature field. The beam model is developed in the framework of Euler
      Bernoulli beam theory, accounting for the through-thickness power law variation
      of the beam material and the physical neutral plane. Based on the Galerkin
      decomposition method, the beam model is simplified as a 2 d.f. reduced-order
      model, from which the necessary snap-through and symmetry breaking criteria are
      derived. The results of our work reveal the significant effects of the power law
      index on the snap-through and symmetry breaking criteria. Our results also reveal
      that the non-uniform temperature field can actuate the FGM microbeam and induce
      the snap-through and asymmetric bifurcation behaviours.

PMID- 27118886
TI  - Coupling all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of ions in water with Brownian
      dynamics.
AB  - Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of ions (K+, Na+, Ca2+ and Cl-) in aqueous
      solutions are investigated. Water is described using the SPC/E model. A
      stochastic coarse-grained description for ion behaviour is presented and
      parametrized using MD simulations. It is given as a system of coupled stochastic
      and ordinary differential equations, describing the ion position, velocity and
      acceleration. The stochastic coarse-grained model provides an intermediate
      description between all-atom MD simulations and Brownian dynamics (BD) models. It
      is used to develop a multiscale method which uses all-atom MD simulations in
      parts of the computational domain and (less detailed) BD simulations in the
      remainder of the domain.

PMID- 27118888
TI  - On the formation of Friedlander waves in a compressed-gas-driven shock tube.
AB  - Compressed-gas-driven shock tubes have become popular as a laboratory-scale
      replacement for field blast tests. The well-known initial structure of the
      Riemann problem eventually evolves into a shock structure thought to resemble a
      Friedlander wave, although this remains to be demonstrated theoretically. In this
      paper, we develop a semi-analytical model to predict the key characteristics of
      pseudo blast waves forming in a shock tube: location where the wave first forms,
      peak over-pressure, decay time and impulse. The approach is based on combining
      the solutions of the two different types of wave interactions that arise in the
      shock tube after the family of rarefaction waves in the Riemann solution
      interacts with the closed end of the tube. The results of the analytical model
      are verified against numerical simulations obtained with a finite volume method.
      The model furnishes a rational approach to relate shock tube parameters to
      desired blast wave characteristics, and thus constitutes a useful tool for the
      design of shock tubes for blast testing.

PMID- 27118889
TI  - Universal recovery map for approximate Markov chains.
AB  - A central question in quantum information theory is to determine how well lost
      information can be reconstructed. Crucially, the corresponding recovery operation
      should perform well without knowing the information to be reconstructed. In this
      work, we show that the quantum conditional mutual information measures the
      performance of such recovery operations. More precisely, we prove that the
      conditional mutual information I(A:C|B) of a tripartite quantum state rhoABC can
      be bounded from below by its distance to the closest recovered state [Formula:
      see text], where the C-part is reconstructed from the B-part only and the
      recovery map [Formula: see text] merely depends on rhoBC . One particular
      application of this result implies the equivalence between two different
      approaches to define topological order in quantum systems.

PMID- 27118890
TI  - Effect of time delays in an HIV virotherapy model with nonlinear incidence.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a mathematical model for HIV infection with delays in
      cell infection and virus production. The model examines a viral therapy for
      controlling infections through recombining HIV with a genetically modified virus.
      For this model, we derive two biologically insightful quantities (reproduction
      numbers) [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and their threshold
      properties are discussed. When [Formula: see text], the infection-free
      equilibrium E0 is globally asymptotically stable. If [Formula: see text] and
      [Formula: see text], the single-infection equilibrium Es is globally
      asymptotically stable. When [Formula: see text], there occurs the double
      infection equilibrium Ed, and there exists a constant Rb such that Ed is
      asymptotically stable if [Formula: see text]. Some simulations are performed to
      support and complement the theoretical results.

PMID- 27118891
TI  - The Young's moduli of three types of carbon allotropes: a molecular mechanics
      model and a finite-element method.
AB  - The close-form expressions of the Young's moduli and the fracture stresses of
      cyclicgraphene, graphyne and supergraphene along their armchair and zigzag
      directions are derived based on a molecular mechanics model. Checking against
      present finite-element calculations of their Young's moduli shows that the
      explicit solutions are reasonable. The obtained analytical solutions should be of
      great help for understanding the mechanical properties of the graphene-like
      materials.

PMID- 27118892
TI  - Dynamic interfacial trapping of flexural waves in structured plates.
AB  - The paper presents new results on the localization and transmission of flexural
      waves in a structured plate containing a semi-infinite two-dimensional array of
      rigid pins. In particular, localized waves are identified and studied at the
      interface boundary between the homogeneous part of the flexural plate and the
      part occupied by rigid pins. A formal connection has been made with the
      dispersion properties of flexural Bloch waves in an infinite doubly periodic
      array of rigid pins. Special attention is given to regimes corresponding to
      standing waves of different types as well as Dirac-like points that may occur on
      the dispersion surfaces. A single half-grating problem, hitherto unreported in
      the literature, is also shown to bring interesting solutions.

PMID- 27118893
TI  - Theory of multi-species electrophoresis in the presence of surface conduction.
AB  - Electrophoresis techniques are characterized by concentration disturbances (or
      waves) propagating under the effect of an electric field. These techniques are
      usually performed in microchannels where surface conduction through the electric
      double layer (EDL) at channel walls is negligible compared with bulk conduction.
      However, when electrophoresis techniques are integrated in nanochannels, shallow
      microchannels or charged porous media, surface conduction can alter bulk
      electrophoretic transport. The existing mathematical models for electrophoretic
      transport in multi-species electrolytes do not account for the competing effects
      of surface and bulk conduction. We present a mathematical model of multi-species
      electrophoretic transport incorporating the effects of surface conduction on bulk
      ion-transport and provide a methodology to derive analytical solutions using the
      method of characteristics. Based on the analytical solutions, we elucidate the
      propagation of nonlinear concentration waves, such as shock and rarefaction
      waves, and provide the necessary and sufficient conditions for their existence.
      Our results show that the presence of surface conduction alters the propagation
      speed of nonlinear concentration waves and the composition of various zones.
      Importantly, we highlight the role of surface conduction in formation of
      additional shock and rarefaction waves which are otherwise not present in
      conventional electrophoresis.

PMID- 27118894
TI  - Fluorescence modulation of cadmium sulfide quantum dots by azobenzene
      photochromic switches.
AB  - We have investigated the attachment of azobenzene photochromic switches on the
      modified surface of cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs). The modification of
      CdS QDs is done by varying the concentration of the capping agent (mercaptoacetic
      acid) and NH3 in order to control the size of the QDs. The X-ray diffraction
      studies revealed that the crystallite size of CdS QDs ranged from 6 to 10 nm. The
      azobenzene photochromic derivatives bis(4-hydroxybenzene-1-azo)4,4'(1,1'
      diphenylmethane) (I) and 4,4'-diazenyldibenzoic acid (II) were synthesized and
      attached with surface-modified CdS QDs to make fluorophore-photochrome CdS-(I)
      and CdS-(II) dyad assemblies. Upon UV irradiation, the photochromic compounds (I)
      and (II) undergo a reversible trans-cis isomerization. The photo-induced trans
      cis transformation helps to transfer photo-excited electrons from the conduction
      band of the CdS QDs to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of cis isomer of
      photochromic compounds (I) and (II). As a result, the fluorescence of CdS-(I) and
      CdS-(II) dyads is suppressed approximately five times compared to bare CdS QDs.
      The fluorescence modulation in such systems could help to design luminescent
      probes for bioimaging applications.

PMID- 27118895
TI  - A class of reduced-order models in the theory of waves and stability.
AB  - This paper presents a class of approximations to a type of wave field for which
      the dispersion relation is transcendental. The approximations have two defining
      characteristics: (i) they give the field shape exactly when the frequency and
      wavenumber lie on a grid of points in the (frequency, wavenumber) plane and (ii)
      the approximate dispersion relations are polynomials that pass exactly through
      points on this grid. Thus, the method is interpolatory in nature, but the
      interpolation takes place in (frequency, wavenumber) space, rather than in
      physical space. Full details are presented for a non-trivial example, that of
      antisymmetric elastic waves in a layer. The method is related to partial fraction
      expansions and barycentric representations of functions. An asymptotic analysis
      is presented, involving Stirling's approximation to the psi function, and a
      logarithmic correction to the polynomial dispersion relation.

PMID- 27118896
TI  - Second-order approximation for heat conduction: dissipation principle and free
      energies.
AB  - In the context of new models of heat conduction, the second-order approximation
      of Tzou's theory, derived by Quintanilla and Racke, has been studied recently by
      two of the present authors, where it was proved equivalent to a fading memory
      material. The importance of determining free energy functionals for such
      materials, and indeed for any material with memory, is emphasized. Because the
      kernel does not satisfy certain convexity restrictions that allow us to obtain
      various traditional free energies for materials with fading memory, it is
      necessary to restrict the study to the minimum and related free energies, which
      do not require these restrictions. Thus, the major part of this work is devoted
      to deriving an explicit expression for the minimum free energy. Simple
      modifications of this expression also give an intermediate free energy and the
      maximum free energy for the material. These derivations differ in certain
      important respects from earlier work on such free energies.

PMID- 27118898
TI  - Post-liquefaction reconsolidation of sand.
AB  - Loosely packed sand that is saturated with water can liquefy during an
      earthquake, potentially causing significant damage. Once the shaking is over, the
      excess pore water pressures that developed during the earthquake gradually
      dissipate, while the surface of the soil settles, in a process called post
      liquefaction reconsolidation. When examining reconsolidation, the soil is
      typically divided in liquefied and solidified parts, which are modelled
      separately. The aim of this paper is to show that this fragmentation is not
      necessary. By assuming that the hydraulic conductivity and the one-dimensional
      stiffness of liquefied sand have real, positive values, the equation of
      consolidation can be numerically solved throughout a reconsolidating layer.
      Predictions made in this manner show good agreement with geotechnical centrifuge
      experiments. It is shown that the variation of one-dimensional stiffness with
      effective stress and void ratio is the most crucial parameter in accurately
      capturing reconsolidation.

PMID- 27118899
TI  - Effects of weak nonlinearity on the dispersion relation and frequency band-gaps
      of a periodic Bernoulli-Euler beam.
AB  - The paper deals with analytically predicting the effects of weak nonlinearity on
      the dispersion relation and frequency band-gaps of a periodic Bernoulli-Euler
      beam performing bending oscillations. Two cases are considered: (i) large
      transverse deflections, where nonlinear (true) curvature, nonlinear material and
      nonlinear inertia owing to longitudinal motions of the beam are taken into
      account, and (ii) mid-plane stretching nonlinearity. A novel approach is
      employed, the method of varying amplitudes. As a result, the isolated as well as
      combined effects of the considered sources of nonlinearities are revealed. It is
      shown that nonlinear inertia has the most substantial impact on the dispersion
      relation of a non-uniform beam by removing all frequency band-gaps. Explanations
      of the revealed effects are suggested, and validated by experiments and numerical
      simulation.

PMID- 27118897
TI  - Aerodynamics, sensing and control of insect-scale flapping-wing flight.
AB  - There are nearly a million known species of flying insects and 13 000 species of
      flying warm-blooded vertebrates, including mammals, birds and bats. While in
      flight, their wings not only move forward relative to the air, they also flap up
      and down, plunge and sweep, so that both lift and thrust can be generated and
      balanced, accommodate uncertain surrounding environment, with superior flight
      stability and dynamics with highly varied speeds and missions. As the size of a
      flyer is reduced, the wing-to-body mass ratio tends to decrease as well.
      Furthermore, these flyers use integrated system consisting of wings to generate
      aerodynamic forces, muscles to move the wings, and sensing and control systems to
      guide and manoeuvre. In this article, recent advances in insect-scale flapping
      wing aerodynamics, flexible wing structures, unsteady flight environment,
      sensing, stability and control are reviewed with perspective offered. In
      particular, the special features of the low Reynolds number flyers associated
      with small sizes, thin and light structures, slow flight with comparable wind
      gust speeds, bioinspired fabrication of wing structures, neuron-based sensing and
      adaptive control are highlighted.

PMID- 27118900
TI  - A minimization principle for the description of modes associated with finite-time
      instabilities.
AB  - We introduce a minimization formulation for the determination of a finite
      dimensional, time-dependent, orthonormal basis that captures directions of the
      phase space associated with transient instabilities. While these instabilities
      have finite lifetime, they can play a crucial role either by altering the system
      dynamics through the activation of other instabilities or by creating sudden
      nonlinear energy transfers that lead to extreme responses. However, their
      essentially transient character makes their description a particularly
      challenging task. We develop a minimization framework that focuses on the optimal
      approximation of the system dynamics in the neighbourhood of the system state.
      This minimization formulation results in differential equations that evolve a
      time-dependent basis so that it optimally approximates the most unstable
      directions. We demonstrate the capability of the method for two families of
      problems: (i) linear systems, including the advection-diffusion operator in a
      strongly non-normal regime as well as the Orr-Sommerfeld/Squire operator, and
      (ii) nonlinear problems, including a low-dimensional system with transient
      instabilities and the vertical jet in cross-flow. We demonstrate that the time
      dependent subspace captures the strongly transient non-normal energy growth (in
      the short-time regime), while for longer times the modes capture the expected
      asymptotic behaviour.

PMID- 27118901
TI  - Fast phase randomization via two-folds.
AB  - A two-fold is a singular point on the discontinuity surface of a piecewise-smooth
      vector field, at which the vector field is tangent to the discontinuity surface
      on both sides. If an orbit passes through an invisible two-fold (also known as a
      Teixeira singularity) before settling to regular periodic motion, then the phase
      of that motion cannot be determined from initial conditions, and, in the presence
      of small noise, the asymptotic phase of a large number of sample solutions is
      highly random. In this paper, we show how the probability distribution of the
      asymptotic phase depends on the global nonlinear dynamics. We also show how the
      phase of a smooth oscillator can be randomized by applying a simple discontinuous
      control law that generates an invisible two-fold. We propose that such a control
      law can be used to desynchronize a collection of oscillators, and that this
      manner of phase randomization is fast compared with existing methods (which use
      fixed points as phase singularities), because there is no slowing of the dynamics
      near a two-fold.

PMID- 27118902
TI  - Refined boundary conditions on the free surface of an elastic half-space taking
      into account non-local effects.
AB  - The dynamic response of a homogeneous half-space, with a traction-free surface,
      is considered within the framework of non-local elasticity. The focus is on the
      dominant effect of the boundary layer on overall behaviour. A typical wavelength
      is assumed to considerably exceed the associated internal lengthscale. The
      leading-order long-wave approximation is shown to coincide formally with the
      'local' problem for a half-space with a vertical inhomogeneity localized near the
      surface. Subsequent asymptotic analysis of the inhomogeneity results in an
      explicit correction to the classical boundary conditions on the surface. The
      order of the correction is greater than the order of the better-known correction
      to the governing differential equations. The refined boundary conditions enable
      us to evaluate the interior solution outside a narrow boundary layer localized
      near the surface. As an illustration, the effect of non-local elastic phenomena
      on the Rayleigh wave speed is investigated.

PMID- 27118903
TI  - Transient in-plane thermal transport in nanofilms with internal heating.
AB  - Wide applications of nanofilms in electronics necessitate an in-depth
      understanding of nanoscale thermal transport, which significantly deviates from
      Fourier's law. Great efforts have focused on the effective thermal conductivity
      under temperature difference, while it is still ambiguous whether the diffusion
      equation with an effective thermal conductivity can accurately characterize the
      nanoscale thermal transport with internal heating. In this work, transient in
      plane thermal transport in nanofilms with internal heating is studied via Monte
      Carlo (MC) simulations in comparison to the heat diffusion model and mechanism
      analyses using Fourier transform. Phonon-boundary scattering leads to larger
      temperature rise and slower thermal response rate when compared with the heat
      diffusion model based on Fourier's law. The MC simulations are also compared with
      the diffusion model with effective thermal conductivity. In the first case of
      continuous internal heating, the diffusion model with effective thermal
      conductivity under-predicts the temperature rise by the MC simulations at the
      initial heating stage, while the deviation between them gradually decreases and
      vanishes with time. By contrast, for the one-pulse internal heating case, the
      diffusion model with effective thermal conductivity under-predicts both the peak
      temperature rise and the cooling rate, so the deviation can always exist.

PMID- 27118904
TI  - Improving accuracy through density correction in guided wave tomography.
AB  - The accurate quantification of wall loss caused by corrosion is critical to the
      reliable life estimation of pipes and pressure vessels. Traditional thickness
      gauging by scanning a probe is slow and requires access to all points on the
      surface; this is impractical in many cases as corrosion often occurs where access
      is restricted, such as beneath supports where water collects. Guided wave
      tomography presents a solution to this; by transmitting guided waves through the
      region of interest and exploiting their dispersive nature, it is possible to
      build up a map of thickness. While the best results have been seen when using the
      fundamental modes A0 and S0 at low frequency, the complex scattering of the waves
      causes errors within the reconstruction. It is demonstrated that these lead to an
      underestimate in wall loss for A0 but an overestimate for S0. Further analysis
      showed that this error was related to density variation, which was proportional
      to thickness. It was demonstrated how this could be corrected for in the
      reconstructions, in many cases resulting in the near-elimination of the error
      across a range of defects, and greatly improving the accuracy of life estimates
      from guided wave tomography.

PMID- 27118905
TI  - Stochastic simplified modelling of abrasive waterjet footprints.
AB  - Abrasive micro-waterjet processing is a non-conventional machining method that
      can be used to manufacture complex shapes in difficult-to-cut materials.
      Predicting the effect of the jet on the surface for a given set of machine
      parameters is a key element of controlling the process. However, the noise of the
      process is significant, making it difficult to design reliable jet-path
      strategies that produce good quality parts via controlled-depth milling. The
      process is highly unstable and has a strong random component that can affect the
      quality of the workpiece, especially in the case of controlled-depth milling.
      This study describes a method to predict the variability of the jet footprint for
      different jet feed speeds. A stochastic partial differential equation is used to
      describe the etched surface as the jet is moved over it, assuming that the
      erosion process can be divided into two main components: a deterministic part
      that corresponds to the average erosion of the jet and a stochastic part that
      accounts for the noise generated at different stages of the process. The model
      predicts the variability of the trench profiles to within less than 8%. These
      advances could enable abrasive micro-waterjet technology to be a suitable
      technology for controlled-depth milling.

PMID- 27118906
TI  - Poromechanical behaviour of a surficial geological barrier during fluid injection
      into an underlying poroelastic storage formation.
AB  - A competent low permeability and chemically inert geological barrier is an
      essential component of any strategy for the deep geological disposal of fluidized
      hazardous material and greenhouse gases. While the processes of injection are
      important to the assessment of the sequestration potential of the storage
      formation, the performance of the caprock is important to the containment
      potential, which can be compromised by the development of cracks and other
      defects that might be activated during and after injection. This paper presents a
      mathematical modelling approach that can be used to assess the state of stress in
      a surficial caprock during injection of a fluid to the interior of a poroelastic
      storage formation. Important information related to time-dependent evolution of
      the stress state and displacements of the surficial caprock with injection rates,
      and the stress state in the storage formation can be obtained from the
      theoretical developments. Most importantly, numerical results illustrate the
      influence of poromechanics on the development of adverse stress states in the
      geological barrier. The results obtained from the mathematical analysis
      illustrate that the surface heave increases as the hydraulic conductivity of the
      caprock decreases, whereas the surface heave decreases as the shear modulus of
      the caprock increases. The results also illustrate the influence of poromechanics
      on the development of adverse stress states in the caprock.

PMID- 27118907
TI  - Deformation heterogeneity and texture in surface severe plastic deformation of
      copper.
AB  - Comprehensive understanding of thermomechanical response and microstructure
      evolution during surface severe plastic deformation (S2PD) is important towards
      establishing controllable processing frameworks. In this study, the evolution of
      crystallographic textures during directional surface mechanical attrition
      treatment on copper was studied and modelled using the visco-plastic self
      consistent framework. In situ high-speed imaging and digital image correlation of
      surface deformation in circular indentation were employed to elucidate mechanics
      occurring in a unit process deformation and to calibrate texture model
      parameters. Material response during directional surface mechanical attrition was
      simulated using a finite-element model coupled with the calibrated texture model.
      The crystallographic textures developed during S2PD were observed to be similar
      to those resultant from uniaxial compression. The implications of these results
      towards facilitating a processing-based framework to predict deformation
      mechanics and resulting crystallographic texture in S2PD configurations are
      briefly discussed.

PMID- 27118908
TI  - Maximum margin classifier working in a set of strings.
AB  - Numbers and numerical vectors account for a large portion of data. However,
      recently, the amount of string data generated has increased dramatically.
      Consequently, classifying string data is a common problem in many fields. The
      most widely used approach to this problem is to convert strings into numerical
      vectors using string kernels and subsequently apply a support vector machine that
      works in a numerical vector space. However, this non-one-to-one conversion
      involves a loss of information and makes it impossible to evaluate, using
      probability theory, the generalization error of a learning machine, considering
      that the given data to train and test the machine are strings generated according
      to probability laws. In this study, we approach this classification problem by
      constructing a classifier that works in a set of strings. To evaluate the
      generalization error of such a classifier theoretically, probability theory for
      strings is required. Therefore, we first extend a limit theorem for a consensus
      sequence of strings demonstrated by one of the authors and co-workers in a
      previous study. Using the obtained result, we then demonstrate that our learning
      machine classifies strings in an asymptotically optimal manner. Furthermore, we
      demonstrate the usefulness of our machine in practical data analysis by applying
      it to predicting protein-protein interactions using amino acid sequences and
      classifying RNAs by the secondary structure using nucleotide sequences.

PMID- 27118909
TI  - Characterizations of matrix and operator-valued Phi-entropies, and operator Efron
      Stein inequalities.
AB  - We derive new characterizations of the matrix Phi-entropy functionals introduced
      in Chen & Tropp (Chen, Tropp 2014 Electron. J. Prob.19, 1-30.
      (doi:10.1214/ejp.v19-2964)). These characterizations help us to better understand
      the properties of matrix Phi-entropies, and are a powerful tool for establishing
      matrix concentration inequalities for random matrices. Then, we propose an
      operator-valued generalization of matrix Phi-entropy functionals, and prove the
      subadditivity under Lowner partial ordering. Our results demonstrate that the
      subadditivity of operator-valued Phi-entropies is equivalent to the convexity. As
      an application, we derive the operator Efron-Stein inequality.

PMID- 27118910
TI  - Twofold orthogonal weavings on cuboids.
AB  - Some closed polyhedral surfaces can be completely covered by two-way, twofold
      (rectangular) weaving of strands of constant width. In this paper, a construction
      for producing all possible geometries for such weavable cuboids is proposed: a
      theorem on spherical octahedra is proven first that all further theory is based
      on. The construction method of weavable cuboids itself relies on successive
      truncations of an initial tetrahedron and is also extended for cases of
      degenerate (unbounded) polyhedra. Arguments are mainly based on the plane
      geometry of the development of the respective polyhedra, in connection with some
      of three-dimensional projective properties of the same.

PMID- 27118911
TI  - Radiating dispersive shock waves in non-local optical media.
AB  - We consider the step Riemann problem for the system of equations describing the
      propagation of a coherent light beam in nematic liquid crystals, which is a
      general system describing nonlinear wave propagation in a number of different
      physical applications. While the equation governing the light beam is of
      defocusing nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation type, the dispersive shock wave
      (DSW) generated from this initial condition has major differences from the
      standard DSW solution of the defocusing NLS equation. In particular, it is found
      that the DSW has positive polarity and generates resonant radiation which
      propagates ahead of it. Remarkably, the velocity of the lead soliton of the DSW
      is determined by the classical shock velocity. The solution for the radiative
      wavetrain is obtained using the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin approximation. It is
      shown that for sufficiently small initial jumps the nematic DSW is asymptotically
      governed by a Korteweg-de Vries equation with the fifth-order dispersion, which
      explicitly shows the resonance generating the radiation ahead of the DSW. The
      constructed asymptotic theory is shown to be in good agreement with the results
      of direct numerical simulations.

PMID- 27118912
TI  - A time-domain Kirchhoff formula for the convective acoustic wave equation.
AB  - Kirchhoff's integral method allows propagated sound to be predicted, based on the
      pressure and its derivatives in time and space obtained on a data surface located
      in the linear flow region. Kirchhoff's formula for noise prediction from high
      speed rotors and propellers suffers from the limitation of the observer located
      in uniform flow, thus requiring an extension to arbitrarily moving media. This
      paper presents a Kirchhoff formulation for moving surfaces in a uniform moving
      medium of arbitrary configuration. First, the convective wave equation is derived
      in a moving frame, based on the generalized functions theory. The Kirchhoff
      formula is then obtained for moving surfaces in the time domain. The formula has
      a similar form to the Kirchhoff formulation for moving surfaces of Farassat and
      Myers, with the presence of additional terms owing to the moving medium effect.
      The equation explicitly accounts for the influence of mean flow and angle of
      attack on the radiated noise. The formula is verified by analytical cases of a
      monopole source located in a moving medium.

PMID- 27118913
TI  - Monte Carlo model for electron degradation in xenon gas.
AB  - We have developed a Monte Carlo model for studying the local degradation of
      electrons in the energy range 9-10 000 eV in xenon gas. Analytically fitted form
      of electron impact cross sections for elastic and various inelastic processes are
      fed as input data to the model. The two-dimensional numerical yield spectrum
      (NYS), which gives information on the number of energy loss events occurring in a
      particular energy interval, is obtained as the output of the model. The NYS is
      fitted analytically, thus obtaining the analytical yield spectrum (AYS). The AYS
      can be used to calculate electron fluxes, which can be further employed for the
      calculation of volume production rates. Using the yield spectrum, mean energy per
      ion pair and efficiencies of inelastic processes are calculated. The value for
      mean energy per ion pair for Xe is 22 eV at 10 keV. Ionization dominates for
      incident energies greater than 50 eV and is found to have an efficiency of
      approximately 65% at 10 keV. The efficiency for the excitation process is
      approximately 30% at 10 keV.

PMID- 27118914
TI  - Dynamic analysis of submerged microscale plates: the effects of acoustic
      radiation and viscous dissipation.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to study the dynamic characteristics of micromechanical
      rectangular plates used as sensing elements in a viscous compressible fluid. A
      novel modelling procedure for the plate-fluid interaction problem is developed on
      the basis of linearized Navier-Stokes equations and no-slip conditions.
      Analytical expression for the fluid-loading impedance is obtained using a double
      Fourier transform approach. This modelling work provides us an analytical means
      to study the effects of inertial loading, acoustic radiation and viscous
      dissipation of the fluid acting on the vibration of microplates. The numerical
      simulation is conducted on microplates with different boundary conditions and
      fluids with different viscosities. The simulation results reveal that the
      acoustic radiation dominates the damping mechanism of the submerged microplates.
      It is also proved that microplates offer better sensitivities (Q-factors) than
      the conventional beam type microcantilevers being mass sensing platforms in a
      viscous fluid environment. The frequency response features of microplates under
      highly viscous fluid loading are studied using the present model. The dynamics of
      the microplates with all edges clamped are less influenced by the highly viscous
      dissipation of the fluid than the microplates with other types of boundary
      conditions.

PMID- 27118915
TI  - Impact of the spatial structure of the hydraulic conductivity field on vorticity
      in three-dimensional flows.
AB  - A material fluid element within a porous medium experiences deformations due to
      the disordered spatial distribution of the Darcy scale velocity field, caused by
      the heterogeneity of hydraulic conductivity. A physical consequence of this
      heterogeneity is the presence of localized kinematical features such as
      straining, shearing and vorticity in the fluid element. These kinematical
      features will influence the shape of solute clouds and their fate. Studies on the
      deformation of material surfaces highlighted the importance of stretching and
      shearing, whereas vorticity received so far less attention, though it determines
      folding, a deformation associated with the local rotation of the velocity field.
      We study vorticity in a three-dimensional porous formation exploring how its
      fluctuations are influenced by the spatial structure of the porous media,
      obtained by immersing spheroidal inclusions into a matrix of constant hydraulic
      conductivity. By comparing porous formations with the same spatial statistics, we
      analyse how vorticity is affected by the different shape and arrangement of
      inclusions, defined as the medium 'microstructure'. We conclude that, as
      microstructure has a significant impact on vorticity fluctuations, the usual
      second-order statistical description of the conductivity field is unable to
      capture local deformations of the plume.

PMID- 27118916
TI  - The shallow shell approach to Pogorelov's problem and the breakdown of 'mirror
      buckling'.
AB  - We present a detailed asymptotic analysis of the point indentation of an
      unpressurized, spherical elastic shell. Previous analyses of this classic problem
      have assumed that for sufficiently large indentation depths, such a shell deforms
      by 'mirror buckling'-a portion of the shell inverts to become a spherical cap
      with equal but opposite curvature to the undeformed shell. The energy of
      deformation is then localized in a ridge in which the deformed and undeformed
      portions of the shell join together, commonly referred to as Pogorelov's ridge.
      Rather than using an energy formulation, we revisit this problem from the point
      of view of the shallow shell equations and perform an asymptotic analysis that
      exploits the largeness of the indentation depth. This reveals first that the
      stress profile associated with mirror buckling is singular as the indenter is
      approached. This consequence of point indentation means that mirror buckling must
      be modified to incorporate the shell's bending stiffness close to the indenter
      and gives rise to an intricate asymptotic structure with seven different spatial
      regions. This is in contrast with the three regions (mirror-buckled, ridge and
      undeformed) that are usually assumed and yields new insight into the large
      compressive hoop stress that ultimately causes the secondary buckling of the
      shell.

PMID- 27118917
TI  - Too good to be true: when overwhelming evidence fails to convince.
AB  - Is it possible for a large sequence of measurements or observations, which
      support a hypothesis, to counterintuitively decrease our confidence? Can
      unanimous support be too good to be true? The assumption of independence is often
      made in good faith; however, rarely is consideration given to whether a systemic
      failure has occurred. Taking this into account can cause certainty in a
      hypothesis to decrease as the evidence for it becomes apparently stronger. We
      perform a probabilistic Bayesian analysis of this effect with examples based on
      (i) archaeological evidence, (ii) weighing of legal evidence and (iii)
      cryptographic primality testing. In this paper, we investigate the effects of
      small error rates in a set of measurements or observations. We find that even
      with very low systemic failure rates, high confidence is surprisingly difficult
      to achieve; in particular, we find that certain analyses of cryptographically
      important numerical tests are highly optimistic, underestimating their false
      negative rate by as much as a factor of 280.

PMID- 27118918
TI  - Uniqueness of one-dimensional Neel wall profiles.
AB  - We study the domain wall structure in thin uniaxial ferromagnetic films in the
      presence of an in-plane applied external field in the direction normal to the
      easy axis. Using the reduced one-dimensional thin-film micromagnetic model, we
      analyse the critical points of the obtained non-local variational problem. We
      prove that the minimizer of the one-dimensional energy functional in the form of
      the Neel wall is the unique (up to translations) critical point of the energy
      among all monotone profiles with the same limiting behaviour at infinity. Thus,
      we establish uniqueness of the one-dimensional monotone Neel wall profile in the
      considered setting. We also obtain some uniform estimates for general one
      dimensional domain wall profiles.

PMID- 27118919
TI  - Toroidal insulating inhomogeneity in an infinite space and related problems.
AB  - An analytic solution for the steady-state temperature distribution in an infinite
      conductive medium containing an insulated toroidal inhomogeneity and subjected to
      remotely applied uniform heat flux is obtained. The temperature flux on the torus
      surface is then determined as a function of torus parameters. This result is used
      to calculate the resistivity contribution tensor for the toroidal inhomogeneity
      required to evaluate the effective conductive properties of a material containing
      multiple inhomogeneities of this shape.

PMID- 27118920
TI  - Indium phosphide nanowires and their applications in optoelectronic devices.
AB  - Group IIIA phosphide nanocrystalline semiconductors are of great interest among
      the important inorganic materials because of their large direct band gaps and
      fundamental physical properties. Their physical properties are exploited for
      various potential applications in high-speed digital circuits, microwave and
      optoelectronic devices. Compared to II-VI and I-VII semiconductors, the IIIA
      phosphides have a high degree of covalent bonding, a less ionic character and
      larger exciton diameters. In the present review, the work done on synthesis of
      III-V indium phosphide (InP) nanowires (NWs) using vapour- and solution-phase
      approaches has been discussed. Doping and core-shell structure formation of InP
      NWs and their sensitization using higher band gap semiconductor quantum dots is
      also reported. In the later section of this review, InP NW-polymer hybrid
      material is highlighted in view of its application as photodiodes. Lastly, a
      summary and several different perspectives on the use of InP NWs are discussed.

PMID- 27118921
TI  - On well-posedness of variational models of charged drops.
AB  - Electrified liquids are well known to be prone to a variety of interfacial
      instabilities that result in the onset of apparent interfacial singularities and
      liquid fragmentation. In the case of electrically conducting liquids, one of the
      basic models describing the equilibrium interfacial configurations and the onset
      of instability assumes the liquid to be equipotential and interprets those
      configurations as local minimizers of the energy consisting of the sum of the
      surface energy and the electrostatic energy. Here we show that, surprisingly,
      this classical geometric variational model is mathematically ill-posed
      irrespective of the degree to which the liquid is electrified. Specifically, we
      demonstrate that an isolated spherical droplet is never a local minimizer, no
      matter how small is the total charge on the droplet, as the energy can always be
      lowered by a smooth, arbitrarily small distortion of the droplet's surface. This
      is in sharp contrast to the experimental observations that a critical amount of
      charge is needed in order to destabilize a spherical droplet. We discuss several
      possible regularization mechanisms for the considered free boundary problem and
      argue that well-posedness can be restored by the inclusion of the entropic
      effects resulting in finite screening of free charges.

PMID- 27118922
TI  - Variational principles for stochastic soliton dynamics.
AB  - We develop a variational method of deriving stochastic partial differential
      equations whose solutions follow the flow of a stochastic vector field. As an
      example in one spatial dimension, we numerically simulate singular solutions
      (peakons) of the stochastically perturbed Camassa-Holm (CH) equation derived
      using this method. These numerical simulations show that peakon soliton solutions
      of the stochastically perturbed CH equation persist and provide an interesting
      laboratory for investigating the sensitivity and accuracy of adding stochasticity
      to finite dimensional solutions of stochastic partial differential equations. In
      particular, some choices of stochastic perturbations of the peakon dynamics by
      Wiener noise (canonical Hamiltonian stochastic deformations, CH-SD) allow peakons
      to interpenetrate and exchange order on the real line in overtaking collisions,
      although this behaviour does not occur for other choices of stochastic
      perturbations which preserve the Euler-Poincare structure of the CH equation
      (parametric stochastic deformations, P-SD), and it also does not occur for peakon
      solutions of the unperturbed deterministic CH equation. The discussion raises
      issues about the science of stochastic deformations of finite-dimensional
      approximations of evolutionary partial differential equation and the sensitivity
      of the resulting solutions to the choices made in stochastic modelling.

PMID- 27118923
TI  - An efficient approach for limited-data chemical species tomography and its error
      bounds.
AB  - We present a computationally efficient reconstruction method for the limited-data
      chemical species tomography problem that incorporates projection of the unknown
      gas concentration function onto a low-dimensional subspace, and regularization
      using prior information obtained from a simple flow model. In this context, the
      contribution of this work is on the analysis of the projection-induced data
      errors and the calculation of bounds for the overall image error incorporating
      the impact of projection and regularization errors as well as measurement noise.
      As an extension to this methodology, we present a variant algorithm that
      preserves the positivity of the concentration image.

PMID- 27118924
TI  - Assessing the robustness of spatial pattern sequences in a dryland vegetation
      model.
AB  - A particular sequence of patterns, 'gaps->labyrinth->spots', occurs with
      decreasing precipitation in previously reported numerical simulations of partial
      differential equation dryland vegetation models. These observations have led to
      the suggestion that this sequence of patterns can serve as an early indicator of
      desertification in some ecosystems. Because parameter values in the vegetation
      models can take on a range of plausible values, it is important to investigate
      whether the pattern sequence prediction is robust to variation. For a particular
      model, we find that a quantity calculated via bifurcation-theoretic analysis
      appears to serve as a proxy for the pattern sequences that occur in numerical
      simulations across a range of parameter values. We find in further analysis that
      the quantity takes on values consistent with the standard sequence in an
      ecologically relevant limit of the model parameter values. This suggests that the
      standard sequence is a robust prediction of the model, and we conclude by
      proposing a methodology for assessing the robustness of the standard sequence in
      other models and formulations.

PMID- 27118925
TI  - Folding and faulting of an elastic continuum.
AB  - Folding is a process in which bending is localized at sharp edges separated by
      almost undeformed elements. This process is rarely encountered in Nature,
      although some exceptions can be found in unusual layered rock formations (called
      'chevrons') and seashell patterns (for instance Lopha cristagalli). In mechanics,
      the bending of a three-dimensional elastic solid is common (for example, in bulk
      wave propagation), but folding is usually not achieved. In this article, the
      route leading to folding is shown for an elastic solid obeying the couple-stress
      theory with an extreme anisotropy. This result is obtained with a perturbation
      technique, which involves the derivation of new two-dimensional Green's functions
      for applied concentrated force and moment. While the former perturbation reveals
      folding, the latter shows that a material in an extreme anisotropic state is also
      prone to a faulting instability, in which a displacement step of finite size
      emerges. Another failure mechanism, namely the formation of dilation/compaction
      bands, is also highlighted. Finally, a geophysical application to the mechanics
      of chevron formation shows how the proposed approach may explain the formation of
      natural structures.

PMID- 27118926
TI  - Formulation of the Reynolds equation on a time-dependent lubrication surface.
AB  - The Reynolds equation, which describes the lubrication effect arising through the
      interaction of two physical surfaces that are separated by a thin fluid film, is
      formulated with respect to a continuously evolving third surface that is
      described by a time-dependent curvilinear coordinate system. The proposed
      formulation essentially addresses lubrication mechanics at interfaces undergoing
      large deformations and a priori satisfies all objectivity requirements, neither
      of which are features of the classical Reynolds equation. As such, this
      formulation may be particularly suitable for non-stationary elastohydrodynamic
      lubrication problems associated with soft interfaces. The ability of the
      formulation to capture finite-deformation effects and the influence of the choice
      of the third surface are illustrated through analytical examples.

PMID- 27118927
TI  - Multi-scale modelling of rubber-like materials and soft tissues: an appraisal.
AB  - We survey, in a partial way, multi-scale approaches for the modelling of rubber
      like and soft tissues and compare them with classical macroscopic
      phenomenological models. Our aim is to show how it is possible to obtain
      practical mathematical models for the mechanical behaviour of these materials
      incorporating mesoscopic (network scale) information. Multi-scale approaches are
      crucial for the theoretical comprehension and prediction of the complex
      mechanical response of these materials. Moreover, such models are fundamental in
      the perspective of the design, through manipulation at the micro- and nano
      scales, of new polymeric and bioinspired materials with exceptional macroscopic
      properties.

PMID- 27118928
TI  - Combined EGFR- and notch inhibition display additive inhibitory effect on
      glioblastoma cell viability and glioblastoma-induced endothelial cell sprouting
      in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For Glioblastoma (GBM) patients, a number of anti-neoplastic
      strategies using specifically targeting drugs have been tested; however, the
      effects on survival have been limited. One explanation could be treatment
      resistance due to redundant signaling pathways, which substantiates the need for
      combination therapies. In GBM, both the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
      and the notch signaling pathways are often deregulated and linked to cellular
      growth, invasion and angiogenesis. Several studies have confirmed cross-talk and
      co-dependence of these pathways. Therefore, this study aimed at testing a
      combination treatment strategy using inhibitors targeting the notch and EGFR
      pathways. METHODS: For evaluation of cell viability a standard MTT assay was
      used. Western blotting (WB) and Q-RT-PCR were employed in order to assess the
      protein- and mRNA expression levels, respectively. In order to determine
      angiogenic processes, we used an endothelial spheroid sprouting assay. For
      assessment of secreted VEGF from GBM cells we performed a VEGF-quantikine ELISA.
      RESULTS: GBM cells were confirmed to express EGFR and Notch and to have the
      capacity to induce endothelial cell sprouting. Inhibition of EGFR and Notch
      signaling was achieved using either Iressa (gefitinib) or the gamma-secretase
      inhibitor DAPT. Our data showed that DAPT combined with Iressa treatment
      displayed increased inhibitory effect on cell viability and abrogated expression
      and activation of major pro-survival pathways. Similarly, the combinational
      treatment significantly increased abrogation of GBM-induced endothelial cell
      sprouting suggesting reduced GBM angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: This study finds that
      simultaneous targeting of notch and EGFR signaling leads to enhanced inhibitory
      effects on GBM-induced angiogenesis and cell viability, thereby stressing the
      importance of further evaluation of this targeting approach in a clinical
      setting.

PMID- 27118930
TI  - Patient Education.

PMID- 27118929
TI  - Giant right ventricular outflow tract thrombus in hereditary spherocytosis: a
      case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In hereditary spherocytosis with severe anemia, splenectomy is a
      recommended treatment. However, the spleen carries an important role both in
      immune function and coagulation. The increased risk of bacterial infections
      associated with splenectomy is well known. Recently, hypercoagulation disorders
      have also been linked to splenectomy through loss of regulation of platelet
      activity, loss of filtering function and post-splenectomy thrombocytosis. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 28 year-old smoking women who had previously undergone
      splenectomy due to hereditary spherocytosis with a moderate thrombocytosis
      (platelet count 553-635*10(9)/L), presented with recurrent episodes of pulmonary
      embolisms. Further examination by multimodality cardiac imaging demonstrated a
      giant chronic thrombus in the right ventricular outflow tract, which eventually
      had to be surgically removed. CONCLUSIONS: The present case highlights the
      increased risk of severe thromboembolic complications following therapeutic
      splenectomy in hereditary spherocytosis, and emphasis the important role of
      multimodality cardiac imaging in recurrent pulmonary embolism, diagnosing a giant
      chronic thrombus in the right ventricular outflow tract.

PMID- 27118931
TI  - High-Resolution Manometry in Clinical Practice.
AB  - High-resolution manometry (HRM) is the primary method used to evaluate esophageal
      motor function. Displayed and interpreted by esophageal pressure topography
      (EPT), HRM/ EPT provides a detailed assessment of esophageal function that is
      useful in the evaluation of patients with nonobstructive dysphagia and before
      foregut surgery. Esophageal motility diagnoses are determined systematically by
      applying objective metrics of esophageal sphincter and peristaltic function to
      the Chicago Classification of esophageal motility disorders. This article
      discusses HRM study, EPT interpretation, and the translation of EPT findings into
      clinical practice. Examples are provided to illustrate several clinical
      challenges. 

PMID- 27118932
TI  - Positioning Ultrasonography Into Clinical Practice for the Management of Crohn's
      Disease.
AB  - Over the past few years, the technical evolution of ultrasound equipment, the use
      of oral and intravenous contrast agents, and an increase in the expertise of
      operators have enhanced the role that ultrasonography plays in the assessment of
      the gastrointestinal tract. For patients with chronic inflammatory conditions,
      particularly Crohn's disease, it has been suggested that ultrasonography can be
      used not only for diagnostic purposes but also in disease management. These
      developments are reviewed in this article. 

PMID- 27118933
TI  - Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Rates in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel
      Disease.
AB  - Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at an increased risk for
      vaccine-preventable illnesses, such as pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza. We
      hypothesized that a patient-directed educational program would increase
      vaccination rates of patients with IBD. We developed a written educational form
      that was given to all patients over a 15-month period. The form included
      information about the importance of vaccination and asked patients about their
      vaccination status. If patients indicated that they were not vaccinated, they
      were offered a vaccination at the time of their visit. For influenza, the
      vaccination rates during 3 seasons were compared. For pneumococcal pneumonia, the
      vaccination rates during a 6-month period before the introduction of the
      educational program and the rates during the 15-month period after implementation
      of the intervention were compared. Our form increased the percentage of patients
      who reported having an influenza vaccination (23% vs 47%; P<.001) and the
      percentage of patients who reported having a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination
      (21% vs 32%; P<.001). We concluded that a simple written educational form
      designed to assess vaccination status and enable providers to offer same-day
      influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccinations resulted in a significant
      increase in influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination rates among patients
      in an IBD specialty clinic. 

PMID- 27118934
TI  - When Should Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Be Stopped?

PMID- 27118935
TI  - Imaging Techniques for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PMID- 27118936
TI  - Genomics in the Early Detection of Cholangiocarcinoma.

PMID- 27118937
TI  - The Role of Salivary Pepsin in the Diagnosis of Reflux.

PMID- 27118939
TI  - Advances in Hepatitis C Virus Treatment.

PMID- 27118938
TI  - Use of Prophylactic Pancreatic Stents for the Prevention of Post-ERCP
      Pancreatitis.

PMID- 27118940
TI  - Endoscopic Treatment of Early Cancer of the Colon.
AB  - Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosis worldwide and the
      second leading cause of cancer death. In the United States, it is estimated that
      in 2015 there will be 132,700 new cases of colorectal cancer (representing 8.43%
      of all new cancer cases) and 49,700 deaths. Colonoscopy plays a fundamental role
      in the prevention and management of colorectal cancer patients and is used for
      both the diagnosis and treatment of early colorectal cancer and its precursors.
      Improvements in colonoscopy preparation, new techniques of adenoma detection, and
      recent progress in endoscopic imaging methods are providing higher-quality
      results and reducing the incidence and mortality of the disease. Traditionally,
      colonoscopy has been used to remove precursor lesions. Invasive cancer was
      treated by surgical resection with or without chemoradiotherapy. During the past
      decade, endoscopic resection techniques have advanced, and cancers confined to
      the mucosal and superficial submucosal layers can now be resected via flexible
      endoscopes. Therefore, it is important to understand the indications and
      limitations of endoscopic resection, determine whether the cancer can be
      curatively resected, and assess the risk of lymph node metastasis, which
      precludes endoscopic treatment. 

PMID- 27118941
TI  - New Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapies for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus
      Infection.
AB  - The treatment of hepatitis C virus infection has been advancing at breakneck
      speeds over the past few years. This article provides an update on the newest
      drugs available and those currently in development, including newer-generation
      protease inhibitors, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and nonstructural component
      inhibitors. Also discussed in this article are the regimens developed and the
      genotypes they target. Treatment of cirrhotic patients and patients who have
      failed prior therapy is also addressed, as are special populations, such as
      patients with harder-to-treat genotypes, patients with HIV coinfection, patients
      who have undergone liver transplantation, and patients with chronic kidney
      disease. Future developments and economic considerations are also mentioned. 

PMID- 27118942
TI  - Therapeutic Endoscopic Ultrasound.
AB  - Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) technology has evolved dramatically over the past 20
      years, from being a supplementary diagnostic aid available only in large medical
      centers to being a core diagnostic and therapeutic tool that is widely available.
      Although formal recommendations and practice guidelines have not been developed,
      there are considerable data supporting the use of EUS for its technical accuracy
      in diagnosing pancreaticobiliary and gastrointestinal pathology. Endosonography
      is now routine practice not only for pathologic diagnosis and tumor staging but
      also for drainage of cystic lesions and celiac plexus neurolysis. In this
      article, we cover the use of EUS in biliary and pancreatic intervention, ablative
      therapy, enterostomy, and vascular intervention. 

PMID- 27118943
TI  - Defining Severity in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PMID- 27118944
TI  - Supplements and Hepatotoxicity.

PMID- 27118945
TI  - Proton Pump Inhibitor Nonresponders.

PMID- 27118947
TI  - The Obesity Epidemic.

PMID- 27118946
TI  - Hemostatic Powder TC-325.

PMID- 27118950
TI  - Gastro-Hep News.

PMID- 27118948
TI  - Diet and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are increasingly becoming
      interested in nonpharmacologic approaches to managing their disease. One of the
      most frequently asked questions of IBD patients is what they should eat. The role
      of diet has become very important in the prevention and treatment of IBD.
      Although there is a general lack of rigorous scientific evidence that
      demonstrates which diet is best for certain patients, several diets-such as the
      low-fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol diet;
      the specific carbohydrate diet; the anti-inflammatory diet; and the Paleolithic
      diet-have become popular. This article discusses the diets commonly recommended
      to IBD patients and reviews the supporting data. 

PMID- 27118949
TI  - Gastrointestinal Complications After Bariatric Surgery.
AB  - Bariatric surgery is increasingly being performed in the medically complicated
      obese population as convincing data continue to mount, documenting the success of
      surgery not only in achieving meaningful weight loss but also in correcting
      obesity-related illnesses. Several surgical procedures with varying degrees of
      success and complications are currently being performed. This article discusses
      the short- and long-term gastrointestinal complications for the 4 most common
      bariatric surgical procedures: laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, vertical
      sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and biliopancreatic diversion with
      duodenal switch. 

PMID- 27118951
TI  - Polycystic Liver Disease.

PMID- 27118952
TI  - Treatment of Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PMID- 27118953
TI  - Very-Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PMID- 27118954
TI  - Lymphocytic Esophagitis.

PMID- 27118955
TI  - Endoscopic Approach to Reopening a Completely Obstructed Esophagus.

PMID- 27118956
TI  - Transitional care for the highest risk patients: findings of a randomised control
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interventions to prevent readmissions of patients at highest risk
      have not been rigorously evaluated. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to
      determine if a post-discharge transitional care programme can reduce readmissions
      of such patients in Singapore. METHODS: We randomised 840 patients with two or
      more unscheduled readmissions in the prior 90 days and Length of stay, Acuity of
      admission, Comorbidity of patient, Emergency department utilisation score >=10 to
      the intervention programme (n = 419) or control (n = 421). Patients allocated to
      the intervention group received post-discharge surveillance by a
      multidisciplinary integrated care team and early review in the clinic. The
      primary outcome was the proportion of patients with at least one unscheduled
      readmission within 30 days after discharge. RESULTS: We found no statistically
      significant reduction in readmissions or emergency department visits in patients
      on the intervention group compared to usual care. However, patients in the
      intervention group reported greater patient satisfaction (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Any beneficial effect of interventions initiated after discharge is small for
      high-risk patients with multiple comorbidity and complex care needs. Future
      transitional care interventions should focus on providing the entire cycle of
      care for such patients starting from time of admission to final transition to the
      primary care setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, no NCT02325752.

PMID- 27118957
TI  - Bridging knowledge to develop an action plan for integrated care for chronic
      diseases in Greece.
AB  - The health, social and economic impact of chronic diseases is well documented in
      Europe. However, chronic diseases threaten relatively more the 'memorandum and
      peripheral' Eurozone countries (i.e., Greece, Spain, Portugal and Ireland), which
      were under heavy recession after the economic crisis in 2009. Especially in
      Greece, where the crisis was the most severe across Europe, the austerity
      measures affected mainly people with chronic diseases. As a result, the urgency
      to tackle the threat of chronic diseases in Greece by promoting public health and
      providing effective chronic care while flattening the rising health care
      expenditure is eminent. In many European countries, integrated care is seen as a
      means to achieve this. The aim of this paper was to support Greek health policy
      makers to develop an action plan from 2015 onwards, to integrate care by bridging
      local policy context and needs with knowledge and experience from other European
      countries. To achieve this aim, we adopted a conceptual framework developed by
      the World Health Organization on one hand to analyse the status of integrated
      care in Greece, and on the other to develop an action plan for reform. The action
      plan was based on an analysis of the Greek health care system regarding
      prerequisite conditions to integrate care, a clear understanding of its context
      and successful examples of integrated care from other European countries. This
      study showed that chronic diseases are poorly addressed in Greece and integrated
      care is in embryonic stage. Greek policy makers have to realise that this is the
      opportunity to make substantial reforms in chronic care. Failing to reform
      towards integrated care would lead to the significant risk of collapse of the
      Greek health care system with all associated negative consequences. The action
      plan provided in this paper could support policy makers to make the first serious
      step to face this challenge. The details and specifications of the action plan
      can only be decided by Greek policy makers in close cooperation with other health
      and social care partners. This is the appropriate time for doing so. 

PMID- 27118958
TI  - Readiness to tackle chronicity in Spanish health care organisations: a two-year
      experience with the Instrumento de Evaluacion de Modelos de Atencion ante la
      Cronicidad/Assessment of Readiness for Chronicity in Health Care Organisations
      instrument.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Instrumento de Evaluacion de Modelos de Atencion ante la
      Cronicidad/Assessment of Readiness for Chronicity in Health Care Organisations
      instrument was developed to implement the conceptual framework of the Chronic
      Care Model in the Spanish national health system. It has been used to assess
      readiness to tackle chronicity in health care organisations. In this study, we
      use self-assessments at macro-, meso- and micro-management levels to (a) describe
      the two-year experience with the Instrumento de Evaluacion de Modelos de Atencion
      ante la Cronicidad/Assessment of Readiness for Chronicity in Health Care
      Organisations tool in Spain and (b) assess the validity and reliability of this
      instrument. METHODS: The results from 55 organisational self-assessments were
      included and described. In addition to that, the internal consistency,
      reliability and construct validity of Instrumento de Evaluacion de Modelos de
      Atencion ante la Cronicidad/Assessment of Readiness for Chronicity in Health Care
      Organisations were examined using Cronbach's alpha, the Spearman-Brown
      coefficient and factorial analysis. RESULTS: The obtained scores reflect
      opportunities for improvement in all dimensions of the instrument. Cronbach's
      alpha ranged between 0.90 and 0.95 and the Spearman-Brown coefficient ranged
      between 0.77 and 0.94. All 27 components converged in a second-order factorial
      solution that explained 53.8% of the total variance, with factorial saturations
      for the components of between 0.57 and 0.94. CONCLUSIONS: Instrumento de
      Evaluacion de Modelos de Atencion ante la Cronicidad/Assessment of Readiness for
      Chronicity in Health Care Organisations is an instrument that allows health care
      organisations to perform self-assessments regarding their readiness to tackle
      chronicity and to identify areas for improvement in chronic care.

PMID- 27118960
TI  - Beyond integrated care: challenges on the way towards population health
      management.

PMID- 27118959
TI  - Developing a tool for mapping adult mental health care provision in Europe: the
      REMAST research protocol and its contribution to better integrated care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mental health care is a critical area to better understand
      integrated care and to pilot the different components of the integrated care
      model. However, there is an urgent need for better tools to compare and
      understand the context of integrated mental health care in Europe. METHOD: The
      REMAST tool (REFINEMENT MApping Services Tool) combines a series of standardised
      health service research instruments and geographical information systems (GIS) to
      develop local atlases of mental health care from the perspective of horizontal
      and vertical integrated care. It contains five main sections: (a) Population
      Data; (b) the Verona Socio-economic Status (SES) Index; (c) the Mental Health
      System Checklist; (d) the Mental Health Services Inventory using the DESDE-LTC
      instrument; and (e) Geographical Data. EXPECTED RESULTS: The REMAST tool
      facilitates context analysis in mental health by providing the comparative rates
      of mental health service provision according to the availability of main types of
      care; care placement capacity; workforce capacity; and geographical accessibility
      to services in the local areas in eight study areas in Austria, England, Finland,
      France, Italy, Norway, Romania and Spain. DISCUSSION: The outcomes of this
      project will facilitate cooperative work and knowledge transfer on mental health
      care to the different agencies involved in mental health planning and provision.
      This project would improve the information to users and society on the available
      resources for mental health care and system thinking at the local level by the
      different stakeholders. The techniques used in this project and the knowledge
      generated could eventually be transferred to the mapping of other fields of
      integrated care.

PMID- 27118961
TI  - Patient involvement in diabetes care: experiences in nine diabetes care groups.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite the expected beneficial effects on quality of care, patient
      involvement in diabetes care groups, which deliver a bundled paid integrated care
      programme for diabetes type 2, seems to be limited. The aim of this study was to
      gain insight into levels and methods of patient involvement, into facilitators
      and barriers, and into the future preferences of care groups and patient
      representatives. THEORY AND METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were held with 10
      representatives of care groups and 11 representatives of patient advocacy groups.
      An adapted version of Arnstein's ladder of citizen participation was used to
      define five levels of patient involvement. RESULTS: Patient involvement in care
      groups was mostly limited to informing and consulting patients. Higher levels,
      i.e., advising, co-producing and decision-making, were less frequently observed.
      Care groups and patient representatives perceived largely the same barriers and
      facilitators and had similar preferences regarding future themes and design of
      patient involvement. CONCLUSION: Constructive collaboration between diabetes care
      groups and patient representatives to enhance patient involvement in the future
      seems viable. Several issues such as the lack of evidence for effectiveness of
      patient involvement, differences in viewpoints on the role and responsibilities
      of care groups and perceived barriers need to be addressed.

PMID- 27118962
TI  - Changes in geriatric rehabilitation: a national programme to improve quality of
      care. The Synergy and Innovation in Geriatric Rehabilitation study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe changes in the health service delivery process experienced
      by professionals, patients and informal caregivers during implementation of a
      national programme to improve quality of care of geriatric rehabilitation by
      improving integration of health service delivery processes. STUDY SETTING:
      Sixteen skilled nursing facilities. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study, comparing
      three consecutive cohorts. DATA COLLECTION: Professionals (elderly care
      physicians, physiotherapists and nursing staff) rated four domains of health
      service delivery at admission and at discharge of 1075 patients. In addition,
      these patients [median age 79 (Interquartile range 71-85) years, 63% females] and
      their informal caregivers rated their experiences on these domains 4 weeks after
      discharge. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: During the three consecutive cohorts,
      professionals reported improvement on the domain team cooperation, including
      assessment for intensive treatment and information transfer among professionals.
      Fewer improvements were reported within the domains alignment with patients'
      needs, care coordination and care quality. Between the cohorts, according to
      patients (n = 521) and informal caregivers (n = 319) there were no changes in the
      four domains of health service delivery. CONCLUSION: This national programme
      resulted in small improvements in team cooperation as reported by the
      professionals. No effects were found on patients' and informal caregivers'
      perceptions of health service delivery.

PMID- 27118963
TI  - Measuring parents' perspective on continuity of care in children with special
      health care needs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Children with special health care needs are an exponentially
      growing population needing integrated health care programmes that involve
      primary, community, hospital and tertiary care services. The aims of the study
      are (1) to develop and validate the Special Needs Kids Questionnaire (SpeNK-Q)
      designed to measure parents' perspective on continuity of care for children with
      special health care needs and (2) to evaluate the continuity of care based on
      parental experiences in this population. METHODS: SpeNK-Q was derived from a
      previous qualitative study and was based on Haggerty's constructs of
      informational, management and relational continuity. Parents of preterm birth
      children completed the 20-item SpeNK-Q at the second or subsequent planned follow
      up visit after the child's hospital discharge. Principal component analysis was
      used to examine the structure of the instrument. RESULTS: Principal component
      analysis of 101 questionnaires administered allowed us to identify five factors
      explaining 60.2% of item variance: informational continuity; coordination of
      care; continuity of family-paediatrician relationship; family support;
      information on care plan. CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION: SpeNK-Q proved to be a
      psychometrically promising instrument. Its utilisation could improve the
      identification of areas for service development, the delivery of coordinated care
      and support policy makers in redesigning integrated services.

PMID- 27118964
TI  - Integrating collaborative place-based health promotion coalitions into existing
      health system structures: the experience from one Australian health coalition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasingly, place-based collaborative partnerships are being
      implemented to develop the capacity of communities to build supportive
      environments and improve population health outcomes. These place-based
      initiatives require cooperative and coordinated responses that can exist within
      social systems and integrate multiple responses. However, the dynamic interplay
      between co-existing systems and new ways of working makes implementation outcomes
      unpredictable. METHOD: We interviewed eight programme leaders, three programme
      teams and two advisory groups to explore the capacity of one social system to
      implement and normalise a collaborative integrated place-based health promotion
      initiative in the Logan and Beaudesert area in South East Queensland, Australia.
      The construct of capacity as defined in the General Theory of Implementation was
      used to develop a coding framework. Data were then placed into conceptually
      coherent groupings according to this framework until all data could be accounted
      for. RESULTS: Four themes defined capacity for implementation of a collaborative
      and integrated response; namely, the ability to (1) traverse a nested and
      contradictory social landscape, (2) be a responsive and 'good' community partner,
      (3) establish the scaffolding required to work 'in place'; and (4) build a shared
      meaning and engender trust. Overall, we found that the capacity of the system to
      embed a place-based health promotion initiative was severely limited by the
      absence of these features. CONCLUSION: Conflict, disruption and constant change
      within the context into which the place-based collaborative partnership was being
      implemented meant that existing relationships were constantly undermined and the
      capacity of the partners to develop trust-based coherent partnerships was
      constantly diminished. To enhance the likelihood that collaborative and
      integrated place-based health promotion initiatives will become established ways
      of working, an agreed, meaningful and clearly articulated vision and identity are
      required; goals must be prioritised and negotiated; and sustainable resourcing
      must be assured.

PMID- 27118965
TI  - MEG Analysis of Neural Interactions in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to explore the interchannel relationships of
      resting-state brain activity in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD), one of the most common mental disorders that develop in
      children. Magnetoencephalographic (MEG) signals were recorded using a 148-channel
      whole-head magnetometer in 13 patients with ADHD (range: 8-12 years) and 14
      control subjects (range: 8-13 years). Three complementary measures (coherence,
      phase-locking value, and Euclidean distance) were calculated in the conventional
      MEG frequency bands: delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma. Our results showed
      that the interactions among MEG channels are higher for ADHD patients than for
      control subjects in all frequency bands. Statistically significant differences
      were observed for short-distance values within right-anterior and central
      regions, especially at delta, beta, and gamma-frequency bands (p < 0.05; Mann
      Whitney U test with false discovery rate correction). These frequency bands also
      showed statistically significant differences in long-distance interactions,
      mainly among anterior and central regions, as well as among anterior, central,
      and other areas. These differences might reflect alterations during brain
      development in children with ADHD. Our results support the role of frontal
      abnormalities in ADHD pathophysiology, which may reflect a delay in cortical
      maturation in the frontal cortex. 

PMID- 27118966
TI  - Support Vector Machine with Ensemble Tree Kernel for Relation Extraction.
AB  - Relation extraction is one of the important research topics in the field of
      information extraction research. To solve the problem of semantic variation in
      traditional semisupervised relation extraction algorithm, this paper proposes a
      novel semisupervised relation extraction algorithm based on ensemble learning
      (LXRE). The new algorithm mainly uses two kinds of support vector machine
      classifiers based on tree kernel for integration and integrates the strategy of
      constrained extension seed set. The new algorithm can weaken the inaccuracy of
      relation extraction, which is caused by the phenomenon of semantic variation. The
      numerical experimental research based on two benchmark data sets (PropBank and
      AIMed) shows that the LXRE algorithm proposed in the paper is superior to other
      two common relation extraction methods in four evaluation indexes (Precision,
      Recall, F-measure, and Accuracy). It indicates that the new algorithm has good
      relation extraction ability compared with others. 

PMID- 27118967
TI  - Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies of Gastrointestinal
      Diaphragm Disease Associated with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.
AB  - Background. To demonstrate the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug- (NSAID-) induced diaphragm disease (DD).
      Methods. A literature search between January 1973 and August 2015 was undertaken.
      The clinical data of patients with NSAID-induced DD were recorded and analyzed.
      Results. 159 patients were included. The ratio of male to female was 1 : 2.3; the
      mean age was 65 +/- 11 years. The most common clinical manifestations were
      gastrointestinal bleeding and obstruction. 121 (84%) patients took traditional
      NSAIDs. The durations of NSAIDs use ranged from 2 to 300 months. A majority
      (59.7%) of DD were seen in the small bowel, were seen secondly in the colon
      (30.2%), and were mainly located in the ileum (57.9%) and right colon (91.7%),
      respectively. 80% of patients had multiple diaphragms. 41.5% of small bowel DD
      were diagnosed preoperatively by capsule endoscopy and/or double-balloon
      enteroscopy, 52.1% at laparotomy. Nearly 75% of patients underwent surgery,
      endoscopic balloon dilation was performed in 22 patients, and NSAIDs were
      withdrawn in 53 patients. Conclusions. NSAID-induced DD is relatively rare. The
      small bowel is most commonly involved. Preoperative diagnosis of small bowel DD
      is relatively difficult. Discontinuation of the NSAIDs is recommended, surgical
      resection is the main treatment presently, and endoscopic balloon dilation should
      be considered as an alternative therapy. 

PMID- 27118968
TI  - Evolving Techniques in Pancreatic Surgery.

PMID- 27118969
TI  - Erosive Esophagitis in the Obese: The Effect of Ethnicity and Gender on Its
      Association.
AB  - Background. Data examining the association between obesity and erosive
      esophagitis (ErE) have been inconsistent, with very little known about
      interracial variation. Goals. To examine the association between obesity and ErE
      among patients of different ethnic/racial backgrounds. Methods. The study sample
      included 2251 patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The
      effects of body mass index (BMI) on ErE were assessed by gender and in different
      ethnic groups. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were
      calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. The
      prevalence of ErE was 29.4% (661/2251). Overweight and obese subjects were
      significantly more likely to have ErE than individuals with a normal BMI, with
      the highest risk seen in the morbidly obese (OR 6.26; 95% CI 3.82-10.28; p <
      0.0001). Normal weight Black patients were less likely to have ErE as compared to
      Caucasians (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.27-0.79; p = 0.005), while the odds ratio comparing
      normal weight Hispanics to normal weight Whites was not statistically
      significant. No effect modification was seen between BMI and race/ethnicity or
      BMI and gender. Significant trends were seen in each gender and ethnicity.
      Conclusions. The effect of BMI on ErE does not appear to vary by race/ethnicity
      or gender. 

PMID- 27118970
TI  - Pituitary Morphology and Function in 43 Children with Central Diabetes Insipidus.
AB  - Objective. In pediatric central diabetes insipidus (CDI), etiology diagnosis and
      pituitary function monitoring are usually delayed. This study aimed to illustrate
      the importance of regular follow-up and pituitary function monitoring in
      pediatric CDI. Methods. The clinical, hormonal, and neuroradiological
      characteristics of children with CDI at diagnosis and during 1.5-2-year follow-up
      were collected and analyzed. Results. The study included 43 CDI patients. The
      mean interval between initial manifestation and diagnosis was 22.29 +/- 3.67
      months (range: 2-108 months). The most common complaint was polyuria/polydipsia.
      Causes included Langerhans cell histiocytosis, germinoma, and craniopharyngioma
      in 2, 5, and 4 patients; the remaining were idiopathic. No significant changes
      were found during the 1.5-2 years after CDI diagnosis. Twenty-three of the 43
      cases (53.5%) had >=1 anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Isolated growth
      hormone deficiency was the most frequent abnormality (37.5%) and was not
      associated with pituitary stalk diameter. Multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies
      were found in 8 cases with pituitary stalk diameter > 4.5 mm. Conclusion.
      Diagnosis of CDI is usually delayed. CDI with a pituitary stalk diameter > 4.5 mm
      carries a higher risk of multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. Long-term MRI
      and pituitary function follow-ups are necessary for children with idiopathic CDI.

PMID- 27118971
TI  - Therapeutic Outcome of Second Primary Malignancies in Patients with Well
      Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.
AB  - Background. The aims of this study were to analyze the clinical characteristics
      of SPM in patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer and to determine the
      long-term prognosis in patients with double malignancies. Materials and Methods.
      We retrospectively analyzed 2,864 patients with well-differentiated thyroid
      cancer and a mean age of 44.0 +/- 14.4 years. Of these, 200 (7.0%) were diagnosed
      with SPM, 115 of which were diagnosed with metachronous SPM. Results. Of 2,864
      patients, 163 (5.7%) patients died of thyroid cancer and 301 (10.5%) died of any
      cause by the end of the follow-up period. Multivariate analysis identified age,
      SPM, external radiotherapy, TNM stage, and postoperative serum Tg level to be
      factors independently associated with decreased survival. Of 200 patients with
      SPM, 74 (37.0%) died. In comparison to the anachronous and synchronous groups,
      the metachronous SPM group had a higher mean age; more advanced tumor, node, and
      metastasis stage; lower remission rate; higher postoperative radioactive iodide
      ((131)I) accumulated dose; a higher proportion of patients who underwent external
      radiotherapy; and higher thyroid cancer and total mortality rates. Conclusions.
      Patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma and metachronous SPM had
      worse prognoses compared to patients without SPM. 

PMID- 27118972
TI  - Promoter Methylation and mRNA Expression of Response Gene to Complement 32 in
      Breast Carcinoma.
AB  - Background. Response gene to complement 32 (RGC32), induced by activation of
      complements, has been characterized as a cell cycle regulator; however, its role
      in carcinogenesis is still controversial. In the present study we compared RGC32
      promoter methylation patterns and mRNA expression in breast cancerous tissues and
      adjacent normal tissues. Materials and Methods. Sixty-three breast cancer tissues
      and 63 adjacent nonneoplastic tissues were included in our study. Design. Nested
      methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (Nested-MSP) and quantitative PCR
      (qPCR) were used to determine RGC32 promoter methylation status and its mRNA
      expression levels, respectively. Results. RGC32 methylation pattern was not
      different between breast cancerous tissue and adjacent nonneoplastic tissue (OR =
      2.30, 95% CI = 0.95-5.54). However, qPCR analysis displayed higher levels of
      RGC32 mRNA in breast cancerous tissues than in noncancerous tissues (1.073 versus
      0.959; P = 0.001), irrespective of the promoter methylation status. The
      expression levels and promoter methylation of RGC32 were not correlated with any
      of patients' clinical characteristics (P > 0.05). Conclusion. Our findings
      confirmed upregulation of RGC32 in breast cancerous tumors, but it was not
      associated with promoter methylation patterns. 

PMID- 27118973
TI  - Choice of Unmanipulated T Cell Replete Graft for Haploidentical Stem Cell
      Transplant and Posttransplant Cyclophosphamide in Hematologic Malignancies in
      Adults: Peripheral Blood or Bone Marrow-Review of Published Literature.
AB  - Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is often the only
      curative option for many patients with malignant and benign hematological stem
      cell disorders. However, some issues are still of concern regarding finding a
      donor like shrinking family sizes in many societies, underrepresentation of the
      ethnic minorities in the registries, genetic variability for some races, and
      significant delays in obtaining stem cells after starting the search. So there is
      a considerable need to develop alternate donor stem cell sources. The rapid and
      near universal availability of the haploidentical donor is an advantage of the
      haploidentical SCT and an opportunity that is being explored currently in many
      centers especially using T cell replete graft and posttransplant
      cyclophosphamide. This is probably because it does not require expertise in graft
      manipulation and because of the lower costs. However, there are still lots of
      unanswered questions, like the effect of use of bone marrow versus peripheral
      blood as the source of stem cells on graft-versus-host disease, graft versus
      tumor, overall survival, immune reconstitution, and quality of life. Here we
      review the available publications on bone marrow and peripheral blood experience
      in the haploidentical SCT setting. 

PMID- 27118974
TI  - A Giant Intrathoracic Malignant Schwannoma Causing Respiratory Failure in a
      Patient without von Recklinghausen's Disease.
AB  - We report an unusual case of a thoracic opacity due to a huge mediastinal
      malignant schwannoma which compressed the whole left lung and the mediastinum
      causing respiratory failure in a 73-year-old woman without von Recklinghausen's
      disease. Although the tumor was resected, the patient failed to wean from
      mechanical ventilation and died one month later because of multiple organ
      dysfunction syndrome. 

PMID- 27118976
TI  - The Novel Methods for Analysis of Exosomes Released from Endothelial Cells and
      Endothelial Progenitor Cells.
AB  - Exosomes (EXs) are cell-derived vesicles that mediate cell-cell communication and
      could serve as biomarkers. Here we described novel methods for purification and
      phenotyping of EXs released from endothelial cells (ECs) and endothelial
      progenitor cells (EPCs) by combining microbeads and fluorescence quantum dots (Q
      dots(r)) techniques. EXs from the culture medium of ECs and EPCs were isolated
      and detected with cell-specific antibody conjugated microbeads and second
      antibody conjugated Q-dots by using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) system.
      The sensitivities of the cell origin markers for ECs (CD105, CD144) and EPCs
      (CD34, KDR) were evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity were determined by
      using positive and negative markers for EXs (CD63), platelets (CD41),
      erythrocytes (CD235a), and microvesicles (Annexin V). Moreover, the methods were
      further validated in particle-free plasma and patient samples. Results showed
      that anti-CD105/anti-CD144 and anti-CD34/anti-KDR had the highest sensitivity and
      specificity for isolating and detecting EC-EXs and EPC-EXs, respectively. The
      methods had the overall recovery rate of over 70% and were able to detect the
      dynamical changes of circulating EC-EXs and EPC-EXs in acute ischemic stroke. In
      conclusion, we have developed sensitive and specific microbeads/Q-dots
      fluorescence NTA methods for EC-EX and EPC-EX isolation and detection, which will
      facilitate the functional study and biomarker discovery. 

PMID- 27118975
TI  - The Therapeutic Targets of miRNA in Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide
      malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer death in patients. Several
      studies demonstrated that hepatic cancer stem cells (HCSCs), also called tumor
      initiating cells, are involved in regulation of HCC initiation, tumor
      progression, metastasis development, and drug resistance. Despite the extensive
      research, the underlying mechanisms by which HCSCs are regulated remain still
      unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are able to regulate a lot of biological processes
      such as self-renewal and pluripotency of HCSCs, representing a new promising
      strategy for treatment of HCC chemotherapy-resistant tumors. In this review, we
      synthesize the latest findings on therapeutic regulation of HCSCs by miRNAs, in
      order to highlight the perspective of novel miRNA-based anticancer therapies for
      HCC treatment. 

PMID- 27118977
TI  - Restoration of a Critical Mandibular Bone Defect Using Human Alveolar Bone
      Derived Stem Cells and Porous Nano-HA/Collagen/PLA Scaffold.
AB  - Periodontal bone defects occur in a wide variety of clinical situations. Adult
      stem cell- and biomaterial-based bone tissue regeneration are a promising
      alternative to natural bone grafts. Recent evidence has demonstrated that two
      populations of adult bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) can be
      distinguished based on their embryonic origins. These BMSCs are not
      interchangeable, as bones preferentially heal using cells that share the same
      embryonic origin. However, the feasibility of tissue engineering using human
      craniofacial BMSCs was unclear. The goal of this study was to explore human
      craniofacial BMSC-based therapy for the treatment of localized mandibular defects
      using a standardized, minimally invasive procedure. The BMSCs' identity was
      confirmed. Scanning electron microscopy, a cell proliferation assay, and
      supernatant detection indicated that the nHAC/PLA provided a suitable environment
      for aBMSCs. Real-time PCR and electrochemiluminescence immunoassays demonstrated
      that osteogenic markers were upregulated by osteogenic preinduction. Moreover, in
      a rabbit critical-size mandibular bone defect model, total bone formation in the
      nHAC/PLA + aBMSCs group was significantly higher than in the nHAC/PLA group but
      significantly lower than in the nHAC/PLA + preinduced aBMSCs. These findings
      demonstrate that this engineered bone is a valid alternative for the correction
      of mandibular bone defects. 

PMID- 27118978
TI  - Evaluation of the Isoflavone Genistein as Reversible Human Monoamine Oxidase-A
      and -B Inhibitor.
AB  - Monoamine oxidases inhibitors (MAOIs) are effective therapeutic drugs for
      managing Parkinson's disease (PD) and depression. However, their irreversibility
      may lead to rare but serious side effects. As finding safer and reversible MAOIs
      is our target, we characterized the recombinant human (h) MAO-A and MAO-B
      inhibition potentials of two common natural isoflavones, genistein (GST) and
      daidzein (DZ) using luminescence assay. The results obtained showed that DZ
      exhibits partial to no inhibition of the isozymes examined while GST inhibited
      hMAO-B (IC50 of 6.81 MUM), and its hMAO-A inhibition was more potent than the
      standard deprenyl. Furthermore, the reversibility, mode of inhibition kinetics,
      and tyramine oxidation of GST were examined. GST was a time-independent
      reversible and competitive hMAO-A and hMAO-B inhibitor with a lower K i of hMAO-B
      (1.45 MUM) than hMAO-A (4.31 MUM). GST also inhibited hMAO-B tyramine oxidation
      and hydrogen peroxide production more than hMAO-A. Docking studies conducted
      indicated that the GST reversibility and hMAO-B selectivity of inhibition may
      relate to C5-OH effects on its orientation and its interactions with the
      threonine 201 residue of the active site. It was concluded from this study that
      the natural product GST has competitive and reversible MAOs inhibitions and may
      be recommended for further investigations as a useful therapeutic agent for
      Parkinson's disease. 

PMID- 27118979
TI  - Cytotoxic Effect and TLC Bioautography-Guided Approach to Detect Health
      Properties of Amazonian Hedyosmum sprucei Essential Oil.
AB  - Bioautography has been used as rapid and easy strategy to detect and identify
      bioactive fractions/molecules in the never before investigated Hedyosmum sprucei
      Solms (Chloranthaceae) essential oil (EO). The antioxidant activity, performed
      through DPPH bioautographic assay and spectrophotometric evaluations (IC50 = 230
      +/- 10 ug/mL), seemed to be mainly due to alpha-cadinol and alpha-muurolol.
      (HP)TLC bioautography, focused on antimicrobial capacities, pointed out alpha
      cadinol, alpha-muurolol, tau-muurolol, caryophyllene oxide, and methyleugenol as
      the most effective compounds against Staphylococcus aureus, considered as testing
      strain. Moreover, the microdilution method, assessed among a wide panel of
      microorganisms, revealed Listeria grayi and Staphylococcus aureus as the most
      sensitive among human tested strains and Clavibacter michiganensis among
      phytopathogens. GC-MS chemical profile showed that bioactive molecules
      represented only a small quantity of the whole EO: germacrene D (23.16%), beta
      caryophyllene (15.53%), delta-cadinene (5.50%), alpha-copaene (5.08%), and alpha
      phellandrene (3.48%) were the main compounds, highlighting an uncommon
      composition among the genus Hedyosmum. Finally, H. sprucei EO was checked for
      cytotoxic potential against A549 (lung cancer) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell
      lines showing promising cytotoxic effects against both cell lines after 48 h
      (IC50 A549 = 44.05 +/- 2.35 ug/mL; IC50 MCF-7 = 32.76 +/- 4.92 ug/mL) and 72 h
      (IC50 A549 = 43.55 +/- 2.80 ug/mL; IC50 MCF-7 = 33.64 +/- 0.43 ug/mL). 

PMID- 27118980
TI  - Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Adansonia digitata Extract on
      Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.
AB  - The methanol extract of the fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) was
      examined for its hepatoprotective activity against liver damage induced by
      acetaminophen in rats. The principle depends on the fact that administration of
      acetaminophen will be associated with development of oxidative stress. In
      addition, hepatospecific serum markers will be disturbed. Treatment of the rats
      with the methanol extract of the fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata L. prior to
      administration of acetaminophen significantly reduced the disturbance in liver
      function. Liver functions were measured by assessment of total protein, total
      bilirubin, ALP, ALT, and AST. Oxidative stress parameter and antioxidant markers
      were also evaluated. Moreover, histopathological evaluation was performed in
      order to assess liver case regarding inflammatory infiltration or necrosis.
      Animals were observed for any symptoms of toxicity after administration of
      extract of the fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata L. to ensure safety of the fruit
      extract. 

PMID- 27118981
TI  - Acupoints Stimulation for Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Patients: A
      Quantitative Synthesis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - This study aims at concluding the current evidence on the therapeutic effects of
      acupoints stimulation for cancer patients with anxiety and depression. Randomized
      controlled trials using acupoints stimulation for relieving anxiety and/or
      depression in cancer patients were searched, and 11 studies were finally
      included, of which eight trials compared acupoints stimulation with standard
      methods of treatment/care, and acupoints stimulation showed significantly better
      effects in improving depression than using standard methods of treatment/care.
      Four studies compared true acupoints stimulation with sham methods, and no
      significant differences can be found between groups for either depression or
      anxiety, although the pooled effects still favored true intervention. For the
      five studies that evaluated sleep quality, the results were conflicting, with
      three supporting the superiority of acupoints stimulation in improving sleep
      quality and two demonstrating no differences across groups. Acupoints stimulation
      seems to be an effective approach in relieving depression and anxiety in cancer
      patients, and placebo effects may partially contribute to the benefits. However,
      the evidence is not conclusive due to the limited number of included studies and
      the clinical heterogeneity identified among trials. More rigorous designed
      randomized, sham-controlled studies are necessary in future research. 

PMID- 27118982
TI  - Therapeutic Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Spinal Cord Injury: A
      Promising Supplementary Treatment in Future.
AB  - Objective. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder caused
      by trauma. Pathophysiological events occurring after SCI include acute, subacute,
      and chronic phases, while complex mechanisms are comprised. As an abundant source
      of natural drugs, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attracts much attention in
      SCI treatment recently. Hence, this review provides an overview of
      pathophysiology of SCI and TCM application in its therapy. Methods. Information
      was collected from articles published in peer-reviewed journals via electronic
      search (PubMed, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and CNKI), as well as
      from master's dissertations, doctoral dissertations, and Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
      Results. Both active ingredients and herbs could exert prevention and treatment
      against SCI, which is linked to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective,
      or antiapoptosis effects. The detailed information of six active natural
      ingredients (i.e., curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, ligustrazine,
      quercitrin, and puerarin) and five commonly used herbs (i.e., Danshen, Ginkgo,
      Ginseng, Notoginseng, and Astragali Radix) was elucidated and summarized.
      Conclusions. As an important supplementary treatment, TCM may provide benefits in
      repair of injured spinal cord. With a general consensus that future clinical
      approaches will be diversified and a combination of multiple strategies, TCM is
      likely to attract greater attention in SCI treatment. 

PMID- 27118983
TI  - Psychopathology of addiction: May a SCL-90-based five dimensions structure be
      applied irrespectively of the involved drug?
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously found a five cluster of psychological symptoms in
      heroin use disorder (HUD) patients: 'worthlessness-being trapped', 'somatic
      symptoms', 'sensitivity-psychoticism', 'panic-anxiety', and 'violence-suicide'.
      We demonstrated that this aggregation is independent of the chosen treatment, of
      intoxication status and of the presence of psychiatric problems. METHODS: 2314
      Subjects, with alcohol, heroin or cocaine dependence were assigned to one of the
      five clusters. Differences between patients dependent on alcohol, heroin and
      cocaine in the frequency of the five clusters and in their severity were
      analysed. The association between the secondary abuse of alcohol and cocaine and
      the five clusters was also considered in the subsample of HUD patients. RESULTS:
      We confirmed a positive association of the 'somatic symptoms' dimension with the
      condition of heroin versus cocaine dependence and of the 'sensitivity
      psychoticism' dimension with the condition of alcohol versus heroin dependence.
      'Somatic symptoms' and 'panic anxiety' successfully discriminated between
      patients as being alcohol, heroin or cocaine dependents. Looking at the subsample
      of heroin dependents, no significant differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The
      available evidence coming from our results, taken as a whole, seems to support
      the extension of the psychopathological structure previously observed in opioid
      addicts to the population of alcohol and cocaine dependents.

PMID- 27118984
TI  - "When you give birth you will not be without your mother" A mixed methods study
      of advice on breastfeeding for first-time mothers in rural coastal Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is currently
      recommended by the World Health Organization, but mixed feeding earlier than this
      commonly occurs in rural coastal Kenya. Mothers may receive conflicting advice on
      breastfeeding from various sources including health workers, relatives and
      community members. We aimed to find out how first-time mothers learn to
      breastfeed, who advises them on infant feeding and what advice they obtain in
      case of any breastfeeding problems. METHODS: To identify advisers, a
      questionnaire on socio-demographic status, place of delivery, household members,
      education and help received on breastfeeding, breastfeeding problems, name of
      advisers and their relationship to the mothers was administered to 50 new first
      time mothers in Jaribuni, Kilifi (population approximately 18,000). Summary
      statistics were obtained using frequencies, medians and interquartile ranges
      (IQR). Focus group discussions (FGDs) were held amongst 4 groups of mothers who
      had answered questionnaires; 4 groups of their named advisers; and 1 group of
      community health workers in order to explore breastfeeding practices, problems
      and advice given. FGDs were analysed by thematic framework analysis. RESULTS:
      First-time mothers were young (median age 18, IQR 17-21, range 14-26 years) and
      42 % were single. Living in extended families was the norm and married women
      lived with their husband's family. All had a female family member or neighbour
      helping with childcare in the perinatal period. The main advisers on
      breastfeeding were their mother or older female members of their husband's
      family. Married first-time mothers felt obliged to follow their mother-in-law's
      advice to maintain good relationships and show respect within the household.
      Breastfeeding problems were reported by 80 % of respondents. Nipple pain (56 %)
      was the most reported problem, then breast engorgement (48 %) and insufficient
      milk supply (38 %). Most problems were treated at home without consultation with
      health workers. Concerns were raised about co-sleeping, breastfeeding whilst
      lying down, and insufficient milk supply. Advisers would like more information on
      breastfeeding in order to help mothers. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to increase
      knowledge of, and facilitate optimal breastfeeding practices in first-time
      mothers should include those family members who advise and assist with childcare
      around the time of delivery.

PMID- 27118985
TI  - Efficient multiplex mutagenesis by RNA-guided Cas9 and its use in the
      characterization of regulatory elements in the AGAMOUS gene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficiency of multiplex editing in plants by the RNA-guided Cas9
      system is limited by efficient introduction of its components into the genome and
      by their activity. The possibility of introducing large fragment deletions by RNA
      guided Cas9 tool provides the potential to study the function of any DNA region
      of interest in its 'endogenous' environment. RESULTS: Here, an RNA-guided Cas9
      system was optimized to enable efficient multiplex editing in Arabidopsis
      thaliana. We demonstrate the flexibility of our system for knockout of multiple
      genes, and to generate heritable large-fragment deletions in the genome. As a
      proof of concept, the function of part of the second intron of the flower
      development gene AGAMOUS in Arabidopsis was studied by generating a Cas9-free
      mutant plant line in which part of this intron was removed from the genome.
      Further analysis revealed that deletion of this intron fragment results 40 %
      decrease of AGAMOUS gene expression without changing the splicing of the gene
      which indicates that this regulatory region functions as an activator of AGAMOUS
      gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified RNA-guided Cas9 system offers a
      versatile tool for the functional dissection of coding and non-coding DNA
      sequences in plants.

PMID- 27118986
TI  - The utility of flow sorting to identify chromosomes carrying a single copy
      transgene in wheat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of transgene insertion sites in plant genomes has
      practical implications for crop breeding and is a stepping stone to analyze
      transgene function. However, single copy sequences are not always easy to
      localize in large plant genomes by standard approaches. RESULTS: We employed flow
      cytometric chromosome sorting to determine chromosomal location of barley sucrose
      transporter construct in three transgenic lines of common wheat. Flow-sorted
      chromosomes were used as template for PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization
      to identify chromosomes with transgenes. The chromosomes carrying the transgenes
      were then confirmed by PCR using DNA amplified from single flow-sorted
      chromosomes as template. CONCLUSIONS: Insertion sites of the transgene were
      unambiguously localized to chromosomes 4A, 7A and 5D in three wheat transgenic
      lines. The procedure presented in this study is applicable for localization of
      any single-copy sequence not only in wheat, but in any plant species where
      suspension of intact mitotic chromosomes suitable for flow cytometric sorting can
      be prepared.

PMID- 27118987
TI  - A Bayesian Approach for Evaluation of Determinants of Health System Efficiency
      Using Stochastic Frontier Analysis and Beta Regression.
AB  - In today's world, Public expenditures on health are one of the most important
      issues for governments. These increased expenditures are putting pressure on
      public budgets. Therefore, health policy makers have focused on the performance
      of their health systems and many countries have introduced reforms to improve the
      performance of their health systems. This study investigates the most important
      determinants of healthcare efficiency for OECD countries using second stage
      approach for Bayesian Stochastic Frontier Analysis (BSFA). There are two steps in
      this study. First we measure 29 OECD countries' healthcare efficiency by BSFA
      using the data from the OECD Health Database. At second stage, we expose the
      multiple relationships between the healthcare efficiency and characteristics of
      healthcare systems across OECD countries using Bayesian beta regression. 

PMID- 27118988
TI  - Establishment of Relational Model of Congenital Heart Disease Markers and GO
      Functional Analysis of the Association between Its Serum Markers and
      Susceptibility Genes.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of present study was to construct the best screening model
      of congenital heart disease serum markers and to provide reference for further
      prevention and treatment of the disease. METHODS: Documents from 2006 to 2014
      were collected and meta-analysis was used for screening susceptibility genes and
      serum markers closely related to the diagnosis of congenital heart disease. Data
      of serum markers were extracted from 80 congenital heart disease patients and 80
      healthy controls, respectively, and then logistic regression analysis and support
      vector machine were utilized to establish prediction models of serum markers and
      Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation. RESULTS: Results showed that NKX2.5,
      GATA4, and FOG2 were susceptibility genes of congenital heart disease. CRP, BNP,
      and cTnI were risk factors of congenital heart disease (p < 0.05); cTnI, hs-CRP,
      BNP, and Lp(a) were significantly close to congenital heart disease (p < 0.01).
      ROC curve indicated that the accuracy rate of Lp(a) and cTnI, Lp(a) and BNP, and
      BNP and cTnI joint prediction was 93.4%, 87.1%, and 97.2%, respectively. But the
      detection accuracy rate of the markers' relational model established by support
      vector machine was only 85%. GO analysis suggested that NKX2.5, GATA4, and FOG2
      were functionally related to Lp(a) and BNP. CONCLUSIONS: The combined markers
      model of BNP and cTnI had the highest accuracy rate, providing a theoretical
      basis for the diagnosis of congenital heart disease.

PMID- 27118989
TI  - Implementation of a quality improvement project on smoking cessation reduces
      smoking in a high risk trauma patient population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking causes about one of every five deaths in the U.S.
      each year. In 2013 the prevalence of smoking in our institution's trauma
      population was 26.7 %, well above the national adult average of 18.1 % according
      to the CDC website. As a quality improvement project we implemented a
      multimodality smoking cessation program in a high-risk trauma population.
      METHODS: All smokers with independent mental capacity admitted to our level I
      trauma center from 6/1/2014 until 3/31/2015 were counseled by a physician on the
      benefits of smoking cessation. Those who wished to quit smoking were given
      further counseling by a pulmonary rehabilitation nurse and offered nicotine
      replacement therapy (e.g. nicotine patch). A planned 30 day or later follow-up
      was performed to ascertain the primary endpoint of the total number of patients
      who quit smoking, with a secondary endpoint of reduction in the frequency of
      smoking, defined as at least a half pack per day reduction from their pre
      intervention state. RESULTS: During the 9 month study period, 1066 trauma
      patients were admitted with 241 (22.6 %) identified as smokers. A total of 31
      patients with a mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 14.2 (range 1-38), mean age
      of 47.6 (21-71) and mean years of smoking of 27.1 (2-55), wished to stop smoking.
      Seven of the 31 patients, (22.5 %, 95 % confidence interval [CI] of 10-41 %)
      achieved self-reported smoking cessation at or beyond 30 days post discharge. An
      additional eight patients (25.8 %, 95 % CI 12-45 %) reported significant
      reduction in smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma patients represent a high risk smoking
      population. The implementation of a smoking cessation program led to a smoking
      cessation rate of 22.5 % and smoking reduction in 25.8 % of all identified
      smokers who participated in the program. This is a relatively simple, inexpensive
      intervention with potentially far reaching and beneficial long-term health
      implications. A larger, multi-center prospective study appears warranted. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Study, Level V evidence.

PMID- 27118990
TI  - How to improve the clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis in resource limited
      settings.
AB  - This article is a general review of the diagnostic tools that the clinician can
      use for the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis with emphasis on the Alvarado
      Score, and it is aimed principally to the medical practitioners in different
      parts of the world where the diagnostic facilities and technological resources
      are limited. 

PMID- 27118991
TI  - Herb-partitioned moxibustion upregulated the expression of colonic epithelial
      tight junction-related proteins in Crohn's disease model rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Herb-partitioned moxibustion (HPM) at Tianshu (ST25) and Qihai (RN6)
      has been used to treat Crohn's disease (CD). Injury to intestinal epithelial
      tight junctions (TJs) is the leading cause of CD onset with under expression of
      TJ-related proteins such as occludin, claudin-1, and zonula occludens protein-1
      (ZO-1). This study aimed to investigate whether HPM can change the permeability
      of the intestinal epithelial barrier by affecting the expression of colonic
      epithelial TJ-related proteins in vitro. METHODS: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley
      rats were randomly divided into four groups of twelve rats: normal control (NC)
      group; model control (MC) group; herb-partitioned moxibustion (HPM) group; and
      mesalazine control (MESA) group. The rats in the latter three groups were given
      trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) enemas to establish CD models. The HPM group
      was treated with HPM at Tianshu (ST25) and Qihai (RN6) once daily for 14
      consecutive days, while the MESA group was given mesalazine solution (at the
      proportion of 0.018:1) by lavage twice daily for the same period. After the
      treatment period, the colon tissues from all groups were partly processed for
      macroscopic damage assessment and histological observation, and partly purified
      and cultured in vitro to examine the permeability of the intestinal epithelial
      cell barrier by trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Western blot and
      fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) analyses were
      performed to observe the expression of occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1 proteins and
      mRNAs, respectively. RESULTS: In the HPM and MESA groups, the typical CD
      macroscopic damage, i.e., inflammatory cell infiltration in colonic mucosa and
      submucosa, submucosal lymphoid follicular hyperplasia, hyperemia and edema, and
      morphological changes were improved to different degrees in the colonic tissues
      (HPM, MESA vs. MC for macroscopic score of colonic damage: all P < 0.001). The
      decreasing tendencies were minor for colonic TEER values (HPM, MESA vs. MC: all P
      < 0.001), and expression of intestinal epithelial TJ-related proteins (HPM, MESA
      vs. MC: all P < 0.05) and mRNAs (HPM, MESA vs. MC: all P < 0.05), especially in
      the HPM group (HPM vs. MESA for TEER values: P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HPM at
      Tianshu (ST25) and Qihai (RN6) upregulated the expression of occludin, claudin-1,
      and ZO-1 in TNBS-induced CD model rats.

PMID- 27118992
TI  - Depressive symptoms are associated with oxidative stress in middle-aged women: a
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is known to be a factor in various diseases. In this
      study, we investigated whether physical and psychological symptoms of menopause,
      cardiovascular parameters, body composition, and lifestyle factors are associated
      with oxidative stress in middle-aged women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study
      used baseline data collected in a previous study that examined the effects of a
      dietary supplement on a variety of health parameters in 95 women aged 40 to 60
      years. Participants had been assessed for age, menopausal status, body
      composition, cardiovascular parameters, physical and psychological symptoms of
      menopause, and lifestyle factors. Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)
      level, an oxidative stress marker, had also been measured. Dichotomizing 8-OHdG
      levels as low (<=25 ng/mg creatinine) and high (>25 ng/mg creatinine), we sought
      to identify the health parameters that are associated with high 8-OHdG level.
      RESULTS: Women with a high 8-OHdG level had lower body weight, lower body mass
      index, lower body fat mass, higher body temperature, scored higher for both
      anxiety and depression on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and
      consumed more alcohol. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the
      HADS-depression subscale (HADS-D) score was the sole independent contributor to
      high 8-OHdG level (adjusted odds ratio, 1.23 per point increase in HADS-D score;
      95 % confidence interval, 1.06-1.45). CONCLUSION: Depressive symptom score was
      shown to be independently associated with high 8-OHdG level in middle-aged women,
      suggesting a link between mood disorder and oxidative stress. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      UMIN-CTR UMIN000009353.

PMID- 27118993
TI  - The prevalence and risk factors of school absenteeism due to premenstrual
      disorders in Japanese high school students-a school-based cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Premenstrual disorders such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and
      premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) interfere with the daily lives of
      adolescents. The causes of PMS and PMDD are unknown, but lifestyle habits, such
      as regular exercise and taste preference are known to be associated. This study
      was conducted to investigate how premenstrual symptoms affect the school life in
      Japanese high school students and whether there was a risk factor for school
      absenteeism that is dependent on the types of premenstrual symptoms or lifestyle
      habits. METHODS: A school-based survey was conducted in Sendai, an industrial
      city in Japan. A total of 901 girls aged 15-19 with regular menstrual cycles were
      assessed using the self-reporting premenstrual symptoms questionnaire (PSQ) and
      questions regarding school absence, taste preference, and exercise. We classified
      the girls into 'no/mild PMS', 'moderate-to-severe PMS' and 'PMDD' according to
      the PSQ. The girls were classified into the 'absent' group if they were absent
      for more than 1 day per month. We used multivariate logistic analysis to examine
      the risk factors for school absenteeism. RESULTS: The rates of 'moderate-to
      severe PMS' and 'PMDD' were 9.9 and 3.1 %, respectively. A total of 107 girls
      (11.9 %) were classified into the 'absent' group. Significant differences were
      observed in the prevalence of all premenstrual symptoms (p < 0.001), 'age' (p <
      0.001), 'a preference for salty food' (p = 0.001), and 'lack of regular exercise'
      (p = 0.03) between the 'absent' and 'non-absent' groups. Multivariate analysis
      revealed that premenstrual symptoms such as 'insomnia or hypersomnia' (odds ratio
      [OR] 2.27, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-4.17) and 'physical symptoms' (OR
      2.24, 95 % CI: 1.37-3.66), 'reduced social life activities' (OR 2.71, 95 % CI
      1.31-5.59), and 'a preference for salty food' (OR 1.89, 95 % CI: 1.20-2.98) were
      risk factors for school absenteeism. CONCLUSIONS: One in nine Japanese female
      high school students were absent from school due to premenstrual symptoms.
      Physical premenstrual symptoms and lifestyles, such as a preference for salty
      food and a lack of regular exercise, were identified as risk factors for school
      absenteeism.

PMID- 27118994
TI  - Elucidation of the roles of adhE1 and adhE2 in the primary metabolism of
      Clostridium acetobutylicum by combining in-frame gene deletion and a quantitative
      system-scale approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clostridium acetobutylicum possesses two homologous adhE genes, adhE1
      and adhE2, which have been proposed to be responsible for butanol production in
      solventogenic and alcohologenic cultures, respectively. To investigate their
      contributions in detail, in-frame deletion mutants of each gene were constructed
      and subjected to quantitative transcriptomic (mRNA molecules/cell) and fluxomic
      analyses in acidogenic, solventogenic, and alcohologenic chemostat cultures.
      RESULTS: Under solventogenesis, compared to the control strain, only DeltaadhE1
      mutant exhibited significant changes showing decreased butanol production and
      transcriptional expression changes in numerous genes. In particular, adhE2 was
      over expressed (126-fold); thus, AdhE2 can partially replace AdhE1 for butanol
      production (more than 30 % of the in vivo butanol flux) under solventogenesis.
      Under alcohologenesis, only DeltaadhE2 mutant exhibited striking changes in gene
      expression and metabolic fluxes, and butanol production was completely lost.
      Therefore, it was demonstrated that AdhE2 is essential for butanol production and
      thus metabolic fluxes were redirected toward butyrate formation. Under
      acidogenesis, metabolic fluxes were not significantly changed in both mutants
      except the complete loss of butanol formation in DeltaadhE2, but numerous changes
      in gene expression were observed. Furthermore, most of the significantly up- or
      down-regulated genes under this condition showed the same pattern of change in
      both mutants. CONCLUSIONS: This quantitative system-scale analysis confirms the
      proposed roles of AdhE1 and AdhE2 in butanol formation that AdhE1 is the key
      enzyme under solventogenesis, whereas AdhE2 is the key enzyme for butanol
      formation under acidogenesis and alcohologenesis. Our study also highlights the
      metabolic flexibility of C. acetobutylicum to genetic alterations of its primary
      metabolism.

PMID- 27118995
TI  - Foot health education provision for people with rheumatoid arthritis-an online
      survey of UK podiatrists' perceptions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient education supports general disease self-management and in
      relation to foot problems, it is recommended as a key intervention for people
      with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Further, it is known what the foot health
      educational (FHE) needs are in relation to their experiences of foot problems.
      Podiatrists are the key health professionals who provide the management of RA
      related foot pathology and this includes the delivery of FHE. However, we do not
      know what is currently provided and what podiatrists' perceptions are of this
      intervention. It is possible that there is a difference between what is provided
      and what patients need in order to maximise their foot health benefits and hence
      this may contribute to the persistence of foot problems and symptoms. This study
      primarily aims to define what UK podiatrists' perceptions of FHE are in relation
      to; what is delivered, how it is delivered, and the timing of its delivery, in
      the context of its' accessibility. The secondary aim is to identify any influence
      of the participants' gender, age and duration of professional qualification on
      their responses. METHOD: An online survey of UK HCPC registered podiatrists was
      used to capture quantitative data in relation to the perceived; aims, content,
      methods and effectiveness, timing and barriers to FHE provision to people with
      RA. Data was analysed to assess significant associations between the participant
      responses and their gender, age and duration of professional qualification. Free
      text comments were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: 43 podiatrists
      across the UK completed the survey. The majority of participants stated that,
      they provided FHE and agreed with its overall aims. The most common methods of
      delivery that were perceived to be most effective were: verbal, written and
      website based information. The best times at which to deliver FHE were thought to
      be at the point of diagnosis of RA and at any available opportunity of health
      care delivery. The majority of participants thought they had enough knowledge and
      access to information resources to effectively deliver FHE, but half of the
      participants felt that consultation duration limited their ability to do so.
      Gender and duration of professional qualification influenced participants'
      perceptions of FHE. CONCLUSION: The importance and content of FHE for people with
      RA has been defined, but time limitations are seen to restrict its delivery. The
      development of an education needs analysis tool to facilitate efficient
      identification of patients FHE needs could enable timely and tailored delivery of
      FHE to people with RA.

PMID- 27118996
TI  - Photochemical synthesis and anticancer activity of barbituric acid,
      thiobarbituric acid, thiosemicarbazide, and isoniazid linked to 2-phenyl indole
      derivatives.
AB  - 2-Phenyl-1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde-based barbituric acid, thiobarbituric acid,
      thiosemicarbazide, isoniazid, and malononitrile derivatives were synthesized
      under photochemical conditions. The antitumor activities of the synthesized
      compounds were evaluated on three different human cancer cell lines representing
      prostate cancer cell line DU145, Dwivedi (DWD) cancer cell lines, and breast
      cancer cell line MCF7. All the screened compounds possessed moderate anticancer
      activity, and out of all the screened compounds, 5-{1[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)2-oxo
      ethyl]-2-phenyl-1H-indole-3-ylmethylene}-2-thioxo-dihydro-pyrimidine-4,6-dione
      (2b) and 5-{1[2-(4-methoxy-phenyl)2-oxo-ethyl]-2-phenyl-1H-indole-3-ylmethylene}
      2-thioxo-dihydro-pyrimidine-4,6-dione (2d) exhibited marked antitumor activity
      against used cell lines. Additionally, barbituric acid derivatives were selective
      to inhibit cell line DWD and breast cancer cell lines. 

PMID- 27118997
TI  - JOCB Bulletin.

PMID- 27118998
TI  - Developmental phenotype in Phelan-McDermid (22q13.3 deletion) syndrome: a
      systematic and prospective study in 34 children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) or 22q13.3 deletion syndrome is
      characterized by global developmental delay, cognitive deficits, and behaviour in
      the autism spectrum. Knowledge about developmental and behavioural
      characteristics of this rare chromosomal disorder is still limited despite a
      rapid growing number of diagnoses. Our aim was to study a new and relatively
      large cohort to further characterize the developmental phenotype of children with
      PMS. METHODS: We performed a descriptive study of children with a 22q13.3
      deletion including SHANK3, aged 8 to 178 months, who were systematically (n = 34)
      and longitudinally (n = 29) assessed with standardized instruments: Bayley Scales
      of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition; Wechsler Preschool and Primary
      Scale of Intelligence, third edition; and Vineland Screener for Social and
      Adaptive Behavior. RESULTS: Maximal developmental functioning ranged from 34 to
      52 months depending on the developmental domain. In general, children performed
      poorest in the domain of language and best on the domain of motor (young
      children) or cognitive development (older children). At the individual level, 25
      % scored better for receptive and 18 % for expressive language, whereas 22 %
      scored better for fine and 33 % for gross motor function. Developmental quotients
      were higher in younger children and decreased with age for all developmental
      domains, with 38 % of the children showing no improvement of cognitive
      developmental functioning. Almost all children (33/34) had significant deficits
      in adaptive behaviour. Children with very small deletions, covering only the
      SHANK3, ACR, and RABL2B genes, had a more favourable developmental phenotype.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive, motor, and especially language development were
      significantly impaired in all children with PMS but also highly variable and
      unpredictable. In addition, deficits in adaptive behaviour further hampered their
      cognitive development. Therefore, cognitive and behavioural characteristics
      should be evaluated and followed in each child with PMS to adapt supportive and
      therapeutic strategies to individual needs. Further research evaluating the
      relationship between deletion characteristics and the developmental phenotype is
      warranted to improve counselling of parents.

PMID- 27118999
TI  - Analysis of RET promoter CpG island methylation using methylation-specific PCR
      (MSP), pyrosequencing, and methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS
      HRM): impact on stage II colon cancer patient outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Already since the 1990s, promoter CpG island methylation markers have
      been considered promising diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive cancer
      biomarkers. However, so far, only a limited number of DNA methylation markers
      have been introduced into clinical practice. One reason why the vast majority of
      methylation markers do not translate into clinical applications is lack of
      independent validation of methylation markers, often caused by differences in
      methylation analysis techniques. We recently described RET promoter CpG island
      methylation as a potential prognostic marker in stage II colorectal cancer (CRC)
      patients of two independent series. METHODS: In the current study, we analyzed
      the RET promoter CpG island methylation of 241 stage II colon cancer patients by
      direct methylation-specific PCR (MSP), nested-MSP, pyrosequencing, and
      methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM). All primers were designed
      as close as possible to the same genomic region. In order to investigate the
      effect of different DNA methylation assays on patient outcome, we assessed the
      clinical sensitivity and specificity as well as the association of RET
      methylation with overall survival for three and five years of follow-up. RESULTS:
      Using direct-MSP and nested-MSP, 12.0 % (25/209) and 29.6 % (71/240) of the
      patients showed RET promoter CpG island methylation. Methylation frequencies
      detected by pyrosequencing were related to the threshold for positivity that
      defined RET methylation. Methylation frequencies obtained by pyrosequencing
      (threshold for positivity at 20 %) and MS-HRM were 13.3 % (32/240) and 13.8 %
      (33/239), respectively. The pyrosequencing threshold for positivity of 20 %
      showed the best correlation with MS-HRM and direct-MSP results. Nested-MSP
      detected RET promoter CpG island methylation in deceased patients with a higher
      sensitivity (33.1 %) compared to direct-MSP (10.7 %), pyrosequencing (14.4 %),
      and MS-HRM (15.4 %). While RET methylation frequencies detected by nested-MSP,
      pyrosequencing, and MS-HRM varied, the prognostic effect seemed similar (HR 1.74,
      95 % CI 0.97-3.15; HR 1.85, 95 % CI 0.93-3.86; HR 1.83, 95 % CI 0.92-3.65,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that upon optimizing and aligning
      four RET methylation assays with regard to primer location and sensitivity,
      differences in methylation frequencies and clinical sensitivities are observed;
      however, the effect on the marker's prognostic outcome is minimal.

PMID- 27119000
TI  - Erythroderma. A clinical and etiological study of 103 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Erythroderma is an uncommon and severe dermatological manifestation
      of a variety of diseases. It is commonly challenging to find the underlying
      cause. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the causes of the disease
      in patients with erythroderma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data including the clinical
      symptoms, laboratory examinations, histopathology and follow-up information were
      collected from patients with erythroderma admitted to our department between 2000
      and 2010. RESULTS: One-hundred and three patients diagnosed with erythroderma
      were identified during this period (11.9% of all hospitalized patients; hospital
      incidence = 9.4 cases/year). The mean age of onset was 54.4 years (range: 17-89
      years) with a male:female ratio of 1.5:1. The most frequent cause of erythroderma
      was exacerbation of preexisting dermatoses (65.0%), including psoriasis (44.7%)
      and eczema (16.5%). Drugs (18.4%) and cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (11.7%) induced
      most of the remaining cases. No cause could be identified in four cases (3.9%).
      Apart from erythema and scaling, that were present in all patients, clinical
      findings were dominated by pruritus (97.1%), followed by edema (56.3%), fever
      (54.4%), palmoplantar keratoderma (50.5%), nail changes (42.7%), liver or spleen
      enlargement (41.7%) and lymphadenopathy (40.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Although numerous
      clinical features and laboratory values were abnormal, most findings were non
      specific. The skin biopsy yielded a positive clinical correlation in most cases.
      Our study had a high percentage of erythroderma secondary to preexisting skin
      disease and a relatively low percentage of idiopathic erythroderma.

PMID- 27119001
TI  - Sporadic and familial cases of aquagenic keratoderma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aquagenic keratoderma is a dermatosis characterized by transient
      whitish and transluscent hyperwrinkling after water exposure. The aim of the
      current report was to present a sporadic and familial cases of aquagenic
      keratoderma. OBSERVATION: Sporadic Case: A 38-year-old female patient presented
      with eruption in the right hand after exposure to water. The patient was placed
      on systemic acitretin therapy with the diagnosis of idiopathic acquired aquagenic
      keratoderma. No recurrence occurred during a 6-month follow-up period. Familial
      Cases: A 55-year-old male patient, who was engaged in fishery, presented to the
      outpatient clinics of the department of dermatology due to whitish vesicles in
      the palms of both hands. It was realized that the father, sister, and brother of
      the patient had similar complaints. The cases were thought to have familial
      aquagenic keratoderma; however acitretin therapy could not be initiated due to
      elevated alanine aminotransferase and triglyceride levels. Topical application of
      salicylic acid 10% and 10% urea containing lotions was effective but did not
      prevent recurrence. CONCLUSION: Systemic acitretin may be an effective agent in
      the treatment of aquagenic keratoderma, and topical application of 10% salicylic
      acid and 10% urea-containing lotion did not prevent recurrence.

PMID- 27119002
TI  - Stevens-Johnson syndrome in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis during long-term
      etanercept therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Etanercept and other anti-TNF-alpha agents have been indicated as a
      therapeutic option in severe drug reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
      and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Etanercept has been shown to quickly reduce the
      detachment of the epidermis and shorten healing time. Cases of etanercept-induced
      severe adverse drug reactions were also described. MAIN OBSERVATIONS: A 27-year
      old woman with a 4-year history of etanercept and sulfasalazine treatment for
      rheumatoid arthritis was admitted with Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The patient
      received one dose of an OTC drug containing acetaminophen, phenylephrine and
      pheniramine two days prior to developing fist mucocutaneous symptoms. The most
      probable causative agent was paracetamol. Throughout the successful routine
      therapy of Stevens-Johnson syndrome etanercept therapy was continued.
      Sulfosalazin administration was stopped and administered again after recovery
      with no recurrence of the skin and mucosal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This case
      indicates that there is no justification for discontinuation of long-term anti
      TNF-alpha treatment in patients who develop Stevens- Johnson syndrome / toxic
      epidermal necrolysis.

PMID- 27119003
TI  - Photoletter to the editor: Postradiation sarcoma.
AB  - Postradiation sarcomas are rare and highly malignant tumors which may appear as a
      consequence of radiotherapy. They may originate on bone or soft tissues.We report
      the case of a patient who developed a malignant fibrous histiocytoma 35 years
      after radiotherapy for a melanoma on her right leg. 

PMID- 27119004
TI  - Photoletter to the editor: Dermoscopy as a diagnostic aid for pruritic
      folliculitis of pregnancy.
AB  - Pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy is a noninfective dermatosis of the gestation
      period characterized by multiple pruritic follicular papules and/or pustules
      which is not uncommonly mistaken for other similar skin disorders that may occur
      during pregnancy. In the present article we describe the usefulness of dermoscopy
      as a supportive diagnostic tool in a case of pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy.
      The main (always present) dermoscopic clue consisted of a vellus hair in the
      centre of each papule/pustule. Moreover, most papules showed a central yellowish
      orange hue with some dotted vessels and irregular haemorrhagic spots. The
      detection of the aforementioned dermoscopic features might help distinguish
      pruritic folliculitis of pregnancy from its main differential diagnoses, mainly
      including microbial folliculitis, prurigo lesions, and the papular stage of
      pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, as they typically show
      different dermoscopic patterns. 

PMID- 27119005
TI  - Tualang Honey Attenuates Noise Stress-Induced Memory Deficits in Aged Rats.
AB  - Ageing and stress exposure may lead to memory impairment while oxidative stress
      is thought to be one of the underlying mechanisms involved. This study aimed to
      investigate the potential protective effects of Tualang honey supplementation on
      memory performance in aged rats exposed to noise stress. Tualang honey
      supplementation was given orally, 200 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Rats in the
      stress group were subjected to loud noise, 100 dB(A), 4 hours daily for 14 days.
      All rats were subjected to novel object recognition test for evaluation of memory
      performance. It was observed that the rats subjected to noise stress exhibited
      significantly lower memory performance and higher oxidative stress as evident by
      elevated malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels and reduction of antioxidant
      enzymes activities compared to the nonstressed rats. Tualang honey
      supplementation was able to improve memory performance, decrease oxidative stress
      levels, increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration, decrease
      acetylcholinesterase activity, and enhance neuronal proliferation in the medial
      prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus. In conclusion, Tualang honey protects
      against memory decline due to stress exposure and/or ageing via enhancement of
      mPFC and hippocampal morphology possibly secondary to reduction in brain
      oxidative stress and/or upregulation of BDNF concentration and cholinergic
      system. 

PMID- 27119006
TI  - The Role of Mitochondrial Functional Proteins in ROS Production in Ischemic Heart
      Diseases.
AB  - Ischemic heart diseases (IHD) have become the leading cause of death around the
      world, killing more than 7 million people annually. In IHD, the blockage of
      coronary vessels will cause irreversible cell injury and even death. As the
      "powerhouse" and "apoptosis center" in cardiomyocytes, mitochondria play critical
      roles in IHD. Ischemia insult can reduce myocardial ATP content, resulting in
      energy stress and overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus,
      mitochondrial abnormality has been identified as a hallmark of multiple
      cardiovascular disorders. To date, many studies have suggested that these
      mitochondrial proteins, such as electron transport chain (ETC) complexes,
      uncoupling proteins (UCPs), mitochondrial dynamic proteins, translocases of outer
      membrane (Tom) complex, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP),
      can directly or indirectly influence mitochondria-originated ROS production,
      consequently determining the degree of mitochondrial dysfunction and myocardial
      impairment. Here, the focus of this review is to summarize the present
      understanding of the relationship between some mitochondrial functional proteins
      and ROS production in IHD. 

PMID- 27119008
TI  - Immune, Inflammatory, and Oxidative Responses in Cardiovascular Complications.

PMID- 27119007
TI  - Metforminium Decavanadate as a Potential Metallopharmaceutical Drug for the
      Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - New potential drugs based on vanadium are being developed as possible treatments
      for diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. In this regard, our working
      group developed metforminium decavanadate (MetfDeca), a compound with
      hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. MetfDeca was evaluated in models of
      type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, on male Wistar rats. Alloxan-induction was
      employed to produce DM1 model, while a hypercaloric-diet was employed to generate
      DM2 model. Two-month treatments with 3.7 MUg (2.5 MUM)/300 g/twice a week for DM2
      and 7.18 MUg (4.8 MUM)/300 g/twice a week for DM1 of MetfDeca, respectively, were
      administered. The resulting pharmacological data showed nontoxicological effects
      on liver and kidney. At the same time, MetfDeca showed an improvement of
      carbohydrates and lipids in tissues and serum. MetfDeca treatment was better than
      the monotherapies with metformin for DM2 and insulin for DM1. Additionally,
      MetfDeca showed a protective effect on pancreatic beta cells of DM1 rats,
      suggesting a possible regeneration of these cells, since they recovered their
      insulin levels. Therefore, MetfDeca could be considered not only as an insulin
      mimetic agent, but also as an insulin-enhancing agent. Efforts to elucidate the
      mechanism of action of this compound are now in progress. 

PMID- 27119009
TI  - The Natural Polyphenol Epigallocatechin Gallate Protects Intervertebral Disc
      Cells from Oxidative Stress.
AB  - Oxidative stress-related phenotypic changes and a decline in the number of viable
      cells are crucial contributors to intervertebral disc degeneration. The
      polyphenol epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) can interfere with painful disc
      degeneration by reducing inflammation, catabolism, and pain. In this study, we
      hypothesized that EGCG furthermore protects against senescence and/or cell death,
      induced by oxidative stress. Sublethal and lethal oxidative stress were induced
      in primary human intervertebral disc cells with H2O2 (total n = 36). Under
      sublethal conditions, the effects of EGCG on p53-p21 activation, proliferative
      capacity, and accumulation of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase were
      tested. Further, the effects of EGCG on mitochondria depolarization and cell
      viability were analyzed in lethal oxidative stress. The inhibitor LY249002 was
      applied to investigate the PI3K/Akt pathway. EGCG inhibited accumulation of
      senescence-associated beta-galactosidase but did not affect the loss of
      proliferative capacity, suggesting that EGCG did not fully neutralize exogenous
      radicals. Furthermore, EGCG increased the survival of IVD cells in lethal
      oxidative stress via activation of prosurvival PI3K/Akt and protection of
      mitochondria. We demonstrated that EGCG not only inhibits inflammation but also
      can enhance the survival of disc cells in oxidative stress, which makes it a
      suitable candidate for the development of novel therapies targeting disc
      degeneration. 

PMID- 27119012
TI  - Studies using IPS cells support a possible link between ZIKA and microcephaly.
AB  - There is a suspected link between Brazilian babies born with microcephaly and
      Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. However, little is know about the brain cell targets
      and the mechanisms that Zika virus may cause microcephaly. A recent report
      demonstrated that Zika virus infection increases cell death and dysregulates cell
      cycle, resulting in attenuated human neural progenitor cells growth. This study
      fills a major gap and serves as an entry point to establish a mechanistic link
      between Zika infection and microcephaly. 

PMID- 27119011
TI  - Lower Serum Caveolin-1 Is Associated with Cerebral Microbleeds in Patients with
      Acute Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) plays pivotal roles in the endothelial damage following
      stroke. The present study aimed to investigate whether serum Cav-1 level is
      associated with the presence of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) in patients
      with acute ischemic stroke. To this end, 156 patients were consecutively
      enrolled. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging was analyzed to determine the
      surrogates of cSVD, including cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), silent lacunar
      infarcts (SLIs), and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). After adjusting for
      potential confounders, patients with low Cav-1 level had a higher risk of CMBs
      than patients with high Cav-1 level (OR: 4.05, 95% CI: 1.77-9.30). However, there
      was no relationship between Cav-1 and the presence of SLIs or WMHs. When CMBs
      were stratified by location and number, a similar association was found in
      patients with deep or infratentorial CMBs (OR: 4.04, 95% CI: 1.59-10.25) and with
      multiple CMBs (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.16-8.72). These results suggest lower serum
      Cav-1 levels may be associated with CMBs, especially those that are multiple and
      located in deep brain or infratentorial structures, in patients with acute
      ischemic stroke. Cav-1 may be involved in the pathophysiology of CMBs, and may
      act as a potential target for treating cSVD. 

PMID- 27119010
TI  - Metabolic Syndrome Augments the Risk of Early Neurological Deterioration in Acute
      Ischemic Stroke Patients Independent of Inflammatory Mediators: A Hospital-Based
      Prospective Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with
      occurrence and prognosis of ischemic stroke. This study aimed to evaluate whether
      an association exists between MetS and early neurological deterioration (END)
      following acute ischemic stroke and the possible role inflammatory biomarkers
      play. METHODS AND RESULTS: . We conducted a prospective cohort investigation that
      involved 208 stroke patients within 48 hours from symptom onset. MetS was
      determined by the modified National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment
      Panel III criteria. END was defined as an increase of ?1 point in motor power or
      ?2 points in the total National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score
      within 7 days. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients with
      MetS had a 125% increased risk of END (OR 2.25; 95% CI 1.71-4.86, P = 0.005).
      After adjustment for fibrinogen and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, MetS
      remained significantly correlated to END (OR 2.20; 95% CI 1.10-4.04, P = 0.026)
      with a 77% elevated risk per additional MetS trait (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.23-2.58, P
      = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: . This study demonstrated that MetS may be a potential
      predictor for END after ischemic stroke, which was independent of raised
      inflammatory mediators.

PMID- 27119013
TI  - Predicting, preventing, and identifying delirium after cardiac surgery.
AB  - Delirium after cardiac surgery is a major problem. The exact mechanisms behind
      delirium are not understood. Potential pathways of delirium include
      neurotransmitter interference, global cognitive disorder, and neuroinflammation.
      Several predisposing and precipitating risk factors have been identified for
      postoperative delirium. The development of delirium following cardiac surgery is
      associated with worse outcomes in the perioperative period. Multiple
      interventions are being explored for the prevention and treatment of delirium.
      Studies investigating the potential roles of biomarkers in delirium as well as
      pharmacological interventions to reduce the incidence and duration of delirium
      are necessary to mitigate this negative outcome. 

PMID- 27119014
TI  - Occurrence of retained placenta is preceded by an inflammatory state and
      alterations of energy metabolism in transition dairy cows.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Failure to expel fetal membranes within 24 h of calving is a
      pathological condition defined as retained placenta (RP). The objective of this
      investigation was to evaluate whether there are alterations in several selected
      serum variables related to innate immunity and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism
      that precede occurrence of RP in transition Holstein dairy cows. METHODS: One
      hundred multiparous Holstein dairy cows were involved in the study. Blood samples
      were collected from the coccygeal vein during the -8 to +4 wks around
      parturition, once per week before the morning feeding. Six healthy control cows
      (CON) and 6 cows with RP were selected and serum samples at -8, -4, time of
      diagnosis of disease, and +4 wks relative to parturition were used for analyses.
      All samples were analyzed for lactate, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta
      hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF), haptoglobin (Hp), and serum amyloid A (SAA). RESULTS: Cows
      with RP had greater concentrations of serum lactate, IL-1, IL-6, TNF, and SAA in
      comparison with CON cows. Intriguingly, elevated concentrations of all five
      variables were observed at -8 and -4 wks before the occurrence of RP compared to
      healthy cows. Cows with RP also had lower DMI and milk production vs CON animals;
      however milk composition was not affected by RP. CONCLUSIONS: Cows with RP showed
      an activated innate immunity 8 wks prior to diagnosis of disease. Overall results
      suggest that serum IL-1, IL- 6, and TNF, and lactate can be used as screening
      biomarkers to indicate cows that might have health issues during the transition
      period.

PMID- 27119015
TI  - Muscle strength differences in healthy young adults with and without generalized
      joint hypermobility: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH), in the absence of symptoms, is
      a common clinical finding. The joint instability present due to excessive
      musculoskeletal flexibility in hypermobile joints impairs the external force
      production during muscle contraction. However, whether GJH is associated with
      muscle weakness is unclear. This study evaluated differences in upper and lower
      limb muscle strengths among asymptomatic young adults with and without GJH.
      METHODS: One hundred six young adults (53 hypermobile, i.e. 25 male (mean age 22
      +/- 1.8); 28 female (mean age 21 +/- 1.8), and 53 non-hypermobile, i.e. 25 male
      (mean age 19 +/- 1.06); 28 female (mean age 20 +/- 1.4) were selected using a cut
      off >= 4 on Beighton and Horan Joint Mobility Index. Isometric strength of elbow
      and knee extensors was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Independent
      sample t- tests were done to compare the muscle strengths of hypermobile and non
      hypermobile participants. One-way ANCOVA was applied to control the effect of
      height and body mass on muscle strength. RESULTS: Male hypermobile participants
      had significantly less strength than non-hypermobile males in the right (71.7 Nm,
      SD = 23.1, vs 97.6 Nm, SD = 47.4, p = 0.006*) and left (74.8 Nm, SD = 24.3, vs
      97.7 Nm, SD = 45.5, p = 0.007*) elbow extensors and right knee extensors (188.7
      Nm, SD = 83.3, vs 228.3 Nm, SD = 106.7, p = 0.03*). In females, both elbow
      extensors (right: 51.9 Nm, SD = 16.2 vs 48.8 Nm, SD = 17.8, p = 0.4; left: 48.9
      Nm, SD = 17.2, vs 44.7 Nm, SD = 15.1, p = 0.2) and knee extensors (right: 161.3
      Nm, SD = 74.9 vs 145.5 Nm, SD = 75.8, p = 0.3; left: 155.2 Nm, SD = 73 vs 124.3
      Nm, SD = 69.6, p = 0.07) strength were not statistically different between
      hypermobile and non-hypermobile participants. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate
      that male participants with GJH have less isometric muscle strength in both elbow
      extensors and right knee extensors compared to non-hypermobile male participants.
      Female hypermobile participants did not show any significant differences in
      muscle strength compared to non-hypermobile female participants.

PMID- 27119016
TI  - Reduction in new-onset diabetes mellitus after renal transplant with
      erythropoietin-stimulating agents: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs)
      protect mice against the development of diabetes through direct effects on
      pancreatic beta cells. However, the effect of ESAs on the incidence of diabetes
      in humans has not been well studied. It is unknown whether exposure to ESAs is
      associated with a reduced incidence of new-onset diabetes after transplant
      (NODAT). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to examine the relationship
      between ESA exposure post-renal transplant and the development of NODAT. DESIGN:
      We performed a single center, retrospective cohort analysis. PATIENTS: We
      compared patients who received a first live or deceased donor renal allograft,
      with any exposure to an ESA vs. those without such exposure and who developed
      NODAT and who did not. Patients with a prior history of diabetes mellitus or
      multi-organ transplant, including a second renal transplant were excluded.
      MEASUREMENTS AND METHODS: NODAT was defined based on the 2008 Canadian Diabetes
      Association criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to
      determine factors independently associated with NODAT. RESULTS: One hundred
      thirty-two (29 %) patients were exposed to an ESA, four of which developed NODAT
      compared to 128 who did not develop NODAT (p < 0.0001). Of those not exposed to
      an ESA, 15 % (48/319) developed NODAT. By Fisher's exact test, exposure to an ESA
      at any time post-transplant reduced the risk of developing NODAT; odds ratio (OR)
      = 0.08, 95 % confidence interval (CI) (0.018-0.352), p = 0.0008. Older age; OR =
      1.41, 95 % CI (1.036-1.933), p < 0.02, higher random blood sugar at discharge; OR
      = 1.30, 95 % CI (1.077-1.57), p < 0.006 and deceased donor; OR 2.18 CI (1.009
      4.729), p = 0.04 were associated with an increased risk of NODAT. LIMITATIONS:
      The limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, single center,
      and homogenous population; thus, generalizability of the results must be
      approached with caution. CONCLUSION: ESA exposure may be associated with a
      reduced incidence of NODAT in the post-renal transplant population. The role of
      ESA in preventing NODAT requires further investigation.

PMID- 27119017
TI  - Population genetic structure analysis and effect of inbreeding on body weights at
      different ages in Iranian Mehraban sheep.
AB  - The objective of this study was to describe the population structure and
      inbreeding, and to quantify their effects on weights at different ages of
      Mehraban sheep in Iran. The analysis was based on the pedigree information of
      26990 animals and 10278 body weight records from birth to yearling age. Data and
      pedigree information were collected during 1994 to 2011 by the breeding station
      of Mehraban sheep. The population structure was analyzed using the CFC program.
      Inbreeding of all animals was calculated by INBUPGF90 program. All animals were
      grouped into three classes according to their inbreeding coefficients: the first
      class included non-inbred animals (F=0); and the second and third classes
      included inbred animals (0<F<0.05 and F>=0.05, respectively). The average
      inbreeding in Mehraban sheep was 1.69%. Founder equivalent (fe) values were
      estimated to be 4244, 3116 and 2965 during 1994-1999, 2000-2005 and 2006-2011,
      respectively. The effective population sizes (Ne) were 363, 5080 and 5740 during
      1994-1999, 2000-2005 and 2006-2011, respectively. Generation interval was 2.15
      years for this breed of sheep. Regression coefficients of birth weight, 3-month
      weight, 6-month weight and yearling weight on lamb inbreeding were estimated to
      be -6.34+/-0.69, -14.68+/-5.33, 48.00+/-9.43 and 98.65+/-15.65, respectively.
      Both positive and negative inbreeding effects were found in the current study.
      The utilization of a program for designed mating system, in the present flock,
      could be a suitable approach to keep the level of inbreeding under control. 

PMID- 27119018
TI  - Accuracy of Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Formulas for Highly Myopic Eyes.
AB  - Purpose. To evaluate and compare the accuracy of different intraocular lens (IOL)
      power calculation formulas for eyes with an axial length (AL) greater than 26.00
      mm. Methods. This study reviewed 407 eyes of 219 patients with AL longer than
      26.0 mm. The refractive prediction errors of IOL power calculation formulas
      (SRK/T, Haigis, Holladay, Hoffer Q, and Barrett Universal II) using User Group
      for Laser Interference Biometry (ULIB) constants were evaluated and compared.
      Results. One hundred seventy-one eyes were enrolled. The Barrett Universal II
      formula had the lowest mean absolute error (MAE) and SRK/T and Haigis had similar
      MAE, and the statistical highest MAE were seen with the Holladay and Hoffer Q
      formulas. The interquartile range of the Barrett Universal II formula was also
      the lowest among all the formulas. The Barrett Universal II formulas yielded the
      highest percentage of eyes within +/-1.0 D and +/-0.5 D of the target refraction
      in this study (97.24% and 79.56%, resp.). Conclusions. Barrett Universal II
      formula produced the lowest predictive error and the least variable predictive
      error compared with the SRK/T, Haigis, Holladay, and Hoffer Q formulas. For high
      myopic eyes, the Barrett Universal II formula may be a more suitable choice. 

PMID- 27119019
TI  - A Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Dislocated Intraocular Lens Fixation between
      In Situ Refixation and Conventional Exchange Technique Combined with Vitrectomy.
AB  - Purpose. To evaluate surgical efficacy of in situ refixation technique for
      dislocated posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL). Methods. This was a single
      center retrospective case series. 34 patients (34 eyes) who underwent sclera
      fixation for dislocated IOLs combined with vitrectomy were studied. Of 34 eyes,
      17 eyes underwent IOL exchange and the other 17 eyes underwent in situ
      refixation. Results. Mean follow-up period was 6 months. Mean logMAR best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was not significantly different between the groups
      6 months after surgery (0.10 +/- 0.03 in the IOL exchange group and 0.10 +/- 0.05
      in the refixation group; p = 0.065). Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was
      significantly lower in the refixation group (0.79 +/- 0.41) than in the IOL
      exchange group (1.29 +/- 0.46) (p = 0.004) at 3 months, which persisted to 6
      months (1.13 +/- 0.18 in the IOL exchange group and 0.74 +/- 0.11 in the
      refixation group; p = 0.006). Postoperative complications occurred in 3 eyes in
      the IOL exchange group (17.6%) and 2 eyes in the refixation group (11.8%).
      However, all of the patients were well managed without additional surgery.
      Conclusion. The in situ refixation technique should be preferentially considered
      if surgery is indicated since it seemed to produce a sustained less SIA compared
      to IOL exchange. 

PMID- 27119020
TI  - Chronic Neck Pain and Cervico-Craniofacial Pain Patients Express Similar Levels
      of Neck Pain-Related Disability, Pain Catastrophizing, and Cervical Range of
      Motion.
AB  - Background. Neck pain (NP) is strongly associated with cervico-craniofacial pain
      (CCFP). The primary aim of the present study was to compare the neck pain-related
      disability, pain catastrophizing, and cervical and mandibular ROM between
      patients with chronic mechanical NP and patients with CCFP, as well as
      asymptomatic subjects. Methods. A total of 64 participants formed three groups.
      All participants underwent a clinical examination evaluating the cervical range
      of motion and maximum mouth opening, neck disability index (NDI), and
      psychological factor of Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Results. There were no
      statistically significant differences between patients with NP and CCFP for NDI
      and PCS (P > 0.05). One- way ANOVA revealed significant differences for all ROM
      measurements. The post hoc analysis showed no statistically significant
      differences in cervical extension and rotation between the two patient groups (P
      > 0.05). The Pearson correlation analysis shows a moderate positive association
      between NDI and the PCS for the group of patients with NP and CCFP. Conclusion.
      The CCFP and NP patient groups have similar neck disability levels and limitation
      in cervical ROM in extension and rotation. Both groups had positively correlated
      the NDI with the PCS. 

PMID- 27119021
TI  - Pain Predicts Function One Year Later: A Comparison across Pain Measures in a
      Rheumatoid Arthritis Sample.
AB  - Background. Guidance is limited on best measures and time periods to reference
      when measuring pain in order to predict future function. Objective. To examine
      how different measures of pain predict functional limitations a year later in a
      sample of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methods. Logistic regression analyses
      were conducted using baseline and one-year data (n = 262). Pain intensity in the
      last 24 hours was measured on a 0-10 numerical rating scale and in the last month
      using an item from the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale 2 (AIMS2). AIMS2 also
      provided frequency of severe pain, pain composite scores, and patient-reported
      limitations. Physician-rated function was also examined. Results. Composite AIMS2
      pain scale performed best, predicting every functional outcome with the greatest
      magnitude, a one-point increase in pain score predicting 21% increased odds of
      limitations (combined patient and physician report). However, its constituent
      item-frequency of severe pain in the last month-performed nearly as well (19%
      increased odds). Pain intensity measures in last month and last 24 hours yielded
      inconsistent findings. Conclusion. Although all measures of pain predicted some
      functional limitations, predictive consistency varied by measure. Frequency of
      severe pain in the last month provided a good balance of brevity and predictive
      power. 

PMID- 27119022
TI  - ct-DNA Binding and Antibacterial Activity of Octahedral Titanium (IV)
      Heteroleptic (Benzoylacetone and Hydroxamic Acids) Complexes.
AB  - Five structurally related titanium (IV) heteroleptic complexes, [TiCl2(bzac)(L(1
      4))] and [TiCl3(bzac)(HL(5))]; bzac = benzoylacetonate; L(1-5) = benzohydroximate
      (L(1)), salicylhydroximate (L(2)), acetohydroximate (L(3)), hydroxyurea (L(4)),
      and N-benzoyl-N-phenyl hydroxylamine (L(5)), were used for the assessment of
      their antibacterial activities against ten pathogenic bacterial strains. The
      titanium (IV) complexes (1-5) demonstrated significant level of antibacterial
      properties as measured using agar well diffusion method. UV-Vis absorption
      spectroscopic technique was applied, to get a better insight into the nature of
      binding between titanium (IV) complexes with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA). On the
      basis of the results of UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, the interaction between
      ct-DNA and the titanium (IV) complexes is likely to occur through the same mode.
      Results indicated that titanium (IV) complex can bind to calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA)
      via an intercalative mode. The intrinsic binding constant (K b ) was calculated
      by absorption spectra by using Benesi-Hildebrand equation. Further, Gibbs free
      energy was also calculated for all the complexes. 

PMID- 27119023
TI  - From Synthesis to Biological Impact of Pd (II) Complexes: Synthesis,
      Characterization, and Antimicrobial and Scavenging Activity.
AB  - The Pd (II) complexes with a series of halosubstituted benzylamine ligands (BLs)
      have been synthesized and characterized with different spectroscopic technique
      such as FTIR, UV/Vis, LCMS, (1)H, and (13)C NMR. Their molecular sustainability
      in different solvents such as DMSO, DMSO : H2O, and DMSO : PBS at physiological
      condition (pH 7.2) was determined by UV/Vis spectrophotometer. The in vitro
      antibacterial and antifungal activities of the complexes were investigated
      against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbes and two different fungi
      indicated their significant biological potential. Additionally, their antioxidant
      activity has been analyzed with DPPH(*) free radical through spectrophotometric
      method and the result inferred them as an antioxidant. The stronger antibacterial
      and antioxidant activities of the synthesized complexes suggested them as a
      stronger antimicrobial agent. Our study advances the biological importance of
      palladium (II) amine complexes in the field of antimicrobial and antioxidant
      activities. 

PMID- 27119024
TI  - Reducing Time to First on Scene: An Ambulance-Community First Responder Scheme.
AB  - The importance of early access to prehospital care has been demonstrated in many
      medical emergencies. This work aims to describe the potential time benefit of
      implementing a student Community First Responder scheme to support ambulance
      services in an inner-city setting in the United Kingdom. Twenty final and
      penultimate year medical students in the UK were trained in the "First Person on
      Scene" Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) qualification. Over 12
      months, they attended 89 emergency calls in an inner-city setting as Community
      First Responders (CFRs), alongside the West Midlands Ambulance Service, UK. At
      the end of this period, a qualitative survey investigated the perceived
      educational value of the scheme. The mean CFR response time across all calls was
      an average of 3 minutes and 8 seconds less than ambulance crew response times.
      The largest difference was to calls relating to falls (12 min). The difference
      varied throughout the day, peaking between 16:00 and 18:00. All questionnaire
      respondents stated that they felt more prepared in assessing and treating acutely
      unwell patients. In this paper, the authors present a symbiotic solution which
      has both reduced time to first on scene and provided training and experience in
      medical emergencies for senior medical students. 

PMID- 27119025
TI  - Evaluation of Quality and Readability of Health Information Websites Identified
      through India's Major Search Engines.
AB  - Background. The available health information on websites should be reliable and
      accurate in order to make informed decisions by community. This study was done to
      assess the quality and readability of health information websites on World Wide
      Web in India. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out in June 2014.
      The key words "Health" and "Information" were used on search engines "Google" and
      "Yahoo." Out of 50 websites (25 from each search engines), after exclusion, 32
      websites were evaluated. LIDA tool was used to assess the quality whereas the
      readability was assessed using Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid
      Grade Level (FKGL), and SMOG. Results. Forty percent of websites (n = 13) were
      sponsored by government. Health On the Net Code of Conduct (HONcode)
      certification was present on 50% (n = 16) of websites. The mean LIDA score
      (74.31) was average. Only 3 websites scored high on LIDA score. Only five had
      readability scores at recommended sixth-grade level. Conclusion. Most health
      information websites had average quality especially in terms of usability and
      reliability and were written at high readability levels. Efforts are needed to
      develop the health information websites which can help general population in
      informed decision making. 

PMID- 27119026
TI  - Sleep Spindles as Facilitators of Memory Formation and Learning.
AB  - Over the past decades important progress has been made in understanding the
      mechanisms of sleep spindle generation. At the same time a physiological role of
      sleep spindles is starting to be revealed. Behavioural studies in humans and
      animals have found significant correlations between the recall performance in
      different learning tasks and the amount of sleep spindles in the intervening
      sleep. Concomitant neurophysiological experiments showed a close relationship
      between sleep spindles and other sleep related EEG rhythms as well as a
      relationship between sleep spindles and synaptic plasticity. Together, there is
      growing evidence from several disciplines in neuroscience for a participation of
      sleep spindles in memory formation and learning. 

PMID- 27119027
TI  - Neural Plasticity and Neurogenesis in Mental Disorders.

PMID- 27119028
TI  - The Case of the Disappearing Spindle Burst.
AB  - Sleep spindles are brief cortical oscillations at 10-15 Hz that occur
      predominantly during non-REM (quiet) sleep in adult mammals and are thought to
      contribute to learning and memory. Spindle bursts are phenomenologically similar
      to sleep spindles, but they occur predominantly in early infancy and are
      triggered by peripheral sensory activity (e.g., by retinal waves); accordingly,
      spindle bursts are thought to organize neural networks in the developing brain
      and establish functional links with the sensory periphery. Whereas the
      spontaneous retinal waves that trigger spindle bursts in visual cortex are a
      transient feature of early development, the myoclonic twitches that drive spindle
      bursts in sensorimotor cortex persist into adulthood. Moreover, twitches-and
      their associated spindle bursts-occur exclusively during REM (active) sleep.
      Curiously, despite the persistence of twitching into adulthood, twitch-related
      spindle bursts have not been reported in adult sensorimotor cortex. This raises
      the question of whether such spindle burst activity does not occur in adulthood
      or, alternatively, occurs but has yet to be discovered. If twitch-related spindle
      bursts do occur in adults, they could contribute to the calibration, maintenance,
      and repair of sensorimotor systems. 

PMID- 27119029
TI  - Solid Right Ventricular Compression by Intraventricular Septum-Hematoma Induced
      after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
AB  - Intraventricular septum-hematoma is a rare complication following percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI). This complication may represent a challenge for
      accurate diagnosis and treatment. This case report is about a 60-year-old male
      patient being admitted with an acute coronary syndrome. Despite successful PCI
      with drug eluting stent implantation into the right coronary artery (RCA) the
      patient complained about recurrent angina pectoris according to Canadian
      Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class IV. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and
      transthoracic echocardiography revealed a massive 4.9 * 9.2 cm sized end
      diastolic septum-hematoma, which compromised right ventricular cavity. Emergent
      recoronary angiography ruled out further contrast extravasation from the RCA.
      Conservative treatment was intended after discussion in the "heart-team." The
      patient completely recovered with nearly complete resolution of the hematoma
      after 6 months. 

PMID- 27119030
TI  - Synthetic Marijuana Induced Acute Nonischemic Left Ventricular Dysfunction.
AB  - Synthetic marijuana is an uptrending designer drug currently widely spread in the
      US. We report a case of acute deterioration of nonischemic left ventricular
      dysfunction after exposure to synthetic marijuana. This case illustrates the
      importance of history taking in cardiac patients and identifies a negative
      cardiovascular effect of synthetic marijuana known as K2, not yet well detected
      by urine toxicology screening tools. 

PMID- 27119031
TI  - Aesthetic Surgical Approach for Bone Dehiscence Treatment by Means of Single
      Implant and Interdental Tissue Regeneration: A Case Report with Five Years of
      Follow-Up.
AB  - The replacement of single anterior teeth by means of endosseous implants implies
      the achievement of success in restoring both aesthetic and function. However, the
      presence of wide endoperiodontal lesions can lead to horizontal hard and soft
      tissues defects after tooth extraction, making it impossible to correctly place
      an implant in the compromised alveolar socket. Vertical augmentation procedures
      have been proposed to solve these clinical situations, but the amount of new
      regenerated bone is still not predictable. Furthermore, bone augmentation can be
      complicated by the presence of adjacent teeth, especially if they bring with them
      periodontal defects. Therefore, it is used to restore periodontal health of
      adjacent teeth before making any augmentation procedures and to wait a certain
      healing period before placing an implant in vertically augmented sites, otherwise
      risking to obtain a nonsatisfactory aesthetic result. All of these procedures,
      however, lead to an expansion of treatment time which should affect patient
      compliance. For this reason, this case report suggests a surgical technique to
      perform vertical bone augmentation at a single gap left by a central upper
      incisor while placing an implant and simultaneously to regenerate the periodontal
      attachment of an adjacent lateral incisor, without compromising the aesthetic
      result. 

PMID- 27119032
TI  - Pneumomediastinum following Crystal Use: A Report of Two Cases.
AB  - Crystal is a synthetic substance with an increasing rate of abuse. It may cause
      patients to present to the emergency department because of its acute
      complications. We depict two cases of pneumomediastinum following inhalation of
      crystal. Both cases had used crystal for recreational purposes. In one case, a
      young man presenting to the ED with the retrosternal chest pain and neck pain was
      diagnosed to have pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium. The other patient
      presenting with dyspnea and chest pain was shown to have collection of air within
      mediastinum. Both patients underwent a series of diagnostic evaluations and,
      after a course of observation, were discharged without a surgical intervention.
      Patients with chest pain following inhalation of crystal may suffer from this
      complication. 

PMID- 27119033
TI  - Extra-Adrenal Myelolipoma Containing Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma/Chronic
      Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Myelolipoma is a benign tumor consisting of mature fat interspersed with
      hematopoietic elements resembling bone marrow. The vast majority occurs within
      the adrenal glands, but several cases of extra-adrenal myelolipomas (EAMLs) have
      been reported. We report a case of a 64-year-old male who presented with
      complaint of lower abdominal discomfort. CT scan of abdomen and pelvis showed a 6
      cm * 5 cm, well-circumscribed, predominantly fatty mass in the presacral region.
      Histological examination of the pelvic mass revealed a myelolipoma heavily
      infiltrated by small lymphoid cell aggregates with immunophenotypic features of
      small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL). Review of the
      literature revealed that there is only one published report of SLL/CLL involving
      a myelolipoma, which was also an extra-adrenal myelolipoma, and, therefore, our
      case is the second case of a SLL/CLL involving a myelolipoma that is an extra
      adrenal myelolipoma. Extra-adrenal myelolipomas seem to the preferred
      myelolipomas for involvement by SLL/CLL. 

PMID- 27119034
TI  - Spontaneous Knee Ankylosis through Heterotopic Ossification after Total Knee
      Arthroplasty.
AB  - This paper reports on a case of total ankylosis of the knee after a cruciate
      sacrificing cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA). An 82-year-old female patient
      previously underwent primary TKA for osteoarthritis twenty years ago in our
      institution. She had recovered uneventfully and returned to her regular
      activities. There was no history of postsurgical trauma; however, she
      progressively lost knee range of motion. Radiographs revealed severe bridging
      heterotopic ossification. 

PMID- 27119035
TI  - A Case of Nonunion Avulsion Fracture of the Anterior Tibial Eminence.
AB  - Avulsion fracture of the anterior tibial eminence is an uncommon injury. If bone
      union does not occur, knee extension will be limited by impingement of the
      avulsed fragment and knee instability will be induced by dysfunction of the
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This report describes a 55-year-old woman who
      experienced an avulsion fracture of the right anterior tibial eminence during
      recreational skiing. Sixteen months later, she presented at our hospital with
      limitation of right knee extension. Plain radiography showed nonunion of the
      avulsion fracture region, and arthroscopy showed that the avulsed fragment
      impinged the femoral intercondylar notch during knee extension. The anterior
      region of the bony fragment was debrided arthroscopically until the knee could be
      extended completely. There was no subsequent instability, and the patient was
      able to climb a mountain 6 months after surgery. These findings indicate that
      arthroscopic debridement of an avulsed fragment for nonunion of an avulsion
      fracture of the anterior tibial eminence is a minimally invasive and effective
      treatment for middle-aged and elderly patients with a low level of sports
      activity. 

PMID- 27119036
TI  - Thyroglossal Duct Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Synchronous Lingual Thyroid
      Atypia.
AB  - Thyroglossal duct and lingual thyroid ectopic lesions are exceedingly rare
      synchronous findings. Papillary thyroid carcinoma of these ectopic thyroid sites
      is well understood but still a rare finding. This case points to some management
      nuances in regard to ectopic thyroid screening with imaging and also shows the
      effectiveness of minimally invasive transoral robotic surgery for lingual
      thyroid. 

PMID- 27119037
TI  - Fever, Myositis, and Paralysis: Is This Inflammatory Myopathy or Neuroinvasive
      Disease?
AB  - West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne RNA Flavivirus which emerged in North
      America in 1999. Most patients present with a febrile illness but a few develop
      WNV neuroinvasive disease. Myopathy is an uncommon manifestation. We describe a
      case of a 42-year-old male from Los Angeles who presented with 8 days of fever
      and muscle pain. Initial physical exam was normal except for 4/5 muscle strength
      testing in his extremity proximal muscles. Laboratory revealed a creatine kinase
      of 45,000 and a urinalysis with large blood but no red blood cells, suggesting
      rhabdomyolysis. The patient's condition declined despite aggressive supportive
      care and hydration, and on hospital day #6 he developed severe altered mental
      status and progressed to complete right arm paralysis and 2/5 muscle strength in
      bilateral legs. EMG/NCS showed sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy and the
      cerebrospinal fluid was positive for IgM and IgG WNV antibodies. The patient was
      diagnosed with WNV neuroinvasive disease, poliomyelitis (and encephalitis) type
      with myopathy/muscle involvement. He was treated supportively and his muscle and
      neurologic disease gradually improved. At 12-month follow-up his muscle enzymes
      had normalized and his weakness had improved to 5/5 strength in bilateral legs
      and 3/5 strength in the right arm. 

PMID- 27119038
TI  - Do the Hydatid Cysts Have Unusual Localization and Dissemination Ways in the
      Chest Cavity?
AB  - We wanted to report our two cases of intrathoracic extrapulmonary hydatid cyst in
      pleural cavity due to its rarity. Our first case is a 24-year-old male patient
      who was admitted with a cystic mass lesion consistent with hydatid cyst which was
      incidentally detected in inferior lobe of the right lung neighboring to thoracic
      wall and diaphragm. Our second case is a 32-year-old male patient who was
      admitted with chest pain and a cystic lesion in apex of the right hemithorax and
      intercostal field in basal after he had been medically treated due to hydatid
      cyst of the dome of the liver for two years. The cysts were removed with
      thoracotomy. Extrapulmonary intrathoracic hydatid cysts were evaluated with
      regard to invasion ways and treatment indications and methods. 

PMID- 27119039
TI  - Transurethral Unroofing of a Symptomatic Imperforate Cowper's Syringocele in an
      Adult Male.
AB  - Cystic dilatation of bulbourethral gland ducts (Cowper's gland syringocele) is a
      rare abnormality. The condition has been described among pediatric populations,
      but it is uncommon in adults. It can be asymptomatic or present with obstructive
      and irritative urinary symptoms. We report a case of a symptomatic imperforate
      Cowper's syringocele in a young patient that was successfully managed with
      transurethral unroofing of the cyst. 

PMID- 27119041
TI  - Electrochemical Determination of Metronidazole in Tablet Samples Using Carbon
      Paste Electrode.
AB  - Cyclic voltammetric investigation of metronidazole at carbon paste electrode
      revealed an irreversible reduction peak centered at about -0.4 V. Observed peak
      potential shift with pH in the range 2.0 to 8.5 indicated the involvement of
      protons during the reduction of metronidazole, whereas the peak potential shift
      with scan rate in the range 10-250 mV/s confirmed the irreversibility of the
      reduction reaction. A better correlation coefficient for the dependence of peak
      current on the scan rate than on the square root of scan rate indicated an
      adsorption controlled kinetics. Under the optimized method and solution
      parameters, an excellent linearity between the reductive peak current and the
      concentration of metronidazole was observed in the concentration range 1.0 * 10(
      6) to 5.0 * 10(-4) M with a correlation coefficient, method detection limit
      (based on s = 3sigma), and limit of quantification of 0.999, 2.97 * 10(-7) M and
      9.91 * 10(-7) M, respectively. Good recovery results for spiked metronidazole in
      tablet samples and selective determination of metronidazole in tablet
      formulations in the presence of selected potential interferents such as
      rabeprazole, omeprazole, and tinidazole confirmed the potential applicability of
      the developed method for the determination of metronidazole in real samples like
      pharmaceutical tablets. 

PMID- 27119040
TI  - Dually Diagnosed Patients with Arrests for Violent and Nonviolent Offenses: Two
      Year Treatment Outcomes.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the history of arrests among dually
      diagnosed patients entering treatment, compare groups with different histories on
      use of treatment and mutual-help groups and functioning, at intake to treatment
      and six-month, one-year, and two-year follow-ups, and examine correlates and
      predictors of legal functioning at the study endpoint. At treatment intake, 9.2%
      of patients had no arrest history, 56.3% had been arrested for nonviolent
      offenses only, and 34.5% had been arrested for violent offenses. At baseline, the
      violent group had used the most outpatient psychiatric treatment and reported
      poorer functioning (psychiatric, alcohol, drug, employment, and family/social).
      Both arrest groups had used more inpatient/residential treatment and had more
      mutual-help group participation than the no-arrest group. The arrest groups had
      higher likelihood of substance use disorder treatment or mutual-help group
      participation at follow-ups. Generally, all groups were comparable on functioning
      at follow-ups (with baseline functioning controlled). With baseline arrest status
      controlled, earlier predictors of more severe legal problems at the two-year
      follow-up were more severe psychological, family/social, and drug problems.
      Findings suggest that dually diagnosed patients with a history of arrests for
      violent offenses may achieve comparable treatment outcomes to those of patients
      with milder criminal histories. 

PMID- 27119042
TI  - A Novel Ratiometric Probe Based on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots and Rhodamine B
      Isothiocyanate for Detection of Fe(3+) in Aqueous Solution.
AB  - A ratiometric probe for determining ferric ions (Fe(3+)) was developed based on
      nitrogen-doped carbon dots (CDs) and rhodamine B isothiocyanate (RhB), which was
      then applied to selective detection of Fe(3+) in PB buffer solution, lake water,
      and tap water. In the sensing system, FePO4 particles deposit on the surface of
      CDs, resulting in larger particles and surface passivation. The fluorescence (FL)
      intensity and the light scattering (LS) intensity of CDs can be gradually
      enhanced with the addition of Fe(3+), while the FL intensity of RhB remains
      constant. The ratiometric light intensity of CDs LS and RhB FL was quantitatively
      in response to Fe(3+) concentrations in a dynamic range of 0.01-1.2 MUM, with a
      detection limit as low as 6 nM. Other metal ions, such as Fe(2+), Al(3+), K(+),
      Ca(2+), and Co(2+), had no significant interference on the determination of
      Fe(3+). Compared with traditional probes based on single-signal probe for Fe(3+)
      detection, this dual-signal-based ratiometric probe exhibits a more reliable and
      stable response on target concentration and is characterized by easy operation in
      a simple fluorescence spectrophotometer. 

PMID- 27119043
TI  - Investigation and Management of Adnexal Masses in Pregnancy.
AB  - Adnexal masses can be found in 0.19 to 8.8% of all pregnancies. Most masses are
      functional and asymptomatic and up to 70% resolve spontaneously in the second
      trimester. The main predictors of persistence are the size (>5 cm) and the
      imagiological morphocomplexity. Those that persist carry a low risk of malignancy
      (0 to 10%). Most malignant masses are diagnosed at early stages and more than 50%
      are borderline epithelial neoplasms. Ultrasound is the preferred method to
      stratify the risk of complications and malignancy, allowing medical approach
      planning. Pregnancy and some gestational disorders may modify the levels of tumor
      markers, whereby their interpretation during pregnancy should be cautious. Large
      masses are at increased risk of torsion, rupture, and dystocia. When surgery is
      indicated, laparoscopy is a safe technique and should ideally be carried out in
      the second trimester of pregnancy. 

PMID- 27119044
TI  - Reduced Pelvic Floor Muscle Tone Predisposes to Persistence of Lower Urinary
      Tract Symptoms after Puerperium.
AB  - Pregnant primiparous women at term were enrolled in the study. ICIQ-FLUTS
      questionnaire was used to find out prevalence of LUTS. MOS was used to assess
      pelvic floor muscle strength. Women were followed up after 8-10 weeks of delivery
      to find out remission or persistence of these symptoms. We found that increased
      frequency of micturition was the most common (82%) LUTS seen in primiparous women
      at term. More than half (51%) of these women who complained of LUTS had a poor
      pelvic floor muscle tone (MOS grade 3). Out of those who had symptoms during
      pregnancy 11% remained symptomatic even after puerperium. Interestingly 61% of
      those with persistence of symptoms demonstrated a very poor pelvic floor muscle
      tone at term (MOS grade 2), while the remaining 39% also had a tone of only MOS
      grade 3. Thus women with LUTS during pregnancy should be screened for their
      pelvic floor muscle tone with simple MOS system which will help to predict the
      persistence of these symptoms later on. Women with a low score (three or less)
      should be triaged for regular pelvic floor muscle exercises. 

PMID- 27119046
TI  - Review on the Eyedrop Self-Instillation Techniques and Factors Affecting These
      Techniques in Glaucoma Patients.
AB  - Objective. This study aims to evaluate eyedrop self-installation techniques and
      factors affecting these techniques in glaucoma patients. Methods. Researchers
      directly observed eyedrop instillation procedures of 66 glaucoma patients.
      Contact with periocular tissues and instillation onto ocular surface or
      conjunctival fornices were considered. Correlations of instillation patterns with
      patient characteristics including age, gender, intraocular pressure, cup-to-disc
      ratio, visual field loss, and total intake of glaucoma medication and handgrip
      strength score were searched. Results. The average handgrip strength in the
      instillation without periocular contact group was 66.4 +/- 19.7 kg, while the
      average handgrip strength score was 55.9 +/- 20.9 kg in the instillation with
      contact group. The difference between the two groups was statistically
      significant (p = 0.039). No statistically significant correlation was found
      between handgrip strength and the mean number of glaucoma medications, c/d,
      intraocular pressure (p > 0.05). Also there was no significant relation between
      mean handgrip strength score and the severity of the visual field defect (p =
      0.191). Conclusion. Patients especially with severe glaucomatous damage should be
      adequately instructed about the proper techniques for self-instillation of
      eyedrops and motivated to use a proper technique. Also, it is possible to suggest
      that patients with a higher handgrip strength, indicating the well-being of
      general health, may be doing better in properly instilling glaucoma eyedrops. 

PMID- 27119047
TI  - Does Body Mass Index in Pregnant Women Affect Laboratory Parameters in the
      Newborn?
AB  - Objective The objective of this study was to determine the effect of body mass
      index (BMI) during pregnancy in laboratory parameters in the serum of the three
      groups of pregnant women and in their newborns. Methods This prospective study is
      comparison between the three groups of pregnant women and their newborns
      categorized according to their BMI. The study included 128 pregnant women and
      their newborns. In this study, the concentration of blood count, iron, ferritin,
      and bilirubin were analyzed in the subjects. Results The pregnant women in the
      three groups significantly differ in the values of blood count (p < 0.001).
      Statistically significant difference in iron and ferritin was not found between
      individual three studied groups of pregnant women (p = 0.947). The newborn of the
      first group of pregnant women had significantly lower values of ferritin (p <
      0.001), leucocytes (p < 0.001), and bilirubin (p < 0.001). Significant positive
      correlation between BMI of pregnant women and leucocytes, ferritin, and bilirubin
      of the newborn was found (p < 0.001). Conclusion In this study, the tested
      pregnant women do not have biochemical signs of anemia, neither do their
      newborns. It was noted that there was no negative correlation between individual
      tested biochemical parameters for anemia in pregnant women and their newborns. 

PMID- 27119045
TI  - DNA Methylation and Chromatin Remodeling: The Blueprint of Cancer Epigenetics.
AB  - Epigenetics deals with the interactions between genes and the immediate cellular
      environment. These interactions go a long way in shaping up each and every
      person's individuality. Further, reversibility of epigenetic interactions may
      offer a dynamic control over the expression of various critical genes. Thus,
      tweaking the epigenetic machinery may help cause or cure diseases, especially
      cancer. Therefore, cancer epigenetics, especially at a molecular level, needs to
      be scrutinised closely, as it could potentially serve as the future
      pharmaceutical goldmine against neoplastic diseases. However, in view of its
      rapidly enlarging scope of application, it has become difficult to keep abreast
      of scientific information coming out of various epigenetic studies directed
      against cancer. Using this review, we have attempted to shed light on two of the
      most important mechanisms implicated in cancer, that is, DNA (deoxyribonucleic
      acid) methylation and histone modifications, and their place in cancer
      pathogenesis. Further, we have attempted to take stock of the new epigenetic
      drugs that have emerged onto the market as well as those in the pipeline that
      offer hope in mankind's fight against cancer. 

PMID- 27119048
TI  - Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism in Pregnancy: Are Biomarkers and Clinical
      Predictive Models Useful?
AB  - Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate whether trimester-specific
      D-dimer levels or the modified Wells score (MWS) is a useful risk stratification
      tool to exclude pregnant women at low risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) from
      diagnostic imaging. Study Design This is a prospective and retrospective cohort
      study. Pregnant women who underwent diagnostic imaging for suspected PE were
      prospectively enrolled. D-dimer serum levels were drawn, and a MWS was assigned.
      Pregnant women diagnosed with a PE before study launch who underwent diagnostic
      imaging and had a D-dimer level drawn were also evaluated. Results In this study,
      17 patients were diagnosed with a PE and 42 patients had no PE on diagnostic
      imaging. Sixteen out of 17 patients with a PE versus 11 out of 42 without PE had
      an abnormal D-dimer level (p = 0.001). Four patients with a PE versus zero
      without a PE had an abnormal MWS (p = 0.005). The combination of a trimester
      specific D-dimer level along with the MWS was abnormal in all 17 patients with a
      documented PE versus 11/42 (26.2%) patients without a documented PE (p = 0.001).
      Conclusion A combination of trimester-specific D-dimer levels along with a MWS
      can be used in pregnancy to triage women into a low-risk category for PE and
      thereby avoid radiation exposure in a majority of pregnant patients. 

PMID- 27119049
TI  - The Most Cited Works in Essential Tremor and Dystonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study of the most cited works in a particular field gives an
      indication of the important advances, developments, and discoveries that have had
      the highest impact in that discipline. Our aim was to identify the most cited
      works in essential tremor (ET) and dystonia. METHODS: A bibliometric search was
      performed using the ISI Web of Science database using selected search terms for
      ET and dystonia for articles published from 1900 to 2015. The resulting citation
      counts were analyzed to identify the most cited works, and the studies were
      categorized. RESULTS: Using the criterion of more than 400 citations, there were
      four citation classics for ET and six for dystonia. The most cited studies were
      those on pathophysiology followed by medical treatments, clinical classification,
      genetic studies, surgical treatments, review articles, and epidemiology studies.
      A comparison of the most cited articles for ET and dystonia showed that there was
      a divergence, with ET and dystonia having a higher number of epidemiologic and
      genetic studies, respectively. Whereas the peak period for the number of
      publications was 2000-2004 for ET, it was 1995-1999 for dystonia. DISCUSSION:
      Given the large number of patients with these disorders, there appears to be an
      unmet need for further research advances in both areas, but particularly for ET
      as the most common movement disorder.

PMID- 27119050
TI  - Threat driven modeling framework using petri nets for e-learning system.
AB  - Vulnerabilities at various levels are main cause of security risks in e-learning
      system. This paper presents a modified threat driven modeling framework, to
      identify the threats after risk assessment which requires mitigation and how to
      mitigate those threats. To model those threat mitigations aspects oriented
      stochastic petri nets are used. This paper included security metrics based on
      vulnerabilities present in e-learning system. The Common Vulnerability Scoring
      System designed to provide a normalized method for rating vulnerabilities which
      will be used as basis in metric definitions and calculations. A case study has
      been also proposed which shows the need and feasibility of using aspect oriented
      stochastic petri net models for threat modeling which improves reliability,
      consistency and robustness of the e-learning system. 

PMID- 27119051
TI  - Dynamics of almost periodic Schoener's competition model with time delays and
      impulses.
AB  - In real world, the ecological systems are usually perturbed by human exploitation
      activities such as planting and harvesting and so on. In order to obtain a more
      accurate description for such phenomenon, the impulsive differential equations
      play an important role. This paper is concerned with a kind of almost periodic
      Schoener's competition model with pure-delays and impulsive effects. By using the
      comparison theorem and the Lyapunov functional method of the impulsive
      differential equations, some sufficient conditions are obtained for the
      persistence and existence of a unique uniformly asymptotically stable positive
      almost periodic solution in a class of impulsive Schoener's competition model
      with pure-delays. The main results in this paper improve some results in recent
      years. And the method used in this paper provides a possible and effective method
      to study the permanence and existence of a unique uniformly asymptotically stable
      positive almost periodic solution of the models with impulsive perturbations in
      biological populations. Finally, an example and numerical simulations are given
      to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of our main results. 

PMID- 27119052
TI  - Transformer fault diagnosis using continuous sparse autoencoder.
AB  - This paper proposes a novel continuous sparse autoencoder (CSAE) which can be
      used in unsupervised feature learning. The CSAE adds Gaussian stochastic unit
      into activation function to extract features of nonlinear data. In this paper,
      CSAE is applied to solve the problem of transformer fault recognition. Firstly,
      based on dissolved gas analysis method, IEC three ratios are calculated by the
      concentrations of dissolved gases. Then IEC three ratios data is normalized to
      reduce data singularity and improve training speed. Secondly, deep belief network
      is established by two layers of CSAE and one layer of back propagation (BP)
      network. Thirdly, CSAE is adopted to unsupervised training and getting features.
      Then BP network is used for supervised training and getting transformer fault.
      Finally, the experimental data from IEC TC 10 dataset aims to illustrate the
      effectiveness of the presented approach. Comparative experiments clearly show
      that CSAE can extract features from the original data, and achieve a superior
      correct differentiation rate on transformer fault diagnosis. 

PMID- 27119053
TI  - A pertinent approach to solve nonlinear fuzzy integro-differential equations.
AB  - Fuzzy integro-differential equations is one of the important parts of fuzzy
      analysis theory that holds theoretical as well as applicable values in analytical
      dynamics and so an appropriate computational algorithm to solve them is in
      essence. In this article, we use parametric forms of fuzzy numbers and suggest an
      applicable approach for solving nonlinear fuzzy integro-differential equations
      using homotopy perturbation method. A clear and detailed description of the
      proposed method is provided. Our main objective is to illustrate that the
      construction of appropriate convex homotopy in a proper way leads to highly
      accurate solutions with less computational work. The efficiency of the
      approximation technique is expressed via stability and convergence analysis so as
      to guarantee the efficiency and performance of the methodology. Numerical
      examples are demonstrated to verify the convergence and it reveals the validity
      of the presented numerical technique. Numerical results are tabulated and
      examined by comparing the obtained approximate solutions with the known exact
      solutions. Graphical representations of the exact and acquired approximate fuzzy
      solutions clarify the accuracy of the approach. 

PMID- 27119054
TI  - Vertebral body fractures of unknown origin in cancer patients receiving MDCT:
      reporting by radiologists and awareness by clinicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate prevalence, radiological reporting and clinical
      management of pathologic vertebral body fractures (VBFs) of unknown origin in
      cancer patients receiving computed tomography (CT) examinations. METHODS: We
      investigated all CT examinations (over 1 year) of male and female patients with
      an underlying malignancy and an increased risk of osteoporosis (age 55-79 years)
      for the presence of VBFs. We evaluated midline sagittal CT-reformations of the
      spine for prevalence, fracture type, severity and location, the accuracy and
      style of radiological reporting, subsequent clinical management and documentation
      in hospital discharge letters. RESULTS: 848 patients were investigated. We found
      143 VBFs in 94 (11 %) patients. 6, 49, and 45 % were grade 1, grade 2, and grade
      3 fractures, respectively, while 20, 66, and 14 % were wedge, biconcave and crush
      fractures, respectively. 32 (34 %) radiological reports correctly classified VBFs
      as fractures, 25 (27 %) reports recognized VBFs, but did not type them, and VBFs
      were not described in 37 (39 %) reports. In 3 (3 %) patients further clinical
      work-up of VBFs was performed, while only 8 (9 %) hospital discharge letters
      contained the information of the presence of pathologic VBFs of unknown origin.
      CONCLUSIONS: VBFs of unknown origin appear frequently in cancer patients,
      however, clinical management and documentation was found in only few cases.
      Moreover, especially in cancer patients consistent radiological reporting of VBFs
      seems important, as aetiology of VBFs could be from osteoporosis, disease
      progression or oncological therapy, however, reporting is still performed
      inconsistently.

PMID- 27119055
TI  - Differences in technology innovation R&D performance creation behavior between
      for-profit institutions and not-for-profit institutions.
AB  - The present study compares the performance creation behavior between for-profit
      institutions and not-for-profit institutions within a national technology
      innovation research and development (R&D) program. Based on the stepwise
      performance creation chain structure of typical R&D logic models, a series of
      successive binary logistic regression models is newly proposed. Using the models,
      a sample of n = 2076 completed government-sponsored R&D projects was analyzed.
      For each institution type, its distinctive behavior is diagnosed, and relevant
      implications are suggested for improving the R&D performance. 

PMID- 27119056
TI  - Vertical transmission and reproduction rate: modeling a common strategy for two
      related diseases.
AB  - Motivated by (Goyal and Murray in PLoS One 9(10):e110143, 2014) we consider a
      partially age-structured model simulating the dynamic of two infectious diseases
      vertically transmitted almost independently with horizontal coinfection and a
      common age-structured vaccination strategy. We study influence of parameters on
      existence and uniqueness of solutions and epidemiological equilibria. Impact of
      vertical transmission on basic reproduction rate is also presented. 

PMID- 27119057
TI  - Surface disinfection procedure and in vitro regeneration of grapevine (Vitis
      vinifera L.) axillary buds.
AB  - Establishment of an efficient explants surface disinfection protocol is essential
      for in vitro cell and tissue culture as well as germplasm conservation, such as
      the case of Grapevine (Vitis spp.) culture. In this research, different
      procedures for disinfection and regeneration of field-grown grapevine cv. 'Flame
      seedless' axillary buds were evaluated. The buds were disinfected using either
      NaOCl or allyl, benzyl, phenyl and 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanates. Two different
      media for shooting and four media for rooting were tested. Shoot and root
      development per buds were registered. The best disinfection procedure with 90 %
      of tissue survival involved shaking for 60 min in a solution containing 20 %
      Clorox with 50 drops/L Triton((r)) X-100. These tissues showed the potential to
      regenerate a complete plant. Plant regeneration was conducted using full strength
      Murashigue and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 8 uM benzyl aminopurine for
      shoot induction and multiplication, whereas rooting was obtained on half strength
      MS supplemented with 2 mg L(-1) of indole-3-butyric acid and 200 mg L(-1) of
      activated charcoal. In this work, it was designed the protocols for obtaining
      sterile field-grown grapevine buds and in vitro plant development. This
      methodology showed potential to produce vigorous and healthy plants in 5 weeks
      for clonal grapevine propagation. Regenerated plants were successfully
      established in soil. 

PMID- 27119058
TI  - Identification of IgE-binding peptide and critical amino acids of Jatropha curcas
      allergen involved in allergenic response.
AB  - Increasing energy demand has spurred interest in the use of biofuels. Jatropha
      curcas (physic nut), an inedible oilseed, is a potential source of bioenergy. The
      seeds, however, contain allergens such as Jat c 1, a 2S albumin that can induce
      hypersensitivity reactions in humans and result in allergic diseases. Recent
      advances in identifying and characterizing plant allergens and, in particular,
      their immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding epitopes have produced a wealth of
      information. We identified IgE-binding regions and the critical amino acids
      involved in the degranulation of mast cells and the release of histamine,
      preliminary steps for the prevention and treatment of this allergy. Four IgE
      binding regions were identified in the sequence of Jat c 1. We identified and
      demonstrated the fundamental role of two glutamic acid residues in IgE binding.
      The sequence LEKQLEEGEVGS produces a random loop on the most exposed part of Jat
      c 1. This region is important to the stimulation of the allergic response. The
      possibility of using this information to produce vaccines and other
      pharmacological agents for allergy treatment is discussed. 

PMID- 27119059
TI  - On a bivariate spectral relaxation method for unsteady magneto-hydrodynamic flow
      in porous media.
AB  - The paper presents a significant improvement to the implementation of the
      spectral relaxation method (SRM) for solving nonlinear partial differential
      equations that arise in the modelling of fluid flow problems. Previously the SRM
      utilized the spectral method to discretize derivatives in space and finite
      differences to discretize in time. In this work we seek to improve the
      performance of the SRM by applying the spectral method to discretize derivatives
      in both space and time variables. The new approach combines the relaxation scheme
      of the SRM, bivariate Lagrange interpolation as well as the Chebyshev spectral
      collocation method. The technique is tested on a system of four nonlinear partial
      differential equations that model unsteady three-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic
      flow and mass transfer in a porous medium. Computed solutions are compared with
      previously published results obtained using the SRM, the spectral
      quasilinearization method and the Keller-box method. There is clear evidence that
      the new approach produces results that as good as, if not better than published
      results determined using the other methods. The main advantage of the new
      approach is that it offers better accuracy on coarser grids which significantly
      improves the computational speed of the method. The technique also leads to
      faster convergence to the required solution. 

PMID- 27119060
TI  - An analytical coupled technique for solving nonlinear large-amplitude oscillation
      of a conservative system with inertia and static non-linearity.
AB  - Based on a new trial function, an analytical coupled technique (a combination of
      homotopy perturbation method and variational method) is presented to obtain the
      approximate frequencies and the corresponding periodic solutions of the free
      vibration of a conservative oscillator having inertia and static non-linearities.
      In some of the previous articles, the first and second-order approximations have
      been determined by the same method of such nonlinear oscillator, but the trial
      functions have not been satisfied the initial conditions. It seemed to be a big
      shortcoming of those articles. The new trial function of this paper overcomes
      aforementioned limitation. The first-order approximation is mainly considered in
      this paper. The main advantage of this present paper is, the first-order
      approximation gives better result than other existing second-order harmonic
      balance methods. The present method is valid for large amplitudes of oscillation.
      The absolute relative error measures (first-order approximate frequency) in this
      paper is 0.00 % for large amplitude A = 1000, while the relative error gives two
      different second-order harmonic balance methods: 10.33 and 3.72 %. Thus the
      present method is suitable for solving the above-mentioned nonlinear oscillator. 

PMID- 27119061
TI  - Use of polyurea from urea for coating of urea granules.
AB  - A new type of controlled release fertilizers coated with polyurea was prepared.
      The granulated urea was firstly changed into a liquid urea by heating as the
      coating liquid. By spraying uniformly the urea was coated with the polyurea
      synthesized by the reaction of isocyanates with a liquid urea. The effects of
      different modifiers on N release characteristics of polyurea-coated urea (PCU)
      were studied. The morphology and chemical structure of PCU coating materials was
      investigated by SEM and FTIR. We studied the nitrogen release characteristics of
      the PCU applied in both water and soil, and the biodegradability of PCU coating
      after buried in soil. The results showed that PCU reduced nitrogen release rate
      and exhibited excellent controlled release property. The PCU coating materials
      could biodegrade in soil. This indicated that the low cost PCU products from urea
      are expected to use in agricultural and horticultural applications. 

PMID- 27119063
TI  - Oscillation of certain higher-order neutral partial functional differential
      equations.
AB  - In this paper, we study the oscillation of certain higher-order neutral partial
      functional differential equations with the Robin boundary conditions. Some
      oscillation criteria are established. Two examples are given to illustrate the
      main results in the end of this paper. 

PMID- 27119062
TI  - Prevalence in running events and running performance of endurance runners
      following a vegetarian or vegan diet compared to non-vegetarian endurance
      runners: the NURMI Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Beneficial and detrimental effects of various vegetarian and vegan
      diets on the health status are well known. Considering the growing background
      numbers of vegetarians and vegans, the number of vegetarian and vegan runners is
      likely to rise, too. Therefore, the Nutrition and Running High Mileage (NURMI)
      Study was designed as a comparative study to investigate the prevalence of
      omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans in running events and to detect potential
      differences in running performance comparing these three subgroups.
      METHODS/DESIGN: The NURMI Study will be conducted in three steps following a
      cross-sectional design. Step 1 will determine epidemiological aspects of
      endurance runners (any distance) using a short standardized questionnaire. Step 2
      will investigate dietary habits and running history from eligible participants
      (capable of running a half-marathon at least) using an extended standardized
      questionnaire. Step 3 will collect data after a running event on finishing time
      and final ranking as well as a post-race rating of perceived exertion, mood
      status, nutrient and fluid intake during the race. DISCUSSION: Our study will
      provide a major contribution to overcome the lack of data on the prevalence and
      running performance of vegetarian and vegan runners in endurance running events.
      We estimate the prevalence of vegetarians and vegans participating in a running
      event to be less compared to the respective proportion of vegetarians and vegans
      to the general population. Furthermore we will validate the subject's self
      assessment of their respective diet. This comparative study may identify possible
      effects of dietary behavior on running performance und may detect possible
      differences between the respective subgroups: omnivorous, vegetarian and vegan
      runners. Trial registration Current controlled trials, ISRCTN73074080.

PMID- 27119064
TI  - A novel Bronsted-Lewis acidic heteropoly organic-inorganic salt: preparation and
      catalysis for rosin dimerization.
AB  - A novel Bronsted-Lewis acidic heteropoly organic-inorganic salt has been prepared
      via the replacement of protons in neat phosphotungstic acid with both organic and
      metal cations. This hybrid catalyst, Sm0.33[TEAPS]2PW12O40, exhibited
      satisfactory performance in the dimerization of rosin to prepare polymerized
      rosin Under optimum conditions (15.0 g rosin and 5.0 g Sm0.33[TEAPS]2PW12O40
      catalyst in 18.0 mL toluene at 90  degrees C for 10 h), a polymerized rosin
      product with a softening point of 120.1  degrees C was obtained. In addition, the
      Sm0.33[TEAPS]2PW12O40 catalyst maintains excellent catalytic performance over
      five recycles. 

PMID- 27119065
TI  - Dynamics of a modified Leslie-Gower predator-prey model with Holling-type II
      schemes and a prey refuge.
AB  - We propose a modified Leslie-Gower predator-prey model with Holling-type II
      schemes and a prey refuge. The structure of equilibria and their linearized
      stability is investigated. By using the iterative technique and further precise
      analysis, sufficient conditions on the global attractivity of a positive
      equilibrium are obtained. Our results not only supplement but also improve some
      existing ones. Numerical simulations show the feasibility of our results. 

PMID- 27119066
TI  - Impact of preoperative ultrasonography findings on the patency rate of vascular
      access in Japanese hemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although ultrasonography before a vascular access (VA) operation has
      become popular in recent years, benchmarks for the diameter or blood flow of
      arteries or veins are not defined in Japan. The objective of the present study is
      to analyze the relationship between preoperative US findings and the patency rate
      of VA in Japanese hemodialysis patients. METHODS: 139 patients with end stage
      kidney disease were enrolled in this study. They had been given primary
      radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) from February 2009 to December 2010 at
      the Juntendo University Hospital and were followed up over 2 years. We defined
      the interval from the time of AVF creation until first access thrombosis or any
      intervention to maintain or restore blood flow as patency time (primary patency).
      We examined the correlation between the 2-year primary patency rate of VA and the
      diameter of the radial artery (RA), brachial artery (BA), or cephalic vein at an
      anastomosis presumptive region by US, the blood flow of RA or BA, as measured by
      US, age, gender, and primary kidney diseases. RESULTS: The average patency term
      was 448.6 +/- 271.3 days, with the 1-year and 2-year patency rate as 64.0 and
      51.2 %, respectively. The patency rate was significantly lower in elderly
      patients over the age of 75 and in patients with diabetes mellitus. US findings
      of 2.0 mm or less in the RA diameter also resulted in a noticeably low patency
      rate. A multivariate analysis indicated that those factors were risk factors for
      early VA failure. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative US findings of the diameter of RA may
      involve the patency rate of VA, making it appears that an RA of 2.0 mm or more in
      diameter at an anastomosis region may be more effective for the improvement in
      the patency rate of VA.

PMID- 27119067
TI  - Does pain relate with activation of quadriceps and hamstrings muscles during
      strengthening exercise in people with knee osteoarthritis?
AB  - Muscle strengthening may be difficult to achieve in knee osteoarthritis (OA) due
      to pain. A large knee adduction moment (KAM), representing medial relative to
      lateral knee load, may also relate with pain during strengthening exercise. The
      objective of this study was to examine relationships between knee pain status and
      electromyography (EMG) amplitude of knee muscles during squat and lunge
      exercises. We also evaluated relationships between pain and KAM during these
      exercises. Forty-two women with symptomatic knee OA participated. Knee pain
      intensity and frequency were captured with two reliable and valid questionnaires.
      Motion analyses of squat and lunge exercises were completed. Total average EMG
      amplitude across five muscles of the lower limb and average KAM were calculated
      from the static portion of these exercises. Multiple regression analyses examined
      the relationships between pain and total average EMG amplitude; and pain and
      average KAM during squats and lunges. Pain improved the model for KAM from the
      trailing leg of a lunge. Pain did not improve any other model. Overall, pain may
      not be a useful indicator of EMG amplitude or KAM during exercise in knee OA. 

PMID- 27119069
TI  - Rainfall erosivity index for the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission site.
AB  - Rainfall erosivity is the potential ability for rainfall to cause soil loss. The
      purpose of this study was to estimate the rainfall erosivity index for the Ghana
      Atomic Energy Commission site in order to compute the surface erosion rate.
      Monthly rainfall data, for the period 2003-2012 were used to compute annual
      rainfall erosivity indices for the site, using the Modified Fournier index.
      Values of the annual rainfall erosivity indices ranged from 73.5 mm for 2004 to
      200.4 mm for the year 2003 with a mean annual erosivity index of 129.8 mm for the
      period. The Pearson's Coefficient of Correlation was used to establish the
      relationship between annual rainfall and annual rainfall erosivity. This showed a
      high degree of positive relationship (r = 0.7) for the study area. The computed
      mean annual erosivity index revealed that the site is in the high erosion risk
      zone. Therefore, it is necessary to develop soil protection and management
      strategies to protect the soil from erosion. 

PMID- 27119068
TI  - Incidence and prevalence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in seafood: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Vibrio parahaemolyticus is an important seafood borne human pathogen worldwide
      due to it occurrence, prevalence and ability to cause gastrointestinal
      infections. This current study aim at investigating the incidence and prevalence
      of V. parahaemolyticus in seafood using systematic review-meta-analysis by
      exploring heterogeneity among primary studies. A comprehensive systematic review
      and meta-analysis of peer reviewed primary studies reported between 2003 and 2015
      for the occurrence and prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus in seafood was conducted
      using "isolation", "detection", "prevalence", "incidence", "occurrence" or
      "enumeration" and V. parahaemolyticus as search algorithms in Web of Science
      (Science Direct) and ProQuest of electronic bibliographic databases. Data
      extracted from the primary studies were then analyzed with fixed effect meta
      analysis model for effect rate to explore heterogeneity between the primary
      studies. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plot. A total of 10,819
      articles were retrieved from the data bases of which 48 studies met inclusion
      criteria. V. parahaemolyticus could only be isolated from 2761 (47.5 %) samples
      of 5811 seafood investigated. The result of this study shows that incidence of V.
      parahaemolyticus was more prevalent in oysters with overall prevalence rate of
      63.4 % (95 % CI 0.592-0.674) than other seafood. Overall prevalence rate of clams
      was 52.9 % (95 % CI 0.490-0.568); fish 51.0 % (95 % CI 0.476-0.544); shrimps 48.3
      % (95 % CI 0.454-0.512) and mussels, scallop and periwinkle: 28.0 % (95 % CI
      0.255-0.307). High heterogeneity (p value <0.001; I (2) = 95.291) was observed
      mussel compared to oysters (I (2) = 91.024). It could be observed from this study
      that oysters harbor V. parahaemolyticus based on the prevalence rate than other
      seafood investigated. The occurrence and prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus is of
      public health importance, hence, more studies involving seafood such as mussels
      need to be investigated. 

PMID- 27119070
TI  - Pathogenic bacteria profile and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of ear
      infection at Bahir Dar Regional Health Research Laboratory Center, Ethiopia.
AB  - Ear infection linked with frequent antibiotic prescription, hearing impairment,
      severe disability and death is a public health threat in developing countries.
      However, there is scarcity of documented data in the study area. Therefore, this
      study aimed at determining bacterial etiologic agents and their antimicrobial
      susceptibility patterns among patients of all age groups referred to Bahir Dar
      Regional Health Research Laboratory Center. Retrospective data recorded on
      culture and antimicrobial susceptibility profile were retrieved for analysis. Pus
      swabs from discharging ears collected and processed for aerobic bacteria culture
      and susceptibility testing. Of the total 368 pus swab samples processed, 296
      (80.4 %) were culture positive. Of which, 289 (97.6 %) were bacteria and 7 (2.4
      %) were yeast cells. The proportion of ear infection was higher in males (92.7 %)
      than females (65 %) (P = 0.014). The frequency of ear infection below 21 years of
      age was 65.2 %. The predominant isolate was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (29.7 %)
      followed by Staphylococcus aureus (26.3 %) and Proteus spp. (21.9 %). High level
      of antimicrobial resistance rates were observed for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid,
      ampicillin and penicillin whereas ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol,
      cotrimoxazole, gentamicin and amikacin were found effective against the isolated
      bacteria. Aerobic bacterial otitis media linked with high levels of resistance
      against amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and ampicillin is major health problem in the
      study area. Moreover, considerable level of oxacillin resistant S. aureus
      suggests the diffusion of methicillin resistant S. aureus in the community.
      Therefore, treatment of otitis media in the study area needs to be guided by
      antibiotic susceptibility testing of isolates. 

PMID- 27119071
TI  - Potential biomarkers for esophageal cancer.
AB  - Esophageal cancer, which consist of esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma, is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world,
      especially in the south of Iran and China. To find and investigate the biomarkers
      in the initiation, development and progression of esophageal cancer will help us
      predict the prognosis of esophageal cancer patients and improve the curative
      effect and survival rate. Here, we reviewed the potential biomarkers of
      esophageal cancer in three aspects: Immunohistochemical markers, blood-based
      markers, miRNA markers and Gene expression profiling. All these biomarkers
      provided promising therapeutic targets for the diagnosis, treatment, and
      prognosis of esophageal cancer. 

PMID- 27119072
TI  - Antifungal activity of the piroctone olamine in experimental intra-abdominal
      candidiasis.
AB  - This work aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of piroctone olamine in the
      treatment of intra-abdominal candidiasis in an experimental model using Swiss
      mice. The mice (n = 6) were infected by intraperitoneal injection of 0.2 ml of C.
      albicans (10(7)cells/ml in saline). The animals were observed daily for clinical
      signs and mortality for 14 days. The treatment with piroctone olamine (0.5 mg/kg)
      was performed 72 h after infection by intraperitoneal administration. For
      comparison, a group of animals (n = 6) was treated with amphotericin B (0.5
      mg/kg). The mycological diagnosis was made by collecting the liver, spleen and
      kidneys. Data regarding the fungal growth and mortality were analyzed
      statistically by Student's t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), with level of
      significance set at P < 0.05. The difference in fungal growth scoring between the
      control group and the treatment groups (piroctone olamine and amphotericin B) was
      statistically significant (P < 0.05). The difference in fungal growth scoring
      between the treatment groups (piroctone olamine and amphotericin B) was not
      statistically significant (P < 0.05). 

PMID- 27119073
TI  - Heavy metals phyto-assessment in commonly grown vegetables: water spinach (I.
      aquatica) and okra (A. esculentus).
AB  - The growth response, metal tolerance and phytoaccumulation properties of water
      spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) were assessed under
      different contaminated spiked metals: control, 50 mg Pb/kg soil, 50 mg Zn/kg soil
      and 50 mg Cu/kg soil. The availability of Pb, Zn and Cu metals in both soil and
      plants were detected using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The
      concentration and accumulation of heavy metals from soil to roots and shoots
      (edible parts) were evaluated in terms of translocation factor, accumulation
      factor and tolerance index. Okra recorded the highest accumulation of Pb (80.20
      mg/kg) in its root followed by Zn in roots (35.70 mg/kg) and shoots (34.80 mg/kg)
      of water spinach, respectively. Different accumulation trends were observed with,
      Pb > Zn > Cu in okra and Zn > Pb > Cu in water spinach. Significant differences
      (p < 0.01) of Pb, Zn and Cu accumulation were found in both water spinach and
      okra cultivated among tested treatments. However, only the accumulation of Pb
      metal in the shoots of water spinach and okra exceeded the maximum permissible
      levels of the national Malaysian Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985 (2006)
      as well as the international Codex Alimentarius Commission limits. This study has
      shown that both water spinach and okra have good potential as Pb and Zn
      phytoremediators. 

PMID- 27119074
TI  - Effects of Laminaria japonica polysaccharides on exercise endurance and oxidative
      stress in forced swimming mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polysaccharides are the major active ingredients responsible for the
      bioactivities of Laminaria japonica. However, the effects of L. japonica
      polysaccharides (LJP) on exercise endurance and oxidative stress have never been
      investigated. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of
      LJP on exercise endurance and oxidative stress in a forced swimming mouse model.
      The animals were divided into four groups, namely the control (C), LJP-75, LJP
      150, and LJP-300 groups, which received physiological saline and 75, 150, and 300
      mg kg(-1) LJP, respectively, by gavage once a day for 28 days. This was followed
      by a forced swimming test and measurements of various biochemical parameters.
      RESULTS: LJP increased swimming time to exhaustion, the liver and muscle glycogen
      content, and levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase
      in the serum, liver, and muscle, which were accompanied by corresponding
      decreases in the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the same tissues. Furthermore,
      decreases in blood lactic acid and serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were
      observed. CONCLUSION: LJP enhanced exercise endurance and protected mice against
      exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress.

PMID- 27119075
TI  - Co-culturing bacteria and microalgae in organic carbon containing medium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microalgae frequently grow in natural environment and long-term
      laboratory cultures in association with bacteria. Bacteria benefit the oxygen and
      extracellular substances generated by microalgae, and reimburse microalgae with
      carbon dioxide, vitamins and so on. Such synergistic relationship has aided in
      establishing an efficient microalga-bacterium co-culturing mode. Obviously, the
      mutually beneficial relationship can be strengthened with the increase of the
      densities of microalgae and bacteria. However, nearly all of the early co
      cultures were performed under photoautotrophic conditions, thus both microalgae
      and bacteria were at relatively low densities. In this study, the feasibility of
      bacteria-microalgae co-cultured under mixotrophic conditions was studied.
      RESULTS: Firstly, bacteria mingled with xenic microalgae were isolated and
      identified based on their 16S rRNA gene sequence (16S rDNA hereafter). Then, the
      two most frequently found strains of Muricauda sp. were co-cultured with axenic
      microalga (Tetraselmis chuii, Cylindrotheca fusiformis and Nannochloropsis
      gaditana) in extra organic carbon containing medium. At the end of a co-culture
      period of 33 days, we found that the final cell density of T. chuii and C.
      fusiformis of various treatments was remarkably higher than that of controls
      (21.37-31.18 and 65.42-83.47 %, respectively); on the contrary, the growth of N.
      gaditana was markedly inhibited. During the co-culture of bacteria with C.
      fusiformis, the cell density of two strains of bacteria firstly decreased, then
      increased and maintained at a relatively steady level. However, the cell density
      of bacteria performed a sustaining downward trend when they were co-cultured with
      T. chuii and N. gaditana. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings proved that microalgae
      bacteria co-cultures under mixotrophic conditions are quite effective strategy
      for microalgal cultivation.

PMID- 27119076
TI  - Acceptability and Feasibility of Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing and
      Treatment among Pregnant Women in Gaborone, Botswana, 2015.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and
      Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) are curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
      that can cause adverse maternal and birth outcomes. Most countries do not conduct
      routine testing during antenatal care. We present data on the acceptability and
      feasibility of testing and treating pregnant women for STIs in an antenatal
      clinic in Gaborone, Botswana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We offered CT, NG, and TV
      testing using self-collected vaginal swabs to eligible pregnant women.
      Participants received same-day test results. Those who tested positive were given
      treatment. RESULTS: Among the 225 women who were eligible and recruited, 200
      (89%) agreed to participate. The median age of our study sample was 30 years;
      most were unmarried (77%), with a median gestational age of 27 weeks and a 23%
      HIV prevalence. All participants received their results with at least 72% (n =
      143) on the same day. Thirty participants (15%) tested positive for an STI, all
      were treated, and 24 (80%) were treated on the same day. CONCLUSION: The
      acceptability of STI testing was high, and the intervention was feasible. This
      study provides support for continued research into STI prevalence, cost
      effectiveness, and the association of STIs with adverse maternal and infant
      outcomes.

PMID- 27119077
TI  - Jacalin-Activated Macrophages Exhibit an Antitumor Phenotype.
AB  - Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have an ambiguous and complex role in the
      carcinogenic process, since these cells can be polarized into different
      phenotypes (proinflammatory, antitumor cells or anti-inflammatory, protumor
      cells) by the tumor microenvironment. Given that the interactions between tumor
      cells and TAMs involve several players, a better understanding of the function
      and regulation of TAMs is crucial to interfere with their differentiation in
      attempts to skew TAM polarization into cells with a proinflammatory antitumor
      phenotype. In this study, we investigated the modulation of macrophage
      tumoricidal activities by the lectin jacalin. Jacalin bound to macrophage surface
      and induced the expression and/or release of mainly proinflammatory cytokines via
      NF-kappaB signaling, as well as increased iNOS mRNA expression, suggesting that
      the lectin polarizes macrophages toward the antitumor phenotype. Therefore,
      tumoricidal activities of jacalin-stimulated macrophages were evaluated. High
      rates of tumor cell (human colon, HT-29, and breast, MCF-7, cells) apoptosis were
      observed upon incubation with supernatants from jacalin-stimulated macrophages.
      Taken together, these results indicate that jacalin, by exerting a
      proinflammatory activity, can direct macrophages to an antitumor phenotype. Deep
      knowledge of the regulation of TAM functions is essential for the development of
      innovative anticancer strategies. 

PMID- 27119079
TI  - Positive Selection and Centrality in the Yeast and Fly Protein-Protein
      Interaction Networks.
AB  - Proteins within a molecular network are expected to be subject to different
      selective pressures depending on their relative hierarchical positions. However,
      it is not obvious what genes within a network should be more likely to evolve
      under positive selection. On one hand, only mutations at genes with a relatively
      high degree of control over adaptive phenotypes (such as those encoding highly
      connected proteins) are expected to be "seen" by natural selection. On the other
      hand, a high degree of pleiotropy at these genes is expected to hinder
      adaptation. Previous analyses of the human protein-protein interaction network
      have shown that genes under long-term, recurrent positive selection (as inferred
      from interspecific comparisons) tend to act at the periphery of the network. It
      is unknown, however, whether these trends apply to other organisms. Here, we show
      that long-term positive selection has preferentially targeted the periphery of
      the yeast interactome. Conversely, in flies, genes under positive selection
      encode significantly more connected and central proteins. These observations are
      not due to covariation of genes' adaptability and centrality with confounding
      factors. Therefore, the distribution of proteins encoded by genes under recurrent
      positive selection across protein-protein interaction networks varies from one
      species to another. 

PMID- 27119078
TI  - Ocular Complications of Diabetes and Therapeutic Approaches.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease defined by elevated blood glucose
      (BG). DM is a global epidemic and the prevalence is anticipated to continue to
      increase. The ocular complications of DM negatively impact the quality of life
      and carry an extremely high economic burden. While systemic control of BG can
      slow the ocular complications they cannot stop them, especially if clinical
      symptoms are already present. With the advances in biodegradable polymers,
      implantable ocular devices can slowly release medication to stop, and in some
      cases reverse, diabetic complications in the eye. In this review we discuss the
      ocular complications associated with DM, the treatments available with a focus on
      localized treatments, and what promising treatments are on the horizon. 

PMID- 27119080
TI  - Apical External Root Resorption and Repair in Orthodontic Tooth Movement:
      Biological Events.
AB  - Some degree of external root resorption is a frequent, unpredictable, and
      unavoidable consequence of orthodontic tooth movement mediated by
      odontoclasts/cementoclasts originating from circulating precursor cells in the
      periodontal ligament. Its pathogenesis involves mechanical forces initiating
      complex interactions between signalling pathways activated by various biological
      agents. Resorption of cementum is regulated by mechanisms similar to those
      controlling osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. Following root resorption
      there is repair by cellular cementum, but factors mediating the transition from
      resorption to repair are not clear. In this paper we review some of the
      biological events associated with orthodontically induced external root
      resorption. 

PMID- 27119081
TI  - Subtractive Cell-SELEX Selection of DNA Aptamers Binding Specifically and
      Selectively to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells with High Metastatic Potential.
AB  - Relapse and metastasis are two key risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      prognosis; thus, it is emergent to develop an early and accurate detection method
      for prognostic evaluation of HCC after surgery. In this study, we sought to
      acquire oligonucleotide DNA aptamers that specifically bind to HCC cells with
      high metastatic potential. Two HCC cell lines derived from the same genetic
      background but with different metastatic potential were employed: MHCC97L (low
      metastatic properties) as subtractive targets and HCCLM9 (high metastatic
      properties) as screening targets. To mimic a fluid combining environment, initial
      DNA aptamers library was firstly labelled with magnetic nanoparticles using
      biotin-streptavidin system and then applied for aptamers selection. Through 10
      round selection with subtractive Cell-SELEX, six aptamers, LY-1, LY-13, LY-46, LY
      32, LY-27/45, and LY-7/43, display high affinity to HCCLM9 cells and do not bind
      to MHCC97L cells, as well as other tumor cell lines, including breast cancer,
      lung cancer, colon adenocarcinoma, gastric cancer, and cervical cancer,
      suggesting high specificity for HCCLM9 cells. Thus, the aptamers generated here
      will provide solid basis for identifying new diagnostic targets to detect HCC
      metastasis and also may provide valuable clues for developing new targeted
      therapeutics. 

PMID- 27119082
TI  - Polyphenols from Chilean Propolis and Pinocembrin Reduce MMP-9 Gene Expression
      and Activity in Activated Macrophages.
AB  - Polyphenols from diverse sources have shown anti-inflammatory activity. In the
      context of atherosclerosis, macrophages play important roles including matrix
      metalloproteinases synthesis involved in degradation of matrix extracellular
      components affecting the atherosclerotic plaque stability. We prepared a propolis
      extract and pinocembrin in ethanol solution. Propolis extract was chemically
      characterized using LC-MS. The effect of treatments on gene expression and
      proteolytic activity was measured in vitro using murine macrophages activated
      with LPS. Cellular toxicity associated with both treatments and the vehicle was
      determined using MTT and apoptosis/necrosis detection assays. MMP-9 gene
      expression and proteolytic activity were measured using qPCR and zymography,
      respectively. Thirty-two compounds were identified in the propolis extract,
      including pinocembrin among its major components. Treatment with either ethanolic
      extract of propolis or pinocembrin inhibits MMP-9 gene expression in a dose
      dependent manner. Similarly, an inhibitory effect was observed in proteolytic
      activity. However, the effect showed by ethanolic extract of propolis was higher
      than the effect of pinocembrin, suggesting that MMP-9 inhibition results from a
      joint contribution between the components of the extract. These data suggest a
      potential role of polyphenols from Chilean propolis in the control of
      extracellular matrix degradation in atherosclerotic plaques. 

PMID- 27119083
TI  - A Nested Case-Control Study of Association between Metabolome and Hypertension
      Risk.
AB  - We aimed to explore novel small metabolites that associated with hypertension
      risk in a population-based nested case-control study. Among 460 individuals with
      optimal blood pressure (<120/80 mmHg) at baseline, 55 progressed to hypertension
      during 5 years of follow-up. Twenty-nine cases of incident hypertension and 29
      controls, matched for age, sex, and baseline systolic blood pressure, were
      included in this study. Serum metabolites were measured by gas chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry. t-test and logistic regression analysis were applied to
      investigate the association between metabolites and incident hypertension. Among
      the 241 metabolites identified in this study, baseline levels of 26 metabolites
      were significantly different between hypertension and control groups. After
      adjusting for body mass index, smoking, and drinking, 16 out of the 26
      metabolites were still associated with hypertension risk including four amino
      acids. Amino acids were negatively associated with risk of future hypertension,
      with odds ratio (OR) ranging from 0.33 to 0.53. Two of these amino acids were
      essential amino acids including threonine and phenylalanine. Higher level of
      lyxose, a fermentation product of gut microbes, was associated with higher risk
      of hypertension. Our study identified multiple metabolites that associated with
      hypertension risk. These findings implied that low amino acid levels and gut
      microbiome might play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. 

PMID- 27119085
TI  - Leishmania infantum Genetic Diversity and Lutzomyia longipalpis Mitochondrial
      Haplotypes in Brazil.
AB  - Leishmania infantum is the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in
      the Americas with domestic dogs being its major reservoir hosts. The main VL
      vector is the sandfly Lutzomyia longipalpis, while other Lutzomyia species may
      play a role in disease transmission. Although the genetic structure of L.
      infantum populations has been widely evaluated, only a few studies have addressed
      this subject coupled to the genetic structure of the respective sandfly vectors.
      In this study, we analyzed the population structure of L. infantum in three major
      VL endemic areas in Brazil and associated it with Lutzomyia longipalpis
      geographic structure. 

PMID- 27119086
TI  - Ocular Comorbidities and the Relationship between Eye Diseases and Systemic
      Disorders.

PMID- 27119084
TI  - Next Generation Sequencing Identifies Five Major Classes of Potentially
      Therapeutic Enzymes Secreted by Lucilia sericata Medical Maggots.
AB  - Lucilia sericata larvae are used as an alternative treatment for recalcitrant and
      chronic wounds. Their excretions/secretions contain molecules that facilitate
      tissue debridement, disinfect, or accelerate wound healing and have therefore
      been recognized as a potential source of novel therapeutic compounds. Among the
      substances present in excretions/secretions various peptidase activities
      promoting the wound healing processes have been detected but the peptidases
      responsible for these activities remain mostly unidentified. To explore these
      enzymes we applied next generation sequencing to analyze the transcriptomes of
      different maggot tissues (salivary glands, gut, and crop) associated with the
      production of excretions/secretions and/or with digestion as well as the rest of
      the larval body. As a result we obtained more than 123.8 million paired-end
      reads, which were assembled de novo using Trinity and Oases assemblers, yielding
      41,421 contigs with an N50 contig length of 2.22 kb and a total length of 67.79
      Mb. BLASTp analysis against the MEROPS database identified 1729 contigs in 577
      clusters encoding five peptidase classes (serine, cysteine, aspartic, threonine,
      and metallopeptidases), which were assigned to 26 clans, 48 families, and 185
      peptidase species. The individual enzymes were differentially expressed among
      maggot tissues and included peptidase activities related to the therapeutic
      effects of maggot excretions/secretions. 

PMID- 27119087
TI  - Risk Factors Associated with Irreversible Airway Obstruction in Asthma: A
      Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Irreversible airway obstruction (IAO) is a subtype of asthma and relates to
      poorer prognosis in some asthma patients. However, the prevalence and risk
      factors for IAO are unknown. A systematic review regarding controlled clinical
      studies (cohort, case-control studies) on IAO asthma in adult and/or children
      affected by asthma/early wheeze was performed. Eighteen papers were identified in
      this study. It was reported that the incidence of IAO at random effects or fixed
      effects in severe asthma and nonsevere asthma was 0.54 (95% CI: 0.45-0.62) and
      0.16 (95% CI: 0.12-0.20), respectively. In IAO asthma, the pooled odds ratio (OR)
      related to smoking exposure was 2.22 (95% CI: 1.82-2.73), the OR for male,
      smoking, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) was 2.22 (95% CI: 1.82-2.7),
      1.79 (95% CI: 1.46-2.19), and 2.16 (95% CI: 1.05-4.43), respectively, suggesting
      these factors increase the risk of IAO. However, a decreased OR in IAO asthma was
      observed due to rhinitis (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.24-0.40), atopy (OR = 0.584, 95%
      CI: 0.466-0.732), and atopic dermatitis (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.42-0.85),
      indicating these factors are associated with reduced risk of IAO. IAO in asthma
      is associated with gender, smoking, FENO, rhinitis, atopy, and atopic dermatitis.

PMID- 27119089
TI  - On Vertex Covering Transversal Domination Number of Regular Graphs.
AB  - A simple graph G = (V, E) is said to be r-regular if each vertex of G is of
      degree r. The vertex covering transversal domination number gamma vct(G) is the
      minimum cardinality among all vertex covering transversal dominating sets of G.
      In this paper, we analyse this parameter on different kinds of regular graphs
      especially for Q n and H 3,n. Also we provide an upper bound for gamma vct of a
      connected cubic graph of order n >= 8. Then we try to provide a more stronger
      relationship between gamma and gamma vct.

PMID- 27119088
TI  - Combined Microencapsulated Islet Transplantation and Revascularization of
      Aortorenal Bypass in a Diabetic Nephropathy Rat Model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Revascularization of aortorenal bypass is a preferred technique for
      renal artery stenosis (RAS) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients. Restenosis of
      graft vessels also should be considered in patients lacking good control of blood
      glucose. In this study, we explored a combined strategy to prevent the recurrence
      of RAS in the DN rat model. METHODS: A model of DN was established by
      intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Rats were divided into 4 groups: SR
      group, MIT group, Com group, and the untreated group. The levels of blood glucose
      and urine protein were measured, and changes in renal pathology were observed.
      The expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in graft vessels was
      assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Histopathological staining was
      performed to assess the pathological changes of glomeruli and tubules. RESULTS:
      The levels of urine protein and the expression of MCP-1 in graft vessels were
      decreased after islet transplantation. The injury of glomerular basement membrane
      and podocytes was significantly ameliorated. CONCLUSIONS: The combined strategy
      of revascularization and microencapsulated islet transplantation had multiple
      protective effects on diabetic nephropathy, including preventing atherosclerosis
      in the graft vessels and alleviating injury to the glomerular filtration barrier.
      This combined strategy may be helpful for DN patients with RAS.

PMID- 27119090
TI  - The Existence of Weak D-Pullback Exponential Attractor for Nonautonomous
      Dynamical System.
AB  - First, for a process {U(t, tau)?t >= tau}, we introduce a new concept, called the
      weak D-pullback exponential attractor, which is a family of sets {M(t)?t <= T},
      for any T ? R, satisfying the following: (i) M(t) is compact, (ii) M(t) is
      positively invariant, that is, U(t, tau)M(tau) ? M(t), and (iii) there exist k, l
      > 0 such that dist(U(t, tau)B(tau), M(t)) <= ke (-(t-tau)); that is, M(t)
      pullback exponential attracts B(tau). Then we give a method to obtain the
      existence of weak D-pullback exponential attractors for a process. As an
      application, we obtain the existence of weak D-pullback exponential attractor for
      reaction diffusion equation in H 0 (1) with exponential growth of the external
      force.

PMID- 27119091
TI  - MTO: a new journal for a maturing field.

PMID- 27119092
TI  - Safety and biodistribution of a double-deleted oncolytic vaccinia virus encoding
      CD40 ligand in laboratory Beagles.
AB  - We evaluated adverse events, biodistribution and shedding of oncolytic vaccinia
      virus encoding CD40 ligand in two Beagles, in preparation for a phase 1 trial in
      canine cancer patients. Dog 1 received one dose of vaccinia virus and was
      euthanized 24 hours afterwards, while dog 2 received virus four times once weekly
      and was euthanized 7 days after that. Dogs were monitored for adverse events and
      underwent a detailed postmortem examination. Blood, saliva, urine, feces, and
      organs were collected for virus detection. Dog 1 had mild fever and lethargy
      while dog 2 experienced a possible seizure 5.5 hours after first virus
      administration. Viral DNA declined quickly in the blood after virus
      administration in both dogs but was still detectable 1 week later by quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction. Only samples taken directly after virus infusion
      contained infectious virus. Small amounts of viral DNA, but no infectious virus,
      were detected in a few saliva and urine samples. Necropsies did not reveal any
      relevant pathological changes and virus DNA was detected mainly in the spleen.
      The dogs in the study did not have cancer, and thus adverse events could be more
      common and viral load higher in dogs with tumors which allow viral amplification.

PMID- 27119093
TI  - Regression of established renal cell carcinoma in nude mice using lentivirus
      transduced human T cells expressing a human anti-CAIX chimeric antigen receptor.
AB  - Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is a tumor-associated antigen and marker of hypoxia
      that is overexpressed on > 90% of clear-cell type renal cell carcinoma (RCC) but
      not on neighboring normal kidney tissue. Here, we report on the construction of
      two chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that utilize a carbonic anhydrase (CA)
      domain mapped, human single chain antibody (scFv G36) as a targeting moiety but
      differ in their capacity to provide costimulatory signaling for optimal T cell
      proliferation and tumor cell killing. The resulting anti-CAIX CARs were expressed
      on human primary T cells via lentivirus transduction. CAR-transduced T cells
      (CART cells) expressing second-generation G36-CD28-TCRzeta exhibited more potent
      in vitro antitumor effects on CAIX(+) RCC cells than first-generation G36-CD8
      TCRzeta including cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion, proliferation, and clonal
      expansion. Adoptive G36-CD28-TCRzeta CART cell therapy combined with high-dose
      interleukin (IL)-2 injection also lead to superior regression of established RCC
      in nude mice with evidence of tumor cell apoptosis and tissue necrosis. These
      results suggest that the fully human G36-CD28-TCRzeta CARs should provide
      substantial improvements over first-generation mouse anti-CAIX CARs in clinical
      use through reduced human anti-mouse antibody responses against the targeting
      scFv and administration of lower doses of T cells during CART cell therapy of
      CAIX(+) RCC. 

PMID- 27119095
TI  - Reporter gene imaging identifies intratumoral infection voids as a critical
      barrier to systemic oncolytic virus efficacy.
AB  - Systemically administered oncolytic viruses have the ability to cause tumor
      destruction through the expansion and coalescence of intratumoral infectious
      centers. Efficacy is therefore dependent upon both the density and intratumoral
      distribution of virus-infected cells achieved after initial virus infusion, and
      delivery methods are being developed to enhance these critical parameters.
      However, the three-dimensional (3D) mapping of intratumoral infectious centers is
      difficult using conventional immunohistochemical methodology, requiring
      painstaking 3D reconstruction of numerous sequential stained tumor sections, with
      no ability to study the temporal evolution of spreading infection in a single
      animal. We therefore developed a system using very high-resolution noninvasive in
      vivo micro single-photon emitted computed tomography/computed tomography
      (microSPECT/CT) imaging to determine the intratumoral distribution of thyroid
      radiotracers in tumors infected with an oncolytic virus encoding the thyroidal
      sodium-iodide symporter (NIS). This imaging system was used for longitudinal
      analysis of the density, distribution, and evolution of intratumoral infectious
      centers after systemic administration of oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus in
      tumor-bearing mice and revealed heterogeneous delivery of virus particles both
      within and between tumors in animals receiving identical therapy. This study
      provides compelling validation of high resolution in vivo reporter gene mapping
      as a convenient method for serial monitoring of intratumoral virus spread that
      will be necessary to address critical barriers to systemic oncolytic virus
      efficacy such as intratumoral delivery. 

PMID- 27119094
TI  - Potentiation of immunomodulatory antibody therapy with oncolytic viruses for
      treatment of cancer.
AB  - Identification of the immune suppressive mechanisms active within the tumor
      microenvironment led to development of immunotherapeutic strategies aiming to
      reverse the immunosuppression and to enhance the function of tumor-infiltrating
      lymphocytes. Of those, cancer therapy with antibodies targeting the immune
      costimulatory and coinhibitory receptors has demonstrated significant promise in
      the recent years, with multiple antibodies entering clinical testing. The
      responses to these agents, however, have not been universal and have not been
      observed in all cancer types, calling for identification of appropriate
      predictive biomarkers and development of combinatorial strategies. Pre-existing
      immune infiltration in tumors has been demonstrated to have a strong association
      with response to immunotherapies, with the type I interferon (IFN) pathway
      emerging as a key player in tumor innate immune recognition and activation of
      adaptive immunity. These findings provide a rationale for evaluation of
      strategies targeting the type I IFN pathway as a means to enhance tumor immune
      recognition and infiltration, which could potentially make them susceptible to
      therapeutics targeting the cosignaling receptors. To this end in particular,
      oncolytic viruses (OVs) have been demonstrated to enhance tumor recognition by
      the immune system through multiple mechanisms, which include upregulation of
      major histocompatibility complex and costimulatory molecules on cancer cells,
      immunogenic cell death and antigen release, and activation of the type I IFN
      pathway. Evidence is now emerging that combination therapies using OVs and agents
      targeting immune cosignaling receptors such as 4-1BB, PD-1, and CTLA-4 may work
      in concert to enhance antitumor immunity and therapeutic efficacy. Our evolving
      understanding of the interplay between OVs and the immune system demonstrates
      that the virus-induced antitumor immune responses can be harnessed to drive the
      efficacy of the agents targeting cosignaling receptors and provides a strong
      rationale for integration of such therapies in clinic. 

PMID- 27119096
TI  - Combinatorial treatment with oncolytic adenovirus and helper-dependent adenovirus
      augments adenoviral cancer gene therapy.
AB  - Oncolytic adenoviruses (Onc.Ads) produce significant antitumor effects but as
      single agents they rarely eliminate tumors. Investigators have therefore
      incorporated sequences into these vectors that encode immunomodulatory molecules
      to enhance antitumor immunity. Successful implementation of this strategy
      requires multiple tumor immune inhibitory mechanisms to be overcome, and
      insertion of the corresponding multiple functional genes reduces the titer and
      replication of Onc.Ads, compromising their direct ant-tumor effects. By contrast,
      helper-dependent (HD) Ads are devoid of viral coding sequences, allowing
      inclusion of multiple transgenes. HDAds, however, lack replicative capacity.
      Since HDAds encode the adenoviral packaging signal, we hypothesized that the
      coadministration of Onc.Ad with HDAd would allow to be amplified and packaged
      during replication of Onc.Ad in transduced cancer cells. This combination could
      provide immunostimulation without losing oncolytic activity. We now show that
      coinfection of Onc.Ad with HDAd subsequently replicates HDAd vector DNA in trans
      in human cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo, amplifying the transgenes the
      HDAd encode. This combinatorial treatment significantly suppresses the tumor
      growth compared to treatment with a single agent in an immunocompetent mouse
      model. Hence, combinatorial treatment of Onc.Ad with HDAd should overcome the
      inherent limitations of each agent and provide a highly immunogenic oncolytic
      therapy. 

PMID- 27119097
TI  - Overcoming tumor resistance by heterologous adeno-poxvirus combination therapy.
AB  - Successful cancer control relies on overcoming resistance to cell death and on
      activation of host antitumor immunity. Oncolytic viruses are particularly
      attractive in this regard, as they lyse infected tumor cells and trigger robust
      immune responses during the infection. However, repeated injections of the same
      virus promote antiviral rather than antitumor immunity and tumors may mount
      innate antiviral defenses to restrict oncolytic virus replication. In this
      article, we have explored if alternating the therapy virus could circumvent these
      problems. We demonstrate in two virus-resistant animal models a substantial delay
      in antiviral immune- and innate cellular response induction by alternating
      injections of two immunologically distinct oncolytic viruses, adenovirus, and
      vaccinia virus. Our results are in support of clinical development of
      heterologous adeno-/vaccinia virus therapy of cancer. 

PMID- 27119098
TI  - Molecular imaging of oncolytic viral therapy.
AB  - Oncolytic viruses have made their mark on the cancer world as a potential
      therapeutic option, with the possible advantages of reduced side effects and
      strengthened treatment efficacy due to higher tumor selectivity. Results have
      been so promising, that oncolytic viral treatments have now been approved for
      clinical trials in several countries. However, clinical studies may benefit from
      the ability to noninvasively and serially identify sites of viral targeting via
      molecular imaging in order to provide safety, efficacy, and toxicity information.
      Furthermore, molecular imaging of oncolytic viral therapy may provide a more
      sensitive and specific diagnostic technique to detect tumor origin and, more
      importantly, presence of metastases. Several strategies have been investigated
      for molecular imaging of viral replication broadly categorized into optical and
      deep tissue imaging, utilizing several reporter genes encoding for fluorescence
      proteins, conditional enzymes, and membrane protein and transporters. Various
      imaging methods facilitate molecular imaging, including computer tomography,
      magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single photon emission
      CT, gamma-scintigraphy, and photoacoustic imaging. In addition, several molecular
      probes are used for medical imaging, which act as targeting moieties or signaling
      agents. This review will explore the preclinical and clinical use of in vivo
      molecular imaging of replication-competent oncolytic viral therapy. 

PMID- 27119099
TI  - Antimelanoma CTL recognizes peptides derived from an ORF transcribed from the
      antisense strand of the 3' untranslated region of TRIT1.
AB  - Noncoding regions of the genome play an important role in tumorigenesis of
      cancer. Using expression cloning, we have identified a cytotoxic T lymphocyte
      (CTL)-defined antigen that recognizes a protein sequence derived from an open
      reading frame transcribed from the reverse strand in the 3' untranslated region
      of tRNA isopentenyltransferase 1 (TRIT1). A peptide derived from this open
      reading frame (ORF) sequence and predicted to bind to HLA-B57, sensitized HLA
      B57(+) tumor cells to lysis by CTL793. The peptide also induced a CTL response in
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patient 793 and in two other
      melanoma patients. The CTL lysed peptide-pulsed HLA-B57(+) target cells and
      melanoma cells with endogenous antigen expression. The recognition of this
      antigen is not limited to HLA-B57-restricted CTLs. An HLA-A2 peptide derived from
      the ORF was able to induce CTLs in PBMC of 2 HLA-A2(+) patients. This study
      describes for the first time a CTL-defined melanoma antigen that is derived from
      an ORF on the reverse strand of the putative tumor suppressor gene TRIT1. This
      antigen has potential use as a vaccine or its ability to induce CTLs in vitro
      could be used as a predictive biomarker. 

PMID- 27119100
TI  - Oncolytic HSV virotherapy in murine sarcomas differentially triggers an antitumor
      T-cell response in the absence of virus permissivity.
AB  - Multiple studies have indicated that in addition to direct oncolysis, virotherapy
      promotes an antitumor cytotoxic T cell response important for efficacy. To study
      this phenomenon further, we tested three syngeneic murine sarcoma models that
      displayed varied degrees of permissiveness to oncolytic herpes simplex virus
      replication and cytotoxicity in vitro, with the most permissive being comparable
      to some human sarcoma tumor lines. The in vivo antitumor effect ranged from no or
      modest response to complete tumor regression and protection from tumor
      rechallenge. The in vitro permissiveness to viral oncolysis was not predictive of
      the in vivo antitumor effect, as all three tumors showed intact interferon
      signaling and minimal permissiveness to virus in vivo. Tumor shrinkage was T-cell
      mediated with a tumor-specific antigen response required for maximal antitumor
      activity. Further analysis of the innate and adaptive immune microenvironment
      revealed potential correlates of susceptibility and resistance, including
      favorable and unfavorable cytokine profiles, differential composition of
      intratumoral myeloid cells, and baseline differences in tumor cell immunogenicity
      and tumor-infiltrating T-cell subsets. It is likely that a more complete
      understanding of the interplay between the immunologic immune microenvironment
      and virus infection will be necessary to fully leverage the antitumor effects of
      this therapeutic platform. 

PMID- 27119101
TI  - Retargeted oncolytic adenovirus displaying a single variable domain of camelid
      heavy-chain-only antibody in a fiber protein.
AB  - Conditionally replicative adenoviruses are promising agents for oncolytic
      virotherapy. Various approaches have been attempted to retarget adenoviruses to
      tumor-specific antigens to circumvent deficiency of receptor for adenoviral
      binding and to provide an additional level of tumor specificity. Functional
      incorporation of highly specific targeting molecules into the viral capsid can
      potentially retarget adenoviral infection. However, conventional antibodies are
      not compatible with the cytoplasmic adenovirus capsid synthesis. The goal of this
      study was to evaluate the utility of single variable domains derived from heavy
      chain camelid antibodies for retargeting of adenovirus infection. We have
      combined transcriptional targeting using a tumor-specific promoter with
      transductional targeting through viral capsid incorporation of antihuman
      carcinoembryonic antigen single variable domains. Obtained data demonstrated that
      employment of a single variable domain genetically incorporated into an
      adenovirus fiber increased specificity of infection and efficacy of replication
      of single variable domain-targeted oncolytic adenovirus. The double targeting,
      both transcriptional through the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 promoter and
      transductional using the single variable domain, is a promising means to improve
      the therapeutic index for these advanced generation conditionally replicative
      adenoviruses. A successful strategy to transductional retargeting of oncolytic
      adenovirus infection has not been shown before and therefore we believe this is
      the first employment of transductional targeting using single variable domains
      derived from heavy chain camelid antibodies to enhance specificity of
      conditionally replicative adenoviruses. 

PMID- 27119102
TI  - Expression of anti-VEGF antibody together with anti-EGFR or anti-FAP enhances
      tumor regression as a result of vaccinia virotherapy.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor growth and
      progression. Here we demonstrate that vaccinia virus-mediated, constitutively
      expressed intratumoral antibodies against vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and fibroblast activation
      protein (FAP) significantly improved tumor regression and oncolytic virotherapy
      through suppression of angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and stromagenesis in
      virus-colonized tumors. In contrast to the tumor growth inhibition by the three
      tumor growth-inhibiting antibodies individually, when two of the three antibodies
      were expressed simultaneously by single vaccinia virus strains tumor regression
      was further enhanced. These findings strongly indicate that interference with the
      two tumor growth-stimulating mechanisms did in fact result in enhanced
      therapeutic efficacy in tumor xenograft models and may lead to an effective
      therapy in patients with cancer. 

PMID- 27119103
TI  - Enhanced efficacy with azacytidine and oncolytic BHV-1 in a tolerized cotton rat
      model of breast adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Oncolytic viruses selectively replicate in cancer cells by exploiting biochemical
      differences between normal and tumor cells. Treatment with epigenetic modifiers
      such as 5-Azacytidine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, increases the
      replication and cytotoxicity of oncolytic viruses in vivo and in vitro. The
      cotton rat is an attractive animal to study oncolytic viruses, as syngeneic
      models of breast adenocarcinoma and osteosarcoma are well established, and many
      features of primary and secondary tumor growth recapitulate human disease.
      Treatment of LCRT breast cancer cells with 5-Azacytidine increases bovine
      herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1)-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro, with Chou-Talalay
      analysis indicating a very strong synergy. In vivo, BHV-1 monotherapy delayed
      tumor growth but did not improve survival of cotton rats with subcutaneous breast
      adenocarcinomas. However, combination therapy significantly decreased the
      incidence of secondary lesions, with enhanced tumor cell clearance and evidence
      of immune cell infiltration compared to BHV-1 monotherapy. Together, these
      results warrant further investigation of BHV-1 combination therapy with
      epigenetic modifiers for the treatment of breast cancer, particularly in the
      context of the prevention and treatment of secondary lesions. 

PMID- 27119104
TI  - L-Asparaginase delivered by Salmonella typhimurium suppresses solid tumors.
AB  - Bacteria can be engineered to deliver anticancer proteins to tumors via a
      controlled expression system that maximizes the concentration of the therapeutic
      agent in the tumor. L-asparaginase (L-ASNase), which primarily converts
      asparagine to aspartate, is an anticancer protein used to treat acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia. In this study, Salmonellae were engineered to express L
      ASNase selectively within tumor tissues using the inducible araBAD promoter
      system of Escherichia coli. Antitumor efficacy of the engineered bacteria was
      demonstrated in vivo in solid malignancies. This result demonstrates the merit of
      bacteria as cancer drug delivery vehicles to administer cancer-starving proteins
      such as L-ASNase to be effective selectively within the microenvironment of
      cancer tissue. 

PMID- 27119105
TI  - ATN-224 enhances antitumor efficacy of oncolytic herpes virus against both local
      and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most frequent cancer
      worldwide, and the 5-year survival rates are among the worst of the major
      cancers. Oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (oHSV) have the potential to make a
      significant impact in the targeted treatment of these patients. Here, we tested
      antitumor efficacy of RAMBO, an oHSV armed with the antiangiogenic Vstat120,
      alone and in conjunction with ATN-224, a copper chelator against HNSCC in vitro
      and in vivo animal models. We found that all tested HNSCC cells responded well to
      virus treatment and were sensitive to RAMBO-mediated oncolytic destruction. In
      vivo, RAMBO had a significant antiangiogenic and antitumorigenic effect.
      Physiologic levels of copper inhibited viral replication and HNSCC cell killing.
      Chelation of copper using ATN-224 treatment significantly improved serum
      stability of RAMBO and permitted systemic delivery in HNSCC tumor xenografts
      models. Furthermore, our results show that the combination of ATN-224 and RAMBO
      strongly inhibits lung metastases in a mouse model of HNSCC. These findings
      suggest that combining ATN-224 with RAMBO has potential for clinical trials in
      both early and advanced HNSCC patients. 

PMID- 27119106
TI  - Intratumoral INF-gamma triggers an antiviral state in GL261 tumor cells: a major
      hurdle to overcome for oncolytic vaccinia virus therapy of cancer.
AB  - Oncolytic vaccinia virus (VACV) therapy is an alternative treatment option for
      glioblastoma multiforme. Here, we used a comparison of different tumor locations
      and different immunologic and genetic backgrounds to determine the replication
      efficacy and oncolytic potential of the VACV LIVP 1.1.1, an attenuated wild-type
      isolate of the Lister strain, in murine GL261 glioma models. With this approach,
      we expected to identify microenvironmental factors, which may be decisive for
      failure or success of oncolytic VACV therapy. We found that GL261 glioma cells
      implanted subcutaneously or orthotopically into Balb/c athymic, C57BL/6 athymic,
      or C57BL/6 wild-type mice formed individual tumors that respond to oncolytic VACV
      therapy with different outcomes. Surprisingly, only Balb/c athymic mice with
      subcutaneous tumors supported viral replication. We identified intratumoral IFN
      gamma expression levels that upregulate MHCII expression on GL261 cells in
      C57BL/6 wild-type mice associated with a non-permissive status of the tumor
      cells. Moreover, this IFN-gamma-induced tumor cell phenotype was reversible. 

PMID- 27119107
TI  - Oncolytic potency of HER-2 retargeted VSV-FH hybrid viruses: the role of receptor
      ligand affinity.
AB  - The hybrid oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-FH) deleted for its G
      glycoprotein and displaying the measles virus (MV) envelope glycoproteins
      (hemagglutinin H and fusion F) is fusogenic, infects cells via any of the three
      MV receptors and has potent oncolytic activity against subcutaneous and
      disseminated myeloma tumors. To tailor VSV-FH as an oncolytic virus for ovarian
      cancer, we ablated its natural tropism and retargeted the virus by display of a
      single-chain antibody (scFv) with specificity to the HER-2/neu receptor. A panel
      of six VSVFH-alphaHER2 viruses displaying anti-HER2 scFv that bind to the same
      HER2 epitope but with different K d (10(-6) to 10(-11) M, VSVFH-alphaHER2#6 to
      #11, respectively) were rescued and characterized. A K d of at least 10(-8) M is
      required for infection of HER-2 positive SKOV3ip.1 cells. The higher affinity
      viruses (>10(-8) M) were able to infect and fuse SKOV3ip.1 cells more
      efficiently, inducing more extensive cytopathic effects. We next compared the
      antitumor potency of the viruses against SKOV3ip.1 tumor xenografts. In contrast
      to the saline-treated animals, one intratumoral injection of VSVFH-alphaHER2#9,
      #10, or #11 resulted in efficient tumor control. There was no significant
      difference between viruses with an affinity higher than 10(-9) M in terms of
      oncolytic potency. VSVFH-alphaHER2 virus may be a promising agent for the
      treatment of HER-2 positive malignancies. 

PMID- 27119108
TI  - Evidence for differential viral oncolytic efficacy in an in vitro model of
      epithelial ovarian cancer metastasis.
AB  - Epithelial ovarian cancer is unique among most carcinomas in that metastasis
      occurs by direct dissemination of malignant cells traversing throughout the
      intraperitoneal fluid. Accordingly, we test new therapeutic strategies using an
      in vitro three-dimensional spheroid suspension culture model that mimics key
      steps of this metastatic process. In the present study, we sought to uncover the
      differential oncolytic efficacy among three different viruses-Myxoma virus,
      double-deleted vaccinia virus, and Maraba virus-using three ovarian cancer cell
      lines in our metastasis model system. Herein, we demonstrate that Maraba virus
      effectively infects, replicates, and kills epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells
      in proliferating adherent cells and with slightly slower kinetics in tumor
      spheroids. Myxoma virus and vaccinia viruses infect and kill adherent cells to a
      much lesser extent than Maraba virus, and their oncolytic potential is almost
      completely attenuated in spheroids. Myxoma virus and vaccinia are able to infect
      and spread throughout spheroids, but are blocked in the final stages of the lytic
      cycle, and oncolytic-mediated cell killing is reactivated upon spheroid
      reattachment. Alternatively, Maraba virus has a remarkably reduced ability to
      initially enter spheroid cells, yet rapidly infects and spreads throughout
      spheroids generating significant cell killing effects. We show that low-density
      lipoprotein receptor expression in ovarian cancer spheroids is reduced and this
      controls efficient Maraba virus binding and entry into infected cells. Taken
      together, these results are the first to implicate the potential impact of
      differential viral oncolytic properties at key steps of ovarian cancer
      metastasis. 

PMID- 27119109
TI  - Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cells as oncolytic virus carriers.
AB  - The use of engineered T cells in adoptive transfer therapies has shown
      significant promise in treating hematological cancers. However, successes
      treating solid tumors are much less prevalent. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) have the
      capacity to induce specific lysis of tumor cells and indirectly impact tumor
      growth via vascular shutdown. These viruses bear natural abilities to associate
      with lymphocytes upon systemic administration, but therapeutic doses must be very
      high in order to evade antibodies and other components of the immune system. As T
      cells readily circulate through the body, using these cells to deliver OVs
      directly to tumors may provide an ideal combination. Our studies demonstrate that
      loading chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cells with low doses of virus does
      not impact receptor expression or function in either murine or human T cells.
      Engineered T cells can deposit virus onto a variety of tumor targets, which can
      enhance the tumoricidal activity of the combination treatment. This concept
      appears to be broadly applicable, as we observed similar results using murine or
      human T cells, loaded with either RNA or DNA viruses. Overall, loading of
      engineered T cells with OVs represents a novel combination therapy that may
      increase the efficacy of both treatments. 

PMID- 27119110
TI  - Assessment of current virotherapeutic application schemes: "hit hard and early"
      versus "killing softly"?
AB  - Over the past two decades, a considerable amount of oncolytic vector families has
      entered numerous clinical trials. However, to this date, the field has not yet
      been able to come to a common understanding regarding the best possible ways to
      administer oncolytic viruses to cancer patients. This is mainly due to the fact
      that so far clinical trials being designed for head-to-head comparisons (such as
      using two different virotherapeutics originating from two distinct virus families
      being applied via identical routes in the same types of cancer) are still
      missing. Hence, there is no consent (i) on the best route of virotherapeutics
      administration (e.g., systemic versus intratumoral), (ii) on the virus dosages to
      be applied, (iii) on dosing intervals, and (iv) on the numbers of repetitive
      courses of virus administration. As the detailed comparison of clinical
      virotherapy trial regimens is time-consuming and complex, we here present an
      overview of current state-of-the-art virotherapeutic application schemes.
      Notably, our comprehensive assessment culminates in raising two rough
      classifications of virotherapeutic strategies, i.e., "hit hard and early" versus
      "killing softly". In order to find out which one of these two gross alternatives
      might be most successful for each and every tumor entity, we here suggest the
      implementation of phase 1/2 studies, which primarily aim at a repetitive sampling
      and analysis of tumor samples in cancer patients treated with oncolytic viruses
      reading out (i) virus-specific, (ii) tumor-specific as well as (iii)
      immunotherapeutic parameters. On this basis, a rational design of significantly
      improved virotherapeutic application schemes should be possible in the future. 

PMID- 27119111
TI  - Combination of the oral histone deacetylase inhibitor resminostat with oncolytic
      measles vaccine virus as a new option for epi-virotherapeutic treatment of
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Epigenetic therapies such as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) not only have
      the capability to decrease tumor cell proliferation and to induce tumor cell
      death but also to silence antiviral response genes. Here, we investigated whether
      the combination of an oncolytic measles vaccine virus (MeV) with the novel oral
      HDACi resminostat (Res), being in clinical testing in patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), results in an enhanced efficacy of this epi
      virotherapeutic approach compared to any of the two corresponding monotherapies.
      When testing a panel of human hepatoma cell lines, we found (i) a significantly
      improved rate of primary infections when using oncolytic MeV under concurrent
      treatment with resminostat, (ii) a boosted cytotoxic effect of the epi
      virotherapeutic combination (Res + MeV) with enhanced induction of apoptosis,
      and, quite importantly, (iii) an absence of any resminostat-induced impairment of
      MeV replication and spread. Beyond that, we could also show that (iv)
      resminostat, after hepatoma cell stimulation with exogenous human interferon
      (IFN)-beta, is able to prevent the induction of IFN-stimulated genes, such as
      IFIT-1. This finding outlines the possible impact of resminostat on cellular
      innate immunity, being instrumental in overcoming resistances to MeV-mediated
      viral oncolysis. Thus, our results support the onset of epi-virotherapeutic
      clinical trials in patients exhibiting advanced stages of HCC. 

PMID- 27119112
TI  - Inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor via upregulation of von Hippel-Lindau
      protein induces "angiogenic switch off" in a hepatoma mouse model.
AB  - "Angiogenic switch off" is one of the ideal therapeutic concepts in the treatment
      of cancer. However, the specific molecules which can induce "angiogenic switch
      off" in tumor have not been identified yet. In this study, we focused on von
      Hippel-Lindau protein (pVHL) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and investigated
      the effects of sulfoquinovosyl-acylpropanediol (SQAP), a novel synthetic
      sulfoglycolipid, for HCC. We examined mutation ratio of VHL gene in HCC using 30
      HCC samples and we treated the HCC-implanted mice with SQAP. Thirty clinical
      samples showed no VHL genetic mutation in HCC. SQAP significantly inhibited tumor
      growth by inhibiting angiogenesis in a hepatoma mouse model. SQAP induced tumor
      "angiogenic switch off" by decreasing hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1, 2alpha
      protein via pVHL upregulation. pVHL upregulation decreased HIFalpha protein
      levels through different multiple mechanisms: (i) increasing pVHL-dependent
      HIFalpha protein degradation; (ii) decreasing HIFalpha synthesis with decrease of
      NF-kappaB expression; and (iii) decrease of tumor hypoxia by vascular
      normalization. We confirmed these antitumor effects of SQAP by the loss-of
      function experiments. We found that SQAP directly bound to and inhibited
      transglutaminase 2. This study provides evidence that upregulation of tumor pVHL
      is a promising target, which can induce "angiogenic switch off" in HCC. 

PMID- 27119113
TI  - Development of new therapy for canine mammary cancer with recombinant measles
      virus.
AB  - Oncolytic virotherapy is a promising treatment strategy for cancer. We previously
      generated a recombinant measles virus (rMV-SLAMblind) that selectively uses a
      poliovirus receptor-related 4 (PVRL4/Nectin4) receptor, but not signaling
      lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM). We demonstrated that the virus exerts
      therapeutic effects against human breast cancer cells. Here, we examined the
      applicability of rMV-SLAMblind to treating canine mammary cancers (CMCs). We
      found that the susceptibilities of host cells to rMV-SLAMblind were dependent on
      canine Nectin-4 expression. Nectin-4 was detected in four of nine CMC cell lines.
      The rMV-SLAMblind efficiently infected those four Nectin-4-positive cell lines
      and was cytotoxic for three of them (CF33, CHMm, and CTBm). In vivo experiment
      showed that the administration of rMV-SLAMblind greatly suppressed the
      progression of tumors in mice xenografted with a CMC cell line (CF33).
      Immunohistochemistry revealed that canine Nectin-4 was expressed in 45% of canine
      mammary tumors, and the tumor cells derived from one clinical specimen were
      efficiently infected with rMV-SLAMblind. These results suggest that rMV-SLAMblind
      infects CMC cells and displays antitumor activity in vitro, in xenografts, and ex
      vivo. Therefore, oncolytic virotherapy with rMV-SLAMblind can be a novel method
      for treating CMCs. 

PMID- 27119114
TI  - Design and characterization of the tumor vaccine MGN1601, allogeneic fourfold
      gene-modified vaccine cells combined with a TLR-9 agonist.
AB  - The tumor vaccine MGN1601 was designed and developed for treatment of metastatic
      renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). MGN1601 consists of a combination of fourfold gene
      modified cells with the toll-like receptor 9 agonist dSLIM, a powerful connector
      of innate and adaptive immunity. Vaccine cells originate from a renal cell
      carcinoma cell line (grown from renal cell carcinoma tissue), express a variety
      of known tumor-associated antigens (TAA), and are gene modified to transiently
      express two co-stimulatory molecules, CD80 and CD154, and two cytokines, GM-CSF
      and IL-7, aimed to support immune response. Proof of concept of the designed
      vaccine was shown in mice: The murine homologue of the vaccine efficiently (100%)
      prevented tumor growth when used as prophylactic vaccine in a syngeneic setting.
      Use of the vaccine in a therapeutic setting showed complete response in 92% of
      mice as well as synergistic action and necessity of the components. In addition,
      specific cellular and humoral immune responses in mice were found when used in an
      allogeneic setting. Immune response to the vaccine was also shown in mRCC
      patients treated with MGN1601: Peptide array analysis revealed humoral CD4-based
      immune response to TAA expressed on vaccine cells, including survivin, cyclin D1,
      and stromelysin. 

PMID- 27119115
TI  - CD19xCD3 DART protein mediates human B-cell depletion in vivo in humanized BLT
      mice.
AB  - Novel therapeutic strategies are needed for the treatment of hematologic
      malignancies; and bispecific antibody-derived molecules, such as dual-affinity re
      targeting (DART) proteins, are being developed to redirect T cells to kill target
      cells expressing tumor or viral antigens. Here we present our findings of
      specific and systemic human B-cell depletion by a CD19xCD3 DART protein in
      humanized BLT mice. Administration of the CD19xCD3 DART protein resulted in a
      dramatic sustained depletion of human CD19(+) B cells from the peripheral blood,
      as well as a dramatic systemic reduction of human CD19(+) B-cell levels in all
      tissues (bone marrow, spleen, liver, lung) analyzed. When human CD8(+) T cells
      were depleted from the mice, no significant B-cell depletion was observed in
      response to CD19xCD3 DART protein treatment, confirming that human CD8(+) T cells
      are the primary effector cells in this in vivo model. These studies validate the
      use of BLT humanized mice for the in vivo evaluation and preclinical development
      of bispecific molecules that redirect human T cells to selectively deplete target
      cells. 

PMID- 27119116
TI  - Oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus expressing interferon-gamma has enhanced
      therapeutic activity.
AB  - Oncolytic viruses are known to stimulate the antitumor immune response by
      specifically replicating in tumor cells. This is believed to be an important
      aspect of the durable responses observed in some patients and the field is
      rapidly moving toward immunotherapy. As a further means to engage the immune
      system, we engineered a virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), to encode the
      proinflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma. We used the 4T1 mammary adenocarcinoma
      as well as other murine tumor models to characterize immune responses in tumor
      bearing animals generated by treatment with our viruses. The interferon-gamma
      encoding virus demonstrated greater activation of dendritic cells and drove a
      more profound secretion of proinflammatory cytokines compared to the parental
      virus. From a therapeutic point of view, the interferon-gamma virus slowed tumor
      growth, minimized lung tumors, and prolonged survival in several murine tumor
      models. The improved efficacy was lost in immunocompromized animals; hence the
      mechanism appears to be T-cell-mediated. Taken together, these results
      demonstrate the ability of oncolytic viruses to act as immune stimulators to
      drive antitumor immunity as well as their potential for targeted gene therapy. 

PMID- 27119117
TI  - Enhanced lysis by bispecific oncolytic measles viruses simultaneously using
      HER2/neu or EpCAM as target receptors.
AB  - To target oncolytic measles viruses (MV) to tumors, we exploit the binding
      specificity of designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins). These DARPin-MVs have
      high tumor selectivity while maintaining excellent oncolytic potency. Stability,
      small size, and efficacy of DARPins allowed the generation of MVs simultaneously
      targeted to tumor marker HER2/neu and cancer stem cell (CSC) marker EpCAM. For
      optimization, the linker connecting both DARPins was varied in flexibility and
      length. Flexibility had no impact on fusion helper activity whereas length had.
      MVs with bispecific MV-H are genetically stable and revealed the desired double
      target specificity. In vitro, the cytolytic activity of bispecific MVs was
      superior or comparable to mono-targeted viruses depending on the target cells. In
      vivo, therapeutic efficacy of the bispecific viruses was validated in an
      orthotopic ovarian carcinoma model revealing an effective reduction of tumor
      mass. Finally, the power of bispecific targeting was demonstrated on cocultures
      of different tumor cells thereby mimicking tumor heterogeneity in vitro, more
      closely reflecting real tumors. Here, bispecific excelled monospecific viruses in
      efficacy. DARPin-based targeting domains thus allow the generation of efficacious
      oncolytic viruses with double specificity, with the potential to handle
      intratumoral variation of antigen expression and to simultaneously target CSCs
      and the bulk tumor mass. 

PMID- 27119118
TI  - Preclinical evaluation of VAX-IP, a novel bacterial minicell-based
      biopharmaceutical for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer.
AB  - The development of new therapies that can prevent recurrence and progression of
      nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer remains an unmet clinical need. The continued
      cost of monitoring and treatment of recurrent disease, along with its high
      prevalence and incidence rate, is a strain on healthcare economics worldwide. The
      current work describes the characterization and pharmacological evaluation of VAX
      IP as a novel bacterial minicell-based biopharmaceutical agent undergoing
      development for the treatment of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer and other
      oncology indications. VAX-IP minicells selectively target two oncology-associated
      integrin heterodimer subtypes to deliver a unique bacterial cytolysin protein
      toxin, perfringolysin O, specifically to cancer cells, rapidly killing integrin
      expressing murine and human urothelial cell carcinoma cells with a unique
      tumorlytic mechanism. The in vivo pharmacological evaluation of VAX-IP minicells
      as a single agent administered intravesically in two clinically relevant
      variations of a syngeneic orthotopic model of superficial bladder cancer results
      in a significant survival advantage with 28.6% (P = 0.001) and 16.7% (P = 0.003)
      of animals surviving after early or late treatment initiation, respectively. The
      results of these preclinical studies warrant further nonclinical and eventual
      clinical investigation in underserved nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer patient
      populations where complete cures are achievable. 

PMID- 27119119
TI  - A multi-antigen vaccine in combination with an immunotoxin targeting tumor
      associated fibroblast for treating murine melanoma.
AB  - A therapeutically effective cancer vaccine must generate potent antitumor immune
      responses and be able to overcome tolerance mechanisms mediated by the
      progressing tumor itself. Previous studies showed that glycoprotein 100 (gp100),
      tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1), and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP2) are
      promising immunogens for melanoma immunotherapy. In this study, we administered
      these three melanoma-associated antigens via lentiviral vectors (termed LV-3Ag)
      and found that this multi-antigen vaccine strategy markedly increased functional
      T-cell infiltration into tumors and generated protective and therapeutic
      antitumor immunity. We also engineered a novel immunotoxin, alphaFAP-PE38,
      capable of targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing fibroblasts
      within the tumor stroma. When combined with alphaFAP-PE38, LV-3Ag exhibited
      greatly enhanced antitumor effects on tumor growth in an established B16 melanoma
      model. The mechanism of action underlying this combination treatment likely
      modulates the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment and, consequently,
      activates cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells capable of specifically recognizing and
      destroying tumor cells. Taken together, these results provide a strong rationale
      for combining an immunotoxin with cancer vaccines for the treatment of patients
      with advanced cancer. 

PMID- 27119120
TI  - Molecular network, pathway, and functional analysis of time-dependent gene
      changes associated with pancreatic cancer susceptibility to oncolytic vaccinia
      virotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is a fatal disease associated with resistance to
      conventional therapies. This study aimed to determine changes in gene expression
      patterns associated with infection and susceptibility of pancreatic cancer cells
      to an oncolyticvaccinia virus, GLV-1h153, carrying the human sodium iodide
      symporter for deep tissue imaging of virotherapy. METHODS: Replication and
      susceptibility of pancreatic adenocarcinoma PANC-1 cells to GLV-1h153 was
      confirmed with replication and cytotoxicity assays. PANC-1 cells were then
      infected with GLV-1h153 and near-synchronous infection confirmed via flow
      cytometry of viral-induced green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression. Six and 24
      hours after infection, three samples of each time point were harvested, and gene
      expression patterns assessed using HG-U133A cDNA microarray chips as compared to
      uninfected control. Differentially expressed genes were identified using
      Bioconductor LIMMA statistical analysis package. A fold change of 2.0 or above
      was used as a cutoff, with a P value of 0.01. The gene list was then analyzed
      using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis software. RESULTS: Differential gene analysis
      revealed a total of 12,412 up- and 11,065 downregulated genes at 6 and 24 hours
      postinfection with GLV-1h153 as compared to control. At 6 hours postinfection. A
      total of 139 genes were either up or downregulated >twofold (false discovery rate
      < 0.05), of which 124 were mapped by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). By 24
      hours postinfection, a total of 5,698 genes were identified and 5,563 mapped by
      IPA. Microarray revealed gene expression changes, with gene networks
      demonstrating downregulation of processes such as cell death, cell cycle, and DNA
      repair, and upregulation of infection mechanisms (P < 0.01). Six hours after
      infection, gene changes involved pathways such as HMGB-1, interleukin (IL)-2, IL
      6, IL-8, janus kinase/signal tranducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT),
      interferon, and ERK 5 signaling (P < 0.01). By 24 hours, prominent pathways
      included P53- and Myc-induced apoptotic processes, pancreatic adenocarcinoma
      signaling, and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/v-akt murine thymoma vial oncogene
      homolog 1 (PI3/AKT) pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals the ability to
      assess time-dependent changes in gene expression patterns in pancreatic cancer
      cells associated with infection and susceptibility to vaccinia viruses. This
      suggests that molecular assays may be useful to develop safer and more
      efficacious oncolyticvirotherapies and support the idea that these treatments may
      target pathways implicated in pancreatic cancer resistance to conventional
      therapies.

PMID- 27119121
TI  - Serum allergen-specific IgE, allergic rhinitis severity, and age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is characterized by an IgE-mediated reaction.
      Aging usually induces a progressive decline of immune system function. There is
      common belief that both allergic symptoms severity and serum IgE production
      decline during aging. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the possible impact
      of age on: i) serum allergen-specific IgE levels in a large sample of subjects,
      and ii) AR symptom severity in a group of mono-allergic patients. METHODS: Serum
      allergen-specific IgE to birch, Bet v 1, Parietaria, and Dermatophagoides
      pteronyssinus were measured by immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) in a sample of
      8098 subjects. AR symptom severity was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) in
      a sub-group of 531 mono-allergic patients. RESULTS: The analysis of variance
      showed that IgE to Bet v 1, birch, and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
      significantly decreased considering the age, whereas IgE to Parietaria did not
      significantly decline in respect of the age. Considering the global sample of
      mono-allergic patients, elderly subjects (over 65 years old) tended to have lower
      IgE levels, but had significantly lower VAS rating, and significantly less
      sensitizations than adult subjects (18-65 years old). In both adult and elderly
      patients VAS strongly correlated with IgE values. CONCLUSIONS: Allergen-specific
      IgE levels tend to reduce with aging, but with differences between types of
      allergy. The IgE decrease is usually associated with reduced AR symptom severity.
      Elderly AR patients seem to have a different phenotype/endotype in comparison
      with adult AR ones, characterized by milder symptoms, lower IgE production, and
      less sensitizations. However, a close positive relationship between IgE values
      and VAS scores is shared by both adult and elderly AR patients, confirming the
      close link between allergy and symptoms that persists also in the elderly.

PMID- 27119122
TI  - Momentum-dependent band spin splitting in semiconducting MnO2: a density
      functional calculation.
AB  - Recently, manganese-oxide compounds have attracted considerable attention, in
      particular, as candidate materials for photochemical water-splitting reactions.
      Here, we investigate electronic states of pristine manganese dioxides (MnO2) in
      different crystal phases using spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT)
      with Hubbard U correction. Geometrical structures and band dispersions of alpha-,
      beta-, delta-, and lambda-MnO2 crystals with collinear magnetic [ferromagnetic
      (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM)] orders are discussed in detail. We reveal that
      penalty energies that arise by violating the Goodenough-Kanamori rule are
      important and the origin of the magnetic interactions of the MnO2 crystals is
      governed by the superexchange interactions of Mn-O-Mn groups. In addition, it is
      found that momentum-dependent band spin splitting occurs in the AFM alpha-, beta
      , and delta-MnO2 crystals while no spin splitting occurs in the AFM lambda-MnO2
      crystal. Our results show that spin-split band dispersions stem from the
      different orientations of Mn-centred oxygen octahedra. Such interesting
      electronic states of the MnO2 crystals are unraveled by our discussion on the
      relationship between the effective (spin-dependent) single-electron potentials
      and the space-group symmetry operations that map up-spin Mn atoms onto down-spin
      Mn atoms. This work provides a basis to understand the relationship between the
      spin-dependent electronic states and the crystallography of manganese oxides.
      Another relationship to the recent experimental observations of the photochemical
      oxygen evolution of MnO2 crystals is also discussed.

PMID- 27119123
TI  - Formic acid as a hydrogen storage material - development of homogeneous catalysts
      for selective hydrogen release.
AB  - Formic acid (FA, HCO2H) receives considerable attention as a hydrogen storage
      material. In this respect, hydrogenation of CO2 to FA and dehydrogenation of FA
      are crucial reaction steps. In the past decade, for both reactions, several
      molecularly defined and nanostructured catalysts have been developed and
      intensively studied. From 2010 onwards, this review covers recent advancements in
      this area using homogeneous catalysts. In addition to the development of
      catalysts for H2 generation, reversible H2 storage including continuous H2
      production from formic acid is highlighted. Special focus is put on recent
      progress in non-noble metal catalysts.

PMID- 27119124
TI  - Cellular processing and destinies of artificial DNA nanostructures.
AB  - Since many bionanotechnologies are targeted at cells, understanding how and where
      their interactions occur and the subsequent results of these interactions is
      important. Changing the intrinsic properties of DNA nanostructures and linking
      them with interactions presents a holistic and powerful strategy for
      understanding dual nanostructure-biological systems. With the recent advances in
      DNA nanotechnology, DNA nanostructures present a great opportunity to understand
      the often convoluted mass of information pertaining to nanoparticle-biological
      interactions due to the more precise control over their chemistry, sizes, and
      shapes. Coupling just some of these designs with an understanding of biological
      processes is both a challenge and a source of opportunities. Despite continuous
      advances in the field of DNA nanotechnology, the intracellular fate of DNA
      nanostructures has remained unclear and controversial. Because understanding its
      cellular processing and destiny is a necessary prelude to any rational design of
      exciting and innovative bionanotechnology, in this review, we will discuss and
      provide a comprehensive picture relevant to the intracellular processing and the
      fate of various DNA nanostructures which have been remained elusive for some
      time. We will also link the unique capabilities of DNA to some novel ideas for
      developing next-generation bionanotechnologies. 

PMID- 27119125
TI  - Treatment of prosthetic joint infections due to Propionibacterium--reply.

PMID- 27119126
TI  - A proposed set of metrics for standardized outcome reporting in the management of
      low back pain--reply.

PMID- 27119127
TI  - Symptom-related emergency department visits and hospital admissions during
      ambulatory cancer treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with cancer experience symptoms related to the disease and
      treatments. Symptom distress has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL).
      Attending to symptoms and side effects of treatment promotes safe and effective
      delivery of therapies and may prevent or reduce emergency department visits
      (EDVs) and unplanned hospital admissions (HAs). There is limited evidence
      examining symptom-related EDVs or HAs (sx-EDV/HAs) and interventions in
      ambulatory oncology patients. OBJECTIVE: To examine factors associated with sx
      EDV/HAs in ambulatory oncology patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation.
      METHODS: This secondary analysis used data from a randomized controlled trial of
      ambulatory oncology patients (n = 663) who received the web-based Electronic Self
      Report Assessment - Cancer intervention (symptom self-monitoring, tailored
      education, and communication coaching) or usual care with symptom self-monitoring
      alone. Group differences were described by summary statistics and compared by t
      test. Factors associated with the odds of at least 1 sx-EDV/HA were modeled using
      logistic regression. RESULTS: 98 patients had a total of 171 sx-EDV/HAs with no
      difference between groups. Higher odds of at least 1 sx-EDV/HA were associated
      with socioeconomic and clinical factors. The multivariable model indicated that
      work status, education level, treatment modality, and on-treatment Symptom
      Distress Scale-15 scores were signifcantly associated with having at least 1 sx
      EDV/HA. LIMITATIONS: This is a secondary analysis not sized to determine cause
      and effect. The results have limited generalizability. CONCLUSION: Most patients
      did not experience a sx-EDV/HA. Demographic and clinical factors predicted a sx
      EDV/HA.

PMID- 27119129
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27119128
TI  - Lung Cancer and Personalized Medicine: Novel Therapies and Clinical Management.
      Preface.

PMID- 27119130
TI  - Bad presentations.

PMID- 27119131
TI  - A patient presenting with collapse and breathlessness.

PMID- 27119132
TI  - [US study. Cannabis promotes addictions but not depressions].

PMID- 27119133
TI  - [Carefully assessing benefits and risks. Also vaccinate young children against
      "ticks"?].

PMID- 27119134
TI  - [Multicenter study. Early summer meningoencephalitis: an added dose for patients
      with rheumatoid arthritis?].

PMID- 27119135
TI  - [Familial breast cancer: radical primary prevention. "Fear is a bad counselor"].

PMID- 27119136
TI  - [No change in travel for medical reasons].

PMID- 27119138
TI  - [In general practice the temperature should be measured rectally].

PMID- 27119139
TI  - Translating Science into Survival: Report on the  Inaugural International Cancer
      Immunotherapy  Conference.
AB  - The inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference, cohosted by the
      Cancer Research Institute (CRI), the American Association for Cancer Research
      (AACR), the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy (CIMT), and the European Academy
      of Tumor Immunology (EATI), was held in New York City on September 16-19, 2015.
      The conference brought together nearly 1,400 scientists, clinicians, regulators,
      patient advocates, and other stakeholders to discuss the latest scientific
      developments in cancer immunology and immunotherapy, as well as the regulatory
      hurdles facing new drug development. This conference report summarizes the main
      themes that emerged during the 4-day meeting.

PMID- 27119140
TI  - From the nucleus to the apoplast: building the plant's cell wall.

PMID- 27119142
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27119141
TI  - The pending wave of point of care molecular testing: outlook and initial
      observations.

PMID- 27119144
TI  - 63rd ORCA Congress. July 6-9, 2016, Athens, Greece: Abstracts.

PMID- 27119143
TI  - Left Ventricular Dilation and Pulmonary Vasodilatation after Surgical Shunt for
      Treatment of Pre-Sinusoidal Portal Hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the long-term
      cardiovascular and pulmonary hemodynamic effects of surgical shunt for treatment
      of portal hypertension (PH) due to Schistosomiasis mansoni. LOCATION: The
      University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil; Public Practice. METHODS:
      Hemodynamic evaluation was performed with transesophageal Doppler and contrast
      enhanced echocardiography (ECHO) on twenty-eight participants with schistosomal
      portal hypertension. Participants were divided into two groups according to the
      surgical procedure used to treat their schistosomal portal hypertension within
      the last two years: group 1-distal splenorenal shunt (DSRS, n = 13) and group 2
      esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy (EGDS, n = 15). RESULTS: The
      cardiac output (5.08 +/- 0.91 L/min) and systolic volume (60.1 +/- 5.6 ml) were
      increased (p = 0.001) in the DSRS group. DSRS participants had a significant
      increase (p < 0.0001) in their left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic
      diameters as well as in their left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic
      volumes (p < 0.001) compared with the preoperative period. No statistically
      significant difference was found in the patients who underwent EGDS. ECHO
      revealed intrapulmonary vasodilatation (IPV) in 18 participants (64%), 9 DSRS and
      9 EGDS (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The late increase in the cardiac output, stroke
      volume and left ventricular diameters demonstrated left ventricular dilatation
      after a distal splenorenal shunt. ECHO revealed a greater prevalence for IPV in
      patients with schistosomiasis than has previously been described in patients with
      PH from liver cirrhosis.

PMID- 27119145
TI  - Pumping Iron in Australia: Prevalence, Trends and Sociodemographic Correlates of
      Muscle Strengthening Activity Participation from a National Sample of 195,926
      Adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current Australian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that
      adults engage in regular muscle-strengthening activity (e.g. strength or
      resistance training). However, public health surveillance studies describing the
      patterns and trends of population-level muscle-strengthening activity
      participation are sparse. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence,
      trends and sociodemographic correlates of muscle-strengthening activity
      participation in a national-representative sample of Australians aged 15 years
      and over. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2010, quarterly cross-sectional national
      telephone surveys were conducted as part of the Australian Sports Commission's
      'Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey'. Pooled population-weighted proportions
      were calculated for reporting: [i] no muscle-strengthening activity; [ii]
      insufficient muscle-strengthening activity, and [iii] sufficient muscle
      strengthening activity. Associations with sociodemographic variables were
      assessed using multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Out of 195,926
      participants, aged 15-98 years, only 10.4% (95% CI: 10.1-10.7) and 9.3% (95% CI:
      9.1-9.5) met the muscle-strengthening activity recommendations in the past two
      weeks and in the past year, respectively. Older adults (50+ years), and those
      living in socioeconomically disadvantaged, outer regional/remote areas and with
      lower education were less likely to report sufficient muscle-strengthening
      activity (p<0.001). Over the 10-year monitoring period, there was a significant
      increase in the prevalence of sufficient muscle-strengthening activity (6.4% to
      12.0%, p-value for linear trend <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A vast majority of
      Australian adults did not engage in sufficient muscle-strengthening activity.
      There is a need for public health strategies to support participation in muscle
      strengthening activity in this population. Such strategies should target older
      and lower educated adults, and those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged,
      outer regional/remote and areas.

PMID- 27119148
TI  - On Retinal Gene Therapy.
AB  - Mutations in a large number of genes cause retinal degeneration and blindness
      with no cure currently available. Retinal gene therapy has evolved over the last
      decades to become a promising new treatment paradigm for these rare disorders.
      This article reflects on the ideas and concepts arising from basic science
      towards the translation of retinal gene therapy into the clinical realm. It
      describes the advances and present thinking on the efficacy of current clinical
      trials and discusses potential roadblocks and solutions for the future of retinal
      gene therapy. 

PMID- 27119146
TI  - Sc65-Null Mice Provide Evidence for a Novel Endoplasmic Reticulum Complex
      Regulating Collagen Lysyl Hydroxylation.
AB  - Collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix and its integrity is
      essential for connective tissue and organ function. The importance of proteins
      involved in intracellular collagen post-translational modification, folding and
      transport was recently highlighted from studies on recessive forms of
      osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Here we describe the critical role of SC65
      (Synaptonemal Complex 65, P3H4), a leprecan-family member, as part of an
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) complex with prolyl 3-hydroxylase 3. This complex
      affects the activity of lysyl-hydroxylase 1 potentially through interactions with
      the enzyme and/or cyclophilin B. Loss of Sc65 in the mouse results in instability
      of this complex, altered collagen lysine hydroxylation and cross-linking leading
      to connective tissue defects that include low bone mass and skin fragility. This
      is the first indication of a prolyl-hydroxylase complex in the ER controlling
      lysyl-hydroxylase activity during collagen synthesis. 

PMID- 27119147
TI  - Relative Contributions of Various Cellular Mechanisms to Loss of Algae during
      Cnidarian Bleaching.
AB  - When exposed to stress such as high seawater temperature, corals and other
      cnidarians can bleach due to loss of symbiotic algae from the host tissue and/or
      loss of pigments from the algae. Although the environmental conditions that
      trigger bleaching are reasonably well known, its cellular and molecular
      mechanisms are not well understood. Previous studies have reported the occurrence
      of at least four different cellular mechanisms for the loss of symbiotic algae
      from the host tissue: in situ degradation of algae, exocytic release of algae
      from the host, detachment of host cells containing algae, and death of host cells
      containing algae. The relative contributions of these several mechanisms to
      bleaching remain unclear, and it is also not known whether these relative
      contributions change in animals subjected to different types and/or durations of
      stresses. In this study, we used a clonal population of the small sea anemone
      Aiptasia, exposed individuals to various precisely controlled stress conditions,
      and quantitatively assessed the several possible bleaching mechanisms in
      parallel. Under all stress conditions tested, except for acute cold shock at 4
      degrees C, expulsion of intact algae from the host cells appeared to be by far
      the predominant mechanism of bleaching. During acute cold shock, in situ
      degradation of algae and host-cell detachment also became quantitatively
      significant, and the algae released under these conditions appeared to be
      severely damaged.

PMID- 27119149
TI  - Patterns of Phylogenetic Diversity of Subtropical Rainforest of the Great Sandy
      Region, Australia Indicate Long Term Climatic Refugia.
AB  - Australia's Great Sandy Region is of international significance containing two
      World Heritage areas and patches of rainforest growing on white sand. Previous
      broad-scale analysis found the Great Sandy biogeographic subregion contained a
      significantly more phylogenetically even subset of species than expected by
      chance contrasting with rainforest on white sand in Peru. This study aimed to
      test the patterns of rainforest diversity and relatedness at a finer scale and to
      investigate why we may find different patterns of phylogenetic evenness compared
      with rainforests on white sands in other parts of the world. This study focussed
      on rainforest sites within the Great Sandy and surrounding areas in South East
      Queensland (SEQ), Australia. We undertook field collections, expanded our three
      marker DNA barcode library of SEQ rainforest plants and updated the phylogeny to
      95% of the SEQ rainforest flora. We sampled species composition of rainforest in
      fixed area plots from 100 sites. We calculated phylogenetic diversity (PD)
      measures as well as species richness (SR) for each rainforest community. These
      combined with site variables such as geology, were used to evaluate patterns and
      relatedness. We found that many rainforest communities in the Great Sandy area
      were significantly phylogenetically even at the individual site level consistent
      with a broader subregion analysis. Sites from adjacent areas were either not
      significant or were significantly phylogenetically clustered. Some results in the
      neighbouring areas were consistent with historic range expansions. In contrast
      with expectations, sites located on the oldest substrates had significantly lower
      phylogenetic diversity (PD). Fraser Island was once connected to mainland
      Australia, our results are consistent with a region geologically old enough to
      have continuously supported rainforest in refugia. The interface of tropical and
      temperate floras in part also explains the significant phylogenetic evenness and
      higher than expected phylogenetic diversity.

PMID- 27119150
TI  - HIV-1 Antiretroviral Drug Resistance Mutations in Treatment Naive and Experienced
      Panamanian Subjects: Impact on National Use of EFV-Based Schemes.
AB  - The use of antiretroviral therapy in HIV infected subjects prevents AIDS-related
      illness and delayed occurrence of death. In Panama, rollout of ART started in
      1999 and national coverage has reached 62.8% since then. The objective of this
      study was to determine the level and patterns of acquired drug resistance
      mutations of clinical relevance (ADR-CRM) and surveillance drug resistance
      mutations (SDRMs) from 717 HIV-1 pol gene sequences obtained from 467 ARV drug
      experienced and 250 ARV drug-naive HIV-1 subtypes B infected subjects during 2007
      2013, respectively. The overall prevalence of SDRM and of ADR-CRM during the
      study period was 9.2% and 87.6%, respectively. The majority of subjects with ADR
      CRM had a pattern of mutations that confer resistance to at least two classes of
      ARV inhibitors. The non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)
      mutations K103N and P225H were more prevalent in both ARV drug-naive and ARV drug
      experienced subjects. The nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)
      mutation M184V was more frequent in ARV drug-experienced individuals, while
      T215YFrev and M41L were more frequent in ARV drug-naive subjects. Prevalence of
      mutations associated to protease inhibitors (PI) was lower than 4.1% in both
      types of subjects. Therefore, there is a high level of resistance (>73%) to
      Efavirenz/Nevirapine, Lamivudine and Azidothymidine in ARV drug-experienced
      subjects, and an intermediate to high level of resistance (5-10%) to
      Efavirenz/Nevirapine in ARV drug-naive subjects. During the study period, we
      observed an increasing trend in the prevalence of ADR-CRM in subjects under first
      line schemes, but not significant changes in the prevalence of SDRM. These
      results reinforce the paramount importance of a national surveillance system of
      ADR-CRM and SDRM for national management policies of subjects living with HIV.

PMID- 27119152
TI  - Correction: Shaping the Growth Behaviour of Biofilms Initiated from Bacterial
      Aggregates.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149683.].

PMID- 27119151
TI  - Carbonate Production by Benthic Communities on Shallow Coralgal Reefs of Abrolhos
      Bank, Brazil.
AB  - The abundance of reef builders, non-builders and the calcium carbonate produced
      by communities established in Calcification Accretion Units (CAUs) were
      determined in three Abrolhos Bank shallow reefs during the period from 2012 to
      2014. In addition, the seawater temperature, the irradiance, and the amount and
      composition of the sediments were determined. The inner and outer reef arcs were
      compared. CAUs located on the inner reef shelf were under the influence of
      terrigenous sediments. On the outer reefs, the sediments were composed primarily
      of marine biogenic carbonates. The mean carbonate production in shallow reefs of
      Abrolhos was 579 +/- 98 g m-2 y-1. The builder community was dominated by
      crustose coralline algae, while the non-builder community was dominated by turf.
      A marine heat wave was detected during the summer of 2013-2014, and the number of
      consecutive days with a temperature above or below the summer mean was positively
      correlated with the turf cover increase. The mean carbonate production of the
      shallow reefs of Abrolhos Bank was greater than the estimated carbonate
      production measured for artificial structures on several other shallow reefs of
      the world. The calcimass was higher than the non-calcareous mass, suggesting that
      the Abrolhos reefs are still in a positive carbonate production balance. Given
      that marine heat waves produce an increase of turf cover on the shallow reefs of
      the Abrolhos, a decrease in the cover represented by reef builders and shifting
      carbonate production are expected in the near future.

PMID- 27119153
TI  - Optimized depiction of thalamic substructures with a combination of T1-MPRAGE and
      phase: MPRAGE.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Deep brain stimulation has received increasing attention in recent
      years as a treatment option for many neurological diseases. The thalamic nuclei
      in particular are widely used as targets. The goal of the present work was to
      evaluate whether the combination of two known MRI techniques can lead to
      identification of thalamic substructures at 3 T. METHODS: In nine healthy
      subjects, an optimized 3D magnetization prepared rapid acquisition GRE (MPRAGE)
      protocol and phase data from a 3D GRE sequence were combined to form a new
      contrast (MPRAGE*). The depiction of 13 thalamic substructures was rated by two
      independent raters in the MPRAGE, phase and MPRAGE* image on a five-point scale.
      Inter-rater reliability was scored with a weighted Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: Inter
      rater reliability was good, with the average weighted kappa = 0.68. No
      significant difference between the depiction of the thalamic substructures
      between phase and MPRAGE images could be found. MPRAGE* showed a significantly
      better depiction of thalamic substructures in comparison to MPRAGE and phase (p <
      0.001 for both cases). CONCLUSION: The combination of an optimized MPRAGE
      protocol with phase data to form an MPRAGE* image leads to a further improvement
      in the depiction of thalamic substructures, which enables the depiction of
      thalamic nuclei at 3 T.

PMID- 27119154
TI  - Two-Solvent Method Synthesis of NiO/ZnO Nanoparticles Embedded in Mesoporous SBA
      15: Photocatalytic Properties Study.
AB  - Different loadings of NiO/ZnO nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous silica (SBA
      15) were prepared via a two-solvent method with the ordered hexagonal mesoporous
      structure of SBA-15 kept. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffusive reflective UV-vis spectroscopy, and N2
      adsorption porosimetry were employed to characterize the nanocomposites. The
      results indicate that the ordered hexagonal mesoporous structure of SBA-15 is
      kept and the absorption band edges of the nanocomposites shift into the
      ultraviolet light regime. The photocatalytic activity of our samples for
      degradation of methylene orange was investigated under UV light irradiation, and
      the results show that the nanocomposites have higher photodegradation ability
      toward methylene orange than commercial pure P-25. The photocatalytic activity of
      the nanocomposites was found to be dependent on both the adsorption ability of
      the SBA-15 and the photocatalytic activity of NiO-ZnO nanoparticles encapsulated
      in SBA-15. In addition, there is an optimal loading of NiO-ZnO nanoparticles. Too
      high or low loading will lower the photodegradation ability of the
      nanocomposites. 

PMID- 27119155
TI  - Conjugation Magnetic PAEEP-PLLA Nanoparticles with Lactoferrin as a Specific
      Targeting MRI Contrast Agent for Detection of Brain Glioma in Rats.
AB  - The diagnosis of malignant brain gliomas is largely based on magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) with contrast agents. In recent years, nano-sized contrast agents
      have been developed for improved MRI diagnosis. In this study, oleylamine-coated
      Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (OAM-MNPs) were synthesized with thermal
      decomposition method and encapsulated in novel amphiphilic poly(aminoethyl
      ethylene phosphate)/poly(L-lactide) (PAEEP-PLLA) copolymer nanoparticles. The OAM
      MNP-loaded PAEEP-PLLA nanoparticles (M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs) were further conjugated
      with lactoferrin (Lf) for glioma tumor targeting. The Lf-conjugated M-PAEEP-PLLA
      NPs (Lf-M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs) were characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy
      (PCS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR),
      thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample
      magnetometer (VSM). The average size of OAM-MNPs, M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs, and Lf-M
      PAEEP-PLLA-NPs were 8.6 +/- 0.3, 165.7 +/- 0.6, and 218.2 +/- 0.4 nm, with
      polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.185 +/- 0.023, 0.192 +/- 0.021, and 0.224 +/-
      0.036, respectively. TEM imaging showed that OAM-MNPs were monodisperse and
      encapsulated in Lf-M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs. TGA analysis showed that the content of iron
      oxide nanoparticles was 92.8 % in OAM-MNPs and 45.2 % in Lf-M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs. VSM
      results indicated that both OAM-MNPs and Lf-M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs were
      superparamagnetic, and the saturated magnetic intensity were 77.1 and 74.8 emu/g
      Fe. Lf-M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs exhibited good biocompatibility in cytotoxicity assay.
      The high cellular uptake of Lf-M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs in C6 cells indicated that Lf
      provided effective targeting for the brain tumor cells. The T 2 relaxation rate
      (r 2) of M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs and Lf-M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs were calculated to be 167.2 and
      151.3 mM(-1) s(-1). In MRI on Wistar rat-bearing glioma tumor, significant
      contrast enhancement could clearly appear at 4 h after injection and last 48 h.
      Prussian blue staining of the section clearly showed the retention of Lf-M-PAEEP
      PLLA-NPs in tumor tissues. The results from the in vitro and in vivo MRI
      indicated that Lf-M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs possessed strong, long-lasting, tumor
      targeting, and enhanced tumor MRI contrast ability. Lf-M-PAEEP-PLLA-NPs represent
      a promising nano-sized MRI contrast agent for brain glioma targeting MRI. 

PMID- 27119156
TI  - Organo/Zn-Al LDH Nanocomposites for Cationic Dye Removal from Aqueous Media.
AB  - Cationic dye sorption by Zn-Al-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) modified with
      anionic surfactants was examined using methylene blue (MB) dye as a compound
      model in aqueous solutions. The modification of Zn-Al LDHs was performed by
      reconstruction method using dodecyl sulfate anion (DS) solutions. DS contained Zn
      Al LDHs were characterized by XRD, FTIR, thermogravimetric, and SEM analysis. The
      reconstructed organo/Zn-Al LDHs comprise the crystalline phases (DS-intercalated
      LDHs, hydrotalcite), and the amorphous phase. The intercalation of DS ions into
      the interlayer galleries and DS adsorption on the surface of the LDHs occurred
      causing the MB adsorption on the external and its sorption in the internal
      surfaces of modified LDHs. The presence of DS greatly increased the affinity of
      organo/Zn-Al LDHs for MB due to hydrophobic interactions between the surfactants
      and the dye molecules. The optical properties of sorbed MB were studied. 

PMID- 27119157
TI  - Temperature-Dependent Nanofabrication on Silicon by Friction-Induced Selective
      Etching.
AB  - Friction-induced selective etching provides a convenient and practical way for
      fabricating protrusive nanostructures. A further understanding of this method is
      very important for establishing a controllable nanofabrication process. In this
      study, the effect of etching temperature on the formation of protrusive hillocks
      and surface properties of the etched silicon surface was investigated. It is
      found that the height of the hillock produced by selective etching increases with
      the etching temperature before the collapse of the hillock. The temperature
      dependent selective etching rate can be fitted well by the Arrhenius equation.
      The etching at higher temperature can cause rougher silicon surface with a little
      lower elastic modulus and hardness. The contact angle of the etched silicon
      surface decreases with the etching temperature. It is also noted that no obvious
      contamination can be detected on silicon surface after etching at different
      temperatures. As a result, the optimized condition for the selective etching was
      addressed. The present study provides a new insight into the control and
      application of friction-induced selective nanofabrication. 

PMID- 27119158
TI  - Concentration Effect of Reducing Agents on Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles:
      Size, Morphology, and Growth Mechanism.
AB  - Under various concentration conditions of reducing agents during the green
      synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), we obtain the various geometry
      (morphology and size) of AuNPs that play a crucial role in their catalytic
      properties. Through both theoretical and experimental approaches, we studied the
      relationship between the concentration of reducing agent (caffeic acid) and the
      geometry of AuNPs. As the concentration of caffeic acid increases, the sizes of
      AuNPs were decreased due to the adsorption and stabilizing effect of oxidized
      caffeic acids (OXCAs). Thus, it turns out that optimal concentration exists for
      the desired geometry of AuNPs. Furthermore, we investigated the growth mechanism
      for the green synthesis of AuNPs. As the caffeic acid is added and adsorbed on
      the surface of AuNPs, the aggregation mechanism and surface free energy are
      changed and consequently resulted in the AuNPs of various geometry. 

PMID- 27119159
TI  - The Integral Role of Genetic Variation in the Evolution of Outcrossing in the
      Caenorhabditis elegans-Serratia marcescens Host-Parasite System.
AB  - Outcrossing is predicted to facilitate more rapid adaptation than self
      fertilization as a result of genetic exchange between genetically variable
      individuals. Such genetic exchange may increase the efficacy of selection by
      breaking down Hill-Robertson interference, as well as promoting the maintenance
      of within-lineage genetic diversity. Experimental studies have demonstrated the
      selective advantage of outcrossing in novel environments. Here, we assess the
      specific role of genetic variation in the evolution of outcrossing. We
      experimentally evolved genetically variable and inbred populations of mixed
      mating (outcrossing and self-fertilizing) Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes under
      novel ecological conditions-specifically the presence of the virulent parasite
      Serratia marcescens. Outcrossing rates increased in genetically variable host
      populations evolved in the presence of the parasite, whereas parasite exposure in
      inbred populations resulted in reduced rates of host outcrossing. The host
      populations with genetic variation also exhibited increased fitness in the
      presence of the parasite over eight generations, whereas inbred populations did
      not. This increase in fitness was primarily the result of adaptation to the
      parasite, rather than recovery from initial inbreeding depression. Therefore, the
      benefits of outcrossing were only manifested in the presence of genetic
      variation, and outcrossing was favored over self-fertilization as a result. As
      predicted, the benefits of outcrossing under novel ecological conditions are a
      product of genetic exchange between genetically diverse lineages.

PMID- 27119160
TI  - Nematopsis temporariae (Gregarinasina, Apicomplexa, Alveolata) is an
      intracellular infectious agent of tadpole livers.
AB  - Amphibians are in decline as a result of habitat destruction, climate change and
      infectious diseases. Tadpoles are thought susceptible to infections because they
      are dependent on only an innate immune system (e.g. macrophages). This is because
      the frog adaptive immune system does not function until later stages of their
      life cycle. In 1920, Noller described a putative infectious agent of tadpoles
      named Nematopsis temporariae, which he putatively assigned to gregarine protists
      (Apicomplexa). Here, we identify a gregarine infection of tadpoles using both
      microscopy and ribosomal DNA sequencing of three different frog species (Rana
      temporaria, R. dalmatina, and Hyla arborea). We show that this protist lineage
      belongs to the subclass Gregarinasina Dufour 1828 and is regularly present in
      macrophages located in liver sinusoids of tadpoles, confirming the only known
      case of a gregarine infection of a vertebrate.

PMID- 27119162
TI  - Expression Levels of Human Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter 1 and
      Deoxycytidine Kinase Enzyme as Prognostic Factors in Patients with Acute Myeloid
      Leukemia Treated with Cytarabine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytarabine (Ara-C) is the primary drug in different treatment schemas
      for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and requires the human equilibrative nucleoside
      transporter (hENT1) to enter cells. The deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) enzyme limits
      its activation rate. Therefore, decreased expression levels of these genes may
      influence the response rate to this drug. METHODS: AML patients without previous
      treatment were enrolled. The expression of hENT1 and dCK genes was analyzed using
      RT-PCR. Clinical parameters were registered. All patients received Ara-C +
      doxorubicin as an induction regimen (7 + 3 schema). Descriptive statistics were
      used to analyze data. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to determine
      factors that influenced response and survival. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients
      were included from January 2011 until December 2012. Median age was 36.5 years.
      All patients had an adequate performance status (43% with ECOG 1 and 57% with
      ECOG 2). Cytogenetic risk was considered unfavorable in 54% of the patients.
      Complete response was achieved in 53.8%. Cox regression analysis showed that a
      higher hENT1 expression level was the only factor that influenced response and
      survival. CONCLUSIONS: These results highly suggest that the pharmacogenetic
      analyses of Ara-C influx may be decisive in AML patients.

PMID- 27119161
TI  - A common effect of angiotensin II and relaxin 2 on the PNT1A normal prostate
      epithelial cell line.
AB  - The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive tract which produces both
      angiotensin II (Ang II) and relaxin 2 (RLN2). The present study analyzes the
      effect of both these peptide hormones at concentration 10(-8)M on viability,
      proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion of normal prostate epithelial
      cells (PNT1A). Improved survival in two- and three-dimensional cell cultures was
      noted as well as visual changes in colony size and structure in GeltrexTM.
      Stimulatory influence on cell viability of each peptide applied single was lower
      than in combination. Enhanced survival of PNT1A cells appears to be associated
      with increased BCL2/BAX messenger RNA (mRNA) expression ratio. Modulation of cell
      spreading and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion dynamics were also altered as an
      influence of tested hormone application. However, long-term Ang II and RLN2
      effects may lead to an increase of normal prostate cell migration and invasion
      abilities. Moreover, gelatin zymography revealed that both gelatinases A and B
      were augmented by Ang II treatment, whereas RLN2 significantly stimulated only
      MMP-9 secretion. These results support the hypothesis that deregulation of
      locally secreted peptide hormones such as Ang II and RLN2 may take part in the
      development of certain cancers, including prostate cancer. Moreover, the observed
      ability of relaxin 2 to act as a regulator of mRNA expression levels not only
      LGR7 but also classic angiotensin receptors suggested that renin-angiotensin
      system and relaxin family peptide system are functionally linked. 

PMID- 27119163
TI  - Relationship between left atrial appendage emptying and left atrial function
      using cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with atrial fibrillation: comparison
      with transesophageal echocardiography.
AB  - To compare cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) quantifications of left atrium (LA)
      function and left atrial appendage (LAA) emptying depending on the presence of LA
      spontaneous echogenic contrast (LA-SEC) on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
      in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 48 patients with AF
      underwent sequential CMR examination and TEE in preparation for catheter
      ablation. The CMR protocol included cine and velocity encoding (VENC) sequences
      for evaluation of both LA function and LAA emptying. The peak blood velocity of
      LAA just before left ventricle systole was defined as the LAA emptying velocity
      (LAA-EV). Depending on the presence of LA-SEC on TEE, patients were divided into
      two groups, the SEC group (n = 15) and the non-SEC group (n = 33). Mean LAA-EV
      was significantly greater in the non-SEC group than in the SEC group (54.5 +/-
      24.8 ml/s vs. 26.0 +/- 22.6 ml/s, P < 0.01). LAA-EV had a significant positive
      relationship (P < 0.05) with LAA backflow velocity, as assessed using TEE. Use of
      an optimal LAA-EV cutoff value of 35 ml/s to predict LA-SEC yielded a sensitivity
      of 80.0 %, a specificity of 75.7 %, and positive and negative predictive values
      of 58.8 and 83.9 %, respectively. Using VENC-CMR, LAA-EV is associated with LA
      function and can be useful for predicting LA-SEC in patients with AF. 

PMID- 27119164
TI  - Coronary artery calcium scores and cardiovascular risk factors in 31,545
      asymptomatic Korean adults.
AB  - The aims of this study were to identify the distribution of coronary artery
      calcium score (CACS) by age group and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and to
      evaluate the association between CV risk factors and CACS classification in
      asymptomatic adults. The study included 31,545 asymptomatic Koreans, over 20
      years of age with no previous history of malignancy, proven coronary artery
      disease, or stroke, who underwent CACS computed tomography at the Health
      Promotion Center, Samsung Medical Center, between January 2005 and June 2013.
      Mean (+/-SD) age was 53.8 (+/-8.5) years overall, 56.1 (+/-8.3) in men, and 53.3
      (+/-8.5) in women. They were classified into five groups based on their resting
      CACS: none (CAC = 0), minimal (0 < CAC <= 10), mild (10 < CAC <= 100), moderate
      (100 < CAC <= 400), and extensive (400 > CAC). Older age groups exhibited higher
      CACS values. The proportion of CACS classification in our study was 55.5 % with
      no CACS, 9.5 % with minimal CACS, 19.8 % with mild CACS, 10.8 % with moderate
      CACS, and 4.3 % with extensive CACS. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated
      for CV risk factors to determine their association with CACS. When analyzed
      according to sex, in males, the adjusted OR for CACS increased with the presence
      of hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, chronic kidney disease,
      and smoking status. While, in females, the adjusted OR for CACS increased with
      the presence of HT, DM, and obesity. CV risk factors appear to be significantly
      associated with CACS in the Korean population. 

PMID- 27119166
TI  - Joint Cooling does not Hinder Athletic Performance during High-intensity
      Intermittent Exercise.
AB  - We examined the effects of ankle and knee joint cooling on 20-m sprint times and
      maximal vertical jump heights during high-intensity intermittent exercise. 21
      healthy collegiate male basketball (n=14) and handball players (n=7) underwent 3
      experimental sessions. Each session consisted of four 15-min quarters of high
      intensity intermittent exercises including various intensities of 20-m shuttle
      running and jumping. A 20-min bilateral joint cooling (ankle, knee, or control-no
      cooling: in a counterbalanced order) was applied before quarters 1 and 3. After
      joint cooling, no warm-up activity other than the exercise protocol was given.
      The 20-m sprint times and maximal vertical jump heights in each experimental
      session were recorded at baseline (prior to quarter-1) and during each quarter.
      To test joint cooling effects over time, we performed 3*5 mixed model ANOVAs.
      Neither ankle nor knee joint cooling changed 20-m sprint times (F8,280=1.45;
      p=0.18) or maximal vertical jump heights (F8,280=0.76; p=0.64). However, a trend
      was observed in which joint cooling immediately decreased (quarters 1 and 3) but
      active warm-up for approximately 20 min improved 20-min sprint times (quarters 2
      and 4). Our study suggests that athletic performance such as sprinting and
      jumping are not altered by joint cooling applied prior to or during high
      intensity intermittent exercise. 

PMID- 27119165
TI  - Assessing the Construct Validity and Internal Reliability of the Screening Tool
      Test Your Memory in Patients with Chronic Pain.
AB  - Patients with chronic pain often complain about cognitive difficulties, and since
      these symptoms represent an additional source of suffering and distress,
      evaluating the cognitive status of these patients with valid and reliable tests
      should be an important part of their overall assessment. Although cognitive
      impairment is a critical characteristic of pain, there is no specific measure
      designed to detect these effects in this population. The objective was to analyze
      the psychometric properties of the "Test Your Memory" (TYM) test in patients with
      chronic pain of three different origins. A cross-sectional study was carried out
      on 72 subjects free of pain and 254 patients suffering from different types of
      chronic pain: neuropathic pain (104), musculoskeletal pain (99) and fibromyalgia
      (51). The construct validity of the TYM was assessed using the Mini-Mental State
      Examination (MMSE), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADs), Index-9 from
      MOS-sleep, SF-12, and through the intensity (Visual Analogical Scale) and
      duration of pain. An exploratory factor analysis was also performed and internal
      reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. After adjusting for potential
      confounders the TYM could distinguish between pain and pain-free patients, and it
      was correlated with the: MMSE (0.89, p<0.001); HAD-anxiety (-0.50, p<0.001) and
      HAD-depression scales (-0.52, p<0.001); MOS-sleep Index-9 (-0.49, p<0.001); and
      the physical (0.49, p < .001) and mental components (0.55, p < .001) of SF-12.
      The exploratory structure of the TYM showed an 8-factor solution that explained
      53% of the variance, and Cronbach's alpha was 0.66. The TYM is a valid and
      reliable screening instrument to assess cognitive function in chronic pain
      patients that will be of particular value in clinical situations.

PMID- 27119198
TI  - Methanol Oxidation on Pt3Sn(111) for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells: Methanol
      Decomposition.
AB  - PtSn alloy, which is a potential material for use in direct methanol fuel cells,
      can efficiently promote methanol oxidation and alleviate the CO poisoning
      problem. Herein, methanol decomposition on Pt3Sn(111) was systematically
      investigated using periodic density functional theory and microkinetic modeling.
      The geometries and energies of all of the involved species were analyzed, and the
      decomposition network was mapped out to elaborate the reaction mechanisms. Our
      results indicated that methanol and formaldehyde were weakly adsorbed, and the
      other derivatives (CHxOHy, x = 1-3, y = 0-1) were strongly adsorbed and preferred
      decomposition rather than desorption on Pt3Sn(111). The competitive methanol
      decomposition started with the initial O-H bond scission followed by successive C
      H bond scissions, (i.e., CH3OH -> CH3O -> CH2O -> CHO -> CO). The Bronsted-Evans
      Polanyi relations and energy barrier decomposition analyses identified the C-H
      and O-H bond scissions as being more competitive than the C-O bond scission.
      Microkinetic modeling confirmed that the vast majority of the intermediates and
      products from methanol decomposition would escape from the Pt3Sn(111) surface at
      a relatively low temperature, and the coverage of the CO residue decreased with
      an increase in the temperature and decrease in partial methanol pressure.

PMID- 27119200
TI  - Formation of the S  =  1 paramagnetic centers in the bond-diluted spin-gap
      magnet.
AB  - Electron spin resonance experiment reveals that non-magnetic bond doping of the
      spin-gap magnet (C4H12N2)Cu2Cl6 (abbreviated PHCC) results in the formation of S 
      =  1 paramagnetic centers that dominate low-temperature ESR response. We have
      followed evolution of this signal with doping impurity content and have found
      that the concentraion of these centers is quadratic over the impurity content. We
      also observe coexistence of the ESR responses from these local centers and from
      delocalized triplet excitations over a certain temperature range.

PMID- 27119199
TI  - In vivo engineering of mobilized stem cell grafts with the immunomodulatory drug
      FTY720 for allogeneic transplantation.
AB  - The immunological attributes of stem cell grafts play an important role in the
      outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplants. Currently, ex vivo manipulation
      techniques such as bulk T-cell depletion or positive selection of CD34(+) cells
      are utilized to improve the immunological attributes of grafts and minimize the
      potential for graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Here, we demonstrate a novel
      graft engineering technique, which utilizes the immunomodulatory drug FTY720 for
      in vivo depletion of naive T (TN ) cells from donor G-CSF-mobilized grafts
      without ex vivo manipulation. We show that treatment of donor mice with FTY720
      during mobilization depletes grafts of TN cells and prevents lethal GvHD
      following transplantation in a major mismatch setting. Importantly, both stem
      cells and NK cells are retained in the FTY720-treated grafts. FTY720 treatment
      does not negatively affect the engraftment potential of stem cells as
      demonstrated in our congenic transplants or the functionality of NK cells. In
      addition, potentially useful memory T cells may be retained in the graft. These
      findings suggest that FTY720 may be used to optimize the immunological attributes
      of G-CSF-mobilized grafts by removing potentially deleterious TN cells which can
      contribute to GvHD, and by retaining useful cells which can promote immunity in
      the recipient.

PMID- 27119201
TI  - A mathematics-based new penalty area in football: tackling diving.
AB  - A novel penalty area (PA) for football (soccer) is proposed; it is based on
      considering mathematically the actual scoring possibility on the 2 dimensions
      near the goal. It is shown that the 150-year-old rectangular area is
      mathematically disproportionate; this can be causing too much diving or
      simulation by players around the goal and also too many matches that are decided
      unfairly. The goal or objective is to reduce these problems - and others - with a
      new PA based on the proposed scoring potential measure which is in turn based on
      the angle towards the goal line (between posts) and the distance to the centre of
      this line.

PMID- 27119202
TI  - Colloidal Suspensions of Rodlike Nanocrystals and Magnetic Spheres under an
      External Magnetic Stimulus: Experiment and Molecular Dynamics Simulation.
AB  - Using experiments and molecular dynamics simulations, we explore magnetic field
      induced phase transformations in suspensions of nonmagnetic rodlike and magnetic
      sphere-shaped particles. We experimentally demonstrate that an external uniform
      magnetic field causes the formation of small, stable clusters of magnetic
      particles that, in turn, induce and control the orientational order of the
      nonmagnetic subphase. Optical birefringence was studied as a function of the
      magnetic field and the volume fractions of each particle type. Steric transfer of
      the orientational order was investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations;
      the results are in qualitative agreement with the experimental observations. By
      reproducing the general experimental trends, the MD simulation offers a cohesive
      bottom-up interpretation of the physical behavior of such systems, and it can
      also be regarded as a guide for further experimental research.

PMID- 27119203
TI  - Counteranion-Stabilized Titanium(IV) Isopolyoxocationic Clusters Isolated from
      Water.
AB  - A novel titanium(IV) oxo cluster comprised solely of Ti, O, and H atoms,
      [Ti6(OMU)8(OtH2)20](8+) (Ti6) was synthesized in high yield via controlled
      hydrolysis and condensation of TiX4 (X = Cl, Br) in the presence of TBAX (TBA =
      tetrabutylammonium; X = Cl, Br) from water, while reactions of TiI4 and TBAI
      yielded [Ti8O12(OH2)24](8+) (Ti8). The structures and compositions of the
      clusters were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, powder X-ray
      diffraction, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and energy
      dispersive spectrometry. Ti6 is comprised of six-coordinated titanium(IV) atoms
      bridged with MU2-O atoms, structurally similar to a typical Lindqvist
      polyoxometalate. On the basis of a structural comparison of Ti6 and Ti8, density
      functional theory calculations, and spectroscopic analysis, it is evident that
      both clusters are stabilized by halide counteranions via the formation of
      hydrogen bonds. This study not only presents the second example of a titanium(IV)
      isopolyoxocationic cluster isolated from water but also suggests that
      counteranions are generally important for synthesizing molecular fragments of
      titanium oxides.

PMID- 27119204
TI  - Fast food versus slow food in very and extremely low-birthweight infants: speed
      of feeds is a little more than a gut feeling.

PMID- 27119205
TI  - Cyano-bridged coordination polymer hydrogel-derived Sn-Fe binary oxide
      nanohybrids with structural diversity: from 3D, 2D, to 2D/1D and enhanced lithium
      storage performance.
AB  - Metal oxide nanohybrids with uniform dimensions and controlled architectures
      possess unique compositional and structural superiorities, and thus harbor
      promising potential for a series of applications in energy, catalysis, and
      sensing systems. Herein, we propose a facile, general, and scalable cyano-bridged
      coordination polymer hydrogel-derived thermal-oxidation route for the
      construction of main-group metal and transition-metal heterometallic oxide
      nanohybrids with controlled constituents and architectures. The formation of Sn
      Fe binary oxide nanohybrids has been demonstrated as an example by using cyano
      bridged Sn(iv)-Fe(ii) bimetallic coordination polymer hydrogels (i.e., SnCl4
      K4Fe(CN)6 cyanogels, Sn-Fe cyanogels) as precursors. The physicochemical
      properties of Sn-Fe cyanogels with different Sn/Fe ratios have been
      systematically examined, and it is found that perfect Sn-Fe cyanogels without
      unbridged Sn(iv) or Fe(ii) can be formed with Sn/Fe ratios from 2 : 1 to 1 : 2.
      More importantly, the simple adjustment of Sn/Fe ratios in the Sn-Fe cyanogel
      precursors can realize flexible dimensional control of the Sn-Fe binary oxide
      nanohybrids, and 2D/1D SnO2-Fe2O3 hierarchitectures, 2D SnO2-Fe2O3 nanosheets,
      and 3D SnO2-Fe2O3 networks have been synthesized using the Sn-Fe 1 : 2, Sn-Fe 1 :
      1, and Sn-Fe 2 : 1 cyanogels as precursors, respectively. To demonstrate their
      compositional/structural superiorities and potential applications, the lithium
      storage utilization of the Sn-Fe binary oxide nanohybrids has been selected as an
      objective application, and the nanohybrids exhibit Sn/Fe ratio-dependent lithium
      storage performance. As a representative example, the 2D/1D SnO2-Fe2O3
      hierarchitectures manifest markedly enhanced Li-storage performance in terms of
      reversible capacities and cycling stability in comparison with their constituent
      units, i.e., bare SnO2 nanosheets and Fe2O3 nanorods. The proposed cyanogel
      derived thermal-oxidation strategy could open up new opportunities for
      constructing heterometallic oxide nanohybrids, and the rationally designed metal
      oxide nanohybrids may find broad applications in energy, catalysis, and sensing
      fields by virtue of their structural and compositional features. 

PMID- 27119206
TI  - Rebaudiosides R and S, Minor Diterpene Glycosides from the Leaves of Stevia
      rebaudiana.
AB  - Two new diterpene glycosides have been isolated from a commercial extract of the
      leaves of Stevia rebaudiana. Compound 1 was shown to be 13-[(2-O-beta-d
      glucopyranosyl-3-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-beta-d-xylopyranosyl)oxy]ent-kaur-16-en
      19-oic acid beta-d-glucopyranosyl ester (rebaudioside R), while compound 2 was
      determined to be 13-[(2-O-alpha-d-glucopyranosyl-beta-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]ent
      kaur-16-en-19-oic acid 2-O-alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl-beta-d-glucopyranosyl ester
      (rebaudioside S). Six additional known compounds were identified, dulcoside B, 13
      [(2-O-beta-d-xylopyranosyl-beta-d-glucopyranosyl)oxy]ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid
      beta-d-glucopyranosyl ester, eugenol diglucoside, rebaudioside G, 13-[(2-O-6
      deoxy-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-3-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-beta-d
      glucopyranosyl)oxy]ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid beta-d-glucopyranosyl ester, and
      rebaudioside D (3), respectively. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined based
      on comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) studies. A high-quality
      crystal of compound 3 allowed confirmation of its structure by X-ray diffraction.

PMID- 27119207
TI  - Flexible MgO Barrier Magnetic Tunnel Junctions.
AB  - Flexible MgO barrier magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices are fabricated using
      a transfer printing process. The flexible MTJ devices yield significantly
      enhanced tunneling magnetoresistance of ~300% and improved abruptness of
      switching, as residual strain in the MTJ structure is released during the
      transfer process. This approach could be useful for flexible electronic systems
      that require high-performance memory components. 

PMID- 27119208
TI  - Amphiphilic Graft Copolymers as a Versatile Binder for Various Electrodes of High
      Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries.
AB  - It is known that grafting one polymer onto another polymer backbone is a powerful
      strategy capable of combining dual benefits from each parent polymer. Thus
      amphiphilic graft copolymer precursors (poly(vinylidene difluoride)-graft
      poly(tert-butylacrylate) (PVDF-g-PtBA)) have been developed via atom transfer
      radical polymerization, and demonstrated its outstanding properties as a
      promising binder for high-performance lithium-ion battery (LIB) by using in situ
      pyrolytic transformation of PtBA to poly(acrylic acid) segments. In addition to
      its superior mechanical properties and accommodation capability of volume
      expansion, the Si anode with PVDF-g-PtBA exhibits the excellent charge and
      discharge capacities of 2672 and 2958 mAh g(-1) with the capacity retention of
      84% after 50 cycles. More meaningfully, the graft copolymer binder shows good
      operating characteristics in both LiN0.5 M1.5 O4 cathode and neural graphite
      anode, respectively. By containing such diverse features, a graft copolymer
      loaded LiN0.5 M1.5 O4 /Si-NG full cell has been successfully achieved, which
      delivers energy density as high as 546 Wh kg(-1) with cycle retention of ~70%
      after 50 cycles (1 C). For the first time, this work sheds new light on the
      unique nature of the graft copolymer binders in LIB application, which will
      provide a practical solution for volume expansion and low efficiency problems,
      leading to a high-energy-density lithium-ion chemistry. 

PMID- 27119209
TI  - Rice OVERLY TOLERANT TO SALT 1 (OTS1) SUMO protease is a positive regulator of
      seed germination and root development.
AB  - Salinity is one of the major environmental stresses affecting rice production
      worldwide. Improving rice salt tolerance is a critical step for sustainable food
      production. Posttranslational modifications of proteins greatly expand proteome
      diversity, increase functionality and allow quick responses to environmental
      stresses, all at low cost to the cell. SUMO mediated modification of substrate
      proteins is a highly dynamic process governed by the balance of activities of
      SUMO E3 ligases and deconjugating SUMO proteases. In recent years, SUMO (Small
      Ubiquitin like Modifier) conjugation of proteins has emerged as an influential
      regulator of stress signaling in the model plant Arabidopsis. However SUMOylation
      remain largely under studied in crop plants. We recently identified the SUMO
      protease gene family in rice and demonstrated a role for OsOTS1 SUMO proteases in
      salt stress. Interestingly, rice plants silencing OsOTS1 also show significantly
      reduced germination rate. Knockdown of OsOTS1 gene expression affects root growth
      by primarily reducing cell size rather than cell division.

PMID- 27119211
TI  - The Relationship Between Pain, Self-Injury, and Other Problem Behaviors in Young
      Children With Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.
AB  - Research has suggested that individuals who engage in self-injurious behavior may
      have enhanced expressions of pain, which contradicts previous assertions of
      blunted pain sensitivity in this population. The purpose of this study was to
      measure expressions of pain among young children being evaluated for autism and
      other neurodevelopmental disabilities. The frequency of pain-related behaviors
      was assessed during everyday routines using the Non-Communicating Children's Pain
      Checklist (NCCPC-R) for 51 children. Significant group differences between
      children with and without self-injury were found for the NCCPC-R total scores.
      The frequency and severity of self-injury, aggression, and stereotypy were also
      highly correlated with the total scores on the NCCPC-R. These results continue to
      support that individuals with self-injury may have enhanced expressions of pain. 

PMID- 27119210
TI  - Comparing Single Case Design Overlap-Based Effect Size Metrics From Studies
      Examining Speech Generating Device Interventions.
AB  - Meaningfully synthesizing single case experimental data from intervention studies
      comprised of individuals with low incidence conditions and generating effect size
      estimates remains challenging. Seven effect size metrics were compared for single
      case design (SCD) data focused on teaching speech generating device use to
      individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with moderate
      to profound levels of impairment. The effect size metrics included percent of
      data points exceeding the median (PEM), percent of nonoverlapping data (PND),
      improvement rate difference (IRD), percent of all nonoverlapping data (PAND),
      Phi, nonoverlap of all pairs (NAP), and Tau(novlap). Results showed that among
      the seven effect size metrics, PAND, Phi, IRD, and PND were more effective in
      quantifying intervention effects for the data sample (N = 285 phase or condition
      contrasts). Results are discussed with respect to issues concerning extracting
      and calculating effect sizes, visual analysis, and SCD intervention research in
      IDD.

PMID- 27119212
TI  - Contributors to Adult Sibling Relationships and Intention to Care of Siblings of
      Individuals With Down Syndrome.
AB  - The contribution of childhood sibling relationships to adult sibling
      relationships and intention to provide care was investigated in a sample in which
      one member of each dyad had Down syndrome. Thirty-nine adult siblings of an adult
      with Down syndrome who had participated in a study of sibling relationships in
      childhood/adolescence provided data about the quality of current relationships
      and of their intention to provide care for their brother/sister with Down
      syndrome in the future. Only behavior problems in the child with Down syndrome
      predicted warmth of the current adult relationship. Although adult sibling
      relationships were reported to be warm, the quality of neither the current nor
      the past relationship was associated with the reported intention to provide care.

PMID- 27119213
TI  - Stimulus Overselectivity in Autism, Down Syndrome, and Typical Development.
AB  - Stimulus overselectivity refers to maladaptive narrow attending that is a common
      learning problem among children with intellectual disabilities and frequently
      associated with autism. The present study contrasted overselectivity among groups
      of children with autism, Down syndrome, and typical development. The groups with
      autism and Down syndrome were matched for intellectual level, and all three
      groups were matched for developmental levels on tests of nonverbal reasoning and
      receptive vocabulary. Delayed matching-to-sample tests presented color/form
      compounds, printed words, photographs of faces, Mayer-Johnson Picture
      Communication Symbols, and unfamiliar black forms. No significant differences
      among groups emerged for test accuracy scores. Overselectivity was not
      statistically overrepresented among individuals with autism in contrast to those
      with Down syndrome or typically developing children. 

PMID- 27119215
TI  - A Qualitative Analysis of Imitation Performances of Preschoolers With Down
      Syndrome.
AB  - A number of studies suggest that imitation is a characteristic strength in
      children with Down Syndrome (DS). The present study aims to discover whether
      imitation performances are qualitatively phenotypical in DS. Eight preschoolers
      with DS were matched on chronological, mental, language and imitation age with 8
      preschoolers with intellectual disability of undifferentiated etiology (ID-UND).
      Imitation performances on the Preschool Imitation and Praxis Scale were
      videotaped for blind scoring on 30 possible errors. Children with DS made fewer
      production errors (synkinesias, OR 0.3 [0.1-0.7]), but more conceptual errors
      (substitution, OR 2.5 [1.6-3.9]) compared to children with ID-UND. This finding
      is in line with the view of a cognitive phenotype in DS, which is characterized
      by preserved visuospatial and impaired language abilities. 

PMID- 27119214
TI  - A Spoken-Language Intervention for School-Aged Boys With Fragile X Syndrome.
AB  - Using a single case design, a parent-mediated spoken-language intervention was
      delivered to three mothers and their school-aged sons with fragile X syndrome,
      the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability. The intervention was
      embedded in the context of shared storytelling using wordless picture books and
      targeted three empirically derived language-support strategies. All sessions were
      implemented through distance videoteleconferencing. Parent education sessions
      were followed by 12 weekly clinician coaching and feedback sessions. Data were
      collected weekly during independent homework and clinician observation sessions.
      Relative to baseline, mothers increased their use of targeted strategies, and
      dyads increased the frequency and duration of story-related talking. Generalized
      effects of the intervention on lexical diversity and grammatical complexity were
      observed. Implications for practice are discussed. 

PMID- 27119218
TI  - SAINTq: Scoring protein-protein interactions in affinity purification - mass
      spectrometry experiments with fragment or peptide intensity data.
AB  - SAINT (Significance Analysis of INTeractome) is a probabilistic method for
      scoring bait-prey interactions against negative controls in affinity purification
      - mass spectrometry (AP-MS) experiments. Our published SAINT algorithms use
      spectral counts or protein intensities as the input for calculating the
      probability of true interaction, which enables objective selection of high
      confidence interactions with false discovery control. With the advent of new
      protein quantification methods such as Data Independent Acquisition (DIA), we
      redeveloped the scoring method to utilize the reproducibility information
      embedded in the peptide or fragment intensity data as a key scoring criterion,
      bypassing protein intensity summarization required in the previous SAINT
      workflow. The new software package, SAINTq, addresses key issues in the
      interaction scoring based on intensity data, including treatment of missing
      values and selection of peptides and fragments for scoring each prey protein. We
      applied SAINTq to two independent DIA AP-MS data sets profiling the interactome
      of MEPCE and EIF4A2 and that of 14-3-3beta, and benchmarked the performance in
      terms of recovering previously reported literature interactions in the iRefIndex
      database. In both data sets, the SAINTq analysis using the fragment-level
      intensity data led to the most sensitive detection of literature interactions at
      the same level of specificity. This analysis outperforms the analysis using
      protein intensity data summed from fragment intensity data that is equivalent to
      the model in SAINTexpress.

PMID- 27119219
TI  - Reply letter to "Insurance claims of alleged anesthesiology malpractice in a
      Spanish series".

PMID- 27119220
TI  - Subcortical connections of the perirhinal, postrhinal, and entorhinal cortices of
      the rat. I. afferents.
AB  - In this study the subcortical afferents for the rat PER areas 35 and 36, POR, and
      the lateral and medial entorhinal areas (LEA and MEA) were characterized. We
      analyzed 33 retrograde tract-tracing experiments distributed across the five
      regions. For each experiment, we estimated the total numbers, percentages, and
      densities of labeled cells in 36 subcortical structures and nuclei distributed
      across septum, basal ganglia, claustrum, amygdala, olfactory structures,
      thalamus, and hypothalamus. We found that the complement of subcortical inputs
      differs across the five regions, especially the PER and POR. The PER receives
      input from the reuniens, suprageniculate, and medial geniculate thalamic nuclei
      as well as the amygdala. Overall, the subcortical inputs to the PER were
      consistent with a role in perception, multimodal processing, and the formation of
      associations that include the motivational significance of individual items and
      objects. Subcortical inputs to the POR were dominated by the dorsal thalamus,
      particularly the lateral posterior nucleus, a region implicated in visuospatial
      attention. The complement of subcortical inputs to the POR is consistent with a
      role in representing and monitoring the local spatial context. We also report
      that, in addition to the PER, the LEA and the medial band of the MEA also receive
      strong amygdala input. In contrast, subcortical input to the POR and the MEA
      lateral band includes much less amygdala input and is dominated by dorsal
      thalamic nuclei, particularly nuclei involved in spatial information processing.
      Thus, some subcortical inputs are consistent with the view that there is
      functional differentiation along the septotemporal axis of the hippocampus, but
      others provide considerable integration. Overall, we conclude that the patterns
      of subcortical inputs to the PER, POR, and the entorhinal LEA and MEA provide
      further evidence for functional differentiation in the medial temporal lobe. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27119222
TI  - Taking Control: The Efficacy and Durability of a Peer-Led Uncertainty Management
      Intervention for People Recently Diagnosed With HIV.
AB  - HIV creates substantial uncertainty for people infected with the virus, which
      subsequently affects a host of psychosocial outcomes critical to successful
      management of the disease. This study assessed the efficacy and durability of a
      theoretically driven, one-on-one peer support intervention designed to facilitate
      uncertainty management and enhance psychosocial functioning for patients newly
      diagnosed with HIV. Using a pretest-posttest control group design, 98
      participants received information and training in specific communication
      strategies (e.g., disclosing to friends and family, eliciting social support,
      talking to health care providers, using the Internet to gather information, and
      building social networks through AIDS service organizations). Participants in the
      experimental group attended six 1-hour sessions, whereas control participants
      received standard of care for 12 months (after which they received the
      intervention). Over time, participants in the intervention fared significantly
      better regarding (a) illness uncertainty, (b) depression, and (c) satisfaction
      with social support than did those in the control group. Given the utility and
      cost-effectiveness of this intervention and the uncertainty of a multitude of
      medical diagnoses and disease experiences, further work is indicated to determine
      how this program could be expanded to other illnesses and to address related
      factors, such as treatment adherence and clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27119221
TI  - From Chemical Mutagenesis to Post-Expression Mutagenesis: A 50 Year Odyssey.
AB  - Site-directed (gene) mutagenesis has been the most useful method available for
      the conversion of one amino acid residue of a given protein into another. Until
      relatively recently, this strategy was limited to the twenty standard amino
      acids. The ongoing maturation of stop codon suppression and related technologies
      for unnatural amino acid incorporation has greatly expanded access to nonstandard
      amino acids by expanding the scope of the translational apparatus. However, the
      necessity for translation of genetic changes restricts the diversity of residues
      that may be incorporated. Herein we highlight an alternative approach, termed
      post-expression mutagenesis, which operates at the level of the very functional
      biomolecules themselves. Using the lens of retrosynthesis, we highlight prospects
      for new strategies in protein modification, alteration, and construction which
      will enable protein science to move beyond the constraints of the "translational
      filter" and lead to a true synthetic biology.

PMID- 27119223
TI  - Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Daily Living Self-Efficacy
      Scale among stroke patients.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese
      version of the Daily Living Self-Efficacy Scale (DLSES) in stroke patients. In
      total, 172 participants were recruited from a local hospital in China. The
      internal consistent reliability and convergent validity of the total scale and
      activities of daily living (ADL) and psychosocial functioning subscales were
      examined and factor analysis was carried out. Cronbach's alphas for the Chinese
      version of the DLSES, ADL subscale, and psychosocial subscale were 0.96, 0.90,
      and 0.95, respectively. In the factor analysis, two factors (ADL and psychosocial
      functioning) were extracted, explaining 84.4% of the total variance in self
      efficacy (chi/d.f.=2.19, root mean square error of approximation=0.08, normed fit
      index=0.95, comparative fit index=0.98, incremental fit index=0.98). Convergent
      validity was confirmed by positive relationships between the Chinese version of
      the DLSES and the Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (r=0.87). The ADL subscale was
      associated positively with the Barthel Index (r=0.74) and the psychosocial
      functioning subscale was associated negatively with the Functional Activities
      Questionnaire (r=-0.73) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (r=
      0.44). The Chinese version of the DLSES was shown to be a reliable and valid
      measure of self-efficacy in stroke patients. 

PMID- 27119224
TI  - The effectiveness of external sensory cues in improving functional performance in
      individuals with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
AB  - A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effect
      external sensory cued therapy on activities of daily living (ADL) performance
      that include walking and daily tasks such as dressing for individuals with
      Parkinson's disease (PD). A detailed computer-aided search of the literature was
      applied to MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature,
      EMBASE and PubMed. Studies investigating the effects of external sensory cued
      therapy on ADL performance for individuals with PD in all stages of disease
      progression were collected. Relevant articles were critically reviewed and study
      results were synthesized by two independent researchers. A data-analysis method
      was used to extract data from selected articles. A meta-analysis was carried out
      for all randomized-controlled trials. Six studies with 243 individuals with PD
      were included in this review. All six studies yielded positive findings in favour
      of external sensory cues. The meta-analysis showed that external sensory cued
      therapy improved statistically after treatment (P=0.011) and at follow-up
      (P<0.001) for ADL performance. The results of this review provided evidence of an
      improvement in ADL performance in general in individuals with PD. It is
      recommended that clinicians incorporate external sensory into a training
      programme focused on improving daily task performance. 

PMID- 27119226
TI  - Multiple analyses of large-scale genome-wide association study highlight new risk
      pathways in lumbar spine bone mineral density.
AB  - Osteoporosis is a common human complex disease. It is mainly characterized by low
      bone mineral density (BMD) and low-trauma osteoporotic fractures (OF). Until now,
      a large proportion of heritability has yet to be explained. The existing large
      scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide strong support for the
      investigation of osteoporosis mechanisms using pathway analysis. Recent findings
      showed that different risk pathways may be involved in BMD in different tissues.
      Here, we conducted multiple pathway analyses of a large-scale lumbar spine BMD
      GWAS dataset (2,468,080 SNPs and 31,800 samples) using two published gene-based
      analysis software including ProxyGeneLD and the PLINK. Using BMD genes from
      ProxyGeneLD, we identified 51 significant KEGG pathways with adjusted P<0.01.
      Using BMD genes from PLINK, we identified 38 significant KEGG pathways with
      adjusted P<0.01. Interestingly, 33 pathways are shared in both methods. In
      summary, we not only identified the known risk pathway such as Wnt signaling, in
      which the top GWAS variants are significantly enriched, but also highlight some
      new risk pathways. Interestingly, evidence from further supports the involvement
      of these pathways in MBD. 

PMID- 27119227
TI  - Effective treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ with a HER-2- targeted alpha
      particle emitting radionuclide in a preclinical model of human breast cancer.
AB  - The standard treatment for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast is
      surgical resection, followed by radiation. Here, we tested localized therapy of
      DCIS in mice using the immunoconjugate 225Ac linked-trastuzumab delivered through
      the intraductal (i.duc) route. Trastuzumab targets HER-2/neu, while the alpha
      emitter 225Ac (half-life, 10 days) delivers highly cytotoxic, focused doses of
      radiation to tumors. Systemic 225Ac, however, elicits hematologic toxicity and at
      high doses free 213Bi, generated by its decay, causes renal toxicity. I.duc
      delivery of the radioimmunoconjugate could bypass its systemic toxicity.
      Bioluminescent imaging showed that the therapeutic efficacy of intraductal 225Ac
      trastuzumab (10-40 nCi per mammary gland; 30-120 nCi per mouse) in a DCIS model
      of human SUM225 cancer cells in NSG mice was significantly higher (p<0.0003) than
      intravenous (120 nCi per mouse) administration, with no kidney toxicity or loss
      of body weight. Our findings suggest that i.duc radioimmunotherapy using 225Ac
      trastuzumab deserves greater attention for future clinical development as a
      treatment modality for early breast cancer. 

PMID- 27119228
TI  - NEDL2 regulates enteric nervous system and kidney development in its Nedd8 ligase
      activity-dependent manner.
AB  - The GDNF (Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor)/Ret/Akt signaling pathway
      is essential to the development of ENS (enteric nervous system) as well as
      kidney. We previously showed that the HECT-type E3 ligase NEDL2 (Nedd4-like
      ligase 2) is required for the ENS development by activating GDNF/Ret/Akt.
      However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here we show that in addition
      to ENS, NEDL2 is also pivotal for kidney development since about 1/3 of Nedl2
      deficient mice displayed postnatal unilateral or bilateral kidney hydronephrosis.
      Double knockout of Nedl1 and Nedl2 in mice leads to postnatal lethal within 2
      weeks and the phenotypes resemble those of Nedl2 single knockout mice.
      Surprisingly, its close member NEDL1 is dispensable for ENS and kidney function
      and the reason is lack of NEDL1 expression in these systems during early
      development. Furthermore, biochemical analysis indicated that NEDL2 appears to
      act like a scaffold protein to recruit SHC, Grb2, PI3K (p110 and p85), PDK1 and
      Akt together to promote the signaling transduction. Intriguingly, we found that
      NEDL2 harbours intrinsic Nedd8 ligase activity with cysteine 1341 as the core
      site. NEDL2 upregulates GDNF-stimulated Akt activity dependent of its Nedd8
      ligase activity but not its ubiquitin ligase activity. These findings demonstrate
      that NEDL2 but not NEDL1 is required for ENS and kidney development in a unique
      Nedd8 ligase-dependent manner. 

PMID- 27119229
TI  - Downregulation and pro-apoptotic effect of hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha in
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - The role of HIF-2alpha in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. The aim of
      the present study was to investigate the expression pattern and role of HIF
      2alpha in HCC patients. Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting
      analyses were applied to detect the protein level of HIF-2alpha in 206 paired HCC
      and peritumoral tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazard
      regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for overall survival
      and recurrence-free survival in these patients. The function of HIF-2alpha was
      studied in HCC cells and in vivo models. We found that the protein levels of HIF
      2alpha in HCC tissues were lower than in peritumoral tissues, and were negatively
      correlated with tumor size (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival and univariate
      analysis revealed that HCC patients with high HIF-2alpha protein levels had
      longer overall survival (P < 0.05). Over-expression of HIF-2alpha induced
      apoptosis in HCC cells and increased the levels of pro-apoptotic proteins, Bak,
      ZBP-89 and PDCD4, whereas the inhibition of HIF-2alpha expression achieved
      opposite results. The findings were confirmed in a mouse HCC xenograft model. In
      conclusion, our study revealed that HIF-2alpha was decreased and played an anti
      tumorigenic role in HCC. 

PMID- 27119230
TI  - ER stress inducer tunicamycin suppresses the self-renewal of glioma-initiating
      cell partly through inhibiting Sox2 translation.
AB  - Glioma-initiating cells possess tumor-initiating potential and are relatively
      resistant to conventional chemotherapy and irradiation. Therefore, their
      elimination is an essential factor for the development of efficient therapy.
      Here, we report that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducer tunicamycin
      inhibits glioma-initiating cell self-renewal as determined by neurosphere
      formation assay. Moreover, tunicamycin decreases the efficiency of glioma
      initiating cell to initiate tumor formation. Although tunicamycin induces glioma
      initiating cell apoptosis, apoptosis inhibitor z-VAD-fmk only partly abrogates
      the reduction in glioma-initiating cell self-renewal induced by tunicamycin.
      Indeed, tunicamycin reduces the expression of self-renewal regulator Sox2 at
      translation level. Overexpression of Sox2 obviously abrogates the reduction in
      glioma-initiating cell self-renewal induced by tunicamycin. Taken together,
      tunicamycin suppresses the self-renewal and tumorigenic potential of glioma
      initiating cell partly through reducing Sox2 translation. This finding provides a
      cue to potential effective treatment of glioblastoma through controlling stem
      cells.

PMID- 27119232
TI  - Impact of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation on the prognosis of patients with head
      and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
AB  - The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway has emerged as one of the most frequently
      deregulated in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Numerous
      alterations of various upstream and downstream components have been described;
      however, their prognostic significance and impact on HNSCC patient survival
      remains to be established. This was addressed using an unbiased cohort of 93
      consecutive and homogeneous surgically treated HNSCC patients and results
      confirmed in 432 HNSCC patients. Our findings reveal the high prevalence of S6
      phosphorylation, a surrogate marker of mTORC1 activation, in HNSCC specimens
      (>70%) and, more importantly, demonstrate its relevance on clinical outcome.
      Phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 on either Ser235/236 or Ser240/244 was
      consistently and significantly correlated with favorable prognosis, although with
      differences depending on the tumor site. Thus, p-S6 expression was significantly
      correlated with better disease-specific survival specifically in the subgroup of
      laryngeal carcinoma patients (P< 0.001). In addition, multivariate regression
      models revealed p-S6 to be an inverse and independent predictor of lymph-node
      metastasis (P= 0.004) and distant metastasis (P= 0.006). Taken together, this
      study unveils an unprecedented correlation of mTOR activation with improved
      clinical outcome in patients with laryngeal carcinomas and uncovers the potential
      of p-S6 expression as a good prognostic biomarker and an inverse predictor of
      lymph node and distant metastases. These results should be of broad interest as
      immunohistochemical detection of p-S6 may help to stratify patients and guide
      treatment decisions. 

PMID- 27119234
TI  - Therapeutic deferoxamine and deferiprone monitoring in beta-thalassemia patients'
      plasma by field-amplified sample injection and sweeping in capillary
      electrophoresis.
AB  - One CE method was established for detecting deferoxamine (DFO) and deferiprone
      (DFR) in plasma. For beta-thalassemia patients, DFO and DFR are major medicines
      to treat the iron overload caused by blood transfusion. Field-amplified sample
      injection combined with sweeping was used for sensitivity enhancement in CE. This
      method was performed on an uncoated fused-silica capillary. After liquid-liquid
      extraction, the plasma samples were electrokinetically injected into capillary at
      +10 kV for 180 s. The phosphate buffer (100 mM) containing 50 mM triethanolamine
      was used as the BGE (pH 6.6). Separation buffer was phosphate buffer (100 mM, pH
      3.0) containing 150 mM SDS. This method showed good linearity (r >= 0.9960).
      Precision and accuracy were evaluated by the results of RSD and relative error of
      intrabatch and interbatch analyses, and all of the absolute values were less than
      6.12%. The LODs (S/N = 3) were 200 ng/mL for DFO, and 25 ng/mL for DFR. The LOQ
      (S/N = 10) of DFO and DFR were 600 and 75 ng/mL, respectively. This method was
      applied for clinical applications of five beta-thalassemia patients.

PMID- 27119233
TI  - Expression and prognostic significance of CCL11/CCR3 in glioblastoma.
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary nervous system cancer, but due to
      its rarity and complexity, its pathogenesis is poorly understood. To identify
      potential tumorigenic factors in GBM, we screened antibody-based cytokine arrays
      and found that CCL11 was upregulated. We then demonstrated in vitro that both
      CCL11 and its receptor, CCR3, were overexpressed and promoted the proliferation,
      migration and invasion of cancer cells. To examine the clinical significance of
      CCL11/CCR3, 458 GBM samples were divided into a training cohort with 225 cases
      and a test cohort containing 233 cases. In the training set, immunohistochemical
      analysis showed overexpression of CCL11 and CCR3 were correlated with unfavorable
      overall survival (OS). We further developed a prognostic classifier combining
      CCL11 and CCR3 expression and Karnofsky performance status (KPS) for predicting
      one-year survival in GBM patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
      analysis demonstrated that this predictor achieved 90.7% sensitivity and 73.4%
      specificity. These results were validated with the test sample set. Our findings
      suggest that CCL11-CCR3 binding is involved in the progression of GBM and may
      prompt a novel therapeutic approach. In addition, CCL11 and CCR3 expression,
      combined with KPS, may be used as an accurate predictor of one-year survival in
      GBM patients. 

PMID- 27119231
TI  - Oncogenic ALK regulates EMT in non-small cell lung carcinoma through repression
      of the epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1.
AB  - A subset of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) carries chromosomal
      rearrangements involving the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) gene. ALK
      rearranged NSCLC are typically adenocarcinoma characterized by a solid signet
      ring cell pattern that is frequently associated with a metastatic phenotype.
      Recent reports linked the presence of ALK rearrangement to an epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype in NSCLC, but the extent and the
      mechanisms of an ALK-mediated EMT in ALK-rearranged NSCLC are largely unknown. We
      found that the ALK-rearranged H2228 and DFCI032, but not the H3122, cell lines
      displayed a mesenchymal phenotype. In these cell lines, oncogenic ALK activity
      dictated an EMT phenotype by directly suppressing E-cadherin and up-regulating
      vimentin expression, as well as expression of other genes involved in EMT. We
      found that the epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1), a key regulator
      of the splicing switch during EMT, was repressed by EML4-ALK activity. The
      treatment of NSCLC cells with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) led to up
      regulation of ESRP1 and E-cadherin, thus reverting the phenotype from mesenchymal
      to epithelial (MET). Consistently, ESRP1 knock-down impaired E-cadherin up
      regulation upon ALK inhibition, whereas enforced expression of ESRP1 was
      sufficient to increase E-cadherin expression. These findings demonstrate an ALK
      oncogenic activity in the regulation of an EMT phenotype in a subset of NSCLC
      with potential implications for the biology of ALK-rearranged NSCLC in terms of
      metastatic propensity and resistance to therapy. 

PMID- 27119235
TI  - Moonshot to Malawi.

PMID- 27119236
TI  - Colorectal Cancer on the Decline--Why Screening Can't Explain It All.

PMID- 27119238
TI  - Workplace Violence against Health Care Workers in the United States.

PMID- 27119239
TI  - IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE. Aortocoronary Saphenous-Vein-Graft Aneurysms.

PMID- 27119240
TI  - CASE RECORDS of the MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL. Case 13-2016. A 49-Year-Old
      Woman with Sudden Hemiplegia and Aphasia during a Transatlantic Flight.

PMID- 27119241
TI  - The CRISPR Way to Think about Duchenne's.

PMID- 27119242
TI  - Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir for Patients with HCV Infection.

PMID- 27119237
TI  - Oral Ixazomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ixazomib is an oral proteasome inhibitor that is currently being
      studied for the treatment of multiple myeloma. METHODS: In this double-blind,
      placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned 722 patients who had
      relapsed, refractory, or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma to receive
      ixazomib plus lenalidomide-dexamethasone (ixazomib group) or placebo plus
      lenalidomide-dexamethasone (placebo group). The primary end point was progression
      free survival. RESULTS: Progression-free survival was significantly longer in the
      ixazomib group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 14.7 months
      (median progression-free survival, 20.6 months vs. 14.7 months; hazard ratio for
      disease progression or death in the ixazomib group, 0.74; P=0.01); a benefit with
      respect to progression-free survival was observed with the ixazomib regimen, as
      compared with the placebo regimen, in all prespecified patient subgroups,
      including in patients with high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities. The overall rates
      of response were 78% in the ixazomib group and 72% in the placebo group, and the
      corresponding rates of complete response plus very good partial response were 48%
      and 39%. The median time to response was 1.1 months in the ixazomib group and 1.9
      months in the placebo group, and the corresponding median duration of response
      was 20.5 months and 15.0 months. At a median follow-up of approximately 23
      months, the median overall survival has not been reached in either study group,
      and follow-up is ongoing. The rates of serious adverse events were similar in the
      two study groups (47% in the ixazomib group and 49% in the placebo group), as
      were the rates of death during the study period (4% and 6%, respectively);
      adverse events of at least grade 3 severity occurred in 74% and 69% of the
      patients, respectively. Thrombocytopenia of grade 3 and grade 4 severity occurred
      more frequently in the ixazomib group (12% and 7% of the patients, respectively)
      than in the placebo group (5% and 4% of the patients, respectively). Rash
      occurred more frequently in the ixazomib group than in the placebo group (36% vs.
      23% of the patients), as did gastrointestinal adverse events, which were
      predominantly low grade. The incidence of peripheral neuropathy was 27% in the
      ixazomib group and 22% in the placebo group (grade 3 events occurred in 2% of the
      patients in each study group). Patient-reported quality of life was similar in
      the two study groups. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of ixazomib to a regimen of
      lenalidomide and dexamethasone was associated with significantly longer
      progression-free survival; the additional toxic effects with this all-oral
      regimen were limited. (Funded by Millennium Pharmaceuticals; TOURMALINE-MM1
      ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01564537.).

PMID- 27119243
TI  - Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir for Patients with HCV Infection.

PMID- 27119244
TI  - Mass Drug Administration for Scabies Control.

PMID- 27119245
TI  - Mass Drug Administration for Scabies Control.

PMID- 27119246
TI  - Mass Drug Administration for Scabies Control.

PMID- 27119247
TI  - Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement in Clinical Practice.

PMID- 27119248
TI  - Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement in Clinical Practice.

PMID- 27119249
TI  - Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement in Clinical Practice.

PMID- 27119250
TI  - Comfort Care for Patients Dying in the Hospital.

PMID- 27119251
TI  - Comfort Care for Patients Dying in the Hospital.

PMID- 27119252
TI  - Reform of Clinical Research Regulations.

PMID- 27119253
TI  - Reform of Clinical Research Regulations.

PMID- 27119254
TI  - IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE. Oral Amalgam Tattoo Mimicking Melanoma.

PMID- 27119255
TI  - Exploring the relationships between maternal and child metacognitions and child
      anxiety.
AB  - Research has shown that anxiety may be transmitted through verbal information
      pathways, for example, when parents share their anxious cognitions with their
      child. Less is known about the influence of parental metacognitions, that is,
      beliefs regarding thoughts, on child anxiety. We explored the relations between
      metacognitions in mothers and their children and anxiety in the children. Our
      study included 111 non-clinical children aged 8 to 12 years and their mothers.
      Children rated their metacognitions, worry and anxiety, and mothers rated their
      metacognitions. Results indicated agreement between maternal and child
      metacognitions. Maternal metacognitions were positively associated with
      children's anxiety symptoms and worry, and this relation was mediated by the
      children's metacognitions. Our results warrant further examination of the role of
      parental metacognitions in child anxiety. 

PMID- 27119256
TI  - Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy on health-related quality of life:
      An evaluation of therapies provided by trainee therapists.
AB  - The present study was carried out to examine the treatment effect of cognitive
      behavioral therapy provided by trainee therapists at a university clinic,
      focusing on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) optimism and symptoms. The
      study was conducted through a repeated measures design and included a treatment
      group (n = 21), which received cognitive behavioral therapy for an average of
      10.7 therapy sessions and a control group (n = 14), that was put on a wait list
      for 8.6 weeks on average. After treatment, the treatment group improved
      significantly concerning general health (p = 0.028) and optimism (p = 0.027). In
      addition, clients improved in several areas within mental health and displayed
      some reduction in anxiety symptoms. Concurrently, the results also indicated some
      improvement within the control group, which may have been caused by the initial
      therapeutic contact, expectancy effects or spontaneous remission. The study
      concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy provided by trainee therapists may
      have a positive effect on areas within HRQOL and optimism. 

PMID- 27119257
TI  - Emotion processing deficits in the different dimensions of psychometric
      schizotypy.
AB  - Schizotypy refers to a personality structure indicating "proneness" to
      schizophrenia. Around 10% of the general population has increased schizotypal
      traits, they also share other core features with schizophrenia and are thus at
      heightened risk for developing schizophrenia and spectrum disorders. A key aspect
      in schizophrenia-spectrum pathology is the impairment observed in emotion-related
      processes. This review summarizes findings on impairments related to central
      aspects of emotional processes, such as emotional disposition, alexithymia,
      facial affect recognition and speech prosody, in high schizotypal individuals in
      the general population. Although the studies in the field are not numerous, the
      current findings indicate that all these aspects of emotional processing are
      deficient in psychometric schizotypy, in accordance to the schizophrenia-spectrum
      literature. A disturbed frontotemporal neural network seems to be the critical
      link between these impairments, schizotypy and schizophrenia. The limitations of
      the current studies and suggestions for future research are discussed. 

PMID- 27119258
TI  - Relationship between advanced glycation end-product accumulation and low skeletal
      muscle mass in Japanese men and women.
AB  - AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between advanced
      glycation end-product accumulation and skeletal muscle mass among middle-aged and
      older Japanese men and women. METHODS: A total of 132 participants enrolled in
      this cross-sectional study. Skin autofluorescence was assessed as a measure of
      advanced glycation-end products. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass was measured
      using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and skeletal muscle index was calculated
      by dividing appendicular skeletal muscle mass by height squared. Participants
      were divided into two groups (low skeletal muscle index and normal skeletal
      muscle index) using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia's skeletal muscle
      index criteria for diagnosing sarcopenia. Multivariate logistic regression
      analysis and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were used
      to determine significant factors associated with low skeletal muscle index.
      RESULTS: Participants consisted of 70 men (mean age 57 +/- 10 years) and 62 women
      (mean age 60 +/- 11 years). There were 31 and 101 participants in the low and
      normal skeletal muscle index groups, respectively. Skin autofluorescence was
      significantly higher in the low skeletal muscle index group compared with the
      normal skeletal muscle index group (P < 0.01). Skin autofluorescence was a
      significant independent factor associated with low skeletal muscle index based on
      multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 15.7, 95% confidence
      interval 1.85-133.01; P = 0.012). The cut-off for skin autofluorescence was 2.45
      arbitrary units, with a sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.91. CONCLUSIONS:
      Skin autofluorescence was an independent factor associated with low skeletal
      muscle index among middle-aged and older Japanese men and women. Geriatr Gerontol
      Int 2017; 17: 785-790.

PMID- 27119259
TI  - Predicting Electrophoretic Mobility of Protein-Ligand Complexes for Ligands from
      DNA-Encoded Libraries of Small Molecules.
AB  - Selection of target-binding ligands from DNA-encoded libraries of small molecules
      (DELSMs) is a rapidly developing approach in drug-lead discovery. Methods of
      kinetic capillary electrophoresis (KCE) may facilitate highly efficient
      homogeneous selection of ligands from DELSMs. However, KCE methods require
      accurate prediction of electrophoretic mobilities of protein-ligand complexes.
      Such prediction, in turn, requires a theory that would be applicable to DNA tags
      of different structures used in different DELSMs. Here we present such a theory.
      It utilizes a model of a globular protein connected, through a single point
      (small molecule), to a linear DNA tag containing a combination of alternating
      double-stranded and single-stranded DNA (dsDNA and ssDNA) regions of varying
      lengths. The theory links the unknown electrophoretic mobility of protein-DNA
      complex with experimentally determined electrophoretic mobilities of the protein
      and DNA. Mobility prediction was initially tested by using a protein interacting
      with 18 ligands of various combinations of dsDNA and ssDNA regions, which
      mimicked different DELSMs. For all studied ligands, deviation of the predicted
      mobility from the experimentally determined value was within 11%. Finally, the
      prediction was tested for two proteins and two ligands with a DNA tag identical
      to those of DELSM manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Deviation between the
      predicted and experimentally determined mobilities did not exceed 5%. These
      results confirm the accuracy and robustness of our model, which makes KCE methods
      one step closer to their practical use in selection of drug leads, and diagnostic
      probes from DELSMs.

PMID- 27119260
TI  - Responses of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and platelets dependent on
      the surface topography of polytetrafluoroethylene.
AB  - In this study, the effect of different structures (flat, expanded, and
      electrospun) of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on the interactions of endothelial
      cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and platelets was investigated. In
      addition, the mechanisms that govern the interactions between ECs, SMCs, and
      platelets with different structures of PTFE were discussed. The surface
      characterizations showed that the different structures of PTFE have the same
      surface chemistry, similar surface wettability and zeta potential, but uniquely
      different surface topography. The viability, proliferation, morphology, and
      phenotype of ECs and SMCs interacted with different structures of PTFE were
      investigated. Expanded PTFE (ePTFE) provided a relatively better surface for the
      growth of ECs. In case of SMC interactions, although all the different structures
      of PTFE inhibited SMC growth, a maximum inhibitory effect was observed for ePTFE.
      In case of platelet interactions, the electrospun PTFE provided a better surface
      for preventing the adhesion and activation of platelets. Thus, this study
      demonstrated that the responses of ECs, SMCs, and platelets strongly dependent on
      the surface topography of the PTFE. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed
      Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2291-2304, 2016.

PMID- 27119261
TI  - Vector-Borne Infections in Tornado-Displaced and Owner-Relinquished Dogs in
      Oklahoma, USA.
AB  - To determine the prevalence of infection with vector-borne agents in a cross
      section of dogs from Oklahoma, where canine vector-borne diseases are common,
      blood samples were evaluated through serology and molecular analysis. Antibodies
      reactive to Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia rickettsii, R. montanensis, and "R.
      amblyommii" were detected in 10.5% (11/105), 74.3% (78/105), 58.1% (61/105), and
      55.2% (58/105) of dogs, respectively. Presence of spotted fever group Rickettsia
      spp. DNA was identified in 13.1% (8/61) of shelter dogs but not in any pet dogs
      (0/44). DNA of "R. amblyommii" was confirmed by sequencing, constituting the
      first report of this agent in a naturally infected dog. Antigen of Dirofilaria
      immitis was detected in 10.5% (11/105) and 16.2% (17/105) of samples before and
      after heat treatment, respectively. In total, 87.6% (92/105) of the dogs had
      evidence of infection with at least one vector-borne disease agent, confirming
      high risk of exposure to multiple vector-borne disease agents, several of which
      are zoonotic.

PMID- 27119262
TI  - Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Arylation of Aliphatic Imines.
AB  - Chiral rhodium(I)-catalyzed highly enantioselective arylation of aliphatic N
      sulfonyl aldimines with arylboronic acids has been developed. This transformation
      is achieved by the use of a rhodium/bis(phosphoramidite) catalyst to give
      enantiomerically enriched alpha-branched amines (up to 99 % ee). In addition,
      this system enables efficient synthesis of (+)-NPS R-568 and Cinacalcet which are
      calcimimetic agents.

PMID- 27119267
TI  - Effect of prior statin use on outcome after severe traumatic brain injury in a
      South-East Asian population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global concern associated with
      high mortality and morbidity. Costs to individuals and society are extensive due
      to poor recovery, long-term disability and the young age group affected. Statins
      have emerged as potential therapeutic agents in TBI. This study aimed to
      investigate the protective effect of statins in severe TBI. METHODS: This case
      control study included adults with severe TBI. A sliding dichotomy approach was
      used to dichotomize mortality at 14-days and Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at 6
      months. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (OR)
      for 14-day mortality and 6-month GOS. RESULTS: Equivalent cohorts of 59 age- and
      sex-matched statin and non-statin users were selected, resulting in population of
      118 (mean age = 70.2 years, SD = 10.3), with a median Glasgow Coma Score of 5.
      Statins did not reduce the likelihood of mortality at 14 days (adjusted OR =
      1.23, p = 0.68) or unfavourable outcome at 6 months (adjusted OR = 1.19, p =
      0.78). CONCLUSIONS: Despite increasing evidence for benefit of statins in TBI,
      this study in an Asian population does not support this association,
      demonstrating no significant improvement in outcome for statin users. Further
      research is required to understand the mechanisms and impact of statins in TBI.

PMID- 27119268
TI  - Fiber Optic Surface Plasmon Resonance-Based Biosensor Technique: Fabrication,
      Advancement, and Application.
AB  - Fiber optic-based biosensors with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology are
      advanced label-free optical biosensing methods. They have brought tremendous
      progress in the sensing of various chemical and biological species. This review
      summarizes four sensing configurations (prism, grating, waveguide, and fiber
      optic) with two ways, attenuated total reflection (ATR) and diffraction, to
      excite the surface plasmons. Meanwhile, the designs of different probes (U-bent,
      tapered, and other probes) are also described. Finally, four major types of
      biosensors, immunosensor, DNA biosensor, enzyme biosensor, and living cell
      biosensor, are discussed in detail for their sensing principles and applications.
      Future prospects of fiber optic-based SPR sensor technology are discussed. 

PMID- 27119269
TI  - Roles of collagen Q in MuSK antibody-positive myasthenia gravis.
AB  - The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4) and the muscle
      specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK) form a tetrameric protein complex on the
      postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Binding of agrin to
      LRP4 triggers phosphorylation of MuSK. Activated MuSK drives clustering of
      acetylcholine receptor (AChR). Wnt ligands also directly bind to MuSK to induce
      AChR clustering. MuSK anchors the acetylcholinesterase (AChE)/collagen Q (ColQ)
      complex to the synaptic basal lamina. In addition, an extracellular proteoglycan,
      biglycan, binds to MuSK. Anti-MuSK autoantibodies (MuSK-IgG) are observed in 5
      15% of autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. MuSK-IgG blocks both ColQ-MuSK
      and LRP4-MuSK interactions. MuSK-IgG, LRP4, ColQ, and biglycan bind to the
      immunoglobulin-like domains 1 and 4 of MuSK. Lack of the effects of
      cholinesterase inhibitors in MuSK-MG patients is likely due to hindrance of ColQ
      MuSK interaction by MuSK-IgG and subsequent deficiency of AChE observed in model
      mice, which, however, has not been proven in MuSK-MG patients. As ColQ enhances
      expression of membrane-bound MuSK, inhibition of ColQ-MuSK interaction by MuSK
      IgG may account for lack of AChR clusters in MuSK-MG. We thus made passive
      transfer models using Colq+/+ and Colq-/- mice to dissect the effect of ColQ on
      AChR clustering in MuSK-MG. We found that MuSK-IgG-mediated suppression of LRP4
      MuSK interaction, not of ColQ-MuSK interaction, caused defective AChR clustering.
      We also unexpectedly observed that both MuSK-IgG and ColQ suppressed
      agrin/LRP4/MuSK signaling in dose-dependent manners. Quantitative comparison
      revealed that MuSK-IgG blocked agrin-LRP4-MuSK signaling more than ColQ. We
      propose that attenuation of AChR clustering in MuSK-MG is due to hindrance of
      LRP4-MuSK interaction in the presence of agrin by MuSK-IgG.

PMID- 27119270
TI  - Laser Treatment of Nongenital Verrucae: A Systematic Review.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Although cutaneous warts are common lesions, full remission is not
      always achieved with conventional therapies. Laser modalities including carbon
      dioxide (CO2), erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG), pulsed dye (PDL), and
      Nd:YAG have been investigated as alternative treatments for warts. OBJECTIVE: To
      review the use and efficacy of lasers for treating nongenital cutaneous warts.
      EVIDENCE REVIEW: Published randomized clinical trials (RCTs), cohort studies,
      case series, and case reports involving laser treatment of nongenital warts were
      retrieved by searching PubMed with no date limits. Quality ratings of studies
      were based on a modified version of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine
      scheme for rating individual studies. A higher emphasis was placed on RCTs and
      prospective cohort studies with large sample sizes and detailed methodology.
      FINDINGS: There were 35 studies published between 1989 and 2015 that comprised an
      aggregate of 2149 patients. Simple and recalcitrant nongenital warts treated with
      lasers show variable response rates (CO2 laser, 50%-100%; Er:YAG laser, 72%-100%;
      PDL, 47%-100%; and Nd:YAG laser, 46%-100%). Current RCTs suggest that PDL is
      equivalent to conventional therapies such as cryotherapy and cantharidin.
      Combination therapies with lasers and other agents including bleomycin, salicylic
      acid, and light-emitting diode have shown some success. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Lasers can be an effective treatment option for both simple and
      recalcitrant warts. The lasers most studied for this purpose are CO2, PDL, and
      Nd:YAG, and of these, PDL has the fewest adverse effects. Currently, use of
      lasers for wart treatment is limited by lack of established treatment guidelines.
      Future studies are needed to compare laser modalities with each other and with
      nonlaser treatment options, and to establish optimal treatment protocols.

PMID- 27119271
TI  - Mevastatin suppresses melanogenesis by lowering the levels of cyclic adenosine
      monophosphate and cholesterol.

PMID- 27119272
TI  - Supramolecular vs Electronic Structure: The Effect of the Tilt Angle of the
      Active Group in the Performance of a Molecular Diode.
AB  - It is important to understand how the supramolecular structure of molecular
      junctions affects their performance. Such studies are challenging because it is
      difficult to separate electronic effects from supramolecular structural effects
      because both depend on each other. Here we show that by changing the connector
      group that connects the active component (a ferrocene unit) of a molecular diode
      to the backbone (an alkyl chain), both the electronic and supramolecular
      structures of the junctions are modified. The connector group determines the tilt
      angle of the Fc unit which in turn affects the packing structure of the molecular
      diodes. In this case, the supramolecular structure dominates over the electronic
      structure of the molecular diodes, and junctions with loosely packed SAMs result
      in poorly performing molecular diodes, while stiff, densely packed SAMs result in
      well-performing molecular diodes.

PMID- 27119273
TI  - Secondary organic aerosol origin in an urban environment: influence of biogenic
      and fuel combustion precursors.
AB  - Source contributions of organic aerosol (OA) are still not fully understood,
      especially in terms of quantitative distinction between secondary OA formed from
      anthropogenic precursors vs. that formed from natural precursors. In order to
      investigate the OA origin, a field campaign was carried out in Barcelona in
      summer 2013, including two periods characterized by low and high traffic
      conditions. Volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations were higher during the
      second period, especially aromatic hydrocarbons related to traffic emissions,
      which showed a marked daily cycle peaking during traffic rush hours, similarly to
      black carbon (BC) concentrations. Biogenic VOC (BVOC) concentrations showed only
      minor changes from the low to the high traffic period, and their intra-day
      variability was related to temperature and solar radiation cycles, although a
      decrease was observed for monoterpenes during the day. The organic carbon (OC)
      concentrations increased from the first to the second period, and the fraction of
      non-fossil OC as determined by (14)C analysis increased from 43% to 54% of the
      total OC. The combination of (14)C analysis and Aerosol Chemical Speciation
      Monitor (ACSM) OA source apportionment showed that the fossil OC was mainly
      secondary (>70%) except for the last sample, when the fossil secondary OC only
      represented 51% of the total fossil OC. The fraction of non-fossil secondary OC
      increased from 37% of total secondary OC for the first sample to 60% for the last
      sample. This enhanced formation of non-fossil secondary OA (SOA) could be
      attributed to the reaction of BVOC precursors with NOx emitted from road traffic
      (or from its nocturnal derivative nitrate that enhances night-time semi-volatile
      oxygenated OA (SV-OOA)), since NO2 concentrations increased from 19 to 42 MUg m(
      3) from the first to the last sample.

PMID- 27119274
TI  - Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis From a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The prognosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) may be
      dependent on underlying causes and magnetic resonance imaging findings. We report
      the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic spectrum, and outcome of consecutive
      patients with CVST. METHODS: Consecutive patients with CVST over the last 15
      years were subjected to detailed history, clinical examination, and laboratory
      tests as per fixed protocol. The diagnosis of CVST was based on MR venography.
      The magnetic resonance imaging findings and the sinuses involved were noted. The
      patients were treated with low-molecular-weight heparin or unfractionated heparin
      for 14 days, followed by oral anticoagulation. Hospital mortality and 3-month
      outcome (good or poor) were recorded and correlated with various clinical and
      laboratory parameters. RESULTS: There were 86 patients whose median age was 30 (6
      to 76) years; 47 of them were females. Headache was present in 91.9%, vomiting in
      68.6%, focal weakness in 53.5%, seizure in 51.2%, and altered sensorium in 53.5%.
      Female-specific etiology was present in 34%, prothrombotic condition in 62.8%,
      infections in 19.8%, and malignancy in 2.8%; no cause could be established in
      25.6% of patients. Hyperhomocystinemia was present in 45.9% of patients. Five
      patients died in the unfractionated heparin group. At 3 months, 77 patients were
      followed up, of whom 68 had complete, 3 had partial, and 6 had poor recovery. The
      3-month outcome was related to Glasgow Coma Scale score and type of heparin used.
      CONCLUSIONS: In our study multiple prothrombotic conditions were common, and low
      molecular-weight heparin reduces mortality and results in good outcome.

PMID- 27119275
TI  - Caring for Patients With Functional Neurological Disorders: A Case-oriented
      Review.
AB  - Patients with functional neurological symptoms are commonly seen in neurological
      practice. They have significant disability that may not improve and their care is
      costly. This article will use case histories to underline the important aspects
      of caring for patients with functional neurological disorders, including
      important features of the history, examination, neurobiology, appropriate
      investigations, and an approach to treatment. 

PMID- 27119276
TI  - Meningiomatosis in an AIDS Patient Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
      (HAART).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Currently, AIDS is the worldwide leading cause of death among 15-
      to 59-year-old individuals. This trend has had particularly harsh social and
      economic consequences in sub-Saharan Africa, where more than half of global AIDS
      deaths take place. In the United States, an estimated 1.2 million people are
      infected with HIV. In 2012, a worldwide estimate of 1.7 million deaths due to
      AIDS-related causes was reported.About 10% to 12% of all AIDS patients will
      develop intracranial tumors. Differential diagnosis should rule out brain tumors
      such as central nervous system lymphoma and gliomas, as well as infectious
      processes such as toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, and cryptococcosis. CASE REPORT: A
      27-year-old homosexual man was referred to our care center after 2 months of
      disabling left frontal headache. Upon AIDS diagnosis, the patient was given
      abacavir (ABC), lamivudine (3TC), and efavirenz (EFV), but he discontinued the
      treatment after 9 months and failed to attend follow-up appointments. Three years
      later, the patient returned to the hospital and received ABC, 3TC, and
      lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r). On admission, computed tomographic scan reported
      multiple contrast-enhancing lesions compatible with meningiomas. The patient
      underwent uncomplicated surgical resection of the frontal basal lesion
      originating in the left olfactory bulb. No new neurological deficits were
      reported during the postoperative stay. CONCLUSIONS: According to a literature
      revision, it is likely that associated meningiomas are more aggressive in AIDS
      patients. Severe immunosuppression and the HIV-Tat protein may be involved in the
      pathogenesis of tumoral growth.

PMID- 27119277
TI  - Refractory Mononeuritis Multiplex Due to Hepatitis C Infection and
      Cryoglobulinemia: Efficient Response to Rituximab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mononeuritis multiplex due to hepatitis C infection and
      cryoglobulinemia has no specific treatment guidelines. Despite the favorable
      evolution of the liver disease after treatment with interferon and ribavirin,
      neurological symptoms might not respond very efficiently to antiviral therapy.
      CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 50-year-old woman, with a mononeuritis
      multiplex related to cryoglobulinemia and hepatitis C virus infection, who was
      treated with rituximab. Hepatitis C virus infection was treated successfully with
      interferon-alpha and ribavirin, but the neurological symptoms were still
      worsening until rituximab therapy. Significant improvement of paraparesis and
      painful hypoesthesia were evident after the fourth infusion of rituximab.
      However, every 6 months, the neurological symptoms relapsed and the patient was
      subjected to a new cycle of rituximab therapy, with the disappearing of the
      paraparesis and hypoesthesias. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the potential
      use of rituximab in immune-mediated neuropathies, especially the mononeuritis
      multiplex associated with hepatitis C infection.

PMID- 27119278
TI  - Cervical Artery Dissection: Spotting the Zebra Among the Horses.

PMID- 27119301
TI  - In this issue June 2016.

PMID- 27119279
TI  - Fusion of Ferredoxin and Cytochrome P450 Enables Direct Light-Driven
      Biosynthesis.
AB  - Cytochrome P450s (P450s) are key enzymes in the synthesis of bioactive natural
      products in plants. Efforts to harness these enzymes for in vitro and whole-cell
      production of natural products have been hampered by difficulties in expressing
      them heterologously in their active form, and their requirement for NADPH as a
      source of reducing power. We recently demonstrated targeting and insertion of
      plant P450s into the photosynthetic membrane and photosynthesis-driven, NADPH
      independent P450 catalytic activity mediated by the electron carrier protein
      ferredoxin. Here, we report the fusion of ferredoxin with P450 CYP79A1 from the
      model plant Sorghum bicolor, which catalyzes the initial step in the pathway
      leading to biosynthesis of the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin. Fusion with
      ferredoxin allows CYP79A1 to obtain electrons for catalysis by interacting
      directly with photosystem I. Furthermore, electrons captured by the fused
      ferredoxin moiety are directed more effectively toward P450 catalytic activity,
      making the fusion better able to compete with endogenous electron sinks coupled
      to metabolic pathways. The P450-ferredoxin fusion enzyme obtains reducing power
      solely from its fused ferredoxin and outperforms unfused CYP79A1 in vivo. This
      demonstrates greatly enhanced electron transfer from photosystem I to CYP79A1 as
      a consequence of the fusion. The fusion strategy reported here therefore forms
      the basis for enhanced partitioning of photosynthetic reducing power toward P450
      dependent biosynthesis of important natural products.

PMID- 27119302
TI  - Pediatric preoperative risk factors to predict postoperative ICU admission and
      death from a multicenter retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although some studies have investigated the potential predictors of
      perioperative mortality, there are few specifically for pediatrics. OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of the retrospective study was to analyze potential preoperative risk
      factors and to develop a pediatric preoperative risk prediction score (PRPS), and
      to predict postoperative ICU admission and the incidence of perioperative death
      in pediatric patients. METHODS: Patients who postoperatively admitted to ICU or
      died (occurred within 30 days after the surgery) from 263 607 pediatric surgical
      patients with age from 1 day to 14 years old in eight centers in China from
      October 2010 to September 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. About 5500 non-ICU
      admission and death patients were randomly selected from those 263 607 patients
      as controls for analysis comparison. Independent risk factors and a risk model
      were derived from these analyses, and were further assessed with the likelihood
      ratio test and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
      RESULTS: There were 1812 ICU admission or death patients but 187 patients'
      records are incomplete. There were 487 patients with incomplete records among
      5500 controls. Collectively, data from 6626 patients were enrolled in final
      analyses. With multiple logistic regression analysis, age, ASA physical status,
      SpO2 , prematurity, and unfasted status were found to be independent predictors
      for critical patients. The AUC value of 0.905 indicated excellent predictive
      performance between critical and noncritical predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      revealed that age, ASA physical status, SpO2 , prematurity, and unfasted status
      are risk factors to predict postoperative ICU admission and death in pediatric
      patients.

PMID- 27119303
TI  - A 'Wake up' call for our specialty-time to examine the impact of production
      pressure on patient safety.

PMID- 27119304
TI  - Regional anesthesia for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in adolescents.

PMID- 27119305
TI  - Reply to Xue, Fu-Shan; Liu, Gao-Pu; Sun, Chao, regarding their comment 'Use of a
      90-degree anticlockwise tube rotation to facilitate nasotracheal tube passage
      over the fiberscope into the trachea in pediatric patients'.

PMID- 27119306
TI  - Modification of the swivel adapter for intraoperative use of pediatric fiberoptic
      bronchoscopes.

PMID- 27119307
TI  - Consider an additional pressure-relief port before we abandon the use of the wall
      oxygen through a bronchoscope.

PMID- 27119308
TI  - Reply to Schmitz et al. regarding 'Ultrasound assessment of gastric volume in the
      fasted pediatric patient undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: development
      of a predictive model using endoscopically suctioned volumes'.

PMID- 27119309
TI  - Left Axillary Implantation of Loop Recorder versus the Traditional Left Chest
      Area: A Prospective Randomized Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Based upon the results of a previous small pilot study, we present
      the results of a prospective single-center randomized study comparing the
      performance of the implantable loop recorder (ILR) at two implanting sites.
      METHODS: A group of patients whose ILRs were implanted via a left axillary
      approach were compared with a group who received an ILR in the traditional left
      site of the chest. Follow-up (FU) was scheduled every 6 months or when symptoms
      occurred. All patients enrolled in the study had a complete FU from implantation
      to explantation. R- and P-wave amplitudes were measured at implantation and
      during FU. Explantation of the device was programmed at the end of service life
      or when ILR analysis resulted in a complete and exhaustive diagnosis. RESULTS:
      Sixty-three patients were enrolled (70 +/- 12 years, range: 21-92, 59% male): 31
      standard and 32 with axillary access. The R-wave amplitude obtained with the new
      technique was comparable with that obtained with the standard procedure. The
      diagnostic accuracy of the ILR was comparable in the two groups. The axillary
      implantation procedure was slightly longer but no complications were observed.
      CONCLUSION: This long-term randomized study confirmed that axillary access for
      ILR implantation is feasible, safe, well tolerated, and reliable in terms of
      device performance. Moreover, it is aesthetically superior to the standard
      approach and carries the potential of minimizing permanent scarring after ILR
      extraction.

PMID- 27119310
TI  - The things that batter.
AB  - Over 20 years ago, the Australian Liberal/National Party Federal Opposition had a
      set of policies with which it hoped to persuade the Australian people to return
      it to government in the election due in 1996. This particular collection of
      proposed initiatives was called "The things that matter". When the then leader of
      the opposition, Alexander Downer (later Australia's Foreign Minister 1996-2007
      and now Australian High Commissioner in London), launched the Opposition's policy
      on family violence (the Coalition parties, like their Labor opponents, were and
      are against it in principle), his introductory line was: "From the things that
      matter to the things that batter". Not long afterwards he lost his job as
      Opposition Leader, his engagement with what was and is a serious and troubling
      issue having been deemed too glib by half by the shapers of public opinion.

PMID- 27119311
TI  - Cardioprotective effect of pioglitazone in diabetic and non-diabetic rats
      subjected to acute myocardial infarction involves suppression of AGE-RAGE axis
      and inhibition of apoptosis.
AB  - Insulin resistance increases risk of cardiovascular diseases. This work
      investigated the protective effect of pioglitazone on myocardial infarction (MI)
      in non-diabetic and diabetic rats, focusing on its role on advanced glycated
      endproducts (AGEs) and cardiac apoptotic machinery. Male rats were divided into 2
      experiments: experiment I and II (non-diabetic and diabetic rats) were assigned
      as saline, MI (isoproterenol, 85 mg/kg, daily), and MI+pioglitazone (5, 10, and
      20 mg/kg). Injection of isoproterenol in diabetic rats produced greater ECG
      disturbances compared to non-diabetic rats. Treatment with pioglitazone (5 mg/kg)
      reduced the infarct size and improved some ECG findings. Pioglitazone (10 mg/kg)
      enhanced ECG findings, improved the histopathological picture and downregulated
      apoptosis in cardiac tissues. Whereas the higher dose of pioglitazone (20 mg/kg)
      did not improve most of the measured parameters but rather worsened some of them,
      such as proapoptotic markers. Importantly, a positive correlation was found
      between serum AGEs and cardiac AGE receptors (RAGEs) versus caspase 3 expression
      in the two experiments. Therefore, the current effect of pioglitazone was, at
      least in part, mediated through downregulation of AGE-RAGE axis and inhibition of
      apoptosis. Consequently, these data suggest that pioglitazone, at optimized
      doses, may have utility in protection from acute MI. 

PMID- 27119312
TI  - Does Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Save Lives?

PMID- 27119314
TI  - Impact of specimen adequacy on the assessment of renal allograft biopsy
      specimens.
AB  - The Banff classification was introduced to achieve uniformity in the assessment
      of renal allograft biopsies. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the
      impact of specimen adequacy on the Banff classification. All renal allograft
      biopsies obtained between July 2010 and June 2012 for suspicion of acute
      rejection were included. Pre-biopsy clinical data on suspected diagnosis and time
      from renal transplantation were provided to a nephropathologist who was blinded
      to the original pathological report. Second pathological readings were compared
      with the original to assess agreement stratified by specimen adequacy. Cohen's
      kappa test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analyses. Forty-nine
      specimens were reviewed. Among these specimens, 81.6% were classified as
      adequate, 6.12% as minimal, and 12.24% as unsatisfactory. The agreement analysis
      among the first and second readings revealed a kappa value of 0.97. Full
      agreement between readings was found in 75% of the adequate specimens, 66.7 and
      50% for minimal and unsatisfactory specimens, respectively. There was no
      agreement between readings in 5% of the adequate specimens and 16.7% of the
      unsatisfactory specimens. For the entire sample full agreement was found in
      71.4%, partial agreement in 20.4% and no agreement in 8.2% of the specimens.
      Statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test yielded a P value above 0.25
      showing that - probably due to small sample size - the results were not
      statistically significant. Specimen adequacy may be a determinant of a diagnostic
      agreement in renal allograft specimen assessment. While additional studies
      including larger case numbers are required to further delineate the impact of
      specimen adequacy on the reliability of histopathological assessments, specimen
      quality must be considered during clinical decision making while dealing with
      biopsy reports based on minimal or unsatisfactory specimens. 

PMID- 27119313
TI  - Chromosomal microarray analysis in clinical evaluation of neurodevelopmental
      disorders-reporting a novel deletion of SETDB1 and illustration of counseling
      challenge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathogenicity of copy number variations (CNV) in
      neurodevelopmental disorders is supported by research literature. However, few
      studies have evaluated the utility and counseling challenges of CNV analysis in
      clinic. METHODS: We analyzed the findings of CNV studies from a cohort referred
      for genetics evaluation of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), developmental
      disability (DD), and intellectual disability (ID). RESULTS: Twenty-two CNV in 21
      out of 115 probands are considered to be pathogenic (18.3%). Five CNV are likely
      pathogenic and 22 CNV are variants of unknown significance (VUS). We have found
      seven cases with more than two CNV and two with a complex rearrangement of the
      22q13.3 Phelan-McDermid syndrome region. We identified a new and de novo 1q21.3
      deletion that encompasses SETDB1, a gene encoding methylates histone H3 on lysine
      9 (H3K9) methyltransferase, in a case with ASD. CONCLUSION: We provide evidence
      to support the value of CNV analysis in etiological evaluation of
      neurodevelopmental disorders in autism genetics clinic. However, interpretation
      of the clinical significance and counseling families are still challenging
      because of the variable penetrance and pleotropic expressivity of CNV. In
      addition, the identification of a 1q21.3 deletion encompassing SETDB1 provides
      further support for the role of chromatin modifiers in the etiology of ASD.

PMID- 27119315
TI  - Insights into the Reaction Mechanism of Aromatic Ring Cleavage by Homogentisate
      Dioxygenase: A Quantum Mechanical/Molecular Mechanical Study.
AB  - To elucidate the reaction mechanism of the ring cleavage of homogentisate by
      homogentisate dioxygenase, quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM)
      calculations were carried out by using two systems in different protonation
      states of the substrate C2 hydroxyl group. When the substrate C2 hydroxyl group
      is ionized (the ionized pathway), the superoxo attack on the substrate is the
      rate-limiting step in the catalytic cycle, with a barrier of 15.9 kcal/mol.
      Glu396 was found to play an important role in stabilizing the bridge species and
      its O-O cleavage product by donating a proton via a hydrogen-bonded water
      molecule. When the substrate C2 hydroxyl group is not ionized (the nonionized
      pathway), the O-O bond cleavage of the bridge species is the rate-limiting step,
      with a barrier of 15.3 kcal/mol. The QM/MM-optimized geometries for the dioxygen
      and alkylperoxo complexes using the nonionized model (for the C2 hydroxyl group)
      are in agreement with the experimental crystal structures, suggesting that the C2
      hydroxyl group is more likely to be nonionized.

PMID- 27119316
TI  - Effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on olfactory function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 plays a major role in the maintenance of central and
      peripheral nervous systems. Vitamin B12 deficiency may affect the spinal cord,
      brain, optic nerve, and peripheral nerve functions; however, the effect of
      vitamin B12 deficiency on olfactory function has not been studied, so our study
      aimed to investigate that. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with low vitamin B12
      levels and 34 controls were included in the study. All participants had detailed
      otorhinolaryngological examinations and laboratory tests. The Sniffin' Stick test
      was used for analysis of olfactory function. The 2 groups were compared for smell
      test results. Correlations of smell test results with demographic and laboratory
      data were investigated in the vitamin B12-deficient group. RESULTS: The threshold
      discrimination identification scores were (mean +/- standard deviation) 28.04 +/-
      5.58 and 35.10 +/- 2.84 in the vitamin B12-deficient and control groups,
      respectively (p < 0.001). In the vitamin B12-deficient group, hyposmia and
      anosmia were evident in 56.4% and 5.1% of the patients, respectively, but no
      subjects in the control group had olfactory dysfunction (p < 0.001). Correlation
      analysis showed that age and odor identification score showed a negative
      correlation (p < 0.001); however, there was a positive correlation between
      threshold, discrimination and identification (TDI) score and vitamin B12 levels.
      CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed for the first time that olfactory
      dysfunction may be present in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. Apart from a
      negative correlation of age with odor identification score, none of the other
      parameters studied showed correlations with olfactory dysfunction.

PMID- 27119317
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27119318
TI  - Lewis Acid and Fluoroalcohol Mediated Nucleophilic Addition to the C2 Position of
      Indoles.
AB  - Indole readily undergoes nucleophilic substitution at the C3 site, and many
      indole derivatives have been functionalized using this property. Indole also
      forms indolium, which allows electrophilic addition in acidic conditions, but
      current examples have been limited to intramolecular reactions. C2 site-selective
      nucleophilic addition to indole derivatives using fluoroalcohol and a Lewis acid
      was developed.

PMID- 27119319
TI  - Role of tumour necrosis factor-a in the regulation of T-type calcium channel
      current in HL-1 cells.
AB  - Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation contributes to the initiation and
      perpetuation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although tumour necrosis factor (TNF)
      alpha levels are increased in patients with AF, the role of TNF-alpha in the
      pathogenesis of AF remains unclear. Besides L-type Ca(2+) currents (IC a,L ), T
      type Ca(2+) currents (IC a,T ) also plays an important role in the pathogenesis
      of AF. This study was designed to use the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique and
      biochemical assays to explore if TNF-alpha is involved in the pathogenesis of AF
      through regulating IC a,T in atrial myocytes. It was found that compared with
      sinus rhythm (SR) controls, T-type calcium channel (TCC) subunit mRNA levels were
      decreased, while TNF-alpha expression levels were increased, in human atrial
      tissue from patients with AF. In murine atrial myocyte HL-1 cells, after
      culturing for 24 h, 12.5, 25 and 50 ng/mL TNF-alpha significantly reduced the
      protein expression levels of the TCC alpha1G subunit in a concentration-dependent
      manner. The peak current was reduced by the application of 12.5 or 25 ng/mL TNF
      alpha in a concentration-dependent manner (from -15.08 +/- 1.11 pA/pF in controls
      to -11.89 +/- 0.83 pA/pF and -8.54 +/- 1.55 pA/pF in 12.5 or 25 ng/mL TNF-alpha
      group respectively). TNF-alpha application also inhibited voltage-dependent
      inactivation of IC a,T, shifted the inactivation curve to the left. These results
      suggest that TNF-alpha is involved in the pathogenesis of AF, probably via
      decreasing IC a,T current density in atrium-derived myocytes through impaired
      channel function and down-regulation of channel protein expression. This pathway
      thus represents a potential pathogenic mechanism in AF.

PMID- 27119320
TI  - The Effect of an All-Ages Bicycle Helmet Law on Bicycle-Related Trauma.
AB  - In 2003, Seattle implemented an all-ages bicycle helmet law; King County outside
      of Seattle had implemented a similar law since 1994. For the period 2000-2010,
      the effect of the helmet legislation on helmet use, helmet-preventable injuries,
      and bicycle-related fatalities was examined, comparing Seattle to the rest of
      King County. Data was retrieved from the Washington State Trauma Registry and the
      King County Medical Examiner. Results comparing the proportions of bicycle
      related head injuries before (2000-2002) and after (2004-2010) the law show no
      significant change in the proportion of bicyclists admitted to the hospital and
      treated for head injuries in either Seattle (37.9 vs 40.2 % p = 0.75) nor in the
      rest of King County (30.7 vs 31.4 %, p = 0.84) with the extension of the helmet
      law to Seattle in 2003. However, bicycle-related major head trauma as a
      proportion of all bicycle-related head trauma did decrease significantly in
      Seattle (83.9 vs 64.9 %, p = 0.04), while there was no significant change in King
      County (64.4 vs 57.6 %, p = 0.41). While the results do not show an overall
      decrease in head injuries, they do reveal a decrease in the severity of head
      injuries, as well as bicycle-related fatalities, suggesting that the helmet
      legislation was effective in reducing severe disability and death, contributing
      to injury prevention in Seattle and King County. The promotion of helmet use
      through an all ages helmet law is a vital preventative strategy for reducing
      major bicycle-related head trauma.

PMID- 27119321
TI  - What are the real waiting times for therapeutic management of head and neck
      cancer: a study in the general population in the north-west of France.
AB  - Head and neck cancers (HNC) have a poor prognosis and a long treatment delay may
      have a negative impact on this. Some studies have investigated the determinants
      of this delay but not in the general population and rarely taking into account
      socio-economic factors. A high-resolution population-based study about cancer
      management was conducted, using registries in the north-west of France, on HNC
      diagnosed between 2008 and 2010. The median time between diagnosis and
      multidisciplinary team meeting (DMI) (N = 1631) was 14 days (Q1: 7 to Q3: 26).
      The median time between diagnosis and first treatment (DTI) (N = 1519) was 35
      days (Q1: 21 to Q3: 54). When the first treatment was radiotherapy, the interval
      was 54.5 days (Q1: 40 to Q3: 71). In multivariate analysis, DTI was associated
      with the type of first treatment and place of treatment. For advanced stage HNC,
      DTI was associated with comorbidities, topography of the cancer and socio
      economic status, underprivileged patients being treated later than privileged
      ones. Given the French governmental cancer plans which set out to coordinate care
      pathways via nursing coordinators and to improve the availability of
      radiotherapy, the waiting times observed in this study still seem long. The
      optimal care pathway should include adapted social management but the DTI was
      still longer for underprivileged patients.

PMID- 27119322
TI  - Collaboration Platforms in China for Translational and Clinical Research: The
      Partnership Between Peking University Health Science Center and the University of
      Michigan Medical School.
AB  - PROBLEM: Clinical and translational research is increasing in China, attracting
      faculty-to-faculty collaborations between U.S. and Chinese researchers. However,
      examples of successful institution-to-institution collaborations to facilitate
      this research are limited. The authors describe a partnership between Peking
      University Health Science Center (PUHSC) and the University of Michigan Medical
      School (UMMS) designed to enable faculty-initiated joint translational and
      clinical research projects. APPROACH: In 2009, UMMS leadership identified PUHSC
      as the most appropriate institutional partner, and the Joint Institute for
      Translational and Clinical Research was established in 2010. Each contributed $7
      million for joint research projects in areas of mutual interest. A shared
      governance structure, four thematic programs (pulmonary, cardiovascular, liver,
      and renal diseases), three joint research-enabling cores, and processes for
      awarding funding have been established along with methods for collaborating and
      mechanisms to share data and biomaterials. OUTCOMES: As of November 2015, 52
      joint faculty proposals have been submitted, and 25 have been funded. These
      projects have involved more than 100,000 patients in the United States and China
      and have generated 13 peer-reviewed publications. Pilot data have been leveraged
      to secure $3.3 million of U.S. extramural funding. Faculty and trainee exchanges
      take place regularly (including an annual symposium), and mechanisms exist to
      link faculty seeking collaborations. Critical determinants of success include
      having co-ownership at all levels with coinvestment of resources. NEXT STEPS:
      Each institution is committed to continuing its support with a repeat $7 million
      investment. Next steps include initiating studies in new clinical areas and
      pursuing large clinical intervention trials.

PMID- 27119323
TI  - Why July Matters.
AB  - Each July, new graduates from premedical, medical, and residency programs, along
      with junior and midcareer faculty, acclimatize to their changing roles. During
      this month, overall efficiency, quality, and patient safety may suffer, a problem
      dubbed the "July effect." The many transitions that occur in teaching hospitals
      during July are often implicated as the root cause of this problem. The question,
      then, of how best to improve the team-based clinical care provided in July
      remains important. In this Commentary, the authors outline a model that combines
      the team-based care paradigm with effective leadership, followership, and
      communication-based strategies and propose some actionable steps.A key first step
      to enhancing patient safety in July is improving effective leadership through use
      of a select group of attendings whose teaching style empowers learners within a
      framework of close supervision. Second, programmatic efforts to pair these
      leaders with good followers are needed. Senior residents in July should be
      selected on their ability to mentor, guide, and support interns. Third, a system
      of free-flowing, bidirectional communication must be nurtured to ensure optimal
      outcomes. Adapting strategies from the airlines (e.g., interdisciplinary
      conferences to discuss optimal patient care approaches; checklists for daily
      activities such as sign-outs; directed feedback and debriefing techniques
      emphasizing actionable areas for improvement) is promising and worth
      studying.Available data suggest that the "July effect" is real. Developing new
      and exploring existing approaches for allaying this phenomenon are important
      areas of further investigation.

PMID- 27119324
TI  - Caring to Care: Applying Noddings' Philosophy to Medical Education.
AB  - The authors argue that Nel Noddings' philosophy, "an ethic of caring," may
      illuminate how students learn to be caring physicians from their experience of
      being in a caring, reciprocal relationship with teaching faculty. In her
      philosophy, Noddings acknowledges two important contextual continuities: duration
      and space, which the authors speculate exist within longitudinal integrated
      clerkships. In this Perspective, the authors highlight core features of Noddings'
      philosophy and explore its applicability to medical education. They apply
      Noddings' philosophy to a subset of data from a previously published longitudinal
      case study to explore its "goodness of fit" with the experience of eight students
      in the 2012 cohort of the Columbia-Bassett longitudinal integrated clerkship. In
      line with Noddings' philosophy, the authors' supplementary analysis suggests that
      students (1) recognized caring when they talked about "being known" by teaching
      faculty who "cared for" and "trusted" them; (2) responded to caring by
      demonstrating enthusiasm, action, and responsibility toward patients; and (3)
      acknowledged that duration and space facilitated caring relations with teaching
      faculty. The authors discuss how Noddings' philosophy provides a useful
      conceptual framework to apply to medical education design and to future research
      on caring-oriented clinical training, such as longitudinal integrated clerkships.

PMID- 27119325
TI  - The Use of Smartphones for Health Research.
AB  - Because of their growing popularity and functionality, smartphones are
      increasingly valuable potential tools for health and medical research. Using
      ResearchKit, Apple's open-source platform to build applications ("apps") for
      smartphone research, collaborators have developed apps for researching asthma,
      breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and Parkinson disease.
      These research apps enhance widespread participation by removing geographical
      barriers to participation, provide novel ways to motivate healthy behaviors,
      facilitate high-frequency assessments, and enable more objective data collection.
      Although the studies have great potential, they also have notable limitations.
      These include selection bias, identity uncertainty, design limitations,
      retention, and privacy. As smartphone technology becomes increasingly available,
      researchers must recognize these factors to ensure that medical research is
      conducted appropriately. Despite these limitations, the future of smartphones in
      health research is bright. Their convenience grants unprecedented geographic
      freedom to researchers and participants alike and transforms the way clinical
      research can be conducted.

PMID- 27119326
TI  - Distinguishing Three Unprofessional Behavior Profiles of Medical Students Using
      Latent Class Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Because unprofessional behavior of physicians is associated with
      unprofessional behavior in medical school, identifying unprofessional behavior in
      medical school is critical. Research has noted the difficulty in assessing
      professional behavior. Instead of identifying isolated behaviors, it could be
      more helpful to recognize behavioral patterns to evaluate students' professional
      behavior. The authors aimed to identify patterns in the unprofessional behaviors
      of medical students and to construct descriptions based on these patterns.
      METHOD: Content analysis of research articles yielded a template of
      unprofessional behaviors for coding student evaluation forms indicating
      unsatisfactory professional behavior, collected from 2012 to 2014 at the VUmc
      School of Medical Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Latent class analysis was
      used to identify classes of students with a high chance of displaying comparable
      unprofessional behaviors. Teachers' feedback of prototype students was summarized
      to generate profile descriptions. RESULTS: A template of 109 behaviors was used
      to code 232 evaluation forms of 194 students (3.9% students/year). Latent class
      analysis identified three hypothetical classes of students: Class 1 (43%) was
      labeled as "Poor reliability," class 2 (20%) was labeled as "Poor reliability and
      poor insight," and class 3 (37%) was labeled as "Poor reliability, poor insight,
      and poor adaptability." CONCLUSIONS: These profiles of unprofessional behavior
      might help to improve the evaluation of unprofessional behavior in medical
      school. Further research should provide evidence for confidently accepting or
      rejecting the profiles as an instrument to identify which students are expected
      to benefit from remediation trajectories.

PMID- 27119327
TI  - Clinician-Educators as Dual Professionals: A Contemporary Reappraisal.
AB  - Physicians who teach face unique responsibilities and expectations because they
      must educate learners while simultaneously caring for patients. Recently this has
      become even more difficult as the environment for clinician-educators has been
      undermined by public antipathy toward both the education profession and the
      medicine profession.Erosion of public confidence in both professions is evidenced
      by three trends. First, the democratizing nature of the Internet and the
      availability of technical knowledge to laypeople have encroached on the domain of
      professional knowledge. Second, the responsibility of a professional to make
      decisions has been undercut by legal interpretations regarding how physicians are
      paid for patient care and how teachers are evaluated on performance. And finally,
      altruistic motivations in both professions have been called into question by
      external forces promoting "accountability" rather than trusting professionals to
      act for the best interest of their patients or students.In this climate of
      increasing accountability and decreasing trust for professionals, clinician
      educators can best serve patients and learners through transdisciplinary
      collaboration with professional educators. Clinician-educators should rely on
      professional educators for judgment and specialized knowledge in the field of
      education rather than embodying both professions by themselves. Health care
      practice has become more team oriented; health care education should do likewise
      to counteract the social and political trends eroding public confidence in
      medicine and education. Relying on collaboration with education professionals
      constitutes a substantial change to how clinician-educators define themselves,
      but it holds the best promise for medical training in the current social milieu.

PMID- 27119329
TI  - Early Experiences After Adopting a Quality Improvement Portfolio Into the
      Academic Advancement Process.
AB  - PROBLEM: Academic medical centers (AMCs) and their academic departments are
      increasingly assuming leadership in the education, science, and implementation of
      quality improvement (QI) and patient safety efforts. Fostering, recognizing, and
      promoting faculty leading these efforts is challenging using traditional academic
      metrics for advancement. APPROACH: The authors adapted a nationally developed QI
      portfolio, adopted it into their own department's advancement process in 2012,
      and tracked its utilization and impact over the first two years of
      implementation. OUTCOMES: Sixty-seven QI portfolios were submitted with 100% of
      faculty receiving their requested academic advancement. Women represented 60% of
      the submitted portfolios, while the Divisions of General Internal Medicine and
      Hospital Medicine accounted for 60% of the submissions. The remaining 40% were
      from faculty in 10 different specialty divisions. Faculty attitudes about the QI
      portfolio were overwhelmingly positive, with 83% agreeing that it "was an
      effective tool for helping to better recognize faculty contributions in QI work"
      and 85% agreeing that it "was an effective tool for elevating the importance of
      QI work in our department." NEXT STEPS: The QI portfolio was one part of a
      broader effort to create opportunities to recognize and support faculty involved
      in improvement work. Further adapting the tool to ensure that it complements
      rather than duplicates-other elements of the advancement process is critical for
      continued utilization by faculty. This will also drive desired dissemination to
      other departments locally and other AMCs nationally who are similarly committed
      to cultivating faculty career paths in systems improvement.

PMID- 27119328
TI  - Predictors of Primary Care Physician Practice Location in Underserved Urban or
      Rural Areas in the United States: A Systematic Literature Review.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors conducted a systematic review of the medical literature to
      determine the factors most strongly associated with localizing primary care
      physicians (PCPs) in underserved urban or rural areas of the United States.
      METHOD: In November 2015, the authors searched databases (MEDLINE, ERIC, SCOPUS)
      and Google Scholar to identify published peer-reviewed studies that focused on
      PCPs and reported practice location outcomes that included U.S. underserved urban
      or rural areas. Studies focusing on practice intentions, nonphysicians, patient
      panel composition, or retention/turnover were excluded. They screened 4,130
      titles and reviewed 284 full-text articles. RESULTS: Seventy-two observational or
      case-control studies met inclusion criteria. These were categorized into four
      broad themes aligned with prior literature: 19 studies focused on physician
      characteristics, 13 on financial factors, 20 on medical school
      curricula/programs, and 20 on graduate medical education (GME) programs. Studies
      found significant relationships between physician race/ethnicity and language and
      practice in underserved areas. Multiple studies demonstrated significant
      associations between financial factors (e.g., debt or incentives) and underserved
      or rural practice, independent of preexisting trainee characteristics. There was
      also evidence that medical school and GME programs were effective in training
      PCPs who locate in underserved areas. CONCLUSIONS: Both financial incentives and
      special training programs could be used to support trainees with the personal
      characteristics associated with practicing in underserved or rural areas.
      Expanding and replicating medical school curricula and programs proven to produce
      clinicians who practice in underserved urban or rural areas should be a strategic
      investment for medical education and future research.

PMID- 27119330
TI  - Helping Basic Scientists Engage With Community Partners to Enrich and Accelerate
      Translational Research.
AB  - PROBLEM: Engaging basic scientists in community-based translational research is
      challenging but has great potential for improving health. APPROACH: In 2009, The
      Rockefeller University Center for Clinical and Translational Science partnered
      with Clinical Directors Network, a practice-based research network (PBRN), to
      create a community-engaged research navigation (CEnR-Nav) program to foster
      research pairing basic science and community-driven scientific aims. The program
      is led by an academic navigator and a PBRN navigator. Through meetings and joint
      activities, the program facilitates basic science-community partnerships and the
      development and conduct of joint research protocols. OUTCOMES: From 2009-2014, 39
      investigators pursued 44 preliminary projects through the CEnR-Nav program; 25 of
      those became 23 approved protocols and 2 substudies. They involved clinical
      scholar trainees, early-career physician-scientists, faculty, students,
      postdoctoral fellows, and others. Nineteen (of 25; 76%) identified community
      partners, of which 9 (47%) named them as coinvestigators. Nine (of 25; 36%)
      included T3-T4 translational aims. Seven (of 25; 28%) secured external funding,
      11 (of 25; 44%) disseminated results through presentations or publications, and 5
      (71%) of 7 projects publishing results included a community partner as a
      coauthor. Of projects with long-term navigator participation, 9 (of 19; 47%)
      incorporated T3-T4 aims and 7 (of 19; 37%) secured external funding. NEXT STEPS:
      The CEnR-Nav program provides a model for successfully engaging basic scientists
      with communities to advance and accelerate translational science. This model's
      durability and generalizability have not been determined, but it achieves
      valuable short-term goals and facilitates scientifically meaningful community
      academic partnerships.

PMID- 27119331
TI  - Parting the Clouds: Three Professionalism Frameworks in Medical Education.
AB  - Current controversies in medical education associated with professionalism,
      including disagreements about curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment, are rooted in
      part in the differing frameworks that are used to address professionalism. Three
      dominant frameworks, which have evolved in the medical education community, are
      described. The oldest framework is virtue based and focuses on the inner habits
      of the heart, the development of moral character and reasoning, plus humanistic
      qualities of caring and compassion: The good physician is a person of character.
      The second framework is behavior based, which emphasizes milestones,
      competencies, and measurement of observable behaviors: The good physician is a
      person who consistently demonstrates competence in performing patient care tasks.
      The third framework is identity formation, with a focus on identity development
      and socialization into a community of practice: The good physician integrates
      into his or her identity a set of values and dispositions consonant with the
      physician community and aspires to a professional identity reflected in the very
      best physicians. Although each professionalism framework is useful and valid, the
      field of medical education is currently engaged in several different discourses
      resulting in misunderstanding and differing recommendations for strategies to
      facilitate professionalism. In this article, the assumptions and contributions of
      each framework are described to provide greater insight into the nature of
      professionalism. By examining each discourse in detail, underlying commonalities
      and differences can be highlighted to assist educators in more effectively
      creating professionalism curricula, pedagogy, and assessment.

PMID- 27119332
TI  - Medical Student Perceptions of the Learning Environment: Learning Communities Are
      Associated With a More Positive Learning Environment in a Multi-Institutional
      Medical School Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Many medical schools have implemented learning communities (LCs) to
      improve the learning environment (LE) for students. The authors conducted this
      study to determine whether a relationship exists between medical student
      perceptions of the LE and presence of LCs during the preclerkship years. METHOD:
      Students from 24 schools participating in the American Medical Association
      Learning Environment Study completed the 17-item Medical Student Learning
      Environment Survey (MSLES) at the end of their first and second years of medical
      school between 2011 and 2013. Mean total MSLES scores and individual item scores
      at the end of the first and second years in schools with and without LCs were
      compared with t tests, and effect sizes were calculated. Mixed-effects
      longitudinal models were used to control for student demographics and random
      school and student effects on the relationship between LC status and MSLES score.
      RESULTS: A total of 4,980 students (81% of 6,148 matriculants) from 18 schools
      with LCs and 6 without LCs participated. Mean [SD] MSLES scores were
      significantly higher in LC schools compared with non-LC schools at the end of
      year one (3.72 [0.44] versus 3.57 [0.43], P < .001) and year two (3.69 [0.49]
      versus 3.42 [0.54], P < .001). The effect size increased from 0.35 (small) at the
      end of year one to 0.53 (medium) at the end of year two. CONCLUSIONS: This large
      multi-institutional cohort study found that LCs at medical schools were
      associated with more positive perceptions of the LE by preclerkship students.

PMID- 27119333
TI  - A Hybrid Interview Model for Medical School Interviews: Combining Traditional and
      Multisampling Formats.
AB  - PROBLEM: Most medical schools have either retained a traditional admissions
      interview or fully adopted an innovative, multisampling format (e.g., the
      multiple mini-interview) despite there being advantages and disadvantages
      associated with each format. APPROACH: The University of Michigan Medical School
      (UMMS) sought to maximize the strengths associated with both interview formats
      after recognizing that combining the two approaches had the potential to capture
      additional, unique information about an applicant. In September 2014, the UMMS
      implemented a hybrid interview model with six, 6-minute short-form interviews
      highly structured scenario-based encounters-and two, 30-minute semistructured
      long-form interviews. Five core skills were assessed across both interview
      formats. OUTCOMES: Overall, applicants and admissions committee members reported
      favorable reactions to the hybrid model, supporting continued use of the model.
      The generalizability coefficients for the six-station short-form and the two
      interview long-form formats were estimated to be 0.470 and 0.176, respectively.
      Different skills were more reliably assessed by different interview formats.
      Scores from each format seemed to be operating independently as evidenced through
      moderate to low correlations (r = 0.100-0.403) for the same skills measured
      across different interview formats; however, after correcting for attenuation,
      these correlations were much higher. NEXT STEPS: This hybrid model will be
      revised and optimized to capture the skills most reliably assessed by each
      format. Future analysis will examine validity by determining whether short-form
      and long-form interview scores accurately measure the skills intended to be
      assessed. Additionally, data collected from both formats will be used to
      establish baselines for entering students' competencies.

PMID- 27119334
TI  - CaPOW! Using Problem Sets in a Capstone Course to Improve Fourth-Year Medical
      Students' Confidence in Self-Directed Learning.
AB  - PROBLEM: Despite the importance of self-directed learning (SDL) in the field of
      medicine, individuals are rarely taught how to perform SDL or receive feedback on
      it. Trainee skill in SDL is limited by difficulties with self-assessment and goal
      setting. APPROACH: Ninety-two graduating fourth-year medical students from Duke
      University School of Medicine completed an individualized learning plan (ILP) for
      a transition-to-residency Capstone course in spring 2015 to help foster their
      skills in SDL. Students completed the ILP after receiving a personalized report
      from a designated faculty coach detailing strengths and weaknesses on specific
      topics (e.g., pulmonary medicine) and clinical skills (e.g., generating a
      differential diagnosis). These were determined by their performance on 12
      Capstone Problem Sets of the Week (CaPOWs) compared with their peers. Students
      used transitional-year milestones to self-assess their confidence in SDL.
      OUTCOMES: SDL was successfully implemented in a Capstone course through the
      development of required clinically oriented problem sets. Coaches provided guided
      feedback on students' performance to help them identify knowledge deficits.
      Students' self-assessment of their confidence in SDL increased following course
      completion. However, students often chose Capstone didactic sessions according to
      factors other than their CaPOW performance, including perceived relevance to
      planned specialty and session timing. NEXT STEPS: Future Capstone curriculum
      changes may further enhance SDL skills of graduating students. Students will
      receive increased formative feedback on their CaPOW performance and be
      incentivized to attend sessions in areas of personal weakness.

PMID- 27119335
TI  - Plasmon-enhanced nanoporous BiVO4 photoanodes for efficient photoelectrochemical
      water oxidation.
AB  - Conversion of solar irradiation into chemical fuels such as hydrogen with the use
      of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell is an attractive strategy for green energy.
      The promising technique of incorporating metal nanoparticles (NPs) in the
      photoelectrodes is being explored to enhance the performance of the
      photoelectrodes. In this work, we developed Au-NPs-functionalized nanoporous
      BiVO4 photoanodes, and utilized the plasmonic effects of Au NPs to enhance the
      photoresponse. The plasmonic enhancement leads to an AM 1.5 photocurrent of 5.1
      +/- 0.1 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 V versus a reverse hydrogen electrode. We observed an
      enhancement of five times with respect to pristine BiVO4 in the photocurrent with
      long-term stability and high energy-conversion efficiency. The overall
      performance enhancement is attributed to the synergy between the nanoporous
      architecture of BiVO4 and the plasmonic effects of Au NPs. Our further study
      reveals that the commendable photoactivity arises from the different plasmonic
      effects and co-catalyst effects of Au NPs. 

PMID- 27119336
TI  - Neandertal versus Modern Human Dietary Responses to Climatic Fluctuations.
AB  - The Neandertal lineage developed successfully throughout western Eurasia and
      effectively survived the harsh and severely changing environments of the
      alternating glacial/interglacial cycles from the middle of the Pleistocene until
      Marine Isotope Stage 3. Yet, towards the end of this stage, at the time of
      deteriorating climatic conditions that eventually led to the Last Glacial
      Maximum, and soon after modern humans entered western Eurasia, the Neandertals
      disappeared. Western Eurasia was by then exclusively occupied by modern humans.
      We use occlusal molar microwear texture analysis to examine aspects of diet in
      western Eurasian Paleolithic hominins in relation to fluctuations in food
      supplies that resulted from the oscillating climatic conditions of the
      Pleistocene. There is demonstrable evidence for differences in behavior that
      distinguish Upper Paleolithic humans from members of the Neandertal lineage.
      Specifically, whereas the Neandertals altered their diets in response to changing
      paleoecological conditions, the diets of Upper Paleolithic humans seem to have
      been less affected by slight changes in vegetation/climatic conditions but were
      linked to changes in their technological complexes. The results of this study
      also indicate differences in resource exploitation strategies between these two
      hominin groups. We argue that these differences in subsistence strategies, if
      they had already been established at the time of the first contact between these
      two hominin taxa, may have given modern humans an advantage over the Neandertals,
      and may have contributed to the persistence of our species despite habitat
      related changes in food availabilities associated with climate fluctuations.

PMID- 27119337
TI  - Differential Expression of Long Noncoding RNAs between Sperm Samples from
      Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Mice.
AB  - To investigate the potential core reproduction-related genes associated with the
      development of diabetes, the expression profiles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)
      and messenger RNA (mRNA) in the sperm of diabetic mice were studied. We used
      microarray analysis to detect the expression of lncRNAs and coding transcripts in
      six diabetic and six normal sperm samples, and differentially expressed lncRNAs
      and mRNAs were identified through Volcano Plot filtering. The function of
      differentially expressed mRNA was determined by pathway and gene ontology (GO)
      analysis, and the function of lncRNAs was studied by subgroup analysis and their
      physical or functional relationships with corresponding mRNAs. A total of 7721
      lncRNAs and 6097 mRNAs were found to be differentially expressed between the
      diabetic and normal sperm groups. The diabetic sperm exhibited aberrant
      expression profiles for lncRNAs and mRNAs, and GO and pathway analyses showed
      that the functions of differentially expressed mRNAs were closely related with
      many processes involved in the development of diabetes. Furthermore, potential
      core genes that might play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes
      related low fertility were revealed by lncRNA- and mRNA-interaction studies, as
      well as coding-noncoding gene co-expression analysis based on the microarray
      expression profiles.

PMID- 27119339
TI  - CORR Insights((r)): Does Preadmission Cutaneous Chlorhexidine Preparation Reduce
      Surgical Site Infections After Total Knee Arthroplasty?

PMID- 27119338
TI  - Carbon Nanofiber Arrays: A Novel Tool for Microdelivery of Biomolecules to
      Plants.
AB  - Effective methods for delivering bioprobes into the cells of intact plants are
      essential for investigating diverse biological processes. Increasing research on
      trees, such as Populus spp., for bioenergy applications is driving the need for
      techniques that work well with tree species. This report introduces vertically
      aligned carbon nanofiber (VACNF) arrays as a new tool for microdelivery of
      labeled molecules to Populus leaf tissue and whole plants. We demonstrated that
      VACNFs penetrate the leaf surface to deliver sub-microliter quantities of
      solution containing fluorescent or radiolabeled molecules into Populus leaf
      cells. Importantly, VACNFs proved to be gentler than abrasion with carborundum, a
      common way to introduce material into leaves. Unlike carborundum, VACNFs did not
      disrupt cell or tissue integrity, nor did they induce production of hydrogen
      peroxide, a typical wound response. We show that femtomole to picomole quantities
      of labeled molecules (fluorescent dyes, small proteins and dextran), ranging from
      0.5-500 kDa, can be introduced by VACNFs, and we demonstrate the use of the
      approach to track delivered probes from their site of introduction on the leaf to
      distal plant regions. VACNF arrays thus offer an attractive microdelivery method
      for the introduction of biomolecules and other probes into trees and potentially
      other types of plants.

PMID- 27119340
TI  - Emergence of Swarming Behavior: Foraging Agents Evolve Collective Motion Based on
      Signaling.
AB  - Swarming behavior is common in biology, from cell colonies to insect swarms and
      bird flocks. However, the conditions leading to the emergence of such behavior
      are still subject to research. Since Reynolds' boids, many artificial models have
      reproduced swarming behavior, focusing on details ranging from obstacle avoidance
      to the introduction of fixed leaders. This paper presents a model of evolved
      artificial agents, able to develop swarming using only their ability to listen to
      each other's signals. The model simulates a population of agents looking for a
      vital resource they cannot directly detect, in a 3D environment. Instead of a
      centralized algorithm, each agent is controlled by an artificial neural network,
      whose weights are encoded in a genotype and adapted by an original asynchronous
      genetic algorithm. The results demonstrate that agents progressively evolve the
      ability to use the information exchanged between each other via signaling to
      establish temporary leader-follower relations. These relations allow agents to
      form swarming patterns, emerging as a transient behavior that improves the
      agents' ability to forage for the resource. Once they have acquired the ability
      to swarm, the individuals are able to outperform the non-swarmers at finding the
      resource. The population hence reaches a neutral evolutionary space which leads
      to a genetic drift of the genotypes. This reductionist approach to signal-based
      swarming not only contributes to shed light on the minimal conditions for the
      evolution of a swarming behavior, but also more generally it exemplifies the
      effect communication can have on optimal search patterns in collective groups of
      individuals.

PMID- 27119341
TI  - Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury Is an Important Factor in the Development of
      Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis in Long-Term Peritoneal Dialysis Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but
      serious and life-threatening complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). However,
      the precise pathogenesis remains unclear; in addition, predictors and early
      diagnostic biomarkers for EPS have not yet to be established. METHODS: Eighty
      three peritoneal membrane samples taken at catheter removal were examined to
      identify pathological characteristics of chronic peritoneal deterioration, which
      promotes EPS in patients undergoing long-term PD treatment with low occurrence of
      peritonitis. RESULTS: According to univariable logistic regression analysis of
      the pathological findings, thickness of the peritoneal membrane (P = 0.045), new
      membrane formation score (P = 0.006), ratio of luminal diameter to vessel
      diameter (L/V ratio, P<0.001), presence of CD31-negative vessels (P = 0.021),
      fibrin deposition (P<0.001), and collagen volume fraction (P = 0.018) were
      associated with EPS development. In analyses of samples with and without EPS
      matched for PD treatment period, non-diabetes, and PD solution, univariable
      analysis identified L/V ratio (per 0.1 increase: odds ratio (OR) 0.44, P = 0.003)
      and fibrin deposition (OR 6.35, P = 0.027) as the factors associated with EPS.
      L/V ratio was lower in patients with fibrin exudation than in patients without
      fibrin exudation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that damage to vascular
      endothelial cells, as represented by low L/V ratio, could be a predictive finding
      for the development of EPS, particularly in long-term PD patients unaffected by
      peritonitis.

PMID- 27119342
TI  - Challenges in Collating Spirometry Reference Data for South-Asian Children: An
      Observational Study.
AB  - METHODS: Spirometry datasets from South-Asian children were collated from four
      centres in India and five within the UK. Records with transcription errors,
      missing values for height or spirometry, and implausible values were excluded(n =
      110). RESULTS: Following exclusions, cross-sectional data were available from
      8,124 children (56.3% male; 5-17 years). When compared with GLI-predicted values
      from White Europeans, forced expired volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital
      capacity (FVC) in South-Asian children were on average 15% lower, ranging from 4
      19% between centres. By contrast, proportional reductions in FEV1 and FVC within
      all but two datasets meant that the FEV1/FVC ratio remained independent of
      ethnicity. The 'GLI-Other' equation fitted data from North India reasonably well
      while 'GLI-Black' equations provided a better approximation for South-Asian data
      than the 'GLI-White' equation. However, marked discrepancies in the mean lung
      function z-scores between centres especially when examined according to socio
      economic conditions precluded derivation of a single South-Asian GLI-adjustment.
      CONCLUSION: Until improved and more robust prediction equations can be derived,
      we recommend the use of 'GLI-Black' equations for interpreting most South-Asian
      data, although 'GLI-Other' may be more appropriate for North Indian data.
      Prospective data collection using standardised protocols to explore potential
      sources of variation due to socio-economic circumstances, secular changes in
      growth/predictors of lung function and ethnicities within the South-Asian
      classification are urgently required.

PMID- 27119343
TI  - Variation in Copy Number of Ty3/Gypsy Centromeric Retrotransposons in the Genomes
      of Thinopyrum intermedium and Its Diploid Progenitors.
AB  - Speciation and allopolyploidization in cereals may be accompanied by dramatic
      changes in abundance of centromeric repeated transposable elements. Here we
      demonstrate that the reverse transcriptase part of Ty3/gypsy centromeric
      retrotransposon (RT-CR) is highly conservative in the segmental hexaploid
      Thinopyrum intermedium (JrJvsSt) and its possible diploid progenitors Th.
      bessarabicum (Jb), Pseudoroegneria spicata (St) and Dasypyrum villosum (V) but
      the abundance of the repeats varied to a large extent. Fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) showed hybridization signals in centromeric region of all
      chromosomes in the studied species, although the intensity of the signals
      drastically differed. In Th. intermedium, the strongest signal of RT-CR probe was
      detected on the chromosomes of Jv, intermediate on Jr and faint on Js and St
      subgenome suggesting different abundance of RT-CR on the individual chromosomes
      rather than the sequence specificity of RT-CRs of the subgenomes. RT-CR
      quantification using real-time PCR revealed that its content per genome in Th.
      bessarabicum is ~ 2 times and P. spicata is ~ 1,5 times higher than in genome of
      D. villosum. The possible burst of Ty3/gypsy centromeric retrotransposon in Th.
      intermedium during allopolyploidization and its role in proper mitotic and
      meiotic chromosome behavior in a nascent allopolyploid is discussed.

PMID- 27119344
TI  - Spatial Distribution of Black Bear Incident Reports in Michigan.
AB  - Interactions between humans and carnivores have existed for centuries due to
      competition for food and space. American black bears are increasing in abundance
      and populations are expanding geographically in many portions of its range,
      including areas that are also increasing in human density, often resulting in
      associated increases in human-bear conflict (hereafter, bear incidents). We used
      public reports of bear incidents in Michigan, USA, from 2003-2011 to assess the
      relative contributions of ecological and anthropogenic variables in explaining
      the spatial distribution of bear incidents and estimated the potential risk of
      bear incidents. We used weighted Normalized Difference Vegetation Index mean as
      an index of primary productivity, region (i.e., Upper Peninsula or Lower
      Peninsula), primary and secondary road densities, and percentage land cover type
      within 6.5-km2 circular buffers around bear incidents and random points. We
      developed 22 a priori models and used generalized linear models and Akaike's
      Information Criterion (AIC) to rank models. The global model was the best
      compromise between model complexity and model fit (w = 0.99), with a DeltaAIC
      8.99 units from the second best performing model. We found that as deciduous
      forest cover increased, the probability of bear incident occurrence increased.
      Among the measured anthropogenic variables, cultivated crops and primary roads
      were the most important in our AIC-best model and were both positively related to
      the probability of bear incident occurrence. The spatial distribution of relative
      bear incident risk varied markedly throughout Michigan. Forest cover fragmented
      with agriculture and other anthropogenic activities presents an environment that
      likely facilitates bear incidents. Our map can help wildlife managers identify
      areas of bear incident occurrence, which in turn can be used to help develop
      strategies aimed at reducing incidents. Researchers and wildlife managers can use
      similar mapping techniques to assess locations of specific conflict types or to
      address human impacts on endangered species.

PMID- 27119345
TI  - Awake, Offline Processing during Associative Learning.
AB  - Offline processing has been shown to strengthen memory traces and enhance
      learning in the absence of conscious rehearsal or awareness. Here we evaluate
      whether a brief, two-minute offline processing period can boost associative
      learning and test a memory reactivation account for these offline processing
      effects. After encoding paired associates, subjects either completed a distractor
      task for two minutes or were immediately tested for memory of the pairs in a
      counterbalanced, within-subjects functional magnetic resonance imaging study.
      Results showed that brief, awake, offline processing improves memory for
      associate pairs. Moreover, multi-voxel pattern analysis of the neuroimaging data
      suggested reactivation of encoded memory representations in dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex during offline processing. These results signify the first
      demonstration of awake, active, offline enhancement of associative memory and
      suggest that such enhancement is accompanied by the offline reactivation of
      encoded memory representations.

PMID- 27119347
TI  - New Developments in Mechanical Enhancement of Colonoscopy: Cuffs, Caps and Rings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cause of cancer-related deaths.
      Early detection of precursor lesions in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence via
      colonoscopy can decrease mortality from CRC. SUMMARY: In this review article, we
      have summarized retrospective studies, prospective single center, multicenter
      studies and randomized controlled trials describing the efficacy of endocuff
      colonoscopy (EC), cap-assisted colonoscopy (CAC) and endorings colonoscopy (ERC).
      Indications, techniques, outcomes, limitations and complications reported are
      discussed. KEY MESSAGE: Use of colonoscope with cap, cuff or rings attached to
      its distal tip has been shown to increase the polyp detection rate and adenoma
      detection rate, predominantly for the small polyps (<1 cm) and proximal colon
      location. Evidence is uniform for EC and ERC but not for CAC. Benefits of shorter
      cecum intubation time, improved cecum intubation rates and decreased pain scores
      during colonoscopy done with assistance of cuff or cap has potential to decrease
      the number of incomplete colonoscopy and increase overall patient satisfaction,
      thus improving follow-up. In the absence of any additional adverse events, EC,
      CAC and ERC have potential to enhance the benefits of colonoscopy.

PMID- 27119346
TI  - Lamivudine Concentration in Hair and Prediction of Virologic Failure and Drug
      Resistance among HIV Patients Receiving Free ART in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The assessment of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is
      important in order to predict treatment outcomes. Lamivudine (3TC) is one of the
      most widely used NRTIs in China, but its concentrations in hair and association
      with virologic failure and drug resistance have not been studied. METHODS: We
      conducted a cross-sectional survey to investigate 3TC concentrations in hair as a
      predictor of virologic failure and drug resistance among HIV patients receiving
      free ART. We also compared the capacity of hair 3TC concentrations with self
      reported adherence in predicting virologic responses. Hair 3TC concentrations
      were detected through the LC-MS/MS system. RESULTS: In patients without HIV drug
      resistance (HIVDR), with a threshold hair 3TC concentration of 260 ng/g, the
      sensitivity and specificity in predicting virologic suppression were 76.9% and
      89.9%, respectively. Some factors, including CD4+ cell counts, initial treatment
      regimens with 3TC, and current regimens with second-line drugs, influenced the
      association between hair 3TC concentrations and virologic suppression. In
      patients who experienced virologic failure with HIVDR, with a threshold of 180
      ng/g, the sensitivity and specificity were 70.0% and 74.4%, respectively. Hair
      3TC concentrations had higher sensitivity and specificity in predicting virologic
      failure and drug resistance than self-reported adherence. CONCLUSIONS: The hair
      3TC concentration was a stronger indicator than self-reported adherence in
      predicting virologic failure and drug resistance in HIV patients receiving free
      ART.

PMID- 27119348
TI  - Gambogic Acid Inhibits Malignant Melanoma Cell Proliferation Through
      Mitochondrial p66shc/ROS-p53/Bax-Mediated Apoptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Malignant melanoma has high metastatic potential, is highly
      resistant to chemotherapy, and has a poor survival rate. Gambogic acid (GA), a
      polyprenylated xanthone extracted from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has
      been proven to exhibit antitumor activity. The present study aimed to investigate
      the signaling pathways that mediated GA-induced inhibition of human malignant
      skin melanoma proliferation. METHODS: The study was conducted using A375 cells
      and the corresponding tumor transplanted in nude mice. RESULTS: Incubation of
      A375 cells with 1-10 MUg/ml GA decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis.
      GA concentration-dependently increased p66shc expression and intracellular ROS
      levels. GA also decreased the oxygen consumption rate and the mitochondrial
      membrane potential (MMP) in A375 cells. Experimental inhibition of p66shc by
      siRNA suppressed GA-induced increase of ROS, decrease of oxygen consumption rate,
      MMP and cell viability, whilst suppressing GA-induced increase of apoptosis. GA
      concentration-dependently upregulated p53 and Bax expression in A375 cells. GA
      also increased p53-TA-luciferase activity and p53-binding to Bax promoter, which
      was inhibited by Sip53. Experimental inhibition of p53 with Sip53 blocked GA
      induced decrease of the oxygen consumption rate and cell viability, and blocked
      the increase of apoptosis. In tumor-bearing nude mice, GA notably inhibited tumor
      growth, and this action was suppressed by N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent
      antioxidant, and by PFT-alpha, a p53 inhibitor. In A375 tumors transplanted in
      nude mice, GA increased both p66shc and p53 expression. NAC and PFT-alpha
      treatment did not significantly affect p66shc expression in tumors grown in mice
      treated with GA. In contrast, both NAC and PFT-alpha treatment inhibited GA
      induced p53 expression in mouse tumors. CONCLUSION: Results provided novel
      preclinical insights into the chemotherapeutic use of GA by highlighting the
      importance of p66shc/ROS-p53/Bax pathways in the antitumor effect of GA in
      malignant melanoma.

PMID- 27119349
TI  - Folate deficient tumor microenvironment promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transition and cancer stem-like phenotypes.
AB  - Clinically, serum level of folate has been negatively correlated to the stage and
      progression of liver cancer. Nevertheless, the functional consequence of folate
      deficiency (FD) in malignancy has not been fully investigated. Human
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells (as study model) and other cancer types such
      as lung and glioma were cultured under folate deficient (FD) and folate complete
      (FD) conditions. Molecular characterization including intracellular ROS/RNS
      (reactive oxygen/nitrogen species), viability, colony formation, cancer stem-like
      cell (CSC) phenotype analyses were performed. In vivo tumorigenesis under FD and
      FC conditions were also examined. FD induced a significant increase in ROS and
      RNS, suppressing proliferative ability but inducing metastatic potential.
      Mesenchymal markers such as Snail, ZEB2, and Vimentin were significantly up
      regulated while E-cadherin down-regulated. Importantly, CSC markers such as Oct4,
      beta-catenin, CD133 were induced while PRRX1 decreased under FD condition.
      Furthermore, FD-conditioned HCC cells showed a decreased miR-22 level, leading to
      the increased expression of its target genes including HDAC4, ZEB2 and Oct4.
      Finally, xenograft mouse model demonstrated that FD diet promoted tumorigenesis
      and metastasis as compared to their FC counterparts. Our data provides rationales
      for the consideration of folate supplement as a metastasis preventive measure. 

PMID- 27119350
TI  - Interference with mutagenic aflatoxin B1-induced checkpoints through antagonistic
      action of ochratoxin A in intestinal cancer cells: a molecular explanation on
      potential risk of crosstalk between carcinogens.
AB  - Foodborne aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) cause genotoxic injury and
      subsequent tumor formation. As a biomarker of oncogenic stimulation by genotoxic
      mycotoxins, p53-triggered Mdm2 was assessed in intestinal cancer cells. AFB1
      increased Mdm2 reporter expression in a dose-dependent manner. However, this was
      strongly antagonized by OTA treatment. As a positive transcription factor of Mdm2
      expression, p53 levels were also increased by AFB1 alone and reduced by OTA. With
      marginal cell death responses, AFB1 induced p53-mediated S phase arrest and cell
      cycle-regulating target genes, which was completely suppressed by OTA. Although
      enterocyte-dominant CYP3A5 counteracted AFB1-induced DNA damage, expression of
      CYP3A5 was decreased by OTA or AFB1. Instead, OTA enhanced expression of another
      metabolic inactivating enzyme CYP3A4, attenuation of formation of AFB1-DNA adduct
      and p53-mediated cell cycle checking responses to the mutagens. Finally, the
      growth of intestinal cancer cells exposed to the mycotoxin mixture significantly
      exceeded the expected growth calculated from that of cells treated with each
      mycotoxin. Although AFB1-induced mutagen formation was decreased by OTA,
      interference with checkpoints through antagonistic action of OTA may contribute
      to the survival of tumor cells with deleterious mutations by genotoxic
      mycotoxins, potently increasing the risk of carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27119351
TI  - MicroRNA-126 induces autophagy by altering cell metabolism in malignant
      mesothelioma.
AB  - Autophagy favors both cell survival and cancer suppression, and increasing
      evidence reveals that microRNAs (MIRs) regulate autophagy. Previously we reported
      that MIR126 is downregulated in malignant mesothelioma (MM). Therefore, we
      investigated the role of MIR126 in the regulation of cell metabolism and
      autophagy in MM models. We report that MIR126 induces autophagic flux in MM cells
      by downregulating insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1) and disrupting the IRS1
      signaling pathway. This was specific to MM cells, and was not observed in non
      malignant cells of mesothelial origin or in MM cells expressing MIR126
      insensitive IRS1 transcript. The MIR126 effect on autophagy in MM cells was
      recapitulated by IRS1 silencing, and antagonized by IRS1 overexpression or
      antisense MIR126 treatment. The MIR126-induced loss of IRS1 suppressed glucose
      uptake, leading to energy deprivation and AMPK-dependent phosphorylation of ULK1.
      In addition, MIR126 stimulated lipid droplet accumulation in a hypoxia-inducible
      factor-1alpha (HIF1alpha)-dependent manner. MIR126 also reduced pyruvate
      dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) and acetyl-CoA-citrate lyase (ACL) expression, leading
      to the accumulation of cytosolic citrate and paradoxical inhibition of pyruvate
      dehydrogenase (PDH) activity. Simultaneous pharmacological and genetic
      intervention with PDK and ACL activity phenocopied the effects of MIR126. This
      suggests that in MM MIR126 initiates a metabolic program leading to high
      autophagic flux and HIF1alpha stabilization, incompatible with tumor progression
      of MM. Consistently, MIR126-expressing MM cells injected into immunocompromised
      mice failed to progress beyond the initial stage of tumor formation, showing that
      increased autophagy has a protective role in MM.

PMID- 27119353
TI  - c-MYC inhibition impairs hypoxia response in glioblastoma multiforme.
AB  - The c-MYC oncoprotein is a DNA binding transcription factor that enhances the
      expression of many active genes. c-MYC transcriptional signatures vary according
      to the transcriptional program defined in each cell type during differentiation.
      Little is known on the involvement of c-MYC in regulation of gene expression
      programs that are induced by extracellular cues such as a changing
      microenvironment. Here we demonstrate that inhibition of c-MYC in glioblastoma
      multiforme cells blunts hypoxia-dependent glycolytic reprogramming and
      mitochondria fragmentation in hypoxia. This happens because c-MYC inhibition
      alters the cell transcriptional response to hypoxia and finely tunes the
      expression of a subset of Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1-regulated genes. We also
      show that genes whose expression in hypoxia is affected by c-MYC inhibition are
      able to distinguish the Proneural subtype of glioblastoma multiforme, thus
      potentially providing a molecular signature for this class of tumors that are the
      least tractable among glioblastomas. 

PMID- 27119352
TI  - Altered expression pattern of circular RNAs in primary and metastatic sites of
      epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
AB  - Recently, a class of endogenous species of RNA called circular RNA (circRNA) has
      been shown to regulate gene expression in mammals and their role in cellular
      function is just beginning to be understood. To investigate the role of circRNAs
      in ovarian cancer, we performed paired-end RNA sequencing of primary sites,
      peritoneal and lymph node metastases from three patients with stage IIIC ovarian
      cancer. We developed an in-house computational pipeline to identify and
      characterize the circRNA expression from paired-end RNA-Seq libraries. This
      pipeline revealed thousands of circular isoforms in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
      (EOC). These circRNAs are enriched for potentially effective miRNA seed matches.
      A significantly larger number of circRNAs are differentially expressed between
      tumor sites than mRNAs. Circular and linear expression exhibits an inverse trend
      for many cancer related pathways and signaling pathways like NFkB, PI3k/AKT and
      TGF-beta typically activated for mRNA in metastases are inhibited for circRNA
      expression. Further, circRNAs show a more robust expression pattern across
      patients than mRNA forms indicating their suitability as biomarkers in highly
      heterogeneous cancer transcriptomes. The consistency of circular RNA expression
      may offer new candidates for cancer treatment and prognosis.

PMID- 27119354
TI  - MnTnBuOE-2-PyP protects normal colorectal fibroblasts from radiation damage and
      simultaneously enhances radio/chemotherapeutic killing of colorectal cancer
      cells.
AB  - Manganese porphyrins have been shown to be potent radioprotectors in a variety of
      cancer models. However, the mechanism as to how these porphyrins protect normal
      tissues from radiation damage still remains largely unknown. In the current
      study, we determine the effects of the manganese porphyrin, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP, on
      primary colorectal fibroblasts exposed to irradiation. We found that 2 Gy of
      radiation enhances the fibroblasts' ability to contract a collagen matrix,
      increases cell size and promotes cellular senesence. Treating fibroblasts with
      MnTnBuOE-2-PyP significantly inhibited radiation-induced collagen contraction,
      preserved cell morphology and also inhibited cellular senescence. We further
      showed that MnTnBuOE-2-PyP enhanced the overall viability of the fibroblasts
      following exposure to radiation but did not protect colorectal cancer cell
      viability. Specifically, MnTnBuOE-2-PyP in combination with irradiation, caused a
      significant decrease in tumor clonogenicity. Since locally advanced rectal
      cancers are treated with chemoradiation therapy followed by surgery and non
      metastatic anal cancers are treated with chemoradiation therapy, we also
      investigated the effects of MnTnBuOE-2-PyP in combination with radiation, 5
      fluorouracil with and without Mitomycin C. We found that MnTnBuOE-2-PyP in
      combination with Mitomycin C or 5-fluorouracil further enhances those compounds'
      ability to suppress tumor cell growth. When MnTnBuOE-2-PyP was combined with the
      two chemotherapeutics and radiation, we observed the greatest reduction in tumor
      cell growth. Therefore, these studies indicate that MnTnBuOE-2-PyP could be used
      as a potent radioprotector for normal tissue, while at the same time enhancing
      radiation and chemotherapy treatment for rectal and anal cancers. 

PMID- 27119355
TI  - Potential diagnostic and prognostic marker dimethylglycine dehydrogenase (DMGDH)
      suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Key metabolic enzymes regulatethe fluxes of small compounds to provide the basal
      substrates for cellular architecture and energy. Some of them are reported to be
      important carcinogenesis- and metastasis-related genes. In our work, we performed
      RNA-seq for50 pairs of normal-tumor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples and
      found that the expression of dimethylglycine dehydrogenase (DMGDH) is decreased
      in HCC. The analysis of protein levels with Western blotting and
      immunohistochemistry also conformed our findings. It is proven to be a valuable
      biomarker for both diagnosis and prognosis in three independent datasets.
      Furthermore, we revealed that DMGDH suppresses migration, invasion and metastasis
      both in vitro and in vivo. By utilizing gene expression microarray for DMGDH, we
      identified several possible pathways altered in a DMGDH over-expressing cell
      line. Among these pathways, we noted that the phosphorylation of Akt-308/473 was
      significantly suppressed when DMGDH was over-expressed. In summary, our work
      reveals that DMGDH is a potential valuable biomarker for both diagnosis and
      prognosisfor HCC, and DMGDH gene expression suppresses metastasis through the Akt
      signaling pathway. 

PMID- 27119357
TI  - [Communicative Competence in Medical Studies].

PMID- 27119358
TI  - [Optimizing ADHD Treatment? Results of a Pilotstudy of the ADHD Selective
      Contract in Bremerhaven, Germany].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated
      with substantial impairment and psychiatric comorbidities. Thus, an optimized
      treatment is essential. In 2011, a new multidisciplinary treatment strategy (so
      called Versorgungsvertrag) was contracted for the model region of Bremerhaven,
      Germany. This manuscript describes the results of the feasibility testing,
      focusing on the effects of the Versorgungsvertrag on patients' ADHD symptoms and
      on the treatment satisfaction of patients' kins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients
      with ADHD (4-17 years) were assessed at baseline and at 9 months follow-up. Kins
      documented the current symptomatology using the FBB-ADHS questionnaire on both
      occasions, and rated their satisfaction with the Versorgungsvertrag at follow-up.
      The FBB-ADHS gives information on the severity of the ADHD core symptoms
      (0=normal, 3=very noticeable). RESULTS: 69 patients (77 kins) were included. At
      follow-up, data from 59 patients (67 kins) were available. FBB-ADHS data of both
      occasions was available for 44 patients. Improvements regarding the ADHD total
      score (1.27 at follow-up vs. 1.59 at baseline, p=0.003) and the subdomains
      inattention (1.42 vs. 1.81, p=0.001) and hyperactivity (0.96 vs. 1.22, p=0.032)
      were documented. In the subgroup of boys (n=34), inattention (p=0.001),
      impulsivity (p=0.019) and the ADHD total score (p=0.002) improved, while no
      changes were observed in the subgroup of girls (n=10). The majority of kins (52.4
      to 68.4%) rated the treatment as helpful. DISCUSSION: Our study shows
      improvements for the ADHD core symptoms after 9 months and a high satisfaction of
      kins with the treatment strategy. Due to the lack of a control group from routine
      care, no certain statement about the additional benefit of the treatment strategy
      can be made. The null effect in the subgroup of girls might be explained by the
      underrepresentation of girls, but the gender distribution observed in our study
      is commonly observed in patients with ADHD. CONCLUSION: The positive effects
      during the observation period should be confirmed in further studies including a
      control group from routine care.

PMID- 27119359
TI  - [Shared Decision Making (SDM) - Patient and Physician as a Team].
AB  - The article provides an overview on Shared Decision Making (SDM), which is
      considered as the ideal form of physician-patient-interaction by many
      stakeholders of the health care system. SDM is distinguished from other models of
      physician-patient-interaction such as the paternalistic model and the information
      model. Besides the degree of acceptance of SDM in the general population and
      among physicians, barriers for its implementation will be reported. Indications
      for SDM as well as strategies and support material for its use in individual
      consultations will be discussed and illustrated by an oncological case study.
      Effects of SDM for patients as well as for clinicians will be highlighted. After
      background information on origins of SDM, its significance with regard to health
      policy in Germany is discussed. 

PMID- 27119360
TI  - Decreased functional connectivity of insula-based network in young adults with
      internet gaming disorder.
AB  - The insula is a region that integrates interoception and drug urges, but little
      is known about its role in behavioral addiction such as internet addiction. We
      investigated insula-based functional connectivity in participants with internet
      gaming disorder (IGD) and healthy controls (HC) using resting-state functional
      MRI. The right and left insula subregions (posterior, ventroanterior, and
      dorsoanterior) were used as seed regions in a connectivity analysis. Compared
      with the HC group, the IGD group showed decreased functional connectivity between
      left posterior insula and bilateral supplementary motor area and middle
      cingulated cortex, between right posterior insula and right superior frontal
      gyrus, and decreased functional integration between insular subregions. The
      finding of reduced functional connectivity between the interoception and the
      motor/executive control regions is interpreted to reflect reduced ability to
      inhibit motor responses to internet gaming or diminished executive control over
      craving for internet gaming in IGD. The results support the hypothesis that IGD
      is associated with altered insula-based network, similar to substance addiction
      such as smoking.

PMID- 27119361
TI  - Sensitivity to communicative and non-communicative gestures in adolescents and
      adults with autism spectrum disorder: saccadic and pupillary responses.
AB  - Nonverbal communication using social cues, like gestures, governs a great part of
      our daily interactions. It has been proposed that people with autism spectrum
      disorder (ASD) show a deviant processing of social cues throughout their social
      cognitive development. However, social cues do not always convey an intention to
      communicate. Hence, the aim of this study was to test the sensitivity of
      adolescents and adults with ASD and neurotypical controls to social cues of high
      communicative (pointing) and low communicative values (grasping). For this
      purpose, we employed a spatial cueing paradigm with both Cue Types and compared
      saccadic reaction times (SRTs) between conditions in which the target appeared at
      a location which was congruent versus incongruent with the direction of the cue.
      Results showed that both adolescents and adults with ASD had slower SRTs for the
      incongruent relative to the congruent condition for both Cue Types, reflecting
      sensitivity to these cues. Additionally, mental effort during the processing of
      these social cues was assessed by means of pupil dilation. This analysis revealed
      that, while individuals with and without ASD required more mental effort to
      process incongruent compared to the congruent cues, cues with higher
      communicative value posed more processing load for the ASD group. These findings
      suggest that the perception of social gestures is intact in ASD but requires
      additional mental effort for gestures with higher communicative value.

PMID- 27119362
TI  - Neuroanatomy of the killer whale (Orcinus orca): a magnetic resonance imaging
      investigation of structure with insights on function and evolution.
AB  - The evolutionary process of adaptation to an obligatory aquatic existence
      dramatically modified cetacean brain structure and function. The brain of the
      killer whale (Orcinus orca) may be the largest of all taxa supporting a panoply
      of cognitive, sensory, and sensorimotor abilities. Despite this, examination of
      the O. orca brain has been limited in scope resulting in significant deficits in
      knowledge concerning its structure and function. The present study aims to
      describe the neural organization and potential function of the O. orca brain
      while linking these traits to potential evolutionary drivers. Magnetic resonance
      imaging was used for volumetric analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction of
      an in situ postmortem O. orca brain. Measurements were determined for cortical
      gray and cerebral white matter, subcortical nuclei, cerebellar gray and white
      matter, corpus callosum, hippocampi, superior and inferior colliculi, and
      neuroendocrine structures. With cerebral volume comprising 81.51 % of the total
      brain volume, this O. orca brain is one of the most corticalized mammalian brains
      studied to date. O. orca and other delphinoid cetaceans exhibit isometric scaling
      of cerebral white matter with increasing brain size, a trait that violates an
      otherwise evolutionarily conserved cerebral scaling law. Using comparative
      neurobiology, it is argued that the divergent cerebral morphology of delphinoid
      cetaceans compared to other mammalian taxa may have evolved in response to the
      sensorimotor demands of the aquatic environment. Furthermore, selective pressures
      associated with the evolution of echolocation and unihemispheric sleep are
      implicated in substructure morphology and function. This neuroanatomical dataset,
      heretofore absent from the literature, provides important quantitative data to
      test hypotheses regarding brain structure, function, and evolution within Cetacea
      and across Mammalia.

PMID- 27119363
TI  - Working memory load predicts visual search efficiency: Evidence from a novel
      pupillary response paradigm.
AB  - An observer's pupil dilates and constricts in response to variables such as
      ambient and focal luminance, cognitive effort, the emotional stimulus content,
      and working memory load. The pupil's memory load response is of particular
      interest, as it might be used for estimating observers' memory load while they
      are performing a complex task, without adding an interruptive and confounding
      memory test to the protocol. One important task in which working memory's
      involvement is still being debated is visual search, and indeed a previous
      experiment by Porter, Troscianko, and Gilchrist (Quarterly Journal of
      Experimental Psychology, 60, 211-229, 2007) analyzed observers' pupil sizes
      during search to study this issue. These authors found that pupil size increased
      over the course of the search, and they attributed this finding to accumulating
      working memory load. However, since the pupil response is slow and does not
      depend on memory load alone, this conclusion is rather speculative. In the
      present study, we estimated working memory load in visual search during the
      presentation of intermittent fixation screens, thought to induce a low, stable
      level of arousal and cognitive effort. Using standard visual search and control
      tasks, we showed that this paradigm reduces the influence of non-memory-related
      factors on pupil size. Furthermore, we found an early increase in working memory
      load to be associated with more efficient search, indicating a significant role
      of working memory in the search process.

PMID- 27119364
TI  - Individual and Neighborhood Determinants of Late HIV Diagnosis Among Latinos,
      Florida, 2007-2011.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine individual and neighborhood
      determinants of late HIV diagnosis by gender and birthplace among Latinos.
      Florida HIV surveillance data for 2007-2011 were merged with American Community
      Survey data to estimate the odds of late HIV diagnosis (AIDS within 3 months of
      HIV diagnosis). Of 5522 HIV-positive Latinos, 26.5 % were diagnosed late. The
      odds ratio (OR) for late diagnosis was 1.39 times higher for males than females
      [95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.14-1.69]. Neighborhood-level factors associated
      with late diagnosis included residing in the 3 highest quartiles of neighborhood
      unemployment for males. The OR was 1.22 times higher for foreign- than US-born
      Latinos (95 % CI 1.07-1.40). Among foreign-born, residing in areas in the 2nd and
      3rd quartiles of unemployment, in rural areas, and areas with <25 %
      Hispanic/Latino population were associated with late diagnosis. Population-based
      HIV testing campaigns may require tailoring to ensure that they effectively reach
      male Latinos in areas with high unemployment and foreign-born Latinos in rural
      and predominantly non-Latino areas.

PMID- 27119356
TI  - Mantle cell lymphoma in the era of precision medicine-diagnosis, biomarkers and
      therapeutic agents.
AB  - Despite advances in the development of clinical agents for treating Mantle Cell
      Lymphoma (MCL), treatment of MCL remains a challenge due to complexity and
      frequent relapse associated with MCL. The incorporation of conventional and novel
      diagnostic approaches such as genomic sequencing have helped improve
      understanding of the pathogenesis of MCL, and have led to development of specific
      agents targeting signaling pathways that have recently been shown to be involved
      in MCL. In this review, we first provide a general overview of MCL and then
      discuss about the role of biomarkers in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis,
      and treatment for MCL. We attempt to discuss major biomarkers for MCL and
      highlight published and ongoing clinical trials in an effort to evaluate the
      dominant signaling pathways as drugable targets for treating MCL so as to
      determine the potential combination of drugs for both untreated and
      relapse/refractory cases. Our analysis indicates that incorporation of biomarkers
      is crucial for patient stratification and improve diagnosis and predictability of
      disease outcome thus help us in designing future precision therapies. The
      evidence indicates that a combination of conventional chemotherapeutic agents and
      novel drugs designed to target specific dysregulated signaling pathways can
      provide the effective therapeutic options for both untreated and
      relapse/refractory MCL.

PMID- 27119365
TI  - Nitrated Fatty Acids Reverse Cigarette Smoke-Induced Alveolar Macrophage
      Activation and Inhibit Protease Activity via Electrophilic S-Alkylation.
AB  - Nitrated fatty acids (NFAs), endogenous products of nonenzymatic reactions of NO
      derived reactive nitrogen species with unsaturated fatty acids, exhibit
      substantial anti-inflammatory activities. They are both reversible electrophiles
      and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonists, but
      the physiological implications of their electrophilic activity are poorly
      understood. We tested their effects on inflammatory and emphysema-related
      biomarkers in alveolar macrophages (AMs) of smoke-exposed mice. NFA (10-nitro
      oleic acid or 12-nitrolinoleic acid) treatment downregulated expression and
      activity of the inflammatory transcription factor NF-kappaB while upregulating
      those of PPARgamma. It also downregulated production of inflammatory cytokines
      and chemokines and of the protease cathepsin S (Cat S), a key mediator of
      emphysematous septal destruction. Cat S downregulation was accompanied by
      decreased AM elastolytic activity, a major mechanism of septal destruction. NFAs
      downregulated both Cat S expression and activity in AMs of wild-type mice, but
      only inhibited its activity in AMs of PPARgamma knockout mice, pointing to a
      PPARgamma-independent mechanism of enzyme inhibition. We hypothesized that this
      mechanism was electrophilic S-alkylation of target Cat S cysteines, and found
      that NFAs bind directly to Cat S following treatment of intact AMs and, as
      suggested by in silico modeling and calculation of relevant parameters, elicit S
      alkylation of Cys25 when incubated with purified Cat S. These results demonstrate
      that NFAs' electrophilic activity, in addition to their role as PPARgamma
      agonists, underlies their protective effects in chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD) and support their therapeutic potential in this disease.

PMID- 27119366
TI  - Psychosocial Mechanisms Linking the Social Environment to Mental Health in
      African Americans.
AB  - Resource-poor social environments predict poor health, but the mechanisms and
      processes linking the social environment to psychological health and well-being
      remain unclear. This study explored psychosocial mediators of the association
      between the social environment and mental health in African American adults.
      African American men and women (n = 1467) completed questionnaires on the social
      environment, psychosocial factors (stress, depressive symptoms, and racial
      discrimination), and mental health. Multiple-mediator models were used to assess
      direct and indirect effects of the social environment on mental health. Low
      social status in the community (p < .001) and U.S. (p < .001) and low social
      support (p < .001) were associated with poor mental health. Psychosocial factors
      significantly jointly mediated the relationship between the social environment
      and mental health in multiple-mediator models. Low social status and social
      support were associated with greater perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and
      perceived racial discrimination, which were associated with poor mental health.
      Results suggest the relationship between the social environment and mental health
      is mediated by psychosocial factors and revealed potential mechanisms through
      which social status and social support influence the mental health of African
      American men and women. Findings from this study provide insight into the
      differential effects of stress, depression and discrimination on mental health.
      Ecological approaches that aim to improve the social environment and psychosocial
      mediators may enhance health-related quality of life and reduce health
      disparities in African Americans.

PMID- 27119368
TI  - Coronary Sinus Lead Removal: A Comparison between Active and Passive Fixation
      Leads.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implantation of coronary sinus (CS) leads may be a difficult
      procedure due to different vein anatomies and a possible lead dislodgement. The
      mode of CS lead fixation has changed and developed in recent years. OBJECTIVES:
      We compared the removal procedures of active and passive fixation leads. METHODS:
      Between January 2009 and January 2014, 22 patients at our centre underwent CS
      lead removal, 6 active and 16 passive fixation leads were attempted using simple
      traction or lead locking devices with or without laser extraction sheaths. Data
      on procedural variables and success rates were collected and retrospectively
      analyzed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 67.2 +/- 9.8 years, and 90.9% were
      male. The indication for lead removal was infection in all cases. All active
      fixation leads were Medtronic(r) Attain StarFixTM Model 4195 (Medtronic Inc.,
      Minneapolis, MN, USA). The mean time from implantation for the active and passive
      fixation leads was 9.9 +/- 11.7 months (range 1.0-30.1) and 48.7 +/- 33.6 months
      (range 5.7-106.4), respectively (p = 0.012). Only 3 of 6 StarFix leads were
      successfully removed (50%) compared to 16 of 16 (100%) of the passive fixation CS
      leads (p = 0.013). No death or complications occurred during the 30-day follow
      up. CONCLUSION: According to our experience, removal of the Starfix active
      fixation CS leads had a higher procedural failure rate compared to passive.

PMID- 27119369
TI  - [Neurophilic urticarial dermatosis].
AB  - Neurophilic urticarial dermatosis (NUD) is a new, important differential
      diagnosis of urticarial rashes. It is a clinical and histological response
      pattern that strongly correlates with systemic disease. Both autoinflammatory and
      autoimmune conditions can be present in patients with NUD. In this article the
      clinical and histological criteria of NUD, diagnostic considerations and the
      diseases most frequently associated with NUD are discussed. 

PMID- 27119370
TI  - Galectin-3 in patients with chronic heart failure: association with oxidative
      stress, inflammation, renal dysfunction and prognosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Galectin-3 is a recently developed biomarker of fibrosis, which may
      play a role in cardiac remodeling and associated with both the progression and
      severity of heart failure (HF). METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 190
      patients with documented prior myocardial infarction and chronic HF (NYHA class
      II-IV) was conducted. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on their NYHA
      functional class. Levels of galectin-3, NT-proBNP, CRP, IL-6, oxidized-LDL,
      extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD), 3-nitrotyrosine, SH-groups, cystatin
      C were determined. Follow-up period was 26 months, and all-cause mortality was
      determined as the primary endpoint. Statistical analysis was performed and
      statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: The cytokines hs-CRP, IL-6
      and markers of oxidative stress had significant positive correlation with plasma
      galectin-3 levels in all groups of patients. The level of galectin-3 was
      significantly different between the groups (P<0.05). Galectin-3 was found to be
      the most sensitive and specific value in determination of 26 months mortality in
      patients with chronic HF. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, galectin
      3 and cystatin-C were associated with death during the follow up period.
      CONCLUSIONS: Galectin-3 levels are elevated in patients with chronic HF across
      all NYHA functional classes. Galectin-3 shows positive correlation with markers
      of oxidative stress, inflammation and kidney dysfunction. Galectin-3 levels and
      cystatin-C levels are independent predictors of 26-month mortality in patients
      with chronic HF. Patients with cystatin-C level >2800 pg/mL carry a worse
      prognosis. Galectin-3 level >21 ng/mL associated with increased mortality.

PMID- 27119371
TI  - Identification of miRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Cerebrospinal Fluid from
      Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative
      disorder. Since no diagnostic laboratory test exists, the identification of
      specific biomarkers could be fundamental in clinical practice. microRNAs (miRNAs)
      are considered promising biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of
      the study was to identify a CSF miRNA set that could differentiate ALS from non
      ALS condition. miRNA profiling in CSF from ALS patients (n = 24; eight with
      C9orf72 expansion) and unaffected control subjects (n = 24) by quantitative
      reverse transcription PCR identified fourteen deregulated miRNAs. Validation
      experiments confirmed eight miRNAs as significantly deregulated in ALS. No
      significant differences were observed between ALS patients with or without
      C9orf72 expansion. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses
      revealed the highest diagnostic accuracy for the upregulated miR181a-5p and the
      downregulated miR21-5p and miR15b-5p. The miR181a-5p/miR21-5p and miR181a
      5p/miR15b-5p ratios detected ALS with 90 and 85 % sensitivity and 87 and 91 %
      specificity, respectively, confirming the application potential as disease
      biomarkers. These deregulated miRNAs are implicated in apoptotic way and provide
      insight into processes responsible for motor neuron degeneration.

PMID- 27119372
TI  - The Impact of Diabetic Neuropathy on Balance and on the Risk of Falls in Patients
      with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a prevalent complication of Type 2
      Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with a major impact on the health of the affected
      patient. We hypothesized that mediated by the dysfunctionalities associated with
      DN's three major components: sensitive (lack of motion associated sensory), motor
      (impairments in movement coordination) and autonomic (the presence of postural
      hypotension), the presence of DN may impair the balance in the affected patients.
      Our study's main aim is to evaluate the possible association between the presence
      and severity of DN and both the balance impairment and the risk of falls in
      patients with T2DM. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this cross-sectional study we
      enrolled, according to a consecutive-case population-based setting 198 patients
      with T2DM. The presence and severity of DN was evaluated using the Michigan
      Neuropathy Screening Instrument, a tool which allows both diagnosing and severity
      staging of DN. The balance impairment and the risk of falls were evaluated using
      four validated and standardized tools: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed-up and Go
      test (TUG), Single Leg Stand test (SLS) and Fall Efficacy Scale (FES-I). RESULTS:
      The presence of DN was associated with significant decreases in the BBS score
      (40.5 vs. 43.7 points; p<0.001) and SLS time (9.3 vs. 10.3 seconds; p = 0.003)
      respectively increases in TUG time (8.9 vs. 7.6 seconds; p = 0.002) and FES-I
      score (38 vs. 33 points; p = 0.034). The MNSI score was reverse and significantly
      correlated with both BBS score (Spearman's r = -0.479; p<0.001) and SLS time
      (Spearman's r = -0.169; p = 0.017). In the multivariate regression model, we
      observed that patient's age, DN severity and depression's symptoms acted as
      independent, significant predictors for the risk of falls in patients with T2DM.
      CONCLUSIONS: The presence of DN in patients with DM is associated with impaired
      balance and with a consecutively increase in the risk of falls.

PMID- 27119374
TI  - Musculoskeletal Disorders and Agricultural Risk Factors Among Korean Farmers.
AB  - Farming is a strenuous occupation with various health risks, with musculoskeletal
      disorders (MSDs) being some of the most common. The risk factors for MSDs among
      Korean farmers are not well understood. Data were obtained from the Korean
      Farmers' Occupational Disease and Injury Survey (2012), which interviewed 16,113
      participants regarding their demographic profiles, self-reported MSDs, and
      agricultural characteristics. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to
      identify the risk factors for MSDs. Subjects reported MSDs in the neck or upper
      extremities (5.89%), lower extremities (19.62%), and back (26.9%). Working in
      animal husbandry significantly increased the risk of MSDs in the neck/upper
      extremities, compared with irrigation farming (odds ratio: 1.837, 95% confidence
      interval: 1.130-2.987). The risk of MSDs increased significantly with number of
      years of farming, after adjusting for age and sex (neck/upper extremities, P for
      trend = .0002; lower extremities, <.001; back, <.001). Agriculture type, years of
      farming, and ergonomic factors increased the risk of MSDs among Korean farmers.

PMID- 27119375
TI  - Vascularized Buccal Inversion Flap.

PMID- 27119373
TI  - TNFalpha/IFNgamma Mediated Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction Is
      Attenuated by MicroRNA-93 Downregulation of PTK6 in Mouse Colonic Epithelial
      Cells.
AB  - Since inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) represent significant morbidity and
      mortality in the US, the need for defining novel drug targets and inflammatory
      mechanisms would be of considerable benefit. Although protein tyrosine kinase 6
      (PTK6, also known as breast tumor kinase BRK) has been primarily studied in an
      oncogenic context, it was noted that PTK6 null mice exhibited significantly
      enhanced colonic epithelial barrier function. Considering that the inflammatory
      functions of PTK6 have not yet been explored, we hypothesized that cytokines
      responsible for mediating IBD, such as TNFalpha/IFNgamma, may solicit the action
      of PTK6 to alter barrier function. After first assessing critical mediators of
      TNFalpha/IFNgamma driven epithelial barrier dysfunction, we further explored the
      possibility of PTK6 in this inflammatory context. In this report, we showed that
      PTK6 siRNA and PTK6 null young adult mouse colonic epithelial cells (YAMC)
      exhibited significant attenuation of TNFalpha/IFNgamma induced barrier
      dysfunction as measured by electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) assay
      and permeability assays. In addition, PTK6 null cells transfected with PTK6 cDNA
      displayed restored barrier dysfunction in response to TNFalpha/IFNgamma, while
      the cells transfected with vector alone showed similar attenuation of barrier
      dysfunction. Furthermore, using subcellular fractionation and immunocytochemistry
      experiments, we found that PTK6 plays a role in FoxO1 nuclear accumulation
      leading to down-regulation of claudin-3, a tight junction protein. Moreover, we
      searched for relevant miRNA candidates putative for targeting PTK6 in order to
      identify and assess the impact of microRNA that target PTK6 with respect to
      TNFalpha/IFNgamma induced barrier dysfunction. Subsequently, we assayed likely
      targets and determined their effectiveness in attenuating PTK6 expression as well
      as cytokine induced barrier dysfunction. Results showed that miR-93 reduced PTK6
      expression and attenuated TNFalpha/IFNgamma imposed decrease in transepithelial
      electrical resistance (TER), as well as excluded FoxO1 from the nucleus. Our
      results indicate that PTK6 may act as a novel mediator of intestinal epithelial
      permeability during inflammatory injury, and miR-93 may protect intestinal
      epithelial barrier function, at least in part, by targeting PTK6.

PMID- 27119376
TI  - Pressure- and flow-derived indices of coronary stenosis severity: old rivals, new
      allies.

PMID- 27119377
TI  - Three-dimensional quick response code based on inkjet printing of upconversion
      fluorescent nanoparticles for drug anti-counterfeiting.
AB  - Medicine counterfeiting is a serious issue worldwide, involving potentially
      devastating health repercussions. Advanced anti-counterfeit technology for drugs
      has therefore aroused intensive interest. However, existing anti-counterfeit
      technologies are associated with drawbacks such as the high cost, complex
      fabrication process, sophisticated operation and incapability in authenticating
      drug ingredients. In this contribution, we developed a smart phone recognition
      based upconversion fluorescent three-dimensional (3D) quick response (QR) code
      for tracking and anti-counterfeiting of drugs. We firstly formulated three
      colored inks incorporating upconversion nanoparticles with RGB (i.e., red, green
      and blue) emission colors. Using a modified inkjet printer, we printed a series
      of colors by precisely regulating the overlap of these three inks. Meanwhile, we
      developed a multilayer printing and splitting technology, which significantly
      increases the information storage capacity per unit area. As an example, we
      directly printed the upconversion fluorescent 3D QR code on the surface of drug
      capsules. The 3D QR code consisted of three different color layers with each
      layer encoded by information of different aspects of the drug. A smart phone APP
      was designed to decode the multicolor 3D QR code, providing the authenticity and
      related information of drugs. The developed technology possesses merits in terms
      of low cost, ease of operation, high throughput and high information capacity,
      thus holds great potential for drug anti-counterfeiting. 

PMID- 27119378
TI  - Hierarchically constructed NiCo2S4@Ni(1-x)Co x (OH)2 core/shell nanoarrays and
      their application in energy storage.
AB  - We report a new type of core-shell heterostructure consisting of a rod-like
      NiCo2S4 (NCS) core and an urchin-like Ni(1-x)Co x (OH)2 (NCOH) shell via a simple
      hydrothermal route coupled with a facile electrodeposition. NCS nanorod arrays
      (NRAs) can not only act as excellent electrochemically active materials by
      themselves, but they can also serve as hierarchical porous scaffolds capable of
      fast electron conduction and ion diffusion for loading a large amount of
      additional active materials. Moreover, it is observed that the urchin-like NCOH
      nanosheets coating could bind the inner NCS nanorods together and thereby
      reinforce the whole structure mechanically. Meanwhile, more effective pathways
      for electrons are available in the NCS@NCOH hybrids than an individual NCS
      nanorod. Benefiting from both structural and compositional features, the NCS@NCOH
      electrode exhibits greatly improved electrochemical performance with high
      capacity (3.54 C cm(-2) at 1 mA cm(-2)) and excellent cycling stability (78%
      capacity retention after 4000 cycles). Moreover, a battery-type device is also
      fabricated by using NCS@NCOH as a positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as
      a negative electrode, displaying high capacity (2.51 C cm(-2) at 2 mA cm(-2)) and
      good durability (88.8% capacity retention after 4000 cycles) as well. 

PMID- 27119379
TI  - Above- and Belowground Biomass Allocation in Shrub Biomes across the Northeast
      Tibetan Plateau.
AB  - Biomass partitioning has been explored across various biomes. However, the
      strategies of allocation in plants still remain contentious. This study
      investigated allocation patterns of above- and belowground biomass at the
      community level, using biomass survey from the Tibetan Plateau. We explored above
      and belowground biomass by conducting three consecutive sampling campaigns
      across shrub biomes on the northeast Tibetan Plateau during 2011-2013. We then
      documented the above-ground biomass (AGB), below-ground biomass (BGB) and root:
      shoot ratio (R/S) and the relationships between R/S and environment factors using
      data from 201 plots surveyed from 67 sites. We further examined relationships
      between above-ground and below-ground biomass across various shrub types. Our
      results indicated that the median values of AGB, BGB, and R/S in Tibetan shrub
      were 1102.55, 874.91 g m-2, and 0.85, respectively. R/S showed significant trend
      with mean annual precipitation (MAP), while decreased with mean annual
      temperature (MAT). Reduced major axis analysis indicated that the slope of the
      log-log relationship between above- and belowground biomass revealed a
      significant difference from 1.0 over space, supporting the optimal hypothesis.
      Interestingly, the slopes of the allometric relationship between log AGB and log
      BGB differed significantly between alpine and desert shrub. Our findings
      supported the optimal theory of above- and belowground biomass partitioning in
      Tibetan shrub, while the isometric hypothesis for alpine shrub at the community
      level.

PMID- 27119380
TI  - Biomechanics of the Peacock's Display: How Feather Structure and Resonance
      Influence Multimodal Signaling.
AB  - Courtship displays may serve as signals of the quality of motor performance, but
      little is known about the underlying biomechanics that determines both their
      signal content and costs. Peacocks (Pavo cristatus) perform a complex, multimodal
      "train-rattling" display in which they court females by vibrating the iridescent
      feathers in their elaborate train ornament. Here we study how feather
      biomechanics influences the performance of this display using a combination of
      field recordings and laboratory experiments. Using high-speed video, we find that
      train-rattling peacocks stridulate their tail feathers against the train at 25.6
      Hz, on average, generating a broadband, pulsating mechanical sound at that
      frequency. Laboratory measurements demonstrate that arrays of peacock tail and
      train feathers have a broad resonant peak in their vibrational spectra at the
      range of frequencies used for train-rattling during the display, and the motion
      of feathers is just as expected for feathers shaking near resonance. This
      indicates that peacocks are able to drive feather vibrations energetically
      efficiently over a relatively broad range of frequencies, enabling them to
      modulate the feather vibration frequency of their displays. Using our field data,
      we show that peacocks with longer trains use slightly higher vibration
      frequencies on average, even though longer train feathers are heavier and have
      lower resonant frequencies. Based on these results, we propose hypotheses for
      future studies of the function and energetics of this display that ask why its
      dynamic elements might attract and maintain female attention. Finally, we
      demonstrate how the mechanical structure of the train feathers affects the
      peacock's visual display by allowing the colorful iridescent eyespots-which
      strongly influence female mate choice-to remain nearly stationary against a
      dynamic iridescent background.

PMID- 27119381
TI  - Recovery of consciousness after 7 years in vegetative state of non-traumatic
      origin: A single case study.
AB  - PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To report consistent recovery of consciousness to a state of
      severe disability in a young patient after 7 years in vegetative state due to
      severe acquired brain injury, with reflections on protraction of intensive care
      and expert follow-up for the purpose of intercepting possible, albeit infrequent,
      cases of late recovery of consciousness. RESEARCH DESIGN: Single case study
      Methods: This study describes the 9-year history of a healthy 15-year-old who
      suffered cerebellar haemorrhage due to rupture of an arteriovenous malformation,
      followed by a brief period of coma then protracted vegetative state; late
      stabilization of general condition with resolution of neurosurgical
      complications. Clinical monitoring employed scales for structured assessment of
      severe disability and disorders of consciousness. RESULTS: The transition from
      vegetative state to full consciousness occurred over a period of ~ 3 months, 7
      years after onset. In the subsequent 2 years the patient has shown slow but
      progressive overall improvement in a framework of severe residual motor and
      cognitive disability. CONCLUSIONS: Cases of recovery of consciousness after
      periods of vegetative state exceeding 1 year are rare, but remind one that a
      negative prognosis decided too early may be a self-fulfilling forecast.

PMID- 27119383
TI  - Kinetic trapping through coalescence and the formation of patterned Ag-Cu
      nanoparticles.
AB  - In recent years, due to its inherent flexibility, magnetron-sputtering has been
      widely used to synthesise bi-metallic nanoparticles (NPs) via subsequent inert
      gas cooling and gas-phase condensation of the sputtered atomic vapour. Utilising
      two separate sputter targets allows for good control over composition.
      Simultaneously, it involves fast kinetics and non-equilibrium processes, which
      can trap the nascent NPs into metastable configurations. In this study, we
      observed such configurations in immiscible, bi-metallic Ag-Cu NPs by scanning
      transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy
      (EELS), and noticed a marked difference in the shape of NPs belonging to Ag- and
      Cu-rich samples. We explained the formation of Janus or Ag@Cu core/shell
      metastable structures on the grounds of in-flight mixed NP coalescence. We
      utilised molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) computer simulations to
      demonstrate that such configurations cannot occur as a result of nanoalloy
      segregation. Instead, sintering at relatively low temperatures can give rise to
      metastable structures, which eventually can be stabilised by subsequent
      quenching. Furthermore, we compared the heteroepitaxial diffusivities along
      various surfaces of both Ag and Cu NPs, and emphasised the differences between
      the sintering mechanisms of Ag- and Cu-rich NP compositions: small Cu NPs deform
      as coherent objects on large Ag NPs, whereas small Ag NPs dissolve into large Cu
      NPs, with their atoms diffusing along specific directions. Taking advantage of
      this observation, we propose controlled NP coalescence as a method to engineer
      mixed NPs of a unique, patterned core@partial-shell structure, which we refer to
      as a "glass-float" (ukidama) structure. 

PMID- 27119382
TI  - A Pharmacovigilance Approach for Post-Marketing in Japan Using the Japanese
      Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) Database and Association Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rapid dissemination of information regarding adverse drug reactions
      is a key aspect for improving pharmacovigilance. There is a possibility that
      unknown adverse drug reactions will become apparent through post-marketing
      administration. Currently, although there have been studies evaluating the
      relationships between a drug and adverse drug reactions using the JADER database
      which collects reported spontaneous adverse drug reactions, an efficient approach
      to assess the association between adverse drug reactions of drugs with the same
      indications as well as the influence of demographics (e.g. gender) has not been
      proposed. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We utilized the REAC and DEMO tables from the May
      2015 version of JADER for patients taking antidepressant drugs (SSRI, SNRI, and
      NaSSA). We evaluated the associations using association analyses with an apriori
      algorithm. Support, confidence, lift, and conviction were used as indicators for
      associations. The highest score in adverse drug reactions for SSRI was obtained
      for "aspartate aminotransferase increased", "alanine aminotransferase increased",
      with values of 0.0059, 0.93, 135.5, and 13.9 for support, confidence, lift and
      conviction, respectively. For SNRI, "international normalized ratio increased",
      "drug interaction" were observed with 0.0064, 1.00, 71.9, and NA. For NaSSA,
      "anxiety", "irritability" were observed with 0.0058, 0.80, 49.9, and 4.9. For
      female taking SSRI, the highest support scores were observed in "twenties",
      "suicide attempt", whereas "thirties", "neuroleptic malignant syndrome" were
      observed for male. Second, for SNRI, "eighties", "inappropriate antidiuretic
      hormone secretion" were observed for female, whereas "interstitial lung disease"
      and "hepatitis fulminant" were for male. Finally, for NaSSA, "suicidal ideation"
      was for female, and "rhabdomyolysis" was for male. CONCLUSIONS: Different
      combinations of adverse drug reactions were noted between the antidepressants. In
      addition, the reported adverse drug reactions differed by gender. This approach
      using a large database for examining the associations can improve safety
      monitoring during the post-marketing phase.

PMID- 27119384
TI  - Brine Spills Associated with Unconventional Oil Development in North Dakota.
AB  - The rapid rise of unconventional oil production during the past decade in the
      Bakken region of North Dakota raises concerns related to water contamination
      associated with the accidental release of oil and gas wastewater to the
      environment. Here, we characterize the major and trace element chemistry and
      isotopic ratios ((87)Sr/(86)Sr, delta(18)O, delta(2)H) of surface waters (n = 29)
      in areas impacted by oil and gas wastewater spills in the Bakken region of North
      Dakota. We establish geochemical and isotopic tracers that can identify Bakken
      brine spills in the environment. In addition to elevated concentrations of
      dissolved salts (Na, Cl, Br), spill waters also consisted of elevated
      concentrations of other contaminants (Se, V, Pb, NH4) compared to background
      waters, and soil and sediment in spill sites had elevated total radium activities
      ((228)Ra + (226)Ra) relative to background, indicating accumulation of Ra in
      impacted soil and sediment. We observed that inorganic contamination associated
      with brine spills in North Dakota is remarkably persistent, with elevated levels
      of contaminants observed in spills sites up to 4 years following the spill
      events.

PMID- 27119387
TI  - Inclusion of an Anthracene-based Fluorophore within Molecular Containers: A
      Comparative Study of the Cucurbituril and Cyclodextrin Host Families.
AB  - In this paper, the binding interaction of a promising chloride channel blocker, 9
      methyl anthroate (9-MA), with two different classes of molecular containers, beta
      cyclodextrins (beta-CD and methyl-beta-CD) and cucurbit[7]uril, having comparable
      cavity dimensions, has been thoroughly demonstrated via inspection of the
      modulation of the excited-state properties of the emissive molecule. Spectral
      data suggest that CB7 encapsulates the probe more efficiently in a 1:2 fashion,
      whereas the efficacies of beta-CDs are relatively less and the corresponding
      stoichiometry is 1:1. Interestingly, despite being thermodynamically much more
      favorable than the probe-beta-CD complexation equilibria, the fraction of probe
      CB7 complex formed is appreciably smaller with respect to that of probe-beta-CD
      complexes. This apparent inconsistency has been addressed via the proposition
      that since the formation of a 1:2 complex is entropically disadvantageous, it is
      anticipated that the activation barrier of the corresponding reaction is
      reasonably high, and thus only a small fraction of the reactants are able to
      surpass the energy barrier to form the products. This proposition has been
      thoroughly corroborated by fluorescence lifetime measurements at different
      temperatures.

PMID- 27119388
TI  - Using systems thinking to support clinical system transformation.
AB  - Purpose - The British Columbia Ministry of Health's Clinical Care Management
      initiative was used as a case study to better understand large-scale change (LSC)
      within BC's health system. Using a complex system framework, the purpose of this
      paper is to examine mechanisms that enable and constrain the implementation of
      clinical guidelines across various clinical settings. Design/methodology/approach
      - Researchers applied a general model of complex adaptive systems plus two
      specific conceptual frameworks (realist evaluation and system dynamics mapping)
      to define and study enablers and constraints. Focus group sessions and interviews
      with clinicians, executives, managers and board members were validated through an
      online survey. Findings - The functional themes for managing large-scale clinical
      change included: creating a context to prepare clinicians for health system
      transformation initiatives; promoting shared clinical leadership; strengthening
      knowledge management, strategic communications and opportunities for networking;
      and clearing pathways through the complexity of a multilevel, dynamic system.
      Research limitations/implications - The action research methodology was designed
      to guide continuing improvement of implementation. A sample of initiatives was
      selected; it was not intended to compare and contrast facilitators and barriers
      across all initiatives and regions. Similarly, evaluating the results or process
      of guideline implementation was outside the scope; the methods were designed to
      enable conversations at multiple levels - policy, management and practice - about
      how to improve implementation. The study is best seen as a case study of LSC,
      offering a possible model for replication by others and a tool to shape further
      dialogue. Practical implications - Recommended action-oriented strategies
      included engaging local champions; supporting local adaptation for implementation
      of clinical guidelines; strengthening local teams to guide implementation;
      reducing change fatigue; ensuring adequate resources; providing consistent
      communication especially for front-line care providers; and supporting local
      teams to demonstrate the clinical value of the guidelines to their colleagues.
      Originality/value - Bringing a complex systems perspective to clinical guideline
      implementation resulted in a clear understanding of the challenges involved in
      LSC. 

PMID- 27119389
TI  - Healthcare reform in China: making sense of a policy experiment?
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore recent healthcare reform in
      China. Reflecting on the current literature, the viewpoint argues that greater
      attention should be paid to healthcare reform in China as a public policy
      process, particularly one that is built on policy experimentation.
      Design/methodology/approach - The viewpoint argues that while recent efforts to
      understand the impact of reform have brought significant understanding of key
      issues and processes, such interest tends to focus on pragmatic concerns rather
      than pose wider theoretical and methodological questions about the nature and
      pace of reform. Findings - The authors suggest that the lens of public policy is
      particular relevant and insightful given what has been documented elsewhere
      regarding China's unique policy process characterised by "policy
      experimentation". The authors discuss how a policy experiment perspective can
      provide a useful heuristic for understanding healthcare reform in China.
      Originality/value - The viewpoint concludes by outlining possible applications of
      this approach and looks forward at the emerging research agenda in this area. 

PMID- 27119390
TI  - Management practices in Australian healthcare: can NSW public hospitals do
      better?
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of best
      management practices in an Australian state-run healthcare system, namely New
      South Wales (NSW), and studies the impact of a range of hospital factors in
      driving best management practices as a means of enhancing healthcare delivery.
      Design/methodology/approach - This study adapts a unique survey instrument
      globally tested to quantify the multi-dimensional nature of hospital management
      practices in 42 acute care public hospitals of NSW. The authors then analysed the
      role of hospital-specific characteristics in driving best management practices,
      namely hospital size (measured by the number of hospital beds, employees and
      doctors), level of skill and education, degree of hospital manager autonomy and
      organisational hierarchy. Findings - The findings of this study show the areas of
      strength and potential areas of improvement in NSW hospitals. The authors find a
      positive association between the adoption of better management practices and
      hospital size (measured by the number of hospital beds and employees), level of
      skills and education, degree of hospital manager autonomy and organisational
      hierarchy. However, hospital size as measured by the number of doctors did not
      have a statistically significant relationship. Practical implications - This
      paper is of interest to both hospital administrators, clinical doctors and
      healthcare policy-makers who want to improve and develop strategies for better
      management in the healthcare sector. Originality/value - This study provides an
      internationally comparable robust measure of management capability in public
      hospitals, and contributes to the evidence-base of management practices and
      performance in hospitals. 

PMID- 27119391
TI  - Analysis of introducing e-services: a case study of Health Insurance Fund of
      Macedonia.
AB  - Purpose - Information systems play a significant role in the improving of health
      and healthcare, as well as in the planning and financing of health services.
      Fund's Information System is an essential component of the information
      infrastructure that allows assessment of the impact of changes in health
      insurance and healthcare for the population. The purpose of this paper is to give
      a brief overview of the affection of e-services and electronic data exchange
      (between Fund's information systems and other IT systems) at the quality of
      service for insured people and savings funds. Design/methodology/approach - The
      authors opted for an exploratory study using the e-services implemented in Health
      Insurance Fund (HIF) of Macedonia and data which were complemented by documentary
      analysis, including brand documents and descriptions of internal processes. In
      this paper is presented an analysis of the financial aspects of some e-services
      in HIF of Macedonia by using computer-based information systems and calculating
      the financial implications on insured people, companies and healthcare providers.
      Findings - The analysis conducted in this paper shows that the HIF's e-services
      would have a positive impact for the insured people, healthcare providers and
      companies when fulfilling their administrative obligations and exercising their
      rights. Originality/value - The analysis presented in this paper can serve as a
      valuable input for the healthcare authorities in making decisions related to
      introducing e-services in healthcare. These enhanced e-services will improve the
      quality service of the HIF. 

PMID- 27119392
TI  - Hospital administrative characteristics and volunteer resource management
      practices.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the links between various
      characteristics of hospital administration and the utilization of classes of
      volunteer resource management (VRM) practices. Design/methodology/approach - This
      paper uses original data collected via surveys of volunteer directors in 122
      hospitals in five Northeastern and Southern US states. Findings - Structural
      equation modeling results suggest that number of paid volunteer management staff,
      scope of responsibility of the primary volunteer administrator, and hospital size
      are positively associated with increased usage of certain VRM practices. Research
      limitations/implications - First, the authors begin the exploration of VRM
      antecedents, and encourage others to continue this line of inquiry; and second,
      the authors assess dimensionality of practices, allowing future researchers to
      consider whether specific dimensions have a differential impact on key individual
      and organizational outcomes. Practical implications - Based on the findings of a
      relationship between administrative characteristics and the on-the-ground
      execution of VRM practice, a baseline audit comparing current practices to those
      VRM practices presented here might be useful in determining what next steps may
      be taken to focus investments in VRM that can ultimately drive practice
      utilization. Originality/value - The exploration of the dimensionality of
      volunteer management adds a novel perspective to both the academic study, and
      practice, of volunteer management. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first
      empirical categorization of VRM practices. 

PMID- 27119393
TI  - Evaluating a physician leadership development program - a mixed methods approach.
AB  - Purpose - With the extent of change in healthcare today, organizations need
      strong physician leaders. To compensate for the lack of physician leadership
      education, many organizations are sending physicians to external leadership
      programs or developing in-house leadership programs targeted specifically to
      physicians. The purpose of this paper is to outline the evaluation strategy and
      outcomes of the inaugural year of a Physician Leadership Academy (PLA) developed
      and implemented at a Michigan-based regional healthcare system.
      Design/methodology/approach - The authors applied the theoretical framework of
      Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation and used surveys, observations, activity
      tracking, and interviews to evaluate the program outcomes. The authors applied
      grounded theory techniques to the interview data. Findings - The program met
      targeted outcomes across all four levels of evaluation. Interview themes focused
      on the significance of increasing self-awareness, building relationships,
      applying new skills, and building confidence. Research limitations/implications -
      While only one example, this study illustrates the importance of developing the
      evaluation strategy as part of the program design. Qualitative research methods,
      often lacking from learning evaluation design, uncover rich themes of impact. The
      study supports how a PLA program can enhance physician learning, engagement, and
      relationship building throughout and after the program. Physician leaders'
      partnership with organization development and learning professionals yield
      results with impact to individuals, groups, and the organization.
      Originality/value - Few studies provide an in-depth review of evaluation methods
      and outcomes of physician leadership development programs. Healthcare
      organizations seeking to develop similar in-house programs may benefit applying
      the evaluation strategy outlined in this study. 

PMID- 27119394
TI  - The mediating effect of job stress in the relationship between work-related
      dimensions and career commitment.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine associations between career
      commitment, job stress, and work-related dimensions of work routinization, role
      clarity, social support, and promotional opportunity. Design/methodology/approach
      - In all, 408 employees holding supervisor or above level job positions in Sri
      Lanka responded to the survey. For the data analysis, structural equation
      modelling with maximum likelihood estimation was performed. Findings - Job stress
      fully mediates the relationship between role clarity and career commitment while
      partially mediates the relationships between work routinization, social support,
      and the lack of promotional opportunity and career commitment. Originality/value 
      An investigation into relationships between work-related dimensions and career
      commitment holds a number of implications in the current business environment
      where employee commitment may be shifting from the organization to one's career. 

PMID- 27119395
TI  - Healthcare managers' construction of the manager role in relation to the medical
      profession.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore how healthcare managers
      construct the manager role in relation to the medical profession in their
      organisations. Design/methodology/approach - In total, 18 of Sweden's 20
      healthcare chief executive officers (CEOs) and 20 clinical department managers
      (CDMs) were interviewed about their views on management of physicians. Interviews
      were performed in the context of one aspect of healthcare management; i.e.,
      management of physicians' sickness certification practice. A discourse analysis
      approach was used for data analysis. Findings - Few managers used a management
      based discourse to construct the manager role. Instead, a profession-based
      discourse dominated and managers frequently used the attributes "physician" or
      "non-physician" to categorise themselves or other managers in their managerial
      roles. Some managers, both CEOs and CDMs, shifted between the management- and
      profession-based discourses, resulting in a kind of "yes, but [...]" approach to
      management in the organisations. The dominating profession-based discourse served
      to reproduce the power and status of physicians within the organisation, thereby
      rendering the manager role weaker than the medical profession for both physician
      and non-physician managers. Research limitations/implications - Further studies
      are needed to explore the impact of gender, managerial level, and basic
      profession on how managers construct the manager role in relation to physicians.
      Practical implications - The results suggest that there is a need to address the
      organisational conditions for managers' role taking in healthcare organisations.
      Originality/value - Despite the general strengthening of the manager position in
      healthcare through political reforms during the last decades, this study shows
      that a profession-based discourse clearly dominated in how the managers
      constructed the manager role in relation to the medical profession on the
      workplace level in their organisations. 

PMID- 27119396
TI  - Benefits and risks of shared services in healthcare.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of staff in a
      large, public health service involved in transitioning support services to a
      shared services model. It aims to understand their perceptions of the benefits
      and risks arising from this change. Design/methodology/approach - Thematic
      analysis of qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with both service
      provider and customer agency staff was used to identify, analyze and report
      patterns of benefits and risks within data. Findings - Staff expressed the need
      for relevant subject-matter-experts to work within customer agencies to
      facilitate effective communication between the customer agency and shared
      services provider, reflecting observations found in out-sourcing literature.
      Research limitations/implications - Results point to significant challenges
      continuing to occur for shared services in healthcare. Risks identified suggest a
      more intimate relationship between clinical and support services than previously
      discussed. Originality/value - Previous discussion of the shared services model
      has not considered the skills, knowledge and ability required by staff in the
      customer agency. This research indicates that in the absence of such
      consideration, the concepts of the shared services model are weakened. 

PMID- 27119397
TI  - Prioritizing lean management practices in public and private hospitals.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to prioritize 21 healthcare wastes in
      public and private hospitals of United Arab Emirates (UAE).
      Design/methodology/approach - Seven healthcare wastes linked with lean management
      are further decomposed in to sub-criteria and to deal with this complexity of
      multi criteria decision-making process, analytical hierarchical process (AHP)
      method is used in this research. Findings - AHP framework for this study resulted
      in a ranking of 21 healthcare wastes in public and private hospitals of UAE. It
      has been found that management in private healthcare systems of UAE is putting
      more emphasis on the inventory waste. On the other hand, over processing waste
      has got highest weight in public hospitals of UAE. Research
      limitations/implications - The future directions of this research would be to
      apply a lean set of tools for the value stream optimization of the prioritized
      key improvement areas. Practical implications - This is a contribution to the
      continuing research into lean management, giving practitioners and designers a
      practical way for measuring and implementing lean practices across health
      organizations. Originality/value - The contribution of this research, through
      successive stages of data collection, measurement analysis and refinement, is a
      set of reliable and valid framework that can be subsequently used in
      conceptualization, prioritization of the waste reduction strategies in healthcare
      management. 

PMID- 27119398
TI  - Lean healthcare from a change management perspective.
AB  - Purpose - Lean healthcare is used in a growing number of hospitals to increase
      efficiency and quality of care. However, healthcare organizations encounter
      problems with the implementation of change initiatives due to an implementation
      gap: the gap between strategy and execution. From a change management
      perspective, the purpose of this paper is to increase scientific knowledge
      regarding factors that diminish the implementation gap and make the transition
      from the "toolbox lean" toward an actual transformation to lean healthcare.
      Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional study was executed in an
      operating theatre of a Dutch University Medical Centre. Transformational
      leadership was expected to ensure the required top-down commitment, whereas team
      leadership creates the required active, bottom-up behavior of employees.
      Furthermore, professional and functional silos and a hierarchical structure were
      expected to impede the workforce flexibility in adapting organizational elements
      and optimize the entire process flow. Findings - The correlation and regression
      analyses showed positive relations between the transformational leadership and
      team leadership styles and lean healthcare implementation. The results also
      indicated a strong relation between workforce flexibility and the implementation
      of lean healthcare. Originality/value - With the use of a recently developed
      change management model, the Change Competence Model, the authors suggest
      leadership and workforce flexibility to be part of an organization's change
      capacity as crucial success factor for a sustainable transformation to lean
      healthcare. 

PMID- 27119399
TI  - Implementing a new governance model.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss the lessons learnt from the
      process of implementing a new model of governance within Living Well, a New
      Zealand statutory mental health agency. Design/methodology/approach - It presents
      the findings from an organisational case study that involved qualitative
      interviews, meeting observations and document analysis. Archetype theory provided
      the analytical framework for the research enabling an analysis of both the formal
      structures and informal value systems that influenced the implementation of the
      governance model. Findings - The research found that the move to a new governance
      model did not proceed as planned. It highlighted the importance of staff
      commitment, the complexity of adopting a new philosophical approach and the undue
      influence of key personalities as key determining factors in the implementation
      process. The findings suggest that planners and managers within statutory mental
      health agencies need to consider the implications of any proposed governance
      change on existing roles and relationships, thinking strategically about how to
      secure professional commitment to change. Practical implications - There are
      ongoing pressures within statutory mental health agencies to improve the
      efficiency and effectiveness of organisational structures and systems. This paper
      has implications for how planners and managers think about the process of
      implementing new governance models within the statutory mental health environment
      in order to increase the likelihood of sustaining and embedding new approaches to
      service delivery. Originality/value - The paper presents insights into the
      process of implementing new governance models within a statutory mental health
      agency in New Zealand that has relevance for other jurisdictions. 

PMID- 27119400
TI  - What's in a name?

PMID- 27119401
TI  - Bringing 'something more' to the bedside: the importance of clinical wisdom at
      end of life.

PMID- 27119402
TI  - Implementing a palliative approach in the intensive care unit: an oxymoron or a
      realistic possibility?

PMID- 27119403
TI  - An exploratory study of reiki experiences in women who have cancer.
AB  - AIMS: To explore the perceptions and experiences of reiki for women who have
      cancer and identify outcome measures for an intervention study. METHODS: A cross
      sectional qualitative study of 10 women who had received reiki after cancer
      treatment was conducted. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and coded using
      framework analysis. RESULTS: Key themes identified were: limited understanding of
      reiki prior to receiving any reiki; release of emotional strain during reiki
      feelings of a release of energy, a clearing of the mind from cancer, inner
      peace/relaxation, hope, a sense of being cared for; experience of physical
      sensations during reiki, such as pain relief and tingling; physical, emotional
      and cognitive improvements after reiki, such as improved sleep, a sense of calm
      and peace, reduced depression and improved self-confidence. CONCLUSION: Findings
      suggest that reiki could be a beneficial tool in the self-management of quality
      of life issues for women who have cancer.

PMID- 27119404
TI  - Training palliative care: a study of public and private institutions in Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Globally, life-threatening diseases are on the rise, indicating the
      need for palliative care, an approach of ensuring quality of life for the patient
      and his or her family. Education and training is one of the ways of ensuring
      staff competency in providing palliative care. AIMS: This study sought to explore
      challenges faced by both public and private faith-based training institutions
      offering palliative care. METHODS: This was a qualitative study in both public
      and private training institutions, which were selected randomly. Six institutions
      were selected for the study. One palliative care trainer in each institution was
      interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Information was recorded,
      transcribed and thematic analysis was done. Data were presented in the form of
      narration. RESULTS: Many institutions had incorporated palliative care into their
      curricula. However, these institutions faced challenges, including few allocated
      hours and few members of staff trained in palliative care. Clinical area
      employees were not well equipped with knowledge on palliative care. CONCLUSION:
      Challenges exist in both public and private institutions. Institutions should
      allow for more training hours in palliative care.

PMID- 27119405
TI  - Development of a logic model to support a network approach in delivering 24/7
      children's palliative care: part one.
AB  - AIM: This research aimed to develop and evaluate a 24/7 symptom-management
      service for children with life-limiting conditions and a model for palliative
      care nursing. STUDY DESIGN: A combination of audit and qualitative and
      quantitative evaluation. SAMPLE AND SETTING: A consultant nurse-led service (n=5
      clinical nurse specialists) provided care and support to children and their
      families, which spanned a range of settings (home, hospital, hospice) supported
      by a managed clinical network of consultant paediatricians (n=4) with
      postgraduate expertise in palliative care. METHODS: A pluralistic evaluation was
      conducted where the predefined service standards were audited and the
      predetermined service objectives were evaluated using daily diary data from the
      nursing team (micro), qualitative and quantitative survey data of stakeholders
      using the service (mezzo) and family assessment of children's palliative care
      (CPC) standards across the CPC network (macro).

PMID- 27119406
TI  - An interprofessional education programme for medical learners during a one-month
      palliative care rotation.
AB  - Interprofessional education in health care and in palliative care has been the
      focus of increasing attention in recent years. For health professionals to
      provide and deliver high-quality palliative care, collaboration and teamwork is
      required. Palliative care is the ideal service to introduce interprofessional
      teamwork to medical learners early on in their training. During a 1-month
      palliative care rotation in Ontario, Canada, medical learners completed a
      questionnaire seeking their feedback on the interprofessional team model. This
      article will highlight the results of the questionnaire, how the team promotes a
      culture of interprofessional collaborative practice, and the supportive
      structures that foster collaboration among professionals. 

PMID- 27119407
TI  - Knowledge and practice of end-of-life care among nurses in a teaching hospital in
      Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improving end-of-life care (EoLC) has become a major goal among
      nurses since they have the most contact with patients and their families at this
      phase of life. This study examined the knowledge and practice of EoLC among
      nurses working at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, in Enugu. METHODS:
      A cross-sectional descriptive research study was used. A total of 130 nurses,
      working in selected wards of the hospital, took part in the study, meeting the
      inclusion criteria. Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire,
      analysed using descriptive statistics and results were presented in tables and
      charts. RESULTS: The results showed that 123 respondents (94.6%) had knowledge of
      EoLC as care given to terminal state of life and or a dying person. Findings also
      showed the practice of EoLC with a mean score of 3.6+/-2.8 and inadequate
      manpower and lack of experience with the mean 2.9+/-1.6 and 2.9+/-1.5
      respectively, as factors negatively influenced their practice of EoLC.
      CONCLUSIONS: It was recommended that workshop or seminar and advocacy on EoLC
      should be organised to create awareness and raise the practice of EoLC.

PMID- 27119409
TI  - Research roundup.
AB  - Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to
      palliative care. 

PMID- 27119410
TI  - Politics and palliative care: Libya.
AB  - Dion Smyth's review of the internet for palliative nursing. 

PMID- 27119417
TI  - Serious Illness Conversations With Doctors: Patients Using Information Obtained
      From Sources Other Than Their Doctors.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine how people with serious illnesses
      communicate information they have acquired about their illness from the Internet
      and social or mass media to their doctors. Twenty-two in-depth interviews of
      patients with serious or life-threatening illnesses were conducted and analyzed.
      Street's ecological perspective of communication was used to understand the
      processes that influence when and how patients bring information that they
      obtained from external sources to their doctors. The reactions patients received
      from their doctors affected their future communication with them. Results
      indicate doctors who have a dominant communication style often discourage
      patients from bringing outside information to them, and in some cases this
      results in patients changing doctors. On the other hand, doctors who are more
      attentive make patients feel more comfortable about bringing outside information
      to them, and this leads to more meaningful and beneficial conversations.

PMID- 27119411
TI  - Seeing Circles and Drawing Ellipses: When Sound Biases Reproduction of Visual
      Motion.
AB  - The perception and production of biological movements is characterized by the 1/3
      power law, a relation linking the curvature and the velocity of an intended
      action. In particular, motions are perceived and reproduced distorted when their
      kinematics deviate from this biological law. Whereas most studies dealing with
      this perceptual-motor relation focused on visual or kinaesthetic modalities in a
      unimodal context, in this paper we show that auditory dynamics strikingly biases
      visuomotor processes. Biologically consistent or inconsistent circular visual
      motions were used in combination with circular or elliptical auditory motions.
      Auditory motions were synthesized friction sounds mimicking those produced by the
      friction of the pen on a paper when someone is drawing. Sounds were presented
      diotically and the auditory motion velocity was evoked through the friction sound
      timbre variations without any spatial cues. Remarkably, when subjects were asked
      to reproduce circular visual motion while listening to sounds that evoked
      elliptical kinematics without seeing their hand, they drew elliptical shapes.
      Moreover, distortion induced by inconsistent elliptical kinematics in both visual
      and auditory modalities added up linearly. These results bring to light the
      substantial role of auditory dynamics in the visuo-motor coupling in a
      multisensory context.

PMID- 27119418
TI  - Mutagenesis of mNeptune Red-Shifts Emission Spectrum to 681-685 nm.
AB  - GFP-like fluorescent proteins with diverse emission wavelengths have been
      developed through mutagenesis, offering many possible choices in cellular and
      tissue imaging, such as multi-targets imaging, deep tissue imaging that require
      longer emission wavelength. Here, we utilized a combined approach of random
      mutation and structure-based rational design to develop new NIR fluorescent
      proteins on the basis of a far-red fluorescent protein, mNeptune (Ex/Em: 600/650
      nm). We created a number of new monomeric NIR fluorescent proteins with the
      emission range of 681-685 nm, which exhibit the largest Stocks shifts (77-80 nm)
      compared to other fluorescent proteins. Among them, mNeptune681 and mNeptune684
      exhibit more than 30 nm redshift in emission relative to mNeptune, owing to the
      major role of the extensive hydrogen-bond network around the chromophore and
      contributions of individual mutations to the observed redshift. Furthermore, the
      two variants still maintain monomeric state in solution, which is a trait crucial
      for their use as protein tags. In conclusion, our results suggest that there is
      untapped potential for developing fluorescent proteins with desired properties.

PMID- 27119419
TI  - Impact of dialysis requirement on outcomes in tumor lysis syndrome.
AB  - Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a life threatening emergency due to destruction and
      massive release of intracellular metabolites from cancer cells often resulting in
      acute kidney injury (AKI), sometimes severe enough to require dialysis (AKI-D).
      The impact of dialysis requirement in AKI has not been explored. We utilized data
      from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and using International Classification of
      Diseases, 9th Revision, diagnoses codes for TLS, AKI and dialysis, evaluated the
      incidence, risk factors and impact of AKI-D on mortality, adverse discharge and
      length of stay (LOS). Survey multivariable logistic regression was used to
      compute adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR and 95% confidence intervals (CI). An estimated
      12% (2,919) of all TLS hospitalizations (n = 22 875) develop AK-D. After
      adjustment for confounders, AKI-D was associated with greater odds of mortality
      (aOR 1.98; (95% CI 1.60-2.45)), adverse discharge (aOR 1.63 (95% CI 1.19-2.24))
      and longer LOS (19 vs 14.6 days; P < 0.01) compared with those without AKI-D.
      Further studies to evaluate the association of AKI-D on long-term outcomes in
      patients with TLS are needed.

PMID- 27119421
TI  - Cp*Co(III)-Catalyzed Dehydrative C-H Allylation of 6-Arylpurines and Aromatic
      Amides Using Allyl Alcohols in Fluorinated Alcohols.
AB  - Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed C-H allylation of various aromatic C-H bonds using allyl
      alcohols as allylating reagents is described. Improved reaction conditions using
      fluorinated alcohol solvents afforded efficient directed C-H allylation of 6
      arylpurines, benzamides, and a synthetically useful Weinreb amide with good
      functional group compatibility.

PMID- 27119420
TI  - Evaluation of cognitivity, proinflammatory cytokines, and brain magnetic
      resonance imaging in minimal hepatic encephalopathy induced by cirrhosis and
      extrahepatic portal vein obstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the mildest form of
      hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and is characterized by deficits in neurocognitive
      performance without any clinical symptoms of HE. In the current study, we aim to
      evaluate and compare the neurocognitive, biochemical, and brain magnetic
      resonance (MR) imaging changes between patients with cirrhotic MHE and
      extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) MHE. METHODS: Thirty-three cirrhotic
      and 14 EHPVO patients were diagnosed with MHE and were included in the analysis
      along with 24 normal healthy volunteers. All subjects underwent MR imaging
      including diffusion tensor imaging and proton MR spectroscopy (1 H-MRS) followed
      by cognitive assessments, critical flicker frequency (CFF) measurements,
      quantification of blood ammonia, and serum proinflammatory cytokine levels.
      RESULTS: We observed abnormal neurocognitive functions and CFF measurements in
      both cirrhotic MHE and EHPVO MHE patients as compared with controls.
      Significantly increased blood ammonia, serum proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF
      alpha) level, mean diffusivity in multiple brain sites, 1 H-MRS derived
      glutamate/glutamine (Glx)/creatine (Cr), and significantly decreased 1 H-MRS
      derived myo-inositol/Cr were observed in both cirrhotic MHE and EHPVO MHE
      compared with those of controls. Choline/Cr level was significantly decreased in
      cirrhotic MHE as compared with controls and EHPVO MHE. CONCLUSIONS: Cirrhotic MHE
      showed more severe changes on mean diffusivity in multiple brain sites and
      inflammation as compared with EHPVO MHE. This study confirms that there are
      significant difference in neurocognitive, biochemical, and MR profile between
      cirrhotic MHE and EHPVO MHE, which may help to understand the pathophysiologies
      of these two types of MHE and may contribute to improve their clinical
      managements.

PMID- 27119423
TI  - Anisotropic Black Phosphorus Synaptic Device for Neuromorphic Applications.
AB  - The first black-phosphorus synaptic device is demonstrated, which offers
      intrinsic anisotropy in its synaptic characteristics directly resulting from its
      low crystalline symmetry. Key features of biological synapses, such as long-term
      plasticity with heterogeneity, including long-term potentiation/depression and
      spike-timing-dependent plasticity, are mimicked. This demonstration represents an
      important step toward introducing intrinsic heterogeneity to artificial
      neuromorphic systems. 

PMID- 27119422
TI  - Lack of health maintenance examinations and risk in myeloma patients.
AB  - Health maintenance (HM) practices are essential to prevent illness, promote well
      being, and maximize health. Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are at increased
      risk for cardiovascular disease and cancers, yet, research on HM practices and
      preventative care of MM survivors has limited report. The study comprised a
      descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional online survey design. Survey of
      patients with MM was carried out through the International Myeloma Foundation
      (IMF) and the Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR) e-mail list services.
      The members of the IMF and ACOR e-mail list services were surveyed, of which 237
      patients responded. The modified Medical Expenditure Preventive Survey-Preventive
      Care questionnaire was used; it included items that ask patients regarding their
      healthcare practices that relate to dental care, cancer prevention, addiction,
      lifestyles, sensory screening, immunizations, cardiovascular, endocrine,
      psychosocial, and bone health. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square, and
      Spearman's rho correlation coefficient were obtained. In this study, men had
      statistically significant inferior global health maintenance scores than women (P
      = 0.002). Being employed (P = 0.054) and married or partnered (P = 0.017) were
      significantly correlated with better health maintenance patterns among male
      respondents. In contrast, no statistically significant correlations between
      sociodemographic factors and health maintenance patterns were found in women.
      Patients with MM, particularly men, require continued education and close
      monitoring of health maintenance practices. These findings are consistent with
      publications looking at gender disparities in healthcare utilization in the
      United States. Studies show that men, in general, are less likely to seek
      preventative healthcare screenings. Healthcare providers must incorporate health
      maintenance promotion during clinic visits.

PMID- 27119424
TI  - Ordered and Active Nanochannel Electrode Design for High-Performance
      Electrochemical Actuator.
AB  - A novel electrochemical actuator based on polyaniline@vertically aligned carbon
      nanotube nanocomposite electrodes, in which the vertically aligned structure is
      introduced by a facilely electrochemical process. Owing to the vertically aligned
      nanocomposite electrode providing ordered path channel for faster ion
      transportation and high electrochemical capacitance for more ion accumulation,
      our actuator displays intriguing actuation performance including large
      deformation, fast-actuation speed, and excellent actuation stability.

PMID- 27119425
TI  - Characterizing Heterogeneity in Infiltration Rates During Managed Aquifer
      Recharge.
AB  - Infiltration rate is the key parameter that describes how water moves from the
      surface into a groundwater aquifer during managed aquifer recharge (MAR).
      Characterization of infiltration rate heterogeneity in space and time is valuable
      information for MAR system operation. In this study, we utilized fiber optic
      distributed temperature sensing (FO-DTS) observations and the phase shift of the
      diurnal temperature signal between two vertically co-located fiber optic cables
      to characterize infiltration rate spatially and temporally in a MAR basin. The FO
      DTS measurements revealed spatial heterogeneity of infiltration rate:
      approximately 78% of the recharge water infiltrated through 50% of the pond
      bottom on average. We also introduced a metric for quantifying how the
      infiltration rate in a recharge pond changes over time, which enables FO-DTS to
      be used as a method for monitoring MAR and informing maintenance decisions. By
      monitoring this metric, we found high-spatial variability in how rapidly
      infiltration rate changed during the test period. We attributed this variability
      to biological pore clogging and found a relationship between high initial
      infiltration rate and the most rapid pore clogging. We found a strong
      relationship (R2  = 0.8) between observed maximum infiltration rates and
      electrical resistivity measurements from electrical resistivity tomography data
      taken in the same basin when dry. This result shows that the combined acquisition
      of DTS and ERT data can improve the design and operation of a MAR pond
      significantly by providing the critical information needed about spatial
      variability in parameters controlling infiltration rates.

PMID- 27119426
TI  - Revascularisation of the left subclavian artery for thoracic endovascular aortic
      repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controversy exists as to whether revascularisation of the left
      subclavian artery (LSA) confers improved outcomes in patients undergoing thoracic
      endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Even though preemptive revascularisation of
      the LSA has theoretical advantages, including a reduced risk of ischaemic damage
      to vital organs, such as the brain and the spinal cord, it is not without risks.
      Current practice guidelines recommend routine revascularisation of the LSA in
      patients undergoing elective TEVAR where achievement of a proximal seal
      necessitates coverage of the LSA, and in patients who have an anatomy that
      compromises perfusion to critical organs. However, this recommendation was based
      on very low-quality evidence. OBJECTIVES: To assess the comparative efficacy of
      routine LSA revascularisation versus either selective or no revascularisation in
      patients with descending thoracic aortic disease undergoing TEVAR with coverage
      of the LSA origin. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Vascular Trials Search Co
      ordinator (TSC) searched the Specialised Register (June 2015). In addition, the
      TSC searched the Cochrane Register of Studies (CENTRAL (2015, Issue 5)).Trials
      databases were also searched (June 2015). SELECTION CRITERIA: We had planned to
      consider all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared routine
      revascularisation of the LSA with selective or no revascularisation, in patients
      undergoing TEVAR. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently
      assessed the title and abstract of articles identified through literature
      searches. An independent third review author was consulted in the event of
      disagreement. We had planned for two review authors to independently extract data
      and assess the risk of bias of identified trials using the criteria recommended
      in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. MAIN RESULTS:
      We did not identify any RCTs relevant to our review topic. Therefore, no
      quantitative analysis was conducted. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: High quality RCT
      evidence for or against routine or selective revascularisation of the LSA in
      TEVAR is not currently available. It is not possible to draw conclusions with
      regard to the optimal management of LSA coverage in TEVAR, and whether routine
      revascularisation, which was defined as the intervention of interest in our
      review, confers beneficial effects, as indicated by reduced mortality,
      cerebrovascular events, and spinal cord ischaemia. This review highlights the
      need for continued research to provide RCT evidence and define the role of LSA
      revascularisation in the context of TEVAR with coverage of the LSA.

PMID- 27119427
TI  - Clinical applications of retrograde autologous priming in cardiopulmonary bypass
      in pediatric cardiac surgery.
AB  - Retrograde autologous priming (RAP) has been routinely applied in cardiac
      pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, this technique is performed in
      pediatric patients weighing more than 20 kg, and research about its application
      in pediatric patients weighing less than 20 kg is still scarce. This study
      explored the clinical application of RAP in CPB in pediatric patients undergoing
      cardiac surgery. Sixty pediatric patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were
      randomly divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental group was
      treated with CPB using RAP, while the control group was treated with conventional
      CPB (priming with suspended red blood cells, plasma and albumin). The hematocrit
      (Hct) and lactate (Lac) levels at different perioperative time-points, mechanical
      ventilation time, hospitalization duration, and intraoperative and postoperative
      blood usage were recorded. Results showed that Hct levels at 15 min after CPB
      beginning (T2) and at CPB end (T3), and number of intraoperative blood
      transfusions were significantly lower in the experimental group (P<0.05). There
      were no significant differences in CPB time, aortic blocking time, T2-Lac value
      or T3-Lac between the two groups (P>0.05). Postoperatively, there were no
      significant differences in Hct (2 h after surgery), mechanical ventilation time,
      intensive care unit time, or postoperative blood transfusion between two groups
      (P>0.05). RAP can effectively reduce the hemodilution when using less or not
      using any banked blood, while meeting the intraoperative perfusion conditions,
      and decreasing the perioperative blood transfusion volume in pediatric patients. 

PMID- 27119428
TI  - Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on mitochondrial function of neuronal cells in
      the cortex of neonatal rats after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage.
AB  - The timing and mechanisms of protection by hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) in
      hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) have only been partially elucidated. We
      monitored the effect of HBO on the mitochondrial function of neuronal cells in
      the cerebral cortex of neonatal rats after HIBD. Neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats
      (total of 360 of both genders) were randomly divided into normal control, HIBD,
      and HIBD+HBO groups. The HBO treatment began immediately after hypoxia-ischemia
      (HI) and continued once a day for 7 consecutive days. Animals were euthanized 0,
      2, 4, 6, and 12 h post-HI to monitor the changes in mitochondrial membrane
      potential (DeltaPsim) occurring soon after a single dose of HBO treatment, as
      well as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days post-HI to study DeltaPsim changes after a
      series of HBO treatments. Fluctuations in DeltaPsim were observed in the
      ipsilateral cortex in both HIBD and HIBD+HBO groups. Within 2 to 12 h after HI
      insult, the DeltaPsim of the HIBD and HIBD+HBO groups recovered to some extent. A
      secondary drop in DeltaPsim was observed in both groups during the 1-4 days post
      HI period, but was more severe in the HIBD+HBO group. There was a secondary
      recovery of DeltaPsim observed in the HIBD+HBO group, but not in the HIBD group,
      during the 5-7 days period after HI insult. HBO therapy may not lead to
      improvement of neural cell mitochondrial function in the cerebral cortex in the
      early stage post-HI, but may improve it in the sub-acute stage post-HI. 

PMID- 27119429
TI  - Cocaine/levamisole-induced systemic vasculitis with retiform purpura and pauci
      immune glomerulonephritis.
AB  - Levamisole has been increasingly used as an adulterant of cocaine in recent
      years, emerging as a public health challenge worldwide. Levamisole-associated
      toxicity manifests clinically as a systemic vasculitis, consisting of cutaneous,
      hematological, and renal lesions, among others. Purpura retiform, cutaneous
      necrosis, intravascular thrombosis, neutropenia, and less commonly crescentic
      nephritis have been described in association with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic
      antibodies (ANCAs) and other autoantibodies. Here we report the case of a 49-year
      old male who was a chronic cocaine user, and who presented spontaneous weight
      loss, arthralgia, and 3 weeks before admission purpuric skin lesions in the
      earlobes and in the anterior thighs. His laboratory tests on admission showed
      serum creatinine of 4.56 mg/dL, white blood count 3,800/MUL, hemoglobin 7.3 g/dL,
      urinalysis with 51 white blood cells/MUL and 960 red blood cells/MUL, and urine
      protein-to-creatinine ratio 1.20. Serum ANCA testing was positive (>1:320), as
      well as serum anti-myeloperoxidase and anti-proteinase 3 antibodies. Urine
      toxicology screen was positive for cocaine and levamisole, with 62.8% of cocaine,
      32.2% of levamisole, and 5% of an unidentified substance. Skin and renal biopsies
      were diagnostic for leukocytoclastic vasculitis and pauci-immune crescentic
      glomerulonephritis, respectively. The patient showed a good clinical response to
      cocaine abstinence, and use of corticosteroids and intravenous cyclophosphamide.
      Last serum creatinine was 1.97 mg/dL, white blood cell count 7,420/MUL, and
      hemoglobin level 10.8 g/dL. In levamisole-induced systemic vasculitis, the early
      institution of cocaine abstinence, concomitant with the use of immunosuppressive
      drugs in severe cases, may prevent permanent end organ damage and associate with
      better clinical outcomes. 

PMID- 27119430
TI  - A Prussian Blue/Zinc Secondary Battery with a Bio-Ionic Liquid-Water Mixture as
      Electrolyte.
AB  - The development of rechargeable zinc ion batteries with high capacity and high
      cycling stability is a great challenge in aqueous solution due to hydrogen
      evolution and dendritic growth of zinc. In this study, we present a zinc ion
      secondary battery, comprising a metallic zinc anode, a bio-ionic liquid-water
      electrolyte, and a nanostructured prussian blue analogue (PBA) cathode. Both the
      Zn anode and the PBA cathode exhibit good compatibility with the bio-ionic liquid
      water electrolyte, which enables the electrochemical deposition/dissolution of
      zinc at the zinc anode, and reversible insertion/extraction of Zn(2+) ions at the
      PBA cathode. The cell exhibits a well-defined discharge voltage plateau of ~1.1 V
      with a specific capacity of about 120 mAh g(-1) at a current of 10 mA g(-1) (~0.1
      C). The Zn anode shows great reversibility, and dendrite-free Zn deposits were
      obtained after 100 deposition/dissolution cycles. The integration of an
      environmentally friendly PBA cathode, a nontoxic and low-cost Zn anode, and a
      biodegradable ionic liquid-water electrolyte provides new perspective to develop
      rechargeable zinc ion batteries for various applications in electric energy
      storage.

PMID- 27119431
TI  - Transcranial Sonography Findings in Depression in Association With Psychiatric
      and Neurologic Diseases: A Review.
AB  - The transcranial sonography (TCS) finding of reduced echogenicity of brainstem
      raphe (hypoechogenic BR) has been associated with depressive states. Here, we
      review the TCS studies in subjects with depressive disorders and with depression
      related to degenerative brain diseases, and compare the frequency and clinical
      correlates of hypoechogenic BR in these reports. Summarizing the data published
      so far, hypoechogenic BR is present in 67% (range, 37-95%) of depressed but only
      in 15% (5-36%) of nondepressed subjects without history of neurodegenerative
      disease. The finding of hypoechogenic BR in these subjects is associated with a
      relative risk of 3.03 (95% CI, 2.44-3.75; P < .001) of being diagnosed with
      depression. In patients with Parkinson's disease, hypoechogenic BR is present in
      63% (35-92%) of depressed but only in 27% (10-62%) of nondepressed patients,
      resulting in a relative risk of 2.18 (95% CI, 1.80-2.66; P < .001) of being
      diagnosed with depression. Hypoechogenic BR is associated with depression in a
      number of neurological disorders such Huntington's disease, idiopathic Rapid Eye
      Movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, myotonic dystrophies, and cerebral small
      vessel disease. Although some studies did not show any relationship between BR
      echogenicity and severity of depression, others suggest an association with
      higher severity of depression, or even with suicidal ideation. In one study BR
      hypoechogenicity was found to be associated with better responsivity to serotonin
      reuptake inhibitors. Further studies are warranted to compare the TCS findings of
      BR alteration with post-mortem histopathological findings, and with genetic
      variants related to cerebral serotonin metabolism.

PMID- 27119432
TI  - Application of the Prunus spp. Cyanide Seed Defense System onto Wheat: Reduced
      Insect Feeding and Field Growth Tests.
AB  - Many crops are ill-protected against insect pests during storage. To protect
      cereal grains from herbivores during storage, pesticides are often applied. While
      pesticides have an undoubtable functionality, increasing concerns are arising
      about their application. In the present study, we investigated a bioinspired
      cyanogenic grain coating with amygdalin as cyanogenic precursor mimicking the
      feeding-triggered release of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) found for example in bitter
      almonds. The multilayer coating consisted of biodegradable polylactic acid with
      individual layers containing amygdalin or beta-glucosidase which is capable of
      degrading amygdalin to HCN. This reaction occurred only when the layers were
      ruptured, e.g., by a herbivore attack. Upon feeding coated cyanogenic wheat
      grains to Tenebrio molitor (mealworm beetle), Rhizopertha dominica (lesser grain
      borer), and Plodia interpunctella (Indianmeal moth), their reproduction as well
      as consumption rate were significantly reduced, whereas germination ability
      increased compared to noncoated grains. In field experiments, we observed an
      initial growth delay compared to uncoated grains which became negligible at later
      growth stages. The here shown strategy to artificially apply a naturally
      occurring defense mechanisms could be expanded to other crops than wheat and has
      the potential to replace certain pesticides with the benefit of complete
      biodegradability and increased safety during storage. 

PMID- 27119433
TI  - Diphenylalanine peptide nanotubes self-assembled on functionalized metal surfaces
      for potential application in drug-eluting stent.
AB  - This study focuses on the potential of diphenylalanine self-assembled peptide
      nanotubes (FF Nts) for delivery of flufenamic acid (FA) from metal implants. Self
      assembly of FF Nts was studied in solution and on surfaces of glass, silicone and
      gold substrates. FA was loaded inside the shell of FF Nts and subsequently FF/FA
      Nts were attached to gold surfaces. The substrate were characterized by Field
      Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), fluorescence microscopy, confocal
      microscopy, and UV-vis spectroscopy. Release of FA from FF Nts were investigated
      by immersing coated metal substrates in phosphate-buffered saline for 12 days.
      Self-assembly of FF in water and solvent resulted in formation of nanotubes,
      which efficiently loaded 98% of FA with concentration of 20 ug/mL. FESEM images
      confirmed successful attachment of FF/FA Nts to functionalized gold substrates.
      In vitro release studies indicated using FF Nts has prolonged the release rate of
      FA for several days. Biocompatibility studied confirmed more than 50% of the
      cells were alive in concentration of 250-1000 ug/mL of FF Nts thus suggesting the
      potential of peptide based self-assemble nanostructures as an alternate system
      for polymer coating in drugs eluting stents. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J
      Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2280-2290, 2016.

PMID- 27119434
TI  - Effect of Performance Deficiencies on Graduation and Board Certification Rates: A
      10-yr Multicenter Study of Anesthesiology Residents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted to determine how
      resident performance deficiencies affect graduation and board certification.
      METHODS: Primary documents pertaining to resident performance were examined over
      a 10-yr period at four academic anesthesiology residencies. Residents entering
      training between 2000 and 2009 were included, with follow-up through February
      2016. Residents receiving actions by the programs' Clinical Competency Committee
      were categorized by the area of deficiency and compared to peers without
      deficiencies. RESULTS: A total of 865 residents were studied (range: 127 to 275
      per program). Of these, 215 residents received a total of 405 actions from their
      respective Clinical Competency Committee. Among those who received an action
      compared to those who did not, the proportion graduating differed (93 vs. 99%,
      respectively, P < 0.001), as did the proportion achieving board certification (89
      vs. 99%, respectively, P < 0.001). When a single deficiency in an Essential
      Attribute (e.g., ethical, honest, respectful behavior; absence of impairment) was
      identified, the proportion graduating dropped to 55%. When more than three
      Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Core Competencies were
      deficient, the proportion graduating also dropped significantly. CONCLUSIONS:
      Overall graduation and board certification rates were consistently high in
      residents with no, or isolated, deficiencies. Residents deficient in an Essential
      Attribute, or multiple competencies, are at high risk of not graduating or
      achieving board certification. More research is needed on the effectiveness and
      selective deployment of remediation efforts, particularly for high-risk groups.

PMID- 27119435
TI  - Mechanism of the Novel Prenylated Flavin-Containing Enzyme Ferulic Acid
      Decarboxylase Probed by Isotope Effects and Linear Free-Energy Relationships.
AB  - Ferulic acid decarboxylase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae catalyzes the
      decarboxylation of phenylacrylic acid to form styrene using a newly described
      prenylated flavin mononucleotide cofactor. A mechanism has been proposed,
      involving an unprecedented 1,3-dipolar cyclo-addition of the prenylated flavin
      with the alpha?beta bond of the substrate that serves to activate the substrate
      toward decarboxylation. We measured a combination of secondary deuterium kinetic
      isotope effects (KIEs) at the alpha- and beta-positions of phenylacrylic acid
      together with solvent deuterium KIEs. The solvent KIE is 3.3 on Vmax/KM but is
      close to unity on Vmax, indicating that proton transfer to the product occurs
      before the rate-determining step. The secondary KIEs are normal at both the alpha
      and beta-positions but vary in magnitude depending on whether the reaction is
      performed in H2O or D2O. In D2O, the enzyme catalyzed the exchange of deuterium
      into styrene; this reaction was dependent on the presence of bicarbonate. This
      observation implies that CO2 release must occur after protonation of the product.
      Further information was obtained from a linear free-energy analysis of the
      reaction through the use of a range of para- and meta-substituted phenylacrylic
      acids. Log(kcat/KM) for the reaction correlated well with the Hammett sigma(-)
      parameter with rho = -0.39 +/- 0.03; r(2) = 0.93. The negative rho value and
      secondary isotope effects are consistent with the rate-determining step being the
      formation of styrene from the prenylated flavin-product adduct through a cyclo
      elimination reaction.

PMID- 27119436
TI  - Marangoni Convection in Evaporating Organic Liquid Droplets on a Nonwetting
      Substrate.
AB  - We quantitatively characterize the flow field inside organic liquid droplets
      evaporating on a nonwetting substrate. A mushroom-structured surface yields the
      desired nonwetting behavior with methanol droplets, while use of a cooled
      substrate (5-15  degrees C) slows the rate of evaporation to allow quasi-static
      particle image velocimetry. Visualization reveals a toroidal vortex within the
      droplet that is characteristic of surface tension-driven flow; we demonstrate by
      means of a scaling analysis that this recirculating flow is Marangoni convection.
      The velocities in the droplet are on the order of 10-45 mm/s. Thus, unlike in the
      case of evaporation on wetting substrates where Marangoni convection can be
      ignored for the purpose of estimating the evaporation rate, advection due to the
      surface tension-driven flow plays a dominant role in the heat transfer within an
      evaporating droplet on a nonwetting substrate because of the large height-to
      radius aspect ratio of the droplet. We formulate a reduced-order model that
      includes advective transport within the droplet for prediction of organic liquid
      droplet evaporation on a nonwetting substrate and confirm that the predicted
      temperature differential across the height of the droplet matches experiments.

PMID- 27119437
TI  - Identification of a cis-acting element in nitrogen fixation genes recognized by
      CnfR in the nonheterocystous nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya boryana.
AB  - The filamentous cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya boryana has the ability to fix
      nitrogen without any heterocysts under microoxic conditions. Previously, we
      identified the cnfR gene for a master transcriptional activator for nitrogen
      fixation (nif) genes in a 50-kb gene cluster containing nif and nif-related genes
      in L. boryana. We showed that CnfR activates the transcription of nif genes in
      response to low oxygen conditions, which allows the oxygen-vulnerable enzyme
      nitrogenase to function. However, the regulatory mechanism that underlies
      regulation by CnfR remains unknown. In this study, we identified a conserved cis
      acting element that is recognized by CnfR. We established a reporter system in
      the non-diazotrophic cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 using luciferase
      genes (luxAB). Reporter analysis was performed with a series of truncated and
      modified upstream regulatory regions of nifB and nifP. The cis-element can be
      divided into nine motifs I-IX, and it is located 76 bp upstream of the
      transcriptional start sites of nifB and nifP. Six motifs of them are essential
      for transcriptional activation by CnfR. This cis-acting element is conserved in
      the upstream regions of nif genes in all diazotrophic cyanobacteria, including
      Anabaena and Cyanothece, thereby suggesting that the transcriptional regulation
      by CnfR is widespread in nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria.

PMID- 27119438
TI  - Molecular Ultrasound Imaging of alphavbeta3-Integrin Expression in Carotid
      Arteries of Pigs After Vessel Injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Interventions such as balloon angioplasty can cause vascular injury
      leading to platelet activation, thrombus formation, and inflammatory response.
      This induces vascular smooth muscle cell activation and subsequent re
      endothelialization with expression of alphavbeta3-integrin by endothelial cells
      and vascular smooth muscle cell. Thus, poly-N-butylcyanoacrylate microbubbles
      (MBs) targeted to alphavbeta3-integrin were evaluated for monitoring vascular
      healing after vessel injury in pigs using molecular ultrasound imaging. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Approval for animal experiments was obtained. The binding
      specificity of alphavbeta3-integrin-targeted MB to human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells was tested with fluorescence microscopy. In vivo imaging was
      performed using a clinical ultrasound system and an 8-MHz probe. Six mini pigs
      were examined after vessel injury in the left carotid artery. The right carotid
      served as control. Uncoated MB, cDRG-coated MB, and alphavbeta3-integrin-specific
      cRGD-coated MB were injected sequentially. Bound MBs were assessed 8 minutes
      after injection using ultrasound replenishment analysis. Measurements were
      performed 2 hours, 1 and 5 weeks, and 3 and 6 months after injury. In vivo data
      were validated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Significantly stronger binding
      of cRGD-MB than MB and cDRG-MB to human umbilical vein endothelial cells was
      found (P < 0.01). As vessel injury leads to upregulation of alphavbeta3-integrin,
      cRGD-MBs bound significantly stronger (P < 0.05) in injured carotid arteries than
      at the counter side 1 week after vessel injury and significant differences could
      also be observed after 5 weeks. After 3 months, alphavbeta3-integrin expression
      decreased to baseline and binding of cRGD-MB was comparable in both vessels.
      Values remained at baseline also after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound imaging
      with RGD-MB is promising for monitoring vascular healing after vessel injury.
      This may open new perspectives to assess vascular damage after radiological
      interventions.

PMID- 27119439
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Canakinumab in Patients With Systemic
      Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
AB  - The characterization of the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD)
      properties in pediatric patients is essential in supporting the recommended
      dosage of canakinumab in the relevant population. Here the PK and PD properties
      of canakinumab-a monoclonal antibody-in pediatric patients with systemic juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) are presented. Blood samples were obtained from 4
      phase 2/3 clinical studies in patients with SJIA. Canakinumab PK properties and
      total interleukin (IL)-1beta kinetic properties were characterized by a
      population-based PK-binding model. On administration, canakinumab increased total
      IL-1beta complex in SJIA patients. Canakinumab clearance and volume of
      distribution were not impacted by age in pediatric patients after correction for
      the patient's body weight. The estimated serum clearance of canakinumab was 0.106
      +/- 0.00689 L/day, with a corresponding volume of distribution at steady state of
      3.2 L and an estimated half-life of 22 days, based on a model typical body weight
      of 33 kg. Body-weight-based dosing provided comparable canakinumab exposure
      across the age groups in patients 2 to <20 years with SJIA. In younger children,
      a modest increase in the turnover rate of IL-1beta was observed. Compared to
      other indications, IL-1beta production rate was higher and clearance was slower
      in patients with SJIA. Low immunogenicity incidence of 3.1% was observed, and
      none of the patients had neutralizing antibodies. In conclusion, the PK/PD
      findings further support dose selection of canakinumab in patients with SJIA.

PMID- 27119440
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of a nurse practitioner-family physician model of care in a
      nursing home: controlled before and after study.
AB  - AIMS: To examine the cost-effectiveness of a nurse practitioner-family physician
      model of care compared with family physician-only care in a Canadian nursing
      home. BACKGROUND: As demand for long-term care increases, alternative care models
      including nurse practitioners are being explored. DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness
      analysis using a controlled before-after design. METHODS: The study included an
      18-month 'before' period (2005-2006) and a 21-month 'after' time period (2007
      2009). Data were abstracted from charts from 2008-2010. We calculated incremental
      cost-effectiveness ratios comparing the intervention (nurse practitioner-family
      physician model; n = 45) to internal (n = 65), external (n = 70) and combined
      internal/external family physician-only control groups, measured as the change in
      healthcare costs divided by the change in emergency department transfers/person
      month. We assessed joint uncertainty around costs and effects using non
      parametric bootstrapping and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. RESULTS:
      Point estimates of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio demonstrated the
      nurse practitioner-family physician model dominated the internal and combined
      control groups (i.e. was associated with smaller increases in costs and emergency
      department transfers/person-month). Compared with the external control, the
      intervention resulted in a smaller increase in costs and larger increase in
      emergency department transfers. Using a willingness-to-pay threshold of $1000
      CAD/emergency department transfer, the probability the intervention was cost
      effective compared with the internal, external and combined control groups was
      26%, 21% and 25%. CONCLUSION: Due to uncertainty around the distribution of costs
      and effects, we were unable to make a definitive conclusion regarding the cost
      effectiveness of the nurse practitioner-family physician model; however, these
      results suggest benefits that could be confirmed in a larger study.

PMID- 27119455
TI  - Quantitative means for differentiating renal obstruction by analysing renography
      by compartmental modelling of renal fluid flow rate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of using a newly
      developed index, the ratio of urine outflow to renal pelvis volume U/V2 (1/s), in
      evaluating renal obstruction and determining the severity of obstruction.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 42 patients' renograms (80 kidneys) were
      studied. Compartmental modelling was used to model the behaviour of tracers
      flowing through the kidney. The derived model led to the formation of the
      normalized urine flow rate U/V2. An analysis was carried to test the accuracy of
      the developed index by comparing the developed model and the clinical evaluation
      of renograms. The Support Vector Machine algorithm was implemented to predict the
      renal obstruction status. RESULTS: From the comparison performed between the
      index and the clinical evaluation from certified experts, it was shown that a
      higher value of index U/V2 indicated a normal kidney, whereas a lower value
      indicated an obstructed kidney. The classifier developed could provide a 100%
      accurate diagnosis of differentiated unobstructed kidneys (42/42) and obstructed
      kidney (18/18). For further classification of obstructed kidneys, the system
      grouped the samples into slightly obstructed cases with an accuracy of 100% (9/9)
      and heavily obstructed cases with an accuracy of 89% (8/9). CONCLUSION: The use
      of the single parameter U/V2 could produce the diagnosis of renal obstruction
      with a high level of accuracy. This method has the potential to be used as a
      benchmark to distinguish the severity level of the renal obstruction.

PMID- 27119456
TI  - Importance of the Dimethylamino Functionality on a Multifunctional Framework for
      Regulating Metals, Amyloid-beta, and Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - The complex and multifaceted pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) continues to
      present a formidable challenge to the establishment of long-term treatment
      strategies. Multifunctional compounds able to modulate the reactivities of
      various pathological features, such as amyloid-beta (Abeta) aggregation, metal
      ion dyshomeostasis, and oxidative stress, have emerged as a useful tactic.
      Recently, an incorporation approach to the rational design of multipurpose small
      molecules has been validated through the production of a multifunctional ligand
      (ML) as a potential chemical tool for AD. In order to further the development of
      more diverse and improved multifunctional reagents, essential pharmacophores must
      be identified. Herein, we report a series of aminoquinoline derivatives (AQ1-4,
      AQP1-4, and AQDA1-3) based on ML's framework, prepared to gain a structure
      reactivity understanding of ML's multifunctionality in addition to tuning its
      metal binding affinity. Our structure-reactivity investigations have implicated
      the dimethylamino group as a key component for supplying the antiamyloidogenic
      characteristics of ML in both the absence and presence of metal ions. Two
      dimensional NMR studies indicate that structural variations of ML could tune its
      interaction sites along the Abeta sequence. In addition, mass spectrometric
      analyses suggest that the ability of our aminoquinoline derivatives to regulate
      metal-induced Abeta aggregation may be influenced by their metal binding
      properties. Moreover, structural modifications to ML were also observed to
      noticeably change its metal binding affinities and metal-to-ligand
      stoichiometries that were shown to be linked to their antiamyloidogenic and
      antioxidant activities. Overall, our studies provide new insights into rational
      design strategies for multifunctional ligands directed at regulating metal ions,
      Abeta, and oxidative stress in AD and could advance the development of improved
      next-generation multifunctional reagents.

PMID- 27119458
TI  - Percutaneous Retrieval of Dislodged Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Devices
      through the Transseptal Approach.
AB  - Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is a promising treatment
      option in patients with atrial fibrillation who have a high risk of embolic
      stroke and are not eligible for chronic oral anticoagulation therapy. This
      procedure, however, can induce several complications. Device embolization can
      result in a serious situation, requiring immediate and safe device removal. We
      report two cases in which dislodged LAA occlusion devices were flitting in the
      left atrium or entrapped in the mitral valve leaflets and were successfully
      retrieved through a transseptal approach without complications. 

PMID- 27119457
TI  - ML314: A Biased Neurotensin Receptor Ligand for Methamphetamine Abuse.
AB  - Pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine addiction will provide important
      societal benefits. Neurotensin receptor NTR1 and dopamine receptor distributions
      coincide in brain areas regulating methamphetamine-associated reward, and
      neurotensin peptides produce behaviors opposing psychostimulants. Therefore,
      undesirable methamphetamine-associated activities should be treatable with
      druggable NTR1 agonists, but no such FDA-approved therapeutics exist. We address
      this limitation with proof-of-concept data for ML314, a small-molecule, brain
      penetrant, beta-arrestin biased, NTR1 agonist. ML314 attenuates amphetamine-like
      hyperlocomotion in dopamine transporter knockout mice, and in C57BL/6J mice it
      attenuates methamphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, potentiates the
      psychostimulant inhibitory effects of a ghrelin antagonist, and reduces
      methamphetamine-associated conditioned place preference. In rats, ML314 blocks
      methamphetamine self-administration. ML314 acts as an allosteric enhancer of
      endogenous neurotensin, unmasking stoichiometric numbers of hidden NTR1 binding
      sites in transfected-cell membranes or mouse striatal membranes, while
      additionally supporting NTR1 endocytosis in cells in the absence of NT peptide.
      These results indicate ML314 is a viable, preclinical lead for methamphetamine
      abuse treatment and support an allosteric model of G protein-coupled receptor
      signaling.

PMID- 27119459
TI  - Enzymatic conjugation of multiple proteins on a DNA aptamer in a tail-specific
      manner.
AB  - Conjugation of single-strand DNA aptamers and enzymes has been of great
      significance in bioanalytical and biomedical applications because of the
      unlimited functions provided by DNA aptamer direction. Therefore, we developed
      efficient tailing of a DNA aptamer, with end-specific conjugation of multiple
      enzymes, through enzymatic catalysis. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)
      added multiple Z-Gln-Gly (Z-QG) moieties to the 3'-end of a DNA aptamer via the
      addition of Z-QG-modified deoxyuridine triphosphate (Z-QG-dUTP) and
      deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs). The resultant (Z-QG)m -(dN)l-aptamer,
      whose Z-QGs with dN spacers served as stickers for microbial transglutaminase
      (MTG), were crosslinked between the Z-QGs on the DNA and a substrate peptide
      sequence containing lysine (K), fused to a recombinant enzyme (i.e. bacterial
      alkaline phosphatase; BAP) by MTG. The incorporation efficiency of Z-QG moieties
      on the aptamer tail and the subsequent conjugation efficiency with multiple
      enzyme molecules were dramatically altered by the presence of dNTPs, revealing
      that a combination of Z-QG-dUTP/dTTP comprised the best labeling efficiency and
      corresponding properties during analytical performance. Thus, a novel optimized
      platform for designing (BAP)n -(dT)l-DNA aptamers was demonstrated for the first
      time in this article, offering unique opportunities for tailoring new types of
      covalent protein-nucleic acid conjugates in a controllable way. 

PMID- 27119460
TI  - Dopant Enriched Nitrogen Gas Combined with Sheathless Capillary Electrophoresis
      Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry for Improved Sensitivity and
      Repeatability in Glycopeptide Analysis.
AB  - Over the last years, numerous strategies have been proposed to enhance both
      ionization efficiency and spray stability in electrospray ionization (ESI), in
      particular for nanospray applications. In nano-liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (nano-LC-ESI-MS), a better ESI performance has been observed when a
      coaxial gas flow is added around the ESI emitter. Moreover, enrichment of the gas
      with an organic dopant has led to an improved desolvation and ionization
      efficiency with an overall enhanced sensitivity. In this study, the use of a
      dopant enriched nitrogen (DEN)-gas combined with sheathless capillary
      electrophoresis (CE)-ESI-MS was evaluated for glycopeptide analysis. Using
      acetonitrile as a dopant, an increased sensitivity was observed compared to
      conventional sheathless CE-ESI-MS. Up to 25-fold higher sensitivities for model
      glycopeptides were obtained, allowing for limits of detection unachieved by state
      of-the-art nano-LC-ESI-MS. The effect of DEN-gas on the repeatability and
      intermediate precision was also investigated. When compared to previously
      reported nano-LC-ESI-MS measurements, similar values were found for CE-ESI-MS
      with DEN-gas. The enhanced repeatability fosters the use of DEN-gas sheathless CE
      ESI-MS in protein glycosylation analysis, where precision is essential. The use
      of DEN-gas opens new avenues for highly sensitive sheathless CE-ESI-MS approaches
      in glycoproteomics research, by significantly improving sensitivity and
      precision.

PMID- 27119461
TI  - Biosurfactant production by hydrocarbon-degrading Brevibacterium and Vibrio
      isolates from the sea pen Pteroeides spinosum (Ellis, 1764).
AB  - Among filter-feeders, pennatulids are the most complex and polymorphic members of
      the cnidarian class Anthozoa. They display a wide distribution throughout all the
      oceans, constituting a significant component of the sessile megafauna from
      intertidal to abyssal depths. In this study, a total of 118 bacterial isolates
      from enrichment cultures, carried out with homogenates of the sea pen Pteroeides
      spinosum (Ellis, 1764), were screened for hydrocarbon utilization by using the
      2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol assay. Among them, 83 hydrocarbon-oxidizing
      isolates were analyzed for biosurfactant production by standard screening tests
      (i.e., emulsifying activity, E24 detection, surface tension measurement,
      microplate assay). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the affiliation of the
      most promising isolates to the genera Brevibacterium and Vibrio. Biosurfactant
      production resulted strongly affected by salinity and temperature conditions, and
      occurred in the presence of diesel oil and/or crude oil, whereas no production
      was observed when isolates were grown on tetradecane. The strains resulted able
      to create stable emulsions, thus suggesting the production of biosurfactants.
      Further analyses revealed a glycolipidic nature of the biosurfactant extracted
      from Vibrio sp. PBN295, a genus that has been only recently reported as
      biosurfactant producer. Results suggest that pennatulids could represent a novel
      source for the isolation of hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria with potential in
      biosurfactant production. 

PMID- 27119463
TI  - Mykologische Diagnostik im Wandel der Zeiten.

PMID- 27119464
TI  - Nachruf.

PMID- 27119465
TI  - Current options for the treatment of pathological scarring.
AB  - Scarring is the consequence of surgery, trauma or different skin diseases. Apart
      from fresh, immature scars,that transform into mature scars over the course of
      would healing and that do not require further treatment,linear hypertrophic
      scars, widespread hypertrophic scars, keloids and atrophic scars exist. Symptoms
      like pruritusand pain, stigmatization as well as functional and aesthetic
      impairments that are very disturbing for the affected patients can bethe basis
      for the desire for treatment. Today, a multitude of options for the treatment and
      prevention of scars exists. Topical agents based on silicone or onion extract,
      intralesional injections of cristalline glucocorticoids (oftentimes in
      combinationwith cryotherapy) or 5-Fluorouracil as well as ablative and
      nonablative laser treatment are used. Current guidelines summarize the multitude
      of available treatment options and the currently available datafor the treating
      physicians, allowing them to make clear therapy recommendations for every single
      scar type. Relieving patients of their discomfort and doing their aesthetic
      demands justice is thus possible. Apart from scar prevention becoming more and
      more important, the increased use of modernlaser treatment options constitutes a
      key point in clinical scar treatment. At the same time the attention is turned to
      evaluating current therapeutic options with the help of contemporary study
      designs so as to graduallyimprove the level of evidence in scar treatment. 

PMID- 27119462
TI  - Distinctive molecular responses to ultraviolet radiation between keratinocytes
      and melanocytes.
AB  - Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the major risk factor for skin
      carcinogenesis. To gain new insights into the molecular pathways mediating UVR
      effects in the skin, we performed comprehensive transcriptomic analyses to
      identify shared and distinctive molecular responses to UVR between human
      keratinocytes and melanocytes. Keratinocytes and melanocytes were irradiated with
      varying doses of UVB (10, 20 and 30 mJ/cm(2) ) then analysed by RNA-Seq at
      different time points post-UVB radiation (4, 24 and 72 h). Under basal
      conditions, keratinocytes and melanocytes expressed similar number of genes,
      although they each expressed a distinctive subset of genes pertaining to their
      specific cellular identity. Upon UVB radiation, keratinocytes displayed a clear
      pattern of time- and dose-dependent changes in gene expression that was different
      from melanocytes. The early UVB-responsive gene set (4 h post-UVR) differed
      significantly from delayed UVB-responsive gene sets (24 and 72 h). We also
      identified multiple novel UVB signature genes including PRSS23, SERPINH1, LCE3D
      and CNFN, which were conserved between melanocyte and keratinocyte lines from
      different individuals. Taken together, our findings elucidated both common and
      distinctive molecular features between melanocytes and keratinocytes and
      uncovered novel UVB signature genes that might be utilized to predict UVB
      photobiological effects on the skin.

PMID- 27119466
TI  - Aktuelle Optionen zur Behandlung pathologischer Narben.
AB  - Die Entstehung von Narben ist die Konsequenz von Operationen, Traumata und
      verschiedenen Hautkrankheiten. Neben frischen unreifen Narben, die im Laufe der
      Heilung in reife Narben ubergehen und in der Regel keiner weiteren Behandlung
      bedurfen, existieren lineare hypertrophe Narben, flachige hypertrophe Narben,
      Keloide und atrophe Narben, die aufgrund von Symptomen wie Juckreiz und
      Schmerzen, einer Stigmatisierung, funktionellen und asthetischen Einschrankungen
      fur die betroffenen Patienten sehr storend und Grundlage fur einen
      Behandlungswunsch sein konnen. Fur die Behandlung und Pravention von Narben
      existiert heutzutage eine Vielzahl von Optionen. Zur Anwendung kommen konnen
      Externa, basierend auf Silikon oder Zwiebelextrakt, intralasionale
      Injektionsverfahren mit kristallinen Glukokortikoiden (haufig in Kombination mit
      Kryotherapie) oder 5-Fluorouracil sowie ablative und nichtablative
      Laserverfahren. Um die Vielfalt an Behandlungsansatzen und die aktuelle Datenlage
      fur die behandelnden Arzte zusammenzufassen, existieren aktuelle Leitlinien, mit
      deren Hilfe fur jeden einzelnen Narbentyp klare Therapieempfehlungen gegeben
      werden konnen. Dies erlaubt es, Patienten zu schnellerer Beschwerdefreiheit zu
      verhelfen und ihren asthetischen Anspruchen gerecht zu werden. Neben der immer
      wichtiger werdenden Narbenpravention nimmt auch der zunehmende Einsatz modernster
      Laserverfahren einen zentralen Stellenwert in der klinischen Narbenbehandlung
      ein. Zugleich liegt grobetaes Augenmerk darauf, aktuelle Therapieverfahren mit
      Hilfe zeitgemabetaer Studiendesigns zu evaluieren, um die Evidenz der
      Narbenbehandlung zunehmend zu verbessern. 

PMID- 27119467
TI  - Laser assisted Drug Delivery: Grundlagen und Praxis.
AB  - Die topische Applikation von Wirkstoffen ist eine zentrale Therapieoption der
      Dermatologie. Allerdings mindert die effektive Barrierefunktion der Haut die
      Bioverfugbarkeit der meisten Externa. Fraktionierte ablative Laser stellen ein
      innovatives Verfahren dar, um die epidermale Barriere standardisiert, kontaktfrei
      zu uberwinden. Die Bioverfugbarkeit im Anschluss applizierter Externa wird im
      Sinne einer laser assisted drug delivery (LADD) signifikant gesteigert. Das
      Prinzip der LADD wird bereits in einigen Bereichen der Dermatologie erfolgreich
      eingesetzt. Die vorliegende Ubersichtsarbeit soll einen Uberblick uber die
      aktuellen aber auch perspektivischen Einsatzmoglichkeiten der LADD bieten. 

PMID- 27119468
TI  - Laser-assisted drug delivery: mode of action and use in daily clinical practice.
AB  - Topical application of pharmaceutical agents is a basic principle of
      dermatological therapy. However, the effective barrier function of the skin
      significantly impairs the bioavailability of most topical drugs. Fractional
      ablative lasers represent an innovative strategy to overcome the epidermal
      barrier in a standardized, contact-free manner. The bioavailability of topical
      agents can be significantly enhanced using laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD).
      In recent years, the principle of LADD has become well established for various
      dermatological indications. Herein, we review the current literature on LADD and
      present potential future applications. 

PMID- 27119469
TI  - Sind die klassischen Methoden zur mykologischen Diagnostik noch "State-of-the
      Art"?
AB  - Die Labordiagnose einer Pilzinfektion der Haut basiert traditionell auf dem
      Nativpraparat und der Anzucht des Erregers aus dem klinischen Material. Auch der
      dermato- histologischer Nachweis von Pilzelementen ist moglich. Diese Methoden
      sind, sofern sie korrekt ausgefuhrt werden, in der Regel zum Pilznachweis
      geeignet. Im Zuge der personalisierten Medizin und den daraus erwachsenden
      Aufgaben werden jedoch neue Verfahren erforderlich, welche einfach, spezifisch
      und schnell sind. Der zusatzliche Einsatz von DNA-basierten molekularen Methoden
      erhoht die Empfindlichkeit sowie die diagnostische Spezifitat und reduziert die
      zum Teil wochenlange Durchfuhrungszeit der konventionellen mykologischen
      Diagnostik auf 24 bis 48 Stunden. Im Zuge der stetigen Weiterentwicklung im
      Bereich der personalisierten Medizin sind einfache Analysensysteme auf PCR-Basis
      denkbar, die in der Hautarztpraxis eine Dermatophyten-Sofort-Diagnostik erlauben
      (Point-of-Care-Tests). 

PMID- 27119470
TI  - Are the classic diagnostic methods in mycology still state of the art?
AB  - The diagnostic workup of cutaneous fungal infections is traditionally based on
      microscopic KOH preparations as well as culturing of the causative organism from
      sample material. Another possible option is the detection of fungal elements by
      dermatohistology. If performed correctly, these methods are generally suitable
      for the diagnosis of mycoses. However, the advent of personalized medicine and
      the tasks arising therefrom require new procedures marked by simplicity,
      specificity, and swiftness. The additional use of DNA-based molecular techniques
      further enhances sensitivity and diagnostic specificity, and reduces the
      diagnostic interval to 24-48 hours, compared to weeks required for conventional
      mycological methods. Given the steady evolution in the field of personalized
      medicine, simple analytical PCR-based systems are conceivable, which allow for
      instant diagnosis of dermatophytes in the dermatology office (point-of-care
      tests). 

PMID- 27119471
TI  - Pressure profiles of sport compression stockings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While sport compression stockings (SCS) have become increasingly
      popular, there is no regulatory norm as exists for medical compression stockings
      (MCS). The objective of this pilot study was to compare five SCS with respect to
      their pressure profiles ex vivo and in vivo, and in relation to German standards
      for MCS (RAL norm). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In vivo (10 competitive athletes;
      standardized procedure using the Kikuhime pressure monitor) and ex vivo (tested
      at the Hohenstein Institute) pressure profiles were tested for the following
      products: CEP Running Progressive Socks, Falke Running Energizing, Sigvaris
      Performance, X-Socks Speed Metal Energizer, and 2XU Compression Race Socks.
      RESULTS: Ex vivo ankle pressures of CEP (25.6 mmHg) and 2XU (23.2 mmHg)
      corresponded to class 2 MCS; that of Sigvaris (20.8 mmHg), to class 1 MCS. The
      remaining SCS achieved lower pressure values. The pressure gradients showed
      marked differences, and did not meet MCS standards. Average in vivo pressures
      were higher for 2XU, CEP, and Sigvaris than for Falke and X-Socks. However, in
      vivo values for all SCS were below those of class 1 MCS. None of the SCS showed
      the decreasing pressure gradient (from distal to proximal) required for MCS.
      CONCLUSIONS: In vivo and ex vivo pressure profiles of all SCS examined showed
      marked heterogeneity, and did not meet MCS standards. Consequently, the clinical
      and practical effects of SCS cannot be compared, either. It would therefore be
      desirable to establish a classification that allows for the categorization and
      comparison of various SCS as well as their selection based on individual
      preferences and needs (high vs. low pressure, progressive vs. degressive
      profile).

PMID- 27119472
TI  - Das Druckprofil von Sportkompressionsstrumpfen.
AB  - HINTERGRUND: Zunehmend werden Sportkompressionsstrumpfe (SKS) eingesetzt, doch
      fehlt eine Norm in Analogie zu medizinischen Kompressionsstrumpfen (MKS). Ziel
      dieser Pilotstudie war der Vergleich der Druckprofile von funf SKS ex vivo und in
      vivo miteinander sowie mit MKS-Normen. PATIENTEN UND METHODIK: CEP Running
      Progressive-Socks, Falke Running--Energizing, Sigvaris Performance, X-Socks Speed
      Metal-Energizer und 2XU Compression--Race-Socks wurden an zehn Leistungssportlern
      (standardisiert in vivo, Kikuhime--Sensor) sowie im Hohenstein Institut (ex vivo)
      hinsichtlich ihres Druckprofils getestet. ERGEBNISSE: Die Ex-vivo-Messungen im
      Fesselbereich von CEP (25,6 mmHg) und 2XU (23,2 mmHg) entsprachen der deutschen
      MKS-Klasse 2, von Sigvaris-SKS (20,8 mmHg) der deutschen MKS-Klasse 1. Die
      ubrigen SKS lagen darunter. Die ermittelten Druckprofile differierten stark und
      entsprachen nicht der MKS-Norm. Die In-vivo-Messungen zeigten fur drei SKS (2XU,
      CEP, Sigvaris) durchschnittlich einen hoheren Anpressdruck als die SKS von Falke
      und X-Socks. Alle SKS lagen in vivo jedoch unter der deutschen MKS-Klasse 1. Kein
      SKS bot den fur MKS geforderten Druckabfall vom Messpunkt B nach D.
      SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Die in vivo und ex vivo ermittelten SKS-Druckprofile zeigten
      heterogene Ergebnisse und folgten kaum den MKS-Anforderungen. Entsprechend sind
      auch die klinisch-praktischen Effekte von SKS nicht vergleichbar. Wunschenswert
      ware eine SKS-Klassifikation, die erlaubt, Produkte einzuordnen, zu vergleichen
      und nach konkreten Vorlieben und Bedurfnissen (hoher vs. geringer Druck,
      progressiver vs. degressiver Gradient) auszuwahlen.

PMID- 27119473
TI  - Gebrauch von Komplementarmedizin bei Patienten mit metastasierendem Melanom unter
      Therapie mit Ipilimumab innerhalb einer klinischen Studie.
AB  - HINTERGRUND UND ZIEL: In Deutschland wenden 40-90 % aller Krebspatienten Methoden
      der komplementaren and alternativen Medizin (KAM) an. Bis dato gibt es kein
      Datenmaterial zum Einsatz der KAM bei Melanompatienten. Das Ziel unserer Studie
      war es, Daten uber den Gebrauch, die Informationsquellen und Ziele von Patienten
      mit metastasierendem Melanom zu erfassen. PATIENTEN UND METHODEN:
      Einhundertsechsundfunfzig Patienten aus 25 Studienzentren nahmen an der DecOG-MM
      PAL Multibasket Studie teil. Die beteiligten Personen wurden auch gebeten, an
      einer Nebenstudie teilzunehmen, die ihren Gebrauch von KAM erfassen sollte. Dazu
      wurde wahrend der Behandlung ein standardisierter Fragebogen zu genau
      festgelegten Zeitpunkten ausgeteilt. ERGEBNISSE: Insgesamt gingen 55 Fragebogen
      von 32 (21 %) Melanompatienten ein. Von diesen gaben 17 (53 %) ein Interesse an
      KAM an, und sieben (22 %) machten von KAM Gebrauch. Die Hauptinformationsquellen
      (31 %) waren Familienmitglieder und Freunde, gefolgt von Arzten (19 %). Die
      Hauptgrunde fur die Anwendung von KAM waren die Starkung des Immunsystems (41 %)
      und des Korpers (34 %). Nahrungserganzungsmittel (Vitamine und Spurenelemente)
      wurden am haufigsten angewendet (28 %). FAZIT: Eine relativ hohe Anzahl an
      Patienten mit metastasierendem Melanom machte trotz Teilnahme an einer klinischen
      Studie von KAM Gebrauch. Wechselwirkungen konnten durch biologisch basierte KAM
      auftreten, und hier besonders bei immunmodulierenden KAM- Strategien. Um Risiken
      zu vermeiden, sollte die Kommunikation zwischen den Arzten und den Patienten
      verbessert werden.

PMID- 27119474
TI  - Use of complementary medicine in metastatic melanoma patients treated with
      ipilimumab within a clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Germany, 40-90 % of all cancer patients use
      complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). So far, no data are available on
      the use of CAM by melanoma patients. The objective of our study was to gather
      data on CAM use, sources of information, and goals of patients with metastatic
      melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-six patients from 25 study
      centers participated in the DecOG-MM-PAL-Multibasket Study. These individuals
      were also asked to participate in a side study addressing CAM use. A standardized
      CAM questionnaire was distributed at defined points during the treatment.
      RESULTS: Overall, 55 questionnaires from 32 (21 %) melanoma patients were
      received. Of those, 17 (53 %) stated an interest in CAM, and seven (22 %)
      actually used CAM. Family and friends were the main source of information (31 %),
      followed by physicians (19 %). The main reasons for using CAM were boosting the
      immune system (41 %) and strengthening the body (34 %). Supplements (vitamins and
      trace elements) were most commonly used (28 %). CONCLUSIONS: A relatively high
      number of metastatic melanoma patients used CAM despite their participation in a
      clinical trial. Interactions may be due to biologically based CAM, especially
      immunomodulatory CAM strategies. In order to avoid risks, communication between
      physicians and patients should be improved.

PMID- 27119475
TI  - Ungual squamous cell carcinoma in a patient with Mal de Meleda.

PMID- 27119476
TI  - Unguales Plattenepithelkarzinom bei einem Patienten mit Mal de Meleda.

PMID- 27119477
TI  - Tief penetrierender Navus an der Fubetasohle: Fallbericht und dermatoskopische
      Merkmale.

PMID- 27119478
TI  - Diagnostische Kriterien des Netherton-Syndroms in der nichtinvasiven konfokalen
      Laserscanmikroskopie.

PMID- 27119479
TI  - Diagnostic criteria of Netherton syndrome using noninvasive reflectance confocal
      microscopy.

PMID- 27119480
TI  - Primary cutaneous CD4(+) small/medium-sized T-cell lymphoma of the face:
      successful treatment with radiation therapy.

PMID- 27119481
TI  - Primares kutanes CD4(+) klein- bis mittelgrobetazelliges T-Zell-Lymphom des
      Gesichts: erfolgreiche Behandlung mit Strahlentherapie.

PMID- 27119482
TI  - Genetic basis of a solitary familial plexiform neurofibroma without verified
      associated neurofibromatosis.

PMID- 27119483
TI  - Genetische Grundlagen eines solitaren familiaren plexiformen Neurofibroms ohne
      verifizierte begleitende Neurofibromatose.

PMID- 27119484
TI  - Zusammenhang zwischen chronischem Stress und dem CRP-Spiegel bei Frauen mit
      Psoriasis.

PMID- 27119485
TI  - Relationship between chronic stress and CRP levels in women with psoriasis.

PMID- 27119486
TI  - Schmerzhafte Fubetaschwellung bei 41-jahriger Patientin.

PMID- 27119487
TI  - Painful pedal edema in a 41-year-old patient.

PMID- 27119488
TI  - Report on immediate irradiation of a rapidly growing sarcoma of the scalp prior
      to wound closure.
AB  - Cutaneous sarcomas are primarily treated with extensive surgery, and occasionally
      require adjuvant radiation therapy following complete wound healing. Thus,
      sarcoma surgery leads to large and deep wounds, and the initiation of adjuvant
      radiation therapy depends on the time required for defect closure. We present the
      case of a male patient with pleomorphic sarcoma of the temporal skin, which was
      treated with multiple wide and deep excisions, instant application of an
      Integra((r)) bilayer, and immediate radiation therapy prior to wound closure. The
      objective was to investigate the usefulness of a dermal substitute (Integra((r))
      ) in accelerating the effect of adjuvant radiation therapy on scalp defects after
      tumor surgery. A ring-shaped skin area - at risk for recurrence - around the
      Integra((r)) bilayer was irradiated with a total of 59.4 Gy. No necrosis,
      infection, or major radiotoxicity was observed, and a subsequent split skin graft
      following radiation therapy remained fully vital until complete healing. In
      conclusion, a combined procedure consisting of sequential tumor surgery and
      subsequent application of a dermal substitute in conjunction with immediate
      initiation of adjuvant radiation therapy is, in principle, possible, and may
      permit innovative therapeutic options in dermatooncology and dermatosurgery. 

PMID- 27119494
TI  - Kongresskalender 2016/2017.

PMID- 27119489
TI  - Bericht uber die sofortige Bestrahlung eines schnell wachsenden Sarkoms der
      Kopfhaut vor dem Wundverschluss.

PMID- 27119495
TI  - Web Alert: Microbiology in archaeology: An annotated selection of World Wide Web
      sites relevant to the topics in environmental microbiology.

PMID- 27119496
TI  - [Prediction and Prevention of Dropouts in Vocational Retraining].
AB  - Principal objective: To verify if a psychological intervention targeting
      individuals with high resignation tendency prevents dropouts in vocational
      retraining. For individuals with high resignation tendency a high risk of
      dropping out was assumed under regular conditions. METHOD: Data was collected at
      2 adult education institutes. At the beginning of vocational training the
      occupational inventory Work-related Behaviour and Experience Patterns (AVEM) was
      used. The questionnaire allows to classify 4 types of coping behaviour. G:
      healthy-ambitious, S: unambitious, A: excessively ambitious, B: resigned. Using a
      quasi-experimental design, the effect of resilience building was verified by
      comparing a treatment group with a control group. Control group was offered the
      usual treatment of the education institute. The treatment group was additionally
      offered two individual meetings and a work-related group treatment focussing on
      coping behaviour. RESULTS: Given a very high resignation tendency in both groups,
      dropping out of rehabilitation was less frequent in the treatment group. Other
      individuals tended to drop out more frequently, but this is not statistically
      significant. CONCLUSION: The study shows that work-related resilience building
      helps to minimize risk of dropping out of vocational rehabilitation in the case
      of extremely resigned coping behaviour.

PMID- 27119497
TI  - [Recommendations for the Stepwise Occupational Reintegration: Can the
      Characteristic of the Patients Explain the Differences Between the Rehabilitation
      Centers?].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first step to initiate a stepwise occupational reintegration
      (SOR) is the recommendation of the rehabilitation centers. Therefore
      rehabilitation centers have a significant impact on the use of SOR. There is
      evidence that the recommendation rate between the rehabilitation centers differs
      clearly. The present survey therefore analyses in detail the differences of the
      recommendation rate and examines which patient-related factors could explain the
      differences. METHODS: This study is based on analysis of routine data provided by
      the German pension insurance in Baden-Wurttemberg
      (Rehabilitationsstatistikdatenbasis 2013; RSD). In the analyses rehabilitation
      measures were included if they were conducted by employed patients (18-64 years)
      with a muscular-skeletal system disease or a disorder of the connective tissue.
      Logistic regression models were performed to explain the differences in the
      recommendation rate of the rehabilitation centers. RESULTS: The data of 134 853
      rehabilitation measures out of 32 rehabilitation centers were available. The
      recommendation rate differed between the rehabilitation centers from 1.36-18.53%.
      The logistic regression analysis showed that the period of working incapacity 12
      month before the rehabilitation and the working capacity on the current job were
      the most important predictors for the recommendation of a SOR by the
      rehabilitation centers. Also the rehabilitation centers themselves have an
      important influence. DISCUSSION: The results of this survey indicate that the
      characteristic of the patients is an important factor for the recommendation of
      SOR. Additionally the rehabilitation centers themselves have an influence on the
      recommendation of SOR. The results point to the fact that the rehabilitation
      centers use different criteria by making a recommendation.

PMID- 27119498
TI  - Vitamin D3 suppresses morphological evolution of the cribriform cancerous
      phenotype.
AB  - Development of cribriform morphology (CM) heralds malignant change in human colon
      but lack of mechanistic understanding hampers preventive therapy. This study
      investigated CM pathobiology in three-dimensional (3D) Caco-2 culture models of
      colorectal glandular architecture, assessed translational relevance and tested
      effects of 1,25(OH)2D3,theactive form of vitamin D. CM evolution was driven by
      oncogenic perturbation of the apical polarity (AP) complex comprising PTEN, CDC42
      and PRKCZ (phosphatase and tensin homolog, cell division cycle 42 and protein
      kinase C zeta). Suppression of AP genes initiated a spatiotemporal cascade of
      mitotic spindle misorientation, apical membrane misalignment and aberrant
      epithelial configuration. Collectively, these events promoted "Swiss cheese-like"
      cribriform morphology (CM) comprising multiple abnormal "back to back" lumens
      surrounded by atypical stratified epithelium, in 3D colorectal gland models.
      Intestinal cancer driven purely by PTEN-deficiency in transgenic mice developed
      CM and in human CRC, CM associated with PTEN and PRKCZ readouts. Treatment of
      PTEN-deficient 3D cultures with 1,25(OH)2D3 upregulated PTEN, rapidly activated
      CDC42 and PRKCZ, corrected mitotic spindle alignment and suppressed CM
      development. Conversely, mutationally-activated KRAS blocked1,25(OH)2D3 rescue of
      glandular architecture. We conclude that 1,25(OH)2D3 upregulates AP signalling to
      reverse CM in a KRAS wild type (wt), clinically predictive CRC model system.
      Vitamin D could be developed as therapy to suppress inception or progression of a
      subset of colorectal tumors.

PMID- 27119499
TI  - Artemisinin and its derivatives can significantly inhibit lung tumorigenesis and
      tumor metastasis through Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
AB  - Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent malignancy worldwide
      given its high incidence, considerable mortality, and poor prognosis. The anti
      malaria compounds artemisinin (ART), dihydroartemisinin (DHA), and artesunate
      (ARTS) reportedly have anti-cancer potential, although the underlying mechanisms
      remain unclear. In this work, we used flow cytometry to show that ART, DHA, and
      ARTS could inhibit the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells by arresting cell
      cycle in G1 phase. Meanwhile, tumor malignancy including migration, invasion,
      cancer stem cells, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were also significantly
      suppressed by these compounds. Furthermore, ART, DHA, and ARTS remarkably
      decreased tumor growth in vivo. By using IWP-2, the inhibitor of Wnt/beta-catenin
      pathway, and Wnt5a siRNA, we found that ART, DHA, and ARTS could render tumor
      inhibition partially dependent on Wnt/beta-catenin inactivation. These compounds
      could strikingly decrease the protein level of Wnt5-a/b and simultaneously
      increase those of NKD2 and Axin2, ultimately resulting in beta-catenin
      downregulation. In summary, our findings revealed that ART, DHA, and ARTS could
      suppress lung-tumor progression by inhibiting Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, thereby
      suggesting a novel target for ART, DHA, and ARTS in cancer treatment. 

PMID- 27119500
TI  - Proteomics and peptidomics: moving toward precision medicine in urological
      malignancies.
AB  - Urological malignancies are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
      Advances in early detection, diagnosis, prognosis and prediction of treatment
      response can significantly improve patient care. Proteomic and peptidomic
      profiling studies are at the center of kidney, prostate and bladder cancer
      biomarker discovery and have shown great promise for improved clinical
      assessment. Mass spectrometry (MS) is the most widely employed method for
      proteomic and peptidomic analyses. A number of MS platforms have been developed
      to facilitate accurate identification of clinically relevant markers in various
      complex biological samples including tissue, urine and blood. Furthermore,
      protein profiling studies have been instrumental in the successful introduction
      of several diagnostic multimarker tests into the clinic. In this review, we will
      provide a brief overview of high-throughput technologies for protein and peptide
      based biomarker discovery. We will also examine the current state of kidney,
      prostate and bladder cancer biomarker research as well as review the journey
      toward successful clinical implementation.

PMID- 27119502
TI  - Identification of the microRNA networks contributing to macrophage
      differentiation and function.
AB  - Limited evidence is available about the specific miRNA networks that regulate
      differentiation of specific immune cells. In this study, we characterized miRNA
      expression and associated alterations in expression with putative mRNA targets
      that are critical during differentiation of macrophages. In an effort to map the
      dynamic changes in the bone marrow (BM), we profiled whole BM cultures during
      differentiation into macrophages. We identified 112 miRNAs with expression
      patterns that were differentially regulated 5-fold or more during BMDM
      development. With TargetScan and MeSH databases, we identified 1267 transcripts
      involved in 30 canonical pathways linked to macrophage biology as potentially
      regulated by these specific 112 miRNAs. Furthermore, by employing miRanda and
      Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) analysis systems, we identified 18 miRNAs that
      are temporally linked to the expression of CSF1R, CD36, MSR1 and SCARB1; 7 miRNAs
      linked to the regulation of the transcription factors RUNX1 and PU.1, and 14
      miRNAs target the nuclear receptor PPARalpha and PPARgamma. This novel
      information provides an important reference resource for further study of the
      functional links between miRNAs and their target mRNAs for the regulation of
      differentiation and function of macrophages. 

PMID- 27119501
TI  - Circulating adiponectin levels in various malignancies: an updated meta-analysis
      of 107 studies.
AB  - Early detection of cancers is challenging for lack of specific biomarkers.
      Adiponectin is an adipokine predominantly derived from adipocytes and
      hypoadiponectinemia has been reported to associate with risk of many types of
      cancers. However, available evidence is controversial. Some studies show that
      increased adiponectin levels correlate with cancer risk. Therefore, we performed
      a meta-analysis of the association between circulating adiponectin levels and
      cancer development. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Wiley Online Library
      and Cochrane Library was conducted for eligible studies involving circulating
      adiponectin and malignancies from inception to August 8, 2015. Standard mean
      differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by use
      of a random-effect model. Funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test were
      conducted to examine the risk of publication bias. 107 studies were included with
      19,319 cases and 25,675 controls. The pooled analysis indicated that circulating
      adiponectin levels were lower in patients with various cancers than in controls,
      with a pooled SMD of -0.334 MUg/ml (95% CI, -0.465 to -0.203, P = 0.000). No
      evidence of publication bias was observed. Circulating high molecular weight
      adiponectin levels were also lower in cancer patients than in controls, with a
      pooled SMD of -0.502 MUg/ml (95% CI, -0.957 to -0.047, P = 0.000). This meta
      analysis provides further evidence that decreased adiponectin levels is
      associated with risk of various cancers. Hypoadiponectinemia may represent a
      useful biomarker for early detection of cancers.

PMID- 27119503
TI  - Neoadjuvant modified TPF (docetaxel, cisplatin, fluorouracil) for patients unfit
      to standard TPF in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a
      study of 48 patients.
AB  - TPF (docetaxel, cisplatin, fluorouracil) is the standard chemotherapy used for
      induction in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC).
      Its toxicity limits it to younger patients with good functional status and
      without significant comorbidity. Since modified TPF (mTPF) demonstrated higher
      tolerability with similar efficacy in gastric cancer, we tested this scheme on
      frail patients.From July 2010 to July 2014, the files of the 48 patients treated
      for LAHNSCC with mTPF in three French institutions were retrospectively
      collected.mTPF was chosen because of age>70 years, or severe denutrition, or
      PS>1, or severe comorbidities or after severe toxicity of standard TPF. During
      the first 4 cycles, 2 patients died, 14 secondary hospitalizations were required
      and 10 patients stopped treatment due to no lethal toxicity. Two patients died
      during radiotherapy.The response rate was 83% (19% complete response). With a
      median follow-up of 15.2 months, 4 patients died during treatment, 8 died of non
      head and neck cancer related disorders, 18 progressed (17 deaths) and 18 were
      free of disease. The median overall survival was 18.5 months (95% IC: 16.9
      30.0).mTPF is effective in terms of response rate compared with the standard TPF
      and could become a new option in induction for frail patients with LAHNSCC.

PMID- 27119505
TI  - Mitophagy acts as a safeguard mechanism against human vascular smooth muscle cell
      apoptosis induced by atherogenic lipids.
AB  - Mitophagy is a critical cellular process that selectively targets damaged
      mitochondria for autophagosomal degradation both under baseline conditions and in
      response to stress preventing oxidative damage and cell death. Recent studies
      have linked alterations in mitochondria function and reduced autophagy with the
      development of age-related pathologies. However, the significance of
      mitochondrial autophagy in vessel wall in response to atherogenic lipid stressors
      is not known. In the present study, we investigated the role of mitophagy on
      human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) apoptosis induced by oxidized low
      density lipoproteins (LDL). We reported for the first time that the engulfment of
      defective mitochondria by autophagosomes occurred in human VSMC in response to
      oxidized LDL. The molecular mechanism mediating mitophagy in human VSMC involved
      dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission, accumulation of
      PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and the recruitment of the E3 ubiquitin
      ligase Parkin to mitochondria. Likewise, we found increased voltage-dependent
      anion channel 1 (VDAC1) and mitofusin 2 (Mnf2) mitochondrial proteins
      ubiquitination and LC3 association to mitochondria. Using flow cytometry in the
      presence of lysosomal inhibitors, we showed that PINK1 and Parkin silencing
      impaired mitophagy flux and enhanced oxidized LDL-induced VSMC apoptosis. In
      addition, overexpression of PINK1 and Parkin were protective by limiting cell
      death. Moreover, reduced Bax levels found in VSMC-overexpressing Parkin indicated
      cross talk among mitophagy and mitochondrial apoptotic signalling pathways.
      Altogether these data demonstrate that mitophagy is a safeguard mechanism against
      human VSMC apoptosis induced by atherogenic stressors and highlight mitophagy as
      a potential target to stabilize atherosclerotic plaque. 

PMID- 27119506
TI  - MicroRNA-320 suppresses colorectal cancer by targeting SOX4, FOXM1, and FOXQ1.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer causing high mortality
      rates world-wide. Delineating the molecular mechanisms leading to CRC development
      and progression, including the role of microRNAs (miRNAs), are currently being
      unravelled at a rapid rate. Here, we report frequent downregulation of the
      microRNA miR-320 family in primary CRC tissues and cell lines. Lentiviral
      mediated re-expression of miR-320c (representative member of the miR-320 family)
      inhibited HCT116 CRC growth and migration in vitro, sensitized CRC cells to 5
      Fluorouracil (5-FU), and inhibited tumor formation in SCID mice. Global gene
      expression analysis in CRC cells over-expressing miR-320c, combined with in
      silico prediction identified 84 clinically-relevant potential gene targets for
      miR-320 in CRC. Using a series of biochemical assays and functional validation,
      SOX4, FOXM1, and FOXQ1 were validated as novel gene targets for the miR-320
      family. Inverse correlation between the expression of miR-320 members with SOX4,
      FOXM1, and FOXQ1 was observed in primary CRC patients' specimens, suggesting that
      these genes are likely bona fide targets for the miR-320 family. Interestingly,
      interrogation of the expression levels of this gene panel (SOX4, FOXM1, and
      FOXQ1) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) colorectal cancer data set (319
      patients) revealed significantly poor disease-free survival in patients with
      elevated expression of this gene panel (P-Value: 0.0058). Collectively, our data
      revealed a novel role for the miR-320/SOX4/FOXM1/FOXQ1 axes in promoting CRC
      development and progression and suggest targeting those networks as potential
      therapeutic strategy for CRC.

PMID- 27119504
TI  - Metabolic pathways regulated by TAp73 in response to oxidative stress.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species are involved in both physiological and pathological
      processes including neurodegeneration and cancer. Therefore, cells have developed
      scavenging mechanisms to maintain redox homeostasis under control. Tumor
      suppressor genes play a critical role in the regulation of antioxidant genes.
      Here, we investigated whether the tumor suppressor gene TAp73 is involved in the
      regulation of metabolic adaptations triggered in response to oxidative stress.
      H2O2 treatment resulted in numerous biochemical changes in both control and TAp73
      knockout (TAp73-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts, however the extent of these
      changes was more pronounced in TAp73-/- cells when compared to control cells. In
      particular, loss of TAp73 led to alterations in glucose, nucleotide and amino
      acid metabolism. In addition, H2O2 treatment resulted in increased pentose
      phosphate pathway (PPP) activity in null mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Overall,
      our results suggest that in the absence of TAp73, H2O2 treatment results in an
      enhanced oxidative environment, and at the same time in an increased pro-anabolic
      phenotype. In conclusion, the metabolic profile observed reinforces the role of
      TAp73 as tumor suppressor and indicates that TAp73 exerts this function, at least
      partially, by regulation of cellular metabolism. 

PMID- 27119507
TI  - Expression of MLL-AF4 or AF4-MLL fusions does not impact the efficiency of DNA
      damage repair.
AB  - The most frequent rearrangement of the human MLL gene fuses MLL to AF4 resulting
      in high-risk infant B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). MLL fusions are
      also hallmark oncogenic events in secondary acute myeloid leukemia. They are a
      direct consequence of mis-repaired DNA double strand breaks (DNA-DSBs) due to
      defects in the DNA damage response associated with exposure to topoisomerase-II
      poisons such as etoposide. It has been suggested that MLL fusions render cells
      susceptible to additional chromosomal damage upon exposure to etoposide.
      Conversely, the genome-wide mutational landscape in MLL-rearranged infant B-ALL
      has been reported silent. Thus, whether MLL fusions compromise the recognition
      and/or repair of DNA damage remains unanswered. Here, the fusion proteins MLL-AF4
      (MA4) and AF4-MLL (A4M) were CRISPR/Cas9-genome edited in the AAVS1 locus of
      HEK293 cells as a model to study MLL fusion-mediated DNA-DSB formation/repair.
      Repair kinetics of etoposide- and ionizing radiation-induced DSBs was identical
      in WT, MA4- and A4M-expressing cells, as revealed by flow cytometry, by
      immunoblot for gammaH2AX and by comet assay. Accordingly, no differences were
      observed between WT, MA4- and A4M-expressing cells in the presence of master
      proteins involved in non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ; i.e.KU86, KU70),
      alternative-NHEJ (Alt-NHEJ; i.e.LigIIIa, WRN and PARP1), and homologous
      recombination (HR, i.e.RAD51). Moreover, functional assays revealed identical
      NHEJ and HR efficiency irrespective of the genotype. Treatment with etoposide
      consistently induced cell cycle arrest in S/G2/M independent of MA4/A4M
      expression, revealing a proper activation of the DNA damage checkpoints.
      Collectively, expression of MA4 or A4M does neither influence DNA signaling nor
      DNA-DSB repair. 

PMID- 27119508
TI  - Inflammatory and immune markers associated with physical frailty syndrome:
      findings from Singapore longitudinal aging studies.
AB  - Chronic systematic inflammation and reduced immune system fitness are considered
      potential contributing factors to the development of age-related frailty, but the
      underlying mechanisms are poorly defined. This exploratory study aimed to
      identify frailty-related inflammatory markers and immunological phenotypes in a
      cohort of community-dwelling adults aged >= 55 years. Frailty was assessed using
      two models, a Frailty Index and a categorical phenotype, and correlated with
      levels of circulating immune biomarkers and markers of senescence in immune cell
      subsets. We identified eight serological biomarkers that were associated with
      frailty, including sgp130, IL-2Ralpha, I-309, MCP-1, BCA-1, RANTES, leptin, and
      IL-6R. Frailty Index was inversely predicted by the frequency of CD3+, CD45RA+,
      and central memory CD4 cells, and positively predicted by the loss of CD28
      expression, especially in CD8+ T cells, while frailty status was predicted by the
      frequency of terminal effector CD8+ T cells. In gamma/delta T cells, frailty was
      negatively associated with CD27, and positively associated with IFNgamma+TNFalpha
      secretion by gamma/delta2+ cells and IFNgamma-TNFalpha+ secretion by
      gamma/delta2- cells. Increased numbers of exhausted and CD38+ B cells, as well as
      CD14+CD16+ inflammatory monocytes, were also identified as frailty-associated
      phenotypes. This pilot study supports an association between inflammation,
      cellular immunity, and the process of frailty. These findings have significance
      for the early identification of frailty using circulating biomarkers prior to
      clinical manifestations of severe functional decline in the elderly. 

PMID- 27119510
TI  - MicroRNA-93 inhibits ischemia-reperfusion induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by
      targeting PTEN.
AB  - MicroRNAs have been implicated in some biological and pathological processes,
      including the myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Recent findings
      demonstrated that miR-93 might provide a potential cardioprotective effect on
      ischemic heart disease. This study was to investigate the role of miR-93 in I/R
      induced cardiomyocyte injury and the potential mechanism. In this study, we found
      that hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) dramatically increased LDH release, MDA
      contents, ROS generation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-mediated
      cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which were attenuated by co-transfection with miR-93
      mimic. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was identified as the target gene of
      miR-93. Furthermore, miR-93 mimic significantly increased p-Akt levels under H/R,
      which was partially released by LY294002. In addtion, Ad-miR-93 also attenuated
      myocardial I/R injury in vivo, manifested by reduced LDH and CK levels, infarct
      area and cell apoptosis. Taken together, our findings indicates that miR-93 could
      protect against I/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/PTEN
      signaling. 

PMID- 27119509
TI  - Dietary fat intake and ovarian cancer risk: a meta-analysis of epidemiological
      studies.
AB  - Observational studies assessing the association of dietary fat and risk of
      ovarian cancer yield discrepant results. Pertinent prospective cohort studies
      were identified by a PubMed search from inception to December 2015. Sixteen
      independent case-control and nine cohort studies on dietary fat intake were
      included, with approximately 900,000 subjects in total. Relative risks (RRs) with
      95% confidence intervals were pooled using a random effects model. Heterogeneity,
      sensitivity analysis and publication bias were assessed; subgroup analysis and
      analysis stratified by EOC histology were conducted. The reported studies showed
      a significant increase of ovarian cancer risk with high consumption of total-,
      saturated-, and trans-fats, while serous ovarian cancer was more susceptible to
      dietary fat consumption than other pathological subtypes. No evidence of positive
      association between dietary fat intake and ovarian cancer risk was provided by
      cohort studies. Menopausal status, hormone replacement therapy, body mass index
      (BMI), and pregnancy times, modified the objective associations. In conclusion,
      the meta-analysis findings indicate that high consumption of total, saturated and
      trans-fats increase ovarian cancer risk, and different histological subtypes have
      different susceptibility to dietary fat.

PMID- 27119511
TI  - Multicentric survey on dose reduction/interruption of cancer drug therapy in
      12.472 patients: indicators of suspected adverse reactions.
AB  - Antiblastic drugs have a high number of potential side-effects. Paradoxically,
      according to the National Network of Pharmacovigilance, the number of reported
      adverse reactions to these agents is proportionally lower than that registered
      for non antiblastic drugs. Critical phenomena such as treatment interruptions and
      significant dose reductions within the first two months of use may be indicators
      of adverse drug reactions. The aim of the present study was to increase our
      knowledge of pharmacovigilance to facilitate the actions taken to improve the
      risk-benefit profile of cancer drugs and, consequently, their safety. This
      retrospective observational survey was carried out on prescriptions from 1st
      January 2012 to 31st December 2012.Dose reductions of more than 10% during the
      first 90 days of therapy were considered as a surrogate indicator of an adverse
      reaction. Dose interruptions during the first 60 days of therapy were taken into
      consideration. Of the12,472 patients 1,248 underwent a dose reduction. The drugs
      that most often required a dose reduction were paclitaxel and oxaliplatin (17.4%
      and 17.3%, respectively), docetaxel (14.8%), carboplatin (15%), fluorouracil
      (10.7%) and, among oral medications, capecitabine (6.9%). Of the 1896 patients
      treated with the same drugs, 9.7% interrupted treatment. Patients required a
      lower dose reduction than that reported by other authors. Around 15% of cases
      underwent a 30% dose reduction within three months of starting therapy,
      indicating a possible adverse reaction. Constant monitoring of dose prescription
      and continuous training of medical and nursing staff are clearly needed to
      increase awareness of the importance of reporting adverse events.

PMID- 27119513
TI  - The Effects of Two Anesthetics, Propofol and Sevoflurane, on Liver
      Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Propofol and sevoflurane are widely used in clinical anesthesia, and
      both have been reported to exert a protective effect in organ
      ischemia/reperfusion (IR). This study aims to investigate and compare the effects
      of propofol and sevoflurane on liver ischemia/reperfusion and the precise
      molecular mechanism. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Rats were randomized into four
      groups: the sham group, I/R group, propofol treatment group (infused with 1%
      propofol at 500 MUg. kg-1. min-1), and sevoflurane treatment group (infused with
      3% (2 L/min) sevoflurane). The liver ischemia/reperfusion model was used to
      evaluate the hepatoprotective effect on ischemic injury. Liver enzyme leakage,
      liver cytokines and histopathological examination were used to evaluate the
      extent of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Oxidative stress was investigated
      by evaluating the levels of Malondialdehyde(MDA), Superoxide Dismutase(SOD) and
      NO. The terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling
      (TUNEL) assay and western blot were applied to detect apoptosis in the ischemic
      liver tissue and its mechanism. RESULTS: Both propofol and sevoflurane attenuated
      the extent of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury which is evident from the
      hisopathological studies and alterations in liver enzymes such as AST and LDH by
      inhibiting Nuclear factor kappa B (NFx03BA;B) activation and subsequent
      alterations in inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1(IL-1), interleukin-6(IL-6),
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and increased IL10 release. Propofol
      exhibited a similar protective effect and a lower IL-1 release, while sevoflurane
      decreased TNF-alpha leakage more significantly. Meanwhile, oxidative stress was
      attenuated by reduced MDA and NO and elevated SOD release. The expression of
      antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl were enhanced while that of apoptotic
      protein Bax and Bak were reduced by both propofol and sevoflurane to regulate
      hepatic apoptosis. In addition, propofol downregulated the phosphorylation of AKT
      and Bad protein, while sevoflurane downregulated the phosphorylation of p38. In
      addition, Both the treatments had no effect on the expression of AKT, Bad and
      p38. CONCLUSION: Both propofol and sevoflurane can protect the liver from
      ischemia/reperfusion injury by modulating the inflammatory responses reducing
      oxidative stress and liver apoptosis.

PMID- 27119512
TI  - Liquid biopsy monitoring uncovers acquired RAS-mediated resistance to cetuximab
      in a substantial proportion of patients with head and neck squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy is
      insufficiently understood in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC),
      entailing the lack of predictive biomarkers.Here, we studied resistance-mediating
      EGFR ectodomain and activating RAS mutations by next-generation sequencing (NGS)
      of cell lines and tumor tissue of cetuximab-naive patients (46 cases, 12 cell
      lines), as well as liquid biopsies taken during and after cetuximab/platinum/5
      fluorouracil treatment (20 cases). Tumors of cetuximab-naive patients were
      unmutated, except for HRAS mutations in 4.3% of patients. Liquid biopsies
      revealed acquired KRAS, NRAS or HRAS mutations in more than one third of patients
      after cetuximab exposure. 46% of patients with on-treatment disease progression
      showed acquired RAS mutations, while no RAS mutations were found in the non
      progressive subset of patients, indicating that acquisition of RAS mutant clones
      correlated significantly with clinical resistance (Chi square p=0.032). The
      emergence of mutations preceded clinical progression in half of the patients,
      with a maximum time from mutation detection to clinical progression of 16
      weeks.RAS mutations account for acquired resistance to EGFR-targeting in a
      substantial proportion of HNSCC patients, even though these tumors are rarely
      mutated at baseline. Liquid biopsies may be used for mutational monitoring to
      guide treatment decisions.

PMID- 27119514
TI  - Extraction of Silver by Glucose.
AB  - Unprecedented silver ion leaching, in the range of 0.7 ppm was seen when metallic
      silver was heated in water at 70  degrees C in presence of simple carbohydrates,
      such as glucose, making it a green method of silver extraction. Extraction was
      facilitated by the presence of anions, such as carbonate and phosphate. Studies
      confirm a two-step mechanism of silver release, first forming silver ions at the
      metal surface and later complexation of ionic silver with glucose; such complexes
      have been detected by mass spectrometry. Extraction leads to microscopic
      roughening of the surface making it Raman active with an enhancement factor of
      5*10(8) .

PMID- 27119515
TI  - Perforated Peptic Ulcer Repair: Factors Predicting Conversion in Laparoscopy and
      Postoperative Septic Complications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The surgical treatment for perforated peptic ulcers can be safely
      performed laparoscopically. The aim of the study was to define simple predictive
      factors for conversion and septic complications. METHODS: This retrospective case
      control study analyzed patients treated with either laparoscopic surgery or
      laparotomy for perforated peptic ulcers. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were
      analyzed. Laparoscopically operated patients had a shorter hospital stay (13.7
      vs. 15.1 days). In an intention-to-treat analysis, patients with conversion to
      open surgery (analyzed as subgroup from laparoscopic approach group) showed no
      prolonged hospital stay (15.3 days) compared to patients with a primary open
      approach. Complication and mortality rates were not different between the groups.
      The statistical analysis identified four intraoperative risk factors for
      conversion: Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) > 21 (p = 0.02), generalized
      peritonitis (p = 0.04), adhesions, and perforations located in a region other
      than the duodenal anterior wall. We found seven predictive factors for septic
      complications: age >70 (p = 0.02), cardiopulmonary disease (p = 0.04), ASA > 3 (p
      = 0.002), CRP > 100 (p = 0.005), duration of symptoms >24 h (p = 0.02), MPI >
      21(p = 0.008), and generalized peritonitis (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our data
      suggest that a primary laparoscopic approach has no disadvantages. Factors
      necessitating conversions emerged during the procedure inhibiting a preoperative
      selection. Factors suggesting imminent septic complications can be assessed
      preoperatively. An assessment of the proposed parameters may help optimize the
      management of possible septic complications.

PMID- 27119517
TI  - Clinicopathologic significance of HMGA2 expression's correlation with prognosis
      of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND? The main reason for the commonly poor prognosis of esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after surgery is the high recurrence rate. For
      patients at high risk of recurrence, it may be of value to seek indicators of
      recurrence, which would be useful for further treatment. High-mobility group A2
      (HMGA2) is a small non-histone chromosomal protein, highly expressed in many
      epithelial tissue malignant tumors and closely correlated with the occurrence,
      development and prognosis of tumor. Its aberrant expression in various cancers
      was detected, while its expression and significance in ESCC is still unclear.
      METHODS? We enrolled 127 patients with ESCC who had undergone Ivor-Lewis
      esophagectomy. The expression profile of HMGA2 was examined by
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The result showed that the high expression of
      HMGA2 correlated with a higher T stage (P=0.007), lower differentiation degree
      (P=0.008), lymph node metastasis (P<0.01), recurrence status (P=0.005) and TNM
      stage (P=0.006). The Cox regression analysis showed that the TNM stage (P=0.006),
      differentiation degree (P=0.003) and high HMGA2 expression (P=0.048) were
      independent risk factors of survival. CONCLUSIONS? Our data indicated that HMGA2
      expression level associates with key clinicopathological features and could be an
      effective biomarker to predict the prognosis of ESCC.

PMID- 27119516
TI  - Clonal heterogeneity in osteogenic potential of lung cancer-associated
      fibroblasts: promotional effect of osteogenic progenitor cells on cancer cell
      migration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) consist of heterogeneous cell
      population in terms of their differentiation potential. The functional
      differences in tumor progression between CAFs with mesenchymal stem/progenitor
      cells (MSCs/MPCs) characteristics and CAFs without MSCs/MPCs characteristics are
      not clarified. METHODS: CAFs and vascular adventitial fibroblasts (VAFs, which
      contain MSCs/MPCs) were isolated from nine primary lung cancers and were cultured
      in osteogenic or adipogenic medium to assess their multi-lineage differentiation.
      Next, we established nine single-cell-derived clones from the primary culture of
      CAFs and examined their differentiation potential. The effects of each single
      cell-derived clone on the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cell
      line, A549, were analyzed. RESULTS: The nine samples of VAFs and CAFs showed
      various degrees of osteogenic differentiation. Although the VAFs displayed the
      ability to undergo adipogenic differentiation, all cases of the CAFs did not.
      CAFs clones presented varying degrees of osteogenic differentiation. Four clones
      displayed comparable levels of osteogenic potential with that of the VAFs, and
      two clones were completely negative. As compared to the CAFs clones that
      possessed lower osteogenic potential, CAFs clones with higher osteogenic
      potential did not confer proliferative activity in A549 cells. On the contrary,
      these clones significantly promoted the migration of A549 cells as compared to
      the clones with lower osteogenic potential. CONCLUSION: Our studies clearly
      indicate that CAFs derived from lung cancer are heterogeneous population that
      consists of cells with varying osteogenic potentials and that CAFs with higher
      osteogenic potential have a greater tumor-promoting function through the
      enhancement of cancer cell migration.

PMID- 27119518
TI  - Minimal physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (mPBPK) model for a monoclonal
      antibody against interleukin-6 in mice with collagen-induced arthritis.
AB  - Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) targeting soluble inflammatory cytokines
      exert their pharmacological effects in rheumatoid arthritis through binding and
      neutralizing free cytokines in target tissue sites. Therefore suppression of free
      cytokines in such sites directly relates to the magnitude of therapeutic
      response. Although the interrelationships between mAb and cytokines have been
      examined in the systemic circulation, less is known about the interaction of mAb
      and cytokines in inflamed joints. In the present study, the interplay between the
      mAb, CNTO 345, and its target IL-6 in serum as well as ankle joint synovial fluid
      were characterized in collagen-induced arthritic mice. A minimal physiologically
      based pharmacokinetic model with target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD) features
      in serum and ankle joint synovial fluid was developed for the assessment of the
      TMDD dynamics of CNTO 345 and IL-6. Our model indicates that TMDD kinetics in
      ankle joints differ greatly from that in serum. The differences can be attributed
      to the limited tissue distribution of CNTO 345 in ankle joint synovial fluid, the
      significant rise of the IL-6 baseline in ankle joint synovial fluid in comparison
      with serum, and the relative time-scales of elimination rates between CNTO 345,
      free IL-6 and CNTO 345-IL-6 complex in serum and ankle joint synovial fluid.

PMID- 27119519
TI  - Judging the morality of utilitarian actions: How poor utilitarian accessibility
      makes judges irrational.
AB  - Is it acceptable and moral to sacrifice a few people's lives to save many others?
      Research on moral dilemmas in psychology, experimental philosophy, and
      neuropsychology has shown that respondents judge utilitarian personal moral
      actions (footbridge dilemma) as less appropriate than equivalent utilitarian
      impersonal moral actions (trolley dilemma). Accordingly, theorists (e.g., Greene
      et al., 2001) have argued that judgments of appropriateness in personal moral
      dilemmas are more emotionally salient and cognitively demanding (taking more time
      to be rational) than impersonal moral dilemmas. Our novel findings show an effect
      of psychological accessibility (driven by partial contextual information;
      Kahneman, 2003) on utilitarian moral behavior and response time for rational
      choices. Enhanced accessibility of utilitarian outcomes through comprehensive
      information about moral actions and consequences boosted utility maximization in
      moral choices, with rational choices taking less time. Moreover, our result
      suggests that previous results indicating emotional interference, with rational
      choices taking more time to make, may have been artifacts of presenting partial
      information.

PMID- 27119520
TI  - Generation, Characterization and Application of Antibodies Directed against HERV
      H Gag Protein in Colorectal Samples.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A substantial part of the human genome originates from transposable
      elements, remnants of ancient retroviral infections. Roughly 8% of the human
      genome consists of about 400,000 LTR elements including human endogenous
      retrovirus (HERV) sequences. Mainly, the interplay between epigenetic and post
      transcriptional mechanisms is thought to silence HERV expression in most
      physiological contexts. Interestingly, aberrant reactivation of several HERV-H
      loci appears specific to colorectal carcinoma (CRC). RESULTS: The expression of
      HERV-H Gag proteins (Gag-H) was assessed using novel monoclonal mouse anti Gag-H
      antibodies. In a flow cytometry screen four antibody clones were tested on a
      panel of primary CRC cell lines and the most well performing ones were
      subsequently validated in western blot analysis. Finally, Gag-H protein
      expression was analyzed by immune histology on cell line cytospins and on
      clinical samples. There, we found a heterogeneous staining pattern with no
      background staining of endothelial, stromal and infiltrating immune cells but
      diffuse staining of the cytoplasm for positive tumor and normal crypt cells of
      the colonic epithelium. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the Gag-H antibody clone(s)
      present a valuable tool for staining of cells with colonic origin and thus form
      the basis for future more detailed investigations. The observed Gag-H protein
      staining in colonic epithelium crypt cells demands profound analyses of a
      potential role for Gag-H in the normal physiology of the human gut.

PMID- 27119521
TI  - IL12, IL10, IFNgamma and TNFalpha Expression in Human Primary Monocytes
      Stimulated with Bacterial Heat Shock GroEL (Hsp64) Protein.
AB  - Actinobacillus (Aggregatibacter) actinomycetemicomitans (Aa) is a bacterium that
      lives in the oral cavity and plays an important role in periodontal diseases. The
      effect of A.actinomycetemcomitans's heat shock family protein GroEL on host or
      immune cells including monocytes is quite limited. In this study, the recombinant
      A.actinomycetemcomitans's GroEL protein (rAaGroEL) was used as an antigen and its
      effects on monocytes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was
      investigated. To do that, PBMCs were stimulated with rAaGroEL protein at
      different time points (16h to 96h) and the cytokines of CD14+ monocytes were
      detected with intracellular cytokine staining by Flow cytometry. Data showed that
      AaGroEL protein has an antigenic effect on human primary monocytes. AaGroEL
      protein responsive CD14 monocytes stimulates the expression of IL12, IL10,
      IFNgamma and TNFalpha cytokines with different kinetics and expression profile.
      Therefore, A. actinomycetemcomitans's heat shock GroEL protein can modulate
      innate and adaptive immune responses and contribute to an inflammatory diseases
      pathology.

PMID- 27119522
TI  - A Moist Crevice for Word Aversion: In Semantics Not Sounds.
AB  - Why do people self-report an aversion to words like "moist"? The present studies
      represent an initial scientific exploration into the phenomenon of word aversion
      by investigating its prevalence and cause. Results of five experiments indicate
      that about 10-20% of the population is averse to the word "moist." This
      population often speculates that phonological properties of the word are the
      cause of their displeasure. However, data from the current studies point to
      semantic features of the word-namely, associations with disgusting bodily
      functions-as a more prominent source of peoples' unpleasant experience. "Moist,"
      for averse participants, was notable for its valence and personal use, rather
      than imagery or arousal-a finding that was confirmed by an experiment designed to
      induce an aversion to the word. Analyses of individual difference measures
      suggest that word aversion is more prevalent among younger, more educated, and
      more neurotic people, and is more commonly reported by females than males.

PMID- 27119524
TI  - Miami Obstetrician Uses Evidence to Quell Zika Fears.

PMID- 27119523
TI  - The effect of atorvastatin, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase
      inhibitor (HMG-CoA), on the prevention of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rabbits.
AB  - Osteoporosis is a most frequent systemic skeletal disease characterized as low
      bone mineral density and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue,
      resulting in increased bone fragility and fracture risk. Although several drugs
      such as bisphosphonates, estrogen replacement treatment, and selective estrogen
      receptor modulators have been used to treat osteoporosis, all these are not the
      ideal drugs because of insufficient curative ability and adverse side effects.
      Recently, atorvastatin has ordinarily been prescribed as an anti-hyperlipidemia
      drug, not as an anti-osteoporosis drug. However, its clinical outcome and
      potential treatment mechanism are still unclear. In this study, the bilateral
      ovariectomy of rabbits was duplicated to develop osteoporosis animal model. The
      effect of atorvastatin on in vivo was determined, and the functional mechanism
      was studied in vitro after the curative effect was explored. Atorvastatin was
      observed to significantly increase the mechanical parameters such as maximum
      load, stiffness, and energy-absorbing capacity, and it improved the
      microarchitecture. The anti-osteoporosis activity of atorvastatin may be the
      result of the promotion of differentiation of osteoblasts by inducing synthesis
      of vascular endothelial growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), core
      binding factor alpha 1 (CBFalpha1), and inhibition of osteoclast formation
      through the osteoprotegerin (OPG)-receptor activator for the nuclear factor
      kappaB ligand (RANKL) system. Our study observations give reliable experimental
      evidence for clinical application of atorvastatin to treat the disorder of
      osteoporosis.

PMID- 27119526
TI  - Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and the Prevention of Depressive Relapse:
      Measures, Mechanisms, and Mediators.

PMID- 27119527
TI  - The Effectiveness of Educational Programs to Improve Recognition and Reporting of
      Elder Abuse and Neglect: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
AB  - Health professionals often lack adequate protocols or knowledge to detect,
      manage, and prevent elder maltreatment. This systematic review describes and
      evaluates existing literature on the effectiveness of educational interventions
      to improve health professionals' recognition and reporting of elder abuse and
      neglect. Fourteen articles described 22 programs ranging from brief didactics to
      experiential learning and targeted a variety of health and social service
      audiences. Most evaluations were limited to satisfaction measures. These programs
      may result in increased awareness, collaboration, and improved case finding.
      However, using the published literature to guide new program planning is
      constrained by lack of details and limited evaluations.

PMID- 27119525
TI  - Connective Auxin Transport in the Shoot Facilitates Communication between Shoot
      Apices.
AB  - The bulk polar movement of the plant signaling molecule auxin through the stem is
      a long-recognized but poorly understood phenomenon. Here we show that the highly
      polar, high conductance polar auxin transport stream (PATS) is only part of a
      multimodal auxin transport network in the stem. The dynamics of auxin movement
      through stems are inconsistent with a single polar transport regime and instead
      suggest widespread low conductance, less polar auxin transport in the stem, which
      we term connective auxin transport (CAT). The bidirectional movement of auxin
      between the PATS and the surrounding tissues, mediated by CAT, can explain the
      complex auxin transport kinetics we observe. We show that the auxin efflux
      carriers PIN3, PIN4, and PIN7 are major contributors to this auxin transport
      connectivity and that their activity is important for communication between shoot
      apices in the regulation of shoot branching. We propose that the PATS provides a
      long-range, consolidated stream of information throughout the plant, while CAT
      acts locally, allowing tissues to modulate and be modulated by information in the
      PATS. 

PMID- 27119528
TI  - Essential Data Elements for Reporters of Elder Abuse.
AB  - Most states' adult or elder protective services and aging agency personnel
      prepare annual reports about their protective services. These reports vary by
      state and have different terms for the reporter of abuse. Reviewing annual
      reports from 46 states and the District of Columbia, 248 different terms were
      used for the reporter of abuse. To develop essential data elements for reporters
      of abuse, a literature search, a compilation of state elder abuse annual report
      list of abuse reporters, and a sorting exercise were conducted. Eleven terms were
      recommended for the different reporters of abuse, encouraging all state
      administrators and caseworkers to reach consensus to standardize the language.

PMID- 27119529
TI  - The Social Vulnerability Scale for Older Adults: An Exploratory and Confirmatory
      Factor Analytic Study.
AB  - The Social Vulnerability Scale (SVS), a 22-item informant report of vulnerability
      to exploitation and, in particular, financial exploitation of older adults, was
      administered to 266 respondents who assessed the social vulnerability of a
      significant other aged 50 years or over, either a person with dementia or other
      neurological condition (n = 116), or a healthy adult (n = 150). Exploratory
      factor analysis in the combined sample revealed a 15-item two-factor solution
      labeled gullibility and credulity. Stability in factor structure was established
      in an independent sample (n = 123) using confirmatory factor analysis, and sound
      reliability (internal consistency) and validity (known-groups) were demonstrated.
      The SVS15 is a potentially useful instrument for assessing older adults'
      vulnerability to exploitation.

PMID- 27119530
TI  - Relationship of Facility Characteristics and Presence of an Ombudsman to Missouri
      Long-Term Care Facility State Inspection Report Results.
AB  - This study analyzes existing data describing general facility characteristics,
      the presence of an ombudsman in the facility, and the number of
      deficiencies/violations reported for long-term care facilities in the state of
      Missouri. The model that predicted the rate of deficiencies/violations best was
      one that included the following characteristics: "contained more than 50 beds"
      and "considered a Skilled Nursing facility." Findings suggest that the
      characteristics that are significantly associated with fewer deficiencies are
      larger size (more than 50 beds) and being classified as Skilled Nursing. While
      those facilities that housed an ombudsman were found to have fewer deficiencies
      per bed in the general analysis, further investigation found this to be an
      artifact mostly due to the higher rate of ombudsmen at larger facilities.

PMID- 27119531
TI  - [Suicide and euthanasia : Discourse on physician-assisted suicide].
AB  - Suicidal thoughts and behavior have been a part of human nature since the
      beginning of mankind. In his autobiographical work From my Life: Poetry and Truth
      Goethe summarized two important aspects: "Suicide is an event of human nature
      which, whatever may be said and done with respect to it, demands the sympathy of
      every man, and in every epoch must be discussed anew". The authors of this
      article aim to motivate the readership to question and analyze this complex topic
      and the accompanying multifaceted positions with a summarized presentation of
      historical aspects and the more recent political developments. 

PMID- 27119532
TI  - [Mental disorders after mild traumatic brain injury].
AB  - Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a frequent neurological disorder following
      a closed head injury. It is often accompanied by temporary changes of
      consciousness as well as cognitive, emotional and physical symptoms. These
      symptoms subside in the vast majority of affected persons within a few weeks;
      however, in recent years it has become increasingly more apparent that
      functionally significant long-term effects can remain after an initially
      diagnosed mTBI. In these cases mental disorders, such as impairment of cognitive
      and emotional functions as well as somatic disorders play an important role. This
      article presents the frequency, diagnosis, therapy and possible mechanisms of
      cognitive and emotional dysfunction after mTBI, including medicolegal aspects. 

PMID- 27119533
TI  - Alterations in inflammatory biomarkers and energy intake in cancer cachexia: a
      prospective study in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Chronic systemic inflammatory response is proposed as an underlying mechanism for
      development of cancer cachexia. We conducted a prospective study to examine
      changes in inflammatory biomarkers during the disease course and the relationship
      between inflammatory biomarkers and cachexia in patients with inoperable
      pancreatic cancer. Twenty patients, median (range) age 67.5 (35-79) years, 5
      females, were followed for median 5.5 (1-12) months. Cachexia was diagnosed
      according to the 2011 consensus-based classification system (weight loss >5 %
      past six months, BMI < 20 kg/m(2) and weight loss >2 %, or sarcopenia) and the
      modified Glasgow Prognostic score (mGPS) that combines CRP and albumin levels.
      Inflammatory biomarkers were measured by enzyme immunoassays. The patients had
      increased levels of most inflammatory biomarkers, albeit not all statistically
      significant, both at study entry and close to death, indicating ongoing
      inflammation. According to the consensus-based classification system, eleven (55
      %) patients were classified as cachectic upon inclusion. They did not differ from
      non-cachectic patients with regard to inflammatory biomarkers or energy intake.
      According to the mGPS, seven (35 %) were defined as cachectic and had a higher IL
      6 (p < 0.001) than the non-cachectic patients. They also had a slightly, but
      insignificantly longer survival than non-cachectic patients (p = 0.08). The mGPS
      should be considered as an additional framework for identification of cancer
      cachexia. 

PMID- 27119534
TI  - Controversy and Strategies Exploration in Blocking Mother-to-Child Transmission
      of Hepatitis B.
AB  - Hepatitis B, a serious infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV),
      remains a worldwide social and public health problem. Hepatitis B has a
      particularly high incidence rate in the world, whereas approximately 35-50% HBV
      carriers are infected through vertical transmission. Even after newborn
      immunoprophylaxis, vertical transmission still accounts for 5-10% in China
      according to plenty of literature in Chinese language. For these reasons, it is
      important to determine how to effectively intervene in mother-to-child
      transmission (MTCT). To date, though, intervention methods and measures remain
      controversial. In order to understand the mechanism of MTCT intervention further
      and develop effective preventions and interventions, a comprehensive analysis and
      presentation on some of its more controversial issues will be given in this
      paper. And eventually we conclude three measures and strategies for these issues:
      (1) emancipate the mind and seek truth from facts to understand the controversial
      issues pertaining to MTCT of HBV; (2) treat the basic rules and changing
      characteristics of MTCT blocking process of hepatitis B with holistic medical
      thought dialectically and (3) further explore the interaction of genetic
      susceptibility and environmental factors of MTCT of hepatitis B.

PMID- 27119535
TI  - Generation of an Oocyte-Specific Cas9 Transgenic Mouse for Genome Editing.
AB  - The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been developed as an easy-handle and multiplexable
      approach for engineering eukaryotic genomes by zygote microinjection of Cas9 and
      sgRNA, while preparing Cas9 for microinjection is laborious and introducing
      inconsistency into the experiment. Here, we describe a modified strategy for gene
      targeting through using oocyte-specific Cas9 transgenic mouse. With this mouse
      line, we successfully achieve precise gene targeting by injection of sgRNAs only
      into one-cell-stage embryos. Through comprehensive analysis, we also show allele
      complexity and off-target mutagenesis induced by this strategy is obviously lower
      than Cas9 mRNA/sgRNA injection. Thus, injection of sgRNAs into oocyte-specific
      Cas9 transgenic mouse embryo provides a convenient, efficient and reliable
      approach for mouse genome editing.

PMID- 27119537
TI  - Protecting women's health.

PMID- 27119536
TI  - Real-Time Predictions of Reservoir Size and Rebound Time during Antiretroviral
      Therapy Interruption Trials for HIV.
AB  - Monitoring the efficacy of novel reservoir-reducing treatments for HIV is
      challenging. The limited ability to sample and quantify latent infection means
      that supervised antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption studies are generally
      required. Here we introduce a set of mathematical and statistical modeling tools
      to aid in the design and interpretation of ART-interruption trials. We show how
      the likely size of the remaining reservoir can be updated in real-time as
      patients continue off treatment, by combining the output of laboratory assays
      with insights from models of reservoir dynamics and rebound. We design an optimal
      schedule for viral load sampling during interruption, whereby the frequency of
      follow-up can be decreased as patients continue off ART without rebound. While
      this scheme can minimize costs when the chance of rebound between visits is low,
      we find that the reservoir will be almost completely reseeded before rebound is
      detected unless sampling occurs at least every two weeks and the most sensitive
      viral load assays are used. We use simulated data to predict the clinical trial
      size needed to estimate treatment effects in the face of highly variable patient
      outcomes and imperfect reservoir assays. Our findings suggest that large numbers
      of patients-between 40 and 150-will be necessary to reliably estimate the
      reservoir-reducing potential of a new therapy and to compare this across
      interventions. As an example, we apply these methods to the two "Boston
      patients", recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants who
      experienced large reductions in latent infection and underwent ART-interruption.
      We argue that the timing of viral rebound was not particularly surprising given
      the information available before treatment cessation. Additionally, we show how
      other clinical data can be used to estimate the relative contribution that
      remaining HIV+ cells in the recipient versus newly infected cells from the donor
      made to the residual reservoir that eventually caused rebound. Together, these
      tools will aid HIV researchers in the evaluating new potentially-curative
      strategies that target the latent reservoir.

PMID- 27119538
TI  - Scrapping bursaries: we must learn from the past.

PMID- 27119539
TI  - Assessment, diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence in women.
AB  - This article gives an overview of female urinary incontinence including the
      symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of stress urinary incontinence and overactive
      bladder syndrome. It summarises recent guidelines, the role of the nurse in
      conservative management and when a referral for specialist care is required. It
      aims to encourage nurses to use all opportunities to identify women who have
      urinary incontinence then to assess and treat urinary incontinence effectively.
      All patients should receive a full continence assessment. National Institute for
      Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend conservative treatments including
      lifestyle advice, pelvic floor exercises and bladder retraining. Nurses may need
      to access training from their local specialist continence nurse service to enable
      them to provide evidence-based care. This article concludes that equitable,
      integrated continence services are essential to improve the quality of care for
      people with continence problems. 

PMID- 27119540
TI  - Excellence in continence care: an overview.

PMID- 27119541
TI  - Airway management in the hospital environment.
AB  - In the hospital environment, patients can deteriorate rapidly and for many
      different reasons. Maintaining a patient's breathing is the main priority in any
      emergency situation, although achieving airway control can be difficult. All
      health professionals need to be able to undertake airway management safely. The
      key is a thorough assessment to ensure first of all whether the airway is patent
      (open and clear) or not. This article will discuss airway management, both acute
      and chronic, as well as associated nursing care. 

PMID- 27119542
TI  - Wound exudate: a survey of current understanding and clinical competency.
AB  - A survey was undertaken with the aim of identifying health professionals'
      understanding of wound exudate and their ability to assess and manage it. The
      survey was carried out at Wound Expo, which is a large annual event that provides
      generalist nurses with interactive education on the core aspects of wound care,
      including wound exudate. The sample comprised 223 delegates. Almost all delegates
      (89%) included exudate in every wound assessment, but only 20% based assessment
      of excess exudate on colour, viscosity and malodour, with the majority (67%)
      basing it on leakage and increased frequency of dressing changes. While almost
      all (94%) delegates said they always assess exudate colour and most (80%) that
      they always assess its viscosity, 18% did not understand the clinical
      significance of exudate colour and 29% were unable to correctly identify the
      characteristics of low-viscosity exudate. Furthermore, one quarter of the sample
      did not always take absorbency into account when selecting a wound dressing. The
      results indicate that exudate assessment is often subjective, and there is scope
      for greater use of wound exudate assessment tools and exudate descriptors. 

PMID- 27119543
TI  - Working towards widening participation in nurse education.
AB  - The widening participation agenda has particular significance for worldwide
      nursing since it is a profession which is under increasing scrutiny in its
      recruitment and retention practices. Debate about this agenda within nurse
      education is strengthened by careful scrutiny of the research within the wider
      context of higher education, some of which challenges commonly held assumptions.
      This paper examines four areas of relevance to the UK widening participation
      agenda: disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and family responsibilities.
      Taken together, they indicate that nurse education operates within a particularly
      complex context with some important implications for the future design of pre
      registration programmes. These complexities should be debated in depth by
      educational commissioners and providers, in tandem with regulatory bodies. 

PMID- 27119544
TI  - Education for excellence in professional nursing practice.

PMID- 27119545
TI  - Moving into second year: hitting the ground running.

PMID- 27119546
TI  - Women's health in the UK: addressing the risks and overcoming taboos.

PMID- 27119547
TI  - Patients' experiences of using hospital services.

PMID- 27119548
TI  - From staff nurse to nurse consultant.

PMID- 27119549
TI  - Nursing associates are not the answer.

PMID- 27119550
TI  - An enzyme-free catalytic DNA circuit for amplified detection of aflatoxin B1
      using gold nanoparticles as colorimetric indicators.
AB  - An enzyme-free biosensor for the amplified detection of aflatoxin B1 has been
      constructed based on a catalytic DNA circuit. Three biotinylated hairpin DNA
      probes (H1, H2, and H3) were designed as the assembly components to construct the
      sensing system (triplex H1-H2-H3 product). Cascaded signal amplification
      capability was obtained through toehold-mediated strand displacement reactions to
      open the hairpins and recycle the trigger DNA. By the use of streptavidin
      functionalized gold nanoparticles as the signal indicators, the colorimetric
      readout can be observed by the naked eye. In the presence of a target, the
      individual nanoparticles (red) aggregate into a cross-linked network of
      nanoparticles (blue) via biotin-streptavidin coupling. The colorimetric assay is
      ultrasensitive, enabling the visual detection of trace levels of aflatoxin B1
      (AFB1) as low as 10 pM without instrumentation. The calculated limit of detection
      (LOD) is 2 pM in terms of 3 times standard deviation over the blank response. The
      sensor is robust and works even when challenged with complex sample matrices such
      as rice samples. Our sensing platform is simple and convenient in operation,
      requiring only the mixing of several solutions at room temperature to achieve
      visible and intuitive results, and holds great promise for the point-of-use
      monitoring of AFB1 in environmental and food samples. 

PMID- 27119552
TI  - Automated quantification of one-dimensional nanostructure alignment on surfaces.
AB  - A method for automated quantification of the alignment of one-dimensional (1D)
      nanostructures from microscopy imaging is presented. Nanostructure alignment
      metrics are formulated and shown to be able to rigorously quantify the
      orientational order of nanostructures within a two-dimensional domain (surface).
      A complementary image processing method is also presented which enables robust
      processing of microscopy images where overlapping nanostructures might be
      present. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of nanowire-covered surfaces
      are analyzed using the presented methods and it is shown that past single
      parameter alignment metrics are insufficient for highly aligned domains. Through
      the use of multiple parameter alignment metrics, automated quantitative analysis
      of SEM images is shown to be possible and the alignment characteristics of
      different samples are able to be quantitatively compared using a similarity
      metric. The results of this work provide researchers in nanoscience and
      nanotechnology with a rigorous method for the determination of structure/property
      relationships, where alignment of 1D nanostructures is significant. 

PMID- 27119551
TI  - HIPPO-Integrin-linked Kinase Cross-Talk Controls Self-Sustaining Proliferation
      and Survival in Pulmonary Hypertension.
AB  - RATIONALE: Enhanced proliferation and impaired apoptosis of pulmonary arterial
      vascular smooth muscle cells (PAVSMCs) are key pathophysiologic components of
      pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
      OBJECTIVES: To determine the role and therapeutic relevance of HIPPO signaling in
      PAVSMC proliferation/apoptosis imbalance in PAH. METHODS: Primary distal PAVSMCs,
      lung tissue sections from unused donor (control) and idiopathic PAH lungs, and
      rat and mouse models of SU5416/hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) were
      used. Immunohistochemical, immunocytochemical, and immunoblot analyses and
      transfection, infection, DNA synthesis, apoptosis, migration, cell count, and
      protein activity assays were performed in this study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses demonstrated that the HIPPO
      central component large tumor suppressor 1 (LATS1) is inactivated in small
      remodeled pulmonary arteries (PAs) and distal PAVSMCs in idiopathic PAH.
      Molecular- and pharmacology-based analyses revealed that LATS1 inactivation and
      consequent up-regulation of its reciprocal effector Yes-associated protein (Yap)
      were required for activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-Akt,
      accumulation of HIF1alpha, Notch3 intracellular domain and beta-catenin,
      deficiency of proapoptotic Bim, increased proliferation, and survival of human
      PAH PAVSMCs. LATS1 inactivation and up-regulation of Yap increased production and
      secretion of fibronectin that up-regulated integrin-linked kinase 1 (ILK1). ILK1
      supported LATS1 inactivation, and its inhibition reactivated LATS1, down
      regulated Yap, suppressed proliferation, and promoted apoptosis in PAH, but not
      control PAVSMCs. PAVSM in small remodeled PAs from rats and mice with
      SU5416/hypoxia-induced PH showed down-regulation of LATS1 and overexpression of
      ILK1. Treatment of mice with selective ILK inhibitor Cpd22 at Days 22-35 of
      SU5416/hypoxia exposure restored LATS1 signaling and reduced established
      pulmonary vascular remodeling and PH. CONCLUSIONS: These data report inactivation
      of HIPPO/LATS1, self-supported via Yap-fibronectin-ILK1 signaling loop, as a
      novel mechanism of self-sustaining proliferation and apoptosis resistance of
      PAVSMCs in PAH and suggest a new potential target for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 27119553
TI  - Metal-Organic Polyhedral Core as a Versatile Scaffold for Divergent and
      Convergent Star Polymer Synthesis.
AB  - We herein report the divergent and convergent synthesis of coordination star
      polymers (CSP) by using metal-organic polyhedrons (MOPs) as a multifunctional
      core. For the divergent route, copper-based great rhombicuboctahedral MOPs
      decorated with dithiobenzoate or trithioester chain transfer groups at the
      periphery were designed. Subsequent reversible addition-fragmentation chain
      transfer (RAFT) polymerization of monomers mediated by the MOPs gave star
      polymers, in which 24 polymeric arms were grafted from the MOP core. On the other
      hand, the convergent route provided identical CSP architectures by simple mixing
      of a macroligand and copper ions. Isophthalic acid-terminated polymers (so-called
      macroligands) immediately formed the corresponding CSPs through a coordination
      reaction with copper(II) ions. This convergent route enabled us to obtain
      miktoarm CSPs with tunable chain compositions through ligand mixing alone. This
      powerful method allows instant access to a wide variety of multicomponent star
      polymers that conventionally have required highly skilled and multistep
      syntheses. MOP-core CSPs are a new class of star polymer that can offer a design
      strategy for highly processable porous soft materials by using coordination
      nanocages as a building component.

PMID- 27119554
TI  - Protective effects of PARP inhibitor, PJ34, is related to down-regulation of
      calpain and NF-kappaB in a mouse model of TBI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), calpain and nuclear factor-kappaB
      (NF-kappaB) are reported to participate in inflammatory reactions in pathological
      conditions and are involved in traumatic brain injury. The objective of this
      study was to investigate whether PARP participated in inflammation related to
      calpain and NF-kappaB in a mouse model of controlled cortical impact (CCI).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: PJ34 (10 mg kg-1), a selective PARP inhibitor, was
      administered intraperitoneally 5 minutes and 8 hours after experimental CCI. A
      neurobehavioural evaluation and a histopathological analysis were then performed
      and the contusion volume, calpain activity and protein levels were measured in
      all animals. RESULTS: Treatment with PJ34 markedly reduced neurological deficits,
      decreased contusion volume and attenuated necrotic and apoptotic neuronal cell
      death 24 hours after CCI. The data showed that the cytosolic and nuclear
      fractions of calpain and NF-kappaB were up-regulated in the injured cortex and
      that these changes were reversed by PJ34. Moreover, PJ34 significantly enhanced
      the calpastatin and IkappaB levels and decreased the levels of inflammatory
      mediators. CONCLUSIONS: PARP inhibition by PJ34 suppresses the over-activation of
      calpain and the production of inflammatory factors that are caused by NF-kappaB
      activation and it improves neurological functioning, decreases the contusion
      volume and attenuates neuronal cell death in a mouse model of CCI.

PMID- 27119556
TI  - Absorption and electrochromic modulation of near-infrared light: realized by
      tungsten suboxide.
AB  - In the present study, needle-like tungsten suboxide W18O49 nanocrystals were
      fabricated as the optical active substance to realize the aim of optical control
      of near-infrared light. The W18O49 nanocrystals were selected in this regard due
      to their unique optical performance. As revealed by the powder absorption result,
      the needle-like W18O49 nanocrystals show strong and wide photoabsorption in the
      entire near infrared region of 780-2500 nm, from which thin films with the W18O49
      nanocrystal coating thus benefits and can strongly shield off almost all near
      infrared irradiation, whereas transmitting the majority of visible light. To make
      it more tunable, the W18O49 nanocrystals were finally assembled onto an ITO glass
      via the layer-by-layer strategy for later electrochromic investigation. The
      nanostructured architectures of the W18O49 nanocrystal electrochromic films
      exhibit high contrast, faster switching response, higher coloration efficiencies
      (150 cm(2) C(-1) at 650 nm and 255 cm(2) C(-1) at 1300 nm), better long-term
      redox switching stability (reversibility of 98% after 500 cycles) and wide
      electrochromic spectrum coverage of both the visible and infrared regions. 

PMID- 27119555
TI  - Expression of CD11c Is Associated with Unconventional Activated T Cell Subsets
      with High Migratory Potential.
AB  - CD11c is an alpha integrin classically employed to define myeloid dendritic
      cells. Although there is little information about CD11c expression on human T
      cells, mouse models have shown an association of CD11c expression with
      functionally relevant T cell subsets. In the context of genital tract infection,
      we have previously observed increased expression of CD11c in circulating T cells
      from mice and women. Microarray analyses of activated effector T cells expressing
      CD11c derived from naive mice demonstrated enrichment for natural killer (NK)
      associated genes. Here we find that murine CD11c+ T cells analyzed by flow
      cytometry display markers associated with non-conventional T cell subsets,
      including gammadelta T cells and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells.
      However, in women, only gammadelta T cells and CD8+ T cells were enriched within
      the CD11c fraction of blood and cervical tissue. These CD11c+ cells were highly
      activated and had greater interferon (IFN)-gamma secretory capacity than CD11c- T
      cells. Furthermore, circulating CD11c+ T cells were associated with the
      expression of multiple adhesion molecules in women, suggesting that these cells
      have high tissue homing potential. These data suggest that CD11c expression
      distinguishes a population of circulating T cells during bacterial infection with
      innate capacity and mucosal homing potential.

PMID- 27119557
TI  - Blind Flight? A New Troglobiotic Orthoclad (Diptera, Chironomidae) from the
      Lukina Jama - Trojama Cave in Croatia.
AB  - The genus Troglocladius Andersen, Baranov et Hagenlund, gen. n. is erected based
      on T. hajdi Andersen, Baranov et Hagenlund, sp. n. collected at 980 m depth in
      the Lukina jama-Trojama cave system in Croatia. Morphological features such as
      pale color, strongly reduced eyes and very long legs make it a typical cave
      animal. Surprisingly, it has also retained large wings and appears to be capable
      of flight which would make T. hajdi the first flying troglobiont worldwide,
      disproving previous beliefs that bats are the only animals capable of flying in
      complete darkness. Morphologically the new species does not readily fit within
      any described genus, but shares characteristics with genera both in the tribes
      "Metriocnemini" and "Orthocladiini". Bayesian molecular phylogenetic analysis
      using the markers COI, 18S rDNAs, 28S rDNA, CADI, and CADIV groups it with the
      genera Tvetenia, Cardiocladius and Eukiefferiella in the tribe "Metriocnemini".
      Troglocladius hajdi may be parthenogenetic, as only females were collected. The
      discovery confirms the position of the Dinaric arch as a highly important hotspot
      of subterranean biodiversity.

PMID- 27119562
TI  - Understanding SO2 Capture by Ionic Liquids.
AB  - Ionic liquids have generated interest for efficient SO2 absorption due to their
      low vapor pressure and versatility. In this work, a systematic investigation of
      the structure, thermodynamics, and dynamics of SO2 absorption by ionic liquids
      has been carried out through quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics
      (MD) simulations. MP2 level calculations of several ion pairs complexed with SO2
      reveal its preferential interaction with the anion. Results of condensed phase MD
      simulations of SO2-IL mixtures manifested the essential role of both cations and
      anions in the solvation of SO2, where the solute is surrounded by the "cage"
      formed by the cations (primarily its alkyl tail) through dispersion interactions.
      These structural effects of gas absorption are substantiated by calculated Gibbs
      free energy of solvation; the dissolution is demonstrated to be enthalpy driven.
      The entropic loss of SO2 absorption in ionic liquids with a larger anion such as
      [NTf2](-) has been quantified and has been attributed to the conformational
      restriction of the anion imposed by its interaction with SO2. SO2 loading IL
      decreases its shear viscosity and enhances the electrical conductivity. This
      systematic study provides a molecular level understanding which can aid the
      design of task-specific ILs as electrolytes for efficient SO2 absorption.

PMID- 27119558
TI  - Tumor Content Chart-Assisted HER2/CEP17 Digital PCR Analysis of Gastric Cancer
      Biopsy Specimens.
AB  - Evaluating HER2 gene amplification is an essential component of therapeutic
      decision-making for advanced or metastatic gastric cancer. A simple method that
      is applicable to small, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens is
      desirable as an adjunct to or as a substitute for currently used HER2
      immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization protocols. In this study, we
      developed a microfluidics-based digital PCR method for determining HER2 and
      chromosome 17 centromere (CEP17) copy numbers and estimating tumor content ratio
      (TCR). The HER2/CEP17 ratio is determined by three variables-TCR and absolute
      copy numbers of HER2 and CEP17-by examining tumor cells; only the ratio of the
      latter two can be obtained by digital PCR using the whole specimen without
      purifying tumor cells. TCR was determined by semi-automatic image analysis. We
      developed a Tumor Content chart, which is a plane of rectangular coordinates
      consisting of HER2/CEP17 digital PCR data and TCR that delineates amplified, non
      amplified, and equivocal areas. By applying this method, 44 clinical gastric
      cancer biopsy samples were classified as amplified (n = 13), non-amplified (n =
      25), or equivocal (n = 6). By comparison, 11 samples were positive, 11 were
      negative, and 22 were equivocally immunohistochemistry. Thus, our novel method
      reduced the number of equivocal samples from 22 to 6, thereby obviating the need
      for confirmation by fluorescence or dual-probe in situ hybridization to < 30% of
      cases. Tumor content chart-assisted digital PCR analysis is also applicable to
      multiple sites in surgically resected tissues. These results indicate that this
      analysis is a useful alternative to HER2 immunohistochemistry in gastric cancers
      that can serve as a basis for the automated evaluation of HER2 status.

PMID- 27119563
TI  - An open-source computational tool to automatically quantify immunolabeled retinal
      ganglion cells.
AB  - A fully automated and robust method was developed to quantify beta-III-tubulin
      stained retinal ganglion cells, combining computational recognition of individual
      cells by CellProfiler and a machine-learning tool to teach phenotypic
      classification of the retinal ganglion cells by CellProfiler Analyst. In animal
      models of glaucoma, quantification of immunolabeled retinal ganglion cells is
      currently performed manually and remains time-consuming. Using this automated
      method, quantifications of retinal ganglion cell images were accelerated tenfold:
      1800 images were counted in 3 h using our automated method, while manual counting
      of the same images took 72 h. This new method was validated in an established
      murine model of microbead-induced optic neuropathy. The use of the publicly
      available software and the method's user-friendly design allows this technique to
      be easily implemented in any laboratory.

PMID- 27119564
TI  - A Highly Effective Protocol for the Rapid and Consistent Induction of Digital
      Dermatitis in Holstein Calves.
AB  - Bovine Digital Dermatitis (DD) is a leading cause of lameness in dairy cattle. DD
      is reportedly increasing in prevalence in beef cattle feedlots of the US. The
      exact etiologic agent(s) responsible for the disease have yet to be determined.
      Multiple studies have demonstrated the presence of a variety of Treponema spp.
      within lesions. Attempts to reproduce clinically relevant disease using pure
      cultures of these organisms has failed to result in lesions that mirror the
      morphology and severity of naturally occurring lesions. This manuscript details
      the systematic development of an experimental protocol that reliably induces
      digital dermatitis lesions on a large enough scale to allow experimental
      evaluation of treatment and prevention measures. In total, 21 protocols from five
      experiments were evaluated on their effectiveness in inducing DD lesions in 126
      Holstein calves (504 feet). The protocols varied in the type and concentration of
      inoculum, frequency of inoculation, duration the feet were wrapped, and type of
      experimental controls need to validate a successful induction. Knowledge gained
      in the first four experiments resulted in a final protocol capable of inducing DD
      lesions in 42 of 44 (95%) feet over a 28 day period. All induced lesions were
      macroscopically and microscopically identified as clinical DD lesions by
      individuals blinded to protocols. Lesions were also located at the site of
      inoculation in the palmer aspect of the interdigital space, and induced
      clinically measurable lameness in a significant portion of the calves.
      Collectively these results validate the model and provide a rapid and reliable
      means of inducing DD in large groups of calves.

PMID- 27119565
TI  - Clinicopathological Factors Associated with Recurrence and Prognosis after R0
      Resection for Stage IV Colorectal Cancer with Peritoneal Metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is a well-known predictor of poor
      prognosis. This study aims at identifying factors affecting recurrence and
      prognosis after R0 resection for colorectal cancer (CRC) with synchronous PM.
      METHODS: A multi-institutional, retrospective analysis of 172 patients with R0
      surgery for CRC with PM was conducted. Clinicopathological variables were
      analyzed for their significance in contributing toward recurrence and prognosis.
      RESULTS: Lymph node (LN) metastasis was an independent factor affecting
      recurrence as indicated by logistic regression analyses. The following factors
      were independent predictors of poor prognostic using the Cox proportional hazard
      model: LN metastasis, no postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, five or fewer
      dissected LNs, and preoperative high serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels. Of
      the patients undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, no significant
      differences were observed in recurrence rate and disease-free interval between
      those with intensive adjuvant chemotherapy and those with non-intensive
      chemotherapy. After R0 surgery for PM, 90 patients (76.3%) experienced recurrence
      by 18 months, and hematogenous recurrence occurred significantly more often than
      peritoneal recurrence. CONCLUSION: Harvesting of more than 5 LNs and
      administration of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy after R0 surgery are
      recommended for prognosis improvement. Intensive follow-up should be performed
      within 18 months after R0 surgery for CRC with synchronous PM.

PMID- 27119566
TI  - Robert J. Suhadolnik (1925-2016).

PMID- 27119567
TI  - IL-27 Promotes Proliferation of Human Leukemic Cell Lines Through the MAPK/ERK
      Signaling Pathway and Suppresses Sensitivity to Chemotherapeutic Drugs.
AB  - IL-27 is a pleiotropic cytokine of the IL-6/IL-12 family with diverse biological
      functions. Previous in vivo studies have suggested the antitumor activities of IL
      27 in animal models, whereas clinical observations indicate the link of IL-27 in
      tumor progression. IL-27 has recently been shown to cause inhibition of
      proliferation on primary leukemic cells from pediatric patients, but information
      on its role in human leukemic cell lines is limited. In the present study, we
      investigated the ability of IL-27 to regulate cell growth and survival of various
      human leukemic cell lines. Our results showed that in human leukemic cell lines
      coexpressing both IL-27R chains, IL-27Ralpha and gp130, IL-27 did not inhibit
      cell growth, but caused dose-dependent proliferation of the acute myeloid
      leukemic cell line, OCI-AML5, and the erythroleukemic cell lines, TF-1, UT-7, and
      UT-7/EPO. Consistent with this, IL-27 promoted cell survival and reduced TNF
      alpha-induced apoptosis of the leukemic cell lines. IL-27 also decreased the
      responsiveness of the leukemic cells to chemotherapeutic drugs, cytarabine and
      daunorubicin. We observed that IL-27 induced the activation of STAT1/3 and ERK1/2
      in the leukemic cells. Growth stimulation by IL-27 was suppressed by the specific
      MEK inhibitor, U0126, indicating that IL-27-induced cell proliferation is mainly
      mediated through the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. The present
      study is the first demonstration of the proliferative and antichemotherapeutic
      properties of IL-27 in human leukemic cell lines, suggesting that IL-27 can play
      an unfavorable role in tumor growth and can be an important determinant in the
      chemoresponsiveness of certain subtypes of human leukemia.

PMID- 27119568
TI  - Lactate Stimulates IL-4 and IL-13 Production in Activated HuT-78 T Lymphocytes
      Through a Process That Involves Monocarboxylate Transporters and Protein
      Hyperacetylation.
AB  - Mucosal cells of the gastrointestinal and female reproductive tract are
      constantly exposed to l- and d-lactate of bacterial origin. These compounds not
      only protect the host from pathogen colonization but also modulate the activity
      of mucosal immune cells, thereby playing an important role in inflammatory host
      responses. In this study, we demonstrated that exposure of anti-CD3/CD28 or
      phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin-activated HuT-78 T lymphocyte
      cells to 10-20 mM d-lactate significantly increased IL-4 and IL-13 production.
      Interestingly, the d-lactate isomer, exclusively produced locally by gut or
      cervicovaginal microbiota, was found to be more potent than the l-isomer.
      Interestingly, neither of the strong histone deacetylase inhibitors [structurally
      similar butyrate and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA)] was as effective in
      the stimulation of IL-13 production as d-lactate. Lactate transport through
      monocarboxylate transporters was required for lactate-enhanced IL-13 production
      in a manner that was not hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1-dependent.
      Furthermore, lactate treatment increased the acetylation of GATA-3, a critical
      regulator of Th1/Th2 differentiation and resulted in H3 and H4 histone
      hyperacetylation state, which is a characteristic feature of transcriptionally
      active chromatin. Both lactate isomers also enhanced IL4 and IL13 promoter-driven
      activity of reporter constructs in murine and human cells. Together, these
      findings demonstrate that a local millimolar concentration of l- or d-lactate may
      play an important role in the modulation of inflammation-mediated processes.

PMID- 27119569
TI  - Biomechanical and organisational stressors and associations with employment
      withdrawal among pregnant workers: evidence and implications.
AB  - The distribution of exposure to biomechanical and organisational job stressors
      (BOJS) and associations with employment withdrawal (antenatal leave,
      unemployment) was examined in a case-control study of 1114 pregnant workers in
      California. We performed descriptive and multivariate logistic and multinomial
      regression analyses. At pregnancy onset, 57% were exposed to one or more
      biomechanical stressors, including frequent bending, heavy lifting and prolonged
      standing. One-third were simultaneously exposed to BOJS. Exposure to
      biomechanical stressors declined as pregnancy progressed and cessation often
      (41%) coincided with employment withdrawal (antenatal leave and unemployment). In
      multivariate modelling, whether we adjusted for or considered organisational
      stressors as coincident exposures, results showed that pregnant workers exposed
      to biomechanical stressors had increased employment withdrawal compared to the
      unexposed. Work schedule accommodations moderate this association. Paid antenatal
      leave, available to few US women, was an important strategy for mitigating
      exposure to BOJS. Implications for science and policy are discussed. Practitioner
      Summary: This case-control study showed that exposure to biomechanical stressors
      decline throughout pregnancy. Antenatal leave was an important strategy used for
      mitigating exposure among sampled California women with access to paid benefits.
      Employment withdrawal among workers exposed to BJOS may be reduced by proactive
      administrative and engineering efforts applied early in pregnancy.

PMID- 27119573
TI  - Difluorocarbene Addition to Alkenes and Alkynes in Continuous Flow.
AB  - The first in-flow difluorocarbene generation and addition to alkenes and alkynes
      is reported. The application of continuous flow technology allowed for the
      controlled generation of difluorocarbene from TMSCF3 and a catalytic quantity of
      NaI. The in situ generated electrophilic carbene reacts smoothly with a broad
      range of alkenes and alkynes, allowing the synthesis of the corresponding
      difluorocyclopropanes and difluorocyclopropenes. The reaction is complete within
      a 10 min residence time at high reaction concentrations. With a production flow
      rate of 1 mmol/min, continuous flow chemistry enables scale up of this process in
      a green, atom-economic, and safe manner.

PMID- 27119571
TI  - Communication Tools for End-of-Life Decision-Making in Ambulatory Care Settings:
      A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with serious illness, and their families, state that better
      communication and decision-making with healthcare providers is a high priority to
      improve the quality of end-of-life care. Numerous communication tools to assist
      patients, family members, and clinicians in end-of-life decision-making have been
      published, but their effectiveness remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine,
      amongst adults in ambulatory care settings, the effect of structured
      communication tools for end-of-life decision-making on completion of advance care
      planning. METHODS: We searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
      or non-randomized intervention studies in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, and the
      Cochrane Database of Randomized Controlled Trials from database inception until
      July 2014. Two reviewers independently screened articles for eligibility,
      extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Grading of Recommendations Assessment,
      Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the quality of evidence
      for each of the primary and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-seven studies,
      including 46 RCTs, were found. The majority evaluated communication tools in
      older patients (age >50) with no specific medical condition, but many
      specifically evaluated populations with cancer, lung, heart, neurologic, or renal
      disease. Most studies compared the use of communication tools against usual care,
      but several compared the tools to less-intensive advance care planning tools. The
      use of structured communication tools increased: the frequency of advance care
      planning discussions/discussions about advance directives (RR 2.31, 95% CI 1.25
      4.26, p = 0.007, low quality evidence) and the completion of advance directives
      (ADs) (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.43-2.59, p<0.001, low quality evidence); concordance
      between AD preferences and subsequent medical orders for use or non-use of life
      supporting treatment (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.39, p = 0.028, very low quality
      evidence, 1 observational study); and concordance between the care desired and
      care received by patients (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05-1.30, p = 0.004, low quality
      evidence, 2 RCTs). CONCLUSIONS: The use of structured communication tools may
      increase the frequency of discussions about and completion of advance directives,
      and concordance between the care desired and the care received by patients. The
      use of structured communication tools rather than an ad-hoc approach to end-of
      life decision-making should be considered, and the selection and implementation
      of such tools should be tailored to address local needs and context.
      REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42014012913.

PMID- 27119574
TI  - Perspectives in Drug Development and Clinical Pharmacology: The Discovery of
      Histamine H1 and H2 Antagonists.
AB  - Knowledge about the history and development of therapeutic agents holds a central
      position in the education and training of pharmacists and pharmacologists.
      Students enjoy learning about the discovery of drugs, including details about the
      pioneer workers involved (apothecaries, organic chemists, pharmacologists, and
      physiologists) and the role played by serendipity. The treatment of people
      suffering from allergies and the development of drugs that block the actions of
      histamine at H1 and H2 receptors are the subject of this review. Pharmaceutical
      products that block H1 receptors are widely used as prophylactic treatment for
      seasonal allergies that plague millions of people worldwide. The development of
      H2 receptor antagonists revolutionized treatment of gastric hyperacidity, the
      principal cause of peptic ulcers. Antihistamine research has changed focus toward
      the development of drugs that block the action of histamine at H3 and H4
      receptors and the therapeutic potential is gradually being appreciated. 

PMID- 27119575
TI  - Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of PD 0348292, an oral, direct
      factor Xa inhibitor, after single and multiple dosings in healthy subjects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate PD 0348292 safety,
      pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in healthy subjects. METHODS: Three phase
      1 studies were conducted. Studies 1001 and 1021 were single ascending-dose
      studies in healthy subjects randomized to oral PD 0348292 (2.5-150 and 0.1-2.5
      mg, respectively) or placebo. Study 1003 was a multiple ascending-dose study in
      which 3 cohorts of young subjects received multiple doses of PD 0348292 (5-30 mg)
      every 12 hours or placebo, and 1 cohort of elderly subjects received a single
      dose (5 mg) of PD 0348292 or placebo. Drug plasma concentrations were measured.
      The effects of PD 0348292 on thrombin generation and typical coagulation measures
      such as prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio were evaluated.
      RESULTS: Single doses of PD 0348292 were well tolerated. Minor bleeding-related
      adverse events were observed following multiple doses of PD 0348292. PD 0348292
      exposure increased less than proportionally at doses > 20 mg. Median peak
      concentrations occurred 3 to 4 hours following administration, and the mean
      terminal t1/2 value was approximately 10 hours. PD 0348292 demonstrated robust
      and concentration-dependent inhibition of thrombin generation, and modest and
      dose-related increases in typical coagulation measures. CONCLUSIONS: The safety,
      pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of PD 0348292 were acceptable for future
      clinical development.

PMID- 27119576
TI  - Pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction assessment of LCZ696 (an angiotensin
      receptor neprilysin inhibitor) with omeprazole, metformin or levonorgestrel
      ethinyl estradiol in healthy subjects.
AB  - LCZ696 is a novel angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor in development for
      the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we assessed the potential for
      pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction of LCZ696 (400 mg, single dose or once
      daily [q.d.]) when co-administered with omeprazole 40 mg q.d. (n = 28) or
      metformin 1000 mg q.d. (n = 27) or levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol 150/30 MUg
      single dose (n = 24) in three separate open-label, single-sequence studies in
      healthy subjects. Pharmacokinetic parameters of LCZ696 analytes (sacubitril,
      LBQ657, and valsartan), metformin, and levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol were
      assessed. Omeprazole did not alter the AUCinf of sacubitril and pharmacokinetics
      of LBQ657; however, 7% decrease in the Cmax of sacubitril, and 11% and 13%
      decreases in AUCinf and Cmax of valsartan were observed. Co-administration of
      LCZ696 with metformin had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of LBQ657
      and valsartan; however, AUCtau,ss and Cmax,ss of metformin were decreased by 23%.
      Co-administration of LCZ696 with levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol had no effect
      on the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol and LBQ657 or AUCinf of
      levonorgestrel. The Cmax of levonorgestrel decreased by 15%, and AUCtau,ss and
      Cmax,ss of valsartan decreased by 14% and 16%, respectively. Co-administration of
      LCZ696 with omeprazole, metformin, or levonorgestrel-ethinyl estradiol was not
      associated with any clinically relevant pharmacokinetic drug interactions. 

PMID- 27119577
TI  - Population pharmacokinetic modeling and noncompartmental analysis demonstrated
      bioequivalence between metformin component of metformin/vildagliptin fixed-dose
      combination products and metformin immediate-release tablet sourced from various
      countries.
AB  - Metformin is the first-line pharmacotherapy choice for treating type-2 diabetes
      mellitus, alone or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs. During the
      development of immediate-release (IR) metformin containing novel fixed-dose
      combination (FDC) products, several health-authorities require sponsors to
      demonstrate bioequivalence between FDC products and the country-sourced metformin
      for market approval. Eight bioequivalence studies that compared
      metformin/vildagliptin FDC product (test) to metformin IR tablet sourced from
      various countries (reference) were conducted. A population pharmacokinetic (PPK)
      analysis of pooled metformin concentration-time data was performed to evaluate
      whether country-sourced metformin is a significant covariate. The PPK analysis
      demonstrated that there was no clinically relevant effect of metformin source or
      race/ethnicity on metformin pharmacokinetics. Also, noncompartmental analysis
      conducted showed that 90%CI of geometric mean ratios of test to reference
      metformin formulations, calculated for maximum-concentration and exposure
      parameters, were within the 80%-125% criteria, indicating comparable metformin
      exposure regardless of the country-sourced metformin IR formulation. These
      results are consistent with the biopharmaceutics properties of metformin and
      provide scientific evidence that after assessing in vitro dissolution of novel
      FDC formulation, additional bioequivalence studies with multiple countries'
      reference products may not be required once bioequivalence is established with 1
      country-sourced IR metformin formulation. 

PMID- 27119578
TI  - Essential criteria for pharmacokinetic studies supporting bioequivalence of
      inhaled tiotropium bromide products.

PMID- 27119579
TI  - Tolerability, safety, and pharmacokinetics of the novel cathepsin A inhibitor
      SAR164653 in healthy subjects.
AB  - Cathepsin A (CathA) is a lysosomal protein where it forms a stable complex with
      neuraminidase and beta-galactosidase. CathA also has enzymatic activity and is
      involved in the degradation of many peptides. CathA was recently discovered as a
      target for heart failure, fostering the development of CathA inhibitors with
      SAR164653 as a frontrunner. The first-in-man study investigated single oral doses
      from 20 to 800 mg of SAR164653 followed by repeat dose studies at doses up to 800
      mg in healthy young and elderly subjects. SAR164653 was safe and well tolerated
      at doses up to 800 mg in healthy subjects, and a maximum tolerated dose could not
      be determined from the study. Activity of beta-galactosidase measured in
      leukocytes did not show any abnormalities. The tmax was 1.0 to 2.5 hours, and the
      t1/2 was ~5-11 after single dosing; exposure increased less than dose
      proportional. Following multiple dosing, accumulation was not observed, Cmax and
      AUC0-24 increased in a dose-proportional manner, and t1/2 was around 14-20 hours.
      The novel CathA inhibitor SAR164653 was found to have a favorable safety profile
      in these early phase 1 studies, but further studies are required to confirm if
      SAR164653 is equally safe in patients undergoing long-term treatment. 

PMID- 27119580
TI  - Bioequivalence and comparative pharmacodynamics of insulin lispro 200 U/mL
      relative to insulin lispro (Humalog(r)) 100 U/mL.
AB  - Insulin lispro 200 U/mL (IL200) is a new strength formulation of insulin lispro
      (Humalog(r), IL100), developed as an option for diabetic patients on higher daily
      mealtime insulin doses. This phase 1, open-label, 2-sequence, 4-period crossover,
      randomized, 8-hour euglycemic clamp study aimed to demonstrate the bioequivalence
      of IL200 and IL100 after subcutaneous administration of 20 U (U) to healthy
      subjects (n = 38). Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) responses were
      similar in both formulations. All 90%CIs for the ratios of area under the
      concentration-versus-time curve from time zero to the time of the last measurable
      concentration (AUC0-tlast) and maximum observed drug concentration (Cmax), as
      well as the total glucose infused throughout the clamp (Gtot) and the maximum
      glucose infusion rate (Rmax), were contained within 0.80 and 1.25. Time of
      maximum observed drug concentration (tmax) was similar between formulations, with
      a median difference of 15 minutes and a 95%CI of the difference that included
      zero. Inter- and intrasubject variability estimates were similar for both
      formulations. Both formulations were well tolerated. IL200 was bioequivalent to
      IL100 after subcutaneous administration of 20-U single doses, and PD responses
      were comparable between formulation strengths. 

PMID- 27119581
TI  - Relative bioavailability of diclofenac potassium from softgel capsule versus
      powder for oral solution and immediate-release tablet formulation.
AB  - The oral bioavailability of diclofenac potassium 50 mg administered as a soft
      gelatin capsule (softgel capsule), powder for oral solution (oral solution), and
      tablet was evaluated in a randomized, open-label, 3-period, 6-sequence crossover
      study in healthy adults. Plasma diclofenac concentrations were measured using a
      validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry method, and
      pharmacokinetic analysis was performed by noncompartmental methods. The median
      time to achieve peak plasma concentrations of diclofenac was 0.5, 0.25, and 0.75
      hours with the softgel capsule, oral solution, and tablet formulations,
      respectively. The geometric mean ratio and associated 90%CI for AUCinf, and Cmax
      of the softgel capsule formulation relative to the oral solution formulation were
      0.97 (0.95-1.00) and 0.85 (0.76-0.95), respectively. The geometric mean ratio and
      associated 90%CI for AUCinf and Cmax of the softgel capsule formulation relative
      to the tablet formulation were 1.04 (1.00-1.08) and 1.67 (1.43-1.96),
      respectively. In conclusion, the exposure (AUC) of diclofenac with the new
      diclofenac potassium softgel capsule formulation was comparable to that of the
      existing oral solution and tablet formulations. The peak plasma concentration of
      diclofenac from the new softgel capsule was 67% higher than the existing tablet
      formulation, whereas it was 15% lower in comparison with the oral solution
      formulation. 

PMID- 27119584
TI  - Insights into mechanism of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines as DYRK1A inhibitors based on
      molecular dynamic simulations.
AB  - DYRK1A is characterized by the early development and regulation of neuronal
      proliferation, and its over expression gives rise to neurological abnormalities.
      As the promising DYRK1A inhibitors, the binding mechanism between DYRK1A and
      pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines derivatives at molecular level are still veiled. In this
      article, it was achieved to get the structural insights into pyrido[2,3
      d]pyrimidines derivatives as DYRK1A inhibitors by means of comprehensive
      computational approaches involving molecular docking, molecular dynamics
      simulation, free energy calculation, and energy decomposition analysis. The
      calculated energy values were highly consistent with the experimental activities.
      Based on the individual energy terms analysis, the van der Waals interaction was
      the major leading force in the DYRK1A-ligand interaction. Lys188 was the
      important residue that formed the hydrogen bond, which improved the inhibitory
      activity. Furthermore, four novel inhibitors with higher predicted activity were
      designed based on the obtained findings and confirmed by molecular simulations.
      Our study is expected to provide significant drug design strategy for the
      development of more promising DYRK1A inhibitors. Proteins 2016; 84:1108-1123. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27119583
TI  - The Natural History of Changes in Preferences for Life-Sustaining Treatments and
      Implications for Inpatient Mortality in Younger and Older Hospitalized Adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare changes in preferences for life-sustaining treatments
      (LSTs) and subsequent mortality of younger and older inpatients. DESIGN:
      Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Kaiser Permanente Northern California
      (KPNC). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals hospitalized at 21 KPNC hospitals between 2008
      and 2012 (N = 227,525). MEASUREMENTS: Participants were divided according to age
      (<65, 65-84, >=85). The effect of age on adding new and reversing prior LST
      limitations was evaluated. Survival to inpatient discharge was compared according
      to age group after adding new LST limitations. RESULTS: At admission, 18,254
      (54.2%) of those aged 85 and older, 18,349 (20.8%) of those aged 65 to 84, and
      3,258 (3.1%) of those younger than 65 had requested that the use of LST be
      limited. Of the 187,664 participants who initially did not request limitations on
      the use of LST, 15,932 (8.5%) had new LST limitations added; of the 39,861
      admitted with LST limitations, 3,017 (7.6%) had these reversed. New limitations
      were more likely to be seen in older participants (aged 65-84, odds ratio (OR) =
      2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.16-2.39; aged >=85, OR = 6.43, 95% CI =
      6.05-6.84), and reversals of prior limitations were less likely to be seen in
      older individuals (aged 65-84, OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.65-0.83; aged >=85, OR =
      0.46, 95% CI = 0.41-0.53) than in those younger than 65. Survival rates to
      inpatient discharge were 71.7% of subjects aged 85 and older who added new
      limitations, 57.2% of those aged 65 to 84, and 43.4% of those younger than 65 (P
      < .001). CONCLUSION: Changes in preferences for LSTs were common in hospitalized
      individuals. Age was an important determinant of likelihood of adding new or
      reversing prior LST limitations. Of subjects who added LST limitations, those who
      were older were more likely than those who were younger to survive to hospital
      discharge.

PMID- 27119585
TI  - Age-related changes in the Brazilian woman's smile.
AB  - The aim of this research was to evaluate age-related changes in the smile of
      Brazilian women. The sample consisted of 249 Brazilian women who had not
      undergone previous orthodontic treatment or facial surgery. They were divided
      into four groups, according to age: G1 (20-29), G2 (30-39), G3 (40-49) and G4 (50
      or older). Standardized front view photographs were taken while smiling and at
      rest. Measurements were evaluated by ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey. The Chi-square
      test was applied for qualitative variables. Upper lip thickness at rest and
      exposure of upper incisors on smiling decreased with age. Most individuals
      (60.9%) exhibited a medium smile. High smiles were more often seen in G1 (45%)
      and less frequently in G4 (18.8%), whereas the opposite occurred with the low
      smile, i.e., G4 (21.9%) and G1 (6.7%). Variations among the groups were observed
      in the transverse exposure of the teeth on smiling. In G1 and G3, there was a
      balance between tooth exposures, so that the teeth were exposed as far as the
      premolars and/or molars. Most of the women (56.3%) in G2 exposed their teeth as
      far as the first molars on smiling, whereas most of those (40.6%) in G4 exposed
      their teeth only as far as the first premolars on smiling. As age increased,
      there was decreased exposure of the upper incisors, decreased upper lip thickness
      and lower exposure of teeth vertically and transversely. 

PMID- 27119586
TI  - Location and classification of Canalis sinuosus for cone beam computed
      tomography: avoiding misdiagnosis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the presence, location and, multiplanar
      distance of the canalis sinuosus (CS) between the incisive foramen and the
      anterior maxillary alveolar ridge using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
      Therefore, 500 CBCT maxillary images obtained from male and female patients aged
      20 to 80 years were selected to assist in the dental treatment. Low-quality
      tomographic images were discarded. All images were captured with the i-CATTM
      Classic tomograph and assessed using the XoranCatTM software. The axial sections
      were analyzed at the incisive foramen in order to verify the CS presence in
      laterality and location. Furthermore, linear measurements of the nasal cavity
      floor, buccal cortical bone, and alveolar ridge crest were made. All the
      collected data were statistically analyzed. Results show a variation of the CS in
      relation to the classification and distance of anatomical structures, but no
      significant difference between the right and left sides. It should be highlighted
      that CBCT is necessary before invasive procedures in order to preserve important
      anatomical structures. In conclusion, the location of the CS varies in relation
      to the alveolar ridge crest and buccal cortical bone, assuming that it is going
      to be located by the upper lateral incisor palatine. 

PMID- 27119587
TI  - Chitosan-collagen biomembrane embedded with calcium-aluminate enhances
      dentinogenic potential of pulp cells.
AB  - The development of biomaterials capable of driving dental pulp stem cell
      differentiation into odontoblast-like cells able to secrete reparative dentin is
      the goal of current conservative dentistry. In the present investigation, a
      biomembrane (BM) composed of a chitosan/collagen matrix embedded with calcium
      aluminate microparticles was tested. The BM was produced by mixing collagen gel
      with a chitosan solution (2:1), and then adding bioactive calcium-aluminate
      cement as the mineral phase. An inert material (polystyrene) was used as the
      negative control. Human dental pulp cells were seeded onto the surface of certain
      materials, and the cytocompatibility was evaluated by cell proliferation and cell
      morphology, assessed after 1, 7, 14 and 28 days in culture. The odontoblastic
      differentiation was evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity,
      total protein production, gene expression of DMP-1/DSPP and mineralized nodule
      deposition. The pulp cells were able to attach onto the BM surface and spread,
      displaying a faster proliferative rate at initial periods than that of the
      control cells. The BM also acted on the cells to induce more intense ALP
      activity, protein production at 14 days, and higher gene expression of DSPP and
      DMP-1 at 28 days, leading to the deposition of about five times more mineralized
      matrix than the cells in the control group. Therefore, the experimental
      biomembrane induced the differentiation of pulp cells into odontoblast-like cells
      featuring a highly secretory phenotype. This innovative bioactive material can
      drive other protocols for dental pulp exposure treatment by inducing the
      regeneration of dentin tissue mediated by resident cells. 

PMID- 27119588
TI  - Antimicrobial activity and substantivity of Uncaria tomentosa in infected root
      canal dentin.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the antimicrobial activity and substantivity
      of Uncaria tomentosa Willd DC (cat's claw, CC) in root dentin contaminated with
      Enterococcus faecalis. Forty-eight human premolars were contaminated with E.
      faecalis (ATCC 29212) and randomly divided into four groups according to the
      irrigant used during chemomechanical preparation (CMP): CC group: 2% CC gel; CHX
      group: 2% chlorhexidine digluconate gel (CHX); NaOCl group: 5.25% sodium
      hypochlorite (NaOCl); and SS group: sterile saline (SS). Microbiological samples
      were collected before (S1) and after (S2) CMP and after 7 days (S3). Colony
      forming units (CFU/mL) at the different sampling times and comparisons among the
      groups were statistically analyzed by Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p <
      0.05). Significant bacterial reduction was achieved in all groups after CMP (p <
      0.05). Results show no significant difference between S3 and S2 (p > 0.05) in the
      CC and CHX groups. Bacterial load was higher in S3 than in S2 samples (p < 0.05)
      in the NaOCl and SS groups. Our results suggest antibacterial effect of 2% CC gel
      against E. faecalis in infected dentin, in addition to antibacterial
      substantivity of 2% CC and 2% CHX up to 7 days. 

PMID- 27119589
TI  - Maternal Zika infection: like rubella but worse.

PMID- 27119590
TI  - Tuning Ice Nucleation with Supercharged Polypeptides.
AB  - Supercharged unfolded polypeptides (SUPs) are exploited for controlling ice
      nucleation via tuning the nature of charge and charge density of SUPs. The
      results show that positively charged SUPs facilitate ice nucleation, while
      negatively charged ones suppress it. Moreover, the charge density of the SUP
      backbone is another parameter to control it. 

PMID- 27119591
TI  - Correction to Enzyme-Assisted Synthesis and Structural Characterization of the 3
      , 8-, and 15-Glucuronides of Deoxynivalenol.

PMID- 27119592
TI  - Communication, Reasoning, and Planned Behaviors: Unveiling the Effect of
      Interactive Communication in an Anti-Smoking Social Media Campaign.
AB  - This study examines direct and indirect effects of interactive communication in
      an antismoking social media campaign. To that end, we pose a multitheoretical
      framework that integrates communication mediation models and the Theory of
      Planned Behavior. To test the theorized model, we conducted an experiment using a
      two-group pretest-posttest design. Participants (N = 201) were randomly assigned
      into two experimental conditions: "campaign message reception only" as a control
      group and "message reception and social interaction" as a treatment group, in
      which the participants contributed to the antismoking campaign by posting their
      own campaign ideas and information they found through mediated and interpersonal
      communication. The findings show that interactive communication catalyzes the
      participants' information searching behaviors through diverse communication
      channels. In turn, increased media use plays a crucial role in changing their
      attitudes and perceived social norms about smoking behaviors, and eventually
      reducing smoking intention. This study affirms that the theory of planned
      behavior is effective in predicting behavioral intention and demonstrates the
      usefulness of a multitheoretical approach in interactive campaign research on
      social media.

PMID- 27119593
TI  - Facile Assembly of Functional Upconversion Nanoparticles for Targeted Cancer
      Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy.
AB  - The treatment depth of existing photodynamic therapy (PDT) is limited because of
      the absorption of visible excitation light in biological tissue. It can be
      augmented by means of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) transforming deep
      penetrating near-infrared (NIR) light to visible light, exciting PDT drugs. We
      report here a facile strategy to assemble such PDT nanocomposites functionalized
      for cancer targeting, based on coating of the UCNPs with a silica layer
      encapsulating the Rose Bengal photosensitizer and bioconjugation to antibodies
      through a bifunctional fusion protein consisting of a solid-binding peptide
      linker genetically fused to Streptococcus Protein G'. The fusion protein (Linker
      Protein G) mediates the functionalization of silica-coated UCNPs with cancer cell
      antibodies, allowing for specific target recognition and delivery. The resulting
      nanocomposites were shown to target cancer cells specifically, generate
      intracellular reactive oxygen species under 980 nm excitation, and induce NIR
      triggered phototoxicity to suppress cancer cell growth in vitro.

PMID- 27119594
TI  - 36th Annual David W. Smith Workshop on Malformations and Morphogenesis: Abstracts
      of the 2015 annual meeting.
AB  - The 36th Annual David W Smith Workshop on Malformations and Morphogenesis was
      held on August 14-19, 2015 at the Harbourtowne Conference Center in St. Michaels
      Maryland. The Workshop, which honors the legacy of David W Smith, brought
      together over 120 clinicians and researchers interested in congenital
      malformations and their underlying mechanisms of morphogenesis. As is the
      tradition of the meeting, the Workshop highlighted five themes besides mechanisms
      of morphogenesis: Rasopathies, Eye Malformations, Therapeutics, Prenatal
      Diagnosis, and Disorders of Sex Development. This Conference Report includes the
      abstracts presented at the 2015 Workshop. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27119595
TI  - Dual-template magnetic molecularly imprinted particles with multi-hollow
      structure for the detection of dicofol and chlorpyrifos-methyl.
AB  - In this work, a novel dual-template magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer
      particle for dicofol and chlorpyrifos-methyl was prepared through oil-in-water
      emulsifier-free emulsion technology. The resulting magnetic particles were
      characterized with electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,
      and X-ray diffraction. It was found that as-prepared particles were well-shaped
      spheres with multi-hollow structures and of a size around 125 MUm. Meanwhile it
      showed a good magnetic sensitivity. The results testified that multi-hollow
      magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers possessed excellent recognition capacity
      and fast kinetic binding behavior to the objective molecules. The maximum binding
      amounts toward dicofol and chlorpyrifos-methyl were 31.46 and 25.23 mg/g,
      respectively. The feasibility of the use of the particles as a solid-phase
      extraction sorbent was evaluated. Satisfactory recoveries ranging from 90.62 to
      111.47 and 91.07 to 94.03% were obtained for dicofol and chlorpyrifos-methyl,
      respectively, spiked at three concentration levels from real samples. The
      Langmuir isotherm equation provided an excellent fit to the equilibrium sorption
      data of either dicofol or chlorpyrifos-methyl. It provided a novel way to advise
      dual-template magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer particles to adsorb
      pesticides with high selectivity. 

PMID- 27119596
TI  - Experimental evidence for fundamental, and not realized, niche partitioning in a
      plant-herbivore community interaction network.
AB  - Patterns of niche partitioning can result from local ecological interactions
      (e.g. interspecific competition) occurring within a contemporary time frame
      (realized niche partitioning). Alternatively, they may represent the end product
      of historical processes acting over long time frames (fundamental niche
      partitioning). Niche partitioning is often detected by analysing patterns of
      resource use within communities, but experiments are rarely conducted to test
      whether patterns of non-overlapping resource use reflect realized or fundamental
      niche partitioning. We studied a community of restio leafhoppers from the genus
      Cephalelus and their host plants, the Restionaceae (restios). We used network and
      experimental approaches to determine whether network modularity (a measure of
      niche partitioning within local communities) reflects fundamental or realized
      niche partitioning. Using a weighted modularity index for two party networks
      (e.g. insect-plant), we determined whether the network of this community is
      modular (i.e. consists of groups of species interacting strongly, with weak
      interactions between groups). We also aimed to identify specific Cephalelus -
      restio modules (groups). Using knowledge of module membership to design
      experiments, we tested whether Cephalelus species from two different modules,
      Cephalelus uncinatus and Cephalelus pickeri, prefer and perform better on restios
      from their own modules vs. restios from other modules. These experiments were
      performed under controlled conditions, eliminating the influences of competition
      and predation on host choices. The Cephalelus - restio community was modular,
      implying niche partitioning. Cephalelus also preferred and performed better on
      restios from their own modules in the absence of local contemporary factors. Most
      niche partitioning in the investigated Cephalelus community is not caused by
      local interactions, and thus, host use patterns represent fundamental niches. Our
      findings highlight the importance of understanding local community structure in
      the light of processes extrinsic to the local community context.

PMID- 27119597
TI  - Experimental Investigation of Wetting with Magnetic Fluids.
AB  - Here we report the experimental results of the general wetting behavior of an oil
      based ferrofluid and a water-based magnetic paint droplet on a hydrophobic
      surface under the effect of an external magnetic field. By increasing the
      magnetic field in the vertical direction, the height of the oil-based ferrofluid
      droplet increases while the width decreases; on the contrary, under the same
      circumstances, the height of the water-based magnetic paint droplet decreases
      whereas the width increases. The wetting behavior of the oil-based ferrofluid and
      the water-based magnetic paint droplets is evaluated as a function of the contact
      angle, contact line diameter, and hysteresis curve alterations. Conclusively, a
      general explanation is given for the contrary behavior of both liquids, and some
      application processes for future implementations are introduced.

PMID- 27119598
TI  - Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: ECG progression over time and
      correlation with long-term follow-up.
AB  - AIMS: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited
      heart muscle disease primarily affecting the right ventricle and potentially
      causing sudden death in young people. Our aims are to analyse the progression
      over time of electrocardiographic (ECG) findings and to investigate their
      prognostic impact. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients (69% men; age 31 +/- 19 years)
      with ARVC diagnosis were followed up for a mean of 17 +/- 8 years. Follow-up
      included baseline ECG, 24-h Holter ECG, signal-averaged ECG, stress test,
      echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance and electrophysiologic study.
      RESULTS: During follow-up 12 (18%) patients died: three of sudden cardiac death
      (SCD), four of end-stage heart failure and five of noncardiac causes. Aborted SCD
      occurred in 7 (10%) patients, syncope in 31 (46%), sustained ventricular
      tachycardia in 43 (63%), heart failure in 18 (26%), atrial fibrillation in 16
      (24%) and 3 (4%) patients underwent heart transplant. Twenty-four (35%) patients
      had implantable cardiac defibrillator (15 and 5 of them received both appropriate
      and inappropriate interventions, respectively and 7 experienced device-related
      complications). Of the ECG parameters registered at the enrolment, left anterior
      fascicular block (P = 0.001), QRS duration in lead 1 (P < 0.001), Epsilon wave (P
      < 0.001), T wave inversion in V4-V5-V6 (P = 0.012, P = 0.001 and P = 0.006) and
      low QRS voltages (P = 0.001) progressed over time. At multivariate analysis
      Epsilon wave (odds ratio 20.9, confidence interval 95% 1.8-239.8, P = 0.015) was
      the only predictor of the composite endpoint of SCD, heart failure-related death
      or heart transplant. CONCLUSION: Apart from playing a pivotal role in ARVC
      diagnosis, a simple ECG feature such as Epsilon wave is a marker of poor
      prognosis.

PMID- 27119599
TI  - Time-dependent classification accuracy curve under marker-dependent sampling.
AB  - Evaluating the classification accuracy of a candidate biomarker signaling the
      onset of disease or disease status is essential for medical decision making. A
      good biomarker would accurately identify the patients who are likely to progress
      or die at a particular time in the future or who are in urgent need for active
      treatments. To assess the performance of a candidate biomarker, the receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) are
      commonly used. In many cases, the standard simple random sampling (SRS) design
      used for biomarker validation studies is costly and inefficient. In order to
      improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of biomarker validation, marker
      dependent sampling (MDS) may be used. In a MDS design, the selection of patients
      to assess true survival time is dependent on the result of a biomarker assay. In
      this article, we introduce a nonparametric estimator for time-dependent AUC under
      a MDS design. The consistency and the asymptotic normality of the proposed
      estimator is established. Simulation shows the unbiasedness of the proposed
      estimator and a significant efficiency gain of the MDS design over the SRS
      design. 

PMID- 27119600
TI  - Artemisia Extract Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Women With Gestational Diabetes
      Mellitus by Up-Regulating Adiponectin.
AB  - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has affected a great number of pregnant women
      worldwide. Artemisia extracts have been found to exhibit a potent antidiabetic
      effect in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We aimed to examine the
      effects of Artemisia extract on insulin resistance and lipid profiles in pregnant
      GDM patients. Patients in their second trimester were randomly assigned to the
      Artemisia extract group (AE) or to a placebo group (PO). They were instructed to
      consume either AE or PO daily for a period of 10 weeks. Glucose and insulin
      profiles and adiponectin level were assessed at baseline (week 0) and after the
      treatment (week 10). Compared to the PO group, fasting plasma glucose, serum
      insulin levels, homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR),
      and beta-cell function (HOMA-B) were significantly reduced in the AE group
      participants. Moreover, levels of circulating adiponectin were also significantly
      up-regulated in the AE group, which also positively contributed to improved
      insulin sensitivity. Daily administration of Artemisia extract improves insulin
      sensitivity by up-regulating adiponectin in women with gestational diabetes
      mellitus.

PMID- 27119601
TI  - Iron quantification with susceptibility.
AB  - Iron is an essential trace element involved in a variety of biological mechanisms
      in the human body. Disturbances of iron homeostasis have been observed in several
      inflammatory and degenerative diseases, which have raised strong interest in non
      invasive iron mapping techniques. Numerous MRI techniques have been proposed so
      far, mostly based on the field changes induced by the magnetic properties of
      iron. Each of these approaches has a specific sensitivity for iron and its
      microstructural environment. Quantitative susceptibility mapping is the latest
      development and provides a direct measure of bulk susceptibility. However, field
      changes induced by iron are not always directly related to the concentration of
      iron, but rather reflect the structure of iron compounds and its cellular
      distribution. This review provides an overview of the most relevant iron
      compounds in the human body, their magnetic properties and their cellular
      distribution. In addition, MRI methods based on direct or indirect susceptibility
      changes are presented and discussed with respect to technical aspects and
      clinical applicability. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27119618
TI  - Effect of the [Ba2BO3F]infinity Layer on the Band Gap: Synthesis,
      Characterization, and Theoretical Studies of BaZn2B2O6.nBa2BO3F (n = 0, 1, 2).
AB  - Two new zincoborate fluorides with the common formula BaZn2B2O6.nBa2BO3F (n = 1,
      2) have been successfully synthesized for the relationship study between the band
      gaps and crystal structures in zinc-containing borate fluorides. Ba3Zn2B3O9F with
      n = 1 in the common formula belongs to the orthorhombic space group Pnma (No.
      20), and Ba5Zn2B4O12F2 with n = 2 in the common formula crystallizes in the
      monoclinic space group C2/c (No. 62). They can both be seen as compounds with the
      n[Ba2BO3F]infinity (n = 1 or 2) layer inserted in the structure of BaZn2B2O6. UV
      vis-near-IR diffuse-reflectance spectra show that the band gaps of
      BaZn2B2O6.nBa2BO3F (n = 0, 1, 2) gradually increase with more [Ba2BO3F]infinity
      layers inserted. The first-principles calculation indicates that the inserted
      n[Ba2BO3F]infinity layers play a positive effect in increasing the band gaps of
      zincoborate fluorides. Furthermore, the IR spectra, thermal behaviors, and
      refractive indices of these compounds are also studied.

PMID- 27119619
TI  - An Isolated and Transient Lead Impedance Alert as the Sole Indicator of ICD
      System Failure.

PMID- 27119620
TI  - Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) therapy attenuates left ventricular
      dysfunction and metabolic disturbance by improving FGF21 sensitivity, cardiac
      mitochondrial redox homoeostasis and structural changes in pre-diabetic rats.
AB  - AIMS: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) acts as a metabolic regulator and
      exerts cardioprotective effects. However, the effects of long-term FGF21
      administration on the heart under the FGF21-resistant condition in obese, insulin
      resistant rats have not been investigated. We hypothesized that long-term FGF21
      administration reduces FGF21 resistance and insulin resistance and attenuates
      cardiac dysfunction in obese, insulin-resistant rats. METHODS: Eighteen rats were
      fed on either a normal diet (n = 6) or a high-fat diet (HFD; n = 12) for 12
      weeks. Then, rats in the HFD group were divided into two subgroups (n = 6 per
      subgroup) and received either the vehicle (HFV) or recombinant human FGF21
      (rhFGF21, 0.1 mg kg(-1)  day(-1) ; HFF) injected intraperitoneally for 28 days.
      The metabolic parameters, inflammation, malondialdehyde (MDA), heart rate
      variability (HRV), left ventricular (LV) function, cardiac mitochondrial redox
      homoeostasis, cardiac mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation (FAO) and anti
      apoptotic signalling pathways were determined. RESULTS: HFV rats had increased
      dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance, plasma FGF21 levels, TNF-alpha, adiponectin
      and MDA, depressed HRV, and impaired LV and mitochondrial function. HFV rats also
      had decreased cardiac Bcl-2, cardiac PGC-1alpha and CPT-1 protein expression.
      However, FGF21 restored metabolic parameters, decreased TNF-alpha and MDA,
      increased serum adiponectin, and improved HRV, cardiac mitochondrial and LV
      function in HFF rats. Moreover, HFF rats had increased cardiac Bcl-2, cardiac PGC
      1alpha and CPT-1 protein expression. CONCLUSION: Long-term FGF21 therapy
      attenuates FGF21 resistance and insulin resistance and exerts cardioprotection by
      improving cardiometabolic regulation via activating anti-apoptotic and cardiac
      mitochondrial FAO signalling pathways in obese, insulin-resistant rats.

PMID- 27119621
TI  - Over-expression of fHbp in Arabdopsis for development of meningococcal serogroup
      B subunit vaccine.
AB  - Due to lack of commercial vaccine against the serogroup B (MenB) of Neisseria
      meningitides, the incidence of meningococcal disease remains high. To solve the
      issue, transgenic plants are used as bioreactors to produce a plant-derived fHbp
      subunit vaccine. In this study, the fHbp gene was optimized according to the
      codon usage bias of Arabidopsis thaliana, synthesized artificially, cloned into
      an expression vector, driven by a seed-specific promoter, and introduced into A.
      thaliana by Agrobacterium-mediated floral-dip transformation. Transgenic plants
      were identified by glufosinate selection, quickstix strips for PAT/bar tests and
      PCR analysis. The five plants showing higher expression of recombinant fHbp were
      screened through indirect ELISA. Southern blot analysis showed that the
      transgenic line rHF-22 had a single-copy integration and the highest expression
      of fHbp. Recombinant fHbp was purified from seeds of rHF-22 by nitrilotriacetic
      acid-mediated affinity chromatography, and the purity was 82.5%. BALB/c mice were
      tested for fHbp vaccine protection from lethal MenB infection, and the relative
      percent survival was found to be 80%. This study indicates that the recombinant
      fHbp produced from seeds of rHF-22 is a potential candidate for commercial MenB
      vaccine. It also provides a reference for safe, cheap and large-scale production
      of other plant-made vaccines. 

PMID- 27119622
TI  - Mobile group II intron based gene targeting in Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1.
AB  - The usage of recombinant lactic acid bacteria for delivery of therapeutic
      proteins to the mucosa has been emerging. In the present study, an attempt was
      made to engineer a thyA mutant of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) using
      lactococcal group II intron Ll.LtrB for the development of biologically contained
      recombinant L. plantarum for prevention of calcium oxalate stone disease. The 3
      kb Ll.LtrB intron donor cassettes from the source vector pACD4C was PCR
      amplified, ligated into pSIP series of lactobacillus vector pLp_3050sAmyA,
      yielding a novel vector pLpACD4C (8.6 kb). The quantitative real-time PCR
      experiment shows 94-fold increased expression of Ll.LtrB intron and 14-fold
      increased expression of ltrA gene in recombinant L. plantarum containing
      pLpACD4C. In order to target the thyA gene, the potential intron RNA binding
      sites in the thyA gene of L. plantarum was predicted with help of computer
      algorithm. The insertion location 188|189s of thyA gene (lowest E-0.134) was
      chosen and the wild type intron Ll.LtrB was PCR modified, yielding a retargeted
      intron of pLpACDthyA. The retargeted intron was expressed by using induction
      peptide (sppIP), subsequently the integration of intron in thyA gene was
      identified by PCR screening and finally ThyA- mutant of L. plantarum (ThyA18) was
      detected. In vitro growth curve result showed that in the absence of thymidine,
      colony forming units of mutant ThyA18 was decreased, whereas high thymidine
      concentration (10 MUM) supported the growth of the culture until saturation. In
      conclusion, ThyA- mutant of L. plantarum (ThyA18) constructed in this study will
      be used as a biologically contained recombinant probiotic to deliver oxalate
      decarboxylase into the lumen for treatment of hyperoxaluria and calcium oxalate
      stone deposition.

PMID- 27119623
TI  - Droplet Manipulation Using Acoustic Streaming Induced by a Vibrating Membrane.
AB  - We present a simple method for on-demand manipulation of aqueous droplets in oil.
      With numerical simulations and experiments, we show that a vibrating membrane can
      produce acoustic streaming. By making use of this vortical flow, we manage to
      repulse the droplets away from the membrane edges. Then, by simply aligning the
      membrane at 45 degrees  to the flow, the droplets can be forced to follow the
      membrane's boundaries, thus steering them across streamlines and even between
      different oil types. We also characterize the repulsion and steering effect with
      various excitation voltages at different water and oil flow rates. The maximum
      steering frequency we have achieved is 165 Hz. The system is extremely robust and
      reliable: the same membrane can be reused after many days and with different oils
      and/or surfactants at the same operating frequency.

PMID- 27119624
TI  - Removal of Selected Metals from Wastewater Using a Constructed Wetland.
AB  - Removal of selected metals from municipal wastewater using a constructed wetland
      with a horizontal subsurface flow was studied. The objective of the work was to
      determine the efficiency of Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Sr, Li, and Rb removal, and to
      describe the main removal mechanisms. The highest removal efficiencies were
      attained for zinc and copper (89.8 and 81.5%, respectively). It is apparently due
      to the precipitation of insoluble sulfides (ZnS, CuS) in the vegetation bed where
      the sulfate reduction takes place. Significantly lower removal efficiencies
      (43.9, 27.7, and 21.5%) were observed for Li, Sr, and Rb, respectively. Rather,
      low removal efficiencies were also attained for Ni and Co (39.8 and 20.9%).
      However, the concentrations of these metals in treated water were significantly
      lower compared to Cu and Zn (e.g., 2.8 +/- 0.5 and 1.7 +/- 0.3 MUg/l for Ni at
      the inflow and outflow from the wetland compared to 27.6 +/- 12.0 and 5.1 +/- 4.7
      MUg/l obtained for Cu, respectively). The main perspective of the constructed
      wetland is the removal of toxic heavy metals forming insoluble compounds
      depositing in the wetland bed. Metal uptake occurs preferentially in wetland
      sediments and is closely associated with the chemism of sulfur and iron. 

PMID- 27119625
TI  - Treatment of an alopecia areata patient with tofacitinib results in regrowth of
      hair and changes in serum and skin biomarkers.

PMID- 27119627
TI  - Watching Signaling in Action: Single Molecule Studies of a Reaction Circuit
      Involved in Chemotaxis.

PMID- 27119626
TI  - Identification and Development of 2,3-Dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a]quinazolin-5(1H)-one
      Inhibitors Targeting Bromodomains within the Switch/Sucrose Nonfermenting
      Complex.
AB  - Bromodomain containing proteins PB1, SMARCA4, and SMARCA2 are important
      components of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes. We identified bromodomain
      inhibitors that target these proteins and display unusual binding modes involving
      water displacement from the KAc binding site. The best compound binds the fifth
      bromodomain of PB1 with a KD of 124 nM, SMARCA2B and SMARCA4 with KD values of
      262 and 417 nM, respectively, and displays excellent selectivity over
      bromodomains other than PB1, SMARCA2, and SMARCA4.

PMID- 27119628
TI  - Reductionism Is Dead: Long Live Reductionism! Systems Modeling Needs Reductionist
      Experiments.

PMID- 27119629
TI  - Optics-Integrated Microfluidic Platforms for Biomolecular Analyses.
AB  - Compared with conventional optical methods, optics implemented on microfluidic
      chips provide small, and often much cheaper ways to interrogate biological
      systems from the level of single molecules up to small model organisms. The
      optical probing of single molecules has been used to investigate the mechanical
      properties of individual biological molecules; however, multiplexing of these
      measurements through microfluidics and nanofluidics confers many analytical
      advantages. Optics-integrated microfluidic systems can significantly simplify
      sample processing and allow a more user-friendly experience; alignments of on
      chip optical components are predetermined during fabrication and many purely
      optical techniques are passively controlled. Furthermore, sample loss from
      complicated preparation and fluid transfer steps can be virtually eliminated, a
      particularly important attribute for biological molecules at very low
      concentrations. Excellent fluid handling and high surface area/volume ratios also
      contribute to faster detection times for low abundance molecules in small sample
      volumes. Although integration of optical systems with classical microfluidic
      analysis techniques has been limited, microfluidics offers a ready platform for
      interrogation of biophysical properties. By exploiting the ease with which fluids
      and particles can be precisely and dynamically controlled in microfluidic
      devices, optical sensors capable of unique imaging modes, single molecule
      manipulation, and detection of minute changes in concentration of an analyte are
      possible.

PMID- 27119630
TI  - DNA Nanostructures on Membranes as Tools for Synthetic Biology.
AB  - Over the last decade, functionally designed DNA nanostructures applied to lipid
      membranes prompted important achievements in the fields of biophysics and
      synthetic biology. Taking advantage of the universal rules for self-assembly of
      complementary oligonucleotides, DNA has proven to be an extremely versatile
      biocompatible building material on the nanoscale. The possibility to chemically
      integrate functional groups into oligonucleotides, most notably with lipophilic
      anchors, enabled a widespread usage of DNA as a viable alternative to proteins
      with respect to functional activity on membranes. As described throughout this
      review, hybrid DNA-lipid nanostructures can mediate events such as vesicle
      docking and fusion, or selective partitioning of molecules into phase-separated
      membranes. Moreover, the major benefit of DNA structural constructs, such as DNA
      tiles and DNA origami, is the reproducibility and simplicity of their design. DNA
      nanotechnology can produce functional structures with subnanometer precision and
      allow for a tight control over their biochemical functionality, e.g., interaction
      partners. DNA-based membrane nanopores and origami structures able to assemble
      into two-dimensional networks on top of lipid bilayers are recent examples of the
      manifold of complex devices that can be achieved. In this review, we will shortly
      present some of the potentially most relevant avenues and accomplishments of
      membrane-anchored DNA nanostructures for investigating, engineering, and
      mimicking lipid membrane-related biophysical processes.

PMID- 27119631
TI  - A Tool for Alignment and Averaging of Sparse Fluorescence Signals in Rod-Shaped
      Bacteria.
AB  - Fluorescence microscopy studies have shown that many proteins localize to highly
      specific subregions within bacterial cells. Analyzing the spatial distribution of
      low-abundance proteins within cells is highly challenging because information
      obtained from multiple cells needs to be combined to provide well-defined maps of
      protein locations. We present (to our knowledge) a novel tool for fast,
      automated, and user-impartial analysis of fluorescent protein distribution across
      the short axis of rod-shaped bacteria. To demonstrate the strength of our
      approach in extracting spatial distributions and visualizing dynamic
      intracellular processes, we analyzed sparse fluorescence signals from single
      molecule time-lapse images of individual Escherichia coli cells. In principle,
      our tool can be used to provide information on the distribution of signal
      intensity across the short axis of any rod-shaped object.

PMID- 27119632
TI  - Markov State Models and tICA Reveal a Nonnative Folding Nucleus in Simulations of
      NuG2.
AB  - After reanalyzing simulations of NuG2-a designed mutant of protein G-generated by
      Lindorff-Larsen et al. with time structure-based independent components analysis
      and Markov state models as well as performing 1.5 ms of additional sampling on
      Folding@home, we found an intermediate with a register-shift in one of the beta
      sheets that was visited along a minor folding pathway. The minor folding pathway
      was initiated by the register-shifted sheet, which is composed of solely
      nonnative contacts, suggesting that for some peptides, nonnative contacts can
      lead to productive folding events. To confirm this experimentally, we suggest a
      mutational strategy for stabilizing the register shift, as well as an infrared
      experiment that could observe the nonnative folding nucleus.

PMID- 27119633
TI  - The Influence of Ionic Environment and Histone Tails on Columnar Order of
      Nucleosome Core Particles.
AB  - The nucleosome core particle (NCP) is the basic building block of chromatin.
      Nucleosome-nucleosome interactions are instrumental in chromatin compaction, and
      understanding NCP self-assembly is important for understanding chromatin
      structure and dynamics. Recombinant NCPs aggregated by multivalent cations form
      various ordered phases that can be studied by x-ray diffraction (small-angle x
      ray scattering). In this work, the effects on the supramolecular structure of
      aggregated NCPs due to lysine histone H4 tail acetylations, histone H2A mutations
      (neutralizing the acidic patch of the histone octamer), and the removal of
      histone tails were investigated. The formation of ordered mainly hexagonal
      columnar NCP phases is in agreement with earlier studies; however, the highly
      homogeneous recombinant NCP systems used in this work display a more compact
      packing. The long-range order of the NCP columnar phase was found to be abolished
      or reduced by acetylation of the H4 tails, acidic patch neutralization, and
      removal of the H3 and H2B tails. Loss of nucleosome stacking upon removal of the
      H3 tails in combination with other tails was observed. In the absence of the H2A
      tails, the formation of an unknown highly ordered phase was observed.

PMID- 27119634
TI  - The In Situ Tryptophan Analogue Probes the Conformational Dynamics in
      Asparaginase Isozymes.
AB  - Dynamic water solvation is crucial to protein conformational reorganization and
      hence to protein structure and functionality. We report here the characterization
      of water dynamics on the L-asparaginase structural homology isozymes L
      asparaginases I (AnsA) and II (AnsB), which are shown via fluorescence
      spectroscopy and dynamics in combination with molecular dynamics simulation to
      have distinct catalytic activity. By use of the tryptophan (Trp) analog probe 2,7
      diaza-tryptophan ((2,7-aza)Trp), which exhibits unique water-catalyzed proton
      transfer properties, AnsA and AnsB are shown to have drastically different local
      water environments surrounding the single Trp. In AnsA, (2,7-aza)Trp exhibits
      prominent green N(7)-H emission resulting from water-catalyzed excited-state
      proton transfer. In stark contrast, the N(7)-H emission is virtually absent in
      AnsB, which supports a water-accessible and a water-scant environment in the
      proximity of Trp for AnsA and AnsB, respectively. In addition, careful analysis
      of the emission spectra and corresponding relaxation dynamics, together with the
      results of molecular dynamics simulations, led us to propose two structural
      states associated with the rearrangement of the hydrogen-bond network in the
      vicinity of Trp for the two Ans. The water molecules revealed in the proximity of
      the Trp residue have semiquantitative correlation with the observed emission
      spectral variations of (2,7-aza)Trp between AnsA and AnsB. Titration of
      aspartate, a competitive inhibitor of Ans, revealed an increase in N(7)-H
      emission intensity in AnsA but no obvious spectral changes in AnsB. The changes
      in the emission profiles reflect the modulation of structural states by locally
      confined environment and trapped-water collective motions.

PMID- 27119635
TI  - Disulfide Bridges: Bringing Together Frustrated Structure in a Bioactive Peptide.
AB  - Disulfide bridges are commonly found covalent bonds that are usually believed to
      maintain structural stability of proteins. Here, we investigate the influence of
      disulfide bridges on protein dynamics through molecular dynamics simulations on
      the cysteine-rich trypsin inhibitor MCoTI-II with three disulfide bridges.
      Correlation analysis of the reduced cyclic peptide shows that two of the three
      disulfide distances (Cys(11)-Cys(23) and Cys(17)-Cys(29)) are anticorrelated
      within ~1 MUs of bridge formation or dissolution: when the peptide is in
      nativelike structures and one of the distances shortens to allow bond formation,
      the other tends to lengthen. Simulations over longer timescales, when the
      denatured state is less structured, do not show the anticorrelation. We propose
      that the native state contains structural elements that frustrate one another's
      folding, and that the two bridges are critical for snapping the frustrated native
      structure into place. In contrast, the Cys(4)-Cys(21) bridge is predicted to form
      together with either of the other two bridges. Indeed, experimental
      chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance data show that an engineered
      peptide with the Cys(4)-Cys(21) bridge deleted can still fold into its near
      native structure even in its noncyclic form, confirming the lesser role of the
      Cys(4)-Cys(21) bridge. The results highlight the importance of disulfide bridges
      in a small bioactive peptide to bring together frustrated structure in addition
      to maintaining protein structural stability.

PMID- 27119636
TI  - StructMap: Elastic Distance Analysis of Electron Microscopy Maps for Studying
      Conformational Changes.
AB  - Single-particle electron microscopy (EM) has been shown to be very powerful for
      studying structures and associated conformational changes of macromolecular
      complexes. In the context of analyzing conformational changes of complexes,
      distinct EM density maps obtained by image analysis and three-dimensional (3D)
      reconstruction are usually analyzed in 3D for interpretation of structural
      differences. However, graphic visualization of these differences based on a
      quantitative analysis of elastic transformations (deformations) among density
      maps has not been done yet due to a lack of appropriate methods. Here, we present
      an approach that allows such visualization. This approach is based on statistical
      analysis of distances among elastically aligned pairs of EM maps (one map is
      deformed to fit the other map), and results in visualizing EM maps as points in a
      lower-dimensional distance space. The distances among points in the new space can
      be analyzed in terms of clusters or trajectories of points related to potential
      conformational changes. The results of the method are shown with synthetic and
      experimental EM maps at different resolutions.

PMID- 27119637
TI  - The Pathogenic A116V Mutation Enhances Ion-Selective Channel Formation by Prion
      Protein in Membranes.
AB  - Prion diseases are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders that afflict
      mammals. Misfolded and aggregated forms of the prion protein (PrP(Sc)) have been
      associated with many prion diseases. A transmembrane form of PrP favored by the
      pathogenic mutation A116V is associated with Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker
      syndrome, but no accumulation of PrP(Sc) is detected. However, the role of the
      transmembrane form of PrP in pathological processes leading to neuronal death
      remains unclear. This study reports that the full-length mouse PrP (moPrP)
      significantly increases the permeability of living cells to K(+), and forms K(+)-
      and Ca(2+)-selective channels in lipid membranes. Importantly, the pathogenic
      mutation A116V greatly increases the channel-forming capability of moPrP. The
      channels thus formed are impermeable to sodium and chloride ions, and are blocked
      by blockers of voltage-gated ion channels. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange studies
      coupled with mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) show that upon interaction with lipid,
      the central hydrophobic region (109-132) of the protein is protected against
      exchange, making it a good candidate for inserting into the membrane and lining
      the channel. HDX-MS also shows a dramatic increase in the protein-lipid
      stoichiometry for A116V moPrP, providing a rationale for its increased channel
      forming capability. The results suggest that ion channel formation may be a
      possible mechanism of PrP-mediated neurodegeneration by the transmembrane forms
      of PrP.

PMID- 27119638
TI  - Membrane Cholesterol Modulates Superwarfarin Toxicity.
AB  - Superwarfarins are modified analogs of warfarin with additional lipophilic
      aromatic rings, up to 100-fold greater potency, and longer biological half-lives.
      We hypothesized that increased hydrophobicity allowed interactions with
      amphiphilic membranes and modulation of biological responses. We find that
      superwarfarins brodifacoum and difenacoum increase lactate production and cell
      death in neuroblastoma cells. In contrast, neither causes changes in glioma cells
      that have higher cholesterol content. After choleterol depletion, lactate
      production was increased and cell viability was reduced. Drug-membrane
      interactions were examined by surface X-ray scattering using Langmuir monolayers
      of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and/or cholesterol. Specular X-ray reflectivity
      data revealed that superwarfarins, but not warfarin, intercalate between
      dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine molecules, whereas grazing incidence X-ray
      diffraction demonstrated changes in lateral crystalline order of the film.
      Neither agent showed significant interactions with monolayers containing >20%
      cholesterol. These findings demonstrate an affinity of superwarfarins to
      biomembranes and suggest that cellular responses to these agents are regulated by
      cholesterol content.

PMID- 27119639
TI  - Selective Membrane Disruption Mechanism of an Antibacterial gamma-AApeptide
      Defined by EPR Spectroscopy.
AB  - gamma-AApeptides are a new class of antibacterial peptidomimetics that are not
      prone to antibiotic resistance and are highly resistant to protease degradation.
      It is not clear how gamma-AApeptides interact with bacterial membranes and alter
      lipid assembly, but such information is essential to understanding their
      antimicrobial activities and guiding future design of more potent and specific
      antimicrobial agents. Using electron paramagnetic resonance techniques, we
      characterized the membrane interaction and destabilizing mechanism of a lipo
      cyclic-gamma-AApeptide (AA1), which has broad-spectrum antibacterial activities.
      The analyses revealed that AA1 binding increases the membrane permeability of
      POPC/POPG liposomes, which mimic negatively charged bacterial membranes. AA1
      binding also inhibits membrane fluidity and reduces solvent accessibility around
      the lipid headgroup region. Moreover, AA1 interacts strongly with POPC/POPG
      liposomes, inducing significant lipid lateral-ordering and membrane thinning. In
      contrast, minimal membrane property changes were observed upon AA1 binding for
      liposomes mimicking mammalian cell membranes, which consist of neutral lipids and
      cholesterol. Our findings suggest that AA1 interacts and disrupts bacterial
      membranes through a carpet-like mechanism. The results showed that the intrinsic
      features of gamma-AApeptides are important for their ability to disrupt bacterial
      membranes selectively, the implications of which extend to developing new
      antibacterial biomaterials.

PMID- 27119640
TI  - Polyunsaturated Lipids Regulate Membrane Domain Stability by Tuning Membrane
      Order.
AB  - The plasma membrane (PM) serves as the functional interface between a cell and
      its environment, hosting extracellular signal transduction and nutrient transport
      among a variety of other processes. To support this extensive functionality, PMs
      are organized into lateral domains, including ordered, lipid-driven assemblies
      termed lipid rafts. Although the general requirements for ordered domain
      formation are well established, how these domains are regulated by cell
      endogenous mechanisms or exogenous perturbations has not been widely addressed.
      In this context, an intriguing possibility is that dietary fats can incorporate
      into membrane lipids to regulate the properties and physiology of raft domains.
      Here, we investigate the effects of polyunsaturated fats on the organization of
      membrane domains across a spectrum of membrane models, including computer
      simulations, synthetic lipid membranes, and intact PMs isolated from mammalian
      cells. We observe that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic
      acid is robustly incorporated into membrane lipids, and this incorporation leads
      to significant remodeling of the PM lipidome. Across model systems,
      docosahexaenoic acid-containing lipids enhance the stability of ordered raft
      domains by increasing the order difference between them and coexisting nonraft
      domains. The relationship between interdomain order disparity and the stability
      of phase separation holds for a spectrum of different perturbations, including
      manipulation of cholesterol levels and high concentrations of exogenous
      amphiphiles, suggesting it as a general feature of the organization of biological
      membranes. These results demonstrate that polyunsaturated fats affect the
      composition and organization of biological membranes, suggesting a potential
      mechanism for the extensive effects of dietary fat on health and disease.

PMID- 27119642
TI  - The Influence of Lipid Bilayer Physicochemical Properties on Gramicidin A
      Conformer Preferences.
AB  - The conformational preferences adopted by gramicidin A (GA) dimers inserted into
      phospholipid bilayers are reported as a function of the bilayer cholesterol
      content, temperature, and incubation time. Through use of vesicle capture-freeze
      drying methodology, GA dimers were captured in lipid bilayers and the
      conformational preferences of the complex were analyzed using ion mobility-mass
      spectrometry. Perturbations that affect the physicochemical interactions in the
      lipid bilayer such as cholesterol incorporation, temperature, and incubation time
      directly alter the conformer preferences of the complex. Regardless of bilayer
      cholesterol concentration, the antiparallel double helix (ADH) conformation was
      observed to be most abundant for GA dimers in bilayers composed of lipids with 12
      to 22 carbon acyl chains. Incorporation of cholesterol into lipid bilayers yields
      increased bilayer thickness and rigidity, and an increased abundance of parallel
      double helix (PDH) and single-stranded head-to-head (SSHH) dimers were observed.
      Bilayers prepared using 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, a lipid with
      12 carbon acyl chains, yielded a nascent conformer that decreased in abundance as
      a function of bilayer cholesterol content. High resolution ion mobility-mass
      spectrometry data revealed two peaks in the ADH region suggesting that ADH
      populations are composed of two distinct conformers. The conformer preferences of
      GA dimers from 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine bilayers were
      significantly different for samples incubated at 4 degrees C vs. 60 degrees C;
      increased cholesterol content yielded more PDH and SSHH at 60 degrees C. The
      addition of cholesterol as well as incubating samples of 1,2-distearoyl-sn
      glycero-3-phosphocholine at 60 degrees C for 24-72 h yielded an increase in PDH
      and SSHH abundance.

PMID- 27119641
TI  - Regulation of PI3K by PKC and MARCKS: Single-Molecule Analysis of a Reconstituted
      Signaling Pathway.
AB  - In chemotaxing ameboid cells, a complex leading-edge signaling circuit forms on
      the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane and directs both actin and
      membrane remodeling to propel the leading edge up an attractant gradient. This
      leading-edge circuit includes a putative amplification module in which Ca(2+)
      protein kinase C (Ca(2+)-PKC) is hypothesized to phosphorylate myristoylated
      alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) and release phosphatidylinositol-4,5
      bisphosphate (PIP2), thereby stimulating production of the signaling lipid
      phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) by the lipid kinase
      phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K). We investigated this hypothesized Ca(2+)-PKC
      MARCKS-PIP2-PI3K-PIP3 amplification module and tested its key predictions using
      single-molecule fluorescence to measure the surface densities and activities of
      its protein components. Our findings demonstrate that together Ca(2+)-PKC and the
      PIP2-binding peptide of MARCKS modulate the level of free PIP2, which serves as
      both a docking target and substrate lipid for PI3K. In the off state of the
      amplification module, the MARCKS peptide sequesters PIP2 and thereby inhibits
      PI3K binding to the membrane. In the on state, Ca(2+)-PKC phosphorylation of the
      MARCKS peptide reverses the PIP2 sequestration, thereby releasing multiple PIP2
      molecules that recruit multiple active PI3K molecules to the membrane surface.
      These findings 1) show that the Ca(2+)-PKC-MARCKS-PIP2-PI3K-PIP3 system functions
      as an activation module in vitro, 2) reveal the molecular mechanism of
      activation, 3) are consistent with available in vivo data, and 4) yield
      additional predictions that are testable in live cells. More broadly, the Ca(2+)
      PKC-stimulated release of free PIP2 may well regulate the membrane association of
      other PIP2-binding proteins, and the findings illustrate the power of single
      molecule analysis to elucidate key dynamic and mechanistic features of
      multiprotein signaling pathways on membrane surfaces.

PMID- 27119643
TI  - Extracting Subcellular Fibrillar Alignment with Error Estimation: Application to
      Microtubules.
AB  - The order and orientation of cortical microtubule (CMT) arrays and their dynamics
      play an essential role in plant morphogenesis. To extract detailed CMT alignment
      structures in an objective, local, and accurate way, we propose an error-based
      extraction method that applies to general fluorescence intensity data on three
      dimensional cell surfaces. Building on previous techniques to quantify
      alignments, our method can determine the statistical error for specific local
      regions, or the minimal scales of local regions for a desired accuracy goal.
      After validating our method with synthetic images with known alignments, we
      demonstrate the ability of our method to quantify subcellular CMT alignments on
      images with microtubules marked with green fluorescent protein in various cell
      types. Our method could also be applied to detect alignment structures in other
      fibrillar elements, such as actin filaments, cellulose, and collagen.

PMID- 27119644
TI  - Active Traction Force Response to Long-Term Cyclic Stretch Is Dependent on Cell
      Pre-stress.
AB  - Mechanical stimulation is recognized as a potent modulator of cellular behaviors
      such as proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix assembly.
      However, the study of how cell-generated traction force changes in response to
      stretch is generally limited to short-term stimulation. The goal of this work is
      to determine how cells actively alter their traction force in response to long
      term physiological cyclic stretch as a function of cell pre-stress. We have
      developed, to our knowledge, a novel method to assess traction force after long
      term (24 h) uniaxial or biaxial cyclic stretch under conditions of high cell pre
      stress with culture on stiff (7.5 kPa) polyacrylamide gels (with or without
      transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1)) and low pre-stress by treating with
      blebbistatin or culture on soft gels (0.6 kPa). In response to equibiaxial
      stretch, valvular interstitial cells on stiff substrates decreased their traction
      force (from 300 nN to 100 nN) and spread area (from 3000 to 2100 MUm(2)). With
      uniaxial stretch, the cells had similar decreases in traction force and area and
      reoriented perpendicular to the stretch. TGF-beta1-treated valvular interstitial
      cells had higher pre-stress (1100 nN) and exhibited a larger drop in traction
      force with uniaxial stretch, but the percentage changes in force and area with
      stretch were similar to the non-TGF-beta1-treated group. Cells with inhibited
      myosin II motors increased traction force (from 41 nN to 63 nN) and slightly
      reoriented toward the stretch direction. In contrast, cells cultured on soft gels
      increased their traction force significantly, from 15 nN to 45 nN, doubled their
      spread area, elongated from an initially rounded morphology, and reoriented
      perpendicular to the uniaxial stretch. Contractile-moment measurements provided
      results consistent with total traction force measurements. The combined results
      indicate that the change in traction force in response to external cyclic stretch
      is dependent upon the initial cell pre-stress. This finding is consistent with
      depolymerization of initially high-tension actin stress fibers, and reinforcement
      of an initially low-tension actin cytoskeleton.

PMID- 27119645
TI  - Imaging Extracellular Matrix Remodeling In Vitro by Diffusion-Sensitive Optical
      Coherence Tomography.
AB  - The mammary gland extracellular matrix (ECM) is comprised of biopolymers,
      primarily collagen I, that are created and maintained by stromal fibroblasts. ECM
      remodeling by fibroblasts results in changes in ECM fiber spacing (pores) that
      have been shown to play a critical role in the aggressiveness of breast cancer.
      However, minimally invasive methods to measure the spatial distribution of ECM
      pore areas within tissues and in vitro 3D culture models are currently lacking.
      We introduce diffusion-sensitive optical coherence tomography (DS-OCT) to image
      the nanoscale porosity of ECM by sensing weakly constrained diffusion of gold
      nanorods (GNRs). DS-OCT combines the principles of low-coherence interferometry
      and heterodyne dynamic light scattering. By collecting co- and cross-polarized
      light backscattered from GNRs within tissue culture, the ensemble-averaged
      translational self-diffusion rate, DT, of GNRs is resolved within ~3 coherence
      volumes (10 * 5 MUm, x * z). As GNRs are slowed by intermittent collisions with
      ECM fibers, DT is sensitive to ECM porosity on the size scale of their
      hydrodynamic diameter (~46 nm). Here, we validate the utility of DS-OCT using
      pure collagen I gels and 3D mammary fibroblast cultures seeded in
      collagen/Matrigel, and associate differences in artificial ECM pore areas with
      gel concentration and cell seed density. Across all samples, DT was highly
      correlated with pore area obtained by scanning electron microscopy (R(2) =
      0.968). We also demonstrate that DS-OCT can accurately map the spatial
      heterogeneity of layered samples. Importantly, DS-OCT of 3D mammary fibroblast
      cultures revealed the impact of fibroblast remodeling, where the spatial
      heterogeneity of matrix porosity was found to increase with cell density. This
      provides an unprecedented view into nanoscale changes in artificial ECM porosity
      over effective pore diameters ranging from ~43 to 360 nm using a micron-scale
      optical imaging technique. In combination with the topical deposition of GNRs,
      the minimally invasive nature of DS-OCT makes this a promising technology for
      studying tissue remodeling processes.

PMID- 27119646
TI  - Computational Study of Thrombus Formation and Clotting Factor Effects under
      Venous Flow Conditions.
AB  - A comprehensive understanding of thrombus formation as a physicochemical process
      that has evolved to protect the integrity of the human vasculature is critical to
      our ability to predict and control pathological states caused by a malfunctioning
      blood coagulation system. Despite numerous investigations, the spatial and
      temporal details of thrombus growth as a multicomponent process are not fully
      understood. Here, we used computational modeling to investigate the temporal
      changes in the spatial distributions of the key enzymatic (i.e., thrombin) and
      structural (i.e., platelets and fibrin) components within a growing thrombus.
      Moreover, we investigated the interplay between clot structure and its mechanical
      properties, such as hydraulic resistance to flow. Our model relied on the
      coupling of computational fluid dynamics and biochemical kinetics, and was
      validated using flow-chamber data from a previous experimental study. The model
      allowed us to identify the distinct patterns characterizing the spatial
      distributions of thrombin, platelets, and fibrin accumulating within a thrombus.
      Our modeling results suggested that under the simulated conditions, thrombin
      kinetics was determined predominantly by prothrombinase. Furthermore, our
      simulations showed that thrombus resistance imparted by fibrin was ~30-fold
      higher than that imparted by platelets. Yet, thrombus-mediated bloodflow
      occlusion was driven primarily by the platelet deposition process, because the
      height of the platelet accumulation domain was approximately twice that of the
      fibrin accumulation domain. Fibrinogen supplementation in normal blood resulted
      in a nonlinear increase in thrombus resistance, and for a supplemented fibrinogen
      level of 48%, the thrombus resistance increased by ~2.7-fold. Finally, our model
      predicted that restoring the normal levels of clotting factors II, IX, and X
      while simultaneously restoring fibrinogen (to 88% of its normal level) in diluted
      blood can restore fibrin generation to ~78% of its normal level and hence improve
      clot formation under dilution.

PMID- 27119647
TI  - Regulators of Metastasis Modulate the Migratory Response to Cell Contact under
      Spatial Confinement.
AB  - The breast tumor microenvironment (TMEN) is a unique niche where protein fibers
      help to promote invasion and metastasis. Cells migrating along these fibers are
      constantly interacting with each other. How cells respond to these interactions
      has important implications. Cancer cells that circumnavigate or slide around
      other cells on protein fibers take a less tortuous path out of the primary tumor;
      conversely, cells that turn back upon encountering other cells invade less
      efficiently. The contact response of migrating cancer cells in a fibrillar TMEN
      is poorly understood. Here, using high-aspect ratio micropatterns as a model
      fibrillar platform, we show that metastatic cells overcome spatial constraints to
      slide effectively on narrow fiber-like dimensions, whereas nontransformed MCF-10A
      mammary epithelial cells require much wider micropatterns to achieve moderate
      levels of sliding. Downregulating the cell-cell adhesion protein, E-cadherin,
      enables MCF-10A cells to slide on narrower micropatterns; meanwhile, introducing
      exogenous E-cadherin in metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells increases the micropattern
      dimension at which they slide. We propose the characteristic fibrillar dimension
      (CFD) at which effective sliding is achieved as a metric of sliding ability under
      spatial confinement. Using this metric, we show that metastasis-promoting genetic
      perturbations enhance cell sliding and reduce CFD. Activation of ErbB2 combined
      with downregulation of the tumor suppressor and cell polarity regulator, PARD3,
      reduced the CFD, in agreement with their cooperative role in inducing metastasis
      in vivo. The CFD was further reduced by a combination of ErbB2 activation and
      transforming growth factor beta stimulation, which is known to enhance invasive
      behavior. These findings demonstrate that sliding is a quantitative property and
      a decrease in CFD is an effective metric to understand how multiple genetic hits
      interact to change cell behavior in fibrillar environments. This quantitative
      framework sheds insights into how genetic perturbations conspire with fibrillar
      maturation in the TMEN to drive the invasive behavior of cancer cells.

PMID- 27119649
TI  - Molecular Basis of S100A1 Activation at Saturating and Subsaturating Calcium
      Concentrations.

PMID- 27119648
TI  - Multisite Phosphorylation Modulates the T Cell Receptor zeta-Chain Potency but
      not the Switchlike Response.
AB  - Multisite phosphorylation is ubiquitous in cellular signaling and is thought to
      provide signaling proteins with additional regulatory mechanisms. Indeed,
      mathematical models have revealed a large number of mechanisms by which multisite
      phosphorylation can produce switchlike responses. The T cell antigen receptor
      (TCR) is a multisubunit receptor on the surface of T cells that is a prototypical
      multisite substrate as it contains 20 sites that are distributed on 10 conserved
      immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs). The TCR zeta-chain is a
      homodimer subunit that contains six ITAMs (12 sites) and exhibits a number of
      properties that are predicted to be sufficient for a switchlike response. We have
      used cellular reconstitution to systematically study multisite phosphorylation of
      the TCR zeta-chain. We find that multisite phosphorylation proceeds by a
      nonsequential random mechanism, and find no evidence that multiple ITAMs modulate
      a switchlike response but do find that they alter receptor potency and maximum
      phosphorylation. Modulation of receptor potency can be explained by a reduction
      in molecular entropy of the disordered zeta-chain upon phosphorylation. We
      further find that the tyrosine kinase ZAP-70 increases receptor potency but does
      not modulate the switchlike response. In contrast to other multisite proteins,
      where phosphorylations act in strong concert to modulate protein function, we
      suggest that the multiple ITAMs on the TCR function mainly to amplify subsequent
      signaling.

PMID- 27119650
TI  - Coexistence facilitates interspecific biofilm formation in complex microbial
      communities.
AB  - Social interactions in which bacteria respond to one another by modifying their
      phenotype are central determinants of microbial communities. It is known that
      interspecific interactions influence the biofilm phenotype of bacteria; a
      phenotype that is central to the fitness of bacteria. However, the underlying
      role of fundamental ecological factors, specifically coexistence and phylogenetic
      history, in biofilm formation remains unclear. This study examines how social
      interactions affect biofilm formation in multi-species co-cultures from five
      diverse environments. We found prevalence of increased biofilm formation among co
      cultured bacteria that have coexisted in their original environment. Conversely,
      when randomly co-culturing bacteria across these five consortia, we found less
      biofilm induction and a prevalence of biofilm reduction. Reduction in biofilm
      formation was even more predominant when co-culturing bacteria from environments
      where long-term coexistence was unlikely to have occurred. Phylogenetic diversity
      was not found to be a strong underlying factor but a relation between biofilm
      induction and phylogenetic history was found. The data indicates that biofilm
      reduction is typically correlated with an increase in planktonic cell numbers,
      thus implying a behavioral response rather than mere growth competition. Our
      findings suggest that an increase in biofilm formation is a common adaptive
      response to long-term coexistence.

PMID- 27119651
TI  - Unusually Stable Triazine-based Organic Superstructures.
AB  - Solid-state reactions have been rapidly gaining popularity in organic chemistry
      owing to their simplicity, efficiency, and selectivity compared to liquid-phase
      reactions. Herein, we describe the formation of superstructures through the solid
      state reaction of an organic single-crystal. The superstructure of 5,5',5''
      (1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)triisophthalonitrile (TIPN) can be formed by
      cyclotrimerization of 1,3,5-tricyanobenzene (TCB) single crystals. The TIPN
      superstructure was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and visualized
      by transmission electron microscopy. The superstructure has hexagonally packed 1
      dimensional (1D) channels along the crystal axis. Furthermore, the superstructure
      arises from interdigitated nitrile interactions in the crystal lattice, and thus
      has electron-beam tolerance and very high thermal stability.

PMID- 27119652
TI  - Down-Regulation of Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry and Na+ Ca2+ Exchange in MCF-7
      Breast Cancer Cells by Pharmacological JAK3 Inhibition.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Oscillations of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i) participate in
      the orchestration of tumor cell proliferation. [Ca2+]i could be increased by
      intracellular Ca2+ release followed by store-operated Ca2+-entry (SOCE). [Ca2+]i
      could be decreased by Ca2+ extrusion via Na+/Ca2+ exchange. Mechanisms
      accomplishing SOCE include the pore-forming ion channel unit Orai1 and its
      regulator STIM1, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger isoforms include NCX1. In MCF-7 breast
      carcinoma cells Orai1 and NCX1 have previously been shown to be modified by
      pharmacological inhibition of Janus activated kinase JAK2. The present study
      explored whether SOCE and Na+/Ca2+ exchange are similarly sensitive to
      pharmacological JAK3 inhibition. METHODS: MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells were
      studied in the absence and presence of the JAK3 inhibitor WHI-P154 (22 uM).
      [Ca2+]i was estimated from Fura-2-fluorescence, SOCE from increase of [Ca2+]i
      following Ca2+ re-addition after Ca2+-store depletion with sarcoendoplasmatic
      Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor thapsigargin (1 uM), and Na+/Ca2+ exchanger
      activity from increase of [Ca2+]i following extracellular Na+ removal. Transcript
      levels were quantified with RT-PCR. RESULTS: Addition of ATP (100 uM) was
      followed by a rapid increase of [Ca2+]i, which was significantly blunted by WHI
      P154. Thapsigargin-induced intracellular Ca2+ release was not appreciably
      influenced by WHI-P154. Subsequent SOCE was, however, significantly blunted by
      WHI-P154. WHI-P154 further significantly decreased Orai1 transcript levels. The
      increase of [Ca2+]i following extracellular Na+-removal and the NCX1 transcript
      levels were similarly decreased by WHI-P154. CONCLUSIONS: The JAK3 inhibitor WHI
      P154 decreases both, Orai1 and NCX1 transcript levels and thus impairs SOCE and
      Na+/Ca2+ exchange.

PMID- 27119654
TI  - Can the angle between optic nerves indicate whether optic chiasm is prefixed,
      normofixed or postfixed? An anatomical study with radiologic and neurosurgical
      implications.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to measure the angle (Interneural angle,
      INA) between intracranial segments of optic nerves (ISON), and to look for any
      relation between it and the relative anteroposterior location (RAPL) of the optic
      chiasm (OC)-viz. prefixed, normofixed and postfixed. METHODS: The sample
      comprised of 100 autopsy specimens from South Indian population. INA was measured
      using software-aided processing of digital photographs. Length of the ISON was
      measured on each side using Vernier calipers. RAPL of the OC was noted during
      dissection. These were analysed with statistical methods. RESULTS: RAPL of OC was
      found to be prefixed in 24 %, normofixed in 65 % and postfixed in 11 %. The INA
      had an overall mean of 69.9 degrees  (SD 9.29 degrees ). ANOVA confirmed
      statistically significant difference in INA among different groups; the
      corresponding mean value for the group was as follows: 79.61 degrees  (prefixed),
      68.10 degrees  (normofixed) and 59.48 degrees  (postfixed). ROC curve was plotted
      for the use of various 'cut off' values of INA to 'diagnose' prefixed OC; an INA
      >=71.4 degrees  was seen to diagnostically correlate with prefixed OC with 83.3 %
      sensitivity and 75 % specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The INA is wider when OC is
      prefixed, intermediate when normofixed and narrowed when postfixed. This
      observation throws light on the possibility of using INA as a marker of RAPL of
      OC. As INA can be measured in axial MRI sections, it can be used in
      differentiation of the cases with prefixed OC from others during pre-operative
      work up for pituitary surgeries and to identify individuals 'at risk' during
      subfrontal approach for pituitary lesions.

PMID- 27119653
TI  - Biologically distinct subsets of nevi.
AB  - Melanocytic nevi (MN) encompass a range of benign tumors with varying microscopic
      and macroscopic features. Their development is a multifactorial process under
      genetic and environmental influences. The clinical importance of MN lies in
      distinguishing them from melanoma and in recognizing their associations with
      melanoma risk and cancer syndromes. Historically, the distinction between the
      different types of MN, as well as between MN and melanoma, was based on clinical
      history, gross morphology, and histopathological features. While histopathology
      with clinical correlation remains the gold standard for differentiating and
      diagnosing melanocytic lesions, in some cases, this may not be possible. The use
      of dermoscopy has allowed for the assessment of subsurface skin structures and
      has contributed to the clinical evaluation and classification of MN. Genetic
      profiling, while still in its early stages, has the greatest potential to refine
      the classification of MN by clarifying their developmental processes, biological
      behaviors, and relationships to melanoma. Here we review the most salient
      clinical, dermoscopic, histopathological, and genetic features of different MN
      subgroups. 

PMID- 27119655
TI  - Neck Circumference Positively Related with Central Obesity and Overweight in
      Turkish University Students: A Preliminary Study.
AB  - AIM: According to the World Health Organization, central obesity is increasing
      alarmingly worldwide. Neck circumference is a relatively new method of
      differentiating between normal and abnormal fat distribution. The aim of this
      study is to determine the association between neck circumference and central
      obesity in young Turkish male and female university students. METHODS: A
      community of university students based cross-sectional study was conducted on 319
      males and 838 females and investigated the association between neck circumference
      and other anthropometric variables by gender. RESULTS: In male subjects, the neck
      circumference revealed a positive correlation with the body mass index (r=0.684,
      p<0.01), waist circumference (r=0.686, p<0.01) and waist/hip ratio (r=0.534,
      p<0.01). Similarly, in female subjects neck circumference revealed a positive
      correlation with the body mass index (r=0.482, p<0.01), waist circumference
      (r=0.479, p<0.01) and waist/hip ratio (r=0.246, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study
      has demonstrated that the positive correlation between neck circumference, which
      is a simple and fast anthropometric measurement, and visceral obesity, is also
      applicable to university students.

PMID- 27119656
TI  - Expression of concern: Sequences enhancing cassava mosaic disease symptoms occur
      in the cassava genome and are associated with South African cassava mosaic virus
      infection by A. T. Maredza, F. Allie, G. Plata, M. E. C. Rey.

PMID- 27119657
TI  - Detection and validation of one stable fiber strength QTL on c9 in tetraploid
      cotton.
AB  - Fiber strength is an essential trait of fiber property in cotton, and it is
      quantitatively inherited. Identification of stable quantitative trait loci (QTL)
      contributing to fiber strength would provide the key basis for marker-assisted
      selection (MAS) in cotton breeding. In this study, four interspecific
      hybridization populations were established with a common G. barbadense parent
      Pima 90-53 and two G. hirsutum parents (CCRI 8 and Handan 208), each of which had
      fiber strength characteristic. Based on the phenotypic data of fiber strength
      from seven environments, a stable QTL, qFS-c9-1, was detected and validated on c9
      in a marker interval between SSR markers NAU2395 and NAU1092. The QTL explaining
      14.4-17.9 % of the phenotypic variation was firstly detected in two populations
      (CCRI 8 * Pima 90-53, BC1F1 and BC1F2) and its derived lines in four
      environments. And it accounting for 12.1-14.8 % of the phenotypic variation was
      further confirmed in two populations (Handan 208 * Pima 90-53, BC1F1, and F2)
      under one environment. In silico mapping using three sequenced cotton genomes
      indicated that homologous genes, anchored by NAU2395 and NAU1092, were aligned to
      the G. arboreum genome within a physical distance between 81.10 Mbps and 87.07
      Mbps. In that interval, several genes were confirmed in literatures to associate
      with fiber development. Among these genes, seven genes were further selected for
      an expression analysis through fiber development transcriptome database,
      revealing unique expression patterns across different stages of fiber development
      between CCRI 8 and Pima 90-53. The genes underlying qFS-c9-1 were favorable to
      fine mapping and cloning. The current study results provided valuable evidence
      for mapping stable QTL of fiber strength utilizing multiple populations and
      environments, as well as map-based cloning the candidate gene underlying the QTL
      for future prospective research directions. 

PMID- 27119658
TI  - Neighborhood Frequency Effect in Chinese Word Recognition: Evidence from Naming
      and Lexical Decision.
AB  - Neighborhood frequency is a crucial variable to know the nature of word
      recognition. Different from alphabetic scripts, neighborhood frequency in Chinese
      is usually confounded by component character frequency and neighborhood size.
      Three experiments were designed to explore the role of the neighborhood frequency
      effect in Chinese and the stimuli were all two-character words. This effect was
      evaluated on targets with- and without-higher frequency neighbors with
      neighborhood size matched. Among the experiments, the patterns of the leading
      character frequency effect and word frequency effect in the naming and lexical
      decision tasks were compared. The results implied an inhibitory neighborhood
      frequency effect in Chinese word recognition. Accordingly, a possible cognitive
      mechanism of the neighborhood frequency effect was thus proposed.

PMID- 27119660
TI  - [Then a low pulse rate is usually harmless].

PMID- 27119659
TI  - Kin-Aggregations Explain Chaotic Genetic Patchiness, a Commonly Observed Genetic
      Pattern, in a Marine Fish.
AB  - The phenomenon of chaotic genetic patchiness is a pattern commonly seen in marine
      organisms, particularly those with demersal adults and pelagic larvae. This
      pattern is usually associated with sweepstakes recruitment and variable
      reproductive success. Here we investigate the biological underpinnings of this
      pattern in a species of marine goby Coryphopterus personatus. We find that
      populations of this species show tell-tale signs of chaotic genetic patchiness
      including: small, but significant, differences in genetic structure over short
      distances; a non-equilibrium or "chaotic" pattern of differentiation among
      locations in space; and within locus, within population deviations from the
      expectations of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). We show that despite having a
      pelagic larval stage, and a wide distribution across Caribbean coral reefs, this
      species forms groups of highly related individuals at small spatial scales (<10
      metres). These spatially clustered family groups cause the observed deviations
      from HWE and local population differentiation, a finding that is rarely
      demonstrated, but could be more common than previously thought.

PMID- 27119663
TI  - [More premature births in high fine particle dust exposure].

PMID- 27119664
TI  - [Without my doctor I say nothing about the error].

PMID- 27119665
TI  - [Overweight and fatigued into hypertension].

PMID- 27119666
TI  - [What led to the terrible deed?].

PMID- 27119667
TI  - [Does pornography access lead to sex offenses?].

PMID- 27119668
TI  - [New combination heals still more patients in an even shorter period of time].

PMID- 27119669
TI  - [Allergy related rarities in the erotic tension field].

PMID- 27119670
TI  - ["Without knowledge of the illness one could believe in miracles!"].

PMID- 27119671
TI  - [How do you manage muscle pain?"].

PMID- 27119672
TI  - [In most cases conservative therapy is enough].

PMID- 27119673
TI  - [Following fractures chronic pain is more frequent].

PMID- 27119674
TI  - [What do the guidelines say?].

PMID- 27119675
TI  - [Dual platelet inhibition - for how long?].

PMID- 27119676
TI  - [Medicinal herbs and warm wraps to control recurrent cystitis].

PMID- 27119677
TI  - [Are vaccinations ineffective during cortisone treatment?].

PMID- 27119678
TI  - [Staying neurologically alert].

PMID- 27119679
TI  - [Referral for arthroscopy becomes more tricky].

PMID- 27119680
TI  - [Prevention pads your fee reserve].

PMID- 27119681
TI  - [The pension bee is spontaneously provided for].

PMID- 27119682
TI  - [Varicose veins? Operate!!].

PMID- 27119683
TI  - [Physician network in the large city with perspective].

PMID- 27119684
TI  - [Hand-in-hand with nursing].

PMID- 27119686
TI  - [You may send your non-physician assistant on a vaccination tour].

PMID- 27119687
TI  - [Telematics does not function this way].

PMID- 27119688
TI  - [Strong position thanks to certified continuing education].

PMID- 27119689
TI  - [Gluten sensitivity is real].

PMID- 27119690
TI  - [Calculi not formed in the gallbladder this time].

PMID- 27119691
TI  - [Good report for terminal palliative sedation].

PMID- 27119692
TI  - [A rare dislocation after a fall].

PMID- 27119693
TI  - [After the first stroke, acetylsalicylic acid is no longer enough].

PMID- 27119694
TI  - [A 6 year old child with eyelash lice].

PMID- 27119695
TI  - [Healthy microbiome - healthy person?].

PMID- 27119696
TI  - [Overweight increases cancer incidence worldwide].

PMID- 27119697
TI  - [Cullen sign of the abdomen refers to the pancreas].

PMID- 27119698
TI  - [Is cognition impaired due to vitamin B 12 deficiency?].

PMID- 27119699
TI  - [Always worthwhile--a look to the patient's hands].

PMID- 27119700
TI  - [Thyroid nodules--Indication for surgery?].

PMID- 27119701
TI  - [Death from fentanyl: Causative and preventive approaches in Bavaria].

PMID- 27119702
TI  - [Reduced pain perception in bulimia].

PMID- 27119703
TI  - [Emergency checklist: red lower leg and fever--suspected erysipelas].

PMID- 27119704
TI  - [Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)--literature review].

PMID- 27119705
TI  - [Trichobacteriosis palmellina].

PMID- 27119706
TI  - [Great patient satisfaction with DuoResp Spiromax in routine inhalation therapy].

PMID- 27119707
TI  - [Fear of severe bleeding mostly not justified].

PMID- 27119708
TI  - [Degludec/liraglutide] fixed combination as a therapy alternative].

PMID- 27119709
TI  - [Severe refractory eosinophilic asthma].

PMID- 27119710
TI  - [The cardiovascular outcome is critical].

PMID- 27119711
TI  - [Long-term treatment controls progression].

PMID- 27119712
TI  - [Phytotherapy special distillate evaluated].

PMID- 27119713
TI  - [In therapy there are many hurdles to overcome].

PMID- 27119714
TI  - [Improving prevention and after-care].

PMID- 27119715
TI  - [Greater involvement is required].

PMID- 27119716
TI  - [Pain Care Award 2016].

PMID- 27119717
TI  - [What is the cause of watery bloody diarrhea? It has no connection with the
      Arabia trip].

PMID- 27119718
TI  - Bayesian State-Space Modelling of Conventional Acoustic Tracking Provides
      Accurate Descriptors of Home Range Behavior in a Small-Bodied Coastal Fish
      Species.
AB  - State-space models (SSM) are increasingly applied in studies involving
      biotelemetry-generated positional data because they are able to estimate movement
      parameters from positions that are unobserved or have been observed with non
      negligible observational error. Popular telemetry systems in marine coastal fish
      consist of arrays of omnidirectional acoustic receivers, which generate a
      multivariate time-series of detection events across the tracking period. Here we
      report a novel Bayesian fitting of a SSM application that couples mechanistic
      movement properties within a home range (a specific case of random walk weighted
      by an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process) with a model of observational error typical for
      data obtained from acoustic receiver arrays. We explored the performance and
      accuracy of the approach through simulation modelling and extensive sensitivity
      analyses of the effects of various configurations of movement properties and time
      steps among positions. Model results show an accurate and unbiased estimation of
      the movement parameters, and in most cases the simulated movement parameters were
      properly retrieved. Only in extreme situations (when fast swimming speeds are
      combined with pooling the number of detections over long time-steps) the model
      produced some bias that needs to be accounted for in field applications. Our
      method was subsequently applied to real acoustic tracking data collected from a
      small marine coastal fish species, the pearly razorfish, Xyrichtys novacula. The
      Bayesian SSM we present here constitutes an alternative for those used to the
      Bayesian way of reasoning. Our Bayesian SSM can be easily adapted and generalized
      to any species, thereby allowing studies in freely roaming animals on the
      ecological and evolutionary consequences of home ranges and territory
      establishment, both in fishes and in other taxa.

PMID- 27119719
TI  - Nonfasting for Routine Lipid Testing: From Evidence to Action.

PMID- 27119720
TI  - Autonomous Visual Navigation of an Indoor Environment Using a Parsimonious,
      Insect Inspired Familiarity Algorithm.
AB  - The navigation of bees and ants from hive to food and back has captivated people
      for more than a century. Recently, the Navigation by Scene Familiarity Hypothesis
      (NSFH) has been proposed as a parsimonious approach that is congruent with the
      limited neural elements of these insects' brains. In the NSFH approach, an agent
      completes an initial training excursion, storing images along the way. To retrace
      the path, the agent scans the area and compares the current scenes to those
      previously experienced. By turning and moving to minimize the pixel-by-pixel
      differences between encountered and stored scenes, the agent is guided along the
      path without having memorized the sequence. An important premise of the NSFH is
      that the visual information of the environment is adequate to guide navigation
      without aliasing. Here we demonstrate that an image landscape of an indoor
      setting possesses ample navigational information. We produced a visual landscape
      of our laboratory and part of the adjoining corridor consisting of 2816 panoramic
      snapshots arranged in a grid at 12.7-cm centers. We show that pixel-by-pixel
      comparisons of these images yield robust translational and rotational visual
      information. We also produced a simple algorithm that tracks previously
      experienced routes within our lab based on an insect-inspired scene familiarity
      approach and demonstrate that adequate visual information exists for an agent to
      retrace complex training routes, including those where the path's end is not
      visible from its origin. We used this landscape to systematically test the
      interplay of sensor morphology, angles of inspection, and similarity threshold
      with the recapitulation performance of the agent. Finally, we compared the
      relative information content and chance of aliasing within our visually rich
      laboratory landscape to scenes acquired from indoor corridors with more
      repetitive scenery.

PMID- 27119721
TI  - Promising 2-Pronged Approach to Genetic Basis of Bipolar Disorder.

PMID- 27119722
TI  - Relaxation Techniques for Trauma.
AB  - Physiological symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) manifest as
      increased arousal and reactivity seen as anger outburst, irritability, reckless
      behavior with no concern for consequences, hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, and
      problems with focus (American Psychiatric Association, 2013 ). In seeking the
      most beneficial treatment for PTSD, consideration must be given to the anxiety
      response. Relaxation techniques are shown to help address the physiological
      manifestations of prolonged stress. The techniques addressed by the authors in
      this article include mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga, and meditation. By
      utilizing these techniques traditional therapies can be complemented. In
      addition, those who are averse to the traditional evidence-based practices or for
      those who have tried traditional therapies without success; these alternative
      interventions may assist in lessening physiological manifestations of PTSD.
      Future research studies assessing the benefits of these treatment modalities are
      warranted to provide empirical evidence to support the efficacy of these
      treatments. 

PMID- 27119723
TI  - Morphological study of efficacy of clarithromycin-loaded nanocarriers for
      treatment of biofilm infection disease.
AB  - In this study, we developed a drug delivery system (DDS) using polymeric
      nanocarriers for the treatment of biofilm infection disease. Clarithromycin (CAM)
      encapsulated and chitosan (CS) modified polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were
      prepared using a polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol
      graft copolymer (Soluplus(r)) (Sol) and poly-(DL-lactide-co-glycolide),
      respectively. To understand the availability of the prepared NPs, we made
      morphological observations of the antibacterial activity derived from the NPs
      toward the bacterial cells within the biofilm using scanning electron microscopy
      and transmission electron microscopy measurements. These results revealed
      different antibacterial activities for the two types of drug carriers. In the
      case of CAM-encapsulated + CS-modified Sol micelles treatment, NPs can exert
      their antibacterial activity not only by the surfactant, CAM and CS effects but
      also by intrusion into the bacterial cells. Thereby, CAM-encapsulated + CS
      modified Sol micelles had a higher antibacterial activity. The morphological
      information is useful to design suitable NPs for the treatment against biofilm
      infections.

PMID- 27119724
TI  - The Unfolded Protein Response in Homeostasis and Modulation of Mammalian Immune
      Cells.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays important roles in eukaryotic protein
      folding and lipid biosynthesis. Several exogenous and endogenous cellular sources
      of stress can perturb ER homeostasis leading to the accumulation of unfolded
      proteins in the lumen. Unfolded protein accumulation triggers a signal
      transduction cascade known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), an adaptive
      mechanism which aims to protect cells from protein aggregates and to restore ER
      functions. Further to this protective mechanism, in immune cells, UPR molecular
      effectors have been shown to participate in a wide range of biological processes
      such as cell differentiation, survival and immunoglobulin and cytokine
      production. Recent findings also highlight the involvement of the UPR machinery
      in the maturational program and antigen presentation capacities of dendritic
      cells. UPR is therefore a key element in immune system homeostasis with direct
      implications on both adaptive and innate immune responses. The present review
      summarizes the knowledge on the emerging roles of UPR signaling cascades in
      mammalian immune cells as well as the consequences of their dysregulation in
      relation to the pathogenesis of several diseases.

PMID- 27119725
TI  - Structural and Molecular Mechanism of CdpR Involved in Quorum-Sensing and
      Bacterial Virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Although quorum-sensing (QS) systems are important regulators of virulence gene
      expression in the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, their
      detailed regulatory mechanisms have not been fully characterized. Here, we show
      that deletion of PA2588 resulted in increased production of pyocyanin and
      biofilm, as well as enhanced pathogenicity in a mouse model. To gain insights
      into the function of PA2588, we performed a ChIP-seq assay and identified 28
      targets of PA2588, including the intergenic region between PA2588 and pqsH, which
      encodes the key synthase of Pseudomonas quinolone signal (PQS). Though the C
      terminal domain was similar to DNA-binding regions of other AraC family members,
      structural studies revealed that PA2588 has a novel fold at the N-terminal region
      (NTR), and its C-terminal HTH (helix-turn-helix) domain is also unique in DNA
      recognition. We also demonstrated that the adaptor protein ClpS, an essential
      regulator of ATP-dependent protease ClpAP, directly interacted with PA2588 before
      delivering CdpR to ClpAP for degradation. We named PA2588 as CdpR (ClpAP
      degradation and pathogenicity Regulator). Moreover, deletion of clpP or clpS/clpA
      promotes bacterial survival in a mouse model of acute pneumonia infection. Taken
      together, this study uncovered that CdpR is an important QS regulator, which can
      interact with the ClpAS-P system to regulate the expression of virulence factors
      and pathogenicity. 

PMID- 27119726
TI  - Probing the structures of gold-aluminum alloy clusters AuxAly(-): a joint
      experimental and theoretical study.
AB  - Besides the size and structure, compositions can also dramatically affect the
      properties of alloy nanoclusters. Due to the added degrees of freedom,
      determination of the global minimum structures for multi-component nanoclusters
      poses even greater challenges, both experimentally and theoretically. Here we
      report a systematic and joint experimental/theoretical study of a series of gold
      aluminum alloy clusters, AuxAly(-) (x + y = 7,8), with various compositions (x =
      1-3; y = 4-7). Well-resolved photoelectron spectra have been obtained for these
      clusters at different photon energies. Basin-hopping global searches, coupled
      with density functional theory calculations, are used to identify low-lying
      structures of the bimetallic clusters. By comparing computed electronic densities
      of states of the low-lying isomers with the experimental photoelectron spectra,
      the global minima are determined. It is found that for y >= 6 there is a strong
      tendency to form the magic-number square bi-pyramid motif of Al6(-) in the
      AuxAly(-) clusters, suggesting that the Al-Al interaction dominates the Au-Au
      interaction in the mixed clusters. A closely related trend is that for x > 1, the
      gold atoms tend to be separated by Al atoms unless only the magic-number Al6(-)
      square bi-pyramid motif is present, suggesting that in the small-sized mixed
      clusters, Al and Au components do not completely mix with one another. Overall,
      the Al component appears to play a more dominant role due to the high robustness
      of the magic-number Al6(-) square bi-pyramid motif, whereas the Au component
      tends to be either "adsorbed" onto the Al6(-) square bi-pyramid motif if y >= 6,
      or stays away from one another if x < y < 6. 

PMID- 27119727
TI  - Segmentation of peritumoral oedema offers a valuable radiological feature of
      cerebral metastasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Peritumoral oedema (PTO) is commonly observed on MRI in malignant
      brain tumours including brain metastasis (bMET) and glioblastoma multiforme
      (GBM). This study aimed to differentiate bMET from GBM by comparing the volume
      ratio of PTO to tumour lesion (Rvol). METHODS: 56 patients with solitary bMET or
      GBM were enrolled, and MRI was analyzed by a semi-automatic methodology based on
      MATLAB (Mathworks, Natick, MA). The PTO volume (Voedema) was segmented for
      quantification using T2 fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery images, while the
      tumour volume was quantified with enhanced T1 images. The quantitative volume of
      the tumour, PTO and the ratio of PTO to tumour were interpreted using SPSS((r))
      (IBM Corp., New York, NY; formerly SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) by considering
      different locations and pathologies. RESULTS: The tumour volumes of
      supratentorial GBM, supratentorial bMET (supra-bMET) and infratentorial bMET were
      32.22 +/- 21.9, 18.45 +/- 17.28 and 11.40 +/- 5.63 ml, respectively. The
      corresponding Voedema were 44.08 +/- 25.84, 73.20 +/- 40.35 and 23.74 +/- 7.78
      ml, respectively. The Voedema difference between supratentorial and
      infratentorial lesions is significant (p-value = 0.002). Supra-bMET has a smaller
      tumour volume (p-value = 0.032), but a larger PTO (p-value = 0.007). The ratio of
      Voedema to the tumour volume in bMET is statistically higher than that in GBM (p
      value = 0.015). The cut-off ratio for identifying bMET from GBM is 3.9, with a
      specificity and sensitivity of 90.0% and 68.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Segmentation is an efficient method to quantify irregular PTO. bMET possesses
      more extensive oedema with smaller tumour volume than does GBM. The Rvol is a
      valuable index to distinguish bMET from GBM. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study
      presents a new method for the quantitation of PTO to differentiate bMET from GBM.

PMID- 27119728
TI  - Effect of diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin, on the rat skeletal system.
AB  - Diosgenin is a steroidal sapogenin present in fenugreek and Dioscorea spp. as
      glycosides (saponins). Diosgenin has already been reported to inhibit
      osteoclastogenesis and to stimulate osteogenic activity of osteoblastic cells in
      vitro, and to exert some antiosteoporotic effects in rats in vivo. The aim of the
      present study was to investigate the effects of diosgenin administration on the
      skeletal system of rats with normal estrogen level and with estrogen deficiency
      induced by bilateral ovariectomy. The experiments were carried out on 3-month-old
      non-ovariectomized and ovariectomized Wistar rats, divided into control rats and
      rats receiving diosgenin (50 mg/kg p.o. daily) for 4 weeks. Serum bone turnover
      markers, bone mass and mineralization, histomorphometric parameters and
      mechanical properties were studied. Diosgenin improved some investigated
      parameters in both non-ovariectomized and ovariectomized rats, in which estrogen
      deficiency induced osteoporotic changes. Diosgenin increased compact bone
      formation and probably inhibited cancellous bone resorption, which led to
      improvement of mechanical properties of compact and cancellous bone. In
      conclusion, this in vivo study demonstrated that diosgenin may be one of sparse
      compounds increasing bone formation. 

PMID- 27119729
TI  - Association and polymorphism study of seven candidate genes with reproductive
      traits in three pig breeds in Hungary.
AB  - Seven genes (BF, EGF, ESR, FSHB, H2AFZ, LEP and PRLP) were studied as candidate
      gene influencing eleven reproduction traits (interval between litters (IBL),
      percent of litter (PL), number of litters (NL), number of piglets born dead
      (NBD), number of piglet born alive (NBA), total number born (TNB), mean of born
      alive (MBA), mean of born dead (MBD), mean of born total (MBT), mean of piglets
      at 21 days of age (M21D) and growth rate (GR) in three pig breeds (Hungarian
      Large White (HLW), Duroc and Pietrain) by PCR-RFLP. Based on the observed vs.
      expected genotypes frequencies populations across loci were in Hardy-Weinberg
      equilibrium (P>0.05). In case HLW breed ESR and FSHbeta genes were in
      disequilibrium. Association study suggested that only EGF gene showed significant
      influence on the trait NBA and TNB. The AA genotype are preferable for sows,
      associated with higher NBA and TNB. The longest IBL, and the highest NL is
      associated with AB and AA genotype of EGF gene. IBL is significantly shorter in
      case of pigs with AB and AA alleles than BB alleles of PRLP genes. Selection for
      these SNPs could improve the reproductivity in the studied breeds. 

PMID- 27119731
TI  - [Nonsmoker protection works].

PMID- 27119730
TI  - Revelation of Influencing Factors in Overall Codon Usage Bias of Equine Influenza
      Viruses.
AB  - Equine influenza viruses (EIVs) of H3N8 subtype are culprits of severe acute
      respiratory infections in horses, and are still responsible for significant
      outbreaks worldwide. Adaptability of influenza viruses to a particular host is
      significantly influenced by their codon usage preference, due to an absolute
      dependence on the host cellular machinery for their replication. In the present
      study, we analyzed genome-wide codon usage patterns in 92 EIV strains, including
      both H3N8 and H7N7 subtypes by computing several codon usage indices and applying
      multivariate statistical methods. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis
      disclosed bias of preferred synonymous codons towards A/U-ended codons. The
      overall codon usage bias in EIVs was slightly lower, and mainly affected by the
      nucleotide compositional constraints as inferred from the RSCU and effective
      number of codon (ENc) analysis. Our data suggested that codon usage pattern in
      EIVs is governed by the interplay of mutation pressure, natural selection from
      its hosts and undefined factors. The H7N7 subtype was found less fit to its host
      (horse) in comparison to H3N8, by possessing higher codon bias, lower mutation
      pressure and much less adaptation to tRNA pool of equine cells. To the best of
      our knowledge, this is the first report describing the codon usage analysis of
      the complete genomes of EIVs. The outcome of our study is likely to enhance our
      understanding of factors involved in viral adaptation, evolution, and fitness
      towards their hosts.

PMID- 27119732
TI  - A Versatile Method for the Preparation of Ferroelectric Supramolecular Materials
      via Radical End-Functionalization of Vinylidene Fluoride Oligomers.
AB  - A synthetic method for the end-functionalization of vinylidene fluoride oligomers
      (OVDF) via a radical reaction between terminal olefins and I-OVDF is described.
      The method shows a wide substrate scope and excellent conversions, and permits
      the preparation of different disc-shaped cores such as benzene-1,3,5
      tricarboxamides (BTAs), perylenes bisimide (PBI), and phthalocyanines (Pc)
      bearing three to eight ferroelectric oligomers at their periphery. The formation,
      purity, OVDF conformation, and morphology of the final adducts has been assessed
      by a combination of techniques, such as NMR, size exclusion chromatography,
      differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and atomic force
      microscopy. Finally, PBI-OVDF and Pc-OVDF materials show ferroelectric hysteresis
      behavior together with high remnant polarizations, with values as high as Pr ~ 37
      mC/m(2) for Pc-OVDF. This work demonstrates the potential of preparing a new set
      of ferroelectric materials simply by attaching OVDF oligomers to different small
      molecules. The use of carefully chosen small molecules paves the way to new
      functional materials in which ferroelectricity and electrical conductivity or
      light-harvesting properties coexist in a single compound.

PMID- 27119733
TI  - Systematic review of physiotherapy interventions to improve gross motor capacity
      and performance in children and adolescents with an acquired brain injury.
AB  - AIM: To systematically review the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions to
      improve gross motor capacity, performance and societal participation in children
      aged 5-17 years with an acquired brain injury (ABI). METHODS: Randomized and non
      randomized controlled trials, cohort, case series, case-control and case studies
      were included and classified according to grades of evidence. Methodological
      quality of studies was assessed using the Downs and Black (D&B) scale and
      quantitative data was analysed using effect sizes. RESULTS: Two home-based
      studies investigated functional strength training (one randomized controlled
      trial, n = 20, level 2b, D&B = 16/32 and one non-randomized self-control study, n
      = 19, level 4, D&B = 15/32). Four studies evaluated virtual reality including:
      one pilot study, n = 50, level 4, D&B = 22/32; one single-subject, non
      concurrent, randomized multiple baseline study, n = 3, level 4, D&B = 15/32; one
      case series study, n = 2, level 4, D&B = 15/32; one case study, n = 1, level 4,
      D&B = 15/32. Effect sizes for the randomized controlled trial ranged between 0.30
      1.29 for the Functional Reach and Timed Up and Go outcome measures. CONCLUSION:
      There is preliminary evidence to support the efficacy of physiotherapy
      interventions to improve gross motor outcomes in children with an ABI. Both
      functional strength training and virtual-reality based therapy are potential
      treatment options for clinicians to prescribe in either home or clinical
      settings.

PMID- 27119734
TI  - Downregulated ECRG4 is correlated with lymph node metastasis and predicts poor
      outcome for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Esophageal cancer-related gene 4 (ECRG4) is a new candidate tumor
      suppressor gene. In this retrospective study, we evaluated ECRG4 protein
      expression in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) under curative
      treatment and examined its association with pathological features and clinical
      outcomes as a possible biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of NPC. METHODS: We
      enrolled 122 patients with a first diagnosis between January 2001 and December
      2003. Tumor tissue and control tissue from biopsies underwent immunohistochemical
      staining for ECRG4. ECRG4 expression was analyzed by clinicopathological
      variables. After Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, we used Cox proportional hazards
      regression to estimate the predictive effect of ECRG4 expression on overall
      survival. RESULTS: ECRG4 protein level was lower in NPC than control tissue (P <
      0.01). It was inversely related to node status (P < 0.001) and clinical stage (P
      = 0.027). ECRG4 expression was associated with overall survival, and
      downregulated ECRG4 expression was an independent prognostic factor of poor
      survival (hazard ratio = 0.677, 95 % confidence interval 0.463-0.989, P = 0.044).
      CONCLUSIONS: A significant NPC patients showed downregulated ECRG4 expression,
      which is correlated with lymph node metastasis. The marker could be an
      independent prognostic factor for NPC patients. The precise function of ECRG4 in
      the progression of NPC, especially for lymphatic metastasis, deserves further
      investigation, which would bring a new target for personalized therapy.

PMID- 27119735
TI  - Caspase-1 Activation Protects Lung Endothelial Barrier Function during Infection
      Induced Stress.
AB  - Dysregulated activation of the inflammasome-caspase-1-IL-1beta axis elicits
      damaging hyperinflammation during critical illnesses, such as pneumonia and
      sepsis. However, in critical illness models of Salmonella infection, burn, or
      shock, caspase-1 inhibition worsens outcomes. These paradoxical effects suggest
      that caspase-1 drives novel protective responses. Whether the protective effects
      of caspase-1 activation involve canonical immune cell and/or nonimmune cell
      responses is unknown. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis
      that, in addition to its recognized proinflammatory function, caspase-1 initiates
      protective stress responses in nonimmune cells. In vivo, lung epithelial and
      endothelial barrier function and inflammation were assessed in mice infected with
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the presence or absence of a caspase-1 inhibitor. Lung
      endothelial barrier function was assessed ex vivo in isolated, perfused rat lungs
      infected with P. aeruginosa in the presence or absence of a caspase-1 inhibitor.
      Endothelial barrier function during P. aeruginosa infection was assessed in vitro
      in cultured rat wild-type pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) or
      recombinant PMVECs engineered to decrease caspase-1 expression. We demonstrated
      in vivo that caspase-1 inhibition in P. aeruginosa-infected mice ameliorated
      hyperinflammation, but, counterintuitively, increased pulmonary edema. Ex vivo,
      caspase-1 inhibition increased pulmonary permeability in P. aeruginosa-infected
      isolated rat lungs. To uncouple caspase-1 from its canonical inflammatory role,
      we used cultured rat PMVECs in vitro and discovered that genetic knockdown of
      caspase-1 accelerated P. aeruginosa-induced barrier disruption. In conclusion,
      caspase-1 is a sentinel stress-response regulator that initiates proinflammatory
      responses and also initiates novel response(s) to protect PMVEC barrier function
      during pneumonia.

PMID- 27119736
TI  - Chemical-Induced Read-Through at Premature Termination Codons Determined by a
      Rapid Dual-Fluorescence System Based on S. cerevisiae.
AB  - Nonsense mutations generate in-frame stop codons in mRNA leading to a premature
      arrest of translation. Functional consequences of premature termination codons
      (PTCs) include the synthesis of truncated proteins with loss of protein function
      causing severe inherited or acquired diseases. A therapeutic approach has been
      recently developed that is based on the use of chemical agents with the ability
      to suppress PTCs (read-through) restoring the synthesis of a functional full
      length protein. Research interest for compounds able to induce read-through
      requires an efficient high throughput large scale screening system. We present a
      rapid, sensitive and quantitative method based on a dual-fluorescence reporter
      expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to monitor and quantitate read
      through at PTCs. We have shown that our novel system works equally well in
      detecting read-through at all three PTCs UGA, UAG and UAA.

PMID- 27119737
TI  - 3D position determination in monolithic crystals coupled to SiPMs for PET.
AB  - The interest in using continuous monolithic crystals in positron emission
      tomography (PET) has grown in the last years. Coupled to silicon photomultipliers
      (SiPMs), the detector can combine high sensitivity and high resolution, the two
      main factors to be maximized in a positron emission tomograph. In this work, the
      position determination capability of a detector comprised of a [Formula: see
      text] mm(3) LYSO crystal coupled to an [Formula: see text]-pixel array of SiPMs
      is evaluated. The 3D interaction position of gamma-rays is estimated using an
      analytical model of the light distribution including reflections on the facets of
      the crystal. Monte Carlo simulations have been performed to evaluate different
      crystal reflectors and geometries. The method has been characterized and applied
      to different cases. Intrinsic resolution obtained with the position estimation
      method used in this work, applied to experimental data, achieves sub-millimetre
      resolution values. Average resolution over the detector surface for 5 mm thick
      crystal is  ~0.9 mm FWHM and  ~1.2 mm FWHM for 10 mm thick crystal. Depth of
      interaction resolution is close to 2 mm FWHM in both cases, while the FWTM is 
      ~5.3 mm for 5 mm thick crystal and  ~9.6 mm for 10 mm thick crystal.

PMID- 27119738
TI  - Evaluation of different diagnostic methods of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in
      the Brazilian Amazon.
AB  - Epidemiological studies have been conducted to better understand the dynamics of
      American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) in the Amazon region where distinct
      species of Leishmania circulate. In endemic areas, the optimal diagnosis must be
      made in the earlier clinical presentation to avoid the complications of chronic
      disease. The scarcity of financial support, laboratory infrastructure and trained
      persons are the major obstacles in this reality. This paper describes the result
      of performing different diagnostic methods for ACL in Amazonas State between the
      years 2010 and 2011. The tests used were the intradermal skin test (Montenegro's
      skin test), ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), direct examination,
      culture isolation and identification of Leishmania species. A total of 38
      suspected human cases of ACL were diagnosed by different methods, of which 71.0%
      (n = 27) were positive by direct examination, 75.6% (n = 28) had positivity in
      the culture isolates and, of these, 54.0% (n = 19) had infection with Leishmania
      (Viannia) guyanensis. The positivity of the intradermal skin test with the
      leishmanin solution was observed in 77.0% of cases analyzed and the serology with
      detection of IgG and IgM showed the presence of antibodies in 100% of exams
      realized results, showing variation in the titles of antibodies. The success of
      Leishmaniasis treatment depends on an effective and early diagnosis.
      Parasitological diagnosis is highly specific, but sensitivity is subject to
      variation because the tissue distribution of parasites generally is not
      homogeneous and depends on the specie of parasite. Moreover, parasitological
      tests require invasive procedures and depend on restrictive conditions for the
      collection of biological sample, which limit their use in large-scale for
      epidemiological studies. ELISA has been the most widely used serological method
      for the diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) as it is easy to perform and has
      a low cost. However, flaws in specificity are observed in the diagnosis of
      cutaneous leishmaniasis. Actually the diagnosis needs to be done as an associated
      methods depending on the question to be solved. 

PMID- 27119739
TI  - De Novo Adult Transcriptomes of Two European Brittle Stars: Spotlight on Opsin
      Based Photoreception.
AB  - Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology allows to obtain a deeper and more
      complete view of transcriptomes. For non-model or emerging model marine
      organisms, NGS technologies offer a great opportunity for rapid access to genetic
      information. In this study, paired-end Illumina HiSeqTM technology has been
      employed to analyse transcriptomes from the arm tissues of two European brittle
      star species, Amphiura filiformis and Ophiopsila aranea. About 48 million
      Illumina reads were generated and 136,387 total unigenes were predicted from A.
      filiformis arm tissues. For O. aranea arm tissues, about 47 million reads were
      generated and 123,324 total unigenes were obtained. Twenty-four percent of the
      total unigenes from A. filiformis show significant matches with sequences present
      in reference online databases, whereas, for O. aranea, this percentage amounts to
      23%. In both species, around 50% of the predicted annotated unigenes were
      significantly similar to transcripts from the purple sea urchin, the closest
      species to date that has undergone complete genome sequencing and annotation. GO,
      COG and KEGG analyses were performed on predicted brittle star unigenes. We
      focused our analyses on the phototransduction actors involved in light
      perception. Firstly, two new echinoderm opsins were identified in O. aranea: one
      rhabdomeric opsin (homologous to vertebrate melanopsin) and one RGR opsin. The
      RGR-opsin is supposed to be involved in retinal regeneration while the r-opsin is
      suspected to play a role in visual-like behaviour. Secondly, potential
      phototransduction actors were identified in both transcriptomes using the fly
      (rhabdomeric) and mammal (ciliary) classical phototransduction pathways as
      references. Finally, the sensitivity of O.aranea to monochromatic light was
      investigated to complement data available for A. filiformis. The presence of
      microlens-like structures at the surface of dorsal arm plate of O. aranea could
      potentially explain phototactic behaviour differences between the two species.
      The results confirm (i) the ability of these brittle stars to perceive light
      using opsin-based photoreception, (ii) suggest the co-occurrence of both
      rhabdomeric and ciliary photoreceptors, and (iii) emphasise the complexity of
      light perception in this echinoderm class.

PMID- 27119740
TI  - Finite Element Analysis of Foot and Ankle Impact Injury: Risk Evaluation of
      Calcaneus and Talus Fracture.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Foot and ankle impact injury is common in geriatric trauma and
      often leads to fracture of rearfoot, including calcaneus and talus. The objective
      of this study was to assess the influence of foot impact on the risk of calcaneus
      and talus fracture via finite element analysis. METHODS: A three-dimensional
      finite element model of foot and ankle was constructed based on magnetic
      resonance images of a female aged 28. The foot sustained a 7-kg passive impact
      through a foot plate. The simulated impact velocities were from 2.0 to 7.0 m/s
      with 1.0 m/s interval. RESULTS: At 5.0 m/s impact velocity, the maximum von Mises
      stress of the trabecular calcaneus and talus were 3.21MPa and 2.41MPa
      respectively, while that of the Tresca stress were 3.46MPa and 2.55MPa. About 94%
      and 84% of the trabecular calcaneus and talus exceeded the shear yielding stress,
      while 21.7% and 18.3% yielded the compressive stress. The peak stresses were
      distributed around the talocalcaneal articulation and the calcaneal tuberosity
      inferiorly, which corresponded to the common fracture sites. CONCLUSIONS: The
      prediction in this study showed that axial compressive impact at 5.0 m/s could
      produce considerable yielding of trabecular bone in both calcaneus and talus,
      dominantly by shear and compounded with compression that predispose the rearfoot
      in the risk of fracture. This study suggested the injury pattern and fracture
      mode of high energy trauma that provides insights in injury prevention and
      fracture management.

PMID- 27119741
TI  - Frequency of Cry1F Non-Recessive Resistance Alleles in North Carolina Field
      Populations of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
AB  - Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a
      target species of transgenic corn (Zea mays L.) that expresses single and
      pyramided Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin. In 2014, S. frugiperda were
      collected from a light trap in North Carolina, and a total of 212 F1/F2 isofemale
      lines of S. frugiperda were screened for resistance to Bt and non-Bt corn. All of
      the 212 isolines were susceptible to corn tissue expressing Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab,
      Cry1F + Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab, and Cry1F + Cry1Ab + Vip3Aa20. Growth rate bioassays
      were performed to isolate non-recessive Bt resistance alleles. Seven individuals
      out of the 212 isofemale lines carried major non-recessive alleles conferring
      resistance to Cry1F. A pooled colony was created from the seven individuals. This
      colony was 151.21 times more resistant to Cry1F than a known-susceptible
      population and was also resistant to Cry1A.105, but was not resistant to Cry2Ab
      and Vip3Aa20. The results demonstrate that field populations of S. frugiperda
      collected from North Carolina are generally susceptible to Cry1F, but that some
      individuals carry resistant alleles. The data generated in this study can be used
      as baseline data for resistance monitoring.

PMID- 27119742
TI  - Anatomical Knowledge for the Infra-Pyloric Vein Preservation during the
      Laparoscopy-Assisted Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fine anatomical knowledge enables us to use safer laparoscopy
      assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (LAPPG). Detailed anatomical knowledge of
      the infra-pyloric vein (IPV) remains obscure. In this study, the aim was to
      classify the IPV vessel flow. METHODS: From April 2009 to November 2012, 43
      patients with clinical T1 gastric cancer underwent LAPPG with preservation of
      IPV. Operative videos were retrospectively reviewed, and an anatomical
      classification of IPV was proposed. RESULTS: The IPV flow came into the right
      gastro-epiploic vein (RGEV) and/or the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal vein
      (ASPDV). The IPV anatomical flow pattern was classified according to the
      following 4 types: Type I, the IPV more than 2 flow into RGEV; Type IIa, only 1
      IPV into RGEV without into ASPDV; Type IIb, one IPV flow into RGEV and one flow
      into ASPDV; Type III, IPV only into ASPDV. The proportion of each type was 39.5%
      (17/43) in Type I, 30.2% (13/43) in Type IIa, 14% (6/43) in Type IIb, and 16.3%
      (7/43) in Type III. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical flow pattern of the IPV was
      described. It would be beneficial to improve the anatomical knowledge of the IPV
      for more elaborate and safer lymph node dissection during laparoscopic
      gastrectomy.

PMID- 27119743
TI  - Access to Awareness for Faces during Continuous Flash Suppression Is Not
      Modulated by Affective Knowledge.
AB  - It is a controversially debated topic whether stimuli can be analyzed up to the
      semantic level when they are suppressed from visual awareness during continuous
      flash suppression (CFS). Here, we investigated whether affective knowledge, i.e.,
      affective biographical information about faces, influences the time it takes for
      initially invisible faces with neutral expressions to overcome suppression and
      break into consciousness. To test this, we used negative, positive, and neutral
      famous faces as well as initially unfamiliar faces, which were associated with
      negative, positive or neutral biographical information. Affective knowledge
      influenced ratings of facial expressions, corroborating recent evidence and
      indicating the success of our affective learning paradigm. Furthermore, we
      replicated shorter suppression durations for upright than for inverted faces,
      demonstrating the suitability of our CFS paradigm. However, affective
      biographical information did not modulate suppression durations for newly learned
      faces, and even though suppression durations for famous faces were influenced by
      affective knowledge, these effects did not differ between upright and inverted
      faces, indicating that they might have been due to low-level visual differences.
      Thus, we did not obtain unequivocal evidence for genuine influences of affective
      biographical information on access to visual awareness for faces during CFS.

PMID- 27119744
TI  - Transcriptome Analysis of Piperlongumine-Treated Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells
      Reveals Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
      Pathways.
AB  - Piperlongumine (PL), an alkaloid obtained from long peppers, displays
      antitumorigenic properties for a variety of human cell- and animal-based models.
      The aim of this study was to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms for PL
      anticancer effects on human pancreatic cancer cells. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was
      used to identify the effects of PL on the transcriptome of MIA PaCa-2 human
      pancreatic cancer cells. PL treatment of pancreatic cancer cells resulted in
      differential expression of 683 mRNA transcripts with known protein functions, 351
      of which were upregulated and 332 of which were downregulated compared to control
      treated cells. Transcripts associated with oxidative stress, endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) stress, and unfolded protein response pathways were significantly
      overexpressed with PL treatment. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction and western blotting were used to validate the RNA-seq results,
      which included upregulation of HO-1, IRE1alpha, cytochrome c, and ASNS. The
      results provide key insight into the mechanisms by which PL alters cancer cell
      physiology and identify that activation of oxidative stress and ER stress
      pathways is a critical avenue for PL anticancer effects. 

PMID- 27119749
TI  - Diagnostic criteria for adrenal venous sampling.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Primary aldosteronism accounts for 3 to 5% of all hypertension
      cases. Unilateral aldosterone hypersecretion can be treated with adrenalectomy.
      Guidelines for primary aldosteronism management recommend adrenal vein sampling
      (AVS) to ascertain unilateral primary aldosteronism before surgery. Many
      different protocols are used to perform AVS and for the interpretation of its
      results, but without hard evidence of why one should be given preference. Experts
      have proposed recommendations to guide clinical practice and the grounds for
      future research to address this situation. RECENT FINDINGS: Proper patient
      preparation is a prerequisite for interpretable results. New trends are emerging
      to improve adequate cannulation of adrenal veins including: training of a limited
      number of dedicated radiologists, contrast computed tomography of adrenal veins
      before or during AVS, and rapid assays to measure cortisol concentrations during
      AVS. Cosyntropin stimulation is performed in several centers to avoid the
      variability of cortisol secretion during AVS, but whether this improves
      diagnostic performance is unknown. SUMMARY: Better markers of adequate catheter
      placement are currently under investigation, including other adrenal steroids and
      metanephrines. Innovative strategies for interpreting partially failed AVS are
      also being developed. Other approaches to ascertain primary aldosteronism subtype
      will be necessary because of limited patient access to AVS.

PMID- 27119750
TI  - Novel targeted therapies in adrenocortical carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare cancer, but one that
      carries a poor prognosis due to its aggressive nature and unresponsiveness to
      conventional chemotherapeutic strategies. Over the past 12 years, there has been
      renewed interest in developing new therapies for this cancer, including
      identifying key signaling nodes responsible for cell proliferation. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Clinical trials of tyrosine kinase inhibitors as monotherapy have
      generally been disappointing, although the identification of exceptional
      responders may lead to the identification of targeted therapies that may produce
      responses in subsets of patients. Agents targeted to the Wnt signaling pathway, a
      known player in adrenal carcinogenesis, have been developed, although they have
      not yet been used specifically for adrenal cancer. There is current excitement
      about inhibitors of acetyl-coA cholesterol acetyl transferase 1, an enzyme
      required for intracellular cholesterol handling, although trials are still
      underway. Tools to target other proteins such as Steroidogenic Factor 1 and
      mechanistic target of rapamycin have been developed and are moving towards
      clinical application. SUMMARY: Progress is being made in the fight against
      adrenocortical carcinoma with the identification of new therapeutic targets and
      new means by which to attack them. Continued improvement in the prognosis for
      patients with adrenal cancer is expected as this research continues.

PMID- 27119751
TI  - Immunohistochemistry of the adrenal in primary aldosteronism.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Primary aldosteronism is a major cause of hypertension;
      aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) cause about half of primary aldosteronism;
      idiopathic hyperplasia of adrenal glomerulosa cells are responsible for the rest.
      A surprising variety of mutations have recently been identified in ion channels
      and pumps in a significant number of APA. The present review addresses
      histological and molecular aspects of APA and the surrounding adrenal. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Specific antibodies against the CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 enzymes, the last
      enzyme in aldosterone and cortisol synthesis, respectively, allow for the first
      time study of the steroidogenic capabilities of cells within the APA and adjacent
      adrenal. Cells expressing CYP11B2 may be scattered and/or in clusters throughout
      the normal adrenal zona glomerulosa. APA differ widely in the number of cells
      expressing CYP11B2; some did not express it at all, but were surrounded by cells,
      some in clusters or micronodules, that expressed CYP11B2. Some APAs also
      comprised cells expressing both CYP11B1 and CYP17A1. In some samples, analysis of
      the tissue adjacent to APA detected ion channel and pump mutations heretofore
      associated only with APA. SUMMARY: APAs have a complex structure and expression
      of steroidogenic enzymes.

PMID- 27119752
TI  - Current advances in intratumoral androgen metabolism in castration-resistant
      prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Androgen deprivation therapy is a cornerstone in the treatment
      of advanced prostate cancer and has extended the lives of countless patients.
      Unfortunately, many of these patients eventually succumb to metastatic castration
      resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The efficacy of abiraterone acetate (AA,
      Zytiga) and enzalutamide (Enza, Xtandi) in the mCRPC setting prove that these
      tumors remain androgen-driven. We review recent studies that have shown that
      intratumoral androgen biosynthesis plays a significant role in the ever-evolving
      mCRPC tumor and we discuss the therapeutic implications of these findings. RECENT
      FINDINGS: A novel abiraterone metabolite, 17-(pyridin-3-yl)androsta-4,16-dien-3
      one (D4A), possesses robust antitumor activity in rodent models via the
      inhibition of androgen biosynthetic enzymes and antagonism of the androgen
      receptor. The TMPRSS2 : ERG fusion drives aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3)
      expression and activity to facilitate androgen biosynthesis and activate the
      androgen receptor in prostate cancer. Intracrine androgen formation and AKR1C3
      expression and activity have been found to confer resistance to enzalutamide.
      SUMMARY: These studies highlight the significant role that intratumoral androgen
      biosynthesis plays in the mCRPC tumor. The therapeutic implications include the
      inhibition of AKR1C3 in tumors that become resistant to current drugs such as
      abiraterone acetate or Enza and the potential administration of D4A as an mCRPC
      therapeutic.

PMID- 27119753
TI  - Tumoral Vitamin D Synthesis by CYP27B1 1-alpha-Hydroxylase Delays Mammary Tumor
      Progression in the PyMT-MMTV Mouse Model and Its Action Involves NF-kappaB
      Modulation.
AB  - Biologically active vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25(OH)2D) is
      synthetized from inactive prohormone 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D) by the
      enzyme CYP27B1 1-alpha-hydroxylase in kidney and several extrarenal tissues
      including breast. Although the development of breast cancer has been linked to
      inadequate vitamin D status, the importance of bioactive vitamin D production
      within tumors themselves is not fully understood. To investigate the role of
      tumoral vitamin D production in mammary epithelial cell progression to breast
      cancer, we conducted a Cre-loxP-mediated Cyp27b1 gene ablation in the mammary
      epithelium of the polyoma middle T antigen-mouse mammary tumor virus (PyMT-MMTV)
      mouse breast cancer model. Targeted ablation of Cyp27b1 was accompanied by
      significant acceleration in initiation of spontaneous mammary tumorigenesis. In
      vivo, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, cell cycle progression, and survival
      markers were up-regulated in tumors by Cyp27b1 ablation, and apoptosis was
      decreased. AK thymoma (AKT) phosphorylation and expression of several components
      of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), integrin, and signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways were increased in Cyp27b1
      ablated tumors compared with nonablated controls. In vitro, 1,25(OH)2D treatment
      induced a strong antiproliferative action on tumor cells from both ablated and
      nonablated mice, accompanied by rapid disappearance of NF-kappaB p65 from the
      nucleus and segregation in the cytoplasm. In contrast, treatment with the
      metabolic precursor 25(OH)D was only effective against cells from nonablated
      mice. 25(OH)D did not inhibit growth of Cyp27b1-ablated cells, and their nuclear
      NF-kappaB p65 remained abundant. Our findings demonstrate that in-tumor CYP27B1 1
      alpha-hydroxylase activity plays a crucial role in controlling early oncogene
      mediated mammary carcinogenesis events, at least in part by modulating tumoral
      cell NF-kappaB p65 nuclear translocation.

PMID- 27119754
TI  - A de novo 10p11.23-p12.1 deletion recapitulates the phenotype observed in WAC
      mutations and strengthens the role of WAC in intellectual disability and behavior
      disorders.
AB  - Chromosomal microarray analysis has become a powerful diagnostic tool in the
      investigation of patients with intellectual disability leading to the discovery
      of dosage sensitive genes implicated in the manifestation of various genomic
      disorders. Interstitial deletions of the short arm of chromosome 10 represent
      rare genetic abnormalities, especially those encompassing the chromosomal region
      10p11-p12. To date, only 10 postnatal cases with microdeletion of this region
      have been described, and all patients shared a common phenotype, including
      intellectual disability, abnormal behavior, distinct dysmorphic features, visual
      impairment, and cardiac malformations. WAC was suggested to be the main candidate
      gene for intellectual disability associated with 10 p11-p12 deletion syndrome.
      Here, we describe a new case of de novo 10p11.23-p12.1 microdeletion in a patient
      with intellectual disability, abnormal behavior, and distinct dysmorphic
      features. Our observation allows us to redefine the smallest region of overlap
      among patients reported so far, with a size of 80 Kb and which contains only the
      WAC gene. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that haploinsufficency of WAC
      gene might be likely responsible for intellectual disability and behavior
      disorders. Our data also led us to propose a clinical pathway for patients with
      this recognizable genetic syndrome depending on the facial dysmorphisms. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27119755
TI  - A hybrid model of support vector regression with genetic algorithm for
      forecasting adsorption of malachite green onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes:
      central composite design optimization.
AB  - The aim of this work is the study of the predictive ability of a hybrid model of
      support vector regression with genetic algorithm optimization (GA-SVR) for the
      adsorption of malachite green (MG) onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).
      Various factors were investigated by central composite design and optimum
      conditions was set as: pH 8, 0.018 g MWCNTs, 8 mg L(-1) dye mixed with 50 mL
      solution thoroughly for 10 min. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and D-R
      isothermal models are applied to fitting the experimental data, and the data was
      well explained by the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 62.11
      80.64 mg g(-1) in a short time at 25  degrees C. Kinetic studies at various
      adsorbent dosages and the initial MG concentration show that maximum MG removal
      was achieved within 10 min of the start of every experiment under most
      conditions. The adsorption obeys the pseudo-second-order rate equation in
      addition to the intraparticle diffusion model. The optimal parameters (C of
      0.2509, sigma(2) of 0.1288 and epsilon of 0.2018) for the SVR model were obtained
      based on the GA. For the testing data set, MSE values of 0.0034 and the
      coefficient of determination (R(2)) values of 0.9195 were achieved.

PMID- 27119756
TI  - The Impact of Body Dissatisfaction on Distressing Sexual Difficulties Among Men
      and Women: the Mediator Role of Cognitive Distraction.
AB  - Research has demonstrated a negative impact of cognitive distraction on sexual
      activity, and body dissatisfaction has been associated with less satisfying and
      fewer sexual activities. In the current study we examined the extent to which
      cognitive distraction, based on body appearance and sexual performance, mediated
      the impact of body dissatisfaction on sexual difficulties among women and men. A
      sample of 493 women (Mage = 30.61) and 595 men (Mage = 37.90) completed an online
      survey. Women reported significantly higher levels of distressing sexual
      difficulties, significantly more body dissatisfaction, and greater cognitive
      distraction based on appearance than men. In contrast, men reported higher
      cognitive distraction based on performance than women. A path analysis model
      indicated that, for men, only cognitive distraction based on performance mediated
      the effects of body dissatisfaction on distressing sexual difficulties, and the
      mediation was only partial as body dissatisfaction had a significant direct
      effect on distressing sexual difficulties. In contrast, among women, both
      appearance-based cognitive distraction and performance-based cognitive
      distraction fully mediated the effects of body dissatisfaction on distressing
      sexual difficulties.

PMID- 27119757
TI  - The effect of swimming on oral health status: competitive versus non-competitive
      athletes.
AB  - Young swimmers are particularly susceptible to the onset of oral diseases.
      Objective To evaluate the oral health status in young competitive and non
      competitive swimmers, involving an assessment of salivary cariogenic bacteria and
      secretory IgA (S-IgA) concentration. Material and Methods Before training
      sessions (T1), 54 competitive and 69 non-competitive swimmers had the following
      parameters assessed: decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), Plaque Index
      (PlI), and Gingival Index (GI). At T1 and after training sessions (T2),
      stimulated saliva was collected and microbiological and immunological analyses
      were performed. Results Competitive swimmers trained 2.02+/-0.09 hours 5 times a
      week, while non-competitive swimmers trained 2.03+/-0.18 hours a week. A total of
      14.7% of competitive swimmers suffered dental trauma related to sports. Only
      11.76% of the competitive swimmers took a daily dose of fluoride, against 32.65%
      of non-competitive swimmers (p=0.029). Neither group followed an established diet
      or presented statistically significant differences in terms of nutritional
      supplement drink and chocolate intake. There were statistically significant
      differences in terms of oral hygiene. No significant difference in clinical
      indexes (DMFT, PlI, and GI) was present. S. mutans was harbored by 18.6% of
      competitive and the 32.2% of non-competitive swimmers. S. sobrinus was detected
      in 22.03% of competitive and 91.6% of non-competitive swimmers (p<0.05). S.
      sanguinis was found only in the saliva of competitive swimmers. The average S-IgA
      of competitive swimmers decreased significantly at T2 (p<0.05). The pool water
      had a daily average pH of 7.22. Conclusions Microbial markers, immune status and
      sporting characteristics are important for establishing guidelines for management
      of training load in order to minimize physical stress and the risk of oral
      infection. 

PMID- 27119758
TI  - Effect of cantilever length and alloy framework on the stress distribution in
      peri-implant area of cantilevered implant-supported fixed partial dentures.
AB  - Because many mechanical variables are present in the oral cavity, the proper load
      transfer between the prosthesis and the bone is important for treatment planning
      and for the longevity of the implant-supported fixed partial denture. Objectives
      To verify the stress generated on the peri-implant area of cantilevered implant
      supported fixed partial dentures and the potential effects of such variable.
      Material and Methods A U-shaped polyurethane model simulating the mandibular bone
      containing two implants (O 3.75 mm) was used. Six groups were formed according to
      the alloy's framework (CoCr or PdAg) and the point of load application (5 mm, 10
      mm and 15 mm of cantilever arm). A 300 N load was applied in pre-determined
      reference points. The tension generated on the mesial, lingual, distal and buccal
      sides of the peri-implant regions was assessed using strain gauges. Results Two
      way ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests were applied showing significant
      differences (p<0.05) between the groups. Pearson correlation test (p<0.05) was
      applied showing positive correlations between the increase of the cantilever arm
      and the deformation of the peri-implant area. Conclusions This report
      demonstrated the CoCr alloy shows larger compression values compared to the PdAg
      alloy for the same distances of cantilever. The point of load application
      influences the deformation on the peri-implant area, increasing in accordance
      with the increase of the lever arm. 

PMID- 27119759
TI  - Solubility and bacterial sealing ability of MTA and root-end filling materials.
AB  - Objective To evaluate solubility and sealing ability of Mineral Trioxide
      Aggregate (MTA) and root-end filling materials. Material and Methods The
      materials evaluated were: MTA, Calcium Silicate Cement with zirconium oxide
      (CSC/ZrO2), and zinc oxide/eugenol (ZOE). Solubility test was performed according
      to ANSI/ADA. The difference between initial and final mass of the materials was
      analyzed after immersion in distilled water for 7 and 30 days. Retrograde
      cavities in human teeth with single straight root canal were performed by using
      ultrasonic tip CVD 9.5107-8. The cavities were filled with the evaluated
      materials to evaluate sealing ability using the bacterial leakage test with
      Enterococcus faecalis. Bacterial leakage was evaluated every 24 hours for six
      weeks observing the turbidity of Brain Heart infusion (BHI) medium in contact
      with root apex. Data were submitted to ANOVA followed by Tukey tests
      (solubility), and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (sealing ability) at a 5%
      significance level. Results For the 7-day period, ZOE presented highest
      solubility when compared with the other groups (p<0.05). For the 30-day period,
      no difference was observed among the materials. Lower bacterial leakage was
      observed for MTA and CSC/ZrO2, and both presented better results than ZOE
      (p<0.05). Conclusion MTA and CSC/ZrO2 presented better bacterial sealing
      capacity, which may be related to lower initial solubility observed for these
      materials in relation to ZOE. 

PMID- 27119760
TI  - In vivo model for microbial invasion of tooth root dentinal tubules.
AB  - Objective Bacterial penetration of dentinal tubules via exposed dentine can lead
      to root caries and promote infections of the pulp and root canal system. The aim
      of this work was to develop a new experimental model for studying bacterial
      invasion of dentinal tubules within the human oral cavity. Material and Methods
      Sections of human root dentine were mounted into lower oral appliances that were
      worn by four human subjects for 15 d. Roots were then fixed, sectioned, stained
      and examined microscopically for evidence of bacterial invasion. Levels of
      invasion were expressed as Tubule Invasion Factor (TIF). DNA was extracted from
      root samples, subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification of 16S rRNA
      genes, and invading bacteria were identified by comparison of sequences with
      GenBank database. Results All root dentine samples with patent tubules showed
      evidence of bacterial cell invasion (TIF value range from 5.7 to 9.0) to depths
      of 200 mm or more. A spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative cell morphotypes
      were visualized, and molecular typing identified species of Granulicatella,
      Streptococcus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas as
      dentinal tubule residents. Conclusion A novel in vivo model is described, which
      provides for human root dentine to be efficiently infected by oral
      microorganisms. A range of bacteria were able to initially invade dentinal
      tubules within exposed dentine. The model will be useful for testing the
      effectiveness of antiseptics, irrigants, and potential tubule occluding agents in
      preventing bacterial invasion of dentine. 

PMID- 27119761
TI  - Evaluation of temperature increase during in-office bleaching.
AB  - The use of light sources in the bleaching process reduces the time required and
      promotes satisfactory results. However, these light sources can cause an increase
      in the pulp temperature. Objective The purpose of the present study was to
      measure the increase in intrapulpal temperature induced by different light
      activated bleaching procedures with and without the use of a bleaching gel.
      Material and Methods A human maxillary central incisor was sectioned 2 mm below
      the cementoenamel junction. A K-type thermocouple probe was introduced into the
      pulp chamber. A 35% hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel was applied to the vestibular
      tooth surface. The light units used were a conventional halogen, a hybrid light
      (only LED and LED/Laser), a high intensity LED, and a green LED light.
      Temperature increase values were compared by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests
      (p<0.05). Results There were statistically significant differences in temperature
      increases between the different light sources used and between the same light
      sources with and without the use of a bleaching gel. The presence of a bleaching
      gel generated an increase in intra-pulpal temperature in groups activated with
      halogen light, hybrid light, and high intensity LED. Compared to the other light
      sources, the conventional halogen lamp applied over the bleaching gel induced a
      significant increase in temperature (3.83+/-0.41 degrees C). The green LED unit
      with and without gel application did not produce any significant intrapulpal
      temperature variations. Conclusion In the present study, the conventional halogen
      lamp caused the highest increase in intrapulpal temperature, and the green LED
      caused the least. There was an increase in temperature with all lights tested and
      the maximum temperature remained below the critical level (5.5 degrees C). The
      addition of a bleaching gel led to a higher increase in intrapulpal temperatures.

PMID- 27119762
TI  - Detection of cfxA2, cfxA3, and cfxA6 genes in beta-lactamase producing oral
      anaerobes.
AB  - Purpose The aim of this study was to identify beta-lactamase-producing oral
      anaerobic bacteria and screen them for the presence of cfxA and BlaTEM genes that
      are responsible for beta-lactamase production and resistance to beta-lactam
      antibiotics. Material and Methods Periodontal pocket debris samples were
      collected from 48 patients with chronic periodontitis and anaerobically cultured
      on blood agar plates with and without beta-lactam antibiotics. Presumptive beta
      lactamase-producing isolates were evaluated for definite beta-lactamase
      production using the nitrocefin slide method and identified using the API Rapid
      32A system. Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using disc diffusion and
      microbroth dilution tests as described by CLSI Methods. Isolates were screened
      for the presence of the beta-lactamase-TEM (BlaTEM) and beta-lactamase-cfxA genes
      using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Amplified PCR products were sequenced and
      the cfxA gene was characterized using Genbank databases. Results Seventy five
      percent of patients carried two species of beta-lactamase-producing anaerobic
      bacteria that comprised 9.4% of the total number of cultivable bacteria. Fifty
      one percent of beta-lactamase-producing strains mainly Prevotella, Porphyromonas,
      and Bacteroides carried the cfxA gene, whereas none of them carried blaTEM.
      Further characterization of the cfxA gene showed that 76.7% of these strains
      carried the cfxA2 gene, 14% carried cfxA3, and 9.3% carried cfxA6. The cfxA6 gene
      was present in three Prevotella spp. and in one Porphyromonas spp. Strains
      containing cfxA genes (56%) were resistant to the beta-lactam antibiotics.
      Conclusion This study indicates that there is a high prevalence of the cfxA gene
      in beta-lactamase-producing anaerobic oral bacteria, which may lead to drug
      resistance and treatment failure. 

PMID- 27119763
TI  - Sealing ability of MTA, CPM, and MBPc as root-end filling materials: a bacterial
      leakage study.
AB  - Objectives To evaluate the sealing ability of three root-end filling materials
      (white MTA, CPM, and MBPc) using an Enterococcus faecalis leakage model. Material
      and Methods Seventy single-root extracted human teeth were instrumented and root
      ends were resected to prepare 3 mm depth cavities. Root-end preparations were
      filled with white MTA, CPM, and MBPc cements. Enterococcus faecalis was coronally
      introduced and the apical portion was immersed in BHI culture medium with phenol
      red indicator. The bacterial leakage was monitored every 24 h for 4 weeks. The
      statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon-Gehan test (p<0.05).
      Results All cements showed bacterial leakage after 24 hours, except for the
      negative control group. The MBPc showed significantly less bacterial leakage
      compared with the MTA group (p<0.05). No significant differences were found
      between the CPM and the other groups. Conclusions The epoxy resin-based cement
      MBPc had lower bacterial leakage compared with the calcium silicate-based cements
      MTA and CPM. 

PMID- 27119764
TI  - Combined effects of melatonin and FGF-2 on mouse preosteoblast behavior within
      interconnected porous hydroxyapatite ceramics - in vitro analysis.
AB  - Objective Biocompatible materials such as interconnected porous hydroxyapatite
      ceramics (IP-CHA) loaded with osteogenic cells and bioactive agents are part of
      an evolving concept for overcoming craniofacial defects by use of artificial bone
      tissue regeneration. Amongst the bioactive agents, melatonin (MEL) and basic
      fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) have been independently reported to induce
      osteoblastic activity. The present in vitro study was undertaken to examine the
      relationship between these two bioactive agents and their combinatory effects on
      osteoblastic activity and mineralization in vitro. Material and Methods Mouse
      preosteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1) were seeded and cultured within cylindrical type
      of IP-CHA block (o 4x7 mm) by vacuum-assisted method. The IP-CHA/MC3T3 composites
      were subjected to FGF-2 and/or MEL. The proliferation assay, alkaline phosphatase
      enzyme activity (ALP), mRNA expressions of late bone markers, namely Osteocalcin
      (OCN) and Osteopontin (OPN), and Alizarin Red staining were examined over a
      period of 7 days. Results FGF-2 mainly enhanced the proliferation of MC3T3-E1
      cells within the IP-CHA constructs. MEL mainly induced the mRNA expression of
      late bone markers (OCN and OPN) and showed increased ALP activity of MC3T3 cells
      cultured within IP-CHA construct. Moreover, the combination of FGF-2 and MEL
      showed increased osteogenic activity within the IP-CHA construct in terms of cell
      proliferation, upregulated expressions of OCN and OPN, increased ALP activity and
      mineralization with Alizarin Red. The synergy of the proliferative potential of
      FGF-2 and the differentiation potential of MEL showed increased osteogenic
      activity in MC3T3-E1 cells cultured within IP-CHA constructs. Conclusion These
      findings indicate that the combination of FGF-2 and MEL may be utilized with
      biocompatible materials to attain augmented osteogenic activity and
      mineralization. 

PMID- 27119765
TI  - Effects of a buried magnetic field on cranial bone reconstruction in rats.
AB  - The understanding of bone repair phenomena is a fundamental part of dentistry and
      maxillofacial surgery. Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the
      influence of buried magnetic field stimulation on bone repair in rat calvaria
      after reconstruction with autogenous bone grafts, synthetic powdered
      hydroxyapatite, or allogeneic cartilage grafts, with or without exposure to
      magnetic stimulation. Material and Methods Ninety male Wistar rats were divided
      into 18 groups of five animals each. Critical bone defects were created in the
      rats' calvaria and immediately reconstructed with autogenous bone, powdered
      synthetic hydroxyapatite or allogeneic cartilage. Magnetic implants were also
      placed in half the animals. Rats were euthanized for analysis at 15, 30, and 60
      postoperative days. Histomorphometric analyses of the quantity of bone repair
      were performed at all times. Results These analyses showed significant group by
      postoperative time interactions (p=0.008). Among the rats subjected to autogenous
      bone reconstruction, those exposed to magnetic stimulation had higher bone fill
      percentages than those without magnetic implants. Results also showed that the
      quality of bone repair remained higher in the former group as compared to the
      latter at 60 postoperative days. Conclusions After 60 postoperative days, bone
      repair was greater in the group treated with autogenous bone grafts and exposed
      to a magnetic field, and bone repair was most pronounced in animals treated with
      autogenous bone grafts, followed by those treated with powdered synthetic
      hydroxyapatite and allogeneic cartilage grafts. 

PMID- 27119766
TI  - Evaluation of an experimental rat model for comparative studies of bleaching
      agents.
AB  - Dental materials in general are tested in different animal models prior to the
      clinical use in humans, except for bleaching agents. Objectives To evaluate an
      experimental rat model for comparative studies of bleaching agents, by
      investigating the influence of different concentrations and application times of
      H2O2 gel in the pulp tissue during in-office bleaching of rats' vital teeth.
      Material and Methods The right and left maxillary molars of 50 Wistar rats were
      bleached with 20% and 35% H2O2 gels, respectively, for 5, 10, 15, 30, or 45 min
      (n=10 rats/group). Ten animals were untreated (control). The rats were killed
      after 2 or 30 days, and the maxillae were examined by light microscopy.
      Inflammation was evaluated through histomorphometric analysis with inflammatory
      cell count in the coronal and radicular thirds of the pulp. Fibroblasts were also
      counted. Scores were attributed to odontoblastic layer and vascular changes.
      Tertiary dentin area and pulp chamber central area were measured
      histomorphometrically. Data were compared by analysis of variance and Kruskal
      Wallis test (p<0.05). Results After 2 days, the amount of inflammatory cells
      increased in the coronal pulp occlusal third up to the 15-min application groups
      of each bleaching gel. In the groups exposed to each concentration for 30 and 45
      min, the number of inflammatory cells decreased along with the appearance of
      necrotic areas. After 30 days, reduction on the pulp chamber central area and
      enlargement of the tertiary dentin area were observed, without the detection of
      inflammation areas. Conclusion The rat model of extracoronal bleaching showed to
      be adequate for studies of bleaching protocols, as it was possible to observe
      alterations in the pulp tissues and tooth structure caused by different
      concentrations and application periods of bleaching agents. 

PMID- 27119768
TI  - Alignment of threat, effort, and perceived success in North American conservation
      translocations.
AB  - The use of conservation translocations to mitigate human effects on biodiversity
      is increasing, but how these efforts are allocated remains unclear. Based on a
      comprehensive literature review and online author survey, we sought to determine
      the goals of translocation efforts, whether they focus on species and regions
      with high threat and likelihood of perceived success, and how success might be
      improved. We systematically searched the ISI Web of Knowledge and Academic Search
      Complete databases to determine the species and regions of conservation
      translocations and found 1863 articles on conservation translocations in the
      United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean published from 1974
      to 2013. We questioned 330 relevant authors to determine the motivation for
      translocations, how translocations were evaluated, and obstacles encountered.
      Conservation translocations in North America were geographically widespread (in
      21 countries), increased in frequency over time for all animal classes (from 1 in
      1974 to 84 in 2013), and included 279 different species. Reintroductions and
      reinforcements were more common in the United States than in Canada and Mexico,
      Central America, or the Caribbean, and their prevalence was correlated with the
      number of species at risk at national and state or provincial levels.
      Translocated species had a higher threat status at state and provincial levels
      than globally (International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List
      categorization), suggesting that translocations may have been motivated by
      regional priorities rather than global risk. Our survey of authors was consistent
      with these results; most translocations were requested, supported, or funded by
      government agencies and downlisting species at national or state or provincial
      levels was the main goal. Nonetheless, downlisting was the least reported measure
      of success, whereas survival and reproduction of translocated individuals were
      the most reported. Reported barriers to success included biological factors such
      as animal mortality and nonbiological factors, such as financial constraints,
      which were less often considered in the selection of release sites. Our review
      thus highlights discrepancies between project goals and evaluation criteria and
      between risk factors considered and obstacles encountered, indicating room to
      further optimize translocation projects.

PMID- 27119767
TI  - Association of three putative periodontal pathogens with chronic periodontitis in
      Brazilian subjects.
AB  - Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of Porphyromonas
      endodontalis, Filifactor alocis and Dialister pneumosintes with the occurrence of
      periodontitis. Material and Methods Thirty subjects with chronic periodontitis
      (ChP) and 10 with periodontal health (PH) were included in the study. Nine
      subgingival biofilm samples were collected as follows: i) PH group - from the
      mesial/buccal aspect of each tooth in two randomly chosen contralateral
      quadrants; ii) ChP group - from three sites in each of the following probing
      depth (PD) categories: shallow (<=3 mm), moderate (4-6 mm) and deep (>=7 mm).
      Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization was used to analyze the samples. Results We
      found the three species evaluated in a higher percentage of sites and at higher
      levels in the group with ChP than in the PH group (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney test). We
      also observed these differences when the samples from sites with PD<=4 mm or >=5
      mm of subjects with ChP were compared with those from subjects with PH (p<0.05,
      Mann-Whitney test). In addition, the prevalence and levels of D. pneumosintes,
      and especially of F. alocis were very low in healthy subjects (0.12x105 and
      0.01x105, respectively). Conclusion F. alocis and D. pneumosintes might be
      associated with the etiology of ChP, and their role in the onset and progression
      of this infection should be further investigated. The role of P. endodontalis was
      less evident, since this species was found in relatively high levels and
      prevalence in the PH group. 

PMID- 27119769
TI  - A perfect storm: Tumor lysis syndrome with rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia
      in a G6PD deficient adult.

PMID- 27119770
TI  - Enhanced Cellular Uptake of Bowl-like Microcapsules.
AB  - Among several properties of colloidal particles, shape is emerging as an
      important parameter for tailoring the interactions between particles and cells.
      In this study, bowl-like multilayer microcapsules were prepared by osmotic
      induced invagination of their spherical counterparts in a concentrated
      polyelectrolyte solution. The internalization behaviors of bowl-like and
      spherical microcapsules were compared by coincubation with smooth muscle cells
      (SMCs) and macrophages. The bowl-like capsules tended to attach onto the cell
      membranes from the bend side and could be enwrapped by the membranes of SMCs,
      leading to a faster uptake rate and larger accumulation inside cells than those
      of their spherical counterparts. These results are important for understanding
      the shape-dependent internalization behavior, providing useful guidance for
      further materials design especially in biomedical applications.

PMID- 27119771
TI  - The histopathologic effects of L-carnitine in Sodium Taurocholate Induced Severe
      Pancreatitis Model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the histopathologic effects of L-carnitine (LC) in an
      experimental severe pancreatitis (SP) model induced with sodium taurocholate
      (STC). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: LC is an amino acid-like molecule that plays
      an active role in transporting fatty acids and producing Acetyl CoA in
      mitochondrial matrix for beta-oxidation to provide energy which is needed for
      metabolism. It has ameliorative effects on cell injury demonstrated in many
      studies. The present study focuses on evaluating histopathologic effects of LC in
      an experimental SP model. METHODS: This experimental study in rats was conducted
      at the Experimental Animal Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine of
      Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey. Thirty-two Spraque-dawley male rats were
      divided into 4 groups in a randomized fashion: control (C) group, L-carnitine
      (LC) group, pancreatitis (P) group, pancreatitis and L-carnitine (P+LC) group.
      Pancreatitis was induced by a retrograde pancreatic duct injection of 4% sodium
      taurocholate and L-carnitine was administered 200 mg/kg/day in treatment group.
      Rats were euthanized with cardiac puncture under anesthesia at 48th hour of the
      experiment for biochemical and histopathological examination. RESULTS: In (P+LC)
      group, the histopathological findings of the pancreatitis were markedly reduced.
      Acinar cell degeneration was rarely seen. Interlobular and intralobular
      inflammation and edema was generally mild. The pancreatic damage score of (P+LC)
      group was significantly lower than that of the (P) group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:
      This study revealed that l-carnitine has a significant histopathologic protective
      effect on acinar cell degeneration in STC-induced SP model in rats.

PMID- 27119772
TI  - Analysis of a Social Work-Based Model of Transitional Care to Reduce Hospital
      Readmissions: Preliminary Data.
AB  - Efforts to reduce readmissions after hospital discharge are increasingly being
      made to better identify and address social and logistical needs in addition to
      attending to posthospital clinical challenges. A transitional care model based in
      the social work professional skill set may be well matched to assess and address
      social and logistical needs during the posthospital transitional care period. The
      effect of a social work-based transitional care intervention on all-cause 30-day
      readmission rates for Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) beneficiaries discharged
      from an urban medical center was analyzed. Analyses revealed a 20% relative
      reduction in readmissions for 1,546 Medicare FFS discharges to home, with or
      without home care (a 4.5% absolute rate reduction). This model may be of interest
      to entities that are accountable for the care of individuals with complex social
      needs, such as dually eligible individuals (those eligible for Medicare and
      Medicaid) and adults who are newly eligible for Medicaid coverage.

PMID- 27119773
TI  - Female infidelity is constrained by El Nino conditions in a long-lived bird.
AB  - Explaining the remarkable variation in socially monogamous females' extrapair
      (EP) behaviour revealed by decades of molecular paternity testing remains an
      important challenge. One hypothesis proposes that restrictive environmental
      conditions (e.g. extreme weather, food scarcity) limit females' resources and
      increase EP behaviour costs, forcing females to reduce EP reproductive
      behaviours. For the first time, we tested this hypothesis by directly quantifying
      within-pair and EP behaviours rather than inferring behaviour from paternity. We
      evaluated whether warmer sea surface temperatures depress total pre-laying
      reproductive behaviours, and particularly EP behaviours, in socially paired
      female blue-footed boobies (Sula nebouxii). Warm waters in the Eastern Pacific
      are associated with El Nino Southern Oscillation and lead to decreased food
      availability and reproductive success in this and other marine predators. With
      warmer waters, females decreased their neighbourhood attendance, total copulation
      frequency and laying probability, suggesting that they contend with restricted
      resources by prioritizing self-maintenance and committing less to reproduction,
      sometimes abandoning the attempt altogether. Females were also less likely to
      participate in EP courtship and copulations, but when they did, rates of these
      behaviours were unaffected by water temperature. Females' neighbourhood
      attendance, total copulation frequency and EP courtship probability responded to
      temperature differences at the between-season scale, and neighbourhood attendance
      and EP copulation probability were affected by within-season fluctuations. Path
      analysis indicated that decreased EP participation was not attributable to
      reduced female time available for EP activities. Together, our results suggest
      that immediate time and energy constraints were not the main factors limiting
      females' infidelity. Our study shows that El Nino conditions depress female
      boobies' EP participation and total reproductive activity. In addition to
      increasing general self-maintenance and reproductive costs, warm waters may
      increase costs specific to EP behaviours including divorce, reduced male parental
      care, or pathogen exposure. Our results suggest that female boobies strategically
      refrained from EP behaviours to avoid these or other longer-term costs, rather
      than being compelled by immediate constraints. This study demonstrates that
      current environmental conditions affect females' mating decisions, contributing
      to variation in EP behaviours, even in a long-lived, iteroparous species that can
      buffer against temporary adversity.

PMID- 27119774
TI  - Metal- and Protection-Free [4 + 2] Cycloadditions of Alkynes with Azadienes:
      Assembly of Functionalized Quinolines.
AB  - A base promoted, protection-free, and regioselective synthesis of highly
      functionalized quinolines via [4 + 2] cycloaddition of azadienes (generated in
      situ from o-aminobenzyl alcohol) with internal alkynes has been discovered. The
      reaction tolerates a wide variety of functional groups which has been
      successfully extended with diynes, (2-aminopyridin-3-yl)methanol, and 1,4
      bis(phenylethynyl)benzene to afford (Z)-phenyl-2-styrylquinolines,
      phenylnaphthyridine, and alkyne-substituted quinolines, respectively. The
      proposed mechanism and significant role of the solvent were well supported by
      isolating the azadiene intermediate and deuterium-labeling studies.

PMID- 27119775
TI  - Wafer-Scale, Homogeneous MoS2 Layers on Plastic Substrates for Flexible Visible
      Light Photodetectors.
AB  - An appropriate solution is suggested for synthesizing wafer-scale, continuous,
      and stoichiometric MoS2 layers with spatial homogeneity at the low temperature of
      450  degrees C. It is also demonstrated that the MoS2 -based visible-light
      photodetector arrays are both fabricated on 4 inch SiO2 /Si wafer and polyimide
      films, revealing 100% active devices with a narrow photocurrent distribution and
      excellent mechanical durability. 

PMID- 27119776
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA Variation and Heteroplasmy in Monozygotic Twins Clinically
      Discordant for Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - We examined the debated link between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation and
      multiple sclerosis (MS) using 49 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs clinically
      discordant for MS, which enables to associate de novo mtDNA variants, skewed
      heteroplasmy, and mtDNA copy number with MS manifestation. Ultra-deep sequencing
      of blood-derived mtDNA revealed 25 heteroplasmic variants with potentially
      pathogenic features in 18 pairs. All variants were pair-specific and had low
      and/or similar heteroplasmy levels in both cotwins. In one pair, a confirmed
      pathogenic variant (m.11778G>A, heteroplasmy ~50%) associated with Leber
      hereditary optic neuropathy was detected. Detailed diagnostic investigation
      revealed subclinical MS signs in the prior nondiseased cotwin. Moreover, neither
      mtDNA deletions nor copy-number variations were involved. Furthermore, the
      majority of heteroplasmic variants were shared among MZ twins and exhibited more
      similar heteroplasmy levels in the same tissue of MZ twins as compared with
      different tissues of the same individual. Heteroplasmy levels were also more
      similar within MZ twins compared with nonidentical siblings. Our analysis
      excludes mtDNA variation as a major driver of the discordant clinical
      manifestation of MS in MZ twins, and provides valuable insights into the
      occurrence and distribution of heteroplasmic variants within MZ twins and
      nonidentical siblings, and across different tissues.

PMID- 27119790
TI  - Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Outcomes in Pediatric and Congenital Heart
      Disease: Time to System Revision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are intended to
      prevent sudden cardiac death yet also impose a risk of morbidity. This study
      describes the outcomes of ICDs in a pediatric and congenital heart disease (CHD)
      population from a single center. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of all
      patients with an ICD followed at the University of Michigan Congenital Heart
      Center from 2005-2013. The primary outcome was ICD system revision for any reason
      excluding routine generator change for battery depletion. RESULTS: There were 191
      ICD systems in 131 patients, including 57 with CHD, 24 with hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy, and 45 with structurally normal hearts. Median age was 16 years
      at initial implant. Total follow-up was 850 patient-years; median 4.9
      years/patient. There were 43 (33%) patients who required 60 ICD revisions; 70
      revisions/1,000 patient-years of follow-up. Revisions included 25 lead
      extractions with replacement, 21 lead additions, five lead repositions, and four
      full system revisions. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) median time to appropriate shock was
      similar to the median time to system revision. K-M time to system revision was
      significantly affected by recalled lead performance. CONCLUSIONS: The need for
      ICD system revision is high in this pediatric and CHD population and occurs at a
      rate similar to the rate of receiving appropriate therapy. These results
      highlight the need for judicious implant criteria and improved device longevity.

PMID- 27119791
TI  - Long-Lived Charge Transfer Excited States in HBC-Polypyridyl Complex Hybrids.
AB  - The synthesis of two bipyridine-hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (bpy-HBC) ligands
      functionalized with either (t)Bu or C12H25 and their Re(I) tricarbonyl chloride
      complexes are reported and their electronic properties investigated using
      spectroscopic and computational methods. The metal complexes show unusual
      properties, and we observed the formation of a long-lived excited state using
      time-resolved infrared spectroscopy. Depending on the solvent, this appears to be
      of the form Rebpy(*-)HBC(*+) or a bpy-centered pi,pi* state. TD-DFT calculations
      support the donor-acceptor charge transfer character of these systems, in which
      HBC is the donor and bpy is the acceptor. The ground state optical properties are
      dominated by the HBC chromophore with additional distinct transitions of the
      complexes, one associated with MLCT 450 nm (epsilon > 17 000 L mol(-1) cm(-1))
      and another with a HBC/metal to bpy charge transfer, termed the MLLCT band (373
      nm, epsilon = 66 000 L mol(-1) cm(-1)). These assignments are also supported by
      resonance Raman spectroscopy.

PMID- 27119792
TI  - A systematic review of the surgical techniques for the treatment of internal
      nasal valve collapse: where do we stand?
AB  - BACKGROUND: A myriad of interventions have been described to address the
      restoration or preservation of the internal nasal valve, the narrowest portion of
      nasal airway. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: To review systematically available knowledge
      and evidence about management options of the collapse of the internal nasal valve
      area. TYPE OF REVIEW: Systematic review. SEARCH STRATEGY: A MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      Cochrane Library and CENTRAL database search, followed by extensive hand
      searching for the identification of relevant studies. EVALUATION METHOD: Review
      of all English-language studies addressing the treatment of the internal nasal
      valve collapse. RESULTS: Fifty-three studies were eventually identified and
      systematically reviewed. The majority (50 of 53) of the included articles are
      graded as level IV evidence and only one randomised trial was identified. The
      included randomised study reported no significant difference in improvement
      between the intervention group (autospreader flap) and placebo arms. The majority
      of the included studies presented in this systematic review provide level IV
      evidence concerning the optimal approach for cases of nasal valve collapse.
      Current research is driven more by reports of techniques than patient outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Proper evaluation and identification of the cause of the internal
      nasal valve collapse is paramount prior to selection of the preferred surgical
      solution. The three-dimensional construction of the nasal valve implies that many
      pathologies cannot be restored by a single solution. Treatment approaches should
      be directed at specific involved sites. Present systematic review of the
      literature revealed that the available evidence is based on low-level studies and
      focuses more on the description of various surgical techniques rather than on
      patient-reported outcome measures. Future studies are needed, including
      homogenous patient groups, comparing different surgical techniques and
      incorporating patient-reported outcome measures.

PMID- 27119793
TI  - Characterization of clear cell renal cell carcinoma with diffusion kurtosis
      imaging: correlation between diffusion kurtosis parameters and tumor cellularity.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of diffusion kurtosis imaging
      (DKI) in the characterization of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and to
      correlate DKI parameters with tumor cellularity. Fifty-nine patients with
      pathologically diagnosed ccRCCs were evaluated by DKI on a 3-T scanner. Regions
      of interest were drawn on the maps of the mean diffusion coefficient (MD) and
      mean diffusion kurtosis (MK). All ccRCCs were histologically graded according to
      the Fuhrman classification system. Tumor cellularity was measured by the nuclear
      to-cytoplasm (N/C) ratio and the number of tumor cell nuclei (NTCN). ccRCCs were
      classified as grade 1 (n = 23), grade 2 (n = 24), grade 3 (n = 10) and grade 4 (n
      = 3). Both MD and MK could readily discriminate between normal renal parenchyma
      and ccRCCs (p < 0.001), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      analysis showed that MK exhibited a better performance with an area under the ROC
      curve of 0.874 and sensitivity/specificity of 68.33%/100% (p < 0.001). Further,
      MD and MK were significantly different between grade 1 and grades 3 and 4 (p =
      0.01, p < 0.001) and between grade 2 and grades 3 and 4 (p = 0.015, p < 0.005),
      respectively. However, no significant difference was found between grade 1 and
      grade 2 (p > 0.05) for both MD and MK. With regard to NTCN, no significant
      difference was found between any two grades (p > 0.05), and the N/C ratio changed
      significantly with grade (p < 0.01, between any two grades). Negative
      correlations were found between MK and MD (r = -0.56, p < 0.001), and between MD
      and N/C ratio (r = -0.36, p < 0.005), whereas MK and the N/C ratio were
      positively correlated (r = 0.45, p = 0.003). DKI could quantitatively
      characterize ccRCC with different grades by probing non-Gaussian diffusion
      properties related to changes in the tumor microenvironment or tissue
      complexities in the tumor. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27119794
TI  - Leadership Transitions.

PMID- 27119795
TI  - NCF @ Work!

PMID- 27119796
TI  - Etc.

PMID- 27119797
TI  - Embracing Servant Leadership.

PMID- 27119798
TI  - Practicing Transformational Leadership.

PMID- 27119799
TI  - Nursing in the Church.

PMID- 27119800
TI  - Student TXT.

PMID- 27119801
TI  - More With Less.

PMID- 27119802
TI  - Teen Depression and Suicide, A SILENT CRISIS.
AB  - Adolescent depression is a serious problem affecting 10.7% of all teens and 29.9%
      of high school students; 17% of high school students have contemplated suicide.
      Yet, depression in teens is often unrecognized. This article relays the tragic
      death of a 17-year-old, along with symptoms of depression and suicide in
      adolescents; DSM-5 criteria for depression; treatments including protective
      factors, psychotherapy, and medications; and imparts interventions for addressing
      this huge but silent crisis.

PMID- 27119804
TI  - Nursing's Critical Role in the Shifting Landscape of Mental Health.
AB  - By 2020, mental and substance use disorders will surpass all physical diseases as
      a major cause of disability in the United States. Four key actions are proposed
      in which healthcare systems and nurses--the largest group of providers--can
      leverage nursing to address the biggest public health challenge the United States
      and many other nations face. Faith community nurses and faith congregations have
      particular opportunities to address this overwhelming need.

PMID- 27119803
TI  - Church Member Support Benefits Psychological Well-Being of Pregnant African
      American Women.
AB  - Depression during pregnancy is common, and pregnant African American (AA) women
      are more likely to experience depressive symptoms compared with pregnant non
      Hispanic white women. This study explored AA women's experience of church
      attendance, church member support, depressive symptoms, and psychological well
      being at 15-25 weeks' gestation. Nurses need to be aware of the importance of
      church support and encourage clergy and church members to be supportive of
      pregnant women.

PMID- 27119805
TI  - EMPLOYEE SPIRITUAL CARE: Supporting Those Who Care for Others.
AB  - In order to provide whole-person care for patients and families, Loma Linda
      University Health recognizes the importance of supporting employee wholeness. The
      Employee Spiritual Care department helps create and support an environment that
      nurtures the spiritual health and wholeness of employees, and provides employees
      tools and knowledge about providing whole-person care to patients and colleagues.

PMID- 27119806
TI  - NURSE EDUCATOR PERCEPTIONS OF FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS FOR SERVICE-LEARNING.
AB  - Knowledge about service-learning for nursing students in faith-based
      organizations (FBOs) is limited. This descriptive study explored the perceptions
      of nurse educators about using FBOs for service-learning clinical sites.
      Participants (N = 112) relayed specific benefits and barriers to using FBOs for
      service-learning clinical experiences. Recommendations are made for effective
      school-FBO partnerships.

PMID- 27119807
TI  - GUIDELINES FOR APPROPRIATELY USING Scripture at the Bedside.
AB  - The losses patients experience are spiritual, as well as physical, events.
      Christian nurses are ideally situated to integrate calming biblical truths into
      dialogue with patients and family members when appropriate. This article
      discusses how Scripture can be used at the bedside with patients or families who
      want this type of spiritual care. Examples are presented from the author's
      nursing practice.

PMID- 27119808
TI  - A Transitional Care Model Using Faith Community Nurses.
AB  - The Medicare mandatory readmission reduction program has hospitals scrambling to
      reduce 30-day readmissions. A Faith Community Nurse (FCN) Transitional Care Model
      was developed from systematic literature review of predictive factors of
      readmission and pre- and postdischarge interventions that decrease readmission.
      The model presents specific FCN care that occurs pre- and posthospital discharge
      to support the patient in transitioning from one level of care to another, move
      toward wholistic health, and avoid unnecessary readmission.

PMID- 27119809
TI  - How Do I Learn About Poetry?

PMID- 27119810
TI  - How Do We Prepare for Emergency Spiritual Care?

PMID- 27119812
TI  - The Power of Words.

PMID- 27119811
TI  - JOY:Ten Minutes to Describe the Essence of Nursing.

PMID- 27119813
TI  - Resources.

PMID- 27119814
TI  - PulseBeats.

PMID- 27119815
TI  - Developing Global Nurse Influencers.
AB  - How can universities create engaged citizens and global leaders? Each year, a
      select group of advanced practice nursing students at Baylor University Louise
      Herrington School of Nursing travel to Africa for a month-long clinical mission
      experience. Students work alongside local and missionary healthcare providers in
      a comprehensive Christian outreach to the community at a high-volume clinic.
      Creating rich learning experiences in a global setting in significant and
      sustainable ways is difficult, but intentionally focusing on what we are called
      to do and who we serve provides ballast for faculty and students. The success of
      the trip in preparing students to be global influencers is evident by the work
      graduates elect to do around the world, following graduation.

PMID- 27119816
TI  - Teaching and Practicing Caring in the Classroom: Students' Responses to a Self
      Awareness Intervention in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to test the assumption that caring could be taught
      by nurse educators in the classroom environment and that learning to be self
      aware in a mindful state would facilitate students to listen more closely to
      their inner spirit, which would affect caring behaviors. A convenience sample of
      238 students in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing course in a baccalaureate
      program was obtained from 2007 to 2011. At the beginning of each class and
      throughout the semester, self-awareness was explained to the students, a
      reflection statement was read, and students were asked to take two minutes of
      quiet time, with their eyes closed. At the end of each semester, an author
      composed Self-Awareness Questionnaire and Measurement Scale was administered to
      consenting students to assess whether self-awareness led to caring behaviors.
      Students' responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings were
      positive and supported the assumption that self-awareness and silence positively
      affected caring behaviors in nursing students in their psychiatric nursing
      rotation.

PMID- 27119817
TI  - Teen Depression and Suicide: A Silent Crisis.

PMID- 27119818
TI  - A Transitional Care Model Using Faith Community Nurses.

PMID- 27119819
TI  - Synergetic mechanism and enantioseparation of aromatic beta-amino acids by
      biphasic chiral high-speed counter-current chromatography.
AB  - A biphasic chiral recognition system based on chiral ligand exchange with Cu(II)
      N-n-dodecyl-L-proline and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin as an additive was
      developed to enantioseparate aromatic beta-amino acids by high-speed counter
      current chromatography. The biphasic chiral recognition system was established
      with an n-butanol/water (1:1, v/v) solvent system by adding N-n-dodecyl-L-proline
      and Cu(II) ions to the organic phase and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin to the
      aqueous phase. Several separation parameters, such as temperature, pH value, and
      chiral selector concentration, were systematically investigated by
      enantioselective liquid-liquid extraction. Under the optimal separation
      conditions, 54.5 mg of (R,S)-beta-phenylalanine and 74.3 mg of (R,S)-beta-3,4
      dimethoxyphenylalanine were baseline enantioseparated. More importantly, the
      synergistic enantiorecognition mechanism, based on the Cu(II)-N-n-dodecyl-L
      proline and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, was discussed for the first time. 

PMID- 27119820
TI  - The effects of weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy on left ventricular systolic
      function in men versus women.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effects of weight lost after sleeve
      gastrectomy on left ventricular (LV) systolic function using both two-dimensional
      speckle tracking (2D-STE) and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in men
      versus women. METHODS: In 53 obese patients referred for sleeve gastrectomy, 2D
      STE and 3DE were performed prior to and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The
      study included 53 obese patients (62.3% female; mean age 36.8 +/- 10.7 years).
      Six months after surgery, all patients demonstrated a significant decrease in
      body mass index, body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, LV end-diastolic
      dimension, myocardial wall thickness, LV mass, LV mass index, LV mass/height(2.7)
      , LV end-diastolic volume, LV end-systolic volume, and stroke volume as well as
      an increase in SV index and ejection fraction. There was no significant
      difference in measured variables between men and women at baseline or
      postsurgery, except for baseline LV end-diastolic dimension, and baseline and
      after surgery LV mass, LV mass index, and LV mass/height(2.7) , which were all
      significantly higher in men. CONCLUSIONS: Sleeve gastrectomy improves LV systolic
      function and contributes to reverse LV remodeling in both genders. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:492-499, 2016.

PMID- 27119822
TI  - Understanding why we age and how: Evolutionary biology meets different model
      organisms and multi-level omics: Meeting report on "Comparative Biology of
      Aging," Roscoff, October 12-16, 2015.
AB  - The conference explored an extraordinary diversity of aging strategies in
      organisms ranging from short-lived species to "immortal" animals and plants.
      Research on the biological processes of aging is at the brink of a revolution
      with respect to our understanding of its underlying mechanisms as well as our
      ability to prevent and cure a wide variety of age-related pathologies.

PMID- 27119821
TI  - Development of a MALDI MS-based platform for early detection of acute kidney
      injury.
AB  - PURPOSE: Septic acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with poor outcome. This
      can partly be attributed to delayed diagnosis and incomplete understanding of the
      underlying pathophysiology. Our aim was to develop an early predictive test for
      AKI based on the analysis of urinary peptide biomarkers by MALDI-MS. EXPERIMENTAL
      DESIGN: Urine samples from 95 patients with sepsis were analyzed by MALDI-MS.
      Marker search and multimarker model establishment were performed using the
      peptide profiles from 17 patients with existing or within the next 5 days
      developing AKI and 17 with no change in renal function. Replicates of urine
      sample pools from the AKI and non-AKI patient groups and normal controls were
      also included to select the analytically most robust AKI markers. RESULTS: Thirty
      nine urinary peptides were selected by cross-validated variable selection to
      generate a support vector machine multidimensional AKI classifier. Prognostic
      performance of the AKI classifier on an independent validation set including the
      remaining 61 patients of the study population (17 controls and 44 cases) was good
      with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.82 and a
      sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: A urinary peptide marker model detects onset of AKI with acceptable
      accuracy in septic patients. Such a platform can eventually be transferred to the
      clinic as fast MALDI-MS test format.

PMID- 27119823
TI  - Viruses, Artificial Viruses and Virus-Based Structures for Biomedical
      Applications.
AB  - Nanobiomaterials such as virus particles and artificial virus particles offer
      tremendous opportunities to develop new biomedical applications such as drug- or
      gene-delivery, imaging and sensing but also improve understanding of biological
      mechanisms. Recent advances within the field of virus-based systems give insights
      in how to mimic viral structures and virus assembly processes as well as
      understanding biodistribution, cell/tissue targeting, controlled and triggered
      disassembly or release and circulation times. All these factors are of high
      importance for virus-based functional systems. This review illustrates advances
      in mimicking and enhancing or controlling these aspects to a high degree toward
      delivery and imaging applications.

PMID- 27119824
TI  - OSR1 and SPAK Sensitivity of Large-Conductance Ca2+ Activated K+ Channel.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 (OSR1) and the
      serine/threonine kinases SPAK (SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase) are
      under the control of WNK (with-no-K [Lys]) kinases. OSR1 and SPAK participate in
      diverse functions including cell volume regulation and neuronal excitability.
      Cell volume and neuronal excitation are further modified by the large conductance
      Ca2+-activated K+ channels (maxi K+ channel or BK channels). An influence of OSR1
      and/or SPAK on BK channel activity has, however, never been shown. The present
      study thus explored whether OSR1 and/or SPAK modify the activity of BK channels.
      METHODS: cRNA encoding the Ca2+ insensitive BK channel mutant BKM513I+x0394;899
      903 was injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes without or with additional injection
      of cRNA encoding wild-type OSR1 or wild-type SPAK, constitutively active
      T185EOSR1, catalytically inactive D164AOSR1, constitutively active T233ESPAK or
      catalytically inactive D212ASPAK. K+ channel activity was measured utilizing dual
      electrode voltage clamp. RESULTS: BK channel activity in BKM513I+x0394;899-903
      expressing oocytes was significantly decreased by co-expression of OSR1 or SPAK.
      The effect of wild-type OSR1/SPAK was mimicked by T185EOSR1 and T233ESPAK, but
      not by D164AOSR1 or D212ASPAK. CONCLUSIONS: OSR1 and SPAK suppress BK channels,
      an effect possibly contributing to cell volume regulation and neuroexcitability.

PMID- 27119826
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms of miR-149 gene rs2292832 contributes to the risk
      of hepatocellular carcinoma, but not overall cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single nucleotide polymorphism in miRNAs can alter its expression,
      thus lead to the development of cancers. Numerous studies have explored the
      association between miR-149 gene rs2292832 polymorphism and hepatocellular
      carcinoma risk, but the results remains inconsistent. So, we performed this
      pooled analyses in order to get a precise result. METHODS: Odds ratios (OR) with
      95% confidence intervals (CI), calculated by STATA software, were used to
      determine whether miR-149 gene rs2292832 polymorphism contributes to the risk of
      Hepatocellular carcinoma. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on
      Medline (mainly PubMed), Cochrane Library database, Web of science and the China
      National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) up to March 22, 2016. RESULTS: A total of 20
      studies including 8,201 cases and 9,294 controls were included in this meta
      analysis. Four of 20 studies related to the hepatocellular carcinoma risk. When
      all the eligible studies were pooled into this meta-analysis, a significant
      association between miR-149 gene rs2292832 polymorphism and hepatocellular
      carcinoma risk was found. While no association was found between this gene
      polymorphism and overall cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis supports
      that the miR-149 gene rs2292832 polymorphism contributed to the risk of
      hepatocellular carcinoma from currently available evidence. However, a study with
      a larger sample size is needed to further evaluate gene-environment interaction
      on MiR-149 gene rs2292832 polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma risk.

PMID- 27119825
TI  - Distinctive Effects of Cytochalasin B in Chick Primary Myoblasts and Fibroblasts.
AB  - Actin-based structures play fundamental roles in cellular functions. However it
      remains controversial how cells cope with the absence of F-actin structures. This
      report focuses on short- and long-term effects of cytochalasin B (CB) on actin
      complexes in fibroblasts and myoblasts. Thirty min of CB treatment dispersed
      subplasma actin cortices, lamellipodia, ruffled membranes, stress fibers and
      adhesion plaques into actin patches in fibroblasts and muscle cells. In contrast,
      72 hrs CB treatment showed distinct morphological effects. Fibroblasts became
      giant multinucleated-finger shaped with 5 to 10 protrusions, 3-8 MUm in width,
      and >200 MUm in length. They lacked cortical actin, stress fibers, adhesion
      plaques and ruffled membranes but contained immense lamelliopodia with abnormal
      adhesion plaque protein complexes. Muscle cells transformed into multinucleated
      globular-shaped but contained normal I-Z-I and A-bands, indicating that CB did
      not interfere with the assembly of myofibrils. Within 30 min after CB removal,
      finger-shaped fibroblasts returned to their original shape and actin-containing
      structures rapidly reappeared, whereas muscle cells respond slowly to form
      elongated myotubes following CB washout. The capacity to grow, complete several
      nuclear cycles, assemble intermediate filaments and microtubules without a
      morphologically recognizable actin cytoskeleton raises interesting issues related
      to the role of the actin compartments in eukaryotic cells.

PMID- 27119827
TI  - A RARE CASE OF RIGHT DIAPHRAGM AGENESIS.
AB  - Diaphragmatic agenesis is the most extreme and rare form of congenital
      diaphragmatic maldevelopment and therefore diagnosis of it are only few in
      literature, especially in children. It may be unilateral or bilateral.
      Frequently, diaphragmatic agenesis is accompanied with diaphragmatic hernia, when
      through a congenital defect of the diaphragm liver, intestine and other viscera
      herniate into the chest. Diagnostics typically are made early in infancy and is
      generally associated with other genetic anomalies, especially aneuploidy
      syndromes. It is associated with a high mortality, if not treated in infancy.
      However, according to published literature only a few patients have survived till
      adulthood. In this report, we describe the case of a 63 years old male patient
      who admitted in a hospital with small bowel intussusception because of
      strangulated intestinal obstruction and peritonitis. While surgical operation and
      revision of abdominal cavity, partial right-sided agenesis of the diaphragm was
      revealed. Two operations were performed on a patient; one because of strangulated
      intestinal obstruction and accompanied peritonitis and the second, because of
      stitch insufficiency after 5 days from the first surgical operation. Taking into
      account the heavy overall status of the patient, diaphragm plastic was not
      performed and its performance postponed for future. 

PMID- 27119828
TI  - INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS AMONG HIV/HCV CO-INFECTED PATIENTS RECEIVING HEPATITIS
      C TREATMENT WITH PEGYLATED INTERFERON AND RIBAVIRIN IN GEORGIA.
AB  - Treatment of hepatitis C is necessary for ensuring higher life expectancy among
      HIV/HCV co-infected patients. However antiviral treatment for chronic HCV
      infection with Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and Ribavirin (RBV) is associated
      with a variety of side effects. In Georgia up to 22% of HIV-infected patients
      were found to have active Tuberculosis (TB) and 22.4 to 32.6% had latent TB. The
      objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and clinical outcomes
      of tuberculosis in HIV/HCV co-infected patients receiving hepatitis C treatment
      with pegylated interferon and ribavirin and calculate incidence rate of TB. A
      retrospective study was conducted among HIV/HCV co-infected patients receiving
      antiviral treatment for chronic HCV infection at the Infectious Diseases, AIDS
      and Clinical Immunology Research Center, Tbilisi, Georgia from December 2011 to
      May, 2015. A total of 420 HIV/HCV co-infected patients received HCV therapy with
      PEG-IFN and RBV during study period. Six of 420 patients developed TB while
      receiving PEG IFN + RBV therapy. These patients were on Antiretroviral treatment.
      Baseline HIV RNA load was <34 copies/ml and CD4+ cell counts >350 cells/mm3. No
      opportunistic infections were observed in all cases. Three of 6 patients had a
      previous positive tuberculin skin test (TST) result and had completed isoniazid
      chemoprophylaxis several years before TB diagnosis. In 2 patients TST was not
      performed. Only one patient had experienced a previous episode of TB and had
      completed the anti-TB therapy 1 year before hepatitis C treatment. In all
      patients TB was diagnosed during the PEG IFN + RBV therapy. Hepatitis C treatment
      was immediately stopped in all patients. The incidence rate of TB was 1.4 cases
      per 100 person-years (95% CI=0.58-2.97). Our study emphasizes the necessity of
      screening for latent TB prior to the initiation of chronic hepatitis C treatment
      with PEG IFN and RBV. 

PMID- 27119829
TI  - COMBINATION THERAPY EFFECTIVENESS OF EZETIMIBE AND ATORVASTATIN IN PATIENTS WITH
      ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME.
AB  - Atorvastatin reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and the
      risk of cardiovascular events, but whether the addition of ezetimibe (EZE) , a
      nonstatin drug that reduces intestinal cholesterol absorption, can reduce the
      rate of cardiovascular events further is not known. We conducted a 16-week one
      center, prospective, randomized, and open-label clinical trial, involving 323
      patients who had been hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome within the
      preceding 14 days. They were received atorvastatin 20 mg during 28 days and after
      that 292 patients, who had LDL cholesterol levels>=1.81 mmol/L, were randomized
      to ezetimibe 10 mg/day co-administered with atorvastatin therapy (EZE+Statin) or
      doubling their current atorvastatin dose. The primary end point was a composite
      of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina
      requiring rehospitalization, coronary revascularization (>=30 days after
      randomization), or nonfatal stroke. At 16 weeks, the mean LDL cholesterol level
      during the study was 1.60 mmol per liter in the atorvastatine-ezetimibe group, as
      compared with 1.91 mmol per liter in the atorvastatin-monotherapy group
      (p<0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival rate at 16 weeks were 88 .1 % in the
      atorvastatin-ezetimibe group and 77.0 % in the atorvastatin monotherapy group
      (absolute risk reduction, 11.1 percentage points; hazard ratio, 2.099 ; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.165 to 3.781; p=0.014). Patients receiving ezetimibe and
      statin were more likely to achieve target LDL-C after 16 weeks compared to
      patients doubling their statin dose. When added to statin therapy, ezetimibe
      resulted in incremental lowering of LDL cholesterol levels and improved
      cardiovascular outcomes. Ezetimibe/statin combination therapy was well tolerated
      among this patients, without safety concerns. 

PMID- 27119830
TI  - ASSOCIATION OF DEPRESSION WITH HOSPITAL LENGTH OF STAY IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE
      CORONARY SYNDROME.
AB  - Psychosocial risk factors are known to have a negative impact on coronary disease
      morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to establish contribution of
      depression on hospital length of stay in patients with acute coronary events.
      Depression screening was performed in the Chapidze Center, Tbilisi Georgia. Main
      inclusion criteria in the study were acute coronary events - non-ST elevation
      myocardial infarction or unstable angina. The total nomber of participants was
      84. A binary logistic regression was used in order to assess contribution of
      depression on prolonged hospital stay. The mean age for both genders was 59.2
      (10.2) years. Most patients had coronary risk factors. Higher BDI score was found
      in elderly patients, females, and in those with systolic dysfunction as well as
      in whom revascularization was not performed. In binary logistic regression model
      myocardial infarction and depression were found to be significant contributors of
      prolonged hospital stay. Depressive symptoms contribute independently to
      prolongation of hospital stay in patients with non-STEMI. 

PMID- 27119831
TI  - EFFECTS OF VITAMIN D ANALOGS ON ERYTHROPOIESIS-STIMULATING AGENT DASAGE AND
      SECONDARY ANEMIA IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS.
AB  - To investigate the effects of Vitamin D Analogs, paricalcitol and alphacalcidol,
      on hemoglobin levels and erythropoietin-stimulating agents' dosage in
      hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure. A total of 310 patients under
      hemodialysis treatment for chronic renal failure were included in this
      retrospective multicenter study. Data on serum parathormone and hemoglobin
      levels, erythropoietin-stimulating agents' doses, C-reactive protein, calcium and
      phosphate levels were collected from medical records to comparatively evaluate
      paricalcitol, alphacalcidol and no treatment groups. Apart from significantly
      higher levels for hematocrit in patients treated with paricalcitol compared to
      pre-treatment values (32.3(3.8) vs. 34.1(3.1) p=0.007), pre-treatment and post
      treatment values for biochemical parameters were similar in paricalcitol and
      alphacalcidol groups including ESA dose. A significant increase in parathormone
      levels (p=0.000 for each) while a significant decrease in calcium (p=0.003 and
      0.040, respectively), Hb (p=0.001 and 0.009, respectively) and hematocrit
      (p=0.001 and 0.021, respectively) levels were determined in paricalcitol and
      alphacalcidol treated patients compared with untreated patients. Also, phosphate
      levels in alphacalcidol treated patients were significantly higher (p=0.018) than
      untreated patients. Our findings revealed insufficient suppression of
      parathormone levels and there of lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, but
      similar ESA dosage among CRF patients treated with Vitamin D analogs compared
      with untreated patients. 

PMID- 27119832
TI  - [PREVALENCE OF MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS OF CHRONIC NON INFECTION DISEASES AMONG
      URBAN AND RURAL RESIDENTS OF KARAGANDA REGION].
AB  - The study aimed to investigate prevalence of modifiable risk factors of chronic
      non infection diseases among urban and rural residents in Karaganda region. The
      cross-sectional screening study of 1453 respondents' age 18 to 65 among the urban
      and rural population of the Karaganda region: 672 urban and 781 rural adult
      residents were included into the study. The screening stage included conducting
      survey using international questionnaires, anthropometry, arterial blood
      pressure, fasting plasma glucose and total cholesterol measurement. According
      study results the most common risk factors among residents of Saran town and
      Osakarovsky area included: hypercholesterolemia (46,2 % and 36,9 %,
      respectively), arterial hypertension (39,3 % and 32,2 %, respectively) and
      smoking (26,3 % and 19,5 % respectively). Frequency of active and passive
      smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity and alcohol abuse 1.2-2.0
      times higher compared in urban population in comparison rural population. These
      differences gave possibility to identify special groups need to management
      preventive targeted measures. 

PMID- 27119833
TI  - [FATAL DIAGNOSIS AND THE HORIZON OF HUMAN LIFE (REVIEW)].
AB  - The majority of widespread cancers on the stage of clinical manifestation is
      incurable and therapy is only for the purpose of life extension. So, it isn't
      surprising that most of people realize the word "cancer" as a verdict. A man
      himself doesn't believe in his own death and doesn't realize the fact that "Death
      is an appropriate phenomenon, but not punishment". Facing the death causes
      existential crisis. The understanding of inevitable fact of death arouses short,
      but desperate fight against it, which is, in most cases accompanied by anxiety.
      Some fundamental changes in phsychoemotional status take place within the young
      patients (knowing the diagnosis), which help an individual move into a new stage
      of actions with forming new values and aims. All these give conditions for better
      adaptation of an individual with phsychic traumas. So, the research of a person's
      emotional situation, facing the death, will help to indentify the necessity of
      prophylactic pharmacotherapy with anxiolytics and to overcome both the negative
      associations with death and the fear connected with it (preserving life horizon).

PMID- 27119834
TI  - SHOCK-WAVE THERAPY APPLICATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE (REVIEW).
AB  - The article presents literature review on the use of extracorporeal shock-wave
      therapy in physiotherapeutic practice. The basic mechanisms of shock waves
      influence on the organism are spotlighted. Studies proving high efficacy of the
      method in treatment of wide variety of inflammatory diseases and traumatic
      genesis are presented. The data on comparative assessment of shock-wave therapy
      efficacy, and results of researches on possibility of extracorporeal shock-wave
      therapy effect potentiating in combination with other therapeutic methods are
      reflected. Recent years, the range of indications for shock-wave therapy
      application had been significantly widened. However, further study of the method
      is still relevant because mechanisms of action of the factor are studied
      insufficiently; methods of therapy parameters selection (energy flux density,
      number of pulses per treatment, duration of a course) are either advisory or
      empirical. 

PMID- 27119835
TI  - MAIN TRENDS IN ACCESS TO PRIMARY HEALTH CARE FOR ADOLESCENTS IN GEORGIA.
AB  - This study identifies barriers to accessing primary health care among youth in
      Georgia to inform strategies for improving the appropriateness, quality and usage
      of primary health care services. The quantitative survey was conducted throughout
      Georgia among 1000 adolescents 11-19 years of age via interview. Multi stage
      probability sampling was used to administer questionnaires in the schools,
      universities and in the streets between March-May 2014 and September-October
      2014. Young people in Georgia identified a range of problems in accessing primary
      health services. By far the most important issues were preventive checkups,
      geographical access, cost of care, and perceptions about the quality of care. The
      majority of respondents (78.4%) declared that they do not visit family doctor
      when well, and 81.9% said that no information was provided about reproductive
      health issues. Most (77.3%) stated that their family doctor had never talked
      about health promotion or life style risk factors. Access to health care is still
      problematic in the villages; and in some areas young people must travel more than
      30 minutes by public transport. Limited access in rural areas compared to urban
      areas was statistically significant (p<0.05). As our survey data shows, most
      adolescents do not visit a health provider annually, obviating opportunities to
      integrate prevention into clinical encounters. Because repeated contacts with a
      primary care provider may occur over several years, clinicians should ideally
      have multiple opportunities to screen and counsel an adolescent patient for risky
      health behaviors. However, young people report that there is little screening or
      discussion about healthy lifestyles. The biggest health challenge for young
      people in Georgia is overcoming barriers (socioeconomic, geographic, trust, and
      perceived competence) to visit a doctor for regular preventive checkups and to
      get health behavior advice from health professional. Addressing the health and
      development needs of adolescents requires a comprehensive and timely response,
      and interventions can be incorporated in many programs supported young population
      of Georgia. 

PMID- 27119836
TI  - [ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY/RESISTANCY OF MICROBIAL STRAINS, ISOLATED FROM PUERPERAS,
      NEWBORNS AND SAMPLES OF MATERNITY WARD ENVIRONMENT].
AB  - In this article, there are given data of microorganisms sensitivity/resistancy
      investigation, to different groups of antibiotics. Microorganisms where isolated
      from puerperas, newborns and samples of maternity ward environment. Investigation
      was performed in L.T.D. "Imedis Clinica". Detection of microorganisms
      sensitivity/resistancy to antibiotics was performed by use of two methods: method
      of disc diffusion and serial dilution on solid breeding substratum. It was
      determined that gram positive, as well as gram negative microorganisms had
      sufficiently high level of resistancy to some penicillines, aminoglycosides,
      macrolides. Some species of gram negative microorganisms had resistancy to
      lincomicin in 100% of cases. High level of sensitivity was revealed to such
      antibiotics as amicalin, amoxiclav, cefepim, ciprofloxacin. Gram negative
      microorganisms had high level of sensitivity to imipenem-cilastatin and
      meropenem. Performed investigation confirms necessity of microbiological
      monitoring in different clinics, because it is one of the most significant
      components of infection control. It gives opportunity to perform exact antibiotic
      prophylaxis and if necessary - rational antibiotic therapy. 

PMID- 27119837
TI  - MEMANTINE ATTENUATES THE OKADAIC ACID INDUCED SHORT-TERM SPATIAL MEMORY
      IMPAIRMENT AND HIPPOCAMPAL CELL LOSS IN RATS.
AB  - In the present study, the possible beneficial effect of memantine on the Okadaic
      Acid (OA) induced spatial short-term memory impairment was examined in spatial
      alternation task, and the neuroprotective potential of memantine on OA-induced
      structural changes in the hippocampus was evaluated by Nissl staining. OA was
      dissolved in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) and injected
      intracerebroventriculary (ICV) 200 ng in a volume of 10 MUl bilaterally. Vehicle
      control received aCSF ICV bilaterally. Control and OA injected rats were divided
      into 2 subgroups injected i.p. with saline or memantine (5 mg/kg). Memantine or
      saline were given daily for 13 days starting from the day of OA injection.
      Behavioral study showed that bilateral ICV microinjection of OA induced
      impairment in spatial short-term memory. Nissl staining in the present study
      showed that the ICV microinjection of OA significantly decreased the number of
      surviving pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Chronic
      administration of memantine effectively attenuated OA induced spatial short-term
      memory impairment and the OA-induced neuropathological changes in the
      hippocampus. Therefore, ICV injection of OA can be used as an experimental model
      to study mechanisms of neurodegeneration and define novel therapeutics targets
      for AD pathology. 

PMID- 27119838
TI  - BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RATS ON VARIOUS HIERARCHICAL LEVEL CAUSED BY ACUTE
      INFORMATIONAL STRESS.
AB  - The aim of our research was to study behavioral indices of rats standing on
      various hierarchical level in the conditions of acute informational stress as
      well as their resistance to stress taking into account their social status. The
      Animal's behavior has been studied in conflict and agonist conditions against the
      background of high food and thirst motivation. After determination of
      hierarchical relations the stressing procedure of two active avoidance reactions
      was performed simultaneously during one trial (14 days). During the experiment,
      behavioral indices of rats induced by stressing procedure were registered. We
      used "open field" test in order to assess animals' emotional state. The studies
      performed by us demonstrated behavioral characteristics of animals standing on
      various hierarchical level. The obtained results showed that after stressing all
      the animals of the group under stressogenic influence of equal strength, behavior
      of rats did nor reliably differ in conflict situations. Dominants standing on
      high hierarchical level remained active in both conflict situations. The impact
      of stress on their behavior was less detected. Dominant animal maintained its
      hierarchical status. Submissive rats were more greatly influenced by stress. The
      obtained results confirmed that dominant animals were characterized with more
      comprehensively developed self-regulating mechanisms of brain. 

PMID- 27119839
TI  - [ANALYSIS OF THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THR83ALA POLYMORPHISM OF MATRIX GLA-PROTEIN
      GENE AND LOWER EXTREMITY ARTERIAL CALCIFICATION].
AB  - Lower extremity arterial calcification (AC) is a common pathological process that
      has independent significance in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases.
      There is evidence that development of AC associated with Thr83Ala polymorphism of
      matrix GLA-protein gene. The objective of this study was to examine the
      association between Thr83Ala polymorphism of matrix Cla protein (MGP) gene and AC
      in male and female subjects of the Ukrainian population. 40 AC and 40 healthy
      controls were recruited to the study. MGP exon 4 Thr83Ala polymorphism (rs 4236)
      was examined using the polymerase chain reaction with subsequent restriction
      fragment length polymorphism analysis. The obtained data show that the
      substitution of threonin by alanine at position 83 in a molecule of MGP can
      affect its functional characteristics and anticalcinogenic properties. The
      distribution of homozygous carriers of a major allelic variant, and heterozygous
      and homozygous minor allele variants of Thr83Ala polymorphism in patients with AC
      was 40,0%, 47,5%, and 12,5% respectively. The corresponding distribution of
      variants in the control group was 32,5%, 42,5% and 25,0% (p=0,352 by chi2 -test).
      In women who are carriers of Ala/Ala-variant, CA occurs more rarely than in men
      with the same genotype (p=0,036 by chi2 -test). The substitution of threonine by
      alanine due to MGP exon 4 Thr83Ala polymorphism is related to a decrease in the
      likelihood of CA in female persons in the Ukrainian population. 

PMID- 27119840
TI  - [ROLE OF SLC2A9 AND ABCG2 GENE POLYMORPHISMS IN ORIGIN OF HYPERURICEMIA AND
      GOUT].
AB  - The polymorphisms V253I, Q126X, Q141K of SLC2A9 and ABCG2 genes were
      characterized. GCA i GTC haplotypes of Q126X and Q141K variants can be predictors
      of gout. The relationship of these polymorphisms with hyperuricaemia according to
      gender, metabolic syndrome components, with the response to allopurinol was
      analyzed. It has been established that Q141K polymorphism can directly modulate
      BCRP-mediated allopurinol and oxypurinol efflux, the K allele is associated with
      a lower reduction in serum uric acid in response to allopurinol treatment. 

PMID- 27119841
TI  - THE STUDY OF THE IMMUNE CORRECTIVE PROPERTIES OF GREEK WALNUT (JUGLANS REGIA L.)
      SEPTA ON THE EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF LEUKOPENIA.
AB  - From the positive effects of the drugs prepared from various parts of walnut
      described for a wide variety of diseases, their antitumor effect is remarkable.
      This feature can be used for treatment of leukopenia caused by radiotherapy
      and/or chemotherapy. Therefore, to study the immunocorrective properties of Greek
      walnut, the walnut septa were selected, aqueous extract of which has been studied
      on experimental model of leukopenia in white mice caused by a single injection of
      cyclophosphamide. The material of the study were the blood and bone marrow smears
      from intact and tested adult mice stained by Giemsa's dye. The quantity of
      leukocytes in peripheral blood were determined by the counting chamber under the
      light microscope with standard protocol. Cloud-point extraction, HPLC analysis
      and UV-visible spectrophotometry were used to study the composition of the walnut
      septa extract. It has been established that the Greek walnut septa extract has
      the correction ability of suppressed myelopoiesis in white mice caused by
      injection of cyclophosphamide. The blood formula normalization process by the
      mentioned extract is provided by the fast increasing in number of immature (band
      neutrophil) and mature neutrophils in the peripheral blood. It was shown that
      walnut septa extract stimulates the division, differentiation and maturation of
      blast forms of myeloid as well as lymphoid line in the bone marrow of mice with
      leukopenia. Cloud-point extraction and liquid-chromatographic analysis revealed
      the presence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic components in the walnuts septum
      extract. 

PMID- 27119842
TI  - ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS OF THYROID NODULES: A REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC DILEMMAS ON THYROID
      FINE-NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSIES.
AB  - FNA biopsy is well known method for the first step evaluation of thyroid nodules,
      it is the "gold standard" for diagnosis and surgical approach of nodular goiter.
      Despite the high sensitivity and specificity of the method there are grey zone in
      the diagnosis of thyroid nodules, mainly due to the heterogeneous group of
      Bethesda category AUS/FLUS. There are also some difficulties in diagnosis of PTC,
      especially FVPTC, even on histologic sections. The limited studies exist that
      specifically address details of cytologic features associated with cytohistologic
      discrepancy. Cell-block is very helpful in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid
      carcinoma and the carcinoma of undefined category; as the papillary configuration
      and nuclear features were more obvious, also immunocytochemical markers are
      applicable for ancillary studies. The BRAF mutation detection, which is
      associated with papillary microcarcinomas and cancer, can be yield for
      preoperative diagnosis, as well as for prognostic marker and as therapeutic
      target for farther management. 

PMID- 27119843
TI  - [ULTRASTRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF CELLULAR ELEMENTS AND INTERCELLULAR CONNECTIONS
      IN STATOCYSTS OF TERRESTRIAL PULMONARY SNAIL H. LUCORUM].
AB  - The organ of mollusc equilibrium - statocyst appears to be the analogue of
      acoustic-vestibular system in vertebrate animals. In terrestrial pulmonary snail
      the epithelial lining of statocyst cavity is created by two types of the cells -
      a small amount of large cells, provided with kinocilia of sensitive cells and
      considerably a large number of small supporting or inserted cells, covered with
      the microvilli. By means of transmission and scanning electron microscopy the
      ultrastructure and intercellular connections of these cells were studied. The
      sensitive cells have in a certain way structured cytoplasm, which consists of
      three layers: ectoplasm, granular layer and hyaloplasm. Myelin-like bodies having
      the granular, vesicular and drop-like formations in the centre appear to be the
      special structure of the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm there are areas, saturated
      with electron dense glycogen granules. On the electronograms sometimes it is
      observed how the pinocytic vesicles in the supporting cells are created from the
      diverticulum of plasmatic membrane of sensitive cells. The boundary areas of
      plasmatic membrane of adjacent cells (sensitive cells with supporting or
      supporting cells with the support) are also characterized by the presence of
      specialized contacts, which are analogous to desmosomes in the epithelial
      tissues, as well as by the existence of cellular desmosomes, interdigitations.
      Numerous lacunas have been revealed in the intercellular space, which are
      connected by the thin tubules and ducts resulting in the formation of a
      complicated configuration of extensive system of communicating with each other
      lacunae, which have the exit in statocyst cavity. 

PMID- 27119844
TI  - [MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF RAT MUCOUS MEMBRANE OF THE TONGUE EARLY AFFECTED BY
      ACRYLIC RESIN MONOMER].
AB  - Base materials, made on the basis of various derivatives of acrylic and
      methacrylic acids, have been widely used in prosthetic dentistry. Free monomer,
      affecting the tissues of prosthetic bed and the whole body, is always found in
      dentures. Therefore, study of the effect of acrylic resins' monomer on mucous
      membrane of the tongue is crucial. Rat tongue is very similar to human tongue,
      and this fact has become the basis for selecting these animals to be involved
      into the experiment. The paper presents the findings related to the effect of
      "Ftoraks" base acrylic resin monomer on the state of rat mucous membrane of the
      tongue and its regeneration. The microscopy has found that the greatest changes
      in the mucous membrane of the tongue occur on day 3 and 7 day after applying the
      monomer and are of erosive and inflammatory nature. Regeneration of tongue
      epithelium slows down. 

PMID- 27119845
TI  - [CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROMES IN
      ADULTS].
AB  - The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a distinct group of clonal disorders of
      hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis
      and peripheral cytopenias. The data on the epidemiology of MDS in Russia are
      absent.The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of MDS in adults, to
      evaluate methods of diagnosis confirmation and choice of therapy in the system of
      Moscow Health Care.The observational study included adult patients with newly
      diagnosed MDS in 2010. Two hundred and one adult patients (male - 110, female -
      118) were registered. Median age at diagnosis was 71.5 years (range, 23.9-93.7).
      The incidence rate of MDS was 2.0 cases per 100.000 persons per year in the
      general adult population. All patients divided into 5 groups depending on the
      type of first-line therapy: 69 patients treated withepoetin alfa or beta; 20 -
      lowdose Ara-C; 12 - hypomethylating agents; 60 - symptomatic (red cell
      transfusion for low-risk MDS) and 38 - palliative care (elderly and weakened high
      risk patients). Two patients with 5q- syndrome treated with lenalidomide. With a
      median follow-up for survivors 46 months 4-year overall survival (OS) for all
      patients was 34.8+/-13.4% (median 24.3 months). The incidence of MDS in Moscow,
      Russia is 1.5-2 times lower than in Europe and the United States. Current
      standards of survey under the mandatory health insurance does not provide for
      molecular and cytogenetic assays, which is one of the factors limiting the
      diagnostic potential. 

PMID- 27119846
TI  - Population In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation Model Linking Gastrointestinal Transit
      Time, pH, and Pharmacokinetics: Itraconazole as a Model Drug.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish an in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) model for Sporanox
      and SUBA-itraconazole formulations and to understand the impact of
      gastrointestinal (GI) pH and transit times on itraconazole dissolution and
      absorption. METHODS: IVIVC was developed based on fed/fasted pharmacokinetic data
      from randomized cross-over trials, in vitro dissolution studies, and prior
      information about typical and between subject variability of GI pH and transit
      times. Data were analysed using the population modelling approach as implemented
      in NONMEM. RESULTS: Dissolution kinetics were described using first order models.
      The in vivo pharmacokinetics of itraconazole was described with a 2-compartment
      model with 4-transit absorption compartments. Pharmacokinetic profiles for fasted
      itraconazole periods were described based on the in vitro dissolution model, in
      vivo disposition model, and the prior information on GI pH and transit times. The
      IVIVC model indicated that drug dissolution in the fed state required an
      additional pH-independent dissolution pathway. The IVIVC models were presented in
      a 'Shiny' application. CONCLUSION: An IVIVC model was established and internally
      evaluated for the two itraconazole formulations. The IVIVC model provides more
      insight into the observed variability of itraconazole pharmacokinetics and
      indicated that GI pH and transit times influence in vivo dissolution and
      exposure.

PMID- 27119847
TI  - Oscillating from Neurosecretion to Multitasking Dopamine Neurons.
AB  - In this issue of Cell Reports, Stagkourakis et al. (2016) report that oscillating
      hypothalamic TIDA neurons, previously thought to be simple neurosecretory neurons
      controlling pituitary prolactin secretion, control dopamine output via
      autoregulatory mechanisms and thus could potentially regulate other
      physiologically important hypothalamic neuronal circuits.

PMID- 27119848
TI  - Retraction Notice to: Maternal dazap2 Regulates Germ Granules by Counteracting
      Dynein in Zebrafish Primordial Germ Cells.

PMID- 27119850
TI  - The Value of Long-Term Stream Invertebrate Data Collected by Citizen Scientists.
AB  - The purpose of this investigation was to systematically examine the variability
      associated with temporally-oriented invertebrate data collected by citizen
      scientists and consider the value of such data for use in stream management.
      Variability in invertebrate data was estimated for three sources of variation:
      sampling, within-reach spatial and long-term temporal. Long-term temporal data
      were also evaluated using ordinations and an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI).
      Through two separate investigations over an 11-year study period, participants
      collected more than 400 within-reach samples during 44 sampling events at three
      streams in the western United States. Within-reach invertebrate abundance
      coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 0.44-0.50 with approximately 62% of the
      observed variation strictly due to sampling. Long-term temporal CV ranged from
      0.31-0.36 with 27-30% of the observed variation in invertebrate abundance related
      to climate conditions (El Nino strength) and sampling year. Ordinations showed
      that citizen-generated assemblage data could reliably detect differences between
      study streams and seasons. IBI scores were significantly different between
      streams but not seasons. The findings of this study suggest that citizen data
      would likely detect a change in mean invertebrate density greater than 50% and
      would also be useful for monitoring changes in assemblage. The information
      presented here will help stream managers interpret and evaluate changes to the
      stream invertebrate community detected by citizen-based programs.

PMID- 27119853
TI  - [What is growing from the nose?].

PMID- 27119849
TI  - An Improved microRNA Annotation of the Canine Genome.
AB  - The domestic dog, Canis familiaris, is a valuable model for studying human
      diseases. The publication of the latest Canine genome build and annotation,
      CanFam3.1 provides an opportunity to enhance our understanding of gene regulation
      across tissues in the dog model system. In this study, we used the latest dog
      genome assembly and small RNA sequencing data from 9 different dog tissues to
      predict novel miRNAs in the dog genome, as well as to annotate conserved miRNAs
      from the miRBase database that were missing from the current dog annotation. We
      used both miRCat and miRDeep2 algorithms to computationally predict miRNA loci.
      The resulting, putative hairpin sequences were analysed in order to discard false
      positives, based on predicted secondary structures and patterns of small RNA read
      alignments. Results were further divided into high and low confidence miRNAs,
      using the same criteria. We generated tissue specific expression profiles for the
      resulting set of 811 loci: 720 conserved miRNAs, (207 of which had not been
      previously annotated in the dog genome) and 91 novel miRNA loci. Comparative
      analyses revealed 8 putative homologues of some novel miRNA in ferret, and one in
      microbat. All miRNAs were also classified into the genic and intergenic
      categories, based on the Ensembl RefSeq gene annotation for CanFam3.1. This
      additionally allowed us to identify four previously undescribed MiRtrons among
      our total set of miRNAs. We additionally annotated piRNAs, using proTRAC on the
      same input data. We thus identified 263 putative clusters, most of which (211
      clusters) were found to be expressed in testis. Our results represent an
      important improvement of the dog genome annotation, paving the way to further
      research on the evolution of gene regulation, as well as on the contribution of
      post-transcriptional regulation to pathological conditions.

PMID- 27119854
TI  - [Breast cancer? Then also the risk for thyroid cancer is increased].

PMID- 27119855
TI  - [Breast reconstruction with autologous fatty tissue does not promote cancer
      recurrence].

PMID- 27119856
TI  - [Suspected Zika virus infection: who should be tested?].

PMID- 27119857
TI  - [What you can advise for cancer patients].

PMID- 27119858
TI  - [When sports becomes addictive].

PMID- 27119859
TI  - [Calculated insanity].

PMID- 27119860
TI  - [NOAK in atrial fibrillation and renal failure].

PMID- 27119861
TI  - [Conservative anticoagulation].

PMID- 27119862
TI  - [Dealing with palpitations safely by number!].

PMID- 27119863
TI  - [What do the guidelines say?].

PMID- 27119864
TI  - [Patient with fibromyalgia - which therapy is sensible?].

PMID- 27119865
TI  - [Borreliosis diagnosis: what is sensible, what is nonsense?].

PMID- 27119866
TI  - [Poorly managed diabetes promotes tooth loss].

PMID- 27119867
TI  - [Does faith help or harm?].

PMID- 27119868
TI  - [Brain aneurysm: score reveals the urgency for an operation].

PMID- 27119869
TI  - [How long does clipping hold in the brain?].

PMID- 27119870
TI  - [For the house call the no. 01415 is often appropriate].

PMID- 27119871
TI  - [Complicated number combination with elderly patients].

PMID- 27119872
TI  - [Fun in life: defying cancer with sildenafil].

PMID- 27119873
TI  - [With this simple trick all problems falling asleep are passe].

PMID- 27119874
TI  - [A city person becomes an enthusiastic rural physician].

PMID- 27119875
TI  - [GOP 03230 is also possible for chronic disease patients].

PMID- 27119876
TI  - [Will there be a breakthrough in 2016?].

PMID- 27119877
TI  - [Promoting graduate education - but never influencing it].

PMID- 27119878
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27119879
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27119880
TI  - [The distended abdomen is a tension pneumoperitoneum].

PMID- 27119881
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27119882
TI  - [What is pressing there to the outside?].

PMID- 27119883
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27119884
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27119885
TI  - [Colonic polyp--defusing the time bomb].

PMID- 27119886
TI  - [Screening colonoscopy--a success story].

PMID- 27119887
TI  - [Diagnosis and endoscopic treatment of early colorectal cancer].

PMID- 27119888
TI  - [Sudden painful backache due to a (minor) traumatic injury].

PMID- 27119889
TI  - [When the nose is itchy].

PMID- 27119890
TI  - [Infectious diseases in refugees and their minors arriving in Germany--what the
      GP needs to know].

PMID- 27119891
TI  - [Early diagnosis, early care--"Fr1da" screening of children for type 1 diabetes].

PMID- 27119892
TI  - [Preventive medicine: With or without a spoonful of sugar].

PMID- 27119893
TI  - [Digital adherence support relieves the physician].

PMID- 27119894
TI  - [Early diagnosis and therapy improve prognosis].

PMID- 27119895
TI  - [Online portal simplifies the initiation in basal supported oral therapy].

PMID- 27119896
TI  - [Iodine supply in Germany is not adequate].

PMID- 27119897
TI  - [Nocturnal leg cramps in adults].

PMID- 27119898
TI  - [High chance of healing for opiate dependent patients].

PMID- 27119899
TI  - Oral Communications.

PMID- 27119910
TI  - Synthesis of (-)-Cannabimovone and Structural Reassignment of
      Anhydrocannabimovone through Gold(I)-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization.
AB  - The first total synthesis of cannabimovone from Cannabis sativa and
      anhydrocannabimovone was achieved by means of a highly stereoselective gold(I)
      catalyzed cycloisomerization. The results led to reassignment of the structure of
      anhydrocannabimovone.

PMID- 27119911
TI  - Dual-Pedicle Flap for Unilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction Revisited:
      Evolution and Optimization of Flap Design over 15 Years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In thin patients or when a significant amount of skin is needed, use
      of the entire abdomen to reconstruct a single breast may be necessary. In this
      article, the authors present their 15-year experience in dual-pedicle flap
      evolution and optimization of flap design. METHODS: A retrospective review was
      conducted of all bipedicle flaps performed from 2000 to 2015. RESULTS: Overall,
      57 patients (mean age, 49.2 years; mean body mass index, 26.2 kg/m) underwent
      dual-pedicle flap reconstruction of a unilateral mastectomy defect. Thirteen
      patients had a history of smoking, 30 patients had previously undergone
      irradiation, and 21 patients underwent immediate reconstruction. Eleven bipedicle
      flaps were performed with a pedicle transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous
      (TRAM) flap coupled to a free TRAM (n = 4), muscle-sparing TRAM (n = 4), or deep
      inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) (n = 3) flap, and all were performed
      from 2000 to 2007. The thoracodorsal vessels (n = 8) were used more frequently
      earlier in the study period with the internal mammary vessels, whereas the
      antegrade/retrograde internal mammary vessels were used in the remaining
      patients, except for three patients in whom the internal mammary vessels and an
      internal mammary vessel perforator were used. Over the study period, there was an
      increase in the use of DIEP and superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps and
      the internal mammary vessels as recipients. Complications included delayed wound
      healing (n = 6), abdominal bulge (n = 2), cellulitis (n = 4), seroma (n = 3), and
      fat necrosis (n = 4). There was one partial flap loss where the superficial
      inferior epigastric artery portion of the dual-pedicle flap was lost.
      CONCLUSIONS: Dual-pedicle free flaps can be performed safely and reliably. Use of
      DIEP flaps maximizes pedicle length, and the internal mammary vessels can be used
      reliably in an antegrade and retrograde fashion to perfuse both components of the
      dual-pedicle flap. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 27119912
TI  - Discussion: Dual-Pedicle Flap for Unilateral Autologous Breast Reconstruction
      Revisited: Evolution and Optimization of Flap Design over 15 Years.

PMID- 27119913
TI  - The Transverse Musculocutaneous Gracilis Free Flap: Virtual Animation-Assisted
      Dissection and Application in Breast Reconstruction.
AB  - The transverse musculocutaneous gracilis free flap is a valuable choice for
      autologous tissue, unilateral or bilateral breast reconstruction. This procedure
      is an excellent and customized option for immediate or delayed breast
      reconstruction in patients with small to moderate size breasts. Few descriptions
      of flap dissection and breast mound shaping are available. In this first
      educational video, the authors report the original dissection of the transverse
      musculocutaneous gracilis free flap used for breast reconstruction. Virtual
      animations insist on surgical key points and relevant details of the harvesting
      of the flap.

PMID- 27119914
TI  - The Blood Supply of the Breast Revisited.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many surgeons are under the impression that the blood supply is
      clearly defined in textbooks. Unfortunately, the majority of textbooks supply
      inadequate information and illustrations can be misleading in many instances.
      None of the textbooks describe a segmental pattern of blood supply when in actual
      fact a basic segmental pattern does exist. The reason for inadequate information
      is the perpetuation of facts since the work of the pioneers Cooper and Manchot
      from one textbook to another. A paucity of research studies thereafter and the
      fact that the results of some of these studies did not find their way into
      textbooks is another contributing factor. METHODS: The findings of research
      studies since the descriptions by Cooper and Manchot are analyzed and compared in
      an effort to find common ground and its clinical implication. RESULTS:
      Researchers concurred on the main sources of blood supply; these are internal
      thoracic, lateral thoracic, anterior intercostal, and acromiothoracic
      (thoracoacromial) arteries. However, the different research studies showed
      considerable variation in the branches from the main sources to supply the nipple
      areola complex. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the locations of the main sources of
      blood supply are constant, partial or complete absence of branches from the main
      sources does occur and therefore the blood supply to the nipple-areola complex is
      unpredictable. Cognizance of the basic segmental pattern and the variations
      resulting from embryologic development will be helpful for the surgeon to use or
      adapt a technique to minimize the risk of nipple necrosis.

PMID- 27119915
TI  - Discussion: The Blood Supply of the Breast Revisited.

PMID- 27119916
TI  - Three-Dimensional Topographic Surface Changes in Response to Compartmental
      Volumization of the Medial Cheek: Defining a Malar Augmentation Zone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the widespread use of facial fillers and recent identification
      of distinct facial fat compartments, a better understanding of three-dimensional
      surface changes in response to volume augmentation is needed. Advances in three
      dimensional imaging technology now afford an opportunity to elucidate these
      morphologic changes for the first time. METHODS: A cadaver study was undertaken
      in which volumization of the deep medial cheek compartment was performed at
      intervals up to 4 cc (n = 4). Three-dimensional photographs were taken after each
      injection to analyze the topographic surface changes, which the authors define as
      the "augmentation zone." Perimeter, diameter, and projection were studied. The
      arcus marginalis of the inferior orbit consistently represented a fixed boundary
      of the augmentation zone, and additional cadavers underwent similar volumization
      following surgical release of this portion of the arcus marginalis (n = 4).
      Repeated three-dimensional computer analysis was performed comparing the
      augmentation zone with and without arcus marginalis release. RESULTS:
      Volumization of the deep medial cheek led to unique topographic changes of the
      malar region defined by distinct boundaries. Interestingly, the cephalic border
      of the augmentation zone was consistently noted to be at the level of the arcus
      marginalis in all specimens. When surgical release of the arcus marginalis was
      performed, the cephalic border of the augmentation zone was no longer restricted.
      CONCLUSIONS: Using advances in three-dimensional photography and computer
      analysis, the authors demonstrate characteristic surface anatomy changes in
      response to volume augmentation of facial compartments. This novel concept of the
      augmentation zone can be applied to volumization of other distinct facial
      regions. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

PMID- 27119918
TI  - A Quantitative Analysis of OnabotulinumtoxinA, AbobotulinumtoxinA, and
      IncobotulinumtoxinA: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Prospective Clinical Trial of
      Comparative Dynamic Strain Reduction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved formulations of botulinum
      toxin include onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, Calif.),
      abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport; Galderma Pharma S.A., Lausanne, Switzerland), and
      incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin; Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Frankfurt am Main,
      Germany). This study uses digital image correlation to compare dynamic strain
      reduction between available neurotoxins. METHODS: Seventy-three treatment-naive
      female patients aged were randomized to injection with onabotulinumtoxinA (20
      units), abobotulinumtoxinA (60 units), or incobotulinumtoxinA (20 units) in the
      glabella. Imaging was conducted at 4, 14, and 90 days after injection. Change in
      average dynamic strain of the glabella was compared using ANOVA. RESULTS: At day
      4, there was a 42.1 percent strain reduction in the onabotulinumtoxinA group, a
      39.4 percent strain reduction in the abobotulinumtoxinA group, and a 19.8 percent
      strain reduction in the incobotulinumtoxinA group (onabotulinumtoxinA versus
      abobotulinumtoxinA, p = 0.77; onabotulinumtoxinA versus incobotulinumtoxinA, p =
      0.02; and abobotulinumtoxinA versus incobotulinumtoxinA, p = 0.04). At day 14,
      there was a 66.1 percent strain reduction in the onabotulinumtoxinA group, a 51.4
      percent strain reduction in the abobotulinumtoxinA group, and a 42.8 percent
      strain reduction in the incobotulinumtoxinA group (onabotulinumtoxinA versus
      abobotulinumtoxinA, p = 0.14; onabotulinumtoxinA versus incobotulinumtoxinA, p =
      0.02; and abobotulinumtoxinA versus incobotulinumtoxinA, p = 0.36). At day 90,
      there was a 43.5 percent strain reduction in the onabotulinumtoxinA group, a 38.4
      percent strain reduction in the abobotulinumtoxinA group, and a 25.3 percent
      strain reduction in the incobotulinumtoxinA group (onabotulinumtoxinA versus
      abobotulinumtoxinA, p = 0.66; onabotulinumtoxinA versus incobotulinumtoxinA, p =
      0.12; and abobotulinumtoxinA versus incobotulinumtoxinA, p = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS:
      Using digital image correlation, the tested neuromodulators do not have
      equivalent strain reduction in the glabella at the doses used. These results
      confirm assertions of noninterchangeability. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic, II.

PMID- 27119917
TI  - Global Aesthetics Consensus: Hyaluronic Acid Fillers and Botulinum Toxin Type A
      Recommendations for Combined Treatment and Optimizing Outcomes in Diverse Patient
      Populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combination of fillers and botulinum toxin for aesthetic applications
      is increasingly popular. Patient demographics continue to diversify, and include
      an expanding population receiving maintenance treatments over decades. METHODS: A
      multinational panel of plastic surgeons and dermatologists convened the Global
      Aesthetics Consensus Group to develop updated guidelines with a worldwide
      perspective for hyaluronic acid fillers and botulinum toxin. This publication
      considers strategies for combined treatments, and how patient diversity
      influences treatment planning and outcomes. RESULTS: Global Aesthetics Consensus
      Group recommendations reflect increased use of combined treatments in the lower
      and upper face, and some midface regions. A fully patient-tailored approach
      considers physiologic and chronologic age, ethnically associated facial
      morphotypes, and aesthetic ideals based on sex and culture. Lower toxin dosing,
      to modulate rather than paralyze muscles, is indicated where volume deficits
      influence muscular activity. Combination of toxin with fillers is appropriate for
      several indications addressed previously with toxin alone. New scientific data
      regarding hyaluronic acid fillers foster an evidence-based approach to selection
      of products and injection techniques. Focus on aesthetic units, rather than
      isolated rhytides, optimizes results from toxin and fillers. It also informs
      longitudinal treatment planning, and analysis of toxin nonresponders.
      CONCLUSIONS: The emerging objective of injectable treatment is facial
      harmonization rather than rejuvenation. Combined treatment is now a standard of
      care. Its use will increase further as we refine the concept that aspects of
      aging are intimately related, and that successful treatment entails identifying
      and addressing the primary causes of each. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic, V.

PMID- 27119919
TI  - Management of the Postbariatric Medial Thigh Deformity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thigh contour deformities-in particular, those of the medial thighs
      are a common concern for many individuals seeking body contouring. Despite the
      frequency of this concern, some plastic surgeons have often been reluctant to
      embrace the medial thigh-lift procedure because of the risk for significant
      complications and relatively poor results. The authors' approach to medial thigh
      contouring is to address the variables outside of the medial thighs affecting the
      medial thighs before considering a medial thigh-lift procedure with a vertical
      component. In this article, the authors review the senior author's (J.F.C.)
      experience of 350 vertical medial thigh lifts in the weight-loss patient.
      METHODS: The charts of 350 consecutive individuals who had undergone vertical
      medial thigh lifts were reviewed for complications and other variables. The
      procedures were all performed by the senior author between February of 2000 and
      February of 2014. The preoperative markings, current surgical technique, and
      postoperative care are described. RESULTS: There were 326 women and 24 men in the
      study, with an average age of 43 years. The overall complication rate was 45.14
      percent. Skin dehiscence and seroma formation were the most frequent
      complications, at 31.14 percent and 18.18 percent, respectively. The vast
      majority of patients were pleased with the aesthetic and functional results of
      their surgery. CONCLUSION: The medial thigh deformities of the weight-loss
      patient are effectively addressed by a vertical medial thigh lift when the
      variables adjacent to the medial thighs are first treated by a body lift.
      CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 27119920
TI  - Interventions to Decrease Postoperative Edema and Ecchymosis after Rhinoplasty: A
      Systematic Review of the Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Today, minimally invasive procedures are becoming more popular
      because of the fast recovery. Rhinoplasty is a common facial plastic surgery
      procedure that can be associated with significant postoperative morbidities,
      especially periorbital edema and ecchymosis. The aim of this review is to
      summarize the results of published literature that studied interventions that
      decrease postoperative edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty, and provide
      evidence-based strategies for surgeons to incorporate into practice. METHODS: A
      systematic review of the PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE databases was performed to
      investigate interventions studied to decrease postoperative edema and ecchymosis
      after rhinoplasty. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, articles
      were grouped into one of the following categories: corticosteroids, other
      medications and herbal supplements, interventions to decrease intraoperative
      bleeding, other postoperative interventions, and surgical techniques. RESULTS: A
      total of 50 articles were included for review. Fourteen articles studied
      corticosteroids exclusively, whereas another 10 articles reviewed other
      medications and herbal supplements. Nine articles evaluated methods to decrease
      intraoperative bleeding during rhinoplasty, and four articles studied
      postoperative interventions to decrease edema and ecchymosis. Thirteen articles
      studied various surgical techniques to decrease postoperative morbidities.
      CONCLUSIONS: There was a consensus within the literature that steroids,
      intraoperative hypotension, intraoperative cooling, and head elevation
      postoperatively decrease postoperative edema and ecchymosis, whereas nasal
      packing and periosteal elevation before osteotomy increased these postoperative
      morbidities. Studies of herbal supplements may be incorporated into practice with
      minimal risk to the patient. More studies must be performed before recommending
      an external or internal approach to lateral osteotomy.

PMID- 27119921
TI  - Discussion: Interventions to Decrease Postoperative Edema and Ecchymosis after
      Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

PMID- 27119922
TI  - Promotion of Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis in Vascularized Tissue-Engineered Bone
      Using Osteogenic Matrix Cell Sheets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The regeneration of large, poorly vascularized bone defects remains a
      significant challenge. Although vascularized bone grafts promote osteogenesis,
      the required tissue harvesting causes problematic donor-site morbidity.
      Artificial bone substitutes are promising alternatives for regenerative medicine
      applications, but the incorporation of suitable cells and/or growth factors is
      necessary for their successful clinical application. The inclusion of vascular
      bundles can further enhance the bone-forming capability of bone substitutes by
      promoting tissue neovascularization. Little is known about how neovascularization
      occurs and how new bone extends within vascularized tissue-engineered bone,
      because no previous studies have used tissue-engineered bone to treat large,
      poorly vascularized defects. METHODS: In this study, the authors developed a
      novel vascularized tissue-engineered bone scaffold composed of osteogenic matrix
      cell sheets wrapped around vascular bundles within beta-tricalcium phosphate
      ceramics. RESULTS: Four weeks after subcutaneous transplantation in rats, making
      use of the femoral vascular bundle, vascularized tissue-engineered bone
      demonstrated more angiogenesis and higher osteogenic potential than the controls.
      After vascularized tissue-engineered bone implantation, abundant vascularization
      and new bone formation were observed radially from the vascular bundle, with
      increased mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase, bone morphogenetic protein-2,
      osteocalcin, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A. CONCLUSION: This novel
      method for preparing vascularized tissue-engineered bone scaffolds may promote
      the regeneration of large bone defects, particularly where vascularization has
      been compromised.

PMID- 27119923
TI  - Wound Healing and Angiogenesis through Combined Use of a Vascularized Tissue Flap
      and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in a Rat Hindlimb Irradiated Ischemia Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of critical limb ischemia is sometimes difficult because of
      the patient's condition, and some novel approaches are needed. METHODS: The
      hindlimbs of Sprague-Dawley rats, after 20-Gy x-ray irradiation and surgical
      occlusion, were divided into four groups: with a superficial fascial flap, 5.0 *
      10 adipose-derived stromal/stem cells, and both combined. The rats were tested
      for laser tissue blood flow, immunohistologic blood vessel density, and foot paw
      punch hole wound healing. Green fluorescent protein-tagged Sprague-Dawley rats
      were used for further investigation by cell tracking for 2 weeks. RESULTS: Laser
      tissue blood flow demonstrated a significant increase in the combined treatment
      of flap and adipose-derived stem cells at both 1 and 2 weeks. There were no
      significant differences between the treatment groups treated with flaps alone and
      those treated with adipose-derived stem cells alone. Wound healing was
      significantly increased following combined treatment at 1 week, and there was no
      wound by 2 weeks except for the no-flap and no-adipose-derived stem cell group.
      The number of vessels depicted by von Willebrand factor showed a significant
      increase in the combined treatment group, at both 1 week and 2 weeks. In the cell
      tracking group, at 2 weeks, the green fluorescent protein-tagged adipose-derived
      stem cells were significantly more positive in the no-flap group than in the flap
      group. CONCLUSIONS: Adipose-derived stem cells may be a potent cell source in
      irradiated and occluded limbs by enhancing tissue blood flow and blood vessel
      density. Adipose-derived stem cells may play an important role in some difficult
      ischemic conditions in terms of wound healing.

PMID- 27119924
TI  - Collagen and Fractionated Platelet-Rich Plasma Scaffold for Dermal Regeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current options for in vivo regeneration of dermal tissue remain
      limited. The purpose of this study was to engineer a unique scaffold capable of
      recruiting dermal stem cells from adjacent tissue, thus circumventing the need to
      seed the scaffolds with stem cells before implantation, leading to skin
      regeneration. METHODS: A hydrogel scaffold was created through combination of
      type I collagen along with fractionated platelet-rich plasma. This was compared
      to a control hydrogel consisting of type I collagen and fetal bovine serum.
      Hydrogels were cultured with fresh human skin tissue and incubated with
      supplemental media. Gels were digested weekly for cellular content as examined by
      flow cytometry at the 4- and 8-week time points. The fractionated platelet-rich
      plasma and collagen gels were then implanted onto full-thickness skin defects on
      the backs of rats and compared to wounds healing by secondary intention. Wound
      area was evaluated for epithelialization and neovascularization. RESULTS:
      Platelet-rich plasma fractionation increased platelet-derived growth factors. In
      contrast to collagen scaffolds, fractionated platelet-rich plasma-supplemented
      scaffolds recruited more dermal-derived stem cells from fresh skin tissue
      compared with collagen hydrogels at the 4- and 8-week time points. Furthermore,
      fractionated platelet-rich plasma-supplemented hydrogels accelerated wound
      healing, angiogenesis, and hair and sweat gland formation, ultimately
      regenerating a dermis-like tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Generation of hydrogels with
      fractionated platelet-rich plasma was able to improve cellular recruitment and
      growth and differentiation of dermal-derived stem cells, leading to hair growth
      and sweat gland formation. This provides a novel approach to regenerate skin for
      treating large defects.

PMID- 27119925
TI  - Inequalities in Specialist Hand Surgeon Distribution across the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unequal access to hospital specialists for emergency care is an issue
      in the United States. The authors sought to describe the geographic distribution
      of specialist hand surgeons and associated factors in the United States. METHODS:
      Geographic distributions of surgeons holding a Subspecialty Certificate in
      Surgery of the Hand and hand surgery fellowship positions were identified from
      the American Board of Medical Specialties Database and the literature (2013),
      respectively. State-level population and per capita income were ascertained using
      U.S. Census data. Variations in hand trauma admissions were determined using
      Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project national/state inpatient databases. Risk
      adjusted generalized linear models were used to assess independent association
      between hand surgeon density and hand trauma admission density, fellowship
      position density, and per capita income. RESULTS: Among 2019 specialist hand
      surgeons identified, 72.1 percent were orthopedic surgeons, 18.3 percent were
      plastic surgeons, and 9.6 percent were general surgeons. There were 157 hand
      surgery fellowship positions nationwide. There were 149,295 annual hand trauma
      admissions. The national density of specialist hand surgeons and density of
      trauma admission were 0.6 and 47.6, respectively. The density of specialist hand
      surgeons varied significantly between states. State-level variations in density
      of surgeons were independent and significantly associated with median per capita
      income (p < 0.001) and with density of fellowships (p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS:
      Specialist hand surgeons are distributed unevenly across the United States. State
      level analyses suggest that states with lower per capita incomes may be
      particularly underserved, which may contribute to regional disparities in access
      to emergency hand trauma care.

PMID- 27119926
TI  - Anthropometric Outcomes following Fronto-Orbital Advancement for Metopic
      Synostosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The authors' purpose is to present changes in anthropometric fronto
      orbital dimensions after surgical correction of metopic synostosis. METHODS: The
      authors retrospectively analyzed craniometric dimensions in older patients with
      metopic synostosis corrected by fronto-orbital advancement performed by the
      senior author (J.B.M.). Preoperative and postoperative linear measures (frontal
      breadth, cranial width, and intercanthal distance) were taken by direct
      anthropometry. Interdacryon distance and width of the bandeau were also recorded
      intraoperatively, before and after widening. Follow-up anthropometric values were
      compared to age- and sex-matched normative data and standard (z) scores were
      calculated. RESULTS: Sixteen patients met the inclusion criteria. Syndromic
      diagnosis was documented in five of 16 patients. Average age at the last
      postoperative evaluation was 8.9 +/- 3.8 years (range, 4 to 16 years). Mean
      frontal width z-scores decreased postoperatively from 0.82 to -0.32 (p = 0.007),
      indicating diminished growth in this dimension. The last measured frontal width
      strongly correlated with the breadth of the bandeau after surgical correction but
      not with preoperative values. Postoperative mean cranial width diminished
      significantly to a more normal value. Mean intercanthal distance was normal
      preoperatively and remained so but was significantly greater in syndromic than in
      nonsyndromic cases. CONCLUSIONS: Frontal growth rate is diminished in the coronal
      plane after fronto-orbital advancement. The authors recommend primary techniques
      to overcorrect the width of the bandeau and frontal region, including
      zygomaticosphenoid osteotomies and interpositional cranial bone grafts to
      advance/widen the lateral orbital rim. Continued evaluation is required to assess
      whether overcorrection results in normal frontotemporal shape and breadth at
      skeletal maturity.

PMID- 27119927
TI  - Objective Assessment of the Interfrontal Angle for Severity Grading and Operative
      Decision-Making in Metopic Synostosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of a previously
      validated interfrontal angle for classification of severity of metopic synostosis
      and as an aid to operative decision-making. METHODS: An expert panel was asked to
      study 30 cases ranging from minor to severe metopic synostosis. Based on computed
      tomographic images of the skull and clinical photographs, they classified the
      severity of trigonocephaly (1 = normal, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, and 4 = severe)
      and management (0 = nonoperative and 1 = operative). The severity scores and
      management reported by experts were then pooled and matched with the interfrontal
      angle computed from each respective computed tomographic scan. A threshold was
      identified at which most experts agree on operative management. RESULTS: Expert
      severity scores were higher for more acute interfrontal angles. There was a high
      concordance at the extremes of classifications, severe (4) and normal (1) (p <
      0.0001); however, between interfrontal angles of 114.3 and 136.1 degrees, there
      exists a "gray zone," with severe discordance in expert rankings. An operative
      threshold of 118.2 degrees was identified, with the interfrontal angle able to
      predict the expert panel's decision to proceed with surgery 87.6 percent of the
      time. CONCLUSIONS: The interfrontal angle has been previously validated as a
      simple, accurate, and reproducible means for diagnosing trigonocephaly, but must
      be obtained from computed tomographic data. In this article, the authors
      demonstrate that the interfrontal angle can be used to further characterize the
      severity of trigonocephaly. It also correlated with expert decision-making for
      operative versus nonoperative management. This tool may be used as an adjunct to
      clinical decision-making when the decision to proceed with surgery may not be
      straightforward. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, V.

PMID- 27119928
TI  - Age at the Time of Surgery and Maintenance of Head Size in Nonsyndromic Sagittal
      Craniosynostosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Repair of nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis should durably
      improve intracranial volume and cranial index. The optimal timing of surgery is
      not known. The authors previously reported reoperation in patients aged younger
      than 6 months at primary repair. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary
      reconstruction for sagittal craniosynostosis before age 1 year between 2005 and
      2013 at Oregon Health & Science University underwent retrospective computed
      tomographic determination of cranial index and intracranial volume preoperatively
      and 2 years postoperatively and head circumference measurements until age 6
      years. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients undergoing operation before their first
      birthday were studied in two groups: those younger than 6 months [34 (61
      percent)] and those aged 6 months or older at the time of operation. Head
      circumference percentile increased immediately after surgery but decreased at 1
      and 2 years after surgery, significantly more so in patients younger than 6
      months (p < 0.015 at 1 year; p < 0.011 at 2-year follow-up). Mean 2-year
      postoperative cranial index was significantly increased in both groups (p <
      0.001), which did not differ preoperatively (younger than 6 months, 76.5; 6
      months or older, 78.0) or 2 years postoperatively (younger than 6 months, 88.4; 6
      months or older, 87.1; p = not significant). Intracranial volume increased in all
      patients from before surgery to 2 years postoperatively and was higher in the
      patients aged 6 months or older (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Cranial reconstruction
      for nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis improved cranial index equally in all
      patients but increased head circumference and intracranial volume significantly
      more in patients who underwent surgical reconstruction at age 6 months or older.
      CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 27119929
TI  - Discussion: Age at the Time of Surgery and Maintenance of Head Size in
      Nonsyndromic Sagittal Craniosynostosis.

PMID- 27119930
TI  - Total Face, Eyelids, Ears, Scalp, and Skeletal Subunit Transplant Cadaver
      Simulation: The Culmination of Aesthetic, Craniofacial, and Microsurgery
      Principles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The application of aesthetic, craniofacial, and microsurgical
      principles in the execution of face transplantation may improve outcomes. Optimal
      soft-tissue face transplantation can be achieved by incorporating subunit facial
      skeletal replacement and subsequent tissue resuspension. The purpose of this
      study was to establish a reconstructive solution for a full face and scalp burn
      and to evaluate outcome precision and consistency. METHODS: Seven mock face
      transplants (14 cadavers) were completed in the span of 1 year. Components of the
      vascularized composite allograft included the eyelids, nose, lips, facial
      muscles, oral mucosa, total scalp, and ears; and skeletal subunits of the zygoma,
      nasal bone, and genial segment. Virtual surgical planning was used for osteotomy
      selection, and to evaluate postoperative precision of hard- and soft-tissue
      elements. RESULTS: Each transplant experience decreased each subsequent
      transplant surgical time. Prefabricated cutting guides facilitated a faster
      dissection of both donor and recipient tissue, requiring minimal alteration to
      the allograft for proper fixation of bony segments during inset. Regardless of
      donor-to-recipient size discrepancy, ample soft tissue was available to achieve
      tension-free allograft inset. Differences between virtual transplant simulation
      and posttransplant measurements were minimal or insignificant, supporting
      replicable and precise outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This facial transplant model was
      designed to optimize reconstruction of extensive soft-tissue defects of the
      craniofacial region representative of electrical, thermal, and chemical burns, by
      incorporating skeletal subunits within the allograft. The implementation of
      aesthetic, craniofacial, and microsurgical principles and computer-assisted
      technology improves surgical precision, decreases operative time, and may
      optimize function.

PMID- 27119931
TI  - Comparison of Single and Double Venous Anastomoses in Head and Neck Oncologic
      Reconstruction Using Free Flaps: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Venous insufficiency is the main cause of failure and surgical
      revision in free flap surgery. Achieving a double venous anastomosis is
      frequently proposed to improve flap drainage. However, this procedure remains
      controversial. The authors evaluated, through a meta-analysis, the benefit of
      double venous anastomoses in the venous thrombosis, surgical revision, and
      failure rates of free flaps in head and neck oncologic reconstruction. METHODS: A
      systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria in the MEDLINE,
      PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases. Statistical heterogeneity
      evaluation and then fixed effects and random effects models were used. RESULTS:
      Sixteen articles were included involving 3684 flaps. The overall success rate was
      96.15 percent. The authors reported a failure rate of 1.51 percent in the group
      with two anastomoses versus 5.03 percent in the group with single anastomoses
      (OR, 0.64; 95 percent CI, 0.277 to 1.522; p = 0.320). The authors found a venous
      thrombosis rate of 2.74 percent in the group with two anastomoses versus 4.54
      percent in the group with single anastomoses (OR, 0.535; 95 percent CI, 0.334 to
      0.858; p = 0.009). There were also more surgical revisions in the single venous
      anastomoses group, 11.87 percent versus 6.04 percent (OR, 0.474; 95 percent CI,
      0.349 to 0.643; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis supports that
      performing a double venous anastomosis confers protective effects in venous
      thrombosis and surgical revision, thus reducing free flap failure. The authors
      recommend the achievement of double venous anastomosis whenever it is feasible in
      head and neck oncologic reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 27119932
TI  - Discussion: Comparison of Single and Double Venous Anastomoses in Head and Neck
      Oncologic Reconstruction Using Free Flaps: A Meta-Analysis.

PMID- 27119933
TI  - A Novel Surgical Approach to Chronic Temporal Headaches.
AB  - The targets for the surgical treatment of temporal headaches are the
      zygomaticotemporal branch of the trigeminal nerve and the auriculotemporal nerve.
      The former is often accessed by means of an endoscopic brow approach or
      potentially by laterally extending a transpalpebral incision. An established
      surgical approach, the Gillies incision, was modified to access the
      zygomaticotemporal nerve, as it was felt to combine the advantages of the
      traditional techniques. Nineteen patients underwent zygomaticotemporal nerve
      decompression and neuroplasty or neurectomy and muscle implantation using this
      surgical approach. A 3.5-cm incision was made behind the anterior, temporal
      hairline and the zygomaticotemporal branch of the trigeminal nerve was approached
      directly, remaining superficial to the deep temporal fascia. Each patient was
      assessed preoperatively and postoperatively with regard to the frequency,
      duration, and severity of their symptoms to calculate a Migraine Headache Index
      score. All evaluations were performed at least 1 year postoperatively. The mean
      preoperative Migraine Headache Index score was 131.7 and the mean postoperative
      score was 52 (p < 0.0001). There were no surgical complications. There appeared
      to be no differences between those patients that had decompression and
      neuroplasty versus those that underwent neurectomy and implantation, as both
      groups experienced significant reductions in Migraine Headache Index scores
      following the procedure. The anterior temporal approach to the zygomaticotemporal
      nerve is both safe and effective. The advantages of this approach include a
      hidden scar, the ability to directly manipulate the nerve for transection or
      preservation, and access to the auriculotemporal nerve through the same incision.

PMID- 27119934
TI  - Discussion: Three-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Angiography Study of the
      Interperforator Flow of the Lower Leg.

PMID- 27119935
TI  - Making Master Surgeons Out of Trainees: Part I. Teaching Surgical Judgment.
AB  - The training of competent and ethical plastic surgery residents has become more
      difficult, as surgeons face increasing clinical and research demands, concern for
      medicolegal liability, and pressure to increase efficiency to decrease health
      care expenditures. The resulting variation in operative experience among plastic
      surgery trainees exemplifies the need for educational reform to accommodate
      change. Although the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has
      mandated a transition to competency-based training, and state-of-the-art
      technologies in surgical simulation are being developed to improve operative
      skills, the construction of a system to teach and assess operative judgment is
      deficient and should be thoughtfully created and implemented. Established
      educational methods and curriculums can be used in this effort and include
      apprenticeship operative teaching, surgical simulation, morbidity and mortality
      conferences, and resident clinics. The first step in this effort is to require
      trainees to make decisions, communicating their judgments and recommendations
      using language that demonstrates clear thinking and thoughtful analysis. For
      faculty, this means carving out dedicated preoperative teaching time in addition
      to efficient use of intraoperative time and sharing of postoperative outcomes.
      For programs, this means developing metrics to evaluate progress and build
      procedure-specific simulations. The goal should be not just to settle for
      training safe and ethical surgeons but to produce masterful surgeons with mature
      judgment.

PMID- 27119936
TI  - Head and Neck Vascular Anomalies: A Practical Case-Based Approach.

PMID- 27119937
TI  - Lymphedema: Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

PMID- 27119938
TI  - Volumetric Planning Using Computed Tomographic Angiography Improves Clinical
      Outcomes in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study evaluated outcomes of deep inferior epigastric
      perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction using volumetric planning-which is
      preoperative planning based on volumetric data of the breast and flap estimated
      from computed tomographic angiography. METHODS: A prospective review of three
      patient cohorts undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction from June of 2009 to
      February of 2015 was performed. Cohort 1 comprised 48 cases in which no
      volumetric planning was used. Cohort 2 included the next 101 consecutive cases
      undergoing breast reconstruction according to an algorithm based on volumetric
      planning. Cohort 3 consisted of the next 109 consecutive cases using a modified
      algorithm. The inset rate (weight ratio of the inset flap to harvested flap) was
      estimated during volumetric planning, and specific surgical strategies, such as
      incorporating multiple perforators, conducting venous augmentation (cohort 2), or
      harvesting bipedicled flaps (cohort 3), were used with reference to it. Rates of
      perfusion-related complications were compared. RESULTS: All but one flap survived
      completely. Fat necrosis occurred in 9.7 percent. Overall, the perfusion-related
      complication rate was 22.9 percent of cohort 1, 10.9 percent in cohort 2, and 5.6
      percent in cohort 3 (p = 0.006). The fat necrosis rates were 19.1, 9.9, and 5.6
      percent in cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = 0.032). A multivariate analysis
      demonstrated that volumetric planning had independent benefits for preventing
      perfusion-related complications (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The authors' results
      suggest that volumetric planning can facilitate elaborate planning and reduce
      perfusion-related complications, enabling reliable breast reconstruction using
      DIEP flaps. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 27119939
TI  - Discussion: Volumetric Planning Using Computed Tomographic Angiography Improves
      Clinical Outcomes in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction.

PMID- 27119940
TI  - The Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy in Postoperative Recovery from
      Eyelid Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of
      postoperative intense pulsed light therapy on patients who undergo bilateral
      eyelid surgery. METHODS: Patients presenting over a 3-month period for bilateral
      eyelid surgery were asked to participate in an institutional review board
      approved study. Intense pulsed light therapy was administered three times to the
      same randomly assigned side on postoperative days 1 to 2, 5 to 7, and 10 to 12.
      Sham light therapy was administered to the contralateral side. Patient surveys
      and physician ratings were obtained based on photographic evaluation of
      ecchymosis, edema, and erythema. Three physicians, including the senior author
      (A.E.W.), submitted ratings, and these ratings were assessed for interobserver
      reliability. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients who underwent bilateral eyelid
      surgery followed by intense pulsed light therapy were enrolled. The mean age of
      the patients was 66 years (range, 44 to 81 years). Eighty-six percent of patients
      were female. The change in ratings between postoperative days 1 to 2 and 10 to
      12, in the treatment and control groups, was statistically significant for
      severity of bruising by both patient and physician assessment and for color of
      bruising only by patient assessment. The interobserver reliability reached the
      greatest agreement in the ecchymosis category at each time point for the
      treatment group. CONCLUSION: In a series of patients who underwent eyelid
      surgery, intense pulsed light therapy decreased the degree of ecchymosis compared
      with sham treatment in postoperative eyelid surgery patients. CLINICAL
      QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

PMID- 27119941
TI  - Perioperative Corneal Abrasion: Updated Guidelines for Prevention and Management.
AB  - Corneal abrasion is the most common ocular complication in surgery. Treatment
      requires pain control, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and close monitoring. Pain
      improves significantly after 24 hours and should be resolved by 48 hours.
      Persistent, worsening, or new symptoms warrant immediate specialist consultation.
      The authors review the pathophysiology of perioperative corneal abrasion, and
      propose updated evidence-based guidelines for improved patient care.

PMID- 27119942
TI  - External Volume Expansion in Irradiated Tissue: Effects on the Recipient Site.
AB  - BACKGROUND: External volume expansion prepares recipient sites to improve
      outcomes of fat grafting. For patients receiving radiotherapy after mastectomy,
      results with external volume expansion vary, and the relationship between
      radiotherapy and expansion remains unexplored. Thus, the authors developed a new
      translational model to investigate the effects in chronic skin fibrosis after
      radiation exposure. METHODS: Twenty-four SKH1-E mice received 50 Gy of beta
      radiation to each flank and were monitored until fibrosis developed (8 weeks).
      External volume expansion was then applied at -25 mmHg to one side for 6 hours
      for 5 days. The opposite side served as the control. Perfusion changes were
      assessed with hyperspectral imaging. Mice were euthanized at 5 (n = 12) and 15
      days (n = 12) after the last expansion application. Tissue samples were analyzed
      with immunohistochemistry for CD31 and Ki67, Masson trichrome for skin thickness,
      and picrosirius red to analyze collagen composition. RESULTS: All animals
      developed skin fibrosis 8 weeks after radiotherapy and became hypoperfused based
      on hyperspectral imaging. Expansion induced edema on treated sides after
      stimulation. Perfusion was decreased by 13 percent on the expansion side (p <
      0.001) compared with the control side for 5 days after stimulation. Perfusion
      returned to control-side levels by day 15. Dermal vasculature increased 38
      percent by day 15 (p < 0.01) in expansion versus control. No difference was found
      in collagen composition. CONCLUSIONS: External volume expansion temporarily
      reduces perfusion, likely because of transient ischemia or edema. Together with
      mechanotransduction, these effects encourage a proangiogenic and proliferative
      environment in fibrotic tissue after radiotherapy in the authors' mouse model.
      Further studies are needed to assess these changes in fat graft retention.

PMID- 27119943
TI  - Increased Osteoid Formation in BMP-2-Loaded Silk-Based Screws.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resorbable osteosynthesis systems are used to treat craniofacial
      fractures. However, conventional synthetic polyester materials are potentially
      associated with inflammatory reaction and negative host response and may result
      in incomplete bone remodeling. The authors have developed a resorbable silk
      fibroin-based osteosynthesis system and propose that silk screws loaded with bone
      morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) may exhibit biocompatibility and promote bone
      remodeling. METHODS: Resorbable silk screws were prepared and loaded with BMP-2.
      The BMP-2-loaded and nonloaded silk screws were inserted into the distal femora
      in 15 Sprague-Dawley rats by self-tapping, similar to conventional metal systems.
      Animals were euthanized after 1, 3, and 6 months. The femora were explanted at
      the designated time points, dissected for histologic evaluation, and compared
      regarding osteoid formation and inflammatory response. RESULTS: Increasing
      organization of newly formed bone tissue was observed over time in both groups.
      No appreciable difference in inflammation was noted between the BMP-2-loaded and
      nonloaded silk screws. Notably, mineralized collagen around the periphery of the
      screw appears to be greatest and more organized in the BMP-2-loaded samples.
      There was greater recruitment of osteoclasts and osteoblasts around the perimeter
      of the BMP-2-loaded screws at 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The BMP-2-loaded silk
      based fixation device in this study exhibited characteristics comparable to the
      current nonloaded silk screws with regard to integration and biocompatibility.
      However, functionalization of silk screws with BMP-2 appeared to allow for more
      organized collagen and osteoid deposition after 3 and 6 months and may increase
      the potential of successful remodeling.

PMID- 27119944
TI  - An Algorithmic Approach to the Surgical Treatment of Chronic Ischemia of the
      Hand: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic ischemia of the hand can lead to intractable pain, cold
      intolerance, and digital necrosis, affecting up to 4.8 percent of patients
      undergoing vascular surgery. Treatment of patients suffering from chronic hand
      ischemia, in particular, the subset of patients with a nonreconstructible distal
      arterial tree, can be a significant challenge for hand surgeons. The purpose of
      this systematic review is to analyze the outcomes of surgical therapies in an
      effort to define the efficacy of each intervention. The authors also revisit the
      treatment algorithm for nontraumatic chronic hand ischemia. METHODS: A systematic
      search of the literature published since 1990 in the PubMed/MEDLINE database was
      performed using keywords. Articles were eligible if they described clinical
      studies of human patients with nontraumatic chronic hand ischemia who underwent
      sympathectomy, arterial bypass, or venous arterialization. Pain improvement,
      wound healing, and new ulcerations were primary outcome measures. Primary patency
      rates and limb salvage data were also collected as primary outcome measures in
      the bypass and arterialization study arms. RESULTS: For sympathectomy, arterial
      bypass, and venous arterialization, pain relief was achieved in 89, 100, and 100
      percent of patients, respectively; whereas wound healing occurred in 74, 93, and
      75 percent, respectively. Postoperative ulcerations were 0, 3, and 8 percent,
      respectively. No secondary amputations were reported in these 33 studies.
      Complication rates were moderately high (2.1 to 30.8 percent). CONCLUSION: This
      systematic review confirms that sympathectomy, arterial bypass, and venous
      arterialization are efficacious treatments, and allows for an algorithmic
      approach to the surgical treatment of chronic hand ischemia. CLINICAL
      QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 27119945
TI  - An Algorithm for Managing Syndromic Craniosynostosis Using Posterior Vault
      Distraction Osteogenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The authors hypothesize that early posterior vault distraction
      osteogenesis safely confers considerable cranial vault remodeling, sufficient to
      enable fronto-orbital advancement to be delayed to a later age, with improved
      outcomes. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of children
      with syndromic craniosynostosis treated before (2003 to 2008) or after (2009 to
      2014) implementation of posterior vault distraction osteogenesis. RESULTS: Sixty
      children with syndromic craniosynostosis presented during the study period. Forty
      met inclusion criteria with care continuity and complete records: 22 before and
      18 after implementation of posterior vault distraction osteogenesis. Only 11
      patients (61 percent) who underwent initial posterior vault distraction
      osteogenesis required frontal advancement, at a mean follow-up of 4.0 years of
      age, compared with 22 patients (100 percent) before implementation of posterior
      vault distraction osteogenesis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated
      significant delay of first fronto-orbital advancement in the posterior vault
      distraction osteogenesis cohort compared with the pre-posterior vault distraction
      osteogenesis cohort (p = 0.011). Comparing treatment in the first 5 years of life
      among posterior vault distraction osteogenesis versus non-posterior vault
      distraction osteogenesis subcohorts of patients older than 5 years, there were
      significantly fewer fronto-orbital advancements performed (0.6 versus 1.5 per
      patient; p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Using early posterior vault distraction
      osteogenesis for patients with syndromic craniosynostosis significantly reduces
      the average number of fronto-orbital advancement procedures in the first 5 years
      of life, delays initial fronto-orbital advancement, and is likely to reduce the
      total number of major craniofacial procedures. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 27119946
TI  - Discussion: An Algorithm for Managing Syndromic Craniosynostosis Using Posterior
      Vault Distraction Osteogenesis.

PMID- 27119947
TI  - Total Face, Eyelids, Ears, Scalp, and Skeletal Subunit Transplant Research
      Procurement: A Translational Simulation Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cadaveric face transplant models are routinely used for technical
      allograft design, perfusion assessment, and transplant simulation but are
      associated with substantial limitations. The purpose of this study was to
      describe the experience of implementing a translational donor research facial
      procurement and solid organ allograft recovery model. METHODS: Institutional
      review board approval was obtained, and a 49-year-old, brain-dead donor was
      identified for facial vascularized composite allograft research procurement. The
      family generously consented to donation of solid organs and the total face,
      eyelids, ears, scalp, and skeletal subunit allograft. RESULTS: The successful
      sequence of computed tomographic scanning, fabrication and postprocessing of
      patient-specific cutting guides, tracheostomy placement, preoperative fluorescent
      angiography, silicone mask facial impression, donor facial allograft recovery,
      postprocurement fluorescent angiography, and successful recovery of kidneys and
      liver occurred without any donor instability. Preservation of the bilateral
      external carotid arteries, facial arteries, occipital arteries, and bilateral
      thyrolinguofacial and internal jugular veins provided reliable and robust
      perfusion to the entirety of the allograft. Total time of facial procurement was
      10 hours 57 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Essential to clinical face transplant outcomes
      is the preparedness of the institution, multidisciplinary face transplant team,
      organ procurement organization, and solid organ transplant colleagues. A
      translational facial research procurement and solid organ recovery model serves
      as an educational experience to modify processes and address procedural,
      anatomical, and logistical concerns for institutions developing a clinical face
      transplantation program. This methodical approach best simulates the stressors
      and challenges that can be expected during clinical face transplantation.
      CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, V.

PMID- 27119948
TI  - A Novel Approach to Surgical Markings Based on a Topographic Map and a Projected
      Three-Dimensional Image.
AB  - Surgical markings play a crucial role in the planning of plastic surgery
      procedures. However, despite their importance, they are often imprecise. For
      instance, when assessing patients in need of autologous fat grafting, surgeons
      often base markings on estimations of where volume deficiency exists and how much
      volume will correct the deficiency. In this article, the authors describe a novel
      approach to lipostructure, guided by a computer-based roadmap. A digital three
      dimensional topographic surgical map is created using three-dimensional
      photography and analytic software and then projected as an image onto the patient
      in the operating room. This unique concept can be applied to most soft-tissue
      procedures in plastic surgery. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic,
      V.

PMID- 27119949
TI  - Correction of Pectus Excavatum by Custom-Made Silicone Implants: Contribution of
      Computer-Aided Design Reconstruction. A 20-Year Experience and 401 Cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the absence of demonstrable functional impairment, pectus
      excavatum is merely a congenital deformity, albeit with a marked psychological
      impact. Many patients do not wish to undergo thoracic remodeling operations,
      which are invasive and do not clearly result in respiratory or cardiac
      improvement. METHODS: From 1993 to 2015, the authors designed 401 custom-made
      silicone implants to treat funnel chests. Before 2007, implants were made from
      plaster chest molds. Beginning in 2007, three-dimensional reconstructions were
      made from computed tomographic scans by computer-aided design. The authors
      prospectively recorded all assessments and follow-up data since 1993.
      Preoperative and postoperative photographs of two random groups of 50 patients
      were analyzed, in a blinded manner, by two surgeons independently. Intraoperative
      and postoperative complications, clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and
      quality of life were evaluated. RESULTS: One infection and three hematomas were
      recorded. Periprosthetic seroma was evident in all cases. Patients rated the
      cosmetic outcomes of computer-aided design implants significantly higher than
      those of the earlier implants made using plaster molds (p = 0.030). Malformations
      were better corrected in the computer-aided design group (86 percent) than in the
      plaster group (72 percent) (p = 0.038). Patient satisfaction was higher in the
      former group (p = 0.011). Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey
      scores revealed significant improvements, both socially and emotionally.
      CONCLUSIONS: Correction of pectus excavatum using a computer-aided design
      silicone implant fulfils aesthetic and psychological demands. The technique is
      simple and reliable and yields high-quality results. In the medium term, the
      approach may render invasive techniques obsolete. These operations remain risky
      and of doubtful functional utility. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic, III.

PMID- 27119950
TI  - Current Applications of Facial Volumization with Fillers.
AB  - LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After reading this article and watching the accompanying
      videos, the participant should be able to: 1. Assess patients seeking facial
      volumization and correlate volume deficiencies anatomically. 2. Identify
      appropriate fillers based on rheologic properties and anatomical needs. 3.
      Recognize poor candidates for facial volumization. 4. Recognize and treat filler
      related side effects and complications. SUMMARY: Facial volumization is widely
      applied for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation both as a solitary means and
      in conjunction with surgical correction. Appropriate facial volumization is
      dependent on patient characteristics, consistent longitudinal anatomical changes,
      and qualities of fillers available. In this article, anatomical changes seen with
      aging are illustrated, appropriate techniques for facial volumization are
      described in the setting of correct filler selection, and potential complications
      are addressed.

PMID- 27119951
TI  - Big Data and Machine Learning in Plastic Surgery: A New Frontier in Surgical
      Innovation.
AB  - Medical decision-making is increasingly based on quantifiable data. From the
      moment patients come into contact with the health care system, their entire
      medical history is recorded electronically. Whether a patient is in the operating
      room or on the hospital ward, technological advancement has facilitated the
      expedient and reliable measurement of clinically relevant health metrics, all in
      an effort to guide care and ensure the best possible clinical outcomes. However,
      as the volume and complexity of biomedical data grow, it becomes challenging to
      effectively process "big data" using conventional techniques. Physicians and
      scientists must be prepared to look beyond classic methods of data processing to
      extract clinically relevant information. The purpose of this article is to
      introduce the modern plastic surgeon to machine learning and computational
      interpretation of large data sets. What is machine learning? Machine learning, a
      subfield of artificial intelligence, can address clinically relevant problems in
      several domains of plastic surgery, including burn surgery; microsurgery; and
      craniofacial, peripheral nerve, and aesthetic surgery. This article provides a
      brief introduction to current research and suggests future projects that will
      allow plastic surgeons to explore this new frontier of surgical science.

PMID- 27119952
TI  - Scarpa Fascia Preservation in Abdominoplasty: Does It Preserve the Lymphatics?

PMID- 27119953
TI  - An Electrostatic Funnel in the GABA-Binding Pathway.
AB  - The gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAA-R) is a major inhibitory
      neuroreceptor that is activated by the binding of GABA. The structure of the
      GABAA-R is well characterized, and many of the binding site residues have been
      identified. However, most of these residues are obscured behind the C-loop that
      acts as a cover to the binding site. Thus, the mechanism by which the GABA
      molecule recognizes the binding site, and the pathway it takes to enter the
      binding site are both unclear. Through the completion and detailed analysis of
      100 short, unbiased, independent molecular dynamics simulations, we have
      investigated this phenomenon of GABA entering the binding site. In each system,
      GABA was placed quasi-randomly near the binding site of a GABAA-R homology model,
      and atomistic simulations were carried out to observe the behavior of the GABA
      molecules. GABA fully entered the binding site in 19 of the 100 simulations. The
      pathway taken by these molecules was consistent and non-random; the GABA
      molecules approach the binding site from below, before passing up behind the C
      loop and into the binding site. This binding pathway is driven by long-range
      electrostatic interactions, whereby the electrostatic field acts as a 'funnel'
      that sweeps the GABA molecules towards the binding site, at which point more
      specific atomic interactions take over. These findings define a nuanced mechanism
      whereby the GABAA-R uses the general zwitterionic features of the GABA molecule
      to identify a potential ligand some 2 nm away from the binding site. 

PMID- 27119955
TI  - [Focal therapy is also not chamomile tea : Comment on Apfelbeck et al.: "Focal
      therapy of prostate cancer in Germany"].

PMID- 27119954
TI  - Transcriptional Regulation of the beta-Type Carbonic Anhydrase Gene bca by RamA
      in Corynebacterium glutamicum.
AB  - Carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the reversible hydration of carbon dioxide to
      bicarbonate and maintains the balance of CO2/HCO3- in the intracellular
      environment, specifically for carboxylation/decarboxylation reactions. In
      Corynebacterium glutamicum, two putative genes, namely the bca (cg2954) and gca
      (cg0155) genes, coding for beta-type and gamma-type carbonic anhydrase,
      respectively, have been identified. We here analyze the transcriptional
      organization of these genes. The transcriptional start site (TSS) of the bca gene
      was shown to be the first nucleotide "A" of its putative translational start
      codon (ATG) and thus, bca codes for a leaderless transcript. The TSS of the gca
      gene was identified as an "A" residue located at position -20 relative to the
      first nucleotide of the annotated translational start codon of the cg0154 gene,
      which is located immediately upstream of gca. Comparative expression analysis
      revealed carbon source-dependent regulation of the bca gene, with 1.5- to 2-fold
      lower promoter activity in cells grown on acetate as compared to glucose as sole
      carbon source. Based on higher expression of bca in a mutant deficient of the
      regulator of acetate metabolism RamA as compared to the wild-type of C.
      glutamicum and based on the binding of His-tagged RamA protein to the bca
      promoter region, we here present evidence that RamA negatively regulates
      expression of bca in C. glutamicum. Functional characterization of a gca deletion
      mutant of C. glutamicum revealed the same growth characteristics of C. glutamicum
      ?gca as that of wild-type C. glutamicum and no effect on expression of the bca
      gene.

PMID- 27119956
TI  - [Organ-sparing treatment of bladder cancer].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Muscle invasive bladder cancer is a frequent disease in Germany. The
      accepted therapy of choice is radical cystectomy. Due to comorbidities, radical
      removal of the bladder is often associated with increased perioperative
      morbidity; therefore alternatives to a radical procedure should be offered.
      OBJECTIVES: Overview and description of focal therapeutic concepts in muscle
      invasive bladder cancer to provide therapeutic alternatives for radical organ
      removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Database research, analysis and discussion of
      clinical trials presenting therapeutic concepts for focal therapy in muscle
      invasive bladder cancer. RESULTS: High-energy shock waves, high-intensity focused
      ultrasound and laser therapy are experimental concepts for muscle invasive
      bladder cancer. Transurethral resection and radiotherapy in combination with
      chemotherapy, where appropriate, are available as focal therapy in bladder
      cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Cystectomy is the accepted therapy for muscle invasive
      bladder cancer. Several therapeutic procedures are available as focal therapy. In
      selected cases, focal therapy can offer an alternative therapy in muscle invasive
      bladder cancer.

PMID- 27119958
TI  - [Side effect management of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in urology : Fatigue and
      hypothyroidism].
AB  - Not only has the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) for the treatment of
      metastatic renal cell carcinomas (mRCC) changed the therapeutic options for this
      disease significantly, but with the occurrence of typical side effects this
      therapy also poses a challenge for the treating physician. Fatigue und
      hypothyroidism are two common side effects of TKI therapy that can often appear
      simultaneously. By reducing the patients' quality of life these side effects
      often lead to a discontinuation of therapy. With this review we want to give the
      treating physician an overview of the classification and the specific treatment
      of TKI-induced fatigue and hypothyroidism in order to maximize patients'
      compliance and the therapeutic efficacy of TKI therapy. 

PMID- 27119957
TI  - [Focal therapy for small renal masses : Observation, ablation or surgery].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rising incidence of renal cell carcinoma, its more frequent early
      detection (stage T1a) and the increasing prevalence of chronic renal failure with
      higher morbidity and shorter life expectancy underscore the need for multimodal
      focal nephron-sparing therapy. DISCUSSION: During the past decade, the gold
      standard shifted from radical to partial nephrectomy. Depending on the surgeon's
      experience, the patient's constitution and the tumor's location, the intervention
      can be performed laparoscopically with the corresponding advantages of lower
      invasiveness. A treatment alternative can be advantageous for selected patients
      with high morbidity and/or an increased risk of complications associated with
      anesthesia or surgery. Corresponding risk stratification necessitates previous
      confirmation of the small renal mass (cT1a) by histological examination of biopsy
      samples. Active surveillance represents a controlled delay in the initiation of
      treatment. RESULTS: Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and laparoscopic
      cryoablation are currently the most common treatment alternatives, although there
      are limitations particularly for renal tumors located centrally near the hilum.
      More recent ablation procedures such as high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU),
      irreversible electroporation, microwave ablation, percutaneous stereotactic
      ablative radiotherapy and high-dose brachytherapy have high potential in some
      cases but are currently regarded as experimental for the treatment of renal cell
      carcinoma.

PMID- 27119959
TI  - [Focal therapy for penile cancer].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Focal therapies for superficial penile cancer are today important
      treatments since organ preservation in penile cancer has a much higher priority
      than it used to. Because a local recurrence does not substantially influence long
      term tumour-specific survival, a slightly higher risk of local recurrence is
      accepted in favour of maximum organ sparing. THERAPY: Topical chemotherapy and
      laser ablation can be used for carcinoma in situ, while laser ablation and
      surgical options are used for Ta/T1 tumours. Radiotherapeutic options can be
      used, but carry a much higher rate of local complications and lower local control
      rates.

PMID- 27119960
TI  - [Renaissance of immuno-oncology for urological tumors : Current status].
AB  - With the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunotherapy has gained new
      importance in oncology. Current research is focused on the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte
      antigen 4 (CTLA4), programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1
      (PD-L1) immune checkpoints. The CTLA4 antibody ipilimumab (melanoma) as well as
      the PD-1 antibodies nivolumab (melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer and renal
      cell carcinoma) and pembrolizumab (melanoma) are approved for the treatment of
      metastatic disease in Europe. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (re)activate the
      immune system against cancer cells and appear to be more effective than current
      standards for many tumors. The toxicity profile is favorable but involves new so
      called immune-related side effects, which need to be recognized and treated in
      time. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are also currently being tested in uro
      oncology in phase 3 trials relevant for approval status. Based on this it is to
      be expected that immune checkpoint inhibitors will become a new standard (as
      monotherapy or as part of combination therapy) in the early lines of therapy in
      the near future and replace the previous standard therapies, particularly for
      metastasized renal cell carcinoma and urothelial cancer. 

PMID- 27119961
TI  - [Emphysematous cystitis].
AB  - Emphysematous cystitis is a rare disease with a high mortality rate. Generally
      elderly women with diabetes mellitus are affected. Diagnosis is made
      radiologically using plain abdominal X-ray or computed tomography. The therapy
      includes urine drainage, antibiotic treatment and hyperglycaemic control to avoid
      progress of the infection and the development of complications. In the current
      report we present a case of a 79-year-old woman with uncontrolled diabetes
      mellitus and an incidental diagnosis of emphysematous cystitis. 

PMID- 27119962
TI  - [Bladder-sparing therapy as an alternative to cystectomy : Commentary on organ
      sparing therapy in bladder cancer].

PMID- 27119963
TI  - Quantitative Evaluation of Filter Aided Sample Preparation (FASP) and Multienzyme
      Digestion FASP Protocols.
AB  - Filter aided sample preparation (FASP) and related methods gain increasing
      popularity for proteomic sample preparation. Nevertheless, the originally
      published FASP method has been criticized by several authors, who reported low
      digestion performance. In this work, we re-evaluate FASP and the related
      multienzyme digestion (MED) FASP method. We use different types of animal tissues
      and cultured cells and test the performance of the method under various
      conditions. We analyze the protein to peptide conversion by assessing the yield
      of peptides, frequency of peptides with missed cleavage sites, and the
      reproducibility of FASP. We identify conditions allowing efficient protein
      processing with high peptide yields and demonstrate advantages of the two step
      digestion strategy over single step digestion with trypsin. In addition, we show
      that FASP outperforms in-solution cleavage strategies. Our results clearly
      demonstrate that the performance of digestion varies between different types of
      samples. We show that MED FASP in combination with the total protein approach
      provides highly reproducible protein abundance values. The presented data can be
      used as a guide for optimization of sample processing.

PMID- 27119964
TI  - Comparing clinical and demographic characteristics of people with mental illness
      in hospital- and community-based residential rehabilitation units in Queensland.
AB  - Objective The aim of the present study was to examine care pathways and
      characteristics of mental health consumers participating in both hospital- and
      community-based residential rehabilitation programs. Methods An audit of
      consumers (n=240) in all publicly funded residential rehabilitation units in
      Queensland was performed on the same day in 2013. Data collection focused on
      demographic characteristics, clinical information and measures of consumer
      functioning. Results Significant differences emerged for consumers in community-
      and hospital-based services with regard to age, length of stay, functioning,
      Mental Health Act status, guardianship status, family contact and risk of
      violence. Consumers in hospital-based programs have more severe and complex
      problems. Conclusions Consumers in residential rehabilitation units have high
      levels of disability, poor physical health and high levels of vulnerability.
      Nonetheless, it is likely that a sizeable proportion of consumers occupying
      rehabilitation beds in Queensland could be discharged if more 'step-down' options
      to move patients on were available. What is known about the topic? A small
      subgroup of people with severe and complex mental health problems is likely to
      require time in a residential rehabilitation program. This group is characterised
      by failure to respond to treatment, severe negative symptoms and some degree of
      cognitive impairment. What does this paper add? Patients currently occupying
      residential rehabilitation beds in Queensland have high levels of disability,
      poor physical health and high levels of vulnerability. Patients in hospital-based
      programs are more severely disabled than those in community-based programs. What
      are the implications for practitioners? It is likely that a sizeable proportion
      of patients occupying rehabilitation beds in Queensland could be discharged if
      more 'step-down' options were available. Future planning initiatives need to
      focus on developing a greater array of community support options to facilitate
      the discharge of people from residential services.

PMID- 27119965
TI  - Liposomal Bupivacaine Injection Technique in Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - Liposomal bupivacaine has gained popularity for pain control after total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA), yet its true efficacy remains unproven. We compared the
      efficacy of two different periarticular injection (PAI) techniques for liposomal
      bupivacaine with a conventional PAI control group. This retrospective cohort
      study compared consecutive patients undergoing TKA with a manufacturer
      recommended, optimized injection technique for liposomal bupivacaine, a
      traditional injection technique for liposomal bupivacaine, and a conventional PAI
      of ropivacaine, morphine, and epinephrine. The optimized technique utilized a
      smaller gauge needle and more injection sites. Self-reported pain scores, rescue
      opioids, and side effects were compared. There were 41 patients in the liposomal
      bupivacaine optimized injection group, 60 in the liposomal bupivacaine
      traditional injection group, and 184 in the conventional PAI control group. PAI
      liposomal bupivacaine delivered via manufacturer-recommended technique offered no
      benefit over PAI ropivacaine, morphine, and epinephrine. Mean pain scores and the
      proportions reporting no or mild pain, time to first opioid, and amount of
      opioids consumed were not better with PAI liposomal bupivacaine compared with PAI
      ropivacaine, morphine, and epinephrine. The use of the manufacturer-recommended
      technique for PAI of liposomal bupivacaine does not offer benefit over a
      conventional, less expensive PAI during TKA.

PMID- 27119966
TI  - Optimizing Graft Placement in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Finite
      Element Analysis.
AB  - Femoral anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft malposition may lead to clinical
      instability and graft failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      effect of ACL graft placement on global knee biomechanics using finite element
      (FE) analysis. An established nonlinear contact FE model was used to evaluate 25
      distinct tunnel loci representing primary ACL reconstructions; knee flexion and a
      simulated Lachman maneuver was used to assess knee joint laxity, meniscal stress,
      in situ graft loading, and peak articular cartilage contact pressure for each of
      the tunnel positions. Increased anterior tibial translation during Lachman
      testing was observed when the femoral graft was moved from anterior,
      anterior/inferior, and posterior/inferior relative to the anatomic footprint.
      Cartilage contact pressure and meniscal stresses increased with anterior graft
      placement. Peak stresses in the ACL grafts increased with significant posterior
      and inferior placement (5-7.5 mm) from the anatomic location. Global joint
      biomechanics are lease favorable with anterior graft placement. Excessive
      posterior/inferior placement (> 5 mm) may subject grafts to increased pressures.

PMID- 27119967
TI  - Diagnosis and Treatment of Anterior Tibial Plateau Fracture-Dislocation: A Case
      Series and Literature Review.
AB  - Anterior tibial plateau fracture is fairly common. This study was aimed at
      introducing a type of severe anterior tibial plateau fracture (anterior tibial
      plateau fracture-dislocation) and evaluating its clinical characteristics and
      treatment strategies. In this study, 18 patients with severe anterior tibial
      plateau fracture (study group) were enrolled between November 2006 and August
      2014, and their data were compared with those of 21 patients treated for normal
      Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fracture (control group) between January 2010
      and August 2014. At the last follow-up, bony union had been achieved in both
      groups. The incidence of ligament injury was higher in the case of anterior
      tibial plateau fracture than control group. The average range of motion in the
      study group was 0.56 to 109 degrees, while that in the control group was 1.81 to
      117 degrees. The average Hospital for Special Surgery scores and Lysholm scores
      in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group.
      Further, the incidence of postoperative complications and reduction loss were
      higher for anterior tibial plateau fracture cases than for normal Schatzker type
      VI fracture. Our findings also showed a significantly higher rate (22.2%) of
      popliteal artery injury in the study group than in the control group. Anterior
      tibial plateau fracture-dislocation is a special type of Schatzker type VI
      fracture with very low incidence and most commonly characterized by the anterior
      subsidence of the tibial component, irreducible dislocation of the knee joint,
      and varying degrees of neurovascular and knee-joint peripheral ligaments
      injuries, as well as high incidence of complications during fixation surgery. The
      treatment of anterior tibial plateau fracture-dislocation is challenging even for
      experienced surgeons.

PMID- 27119968
TI  - Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Prevention of Depressive
      Relapse: An Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis From Randomized Trials.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Relapse prevention in recurrent depression is a significant public
      health problem, and antidepressants are the current first-line treatment
      approach. Identifying an equally efficacious nonpharmacological intervention
      would be an important development. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis on
      individual patient data to examine the efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive
      therapy (MBCT) compared with usual care and other active treatments, including
      antidepressants, in treating those with recurrent depression. DATA SOURCES:
      English-language studies published or accepted for publication in peer-reviewed
      journals identified from EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science,
      Scopus, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register from the first available year
      to November 22, 2014. Searches were conducted from November 2010 to November
      2014. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized trials of manualized MBCT for relapse
      prevention in recurrent depression in full or partial remission that compared
      MBCT with at least 1 non-MBCT treatment, including usual care. DATA EXTRACTION
      AND SYNTHESIS: This was an update to a previous meta-analysis. We screened 2555
      new records after removing duplicates. Abstracts were screened for full-text
      extraction (S.S.) and checked by another researcher (T.D.). There were no
      disagreements. Of the original 2555 studies, 766 were evaluated against full
      study inclusion criteria, and we acquired full text for 8. Of these, 4 studies
      were excluded, and the remaining 4 were combined with the 6 studies identified
      from the previous meta-analysis, yielding 10 studies for qualitative synthesis.
      Full patient data were not available for 1 of these studies, resulting in 9
      studies with individual patient data, which were included in the quantitative
      synthesis. RESULTS: Of the 1258 patients included, the mean (SD) age was 47.1
      (11.9) years, and 944 (75.0%) were female. A 2-stage random effects approach
      showed that patients receiving MBCT had a reduced risk of depressive relapse
      within a 60-week follow-up period compared with those who did not receive MBCT
      (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58-0.82). Furthermore, comparisons with active
      treatments suggest a reduced risk of depressive relapse within a 60-week follow
      up period (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.64-0.97). Using a 1-stage approach,
      sociodemographic (ie, age, sex, education, and relationship status) and
      psychiatric (ie, age at onset and number of previous episodes of depression)
      variables showed no statistically significant interaction with MBCT treatment.
      However, there was some evidence to suggest that a greater severity of depressive
      symptoms prior to treatment was associated with a larger effect of MBCT compared
      with other treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Mindfulness-based cognitive
      therapy appears efficacious as a treatment for relapse prevention for those with
      recurrent depression, particularly those with more pronounced residual symptoms.
      Recommendations are made concerning how future trials can address remaining
      uncertainties and improve the rigor of the field.

PMID- 27119969
TI  - Method for Attaining Caraway Seed Oil Fractions with Different Composition.
AB  - Caraway (Carum carvi L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant; its seeds (fruits)
      are used as spice and they contain essential oils. We hypothesized that by
      collecting caraway oil at different time points during the extraction process, we
      could obtain oil fractions with distinct chemical composition. A
      hydrodistillation time (HDT) study was conducted to test the hypothesis. The
      caraway seed oil fractions were collected at eight different HDT (at 0 - 2, 2 -
      7, 7 - 15, 15 - 30, 30 - 45, 45 - 75, 75 - 105, and 105 - 135 min). Additionally,
      a non-stop HD for 135 min was conducted as a control. Most of the oil was eluted
      early in the HD process. The non-stop HDT treatment yielded 2.76% oil by weight.
      Of the 24 essential oil constituents, limonene (77 - 19% of the total oil) and
      carvone (20 - 79%) were the major ones. Other constituents included myrcene (0.72
      - 0.16%), trans-carveol (0.07 - 0.39%), and beta-caryophyllene (0.07 - 0.24%).
      Caraway seed oil with higher concentration of limonene can be obtained by
      sampling oil fractions early in HD process; conversely, oil with high
      concentration of carvone can be obtained by excluding the fractions eluted early
      in the HD process. We demonstrated a method of obtaining caraway seed oil
      fractions with various and unique composition. These novel oil fractions with
      unique composition are not commercially available and could have much wider
      potential uses, and also target different markets compared to the typical caraway
      essential oil. 

PMID- 27119971
TI  - Any route for melanoblasts to colonize the skin!
AB  - Melanocytes arise from the fourth embryonic layer, the neural crest. They emerge
      from the roof plate of the neural tube and migrate throughout the body. In
      mammals, these cells have the capacity to migrate in any type of environment and
      use various pathways and mechanisms to colonize the skin and hair, and for their
      maintenance throughout the life of the animal.

PMID- 27119970
TI  - Pyomelanin-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa selected during chronic infections
      have a large chromosomal deletion which confers resistance to pyocins.
AB  - When bacterial lineages make the transition from free-living to permanent
      association with hosts, they can undergo massive gene losses, for which the
      selective forces within host tissues are unknown. We identified here melanogenic
      clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with large chromosomal deletions (66
      to 270 kbp) and characterized them to investigate how they were selected. When
      compared with their wild-type parents, melanogenic mutants (i) exhibited a lower
      fitness in growth conditions found in human tissues, such as hyperosmolarity and
      presence of aminoglycoside antibiotics, (ii) narrowed their metabolic spectrum
      with a growth disadvantage with particular carbon sources, including aromatic
      amino acids and acyclic terpenes, suggesting a reduction of metabolic
      flexibility. Despite an impaired fitness in rich media, melanogenic mutants can
      inhibit their wild-type parents and compete with them in coculture. Surprisingly,
      melanogenic mutants became highly resistant to two intraspecific toxins, the S
      pyocins AP41 and S1. Our results suggest that pyocins produced within a
      population of infecting P. aeruginosa may have selected for bacterial mutants
      that underwent massive gene losses and that were adapted to the life in diverse
      bacterial communities in the human host. Intraspecific interactions may therefore
      be an important factor driving the continuing evolution of pathogens during host
      infections.

PMID- 27119972
TI  - Atypical white matter microstructure in left-handed individuals.
AB  - Information regarding anatomical connectivity in the human brain can be gathered
      using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Fractional anisotropy (FA) is the most
      commonly derived value, and reflects how strongly directional are the underlying
      tracts. Differences in FA are thus associated with differences in the underlying
      microstructure of the brain. The relationships between these differences in
      microstructure and functional differences in corresponding regions have also been
      examined. Previous studies have found an effect of handedness on functional
      lateralization in the brain and corresponding microstructural differences. Here,
      using tract-based spatial statistics to analyse DTI-derived FA values, we further
      investigated the structural white matter architecture in the brains of right- and
      left-handed males. We found significantly higher FA values for left-handed,
      relatively to right-handed, individuals, in all major lobes, and in the corpus
      callosum. In support of previous suggestions, we find that there is a difference
      in the microstructure of white matter in left- and right-handed males that could
      underpin reduced lateralization of function in left-handed individuals.

PMID- 27119973
TI  - Rhinovirus Delays Cell Repolarization in a Model of Injured/Regenerating Human
      Airway Epithelium.
AB  - Rhinovirus (RV), which causes exacerbation in patients with chronic airway
      diseases, readily infects injured airway epithelium and has been reported to
      delay wound closure. In this study, we examined the effects of RV on cell
      repolarization and differentiation in a model of injured/regenerating airway
      epithelium (polarized, undifferentiated cells). RV causes only a transient
      barrier disruption in a model of normal (mucociliary-differentiated) airway
      epithelium. However, in the injury/regeneration model, RV prolongs barrier
      dysfunction and alters the differentiation of cells. The prolonged barrier
      dysfunction caused by RV was not a result of excessive cell death but was instead
      associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like features, such as
      reduced expression of the apicolateral junction and polarity complex proteins, E
      cadherin, occludin, ZO-1, claudins 1 and 4, and Crumbs3 and increased expression
      of vimentin, a mesenchymal cell marker. The expression of Snail, a
      transcriptional repressor of tight and adherence junctions, was also up-regulated
      in RV-infected injured/regenerating airway epithelium, and inhibition of Snail
      reversed RV-induced EMT-like features. In addition, compared with sham-infected
      cells, the RV-infected injured/regenerating airway epithelium showed more goblet
      cells and fewer ciliated cells. Inhibition of epithelial growth factor receptor
      promoted repolarization of cells by inhibiting Snail and enhancing expression of
      E-cadherin, occludin, and Crumbs3 proteins, reduced the number of goblet cells,
      and increased the number of ciliated cells. Together, these results suggest that
      RV not only disrupts barrier function, but also interferes with normal renewal of
      injured/regenerating airway epithelium by inducing EMT-like features and
      subsequent goblet cell hyperplasia.

PMID- 27119974
TI  - Convolution-based estimation of organ dose in tube current modulated CT.
AB  - Estimating organ dose for clinical patients requires accurate modeling of the
      patient anatomy and the dose field of the CT exam. The modeling of patient
      anatomy can be achieved using a library of representative computational phantoms
      (Samei et al 2014 Pediatr. Radiol. 44 460-7). The modeling of the dose field can
      be challenging for CT exams performed with a tube current modulation (TCM)
      technique. The purpose of this work was to effectively model the dose field for
      TCM exams using a convolution-based method. A framework was further proposed for
      prospective and retrospective organ dose estimation in clinical practice. The
      study included 60 adult patients (age range: 18-70 years, weight range: 60-180
      kg). Patient-specific computational phantoms were generated based on patient CT
      image datasets. A previously validated Monte Carlo simulation program was used to
      model a clinical CT scanner (SOMATOM Definition Flash, Siemens Healthcare,
      Forchheim, Germany). A practical strategy was developed to achieve real-time
      organ dose estimation for a given clinical patient. CTDIvol-normalized organ dose
      coefficients ([Formula: see text]) under constant tube current were estimated and
      modeled as a function of patient size. Each clinical patient in the library was
      optimally matched to another computational phantom to obtain a representation of
      organ location/distribution. The patient organ distribution was convolved with a
      dose distribution profile to generate [Formula: see text] values that quantified
      the regional dose field for each organ. The organ dose was estimated by
      multiplying [Formula: see text] with the organ dose coefficients ([Formula: see
      text]). To validate the accuracy of this dose estimation technique, the organ
      dose of the original clinical patient was estimated using Monte Carlo program
      with TCM profiles explicitly modeled. The discrepancy between the estimated organ
      dose and dose simulated using TCM Monte Carlo program was quantified. We further
      compared the convolution-based organ dose estimation method with two other
      strategies with different approaches of quantifying the irradiation field. The
      proposed convolution-based estimation method showed good accuracy with the organ
      dose simulated using the TCM Monte Carlo simulation. The average percentage error
      (normalized by CTDIvol) was generally within 10% across all organs and modulation
      profiles, except for organs located in the pelvic and shoulder regions. This
      study developed an improved method that accurately quantifies the irradiation
      field under TCM scans. The results suggested that organ dose could be estimated
      in real-time both prospectively (with the localizer information only) and
      retrospectively (with acquired CT data).

PMID- 27119975
TI  - Surface-confined fluorescence enhancement of Au nanoclusters anchoring to a two
      dimensional ultrathin nanosheet toward bioimaging.
AB  - Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) as ultrasmall fluorescent nanomaterials possess
      discrete electronic energy and unique physicochemical properties, but suffer from
      relatively low quantum yield (QY) which severely affects their application in
      displays and imaging. To solve this conundrum and obtain highly-efficient
      fluorescent emission, 2D exfoliated layered double hydroxide (ELDH) nanosheets
      were employed to localize Au NCs with a density as high as 5.44 * 10(13) cm(-2),
      by virtue of the surface confinement effect of ELDH. Both experimental studies
      and computational simulations testify that the excited electrons of Au NCs are
      strongly confined by MgAl-ELDH nanosheets, which results in a largely promoted QY
      as well as prolonged fluorescence lifetime (both ~7 times enhancement). In
      addition, the as-fabricated Au NC/ELDH hybrid material exhibits excellent imaging
      properties with good stability and biocompatibility in the intracellular
      environment. Therefore, this work provides a facile strategy to achieve highly
      luminescent Au NCs via surface-confined emission enhancement imposed by ultrathin
      inorganic nanosheets, which can be potentially used in bio-imaging and cell
      labelling. 

PMID- 27119976
TI  - Narrative skills of children treated for brain tumours: The impact of tumour and
      treatment related variables on microstructure and macrostructure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The narrative skills of children with brain tumours were examined.
      Influence of tumour location, radiotherapy, time post-treatment and presence of
      hydrocephalus was also investigated, as well as associations between narrative
      and language abilities. METHOD: Seventeen children (aged 5;6-14;11) treated for
      brain tumour and their matched controls completed a narrative assessment and
      comprehensive language testing. Audio recorded narratives were analysed for
      microstructure and macrostructure elements. Between-group comparisons were
      conducted. Narrative elements were explored in association with tumour and
      treatment-related variables. Correlation analysis examined relationships between
      narrative scores and language test performance. RESULTS: While significant
      differences were not found between two groups of children across narrative
      elements, sub-group comparisons revealed marginal differences in macrostructure
      related to tumour location and hydrocephalus. Children treated with methods other
      than radiotherapy showed a significant increase in number of mazes in their
      narratives compared to children who received radiotherapy. Strong positive
      correlations also existed between narrative elements and language performance.
      CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings highlight the importance of investigating
      narrative abilities as part of a comprehensive language assessment.
      Macrostructure should be routinely examined where children are diagnosed with
      either posterior fossa tumour or hydrocephalus or have undergone surgery and/or
      chemotherapy for brain tumour.

PMID- 27119978
TI  - Psychological Trauma and LGBT Caregivers: A Conceptual Framework to Guide
      Practice.
AB  - LGBT adults face unique risk factors such as social isolation, discrimination,
      and victimization, and occasionally th ey engage in detrimental behaviors like
      high alcohol and drug use and risky sexual activity that negatively impacts
      psychological/physical health. These risks can affect their overall health and
      stress the relationship with an older caregiver/recipient-partner following
      exposure to acute medical event. The experience of an acute medical event among a
      LGBT caregiving partner can result in psychological trauma. In this article the
      authors present a conceptual framework involving stress process theory, life
      course theory, and family systems perspective to understand the effect of
      stressors on LGBT caregiving partners. Implications for social work practice
      include assessing, coordinating care, counseling and negotiating services at
      micro level, engaging family-centered approaches to support positive transition
      to caregiving role at mezzo level, and advocating for policy and cultural shifts
      to supports and diminish stigma of this group. 

PMID- 27119977
TI  - Reduced-dose methotrexate in combination with tacrolimus was associated with
      rapid engraftment and recovery from oral mucositis without affecting the
      incidence of GVHD.
AB  - Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a curable treatment for
      hematological diseases. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) causes morbidity and
      mortality after HSCT. Methotrexate (MTX) is used for GVHD prophylaxis, but its
      appropriate dose remains unclear. In the present study, we compared the efficacy
      and toxicity of 15-10-10 MTX (day +1: 15 mg/m(2); days +3 and +6: 10 mg/m(2))
      with 10-7-7 MTX (day +1: 10 mg/m(2); day +3 and +6: 7 mg/m(2)) in combination
      with tacrolimus. The cumulative incidence rates of grades II-IV acute GVHD,
      grades III-IV acute GVHD and chronic GVHD in the 15-10-10 MTX and 10-7-7 MTX
      groups did not differ to a statistically significant extent. The median time for
      neutrophil engraftment in the 15-10-10 MTX group was 16 days (range, 11-31 days),
      while that in the 10-7-7 group was 15 days (range, 12-19 days) (P = 0.024).
      Moreover, the median time for platelet recovery was significantly shorter in the
      10-7-7 MTX group (22 days; range, 13-49 days) than that in the 15-10-10 MTX group
      (27 days; range, 9-405 days) (P = 0.027). The duration of oral mucositis was
      significantly shorter in the patients who received a reduced dose of MTX (median,
      4.5 vs 13.0 days; P = 0.013). In conclusion, GVHD prophylaxis with a reduced dose
      of MTX was associated with earlier engraftment and earlier recovery from
      mucositis in comparison to a standard dose of MTX, without affecting the
      incidence of GVHD. 

PMID- 27119980
TI  - Solar Inactivation of Enterococci and Escherichia coli in Natural Waters: Effects
      of Water Absorbance and Depth.
AB  - The decay of sewage-sourced Escherichia coli and enterococci was measured at
      multiple depths in a freshwater marsh, a brackish water lagoon, and a marine
      site, all located in California. The marine site had very clear water, while the
      waters from the marsh and lagoon contained colored dissolved organic matter that
      not only blocked light but also produced reactive oxygen species. First order
      decay rate constants of both enterococci and E. coli were between 1 and 2 d(-1)
      under low light conditions and as high as 6 d(-1) under high light conditions.
      First order decay rate constants were well correlated to the daily average UVB
      light intensity corrected for light screening incorporating water absorbance and
      depth, suggesting endogenous photoinactivation is a major pathway for bacterial
      decay. Additional laboratory experiments demonstrated the presence of colored
      dissolved organic matter in marsh water enhanced photoinactivation of a
      laboratory strain of Enterococcus faecalis, but depressed photoinactivation of
      sewage-sourced enterococci and E. coli after correcting for UVB light screening,
      suggesting that although the exogenous indirect photoinactivation mechanism may
      be active against Ent. faecalis, it is not for the sewage-source organisms. A
      simple linear regression model based on UVB light intensity appears to be a
      useful tool for predicting inactivation rate constants in natural waters of any
      depth and absorbance.

PMID- 27119979
TI  - Exploiting Protein Conformational Change to Optimize Adenosine-Derived Inhibitors
      of HSP70.
AB  - HSP70 is a molecular chaperone and a key component of the heat-shock response.
      Because of its proposed importance in oncology, this protein has become a popular
      target for drug discovery, efforts which have as yet brought little success. This
      study demonstrates that adenosine-derived HSP70 inhibitors potentially bind to
      the protein with a novel mechanism of action, the stabilization by desolvation of
      an intramolecular salt-bridge which induces a conformational change in the
      protein, leading to high affinity ligands. We also demonstrate that through the
      application of this mechanism, adenosine-derived HSP70 inhibitors can be
      optimized in a rational manner.

PMID- 27119981
TI  - Immune responses to modified live virus vaccines developed from classical or
      highly pathogenic PRRSV following challenge with a highly pathogenic PRRSV
      strain.
AB  - Modified live virus vaccines (MLVs) are used on swine farms to control porcine
      reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). MLVs from classical PRRSV (C
      PRRSV) provide some protection against emergent highly pathogenic PRRSV (HP
      PRRSV). This study characterized the protective efficacy and immune response to
      MLVs from C-PRRSV (CH-1R) or HP-PRRSV (HuN4-F112) in a challenge using HP-PRRSV
      (HuN4). The outcomes were clinical signs of disease, pathological changes in the
      thymus and lungs, viremia, and humoral and cellular immune responses. CH-1R
      provided some protection against challenge with HuN4, while HuN4-F112 was
      protective in the HuN4 challenge. Compared to unvaccinated piglets, the
      vaccinated piglets had milder symptoms and fewer pathological changes in the lung
      and thymus. Piglets vaccinated with HuN4-F112 had higher antibody titers and
      lower viral loads than piglets vaccinated with CH-1R post challenge. The
      differences in outcome between the MLVs suggested that underlying differences in
      the immune responses might warrant further study.

PMID- 27119982
TI  - Sympathetic neural-immune interactions regulate hematopoiesis, thermoregulation
      and inflammation in mammals.
AB  - This review will highlight recently discovered mechanisms underlying sympathetic
      nervous system (SNS) regulation of the immune system in hematopoiesis,
      thermogenesis, and inflammation. This work in mammals illuminates potential
      mechanisms by which the nervous and immune systems may interact in invertebrate
      and early vertebrate species and allow diverse organisms to thrive under varying
      and extreme conditions and ultimately improve survival.

PMID- 27119983
TI  - Combined Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Experimental Studies of the Structure
      and Dynamics of Poly-Amido-Saccharides.
AB  - Poly-amido-saccharides (PAS) are carbohydrate-based, enantiopure synthetic
      polymers in which sugar repeat units are joined by amide linkages. This unique
      and relatively rigid pyranose backbone contributes to their defined helical
      secondary structure and remarkable chemical properties. Glucose- (glc-) and
      galactose- (gal-) PAS 10-mer structures are synthesized and investigated with
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and experimental measurements. Quantum
      mechanical DFT energy minimization calculations, as well as experimental
      observables including circular dichroism, (1)H,(13)C-HSQC, and (1)H,(1)H-NOESY 2D
      NMR studies, validated the all-atom simulation models produced using a modified
      CHARMM force field. Water radial distribution functions show distinct differences
      in the glc- and gal-PAS systems that correlate well with observed differences in
      solubility between gal-PASs and glc-PASs. The computational analysis and MD
      simulations are in good agreement with experimental results, validating the
      proposed models as reliable representations of novel glc- and gal-PASs.

PMID- 27119984
TI  - Genetic Variants in SDC3 Gene are Significantly Associated with Growth Traits in
      Two Chinese Beef Cattle Breeds.
AB  - Identification of the genes and polymorphisms underlying quantitative traits, and
      understanding these genes and polymorphisms affect economic growth traits, are
      important for successful marker-assisted selection and more efficient management
      strategies in commercial cattle (Bos taurus) population. Syndecan-3 (SDC3), a
      member of the syndecan family of type I transmembrane heparan sulfate
      proteoglycans is a novel regulator of feeding behavior and body weight. The aim
      of this study is to examine the association of the SDC3 polymorphism with growth
      traits in Chinese Jiaxian and Qinchuan cattle breeds (). Four single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs: 1-4) were detected in 555 cows from three Chinese native
      cattle breeds by means of sequencing pooled DNA samples and polymerase chain
      reaction-single stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) methods. We found
      one SNP (g.28362A > G) in intron and three SNPs (g.30742T > G, g.30821C > T and
      33418 A > G) in exons. The statistical analyses indicated that these SNPs of SDC3
      gene were associated with bovine body height, body length, chest circumference,
      and circumference of cannon bone (P < 0.05). The mutant-type variant was superior
      for growth traits; the heterozygote was associated with higher growth traits
      compared to wild-type homozygote. Our result confirms the polymorphisms in the
      SDC3 gene are associated with growth traits that may be used for marker-assisted
      selection in beef cattle breeding programs.

PMID- 27119985
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Benralizumab, a Monoclonal Antibody against IL-5Ralpha, in
      Uncontrolled Eosinophilic Asthma.
AB  - Nonresponders to maximal guideline-based therapies of asthma account for most of
      the morbidity, mortality, and economic burden of the disease. Because eosinophils
      are key effector cells in asthmatic airway inflammation, blocking IL-5, the main
      cytokine responsible for its survival and activation, seems to be a rational
      strategy. While previous monoclonal antibodies against the IL-5 ligand resulted
      in inconsistent improvements in asthma outcomes, benralizumab has shown promise.
      Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody against IL-5 receptor, and has an enhanced
      antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity function. In this article, we
      review the theoretical advantages of benralizumab compared to previous compounds,
      as well as current status of the clinical development of benralizumab in asthma.
      Lastly, we briefly discuss the potential role of benralizumab in chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease.

PMID- 27119986
TI  - Pattern Selection in Network of Coupled Multi-Scroll Attractors.
AB  - Multi-scroll chaotic attractor makes the oscillator become more complex in
      dynamic behaviors. The collective behaviors of coupled oscillators with multi
      scroll attractors are investigated in the regular network in two-dimensional
      array, which the local kinetics is described by an improved Chua circuit. A
      feasible scheme of negative feedback with diversity is imposed on the network to
      stabilize the spatial patterns. Firstly, the Chua circuit is improved by
      replacing the nonlinear term with Sine function to generate infinite aquariums so
      that multi-scroll chaotic attractors could be generated under appropriate
      parameters, which could be detected by calculating the Lyapunov exponent in the
      parameter region. Furthermore, negative feedback with different gains (D1, D2) is
      imposed on the local square center area A2 and outer area A1 of the network, it
      is found that spiral wave, target wave could be developed in the network under
      appropriate feedback gain with diversity and size of controlled area.
      Particularly, homogeneous state could be reached after synchronization by
      selecting appropriate feedback gain and controlled size in the network. Finally,
      the distribution for statistical factors of synchronization is calculated in the
      two-parameter space to understand the transition of pattern region. It is found
      that developed spiral waves, target waves often are associated with smaller
      factor of synchronization. These results show that emergence of sustained spiral
      wave and continuous target wave could be effective for further suppression of
      spatiotemporal chaos in network by generating stable pacemaker completely.

PMID- 27119987
TI  - Super-Dispersive Off-Axis Meta-Lenses for Compact High Resolution Spectroscopy.
AB  - Metasurfaces have opened a new frontier in the miniaturization of optical
      technology by allowing exceptional control over the wavefront. Here, we
      demonstrate off-axis meta-lenses that simultaneously focus and disperse light of
      different wavelengths with unprecedented spectral resolution. They are designed
      based on the geometric phase via rotated silicon nanofins and can focus light at
      angles as large as 80 degrees . Due to the large angle focusing, these meta
      lenses have superdispersive characteristics (0.27 nm/mrad) that make them capable
      of resolving wavelength differences as small as 200 pm in the telecom region. In
      addition, by stitching several meta-lenses together, we maintain a high spectral
      resolution for a wider wavelength range. The meta-lenses have measured
      efficiencies as high as 90% in the wavelength range of 1.1 to 1.6 MUm. The planar
      and compact configuration together with high spectral resolution of these meta
      lenses has significant potential for emerging portable/wearable optics
      technology.

PMID- 27119988
TI  - Influenza Seasonality in the Tropics and Subtropics - When to Vaccinate?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The timing of the biannual WHO influenza vaccine composition
      selection and production cycle has been historically directed to the influenza
      seasonality patterns in the temperate regions of the northern and southern
      hemispheres. Influenza activity, however, is poorly understood in the tropics
      with multiple peaks and identifiable year-round activity. The evidence-base
      needed to take informed decisions on vaccination timing and vaccine formulation
      is often lacking for the tropics and subtropics. This paper aims to assess
      influenza seasonality in the tropics and subtropics. It explores geographical
      grouping of countries into vaccination zones based on optimal timing of influenza
      vaccination. METHODS: Influenza seasonality was assessed by different analytic
      approaches (weekly proportion of positive cases, time series analysis, etc.)
      using FluNet and national surveillance data. In case of discordance in the
      seasonality assessment, consensus was built through discussions with in-country
      experts. Countries with similar onset periods of their primary influenza season
      were grouped into geographical zones. RESULTS: The number and period of peak
      activity was ascertained for 70 of the 138 countries in the tropics and
      subtropics. Thirty-seven countries had one and seventeen countries had two
      distinct peaks. Countries near the equator had secondary peaks or even
      identifiable year-round activity. The main influenza season in most of South
      America and Asia started between April and June. The start of the main season
      varied widely in Africa (October and December in northern Africa, April and June
      in Southern Africa and a mixed pattern in tropical Africa). Eight "influenza
      vaccination zones" (two each in America and Asia, and four in Africa and Middle
      East) were defined with recommendations for vaccination timing and vaccine
      formulation. The main limitation of our study is that FluNet and national
      surveillance data may lack the granularity to detect sub-national variability in
      seasonality patterns. CONCLUSION: Distinct influenza seasonality patterns, though
      complex, could be ascertained for most countries in the tropics and subtropics
      using national surveillance data. It may be possible to group countries into
      zones based on similar recommendations for vaccine timing and formulation.

PMID- 27119990
TI  - Viewing of Internet-Based Sexually Explicit Media as a Risk Factor for Condomless
      Anal Sex among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Four U.S. Cities.
AB  - The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in the availability of sexually
      explicit media (SEM) on the Internet. Men who have sex with men (MSM) report near
      universal use of SEM. However, this widespread use of SEM among MSM may
      contribute to more condomless anal sex. To examine the association of viewing SEM
      on the Internet and the number of condomless anal sex encounters among MSM, in
      2012, an online survey was conducted of 265 MSM from New York, Philadelphia,
      Baltimore, or Washington D.C. who reported viewing SEM online in the past 3
      months. Analyses were performed using negative binomial regression. Nearly all
      men reported viewing SEM featuring anal sex with (91%) or without (92%) condoms
      in the past 3 months. Neither viewing more hours of SEM per week or compulsively
      viewing SEM were associated with more condomless anal sex encounters. Rather,
      viewing a greater proportion of SEM containing condomless anal sex was associated
      with engaging in more condomless anal encounters (IRR = 1.25), while viewing a
      greater proportion of SEM containing anal sex where condoms were used was
      associated with fewer condomless anal sex encounters (IRR = 0.62). MSM reported
      that viewing SEM caused changes in their sexual fantasies, desires, and
      behaviors. These findings provide important insights for health policy and the
      design of interventions addressing SEM and condomless sex among MSM. The findings
      suggest that condom use by SEM performers may benefit not only actor health, but
      also have health implications for SEM viewers.

PMID- 27119991
TI  - Tumor Regression and Patterns of Distant Metastasis of T1-T2 Nasopharyngeal
      Carcinoma with Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study tumor regression and failure patterns in T1-T2 non-metastatic
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
      METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 139 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
      treated with IMRT between January 2005 and December 2010 in our center was
      performed. According to the AJCC staging system, all primary lesions were
      attributed to T1 and T2. The prescription doses were 66 Gy at 30 fractions to
      gross tumor volume of the nasopharynx and the positive neck nodes, 60 Gy to high
      risk clinical target volume and 54 Gy to low-risk clinical target volume.
      Patients staged III, IV A/B or II (lymph node measured 4 cm or more in diameter)
      received platinum-based chemotherapy. RESULTS: By the end of radiotherapy, 7.2%
      (10/139), 23.7% (33/139), and 9.4% (13/139) of patients had residual lesions in
      the nasopharynx, cervical lymph nodes and retropharyngeal lymph nodes,
      respectively. The majority of patients had complete remission within 6 months of
      radiotherapy completion. Five months after IMRT, three patients with residual
      tumors in the cervical lymph nodes underwent surgery. Among these patients, two
      patients had positive pathological findings, and one patient had negative
      findings. With a median follow-up of 59 months, the 5-year overall survival,
      local control, regional control and distant metastasis-free rates were 87.8%,
      96.7%, 94.9% and 89.1%, respectively. Fifteen patients developed distant
      metastases, representing the primary failure pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Most residual
      lesions that persisted after IMRT vanished completely in six months. Considering
      the potential damage to normal structures, clinicians should be cautious when
      considering the use of boost irradiation after radiotherapy. Distant metastasis
      was the primary cause of treatment failure, which was significantly higher in N2
      3 patients than in N0-1. Additional studies to better understand distant
      metastases are needed.

PMID- 27119992
TI  - Retrocolic or Antecolic Roux-en-Y Reconstruction after Distal Gastrectomy: Which
      Is More Effective in the Prevention of Postoperative Gastroesophageal Reflux
      Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclear which reconstructive route (retrocolic or antecolic) is
      more effective in preventing postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
      in Roux-en-Y reconstruction following distal gastrectomy. METHODS: Eighty-one
      eligible patients (retrocolic, n = 39; antecolic, n = 42) underwent endoscopies
      before surgery and 1 year after surgery to evaluate reflux esophagitis according
      to the Los Angeles classifications. The relative anatomical position of
      gastrojejunostomy to the cardia was measured by CT imaging. RESULTS: The
      proportion of patients with reflux esophagitis was also significantly higher in
      the antecolic group than in the retrocolic group (38.1 vs. 10.3%, p = 0.005).
      Multivariate analysis revealed that antecolic reconstruction and body mass index
      (BMI) were independent risk factors for reflux esophagitis. The relative position
      of gastrojejunostomy to the cardia in the antecolic group was shifted to the left
      laterally (59.0 vs. 28.8 degree, p < 0.001) and ventrally (65.4 vs. 39.8 degree,
      p < 0.001) than in the retrocolic group. There was a positive correlation between
      BMI and left lateral and ventral shifts of gastrojejunostomy in the antecolic
      group. CONCLUSION: Retrocolic reconstruction may be superior to antecolic
      reconstruction in preventing postoperative GERD, especially in obese patients.
      The left lateral and ventral shifts of gastrojejunostomy after antecolic
      reconstruction may aggravate the occurrence of GERD.

PMID- 27119994
TI  - pi Activation of Alkynes in Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Gold Catalysis.
AB  - The activation of alkynes toward nucleophilic attack upon coordination to gold
      based catalysts (neutral and positively charged gold clusters and gold complexes
      commonly used in homogeneous catalysis) is investigated to elucidate the role of
      the sigma donation and pi back-donation components of the Au-C bond (where we
      consider ethyne as prototype substrate). Charge displacement (CD) analysis is
      used to obtain a well-defined measure of sigma donation and pi back-donation and
      to find out how the corresponding charge flows affect the electron density at the
      electrophilic carbon undergoing the nucleophilic attack. This information is used
      to rationalize the activity of a series of catalysts in the nucleophilic attack
      step of a model hydroamination reaction. For the first time, the components of
      the Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model, donation and back-donation, are put in
      quantitative correlation with the kinetic parameters of a chemical reaction. 

PMID- 27119993
TI  - Fibrin Sealants in Dura Sealing: A Systematic Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibrin sealants are widely used in neurosurgery to seal the suture
      line, provide watertight closure, and prevent cerebrospinal fluid leaks. The aim
      of this systematic review is to summarize the current efficacy and safety
      literature of fibrin sealants in dura sealing and the prevention/treatment of
      cerebrospinal fluid leaks. METHODS: A comprehensive electronic literature search
      was run in the following databases: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews,
      Cochrane Central Resister of Controlled Trials, clinicaltrials.gov,
      MEDLINE/PubMed, and EMBASE. Titles and abstracts of potential articles of
      interest were reviewed independently by 3 of the authors. RESULTS: A total of
      1006 database records and additional records were identified. After screening for
      duplicates and relevance, a total of 78 articles were assessed by the
      investigators for eligibility. Thirty-eight were excluded and the full-text of 40
      articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. Seven of these included only
      safety data and were included in the safety assessment. The remaining 33 articles
      included findings from 32 studies that enrolled a total of 2935 patients who were
      exposed to fibrin sealant. Among these 33 studies there were only 3 randomized
      controlled trials, with the remaining being prospective cohort analysis, case
      controlled studies, prospective or retrospective case series. One randomized
      controlled trial, with 89 patients exposed to fibrin sealant, found a greater
      rate of intraoperative watertight dura closure in the fibrin sealant group than
      the control group (92.1% versus 38.0%, p<0.001); however, post-operative
      cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in more fibrin sealant than control patients
      (6.7% versus 2.0%, p>0.05). Other clinical trials evaluated the effect of fibrin
      sealant in the postoperative prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leaks. These were
      generally lower level evidence studies (ie, not prospective, randomized,
      controlled trials) that were not designed or powered to demonstrate a significant
      advantage to fibrin sealant use. Two small case series studies evaluated the
      effect of fibrin sealants in persistent cerebrospinal fluid leak treatment, but
      did not establish firm efficacy conclusions. Specific adverse reports where
      fibrin sealants were used for dura sealing were limited, with only 8 cases
      reported in neurosurgical procedures since 1987 and most reporting only a
      speculative relationship/association with fibrin sealant exposure. CONCLUSIONS: A
      major finding of this systematic literature review is that there is a paucity of
      randomized studies that have evaluated the effectiveness and safety of fibrin
      sealants in providing intraoperative watertight dura closure and post-operative
      cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Among the limited studies available, evidence from a
      single randomized, controlled trial indicates that fibrin sealants provide a
      higher rate of intraoperative watertight closure of the dura suture line than
      control, albeit with a higher rate of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
      Evidence from non-randomized, controlled trials suggests that fibrin sealants may
      be effective in preventing cerebrospinal fluid leaks with an acceptable safety
      profile. There is a substantial need for randomized, controlled clinical trials
      or well-designed prospective observational trials where the conduct of a
      randomized trial is not feasible to fully assess the impact of fibrin sealant
      utilization on the rates of intraoperative dura closure, postoperative
      cerebrospinal leakage, and safety.

PMID- 27120000
TI  - Urinary incontinence in multiple sclerosis: prevalence, severity and impact on
      patients' quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including frequent
      urination, nocturia and urge urinary incontinence negatively impact quality of
      life. This project aimed at characterizing the prevalence and severity of urinary
      incontinence in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and its association with
      demographic and clinical features. METHODS: In all, 403 consecutive clinically
      stable MS patients answered the International Consultation on Incontinence
      Questionnaire (ICIQ) and the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC)
      questionnaire. Demographic and clinical parameters including the Expanded
      Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were collected. Statistical analyses were
      performed using univariate and multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS:
      Females represented 72%, relapsing-remitting patients 82%. The mean (SD) disease
      duration and EDSS were 11.8 (8.6) years and 3.1 (1.9) respectively. Approximately
      35% of patients reported urine incontinence. ICIQ scores were positively
      associated with EDSS, female gender, presence of LUTS therapies and absence of
      disease modifying treatments (P < 0.001). PPBC scores were positively associated
      with EDSS and the presence of LUTS therapies (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Urinary
      incontinence is frequent in MS, prevailing in more disabled and female patients.
      Currently available LUTS therapies appear insufficient in the treatment of this
      symptom. The negative impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life is high
      and requires more attention in clinical management and research.

PMID- 27120001
TI  - Using mouse and zebrafish models to understand the etiology of developmental
      defects in Cornelia de Lange Syndrome.
AB  - Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is a multisystem birth defects disorder that
      affects every tissue and organ system in the body. Understanding the factors that
      contribute to the origins, prevalence, and severity of these developmental
      defects provides the most direct approach for developing screens and potential
      treatments for individuals with CdLS. Since the majority of cases of CdLS are
      caused by haploinsufficiency for NIPBL (Nipped-B-like, which encodes a cohesin
      associated protein), we have developed mouse and zebrafish models of CdLS by
      using molecular genetic tools to create Nipbl-deficient mice and zebrafish
      (Nipbl(+/-) mice, zebrafish nipbl morphants). Studies of these vertebrate animal
      models have yielded novel insights into the developmental etiology and genes/gene
      pathways that contribute to CdLS-associated birth defects, particularly defects
      of the gut, heart, craniofacial structures, nervous system, and limbs. Studies of
      these mouse and zebrafish CdLS models have helped clarify how deficiency for
      NIPBL, a protein that associates with cohesin and other transcriptional
      regulators in the nucleus, affects processes important to the emergence of the
      structural and physiological birth defects observed in CdLS: NIPBL exerts
      chromosome position-specific effects on gene expression; it influences long-range
      interactions between different regulatory elements of genes; and it regulates
      combinatorial and synergistic actions of genes in developing tissues. Our current
      understanding is that CdLS should be considered as not only a cohesinopathy, but
      also a "transcriptomopathy," that is, a disease whose underlying etiology is the
      global dysregulation of gene expression throughout the organism. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27120002
TI  - Toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia: an inter-kingdom communication
      perspective.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The apicomplexan protozoan Toxoplasma gondii has a striking
      predilection for infecting the central nervous system and has been suggested as a
      risk factor for schizophrenia. Here, we address some of the mechanisms by which
      T. gondii achieves this by manipulating signaling pathways of the host brain
      cells. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent years have brought notable progress in the
      understanding of how the opportunistic parasite T. gondii establishes a
      successful infection in mammalian brain by secreting effector molecules that
      manipulate multiple cell functions. Many pathways involved in this inter-kingdom
      signaling, such as dopaminergic, GABAergic and kynurenine pathways, also have key
      roles in the development of schizophrenia. More understanding of T. gondii-brain
      cell interaction holds the key to unlocking the mystery of T. gondii-mediated
      schizophrenia pathogenesis. SUMMARY: T. gondii usurps a variety of host signaling
      pathways to ensure physiological adaptation, evasion of host immune defense
      systems, and efficient replication. A detailed knowledge of T. gondii signaling
      molecules involved in this cross-kingdom communication with host brain cells will
      probably provide novel means of pharmacologically manipulating host cellular
      pathways to promote efficient elimination of the parasite and may permit the
      development of new schizophrenia-modifying therapeutics.

PMID- 27120003
TI  - Prolonged exposure to arsenic in UK private water supplies: toenail, hair and
      drinking water concentrations.
AB  - Chronic exposure to arsenic (As) in drinking water is an established cause of
      cancer and other adverse health effects. Arsenic concentrations >10 MUg L(-1)
      were previously measured in 5% of private water supplies (PWS) in Cornwall, UK.
      The present study investigated prolongued exposure to As by measuring biomarkers
      in hair and toenail samples from 212 volunteers and repeated measurements of As
      in drinking water from 127 households served by PWS. Strong positive Pearson
      correlations (rp = 0.95) indicated stability of water As concentrations over the
      time period investigated (up to 31 months). Drinking water As concentrations were
      positively correlated with toenail (rp = 0.53) and hair (rp = 0.38) As
      concentrations - indicative of prolonged exposure. Analysis of washing procedure
      solutions provided strong evidence of the effective removal of exogenous As from
      toenail samples. Significantly higher As concentrations were measured in hair
      samples from males and smokers and As concentrations in toenails were negatively
      associated with age. A positive association between seafood consumption and
      toenail As and a negative association between home-grown vegetable consumption
      and hair As was observed for volunteers exposed to <1 As MUg L(-1) in drinking
      water. These findings have important implications regarding the interpretation of
      toenail and hair biomarkers. Substantial variation in biomarker As concentrations
      remained unaccounted for, with soil and dust exposure as possible explanations. 

PMID- 27120004
TI  - Nicotine Deprivation Produces Deficits in Pain Perception that are Moderately
      Attenuated by Caffeine Consumption.
AB  - During withdrawal, nicotine users experience aversive withdrawal symptoms, such
      as increased nociceptive processing, which may be responsible for subsequent use.
      Smokers often consume more caffeine than non-smokers and the combined effects of
      these two psychoactive drugs result in an enhanced analgesic effect of nicotine.
      We examined the effects of caffeine (via coffee consumption) and nicotine
      withdrawal on pain perception in minimally deprived smokers and non-smokers. Pain
      threshold and pain tolerance were assessed using a radiant heat stimulus before
      and 30 minutes after caffeine consumption. Nicotine deprivation (2 hrs) produced
      increases in pain threshold and decreases in pain tolerance representative of
      hyperalgesia. When smokers are nicotine deprived, caffeine consumption diminished
      baseline elevations in pain threshold, but had no effect on pain tolerance. These
      data suggest that caffeine consumption can dampen deficits in sensory
      discrimination related to pain during nicotine deprivation by reducing pain
      threshold to levels representative of non-smoking controls.

PMID- 27120005
TI  - Participating in a Culture of Consent May Be Associated With Lower Rape
      Supportive Beliefs.
AB  - With the recent national focus on rates of sexual violence, many interventions
      have been proposed, including those that focus on affirmative consent (e.g., "Yes
      Means Yes" campaign). The goal of the present study was to test whether
      individuals within a subculture with long-standing norms of affirmative consent
      the bondage and discipline/dominance and submission/sadism and masochism (BDSM)
      community-report lower rape-supportive attitudes compared to individuals not from
      within this subculture. BDSM practitioner participants, adult participants from
      Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk), and college student participants completed
      measures of hostile sexism, benevolent sexism, rape myth acceptance, victim
      blaming, expectation of sexual aggression, and acceptance of sexual aggression.
      BDSM practitioners reported significantly lower levels of benevolent sexism, rape
      myth acceptance, and victim blaming than did college undergraduates and adult
      MTurk workers. BDSM practitioners did not differ significantly from college
      undergraduates or adult MTurk workers on measures of hostile sexism, expectations
      of sexual aggression, or acceptance of sexual aggression. Limitations and
      implications are discussed.

PMID- 27120006
TI  - Respiratory syncytial virus seasonality in Brazil: implications for the
      immunisation policy for at-risk populations.
AB  - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the leading cause of
      hospitalisation for respiratory diseases among children under 5 years old. The
      aim of this study was to analyse RSV seasonality in the five distinct regions of
      Brazil using time series analysis (wavelet and Fourier series) of the following
      indicators: monthly positivity of the immunofluorescence reaction for RSV
      identified by virologic surveillance system, and rate of hospitalisations per
      bronchiolitis and pneumonia due to RSV in children under 5 years old (codes CID
      10 J12.1, J20.5, J21.0 and J21.9). A total of 12,501 samples with 11.6%
      positivity for RSV (95% confidence interval 11 - 12.2), varying between 7.1 and
      21.4% in the five Brazilian regions, was analysed. A strong trend for annual
      cycles with a stable stationary pattern in the five regions was identified
      through wavelet analysis of the indicators. The timing of RSV activity by Fourier
      analysis was similar between the two indicators analysed and showed regional
      differences. This study reinforces the importance of adjusting the immunisation
      period for high risk population with the monoclonal antibody palivizumab taking
      into account regional differences in seasonality of RSV. 

PMID- 27120007
TI  - Phylogenetic analyses of chikungunya virus among travelers in Rio de Janeiro,
      Brazil, 2014-2015.
AB  - Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that emerged in Brazil by
      late 2014. In the country, two CHIKV foci characterized by the East/Central/South
      Africa and Asian genotypes, were established in North and Northeast regions. We
      characterized, by phylogenetic analyses of full and partial genomes, CHIKV from
      Rio de Janeiro state (2014-2015). These CHIKV strains belong to the Asian
      genotype, which is the determinant of the current Northern Brazilian focus, even
      though the genome sequence presents particular single nucleotide variations. This
      study provides the first genetic characterisation of CHIKV in Rio de Janeiro and
      highlights the potential impact of human mobility in the spread of an arthropod
      borne virus. 

PMID- 27120008
TI  - Dr. William Francis (Bill) Morgan (1952-2015).

PMID- 27120009
TI  - Clinical characteristics, beliefs, and coping strategies among older patients
      with overactive bladder.
AB  - AIMS: To describe clinical characteristics and assess beliefs and coping
      strategies in older patients with overactive bladder (OAB) attending urology and
      gynecology clinics in Spain. METHODS: This non-interventional, multicenter, cross
      sectional study collected demographic and clinical details from individuals aged
      >=60 years with a diagnosis of OAB and score >=3 on the Patient Perception of
      Intensity of Urgency Scale. Symptoms were assessed using the Bladder Control Self
      Assessment Questionnaire (B-SAQ) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) rated
      using a simple visual analogue scale. Coping strategies and OAB beliefs were
      assessed using two specially designed questionnaires. RESULTS: Patients (n = 786)
      reported a mean (+/-SD) of 4.9 +/- 2.9 urinary urgency episodes and 2.9 +/- 2.3
      urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes per 24 hr. Mean times since diagnosis
      and symptom onset were 18 +/- 34 and 38 +/- 46 months, respectively. B-SAQ
      symptom and bother scores were 7.5 +/- 2.3 and 8.3 +/- 2.5, respectively. Most
      patients (92%) reported worse HRQoL after symptom onset. Approximately, 50% of
      patients considered their symptoms normal for their age/gender and most (71.5%)
      expected symptoms to worsen with age/time. However, 80% believed that symptoms
      would improve with treatment. For coping strategies, 81% of patients changed
      their urinary frequency, 71% controlled fluid intake, and 64% used pads. Use of
      coping strategies was associated with UI severity. CONCLUSIONS: Many older
      individuals view their OAB symptoms as a normal feature of age, which may delay
      diagnosis. Reduced HRQoL and adoption of coping strategies are also common. The
      results support the need for improved patient education, earlier recognition, and
      effective intervention in the older OAB population. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:774
      779, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27120010
TI  - Fully Solution-Processed and Foldable Metal-Oxide Thin-Film Transistor.
AB  - Flexible and foldable thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been widely studied with
      the objective of achieving high-performance and low-cost flexible TFTs for next
      generation displays. In this study, we introduced the fabrication of foldable TFT
      devices with excellent mechanical stability, high transparency, and high
      performance by a fully solution process including PI, YOx, In2O3, SWCNTs, IL-PVP,
      and Ag NWs. The fabricated fully solution-processed TFTs showed a higher
      transmittance above 86% in the visible range. Additionally, the charge-carrier
      mobility and Ion/Ioff ratio of them were 7.12 +/- 0.43 cm(2)/V.s and 5.53 +/-
      0.82 * 10(5) at a 3 V low voltage operating, respectively. In particular, the
      fully solution-processed TFTs showed good electrical characteristics under
      tensile strain with 1 mm bending and even extreme folding up to a strain of
      26.79%. Due to the good compatibility of each component layer, it maintained the
      charge-carrier mobility over 79% of initial devices after 5,000 cycles of folding
      test in both the parallel and perpendicular direction with a bending radius of 1
      mm. These results show the potential of the fully solution-processed TFTs as
      flexible TFTs for a next generation devices because of the robust mechanical
      flexibility, transparency, and high electrical performance of it.

PMID- 27120011
TI  - Failure pattern and survival after breast conserving therapy. Long-term results
      of the Danish Breast Cancer Group (DBCG) 89 TM cohort.
AB  - Based on the results from the DBCG 82 trial, breast conserving therapy (BCT) has
      been implemented as standard in Denmark since 1989, and today constitutes more
      than 70% of the primary treatment. Our aim was to evaluate the implementation of
      BCT as a routine procedure in patients treated according to the DBCG 89 program
      and compare recurrence pattern and survival both overall and when separated in
      age groups, with the results from the randomized DBCG 82 TM trial. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A total of 1847 patients treated between 1989 and 1999 were included in
      a retrospective population-based cohort study. Data from the DBCG database were
      completed via search through the Danish Pathology Data Bank and medical records.
      RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 17 years. At 20 years the cumulative
      incidences of local recurrence (LR) and disease-specific mortality (DSM) were
      15.3% and 25.8%, respectively. Twenty-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence
      free survival were 63.7% and 43.1%, respectively. Subdivided by age groups
      cumulative incidences at 20 years were LR: 18.9%, 10.5% and 12.4%, and DSM:
      28.9%, 18.9% and 28.4% in young (<=45 years), middle-aged (46-55 years) and older
      (>=56 years) women, respectively. In an adjusted analysis age maintained a
      significant and independent effect on both LR and DSM. CONCLUSION: The DBCG 82 TM
      program was successfully implemented. The women treated with BCT in the DBCG 89
      program displayed equal failure pattern and improved survival in comparison with
      women from the DBCG 82 TM protocol. Occurrence of first failure and mortality
      varied with age; demonstrated by increased risk of LR, DM and DSM in the young
      patients and increased risk of DM and DSM in the older patients, compared to the
      middle-aged patients.

PMID- 27120012
TI  - Novel materials based on DNA-CTMA and lanthanide (Ce(3+) , Pr(3+) ).
AB  - New, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) based compounds, functionalized with
      hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTMA) and lanthanide hydroxide nanoparticles
      were synthesized. The spectral measurements suggest that between the DNA-CTMA
      complex and the lanthanide (III) ions a chemical interaction takes place. The
      obtained materials exhibit an improved fluorescence efficiency, showing a
      potential interest for application in photonics, and more particularly, in light
      emitting devices. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 613-617,
      2016. 

PMID- 27120013
TI  - The effects of food web structure on ecosystem function exceeds those of
      precipitation.
AB  - Ecosystems are being stressed by climate change, but few studies have tested food
      web responses to changes in precipitation patterns and the consequences to
      ecosystem function. Fewer still have considered whether results from one
      geographic region can be applied to other regions, given the degree of community
      change over large biogeographic gradients. We assembled, in one field site, three
      types of macroinvertebrate communities within water-filled bromeliads. Two
      represented food webs containing both a fast filter feeder-microbial and slow
      detritivore energy channels found in Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, and one
      represented the structurally simpler food webs in French Guiana, which only
      contained the fast filter feeder-microbial channel. We manipulated the amount and
      distribution of rain entering bromeliads and examined how food web structure
      mediated ecosystem responses to changes in the quantity and temporal distribution
      of precipitation. Food web structure affected the survival of functional groups
      in general and ecosystem functions such as decomposition and the production of
      fine particulate organic matter. Ecosystem processes were more affected by
      decreased precipitation than were the abundance of micro-organisms and metazoans.
      In our experiments, the sensitivity of the ecosystem to precipitation change was
      primarily revealed in the food web dominated by the single filter feeder
      microbial channel because other top-down and bottom-up processes were weak or
      absent. Our results show stronger effects of food web structure than
      precipitation change per se on the functioning of bromeliad ecosystems.
      Consequently, we predict that ecosystem function in bromeliads throughout the
      Americas will be more sensitive to changes in the distribution of species, rather
      than to the direct effects caused by changes in precipitation.

PMID- 27120015
TI  - Highly Chemo- and Regioselective Construction of Spirocarbocycles by a Pd(0)
      Catalyzed Dearomatization of Phenol-Based Biaryls with 1,3-Dienes.
AB  - A novel Pd(0)-catalyzed intermolecular carbocyclization of phenol-derived biaryls
      with 1,3-dienes has been implemented through a sequence of oxidative addition to
      the C-I bond, regioselective olefin insertion, and allylative dearomatization.
      This method provides a broad range of attractive spirocyclic compounds bearing
      two contiguous tertiary/quaternary carbon centers in good yields with excellent
      chemoselectivity and regioselectivity. Moreover, preliminary results indicate
      that asymmetric control of this process is feasible with chiral ligands.

PMID- 27120014
TI  - Development of GABAA Receptor Subtype-Selective Imidazobenzodiazepines as Novel
      Asthma Treatments.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated that subtype-selective GABAA receptor modulators
      are able to relax precontracted human airway smooth muscle ex vivo and reduce
      airway hyper-responsiveness in mice upon aerosol administration. Our goal in this
      study was to investigate systemic administration of subtype-selective GABAA
      receptor modulators to alleviate bronchoconstriction in a mouse model of asthma.
      Expression of GABAA receptor subunits was identified in mouse lungs, and the
      effects of alpha4-subunit-selective GABAAR modulators, XHE-III-74EE and its
      metabolite XHE-III-74A, were investigated in a murine model of asthma (ovalbumin
      sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice). We observed that chronic treatment with
      XHE-III-74EE significantly reduced airway hyper-responsiveness. In addition,
      acute treatment with XHE-III-74A but not XHE-III-74EE decreased airway
      eosinophilia. Immune suppressive activity was also shown in activated human T
      cells with a reduction in IL-2 expression and intracellular calcium
      concentrations [Ca(2+)]i in the presence of GABA or XHE-III-74A, whereas XHE-III
      74EE showed only partial reduction of [Ca(2+)]i and no inhibition of IL-2
      secretion. However, both compounds significantly relaxed precontracted tracheal
      rings ex vivo. Overall, we conclude that the systemic delivery of a alpha4
      subunit-selective GABAAR modulator shows good potential for a novel asthma
      therapy; however, the pharmacokinetic properties of this class of drug candidates
      have to be improved to enable better beneficial systemic pharmacodynamic effects.

PMID- 27120016
TI  - Vitamin B12 Phosphate Conjugation and Its Effect on Binding to the Human B12 
      Binding Proteins Intrinsic Factor and Haptocorrin.
AB  - The binding of vitamin B12 derivatives to human B12 transporter proteins is
      strongly influenced by the type and site of modification of the cobalamin
      original structure. We have prepared the first cobalamin derivative modified at
      the phosphate moiety. The reaction conditions were fully optimized and its
      limitations examined. The resulting derivatives, particularly those bearing
      terminal alkyne and azide groups, were isolated and used in copper-catalyzed
      alkyne-azide cycloaddition reactions (CuAAC). Their sensitivity towards light
      revealed their potential as photocleavable molecules. The binding abilities of
      selected derivatives were examined and compared with cyanocobalamin. The
      interaction of the alkylated derivatives with haptocorrin was less affected than
      the interaction with intrinsic factor. Furthermore, the configuration of the
      phosphate moiety was irrelevant to the binding process.

PMID- 27120017
TI  - Hyaluronan Hydrogels for a Biomimetic Spongiosa Layer of Tissue Engineered Heart
      Valve Scaffolds.
AB  - Advanced tissue engineered heart valves must be constructed from multiple
      materials to better mimic the heterogeneity found in the native valve. The
      trilayered structure of aortic valves provides the ability to open and close
      consistently over a full human lifetime, with each layer performing specific
      mechanical functions. The middle spongiosa layer consists primarily of
      proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans, providing lubrication and dampening
      functions as the valve leaflet flexes open and closed. In this study, hyaluronan
      hydrogels were tuned to perform the mechanical functions of the spongiosa layer,
      provide a biomimetic scaffold in which valve cells were encapsulated in 3D for
      tissue engineering applications, and gain insight into how valve cells maintain
      hyaluronan homeostasis within heart valves. Expression of the HAS1 isoform of
      hyaluronan synthase was significantly higher in hyaluronan hydrogels compared to
      blank-slate poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels. Hyaluronidase and
      matrix metalloproteinase enzyme activity was similar between hyaluronan and PEGDA
      hydrogels, even though these scaffold materials were each specifically
      susceptible to degradation by different enzyme types. KIAA1199 was expressed by
      valve cells and may play a role in the regulation of hyaluronan in heart valves.
      Cross-linked hyaluronan hydrogels maintained healthy phenotype of valve cells in
      3D culture and were tuned to approximate the mechanical properties of the valve
      spongiosa layer. Therefore, hyaluronan can be used as an appropriate material for
      the spongiosa layer of a proposed laminate tissue engineered heart valve
      scaffold.

PMID- 27120018
TI  - Gain-of-Function Mutations in RARB Cause Intellectual Disability with Progressive
      Motor Impairment.
AB  - Retinoic acid (RA) signaling plays a key role in the development and function of
      several systems in mammals. We previously discovered that the de novo mutations
      c.1159C>T (p.Arg387Cys) and c.1159C>A (p.Arg387Ser) in the RA Receptor Beta
      (RARB) gene cause microphthalmia and diaphragmatic hernia. However, the natural
      history of affected subjects beyond the prenatal or neonatal period was unknown.
      Here, we describe nine additional subjects with microphthalmia who have de novo
      mutations in RARB, including the previously described p.Arg387Cys as well as the
      novel c.887G>C (p.Gly296Ala) and c.638T>C (p.Leu213Pro). Moreover, we review the
      information on four previously reported cases. All subjects who survived the
      neonatal period (n = 10) displayed severe global developmental delay with
      progressive motor impairment due to spasticity and/or dystonia (with or without
      chorea). The majority of subjects also showed Chiari type I malformation and
      severe feeding difficulties. We previously found that p.Arg387Cys and p.Arg387Ser
      induce a gain-of-function. We show here that the p.Gly296Ala and p.Leu213Pro RARB
      mutations further promote the RA ligand-induced transcriptional activity by
      twofold to threefold over the wild-type receptor, also indicating a gain-of
      function mechanism. These observations suggest that precise regulation of RA
      signaling is required for brain development and/or function in humans.

PMID- 27120033
TI  - Exercise and Arrhythmias: A Double-Edged Sword.
AB  - Ample evidence indicates that moderate regular exercise is beneficial for both
      normal individuals and patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease. However,
      intense and strenuous exercise in individuals with evident or occult underlying
      CV abnormalities may have adverse effects with provocation and exacerbation of
      arrhythmias that may lead to life-threatening situations. Both of these aspects
      of exercise-induced effects are herein reviewed. 

PMID- 27120034
TI  - Outcomes in endoscopic sinus surgery: olfaction, nose scale and quality of life
      in a prospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on
      olfactory function in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)
      and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and to compare the nasal obstruction and
      symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale before and after surgery. DESIGN: A prospective
      cohort study SETTING: Royal National Throat and Nose and Ear Hospital, London UK.
      PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and thirteen patients with CRS; 60 CRSwNP and 53
      CRSsNP. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Olfaction was measured using both the University of
      Pennsylvania Smell Investigation Test (UPSIT) and the 'sense of smell' visual
      analogue scale (VAS). The NOSE scale, the sinonasal outcome test (SNOT 22) and
      the Lund-Kennedy (LK) surgeon reported scores were also measured pre- and
      postoperatively at 6 months. RESULTS: The UPSIT psychophysical measurement
      significantly improved following ESS in the CRSwNP subgroup as did the patients
      perceived VAS sense of smell. However, in the CRSsNP subgroup, the improved VAS
      and UPSIT measurements were not significant. The NOSE, SNOT 22 and LK scores all
      improved significantly. The olfactory improvement as measured by the UPSIT
      correlated to the SNOT-22, but a correlation between the NOSE score and UPSIT was
      not found. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sinus surgery significantly improved the
      patient's perceived and measured sense of smell in the CRSwNP subgroup which is
      the most surgically responsive CRS subgroup. Additionally, improved olfaction in
      the CRSwNP subgroup is most likely to improve the patient's quality of life.
      Endoscopic sinus surgery significantly improved the NOSE scale in both CRS
      subgroups at 6 months following surgery.

PMID- 27120035
TI  - Validation of a semi-automatic co-registration of MRI scans in patients with
      brain tumors during treatment follow-up.
AB  - There is an expanding research interest in high-grade gliomas because of their
      significant population burden and poor survival despite the extensive standard
      multimodal treatment. One of the obstacles is the lack of individualized
      monitoring of tumor characteristics and treatment response before, during and
      after treatment. We have developed a two-stage semi-automatic method to co
      register MRI scans at different time points before and after surgical and
      adjuvant treatment of high-grade gliomas. This two-stage co-registration includes
      a linear co-registration of the semi-automatically derived mask of the
      preoperative contrast-enhancing area or postoperative resection cavity, brain
      contour and ventricles between different time points. The resulting
      transformation matrix was then applied in a non-linear manner to co-register
      conventional contrast-enhanced T1 -weighted images. Targeted registration errors
      were calculated and compared with linear and non-linear co-registered images.
      Targeted registration errors were smaller for the semi-automatic non-linear co
      registration compared with both the non-linear and linear co-registered images.
      This was further visualized using a three-dimensional structural similarity
      method. The semi-automatic non-linear co-registration allowed for optimal
      correction of the variable brain shift at different time points as evaluated by
      the minimal targeted registration error. This proposed method allows for the
      accurate evaluation of the treatment response, essential for the growing research
      area of brain tumor imaging and treatment response evaluation in large sets of
      patients. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27120036
TI  - Oxygen Uptake Attenuation at Ventilatory Threshold in Men With Coronary Artery
      Disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Maximal oxygen uptake ((Equation is included in full-text article.)O2)
      and ventilatory threshold (VT) are widely used to assess cardiorespiratory
      fitness in healthy people, as well as in patients with various clinical
      conditions. The aim of this study was to determine whether an attenuation of
      (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 occurs above the VT in patients
      with stable coronary artery disease. METHODS: A total of 33 male patients
      participating in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention
      program underwent maximal incremental cycle ergometry at increasing pedaling
      cadences up to the limit of tolerance. Ventilatory gas-exchange variables were
      measured breath by breath while work rate was recorded continuously. Ventilatory
      threshold was determined by a dual linear regression model (V-slope analysis).
      RESULTS: Four patients were excluded from the analysis because they were unable
      to pedal at the increasing cadences required by the protocol. The remaining 29
      patients successfully completed the test without complications or evidence of
      significant ST segment depression. The slope of the (Equation is included in full
      text article.)O2/work rate relationship above the VT decreased significantly (
      44.6% on average) in 23 of the 26 patients in which VT was able to be determined.
      (Equation is included in full-text article.)O2 at the start of (Equation is
      included in full-text article.)O2 attenuation ((Equation is included in full-text
      article.)O2att) and at VT were highly correlated and in strong agreement (1637 +/
      451 mL/min vs 1650 +/- 473 mL/min, r = 0.96, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: (Equation is
      included in full-text article.)O2att does occur and coincides with the VT in the
      majority of patients tested with stable coronary artery disease.

PMID- 27120037
TI  - Health-Related Quality of Life Improves Similarly in Patients With and Without
      Type 2 Diabetes After Cardiac Rehabilitation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United
      States and results in substantial healthcare expenditures. Health-related quality
      of life (HRQoL) is an important aspect in long-term recovery for patients with
      cardiovascular disease. As such, improvement in HRQoL is a relevant outcome for
      determining cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) program efficacy. Increasingly,
      diabetic patients are participating in CR and face additional challenges to
      HRQoL, yet there is a lack of research addressing program efficacy in this
      population. This study tested the hypothesis that CR would effect a favorable
      change in HRQoL for both diabetic (D; n = 37) and nondiabetic (N-D; n = 58)
      patients. Furthermore, we tested the hypothesis that the D group would
      demonstrate a greater overall change compared with the N-D group. METHODS: In
      this retrospective study, we reviewed the charts of 95 patients who completed a
      CR program and collected HRQoL measures using the COOP questionnaire, where lower
      scores indicate higher HRQoL. RESULTS: After CR, COOP scores for both the N-D
      improved (pre: 20.39 +/- 0.79 vs post: 16.06 +/- 0.75; P < .05) and D (pre: 20.92
      +/- 0.88 vs post: 15.84 +/- 0.80; P < .05). HRQoL was not different between
      groups at the start of the program (P = .88) or at the end (P = .58), and thus,
      the improvement in HRQoL was not different between groups (P = .44). CONCLUSIONS:
      These results suggest that D and N-D patients do not differ in their HRQoL at the
      start or end of CR, and that the 2 groups show similar improvements from
      attending the program. Larger sample studies are needed to confirm these
      findings.

PMID- 27120038
TI  - Physiological Profile and Limitations in Exercise in Idiopathic Pulmonary
      Fibrosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe the physiological profile and limiting
      factors during exercise among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
      METHODS: A descriptive study involving 34 patients with idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis (22 men) aged 68 +/- 8 years was conducted. All patients completed a
      pulmonary function test, cardiopulmonary exercise test, Doppler echocardiography,
      6-minute walk test, and modified Medical Research Council dyspnea evaluation.
      RESULTS: Approximately 38% of patients (range, 15%-71%) presented with coexisting
      comorbidities including pulmonary hypertension and emphysema. Modified Medical
      Research Council grades 0-2 and 3-4 were assigned to 68% and 32% of patients,
      respectively. Median values for forced vital capacity and diffusion capacity for
      carbon monoxide percent (%) predicted were 68 (95% CI, 63-76) and 51 (95% CI, 46
      55), respectively. Left ventricular systolic function was normal. Aerobic
      capacity ((Equation is included in full-text article.)O2peak = 13.4 mL/kg/min
      [95% CI, 12.6-14.9]; 62% predicted [95% CI, 56-67]) was moderately reduced with
      the presence of abnormalities in pulmonary gas exchange and desaturation,
      circulatory impairments, inefficient ventilation, and skeletal muscle
      dysfunction. Functional capacity was normal (6-minute walk test distance = 505 m
      [95% CI, 435-522]; 99% predicted [95% CI, 91-108]). CONCLUSIONS: The
      physiological profile demonstrated the presence of comorbidities in approximately
      38% of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and a moderate level of
      dyspnea. Resting cardiopulmonary function showed moderate pulmonary restriction
      and severe impairments in diffusion capacity with normal left ventricular
      systolic function. Multifactorial limitations for a moderately diminished aerobic
      capacity were revealed during the cardiopulmonary exercise test, although
      functional capacity was normal. These results emphasize the significance of a
      meticulous evaluation, including the cardiopulmonary exercise test for an
      accurate exercise tolerance evaluation, to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis and
      for developing effective targeted treatments.

PMID- 27120039
TI  - Prevalence, Reasons for Use, and Risk Perception of Electronic Cigarettes Among
      Post-Acute Coronary Syndrome Smokers.
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has risen dramatically
      in recent years. However, there are currently no published data on the use of e
      cigarettes among cardiac patients. The current study reports on the prevalence,
      reasons for use, and perceived risks of e-cigarettes among patients with post
      acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The relationship between e-cigarette use and post
      ACS tobacco smoking cessation is also explored. METHODS: Participants were drawn
      from a randomized trial of smoking cessation treatments following hospitalization
      for ACS. The current study focused on 49 participants who completed e-cigarette
      questions at 24 weeks post-ACS. RESULTS: Of the 49 of participants, 51.0%
      reported ever use of an e-cigarette and 26.5% reported using an e-cigarette at
      some time during the 24 weeks post-ACS. Ever use and post-ACS use were both
      significantly associated with lower rates of abstinence from tobacco cigarettes.
      Participants perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful to cardiac health than
      tobacco use and Chantix (varenicline), and similarly harmful as nicotine
      replacement therapy. Participant perceived likelihood of experiencing a heart
      attack in the next year was 34.6% if they were to regularly use only e
      cigarettes, significantly lower than the perceived risk of recurrence if they
      were to regularly smoke only tobacco cigarettes (56.2%) and significantly higher
      than the perceived risk of recurrence if they were to use no nicotine (15.2%).
      CONCLUSIONS: A significant minority of patients are using e-cigarettes post-ACS.
      Providers should be prepared to discuss potential discrepancies between patient
      beliefs about the safety of e-cigarettes and the current state of the science.

PMID- 27120040
TI  - Evolving Role of Exercise Testing in Contemporary Cardiac Rehabilitation.
AB  - Symptom-limited (maximal) exercise testing before cardiac rehabilitation (CR) was
      once an unambiguous standard of care. In particular, it served as an important
      screen for residual ischemia and instability before initiating a progressive
      exercise training regimen. However, improved revascularization and therapy for
      coronary heart disease has led many clinicians to downplay this application of
      exercise testing, especially because such testing is also a potential encumbrance
      to CR enrollment (delaying ease and efficiency of enrollment after procedures and
      hospitalizations) and patient burden (eg, added costs, logistic hassle, and
      anxiety). Nonetheless, exercise testing has enduring value for CR, especially
      because it reveals dynamic physiological responses as well as ischemia,
      arrhythmias, and symptoms pertinent to exercise prescription and training and to
      overall stability and prognosis. Moreover, as indications for CR have expanded,
      the value of exercise testing and functional assessment is more relevant than
      ever in the growing population of eligible patients, including those with heart
      failure, valvular heart disease, and posttransplantation, especially as current
      patients also tend to be more clinically complex, with advanced ages,
      multimorbidity, frailty, and obesity. This review focuses on the appropriate use
      of exercise testing in the CR setting. Graded exercise tests, cardiopulmonary
      exercise tests, submaximal walking tests, and other functional assessments
      (strength, frailty) for CR are discussed. 

PMID- 27120041
TI  - Percutaneous ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of solid pancreatic masses:
      Results in 250 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the diagnostic accuracy and complications of
      percutaneous sonographic (US)-guided core needle-needle biopsy in the diagnosis
      of solid pancreatic masses. METHODS: Cases of US-guided percutaneous core needle
      biopsy of solid pancreatic masses performed in our department between July 2009
      and June 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. The demographic data, lesions' size
      and location, pathology results, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive
      predictive value, negative predictive value, and complications of the biopsies
      were determined. RESULTS: A total of 250 patients (150 males, 100 females; age
      range, 16-88 years; mean age, 64.3 +/- 12.1 years) were included in the study.
      The overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive
      value, and negative predictive value of all 250 biopsies were 94.8%, 94.3%,
      97.2%, 99.5%, and 75%, respectively, and changed to 98.4%, 99%, 94.7%, 99%, and
      94.7%, respectively, after the biopsy was repeated in 12 patients. Four (1.6%)
      major complications, including a pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery, and
      three cases of acute pancreatitis, and one (0.4%) minor complication (a vaso
      vagal syncope), were observed. There was no biopsy-related death. CONCLUSIONS: US
      guided percutaneous core needle biopsy is a safe and highly effective method with
      acceptable complication rates in the diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:470-473, 2016.

PMID- 27120042
TI  - Analysis of forchlorfenuron and thidiazuron in fruits and vegetables by surface
      enhanced Raman spectroscopy after selective solid-phase extraction with modified
      beta-cyclodextrin.
AB  - beta-Cyclodextrin and its derivatives can selectively bind to various organic
      molecules in its cavity and provide good applications in sample preparation.
      Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is a sensitive technique and has received
      increasing attention in the last decade. Herein, 3,5-dimethyl phenyl
      carbamoylated beta-cyclodextrin bonded silica gel was used as a ssorbent in solid
      phase extraction to selectively enrich forchlorfenuron and thidiazuron followed
      by determination with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. It showed excellent
      selectivity for forchlorfenuron and thidiazuron and the adsorption capacities
      were 40.0 and 30.0 MUg/g, respectively. A rapid and sensitive method based on the
      modified beta-cyclodextrin solid-phase extraction coupled with surface-enhanced
      Raman spectroscopy was developed. The linear ranges were 30.0-300.0 MUg/L for
      forchlorfenuron and thidiazuron at 1005 and 640 cm(-1) , respectively. Both of
      the limits of detection were 15.0 MUg/L, which were significantly lower than the
      maximum permitted by the National Standard. The recoveries of forchlorfenuron and
      thidiazuron were 78.9-87.9% for the spiked grape, kiwi, cucumber and tomato, with
      relative standard deviations of 8.1-13.2%. The results show that this method is
      sensitive, selective, and relatively time saving, and has great potential in the
      analysis of trace amounts of plant growth regulators in fruits and vegetables. 

PMID- 27120043
TI  - SERS and integrative imaging upon internalization of quantum dots into human oral
      epithelial cells.
AB  - CdTe quantum dots (QDs) are widely used in bio-applications due to their size and
      highly efficient optical properties. However internalization mechanisms thereof
      for the variety of freshly extracted, not cultivated human cells and their
      specific molecular interactions remains an open topic for discussion. In this
      study, we assess the internalization mechanism of CdTe quantum dots (3.3 nm)
      capped with thioglycolic acid using non cultivated oral epithelial cells obtained
      from healthy donors. Naked gold nanoparticles (40 nm) were successfully used as
      nanosensors for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to efficiently identify
      characteristic Raman peaks, providing new evidence indicating that the first
      interactions of these QDs with epithelial cells occurred preferentially with
      aromatic rings and amine groups of amino acid residues and glycans from trans
      membrane proteins and cytoskeleton. Using an integrative combination of advanced
      imaging techniques, including ultra-high resolution SEM, high resolution STEM
      coupled with EDX spectroscopy together with the results obtained by Raman
      spectroscopy, it was determined that thioglycolic acid capped CdTe QDs are
      efficiently internalized into freshly extracted oral epithelial cells only by
      facilitated diffusion, distributed into cytoplasm and even within the cell
      nucleus in three minutes.

PMID- 27120046
TI  - Clinical Connections.

PMID- 27120044
TI  - Analysis of Amblyomma sculptum haplotypes in an area endemic for Brazilian
      spotted fever.
AB  - Amblyomma sculptum (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Berlese, 1888, a member of the Amblyomma
      cajennense complex, is the major vector of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) in
      southeastern Brazil. In this study, the genetic diversity of A. sculptum
      populations in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, was investigated because
      genetic variability in tick populations may be related to vector competence.
      Samples of A. sculptum from 19 municipalities in 7 regions of RJ were subjected
      to DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing of D-loop, cytochrome oxidase II
      and 12S rDNA mitochondrial genes. These sequences were used to map the genetic
      diversity of this tick. Amblyomma sculptum populations are genetically diverse in
      RJ, especially in the South Centre and Highland regions. Few unique haplotypes
      were observed in all populations, and the majority of genetic variation found was
      among ticks within each population. Phylogenetic reconstruction reinforced the
      assumption that all the haplotypes identified in RJ belong to A. sculptum.
      However, some RJ haplotypes are closer to A. sculptum from Argentina than to A.
      sculptum from elsewhere in Brazil. In RJ, A. sculptum has high genetic diversity,
      although little genetic differentiation. Observations also indicated a high level
      of gene flow among the studied populations and no evidence of population
      structure according to region in RJ.

PMID- 27120047
TI  - MiR-4282 suppresses proliferation and mobility of human colorectal carcinoma
      cells by targeting semaphorin 3E.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs play an important role in cancer development. Deregulation
      of microRNAs can lead to tumorigenesis. Class 3 semaphorin, semaphorin 3E
      (Sema3E), has been shown to be implicated in tumor growth and metastasis. The
      role of miR-4282 in regulating colorectal carcinoma and its correlation to Sema3E
      remain uncertain. METHODS: Real-time quantitative reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the levels of miR-4282 and Sema3E in
      colorectal carcinoma cells and colorectal tumor tissues. Sema3E protein level in
      cell lines and human tissues was analyzed by western blot Transient transfections
      of miR-4282 inhibitor or mimics were conducted to silence or overexpress miR
      4282. Sema3E siRNA was transfected to knockdown Sema3E in tumor cell lines. MTT
      assay was employed to measure colorectal tumor cell growth. Migration and
      invasion of the cells were examined by trans-well assays. Luciferase reporter
      assays were performed to confirm miR-4282 targeted at Sema3E. RESULTS: In the
      present study, reduced miR-4282 expression was observed in the colorectal
      carcinoma cell lines and human carcinoma tissues in comparison with normal human
      colon cells (P<0.05) or matched non-tumor tissues (P<0.05), whereas, Sema3E was
      up-regulated in colorectal carcinoma cells lines (P<0.05) and human colorectal
      tumor tissues (P<0.05). MiR-4282 was then reduced by the inhibitor and
      overexpressed by its mimics transfection. It was found that miR-4282 inhibition
      promoted cell growth, migration and invasion (P<0.05) of HT29 and HCT116
      colorectal carcinoma cells while miR-4282 overexpression suppressed cell growth
      and mobility (P<0.05). Sema3E was predicted as a target of miR-4282 in miRDB
      database. We found that miR-4282 overexpression significantly reduced luciferase
      activity of pRL-Sema3E-3'-UTR (P<0.05), but failed to alter the activity of pRL
      sema3E-3'-UTR-mutation. Also, miR4282 overexpression suppressed Sema3E expression
      in the colorectal carcinoma cell lines. To further confirm the role of Sema3E
      suppression in the function of the colorectal carcinoma cells by miR-4282, HT29
      and HCT116 cells were transfected with Sema3E siRNA. We found that cell growth,
      migration and invasion of HT29 and HCT116 cells were dramatically inhibited by
      Sema3E knockdown (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that miR-4282 is a
      tumor suppressor in colorectal carcinoma cells and exerted its inhibitory effect
      on the tumor cells through targeting Sema3E by inhibiting Sema3E translation or
      enhancing Sema3E mRNA degradation. Thus, manipulation of miR-4282 and interfere
      with Sema3E might represent a potential target for the treatment of colorectal
      cancer.

PMID- 27120048
TI  - Detection of hTERT mRNA in peripheral blood and its implication for diagnosis of
      early stage postoperative endometrial cancer micrometastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the expression of human
      telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in peripheral blood of endometrial
      cancer (EC) patients before and after surgery, and explore its clinical
      implication for diagnosis of early stage postoperative EC micrometastases.
      METHODS: Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) was used to
      determine the expression level of hTERT mRNA in peripheral blood of 40 healthy
      controls, 40 patients with benign uterine diseases, and 56 EC patients before and
      after surgery. All data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics v.17.0 software.
      RESULTS: hTERT mRNA in peripheral blood was positive in 57.1% of EC patients
      (32/56), which is significantly higher compared to 0.0% (0/40) in healthy
      controls (chi2=34.286, P=0.000) and 5.0% (2/40) in patients with benign uterine
      diseases (chi2=27.736, P=0.000). The 32 EC patients with positive hTERT mRNA
      expression included 16 cases of stage I~II, and 16 cases of stage III~IV. The
      relative expression level of hTERT mRNA is -4.0000+/-0.2401 for stage I~II, and 
      2.7107+/-0.1253 for stage III~IV. The relative expression level of hTERT mRNA was
      significantly higher in EC patients with at higher pathological stages (t=
      14.398, P=0.000). hTERT mRNA positive expression rates in peripheral blood of EC
      patients before and after surgery were 57.1% (32/56) and 85.7% (48/56),
      respectively, which is significantly different (chi2=11.200, P=0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: hTERT can be used as a marker for diagnosis of endometrial cancer
      micrometastasis via blood, and therefore has important value in choosing
      postoperative adjunctive therapy for early stage endometrial cancer.

PMID- 27120049
TI  - Spin Crossover in Fe(II)-M(II) Cyanoheterobimetallic Frameworks (M = Ni, Pd, Pt)
      with 2-Substituted Pyrazines.
AB  - Discovery of spin-crossover (SCO) behavior in the family of Fe(II)-based Hofmann
      clathrates has led to a "new rush" in the field of bistable molecular materials.
      To date this class of SCO complexes is represented by several dozens of
      individual compounds, and areas of their potential application steadily increase.
      Starting from Fe(2+), square planar tetracyanometalates M(II)(CN)4(2-) (M(II) =
      Ni, Pd, Pt) and 2-substituted pyrazines Xpz (X = Cl, Me, I) as coligands we
      obtained a series of nine new Hofmann clathrate-like coordination frameworks. X
      ray diffraction reveals that in these complexes Fe(II) ion has a pseudo
      octahedral coordination environment supported by four MU4-tetracyanometallates
      forming its equatorial coordination environment. Depending on the nature of X and
      M, axial positions are occupied by two 2X-pyrazines (X = Cl and M(II) = Ni (1),
      Pd (2), Pt (3); X = Me and M(II) = Ni (4), Pd (5)) or one 2X-pyrazine and one
      water molecule (X = I and M(II) = Ni (7), Pd (8), Pt (9)), or, alternatively, two
      distinct Fe(II) positions with either two pyrazines or two water molecules (X =
      Me and M(II) = Pt (6)) are observed. Temperature behavior of magnetic
      susceptibility indicates that all compounds bearing FeN6 units (1-6) display
      cooperative spin transition, while Fe(II) ions in N5O or N4O2 surrounding are
      high spin (HS). Structural changes in the nearest Fe(II) environment upon low
      spin (LS) to HS transition, which include ca. 10% Fe-N distance increase, lead to
      the cell expansion. Mossbauer spectroscopy is used to characterize the spin state
      of all HS, LS, and intermediate phases of 1-9 (see abstract figure). Effects of a
      pyrazine substituent and M(II) nature on the hyperfine parameters in both spin
      states are established.

PMID- 27120050
TI  - Prevalent Diabetes Mellitus: Mortality and Management in Norwegian Heart Failure
      Outpatients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Heart failure (HF) patients with diabetes mellitus experience poor
      prognosis. We assessed the independent predictive effect of prevalent diabetes
      mellitus on all-cause mortality in HF outpatients. Furthermore, we investigated
      if optimized HF medication differed in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients.
      METHODS: From 6,289 patients included in the Norwegian HF registry during 2000
      2012, 724 diabetic HF outpatients were propensity-score-matched with nondiabetic
      HF outpatients (1:1), based on 21 measured baseline variables. Baseline
      characteristics, measured comorbidities and medication were balanced in the
      matched sample. RESULTS: Diabetes was not an independent predictor of all-cause
      mortality in the propensity-matched analyses (hazard ratio 1.041; 95% confidence
      interval 0.875-1.240). No interactions were found between the prognostic impact
      of diabetes and the strata renal function, systolic function or etiology of
      chronic HF. Diabetic HF outpatients were independently prescribed higher doses of
      beta-blockers and loop diuretics (both p < 0.001) and were more prone to receive
      statins (p = 0.003) than nondiabetics. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalent diabetes mellitus
      was not an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in HF outpatients.
      Explanations other than tight glycemic control should be assessed to improve the
      prognosis of diabetic HF outpatients. The more intensive, optimized HF medication
      for diabetic HF outpatients may, to a certain degree, explain our results.

PMID- 27120051
TI  - Direct and Indirect Effects of Five Factor Personality and Gender on Depressive
      Symptoms Mediated by Perceived Stress.
AB  - This study was designed to investigate associations among five factor personality
      traits, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms and to examine the roles of
      personality and perceived stress in the relationship between gender and
      depressive symptoms. The participants (N = 3,950) were part of a cohort study for
      health screening and examination at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital. Personality was
      measured with the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R). Depressive
      symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression
      Scale (CES-D). Perceived stress level was evaluated with a self-reported stress
      questionnaire developed for the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey. A higher degree of neuroticism and lower degrees of extraversion,
      agreeableness, and conscientiousness were significantly associated with greater
      perceived stress and depressive symptoms. Neuroticism and extraversion had
      significant direct and indirect effects (via stress as a mediator) on depressive
      symptoms in both genders. Agreeableness and conscientiousness had indirect
      effects on depression symptoms in both genders. Multiple mediation models were
      used to examine the mediational roles of each personality factor and perceived
      stress in the link between gender and depressive symptoms. Four of the
      personality factors (except openness) were significant mediators, along with
      stress, on the relationship between gender and depressive symptoms. Our findings
      suggest that the links between personality factors and depressive symptoms are
      mediated by perceived stress. As such, personality is an important factor to
      consider when examining the link between gender and depression.

PMID- 27120052
TI  - Development of a fluorescent transgenic zebrafish biosensor for sensing aquatic
      heavy metal pollution.
AB  - We report a transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) designed to respond to heavy
      metals using a metal-responsive promoter linked to a fluorescent reporter gene
      (DsRed2). The metallothionein MT-Ia1 promoter containing metal-responsive
      elements was derived from the Asian green mussel, Perna viridis. The promoter is
      known to be induced by a broad spectrum of heavy metals. The promoter-reporter
      cassette cloned into the Tol2 transposon vector was microinjected into zebrafish
      embryos that were then reared to maturity. A transgene integration rate of 28 %
      was observed. The confirmed transgenics were mated with wild-type counterparts,
      and pools of F1 embryos were exposed to sub-lethal doses of Cd(2+), Cu(2+),
      Hg(2+), Pb(2+) and Zn(2+). The red fluorescence response of zebrafish embryos was
      observed 8 h post- exposure to these sub-lethal doses of heavy metals using a
      fluorescence microscope. Reporter expression estimated by real-time PCR revealed
      eightfold, sixfold and twofold increase on exposure to highest concentrations of
      Hg(2+), Cd(2+) and Cu(2+), while Pb(2+) and Zn(2+) had no effect. This biosensor
      could be a first-level screening method for confirming aquatic heavy metal bio
      toxicity to eukaryotes.

PMID- 27120053
TI  - Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Raspberry Seed Oil and Evaluation of Its
      Physicochemical Properties, Fatty Acid Compositions and Antioxidant Activities.
AB  - Ultrasonic-assisted extraction was employed for highly efficient separation of
      aroma oil from raspberry seeds. A central composite design with two variables and
      five levels was employed and effects of process variables of sonication time and
      extraction temperature on oil recovery and quality were investigated. Optimal
      conditions predicted by response surface methodology were sonication time of 37
      min and extraction temperature of 54 degrees C. Specifically, ultrasonic-assisted
      extraction (UAE) was able to provide a higher content of beneficial unsaturated
      fatty acids, whereas conventional Soxhlet extraction (SE) resulted in a higher
      amount of saturated fatty acids. Moreover, raspberry seed oil contained abundant
      amounts of edible linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which suggest raspberry seeds
      could be valuable edible sources of natural gamma-linolenic acid products. In
      comparison with SE, UAE exerted higher free radical scavenging capacities. In
      addition, UAE significantly blocked H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) generation.

PMID- 27120054
TI  - An Original Stepwise Multilevel Logistic Regression Analysis of Discriminatory
      Accuracy: The Case of Neighbourhoods and Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Many multilevel logistic regression analyses of
      "neighbourhood and health" focus on interpreting measures of associations (e.g.,
      odds ratio, OR). In contrast, multilevel analysis of variance is rarely
      considered. We propose an original stepwise analytical approach that
      distinguishes between "specific" (measures of association) and "general"
      (measures of variance) contextual effects. Performing two empirical examples we
      illustrate the methodology, interpret the results and discuss the implications of
      this kind of analysis in public health. METHODS: We analyse 43,291 individuals
      residing in 218 neighbourhoods in the city of Malmo, Sweden in 2006. We study two
      individual outcomes (psychotropic drug use and choice of private vs. public
      general practitioner, GP) for which the relative importance of neighbourhood as a
      source of individual variation differs substantially. In Step 1 of the analysis,
      we evaluate the OR and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC)
      curve for individual-level covariates (i.e., age, sex and individual low income).
      In Step 2, we assess general contextual effects using the AUC. Finally, in Step 3
      the OR for a specific neighbourhood characteristic (i.e., neighbourhood income)
      is interpreted jointly with the proportional change in variance (i.e., PCV) and
      the proportion of ORs in the opposite direction (POOR) statistics. RESULTS: For
      both outcomes, information on individual characteristics (Step 1) provide a low
      discriminatory accuracy (AUC = 0.616 for psychotropic drugs; = 0.600 for choosing
      a private GP). Accounting for neighbourhood of residence (Step 2) only improved
      the AUC for choosing a private GP (+0.295 units). High neighbourhood income (Step
      3) was strongly associated to choosing a private GP (OR = 3.50) but the PCV was
      only 11% and the POOR 33%. CONCLUSION: Applying an innovative stepwise multilevel
      analysis, we observed that, in Malmo, the neighbourhood context per se had a
      negligible influence on individual use of psychotropic drugs, but appears to
      strongly condition individual choice of a private GP. However, the latter was
      only modestly explained by the socioeconomic circumstances of the neighbourhoods.
      Our analyses are based on real data and provide useful information for
      understanding neighbourhood level influences in general and on individual use of
      psychotropic drugs and choice of GP in particular. However, our primary aim is to
      illustrate how to perform and interpret a multilevel analysis of individual
      heterogeneity in social epidemiology and public health. Our study shows that
      neighbourhood "effects" are not properly quantified by reporting differences
      between neighbourhood averages but rather by measuring the share of the
      individual heterogeneity that exists at the neighbourhood level.

PMID- 27120055
TI  - Adalimumab for Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic
      Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence-based studies are increasingly being focused on evaluating
      the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) for moderately to severely active
      ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the dosage pattern of ADA for UC management is
      still not clear. OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the
      efficacy and safety of different ADA dosage regimens for moderately to severely
      active UC. METHODS: The Medline, EMBASE, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane
      databases were searched from their inception to January 2015. Randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ADA with placebo were eligible for initial
      inclusion. The efficacy and side effects were evaluated for ADA 160/80 (ADA
      160/80 mg at weeks 0/2 and then 40 mg at weeks 4 and 6), and ADA 80/40 (ADA 80/40
      mg at weeks 0/2 and then 40 mg at weeks 4 and 6) induction therapy, with ADA 40
      mg every other week (EOW) for maintenance therapy of 52 weeks. The pooled risk
      ratio (RR) and its 95 % confidence interval (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Three
      RCTs were included. All of the studies were considered to have a low risk of
      bias. ADA 160/80 was more effective than placebo for induction of clinical
      remission (RR 1.62, 95 % CI 1.15-2.29), clinical response (RR 1.37, 95 % CI 1.19
      1.59), mucosal healing (RR 1.27, 95 % CI 1.08-1.50), and inflammatory bowel
      disease questionnaire (IBDQ) response (RR 1.22, 95 % CI 1.05-1.43) and did not
      increase adverse events (RR 1.10, 95 % CI 0.95-1.27). Compared with placebo, ADA
      80/40 did not show significant differences for induction of clinical remission
      and clinical response and did not increase adverse events. ADA 40 mg EOW was
      superior to placebo in maintaining clinical remission (RR 2.38, 95 % CI 1.57
      3.59), clinical response (RR 1.69, 95 % CI 1.29-2.21), mucosal healing (RR 1.69,
      95 % CI 1.26-2.28), and IBDQ response (RR 1.73, 95 % CI 1.28-2.34). Compared with
      placebo, ADA 40 mg EOW increased adverse events (RR 1.28, 95 % CI 1.06-1.54).
      CONCLUSION: ADA 160/80 was a safe and effective treatment for induction
      management of moderately to severely active UC, but the benefits of ADA 80/40
      application were limited. ADA 40 mg EOW was effective for maintenance management
      of UC. Additional well designed RCTs are needed to confirm these results.

PMID- 27120056
TI  - Variability Over Time of Preoperative Sagittal Alignment Parameters: Radiographic
      and Clinical Considerations.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate preoperative
      variability in radiographic sagittal parameters in adult spinal deformity (ASD).
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In ASD surgical planning, deformity magnitude is
      determined from preoperative radiographs. There are no studies evaluating the
      clinical relevance and timing to repeat radiographs during interval clinic visits
      and timing to repeat radiograph for preoperative planning. METHODS: A total of
      139 patients with ASD with minimum two preoperative full-body spine x-rays were
      included. Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, pelvic, and hip/knee sagittal alignment
      parameters were analyzed using dedicated spine measurement software. Patients
      were grouped by time intervals between x-rays: A: 8 weeks or lesser, B: 10 to 20
      weeks, and C: 21 weeks or more. Changes in sagittal parameters were correlated to
      age and deformity magnitude (T1 pelvic angle or pelvic tilt [PT] >20 degrees ).
      RESULTS: The cohort had mean age 59 years, mean body mass index 27, 30% men, 95
      patients with no prior spine surgery, and 44 patients at minimum 9 months since
      prior spine surgery. There were 25 patients in group A, 38 in B, and 71 in C. All
      radiographic measures showed good time-based consistency at intervals less than
      21 weeks (groups A and B). Group C had significant increases in PT (1.5 degrees )
      and hip extension (2.1 degrees ) (P < 0.05). These changes were greater in group
      C patients with previous surgery (PT 3.7 degrees ; P < 0.006, hip extension 3.2
      degrees ; P < 0.025). Greater interval changes in parameters were also associated
      with higher magnitudes of deformity and younger patient ages. CONCLUSION: All
      sagittal radiographic parameters were statistically consistent at intervals of
      less than 21 weeks. In patients with more than 21 weeks between interval x-rays,
      change in PT was greater than the standard error of measurement for patients with
      prior surgery or severe deformity. Consideration should be made to obtain new x
      rays for patients with ASD when the interval between clinical visits exceeds 5
      months. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27120057
TI  - Prevalence, Concomitance, and Distribution of Ossification of the Spinal
      Ligaments: Results of Whole Spine CT Scans in 1500 Japanese Patients.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence,
      concomitance, and distribution of various types of ossification of the spinal
      ligaments in healthy subjects using computed tomography (CT). SUMMARY OF
      BACKGROUND DATA: CT has better diagnostic accuracy for ossification of the spinal
      ligaments compared to plain radiography. Currently there is no study that
      examines the prevalence of ossification of the spinal ligaments using whole spine
      CT scans. METHODS: One thousand five hundred Japanese patients (888 men and 612
      women) who underwent positron emission tomography and CT (PETCT) in a private
      health check center between 2006 and 2013 were included. This PETCT was performed
      on self-paying participants as a preventive cancer screen. Existence of
      ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), ligamentum flavum
      (OLF), anterior longitudinal ligament (OALL), diffuse idiopathic skeletal
      hyperostosis (DISH), and nuchal ligament (ONL) was examined. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of spinal ligament ossifications was found to be 6.3% in cervical OPLL
      (8.3% in men and 3.4% in women), 23% in ONL (33% in men and 8.8% in women), 1.6%
      in thoracic OPLL (1.4% in men and 2.0% in women), 12% in thoracic OLF (15% in men
      and 7.7% in women), 37% in thoracolumbar OALL (45% in men and 26% in women), and
      12% in DISH (16% in men and 6.2% in women). Thirteen percent of patients with
      cervical OPLL had thoracic OPLL, 34% of cervical OPLL had thoracic OLF, 45% of
      cervical OPLL had ONL, and 36% of cervical OPLL had DISH. The most common level
      was C5 for cervical OPLL, T1/2 for thoracic OPLL, T11 for thoracic OLF, and T8/9
      for OALL. CONCLUSION: Accurate prevalence of various types of ossification of the
      spinal ligaments evaluated by CT was revealed. High concomitance was observed in
      each classification of spinal ligament ossification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27120058
TI  - Biomechanical Role of the C1 Lateral Mass Screws in Occipitoatlantoaxial
      Fixation: A Finite Element Analysis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Finite element analysis. OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the
      construct stability of occipitoatlantoaxial (C0-C1-C2) fixation provided by
      occipital plate, rod, and screw fixation with or without C1 lateral mass screw
      (C1LMS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Occipitoatlantoaxial fixation techniques use
      C2 pedicle screw (C2PS) with and without C1LMS that are then incorporated into
      occipital plate fixation points using occipital screw. There has, however, been
      no consensus about the standard occiput to C2 fixation in literature and few
      reports exist about the effects of additional intervening rigid C1LMS on the
      biomechanics. The role of biomechanics of the addition of C1LMS in
      occipitoatlantoaxial fixation for fusion is not known. METHODS: A nonlinear
      finite element model (FEM) of the intact upper cervical spine had been developed
      and validated. Then an FEM of an unstable model treated with occipital plate
      combined with C2PS and C1LMS fixation (C1LMS + C2PS + plate), was compared to
      that with C2PS fixation (C2PS + plate). Vertical load of 50 N was applied on the
      C0, to simulate head weight and 1.5 Nm torque was applied to the C0 to simulate
      flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. RESULTS: Compared with
      C2PS + plate, the C1LMS + C2PS + plate reduced the range of motion of C0-C2
      segment by 3.0%, 35.4%, 29.2%, and 56.9% in flexion, extension, lateral bending,
      and axial rotation, respectively, and it also led to lower occipital screw and
      superior rod stresses in all loading conditions. CONCLUSION: The addition of
      supplemental C1LMS to occiput-C2 fixation not only enhances greater stability,
      especially during axial rotation, but also has the capability of distributing the
      stress evenly and reduces the risk of construct failure because of occipital
      screw pullout and rod fracture. Therefore, this method may be important to
      elderly patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis and it may promote a high
      occipitoatlantoaxial fusion rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID- 27120059
TI  - Routine Use of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring During ACDFs for the Treatment of
      Spondylotic Myelopathy and Radiculopathy Is Questionable: A Review of 15,395
      Cases.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective database study. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study
      was to (1) evaluate the trends in the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring (ION)
      for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery in the United States
      and (2) assess the incidence of neurological injuries after ACDFs with and
      without ION. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs)
      and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) are the commonly used ION modalities for
      ACDFs. Controversy exists on the routine use of ION for ACDFs and there is
      limited literature on national practice patterns of its use. METHODS: A
      retrospective review was performed using the PearlDiver Patient Record Database
      to identify cases of spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy that underwent ACDF
      from 2007 to 2014. The type of ION modality used and the rates of neurological
      injury after surgery were assessed. RESULTS: During the study period, 15,395
      patients underwent an ACDF. Overall, ION was used in 2627 (17.1%) of these cases.
      There was a decrease in the use of ION for ACDFs from 22.8% in 2007 to 4.3% use
      in 2014 (P < 0.0001). The ION modalities used for these ACDFs were quite
      variable: SSEPs only (48.7%), MMEPs only (5.3%), and combined SSEPs and MMEPs
      (46.1%). Neurological injuries occurred in 0.23% and 0.27% of patients with and
      without ION, respectively (P = 0.84). Younger age was associated with a higher
      utility of ION (<45: 20.3%, 45-54: 19.3%, 55-64: 16.6%, 65-74: 14.3%, and >75:
      13.6%, P < 0.0001). Significant regional variability was observed in the utility
      of ION for ACDFs across the country (West; 21.9%, Midwest; 12.9% (P < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSION: There has been a significant decrease in the use of ION for ACDFs.
      Furthermore, there was significant age and regional variability in the use of ION
      for ACDFs. Use of ION does not further prevent the rate of postoperative
      neurological complications for ACDFs as compared with the cases without ION. The
      utility of routine ION for ACDFs is questionable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27120060
TI  - Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Improves Motor Function in Rats Developing
      Compression Myelopathy.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Basic animal research. OBJECTIVE: The effects of granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor (G-CSF) were assessed in a rat chronic spinal cord compression
      model to explore the potential of G-CSF as a pharmacological treatment for
      cervical spondylotic myelopathy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: G-CSF is a
      hematopoietic cytokine used clinically to treat neutropenia. Recently,
      neuroprotective effects of G-CSF have been reported in spinal cord disorders.
      METHODS: To introduce the chronic cervical cord compression, thin polyurethane
      sheets were implanted under C5-C6 laminae of rats and gradually expanded by
      absorbing water. This model reproduces delayed compressive myelopathy of the
      cervical spine. In sham operations, the sheets were immediately removed. G-CSF
      (15 MUg/kg) or normal saline (NS) was administered subcutaneously 5 days a week.
      Experimental groups were sham operation given NS; cord compression given NS; and
      cord compression given G-CSF. To assess motor functions, rotarod performance, and
      grip strength were measured. Twenty-six weeks after surgery, cervical spinal
      cords were examined histopathologically. In the prevention experiment, G-CSF or
      NS administration was started immediately after surgery. In the treatment
      experiment, their administration was started 8 weeks after surgery. In another
      experiment, in three groups in the prevention experiment, terminal
      deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end
      labeling staining was performed to assess apoptotic cell death at 8 weeks after
      surgery. RESULTS: In the prevention experiment, administration of G-CSF preserved
      the motor functions and motor neurons throughout the 26 weeks, and significantly
      decreased the number of apoptotic cells at 8 weeks. In the treatment experiment,
      G-CSF administration from 8 weeks after surgery markedly restored the motor
      function temporarily to a level equal to the sham group. CONCLUSION: G-CSF
      prevents the decline in motor functions and preserves motor neurons in the rat
      chronic cord compression model. G-CSF also improves motor function in the
      progressive phase of compression myelopathy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID- 27120061
TI  - Readmission Rates, Reasons, and Risk Factors Following Anterior Cervical Fusion
      for Cervical Spondylosis in Patients Above 65 Years of Age.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective database review. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study
      was to determine readmission reasons and rates following primary, elective
      anterior cervical spinal fusion surgery for cervical spondylosis and determine
      risk factors predicting increased risk of 30-day readmission in an exclusively
      elderly population. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In the United States, there were
      almost 190,000 cervical spine procedures in 2009. Many cervical spine surgery
      patients are elderly, a demographic increasingly requiring surgery for
      degenerative cervical spine pathology. Unfortunately, this patient population is
      poorly studied, particularly concerning readmission rates. METHODS: Medicare data
      from 2005 to 2012 were queried for elderly patients (65-84 years) who underwent
      primary one to two and >=three-level anterior cervical spine fusion surgeries for
      cervical spondylosis. Forty-five thousand two hundred eighty-four patients
      treated with one to two-level and 12,103 patients with >=three-level anterior
      cervical fusion (ACF) were identified and included in two study cohorts. Reasons
      for and rates of readmission were determined within 30 days, 90 days, and one
      year postoperatively. Risk factors for medical, surgical, and all 30-day
      readmissions were also determined, selecting from various comorbidities,
      demographics, and surgical variables. RESULTS: Readmission rates of 1.0% to 1.4%,
      2.7% to 3.6%, and 13.2% to 14.1% were observed within 30 days, 90 days, and one
      year. Within 30 days, over 30% of patients from both study cohorts were
      readmitted for surgical reasons. Of surgical reasons for 30-day readmission,
      hematoma/seroma diagnoses were the most frequent (11.4%-15.4% of all
      readmissions). Male gender, diabetes mellitus, chronic pulmonary disease,
      obesity, and smoking history were all found to be predictive of all-cause
      readmissions. CONCLUSION: Unplanned 30-day readmission rates following primary,
      elective ACF in elderly patients is low and often due to medical reasons.
      Frequent surgical reasons for 30-day readmission include hematoma/seroma
      formation. Male gender and various comorbid diagnoses are significant predictors
      of all-cause readmissions within 30 days. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27120063
TI  - K-line (-) in the Neck-Flexed Position in Patients With Ossification of the
      Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Is a Risk Factor for Poor Clinical Outcome After
      Cervical Laminoplasty.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study comparing postoperative clinical outcomes after
      cervical laminoplasty between K-line (-) ossification of the posterior
      longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and K-line (+) OPLL in the neck-flexed position.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate postoperative outcomes using Japanese Orthopedic
      Association (JOA) scores, and grip-and-release (GR) and foot-tap (FT) test scores
      after laminoplasty in patients with K-line (-) OPLL in the neck-flexed position.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical laminoplasty has been reported to lead to
      poor outcomes in K-line (-) OPLL and good outcomes in K-line (+) OPLL. The
      cervical spine, however, continues moving in the extension and flexion direction
      after laminoplasty. METHODS: Patients with cervical myelopathy were divided into
      K-line (+) and (-) in the neck-flexed position. We compared postoperative
      outcomes after cervical laminoplasty using recovery rate, as assessed by the JOA
      score and degree of improvement in the six JOA score items, and performance, as
      assessed by GR and (FT) tests, between patients with K-line (+) OPLL (n = 18) and
      K-line (-) OPLL (n = 23) in the neck-flexed position. RESULTS: Recovery rate of
      JOA score (23.8%) of patients in the K-line (-) group was significantly lower (P
      = 0.028) than that (46.3%) of K-line (+) group in the neck-flexed position. In
      the K-line (+) group, significant improvements were seen in all JOA-score items
      except bladder function; however, in the K-line (-) group, improvements were seen
      only in upper- and the lower-extremity sensory functions. In the K-line (+)
      group, mean GR and FT tests significantly improved, but in the K-line (-) group,
      only mean FT test significantly improved. CONCLUSION: The K-line (-) OPLL in the
      neck-flexed position is a risk factor for poor clinical outcome after cervical
      laminoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27120064
TI  - Pharmacokinetic comparison of different flubendazole formulations in pigs: A
      further contribution to its development as a macrofilaricide molecule.
AB  - Despite the well established ivermectin activity against microfilaria, the
      success of human filariasis control programmes requires the use of a
      macrofilaricide compound. Different in vivo trials suggest that flubendazole
      (FLBZ), an anthelmintic benzimidazole compound, is a highly efficacious and
      potent macrofilaricide. However, since serious injection site reactions were
      reported in humans after the subcutaneous FLBZ administration, the search for
      alternative pharmaceutical strategies to improve the systemic availability of
      FLBZ has acquired special relevance both in human and veterinary medicine. The
      goal of the current experimental work was to compare the pharmacokinetic plasma
      behavior of FLBZ, and its metabolites, formulated as either an aqueous
      hydroxypropyl- beta -cyclodextrin-solution (HPBCD), an aqueous carboxymethyl
      cellulose-suspension (CMC) or a Tween 80-based formulation, in pigs. Animals were
      allocated into three groups and treated (2 mg/kg) with FLBZ formulated as either
      a HPBCD-solution (oral), CMC-suspension (oral) or Tween 80-based formulation
      (subcutaneous). Only trace amounts of FLBZ parent drug and its reduced metabolite
      were measured after administration of the different FLBZ formulations in pigs.
      The hydrolyzed FLBZ (H-FLBZ) metabolite was the main analyte recovered in the
      bloodstream in pigs treated with the three experimental FLBZ formulations. The
      oral administration of the HPBCD-solution accounted for significantly higher (P <
      0.05) Cmax and AUC (23.1 +/- 4.4 MUg h/mL) values for the main metabolite (H
      FLBZ), compared with those observed for the oral CMC-suspension (AUC = 3.5 +/-
      1.0 MUg h/mL) and injectable Tween 80-based formulation (AUC: 7.5 +/- 1.7 MUg
      h/mL). The oral administration of the HPBCD-solution significantly improved the
      poor absorption pattern (indirectly assessed as the H-FLBZ plasma concentrations)
      observed after the oral administration of the FLBZ-CMC suspension or the
      subcutaneous injection of the Tween 80 FLBZ formulation to pigs. Overall, the
      work reported here indicates that FLBZ pharmacokinetic behavior can be markedly
      changed by the pharmaceutical formulation.

PMID- 27120065
TI  - Therapeutic effects of acetylspiramycin and garlicin on cryptosporidiosis among
      drug users.
AB  - Cryptosporidiosis affects humans of all ages, particularly malnourished children
      and those with compromised immune systems such as HIV/AIDS. This study
      investigated the therapeutic effects of acetylspiramycin and garlicin on
      Cryptosporidium infection in institutionalized male drug users receiving
      rehabilitative treatment. Examination of stool specimens from 903 drug users via
      modified acid-fast bacilli staining resulted in 172 positive cases. Among them
      151 subjects consented to participate in a randomized trial of acetylspiramycin
      and garlicin in four groups: acetylspiramycin plus garlicin, acetylspiramycin
      only, garlicin only, and placebo control. The cryptosporidiosis rate was higher
      in younger subjects with longer drug use history than subjects who are older with
      shorter history of drug use. After two segments of treatments, 76.2% of the cases
      achieved negative test results, with the four groups achieving the rates of
      92.1%, 76.7%, 72.2%, and 61.8%, respectively (chi(2) = 9.517, P = 0.023). These
      results indicate clinical potential of garlicin in conjunction with
      acetylspiramycin in treating cryptosporidiosis.

PMID- 27120066
TI  - Sesquiterpene lactone containing extracts from two cultivars of forage chicory
      (Cichorium intybus) show distinctive chemical profiles and in vitro activity
      against Ostertagia ostertagi.
AB  - The study investigated direct anthelmintic effects of sesquiterpene lactones (SL)
      containing extracts from forage chicory against free-living and parasitic stages
      of Ostertagia ostertagi. Freeze-dried leaves from chicory cultivars 'Spadona' and
      'Puna II' were extracted using methanol/water. Total SL were further fractionated
      by solid-phase extraction and resulting extracts were characterised by high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). O. ostertagi eggs from faeces of mono
      infected calves were hatched and L1 were used in a larval feeding inhibition
      assay (LFIA), while cultured L3 were used in a larval exsheathment inhibition
      assay (LEIA). Adult worms were immediately recovered after slaughter and used for
      motility inhibition assays (AMIA). Electron microscopy (EM) was performed on
      adult O. ostertagi exposed to 1000 MUg extract mL(-1) of both chicory cultivars.
      In all assays, decreasing concentrations of SL-containing extracts in PBS (1%
      DMSO) were tested in replicates with 1% DMSO in PBS as negative controls. HPLC
      demonstrated similar concentrations of most SL in both extracts. However, Spadona
      extract contained significantly higher concentrations of 11, 13-dihydro-8
      deoxylactucin (P = 0.01), while Puna II-extract had increased levels of 11, 13
      dihydrolactucin (P < 0.0001). In the LFIA, both extracts reduced larval feeding
      at increasing concentrations, but Spadona-extract showed higher potency confirmed
      by significantly lower EC50 (P < 0.0001). In the LEIA, neither of the two
      extracts interfered with the exsheathment of L3 (P > 0.05). In the AMIA, both SL
      containing extracts induced a dose-dependent effect but Spadona-extract showed
      greater activity and exerted faster worm paralysis than Puna II-extract with
      significantly lower EC50 (P < 0.0001). No cuticular damage was observed by EM in
      worms exposed to any of the extracts. We have demonstrated that SL-containing
      extracts from forage chicory can inhibit feeding of free-living larvae and exert
      direct effects against parasitic stages of O. ostertagi. Our results may
      contribute to the identification of natural anti-parasitic compounds and to
      interpret the in vivo anthelmintic effects of forage chicory.

PMID- 27120067
TI  - Histone deacetylase enzymes as drug targets for the control of the sheep blowfly,
      Lucilia cuprina.
AB  - The Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, is an ecto-parasite that causes
      significant economic losses in the sheep industry. Emerging resistance to
      insecticides used to protect sheep from this parasite is driving the search for
      new drugs that act via different mechanisms. Inhibitors of histone deacetylases
      (HDACs), enzymes essential for regulating eukaryotic gene transcription, are
      prospective new insecticides based on their capacity to kill human parasites. The
      blowfly genome was found here to contain five HDAC genes corresponding to human
      HDACs 1, 3, 4, 6 and 11. The catalytic domains of blowfly HDACs 1 and 3 have high
      sequence identity with corresponding human and other Dipteran insect HDACs (Musca
      domestica and Drosophila melanogaster). On the other hand, HDACs 4, 6 and 11 from
      the blowfly and the other Dipteran species showed up to 53% difference in
      catalytic domain amino acids from corresponding human sequences, suggesting the
      possibility of developing HDAC inhibitors specific for insects as desired for a
      commercial insecticide. Differences in transcription patterns for different
      blowfly HDACs through the life cycle, and between the sexes of adult flies,
      suggest different functions in regulating gene transcription within this organism
      and possibly different vulnerabilities. Data that supports HDACs as possible new
      insecticide targets is the finding that trichostatin A and suberoylanilide
      hydroxamic acid retarded growth of early instar blowfly larvae in vitro, and
      reduced the pupation rate. Trichostatin A was 8-fold less potent than the
      commercial insecticide cyromazine in inhibiting larval growth. Our results
      support further development of inhibitors of blowfly HDACs with selectivity over
      human and other mammalian HDACs as a new class of prospective insecticides for
      sheep blowfly.

PMID- 27120068
TI  - Selection for anthelmintic resistant Teladorsagia circumcincta in pre-weaned
      lambs by treating their dams with long-acting moxidectin injection.
AB  - Administration of long-acting anthelmintics to pregnant ewes prior to lambing is
      a common practice in New Zealand. Today, most of these products contain
      macrocyclic lactone (ML) actives, which because of their lipophilic nature, are
      detectable in the milk of treated animals and in the plasma of their suckling
      offspring. This study was conducted to confirm the transfer of ML actives to
      lambs in the ewe's milk, and to assess whether this could result in selection for
      ML resistant nematodes in the lamb. Ninety, twin bearing Romney ewes were treated
      before lambing with a long-acting injectable formulation of moxidectin, a 100-day
      controlled release capsule (CRC) containing abamectin and albendazole, or
      remained untreated. After lambing, seven ewes from each treatment group were
      selected for uniformity of lambing date and, along with their twin lambs,
      relocated indoors. At intervals, all ewes and lambs were bled, and samples of
      ewe's milk were collected, for determination of drug concentrations. Commencing 4
      weeks after birth all lambs were dosed weekly with 250 infective larvae (L3) of
      either an ML-susceptible or -resistant isolate of Teladorsagia circumcinta. At 12
      weeks of age all lambs were slaughtered and their abomasa recovered for worm
      counts. Moxidectin was detected in the plasma of moxidectin-treated ewes until
      about 50 days after treatment and in their lambs until about day 60. Abamectin
      was detected in the plasma of CRC-treated ewes until the last sample on day 80
      and in the plasma of their lambs until about day 60. Both actives were detectable
      in milk of treated ewes until day 80 after treatment. Establishment of resistant
      L3 was not different between the treatment groups but treatment of ewes with
      moxidectin reduced establishment of susceptible L3 by 70%, confirming the
      potential of drug transfer in milk to screen for ML-resistance in the suckling
      lamb.

PMID- 27120069
TI  - Development and application of a sensitive, phenotypic, high-throughput image
      based assay to identify compound activity against Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes.
AB  - We have developed a high content 384-well, image-based assay to estimate the
      effect of compound treatment on Trypanosoma cruzi amastigotes in 3T3 fibroblasts.
      In the same well, the effect of compound activity on host cells can also be
      determined, as an initial indicator of cytotoxicity. This assay has been used to
      identify active compounds from an in-house library of compounds with either known
      biological activity or that are FDA approved, and separately, from the Medicines
      for Malaria Venture Malaria Box collection. Active compounds were screened
      against T. cruzi trypomastigotes, utilising an assay developed with the viability
      dye resazurin. Twelve compounds with reconfirmed solid sample activity, with IC50
      values of less than 10 MUM and selectivity indices to T. cruzi amastigotes over
      3T3 host cells of between >22 and 319 times were identified from these libraries.
      As 3T3 cells are contact inhibited, with limited proliferation in the assay,
      selective compounds of interest were profiled in a separate assay to estimate the
      viability of compound treated, replicating HEK293 cells. Selective compounds that
      were not previously reported in the literature were further profiled by extending
      the incubation time against amastigote infected 3T3 cells to determine if there
      were residual amastigotes post-treatment, important for the consideration of the
      exposure time required for further biological characterisation. The assay
      development process and the suitability of identified compounds as hit molecules
      for Chagas disease research are discussed.

PMID- 27120070
TI  - Institutional Delivery and Satisfaction among Indigenous and Poor Women in
      Guatemala, Mexico, and Panama.
AB  - Indigenous women in Mesoamerica experience disproportionately high maternal
      mortality rates and are less likely to have institutional deliveries. Identifying
      correlates of institutional delivery, and satisfaction with institutional
      deliveries, may help improve facility utilization and health outcomes in this
      population. We used baseline surveys from the Salud Mesoamerica Initiative to
      analyze data from 10,895 indigenous and non-indigenous women in Guatemala and
      Mexico (Chiapas State) and indigenous women in Panama. We created multivariable
      Poisson regression models for indigenous (Guatemala, Mexico, Panama) and non
      indigenous (Guatemala, Mexico) women to identify correlates of institutional
      delivery and satisfaction. Compared to their non-indigenous peers, indigenous
      women were substantially less likely to have an institutional delivery (15.2% vs.
      41.5% in Guatemala (P<0.001), 29.1% vs. 73.9% in Mexico (P<0.001), and 70.3%
      among indigenous Panamanian women). Indigenous women who had at least one
      antenatal care visit were more than 90% more likely to have an institutional
      delivery (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44
      2.61), compared to those who had no visits. Indigenous women who were advised to
      give birth in a health facility (aRR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.18-1.81), primiparous (aRR
      = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.24-1.68), informed that she should have a Caesarean section
      (aRR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.21-1.63), and had a secondary or higher level of education
      (aRR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04-1.79) also had substantially higher likelihoods of
      institutional delivery. Satisfaction among indigenous women was associated with
      being able to be accompanied by a community health worker (aRR = 1.15, 95% CI:
      1.05-1.26) and facility staff speaking an indigenous language (aRR = 1.10, 95%
      CI: 1.02-1.19). Additional effort should be exerted to increase utilization of
      birthing facilities by indigenous and poor women in the region. Improving access
      to antenatal care and opportunities for higher-level education may increase
      institutional delivery rates, and providing culturally adapted services may
      improve satisfaction.

PMID- 27120071
TI  - Parkinsonism and dementia are negative prognostic factors for the outcome of
      subdural hematoma.
AB  - To determine, among a population with subdural hematoma (SH), whether patients
      affected by neurodegenerative disorders (parkinsonism and dementia) have a worse
      clinical outcome. We reviewed the data of patients diagnosed with fall-related SH
      discharged from the Departments of Neurology/Stroke unit, Neurosurgery, Intensive
      Care Unit at Brotzu General Hospital (Cagliari, Italy) between January 2010 and
      December 2013. Patients with severe traumatisms, evidence of spontaneous
      intracerebral bleeding or aged less than 50 were excluded. 332 patients were
      selected: 69 with a neurodegenerative parkinsonism or dementia (N-group), 217
      with history of chronic non-neurological medical conditions with significant
      disability, previous falls and/or balance problems (NND-group) and 46 with a
      history of "minor" chronic non-neurological disorder. (NN-group). The clinical
      status at admission and discharge was assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS).
      The time-span between trauma and hospital admission was also calculated. At
      hospital admission we found a significantly longer delay in SH's diagnosis (chi
      (2) test p < 0.001) and a worse mRS score (Kruskal Wallis p < 0.001) in the N
      group compared to both NN and NND-groups. During hospital stay we observed the
      lack of significant variation in mRS score in N-group (Wilcoxon test p = 0.86),
      in contrast with NN and NND-groups who significantly improved (Wilcoxon test p <
      0.001). Our results demonstrate that the consequences of SH are more severe in
      the N-group compared to NN and NND-groups. The longer interval between trauma and
      hospital admittance plays a critical role in worsening the outcome of patients
      with parkinsonism and dementia compared to subjects without neurodegenerative
      disorders. 

PMID- 27120072
TI  - Association of post stroke depression with social factors, insomnia, and
      neurological status in Chinese elderly population.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of post stroke
      depression (PSD) with social factors, insomnia, and neurological status among
      elderly Chinese patients with ischemic stroke. Six hundred and eight patients
      over 60 years of age, who had suffered from a first episode of ischemic stroke
      within 7 days, were enrolled into the study. They were divided into PSD and non
      PSD groups according to the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores. The
      association of PSD with social factors, insomnia, and neurological status was
      analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Compared with the
      patients who did not develop PSD, those with PSD reported adverse life events
      more frequently, and more subjects with PSD lived alone, had left carotid artery
      infarction and cortical infarction (P < 0.05), history of insomnia, and high
      National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and low Barthel Index
      (BI) scores (P < 0.01). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed
      that the occurrence of PSD was associated with a history of insomnia (HR = 1.59,
      95 % CI 1.12-2.36, P < 0.01), NIHSS scores (HR = 2.45, 95 % CI 1.42-3.91, P <
      0.01) and BI scores (HR = 2.56, 95 % CI 1.39-4.25, P < 0.01). Insomnia and the
      degree of neurological deficit were associated with PSD in an elderly population
      of Chinese people. 

PMID- 27120073
TI  - Effect of varus and valgus alignment on implant loading after proximal femur
      fracture fixation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: More than 10 % of proximal femur fractures repaired with either a
      sliding hip screw and side plate (SHS-P) or a sliding hip screw and
      intramedullary nail (SHS-IMN) demonstrate varus malreduction. The purpose of this
      study was to compare the effect of varus or valgus loading on comminuted
      intertrochanteric fractures repaired with SHS-P or SHS-IMN constructs. METHODS:
      Unstable intertrochanteric fractures with segmental comminution were generated in
      12 cadaver proximal femurs, six of which were fixed with an SHS-P and six with an
      SHS-IMN. Both implants had a strain gauge at the lag screw-nail-plate interface
      to assess implant load bearing. The load on the implants was measured with the
      specimens in neutral position and at 5 degrees , 10 degrees , and 15 degrees  of
      varus and valgus. RESULTS: Loads on both SHS-IMN and SHS-P constructs were
      significantly increased when loading the implants in varus and significantly
      decreased when loading the implants in valgus. Unlike the SHS-IMN, the SHS-P
      trended toward increased load bearing at 15 degrees  varus (159.1 vs. 118.5 %, P
      = .065) and trended toward less load bearing at 15 degrees  valgus (42.3 vs. 59.8
      %, P = .06). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of implant choice, avoiding varus loading on
      the fixation construct reduces the load on the implant. SHS-P constructs may be
      more affected by varus or valgus malalignment than SHS-IMN constructs.

PMID- 27120074
TI  - Evaluating the performance of the quick CSF method in detecting contrast
      sensitivity function changes.
AB  - The contrast sensitivity function (CSF) has shown promise as a functional vision
      endpoint for monitoring the changes in functional vision that accompany eye
      disease or its treatment. However, detecting CSF changes with precision and
      efficiency at both the individual and group levels is very challenging. By
      exploiting the Bayesian foundation of the quick CSF method (Lesmes, Lu, Baek, &
      Albright, 2010), we developed and evaluated metrics for detecting CSF changes at
      both the individual and group levels. A 10-letter identification task was used to
      assess the systematic changes in the CSF measured in three luminance conditions
      in 112 naive normal observers. The data from the large sample allowed us to
      estimate the test-retest reliability of the quick CSF procedure and evaluate its
      performance in detecting CSF changes at both the individual and group levels. The
      test-retest reliability reached 0.974 with 50 trials. In 50 trials, the quick CSF
      method can detect a medium 0.30 log unit area under log CSF change with 94.0%
      accuracy at the individual observer level. At the group level, a power analysis
      based on the empirical distribution of CSF changes from the large sample showed
      that a very small area under log CSF change (0.025 log unit) could be detected by
      the quick CSF method with 112 observers and 50 trials. These results make it
      plausible to apply the method to monitor the progression of visual diseases or
      treatment effects on individual patients and greatly reduce the time, sample
      size, and costs in clinical trials at the group level. 

PMID- 27120075
TI  - Potential role for microfluctuations as a temporal directional cue to
      accommodation.
AB  - The goal was to revisit an important, yet unproven notion that accommodative
      microfluctuations facilitate the determination of direction (sign) of abrupt
      focus changes in the stimulus to accommodation. We contaminated the potential
      temporal cues from natural accommodative microfluctuations by presenting
      uncorrelated external (screen) temporal defocus noise that combined with the
      retinal image effects of natural microfluctuations. A polychromatic Maltese spoke
      pattern thus either modulated defocus at a combination of two temporal
      frequencies (on-screen noise condition) or was static (control condition). The on
      screen conditions were combined with step changes in optical vergence that were
      randomized in direction and magnitude. Five subjects monocularly viewed stimuli
      through a Badal optical system in a Maxwellian view. An artificial 4-mm aperture
      was imaged at the entrance pupil of the eye. Wavefront aberrations were measured
      dynamically at 50 Hz using a custom Shack-Hartmann aberrometer. Dynamic changes
      in the Zernike defocus term with step changes in optical vergence were analyzed.
      We calculated the percentage of correct directional responses for 1, 2, and 3 D
      accommodative and disaccommodative step stimuli using preset criteria for
      latency, velocity, and persistence of the response. The on-screen noise condition
      reduced the percent-correct responses compared to the static stimulus, suggesting
      that this manipulation affected the detectability of the sign of the
      accommodative stimulus. Several possible reasons and implications of this result
      are discussed. 

PMID- 27120076
TI  - Three-Way-Switchable (Right/Left/OFF) Selective Reflection of Circularly
      Polarized Light on Solid Thin Films of Helical Polymer Blends.
AB  - Two poly(quinoxaline-2,3-diyl) copolymers bearing miscibility-enhancing 8
      chlorooctyloxy and (S)-2-methylbutoxy or n-butoxy side chains were synthesized.
      After annealing in CHCl3 vapor, a polymer-blend film of these copolymers
      exhibited selective reflection of right-handed circularly polarized light (CPL)
      in the visible region. The handedness of the CPL reflected was completely
      inverted upon annealing of the film in THF vapor. Annealing in n-hexane vapor
      resulted in the phase separation of the polymer blend, which turned the selective
      reflection off. This three-way-switchable reflection, that is, reflection of
      right-handed or left-handed CPL, together with an OFF state, could be observed
      visually through right- and left-handed CPL filters.

PMID- 27120078
TI  - pH-Sensitive Polymeric Nanoparticles Modulate Autophagic Effect via Lysosome
      Impairment.
AB  - In drug delivery systems, pH-sensitive polymers are commonly used as drug
      carriers, and significant efforts have been devoted to the aspects of controlled
      delivery and release of drugs. However, few studies address the possible
      autophagic effects on cells. Here, for the first time, using a fluorescent
      autophagy-reporting cell line, this study evaluates the autophagy-induced
      capabilities of four types of pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with
      different physical properties, including size, surface modification, and pH
      sensitivity. Based on experimental results, this study concludes that pH
      sensitivity is one of the most important factors in autophagy induction. In
      addition, this study finds that variation of concentration of NPs could cause
      different autophagic effect, i.e., low concentration of NPs induces autophagy in
      an mTOR-dependent manner, but high dose of NPs leads to autophagic cell death.
      Identification of this tunable autophagic effect offers a novel strategy for
      enhancing therapeutic effect in cancer therapy through modulation of autophagy. 

PMID- 27120077
TI  - Exome Sequencing of Familial Bipolar Disorder.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Complex disorders, such as bipolar disorder (BD), likely result from
      the influence of both common and rare susceptibility alleles. While common
      variation has been widely studied, rare variant discovery has only recently
      become feasible with next-generation sequencing. OBJECTIVE: To utilize a combined
      family-based and case-control approach to exome sequencing in BD using multiplex
      families as an initial discovery strategy, followed by association testing in a
      large case-control meta-analysis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We performed
      exome sequencing of 36 affected members with BD from 8 multiplex families and
      tested rare, segregating variants in 3 independent case-control samples
      consisting of 3541 BD cases and 4774 controls. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: We
      used penalized logistic regression and 1-sided gene-burden analyses to test for
      association of rare, segregating damaging variants with BD. Permutation-based
      analyses were performed to test for overall enrichment with previously identified
      gene sets. RESULTS: We found 84 rare (frequency <1%), segregating variants that
      were bioinformatically predicted to be damaging. These variants were found in 82
      genes that were enriched for gene sets previously identified in de novo studies
      of autism (19 observed vs. 10.9 expected, P = .0066) and schizophrenia (11
      observed vs. 5.1 expected, P = .0062) and for targets of the fragile X mental
      retardation protein (FMRP) pathway (10 observed vs. 4.4 expected, P = .0076). The
      case-control meta-analyses yielded 19 genes that were nominally associated with
      BD based either on individual variants or a gene-burden approach. Although no
      gene was individually significant after correction for multiple testing, this
      group of genes continued to show evidence for significant enrichment of de novo
      autism genes (6 observed vs 2.6 expected, P = .028). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
      Our results are consistent with the presence of prominent locus and allelic
      heterogeneity in BD and suggest that very large samples will be required to
      definitively identify individual rare variants or genes conferring risk for this
      disorder. However, we also identify significant associations with gene sets
      composed of previously discovered de novo variants in autism and schizophrenia,
      as well as targets of the FRMP pathway, providing preliminary support for the
      overlap of potential autism and schizophrenia risk genes with rare, segregating
      variants in families with BD.

PMID- 27120079
TI  - Factors affecting turnover intentions among public hospital doctors in a middle
      level city in central China.
AB  - Objective The aim of the present study was to explore prominent factors affecting
      turnover intentions among public hospital doctors in urban areas, particularly in
      Xiangyang City, Hubei Province, a middle-level city in central China. Methods
      Questionnaires were used to collect data from 284 public hospital doctors.
      Pearson's Chi-squared was used to assess whether sociodemographic and other
      factors were related to the turnover intentions of public hospital doctors.
      Binary logistic regression was performed to determine the significant factors
      that influence turnover intentions. Results The analysis revealed that 28.2% of
      public hospital doctors intended to leave the hospital where they were currently
      employed. Dissatisfaction with working conditions and hospital management
      processes, as well as work pressures, were significant factors contributing to
      the turnover intentions of public hospital doctors. Conclusion Research into
      turnover intentions indicates that public hospital doctors surveyed in urban
      China give greater weight to their professional environment and career
      development rather than salary in their employment decisions. What is known about
      the topic? Turnover of medical staff is a concern to hospital administrators
      because it is costly and detrimental to organisational performance and quality of
      care. Most studies have focused on the effects of individual and organisational
      factors on nurses' intentions to leave their employment. Income dissatisfaction
      was one of the determining factors of turnover intentions in previous studies.
      What does this paper add? The satisfaction of public hospital doctors with regard
      to income is not a determining factor of turnover intentions. In contrast with
      findings of previous studies, the doctors in public hospitals in urban China in
      the present study gave greater weight to their professional environment and
      career development in their employment decisions. What are the implications for
      practitioners? The findings suggest that health service managers and policy
      makers should pay greater attention to the factors affecting public hospital
      doctors' turnover intentions. This study will be useful for optimising public
      hospital management and minimising the turnover of doctors in China.

PMID- 27120080
TI  - A multiplayer game: species of Clostridium, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas are
      responsible for the persistence of antibiotic resistance genes in manure-treated
      soils.
AB  - Antibiotics are routinely used in modern livestock farming. The manure from
      medicated animals is used for the fertilization of arable crops, which in turn
      leads to the accumulation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the
      environment. This is a potentially serious public health issue, yet the
      identities of the bacterial taxa involved in ARG persistence are as yet
      undetermined. Using soil-manure microcosm experiments, we investigated the
      relationship between (i) the persistence of diverse ARGs and (ii) the dynamics of
      bacterial community members. We were able to identify, for the first time, the
      bacterial taxa involved in ARG enrichment in manured soils. They were gut
      associated Clostridium species, and environmental species of Acinetobacter and
      Pseudomonas genera, all of them closely related to important nosocomial
      pathogens. Our data provide new clues on the routes by which ARGs may spread from
      farms to medical clinics.

PMID- 27120081
TI  - The Evolution of Quorum Sensing as a Mechanism to Infer Kinship.
AB  - Bacteria regulate many phenotypes via quorum sensing systems. Quorum sensing is
      typically thought to evolve because the regulated cooperative phenotypes are only
      beneficial at certain cell densities. However, quorum sensing systems are also
      threatened by non-cooperative "cheaters" that may exploit quorum-sensing
      regulated cooperation, which begs the question of how quorum sensing systems are
      maintained in nature. Here we study the evolution of quorum sensing using an
      individual-based model that captures the natural ecology and population
      structuring of microbial communities. We first recapitulate the two existing
      observations on quorum sensing evolution: density-dependent benefits favor quorum
      sensing but competition and cheating will destabilize it. We then model quorum
      sensing in a dense community like a biofilm, which reveals a novel benefit to
      quorum sensing that is intrinsically evolutionarily stable. In these communities,
      competing microbial genotypes gradually segregate over time leading to positive
      correlation between density and genetic similarity between neighboring cells
      (relatedness). This enables quorum sensing to track genetic relatedness and
      ensures that costly cooperative traits are only activated once a cell is safely
      surrounded by clonemates. We hypothesize that under similar natural conditions,
      the benefits of quorum sensing will not result from an assessment of density but
      from the ability to infer kinship.

PMID- 27120083
TI  - Infusion Rate Dependent Pharmacokinetics of Bendamustine with Altered Formation
      of gamma-hydroxybendamustine (M3) Metabolite Following 30- and 60-min Infusion of
      Bendamustine in Rats.
AB  - Bendamustine is an alkylating agent administered as 1 h intravenous infusion in
      the clinic for the treatment of malignant haematological cancers. The aim of the
      study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of bendamustine and its key cytochrome
      P 450 (CYP) 1A2 mediated gamma-hydroxybendamustine (M3) metabolite after 30- and
      60-min intravenous infusion of bendamustine in rats. 2 groups were assigned to
      receive bendamustine either as 30- or 60-min infusion and doses were normalized
      to 15 mg/kg for the sake of statistical evaluation. Serial pharmacokinetic
      samples were collected and were analysed for the circulatory levels of
      bendamustine and its M3 metabolite. Standard pharmacokinetic parameters were
      generated for bendamustine and its M3 metabolite. Regardless of the intravenous
      regimens, Cmax coincided with end of infusion for both bendamustine and its M3
      metabolite. Immediately after stoppage of infusion, a rapid decline in the plasma
      levels occurred for both bendamustine and M3 metabolite. The Cmax and AUC0
      infinity parameters for bendamustine after 60-min infusion were 1.90 and 1.34
      fold higher; while CL was lower by 1.32-fold as compared to the 30-min infusion.
      In contrast, the Cmax and AUC0-infinity after 30-min infusion for the M3
      metabolite was 2.15- and 2.78-fold greater; while CL was 2.32-fold lower when
      compared to the 60-min infusion. However, T1/2 and Vz values were similar between
      the 2 intravenous treatments for bendamustine or the M3 metabolite. The data
      unequivocally confirmed the existence of differential pharmacokinetics of
      bendamustine and its M3 metabolite as the function of the duration of intravenous
      infusion. 

PMID- 27120082
TI  - Effect of atorvastatin on the incidence of acute kidney injury following valvular
      heart surgery: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase
      inhibitors have the potential to reduce acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac
      surgery through their pleiotropic properties. Here we studied the preventive
      effect of atorvastatin on AKI after valvular heart surgery. METHODS: Two-hundred
      statin-naive patients were randomly allocated to receive either statin or
      placebo. Atorvastatin was administered orally to the statin group according to a
      dosage schedule (80 mg single dose on the evening prior to surgery; 40 mg on the
      morning of surgery; three further doses of 40 mg on the evenings of postoperative
      days 0, 1, and 2). AKI incidence was assessed during the first 48 postoperative
      hours on the basis of Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. RESULTS: The
      incidence of AKI was similar in the statin and control groups (21 vs. 26 %,
      respectively, p = 0.404). Biomarkers of renal injury including plasma neutrophil
      gelatinase-associated lipocalin and interleukin-18 were also similar between the
      groups. The statin group required significantly less norepinephrine and
      vasopressin during surgery, and fewer patients in the statin group required
      vasopressin. There were no significant differences in postoperative outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Acute perioperative statin treatment was not associated with a lower
      incidence of AKI or improved clinical outcome in patients undergoing valvular
      heart surgery. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01909739).

PMID- 27120084
TI  - Ascorbic Acid Attenuates Hyperoxia-Compromised Host Defense against Pulmonary
      Bacterial Infection.
AB  - Supraphysiological concentrations of oxygen (hyperoxia) can compromise host
      defense and increase susceptibility to bacterial infections, causing ventilator
      associated pneumonia. The phagocytic activity of macrophages is impaired by
      hyperoxia-induced increases in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and
      extracellular high-mobility group box protein B1 (HMGB1). Ascorbic acid (AA), an
      essential nutrient and antioxidant, has been shown to be beneficial in various
      animal models of ROS-mediated diseases. The aim of this study was to determine
      whether AA could attenuate hyperoxia-compromised host defense and improve
      macrophage functions against bacterial infections. C57BL/6 male mice were exposed
      to hyperoxia (>=98% O2, 48 h), followed by intratracheal inoculation with
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and simultaneous intraperitoneal administration of AA. AA
      (50 mg/kg) significantly improved bacterial clearance in the lungs and airways,
      and significantly reduced HMGB1 accumulation in the airways. The incubation of
      RAW 264.7 cells (a macrophage-like cell line) with AA (0-1,000 MUM) before
      hyperoxic exposure (95% O2) stabilized the phagocytic activity of macrophages in
      a concentration-dependent manner. The AA-enhanced macrophage function was
      associated with significantly decreased production of intracellular ROS and
      accumulation of extracellular HMGB1. These data suggest that AA supplementation
      can prevent or attenuate the development of ventilator-associated pneumonia in
      patients receiving oxygen support.

PMID- 27120085
TI  - Comparison of Cherenkov excited fluorescence and phosphorescence molecular
      sensing from tissue with external beam irradiation.
AB  - Ionizing radiation delivered by a medical linear accelerator (LINAC) generates
      Cherenkov emission within the treated tissue. A fraction of this light, in the
      600-900 nm wavelength region, propagates through centimeters of tissue and can be
      used to excite optical probes in vivo, enabling molecular sensing of tissue
      analytes. The success of isolating the emission signal from this Cherenkov
      excitation background is dependent on key factors such as: (i) the Stokes shift
      of the probe spectra; (ii) the excited state lifetime; (iii) the probe
      concentration; (iv) the depth below the tissue surface; and (v) the radiation
      dose used. Previous studies have exclusively focused on imaging phosphorescent
      dyes, rather than fluorescent dyes. However there are only a few biologically
      important phosphorescent dyes and yet in comparison there are thousands of
      biologically relevant fluorescent dyes. So in this study the focus was a study of
      efficacy of Cherenkov-excited luminescence using fluorescent commercial near
      infrared probes, IRDye 680RD, IRDye 700DX, and IRDye 800CW, and comparing them to
      the well characterized phosphorescent probe Oxyphor PtG4, an oxygen sensitive
      dye. Each probe was excited by Cherenkov light from a 6 MV external radiation
      beam, and measured in continuous wave or time-gated modes. The detection was
      performed by spectrally resolving the luminescence signals, and measuring them
      with spectrometer-based separation on an ICCD detector. The results demonstrate
      that IRDye 700DX and PtG4 allowed for the maximal signal to noise ratio. In the
      case of the phosphorescent probe, PtG4, with emission decays on the microsecond
      (MUs) time scale, time-gated acquisition was possible, and it allowed for higher
      efficacy in terms of the probe concentration and detection depth. Phantoms
      containing the probe at 5 mm depth could be detected at concentrations down to
      the nanoMolar range, and at depths into the tissue simulating phantom near 3 cm.
      In vivo studies showed that 5 nmol of dye was readily detected with radiation
      doses less than 5 cGy. Since concentration, radiation dose and depth each
      contribute to the level of the detected signal, it may be possible to improve any
      of these parameters at expense of the others. This paradigm of nanoMolar
      sensitivity for optical reporters in vivo introduces the concept of molecular
      sensing of tumors during therapy or diagnostically with biologically relevant
      concentrations of fluorescent reporters.

PMID- 27120086
TI  - Single-molecule detection at high concentrations with optical aperture
      nanoantennas.
AB  - Single-molecule detection has become an indispensable technology in life science,
      and medical research. In order to get meaningful information on many biological
      processes, single-molecule analysis is required in micro-molar concentrations. At
      such high concentrations, it is very challenging to isolate a single molecule
      with conventional diffraction-limited optics. Recently, optical aperture
      nanoantennas (OANs) have emerged as a powerful tool to enhance the single
      molecule detection under a physiological environment. The OANs, which consist of
      nano-scale apertures on a metallic film, have the following unique properties:
      (1) nanoscale light confinement; (2) enhanced fluorescence emission; (3) tunable
      radiation pattern; (4) reduced background noise; and (5) massive parallel
      detection. This review presents the fundamentals, recent developments and future
      perspectives in this emerging field. 

PMID- 27120087
TI  - Release of Escherichia coli from Foreshore Sand and Pore Water during Intensified
      Wave Conditions at a Recreational Beach.
AB  - Foreshore beach sands and pore water may act as a reservoir and nonpoint source
      of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) to surface waters. This paper presents data
      collected at a fine sand beach on Lake Huron, Canada over three field events. The
      data show that foreshore sand erosion as wave height increases results in
      elevated Escherichia coli concentrations in surface water, as well as depletion
      of E. coli from the foreshore sand and pore water. E. coli initially attached to
      foreshore sand rather than initially residing in the pore water was found to be
      the main contributor to elevated surface water concentrations. Surface water E.
      coli concentrations were a function of not only wave height (and associated sand
      erosion) but also the time elapsed since a preceding period of high wave
      intensity. This finding is important for statistical regression models used to
      predict beach advisories. While calculations suggest that foreshore sand erosion
      may be the dominant mechanism for releasing E. coli to surface water during
      intensified wave conditions at a fine sand beach, comparative characterization of
      the E. coli distribution at a coarse sand-cobble beach suggests that interstitial
      pore water flow and discharge may be more important for coarser sand beaches.

PMID- 27120088
TI  - Initiator Control of Conjugated Polymer Topology in Ring-Opening Alkyne
      Metathesis Polymerization.
AB  - Molybdenum carbyne complexes [RC=Mo(OC(CH3)(CF3)2)3] featuring a mesityl (R =
      Mes) or an ethyl (R = Et) substituent initiate the living ring-opening alkyne
      metathesis polymerization of the strained cyclic alkyne, 5,6,11,12
      tetradehydrobenzo[a,e][8]annulene, to yield fully conjugated poly(o-phenylene
      ethynylene). The difference in the steric demand of the polymer end-group (Mes vs
      Et) transferred during the initiation step determines the topology of the
      resulting polymer chain. While [MesC=Mo(OC(CH3)(CF3)2)3] exclusively yields
      linear poly(o-phenylene ethynylene), polymerization initiated by
      [EtC=Mo(OC(CH3)(CF3)2)3] results in cyclic polymers ranging in size from n = 5 to
      20 monomer units. Kinetic studies reveal that the propagating species emerging
      from [EtC=Mo(OC(CH3)(CF3)2)3] undergoes a highly selective intramolecular
      backbiting into the butynyl end-group.

PMID- 27120089
TI  - The differentiation of amniotic fluid stem cells into sweat glandlike cells is
      enhanced by the presence of Sonic hedgehog in the conditioned medium.
AB  - After patients suffer severe full-thickness burn injuries, the current treatments
      cannot lead to the complete self-regeneration of the sweat gland structure and
      function. Therefore, it is important to identify new methods for acquiring
      sufficient functional sweat gland cells to restore skin function. In this study,
      we induced CD117+ human amniotic fluid stem (hAFS) cells to differentiate into
      sweat glandlike (hAFS-SG) cells based on the use of conditioned medium (CM) from
      the human sweat gland (hSG) cells. Real-time PCR and immunofluorescent staining
      were used to confirm the expression of the sweat gland-related genes
      Ectodysplasin-A (EDA), Ectodysplasin-A receptor (EDAR), keratin 8 (K8) and
      carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA). Transmission electron microscopy analysis shows
      that microvilli, the cellular structures that are typical for hSG cells, can also
      be observed on the membrane of the hAFS-SG cells. Our test for the calcium
      response to acetylcholine (Ach) proved that hAFS-SG cells have the potential to
      respond to Ach in a manner similar to normal sweat glands. A three-dimensional
      culture is an effective approach that stimulates the hAFS-SG cells to form
      tubular structures and drives hAFS-SG cells to mature into higher stage. We also
      found that epidermal growth factor enhances the efficiency of differentiation and
      that Sonic hedgehog is an important factor of the CM that influences sweat gland
      differentiation. Our study provides the basis for further investigations into
      novel methods of inducing stem cells to differentiate into sweat glandlike cells.

PMID- 27120090
TI  - Preparation and Characterization of Minoxidil Loaded Nanostructured Lipid
      Carriers.
AB  - Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are interesting delivery systems for
      enhancing the penetration of an active substance through the skin after topical
      administration. The present paper described the development of a novel NLCs for
      minoxidil (MXD) topical delivery. Stearic acid and oleic acid that showed the
      highest solubility for MXD were selected as solid lipid and liquid lipid,
      respectively, and the NLCs were prepared by hot high pressure homogenization
      method. The minoxidil loaded NLCs prepared accordingly to the optimal formulation
      exhibited spherical shape with a mean diameter of 281.4 +/- 7.4 nm,
      polydispersity of 0.207 +/- 0.009, zeta potential of -32.90 +/- 1.23 mV, drug
      entrapment efficiency of 92.48 +/- 0.31%, and drug loading of 13.85 +/- 0.47%.
      Storage stability studies demonstrated that the particle size and entrapment
      efficiency of the MXD-NLCs were not changed during 3 months both at 4 degrees C
      and room temperature. Moreover, the release of MXD from the NLCs was faster than
      drug release from SLNs. In vitro skin permeability test demonstrated that MXD
      NLCs had a more pronounced permeation and retention profile than MXD-SLNs.
      Furthermore, no erythema was observed after administration of MXD-NLCs. All these
      results indicated that the developed MXD-NLCs could be a promising and effective
      nanocarrier for topical delivery of MXD.

PMID- 27120091
TI  - Advances in Pretransplant Donor-Specific Antibody Testing in Solid Organ
      Transplantation: From Bench to Bedside.
AB  - Immunological risk stratification has a central role in determining both the
      feasibility of solid organ transplantation and the type (and amount) of induction
      and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. Currently there is poor consensus on
      how to exactly estimate the global immunological risk, and most transplant
      centers adopt complicated internal guidelines for risk stratification. Here we
      systematically review published evidences that should drive appropriateness in
      risk stratification, focusing on donor-specific antibodies against HLA and other
      antigens.

PMID- 27120093
TI  - Singlet Halophenylcarbenes as Strong Hydrogen-Bond Acceptors.
AB  - Chlorophenylcarbene and fluorophenylcarbene were generated in water-doped argon
      matrices at cryogenic temperatures by photolysis of the corresponding matrix
      isolated diazirines. When diffusion of H2O in solid argon was induced by
      annealing of the matrices at temperatures above 20 K, hydrogen-bonded complexes
      between the carbenes and water were formed. UV photolysis of these complexes
      resulted in the formation of benzaldehyde and hydrogen halides HX. The same
      products were obtained after photolysis of the diazirines in amorphous water ice.
      Obviously, the primary insertion product of the carbenes into H-OH is unstable
      under these conditions, and benzaldehyde is formed via secondary photolysis. The
      stable primary photochemical insertion product of chlorophenylcarbene into an O-H
      bond was observed in the reaction of the carbene with methanol. 

PMID- 27120092
TI  - No Evidence for Disease History as a Risk Factor for Narcolepsy after
      A(H1N1)pdm09 Vaccination.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate disease history before A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination as a
      risk factor for narcolepsy. METHODS: Case-control study in Sweden. Cases included
      persons referred for a Multiple Sleep Latency Test between 2009 and 2010,
      identified through diagnostic sleep centres and confirmed through independent
      review of medical charts. Controls, selected from the total population register,
      were matched to cases on age, gender, MSLT-referral date and county of residence.
      Disease history (prescriptions and diagnoses) and vaccination history was
      collected through telephone interviews and population-based healthcare registers.
      Conditional logistic regression was used to investigate disease history before
      A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination as a risk-factor for narcolepsy. RESULTS: In total, 72
      narcolepsy cases and 251 controls were included (range 3-69 years mean19-years).
      Risk of narcolepsy was increased in individuals with a disease history of nervous
      system disorders (OR range = 3.6-8.8) and mental and behavioural disorders (OR =
      3.8, 95% CI 1.6-8.8) before referral. In a second analysis of vaccinated
      individuals only, nearly all initial associations were no longer statistically
      significant and effect sizes were smaller (OR range = 1.3-2.6). A significant
      effect for antibiotics (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8) and a marginally significant
      effect for nervous system disorders was observed. In a third case-only analysis,
      comparing cases referred before vaccination to those referred after;
      prescriptions for nervous system disorders (OR = 26.0 95% CI 4.0-170.2) and ADHD
      (OR = 35.3 95% CI 3.4-369.9) were statistically significant during the
      vaccination period, suggesting initial associations were due to confounding by
      indication. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study do not support disease history
      before A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccination as a risk factor for narcolepsy.

PMID- 27120094
TI  - Picky eating: Associations with child eating characteristics and food intake.
AB  - Food rejection behaviors such as picky eating are of concern for many parents and
      attempts to increase healthy food intake can cause distress at mealtimes. An
      important limitation in most of the picky eating studies is that they cover few
      characteristics of picky eating behaviors and use limited measures of food
      intake. The objective of this study was to explore the associations between picky
      eating, child eating characteristics, and food intake among toddlers 12-47.9
      months old (n = 2371) using data from the 2008 Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study
      (FITS). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between demographic
      and feeding characteristics and picky eater status. Differences in food group
      intake between picky and non-picky eaters were analyzed. Picky eaters were more
      likely to be neophobic, texture resistant, and to eat only favorite foods, In
      addition, the parents of picky eaters tend to offer new food a greater number of
      times than those of non-picky eaters before deciding that the child does not like
      it. Picky eaters showed significant lower intakes of eggs,
      burritos/tacos/enchiladas/nachos and sandwiches than non-picky eaters. Picky
      eaters consumed fewer vegetables from the "other vegetables" category and less
      raw vegetables than non-picky eaters. Neophobia, eating only favorite foods and
      difficulties with texture are all important characteristics of picky eaters which
      need to be integrated in studies measuring picky eating behaviors. Food intake of
      picky eaters differs only slightly from non-picky eaters. Because picky eating is
      a major parental concern, feeding strategies and advice related to the relevant
      characteristics of picky eating behavior need to be developed and assessed for
      their effectiveness.

PMID- 27120095
TI  - The role of expectations in the effect of food cue exposure on intake.
AB  - Pre-exposure to food cues has often been shown to increase food intake,
      especially in restrained eaters. This study investigated the role of expectations
      in the effect of such pre-exposure on food intake. A sample of 88 undergraduate
      women was exposed to visual food cues (photos of grapes and chocolate-chip
      cookies). In a 2 * 2 * 2 design, participants were explicitly told to expect that
      they would be tasting and rating either grapes or chocolate-chip cookies.
      Participants subsequently completed an ostensible taste test, in which they
      tasted and rated either grapes or cookies, such that half were given the food
      that they had been led to expect and the other half were given the other food.
      Participants' restraint status (restrained versus unrestrained) was based on
      their scores on the Revised Restraint Scale (Herman & Polivy, 1980). A
      significant interaction between expected food and restraint status was found.
      When participants were led to expect that they would be tasting grapes,
      restrained and unrestrained eaters did not differ in their subsequent consumption
      (of either grapes or cookies). However, when participants were led to expect that
      they would be tasting cookies, restrained eaters ate significantly less (of both
      grapes and cookies) than did unrestrained eaters, even though craving ratings
      were similarly elevated for both restrained and unrestrained eaters. The findings
      are consistent with counteractive control theory in that restrained eaters who
      expected to eat a high caloric food may have been able to activate their dieting
      goal, thereby limiting their food intake. The findings further point to an
      important role for expectations in the understanding and regulation of food
      intake in restrained eaters.

PMID- 27120096
TI  - Erectile Dysfunction in Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome:
      Outcomes from a Multi-Center Study and Risk Factor Analysis in a Single Center.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction
      (ED) in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)
      and explore the influence of UPOINT domains, National Institutes of Health-CP
      symptom index (NIH-CPSI) and other factors on ED prevalence. This was a
      prospective study of consecutive patients with CP/CPPS seen at 11 tertiary
      hospitals during January-July 2014. ED was diagnosed as a score of<21 on the
      International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Patients from one center were
      evaluated by the UPOINT system and NIH-CPSI. Each patient was assessed using
      clinical examination, asocio-demographic questionnaire, the Patient Health
      Questionnaire (PHQ), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), NIH-CPSI and IIEF
      5.1406 patients from 11 centers (mean age, 32.18 years; range 18-60 years) were
      enrolled. ED was found in 638/1406 patients (45.4%), and was categorized as mild
      in 291(45.6%), moderate in 297(46.6%) and severe in50(7.7%). 192 patients from
      one center(mean age,31.3 years; range 18-57 years) were further studied.IIEF-5
      score correlated negatively with NIH-CPSI(r = 0.251), PHQ (r = 0.355) and PCS (r
      = 0.322)scores (P<0.001).PHQ score correlated positively with NIH-CPSI (r =
      0.586) and PCS(r = 0.662) scores (P<0.001).NIH-CPSI, PHQ, PCS and IIEF-5 scores
      did not differ significantly between class IIIA and IIIB CP/CPPS. Multivariate
      logistic regression showed that UPOINT psychological (P) domain and NIH-CPSI
      symptom severity were independent risk factors for ED in CP/CPPS. It is concluded
      that psychological factors and symptom severity are independent risk factors for
      ED in CP/CPPS.

PMID- 27120097
TI  - An Investigation of the Immediate Effect of Static Stretching on the Morphology
      and Stiffness of Achilles Tendon in Dominant and Non-Dominant Legs.
AB  - AIMS: This study was undertaken to investigate the immediate effect of static
      stretching on normal Achilles tendon morphology and stiffness, and the different
      effect on dominant and non-dominant legs; and to evaluate inter-operator and
      intra-operator reliability of using shear-wave elastography in measuring Achilles
      tendon stiffness. METHODS: 20 healthy subjects (13 males, 7 females) were
      included in the study. Thickness, cross-sectional area and stiffness of Achilles
      tendons in both legs were measured before and after 5-min static stretching using
      grey-scale ultrasound and shear-wave elastography. Inter-operator and intra
      operator reliability of tendon stiffness measurements of six operators were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Result showed that there was no significant change in the
      thickness and cross-sectional area of Achilles tendon after static stretching in
      both dominant and non-dominant legs (p > 0.05). Tendon stiffness showed a
      significant increase in non-dominant leg (p < 0.05) but not in dominant leg (p >
      0.05). The inter-operator reliability of shear-wave elastography measurements was
      0.749 and the intra-operator reliability ranged from 0.751 to 0.941. CONCLUSION:
      Shear-wave elastography is a useful and non-invasive imaging tool to assess the
      immediate stiffness change of Achilles tendon in response to static stretching
      with high intra-operator and inter-operator reliability.

PMID- 27120098
TI  - Exfoliated MoS2 in Water without Additives.
AB  - Many solution processing methods of exfoliation of layered materials have been
      studied during the last few years; most of them are based on organic solvents or
      rely on surfactants and other funtionalization agents. Pure water should be an
      ideal solvent, however, it is generally believed, based on solubility theories
      that stable dispersions of water could not be achieved and systematic studies are
      lacking. Here we describe the use of water as a solvent and the stabilization
      process involved therein. We introduce an exfoliation method of molybdenum
      disulfide (MoS2) in pure water at high concentration (i.e., 0.14 +/- 0.01 g L-1).
      This was achieved by thinning the bulk MoS2 by mechanical exfoliation between
      sand papers and dispersing it by liquid exfoliation through probe sonication in
      water. We observed thin MoS2 nanosheets in water characterized by TEM, AFM and
      SEM images. The dimensions of the nanosheets were around 200 nm, the same range
      obtained in organic solvents. Electrophoretic mobility measurements indicated
      that electrical charges may be responsible for the stabilization of the
      dispersions. A probability decay equation was proposed to compare the stability
      of these dispersions with the ones reported in the literature. Water can be used
      as a solvent to disperse nanosheets and although the stability of the dispersions
      may not be as high as in organic solvents, the present method could be employed
      for a number of applications where the dispersions can be produced on site and
      organic solvents are not desirable.

PMID- 27120099
TI  - Evolution of the Epidural Treatment of Sciatica Provides Excellent Historic
      Review with Incomplete Modern Evidence.

PMID- 27120100
TI  - Comparative Phylogeography Reveals Cryptic Diversity and Repeated Patterns of
      Cladogenesis for Amphibians and Reptiles in Northwestern Ecuador.
AB  - Comparative phylogeography allow us to understand how shared historical
      circumstances have shaped the formation of lineages, by examining a broad
      spectrum of co-distributed populations of different taxa. However, these types of
      studies are scarce in the Neotropics, a region that is characterized by high
      diversity, complex geology, and poorly understood biogeography. Here, we
      investigate the diversification patterns of five lineages of amphibians and
      reptiles, co-distributed across the Choco and Andes ecoregions in northwestern
      Ecuador. Mitochondrial DNA and occurrence records were used to determine the
      degree of geographic genetic divergence within species. Our results highlight
      congruent patterns of parapatric speciation and common geographical barriers for
      distantly related taxa. These comparisons indicate similar biological and
      demographic characteristics for the included clades, and reveal the existence of
      two new species of Pristimantis previously subsumed under P. walkeri, which we
      describe herein. Our data supports the hypothesis that widely distributed Chocoan
      taxa may generally experience their greatest opportunities for isolation and
      parapatric speciation across thermal elevational gradients. Finally, our study
      provides critical information to predict which unstudied lineages may harbor
      cryptic diversity, and how geology and climate are likely to have shaped their
      evolutionary history.

PMID- 27120101
TI  - Wafer-Scale and Wrinkle-Free Epitaxial Growth of Single-Orientated Multilayer
      Hexagonal Boron Nitride on Sapphire.
AB  - Large-scale growth of high-quality hexagonal boron nitride has been a challenge
      in two-dimensional-material-based electronics. Herein, we present wafer-scale and
      wrinkle-free epitaxial growth of multilayer hexagonal boron nitride on a sapphire
      substrate by using high-temperature and low-pressure chemical vapor deposition.
      Microscopic and spectroscopic investigations and theoretical calculations reveal
      that synthesized hexagonal boron nitride has a single rotational orientation with
      AA' stacking order. A facile method for transferring hexagonal boron nitride onto
      other target substrates was developed, which provides the opportunity for using
      hexagonal boron nitride as a substrate in practical electronic circuits. A
      graphene field effect transistor fabricated on our hexagonal boron nitride sheets
      shows clear quantum oscillation and highly improved carrier mobility because the
      ultraflatness of the hexagonal boron nitride surface can reduce the substrate
      induced degradation of the carrier mobility of two-dimensional materials.

PMID- 27120102
TI  - Sleep quantity and quality is not compromised during planned burn shifts of less
      than 12 h.
AB  - Planned burning is a preventative strategy aimed at decreasing fuel loads to
      reduce the severity of future wildfire events. During planned burn operations,
      firefighters can work long shifts. Furthermore, remote burning locations may
      require firefighters to sleep away from home between shifts. The existing
      evidence surrounding firefighters' sleep during such operations is exclusively
      anecdotal. The aims of the study were to describe firefighters' sleep during
      planned burn operations and evaluate the impact of the key operational factors
      (shift start time, shift length and sleeping location) that may contribute to
      inadequate sleep. Thirty-three salaried firefighters were recruited from
      Australia's fire agencies and sleep was measured objectively using wrist
      actigraphy for four weeks. All variables were examined in two conditions: (1)
      burn days, and (2) non-burn days. Time in bed, total sleep time, sleep latency
      and sleep efficiency were evaluated objectively. Subjective reports of pre- and
      post-sleep fatigue, sleep location, sleep quality, sleep quantity, number of
      times woken and sleep timing were also recorded. Analyses revealed no differences
      in measures of sleep quantity and quality when comparing non-burn and burn days.
      Total sleep time was less when planned burn shifts were >12 h. However, on burn
      days, work shift start time as well as sleeping location did not impact
      firefighters' sleep quantity. Self-reported levels of pre- and post-sleep fatigue
      were greater on burn days compared to non-burn days. These findings indicate that
      sleep quantity and quality are not compromised during planned burn operations <12
      h in duration. 

PMID- 27120104
TI  - Highlights in migraine electrophysiology: are controversies just reflecting
      disease heterogeneity?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In migraine, the brain is 'hyperresponsive', which refers to a
      deficit of habituation to repeated sensory stimuli between attacks. This deficit
      normalizes in peri-ictal and ictal phases. A decreased cortical preactivation of
      thalamo-cortical origin and an impaired intracortical inhibition are probably
      involved in its pathophysiology. RECENT FINDINGS: The reality of a habituation
      deficit of visual evoked potentials, a neurophysiological 'hallmark' of
      interictal migraine, has been questioned. Blinding may be an issue, but some
      genetic, environmental, or behavioural differences could also exist between
      populations. A habituation deficit is found interictally in other sensory
      modalities, and strongly depends on the time of the recordings within the
      migraine cycle. An impaired thalamocortical drive is demonstrated in interictal
      phase, and normalizes in ictal phase as well as in chronic migraine, where a
      strength enhancement of primary cortical activation is observed. An interictal
      dysexcitability, of subcortical or primary cortical origin, is suggested by
      magnetic stimulation. These phenomena could occur in varying degrees depending on
      patients and on the migraine cycle, and account for the heterogeneity of
      electrophysiological results. SUMMARY: Finding a reliable electrophysiological
      biomarker for such a multifaceted and cycling disease as migraine is still a
      challenge. A better standardization of protocols would be worthwhile.

PMID- 27120103
TI  - The Role of Psychoeducation in Trauma Recovery: Recommendations for Content and
      Delivery.
AB  - Providing trauma psychoeducation remains a highly popular intervention despite
      the fact that little remains known about how effective such information provision
      is for improving participant outcomes. In this article the author outlines
      recommendations that can be identified from available research on how to provide
      psychoeducation for trauma recovery. The author also describes suggested content
      areas and material to include in this psychoeducation, highlighting the
      importance of conducting trauma psychoeducation in a culturally-sensitive, human
      centered, and relationship-focused manner which emphasizes the value of building
      resiliency in response to trauma. 

PMID- 27120106
TI  - Infant formula with galacto-oligosaccharides (OM55N) stimulates the growth of
      indigenous bifidobacteria in healthy term infants.
AB  - The objective of the study was to investigate whether an infant formula
      supplemented with galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS; OM55N) was able to stimulate the
      growth of indigenous bifidobacteria and to establish microbiota similar to that
      of breastfed infants. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was
      performed using 35 healthy term infants (31-54 days of age; 42+/-6 days) to
      determine whether infant formula with 0.3 g/dl GOS (OM55N) stimulated the growth
      of bifidobacteria in the infants' guts. At the trial onset and 2 weeks after, the
      infants' faecal samples were examined for microbiota composition (bacterial
      abundance and alpha-diversity) and faecal characteristics. Among the 35 infants,
      5 were withdrawn and 8 were excluded from the final evaluation before breaking
      the blinding since the indigenous bifidobacteria were not detected at the trial
      onset. After 2 weeks, the abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae was significantly
      increased in the GOS feeding group compared to the control (+11.6+/-24.1% vs 
      3.9+/-13.0%; P=0.043). The Shannon index, which accounts for both abundance and
      evenness of the present species, was significantly decreased with GOS
      supplementation (-0.1+/-0.4 vs +0.4+/-0.4; P=0.014). Faecal characteristics such
      as pH and organic acids were similar in both groups, with no statistical
      differences. No adverse side effects related to the formula consumption were
      reported. Although the concentration of GOS was relatively low, the infant
      formula with GOS increased the abundance of bifidobacteria and resulted in a
      reduced alpha-diversity of the microbiota. 

PMID- 27120107
TI  - Evaluation of Stump Pressure in Three Types of Appendectomy: Harmonic Scalpel,
      LigaSure, and Conventional Technique.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Appendectomy is one of the most common operations
      carried out by general surgeons. The recent introduction of the alternative
      energy-based devices in surgery and their use in the laparoscopic appendectomy
      shortened the duration of operations, but these devices are used generally for
      meso dissection. These devices did not receive wide acceptance among surgeons as
      there is not enough evidence confirming their use in appendicular lumen
      operations. Our objective in this study was to test the safety of three types of
      appendectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four cases with right hemicolectomy
      or subtotal colectomy were enrolled into this study. The patients were
      distributed in three groups. After the colectomy specimen was removed, in Group 1
      conventional appendectomy (it was dissected with mesoappendiceal fixation and
      with electro cauterization) was performed in the operating room, the appendicular
      stump was ligated with a silk suture; in Group 2 appendectomy was performed with
      LigaSureTM and the stump was closed also with LigaSure; in Group 3 appendectomy
      was performed with Harmonic ScalpelTM and the stump was closed also with Harmonic
      Scalpel. Stump opening pressures were measured in all patients in the groups.
      RESULTS: Three groups were compared in terms of age, gender, concomitant
      diseases, clinical diagnosis, previous operations, pathological findings, and
      applied maximum pressure levels. No statistical difference was detected among the
      groups. CONCLUSION: Appendectomies carried out with LigaSure and Harmonic Scalpel
      are as safe as appendectomies carried out with the conventional methods.

PMID- 27120108
TI  - Multiple sclerosis and risk of attempted and completed suicide - a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are known to have
      an elevated suicide risk, but attempted suicide is incompletely investigated. The
      relation between education level and suicidality has not been investigated in MS
      patients. Our objective was to estimate attempted suicide and completed suicide
      risks amongst MS patients. METHODS: A total of 29 617 Swedish MS patients were
      identified through the Swedish Patient Register and matched with 296 164 people
      without MS from the general population. Cox regression analysis estimated hazard
      ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of MS with
      attempted and completed suicide, with adjustment for age, sex, education and
      calendar period. RESULTS: The adjusted HR for attempted suicide amongst MS
      patients is 2.18 (95% CI 1.97-2.43) compared with the general population cohort.
      For completed suicide the HR is 1.87 (95% CI 1.53-2.30). In both groups women are
      at higher risk of attempting suicide, whilst men are at higher risk of completing
      suicide. Education level is inversely associated with completed suicide amongst
      the non-MS cohort (0.68, 0.51-0.91), but not amongst MS patients (1.10, 0.60
      2.04). CONCLUSION: Multiple sclerosis patients are at higher risk of both
      attempted and completed suicide. No evidence was found of an inverse association
      between educational level and risk of completed suicide amongst MS patients.

PMID- 27120109
TI  - Genetic enhancement of limb defects in a mouse model of Cornelia de Lange
      syndrome.
AB  - Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is characterized by a wide variety of
      structural and functional abnormalities in almost every organ system of the body.
      CdLS is now known to be caused by mutations that disrupt the function of the
      cohesin complex or its regulators, and studies of animal models and cell lines
      tell us that the effect of these mutations is to produce subtle yet pervasive
      dysregulation of gene expression. With many hundreds of mostly small gene
      expression changes occurring in every cell type and tissue, identifying the
      etiology of any particular birth defect is very challenging. Here we focus on
      limb abnormalities, which are commonly seen in CdLS. In the limb buds of the
      Nipbl-haploinsufficient mouse (Nipbl(+/-) mouse), a model for the most common
      form of CdLS, modest gene expression changes are observed in several candidate
      pathways whose disruption is known to cause limb abnormalities, yet the limbs of
      Nipbl(+/-) mice develop relatively normally. We hypothesized that further
      impairment of candidate pathways might produce limb defects similar to those seen
      in CdLS, and performed genetic experiments to test this. Focusing on Sonic
      hedgehog (Shh), Bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp), and Hox gene pathways, we show
      that decreasing Bmp or Hox function (but not Shh function) enhances polydactyly
      in Nipbl(+/-) mice, and in some cases produces novel skeletal phenotypes.
      However, frank limb reductions, as are seen in a subset of individuals with CdLS,
      do not occur, suggesting that additional signaling and/or gene regulatory
      pathways are involved in producing such dramatic changes. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27120110
TI  - Lipid dynamics in zebrafish embryonic development observed by DESI-MS imaging and
      nanoelectrospray-MS.
AB  - The zebrafish Danio rerio is a model vertebrate organism for understanding
      biological mechanisms. Recent studies have explored using zebrafish as a model
      for lipid-related diseases, for in vivo fish bioassays, and for embryonic
      toxicity experiments. Mass spectrometry (MS) and MS imaging are established tools
      for lipid profiling and spatial mapping of biomolecules and offer rapid,
      sensitive, and simple analytical protocols for zebrafish analysis. When ambient
      ionization techniques are used, ions are generated in native environmental
      conditions, requiring neither sample preparation nor separation of molecules
      prior to MS. We used two direct MS techniques to describe the dynamics of the
      lipid profile during zebrafish embryonic development from 0 to 96 hours post
      fertilization and to explore these analytical approaches as molecular diagnostic
      assays. Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) MS imaging followed by
      nanoelectrospray (nESI) MS and tandem MS (MS/MS) were used in positive and
      negative ion modes, allowing the detection of a large variety of
      phosphatidylglycerols, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylinositols, free fatty
      acids, triacylglycerols, ubiquinone, squalene, and other lipids, and revealed
      information on the spatial distributions of lipids within the embryo and on lipid
      molecular structure. Differences were observed in the relative ion abundances of
      free fatty acids, triacylglycerols, and ubiquinone - essentially localized to the
      yolk - across developmental stages, whereas no relevant differences were found in
      the distribution of complex membrane glycerophospholipids, indicating conserved
      lipid constitution. Embryos exposed to trichloroethylene for 72 hours exhibited
      an altered lipid profile, indicating the potential utility of this technique for
      testing the effects of environmental contaminants.

PMID- 27120111
TI  - Review: Mechanochemistry of the kinesin-1 ATPase.
AB  - Kinesins are P-loop NTPases that can do mechanical work. Like small G-proteins,
      to which they are related, kinesins execute a program of active site
      conformational changes that cleaves the terminal phosphate from an NTP substrate.
      But unlike small G-proteins, kinesins can amplify and harness these
      conformational changes in order to exert force. In this short review I summarize
      current ideas about how the kinesin active site works and outline how the active
      site chemistry is coupled to the larger-scale structural cycle of the kinesin
      motor domain. Focusing largely on kinesin-1, the best-studied kinesin, I discuss
      how the active site switch machinery of kinesin cycles between three distinct
      states, how docking of the neck linker stabilizes two of these states, and how
      tension-sensitive and position-sensitive neck linker docking may modulate both
      the hydrolysis step of ATP turnover and the trapping of product ADP in the active
      site. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 476-482, 2016. 

PMID- 27120112
TI  - Crystal Structure of Human E-Cadherin-EC1EC2 in Complex with a Peptidomimetic
      Competitive Inhibitor of Cadherin Homophilic Interaction.
AB  - Cadherins are transmembrane cell adhesion proteins whose aberrant expression
      often correlates with cancer development and proliferation. We report the crystal
      structure of an E-cadherin extracellular fragment in complex with a
      peptidomimetic compound that was previously shown to partially inhibit cadherin
      homophilic adhesion. The structure reveals an unexpected binding mode and allows
      the identification of a druggable cadherin interface, thus paving the way to a
      future structure-guided design of cell adhesion inhibitors against cadherin
      expressing solid tumors.

PMID- 27120113
TI  - A Hyper-Heuristic Ensemble Method for Static Job-Shop Scheduling.
AB  - We describe a new hyper-heuristic method NELLI-GP for solving job-shop scheduling
      problems (JSSP) that evolves an ensemble of heuristics. The ensemble adopts a
      divide-and-conquer approach in which each heuristic solves a unique subset of the
      instance set considered. NELLI-GP extends an existing ensemble method called
      NELLI by introducing a novel heuristic generator that evolves heuristics composed
      of linear sequences of dispatching rules: each rule is represented using a tree
      structure and is itself evolved. Following a training period, the ensemble is
      shown to outperform both existing dispatching rules and a standard genetic
      programming algorithm on a large set of new test instances. In addition, it
      obtains superior results on a set of 210 benchmark problems from the literature
      when compared to two state-of-the-art hyper-heuristic approaches. Further
      analysis of the relationship between heuristics in the evolved ensemble and the
      instances each solves provides new insights into features that might describe
      similar instances.

PMID- 27120114
TI  - Gray Box Optimization for Mk Landscapes (NK Landscapes and MAX-kSAT).
AB  - This article investigates Gray Box Optimization for pseudo-Boolean optimization
      problems composed of M subfunctions, where each subfunction accepts at most k
      variables. We will refer to these as Mk Landscapes. In Gray Box Optimization, the
      optimizer is given access to the set of M subfunctions. We prove Gray Box
      Optimization can efficiently compute hyperplane averages to solve non-deceptive
      problems in [Formula: see text] time. Bounded separable problems are also solved
      in [Formula: see text] time. As a result, Gray Box Optimization is able to solve
      many commonly used problems from the evolutional computation literature in
      [Formula: see text] evaluations. We also introduce a more general class of Mk
      Landscapes that can be solved using dynamic programming and discuss properties of
      these functions. For certain type of problems Gray Box Optimization makes it
      possible to enumerate all local optima faster than brute force methods. We also
      provide evidence that randomly generated test problems are far less structured
      than those found in real-world problems. 

PMID- 27120115
TI  - Sexually Experienced Adolescents' Thoughts About Sexual Pleasure.
AB  - Little research on adolescents has examined developmentally normative facets of
      sexuality that are not obviously linked to physical health. The purpose of this
      secondary data analysis was to qualitatively analyze adolescents' thoughts about
      and experiences with sexual pleasure. The study sample consisted of 56 sexually
      experienced, ethnically diverse, predominantly female adolescents who were
      participating in a Web-based intervention to promote healthy sexual decision
      making. Comments on one message board, "Sexual Pleasure: Does It Matter to You?,"
      provided an opportunity to examine adolescents' thoughts about and experiences
      with sexual pleasure, as well as their communication with partners about that
      topic. Adolescents' comments demonstrated that they experience difficulties with
      pleasure in their sexual relationships. Adolescents generally believed that men
      are more likely than women to feel pleasure due to differences that include
      biology, understanding of one's body, and control over partnered sexual behavior.
      Adolescents defined inequality of received pleasure differently and discussed
      contexts in which inequality may be acceptable. Adolescents expressed motivation
      to communicate with partners about sexual pleasure. However, their statements
      suggested they often lack the skills to do so. Future prevention and intervention
      programs should equip adolescents with skills to communicate with partners about
      sexual pleasure.

PMID- 27120116
TI  - Vitelliform dystrophies: Prevalence in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitelliform dystrophies are a group of macular degenerative diseases
      characterized by round yellow lesions in the macula. While often idiopathic,
      vitelliform dystrophies include inherited maculopathies such as Best disease and
      some cases of pattern dystrophy. The prevalence of vitelliform dystrophies in the
      United States has not been reported. This study examined the prevalence of
      vitelliform dystrophies in Olmsted County, Minnesota. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      Rochester Epidemiology Project database was used to identify all cases of
      vitelliform or pattern dystrophy in Olmsted County from 1 January 2000-31
      December 2014. RESULTS: Overall, 27 patients had true vitelliform lesions,
      indicating a prevalence of 1 in 5500. Of these, two had genetically confirmed
      Best disease, and an additional five to seven carried a diagnosis of Best
      disease, which chart reviews confirmed as probable cases; 18-20 patients had
      adult-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy. The prevalence of Best disease was 1
      in 16,500 to 1 in 21,000. Adult-onset vitelliform macular dystrophy was found in
      1 in 7400 to 1 in 8200. CONCLUSIONS: Vitelliform dystrophies affect 1 in 5500
      individuals in Olmsted County. While the values in this study provide good
      estimates for the prevalence of Best disease versus adult-onset vitelliform
      macular dystrophy, the results are limited by dependence on diagnoses made by
      other ophthalmologists and underutilization of genetic testing. Thus, these
      diseases should be thought of as at least as prevalent as reported here. As
      therapies for Best disease and other macular degenerative diseases are quickly
      becoming a reality, genetic testing should be employed as the gold standard for
      diagnosis of these diseases.

PMID- 27120117
TI  - Inhibitory RNA Aptamers of Tau Oligomerization and Their Neuroprotective Roles
      against Proteotoxic Stress.
AB  - Tau is a cytosolic protein that functions in the assembly and stabilization of
      axonal microtubule networks. Its oligomerization may be the rate-limiting step of
      insoluble aggregate formation, which is a neuropathological hallmark of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) and a number of other tauopathies. Recent evidence
      indicates that soluble tau oligomers are the toxic species for tau-mediated
      pathology during AD progression. Herein, we describe novel RNA aptamers that
      target human tau and were identified through an in vitro selection process. These
      aptamers significantly inhibited the oligomerization propensity of tau both in
      vitro and in cultured cell models of tauopathy without affecting the half-life of
      tau. Tauopathy model cells treated with the aptamers were less sensitized to
      proteotoxic stress induced by tau overexpression. Moreover, the tau aptamers
      significantly alleviated synthetic tau oligomer-mediated neurotoxicity and
      dendritic spine loss in primary hippocampal neurons. Thus, our study demonstrates
      that delaying tau assembly with RNA aptamers is an effective strategy for
      protecting cells under various neurodegenerative stresses originating from
      pathogenic tau oligomerization.

PMID- 27120119
TI  - We Send Thrombosed AV Accesses to the Operating Room.
AB  - A thrombosed dialysis access can be declotted either through an open surgical
      procedure or a percutaneous one. In choosing how the access should be managed, a
      nephrologist should balance the experience and outcomes of local providers to
      ensure the efficient and safe salvage of the vascular access. Percutaneous
      procedures often offer less disruption to the schedule of the patient and
      dialysis clinic, give more information about the central vasculature, are less
      invasive, and ultimately are preferred. Nephrologist should encourage local
      vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists to become proficient in these
      procedures to avoid unnecessary open cases.

PMID- 27120120
TI  - Gastric Outlet Obstruction.

PMID- 27120118
TI  - Protein synthetic machinery and mRNA in regenerating tips of spinal cord axons in
      lamprey.
AB  - Polyribosomes, mRNA, and other elements of translational machinery have been
      reported in peripheral nerves and in elongating injured axons of sensory neurons
      in vitro, primarily in growth cones. Evidence for involvement of local protein
      synthesis in regenerating central nervous system (CNS) axons is less extensive.
      We monitored regeneration of back-labeled lamprey spinal axons after spinal cord
      transection and detected mRNA in axon tips by in situ hybridization and
      microaspiration of their axoplasm. Poly(A)+mRNA was present in the axon tips, and
      was more abundant in actively regenerating tips than in static or retracting
      ones. Target-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization
      revealed plentiful mRNA for the low molecular neurofilament subunit and beta
      tubulin, but very little for beta-actin, consistent with the morphology of their
      tips, which lack filopodia and lamellipodia. Electron microscopy showed
      ribosomes/polyribosomes in the distal parts of axon tips and in association with
      vesicle-like membranes, primarily in the tip. In one instance, there were
      structures with the appearance of rough endoplasmic reticulum.
      Immunohistochemistry showed patches of ribosomal protein S6 positivity in a
      similar distribution. The results suggest that local protein synthesis might be
      involved in the mechanism of axon regeneration in the lamprey spinal cord. J.
      Comp. Neurol. 524:3614-3640, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27120127
TI  - Mutations in GAS8, a Gene Encoding a Nexin-Dynein Regulatory Complex Subunit,
      Cause Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia with Axonemal Disorganization.
AB  - Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized
      by chronic respiratory infections of the upper and lower airways, hypofertility,
      and, in approximately half of the cases, situs inversus. This complex phenotype
      results from defects in motile cilia and sperm flagella. Among the numerous genes
      involved in PCD, very few-including CCDC39 and CCDC40-carry mutations that lead
      to a disorganization of ciliary axonemes with microtubule misalignment. Focusing
      on this particular phenotype, we identified bi-allelic loss-of-function mutations
      in GAS8, a gene that encodes a subunit of the nexin-dynein regulatory complex (N
      DRC) orthologous to DRC4 of the flagellated alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
      Unlike the majority of PCD patients, individuals with GAS8 mutations have motile
      cilia, which, as documented by high-speed videomicroscopy, display a subtle
      beating pattern defect characterized by slightly reduced bending amplitude.
      Immunofluorescence studies performed on patients' respiratory cilia revealed that
      GAS8 is not required for the proper expression of CCDC39 and CCDC40. Rather,
      mutations in GAS8 affect the subcellular localization of another N-DRC subunit
      called DRC3. Overall, this study, which identifies GAS8 as a PCD gene, unveils
      the key importance of the corresponding protein in N-DRC integrity and in the
      proper alignment of axonemal microtubules in humans.

PMID- 27120128
TI  - Ansalactams B-D Illustrate Further Biosynthetic Plasticity within the Ansamycin
      Pathway.
AB  - Further chemical investigation of a marine-derived bacterium of the genus
      Streptomyces has led to the isolation of ansalactams B-D (1-3) along with the
      previously reported metabolite ansalactam A (4). Ansalactams B-D are
      significantly modified ansamycins, representing three new carbon skeletons and
      further illustrating the biosynthetic plasticity of the ansalactam class. Unlike
      ansalactam A, ansalactams B and D are penta- and hexacyclic metabolites, while
      ansalactam C illustrates an open polyene chain with a terminal carboxylic acid.

PMID- 27120129
TI  - Prediction of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome complicating acute myocardial
      infarction on the basis of comorbidities on admission.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can be complicated by multiple
      organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), but the exact influence of MODS on AMI remains
      unclear. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 6674 Chinese patients with
      AMI. The impact of MODS was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model.
      Using the occurrence of MODS as the outcome, a prediction model was developed
      using the factors identified by logistic regression analysis and analyzed using
      receiving operator characteristic curves. RESULTS: Of 6674 patients with AMI, 83
      (1.2%) progressed to MODS. MODS independently predicted the risk of 30-day in
      hospital mortality [hazard ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.7-3.2;
      P<0.001]. Advanced age [odds ratio (OR), 2.76; 95% CI, 1.26-6.03; P=0.011 for age
      65-74 years; OR, 4.85; 95% CI, 2.96-7.93; P<0.001 for age >=75 years), pneumonia
      (OR, 4.27; 95% CI, 2.68-6.81; P<0.001), and chronic renal failure (OR, 2.09; 95%
      CI, 1.09-4.01; P=0.027) were associated independently with MODS. The area under
      the receiving operator characteristic curve for the predictive model was 0.802,
      indicating a good predictive value. CONCLUSION: MODS can predict the worst
      severity of AMI. Using common clinical variables, it is possible to identify
      patients with AMI who are at high risk of MODS. Additional studies are necessary
      to confirm this model.

PMID- 27120130
TI  - Testicular microlithiasis: Correlation with doppler sonography of testicular
      arteries and sperm function.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of testicular microlithiasis and its
      correlation with Doppler parameters of testicular arteries and sperm function.
      METHODS: Reports of 1,200 consecutive scrotal sonographic examinations performed
      at our hospital were reviewed. Patients diagnosed with testicular microlithiasis
      were recalled for detailed scrotal sonographic examination, including Doppler
      sonography and sperm function. The same examinations were performed in an age
      matched control group and the findings compared. RESULTS: Testicular
      microlithiasis was found in 64 cases (5.3%). Doppler sonography showed mean
      resistance index, Vmax, and Vmin of 61.1 +/- 9.3%, 18.2 +/- 4.7 cm/s, and 7.7 +/-
      2.3 cm/s, respectively, in the testicular microlithiasis group versus 62.4 +/-
      10.4%, 18.4 +/- 5.7 cm/s, and 7.3 +/- 2.4 cm/s, respectively, in the control
      group (p = 0.49, 0.84 and 0.35, respectively). Sperm function tests demonstrated
      sperm count, motility, and normal morphology (normal oval head) of 29.6 +/- 20.4
      * 10(6) /mL, 35.3 +/- 16.2%, and 44.4 +/- 12%, respectively, in patients with
      testicular microlithiasis versus 54.3 +/- 22.4 * 10(6) /mL, 50.2% +/- 14.4%, and
      66.4 +/- 11.6% in control subjects (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of
      testicular microlithiasis of 5.3% in Jordanian patients is similar to what has
      been reported in the literature. Testicular microlithiasis does not have a
      significant effect on Doppler parameters of testicular arteries. The apparent
      impairment of sperm function in patients with testicular microlithiasis warrants
      further studies. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 44:474-479,
      2016.

PMID- 27120131
TI  - Highly Crystalline Nanoparticle Suspensions for Low-Temperature Processing of
      TiO2 Thin Films.
AB  - In this work, we present preparation and stabilization methods for highly
      crystalline TiO2 nanoparticle suspensions for the successful deposition of
      transparent, photocatalytically active TiO2 thin films toward the degradation of
      organic pollutants by a low temperature deposition method. A proof-of-concept is
      provided wherein stable, aqueous TiO2 suspensions are deposited on glass
      substrates. Even if the processing temperature is lowered to 150-200  degrees C,
      the subsequent heat treatment provides transparent and photocatalytically active
      titania thin layers. Because all precursor solutions are water-based, this method
      provides an energy-efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly synthesis
      route. The high load in crystalline titania particles obtained after microwave
      heating opens up the possibility to produce thin coatings by low temperature
      processing, as a conventional crystallization procedure is in this case
      superfluous. The impact of the precursor chemistry in Ti(4+)-peroxo solutions,
      containing imino-diacetic acid as a complexing ligand and different bases to
      promote complexation was studied as a function of pH, reaction time and
      temperature. The nanocrystal formation was followed in terms of colloidal
      stability, crystallinity and particle size. Combined data from Raman and infrared
      spectroscopy, confirmed that stable titanium precursors could be obtained at pH
      levels ranging from 2 to 11. A maximum amount of 50.7% crystallinity was
      achieved, which is one of the highest reported amounts of anatase nanoparticles
      that are suspendable in stable aqueous titania suspensions. Decoloring of
      methylene blue solutions by precipitated nanosized powders from the TiO2
      suspensions proves their photocatalytic properties toward degradation of organic
      materials, a key requisite for further processing. This synthesis method proves
      that the deposition of highly crystalline anatase suspensions is a valid route
      for the production of photocatalytically active, transparent films on heat
      sensitive substrates such as polymers.

PMID- 27120132
TI  - Atomic-scale characterization of the equilibrium beta phase in Mg-Nd-Y alloy by
      means of HAADF-STEM.
AB  - The beta phase in Mg-Nd-Y alloy, which forms during isothermal ageing, is proved
      to be Mg41 Nd5 by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) results as
      compositional evidence and by atomic-scaled high angle annular dark field
      scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) direct images from
      [001]beta , [111-]beta, and [3-11]beta as structural evidence. SCANNING 38:743
      746, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27120133
TI  - Flow-modulated targeted signal enhancement for volatile organic compounds.
AB  - Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography is a technique that is becoming
      more widespread within the analytical community, especially in the separation of
      complex mixtures. Modulation in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography
      can be achieved by manipulating temperature or flow and offers many advantages
      such as increased separation power, but one underutilized advantage is increased
      detectability due to the reduction of peak width from the use of a modulator. A
      flow modulator was used to selectively target analytes for increased
      detectability with a standard flame ionization detector operated at 100 Hz,
      without the need for cryogens or advanced modulation software. By the collection
      of the entire peak volume followed by peak transfer rather than further
      separation, an increase of 12 times in peak height and detectability was realized
      for the analytes tested using an internal loop modulator configuration. An
      external loop flow modulator configuration allowed for more volatile analytes
      (with k < 5), and demonstrated an analyte detectability enhancement factor of at
      least 6. The collection loop size can be readily increased with an external loop
      configuration to accommodate for these naturally broader peaks. This novel flow
      modulated targeted signal enhancement approach was applied to industrially
      significant analyses like the analysis of methanol in a hydrocarbon streams.
      Methanol was detected at 7 ppb with a conventional flame ionization detector and
      without the need for pre-concentration. 

PMID- 27120134
TI  - Fundamentals and Catalytic Applications of CeO2-Based Materials.
AB  - Cerium dioxide (CeO2, ceria) is becoming an ubiquitous constituent in catalytic
      systems for a variety of applications. 2016 sees the 40(th) anniversary since
      ceria was first employed by Ford Motor Company as an oxygen storage component in
      car converters, to become in the years since its inception an irreplaceable
      component in three-way catalysts (TWCs). Apart from this well-established use,
      ceria is looming as a catalyst component for a wide range of catalytic
      applications. For some of these, such as fuel cells, CeO2-based materials have
      almost reached the market stage, while for some other catalytic reactions, such
      as reforming processes, photocatalysis, water-gas shift reaction, thermochemical
      water splitting, and organic reactions, ceria is emerging as a unique material,
      holding great promise for future market breakthroughs. While much knowledge about
      the fundamental characteristics of CeO2-based materials has already been
      acquired, new characterization techniques and powerful theoretical methods are
      deepening our understanding of these materials, helping us to predict their
      behavior and application potential. This review has a wide view on all those
      aspects related to ceria which promise to produce an important impact on our
      life, encompassing fundamental knowledge of CeO2 and its properties,
      characterization toolbox, emerging features, theoretical studies, and all the
      catalytic applications, organized by their degree of establishment on the market.

PMID- 27120135
TI  - How Do Light and Intermittent Smokers Differ from Heavy Smokers in Young
      Adulthood: The Role of Smoking Restraint Strategies.
AB  - Light and intermittent smoking has become a prevalent pattern of use among young
      adults. Little is known about which factors differentiate light and intermittent
      smokers (LITS) from heavy smokers (HS) in young adulthood. In this study, we
      compare young adult LITS with HS with regard to demographic- and smoking-related
      variables, self-control abilities, and concrete strategies of smoking restraint.
      The data were collected as part of an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) study
      with 137 German young adult smokers (M Age = 21.1 years, 46.0% female; 76 HS
      [>=10 cigarettes/day] and 61 LITS [<=5 cigarettes/day]). Participants were
      recruited over the Internet and completed a baseline questionnaire online.
      Several variables differentiated LITS and HS in a multiple logistic regression
      analysis: LITS reported fewer smoking friends (p < .001) and a higher self
      efficacy to resist smoking (p < .01). Further, LITS smoking status was associated
      with reporting a past quit attempt (p < .05) and the use of smoking restraint
      strategies (counting, limiting, and purposefully not smoking cigarettes; p <
      .05). Notably, nicotine dependence and trait self-control abilities did not
      differentiate between LITS and HS. Our results point to the role of smoking
      restraint strategies and self-monitoring of smoking to limit the daily number of
      cigarettes smoked.

PMID- 27120136
TI  - Trabeculectomy With Moorfields Conjunctival Closure Technique Offers Safety
      Without Astigmatism Induction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety profile and possible change in corneal
      astigmatism following trabeculectomy with a fornix-based conjunctival flap which
      is closed with 4 corneal groove-embedded sutures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients
      scheduled for a primary trabeculectomy were included in this single center,
      prospective trial between February and April 2013. Refractive status was assessed
      with an automated refractokeratometer preoperatively and at months 1, 3, 6, and
      18 postoperatively, together with clinical assessment of intraocular pressure,
      visual acuity, postoperative complications, and medication use. Preoperative and
      postoperative variables were compared using paired samples t tests and vector
      analysis for corneal astigmatism change was performed. RESULTS: Forty-four eyes
      of 44 patients were included. Vector analysis showed a transient significant with
      the-rule shift in astigmatism without influence on spherical equivalent. Visual
      acuity was transiently reduced in the first month but recovered to preoperative
      values with no need to change optical correction. Two patients developed
      postoperative wound leakage, which was successfully treated with a bandage
      corneoscleral contact lens. CONCLUSIONS: Trabeculectomy with a fornix-based
      conjunctival flap closed by 4 corneal groove-embedded sutures results in a low
      complication rate. This safe suturing technique induces a transient shift of with
      the-rule astigmatism, reverting to the preoperative values within 3 months of
      surgery. Adjustments to refractive correction are recommended to be postponed
      until after this period.

PMID- 27120137
TI  - Tuning the Protein-Induced Absorption Shifts of Retinal in Engineered Rhodopsin
      Mimics.
AB  - Rational design of light-capturing properties requires understanding the
      molecular and electronic structure of chromophores in their native chemical or
      biological environment. We employ here large-scale quantum chemical calculations
      to study the light-capturing properties of retinal in recently designed human
      cellular retinol binding protein II (hCRBPII) variants (Wang et al. Science,
      2012, 338, 1340-1343). Our calculations show that these proteins absorb across a
      large part of the visible spectrum by combined polarization and electrostatic
      effects. These effects stabilize the ground or excited state energy levels of the
      retinal by perturbing the Schiff-base or beta-ionone moieties of the chromophore,
      which in turn modulates the amount of charge transfer within the molecule. Based
      on the predicted tuning principles, we design putative in silico mutations that
      further shift the absorption properties of retinal in hCRBPII towards the
      ultraviolet and infrared regions of the spectrum.

PMID- 27120138
TI  - Conversion of Xylose to Furfuryl Alcohol and 2-Methylfuran in a Continuous Fixed
      Bed Reactor.
AB  - An efficient process was designed for the synthesis of furfuryl alcohol and 2
      methylfuran from xylose using a continuous fixed-bed reactor over a catalyst
      combining Hbeta zeolite and Cu/ZnO/Al2 O3 in gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)/water as
      solvent. The cooperative effect of Hbeta zeolite and GBL facilitated the
      dehydration of xylose and enhanced largely the furfural yield. The production of
      furfuryl alcohol and 2-methylfuran can be simply tuned by changing the
      hydrogenation temperature for furfural over the Cu/ZnO/Al2 O3 catalyst. The yield
      for furfuryl alcohol reached 87.2 % at 150  degrees C whereas a yield of 86.8 %
      was achieved for 2-methylfuran at 190  degrees C.

PMID- 27120139
TI  - Unusual presentation: Concurrent IgA deficiency and idiopathic pulmonary
      hemosiderosis.
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare disorder that should be
      considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with hemoptysis, recurrent
      alveolar hemorrhage, dyspnea and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The frequent
      association of autoimmune disorders with IPH and a favorable response to steroids
      suggest the presence of an underlying immune disorder. Here we present a case of
      a patient with cough, fever, and cyanosis who was also diagnosed with IPH and
      concurrent selective immunoglobulin A deficiency. This presentation is a unique
      presentation because of the co-occurrence of these two disorders. Pediatr
      Pulmonol. 2016;51:E34-E36. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27120154
TI  - New Frontiers in Language Evolution and Development.
AB  - This article introduces the Special Issue and its focus on research in language
      evolution with emphasis on theory as well as computational and robotic modeling.
      A key theme is based on the growth of evolutionary developmental biology or evo
      devo. The Special Issue consists of 13 articles organized in two sections: A)
      Theoretical foundations and B) Modeling and simulation studies. All the papers
      are interdisciplinary in nature, encompassing work in biological and linguistic
      foundations for the study of language evolution as well as a variety of
      computational and robotic modeling efforts shedding light on how language may be
      developed and may have evolved.

PMID- 27120155
TI  - Distinguishing immunoglobulin G4-related disease from its pancreatobiliary
      mimics: Are we there now?

PMID- 27120156
TI  - A single injection of anti-HIV-1 antibodies protects against repeated SHIV
      challenges.
AB  - Despite the success of potent anti-retroviral drugs in controlling human
      immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, little progress has been made in
      generating an effective HIV-1 vaccine. Although passive transfer of anti-HIV-1
      broadly neutralizing antibodies can protect mice or macaques against a single
      high-dose challenge with HIV or simian/human (SIV/HIV) chimaeric viruses (SHIVs)
      respectively, the long-term efficacy of a passive antibody transfer approach for
      HIV-1 has not been examined. Here we show, on the basis of the relatively long
      term protection conferred by hepatitis A immune globulin, the efficacy of a
      single injection (20 mg kg(-1)) of four anti-HIV-1-neutralizing monoclonal
      antibodies (VRC01, VRC01-LS, 3BNC117, and 10-1074 (refs 9 - 12)) in blocking
      repeated weekly low-dose virus challenges of the clade B SHIVAD8. Compared with
      control animals, which required two to six challenges (median = 3) for infection,
      a single broadly neutralizing antibody infusion prevented virus acquisition for
      up to 23 weekly challenges. This effect depended on antibody potency and half
      life. The highest levels of plasma-neutralizing activity and, correspondingly,
      the longest protection were found in monkeys administered the more potent
      antibodies 3BNC117 and 10-1074 (median = 13 and 12.5 weeks, respectively). VRC01,
      which showed lower plasma-neutralizing activity, protected for a shorter time
      (median = 8 weeks). The introduction of a mutation that extends antibody half
      life into the crystallizable fragment (Fc) domain of VRC01 increased median
      protection from 8 to 14.5 weeks. If administered to populations at high risk of
      HIV-1 transmission, such an immunoprophylaxis regimen could have a major impact
      on virus transmission.

PMID- 27120158
TI  - Iron(III)-catalysed carbonyl-olefin metathesis.
AB  - The olefin metathesis reaction of two unsaturated substrates is one of the most
      powerful carbon-carbon-bond-forming reactions in organic chemistry. Specifically,
      the catalytic olefin metathesis reaction has led to profound developments in the
      synthesis of molecules relevant to the petroleum, materials, agricultural and
      pharmaceutical industries. These reactions are characterized by their use of
      discrete metal alkylidene catalysts that operate via a well-established
      mechanism. While the corresponding carbonyl-olefin metathesis reaction can also
      be used to construct carbon-carbon bonds, currently available methods are scarce
      and severely hampered by either harsh reaction conditions or the required use of
      stoichiometric transition metals as reagents. To date, no general protocol for
      catalytic carbonyl-olefin metathesis has been reported. Here we demonstrate a
      catalytic carbonyl-olefin ring-closing metathesis reaction that uses iron, an
      Earth-abundant and environmentally benign transition metal, as a catalyst. This
      transformation accommodates a variety of substrates and is distinguished by its
      operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, high functional-group
      tolerance, and amenability to gram-scale synthesis. We anticipate that these
      characteristics, coupled with the efficiency of this reaction, will allow for
      further advances in areas that have historically been enhanced by olefin
      metathesis.

PMID- 27120159
TI  - Resolved atomic lines reveal outflows in two ultraluminous X-ray sources.
AB  - Ultraluminous X-ray sources are extragalactic, off-nucleus, point sources in
      galaxies, and have X-ray luminosities in excess of 3 * 10(39) ergs per second.
      They are thought to be powered by accretion onto a compact object. Possible
      explanations include accretion onto neutron stars with strong magnetic fields,
      onto stellar-mass black holes (of up to 20 solar masses) at or in excess of the
      classical Eddington limit, or onto intermediate-mass black holes (10(3)-10(5)
      solar masses). The lack of sufficient energy resolution in previous analyses has
      prevented an unambiguous identification of any emission or absorption lines in
      the X-ray band, thereby precluding a detailed analysis of the accretion flow.
      Here we report the presence of X-ray emission lines arising from highly ionized
      iron, oxygen and neon with a cumulative significance in excess of five standard
      deviations, together with blueshifted (about 0.2 times light velocity) absorption
      lines of similar significance, in the high-resolution X-ray spectra of the
      ultraluminous X-ray sources NGC 1313 X-1 and NGC 5408 X-1. The blueshifted
      absorption lines must occur in a fast-outflowing gas, whereas the emission lines
      originate in slow-moving gas around the source. We conclude that the compact
      object in each source is surrounded by powerful winds with an outflow velocity of
      about 0.2 times that of light, as predicted by models of accreting supermassive
      black holes and hyper-accreting stellar-mass black holes. 

PMID- 27120157
TI  - Molecular mechanism of APC/C activation by mitotic phosphorylation.
AB  - In eukaryotes, the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C, also known as the
      cyclosome) regulates the ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of specific cell-cycle
      proteins to coordinate chromosome segregation in mitosis and entry into the G1
      phase. The catalytic activity of the APC/C and its ability to specify the
      destruction of particular proteins at different phases of the cell cycle are
      controlled by its interaction with two structurally related coactivator subunits,
      Cdc20 and Cdh1. Coactivators recognize substrate degrons, and enhance the
      affinity of the APC/C for its cognate E2 (refs 4-6). During mitosis, cyclin
      dependent kinase (Cdk) and polo-like kinase (Plk) control Cdc20- and Cdh1
      mediated activation of the APC/C. Hyperphosphorylation of APC/C subunits, notably
      Apc1 and Apc3, is required for Cdc20 to activate the APC/C, whereas
      phosphorylation of Cdh1 prevents its association with the APC/C. Since both
      coactivators associate with the APC/C through their common C-box and Ile-Arg tail
      motifs, the mechanism underlying this differential regulation is unclear, as is
      the role of specific APC/C phosphorylation sites. Here, using cryo-electron
      microscopy and biochemical analysis, we define the molecular basis of how
      phosphorylation of human APC/C allows for its control by Cdc20. An auto
      inhibitory segment of Apc1 acts as a molecular switch that in apo
      unphosphorylated APC/C interacts with the C-box binding site and obstructs
      engagement of Cdc20. Phosphorylation of the auto-inhibitory segment displaces it
      from the C-box-binding site. Efficient phosphorylation of the auto-inhibitory
      segment, and thus relief of auto-inhibition, requires the recruitment of Cdk
      cyclin in complex with a Cdk regulatory subunit (Cks) to a hyperphosphorylated
      loop of Apc3. We also find that the small-molecule inhibitor, tosyl-l-arginine
      methyl ester, preferentially suppresses APC/C(Cdc20) rather than APC/C(Cdh1), and
      interacts with the binding sites of both the C-box and Ile-Arg tail motifs. Our
      results reveal the mechanism for the regulation of mitotic APC/C by
      phosphorylation and provide a rationale for the development of selective
      inhibitors of this state.

PMID- 27120160
TI  - Efficient introduction of specific homozygous and heterozygous mutations using
      CRISPR/Cas9.
AB  - The bacterial CRISPR/Cas9 system allows sequence-specific gene editing in many
      organisms and holds promise as a tool to generate models of human diseases, for
      example, in human pluripotent stem cells. CRISPR/Cas9 introduces targeted double
      stranded breaks (DSBs) with high efficiency, which are typically repaired by non
      homologous end-joining (NHEJ) resulting in nonspecific insertions, deletions or
      other mutations (indels). DSBs may also be repaired by homology-directed repair
      (HDR) using a DNA repair template, such as an introduced single-stranded oligo
      DNA nucleotide (ssODN), allowing knock-in of specific mutations. Although
      CRISPR/Cas9 is used extensively to engineer gene knockouts through NHEJ, editing
      by HDR remains inefficient and can be corrupted by additional indels, preventing
      its widespread use for modelling genetic disorders through introducing disease
      associated mutations. Furthermore, targeted mutational knock-in at single alleles
      to model diseases caused by heterozygous mutations has not been reported. Here we
      describe a CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing framework that allows selective
      introduction of mono- and bi-allelic sequence changes with high efficiency and
      accuracy. We show that HDR accuracy is increased dramatically by incorporating
      silent CRISPR/Cas-blocking mutations along with pathogenic mutations, and
      establish a method termed 'CORRECT' for scarless genome editing. By
      characterizing and exploiting a stereotyped inverse relationship between a
      mutation's incorporation rate and its distance to the DSB, we achieve predictable
      control of zygosity. Homozygous introduction requires a guide RNA targeting close
      to the intended mutation, whereas heterozygous introduction can be accomplished
      by distance-dependent suboptimal mutation incorporation or by use of mixed repair
      templates. Using this approach, we generated human induced pluripotent stem cells
      with heterozygous and homozygous dominant early onset Alzheimer's disease-causing
      mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP(Swe)) and presenilin 1 (PSEN1(M146V))
      and derived cortical neurons, which displayed genotype-dependent disease
      associated phenotypes. Our findings enable efficient introduction of specific
      sequence changes with CRISPR/Cas9, facilitating study of human disease. 

PMID- 27120161
TI  - Kidney organoids from human iPS cells contain multiple lineages and model human
      nephrogenesis.

PMID- 27120162
TI  - Topology of ON and OFF inputs in visual cortex enables an invariant columnar
      architecture.
AB  - Circuits in the visual cortex integrate the information derived from separate ON
      (light-responsive) and OFF (dark-responsive) pathways to construct orderly
      columnar representations of stimulus orientation and visual space. How this
      transformation is achieved to meet the specific topographic constraints of each
      representation remains unclear. Here we report several novel features of ON-OFF
      convergence visualized by mapping the receptive fields of layer 2/3 neurons in
      the tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) visual cortex using two-photon imaging of
      GCaMP6 calcium signals. We show that the spatially separate ON and OFF subfields
      of simple cells in layer 2/3 exhibit topologically distinct relationships with
      the maps of visual space and orientation preference. The centres of OFF subfields
      for neurons in a given region of cortex are confined to a compact region of
      visual space and display a smooth visuotopic progression. By contrast, the
      centres of the ON subfields are distributed over a wider region of visual space,
      display substantial visuotopic scatter, and have an orientation-specific
      displacement consistent with orientation preference map structure. As a result,
      cortical columns exhibit an invariant aggregate receptive field structure: an OFF
      dominated central region flanked by ON-dominated subfields. This distinct
      arrangement of ON and OFF inputs enables continuity in the mapping of both
      orientation and visual space and the generation of a columnar map of absolute
      spatial phase. 

PMID- 27120163
TI  - FGF8 and SHH substitute for anterior-posterior tissue interactions to induce limb
      regeneration.
AB  - In salamanders, grafting of a left limb blastema onto a right limb stump yields
      regeneration of three limbs, the normal limb and two 'supernumerary' limbs. This
      experiment and other research have shown that the juxtaposition of anterior and
      posterior limb tissue plus innervation are necessary and sufficient to induce
      complete limb regeneration in salamanders. However, the cellular and molecular
      basis of the requirement for anterior-posterior tissue interactions were unknown.
      Here we have clarified the molecular basis of the requirement for both anterior
      and posterior tissue during limb regeneration and supernumerary limb formation in
      axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum). We show that the two tissues provide
      complementary cross-inductive signals that are required for limb outgrowth. A
      blastema composed solely of anterior tissue normally regresses rather than
      forming a limb, but activation of hedgehog (HH) signalling was sufficient to
      drive regeneration of an anterior blastema to completion owing to its ability to
      maintain fibroblast growth factor (FGF) expression, the key signalling activity
      responsible for blastema outgrowth. In blastemas composed solely of posterior
      tissue, HH signalling was not sufficient to drive regeneration; however, ectopic
      expression of FGF8 together with endogenous HH signalling was sufficient. In
      axolotls, FGF8 is expressed only in the anterior mesenchyme and maintenance of
      its expression depends on sonic hedgehog (SHH) signalling from posterior tissue.
      Together, our findings identify key anteriorly and posteriorly localized signals
      that promote limb regeneration and show that these single factors are sufficient
      to drive non-regenerating blastemas to complete regeneration with full
      elaboration of skeletal elements. 

PMID- 27120164
TI  - Principles underlying sensory map topography in primary visual cortex.
AB  - The primary visual cortex contains a detailed map of the visual scene, which is
      represented according to multiple stimulus dimensions including spatial location,
      ocular dominance and stimulus orientation. The maps for spatial location and
      ocular dominance arise from the spatial arrangement of thalamic afferent axons in
      the cortex. However, the origins of the other maps remain unclear. Here we show
      that the cortical maps for orientation, direction and retinal disparity in the
      cat (Felis catus) are all strongly related to the organization of the map for
      spatial location of light (ON) and dark (OFF) stimuli, an organization that we
      show is OFF-dominated, OFF-centric and runs orthogonal to ocular dominance
      columns. Because this ON-OFF organization originates from the clustering of ON
      and OFF thalamic afferents in the visual cortex, we conclude that all main
      features of visual cortical topography, including orientation, direction and
      retinal disparity, follow a common organizing principle that arranges thalamic
      axons with similar retinotopy and ON-OFF polarity in neighbouring cortical
      regions. 

PMID- 27120165
TI  - Immunology: Mum's microbes boost baby's immunity.

PMID- 27120166
TI  - Bioengineering: Evolved to overcome Bt-toxin resistance.

PMID- 27120168
TI  - Regeneration: Limb regrowth takes two.

PMID- 27120167
TI  - Continuous evolution of Bacillus thuringiensis toxins overcomes insect
      resistance.
AB  - The Bacillus thuringiensis delta-endotoxins (Bt toxins) are widely used
      insecticidal proteins in engineered crops that provide agricultural, economic,
      and environmental benefits. The development of insect resistance to Bt toxins
      endangers their long-term effectiveness. Here we have developed a phage-assisted
      continuous evolution selection that rapidly evolves high-affinity protein-protein
      interactions, and applied this system to evolve variants of the Bt toxin Cry1Ac
      that bind a cadherin-like receptor from the insect pest Trichoplusia ni (TnCAD)
      that is not natively bound by wild-type Cry1Ac. The resulting evolved Cry1Ac
      variants bind TnCAD with high affinity (dissociation constant Kd = 11-41 nM),
      kill TnCAD-expressing insect cells that are not susceptible to wild-type Cry1Ac,
      and kill Cry1Ac-resistant T. ni insects up to 335-fold more potently than wild
      type Cry1Ac. Our findings establish that the evolution of Bt toxins with novel
      insect cell receptor affinity can overcome insect Bt toxin resistance and confer
      lethality approaching that of the wild-type Bt toxin against non-resistant
      insects. 

PMID- 27120170
TI  - In vitro volatile organic compound profiling using GC*GC-TOFMS to differentiate
      bacteria associated with lung infections: a proof-of-concept study.
AB  - Chronic pulmonary infections are the principal cause of morbidity and mortality
      in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). Due to the polymicrobial nature of
      these infections, the identification of the particular bacterial species
      responsible is an essential step in diagnosis and treatment. Current diagnostic
      procedures are time-consuming, and can also be expensive, invasive and unpleasant
      in the absence of spontaneously expectorated sputum. The development of a rapid,
      non-invasive methodology capable of diagnosing and monitoring early bacterial
      infection is desired. Future visions of real-time, in situ diagnosis via exhaled
      breath testing rely on the differentiation of bacteria based on their volatile
      metabolites. The objective of this proof-of-concept study was to investigate
      whether a range of CF-associated bacterial species (i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
      Burkholderia cenocepacia, Haemophilus influenzae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia,
      Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus milleri) could be differentiated based
      on their in vitro volatile metabolomic profiles. Headspace samples were collected
      using solid phase microextraction (SPME), analyzed using comprehensive two
      dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC*GC-TOFMS) and
      evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA) in order to assess the
      multivariate structure of the data. Although it was not possible to effectively
      differentiate all six bacteria using this method, the results revealed that the
      presence of a particular pattern of VOCs (rather than a single VOC biomarker) is
      necessary for bacterial species identification. The particular pattern of VOCs
      was found to be dependent upon the bacterial growth phase (e.g. logarithmic
      versus stationary) and sample storage conditions (e.g. short-term versus long
      term storage at  -18  degrees C). Future studies of CF-associated bacteria and
      exhaled breath condensate will benefit from the approaches presented in this
      study and further facilitate the production of diagnostic tools for the early
      detection of bacterial lung infections. 

PMID- 27120171
TI  - Problems, Pitfalls and Encouraging Information on Patients with Diabetes and
      Heart Failure.

PMID- 27120169
TI  - Susceptibility tensor imaging (STI) of the brain.
AB  - Susceptibility tensor imaging (STI) is a recently developed MRI technique that
      allows quantitative determination of orientation-independent magnetic
      susceptibility parameters from the dependence of gradient echo signal phase on
      the orientation of biological tissues with respect to the main magnetic field. By
      modeling the magnetic susceptibility of each voxel as a symmetric rank-2 tensor,
      individual magnetic susceptibility tensor elements as well as the mean magnetic
      susceptibility and magnetic susceptibility anisotropy can be determined for brain
      tissues that would still show orientation dependence after conventional scalar
      based quantitative susceptibility mapping to remove such dependence. Similar to
      diffusion tensor imaging, STI allows mapping of brain white matter fiber
      orientations and reconstruction of 3D white matter pathways using the principal
      eigenvectors of the susceptibility tensor. In contrast to diffusion anisotropy,
      the main determinant factor of the susceptibility anisotropy in brain white
      matter is myelin. Another unique feature of the susceptibility anisotropy of
      white matter is its sensitivity to gadolinium-based contrast agents.
      Mechanistically, MRI-observed susceptibility anisotropy is mainly attributed to
      the highly ordered lipid molecules in the myelin sheath. STI provides a
      consistent interpretation of the dependence of phase and susceptibility on
      orientation at multiple scales. This article reviews the key experimental
      findings and physical theories that led to the development of STI, its practical
      implementations, and its applications for brain research. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27120172
TI  - Single center experience of aortic bypass graft for aortic arch obstruction in
      children.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to access the outcomes of aortic bypass graft
      placement in children. This is a retrospective review of all children having
      aortic bypass graft placement for aortic arch obstruction for the first time
      between 1982 and 2013 at a single institution. The actuarial survival and the
      freedom from aortic arch reoperation were calculated and compared between the
      groups. Seventy consecutive children underwent aortic bypass graft placements.
      The median age and body weight at the operation were 14 days and 3.6 kg. There
      were 7 early deaths, 6 late deaths, and 7 heart transplants during the median
      follow-up of 10.8 years (0.0-31.5 years). The actuarial transplant free survival
      was 64.7 % at 20 years and the freedom from aortic arch reoperation was 50.5 % at
      10 years. Between the children younger than 1 year old and older than 1 year old,
      there were significant differences in actuarial transplant free survival (56.4
      vs. 100 % at 15 years, p = 0.0042) and in the freedom from aortic arch
      reoperation (18.7 vs. 100 % at 10 years, p < 0.001). The children who received
      aortic bypass graft larger than 16 mm in size had no aortic arch reoperation at
      15 years. The aortic bypass graft placement for aortic arch obstruction can be
      done with low mortality and morbidity for children who can receive bypass graft
      larger than 16 mm in size. However, it should be avoided for the neonates and
      infants except selected situations.

PMID- 27120173
TI  - Outcomes of plasma exchange for severe dilated cardiomyopathy in children.
AB  - Antimyocardial autoantibodies are a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
      Immunoabsorption therapy for eliminating autoantibodies can improve cardiac
      function in adult DCM. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
      indication and efficacy of plasma exchange in children with DCM and their
      outcomes. We performed a single-center, retrospective study in children with DCM
      who had received plasma exchange (PE). Six patients in various degrees of heart
      failure (three patients in acute exacerbation phase, one patient in early phase,
      and two patients in chronic phase) received PE. The effects of first PE were that
      the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and New York Heart Association
      (NYHA) functional class were transiently increased in five of six patients (83 %)
      and in four of five patients (80 %), respectively. The median duration of
      improved cardiac function after first PE was 8 months. PE was performed a total
      of two times in two patients and three times in one patient. The effect of
      repeated PE was attenuated when compared with first PE. Improved LVEF and NYHA
      functional class were observed in two of four courses (50 %) and in one of four
      courses (25 %), respectively. The median duration of improved cardiac function
      was 1 month. PE can transiently improve cardiac function and clinical symptoms of
      DCM in children. PE may be an additional therapeutic option in children with
      refractory DCM. However, PE should only be considered as a bridge to ventricular
      assist device implantation or heart transplantation.

PMID- 27120174
TI  - Inter-Hospital Variability of Postoperative Pain after Tonsillectomy: Prospective
      Registry-Based Multicentre Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although tonsillectomy is one of the most frequent and painful
      surgeries, the association between baseline and process parameters and
      postoperative pain are not fully understood. METHODS: A multicentre prospective
      cohort study using a web-based registry enrolled 1,527 women and 1,008 men aged 4
      to 85 years from 52 German hospitals between 2006 and 2015. Maximal pain (MP)
      score the first day after surgery on a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 (no
      pain) to 10 (MP) was the main outcome parameter. RESULTS: The mean maximal pain
      score was 5.8+/-2.2 (median 6). Multivariable analysis revealed that female
      gender (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12 to 1.56; p =
      0.001), age <20 years (OR = 1.56; CI = 1.27 to 1.91; p<0.0001), no pain
      counselling (OR = 1.78; CI = 1.370 to 2.316; p<0.001), chronic pain (OR = 1.34;
      CI = 1.107 to 1.64; p = 0.004), and receiving opioids in recovery room (OR =
      1.89; CI = 1.55 to 2.325; p<0.001) or on ward (OR = 1.79; CI = 1.42 to 2.27;
      p<0.001) were independently associated with higher experienced maximal
      postoperative pain (greater the median of 6). The effect of age on pain was not
      linear. Maximal pain increased in underage patients to a peak at the age of 18 to
      20 years. From the age of >=20 years on, maximal pain after tonsillectomy
      continuously decreased. Even after adjustment to all statistically important
      baseline and process parameters, there was substantial variability of maximal
      pain between hospitals with a heterogeneity variance of 0.31. CONCLUSION: Many
      patients seem to receive insufficient or ineffective analgesia after
      tonsillectomy. Further research should address if populations at risk of higher
      postoperative pain such as females, younger patients or those with preexisting
      pain might profit from a special pain management protocol. Beyond classical
      demographical and process parameters the large variability between different
      hospitals is striking and indicates the existence of other unknown factors
      influencing postoperative pain after tonsillectomy.

PMID- 27120175
TI  - Potency of extracts from selected Egyptian plants as inducers of the Nrf2
      dependent chemopreventive enzyme NQO1.
AB  - Medicinal plants from the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula are widely used in traditional
      Bedouin medicine to treat a range of conditions including cancer, and as such are
      a promising resource for novel anti-cancer compounds. To achieve scientific
      justification of traditional use and/or to recommend the use of those plants as
      medicinal herbs for cancer chemoprevention, a group of 11 Sinai plants of
      different species that belong to 3 families (Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and
      Euphorbiaceae) were biologically screened for cancer preventive activity using
      the chemoprevention marker enzyme NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Among
      the fractions assayed, a solvent extract from Pulicaria incisa had potent NQO1
      inducing activity. Further analysis of the mechanism of induction revealed the
      concentration-dependent stabilization of the transcription factor NF-E2 p45
      related factor 2 (Nrf2) and a coordinate upregulation of the Nrf2-dependent
      enzymes NQO1, heme oxygenase 1 and glutathione S-transferase-Pi. These results
      establish P. incisa as a promising target for future phytochemical
      characterization for cancer preventive components.

PMID- 27120176
TI  - The cytotoxic and tyrosine kinase inhibitory properties of C21 steroids and
      iridoids from the tubers of Alocasia cucullata.
AB  - Ten steroids and iridoids were isolated from the tubers of Alocasia cucullata
      (Lour.) G. Don. Among them, alocasgenin A (1) and alocasgenoside B-C (2-3) were
      new compounds and the aglycone of compound 1, obtained from the acid hydrolysis
      of 1, was named alocasgenol (1a). Also, for the first time, tenacigenin B (4),
      17beta-tenacigenin-B (5), 3-O-6-deoxy-3-O-methyl-beta-D-allopyranosyl-(1->4)-beta
      D-oleandropyranosyl-tenacigenin C (6), marsdenoside A-B (7-8) and tenacigenoside
      A-B (9-10) were isolated from the genus Alocasia. The chemical structures were
      elucidated by the extensive analysis of spectral data and compared with the
      literature. By evaluation of the cytotoxic and tyrosine kinase inhibition,
      compounds 1-10, 1a and compound 2 showed significant growth inhibition against
      two tumour cell lines, MGC-803 and HT-29, while compounds 1, 1a, 3, 6 and 8
      presented moderate inhibition. Furthermore, compound 2 had the inhibitory
      property against the enzyme activity biochemically. 

PMID- 27120177
TI  - Population Pharmacokinetics of Prednisolone in Relation to Clinical Outcome in
      Children With Nephrotic Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relapse frequency in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) is
      highly variable despite standardized prednisolone treatment regimens. Existing
      evidence on the relationship between prednisolone pharmacokinetics (PK) and
      clinical response in children with NS is scarce and limited. The aim of this
      study was to develop a pediatric popPK model for prednisolone based on our
      previous model based on healthy adults using salivary measurements in children
      with NS and to correlate clinical outcome with between-subject variability in
      prednisolone exposure. METHODS: The pharmacokinetics of prednisolone in a well
      defined, prospective cohort consisting of 104 children with NS while in remission
      was determined. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed in relation to relapse
      patterns and side effects. Noninvasive salivary prednisolone measurements were
      performed using a sparse sampling strategy. A population pharmacokinetic approach
      was used to derive individual estimates of apparent clearance (CL/F) and apparent
      volume of distribution (V/F) from the salivary concentration-time curve, followed
      by calculation of the area under the curve (AUC) of free prednisolone. The
      individual free serum prednisolone exposure from prednisolone in saliva was
      derived from the salivary concentration-time curves. Genetic polymorphisms of
      CYP3A4, CYP3A5, ABCB1, NR1L2, and POR were explored in relation to between
      subject variability of CL/F. RESULTS: Moderate interindividual variability was
      found for CL/F (CV, 44.7%). Unexplained random between-subject variability (eta)
      of CL/F was lower in patients carrying 1 or 2 ABCB1 3435C>T alleles compared to
      wild type: median -0.04 (interquartile range, -0.17 to 0.21) and 0.00 (-0.11 to
      0.16) versus 0.17 (-0.08 to 0.47), P = 0.046. Exposure to free prednisolone was
      not associated with frequent relapses or adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      provides evidence for the possibility of prednisolone drug monitoring through
      salivary measurements and this may be of particular usefulness in pediatric
      patients. However, the observed variability in prednisolone exposure, in the
      therapeutic dose range studied, is not considered to be a major determinant of
      clinical outcome in children with NS.

PMID- 27120178
TI  - Comparison of Three Assays to Quantify Infliximab, Adalimumab, and Etanercept
      Serum Concentrations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To optimize treatment of inflammatory diseases, interest in the
      measurement of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFalpha) serum drug
      concentrations is increasing. Preferably, assays for the detection of these drugs
      should be compared using the same reference material. In this study, 2
      commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and a
      commercially available bioassay for the determination of anti-TNFalpha drugs are
      compared. METHODS: Serum samples from infliximab-, adalimumab-, and etanercept
      treated patients, control samples from ustekinumab-treated patients, and healthy
      donors were obtained. ELISAs manufactured by Sanquin and Theradiag and the iLite
      reporter gene-based bioassay from Biomonitor were compared. RESULTS: Sanquin,
      Theradiag, and iLite assays concordantly (100%) detected infliximab, adalimumab,
      and etanercept in the relevant patient groups. The Sanquin ELISAs specifically
      detected the anti-TNFalpha drug they were designed for, whereas the Theradiag and
      iLite showed cross-reactivity with other anti-TNFalpha drugs. Ustekinumab was not
      detected in any of the assays. Sanquin, Theradiag, and iLite exhibited linear
      quantitative correlation for all drug concentration assays. However, there were
      statistically significant quantitative differences in measured concentrations.
      CONCLUSIONS: All 3 commercially available assays seem suitable for therapeutic
      drug monitoring of anti-TNFalpha drugs, allowing sensitive and comparable
      detection of infliximab, adalimumab, and etanercept concentrations, however with
      differences in specificity and recovery.

PMID- 27120179
TI  - Novelty, Challenge, and Practice: The Impact of Intensive Language Learning on
      Attentional Functions.
AB  - We investigated the impact of a short intensive language course on attentional
      functions. We examined 33 participants of a one-week Scottish Gaelic course and
      compared them to 34 controls: 16 active controls who participated in courses of
      comparable duration and intensity but not involving foreign language learning and
      18 passive controls who followed their usual routines. Participants completed
      auditory tests of attentional inhibition and switching. There was no difference
      between the groups in any measures at the beginning of the course. At the end of
      the course, a significant improvement in attention switching was observed in the
      language group (p < .001) but not the control group (p = .127), independent of
      the age of participants (18-78 years). Half of the language participants (n = 17)
      were retested nine months after their course. All those who practiced Gaelic 5
      hours or more per week improved from their baseline performance. In contrast,
      those who practiced 4 hours or fewer showed an inconsistent pattern: some
      improved while others stayed the same or deteriorated. Our results suggest that
      even a short period of intensive language learning can modulate attentional
      functions and that all age groups can benefit from this effect. Moreover, these
      short-term effects can be maintained through continuous practice.

PMID- 27120180
TI  - A Retrospective Study of Patients with Psoriasis Treated with Biologics: Relation
      to Body Mass Index and Gender.

PMID- 27120181
TI  - Evaluation of Liver Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rabbits Using a Nanoscale
      Ultrasound Contrast Agent Targeting ICAM-1.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of ultrasound molecular imaging in the early
      diagnosis of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) using a nanoscale contrast
      agent targeting anti-intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (anti-ICAM-1). METHODS:
      The targeted nanobubbles containing anti-ICAM-1 antibody were prepared using the
      avidin-biotin binding method. Human hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HHSECs)
      were cultured at the circumstances of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and low
      temperature. The rabbit liver IRI model (I/R group) was established using the
      Pringle's maneuver. The time-intensity curve of the liver contrast
      ultrasonographic images was plotted and the peak intensity, time to peak, and
      time of duration were calculated. RESULTS: The size of the targeted nanobubbles
      were 148.15 +/- 39.75 nm and the concentration was 3.6-7.4 * 109/ml, and bound
      well with the H/R HHSECs. Animal contrast enhanced ultrasound images showed that
      the peak intensity and time of duration of the targeted nanobubbles were
      significantly higher than that of common nanobubbles in the I/R group, and the
      peak intensity and time of duration of the targeted nanobubbles in the I/R group
      were also significantly higher than that in the SO group. CONCLUSION: The
      targeted nanobubbles have small particle size, stable characteristic, and good
      targeting ability, which can assess hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury
      specifically, noninvasively, and quantitatively at the molecular level.

PMID- 27120182
TI  - Perispinal Delivery of CNS Drugs.
AB  - Perispinal injection is a novel emerging method of drug delivery to the central
      nervous system (CNS). Physiological barriers prevent macromolecules from
      efficiently penetrating into the CNS after systemic administration. Perispinal
      injection is designed to use the cerebrospinal venous system (CSVS) to enhance
      delivery of drugs to the CNS. It delivers a substance into the anatomic area
      posterior to the ligamentum flavum, an anatomic region drained by the external
      vertebral venous plexus (EVVP), a division of the CSVS. Blood within the EVVP
      communicates with the deeper venous plexuses of the CSVS. The anatomical basis
      for this method originates in the detailed studies of the CSVS published in 1819
      by the French anatomist Gilbert Breschet. By the turn of the century, Breschet's
      findings were nearly forgotten, until rediscovered by American anatomist Oscar
      Batson in 1940. Batson confirmed the unique, linear, bidirectional and retrograde
      flow of blood between the spinal and cerebral divisions of the CSVS, made
      possible by the absence of venous valves. Recently, additional supporting
      evidence was discovered in the publications of American neurologist Corning.
      Analysis suggests that Corning's famous first use of cocaine for spinal
      anesthesia in 1885 was in fact based on Breschet's anatomical findings, and
      accomplished by perispinal injection. The therapeutic potential of perispinal
      injection for CNS disorders is highlighted by the rapid neurological improvement
      in patients with otherwise intractable neuroinflammatory disorders that may ensue
      following perispinal etanercept administration. Perispinal delivery merits
      intense investigation as a new method of enhanced delivery of macromolecules to
      the CNS and related structures.

PMID- 27120183
TI  - Highly Sensitive Detection of Melamine Using a One-Step Sample Treatment Combined
      with a Portable Ag Nanostructure Array SERS Sensor.
AB  - There is an urgent need for rapid and reliable methods able to detect melamine in
      animal feed. In this study, a quick, simple, and sensitive method for the
      determination of melamine content in animal feed was developed using surface
      enhanced Raman spectroscopy on fabricated Ag nanorod (AgNR) array substrates with
      a one-step sample extraction procedure. The AgNR array substrates washed by HNO3
      solvent (10-7 M) and methanol and showed the good stability within 6 months. The
      Raman shift at ?nu = 682 cm-1 was used as the characteristic melamine peak in the
      calculations. Sufficient linearity was obtained in the 2-200 MUg.g-1 range (R2 =
      0.926). The limits of detection and quantification were 0.9 and 2 MUg.g-1,
      respectively. The recovery rates were 89.7-93.3%, with coefficients of variation
      below 2.02%. The method showed good accuracy compared with the tradition GC-MS
      analysis. This new protocol only need 2 min to fininsh the detection which could
      be developed for rapid onsite screening of melamine contamination in quality
      control and market surveillance applications.

PMID- 27120184
TI  - Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Benzylic Alkylation of Active Methylene Compounds
      with alpha-Naphthylbenzyl Carbonates and Pivalates.
AB  - A Pd/(R)-H8 -BINAP-catalyzed asymmetric benzylic alkylation of active methylene
      compounds has been developed. The reaction proceeds without the use of an
      external base, and the starting racemic diarylmethyl carbonates are converted
      into the optically active coupling products which contain the benzylic chiral
      stereocenter by a dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformation (DYKAT).
      Additionally, with suitable carbonates bases, the same palladium catalysis allows
      the corresponding pivalates to be adopted in the same DYKAT process.

PMID- 27120185
TI  - Emergence of reticuloendotheliosis virus in pigeons in Guangdong Province,
      Southern China.
AB  - Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), an important immunosuppressive pathogen, has
      many hosts, including chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and wild birds.
      Clinically, REV may lead to increased susceptibility to other pathogens,
      resulting in serious tissue damage (especially tumors) and the death of its host.
      In this study, we encountered a disease outbreak resulting in a large number of
      deaths of pigeons in Guangdong Province, Southern China. Histopathological
      analysis revealed apparent tumor-like lesions in multiple organs of pigeons. PCR
      assays for detection of tumor-associated pathogens (REV, avian leukosis virus,
      and Marek's disease virus) in poultry revealed the presence of REV sequences
      only. Moreover, fowlpox virus (FPV) with an insertion of REV long terminal repeat
      (LTR) sequences was also considered, but it was excluded using a specific PCR
      assay. To gain more genetic information, two full-length REV genome sequences
      were determined and found to have the highest nucleotide sequence similarity
      (99.9 %) and the closest genetic relationship to a vaccine strain (MD-2) and had
      a more distant genetic relationship (94.3 %) to a duck-origin strain (ATCC
      VR775). To confirm the presence of REVs in pigeons, specific-pathogen-free (SPF)
      chickens and healthy pigeons were inoculated with microfiltered tumor tissue
      homogenates and were found to be susceptible to infection with REV. To our
      knowledge, this is the first report of REV in pigeons, and the data suggest that
      pigeons may be the natural host of REV. 

PMID- 27120186
TI  - Variations in Training of Surgical Oncologists: Proposal for a Global Curriculum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The global cancer burden is predicted to rise significantly over the
      next few decades. While there are several barriers to providing optimal cancer
      care on the global stage, some are related to the absence of an adequately
      trained workforce. This could be attributed in part to the significant global
      variations in the training of surgical oncology professionals. There are
      currently no published data mapping the training pathways for surgical
      oncologists for all countries in the world. The aims of this descriptive article
      are to report on the training paradigms in surgical oncology for all countries in
      the world, and to correlate the influence of economic standing on these training
      paradigms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The training paradigms for all countries in the
      world were analyzed and categorized on the basis of the six World Health
      Organization geographic regions and economic standing stratified by the Human
      Development Index. RESULTS: Data on the training paradigms were obtained for 174
      countries from a total of 211 (82 %). We noted extremely significant and
      concerning variations in the length, availability and structure of training
      paradigms depending on the geographic region and economic standing. CONCLUSIONS:
      The results of our study demonstrated significant global variations in the
      training paradigms of surgical oncologists. These variations call for a global
      curriculum which has been developed by the Society of Surgical Oncology and the
      European Society of Surgical Oncology. It is hoped that this curriculum will
      serve a role in streamlining education to tackle the rising global cancer burden.
      (c) 2016 Society of Surgical Oncology and the European Society of Surgical
      Oncology. Published by SpringerNature. All rights reserved.

PMID- 27120187
TI  - Global Curriculum in Surgical Oncology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The significant global variations in surgical oncology training
      paradigms can have a detrimental effect on tackling the rising global cancer
      burden. While some variations in training are essential to account for the
      differences in types of cancer and biology, the fundamental principles of
      providing care to a cancer patient remain the same. The development of a global
      curriculum in surgical oncology with incorporated essential standards could be
      very useful in building an adequately trained surgical oncology workforce, which
      in turn could help in tackling the rising global cancer burden. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The leaders of the Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of
      Surgical Oncology convened a global curriculum committee to develop a global
      curriculum in surgical oncology. RESULTS: A global curriculum in surgical
      oncology was developed to incorporate the required domains considered to be
      essential in training a surgical oncologist. The curriculum was constructed in a
      modular fashion to permit flexibility to suit the needs of the different regions
      of the world. Similarly, recognizing the various sociocultural, financial and
      cultural influences across the world, the proposed curriculum is aspirational and
      not mandatory in intent. CONCLUSIONS: A global curriculum was developed which may
      be considered as a foundational scaffolding for training surgical oncologists
      worldwide. It is envisioned that this initial global curriculum will provide a
      flexible and modular scaffolding that can be tailored by individual countries or
      regions to train surgical oncologists in a way that is appropriate for practice
      in their local environment. (c) 2016 Society of Surgical Oncology and the
      European Society of Surgical Oncology. Published by SpringerNature. All rights
      reserved.

PMID- 27120188
TI  - Association of Vitamin B12, Folate, and Sulfur Amino Acids With Brain Magnetic
      Resonance Imaging Measures in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Population-Based
      Study.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Vitamin B12, folate, and sulfur amino acids may be modifiable risk
      factors for structural brain changes that precede clinical dementia. OBJECTIVE:
      To investigate the association of circulating levels of vitamin B12, red blood
      cell folate, and sulfur amino acids with the rate of total brain volume loss and
      the change in white matter hyperintensity volume as measured by fluid-attenuated
      inversion recovery in older adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The
      magnetic resonance imaging subsample of the Swedish National Study on Aging and
      Care in Kungsholmen, a population-based longitudinal study in Stockholm, Sweden,
      was conducted in 501 participants aged 60 years or older who were free of
      dementia at baseline. A total of 299 participants underwent repeated structural
      brain magnetic resonance imaging scans from September 17, 2001, to December 17,
      2009. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The rate of brain tissue volume loss and the
      progression of total white matter hyperintensity volume. RESULTS: In the multi
      adjusted linear mixed models, among 501 participants (300 women [59.9%]; mean
      [SD] age, 70.9 [9.1] years), higher baseline vitamin B12 and holotranscobalamin
      levels were associated with a decreased rate of total brain volume loss during
      the study period: for each increase of 1 SD, beta (SE) was 0.048 (0.013) for
      vitamin B12 (P < .001) and 0.040 (0.013) for holotranscobalamin (P = .002).
      Increased total homocysteine levels were associated with faster rates of total
      brain volume loss in the whole sample (beta [SE] per 1-SD increase, -0.035
      [0.015]; P = .02) and with the progression of white matter hyperintensity among
      participants with systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg (beta [SE] per 1
      SD increase, 0.000019 [0.00001]; P = .047). No longitudinal associations were
      found for red blood cell folate and other sulfur amino acids. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: This study suggests that both vitamin B12 and total homocysteine
      concentrations may be related to accelerated aging of the brain. Randomized
      clinical trials are needed to determine the importance of vitamin B12
      supplementation on slowing brain aging in older adults.

PMID- 27120189
TI  - MEDYAN: Mechanochemical Simulations of Contraction and Polarity Alignment in
      Actomyosin Networks.
AB  - Active matter systems, and in particular the cell cytoskeleton, exhibit complex
      mechanochemical dynamics that are still not well understood. While prior
      computational models of cytoskeletal dynamics have lead to many conceptual
      insights, an important niche still needs to be filled with a high-resolution
      structural modeling framework, which includes a minimally-complete set of
      cytoskeletal chemistries, stochastically treats reaction and diffusion processes
      in three spatial dimensions, accurately and efficiently describes mechanical
      deformations of the filamentous network under stresses generated by molecular
      motors, and deeply couples mechanics and chemistry at high spatial resolution. To
      address this need, we propose a novel reactive coarse-grained force field, as
      well as a publicly available software package, named the Mechanochemical Dynamics
      of Active Networks (MEDYAN), for simulating active network evolution and dynamics
      (available at www.medyan.org). This model can be used to study the non-linear,
      far from equilibrium processes in active matter systems, in particular, comprised
      of interacting semi-flexible polymers embedded in a solution with complex
      reaction-diffusion processes. In this work, we applied MEDYAN to investigate a
      contractile actomyosin network consisting of actin filaments, alpha-actinin cross
      linking proteins, and non-muscle myosin IIA mini-filaments. We found that these
      systems undergo a switch-like transition in simulations from a random network to
      ordered, bundled structures when cross-linker concentration is increased above a
      threshold value, inducing contraction driven by myosin II mini-filaments. Our
      simulations also show how myosin II mini-filaments, in tandem with cross-linkers,
      can produce a range of actin filament polarity distributions and alignment, which
      is crucially dependent on the rate of actin filament turnover and the actin
      filament's resulting super-diffusive behavior in the actomyosin-cross-linker
      system. We discuss the biological implications of these findings for the arc
      formation in lamellipodium-to-lamellum architectural remodeling. Lastly, our
      simulations produce force-dependent accumulation of myosin II, which is thought
      to be responsible for their mechanosensation ability, also spontaneously
      generating myosin II concentration gradients in the solution phase of the
      simulation volume. 

PMID- 27120190
TI  - Resorbable screw and sheath versus resorbable interference screw and staples for
      ACL reconstruction: a comparison of two tibial fixation methods.
AB  - PURPOSE: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is one of the most
      performed and successful orthopaedic procedures. The results are considered
      independent by the choice of the graft and the fixation devices. A growing
      interest on resorbable non-metallic fixation devices versus standard metallic
      fixation devices has been noted over recent years with few clinical experiences
      reported in the literature. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and
      radiological outcomes of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction using autologous
      hamstring tendons with tibial fixation by a centrally placed resorbable screw and
      sheath to a combination of an eccentrically placed resorbable interference screw
      and supplementary staple fixation. METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing an
      isolated, single-bundle, primary ACL reconstruction with autologous hamstring
      tendons, using the same femoral fixation, were randomized to a tibial fixation
      with a centrally placed resorbable screw and sheath, BioIntrafix (group A), or an
      eccentrically placed resorbable interference screw, BioRCI, and two non
      resorbable staples (group B). The latter has represented for many years our
      standard fixation method. Clinical evaluations (KOOS, IKDC, KT-2000TM side-to
      side difference) and radiological analyses were conducted in both groups with a
      minimum follow-up of 2 years. RESULTS: We assisted in a satisfactory pain relief
      and functional improvements, without significant clinical and radiological
      differences in both groups. No further surgery was needed in patients with the
      screw/sheath tibial fixation. Seven patients with the screw/staples tibial
      fixation needed the surgical removal of the fixation devices due to pes anserinus
      irritation or local infection years after the index operation. Other parameters
      such as the tunnel enlargement were not statistically different in the two
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Good clinical and radiological outcomes of ACL
      reconstruction by a screw/sheath tibial fixation have been reported showing
      comparable results with respect to screw/staples fixation. There were no failures
      associated with loss of fixation with either of tibial fixation methods. A fewer
      number of surgical removals of tibial devices were also recorded in patients
      treated by the screw/sheath fixation system, related to the absence of local
      intolerance or infection compared to subjects with a standard tibial fixation.

PMID- 27120191
TI  - Regenerative approaches for the treatment of early OA.
AB  - The diagnosis and the prompt treatment of early osteoarthritis (OA) represent
      vital steps for delaying the onset and progression of fully blown OA, which is
      the most common form of arthritis, involving more than 10 % of the world's
      population older than 60 years of age. Nonsurgical treatments such as
      physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and other disease-modifying drugs
      all have modest and short-lasting effect. In this context, the biological
      approaches have recently gained more and more attention. Growth factors, blood
      derivatives, such as platelet concentrates, and mesenchymal adult stem cells,
      either expanded or freshly isolated, are advocated amongst the most promising
      tool for the treatment of OA, especially in the early phases. Primarily targeted
      towards focal cartilage defects, these biological agents have indeed recently
      showed promising results to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in patients with
      more advanced OA as well, with the final aim to halt the progression of the
      disease and the need for joint replacement. However, despite of a number of
      satisfactory in vitro and pre-clinical studies, the evidences are still limited
      to support their clinical efficacy in OA setting. 

PMID- 27120192
TI  - PSI kinematic versus non-PSI mechanical alignment in total knee arthroplasty: a
      prospective, randomized study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Kinematic alignment in TKA is supposed to restore function by aligning
      the components to the premorbid flexion-extension axis instead of altering the
      joint line and natural kinematic axes of the knee. The purpose of this study was
      to compare mechanically aligned TKA to kinematic alignment. METHODS: In this
      study, 200 patients underwent TKA and were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 100
      TKAs were performed using kinematic alignment with custom-made cutting guides in
      order to complete cruciate-retaining TKA; the other 100 patients underwent TKA
      that was manually performed using mechanical alignment. The WOMAC and combined
      Knee Society Score (KSS), as well as radiological alignment, were determined as
      outcome parameters at the 12-month endpoint. RESULTS: WOMAC and KSS significantly
      improved in both groups. There was a significant difference in both scores
      between groups in favour of kinematic alignment. Although the kinematic alignment
      group demonstrated significantly better overall results, more outliers with poor
      outcomes were also seen in this group. A correlation between post-operative
      alignment deviation from the initial plan and poor outcomes was also noted. The
      most important finding of this study is that applying kinematic alignment in TKA
      achieves comparable results to mechanical alignment in TKA. This study also shows
      that restoring the premorbid flexion-extension axis of the knee joint leads to
      better overall functional results. CONCLUSION: Kinematic alignment is a
      favourable technique for TKA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The kinematic alignment idea
      might be a considerable alternative to mechanical alignment in the future. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 27120193
TI  - Early osteoarthritis of the patellofemoral joint.
AB  - Patellofemoral joint cartilage lesions are associated with a variety of clinical
      situations including blunt trauma, lateral patella dislocations, or as a
      secondary development in the setting of abnormal joint loading. There is a need
      for more clarity on how to best address these lesions. Most specifically, when is
      it necessary to surgically treat these lesions of the patella and trochlea and
      which technique to use? This review will focus on the spectrum of patellofemoral
      disease/injury and their treatment strategies, with special emphasis on cartilage
      damage and early osteoarthritis. Chapter sections will review the most common
      scenarios of cartilage damage in the patellofemoral joint, with an attempt to
      summarize current treatment, their outcomes, remaining challenges and unanswered
      questions. 

PMID- 27120194
TI  - No difference in terms of radiostereometric analysis between fixed- and mobile
      bearing total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: A concern that arises with any new prosthesis is whether it will achieve
      satisfactory long-term implant stability. The gold standard of assessing the
      quality of fixation in a new or relatively new implant is to undertake a
      randomized controlled trial using radiostereometric analysis. It was hypothesized
      that both mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty and fixed-bearing total knee
      arthroplasty have comparable migration patterns at 2-year follow-up. This study
      investigated two types of cemented total knee arthroplasty, the mobile- or fixed
      bearing variant from the same family with use of radiostereometric analysis.
      METHODS: This prospective, patient-blinded, randomized, controlled trial was
      designed to investigate early migration of the tibia component after two years of
      follow-up with use of radiostereometric analysis. A total of 50 patients were
      randomized to receive a mobile- or fixed-bearing TKA from the same family.
      Patients were evaluated during 2-year follow-up, including radiostereometric
      analysis, physical and clinical examination and patient reported outcome measures
      (PROMs). RESULTS: At two-year follow-up, the mean (+/-SD) maximum total point
      motion (MTPM) in the fixed-bearing group was 0.82 (+/-1.16) versus 0.92 mm (+/
      0.64) in the mobile-bearing group (p = n.s) with the largest migration seen
      during the first 6 weeks (0.45 +/- 0.32 vs. 0.54 +/- 0.30). The clinical outcome
      and PROMs significantly improved within each group, not between both groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Measuring early micromotion is useful for predicting clinical
      loosening that can lead to revision. The results of this study demonstrate that
      early migration of the mobile-bearing is similar to that of the fixed-bearing
      component at two years and was mainly seen in the first weeks after implantation.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, Level I.

PMID- 27120195
TI  - Multiphoton Microscopy of Nonfluorescent Nanoparticles In Vitro and In Vivo.
AB  - Nanotechnology holds great promise for a plethora of potential applications. The
      interaction of engineered nanomaterials with living cells, tissues, and organisms
      is, however, only partly understood. Microscopic investigations of nano-bio
      interactions are mostly performed with a few model nanoparticles (NPs) which are
      easy to visualize, such as fluorescent quantum dots. Here the possibility to
      visualize nonfluorescent NPs with multiphoton excitation is investigated. Signals
      from silver (Ag), titanium dioxide (TiO2 ), and silica (SiO2 ) NPs in
      nonbiological environments are characterized to determine signal dependency on
      excitation wavelength and intensity as well as their signal stability over time.
      Ag NPs generate plasmon-induced luminescence decaying over time. TiO2 NPs induce
      photoluminescent signals of variable intensities and in addition strong third
      harmonic generation (THG). Optimal settings for microscopic detection are
      determined and then applied for visualization of these two particle types in
      living cells, in murine muscle tissue, and in the murine blood stream. Silica NPs
      produce a THG signal, but in living cells it cannot be discriminated sufficiently
      from endogenous cellular structures. It is concluded that multiphoton excitation
      is a viable option for studies of nano-bio interactions not only for fluorescent
      but also for some types of nonfluorescent NPs. 

PMID- 27120196
TI  - Hydroxylations of trichothecene rings in the biosynthesis of Fusarium
      trichothecenes: evolution of alternative pathways in the nivalenol chemotype.
AB  - Fusarium sporotrichioides genes FsTri11, FsTri13, and FsTri1 encode cytochrome
      P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) responsible for hydroxylations at C-15, C-4, and C-8
      of the trichothecene skeleton, respectively. However, the corresponding genes of
      nivalenol (NIV)-chemotype Fusarium graminearum remain to be functionally
      elucidated. In this study, we characterized the roles of these CYPs in NIV
      biosynthesis. Analyses of the metabolites of the F. graminearum Fgtri11- mutant,
      a disruptant of FgTri11 encoding isotrichodermin (ITD) C-15 hydroxylase, revealed
      a small amount of NIV-type trichothecenes suggesting that an alternative C-15
      hydroxylase partially complemented FgTRI11p. In contrast, the C-7/C-8
      hydroxylations depended solely on FgTRI1p, as suggested by the metabolite
      profiles of the Fgtri11- Fgtri1- double gene disruptant. Disruption of FgTri1 in
      both the wild-type and Fgtri13- mutant backgrounds revealed that FgTRI13p
      exhibits marginal activity toward calonectrin (CAL) and that it was the only C-4
      hydroxylase. In addition, feeding experiments demonstrated that the C-4
      hydroxylation of a 7-hydroxytrichothecene lacking C-8 ketone was extremely
      limited. The marginal activity of FgTRI13p toward CAL was advantageous for the C
      7/C-8 hydroxylation steps in NIV biosynthesis, as transformation of a C-4
      oxygenated trichothecene lacking C-7/C-8 modifications into NIV-type
      trichothecenes was quite inefficient. The significance of hydroxylation steps in
      the evolution of Fusarium trichothecenes is discussed.

PMID- 27120197
TI  - A Modeling Comparison of Mercury Deposition from Current Anthropogenic Mercury
      Emission Inventories.
AB  - Human activities have altered the biogeochemical cycle of mercury (Hg) since
      precolonial times, and anthropogenic activities will continue to perturb the
      natural cycle of Hg. Current estimates suggest the atmospheric burden is three to
      five times greater than precolonial times. Hg in the upper ocean is estimated to
      have doubled over the same period. The Minamata convention seeks to reduce the
      impact human activities have on Hg releases to the environment. A number of the
      Articles in the Convention concern the development of detailed inventories for Hg
      emissions and releases. Using the global Hg chemical transport model, ECHMERIT,
      the influence of the anthropogenic emission inventory (AMAP/UNEP, EDGAR, STREETS)
      on global Hg deposition patterns has been investigated. The results suggest that
      anthropogenic Hg emissions contribute 20-25% to present-day Hg deposition, and
      roughly two-thirds of primary anthropogenic Hg is deposited to the world's
      oceans. Anthropogenic Hg deposition is significant in the North Pacific,
      Mediterranean and Arctic. The results indicate immediate reductions in Hg
      emissions would produce benefits in the short term, as well as in the long term.
      The most impacted regions would be suitable to assess changes in Hg deposition
      resulting from implementation of the Minamata convention.

PMID- 27120198
TI  - Computational fluid dynamics for the assessment of upper airway changes in
      skeletal Class III patients treated with mandibular setback surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare pharyngeal airflow characteristics pre- and
      post-mandibular setback surgery in patients with Class III skeletal dysplasia
      using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and computational fluid dynamics
      (CFD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 29 patients who had received orthodontic
      treatment along with mandibular setback surgery were obtained. CBCT scans were
      obtained at three time points: T1 (before surgery), T2 (average of 6 months after
      surgery), and T3 (average of 1 year after surgery). Digitized pharyngeal airway
      models were generated from these scans. CFD was used to simulate and characterize
      pharyngeal airflow. RESULTS: Mean airway volume was significantly reduced from
      35,490.324 mm3 at T1 to 24,387.369 mm3 at T2 and 25,069.459 mm3 at T3.
      Significant increase in mean negative pressure was noted from 3.110 Pa at T1 to
      6.116 Pa at T2 and 6.295 Pa at T3. There was a statistically significant negative
      correlation between the change in airway volume and the change in pressure drop
      at both the T2 and T3 time points. There was a statistically significant negative
      correlation between the amount of mandibular setback and change in pressure drop
      at the T2 time point. CONCLUSIONS: Following mandibular setback surgery,
      pharyngeal airway volume was decreased and relative mean negative pressure was
      increased, implying an increased effort required from a patient for maintaining
      constant pharyngeal airflow. Thus, high-risk patients undergoing a large amount
      of mandibular setback surgery should be evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea and
      the proposed treatment plan be revised based on the risk for potential airway
      compromise.

PMID- 27120199
TI  - Lactobacillus acidophilus K301 Inhibits Atherogenesis via Induction of 24 (S), 25
      Epoxycholesterol-Mediated ABCA1 and ABCG1 Production and Cholesterol Efflux in
      Macrophages.
AB  - Lactobacillus acidophilus species are well-known probiotics with the beneficial
      activity of regulating cholesterol levels. In this study, we showed that L.
      acidophilus K301 reduced the level of cholesterol through reverse transport in
      macrophages. L. acidophilus K301 upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of genes
      such as ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) and ATP-binding cassette G1 (ABCG1) under
      the control of liver X receptor (LXR), resulting in increased apoA-I-dependent
      cholesterol efflux in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP-1
      cells. L. acidophilus K301 induced both ABCA1 and ABCG1 through the endogenous
      LXR agonist 24(S), 25-epoxcycholesterol, which is synthesized by intracellular
      cholesterol synthetic pathways. In vivo studies using L. acidophilus K301-treated
      ApoE-/- mice showed reduced accumulation of lipoproteins in the arterial lumen.
      The inhibitory effects of L. acidophilus K301 on accumulation of lipoprotein in
      atherosclerotic plaques were mediated by the induction of squalene reductase
      (SQLE) and oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) and resulted in ABCA1-mediated cholesterol
      efflux. Taken together, our findings revealed that Lactobacillus acidophilus K301
      regulates the expression of genes related to cholesterol reverse transport via
      the induction of endogenous LXR agonist, suggesting the therapeutic potential of
      Lactobacillus acidophilus K301 as an anti-atherosclerotic agent.

PMID- 27120200
TI  - Natural History of Cardiac and Respiratory Involvement, Prognosis and Predictive
      Factors for Long-Term Survival in Adult Patients with Limb Girdle Muscular
      Dystrophies Type 2C and 2D.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 2C and 2D limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a group of
      autosomal recessive limb girdle muscular dystrophies manifested by proximal
      myopathy, impaired respiratory muscle function and cardiomyopathy. The
      correlation and the prognostic impact of respiratory and heart impairment are
      poorly described. We aimed to describe the long-term cardiac and respiratory
      follow-up of these patients and to determine predictive factors of cardio
      respiratory events and mortality in LGMD 2C and 2D. METHODS: We reviewed the
      charts of 34 LGMD patients, followed from 2005 to 2015, to obtain
      echocardiographic, respiratory function and sleep recording data. We considered
      respiratory events (acute respiratory failure, pulmonary sepsis, atelectasis or
      pneumothorax), cardiac events (acute heart failure, significant cardiac
      arrhythmia or conduction block, ischemic stroke) and mortality as outcomes of
      interest for the present analysis. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients had type 2C
      LGMD and 13 patients had type 2D. Median age was 30 years [IQR 24-38]. At
      baseline, median pulmonary vital capacity (VC) was 31% of predicted value [20
      40]. Median maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) was 31 cmH2O [IQR 20.25-39.75].
      Median maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) was 30 cm H2O [20-36]. Median left
      ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 55% [45-64] with 38% of patients with
      LVEF <50%. Over a median follow-up of 6 years, we observed 38% respiratory
      events, 14% cardiac events and 20% mortality. Among baseline characteristics,
      LVEF and left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were associated with
      mortality, whilst respiratory parameters (VC, MIP, MEP) and the need for home
      mechanical ventilation (HMV) were associated with respiratory events. CONCLUSION:
      In our cohort of severely respiratory impaired type 2C and 2D LGMD, respiratory
      morbidity was high. Cardiac dysfunction was frequent in particular in LGMD 2C and
      had an impact on long-term mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov
      NCT02501083.

PMID- 27120201
TI  - Relative Performance of Non-Local Cultivars and Local, Wild Populations of
      Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in Competition Experiments.
AB  - The possibility of increased invasiveness in cultivated varieties of native
      perennial species is a question of interest in biofuel risk assessment.
      Competitive success is a key factor in the fitness and invasive potential of
      perennial plants, and thus the large-scale release of high-yielding biomass
      cultivars warrants empirical comparisons with local conspecifics in the presence
      of competitors. We evaluated the performance of non-local cultivars and local
      wild biotypes of the tallgrass species Panicum virgatum L. (switchgrass) in
      competition experiments during two growing seasons in Ohio and Iowa. At each
      location, we measured growth and reproductive traits (plant height, tiller
      number, flowering time, aboveground biomass, and seed production) of four non
      locally sourced cultivars and two locally collected wild biotypes. Plants were
      grown in common garden experiments under three types of competition, referred to
      as none, moderate (with Schizachyrium scoparium), and high (with Bromus inermis).
      In both states, the two "lowland" cultivars grew taller, flowered later, and
      produced between 2x and 7.5x more biomass and between 3x and 34x more seeds per
      plant than local wild biotypes, while the other two cultivars were comparable to
      wild biotypes in these traits. Competition did not affect relative differences
      among biotypes, with the exception of shoot number, which was more similar among
      biotypes under high competition. Insights into functional differences between
      cultivars and wild biotypes are crucial for developing biomass crops while
      mitigating the potential for invasiveness. Here, two of the four cultivars
      generally performed better than wild biotypes, indicating that these biotypes may
      pose more of a risk in terms of their ability to establish vigorous feral
      populations in new regions outside of their area of origin. Our results support
      an ongoing assessment of switchgrass cultivars developed for large-scale planting
      for biofuels.

PMID- 27120202
TI  - Pleistocene Hominins as a Resource for Carnivores: A c. 500,000-Year-Old Human
      Femur Bearing Tooth-Marks in North Africa (Thomas Quarry I, Morocco).
AB  - In many Middle Pleistocene sites, the co-occurrence of hominins with carnivores,
      who both contributed to faunal accumulations, suggests competition for resources
      as well as for living spaces. Despite this, there is very little evidence of
      direct interaction between them to-date. Recently, a human femoral diaphysis has
      been recognized in South-West of Casablanca (Morocco), in the locality called
      Thomas Quarry I. This site is famous for its Middle Pleistocene fossil hominins
      considered representatives of Homo rhodesiensis. The bone was discovered in Unit
      4 of the Grotte a Hominides (GH), dated to c. 500 ky and was associated with
      Acheulean artefacts and a rich mammalian fauna. Anatomically, it fits well within
      the group of known early Middle Pleistocene Homo, but its chief point of interest
      is that the diaphyseal ends display numerous tooth marks showing that it had been
      consumed shortly after death by a large carnivore, probably a hyena. This bone
      represents the first evidence of consumption of human remains by carnivores in
      the cave. Whether predated or scavenged, this chewed femur indicates that humans
      were a resource for carnivores, underlining their close relationships during the
      Middle Pleistocene in Atlantic Morocco.

PMID- 27120203
TI  - Author's Reply to the Letter of Manchikanti and Hirsch, Entitled 'Evolution of
      the Epidural Treatment of Sciatica Provides Excellent Historic Review with
      Incomplete Modern Evidence'.

PMID- 27120204
TI  - Anatomical Involvement of the Subventricular Zone Predicts Poor Survival Outcome
      in Low-Grade Astrocytomas.
AB  - The subventricular zone (SVZ) has been implicated in the origination,
      development, and biological behavior of gliomas. Tumor-SVZ contact is also
      postulated to be a poor prognostic factor in glioblastomas. We aimed to evaluate
      the prognostic consequence of the anatomical involvement of low-grade gliomas
      with the SVZ. To that end, we reviewed 143 patients with diffuse astrocytomas,
      and tumor lesions were manually delineated on magnetic resonance images. We
      initially investigated the prognostic role of SVZ contact in all patients.
      Additionally, we investigated the influence of the anatomical proximity of the
      tumor lesion centroids to the SVZ in the SVZ-involved patient cohorts, as well as
      location within the SVZ. We found SVZ contact with tumors to be a significant
      prognostic factor of overall survival in all patients with diffuse astrocytomas
      (p = 0.027). In the SVZ-involved cohort, a shorter distance from the tumor
      centroid to the SVZ (<=30 mm) correlated with shorter overall survival (p =
      0.022) on univariate analysis. However, there was no significant difference in
      overall survival with respect to the SVZ region involved with the tumor (p =
      0.930). Multivariate analysis showed that a shorter distance between the tumor
      centroid and the SVZ (p = 0.039) was significantly associated with poor overall
      survival in SVZ-involved patients. Hence, this study helps establish the
      prognostic role of the anatomical interaction of tumors with the SVZ in low-grade
      astrocytomas.

PMID- 27120205
TI  - Fluorescent non-conjugated polymer dots for targeted cell imaging.
AB  - Through the chemical crosslinking of the sub-fluorophore, linear non-conjugated
      polymers can possess strong photoluminescence (PL), which is a very important
      fluorescence behavior and the non-conjugated polymer dots (PDs) are efficient bio
      fluorophores for bio-based applications. Herein, the new type of non-conjugated
      polyethyleneimine (PEI) PDs was further modified by targeting molecules (folic
      acid) for a new generation of bio-fluorophores. The free folic acid can quench
      the PL of PDs by energy transfer, while the conjugated folic acid@PDs (FA@PDs)
      can still maintain their PL properties to a certain degree. The FA@PDs also
      possess lower toxicity compared with free PDs, which is possibly due to blocking
      of the amino groups. Moreover, we investigated the targeted bioimaging
      applications of the FA@PDs, which gave a very important direction for application
      of these types of materials. 

PMID- 27120206
TI  - Proteome of equine oviducal fluid: effects of ovulation and pregnancy.
AB  - The equine oviduct plays a pivotal role in providing the optimal microenvironment
      for early embryonic development, but little is known about the protein
      composition of the oviducal fluid in the horse. The aim of the present study was
      to provide a large-scale identification of proteins in equine oviducal fluid and
      to determine the effects of ovulation and pregnancy. Four days after ovulation,
      the oviducts ipsilateral and contralateral to the ovulation side were collected
      from five pregnant and five non-pregnant mares. Identification and relative
      quantification of proteins in the oviducal fluid of the four groups was achieved
      by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labelling and
      HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry. The presence of an embryo in the ipsilateral
      oviducal fluid of pregnant mares induced upregulation of 11 and downregulation of
      two proteins compared with the contralateral side, and upregulation of 19
      proteins compared with the ipsilateral side of non-pregnant mares. Several of
      these upregulated proteins are related to early pregnancy in other species. The
      present study represents the first high-throughput identification of proteins in
      the oviducal fluid of the mare. The results support the hypothesis that the
      equine embryo interacts with the oviduct, affecting the maternal secretion
      pattern of proteins involved in pregnancy-related pathways.

PMID- 27120207
TI  - Aromatic Cyanoalkylation through Double C-H Activation Mediated by Ni(III).
AB  - Herein we report an atom- and step-economic aromatic cyanoalkylation reaction
      that employs nitriles as building blocks and proceeds through Csp(2)-H and Csp(3)
      H bond activation steps mediated by Ni(III). In addition to cyanomethylation with
      MeCN, regioselective alpha-cyanoalkylation was observed with various nitrile
      substrates to generate secondary and tertiary nitriles. Importantly, to the best
      of our knowledge these are the first examples of C-H bond activation reactions
      occurring at a Ni(III) center, which may exhibit different reactivity and
      selectivity profiles than those corresponding to analogous Ni(II) centers. These
      studies provide guiding principles to design catalytic C-H activation and
      functionalization reactions involving high-valent Ni species.

PMID- 27120208
TI  - [Pulmonary hypertension 2016: classification, diagnosis, therapy].

PMID- 27120210
TI  - [Stroke from the Perspective of Neurologists (Part 1): Update in the Acute
      Diagnosis].
AB  - Stroke care is rapidly changing. The next three "Praxis" editions will give you
      an update and the neurological perspective of stroke including acute diagnosis,
      acute therapy and secondary prevention. The first article focuses on diagnostic
      procedures in the acute stage. In spite of the tremendous progress stroke remains
      frequent and the major cause of adult-onset disability. The pathophysiological
      correlate is the cerebral ischemia or the cerebral bleeding, which are in most
      reason responsible for persistent disability and high health care and social
      costs. The shortest work-up to the right diagnoses and the favored therapies can
      save life and improve quality of daily living. The rapid clinical and
      radiological identification of the target groups which benefit is essential. In
      the last years several randomized controlled studies show new medical evidence.

PMID- 27120211
TI  - [Pediatric Abdominal Pain - Harmless or Harmful?].
AB  - Abdominal pain is a very common pediatric complaint. In the majority of cases
      there is no life-threatening pathology behind this symptom, but a functional
      disease. However, all-day activities of children and adolescents are often
      limited, frequent absences from school, and general physician/ pediatrician
      office visits with often unnecessary diagnostic and therapies are registered.
      Once an organic etiology of the abdominal pain is excluded by a thoroughly
      medical history taking and physical examination, the first steps for a successful
      alleviation of the pain is the reassurance of the patients and their family that
      there is no life-threatening pathology. There is evidence that cognitive
      behavioral therapy may be useful in improving pain and disability outcome in the
      short term. There is no evidence for pharmacological, dietetic, or complementary
      intervention in the treatment of chronic functional abdominal pain.

PMID- 27120212
TI  - [How to Manage Polypharmacy in the Elderly].
AB  - Polypharmacy is accentuated in our fast-growing population. Polypharmacy is
      associated with adverse drug reactions, interactions, non-compliance, and
      increased risk of geriatric syndroms (falls, incontinence, malnutrition,
      cognitive impairment, delirium). There is a dilemma between clinical practice
      guidelines and pragmatism in the treatment of elderly patients in the last ten
      years of life. Reducing polypharmacy is a challenge and we present some
      instruments for reducing polypharmacy.

PMID- 27120213
TI  - [What is the Optimal Nutrition for Humans?].
AB  - As practitioners, we are faced in practice daily with the question about the
      optimal diet. Nevertheless, nutrition covers only a very small part of our
      medical training. A look back in the history of man shows that the human body was
      set to a predominantly plant-based diet for millions of years. With the
      introduction of factory farming and industrial food processing several hundred
      years ago, the current Western diet has been consisting to a large extent of
      animal products, leading to a number of chronic diseases such as hypertension,
      hypercholesterolemia, coronary heart disease, vascular dementia, diabetes, and to
      an increase of cancer. Many of these diseases are preventable, some even
      reversible when resorting to a whole-foods plant-based diet. This review work is
      intended to provide the practitioner with the necessary knowledge and the
      scientific facts.

PMID- 27120214
TI  - [The Mysterious Paresis].
AB  - Internal jugular central venous line placement is a standardized and common
      clinical procedure. However, even the most skillful physician may face
      complications. Careful patient evaluation and detailed vascular anatomical
      knowledge can minimize the risk of iatrogenic injuries. Following a strict
      protocol in case of unsuccessful attempts of venous puncture helps to improve
      patient outcome. In this case report, we present a patient who suffered an
      unusual injury. Further, we discuss current treatment options for
      pseudoaneurysms.

PMID- 27120215
TI  - [Nearly a third of all assistant physicians have depression or depressive
      symptoms].

PMID- 27120216
TI  - [Testosterone is not a miracle cure for elderly men].

PMID- 27120218
TI  - [ORL19. A rare swelling at the base of the tongue].

PMID- 27120219
TI  - [Insights into diversity].

PMID- 27120220
TI  - Repurposing Synechocystis PCC6803 UirS-UirR as a UV-Violet/Green Photoreversible
      Transcriptional Regulatory Tool in E. coli.
AB  - We have previously engineered green/red and red/far red photoreversible E. coli
      phytochrome and cyanobacteriochrome (CBCR) two-component systems (TCSs) and
      utilized them to program tailor-made gene expression signals for gene circuit
      characterization. Here, we transport the UV-violet/green photoreversible CBCR TCS
      UirS-UirR from Synechocystis PCC6803 to E. coli. We demonstrate that the promoter
      of the small RNA csiR1, previously shown to be activated by inorganic carbon
      stress, is a UirS-UirR output. Additionally, in contrast to a recently proposed
      sequestration model, we show that the sensor histidine kinase UirS phosphorylates
      the response regulator UirR to activate PcsiR1 transcription in response to UV
      violet light. Finally, we measure changes in UirS-UirR output minutes after a
      change in light input and exploit these rapid dynamics to program a challenging
      gene expression signal with high predictability. UirS-UirR is the first
      engineered transcriptional regulatory tool activated exclusively by UV-violet
      light, and the most blue shifted photoreversible transcriptional regulatory tool.

PMID- 27120221
TI  - One-step synthesis of amino-functionalized ultrasmall near infrared-emitting
      persistent luminescent nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo bioimaging.
AB  - Near infrared (NIR)-emitting persistent luminescent nanoparticles (NPLNPs) have
      attracted much attention in bioimaging because they can provide long-term in vivo
      imaging with a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). However, conventional NPLNPs
      with large particle sizes that lack modifiable surface groups suffer from many
      serious limitations in bioimaging. Herein, we report a one-step synthesis of
      amino-functionalized ZnGa2O4:Cr,Eu nanoparticles (ZGO) that have an ultrasmall
      size, where ethylenediamine served as the reactant to fabricate the ZGO as well
      as the surfactant ligand to control the nanocrystal size and form surface amino
      groups. The ZGO exhibited a narrow particle size distribution, a bright NIR
      emission and a long afterglow luminescence. In addition, due to the excellent
      conjugation ability of the surface amino groups, the ZGO can be easily conjugated
      with many bio-functional molecules, which has been successfully utilized to
      realize in vitro and in vivo imaging. More importantly, the ZGO achieved re
      excitation imaging using 650 nm and 808 nm NIR light in situ, which is
      advantageous for long-term and higher SNR bioimaging. 

PMID- 27120222
TI  - Interaction Between Helminths and Toll-Like Receptors: Possibilities and
      Potentials for Asthma Therapy.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential components of the innate immune system.
      They play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, especially
      asthma. Since TLRs significantly orchestrate innate and adaptive immune response,
      their manipulation has widely been considered as a potential approach to control
      asthma symptoms. It is well established that helminths have immunoregulatory
      effects on host immune responses, especially innate immunity. They release
      bioactive molecules such as excretory-secretory (ES) products manipulating TLRs
      expression and signaling. Thus, given the promising results derived from
      preclinical studies, harnessing helminth-derived molecules affecting TLRs can be
      considered as a potential biological therapy for allergic diseases.
      Prospectively, the data that are available at present suggest that, in the near
      future, it is possible that helminth antigens will offer new therapeutic
      strategies and druggable targets for fighting allergic diseases. This review
      describes the interactions between helminths and TLRs and discusses the potential
      possibilities for asthma therapy. In this opinion paper, the authors aimed to
      review the updated literatures on the interplay between helminths, TLRs, and
      asthma with a view to proposing helminth-based asthma therapy.

PMID- 27120223
TI  - Ventricular fibrillation: triggers, mechanisms and therapies.
AB  - Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is a common, life-threatening arrhythmia
      responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Due to challenges in safely
      mapping VF, a comprehensive understanding of its mechanisms remains elusive.
      Recent findings have provided new insights into mechanisms that sustain early VF.
      Notably, the central role of electrical rotors and catheter-based ablation of VF
      rotor substrate have been recently reported. In this article, we will review data
      regarding four stages of VF: initiation, transition, maintenance and evolution.
      We will discuss the particular mechanisms for each stage and therapies targeting
      these mechanisms. We also examine inherited arrhythmia syndromes, including the
      mechanisms and therapies specific to each. We hope that the overview of VF
      outlined in this work will assist other investigators in designing future
      therapies to interrupt this life-threatening arrhythmia.

PMID- 27120251
TI  - FLG mutations in the East Asian atopic dermatitis patients: genetic and clinical
      implication.

PMID- 27120252
TI  - Effects of a single-dose preemptive pregabalin on acute and chronic pain after
      inguinal hernia repair with mesh under spinal anaesthesia: A randomised
      controlled trial.

PMID- 27120254
TI  - Comparison of Learning Curves for Major and Minor Laparoscopic Liver Resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has a steep learning
      curve, analyzing experience is important for trainees. Several authors have
      described the learning curve of LLR, without comparing the learning curves
      between major and minor LLR. METHODS: Perioperative data were retrieved from the
      medical records of 170 consecutive patients who underwent LLR by a single surgeon
      at a tertiary hospital. Learning curves were generated and compared between major
      and minor LLR using cumulative sum control charts and the moving average.
      RESULTS: Major and minor LLR was performed in 96 and 74 patients, respectively.
      The learning curves showed a steady state after case 50 for major LLR. Because of
      discordant results in minor LLR, subgroup analyses were performed, showing
      competency in LLR after cases 25 and 35 for left lateral sectionectomy and
      tumorectomy, respectively. Transfused red blood cell volume (0.6 versus 2.2
      packs, P < .001) decreased after achievement of competence in major LLR. Blood
      loss exceeding 500 mL (odds ratio 2.395, 95% confidence interval 1.096-5.233, P =
      .028) was independently associated with LLR failure. CONCLUSIONS: The number of
      cases required to accomplish LLR differed according to the extent of resection.
      Extensive blood loss was independently associated with LLR failure.

PMID- 27120253
TI  - Rare Noncoding Mutations Extend the Mutational Spectrum in the PGAP3 Subtype of
      Hyperphosphatasia with Mental Retardation Syndrome.
AB  - HPMRS or Mabry syndrome is a heterogeneous glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)
      anchor deficiency that is caused by an impairment of synthesis or maturation of
      the GPI-anchor. The expressivity of the clinical features in HPMRS varies from
      severe syndromic forms with multiple organ malformations to mild nonsyndromic
      intellectual disability. In about half of the patients with the clinical
      diagnosis of HPMRS, pathogenic mutations can be identified in the coding region
      in one of the six genes, one among them is PGAP3. In this work, we describe a
      screening approach with sequence specific baits for transcripts of genes of the
      GPI pathway that allows the detection of functionally relevant mutations also
      including introns and the 5' and 3' UTR. By this means, we also identified
      pathogenic noncoding mutations, which increases the diagnostic yield for HPMRS on
      the basis of intellectual disability and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase. In
      eight affected individuals from different ethnicities, we found seven novel
      pathogenic mutations in PGAP3. Besides five missense mutations, we identified an
      intronic mutation, c.558-10G>A, that causes an aberrant splice product and a
      mutation in the 3'UTR, c.*559C>T, that is associated with substantially lower
      mRNA levels. We show that our novel screening approach is a useful rapid
      detection tool for alterations in genes coding for key components of the GPI
      pathway.

PMID- 27120255
TI  - Chronic stress alters the expression levels of longevity-related genes in the rat
      hippocampus.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms underlying the negative effects of psychological stress
      on cellular stress during aging and neurodegenerative diseases are poorly
      understood. The main objective of this study was to test the effect of chronic
      psychological stress, and the consequent increase of circulating glucocorticoids,
      on several hippocampal genes involved in longevity. Sirtuin-1, p53, thioredoxin
      interacting protein, and heat shock protein 70 were studied at the mRNA and
      protein levels in stressed and non-stressed animals. Stress treatment for 10 days
      decreased sirtuin-1 and heat shock protein 70 levels, but increased levels of
      p53, thioredoxin-interacting protein and the NADPH oxidase enzyme. Examination of
      protein expression following two months of stress treatment indicated that
      sirtuin-1 remained depressed. In contrast, an increase was observed for
      thioredoxin-interacting protein, heat shock protein 70, p53 and the NADPH oxidase
      enzyme. The effect of stress was reversed by mifepristone, a glucocorticoid
      receptor antagonist. These data suggest that chronic stress could contribute to
      aging in the hippocampus.

PMID- 27120256
TI  - Risk of Recurrence After Surviving Severe Sepsis: A Matched Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the risk of recurrence in adults who survived first
      episode severe sepsis for at least 3 months. DESIGN: A matched cohort study.
      SETTING: Inpatient claims data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research
      Database. SUBJECTS: We analyzed 10,818 adults who survived first-episode severe
      sepsis without recurrence for at least 3 months in 2000 (SS group; mean age, 62.7
      yr; men, 54.7%) and a group of age/sex-matched (1:1) population controls who had
      no prior history of severe sepsis. All subjects were followed from the study
      entry to the occurrence of end-point, death, or until December 31, 2008,
      whichever date came first. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      Primary end-point was severe sepsis that occurred after January 1, 2001 (the
      study entry). Relative risk of the end-point was assessed using competing risk
      regression model. During the follow-up period, severe sepsis and death occurred
      in 35.0% and 26.5% of SS group and in 4.3% and 18.6% of controls, respectively,
      representing a covariate-adjusted sub-hazard ratio of 8.89 (95% CI, 8.04-9.83)
      for the risk of recurrence. In stratified analysis by patient characteristics,
      the sub-hazard ratios ranged from 7.74 in rural area residents to 23.17 in young
      adults. In subgroup analysis by first-episode infection sites in SS group, the
      sub-hazard ratios ranged from 4.82 in intra-abdominal infection to 9.99 in
      urinary tract infection. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of recurrence after surviving severe
      sepsis is substantial regardless of patient characteristics or infection sites.
      Further research is necessary to find underlying mechanisms for the high risk of
      recurrence in these patients.

PMID- 27120257
TI  - Rational Design of Potent and Selective Inhibitors of an Epoxide Hydrolase
      Virulence Factor from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - The virulence factor cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)
      inhibitory factor (Cif) is secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and is the founding
      member of a distinct class of epoxide hydrolases (EHs) that triggers the
      catalysis-dependent degradation of the CFTR. We describe here the development of
      a series of potent and selective Cif inhibitors by structure-based drug design.
      Initial screening revealed 1a (KB2115), a thyroid hormone analog, as a lead
      compound with low micromolar potency. Structural requirements for potency were
      systematically probed, and interactions between Cif and 1a were characterized by
      X-ray crystallography. On the basis of these data, new compounds were designed to
      yield additional hydrogen bonding with residues of the Cif active site. From this
      effort, three compounds were identified that are 10-fold more potent toward Cif
      than our first-generation inhibitors and have no detectable thyroid hormone-like
      activity. These inhibitors will be useful tools to study the pathological role of
      Cif and have the potential for clinical application.

PMID- 27120258
TI  - DNA methylation in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Epigenetic processes control the embryonic development into multicellular
      organisms and determine the functional differences of genetically identical cells
      and individuals. They are also involved in a variety of complex functions such as
      learning and memory consolidation and have been implicated in aging processes.
      Beyond the actual genetic information encoded in the DNA sequence, epigenetic
      modifications in particular DNA methylation and various histone modifications
      shape the chromatin into a transcriptional permissive or repressive state. DNA
      methylation patterns are altered by environmental conditions and can be carried
      forward through mitosis and meiosis. Hence, DNA methylation probably mediates
      complex environment-gene interactions, determines individual disease
      characteristics, and contributes to effects and side effects of drugs. In
      addition to classic monogenic epigenetic diseases, i.e., Prader-Willi and Rett
      syndrome, recent data point to an epigenetic component also in apparent sporadic
      neuro-psychiatric disorders and increasing evidence suggests a role for altered
      DNA methylation in Parkinson's disease. Epigenetic alterations, DNA methylation
      in particular, may account for the yet unexplained individual susceptibility and
      the variability in the course of Parkinson's disease and could provide hints
      toward the development of novel therapeutic targets. Parkinson's disease (PD) is
      conceptualized as a consequence of genetic variants and environment-gene
      interactions on a background of age-related changes. Epigenetic modifications
      have been implicated in aging and can be altered by environment stimuli. The
      review explores the possibility of an epigenetic component in PD, focusing on DNA
      methylation. Methylation of alpha-synuclein (SNCA) and microtubule-associated
      protein tau gene appear to be of particular importance and epigenome-wide
      methylation studies point to several additional candidate genes which may
      contribute to the individual susceptibility toward PD. This article is part of a
      special issue on Parkinson disease.

PMID- 27120259
TI  - The Public Health Crisis in Emergency General Surgery: Who Will Pay the Price and
      Bear the Burden?

PMID- 27120260
TI  - Characterization of limb differences in children with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome.
AB  - Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a well-described multisystem developmental
      disorder characterized by dysmorphic facial features, growth and behavioral
      deficits, and cardiac, gastrointestinal, and limb anomalies. The limb defects
      seen in CdLS can be mild, with small feet or hands only, or can be severe, with
      variable deficiency defects involving primarily the ulnar structures and ranging
      from mild hypoplasia of the fifth digit to complete absence of the forearm.
      Interestingly, the upper limbs are typically much more involved than the lower
      extremities that generally manifest with small feet and 2-3 syndactyly of the
      toes and shortened fourth metatarsal. The upper limbs often manifest asymmetric
      involvement. The limb findings in our cohort of 378 individuals with CdLS
      demonstrate a consistent pattern of laterality and symmetry involvement (with
      increased severity of right-sided limb in individuals with asymmetric limb
      defects) and a correlation of more significant limb defects with an increased
      risk of other structural anomalies, and more severe behavioral outcomes.
      Additionally, we found that individuals with mutations in NIPBL were most likely
      to have limb defects compared to mutations in other genes with nonsense, exonic
      deletion, and frameshift mutations being most prevalent in those with limb
      defects. Characterization of the limb differences in children with CdLS may
      provide a tool to assist in genetic counseling and determining prognosis. This
      paper will review the limb involvement in a large cohort of individuals with CdLS
      assessing the correlation with molecular etiologies, symmetry, additional
      structural birth defects, and cognitive outcomes. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27120261
TI  - Prognostic significance of pulsatile tinnitus in cervical artery dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our aim was to investigate whether pulsatile tinnitus
      (PT) in cervical artery dissection (CeAD) has prognostic significance. METHODS:
      All CeAD patients from the CADISP (Cervical Artery Dissection and Ischemic Stroke
      Patients) study with documentation of PT were analysed. The presence of PT was
      systematically assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Stroke severity at
      admission was defined according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
      (NIHSS). Excellent outcome after 3 months was defined as a modified Rankin Scale
      of 0-1. RESULTS: Sixty-three of 778 patients (8.1%) reported PT. PT+ patients
      presented less often with ischaemic stroke (41.3% vs. 63.9%, P < 0.001), more
      often with dissection in the internal carotid artery (85.7% vs. 64.2%, P =
      0.001), less often with vessel occlusion (19.0% vs. 34.1%, P = 0.017) and more
      often with excellent outcome at 3 months (92.1% vs. 75.4%, P = 0.002). Logistic
      regression analysis identified PT as an independent predictor of excellent
      outcome after 3 months [odds ratio (OR) 3.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22
      12.87] adjusted to significant outcome predictors NIHSS on admission (OR 0.82,
      95% CI 0.79-0.86), Horner syndrome (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.16-3.29) and vessel
      occlusion (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.94) and to non-significant predictors age, sex,
      pain and location of CeAD. CONCLUSION: The presence of PT in CeAD is associated
      with a benign clinical course and predicts a favourable outcome.

PMID- 27120262
TI  - Al-Anon newcomers: benefits of continuing attendance for six months.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Al-Anon Family Groups, a 12-step mutual-help program for people
      concerned about another person's drinking, is the most widely used form of help
      by Concerned Others. OBJECTIVES: This longitudinal study examined newcomers'
      outcomes of attending Al-Anon. Aims were to better understand early gains from Al
      Anon to inform efforts in the professional community to facilitate concerned
      others' attendance of and engagement in Al-Anon. METHODS: We compared two groups
      of Al-Anon newcomers who completed surveys at baseline and 6 months later: those
      who discontinued attendance by the 6-month follow-up (N = 133), and those who
      were still attending Al-Anon meetings (N = 97); baseline characteristics were
      controlled in these comparisons. RESULTS: Newcomers who sustained participation
      in Al-Anon over the first 6 months of attendance were more likely than those who
      discontinued participation during the same period to report gains in a variety of
      domains, such as learning how to handle problems due to the drinker, and
      increased well-being and functioning, including reduced verbal or physical abuse
      victimization. Newcomers to Al-Anon reported more personal gains than drinker
      related gains. The most frequent drinker gain was a better relationship with the
      Concerned Other; attendees were more likely to report this, as well as daily, in
      person contact with the drinker. CONCLUSION: Al-Anon participation may facilitate
      ongoing interaction between Concerned Others and drinkers, and help Concerned
      Others function and feel better. Thus, short-term participation may be
      beneficial. Health-care professionals should consider providing referrals to Al
      Anon and monitoring early attendance.

PMID- 27120263
TI  - Spectrally Selective Photocapacitance Modulation in Plasmonic Nanochannels for
      Infrared Imaging.
AB  - The optical response of subwavelength plasmonic structures can be used to monitor
      minute changes in their physical, chemical, and biological environments with high
      performance for sensing. The optical response in the far field is governed by the
      near-field properties of plasmon resonances. Sharp, tunable resonances can be
      obtained by controlling the shape of the structure and by using resonant
      cavities. However, microintegration of plasmonic structures on chips is difficult
      because of the readout in the far field. As such, structures that form an
      electrical microcircuit and directly monitor the near-field variation would be
      more desirable. Here, we report on an electronically readable photocapacitor
      based on a plasmonic nanochannel structure with high spectral resolution and a
      large modulation capability. The structure consists of metallic U-cavities and
      semiconductor channels, which are used to focus and confine light at the
      semiconductor-metal interfaces. At these interfaces, light is efficiently
      converted into photocarriers that change the electrical impedance of the
      structure. The capacitance modulation of the structure in response to light
      produces a light-to-dark contrast ratio larger than 10(3). A reflectance spectrum
      with a bandwidth of 16 nm and a 6% modulation depth is detected using a reactance
      variation of 3 kOmega with the same bandwidth. This photocapacitor design offers
      a practical means of monitoring changes induced by the near field and thus could
      be deployed in pixel arrays of image sensors for miniaturized spectroscopic
      applications.

PMID- 27120264
TI  - Substance abuse in early adolescents and HIV preventive behaviors: findings from
      a school-based cross-sectional survey for the period from 2009 to 2013, Bangkok
      Thailand.
AB  - This study is first of its kind in Bangkok, and is a five-year (2009-2013) cross
      sectional web-based survey to examine HIV preventive behaviors related to
      substance abuse among adolescents (N = 16,913). The questionnaire was self
      administered. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data. The relationship
      between different types of substance abuse with risky and preventive behaviors
      was assessed. Male participants reported more substance abuse as compared to
      females. The risk behaviors observed among the substance abusers include
      increased sexual experience, multiple sex partners, no use of condoms, and
      injection drug use. The preventive behaviors include having a high self-risk
      assessment, going for HIV testing (highest in methamphetamine users), and
      screening for sexually transmitted infection. Logistic regression suggests that
      risky behaviors (e.g., sexual experience, injection drug use) are more common in
      substance abusers. Adolescents are clearly at a high risk. Behavioral preventive
      measures are needed to reduce or delay premature substance exposure to prevent a
      wide range of health problems and risks such as HIV and AIDS, injection drug use
      and unprotected sex.

PMID- 27120265
TI  - Ncx3 gene ablation impairs oligodendrocyte precursor response and increases
      susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
AB  - The Na(+) /Ca(2+) exchanger NCX3, recently identified as a myelin membrane
      component, is involved in the regulation of [Ca(2+) ]i during oligodendrocyte
      maturation. Here NCX3 involvement was studied in myelin oligodendrocyte
      glycoprotein (MOG)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an
      animal model of multiple sclerosis. Western blotting and quantitative
      colocalization studies performed in wild-type ncx3(+/+) mice at different stages
      of EAE disease showed that NCX3 protein was intensely upregulated during the
      chronic stage, where it was intensely coexpressed with the oligodendrocyte
      precursor cells (OPC) marker NG2 and the premyelinating marker CNPase. Moreover,
      MOG35-55 -immunized mice lacking the ncx3 gene displayed not only a reduced
      diameter of axons and an intact myelin ring number but also a dramatic decrease
      in OPC and pre-myelinating cells in the white matter of the spinal cord when
      compared with ncx3(+/+) . Accordingly, ncx3(-/-) and ncx3(+/-) mutants developed
      early onset of EAE and more severe clinical symptoms. Interestingly,
      cytofluorimetric analysis revealed that during the peak stage of the disease, the
      number of immune T-cell subsets in ncx3(-/-) mice, was not statistically
      different from that measured in ncx3(+/+) . Our findings demonstrate that
      knocking-out NCX3 impairs oligodendrocyte response and worsens clinical symptoms
      in EAE without altering the immune T-cell population. GLIA 2016;64:1124-1137.

PMID- 27120267
TI  - Synthesis Toward and Stereochemical Assignment of Clathsterol: Exploring Diverse
      Strategies to Polyoxygenated Sterols.
AB  - Herein we describe a synthesis of the trisulfate derivative of clathsterol (1), a
      marine sterol endowed with impressive structural features and moderate inhibitory
      activity against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. By synthesizing two possible
      isomers of the side chain, the stereochemistry of 1 is assigned. In creating
      chiral side chains from steroidal lactone, our strategies, including an
      addition/reduction procedure to give C22R-OH, an epoxide-opening reaction, and a
      [3.3]-rearrangement to induce the generation of C24S-Et and C24R-Et respectively,
      are highly flexible and complementary to each other.

PMID- 27120266
TI  - Periprosthetic tibial bone mineral density changes after total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - Background and purpose - Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may cause postoperative
      periprosthetic bone loss due to stress shielding. Bone also adapts to mechanical
      alterations such as correction of malalignment. We investigated medium-term
      changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in tibial periprosthetic bone after TKA.
      Patients and methods - 86 TKA patients were prospectively measured with dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the baseline measurement being within 1 week
      after TKA and the follow-up measurements being at 3 and 6 months, and at 1, 2, 4,
      and 7 years postoperatively. Long standing radiographs were taken and clinical
      evaluation was done with the American Knee Society (AKS) score. Results - The
      baseline BMD of the medial tibial metaphyseal region of interest (ROI) was higher
      in the varus aligned knees (25%; p < 0.001). Medial metaphyseal BMD decreased in
      subjects with preoperatively varus aligned knees (13%, p < 0.001) and in those
      with preoperatively valgus aligned knees (12%, p = 0.02) between the baseline and
      7-year measurements. No statistically significant changes in BMD were detected in
      lateral metaphyseal ROIs. No implant failures or revision surgery due to tibial
      problems occurred. Interpretation - Tibial metaphyseal periprosthetic bone is
      remodeled after TKA due to mechanical axis correction, resulting in more balanced
      bone stock below the tibial tray. The diaphyseal BMD remains unchanged after the
      initial drop, within 3-6 months. This remodeling process was related to good
      component survival, as there were no implant failures or revision operations due
      to tibial problems in this medium-term follow-up.

PMID- 27120268
TI  - Unusually Huge Charge Storage Capacity of Mn3O4-Graphene Nanocomposite Achieved
      by Incorporation of Inorganic Nanosheets.
AB  - Remarkable improvement in electrode performance of Mn3O4-graphene nanocomposites
      for lithium ion batteries can be obtained by incorporation of a small amount of
      exfoliated layered MnO2 or RuO2 nanosheets. The metal oxide nanosheet
      incorporated Mn3O4-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites are synthesized
      via growth of Mn3O4 nanocrystals in the mesoporous networks of rGO and MnO2/RuO2
      2D nanosheets. Incorporation of metal oxide nanosheets is highly effective in
      optimizing porous composite structure and charge transport properties, resulting
      in a remarkable increase of discharge capacity of Mn3O4-rGO nanocomposite with
      significant improvement of cyclability and rate performance. The observed
      enormous discharge capacity of synthesized Mn3O4-rGO-MnO2 nanocomposite (~1600
      mA.h.g(-1) for the 100th cycle) is the highest value among reported data for
      Mn3O4-rGO nanocomposite. Despite much lower electrical conductivity of MnO2 than
      RuO2, the MnO2-incorporated nanocomposite at optimal composition (2.5 wt %) shows
      even larger discharge capacities with comparable rate characteristics compared
      with the RuO2-incorporated homologue. This finding underscores that the electrode
      performance of the resulting nanosheet-incorporated nanocomposite is strongly
      dependent on its pore and composite structures rather than on the intrinsic
      electrical conductivity of the additive nanosheet. The present study clearly
      demonstrates that, regardless of electrical conductivity, incorporation of metal
      oxide 2D nanosheet is an effective way to efficiently optimize the electrode
      functionality of graphene-based nanocomposites. 

PMID- 27120269
TI  - Ureteral Papilla Implantation as a Technique for Neoureterocystostomy in Cats
      Undergoing Renal Transplantation: 30 Cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical outcome of donor and recipient cats
      undergoing ureteral papilla harvest and implantation as a technique for
      neoureterocystostomy in clinical kidney transplant. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      case series. ANIMALS: Donor (n=31) and recipient (n=30) cats that underwent
      kidney harvest and transplantation using ureteral papilla implantation technique
      for neoureterocystostomy. METHODS: Medical records for donor and recipient cats
      presented to the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Teaching Hospital from
      January 2003 to December 2014 were reviewed. Data recorded included complete
      blood count, serum chemistry panel, surgical technique, diagnostic imaging
      results, short- and long-term complications, and anesthetic survival. RESULTS:
      All 30 recipients recovered from anesthesia. Four died within 24 hours and 26
      survived to hospital discharge. Serum creatinine was within the reference
      interval by 72 hours in 22/26 cats (85%). Complications related to the ureteral
      papilla implantation technique were seen in only 1 cat (3%). Uroabdomen diagnosed
      on day 3 ultimately resolved over the following 24 hours without surgical
      intervention. All 31 donor cats survived to discharge. Four donors (13%)
      experienced mild, transiently increased serum creatinine. CONCLUSION: Ureteral
      papilla implantation is a viable technique for neoureterocystostomy in cats
      undergoing kidney transplantation. Proposed benefits for the recipient include a
      less technically challenging anastomosis, decreased risk of ureteral obstruction
      at the anastomosis site, and reduced risk of leakage compared to previous
      reports. Benefits for recipients should be weighed against risks to donors,
      including a more complex ureteral harvest, increased surgical time, and potential
      injury or obstruction of the contralateral ureteral papilla.

PMID- 27120270
TI  - Systematic Review of Outcome Measures Reported in Clinical Canine Osteoarthritis
      Research.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To record and categorize the outcome measures used in dogs with
      naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA) by systematically reviewing the peer
      reviewed publications on OA in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic literature review.
      STUDY POPULATION: Peer reviewed literature on canine OA. METHODS: A computer
      based bibliographic search was performed on PubMed and CAB Abstracts in August
      2013 to find peer reviewed publications relevant to canine OA. Inclusion and
      exclusion criteria were applied. The outcome measures reported within each
      publication were recorded and categorized for comparison. Adequately described
      outcome measures were assessed for uniqueness and evidence of prior validation.
      RESULTS: Of 3,697 publications identified and screened, 117 were deemed eligible
      for inclusion. Within eligible publications, outcome measures were used 618 times
      (median of 4 outcome measures per publication). Outcomes measured were divided
      into 5 groups containing 65 categories. The most frequently assessed outcomes
      were lameness assessment with no stated gait/mixed gaits (66 outcomes),
      radiography (58), and lameness single gait/lateral motion (55). Of 618 outcome
      measures reported, 491 were assessed for uniqueness and 348 (71%) were unique to
      a single publication. Ten outcome measures were reported to have been validated.
      CONCLUSION: Many outcome measures have been used to assess canine OA. There is no
      consensus on which are the most useful outcomes or by which method they should be
      assessed. There is a pressing need for agreement on outcomes reporting in canine
      OA and for validation of outcome measures used for these assessments. Until
      consensus is reached, we recommend at least one validated outcome measure be used
      in every clinical study.

PMID- 27120271
TI  - Antibacterial Efficacy of Several Surgical Hand Preparation Products Used by
      Veterinary Students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the antibacterial efficacy of different surgical hand
      antisepsis protocols used by veterinary students. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective,
      randomized, controlled study. STUDY POPULATION: Third year veterinary students
      (n=45). METHODS: The participants were randomly assigned to 4 of the following 12
      hand preparation product/time combinations: nonabrasive hand scrub method with 4%
      chlorhexidine gluconate (CH); hand rub with a mixture of 30% 1-propanol and 45% 2
      propanol solution (MPS), 70% 2-propanol solution (IPS), or 61% ethanol solution
      with 1% chlorhexidine gluconate (ES/CH), with a contact time of 1.5, 3, or 5
      minutes. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed after surgical hand preparation and
      at the end of surgery. Log reductions of total bacterial colony forming unit
      (CFU)/mL and positive aerobic culture rates were compared using multivariable
      analysis of variance and multivariable logistic regression, respectively.
      RESULTS: After surgical hand preparation, CH and ES/CH provided significantly
      higher log CFU reduction and lower positive culture rate for Gram-positive and
      spore-forming bacteria compared to MPS and IPS. Increase in contact time did not
      provide significant improvement in bacterial reduction. At the end of surgery,
      ES/CH provided significantly higher log CFU reduction compared to IPS and lower
      positive culture rate for Gram-positive bacteria compared to CH, MPS, and IPS.
      Increase in contact time significantly improved log CFU reduction in ES/CH and
      MPS groups. CONCLUSION: In our population of veterinary students ES/CH hand rubs
      or CH scrubs were more effective in reducing bacterial CFU during surgical hand
      preparation than MPS or IPS.

PMID- 27120272
TI  - Reconstruction of a Complicated Orbital Depression Fracture with Medial Wall and
      Globe Repositioning in a Horse: A Collaboration Across Disciplines and
      Specialties.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the surgical reconstruction of a complicated orbital
      depression fracture in a horse with emphasis on medial wall and globe
      repositioning. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: A 6 year old Irish Sport
      Horse gelding. METHODS: The eventer presented with acute, severe orbital trauma
      and globe displacement. After initial elevation of the depression fractures of
      the facial bones and reconstruction of the orbit, the globe was recessed
      secondary to displacement of the medial wall and floor of the orbit within the
      conchofrontal sinus. A three-dimensional model of the fracture configuration was
      used for presurgical planning to reposition the globe. During a subsequent
      surgical procedure, a resorbable plate was placed in the floor of the orbit and
      the medial orbital wall and globe were repositioned using a sinoscopic approach
      and stabilized with the placement of tissue expanders within the conchofrontal
      sinus. The tissue expanders were subsequently removed after 3 weeks under
      standing sedation. RESULTS: The right globe was successfully repositioned in a
      more correct anatomical orientation and the horse resumed work 3 months
      postoperatively, and successfully competed at its previous level 5 months
      postoperatively. No visual deficits have been reported by the owners. CONCLUSION:
      Efforts to restore the medial wall and/or floor of the orbit with concurrent
      globe repositioning should be considered in horses with severe orbital depression
      fractures that result in abnormal globe position.

PMID- 27120273
TI  - Arthroscopic Removal of Large Extensor Process Fragments in 18 Friesian Horses:
      Long-Term Clinical Outcome and Radiological Follow-Up of the Distal
      Interphalangeal Joint.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Report long-term clinical and radiological follow-up in horses after
      removal of large extensor process fragments occupying >25% of the joint surface
      of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case
      series. ANIMALS: Friesian horses (n=18) that underwent arthroscopic removal of a
      large extensor process fragment. METHODS: Arthroscopic examination of the DIJ was
      performed in dorsal recumbency with the affected foot in extension using routine
      portals. Visualization of the fragment was improved using motorized synovial
      resectors. A dissection plane between the common digital extensor tendon and the
      extensor process fragment was created using sharp lever instruments, in some
      cases aided by motorized burrs and radiofrequency ligament dissection. The
      fragment was removed piecemeal using Ferris-Smith rongeurs. Medical records,
      preoperative and postoperative radiographs, and owner surveys were reviewed for
      case details and outcome. RESULTS: The technique described allowed removal of the
      large fragment in all 18 horses. Of the 17 horses where long-term clinical follow
      up was available, 14 were used as intended and 3 kept some degree of lameness.
      The angle between the remodeled extensor process and the dorsal surface of the
      distal phalanx was increased and subchondral bone remodeling at the fragment bed
      was noted on postoperative lateromedial radiographs. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic
      removal is a good treatment option for horses with large extensor process
      fragmentation with a good long-term outcome. Remodeling of the remaining extensor
      process and the subchondral new bone formation in the fragment bed can occur with
      functional recovery.

PMID- 27120274
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27120275
TI  - Keep It Complicated.

PMID- 27120276
TI  - Home.

PMID- 27120277
TI  - Collecting New Data on Disability Health Inequities.

PMID- 27120278
TI  - "Isn't that euthanasia?".

PMID- 27120279
TI  - Why Bioethics Has a Race Problem.

PMID- 27120280
TI  - Emergence of a Discipline? Growth in U.S. Postsecondary Bioethics Degrees.

PMID- 27120282
TI  - Conscience, Courage, and "Consent".

PMID- 27120281
TI  - Reframing Conscientious Care: Providing Abortion Care When Law and Conscience
      Collide.
AB  - Much of the debate on conscience has addressed the ethics of refusal: the rights
      of providers to refuse to perform procedures to which they object and the
      interests of the patients who might be harmed by their refusals. But conscience
      can also be a positive force, grounding decision about offering care.

PMID- 27120283
TI  - When Policy Produces Moral Distress: Reclaiming Conscience.

PMID- 27120287
TI  - There Are All Kinds of Rights.

PMID- 27120288
TI  - Mental shortcuts.

PMID- 27120290
TI  - Computational design and fabrication of core-shell magnetic molecularly imprinted
      polymer for dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance
      liquid chromatography for the determination of rhodamine 6G.
AB  - A novel core-shell magnetic nano-adsorbent with surface molecularly imprinted
      polymer coating was fabricated and then applied to dispersive micro-solid-phase
      extraction followed by determination of rhodamine 6G using high-performance
      liquid chromatography. The molecularly imprinted polymer coating was prepared by
      copolymerization of dopamine and m-aminophenylboronic acid (functional monomers),
      in the presence of rhodamine 6G (template). The selection of the suitable
      functional monomers was based on the interaction between different monomers and
      the template using the density functional theory. The ratios of the monomers to
      template were further optimized by an OA9 (3(4) ) orthogonal array design. The
      binding performances of the adsorbent were evaluated by static, kinetic, and
      selective adsorption experiments. The results reveal that the adsorbent possesses
      remarkable affinity and binding specificity for rhodamine 6G because of the
      enhanced Lewis acid-base interaction between the B(SH) embedded in the imprinted
      cavities and the template. The nano-adsorbent was successfully applied to
      dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction coupled to high-performance liquid
      chromatography for the trace determination of rhodamine 6G in samples with a
      detection limit of 2.7 nmol/L. Spiked recoveries ranged from 93.0-99.1, 89.5
      92.7, and 86.9-105% in river water, matrimony vine and paprika samples,
      respectively, with relative standard deviations of less than 4.3%. 

PMID- 27120291
TI  - Management of Spasticity in Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury:
      Evaluation of Clinical Practice Guidelines.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in
      development of spasticity, which adversely affects function and quality of life.
      Given the foundation of optimal clinical practice is use of the best available
      evidence, we aimed to identify, describe, and evaluate methodological quality of
      evidence-based spasticity clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). METHODS: A
      comprehensive search for CPGs encompassed electronic databases and online
      sources. Eligible CPGs were evaluated using the validated Appraisal of Guidelines
      for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. RESULTS: Five CPGs were
      eligible for review; 2 were specific to acquired brain injury and 1 to TBI. The 3
      brain injury-specific CPGs contained 423 recommendations overall, but only 8
      spasticity recommendations. On the basis of AGREE appraisals, all CPGs performed
      well in the areas of reporting scope and purpose; clearly presenting
      recommendations; including various stakeholders in the CPG development process;
      and reporting conflict of interest. However, only one CPG performed adequately on
      describing facilitators and barriers to implementation, advice, and tools on how
      to implement recommendations and provision of audit criteria. Intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC) for agreement between raters showed high agreement
      (ICC > 0.80) for most guidelines. CONCLUSION: Given the unique etiological
      features and treatment challenges associated with managing spasticity after TBI,
      more TBI-specific spasticity CPGs are required. These should incorporate
      information on the facilitators and barriers to implementation, advice on
      implementing recommendations, and audit criteria.

PMID- 27120292
TI  - The Effects of (-)-OSU6162 on Chronic Fatigue in Patients With Traumatic Brain
      Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of the monoaminergic stabilizer (-)-OSU6162 on
      mental fatigue in patients with traumatic brain injury. SETTING: Single-center
      Neurorehabilitation Clinic. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      trial. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-four subjects with traumatic brain injury were
      randomized to treatment (n = 33) and placebo (n = 31). MAIN MEASURES: The effects
      of (-)-OSU6162 at a dose of 15 mg twice a day were evaluated using self
      assessment scales and neuropsychological tests measuring mental fatigue. RESULTS:
      No difference between groups was observed on any scale at baseline. At follow-up,
      both groups showed significant improvement on the Fatigue Severity Scale and the
      Mental Fatigue Scale (both Ps < .01). Similarly, the performance of both groups
      increased significantly on many neuropsychological tests. However, no significant
      between-group difference in changes on these scales was observed before or after
      adjustment for confounders except for one neuropsychological test favoring the
      control group. Sensitivity analyses showed significantly greater changes in
      levels of prolactin and folic acid and heart rate (all Ps < .05) in the treatment
      group. The mean plasma concentration after 4 weeks of treatment was 0.14 (range,
      0.01-0.32) uM, which was lower than expected. INTERPRETATION: Treatment with (-)
      OSU6162 had no significant effect on mental fatigue in patients with traumatic
      brain injury compared with placebo.

PMID- 27120289
TI  - Photochemical Approaches to Complex Chemotypes: Applications in Natural Product
      Synthesis.
AB  - The use of photochemical transformations is a powerful strategy that allows for
      the formation of a high degree of molecular complexity from relatively simple
      building blocks in a single step. A central feature of all light-promoted
      transformations is the involvement of electronically excited states, generated
      upon absorption of photons. This produces transient reactive intermediates and
      significantly alters the reactivity of a chemical compound. The input of energy
      provided by light thus offers a means to produce strained and unique target
      compounds that cannot be assembled using thermal protocols. This review aims at
      highlighting photochemical transformations as a tool for rapidly accessing
      structurally and stereochemically diverse scaffolds. Synthetic designs based on
      photochemical transformations have the potential to afford complex polycyclic
      carbon skeletons with impressive efficiency, which are of high value in total
      synthesis.

PMID- 27120293
TI  - Traumatic Brain Injury, Sleep, and Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study of Air
      Force Personnel Pre- and Postdeployment to Iraq.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the complex relationships between traumatic brain
      injury (TBI), sleep, and mental health problems longitudinally among US service
      members (SMs) pre- and postdeployment to Iraq. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixty
      eight SMs enrolled in a 4-week Air Force Basic Combat Convoy Course
      predeployment. DESIGN: Self-report data were collected at the beginning and end
      of training and then at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postdeployment. Regression
      analyses were implemented, and participants were categorized into 4 groups based
      on TBI history for further statistical analysis. RESULTS: Positive TBI history
      was associated with greater symptoms of insomnia and posttraumatic stress
      predeployment and persistence of insomnia symptoms, posttraumatic stress, and
      depression postdeployment. Positive TBI history and posttraumatic stress served
      as risk factors for head injury in Iraq, and SMs who reported a head injury
      during deployment also endorsed greater posttraumatic stress postdeployment than
      those without head injury. SMs with positive TBI history who also reported a new
      TBI in Iraq endorsed the greatest sleep and mental health problems across the
      study period. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable information regarding
      temporal relationships between TBI, sleep, and mental health problems among a
      combat military population. Findings have important implications from both
      prevention and clinical perspectives.

PMID- 27120295
TI  - A Paired Comparison of Initial and Recurrent Concussions Sustained by US High
      School Athletes Within a Single Athletic Season.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare initial and recurrent concussions regarding average number
      of days between concussions, acute concussion symptoms and symptom resolution
      time, and return to play time. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: High school athletes
      sustaining multiple concussions linked within sport seasons drawn from a large
      sports injury surveillance study. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of longitudinal
      surveillance data. MEASURES: Number of days between concussions, number of
      symptoms endorsed, specific symptoms endorsed, symptom resolution time, return to
      play time. RESULTS: Median time between initial and recurrent concussions was 21
      days (interquartile range = 10-43 days). Loss of consciousness, the only
      significant symptom difference, occurred more frequently in recurrent (6.8%) than
      initial (1.7%) concussions (P = .04). No significant difference was found in the
      number of symptoms (P = .84) or symptom resolution time (P = .74). Recurrent
      concussions kept athletes from play longer than initial concussions (P < .0001);
      26.6% of recurrent concussions were season ending. CONCLUSIONS: We found that
      athletes' initial and recurrent concussions had similar symptom presentations and
      resolution time. Despite these similarities, athletes were restricted from
      returning to play for longer periods following a recurrent concussion, indicating
      clinicians are managing recurrent concussions more conservatively. It is probable
      that concussion recognition and management are superior now compared with when
      previous studies were published, possibly improving recurrent concussion
      outcomes.

PMID- 27120294
TI  - Aerobic Exercise for Adolescents With Prolonged Symptoms After Mild Traumatic
      Brain Injury: An Exploratory Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the methodology and report primary outcomes of an
      exploratory randomized clinical trial (RCT) of aerobic training for management of
      prolonged symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in adolescents.
      SETTING: Outpatient research setting. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty adolescents between
      the ages of 12 and 17 years who sustained a mTBI and had between 4 and 16 weeks
      of persistent symptoms. DESIGN: Partially blinded, pilot RCT of subsymptom
      exacerbation aerobic training compared with a full-body stretching program. MAIN
      MEASURES: The primary outcome was postinjury symptom improvement assessed by the
      adolescent's self-reported Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) repeated for
      at least 6 weeks of the intervention. Parent-reported PCSI and adherence are also
      described. RESULTS: Twenty-two percent of eligible participants enrolled in the
      trial. Repeated-measures analysis of variance via mixed-models analysis
      demonstrated a significant group * time interaction with self-reported PCSI
      ratings, indicating a greater rate of improvement in the subsymptom exacerbation
      aerobic training group than in the full-body stretching group (F = 4.11, P =
      .044). Adherence to the home exercise programs was lower in the subsymptom
      exacerbation aerobic training group compared with the full-body stretching group
      (mean [SD] times per week = 4.42 [1.95] vs 5.85 [1.37], P < .0001) over the
      duration of the study. CONCLUSION: Findings from this exploratory RCT suggest
      subsymptom exacerbation aerobic training is potentially beneficial for
      adolescents with persistent symptoms after an mTBI. These findings and other
      recent research support the potential benefit of active rehabilitation programs
      for adolescents with persistent symptoms after an mTBI. Larger replication
      studies are needed to verify findings and improve generalizability. Future work
      should focus on determining the optimal type, timing, and intensity of active
      rehabilitation programs and characteristics of individuals most likely to
      benefit.

PMID- 27120296
TI  - Intrauterine Inflammation and Maternal Exposure to Ambient PM2.5 during
      Preconception and Specific Periods of Pregnancy: The Boston Birth Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposure to ambient PM2.5, (i.e., fine particulate matter,
      aerodynamic diameter <= 2.5 MUm) has been associated with preterm birth and low
      birth weight. The association between prenatal PM2.5 exposure and intrauterine
      inflammation (IUI), an important risk factor for preterm birth and
      neurodevelopmental outcomes, has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to
      investigate the association between maternal exposure to PM2.5 and IUI in the
      Boston Birth Cohort, a predominantly urban low-income minority population.
      METHODS: This analysis included 5,059 mother-infant pairs in the Boston Birth
      Cohort. IUI was assessed based on intrapartum fever and placenta pathology. PM2.5
      exposure was assigned using data from the U.S. EPA's Air Quality System. Odds
      ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) quantified the association of
      maternal PM2.5 exposure during preconception and various periods of pregnancy
      with IUI. RESULTS: Comparing the highest with the lowest PM2.5 exposure
      quartiles, the multi-adjusted association with IUI was significant for all
      exposure periods considered, including 3 months before conception (OR = 1.52; 95%
      CI: 1.22, 1.89), first trimester (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.55, 2.40), second
      trimester (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.35, 2.08), third trimester (OR = 1.53; 95% CI:
      1.24, 1.90), and whole pregnancy (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.55, 2.37). CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite relatively low exposures, our results suggest a monotonic positive
      relationship between PM2.5 exposure during preconception and pregnancy and IUI.
      IUI may be a sensitive biomarker for assessing early biological effect of PM2.5
      exposure on the developing fetus. CITATION: Nachman RM, Mao G, Zhang X, Hong X,
      Chen Z, Soria CS, He H, Wang G, Caruso D, Pearson C, Biswal S, Zuckerman B, Wills
      Karp M, Wang X. 2016. Intrauterine inflammation and maternal exposure to ambient
      PM2.5 during preconception and specific periods of pregnancy: the Boston Birth
      Cohort. Environ Health Perspect 124:1608-1615; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP243.

PMID- 27120297
TI  - Huckel's Rule of Aromaticity Categorizes Aromatic closo Boron Hydride Clusters.
AB  - A direct connection is established between three-dimensional aromatic closo boron
      hydride clusters and planar aromatic [n]annulenes for medium and large boron
      clusters. In particular, the results prove the existence of a link between the
      two-dimensional Huckel rule, as followed by aromatic [n]annulenes, and Wade
      Mingos' rule of three-dimensional aromaticity, as applied to the aromatic [Bn Hn
      ](2-) closo boron hydride clusters. The closo boron hydride clusters can be
      categorized into different series, according to the n value of the Huckel (4 n+2)
      pi rule. The distinct categories studied in this work correspond to n=1, 2, and
      3. Each category increases in geometrical difficulty but, more importantly, it is
      possible to associate each category with the number of pentagonal layers in the
      structure perpendicular to the main axis. Category 1 has one pentagonal layer,
      category 2 has two, and category 3 has three.

PMID- 27120298
TI  - Carbon Cathodes in Rechargeable Lithium-Oxygen Batteries Based on Double-Lithium
      Salt Electrolytes.
AB  - The use of carbon materials as air electrodes in lithium-oxygen (Li-O2 )
      batteries is known to be advantageous owing to their good conductivity and
      because they offer sites suitable for the reversible electrode reactions.
      However, the exact influence of carbon materials on the electrochemical
      performance of Li-O2 batteries is not clear. In this study the electrochemical
      performance of four different types of carbon materials (multiwalled carbon
      nanotubes (MWCNTs), CMK-3, graphene nanosheets (GNSs), and Ketjen Black (KB)) as
      air electrodes is examined. We find that a Li-O2 cell based on an electrode of
      multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) demonstrates good rate performance and
      cycle stability, when using LiNO3 -LiTFSI/DMSO as electrolyte. Li-O2 cells based
      on such MWCNT electrodes, with a cut-off capacity of 1000 mAh g(-1) at 500 mA g(
      1) , can undergo around 90 cycles without obvious losses of capacity. Even when
      the discharge depth is increased to 2000 mA h g(-1) , stable cycling is
      maintained for 45 cycles at a charge potential below 4.0 V.

PMID- 27120311
TI  - Low genome content diversity of marine planktonic Thaumarchaeota.
AB  - Members of Thaumarchaeota are responsible for much of the ammonia oxidation
      occurring in the ocean. Recent studies showed that marine Thaumarchaeota have
      versatile metabolic capabilities, but sequencing additional genomes has not
      significantly increased the gene content ascribed to this group. We used the
      assembly-free dN pipeline software in combination with phylogenetic analyses to
      interrogate shotgun metagenomic data sets to gain a better understanding of the
      genomic diversity of Thaumarchaeota populations. The program confidently assigned
      ~3,000 paired-end reads to Thaumarchaeota, independent of homologies to any known
      Thaumarchaeota genome sequence. Only 2% of these reads potentially harbor new
      genes that were absent from the genome of 'Candidatus Nitrosopumilus maritimus'
      str. SCM1, even though this strain was isolated from a marine aquarium rather
      than directly from the ocean. One of these novel genes encode proteins associated
      with the CRISPR/Cas system, Cas1, suggesting that phage defense through CRISPR
      may be also present in planktonic Thaumarchaeota lineages. Our results suggest
      that marine Thaumarchaeota populations have very low diversity in genome content,
      which is corroborated using computer simulation analyses of two bacterial
      lineages with known genome content diversity.

PMID- 27120312
TI  - Opposite-sex social bonding in wild Assamese macaques.
AB  - In large multimale-multifemale primate groups, individual adult males and females
      may form close social relationships that extend beyond the mating context, a
      surprising finding for polygynandrous mammals. The patterns of these associations
      can be relatively stable across time. Here we investigate whether dyadic social
      relationships between the sexes transcend mere association in wild Assamese
      macaques and may be characterized as strong, equitable, and stable affiliative
      relationships or social bonds. We collected >9,000 hr of focal animal data on
      adult males and females from two groups of wild Assamese macaques (Macaca
      assamensis) at Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. Using dyadic composite
      sociality indices, we found male-female affiliative relationships to be highly
      differentiated. The stronger the relationships were, the more likely partners
      were to reciprocate grooming and the more stable were the relationships. In
      addition, the strongest dyadic relationships remained stable over multiple years
      as long as both partners remained in the group. These results indicate that in a
      polygynous species particular males and females form strong, equitable, and
      enduring affiliative relationships qualitatively similar to the same-sex bonds
      described for female baboons and male chimpanzees. Am. J. Primatol. 78:872-882,
      2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27120313
TI  - Comprehensive Energetic Scale for Quantitatively Estimating the Fluorinating
      Potential of N-F Reagents in Electrophilic Fluorinations.
AB  - Quantitative knowledge of the fluorinating strength of electrophilic N-F reagents
      is of crucial importance for rational design and optimization of novel reagents
      and new reactions. Herein, we report the first systematic computation of
      fluorinating potentials of 130 electrophilic N-F reagents in two commonly used
      solvents dichloromethane and acetonitrile in terms of the N-F bond heterolysis
      energies as expressed by the fluorine plus detachment (FPD) values. The
      calculated FPD scales of 130 N-F reagents cover a range from 112.3 to 290.4 kcal
      mol(-1) and 110.9 to 278.4 kcal mol(-1) in dichloromethane and acetonitrile,
      respectively. This comprehensive FPD database provides a valuable quantitative
      guide for studying the influence of structural variation on the fluorinating
      strength of the N-F reagents, opening a door to the rational design of novel
      reagents with appropriate fluorinating strength for specific purposes. It is
      demonstrated that the FPD values can reproduce the reactivity order for
      electrophilic N-F reagents better than other parameters.

PMID- 27120314
TI  - Will the Australian Government's response to its 'National Ice Taskforce' deliver
      more treatment as promised?

PMID- 27120315
TI  - Determination of the vibrational contribution to the entropy change at the
      martensitic transformation in Ni-Mn-Sn metamagnetic shape memory alloys: a
      combined approach of time-of-flight neutron spectroscopy and ab initio
      calculations.
AB  - The different contributions to the entropy change linked to the austenite
      martensitic transition in a Ni-Mn-Sn metamagnetic shape memory alloy have been
      determined by combining different experimental techniques. The vibrational
      contribution has been inferred from the vibrational density of states of both the
      martensitic and austenite phases. This has been accomplished by combining time-of
      flight neutron scattering measurements and ab initio calculations. Further, the
      electronic part of the entropy change has also been calculated. Since the
      martensitic transformation takes place between two paramagnetic phases, the
      magnetic contribution can be neglected and the entropy change can be reduced to
      the sum of two terms: vibrational and electronic. The obtained value of the
      vibrational contribution ([Formula: see text]) nearly provides the total entropy
      change measured by calorimetry ([Formula: see text]), the difference being the
      electronic contribution within the experimental error.

PMID- 27120316
TI  - Impact of Liver and Whole-Body Diffusion-Weighted MRI for Neuroendocrine Tumors
      on Patient Management: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computed tomography scan is the current standard cross-sectional
      imaging modality for neuroendocrine tumor (NET) workup. Diffusion-weighted
      magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) has proven to be more sensitive than standard
      sequences to diagnose liver metastases; whole-body DW-MRI may be more sensitive
      than whole-body MRI. Clinical implications have not yet been assessed. Thus, we
      evaluated radiological and clinical contributions of liver and whole-body DW-MRI
      to manage NETs. METHODS: Twenty-five abnormal liver and 22 abnormal whole-body
      standard MRIs were first analyzed retrospectively. MR images were then reanalyzed
      after adding DW sequences. The standard of reference for metastasis confirmation
      was a combination of radiological follow-up and histological proof. Clinical
      impact was defined as MRI changes of liver invasion (unilobar to bilobar and/or
      <50 to >50% of liver) or therapeutic management changes made during a dedicated
      multidisciplinary meeting after whole-body MRI. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with
      mainly small intestine NETs (24/32) were studied. Adding DW to standard liver MRI
      yielded additional findings for 45% of the patients with 1.78 times more new
      lesions, mainly infracentimetric; it induced a management change for 18% of the
      patients. DW sequences added to whole-body MRI yielded additional findings for
      71% of the patients, with 1.72 times more lesions, mainly infracentimetric, and
      induced a change in management for 19% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Adding DW
      sequences to standard MRI revealed additional metastases and led to modifications
      of patient management. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

PMID- 27120318
TI  - The use of angiography in pediatric blunt abdominal trauma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiography is a common treatment used in adults with blunt abdominal
      trauma and/or severe pelvic fractures. The Committee on Trauma of the American
      College of Surgeons has recently advocated for this resource to be urgently
      available at pediatric trauma centers; however, its usefulness in the pediatric
      setting is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of
      angiography in the treatment of blunt abdominal trauma among injured children.
      METHODS: An analysis was performed using an established public use data set of
      children (younger than 18 years) treated at 20 participating trauma centers for
      blunt torso trauma through the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network.
      Patients who underwent angiography of the abdomen or pelvis were identified and
      analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 12,044 children evaluated for blunt abdominal trauma
      included within the data set, 973 sustained abdominopelvic injuries. Of these,
      only 26 (3%) underwent angiography. The median age was 14 years, 65% were males,
      with a mortality rate of 19%. Overall, 29 angiographic procedures were performed:
      21 abdominal, 8 pelvic, with 3 patients undergoing both abdominal and pelvic.
      Eleven patients underwent embolization of a bleeding vessel, all of which were
      related to the spleen. No hepatic, renal, or pelvic vessels required
      embolization. The median time to angiography from emergency department evaluation
      was 7.3 hours. In addition to angiography, 50% also required surgical
      intervention, of which 31% underwent a laparotomy. Thirty-five percent of these
      patients required blood product transfusion, and 42% were admitted to the
      intensive care unit. CONCLUSION: The emergent use of angiography with
      embolization is uncommon in pediatric patients with blunt abdominal injuries. The
      requirement that pediatric trauma centers have access to interventional radiology
      within 30 minutes may be unnecessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic study,
      level III; therapeutic study, level IV.

PMID- 27120317
TI  - Underage drinking, brief interventions, and trauma patients: Are they really
      special?
AB  - BACKGROUND: While the relationship between underage drinking and injury has been
      well established, few studies have examined whether presenting for an acute
      injury moderates the efficacy of a brief intervention (BI) on alcohol misuse.
      METHODS: Patients (aged 14-20 years) in the emergency department screening
      positive for risky drinking (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test
      Consumption score) completed a baseline assessment, were randomized to conditions
      (a standalone computer-delivered BI [n = 277], a therapist-delivered BI [n =
      278], or a control condition [n = 281]), and completed a 3-month follow-up. This
      secondary analysis of Project U-Connect examined regression models (controlling
      for baseline values) to examine the main effects of injury and the interaction
      effects of injury by BI condition on alcohol consumption and consequences.
      RESULTS: Among 836 youth enrolled in the randomized controlled trial (mean age,
      18.6 years; 51.6% were male; 79.4% were white), 303 (36.2%) had a primary
      complaint of intentional or unintentional injury. At baseline, injured patients
      were more likely to be male (p < 0.001) and have higher alcohol consumption (p <
      0.01), but were less likely to misuse prescription drugs (p = 0.02) than those
      presenting for medical reasons. Regression models (controlling for baseline
      values) demonstrated that injury presentation predicted greater alcohol
      consumption prior to a BI. The computer BI was more effective at reducing alcohol
      consequences among those presenting with injury than those presenting for other
      reasons. Injury did not affect the efficacy of the computer BI on alcohol
      consumption, and injury did not affect the efficacy of the therapist BI on
      alcohol outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A therapist or computer BI reduced alcohol
      consumption and consequences among risky drinkers regardless of reason for
      emergency department presentation highlighting the opportunity to reach a broad
      array of youth. Although the therapist BI was not moderated by injury
      presentation, the computer BI was particularly effective at reducing alcohol
      consequences among those presenting with injury at 3-month follow-up. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care management study, level III.

PMID- 27120319
TI  - Adipose tissue location and contribution to postinjury hypercoagulability.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Obesity is associated with a hypercoagulable state at baseline and
      following injury. The anatomic location of adipose deposition may influence the
      type of thrombotic event, with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) associated with
      arterial thrombosis and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) predisposing to venous
      thrombosis. We sought to determine whether adipose tissue amount and location
      correlated with measures of coagulation. METHODS: All adult Level I trauma
      activations at our institution between January 2013 and August 2014 who underwent
      admission abdominal computed tomography scan and had admission rotational
      thromboelastometry measurements were included. Patients were excluded for history
      of anticoagulant use and known coagulopathy/hypercoagulable state. Admission
      computed tomography was used to obtain cross-sectional VAT and SAT areas at the
      umbilicus utilizing a novel software system; VAT and SAT measurements were
      associated with markers of coagulation utilizing Spearman correlation and
      stepwise linear regression with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Two
      hundred forty-two patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixty-nine
      percent of patients sustained blunt injury, 79% were male, mean age was 40 years,
      25% were obese or morbidly obese, and mean Injury Severity Scale score was 17.
      Seventeen percent of patients had acute deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary
      embolism during hospitalization. Neither SAT nor VAT correlated with prothrombin
      time, international normalized ratio, or partial thromboplastin time.
      Subcutaneous adipose tissue correlated positively with platelet count. Visceral
      adipose tissue and SAT correlated negatively with clot formation time and
      positively with TEM fibrinogen, alpha angle, maximum clot firmness, and lysis at
      30 minutes; stronger correlations and greater significance were seen between SAT
      and these measures except for lysis at 30 minutes. Stepwise linear regression
      confirmed significant relationships between SAT and clot formation time, AA, and
      maximum clot firmness; VAT showed a significant relationship with TEM fibrinogen.
      CONCLUSIONS: Increased adipose tissue correlates with relative hypercoagulability
      following trauma. Subcutaneous adipose tissue shows a stronger relationship with
      functional measures of coagulation, suggesting that SAT may be associated with
      hemorrhage resistance and hypercoagulability after injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Prognostic study, level IV.

PMID- 27120320
TI  - Team of Teams or Team of Rivals.

PMID- 27120322
TI  - Suction evacuation of hemothorax: A prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although tube thoracostomy is a common procedure after thoracic
      trauma, incomplete evacuation of fluid places the patient at risk for retained
      hemothorax. As little as 300 to 500 cm of blood may result in the need for an
      additional thoracostomy tube or, in more severe cases, lung entrapment and
      empyema. We hypothesized that suction evacuation of the thoracic cavity before
      tube placement would decrease the incidence of late complications. METHODS:
      Patients requiring tube thoracostomy within 96 hours of admission were
      prospectively identified and underwent suction evacuation of the pleural space
      (SEPS) before tube placement. These patients were compared to historical controls
      without suction evacuation. Demographics, admission vital signs, laboratory
      values, details of chest tube placement, and outcomes were collected on all
      patients. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare outcomes between
      groups. RESULTS: A total of 199 patients were identified, consisting of 100
      retrospective controls and 99 SEPS patients. There were no differences in age,
      sex, admission injury severity score or chest abbreviated injury score, admission
      laboratory values or vital signs, or hospital length of stay. Mean (SD) volume of
      hemothorax in SEPS patients was 220 (297) cm; with only 48% having a volume
      greater than 100 cm at the time of tube placement. Three patients developed
      empyema, and 19 demonstrated retained blood; there was no difference between SEPS
      and control patients. Suction evacuation of the pleural space was significantly
      protective against recurrent pneumothorax after chest tube removal (odds ratio,
      0.332; 95% confidence interval, 0.148-0.745). CONCLUSION: Preemptive suction
      evacuation of the thoracic cavity did not have a significant impact on subsequent
      development of retained hemothorax or empyema. Suction evacuation of the pleural
      space significantly decreased incidence of recurrent pneumothorax after
      thoracostomy removal. Although the mechanism is unclear, such a benefit may make
      this simple procedure worthwhile. A larger sample size is required for validation
      and to determine if preemptive thoracic evacuation has a clinical benefit. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care management study, level IV.

PMID- 27120323
TI  - Initial safety and feasibility of cold-stored uncrossmatched whole blood
      transfusion in civilian trauma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transfusion of cold-stored uncrossmatched whole blood (WB) has
      not been extensively used in civilian trauma resuscitation. This report details
      the initial experience with the safety and feasibility of using WB in this
      setting after a change of practice at a Level 1 trauma center was instituted.
      METHODS: Up to two units of uncrossmatched group O positive WB that was
      leukoreduced using a platelet-sparing filter from male donors were transfused to
      male trauma patients with hypotension secondary to bleeding. Hemolytic marker
      haptoglobin and reports of transfusion reactions in these patients were followed.
      Additionally, transfusion volumes and outcomes were compared to a historical
      cohort of male trauma patients who received at least one red blood cell (RBC)
      unit, but not WB, during the first 24 hours of admission. RESULTS: There were 47
      WB patients who were transfused with a mean (SD) of 1.74 (0.61) WB units. The
      median haptoglobin concentration on post-WB transfusion Day 1 was 25.1 (9.3)
      mg/dL in 7 of 30 non-group O recipients. No adverse reactions in temporal
      relation to the WB transfusions were reported. There were 145 male historical
      control patients identified who were resuscitated with component therapy; the
      median volume of incompatible plasma transfused to the WB versus component
      therapy group was not significantly different (1,000 vs. 800 mL, respectively; p
      = 0.38); the mean plasma:RBC (0.99 [0.47] vs. 0.77 [ 0.73], respectively; p =
      0.006) and platelet:RBC (0.72 [0.40] vs. 0.51 [0.734], respectively; p < 0.0001)
      ratios were significantly higher in the WB group. CONCLUSION: Transfusion of two
      units of cold-stored uncrossmatched WB is feasible and seems to be safe in
      civilian trauma resuscitation. Determining the efficacy of WB with regard to
      reducing the number of blood products transfused in the first 24 hours or
      improving recipient survival will require a larger randomized trial. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

PMID- 27120324
TI  - Evaluation of role 2 (R2) medical resources in the Afghanistan combat theater:
      Initial review of the joint trauma system R2 registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A Role 2 registry (R2R) was developed in 2008 by the US Joint Trauma
      System (JTS). The purpose of this project was to undertake a preliminary review
      of the R2R to understand combat trauma epidemiology and related interventions at
      these facilities to guide training and optimal use of forward surgical capability
      in the future. METHODS: A retrospective review of available JTS R2R records; the
      registry is a convenience sample entered voluntarily by members of the R2 units.
      Patients were classified according to basic demographics, affiliation, region
      where treatment was provided, mechanism of injury, type of injury, time and
      method of transport from point of injury (POI) to R2 facility, interventions at
      R2, and survival. Analysis included trauma patients aged >=18 years or older
      wounded in year 2008 to 2014, and treated in Afghanistan. RESULTS: A total of
      15,404 patients wounded and treated in R2 were included in the R2R from February
      2008 to September 2014; 12,849 patients met inclusion criteria. The predominant
      patient affiliations included US Forces, 4,676 (36.4%); Afghan Forces, 4,549
      (35.4%); and Afghan civilians, 2,178 (17.0%). Overall, battle injuries
      predominated (9,792 [76.2%]). Type of injury included penetrating, 7,665 (59.7%);
      blunt, 4,026 (31.3%); and other, 633 (4.9%). Primary mechanism of injury included
      explosion, 5,320 (41.4%); gunshot wounds, 3,082 (24.0%); and crash, 1,209 (9.4%).
      Of 12,849 patients who arrived at R2, 167 (1.3%) were dead; of 12,682 patients
      who were alive upon arrival, 342 (2.7%) died at R2. CONCLUSION: This evaluation
      of the R2R describes the patient profiles of and common injuries treated in a
      sample of R2 facilities in Afghanistan. Ongoing and detailed analysis of R2R
      information may provide evidence-based guidance to military planners and medical
      leaders to best prepare teams and allocate R2 resources in future operations.
      Given the limitations of the data set, conclusions must be interpreted in context
      of other available data and analyses, not in isolation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Epidemiologic study, level IV.

PMID- 27120325
TI  - Influences of limited resuscitation with plasma or plasma protein solutions on
      hemostasis and survival of rabbits with noncompressible hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plasma infusion with or without red blood cells is the current
      military standard of care for prehospital resuscitation of combat casualties. We
      examined possible advantages of early and limited resuscitation with fresh plasma
      compared with a single plasma protein or crystalloid solutions in an uncontrolled
      hemorrhage model in rabbits. METHODS: Anesthetized spontaneously breathing
      rabbits (3.3 +/- 0.1 kg) were instrumented and subjected to a splenic
      uncontrolled hemorrhage. Rabbits in shock were resuscitated at 15 minutes with
      Plasma-Lyte (PAL; 30 mL/kg), PAL + fibrinogen (PAL + F; 30 mL + 100 mg/kg), fresh
      rabbit plasma (15 mL/kg), or 25% albumin (ALB; 5 mL/kg) solution, all given in
      two bolus intravenous injections (15 minutes apart) to achieve a mean arterial
      pressure of 65 mm Hg, n = 8 to 9/group. Animals were monitored for 2 hours or
      until death, and blood loss was measured. Blood samples and tissues were
      collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There were no differences among groups in
      baseline measures and their initial bleeding volume at 15 minutes. At 60 minutes
      after injury, mean arterial pressure was higher with ALB than with crystalloids
      (PAL or PAL + F), but shock indices were not different despite the large
      differences in resuscitation volumes. Fibrinogen addition to PAL only increased
      clot strength. Plasma resuscitation increased survival rate (75%) without
      significant improvement in coagulation measures. Albumin administration
      replenished total plasma protein and increased survival rate to 100% (p < .05 vs.
      crystalloids). No histological adverse events were identified in the vital
      organs. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrinogen administration added to a compatible crystalloid
      did not improve hemostatic outcomes. Plasma resuscitation increased survival
      rate; however, its effects did not differ from those obtained with 25% ALB at one
      third of the volume. The ALB advantage was consistent with our previous findings
      in which 5% ALB was used at a volume equal to plasma. The benefit of plasma for
      resuscitation may be mostly due to its ALB content rather than its coagulation
      proteins.

PMID- 27120326
TI  - Managing the surge in demand for blood following mass casualty events: Early
      automatic restocking may preserve red cell supply.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic hemorrhage is a leading preventable cause of mortality
      following mass casualty events (MCEs). Improving outcomes requires adequate in
      hospital provision of high-volume red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. This study
      investigated strategies for optimizing RBC provision to casualties in MCEs using
      simulation modeling. METHODS: A computerized simulation model of a UK major
      trauma center (TC) transfusion system was developed. The model used input data
      from past MCEs and civilian and military trauma registries. We simulated the
      effect of varying on-shelf RBC stock hold and the timing of externally restocking
      RBC supplies on TC treatment capacity across increasing loads of priority one
      (P1) and two (P2) casualties from an event. RESULTS: Thirty-five thousand
      simulations were performed. A casualty load of 20 P1s and P2s under standard TC
      RBC stock conditions left 35% (95% confidence interval, 32-38%) of P1s and 7% (4
      10%) of P2s inadequately treated for hemorrhage. Additionally, exhaustion of type
      O emergency RBC stocks (a surrogate for reaching surge capacity) occurred in a
      median of 10 hours (IQR, 5 to >12 hours). Doubling casualty load increased this
      to 60% (57-63%) and 30% (26-34%), respectively, with capacity reached in 2 hours
      (1-3 hours). The model identified a minimum requirement of 12 U of on-shelf RBCs
      per P1/P2 casualty received to prevent surge capacity being reached. Restocking
      supplies in an MCE versus greater permanent on-shelf RBC stock holds was
      considered at increasing hourly intervals. T-test analysis showed no difference
      between stock hold versus supply restocking with regard to overall outcomes for
      MCEs up to 80 P1s and P2s in size (p < 0.05), provided the restock occurred
      within 6 hours. CONCLUSION: Even limited-sized MCEs threaten to overwhelm TC
      transfusion systems. An early-automated push approach to restocking RBCs
      initiated by central suppliers can produce equivocal outcomes compared with
      holding excess stock permanently at TCs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/care
      management study, level IV.

PMID- 27120327
TI  - Tube thoracostomy: Increased angle of insertion is associated with complications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tube thoracostomy (TT), considered a routine procedure, has
      significant complications. Current recommendations for placement rely on surface
      anatomy. There is no information to guide operators regarding angle of insertion
      relative to chest wall. We aim to determine if angle of insertion is associated
      with complications of TT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of adult
      trauma patients who necessitated TT at a Level I trauma center over a 2-year
      period (January 2012 to December 2013). Tube thoracostomies performed
      intraoperatively or using radiological guidance were excluded. Thoracic
      anteroposterior or posteroanterior radiographs were reviewed to determine the
      angle of insertion of TT relative to the thoracic wall. A previously validated
      classification method was used to categorize complications. Descriptive and
      univariate statistics were used to compare angle of insertion and complicated
      versus uncomplicated TT. RESULTS: Review identified 154 patients who underwent a
      total of 246 TT placed for emergent trauma. All patients had a postprocedural
      chest x-ray. We identified 90 complications (37%) over the study period. One
      hundred forty-four of the TTs reviewed had an angle of insertion less than 45
      degrees of which there were 27 complications (19%). One hundred two of the TTs
      had an angle greater than 45 degrees and 63 complications (62%); p < 0.0001.
      CONCLUSIONS: Tube thoracostomy insertion is inherently dangerous. Placement of TT
      using a higher angle of insertion greater than 45 degrees is associated with
      increased complications. Further prospective studies quantifying TT angle of
      insertion on outcomes are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

PMID- 27120328
TI  - Initial Research on Postoperative Management of Tetralogy of Fallot with Major
      Aortopulmonary Collaterals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with major aortopulmonary collaterals
      (MAPCA) is a well-known but always severe congenital heart disease. This study
      was designed to explore proper management after radical correction of TOF with
      MAPCA based on a hierarchical approach. METHODS: The following data were
      collected from 39 patients planned to undergo radical correction of TOF: age,
      weight, number of aortopulmonary collaterals, total lumen diameter and collateral
      diameter-to-body weight ratio, transcatheter occlusion and cardiac
      catheterization findings, mechanical ventilation time, and ICU monitoring time.
      The patients were divided into 4 groups by collateral diameter-to-body weight
      ratio as follows: <0.200 mm/kg (group 1), 0.200-0.500 mm/kg (group 2), >0.500
      mm/kg (group 3), and no MAPCA (group 4). Data analysis was performed using IBM
      SPSS Statistics software for Mac version 22.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill., USA)
      with logistic regression and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Most of the patients
      recovered well after radical correction; postoperative complications occurred in
      12 patients and included bloody sputum, low cardiac output syndrome, and severe
      pulmonary infection that led to tracheotomy. By prolonging the mechanical
      ventilation time of the patients with postoperative complications, the conditions
      in 3 patients were improved. However, in the remaining patients, the condition
      worsened until transcatheter occlusions were performed. Transcatheter occlusion
      was performed in all 7 patients in group 3 (100%). Only 2 of the 8 patients in
      group 2 required transcatheter occlusion (25%), and none of the 9 patients in
      group 1 required transcatheter occlusion (0%). Only 1 patient (group 3) died
      after radical correction. The transcatheter occlusion results showed a strong
      association with the total lumen diameter and the collateral diameter-to-body
      weight ratio (p < 0.05) but no obvious association with age, weight, or the
      number of aortopulmonary collaterals (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative
      management of patients with TOF and MAPCA has great significance. To reduce the
      morbidity and mortality, transcatheter coil embolization or surgical ligation
      should be performed in patients with a collateral diameter-to-body weight ratio
      of at least 0.500 mm/kg. In patients with values between approximately 0.200 and
      0.500 mm/kg, prolongation of mechanical ventilation should have priority over
      transcatheter occlusion, and for patients with values below 0.200 mm/kg no
      additional treatment is needed.

PMID- 27120329
TI  - Effects of chronic carotid baroreceptor activation on arterial stiffness in
      severe heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is characterized
      by activation of the sympathetic nervous system and increased arterial stiffness,
      leading to an impaired ventricular-vascular coupling. Baroreflex activation
      therapy (BAT) has been shown to reduce muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA)
      and improve clinical status of patients with HFrEF. The purpose of this
      investigation was to determine the effects of BAT on arterial stiffness in HFrEF.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: MSNA, clinical variables, and parameters of central blood
      pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness were collected in 18 NYHA Class III HFrEF
      patients, nine receiving BAT and nine continuing with optimal medical management
      alone. Patients were followed for 3 months, with measurements at that time
      compared to baseline evaluation. Baseline characteristics of the groups were well
      matched. At 3 months, BAT did not improve central BP and arterial stiffness
      despite a significant amelioration of MSNA, NYHA class, Minnesota living with
      heart failure questionnaire score, number of heart failure medications and six
      minute walking distance. The control group exhibited no significant changes in
      all the measured variables. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant reductions in MSNA
      and clinical improvement, BAT does not appear to chronically modify arterial
      stiffness within this HFrEF cohort. Additional study is required to determine if
      this result applies to the HFrEF population as a whole.

PMID- 27120330
TI  - Atorvastatin treatment and LDL cholesterol target attainment in patients at very
      high cardiovascular risk.
AB  - The use of atorvastatin is rapidly increasing among statins since the
      introduction of generics. However, only limited data are available on its current
      use and the effectiveness outside of randomised trials. The aim of the study was
      to assess low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels in ambulatory patients at very
      high cardiovascular risk on atorvastatin therapy in physician's offices. A total
      of 2625 high-risk patients on atorvastatin were included into this cross
      sectional study by 539 office-based physicians between June and December 2014.
      47.0 % of the patients had documented coronary heart disease (CHD), 25.1 % type 2
      diabetes mellitus (DM), and 27.9 % CHD plus concomitant DM. The mean age was 66.1
      +/- 10.8 years, 62.1 % were male. Atorvastatin at the dose of 10, 20, 40 and 80
      mg/day was administered in 15.6, 45.7, 33.9, and 4.8 % of the patients,
      respectively. The treatment duration was 92.6 +/- 109.6 weeks. The mean
      atorvastatin dose at therapy start was 24.8 +/- 15.2 mg/day and at time of
      documentation 27.9 +/- 15.8 mg/day. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
      <70 mg/dL was achieved by 10.5 % of the total cohort (7.5 % in DM, 9.3 % in CHD,
      and 15.2 % in CHD + DM). In contrast, according to physicians' subjective
      assessment, 62.7 % of patients (with small differences between groups) had
      reached their individual LDL-C target. In summary, higher doses of atorvastatin
      are not frequently used in clinical practice. The LDL-C target level <70 mg/dL as
      recommended by current guidelines is achieved only in a minority of atorvastatin
      treated patients at very high cardiovascular risk. 

PMID- 27120331
TI  - Hospital Utilisation in Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Infants under 12 Months of
      Age in Western Australia, Prospective Population Based Data Linkage Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indigenous infants (infants aged under 12 months) have the highest
      hospital admission and emergency department presentation risks in Australia.
      However, there have been no recent reports comparing hospital utilisation between
      Indigenous and non-Indigenous infants. METHODS: Our primary objective was to use
      a large prospective population-based linked dataset to assess the risk of all
      cause hospital admission and emergency department presentation in Indigenous
      compared to non-Indigenous infants in Western Australia (WA). Secondary
      objectives were to assess the effect of socio-economic status (Index of Relative
      Socio-Economic Disadvantage [IRSD]) on hospital utilisation and to understand the
      causes of hospital utilisation. FINDINGS: There were 3,382 (5.4%) Indigenous and
      59,583 (94.6%) non-Indigenous live births in WA from 1 January 2010 to 31
      December 2011. Indigenous infants had a greater risk of hospital admission
      (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.77-2.04, p =
      <0.001) and emergency department presentation (aOR 2.15, 95% CI 1.98-2.33, p =
      <0.001) compared to non-Indigenous infants. Fifty nine percent (59.0%) of
      admissions in Indigenous children were classified as preventable compared to
      31.2% of admissions in non-Indigenous infants (aOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.88-2.39). The
      risk of hospital admission in the most disadvantaged (IRSD 1) infants in the
      total cohort (35.7%) was similar to the risk in the least disadvantaged (IRSD 5)
      infants (30.6%) (aOR 1.04, 95% CI 0.96-1.13, p = 0.356). INTERPRETATION: WA
      Indigenous infants have much higher hospital utilisation than non Indigenous
      infants. WA health services should prioritise Indigenous infants regardless of
      their socio economic status or where they live.

PMID- 27120332
TI  - Structural Defects of Laminin beta3 N-terminus Underlie Junctional Epidermolysis
      Bullosa with Altered Granulation Tissue Response.
AB  - Mutations in the laminin-332 (alpha3Abeta3gamma2) genes cause junctional
      epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), a recessively inherited disease characterized by
      blistering and altered wound repair. In addition, specific mutations that affect
      the N-terminus of the alpha3A chain cause a JEB-related non-blistering condition
      characterized by chronic production of granulation tissue, suggesting a critical
      role of this region in epithelial-mesenchymal communication. We report here a 9
      year-old patient with JEB with a few long-standing skin ulcers with prominent
      granulation tissue in the absence of active blistering. He bears a homozygous
      missense mutation, p.Gly254Asp, within the first laminin epidermal growth factor
      like (LE) repeat of the beta3 short arm. We show that p.Gly254Asp causes mis
      folding of the LE motif, leading to reduced secretion of laminin-332 and
      structural alterations of the cutaneous basement membrane zone. These findings
      demonstrate, in a patient in vivo, that the beta3 short arm is also involved in
      the outcome of the granulation tissue response.

PMID- 27120333
TI  - Habit Discontinuity, Self-Activation, and the Diminishing Influence of Context
      Change: Evidence from the UK Understanding Society Survey.
AB  - Repeated behaviours in stable contexts can become automatic habits. Habits are
      resistant to information-based techniques to change behaviour, but are
      contextually cued, so a change in behaviour context (e.g., location) weakens
      habit strength and can facilitate greater consideration of the behaviour. This
      idea was demonstrated in previous work, whereby people with strong environmental
      attitudes have lower car use, but only after recently moving home. We examine the
      habit discontinuity hypothesis by analysing the Understanding Society dataset
      with 18,053 individuals representative of the UK population, measuring time since
      moving home, travel mode to work, and strength of environmental attitudes.
      Results support previous findings where car use is significantly lower among
      those with stronger environmental views (but only after recently moving home),
      and in addition, demonstrate a trend where this effects decays as the time since
      moving home increases. We discuss results in light of moving into a new home
      being a potential 'window of opportunity' to promote pro-environmental
      behaviours.

PMID- 27120334
TI  - Vibronic Coupling Explains the Different Shape of Electronic Circular Dichroism
      and of Circularly Polarized Luminescence Spectra of Hexahelicenes.
AB  - We present the simulation of the absorption (ABS), electronic circular dichroism
      (ECD), emission (EMI), and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra for
      the weak electronic transition between the ground (S0) and the lowest excited
      state (S1) of hexahelicene, 2-methylhexahelicene, 2-bromohexahelicene, and 5
      azahexahelicene. Vibronic contributions have been computed at zero Kelvin and at
      room temperature in harmonic approximation including Duschinsky effects and
      accounting for both Franck-Condon and Herzberg-Teller contributions. Our results
      nicely capture the effects of the different substituents on the experimental
      spectra. They also show that HT effects dominate the shape of ECD and CPL spectra
      where they even induce changes of signs; HT effects are also relevant in ABS and
      EMI, tuning the relative intensities of the different vibronic bands. HT effects
      are the main reason for the differences in the line shapes of ABS and ECD and of
      EMI and CPL spectra and for the mirror-symmetry breaking between ABS and EMI and
      between ECD and CPL spectra. In order to check the robustness of our results,
      given also that few examples of calculations of vibronic CPL spectra exist, we
      adopted both adiabatic and vertical approaches to define the model potential
      energy surfaces of the (S0) and the (S1) states; moreover we expanded the
      electric and magnetic dipole transition moments around both the S0 and S1
      equilibrium geometries. 

PMID- 27120336
TI  - Advanced High-Voltage Aqueous Lithium-Ion Battery Enabled by "Water-in-Bisalt"
      Electrolyte.
AB  - A new super-concentrated aqueous electrolyte is proposed by introducing a second
      lithium salt. The resultant ultra-high concentration of 28 m led to more
      effective formation of a protective interphase on the anode along with further
      suppression of water activities at both anode and cathode surfaces. The improved
      electrochemical stability allows the use of TiO2 as the anode material, and a 2.5
      V aqueous Li-ion cell based on LiMn2 O4 and carbon-coated TiO2 delivered the
      unprecedented energy density of 100 Wh kg(-1) for rechargeable aqueous Li-ion
      cells, along with excellent cycling stability and high coulombic efficiency. It
      has been demonstrated that the introduction of a second salts into the "water-in
      salt" electrolyte further pushed the energy densities of aqueous Li-ion cells
      closer to those of the state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries.

PMID- 27120335
TI  - Genetic Candidate Variants in Two Multigenerational Families with Childhood
      Apraxia of Speech.
AB  - Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a severe and socially debilitating form of
      speech sound disorder with suspected genetic involvement, but the genetic
      etiology is not yet well understood. Very few known or putative causal genes have
      been identified to date, e.g., FOXP2 and BCL11A. Building a knowledge base of the
      genetic etiology of CAS will make it possible to identify infants at genetic risk
      and motivate the development of effective very early intervention programs. We
      investigated the genetic etiology of CAS in two large multigenerational families
      with familial CAS. Complementary genomic methods included Markov chain Monte
      Carlo linkage analysis, copy-number analysis, identity-by-descent sharing, and
      exome sequencing with variant filtering. No overlaps in regions with positive
      evidence of linkage between the two families were found. In one family, linkage
      analysis detected two chromosomal regions of interest, 5p15.1-p14.1, and 17p13.1
      q11.1, inherited separately from the two founders. Single-point linkage analysis
      of selected variants identified CDH18 as a primary gene of interest and
      additionally, MYO10, NIPBL, GLP2R, NCOR1, FLCN, SMCR8, NEK8, and ANKRD12,
      possibly with additive effects. Linkage analysis in the second family detected
      five regions with LOD scores approaching the highest values possible in the
      family. A gene of interest was C4orf21 (ZGRF1) on 4q25-q28.2. Evidence for
      previously described causal copy-number variations and validated or suspected
      genes was not found. Results are consistent with a heterogeneous CAS etiology, as
      is expected in many neurogenic disorders. Future studies will investigate genome
      variants in these and other families with CAS.

PMID- 27120337
TI  - Purple Crusted Nodules in a Patient With End-stage Liver Disease.

PMID- 27120338
TI  - A Framework for Instrument Development of a Choice Experiment: An Application to
      Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Choice experiments are increasingly used to obtain patient preference
      information for regulatory benefit-risk assessments. Despite the importance of
      instrument design, there remains a paucity of literature applying good research
      principles. We applied a novel framework for instrument development of a choice
      experiment to measure type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment preferences. METHODS:
      Applying the framework, we used evidence synthesis, expert consultation,
      stakeholder engagement, pretest interviews, and pilot testing to develop a best
      worst scaling (BWS) and discrete choice experiment (DCE). We synthesized
      attributes from published DCEs for type 2 diabetes, consulted clinical experts,
      engaged a national advisory board, conducted local cognitive interviews, and
      pilot tested a national survey. RESULTS: From published DCEs (n = 17), ten
      attribute categories were extracted with cost (n = 11) having the highest
      relative attribute importance (RAI) (range 6-10). Clinical consultation and
      stakeholder engagement identified six attributes for inclusion. Cognitive
      pretesting with local diabetes patients (n = 25) ensured comprehension of the
      choice experiment. Pilot testing with patients from a national sample (n = 50)
      identified nausea as most important (RAI for DCE: 10 [95 % CI 8.5-11.5]; RAI for
      BWS: 10 [95 % CI 8.9-11.1]). The developed choice experiment contained five
      attributes (A1c decrease, blood glucose stability, low blood glucose, nausea,
      additional medicine, and cost). CONCLUSION: The framework for instrument
      development of a choice experiment included five stages of development and
      incorporated multiple stakeholder perspectives. Further comparisons of instrument
      development approaches are needed to identify best practices. To facilitate
      comparisons, researchers need to be encouraged to publish or discuss their
      instrument development strategies and findings.

PMID- 27120340
TI  - Quantitative Control of Pore Size of Mesoporous Carbon Nanospheres through the
      Self-Assembly of Diblock Copolymer Micelles in Solution.
AB  - This paper reports facile synthesis of nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon
      nanospheres (MCNSs) with average diameters of around 300 nm and well-controlled
      pore sizes ranging from 8 to 38 nm, by employing polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene
      oxide) (PS-b-PEO) diblocks with different PS block lengths as the soft templates
      and dopamine as the carbon-rich precursor. For the first time, a linear equation
      is achieved for the quantitative control of the average pore size of MCNSs by
      simply adjusting a block length of diblock copolymer. The resultant MCNSs possess
      high surface areas of up to 450 m(2) g(-1) and nitrogen doping contents of up to
      ~3 wt%. As electrode materials of supercapacitors, the MCNSs exhibit excellent
      electrochemical performance with high specific capacitances of up to 350 F g(-1)
      at 0.1 A g(-1) , superior rate capability, and cycling stability. Interestingly,
      the specific capacitance of the MCNSs reduces linearly with increasing pore size,
      whereas the normalized capacitance by specific surface area remains invariable.
      This represents a new spectrum of the relationship between electrochemical
      capacitance and pore size (>5 nm) for porous carbons, which makes a complement to
      the existing spectra focusing on pore diameters of <5 nm. 

PMID- 27120339
TI  - Tbx18 Regulates the Differentiation of Periductal Smooth Muscle Stroma and the
      Maintenance of Epithelial Integrity in the Prostate.
AB  - The T-box transcription factor TBX18 is essential to mesenchymal cell
      differentiation in several tissues and Tbx18 loss-of-function results in dramatic
      organ malformations and perinatal lethality. Here we demonstrate for the first
      time that Tbx18 is required for the normal development of periductal smooth
      muscle stromal cells in prostate, particularly in the anterior lobe, with a clear
      impact on prostate health in adult mice. Prostate abnormalities are only subtly
      apparent in Tbx18 mutants at birth; to examine postnatal prostate development we
      utilized a relatively long-lived hypomorphic mutant and a novel conditional Tbx18
      allele. Similar to the ureter, cells that fail to express Tbx18 do not condense
      normally into smooth muscle cells of the periductal prostatic stroma. However, in
      contrast to ureter, the periductal stromal cells in mutant prostate assume a
      hypertrophic, myofibroblastic state and the adjacent epithelium becomes grossly
      disorganized. To identify molecular events preceding the onset of this pathology,
      we compared gene expression in the urogenital sinus (UGS), from which the
      prostate develops, in Tbx18-null and wild type littermates at two embryonic
      stages. Genes that regulate cell proliferation, smooth muscle differentiation,
      prostate epithelium development, and inflammatory response were significantly
      dysregulated in the mutant urogenital sinus around the time that Tbx18 is first
      expressed in the wild type UGS, suggesting a direct role in regulating those
      genes. Together, these results argue that Tbx18 is essential to the
      differentiation and maintenance of the prostate periurethral mesenchyme and that
      it indirectly regulates epithelial differentiation through control of stromal
      epithelial signaling.

PMID- 27120341
TI  - Acute cocoa flavanol supplementation improves muscle macro- and microvascular but
      not anabolic responses to amino acids in older men.
AB  - The anabolic effects of nutrition on skeletal muscle may depend on adequate
      skeletal muscle perfusion, which is impaired in older people. Cocoa flavanols
      have been shown to improve flow-mediated dilation, an established measure of
      endothelial function. However, their effect on muscle microvascular blood flow is
      currently unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore links
      between the consumption of cocoa flavanols, muscle microvascular blood flow, and
      muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in response to nutrition in older men. To achieve
      this objective, leg blood flow (LBF), muscle microvascular blood volume (MBV),
      and MPS were measured under postabsorptive and postprandial (intravenous Glamin
      (Fresenius Kabi, Germany), dextrose to sustain glucose ~7.5 mmol.L(-1))
      conditions in 20 older men. Ten of these men were studied with no cocoa flavanol
      intervention and a further 10 were studied with the addition of 350 mg of cocoa
      flavanols at the same time that nutrition began. Leg (femoral artery) blood flow
      was measured by Doppler ultrasound, muscle MBV by contrast-enhanced ultrasound
      using Definity (Lantheus Medical Imaging, Mass., USA) perflutren contrast agent
      and MPS using [1, 2-(13)C2]leucine tracer techniques. Our results show that
      although older individuals do not show an increase in LBF or MBV in response to
      feeding, these absent responses are apparent when cocoa flavanols are given
      acutely with nutrition. However, this restoration in vascular responsiveness is
      not associated with improved MPS responses to nutrition. We conclude that acute
      cocoa flavanol supplementation improves muscle macro- and microvascular responses
      to nutrition, independently of modifying muscle protein anabolism. 

PMID- 27120342
TI  - Impact of replacing regular chocolate milk with the reduced-sugar option on milk
      consumption in elementary schools in Saskatoon, Canada.
AB  - Excess sugar consumption in children has led to the removal of chocolate milk
      from some schools. Lower-sugar formulations, if accepted, would provide the
      benefits of milk consumption. In a cross-over trial, milk consumption was
      measured in 8 schools over 6 weeks in 2 phases: phase 1 provided standard 1%
      chocolate milk and plain 2% milk choices for the first 3 weeks, and phase 2
      provided reduced-sugar 1% chocolate milk and plain 2% milk for the next 3 weeks.
      Milk selection and milk wasted were measured by sex and grade (1-8). Children
      chose chocolate milk more often than white milk in both phases (phase 1, 8.93% +/
      0.75% vs. 0.87% +/- 0.11% (p < 0.001), and phase 2, 5.76% +/- 0.29% vs. 0.78% +/
      0.14% (p < 0.001), respectively). Fewer children chose reduced-sugar chocolate
      milk in phase 2 (p < 0.001). A greater percentage of younger students (grades 1
      4) than older students (grades 5-8) purchased milk in both phases (phase 1,
      11.10% +/- 0.81% vs. 8.36% +/- 0.74%, p = 0.020, and phase 2, 8.47% +/- 0.43% vs.
      4.62% +/- 0.40%, p < 0.001, respectively); older children drank more milk at
      lunch. Schoolchildren preferred chocolate milk over plain milk even when a
      reduced-sugar formula was offered; however, switching to reduced-sugar chocolate
      milk led to a decrease in the number of students choosing milk. Longer-duration
      studies are required to determine if students would purchase reduced-sugar
      chocolate milk at the same rate as they would purchase regular chocolate milk. 

PMID- 27120343
TI  - Low-Symmetrical Zinc(II) Benzonaphthoporphyrazine Sensitizers for Light
      Harvesting in Near-IR Region of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.
AB  - Two ring-expanded naphthalocyanine-based sensitizers NcS1 and NcS2 have been
      designed and synthesized to harvest near-IR light energy in dye-sensitized solar
      cells. Low-symmetrical "push-pull" structures of NcS1 and NcS2 enable the red
      shift of absorption spectrum as well as the defined Q-band splitting. The zinc
      benzonaphthoporphyrazine sensitizer NcS1 possessing one carboxylic acid and six
      2,6-diisopropylphenoxy units showed a PCE value of 3.2% when used as a light
      harvesting dye on a TiO2 electrode under one sun condition. The NcS1 cell showed
      a broad photoresponse at wavelengths from 600 to 850 nm.

PMID- 27120344
TI  - Parasites Sustain and Enhance RNA-Like Replicators through Spatial Self
      Organisation.
AB  - In a prebiotic RNA world, parasitic behaviour may be favoured because template
      dependent replication happens in trans, thus being altruistic. Spatially extended
      systems are known to reduce harmful effects of parasites. Here we present a
      spatial system to show that evolution of replication is (indirectly) enhanced by
      strong parasites, and we characterise the phase transition that leads to this
      mode of evolution. Building on the insights of this analysis, we identify two
      scenarios, namely periodic disruptions and longer replication time-span, in which
      speciation occurs and an evolved parasite-like lineage enables the evolutionary
      increase of replication rates in replicators. Finally, we show that parasites co
      evolving with replicators are selected to become weaker, i.e. worse templates for
      replication when the duration of replication is increased. We conclude that
      parasites may not be considered a problem for evolution in a prebiotic system,
      but a degree of freedom that can be exploited by evolution to enhance the
      evolvability of replicators, by means of emergent levels of selection. 

PMID- 27120346
TI  - Which technique to choose in the high-tech era of minimal-access rectal cancer
      surgery?

PMID- 27120345
TI  - Denosumab compared to other treatments to prevent or treat osteoporosis in
      individuals at risk of fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The aim of this review is to compare the efficacy and safety of denosumab over
      other treatments for osteoporosis. The results of this study suggest that the
      safety of denosumab and its efficacy in reducing fractures is not significantly
      different from bisphosphonates. Denosumab was, however, more effective in
      increasing bone mineral density. INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to
      compare the efficacy and safety of denosumab over other pharmacological
      treatments for osteoporosis in individuals at risk of fracture. METHODS:
      Randomised controlled trials comparing denosumab with another pharmacological
      treatment for osteoporosis were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL.
      Identified articles were screened by two independent reviewers and assessed for
      inclusion. Data from included studies were extracted and meta-analyses were
      conducted using random effects models. RESULTS: Nine studies including a total of
      4890 postmenopausal women were identified. The follow-up period varied from 12 to
      24 months. In all studies except one, the comparator treatment was a
      bisphosphonate. There was no statistically significant difference between
      patients receiving denosumab and those receiving a bisphosphonate in terms of
      fracture risk (RR[95 % CI] = 1.15 [0.84-1.58]), adverse events (RR[95 % CI] =
      0.99 [0.96-1.02]) or deaths (OR[95 % CI] = 0.58 [0.12-2.71]). Withdrawals due to
      adverse events were less frequent in denosumab than in other treatment groups but
      the difference did not reach statistical significance (OR[95 % CI] = 0.68 [0.45
      1.04]). The percent change in bone mineral density at the total hip, lumbar
      spine, femoral neck and one-third radius was significantly higher in participants
      who received denosumab (e.g. mean difference [95 % CI] at the total hip: 1.06
      [0.86-1.25]). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, after 12 to 24 months, the
      safety and efficacy of denosumab for reducing fracture risk is not significantly
      different from bisphosphonates despite higher gains in bone mineral density. In a
      clinical setting, denosumab may demonstrate greater effectiveness.

PMID- 27120347
TI  - Comment on Makino et al. and observations on spatial modeling.

PMID- 27120348
TI  - Expression of Tight Junction Proteins and Cadherin 17 in the Small Intestine of
      Young Goats Offered a Reduced N and/or Ca Diet.
AB  - Diets fed to ruminants should contain nitrogen (N) as low as possible to reduce
      feed costs and environmental pollution. Though possessing effective N-recycling
      mechanisms to maintain the N supply for rumen microbial protein synthesis and
      hence protein supply for the host, an N reduction caused substantial changes in
      calcium (Ca) and phosphate homeostasis in young goats including decreased
      intestinal transepithelial Ca absorption as reported for monogastric species. In
      contrast to the transcellular component of transepithelial Ca transport, the
      paracellular route has not been investigated in young goats. Therefore, the aim
      of the present study was to characterise the effects of dietary N and/or Ca
      reduction on paracellular transport mechanisms in young goats.
      Electrophysiological properties of intestinal epithelia were investigated by
      Ussing chamber experiments. The expression of tight junction (TJ) and adherens
      junction (AJ) proteins in intestinal epithelia were examined on mRNA level by
      qPCR and on protein level by western blot analysis. Dietary N reduction led to a
      segment specific increase in tissue conductances in the proximal jejunum which
      might be linked to concomitantly decreased expression of cadherin 17 mRNA.
      Expression of occludin (OCLN) and zonula occludens protein 1 was increased in mid
      jejunal epithelia of N reduced fed goats on mRNA and partly on protein level.
      Reduced dietary Ca supply resulted in a segment specific increase in claudin 2
      and claudin 12 expression and decreased the expression of OCLN which might have
      been mediated at least in part by calcitriol. These data show that dietary N as
      well as Ca reduction affected expression of TJ and AJ proteins in a segment
      specific manner in young goats and may thus be involved in modulation of
      paracellular Ca permeability.

PMID- 27120351
TI  - Intimate partner violence and condom negotiation efficacy among gay and bisexual
      men in Atlanta.
AB  - Background: The experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been shown to
      decrease condom negotiation efficacy among women; however, studies of this
      association among gay and bisexual men (GBM) are lacking. Methods: A venue
      recruited sample of 745 GBM was recruited in Atlanta, GA, USA in 2012-13.
      Participants self-completed a survey including questions on recent (previous 12
      month) experience and perpetration of IPV using the IPV-GBM Scale. Multivariate
      regression analysis examined the association between reporting low condom
      negotiation efficacy with the respondent's most recent sex partner (19.2% of
      respondents) and recent experience of IPV with the same or another partner.
      Results: Nearly half the sample (49.1%) reported recent receipt of IPV, although
      prevalence varied considerably across the forms of IPV. GBM who reported recent
      IPV experience were significantly less likely to report having felt able to
      negotiate condom use. Conclusions: These findings suggest that IPV may be a
      significant risk factor for HIV acquisition and transmission among GBM.

PMID- 27120349
TI  - Psychotic Experiences and Working Memory: A Population-Based Study Using Signal
      Detection Analysis.
AB  - Psychotic Experiences (PEs) during adolescence index increased risk for psychotic
      disorders and schizophrenia in adult life. Working memory (WM) deficits are a
      core feature of these disorders. Our objective was to examine the relationship
      between PEs and WM in a general population sample of young people in a case
      control study. 4744 individuals of age 17-18 from Bristol and surrounding areas
      (UK) were analyzed in a cross-sectional study nested within the Avon Longitudinal
      Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort study. The dependent variable
      was PEs, assessed using the semi-structured Psychosis-Like Symptom Interview
      (PLIKSi). The independent variable was performance on a computerized numerical n
      back working memory task. Signal-Detection Theory indices, including standardized
      hits rate, false alarms rate, discriminability index (d') and response bias (c)
      from 2-Back and 3-Back tasks were calculated. 3576 and 3527 individuals had
      complete data for 2-Back and 3-Back respectively. Suspected/definite PEs
      prevalence was 7.9% (N = 374). Strongest evidence of association was seen between
      PEs and false alarms on the 2-Back, (odds ratio (OR) = 1.17 [95% confidence
      intervals (CI) 1.01, 1.35]) and 3-back (OR = 1.35 [1.18, 1.54]) and with c (OR =
      1.59 [1.09, 2.34]), and lower d' (OR = 0.76 [0.65, 0.89]), on the 3-Back.
      Adjustment for several potential confounders, including general IQ, drug exposure
      and different psycho-social factors, and subsequent multiple imputation of
      missing data did not materially alter the results. WM is impaired in young people
      with PEs in the general population. False alarms, rather than poor accuracy, are
      more closely related to PEs. Such impairment is consistent with different
      neuropsychological models of psychosis focusing on signal-to-noise
      discrimination, probabilistic reasoning and impaired reality monitoring as a
      basis of psychotic symptoms.

PMID- 27120350
TI  - Epidemiology of Mental Health Attendances at Emergency Departments: Systematic
      Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The characteristics of Emergency Department (ED) attendances due to
      mental or behavioural health disorders need to be described to enable appropriate
      development of services. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of mental health
      related ED attendances within health care systems free at the point of access,
      including clinical reason for presentation, previous service use, and patient
      sociodemographic characteristics. METHOD: Systematic review and meta-analysis of
      observational studies describing ED attendances by patients with common mental
      health conditions. FINDINGS: 18 studies from seven countries met eligibility
      criteria. Patients attending due to mental or behavioural health disorders
      accounted for 4% of ED attendances; a third were due to self-harm or suicidal
      ideation. 58.1% of attendees had a history of psychiatric illness and up to 58%
      were admitted. The majority of studies were single site and of low quality so
      results must be interpreted cautiously. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence studies of mental
      health-related ED attendances are required to enable the development of services
      to meet specific needs.

PMID- 27120352
TI  - Characterization of a C3 Deoxygenation Pathway Reveals a Key Branch Point in
      Aminoglycoside Biosynthesis.
AB  - Apramycin is a clinically interesting aminoglycoside antibiotic (AGA) containing
      a highly unique bicyclic octose moiety, and this octose is deoxygenated at the C3
      position. Although the biosynthetic pathways for most 2-deoxystreptamine
      containing AGAs have been well characterized, the pathway for apramycin
      biosynthesis, including the C3 deoxygenation process, has long remained unknown.
      Here we report detailed investigation of apramycin biosynthesis by a series of
      genetic, biochemical and bioinformatical studies. We show that AprD4 is a novel
      radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) enzyme, which uses a noncanonical CX3CX3C
      motif for binding of a [4Fe-4S] cluster and catalyzes the dehydration of
      paromamine, a pseudodisaccharide intermediate in apramycin biosynthesis. We also
      show that AprD3 is an NADPH-dependent reductase that catalyzes the reduction of
      the dehydrated product from AprD4-catalyzed reaction to generate lividamine, a
      C3' deoxygenated product of paromamine. AprD4 and AprD3 do not form a tight
      catalytic complex, as shown by protein complex immunoprecipitation and other
      assays. The AprD4/AprD3 enzyme system acts on different pseudodisaccharide
      substrates but does not catalyze the deoxygenation of oxyapramycin, an apramycin
      analogue containing a C3 hydroxyl group on the octose moiety, suggesting that
      oxyapramycin and apramycin are partitioned into two parallel pathways at an early
      biosynthetic stage. Functional dissection of the C6 dehydrogenase AprQ shows the
      crosstalk between different AGA biosynthetic gene clusters from the apramycin
      producer Streptomyces tenebrarius, and reveals the remarkable catalytic
      versatility of AprQ. Our study highlights the intriguing chemistry in apramycin
      biosynthesis and nature's ingenuity in combinatorial biosynthesis of natural
      products.

PMID- 27120353
TI  - Palladium catalysed meta-C-H functionalization reactions.
AB  - The directing group assisted site selective C-H functionalization approach is
      having a continuous impact in the field of natural product synthesis, drug
      discovery and material sciences. While ortho-selective C-H functionalization has
      been studied extensively, meta-selective C-H functionalization has been less
      explored. Recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of palladium as a catalyst
      in activating the meta-C-H bond of arenes. Notably, the introduction of a novel
      palladium catalysed directing template based approach to activate the remote meta
      position has created a revolutionary impact towards seeking a solution to this
      long standing challenge. In this review we summarize recent advances in palladium
      catalysed meta-C-H functionalization that have helped in creating a new outlook
      towards modern organic synthesis. 

PMID- 27120354
TI  - Functional Relevance of Relative Maintenance of Maximal Eccentric Quadriceps
      Torque in Healthy Old Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Old referenced to young adults show a relative maintenance of maximal
      eccentric (RELM) compared to concentric muscle torque: ~76 and ~59%,
      respectively. However, it is unknown if RELM affords functional benefits in old
      adults. OBJECTIVE: We examined if there is specificity between the two types of
      peak quadriceps torque (i.e., concentric and eccentric) and timed gait
      performance measured during level, ramp, and stair walking and if gait
      performance was higher in old adults with high versus low RELM. METHODS: We
      measured peak concentric and eccentric quadriceps torque at 60 and 120 degrees /s
      and timed gait at habitual and safe-fast speeds in healthy young (age 22.7 years,
      n = 24) and old (age 70.0 years, n = 21) adults. RESULTS: Comparable to previous
      studies, RELM was 21%, but instead of the anticipated specificity, we found that
      concentric compared with eccentric torque was more strongly associated with gait
      performance than eccentric torque, independently of walking direction and age (R2
      = 0.16: eccentric vs. descending gaits; R2 = 0.17: eccentric vs. ascending gaits;
      R2 = 0.45: concentric vs. descending gaits; R2 = 0.56: concentric vs. ascending
      gaits, n = 45, all p < 0.01). Furthermore, old adults (n = 10) with ~30% greater
      than normal levels of RELM (n = 11) ambulated at similar velocities measured on
      level and inclined surfaces. CONCLUSION: Normal and 30% above normal levels of
      RELM do not seem to increase or predict healthy old adults' gait performance on
      level and inclined surfaces. Future work should examine if RELM is associated
      with a heightened performance in other measures of neuromuscular function, such
      as gait biomechanics, muscle activation, as well as rate and control of voluntary
      force development in old adults with high or low mobility.

PMID- 27120355
TI  - Differential Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines and Stress Genes in Male and
      Female Mice in Response to a Lipopolysaccharide Challenge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sex plays a key role in an individual's immune response against
      pathogenic challenges such that females fare better when infected with certain
      pathogens. It is thought that sex hormones impact gene expression in immune cells
      and lead to sexually dimorphic responses to pathogens. We predicted that, in the
      presence of E. coli gram-negative lipopolysaccharide (LPS), there would be a
      sexually dimorphic response in proinflammatory cytokine production and acute
      phase stress gene expression and that these responses might vary among different
      mouse strains and times in a pattern opposite to that of body temperature
      associated with LPS-induced shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interleukin-6 (IL-6),
      macrophage inflammatory protein-Ibeta (MIP-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha
      (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) as well as beta-fibrinogen (Fgb) and
      metallothionein-1 (Mt-1) mRNA expression were measured at four time points (0, 2,
      4 and 7 hours) after injection of E. coli LPS in mice from three inbred strains.
      RESULTS: Statistical analysis using analyses of variance (ANOVAs) showed that the
      levels of the all six traits changed over time, generally peaking at 2 hours
      after LPS injection. Mt-1, Fgb, and IL-6 showed differences among strains,
      although these were time-specific. Sexual dimorphism was seen for Fgb and IL6,
      and was most pronounced at the latest time period (7 hours) where male levels
      exceeded those for females. Trends for all six cytokine/gene expression traits
      were negatively correlated with those for body temperatures. DISCUSSION: The
      higher levels of expression of Fgb and IL6 in males compared with females are
      consistent with the greater vulnerability of males to infection and subsequent
      inflammation. Temperature appears to be a useful proxy for mortality in endotoxic
      shock, but sexual dimorphism in cytokine and stress gene expression levels may
      persist after an LPS challenge even if temperatures in the two sexes are similar
      and have begun to stabilize.

PMID- 27120356
TI  - Correction: Comparison of O-Antigen Gene Clusters of All O-Serogroups of
      Escherichia coli and Proposal for Adopting a New Nomenclature for O-Typing.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147434.].

PMID- 27120358
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27120357
TI  - Incremental Prognostic Value of ADC Histogram Analysis over MGMT Promoter
      Methylation Status in Patients with Glioblastoma.
AB  - Purpose To investigate the incremental prognostic value of apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis over oxygen 6-methylguanine-DNA
      methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status in patients with
      glioblastoma and the correlation between ADC parameters and MGMT status.
      Materials and Methods This retrospective study was approved by institutional
      review board, and informed consent was waived. A total of 112 patients with
      glioblastoma were divided into training (74 patients) and test (38 patients)
      sets. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was analyzed with
      ADC parameters, MGMT status, and other clinical factors. Multivariate Cox
      regression models with and without ADC parameters were constructed. Model
      performance was assessed with c index and receiver operating characteristic curve
      analyses for 12- and 16-month OS and 12-month PFS in the training set and
      validated in the test set. ADC parameters were compared according to MGMT status
      for the entire cohort. Results By using ADC parameters, the c indices and
      diagnostic accuracies for 12- and 16-month OS and 12-month PFS in the models
      showed significant improvement, with the exception of c indices in the models for
      PFS (P < .05 for all) in the training set. In the test set, the diagnostic
      accuracy was improved by using ADC parameters and was significant, with the 25th
      and 50th percentiles of ADC for 16-month OS (P = .040 and P = .047) and the 25th
      percentile of ADC for 12-month PFS (P = .026). No significant correlation was
      found between ADC parameters and MGMT status. Conclusion ADC histogram analysis
      had incremental prognostic value over MGMT promoter methylation status in
      patients with glioblastoma. ((c)) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is
      available for this article.

PMID- 27120359
TI  - Controlling the ripple density and heights: a new way to improve the electrical
      performance of CVD-grown graphene.
AB  - We report a new way to enhance the electrical performances of large area CVD
      grown graphene through controlling the ripple density and heights after transfer
      onto SiO2/Si substrates by employing different cooling rates during fabrication.
      We find that graphene films prepared with a high cooling rate have reduced ripple
      density and heights and improved electrical characteristics such as higher
      electron/hole mobilities as well as reduced sheet resistance. The corresponding
      Raman analysis also shows a significant decrease of the defects when a higher
      cooling rate is employed. We suggest a model that explains the improved
      morphology of the graphene film obtained with higher cooling rates. From these
      points of view, we can suggest a new pathway toward a relatively lower density
      and heights of ripples in order to reduce the flexural phonon-electron scattering
      effect, leading to higher lateral carrier mobilities. 

PMID- 27120360
TI  - Chlamydia pneumoniae, and mycoplasma pneumoniae: Are they related to severe
      asthma in childhood?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae are frequent agents of
      acute respiratory diseases and they have been recognized as infectious triggers
      of asthma. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of these triggers and their
      relationship to severe asthma. METHODS: 82 patients were enrolled in a
      prospective cross-sectional study from January 2007 to March 2013 and they were
      divided into three study groups: Group 1: 27 children with severe asthma, Group
      2: 29 children with stable asthma and Group 3: 26 children which was the control
      group. Serological tests included IgG and IgM for both C. pneumoniae and M.
      pneumoniae. RESULTS: Average age +/- SD was 10.9 +/- 2.5 for Group 1; 10.1 +/-
      2.9 for Group 2 and 9.9+/- 1.9 for Group 3 (p = 0.4). M. pneumoniae IgM was
      observed in 6/27 (22.2%) in Group 1, 2/29 (6.9%) in Group 2 and 0/26 in the
      Control Group (p = 0,01). C.pneumoniae IgM was present in 7/26 (26.9%) in Group
      1, 2/29 (6.9%) in Group 2 and 0/26 in Group 3 (p = 0.005). No significant
      difference was observed between Group 2 and Group 3. M. pneumoniae IgG was
      observed in 7/27 (25.9%) in Group 1, 4/29 (13.7%) in Group 2 and 0/26 in the
      Control Group (p < 0,05). C.pneumoniae IgG was present in 8/26 (30.7%) in Group
      1, 5/29 (17.2%) in Group 2 and 0/26 in Group 3 (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: M.
      pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae may play a role in the development of severe asthma.

PMID- 27120361
TI  - The Continuous Challenge of Characterizing the Foodborne Pathogen Listeria
      monocytogenes.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen commonly isolated from
      food processing environments and food products. This organism can multiply at
      refrigeration temperatures, form biofilms on different materials and under
      various conditions, resist a range of environmental stresses, and contaminate
      food products by cross-contamination. L. monocytogenes is recognized as the
      causative agent of listeriosis, a serious disease that affects mainly individuals
      from high-risk groups, such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and
      immunocompromised individuals. Listeriosis can be considered a disease that has
      emerged along with changing eating habits and large-scale industrial food
      processing. This disease causes losses of billions of dollars every year with
      recalls of contaminated foods and patient medical treatment expenses. In addition
      to the immune status of the host and the infecting dose, the virulence potential
      of each strain is crucial for the development of disease symptoms. While many
      isolates are naturally virulent, other isolates are avirulent and unable to cause
      disease; this may vary according to the presence of molecular determinants
      associated with virulence. In the last decade, the characterization of genetic
      profiles through the use of molecular methods has helped track and demonstrate
      the genetic diversity among L. monocytogenes isolates obtained from various
      sources. The purposes of this review were to summarize the main methods used for
      isolation, identification, and typing of L. monocytogenes and also describe its
      most relevant virulence characteristics.

PMID- 27120388
TI  - Comparison of the yield from two faecal immunochemical tests at identical cutoff
      concentrations - a randomized trial in Latvia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We have compared the performance of two faecal immunochemical tests
      (FIT) in an average-risk population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Altogether, 10 000
      individuals aged 50-74 were selected randomly from the population of Latvia in
      2011 and assigned randomly either to OC-Sensor or to FOB Gold single-time
      testing. Positivity of the test, frequency of colonic lesions, number needed to
      screen (NNscreen) and scope for the detection of an advanced neoplasm (cancer and
      advanced adenoma) were compared between the tests using the same cutoff
      concentrations in ug/g faeces. Confidence intervals (CIs) at 95% were calculated.
      RESULTS: Positivity with the cutoff set at 10 ug/g faeces was 12.8% (95% CI: 11.4
      14.2) for FOB Gold and 8.3% (95% CI: 7.2-9.4) for OC-Sensor (P<0.001). Positivity
      was higher in men and the older age groups. Colonoscopy compliance was 55.5%.
      There was no significant difference between the two tests at comparable cutoff
      concentrations in ug/g, colonoscopy attendance rate or colonoscopy results. For
      advanced neoplasm detection, there was no significant difference in number needed
      to scope and NNscreen at a cutoff of 10 ug/g faeces; however, lower NNscreen was
      required to detect advanced neoplasms with the FOB Gold test at increased cutoff
      concentrations. CONCLUSION: Different quantitative FIT systems may report
      different positivity rate at identical cutoff concentrations, which has to be
      considered when implementing the use of FIT in national screening programmes.

PMID- 27120389
TI  - Early pancreatic carcinogenesis - risk factors, early symptoms, and the impact of
      antidiabetic drugs.
AB  - Risk factors (long-term diabetes, obesity) and early symptoms (new-onset
      diabetes, loss of weight, or persistent low body mass) are the initial symptoms
      of pancreatic carcinogenesis. They may be influenced by antidiabetic drugs and
      their correct evaluation is a prerequisite for early diagnosis of pancreatic
      cancer (PC). We review the risk factors, early symptoms, and the impact of
      antidiabetic drugs on early pancreatic carcinogenesis. The main source of data
      was the database Medline/PubMed and abstracts of international congresses (DDW,
      UEGW). The risk factors and early symptoms are integral components of the
      familial PC surveillance and sporadic PC screening. Preventive programs should
      always be include multistep and multidisciplinary procedures. The correct
      evaluation of antidiabetic drugs and their interactions with other components of
      pancreatic carcinogenesis may influence the early diagnosis of PC. 

PMID- 27120390
TI  - Three Novel Heterozygous Point Mutations of NR3C1 Causing Glucocorticoid
      Resistance.
AB  - Generalized glucocorticoid resistance is associated with glucocorticoid receptor
      (GR; NR3C1) mutations. Three novel heterozygous missense NR3C1 mutations (R477S,
      Y478C, and L672P) were identified in patients presenting with adrenal
      incidentalomas, glucocorticoid excess without Cushing syndrome. Dexamethasone
      (DXM) binding studies demonstrated that the affinity of GRR477S and GRY478C
      mutants, located in the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of GR, was similar to wild-type
      GR (Kd  = 2-3 nM). In contrast, GRL672P mutant, located in the ligand-binding
      domain (LBD) of GR, was unable to bind glucocorticoids and was more sensitive to
      protein degradation. GR subcellular distribution revealed a marked decrease in
      DXM-induced nuclear translocation of GRR477S and GRY478C mutants, whereas GRL672P
      remained exclusively cytoplasmic. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated
      impaired recruitment of DBD mutants onto the regulatory sequence of FKBP5.
      Transactivation assays disclosed the lack of transcriptional activity of GRR477S
      and GRL672P , whereas GRY478C had a reduced transactivation capacity. Three
      dimensional modeling indicated that R477S lost two essential hydrogen bonds with
      DNA, Y478C resulted in altered interaction with surrounding amino-acids,
      destabilizing DBD, whereas L672P altered the H8 helix folding, leading to
      unstructured LBD. This study identifies novel NR3C1 mutations with their
      molecular consequences on altered GR signaling and suggests that genetic
      screening of NR3C1 should be conducted in patients with subclinical
      hypercorticism.

PMID- 27120391
TI  - An Aqueous Rechargeable Zn//Co3 O4 Battery with High Energy Density and Good
      Cycling Behavior.
AB  - An aqueous rechargeable Zn//Co3 O4 battery is demonstrated with Zn@carbon fibers
      and Co3 O4 @Ni foam as the negative and positive electrodes, respectively, using
      an electrolyte of 1 m KOH and 10 * 10(-3) m Zn(Ac)2 . It can operate at a cell
      voltage as high as 1.78 V with an energy density of 241 W h kg(-1) and presents
      excellent cycling. The battery is also assembled into a flexible shape, which can
      be applied in flexible or wearable devices requiring high energy. 

PMID- 27120392
TI  - Cytotoxic activity of aeroplysinin-1 against colon cancer cells by promoting beta
      catenin degradation.
AB  - An aberrant accumulation of beta-catenin in intestinal epithelial cells is
      relevant to the development and progression of colon cancer and is thus a
      potential target for the development of therapeutics for this malignancy. Here,
      we used cell-based natural compound screening with genetically engineered HEK293
      reporter cells to identify aeroplysinin-1, a brominated tyrosine derivative
      originated from marine sponges, as an inhibitor of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
      Aeroplysinin-1 suppressed the beta-catenin response transcription that was
      activated by Wnt3a-conditioned medium or 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (an inhibitor
      of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta) by promoting the proteasomal degradation of
      intracellular beta-catenin. Consistently, aeroplysinin-1 decreased the amount of
      intracellular beta-catenin and repressed the expression of beta-catenin/T-cell
      factor-dependent genes, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of colon cancer
      cells. In addition, apoptosis was elicited by aeroplysinin-1, as indicated by the
      increase in the population of Annexin V-FITC stained cells and caspase-3/7
      activities in DLD-1 colon cancer cells. These findings indicate that aeroplysinin
      1 exerts its antiproliferative activity by attenuating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      and may have potential as a chemopreventive agent for human colon cancer. 

PMID- 27120393
TI  - Pomegranate peel extract polyphenols induced apoptosis in human hepatoma cells by
      mitochondrial pathway.
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the influence of pomegranate peel polyphenols
      (PPPs) on the proliferation and apoptosis of HepG2 cells (a kind of human
      hepatoma cells) and the related mechanism. The inverted fluorescence microscope
      and the flow cytometer (FCM) were used to test the changes of the cellular
      morphology, cell cycle, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and
      mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Deltapsim). The kit was used to measure
      the activities of caspase-3/9, and Western Blot was used to detect the
      expressions of apoptosis-associated proteins including p53, Bcl-2/Bax, Cyt-c and
      PARP. The results showed that the cells cycle of HepG2 arrested at the S-phase by
      PPPs and the amount of the early apoptotic cells and ROS level were increased
      obviously, the level of Cyt-c and the activity of Caspase-3/9 markedly were also
      increased by PPPs, as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and the protein expressions
      of P53. It was concluded that PPPs could inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells by
      blocking the cell cycle and inducing the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in a
      dose-dependent manner. 

PMID- 27120394
TI  - H2S-Donating Doxorubicins May Overcome Cardiotoxicity and Multidrug Resistance.
AB  - Doxorubicin (DOXO) is one of the most effective antineoplastic agents in clinical
      practice. Its use is limited by acute and chronic side effects, in particular by
      its cardiotoxicity and by the rapid development of resistance to it. As part of a
      program aimed at developing new DOXO derivatives endowed with reduced
      cardiotoxicity, and active against DOXO-resistant tumor cells, a series of H2S
      releasing DOXOs (H2S-DOXOs) were obtained by combining DOXO with appropriate H2S
      donor substructures. The resulting compounds were studied on H9c2 cardiomyocytes
      and in DOXO-sensitive U-2OS osteosarcoma cells, as well as in related cell
      variants with increasing degrees of DOXO-resistance. Differently from DOXO, most
      of the products were not toxic at 5 MUM concentration on H9c2 cells. A few of
      them triggered high activity on the cancer cells. H2S-DOXOs 10 and 11 emerged as
      the most interesting members of the series. The capacity of 10 to impair Pgp
      transporter is also discussed.

PMID- 27120395
TI  - Long-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Bean Vaginoplasty (Modified Vecchietti
      Procedure) for Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study is to evaluate the long-term results of
      laparoscopic bean vaginoplasty (LBV), which we previously described. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: From April 2002 to September 2013, 62 patients, who were diagnosed
      with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome and underwent LBV in Cukurova
      University School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology were
      included in the study. Operative data, complication rates, vaginal length, and
      sexuality of patients during the follow-up period were evaluated. Sexuality of
      the patients were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)
      questionnaire. The FSFI scores were compared with age-matched 65 healthy control
      subjects. RESULTS: Mean age of patients in case and control groups were 23.9 +/-
      5.1 (18-32) and 25.1 +/- 4.2 (18-31), respectively (P = .69). Median length of
      follow-up after surgery was 48 months (24-144 months). No complications occurred
      during the operations. No vaginal adhesions occurred during the follow-up
      periods. Median vaginal length during the last follow-up was 7 cm (6-9 cm). FSFI
      scores were similar with the control group. CONCLUSION: LBV is a successful
      modification of Vecchietti procedure, without any reported complication. However,
      the procedure should still be compared with the other methods in randomized
      trials.

PMID- 27120396
TI  - Text2Quit: an analysis of participant engagement in the mobile smoking cessation
      program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Text2Quit, an interactive text-messaging program aimed at smoking
      cessation, has been shown to increase quit rates, but engagement has not been
      thoroughly explored. Understanding the program features associated with
      engagement and behavior change is integral for effective program design.
      OBJECTIVES: This study explored participants' interaction with the Text2Quit text
      messaging program and associations between engagement and smoking cessation.
      METHODS: The study included the 262 participants who received the Text2Quit
      intervention. Self-reported engagement measures, primarily usage of Text2Quit
      keywords and survey responses, were collected through computer records of
      participant use. Demographic variables and self-reported smoking abstinence were
      recorded in surveys at baseline and 6-month assessment. RESULTS: The majority of
      participants (73%) maintained their subscription during the 6-month intervention.
      On average, participants received 210.51 text messages, 23.75 emails, and logged
      into the web portal 1.94 times. Being female was predictive of engagement with
      the program (beta = 15.39). Program engagement, measured by the keyword PLEDGE (p
      = .002) and the Smokefree Status at 7 Days survey (p < .001) were associated with
      6-month abstinence; use of keywords SMOKED (p < .001), RELAPSE (p = .007), and
      STOP (p = .023) were inversely related to abstinence. While abstainers (N = 83,
      31%) stayed enrolled longer and engaged with the program more frequently, program
      "dose" was not predictive of smoking cessation. CONCLUSIONS: Using interactive
      tools such as pledges and reporting on smoking status were predictive of
      cessation. Further study of program features is required to understand how to
      optimally design text messaging programs.

PMID- 27120397
TI  - Restraining reactive oxygen species in Listeria monocytogenes promotes the
      apoptosis of glial cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Listeria monocytogenes is a facultative anaerobic foodborne pathogen
      that can traverse the blood-brain barrier and cause brain infection. L.
      monocytogenes infection induces host cell apoptosis in several cell types. In
      this study, we investigated the apoptosis of human glioma cell line U251 invaded
      by L. monocytogenes and evaluated the function of bacterial reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) during infection. METHODS: Bacterial ROS level was reduced by
      carrying out treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and diphenyleneiodonium
      chloride (DPI). After infection, the apoptosis of U251 cells was examined by flow
      cytometry assay and propidium iodide staining. RESULTS: DPI and NAC efficiently
      decreased ROS level in L. monocytogenes without affecting bacterial growth.
      Moreover, the apoptosis of glial cells was enhanced upon invasion of DPI- and NAC
      pretreated L. monocytogenes. DISCUSSION: Results indicate that the apoptosis of
      glial cells can be induced by L. monocytogenes, and that the inhibition of
      bacterial ROS increases the apoptosis of host cells.

PMID- 27120398
TI  - Over-vibration induced blood perfusion and vascular permeability changes may lead
      to vocal edema.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To observe blood perfusion and vascular permeability
      changes under varying vibration frequency exposures. STUDY DESIGN: Animal model.
      METHODS: Blood perfusion was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry in eight
      rabbit auricular vessels (four rabbits) under nonvibration, and 62.5-Hz/1-mm, 125
      Hz/1-mm, and 250-Hz/0.5-mm vibration frequency/amplitude exposures. Another 12
      rabbits were randomly divided into vibration only and vibration with histamine
      groups. After 3 hours of continuous 125-Hz, 1-mm amplitude vibration of the
      auricle, vascular permeability was analyzed by absorbance of Evans blue-albumin
      complex. RESULTS: Significantly lower blood perfusion was observed in the
      vibration group, compared with no vibration exposure controls. Blood perfusion
      decreased 29 +/- 16% as the vibration frequency was increased from 62.5 Hz to 125
      Hz with the vibration amplitude constant at 1 mm. When the frequency was
      increased from 125 Hz to 250 Hz, while the amplitude was decreased from 1 mm to
      0.5 mm, blood flow perfusion further decreased 29 +/- 29%, and the decline
      tendency in blood perfusion showed no significant difference (P = .992).
      Meanwhile, in the vibration with histamine group, vascular permeability of the
      vibrated ears increased significantly compared to the nonvibrated ears (P =
      .005). CONCLUSIONS: Overvibration of the vocal folds due to voice overuse or
      abuse may significantly reduce blood perfusion, and increase vascular
      permeability in the vocal fold in inflammatory situations, which may lead to the
      formation of vocal edema. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 127:148-152, 2017.

PMID- 27120400
TI  - Response of duplex Cr(N)/S and Cr(C)/S coatings on 316L stainless steel to
      tribocorrosion in 0.89% NaCl solution under plastic contact conditions.
AB  - Two duplex coatings, Cr(N)/S and Cr(C)/S, were deposited on 316 L stainless steel
      by magnetron sputtering. The effectiveness of these duplex coatings in improving
      the tribocorrosion behavior of medical alloys under elastic contact conditions
      has been demonstrated in a recent publication. The present work focused on the
      response of these duplex coatings to tribocorrosion under plastic contact
      conditions. Tribocorrosion tests were conducted in 0.89% NaCl solution at 37
      degrees C at an initial contact pressure of 740 MPa and under unidirectional
      sliding conditions for sliding duration up to 24 h. The results showed that
      during sliding in the corrosive solution, the duplex coatings were plastically
      deformed into the substrate to a depth about 1 MUm. The Cr(C)/S duplex coating
      had sufficient ductility to accommodate the deformation without cracking, such
      that it was worn through gradually, leading to the gradual increase in open
      circuit potential (OCP) and coefficient of friction (COF). On the other hand, the
      Cr(N)/S duplex coating suffered from cracking at all tested potentials, leading
      to coating blistering after prolonged sliding at OCP and stable pit formation in
      the substrate beneath the coating at applied anodic potentials. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1503-1513,
      2017.

PMID- 27120401
TI  - Strain-Induced Electronic Structure Changes in Stacked van der Waals
      Heterostructures.
AB  - Vertically stacked van der Waals heterostructures composed of compositionally
      different two-dimensional atomic layers give rise to interesting properties due
      to substantial interactions between the layers. However, these interactions can
      be easily obscured by the twisting of atomic layers or cross-contamination
      introduced by transfer processes, rendering their experimental demonstration
      challenging. Here, we explore the electronic structure and its strain dependence
      of stacked MoSe2/WSe2 heterostructures directly synthesized by chemical vapor
      deposition, which unambiguously reveal strong electronic coupling between the
      atomic layers. The direct and indirect band gaps (1.48 and 1.28 eV) of the
      heterostructures are measured to be lower than the band gaps of individual MoSe2
      (1.50 eV) and WSe2 (1.60 eV) layers. Photoluminescence measurements further show
      that both the direct and indirect band gaps undergo redshifts with applied
      tensile strain to the heterostructures, with the change of the indirect gap being
      particularly more sensitive to strain. This demonstration of strain engineering
      in van der Waals heterostructures opens a new route toward fabricating flexible
      electronics.

PMID- 27120402
TI  - Helper and cytotoxic T-cell subsets (Th1, Th2, Tc1, and Tc2) in benign and
      malignant salivary gland tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of T helper
      type 1 (Th1; CD4(+) IFN-gamma (+) ) and Th2 (CD4(+) IL-4(+) ) cells, as well as
      cytotoxic T cell type 1 (Tc1; CD8(+) IFN-gamma(+) ) and Tc2 cells (CD8(+) IL-4(+)
      ) in peripheral blood of the patients with salivary gland tumors (SGTs). SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: Thirty new patients with SGTs and 15 healthy controls were
      recruited. After intracellular cytokine staining, data acquisition and analysis
      were performed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The mean percentages of Th1 and Tc1
      cells, as well as the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2, were observed to be
      significantly lower in patients with malignant SGTs in comparison with controls.
      Furthermore, the geometric mean fluorescent intensity (geometric MFI,
      representing the cytokine expression intensity) for IL-4 production by Th2 and
      Tc2 lymphocytes was significantly higher in patients with malignant tumors than
      controls. Positive correlations were observed between the mean percentage of Tc2
      cells with Th2 cells, and with the tumor size in patients with benign and
      malignant tumors, respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the
      imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 ratios, as well as the increase in the
      expression of IL-4 by Th2 and Tc2 lymphocytes, may contribute to the pathogenesis
      of SGTs, especially in malignant cases.

PMID- 27120403
TI  - Validating subject-specific RF and thermal simulations in the calf muscle using
      MR-based temperature measurements.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ongoing discussions occur to translate the safety restrictions on MR
      scanners from specific absorption rate (SAR) to thermal dose. Therefore, this
      research focuses on the accuracy of thermal simulations in human subjects during
      an MR exam, which is fundamental information in that debate. METHODS:
      Radiofrequency (RF) heating experiments were performed on the calves of 13
      healthy subjects using a dedicated transmit-receive coil while monitoring the
      temperature with proton resonance frequency shift (PRFS) thermometry. Subject
      specific models and one generic model were used for electromagnetic and thermal
      simulations using Pennes' bioheat equation, with the blood equilibration constant
      equaling zero. The simulations were subsequently compared with the experimental
      results. RESULTS: The mean B1+ equaled 15 uT in the center slice of all
      volunteers, and 95% of the voxels had errors smaller than 2.8 uT between the
      simulation and measurement. The intersubject variation in RF power to achieve the
      required B1+ was 11%. The resulting intersubject variation in median temperature
      rise was 14%. Thermal simulations underestimated the median temperature increase
      on average, with 34% in subject-specific models and 28% in the generic model.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although thermal measures are directly coupled to tissue damage and
      therefore suitable for RF safety assessment, insecurities in the applied thermal
      modeling limit their estimation accuracy. Magn Reson Med 77:1691-1700, 2017. (c)
      2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27120404
TI  - "On Water" Organocatalyzed [4 + 2] Cycloaddition of Enones and Nitro Dienes for
      the Enantioselective Synthesis of Densely Substituted Cyclohexanones.
AB  - An "on water" hydroquinine-based primary amine-benzoic acid organocatalyst system
      was found to be best suited to produce 3,4,5-trisubstituted cyclohexanones with a
      nitro group in the 4-position from enones and nitro dienes under ambient
      conditions in good yield, with good diastereoselectivity, and with excellent
      enantioselectivity. An appreciable rate enhancement by water was observed
      compared to organic solvents. Mechanistic analysis of the reaction suggests that
      it followed an endo [4 + 2] cycloaddition with enamine of enone as diene and
      nitro diene as dienophile.

PMID- 27120405
TI  - Predicting Venous Thromboembolism in Pediatric Trauma Patients.

PMID- 27120406
TI  - Integrated Photoelectrolysis of Water Implemented On Organic Metal Halide
      Perovskite Photoelectrode.
AB  - Herein we report on integrated photoelectrolysis of water employing organic metal
      halide (OMH) perovskite material. Generic OMH perovskite material and device
      architecture are highly susceptible to degradation by moisture and water. We
      found that decomposition of perovskite devices proceeds by water ingress through
      pinholes in upper layers and is strongly affected by applied bias/light and
      electrolyte pH. It was also found that a pinhole-free hole transport layer (HTL)
      could significantly enhance the stability of the perovskite photoelectrode,
      thereby extending the photoelectrode lifetime to several tens of minutes, which
      is an unprecedented record-long operation. Furthermore, a carbon nanotube
      (CNT)/polymer composite layer was developed that can effectively protect the
      underlying perovskite layer from electrolyte molecules.

PMID- 27120407
TI  - Prevalence and associated factors of behavioral intention for risk compensation
      following voluntary medical male circumcision among male sexually transmitted
      diseases patients in China.
AB  - Risk compensation was an important concern of voluntary medical male circumcision
      (VMMC) promotion campaigns. No study investigated risk compensation following
      VMMC among male sexually transmitted diseases patients (MSTDP). A cross-sectional
      survey interviewed 308 uncircumcised MSTDP in Shenzhen, China. 26.9% of them
      intended to perform at least one of the five types of risk compensation behaviors
      following VMMC. In the summary stepwise model, provision of incorrect response to
      HIV/sexually transmitted diseases knowledge items (multivariate odds ratios (ORm)
      = 2.30), genital herpes infection (ORm = 3.19), Risk Reduction Score for
      Unprotected Sex, and Negative Condom Attitudes Scale (ORm = 1.13) were
      significantly associated with behavioral intention to perform at least one type
      of risk compensation behavior following VMMC. The results provided a framework
      for developing related interventions. Prevention of risk compensation should be
      an essential component of VMMC promotion for all MSTDP, irrespective of their
      intention for VMMC.

PMID- 27120408
TI  - Randomized clinical trial comparing self-gripping mesh with a standard
      polypropylene mesh for open inguinal hernia repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The introduction of mesh for open inguinal hernia repair has reduced
      the rate of recurrence, allowing research to focus on prevention of postoperative
      pain. In an effort to reduce chronic pain, a semiresorbable, lighter and self
      gripping mesh was developed. METHODS: A double-blind randomized clinical trial
      was conducted comparing the self-gripping mesh with a standard polypropylene mesh
      repair. Patients over 18 years of age undergoing open primary hernia repair were
      included. Pain was measured on a six-point verbal rating scale (VRS) and a 150-mm
      visual analogue scale (VAS). Postoperative pain reduction from baseline pain
      (DeltaVAS), complications and return to work/hobbies were studied. Data were
      collected at baseline, 3 weeks, 3 months and 1 year after surgery (primary
      outcome). RESULTS: A total of 363 patients were analysed. Median age was 59
      (range 19-88) years. Baseline VRS and VAS scores were similar for the two groups.
      There was no difference in VRS scores at 1-year follow-up. Duration of surgery
      was significantly shorter with the self-gripping mesh (mean 40 min versus 49 min
      for standard mesh repair; P < 0.001). At 3 weeks, DeltaVAS in patients receiving
      the self-gripping mesh was significantly larger (-10.6 versus -5.0 respectively;
      P = 0.049) and less subjective discomfort was reported (P = 0.016). Complication
      rates, return to work and recurrence rates were similar, although there were more
      recurrences in the self-gripping mesh group (5.5 versus 2.2 per cent; P = 0.103).
      CONCLUSION: A self-gripping mesh for hernia repair may result in less pain in the
      early postoperative phase but chronic postherniorraphy pain is not affected.
      Recurrence rates may be a potential disadvantage. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR1212
      (http://www.trialregister.nl).

PMID- 27120409
TI  - In vitro culture of Mesocestoides corti metacestodes and isolation of
      immunomodulatory excretory-secretory products.
AB  - Cestode-mediated diseases hold the interesting feature of persisting metacestode
      larvae dwelling within the host tissues, in the midst of the immune response.
      Excretory-secretory (ES) products of the metacestode larval stage modulate the
      host immune response and modify the outcome of the disease. Therefore, isolation
      and analysis of axenic metacestode ES products are crucial to study their
      properties. Here, we report the development of a system for long-term in vitro
      cultivation of the metacestode of the parasitic cestode Mesocestoides corti (syn.
      Mesocestoides vogae). Although feeder cells and host serum supported the early
      growth of the parasite, long-term survival was not dependent on host serum or
      host-derived factors enabling the collection of parasite released products in
      serum-free medium. Functionally, these axenic ES products recapitulated M. corti
      tetrathyridia's ability to inhibit LPS-driven IL-12p70 secretion by dendritic
      cells. Thus, our new axenic culture system will simplify the identification and
      characterization of M. corti-derived immunomodulatory factors that will
      indirectly enable the identification and characterization of corresponding
      factors in the metacestode larvae of medically relevant cestodes such as
      Echinococcus multilocularis that are not yet amenable to serum-free cultivation.

PMID- 27120410
TI  - Stage dependent expression and tumor suppressive function of FAM134B (JK1) in
      colon cancer.
AB  - The aims of the present study are to investigate sub-cellular location,
      differential expression in different cancer stages and functional role of FAM134B
      in colon cancer development. FAM134B expression was studied and quantified at
      protein and mRNA levels in cell lines using immunocytochemistry, Western blot and
      real-time PCR. In vitro functional assays and an in vivo xenotransplantation
      mouse models were used to investigate the molecular role of FAM134B in cancer
      cell biology in response to FAM134B silencing with shRNA lentiviral particles.
      FAM134B protein was noted in both cytoplasm and nuclei of cancer cells. In cancer
      cells derived from stage IV colon cancer, FAM134B expression was remarkably
      reduced when compared to non-cancer colon cells and cancer cells derived from
      stage II colon cancer. FAM134B knockdown significantly (P < 0.05) increased the
      proliferation of colon cancer cells following lentiviral transfection.
      Furthermore, FAM134B suppression significantly increased (34-52%; P < 0.05) the
      clonogenic capacity, wound healing potential of and increases the proportion of
      cells performing DNA synthesis (P < 0.01). Xenotransplantation model showed that
      larger and higher-grade tumors were formed in mice receiving FAM134B knockdown
      cells. To conclude, expression analysis, in vitro and in vivo indicated that
      FAM134B acts as a cancer suppressor gene in colon cancer. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27120411
TI  - Electrospinning of magnetic cellulose tris-(4-methylbenzoate) microparticles for
      enantioselective adsorption of racemic drug.
AB  - In this work, we introduce electrospinning to prepare magnetic enantioselective
      material for the first time. Multianalytical tools were used to characterize the
      resulted magnetic cellulose tris-(4-methylbenzoate) particles including
      transmission electron microscopy, SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric
      analysis, X-ray diffractometer. Under the optimum conditions, the resulted
      particles were well-shaped sphere with a diameter range of 800 nm to 2 MUm and
      high magnetic sensitivity. The enantioselectivity of the adsorbents was evaluated
      using racemic ibuprofen as a model drug; an e.e. value of -4.78% (where e.e. is
      enantiomeric excess) was achieved in a single adsorption stage. We hope that our
      finding provides an efficient and economical procedure for the preparation of
      magnetic enantioselective materials with high selectivity and reproducibility.

PMID- 27120412
TI  - How Natural Evaporation Temporally Self-Tunes an Oscillating Sessile Droplet To
      Resonate at Different Modes.
AB  - We report the dynamics and underlying physics of evaporation driven transitions
      and autotuning of oscillation modes in sessile droplets subject to substrate
      perturbations. We have shown that evaporation controls temporal transition of the
      oscillation mode with a spatially downward shift of nodes (surface locations with
      zero displacement) toward the three-phase contact line. We have explained the
      physical mechanism using two parameters: the first quantifies evaporation driven
      tuning for resonance detection, and the second parameter characterizes mode
      lifetime which is found to be governed by evaporation dynamics. It is desirable
      to achieve autotuning of the oscillation modes in sessile droplets that
      essentially self-evolves in a spatiotemporal manner with continued evaporation.
      The insights suggest control of mode resonances is possible, which in turn will
      allow precision manipulations at droplet scale crucial for many applications such
      as surface patterning and others.

PMID- 27120413
TI  - Magnetic solid-phase extraction for determination of the total malachite green,
      gentian violet and leucomalachite green, leucogentian violet in aquaculture water
      by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.
AB  - In this study, magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotube nanoparticles were
      synthesized and used as the adsorbent for the sums of malachite green, gentian
      violet and leucomalachite green, leucogentian violet in aquaculture water samples
      followed by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.
      This method was based on in situ reduction of chromic malachite green, gentian
      violet to colorless leucomalachite green, leucogentian violet with potassium
      borohydride, respectively. The obtained adsorbent combines the advantages of
      carbon nanotubes and Fe3 O4 nanoparticles in one material for separation and
      preconcentration of the reductive dyes in aqueous media. The structure and
      properties of the prepared nanoparticles were characterized by transmission and
      scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared
      spectroscopy. The main parameters affecting the adsorption recoveries were
      investigated and optimized, including reducing agent concentration, type and
      amount of sorbent, sample pH, and eluting conditions. Under the optimum
      conditions, the limits of detection in this method were 0.22 and 0.09 ng/mL for
      malachite green and gentian violet, respectively. Product recoveries ranged from
      87.0 to 92.8% with relative standard deviations from 4.6 to 5.9%. The results
      indicate that the sorbent is a suitable material for the removal and
      concentration of triphenylmethane dyes from polluted environmental samples. 

PMID- 27120415
TI  - Pyrene-Bridged Boron Subphthalocyanine Dimers: Combination of Planar and Bowl
      Shaped pi-Conjugated Systems for Creating Uniquely Curved pi-Conjugated Systems.
AB  - Pyrene-bridged boron subphthalocyanine dimers were synthesized from a mixed
      condensation reaction of 2,7-di-tert-butyl-4,5,9,10-tetracyanopyrene and
      tetrafluorophthalonitrile, and their syn and anti isomers arising from the result
      of connecting two bowl-shaped boron subphthalocyanine molecules were successfully
      separated. Expansion of the conjugated system of boron subphthalocyanine through
      a pyrene bridge caused a redshift of the Q band absorption relative to the parent
      pyrene-fused monomer, whereas combining the curved pi-conjugation of boron
      subphthalocyanine with the planar pi-conjugation of pyrene enabled facile
      embracement of C60 molecules, owing to the enhanced concave-convex pi-pi stacking
      interactions.

PMID- 27120416
TI  - Catalytic Synthesis of 3-Thioindoles Using Bunte Salts as Sulfur Sources under
      Metal-Free Conditions.
AB  - An efficient catalytic method for the synthesis of 3-thioindoles has been
      successfully developed, which uses odorless, stable, readily available
      crystalline Bunte salts as the sulfenylating agents, iodine as nonmetallic
      catalyst, and DMSO as both the oxidant and solvent. This method is practical and
      environmentally benign in terms of sulfur sources, catalyst, and solvent. The
      catalytic reaction is selective at the C3 position of indoles and compatible with
      a wide range of substrates, giving the desired products in good to excellent
      yields.

PMID- 27120414
TI  - Term-seq reveals abundant ribo-regulation of antibiotics resistance in bacteria.
AB  - Riboswitches and attenuators are cis-regulatory RNA elements, most of which
      control bacterial gene expression via metabolite-mediated, premature
      transcription termination. We developed an unbiased experimental approach for
      genome-wide discovery of such ribo-regulators in bacteria. We also devised an
      experimental platform that quantitatively measures the in vivo activity of all
      such regulators in parallel and enables rapid screening for ribo-regulators that
      respond to metabolites of choice. Using this approach, we detected numerous
      antibiotic-responsive ribo-regulators that control antibiotic resistance genes in
      pathogens and in the human microbiome. Studying one such regulator in Listeria
      monocytogenes revealed an attenuation mechanism mediated by antibiotic-stalled
      ribosomes. Our results expose broad roles for conditional termination in
      regulating antibiotic resistance and provide a tool for discovering riboswitches
      and attenuators that respond to previously unknown ligands.

PMID- 27120417
TI  - The effects of host age and spatial location on bacterial community composition
      in the English Oak tree (Quercus robur).
AB  - Drivers of bacterial community assemblages associated with plants are diverse and
      include biotic factors, such as competitors and host traits, and abiotic factors,
      including environmental conditions and dispersal mechanisms. We examine the roles
      of spatial distribution and host size, as an approximation for age, in shaping
      the microbiome associated with Quercus robur woody tissue using culture
      independent 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. In addition to providing a
      baseline survey of the Q. robur microbiome, we screened for the pathogen of acute
      oak decline. Our results suggest that age is a predictor of bacterial community
      composition, demonstrating a surprising negative correlation between tree age and
      alpha diversity. We find no signature of dispersal limitation within the Wytham
      Woods plot sampled. Together, these results provide evidence for niche-based
      hypotheses of community assembly and the importance of tree age in bacterial
      community structure, as well as highlighting that caution must be applied when
      diagnosing dysbiosis in a long-lived plant host.

PMID- 27120418
TI  - Introduction.

PMID- 27120419
TI  - Validating the proposed ICD-11 domains.
AB  - AIM: The ICD-11 Personality Disorders Committee has proposed five personality
      domains: Detached, Anankastic, Negative Affective, Dissocial and Disinhibited. We
      attempted to validate these proposed domains in a large sample of patients with
      major depression. METHODS: Participants from five treatment studies received a
      SCID assessment interview to assess DSM-5 personality disorder symptoms.
      Personality disorder symptoms were assigned to the five proposed domains.
      Confirmatory factor analysis in an exploratory framework was used to test the
      hypothesized domain structure. RESULTS: A total of 606 patients were included in
      the analysis. A series of models were tested on the data set. The best fitting
      model produced five domains. Three domains detached, anankastic and negative
      affective were similar to the ICD-11 proposed domains. The Disinhibited domain
      did not emerge as a distinct factor but loaded onto a single
      Dissocial/Disinhibited factor. The model was improved by adding a separate
      Antisocial domain. The remaining domain incorporating borderline, histrionic and
      narcissistic symptoms is tentatively labelled Borderline to retain continuity
      with clinical practice and research. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed ICD-11 personality
      disorder domains were partially validated. We have five domains currently
      labelled Detached, Anankastic, Negative Emotional, Antisocial and Borderline. The
      sample studied limits the generalizability of our findings. In particular, the
      broad domain we have called Borderline requires further study. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27120420
TI  - Dimensions of dependence and their influence on the outcome of cognitive
      behaviour therapy for health anxiety: randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The personality trait of dependence is common in health-seeking
      behaviour. We therefore examined its impact in a large randomized controlled
      trial of psychological treatment for health anxiety. AIMS: To test whether
      dependent personality traits were positive or negative in determining the outcome
      of an adapted form of cognitive behaviour therapy for health anxiety (CBT-HA)
      over the course of 5 years and whether dependent personality dysfunction could be
      viewed dimensionally in a similar way to the new ICD-11 diagnostic system for
      general personality disorder. METHOD: Dependent personality dysfunction was
      assessed using a self-rated questionnaire, the Dependent Personality
      Questionnaire, at baseline in a randomized controlled trial of 444 patients from
      medical clinics with pathological health anxiety treated with a modified form of
      CBT-HA or standard treatment in the medical clinics, with assessment on five
      occasions over 5 years. Dependent personality dysfunction was assessed using four
      severity groups. RESULTS: Patients with mild and moderate dependent personality
      disorder treated with CBT-HA showed the greatest reduction in health anxiety
      compared with standard care, and those with no dependent dysfunction showed the
      least benefit. Patients with higher dependent traits received significantly more
      treatment sessions (8.6) than those with low trait levels (5.4) (p < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: The results suggest that patients treated with cognitive behaviour
      therapy for health anxiety respond better if they have moderate dependent
      personality. The reasons for this may be related to better adherence to
      psychological treatment and greater negative effects of frequent reassurance and
      excessive consultation in those treated in standard care. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27120422
TI  - The future is now: Personality disorder and the ICD-11.

PMID- 27120421
TI  - Schedule for personality assessment from notes and documents (SPAN-DOC):
      Preliminary validation, links to the ICD-11 classification of personality
      disorder, and use in eating disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The underlying core of personality is insufficiently assessed by any
      single instrument. This has led to the development of instruments adapted for
      written records in the assessment of personality disorder. AIMS: To test the
      construct validity and inter-rater reliability of a new personality assessment
      method. METHOD: This study (four parts) assessed the construct validity of the
      Schedule for Personality Assessment from Notes and Documents (SPAN-DOC), a
      dimensional assessment from clinical records. We examined inter-rater reliability
      using case vignettes (Part 1) and convergent validity in three ways: by
      comparison with NEO Five-Factor Inventory in 130 Korean patients (Part 2), with
      agreed ICD-11 personality severity levels in two populations (Part 3) and
      determining its use in assessing the personality status in 90 British patients
      with eating disorders (Part 4). RESULTS: Internal consistency (alpha = .90) and
      inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >= .88) were
      satisfactory. Each factor in the five-factor model of personality was correlated
      with conceptually valid SPAN-DOC variables. The SPAN-DOC domain traits in those
      with eating disorders were categorized into 3 clusters: self-aggrandisement,
      emotionally unstable, and anxious/dependent. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides
      preliminary support for the usefulness of SPAN-DOC in the assessment of
      personality disorder. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27120423
TI  - The ICD-11 proposals and field trials.

PMID- 27120424
TI  - Toward a firmer foundation for ICD-11: On the conceptualization and assessment of
      personality pathology.

PMID- 27120425
TI  - Reflections of the reconceptualization of ICD-11. Empirical and practical
      considerations.

PMID- 27120426
TI  - Constructing a short form of the hierarchical personality inventory for children
      (HiPIC): the HiPIC-30.
AB  - Children's personality traits are invaluable predictors of concurrent and later
      mental and physical health. Several validated longer inventories for assessing
      the widely recognized Five-Factor Model of personality in children are available,
      but short forms are scarce. This study aimed at constructing a 30-item form of
      the 144-item Hierarchical Personality Inventory for Children (HiPIC) (Mervielde &
      De Fruyt, ). Participants were 1543 children aged 6-12 years (sample 1) and 3895
      children aged 8 years (sample 2). Sample 1 completed the full HiPIC, from which
      we constructed the HiPIC-30, and the Child Behaviour Checklist (Achenbach, ).
      Sample 2 completed the HiPIC-30. The HiPIC-30 personality domains correlated over
      r = .90 with the full HiPIC domains, had good Cronbach's alphas and correlated
      similarly with CBCL behaviour problems and gender as the full HiPIC. The factor
      structures of the HiPIC-30 were convergent across samples, but the imagination
      factor was not clear-cut. We conclude that the HiPIC-30 is a reliable and valid
      questionnaire for the Five-Factor personality traits in children. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27120427
TI  - Assessment of retinal arteriolar morphology by noninvasive methods: the
      philosopher's stone?

PMID- 27120428
TI  - Can we predict outcome by noninvasive assessment of renal haemodynamics in
      hypertension? The role of renal resistive index.

PMID- 27120429
TI  - Global longitudinal strain: a novel hallmark of cardiac risk in arterial
      hypertension.

PMID- 27120430
TI  - Comparing the therapeutic merits of angiotensin receptor blockers.

PMID- 27120431
TI  - Relationship between aortic root size and glomerular filtration rate in
      hypertensive patients.

PMID- 27120432
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27120433
TI  - Proteins Take up Water Before Unfolding.
AB  - Proteins perform specific biological functions that strongly depend on their
      three-dimensional structure. This three-dimensional structure, i.e. the way the
      protein folds, is strongly determined by the interaction between the protein and
      the water solvent. We study the dynamics of water in aqueous solutions of several
      globular proteins at different degrees of urea-induced unfolding, using
      polarization-resolved femtosecond infrared spectroscopy. We observe that a
      fraction of the water molecules is strongly slowed down by their interaction with
      the protein surface. By monitoring the slow water fraction we can directly probe
      the amount of water-exposed protein surface. We find that at mild denaturing
      conditions, the water-exposed surface increases by almost 50%, while the
      secondary structure is still intact. This finding indicates that protein
      unfolding starts with the protein structure becoming less tight, thereby allowing
      water to enter.

PMID- 27120434
TI  - A Precision Ethylene-Styrene Copolymer with High Styrene Content from Ring
      Opening Metathesis Polymerization of 4-Phenylcyclopentene.
AB  - Ring-opening metathesis polymerization of 4-phenylcyclopentene is investigated
      for the first time under various conditions. Thermodynamic analysis reveals a
      polymerization enthalpy and entropy sufficient for high molar mass and
      conversions at lower temperatures. In one example, neat polymerization using
      Hoveyda-Grubbs second generation catalyst at -15  degrees C yields 81% conversion
      to poly(4-phenylcyclopentene) (P4PCP) with a number average molar mass of 151 kg
      mol(-1) and dispersity of 1.77. Quantitative homogeneous hydrogenation of P4PCP
      results in a precision ethylene-styrene copolymer (H2 -P4PCP) with a phenyl
      branch at every fifth carbon along the backbone. This equates to a perfectly
      alternating trimethylene-styrene sequence with 71.2% w/w styrene content that is
      inaccessible through molecular catalyst copolymerization strategies. Differential
      scanning calorimetry confirms P4PCP and H2 -P4PCP are amorphous materials with
      similar glass transition temperatures (Tg ) of 17 +/- 2  degrees C. Both
      materials present well-defined styrenic analogs for application in specialty
      materials or composites where lower softening temperatures may be desired. 

PMID- 27120435
TI  - Iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) cases with 2 novel TMPRSS6
      mutations.
AB  - Iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) is a rarely diagnosed autosomal
      recessive disorder that presents with hypochromic, microcytic anemia due to
      mutations in TMPRSS6, which encodes matriptase-2. Contrary to classical iron
      deficiency anemia, serum hepcidin levels are found to be elevated in this
      disorder. Here, we report 5 cases from 4 unrelated families with inadequate
      response to iron therapy, who were consequently diagnosed as IRIDA. The mean age
      of the cases at diagnosis was 5.0 years (range: 0.7-11.3 years). All cases were
      either homozygous or compound heterozygous for missense or frameshift mutations
      in the TMPRSS6 gene, 2 of the mutations being novel (Cys410Ser and Leu689Pro).
      IRIDA should be considered in patients with findings of iron deficiency anemia
      unresponsive to oral iron therapy, whose serum ferritin levels are found normal
      or elevated. 

PMID- 27120437
TI  - Cardiac Tamponade Physiology Secondary to Tense Ascites.
AB  - Cardiac tamponade is a common and often life-threatening process, which is
      typically associated with a pericardial effusion or, in rare cases, with a large
      pleural effusion. Theoretically, as reported in only a single prior case, it can
      be caused by extrinsic compression from tense ascites. We present a case in which
      dynamic inferior wall collapse was secondary to increased abdominal pressure from
      tense ascites. This phenomenon may be more common than previously diagnosed,
      especially in patients with liver disease. These patients often develop frequent
      ascites and present with clinical signs and symptoms similar to cardiac tamponade
      (tachycardia, hypotension and dyspnea). Presently, no formal practice guidelines
      exist regarding cardiac imaging for these patients. A high index of suspicion is
      required for timely diagnosis and management. 

PMID- 27120436
TI  - Metastatic Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma Patients Treated with Systemic Therapy
      Followed by Consolidative Local Therapy: A Nomogram Associated with Long-Term
      Survivors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (MGEAC) have
      a poor but heterogeneous clinical course. Some patients have an unusually
      favorable outcome. We sought to identify clinical variables associated with more
      favorable outcomes. METHODS: Of 246 patients with MGEAC, we identified 64 who
      received systemic therapy and eventually received local consolidation therapy.
      Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used, and a nomogram was
      developed. RESULTS: Of these 64 patients, 61% had received consolidation
      chemoradiation (CRT) with doses of 50-55 Gy and 78% did not undergo surgery. The
      median follow-up time of survivors was 3.9 years, and the median overall survival
      (OS) from CRT start was 1.5 years (95% CI, 1.2-2.2). Surgery (as local
      consolidation) was an independent prognosticator for longer OS in the
      multivariate analysis (p = 0.02). The 5-year OS rate was 25% (SE = 6%). The
      contributors to the nomogram were longer duration of systemic therapy before CRT
      and the type of local therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a subset of
      patients with MGEAC have an excellent prognosis (OS >5 years). However, these
      patients need to be identified during their clinical course so that local
      consolidation (CRT, surgery, or both) may be offered.

PMID- 27120438
TI  - Balancing Accuracy and Cost of Confinement Simulations by Interpolation and
      Extrapolation of Confinement Energies.
AB  - Improvements to the confinement method for the calculation of conformational free
      energy differences are presented. By taking advantage of phase space overlap
      between simulations at different frequencies, significant gains in accuracy and
      speed are reached. The optimal frequency spacing for the simulations is obtained
      from extrapolations of the confinement energy, and relaxation time analysis is
      used to determine time steps, simulation lengths, and friction coefficients. At
      postprocessing, interpolation of confinement energies is used to significantly
      reduce discretization errors in the calculation of conformational free energies.
      The efficiency of this protocol is illustrated by applications to alanine n
      peptides and lactoferricin. For the alanine-n-peptide, errors were reduced
      between 2- and 10-fold and sampling times between 8- and 67-fold, while for
      lactoferricin the long sampling times at low frequencies were reduced 10-100
      fold. 

PMID- 27120439
TI  - Different evolutionary pathways from B4 to B1 phase in AlN and InN: metadynamics
      investigations.
AB  - Pressure-induced B4-B1 phase transitions of AlN and InN at ambient temperature
      are systematically investigated using density functional-based metadynamics
      simulations. A homogeneous deformation path, which is energetically favorable, is
      through a hexagonal structure for AlN, and through a tetragonal structure for
      InN. Furthermore, the dynamical stability, instead of the mechanical stability,
      is crucial to determining the phase-transition paths: the intermediate hexagonal
      structure can remain stable, whereas the tetragonal structure is always unstable.
      The B4 phase always shows the direct band gap before the occurrence of structure
      transition, while the band gap of stable intermediate hexagonal phase is indirect
      for AlN. Finally, the band gap of the ultimate cubic phase is direct for AlN and
      indirect for InN, due to the strong p-d repulsion at the R point.

PMID- 27120440
TI  - [Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in Germany based on health insurance data :
      Regional differences and first results of the PROCLAIR study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common chronic inflammatory
      joint disease with a prevalence of up to 1 % in the adult population. OBJECTIVE:
      This study describes the prevalence of RA diagnoses in outpatient health
      insurance claims data, based on different case definitions and stratified by age,
      sex and region of residence. METHODS: Based on data from a nationwide statutory
      health insurance fund (BARMER GEK) from the year 2013, a cross-sectional study of
      insurants aged 18 years or older was conducted. The following case definitions
      were applied: A) a diagnosis of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (M05) or other
      rheumatoid arthritis (M06) according to the international classification of
      diseases 10 German modification (ICD-10-GM) in at least two quarterly periods of
      the year 2013, B) case definition A plus determination of C-reactive protein
      (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at least once, C) case definition B
      plus specific drug therapy and D) case definition A plus treatment by a
      rheumatologist. Raw as well as age and sex-standardized prevalences were
      calculated and stratified according to the federal state. RESULTS: The study
      population consisted of 7,155,315 insurants of whom 60.2 % were female. Overall,
      RA prevalences for the respective case definitions were 1.62 % (A), 1.11 % (B),
      0.94 % (C) and 0.64 % (D). When standardized to the German population the
      prevalences were 1.38 % (A), 0.95 % (B), 0.81 % (C) and 0.55 % (D). The
      proportion of women was approximately 80 % for all case definitions. Prevalences
      increased with age, peaking in the age group 70-79 years old and showing the
      highest values in eastern and the lowest in southern Germany for raw as well as
      standardized measures. CONCLUSION: Regional differences in the prevalence of RA
      diagnoses in health insurance claims data were observed independent of age, sex
      and case definition. The expected prevalence according to the results of
      international studies was best achieved when case definitions with CRP or ESR
      were considered.

PMID- 27120441
TI  - Regulatory networks in evolution.

PMID- 27120442
TI  - Intolerable secretion and diabetes in tolerant transgenic mice, revisited.
AB  - A new mouse model linking diabetes, insulin secretion and autoimmunity with a
      high-fat diet supports a shared mechanism for type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D)
      diabetes. In this model, the protein secretion system of insulin-producing
      pancreatic beta cells is stressed, leading to increased beta cell apoptosis and
      diabetes via reduced levels of the transcription factor GLIS3, a pathogenic
      pathway that can be mimicked by a high-fat diet.

PMID- 27120443
TI  - Fat eggs shape offspring health.
AB  - How maternal diet influences offspring metabolism is unclear, as it is difficult
      to distinguish between the effects of the in utero environment and epigenetic
      factors contributed by the oocyte. In a mouse model of high-fat diet, a new study
      teases apart these mechanisms by using in vitro fertilization and shows that
      susceptibility of offspring to metabolic disorder can likely be attributed to
      epigenetic inheritance via the oocyte.

PMID- 27120444
TI  - Connecting the regulatory genome.
AB  - Determining how the evolving genome-wide map of distal regulatory elements is
      connected with target genes has remained a significant challenge, despite
      progress in understanding chromatin architecture and regulation. A new study
      presents a computational approach for predicting distal element-gene
      interactions.

PMID- 27120445
TI  - International regulatory needs for development of an IATA for non-genotoxic
      carcinogenic chemical substances.
AB  - Although regulatory requirements for carcinogenicity testing of chemicals vary
      according to product sector and regulatory jurisdiction, the standard approach
      starts with a battery of genotoxicity tests. If any of the in vivo genotoxicity
      tests are positive, a lifetime rodent cancer bioassay may be requested, which
      allows the detection of non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGTxC). However, under most
      chemical regulations the cancer bioassay is rarely requested, specific requests
      to obtain information on non-genotoxic mechanisms of carcinogenicity are few, and
      there are no OECD approved screening methods. When the in vitro genotoxicity
      battery is negative, usually no further carcinogenicity testing is requested.
      Consequently NGTxC might remain unidentified and therefore the risks they may
      pose to human health will not be managed. In contrast to genotoxic carcinogens
      NGTxCact through a large variety of specific mechanisms, and a panel of tests
      covering multiple biological traits will be needed. The development of an
      Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment (IATA) of NGTxC could assist
      regulatory decision makers. We examine what NGTxC are and discuss chemical
      regulatory requirements and limitations. With a strong drive to reduce animal
      testing and costs in mind, it is essential that proper and robust alternatives
      for animal testing (3Rs) methods for addressing non-genotoxic modes of action are
      developed and used. Therefore relevant in vitro mechanisms and assays are
      described and tentatively organized in levels of information, indicating both a
      possible structure of the future IATA for NGTxC and associated OECD Test
      Guideline development priorities.

PMID- 27120446
TI  - Surgeon-Level Variation in Postoperative Complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Variation in surgical outcomes is often attributed to patient
      comorbidities and the severity of underlying disease, but little is known about
      the extent of variation in outcomes by surgeon and the surgeon factors that are
      associated with quality. METHODS: Using the Maryland Health Services Cost Review
      Commission database, we evaluated risk-adjusted postoperative events by surgeon.
      Operations studied were elective laparoscopic and open colectomy procedures for
      colon cancer performed over a 2-year period (July 2012-September 2014).
      Postoperative events were defined using the Agency for Healthcare Research and
      Quality Patient Safety Indicators. Surgeons performing fewer than ten procedures
      during the study period were excluded. Logistic regression and post-estimation
      were used to calculate an observed-to-expected (O/E) ratio of postoperative
      complications for each surgeon, adjusting for patient and surgeon
      characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 2525 patients underwent an elective
      colectomy during the study period by 276 surgeons at 44 hospitals. Postoperative
      complications varied more by surgeon (range 0 to 30.0 %) than by hospital (range
      0 to 18.2 %). Surgeon-level use of laparoscopic surgery to perform colectomy
      ranged from 0 to 100 %. After risk adjustment with patient factors, surgeon
      experience, surgeon medical school, surgeon gender, and annual surgeon colectomy
      volume were not associated with postoperative complications. Surgeon use of
      laparoscopy was the strongest predictor of lower complications (vs fourth
      quartile of surgeons, first quartile OR = 0.47 (0.26-0.85); second quartile OR =
      0.41 (0.22-0.73); and third quartile OR = 0.84 (0.52-1.36). CONCLUSIONS: Quality
      metrics in health care have been measured at the hospital level, but a greater
      quality improvement potential exists at the surgeon level. Awareness of this
      variation could better inform patients undergoing elective surgery and their
      referring physicians.

PMID- 27120447
TI  - National Trends in Short-term Outcomes Following Non-emergent Surgery for
      Diverticular Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Elective surgery for diverticulitis has evolved over the last
      decade. We aimed to evaluate the impact of changing practice patterns on
      postoperative outcomes. We hypothesized that the increased use of laparoscopy,
      and other management changes, would correlate with a decrease in postoperative
      complications. METHODS: Patients undergoing non-emergent surgery for
      diverticulitis from 2005 to 2013 were selected from the National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. We compared patient demographics,
      comorbidities, and operative approach by year of operation using chi-square tests
      and investigated temporal trends in postoperative outcomes using univariate,
      trend, and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The analytic cohort, which included
      29,893 patients, had increasing rates of obesity, advanced age, and higher
      American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class over the study period. The use
      of laparoscopy increased significantly from 48 % in 2005/2006 to 70 % in 2013 (p
      < 0.001), while the rate of stoma creation remained unchanged (10-12 %, p =
      0.072). The absolute risk of any postoperative complication decreased by 5.8 %
      over the study period, driven primarily by a reduction in infectious
      complications. Year of operation was a significant independent predictor of fewer
      complications for 2011-2013. CONCLUSION: Despite a trend towards increasing
      patient complexity, there has been a decline in postoperative morbidity following
      non-emergent surgery for diverticulitis. This trend coincides with the steadily
      increasing use of laparoscopy in this population.

PMID- 27120448
TI  - Impact of Mucinous Histology on the Prognosis of Stage I-III Adenocarcinomas of
      the Appendix: a Population-Based, Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whereas the poor prognosis of signet ring cell adenocarcinomas of the
      appendix is well known, the significance of mucinous histology remains unclear.
      The aim of this population-based study was to evaluate if mucinous histology is
      an independent prognostic factor in appendiceal adenocarcinomas. METHODS:
      Patients with stage I-III adenocarcinoma of the appendix who underwent surgery
      between 2004 and 2012 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End
      Results database. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were
      assessed using risk-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models and
      propensity score methods. RESULTS: Overall, 980 patients with appendix cancer
      were included, of which 449 (45.8 %) had a mucinous histology. In an unadjusted
      analysis, the 5-year OS and CSS in patients with a mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC)
      was 76.8 % (95 % confidence interval (95 %CI): 72.1-81.7 %) and 81.0 % (95 %CI:
      76.6-85.6 %), respectively, compared with 70.0 % (95 %CI: 65.1-75.3 %) and 76.2 %
      (95 %CI: 71.5-81.2 %) in patients with non-mucinous adenocarcinoma (NMC) (P =
      0.082 and P = 0.368). In multivariable analysis, no impact on survival was
      observed for OS (HR = 1.22, 95 %CI: 0.89-1.68, P = 0.208) and CSS (HR = 1.21, 95
      %CI: 0.84-1.74, P = 0.296). After propensity score matching, nearly identical
      survival rates were observed (OS: HR = 1.03, 95 %CI: 0.71-1.49, P = 0.881 and
      CSS: HR = 1.05, 95 %CI: 0.70-1.59, P = 0.803). CONCLUSIONS: The present
      population-based, propensity score matched analysis shows that mucinous histology
      does not affect survival in stage I-III appendiceal adenocarcinoma patients.
      Therefore, the same treatment strategies can be applied for patients with NMC and
      MC of the appendix.

PMID- 27120449
TI  - Role of Rilpivirine and Etravirine in Efavirenz and Nevirapine-Based Regimens
      Failure in a Resource-Limited Country: A Cross- Sectional Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Etravirine(ETR) can be used for patients who have failed NNRTI
      based regimen. In Thailand, ETR is approximately 45 times more expensive than
      rilpivirine(RPV). However, there are no data of RPV use in NNRTI failure.
      Therefore, we assessed the susceptibility and mutation patterns of first line
      NNRTI failure and the possibility of using RPV compared to ETV in patients who
      have failed efavirenz(EFV)- and nevirapine(NVP)-based regimens. METHODS: Clinical
      samples with confirmed virological failure from EFV- or NVP-based regimens were
      retrospectively analyzed. Resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) were interpreted
      by IAS-USA Drug Resistance Mutations. Susceptibility of ETR and RPV were
      interpreted by DUET, Monogram scoring system, and Stanford University HIV Drug
      Resistance Database. RESULTS: 1,279 and 528 patients failed EFV- and NVP-based
      regimens, respectively. Y181C was the most common NVP-associated RAM (54.3% vs.
      14.7%, p<0.01). K103N was the most common EFV-associated RAM (56.5% vs. 19.1%,
      P<0.01). The results from all three scoring systems were concordant. 165(11.1%)
      and 161(10.9%) patients who failed NVP-based regimen were susceptible to ETR and
      RPV, respectively (p = 0.85). 195 (32.2%) and 191 (31.6%) patients who failed EFV
      based regimen, were susceptible to ETR and RPV, respectively (p = 0.79). The
      susceptibility of ETV and RPV in EFV failure was significantly higher than NVP
      failure (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The mutation patterns for ETR and RPV were similar
      but 32% and 11% of patients who failed EFV and NVP -based regimen, respectivly
      were susceptible to RPV. This finding suggests that RPV can be used as the
      alternative antiretroviral agent in patients who have failed EFV-based regimen.

PMID- 27120450
TI  - Addressing Loss of Efficiency Due to Misclassification Error in Enriched Clinical
      Trials for the Evaluation of Targeted Therapies Based on the Cox Proportional
      Hazards Model.
AB  - A key feature of precision medicine is that it takes individual variability at
      the genetic or molecular level into account in determining the best treatment for
      patients diagnosed with diseases detected by recently developed novel
      biotechnologies. The enrichment design is an efficient design that enrolls only
      the patients testing positive for specific molecular targets and randomly assigns
      them for the targeted treatment or the concurrent control. However there is no
      diagnostic device with perfect accuracy and precision for detecting molecular
      targets. In particular, the positive predictive value (PPV) can be quite low for
      rare diseases with low prevalence. Under the enrichment design, some patients
      testing positive for specific molecular targets may not have the molecular
      targets. The efficacy of the targeted therapy may be underestimated in the
      patients that actually do have the molecular targets. To address the loss of
      efficiency due to misclassification error, we apply the discrete mixture modeling
      for time-to-event data proposed by Eng and Hanlon [8] to develop an inferential
      procedure, based on the Cox proportional hazard model, for treatment effects of
      the targeted treatment effect for the true-positive patients with the molecular
      targets. Our proposed procedure incorporates both inaccuracy of diagnostic
      devices and uncertainty of estimated accuracy measures. We employed the
      expectation-maximization algorithm in conjunction with the bootstrap technique
      for estimation of the hazard ratio and its estimated variance. We report the
      results of simulation studies which empirically investigated the performance of
      the proposed method. Our proposed method is illustrated by a numerical example.

PMID- 27120451
TI  - Antibody-Mediated Rejection in a Blood Group A-Transgenic Mouse Model of ABO
      Incompatible Heart Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: ABO-incompatible (ABOi) organ transplantation is performed owing to
      unremitting donor shortages. Defining mechanisms of antibody-mediated rejection,
      accommodation, and tolerance of ABOi grafts is limited by lack of a suitable
      animal model. We report generation and characterization of a murine model to
      enable study of immunobiology in the setting of ABOi transplantation. METHODS:
      Transgenesis of a construct containing human A1- and H-transferases under control
      of the ICAM-2 promoter was performed in C57BL/6 (B6) mice. A-transgenic (A-Tg)
      mice were assessed for A-antigen expression by histology and flow cytometry. B6
      wild-type (WT) mice were sensitized with blood group A-human erythrocytes; others
      received passive anti-A monoclonal antibody and complement after heart
      transplant. Serum anti-A antibodies were assessed by hemagglutination. "A-into-O"
      transplantation (major histocompatibility complex syngeneic) was modeled by
      transplanting hearts from A-Tg mice into sensitized or nonsensitized WT mice.
      Antibody-mediated rejection was assessed by morphology/immunohistochemistry.
      RESULTS: A-Tg mice expressed A-antigen on vascular endothelium and other cells
      including erythrocytes. Antibody-mediated rejection was evident in 15/17 A-Tg
      grafts in sensitized WT recipients (median titer, 1:512), with 2 showing
      hyperacute rejection and rapid cessation of graft pulsation. Hyperacute rejection
      was observed in 8/8 A-Tg grafts after passive transfer of anti-A antibody and
      complement into nonsensitized recipients. Antibody-mediated rejection was not
      observed in A-Tg grafts transplanted into nonsensitized mice. CONCLUSIONS: A-Tg
      heart grafts transplanted into WT mice with abundant anti-A antibody manifests
      characteristic features of antibody-mediated rejection. These findings
      demonstrate an effective murine model to facilitate study of immunologic features
      of ABOi transplantation and to improve potential diagnostic and therapeutic
      strategies.

PMID- 27120452
TI  - Diagnostic Contribution of Donor-Specific Antibody Characteristics to Uncover
      Late Silent Antibody-Mediated Rejection-Results of a Cross-Sectional Screening
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circulating donor-specific antibodies (DSA) detected on bead arrays
      may not inevitably indicate ongoing antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Here, we
      investigated whether detection of complement-fixation, in parallel to IgG mean
      fluorescence intensity (MFI), allows for improved prediction of AMR. METHODS: Our
      study included 86 DSA+ kidney transplant recipients subjected to protocol biopsy,
      who were identified upon cross-sectional antibody screening of 741 recipients
      with stable graft function at 6 months or longer after transplantation. IgG MFI
      was analyzed after elimination of prozone effect, and complement-fixation was
      determined using C1q, C4d, or C3d assays. RESULTS: Among DSA+ study patients, 44
      recipients (51%) had AMR, 24 of them showing C4d-positive rejection. Although DSA
      number or HLA class specificity were not different, patients with AMR or C4d +
      AMR showed significantly higher IgG, C1q, and C3d DSA MFI than nonrejecting or
      C4d-negative patients, respectively. Overall, the predictive value of DSA
      characteristics was moderate, whereby the highest accuracy was computed for peak
      IgG MFI (AMR, 0.73; C4d + AMR, 0.71). Combined analysis of antibody
      characteristics in multivariate models did not improve AMR prediction.
      CONCLUSIONS: We estimate a 50% prevalence of silent AMR in DSA+ long-term
      recipients and conclude that assessment of IgG MFI may add predictive accuracy,
      without an independent diagnostic advantage of detecting complement-fixation.

PMID- 27120453
TI  - The International Liver Transplant Society Guideline on Living Liver Donation.
AB  - The following guideline represents the position of the International Liver
      Transplantation Society (ILTS) on key preoperative, operative, and postoperative
      aspects surrounding living liver donation. These recommendations were developed
      from experts in the field from around the world. The authors conducted an
      analysis of the National Library of Medicine indexed literature on "living donor
      liver transplantation" [Medline search] using Grading of Recommendations
      Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Writing was guided by the
      ILTS Policy on the Development and Use of Practice Guidelines (www.ilts.org).
      ILTS members, and many more nonmembers, were invited to comment. Recommendations
      have been based on information available at the time of final submission (March
      2016). The lack of randomized controlled trials in this field to date is
      acknowledged and is reflected in the grading of evidence. Intended for use by
      physicians, these recommendations support specific approaches to the diagnostic,
      therapeutic, and preventive aspects of care. 

PMID- 27120457
TI  - Rosuvastatin Attenuates CD40L-Induced Downregulation of Extracellular Matrix
      Production in Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells via TRAF6-JNK-NF-kappaB Pathway.
AB  - CD40L and statins exhibit pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects,
      respectively. They are both pleiotropic and can regulate extracellular matrix
      (ECM) degeneration in an atherosclerotic plaque. Statins can decrease both the
      CD40 expression and the resulting inflammation. However, the effects of CD40L and
      stains on atherosclerotic plaque ECM production and the underlying mechanisms are
      not well established. Moreover, prolyl-4-hydroxylase alpha1 (P4Halpha1) is
      involved in collagen synthesis but its correlations with CD40L and statins are
      unknown. In the present study, CD40L suppressed P4Halpha1 expression in human
      aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) in a dose- and time-dependent manner, with
      insignificant changes in MMP2 expression and negative enzymatic activity of MMP9.
      CD40L increased TRAF6 expression, JNK phosphorylation, NF-kappaB nuclear
      translocation as well as DNA binding. Furthermore, silencing TRAF6, JNK or NF
      kappaB genes abolished CD40L-induced suppression of P4Halpha1. Lower NF-kappaB
      nuclear import rates were observed when JNK or TRAF6 silenced HASMCs were
      stimulated with CD40L compared to HASMCs with active JNK or TRAF6. Together,
      these results indicate that CD40L suppresses P4Halpha1 expression in HASMCs by
      activating the TRAF6-JNK- NF-kappaB pathway. We also found that rosuvastatin
      inhibits CD40L-induced activation of the TRAF6-JNK- NF-kappaB pathway, thereby
      significantly rescuing the CD40L stimulated P4Halpha1 inhibition. The results
      from this study will help find potential targets for stabilizing vulnerable
      atherosclerotic plaques.

PMID- 27120459
TI  - Mutational analysis of hepatitis B virus pre-S1 (9-24) fusogenic peptide.
AB  - A hollow nanoparticle known as a bio-nanocapsule (BNC) consisting of hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) envelope L protein and liposome (LP) can encapsulate drugs and genes
      and thereby deliver them in vitro and in vivo to human hepatic tissues,
      specifically by utilizing the HBV-derived infection machinery. Recently, we
      identified a low pH-dependent fusogenic domain at the N-terminal part of the pre
      S1 region of the HBV L protein (amino acid residues 9 to 24; NPLGFFPDHQLDPAFG),
      which shows membrane destabilizing activity (i.e., membrane fusion, membrane
      disruption, and payload release) upon interaction with target LPs. In this study,
      instead of BNC and HBV, we generated LPs displaying a mutated form of the pre-S1
      (9-24) peptide, and performed a membrane disruption assay using target LPs
      containing pyranine (fluorophore) and p-xylene-bis (N-pyridinium bromide) (DPX)
      as a quencher. The membrane disruption activity was found to correlate with the
      hydrophobicity of the whole structure, while the peptide retained a random-coil
      structure even under low pH condition. One large hydrophobic cluster (I) and one
      small hydrophobic cluster (II) residing in the peptide would be connected by the
      protonation of residues D16 and D20, and thereby exhibit strong membrane
      disruption activity in a low pH-dependent manner. Furthermore, the introduction
      of a positively charged residue enhanced the activity significantly, suggesting
      that a sole positively charged residue (H17) may be important for the interaction
      with target LPs by electrostatic interaction. Collectively, these results suggest
      that the pre-S1 (9-24) peptide may be involved in the endosomal escape of the
      BNC's payloads, as well as in the HBV uncoating process.

PMID- 27120458
TI  - Validation of Metabolic Alterations in Microscale Cell Culture Lysates Using
      Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC)-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
      Based Metabolomics.
AB  - By standard convention, in order to increase the efficacy of metabolite detection
      from cell culture lysates, metabolite extracts from a large quantity of cells are
      utilized for multiple reaction monitoring-based metabolomic studies. Metabolomics
      from a small number of cell extracts offers a potential economical alternative to
      increased cell numbers, in turn increasing the utility of cell culture-based
      metabolomics. However, the effect of reduced cell numbers on targeted metabolomic
      profiling is relatively unstudied. Considering the limited knowledge available of
      the feasibility and accuracy of microscale cell culture metabolomics, the present
      study analyzes differences in metabolomic profiles of different cell numbers of
      three pancreatic cancer cell lines. Specifically, it examines the effects of
      reduced cell numbers on metabolite profiles by obtaining extracts either directly
      from microscale culture plates or through serial dilution of increased numbers of
      cellular metabolite extracts. Our results indicate reduced cell numbers only
      modestly affect the number of metabolites detected (93% of metabolites detected
      in cell numbers as low as 104 cells and 97% for 105 cells), independent of the
      method used to obtain the cells. However, metabolite peak intensities were
      differentially affected by the reduced cell numbers, with some peak intensities
      inversely proportional to the cell numbers. To help eliminate such potential
      inverse relationships, peak intensities for increased cell numbers were excluded
      from the comparative analysis. Overall, metabolite profiles from microscale
      culture plates were observed to differ from the serial dilution samples, which
      may be attributable to the medium-to-cell-number ratios. Finally, findings
      identify perturbations in metabolomic profiling for cellular extracts from
      reduced cell numbers, which offer future applications in microscale metabolomic
      evaluations.

PMID- 27120460
TI  - Discovery of novel selenium derivatives as Pin1 inhibitors by high-throughput
      screening.
AB  - Peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerization by Pin1 regulates various oncogenic
      signals during cancer progression, and its inhibition through multiple approaches
      has established Pin1 as a therapeutic target. However, lack of simplified
      screening systems has limited the discovery of potent Pin1 inhibitors. We
      utilized phosphorylation-dependent binding of Pin1 to its specific substrate to
      develop a screening system for Pin1 inhibitors. Using this system, we screened a
      chemical library, and identified a novel selenium derivative as Pin1 inhibitor.
      Based on structure-activity guided chemical synthesis, we developed more potent
      Pin1 inhibitors that inhibited cancer cell proliferation.

PMID- 27120461
TI  - Structural and biochemical characterization of the Bacillus cereus 3
      hydroxyisobutyrate dehydrogenase.
AB  - The 3-hydroxyisobutyrate dehydrogenase (HIBADH) family catalyzes the NAD(+)- or
      NADP(+)-dependent oxidation of various beta-hydroxyacid substrates into their
      cognate semialdehydes for diverse metabolic pathways. Because HIBADH group
      members exhibit different substrate specificities, the substrate-recognition mode
      of each enzyme should be individually characterized. In the current study, we
      report the biochemical and structural analysis of a HIBADH group enzyme from
      Bacillus cereus (bcHIBADH). bcHIBADH mediates a dehydrogenation reaction on S-3
      hydroxyisobutyrate substrate with high catalytic efficiency in an NAD(+)
      dependent manner; it also oxidizes l-serine and 3-hydroxypropionate with lower
      activity. bcHIBADH consists of two domains and is further assembled into a
      functional dimer rather than a tetramer that has been commonly observed in other
      prokaryotic HIBADH group members. In the bcHIBADH structure, the interdomain
      cleft forms a putative active site and simultaneously accommodates both an NAD(+)
      cofactor and a substrate mimic. Our structure-based comparative analysis
      highlights structural motifs that are important in the cofactor and substrate
      recognition of the HIBADH group.

PMID- 27120462
TI  - Non-Straub type actin from molluscan catch muscle.
AB  - We have developed a method of obtaining natural actin from smooth muscles of the
      bivalves on the example of the Srenomytilus grayanus catch muscle. The muscles
      were previously rigorized to prevent a loss of thin filaments during
      homogenization and washings. Thin filaments were isolated with a low ionic
      strength solution in the presence of ATP and sodium pyrophosphate. Surface
      proteins of thin filaments-tropomyosin, troponin, calponin and some minor actin
      binding proteins-were dissociated from actin filaments by increasing the ionic
      strength to 0.6 M KCL. Natural fibrillar actin obtained in that way depolymerizes
      easily in low ionic strength solutions commonly used for the extraction of Straub
      type actin from acetone powder. Purification of natural actin was carried out by
      the polymerization-depolymerization cycle. The content of inactivated actin
      remaining in the supernatant is much less than at a similar purification of
      Straub-type actin. A comparative investigation was performed between the natural
      mussel actin and the Straub-type rabbit skeletal actin in terms of the key
      properties of actin: polymerization, activation of Mg-ATPase activity of myosin,
      and the electron-microscopic structure of actin polymers.

PMID- 27120464
TI  - Flavobacterium panacisoli sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field.
AB  - A novel bacterial strain, designated DCY70(T), was isolated from soil of a
      ginseng field in Republic of Korea and was characterized in order to determine
      its taxonomic position. The strain was Gram-reaction negative, yellow-pigmented,
      rod-shaped and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Based on the 16S rRNA gene
      sequence similarity, strain DCY70(T) was shown to belong to the genus
      Flavobacterium, most closely related to Flavobacterium oncorhynchi 631-08(T)
      (98.4 %), Flavobacterium plurextorum 1126-1H-08(T) (97.9 %), Flavobacterium
      chilense LM-09-Fp(T) (97.9 %) and Flavobacterium chungangense CJ(T) (97.7 %). The
      chemotaxonomic characteristics showed only menaquinone-6 (MK-6), iso-C15:0, iso
      C15:0 3OH, iso-C17:0 3OH and summed feature 3 as major cellular fatty acids.
      Polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), two unidentified aminolipids,
      four unidentified polar lipids and one unidentified phospholipid. The DNA G+C
      content was 34.9 mol%. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and genotypic data,
      a novel species, Flavobacterium panacisoli sp. nov., is proposed (=KCTC 32393(T)
      = JCM 19162(T)). 

PMID- 27120463
TI  - A Founder Mutation in VPS11 Causes an Autosomal Recessive Leukoencephalopathy
      Linked to Autophagic Defects.
AB  - Genetic leukoencephalopathies (gLEs) are a group of heterogeneous disorders with
      white matter abnormalities affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The
      causative mutation in ~50% of gLEs is unknown. Using whole exome sequencing
      (WES), we identified homozygosity for a missense variant, VPS11: c.2536T>G
      (p.C846G), as the genetic cause of a leukoencephalopathy syndrome in five
      individuals from three unrelated Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) families. All five
      patients exhibited highly concordant disease progression characterized by
      infantile onset leukoencephalopathy with brain white matter abnormalities, severe
      motor impairment, cortical blindness, intellectual disability, and seizures. The
      carrier frequency of the VPS11: c.2536T>G variant is 1:250 in the AJ population
      (n = 2,026). VPS11 protein is a core component of HOPS (homotypic fusion and
      protein sorting) and CORVET (class C core vacuole/endosome tethering) protein
      complexes involved in membrane trafficking and fusion of the lysosomes and
      endosomes. The cysteine 846 resides in an evolutionarily conserved cysteine-rich
      RING-H2 domain in carboxyl terminal regions of VPS11 proteins. Our data shows
      that the C846G mutation causes aberrant ubiquitination and accelerated turnover
      of VPS11 protein as well as compromised VPS11-VPS18 complex assembly, suggesting
      a loss of function in the mutant protein. Reduced VPS11 expression leads to an
      impaired autophagic activity in human cells. Importantly, zebrafish harboring a
      vps11 mutation with truncated RING-H2 domain demonstrated a significant reduction
      in CNS myelination following extensive neuronal death in the hindbrain and
      midbrain. Thus, our study reveals a defect in VPS11 as the underlying etiology
      for an autosomal recessive leukoencephalopathy disorder associated with a
      dysfunctional autophagy-lysosome trafficking pathway. 

PMID- 27120465
TI  - VennPainter: A Tool for the Comparison and Identification of Candidate Genes
      Based on Venn Diagrams.
AB  - VennPainter is a program for depicting unique and shared sets of genes lists and
      generating Venn diagrams, by using the Qt C++ framework. The software produces
      Classic Venn, Edwards' Venn and Nested Venn diagrams and allows for eight sets in
      a graph mode and 31 sets in data processing mode only. In comparison, previous
      programs produce Classic Venn and Edwards' Venn diagrams and allow for a maximum
      of six sets. The software incorporates user-friendly features and works in
      Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Its graphical interface does not require a user to
      have programing skills. Users can modify diagram content for up to eight datasets
      because of the Scalable Vector Graphics output. VennPainter can provide output
      results in vertical, horizontal and matrix formats, which facilitates sharing
      datasets as required for further identification of candidate genes. Users can
      obtain gene lists from shared sets by clicking the numbers on the diagram. Thus,
      VennPainter is an easy-to-use, highly efficient, cross-platform and powerful
      program that provides a more comprehensive tool for identifying candidate genes
      and visualizing the relationships among genes or gene families in comparative
      analysis.

PMID- 27120466
TI  - Rare case of double atrial septum, an incidentally detected anomaly.

PMID- 27120467
TI  - Vitamin D and androgen receptor-targeted therapy for triple-negative breast
      cancer.
AB  - Anti-estrogen and anti-HER2 treatments have been among the first and most
      successful examples of targeted therapy for breast cancer (BC). However, the
      treatment of triple-negative BC (TNBC) that lack estrogen receptor expression or
      HER2 amplification remains a major challenge. We previously discovered that
      approximately two-thirds of TNBCs express vitamin D receptor (VDR) and/or
      androgen receptor (AR) and hypothesized that TNBCs co-expressing AR and VDR (HR2
      av TNBC) could be treated by targeting both of these hormone receptors. To
      evaluate the feasibility of VDR/AR-targeted therapy in TNBC, we characterized 15
      different BC lines and identified 2 HR2-av TNBC lines and examined the changes in
      their phenotype, viability, and proliferation after VDR and AR-targeted
      treatment. Treatment of BC cell lines with VDR or AR agonists inhibited cell
      viability in a receptor-dependent manner, and their combination appeared to
      inhibit cell viability additively. Moreover, cell viability was further decreased
      when AR/VDR agonist hormones were combined with chemotherapeutic drugs. The
      mechanisms of inhibition by AR/VDR agonist hormones included cell cycle arrest
      and apoptosis in TNBC cell lines. In addition, AR/VDR agonist hormones induced
      differentiation and inhibited cancer stem cells (CSCs) measured by reduction in
      tumorsphere formation efficiency, high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity, and CSC
      markers. Surprisingly, we found that AR antagonists inhibited proliferation of
      most BC cell lines in an AR-independent manner, raising questions regarding their
      mechanism of action. In summary, AR/VDR-targeted agonist hormone therapy can
      inhibit HR2-av TNBC through multiple mechanisms in a receptor-dependent manner
      and can be combined with chemotherapy.

PMID- 27120468
TI  - Racial differences in receipt of adjuvant hormonal therapy among Medicaid
      enrollees in South Carolina diagnosed with breast cancer.
AB  - Several factors contribute to the pervasive Black-White disparity in breast
      cancer mortality in the U.S., such as tumor biology, access to care, and
      treatments received including adjuvant hormonal therapy (AHT), which
      significantly improves survival for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers
      (HR+). We analyzed South Carolina Central Cancer Registry-Medicaid linked data to
      determine if, in an equal access health care system, racial differences in the
      receipt of AHT exist. We evaluated 494 study-eligible, Black (n = 255) and White
      women (n = 269) who were under 65 years old and diagnosed with stages I-III, HR+
      breast cancers between 2004 and 2007. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were
      conducted to assess receipt of >=1 AHT prescriptions at any point in time
      following (ever-use) or within 12 months of (early-use) breast cancer diagnosis.
      Seventy-two percent of the participants were ever-users (70 % Black, 74 % White)
      and 68 % were early-users (65 % Black, 71 % White) of AHT. Neither ever-use
      (adjusted OR (AOR) = 0.75, 95 % CI 0.48-1.17) nor early-use (AOR = 0.70, 95 % CI
      0.46-1.06) of AHT differed by race. However, receipt of other breast cancer
      specific treatments was independently associated with ever-use and early-use of
      AHT [ever-use: receipt of surgery (AOR = 2.15, 95 % CI 1.35-3.44); chemotherapy
      (AOR = 1.97, 95 % CI 1.22-3.20); radiation (AOR = 2.33, 95 % CI 1.50-3.63); early
      use: receipt of surgery (AOR = 2.03, 95 % CI 1.30-3.17); chemotherapy (AOR =
      1.90, 95 % CI 1.20-3.03); radiation (AOR = 1.73, 95 % CI 1.14-2.63)]. No racial
      variations in use of AHT among women with HR+ breast cancers insured by Medicaid
      in South Carolina were identified, but overall rates of AHT use by these women is
      low. Strategies to improve overall use of AHT should include targeting breast
      cancer patients who do not receive adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation.

PMID- 27120469
TI  - The Pharmacogenetic Footprint of ACE Inhibition: A Population-Based Metabolomics
      Study.
AB  - Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are an important class of
      antihypertensives whose action on the human organism is still not fully
      understood. Although it is known that ACE especially cleaves COOH-terminal
      dipeptides from active polypeptides, the whole range of substrates and products
      is still unknown. When analyzing the action of ACE inhibitors, effects of genetic
      variation on metabolism need to be considered since genetic variance in the ACE
      gene locus was found to be associated with ACE-concentration in blood as well as
      with changes in the metabolic profiles of a general population. To investigate
      the interactions between genetic variance at the ACE-locus and the influence of
      ACE-therapy on the metabolic status we analyzed 517 metabolites in 1,361
      participants from the KORA F4 study. We replicated our results in 1,964
      individuals from TwinsUK. We observed differences in the concentration of five
      dipeptides and three ratios of di- and oligopeptides between ACE inhibitor users
      and non-users that were genotype dependent. Such changes in the concentration
      affected major homozygotes, and to a lesser extent heterozygotes, while minor
      homozygotes showed no or only small changes in the metabolite status. Two of
      these resulting dipeptides, namely aspartylphenylalanine and phenylalanylserine,
      showed significant associations with blood pressure which qualifies them-and
      perhaps also the other dipeptides-as readouts of ACE-activity. Since so far ACE
      activity measurement is substrate specific due to the usage of only one
      oligopeptide, taking several dipeptides as potential products of ACE into account
      may provide a broader picture of the ACE activity.

PMID- 27120470
TI  - Complementary Hand Responses Occur in Both Peri- and Extrapersonal Space.
AB  - Human beings have a strong tendency to imitate. Evidence from motor priming
      paradigms suggests that people automatically tend to imitate observed actions
      such as hand gestures by performing mirror-congruent movements (e.g., lifting
      one's right finger upon observing a left finger movement; from a mirror
      perspective). Many observed actions however, do not require mirror-congruent
      responses but afford complementary (fitting) responses instead (e.g., handing
      over a cup; shaking hands). Crucially, whereas mirror-congruent responses don't
      require physical interaction with another person, complementary actions often do.
      Given that most experiments studying motor priming have used stimuli devoid of
      contextual information, this space or interaction-dependency of complementary
      responses has not yet been assessed. To address this issue, we let participants
      perform a task in which they had to mirror or complement a hand gesture (fist or
      open hand) performed by an actor depicted either within or outside of reach. In
      three studies, we observed faster reaction times and less response errors for
      complementary relative to mirrored hand movements in response to open hand
      gestures (i.e., 'hand-shaking') irrespective of the perceived interpersonal
      distance of the actor. This complementary effect could not be accounted for by a
      low-level spatial cueing effect. These results demonstrate that humans have a
      strong and automatic tendency to respond by performing complementary actions. In
      addition, our findings underline the limitations of manipulations of space in
      modulating effects of motor priming and the perception of affordances.

PMID- 27120471
TI  - Obesity and Aging in Humans and Nonhuman Primates: A Mini-Review.
AB  - The prevalence of obesity in the US is increasing exponentially across gender,
      age and ethnic groups. Obesity and a long-term hypercaloric diet result in what
      appears to be accelerated aging, often leading to a multi-systemic deterioration
      known as the metabolic syndrome. Due to their physiological similarity to humans
      as well as comparable rates of spontaneous obesity and diabetes mellitus,
      nonhuman primates provide a useful translational model for the human condition.
      They allow for an in vivo study of disease progression, interaction of
      comorbidities, and novel interventions. However, defining obesity in aged humans
      and nonhuman primates is difficult as the physiological changes that occur with
      aging are not accounted for using our current systems (BMI - body mass index and
      BCS - body condition score). Nonetheless, nonhuman primate studies have greatly
      contributed to our understanding of obesity and metabolic dysfunction and should
      continue to play a large role in translational research. Here, methods for
      defining obesity and metabolic syndrome in humans and nonhuman primates are
      described along with the prevalence and effects of these conditions.

PMID- 27120473
TI  - Emergence of Cooperative Long-Term Market Loyalty in Double Auction Markets.
AB  - Loyal buyer-seller relationships can arise by design, e.g. when a seller tailors
      a product to a specific market niche to accomplish the best possible returns, and
      buyers respond to the dedicated efforts the seller makes to meet their needs. We
      ask whether it is possible, instead, for loyalty to arise spontaneously, and in
      particular as a consequence of repeated interaction and co-adaptation among the
      agents in a market. We devise a stylized model of double auction markets and
      adaptive traders that incorporates these features. Traders choose where to trade
      (which market) and how to trade (to buy or to sell) based on their previous
      experience. We find that when the typical scale of market returns (or, at fixed
      scale of returns, the intensity of choice) become higher than some threshold, the
      preferred state of the system is segregated: both buyers and sellers are
      segmented into subgroups that are persistently loyal to one market over another.
      We characterize the segregated state analytically in the limit of large markets:
      it is stabilized by some agents acting cooperatively to enable trade, and
      provides higher rewards than its unsegregated counterpart both for individual
      traders and the population as a whole.

PMID- 27120472
TI  - Epidemiology of Acute Gastroenteritis Outbreaks Caused by Human Calicivirus
      (Norovirus and Sapovirus) in Catalonia: A Two Year Prospective Study, 2010-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of cases of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) of viral
      etiology is a relevant public health issue. Due to underreporting, the study of
      outbreaks is an accepted approach to investigate their epidemiology. The
      objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of
      AGE outbreaks due to norovirus (NoV) and sapovirus (SV) in Catalonia. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Prospective study of AGE outbreaks of possible viral etiology
      notified during two years in Catalonia. NoV and SV were detected by real time
      reverse transcription polymerase (RT-PCR). RESULTS: A total of 101 outbreaks were
      registered affecting a total of 2756 persons and 12 hospitalizations
      (hospitalization rate: 0.8x1,000,000 persons-year); 49.5% of outbreaks were
      foodborne, 45.5% person to person and 5% waterborne. The distribution of
      outbreaks according to the setting showed a predominance of catering services
      (39.6%), nursing homes and long term care facilities (26.8%) and schools (11.9%).
      The median number of cases per outbreak was 17 (range 2-191). The total Incidence
      rate (IR) was 18.3 per 100,000 persons-years (95%CI: 17.6-19.0). The highest IR
      was in persons aged >=65 years (43.6x100,000 (95% CI: 41.0-46.2)) (p<0.001). A
      total of 1065 samples were analyzed with a positivity rate of 60.8%. 98% of
      positive samples were NoV (GII 56.3%; GI 4.2%; GII+GI 4.2%; non- typable 33.0%).
      SV was identified in two person-to-person transmission outbreaks in children.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the relevance of viral AGE outbreaks, both
      foodborne and person-to-person, especially in institutionalized persons. SV
      should be taken into account when investigating viral AGE outbreaks.

PMID- 27120474
TI  - Center Variation in the Delivery of Indicated Late Preterm Births.
AB  - Objective Evidence for optimal timing of delivery for some pregnancy
      complications at late preterm gestation is limited. The purpose of this study was
      to identify center variation of indicated late preterm births. Study design We
      performed an analysis of singleton late preterm and term births from a large U.S.
      retrospective obstetrical cohort. Births associated with spontaneous preterm
      labor, major congenital anomalies, chorioamnionitis, and emergency cesarean were
      excluded. We used modified Poisson fixed effects logistic regression with
      interaction terms to assess center variation of indicated late preterm births
      associated with four medical/obstetric comorbidities after adjusting for socio
      demographics, comorbidities, and hospital/provider characteristics. Results We
      identified 150,055 births from 16 hospitals; 9,218 were indicated late preterm
      births. We found wide variation of indicated late preterm births across
      hospitals. The extent of center variation was greater for births associated with
      preterm premature rupture of membranes (risk ratio [RR] across sites: 0.45-3.05),
      hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (RR across sites: 0.36-1.27), and placenta
      previa/abruption (RR across sites: 0.48-1.82). We found less center variation for
      births associated with diabetes (RR across sites: 0.65-1.39). Conclusion Practice
      variation in the management of indicated late preterm deliveries might be a
      source of preventable late preterm birth.

PMID- 27120475
TI  - Vaginal Fluid Inflammatory Biomarkers and the Risk of Adverse Neonatal Outcomes
      in Women with PPROM.
AB  - Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of
      vaginal fluid biomarkers for chorioamnionitis and adverse perinatal outcomes in
      women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Methods We recruited
      women with PPROM, without clinical chorioamnionitis, between 22 and 36 weeks'
      gestation. Vaginal fluid was collected on admission for the measurement of
      metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), lactate, and glucose
      concentration. Placental pathology and neonatal charts were reviewed. Primary
      outcomes were histological chorioamnionitis and adverse neonatal neurological
      outcomes (intraventricular hemorrhage grade 2 or 3, periventricular leukomalacia,
      or hypoxic/ischemic encephalopathy). Linear regression analyses were used to
      adjust for gestational age at PPROM. Results Twenty-seven women were recruited at
      a mean gestational age of 31.6 +/- 3.1 weeks, including 25 (93%) with successful
      collection of vaginal fluid sample. Histological chorioamnionitis and adverse
      neonatal neurological outcomes were observed in nine (33%) and four (15%) cases,
      respectively. In univariate analysis, MMP-8, IL-6, glucose, and lactate
      concentrations in vaginal fluid were associated with the risk of chorioamnionitis
      but not anymore after adjustment for gestational age at PPROM. MMP-8
      concentration was the only biomarker associated with adverse neurological
      outcome, and it remained significant after adjustment for gestational age at
      PPROM (p = 0.02). Conclusion Vaginal fluid inflammatory biomarkers at admission
      for PPROM could predict adverse perinatal outcomes.

PMID- 27120476
TI  - Association between Hemoglobin Levels in the First 3 Days of Life and
      Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants.
AB  - Objective The objective of this study was to determine the association between
      hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the first 3 days of life and bronchopulmonary dysplasia
      (BPD) in preterm infants. Study Design The study population comprises 147
      neonates with a gestational age (GA) of less than 32 weeks who were admitted to
      BaYi Children's Hospital Affiliated to Beijing Military General Hospital from
      January 2014 to May 2015. Hb levels in the first 3 days of life, maternal and
      infant characteristics, were recorded and then analyzed. Results BPD patients had
      a lower GA and birth weight than non-BPD patients. Rates of surfactant use, use
      of early inhalation hormone, days of mechanical ventilation > 2 weeks, and patent
      ductus arteriosus in BPD patients were higher and have a significant difference.
      Number of transfusions was higher in BPD patients. Lower Hb levels in the first 3
      days of life were also observed in BPD patients. A cutoff value of Hb levels was
      determined as 155.5 g/L. Hb <= 155 g/L in the first 3 days of life was a
      significant risk factor for BPD. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that lower Hb
      levels in the first 3 days of life may increase the risk of developing BPD in
      preterm infants.

PMID- 27120477
TI  - Do Obese Women Receive the Necessary Interventions to Achieve Vaginal Birth after
      Cesarean?
AB  - Objective We aimed to determine if obese women undergoing trial of labor after
      cesarean (TOLAC) were more likely to undergo repeat cesarean for arrest disorders
      prior to active labor, and whether this was due to decreased use of standard
      interventions to achieve vaginal birth. Study Design This was a secondary
      analysis of a prospective registry. Women undergoing TOLAC with one prior
      cesarean and a singleton, term gestation who had a repeat cesarean for an arrest
      disorder were included. The primary outcome was repeat cesarean prior to active
      labor (cervical dilation < 6 cm). Obese (body mass index >=30 kg/m(2)) and
      nonobese women were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to
      estimate the association between obesity and repeat cesarean prior to active
      labor. Clinical interventions were compared between groups using t-test and chi
      (2) test. Results Among 2,098 women undergoing TOLAC, 1,454 (69%) were obese.
      Obese women were more likely to undergo repeat cesarean for an arrest disorder
      prior to active labor (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.7) despite
      being allowed longer labors and receiving higher maximum doses of oxytocin for a
      longer duration than nonobese women. Conclusion Obese women were more likely to
      undergo repeat cesarean prior to active labor despite more clinical interventions
      to achieve vaginal birth.

PMID- 27120479
TI  - First Trimester Hemoglobin A1c Prediction of Gestational Diabetes.
AB  - Objective The objective of this study is to examine whether a first trimester
      hemoglobin A1c (A1C) of 5.7 to 6.4% predicts an abnormal second trimester oral
      glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study
      of all women screened with A1C through 13 (6/7) weeks' gestation between January
      1, 2011, and December 31, 2012. Prediabetic women (A1C of 5.7-6.4%) were compared
      with women with a normal first trimester A1C (< 5.7%). The primary outcome was an
      abnormal 2-hour, 75-g OGTT as defined by the International Association of
      Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups. Results There were 2,812 women who met
      inclusion criteria of whom 6.7% (n = 189) were prediabetic. Women with
      prediabetes were more likely to have gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) even
      after adjusting for potential confounders (29.1 vs. 13.7%; adjusted relative
      risk, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.89). There were no statistically
      significant differences in secondary outcomes except that women with prediabetes
      had less excessive gestational weight gain. A prediabetic-range A1C in the first
      trimester was associated with a 13% sensitivity and a 94% specificity for
      predicting GDM Conclusion Although women with prediabetes by first trimester A1C
      are significantly more likely to have GDM, the low sensitivity of an A1C in this
      range renders it a poor test to identify women who will develop GDM.

PMID- 27120478
TI  - Is Mid-trimester Insulin Resistance Predictive of Subsequent Puerperal Infection?
      A Secondary Analysis of Randomized Trial Data.
AB  - Objective The objective of this study was to examine whether there is an
      association between insulin resistance and subsequent development of puerperal
      infection by measuring insulin resistance in the mid-trimester using the
      homeostasis model assessment (HOMA:IR). Methods Secondary analysis of low-risk
      nulliparas enrolled in a multicenter preeclampsia prevention trial. HOMA:IR was
      measured on fasting plasma glucose and insulin concentrations among low-risk
      nulliparas between 22 and 26 weeks' gestation. Median HOMA:IR was compared
      between women who did and did not develop puerperal infection using Wilcoxon rank
      sum test. Logistic regression was used to control for potential confounders.
      Results Of 1,180 women with fasting glucose and insulin available, 121 (10.3%)
      had a puerperal infection. Median HOMA:IR was higher among those with subsequent
      puerperal infection (4.3 [interquartile, IQR: 2.2-20.5] vs. 2.6 [IQR: 1.5-6.7], p
      < 0.0001). After controlling for potentially confounding variables HOMA:IR was
      only marginally associated with an increased risk of development of puerperal
      infection, adjusted odds ratio: 1.01 (95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.02; p =
      0.04) per unit increase. Elevated HOMA:IR performed poorly as a predictor of
      puerperal infection, with a positive predictive value of 15% and a negative
      predictive value of 92%. Conclusion Though associated with an increased risk of
      puerperal infection, insulin resistance, measured by HOMA:IR, is not a clinically
      useful predictor of puerperal infection.

PMID- 27120480
TI  - Provider Awareness, Understanding and Use of NICHD Neonatal Research Network
      Outcomes Estimator.
AB  - Introduction Our aim was to survey clinicians to assess awareness and utilization
      of the NICHD Neonatal Research Network outcomes estimator, which allows
      clinicians to use multiple factors to better estimate the likelihood that
      intensive care will benefit the delivered neonate. Study Design The survey tool
      included a list of questions regarding the estimator. We collected responses from
      various medical personnel assessing awareness, frequency of use, knowledge of
      estimator, and information regarding the database. Results There were a total of
      141 participants. Forty-two percent reported awareness of the estimator and of
      those, 75% had visited the Web site. Eighty-two percent of those visiting the
      site had actually used the estimator. Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) physicians
      versus generalists were more likely to have heard of the estimator (75 vs. 32%).
      Obstetrics and gynecology residents had similar familiarity with the estimator as
      attending generalists. Of those having used the tool, 25% knew the correct
      variables, with only 19% knowing the outcomes. Interestingly, a majority of users
      misunderstood database components. Conclusion A majority of clinicians, and a
      fourth of MFM physicians, who care for patients with threatened preterm birth are
      either unaware or have limited understanding of the estimator, offering a
      potential area of improvement in the counseling of such at-risk patients.

PMID- 27120481
TI  - Early Postpartum Glucose Testing in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Objective Given that most women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) never
      undergo the recommended 6 to 12 weeks postpartum glucose tolerance test (GTT), we
      assessed the feasibility of performing GTTs on postpartum day 2. Study Design
      Women with abnormal postpartum day 2 results were similar to women with normal
      postpartum day 2 results except that more women with abnormal results required
      medicine to treat their GDM (Table 1). [corrected]. We assessed the feasibility
      of this GTT and compared the results to the standard of care GTT at 6 to 12 weeks
      postpartum. We also evaluated maternal and pregnancy characteristics of women who
      return for 6 to 12 weeks GTTs compared with those lost to follow-up. Results In
      this study, 98 of 106 participants (92%) completed the postpartum day 2 GTT; 59%
      had normal glucose values at that time. Only 49 women returned at 6 to 12 weeks
      postpartum. Among women who had testing at both time points, the 2 days
      postpartum GTT were 100% sensitive and 94% specific for diabetes mellitus but
      less sensitive and specific for milder forms of abnormal glucose. Women who did
      not return for testing at 6 to 12 weeks postpartum  were more likely to have less
      education, have Medicaid, and to have GDM previously (Table 2). [corrected].
      Conclusion Performing GTTs on postpartum day 2 is feasible and should be further
      investigated as an alternative postpartum testing regimen in GDM.

PMID- 27120482
TI  - Surfactant Treatment Threshold during NCPAP for the Treatment of Preterm Infants
      with Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
AB  - Although surfactant is the most studied drug in the preterm infant, the best
      criteria for treatment of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome
      (RDS) with surfactant have been not extensively investigated. We assessed the
      criteria used for deciding the rescue surfactant treatment of preterm infants
      with RDS in combination with nasal continuous positive airway pressure as
      reported by the main recent randomized controlled trials. We evaluated 10 studies
      and found that the criteria chosen for administering selective surfactant were
      very heterogeneous, different types and doses of surfactant were used, and this
      limits their applicability in the clinical practice. In conclusion, although
      current data seem to suggest that low threshold is better than high threshold,
      additional studies are necessary to identify the most effective criteria for
      selective surfactant treatment of preterm infants with RDS.

PMID- 27120483
TI  - A Coordination Chemistry Approach for Lithium-Ion Batteries: The Coexistence of
      Metal and Ligand Redox Activities in a One-Dimensional Metal-Organic Material.
AB  - We demonstrate herein the use of a one-dimensional metal-organic material as a
      new type of electrode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in place of the
      classic porous three-dimensional materials, which are subject to the size of the
      channel for lithium-ion diffusion and blocking of the windows of the framework by
      organic solvents during the charging and discharging processes. Introducing a one
      dimensional coordination compound can keep organic active substances insoluble in
      the electrolyte during the charging and discharging processes, providing a facile
      and general new system for further studies. The results show that both the
      aromatic ligand and the metal center can participate in lithium storage
      simultaneously, illustrating a new energy storage mechanism that has been well
      characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic
      resonance spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. In addition, the fact that the
      one-dimensional chains are linked by weak hydrogen bonds rather than strong pi-pi
      stacking interactions or covalent bonds is beneficial for the release of capacity
      entirely without the negative effect of burying the active sites.

PMID- 27120484
TI  - Psoriasis, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Obesity: Weighing the Evidence.

PMID- 27120485
TI  - Alteration of steric hindrance modulates glutathione resistance and cytotoxicity
      of three structurally related Ru(II)-p-cymene complexes.
AB  - The effect of steric hindrance on reactivity towards biomolecules while designing
      Ru(II)-eta(6)-p-cymene based anticancer agents seems to be an important parameter
      in improving the activity and inducing resistance against glutathione (GSH)
      deactivation. Herein we present the structure, hydrolysis, anticancer activity
      and the effect of steric hindrance on deactivation by glutathione for three
      complexes, [Ru(II)(eta(6)-p-cym)(L1)(Cl)](PF6) (1), [Ru(II)(eta(6)-p
      cym)(L2)(Cl)](PF6) (2) and [Ru(II)(eta(6)-p-cym)(L3)(Cl)](PF6) (3). The ligands
      L1-L3 are Schiff bases which show increasing substitution in a benzene ring, such
      that two ortho hydrogens are replaced by -methyl in 2 and by -isopropyl in 3. The
      cytotoxicity results strongly suggest that controlling the rate of hydrolysis
      through tuning of steric hindrance may be a feasible pathway to derive GSH
      resistant anticancer agents. The cellular studies show that all the three
      complexes show good blood compatibility (haemolysis <3%) and induce cellular
      death through caspase activation via the mitochondrial pathway. They have anti
      angiogenic activity and prevent the healing of treated cells. 

PMID- 27120486
TI  - Dibenzothiophene Catabolism Proceeds via a Flavin-N5-oxide Intermediate.
AB  - The dibenzothiophene catabolic pathway converts dibenzothiophene to 2
      hydroxybiphenyl and sulfite. The third step of the pathway, involving the
      conversion of dibenzothiophene sulfone to 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-benzenesulfinic
      acid, is catalyzed by a unique flavoenzyme DszA. Mechanistic studies on this
      reaction suggest that the C2 hydroperoxide of dibenzothiophene sulfone reacts
      with flavin to form a flavin-N5-oxide. The intermediacy of the flavin-N5-oxide
      was confirmed by LC-MS analysis, a co-elution experiment with chemically
      synthesized FMN-N5-oxide and (18)O2 labeling studies.

PMID- 27120487
TI  - Toward High-Performance Top-Gate Ultrathin HfS2 Field-Effect Transistors by
      Interface Engineering.
AB  - Top-gate HfS2 field-effect transistors (FETs) with 5 nm HfO2 as dielectrics are
      successfully demonstrated, with on/off ratio of 10(5) and subthreshold swing of
      95 mV dec(-1) . Moreover, due to the self-functionalization of HfS2 , uniform and
      ultrathin HfO2 film free of pinhole-like defects could be deposited on HfS2 ,
      which is dramatically different from other transition metal dichalcogenide FETs. 

PMID- 27120488
TI  - A biological study establishing the endotoxin limit of biomaterials for bone
      regeneration in cranial and femoral implantation of rats.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to accurately quantify the risk of endotoxin
      contamination in biomaterials for bone regeneration in order to establish the
      acceptable endotoxin limit. Collagen sheets containing varying amounts of
      purified endotoxin from Escherichia coli and dried, heat-killed E. coli or
      Staphylococcus aureus cells were implanted into cranial or femoral defects in
      rats. These defects were artificially prepared to a size of 5 * 5 mm or a
      diameter of 1 mm, respectively. The degree of osteoanagenesis was assessed by
      soft X-ray radiography and histopathology at 1 and 4 weeks after implantation.
      The collagen sheet containing the dried E. coli cells showed a dose-dependent
      delay in cranial and/or femoral osteoanagenesis at endotoxin activities of more
      than 33.6 EU/mg, at which no inflammatory response was observed. In contrast, no
      such observation occurred with the collagen sheet containing S. aureus cells.
      These results suggest that endotoxins may affect the process of osteoanagenesis.
      Additionally, the no-observed-adverse-effect level was 9.6 EU/mg, corresponding
      to 255 EU/kg body weight in rats. Interestingly, no delay in osteoanagenesis was
      induced by the implantation of collagen sheets containing purified endotoxin at
      any dose tested. This suggested that pure endotoxin implanted into tissues having
      poor circulation of bodily fluids without bleeding may not be recognized as a
      foreign substance and may not induce a significant biological response. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1514
      1524, 2017.

PMID- 27120490
TI  - Single-Plasmid-Based System for Efficient Noncanonical Amino Acid Mutagenesis in
      Cultured Mammalian Cells.
AB  - We describe a new expression system for efficient non-canonical amino acid
      mutagenesis in cultured mammalian cells by using the pyrrolysine tRNA
      synthetase/tRNACUA (Pyl) pair. A significant improvement in the incorporation of
      non-canonical amino acids into proteins was obtained by combining all the
      required genetic components into a single and compact vector that can be
      efficiently delivered to different mammalian cell lines by conventional
      transfection reagents.

PMID- 27120489
TI  - Long-term effects of in utero and lactational exposure to butyl paraben in female
      rats.
AB  - Parabens are used as preservatives in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food
      industries, and are frequently detected as contaminants in human fluids and
      tissues. The endocrine disrupting effects of parabens in female rodents include
      uterotrophic response, steroidogenesis impairment, and ovarian disturbances. The
      objective of this study was to determine the effects of maternal butyl paraben
      (BP) exposure on female sexual development. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated
      subcutaneously with either corn oil or BP at doses of 10, 100, or 200 mg/kg, from
      gestational day (GD) 12 until GD 20 for female foetal gonad evaluation, and from
      GD 12 until the end of lactation to evaluate sexual parameters on the female
      offspring. Immature female rats were also used in the uterotrophic assay to
      evaluate the possible estrogenic action of parabens. Our results revealed that,
      in this experimental protocol, BP did not show estrogenic activity at the doses
      used and did not impair sexual development and fertility capacity in the female
      rats, but impaired sexual behavior. We conclude that brain sexual development may
      be more sensitive to BP effects and we speculate that doses higher than 100 mg/kg
      (the male lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) for rodent reproductive
      parameters) would be necessary to promote damages in the female reproduction,
      regarding the same protocol of exposure. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ
      Toxicol 32: 776-788, 2017.

PMID- 27120491
TI  - Visual Acuity after Retinal Gene Therapy for Choroideremia.

PMID- 27120492
TI  - Dependence on Prescription Opioids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of initial prescriptions of opioids for chronic non
      cancer pain rose by 37% in Germany from 2000 to 2010. Prescribing practice does
      not always conform with the recommendations of current guidelines. In the USA, 8
      12% of patients with chronic non-cancer pain are opioid-dependent. METHODS: This
      review is based on publications retrieved by a selective PubMed search and on the
      German S3 guideline on the long-term use of opioids in non-cancer pain. RESULTS:
      Patients must be informed and counseled about the effects and risks of opioids
      before these drugs are prescribed. All opioid prescriptions for patients with
      chronic non-cancer pain should be regularly reviewed. The risk of abuse is high
      in young adults (odds ratio [OR] = 6.74) and in those with a history of substance
      abuse (OR = 2.34). Any unusual medication-related behavior, e.g., loss of
      prescriptions or increasing the dose without prior discussion with the physician,
      calls for further assessment by the physician in conversation with the patient.
      Urine testing for drugs and their metabolites is helpful as well. The goal of
      treatment of opioid abuse is opioid abstinence by gradual reduction of the dose.
      If this is not possible on an outpatient basis, hospitalization for drug
      withdrawal or substitution-based addiction therapy can be offered. CONCLUSION:
      Physicians who know the indications and risks of opioid therapy and the typical
      behavior of drug-dependent patients will be better able to identify patients at
      risk and to prevent dependence. Studies on the prevalence of opioid abuse and
      dependence in German patients with chronic pain can help provide better estimates
      of the current extent and implications of this problem in Germany.

PMID- 27120493
TI  - The Prevalence is Only Estimated.

PMID- 27120494
TI  - Seropositivity Needs to Be Critically Considered.

PMID- 27120495
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27120496
TI  - Acute Lumbar Back Pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Back pain has many causes. In Germany, about 70% of adults have at
      least one episode of back pain per year. METHODS: This review is based on a
      selective literature search and on the German National Disease Management
      Guideline for Low Back Pain. RESULTS: The physician taking the history from a
      patient with back pain should ask about the nature, onset, course, localization,
      and radiation of the pain and its dependence on physical activity and/or
      emotional stress. In the differential diagnosis, neurologic deficits and any "red
      flags" suggesting dangerous conditions such as spinal fracture, bacterial
      infection, and tumors must be ruled out. If no specific cause of the pain can be
      identified, no imaging studies are indicated on initial presentation. The
      treatment of acute, nonspecific low back pain focuses on pain relief and
      functional improvement. Adequate patient education and counseling are essential.
      Exercise therapy is no more effective than the continuation of normal daily
      activities. Restriction of activity, including bed rest, is of no benefit and
      merely prolongs recovery and the resumption of normal activity. Further
      diagnostic testing is indicated if there is any suspicion of a fracture,
      infection, or tumor. CONCLUSION: After dangerous conditions have been ruled out,
      low back pain can be pragmatically classified as either nonspecific or specific.
      More research is needed so that the diagnostic assessment and individualized
      treatment of acute lower back pain can be further refined.

PMID- 27120498
TI  - Correlation of serum sHLA-G levels with cyst stage in patients with cystic
      echinococcosis: is it an immune evasion strategy?
AB  - Patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE) can harbour cysts for years or even
      decades, apparently without effect of the immune system on the metacestode.
      Although several immune evasion mechanisms by echinococcal cysts have been
      described, it is unclear whether the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) system plays a
      role in the susceptibility or resistance to CE in humans. HLA-G molecules are
      known to exert a suppressive action on dendritic cells maturation and on natural
      killer (NK) cells functions, therefore hampering T-cell responses and NK
      cytolysis. HLA-G plays an important role in immune tolerance, is involved in
      foetus and in allotransplant tolerance, and may be involved in tumoral and viral
      immune evasion. In this study, we assessed the presence and levels of soluble HLA
      G (sHLA-G) in patients with CE using a commercial ELISA kit to determine whether
      host's HLA-G may have a role in the course of human CE.

PMID- 27120497
TI  - Bisphenol A causes reproductive toxicity, decreases dnmt1 transcription, and
      reduces global DNA methylation in breeding zebrafish (Danio rerio).
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commercially important high production chemical widely
      used in epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics, and is ubiquitous in the
      environment. Previous studies demonstrated that BPA activates estrogenic
      signaling pathways associated with adverse effects on reproduction in vertebrates
      and that exposure can induce epigenetic changes. We aimed to investigate the
      reproductive effects of BPA in a fish model and to document its mechanisms of
      toxicity. We exposed breeding groups of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to 0.01, 0.1, and
      1 mg/L BPA for 15 d. We observed a significant increase in egg production,
      together with a reduced rate of fertilization in fish exposed to 1 mg/L BPA,
      associated with significant alterations in the transcription of genes involved in
      reproductive function and epigenetic processes in both liver and gonad tissue at
      concentrations representing hotspots of environmental contamination (0.1 mg/L)
      and above. Of note, we observed reduced expression of DNA methyltransferase 1
      (dnmt1) at environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA, along with a
      significant reduction in global DNA methylation, in testes and ovaries following
      exposure to 1 mg/L BPA. Our findings demonstrate that BPA disrupts reproductive
      processes in zebrafish, likely via estrogenic mechanisms, and that
      environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA are associated with altered
      transcription of key enzymes involved in DNA methylation maintenance. These
      findings provide evidence of the mechanisms of action of BPA in a model
      vertebrate and advocate for its reduction in the environment.

PMID- 27120499
TI  - Cancer drug related cardiotoxicity during breast cancer treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women. Although
      therapeutic armamentarium like chemotherapy, endocrine and target agents have
      increased survival, cardiovascular side effects have been observed. A
      comprehensive risk assessment, early detection and management of cardiac adverse
      events is therefore needed. AREAS COVERED: In this review we focus on
      cardiotoxicity data deriving from Phase III randomized trials, systematic reviews
      and meta-analysis in BC patients. We provide insight into advances that have been
      made in the molecular mechanisms, clinical presentation and management of such
      adverse event. EXPERT OPINION: Despite the large number of data from Phase III
      trials about cardiac events incidence, there are poor evidences for detection,
      monitoring and management of cardiotoxicity during BC treatment. Future
      cardiotoxicity-oriented clinical cancer research can help to predict the risk of
      cardiac adverse events and improve patients' outcome. Multidisciplinary approach
      as well as integration of blood biomarkers with imaging will be desirable.

PMID- 27120500
TI  - HIV-free survival at 12-24 months in breastfed infants of HIV-infected women on
      antiretroviral treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide estimates of HIV-free survival at 12-24 months in breastfed
      children by maternal ART (6 months or lifelong) to inform WHO HIV and Infant
      Feeding guidelines. METHODS: Eighteen studies published 2005-2015 were included
      in a systematic literature review (1295 papers identified, 156 abstracts
      screened, 55 full texts); papers were analysed by narrative synthesis and meta
      analysis of HIV-free survival by maternal ART regimen in a random effects model.
      We also grouped studies by feeding modality. Study quality was assessed using a
      modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and GRADE. RESULTS: The pooled estimates
      for 12-month HIV-free survival were 89.8% (95% confidence interval, CI: 86.5%,
      93.2%) for infants of mothers on ART for 6 months post-natally (six studies) and
      91.4% (95% CI 87.5%, 95.4%) for infants of mothers on lifelong ART (three
      studies). Eighteen-month HIV-free survival estimates were 89.0% (95% CI 83.9%,
      94.2%) with 6 months ART (five studies) and 96.1% (95% CI 92.8%, 99.0%) with
      lifelong ART (three studies). Twenty-four-month HIV-free survival for infants
      whose mothers were on ART to 6 months post-natally (two studies) was 89.2% (95%
      CI 79.9%, 98.5%). Heterogeneity was considerable throughout. In four studies, HIV
      free survival in breastfed infants ranged from 87% (95% CI 78%, 92%) to 96% (95%
      CI 91%, 98%) and in formula-fed infants from 67% (95% CI 35.5%, 87.9%) to 97.6%
      (95% CI 93.0%, 98.2%). CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the importance of
      breastfeeding for infant survival and of ART in reducing the risk of mother-to
      child HIV transmission and support the WHO recommendation to initiate ART for
      life immediately after HIV diagnosis.

PMID- 27120501
TI  - Hot Off the Press: Do Emergency Department-based Predischarge Educational
      Interventions for Adult Asthma Patients Improve Outcomes?

PMID- 27120503
TI  - Driven Translocation of Polynucleotides Through an Aerolysin Nanopore.
AB  - Aerolysin has been used as a biological nanopore for studying peptides, proteins,
      and oligosaccharides in the past two decades. Here, we report that wild-type
      aerolysin could be utilized for polynucleotide analysis. Driven a short
      polynucleotide of four nucleotides length through aerolysin occludes nearly 50%
      amplitude of the open pore current. Furthermore, the result of total internal
      reflection fluorescence measurement provides direct evidence for the driven
      translocation of single polynucleotide through aerolysin.

PMID- 27120502
TI  - Implementation and uptake of the Conexiones y Opciones en la Argentina
      intervention: feasibility and acceptability.
AB  - Challenging HIV-infected patients, those neither adherent nor actively engaged in
      care, represent an important opportunity for intervention if the HIV epidemic is
      to be contained. This pilot study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of
      an adapted patient adherence intervention and a motivational interview-based
      provider intervention in urban Buenos Aires, Argentina, in order to optimize
      health benefits in challenging HIV-infected patients. To maximize implementation
      and uptake of both strategies, interventions were adapted to the local setting.
      Qualitative data and a short quantitative assessment from patients, staff,
      fellows, residents and physicians (n = 84) were examined to establish the
      feasibility and acceptability of offering patient and provider evidence-based
      interventions in both public and private health-care settings. Results identified
      key themes on provision of information, use of specialized communication
      techniques and group support in the utilization of the interventions. Both
      providers (n = 12) and patients (n = 120) endorsed the acceptability and value of
      the interventions, and the feasibility of their delivery. Findings support the
      use of both intervention modalities with challenging patients in diverse urban
      health-care settings.

PMID- 27120504
TI  - Seizing opportunities for change at the operational level.
AB  - Purpose - This paper presents a method for handling everyday opportunities for
      improvement, led by floor staff in healthcare institutions. More than 400,000
      incidents and accidents were recorded in Quebec healthcare institutions in 2013.
      The burden of treatment falls on hospital floor staff. The purpose of this paper
      is to raise the visibility of this problem and support staff better in their
      efforts to handle opportunities for improvement. Design/methodology/approach -
      Based on issues identified in the literature, which have been found to exist in
      various organizations, the method involved reviewing practices in the field,
      proposing a solution, and testing it to assess its relevance and limitations. The
      method was tested in partnership with the Centre Hospitalier de l'Universite de
      Montreal, in the internal medicine unit at Hotel-Dieu campus. The test lasted
      three months. Indicators from this test have been compared to results in the
      literature. Findings - The proposed method presents a 68 per cent increase in
      ideas generated per person and per week compared to the reference study. The mean
      time for closing actions was about 41 per cent better (lower) than in the
      reference case. Research limitations/implications - The test lasted 15 weeks; a
      longer test is needed to collect more data. Practical implications - The first
      practical implication of this study was the creation of a method allowing
      employees to seize opportunities for improvement in their daily work. The
      application of this method revealed: first, the operational nature of the
      proposal (empowerment of the work team); second, the operationalization of
      continuous improvement (71 per cent of ideas were finalized while the initiative
      was monitored); third, the smooth operation of the mechanism for facilitating
      continuous improvement (organization of weekly meetings and team participation in
      these meetings in 90 per cent of cases); and fourth, a shared feeling that intra-
      and inter-team communication had been strengthened. Originality/value - The main
      value of this paper is that it proposes a simple problem-solving process that
      gives employees an opportunity to improve their daily work. The originality of
      this paper resides in comparing results to a standard case and observing an
      improvement. This paper proposes a new problem-solving structure and tests it
      scientifically. 

PMID- 27120505
TI  - Measuring quality in community based housing support - the QPC-H instrument.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to test the psychometric properties and
      dimensionality of the instrument Quality in Psychiatric Care-Housing (QPC-H) and
      briefly describe the residents' perception of quality of housing support.
      Design/methodology/approach - A sample of 174 residents from 22 housing support
      services in nine Swedish municipalities participated in the study. Confirmatory
      factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the QPC-H consisted of six dimensions and had
      a factor structure largely corresponding to that found among other instruments in
      the Quality in Psychiatric Care (QPC) family of instruments. Findings - CFA
      revealed that the QPC-H consisted of six dimensions and had a factor structure
      largely corresponding to that found among other instruments in the QPC family of
      instruments. The internal consistency of the factors was acceptable except in the
      case of secure and secluded environment, probably due to few numbers of items.
      With this exception, the QPC-H shows adequate psychometric properties. Social
      implications - The residents' ratings of quality of housing service were
      generally high; the highest rating was for secluded environment and the lowest
      for participation. This dimension would thus seem to indicate an important area
      for improvement. Originality/value - The QPC-H includes important aspects of
      residents' assessment of quality of housing service and offers a simple and
      inexpensive way to evaluate housing support services from the residents'
      perspective. 

PMID- 27120506
TI  - Reduced time from diagnosis to stone-free status in patients with ureteral
      calculi.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to describe an improvement project and its
      effects on decreasing the time from diagnosis to treatment for patients with
      kidney stones and to reduce the negative effects related to untreated stones at
      one hospital in western Sweden. Design/methodology/approach - A quantitative
      descriptive study based on Nolan's improvement model was used. The quality
      improvement effects were evaluated using statistical process control. Findings -
      Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment's positive effects within 48
      hours were described as efficiency (decreased waiting time) from diagnosis to
      treatment, even if a re-treatment was necessary. The results also showed a
      reduction in the usage of percutaneous nephropyelostomies as a treatment option.
      Research limitations/implications - This study includes data from one department
      at one hospital in one country. Comparative data include the time from acute
      radiological examination to final treatment but not total re-treatments,
      complications or time to up following radiological examination. However, the
      study was performed over one year and analyzed data from medical records in a
      systematic way. Practical implications - This study may inspire measuring and
      developing routines from diagnosis to treatment for patients who are transferred
      within different departments at one hospital. Social implications - By measuring
      the working process, resource use within a healthcare organization could be
      visualized. Planning and co-operation at different managerial levels are key
      factors for success when improvement projects are performed. Originality/value -
      Studies in improvement projects considering ureteral or kidney stones are
      generally lacking; thus, this study is important for improving the care of
      patients with this diagnose. 

PMID- 27120507
TI  - Measuring healthcare productivity - from unit to system level.
AB  - Purpose - Healthcare productivity is a growing issue in most Western countries
      where healthcare expenditure is rapidly increasing. Therefore, accurate
      productivity metrics are essential to avoid sub-optimization within a healthcare
      system. The purpose of this paper is to focus on healthcare production system
      productivity measurement. Design/methodology/approach - Traditionally, healthcare
      productivity has been studied and measured independently at the unit,
      organization and system level. Suggesting that productivity measurement should be
      done in different levels, while simultaneously linking productivity measurement
      to incentives, this study presents the challenges of productivity measurement at
      the different levels. The study introduces different methods to measure
      productivity in healthcare. In addition, it provides background information on
      the methods used to measure productivity and the parameters used in these
      methods. A pilot investigation of productivity measurement is used to illustrate
      the challenges of measurement, to test the developed measures and to prove the
      practical information for managers. Findings - The study introduces different
      approaches and methods to measure productivity in healthcare. Practical
      implications - A pilot investigation of productivity measurement is used to
      illustrate the challenges of measurement, to test the developed measures and to
      prove the practical benefits for managers. Originality/value - The authors focus
      on the measurement of the whole healthcare production system and try to avoid sub
      optimization. Additionally considering an individual patient approach,
      productivity measurement is examined at the unit level, the organizational level
      and the system level. 

PMID- 27120508
TI  - Measuring patient-perceived hospital service quality: a conceptual framework.
AB  - Purpose - Although measuring healthcare service quality is not a new phenomenon,
      the instruments used to measure are timeworn. With the shift in focus to patient
      centric processes in hospitals and recognizing healthcare to be different
      compared to other services, service quality measurement needs to be tuned
      specifically to healthcare. The purpose of this paper is to design a conceptual
      framework for measuring patient perceived hospital service quality (HSQ), based
      on existing service quality literature. Design/methodology/approach - Using HSQ
      theories, expanding existing healthcare service models and literature, a
      conceptual framework is proposed to measure HSQ. The paper outlines patient
      perceived service quality dimensions. Findings - An instrument for measuring HSQ
      dimensions is developed and compared with other service quality measuring
      instruments. The latest dimensions are in line with previous studies, but a
      relationship dimension is added. Practical implications - The framework empowers
      managers to assess healthcare quality in corporate, public and teaching
      hospitals. Originality/value - The paper helps academics and practitioners to
      assess HSQ from a patient perspective. 

PMID- 27120509
TI  - Measuring patient satisfaction in complex continuing care/rehabilitation care.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop a psychometrically validated
      survey to assess satisfaction in complex continuing care (CCC)/rehabilitation
      patients. Design/methodology/approach - A paper or computer-based survey was
      administered to 252 CCC/rehabilitation patients (i.e. post-acute hospital care
      setting for people who require ongoing care before returning home) across two
      hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Findings - Using factor analysis, five
      domains were identified with loadings above 0.4 for all but one item. Behavioral
      intention and information/communication showed the lowest patient satisfaction,
      while patient centredness the highest. Each domain correlated positively and
      significantly predicted overall satisfaction, with quality and safety showing the
      strongest predictive power and the healing environment the weakest. Gender made a
      significant contribution to predicting overall satisfaction, but age did not.
      Research limitations/implications - Results provide evidence of the survey's
      psychometric properties. Owing to a small sample, supplemental testing with a
      larger patient group is required to confirm the five-factor structure and to
      assess test-retest reliability. Originality/value - Improving the health system
      requires integrating patient perspectives. The patient experience, however, will
      vary depending on the population being served. This is the first psychometrically
      validated survey specific to a smaller specialty patient group receiving care at
      a CCC/rehabilitation facility in Canada. 

PMID- 27120510
TI  - Healthcare quality maturity assessment model based on quality drivers.
AB  - Purpose - Healthcare providers differ in their readiness and maturity levels
      regarding quality and quality management systems applications. The purpose of
      this paper is to serve as a useful quantitative quality maturity-level assessment
      tool for healthcare organizations. Design/methodology/approach - The model
      proposes five quality maturity levels (chaotic, primitive, structured, mature and
      proficient) based on six quality drivers: top management, people, operations,
      culture, quality focus and accreditation. Findings - Healthcare managers can
      apply the model to identify the status quo, quality shortcomings and evaluating
      ongoing progress. Practical implications - The model has been incorporated in an
      interactive Excel worksheet that visually displays the quality maturity-level
      risk meter. The tool has been applied successfully to local hospitals.
      Originality/value - The proposed six quality driver scales appear to measure
      healthcare provider maturity levels on a single quality meter. 

PMID- 27120511
TI  - Monitoring operating room turnaround time: a retrospective analysis.
AB  - Purpose - Operating room (OR) turnaround time is a key process indicator for
      hospital business management: delays lead to a reduced surgical interventions per
      day with a consequent increase in costs and decrease in efficiency. The purpose
      of this paper is to increase understanding by assessing the process' steady-state
      behaviour and identifying changes that indicate either improvement or
      deterioration in quality. Design/methodology/approach - With this purpose, the
      authors retrospectively applied Shewhart control charts and exponentially
      weighted moving average control charts to data extracted from an hospital
      information system. Findings - The results showed that statistical process
      control is able to identify steady-state behaviour process and to detect positive
      or negative changes in process performance. In particular the authors detected a
      deterioration in the process performance coinciding with the change in the
      operating room patient transfer staff. Practical implications - This study showed
      that statistical quality control is a valuable tool for monitoring performance
      indicators. Currently, hospital managers are designing an OR dashboard which also
      includes the control charts. Originality/value - The paper highlights the control
      chart application to organizational indicators allowing an objective OR system
      performance assessment. 

PMID- 27120512
TI  - Responsive Biomaterials: Advances in Materials Based on Shape-Memory Polymers.
AB  - Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are morphologically responsive materials with
      potential for a variety of biomedical applications, particularly as devices for
      minimally invasive surgery and the delivery of therapeutics and cells for tissue
      engineering. A brief introduction to SMPs is followed by a discussion of the
      current progress toward the development of SMP-based biomaterials for clinically
      relevant biomedical applications. 

PMID- 27120517
TI  - Gallium plasmonic nanoparticles for label-free DNA and single nucleotide
      polymorphism sensing.
AB  - A label-free DNA and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sensing method is
      described. It is based on the use of the pseudodielectric function of gallium
      plasmonic nanoparticles (GaNPs) deposited on Si (100) substrates under reversal
      of the polarization handedness condition. Under this condition, the
      pseudodielectric function is extremely sensitive to changes in the surrounding
      medium of the nanoparticle surface providing an excellent sensing platform
      competitive to conventional surface plasmon resonance. DNA sensing has been
      carried out by immobilizing a thiolated capture probe sequence from Helicobacter
      pylori onto GaNP/Si substrates; complementary target sequences of Helicobacter
      pylori can be quantified over the range of 10 pM to 3.0 nM with a detection limit
      of 6.0 pM and a linear correlation coefficient of R(2) = 0.990. The selectivity
      of the device allows the detection of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a
      specific sequence of Helicobacter pylori, without the need for a hybridization
      suppressor in solution such as formamide. Furthermore, it also allows the
      detection of this sequence in the presence of other pathogens, such as
      Escherichia coli in the sample. The broad applicability of the system was
      demonstrated by the detection of a specific gene mutation directly associated
      with cystic fibrosis in large genomic DNA isolated from blood cells. 

PMID- 27120519
TI  - Observation of Switchable Photoresponse of a Monolayer WSe2-MoS2 Lateral
      Heterostructure via Photocurrent Spectral Atomic Force Microscopic Imaging.
AB  - In the pursuit of two-dimensional (2D) materials beyond graphene, enormous
      advances have been made in exploring the exciting and useful properties of
      transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), such as a permanent band gap in the
      visible range and the transition from indirect to direct band gap due to 2D
      quantum confinement, and their potential for a wide range of device applications.
      In particular, recent success in the synthesis of seamless monolayer lateral
      heterostructures of different TMDCs via chemical vapor deposition methods has
      provided an effective solution to producing an in-plane p-n junction, which is a
      critical component in electronic and optoelectronic device applications. However,
      spatial variation of the electronic and optoelectonic properties of the
      synthesized heterojunction crystals throughout the homogeneous as well as the
      lateral junction region and the charge carrier transport behavior at their
      nanoscale junctions with metals remain unaddressed. In this work, we use
      photocurrent spectral atomic force microscopy to image the current and
      photocurrent generated between a biased PtIr tip and a monolayer WSe2-MoS2
      lateral heterostructure. Current measurements in the dark in both forward and
      reverse bias reveal an opposite characteristic diode behavior for WSe2 and MoS2,
      owing to the formation of a Schottky barrier of dissimilar properties. Notably,
      by changing the polarity and magnitude of the tip voltage applied, pixels that
      show the photoresponse of the heterostructure are observed to be selectively
      switched on and off, allowing for the realization of a hyper-resolution array of
      the switchable photodiode pixels. This experimental approach has significant
      implications toward the development of novel optoelectronic technologies for
      regioselective photodetection and imaging at nanoscale resolutions. Comparative
      2D Fourier analysis of physical height and current images shows high spatial
      frequency variations in substrate/MoS2 (or WSe2) contact that exceed the
      frequencies imposed by the underlying substrates. These results should provide
      important insights in the design and understanding of electronic and
      optoelectronic devices based on quantum confined atomically thin 2D lateral
      heterostructures.

PMID- 27120518
TI  - Cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2 ) mapping with hyperventilation
      challenge using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).
AB  - PURPOSE: Our objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of using
      hyperventilation as an efficient vasoconstrictive challenge and prior knowledge
      as denoising constraints for cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2 ) mapping
      based upon quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM). METHODS: Three-dimensional
      (3D) multi-echo gradient echo and arterial spin labeling imaging were performed
      to calculate QSM and perfusion maps before and after a hyperventilation challenge
      in 11 healthy subjects. For comparison, this was repeated using a caffeine
      challenge. Whole-brain CMRO2 and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) maps were
      computed using constrained optimization. Hyperventilation scans were repeated to
      measure reproducibility. Regional agreement of CMRO2 and OEF maps was analyzed
      within the cortical gray matter (CGM) using t-test and Bland-Altman plots.
      RESULTS: Hyperventilation challenge eliminates the 30-min waiting time needed for
      caffeine to exert its vasoconstrictive effects. Mean CMRO2 (in umol/100g/min)
      obtained in CGM using the caffeine and repeated hyperventilation scans were 149
      +/- 16, 153 +/- 19, and 150 +/- 20, respectively. This corresponded to an OEF of
      33.6 +/- 3.4%, 32.3 +/- 3.2%, and 34.1 +/- 3.8% at baseline state and 39.8 +/-
      4.8%, 43.6 +/- 6.2%, and 42.8 +/- 6.8% at challenged state, respectively.
      Hyperventilation scans produced a good agreement of CMRO2 and OEF values.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hyperventilation is a feasible, reproducible, and efficient
      vasoconstrictive challenge for QSM-based quantitative CMRO2 mapping. Magn Reson
      Med 77:1762-1773, 2017. (c) 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in
      Medicine.

PMID- 27120520
TI  - The starship children's hospital tonsillectomy: A further 10 years of experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Tonsillectomy as a day-stay procedure remains
      controversial, although it is an established procedure in New Zealand. We
      reviewed our last 10 years' experience. METHODS: A prospective audit was used to
      determine unplanned conversion from day-stay to overnight hospital admission
      rates and the incidence of postoperative complications. RESULTS: There were 5,400
      tonsillectomies performed over the 10-year study period (January 2004-January
      2015); 71% as outpatients. The unplanned conversion rate to overnight stay was
      0.4%. The median age of day-stay patients was 6.5 years (range 13 months-15
      years) compared with those admitted for overnight stay (5 years; range 8 months
      15 years). The primary postoperative bleed rate was 0.5% (confidence interval
      [CI] 0.3%-0.7%), and the combined primary and secondary posttonsillectomy bleed
      rate was 4.3% (CI 3.8%-5.0%). The rate of patients returning with postoperative
      complications within 1 month of surgery was 6.3% (CI 5.6%-7.0%). CONCLUSION: Day
      stay tonsillectomy in the pediatric population is safe when performed using the
      described guidelines in a facility with appropriate resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      4. Laryngoscope, 126:E416-E420, 2016.

PMID- 27120521
TI  - Short-Coupled Ventricular Fibrillation.

PMID- 27120522
TI  - Circulating Galectin-3 Levels Are Increased in Patients with Ischemic Heart
      Disease, but Are Not Influenced by Acute Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is involved in cardiac inflammation and fibrosis,
      and is in use as a biomarker that indicates increased risk in heart failure. This
      study examined the relationship between Gal-3 levels and acute and old myocardial
      infarction (MI) in patients assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.
      METHODS: Group 1 consisted of 38 patients with ST-elevation MI and single-vessel
      disease treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Group 2
      consisted of 52 patients with prior complicated MI. Twenty-two controls were
      included. CMR was performed in group 1 at 2 days, 1 week, 2 months and 1 year
      following PCI and in group 2 at >4 years after MI. RESULTS: Median Gal-3 was
      elevated in patients compared with controls, group 1: 11.93 ng/ml (IQR 6.34
      17.52, p = 0.03), group 2: 12.96 (IQR 6.33-19.29, p = 0.03) and controls: 10.16
      (IQR 5.59-14.73). Gal-3 levels did not change during acute MI, and there was no
      relationship between Gal-3 and infarct size, troponin-T, high-sensitivity C
      reactive protein, left-ventricular (LV) volumes or LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in
      group 1. In group 2, Gal-3 correlated modestly with MI size (r = 0.28, p < 0.05),
      LV end-diastolic volume index (r = 0.40, p < 0.01), LV end-systolic volume index
      (r = 0.43, p < 0.01) and LVEF (r = -0.39, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There was no
      relationship between Gal-3 levels and acute ischemic myocardial injury. A
      significant, modest relationship between Gal-3 levels, MI size and LV remodeling
      was only found in patients with old MI.

PMID- 27120551
TI  - Biomechanical Properties of the Internal Limiting Membrane after Intravitreal
      Ocriplasmin Treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the stiffness of the human internal limiting membrane (ILM)
      and evaluate potential changes of mechanical properties following intravitreal
      ocriplasmin injection for vitreomacular traction. METHODS: This is an
      interventional comparative case series of 12 surgically excised ILM specimens
      consecutively obtained from 9 eyes of 9 patients after unsuccessful pharmacologic
      vitreolysis with ocriplasmin. During the same time period, 16 specimens from 13
      other eyes without ocriplasmin treatment were harvested during vitrectomy and
      served as controls. All patients presented with macular holes or vitreomacular
      traction and underwent vitrectomy with ILM peeling either with or without
      brilliant blue (BB) staining. All specimens were analyzed using atomic force
      microscopy with scan regions of 25 * 25 MUm. In all specimens, both the retinal
      side and vitreal side of the ILM were analyzed. RESULTS: Atomic force microscopy
      revealed no significant differences in elasticity of ILM specimens removed from
      eyes with or without ocriplasmin treatment. Undulated areas of the retinal side
      presented stiffer than the vitreal side of the ILM. Topographical mapping of both
      the vitreal and retinal side of the ILM showed no apparent alteration of the
      morphology in ocriplasmin-treated eyes compared to untreated eyes. Staining with
      BB resulted in an increase of tissue stiffness. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal
      injection of ocriplasmin does not change biomechanical properties of the human
      ILM. There is no evidence of a potential enzymatic effect of ocriplasmin
      interfering with the stiffness of this basement membrane.

PMID- 27120553
TI  - Predicting Venous Thromboembolism in Pediatric Trauma Patients-Reply.

PMID- 27120552
TI  - Screening for co-occurring conditions in adults with autism spectrum disorder
      using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire: A pilot study.
AB  - Adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at elevated risk
      of co-occurring mental health problems. These are often undiagnosed, can cause
      significant impairment, and place a very high burden on family and carers.
      Detecting co-occurring disorders is extremely important. However, there is no
      validated screening tool for this purpose. The aim of this pilot study is to test
      the utility of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) to screen for
      co-occurring emotional disorders and hyperactivity in adolescents and adults with
      ASD. The SDQ was completed by 126 parents and 98 individuals with ASD (in 79
      cases both parent and self-report were available from the same families). Inter
      rater reliability, test-retest stability, internal consistency, and construct
      validity were examined. SDQ subscales were also compared to clinically utilized
      measures of emotional disorders and hyperactivity to establish the ability to
      predict risk of disorder. Inter-rater reliability (r = 0.42), test-retest
      stability (r = 0.64), internal consistency (alpha = 0.52-0.81) and construct
      validity (r = 0.42-0.57) for the SDQ subscales were comparable to general
      population samples. Parent- and self-report SDQ subscales were significantly
      associated with measures of anxiety, depression and hyperactivity (62-74%
      correctly classified). Parent-report performed significantly better than self
      report; adults with ASD under-reported difficulties. The SDQ shows promise as a
      simple and efficient way to screen for emotional disorders and hyperactivity in
      adolescents and adults with ASD that could help reduce the impact of these
      disorders on individuals and their families. However, further more systematic
      attempts at validation are warranted. Autism Res 2016, 9: 1353-1363. (c) 2016
      International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27120554
TI  - Isoflurane rescue therapy for bronchospasm reduces intracranial pressure in a
      patient with traumatic brain injury.
AB  - PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To assess the unusual use of a volatile anaesthetic for
      treatment of life-threatening bronchospasm in a patient with traumatic brain
      injury (TBI). RESEARCH DESIGN: Case report. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This study
      presents a previously healthy 30-year-old man with severe TBI and bronchospasm
      induced acute hypercapnia. He was treated with inhaled isoflurane in combination
      with monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) and regional cerebral blood flow
      (rCBF). RESULTS: Three-day-long isoflurane treatment resolved drug-refractory
      bronchospasm, decreased airway pressure and improved gas exchange, even at a low
      end-tidal concentration (0.3-0.5 vol%). Although rCBF was increased by 18 ml min(
      1) 100 g(-1) during isoflurane treatment, there was a significant decrease in ICP
      (21 (SD = 3) mmHg, 9 (SD = 5) mmHg, 2 (SD = 3) mmHg; during pre-treatment,
      treatment and post-treatment, respectively; p < 0.001). Improved autoregulation
      due to lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide, restoration of carbon dioxide
      reactivity, isoflurane-induced regional differences in rCBF and improved
      microcirculation may have been responsible for the prompt and long-lasting
      normalization of ICP. The patient had no TBI-related disability at 6 months post
      injury. CONCLUSIONS: Isoflurane at a low dose can be an effective and safe
      treatment option for drug-refractory bronchospasm in a patient with traumatic
      intracranial hypertension, provided that multimodality neuromonitoring is used.

PMID- 27120555
TI  - Self management interventions for type 2 diabetes in adult people with severe
      mental illness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with severe mental illness are twice as likely to develop type
      2 diabetes as those without severe mental illness. Treatment guidelines for type
      2 diabetes recommend that structured education should be integrated into routine
      care and should be offered to all. However, for people with severe mental
      illness, physical health may be a low priority, and motivation to change may be
      limited. These additional challenges mean that the findings reported in previous
      systematic reviews of diabetes self management interventions may not be
      generalised to those with severe mental illness, and that tailored approaches to
      effective diabetes education may be required for this population. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess the effects of diabetes self management interventions specifically
      tailored for people with type 2 diabetes and severe mental illness. SEARCH
      METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, the
      Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the
      International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal,
      ClinicalTrials.gov and grey literature. The date of the last search of all
      databases was 07 March 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials of
      diabetes self management interventions for people with type 2 diabetes and severe
      mental illness. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently
      screened abstracts and full-text articles, extracted data and conducted the risk
      of bias assessment. We used a taxonomy of behaviour change techniques and the
      framework for behaviour change theory to describe the theoretical basis of the
      interventions and active ingredients. We used the GRADE method (Grades of
      Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation Working Group) to assess
      trials for overall quality of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We included one randomised
      controlled trial involving 64 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective
      disorder. The average age of participants was 54 years; participants had been
      living with type 2 diabetes for on average nine years, and with their psychiatric
      diagnosis since they were on average 28 years of age. Investigators evaluated the
      24-week Diabetes Awareness and Rehabilitation Training (DART) programme in
      comparison with usual care plus information (UCI). Follow-up after trial
      completion was six months. Risk of bias was mostly unclear but was high for
      selective reporting. Trial authors did not report on diabetes-related
      complications, all-cause mortality, adverse events, health-related quality of
      life nor socioeconomic effects. Twelve months of data on self care behaviours as
      measured by total energy expenditure showed a mean of 2148 kcal for DART and 1496
      kcal for UCI (52 participants; very low-quality evidence), indicating no
      substantial improvement. The intervention did not have a substantial effect on
      glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at 6 or 12 months of follow-up (12-month
      HbA1c data 7.9% for DART vs 6.9% for UCI; 52 participants; very low-quality
      evidence). Researchers noted small improvements in body mass index immediately
      after the intervention was provided and at six months, along with improved weight
      post intervention. Diabetes knowledge and self efficacy improved immediately
      following receipt of the intervention, and knowledge also at six months. The
      intervention did not improve blood pressure. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Evidence is
      insufficient to show whether type 2 diabetes self management interventions for
      people with severe mental illness are effective in improving outcomes.
      Researchers must conduct additional trials to establish efficacy, and to identify
      the active ingredients in these interventions and the people most likely to
      benefit from them.

PMID- 27120556
TI  - Ontogeny of tool use: how do toddlers use hammers?
AB  - Hammering with a hand tool appears early in life. Skillful hammering involves
      accommodating movements to properties of the hammer, orienting the hammer's head
      to the item to be struck, and maintaining stable posture during forceful action
      with the arm(s). We aimed to characterize development of these abilities in young
      children (12, 18, and 24 months old). Children struck at a peg with a hammer held
      in the hand or a hammer attached to a handle. Children struck more frequently
      with a hard hammer surface than a soft one, and more frequently (although less
      accurately) with handled hammers than with non-handled hammers. Developmental
      differences were evident in accuracy, number of strikes, and kinematic
      parameters, especially with the handled object. Children's ability to use objects
      for forceful and accurate percussion changed measurably over the second year, in
      tandem with improving postural stability and greater motion of the elbow.

PMID- 27120557
TI  - Further Insight into the Definite Morphology and Formation Mechanism of
      Mesoporous Silica KCC-1.
AB  - The unique three-dimensional pore structure of KCC-1 has attracted significant
      attention and has proven to be different compared to other conventional
      mesoporous silica such as the MCM-41 family, SBA-15, or even MSN nanoparticles.
      In this research, we carefully examine the morphology of KCC-1 to define more
      appropriate nomenclature. We also propose a formation mechanism of KCC-1 based on
      our experimental evidence. Herein, the KCC-1 morphology was interpreted mainly on
      the basis of compiling all observation and information taken from SEM and TEM
      images. Further analysis on TEM images was carried out. The gray value intensity
      profile was derived from TEM images in order to determine the specific pattern of
      this unique morphology that is found to be clearly different from that of other
      types of porous spherical-like morphologies. On the basis of these results, the
      KCC-1 morphology would be more appropriately reclassified as bicontinuous
      concentric lamellar morphology. Some physical characteristics such as the origin
      of emulsion, electrical conductivity, and the local structure of water molecules
      in the KCC-1 emulsion were disclosed to reveal the formation mechanism of KCC-1.
      The origin of the KCC-1 emulsion was characterized by the observation of the
      Tyndall effect, conductometry to determine the critical micelle concentration,
      and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, the morphological evolution study during KCC
      1 synthesis completes the portrait of the formation of mesoporous silica KCC-1.

PMID- 27120558
TI  - Quantitation of low molecular weight sugars by chemical derivatization-liquid
      chromatography/multiple reaction monitoring/mass spectrometry.
AB  - A new method for the separation and quantitation of 13 mono- and disaccharides
      has been developed by chemical derivatization/ultra-HPLC/negative-ion ESI
      multiple-reaction monitoring MS. 3-Nitrophenylhydrazine (at 50 degrees C for 60
      min) was shown to be able to quantitatively derivatize low-molecular weight (LMW)
      reducing sugars. The nonreducing sugar, sucrose, was not derivatized. A
      pentafluorophenyl-bonded phase column was used for the chromatographic separation
      of the derivatized sugars. This method exhibits femtomole-level sensitivity, high
      precision (CVs of <= 4.6%) and high accuracy for the quantitation of LMW sugars
      in wine. Excellent linearity (R(2) >= 0.9993) and linear ranges of ~500-fold for
      disaccharides and ~1000-4000-fold for monosaccharides were achieved. With
      internal calibration ((13) C-labeled internal standards), recoveries were between
      93.6% +/- 1.6% (xylose) and 104.8% +/- 5.2% (glucose). With external calibration,
      recoveries ranged from 82.5% +/- 0.8% (ribulose) to 105.2% +/- 2.1% (xylulose).
      Quantitation of sugars in two red wines and two white wines was performed using
      this method; quantitation of the central carbon metabolism-related carboxylic
      acids and tartaric acid was carried out using a previously established
      derivatization procedure with 3-nitrophenylhydrazine as well. The results showed
      that these two classes of compounds-both of which have important organoleptic
      properties-had different compositions in red and white wines.

PMID- 27120559
TI  - Efficient Spectral Diffusion at the Air/Water Interface Revealed by Femtosecond
      Time-Resolved Heterodyne-Detected Vibrational Sum Frequency Generation
      Spectroscopy.
AB  - Femtosecond vibrational dynamics at the air/water interface is investigated by
      time-resolved heterodyne-detected vibrational sum frequency generation (TR-HD
      VSFG) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The low- and high
      frequency sides of the hydrogen-bonded (HB) OH stretch band at the interface are
      selectively excited with special attention to the bandwidth and energy of the
      pump pulses. Narrow bleach is observed immediately after excitation of the high
      frequency side of the HB OH band at ~3500 cm(-1), compared to the broad bleach
      observed with excitation of the low-frequency side at ~3300 cm(-1). However, the
      time-resolved spectra observed with the two different excitations become very
      similar at 0.5 ps and almost indistinguishable by 1.0 ps. This reveals that
      efficient spectral diffusion occurs regardless of the difference of the pump
      frequency. The experimental observations are well-reproduced by complementary MD
      simulation. There is no experimental and theoretical evidence that supports
      extraordinary slow dynamics in the high-frequency side of the HB OH band, which
      was reported before.

PMID- 27120561
TI  - Stereotype Threat Alters the Subjective Experience of Memory.
AB  - There is now evidence that negative age-related stereotypes about memory reduce
      older adults' memory performance, and inflate age differences in this domain.
      Here, we examine whether stereotype threat may also influence the basic feeling
      that one is more or less able to remember. Using the Remember/Know paradigm, we
      demonstrated that stereotype threat conducted older adults to a greater feeling
      of familiarity with events, while failing to retrieve any contextual detail. This
      finding indicates that stereotype threat alters older adults' subjective
      experience of memory, and strengthens our understanding of the mechanisms
      underlying stereotype threat effects.

PMID- 27120562
TI  - A Strong Validation of the Crosswise Model Using Experimentally-Induced Cheating
      Behavior.
AB  - We constructed an online cheating paradigm that could be used to validate the
      Crosswise Model ( Yu, Tian, & Tang, 2008 ), a promising indirect questioning
      technique designed to control for socially desirable responding on sensitive
      questions. Participants qualified for a reward only if they could identify the
      target words from three anagrams, one of which was virtually unsolvable as shown
      on a pretest. Of the 664 participants, 15.5% overreported their performance and
      were categorized as cheaters. When participants were asked to report whether they
      had cheated, a conventional direct question resulted in a substantial
      underestimate (5.1%) of the known prevalence of cheaters. Using a CWM question
      resulted in a more accurate estimate (13.0%). This result shows that the CWM can
      be used to control for socially desirable responding and provides estimates that
      are much closer to the known prevalence of a sensitive personal attribute than
      those obtained using a direct question.

PMID- 27120563
TI  - Self-Prioritization Beyond Perception.
AB  - Recently, Sui, He, and Humphreys (2012) introduced a new paradigm to measure
      perceptual self-prioritization processes. It seems that arbitrarily tagging
      shapes to self-relevant words (I, my, me, and so on) leads to speeded
      verification times when matching self-relevant word shape pairings (e.g., me -
      triangle) as compared to non-self-relevant word shape pairings (e.g., stranger -
      circle). In order to analyze the level at which self-prioritization takes place
      we analyzed whether the self-prioritization effect is due to a tagging of the
      self-relevant label and the particular associated shape or due to a tagging of
      the self with an abstract concept. In two experiments participants showed
      standard self-prioritization effects with varying stimulus features or different
      exemplars of a particular stimulus-category suggesting that self-prioritization
      also works at a conceptual level.

PMID- 27120564
TI  - C-di-GMP regulates the expression of lapA and bcs operons via FleQ in Pseudomonas
      putida KT2440.
AB  - Cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) positively modulates the production of biofilm
      matrix components from the transcriptional to the post-translational level in a
      variety of bacterial species. However, mechanisms by which it regulates these
      opponents in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 remain unclear. Here we show that c-di-GMP
      regulates the adhesin LapA, LapF and exopolysaccharides Bcs, Pea at
      transcriptional level. Transcriptional regulator FleQ is required for the
      modulation of lapA and bcs expression by c-di-GMP, but seems not to be necessary
      for that of lapF and pea. We also found that fleQ mutant of P. putida was
      defective in biofilm formation and had smooth colony morphology. Transcription
      assay indicates that FleQ acts as an activator of lapA, but a repressor of bcs.
      In vitro experiments show that FleQ binds to lapA and bcs promoter DNA. The
      binding to lapA promoter was slightly promoted by c-di-GMP, while binding to bcs
      promoter was inhibited by c-di-GMP. Our results show that c-di-GMP regulates the
      expression of lapA and bcs operons via FleQ in P. putida.

PMID- 27120565
TI  - The relationship between burnout symptoms and Type D personality among health
      care professionals in Turkey.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between burnout and
      Type D personality in health care professionals. The study randomly included 120
      health care professionals (73 nurses, 47 doctors). Sociodemographic data form,
      Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Type D Personality Scale were applied to each
      participant; 38.3% of the health care professionals (n = 46) had the Type D
      personality. Emotional exhaustion and depersonalization of health care
      professionals with Type D personality were higher than of those without Type D
      personality (p = .006 and p = .005). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that
      Type D personality was a predictor of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization
      (p = .005 and p = .001, respectively). Our results suggest that Type D
      personality is associated with higher burnout levels.

PMID- 27120560
TI  - The fine-tuning of proteolytic pathways in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Several integrated proteolytic systems contribute to the maintenance of cellular
      homeostasis through the continuous removal of misfolded, aggregated or oxidized
      proteins and damaged organelles. Among these systems, the proteasome and
      autophagy play the major role in protein quality control, which is a fundamental
      issue in non-proliferative cells such as neurons. Disturbances in the
      functionality of these two pathways are frequently observed in neurodegenerative
      diseases, like Alzheimer's disease, and reflect the accumulation of protease
      resistant, deleterious protein aggregates. In this review, we explored the
      sophisticated crosstalk between the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy in
      the removal of the harmful structures that characterize Alzheimer's disease
      neurons. We also dissected the role of the numerous shuttle factors and
      chaperones that, directly or indirectly interacting with ubiquitin and LC3, are
      used for cargo selection and delivery to one pathway or the other.

PMID- 27120567
TI  - Anti-infliximab Antibodies with Neutralizing Capacity in Patients with
      Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Distinct Clinical Implications Revealed by a Novel
      Assay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About 60% of infliximab (IFX)-treated patients develop antidrug
      antibodies (ADA), although their clinical significance remains disputed. The aim
      of this study was to develop an assay for assessing ADA-neutralizing potential,
      and clinical significance. METHODS: An immune assay was devised in which the
      inhibition of IFX binding to plated-tumor necrosis factor in the presence of
      patient sera or controls, was assessed and defined as IFX-tumor necrosis factor
      binding reduction ratio (ITBR). The assay was compared to a bioassay in which
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced interleukin-8 secretion from HT-29 cells was
      assessed after addition of IFX to ADA-containing sera or control sera. RESULTS:
      Both assays detected neutralizing antibodies in 39 of 44 ADA-positive sera. The
      median ITBR was 3.66 (mean 4.9 +/- 3.2) in 29 ADA-positive patients with loss of
      response (LOR), and 1.3 (mean 1.9 +/- 1.3) in 15 patients without LOR (P =
      0.001). ADA titers in both groups were similar (median 9.5 and 10.2 MUg/mL,
      respectively P = 0.74). Using an ITBR of 1.65, the sensitivity for LOR detection
      was 86.2% and the specificity was 66.7%. (positive predictive value 83%; negative
      predictive value 71.4%; P = 0.001). When early ADA-IFX-sera from IFX-treated
      patients with or without subsequent LOR were compared, the median ITBRs were 1.1
      and 0.57, respectively (P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Detection of neutralizing
      antibody activity was superior to antibody quantization by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay with respect to correlation with clinical LOR, and for
      prediction of subsequent LOR. These findings may assist in optimizing infliximab
      therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 27120569
TI  - Function and Ventilation of Large and Small Airways in Children and Adolescents
      with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extraintestinal manifestations are common among patients with
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whereas pulmonary involvement is considered
      rare. However, chronic lung diseases begin with subclinical changes of the small
      airways and often originate in childhood. Pulmonary involvement, particularly of
      the small airways, can be assessed using novel inert gas washout tests. METHODS:
      In this prospective, single-center study, 30 children and adolescents (mean age,
      14 years; SD, +/-2.6; 13 boys) with IBD (mean disease duration, 3.2 years; SD, +/
      2.8), and 32 healthy age-matched controls, performed nitrogen multiple-breath
      washout, double-tracer gas single-breath washout, and diffusion capacity for
      carbon monoxide. Patients with IBD additionally performed spirometry,
      plethysmography, and measurement of exhaled nitric oxide. RESULTS: Patients with
      IBD demonstrated no abnormalities in classical lung function tests. There was no
      difference between active disease and remission. The lung clearance index, a very
      sensitive indicator for small airway function, did not differ between patients
      with IBD and healthy controls (mean difference [95% confidence interval] -0.01 [
      0.28 to 0.25]). Specific markers for peripheral lung ventilation (Sacin and
      Scond) were also within the normal range (0.002 [-0.003 to 0.008] and -0.002 [
      0.020 to 0.015], respectively). No association was found between measures of lung
      function and IBD subtype, clinical disease activity scores, laboratory values,
      treatment modalities, or disease duration. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of
      pediatric and adolescent patients with IBD without respiratory symptoms, there
      was no evidence of significant lung disease on extensive screening testing.
      General screening of asymptomatic patients therefore appears unnecessary and is
      not recommended in this population.

PMID- 27120568
TI  - Dairy Products, Dietary Calcium, and Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Results
      From a European Prospective Cohort Investigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dairy products may be involved in the etiology of inflammatory bowel
      disease by modulating gut microbiota and immune responses, but data from
      epidemiological studies examining this relationship are limited. We investigated
      the association between prediagnostic intake of these foods and dietary calcium,
      and the subsequent development of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis
      (UC). METHODS: In total, 401,326 participants were enrolled in the European
      Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort. At recruitment,
      consumption of total and specific dairy products (milk, yogurt, and cheese) and
      dietary calcium was measured using validated food frequency questionnaires. Cases
      developing incident CD (n = 110) or UC (n = 244) during follow-up were matched
      with 4 controls. Conditional logistic regression analyses were used to calculate
      odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for total energy
      intake and smoking. RESULTS: Compared with the lowest quartile, the ORs for the
      highest quartile of total dairy products and dietary calcium intake were 0.61
      (95% CI, 0.32-1.19, p trend = 0.19) and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.28-1.42, p trend = 0.23)
      for CD, and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.50-1.30, p trend = 0.40) and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.49-1.34,
      p trend = 0.60) for UC, respectively. Compared with nonconsumers, individuals
      consuming milk had significantly reduced odds of CD (OR 0.30, 95% CI, 0.13-0.65)
      and nonsignificantly reduced odds of UC (OR 0.85, 95% CI, 0.49-1.47).
      CONCLUSIONS: Milk consumption may be associated with a decreased risk of
      developing CD, although a clear dose-response relationship was not established.
      Further studies are warranted to confirm this possible protective effect.

PMID- 27120570
TI  - Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is
      Associated with Worse Adherence to Conventional Therapy: The COMPLIANT Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is highly prevalent
      among inflammatory bowel disease (IBD patients). We assessed whether its use,
      both for IBD and for general health, influenced adherence to conventional
      medications. METHODS: We enrolled 392 IBD subjects in a prospective cohort study
      and categorized them as CAM nonusers (38%) and those who used CAM for general
      health (CAM-GEN, 41%) and for IBD (CAM-IBD, 21%). Their self-reported adherence
      was measured using the 4-item Morisky Adherence Scale during a median follow-up
      period of 6.8 months. RESULTS: CAM-IBD users were less likely to be adherent to
      medical therapy than CAM nonusers and CAM-GEN users (70% vs. 84% and 81%,
      respectively, P < 0.05). Nearly all subjects who were nonadherent reported that
      it was unintentional (97%), and this did not vary use of CAM. After adjusting for
      confounders, the adjusted odds ratio for adherence among CAM-IBD relative to CAM
      nonuser was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.22-0.96). CAM-GEN demonstrated similar adherence to
      CAM nonusers (adjusted odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.44-1.66). CAM-IBD was also
      less likely than CAM nonusers and CAM-GEN to have improvement in their adherence
      scores during follow-up (14% vs. 33% and 34%, respectively, P < 0.01). The
      adjusted odds ratio for improved adherence in CAM-IBD compared with CAM nonusers
      and CAM-GEN were 0.32 (95% CI, 0.15-0.69) and 0.34 (95% CI, 0.16-0.72),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CAM-IBD, but not CAM-GEN, was associated with lower
      adherence to IBD medical therapy. A third of CAM nonusers and CAM-GEN improved
      adherence during the observation period, suggesting a Hawthorne effect.

PMID- 27120572
TI  - Cytomegalovirus Viral Load in the Colon and Risk of Colectomy in Hospitalized
      Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

PMID- 27120573
TI  - The Complement System and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PMID- 27120574
TI  - TEMPO-Mediated Aza-Diels-Alder Reaction: Synthesis of Tetrahydropyridazines Using
      Ketohydrazones and Olefins.
AB  - A novel, facile, and efficient method for the synthesis of tetrahydropyridazines
      by a one-pot tandem reaction of easily accessible ketohydrazones and olefins in
      the presence of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) has been
      successfully developed. The reaction involves the initial generation of
      azoalkenes from direct oxidative dehydrogenation of ketohydrazones using TEMPO as
      the commercially available oxidant, followed by a subsequent aza-Diels-Alder
      reaction with olefins.

PMID- 27120571
TI  - Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Clostridium difficile Infection in
      Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major source of morbidity and
      mortality for the U.S. health care system and frequently complicates the course
      of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients with IBD are more likely to be
      colonized with C. difficile and develop active infection than the general
      population. They are also more likely to have severe CDI and develop subsequent
      complications such as IBD flare, colectomy, or death. Even after successful
      initial treatment and recovery, recurrent CDI is common. Management of CDI in IBD
      is fraught with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges because the clinical
      presentations of CDI and IBD flare have considerable overlap. Fecal microbiota
      transplantation can be successful in curing recurrent CDI when other treatments
      have failed, but may also trigger IBD flare and this warrants caution. New
      experimental treatments including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and
      nontoxigenic strains of C. difficile offer promise but are not yet available for
      clinicians. A better understanding of the complex relationship between the gut
      microbiota, CDI, and IBD is needed.

PMID- 27120575
TI  - JNK signaling mediates wing form polymorphism in brown planthoppers (Nilaparvata
      lugens).
AB  - Wing polyphenism is considered to be an adaptive trade-off between migration
      (long winged forms) and reproduction (short winged forms), determined by various
      environmental conditions. The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) is crucial for the
      regulation of the activity of a number of transcription factors, and is activated
      under stress and environmental fluctuations where it functions in maintaining
      cell viability and proliferation. We used RNA interference and a pharmacological
      inhibitor of JNK to test the role of JNK signaling in regulating the wing
      dimorphism of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. Silencing NlJNK
      increased the proportion of short winged female adults, reminiscent of the effect
      of silencing inhibitory components of the insulin-signaling pathway, such as
      NlAkt. However, silencing of the JNK-activated transcription factors NlJun and
      NlFos did not change the wing form ratio significantly, indicating that NlJNK may
      not act through NlJun and NlFos in mediating this process. In summary, JNK
      signaling may play a role in determining wing polymorphism in N. lugens females. 

PMID- 27120576
TI  - Passive Membrane Permeability of Macrocycles Can Be Controlled by Exocyclic Amide
      Bonds.
AB  - We have developed a strategy for synthesizing passively permeable peptidomimetic
      macrocycles. The cyclization chemistry centers on using aziridine aldehydes in a
      multicomponent reaction with peptides and isocyanides. The linker region in the
      resulting product contains an exocyclic amide positioned alpha to the peptide
      backbone, an arrangement that is not found among natural amino acids. This amide
      provides structural rigidity within the cyclic peptidomimetic and promotes the
      creation of a stabilizing intramolecular hydrogen bonding network. This exocyclic
      control element also contributes to the increased membrane permeability exhibited
      by multicomponent-derived macrocycles with respect to their homodetic
      counterparts. The exocyclic control element is employed along with a strategic
      placement of N-methyl and d-amino acids to produce passively permeable peptides,
      which contain multiple polar residues. This strategy should be applicable in the
      pursuit of synthesizing therapeutically relevant macrocycles.

PMID- 27120578
TI  - A 5-year prospective study on single immediate implants in the aesthetic zone.
AB  - AIM: There is a paucity of long-term data on soft tissue aesthetics of single
      immediate implants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 5-year
      clinical and aesthetic outcome of this treatment concept. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty-two periodontally healthy patients (12 men, 10 women; mean age 50) with
      low risk for aesthetic complications (thick gingival biotype, intact buccal bone
      wall, both neighbouring teeth present) were consecutively treated with a single
      immediate implant in the aesthetic zone (15-25). Flapless surgery was performed
      and the gap between the implant and buccal bone wall was systematically filled
      with bovine bone particles. Implants were immediately non-functionally loaded
      with a screw-retained provisional crown. Cases demonstrating major alveolar
      process changes and/or advanced mid-facial recession (>1 mm) at 3 months were
      additionally treated with a connective tissue graft (CTG). Permanent crowns were
      installed at 6 months. The clinical and aesthetic results at 5 years were
      compared to those obtained at 1 year. RESULTS: Seventeen patients attended the 5
      year re-assessment, of whom five had been treated with a CTG for early aesthetic
      complications. There was one early implant failure and one complication after 1
      year (porcelain chipping). Mean marginal bone loss was 0.12 mm at 1 year and 0.19
      mm at 5 years (p = 0.595) with the moment of implant installation as baseline.
      Papilla height increased between 1 and 5 years (p <= 0.007), whereas mid-facial
      contour (p = 0.005) and alveolar process deficiency (p = 0.008) deteriorated.
      Mean mid-facial recession was on average 0.28 mm (SD 0.48) at 1 year and 0.53 mm
      (SD 0.53) at 5 years (p = 0.072) with the preoperative status as baseline. Three
      implants demonstrated advanced mid-facial recession (>1 mm) at 5 years. All three
      were in a central incisor position and none had been treated with a CTG. Thus,
      8/17 implants showed aesthetic complications (five early and three late aesthetic
      complications). Implants in a lateral incisor position showed stable soft tissue
      levels. The pink aesthetic score was on average 12.15 at 1 year and 11.18 at 5
      years (p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Single immediate implants showed high implant
      survival and limited marginal bone loss in the long term. However, mid-facial
      recession, mid-facial contour and alveolar process deficiency deteriorated after
      1 year. With an aesthetic complication rate of 8/17 in well-selected patients who
      had been treated by experienced clinicians, type I placement may not be
      recommended for daily practice.

PMID- 27120577
TI  - IL-33 promotes growth and liver metastasis of colorectal cancer in mice by
      remodeling the tumor microenvironment and inducing angiogenesis.
AB  - Liver metastasis is the major cause of death from colorectal cancer (CRC).
      Understanding its mechanisms is necessary for timely diagnosis and development of
      effective therapies. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is an IL-1 cytokine family member
      that uniquely functions as a cytokine and nuclear factor. It is released by
      necrotic epithelial cells and activated innate immune cells, functioning as an
      alarmin or an early danger signal. Its role in invoking type 2 immune response
      has been established; however, it has contrasting roles in tumor development and
      metastasis. We identified IL-33 as a potently upregulated cytokine in a highly
      metastatic murine CRC cell line and examined its role in tumor growth and
      metastasis to the liver. IL-33 was transgenically expressed in murine and human
      adenocarcinoma and carcinoma cell lines and their growth and spontaneous
      metastasis to the liver were assessed in orthotopic models of CRC in wild-type
      C57Bl/6 and Il33 knockout mice. The results showed that increased expression of
      IL-33 in CRC cells enhanced their tumor take, growth, and liver metastasis. Tumor
      rather than host-derived IL-33 induced the enhanced recruitment of CD11b+ GR1+
      and CD11b+ F4/80+ myeloid cells to remodel the tumor microenvironment by
      increased expression of mobilizing cytokines, and tumor angiogenesis by
      activating endothelial cells. IL-33 expression was elevated in patient tumor
      tissues, induced early in adenoma development, and activated by pro-inflammatory
      cytokines derived from the tumor microenvironment. The data suggest that tumor
      derived IL-33 modulates the tumor microenvironment to potently promote colon
      carcinogenesis and liver metastasis, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic
      target. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27120579
TI  - Evaluation of Refractive Errors and Ocular Biometric Outcomes after Intravitreal
      Bevacizumab for Retinopathy of Prematurity.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess ocular biometric outcomes following intravitreal bevacizumab
      (IVB) monotherapy for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and compare these results
      with those of laser photocoagulated infants and with the ones with spontaneously
      regressed ROP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Premature infants including those who
      underwent IVB monotherapy (Group 1) or laser photocoagulation (Group 2) for ROP
      and infants with spontaneously regressed ROP (Group 3) were recruited for the
      study. Refractive errors and ocular biometric parameters (Axial length [AL],
      anterior chamber depth [ACD], and lens thickness [LT]) were measured at adjusted
      1 year of age in all subjects. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of
      spherical equivalent (SE) value between the groups (P = 0.781). The incidence of
      high myopia was 7.4% in Group 1 and 12.7% in Group 2 (P = 0.081). No infants
      exhibited high myopia in Group 3. LT was greater in Group 2 when compared to
      Group 1 and Group 3 (P = 0.011). Lower SE was significantly correlated to longer
      AL in Group 1 (r = -0.656, P = 0.015). There was a significant positive
      correlation between SE and ACD values in Group 2 (r = 0.391, P = 0.005).
      CONCLUSION: The study showed no significant difference of SE between the groups.
      High myopia was only present among the treated infants either with IVB or laser.
      Infants who received laser treatment significantly had thicker lenses.

PMID- 27120581
TI  - Ion-Pairing Assemblies Based on Pentacyano-Substituted Cyclopentadienide as a pi
      Electronic Anion.
AB  - Pentacyanocyclopentadienide (PCCp(-) ), a stable pi-electronic anion, provided
      various ion-pairing assemblies in combination with various cations. PCCp(-) 
      based assemblies exist as single crystals and mesophases owing to interionic
      interactions with pi-electronic and aliphatic cations with a variety of
      geometries, substituents, and electronic structures. Single-crystal X-ray
      analysis revealed that PCCp(-) formed cation-dependent arrangements with
      contributions from charge-by-charge and charge-segregated assembly modes for ion
      pairs with pi-electronic and aliphatic cations, respectively. Furthermore, some
      aliphatic cations gave dimension-controlled organized structures with PCCp(-) ,
      as observed in the mesophases, for which synchrotron XRD analysis suggested the
      formation of charge-segregated modes. Noncontact evaluation of conductivity for
      (C12 H25 )3 MeN(+) ?PCCp(-) films revealed potential hole-transporting
      properties, yielding a local-scale hole mobility of 0.4 cm(2)  V(-1)  s(-1) at
      semiconductor-insulator interfaces.

PMID- 27120580
TI  - An Indel Polymorphism in the MtnA 3' Untranslated Region Is Associated with Gene
      Expression Variation and Local Adaptation in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Insertions and deletions (indels) are a major source of genetic variation within
      species and may result in functional changes to coding or regulatory sequences.
      In this study we report that an indel polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region
      (UTR) of the metallothionein gene MtnA is associated with gene expression
      variation in natural populations of Drosophila melanogaster. A derived allele of
      MtnA with a 49-bp deletion in the 3' UTR segregates at high frequency in
      populations outside of sub-Saharan Africa. The frequency of the deletion
      increases with latitude across multiple continents and approaches 100% in
      northern Europe. Flies with the deletion have more than 4-fold higher MtnA
      expression than flies with the ancestral sequence. Using reporter gene constructs
      in transgenic flies, we show that the 3' UTR deletion significantly contributes
      to the observed expression difference. Population genetic analyses uncovered
      signatures of a selective sweep in the MtnA region within populations from
      northern Europe. We also find that the 3' UTR deletion is associated with
      increased oxidative stress tolerance. These results suggest that the 3' UTR
      deletion has been a target of selection for its ability to confer increased
      levels of MtnA expression in northern European populations, likely due to a local
      adaptive advantage of increased oxidative stress tolerance. 

PMID- 27120582
TI  - Physical properties and electronic band structure of noncentrosymmetric Th7Co3
      superconductor.
AB  - The physical properties of the noncentrosymmetric superconductor Th7Co3 have been
      investigated by means of ac-magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, specific
      heat, electrical resistivity, magnetoresistance and Hall effect measurements.
      From these data it is established that Th7Co3 is a dirty type-II superconductor
      with [Formula: see text] K, [Formula: see text] and moderate electron-phonon
      coupling [Formula: see text]. Some evidences for anisotropic superconducting gap
      are found, including e.g. reduced specific heat jump ([Formula: see text]) at T
      c, diminished superconducting energy gap ([Formula: see text]) as compared to the
      BCS values, power law field dependence of the Sommerfeld coefficient at 0.4 K
      ([Formula: see text]), and a concave curvature of the [Formula: see text] line.
      The magnitudes of the thermodynamic critical field and the energy gap are
      consistent with mean-squared anisotropy parameter [Formula: see text]. The
      electronic specific heat in the superconducting state is reasonably fitted to an
      oblate spheroidal gap model. Calculations of scalar relativistic and fully
      relativistic electronic band structures reveal considerable differences in the
      degenerate structure, resulting from asymmetric spin-orbit coupling (ASOC). A
      large splitting energy of spin-up spin-down bands at the Fermi level E F,
      [Formula: see text] meV is observed and a sizeable ratio [Formula: see text]
      could classify the studied compound into the class of noncentrosymmetric
      superconductors with strong ASOC. The noncentrosymmetry of the crystal structure
      and the atomic relativistic effects are both responsible for an importance of
      ASOC in Th7Co3. The calculated results for the density of states show a Van Hove
      singularity just below E F and dominant role of the 6d electrons of Th to the
      superconductivity.

PMID- 27120583
TI  - Synthesis and Anti-Influenza Activity of Pyridine, Pyridazine, and Pyrimidine C
      Nucleosides as Favipiravir (T-705) Analogues.
AB  - Influenza viruses are responsible for seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics
      which cause significant morbidity and mortality. Despite available vaccines, only
      partial protection is achieved. Currently, there are two classes of widely
      approved anti-influenza drugs: M2 ion channel blockers and neuraminidase
      inhibitors. However, the worldwide spread of drug-resistant influenza strains
      poses an urgent need for novel antiviral drugs, particularly with a different
      mechanism of action. Favipiravir (T-705), a broad-spectrum antiviral agent, has
      shown potent anti-influenza activity in cell-based assays, and its riboside (2)
      triphosphate inhibited influenza polymerase. In one of our approaches to treat
      influenza infection, we designed, prepared, and tested a series of C-nucleoside
      analogues, which have an analogy to 2 and were expected to act by a similar
      antiviral mechanism as favipiravir. Compound 3c of this report exhibited potent
      inhibition of influenza virus replication in MDCK cells, and its triphosphate was
      a substrate of and demonstrated inhibitory activity against influenza A
      polymerase. Metabolites of 3c are also presented.

PMID- 27120584
TI  - Novel cationic coating agent for protein separation by capillary
      electrophoresis(?).
AB  - A novel positively charged surfactant N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-(1,2-propandiol)
      ammonium chloride was used for the dynamic coating of the inner wall of a silica
      capillary. This paper covers the evaluation of dynamic coating and study of the
      influence of the analysis conditions for the magnitude and direction of
      electroosmotic flow as well as for the effective and selective separation of
      chosen proteins (ribonuclease A, cytochrome c, lysozyme, and myoglobin). The
      concentration of 0.1 mM of N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-(1,2-propandiol) ammonium
      chloride enabled the reversal of the electro-osmotic flow, however, to separate
      basic as well as neutral proteins the higher concentration of the studied
      surfactant was necessary. The final conditions for the separation of studied
      proteins were set at 100 mM sodium acetate pH 5.5 with 10.0 mM of the studied
      surfactant. The results were also compared with those of two commercially
      available cationic surfactants, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and
      dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide. Additionally, the developed method for protein
      separation was applied for the determination of lysozyme in a cheese sample. The
      limits of detection and quantification of lysozyme were 0.9 and 3.0 mg/L,
      respectively. The mean concentration of lysozyme found in the cheese sample was
      167.3 +/- 10.3 mg/kg. 

PMID- 27120585
TI  - Breast Cancer Stem Cell Culture and Enrichment Using Poly(epsilon-Caprolactone)
      Scaffolds.
AB  - The cancer stem cell (CSC) population displays self-renewal capabilities,
      resistance to conventional therapies, and a tendency to post-treatment
      recurrence. Increasing knowledge about CSCs' phenotype and functions is needed to
      investigate new therapeutic strategies against the CSC population. Here,
      poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), a biocompatible polymer free of toxic dye, has
      been used to fabricate scaffolds, solid structures suitable for 3D cancer cell
      culture. It has been reported that scaffold cell culture enhances the CSCs
      population. A RepRap BCN3D+ printer and 3 mm PCL wire were used to fabricate
      circular scaffolds. PCL design and fabrication parameters were first determined
      and then optimized considering several measurable variables of the resulting
      scaffolds. MCF7 breast carcinoma cell line was used to assess scaffolds adequacy
      for 3D cell culture. To evaluate CSC enrichment, the Mammosphere Forming Index
      (MFI) was performed in 2D and 3D MCF7 cultures. Results showed that the 60
      degrees  scaffolds were more suitable for 3D culture than the 45 degrees  and 90
      degrees  ones. Moreover, 3D culture experiments, in adherent and non-adherent
      conditions, showed a significant increase in MFI compared to 2D cultures
      (control). Thus, 3D cell culture with PCL scaffolds could be useful to improve
      cancer cell culture and enrich the CSCs population. 

PMID- 27120586
TI  - Bifunctional Phosphorus Dendrimers and Their Properties.
AB  - Dendrimers are hyperbranched and monodisperse macromolecules, generally
      considered as a special class of polymers, but synthesized step-by-step. Most
      dendrimers have a uniform structure, with a single type of terminal function.
      However, it is often desirable to have at least two different functional groups.
      This review will discuss the case of bifunctional phosphorus-containing
      dendrimers, and the consequences for their properties. Besides the terminal
      functions, dendritic structures may have also a function at the core, or linked
      off-center to the core, or at the core of dendrons (dendritic wedges).
      Association of two dendrons having different terminal functions leads to Janus
      dendrimers (two faces). The internal structure can also possess functional groups
      on one layer, or linked to one layer, or on several layers. Finally, there are
      several ways to have two types of terminal functions, besides the case of Janus
      dendrimers: either each terminal function bears two functions sequentially, or
      two different functions are linked to each terminal branching point. Examples of
      each type of structure will be given in this review, as well as practical uses of
      such sophisticated structures in the fields of fluorescence, catalysis,
      nanomaterials and biology. 

PMID- 27120587
TI  - Correction: Popp, J., et al. Biofuels and Their Co-Products as Livestock Feed:
      Global Economic and Environmental Implications. Molecules 2016, 21, 285.

PMID- 27120588
TI  - 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-Heptamethoxyflavone, a Citrus Flavonoid, Ameliorates
      Corticosterone-Induced Depression-like Behavior and Restores Brain-Derived
      Neurotrophic Factor Expression, Neurogenesis, and Neuroplasticity in the
      Hippocampus.
AB  - We previously reported that the citrus flavonoid 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'
      heptamethoxyflavone (HMF) increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic
      factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of a transient global ischemia mouse model.
      Since the BDNF hypothesis of depression postulates that a reduction in BDNF is
      directly involved in the pathophysiology of depression, we evaluated the anti
      depressive effects of HMF in mice with subcutaneously administered corticosterone
      at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day for 25 days. We demonstrated that the HMF treatment
      ameliorated (1) corticosterone-induced body weight loss, (2) corticosterone
      induced depression-like behavior, and (3) corticosterone-induced reductions in
      BDNF production in the hippocampus. We also showed that the HMF treatment
      restored (4) corticosterone-induced reductions in neurogenesis in the dentate
      gyrus subgranular zone and (5) corticosterone-induced reductions in the
      expression levels of phosphorylated calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase
      II and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2. These results suggest that HMF
      exerts its effects as an anti-depressant drug by inducing the expression of BDNF.

PMID- 27120589
TI  - Selenium in Cattle: A Review.
AB  - This review article examines the role of selenium (Se) and the effects of Se
      supplementation especially in the bovine species. Selenium is an important trace
      element in cattle. Some of its roles include the participation in the antioxidant
      defense the cattle farms. The nutritional requirements of Se in cattle are
      estimated at 100 MUg/kg DM (dry matter) for beef cattle and at 300 MUg/kg DM for
      dairy cows. The rations high in fermentable carbohydrates, nitrates, sulfates,
      calcium or hydrogen cyanide negatively influence the organism's use of the
      selenium contained in the diet. The Se supplementation may reduce the incidence
      of metritis and ovarian cysts during the postpartum period. The increase in
      fertility when adding Se is attributed to the reduction of the embryonic death
      during the first month of gestation. A use of organic Se in feed would provide a
      better transfer of Se in calves relative to mineral Se supplementation. The
      addition of Se yeasts in the foodstuffs of cows significantly increases the Se
      content and the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in milk compared
      to the addition of sodium selenite. The enzyme 5-iodothyronine deiodinase is a
      seleno-dependent selenoprotein. It is one of the last proteins to be affected in
      the event of Se deficiency. This delay in response could explain the fact that
      several studies did not show the effect of Se supplementation on growth and
      weight gain of calves. Enrichment of Se in the diet did not significantly affect
      the slaughter weight and carcass yield of bulls. The impact and results of Se
      supplementation in cattle depend on physiological stage, Se status of animals,
      type and content of Se and types of Se administration. Further studies in Se
      supplementation should investigate the speciation of Se in food and yeasts, as
      well as understanding their metabolism and absorption. This constitute a path to
      exploit in order to explain certain different effects of Se. 

PMID- 27120590
TI  - Highly Efficient Reproducible Perovskite Solar Cells Prepared by Low-Temperature
      Processing.
AB  - In this work, we describe the role of the different layers in perovskite solar
      cells to achieve reproducible, ~16% efficient perovskite solar cells. We used a
      planar device architecture with PEDOT: PSS on the bottom, followed by the
      perovskite layer and an evaporated C60 layer before deposition of the top
      electrode. No high temperature annealing step is needed, which also allows
      processing on flexible plastic substrates. Only the optimization of all of these
      layers leads to highly efficient and reproducible results. In this work, we
      describe the effects of different processing conditions, especially the influence
      of the C60 top layer on the device performance.

PMID- 27120591
TI  - Crystallization of Esomeprazole Magnesium Water/Butanol Solvate.
AB  - The molecular structure of esomeprazole magnesium derivative in the solid-state
      is reported for the first time, along with a simplified crystallization pathway.
      The structure was determined using the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique
      to reveal the bonding relationships between esomeprazole heteroatoms and
      magnesium. The esomeprazole crystallization process was carried out in 1-butanol
      and water was utilized as anti-solvent. The product proved to be esomeprazole
      magnesium tetrahydrate with two 1-butanol molecules that crystallized in P63
      space group, in a hexagonal unit cell. Complete characterization of a sample
      after drying was conducted by the use of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), 1H
      nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential
      scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and dynamic vapor
      sorption (DVS). Investigation by 1H-NMR and TGA has shown that the solvent
      content in the dried sample consists of two water molecules and 0.3 butanol
      molecules per esomeprazole magnesium molecule. This is different from the single
      crystal X-ray diffraction results and can be attributed to the loss of some water
      and 1-butanol molecules stabilized by intermolecular interactions. The title
      compound, after drying, is a true solvate in terms of water; conversely, 1
      butanol fills the voids of the crystal lattice in non-stoichiometric amounts. 

PMID- 27120592
TI  - The Unusual Acid-Accumulating Behavior during Ripening of Cherimoya (Annona
      cherimola Mill.) is Linked to Changes in Transcription and Enzyme Activity
      Related to Citric and Malic Acid Metabolism.
AB  - Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) is a subtropical fruit characterized by a
      significant increase in organic acid levels during ripening, making it an
      interesting model for studying the relationship between acidity and fruit flavor.
      In this work, we focused on understanding the balance between the concentration
      of organic acids and the gene expression and activity of enzymes involved in the
      synthesis and degradation of these metabolites during the development and
      ripening of cherimoya cv. "Concha Lisa". Our results showed an early accumulation
      of citric acid and other changes associated with the accumulation of transcripts
      encoding citrate catabolism enzymes. During ripening, a 2-fold increase in malic
      acid and a 6-fold increase in citric acid were detected. By comparing the
      contents of these compounds with gene expression and enzymatic activity levels,
      we determined that cytoplasmic NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase (cyNAD-MDH) and
      mitochondrial citrate synthase (mCS) play important regulatory roles in the malic
      and citric acid biosynthetic pathways. 

PMID- 27120593
TI  - Neuroprotective Effects of Biochanin A against beta-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity
      in PC12 Cells via a Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis Pathway.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease is considered one of the major neurodegenerative diseases and
      is characterized by the production of beta-amyloid (Abeta) proteins and
      progressive loss of neurons. Biochanin A, a phytoestrogen compound found mainly
      in Trifolium pratense, was used in the present study as a potential alternative
      to estrogen replacement therapy via the investigation of its neuroprotective
      effects against Abeta25-35-induced toxicity, as well as of its potential
      mechanisms of action in PC12 cells. Exposure of these cells to the Abeta25-35
      protein significantly increased cell viability loss and apoptosis. However, the
      effects induced by Abeta25-35 were markedly reversed in the present of biochanin
      A. Pretreatment with biochanin A attenuated the cytotoxic effect of the Abeta25
      35 protein by decreasing viability loss, LDH release, and caspase activity in
      cells. Moreover, we found that expression of cytochrome c and Puma were reduced,
      alongside with the restoration of Bcl-2/Bax and Bcl-xL/Bax ratio in the presence
      of biochanin A, which led to a decrease in the apoptotic rate. These data
      demonstrate that mitochondria are involved in the protective effect of biochanin
      A against Abeta25-35 and that this drug attenuated Abeta25-35-induced PC12 cell
      injury and apoptosis by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, biochanin A
      might raise a possibility as a potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's
      disease and other related neurodegenerative diseases. 

PMID- 27120594
TI  - Piperlongumine Suppresses Proliferation of Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
      through Cell Cycle Arrest, Apoptosis and Senescence.
AB  - Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), an aggressive cancer originating in the oral
      cavity, is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in males worldwide. This
      study investigated the antitumor activity and mechanisms of piperlongumine (PL),
      a natural compound isolated from Piper longum L., in human OSCC cells. The
      effects of PL on cell proliferation, the cell cycle, apoptosis, senescence and
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in human OSCC cells were investigated. PL
      effectively inhibited cell growth, caused cell cycle arrest and induced apoptosis
      and senescence in OSCC cells. Moreover, PL-mediated anti-human OSCC behavior was
      inhibited by an ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) treatment, suggesting
      that regulation of ROS was involved in the mechanism of the anticancer activity
      of PL. These findings suggest that PL suppresses tumor growth by regulating the
      cell cycle and inducing apoptosis and senescence and is a potential chemotherapy
      agent for human OSCC cells. 

PMID- 27120595
TI  - TNFSF15 Inhibits Blood Retinal Barrier Breakdown Induced by Diabetes.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor superfamily 15 (TNFSF15) is an endogenous
      neovascularization inhibitor and an important negative regulator of vascular
      homeostasis. This study aimed to explore the potential role of TNFSF15 in
      diabetic retinopathy. Vitreous TNFSF15 and VEGF levels in proliferative diabetic
      retinopathy (PDR) patients were detected by ELISA. Retinal expression of TNFSF15
      and the content of tight junction proteins (TJPs) in rats were detected by
      immunohistochemistry and Western blot, respectively. The blood retinal barrier
      (BRB) permeability was evaluated using Evans Blue (EB) dye. The TNFSF15/VEGF
      ratio was decreased in the vitreous fluid of patients with PDR relative to the
      controls, even though the expression levels of TNFSF15 were higher. TNFSF15 was
      dramatically decreased one month later after diabetes induction (p < 0.001), and
      then increased three months later and thereafter. TNFSF15 treatment significantly
      protected the BRB in the diabetic animals. Diabetes decreased TJPs levels in the
      retina, and these changes were inhibited by TNFSF15 treatment. Moreover, TNFSF15
      decreased activation of VEGF both in mRNA and protein levels caused by diabetes.
      These results indicate that TNFSF15 is an important inhibitor in the progression
      of DR and suggest that the regulation of TNFSF15 shows promise for the
      development of diabetic retinopathy treatment strategies. 

PMID- 27120597
TI  - Glycated Albumin versus Glycated Hemoglobin as a Glycemic Indicator in Diabetic
      Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis.
AB  - Compared with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), glycated albumin (GA) is superior in
      estimating glycemic control in diabetic patients on hemodialysis (HD). However,
      the better index for assessment of glycemic control in diabetic patients on
      peritoneal dialysis (PD) and the impact of protein loss on GA are unknown. Twenty
      diabetic patients on HD were matched by age, sex, and baseline postprandial
      plasma glucose (PG) levels to 20 PD patients. PG, HbA1c, GA, and serum albumin
      levels were measured for six months. Protein loss in PD patients was estimated by
      measuring the protein concentration in the peritoneal dialysate and by 24 h urine
      collection. Although PG and HbA1c did not differ significantly between the
      groups, the PD group had significantly lower GA (17.8% versus 20.8%, p < 0.001)
      and GA/HbA1c ratio (2.95% versus 3.45%, p < 0.0001) than the HD group. Although
      the PG level correlated significantly with the GA levels in both groups, it was
      not correlated with the HbA1c levels in both groups. HbA1c level was negatively
      associated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) dose in both groups,
      whereas GA was not significantly associated with serum albumin, hemoglobin
      concentration, ESA dose, and protein loss. Multiple regression analysis
      identified GA as the only independent factor associated with PG in PD patients.
      Our results suggested that GA was not significantly associated with protein loss,
      hemoglobin, serum albumin, and ESA dose. Although GA might underestimate glycemic
      status, it provided a significantly better measure for estimating glycemic
      control than HbA1c, even in PD patients. 

PMID- 27120598
TI  - The Opposite Effect of Metal Ions on Short-/Long-Range Water Structure: A
      Multiple Characterization Study.
AB  - Inorganic electrolyte solutions are very important in our society as they
      dominate many biochemical and geochemical processes. Herein, an in-depth study
      was performed to illustrate the ion-induced effect on water structure by coupling
      NMR, viscometer, Raman and Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulations. The NMR
      coefficient (BNMR) and diffusion coefficient (D) from NMR, and viscosity
      coefficient (Bvis) from a viscometer all proved that dissolved metal ions are
      capable of enhancing the association degree of adjacent water molecules, and the
      impact on water structure decreased in the order of Cr(3+) > Fe(3+) > Cu(2+) >
      Zn(2+). This regularity was further evidenced by Raman analysis; however, the
      deconvoluted Raman spectrum indicated the decrease in high association water with
      salt concentration and the increase in low association water before 200 mmol.L(
      1). By virtue of MD simulations, the opposite changing manner proved to be the
      result of the opposite effect on short-/long-range water structure induced by
      metal ions. Our results may help to explain specific protein denaturation induced
      by metal ions. 

PMID- 27120599
TI  - Secure and Cost-Effective Distributed Aggregation for Mobile Sensor Networks.
AB  - Secure data aggregation (SDA) schemes are widely used in distributed
      applications, such as mobile sensor networks, to reduce communication cost,
      prolong the network life cycle and provide security. However, most SDA are only
      suited for a single type of statistics (i.e., summation-based or comparison-based
      statistics) and are not applicable to obtaining multiple statistic results. Most
      SDA are also inefficient for dynamic networks. This paper presents multi
      functional secure data aggregation (MFSDA), in which the mapping step and coding
      step are introduced to provide value-preserving and order-preserving and, later,
      to enable arbitrary statistics support in the same query. MFSDA is suited for
      dynamic networks because these active nodes can be counted directly from
      aggregation data. The proposed scheme is tolerant to many types of attacks. The
      network load of the proposed scheme is balanced, and no significant bottleneck
      exists. The MFSDA includes two versions: MFSDA-I and MFSDA-II. The first one can
      obtain accurate results, while the second one is a more generalized version that
      can significantly reduce network traffic at the expense of less accuracy loss. 

PMID- 27120600
TI  - VitiCanopy: A Free Computer App to Estimate Canopy Vigor and Porosity for
      Grapevine.
AB  - Leaf area index (LAI) and plant area index (PAI) are common and important
      biophysical parameters used to estimate agronomical variables such as canopy
      growth, light interception and water requirements of plants and trees. LAI can be
      either measured directly using destructive methods or indirectly using dedicated
      and expensive instrumentation, both of which require a high level of know-how to
      operate equipment, handle data and interpret results. Recently, a novel
      smartphone and tablet PC application, VitiCanopy, has been developed by a group
      of researchers from the University of Adelaide and the University of Melbourne,
      to estimate grapevine canopy size (LAI and PAI), canopy porosity, canopy cover
      and clumping index. VitiCanopy uses the front in-built camera and GPS
      capabilities of smartphones and tablet PCs to automatically implement image
      analysis algorithms on upward-looking digital images of canopies and calculates
      relevant canopy architecture parameters. Results from the use of VitiCanopy on
      grapevines correlated well with traditional methods to measure/estimate LAI and
      PAI. Like other indirect methods, VitiCanopy does not distinguish between leaf
      and non-leaf material but it was demonstrated that the non-leaf material could be
      extracted from the results, if needed, to increase accuracy. VitiCanopy is an
      accurate, user-friendly and free alternative to current techniques used by
      scientists and viticultural practitioners to assess the dynamics of LAI, PAI and
      canopy architecture in vineyards, and has the potential to be adapted for use on
      other plants. 

PMID- 27120596
TI  - New Is Old, and Old Is New: Recent Advances in Antibiotic-Based, Antibiotic-Free
      and Ethnomedical Treatments against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      Wound Infections.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen of wound infections. Thus far,
      methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has become the major causative agent in
      wound infections, especially for nosocomial infections. MRSA infections are
      seldom eradicated by routine antimicrobial therapies. More concerning, some
      strains have become resistant to the newest antibiotics of last resort.
      Furthermore, horizontal transfer of a polymyxin resistance gene, mcr-1, has been
      identified in Enterobacteriaceae, by which resistance to the last group of
      antibiotics will likely spread rapidly. The worst-case scenario, "a return to the
      pre-antibiotic era", is likely in sight. A perpetual goal for antibiotic research
      is the discovery of an antibiotic that lacks resistance potential, such as the
      recent discovery of teixobactin. However, when considering the issue from an
      ecological and evolutionary standpoint, it is evident that it is insufficient to
      solve the antibiotic dilemma through the use of antibiotics themselves. In this
      review, we summarized recent advances in antibiotic-based, antibiotic-free and
      ethnomedical treatments against MRSA wound infections to identify new clues to
      solve the antibiotic dilemma. One potential solution is to use ethnomedical drugs
      topically. Some ethnomedical drugs have been demonstrated to be effective
      antimicrobials against MRSA. A decline in antibiotic resistance can therefore be
      expected, as has been demonstrated when antibiotic-free treatments were used to
      limit the use of antibiotics. It is also anticipated that these drugs will have
      low resistance potential, although there is only minimal evidence to support this
      claim to date. More clinical trials and animal tests should be conducted on this
      topic. 

PMID- 27120601
TI  - HybridPLAY: A New Technology to Foster Outdoors Physical Activity, Verbal
      Communication and Teamwork.
AB  - This paper presents HybridPLAY, a novel technology composed of a sensor and
      mobile-based video games that transforms urban playgrounds into game scenarios.
      With this technology we aim to stimulate physical activity and playful learning
      by creating an entertaining environment in which users can actively participate
      and collaborate. HybridPLAY is different from other existing technologies that
      enhance playgrounds, as it is not integrated in them but can be attached to the
      different elements of the playgrounds, making its use more ubiquitous (i.e., not
      restricted to the playgrounds). HybridPLAY was born in 2007 as an artistic
      concept, and evolved after different phases of research and testing by almost
      2000 users around the world (in workshops, artistic events, conferences, etc.).
      Here, we present the temporal evolution of HybridPLAY with the different versions
      of the sensors and the video games, and a detailed technical description of the
      sensors and the way interactions are produced. We also present the outcomes after
      the evaluation by users at different events and workshops. We believe that
      HybridPLAY has great potential to contribute to increased physical activity in
      kids, and also to improve the learning process and monitoring at school centres
      by letting users create the content of the apps, leading to new narratives and
      fostering creativity. 

PMID- 27120603
TI  - Color-Space-Based Visual-MIMO for V2X Communication.
AB  - In this paper, we analyze the applicability of color-space-based, color
      independent visual-MIMO for V2X. We aim to achieve a visual-MIMO scheme that can
      maintain the original color and brightness while performing seamless
      communication. We consider two scenarios of GCM based visual-MIMO for V2X. One is
      a multipath transmission using visual-MIMO networking and the other is multi-node
      V2X communication. In the scenario of multipath transmission, we analyze the
      channel capacity numerically and we illustrate the significance of networking
      information such as distance, reference color (symbol), and multiplexing
      diversity mode transitions. In addition, in the V2X scenario of multiple access,
      we may achieve the simultaneous multiple access communication without node
      interferences by dividing the communication area using image processing. Finally,
      through numerical simulation, we show the superior SER performance of the visual
      MIMO scheme compared with LED-PD communication and show the numerical result of
      the GCM based visual-MIMO channel capacity versus distance. 

PMID- 27120602
TI  - Sensor Monitoring of Physical Activity to Improve Glucose Management in Diabetic
      Patients: A Review.
AB  - Diabetic individuals need to tightly control their blood glucose concentration.
      Several methods have been developed for this purpose, such as the finger-prick or
      continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs). However, these methods present the
      disadvantage of being invasive. Moreover, CGMs have limited accuracy, notably to
      detect hypoglycemia. It is also known that physical exercise, and even daily
      activity, disrupt glucose dynamics and can generate problems with blood glucose
      regulation during and after exercise. In order to deal with these challenges,
      devices for monitoring patients' physical activity are currently under
      development. This review focuses on non-invasive sensors using physiological
      parameters related to physical exercise that were used to improve glucose
      monitoring in type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients. These devices are promising for
      diabetes management. Indeed they permit to estimate glucose concentration either
      based solely on physical activity parameters or in conjunction with CGM or non
      invasive CGM (NI-CGM) systems. In these last cases, the vital signals are used to
      modulate glucose estimations provided by the CGM and NI-CGM devices. Finally,
      this review indicates possible limitations of these new biosensors and outlines
      directions for future technologic developments.

PMID- 27120604
TI  - Electromyographic Patterns during Golf Swing: Activation Sequence Profiling and
      Prediction of Shot Effectiveness.
AB  - This study analyzes muscle activity, recorded in an eight-channel
      electromyographic (EMG) signal stream, during the golf swing using a 7-iron club
      and exploits information extracted from EMG dynamics to predict the success of
      the resulting shot. Muscles of the arm and shoulder on both the left and right
      sides, namely flexor carpi radialis, extensor digitorum communis, rhomboideus and
      trapezius, are considered for 15 golf players (~5 shots each). The method using
      Gaussian filtering is outlined for EMG onset time estimation in each channel and
      activation sequence profiling. Shots of each player revealed a persistent pattern
      of muscle activation. Profiles were plotted and insights with respect to player
      effectiveness were provided. Inspection of EMG dynamics revealed a pair of
      highest peaks in each channel as the hallmark of golf swing, and a custom
      application of peak detection for automatic extraction of swing segment was
      introduced. Various EMG features, encompassing 22 feature sets, were constructed.
      Feature sets were used individually and also in decision-level fusion for the
      prediction of shot effectiveness. The prediction of the target attribute, such as
      club head speed or ball carry distance, was investigated using random forest as
      the learner in detection and regression tasks. Detection evaluates the personal
      effectiveness of a shot with respect to the player-specific average, whereas
      regression estimates the value of target attribute, using EMG features as
      predictors. Fusion after decision optimization provided the best results: the
      equal error rate in detection was 24.3% for the speed and 31.7% for the distance;
      the mean absolute percentage error in regression was 3.2% for the speed and 6.4%
      for the distance. Proposed EMG feature sets were found to be useful, especially
      when used in combination. Rankings of feature sets indicated statistics for
      muscle activity in both the left and right body sides, correlation-based analysis
      of EMG dynamics and features derived from the properties of two highest peaks as
      important predictors of personal shot effectiveness. Activation sequence profiles
      helped in analyzing muscle orchestration during golf shot, exposing a specific
      avalanche pattern, but data from more players are needed for stronger
      conclusions. Results demonstrate that information arising from an EMG signal
      stream is useful for predicting golf shot success, in terms of club head speed
      and ball carry distance, with acceptable accuracy. Surface EMG data, collected
      with a goal to automatically evaluate golf player's performance, enables wearable
      computing in the field of ambient intelligence and has potential to enhance
      exercising of a long carry distance drive. 

PMID- 27120606
TI  - Healthcare4VideoStorm: Making Smart Decisions Based on Storm Metrics.
AB  - Storm-based stream processing is widely used for real-time large-scale
      distributed processing. Knowing the run-time status and ensuring performance is
      critical to providing expected dependability for some applications, e.g.,
      continuous video processing for security surveillance. The existing scheduling
      strategies' granularity is too coarse to have good performance, and mainly
      considers network resources without computing resources while scheduling. In this
      paper, we propose Healthcare4Storm, a framework that finds Storm insights based
      on Storm metrics to gain knowledge from the health status of an application,
      finally ending up with smart scheduling decisions. It takes into account both
      network and computing resources and conducts scheduling at a fine-grained level
      using tuples instead of topologies. The comprehensive evaluation shows that the
      proposed framework has good performance and can improve the dependability of the
      Storm-based applications.

PMID- 27120605
TI  - Unsupervised Event Characterization and Detection in Multichannel Signals: An EEG
      application.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a new unsupervised method to automatically characterize
      and detect events in multichannel signals. This method is used to identify
      artifacts in electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings of brain activity. The
      proposed algorithm has been evaluated and compared with a supervised method. To
      this end an example of the performance of the algorithm to detect artifacts is
      shown. The results show that although both methods obtain similar classification,
      the proposed method allows detecting events without training data and can also be
      applied in signals whose events are unknown a priori. Furthermore, the proposed
      method provides an optimal window whereby an optimal detection and
      characterization of events is found. The detection of events can be applied in
      real-time.

PMID- 27120607
TI  - Remote Evaluation of Rotational Velocity Using a Quadrant Photo-Detector and a
      DSC Algorithm.
AB  - This paper presents an approach to remotely evaluate the rotational velocity of a
      measured object by using a quadrant photo-detector and a differential subtraction
      correlation (DSC) algorithm. The rotational velocity of a rotating object is
      determined by two temporal-delay numbers at the minima of two DSCs that are
      derived from the four output signals of the quadrant photo-detector, and the sign
      of the calculated rotational velocity directly represents the rotational
      direction. The DSC algorithm does not require any multiplication operations.
      Experimental calculations were performed to confirm the proposed evaluation
      method. The calculated rotational velocity, including its amplitude and
      direction, showed good agreement with the given one, which had an amplitude error
      of ~0.3%, and had over 1100 times the efficiency of the traditional cross
      correlation method in the case of data number N > 4800. The confirmations have
      shown that the remote evaluation of rotational velocity can be done without any
      circular division disk, and that it has much fewer error sources, making it
      simple, accurate and effective for remotely evaluating rotational velocity.

PMID- 27120608
TI  - Perceived Indoor Environment and Occupants' Comfort in European "Modern" Office
      Buildings: The OFFICAIR Study.
AB  - Indoor environmental conditions (thermal, noise, light, and indoor air quality)
      may affect workers' comfort, and consequently their health and well-being, as
      well as their productivity. This study aimed to assess the relations between
      perceived indoor environment and occupants' comfort, and to examine the modifying
      effects of both personal and building characteristics. Within the framework of
      the European project OFFICAIR, a questionnaire survey was administered to 7441
      workers in 167 "modern" office buildings in eight European countries (Finland,
      France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain). Occupants
      assessed indoor environmental quality (IEQ) using both crude IEQ items
      (satisfaction with thermal comfort, noise, light, and indoor air quality), and
      detailed items related to indoor environmental parameters (e.g., too hot/cold
      temperature, humid/dry air, noise inside/outside, natural/artificial light, odor)
      of their office environment. Ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed
      to assess the relations between perceived IEQ and occupants' comfort. The highest
      association with occupants' overall comfort was found for "noise", followed by
      "air quality", "light" and "thermal" satisfaction. Analysis of detailed
      parameters revealed that "noise inside the buildings" was highly associated with
      occupants' overall comfort. "Layout of the offices" was the next parameter highly
      associated with overall comfort. The relations between IEQ and comfort differed
      by personal characteristics (gender, age, and the Effort Reward Imbalance index),
      and building characteristics (office type and building's location). Workplace
      design should take into account both occupant and the building characteristics in
      order to provide healthier and more comfortable conditions to their occupants.

PMID- 27120609
TI  - The Correlation between the Virus- and Brain Antigen-Specific B Cell Response in
      the Blood of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - There is a largely divergent body of literature regarding the relationship
      between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and brain inflammation in multiple
      sclerosis (MS). Here, we tested MS patients during relapse (n = 11) and in
      remission (n = 19) in addition to n = 22 healthy controls to study the
      correlation between the EBV- and brain-specific B cell response in the blood by
      enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
      Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was used as a control antigen tested in n = 16 MS patients
      during relapse and in n = 35 patients in remission. Over the course of the study,
      n = 16 patients were untreated, while n = 33 patients received immunomodulatory
      therapy. The data show that there was a moderate correlation between the
      frequencies of EBV- and brain-reactive B cells in MS patients in remission. In
      addition we could detect a correlation between the B cell response to EBV and
      disease activity. There was no evidence of an EBV reactivation. Interestingly,
      there was also a correlation between the frequencies of CMV- and brain-specific B
      cells in MS patients experiencing an acute relapse and an elevated B cell
      response to CMV was associated with higher disease activity. The trend remained
      when excluding seronegative subjects but was non-significant. These data
      underline that viral infections might impact the immunopathology of MS, but the
      exact link between the two entities remains subject of controversy. 

PMID- 27120611
TI  - Development of a Triple-Color Pseudovirion-Based Assay to Detect Neutralizing
      Antibodies against Human Papillomavirus.
AB  - Pseudovirion-based neutralization assay is considered the gold standard method
      for evaluating the immune response to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. In
      this study, we developed a multicolor neutralization assay to simultaneously
      detect the neutralizing antibodies against different HPV types. FluoroSpot was
      used to interpret the fluorescent protein expression instead of flow cytometry.
      The results of FluoroSpot and flow cytometry showed good consistency, with R2 >
      0.98 for the log-transformed IC50 values. Regardless of the reporter color, the
      single-, dual-, and triple-color neutralization assays reported identical results
      for the same samples. In low-titer samples from naturally HPV-infected
      individuals, there was strong agreement between the single- and triple-color
      assays, with kappa scores of 0.92, 0.89, and 0.96 for HPV16, HPV18, and HPV58,
      respectively. Good reproducibility was observed for the triple-color assay, with
      coefficients of variation of 2.0%-41.5% within the assays and 8.3%-36.2% between
      the assays. Three triple-color systems, HPV16-18-58, HPV6-33-45, and HPV11-31-52,
      were developed that could evaluate the immunogenicity of a nonavalent vaccine in
      three rounds of the assay. With the advantages of an easy-to-use procedure and
      less sample consumption, the multiple-color assay is more suitable than classical
      assays for large sero-epidemiological studies and clinical trials and is more
      amenable to automation. 

PMID- 27120610
TI  - Glutamic Acid Residues in HIV-1 p6 Regulate Virus Budding and Membrane
      Association of Gag.
AB  - The HIV-1 Gag p6 protein regulates the final abscission step of nascent virions
      from the cell membrane by the action of its two late (L-) domains, which recruit
      Tsg101 and ALIX, components of the ESCRT system. Even though p6 consists of only
      52 amino acids, it is encoded by one of the most polymorphic regions of the HIV-1
      gag gene and undergoes various posttranslational modifications including
      sumoylation, ubiquitination, and phosphorylation. In addition, it mediates the
      incorporation of the HIV-1 accessory protein Vpr into budding virions. Despite
      its small size, p6 exhibits an unusually high charge density. In this study, we
      show that mutation of the conserved glutamic acids within p6 increases the
      membrane association of Pr55 Gag followed by enhanced polyubiquitination and MHC
      I antigen presentation of Gag-derived epitopes, possibly due to prolonged
      exposure to membrane bound E3 ligases. The replication capacity of the total
      glutamic acid mutant E0A was almost completely impaired, which was accompanied by
      defective virus release that could not be rescued by ALIX overexpression.
      Altogether, our data indicate that the glutamic acids within p6 contribute to the
      late steps of viral replication and may contribute to the interaction of Gag with
      the plasma membrane.

PMID- 27120612
TI  - Association between Dietary Patterns and the Risk of Hypertension among Chinese:
      A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - Epidemiological studies of different dietary patterns and the risk of
      hypertension among a middle-aged Chinese population remain extremely scare. Thus,
      the aim of this study was to identify dietary patterns and investigate the
      relationship between dietary patterns and the risk of hypertension among Chinese
      adults aged 45-60 years. The present cross-sectional study includes 2560
      participants who reported their dietary intake using a validated food frequency
      questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis.
      Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized procedures. We used
      log-binomial regression analysis to examine the associations between dietary
      patterns and hypertension risk. Four major dietary patterns were identified and
      labeled as traditional Chinese, animal food, western fast-food, and high-salt
      patterns. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest
      quartile of animal food pattern scores had a greater prevalence ratio (PR) for
      hypertension (PR = 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.064-1.727; p < 0.05) in
      comparison to those from the lowest quartile. Compared with the lowest quartile
      of high-salt pattern, the highest quartile had a higher prevalence ratio for
      hypertension (PR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.013-1.635; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings indicated that animal food and high-salt patterns were associated with
      increased risk of hypertension, while traditional Chinese and western fast-food
      patterns were not associated with the risk of hypertension. Further prospective
      studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

PMID- 27120613
TI  - Literature Review and Meta-Analysis on Micronutrient Fortified Condiments and
      Noodles: Reduction of Anemia in Children and Adults.

PMID- 27120614
TI  - The Association between Sweet Taste Function, Anthropometry, and Dietary Intake
      in Adults.
AB  - Variation in ability to detect, recognize, and perceive sweetness may influence
      food consumption, and eventually chronic nutrition-related conditions such as
      overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations
      between sweet taste function, anthropometry, and dietary intake in adults.
      Participants' (n = 60; mean age in years = 26, SD = +/-7.8) sweet taste function
      for a range of sweeteners (glucose, fructose, sucrose, sucralose, erythritol, and
      Rebaudioside A) was assessed by measuring detection and recognition thresholds
      and sweetness intensity. Height, weight, and waist circumference were also
      measured, and participants also completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire. There
      was large inter-individual variation in detection, recognition and sweetness
      intensity measures. Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed no robust
      correlations between measures of sweet taste function, anthropometry, and dietary
      intake, with the exception of suprathreshold intensity, which was moderately
      correlated with total energy intake (r = 0.23-0.40). One-way analysis of variance
      revealed no significant differences between the most and least sensitive
      participants in terms of BMI, waist circumference, and dietary intake for all
      measures of sweet taste function and sweeteners (all p > 0.01). When stratified
      into BMI categories, there were no significant differences in any measure of
      sweet taste function between the normal weight and overweight/obese participants
      (all p > 0.01). Results show that that sweet taste function is not associated
      with anthropometry and sweetness intensity measures are the most appropriate
      measure when assessing links between sweet taste and food consumption. 

PMID- 27120615
TI  - Cocoa Diet Prevents Antibody Synthesis and Modifies Lymph Node Composition and
      Functionality in a Rat Oral Sensitization Model.
AB  - Cocoa powder, a rich source of polyphenols, has shown immunomodulatory properties
      in both the intestinal and systemic immune compartments of rats. The aim of the
      current study was to establish the effect of a cocoa diet in a rat oral
      sensitization model and also to gain insight into the mesenteric lymph nodes
      (MLN) activities induced by this diet. To achieve this, three-week-old Lewis rats
      were fed either a standard diet or a diet with 10% cocoa and were orally
      sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and with cholera toxin as a mucosal adjuvant.
      Specific antibodies were quantified, and lymphocyte composition, gene expression,
      and cytokine release were established in MLN. The development of anti-OVA
      antibodies was almost totally prevented in cocoa-fed rats. In addition, this diet
      increased the proportion of TCRgammadelta+ and CD103+CD8+ cells and decreased the
      proportion of CD62L+CD4+ and CD62L+CD8+ cells in MLN, whereas it upregulated the
      gene expression of OX40L, CD11c, and IL-1beta and downregulated the gene
      expression of IL-17alpha. In conclusion, the cocoa diet induced tolerance in an
      oral sensitization model accompanied by changes in MLN that could contribute to
      this effect, suggesting its potential implication in the prevention of food
      allergies. 

PMID- 27120616
TI  - Long Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation Alleviates
      Doxorubicin-Induced Depressive-Like Behaviors and Neurotoxicity in Rats:
      Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation.
AB  - Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used in human malignancies.
      Its long-term use can cause neurobiological side-effects associated with
      depression. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs), the essential
      fatty acids found in fish oil, possess neuroprotecitve and antidepressant
      activities. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the potential protective
      effects of omega-3 PUFAs against DOX-induced behavioral changes and
      neurotoxicity. omega-3 PUFAs were given daily by gavage (1.5 g/kg) over three
      weeks starting seven days before DOX administration (2.5 mg/kg). Open-field test
      (OFT) and forced swimming test (FST) were conducted to assess exploratory
      activity and despair behavior, respectively. Our data showed that omega-3 PUFAs
      supplementation significantly mitigated the behavioral changes induced by DOX.
      omega-3 PUFAs pretreatment also alleviated the DOX-induced neural apoptosis.
      Meanwhile, omega-3 PUFAs treatment ameliorated DOX-induced oxidative stress in
      the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Additionally, gene expression of pro
      inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, and the protein
      levels of NF-kappaB and iNOS were significantly increased in brain tissues of DOX
      treated group, whereas omega-3 PUFAs supplementation significantly attenuated DOX
      induced neuroinflammation. In conclusion, omega-3 PUFAs can effectively protect
      against DOX-induced depressive-like behaviors, and the mechanisms underlying the
      neuroprotective effect are potentially associated with its anti-oxidant, anti
      inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. 

PMID- 27120617
TI  - Dietary Capsaicin Protects Cardiometabolic Organs from Dysfunction.
AB  - Chili peppers have a long history of use for flavoring, coloring, and preserving
      food, as well as for medical purposes. The increased use of chili peppers in food
      is very popular worldwide. Capsaicin is the major pungent bioactivator in chili
      peppers. The beneficial effects of capsaicin on cardiovascular function and
      metabolic regulation have been validated in experimental and population studies.
      The receptor for capsaicin is called the transient receptor potential vanilloid
      subtype 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is ubiquitously distributed in the brain, sensory
      nerves, dorsal root ganglia, bladder, gut, and blood vessels. Activation of TRPV1
      leads to increased intracellular calcium signaling and, subsequently, various
      physiological effects. TRPV1 is well known for its prominent roles in
      inflammation, oxidation stress, and pain sensation. Recently, TRPV1 was found to
      play critical roles in cardiovascular function and metabolic homeostasis.
      Experimental studies demonstrated that activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin could
      ameliorate obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Additionally, TRPV1 activation
      preserved the function of cardiometabolic organs. Furthermore, population studies
      also confirmed the beneficial effects of capsaicin on human health. The habitual
      consumption of spicy foods was inversely associated with both total and certain
      causes of specific mortality after adjustment for other known or potential risk
      factors. The enjoyment of spicy flavors in food was associated with a lower
      prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. These
      results suggest that capsaicin and TRPV1 may be potential targets for the
      management of cardiometabolic vascular diseases and their related target organs
      dysfunction. 

PMID- 27120618
TI  - The Octyl Ester of Ginsenoside Rh2 Induces Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization
      via Bax Translocation.
AB  - Ginsenoside Rh2 is a potential pharmacologically active metabolite of ginseng.
      Previously, we have reported that an octyl ester derivative of ginsenoside Rh2
      (Rh2-O), has been confirmed to possess higher bioavailability and anticancer
      effect than Rh2 in vitro. In order to better assess the possibility that Rh2-O
      could be used as an anticancer compound, the underlying mechanism was
      investigated in this study. The present results revealed that lysosomal
      destabilization was involved in the early stage of cell apoptosis in HepG2 cells
      induced by Rh2-O. Rh2-O could induce an early lysosomal membrane permeabilization
      with the release of lysosomal protease cathepsins to the cytosol in HepG2 cells.
      The Cat B inhibitor (leu) and Cat D inhibitor (pepA) inhibited Rh2-O-induced
      HepG2 apoptosis as well as tBid production and Deltaphim depolarization,
      indicating that lysosomal permeabilization occurred upstream of mitochondrial
      dysfunction. In addition, Rh2-O induced a significant increase in the protein
      levels of DRAM1 and Bax (p < 0.05) in lysosomes of HepG2 cells. Knockdown of Bax
      partially inhibited Rh2-O-induced Cat D release from lysosomes. Thus it was
      concluded that Rh2-O induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells through activation of the
      lysosomal-mitochondrial apoptotic pathway involving the translocation of Bax to
      the lysosome. 

PMID- 27120619
TI  - A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease (ADAM): Historical Overview of Their Functions.
AB  - Since the discovery of the first disintegrin protein from snake venom and the
      following identification of a mammalian membrane-anchored metalloprotease
      disintegrin implicated in fertilization, almost three decades of studies have
      identified additional members of these families and several biochemical
      mechanisms regulating their expression and activity in the cell. Most
      importantly, new in vivo functions have been recognized for these proteins
      including cell partitioning during development, modulation of inflammatory
      reactions, and development of cancers. In this review, we will overview the a
      disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family of proteases highlighting some of
      the major research achievements in the analysis of ADAMs' function that have
      underscored the importance of these proteins in physiological and pathological
      processes over the years. 

PMID- 27120620
TI  - Dynamic Duo-The Salmonella Cytolethal Distending Toxin Combines ADP
      Ribosyltransferase and Nuclease Activities in a Novel Form of the Cytolethal
      Distending Toxin.
AB  - The cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) is a well characterized bacterial genotoxin
      encoded by several Gram-negative bacteria, including Salmonella enterica (S.
      enterica). The CDT produced by Salmonella (S-CDT) differs from the CDT produced
      by other bacteria, as it utilizes subunits with homology to the pertussis and
      subtilase toxins, in place of the traditional CdtA and CdtC subunits. Previously,
      S-CDT was thought to be a unique virulence factor of S. enterica subspecies
      enterica serotype Typhi, lending to its classification as the "typhoid toxin."
      Recently, this important virulence factor has been identified and characterized
      in multiple nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) serotypes as well. The significance of
      S-CDT in salmonellosis with regards to the: (i) distribution of S-CDT encoding
      genes among NTS serotypes, (ii) contributions to pathogenicity, (iii) regulation
      of S-CDT expression, and (iv) the public health implication of S-CDT as it
      relates to disease severity, are reviewed here.

PMID- 27120622
TI  - A Heterozygous ZMPSTE24 Mutation Associated with Severe Metabolic Syndrome,
      Ectopic Fat Accumulation, and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - ZMPSTE24 encodes the only metalloprotease, which transforms prelamin into mature
      lamin A. Up to now, mutations in ZMPSTE24 have been linked to Restrictive
      Dermopathy (RD), Progeria or Mandibulo-Acral Dysplasia (MAD). We report here the
      phenotype of a patient referred for severe metabolic syndrome and cardiomyopathy,
      carrying a mutation in ZMPSTE24. The patient presented with a partial
      lipodystrophic syndrome associating hypertriglyceridemia, early onset type 2
      diabetes, and android obesity with truncal and abdominal fat accumulation but
      without subcutaneous lipoatrophy. Other clinical features included acanthosis
      nigricans, liver steatosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and high myocardial and
      hepatic triglycerides content. Mutated fibroblasts from the patient showed
      increased nuclear shape abnormalities and premature senescence as demonstrated by
      a decreased Population Doubling Level, an increased beta-galactosidase activity
      and a decreased BrdU incorporation rate. Reduced prelamin A expression by siRNA
      targeted toward LMNA transcripts resulted in decreased nuclear anomalies. We show
      here that a central obesity without subcutaneous lipoatrophy is associated with a
      laminopathy due to a heterozygous missense mutation in ZMPSTE24. Given the high
      prevalence of metabolic syndrome and android obesity in the general population,
      and in the absence of familial study, the causative link between mutation and
      phenotype cannot be formally established. Nevertheless, altered lamina
      architecture observed in mutated fibroblasts are responsible for premature
      cellular senescence and could contribute to the phenotype observed in this
      patient. 

PMID- 27120621
TI  - Role of Intermediate Filaments in Vesicular Traffic.
AB  - Intermediate filaments are an important component of the cellular cytoskeleton.
      The first established role attributed to intermediate filaments was the
      mechanical support to cells. However, it is now clear that intermediate filaments
      have many different roles affecting a variety of other biological functions, such
      as the organization of microtubules and microfilaments, the regulation of nuclear
      structure and activity, the control of cell cycle and the regulation of signal
      transduction pathways. Furthermore, a number of intermediate filament proteins
      have been involved in the acquisition of tumorigenic properties. Over the last
      years, a strong involvement of intermediate filament proteins in the regulation
      of several aspects of intracellular trafficking has strongly emerged. Here, we
      review the functions of intermediate filaments proteins focusing mainly on the
      recent knowledge gained from the discovery that intermediate filaments associate
      with key proteins of the vesicular membrane transport machinery. In particular,
      we analyze the current understanding of the contribution of intermediate
      filaments to the endocytic pathway. 

PMID- 27120624
TI  - Basing Turkey Lighting Programs on Broiler Research: A Good Idea? A Comparison of
      18 Daylength Effects on Broiler and Turkey Welfare.
AB  - Daylength used as a management tool has powerful implications on the welfare of
      both broilers and turkeys. Near-constant light results in many detrimental
      impacts, including lack of behavioural rhythms and circadian melatonin rhythms.
      Both are suggestive that sleep fragmentation could result in birds reared on long
      photoperiods, which can lead to the same negative health and physiological
      responses as total sleep deprivation. An indirect comparison of the welfare
      implications of graded levels of daylength on broilers and turkeys clearly
      indicate that long daylengths depress welfare by increasing mortality, reducing
      mobility, increasing ocular pathologies and changing behaviour in both species.
      Furthermore, long daylengths change melatonin secretion patterns and eliminate
      behavioural and melatonin circadian rhythms, which were measured in broilers in
      these works. However, feather pecking in turkeys was reduced when birds were
      exposed to long daylengths. Exactly how much darkness should be included in a
      management program to maximize welfare will depend on the species, the age of
      marketing, and in turkeys, bird gender. 

PMID- 27120623
TI  - Pheromone Autodetection: Evidence and Implications.
AB  - Olfactory communication research with insects utilizing sex pheromones has
      focused on the effects of pheromones on signal receivers. Early pheromone
      detection studies using the silkworm moth, Bombyx mori L., and Saturniids led to
      the assumption that emitters, especially females, are unable to detect their own
      pheromone. Pheromone anosmia, i.e., the inability of females to detect their
      conspecific sex pheromone, was often assumed, and initially little attention was
      paid to female behaviors that may result from autodetection, i.e., the ability of
      females to detect their sex pheromone. Detection of conspecific pheromone plumes
      from nearby females may provide information to improve chances of mating success
      and progeny survival. Since the first documented example in 1972, numerous
      occurrences of autodetection have been observed and verified in field and
      laboratory studies. We summarize here a significant portion of research relating
      to autodetection. Electrophysiological and behavioral investigations, as well as
      expression patterns of proteins involved in pheromone autodetection are included.
      We discuss problems inherent in defining a boundary between sex and aggregation
      pheromones considering the occurrence of autodetection, and summarize
      hypothesized selection pressures favoring autodetection. Importance of including
      autodetection studies in future work is emphasized by complications arising from
      a lack of knowledge combined with expanding the use of pheromones in agriculture.

PMID- 27120625
TI  - Cecil: A Moment or a Movement? Analysis of Media Coverage of the Death of a Lion,
      Panthera leo.
AB  - The killing of a satellite-tagged male lion by a trophy hunter in Zimbabwe in
      July 2015 provoked an unprecedented media reaction. We analyse the global media
      response to the trophy hunting of the lion, nicknamed "Cecil", a study animal in
      a long-term project run by Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research
      Unit (WildCRU). We collaborated with a media-monitoring company to investigate
      the development of the media coverage spatially and temporally. Relevant articles
      were identified using a Boolean search for the terms Cecil AND lion in 127
      languages. Stories about Cecil the Lion in the editorial media increased from
      approximately 15 per day to nearly 12,000 at its peak, and mentions of Cecil the
      Lion in social media reached 87,533 at its peak. We found that, while there were
      clear regional differences in the level of media saturation of the Cecil story,
      the patterns of the development of the coverage of this story were remarkably
      similar across the globe, and that there was no evidence of a lag between the
      social media and the editorial media. Further, all the main social media
      platforms appeared to react in synchrony. This story appears to have spread
      synchronously across media channels and geographically across the globe over the
      span of about two days. For lion conservation in particular, and perhaps for
      wildlife conservation more generally, we speculate that the atmosphere may have
      been changed significantly. We consider the possible reasons why this incident
      provoked a reaction unprecedented in the conservation sector. 

PMID- 27120626
TI  - Treatment of Established Status Epilepticus.
AB  - Status epilepticus is the most severe form of epilepsy, with a high mortality
      rate and high health care costs. Status epilepticus is divided into four stages:
      early, established, refractory, and super-refractory. While initial treatment
      with benzodiazepines has become standard of care for early status epilepticus,
      treatment after benzodiazepine failure (established status epilepticus (ESE)) is
      incompletely studied. Effective treatment of ESE is critical as morbidity and
      mortality increases dramatically the longer convulsive status epilepticus
      persists. Phenytoin/fosphenytoin, valproic acid, levetiracetam, phenobarbital,
      and lacosamide are the most frequently prescribed antiseizure medications for
      treatment of ESE. To date there are no class 1 data to support pharmacologic
      recommendations of one agent over another. We review each of these medications,
      their pharmacology, the scientific evidence in support and against each in the
      available literature, adverse effects and safety profiles, dosing
      recommendations, and limitations of the available evidence. We also discuss
      future directions including the established status epilepticus treatment trial
      (ESETT). Substantial further research is urgently needed to identify these
      patients (particularly those with non-convulsive status epilepticus), elucidate
      the most efficacious antiseizure treatment with head-to-head randomized
      prospective trials, and determine whether this differs for convulsive vs. non
      convulsive ESE. 

PMID- 27120628
TI  - Accurate Measurement of the in vivo Ammonium Concentration in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae.
AB  - Ammonium (NH4+) is the most common N-source for yeast fermentations, and N
      limitation is frequently applied to reduce growth and increase product yields.
      While there is significant molecular knowledge on NH4+ transport and
      assimilation, there have been few attempts to measure the in vivo concentration
      of this metabolite. In this article, we present a sensitive and accurate
      analytical method to quantify the in vivo intracellular ammonium concentration in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on standard rapid sampling and metabolomics
      techniques. The method validation experiments required the development of a
      proper sample processing protocol to minimize ammonium production/consumption
      during biomass extraction by assessing the impact of amino acid degradation-an
      element that is often overlooked. The resulting cold chloroform metabolite
      extraction method, together with quantification using ultra high performance
      liquid chromatography-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-IDMS), was not
      only more sensitive than most of the existing methods but also more accurate than
      methods that use electrodes, enzymatic reactions, or boiling water or boiling
      ethanol biomass extraction because it minimized ammonium consumption/production
      during sampling processing and interference from other metabolites in the
      quantification of intracellular ammonium. Finally, our validation experiments
      showed that other metabolites such as pyruvate or 2-oxoglutarate (alphaKG) need
      to be extracted with cold chloroform to avoid measurements being biased by the
      degradation of other metabolites (e.g., amino acids). 

PMID- 27120627
TI  - Current-Induced Transistor Sensorics with Electrogenic Cells.
AB  - The concepts of transistor recording of electroactive cells are considered, when
      the response is determined by a current-induced voltage in the electrolyte due to
      cellular activity. The relationship to traditional transistor recording, with an
      interface-induced response due to interactions with the open gate oxide, is
      addressed. For the geometry of a cell-substrate junction, the theory of a planar
      core-coat conductor is described with a one-compartment approximation. The fast
      electrical relaxation of the junction and the slow change of ion concentrations
      are pointed out. On that basis, various recording situations are considered and
      documented by experiments. For voltage-gated ion channels under voltage clamp,
      the effects of a changing extracellular ion concentration and the
      enhancement/depletion of ion conductances in the adherent membrane are addressed.
      Inhomogeneous ion conductances are crucial for transistor recording of neuronal
      action potentials. For a propagating action potential, the effects of an axon
      substrate junction and the surrounding volume conductor are distinguished.
      Finally, a receptor-transistor-sensor is described, where the inhomogeneity of a
      ligand-activated ion conductance is achieved by diffusion of the agonist and
      inactivation of the conductance. Problems with regard to a development of
      reliable biosensors are mentioned. 

PMID- 27120629
TI  - Surface-to-surface biofilm transfer: a quick and reliable startup strategy for
      mixed culture microbial fuel cells.
AB  - The startup of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is known to be prone to failure or
      result in erratic performance impeding the research. The aim of this study was to
      advise a quick launch strategy for laboratory-scale MFCs that ensures steady
      operation performance in a short period of time. Different startup strategies
      were investigated and compared with membraneless single chamber MFCs. A direct
      surface-to-surface biofilm transfer (BFT) in an operating MFC proved to be the
      most efficient method. It provided steady power densities of 163 +/- 13 mWm(-2) 4
      days after inoculation compared to 58 +/- 15 mWm(-2) after 30 days following a
      conventional inoculation approach. The in situ BFT eliminates the need for
      microbial acclimation during startup and reduces performance fluctuations caused
      by shifts in microbial biodiversity. Anaerobic pretreatment of the substrate and
      addition of suspended enzymes from an operating MFC into the new MFC proved to
      have a beneficial effect on startup and subsequent operation. Polarization
      methods were applied to characterize the startup phase and the steady state
      operation in terms of power densities, internal resistance and power overshoot
      during biofilm maturation. Applying this method a well-working MFC can be
      multiplied into an array of identically performing MFCs. 

PMID- 27120630
TI  - Treatment of natural rubber processing wastewater using a combination system of a
      two-stage up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket and down-flow hanging sponge system.
AB  - A pilot-scale experiment of natural rubber processing wastewater treatment was
      conducted using a combination system consisting of a two-stage up-flow anaerobic
      sludge blanket (UASB) and a down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactor for more than
      10 months. The system achieved a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency
      of 95.7% +/- 1.3% at an organic loading rate of 0.8 kg COD/(m(3).d). Bacterial
      activity measurement of retained sludge from the UASB showed that sulfate
      reducing bacteria (SRB), especially hydrogen-utilizing SRB, possessed high
      activity compared with methane-producing bacteria (MPB). Conversely, the acetate
      utilizing activity of MPB was superior to SRB in the second stage of the reactor.
      The two-stage UASB-DHS system can reduce power consumption by 95% and excess
      sludge by 98%. In addition, it is possible to prevent emissions of greenhouse
      gases (GHG), such as methane, using this system. Furthermore, recovered methane
      from the two-stage UASB can completely cover the electricity needs for the
      operation of the two-stage UASB-DHS system, accounting for approximately 15% of
      the electricity used in the natural rubber manufacturing process.

PMID- 27120631
TI  - Development of a simplified urban water balance model (WABILA).
AB  - During the last decade, water sensitive urban design (WSUD) has become more and
      more accepted. However, there is not any simple tool or option available to
      evaluate the influence of these measures on the local water balance. To
      counteract the impact of new settlements, planners focus on mitigating increases
      in runoff through installation of infiltration systems. This leads to an
      increasing non-natural groundwater recharge and decreased evapotranspiration.
      Simple software tools which evaluate or simulate the effect of WSUD on the local
      water balance are still needed. The authors developed a tool named WABILA
      (Wasserbilanz) that could support planners for optimal WSUD. WABILA is an easy-to
      use planning tool that is based on simplified regression functions for
      established measures and land covers. Results show that WSUD has to be site
      specific, based on climate conditions and the natural water balance. 

PMID- 27120632
TI  - Absorption and decomposition of ozone in a three-phase split-rectangular airlift
      reactor under ultrasonic irradiation.
AB  - Ozone absorption was investigated in a three-phase split-rectangular airlift
      reactor under ultrasonic irradiation using gamma-Al2O3 as catalyst. The reactor
      consisted of a square column (50 * 50 mm) with the height of 120 mm, divided into
      a riser and a downcomer by a baffle, 50 mm in width, 4 mm in thickness and 50 mm
      in total height. An absorption kinetic model was proposed to determine the
      volumetric mass transfer coefficient of ozone kLaA. The results showed that kLaA
      increased from 0.409 to 0.712 min(-1) as power density rose from 27.2 to 100.3 W
      L(-1), comparing with 0.242 min(-1) in the absence of ultrasonic irradiation. The
      increase in gas flow rate and catalyst loading also favored the increase of kLaA.
      The degassing effect due to ultrasonic irradiation could be ignored in the ozone
      absorption process. 

PMID- 27120633
TI  - Copper-spent activated carbon as a heterogeneous peroxydisulfate catalyst for the
      degradation of Acid Orange 7 in an electrochemical reactor.
AB  - The exhausted activated carbon generated from the adsorption of heavy metal
      wastewater needs further treatment/disposal. In this study, a new application of
      copper-spent activated carbon (Cu-AC) was proposed. Cu-AC was used to activate
      peroxydisulfate (PDS) for the decolorization of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) and
      electrical current was introduced to enhance the process. The decolorization
      followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic pattern well (R(2) > 0.95). 92.4% of color
      removal at 60 min and 38.3% of total organic carbon removal at 180 min were
      achieved when initial pH value was 9.0, current density was 16 mA/cm(2), PDS
      concentration was 5 mM and Cu-AC dosage was 0.25 g/L. The radical scavengers
      including methanol, tert-butanol and phenol, as well as electron paramagnetic
      resonance test, were employed to investigate the oxidizing species responsible
      for AO7 decolorization. The stability of Cu-AC was confirmed by three recycle
      experiments. 

PMID- 27120634
TI  - Application of forward osmosis membrane technology for oil sands process-affected
      water desalination.
AB  - The extraction process used to obtain bitumen from the oil sands produces large
      volumes of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). As a newly emerging
      desalination technology, forward osmosis (FO) has shown great promise in saving
      electrical power requirements, increasing water recovery, and minimizing brine
      discharge. With the support of this funding, a FO system was constructed using a
      cellulose triacetate FO membrane to test the feasibility of OSPW desalination and
      contaminant removal. The FO systems were optimized using different types and
      concentrations of draw solution. The FO system using 4 M NH4HCO3 as a draw
      solution achieved 85% water recovery from OSPW, and 80 to 100% contaminant
      rejection for most metals and ions. A water backwash cleaning method was applied
      to clean the fouled membrane, and the cleaned membrane achieved 77% water
      recovery, a performance comparable to that of new FO membranes. This suggests
      that the membrane fouling was reversible. The FO system developed in this project
      provides a novel and energy efficient strategy to remediate the tailings waters
      generated by oil sands bitumen extraction and processing.

PMID- 27120635
TI  - Virulence determinants and production of extracellular enzymes in Enterococcus
      spp. from surface water sources.
AB  - Virulence factors in Enterococcus may be indicative of potential pathogenicity.
      The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the presence of
      clinically relevant virulence genes, in Enterococcus spp. from environmental
      water, and their in vitro expression. One hundred and twenty-four Enterococcus
      isolates (seven species), from five surface water systems in the North West
      Province, South Africa, were screened for the presence of asa1, cylA, esp, gelE
      and hyl using polymerase chain reaction. The expression of cylA, hyl and gelE was
      determined by phenotypic assessments. Sixty-five percent of the isolates were
      positive for one virulence gene and 13% for two or more. Most frequently detected
      genes were gelE (32%) and cylA (28%). Enterococcal surface protein was absent in
      all isolates screened. The presence of virulence genes was correlated with their
      extracellular enzyme production. The results show that a large percentage of
      these environmental Enterococcus spp. possess virulence factors that could be
      expressed in vitro. This is a cause for concern and could have implications for
      individuals using this water for recreational and cultural purposes. Further
      investigation is required into the sources of these potential pathogenic
      Enterococcus isolates and measures to minimize their presence in water sources. 

PMID- 27120636
TI  - Comparative study on toxicity evaluation of anaerobically treated parboiled rice
      manufacturing wastewater through fish bioassay.
AB  - Short term aquatic bioassay has been developed into a useful tool in water
      quality management. These tests give information on comparative toxicity of
      several compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity
      of raw and anaerobically treated effluents of the parboiled rice manufacturing
      industry. The acute toxicity test was carried out by using the fish Lebistes
      reticulatus under laboratory conditions. LC50 values for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours
      ranged between 4.6 and 7.0% for the raw parboiled rice manufacturing wastewater.
      Two anaerobic fixed film fixed bed reactors and two different media matrices,
      i.e. UV stabilized Biopac media and Fugino spirals, were used for the treatment
      of parboiled rice mill wastewater. Effluents from these two reactors depicted
      LC50 values in the range of 68-88% and 62-78% for Biopac and Fugino spiral packed
      reactors, respectively. From the results, it is evident that anaerobically
      treated effluents from Biopac packed reactor is marginally better than Fugino
      spiral packed reactor. Results subjected to statistical evaluation depicted
      regression coefficient of more than 0.9 indicating good correlation between the
      mortality and effluent concentration. 

PMID- 27120637
TI  - Nested-PCR and TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR assays for human adenoviruses in
      environmental waters.
AB  - Human adenovirus (HAdV) infections can occur throughout the year. Cases of HAdV
      associated respiratory disease have been more common in the late winter, spring,
      and early summer. In this study, to provide viral pollution data for further
      epidemiological studies and governmental actions, the presence of HAdV in the
      aquatic environment was quantitatively surveyed in the summer. This study was
      conducted to compare the efficiencies of nested-PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
      and qPCR (quantitative PCR) for detecting HAdV in environmental waters. A total
      of 73 water samples were collected from Puzi River in Taiwan and subjected to
      virus concentration methods. In the results, qPCR had much better efficiency for
      specifying the pathogen in river sample. HAdV41 was detected most frequently in
      the river water sample (10.9%). The estimated HAdV concentrations ranged between
      6.75 * 10(2) and 2.04 * 10(9) genome copies/L. Significant difference was also
      found in heterotrophic plate counts, conductivity, water temperature, and water
      turbidity between presence/absence of HAdV. HAdV in the Puzi River may pose a
      significant health risk. 

PMID- 27120638
TI  - Contributions to the design of rainwater harvesting systems in buildings with
      green roofs in a Mediterranean climate.
AB  - Green roofs (GRs) are becoming a trend in urban areas, favouring thermal
      performance of buildings, promoting removal of atmospheric pollutants, and acting
      as possible water collection spots. Rainwater harvesting systems in buildings can
      also contribute to the management of stormwater runoff reducing flood peaks.
      These technologies should be enhanced in Mediterranean countries where water
      scarcity is increasing and the occurrence of extreme events is becoming very
      significant, as a result of climate change. An extensive pilot GR with three
      aromatic plant species, Satureja montana, Thymus caespititius and Thymus
      pseudolanuginosus, designed to study several parameters affecting rainwater
      runoff, has been in operation for 12 months. Physico-chemical analyses of roof
      water runoff (turbidity, pH, conductivity, NH4(+), NO3(-), PO4(3-), chemical
      oxygen demand) have shown that water was of sufficient quality for non-potable
      uses in buildings, such as toilet flushing. An innovative approach allowed for
      the development of an expression to predict a 'monthly runoff coefficient' of the
      GR system. This parameter is essential when planning and designing GRs combined
      with rainwater harvesting systems in a Mediterranean climate. This study is a
      contribution to improving the basis for the design of rainwater harvesting
      systems in buildings with extensive GRs under a Mediterranean climate. 

PMID- 27120639
TI  - Start-up performance of Anammox process in a fixed bed reactor (FBR) filled with
      honeycomb-like polypropylene carriers.
AB  - Novel honeycomb-like carriers, made of polypropylene, were applied to enhance
      biomass retention capacity so as to improve Anammox start-up performance in a
      fixed bed reactor (FBR). The reactor was operated for 3 months. On day 45,
      Anammox activity appeared. After 61 days' operation, the removal efficiencies of
      ammonium and nitrite were both over 91% based on 70 mg N L(-1) of the influent
      ammonium and influent nitrite, indicating that a remarkable Anammox activity was
      attained. A final specific Anammox activity of 0.12 g NH4(+)-N gVSS(-1) d(-1) was
      reached (VSS: volatile suspended solids). The FBR showed a good capacity for
      resisting shock loading and was more able to resist shock loading of nitrogen
      concentration than resist hydraulic shock loading. Phylogenetic analysis showed
      that Candidatus Brocadia anammoxidans' and Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis'
      were detected in the mature biofilm, and Candidatus Brocadia anammoxidans' was
      the dominant Anammox strain. Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis' played a
      positive role in the reactor performance, as it could consumed nitrite quickly
      and efficiently so as to avoid an adverse effect of temporary nitrite
      accumulation. The results showed that the honeycomb-like carriers were suitable
      for start-up of Anammox. 

PMID- 27120640
TI  - Removal of Pb(2+) and Fe(3+) from water using N-TiO2 blended copolymer grafted
      asymmetric membranes.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the photo-catalytic properties of nitrogen
      doped titanium dioxide nano-particles supported on polymer membranes in the photo
      reduction of Fe(3+) and Pb(2+) from synthetic wastewater. The morphology of the
      prepared N-TiO2 nanoparticles was evaluated using transmission electron
      microscopy. Successful grafting of methacrylic acid side chains onto
      poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) backbone was confirmed by Fourier-transform
      infrared spectroscopy. The photo-catalytic asymmetric membranes were prepared
      through the dry-wet phase inversion technique. The asymmetric morphology was
      evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. The highest Fe(3+) photo-reduction
      efficiency (76.2%) was achieved in 6 hours using 1% N-TiO2-PMAA-g-PVDF/PAN (PMAA:
      poly(methacrylic acid); PAN: poly(acrylonitrile)) asymmetric membrane under solar
      irradiation. Increasing the photo-catalyst loading to 3% was found to negatively
      impact the photo-reduction of Fe(3+). Very high photo-reduction efficiencies were
      observed in the photo-reduction of Pb(2+) using 1% N-TiO2-PAN, 1% N-TiO2-PMAA-g
      PVDF/PAN and 1% N-TiO2-PVDF membranes (90.5%, 88.9% and 86.9%, respectively)
      under similar conditions. Increasing the photo-catalyst loading to 3% N-TiO2 was
      observed to slightly increase the photo-reduction efficiency in the removal of
      Pb(2+) unlike in the case of Fe(3+). The best support material for the N-TiO2
      photo-catalyst was PMAA-g-PVDF/PAN. 

PMID- 27120641
TI  - Effect of sodium salt on anaerobic digestion of kitchen waste.
AB  - The effect of different sodium salt concentration on anaerobic digestion of
      kitchen waste was investigated. The methane production performance, the
      corresponding methane production model and sodium salt inhibition model were
      studied, and the degradation efficiency was analyzed. With the increase of sodium
      salt concentration, the methane yield and the maximal methane production rate
      decreased along with the increase of lag phase time. The highest methane yield of
      594 mL/g-VSadded (VS: volatile solids) was found with no sodium salt addition
      while the lowest was obtained with addition of 16 g/L NaCl. The declines of the
      methane yield were negligible when the sodium salt concentration was below 8 g/L,
      which corresponded to <10% inhibiting efficiency. In contrast, a sharp decrease
      of methane yield was observed with addition of >8 g/L NaCl (causing 17-80%
      inhibition). Five kinds of regression models were developed to describe the
      sodium salt inhibition efficiency, and the cubic regression model of y = 0.508 +
      2.401x - 0.369x(2) + 0.033x(3) showed the best fitting. The volatile fatty
      acids/ethanol gradually accumulated along with the increase of the sodium salt
      concentration, and the volatile solid removal efficiency represented a gradual
      decline accordingly. It is recommended that the sodium salt concentration in the
      anaerobic digesters should be controlled below 8 g/L in order to avoid intense
      methane inhibition. 

PMID- 27120642
TI  - Heterogeneous photodegradation of methylene blue with iron and tea or coffee
      polyphenols in aqueous solutions.
AB  - Recently, we developed two new Fenton catalysts using iron (Fe) and spent tea
      leaves or coffee grounds as raw material. In this study, Fe-to-tea or Fe-to
      coffee polyphenol complexes were successfully tested as heterogeneous photo
      Fenton catalysts. The photodegradation efficiency of methylene blue solutions
      with Fe-to-polyphenol complexes was higher than that of homogeneous iron salts in
      the photo-Fenton process. Furthermore, the tested Fe-to-polyphenol complexes
      could be reused by simply adding H2O2 to the solutions. After three sequential
      additions of H2O2, the conventional catalysts FeCl2.4H2O and FeCl3 removed only
      16.6% and 53.6% of the dye, while the catalysts made using spent coffee grounds
      and tea leaves removed 94.4% and 96.0% of the dye, respectively. These results
      showed that the complexes formed between Fe and chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid,
      gallic acid and catechin, which are the main polyphenols in tea and coffee, can
      be used to improve the photo-Fenton process. 

PMID- 27120643
TI  - Isolation and growth kinetics of a novel phenol-degrading bacterium
      Microbacterium oxydans from the sediment of Taihu Lake (China).
AB  - Seven phylogenetically diverse phenol-degrading bacterial strains designated as
      P1 to P7 were isolated from the industry-effluent dump sites of an industrial
      area near Taihu Lake, China. Through the 16S rDNA sequence analysis, these
      strains were widely distributed among five different genera: Rhodococcus (P1),
      Pseudomonas (P2-P4), Acinetobacter (P5), Alcaligenes (P6), and Microbacterium
      (P7). All seven isolates were capable of growing with phenol as the sole carbon
      source. Strain P7 was found to be a novel phenol-degrading strain by detailed
      morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristic analysis as well as
      the 16S rDNA sequence analyses, and was named Microbacterium oxydans LY1 (M.
      oxydans LY1 in its short form). Degradation experiments of phenol at various
      initial concentrations (20-1,000 mg/L) revealed that phenol is an inhibitory
      substrate to M. oxydans LY1. In a batch culture experiment, more than 95% of the
      phenol (500 mg/L) was degraded by M. oxydans LY1 at 30 degrees C, pH 7.0 and 120
      rpm within 88 h. Phenol concentration higher than 200 mg/L was found to inhibit
      the bacterial growth. The growth kinetics correlated well with the Haldane model
      with MUmax (maximum specific cell growth rate) = 0.243 h(-1), Ks (saturation
      constant) = 25.7 mg/L, and Ki (self-inhibition constant) = 156.3 mg/L. This is
      the first report of the ability of M. oxydans to degrade phenol, and the results
      could provide important information for bioremediation of phenol-contaminated
      environments. 

PMID- 27120644
TI  - Study on an effective industrial waste-based adsorbent for the adsorptive removal
      of phosphorus from wastewater: equilibrium and kinetics studies.
AB  - In this work, an effective adsorbent for removing phosphate from aqueous solution
      was developed from modifying industrial waste--lithium silica fume (LSF). The
      characterization of LSF before and after modification was investigated using an
      N2 adsorption-desorption technique (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, BET), scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Studies were conducted to
      investigate the effect of adsorbent dose, initial solution pH, contact time,
      phosphate concentration, and temperature on phosphate removal using this novel
      adsorbent. The specific surface area for modified LSF (LLSF) is 24.4024 m(2)/g,
      improved 69.8% compared with unmodified LSF. XRD result suggests that the
      lanthanum phosphate complex was formed on the surface of LLSF. The maximum
      phosphate adsorption capacity was 24.096 mg P/g for LLSF, and phosphate removal
      was favored in the pH range of 3-8. The kinetic data fitted pseudo-second-order
      kinetic equation, intra-particle diffusion was not the only rate controlling
      step. The adsorption isotherm results illustrated that the Langmuir model
      provided the best fit for the equilibrium data. The change in free energy
      (?G(0)), enthalpy (?H(0)) and entropy (?S(0)) revealed that the adsorption of
      phosphate on LLSF was spontaneous and endothermic. It was concluded that by
      modifying with lanthanum, LSF can be turned to be a highly efficient adsorbent in
      phosphate removal.

PMID- 27120645
TI  - Continuous treatment of flotation collector wastewater using a membrane
      bioreactor.
AB  - Aniline aerofloat (DDA) is a widely used material in China and has become a main
      pollutant in floatation wastewater. In this study, a membrane reactor (MBR) was
      constructed to continuously treat simulated wastewater contaminated with DDA. The
      study investigated the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and the impact of influent
      DDA concentration on MBR performance, and analyzed intermediates from the DDA
      biodegradation pathway and activated sludge transfer pathway. The results showed
      that a 3 h HRT was an efficient and economical time period for MBR to remove 95
      +/- 5 mg/L DDA from the simulated wastewater; the chemical oxygen demand
      reduction rate was 89.9%. DDA concentration negatively impacted MBR performance.
      MBR performance fluctuated slightly when HRT was 3 h, dissolved oxygen ranged
      from 4.8 to 5.3 mg/L, pH was between 6.5 and 7.0, and DDA concentrations were at
      95 +/- 5 mg/L DDA. The transfer pathway in the activated sludge of DDA was
      through soluble microbial products, loosely bound extracellular polymeric
      substances, tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances, and finally cell
      biodegradation. DDA initially degraded to aniline; the aniline was further
      biodegraded to other organic compounds and was finally mineralized through the
      tricarboxylic acid cycle. This study offers a new continuous biological treatment
      technology to address DDA. 

PMID- 27120646
TI  - Preparation of a novel positively charged nanofiltration composite membrane
      incorporated with silver nanoparticles for pharmaceuticals and personal care
      product rejection and antibacterial properties.
AB  - A novel positively charged N-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium)propyl] chloride
      chitosan (HTCC)-Ag/polyethersulfone (PES) composite nanofiltration membrane was
      easily prepared by coating the active layer, HTCC, onto PES as the support
      through epichlorohydrin as the cross-linking reagent and nano-Ag particles as the
      introduced inorganic components. Scanning election microscopy, X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray diffraction were
      employed to characterize the morphology of the resultant membranes, of which the
      molecular weight cut-off was about 941 Da. At 25  degrees C, the pure water
      permeability is 16.27 L/h.m(2).MPa. Our results showed that the rejection of
      pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) followed the sequence:
      atenolol > carbamazepine > ibuprofen, confirming that the membranes were
      positively charged. The antibacterial properties of the membranes were compared
      to elucidate the existence of Ag nanoparticles which help to improve
      antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (DH5alpha, Rosetta)
      and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis. The inhibition zone diameters of HTCC-Ag/PES
      membranes towards E. coli DH5alpha, E. coli Rosetta and Bacillus subtilis were
      17.77, 16.18, and 15.44 mm, respectively. It was found that HTCC-Ag/PES membrane
      has a better antibacterial activity against E. coli than against Bacillus
      subtilis, especially for E. coli DH5alpha. 

PMID- 27120647
TI  - Structure changes and water filtration properties of electrospun polyamide
      nanofibre membranes.
AB  - Nanofibre membranes are studied extensively in water treatment. Inappropriate
      storage, however, could alter their performance, e.g. regarding water filtration.
      This shows the need for investigating this effect in more detail so as to offer a
      solution for long-term behaviour and stability. In this study, polyamide
      nanofibre membranes were treated under different conditions, simulating the
      diverse storage conditions and to simulate their use in water filtration systems.
      Under all these different settings, nanofibre properties (scanning electron
      microscope pictures, dimensional changes, tensile strength) and water filtration
      performance (clean water permeability (CWP), bacterial removal) were
      investigated. The results demonstrate that, as soon as the dimensional change of
      a membrane is >2%, the CWP, tensile strength and bacterial removal significantly
      decrease. These dimensional changes occurred when the membrane became dry after
      it had been in contact with water. As such, it is important to keep the membrane
      either in dry or in wet conditions to store its unique properties. When heat
      treated, the membrane had a higher tensile strength and kept its morphology and
      characteristics better during storage. 

PMID- 27120648
TI  - Facile synthesis of TiO2-RGO composite with enhanced performance for the
      photocatalytic mineralization of organic pollutants.
AB  - Current research reports the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-TiO2
      nanocomposite by in-situ redox method and graphene oxide by modified hummers
      method. The ratio of RGO and TiO2 in the composite was optimized to show best
      photocatalytic activity for the degradation of targeted pollutants. Optimized
      (1:10) RGO-TiO2 nanocomposite was characterized by various techniques viz. X-ray
      diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric
      analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area (BET), Raman and diffuse
      reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) technique confirming successful formation of
      nanocomposite. XRD results confirm the presence of anatase phase in RGO-TiO2.
      Uniform dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles on RGO could be seen from TEM images.
      The obtained results of (1:10) RGO-TiO2 showed five-fold and two-fold enhancement
      for the visible light and UV light, respectively, for the photocatalytic
      mineralization of methylene blue dye as compared to commercial Aeroxide P25 TiO2.
      The excellent photocatalytic mineralization activity of (1:10) RGO-TiO2 could be
      attributed to the enhanced surface area of composite as well as to its good
      electron sink capability. (1:10) RGO-TiO2 could be recycled easily and was found
      to be equally efficient even after the fourth cycle for the photocatalytic
      mineralization of methylene blue dye. The non-selectivity of synthesized
      composite was checked by the mineralization studies of oxalic acid. 

PMID- 27120649
TI  - Hybrid wavelet-support vector machine approach for modelling rainfall-runoff
      process.
AB  - Because of the importance of water resources management, the need for accurate
      modeling of the rainfall-runoff process has rapidly grown in the past decades.
      Recently, the support vector machine (SVM) approach has been used by hydrologists
      for rainfall-runoff modeling and the other fields of hydrology. Similar to the
      other artificial intelligence models, such as artificial neural network (ANN) and
      adaptive neural fuzzy inference system, the SVM model is based on the
      autoregressive properties. In this paper, the wavelet analysis was linked to the
      SVM model concept for modeling the rainfall-runoff process of Aghchai and Eel
      River watersheds. In this way, the main time series of two variables, rainfall
      and runoff, were decomposed to multiple frequent time series by wavelet theory;
      then, these time series were imposed as input data on the SVM model in order to
      predict the runoff discharge one day ahead. The obtained results show that the
      wavelet SVM model can predict both short- and long-term runoff discharges by
      considering the seasonality effects. Also, the proposed hybrid model is
      relatively more appropriate than classical autoregressive ones such as ANN and
      SVM because it uses the multi-scale time series of rainfall and runoff data in
      the modeling process. 

PMID- 27120650
TI  - Arsenic removal from water using a novel amorphous adsorbent developed from coal
      fly ash.
AB  - A novel effective adsorbent of alumina/silica oxide hydrate (ASOH) for arsenic
      removal was developed through simple chemical reactions using coal fly ash. The
      iron-modified ASOH with enhancing adsorption activity was further developed from
      raw fly ash based on the in situ technique. The adsorbents were characterized by
      X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron
      micrograph, laser particle size and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area. The
      results show that the adsorbents are in amorphous and porous structure, the
      surface areas of which are 8-12 times that of the raw ash. The acidic
      hydrothermal treatment acts an important role in the formation of the amorphous
      structure of ASOH rather than zeolite crystal. A series of adsorption experiments
      for arsenic on them were studied. ASOH can achieve a high removal efficiency for
      arsenic of 96.4% from water, which is more than 2.5 times that of the raw ash.
      Iron-modified ASOH can enhance the removal efficiency to reach 99.8% due to the
      in situ loading of iron (Fe). The condition of synthesis pH = 2-4 is better for
      iron-modified ASOH to adsorb arsenic from water. 

PMID- 27120651
TI  - Optimisation of bioflocculant production by a biofilm forming microorganism from
      poultry slaughterhouse wastewater for use in poultry wastewater treatment.
AB  - Poultry slaughterhouse wastewater contains nutrients that are sufficient for
      microbial growth; moreover, the wastewater has microorganisms which can be
      harnessed to perform specific functions. Additionally, these microorganisms can
      grow either in planktonic (free floating) mode or sessile (attached) mode. This
      study focused on the optimisation of bioflocculant production by quantifying
      flocculation activity, determined using kaolin clay (4 g/L), by isolates
      prevalent in poultry slaughterhouse wastewater. Subsequent to their
      identification and characterisation, six bacterial strains were initially
      isolated from the poultry wastewater. Although all the isolated microorganisms
      produced bioflocculants under different conditions, i.e. pH and temperature, the
      strain that produced bioflocculants with a higher flocculation activity was
      isolate BF-3, a Comamonas sp., achieving a flocculation activity of 93.8% at 32.9
      degrees C and pH 6.5. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of
      the bioflocculant of the isolate, showed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl,
      alkane and amine functional groups, an indication that the bioflocculant was a
      protein constituent. 

PMID- 27120652
TI  - The effect of microbubbles on gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient and
      degradation rate of COD in wastewater treatment.
AB  - A commonly used aeration device at present has the disadvantages of low mass
      transfer rate because the generated bubbles are several millimeters in diameter
      which are much bigger than microbubbles. Therefore, the effect of a microbubble
      on gas-liquid mass transfer and wastewater treatment process was investigated. To
      evaluate the effect of each bubble type, the volumetric mass transfer
      coefficients for microbubbles and conventional bubbles were determined. The
      volumetric mass transfer coefficient was 0.02905 s(-1) and 0.02191 s(-1) at a gas
      flow rate of 0.67 L min(-1) in tap water for microbubbles and conventional
      bubbles, respectively. The degradation rate of simulated municipal wastewater was
      also investigated, using aerobic activated sludge and ozone. Compared with the
      conventional bubble generator, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate was
      2.04, 5.9, 3.26 times higher than those of the conventional bubble contactor at
      the same initial COD concentration of COD 200 mg L(-1), 400 mg L(-1), and 600 mg
      L(-1), while aerobic activated sludge was used. For the ozonation process, the
      rate of COD removal using microbubble generator was 2.38, 2.51, 2.89 times of
      those of the conventional bubble generator. Based on the results, the effect of
      initial COD concentration on the specific COD degradation rate were discussed in
      different systems. Thus, the results revealed that microbubbles could enhance
      mass transfer in wastewater treatment and be an effective method to improve the
      degradation of wastewater. 

PMID- 27120653
TI  - Comparison of multi-enzyme and thermophilic bacteria on the hydrolysis of
      mariculture organic waste (MOW).
AB  - Mariculture organic waste (MOW) is rich in organic matter, which is a potential
      energy resource for anaerobic digestion. In order to enhance the anaerobic
      fermentation, the MOW was hydrolyzed by multi-enzyme and thermophilic bacteria.
      It was advantageous for soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) release at MOW
      concentrations of 6 and 10 g/L with multi-enzyme and thermophilic bacteria
      pretreatments. For multi-enzyme, the hydrolysis was not obvious at substrate
      concentrations of 1 and 3 g/L, and the protein and carbohydrate increased with
      hydrolysis time at substrate concentrations of 6 and 10 g/L. For thermophilic
      bacteria, the carbohydrate was first released at 2-4 h and then consumed, and the
      protein increased with hydrolysis time. The optimal enzyme hydrolysis for MOW was
      determined by measuring the changes of SCOD, protein, carbohydrate, ammonia and
      total phosphorus, and comparing with acid and alkaline pretreatments. 

PMID- 27120654
TI  - Design of a generalized predictive controller for a biological wastewater
      treatment plant.
AB  - This paper presents a generalized predictive control (GPC) technique to regulate
      the activated sludge process found in a bioreactor used in wastewater treatment.
      The control strategy can track dissolved oxygen setpoint changes quickly,
      adapting to the system uncertainties and disturbances. Tests occur on an
      Activated Sludge Model No. 1 benchmark of an activated sludge process. A T filter
      added to the GPC framework results in an effective control strategy in the
      presence of coloured measurement noise. This work also suggests how a constraint
      on the measured variable can be added as a penalty term to the GPC framework
      which leads to improved control of the dissolved oxygen concentration in the
      presence of dynamic input disturbance. 

PMID- 27120655
TI  - Enhanced decolorization of dyes by an iron modified clay and thermodynamic
      parameters.
AB  - The sorption processes of red 5 (R5) and yellow 5 (Y5) dyes by iron modified and
      sodium bentonite in aqueous solutions was evaluated. The modified clay was
      prepared, conditioned and characterized. The sodium clay did not remove any of
      either dye. The sorption kinetics and isotherms of R5 and Y5 dyes by iron
      modified clay were determined. The maximum removal percentages achieved were 97%
      and 98% for R5 and Y5, respectively, and a contact time of 72 h; the experimental
      data were best adjusted to Ho model. The isotherms of both dyes were best
      adjusted to the Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacities of the
      modified clay were 11.26 mg/g and 5.28 mg/g for R5 and Y5, respectively. These
      results indicate that adsorption processes have a high probability to be
      described as chemisorption on a homogeneous material. Temperature range between
      283 and 213 K does not affect the adsorption of Y5 by the iron modified clay, but
      the adsorption process of R5 was affected, and the thermodynamic parameters could
      be calculated, which indicate a chemisorption mechanism. 

PMID- 27120656
TI  - Removal of pharmaceutical residues using ozonation as intermediate process step
      at Linkoping WWTP, Sweden.
AB  - Pilot tests as basis for the design, implementation and operation of a future
      full-scale oxidation plant completing the existing sewage treatment in Linkoping,
      Sweden, were performed. Using an ozonation step between bio-sedimentation and
      post-denitrification processes, the primary goal was the removal of the highest
      priority substances to effluent water levels that will not cause adverse effects
      in the recipient considering the natural dilution. The study included initial
      emission screenings, dose control trials, treatment performance studies and eco
      toxicity studies. At an ozone dose of 5 mg O3/L, most substances could be
      removed. Ecotoxicological tests showed no negative effect for the tested ozone
      doses. High levels of oxygen into the denitrification could be rapidly reduced in
      the biology. The number of bacteria in the treated water could be significantly
      reduced even at relatively low ozone doses. Based on these results, the planning
      for the full-scale implementation of the treatment system was initiated in 2015. 

PMID- 27120657
TI  - Hard coal as a potential low-cost adsorbent for removal of 4-chlorophenol from
      water.
AB  - The potential use of raw hard coals as low-cost adsorbents for the removal of 4
      chlorophenol (4-CP) from aqueous solutions was examined. The effect of
      experimental parameters such as the pH and salt presence was evaluated. The
      kinetic studies showed the equilibrium time was found to be 2 h for all of the
      adsorbents and that the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second order
      kinetic model. The adsorption isotherms of the 4-CP on the hard coals were fitted
      to the Langmuir, Freundlich, Langmuir-Freundlich, Sips and Redlich-Peterson
      equations. Based on the results obtained, hard coals appear to be a promising
      adsorbent for the removal of some hazardous water pollutants, like 4-CP and
      related compounds. 

PMID- 27120658
TI  - Treatment of petrochemical secondary effluent by an up-flow biological aerated
      filter (BAF).
AB  - In this study, petrochemical secondary effluent was treated by a 55 cm diameter
      pilot-scale biological aerated filter (BAF) with a media depth of 220 cm.
      Volcanic rock grains were filled as the BAF media. Median removal efficiency of
      chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) was 29.35 and 57.98%,
      respectively. Moreover, the removal profile of the COD, NH3-N, total nitrogen and
      total organic carbon demonstrated that the filter height of 140 cm made up to 90%
      of the total removal efficiency of the final effluent. By gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry, removal efficiencies of 2-chloromethyl-1,3-dioxolane, and
      benzonitrile, indene and naphthalene were obtained, ranging from 30.12 to 63.01%.
      The biomass and microbial activity of the microorganisms on the filter media were
      in general reduced with increasing filter height, which is consistent with the
      removal profile of the contaminants. The detected genera Defluviicoccus,
      Betaproteobacteria_unclassified and the Blastocatella constituted 1.86-6.75% of
      the identified gene, enhancing the COD and nitrogen removal in BAF for treating
      petrochemical secondary effluent. 

PMID- 27120676
TI  - Bicarbonate Values for Healthy Residents Living in Cities Above 1500 Meters of
      Altitude: A Theoretical Model and Systematic Review.
AB  - Ramirez-Sandoval, Juan C., Maria F. Castilla-Peon, Jose Gotes-Palazuelos, Juan C.
      Vazquez-Garcia, Michael P. Wagner, Carlos A. Merelo-Arias, Olynka Vega-Vega,
      Rodolfo Rincon-Pedrero, and Ricardo Correa-Rotter. Bicarbonate values for healthy
      residents living in cities above 1500 m of altitude: a theoretical model and
      systematic review. High Alt Med Biol. 17:85-92, 2016.-Plasma bicarbonate (HCO3(
      )) concentration is the main value used to assess the metabolic component of the
      acid-base status. There is limited information regarding plasma HCO3(-) values
      adjusted for altitude for people living in cities at high altitude defined as
      1500 m (4921 ft) or more above sea level. Our aim was to estimate the plasma
      HCO3(-) concentration in residents of cities at these altitudes using a
      theoretical model and compare these values with HCO3(-) values found on a
      systematic review, and with those venous CO2 values obtained in a sample of 633
      healthy individuals living at an altitude of 2240 m (7350 ft). We calculated the
      PCO2 using linear regression models and calculated plasma HCO3(-) according to
      the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. Results show that HCO3(-) concentration falls
      as the altitude of the cities increase. For each 1000 m of altitude above sea
      level, HCO3(-) decreases to 0.55 and 1.5 mEq/L in subjects living at sea level
      with acute exposure to altitude and in subjects acclimatized to altitude,
      respectively. Estimated HCO3(-) values from the theoretical model were not
      different to HCO3(-) values found in publications of a systematic review or with
      venous total CO2 measurements in our sample. Altitude has to be taken into
      consideration in the calculation of HCO3(-) concentrations in cities above 1500 m
      to avoid an overdiagnosis of acid-base disorders in a given individual. 

PMID- 27120677
TI  - Effect of Interparticle Interactions on Agglomeration and Sedimentation Rates of
      Colloidal Silica Microspheres.

PMID- 27120678
TI  - A Purple Cupredoxin from Nitrosopumilus maritimus Containing a Mononuclear Type 1
      Copper Center with an Open Binding Site.
AB  - Mononuclear cupredoxin proteins usually contain a coordinately saturated type 1
      copper (T1Cu) center and function exclusively as electron carriers. Here we
      report a cupredoxin isolated from the nitrifying archaeon Nitrosopumilus
      maritimus SCM1, called Nmar1307, that contains a T1Cu center with an open binding
      site containing water. It displays a deep purple color due to strong absorptions
      around 413 nm (1880 M(-1) cm(-1)) and 558 nm (2290 M(-1) cm(-1)) in the UV-vis
      electronic spectrum. EPR studies suggest the protein contains two Cu(II) species
      of nearly equal population, one nearly axial, with hyperfine constant A? = 98 *
      10(-4) cm(-1), and another more rhombic, with a smaller A? value of 69 * 10(-4)
      cm(-1). The X-ray crystal structure at 1.6 A resolution confirms that it contains
      a Cu atom coordinated by two His and one Cys in a trigonal plane, with an axial
      H2O at 2.25 A. Both UV-vis absorption and EPR spectroscopic studies suggest that
      the Nmar1307 can oxidize NO to nitrite, an activity that is attributable to the
      high reduction potential (354 mV vs SHE) of the copper site. These results
      suggest that mononuclear cupredoxins can have a wide range of structural
      features, including an open binding site containing water, making this class of
      proteins even more versatile.

PMID- 27120679
TI  - Trehalose-Based Glassy Matrices as an Effective Tool to Trap Short-Lived
      Intermediates in the Nitric Oxide Dioxygenation (NOD) Reaction of Hemoglobin.
AB  - The very rapid nitric oxide dioxygenation (NOD) reaction of nitric oxide (NO)
      with the oxygen bound to the ferrous derivatives of hemeproteins such as
      hemoglobin and myoglobin to yield nitrate and the ferric derivate (met) of the
      hemeprotein is of considerable physiological and biomedical importance. The
      mechanism for this reaction has been elusive due to the rapidity of the reaction.
      This article describes a method based both on using trehalose-derived glassy
      matrices to control the reaction of NO with oxyhemoglobin through both a
      temperature and glass-dependent modulation of the protein dynamics and a novel
      method of generating NO within the glassy matrix. The results support models in
      which there is a very rapid formation of an intermediate that immediately decays
      into an initial nonequilibrium population of high and low ferric nitrate that on
      a slower time scale relaxed to an easily dissociated equilibrium form of the
      ferric nitrate derivative of hemoglobin.

PMID- 27120680
TI  - A CIEF-LIF method for simultaneous analysis of multiple protein kinases and
      screening of inhibitors.
AB  - Here, a CIEF-LIF method for multiple protein kinase simultaneous analysis and
      inhibitors throughput screening with fast rate and low cost is presented.
      Comparing with CZE, CIEF-LIF exhibited great focusing ability and high separation
      efficiency for substrate and phosphorylated peptides, and is applicable for
      multiple kinases simultaneous analysis regardless of their substrate peptides
      compositions and charge statuses. Thus, highly sensitive analysis for cyclic
      adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and cyclin
      dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) was achieved in CIEF-LIF analysis with detection
      sensitivity up to 1.25 mU/MUL and 0.4 mU/MUL, respectively, two magnitudes higher
      than that of CZE and comparable with that in nanomaterials or green fluorescent
      protein-based kinase assay. Moreover, the inhibition effect of inhibitors on
      multiple kinases could be simultaneously readout in a single electrophoretic run,
      with half maximal inhibitory concentration of H-89 for PKA and Ro-3306 for CDK1
      calculated as 37.0 and 35.9 nM, respectively, consistent with literatures
      reported. The CIEF-LIF also exhibited strong anti-interference ability in human
      breast cancer cell lysates analysis and simulators such as forskolin and 3
      isobutyl-1-methylxantine assessment. Therefore, CIEF-LIF is desirable for future
      biological application and clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

PMID- 27120682
TI  - Excitons Racing Against the Clock.

PMID- 27120681
TI  - Aripiprazole for the Treatment of Antipsychotic-Induced Hyperprolactinemia in an
      Adolescent Boy.

PMID- 27120683
TI  - Artifacts in Absorption Measurements of Organometal Halide Perovskite Materials:
      What Are the Real Spectra?
AB  - Organometal halide (OMH) perovskites have attracted lots of attention over the
      last several years due to their very promising performance as the materials for
      solar cells and light-emitting devices. Photophysical processes in these hybrid
      organic-inorganic semiconductors are still heavily debated. To know precise
      absorption spectra is absolutely necessary for quantitative understanding of the
      fundamental properties of OMH perovskites. We show that to measure the absorption
      of perovskite materials correctly is a difficult task which could be easily
      overlooked by the community. Many of the published absorption spectra exhibit a
      characteristic step-like featureless shape due to light scattering, high optical
      density of individual perovskite crystals and poor coverage of the substrate. We
      show how to recognize these artifacts, to avoid them, and to use absorption
      spectra of films for estimation of the surface coverage ratio. 

PMID- 27120684
TI  - Reconstruction of the Disassembly Pathway of an Icosahedral Viral Capsid and
      Shape Determination of Two Successive Intermediates.
AB  - Viral capsids derived from an icosahedral plant virus widely used in physical and
      nanotechnological investigations were fully dissociated into dimers by a rapid
      change of pH. The process was probed in vitro at high spatiotemporal resolution
      by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering using a high brilliance synchrotron
      source. A powerful custom-made global fitting algorithm allowed us to reconstruct
      the most likely pathway parametrized by a set of stoichiometric coefficients and
      to determine the shape of two successive intermediates by ab initio calculations.
      None of these two unexpected intermediates was previously identified in self
      assembly experiments, which suggests that the disassembly pathway is not a mirror
      image of the assembly pathway. These findings shed new light on the mechanisms
      and the reversibility of the assembly/disassembly of natural and synthetic virus
      based systems. They also demonstrate that both the structure and dynamics of an
      increasing number of intermediate species become accessible to experiments. 

PMID- 27120685
TI  - Antagonism between Spin-Orbit Coupling and Steric Effects Causes Anomalous Band
      Gap Evolution in the Perovskite Photovoltaic Materials CH3NH3Sn1-xPbxI3.
AB  - Halide perovskite solar cells are a recent ground-breaking development achieving
      power conversion efficiencies exceeding 18%. This has become possible owing to
      the remarkable properties of the AMX3 perovskites, which exhibit unique
      semiconducting properties. The most efficient solar cells utilize the CH3NH3PbI3
      perovskite whose band gap, Eg, is 1.55 eV. Even higher efficiencies are
      anticipated, however, if the band gap of the perovskite can be pushed deeper in
      the near-infrared region, as in the case of CH3NH3SnI3 (Eg = 1.3 eV). A
      remarkable way to improve further comes from the CH3NH3Sn1-xPbxI3 solid solution,
      which displays an anomalous trend in the evolution of the band gap with the
      compositions approaching x = 0.5 displaying lower band gaps (Eg ~ 1.1 eV) than
      that of the lowest of the end member, CH3NH3SnI3. Here we use first-principles
      calculations to show that the competition between the spin-orbit coupling (SOC)
      and the lattice distortion is responsible for the anomalous behavior of the band
      gap in CH3NH3Sn1-xPbxI3. SOC causes a linear reduction as x increases, while the
      lattice distortion causes a nonlinear increase due to a composition-induced phase
      transition near x = 0.5. Our results suggest that electronic structure
      engineering can have a crucial role in optimizing the photovoltaic performance. 

PMID- 27120686
TI  - Size and Energy Level Tuning of Quantum Dot Solids via a Hybrid Ligand Complex.
AB  - The performance of quantum dots (QDs) in optoelectronic devices suffers as a
      result of sub-bandgap states induced by the large fraction of atoms on the
      surface of QDs. Recent progress in passivating these surface states with thiol
      ligands and halide ions has led to competitive efficiencies. Here, we apply a
      hybrid ligand mixture to passivate PbSe QD sub-bandgap tail states via a low
      temperature, solid-state ligand exchange. We show that this ligand mixture allows
      tuning of the energy levels and the physical QD size in the solid state during
      film formation. We hereby present a novel, postsynthetic path to tune the
      properties of QD films. 

PMID- 27120687
TI  - Direct Oil Recovery from Saturated Carbon Nanotube Sponges.
AB  - Oil adsorption by porous materials is a major strategy for water purification and
      industrial spill cleanup; it is of great interest if the adsorbed oil can be
      safely recovered from those porous media. Here, direct oil recovery from fully
      saturated bulk carbon nanotube (CNT) sponges by displacing oil with water in
      controlled manner is shown. Surfactant-assisted electrocapillary imbibition is
      adopted to drive aqueous electrolyte into the sponge and extrude organic oil out
      continuously at low potentials (up to -1.2 V). More than 95 wt % of oil adsorbed
      within the sponge can be recovered, via a single electrocapillary process.
      Recovery of different oils with a wide range of viscosities is demonstrated, and
      the remaining CNT sponge can be reused with similar recovery capacity. A direct
      and efficient method is provided to recover oil from CNT sponges by water
      imbibition, which has many potential environmental and energy applications.

PMID- 27120688
TI  - Human Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells Display Phagocytic and Antigen-Presenting
      Functions to Contribute to Intraperitoneal Immunity.
AB  - Mesothelial cells lining the peritoneal cavity are strategically positioned to
      respond to and counter intraperitoneal infections, cancer cells, and other
      challenges. We have investigated human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) for
      phagocytic activity, expression of surface Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)
      class II and accessory molecules involved in antigen presentation, and the
      ability to present recall antigens to T cells. Phagocytosis of dextran, latex
      beads, and Escherichia coli was observed by flow cytometry, and internalization
      was visualized using confocal and electron microscopy. Flow cytometry and/or
      cellular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed constitutive expression of ICAM
      1, LFA-3, and B7-1, but not B7-2 or MHC class II. Interferon-gamma induced MHC II
      and ICAM-1 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Importantly, HPMCs
      induced autologous CD3 T-lymphocyte proliferation (H incorporation) after pulse
      with recall antigen. Human peritoneal mesothelial cells equipped with phagocytic
      and antigen-presenting machinery are anticipated to have an integral role in
      intraperitoneal immune surveillance.

PMID- 27120689
TI  - Synthesis of PEGylated Ferrocene Nanoconjugates as the Radiosensitizer of Cancer
      Cells.
AB  - Radiation is one of the most widely used methods for cancer diagnosis and
      therapy. Herein, we report a new type of radiation sensitizer (Fc-PEG) by a
      facile one-step reaction of conjugating the hydrophilic PEG chain with
      hydrophobic ferrocene molecule. The chemical composition and structure of Fc-PEG
      have been thoroughly characterized by FT-IR, NMR, GPC, and MALDI-TOF mass
      spectrometry. This Fc-PEG conjugate could self-assemble in aqueous solution into
      spherical aggregates, and it was found that the exposure to 4 Gy of X-ray
      radiation have little influence on the shape and size of these aggregates. After
      the chemical bonding with PEG chains, the uptake level of Fe element could be
      enhanced via the formation of aggregates. The live/dead, CCK-8, as well as
      apoptosis assays, indicated that the death of cancer cells can be obviously
      increased by X-ray radiation after the incubation of these Fc-based
      nanoconjugates, which might be served as the radiation sensitizer toward cancer
      cells. We suggest that this radiosensitizing effect comes from the enhancement of
      reactive oxygen specimen (ROS) level as denoted by both flow cytometric and
      fluorescence microscopic analysis. The enhanced radiation sensitivity of cancer
      cells is contributed by the synergic effect of Fe-induced radiation-sensitizing
      and the increased uptake of nanoconjugates after polymeric grafting.

PMID- 27120690
TI  - A TiS2 nanosheet enhanced fluorescence polarization biosensor for ultra-sensitive
      detection of biomolecules.
AB  - Development of new strategies for the sensitive and selective detection of ultra
      low concentrations of specific cancer markers is of great importance for
      assessing cancer therapeutics due to its crucial role in early clinical diagnoses
      and biomedical applications. In this work, we have developed two types of
      fluorescence polarization (FP) amplification assay strategies for the detection
      of biomolecules by using TiS2 as a FP enhancer and Zn(2+)-dependent self
      hydrolyzing deoxyribozymes as catalysts to realize enzyme-catalyzed target
      recycling signal amplification. One approach is based on the terminal protection
      of small-molecule-linked DNA, in which biomolecular binding to small molecules in
      DNA-small-molecule chimeras can protect the conjugated DNA from degradation by
      exonuclease I (Exo I); the other approach is based on the terminal protection of
      biomolecular bound aptamer DNA, in which biomolecules directly bound to the
      single strand aptamer DNA can protect the ssDNA from degradation by Exo I. We
      select folate receptor (FR) and thrombin (Tb) as model analytes to verify the
      current concept. It is shown that under optimized conditions, our strategies
      exhibit high sensitivity and selectivity for the quantification of FR and Tb with
      low detection limits (0.003 ng mL(-1) and 0.01 pM, respectively). Additionally,
      this strategy is a simple "mix and detect" approach, and does not require any
      separation steps. This biosensor is also utilized in the analysis of real
      biological samples, the results agree well with those obtained by the enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 

PMID- 27120691
TI  - A fast chemical exchange saturation transfer imaging scheme based on single-shot
      spatiotemporal encoding.
AB  - PURPOSE: To design a new approach that can not only keep the spatial and temporal
      resolution but also have better built-in immunity to magnetic field inhomogeneity
      and chemical shift effects than the single-shot echo planar imaging (EPI) for
      chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI. METHOD: The single-shot
      spatiotemporally encoded (SPEN) MRI sequence was combined with a continuous wave
      saturation pulse for fast CEST MRI (CEST-SPEN MRI). The resulting images were
      super-resolved reconstructed by a hybrid method that solves the l1 norm
      minimization together with total variation (TV) regularization. Partial
      Lorentzian fitting was used to analyze the subsequent Z-spectra. RESULTS:
      Experimental results of a creatine phantom and in vivo tumor rat brains show that
      CEST-SPEN MRI has good capability in providing CEST-based and NOE-based contrast
      images. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with CEST-EPI, CEST-SPEN MRI has better immunity to
      magnetic field inhomogeneity and provides better contrast images within identical
      acquisition time, especially under an identical inhomogeneous field. Magn Reson
      Med 77:1786-1796, 2017. (c) 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in
      Medicine.

PMID- 27120692
TI  - Diamond Quantum Devices in Biology.
AB  - The currently available techniques for molecular imaging capable of reaching
      atomic resolution are limited to low temperatures, vacuum conditions, or large
      amounts of sample. Quantum sensors based on the spin-dependent photoluminescence
      of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond offer great potential to achieve
      single-molecule detection with atomic resolution under ambient conditions.
      Diamond nanoparticles could also be prepared with implanted NV centers, thereby
      generating unique nanosensors that are able to traffic into living biological
      systems. Therefore, this technique might provide unprecedented access and insight
      into the structure and function of individual biomolecules under physiological
      conditions as well as observation of biological processes down to the quantum
      level with atomic resolution. The theory of diamond quantum sensors and the
      current developments from their preparation to sensing techniques have been
      critically discussed in this Minireview.

PMID- 27120693
TI  - An Advanced Tool To Interrogate BRD9.
AB  - Selective inhibitors of bromodomain-containing protein 9 (BRD9) may have
      therapeutic potential in the treatment of human malignancies and inflammatory
      diseases. A selective small molecule inhibitor that is well tolerated and has
      proper pharmacokinetic properties is required to explore the function of BRD9 in
      diseases. BI-9564 (2) is a cell permeable and noncytotoxic BRD9 inhibitor
      provided to the scientific community to explore BRD9 biology and determine its
      potential as a drug target.

PMID- 27120694
TI  - Viral protein suppresses oxidative burst and salicylic acid-dependent autophagy
      and facilitates bacterial growth on virus-infected plants.
AB  - Virus interactions with plant silencing and innate immunity pathways can
      potentially alter the susceptibility of virus-infected plants to secondary
      infections with nonviral pathogens. We found that Arabidopsis plants infected
      with Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) or transgenic for CaMV silencing suppressor
      P6 exhibit increased susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) and
      allow robust growth of the Pst mutant hrcC-, which cannot deploy effectors to
      suppress innate immunity. The impaired antibacterial defense correlated with the
      suppressed oxidative burst, reduced accumulation of the defense hormone salicylic
      acid (SA) and diminished SA-dependent autophagy. The viral protein domain
      required for suppression of these plant defense responses is dispensable for
      silencing suppression but essential for binding and activation of the plant
      target-of-rapamycin (TOR) kinase which, in its active state, blocks cellular
      autophagy and promotes CaMV translation. Our findings imply that CaMV P6 is a
      versatile viral effector suppressing both silencing and innate immunity. P6
      mediated suppression of oxidative burst and SA-dependent autophagy may predispose
      CaMV-infected plants to bacterial infection.

PMID- 27120697
TI  - Activation of 7-Silanorbornadienes by N-Heterocyclic Carbenes: A Selective Way to
      N-Heterocyclic-Carbene-Stabilized Silylenes.
AB  - The synthesis of hydridosilylenes Ter(H)Si: 3a (Ter: 2,6-bis(2,4,6
      trimethylphenyl)phenyl) and Ter*(H)Si: 3b (Ter*: 2,6-bis(2,4,6-triiso
      propylphenyl)phenyl) stabilized by the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ImMe4 is
      reported. The synthesis of stabilized hydridosilylenes 3 was accomplished by a
      previously unknown NHC-induced fragmentation of silanorbornadiene derivatives.
      Structural studies of the stabilized silylenes 3 and of its Fe(CO)4 complex 12
      accompanied by a theoretical analysis of their bonding situation indicate that
      stabilized silylenes such as 3 can be regarded as neutral silyl anion
      equivalents. A computational investigation of the reaction course indicate a
      virtual one-step reaction between the NHC and the silanorbornadiene. A
      theoretical assessment of the scope and limitations of this reaction suggests
      that it is general and can be used also for the synthesis of other carbene
      analogues such as germylenes and phosphinidenes.

PMID- 27120695
TI  - Separase Is Required for Homolog and Sister Disjunction during Drosophila
      melanogaster Male Meiosis, but Not for Biorientation of Sister Centromeres.
AB  - Spatially controlled release of sister chromatid cohesion during progression
      through the meiotic divisions is of paramount importance for error-free
      chromosome segregation during meiosis. Cohesion is mediated by the cohesin
      protein complex and cleavage of one of its subunits by the endoprotease separase
      removes cohesin first from chromosome arms during exit from meiosis I and later
      from the pericentromeric region during exit from meiosis II. At the onset of the
      meiotic divisions, cohesin has also been proposed to be present within the
      centromeric region for the unification of sister centromeres into a single
      functional entity, allowing bipolar orientation of paired homologs within the
      meiosis I spindle. Separase-mediated removal of centromeric cohesin during exit
      from meiosis I might explain sister centromere individualization which is
      essential for subsequent biorientation of sister centromeres during meiosis II.
      To characterize a potential involvement of separase in sister centromere
      individualization before meiosis II, we have studied meiosis in Drosophila
      melanogaster males where homologs are not paired in the canonical manner. Meiosis
      does not include meiotic recombination and synaptonemal complex formation in
      these males. Instead, an alternative homolog conjunction system keeps homologous
      chromosomes in pairs. Using independent strategies for spermatocyte-specific
      depletion of separase complex subunits in combination with time-lapse imaging, we
      demonstrate that separase is required for the inactivation of this alternative
      conjunction at anaphase I onset. Mutations that abolish alternative homolog
      conjunction therefore result in random segregation of univalents during meiosis I
      also after separase depletion. Interestingly, these univalents become bioriented
      during meiosis II, suggesting that sister centromere individualization before
      meiosis II does not require separase. 

PMID- 27120696
TI  - BIDIRECTIONAL PROSPECTIVE ASSOCIATIONS OF METABOLIC SYNDROME COMPONENTS WITH
      DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND ANTIDEPRESSANT USE.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome components-waist circumference, high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, systolic blood pressure and
      fasting glucose-are cross-sectionally associated with depression and anxiety with
      differing strength. Few studies examine the relationships over time or whether
      antidepressants have independent effects. METHODS: Participants were from the
      Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA; N = 2,776; 18-65 years; 66%
      female). At baseline, 2- and 6-year follow-up, participants completed diagnostic
      interviews, depression and anxiety symptom inventories, antidepressant use
      assessment, and measurements of the five metabolic syndrome components. Data were
      analyzed for the consistency of associations between psychopathology indicators
      and metabolic syndrome components across the three assessment waves, and whether
      psychopathology or antidepressant use at one assessment predicts metabolic
      dysregulation at the next and vice versa. RESULTS: Consistently across waves,
      psychopathology was associated with generally poorer values of metabolic syndrome
      components, particularly waist circumference and triglycerides. Stronger
      associations were observed for psychopathology symptom severity than diagnosis.
      Antidepressant use was independently associated with higher waist circumference,
      triglycerides and number of metabolic syndrome abnormalities, and lower HDL-C.
      Symptom severity and antidepressant use were associated with subsequently
      increased number of abnormalities, waist circumference, and glucose after 2 but
      not 4 years. Conversely, there was little evidence that metabolic syndrome
      components were associated with subsequent psychopathology outcomes. CONCLUSIONS:
      Symptom severity and antidepressant use were independently associated with
      metabolic dysregulation consistently over time and also had negative consequences
      for short-term metabolic health. This is of concern given the chronicity of
      depression and anxiety and prevalence of antidepressant treatment.

PMID- 27120698
TI  - Is It Necessary to Achieve a Complete Box Isolation in the Case of Frequent
      Esophageal Temperature Rises? Feasibility of Shifting to a Partial Box Isolation
      Strategy for Patients With Non-Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are some cases with frequent luminal esophageal temperature
      (LET) rises despite titrating the radiofrequency energy while creating a linear
      lesion for the Box isolation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Little is known about
      the feasibility of redesigning the ablation lines for a modified Box isolation
      strategy to prevent fatal esophageal injury in those cases. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Two hundred and seventeen patients who underwent a Box isolation of non
      paroxysmal AF were evaluated. We divided them into 2 groups, patients in whom a
      box lesion set of the entire posterior left atrium had been achieved (complete
      Box isolation [CBI]; n = 157) and those in whom 2 additional peri-esophageal
      vertical lines were created at both the right and left ends of the esophagus, and
      those areas were left with an incomplete isolation when frequent rapid LET rises
      above 39.0  degrees C were observed while creating the floor line (partial Box
      isolation [PBI]; n = 60). During 20.1 +/- 13.9 months of follow-up, the
      arrhythmia-free rates were 54.1% in the CBI group versus 48.3% in the PBI group
      (P = 0.62). In the second session, a complete Box isolation was highly achieved
      even in the PBI group (94.3% vs. 83.3%, respectively; P = 0.17) and after 2
      procedures, the arrhythmia-free rates increased to 75.2% vs. 68.3%, respectively
      (P = 0.34). There was no symptomatic esophageal injury in the PBI group.
      CONCLUSION: In the case of frequent LET rises while creating the linear lesions
      for the Box isolation strategy for non-paroxysmal AF, shifting to the PBI
      strategy was feasible.

PMID- 27120699
TI  - Binder-Free and Carbon-Free 3D Porous Air Electrode for Li-O2 Batteries with High
      Efficiency, High Capacity, and Long Life.
AB  - Pt-Gd alloy polycrystalline thin film is deposited on 3D nickel foam by pulsed
      laser deposition method serving as a whole binder/carbon-free air electrode,
      showing great catalytic activity enhancement as an efficient bifunctional
      catalyst for the oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in lithium oxygen
      batteries. The porous structure can facilitate rapid O2 and electrolyte
      diffusion, as well as forming a continuous conductive network throughout the
      whole energy conversion process. It shows a favorable cycle performance in the
      full discharge/charge model, owing to the high catalytic activity of the Pt-Gd
      alloy composite and 3D porous nickel foam structure. Specially, excellent cycling
      performance under capacity limited mode is also demonstrated, in which the
      terminal discharge voltage is higher than 2.5 V and the terminal charge voltage
      is lower than 3.7 V after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 mA cm(-2) .
      Therefore, this electrocatalyst is a promising bifunctional electrocatalyst for
      lithium oxygen batteries and this depositing high-efficient electrocatalyst on
      porous substrate with polycrystalline thin film by pulsed laser deposition is
      also a promising technique in the future lithium oxygen batteries research. 

PMID- 27120701
TI  - Stochastic Processes in Electrochemistry.
AB  - Stochastic behavior becomes an increasingly dominant characteristic of
      electrochemical systems as we probe them on the smallest scales. Advances in the
      tools and techniques of nanoelectrochemistry dictate that stochastic phenomena
      will become more widely manifest in the future. In this Perspective, we outline
      the conceptual tools that are required to analyze and understand this behavior.
      We draw on examples from several specific electrochemical systems where important
      information is encoded in, and can be derived from, apparently random signals.
      This Perspective attempts to serve as an accessible introduction to understanding
      stochastic phenomena in electrochemical systems and outlines why they cannot be
      understood with conventional macroscopic descriptions.

PMID- 27120700
TI  - Successful implementation of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy at a
      medical respite facility for homeless patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a safe way to
      administer intravenous (IV) antimicrobial therapy to patients with the potential
      to decrease hospital length of stay (LOS). Often, homeless patients with complex
      infections, who could otherwise be treated as an outpatient, remain in the
      hospital for the duration of IV antibiotic treatment. Injection drug use (IDU) is
      a barrier to OPAT. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate our experience with administering OPAT
      to homeless patients at a medical respite facility and determine if patients
      could complete a successful course of antibiotics. DESIGN: Using retrospective
      chart review, demographics, diagnosis, and comorbidities including mental
      illness, current IDU, and remote IDU (>3 months ago) were recorded. Surgical,
      microbiologic, and antimicrobial therapy including route (IV or oral), duration
      of therapy, and adverse events were abstracted. PARTICIPANTS: Homeless patients
      >18 years old who received OPAT at medical respite after discharge, no
      exclusions. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome was successful completion of OPAT
      at medical respite. Secondary outcome was successful antimicrobial course
      completion for a specific diagnosis. RESULTS: Forty-six (87%) patients
      successfully completed a defined course of antibiotic therapy. Thirty-four (64%)
      patients were successfully treated with OPAT at medical respite. Readmission rate
      was 30%. The average length of OPAT was 22 days. The cost savings to our
      institution (using $1500/day inpatient cost) was $25,000 per episode of OPAT.
      CONCLUSIONS: OPAT can be successful in a supervised medical respite setting for
      homeless patients with the help of a multidisciplinary team, and can decrease
      inpatient LOS resulting in cost savings. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:531
      535. (c) 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.

PMID- 27120702
TI  - Anisotropic Dissociation of pi-pi Stacking and Flipping-Motion-Induced Crystal
      Jumping in Alkylacridones and Their Dicyanomethylene Derivatives.
AB  - Ethylacridone (1 b) and dicyanomethylenated acridones 2 a,b,d showed crystal
      jumping activity upon heating. This is the first example of thermosalient
      behavior in a simple aromatic ketone and its derivatives. A systematic
      investigation of the jumping behavior of derivatives with different alkyl chains
      by variable-temperature X-ray crystal-structure analyses revealed the mechanism
      of this phenomenon. Anisotropic dissociation of pi stacking in a dimer was
      important for inducing crystal jumping in 1 b, whereas the collective
      fluctuation/flipping motion of a dicyanomethylene unit induced crystal jumping in
      2.

PMID- 27120703
TI  - Insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of antitubercular drugs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The furiously advancing cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
      (TB) along with the recent emergence of total drug resistant TB and TB-AIDS
      comorbidity present an increased threat to global public health. Knowledge of
      pharmacokinetic properties helps in selecting an appropriate anti-TB dosage
      regimen to achieve optimal results in patients. AREAS COVERED: This article
      provides a brief compilation of the information available regarding published
      pharmacokinetic data for anti-TB drugs and may act as a single window for
      investigators/medical practitioners in this field. The information regarding
      absorption, tissue distribution, elimination and pharmacokinetic interactions of
      the first- and second-line anti-TB drugs and candidate drugs under clinical
      trials is discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Pharmacokinetic properties such as poor
      absorption, too short biological half-life, extensive first-pass metabolism, drug
      food and drug-drug related interactions are not attractive for prospective anti
      TB drugs and significantly contribute to treatment failure and further
      resistance. The long duration, monotonous and multidrug treatment plan leads to
      poor patient compliance and resulted in a greater occurrence of anti-TB drug
      resistance worldwide. Few new agents, which are in development phase, are
      considering the aspect of shortening duration of the treatment regimen and
      provide a boost in therapy that is sorely needed.

PMID- 27120704
TI  - Nitric Oxide Inhibitory Meroterpenoids from the Fungus Penicillium purpurogenum
      MHZ 111.
AB  - Five new meroterpenoids, purpurogenolides A-E (1-5), and four known metabolites
      (6-9) were isolated from the solid substrate fermentation cultures of the fungus
      Penicillium purpurogenum MHz 111. The structures of the new meroterpenoids were
      elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic and spectrometric data (1D and 2D NMR,
      IR, and HRESIMS). The absolute configurations of 1 and 5 were determined by
      single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis, and those of 2-4 were elucidated
      on the basis of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism
      spectra. Compounds 2-4 and 6 showed inhibition of nitric oxide production in
      lipopolysaccharide-activated BV-2 microglial cells with IC50 values of 0.8-30.0
      MUM.

PMID- 27120705
TI  - alpha-Tocopherol supplementation and the oxidative stress, homocysteine, and
      antioxidants in lead exposure.
AB  - To investigate whether alpha-tocopherol supplementation in workers exposed to
      lead would reduce the oxidative stress intensity and decrease homocysteine level,
      the examined population was randomly divided into two groups. Workers in the
      first group (n = 49, reference group) were not administered any drugs. Workers in
      the second group (n = 34) were administered orally alpha-tocopherol, 200 mg per
      day for 12 weeks. The level of alpha-tocopherol significantly increased compared
      to the baseline and the reference group. The level of thiol groups significantly
      increased compared to the reference group. However, the levels of malondialdehyde
      and homocysteine did not significantly change. Animal studies suggest the ability
      of alpha-tocopherol administration to reverse adverse health effects of lead
      exposure, such as oxidative stress; however, the results of this study on humans
      do not confirm these protective effects.

PMID- 27120706
TI  - Relative importance of advective flow versus environmental gradient in shaping
      aquatic ammonium oxidizers near the Three Gorges Dam of the Yangtze River, China.
AB  - Construction of a dam in a large river alters its hydrodynamic condition and
      geochemical gradient, but the effect of such anthropogenic activity on microbial
      ecology remains poorly understood. To assess this effect, we investigated the
      relative importance of advective flow versus environmental condition in shaping
      ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) community from 110 km upstream
      to the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) of the Yangtze River, China. Water physicochemical
      conditions, including turbidity, conductivity, redox state and nutrient level,
      were fairly constant from 110 to 45 km upstream of the TGD, but significantly
      oscillated near the dam. AOB and AOA in the Yangtze River were dominated by
      Nitrosospira- and Nitrosopumilus-affiliated clusters, respectively, and these
      compositions were invariant throughout the sampled 110 km flow path, suggesting
      that AOB and AOA communities in the river were largely transported from upstream
      by advection with minor local and transient inputs from surrounding soils and
      tributaries. However, the abundance of AOB and AOA was influenced by local
      geochemical conditions, possibly via the growth/decay mechanisms. The source of
      AOB in the Yangtze River appeared to be derived from soil near the headwater, but
      its abundance was enhanced during downstream transport, likely due to survival
      and growth.

PMID- 27120707
TI  - A lysin to kill.
AB  - An enzyme produced by a bacteriophage can enter human cells and kill
      intracellular Streptococcus pyogenes.

PMID- 27120708
TI  - Association between posterior teeth occlusion and functional dependence among
      older adults in nursing homes in Japan.
AB  - AIM: To examine whether posterior teeth occlusion is associated with functional
      dependence regardless of the number of natural teeth among Japanese nursing home
      residents. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study included 234 residents aged
      >60 years from eight nursing homes in Aso City, Japan. Functional dependence in
      basic activities of daily living was measured using the Barthel Index, and the
      primary outcome was independence for essential personal care (Barthel Index >= 60
      points). Posterior teeth occlusion was assessed by a dentist using the total
      number of functional tooth units, depending on the number and location of the
      remaining natural and artificial teeth on implant-supported, fixed, and removable
      prostheses. Logistic regression models were used to assess univariate and
      multivariate associations between the total number of functional tooth units and
      independence for essential personal care. Models were sequentially adjusted for
      the number of natural teeth, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status,
      health behaviors and comorbidities. RESULTS: Independence for essential personal
      care was found in 14.1% of participants. Greater total numbers of functional
      tooth units were significantly associated with greater odds of independence for
      essential personal care (odds ratio 1.12; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.24). The
      association remained significant after adjustment for the number of natural teeth
      and other possible confounders (odds ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.01
      1.29). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior teeth occlusion was independently associated with
      functional dependence among nursing home older residents in Japan. The
      maintenance and restoration of posterior teeth occlusion might be preventive
      factors against late-life functional decline. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 622
      627.

PMID- 27120709
TI  - Ecological succession of the microbial communities of an air-conditioning cooling
      coil in the tropics.
AB  - Air-conditioning systems harbor microorganisms, potentially spreading them to
      indoor environments. While air and surfaces in air-conditioning systems are
      periodically sampled as potential sources of indoor microbes, little is known
      about the dynamics of cooling coil-associated communities and their effect on the
      downstream airflow. Here, we conducted a 4-week time series sampling to
      characterize the succession of an air-conditioning duct and cooling coil after
      cleaning. Using an universal primer pair targeting hypervariable regions of the
      16S/18S ribosomal RNA, we observed a community succession for the condensed
      water, with the most abundant airborne taxon Agaricomycetes fungi dominating the
      initial phase and Sphingomonas bacteria becoming the most prevalent taxa toward
      the end of the experiment. Duplicate air samples collected upstream and
      downstream of the coil suggest that the system does not act as ecological filter
      or source/sink for specific microbial taxa during the duration of the experiment.

PMID- 27120710
TI  - An investigation of the influence of patient-related factors and comedications on
      lamotrigine clearance in patients with epilepsy.
AB  - Lamotrigine (LTG) is one of the most widely used antiepileptic drugs. Confusion
      still exists in the literature as to the relative influence of age, body weight,
      and concomitant drug therapy on LTG pharmacokinetics. So, the objective of this
      study is to evaluate the influence of patient-related factors and comedication on
      LTG apparent oral clearance (CL/F). A therapeutic drug-monitoring database was
      used to identify steady-state plasma LTG concentrations in 210 patients. LTG CL/F
      values were calculated for each patient according to the equation CL/F (L/h per
      kg) = LTG daily dose (mg/kg)/Css (steady state concentration) (mg/L) * 24 h. A
      linear-regression model was used to assess the influence of gender, dose, age,
      and body weight in LTG CL/F. The influence of comedication on LTG CL/F was
      investigated by applying the Bonferroni post-test. The lowest LTG CL/F was found
      in patients comedicated with valproate (VPA) (mean, 0.0183 L/h per kg), followed
      by patients receiving VPA + enzyme inducers (0.0271 L/h per kg), patients on LTG
      monotherapy (0.0298 L/h per kg) and patients comedicated with enzyme inducers
      (0.056 L/h per kg) LTG CL/F correlated significantly with LTG dose (P < 0.01),
      but showed no significant relationship with gender, weight, and age. LTG CL/F is
      influenced by the type of antiepileptic comedication. The correlation with dose
      may be a spurious finding related to the fact that physicians, in adjusting
      dosage according to clinical response, are more likely to use larger doses in
      patients with high clearance values.

PMID- 27120711
TI  - The scientific foundations and associated injury risks of early soccer
      specialisation.
AB  - Early specialisation is characterised by formal participation in a single sport
      at the exclusion of others. Limited data are available to support this approach
      in the development of soccer players who attain elite status later in life. Of
      growing concern is the associated increased risk of injury and suggestions that
      single sport specialisation is a risk factor independent of age, growth,
      biological maturation and training volumes. In the United Kingdom, elite soccer
      organisations have recently adopted an early sport specialisation approach
      following the introduction of the Elite Player Performance Plan. A key tenet of
      this programme is increased opportunities for training through a marked rise in
      the specified on-pitch hours per week. The accumulation of high training hours
      may be less of a relevant marker for success, and the impact of such a
      significant increase in training volume for young athletes who are experiencing a
      range of growth and maturational processes is currently unknown. This critical
      commentary includes an evidence-based discussion of the effectiveness of early
      sport specialisation and the potential injury risks associated with such
      programmes placing a specific focus on elite male youth soccer players. Available
      data indicate that modifications to the existing Elite Player Performance Plan
      framework could enhance players' development and reduce injury risk. Proposed
      alterations include reduced volume of soccer-specific training at key stages of
      growth and maturation and guidelines for the provision of a greater variety of
      physical activities that are integrated within other programme components.

PMID- 27120712
TI  - Use of National Burden to Define Operative Emergency General Surgery.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Emergency general surgery (EGS) represents 11% of surgical admissions
      and 50% of surgical mortality in the United States. However, there is currently
      no established definition of the EGS procedures. OBJECTIVE: To define a set of
      procedures accounting for at least 80% of the national burden of operative EGS.
      DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective review was conducted using
      data from the 2008-2011 National Inpatient Sample. Adults (age, >=18 years) with
      primary EGS diagnoses consistent with the American Association for the Surgery of
      Trauma definition, admitted urgently or emergently, who underwent an operative
      procedure within 2 days of admission were included in the analyses. Procedures
      were ranked to account for national mortality and complication burden. Among
      ranked procedures, contributions to total EGS frequency, mortality, and hospital
      costs were assessed. The data query and analysis were performed between November
      15, 2015, and February 16, 2016. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Overall procedure
      frequency, in-hospital mortality, major complications, and inpatient costs
      calculated per 3-digit International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision,
      Clinical Modification procedure codes. RESULTS: The study identified 421 476
      patient encounters associated with operative EGS, weighted to represent 2.1
      million nationally over the 4-year study period. The overall mortality rate was
      1.23% (95% CI, 1.18%-1.28%), the complication rate was 15.0% (95% CI, 14.6%
      15.3%), and mean cost per admission was $13 241 (95% CI, $12 957-$13 525). After
      ranking the 35 procedure groups by contribution to EGS mortality and morbidity
      burden, a final set of 7 operative EGS procedures were identified, which
      collectively accounted for 80.0% of procedures, 80.3% of deaths, 78.9% of
      complications, and 80.2% of inpatient costs nationwide. These 7 procedures
      included partial colectomy, small-bowel resection, cholecystectomy, operative
      management of peptic ulcer disease, lysis of peritoneal adhesions, appendectomy,
      and laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Only 7 procedures account for most
      admissions, deaths, complications, and inpatient costs attributable to the 512
      079 EGS procedures performed in the United States each year. National quality
      benchmarks and cost reduction efforts should focus on these common, complicated,
      and costly EGS procedures.

PMID- 27120714
TI  - Toward Wearable Cooling Devices: Highly Flexible Electrocaloric Ba0.67 Sr0.33
      TiO3 Nanowire Arrays.
AB  - Flexible lead-free ferroelectric ceramic nanowire arrays exhibit a unique
      combination of features that can contribute to the realization of wearable
      cooling devices, including an outstanding electrocaloric effect at low fields,
      high efficiency, bendability and stretchability, and robustness against
      mechanical deformations. Thermodynamic and phase-field simulations are carried
      out to validate their superior electrocaloric effect in comparison to thin films.

PMID- 27120713
TI  - Comparative top down proteomics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from kidney
      transplant recipients with normal kidney biopsies or acute rejection.
AB  - Recent studies utilizing transcriptomics, metabolomics, and bottom up proteomics
      have identified molecular signatures of kidney allograft pathology. Although
      these results make significant progress toward non-invasive differential
      diagnostics of dysfunction of a transplanted kidney, they provide little
      information on the intact, often modified, protein molecules present during
      progression of this pathology. Because intact proteins underpin diverse
      biological processes, measuring the relative abundance of their modified forms
      promises to advance mechanistic understanding, and might provide a new class of
      biomarker candidates. Here, we used top down proteomics to inventory the modified
      forms of whole proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) taken at
      the time of kidney biopsy for 40 kidney allograft recipients either with healthy
      transplants or those suffering acute rejection. Supported by gas-phase
      fragmentation of whole protein ions during tandem mass spectrometry, we
      identified 344 proteins mapping to 2905 distinct molecular forms (proteoforms).
      Using an initial implementation of a label-free approach to quantitative top down
      proteomics, we obtained evidence suggesting relative abundance changes in 111
      proteoforms between the two patient groups. Collectively, our work is the first
      to catalog intact protein molecules in PBMCs and suggests differentially abundant
      proteoforms for further analysis.

PMID- 27120715
TI  - Narrow QRS Tachycardia with Spontaneous Switch. What Is the Mechanism?

PMID- 27120717
TI  - Structural and Thermodynamic Properties of the Cm(III) Ion Solvated by Water and
      Methanol.
AB  - The geometric and electronic structures of the 9-coordinate Cm(3+) ion solvated
      with both water and methanol are systematically investigated in the gas phase at
      each possible solvent-shell composition and configuration using density
      functional theory and second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory. Ab initio
      molecular dynamics simulations are employed to assess the effects of second and
      third solvent shells on the gas-phase structure. The ion-solvent dissociation
      energy for methanol is greater than that of water, potentially because of
      increased charge donation to the ion made possible by the electron-rich methyl
      group. Further, the ion-solvent dissociation energy and the ion-solvent distance
      are shown to be dependent on the solvent-shell composition. This has implications
      for solvent exchange, which is generally the rate-limiting step in complexation
      reactions utilized in the separation of curium from complex metal mixtures that
      derive from the advanced nuclear fuel cycle.

PMID- 27120718
TI  - The Psychobiology of Authentic and Simulated Dissociative Personality States: The
      Full Monty.
AB  - The etiology of dissociative identity disorder (DID) remains a topic of debate.
      Proponents of the fantasy model and the trauma model of DID have both called for
      more empirical research. To this end, the current study presents new and extended
      data analyses of a previously published H2O positron emission tomography imaging
      study. This study included 29 subjects: 11 patients with DID and 10 high- and 8
      low-fantasy-prone DID-simulating mentally healthy control subjects. All subjects
      underwent an autobiographical memory script-driven (neutral and trauma related)
      imagery paradigm in 2 (simulated) dissociative personality states (neutral and
      trauma related). Psychobiological and psychophysiological data were obtained.
      Results of the new post-hoc tests on the psychophysiological responses support
      the trauma model. New results of the brain imaging data did not support the
      fantasy model. This study extends previously published results by offering
      important new supporting data for the trauma model of DID.

PMID- 27120719
TI  - Psychological Strains and Suicidal Intent: An Empirical Study to Relate the 2
      Psychopathological Variables.
AB  - Psychological strains are hypothesized to precede a suicidal intent that may lead
      to suicide, where psychological strains can be considered a function of social
      structure embedded with negative life events. This study aimed to test the
      potential relationship between psychological strains and suicidal intent in
      Chinese rural suicide attempters. Data regarding medically serious suicide
      attempters (N = 791) were gathered from county-level emergency rooms in randomly
      selected counties in rural China (15-54 years of age). Face-to-face interview
      data were obtained with semistructured instruments. Results showed that the
      strain variables interacted with gender in predicting degree of suicide intent in
      Chinese rural suicide attempters. Specifically, aspiration strain and coping
      strain were associated with suicide intent in Chinese male suicide attempters,
      whereas value strain was associated with suicide intent in Chinese female suicide
      attempters. This study supported the strain hypothesis in Chinese rural suicide
      attempters.

PMID- 27120720
TI  - Jack Kerouac Revisited: "Madness" in On the Road Between Stigma and
      Glorification.
AB  - On the Road is a classic American novel that appeared at a time of great
      political, cultural, and psychiatric upheaval. Published almost 60 years ago, it
      still exerts great influence. We propose that the affirmative approach toward
      "madness" in the novel can enlighten our understanding of alternative perceptions
      of mental illness. The novel is analyzed with quantifying and narrative methods
      focusing on the concept of madness, which is a prominent theme in the novel.
      Stigma and glorification of madness can be found throughout the text. The
      positive sides and the pitfalls of an overly positive attitude toward mental
      illness and minority group members are discussed, including benevolent
      discrimination, recovery, and positive psychiatry.

PMID- 27120716
TI  - Regulation of metabolic health and adipose tissue function by group 2 innate
      lymphoid cells.
AB  - Adipose tissue (AT) is home to an abundance of immune cells. With chronic
      obesity, inflammatory immune cells accumulate and promote insulin resistance and
      the progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus. In contrast, recent studies have
      highlighted the regulation and function of immune cells in lean, healthy AT,
      including those associated with type 2 or "allergic" immunity. Although
      traditionally activated by infection with multicellular helminthes, AT type 2
      immunity is active independently of infection, and promotes tissue homeostasis,
      AT "browning," and systemic insulin sensitivity, protecting against obesity
      induced metabolic dysfunction and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In particular, group
      2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are integral regulators of AT type 2 immunity,
      producing the cytokines interleukin-5 and IL-13, promoting eosinophils and
      alternatively activated macrophages, and cooperating with and promoting AT
      regulatory T (Treg) cells. In this review, we focus on the recent developments in
      our understanding of group 2 innate lymphoid cell cells and type 2 immunity in AT
      metabolism and homeostasis.

PMID- 27120721
TI  - [Actual questions about the prevention of venous thromboembolism in cancer
      patients receiving chemotherapy].
AB  - Cancer patients have a 2-7 fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared
      with the general population and, since 1990, this is associated with significant
      morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes the current knowledge on venous
      thromboembolism and cancer. Notably, the risk of venous thromboembolism varies
      depending on the type and stage of cancer. For instance, pancreatic and brain
      cancer patients have a higher risk of venous thromboembolism than breast and
      prostate cancer patients. Moreover, patients with metastatic disease have a
      higher risk than those with localized tumors. Tumor-derived procoagulant factors,
      cytokines and growth factors may directly and indirectly enhance venous
      thromboembolism. Chemotherapy produces ~6,5 fold increase in venous
      thromboembolism incidence in cancer patients compared to the general population.
      Prevention of this complication is challenging. The authors review the
      development of guidelines concerning venous thromboembolism prevention in
      hospitalized and also in ambulatory cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.
      Current guidelines recommend the use of low-molecular-weight heparin.
      Understanding the underlying mechanisms may allow the development of new
      therapies to safely prevent venous thromboembolism in cancer patients.

PMID- 27120722
TI  - [Developments in suture techniques of hand flexor tendon injuries during the last
      fifteen years].
AB  - In the reconstruction of hand flexor tendon injuries it is fundamental to select
      the best suture technique, which makes possible early, active postoperative
      mobilization and achievement of the best results. The author reviews the
      development of suture techniques of the flexor tendon injuries during the last
      fifteen years, and discusses experimental tendon reconstruction results as well
      as clinical outcomes. The author describes the importance of different tendon
      suture materials, the significance of the pulley system of the fingers, the
      stretching between the sutured tendon ends by tendon sutures and, finally, the
      importance of the moving course in the reconstructed tendon. He states, that the
      wide-range adoption of the discussed modern tendon sutures would be necessary for
      better postoperative results.

PMID- 27120723
TI  - [In silico diabetology].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Simulation models can contribute substantially to our understanding
      and ability to control the dynamic processes underlying impaired glucose
      metabolism in diabetic patients. AIM: The aim of this paper is to outline a new
      comprehensive, physiologically-based dynamic model of glucose homeostasis
      incorporating up-to-date quantitative knowledge about glucose metabolism and its
      control by insulin and glucagon. METHOD: The model is composed of three submodels
      for glucose, insulin, and glucagon. RESULTS: The glucose submodel specifies the
      dynamics of glucose absorption following meals, hepatic glucose production and
      uptake, peripheral glucose uptake, kidney excretion, and insulin-independent
      uptake of glucose in the brain and red blood cells. The insulin submodel includes
      equations for insulin absorption, pancreatic insulin release and insulin
      clearance. The glucagon model specifies the hormone secretion and elimination
      kinetics. Algebraic equations are used to specify (i) how the hormones affect
      glucose production and utilisation in various compartments such as liver, muscle
      and fat tissues, and (ii) how glucose levels modify insulin and glucagon release
      from the pancreas. Setting the values of various model parameters is used to
      generate virtual individual patients. CONCLUSIONS: The model allows the
      simulation of 24-hour blood glucose profiles for both insulin-dependent non
      insulin dependent diabetic patients.

PMID- 27120724
TI  - [Synovial sarcoma. Case report].
AB  - In 2013 there were 94,770 new cancer patients reported in Hungary. Synovial
      sarcoma accounts for 0.05-0.1% of all cancers and, therefore its incidence is
      predicted to be 47-94 patients/year in Hungary. The authors report the history of
      a 18-year-old man who was operated on a right upper abdominal wall tumor with R1
      resection. During the next 5 months the tumor grew up to 8 cm in largest
      diameter. Histology revealed monophasic synovial sarcoma. Immunohistochemistry
      showed bcl2, focal CD99 and high molecular weight cytokeratin positivity, while
      smooth muscle actin, S100 and CD34 immunostainings were negative. Becose of this
      reoperation was not possible, curative six cycles of doxorubicine and ifosfamide
      with granulocyte colony stimulating factor support and 60 Gy radiotherapy was
      given to the tumor bed. After these treatments computed tomography scan was
      negative and the patient attended regular imaging every 3 months. At the age of
      20 years the patient developed two neoplastic lesions in the surgical scar
      measuring 10 mm and 45 * 10 mm in size. R0 resection, partial rib resection and
      abdominal wall reconstruction were performed. Histology confirmed residual
      monophasic synovial sarcoma. Radiotherapy was not given because of a risk of
      intestinal wall perforation. Staging positron emission tomography-computed
      tomography proved to be negative. At the age of 22 years magnetic resonance
      imaging scans indicated no tumor recurrence, but after one month a rapidly
      growing tumorous lesion was found on ultrasound in the surgical scar measuring 20
      * 20 * 12 mm in size. Cytology confirmed local recurrence and fluorescence in
      situ hibridization indicated t(x;18). R0 exstirpation and partial mesh resection
      were performed and histology showed the same monophasic synovial sarcoma. Because
      of the presence of vascular invasion and a close resection margin (1 mm) the
      patient underwent 3 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (doxorubicine and ifosfamide)
      with granulocyte colony stimulating factor support and 3 cycles of ifosfamide.
      After 2 years follow up at the age of 24 years, imaging studies did not reveal
      any local or distant recurrence.

PMID- 27120725
TI  - [Criticism of physicians by Johannes Gregorius Macer Szepsius (1530-after 1579)].
AB  - Humanist author J. G. Macer Szepsius (1530-after 1579) born in Szepsi, Upper
      Hungary (today Slovakia, Moldava and Bodvou) lived in Krakow and was a typical
      author of Latin occasional poetry. In a part of his work De vera gloria libellus
      (Booklet on the true glory) published in 1562 he deals with certain professions
      and criticizes them. Physicians are described as being garrulus (loquacious),
      mendicus (beggar), and having a big belly due to a luxury. The Physician doesn't
      read books, is lazy and not characterized by his knowledge, but rather by
      ignorance, arrogance and pride. Physicians prescribe medications without knowing
      their effects. Such a criticism is surprising, because Macer Szepsius was
      probably closely related to medicine.

PMID- 27120727
TI  - Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of a 13,13'-Bibenzo[b]perylenyl Derivative
      as a pi-Extended 1,1'-Binaphthyl Analog.
AB  - A 13,13'-bibenzo[b]perylenyl derivative-an axially chiral pi-extended compound in
      which two perylene subunits fused to 1,1'-binaphthyl scaffold-has been
      synthesized from 1,8-dibromophenanthrene using an anionic cyclodehydrogenation
      reaction in the presence of potassium metal as the key step. The pair of
      enantiomers can be separated by chiral high-performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC), which showed a strong circular dichroism (CD) (Deltaepsilon = 330 M(-1)
      cm(-1) at 449 nm, |gCD| = 5.8 * 10(-3) at 453 nm), high fluorescence quantum
      yield (Phif = 64%), and strong circular polarized luminescence (CPL) (|gCPL| = 5
      * 10(-3) at 454 nm) in solution phase.

PMID- 27120728
TI  - microRNA-25 Inhibits Cell Apoptosis of Human Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cell Line AGS
      via Regulating CCNE1 and MYC.
AB  - BACKGROUND Gastric carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer death.
      microRNAs play vital roles in regulating expression of related oncogenes.
      microRNA-25 (miR-25) has been found to be up-regulated in gastric carcinoma.
      However, its roles in affecting cell apoptosis of gastric carcinoma and the
      related mechanism remain elusive. This study aimed to uncover the influences of
      miR-25 on gastric carcinoma cell apoptosis and the possible functional mechanisms
      involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS Human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS was
      used and transfected with lentivirus containing miR-25-specifc inhibitor sponge
      or expression vector to analyze the effects of miR-25. RESULTS miR-25 had higher
      expression in AGS than in human gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 (P<0.01).
      Inhibition of miR-25 by its sponge in AGS cells resulted in suppressed cell
      viability (P<0.01) and promoted cell apoptosis (P<0.01), while overexpression of
      miR-25 abrogated these effects (P<0.01 and P<0.05), indicating that miR-25 can
      promote cell viability and inhibit cell apoptosis in AGS cells. Expression
      analysis of related factors by Western blot showed that inhibiting miR-25 led to
      the up-regulation of F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBXW7, P<0.01) and
      the down-regulation of FBXW7 substrates, cyclin E1 (CCNE1, P<0.01), and v-myc
      avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS These
      results indicate that miR-25 has anti-apoptosis roles in AGS cells, possibly via
      inhibiting FBXW7 and thus promoting oncogenes, such as CCNE1 and MYC. This study
      provides basic evidence for using miR-25 as a possible therapeutic target in
      treating gastric carcinoma. 

PMID- 27120729
TI  - LAPAROSCOPIC RESECTION OF GASTROINTESTINAL STROMAL TUMORS (GIST).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal mesenchymal or stromal tumors (GIST) are lesions
      originated on digestive tract walls, which are treated by surgical resection.
      Several laparoscopic techniques, from gastrectomies to segmental resections, have
      been used successfully. AIM: Describe a single center experience on laparoscopic
      GIST resection. METHOD: Charts of 15 operated patients were retrospectively
      reviewed. Thirteen had gastric lesions, of which ten were sub epithelial, ranging
      from 2-8 cm; and three were pure exofitic growing lesions. The remaining two
      patients had small bowel lesions. Surgical laparoscopic treatment consisted of
      two distal gastrectomies, 11 wedge gastric resections and two segmental
      enterectomies. Mechanical suture was used in the majority of patients except on
      six, which underwent resection and closure using manual absorbable sutures. There
      were no conversions to open technique. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 1h 29
      min+/-92 (40-420 min). Average lenght of hospital stay was three days (2-6 days).
      There were no leaks, postoperative bleeding or need for reintervention. Mean
      postoperative follow-up was 38+/-17 months (6-60 months). Three patients
      underwent adjuvant Imatinib treatment, one for recurrence five months
      postoperatively and two for tumors with moderate risk for recurrence .
      CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic GIST resection, not only for small lesions but also for
      tumors above 5 cm, is safe and acceptable technique.

PMID- 27120730
TI  - THE PANC 3 SCORE PREDICTING SEVERITY OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About 20% of cases of acute pancreatitis progress to a severe form,
      leading to high mortality rates. Several studies suggested methods to identify
      patients that will progress more severely. However, most studies present problems
      when used on daily practice. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the PANC 3
      score to predict acute pancreatitis severity and its relation to clinical
      outcome. METHODS: Acute pancreatitis patients were assessed as to sex, age, body
      mass index (BMI), etiology of pancreatitis, intensive care need, length of stay,
      length of stay in intensive care unit and mortality. The PANC 3 score was
      determined within the first 24 hours after diagnosis and compared to acute
      pancreatitis grade of the Revised Atlanta classification. RESULTS: Out of 64
      patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, 58 met the inclusion criteria. The
      PANC 3 score was positive in five cases (8.6%), pancreatitis progressed to a
      severe form in 10 cases (17.2%) and five patients (8.6%) died. Patients with a
      positive score and severe pancreatitis required intensive care more often, and
      stayed for a longer period in intensive care units. The PANC 3 score showed
      sensitivity of 50%, specificity of 100%, accuracy of 91.4%, positive predictive
      value of 100% and negative predictive value of 90.6% in prediction of severe
      acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: The PANC 3 score is useful to assess acute
      pancreatitis because it is easy and quick to use, has high specificity, high
      accuracy and high predictive value in prediction of severe acute pancreatitis.

PMID- 27120731
TI  - I BRAZILIAN CONSENSUS ON MULTIMODAL TREATMENT OF COLORECTAL LIVER METASTASES.
      MODULE 2: APPROACH TO RESECTABLE METASTASES.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver metastases of colorectal cancer are frequent and potentially
      fatal event in the evolution of patients. AIM: In the second module of this
      consensus, management of resectable liver metastases was discussed. METHOD:
      Concept of synchronous and metachronous metastases was determined, and both
      scenarius were discussed separately according its prognostic and therapeutic
      peculiarities. RESULTS: Special attention was given to the missing metastases due
      to systemic preoperative treatment response, with emphasis in strategies to avoid
      its reccurrence and how to manage disappeared lesions. CONCLUSION: Were presented
      validated ressectional strategies, to be taken into account in clinical practice.

PMID- 27120732
TI  - IMPLEMENTATION AND VALIDATION OF STATISTICAL TESTS IN RESEARCH'S SOFTWARE HELPING
      DATA COLLECTION AND PROTOCOLS ANALYSIS IN SURGERY.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of information technology is often applied in healthcare.
      With regard to scientific research, the SINPE(c) - Integrated Electronic
      Protocols was created as a tool to support researchers, offering clinical data
      standardization. By the time, SINPE(c) lacked statistical tests obtained by
      automatic analysis. AIM: Add to SINPE(c) features for automatic realization of
      the main statistical methods used in medicine . METHODS: The study was divided
      into four topics: check the interest of users towards the implementation of the
      tests; search the frequency of their use in health care; carry out the
      implementation; and validate the results with researchers and their protocols. It
      was applied in a group of users of this software in their thesis in the strict
      sensu master and doctorate degrees in one postgraduate program in surgery. To
      assess the reliability of the statistics was compared the data obtained both
      automatically by SINPE(c) as manually held by a professional in statistics with
      experience with this type of study. RESULTS: There was concern for the use of
      automatic statistical tests, with good acceptance. The chi-square, Mann-Whitney,
      Fisher and t-Student were considered as tests frequently used by participants in
      medical studies. These methods have been implemented and thereafter approved as
      expected. CONCLUSION: The incorporation of the automatic SINPE

PMID- 27120733
TI  - THE LARGEST WESTERN EXPERIENCE WITH HEPATOPANCREATODUODENECTOMY: LESSONS LEARNED
      WITH 35 CASES.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatopancreatoduodenectomy is one of the most complex abdominal
      operations mainly indicated in advanced biliary carcinoma. AIM: To present 10
      year experience performing this operation in advanced malignant tumors. METHODS:
      This is a retrospective descriptive study. From 2004 to 2014, 35
      hepatopancreatoduodenectomies were performed in three different institutions. The
      most common indication was advanced biliary carcinoma in 24 patients (68.5%).
      RESULTS: Eighteen patients had gallbladder cancer, eight Klatskin tumors, five
      neuroendocrine tumors with liver metastasis, one colorectal metastasis invading
      the pancreatic head, one intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm with liver
      metastasis, one gastric cancer recurrence with liver involvement and one ocular
      melanoma with pancreatic head and right liver lobe metastasis. All patients were
      submitted to pancreatoduodenectomy with a liver resection as follows: eight right
      trisectionectomies, five right lobectomies, four left lobectomies, 18 central
      lobectomies (IVb, V and VIII). The overall mortality was 34.2% (12/35) and the
      overall morbidity rate was 97.4%. CONCLUSION: Very high mortality is seen when
      major liver resection is performed with pancreatoduodenectomy, including right
      lobectomy and trisectionectomy. Liver failure in combination with a pancreatic
      leak is invariably lethal. Efforts to ensure a remnant liver over 40-50% of the
      total liver volume are the key to obtain patient survival.

PMID- 27120734
TI  - COMPARATIVE STUDY ON LIVER TRANSPLANTATION WITH AND WITHOUT HEPATOCELLULAR
      CARCINOMA WITH CIRRHOSIS: ANALYSIS OF MELD, WAITING TIME AND SURVIVAL.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the usual treatment for hepatocellular
      carcinoma. AIM: To analyze the MELD score, waiting time and three month and one
      year survival for liver transplantation in cirrhotic patients affected by
      hepatocellular carcinoma or not. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational
      and analytical study of 93 patients submitted to liver transplantation. RESULTS:
      There were 28 hepatocellular carcinoma and 65 non-hepatocellular carcinoma
      patients with no differences related to age and sex distribution. The main causes
      of cirrhosis on hepatocellular carcinoma were hepatitis C virus (57.1%) and
      hepatitis B virus (28.5%), more frequent than non-hepatocellular carcinoma
      patients, which presented 27.7% and 4.6% respectively. The physiological and
      exception MELD score on hepatocellular carcinoma were 11.9 and 22.3 points. On
      non-hepatocellular carcinoma, it was 19.4 points, higher than the physiological
      MELD and lower than the exception MELD on hepatocellular carcinoma. The waiting
      time for transplantation was 96.2 days for neoplasia, shorter than the waiting
      time for non-neoplasia patients, which was 165.6 days. Three month and one year
      survival were 85.7% and 78.6% for neoplasia patients, similar to non-neoplasia,
      which were 77% and 75.4%. CONCLUSION: Hepatocellular carcinoma patients presented
      lower physiological MELD score, higher exception MELD score and shorter waiting
      time for transplantation when compared to non-hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
      Three month and one year survival were the same between the groups.

PMID- 27120735
TI  - COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PREOPERATIVE ULTRASONOGRAPHY REPORTS WITH INTRAOPERATIVE
      SURGICAL FINDINGS IN CHOLELITHIASIS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is widely used for cholelithiasis.
      Abdominal ultrasonography often precedes this operation and can prove diagnosis,
      as well as helps in showing possible complications during the perioperative
      period. AIM: Evaluate the description of variables of gallbladder and bile ducts
      present in reports of preoperative abdominal ultrasonography in cholelithiasis
      comparing with surgical findings. METHODS: Were studied 91 patients who underwent
      elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy with previous abdominal ultrasonography.
      Variables such as identification and amount of gallstones involved were
      evaluated, both in preoperative ultrasonography and during surgery to evaluate
      sensitivity, specificity, concordance and positive and negative predictive
      values. RESULTS: The reports did not mention diameter of vesicular light (98.9%),
      organ distension (62.6%), gallstone sizes (58.2%), wall thickness (41.8%) and
      evaluation of the common bile duct (39.6%). Ultrasound had high values for
      sensitivity, consistency and positive predictive value for identifying the
      presence/absence of gallstones: 98.8%, 96.7% and 97.8% respectively. As for the
      amount of stones, ultrasonography showed agreement in 82.7%, negative predictive
      value in 89.1% and specificity in 87.7%, with lower values for sensitivity
      (68.2%) and positive predictive value (65.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound
      reports were flawed in standardization. Significant percentage of them did not
      have variables that could predict perioperative complications and surgical
      conversion.

PMID- 27120736
TI  - ACUTE APENDICITIS IN LIVER TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is a common cause of emergency surgery that in the
      population undergoing organ transplantation presents a rare incidence due to late
      diagnosis and treatment. AIM: To report the occurrence of acute appendicitis in a
      cohort of liver transplant recipients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis in a
      period of 12 years among 925 liver transplants, in witch five cases of acute
      appendicitis were encountered. RESULTS: Appendicitis occurred between three and
      46 months after liver transplantation. The age ranged between 15 and 58 years.
      There were three men and two women. The clinical presentations varied, but not
      discordant from those found in non-transplanted patients. Pain was a symptom
      found in all patients, in two cases well located in the right iliac fossa (40%).
      Two patients had symptoms characteristic of peritoneal irritation (40%) and one
      patient had abdominal distention (20%). All patients were submitted to
      laparotomies. In 20% there were no complications. In 80% was performed
      appendectomy complicated by suppuration (40%) or perforation (40%). Superficial
      infection of the surgical site occurred in two patients, requiring clinical
      management. The hospital stay ranged from 48 h to 45 days. CONCLUSION: Acute
      appendicitis after liver transplantation is a rare event being associated with a
      high rate of drilling, due to delays in diagnosis and therapy, and an increase in
      hospital stay.

PMID- 27120737
TI  - CORRELATION BETWEEN PRE AND POSTOPERATIVE UPPER DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY IN PATIENTS
      WHO UNDERWENT ROUX-EN-Y GASTROJEJUNAL BYPASS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bariatric operations have variable range of complications and
      postoperative benefits. Gastroesophageal reflux is considered potential factor
      that may result in damage to the esophageal mucosa and this subject is quite
      controversial in the literature. AIM: To evaluate patients who underwent to Roux
      en-Y gastrojejunal bypass correlating epidemiologic and endoscopic findings in
      pre and postoperative periods. METHOD: A retrospective, paired study which
      evaluated 110 patients. Inclusion criteria were formal indication for bariatric
      surgery and patients with pre and postoperative endoscopy. Exclusion criteria
      were previous bariatric surgery, patients subjected to other types of bariatric
      surgery and those who had no pre or postoperative upper digestive endoscopy. The
      epidemiological variables were: sex, age, body mass index, type 2 diabetes
      mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance, and preoperative dyslipidemia. RESULTS:
      The preoperative upper endoscopy was normal in 26.4% of the patients. Among
      endoscopic alterations, the hiatus hernia was the most prevalent followed by non
      erosive gastritis. The postoperative upper endoscopy was normal in 40.9% and
      stenosis was the most prevalent followed by marginal ulcer. Correlation on pre
      and postoperative endoscopies, was found 100% reduction of hiatal hernias and 88%
      of esophagitis. There was no statistical significance in relationship to
      anastomotic stenosis with preoperative other variables. Conclusions . There was
      significant decrease in postoperative hiatus hernia, erosive esophagitis, non
      erosive esophagitis, erosive gastritis and non-erosive gastritis with the
      operation. Stenosis of the gastrojejunostomy anastomosis was the most prevalent
      postoperative complication with no correlation with preoperative variables.

PMID- 27120738
TI  - IMPACT OF DEFICIENT NUTRITION IN BONE MASS AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Essential nutrients are considered for the prevention of the bone
      loss that occurs after bariatric surgery. AIM: Evaluate nutrients involved in
      bone metabolism, and relate to serum concentrations of calcium, vitamin D, and
      parathyroid hormone, and the use of supplements and sun exposure on the bone mass
      of patients who had undergone gastric bypass surgery. METHODS: An observational
      study, with patients who had undergone the surgery 12 or more months previously,
      operated group (OG), compared to a control group (CG). RESULTS: Were included 56
      in OG and 27 in the CG. The mean age was 36.4+/-8.5 years. The individuals in the
      OG, compared to CG, consumed inadequate amounts of protein and daily calcium. The
      OG had a higher prevalence of low sun exposure, lower levels of 25OH Vitamin D
      (21.3+/-10.9 vs. 32.1+/-11.8 ng/dl), and increased serum levels of parathyroid
      hormone (68.1+/-32.9 vs. 39.9+/-11.9 pg/ml, p<0.001). Secondary
      hyperparathyroidism was present only in the OG (41.7%). The mean lumbar spine
      bone mineral density was lower in the OG. Four individuals from the OG had low
      bone mineral density for chronological age, and no one from the CG. CONCLUSION:
      The dietary components that affect bone mass in patients undergoing bariatric
      surgery were inadequate. The supplementation was insufficient and the sun
      exposure was low. These changes were accompanied by secondary hyperparathyroidism
      and a high prevalence of low bone mass in lumbar spine in these subjects.

PMID- 27120739
TI  - SPEECH THERAPY INTERVENTION IN MORBIDLY OBESE UNDERGOING FOBI-CAPELL GASTROPLASTY
      METHOD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation of complications related to oral feeding,
      resulting from gastroplasty is the competence of the speech therapist, to
      intervene in mastication and swallowing functions, aiming at quality of life.
      AIM: Check in the postoperative period the efficiency of stimulation, independent
      judges in readiness for re-introduction of solid food in morbidly obese
      undergoing gastroplasty. METHOD: Cross-sectional study of descriptive and
      quantitative evaluated mastication and quality of life of 70 morbidly obese
      patients undergoing gastroplasty, and a group of 35 obese suffered speech
      therapy. RESULTS: In the evaluation of mastication for group 1 (pre and post
      speech therapy), the results show that, except for the lack of chewing, the other
      variables, such as food court, type of mastication, mastication rhythm, jaw
      movements, bolus size, excessive mastication and fluid intake, demonstrate
      statistical insignificance. In evaluating the quality of life when compared
      groups 1 and 2, the results from the questionnaire on quality of life in
      dysphagia (SWAL-QoL - Quality of Life in Swallowing) total and 11 domains
      assessed in the questionnaire, were statistically significant. With these
      results, the group 2 presented unfavorable conditions for quality of life.
      CONCLUSION: The stimulation protocol, independent judges in readiness for re
      introduction of solid food of these patients in the postoperative period, applied
      in these conditions of the study, was not the distinguishing factor of the
      rehabilitation process for the observed period.

PMID- 27120740
TI  - END-TO-END VERSUS END-TO-SIDE ANASTOMOSIS IN THE TREATMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA
      OR TRACHEO-ESOPHAGEAL FISTULA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dehiscence of esophageal anastomosis is frequent and there are still
      controversies which type of anastomosis is preferred to diminish its incidence .
      AIM: To compare end-to-end anastomosis versus end-to-side anastomosis in terms of
      anastomotic leakage, esophageal stricture and gastroesophageal reflux symptom.
      METHODS: This study was carried out for two year starting from 2012. End-to-side
      and end-to-side anastomosis were compared in terms of anastomotic leakage,
      esophageal stricture, gastroesophageal reflux symptom, length of surgery and pack
      cell infusion. RESULTS: Respectively to end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis,
      duration of surgery was 127.63+/-13.393 minutes and 130.29+/-10.727 minutes
      (p=0.353); esophageal stricture was noted in two (5.9%) and eight (21.1%) cases
      (p=0.09); gastroesophageal reflux disease was detected in six (15.8%) and three
      (8.8%) cases (p=0.485); anastomotic leakage was found in five (13.2%) and one
      (2.9%) cases (p=0.203); duration of neonatal intensive care unit admission was
      significantly shorter in end-to-end (11.05+/-2.438 day) compared to end-to-side
      anastomosis (13.88+/-2.306 day) (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: There were no significant
      differences between end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis except for length of
      neonatal intensive care unit admission which was significantly shorter in end-to
      end anastomosis group.

PMID- 27120741
TI  - SURGICAL GASTROSTOMY BASED ON ENDOSCOPIC CONCEPTS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Until the early 1980s, Stamm technique was considered standard method
      to gastrostomy. After description of the endoscopic technique, due to its
      efficiency and speed, quickly became the method of choice for long-term enteral
      access. AIM: Describe a technique that combines direct view of the stomach from
      open surgery with the simplicity and less traumatic endoscopic gastrostomy
      method. METHOD: In patient supine under spinal anesthesia the technique stars
      with small epigastric incision to pull up the stomach. A 3 mm incision in the
      left hypochondrium is made to pass needle puncture to guidewire passage. The
      stomach is drilled, guidewire is seizured, connection to catheter and
      percutaneous approach is made with traction of the stomach to the abdominal wall.
      Purse suture on the anterior gastric wall is not needed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight
      patients underwent gastrostomy using endoscopy devices; six had local minor
      complications without the need for re-intervention; there was no death.
      CONCLUSION: The surgical gastrostomy with minimal incision in the stomach to pull
      off the catheter using endoscopic gastrostomy devices, proved to be safe, easy to
      perform, less traumatic, quick, simple and elegant.

PMID- 27120742
TI  - MINILAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minilaparoscopy is considered one of the minimally invasive options
      available for acute appendicitis treatment, although not always employed in less
      complexity public health services. AIM: Report surgical outcomes of
      minilaparoscopy use in acute appendicitis treatment. METHOD: The study included
      21 patients undergoing minilaparoscopic appendectomy with instrumental of 3 mm.
      The following variables were analyzed: sex, age, body mass index, stage of
      appendicitis, surgical time, hospital stay, surgical complications, conversion
      rate to conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy, pain after surgery and aesthetic
      result. RESULTS: Twelve men and nine women underwent minilaparoscopic
      appendectomy. The average age was 27,8 years, the mean BMI was 24,8 kg/m2. The
      operative time ranged from 33 to 160 min and the average of hospital stay was
      three days. Among the 21 patients, 20 reported mild pain or no pain in the first
      postoperative day. The aesthetic result was considered "satisfactory" and "very
      satisfactory" by 95% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The minilaparoscopy is viable
      technique for treating acute appendicitis with a satisfactory recovery. It
      combines the benefits of minimally invasive procedures with results similar to
      conventional techniques.

PMID- 27120743
TI  - ON VASCULAR STENOSIS, RESTENOSIS AND MANNOSE BINDING LECTIN.
AB  - Mannose binding lectin is a lectin instrumental in the innate immunity. It
      recognizes carbohydrate patterns found on the surface of a large number of
      pathogenic micro-organisms, activating the complement system. However, this
      protein seems to increase the tissue damage after ischemia. In this paper is
      reviewed some aspects of harmful role of the mannose binding lectin in
      ischemia/reperfusion injury. 

PMID- 27120744
TI  - MAIN CONTROVERSIES IN THE NONOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF BLUNT SPLENIC INJURIES.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The nonoperative management of traumatic spleen injuries is the
      modality of choice in patients with blunt abdominal trauma and hemodynamic
      stability. However, there are still questions about the treatment indication in
      some groups of patients, as well as its follow-up. AIM: Update knowledge about
      the spleen injury. METHOD: Was performed review of the literature on the
      nonoperative management of blunt injuries of the spleen in databases: Cochrane
      Library, Medline and SciELO. Were evaluated articles in English and Portuguese,
      between 1955 and 2014, using the headings "splenic injury, nonoperative
      management and blunt abdominal trauma". RESULTS: Were selected 35 articles. Most
      of them were recommendation grade B and C. CONCLUSION: The spleen traumatic
      injuries are frequent and its nonoperative management is a worldwide trend. The
      available literature does not explain all aspects on treatment. The authors
      developed a systematization of care based on the best available scientific
      evidence to better treat this condition.

PMID- 27120745
TI  - GASTRIC STUMP CANCER AFTER GASTRECTOMY BY GASTRODUODENAL PEPTIC ULCER.

PMID- 27120746
TI  - SURGICAL TREATMENT OF FISH IMPACTED IN THE UPPER ESOPHAGUS.

PMID- 27120747
TI  - NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS PERITONITIS SEROTYPE C: CASE REPORT.

PMID- 27120748
TI  - WILKIE'S SYNDROME: A RARE CAUSE OF INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION.

PMID- 27120749
TI  - Tofacitinib Citrate for Refractory Cutaneous Dermatomyositis: An Alternative
      Treatment.

PMID- 27120770
TI  - ToxCast EPA in Vitro to in Vivo Challenge: Insight into the Rank-I Model.
AB  - The ToxCast EPA challenge was managed by TopCoder in Spring 2014. The goal of the
      challenge was to develop a model to predict the lowest effect level (LEL)
      concentration based on in vitro measurements and calculated in silico
      descriptors. This article summarizes the computational steps used to develop the
      Rank-I model, which calculated the lowest prediction error for the secret test
      data set of the challenge. The model was developed using the publicly available
      Online CHEmical database and Modeling environment (OCHEM), and it is freely
      available at http://ochem.eu/article/68104 . Surprisingly, this model does not
      use any in vitro measurements. The logic of the decision steps used to develop
      the model and the reason to skip inclusion of in vitro measurements is described.
      We also show that inclusion of in vitro assays would not improve the accuracy of
      the model. 

PMID- 27120772
TI  - Movement disorders and motor impairments following repeated head trauma: A
      systematic review of the literature 1990-2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is increasing attention on the long-term sequelae following
      multiple concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in later life. The majority
      of the research has focused on long-term cognitive impairments and behavioural
      changes. Despite being researched and reported, long-term motor dysfunction and
      movement disorders as a consequence of concussions and TBI have not received due
      consideration. REVIEW: This study used a systematic review and qualitative
      analysis that focused on two key areas: (1) identified movement disorders in
      individuals with a reported history of repeated concussions or repeated mild-to
      moderate TBIs; and (2) identified motor impairments in individuals with a history
      of repeated concussions or repeated mild-to-moderate TBIs. Fourteen studies
      investigating long-term movement disorders or motor impairments as a result of
      repeated concussions or TBI met the selection criteria. Study ratings were
      moderate-to-high; therefore, evidence was strong enough to conclude that repeated
      concussions or repeated mild/moderate TBIs did affect the motor system.
      CONCLUSION: The evidence in this systematic review highlights the need for future
      studies to include motor outcomes along with cognitive and behavioural outcomes
      when assessing the long-term effects of repeated concussions or repeated
      mild/moderate TBIs.

PMID- 27120771
TI  - Polyhydramnios, Transient Antenatal Bartter's Syndrome, and MAGED2 Mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three pregnancies with male offspring in one family were complicated
      by severe polyhydramnios and prematurity. One fetus died; the other two had
      transient massive salt-wasting and polyuria reminiscent of antenatal Bartter's
      syndrome. METHODS: To uncover the molecular cause of this possibly X-linked
      disease, we performed whole-exome sequencing of DNA from two members of the index
      family and targeted gene analysis of other members of this family and of six
      additional families with affected male fetuses. We also evaluated a series of
      women with idiopathic polyhydramnios who were pregnant with male fetuses. We
      performed immunohistochemical analysis, knockdown and overexpression experiments,
      and protein-protein interaction studies. RESULTS: We identified a mutation in
      MAGED2 in each of the 13 infants in our analysis who had transient antenatal
      Bartter's syndrome. MAGED2 encodes melanoma-associated antigen D2 (MAGE-D2) and
      maps to the X chromosome. We also identified two different MAGED2 mutations in
      two families with idiopathic polyhydramnios. Four patients died perinatally, and
      11 survived. The initial presentation was more severe than in known types of
      antenatal Bartter's syndrome, as reflected by an earlier onset of polyhydramnios
      and labor. All symptoms disappeared spontaneously during follow-up in the infants
      who survived. We showed that MAGE-D2 affects the expression and function of the
      sodium chloride cotransporters NKCC2 and NCC (key components of salt reabsorption
      in the distal renal tubule), possibly through adenylate cyclase and cyclic AMP
      signaling and a cytoplasmic heat-shock protein. CONCLUSIONS: We found that MAGED2
      mutations caused X-linked polyhydramnios with prematurity and a severe but
      transient form of antenatal Bartter's syndrome. MAGE-D2 is essential for fetal
      renal salt reabsorption, amniotic fluid homeostasis, and the maintenance of
      pregnancy. (Funded by the University of Groningen and others.).

PMID- 27120773
TI  - Tunable White Fluorescent Copper Gallium Sulfide Quantum Dots Enabled by Mn
      Doping.
AB  - Fluorescence of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) can be tuned by engineering the
      band gap via size and composition control and further doping them with impurity
      ions. Targeting on highly bright white-emissive I-III-VI -type copper gallium
      sulfide (Cu-Ga-S, CGS) host QDs with the entire visible spectral coverage of blue
      to red, herein, Mn(2+) ion doping, through surface adsorption and lattice
      diffusion is fulfilled. Upon doping a distinct Mn emission from (4)T1-(6)A1
      transition successfully appears in white photoluminescence (PL) of undoped
      CGS/ZnS core/shell QDs and with varying Mn concentration a systematic white
      spectral evolution of CGS:Mn/ZnS QDs is achievable with high PL quantum yield
      retained. The origins of white PL of CGS:Mn/ZnS QDs that is well decomposed into
      three emission bands are appropriately assigned. The resulting single-phased,
      doped QDs are then employed as near-UV-to-white down converters for the
      fabrication of white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Electroluminescent properties
      of white QD-LEDs depending on Mn concentration of CGS:Mn/ZnS QDs and forward
      current are also discussed in detail.

PMID- 27120774
TI  - Editorial in this issue.

PMID- 27120775
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27120776
TI  - Difference of opinion - Which is the best treatment on a 2 cm complete endophitic
      tumor on the posterior side of the left kidney? Opinion: Cryoablation.

PMID- 27120777
TI  - Difference of opinion - Which is the best treatment on a 2 cm complete endophitic
      tumor on the posterior side of the left kidney? Opinion: Robotic partial
      nephrectomy.

PMID- 27120778
TI  - Male fertility potential alteration in rheumatic diseases: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improved targeted therapies for rheumatic diseases were developed
      recently resulting in a better prognosis for affected patients. Nowadays,
      patients are living longer and with improved quality of life, including fertility
      potential. These patients are affected by impaired reproductive function and the
      causes are often multifactorial related to particularities of each disease. This
      review highlights how rheumatic diseases and their management affect testicular
      function and male fertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of
      literature of all published data after 1970 was conducted. Data was collected
      about fertility abnormalities in male patients with systemic lupus erythematosus,
      rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, ankylosing spondylitis, Behcet disease and
      gout. Two independent researchers carried out the search in online databases.
      RESULTS: A total of 19 articles were included addressing the following diseases:
      7 systemic lupus erythematosus, 6 Behcet disease, 4 ankylosing spondylitis, 2
      rheumatoid arthritis, 2 dermatomyositis and one gout. Systemic lupus
      erythematosus clearly affects gonadal function impairing spermatogenesis mainly
      due to antisperm antibodies and cyclophosphamide therapy. Behcet disease, gout
      and ankylosing spondylitis patients, including those under anti-TNF therapy in
      the latter disease, do not seem to have reduced fertility whereas in
      dermatomyositis, the fertility potential is hampered by disease activity and by
      alkylating agents. Data regarding rheumatoid arthritis is scarce, gonadal
      dysfunction observed as consequence of disease activity and antisperm antibodies.
      CONCLUSIONS: Reduced fertility potential is not uncommon. Its frequency and
      severity vary among the different rheumatic diseases. Permanent infertility is
      rare and often associated with alkylating agent therapy.

PMID- 27120779
TI  - Three-dimensional reconstructive kidney volume analyses according to the
      endophytic degree of tumors during open partial or radical nephrectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the renal function outcomes and contralateral kidney
      volume change measured by using a 3-dimensional reconstructive method after open
      partial nephrectomy (PN) or open radical nephrectomy (RN) according to the
      endophytic degree of tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 214 PN and 220 RN
      patients. According to the endophytic degree of the tumors, we divided patients
      into 3 groups. Patients were assessed for renal function and kidney volume change
      both preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months. Kidney volume was calculated
      by using personal computer-based software. Subgroup analyses was performed for
      tumor >4cm. RESULTS: Larger and complex tumors were more frequent in the RN group
      than PN group. Among patients with exophytic and mild endophytic tumors, the mean
      postoperative renal function was well preserved in PN group and the mean
      contralateral kidney volume significantly increased in the RN compared to the PN
      group (PN, 145.55 to 149.98mL; 3.0% versus RN, 143.93 to 169.64mL;17.9% p=0.006).
      However, in fully endophytic tumors, compensatory hypertrophy of the
      contralateral kidney was similar between PN and RN (PN, 138.16 to 159.64mL; 15.5%
      versus RN, 138.65 to 168.04mL; 21.2% p=0.416) and renal functional outcomes were
      similar between both groups. These results were also confirmed in tumors >4cm in
      size. CONCLUSIONS: In fully endophytic tumors, especially large tumors, the
      postoperative renal function and contralateral kidney volume were similar;
      therefore, we should consider RN preferentially as surgical option for these
      tumors.

PMID- 27120780
TI  - Stiffness-controlled three-dimensional collagen scaffolds for differentiation of
      human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells into cardiac progenitor cells.
AB  - Stem cell-based regenerative therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for
      myocardial infarction. The aim of this study is to develop stiffness-controlled
      collagen scaffolds to allow proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem
      cell (MSCs) into cardiac progenitor cells. In this study transforming growth
      factor beta2 (TGF-beta2), was used to induce stem cell differentiation into
      cardiac lineage cells. Collagen scaffolds were cross-linked with cross-linkers, 1
      Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC), and N-Hydroxysuccinimide
      (NHS). The results showed that collagen scaffolds cross-linked with 25/50 and
      50/50 of EDC mM/NHS mM cross-linkers exhibited little difference in shape and
      size, the scaffold cross-linked with 50/50 of cross-linkers demonstrated better
      interconnectivity and higher Young's modulus (31.8 kPa) than the other (15.4
      kPa). SEM observation showed that MSCs could grow inside the scaffolds and
      interact with collagen scaffolds. Furthermore, greater viability and cardiac
      lineage differentiation were achieved in MSCs cultured on stiffer scaffolds. The
      results suggest that three-dimensional type I collagen scaffolds with suitable
      cross-linking to adjust for stiffness can affect MSC fate and direct the
      differentiation of MSCs into cardiac progenitor cells with/without TGF-beta2.
      These stiffness-controlled collagen scaffolds hold great potential as carriers
      for delivering MSCs differentiated cardiac progenitor cells into infracted
      hearts. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2234
      2242, 2016.

PMID- 27120781
TI  - In vivo screening and discovery of novel candidate thalidomide analogs in the
      zebrafish embryo and chicken embryo model systems.
AB  - Thalidomide, a drug known for its teratogenic side-effects, is used successfully
      to treat a variety of clinical conditions including leprosy and multiple myeloma.
      Intense efforts are underway to synthesize and identify safer, clinically
      relevant analogs. Here, we conduct a preliminary in vivo screen of a library of
      new thalidomide analogs to determine which agents demonstrate activity, and
      describe a cohort of compounds with anti-angiogenic properties, anti-inflammatory
      properties and some compounds which exhibited both. The combination of the in
      vivo zebrafish and chicken embryo model systems allows for the accelerated
      discovery of new, potential therapies for cancerous and inflammatory conditions. 

PMID- 27120782
TI  - p75 neurotrophin receptor and pro-BDNF promote cell survival and migration in
      clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - p75NTR, a member of TNF receptor family, is the low affinity receptor common to
      several mature neurotrophins and the high affinity receptor for pro
      neurotrophins. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a member of neurotrophin
      family has been described to play an important role in development and
      progression of several cancers, through its binding to a high affinity tyrosine
      kinase receptor B (TrkB) and/or p75NTR. However, the functions of these two
      receptors in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have never been investigated. An
      overexpression of p75NTR, pro-BDNF, and to a lesser extent for TrkB and sortilin,
      was detected by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 83 clear cell RCC tumors.
      p75NTR, mainly expressed in tumor tissues, was significantly associated with
      higher Fuhrman grade in multivariate analysis. In two derived-RCC lines, 786-O
      and ACHN cells, we demonstrated that pro-BDNF induced cell survival and
      migration, through p75NTR as provided by p75NTR RNA silencing or blocking anti
      p75NTR antibody. This mechanism is independent of TrkB activation as demonstrated
      by k252a, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor for Trk neurotrophin receptors. Taken
      together, these data highlight for the first time an important role for p75NTR in
      renal cancer and indicate a putative novel target therapy in RCC. 

PMID- 27120783
TI  - CYB5R1 links epithelial-mesenchymal transition and poor prognosis in colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - Colorectal cancers show significant tumor cell heterogeneity within the same core
      genetic background. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important
      functional aspect of this heterogeneity and hallmark of colorectal cancer
      progression. Here, we identify CYB5R1, an enzyme involved in oxidative stress
      protection and drug metabolism, as an indicator of EMT in colon cancer. We
      demonstrate high CYB5R1 expression in colorectal cancer cells undergoing EMT at
      the infiltrative tumor edge and reveal an extraordinarily strong association of
      CYB5R1 expression with two core EMT gene expression signatures in a large
      independent colon cancer data set from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).
      Furthermore, we demonstrate that CYB5R1 is required for an infiltrative tumor
      cell phenotype, and robustly linked with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer. Our
      findings have important implications for colon cancer cells undergoing EMT and
      may be exploited for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. 

PMID- 27120784
TI  - Over-expression of the miR-483-3p overcomes the miR-145/TP53 pro-apoptotic loop
      in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - The miR-145-5p, which induces TP53-dependent apoptosis, is down-regulated in
      several tumors, including hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), but some HCCs show
      physiological expression of this miR. Here we demonstrate that in HCC cells
      carrying wild-type TP53 the steady activation of the miR-145 signaling selects
      clones resistant to apoptosis via up-regulation of the oncogenic miR-483-3p.
      Expression of the miR-145-5p and of the miR-483-3p correlated negatively in non
      neoplastic liver (n=41; rho=-0.342, P=0.028), but positively in HCCs (n=21;
      rho=0.791, P<0.0001), which we hypothesized to be due to impaired glucose
      metabolism in HCCs versus normal liver. In fact, when liver cancer cells were
      grown in low glucose, miR-145-5p lowered miR-483-3p expression, allowing
      apoptosis, whereas when cells were grown in high glucose the levels of miR-483-3p
      increased, reducing the apoptotic rate. This indicates that depending on glucose
      availability the miR-145-5p has double effects on the miR-483-3p, either
      inhibitory or stimulatory. Moreover, resistance to apoptosis in clones
      overexpressing both miR-145-5p and miR-483-3p was abrogated by silencing the miR
      483-3p. Our data highlight a novel mechanism of resistance to apoptosis in liver
      cancer cells harbouring wild type TP53 and suggest a potential role of miR-145-5p
      and miR-483-3p as druggable targets in a subset of HCCs. 

PMID- 27120785
TI  - Reduction in expression of the benign AR transcriptome is a hallmark of localised
      prostate cancer progression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of androgen receptor (AR) signalling to
      prostate cancer development, little is known about how this signalling pathway
      changes with increasing grade and stage of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To explore
      changes in the normal AR transcriptome in localised prostate cancer, and its
      relation to adverse pathological features and disease recurrence. DESIGN:
      Publically accessible human prostate cancer expression arrays as well as RNA
      sequencing data from the prostate TCGA. Tumour associated PSA and PSAD were
      calculated for a large cohort of men (n=1108) undergoing prostatectomy. OUTCOME
      MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We performed a meta-analysis of the
      expression of an androgen-regulated gene set across datasets using Oncomine.
      Differential expression of selected genes in the prostate TCGA database was
      probed using the edgeR Bioconductor package. Changes in tumour PSA density with
      stage and grade were assessed by Student's t-test, and its association with
      biochemical recurrence explored by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression.
      RESULTS: Meta-analysis revealed a systematic decline in the expression of a
      previously identified benign prostate androgen-regulated gene set with increasing
      tumour grade, reaching significance in nine of 25 genes tested despite increasing
      AR expression. These results were confirmed in a large independent dataset from
      the TCGA. At the protein level, when serum PSA was corrected for tumour volume,
      significantly lower levels were observed with increasing tumour grade and stage,
      and predicted disease recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Lower PSA secretion-per-tumour
      volume is associated with increasing grade and stage of prostate cancer, has
      prognostic relevance, and reflects a systematic perturbation of androgen
      signalling.

PMID- 27120786
TI  - IDH-1R132H mutation status in diffuse glioma patients: implications for
      classification.
AB  - WHO2007 grading of diffuse gliomas in adults is well-established. However, IDH
      mutations make classification of gliomas according to the WHO2007 edition
      controversial. Here, we characterized IDH-1R132H mut status in a cohort of 670
      adult patients with different WHO2007 grades of diffuse glioma. Patient
      characteristics, clinical data and prognoses were obtained from medical records.
      Patients with IDH-1R132H mut were younger and had better clinical outcomes than
      those without mutations. Differences in age among patients with astrocytomas of
      different WHO2007 grades were eliminated after patients were grouped based on IDH
      1R132H status. IDH-1R132H mut was present more often in patients with lower Ki-67
      and MGMT protein levels and higher mutant p53 levels. Ki-67 was also strongly
      associated with WHO2007 grade independently of IDH-1R132H mut status. Moreover,
      patients with Ki-67<30 survived longer than those with Ki-67>=30, regardless of
      IDH-1R132H mut status. Patients in the IDH-1R132H mut group with lower MGMT
      protein levels also had better clinical outcomes than those in other groups. Our
      results indicate that to better treat gliomas, IDH mutation status should be
      included when determining WHO2007 grade in glioma patients. 

PMID- 27120787
TI  - The development and validation of a CT-based radiomics signature for the
      preoperative discrimination of stage I-II and stage III-IV colorectal cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigative the predictive ability of radiomics signature for
      preoperative staging (I-IIvs.III-IV) of primary colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS:
      This study consisted of 494 consecutive patients (training dataset: n=286;
      validation cohort, n=208) with stage I-IV CRC. A radiomics signature was
      generated using LASSO logistic regression model. Association between radiomics
      signature and CRC staging was explored. The classification performance of the
      radiomics signature was explored with respect to the receiver operating
      characteristics(ROC) curve. RESULTS: The 16-feature-based radiomics signature was
      an independent predictor for staging of CRC, which could successfully categorize
      CRC into stage I-II and III-IV (p <0.0001) in training and validation dataset.
      The median of radiomics signature of stage III-IV was higher than stage I-II in
      the training and validation dataset. As for the classification performance of the
      radiomics signature in CRC staging, the AUC was 0.792(95%CI:0.741-0.853) with
      sensitivity of 0.629 and specificity of 0.874. The signature in the validation
      dataset obtained an AUC of 0.708(95%CI:0.698-0.718) with sensitivity of 0.611 and
      specificity of 0.680. CONCLUSIONS: A radiomics signature was developed and
      validated to be a significant predictor for discrimination of stage I-II from III
      IV CRC, which may serve as a complementary tool for the preoperative tumor
      staging in CRC.

PMID- 27120788
TI  - Stroma-derived but not tumor ADAMTS1 is a main driver of tumor growth and
      metastasis.
AB  - The matrix metalloprotease ADAMTS1 (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease with
      ThromboSpondin repeats 1) has been involved in tumorigenesis although its
      contributions appeared ambiguous. To understand the multifaceted actions of this
      protease, it is still required a deeper knowledge of its implication in
      heterogeneous tumor-stroma interactions. Using a syngeneic B16F1 melanoma model
      in wild type and ADAMTS1 knockout mice we found distinct stroma versus tumor
      functions for this protease. Genetic deletion of ADAMTS1 in the host
      microenvironment resulted in a drastic decrease of tumor growth and metastasis.
      However, the downregulation of tumor ADAMTS1 did not uncover relevant effects.
      Reduced tumors in ADAMTS1 KO mice displayed a paradoxical increase in vascular
      density and vascular-related genes; a detailed characterization revealed an
      impaired vasculature, along with a minor infiltration of macrophages. In
      addition, ex-vivo assays supported a chief role for ADAMTS1 in vascular
      sprouting, and melanoma xenografts showed a relevant induction of its expression
      in stroma compartments. These findings provide the first genetic evidence that
      supports the pro-tumorigenic role of stromal ADAMTS1. 

PMID- 27120789
TI  - The pro-apoptotic paradox: the BH3-only protein Bcl-2 interacting killer (Bik) is
      prognostic for unfavorable outcomes in breast cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths in women
      worldwide. Clinical biomarkers give information on disease progression and
      identify relevant biological pathways. A confounding factor that uncouples
      markers from disease outcome is the ability of tumor cells to mutate and evade
      clinical intervention. Therefore, we focussed on apoptotic genes that modulate
      tumor regression. Using gene and tissue microarray analyses, we identified an
      association of Bcl-2 interacting killer (Bik) with poor breast cancer prognosis.
      Bik prognostic ability was independent of Estrogen Receptor/Progesterone Receptor
      and Her2 status. Additionally, Bik was independent of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, Bcl
      xL, Mcl-1 and Bcl-w suggesting a complex mechanism of tumor promotion identified
      by Bik high tumors. Bik also stimulates autophagy, which can contribute to
      enhanced tumor fitness. We found a significant association between the autophagy
      marker ATG5 and Bik. Combined high expression level of ATG5 and Bik was a
      stronger predictor of outcome than either alone. Thus, our study identifies Bik
      as a novel, independent prognostic biomarker for poor outcomes in breast cancer
      and suggests that Bik-mediated autophagy contributes to disease recurrence. 

PMID- 27120790
TI  - Mesothelin's minimal MUC16 binding moiety converts TR3 into a potent cancer
      therapeutic via hierarchical binding events at the plasma membrane.
AB  - TRAIL has been extensively explored as a cancer drug based on its tumor-selective
      activity profile but it is incapable per se of discriminating between death
      receptors expressed by normal host cells and transformed cancer cells.
      Furthermore, it is well documented that surface tethering substantially increases
      its biologic activity. We have previously reported on Meso-TR3, a constitutive
      TRAIL trimer targeted to the biomarker MUC16 (CA125), in which the entire
      ectodomain of human mesothelin was genetically fused to the TR3 platform,
      facilitating attachment to the cancer cells via the MUC16 receptor. Here, we
      designed a truncation variant, in which the minimal 64 amino acid MUC16 binding
      domain of mesothelin was incorporated into TR3. It turned out that the dual
      domain biologic Meso64-TR3 retained its high MUC16 affinity and bound to the
      cancer cells quickly, independent of the TR3/death receptor interaction.
      Furthermore, it was substantially more potent than Meso-TR3 and TR3 in vitro and
      in a preclinical xenograft model of MUC16-dependent ovarian cancer.
      Phenotypically, Meso64-TR3 is more closely related to non-targeted TR3, evident
      by indistinguishable activity profiles on MUC16-deficient cancers and similar
      thermal stability characteristics. Overall, Meso64-TR3 represents a fully human,
      MUC16-targetd TRAIL-based biologic, ideally suited for exploring preclinical and
      clinical evaluation studies in MUC16-dependent malignancies. 

PMID- 27120791
TI  - Palmitoylated claudin7 captured in glycolipid-enriched membrane microdomains
      promotes metastasis via associated transmembrane and cytosolic molecules.
AB  - In epithelial cells claudin7 (cld7) is a major component of tight junctions, but
      is also recovered from glycolipid-enriched membrane microdomains (GEM). In tumor
      cells, too, cld7 exists in two stages. Only GEM-located cld7, which is
      palmitoylated, promotes metastasis. Searching for the underlying mechanism(s)
      revealed the following.The metastatic capacity of the rat pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma cell line ASML is lost by a knockdown (kd) of cld7 and is not
      regained by rescuing cld7 with a mutated palmitoylation site (cld7mPalm). ASML
      cld7kd and ASML-cld7mPalm cells show reduced motility and invasiveness. This is
      due to cld7, but not cld7mPalm associating with alpha6beta4, ezrin, uPAR and
      MMP14, which jointly support motility and invasion. Palmitoylated cld7 also is
      engaged in drug resistance by repressing Pten, allowing activation of the
      antiapoptotic PI3K/Akt pathway. An association of cld7mPalm with the major Pten
      phosphorylating kinases does not restore apoptosis resistance as phosphorylated
      Pten is not guided towards GEM to compete with non-phosphorylated Pten. The
      pathway whereby palmitoylated cld7 supports expression of several EMT genes and
      nuclear translocation of EMT transcription factors remains to be unraveled. An
      association with Notch, reduced in ASML-cld7mPalm cells, might be the starting
      point. Finally, GEM-located, palmitoylated cld7 associates with several
      components of vesicle transport machineries engaged in exosome biogenesis.Taken
      together, prerequisites for cld7 acting as a cancer-initiating cell marker are
      GEM location and palmitoylation, which support a multitude of associations and
      integration into exosomes. The latter suggests palmitoylated cld7 contributing to
      message transfer via exosomes. 

PMID- 27120792
TI  - Identification of lipid-phosphatidylserine (PS) as the target of unbiasedly
      selected cancer specific peptide-peptoid hybrid PPS1.
AB  - Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an anionic phospholipid maintained on the inner
      leaflet of the cell membrane and is externalized in malignant cells. We
      previously launched a careful unbiased selection targeting biomolecules (e.g.
      protein, lipid or carbohydrate) distinct to cancer cells by exploiting HCC4017
      lung cancer and HBEC30KT normal epithelial cells derived from the same patient,
      identifying HCC4017 specific peptide-peptoid hybrid PPS1. In this current study,
      we identified PS as the target of PPS1. We validated direct PPS1 binding to PS
      using ELISA-like assays, lipid dot blot and liposome based binding assays. In
      addition, PPS1 recognized other negatively charged and cancer specific lipids
      such as phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol. PPS1
      did not bind to neutral lipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine found in cancer
      and phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin found in normal cells. Further we found
      that the dimeric version of PPS1 (PPS1D1) displayed strong cytotoxicity towards
      lung cancer cell lines that externalize PS, but not normal cells. PPS1D1 showed
      potent single agent anti-tumor activity and enhanced the efficacy of docetaxel in
      mice bearing H460 lung cancer xenografts. Since PS and anionic phospholipid
      externalization is common across many cancer types, PPS1 may be an alternative to
      overcome limitations of protein targeted agents. 

PMID- 27120793
TI  - Downregulation of miRNA-638 promotes angiogenesis and growth of hepatocellular
      carcinoma by targeting VEGF.
AB  - The expression and function of microRNA-638 (miR-638) in hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) remained unknown. Using the miRNA target prediction tools, we predicted
      that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) might be a direct target of
      miR-638. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that downregulation of
      miRNA-638 promotes angiogenesis and growth of HCC by targeting the VEGF signaling
      pathway. We found that miR-638 was significantly downregulated in HCC cells and
      clinical HCC specimens, and miR-638 levels were inversely correlated with tumor
      size, portal vein invasion and poor prognosis. Overexpression of miR-638
      inhibited the processes of tumor angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The xenograft
      mouse model experiments showed miR-638 repressed tumor growth of HCC in vivo.
      Using a luciferase reporter assay, we identified VEGF as a direct target of miR
      638. Subsequent investigation revealed that miR-638 expression was inversely
      correlated with VEGF expression in human HCC samples. Taken together, these
      results suggested that miR-638 is a novel therapeutic target for HCC and
      overexpression of miR-638 could suppress angiogenesis and tumor growth of HCC by
      inhibiting VEGF signaling. 

PMID- 27120794
TI  - miR-675-5p enhances tumorigenesis and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma by targeting REPS2.
AB  - Recently H19 has been demonstrated to be up-regulated in esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma (ESCC) and shown to be the precursor of miR-675 that encodes miR-675-5p
      conservatively. miR-675 is overexpressed in many human cancers; however, the
      function of miR-675-5p is largely unknown in ESCC. In this study, we found that
      miR-675-5p expression was significantly increased in ESCC tissues and cell lines
      and related with ESCC progression and poor prognosis. We also showed here that
      down-regulation of miR-675-5p in ESCC cells dramatically induced cell G1 arrest
      and reduced cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion in vitro
      as well as tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis in vivo. We subsequently identified
      that REPS2 was a target gene of miR-675-5p. We found that inhibition of miR-675
      5p up-regulated the expression of REPS2, inhibited RalBP1/RAC1/CDC42 signaling
      pathway. Inversely, interference of REPS2 abrogated the effect induced by miR-675
      5p inhibition, which resembled the function of miR-675-5p up-regulation. Taken
      together, our findings suggested that miR-675-5p might play an oncogenic role in
      ESCC through RalBP1/RAC1/CDC42 signaling pathway by inhibiting REPS2 and might
      serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for ESCC
      patients. 

PMID- 27120797
TI  - Prelithiation of Nanostructured Sulfur Cathode by an "On-Sheet" Solid-State
      Reaction.
AB  - A novel "on-sheet" solid-state chemical reaction method is designed to fabricate
      a nanostructured Li2 S-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) cathode using a semi
      sacrificial sulfur-graphene oxide template. The as-fabricated Li2 S-rGO
      nanocomposite shows a superior electrochemical performance, e.g., high
      utilization of Li2 S active materials (86.3 wt%), long cell life (1000 cycles),
      and excellent rate ability.

PMID- 27120796
TI  - Prognostic significance of programmed death-1 and programmed death-ligand 1
      expression in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the expression of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed
      death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and their clinical and prognostic significance in primary
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). RESULTS: The expression rate of PD-1
      and PD-L1 in ESCC was 33.5% (117/349) and 41.4% (222/536), respectively. PD-L1
      expression differed significantly by tumor location, grade, lymph node
      metastases, and disease stage (P < 0.05). Moreover, its expression was associated
      with the disease free survival (DFS). Patients with positive PD-L1 expression had
      reduced risk for disease relapse compared to those without PD-L1 expression
      (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-1.00, P = 0.048).
      Kaplan-Meier curves showed the similar result, P = 0.047. However, there was no
      significant correlation between PD-1 expression and clinicopathological factors
      or outcome in ESCC (P > 0.05). METHODS: The expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 was
      assessed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays from 536 primary ESCC who
      underwent surgery during January 2008 and April 2012 in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital.
      Chi-square test and Cox proportional hazards regression were employed to analyze
      the associations between their expressions and clinicopathological variables and
      survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that PD-L1 could be a favorable
      indicator of prognosis in ESCC.

PMID- 27120795
TI  - Novel diagnostic and prognostic classifiers for prostate cancer identified by
      genome-wide microRNA profiling.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigates the diagnostic and prognostic biomarker
      potential of miRNAs in prostate cancer (PC). RESULTS: We identified several new
      deregulated miRNAs between non-malignant (NM) and PC tissue samples and between
      more/less aggressive PC subgroups. We also developed and validated a novel 13
      miRNA diagnostic classifier with high sensitivity and specificity for PC.
      Finally, we trained a new 3-miRNA prognostic classifier (miR-185-5p+miR-221
      3p+miR-326) that predicted time to biochemical recurrence (BCR) independently of
      routine clinicopathological variables in a training radical prostatectomy (RP)
      cohort (n = 126) as well as in two independent validation cohorts (n = 110 and n
      = 99). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: After RT-qPCR-based profiling of 752 miRNAs in 13 NM
      and 134 PC tissue samples (cohort 1), we selected 93 top candidate
      diagnostic/prognostic miRNAs for validation in two independent patient sets
      (cohort 2: 19 NM and 138 PC; cohort 3: 28 NM and 113 PC samples). Diagnostic
      potential was assessed by ROC curve analysis and prognostic potential by Kaplan
      Meier, uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses. BCR after RP was used as
      endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a miRNA signature with
      significant independent prognostic value demonstrated in three PC patient
      cohorts.

PMID- 27120798
TI  - Bioactive Dihydro-beta-agarofuran Sesquiterpenoids from the Australian Rainforest
      Plant Maytenus bilocularis.
AB  - Chemical investigations of the CH2Cl2 extract obtained from the leaves of the
      Australian rainforest tree Maytenus bilocularis afforded three new dihydro-beta
      agarofurans, bilocularins A-C (1-3), and six known congeners, namely, celastrine
      A (4), 1alpha,6beta,8alpha-triacetoxy-9alpha-benzoyloxydihydro-beta-agarofuran
      (5), 1alpha,6beta-diacetoxy-9alpha-benzoyloxy-8alpha-hydroxydihydro-beta
      agarofuran (6), Ejap-10 (11), 1alpha,6beta-diacetoxy-9beta-benzoyloxydihydro-beta
      agarofuran (12), and Ejap-2 (13). The major compound 1 was used in semisynthetic
      studies to afford four ester derivatives (7-10). The chemical structures of 1-3
      were elucidated following analysis of 1D/2D NMR and MS data. The absolute
      configurations of bilocularins A (1) and B (2) were determined by single-crystal
      X-ray diffraction analysis. All compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activity
      against the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP; none of the compounds were
      active. However, several compounds showed similar potency to the drug efflux pump
      inhibitor verapamil in reversing the drug resistance of the human leukemia
      CEM/VCR R cell line. In addition, similar to verapamil, compound 5 was found to
      inhibit leucine uptake in LNCaP cells (IC50 = 15.5 MUM), which was more potent
      than the leucine analogue 2-aminobicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carbocyclic acid. This
      is the first report of secondary metabolites from Maytenus bilocularis.

PMID- 27120799
TI  - Usefulness of chair stand time as a surrogate of gait speed in diagnosing
      sarcopenia.
AB  - AIM: Determining gait speed as a measure of physical performance is recommended
      in diagnosing sarcopenia. Gait speed measurements require a certain amount of
      space (e.g. a 6-m course), and might not be feasible in clinical settings or
      heath checkup examination sites. We developed a formula to estimate chair stand
      time based on gait speed, and examined the validity (sensitivity and specificity)
      of using the estimated chair stand time cut-off point as a surrogate for the
      recommended gait speed cut-off point. METHODS: Chair stand time was defined as
      the time it took to stand up from a standard chair five times. Gait speed was
      calculated from the time required for participants to walk a 6-m course at their
      usual pace. RESULTS: Simple regression analysis showed a significant negative
      relationship between chair stand time and gait speed (P < 0.0001), and the
      estimated formula was derived as follows: five times chair stand time = -8.41 *
      gait speed + 20.0 (R2  = 0.34). Therefore, the chair stand time cut-off point was
      estimated to be 13.3 s by inserting the recommended gait speed cut-off of 0.8 m/s
      in the above formula. Rounding off to make its use simpler, the estimated chair
      stand time cut-off was 13 s. The sensitivity and specificity of the estimated
      chair stand time cut off were 0.75 and 0.94, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Chair
      stand time might be useful as a surrogate of gait speed when screening for
      sarcopenia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 659-661.

PMID- 27120800
TI  - How cells kill a "killer" messenger.
AB  - Establishing a link between the nonsense-mediated decay pathway and a gene
      associated with programmed cell death could explain why this pathway is essential
      in most, but not all, eukaryotes.

PMID- 27120801
TI  - Quasistatic Metamaterials: Magnetic Coupling Enhancement by Effective Space
      Cancellation.
AB  - A novel and broadly applicable way to increase magnetic coupling between distant
      circuits in the quasistatic regime is introduced. It is shown how the use of
      magnetic metamaterials enhances the magnetic coupling between emitting and
      receiving coils. Results are experimentally demonstrated by measuring a boost on
      the efficiency of the wireless transmission of power between distant circuits. 

PMID- 27120802
TI  - Association of Psoriasis With the Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Psoriasis has been shown to be associated with overweight and type 2
      diabetes mellitus. The genetic association is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To examine the
      association among psoriasis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and body mass index (BMI)
      (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) in twins.
      DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional, population-based twin
      study included 34 781 Danish twins, 20 to 71 years of age. Data from a
      questionnaire on psoriasis was validated against hospital discharge diagnoses of
      psoriasis and compared with hospital discharge diagnoses of type 2 diabetes
      mellitus and self-reported BMI. Data were collected in the spring of 2002. Data
      were analyzed from January 1 to October 31, 2014. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:
      Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for psoriasis in relation to
      type 2 diabetes mellitus, increasing BMI, and obesity in the whole population of
      twins and in 449 psoriasis-discordant twins. Variance component analysis was used
      to measure genetic and nongenetic effects on the associations. RESULTS: Among the
      34 781 questionnaire respondents, 33 588 with complete data were included in the
      study (15 443 men [46.0%]; 18 145 women [54.0%]; mean [SD] age, 44.5 [7.6]
      years). After multivariable adjustment, a significant association was found
      between psoriasis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 1.53; 95% CI,
      1.03-2.27; P = .04) and between psoriasis and increasing BMI (OR, 1.81; 95% CI,
      1.28-2.55; P = .001 in individuals with a BMI>35.0). Among psoriasis-discordant
      twin pairs, the association between psoriasis and obesity was diluted in
      monozygotic twins (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.50-4.07; P = .50) relative to dizygotic
      twins (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.03-4.39; P = .04). Variance decomposition showed that
      additive genetic factors accounted for 68% (95% CI, 60%-75%) of the variance in
      the susceptibility to psoriasis, for 73% (95% CI, 58%-83%) of the variance in
      susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus, and for 74% (95% CI, 72%-76%) of the
      variance in BMI. The genetic correlation between psoriasis and type 2 diabetes
      mellitus was 0.13 (-0.06 to 0.31; P = .17); between psoriasis and BMI, 0.12 (0.08
      to 0.19; P < .001). The environmental correlation between psoriasis and type 2
      diabetes mellitus was 0.10 (-0.71 to 0.17; P = .63); between psoriasis and BMI, 
      0.05 (-0.14 to 0.04; P = .44). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study determines
      the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to the interaction between
      obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and psoriasis. Psoriasis, type 2 diabetes
      mellitus, and obesity are also strongly associated in adults after taking key
      confounding factors, such as sex, age, and smoking, into account. Results
      indicate a common genetic etiology for psoriasis and obesity.

PMID- 27120803
TI  - Identification of cytotoxic agents disrupting synovial sarcoma oncoprotein
      interactions by proximity ligation assay.
AB  - Conventional cytotoxic therapies for synovial sarcoma provide limited benefit.
      Drugs specifically targeting the product of its driver translocation are
      currently unavailable, in part because the SS18-SSX oncoprotein functions via
      aberrant interactions within multiprotein complexes. Proximity ligation assay is
      a recently-developed method that assesses protein-protein interactions in situ.
      Here we report use of the proximity ligation assay to confirm the oncogenic
      association of SS18-SSX with its co-factor TLE1 in multiple human synovial
      sarcoma cell lines and in surgically-excised human tumor tissue. SS18-SSX/TLE1
      interactions are disrupted by class I HDAC inhibitors and novel small molecule
      inhibitors. This assay can be applied in a high-throughput format for drug
      discovery in fusion-oncoprotein associated cancers where key effector partners
      are known. 

PMID- 27120804
TI  - Autophagy suppresses cell migration by degrading GEF-H1, a RhoA GEF.
AB  - Cell migration is a process crucial for a variety of biological events, such as
      morphogenesis and wound healing. Several reports have described the possible
      regulation of cell migration by autophagy; however, this remains controversial.
      We here demonstrate that mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking autophagy
      protein 5 (Atg5), an essential molecule of autophagy, moved faster than wild-type
      (WT) MEFs. Similar results were obtained for MEFs lacking Atg7 and unc-51-like
      kinase 1 (Ulk1), which are molecules required for autophagy. This phenotype was
      also observed in Atg7-deficient macrophages. WT MEFs moved by mesenchymal-type
      migration, whereas Atg5 knockout (KO) MEFs moved by amoeba-like migration. This
      difference was thought to be mediated by the level of RhoA activity, because Atg5
      KO MEFs had higher RhoA activity, and treatment with a RhoA inhibitor altered
      Atg5 KO MEF migration from the amoeba type to the mesenchymal type. Autophagic
      regulation of RhoA activity was dependent on GEF-H1, a member of the RhoA family
      of guanine nucleotide exchange factors. In WT MEFs, GEF-H1 directly bound to p62
      and was degraded by autophagy, resulting in low RhoA activity. In contrast, the
      loss of autophagy increased GEF-H1 levels and thereby activated RhoA, which
      caused cells to move by amoeba-like migration. This amoeba-like migration was
      cancelled by the silencing of GEF-H1. These results indicate that autophagy plays
      a role in the regulation of migration by degrading GEF-H1. 

PMID- 27120805
TI  - Immunomodulatory role of bitter melon extract in inhibition of head and neck
      squamous cell carcinoma growth.
AB  - Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer and
      leading cause of cancer related mortality worldwide. Despite the advancement in
      treatment procedures the overall survival rate of patients has not considerably
      enhanced in the past few decades. Therefore, new strategies to achieve a
      favorable response for the improvement in the prognosis of HNSCC are urgently
      needed. In this study, we examined the role of bitter melon extract (BME) in
      HNSCC tumor microenvironment. Mouse head and neck cancer (SCCVII) cells were
      subcutaneously injected into the flanks of syngeneic mice. We observed that oral
      gavage of BME significantly inhibits the tumor growth in mice as compared to
      control group. Further study suggested that BME inhibits cell proliferation as
      evident from low expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and c
      Myc in the tumors of BME fed mice as compared to that of control group. We next
      investigated the role of BME as an immunomodulator in HNSCC model. Forkhead box
      protein P3+ (FoxP3+) T cells suppress tumor immunity. Our data suggested that BME
      treatment decreases the infiltrating regulatory T (Treg) cells by inhibiting
      FoxP3+ populations in the tumors and in spleens. Additionally, BME treatment
      reduces Th17 cell population in the tumor. However, BME treatment did not alter
      Th1 and Th2 cell populations. Together, our findings offer a new insight into how
      bitter melon extract inhibits head and neck tumor growth by modulating cell
      proliferation and Treg populations, with implications for how to control tumor
      infiltrating lymphocytes and tumor progression. 

PMID- 27120806
TI  - Targeting of glioblastoma cell lines and glioma stem cells by combined PIM kinase
      and PI3K-p110alpha inhibition.
AB  - The PIM family of proteins encodes serine/threonine kinases with important roles
      in protein synthesis and cancer cell metabolism. In glioblastoma (GBM) cell
      lines, siRNA-mediated knockdown of PIM kinases or pharmacological inhibition of
      PIM kinases by SGI-1776 or AZD-1208 results in reduced phosphorylation of classic
      PIM effectors and also elements of the PI3K/mTOR pathway, suggesting interplay
      between PIM and mTOR signals in GBM cells. Combination of PIM kinase inhibitors
      with BYL-719, an inhibitor specific for the PI3K catalytic isoform p110alpha,
      results in enhanced antineoplastic effects in GBM cells. Additionally,
      pharmacologic inhibition of PIM kinases impairs growth of patient-derived glioma
      sphere cells, suggesting an important role for PIM kinases in cancer stem cell
      (CSC) function and survival. Such effects are further enhanced by concomitant
      inhibition of PIM kinase and p110alpha activities. Altogether these findings
      suggest that pharmacological PIM targeting in combination with PI3K inhibition
      may provide a unique therapeutic approach for the treatment of heterogeneous
      tumors containing populations of therapy-resistant CSCs in GBM. 

PMID- 27120808
TI  - Long-term outcomes of imatinib in patients with FIP1L1/ PDGFRA associated chronic
      eosinophilic leukemia: experience of a single center in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The FIP1L1/PDGFRA (F/P) fusion gene is the most common clonal genetic
      abnormality of chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL). Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
      (TKI), such as imatinib, have been demonstrated to be effective therapies for F/P
      mutated disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the treatment response and
      long term prognosis in patients with F/P mutated CEL. METHODS: The clinical
      features and treatment responses of 33 consecutive patients with F/P mutated CEL
      between August 2006 and October 2014 were analyzed. The 33 cases received
      imatinib therapy at an initial dose of 100 mg/day (30 patients) or 200 mg/day (3
      patients); the maintenance dose depended on the response condition and patient
      willingness. Through the follow up, the molecular responses were regularly
      monitored. RESULTS: With a median follow up of 64 months, 94% of the 33 patients
      with F/P mutated CEL achieved a complete hematologic remission (CHR), and 97%
      achieved a complete molecular remission (CMR) after a median of 3 (1.5-12)
      months. Twenty-four cases received maintenance therapy, with a median CMR
      duration of 43 (5-88) months. Imatinib therapy was discontinued in 8 cases,
      including 4 cases who experienced relapse, and 4 patients who maintained CHR or
      CMR after discontinuing therapy with a median time of 47 (2-74) months. One case
      exhibited primary resistance with a PDGFRA T674I mutation. CONCLUSIONS: F/P
      mutated CEL has an excellent long-term prognosis following imatinib therapy. A
      100 mg daily dose of imatinib is sufficient to induce remission, and a single 100
      mg weekly dose maintains a durable remission. A subgroup of patients may maintain
      a durable remission after discontinuing therapy with a CMR.

PMID- 27120807
TI  - Inflammatory indexes as predictors of prognosis and bevacizumab efficacy in
      patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the role of pre-treatment inflammatory indexes (II) as
      predictors of prognosis and treatment efficacy in patients with metastatic
      colorectal cancer mCRC randomized onto the prospective multicenter randomized
      ITACa (Italian Trial in Advanced Colorectal Cancer) trial to receive first-line
      chemotherapy (CT) with or without bevacizumab (Bev). RESULTS: In the overall
      population, PFS and OS were higher in patients with low SII (p = .015 and .002,
      respectively), low NLR (p = .0001 and <.0001, respectively) and low PLR (p = .004
      and .008, respectively). Patients with low NLR in the CT plus Bev arm had a
      higher PFS than those treated with CT alone (HR = 0.69, p = .021). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Two hundred and eighty-nine patients were considered for this study, 141
      receiving CT plus Bev and 148 receiving CT alone. The pre-treatment systemic
      immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and
      platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were evaluated to identify a potential
      correlation with progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in both the
      overall population and the 2 treatment arms. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate
      that II, in particular NLR, are good prognostic and predictive markers for mCRC
      patients who are candidates for CT plus Bev.

PMID- 27120809
TI  - Hyaluronic acid-conjugated liposome nanoparticles for targeted delivery to CD44
      overexpressing glioblastoma cells.
AB  - Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) is a highly prevalent and deadly brain malignancy
      characterized by poor prognosis and restricted disease management potential.
      Despite the success of nanocarrier systems to improve drug/gene therapy for
      cancer, active targeting specificity remains a major hurdle for GBM.
      Additionally, since the brain is a multi-cell type organ, there is a critical
      need to develop an approach to distinguish between GBM cells and healthy brain
      cells for safe and successful treatment. In this report, we have incorporated
      hyaluronic acid (HA) as an active targeting ligand for GBM. To do so, we employed
      HA conjugated liposomes (HALNPs) to study the uptake pathway in key cells in the
      brain including primary astrocytes, microglia, and human GBM cells. We observed
      that the HALNPs specifically target GBM cells over other brain cells due to
      higher expression of CD44 in tumor cells. Furthermore, CD44 driven HALNP uptake
      into GBM cells resulted in lysosomal evasion and increased efficacy of
      Doxorubicin, a model anti-neoplastic agent, while the astrocytes and microglia
      cells exhibited extensive HALNP-lysosome co-localization and decreased
      antineoplastic potency. In summary, novel CD44 targeted lipid based nanocarriers
      appear to be proficient in mediating site-specific delivery of drugs via CD44
      receptors in GBM cells, with an improved therapeutic margin and safety. 

PMID- 27120810
TI  - A meta-analysis of MSI frequency and race in colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: African Americans (AA) are at a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC)
      and some studies report a higher frequency of microsatellite instability (MSI) in
      this population while others report lower frequency compared to Caucasians. AIM:
      To determine and evaluate the association of race and clinical factors with MSI
      frequency through meta- analysis. METHODS: Twenty-two studies out of 15,105 (1997
      2015) were evaluated after a search in different literature databases, using
      keywords "colorectal cancer, microsatellite instability, African Americans,
      Caucasians and Hispanics". We used random effect meta-analysis to calculate the
      MSI frequency in all studies as well as in African American and Caucasian
      samples. Meta-regression analysis was used to assess the univariate effect of
      race, gender, age, tumor location and stage on MSI frequency. RESULTS: The
      overall MSI frequency among CRCs was 17% (95%CI: 15%-19%, I2=91%). In studies
      with available race data, The MSI rate among AAs, Hispanics and Caucasians were
      12%, 12% and 14% respectively and was not significantly different. Sub-group
      analysis of studies with racial information indicates MSI OR of 0.78 for AAs
      compared to Caucasians. CONCLUSION: CRCs demonstrate an overall MSI frequency of
      17%. MSI frequency differences between AAs and Caucasians were not pronounced,
      suggesting that other factors contribute to the racial disparity. The
      methodological approaches and biological sources of the variation seen in MSI
      frequency between different studies need to be further investigated.

PMID- 27120813
TI  - Puzzles in bonding and spectroscopy: the case of dicarbon.
AB  - The unstable molecule C2 has been of interest since its identification as the
      source of the "Swan band" features observable in the spectra offlames, carbon
      arcs, white dwarf stars, and comets, and it continues to serve as a focal point
      for experimental and theoretical discovery. Recent spectroscopic work has
      identified a quintet state of the molecule for the first time, while new insights
      into the bond order of C2 in its ground state have been provided by sophisticated
      computational methods based on valence bond theory. This article gives a review
      of spectroscopic and computational work on C2 including both historical
      background and the most recent discoveries.

PMID- 27120811
TI  - MiR-17-5p regulates cell proliferation and migration by targeting transforming
      growth factor-beta receptor 2 in gastric cancer.
AB  - TGFBR2 serves as an initial regulator of the TGF-beta signaling pathway, and loss
      or reduction of its expression leads to uncontrolled cell growth and invasion.
      TGFBR2 plays a crucial role in the carcinogenesis and malignant process of
      gastric cancer, but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we found that
      TGFBR2 protein levels were consistently upregulated in gastric cancer tissues,
      whereas TGFBR2 mRNA levels varied among these tissues, indicating that a post
      transcriptional mechanism is involved in the regulation of TGFBR2. MiRNAs are
      known to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Therefore,
      we performed bioinformatics analyses to search for miRNAs potentially targeting
      TGFBR2. MiR-17-5p was found to bind to the 3'UTR of TGFBR2 mRNA, and further
      validation of this specific binding was performed through a reporter assay. An
      inverse correlation between miR-17-5p and TGFBR2 protein was observed in gastric
      cancer tissues. Cell studies revealed that miR-17-5p negatively regulated TGFBR2
      expression by directly binding to the 3'UTR of TGFBR2 mRNA, thereby promoting
      cell growth and migration. We also validated the role of TGFBR2 using siRNA and
      an overexpression plasmid. The results of our study suggest a novel regulatory
      network in gastric cancer mediated by miR-17-5p and TGFBR2 and may indicate that
      TGFBR2 could serve as a new therapeutic target in gastric cancer. 

PMID- 27120814
TI  - Concepts and relevance of genome-wide association studies.
AB  - Genome-wide association study (GWAS) technology has been a primary method for
      identifying the genes responsible for diseases and other traits for the past 10
      years. Over 2,000 human GWAS reports now appear in the scientific journals. The
      technology is continuing to improve, and has recently become accessible to
      researchers studying a wide variety of animals, plants and model organisms. Here,
      we present an overview of GWAS concepts: the underlying biology, the origins of
      the method, and the primary components of a GWAS experiment.

PMID- 27120815
TI  - Animal welfare: a social networks perspective.
AB  - Social network theory provides a useful tool to study complex social
      relationships in animals. The possibility to look beyond dyadic interactions by
      considering whole networks of social relationships allows researchers the
      opportunity to study social groups in more natural ways. As such, network-based
      analyses provide an informative way to investigate the factors influencing the
      social environment of group-living animals, and so has direct application to
      animal welfare. For example, animal groups in captivity are frequently disrupted
      by separations, reintroductions and/or mixing with unfamiliar individuals and
      this can lead to social stress and associated aggression. Social network analysis
      ofanimal groups can help identify the underlying causes of these socially-derived
      animal welfare concerns. In this review we discuss how this approach can be
      applied, and how it could be used to identify potential interventions and
      solutions in the area of animal welfare.

PMID- 27120812
TI  - Spheroid cancer stem cells display reprogrammed metabolism and obtain energy by
      actively running the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.
AB  - The Warburg effect is a metabolic hallmark of cancer cells; cancer cells, unlike
      normal cells, exclusively activate glycolysis, even in the presence of enough
      oxygen. On the other hand, intratumoral heterogeneity is currently of interest in
      cancer research, including that involving cancer stem cells (CSCs). In the
      present study, we attempted to gain an understanding of metabolism in CSCs that
      is distinct from that in non-CSCs. After forming spheroids from the OVTOKO
      (ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma) and SiHa (cervical squamous cell carcinoma)
      cell lines, the metabolites of these cells were compared with the metabolites of
      cancer cells that were cultured in adherent plates. A principle components
      analysis clearly divided their metabolic features. Amino acids that participate
      in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle reactions, such as serine and glutamine, were
      significantly increased in the spheroids. Indeed, spheroids from each cell line
      contained more total adenylates than did their corresponding cells in adherent
      cultures. This study demonstrated that cancer metabolism is not limited to
      aerobic glycolysis (i.e. the Warburg effect), but is flexible and context
      dependent. In addition, activation of TCA cycles was suggested to be a metabolic
      feature of CSCs that was distinct from non-CSCs. The amino acid metabolic
      pathways discussed here are already considered as targets for cancer therapy, and
      they are additionally proposed as potential targets for CSC treatment. 

PMID- 27120816
TI  - Rosemary, the beneficial chemistry of a garden herb.
AB  - The major natural products that are present in the garden herb, rosemary
      (Rosmarinus officinalis) including the mono di- and triterpenoid, flavonoid and
      phenolic constituents together with their biological activity as anti-microbial,
      anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, memory-enhancing and tumour-inhibitory agents,
      are reviewed.

PMID- 27120818
TI  - The 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference: COP21.

PMID- 27120817
TI  - Antibiotic resistance and antibiotic alternatives: looking towards the future.

PMID- 27120819
TI  - RECENT ADVANCES IN SCIENCE--ORGANIC CHEMISTRY.

PMID- 27120820
TI  - Foreword. The merging of ethnomedicine and ethno-ethics.

PMID- 27120821
TI  - [ETHNOMEDICAL ETHICS WITH REGARD TO PATIENT PLURIVOCALITY: BETWEEN AUTONOMY AND
      HETERONOMY].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a contemporary multicultural context that stimulates new dynamics
      within the plural health systems, the universality of the patient autonomy
      principle is questioned. Wishing to contribute to the discussion on the topic,
      this article presents a reflection drawn from a case study in an integrative
      health care (IHC) clinic. This type of organization, polarizing a variety of care
      traditions, is an exceptional social laboratory for the analysis of the
      convergence of values and ethical principles, marked by various cultural
      foundations. METHODOLOGY: The combination of different data collection methods
      (semi-structured interviews, participant observation during interprofessional
      meetings, recorded clinical meetings) permitted the detailed analysis of
      patients' therapeutic itineraries in a Quebec IHC clinic that grouped
      practitioners of biomedical, alternative and traditional approaches. The
      interpretive conceptual framework illustrates the occasionally contradictory
      intersection of different cultural foundations influencing patient and
      practitioner explanatory models (EM) and semantic networks (SN). RESULTS: Data
      analysis highlights a dissonance between a liberal and Cartesian conception of
      the individual, responsible for the management of his or her health, and some
      Taoist premises of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), prioritizing the benefit
      of the person to his or her self-determination. The monitoring of therapeutic
      patient itineraries emphasized a phenomenon of EM plurivocality, proposing that
      individuals can use different voices and embody different characters, autonomous
      or heteronomous, depending on the context in which they describe their illness.
      The exploration of the heterogeneity of patients' SNs illustrates that it is
      possible for the same person to both need to be taken by the hand and desire
      autonomy. CONCLUSION: Stressing the influence of certain cultural foundations on
      differential prioritization of patient autonomy principle, this article offers a
      reflection on the development of narrative ethnomedical ethics respecting the
      idiosyncrasies and plurivocality of the person.

PMID- 27120822
TI  - BETWEEN REASON, SCIENCE AND CULTURE: BIOMEDICAL DECISION-MAKING.
AB  - Over the last decade, we have extensively examined clinical practice in the
      context of sociocultural, religious and ethnic diversity. Stemming mainly from
      data collected amongst physicians we reflect, in this paper, upon the norms and
      values which guide decision-making processes in tertiary pediatric hospital
      contexts. Clinical ethics is portrayed a neutral guide between competing choices
      and obligations of hospital units, healthcare professionals, and families, when
      there is a conflict or divergence in the perspectives concerning the progression
      of the clinical trajectory. We will chart the sharing/non-sharing of different
      voices in critical decision-making pathways of maternal-child hospital care. How
      do "universal" ethical principles accommodate the diversity of perspectives
      anchored within the ensemble of cultural, social, and religious institutions?
      Similarly to the image of cosmopolitan urban communities, health care settings
      are defined by a multiplicity of values brought forth by families and health care
      professionals from diverse backgrounds. Attempting to seize these logics entails
      a better grasp of the delicate relationship between the individual and the
      collective, between personal values and instituted norms, between majorities and
      minorities.

PMID- 27120823
TI  - [ETHICAL PRINCIPALS AND A POSTERIORI JUSTIFICATIONS].
AB  - It is difficult to conceive that the human being, while being the same
      everywhere, could be cared for in such different ways in other societies.
      Anthropologists acknowledge that the diversity of cultures implies a diversity of
      moral values, thus that in a multicultural society the individual could draw upon
      different moral frames to justify the peculiarities of her/his demand of care.
      But how could we determine what is the moral frame that catalyzes behaviour while
      all we can record are a posteriori justifications of actions? In most
      multicultural societies where several moralframes coexist, there is an implicit
      hierarchy between ethical systems derived from a hierarchy of power which
      falsifies these a posteriori justifications. Moreover anthropologists often fail
      to acknowledge that individual behaviour does not always reflect individual
      values, but is more often the result of negotiations between the moralframes
      available in society and her/his own desires and personal experience. This is
      certainly due to the difficulty to account for a dynamic and complex interplay of
      moral values that cannot be analysed as a system. The impact of individual
      experience on the way individuals give or receive care could also be only weakly
      linked to a moral system even when this reference comes up explicitly in the a
      posteriori justifications.

PMID- 27120825
TI  - (ETHNO-)MEDICAL ETHICS IN GLOBALIZING CHINA: TRACING LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND
      ADAPTATION OF BIOMEDICINE.
AB  - Encounters between several bodies of therapeutic knowledge have led to a
      restructuring of the entire health system, including a transformation in medical
      ethics. Defining "new ethics" with both Chinese and international
      characteristics, is part of the ongoing knowledge production process: plural
      health ideas, practices and medical sciences develop within the broader framework
      of social and economic transition. Such transition simultaneously reveals and
      encourages China's influence and position in an era of globalization including in
      the technical and knowledge production domains. Re-alignments in medical ethics
      in Reform China (post-1979) highlight a rather under-explored aspect of medical
      plurality enabling these ethics to be used as an analytical lens to provide
      information about social and political issues. In this article, two sets of
      ethical principles, one from Late Imperial China (Late Ming Era), the other from
      post-Mao China (1980s), are detailed and analysed. They were selected as case
      studies mainly because they reflected at the time of their emergence an on-going
      radical change in society in the realm of health and medicine. Therefore both
      sets unveil the process of legitimizing a "Chinese medicine" in a context of
      epistemological shift: such a process takes various conceptual and practicalforms
      framed along the lines of the current dominant ideological system and constrained
      by socio-economic and political factors. Finally, issues relative to research
      ethics, bioethics and the New Health Reform guidelines raised in the 2000s, which
      represents also a significant historical turn for China, are discussed. Drawn
      from the overall discussion throughout the text, several concluding remarks
      contribute to advocate for "win-win" encounters--from the East to the West and
      from the South to the South, and for more implementable transnational/global
      ethics designing.

PMID- 27120824
TI  - [ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR RESEARCH INVOLVING INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN FRANCE: A COMMENT OF
      THE CNRS ETHICS COMMITTEE OPINION ON THE IMPERATIVE OF FAIRNESS IN THE
      RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESEARCHERS AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES].
AB  - Historically, scientific research and colonization process have maintained very
      close ties. In order to frame research involving indigenous peoples and to avoid
      situations of abuse, some States have developed very detailed ethicalframeworks.
      In France, there are no ethicalframework comparable to those observed in
      particular in Anglo-Saxon countries like Canada. Extensive discussions were
      conducted by the Ethics Committee of the CNRS leading to the adoption of an
      opinion of a high quality but which appears largely unknown and under-exploited.
      This opinion deals with "the delicate question of the rights of local and
      indigenous populations during the research projected conducted with their support
      in developed and developing countries (DCs)". In this paper, we propose to
      analyze how this opinion can be considered remarkable because it recognizes the
      current challenges of research projects involving indigenous people, but also
      because of his recommendations. We still see that the scope of its
      recommendations is however limited so far although some encouraging experiences
      like the recent adoption of the CRIOBE centre code of ethics in French Polynesia
      can be observed.

PMID- 27120826
TI  - [THE FORMS OF DELIBERATION INVOLVED IN THE FIELD OF BIOETHICS: TECHNIQUE
      DELIBERATION AND ETHICS DELIBERATION].
AB  - In this article the author examines the formulation of the problem of new
      technologies with their ethical limits and legal. To do this, in a first it is
      d'assess the contribuitions of the two most important contemporary philosophers
      who have treated this subject: Jurgen Habermas and Ronald Dworkin, while trying
      to put them into dialog with the one who has been one of the founders of
      l'classic ethics: Aristotle. Then, it tries to answer the question of how could
      we understand this notion that Dworkin nome "moral dislocation" between the
      random and the choice or well, as the appointed Habermas, "l'extension of the
      contingency". Finally, we questioned how the Aristotelian distinction between the
      technical deliberation and deliberative ethical-moral can contribute to a better
      understanding of the questions on the decisions and choices that will make the
      moral agents (such as patients or the judges), as well as those relating to the
      type of deliberation technique chosen by the doctor or by the health
      professional.

PMID- 27120827
TI  - [BETWEEN USAGE AND POLEMIC, AN ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF CLARIFYING THE TERMINOLOGY
      FOR PREIMPLANTATION GENETIC DIAGNOSIS].
AB  - Over 30 years ago, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was developed to help
      couples at risk of transmitting a serious genetic disease to their offspring.
      Today, the range of medical and non-medical uses of PGD has expanded considerably
      and some raise much controversy. This is the case, for example, with In-Vitro
      Fertilization to select embryos as 'saviour siblings' or to screen for
      susceptibility and predisposition to late onset diseases or conditions of
      variable penetrance. The situation is even more problematic in the case of sex
      selection or selection of traits that are culturally valued or discredited (such
      as deafness, behavioral traits, or height). The debate surrounding PGD has been
      employing terms to describe these particular uses that have contributed to a
      focus on the negative effects, thus preventing a distinction between the abuses
      and the benefits of this reproductive technology. In this context, this paper
      proposes a terminological clarification that would allow distinguishing medical
      and non-medical use and, therefore, the issues relevant to each. A more accurate
      and less generic nomenclature could prevent a conflation of different levels of
      ethical, clinical and social issues under the single term 'PGD'. For the vast
      majority of medical uses, we propose to keep: 'preimplantation genetic diagnosis
      (PGD)', which emphasizes that it is a genetic diagnosis. For non-medical uses, we
      suggest: 'preimplantation genetic trait selection (PGTS)'.

PMID- 27120828
TI  - On Theriac to Piso, Attributed to Galen.

PMID- 27120830
TI  - Maintaining a Careful Balance.

PMID- 27120829
TI  - Translating The Language of Mission.

PMID- 27120831
TI  - Reflections of A Rabbi Mission Leader.

PMID- 27120832
TI  - Cultivating an Inheritance. Mission Integration in a Rapidly Changing Health
      Ministry.

PMID- 27120833
TI  - Exploring Formation With Other Organizations.

PMID- 27120834
TI  - Ministry Identity and the Work of Mission Integration. Ascension's Story of
      Insight and Implementation.

PMID- 27120835
TI  - Mission Integration and Workplace Spirituality.

PMID- 27120837
TI  - Mission Integration in Long-Term Care Settings. Four Mission Leaders Discuss the
      Advantages, Differences and Challenges.

PMID- 27120836
TI  - The Value of Mutual Inculturation.

PMID- 27120838
TI  - Ensuring the Values in Value-Based Payments.

PMID- 27120839
TI  - Bible Interpretation Speaks Mission Integration at Every Turn.

PMID- 27120840
TI  - The Role of Evaluation In Leadership Formation.

PMID- 27120841
TI  - The Disconnect between Public Health and Health Care.

PMID- 27120842
TI  - New Opportunities To Grow PACE. An Expression of Leadership in the Catholic
      Health Ministry.

PMID- 27120843
TI  - CATHOLIC HEALTH CARE AND THE JUBILEE OF MERCY.

PMID- 27120844
TI  - A HOLY YEAR ABOUT DEMONSTRATING MERCY.

PMID- 27120845
TI  - CATHOLIC HOSPITALS ADDRESS SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

PMID- 27120846
TI  - MISSION INTEGRATION IN AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT.

PMID- 27120847
TI  - TECH PREDICTIONS. Safety, consistency & control are the EMS buzzwords for 2016.

PMID- 27120849
TI  - THAT'S HOT. Recommendations for the safety & transport of burn victims.

PMID- 27120848
TI  - LEADING OTHERS. Competencies for current & aspiring leaders.

PMID- 27120850
TI  - FULL ATTENTION. Don't differentiate from the differential diagnosis.

PMID- 27120851
TI  - QUALITY OF VIEW. Video laryngoscopy improves intubation success rate.

PMID- 27120852
TI  - WHAT'S NEW & WHY. Important changes in the 2015 AHA Guidelines Update.

PMID- 27120853
TI  - OPIOID CRISIS. Prehospital naloxone administration for opioid-related
      emergencies.

PMID- 27120854
TI  - KEEPING COOL? Prehospital targeted temperature management in cardiac arrest
      patients.

PMID- 27120855
TI  - BEYOND THE LIMIT. Why we shouldn't terminate resuscitations after 20 minutes.

PMID- 27120856
TI  - REVISING PROTOCOLS. A back-to-basics training approach to comply with the AHA
      Guidelines Update.

PMID- 27120857
TI  - ANTIDYSRHYTHMIC AGENTS. Managing prehospital stable v tach.

PMID- 27120858
TI  - TICKING TIME BOMB. How aortic aneurysms become aortic catastrophes.

PMID- 27120859
TI  - DOWN UNDER. Street doc sheds light on EMS culture in Australia.

PMID- 27120860
TI  - 89th President of APS.

PMID- 27120861
TI  - Studying Both Sexes: A New Frontier for Discovery.

PMID- 27120862
TI  - Jane F. Reckelhoff Biography.

PMID- 27120863
TI  - Switching Gears After Graduate School: From Applied Human Physiology to Basic
      Science.

PMID- 27120864
TI  - NIH to End All Chimpanzee Research.

PMID- 27120865
TI  - WHO Says Ketamine Should Not Be Placed Under International Control.

PMID- 27120866
TI  - NIH to End Research Targeted by PETA.

PMID- 27120867
TI  - In Memoriam: Aubrey E. Taylor (1933-2015).

PMID- 27120868
TI  - [Definition and clinic of the allergic rhinitis].
AB  - The allergic rhinitis is the most common immune disorder with a lifetime
      prevalence of 24% and one of the most common chronic diseases at all--with
      tendency to rise. It occurs in childhood and influences the patients' social
      life, school performance and labour productivity. Furthermore the allergic
      rhinitis is accompanied by a lot of comorbidities, including conjunctivitis,
      asthma bronchiale, food allergy, neurodermatitis and sinusitis. For example the
      risk for asthma is 3.2-fold higher for adults with allergic rhinitis than for
      healthy people.

PMID- 27120869
TI  - [Diagnostic methods of allergic rhinitis].
AB  - The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is based on a typical history with allergic
      symptoms and the results of diagnostic tests which are directed in vivo and in
      vitro on the detection of free or cell bound IgE antibodies. However, the
      detection of specific IgE antibodies does not imply the presence of clinical
      relevance, yet merely indicates the presence of a specific sensitization.

PMID- 27120870
TI  - [Therapy of allergic rhinitis].
AB  - If the avoidance of the provoking allergen is insufficient or not possible,
      medical treatment can be tried. Therapeutics of the first choice for the
      treatment of the seasonal and persistent allergic rhinitis are antihistamines and
      topical glucocorticoids. Chromones are less effective so they should only be used
      for adults with a special indication, for example during pregnancy. Beside the
      avoidance of the allergen the immunotherapy is the only causal treatment of
      allergic diseases.

PMID- 27120871
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27120872
TI  - [Dengue fever--not just a tropical infectious disease].
AB  - Dengue fever is a viral disease that is transmitted primarily by Aedes
      mosquitoes, i. e., A. aegypti and A. albopictus. Other species are rarely
      involved. The disease is caused by dengue virus, an enveloped RNA virus which
      belongs to the family of flaviviridae. Although most infections are asymptomatic,
      in 20 to 30 percentages all cases infections are accompanied with high fever and
      other influenza-like signs of illness. Serious medical conditions with lethal
      complications also occur. During the last decades, the incidence of dengue fever
      rose sharply in many tropical and subtropical countries. In some of these
      regions, dengue is one of the leading causes of death in children. In Europe,
      since a few years a strong clustering of dengue fever cases has been registered
      in travelers returning from certain tropical or subtropical regions. Recently,
      autochthonous outbreaks have been observed on the Atlantic island of Madeira and
      in a few other regions of South Europe. Treatment of dengue fever is supportive
      and symptomatic, a specific therapy does not exist. For prevention of disease,
      vector control is of crucial importance.

PMID- 27120873
TI  - [The calcium debate--strong bones at the expense of cardiovascular health?].
AB  - Ensuring an adequate intake of calcium--by means of supplements, if necessary--is
      a well-established approach in prevention and therapy of osteoporosis. However,
      in the meantime concerns have been voiced doubting the safety of calcium
      supplements. The discussion commenced when a new evaluation of the Auckland
      calcium intervention study revealed a higher rate of myocardial infarction after
      administration of calcium, compared to placebo. Two meta-analyses on the
      cardiovascular risk of calcium supplements supported these findings.
      Nevertheless, these results are still discussed contentiously. Doubts were
      increased by the fact that neither a reevaluation of the WHI calcium vitamin D
      study, nor a current meta-analysis could identify calcium as a cardiovascular
      risk factor. Against this background the present article analyses the
      controversial data with respect to the well-known "Hill-criteria" of causality,
      including consistency of data, magnitude of association, dose-response
      relationship and biological plausibility.

PMID- 27120874
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27120875
TI  - THE INTERNET OF CARING THINGS.

PMID- 27120876
TI  - EHRs Can Facilitate Nutrition Management.

PMID- 27120877
TI  - An Interdisciplinary Approach To Dysphagia.

PMID- 27120878
TI  - Tech Solutions Need To Focus On Simplicity, Service.

PMID- 27120879
TI  - Scanning The IT Horizon In Long Term, Post-Acute Care.

PMID- 27120880
TI  - Preface. Social Networking & New Technologies.

PMID- 27120881
TI  - Youth Perspectives on Social Media and Technology.

PMID- 27120882
TI  - Cross-Cultural and Cross-Platform Differences in Youths' Social Networking Site
      Behavior.

PMID- 27120883
TI  - Sex and Social Media: New Avenues for Hookups and New Opportunities for
      Interventions.

PMID- 27120884
TI  - Online Pro-Eating Disorder (Pro-ED) Activity.

PMID- 27120885
TI  - Cyberbullying and Online Harassment in Adolescents.

PMID- 27120886
TI  - Sex Online: Pornography, Sexual Solicitation, and Sexting.

PMID- 27120887
TI  - Legal Risks of Online Adolescent Communication.

PMID- 27120888
TI  - Problematic Internet Use During Adolescence and Young Adulthood.

PMID- 27120889
TI  - Adolescent Social Media Use: The Role of the Pediatric Practitioner and the
      Healthy Internet Use Model.

PMID- 27120890
TI  - Adolescent Mobile Phone Use and Mobile Phone-Based Health Promotion.
AB  - The past 20 years of mobile technology has shifted the ways in which young people
      communicate and network with one another. Mobile phone use is prevalent among
      adolescents and therefore is an ideal form of communication for tailored health
      care. This is especially so given the dramatic uptake in use of mobile
      technologies in this age group. Technology developments have also altered how
      physicians and public health interventionists communicate with adolescents for
      prevention messages. Rapidly changing technology has made the study of how best
      to communicate with youth a challenge because research can scarcely keep up with
      advances in the technology. However, best practices from behavior change and
      communication theories remain a foundation for future intervention directions and
      how we might best meet the health promotion needs of adolescents.

PMID- 27120891
TI  - Media Matter: But "Old" Media May Matter More Than "New" Media.

PMID- 27120892
TI  - Social Media and Mental Health in Adolescent and Young Adult Populations.

PMID- 27120893
TI  - The Role of Media on Adolescent Substance Use: Implications for Patient Visits.

PMID- 27120894
TI  - Adolescent Health and the Electronic Health Record: Can It Be a Social Media Tool
      for Quality Adolescent Care?

PMID- 27120895
TI  - Physician Blogging for Parent Health Education.

PMID- 27120896
TI  - [A critical review of applied criminology].
AB  - By reporting on a recent decision of the Regional Court (LG) of Marburg (Germany)
      calling attention to applied criminology, a concept still insufficiently
      considered in the administration of criminal justice, the paper argues that
      professional action in the execution of the sentence represents nothing else but
      applied criminology. Based on this assumption, the paper discusses practical
      diagnosis and correctional planning. Beyond that, the paper deals with the future
      of criminology. In the opinion of the author an important aspect for the future
      of criminology will be if it will be able to remain in touch with the world in
      which we live, as an independent empirical science. Applied criminology and its
      methodology constitute the link between science and practice.

PMID- 27120897
TI  - [Carbon monoxide poisoning by a heating system].
AB  - A case of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in several occupants of two
      neighboring residential buildings in Hamburg-Harburg (Germany) caused by a
      defective gas central heating system is described. Because of leaks in one of the
      residential buildings and the directly adjacent wall of the neighboring house,
      the gas could spread and accumulated in both residential buildings, which
      resulted in a highly dangerous situation. Exposure to the toxic gas caused mild
      to severe intoxication in 15 persons. Three victims died still at the site of the
      accident. Measures to protect the occupants were taken only with a great delay.
      As symptoms were unspecific, it was not realized that the various alarms given by
      persons involved in the accident were related to the same cause. In order to take
      appropriate measures in time it is indispensible to recognize, assess and check
      potential risks, which can be done by using carbon monoxide warning devices and
      performing immediate COHb measurements with special pulse oximeters on site.
      Moreover, the COHb content in the blood should be routinely determined in all
      patients admitted to an emergency department with unspecific symptoms.

PMID- 27120898
TI  - [Surprisingly old skeleton found at Bornheim-Uedorf (Rhein-Sieg-Kreis)--Research
      results in forensic medicine, anthropology and archaeology].
AB  - On April 15th 2014, human skeletal remains were found during digging activities
      for constructing a new building at Bornheim-Uedorf (Rhein-Sieg-Kreis) near the
      river Rhine (about 20 meters) in a pit measuring 10 by 10 meters and having a
      depth of about 150 cm. The skeletal remains were preserved quite well considering
      the fact that they were located so near to the Rhine, although several skeletal
      parts were missing. The preserved skeletal remains comprised some skull fragments
      (including two ear bones of the right side), right scapula, both humeri, left
      ulna, left radius, left metacarpal bone 2, right metacarpal bones 1, 3 and 4, rib
      fragments, three thoracic vertebrae, all lumbar vertebrae, one sacral vertebra,
      pelvis fragments, left femur, proximal part of the left tibial diaphysis, right
      tibia and diaphysis of both fibulae. The anthropological analysis revealed that
      the skeletal remains belonged to a 20-to-30-year-old presumably male individual
      with a body height of about 163 to 173 cm (depending on the formula used for body
      height estimation). Evidence of intense physical activity and traumatological
      findings could not be detected on the preserved bones. Periosteal reactions on
      the bone surface caused by nonspecific bacterial infection were found on the
      right humerus close to the elbow and on both tibiae, especially the left one.
      Besides the skeletal remains, metal fragments were recovered--among them an
      arrowhead, which was typologically classified as an early medieval finding (6th
      to 7th century). Radiocarbon dating of a bone sample revealed an age of 1561 +/-
      19 a BP corresponding to a calibrated age of 436 to 540 AD (1 sigma). So, the
      archaeological classification of the recovered skeleton into the early medieval
      period was verified. Amongst the human remains, there was also a metatarsal bone
      of cattle with cut marks. The animal bone as well as the metal fragments
      indicated that the find was part of an early medieval burial with typical grave
      goods.

PMID- 27120899
TI  - [Homicides committed by women in the area served by the Munich Institute of Legal
      Medicine].
AB  - According to crime statistics only a small percentage of intentional killings are
      committed by women. Female emancipation has not changed this finding. In spite of
      numerous studies in the field of psychiatry and social criminology there are few
      systematic investigations analyzing homicides committed by women under medico
      legal aspects. The presented data include 127 homicides committed by female
      offenders, which were assessed at the Munich Institute of Legal Medicine between
      1990 and 2010. The results of the evaluation are presented with regard to the
      type of offence, the motive, the means and method used to commit the offence and
      the sentence imposed.

PMID- 27120900
TI  - [Fatal explosion injuries from blasting a cigarette machine].
AB  - In the last few years, a growing number of cases have been reported in Germany in
      which vending machines have been blasted by criminals to get at the money. Thus,
      it was only a question of time for the first fatalities to occur as a consequence
      of such careless explosions. We report on the death of a 16-year-old boy who died
      after triggering an explosion by spraying a deodorant into the coin slot of a
      cigarette machine. Death was caused by severe craniocerebral trauma due to
      tertiary blast-related injuries when the front plate of the machine hit the
      victim's cerebral and facial skull.

PMID- 27120901
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27120902
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27120904
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Although most people consider gambling as a recreational activity, some
      individuals lose control and enter into a spiral of compulsive gambling with
      dramatic consequences. The many similarities with substance addiction have led
      psychiatrists to redefine pathological gambling as a behavioural addiction. A
      number of neurobiological hypotheses originating from this framework have been
      tested in the past ten years, in particular using neuroimaging. Similarly to
      substance addiction, a number of observations indicate a central role for
      dopamine in pathological gambling. However the underlying mechanism seems to be
      different and is still poorly understood. Neuropsychological studies have shown
      decision-making deficits in pathological gamblers, accompanied by a lack of
      inhibition and cognitive flexibility. This disruption of so-called "executive
      functions" is typical of frontal lobe dysfunction. Finally, functional MRI
      studies have revealed abnormal reactivity within the brain regions of the "
      reward system ", including the striatum and ventro-medial prefrontal cortex.
      These regions are over-activated by gambling cues, and under-activated by
      monetary gains. However, the scarcity and heterogeneity of brain imaging studies
      currently hinders the development of a coherent neurobiological model of
      pathological gambling. Further replications and diversification of approaches
      will be needed in the coming years in order to produce such a model that will
      have the ability to inform prevention and treatment strategies.

PMID- 27120903
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Although dopamine replacement therapy has been used in Parkinson's disease since
      the 1960s, it is only recently that behavioral disorders associated with these
      drugs have been described. Gathered under the term "behavioral addiction", they
      include impulse control disorders, dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS), and
      punding. Whereas addiction per se occurs almost exclusively with levodopa,
      impulse control disorders appear preferentially during dopamine agonist therapy.
      The prevalence of these disorders is estimated to be 10-17% in Parkinson's
      disease, a rate far higher than in the general population. Behavioral addiction
      in Parkinson's disease is thus a major public health problem, notably because of
      its familial, social, economic and legal implications. Preventive measures, and
      dopaminergic drug dose reduction, are currently the best strategies for managing
      these disorders.

PMID- 27120905
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Indications of assist devices concern (a) patients with severe/endstage heart
      failure on waiting list for heart transplantation a bridge to transplant"; (b) "
      Bridge to recovery" for patients at imminent risk of death due to acute cardiac
      failure; (c) "Destination therapy" with chronic implantation due to the imbalance
      between needs and scarcity of cardiac donors. Classical criteria of implantation
      correspond to severe heart failure resistant to available therapies. In order to
      avoid too advanced situations, many investigators recommend to discuss assist
      devices in patients who are dependent on inotropic support or in whom a
      progressive increase in inotrope doses is needed to maintain an adequate
      hemodynamic status. Choice of devices includes pneumatic
      paracorporeal/intracorporeal machines or electromechanical devices. In case of
      right and left cardiac failure, biventricular assist devices are needed. A
      significant reduction in death while on waiting list for heart transplant has
      resulted from technological progresses in assist devices. However; the
      benefit/risk must be evaluated individually, taking into consideration
      contraindications and complications such as thrombosis, bleeding, stroke or
      infection.

PMID- 27120906
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27120907
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - The World Health Organization defines Quality of life (QOL) as an individual's
      perception of their position in lfe in the context of the culture and value
      systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations,
      standards and concerns. During chronic heart failure several factors contribute
      to the alteration of QOL: congestion, dyspnea, fatigue, sleep disturbances,
      anxiety, depression, side effects of medications, impacts on personal life and
      disruption of social interactions which can modify patients' social roles, life
      situation and ability to travel. NYHA class, exercise tolerance represent
      physician-reported patient well-being parameters but do not actually assess
      alterations expressed by the patient. There are several specific instruments to
      better evaluate QOL: they can be generic (self-assessment of general well-being),
      health related QOL (SF36), specific to diseases (Minnesota Living With Heart
      Failure Questionnaire) or domain specific (anxiety, depression). Impact of ACE
      inhibitors, angiotensin 2 antagonists, and beta-blockers are small while that of
      cardiac resynchronization and multidisciplinary management programmes are more
      efficient. In advanced heart failure when patient recognize equal importance
      between improvement in QOL and gain in survival, left ventricle assist devices
      (LVAD) significantly improve QOL at early (3 months) and long-term (2 years)
      follow up. LVADs allow the rapid return of the patients at home and genuine
      autonomy in the context of a personalized care plan supervised by the referring
      centre. Beneficial effects are close to those of heart transplantation but still
      are limited by the need of taking care of their equipment.

PMID- 27120908
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis usually develops after 60 years of age, especially
      in men, leading to progressive exercise dyspnea. Median survival is about 3 years
      after diagnosis. This disease emerged in the middle of the last century and is
      linked to smoking. Mutations of genes encoding surfactant proteins and the
      telomerase complex may occasionally be present. International diagnostic criteria
      based on histopathology and computed tomography (CT) define the diagnosis as
      definite, probable or possible. Recent treatments (pirfenidone and nintedanib)
      have proven beneficial. Therapeutic advances warrant earlier diagnosis, based on
      Velcro crackles on pulmonary auscultation or interstitial opacities on CT
      screening for lung cancer.

PMID- 27120909
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - In France, the number of students admitted to the second year of medical studies
      is limited (numerus clausus) by law. In 1971 this limit was first based according
      to hospital training capacity and subsequently 1979 it has been based on
      demographic trends. An objective of 250 physicians per 100 000 inhabitants seemed
      reasonable and required 6 000 students to be trained each year. In 1979, it was
      decided to restrict the number of students temporarily because of a likely
      demographic slump after the year 2000. These steps were introduced progressively,
      in order not to unfairly treat a particular student class. The numerus clausus is
      also modulated geographically to take into account differences in medical
      density, as most students set up in the region where they did their medical
      studies. It is logical to practice preselection for admission to medical school,
      yet in France every baccalaureat holder can enrol any medical school, and
      students are totally opposed to preselection. This is why selection takes place
      at the end of the first year. In the late 1980s, the numerus clausus should have
      been increased by the health and education ministries, but this was in fact done
      only ten years later. Estimates of medical demography are complicated by three
      factors. First, many physicians from European Union member states (mainly Belgium
      and Romania) practice in France. Second, some students not admitted to the second
      year of medical studies go to learn medicine in aforeign country before returning
      to sit the French national examination at the end of the sixth year. Third,
      public hospitals hire foreign physicians from outside the EU (mainly Algeria and
      Morocco), who then stay in France permanently. Thus, EU-level decisions are
      needed to harmonize the medical numerus clausus across member states. The hiring
      of physicians from non EU countries by French hospitals should be more tightly
      controlled.

PMID- 27120910
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27120911
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Important preventive measures carried out in the herds of domestic animals have
      found improving the health status of farms, particularly for contagious diseases
      subject to mandatory declaration and accompanying drastic but necessary
      eradication measures in infected flocks. However it is more difficult to apply
      these same biosecurity measures on wildlife that may have been contaminated or
      not by domestic animals. The growing number of emerging infectious diseases of
      wildlife may reflect increased vigilance, but most often the result of a change
      in the ecology of the host, the causative agent or both. So, wildlife may be
      reservoirs of pathogens that can infect domestic herds again but mostly for the
      majority of them contaminating humans. This is the case, for example, of West
      Nile virus (WNV), avian influenza virus, rabies virus, Nipah virus, diseases
      transmitted by ticks, tuberculosis, brucellosis, hepatitis E or some parasitic
      zoonoses.

PMID- 27120912
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - More than 1 240 species of bats are known; many of them are insectivorous, others
      are frugivorous and some american species are haematophagous. More than 100
      diferent viruses are associated with these mammals, particularly Rhabdoviridae
      (Lyssavirus like rabies virus), Paramyxoviridae (like Nipah and Hendra viruses),
      Filoviridae (Ebola and Marburg viruses) and Coronavirida (viruses causing SARS
      and MERS). These infections are usually asymptomatic in bats but the mechanism of
      this tolerance is not yet understood. For those viruses, bats are efficient
      reservoirs and disseminators. So, they represent a significative risk for human
      and animal public health, that justifies to set up surveillance of bat-associated
      viruses and research programs about the particular immunity mechanisms of bats.

PMID- 27120913
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Among human parasites, some are also hosted by wild animals which can play a role
      in their transmission. Different rodents are well known as reservoirs of
      cutaneous leishmaniasis or of multilocular echinococcosis. But some other groups
      as fish, can also carry parasites; herrings causes anisakiasis in North Europe,
      but fresh water fishes do the same for Diphyllobothrium in alpine lakes. Human
      cases of trichinellosis are rare in countries where veterinary control of pig and
      horse meat is strict, but cases still occurr with boar meat. All together, the
      incidence in developped countries is limited, but reducing the prevention would
      induce re-emergencies of public health importance.

PMID- 27120914
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Exotic and pocket pets are becoming more and more popular in developed countries.
      These animals can carry zoonotic pathogens and young children and elderly people
      as well as immunocompromised persons are at highest risk to contract severe or
      even lethal infections. Despite the small number of such incidents or outbreaks
      compared to the large number of exotic and pocket pets owned by households, risk
      of infection still exist. Basic hygienic rules and a regular veterinary and
      medical check-up should be apply regularly to reduce such a risk.

PMID- 27120915
TI  - A Vision for Healthcare Leadership Excellence.

PMID- 27120916
TI  - AN INTERVIEW WITH ACHE's 2016-2017 Chairman.

PMID- 27120917
TI  - Advancing a Total-Systems Approach to Patient Safety. 3 Award-Winning Health
      Systems Share Their Initiatives.

PMID- 27120919
TI  - Use a Problem-Solving Lens.

PMID- 27120918
TI  - Radically Redesigning Patient Safety.

PMID- 27120920
TI  - 5 Strategies for a Successful Career Handoff.

PMID- 27120921
TI  - Price Transparency Is Not Enough. Indecipherable billing statements are
      indefensible.

PMID- 27120922
TI  - A Blueprint for Superior Customer Care.

PMID- 27120923
TI  - The Power of Partnership.

PMID- 27120924
TI  - Drug Prices: A Policy Puzzle.

PMID- 27120925
TI  - The Ever-Changing CEO.

PMID- 27120926
TI  - Boards' Practices Evolving.

PMID- 27120927
TI  - Improving the Health of Populations.

PMID- 27120928
TI  - Leading Change With Grit and Resiliency.

PMID- 27120930
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Because of the significant costs related to the treatment of end-stage kidney
      disease by dialysis, Belgian Health Care Authorities proposed in June 2009 an
      early multidisciplinary care of the chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a so-called
      clinical pathway (CP). Working on the hypothesis that inclusion into a CP could
      result in reduced morbidity and mortality and delayed admission on dialysis, we
      initiated a retrospective cohort study on dialyzed patients for whom a prior CKD
      diagnosis was made between June 1, 2009 and August 31, 2013 in the Nephrology
      Dept of Erasme Hospital. The exposed patient group was defined as enrolled
      patients into a CP (n = 25), the control patients were free of any CP (n = 25).
      Survival analyses were performed to search for an association between the
      inclusion into a CP and the time period needed to reach dialysis, but also to
      find a possible impact of CP on mortality and risk of hospitalization. The
      present study showed that CKD-CP significantly delayed the time of dialysis
      initiation (HR = 0.48 [0.27-0.87]; p = 0.015) but also reduced mortality (HR =
      0.10 [0.02-0.53]; p = 0.007) and hospitalization risk (HR = 0.30 [0.11-0.83]; p =
      0.020) after starting dialysis. These data suggest the benefit of a
      multidisciplinary care of CKD patients. However, a larger scale study is
      necessary to confirm these results.

PMID- 27120931
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - This is the clinical history of a term baby born at home who presents a severe
      hyperbilirubinemia. The medical monitoring was assessed by a private midwife
      according to parental choice. On the third day of life, the newborn presented an
      icterus and was exposed to natural daylight in the familial greenhouse under the
      midwife recommandations. On that day, no laboratory test precised the bilirubin
      level. On the fifth day, a blood sampling revealed a very high blood
      bilirubinemia (31 mg/dl or 527 mmol/L), the baby is refered to our NICU and
      underwent an exchange transfusion. The radiological assessment report structural
      abnomalies in basal ganglia seen on both MRI and transfontannellar echography.
      These lesions are known to be responsible of cerebral palsy and hearing loos. The
      neurophysiologic investigations showed background abnormaly and depression. The
      extensive blood sampling excluded haemolysis. The clinical examination brought
      out neurologic impairement and weight loos in this exclusively breastfed baby.
      This clinical case point out the increasing risk of home Kernicterius as hospital
      stays diminish and homebirth enthousiasm rise up. The present clinical situation
      vouches for an adaptation of care giving to both mother and child at home in
      order to avoid this severe illness.

PMID- 27120932
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Gamma Knife treatments of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are performed for
      about 40 years. This article presents the results of 123 patients treated for a
      brain AVM at the Gamma Knife Center ULB-Hopital Erasme. Radiosurgical treatment
      is proposed following multidisciplinary discussion of the best therapeutic
      strategy based on specific parameters of the AVM. Gamma Knife irradiation was
      achieved for an AVM residue after endovascular embolization for 84% of patients,
      after microsurgery for 7% of patients, or after previous radiosurgical
      irradiation for 6% of patients. The whole volume of the nidus was irradiated in a
      single session for all patients. A mean margin dose of 22.3 Gy was delivered to
      the nidus, which had a mean volume of 3.3 cc. The maximum dose ranged from 30 Gy
      to 50 Gy (mean 44.1 Gy). All patients were prospectively followed after treatment
      with serial angio-MR and/or conventional angiography. A retrospective analysis
      shows complete obliteration of the AVM for 109 patients (89%) after 6 to 52
      months (mean 32 months). For 14 patients the nidus was only partially obliterated
      from the radiosurgical procedure; for 9 patients a second irradiation was
      performed with subsequent complete occlusion of the AVM in all cases. So, 118 of
      123 patients (96%) irradiated by Gamma Knife in 1 or 2 sessions were cured. Four
      patients bled after irradiation and before complete occlusion of the AVM, with
      neurological deficit for 2 patients. Transient neurological symptoms develop
      after treatment for 12 patients (10%), associated with postradic edema treated
      with corticoids. Permanent neurological worsening occurred in 5 patients (4%).
      Gamma Knife treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations is a highly
      efficient and low-risk therapy when used by a multidisciplinary team.

PMID- 27120933
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - In Belgium and around the world, the weight-control surgery has grown
      significantly since the beginning of the 21st century. The principal argument in
      favour of this type of surgery is the expected reduction of the obesity
      associated morbidities. However, the expectatif reduction of mortality associated
      with this kind of surgery is based on a low level of evidence. Besides the
      mechanical complications, there are a number of health-related problems
      associated with the post-operative metabolic changes. Authors of the present
      article have observed four cases presenting with serious affections consecutive
      to bariatric interventions and reviewed the literature. The most frequent
      consequence of bariatric surgery is anaemia (15%), which is either due to iron or
      cyanocobalamine deficiency, followed by neuropathies, bone mineral loss,
      substance abuse or postprandial hypoglycaemia syndrome. Rare but severe
      complications are Wernicke's encephalopathy, fulminant hepatitis or hyperoxaluric
      tubular disease. The prevention, diagnosis and management of these new diseases
      are becoming a major public health concern.

PMID- 27120934
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - The implementation of preventive devices is always a difficult task to
      anticipate. It is also difficult to verify the adequacy of resources used to the
      needs. For this purpose, the Belgian Red Cross created the computer tool
      collecting administrative information, diagnostic codes, destination of the
      patient, triage, level of emergency as well as kinetics of admission to the
      preventive care station. Data analysis in the various types of events confirms
      the usefulness of prevention devices. Although it can be improved, the tool is
      reliable and permits a great extent the adaptative means to the needs.

PMID- 27120935
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Male breast cancer is a rare disease, accounting for less than 1% of all breast
      cancer cases. It is often diagnosed late, at a more advanced stage than its
      female counterpart. Therefore, it is more commonly treated with mastectomy. In
      early stages, a conservative treatment associating lumpectomy, sentinel lymph
      node (SLN) biopsy and whole-breast external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is possible
      and has been described. Recently, intra-operative radiation therapy (IORT) has
      been assessed as an alternative to EBRT in selected female breast cancer cases.
      Its use has never been described in male patients. In this article, we present
      the case of a 56 years old man treated with lumpectomy with the excision of the
      nipple-areola complex, SLN biopsy, and IORT with electron beams (IOERT), for
      early breast cancer disease. This case demonstrates that the IORT technique is
      feasible on men with early breast cancer (pT1N0).

PMID- 27120936
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - We report the case of a 35 year old man, who first presented diffuse muscle pain
      and then joint pain, especially in the lumbar and right knee level. The diagnosis
      of gonococcal septicemia is done through positive blood cultures in the absence
      of genital signs.

PMID- 27120937
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27120938
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Medicine owes many to Hippocrate, but pneumology traces its origin back to
      antiquity, from Mesopotamia to ancient Rome. Regarding prehistory: if viscera of
      this period have not been kept, some bones were. Since Neanderthals, it is then
      possible to study osteoarticular pathologies (often chronic arthrosis). But no
      evidence of tuberculosis was found (all thoracic kyphosis are not tuberculosis).
      Tuberculosis probably appears during the Neolithic age, because of high
      concentration of population. In ancient times, pneumology was of course not a
      real medical specialty. However, respiratory illness already constituted a big
      part of antique medical practice. The purpose of the physician in antiquity was
      to establish a diagnosis, a prognostic and to propose a treatment. Prognostic
      revealed to be of great importance in ancient times, since therapeutic efficacy
      was limited. Contemporary physicians often neglect this part of their practice.
      In ancient times, physicians also tried to gradually eliminate magic-religious
      aspects in taking care of the patients. This review will propose a journey from
      Mesopotamia to ancient Egypt (and its medical papyrus). Very few sources are
      available concerning medicine in pre-Columbian cultures. However, it is well
      known that shamans had, besides their religious competences, a great
      pharmacopoeia. Because of these very few sources, this topic will not be added to
      this article. Little is known in Europa about chinese medicine before the Jesuit
      mission in China during the 17th and 18th centuries. Yet, chinese medicine grew
      in parallel with European's one. Some relevant elements of this medicine will
      hereafter be shown.

PMID- 27120939
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27120940
TI  - Relationship between water compartments, body composition assessed by
      bioelectrical impedance analysis and blood pressure in school children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is becoming more widely used
      in clinical practice as a method of body composition analysis. In healthy
      children blood pressure (BP) changes with age, body mass and height. Until now
      the relation between water compartments and BP in healthy children has not been
      evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body
      composition as well as water compartments (measured by electrical bioimpedance)
      and BP. METHODS: The study was performed in 72 children (32 girls and 40 boys)
      aged: 6-7 and 12-13 years. BIA measurements were taken using Nutriguard Data
      Input device with Bianostic electrodes and following parameters were calculated:
      total body water (TBW), lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), intra- and
      extracellular water (ICW, ECW) and phase angle alpha. BP was measured twice using
      the oscillometric method. RESULTS: Elevated BP > 95th percentile for gender, age
      and height were observed in 9 children. A significant correlation between
      systolic (S)BP and TBW (R = 0.4023, p < 0.001), LBM (R = 0.3600, p = 0.002), FM
      (R = 0.4725, p < 0.001), ECW (R = 0.4598, p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (R
      = 0.4089, p < 0.001) was found. Furthermore, diastolic (D)BP significantly
      correlated with TBW (R = 0.3056, p = 0.011), LBM (R = 0.2783, p = 0.021), FM (R =
      0.3956, p < 0.001), ECW (R = 0.3869, p = 0.001) and BMI (R = 0.3550, p = 0.002).
      In the studied group malnutrition (weight < 3rd percentile) was found in 8
      children and 2 had obesity (BMI > 95th percentile). Growth disorders were found
      in 6 children (5 of them being undernourished). CONCLUSIONS: In the studied
      children SBP and DBP correlated with water compartments, lean body and fat masses
      derived from BIA. The problem of unrecognized hypertension and malnutrition in
      children and adolescents is still underestimated in the Polish population.

PMID- 27120941
TI  - Assessment of ovarian reserve in patients with ovarian endometriosis following
      laparoscopic enucleation of a cyst accompanied by CO2 laser ablation or
      electroablation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis affects about 5-15% of women in the reproductive
      period. One of the most important complications of pelvic endometriosis is
      infertility. OBJECTIVE: The assessment of ovarian endometriosis therapy with the
      use of combined laparoscopic techniques (cyst enucleation with
      electroablation/CO2 laser ablation) and their influence on the preservation of
      the ovarian reserve. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Fifty-eight patients aged 19-40 with
      diagnosed ovarian endometriosis underwent pre-surgical assessment of their
      ovarian reserve consisting of antral follicle count (AFC), basal ovarian volume
      (BOV) and FSH level. Twenty-four patients underwent laparoscopic enucleation of
      the cyst with CO2 laser ablation and thirty-four patients had enucleation with
      successive electroablation. The ovarian reserve of the patients was reassessed
      during follow-up assessments three and six months after surgery. RESULTS: In
      neither group was there a statistically significant decrease of AFC after three
      or six months. Additionally, in the group that underwent enucleation with
      electroablation, a significant drop in FSH level was observed after three months.
      This group was characterized by a statistically significant decrease in BOV at
      the three- and six-month follow-up assessments. 17% patients had ovarian relapses
      visible in the ultrasound scan at the six month follow-up assessment. In the
      group of patients who underwent enucleation with CO2 laser ablation, BOV had not
      changed significantly, while a high rate of ovarian relapses (39%) was observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: The lack of significant changes in AFC level after the surgeries
      suggests an initial positive evaluation of both techniques in the context of
      ovarian reserve preservation. The detrimental BOV decrease after enucleation with
      electroablation and high relapse rate after enucleation after CO2 laser ablation
      shows that further research is needed in order to optimize the laparoscopic
      techniques of endometriosis therapy.

PMID- 27120942
TI  - [The impact of the type of anesthesia on postoperative pain after surgical
      correction of hallux valgus deformity].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Different kind of anesthesia are used in hallux valgus surgery e.g
      general and spinal anesthesia, peripheral blocks (sciatic, femoral, ankle),
      patient controlled analgesia (PCA), multimodal anesthesia and preemptive local
      anesthesia. The type of anesthesia can play a key role in postoperative pain
      control. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of different types
      of anesthesia in reduction of postoperative pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the
      years 2009-2015,260 hallux valgus surgeries were performed using chevron, scarf,
      Mitchell-Kramer or Kramer method. Depending on the kind of anesthesia, patients
      were assigned to one of the five groups: group A--general, group B--spinal, group
      C--general with local preemptive, group D--spinal with local preemptive, group E-
      sciatic (popliteal) block. The level of postoperative pain intensity was measured
      using a visual analogue scale (VAS) in 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48 and 72 hours after
      surgery. Regardless of the type of anesthesia each patient received three doses
      of 1000 mg paracetamol, two doses of 100 mg ketoprofen and at the request 7.5 mg
      morphine sulphate intravenously. During discharge from the hospital followed a
      day after surgery each patient received a prescription for 325 mg paracetamol +
      37.5 mg tramadol hydrochloride . All adverse effects of anesthesia and drugs were
      reported. RESULTS: During the first 24 hours average pain intensity measured by
      VAS was increased in group A compared to others (p < 0.05). Between 8 and 24
      hours, a similar relationship was observed in group B compared to C, D and E (p <
      0.05). At the second and third day after surgery the differences in VAS were not
      statistically significant. In groups C, D and E we observed decreased use of 7.5
      mg morphine sulphate on demand and 325 mg paracetamol + 37.5 mg tramadol
      hydrochloride. In two patients of group A and one in group B dizziness and nausea
      after use of 325 mg paracetamol + 37.5 mg of tramadol hydrochloride were noted.
      Two patients in group B and one of group D had incident of bradycardia. Three
      patients of group A and C had nausea and vomiting. We did not observe side
      effects of injected solution of local anesthetics. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive local
      anesthetic infiltration combined with general or spinal anesthesia and sciatic
      (popliteal) block are more effective than isolated general and spinal anesthesia
      in reducing the level of postoperative pain after hallux valgus surgery. They are
      also associated with decreased number of complications and reduction of applied
      analgesics.

PMID- 27120943
TI  - [Clinical characteristic of patients with acute kidney injury complicated severe
      cardio-vascular diseases].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients with cardiovascular diseases are a group of increased risk
      of acute kidney injury (AKI). Mortality in this group of patients with AKI,
      especially treated in intensive care units, is very high. The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the clinical characteristic of patients with AKI complicated
      severe cardiovascular diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of
      246 questionnaire of patients with AKI in the course of severe cardiovascular
      diseases treated in the wards of nephrological profile from the malopolska and
      podkarpackie voivodships in the years 2000-2011 was performed. RESULTS: The group
      of patients consisted of 157 men and 89 women, with mean age 67.9 +/- 14.8 years.
      The most common cause of AKI were: acute decompensated heart failure--24 (9.8%),
      chronic decompensated heart failure--94 (38.2%), cardiac arrest--29 (11.8%),
      myocardial infarction--48 (19.5%), CABG--12 (4.9%), cardiac valve implantation-
      14 (5.7), heart transplantation--4 (1.6%) and aortic aneurysm--21 (8.5%). Age
      distribution of patients with AKI revealed that most numerous group had 71-80
      years. The most of patients (95.9%) with AKI were treated with hemodialysis. The
      mortality rate in the study group was very high (69.5%). Recovery of renal
      function was observed in 39 (27.3%) of patients. Signs of kidney disease before
      AKI was noted in 116 (47.2%) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe
      cardiovascular complications and AKI had high mortality rate instead of performed
      hemodialysis treatment.

PMID- 27120944
TI  - [Brief measure to assess patient perception of self-influence on the disease
      course-version for hemodialysis].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Self-influence on the disease course has a significant impact on
      coping with disease and adherence to medical recommendations. AIM: Elaboration of
      a brief scale for screening of patient perception of self-influence on the course
      of disease among hemodialysis, which could be used during usual medical practice.
      METHODS: In the first stage of the study, based on a group focus interview with 6
      hemodialysis (mean age 65.2 +/- 14.8 year)--5 women (83%) and 1 men (17%), mean
      time of dialysis 43.8 +/- 38 months, a list of 51 characteristics of patients
      with low (LP) and high perception (HP) of self-influence on the curse of disease,
      was constructed. In the second stage 99 patients (mean age 66.1 +/- 14.7 year)-
      51 men (52%) and 48 women (48%), mean time of dialysis 48.7 +/- 48.1 months,
      assessed scale reliability. They were selected by their nephrologists to groups
      with LP and HP. Based on the results 11 items had the strongest power of
      discrimination of those two groups. 15 (13.2%) hemodialysis refused to
      participate at this part of study. In a third step 70 (mean age 68 +/- 13.3 year)
      patients--40 men (57.1%) and 30 women (42.9%), mean time of dialysis 48.1 +/-
      45.6 months, assessed validity of the tool. RESULTS: The reliability alfa
      Cronbach = 0.9 and validity tau-Kendall = 0.6. CONCLUSIONS: Scale has a very high
      reliability and satisfactory validity. It can be used for those of hemodialysis
      who have problems with adherence to medical recommendations or have difficulty in
      contact with the medical staff or other patients.

PMID- 27120945
TI  - [Effect of pre-surgical stress on recovery of patients undergoing hip replacement
      procedures].
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the effect of emotional stress experienced by
      patients prior to surgery on the process of post-surgical recovery. The study
      covered 50 hospitalised patients (31 women and 19 men) who underwent hip
      replacement procedures. The research relied on STAI-X1 anxiety questionnaire, as
      well as a specially prepared survey and the analysis of medical documentation.
      The results of the study suggest that fears most frequently listed by patients
      include fear of pain and anaesthesia, as well as anxieties related to the
      possibility of medical complications and the need to rely on a stranger. A
      positive statistical correlation was found between the level of emotional stress
      and the occurrence of psychological and care problems in the first three days
      following the surgery (unfounded anxieties, self-removal of drainage, ports or
      dressing). In addition, a statistically significant relation was found between
      the emotional stress level before the surgery and the number of times the
      patient's blood pressure exceeded 140/90 mmHg (p = 0.0408), as well as his or her
      consumption of analgesics (p = 0.0033), sedatives (p = 0.0340) and soporific
      drugs (p = 0.0273) in postoperative period.

PMID- 27120946
TI  - [Paraneoplastic endocrine syndromes].
AB  - Among the most interesting manifestations of neoplasms is the production of
      functional peptides and hormones that may induce unique clinical syndromes. It
      has become obvious in the last decades that a wide range of endocrine tumors
      secrete hormones not normally associated with the tissue in which the neoplasm
      arises. The resultant syndromes, some of which resemble other endocrine entities,
      can be the first clinical manifestation of malignant disease or a harbinger of
      cancer recurrence. The development of these disorders does not necessarily
      correlate with cancer stage or unfavorable prognosis. Early recognition of
      paraneoplastic endocrine syndromes is clinically important as it might lead to
      the detection of underlying malignancy and might prevent delay in treatment.
      Because paraneoplastic endocrine syndromes often cause considerable morbidity and
      mortality, effective treatment can improve patient quality and length of life.
      The aim of this study was to review the most common and the most specific
      paraneoplastic syndromes associated with the presence of ectopic hormone
      production. We emphasize the importance of considering the ectopic hormone
      production in the differential diagnosis of various endocrine entities.

PMID- 27120947
TI  - [Cardiac syndrome X--epidemiology, diagnostics, ethiopatoghenesis, prognosis,
      treatment and latest guidelines].
AB  - Since first performed coronary angiography it was noticed that many patients with
      chest pain, abnormal rest electrocardiogram and positive stress test have normal
      result of coronary angiogram. The cause of this wasn't known. For the first time
      this disorder was named cardiac syndrome X by Harvey Kemp in 1973. In the new
      2013 European Society of Cardiology guidelines regarding diagnosis and treatment
      of stable coronary artery disease, term cardiac syndrome X was substituted by
      "angina with normal coronary arteries". This article elaborates epidemiology,
      diagnostics, ethiopatoghenesis, prognosis and treatment of patients with
      diagnosis of term cardiac syndrome X in the light of the latest studies and
      guidelines.

PMID- 27120948
TI  - [The rare case of osteonecrosis of the jaws in a patient treated with
      bisphosphonates for osteoporosis].
AB  - Bisphosphonates are used primarily in patients with bone metastases and
      osteoporosis One of the local complications, less well-known to doctors,
      associated with the use of bisphosphonates is osteonecrosis of the jaw
      (Biophosphatate Related osteonecrosis of the jaw--BRONJ). It affects
      approximately 1-10% of patients and may cause diagnostic difficulties because of
      its similarity to a primary focus in the bone. This issue can be encountered by
      the doctors of various specialties who use bisphosphonates. The purpose of this
      study is to present a case of the patient with BRONJ symptoms following the
      administration of bisphosphonate therapy, which can occur in the doctors
      practice. Concluding, maintaining good health of the oral cavity before starting
      the therapy reduces the incidence of BROKJ. Before starting bisphosphonate
      therapy, all patients should be referred to dental consultation to assess the
      potential foci of infection in the mouth.

PMID- 27120949
TI  - [Computed tomography imaging in ureteropelvic junction obstruction--case report].
AB  - Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is defined as an impedance in the
      normal flow of urine from the renal pelvis into the proximal ureter. This leads
      to an increase urine pressure in the pelvicalyceal system and as a consequence
      cause hydronephrosis and damage of renal parenchyma. Presence of anomalous
      vessels crossing the ureter (crossing vessels) is one of the many reasons of UPJ
      obstruction. We report a case of 32-year-old female patient with chronic
      abdominal pain and recurrent episodes of pyelonephritis in the past. Contrast
      enhanced URO-CT was performed in order to determine the cause of complaints. This
      examination revealed right pelvicalyceal system dilatation and ipsilateral UPJ
      obstruction. After urological consultation patient was qualified for surgery,
      which aimed to decompress right pelvicalyceal system by changing anatomical
      conditions between the ureter and presumably crossing vessels. We demonstrate in
      the described case the value of contrast enhanced computed tomography URO-CT) in
      the diagnostic process of UPJ pathology. A multitude of information that we
      obtain from URO-CT examination allows the surgeon to reveal the cause of abnormal
      urine flow and choose the optimal operating method to minimize the risk of
      adverse events (such as intraoperative bleeding from mutilated crossing vessels).

PMID- 27120950
TI  - [Medical support of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation: results of
      activity and tasks for 2016].
AB  - The author gives an analysis of activity of the medical service of the Armed
      Forces in 2015 concerning development of normative legal basis for the military
      health care, improvement of the level of operational and mobilization readiness
      of subunits of army group, and military-medical institutions, improvement of
      effectiveness of treatment and evacuation measures, health resort treatment,
      medical stuff training optimization, sanitary-and-epidemiologic support, material
      and technical support improvement, adoption of advanced scientific achievements
      focusing on medical care delivery to army group, active development and increase
      in medical information systems, telehealth. system. The author gives data
      characterizing state and level of development of medical service of the Armed
      Forces and its dynamics. Main tasks and parameters of development of the service
      in 2016 and up to 2020 are formulated.

PMID- 27120951
TI  - [Modern state and prospects of development of medical-and-psychological support
      of military servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation].
AB  - The authors analysed state and prospects of medical-and-psychological support of
      military servicemen, which is supposed to consider as a complex of measures aimed
      at monitoring of professional psychological health, professional-and
      psychological expertise, psychophysiological and pharmacological, correction, and
      medical-and-psychological rehabilitation. Organisation and maintaince of the
      above mentioned measures should be carried out by specialists of medical--and
      psychological support groups and medical-and-psychological correction.

PMID- 27120952
TI  - [Pecularities of organisation and health care delivery to military servicemen
      under conditions of mid- and high mountains].
AB  - The authors present an analysis of adverse climatic factors mid- and high
      mountains, which have a significant negative impact on fighting facility and
      capacity for work in military servicemen that may cause an acute mountain
      sickness and severe complications (high altitude pulmonary edema and high
      altitude cerebral edema). Complicated mechanisms of organism disorder are shown.
      Sophisticated medical and tactical factors of mountain theatre of war, defining
      the nature of actions of troops, require special approaches to organisation of
      medical support. One of the major tasks of the medical service and the commanders
      is the timely prevention of health disorders troops in mountainous terrain.

PMID- 27120953
TI  - [Corrrelation between blood pressure levels in patients with glaucoma (Literature
      review)].
AB  - The problem of correlation between blood pressure levels and intraocular pressure
      is one of the most talked about. Both, Russian and foreign literature, reflects
      the heterogeneity of views on the impact of blood pressure changes into the level
      of intraocular. pressure. At the same time it underestimated the role of systemic
      cardiovascular changes in the deterioration of visual function in case of primary
      open-angle glaucoma. Numerous data demonstrate the role of additional factors
      than average blood pressure levels in advance of glaucoma. More and more
      researchers tend to assess not only intraocular pressure, but also perfusion
      pressure as a risk predictor of advance of glaucoma. Correlation between blood
      pressure level and intraocular pressure has a particular relevance due to the
      significant improvement of the range of cardiovascular drugs that can affect on
      intraocular pressure indictors. A number of literature data confirm the need to
      research variations in blood pressure levels during the day and types of therapy
      that patients receive.

PMID- 27120954
TI  - [Hygienic characteristics of daily ration, designed for military servicemen doing
      call-up military service].
AB  - The article gives the hygienic characteristics of the daily diet of soldiers
      doing call-up military service. The object of study--military servicemen aged 18
      22 years doing call-up military service. The material of the study data was
      obtained from a continuous cross-sectional study of dietary intake among military
      personnel. Investigation pointed out that consumption of nutrients and energy
      value of the surveyed military personnel was broadly in accordance with
      recommended physiological requirements for nutrients and energy for this age
      group. However; despite the adequacy of energy supply, showed signs of imbalance
      on the nutrients of rations provided in the military establishment. Structure of
      consumption of products is not in full compliance with the existing
      recommendations of the Kazakh academy of Nutrition.

PMID- 27120955
TI  - [Medical Service of the Lithuanian Armed Forces].
AB  - The article is a brief description of the current state of Lithuanian Armed
      Forces medical service and is based on the study of the open access foreign
      sources. At the beginning, the general information about Lithuania, its Armed
      Forces, and their, medical service is presented. Then the medical service
      particular features are described, with more detail, namely, the organization of
      the inpatient and outpatient treatment, medical supply, scientific research,
      combat medicine, medical staff education and training, medical service personnel
      income.

PMID- 27120956
TI  - [Military-medical academy celebrates the 60th anniversary].
AB  - The first field therapy department in our country was established in the
      S.M.Kirov Military Medical Academy in November, 1955. The new department was
      established by merging of academical Department's of military toxicology, nuclear
      weapon and field therapy course, taught in Hospital Therapy Department. The new
      department was imposed as teaching and research center of organizational issues
      of field therapy, pathology and clinic of radiation injuries and injuries due to
      chemical agents. Scientific researches were also conducted on the same direction.
      Department was headed by outstanding field therapist such as Ivanosvky B.D.,
      Zakrzhevsky E.B., Gembitsky E.V., Alexeev G.I., Shishmarev Yu.N, Sosukin A.E.
      Since 2010 the head of department is Khalimov Yu.Sh. Over the last 60 years of
      its activity department has became a scientific and academic center on field
      therapy, alma mater of specialists on clinical radiology, clinical toxicology,
      military professional pathology, and organization of therapeutic medicine for the
      Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and other foreign countries. Department
      became famous as in our country as outside. Today department answers neccessary
      requirements for scientific-and-research work and successful training and
      professional improvement of the army and navy physicians.

PMID- 27120957
TI  - [From Leonardo Da Vinci to present days; from the history of antiplague costume].
AB  - As a prototype of the antiplague costume can be considered a special clothing,
      which physicians in medieval Europe wear for protection in plague nidus. Inventor
      of the first antiplague costume is considered to be a French doctor Charles de
      Lorme (1619). Much later, in 1878, a Russian professor Pashutin V V offered to
      use a costume, which looked like a hermetically sealed "bag" with a special
      breathing device aimed at protection of medical staff. Later, professor O.I.
      Dogel's respirator became well-known (1889). At the beginning of 20th century as
      part of the antiplague costume was used a charcoal filter mask, invented by
      Zelinsky N.D. Requirements to order the use of modern means of individual
      protection when working in nidus of especially dangerous infections identified
      sanitary-epidemiological rules, which reflect issues of laboratory workers
      working and protective clothing, respiratory protection, and view, especially
      operation, the procedure of putting on, removing and disinfecting antiplague
      costumes, pneumocostumes, pneumohelmets, isolation suits, gas-protection boxes,
      etc.

PMID- 27120958
TI  - [Children's department and child care institutions of the Central military,
      hospital of People's commissariat during the Great Patriotic War].
AB  - The article presents historical data about paediatric health care delivery and
      escort of children of the Command of the Red Army during their evacuation from
      Moscow in 1941. Data on foundation of kindergartens of People's commissariat in
      1942-1943, their support and foundation of children's department in the hospital
      is given. Special subdivision governed by the head of child care institutions of
      the hospital was formed for managing child care institutions.

PMID- 27120959
TI  - State Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Task Force Releases Findings and
      Recommendations.

PMID- 27120961
TI  - Credit Report and Interest Questions.

PMID- 27120962
TI  - Communication and Its Role in Team Building.

PMID- 27120960
TI  - The Choosing Wisely Initiative.

PMID- 27120963
TI  - HIPAA Compliance: Know Your Potential Vulnerabilities.

PMID- 27120964
TI  - Ameloblastoma of the Anterior Mandible: Comprehensive Patient Management.

PMID- 27120965
TI  - ACCESS TO CARE: WHY I'M A MISSION OF MERCY VOLUNTEER.

PMID- 27120966
TI  - When Is It Time to Hang Up the Handpiece?

PMID- 27120967
TI  - Student Loan Strategies for New Dentists.

PMID- 27120969
TI  - Yielding and flow of cellulose microfibril dispersions in the presence of a
      charged polymer.
AB  - The shear flow of microfibrillated cellulose dispersions is still not wholly
      understood as a consequence of their multi-length-scale heterogeneity. We added
      carboxymethyl cellulose, a charged polymer, that makes cellulose microfibril
      dispersions more homogeneous at the submicron and macro scales. We then compared
      the yielding and flow behavior of these dispersions to that of typical
      thixotropic yield-stress fluids. Despite the apparent homogeneity of the
      dispersions, their flow velocity profiles in cone-plate geometry, as measured by
      rheo-MRI velocimetry, differ strongly from those observed for typical thixotropic
      model systems: the viscosity across the gap is not uniform, despite a flat stress
      field across the gap. We describe these velocity profiles with a nonlocal model,
      and attribute the non-locality to persistent micron-scale structural
      heterogeneity. 

PMID- 27120968
TI  - Stunting coexisting with overweight in 2.0-4.9-year-old Indonesian children:
      prevalence, trends and associated risk factors from repeated cross-sectional
      surveys.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The persistence of undernutrition, along with overweight and obesity,
      constitute the double burden of malnutrition. The present study aimed to: (i)
      describe the prevalence and trends of concurrent stunting and overweight in
      Indonesian children; (ii) identify potentially associated risk factors; and (iii)
      determine whether stunted children are at greater risk of overweight compared
      with those of healthy height. DESIGN: A secondary data analysis of children aged
      2.0-4.9 years in four cross-sectional studies of the Indonesian Family Life
      Survey. Children's height and BMI Z-scores were calculated based on the WHO Child
      Growth Standards (2006). We defined 'concurrent stunting and overweight' as
      height-for-age Z-score +1. Multivariate generalised linear latent and mixed
      models were used to determine associated risk factors. SETTING: Thirteen out of
      twenty-seven provinces in Indonesia. SUBJECTS: Children (n 4101) from four waves
      of the Indonesian Family Life Survey (1993-2007). RESULTS: There were
      inconsistent trends in the prevalence of concurrent stunting and overweight from
      waves 1 to 4. Children were more likely to be stunted and overweight when they
      were in the youngest age group (2.0-2.9 years), were weaned after the age of 6
      months, had short-statured mothers or lived in rural areas. Stunted children were
      significantly more likely to be overweight than healthy-height children (OR>1)
      but did not differ significantly different across each wave (OR=1.34-2.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent stunting and overweight occurs in Indonesian children
      aged 2.0-4.9 years. Current policies and programmes need to be tailored for the
      management of this phenomenon.

PMID- 27120970
TI  - Identification of potential biomarkers for post-traumatic complications released
      after trauma-hemorrhage from murine Kupffer cells and its investigation in lung
      and liver.
AB  - CONTEXT: Early diagnosis of complications after severe trauma by specific
      biomarkers remains difficult. OBJECTIVE: Identify potential new biomarkers for
      early diagnosis of post-traumatic complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mice
      underwent pressure-controlled hemorrhage or sham procedure. Four hours later,
      genome-wide expression of isolated Kupffer cells was compared with controls using
      Affymetrix-Genechip-Expression-Analysis and real-time-PCR. RESULTS: Expression
      analysis and real-time-PCR revealed a significant increase of gene expression of
      Cxcl10, Il4ra, Csf2rb2, Lcn2, and Gbp5. CONCLUSION: Cxcl10, Il4ra, Csf2rb2, Lcn2,
      and Gbp5 might represent new biomarkers for early diagnosis of post-traumatic
      complications, if they are linked to the development of post-traumatic
      complications.

PMID- 27120971
TI  - A silicon carbide nanowire field effect transistor for DNA detection.
AB  - This work reports on the label-free electrical detection of DNA molecules for the
      first time, using silicon carbide (SiC) as a novel material for the realization
      of nanowire field effect transistors (NWFETs). SiC is a promising semiconductor
      for this application due to its specific characteristics such as chemical
      inertness and biocompatibility. Non-intentionally n-doped SiC NWs are first grown
      using a bottom-up vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism, leading to the NWs
      exhibiting needle-shaped morphology, with a length of approximately 2 MUm and a
      diameter ranging from 25 to 60 nm. Then, the SiC NWFETs are fabricated and
      functionalized with DNA molecule probes via covalent coupling using an amino
      terminated organosilane. The drain current versus drain voltage (I d-V d)
      characteristics obtained after the DNA grafting and hybridization are reported
      from the comparative and simultaneous measurements carried out on the SiC NWFETs,
      used either as sensors or references. As a representative result, the current of
      the sensor is lowered by 22% after probe DNA grafting and by 7% after target DNA
      hybridization, while the current of the reference does not vary by more than +/
      0.6%. The current decrease confirms the field effect induced by the negative
      charges of the DNA molecules. Moreover, the selectivity, reproducibility,
      reversibility and stability of the studied devices are emphasized by de
      hybridization, non-complementary hybridization and re-hybridization experiments.
      This first proof of concept opens the way for future developments using SiC-NW
      based sensors. 

PMID- 27120972
TI  - Discovery of a potential lead compound for treating leprosy with dapsone
      resistance mutation in M. leprae folP1.
AB  - Dapsone resistance is a serious impediment to the implementation of the present
      leprosy control strategies. In the recent past, many studies have been undertaken
      to address the antibiotic activity and binding pattern of dapsone against both
      native and mutant (Pro55Leu) folP1. Yet, there is no well-developed structural
      basis for understanding drug action and there is dire need for new antibacterial
      therapies. In the present study, molecular simulation techniques were employed
      alongside experimental strategies to address and overcome the mechanism of
      dapsone resistance. In essence, we report the identification of small molecule
      compounds to effectively and specifically inhibit the growth of M. leprae through
      targeting dihydropteroate synthase, encoded by folP1 which is involved in folic
      acid synthesis. Initially, ADME and toxicity studies were employed to screen the
      lead compounds, using dapsone as standard drug. Subsequently, molecular docking
      was employed to understand the binding efficiency of dapsone and its lead
      compounds against folP1. Further, the activity of the screened lead molecule was
      studied by means of molecular dynamics simulation techniques. Furthermore, we
      synthesized 4-(2-fluorophenylsulfonyl)benzenamine, using (2-fluorophenyl)boronic
      acid and 4-aminobenzenesulfonyl chloride, and the compound structure was
      confirmed by (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR spectroscopic techniques. Most importantly,
      the antibacterial activity of the compound was also examined and compared against
      dapsone. Overall, the result from our analysis suggested that CID21480113 (4-(2
      fluorophenylsulfonyl)benzenamine) could be developed into a promising lead
      compound and could be effective in treating dapsone resistant leprosy cases.

PMID- 27120973
TI  - Spontaneously ruptured hepatic cyst treated with laparoscopic deroofing and
      cystobiliary communication closure: A case report.
AB  - The rupture of a nonparasitic hepatic cyst with biliary communication is rare. We
      report the case of a patient with a hepatic cyst with biliary communication that
      spontaneously ruptured and was successfully treated by laparoscopic deroofing and
      closure of the communication. A 61-year-old woman presented at our hospital with
      a chief complaint of right upper abdominal pain. Enhanced abdominal CT showed a
      collapsed hepatic cyst and fluid collection. Drip infusion CT cholangiography
      showed contrast medium pooling in the collapsed cyst. Therefore, hepatic cyst
      rupture with biliary communication was diagnosed, and laparoscopic deroofing and
      closure of the communication were performed. The postoperative course was
      uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. In cases of
      hepatic cyst rupture, even in the presence of biliary communication, laparoscopic
      deroofing and closure of the communication should be recommended as the first
      choice treatment. 

PMID- 27120975
TI  - Generation of siRNA Nanosheets for Efficient RNA Interference.
AB  - After the discovery of small interference RNA (siRNA), nanostructured siRNA
      delivery systems have been introduced to achieve an efficient regulation of the
      target gene expression. Here we report a new siRNA-generating two dimensional
      nanostructure in a formation of nanosized sheet. Inspired by tunable mechanical
      and functional properties of the previously reported RNA membrane, siRNA
      nanosized sheets (siRNA-NS) with multiple Dicer cleavage sites were prepared. The
      siRNA-NS has two dimensional structure, providing a large surface area for Dicer
      to cleave the siRNA-NS for the generation of functional siRNAs. Furthermore,
      downregulation of the cellular target gene expression was achieved by delivery of
      siRNA-NS without chemical modification of RNA strands or conjugation to other
      substances.

PMID- 27120976
TI  - Identification of effective exciton-exciton annihilation in squaraine-squaraine
      copolymers.
AB  - Ultrafast time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy is able to monitor the
      fate of the excited state population in molecular aggregates or polymers. Due to
      many competing decay processes, the identification of exciton-exciton
      annihilation (EEA) is difficult. Here, we use a microscopic model to describe
      exciton annihilation processes in squaraine-squaraine copolymers. Transient
      absorption time traces measured at different laser powers exhibit an unusual time
      dependence. The analysis points towards dynamics taking place on three time
      scales. Immediately after laser-excitation a localization of excitons takes place
      within the femtosecond time-regime. This is followed by exciton-exciton
      annihilation which is responsible for a fast decay of the exciton population. At
      later times, excitations being localized on units which are not directly
      connected remain so that diffusion dominates the dynamics and leads to a slower
      decay. We thus provide evidence for EEA tracked by time-resolved spectroscopy
      which has not been reported that clearly before.

PMID- 27120974
TI  - Complete genomes of Hairstreak butterflies, their speciation, and nucleo
      mitochondrial incongruence.
AB  - Comparison of complete genomes of closely related species enables research on
      speciation and how phenotype is determined by genotype. Lepidoptera, an insect
      order of 150,000 species with diverse phenotypes, is well-suited for such
      comparative genomics studies if new genomes, which cover additional Lepidoptera
      families are acquired. We report a 729 Mbp genome assembly of the Calycopis
      cecrops, the first genome from the family Lycaenidae and the largest available
      Lepidoptera genome. As detritivore, Calycopis shows expansion in detoxification
      and digestion enzymes. We further obtained complete genomes of 8 Calycopis
      specimens: 3 C. cecrops and 5 C. isobeon, including a dry specimen stored in the
      museum for 30 years. The two species differ subtly in phenotype and cannot be
      differentiated by mitochondrial DNA. However, nuclear genomes revealed a deep
      split between them. Genes that can clearly separate the two species (speciation
      hotspots) mostly pertain to circadian clock, mating behavior, transcription
      regulation, development and cytoskeleton. The speciation hotspots and their
      function significantly overlap with those we previously found in Pterourus,
      suggesting common speciation mechanisms in these butterflies.

PMID- 27120977
TI  - BAG3-mediated Mcl-1 stabilization contributes to drug resistance via interaction
      with USP9X in ovarian cancer.
AB  - Paclitaxel in combination with carboplatin improves survival among patients with
      susceptible ovarian cancers, but no strategy has been established against
      resistant ovarian cancers. BAG3 (Bcl-2-associated athanogene 3) is one of six BAG
      family proteins, which are involved in such cellular processes as proliferation,
      migration and apoptosis. In addition, expression of BAG3 with Mcl-1, a Bcl-2
      family protein, reportedly associates with resistance to chemotherapy. Our aim in
      this study was to evaluate the functional role of BAG3 and Mcl-1 in ovarian
      cancer chemoresistance and explore possible new targets for treatment. We found
      that combined expression of BAG3 and Mcl-1 was significantly associated with a
      poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. In vitro, BAG3 knockdown in ES2 clear
      ovarian cancer cells significantly increased the efficacy of paclitaxel in
      combination with the Mcl-1 antagonist MIM1, with or without the Bcl-2 family
      antagonist ABT737. Moreover, BAG3 was found to positively regulate Mcl-1 levels
      by binding to and inhibiting USP9X. Our data show that BAG3 and Mcl-1 are key
      mediators of resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. In BAG3 knockdown ES2
      clear ovarian cancer cells, combination with ABT737 and MIM1 enhanced the
      efficacy of paclitaxel. These results suggest that inhibiting BAG3 in addition to
      anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins may be a useful therapeutic strategy for the
      treatment of chemoresistant ovarian cancers. 

PMID- 27120978
TI  - Physiological and Behavioral Effects of Exposure to Environmentally Relevant
      Concentrations of Prednisolone During Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryogenesis.
AB  - The presence of synthetic glucocorticoids within the aquatic environment has been
      highlighted as a potential environmental concern as they may mimic the role of
      endogenous glucocorticoids during vertebrate ontogeny. Prednisolone is a commonly
      prescribed synthetic glucocorticoid which has been repeatedly detected in the
      environment. This study investigated the impact of environmentally relevant
      concentrations of prednisolone (0.1, 1, and 10 MUg/L) during zebrafish
      embryogenesis using physiological and behavioral end points which are known to be
      mediated by endogenous glucocorticoids. The frequency of spontaneous muscle
      contractions (24 hpf) was significantly reduced by prednisolone and 0.1 MUg/L
      increased the distance embryos swam in response to a mechanosensory stimulus (48
      hpf). The percentage of embryos hatched significantly increased following
      prednisolone treatment (1 and 10 MUg/L), while growth and mortality were
      unaffected. The onset of heart contraction was differentially affected by
      prednisolone while heart rate and oxygen consumption both increased significantly
      throughout embryogenesis. No substantial effect on the axial musculature was
      observed. Morphological changes to the lower jaw were detected at 96 hpf in
      response to 1 MUg/L of prednisolone. Several parameters of swim behavior were
      also significantly affected. Environmentally relevant concentrations of
      prednisolone therefore alter early zebrafish ontogeny and significantly affect
      embryo behavior.

PMID- 27120979
TI  - Characterization of a new HLA-DRB1 allele: DRB1*14:172.
AB  - DRB1*14:172 homologous to DRB1*14:01 has been found with a variation in 314 A >
      G.

PMID- 27120980
TI  - Mechanical properties and osteogenic potential of hydroxyapatite-PLGA-collagen
      biomaterial for bone regeneration.
AB  - A bone graft is a complicated structure that provides mechanical support and
      biological signals that regulate bone growth, reconstruction, and repair. A
      single-component material is inadequate to provide a suitable combination of
      structural support and biological stimuli to promote bone regeneration.
      Multicomponent composite biomaterials lack adequate bonding among the components
      to prevent phase separation after implantation. We have previously developed a
      novel multistep polymerization and fabrication process to construct a nano
      hydroxyapatite-poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)-collagen biomaterial (abbreviated
      nHAP-PLGA-collagen) with the components covalently bonded to each other. In the
      present study, the mechanical properties and osteogenic potential of nHAP-PLGA
      collagen are characterized to assess the material's suitability to support bone
      regeneration. nHAP-PLGA-collagen films exhibit tensile strength very close to
      that of human cancellous bone. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are viable on
      2D nHAP-PLGA-collagen films with a sevenfold increase in cell population after 7
      days of culture. Over 5 weeks of culture, hMSCs deposit matrix and mineral
      consistent with osteogenic differentiation and bone formation. As a result of
      matrix deposition, nHAP-PLGA-collagen films cultured with hMSCs exhibit 48%
      higher tensile strength and fivefold higher moduli compared to nHAP-PLGA-collagen
      films without cells. More interestingly, secretion of matrix and minerals by
      differentiated hMSCs cultured on the nHAP-PLGA-collagen films for 5 weeks
      mitigates the loss of mechanical strength that accompanies PLGA hydrolysis.

PMID- 27120981
TI  - A unique PE_PGRS protein inhibiting host cell cytosolic defenses and sustaining
      full virulence of Mycobacterium marinum in multiple hosts.
AB  - Despite intense research, PE_PGRS proteins still represent an intriguing aspect
      of mycobacterial pathogenesis. These cell surface proteins influence virulence in
      several pathogenic species, but their diverse and exact functions remain unclear.
      Herein, we focussed on a PE_PGRS member from Mycobacterium marinum, MMAR_0242,
      characterized by an extended and unique C-terminal domain. We demonstrate that an
      M. marinum mutant carrying a transposon insertion in MMAR_0242 is highly impaired
      in its ability to replicate in macrophages and amoebae, because of its inability
      to inhibit lysosomal fusion. As a consequence, this mutant failed to survive
      intracellularly as evidenced by a reduced number of cytosolic actin tail-forming
      bacteria and by quantitative electron microscopy, which mainly localized
      MMAR_0242::Tn within membrane-defined vacuoles. Functional complementation
      studies indicated that the C-terminus, but not the N-terminal PE_PGRS domain, is
      required for intracellular growth/survival. In line with these findings,
      disruption of MMAR_0242 resulted in a highly attenuated virulence phenotype in
      zebrafish embryos, characterized by restricted bacterial loads and a failure to
      produce granulomas. Furthermore, expression of MMAR_0242 in Mycobacterium
      smegmatis, a non-pathogenic species naturally deficient in PE_PGRS production,
      resulted in increased survival in amoebae with enhanced cytotoxic cell death and
      increased survival in infected mice with splenomegaly. Overall, these results
      indicate that MMAR_0242 is required for full virulence of M. marinum and
      sufficient to confer pathogenic properties to M. smegmatis.

PMID- 27120983
TI  - The intersection of autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability.

PMID- 27120982
TI  - Dynamic functional connectivity reveals altered variability in functional
      connectivity among patients with major depressive disorder.
AB  - Resting-state fMRI (RS-fMRI) has become a useful tool to investigate the
      connectivity structure of mental health disorders. In the case of major
      depressive disorder (MDD), recent studies regarding the RS-fMRI have found
      abnormal connectivity in several regions of the brain, particularly in the
      default mode network (DMN). Thus, the relevance of the DMN to self-referential
      thoughts and ruminations has made the use of the resting-state approach
      particularly important for MDD. The majority of such research has relied on the
      grand averaged functional connectivity measures based on the temporal
      correlations between the BOLD time series of various brain regions. We, in our
      study, investigated the variations in the functional connectivity over time at
      global and local level using RS-fMRI BOLD time series of 27 MDD patients and 27
      healthy control subjects. We found that global synchronization and temporal
      stability were significantly increased in the MDD patients. Furthermore, the
      participants with MDD showed significantly increased overall average (static)
      functional connectivity (sFC) but decreased variability of functional
      connectivity (vFC) within specific networks. Static FC increased to predominance
      among the regions pertaining to the default mode network (DMN), while the
      decreased variability of FC was observed in the connections between the DMN and
      the frontoparietal network. Hum Brain Mapp 37:2918-2930, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27120984
TI  - Individual, parent and social-environmental correlates of caregiving experiences
      among parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Compared to parents of adults with other types of disabilities,
      parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience worse well
      being. Thus, it is crucial to identify the individual, parent and social
      environmental correlates of caregiving experiences among parents of adults with
      ASD. METHOD: For this study, 130 parents of adults with ASD responded to a survey
      about caregiving satisfaction, self-efficacy and burden. RESULTS: Greater future
      planning and community involvement related to more caregiving satisfaction and
      increased caregiving self-efficacy, respectively. Less choicemaking of the adult
      with ASD related to greater caregiving satisfaction and self-efficacy.
      Maladaptive behaviours and poor health of the adult with ASD related to greater
      caregiving burden. CONCLUSIONS: Implications for policymakers, practitioners and
      future research are discussed.

PMID- 27120985
TI  - South African families raising children with autism spectrum disorders:
      relationship between family routines, cognitive appraisal and family quality of
      life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between
      family routines, cognitive appraisal of the impact of autism spectrum disorders
      (ASD) on the family and family quality of life (FQOL) in families raising
      children with ASD in South Africa. METHODS: A sample of 180 families of young
      children with ASD who were receiving disability-related services in the Gauteng
      province of South Africa completed a self-administered survey. Structural
      equation modelling was used to examine the direct relationship between the
      regularity of family routines and FQOL, and the mediating effect of cognitive
      appraisal on this relationship. RESULTS: The results suggested a direct, positive
      relationship between the regularity of family routines and families' satisfaction
      with their FQOL. Furthermore, cognitive appraisal of the impact of ASD on the
      family mediated this relationship in a partial manner. CONCLUSION: A higher
      frequency of regular family routines was strongly associated with a higher
      satisfaction level of FQOL. Also, cognitive appraisal of the impact of ASD acted
      as a mechanism through which the regularity of family routines influenced FQOL.
      We discuss the research and clinical implications of these findings.

PMID- 27120986
TI  - Functional severity and Latino ethnicity in specialty services for children with
      autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience a range of
      severity levels characterised as levels of support they need for everyday
      functioning. By this definition, greater levels of severity should warrant
      greater use of services and supports among children with ASD. In previous
      studies, Latino children with ASD in the USA have been shown to have lower access
      to diagnosis and treatment services than White children. However, none have
      examined service use in relation to severity. In this study, we examined whether
      there are ethnic disparities between Latino and White children with ASD in
      specialty autism-related services, and whether functional severity moderates the
      relationship between ethnicity and receipt of autism services. METHODS: We used
      data from the Survey of Pathways to Diagnosis and Services, a supplement to the
      National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs and analysed four
      specialty services commonly used by children with ASD, adjusting for demographic
      variables. RESULTS: We found that Latino children with ASD who had severe
      limitations received fewer specialty autism-related services than White children
      with similarly severe conditions. These disparities were evident despite the fact
      that the sample of Latino children in these data were more privileged than the
      general US Latino population. CONCLUSION: Assertive policy initiatives are needed
      to address these disparities and ensure that these highly vulnerable children
      with severe functional limitations receive appropriate services and supports.

PMID- 27120987
TI  - Examining the social participation of children and adolescents with Intellectual
      Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder in relation to peers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Participation in social and physical activities has a number of
      benefits for children with or without disabilities. However, individuals with
      disabilities are often excluded from taking part in social activities. Most of
      the research on activity participation has focused on adults or youth with milder
      disabilities. However, children and adolescents with severe and complex needs,
      including those with autism, are often excluded from this type of research
      because of their complexities and level of functioning. Thus, we examined the
      social participation and friendships of children and adolescents with severe
      developmental disabilities, with and without autism, compared with peers without
      developmental disabilities. METHODS: We compared the activity participation and
      friendships of typically developing children (n = 210), children with an
      intellectual disability (ID only; n = 186), and children with autism spectrum
      disorder plus intellectual disability (ID + ASD; n = 232) between the ages of 3
      and 19 years. Parents of these children completed a survey, which included
      questions about their children's participation in six activities, and the number
      and quality of their children's friendships. RESULTS: Children and adolescents
      with ID only and ID + ASD were reported to participate in significantly fewer
      activities and to participate much less frequently than typically developing
      peers. Those with ID only and ID + ASD were reported to have fewer friends and
      poorer quality of friendships. In addition, those with ID + ASD participated even
      less frequently in some activities and had fewer friends relative to those with
      ID only. CONCLUSION: It is important to find ways to increase the social and
      activity participation of children and adolescents with ID only and ID + ASD.
      Future research should examine the barriers to such participation and factors
      that impact social participation in this population.

PMID- 27120988
TI  - Intervention effects on spoken-language outcomes for children with autism: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although spoken-language deficits are not core to an autism spectrum
      disorder (ASD) diagnosis, many children with ASD do present with delays in this
      area. Previous meta-analyses have assessed the effects of intervention on
      reducing autism symptomatology, but have not determined if intervention improves
      spoken language. This analysis examines the effects of early interventions on
      spoken-language in children with ASD. METHOD: A systematic review of 1756 studies
      of children with ASD who participated in early intervention resulted in the
      inclusion of 26 studies in the current review. These studies included 1738
      participants with ASD who were, on average, 3.3 years old (SD = 0.91). RESULTS:
      This random-effects meta-analysis of spoken-language outcomes for children with
      ASD who received early intervention as compared with usual treatments yielded a
      significant overall mean effect size of g = 0.26 (CI = 0.11 to 0.42). On average,
      children with ASD significantly increased their use of spoken-language following
      experimental early interventions. Treatments delivered simultaneously by a
      clinician and a parent resulted in greater gains in spoken-language than
      treatments delivered by a clinician or parent only. No other participant or study
      characteristics predicted individual-study effect sizes. CONCLUSIONS: Early
      intervention improves spoken-language outcomes for children with ASD, and the
      largest effects are found when both parent and clinician implement the
      intervention. Recommendations for practice include adding systematic parent
      training to interventions for spoken language to potentially improve outcomes.
      Future research should report standard language measures as well as child
      (cognitive ability and socio-economic status) and intervention characteristics to
      improve evidence related to the effects of interventions on spoken communication
      in children with ASD.

PMID- 27120989
TI  - The proportion of minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder in a
      community-based early intervention programme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estimates of the proportion of children with autism spectrum disorder
      (ASD) who are minimally verbal vary from 25%to 35%. However, there is a lack of
      consensus in defining minimally verbal and few detailed reports of communication
      outcomes for these children following intervention. The aim of this study was to
      explore how minimally verbal children have been defined and to document the
      proportion of minimally verbal children in a group of children with ASD receiving
      a community based early intervention programme. METHOD: A longitudinal cohort
      design was used to examine the proportion of children who met criteria for
      minimally verbal in 246 children with ASD when they entered and exited an early
      intervention programme. RESULTS: Overall, 26.3% of the children in this study
      exited the programme using 'fewer than five spontaneous and functional words' and
      36.4% exited not using 'two word phrases' as indicated by direct assessment.
      However, our findings were mixed depending on measures and definitions used, with
      parent report indicating that as many as 29.4% of children were not 'naming at
      least three objects' consistently, and 43.3% not using 'phrases with a noun and
      verb' consistently at exit. More than half of the children who entered the
      programme with minimal speech exited the programme with a similar language
      profile. A small percentage of children (1.2%-4.7%) regressed in their language
      level over time. CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in early intervention, and access
      to services at a younger age, around a quarter of individuals with ASD in this
      study exited early intervention with significant communication needs. Our
      findings are considered in relation to the literature and clinical implications,
      and future research directions are discussed.

PMID- 27120990
TI  - Consonant differentiation mediates the discrepancy between non-verbal and verbal
      abilities in children with ASD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate verbal
      communication disorders reflected in lower verbal than non-verbal abilities. The
      present study examined the extent to which this discrepancy is associated with
      atypical speech sound differentiation. METHODS: Differences in the amplitude of
      auditory event-related potentials elicited by contrasting consonant-vowel
      syllables during a passive listening paradigm were used to assess speech sound
      differentiation in 24 children with ASD and 18 chronological age-matched children
      with typical development (TD), M age 6.90 years (SD = 1.39). RESULTS: Results
      revealed that compared with TD peers, children with ASD showed reduced consonant
      differentiation in the 84- to 308-ms period. Brain responses indexing consonant
      differentiation were negatively related to the degree of discrepancy in non
      verbal and verbal abilities and mediated the relationship between diagnostic
      group membership and the greater discrepancy. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss the
      theoretical and clinical implications of the brain's response to speech sound
      contrasts possibly explaining the greater non-verbal versus language ability in
      children with ASD compared with that in typically developing children.

PMID- 27120991
TI  - Assessment of cognition and language in the early diagnosis of autism spectrum
      disorder: usefulness of the Bayley Scales of infant and toddler development,
      third edition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to test the usefulness of the Cognitive and
      Language scales Bayley-III in the early assessment of cognitive and language
      functions in the context of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. This
      paper focuses on the application of the Bayley-III and studies the predictive
      value of the test result in children with ASD with different levels of verbal
      ability. METHOD: A sample of 135 children (121 boys, 14 girls) with a confirmed
      ASD diagnosis at age 4 years were assessed with the Bayley-III before 42 months
      of age (m = 36.49, s = 4.46) and later with other rating scales of different
      psychological and psycholinguistic functions as part of a longitudinal study
      [McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities (MSCA) (n = 48, 90% boys), Kaufman
      Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) (n = 38, 87% boys) or Illinois Test of
      Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA) (n = 44, 89% boys)]. Age assessment in months:
      MSCA (m = 48.80, s = 3.33), K-ABC (m = 51.80, s = 7.17) and ITPA (m = 54.48, s =
      3.34). RESULTS: Lower scores on the cognitive and language Bayley-III scales
      before 3.5 years of age predicted lower cognitive and oral language levels at 4
      years of age. A significant correlation was found between the Cognitive Bayley
      III Scale and the General Cognitive MSCA Scale, and with the Compound K-ABC
      Mental Processing. An association between the nonverbal cognitive level and oral
      language level acquired at 4 years of age was found. CONCLUSIONS: The Bayley-III
      is a useful instrument in cognitive and language assessment of ASD.

PMID- 27120992
TI  - Screening for ASD in adults with ID-moving toward a standard using the DiBAS-R
      and the ACL.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in persons with
      intellectual disability (ID) is challenging but essential to allow adequate
      treatment to be given. This study examines whether the combination of two ASD
      screening instruments specifically developed for persons with ID, namely, the
      Diagnostic Behavioral Assessment for ASD-Revised (DiBAS-R) and the Autism
      Checklist (ACL), improves diagnostic accuracy when used in combination compared
      to the application of the single instrument. METHOD: A clinical sample of adults
      with ID who are suspected of having ASD (N =148) was assessed using two ID
      specific screening scales (DiBAS-R and ACL). The diagnostic validity of the
      single instruments and of their combination was assessed. RESULTS: While both
      instruments showed acceptable diagnostic validity when applied alone (DiBAS
      R/ACL: sensitivity: 75%/91%; specificity: 75%/75%; overall agreement: 75%/83%),
      specificity increased when two positive screening results were used (88%), and
      sensitivity increased (95%) when at least one positive screening result was used.
      CONCLUSIONS: Different combinations of the ASD screening instruments DiBAS-R and
      ACL lead to improvements in sensitivity and specificity. The complementary use of
      the ACL in addition to the sole use of the DiBAS-R improves overall accuracy.

PMID- 27120993
TI  - Possible paradoxical occurrence of inflammatory arthritis in patients with
      psoriasis treated with biologics: findings in the Biobadaderm cohort.

PMID- 27120994
TI  - Revealing heterogeneous nucleation of primary Si and eutectic Si by AlP in
      hypereutectic Al-Si alloys.
AB  - The heterogeneous nucleation of primary Si and eutectic Si can be attributed to
      the presence of AlP. Although P, in the form of AlP particles, is usually
      observed in the centre of primary Si, there is still a lack of detailed
      investigations on the distribution of P within primary Si and eutectic Si in
      hypereutectic Al-Si alloys at the atomic scale. Here, we report an atomic-scale
      experimental investigation on the distribution of P in hypereutectic Al-Si
      alloys. P, in the form of AlP particles, was observed in the centre of primary
      Si. However, no significant amount of P was detected within primary Si, eutectic
      Si and the Al matrix. Instead, P was observed at the interface between the Al
      matrix and eutectic Si, strongly indicating that P, in the form of AlP particles
      (or AlP 'patch' dependent on the P concentration), may have nucleated on the
      surface of the Al matrix and thereby enhanced the heterogeneous nucleation of
      eutectic Si. The present investigation reveals some novel insights into
      heterogeneous nucleation of primary Si and eutectic Si by AlP in hypereutectic Al
      Si alloys and can be used to further develop heterogeneous nucleation mechanisms
      based on adsorption.

PMID- 27120996
TI  - New Evidence on What Works in Effective Public Reporting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the current state of the public reporting field and
      provide guidance to public report producers based on the evidence. PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Public reports should address the questions and priorities that
      consumers actually have; present information credibly and in a way that is
      understood by the intended audience; reach the intended audience; and enable
      consumers to act on the information. CONCLUSIONS: Public reports have advanced
      greatly in recent years, but there remains much room for improvement. Report
      producers should continually evaluate their reports and apply the latest evidence
      to maximize their usefulness and impact.

PMID- 27120997
TI  - The Establishment of Adult Reference Intervals on Fructosamine in Beijing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fructosamine (FRA) is widely used for diabetes monitor and control as
      a glycemic marker, especially in patients in whom the measurement of HbA1c may be
      biased or even unreliable. However, the FRA reference intervals based on Asian
      population features still keep seldom reported. The objective of this study was
      to establish the adult FRA reference intervals in Beijing, China. METHODS: A
      total of 1,497 healthy subjects were separated into three groups by gender and
      age. Subsequently, FRA levels in the collected serum samples from the reference
      individuals were tested by automatic chemical analyzer. The obtained data were
      statistically analyzed with SPSS. RESULTS: The serum FRA level in female group
      was slightly higher than that in male group without statistical significance.
      Meanwhile, further analysis indicated that the FRA level gradually increased
      along with the growth of the age. Compared with the age 20-45 group (248.83 +/-
      17.64 MUmol/l) or the age 46-65 group (251.95 +/- 19.63 MUmol/l), the FRA level
      of the age >65 group (264.63+/- 23.05 MUmol/l) was statistically significantly
      increased (P < 0.01). To better analyze the difference, the age 20-45 group and
      the age 46-65 group were combined into an age 20-65 group (249.88 +/-18.39
      MUmol/l). In comparison to the age >65 group, the FRA level of age 20-65 group
      was significantly decreased (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: A novel FRA reference interval
      of the local healthy population in Beijing was established. The data demonstrated
      that there was no gender difference in FRA level, however, which was
      significantly increased in elder persons.

PMID- 27120998
TI  - Identification of a Potential Regulatory Variant for Colorectal Cancer Risk
      Mapping to 3p21.31 in Chinese Population.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have established chromosome 3p21.31 as a
      susceptibility locus for colorectal cancer (CRC) that lacks replication and
      exploration in the Chinese population. We searched potentially functional single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the linkage disequilibrium (LD) block of
      3p21.31 with chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) data of histone
      modification, and tested their association with CRC via a case-control study
      involving 767 cases and 1397 controls in stage 1 and 528 cases and 678 controls
      in stage 2. In addition to the tag SNP rs8180040 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.875, 95%
      confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.793-0.966, P = 0.008, P-FDR (false discovery
      rate) = 0.040), rs1076394 presented consistently significant associations with
      CRC risk at both stages with OR = 0.850 (95% CI = 0.771-0.938, P = 0.001, P-FDR =
      0.005) under the additive model in combined analyses. Supported by the analyses
      of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), it
      was suggested that rs1076394 served as an expression Quantitative Trait Loci
      (eQTL) for gene CCDC12 and NME6, while NME6's expression was obviously higher in
      CRC tissues. Using biofeature information such as ChIP-seq and RNA sequencing
      (RNA-seq) data might help researchers to interpret GWAS results and locate
      functional variants for diseases in the post-GWAS era.

PMID- 27120999
TI  - Failed pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic surgery following autologous Deep
      Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic abdominal surgery may prove difficult in patients who
      have undergone previous abdominal procedures. No reports in the medical
      literature have presented an aborted laparoscopic procedure for failed
      pneumoperitoneum following autologous flap-based breast reconstruction. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old woman presented with recurrent invasive lobular
      carcinoma of the right breast as well as a history of ductal carcinoma in situ of
      the left breast. The patient desired to proceed with bilateral skin- and nipple
      sparing mastectomies with right axillary lymph node biopsy, followed by immediate
      bilateral autologous deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap-based breast
      reconstruction. Preoperatively, a computerized tomography angiogram was obtained
      for reconstructive preparation, which revealed a left adrenal mass. Ensuing work
      up diagnosed a pheochromocytoma. Given the concern for breast cancer progression,
      the patient elected to proceed first with breast cancer surgery and
      reconstruction prior to addressing the adrenal tumor. Subsequently, 3 months
      later the patient was brought to the operating room for a laparoscopic left
      adrenalectomy for the pheochromocytoma. With complete pharmacologic abdominal
      relaxation, the abdomen proved too tight to accommodate sufficient
      pneumoperitoneum and the laparoscopy was aborted. The patient was evaluated in
      the outpatient setting for assessment of abdominal wall compliance at regular
      intervals. Five months later, the patient was taken back to the operating room
      where pneumoperitoneum was established without difficulty and the laparoscopic
      left adrenalectomy was performed without complications. CONCLUSION:
      Pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic surgery subsequent to autologous DIEP flap
      based breast reconstruction may prove difficult as a result of loss of abdominal
      wall compliance. Prior to performing laparoscopy in such patients, surgeons
      should consider the details of the patient's previous reconstructive procedure
      and assess potential risk factors for difficulty with insufflation. Lastly,
      careful abdominal examination should be performed to indicate whether laparoscopy
      for elective procedures should be delayed until abdominal wall compliance
      normalizes.

PMID- 27121000
TI  - The Life Science Exchange: a case study of a sectoral and sub-sectoral knowledge
      exchange programme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Local and national governments have implemented sector-specific
      policies to support economic development through innovation, entrepreneurship and
      knowledge exchange. Supported by the Welsh Government through the European
      Regional Development Fund, The Life Science Exchange(r) project was created with
      the aim to increase interaction between stakeholders, to develop more effective
      knowledge exchange mechanisms, and to stimulate the formation and maintenance of
      long-term collaborative relationships within the Welsh life sciences ecosystem.
      The Life Science Exchange allowed participants to interact with other stakeholder
      communities (clinical, academic, business, governmental), exchange perspectives
      and discover new opportunities. METHODS: Six sub-sector focus groups comprising
      over 200 senior stakeholders from academia, industry, the Welsh Government and
      National Health Service were established. Over 18 months, each focus group
      provided input to inform healthcare innovation policy and knowledge mapping
      exercises of their respective sub-sectors. Collaborative projects identified
      during the focus groups and stakeholder engagement were further developed through
      sandpit events and bespoke support. RESULTS: Each sub-sector focus group produced
      a report outlining the significant strengths and opportunities in their
      respective areas of focus, made recommendations to overcome any 'system
      failures', and identified the stakeholder groups which needed to take action. A
      second outcome was a stakeholder-driven knowledge mapping exercise for each area
      of focus. Finally, the sandpit events and bespoke support resulted in
      participants generating more than L1.66 million in grant funding and inward
      investment. This article outlines four separate outcomes from the Life Science
      Exchange programme. CONCLUSIONS: The Life Science Exchange process has resulted
      in a multitude of collaborations, projects, inward investment opportunities and
      special interest group formations, in addition to securing over ten times its own
      costs in funding for Wales. The Life Science Exchange model is a simple and
      straightforward mechanism for a regional or national government to adapt and
      implement in order to improve innovation, skills, networks and knowledge
      exchange.

PMID- 27121001
TI  - Serological survey of Coxiella burnetii at the wildlife-livestock interface in
      the Eastern Pyrenees, Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic bacterium that infects a wide range
      of animal species and causes the disease Q fever. Both wild and domestic
      ruminants may be relevant in the epidemiology of C. burnetii infection. In order
      to investigate the significance of the ruminant host community in the alpine and
      subalpine ecosystems of the Eastern Pyrenees, Northeastern Spain, in the
      epidemiology of Q fever, a serological survey was performed on samples from 599
      wild and 353 sympatric domestic ruminants. RESULTS: Specific antibodies against
      C. burnetii were detected with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA). Domestic sheep showed the highest prevalence (12.7 %, CI 95 % 8.6-16.9),
      followed by European mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon) with a 6.8 % prevalence
      (CI 95 % 1.6-12.1), red deer (Cervus elaphus) with 2.4 % (CI 95 % 0-5.6), and
      cattle with a prevalence of 1.1 % (CI 95 % 0-3.2). No positive domestic goats,
      fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and Southern chamois
      (Rupicapra pyrenaica) were detected. Sheep flock prevalence was 75 % (nine of the
      12 sheep flocks sampled were positive, within-flock prevalence ranging from 11.1
      to 25.0 %), whereas cattle herd prevalence was 11.1 % (one out of the nine cattle
      herds sampled was positive, within-herd prevalence of 10.0 %. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      domestic and wild ruminants from the alpine and subalpine ecosystems of the
      Eastern Pyrenees were exposed to C. burnetii. The higher seroprevalence in sheep
      and its relative abundance suggest that this species may have a major
      contribution to the ecology of C. burnetii. Conversely, wild ruminants do not
      seem to represent a relevant host community for C. burnetii maintenance in the
      Eastern Pyrenees.

PMID- 27121002
TI  - Tellurium-Assisted Epitaxial Growth of Large-Area, Highly Crystalline ReS2 Atomic
      Layers on Mica Substrate.
AB  - Anisotropic 2D layered material rhenium disulfide (ReS2 ) with high crystal
      quality and uniform monolayer thickness is synthesized by using tellurium
      assisted epitaxial growth on mica substrate. Benefit from the lower eutectic
      temperature of rhenium-tellurium binary eutectic, ReS2 can grow from rhenium
      (melting point at 3180  degrees C) and sulfur precursors in the temperature range
      of 460-900  degrees C with high efficiency. 

PMID- 27121003
TI  - Rapid Light-Triggered Drug Release in Liposomes Containing Small Amounts of
      Unsaturated and Porphyrin-Phospholipids.
AB  - Prompt membrane permeabilization is a requisite for liposomes designed for local
      stimuli-induced intravascular release of therapeutic payloads. Incorporation of a
      small amount (i.e., 5 molar percent) of an unsaturated phospholipid, such as
      dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC), accelerates near infrared (NIR) light
      triggered doxorubicin release in porphyrin-phospholipid (PoP) liposomes by an
      order of magnitude. In physiological conditions in vitro, the loaded drug can be
      released in a minute under NIR irradiation, while liposomes maintain serum
      stability otherwise. This enables rapid laser-induced drug release using
      remarkably low amounts of PoP (i.e., 0.3 molar percent). Light-triggered drug
      release occurs concomitantly with DOPC and cholesterol oxidation, as detected by
      mass spectrometry. In the presence of an oxygen scavenger or an antioxidant,
      light-triggered drug release is inhibited, suggesting that the mechanism is
      related to singlet oxygen mediated oxidization of unsaturated lipids. Despite the
      irreversible modification of lipid composition, DOPC-containing PoP liposome
      permeabilization is transient. Human pancreatic xenograft growth in mice is
      significantly delayed with a single chemophototherapy treatment following
      intravenous administration of 6 mg kg(-1) doxorubicin, loaded in liposomes
      containing small amounts of DOPC and PoP. 

PMID- 27121004
TI  - An essential malaria protein defines the architecture of blood-stage and
      transmission-stage parasites.
AB  - Blood-stage replication of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
      occurs via schizogony, wherein daughter parasites are formed by a specialized
      cytokinesis known as segmentation. Here we identify a parasite protein, which we
      name P. falciparum Merozoite Organizing Protein (PfMOP), as essential for
      cytokinesis of blood-stage parasites. We show that, following PfMOP knockdown,
      parasites undergo incomplete segmentation resulting in a residual agglomerate of
      partially divided cells. While organelles develop normally, the structural
      scaffold of daughter parasites, the inner membrane complex (IMC), fails to form
      in this agglomerate causing flawed segmentation. In PfMOP-deficient gametocytes,
      the IMC formation defect causes maturation arrest with aberrant morphology and
      death. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms of replication and
      maturation of malaria parasites.

PMID- 27121006
TI  - Transplantation of ovarian granulosa-like cells derived from human induced
      pluripotent stem cells for the treatment of murine premature ovarian failure.
AB  - Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a common cause of female infertility, for
      which there are currently no ideal treatments or medications. Furthermore,
      apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) is an important mechanism underlying
      the decline in ovarian reserve and function. In the present study, several
      cellular growth factors and hormones were used to induce the differentiation of
      human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into ovarian granulosa-like cells
      (OGLCs) in vitro. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that OGLCs derived
      from iPSCs strongly expressed granulosa cell markers, including anti-Mullerian
      hormone, inhibin alpha, inhibin beta and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor,
      but did not express stem cell markers, including octamer-binding transcription
      factor 4, SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2, Nanog and stage-specific
      embryonic antigen-4 12 days post-induction. In addition, a mouse model of POF was
      generated by cyclophosphamide treatment. Subsequently, iPSC-derived OGLCs were
      transplanted into the POF mice (OGLCs-iPSCs-POF group) in vivo. Results indicated
      that, compared with the control group (POF mice treated with phosphate-buffered
      saline), the growth state of OGLCs was markedly improved, and mature follicles
      could be detected in the ovarian tissue of the OGLCs-iPSCs-POF group.
      Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that iPSC-derived OGLCs transplanted
      into POF mice not only exhibited substantial growth in murine ovarian tissues,
      but also strongly expressed OGC markers. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assays indicated that the levels of the hormone estradiol in peripheral blood
      samples were significantly enhanced following transplantation of iPSC-derived
      OGLCs into POF mice. Furthermore, ovarian tissue weight was significantly higher
      in the OGLCs-iPSCs-POF group compared with in the control group, and the number
      of atretic follicles in OGLCs-iPSCs-POF mice was significantly reduced, as
      compared with in the control mice. These results suggest that OGLCs derived from
      human iPSCs may not only effectively enhance OGC growth and repair damaged
      ovarian tissue, but may also maintain the ovarian tissue niche, promoting
      follicular development and maturation in a mouse model of POF. 

PMID- 27121005
TI  - MiR-210 promotes sensory hair cell formation in the organ of corti.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hearing loss is the most common sensory defect afflicting several
      hundred million people worldwide. In most cases, regardless of the original
      cause, hearing loss is related to the degeneration and death of hair cells and
      their associated spiral ganglion neurons. Despite this knowledge, relatively few
      studies have reported regeneration of the auditory system. Significant gaps
      remain in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning auditory
      function, including the factors required for sensory cell regeneration. Recently,
      the identification of transcriptional activators and repressors of hair cell fate
      has been augmented by the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with hearing
      loss. As miRNAs are central players of differentiation and cell fate,
      identification of miRNAs and their gene targets may reveal new pathways for hair
      cell regeneration, thereby providing new avenues for the treatment of hearing
      loss. RESULTS: In order to identify new genetic elements enabling regeneration of
      inner ear sensory hair cells, next-generation miRNA sequencing (miRSeq) was used
      to identify the most prominent miRNAs expressed in the mouse embryonic inner ear
      cell line UB/OC-1 during differentiation towards a hair cell like phenotype.
      Based on these miRSeq results eight most differentially expressed miRNAs were
      selected for further characterization. In UB/OC-1, miR-210 silencing in vitro
      resulted in hair cell marker expression, whereas ectopic expression of miR-210
      resulted in new hair cell formation in cochlear explants. Using a lineage tracing
      mouse model, transdifferentiation of supporting epithelial cells was identified
      as the likely mechanism for this new hair cell formation. Potential miR-210
      targets were predicted in silico and validated experimentally using a miR-trap
      approach. CONCLUSION: MiRSeq followed by ex vivo validation revealed miR-210 as a
      novel factor driving transdifferentiation of supporting epithelial cells to
      sensory hair cells suggesting that miR-210 might be a potential new factor for
      hearing loss therapy. In addition, identification of inner ear pathways regulated
      by miR-210 identified potential new drug targets for the treatment of hearing
      loss.

PMID- 27121007
TI  - Pipelle for Pregnancy (PIP): study protocols for three randomised controlled
      trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The success rate of infertility treatments remains modest.
      Endometrial injury has been suggested as an intervention to increase the
      probability of pregnancy in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies
      such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The majority of studies and systematic
      reviews have reported that endometrial injury improves the outcomes of IVF,
      intrauterine insemination and natural conception; however, the size and quality
      of the studies are poor. The low quality of the available evidence questions the
      presence of any real beneficial effect, and the applicability of the intervention
      in different populations remains unclear. METHODS/DESIGN: The PIP trials are
      three multi-centre, randomised controlled trials designed to test three separate
      hypotheses: whether endometrial injury increases the probability of live birth in
      women or couples 1) who are undergoing autologous embryo transfer as part of an
      IVF cycle (PIP-IVF), 2) with unexplained infertility who are attempting to
      conceive naturally (PIP-UE) and 3) with subfertility related to polycystic
      ovarian syndrome (PCOS) who are on ovulation induction medication and attempting
      to conceive (PIP-PCOS). Participants will be randomised to either undergo
      endometrial injury by endometrial pipelle biopsy or to: * no intervention (PIP
      IVF), or * a sham procedure (PIP-PCOS and PIP-UE). In PIP-IVF, endometrial injury
      will be carried out between day three of the cycle prior to the IVF cycle, and
      day three of the IVF cycle. In PIP-UE and PIP-PCOS, endometrial injury or a sham
      procedure will be undertaken between days 1-12 of a menstrual cycle or ovulation
      induction cycle respectively. Participants in PIP-UE and PIP-PCOS will then be
      followed for three cycles during which time they will attempt to conceive from
      sexual intercourse. To ensure allocation concealment, randomisation will be
      carried out using a web-based system or sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed
      envelopes. The primary outcome is live birth. Secondary outcomes include ongoing
      pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage. The required sample sizes for the
      PIP studies have been estimated at 840 (PIP-IVF), 350 (PIP-UE) and 280 (PIP
      PCOS). Primary analysis will be as per intention-to-treat principles. DISCUSSION:
      The PIP trials are designed to address the gaps in the utility of endometrial
      scratching as a treatment for subfertility in three different populations. If the
      beneficial effect of this intervention can be confirmed in these settings,
      endometrial scratching will provide a cost-effective method for helping women and
      couples to conceive. TRIAL REGISTRATIONS: PIP-IVF ACTRN12614000626662 registered
      13/6/2014; PIP-PCOS ACTRN12614000657628 registered 24/6/2014; PIP-UE
      ACTRN12614000656639 registered 24/6/2014. The trials are ongoing.

PMID- 27121009
TI  - Rod-shaped and fluorine-substituted hydroxyapatite free of molecular
      immunopotentiators stimulates anti-cancer immunity in vivo.
AB  - Herein, rod-shaped and fluorine-substituted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (FHA)
      were synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. The rod-shaped FHA
      significantly increased the cellular uptake of a model antigen by bone marrow
      dentritic cells in vitro, improved antigen presentation in vivo, stimulated
      immune-related cytokine secretion in vitro and ex vivo, and enhanced the anti
      cancer immunity in vivo. 

PMID- 27121008
TI  - Genome-wide association studies of drought-related metabolic changes in maize
      using an enlarged SNP panel.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Genetic determinants of metabolites related to drought tolerance in
      maize. Water deficit or drought is one of the most serious abiotic stresses of
      plant development and greatly reduces crop production, and the plant's response
      to this deficit leads to many metabolic changes. To dissect the genetic basis of
      these metabolic traits in maize, we performed a genome-wide association analysis
      of drought-related traits using 156,599 SNPs in 318 maize inbred lines. In total,
      123 significant SNP/trait associations (P <= 6.39E-6) involving 63 loci were
      identified for related metabolic and physiological traits in multiple tissues and
      different environments under two irrigation conditions. Of the 63, 23 loci
      demonstrated a significant interaction effect between QTL and water status,
      indicating that these metabolite-associated loci were probably related to drought
      stress tolerance. To evaluate the potential utility of metabolite-associated loci
      applied in hybrid maize breeding, we assembled two groups of hybrid entries with
      high or low drought tolerance and measured the metabolic and physiological
      traits. In the hybrid pools, a set of 10 metabolite-associated loci identified in
      leaf and ear were validated as responsive to drought stress. The favorable
      alleles of these ten loci were significantly enriched in hybrids with high
      drought tolerance, which jointly explained almost 18.4 % of the variation in
      drought tolerance using a multivariate logistic regression model. These results
      provide clues to understanding the genetic basis of metabolic and physiological
      changes related to drought tolerance, potentially facilitating the genetic
      improvement of varieties with high drought tolerance in maize breeding programs.

PMID- 27121010
TI  - A pulse-chase strategy for EdU labelling assay is able to rapidly quantify cell
      division orientation.
AB  - Measurement of the direction of cell division is an important, yet difficult,
      task to analyse how a plant organ acquires its final shape from an initially
      small group of cells. We introduce a method that rapidly and easily quantifies
      cell division direction and is applicable to all plant species. A pulse-chase
      strategy for 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) labelling assay was established and
      was shown to be successful for leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) and
      Juncus prismatocarpus. By optimization of the pulse and chase periods, most of
      the signals obtained were sets of daughter nuclei. For Arabidopsis, the optimal
      time was a 45-min pulse and a 7-h chase. For J. prismatocarpus, the optimal time
      was a 2-h pulse and a 13.5-h chase. The positions of the daughter nuclei were
      used to quantify cell division direction in the Arabidopsis leaf primordia.
      Overall, cell division along the proximal-distal axis was more frequent than
      along the medial-lateral axis. In petiole, major vein, minor vein and margin
      areas, the major cell division direction seemed to be coincident with the
      direction of auxin flow. The advantages of our method over the few methods used
      previously are discussed. We anticipate that it will provide opportunities to
      study plant development in the near future.

PMID- 27121011
TI  - Simvastatin ameliorates ventricular remodeling via the TGF-beta1 signaling
      pathway in rats following myocardial infarction.
AB  - Statins are widely used in patients with cardiovascular diseases. A considerable
      number of previous studies revealed that the intracellular signaling of
      transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 mediated the development of cardiomyocyte
      hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. However, whether statins can ameliorate
      ventricular remodeling in post-myocardial infarction via the TGF-beta1 signaling
      pathway remains to be rigorously tested. The left anterior descending artery was
      ligated to induce a rat model of myocardial infarction. The rat model of
      myocardial infarction was treated with simvastatin through gastric gavage (10, 20
      or 40 mg kg-1.d-1). All rats were sacrificed on day 28 after the myocardial
      infarction operation. The results revealed that simvastatin significantly
      improved the hemodynamic indexes, left ventricular mass index, the myocardial
      tissue structure, the cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area and the collagen volume
      fraction, and also showed that the levels of TGF-beta1, TGF-activated kinase
      (TAK)1 and drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad)3 were significantly
      reduced following treatment with simvastatin, while the levels of Smad7 in the
      simvastatin treatment groups were markedly increased. The results of the present
      study suggested that statins ameliorated ventricular remodeling in post
      myocardial infarction rats via the TGF-beta1 signaling pathway, which provided a
      novel explanation for the pleiotropic effects of statins that benefit the
      cardiovascular system. 

PMID- 27121012
TI  - The Use of Acute Peritoneal Dialysis in Critically Ill Newborns.
AB  - BACKGROUND To evaluate the efficacy, complications, and mortality rate of acute
      peritoneal dialysis (APD) in critically ill newborns. MATERIAL AND METHODS The
      study included 31 newborns treated in our center between May 2012 and December
      2014. RESULTS The mean birth weight, duration of peritoneal dialysis, and
      gestational age of the patients were determined as 2155.2 +/- 032.2 g (580-3900
      g), 4 days (1-20 days), and 34 weeks (24-40 weeks), respectively. The main
      reasons for APD were sepsis (35.5%), postoperative cardiac surgery (16%), hypoxic
      ischemic encephalopathy (13%), salting of the newborn (9.7%), congenital
      metabolic disorders (6.1%), congenital renal diseases (6.5%), nonimmune hydrops
      fetalis (6.5%), and acute kidney injury (AKI) due to severe dehydration (3.2%).
      APD-related complications were observed in 48.4% of the patients. The
      complications encountered were catheter leakages in nine patients, catheter
      obstruction in three patients, peritonitis in two patients, and intestinal
      perforation in one patient. The general mortality rate was 54.8%, however, the
      mortality rate in premature newborns was 81.3%. CONCLUSIONS APD can be an
      effective, simple, safe, and important therapy for renal replacement in many
      neonatal diseases and it can be an appropriate treatment, where necessary, for
      newborns. Although it may cause some complications, they are not common. However,
      it should be used carefully, especially in premature newborns who are vulnerable
      and have a high mortality risk. The recommendation of APD therapy in such cases
      needs to be verified by further studies in larger patient populations.

PMID- 27121013
TI  - Targeting clinically-relevant metallo-beta-lactamases: from high-throughput
      docking to broad-spectrum inhibitors.
AB  - Metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) represent one of the most important and widespread
      mechanisms of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics (including the life-saving
      carbapenems), against which no clinically useful inhibitors are currently
      available. We report herein a structure-based high-throughput docking (HTD)
      campaign on three clinically-relevant acquired MBLs (IMP-1, NDM-1 and VIM-2). The
      initial hit NF1810 (1) was optimized providing the broad-spectrum inhibitor 3i,
      which is able to potentiate the in vitro activity of cefoxitin on a VIM-2
      producing E. coli strain.

PMID- 27121015
TI  - Toxicity of 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol tested at multiple stages of zebrafish
      (Danio rerio) development.
AB  - Organophosphate compounds (OP) are widely used throughout the world for pest
      control. 3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) is a primary metabolite of two OP
      compounds namely CP and triclopyr. This study is carried out to know whether a
      metabolite of parent compound is doing well or harm to biota. The potential
      effect of TCP was evaluated on development as destabilization of any events
      transpiring during embryogenesis could be deleterious. To determine this, 4-hpf
      zebrafish embryos were exposed to five concentrations of TCP (200, 400, 600, 800,
      1000 MUg/L) or 99.5 % acetone (solvent control). Different early life-stage
      parameters were observed at four different developmental stages, 24, 48, 72 and
      96 hpf. TCP-treated embryo/larvae showed increased mortality, delay in hatching
      time and decrease in percentage of hatched embryos. Reduction in heartbeat rate,
      blood flow and body and eye pigmentation was noticed in a dose-dependent manner.
      Pericardial and yolk sac edema were most severe malformations caused by TCP.
      Along with this crooked spine/notochord, tail deformation was noticed in hatched
      and unhatched embryos. The malformations observed provide a good starting point
      for examination of the molecular mechanisms that are affected during development
      by TCP. Results gain significance as TCP, which is a breakdown product, appears
      to be more toxic during development compared to parent compound, CP (our earlier
      publication). 

PMID- 27121014
TI  - Crocin protects human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) from alpha- and beta
      Zearalenol-induced ER stress and apoptosis.
AB  - alpha-zearalenol (alpha-ZOL) and beta-zearalenol (beta-ZOL) are the major
      metabolites of Zearalenone (ZEN) and are known to induce many toxic effects. In
      the present study, we investigated the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
      stress in alpha- and beta-ZOL-mediated toxicity in human kidney cells (HEK293)
      and evaluated the effect of a common dietary compound Crocin (CRO), from saffron.
      We show that alpha- and beta-ZOL treatment induces ER stress as evidenced by the
      upregulation of the 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and the Growth
      arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein (GADD34). Activation of the ER stress
      response is associated with activation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis.
      This apoptotic process is characterized by an increase in ROS generation and
      lipid peroxidation, a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim)
      and activation of caspases. We also demonstrate that the antioxidant properties
      of CRO help to prevent ER stress and reduce alpha- and beta-ZOL-induced apoptosis
      in HEK293 cells. Our results suggest that saffron consumption might be helpful to
      prevent alpha- and beta-ZOL-induced ER stress and toxicity. 

PMID- 27121016
TI  - Effect of photosynthetically elevated pH on performance of surface flow
      constructed wetland planted with Phragmites australis.
AB  - Combination of emergent and submerged plants has been proved to be able to
      enhance pollutant removal efficiency of surface flow-constructed wetland (SFCW)
      during winter. However, intensive photosynthesis of submerged plants during
      summer would cause pH increase, which may have adverse effects on emergent
      plants. In this study, nitrogen transformation of lab-scale SFCW under pH
      gradient of 7.5, 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 was systematically investigated. The results
      showed that total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency decreased from 76.3 +/- 0.04
      to 51.8 +/- 0.04 % when pH increased from 7.5 to 10.5, which was mainly
      attributed to plant assimilation decay and inhibition of microbe activities
      (i.e., nitrite-oxidizing bacteria and denitrifiers). Besides, the highest
      sediment adsorption in SFCW was observed at pH of 8.5. In general, the
      combination of submerged and emergent plants is feasible for most of the year,
      but precaution should be taken to mitigate the negative effect of high alkaline
      conditions when pH rises to above 8.5 in midsummer. 

PMID- 27121017
TI  - Immobilization of Pb and Cu in polluted soil by superphosphate, multi-walled
      carbon nanotube, rice straw and its derived biochar.
AB  - Lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) contamination in croplands pose severe health hazards
      and environmental concerns throughout soil-food chain transfer. In the present
      study, BCR, TCLP, CaCl2, and SBET techniques were employed to evaluate the
      simultaneous effectiveness of rice straw (RS) and its derived biochar (BC),
      multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and single superphosphate (SSP) to immobilize
      the Pb and Cu in co-contaminated soil. The BCR sequential extraction results
      suggested that with increasing BC and SSP amount, the acid-soluble fractions
      decreased while oxidizable and residual proportions of Pb and Cu were increased
      significantly. Compared to SSP, the application of BC amendment substantially
      modified partitioning of Cu from easily exchangeable phase to less bioavailable
      residual bound fraction. The immobilized Pb and Cu were mainly transformed to
      reducible forms. The TCLP and CaCl2-extracted Pb and Cu were reduced
      significantly by the addition of BC compared to RS and MWCNT, whereas the bio
      accessibility of Pb significantly reduced with RS addition. SSP showed better
      results for Pb immobilization while marginal for Cu in co-contaminated soil.
      Overall, the addition of BC offered the best results and could be effective in
      both Pb and Cu immobilization thereby reducing their mobility and bioavailability
      in the co-contaminated soil. 

PMID- 27121018
TI  - Trichostatin A potentiates genistein-induced apoptosis and reverses EMT in HEp2
      cells.
AB  - Genistein and trichostatin A (TSA) are two chemotherapeutic compounds with
      antitumor effects in different types of cancer cell. However, the effects of
      genistein and TSA on the HEp-2 laryngeal cancer cell line remain to be fully
      elucidated. In the present study, it was found that genistein and TSA inhibited
      cell growth and cell migration, and promoted apoptosis in the HEp-2 laryngeal
      cancer cell line. The HEp-2 cells were treated with genistein, TSA or the two
      compounds in combination. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured using an
      MTT assay, Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and a TUNEL assay. Cell invasion
      was determined using a Matrigel-based Transwell assay. Western blotting was used
      to examine the activation of the Akt pathway and the expression levels of pro-or
      anti-apoptotic proteins. Treatment with either genistein or TSA alone mildly
      inhibited cell viability, growth and invasion, and induced the apoptosis of the
      laryngeal cancer cells, whereas more marked effects were observed in the cells
      treated with the combination of the two compounds. In addition, genistein
      reversed endothelial growth factor-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) in the HEp-2 cells, the effect of which were was further increased by joint
      application with TSA. Treatment of the HEp-2 cells with genistein and TSA led to
      a significant reduction in the phosphorylation of Akt and activation of its
      downstream target, and resulted in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      gamma cleavage, increased expression of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X
      protein and reduced the expression of Bcl-2. In conclusion, the present study
      demonstrated that, with the involvement of TSA, genistein exhibited substantial
      advantages in inhibiting laryngeal carcinoma cell growth, invasion and EMT, and
      induced apoptosis, compared with genistein treatment alone, which occurred
      through the regulation of Akt activation and the apoptotic pathway. 

PMID- 27121019
TI  - Static magnetic field controls cell cycle in cultured human glioblastoma cells.
AB  - Magnetic field has been widely used in clinical diagnostics or for clinical
      treatment and is an important biomedical technology. Glioblastoma multiforme U87
      and U251 are models of a fast growing malignant cancer. We focused on cellular
      level drafting of these cell lines as a time-dependent effect indicator of static
      magnetic fields (2000 +/- 600 Gauss) by using their fast-growing properties. Cell
      viability showed a significant decrease (p < 0.01). The results coincided with
      the occurrence of apoptotic signals or protein expression of cyclin B1 and cyclin
      dependent kinase 1 in a non-apoptotic manner. Cdk1 was decreased in proportion to
      ankyrin G and cyclin B1 (Chi-square test, p = 0.0366). Our findings suggest that
      static magnetic stimulation creates a specific cyto-proliferative pattern, rather
      than producing randomized growth impairment.

PMID- 27121020
TI  - Identification of vitamin D sensitive pathways during lung development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have previously shown that vitamin D deficiency has a detrimental
      impact on lung development. In this study, we aimed to identify the mechanisms
      linking vitamin D with lung development using a mouse model of dietary
      manipulation. METHODS: Female offspring were euthanized at different time-points;
      embryonic day (E)14.5, E17.5 or postnatal day (P)7. Lung tissue was collected for
      mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis. Label-free quantitation was used to
      identify the differentially expressed proteins and ELISA confirmed the expression
      of selected proteins. Lungs from separate groups of mice were fixed and processed
      for stereological assessment of lung structure. RESULTS: No differences in
      protein expression between vitamin D deficient and replete mice were detected at
      E14.5 and E17.5, whereas 66 proteins were differentially expressed in P7 lungs.
      The expression of pulmonary surfactant-associated protein B (SP-B) and
      peroxiredoxin 5 (PRDX5) were reduced in P7 lungs of vitamin D deficient mice,
      while the production of collagen type Iota alpha 1 (COL1A1) was higher in lungs
      of vitamin D deficient mice. There were no differences in lung volume,
      parenchymal volume, volume of airspaces or surface area of airspaces between
      vitamin D deficient and vitamin D replete mice across three time-points.
      CONCLUSIONS: The difference in protein expression during the early postnatal time
      point suggests that vitamin D deficiency may induce alterations of lung structure
      and function in later life during alveolarization stage through impaired
      pulmonary surfactant production and anti-oxidative stress ability as well as
      enhanced collagen synthesis. These data provided a plausible mechanism linking
      maternal vitamin D deficiency with altered postnatal lung function.

PMID- 27121022
TI  - Erratum to: Spontaneous inward currents reflecting oscillatory activation of
      Na+/Ca2+ exchangers in human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 27121021
TI  - Increased risk of allergic rhinitis among children delivered by cesarean section:
      a cross-sectional study nested in a birth cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the association between delivery by
      cesarean section (CS) and asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinitis and
      whether this association is different in children with and without a family
      history of asthma. This study aims to investigate whether children born by CS
      have a higher chance to develop asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinitis
      and to evaluate the influence of parental history of asthma on these
      associations. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 672 children nested in
      a birth cohort evaluated at 6-years of age. Asthma and chronic/allergic rhinitis
      were identified by means of the mother's responses to the ISAAC questionnaire.
      The association between CS, asthma, chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis was
      evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. The evidence of effect
      modification of parental history of asthma on the association CS and outcomes was
      examined by introducing interactions terms in the logistic regression models
      adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Asthma was not associated with birth by CS
      irrespective of parental history of asthma (odds ratio (OR) 1.03; 95 % CI 0.61
      1.74). Chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis were both significantly associated
      with birth by CS but only in the subgroup of children with by parental history of
      asthma (OR 1.56; 95 % CI 1.04-2.34) and (OR 1.60; 95 % CI 1.01-2.55)
      respectively, after adjustment for confounders. The parental history of asthma
      was a effect modifier in the association between CS, chronic rhinitis and
      allergic rhinitis (p for effect modification = 0.10 and 0.02, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: CS increases the risk of chronic rhinitis and allergic rhinitis in
      children at 6 years of age with parental history of asthma. Health professionals
      must be alerted with regard to the increased risk of allergic rhinitis and made
      aware this is another reason to avoid unnecessary CS.

PMID- 27121023
TI  - Recurrent genetic defects in classical Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines.
AB  - Genetic analysis of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) has been hampered by the
      paucity of Hodgkin cells in biopsies and their poor growth in vitro. However, a
      wealth of information has been obtained from cHL cell lines. Here we report
      results of whole-exome sequencing and karyotypic analysis of five cHL cell lines.
      Four genes with potentially pathogenic single nucleotide variants (SNV) were
      detected in three cell lines. SNV were also detected in seventeen HL-related
      genes and three mitosis-related genes. Copy number variants were detected in four
      HL-related genes in all five cell lines. Given the high degree of aneuploidy in
      HL, mitosis-related genes were screened for defects. One mitotic gene (NCAPD2)
      was amplified in all five HL cell lines, and two genes (FAM190A, PLK4) were
      amplified in four cell lines. These results suggest that genomic instability of
      HL may be due to defects in genes involved in chromosome duplication and
      segregation.

PMID- 27121024
TI  - On the lack of evolutionary continuity between prebiotic peptides and extant
      enzymes.
AB  - The significance of experiments that claim to simulate the properties of
      prebiotic small peptides and polypeptides as models of the polymers that may have
      preceded proteins is critically addressed. As discussed here, most of these
      experiments are based only on a small number of a larger set of amino acids that
      may have been present in the prebiotic environment, supported by both
      experimental simulations and the repertoire of organic compounds reported in
      carbonaceous chondrites. Model experiments with small peptides may offer some
      insights into the processes that contributed to generate the chemical environment
      leading to the emergence of informational oligomers, but not to the origin of
      proteins. The large body of circumstantial evidence indicating that catalytic RNA
      played a key role in the origin of protein synthesis during the early stages of
      cellular evolution implies that the emergence of the genetic code and of protein
      biosynthesis are no longer synonymous with the origin of life. Hence, reports on
      the abiotic synthesis of small catalytic peptides under potential prebiotic
      conditions do not provide information on the origin of triplet encoded protein
      biosynthesis, but in some cases may serve as models to understand the properties
      of the earliest proteins. 

PMID- 27121025
TI  - Implications of edoxaban in the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic
      complications in clinical practice.
AB  - Edoxaban is a once-daily oral inhibitor of factor Xa, currently indicated to
      reduce the risk of stroke or systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
      patients and for the treatment and prevention of venous thromboembolism (EMA, FDA
      and Japan). The ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 and the Hokusai-VTE trials demonstrated that
      edoxaban was at least as effective as warfarin for the prevention of stroke or
      systemic embolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients, as well as for the
      prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism, but with a lesser risk of
      bleeding in both cases. In addition, it seems a cost-effective strategy for the
      management of this population. In this review, the implications of the most
      recent available evidence about edoxaban in clinical practice will be updated.

PMID- 27121026
TI  - General practitioners' attitudes towards electronic prescribing and the use of
      the national prescription centre.
AB  - RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess general
      practitioners' (GP) experience of an electronic prescription (e-prescription)
      system and the use of a national prescription centre. METHODS: A web-based survey
      with 29 structured questions and 8 open-ended questions was used. The technology
      acceptance model was used to explain first users' use of e-prescribing
      technology. GPs (n = 269) in two different primary health care organizations,
      which implemented the e-prescribing module as the first of its kind in Finland.
      RESULTS: Of the 269 GPs, 69 (26%) completed the survey. E-prescribing had
      influenced GP work and their management of patients' medication positively.
      Electronic health records and e-prescribing increased GPs' flexibility at work.
      There was a notable improvement in the management of prescription of narcotics
      with the introduction of e-prescribing. Issues with the e-prescribing system
      software delayed data processing and produced negative experience as users were
      forced to browse through too many pages to write a prescription. CONCLUSIONS: E
      prescribing has improved GP's patient medication management, meeting Finland's
      national objectives. E-prescriptions not only reinforce the process of writing,
      transmitting and checking the authenticity of prescriptions but also make it
      mandatory for all key prescription information to be present for transmission.
      The perceived usefulness of e-prescribing by GPs could lead to more widespread
      adoption of the technology. Making e-prescribing more user friendly requires
      reforming work processes, which in turn would enhance the effectiveness of GP
      work.

PMID- 27121027
TI  - Total Synthesis of Rubriflordilactone B.
AB  - Taking advantage of a 6pi electrocyclization-aromatization strategy, we
      accomplished the first and asymmetric total synthesis of rubriflordilactone B, a
      heptacyclic Schisandraceae bisnortriterpenoid featuring a tetrasubstituted arene
      moiety. The left-hand fragment was accessed through a chiral-pool-based route,
      and linked to the right-hand fragment by a Sonogashira coupling. The cis geometry
      of the electrocyclization substrates was established by hydrogenation or
      hydrosilylation of the alkyne. An electrocyclization-aromatization sequence
      finally built the multisubstituted arene. The hydrosilylation approach was of
      significant advantage in terms of reaction scale, reproducibility, and
      intermediate stability. The structure of synthetic rubriflordilactone B was
      validated by X-ray crystallographic analysis, and found to be consistent with
      that reported for the authentic natural product based on an independent X-ray
      crystallographic analysis. However, obvious differences in the NMR spectra of the
      synthetic and authentic samples suggest that the authentic samples subjected to X
      ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy were two different compounds.

PMID- 27121028
TI  - Balancing placebo and nocebo effects during electromyography in children.

PMID- 27121030
TI  - Isolated polycystic disease of pancreas.

PMID- 27121029
TI  - Interaction between V-ATPase B2 and (Pro) renin Receptors in Promoting the
      progression of Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis.
AB  - To investigate the levels of (Pro) renin receptor [(P) RR], alpha-smooth muscle
      actin (alpha-SMA), fibronectin (FN), and vacuolar H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) subunits
      (B2, E, and c) in rat unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) models and rat
      proximal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) treated with prorenin to elucidate
      the role of V-ATPase in these processes by activating the (P) RR. UUO
      significantly upregulated (P) RR, V-ATPase subunits, alpha-SMA and FN expression
      in tubulointerstitium or tubular epithelial cells. A marked colocalization of (P)
      RR and the B2 subunit was also observed. Prorenin treatment upregulated alpha
      SMA, FN, (P) RR, and V-ATPase subunits and activity in NRK52E cell in a dose- and
      time-dependent manner. The V-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 partially blocked
      prorenin-induced (P) RR, FN, and alpha-SMA expression. Co-immunoprecipitate and
      immunofluorescence results demonstrated that the V-ATPase B2 subunit bound to the
      (P) RR, which was upregulated after prorenin stimulation. Either siRNA-mediated
      (P) RR or B2 subunit knockdown partially reduced V-ATPase activity and attenuated
      prorenin-induced FN and alpha-SMA expression. From the data we can assume that
      activation of (P) RR and V-ATPase may play an important role in
      tubulointerstitial fibrosis with possible involvement of interaction of V-ATPase
      B2 subunit and (P)RR.

PMID- 27121031
TI  - A Glycine soja methionine sulfoxide reductase B5a interacts with the Ca(2+) /CAM
      binding kinase GsCBRLK and activates ROS signaling under carbonate alkaline
      stress.
AB  - Although research has extensively illustrated the molecular basis of plant
      responses to salt and high-pH stresses, knowledge on carbonate alkaline stress is
      poor and the specific responsive mechanism remains elusive. We have previously
      characterized a Glycine soja Ca(2+) /CAM-dependent kinase GsCBRLK that could
      increase salt tolerance. Here, we characterize a methionine sulfoxide reductase
      (MSR) B protein GsMSRB5a as a GsCBRLK interactor by using Y2H and BiFc assays.
      Further analyses showed that the N-terminal variable domain of GsCBRLK
      contributed to the GsMSRB5a interaction. Y2H assays also revealed the interaction
      specificity of GsCBRLK with the wild soybean MSRB subfamily proteins, and
      determined that the BoxI/BoxII-containing regions within GsMSRBs were responsible
      for their interaction. Furthermore, we also illustrated that the N-terminal basic
      regions in GsMSRBs functioned as transit peptides, which targeted themselves into
      chloroplasts and thereby prevented their interaction with GsCBRLK. Nevertheless,
      deletion of these regions allowed them to localize on the plasma membrane (PM)
      and interact with GsCBRLK. In addition, we also showed that GsMSRB5a and GsCBRLK
      displayed overlapping tissue expression specificity and coincident expression
      patterns under carbonate alkaline stress. Phenotypic experiments demonstrated
      that GsMSRB5a and GsCBRLK overexpression in Arabidopsis enhanced carbonate
      alkaline stress tolerance. Further investigations elucidated that GsMSRB5a and
      GsCBRLK inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation by modifying the
      expression of ROS signaling, biosynthesis and scavenging genes. Summarily, our
      results demonstrated that GsCBRLK and GsMSRB5a interacted with each other, and
      activated ROS signaling under carbonate alkaline stress.

PMID- 27121032
TI  - 293 cells express both epithelial as well as mesenchymal cell adhesion molecules.
AB  - The 293 cell line, used extensively in various types of studies due to the ease
      with which these cells can be transfected, was thought to be derived by the
      transformation of primary cultures of human embryonic kidney cells with sheared
      adenovirus type 5 DNA. Although the 293 cells were assumed to originate from
      epithelial cells, the exact origin of these cells remains unknown. Previous
      attempts to characterize these cells combined immunostaining, immunoblot analysis
      and microarray analysis to demonstrate that 293 cells express neurofilament
      subunits, alpha-internexin, and several other proteins typically found in
      neurons. These findings raised the possibility that the 293 cell line may have
      originated from human neuronal lineage cells. Contrary to this suggestion, in
      this study, we found that the 293 cells expressed N-cadherin and vimentin, which
      are marker proteins expressed in mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, the 293 cells
      also expressed E-cadherin, cytokeratins 5/8 and desmoglein 2, which are
      epithelial cell markers. When the cells, primarily cultured from the kidneys of
      Clawn miniature swine and passaged 10-15 generations [termed porcine kidney
      epithelial (PKE) cells] were examined, they were found to be positive for the
      expression of both mesenchymal and epithelial markers. Thus, transformation by
      adenovirus was not necessary for the cells to express N-cadherin. Occludin and
      zonula occludens (ZO)-1, two components of tight junctions in epithelial and
      endothelial cells, were detected in the 293 and the PKE cells. Thus, the findings
      of the present study demonstrate that 293 cells retain several characteristics of
      epithelial cells. 

PMID- 27121033
TI  - Ligation of the mesovarium in dogs with a self-locking implant of a resorbable
      polyglycolic based co-polymer: a study of feasibility and comparison to suture
      ligation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ligation of the mesovarium in female dogs may be cumbersome with risk
      of complications and is associated with intense noxious stimuli. A resorbable
      implant, a self-locking loop designed for surgery, was developed as an
      alternative to traditional ligation. The study aimed to test the feasibility of
      ligating the canine ovarian pedicle with the implant and to compare its
      performance to traditional suture ligation. RESULTS: In total 45 intact female
      dogs destined for elective ovariohysterectomy and adoption were included. In 21
      dogs the new resorbable implant was used to ligate the mesovarium, and in 24
      control dogs traditional suture was used with one encircling ligature. Mean
      weight of implant dogs was 10.7 +/- 5.6 kg (range 3.5-22.0), and mean weight of
      control dogs was 12.8 +/- 6.4 kg, (range 4.1-27.0). The body weight of dogs did
      not differ between groups (P = 0.25). In total, 42 ovarian pedicles were
      successfully ligated with the implant. In one control dog, intraoperative
      haemorrhage from the left ovarian pedicle was diagnosed. The mesovarium was re
      ligated and haemostasis was confirmed. All dogs recovered uneventfully. The
      ligation time of the mesovarium was significantly shortened (P = 0.02) by using
      the self-locking implant versus a single ligature (3'28'' +/- 1'05'' and 5'29''
      +/- 3'54'', respectively). Total duration of surgery differed between the groups
      (P = 0.02) with a shortened duration of surgery when using the self-locking
      implant (15'56'' +/- 2'47'' and 20'39'' +/- 8'58'', study group versus control
      group, respectively). In both groups, duration of surgery and time required to
      ligate the ovarian pedicle were longer in larger dogs than smaller dogs.
      CONCLUSION: The results of this feasibility study suggested the implant can be
      used to ligate the canine mesovarium. Compared with traditional suture ligation,
      the results suggested that time to ligate the ovarian pedicle and duration of
      surgery were significantly reduced with the implant. More time was required to
      perform surgeries in larger dogs.

PMID- 27121034
TI  - Cytopathological features of villous adenoma of the urinary bladder in urine: A
      rare case report.
AB  - Villous adenoma of the urinary bladder is a rare tumor that histologically mimics
      its enteric counterpart. Patients with an isolated villous adenoma have an
      excellent prognosis, but associated adenocarcinomas can frequently be identified
      in them as well. There is no literature that discusses the cytopathologic
      features of villous adenoma. Here we report a case which was diagnosed as villous
      adenoma histologically, which has been followed up with urine cytology. In urine
      cytology, many mucin producing cells are recognized. Few cell clusters show
      glandular formation or arrangement along the basement membrane. When glandular
      cells with columnar mucin-filled goblet cells are seen in urine cytology, the
      presence of a primary glandular lesion of the urinary bladder, such as villous
      adenoma, should be considered possible. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:632-635. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27121036
TI  - Aortic root compression during transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence of aortic root compression (ARC) during
      transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR). BACKGROUND: ARC can occur
      during balloon sizing of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) or during
      coronary compression testing (BS/CCT) prior to TPVR, causing aortic valve
      dysfunction and/or root distortion with or without coronary compression. This has
      limited the use of TPVR in patients with native RVOTs, including those with a
      transannular patch (TAP). The characteristics of this patient cohort have not
      previously been described. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all
      patients with congenital heart disease who presented for TPVR at UCLA from 2010
      to 2015. ARC characteristics during BS/CCT were noted for all relevant cases.
      RESULTS: Inclusion criteria were met by 174 patients. ARC occurred in 16 patients
      (9%), of whom 14 had Tetralogy of Fallot with a native/TAP RVOT (14/42, 33%, of
      all native/TAP patients). Five ARC patients also had concomitant coronary artery
      compression. Isolated coronary compression occurred in six patients. Two patients
      underwent successful TPVR despite ARC by implanting the valves in the distal
      RVOT. One patient required surgical PVR and Sapien valve explantation after TPVR
      caused severe ARC. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of cases of ARC occur in patients
      with native/TAP RVOTs. ARC during BS/CCT may identify those at risk for ARC
      following TPVR. While ARC is a real phenomenon, it is unclear if it can be
      accurately predicted, what its clinical significance will be and how it is best
      avoided. Further studies are necessary to answer these questions. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121037
TI  - Impact of timing and cycles of systemic chemotherapy on survival outcome of
      colorectal liver metastases patients treated by percutaneous microwave ablation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the optimal timing
      and number of cycles of systemic chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver
      metastases (CLM) treated by ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation
      (PMWA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total 199 patients with 318 CLM, median number
      of tumours one per patient and median maximum size of tumours 3.0 cm, treated by
      PMWA combined with or without systemic chemotherapy were included in our study.
      Chemotherapy was administered pre-ablatively in 148 of those patients (74.4%),
      and post-ablatively in 142 (73.6%). Chemotherapy regimens included FOLFOX/XELOX,
      FOLFIRI/XELIRI, and sequential monotherapy. Prognostic factors were evaluated by
      univariate and multivariate analyses, using log-rank test and Cox proportional
      hazards model, respectively. RESULTS: The estimated 5-year rates of progression
      free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 10.1% and 27.9%, respectively.
      The number of CLM (P = 0.003), maximum size of CLM (P < 0.001) and topography (P
      = 0.030) were independent prognostic factors for PFS of patients with CLM while
      age (P = 0.002), maximum size of CLM (P = 0.006) and post-ablative chemotherapy
      (P = 0.046) for OS. In further analysis, CLM patients receiving more than six
      cycles of post-ablative chemotherapy had significantly better OS (P = 0.015) than
      those without post-ablative chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: This study revealed
      chemotherapy administered after (more than six cycles) PMWA improved the OS of
      CLM patents. And, PMWA was a safe procedure in view of the absence of procedure
      related death and low rate of major complications.

PMID- 27121038
TI  - Cloning and characterization of the serotonin N-acetyltransferase-2 gene (SNAT2)
      in rice (Oryza sativa).
AB  - The penultimate enzyme in melatonin synthesis is serotonin N-acetyltransferase
      (SNAT), which exists as a single copy in mammals and plants. Our recent studies
      of the Arabidopsis snat-knockout mutant and SNAT RNAi rice (Oryza sativa) plants
      predicted the presence of at least one other SNAT isogene in plants; that is, the
      snat-knockout mutant of Arabidopsis and the SNAT RNAi rice plants still produced
      melatonin, even in the absence or the suppression of SNAT expression. Here, we
      report a molecular cloning of an SNAT isogene (OsSNAT2) from rice. The mature
      amino acid sequences of SNAT proteins indicated that OsSNAT2 and OsSNAT1 proteins
      had 39% identity values and 60% similarity. The Km and Vmax values of the
      purified recombinant OsSNAT2 were 371 MUm and 4700 pmol/min/mg protein,
      respectively; the enzyme's optimal activity temperature was 45 degrees C.
      Confocal microscopy showed that the OsSNAT2 protein was localized to both the
      cytoplasm and chloroplasts. The in vitro enzyme activity of OsSNAT2 was severely
      inhibited by melatonin, but the activities of sheep SNAT (OaSNAT) and rice
      OsSNAT1 proteins were not. The enzyme activity of OsSNAT2 was threefold higher
      than that of OsSNAT1, but 232-fold lower than that of OaSNAT. The OsSNAT1 and
      OsSNAT2 transcripts were similarly suppressed in rice leaves during the melatonin
      induction after cadmium treatment. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that OsSNAT1
      and OsSNAT2 are distantly related, suggesting that they evolved independently
      from Cyanobacteria prior to the endosymbiosis event. 

PMID- 27121039
TI  - Total hip arthroplasty after hip fracture.

PMID- 27121040
TI  - Professionalism of physicians at a major teaching hospital during the Fukushima
      nuclear disaster.
AB  - It poses a serious problem if physicians leave a hospital without having a
      replacement or without permission. A huge earthquake followed by a devastating
      tsunami seriously damaged the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant. This
      disaster overwhelmed a major teaching hospital in the local area and many
      hospital employees, including some resident physicians, left the premises. Since
      the threat of severe radiation exposure poses a potentially greater lifetime risk
      to younger individuals, letting the young resident physicians leave the hospital
      was not only allowed, it was actually recommended by many attending physicians
      and hospital administrators. The hospital administrator was required to make the
      difficult decision of whether to make all efforts to provide the highest level of
      medical care, including keeping all of the physicians on the premises, or to
      evacuate the resident physicians in order to preserve their health and their
      potential future contributions to healthcare. Consideration and compassion needed
      to be provided to all people, regardless of the reason they wanted to leave. From
      an ethical perspective, the roles of performance under these complex
      circumstances should be understood and embraced by us as individuals,
      professionals, supervisors and society as a whole. 

PMID- 27121041
TI  - Nutmeg oil alleviates chronic inflammatory pain through inhibition of COX-2
      expression and substance P release in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic pain, or sometimes referred to as persistent pain, reduces
      the life quality of patients who are suffering from chronic diseases such as
      inflammatory diseases, cancer and diabetes. Hence, herbal medicines draw many
      attentions and have been shown effective in the treatment or relief of pain.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Here in this study, we used the CFA-injected rats as a
      sustainable pain model to test the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of
      nutmeg oil, a spice flavor additive to beverages and baked goods produced from
      the seed of Myristica fragrans tree. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that
      nutmeg oil could potentially alleviate the CFA-injection induced joint swelling,
      mechanical allodynia and heat hyperanalgesia of rats through inhibition of COX-2
      expression and blood substance P level, which made it possible for nutmeg oil to
      be a potential chronic pain reliever.

PMID- 27121042
TI  - Geranylgeranyl-regulated transport of the prenyltransferase UBIAD1 between
      membranes of the ER and Golgi.
AB  - UbiA prenyltransferase domain-containing protein-1 (UBIAD1) utilizes
      geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGpp) to synthesize the vitamin K2 subtype
      menaquinone-4. Previously, we found that sterols trigger binding of UBIAD1 to
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme
      in synthesis of cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenoids, including GGpp. This
      binding inhibits sterol-accelerated degradation of reductase, which contributes
      to feedback regulation of the enzyme. The addition to cells of geranylgeraniol
      (GGOH), which can become converted to GGpp, triggers release of UBIAD1 from
      reductase, allowing for its maximal degradation and permitting ER-to-Golgi
      transport of UBIAD1. Here, we further characterize geranylgeranyl-regulated
      transport of UBIAD1. Results of this characterization support a model in which
      UBIAD1 continuously cycles between the ER and medial-trans Golgi of isoprenoid
      replete cells. Upon sensing a decline of GGpp in ER membranes, UBIAD1 becomes
      trapped in the organelle where it inhibits reductase degradation. Mutant forms of
      UBIAD1 associated with Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD), a human eye disease
      characterized by corneal accumulation of cholesterol, are sequestered in the ER
      and block reductase degradation. Collectively, these findings disclose a novel
      sensing mechanism that allows for stringent metabolic control of intracellular
      trafficking of UBIAD1, which directly modulates reductase degradation and becomes
      disrupted in SCD.

PMID- 27121043
TI  - Sampling the Body Odor of Primates: Cotton Swabs Sample Semivolatiles Rather Than
      Volatiles.
AB  - We assessed the suitability of a frequently used sampling method employing cotton
      swabs for collecting animal body odor for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
      (GC-MS) analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Our method validation
      showed that both sampling material and sampling protocols affect the outcome of
      the analyses. Thus, among the tested protocols swabs of pure viscose baked before
      use and extracted with hexane had the least blank interferences in GC-MS
      analysis. Most critical for the recovery of VOCs was the handling time: the
      significant recovery losses of volatiles experienced with this sampling procedure
      suggest that a rapid processing of such samples is required. In a second part, we
      used swab sampling to sample the body odor of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta),
      which lack scent glands. First results after GC-MS analysis of the samples
      collected from these nonhuman primates emphasize that proper analytical
      performance is an indispensable prerequisite for successful automated data
      evaluation of the complex GC-MS profiles. Moreover, the retention times and the
      nature of the identified chemical compounds in our samples suggest that the use
      of swabs is generally more appropriate for collecting semivolatile rather than
      VOCs.

PMID- 27121044
TI  - Approach to the Management of Pediatric-Onset Anti-N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (Anti
      NMDA) Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Series.
AB  - Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a treatable cause
      of autoimmune encephalitis. It remains unclear if the natural history of this
      disease is altered by choice of acute therapy or the employment of chronic
      immunotherapy. Chart review was undertaken for pediatric patients diagnosed with
      anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Data obtained included patient demographics,
      disease manifestations, treatment course, and clinical outcomes. Ten patients
      with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis were identified. All patients were treated
      with immunotherapy in the acute period, and all patients experienced good
      recovery. Neurologic relapse did not occur in any patient. All patients received
      varied forms of chronic immunosuppression to prevent relapses. Complications of
      chronic immunotherapy occurred in 50% of patients. The benefits of chronic
      immunotherapy and the duration of use should be carefully weighed against the
      risks. Complications from immunotherapy are not uncommon and can be serious.
      Clinical trials assessing the benefit of long-term immunotherapy in this
      population are needed.

PMID- 27121045
TI  - Electronic Dietary Intake Assessment (e-DIA): relative validity of a mobile phone
      application to measure intake of food groups.
AB  - Automation of dietary assessment can reduce limitations of established
      methodologies, by alleviating participant and researcher burden. Designed as a
      research tool, the electronic Dietary Intake Assessment (e-DIA) is a food record
      in mobile phone application format. The present study aimed to examine the
      relative validity of the e-DIA with the 24-h recall method to estimate intake of
      food groups. A sample of eighty university students aged 19-24 years recorded 5 d
      of e-DIA and 3 d of recall within this 5-d period. The three matching days of
      dietary data were used for analysis. Food intake data were disaggregated and
      apportioned to one of eight food groups. Median intakes of food groups were
      similar between the methods, and strong correlations were found (mean: 0.79,
      range: 0.69-0.88). Cross-classification by tertiles produced a high level of
      exact agreement (mean: 71 %, range: 65-75 %), and weighted kappa values were
      moderate to good (range: 0.54-0.71). Although mean differences (e-DIA-recall)
      were small (range: -13 to 23 g), limits of agreement (LOA) were relatively large
      (e.g. for vegetables, mean difference: -4 g, LOA: -159 to 151 g). The Bland
      Altman plots showed robust agreement, with minimum bias. This analysis supports
      the use of e-DIA as an alternative to the repeated 24-h recall method for ranking
      individuals' food group intake.

PMID- 27121046
TI  - rno-miR-665 targets BCL2L1 (Bcl-xl) and increases vulnerability to propofol in
      developing astrocytes.
AB  - Propofol exerts a cytotoxic influence over immature neurocytes. Our previous
      study revealed that clinically relevant doses of propofol accelerated apoptosis
      of primary cultured astrocytes of developing rodent brains via rno-miR-665
      regulation. However, the role of rno-miR-665 during the growth spurt of neonatal
      rodent brains in vivo is still uncertain. Post-natal day 7 (P7) rats received a
      single injection of propofol 30 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.), and
      neuroapoptosis of hippocampal astrocytes was analyzed by immunofluorescence and
      scanning electron microscopy. The differential expression of rno-miR-665, BCL2L1
      (Bcl-xl), and cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) was surveyed by qRT-PCR and western
      blotting. In addition, the utility of A-1155463, a highly potent and BCL2L1
      selective antagonist, was aimed to assess the contribution of BCL2L1 for
      neuroglial survival. Following the intraventricular injection of lentivirus rno
      miR-665, neuroprotection was detected by 5-point scale measurement. The single
      dose of propofol 30 mg/kg triggered dose-dependent apoptosis of developing
      hippocampal astrocytes. Meanwhile, propofol triggered both rno-miR-665 and CC3,
      and depressed BCL2L1, which was predicted as one target gene of rno-miR-665.
      Combination treatment with A-1155463 and propofol induced lower mRNA and protein
      levels of BCL2L1 and more CC3 activation than propofol treatment alone in vivo.
      The lentivirus-mediated knockdown of rno-miR-665 elevated BCL2L1 and attenuated
      CC3 levels, whereas up-regulation of rno-miR-665 suppressed BCL2L1 and induced
      CC3 expression in vivo. More importantly, rno-miR-665 antagomir infusion improved
      neurological outcomes of pups receiving propofol during the brain growth spurt.
      Rno-miR-665, providing a potential target for alternative therapeutics for
      pediatric anesthesia, is susceptible to propofol by negatively targeting
      antiapoptotic BCL2L1. Relatively little is known about the association between
      exposure of astrocytes to brief propofol anaesthesia and risk for impairment.
      Here, it revealed that propofol-related neurotoxicity of neonatal astrocytes was
      under rno-miR-665 regulation during the brain growth spurt. Rno-miR-665 might act
      as a clinically alternative therapeutic target for treatment of neurological
      disorders in peadiatric anesthesia or sedation with propofol in future.

PMID- 27121048
TI  - 2015 Research Forum Poster Session and Competition: Finalists and Posters.

PMID- 27121047
TI  - Dynamics of histone H2A, H4 and HS1ph during spermatogenesis with a focus on
      chromatin condensation and maturity of spermatozoa.
AB  - Histones and histone phosphorylation play vital roles during animal
      spermatogenesis and spermatozoa maturation. The dynamic distribution of histones
      H2A and H4 and phosphorylated H2A and H4 at serine 1 (HS1ph) was explored in
      mammalian and Decapoda germ cells, with a special focus on the distribution of
      H2A, H4 and HS1ph between mouse condensed spermatozoa chromatin and crab non
      condensed spermatozoa chromatin. The distribution of histone marks was also
      analysed in mature spermatozoa with different chromatin structures. Histone H2A
      and H4 marks were closely associated with the relatively loose chromatin
      structure in crab spermatozoa. The significant decrease in the HS1ph signal
      during spermatogenesis suggests that eliminating most of these epigenetic marks
      in the nucleusis closely associated with spermatozoa maturity.

PMID- 27121049
TI  - Gold nanocluster sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays for visible-light driven
      photoelectrocatalytic removal of antibiotic tetracycline.
AB  - It is of technical interest to develop low-cost, high-quality and scalable
      photosensitizers that could efficiently harvest visible light. Here we design an
      efficient photoelectrocatalyst by integrating a recently developed gold
      nanocluster (AuNC, as a photosensitizer) into two types of highly ordered TiO2
      nanotube arrays (TNAs, as substrates to host the photosensitizers). The TNA
      electrodes used in this study are a short TNA (~0.5 um in length, synthesized by
      the anodic oxidation in an aqueous hydrofluoric (HF) acid solution) and a long
      TNA (~4.5 um in length, synthesized by the anodic oxidation in a fluorinated
      ethylene glycol (EG) solution). A number of characterization techniques (e.g.,
      FESEM, XRD and XPS) were applied to study the as-synthesized nanocomposites. In
      particular, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photochemical measurements
      suggest that the AuNC-coated TNA electrodes have successfully extended visible
      light absorption and improved their photochemical performance. Compared with the
      blank TNAs, the as-designed nanocomposites exhibit an evidently enhanced
      photoelectrocatalytic performance towards tetracycline (an emerging antibiotic
      contaminant in aquatic environment) decomposition, where the removal efficiency
      increases from 65% to 81% for AuNC/long-TNA and from 46% to 73% for AuNC/short
      TNA electrodes, respectively. The improved performance is largely attributed to
      the photo-electro-chemical synergetic effect. The photochemical performance of
      the as-designed nanocomposites could be further improved by fine tuning the size,
      composition, and surface of the AuNC-based photosensitizers. 

PMID- 27121050
TI  - UBAP2 negatively regulates the invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cell by
      ubiquitinating and degradating Annexin A2.
AB  - The ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation of proteins controls signaling
      and cellular survival. In this study, we found that ubiquitin associated protein
      2 (UBAP2) was significantly downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, higher expression of
      UBAP2 in cancer tissues was correlated with good prognosis in HCC patients.
      Knockdown of UBAP2 significantly enhanced the invasion and proliferation of HCC
      cells in vitro and promoted tumor growth in vivo, while enforced expression of
      UBAP2 impaired the aggressive ability and tumor growth of HCC cells.
      Mechanistically, UBAP2 formed a complex with Annexin A2 and promoted the
      degradation of Annexin A2 protein by ubiquitination, and then inhibited HCC
      progression. Collectively, UBAP2 appears as a novel marker for predicting
      prognosis and a therapeutic target for HCC. 

PMID- 27121051
TI  - B7-H3 as a promising target for cytotoxicity T cell in human cancer therapy.
AB  - Targeting B7-H3 over-expressed tumor cells with anti-B7-H3 monoclonal antibodies
      inhibits tumor growth. Here we demonstrated the expression of B7 family homologue
      3 (B7-H3) in a wide range of human tumor cells and further investigated whether
      B7-H3 could be served as a target for T-cell mediated immunotherapy against human
      cancers. The specific cytotoxic activity of activated T cell (ATC) armed with a
      novel anti-CD3 x anti-B7-H3 bispecific antibody (B7-H3Bi-Ab) against tumor cell
      was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In contrast with unarmed ATC, an increase in
      cytotoxic activity of B7-H3Bi-armed ATC against tumor cells was observed at
      effector/target (E/T) ratios of 5:1, 10:1, and 20:1. Moreover, B7-H3Bi-armed ATC
      secreted more IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-2 than unarmed ATC. Infusion of B7-H3Bi
      armed ATC inhibited tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
      xenograft models, along with a significant survival benefit. Therefore, treatment
      with novel B7-H3Bi-armed ATC will be a promising strategy for current cancer
      immunotherapy. 

PMID- 27121052
TI  - Inhibition of pro-HGF activation by SRI31215, a novel approach to block oncogenic
      HGF/MET signaling.
AB  - The binding of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to its receptor MET activates a
      signaling cascade that promotes cell survival, proliferation, cell scattering,
      migration and invasion of malignant cells. HGF is secreted by cancer cells or by
      tumor-associated fibroblasts as pro-HGF, an inactive precursor. A key step in the
      regulation of HGF/MET signaling is proteolytic processing of pro-HGF to its
      active form by one of the three serine proteases, matriptase, hepsin or HGF
      activator (HGFA).We developed SRI 31215, a small molecule that acts as a triplex
      inhibitor of matriptase, hepsin and HGFA and mimics the activity of HAI-1/2,
      endogenous inhibitors of HGF activation. We demonstrated that SRI 31215 inhibits
      fibroblast-induced MET activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and
      migration of cancer cells. SRI 31215 overcomes primary resistance to cetuximab
      and gefitinib in HGF-producing colon cancer cells and prevents fibroblast
      mediated resistance to EGFR inhibitors. Thus, SRI 31215 blocks signaling between
      cancer cells and fibroblasts and inhibits the tumor-promoting activity of cancer
      associated fibroblasts.Aberrant HGF/MET signaling supports cell survival,
      proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastatic spread of cancer cells,
      establishing HGF and MET as valid therapeutic targets. Our data demonstrate that
      inhibitors of HGF activation, such as SRI 31215, merit investigation as potential
      therapeutics in tumors that are addicted to HGF/MET signaling. The findings
      reported here also indicate that inhibitors of HGF activation overcome primary
      and acquired resistance to anti-EGFR therapy, providing a rationale for
      concurrent inhibition of EGFR and HGF to prevent therapeutic resistance and to
      improve the outcome of cancer patients. 

PMID- 27121053
TI  - Reduced expression of CD109 in tumor-associated endothelial cells promotes tumor
      progression by paracrine interleukin-8 in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Tumor-associated endothelial cells (TEC) directly facilitate tumor progression,
      but little is known about the mechanisms. We investigated the function of CD109
      in TEC and its clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The
      correlation between CD109 expressed on tumor vessels and the prognosis after
      surgical resection of HCC was studied. The effect of human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVEC) with different CD109 expression on hepatoma cell
      proliferation, migration, and invasion was compared in co-culture assay.
      Associated key factors were screened by human cytokine antibody array and
      validated thereafter. HUVEC with different CD109 expression were co-implanted
      with HCCLM3 or HepG2 cells in nude mice to investigate the effect of CD109
      expression on tumor growth and metastasis. Reduced expression of CD109 on tumor
      vessels was associated with large tumor size, microvascular invasion, and
      advanced tumor stage. CD109 was an independent risk factor for disease-free
      survival (P = 0.001) after curative resection of HCC. CD109 knockdown in HUVEC
      promoted hepatoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Interleukin-8 (IL
      8) was a key tumor-promoting factor secreted from CD109 knockdown HUVEC. CD109
      knockdown upregulated IL-8 expression through activation of TGF-beta/Akt/NF
      kappaB pathway in HUVEC. Co-implantation with CD109 knockdown HUVEC accelerated
      tumor growth and metastasis in mice models. In conclusion, CD109 expression on
      tumor vessels is a potential prognostic marker for HCC, and its reduced
      expression on TEC promoted tumor progression by paracrine IL-8. 

PMID- 27121054
TI  - Nomogram based on systemic inflammatory response markers predicting the survival
      of patients with resectable gastric cancer after D2 gastrectomy.
AB  - This study aimed to construct a nomogram to predict survival of patients with
      resectable gastric cancer (RGC) based on both clinicopathology characteristics
      and systemic inflammatory response markers (SIRMs). Of 3,452 RGC patients after
      D2 gastrectomy at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 1058 patients who met
      the inclusion criterion were analyzed. The patients operated on from January 1,
      2005 to December 31, 2009 were assigned to the training set (817 patients) to
      establish a nomogram, and the rest (241 patients) were selected as validation
      set. Based on the training set, seven independent risk factors were selected in
      the nomogram. The calibration curves for probability of 1-year, 3-year and 5-year
      overall survival (OS) showed satisfactory accordance between nomogram prediction
      and actual observation. When the metastatic lymph node stage (mLNS) is replaced
      by metastasis lymph node ratio (mLNR) in validation set, the C-index in
      predicting OS rise from 0.77 to 0.79, higher than that of 7th American Joint
      Committee on Cancer 7th (AJCC) staging system (0.70; p<0.001). In conclusions,
      the proposed nomogram which including mLNR and routine detected SIRMs resulted in
      optimal survival prediction for RGC patients after D2 gastrectomy.

PMID- 27121055
TI  - Knockdown of CMTM3 promotes metastasis of gastric cancer via the STAT3/Twist1/EMT
      signaling pathway.
AB  - CMTM3 (CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing 3) possesses tumor
      suppressor properties in multiple types of malignancies. Restoration of CMTM3
      significantly inhibits the metastasis of gastric cancer, and its expression level
      is correlated with prognosis. However, the physiological effects and the
      mechanism of CMTM3 remain unknown. Here, we suppress CMTM3 expression by shRNA to
      explore its endogenous effects and its mechanism of action in gastric cancer.
      Stable knockdown of CMTM3 promotes cell migration, invasion and tumor metastasis,
      increases MMP2 expression and enhances MMP2 activity. CMTM3 inhibits EMT along
      with the upregulation of E-cadherin and the downregulation of N-cadherin,
      Vimentin and Twist1. It has no obvious effects on Zeb1 and Snail. CMTM3
      suppresses the phosphorylation of STAT3 but not Akt. More importantly, the EMT
      phenotype and cell migration induced by CMTM3 knockdown can be reversed by the
      Jak2/STAT3 inhibitor JSI-124 or by siRNA against STAT3 or Twist1. Overall, this
      study demonstrates that knockdown of CMTM3 promotes the metastasis of gastric
      cancer through the STAT3/Twist1/EMT pathway. 

PMID- 27121056
TI  - Targeting of Chk2 as a countermeasure to dose-limiting toxicity triggered by
      topoisomerase-II (TOP2) poisons.
AB  - The DNA damage response (DDR) gene cell cycle checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) triggers
      programmed cell death and lethal radiation-induced toxicity in mice in vivo.
      However, it is not well established to what extent targeting of Chk2 may protect
      from dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) inflicted by mainstay cancer chemotherapy. We
      screened different classes of chemotherapy in wild type and Chk2-deficient cells.
      Here we show that loss of Chk2 protect from cell death in vitro and lethal
      toxicity in vivo following treatment with topoisomerase II (TOP2)-inhibitors
      whereas no such protection was observed following treatment with topoisomerase I
      (TOP1) inhibitors. Furthermore, through combined in silico and functional screens
      of the Diversity Set II (NCI/NTP) chemical library we identified the carbanilide
      derivative NSC105171, also known as ptu-23, as a novel Chk2 inhibitor (Chk2i).
      Indeed, NSC105171 can be administered safely to mice to countermeasure etoposide
      induced toxicity. Incorporation of Chk2i into chemotherapy protocols employing
      TOP2-inhibitors may be an effective strategy to prevent DLT's without interfering
      with treatment. 

PMID- 27121057
TI  - Calcium influx-mediated translocation of m-calpain induces Ku80 cleavage and
      enhances the Ku80-related DNA repair pathway.
AB  - Proteomic analysis of ionomycin-treated and untreated mammary epithelial MCF10A
      cells elucidated differences in Ku80 cleavage. Ku80, a subunit of the Ku protein
      complex, is an initiator of the non-homologous, end-joining (NHEJ), double-strand
      breaks (DSBs) repair pathway. The nuclear Ku80 was cleaved in a calcium
      concentration-dependent manner by m-calpain but not by m-calpain. The cleavage of
      nuclear Ku80 at its alpha/beta domain was validated by Western blotting analysis
      using flag-tagged expression vectors of truncated versions of Ku80 and a flag
      antibody and was confirmed in m-calpain knock-down cells and in vitro cell-free
      evaluation with recombinant proteins of calpains, Ku70, and Ku80. In addition,
      the cleaved Ku80 still formed a Ku heterodimer and promoted DNA DSB repair
      activity. Taken together, these findings indicate that translocated m-calpain
      enhances the NHEJ pathway through the cleavage of Ku80. Based on the present
      study, m-calpain in DNA repair pathways might be a novel anticancer drug target,
      or its mechanism might be a possible route for resistance acquisition of DNA
      damage-inducing chemotherapeutics. 

PMID- 27121058
TI  - Deciphering the role of nuclear and cytoplasmic IKKalpha in skin cancer.
AB  - Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most common human malignancies. IKKalpha
      is an essential protein for skin development and is also involved in the genesis
      and progression of NMSC, through mechanisms not fully understood. While different
      studies show that IKKalpha protects against skin cancer, others indicate that it
      promotes NMSC. To resolve this controversy we have generated two models of
      transgenic mice expressing the IKKalpha protein in the nucleus (N-IKKalpha mice)
      or the cytoplasm (C-IKKalpha mice) of keratinocytes. Chemical skin carcinogenesis
      experiments show that tumors developed by both types of transgenic mice exhibit
      histological and molecular characteristics that make them more prone to
      progression and invasion than those developed by Control mice. However, the
      mechanisms through which IKKalpha promotes skin tumors are different depending on
      its subcellular localization; while IKKalpha of cytoplasmic localization
      increases EGFR, MMP-9 and VEGF-A activities in tumors, nuclear IKKalpha causes
      tumor progression through regulation of c-Myc, Maspin and Integrin-alpha6
      expression. Additionally, we have found that N-IKKalpha skin tumors mimic the
      characteristics associated to aggressive human skin tumors with high risk to
      metastasize. Our results show that IKKalpha has different non-overlapping roles
      in the nucleus or cytoplasm of keratinocytes, and provide new targets for
      intervention in human NMSC progression. 

PMID- 27121059
TI  - RB1 is the crucial target of the Merkel cell polyomavirus Large T antigen in
      Merkel cell carcinoma cells.
AB  - The pocket protein (PP) family consists of the three members RB1, p107 and p130
      all possessing tumor suppressive properties. Indeed, the PPs jointly control the
      G1/S transition mainly by inhibiting E2F transcription factors. Notably, several
      viral oncoproteins are capable of binding and inhibiting PPs. Merkel cell
      polyomavirus (MCPyV) is considered as etiological factor for Merkel cell
      carcinoma (MCC) with expression of the viral Large T antigen (LT) harboring an
      intact PP binding domain being required for proliferation of most MCC cells.
      Therefore, we analyzed the interaction of MCPyV-LT with the PPs. Co-IP
      experiments indicate that MCPyV-LT binds potently only to RB1. Moreover, MCPyV-LT
      knockdown-induced growth arrest in MCC cells can be rescued by knockdown of RB1,
      but not by p107 or p130 knockdown. Accordingly, cell cycle arrest and E2F target
      gene repression mediated by the single PPs can only in the case of RB1 be
      significantly reverted by MCPyV-LT expression. Moreover, data from an MCC patient
      indicate that loss of RB1 rendered the MCPyV-positive MCC cells LT independent.
      Thus, our results suggest that RB1 is the dominant tumor suppressor PP in MCC,
      and that inactivation of RB1 by MCPyV-LT is largely sufficient for its growth
      supporting function in established MCPyV-positive MCC cells. 

PMID- 27121060
TI  - Collaboration between tumor-specific CD4+ T cells and B cells in anti-cancer
      immunity.
AB  - The role of B cells and antibodies in anti-tumor immunity is controversial, with
      both positive and negative effects reported in animal models and clinical
      studies. We developed a murine B16.F10 melanoma model to study the effects of
      collaboration between tumor-specific CD4+ T cells and B cells on tumor control.
      By incorporating T cell receptor transgenic T cells and B cell receptor isotype
      switching B cells, we were able to track the responses of tumor-reactive T and B
      cells and the development of anti-tumor antibodies in vivo. In the presence of
      tumor-specific B cells, the number of tumor-reactive CD4+ T cells was reduced in
      lymphoid tissues and the tumor itself, and this correlated with poor tumor
      control. B cells had little effect on the Th1 bias of the CD4+ T cell response,
      and the number of induced FoxP3+ regulatory cells (iTregs) generated from within
      the original naive CD4+ T cell inoculum was unrelated to the degree of B cell
      expansion. In response to CD4+ T cell help, B cells produced a range of isotype
      switched anti-tumor antibodies, principally IgG1, IgG2a/c and IgG2b. In the
      absence of CD4+ T cells, B cells responded to agonistic anti-CD40 administration
      by switching to production of IgG2a/c and, to a lesser extent, IgG1, IgG3, IgA
      and IgE, which reduced the number of lung metastases after i.v. tumor inoculation
      but had no effect on the growth of subcutaneous tumors. 

PMID- 27121061
TI  - Differential expression of major histocompatibility complex class I in subtypes
      of breast cancer is associated with estrogen receptor and interferon signaling.
AB  - Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
      have a strong prognostic and predictive significance. However, the mechanism of
      TIL influx in TNBC is unclear. Expression of major histocompatibility complex
      class I (MHC I) on the tumor cell is essential for the effective killing of tumor
      by cytotoxic TILs. In our current study, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression
      was inversely correlated with estrogen receptor (ER) expression in normal and
      cancerous breast tissue and positively correlated with TILs in breast cancer. The
      ER score was inversely correlated with TILs in breast cancer. HLA-A and CD8B gene
      expression was negatively correlated with ESR1 and positively correlated with
      interferon-associated gene expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data.
      Negative correlation between ESR1 and HLA and positive correlation between
      interferon-associated and HLA gene expression were also confirmed in Cancer Cell
      Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) data. Taken together, our data suggest that a lower
      expression of HLA in luminal-type tumors might be associated with low level of
      TILs in those tumors. Further investigation of the mechanism of higher HLA
      expression and TIL influx in TNBC may help to boost the host immune response. 

PMID- 27121063
TI  - USP14 is a predictor of recurrence in endometrial cancer and a molecular target
      for endometrial cancer treatment.
AB  - Endometrial adenocarcinoma is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the
      United States. Most endometrial cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage and
      have good prognosis. Unfortunately a subset of patients with early stage and low
      grade disease experience recurrence for reasons that remain unclear. Recurrence
      is often accompanied by chemoresistance and high mortality.Deubiquitinating
      enzymes (DUBs) are key components of the ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation
      pathway and act as master regulators in a number of metabolic processes including
      cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. DUBs have been shown to be
      upregulated in a number of human cancers and their aberrant activity has been
      linked to cancer progression, initiation and onset of chemoresistance. Thus,
      selective inhibition of DUBs has been proposed as a targeted therapy for cancer
      treatment.This study suggests the DUB USP14 as a promising biomarker for
      stratifying endometrial cancer patients at diagnosis based on their risk of
      recurrence. Further USP14 is expressed along with the marker of proliferation
      Ki67 in endometrial cancer cells in situ. Lastly, pharmacological targeting of
      USP14 with the FDA approved small-molecule inhibitor VLX1570, decreases cell
      viability in chemotherapy resistant endometrial cancer cells with a mechanism
      consistent with cell cycle arrest and caspase-3 mediated apoptosis. 

PMID- 27121064
TI  - GP73-regulated oncolytic adenoviruses possess potent killing effect on human
      liver cancer stem-like cells.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells, are highly
      metastatic, chemo-resistant and tumorigenic, and are critical for cancer
      development, maintenance and recurrence. Oncolytic adenovirus could targetedly
      kill CSCs and has been acted as a promising anticancer agent. Currently, a novel
      GP73-regulated oncolytic adenovirus GD55 was constructed to specifically treat
      liver cancer and exhibited obvious cytotoxicity effect. However, there remains to
      be confirmed that whether GD55 could effectively eliminate liver CSCs. We first
      utilized the suspension culture to enrich the liver CSCs-like cells, which
      acquires the properties of liver CSCs in self-renewal, differentiation,
      quiescence, chemo-resistance and tumorigenicity. The results indicated that GD55
      elicited more significant cytotoxicity and stronger oncolytic effect in liver CSC
      like cells compared to common oncolytic virus ZD55. Additionally, GD55 possessed
      the greater efficacy in suppressing the growth of implanted tumors derived from
      liver CSC-like cells than ZD55. Furthermore, GD55 induced remarkable apoptosis of
      liver CSC-like cells in vitro and in vivo, and inhibited the propogation of cells
      and angiogenesis in xenograft tumor tissues. Thus, GD55 may virtually represent
      an attractive therapeutic agent for targeting liver CSCs to achieve better
      clinical outcomes for HCC patients. 

PMID- 27121062
TI  - Myosins as fundamental components during tumorigenesis: diverse and
      indispensable.
AB  - Myosin is a kind of actin-based motor protein. As the crucial functions of myosin
      during tumorigenesis have become increasingly apparent, the profile of myosin in
      the field of cancer research has also been growing. Eighteen distinct classes of
      myosins have been discovered in the past twenty years and constitute a diverse
      superfamily. Various myosins share similar structures. They all convert energy
      from ATP hydrolysis to exert mechanical stress upon interactions with
      microfilaments. Ongoing research is increasingly suggesting that at least seven
      kinds of myosins participate in the formation and development of cancer. Myosins
      play essential roles in cytokinesis failure, chromosomal and centrosomal
      amplification, multipolar spindle formation and DNA microsatellite instability.
      These are all prerequisites of tumor formation. Subsequently, myosins activate
      various processes of tumor invasion and metastasis development including cell
      migration, adhesion, protrusion formation, loss of cell polarity and suppression
      of apoptosis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the roles
      of myosins during tumorigenesis and discuss the factors and mechanisms which may
      regulate myosins in tumor progression. Furthermore, we put forward a completely
      new concept of "chromomyosin" to demonstrate the pivotal functions of myosins
      during karyokinesis and how this acts to optimize the functions of the members of
      the myosin superfamily.

PMID- 27121065
TI  - Wip1 suppresses ovarian cancer metastasis through the ATM/AKT/Snail mediated
      signaling.
AB  - Inactivation of p53 greatly contributes to serous ovarian cancer, while the role
      of the wild-type p53 induced phosphatase 1 (Wip1) is quite unclear. In this
      study, by silencing or overexpression of Wip1, we found that Wip1 suppressed
      ovarian cancer cell invasion, migration, epithelial to mesenchymal transition
      (EMT), and ovarian cancer metastasis in xenograft animal models. Mechanistic
      studies showed that Wip1 may block ovarian cancer metastasis through inhibition
      of Snail and p-Akt expression because silencing or overexpression of Wip1 either
      upregulated or downregulated the expression of Snail and p-Akt (Ser 473), while
      further knockdown of Snail by shRNA or inhibition of p-Akt by a chemical compound
      attenuated cell invasion, migration and EMT in Wip1 silencing cells. We also
      found that the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser 473 might be mediated through p-ATM
      (Ser 1981). Thus, Wip1 may suppress ovarian cancer metastasis through negative
      regulation of p-ATM, p-Akt, and Snail, which was also evidenced in the limited
      clinical specimens. Therefore, our data may provide a novel therapeutic
      indication for serous ovarian cancer based on the uncovered mechanism associated
      with the precise function of Wip1 independent of p53. 

PMID- 27121066
TI  - HIF-1alpha activates hypoxia-induced BCL-9 expression in human colorectal cancer
      cells.
AB  - B-cell CLL/lymphoma 9 protein (BCL-9), a multi-functional co-factor in Wnt
      signaling, induced carcinogenesis as well as promoting tumor progression,
      metastasis and chemo-resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the
      mechanisms for increased BCL-9 expression in CRC were not well understood. Here,
      we report that hypoxia, a hallmark of solid tumors, induced BCL-9 mRNA expression
      in human CRC cells. Analysis of BCL-9 promoter revealed two functional hypoxia
      responsive elements (HRE-B and HRE-C) that can be specifically bound with and be
      transactivated by hypoxia inducible factors (HIF) -1alpha but not HIF-2alpha.
      Consistently, ectopic expression of HIF-1alpha but not HIF-2alpha
      transcriptionally induced BCL-9 expression levels in cells. Knockdown of
      endogenous HIF-1alpha but not HIF-2alpha by siRNA largely abolished the induction
      of HIF by hypoxia. Furthermore, there was a strong association of HIF-1alpha
      expression with BCL-9 expression in human CRC specimens. In summary, results from
      this study demonstrated that hypoxia induced BCL-9 expression in human CRC cells
      mainly through HIF-1alpha, which could be an important underlying mechanism for
      increased BCL-9 expression in CRC.

PMID- 27121067
TI  - The role of histological subtype in hormone receptor positive metastatic breast
      cancer: similar survival but different therapeutic approaches.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study describes the differences between the two largest
      histological breast cancer subtypes (invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive
      (mixed) lobular carcinoma (ILC) with respect to patient and tumor
      characteristics, treatment-choices and outcome in metastatic breast cancer.
      RESULTS: Patients with ILC were older at diagnosis of primary breast cancer and
      had more often initial bone metastasis (46.5% versus 34.8%, P = 0.01) and less
      often multiple metastatic sites compared to IDC (23.7% versus 30.9%, P = 0.11).
      Six months after diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, 28.1% of patients with
      ILC and 39.8% of patients with IDC had received chemotherapy with a longer median
      time to first chemotherapy for those with ILC (P = 0.001). After six months 84.8%
      of patients with ILC had received endocrine therapy versus 72.5% of patients with
      IDC (P = 0.0001). Median overall survival was 29 months for ILC and 25 months for
      IDC (P = 0.53). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 437 patients with hormone
      receptor-positive IDC and 131 patients with hormone receptor-positive ILC, all
      diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer between 2007-2009, irrespective of date
      of the primary diagnosis. Patient and tumor characteristics and data on treatment
      and outcome were collected. Survival curves were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier
      method. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment strategies of hormone receptor-positive metastatic
      breast cancer were remarkably different for patients with ILC and IDC. Further
      research is required to understand tumor behavior and treatment-choices in real
      life.

PMID- 27121068
TI  - Etiology of molar incisor hypomineralization - A systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a common developmental
      dental defect of permanent teeth, which can increase the risk of dental caries,
      infection and hospitalization. The etiology is currently unclear although
      prenatal or early childhood health factors are suspected. The aim of this
      systematic review was to assess the strength of evidence linking etiological
      factors with MIH. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using the Medline
      and Embase electronic databases for studies investigating environmental
      etiological factors of MIH. Two reviewers assessed the eligibility of studies.
      The level of evidence and bias was determined for all eligible studies according
      to Australian National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines for
      systematic reviews of etiology and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: From a
      total of 2254 studies identified through electronic and hand searching, 28 were
      eligible for inclusion. Twenty-five of these investigated MIH and three
      investigated a related condition in primary teeth, hypomineralized second primary
      molars (HSPM), and these were analysed separately. A limited number of studies
      reported significant associations between MIH and pre- and perinatal factors such
      as maternal illness and medication use in pregnancy, prematurity and birth
      complications. Early childhood illness was implicated as an etiological factor in
      MIH in several studies, in particular fever, asthma and pneumonia. The studies
      investigating HSPM revealed an association with maternal alcohol consumption,
      infantile fever and ethnicity. However, the validity of these findings is
      impaired by study design, lack of adjustment for confounders, lack of detail and
      consistency of exposures investigated and poor reporting. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood
      illness is likely to be associated with MIH. Further prospective studies of the
      etiology of MIH/HSPM are needed.

PMID- 27121069
TI  - The analysis of estrogen receptor-alpha positive breast cancer stem-like cells
      unveils a high expression of the serpin proteinase inhibitor PI-9: Possible
      regulatory mechanisms.
AB  - Breast cancer stem cells seem to play important roles in breast tumor recurrence
      and endocrine therapy resistance, although the underlying mechanisms have not
      been well established. Moreover, in some tumor systems the immunosurveillance
      failure against cancer cells has been related to the presence of the granzyme B
      inhibitor PI-9. This study explored the status of PI-9 in tumorspheres isolated
      from estrogen receptor-alpha positive (ERalpha+) breast cancer MCF7 cells.
      Studies were performed in tertiary tumorspheres which possess high levels of
      stemness markers (Nanog, Oct3/4 and Sox2) and self-renewal ability. The exposure
      to estrogens (17-beta estradiol and genistein) increased the number and sizes of
      tumorspheres, promoting cell proliferation as demonstrated by the increase in the
      proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The study of the three isoforms (66,
      46 and 36 kDa) of ERalpha disclosed that tertiary tumorspheres exhibit a marked
      increase in ERalpha36, while the level of ERalpha66, which is highly expressed in
      MCF7 cells, declines. Although it is known that PI-9 is a transcriptional target
      of ERalpha66, surprisingly in tertiary tumorspheres, despite the reduced level of
      ERalpha66, the protein and mRNA content of PI-9 is higher than in MCF7 cells.
      Treatment with estrogens further increased PI-9 level while decreased that of
      ERalpha66 isoform thus excluding the involvement of this receptor isoform in the
      event. Moreover, our studies also provided evidence that tertiary tumorspheres
      express elevated levels of CXCR4 and phospho-p38, suggesting that the high PI-9
      content might be ascribed to the activation of the proliferative CXCR4/phospho
      p38 axis. Taken together, these events could supply a selective advantage to
      breast cancer stem cells by interfering with immunosurveillance systems and open
      up the avenue to new possible targets for breast cancer treatment. 

PMID- 27121070
TI  - Optimizing Water Transport through Graphene-Based Membranes: Insights from
      Nonequilibrium Molecular Dynamics.
AB  - Recent experimental results suggest that stacked layers of graphene oxide exhibit
      strong selective permeability to water. To construe this observation, the
      transport mechanism of water permeating through a membrane consisting of layered
      graphene sheets is investigated via nonequilibrium and equilibrium molecular
      dynamics simulations. The effect of sheet geometry is studied by changing the
      offset between the entrance and exit slits of the membrane. The simulation
      results reveal that the permeability is not solely dominated by entrance effects;
      the path traversed by water molecules has a considerable impact on the
      permeability. We show that contrary to speculation in the literature, water
      molecules do not pass through the membrane as a hydrogen-bonded chain; instead,
      they form well-mixed fluid regions confined between the graphene sheets. The
      results of the present work are used to provide guidelines for the development of
      graphene and graphene oxide membranes for desalination and solvent separation.

PMID- 27121071
TI  - The effect of amifostine on lung ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Lung ischaemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) frequently occurs after lung
      transplantation or cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, thus increasing
      postoperative morbidity and mortality. As LIRI is associated with the release of
      reactive oxygen species and a subsequent inflammatory reaction, we tested whether
      amifostine, a thiol and free radical scavenger, has a beneficial effect on LIRI.
      METHODS: A total number of 72 Wistar rats were subjected to LIRI with or without
      a single or double dose of amifostine (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally).
      Experimental induction of LIRI was performed by clamping either the left lung
      hilum or the pulmonary artery alone for 60 min, followed by 90 min of
      reperfusion. Control groups consisted of LIRI and NaCl, a sham group and a no
      intervention group (baseline). At the end of the experiments, the left lung was
      analysed by quantitative RT-PCR of inflammatory marker gene expression, western
      blot of activated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and light and electron
      microscopy. RESULTS: In placebo and amifostine groups, the expression levels of
      pro-inflammatory markers were increased significantly and to a similar extent
      independent of the type of ischaemia induction. In contrast, amifostine reduced
      the activation of NF-kappaB in comparison with placebo. This effect was present
      independent of the type of ischaemia or the application of a single or double
      dose of amifostine. However, oedema formation, blood-gas barrier damage and
      inflammatory reaction were similar in all amifostine or placebo LIRI groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite a significant reduction in NF-kappaB activation, amifostine
      failed to decrease the inflammatory response and structural changes induced by
      LIRI in this experimental setting.

PMID- 27121072
TI  - An unusual complication: aortic graft perforation by a fractured rib after type B
      aortic dissection.
AB  - Aortic injury caused by the penetration of a fractured rib is rare, but aortic
      graft penetration is even less common. This is a case report describing
      perforation of a Dacron aortic graft by the sharp margin of a displaced rib,
      which occurred after a thoracotomy. This case illustrates the importance of
      fixing fractured ribs.

PMID- 27121073
TI  - Gelsolin Promotes Radioresistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Through
      Activation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling.
AB  - Gelsolin is an actin-binding protein and acts as an important regulator of cell
      survival. This study aimed to determine the function of gelsolin in the
      radioresistance of non-small cell lung cancer cells. We examined the expression
      of gelsolin in radioresistant A549 and H460 cells and their parental cells. The
      effects of gelsolin overexpression and knockdown on the clonogenic survival and
      apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer cells after irradiation were studied. The
      involvement of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling in the action of gelsolin
      was checked. We found that gelsolin was significantly upregulated in
      radioresistant A549 and H460 cells. Overexpression of gelsolin significantly ( P
      < .05) increased the number of colonies from irradiated A549 and H460 cells
      compared to transfection of empty vector. In contrast, knockdown of gelsolin
      significantly ( P < .05) suppressed colony formation after irradiation. Gelsolin
      overexpressing cells displayed reduced apoptosis in response to irradiation,
      which was coupled with decreased levels of cleaved caspase-3 and poly adenosine
      diphosphate-ribose polymerase. Ectopic expression of gelsolin significantly ( P <
      .05) enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt compared to nontransfected cells.
      Pretreatment with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 (20 MUmol/L)
      significantly decreased clonogenic survival and enhanced apoptosis in gelsolin
      overexpressing A549 and H460 cells after irradiation. Taken together, gelsolin
      upregulation promotes radioresistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells, at
      least partially, through activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling.

PMID- 27121075
TI  - Comment on 'Parametrization of Stillinger-Weber potential based on a valence
      force field model: application to single-layer MoS2 and black phosphorus'.
AB  - We compare the simplified valence-force model for single-layer black phosphorus
      with the original model and recent ab initio results. Using an analytic approach
      and numerical calculations we find that the simplified model yields Young's
      moduli that are smaller compared to the original model and are almost a factor of
      two smaller than ab initio results. Moreover, the Poisson ratios are an order of
      magnitude smaller than values found in the literature. 

PMID- 27121074
TI  - Mechanistic and Technical Challenges in Studying the Human Microbiome and Cancer
      Epidemiology.
AB  - This article reviews the significance of the microbiome in cancer epidemiology,
      mechanistic and technical challenges in the field, and characterization of the
      microbiome in different tumor types to identify biomarkers of risk, progression,
      and prognosis. Publications on the microbiome and cancer epidemiology were
      reviewed to analyze sample collection and processing, microbiome taxa
      characterization by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, and microbiome metabolite
      characterization (metabotyping) by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass
      spectrometry. The analysis identified methodology types, research design, sample
      types, and issues in integrating data from different platforms. Aerodigestive
      cancer epidemiology studies conducted by different groups demonstrated the
      significance of microbiome information in developing approaches to improve
      health. Challenges exist in sample preparation and processing (eg,
      standardization of methods for collection and analysis). These challenges relate
      to technology, data integration from "omics" studies, inherent bias in primer
      selection during 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, the need for large consortia with
      well-characterized biospecimens, cause and effect issues, resilience of
      microbiota to exposure events (requires longitudinal studies), and expanding
      studies for fungal and viral diversity (most studies used bacterial 16S ribosomal
      RNA sequencing for microbiota characterization). Despite these challenges,
      microbiome and cancer epidemiology studies are significant and may facilitate
      cancer risk assessment, diagnosis, and prognosis. In the future, clinical trials
      likely will use microbiota modifications to improve the efficacy of existing
      treatments.

PMID- 27121076
TI  - Asiatic acid attenuates renin-angiotensin system activation and improves vascular
      function in high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet fed rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the rat model of high carbohydrate, high fat (HCHF) diet-induced
      metabolic syndrome (MS), previous studies have found that asiatic acid has an
      antihypertensive effect. In this study, we investigated effects of asiatic acid
      on vascular structure, vascular function and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in
      HCHF diet-induced MS rats. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into
      three treatment groups for the 15 week study: a control group fed a normal diet,
      a MS group fed HCHF diet plus 15 % fructose in their drinking water for 15 weeks,
      and an asiatic acid treated group that received a HCHF diet plus fructose for 15
      weeks and also received orally administered asiatic acid (20 mg/kg BW/day) for
      the final 3 weeks. Vascular structure and function were investigated. AT1
      receptor expression in aortic tissues and eNOS protein expression in the
      mesenteric arteries were detected. The levels of serum angiotensin (Ang) II,
      angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and plasma norepinephrine (NE) were measured.
      The differences among treatment groups were analyzed by one-way analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) followed by post-hoc Bonferroni tests. RESULTS: At the end of
      the study, all rats fed a HCHF diet exhibited signs of MS including,
      hypertension, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Vascular remodeling in large
      and small arteries, overexpression of AT1 receptor, and high levels of serum Ang
      II and ACE were also observed in MS group (p < 0.05). Contractile responses to
      sympathetic nerve stimulation were enhanced relating to high plasma NE level in
      MS rats (p < 0.05). The response to exogenous NE was not changed in the
      mesenteric bed. Vasorelaxation responses to acetylcholine were blunted in
      thoracic aorta and mesenteric beds, which is consistent with downregulation of
      eNOS expression in MS rats (p < 0.05). Restoration of metabolic alterations,
      hemodynamic changes, RAS and sympathetic overactivity, increased plasma NE,
      endothelium dysfunction, and downregulation of eNOS expression was observed in
      the asiatic acid treated group (p < 0.05). However, asiatic acid failed to
      alleviate vascular remodeling in MS rats. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that
      the observed antihypertensive effect of asiatic acid in MS rats might be related
      to its ability to alleviate RAS overactivity and improve vascular function with
      restoration of sympathetic overactivity.

PMID- 27121077
TI  - Early administration of trimetazidine attenuates diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats
      by alleviating fibrosis, reducing apoptosis and enhancing autophagy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trimetazidine, as an anti-ischemic and antioxidant agent, has been
      demonstrated to have many cardioprotective effects. However, whether early
      administration of trimetazidine has an effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy and the
      mechanisms underlying the effect have not yet been elucidated. METHODS: We
      established a type 2 DCM rat model by high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin.
      Rats were separated into different groups: control, diabetes, and diabetes +
      trimetazidine (n = 6, each). Cardiac autophagy, cardiac functions, and
      cardiomyocyte apoptosis were monitored. RESULTS: Rats with type 2 DCM showed
      severe insulin resistance, left ventricular dysfunction, increased cardiomyocyte
      apoptosis, and reduced cardiac autophagy. Collagen volume fraction (CVF) and
      perivascular collagen area/luminal area (PVCA/LA) ratio were significantly higher
      in the diabetic group than the control group. We found that trimetazidine
      treatment ameliorated metabolic disturbance and insulin resistance, reduced
      cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and restored cardiac autophagy. CVF and PVCA/LA ratio
      were also lower in the diabetes + trimetazidine group than the diabetic group
      (CVF, 4.75 +/- 0.52 % vs. 11.04 +/- 1.67 %, p < 0.05; PVCA/LA, 8.37 +/- 0.51 vs.
      17.97 +/- 2.66, p < 0.05). Furthermore, trimetazidine inhibited phosphorylation
      of ERK and P38 MAPK to reduce myocardial fibrosis. Inhibited phosphorylation of
      AMPK was restored and the interaction between Bcl-2 and Beclin1 was enhanced in
      diabetes + trimetazidine group, resulting in the initiation of autophagy and
      alleviation of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Early administration of trimetazidine
      could ameliorate diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting myocardial fibrosis and
      cardiomyocyte apoptosis and enhancing autophagy. Therefore, trimetazidine may be
      a good choice in the prevention of diabetic cardiomyopathy if applied at the
      early stage of diabetes.

PMID- 27121079
TI  - MicroRNA-451 protects against cardiomyocyte anoxia/reoxygenation injury by
      inhibiting high mobility group box 1 expression.
AB  - High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein serves an important role in myocardial
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non
      coding RNAs that regulate numerous signaling pathways involved in myocardial I/R
      injury. The present study aimed to investigate whether miR-451 protects against
      cardiomyocyte anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) injury by attenuating HMGB1 expression.
      Neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes were prepared and then subjected to A/R
      injury. The effect of upregulation or downregulation of miR-451 on cell
      viability, apoptosis, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and the expression of
      cleaved-caspase-3 and HMGB1 were measured accordingly. A luciferase assay was
      performed to further confirm whether miR-451 can directly recognize the 3'
      untranslated region of HMGB1 in HEK293 cells. The expression of miR-451 was
      significantly decreased in the cardiomyocytes during A/R, and upregulation of miR
      451 led to increased miR-451 expression (P<0.05). Upregulation of miR-451
      significantly attenuated the loss of cardiomyocyte viability (P<0.05) and
      increased the intracellular levels of SOD during A/R (P<0.05). Furthermore,
      upregulation of miR-451 significantly decreased the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes
      during A/R (P<0.05). The HMGB1 mRNA and protein expression levels were
      significantly downregulated in the Ad-miR-451 group compared with those in the
      A/R group (P<0.05). In addition, upregulation of miR-451 reduced its
      translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. The luciferase assay confirmed
      that HMGB1 mRNA is a direct target of miR-451 in cardiomyocytes. In conclusion,
      the present study suggested that upregulation of miR-451 could protect against
      A/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury by inhibiting HMGB1 expression. 

PMID- 27121080
TI  - The Whiteley Index-6: An Examination of Measurement Invariance Among Self
      Identifying Black, Latino, and White Respondents in Primary Care.
AB  - Brief measures that are comparable across disparate groups are particularly
      likely to be useful in primary care settings. Prior research has supported a six
      item short form of the Whiteley Index (WI), a commonly used measure of health
      anxiety, among English-speaking respondents. This study examined the measurement
      invariance of the WI-6 among Black ( n = 183), Latino ( n = 173), and White ( n =
      177) respondents seeking treatment at a U.S. community health center. Results
      supported a bifactor model of the WI-6 among the composite sample ( N = 533),
      suggesting the presence of a general factor and two domain-specific factors.
      Results supported the incremental validity of one of the domain-specific factors
      in accounting for unique variance in somatic symptom severity scores beyond the
      general factor. Multiple-groups confirmatory factor analysis supported the
      configural, metric, ands scalar invariance of the bifactor WI-6 model across the
      three groups of respondents. Results provide support for the measurement
      invariance of the WI-6 among Black, Latino, and White respondents. The potential
      use of the WI-6 in primary care, and broader, settings is discussed.

PMID- 27121078
TI  - Down-regulation of p21-activated serine/threonine kinase 1 is involved in loss of
      mesencephalic dopamine neurons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the roles of p21-activated serine/threonine kinase 1 (PAK1)
      have been reported in some neurodegenerative diseases, details regarding
      neurodegeneration are still limited. Hence, we tried to determine the role of
      PAK1 and molecular mechanisms of neuronal death involved in neurodegeneration.
      RESULTS: Expression of a dominant-negative form of PAK1 (PAK1(H83,86L, K229R),
      PAK1-DN) decreased the cell viability and increased cell death induced by
      oxidative stress. Indeed, oxidative stress decreased the phosphorylation of PAK1
      in neuroblastoma cells, cultured dopamine (DA) neurons, or rat midbrains. PAK1-DN
      reduced the level of Bcl-2 protein, through an ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent
      mechanism. The level of Bcl-2 may be regulated by PAK1-ERK signaling and/or PAK1,
      directly. Conversely, expression of an active form of PAK1 (PAK1(T423E), PAK1-CA)
      could recover both loss of DA neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and behavioral
      defects in a 6-OHDA-induced hemiparkinsonian rat model. CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      suggest that the oxidative stress-induced down-regulation of PAK1 activity could
      be involved in the loss of mesencephalic DA neurons through modulation of
      neuronal death, suggesting a novel role of PAK1 as a molecular determinant and
      mechanisms in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 27121081
TI  - Diagnostic Accuracy, Sensitivity, and Specificity of Executive Function Tests in
      Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury in Ghana.
AB  - The sociocultural differences between Western and sub-Saharan African countries
      make it imperative to standardize neuropsychological tests in the latter.
      However, Western-normed tests are frequently administered in sub-Saharan Africa
      because of challenges hampering standardization efforts. Yet a salient topical
      issue in the cross-cultural neuropsychology literature relates to the utility of
      Western-normed neuropsychological tests in minority groups, non-Caucasians, and
      by extension Ghanaians. Consequently, this study investigates the diagnostic
      accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of executive function (EF) tests (The
      Stroop Test, Trail Making Test, and Controlled Oral Word Association Test), and a
      Revised Quick Cognitive Screening Test (RQCST) in a sample of 50 patients
      diagnosed with moderate traumatic brain injury and 50 healthy controls in Ghana.
      The EF test scores showed good diagnostic accuracy, with area under the curve
      (AUC) values of the Trail Making Test scores ranging from .746 to .902. With
      respect to the Stroop Test scores, the AUC values ranged from .793 to .898, while
      Controlled Oral Word Association Test had AUC value of .787. The RQCST scores
      discriminated between the groups, with AUC values ranging from .674 to .912. The
      AUC values of composite EF score and a neuropsychological score created from EF
      and RQCST scores were .936 and. 942, respectively. Additionally, the Stroop Test,
      Trail Making Test, EF composite score, and RQCST scores showed good to excellent
      sensitivities and specificities. In general, this study has shown that commonly
      used EF tests in Western countries have diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and
      specificity when administered in Ghanaian samples. The findings and implications
      of the study are discussed.

PMID- 27121082
TI  - Visceral States Call for Visceral Measures: Verbal Overshadowing of Hunger
      Ratings Across Assessment Modalities.
AB  - We introduce a nonverbal "visceral" measure of hunger (i.e., squeezing a handheld
      dynamometer) and provide the first evidence of verbal overshadowing effects in
      this visceral domain. We presented 106 participants with popcorn and recorded
      their hunger levels in one of three conditions: (1) first report hunger using a
      traditional self-report rating scale (i.e., verbal measure) and then indicate
      hunger by squeezing a dynamometer (i.e., nonverbal measure), (2) first indicate
      hunger nonverbally and then indicate hunger verbally, or (3) indicate hunger only
      nonverbally. As hypothesized, nonverbal measures of hunger predicted subsequent
      eating behavior when they were uncontaminated by verbal measures-either because
      they preceded verbal measures of hunger or because they were the sole measure of
      hunger. Moreover, nonverbal measures of hunger were a better predictor of eating
      behavior than verbal measures. Implications of the study for communicating
      embodied experiences in a way that escapes the confines of symbolic
      representations are discussed.

PMID- 27121083
TI  - Transcriptomic analysis of a classical model of carbon catabolite regulation in
      Streptomyces coelicolor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the genus Streptomyces, one of the most remarkable control
      mechanisms of physiological processes is carbon catabolite repression (CCR). This
      mechanism regulates the expression of genes involved in the uptake and
      utilization of alternative carbon sources. CCR also affects the synthesis of
      secondary metabolites and morphological differentiation. Even when the outcome
      effect of CCR in different bacteria is the same, their essential mechanisms can
      be quite different. In several streptomycetes glucose kinase (Glk) represents the
      main glucose phosphorylating enzyme and has been regarded as a regulatory protein
      in CCR. To evaluate the paradigmatic model proposed for CCR in Streptomyces, a
      high-density microarray approach was applied to Streptomyces coelicolor M145,
      under repressed and non-repressed conditions. The transcriptomic study was
      extended to assess the ScGlk role in this model by comparing the transcriptomic
      profile of S. coelicolor M145 with that of a ?glk mutant derived from the wild
      type strain, complemented with a heterologous glk gene from Zymomonas mobilis
      (Zmglk), insensitive to CCR but able to grow in glucose (ScoZm strain). RESULTS:
      Microarray experiments revealed that glucose influenced the expression of 651
      genes. Interestingly, even when the ScGlk protein does not have DNA binding
      domains and the glycolytic flux was restored by a heterologous glucokinase, the
      ScGlk replacement modified the expression of 134 genes. From these, 91 were also
      affected by glucose while 43 appeared to be under the control of ScGlk. This work
      identified the expression of S. coelicolor genes involved in primary metabolism
      that were influenced by glucose and/or ScGlk. Aside from describing the metabolic
      pathways influenced by glucose and/or ScGlk, several unexplored transcriptional
      regulators involved in the CCR mechanism were disclosed. CONCLUSIONS: The
      transcriptome of a classical model of CCR was studied in S. coelicolor to
      differentiate between the effects due to glucose or ScGlk in this regulatory
      mechanism. Glucose elicited important metabolic and transcriptional changes in
      this microorganism. While its entry and flow through glycolysis and pentose
      phosphate pathway were stimulated, the gluconeogenesis was inhibited. Glucose
      also triggered the CCR by repressing transporter systems and the transcription of
      enzymes required for secondary carbon sources utilization. Our results confirm
      and update the agar model of the CCR in Streptomyces and its dependence on the
      ScGlk per se. Surprisingly, the expected regulatory function of ScGlk was not
      found to be as global as thought before (only 43 out of 779 genes were affected),
      although may be accompanied or coordinated by other transcriptional regulators.
      Aside from describing the metabolic pathways influenced by glucose and/or ScGlk,
      several unexplored transcriptional regulators involved in the CCR mechanism were
      disclosed. These findings offer new opportunities to study and understand the CCR
      in S. coelicolor by increasing the number of known glucose and ScGlk -regulated
      pathways and a new set of putative regulatory proteins possibly involved or
      controlling the CCR.

PMID- 27121084
TI  - Imaging large-scale cellular activity in spinal cord of freely behaving mice.
AB  - Sensory information from mechanoreceptors and nociceptors in the skin plays key
      roles in adaptive and protective motor behaviours. To date, very little is known
      about how this information is encoded by spinal cord cell types and their
      activity patterns, particularly under freely behaving conditions. To enable
      stable measurement of neuronal and glial cell activity in behaving mice, we have
      developed fluorescence imaging approaches based on two- and miniaturized one
      photon microscopy. We show that distinct cutaneous stimuli activate overlapping
      ensembles of dorsal horn neurons, and that stimulus type and intensity is encoded
      at the single-cell level. In contrast, astrocytes show large-scale coordinated
      calcium responses to intense but not weak sensory inputs. Sensory-evoked activity
      is potently suppressed by anaesthesia. By revealing the cellular and
      computational logic of spinal cord networks under behaving conditions, our
      approach holds promise for better understanding of healthy and aberrant spinal
      cord processes.

PMID- 27121085
TI  - Enterovirus D68 Infections Associated with Severe Respiratory Illness in Elderly
      Patients and Emergence of a Novel Clade in Hong Kong.
AB  - Despite the recent emergence of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), its clinical impact on
      adult population is less well defined. To better define the epidemiology of EV
      D68, 6,800 nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) from 2010-2014 were subject to EV-D68
      detection by RT-PCR and sequencing of 5'UTR and partial VP1. EV-D68 was detected
      in 30 (0.44%) NPAs from 22 children and 8 adults/elderlies. Sixteen patients
      (including five elderly) (53%) had pneumonia and 13 (43%) patients were
      complicated by small airway disease exacerbation. Phylogenetic analysis of VP1,
      2C and 3D regions showed four distinct lineages of EV-D68, clade A1, A2, B1 and
      B3, with adults/elderlies exclusively infected by clade A2. The potentially new
      clade, B3, has emerged in 2014, while strains closely related to recently emerged
      B1 strains in the United States were also detected as early as 2011 in Hong Kong.
      The four lineages possessed distinct aa sequence patterns in BC and DE loops.
      Amino acid residues 97 and 140, within BC and DE-surface loops of VP1
      respectively, were under potential positive selection. EV-D68 infections in Hong
      Kong usually peak in spring/summer, though with a delayed autumn/winter peak in
      2011. This report suggests that EV-D68 may cause severe respiratory illness in
      adults/elderlies with underlying co-morbidities.

PMID- 27121086
TI  - High prevalence of vaterite in sagittal otoliths causes hearing impairment in
      farmed fish.
AB  - The rapid growth of aquaculture raises questions about the welfare status of mass
      produced species. Sagittal otoliths are primary hearing structures in the inner
      ear of all teleost (bony) fishes and are normally composed of aragonite, though
      abnormal vaterite replacement is sometimes seen in the wild. We provide the first
      widespread evaluation of the prevalence of vaterite in otoliths, showing that
      farmed fish have levels of vaterite replacement over 10 times higher than wild
      fish, regardless of species. We confirm this observation with extensive sampling
      of wild and farmed Atlantic salmon in Norway, the world's largest producer, and
      verify that vateritic otoliths are common in farmed salmon worldwide. Using a
      mechanistic model of otolith oscillation in response to sound, we demonstrate
      that average levels of vaterite replacement result in a 28-50% loss of otolith
      functionality across most of a salmonid's known hearing range and throughout its
      life cycle. The underlying cause(s) of vaterite formation remain unknown, but the
      prevalence of hearing impairment in farmed fish has important implications for
      animal welfare, the survival of escapees and their effects on wild populations,
      and the efficacy of restocking programs based on captive-bred fish.

PMID- 27121087
TI  - Hepatitis B virus genome replication triggers toll-like receptor 3-dependent
      interferon responses in the absence of hepatitis B surface antigen.
AB  - The hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been described as stealth virus subverting immune
      responses initially upon infection. Impaired toll-like receptor signaling by the
      HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) attenuates immune responses to facilitate chronic
      infection. This implies that HBV replication may trigger host innate immune
      responses in the absence of HBsAg. Here we tested this hypothesis, using highly
      replicative transgenic mouse models. An HBV replication-dependent expression of
      antiviral genes was exclusively induced in HBsAg-deficient mice. These interferon
      responses attributed to toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-activated Kupffer and liver
      sinusoidal endothelial cells and further controlled the HBV genome replication.
      However, activation of TLR3 with exogenous ligands indicated additional HBs
      independent immune evasion events. Our data demonstrate that in the absence of
      HBsAg, hepatic HBV replication leads to Tlr3-dependent interferon responses in
      non-parenchymal liver cells. We hypothesize that HBsAg is a major HBV-mediated
      evasion mechanism controlling endogenous antiviral responses in the liver.
      Eradication of HBsAg as a therapeutic goal might facilitate the induction of
      endogenous antiviral immune responses in patients chronically infected with HBV.

PMID- 27121089
TI  - Sustainable Sulfur-rich Copolymer/Graphene Composite as Lithium-Sulfur Battery
      Cathode with Excellent Electrochemical Performance.
AB  - A sulfur-rich copolymer, poly(S-r-C-a) has been synthesized via a sustainable
      route, showing the utility of two major industrial wastes- elemental sulfur
      (petroleum waste) and cardanol (agro waste), to explore its potential as cathode
      material for Li-S batteries. The sulfur-rich copolymer exhibited a reduction in
      the active material dissolution into the electrolyte and a low self-discharge
      rate behavior during the rest time compared to an elemental sulfur cathode,
      indicating the chemical confinement of sulfur units. The presence of organosulfur
      moieties in copolymer suppress the irreversible deposition of end-discharge
      products on electrode surfaces and thus improve the electrochemical performances
      of Li-S batteries. This sulfur copolymer offered a reversible capacity of 892 mA
      h g(-1) at 2nd cycle and maintained the capacity of 528 mA h g(-1) after 50
      cycles at 200 mA g(-1). Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) prepared via a sustainable
      route was used as a conductive filler to extract the better electrochemical
      performances from this sulfur copolymer. Such sustainable origin batteries
      prepared via economically viable showed an improved specific capacity of ~975 mA
      h g(-1) after 100 cycles at 200 mA g(-1) current rate with capacity fading of
      0.15% per cycle and maintained a stable performance over 500 cycles at 2000 mA g(
      1).

PMID- 27121088
TI  - CXCL12/CXCR4 axis regulates neovascularization and lymphangiogenesis in sutured
      corneas in mice.
AB  - The present study aimed to determine the plausible functional role of chemokine
      (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) in
      inflammatory corneal hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in vivo. Corneal
      hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis were induced by placing an 11-0 nylon
      suture in an intrastromal position. The expression levels of the vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the corneas were
      investigated in the corneas using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Corneal hemangiogenic and
      lymphangiogenic responses were assessed by immunofluorescence using specific
      antibodies against cluster of differentiation 31 and lymphatic vessel endothelial
      hyaluronan receptor-1. Subconjunctival injection of AMD3100 to the sutured
      corneas was also performed. CXCL12/CXCR4 mRNA and protein expression levels
      increased markedly in suture-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV) and
      decreased with AMD3100 treatment. Hemangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis were
      captured in images using immunofluorescence and were shown to be markedly
      increased with suture placement and reduced with AMD3100 treatment. VEGF-A/VEGFR
      1 and VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 mRNA expression levels were upregulated in the suture
      placement and control groups, whereas the expression levels of all the factors
      were downregulated in the AMD3100 treatment group. The results from the present
      study demonstrated that CXCL12/CXCR4 interactions regulate hemangiogenesis and
      lymphangiogenesis in suture-induced CNV. AMD3100 may be a novel therapeutic
      target for the prevention of blindness. 

PMID- 27121090
TI  - Online CBT life skills programme for low mood and anxiety: study protocol for a
      pilot randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low mood is a common mental health problem with significant health
      consequences. Studies have shown that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an
      effective treatment for low mood and anxiety when delivered one-to-one by an
      expert practitioner. However, access to this talking therapy is often limited and
      waiting lists can be long, although a range of low-intensity interventions that
      can increase access to services are available. These include guided self-help
      materials delivered via books, classes and online packages. This project aims to
      pilot a randomized controlled trial of an online CBT-based life skills course
      with community-based individuals experiencing low mood and anxiety. METHODS:
      Individuals with elevated symptoms of depression will be recruited directly from
      the community via online and newspaper advertisements. Participants will be
      remotely randomized to receive either immediate access or delayed access to the
      Living Life to the Full guided online CBT-based life skills package, with
      telephone or email support provided whilst they use the online intervention. The
      primary end point will be at 3 months post-randomization, at which point the
      delayed-access group will be offered the intervention. Levels of depression,
      anxiety, social functioning and satisfaction will be assessed. DISCUSSION: This
      pilot study will test the trial design, and ability to recruit and deliver the
      intervention. Drop-out rates will be assessed and the completion and
      acceptability of the package will be investigated. The study will also inform a
      sample size power calculation for a subsequent substantive randomized controlled
      trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN ISRCTN12890709.

PMID- 27121091
TI  - Tumor suppressor miR-149-5p is associated with cellular migration, proliferation
      and apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Several studies have recently explored the role of microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) in
      the tumorigenesis of various types of cancer. miRNAs have been reported to be
      involved in numerous cell processes, including cell apoptosis, proliferation and
      migration, thus suggesting that miRNAs may have an important role in cancer
      progression. Downregulation of miR-149-5p has been detected in RCC tissues by
      microarray profiling; however, its expression and function in RCC has yet to be
      elucidated. In the present study, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction was performed to detect the expression levels of miR-149-5p in RCC
      tissues and paired normal tissues. In order to determine whether miR-149-5p was
      able to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis or migration, 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, flow cytometric and wound
      healing assays were conducted. The results demonstrated that miR-149-5p was
      significantly downregulated in RCC tissues compared with in normal tissues
      (P<0.05). The restoration of miR-149-5p expression using synthetic mimics
      suppressed cell proliferation and migration, and promoted cell apoptosis. These
      results indicated that miR-149-5p may act as a tumor suppressor in RCC. The
      present study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to identify miR-149-5p
      as a tumor suppressor in RCC. Future studies will be focused on the potential
      role of miR-149-5p as a biomarker for the early detection and prognostic
      prediction of RCC, and as a therapeutic target in RCC. In addition, further
      exploration regarding the pathways underlying the effects of miR-149-5p in RCC is
      required. 

PMID- 27121092
TI  - Maternal and fetal human leukocyte antigen class Ia and II alleles in severe
      preeclampsia and eclampsia.
AB  - A line of investigations indicate that genes in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      complex are involved in a successful acceptance of the semiallogeneic fetus
      during pregnancy. In this study, associations between specific HLA class Ia (HLA
      A and -B) and class II (HLA-DRB1, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1 and -DPB1) alleles and the
      risk of developing severe preeclampsia/eclampsia were investigated in a detailed
      and large-scale study. In total, 259 women diagnosed with severe preeclampsia or
      eclampsia and 260 matched control women with no preeclampsia, together with their
      neonates, were included in the study. HLA genotyping for mothers and neonates was
      performed using next-generation sequencing. The HLA-DPB1*04:01:01G allele was
      significantly more frequent (Pc=0.044) among women diagnosed with severe
      preeclampsia/eclampsia compared with controls, and the DQA1*01:02:01G allele
      frequency was significantly lower (Pc=0.042) among newborns born by women with
      severe preeclampsia/eclampsia compared with controls. In mothers with severe
      preeclampsia/eclampsia, homozygosity was significantly more common compared with
      controls at the HLA-DPB1 locus (Pc=0.0028). Although the current large study
      shows some positive results, more studies, also with a functional focus, are
      needed to further clarify a possible role of the classical HLA genes in
      preeclampsia.

PMID- 27121093
TI  - Ophthalmic statistics note 9: parametric versus non-parametric methods for data
      analysis.

PMID- 27121094
TI  - Computer-aided design and three-dimensional printing in the manufacturing of an
      ocular prosthesis.
AB  - : Restoring the facial appearance in acquired anophthalmos entails precision
      fitting of a customised ocular prosthesis. The fabrication is an artisanal
      process, and is primarily based on an impression of the anophthalmic cavity. This
      is usually achieved by the impression-moulding method, which, however, may
      introduce errors, resulting in a poorly fitted prosthesis. We developed a new
      method in the manufacturing of a customised ocular prosthesis based on computer
      aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. An ocular prosthesis, based on a
      three-dimensional (3D) printed impression-free mould of the anophthalmic cavity,
      was successfully fitted in a 68-year-old male. To the best of our knowledge, this
      is the first case of a customised ocular prosthesis designed with the aid of 3D
      printing. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: B322201628407, Pre-results.

PMID- 27121095
TI  - Endoresection of large uveal melanomas: clinical results in a consecutive series
      of 200 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To report eye salvaging rate, visual acuity (VA), local recurrences,
      complications and the potential benefit of adjuvant brachytherapy after
      endoresection of large uveal melanomas. METHODS: 200 patients were included in
      this retrospective study. They were treated from March 1999 to December 2010 with
      preoperative stereotactic gamma knife radiosurgery followed by endoresection and
      adjuvant brachytherapy in most cases. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients were
      included in this study (113 male, 87 female). Mean tumour height was 9.4 mm and
      the largest basal diameter ranged from 6.3 to 20 mm. The median follow-up time
      was 32.3 months. In 13.4% the eye was retained with a VA of 20/50 or better, in
      33.6% VA was ranging from 20/400 to 20/50 and 53% had a VA of less than 20/400.
      In almost 90% of the cases the eye was preserved at the final visit. In 15.5%
      additional major surgery was required. In terms of survival 15.5% of our patients
      developed liver metastases during follow-up and died. Local tumour recurrence was
      observed in 10 out of 200 patients (5%) and was mainly treated with enucleation.
      The use of an adjuvant ruthenium-106 plaque did not lower the recurrence or
      enucleation rate significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with a large uveal melanoma can
      be preserved by stereotactic radiotherapy followed by endoresection with the
      chance to obtain useful vision in approximately half of the cases. Adjuvant
      brachytherapy has no beneficial effect except a reduction of the frequency for
      major revision surgery.

PMID- 27121096
TI  - Changes in the nutritional status of children and adolescents in Shandong, China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nutritional status during childhood plays an important role in the
      human life cycle. The present study examined the prevalence trends in different
      grades of nutritional status (thinness, normal weight, overweight and obesity)
      among children and adolescents in Shandong, China. DESIGN: Data for the study
      were obtained from six cross-sectional surveys of schoolchildren carried out in
      1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2014. Height and weight of all children were
      measured; BMI was calculated from their height and weight. International BMI cut
      offs were used to define thinness, overweight and obesity. SETTING: Shandong
      Province, China. SUBJECTS: A total of 56 045 students aged 7-18 years were
      included in the current analysis. RESULTS: In the past 29 years, the prevalence
      of thinness decreased from 18.22 % and 23.45 % in 1985 to 7.18 % and 9.49 % in
      2014 for boys and girls, respectively. Conversely, the prevalence of combined
      overweight and obesity increased from 1.79 % and 1.66 % in 1985 to 31.12 % and
      20.11 % in 2014 for boys and girls, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The nutritional
      profile of Shandong children and adolescents had an obvious change over the past
      29 years. Special attention should be paid to controlling the rapid rise of
      childhood overweight and obesity.

PMID- 27121097
TI  - The source of circulating selenoprotein S and its association with type 2
      diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis: a preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Selenoprotein S (SelS) is a transmembrane protein that is expressed
      in the liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, pancreatic islets, kidney, and
      blood vessels. In addition to its transmembrane localization, SelS is also
      secreted from hepatoma HepG2 cells (but not L6 skeletal muscle cells, 3T3-L1
      adipocytes, Min6 pancreatic beta cells and human embryonic kidney 293 cells) and
      has been detected in the serum of some human subjects, with a detection rate of
      31.1 %. These findings prove that serum SelS is secreted by hepatocytes. However,
      whether vascularly expressed SelS can be secreted has not been reported.
      Transmembrane SelS has been suggested to play different roles in the pathogenesis
      and progression of diabetes mellitus (DM) and atherosclerosis (AS), but the
      association of secreted SelS with DM and macroangiopathy remains unclear.
      RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Supernatants were collected from human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells
      (HA/VSMCs) and human hepatoma HepG2 cells that were untransfected or transfected
      with the indicated plasmid and concentrated for western blotting. Serum samples
      were collected from 158 human subjects with or without type 2 DM (T2DM) and/or
      AS. Serum SelS levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      RESULTS: Secreted SelS was only detected in the supernatants of hepatoma HepG2
      cells. The SelS detection rate among the 158 human serum samples was 100 %, and
      the average SelS level was 64.81 ng/dl. The serum SelS level in the isolated DM
      subjects was lower than the level in the healthy control subjects (52.66 +/-
      20.53 vs 70.40 +/- 21.38 ng/dl). The serum SelS levels in the DM complicated with
      SAS subjects (67.73 +/- 21.41 ng/dl) and AS subjects (71.69 +/- 27.00 ng/dl) were
      significantly increased compared with the serum SelS level in the isolated DM
      subjects. There was a positive interaction effect between T2DM and AS on the
      serum SelS level (P = 0.002). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the serum
      SelS level was negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose. CONCLUSIONS:
      Vascular endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells could not secrete SelS.
      Serum SelS was primarily secreted by hepatocytes. SelS was universally detected
      in human serum samples, and the serum SelS level was associated with T2DM and its
      macrovascular complications. Thus, regulating liver and serum SelS levels might
      become a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of DM and its
      macrovascular complications.

PMID- 27121099
TI  - A phased antenna array for surface plasmons.
AB  - Surface plasmon polaritons are electromagnetic waves that propagate tightly bound
      to metal surfaces. The concentration of the electromagnetic field at the surface
      as well as the short wavelength of surface plasmons enable sensitive detection
      methods and miniaturization of optics. We present an optical frequency plasmonic
      analog to the phased antenna array as it is well known in radar technology and
      radio astronomy. Individual holes in a thick gold film act as dipolar emitters of
      surface plasmon polaritons whose phase is controlled individually using a digital
      spatial light modulator. We show experimentally, using a phase sensitive near
      field microscope, that this optical system allows accurate directional emission
      of surface waves. This compact and flexible method allows for dynamically shaping
      the propagation of plasmons and holds promise for nanophotonic applications
      employing propagating surface plasmons.

PMID- 27121098
TI  - Obsessive-compulsive and posttraumatic stress symptoms among civilian survivors
      of war.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several psychological sequelae have been identified in civilian war
      survivors. However, little is known about the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive
      symptoms and their relationship to trauma in this population. METHOD: Fifty-one
      adult civilian survivors of the Kosovo War (28 males) who had immigrated to
      Switzerland completed the Revised Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory Scale, the
      Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist. Data
      were analysed using multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 35 and 39% of
      the sample scored above the cut-offs for likely obsessive-compulsive disorder and
      posttraumatic stress disorder, respectively. Participants with high levels of
      posttraumatic stress symptoms were significantly more likely to have obsessive
      compulsive symptoms, and vice versa. In multiple regression analysis, gender and
      severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms were predictors of obsessive-compulsive
      symptoms, whereas number of traumatic life event types and depressive symptoms
      were not. CONCLUSION: Given the small sample size, the results of this study need
      to be interpreted cautiously. Nevertheless, a surprisingly high number of
      participants in our study suffered from both obsessive-compulsive and
      posttraumatic stress symptoms, with obsessive-compulsive symptoms tending to be
      more pronounced in women. It remains, therefore, critical to specifically assess
      both obsessive-compulsive and posttraumatic stress symptoms in civilian war
      survivors, and to provide persons afflicted with appropriate mental health care.

PMID- 27121100
TI  - Dynamic self-assembly of microscale rotors and swimmers.
AB  - Biological systems often involve the self-assembly of basic components into
      complex and functioning structures. Artificial systems that mimic such processes
      can provide a well-controlled setting to explore the principles involved and also
      synthesize useful micromachines. Our experiments show that immotile, but active,
      components self-assemble into two types of structure that exhibit the fundamental
      forms of motility: translation and rotation. Specifically, micron-scale metallic
      rods are designed to induce extensile surface flows in the presence of a chemical
      fuel; these rods interact with each other and pair up to form either a swimmer or
      a rotor. Such pairs can transition reversibly between these two configurations,
      leading to kinetics reminiscent of bacterial run-and-tumble motion.

PMID- 27121101
TI  - Biorelevant reactions of the potential anti-tumor agent vanadocene dichloride.
AB  - The interaction of the potential anti-tumor agent vanadocene dichloride
      ([Cp2VCl2] or VDC) with some relevant bioligands of the cytosol such as proteins
      (Hb), amino acids (glycine and histidine), NADH derivatives (NADH, NADPH, NAD(+)
      and NADP(+)), reductants (GSH and ascorbic acid), phosphates (HPO4(2-), P2O7(4-),
      cAMP, AMP, ADP and ATP) and carboxylate derivatives (lactate) and its uptake by
      red blood cells were studied. The results indicated that [Cp2VCl2] transforms at
      physiological pH into [Cp2V(OH)2] and that only HPO4(2-), P2O7(4-), lactate, ATP
      and ADP form mixed species with the [Cp2V](2+) moiety replacing the two hydroxide
      ions. EPR and electronic absorption spectroscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis and
      spin trapping measurements allow excluding any direct interaction and/or
      intercalation with DNA and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in
      Fenton-like reactions. Uptake experiments by erythrocytes suggested that VDC
      crosses the membrane and enters inside the cells, whereas 'bare' V(IV) transforms
      into V(IV)O species with loss of the two cyclopentadienyl rings. This
      transformation in the cellular environment could be related to the mechanism of
      action of VDC.

PMID- 27121102
TI  - miR-133a enhances the sensitivity of Hep-2 cells and vincristine-resistant Hep-2v
      cells to cisplatin by downregulating ATP7B expression.
AB  - The expression levels of the copper transporter P-type adenosine triphosphatase
      (ATP7B) are known correlate with tumor cell sensitivity to cisplatin. However,
      the mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance remained poorly understood.
      Therefore, in the present study, we treated Hep-2 cells and in-house-developed
      vincristine-resistant Hep-2v cells with 50, 100, or 200 uM cisplatin and assessed
      cell viability after 24 or 48 h. Hep-2v cells were shown to be resistant to 50
      200 uM cisplatin. Furthermore, using immunofluorescence staining and western blot
      analysis, we noted that ATP7B, but not copper-transporting ATPase 1 (ATP7A),
      expression was significantly increased in Hep-2v cells, and this increase was
      maintained at a higher level compared with Hep-2 cells. As ATP7B is a target of
      microRNA 133a (miR-133a), the ability of miR-133a to influence cisplatin
      sensitivity in Hep-2v cells was then assessed by CCK-8 assay. We noted that miR
      133a expression was lower in both Hep-2 and Hep-2v cells compared with epithelial
      NP69 cells. Following treatment with 50 uM cisplatin, in Hep-2v cells expressing
      exogenous miR-133a we noted reduced ATP7B expression, and these cells had a
      significantly lower survival rate compared with the control. The present study
      demonstrates that miR-133a enhances the sensitivity of multidrug-resistant Hep-2v
      cells to cisplatin by downregulating ATP7B expression. 

PMID- 27121103
TI  - Silver-mediated direct trifluoromethoxylation of alpha-diazo esters via the (
      )OCF3 anion.
AB  - Silver-mediated direct trifluoromethoxylation of alpha-diazo esters and
      ketosteroid was disclosed. The reactions of alkyl alpha-diazo arylacetates with
      AgOCF3 or CF3SO2OCF3/AgF at -30 to 10  degrees C under a N2 atmosphere provided
      alpha-trifluoromethoxyl arylacetates in up to 90% yield, while alkyl alpha-diazo
      vinylacetates reacting with CF3SO2OCF3/AgF or AgOCF3 afforded gamma
      trifluoromethoxyl alpha,beta-unsaturated esters in up to 94% yield. The alpha
      diazo ketosteroid was also trifluoromethoxylated under the standard reaction
      conditions. This protocol allows for an effective and convenient access to a
      large number of synthetic building blocks, which are promising in the development
      of new functional OCF3-molecules. 

PMID- 27121104
TI  - Energy redistribution dynamics in triarylamine-triarylborane containing
      hexaarylbenzenes.
AB  - Two hexaarylbenzenes (HAB) 1 and 2 each decorated by three triarylamines (TAA) as
      electron donors and three triarylboranes (TAB) as electron acceptors in a
      symmetric (1) and asymmetric (2) fashion as well as one model compound (3) with
      only one donor-acceptor pair were investigated by ultrafast transient absorption
      and fluorescence upconversion spectroscopy. Fluorescence anisotropy measurements
      revealed energy redistribution between localised, partly relaxed CT-states of the
      HABs 1 and 2 induced by dipole-dipole interaction with energy transfer time
      constants of ca. 3 ps. These results manifest symmetry breaking in the formally
      symmetric HAB 1 upon photoexcitation.

PMID- 27121106
TI  - Assessing chemistry schemes and constraints in air quality models used to predict
      ozone in London against the detailed Master Chemical Mechanism.
AB  - Air pollution is the environmental factor with the greatest impact on human
      health in Europe. Understanding the key processes driving air quality across the
      relevant spatial scales, especially during pollution exceedances and episodes, is
      essential to provide effective predictions for both policymakers and the public.
      It is particularly important for policy regulators to understand the drivers of
      local air quality that can be regulated by national policies versus the
      contribution from regional pollution transported from mainland Europe or
      elsewhere. One of the main objectives of the Coupled Urban and Regional
      processes: Effects on AIR quality (CUREAIR) project is to determine local and
      regional contributions to ozone events. A detailed zero-dimensional (0-D) box
      model run with the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCMv3.2) is used as the benchmark
      model against which the less explicit chemistry mechanisms of the Generic
      Reaction Set (GRS) and the Common Representative Intermediates (CRIv2-R5) schemes
      are evaluated. GRS and CRI are used by the Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling
      System (ADMS-Urban) and the regional chemistry transport model EMEP4UK,
      respectively. The MCM model uses a near-explicit chemical scheme for the
      oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is constrained to observations
      of VOCs, NOx, CO, HONO (nitrous acid), photolysis frequencies and meteorological
      parameters measured during the ClearfLo (Clean Air for London) campaign. The
      sensitivity of the less explicit chemistry schemes to different model inputs has
      been investigated: Constraining GRS to the total VOC observed during ClearfLo as
      opposed to VOC derived from ADMS-Urban dispersion calculations, including
      emissions and background concentrations, led to a significant increase (674%
      during winter) in modelled ozone. The inclusion of HONO chemistry in this
      mechanism, particularly during wintertime when other radical sources are limited,
      led to substantial increases in the ozone levels predicted (223%). When the GRS
      and CRIv2-R5 schemes are run with the equivalent model constraints to the MCM,
      they are able to reproduce the level of ozone predicted by the near-explicit MCM
      to within 40% and 20% respectively for the majority of the time. An exception to
      this trend was observed during pollution episodes experienced in the summer, when
      anticyclonic conditions favoured increased temperatures and elevated O3. The in
      situ O3 predicted by the MCM was heavily influenced by biogenic VOCs during these
      conditions and the low GRS [O3] : MCM [O3] ratio (and low CRIv2-R5 [O3] : MCM
      [O3] ratio) demonstrates that these less explicit schemes under-represent the
      full O3 creation potential of these VOCs. To fully assess the influence of the in
      situ O3 generated from local emissions versus O3 generated upwind of London and
      advected in, the time since emission (and, hence, how far the real atmosphere is
      from steady state) must be determined. From estimates of the mean transport time
      determined from the NOx : NOy ratio observed at North Kensington during the
      summer and comparison of the O3 predicted by the MCM model after this time, ~60%
      of the median observed [O3] could be generated from local emissions. During the
      warmer conditions experienced during the easterly flows, however, the observed
      [O3] may be even more heavily influenced by London's emissions.

PMID- 27121107
TI  - South African clinical practice guidelines quality measured with complex and
      rapid appraisal instruments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critically appraising the quality of clinical practice guidelines
      (CPGs) is an essential element of evidence implementation. Critical appraisal
      considers the quality of CPG construction and reporting processes, and the
      credibility of the body of evidence underpinning recommendations. To date, the
      focus on CPG critical appraisal has come from researchers and evaluators, using
      complex appraisal instruments. Rapid critical appraisal is a relatively new
      approach for CPGs, which targets busy end-users such as service managers and
      clinicians. This paper compares the findings of two critical appraisal
      instruments: a rapid instrument (iCAHE) and a complex instrument (AGREE II). They
      were applied independently to 16 purposively-sampled, heterogeneous South African
      CPGs, written for eleven primary health care conditions/health areas. Overall
      scores, and scores in the two instruments' common domains Scope and Purpose,
      Stakeholder involvement, Underlying evidence/Rigour of Development, Clarity),
      were compared using Pearson r correlations and intraclass correlation
      coefficients. CPGs with differences of 10 % or greater between scores were
      identified and reasons sought for such differences. The time taken to apply the
      instruments was recorded. RESULTS: Both instruments identified the generally poor
      quality of the included CPGs, particularly in Rigour of Development. Correlation
      and agreement between instrument scores was moderate, and there were no overall
      significant score differences. Large differences in scores for some CPGs could be
      explained by differences in instrument construction and focus, and CPG
      construction. The iCAHE instrument was demonstrably quicker to use than the AGREE
      II instrument. CONCLUSIONS: Either instrument could be used with confidence to
      assess the quality of CPGs. The choice of appraisal instrument depends on the
      needs and time of end-users. Having an alternative (rapid) critical appraisal
      tool will potentially encourage busy end-users to identify and use good quality
      CPGs to inform practice decisions.

PMID- 27121108
TI  - Current Approaches and Future Perspectives for In Vivo Clonal Tracking of
      Hematopoietic Cells.
AB  - Over the past years, clonal tracking has gained the center stage as a unique
      technology capable to unveil population dynamics and hierarchical relationships
      in vivo. We here highlighted the main open questions related to the in vivo
      clonal behavior of hematopoietic cells with a particular focus on hematopoietic
      stem and progenitor cells and T cells as main targets of cell- and gene
      therapies. We walked through the current methods applied for tracing in vivo
      dynamics and functions of hematopoietic cells in animal models and we described
      the results of early studies conducted on humans. We specifically focused our
      attention on the recent use of retroviral/lentiviral vector Integration Site (IS)
      analyses to follow stably marked clones and their progeny in vivo. We showed how
      this molecular tracking method can be successfully employed in human studies to
      unveil the clonal behavior of hematopoietic cells, describing pioneering works
      conducted on samples from gene therapy treated patients. Clonal tracking through
      IS identification still comes with a complex wet-experimental protocol and
      technical/analytical constraints. In this regard, we reviewed the features of the
      available computational tools for the identification and quantification of ISs
      and we highlighted the potential future improvements of IS-based tracking, as
      this technology is becoming a major source of information on in vivo fate and
      survival of engineered cells in humans.

PMID- 27121109
TI  - Restriction Factors Against Recombinant Adeno-associated Virus Vectormediated
      Gene Transfer in Dystrophin-deficient Muscles.
AB  - Despite the unprecedented beneficial effects of rAAV gene therapy in animal
      models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the need to inject large amounts of
      vector in vivo to improve phenotype raises obvious biosafety concerns. While rAAV
      vectors generally exhibit a good safety profile, specific pathological phenotypes
      such as those observed in dystrophin-deficient muscles may promote
      immunotoxic/genotoxic effects. Increasing the therapeutic index of rAAV in DMD
      muscles by reducing the effective dose could be a pivotal means of ensuring
      efficient clinical translation. This requires a comprehensive understanding of
      the rAAV transduction process, which is almost always studied in non-pathological
      tissues or in vitro. In this review, we focus on the molecular fate of rAAV after
      injection, and how the individual stages of transduction could be affected in the
      context of DMD.

PMID- 27121110
TI  - Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) and butein induce apoptosis of paclitaxel-resistant
      SKOV-3/PAX ovarian cancer cells through inhibition of AKT phosphorylation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and
      traditionally used for cancer treatment. RVS and butein, a major compound of RVS,
      were known to induce apoptosis via AKT inhibition in cancer cells. Thus, in this
      study, we investigated the effect of RVS and its derivative compounds (fisetin,
      quercetin, butein) on cell death in SKOV-3/PAX cells. METHODS: The 80 % ethanol
      extract of RVS and its derivative compounds (fisetin, quercetin, butein) were
      prepared. The cytotoxicity was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay. Apoptotic cells were
      detected by staining with propidium iodide (PI) and Annexin V-fluorescein
      isothiocyanate/7-aminoactinomycin D (Annexin V-FITC/7-AAD). The expression level
      of intracellular signaling related-proteins in apoptosis and growth were measured
      by western blot assay. RESULTS: We found that RVS and butein suppressed the
      growth of SKOV-3/PAX cells in a dose-dependent manner. We also found that RVS and
      butein produced the cleavage of caspase-9, -8, -3, and PARP. Similarly, sub-G1
      phase and Annexin V-FITC positive cells were increased by RVS and butein.
      Moreover, RVS and butein significantly reduced AKT phosphorylation in SKOV-3/PAX
      cells. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 caused PARP cleavage supporting our finding.
      CONCLUSION: Our data clearly indicate that RVS and butein induce apoptosis of
      SKOV-3/PAX cells through inhibition of AKT activation. RVS and butein could be
      useful compounds for the treatment for paclitaxel resistant-ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27121111
TI  - An exploration of the views of paramedics regarding airway management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paramedics are a skilled group of clinicians with expertise in airway
      management. Our research group has completed a trial comparing supraglottic
      airway devices with tracheal intubation during out of hospital cardiac arrest.
      This is a contentious topic amongst paramedics in the United Kingdom (UK). We
      explored the customs and beliefs of UK paramedics in relation to airway
      management, and whether tracheal intubation contributes to and sustains paramedic
      professional identity. METHODS: The study took place within South Western
      Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. We used a qualitative approach,
      conducting interviews and focus groups with paramedics. The themes arising from
      interviews were discussed in focus groups, developing a deeper understanding and
      providing insight and recommendations for future research and policy. Purposive
      sampling accounted for differing training and for participation in the main
      trial. There were 17interviews and five focus groups with a further 17
      participants. Data saturation was achieved. RESULTS: Four domains were
      identified. Pride - The ability to use a life-saving skill in austere conditions.
      Utility - Different training routes and experience have led to different
      attitudes towards airway management. Inconsistent expectations - Paramedics felt
      that there were different perceptions of their abilities amongst hospital staff
      and the general public. Professionalization - Debate over airway management is
      not founded on good evidence. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that UK paramedics
      have a wide range of views regarding airway management, and that these are based
      on evidence and experience rather than dogma. Airway management contributes to
      paramedics' professional identity, but is not reliant on this.

PMID- 27121112
TI  - Genetic aberrations in small B-cell lymphomas and leukemias: molecular pathology,
      clinical relevance and therapeutic targets.
AB  - Small B-cell lymphomas and leukemias (SBCLs) are a clinically, morphologically,
      immunophenotypically and genetically heterogeneous group of clonal lymphoid
      neoplasms, including entities such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small
      lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), follicular lymphoma
      (FL), lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and hairy
      cell leukemia (HCL). The pathogenesis of some of these lymphoid malignancies is
      characterized by distinct translocations, for example t(11;14) in the majority of
      cases of MCL and t(14;18) in most cases of FL, whereas other entities are
      associated with a variety of recurrent but nonspecific numeric chromosomal
      abnormalities, as exemplified by del(13q14), del(11q22), and +12 in CLL, and yet
      others such as LPL and HCL that lack recurrent or specific cytogenetic
      aberrations. The recent surge in next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has
      shed more light on the genetic landscape of SBCLs through characterization of
      numerous driver mutations including SF3B1 and NOTCH1 in CLL, ATM and CCND1 in
      MCL, KMT2D and EPHA7 in FL, MYD88 (L265P) in LPL, KLF2 and NOTCH2 in splenic MZL
      (SMZL) and BRAF (V600E) in HCL. The identification of distinct genetic lesions
      not only provides greater insight into the molecular pathogenesis of these
      disorders but also identifies potential valuable biomarkers for prognostic
      stratification, as well as specific targets for directed therapy. This review
      discusses the well-established and recently identified molecular lesions
      underlying the pathogenesis of SBCLs, highlights their clinical relevance and
      summarizes novel targeted therapies.

PMID- 27121113
TI  - Computational Study of Oxygen Diffusion along a[100] Dislocations in the
      Perovskite Oxide SrTiO3.
AB  - We used classical molecular-dynamics simulations to study the atomistic structure
      of, and the diffusion of oxygen ions along, the periodic array of edge
      dislocations comprising a symmetrical 6.0 degrees  [100] tilt grain boundary in
      SrTiO3. The results indicate that, at elevated temperatures, the two types of
      dislocation core (TiO2-type and SrO-type) that make up the boundary are stable
      and that oxygen-deficient cores maintain their dissociated structures. They also
      confirm that oxygen vacancies prefer to reside at the cores rather than in the
      bulk. Tracer diffusion coefficients of oxygen were obtained for oxygen-deficient
      bulk and grain-boundary simulation cells at temperatures in the range of 1000 <=
      T/K <= 2300. Calculated values of the oxygen-vacancy diffusion coefficient for
      the bulk phase agree extremely well with published experimental data. Tracer
      diffusion coefficients obtained for the grain-boundary cell are, in comparison to
      those for the bulk, lower in magnitude and have a higher activation enthalpy,
      indicating that, relative to the bulk, the migration of oxygen ions along a[100]
      dislocation cores in SrTiO3 is hindered. These results provide further support
      for the decoupled model of filament formation in resistively switching SrTiO3.

PMID- 27121114
TI  - Validation of T2* in-line analysis for tissue iron quantification at 1.5 T.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a need for improved worldwide access to tissue iron
      quantification using T2* cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). One route to
      facilitate this would be simple in-line T2* analysis widely available on MR
      scanners. We therefore compared our clinically validated and established T2*
      method at Royal Brompton Hospital (RBH T2*) against a novel work-in-progress
      (WIP) sequence with in-line T2* measurement from Siemens (WIP T2*). METHODS:
      Healthy volunteers (n = 22) and patients with iron overload (n = 78) were
      recruited (53 males, median age 34 years). A 1.5 T study (Magnetom Avanto,
      Siemens) was performed on all subjects. The same mid-ventricular short axis
      cardiac slice and transaxial slice through the liver were used to acquire both
      RBH T2* images and WIP T2* maps for each participant. Cardiac white blood (WB)
      and black blood (BB) sequences were acquired. Intraobserver, interobserver and
      interstudy reproducibility were measured on the same data from a subset of 20
      participants. RESULTS: Liver T2* values ranged from 0.8 to 35.7 ms (median 5.1
      ms) and cardiac T2* values from 6.0 to 52.3 ms (median 31 ms). The coefficient of
      variance (CoV) values for direct comparison of T2* values by RBH and WIP were 6.1
      7.8 % across techniques. Accurate delineation of the septum was difficult on some
      WIP T2* maps due to artefacts. The inability to manually correct for noise by
      truncation of erroneous later echo times led to some overestimation of T2* using
      WIP T2* compared with the RBH T2*. Reproducibility CoV results for RBH T2* ranged
      from 1.5 to 5.7 % which were better than the reproducibility of WIP T2* values of
      4.1-16.6 %. CONCLUSIONS: Iron estimation using the T2* CMR sequence in
      combination with Siemens' in-line data processing is generally satisfactory and
      may help facilitate global access to tissue iron assessment. The current
      automated T2* map technique is less good for tissue iron assessment with noisy
      data at low T2* values.

PMID- 27121115
TI  - A high-selenium lentil dietary intervention in Bangladesh to counteract arsenic
      toxicity: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Millions of people worldwide are exposed to dangerous levels of
      arsenic (above the WHO water standard of 10 ppb) in drinking water and food. Lack
      of nutritious foods exacerbates the adverse health effects of arsenic poisoning.
      The micronutrient selenium is a known antagonist to arsenic, promoting the
      excretion of arsenic from the body. Studies are in progress examining the
      potential of using selenium supplement pills to counteract arsenic toxicity. We
      are planning a clinical trial to test whether high-selenium lentils, as a whole
      food solution, can improve the health of arsenic-exposed Bangladeshi villagers.
      METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 400 participants (about 80 families) will be divided
      into two groups via computer-generated block randomization. Eligibility criteria
      are age (>=14) years) and arsenic concentration in the household tube well (>=100
      ppb). In this double-blind study, one group will eat high-selenium lentils grown
      in western Canada; the other will consume low-selenium lentils grown in Idaho,
      USA. Each participant will consume 65 g of lentils each day for 6 months. At the
      onset, midterm, and end of the trial, blood, urine and stool, plus hair (day 1
      and at 6 months only) samples will be collected and a health examination
      conducted including assessment of acute lung inflammation, body mass and height,
      and blood pressure. The major outcome will be arsenic excretion in urine and
      feces, as well as arsenic deposition in hair and morbidity outcomes as assessed
      by a biweekly questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include antioxidant status, lipid
      profile, lung inflammation status, and blood pressure. DISCUSSION: Selenium pills
      as a treatment for arsenic exposure are costly and inconvenient, whereas a whole
      food approach to lower the toxic burden of arsenic may be a practical remedy for
      Bangladeshi people while efforts to provide safe drinking water are continuing.
      If high-selenium lentils prove to be effective in counteracting arsenic toxicity,
      agronomic partnerships between Canada and Bangladesh will work to improve the
      selenium content of the Bangladeshi-grown lentil crops. Results will be presented
      to the community to promote informed food choices, which may include increasing
      selenium in their diet. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02429921.

PMID- 27121116
TI  - Synthetic lepidocrocite for phosphorous removal from reclaimed water:
      optimization using convex optimization method and successive adsorption in fixed
      bed column.
AB  - The batch and column experimental studies on the adsorption of phosphate onto
      synthetic lepidocrocite from reclaimed water are presented. A second-order
      polynomial model in the batch study is successfully applied to describe phosphate
      immobilization performance using the response surface methodology. The model
      proposed is further linked with the convex optimization method to determine the
      optimal variables for maximum phosphate uptake since convex method is a global
      optimization method. Consequently, under optimal parameters determined as pH of
      3.88, an initial P concentration of 0.66 mg/L, and a dosage of 0.15 g, the
      corresponding phosphate removal efficiency can reach up to 97.4%. Adsorption
      behavior is further revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy observation and
      FTIR spectra. A comparative column study indicates that co-existing competing
      anions in artificial reclaimed water do not significantly interfere with P
      adsorption under the neutral condition. The experimental results highlight that
      synthetic lepidocrocite is an excellent absorbent for sustainable P removal from
      reclaimed water. 

PMID- 27121117
TI  - Development and validation of a smartphone-based digits-in-noise hearing test in
      South African English.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop and validate a smartphone
      based digits-in-noise hearing test for South African English. DESIGN: Single
      digits (0-9) were recorded and spoken by a first language English female speaker.
      Level corrections were applied to create a set of homogeneous digits with steep
      speech recognition functions. A smartphone application was created to utilize 120
      digit-triplets in noise as test material. An adaptive test procedure determined
      the speech reception threshold (SRT). Experiments were performed to determine
      headphones effects on the SRT and to establish normative data. STUDY SAMPLE:
      Participants consisted of 40 normal-hearing subjects with thresholds <=15 dB
      across the frequency spectrum (250-8000 Hz) and 186 subjects with normal-hearing
      in both ears, or normal-hearing in the better ear. RESULTS: The results show
      steep speech recognition functions with a slope of 20%/dB for digit-triplets
      presented in noise using the smartphone application. The results of five
      headphone types indicate that the smartphone-based hearing test is reliable and
      can be conducted using standard Android smartphone headphones or clinical
      headphones. CONCLUSION: A digits-in-noise hearing test was developed and
      validated for South Africa. The mean SRT and speech recognition functions
      correspond to previous developed telephone-based digits-in-noise tests.

PMID- 27121118
TI  - Predictors of folate status among pregnant Japanese women: the Hokkaido Study on
      Environment and Children's Health, 2002-2012.
AB  - The International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects, Surveillance and Research
      reports a rise in the prevalence rate of spina bifida in Japan. We determined
      first-trimester folate status of Hokkaido women and identified potential
      predictors. Participants were 15 266 pregnant women of the Hokkaido Study on
      Environment and Children's Health Cohort. Data were extracted from self-reported
      questionnaires and biochemical assay results. Demographic determinants of low
      folate status were younger maternal age (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.48; 95 % CI 1.32,
      1.66), lower educational level (AOR 1.27; 95 % CI 1.17, 1.39) and lower annual
      income (AOR 1.11; 95 % CI 1.01, 1.22). Plasma cotinine concentrations of 1.19
      65.21 nmol/l increased the risk of low folate status (AOR 1.20; 95 % CI 1.10,
      1.31) and concentrations >65.21 nmol/l further increased the risk (AOR 1.91; 95 %
      CI 1.70, 2.14). The most favourable predictor was use of folic acid (FA)
      supplements (AOR 0.19; 95 % CI 0.17, 0.22). Certain socio-demographic factors
      influence folate status among pregnant Japanese women. Modifiable negative and
      positive predictors were active and passive tobacco smoking and use of FA
      supplements. Avoiding both active and passive tobacco smoking and using FA
      supplements could improve the folate status of Japanese women.

PMID- 27121120
TI  - Solar-light photocatalytic disinfection using crystalline/amorphous low energy
      bandgap reduced TiO2.
AB  - A generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from TiO2 under solar light has
      been long sought since the ROS can disinfect organic pollutants. We found that
      newly developed crystalline/amorphous reduced TiO2 (rTiO2) that has low energy
      bandgap can effectively generate ROS under solar light and successfully remove a
      bloom of algae. The preparation of rTiO2 is a one-pot and mass productive
      solution-process reduction using lithium-ethylene diamine (Li-EDA) at room
      temperature. Interestingly only the rutile phase of TiO2 crystal was reduced,
      while the anatase phase even in case of both anatase/rutile phased TiO2 was not
      reduced. Only reduced TiO2 materials can generate ROS under solar light, which
      was confirmed by electron spin resonance. Among the three different types of Li
      EDA treated TiO2 (anatase, rutile and both phased TiO2), the both phased rTiO2
      showed the best performance to produce ROS. The generated ROS effectively removed
      the common green algae Chlamydomonas. This is the first report on algae
      degradation under solar light, proving the feasibility of commercially available
      products for disinfection.

PMID- 27121119
TI  - Comparative expression profiling reveals a role of the root apoplast in local
      phosphate response.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plant adaptation to limited phosphate availability comprises a wide
      range of responses to conserve and remobilize internal phosphate sources and to
      enhance phosphate acquisition. Vigorous restructuring of root system architecture
      provides a developmental strategy for topsoil exploration and phosphate
      scavenging. Changes in external phosphate availability are locally sensed at root
      tips and adjust root growth by modulating cell expansion and cell division. The
      functionally interacting Arabidopsis genes, LOW PHOSPHATE RESPONSE 1 and 2
      (LPR1/LPR2) and PHOSPHATE DEFICIENCY RESPONSE 2 (PDR2), are key components of
      root phosphate sensing. We recently demonstrated that the LOW PHOSPHATE RESPONSE
      1 - PHOSPHATE DEFICIENCY RESPONSE 2 (LPR1-PDR2) module mediates apoplastic
      deposition of ferric iron (Fe(3+)) in the growing root tip during phosphate
      limitation. Iron deposition coincides with sites of reactive oxygen species
      generation and triggers cell wall thickening and callose accumulation, which
      interfere with cell-to-cell communication and inhibit root growth. RESULTS: We
      took advantage of the opposite phosphate-conditional root phenotype of the
      phosphate deficiency response 2 mutant (hypersensitive) and low phosphate
      response 1 and 2 double mutant (insensitive) to investigate the phosphate
      dependent regulation of gene and protein expression in roots using genome-wide
      transcriptome and proteome analysis. We observed an overrepresentation of genes
      and proteins that are involved in the regulation of iron homeostasis, cell wall
      remodeling and reactive oxygen species formation, and we highlight a number of
      candidate genes with a potential function in root adaptation to limited phosphate
      availability. Our experiments reveal that FERRIC REDUCTASE DEFECTIVE 3 mediated,
      apoplastic iron redistribution, but not intracellular iron uptake and iron
      storage, triggers phosphate-dependent root growth modulation. We further
      highlight expressional changes of several cell wall-modifying enzymes and provide
      evidence for adjustment of the pectin network at sites of iron accumulation in
      the root. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals new aspects of the elaborate interplay
      between phosphate starvation responses and changes in iron homeostasis. The
      results emphasize the importance of apoplastic iron redistribution to mediate
      phosphate-dependent root growth adjustment and suggest an important role for
      citrate in phosphate-dependent apoplastic iron transport. We further demonstrate
      that root growth modulation correlates with an altered expression of cell wall
      modifying enzymes and changes in the pectin network of the phosphate-deprived
      root tip, supporting the hypothesis that pectins are involved in iron binding
      and/or phosphate mobilization.

PMID- 27121121
TI  - Self-assembled Biodegradable Nanoparticles and Polysaccharides as Biomimetic ECM
      Nanostructures for the Synergistic effect of RGD and BMP-2 on Bone Formation.
AB  - Producing biomimetic extracellular matrix (ECM) is an effective approach to
      improve biocompatibility of medical devices. In this study, biomimetic ECM
      nanostructures are constructed through layer-by-layer self-assembling positively
      charged chitosan (Chi), negatively charged oxidized sodium alginate (OAlg), and
      positively charged bovine serum albumin (BSA)-based nanoparticles. The BSA-based
      nanoparticles in the self-assembled films not only result in porous
      nanostructures similar to natural ECM, but also preserve the activity and realize
      the sustained release of Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The results of
      bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) culture demonstrate that the penta-peptide glycine
      arginine-glycine-aspartate-serine (GRGDS) grafted Chi/OAlg films favor cell
      adhesion and proliferation. GRGDS and BMP-2 in biomimetic ECM nanostructures
      synergistically promote BMSC functions and new bone formation. The RGD and BMP
      incorporated biomimetic ECM coatings could be applied on a variety of biomedical
      devices to improve the bioactivity and biocompatibility.

PMID- 27121122
TI  - Risk factors of malaria in children under the age of five years old in Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria is the leading cause of morbidity in Uganda with 90-95 % of
      the population at risk and it contributing to approximately 13 % of under-five
      mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the
      malaria status of children under the age of 5 years old in Uganda and selected
      socio-economic, demographic and environmental factors, as well as to identify
      significant risk factors associated with malaria. METHODS: This study made use of
      data collected from the 2014 Malaria Indicator Survey conducted in Uganda. Two
      test procedures for malaria in children under the age of 5 years old were carried
      out. Due to the complex survey design, a generalized linear mixed model was used
      to test for associations between several independent variables and the response
      variable, which was whether a child tested positive or negative for malaria
      according to the microscopy test. RESULTS: The sample in this study was made up
      of 4939 children. Of those children, 974 tested positive for malaria, resulting
      in an observed malaria prevalence of 19.7 %. The socio-economic factors closely
      related to the risk of malaria were main floor material, main wall material and
      availability of electricity in the household. The event of indoor residual
      spraying (IRS) significantly reduced a child's risk of malaria. An older child
      was associated with a higher risk of malaria, however their risk decreased with
      an increase in cluster altitude and an increase in their caregiver's education
      level. CONCLUSION: Although there has been a significant increase in the use of
      mosquito nets since the previous Malaria Indicator Survey done in 2009,
      particularly in the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and long-lasting
      insecticidal nets (LLINs), these control measures alone may not be sufficient.
      IRS will be a key strategy in reaching the malaria goals set by the government of
      Uganda. Supplementing these control measures with education of appropriate and
      consistent use of ITNs and LLINs, as well as education of practicing safe living
      habits, such as reducing outdoor activities during peak biting hours of a
      mosquito, can go a long way in aiding the reduction of the burden of malaria in
      Uganda.

PMID- 27121123
TI  - Safety voice for ergonomics (SAVE) project: protocol for a workplace cluster
      randomized controlled trial to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in masonry
      apprentices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Masons have the highest rate of overexertion injuries among all
      construction trades and rank second for occupational back injuries in the United
      States. Identified ergonomic solutions are the primary method of reducing
      exposure to risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. However, many
      construction workers lack knowledge about these solutions, as well as basic
      ergonomic principles. Construction apprentices, as they embark on their careers,
      are greatly in need of ergonomics training to minimize the cumulative exposure
      that leads to musculoskeletal disorders. Apprentices receive safety training;
      however, ergonomics training is often limited or non-existent. In addition,
      apprenticeship programs often lack "soft skills" training on how to appropriately
      respond to work environments and practices that are unsafe. The SAVE program -
      SAfety Voice for Ergonomics - strives to integrate evidence-based health and
      safety training strategies into masonry apprenticeship skills training to teach
      ergonomics, problem solving, and speaking up to communicate solutions that reduce
      musculoskeletal injury risk. The central hypothesis is that the combination of
      ergonomics training and safety voice promotion will be more effective than no
      training or either ergonomics training alone or safety voice training alone.
      METHODS/DESIGN: Following the development and pilot testing of the SAVE
      intervention, SAVE will be evaluated in a cluster-randomized controlled trial at
      12 masonry training centers across the U.S. Clusters of apprentices within
      centers will be assigned at random to one of four intervention groups (n = 24 per
      group): (1) ergonomics training only, (2) safety voice training only, (3)
      combined ergonomics and safety voice training, or (4) control group with no
      additional training intervention. Outcomes assessed at baseline, at the
      conclusion of training, and then at six and 12 months post training will include:
      musculoskeletal symptoms, general health perceptions, knowledge of ergonomic and
      safety voice principles, and perception and attitudes about ergonomic and safety
      voice issues. DISCUSSION: Masons continue to have a high rate of musculoskeletal
      disorders. The trade has an expected increase of 40 % in the number of workers by
      2020. Therefore, a vetted intervention for apprentices entering the trade, such
      as SAVE, could reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders currently plaguing
      the trade. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02676635 , 2
      February 2016.

PMID- 27121125
TI  - Reply to the Comment on 'Parametrization of Stillinger-Weber potential based on
      valence force field model: application to single-layer MoS2 and black
      phosphorus'.
AB  - This is a reply to the comment by Midtvedt and Croy on our article 2015
      Nanotechnology 26 315706. 

PMID- 27121124
TI  - A CD13 inhibitor, ubenimex, synergistically enhances the effects of anticancer
      drugs in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Cancer stem cells (CSCs) were reported to be involved in resistance to
      chemo/radiation therapy. We previously reported that CD13 was both a marker of
      CSCs and a candidate therapeutic target in HCC. In the present study, we explored
      the antitumor effect of a combined therapy, where ubenimex, a CD13 inhibitor, was
      combined with conventional anticancer drugs, fluorouracil (5-FU), cisplatin
      (CDDP), doxorubicin (DXR) and sorafenib (SOR), and we elucidated the mechanism of
      these combination therapies. We evaluated changes in the expression of CD13
      before and after treatment with anticancer drugs and with or without ubenimex in
      the human HCC cell lines HuH7 and PLC/PRF/5. The interactions between the
      anticancer drugs and ubenimex were determined with isobologram analyses. We
      analyzed cell cycle, apoptosis, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      levels to explore the mechanisms of the combination therapies. In both cell
      lines, the expression of CD13 increased after a 72-h exposure to each anticancer
      drug alone (p<0.05), and the expression of CD13 decreased with ubenimex
      administration (p<0.05). Isobologram analyses indicated that ubenimex had
      synergistic effects with 5-FU, CDDP and DXR, and an additive effect with SOR.
      Cell cycle analyses showed that ubenimex decreased the proportion of cells in
      G0/G1. Ubenimex enhanced the effects of 5-FU, CDDP and DXR by increasing
      apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels. In combination therapies, ubenimex
      synergistically enhanced the antitumor effects of 5-FU, CDDP and DXR on cell
      cycle regulation and apoptosis induction in HCC cell lines. The effects of
      ubenimex were due to increased intracellular ROS levels. 

PMID- 27121126
TI  - Photoinactivation of Eight Health-Relevant Bacterial Species: Determining the
      Importance of the Exogenous Indirect Mechanism.
AB  - It is presently unknown to what extent the endogenous direct, endogenous
      indirect, and exogenous indirect mechanisms contribute to bacterial
      photoinactivation in natural surface waters. In this study, we investigated the
      importance of the exogenous indirect mechanism by conducting photoinactivation
      experiments with eight health-relevant bacterial species (Bacteroides
      thetaiotaomicron, Campylobacter jejuni, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli
      K12, E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2, Staphylococcus
      aureus, and Streptococcus bovis). We used three synthetic photosensitizers
      (methylene blue, rose bengal, and nitrite) and two model natural photosensitizers
      (Suwannee River natural organic matter and dissolved organic matter isolated from
      a wastewater treatment wetland) that generated singlet oxygen and hydroxyl
      radical. B. thetaiotaomicron had larger first order rate constants than all other
      organisms under all conditions tested. The presence of the synthetic
      photosensitizers generally enhanced photoinactivation of Gram-positive
      facultative anaerobes (Ent. faecalis, Staph. aureus, and Strep. bovis). Among
      Gram-negative bacteria, only methylene blue with E. coli K12 and rose bengal with
      C. jejuni showed an enhancing effect. The presence of model natural
      photosensitizers either reduced or did not affect photoinactivation rate
      constants. Our findings highlight the importance of the cellular membrane and
      photosensitizer properties in modulating the contribution of the exogenous
      indirect mechanism to the overall bacterial photoinactivation.

PMID- 27121127
TI  - Silicon nanocrystal-noble metal hybrid nanoparticles.
AB  - We report a novel and facile self-limiting synthesis route of silicon nanocrystal
      (Si NC)-based colloidally stable semiconductor-metal (gold, silver and platinum)
      hybrid nanoparticles (NPs). For the formation of hybrid NPs, we employ ligand
      free colloidal Si NCs with heavily boron (B) and phosphorus (P) doped shells. By
      simply mixing B and P codoped colloidal Si NCs with metal salts, hybrid NPs
      consisting of metal cores and Si NC shells are spontaneously formed. We
      demonstrate the synthesis of highly uniform and size controllable hybrid NPs. It
      is shown that codoped Si NCs act as a reducing agent for metal salts and also as
      a protecting layer to stop metal NP growth. The process is thus self-limiting.
      The development of a variety of Si NC-based hybrid NPs is a promising first step
      for the design of biocompatible multifunctional NPs with broad material choices
      for biosensing, bioimaging and solar energy conversion. 

PMID- 27121128
TI  - Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor informs on the progression
      course after multiple injuries.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to study the use of soluble urokinase
      plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) for the prognosis of multiple organ
      dysfunction (MOF) after multiple traumas. METHODS: Serum suPAR was measured
      within the first 24 h after multiple injuries in 85 patients. Measurements were
      repeated after 4 d or at sepsis onset. RESULTS: Odds ratio for trauma-associated
      MOF was 4.09 (p: 0.026) with admission suPAR greater than 8 ng/ml. More than 40%
      increases of suPAR were associated with odds ratio 9.33 (p: 0.047) for severe
      sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: suPAR is a useful surrogate biomarker for development of MOF
      and severe sepsis after multiple traumas.

PMID- 27121129
TI  - A new hand-held optical reflectometer to measure enamel erosion: correlation with
      surface hardness and calcium release.
AB  - In the present study, the surface reflection intensity (SRI) was measured from
      enamel with different induced erosion degrees using a hand-held pen-size
      reflectometer (Hand-Held) and a Table-Top reflectometer. To validate the Hand
      Held reflectometer, we correlated its optical signals with the change of surface
      microhardness (SMH), and amount of calcium released from the enamel samples
      during erosion. We used 124 tooth enamel specimens that were exposed to an
      erosive challenge of either 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 minutes. SRI and SMH were
      measured before and after the erosive challenge and we also measured the amount
      of calcium released to the citric acid. Relative SRI loss (rSRIloss) and relative
      SMH loss (rSMHloss) were calculated. rSRIloss from the Hand-Held and the Table
      Top reflectometers were similar and significantly correlated to rSMHloss and
      calcium release. The regression analyses showed a significant association between
      rSRIloss from both reflectometers and rSMHloss and calcium, showing that both
      reflectometers can be used to measure erosive demineralization of enamel. The
      Hand-Held reflectometer is capable of assessing in vitro erosion, correlating to
      other commonly used methods. It is small, easy to handle and provides fast
      measurement, being a possible candidate to measure erosion in clinical studies.

PMID- 27121130
TI  - Fluoroscopy pulse rate reduction during diagnostic and therapeutic imaging in the
      cardiac catheterization laboratory: An evaluation of radiation dose, procedure
      complications and outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate radiation reduction by reducing fluoroscopy pulse rate in
      diagnostic cardiac catheterizations and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI)
      as well as outcomes at 30 days and six months. BACKGROUND: Radiation exposure to
      the public at large has increased dramatically over the past three decades, and
      the cardiac catheterization laboratory is a large contributor. Fluoroscopy pulse
      rate is one way to decrease radiation exposure. METHODS: Fluoroscopy pulse rate
      was reduced from 10 pulses/sec (p/s) to 7.5 p/s as part of an internal quality
      improvement project. A retrospective analysis of all cardiac catheterizations was
      performed, evaluating Air KERMA at the interventional reference point (Ka, r ),
      Air KERMA area product (PKA ), procedural complications and major adverse cardiac
      events at 30 days and 6 months. RESULTS: In diagnostic catheterization median PKA
      (uGy.m2 ) and Ka,r (mGy) were significantly reduced (PKA - 5,613.3 vs. 4,400, P <
      0.001; Ka,r - 703.0 vs. 621.0, P = 0.041). In PCI, median PKA and Ka,r were
      further reduced (PKA - 13,481.6 vs. 10,648.0, P < 0.001; Ka,r - 1787.0 vs.
      1,459.0, P = 0.002). There was no difference in complications, fluoroscopy time
      or number of stents placed. There was no difference in MACE after adjustment for
      number of STEMIs. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing fluoroscopy pulse rates to 7.5 from 10 is
      an effective way to reduce patient radiation exposure across meaningful dose
      indices. A pulse rate of 7.5 p/s is safe, with no difference in complications or
      outcomes. A fluoroscopy pulse rate of 7.5 p/s should be given strong
      consideration for a new standard. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121131
TI  - Hypoxia promotes Rab5 activation, leading to tumor cell migration, invasion and
      metastasis.
AB  - Hypoxia, a common condition of the tumor microenvironment, is associated with
      poor patient prognosis, tumor cell migration, invasion and metastasis. Recent
      evidence suggests that hypoxia alters endosome dynamics in tumor cells, leading
      to augmented cell proliferation and migration and this is particularly relevant,
      because endosomal components have been shown to be deregulated in cancer. The
      early endosome protein Rab5 is a small GTPase that promotes integrin trafficking,
      focal adhesion turnover, Rac1 activation, tumor cell migration and invasion.
      However, the role of Rab5 and downstream events in hypoxia remain unknown. Here,
      we identify Rab5 as a critical player in hypoxia-driven tumor cell migration,
      invasion and metastasis. Exposure of A549 human lung carcinoma, ZR-75, MDA-MB-231
      and MCF-7 human breast cancer and B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells to hypoxia
      increased Rab5 activation, followed by its re-localization to the leading edge
      and association with focal adhesions. Importantly, Rab5 was required for hypoxia
      driven cell migration, FAK phosphorylation and Rac1 activation, as shown by shRNA
      targeting and transfection assays with Rab5 mutants. Intriguingly, the effect of
      hypoxia on both Rab5 activity and migration was substantially higher in
      metastatic B16-F10 cells than in poorly invasive B16-F0 cells. Furthermore,
      exogenous expression of Rab5 in B16-F0 cells predisposed to hypoxia-induced
      migration, whereas expression of the inactive mutant Rab5/S34N prevented the
      migration of B16-F10 cells induced by hypoxia. Finally, using an in vivo syngenic
      C57BL/6 mouse model, Rab5 expression was shown to be required for hypoxia-induced
      metastasis. In summary, these findings identify Rab5 as a key mediator of hypoxia
      induced tumor cell migration, invasion and metastasis. 

PMID- 27121133
TI  - Anthranil: An Aminating Reagent Leading to Bifunctionality for Both C(sp(3) )-H
      and C(sp(2) )-H under Rhodium(III) Catalysis.
AB  - Previous direct C-H nitrogenation suffered from simple amidation/amination with
      limited atom-economy and is mostly limited to C(sp(2) )-H substrates. In this
      work, anthranil was designed as a novel bifunctional aminating reagent for both
      C(sp(2) )-H and C(sp(3) )-H bonds under rhodium(III) catalysis, thus affording a
      nucleophilic aniline tethered to an electrophilic carbonyl. A tridendate
      rhodium(III) complex has been isolated as the resting state of the catalyst, and
      DFT studies established the intermediacy of a nitrene species.

PMID- 27121132
TI  - Type I collagen aging impairs discoidin domain receptor 2-mediated tumor cell
      growth suppression.
AB  - Tumor cells are confronted to a type I collagen rich environment which regulates
      cell proliferation and invasion. Biological aging has been associated with
      structural changes of type I collagen. Here, we address the effect of collagen
      aging on cell proliferation in a three-dimensional context (3D).We provide
      evidence for an inhibitory effect of adult collagen, but not of the old one, on
      proliferation of human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells. This effect involves both the
      activation of the tyrosine kinase Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (DDR2) and the
      tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2. DDR2 and SHP-2 were less activated in old collagen.
      DDR2 inhibition decreased SHP-2 phosphorylation in adult collagen and increased
      cell proliferation to a level similar to that observed in old collagen.In the
      presence of old collagen, a high level of JAK2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was
      observed while expression of the cell cycle negative regulator p21CIP1 was
      decreased. Inhibition of DDR2 kinase function also led to an increase in ERK1/2
      phosphorylation and a decrease in p21CIP1 expression. Similar signaling profile
      was observed when DDR2 was inhibited in adult collagen. Altogether, these data
      suggest that biological collagen aging could increase tumor cell proliferation by
      reducingthe activation of the key matrix sensor DDR2. 

PMID- 27121134
TI  - Surface-active ionic liquids in micellar catalysis: impact of anion selection on
      reaction rates in nucleophilic substitutions.
AB  - A series of surface-active ionic liquids based on the 1-dodecyl-3
      methylimidazolium cation and different anions such as halides and alkylsulfates
      was synthesized. The aggregation behavior of these ionic liquids in water was
      characterized by surface tension, conductivity measurements and UV-Vis
      spectroscopy in order to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and
      to provide aggregation parameters. The determination of surface activity and
      aggregation properties of amphiphilic ionic liquids was accompanied by SAXS
      studies on selected surface-active ionic liquids. The application of these
      surface-active ionic liquids with different anions was tested in nucleophilic
      substitution reactions for the degradation of organophosphorus compounds. Kinetic
      studies via UV-Vis spectrophotometry showed a strong acceleration of the reaction
      in the micellar system compared to pure water. In addition, an influence of the
      anion was observed, resulting in a correlation between the anion binding to the
      micelle and the reaction rate constants, indicating that the careful choice of
      the surface-active ionic liquid can considerably affect the outcome of reactions.

PMID- 27121135
TI  - Bioinspired Synthesis of All-in-One Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Nanoflowers Combined
      with a Handheld pH Meter for On-Site Detection of Food Pathogen.
AB  - With a mild elaborately bioinspired one-pot process, Con A-GOx-CaHPO4 nanoflowers
      are prepared. Employing the as-prepared all-in-one hybrid nanoflowers as signal
      tags, a simple but potentially powerful amplification biosensing technology for
      the detection of food pathogen with excellent simplicity, portability,
      sensitivity, and adaptability is achieved. 

PMID- 27121136
TI  - Adenovirus encoding XAF-1 and TNF-alpha in the same open reading frame
      efficiently inhibits hepatocellular cancer cells.
AB  - X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)-associated factor 1 (XAF-1), a tumor
      suppressor, is downregulated in most human malignant tumors. However, the tumor
      suppressive role of XAF-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its therapeutic
      value require further elucidation. The present study examined the expression of
      XAF-1 at the mRNA and protein level in the HCC and paired peritumor tissue
      specimens, as well as in HCC cell lines and a normal liver cell line. A
      recombinant adenovirus which co-expressed XAF-1 and TNF-alpha was then
      constructed, and its effects on the proliferation and colony formation ability of
      the MHCC97H HCC cell line were assessed using apoptosis induction, flow
      cytometry, trypan blue staining assay and a clonogenic assay. The results
      demonstrated that the expression of XAF-1 was significantly reduced in HCC
      tissues compared with that in their matched peritumor specimens, and a
      significant correlation with the tumor size, stage and tumor - nodes - metastasis
      stage was identified. The reduced levels of XAF-1 were further confirmed the HCC
      cell lines MHCC97L, HepG2 and MHCC97H compared with those in the L02 normal liver
      cell line. The recombinant adenovirus Ad-XAF-1&TNF-alpha, which co-expressed XAF
      1 and TNF-alpha, was shown to efficiently express the two proteins at the mRNA
      and protein level. Furthermore, infection with Ad-XAF-1&TNF-alpha synergistically
      induced apoptosis, reduced the proliferation and colony formation ability of
      MHCC97L cells to a significantly greater extent than overexpression of XAF-1 or
      TNF-alpha individually. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the
      first to construct an adenovirus which co-expressed XAF-1 and TNF-alpha in the
      same open reading frame and expressed them proportionally. As Ad-XAF-1&TNF-alpha
      inhibited HCC cells with enhanced efficiency, it may be applicable for the
      treatment of HCC. 

PMID- 27121138
TI  - Behavior of Bilayer Leaflets in Asymmetric Model Membranes: Atomistic Simulation
      Studies.
AB  - Spatial organization within lipid bilayers is an important feature for a range of
      biological processes. Leaflet compositional asymmetry and lateral lipid
      organization are just two of the ways in which membrane structure appears to be
      more complex than initially postulated by the fluid mosaic model. This raises the
      question of how the phase behavior in one bilayer leaflet may affect the apposing
      leaflet and how one begins to construct asymmetric model systems to investigate
      these interleaflet interactions. Here we report on all-atom molecular dynamics
      simulations (a total of 4.1 MUs) of symmetric and asymmetric bilayer systems
      composed of liquid-ordered (Lo) or liquid-disordered (Ld) leaflets, based on the
      nanodomain-forming POPC/DSPC/cholesterol system. We begin by analyzing an
      asymmetric bilayer with leaflets derived from simulations of symmetric Lo and Ld
      bilayers. In this system, we observe that the properties of the Lo and Ld
      leaflets are similar to those of the Lo and Ld leaflets in corresponding
      symmetric systems. However, it is not obvious that mixing the equilibrium
      structures of their symmetric counterparts is the most appropriate way to
      construct asymmetric bilayers nor that these structures will manifest
      interleaflet couplings that lead to domain registry/antiregistry. We therefore
      constructed and simulated four additional asymmetric bilayer systems by
      systematically adding or removing lipids in the Ld leaflet to mimic potential
      density fluctuations. We find that the number of lipids in the Ld leaflet affects
      its own properties, as well as those of the apposing Lo leaflet. Collectively,
      the simulations reveal the presence of weak acyl chain interdigitation across
      bilayer leaflets, suggesting that interdigitation alone does not contribute
      significantly to the interleaflet coupling in nonphase-separated bilayers of this
      chemical composition. However, the properties of both leaflets appear to be
      sensitive to changes in in-plane lipid packing, possibly providing a mechanism
      for interleaflet coupling by modulating local density and/or curvature
      fluctuations.

PMID- 27121137
TI  - High-resolution analytical imaging and electron holography of magnetite particles
      in amyloid cores of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Abnormal accumulation of brain metals is a key feature of Alzheimer's disease
      (AD). Formation of amyloid-beta plaque cores (APC) is related to interactions
      with biometals, especially Fe, Cu and Zn, but their particular structural
      associations and roles remain unclear. Using an integrative set of advanced
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques, including spherical aberration
      corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs-STEM), nano-beam electron
      diffraction, electron holography and analytical spectroscopy techniques (EDX and
      EELS), we demonstrate that Fe in APC is present as iron oxide (Fe3O4) magnetite
      nanoparticles. Here we show that Fe was accumulated primarily as nanostructured
      particles within APC, whereas Cu and Zn were distributed through the amyloid
      fibers. Remarkably, these highly organized crystalline magnetite nanostructures
      directly bound into fibrillar Abeta showed characteristic superparamagnetic
      responses with saturated magnetization with circular contours, as observed for
      the first time by off-axis electron holography of nanometer scale particles.

PMID- 27121139
TI  - Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans outer membrane protein 29 (Omp29) induces
      TGF-beta-regulated apoptosis signal in human gingival epithelial cells via
      fibronectin/integrinbeta1/FAK cascade.
AB  - Gingival junctional epithelial cell apoptosis caused by periodontopathic bacteria
      exacerbates periodontitis. This pathological apoptosis is involved in the
      activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). However, the molecular
      mechanisms by which microbes induce the activation of TGF-beta remain unclear. We
      previously reported that Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) activated TGF
      beta receptor (TGF-betaR)/smad2 signalling to induce epithelial cell apoptosis,
      even though Aa cannot bind to TGF-betaR. Additionally, outer membrane protein 29
      kDa (Omp29), a member of the Aa Omps family, can induce actin rearrangements via
      focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signalling, which also plays a role in the activation
      of TGF-beta by cooperating with integrin. Accordingly, we hypothesized that Omp29
      induced actin rearrangements via FAK activity would enhance the activation of TGF
      beta, leading to gingival epithelial cell apoptosis in vitro. By using human
      gingival epithelial cell line OBA9, we found that Omp29 activated TGF-betaR/smad2
      signalling and decreased active TGF-beta protein levels in the extracellular
      matrix (ECM) of cell culture, suggesting the transactivation of TGF-betaR.
      Inhibition of actin rearrangements by cytochalasin D or blebbistatin and
      knockdown of FAK or integrinbeta1 expression by siRNA transfection attenuated TGF
      betaR/smad2 signalling activity and reduction of TGF-beta levels in the ECM
      caused by Omp29. Furthermore, Omp29 bound to fibronectin (Fn) to induce its
      aggregation on integrinbeta1, which is associated with TGF-beta signalling
      activity. All the chemical inhibitors and siRNAs tested blocked Omp29-induced
      OBA9 cells apoptosis. These results suggest that Omp29 binds to Fn in order to
      facilitate Fn/integrinbeta1/FAK signalling-dependent TGF-beta release from the
      ECM, thereby inducing gingival epithelial cell apoptosis via TGF-betaR/smad2
      pathway.

PMID- 27121140
TI  - Biological Variation and Reference Change Value Data for Serum Neuron-Specific
      Enolase in a Turkish Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a recognized biomarker for the
      assessment of cerebral injury in neurological disorders. This study aims to
      report a definitive assessment of the biological variation (BV) components of
      this biomarker, including within-subject BV (CVI), between-subject BV (CVG),
      index of individuality (II), and reference change value (RCV), in a cohort of
      Turkish participants using an experimental protocol. METHODS: Six blood specimens
      were collected from each of the 13 apparently healthy volunteers (seven women,
      six men; ranging in age from 23 to 36) on the same day, every 2 weeks for 2
      months. Serum specimens were stored at -20 degrees C until analysis. Neuron
      specific enolase levels were evaluated in serum samples using an
      electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA) immunoassay kit with a Roche Cobas e 411 auto
      analyser. ANOVA test was used to calculate the variations. RESULTS: The CVI and
      CVG for NSE were 21.5% and 28.8%, respectively. Analytical variation (CVA) was
      calculated as 10.2%. Additionally, II and RCV were calculated as 0.74 and 66%
      (95% confident interval, CI), respectively. CONCLUSION: As the performance index
      (PI) was found to be less than 2 (PI = 0.95), it is concluded that the NSE
      measurements have a desirable performance for analytical imprecision. Since the
      II was found to be less than 1 (II: 0.74), the reference values will be of little
      use. Thus, RCV would provide better information for deciding whether a
      significant change has occurred.

PMID- 27121146
TI  - The influence of maternal nutrition on expression of genes responsible for
      adipogenesis and myogenesis in the bovine fetus.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine whether altered maternal energy
      supply during mid-gestation results in differences in muscle histology or genes
      regulating fetal adipose and muscle development. In total, 22 Angus cross-bred
      heifers (BW=527.73+/-8.3 kg) were assigned randomly to the three dietary
      treatments providing 146% (HIGH; n=7), 87% (INT; n=7) or 72% (LOW; n=8) of the
      energy requirements for heifers from day 85 to day 180 of gestation. Fetuses were
      removed via cesarean section at day 180 of gestation and longissimus muscle (LM)
      and subcutaneous fat were collected and prepared for analysis of gene expression.
      Samples from the LM and semitendinosus (ST) were evaluated for muscle fiber
      diameter, area and number. The right hind limb was dissected and analyzed to
      determine compositional analysis. Fetal growth and muscle histology
      characteristics of the LM and ST were similar among treatments. Preadipocyte
      factor-1 expression was up-regulated in fetal LM (P<0.05) of HIGH fetuses as
      compared with INT, whereas LOW fetuses showed increased CCAAT/enhancer-binding
      protein-beta (C/EBP-beta) expression in LM as compared with INT (P<0.05).
      Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gammaand C/EBP-alpha did not differ as
      a result of dietary treatment in LM or subcutaneous fat samples. There was a
      tendency for increased expression of fatty acid synthase in LM of LOW fetuses as
      compared with INT (P<0.10). Myogenin was more highly expressed (P<0.05) in LM of
      the LOW fetuses, whereas MU-calpain expression was increased in the HIGH
      treatment compared with INT. A tendency for increased expression of IGF-II was
      observed for both LOW and HIGH fetuses compared with INT (P<0.10). Expression of
      stearoyl-CoA desaturase, myoblast determination protein 1, myogenic factor 5,
      myogenic regulatory factor-4, m-calpain, calpastatin, IGF-I and myostatin was
      similar between treatments. Collectively, these results suggest that fetal growth
      characteristics are not affected by the level of maternal nutritional
      manipulation imposed in this study during mid-gestation. However, differences in
      expression of fetal genes regulating adipose and muscle tissue growth and
      development could lead to differences in postnatal composition and warrants
      further investigation. 

PMID- 27121147
TI  - The influence of social challenges when implementing information systems in a
      Swedish health-care organisation.
AB  - AIM: To describe and obtain a deeper understanding of social challenges and their
      influence on the implementation process when implementing Information systems in
      a Swedish health-care organisation. BACKGROUND: Despite positive effects when
      implementing Information systems in health-care organisations, there are
      difficulties in the implementation process. Nurses' experiences of being
      neglected have been dismissed as reasons for setbacks in implementation. METHODS:
      An Institutional Ethnography design was used. A deductive content analysis was
      made influenced by empirically identified social challenges of power,
      professional identity and encounters. An abstraction was made of the analysis.
      RESULTS: Nineteen nurses at macro, meso and micro levels were interviewed in
      focus groups. Organisational levels are lost in different ways in how to control
      the reformation, how to introduce Information systems as reformation strategies
      and in how to translate new tools and assumptions that do not fit traditional
      ways of working in shaping professional identities. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION
      FOR NURSE MANAGEMENT: Different focus may affect the reformation of health-care
      organisations and implementation and knowledge processes. An implementation
      climate is needed where the system standards fit the values of the users. Nursing
      management needs to be visionary, engaged and work with risk factors in order to
      reform the hierarchical health-care organisation.

PMID- 27121149
TI  - Implementing Data Definition Consistency for Emergency Department Operations
      Benchmarking and Research.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective was to obtain a commitment to adopt a common set of
      definitions for emergency department (ED) demographic, clinical process, and
      performance metrics among the ED Benchmarking Alliance (EDBA), ED Operations
      Study Group (EDOSG), and Academy of Academic Administrators of Emergency Medicine
      (AAAEM) by 2017. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of available
      data from three ED operations benchmarking organizations supported a negotiation
      to use a set of common metrics with identical definitions. During a 1.5-day
      meeting-structured according to social change theories of information exchange,
      self-interest, and interdependence-common definitions were identified and
      negotiated using the EDBA's published definitions as a start for discussion.
      Methods of process analysis theory were used in the 8 weeks following the meeting
      to achieve official consensus on definitions. These two lists were submitted to
      the organizations' leadership for implementation approval. RESULTS: A total of
      374 unique measures were identified, of which 57 (15%) were shared by at least
      two organizations. Fourteen (4%) were common to all three organizations. In
      addition to agreement on definitions for the 14 measures used by all three
      organizations, agreement was reached on universal definitions for 17 of the 57
      measures shared by at least two organizations. The negotiation outcome was a list
      of 31 measures with universal definitions to be adopted by each organization by
      2017. CONCLUSION: The use of negotiation, social change, and process analysis
      theories achieved the adoption of universal definitions among the EDBA, EDOSG,
      and AAAEM. This will impact performance benchmarking for nearly half of US EDs.
      It initiates a formal commitment to utilize standardized metrics, and it
      transitions consistency in reporting ED operations metrics from consensus to
      implementation. This work advances our ability to more accurately characterize
      variation in ED care delivery models, resource utilization, and performance. In
      addition, it permits future aggregation of these three data sets, thus
      facilitating the creation of more robust ED operations research data sets unified
      by a universal language. Negotiation, social change, and process analysis
      principles can be used to advance the adoption of additional definitions.

PMID- 27121148
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid soluble TREM2 in aging and Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology is associated with
      neuroinflammation, but there are few useful biomarkers. Mutant variants of
      triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) have recently been
      linked to late-onset AD and other neurodegenerative disorders. TREM2, a
      microglial receptor, is involved in innate immunity. A cleaved fragment, soluble
      TREM2 (sTREM2), is present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). METHODS: We
      developed and used a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to investigate the
      potential value of CSF sTREM2 as an AD biomarker in two independent cohorts: an
      AD/mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/control cohort (n = 100) and an AD/control
      cohort (n = 50). RESULTS: We found no significant difference in sTREM2 levels
      between groups of controls and patients with AD or MCI. However, among all
      controls there was a positive correlation between sTREM2 and age (Spearman rho =
      0.50; p < 0.001; n = 75). In the AD/MCI/control cohort, CSF sTREM2 correlated
      positively with total Tau (T-tau) (Spearman rho 0.57; p < 0.001; n = 50),
      phosphorylated Tau (P-tau) (Spearman rho 0.63; p < 0.001; n = 50) and amyloid
      beta1-42 (Abeta42) (Spearman rho 0.35; p = 0.01; n = 50) in control subjects.
      Among controls with a CSF Abeta42 above a cut-off value (700 pg/ml) in this
      cohort, the positive correlation between sTREM2 and Abeta42 was stronger
      (Spearman rho = 0.44; p = 0.002; n = 46). CONCLUSIONS: sTREM2 in CSF correlates
      with aging in controls, and with the neurodegenerative markers CSF T-tau/P-tau
      among controls who are negative for AD CSF core biomarkers Abeta42, T-tau or P
      tau.

PMID- 27121150
TI  - Effect of Photoinduced Size Changes on Protein Refolding and Transport Abilities
      of Soft Nanotubes.
AB  - Self-assembly of azobenzene-modified amphiphiles (Glyn Azo, n=1-3) in water at
      room temperature in the presence of a protein produced nanotubes with the protein
      encapsulated in the channels. The Gly2 Azo nanotubes (7 nm internal diameter
      [i.d.]) promoted refolding of some encapsulated proteins, whereas the Gly3 Azo
      nanotubes (13 nm i.d.) promoted protein aggregation. Although the 20 nm i.d.
      channels of the Gly1 Azo nanotubes were too large to influence the encapsulated
      proteins, narrowing of the i.d. to 1 nm by trans-to-cis photoisomerization of the
      azobenzene units of the Gly1 Azo monomers packed in the solid bilayer membranes
      led to a squeezing out of the proteins into the bulk solution and simultaneously
      enhanced their refolding ratios. In contrast, photoinduced transformation of the
      Gly2 Azo nanotubes to short nanorings (<40 nm) with a large i.d. (28 nm) provided
      no further refolding assistance. We thus demonstrate that pertubation by the
      solid bilayer membrane wall of the nanotubes is important to accelerate refolding
      of the denatured proteins during their transport in the narrow nanotube channels.

PMID- 27121151
TI  - Glass-on-Glass Fabrication of Bottle-Shaped Tunable Microlasers and their
      Applications.
AB  - We describe a novel method for making microbottle-shaped lasers by using a CO2
      laser to melt Er:Yb glass onto silica microcapillaries or fibres. This is
      realised by the fact that the two glasses have different melting points. The CO2
      laser power is controlled to flow the doped glass around the silica cylinder. In
      the case of a capillary, the resulting geometry is a hollow, microbottle-shaped
      resonator. This is a simple method for fabricating a number of glass whispering
      gallery mode (WGM) lasers with a wide range of sizes on a single, micron-scale
      structure. The Er:Yb doped glass outer layer is pumped at 980 nm via a tapered
      optical fibre and WGM lasing is recorded around 1535 nm. This structure
      facilitates a new way to thermo-optically tune the microlaser modes by passing
      gas through the capillary. The cooling effect of the gas flow shifts the WGMs
      towards shorter wavelengths and thermal tuning of the lasing modes over 70 GHz is
      achieved. Results are fitted using the theory of hot wire anemometry, allowing
      the flow rate to be calibrated with a flow sensitivity as high as 72 GHz/sccm.
      Strain tuning of the microlaser modes by up to 60 GHz is also demonstrated.

PMID- 27121152
TI  - BAP1 Immunostain and CDKN2A (p16) FISH Analysis: Clinical Applicability for the
      Diagnosis of Malignant Mesothelioma in Effusions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Loss of BAP1 by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and CDKN2A(p16) deletion
      by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have been proposed to distinguish
      malignant mesothelioma (MM) from atypical reactive mesothelial proliferations
      (ARMP) in effusions but it is uncertain whether both tests are needed routinely.
      METHODS: Paraffin embedded blocks from 67 effusions (32 MM, 35 ARMP) were
      evaluated with BAP1 IHC. 38 of them (17 MM, 21 ARMP) were also analyzed with
      CDKN2A (p16) FISH. Criteria for MM were absence of BAP1 nuclear staining in >50%
      of atypical mesothelial cells in the presence of a positive internal control,
      and/or CDKN2A(p16) homozygous or hemizygous deletion pattern in >15% or >41.5% of
      atypical mesothelial cells, respectively. Sensitivity (SS), specificity (SP),
      positive, and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) for MM were calculated.
      RESULTS: 17 of 32 MM were correctly diagnosed by IHC (SS 53.1%, SP 85.7%, PPV
      77.3%, NPV 64.3% for MM). In the subset of 38 cases studied by IHC and FISH, the
      SS, SP, PPV, and NPV of IHC for MM were 41.2, 81.0, 63.6, and 63.0%,
      respectively. 7 of 17 MM were diagnosed by FISH (SS 41.2%, SP 100%, PPV 100%, NPV
      67.7% for MM). CONCLUSION: BAP1 IHC and CDKN2A(p16) FISH yield similar
      sensitivities for MM in paired samples but FISH has a higher specificity. To
      diagnose effusions with atypical mesothelial cells, use of both tests is optimal.
      However, BAP1 IHC alone may be sufficient to diagnose MM when clinical, imaging,
      and cytological findings strongly suggest MM. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:599-606. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121153
TI  - Feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for complex Crohn's disease of the small
      intestine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach for complex Crohn's disease (CD), which
      involves abscess formation, fistula formation, and recurrent CD, is
      controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and
      safety of the laparoscopic approach for complex CD. METHODS: Fifty-six patients
      who had undergone surgery for CD of the small bowel from January 2007 to August
      2014 were divided into two groups: the laparoscopic approach for complex CD group
      (LC group, n = 31) and the laparoscopic approach for simple CD group (LS group, n
      = 25). The preoperative data and surgical outcomes of the LC group were compared
      with those of the LS groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in
      preoperative data and operating time between the two groups. Blood loss was not
      significantly different between the LC and LS groups. The incision length was
      longer in the LC group than the LS group (P = 0.004). The incidence of severe
      postoperative complications in the LC group was higher than in the LS group (P =
      0.026). The length of postoperative stay was similar in the LC and LS groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach for complex CD is feasible and provides
      good cosmesis that is comparable to that offered by simple CD.

PMID- 27121154
TI  - DNMT3B isoforms without catalytic activity stimulate gene body methylation as
      accessory proteins in somatic cells.
AB  - Promoter DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism for stable gene silencing,
      but is correlated with expression when located in gene bodies. Maintenance and de
      novo DNA methylation by catalytically active DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1 and
      DNMT3A/B) require accessory proteins such as UHRF1 and DNMT3L. DNMT3B isoforms
      are widely expressed, although some do not have active catalytic domains and
      their expression can be altered during cell development and tumourigenesis,
      questioning their biological roles. Here, we show that DNMT3B isoforms stimulate
      gene body methylation and re-methylation after methylation-inhibitor treatment.
      This occurs independently of the isoforms' catalytic activity, demonstrating a
      similar functional role to the accessory protein DNMT3L, which is only expressed
      in undifferentiated cells and recruits DNMT3A to initiate DNA methylation. This
      unexpected role for DNMT3B suggests that it might substitute for the absent
      accessory protein DNMT3L to recruit DNMT3A in somatic cells.

PMID- 27121155
TI  - Lentinan mitigates therarubicin-induced myelosuppression by activating bone
      marrow-derived macrophages in an MAPK/NF-kappaB-dependent manner.
AB  - Bone marrow (BM) suppression (also known as myelosuppression) is the most common
      and most severe side-effect of therarubicin (THP) and thereby limits the clinical
      application of this anticancer agent. Lentinan (LNT), a glucan extracted from
      dried shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes), exhibits a variety of
      pharmacological activities. The objectives of the present study were to determine
      the effect of LNT on the myelosuppression of THP-treated mice and to examine the
      pharmacological mechanism of these effects. In vivo experiments indicated that
      non-cytotoxic levels of LNT strongly increased blood myeloperoxidase (MPO)
      activity; improved BM structural injuries; increased the numbers of leukocytes
      and neutrophils in the blood and BM; elevated the blood levels of granulocyte
      colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating
      factor (GM-CSF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF); and reduced the
      self-healing period in THP-treated mice. In vitro experiments indicated that LNT
      increased the viability of BM-derived macrophages (BMDMs) in a time- and dose
      dependent manner without toxic side-effects and markedly increased the release of
      G-CSF, GM-CSF and M-CSF by BMDMs. Further analyses revealed that LNT activated
      the NF-kappaB and MAPK signalling pathways and promoted the nuclear import of p65
      and that BAY 11-7082 (a specific inhibitor of NF-kappaB) suppressed the release
      of G-CSF, GM-CSF and M-CSF. Furthermore, we found that U0126, SB203580 and
      SP600125 (specific inhibitors of ERK, p38 and JNK, respectively) markedly
      inhibited the IKK/IkappaB/NF-kappaB-dependent release of G-CSF, GM-CSF and M-CSF.
      In conclusion, LNT induces the production of G-CSF, GM-CSF and M-CSF by
      activating the MAPK/NF-kappaB signalling pathway in BM cells, thereby mitigating
      THP-induced myelosuppression. 

PMID- 27121157
TI  - Peer review and Publons - enhancements for the reviewer.

PMID- 27121158
TI  - GPs views and understanding of PSA testing, screening and early detection;
      survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is currently no national prostate cancer screening programme in
      the UK. However, patients 50 years and older are entitled to a prostate specific
      antigen (PSA) test, if informed on the advantages and disadvantages of testing
      and their risk of cancer. The Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme (PCRMP)
      provides this guidance. AIM: The aim of this study was to access GPs' views and
      understanding of PSA testing, prostate cancer screening and early detection.
      METHOD: A total of 708 questionnaires were returned by GPs across two English
      regions in 2013 and the GP questionnaire responses were quantitatively analysed.
      RESULTS: In the 699 completed questionnaires, the majority of GPs were well
      informed about PSA testing, screening and early detection. Only 32% used
      guidelines for referral, 14% knew all age-specific PSA referral levels, 71% that
      Black men have a higher prostate cancer risk than White men (22% correctly
      answered threefold increase) and 82% that family history is a risk factor. A
      further 78% thought electronic prompts during consultation would encourage PCRMP
      guideline usage and 75% had never been offered a PSA test and prostate cancer
      educational course, of which 73% would like to attend a course. Only 23% were
      aware of the latest PSA screening evidence and 94% would like an update.
      CONCLUSIONS: Participating GPs seem to be well informed but need more information
      and tools to help follow recommended guidance. In particular, increased awareness
      of PCRMP guidelines especially by automated methods, further educational courses
      and evidence updates would be beneficial.

PMID- 27121156
TI  - Present and future roles of FDG-PET/CT imaging in the management of lung cancer.
AB  - Integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using 2
      [(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) has emerged as a powerful tool for
      combined metabolic and anatomic evaluation in clinical oncologic imaging. This
      review discusses the utility of (18)F-FDG PET/CT as a tool for managing patients
      with lung cancer. We discuss different patient management stages, including
      diagnosis, initial staging, therapy planning, early treatment response
      assessment, re-staging, and prognosis. 

PMID- 27121159
TI  - Aerobic training and l-arginine supplementation promotes rat heart and hindleg
      muscles arteriogenesis after myocardial infarction.
AB  - Arteriogenesis is a main defense mechanism to prevent heart and local tissues
      dysfunction in occlusive artery disease. TGF-beta and angiostatin have a pivotal
      role in arteriogenesis. We tested the hypothesis that aerobic training and l
      arginine supplementation promotes cardiac and skeletal muscles arteriogenesis
      after myocardial infarction (MI) parallel to upregulation of TGF-beta and
      downregulation of angiostatin. For this purpose, 4 weeks after LAD occlusion, 50
      male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into five groups: (1) sham surgery
      without MI (sham, n = 10), (2) control-MI (Con-MI, n = 10), (3) l-arginine-MI (La
      MI, n = 10), (4) exercise training-MI (Ex-MI, n = 10), and (5) exercise and l
      arginine-MI (Ex + La-MI). Exercise training groups running on a treadmill for 10
      weeks with moderate intensity. Rats in the l-arginine-treated groups drank water
      containing 4 % l-arginine. Arteriolar density with different diameters (11-25, 26
      50, 51-75, and 76-150 MUm), TGF-beta, and angiostatin gene expression were
      measured in cardiac (area at risk) and skeletal (soleus and gastrocnemius)
      muscles. Smaller arterioles decreased in cardiac after MI. Aerobic training and l
      arginine increased the number of cardiac arterioles with 11-25 and 26-50 MUm
      diameters parallel to TGF-beta overexpression. In gastrocnemius muscle, the
      number of arterioles/mm(2) was only increased in the 11 to 25 MUm in response to
      training with and without l-arginine parallel to angiostatin downregulation.
      Soleus arteriolar density with different size was not different between
      experimental groups. Results showed that 10 weeks aerobic exercise training and l
      arginine supplementation promotes arteriogenesis of heart and gastrocnemius
      muscles parallel to overexpression of TGF-beta and downregulation of angiostatin
      in MI rats. 

PMID- 27121160
TI  - B-cell-activating factor is elevated in serum of patients with myasthenia gravis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a B-cell-mediated autoimmune disease. B
      cell-activating factor (BAFF) is a major factor in B-cell development and
      activation. In this study we investigated serum BAFF levels in MG patients.
      METHODS: We compared the serum BAFF levels of 20 MG patients with gender-matched
      healthy controls. We assayed serum concentrations of BAFF and anti-acetylcholine
      receptor antibody (AChR) titers. RESULTS: Serum BAFF levels of MG patients with
      AChR antibodies were significantly higher than those of healthy controls. A
      significant positive correlation was observed between serum BAFF levels and anti
      AChR antibody titers. BAFF values did not correlate with disease severity.
      CONCLUSIONS: BAFF may play a major role in the pathogenesis of MG, and it may
      provide a potential target for therapy in patients with MG. Muscle Nerve 54: 1030
      1033, 2016.

PMID- 27121161
TI  - Analysis of SLC4A11, ZEB1, LOXHD1, COL8A2 and TCF4 gene sequences in a multi
      generational family with late-onset Fuchs corneal dystrophy.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the genetic basis of a multi
      generational family with late-onset (LO) Fuchs corneal dystrophy (FCD). Five FCD
      causal genes [solute carrier family 4, sodium borate transporter, member 11
      (SLC4A11), zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), lipoxygenase homology
      domains 1 (LOXHD1), collagen, type VIII, alpha 2 (COL8A2) and transcription
      factor 4 (TCF4)], previously reported to be implicated in the pathogenesis of
      FCD, were screened. A total of 27 variants [including 22 known single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) from the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database (dbSNP) and
      5 variants absent from dbSNP] were detected in this FCD pedigree across the
      SLC4A11, ZEB1, LOXHD1 and COL8A2 genes as follows: i) 22 known SNPs from dbSNP,
      including 3 coding (p.R161R, p.S213S and p.T833T) and 11 non-coding variants of
      SLC4A11, 2 intronic SNPs of ZEB1 from dbSNP (rs220057 and rs220060), 1 intronic
      SNP of LOXHD1 from dbSNP (rs16939650), and 5 SNPs of COL8A2 from dbSNP (p.A35A,
      p.R155Q, p.L335L, p.G495G and p.T502M); and ii) 5 variants that have not been
      previously reported in FCD patients and that are absent from dbSNP were
      identified across the ZEB1 and LOXHD1 genes; these included 3 continuous indels
      located at the junction of the 5'-UTR and the adjacent exon 1 of ZEB1 [Indel 1
      (c.-86_-53delins gggaggggtggaggcggaggggtGGGGGGGAAGG); Indel 2 (c.-52_
      46delinsGGGAGGG); and Indel 3 (c.-45_-42delinsAGGG)], and 2 intronic variants of
      LOXHD1 (c.5332-126C>T and c.1809+155G>A). Apart from one intronic SNP of SLC4A11
      from dbSNP (rs372201212), the pathologic consequence of which is uncertain, and 2
      intron variants of LOXHD1 (c.5332-126C>T and c.1809+155G>A); the variants likely
      represent examples of de novo mutations. Neither of the other 24 variants
      provided strong evidence of pathogenesis in this FCD pedigree. An analysis of 7
      SNPs in TCF4 from dbSNP, which have been associated with LO FCD in different
      populations, revealed that these 7 SNPs were not associated with FCD in this
      specific pedigree. A genome-wide linkage scan to search for linkage to one of the
      previously described FCD loci or to identify a novel locus for FCD will need to
      be performed in this FCD pedigree. Our observation, nevertheless, expands the
      knowledge of the genetic status of patients with FCD. 

PMID- 27121162
TI  - Constitutive photomorphogenesis protein 1 (COP1) and COP9 signalosome,
      evolutionarily conserved photomorphogenic proteins as possible targets of
      melatonin.
AB  - The ubiquitin proteasome system has been proposed as a possible mechanism
      involved in the multiple actions of melatonin. COP1 (constitutive
      photomorphogenesis protein 1), a RING finger-type ubiquitin E3 ligase formerly
      identified in Arabidopsis, is a central switch for the transition from plant
      growth underground in darkness (etiolation) to growth under light exposure
      (photomorphogenesis). In darkness, COP1 binds to photomorphogenic transcription
      factors driving its degradation via the 26S proteasome; blue light, detected by
      cryptochromes, and red and far-red light detected by phytochromes, negatively
      regulate COP1. Homologues of plant COP1 containing all the structural features
      present in Arabidopsis as well as E3 ubiquitin ligase activity have been
      identified in mice and humans. Substrates for mammalian (m) COP1 include p53, AP
      1 and c-Jun, p27(Kip1) , ETV1, MVP, 14-3-3sigma, C/EBPalpha, MTA1, PEA3, ACC,
      TORC2 and FOXO1. This mCOP1 target suggests functions related to tumorigenesis,
      gluconeogenesis, and lipid metabolism. The role of mCOP1 in tumorigenesis (either
      as a tumor promoter or tumor suppressor), as well as in glucose metabolism
      (inhibition of gluconeogenesis) and lipid metabolism (inhibition of fatty acid
      synthesis), has been previously demonstrated. COP1, along with numerous other
      ubiquitin ligases, is regulated by the COP9 signalosome; this protein complex is
      associated with the oxidative stress sensor Keap1 and the deubiquitinase USP15.
      The objective of this review was to provide new information on the possible role
      of COP1 and COP9 as melatonin targets. The hypothesis is based on common
      functional aspects of melatonin and COP1 and COP9, including their dependence on
      light, regulation of the metabolism, and their control of tumor growth. 

PMID- 27121164
TI  - The role of attainment value, academic self-efficacy, and message frame in the
      appraisal of value-promoting messages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior to high-stakes examinations, teachers may use value-promoting
      messages (VPMs) to communicate to students the value and importance of their
      forthcoming examinations in the hope that they will adopt adaptive learning and
      study behaviours. These messages can focus on achieving success (gain-framed) or
      avoiding failure (loss-framed). AIMS: This study examined how secondary school
      students appraised hypothetical gain- and loss-framed VPMs, and how these
      appraisals differed according to self-reported levels of attainment value (AV)
      and academic self-efficacy (ASE). SAMPLES: In total, 539 secondary school
      students (284 male, 255 female, mean age 14.8 years) were participated in this
      study. METHODS: Participants completed self-report measures of AV and ASE and
      appraised hypothetical VPMs as challenging, threatening, or irrelevant
      (disregard). Participants were randomly assigned to a gain- or loss-framed
      condition. RESULTS: A challenge appraisal was greater in students with higher AV
      and ASE. A threat appraisal was greater in students with higher AV and lower ASE.
      A disregard appraisal was higher in students with lower AV. Message frame did not
      interact with AV or ASE in the appraisal of VPMs as challenging, threatening, or
      irrelevant. CONCLUSIONS: Educational practitioners should consider the
      characteristics of their students before using VPMs. In particular, they may not
      be effective for students high in AV and low in ASE. They are likely to be
      ineffective for students low in AV.

PMID- 27121163
TI  - Negative role of TAK1 in marginal zone B-cell development incidental to NF-kappaB
      noncanonical pathway activation.
AB  - The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway is
      crucial in B-cell physiology. One key molecule regulating this pathway is the
      serine/threonine kinase TAK1 (MAP3K7). TAK1 is responsible for positive feedback
      mechanisms in B-cell receptor signaling that serve as an NF-kappaB activation
      threshold. This study aimed to better understand the correlation between TAK1
      mediated signaling and B-cell development and humoral immune responses. Here we
      showed that a B-cell conditional deletion of TAK1 using mb1-cre resulted in a
      dramatic elimination of the humoral immune response, consistent with the absence
      of the B-1 B-cell subset. When monitoring the self-reactive B-cell system (the
      immunoglobulin hen egg lysozyme/soluble hen egg lysozyme double-transgenic mouse
      model), we found that TAK1-deficient B cells exhibited an enhanced susceptibility
      to cell death that might explain the disappearance of the B1 subset. In contrast,
      these mice gained numerous marginal zone (MZ) B cells. We consequently examined
      the basal and B-cell receptor-induced activity of NF-kappaB2 that is reported to
      regulate MZ B-cell development, and demonstrated that the activity of NF-kappaB2
      increased in TAK1-deficient B cells. Thus, our results present a novel in vivo
      function, the negative role of TAK1 in MZ B-cell development that is likely
      associated with NF-kappaB2 activation.

PMID- 27121165
TI  - Does chlortetracycline ointment aid healing of a traumatic tympanic membrane
      perforation?

PMID- 27121166
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27121167
TI  - Sequential changes of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in myocardial
      fibrosis of diabetes mellitus-induced rats.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle in which proteins form their
      appropriate structures. However, several of these proteins become unfolded or
      misfolded when exposed to stimuli, including hyperglycemia, oxidative stress,
      ischemia, disturbance of calcium homeostasis and overexpression of abnormal
      proteins, which activates ER stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR). To
      date, investigations have demonstrated that ER stress is important in diabetic
      myocardial fibrosis by inducing cardiac cell apoptosis. Therefore, in the present
      study, the polymerase chain reaction, western blotting analysis and tissue
      staining were performed to identify the changes in UPR signaling proteins and
      apoptotic proteins in diabetic rats at different time points, and to determine
      whether the myocardial fibrosis is associated with ER-stress-mediated apoptosis
      using a diabetes mellitus (DM) rat model. It was found that the upregulation of
      ER stress markers and apoptotic molecules developed over time. It was also
      demonstrated that anti-apoptotic markers and proapoptotic markers were activated
      early following model establishment, and then decreased in months 4 and 5. The
      changes in myocardial fibrosis were found to accelerate in a time-dependent
      manner with apoptosis in the DM rats. 

PMID- 27121168
TI  - Prospective study on microangiopathy in type 2 diabetic foot ulcer.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We investigated the significance of microangiopathy in the
      development of foot ulcer, which is still disputed. METHODS: We assessed
      microangiopathy by histological analysis of the capillary ultrastructure using
      transmission electron microscopy and capillary density and arteriolar morphology
      in paraffin-embedded sections from the skin of type 2 diabetic patients: 30
      neuroischaemic patients (Isc) revascularised with peripheral angioplasty and 30
      neuropathic patients (Neu) with foot ulcer, compared with ten non-diabetic
      volunteers. RESULTS: In the diabetic patients, capillaries in the dermal
      papillary layer were fewer (-22.2%, 159 +/- 43 vs 205 +/- 52 mm(2) in non
      diabetic volunteers, p < 0.01). They also showed detrimental remodelling, with a
      2.2-fold increase in capillary basement membrane thickness (3.44 +/- 1.19 vs 1.53
      +/- 0.34 MUm in non-diabetic volunteers, p < 0.001) and a 57.7% decrease in lumen
      area (14.6 +/- 11.1 vs 34.7 +/- 27.5 MUm(2), p < 0.001). No differences were
      observed between the diabetic Isc or Neu patients. Isc were more prone to develop
      arteriolar occlusion than Neu (16.8 +/- 6.9% vs 6.7 +/- 3.7%, respectively, p <
      0.001). No patient had been amputated at 30 days and healing time was
      significantly longer in Isc (180 +/- 120 vs 64 +/- 50 days in Neu, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Capillary microangiopathy is present in equal measure
      in neuroischaemic and neuropathic diabetic foot skin. The predominance of
      arteriolar occlusions with neuroischaemia indicated the existence of an
      additional 'small vessel disease' that did not affect an effective
      revascularisation and did not worsen the prognosis of major amputations but
      slowed the healing process of the neuroischaemic foot ulcer. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02610036.

PMID- 27121169
TI  - Histopathological alterations, biochemical responses and acetylcholinesterase
      levels in Clarias gariepinus as biomarkers of exposure to organophosphates
      pesticides.
AB  - Organophosphate pesticides, commonly used in large scale farming, have been found
      to be major contaminants in aquatic environment. Clarias gariepinus was exposed
      to acute and sublethal concentrations of phostoxin and DD Force to evaluate
      single and joint action toxicity of the organophosphates. Effects of phostoxin
      and DD force on antioxidant enzymes, fish organs and acetylcholinesterase levels
      in fingerlings and juveniles of C. gariepinus were also investigated. The lethal
      concentrations (96 h LC50) for phostoxin and DD Force were 0.631 and 1.759 mg/l,
      respectively. The results obtained from the bioassay showed that phostoxin was
      2.8* more toxic than DD Force after exposure of C. gariepinus. Joint action
      toxicity evaluations of phostoxin and DD Force showed that the interaction
      between the chemicals was synergistic (RTU >1). The biochemical responses in the
      exposed fish differed significantly (P < 0.05) from the control fish. The result
      of acetylcholinesterase study revealed significant difference between
      acetylcholinesterase levels in the exposed fish and control, with reduction in
      the acetylcholineterase level in fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of
      phostoxin and DD Force. Haematological studies revealed an increase in WBC, RBC,
      PCV and platelets in the exposed fish. Histopathology of the gills showed
      shortened primary lamellae, loss of secondary lamellae and loss of ceratobrachial
      bones. In the acute toxicity studies, respiratory stress, erratic swimming and
      instant death of fish were observed in the exposed fish. This study reveals that
      changes in histopathology and acetylcholinesterase level are good biomarkers and
      can be successfully used to detect exposure to organophosphates pesticides in
      fish.

PMID- 27121171
TI  - Estimation of Discriminative Feature Subset Using Community Modularity.
AB  - Feature selection (FS) is an important preprocessing step in machine learning and
      data mining. In this paper, a new feature subset evaluation method is proposed by
      constructing a sample graph (SG) in different k-features and applying community
      modularity to select highly informative features as a group. However, these
      features may not be relevant as an individual. Furthermore, relevant in
      dependency rather than irrelevant redundancy among the selected features is
      effectively measured with the community modularity Q value of the sample graph in
      the k-features. An efficient FS method called k-features sample graph feature
      selection is presented. A key property of this approach is that the
      discriminative cues of a feature subset with the maximum relevant in-dependency
      among features can be accurately determined. This community modularity-based
      method is then verified with the theory of k-means cluster. Compared with other
      state-of-the-art methods, the proposed approach is more effective, as verified by
      the results of several experiments.

PMID- 27121170
TI  - Objective assessment of mastication predominance in healthy dentate subjects and
      patients with unilateral posterior missing teeth.
AB  - We aimed to investigate mastication predominance in healthy dentate individuals
      and patients with unilateral posterior missing teeth using objective and
      subjective methods. The sample comprised 50 healthy dentate individuals (healthy
      dentate group) and 30 patients with unilateral posterior missing teeth (partially
      edentulous group). Subjects were asked to freely chew three kinds of test foods
      (peanuts, beef jerky and chewing gum). Electromyographic activity of the
      bilateral masseter muscles was recorded. The chewing side (right side or left
      side) was judged by the level of root mean square electromyographic amplitude.
      Mastication predominance was then objectively assessed using the mastication
      predominant score and the mastication predominant index. Self-awareness of
      mastication predominance was evaluated using a modified visual analogue scale.
      Mastication predominance scores of the healthy dentate and partially edentulous
      groups for each test food were analysed. There was a significant difference in
      the distribution of the mastication predominant index between the two groups (P <
      0.05). The mastication predominant score was weakly correlated with self
      awareness of mastication predominance in the healthy dentate group, whereas
      strong correlation was observed in the partially edentulous group (P < 0.05). The
      results suggest that the individuals with missing unilateral posterior teeth
      exhibited greater mastication predominance and were more aware of mastication
      predominance than healthy dentate individuals. Our findings suggest that an
      objective evaluation of mastication predominance is more precise than a
      subjective method. 

PMID- 27121172
TI  - Auxin-mediated lamina growth in tomato leaves is restricted by two parallel
      mechanisms.
AB  - In the development of tomato compound leaves, local auxin maxima points,
      separated by the expression of the Aux/IAA protein SlIAA9/ENTIRE (E), direct the
      formation of discrete leaflets along the leaf margin. The local auxin maxima
      promote leaflet initiation, while E acts between leaflets to inhibit auxin
      response and lamina growth, enabling leaflet separation. Here, we show that a
      group of auxin response factors (ARFs), which are targeted by miR160, antagonizes
      auxin response and lamina growth in conjunction with E. In wild-type leaf
      primordia, the miR160-targeted ARFs SlARF10A and SlARF17 are expressed in
      leaflets, and SlmiR160 is expressed in provascular tissues. Leaf overexpression
      of the miR160-targeted ARFs SlARF10A, SlARF10B or SlARF17, led to reduced lamina
      and increased leaf complexity, and suppressed auxin response in young leaves. In
      agreement, leaf overexpression of miR160 resulted in simplified leaves due to
      ectopic lamina growth between leaflets, reminiscent of e leaves. Genetic
      interactions suggest that E and miR160-targeted ARFs act partially redundantly
      but are both required for local inhibition of lamina growth between initiating
      leaflets. These results show that different types of auxin signal antagonists act
      cooperatively to ensure leaflet separation in tomato leaf margins.

PMID- 27121174
TI  - Effect of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expressed by foetal fibroblasts on melanoma
      cells.

PMID- 27121176
TI  - A randomized side-by-side study comparing alexandrite laser at different pulse
      durations for port wine stains.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pulsed dye laser (PDL) represents the gold-standard
      treatment for port wine stains (PWS). However, approximately 20% of patients are
      poor responders and yield unsatisfactory end-results. The Alexandrite (Alex)
      laser may be a therapeutic alternative for selected PWS subgroups, but optimal
      laser parameters are not known. The aim of this study was to assess clinical PWS
      clearance and safety of Alex laser at a range of pulse durations. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Sixteen individuals (14 previously PDL-treated) with deep red (n = 4),
      purple macular (n = 5) and purple hypertrophic (n = 7) PWS were included. Four
      side-by-side test areas were marked within each lesion. Three test areas were
      randomized to Alex laser at pulse durations of 3, 5, or 10 ms (8 mm spot, DCD
      60/40), while the fourth was untreated. The lowest effective fluence to create
      purpura within the entire test spot was titrated and applied to intervention
      areas. Standardized clinical photographs were taken prior to, immediately after
      laser exposure and at 6-8 weeks follow up. Clinical PWS clearance and laser
      related side effects were assessed using clinical photos. RESULTS: Alex laser at
      3, 5, and 10 ms pulse durations demonstrated significant clearance compared to
      untreated controls (P < 0.001). Three milli second pulse duration exhibited
      improved clearance versus 5 ms (P = 0.016) and 10 ms (P = 0.004), while no
      difference between five and 10 ms was shown (P = 0.063). Though not significant,
      good responders (>50% clearance) were more likely to have purple hypertrophic PWS
      (5/7) compared to purple macular (2/5) and deep red lesions (1/4). Eight laser
      exposed test areas (17%) developed hypopigmented atrophic scarring. Side effects
      tended to be more frequently observed with 5 ms (n = 4) and 10 ms (n = 3) versus
      3 ms pulse duration (n = 1). Correspondingly, 3 ms was associated with a superior
      (n = 6) or comparable (n = 10) overall cosmetic appearance for all individuals.
      CONCLUSION: Alex laser at 3 ms pulse duration offers superior clinical clearance
      and safety compared to 5 and 10 ms, and seems best suited for purple hypertrophic
      PWS. Treatment should be restricted to experienced personnel due to a
      particularly narrow therapeutic window. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:97-103, 2017. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121177
TI  - pulSED: pulsed sonoelectrodeposition of fractal nanoplatinum for enhancing
      amperometric biosensor performance.
AB  - For the first time, we combine pulsed electrodeposition with out-of-phase pulsed
      sonication for controlled synthesis of fractal nanoplatinum structures as the
      transducer layer in electrochemical sensing. We develop and test this technique,
      called bimodal pulsed sonoelectrodeposition (pulSED), as a simple approach for
      creating highly conductive transducer nanometals for use in sensing and
      biosensing. We first compared the efficiency of pulSED nanoplatinum to other
      pulsed electrodeposition techniques, and then explored the effect of duty cycle
      and plating time on electroactive surface area and nanoparticle size/morphology.
      The developed pulSED nanoplatinum displayed fractal features with a relatively
      homogenous size distribution (26.31 +/- 1.3 nm) and extremely high electroactive
      surface (0.28 +/- 0.04 cm(2)) relative to other electroplating techniques (up to
      one order of magnitude higher). A high duty cycle (900 mHz) promotes formation of
      stable nanostructures (including fractal nanostructures) and reduces amorphous
      structure formation due to bubble cavitation and enhanced mass transport of metal
      ions to the electrode surface. To demonstrate the applicability of the pulSED
      technique, non-enzymatic and enzymatic sensors were developed for measuring
      hydrogen peroxide and glucose. The sensitivity for non-enzymatic peroxide sensing
      (3335 +/- 305 MUA cm(-2) mM(-1)), non-enzymatic glucose sensing (73 +/- 14 MUA
      cm(-2) mM(-1)) and enzymatic glucose biosensing (155 +/- 25 MUA cm(-2) mM(-1))
      was higher than, or similar to, other nanomaterial-mediated amperometric sensors
      reported in the literature. The pulSED technique is a one pot method for tunable
      synthesis of nanometal structures as a transducer layer in electrochemical
      sensing and biosensing that requires no precursors or capping agents, and can be
      carried out at room temperature with inexpensive hardware. 

PMID- 27121178
TI  - Descriptive review of tuberculosis surveillance systems across the circumpolar
      regions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is highly prevalent in many Arctic areas. Members of the
      International Circumpolar Surveillance Tuberculosis (ICS-TB) Working Group
      collaborate to increase knowledge about tuberculosis in Arctic regions.
      OBJECTIVE: To establish baseline knowledge of tuberculosis surveillance systems
      used by ICS-TB member jurisdictions. DESIGN: Three questionnaires were developed
      to reflect the different surveillance levels (local, regional and national); all
      3 were forwarded to the official representative of each of the 15 ICS-TB member
      jurisdictions in 2013. Respondents self-identified the level of surveillance
      conducted in their region and completed the applicable questionnaire. Information
      collected included surveillance system objectives, case definitions, data
      collection methodology, storage and dissemination. RESULTS: Thirteen ICS-TB
      jurisdictions [Canada (Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavik, Nunavut, Yukon),
      Finland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Russian Federation (Arkhangelsk, Khanty
      Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, Yakutia (Sakha Republic), United States (Alaska)]
      voluntarily completed the survey - representing 2 local, 7 regional and 4
      national levels. Tuberculosis reporting is mandatory in all jurisdictions, and
      case definitions are comparable across regions. The common objectives across
      systems are to detect outbreaks, and inform the evaluation/planning of public
      health programmes and policies. All jurisdictions collect data on confirmed
      active tuberculosis cases and treatment outcomes; 11 collect contact tracing
      results. Faxing of standardized case reporting forms is the most common reporting
      method. Similar core data elements are collected; 8 regions report genotyping
      results. Data are stored using customized programmes (n=7) and commercial
      software (n=6). Nine jurisdictions provide monthly, bi-annual or annual reports
      to principally government and/or scientific/medical audiences. CONCLUSION: This
      review successfully establishes baseline knowledge on similarities and
      differences among circumpolar tuberculosis surveillance systems. The similarity
      in case definitions will allow for description of the epidemiology of TB based on
      surveillance data in circumpolar regions, further study of tuberculosis trends
      across regions, and recommendation of best practices to improve surveillance
      activities.

PMID- 27121179
TI  - Etiquette for medical students' email communication with faculty members: a
      single-institution study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Email is widely used as a means of communication between faculty
      members and students in medical education because of its practical and
      educational advantages. However, because of the distinctive nature of medical
      education, students' inappropriate email etiquette may adversely affect their
      learning as well as faculty members' perception of them. Little data on medical
      students' competency in professional email writing is available; therefore, this
      study explored the strengths and weaknesses of medical students' email etiquette
      and factors that contribute to professional email writing. METHODS: A total of
      210 emails from four faculty members at Seoul National University College of
      Medicine were collected. An evaluation criteria and a scoring rubric were
      developed based on the various email-writing guidelines. The rubric comprised 10
      items, including nine items for evaluation related to the email components and
      one item for the assessment of global impression of politeness. Three evaluators
      independently assessed all emails according to the criteria. RESULTS: Students
      were identified as being 61.0% male and 52.8% were in the undergraduate-entry
      program. The sum of each component score was 62.21 out of 100 and the mean value
      for global impression was 2.6 out of 4. The results demonstrated that students'
      email etiquettes remained low-to-mediocre for most criteria, except for
      readability and honorifics. Three criteria, salutation (r=0.668), closing
      (r=0.653), and sign-off (r=0.646), showed a strong positive correlation with the
      global impression of politeness. Whether a student entered a graduate-entry
      program or an undergraduate-entry program significantly contributed to
      professional email writing after other variables were controlled. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although students in the graduate-entry program demonstrated a relatively
      superior level of email etiquette, the majority of medical students did not write
      emails professionally. Educating all medical students in email etiquette may well
      contribute to the improvement of student-faculty relationships as well as their
      email writing.

PMID- 27121180
TI  - Antioxidant properties of formula derived Maillard reaction products in colons of
      intrauterine growth restricted pigs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: the present study has been conducted to evaluate the impact of the
      consumption of high MRP formula on changes in the microbiota and the oxidative
      status, during development, in the colons of intrauterine growth restricted
      (IUGR) juvenile pigs. METHODS: over a 3-week period, fifteen-day old piglets
      received formula with two different heat treatments. A formula heated at high
      temperature (HHF, n = 8) and another one heated at a low temperature (LHF, n =
      8). After weaning, animals were fed, ad libitum, a solid diet until postnatal day
      54 (PND54). The diversity and composition of the major microbiota were analyzed
      by CE SSCP and qPCR at postnatal day 36 (PND36) and PND54. Protein oxidation
      levels, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, catalase (CAT), manganese
      dependent superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD), NFkappaB and inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS) gene expression were measured in the colon at the juvenile stage
      (PND54). RESULTS: HHF resulted in a significant decrease in bacterial diversity
      in the colon at PND36. An increase in the total count of Bifidobacteria,
      Lactobacillus, Bacteroidetes and Enterobacteria, without major changes in total
      microbiota was evidenced by qPCR, suggesting qualitative changes in the bacterial
      population of the HHF group. The imbalance of microbiota observed at PND36 was
      significantly modified at PND54, when animals received a solid diet. Colon GPX
      activity (p < 0.05) and gene expression of CAT and iNOS were significantly (p <
      0.05) upregulated in the HHF group. No differences in the total protein oxidation
      and carbonyl score were found in the HHF group. Colon redox enzyme gene
      expression and pro-inflammatory factor NFkappaB negatively correlated (p < 0.05)
      with the bacterial population, suggesting the involvement of certain phyla in
      controlling the oxidative status of the IUGR piglets, fed on the high AGE
      formula. CONCLUSION: during development, consuming a high load MRP formula was
      associated with a major modification in the diversity and composition of the
      microbiota. The onset of an IUGR adaptive oxidant defense mechanism was found to
      counteract the oxidative stress induced by the presence of MRPs in formula.

PMID- 27121181
TI  - Can the parasitoid Necremnus tutae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) improve existing
      biological control of the tomato leafminer Tuta aboluta (Lepidoptera:
      Gelechiidae)?
AB  - Necremnus tutae is native to the Mediterranean region where it has been observed
      in greenhouses parasitizing the invasive Tuta absoluta on tomato. The objective
      of the present study was to determine whether augmentative releases of N. tutae
      can improve existing biological control of T. absoluta based on predation by
      Nesidicoris tenuis. Two experiments were carried out, of which the first
      evaluated different N. tutae release rates (1 and 2 N. tutae m-2 week-1). The
      parasitoid reduced plant and fruit damage, especially at the higher rate.
      However, such reduction was considered insufficient given the large numbers of
      parasitoids needed and still unacceptable level of fruit damage. The second
      experiment focused on combining the most efficient rate of N. tutae of those
      evaluated during the first experiment, with the pre- and post-planting release of
      N. tenuis and supplemental additions of Ephestia kuehniella eggs. Addition of N.
      tutae decreased leaf damage by T. absoluta regardless the release method for N.
      tenuis, but the pre-plant release of N. tenuis alone was sufficient to prevent
      fruit damage by T. absoluta. This suggested that the addition of N. tutae may not
      be necessary to obtain satisfactory control of T. absoluta following pre-plant
      application of N. tenuis, although different options for using N. tutae in
      commercial crops may still be possible. 

PMID- 27121182
TI  - Effects of Carbon Allotrope Interface on the Photoactivity of Rutile One
      Dimensional (1D) TiO2 Coated with Anatase TiO2 and Sensitized with CdS
      Nanocrystals.
AB  - The assembly of a large-bandgap one-dimensional (1D) oxide-conductive carbon
      chalcogenide nanocomposite and its surface, optical, and photoelectrochemical
      properties are presented. Microscopy, surface analysis, and optical spectroscopy
      results are reported to provide insights into the assembly of the nanostructure.
      We have investigated (i) how the various carbon allotropes (C60), reduced
      graphene oxide (RGO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene quantum dots (GQDs)
      can be integrated at the interface of the 1D TiO2 and zero-dimensional (0D) CdS
      nanocrystals; (ii) the carbon allotrope and CdS loading effects; (iii) the impact
      of the carbon allotrope presence on 0D CdS nanocrystals; and (iv) how they
      promote light absorbance. Subsequently, the functioning of the integrated
      nanostructured assembly in a photoelectrochemical cell has been systematically
      investigated. These studies include (i) chronoamperometry, (ii) impedance
      measurements or EIS, and (iii) linear sweep voltammetry. The results indicate
      that the presence of a GQD interface shows the most enhancement in the
      photoelectrochemical properties. The optimized photocurrent values were
      respectively noted to be 2.8, 2.2, 1.9, and 1.6 mA/cm(2), indicating JGQD > JRGO
      > JCNT > Jfullerene. Furthermore, the annealing conditions have indicated that
      ammonia treatment leads to an increase in the photoelectrochemical responses when
      using any form of the carbon allotropes. 

PMID- 27121183
TI  - Incidence and outcome of cardiac injury in patients with severe head trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although cardiac injury has been reported in patients with various
      neurological conditions, few data report cardiac injury in patients with
      traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this work is to report the incidence of
      cardiac injury in patients with TBI and its impact on patient outcome. METHODS: A
      prospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of 50 patients with
      severe TBI. Only patients with isolated severe TBI defined as Glascow coma scale
      (GCS) < 8 were included in the study. Acute physiology and chronic health
      evaluation (APACHE) II score, GCS, hemodynamic data, serum Troponin I,
      electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiographic examination, and patients' outcome
      were recorded. A neurogenic cardiac injury score (NCIS) was calculated for all
      patients (rising troponin = 1, abnormal echocardiography = 1, hypotension = 1).
      Univariate and multivariate analyses for risk factors for mortality were done for
      all risk factors. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Fifty patients were included; age was
      31 +/- 12, APACHE II was 21 +/- 5, and male patients were 45 (90 %). Troponin I
      was elevated in 27 (54 %) patients, abnormal echocardiography and hypotension
      were documented in 14 (28 %) and 16 (32 %) patients, respectively. The in
      hospital mortality was 36 %. Risk factors for mortality by univariate analysis
      were age, GCS, APACHE II score, serum troponin level, NCIS, and hypotension.
      However, in multivariate analysis, the only two independent risk factors for
      mortality were APACHE II score (OR = 1.25, 95 % confidence interval: 1.02-1.54, P
      = 0.03) and NCIS score (OR = 8.38, 95 % confidence interval: 1.44-48.74, P =
      0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac injury is common in patients with TBI and is
      associated with increased mortality. The association of high NCIS and poor
      outcome in these patients warrants a further larger study.

PMID- 27121184
TI  - Identification and functional analysis of the HvD14 gene involved in
      strigolactone signaling in Hordeum vulgare.
AB  - In this study, the barley HvD14 gene encoding alpha/beta hydrolase, which is
      involved in strigolactone (SL) signaling, was identified. Bioinformatics analysis
      revealed that the identified gene is an orthologue of the D14, AtD14 and PhDAD2
      genes that have been described in rice, Arabidopsis thaliana and petunia,
      respectively. Using TILLING strategy, an hvd14.d mutant that carried the G725A
      transition, located in the second exon, was identified. This mutation led to the
      substitution of a highly conserved glycine-193 to glutamic acid in the conserved
      fragment of the alpha/beta hydrolase domain of the HvD14 protein. The plants that
      carry the hvd14.d allele were semi-dwarf and produced a higher number of tillers
      in comparison to the wild-type (WT) parent cultivar. Additionally, the root
      architecture of mutant plants was affected: the total length of the seminal roots
      was significantly reduced, and the density of the lateral roots was higher than
      in the WT. Plants with the hvd14.d allele were insensitive to treatment with
      GR24, which is the synthetic analogue of SL. Analysis of the indole-3-acetic acid
      (IAA) concentration in the lateral buds showed no differences between the WT and
      mutant plants. By contrast, the WT seedlings treated with GR24 developed a lower
      number of tillers, longer primary roots with a reduced number of lateral roots
      and had an increased concentration of IAA in lateral buds. This paper describes
      the first barley SL mutant and shows the potential functions of SLs in barley
      growth and development.

PMID- 27121186
TI  - New Therapeutic Applications of Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors (PDE5-Is).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) sildenafil, vardenafil,
      tadalafil and the recently approved avanafil represent the first-line choice for
      both on-demand and chronic treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). In addition to
      this, sildenafil and tadalafil, have also been approved for the treatment of
      pulmonary arterial hypertension. Due to its expression and localization in many
      tissues, PDE5 and its regulation has been reported to be involved in several
      other diseases. OBJECTIVE: We aim to provide an updated overview of the emerging
      therapeutic applications of PDE5-Is besides ED, taking into account the latest
      ongoing research reports. METHODS: We searched online databases (Pubmed, Reaxys,
      Scopus) to lay the bases for an accurate, quality criteria-based literature
      update. We focused our attention on most recent research reports, in particular
      when supported by pre-clinical and clinical data. RESULTS: The regulation of PDE5
      may influence pathological conditions such as, among the others, heart failure,
      cystic fibrosis, cancer, CNS-related diseases, diabetes and dysfunctions
      affecting male urinary/reproductive system. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil, vardenafil,
      tadalafil and the other chemical entities considered PDE5-Is showed overall
      positive results and significant improvements in the studied disease, thus some
      discordant results, in particular when comparing pre-clinical and clinical data,
      have to be pointed out, suggesting that further insights are needed especially to
      assess the exact molecular pathway underlying.

PMID- 27121185
TI  - Affect school and script analysis versus basic body awareness therapy in the
      treatment of psychological symptoms in patients with diabetes and high HbA1c
      concentrations: two study protocols for two randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression is linked with alexithymia, anxiety, high HbA1c
      concentrations, disturbances of cortisol secretion, increased prevalence of
      diabetes complications and all-cause mortality. The psycho-educational method
      'affect school with script analysis' and the mind-body therapy 'basic body
      awareness treatment' will be trialled in patients with diabetes, high HbA1c
      concentrations and psychological symptoms. The primary outcome measure is change
      in symptoms of depression. Secondary outcome measures are changes in HbA1c
      concentrations, midnight salivary cortisol concentration, symptoms of
      alexithymia, anxiety, self-image measures, use of antidepressants, incidence of
      diabetes complications and mortality. METHODS: Two studies will be performed.
      Study I is an open-labeled parallel-group study with a two-arm randomized
      controlled trial design. Patients are randomized to either affect school with
      script analysis or to basic body awareness treatment. According to power
      calculations, 64 persons are required in each intervention arm at the last follow
      up session. Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were recruited from one
      hospital diabetes outpatient clinic in 2009. The trial will be completed in 2016.
      Study II is a multicentre open-labeled parallel-group three-arm randomized
      controlled trial. Patients will be randomized to affect school with script
      analysis, to basic body awareness treatment, or to treatment as usual. Power
      calculations show that 70 persons are required in each arm at the last follow-up
      session. Patients with type 2 diabetes will be recruited from primary care. This
      study will start in 2016 and finish in 2023. For both studies, the inclusion
      criteria are: HbA1c concentration >=62.5 mmol/mol; depression, alexithymia,
      anxiety or a negative self-image; age 18-59 years; and diabetes duration >=1
      year. The exclusion criteria are pregnancy, severe comorbidities, cognitive
      deficiencies or inadequate Swedish. Depression, anxiety, alexithymia and self
      image are assessed using self-report instruments. HbA1c concentration, midnight
      salivary cortisol concentration, blood pressure, serum lipid concentrations and
      anthropometrics are measured. Data are collected from computerized medical
      records and the Swedish national diabetes and causes of death registers.
      DISCUSSION: Whether the "affect school with script analysis" will reduce
      psychological symptoms, increase emotional awareness and improve diabetes related
      factors will be tried, and compared to "basic body awareness treatment" and
      treatment as usual. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01714986.

PMID- 27121187
TI  - The Importance of Melatonin and Mitochondria Interaction in Mood Disorders and
      Schizophrenia: A Current Assessment.
AB  - Mitochondria play a critical role in regulating cellular functions, such as redox
      signaling, calcium homeostasis, and apoptosis. Also, mitochondria are crucial for
      neurogenesis and neuronal functions. Melatonin is an indole analog hormone, which
      is generally produced by the pineal gland. It plays a vital role in circadian
      rhythm and act as a powerful antioxidant by scavenging free radicals,
      immunomodulators, and anticancer agents. Schizophrenia and mood disorders are the
      two major psychiatric disorders. Disturbances of sleep and circadian rhythms are
      well-known symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders (bipolar disorder, major
      depression). Since melatonin has a regulator effect on circadian rhythm and sleep
      quality, it has a close interaction with schizophrenia and mood disorders.
      Herein, we aimed to summarize the effects of melatonin on mitochondrial activity
      in schizophrenia and mood disorders. 

PMID- 27121188
TI  - Current Progresses and Trends in the Development of Progesterone Receptor
      Modulators.
AB  - The progesterone receptor (PR) is a ligand-activated steroid receptor in the
      nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of transcription factor. Besides gynecological
      and obstetrical indications, the involvement/mechanism of PR in many other
      diseases, such as oncology, neurology, immunology, etc. has been revealed and
      studied in recent decades. Therapeutic agents that selectively activate or
      inhibit PR have been developed. PR agonists have generally been used in oral
      contraception and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT), typically in
      combination with estrogens. PR antagonists and selective PR modulators (SPRMs)
      can be useful therapies for hormone dependent breast and prostate cancers,
      nonmalignant chronic conditions such as fibroids, and endometriosis. This review
      provides an overview and detailed discussions about the recent development of
      chemical structures of the PR ligands, their structural characteristics
      (particularly those contributing to their activity and selectivity), in vitro/in
      vivo studies and clinical trial outcomes, and the synthetic methodologies. 

PMID- 27121189
TI  - Impact of Macrophages in Atherosclerosis.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is driven by inflammation, with a strong involvement of innate
      immunity, and involves an expansion of the arterial intima, a normally small area
      composed of several cell types including smooth muscle cells, lipids, monocytes,
      macrophages, dendritic cells, and extracellular matrix. Macrophages derived from
      recruited monocytes are predominant innate immune cells that play crucial roles
      in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. Human atherosclerotic plaques have
      shown that macrophage subsets within a plaque might be more useful for explaining
      plaque phenotype than just simply giving the total number of macrophages.
      Therefore, recognizing the roles of macrophage subsets in atherosclerotic plaque
      formation, progression, and regression would be most helpful for identification
      of novel strategies to stabilize, or attenuate atherosclerotic lesions. This
      review discusses the impact of macrophage subsets and their roles in
      atherosclerosis. 

PMID- 27121190
TI  - Juvenile idiopathic arthritis-associated uveitis.
AB  - Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease of
      childhood, with JIA-associated uveitis its most common extra-articular
      manifestation. JIA-associated uveitis is a potentially sight-threatening
      condition and thus carries a considerable risk of morbidity. The aetiology of the
      condition is autoimmune in nature with the predominant involvement of CD4(+) T
      cells. However, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear, particularly
      regarding interplay between genetic and environmental factors. JIA-associated
      uveitis comes in several forms, but the most common presentation is of the
      chronic anterior uveitis type. This condition is usually asymptomatic and thus
      screening for JIA-associated uveitis in at-risk patients is paramount. Early
      detection and treatment aims to stop inflammation and prevent the development of
      complications leading to visual loss, which can occur due to both active disease
      and burden of disease treatment. Visually disabling complications of JIA
      associated uveitis include cataracts, glaucoma, band keratopathy and macular
      oedema. There is a growing body of evidence for the early introduction of
      systemic immunosuppressive therapies in order to reduce topical and systemic
      glucocorticoid use. This includes more traditional treatments, such as
      methotrexate, as well as newer biological therapies. This review highlights the
      epidemiology of JIA-associated uveitis, the underlying pathogenesis and how
      affected patients may present. The current guidelines and criteria for screening,
      diagnosis and monitoring are discussed along with approaches to management. 

PMID- 27121191
TI  - Cancer stem cells are underestimated by standard experimental methods in clear
      cell renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Rare cancer stem cells (CSC) are proposed to be responsible for tumour
      propagation and re-initiation and are functionally defined by identifying tumour
      initiating cells (TICs) using the xenotransplantation limiting dilution assay
      (LDA). While TICs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) appeared rare in
      NOD/SCID/IL2Rgamma(-/-) (NSG) mice, xenografts formed more efficiently from small
      tumour fragments, indicating the LDA underestimated ccRCC TIC frequency.
      Mechanistic interrogation of the LDA identified multiple steps that influence
      ccRCC TIC quantitation. For example, tissue disaggregation destroys most ccRCC
      cells, common assays significantly overestimate tumour cell viability, and
      microenvironmental supplementation with human extracellular factors or
      pharmacological inhibition of anoikis increase clonogenicity and tumourigenicity
      of ccRCC cell lines and primary tumour cells. Identification of these previously
      uncharacterized concerns that cumulatively lead to substantial underestimation of
      TICs in ccRCC provides a framework for development of more accurate TIC assays in
      the future, both for this disease and for other cancers.

PMID- 27121192
TI  - Discovery of a novel glucose metabolism in cancer: The role of endoplasmic
      reticulum beyond glycolysis and pentose phosphate shunt.
AB  - Cancer metabolism is characterized by an accelerated glycolytic rate facing
      reduced activity of oxidative phosphorylation. This "Warburg effect" represents a
      standard to diagnose and monitor tumor aggressiveness with (18)F
      fluorodeoxyglucose whose uptake is currently regarded as an accurate index of
      total glucose consumption. Studying cancer metabolic response to respiratory
      chain inhibition by metformin, we repeatedly observed a reduction of tracer
      uptake facing a marked increase in glucose consumption. This puzzling discordance
      brought us to discover that (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose preferentially accumulates
      within endoplasmic reticulum by exploiting the catalytic function of hexose-6
      phosphate-dehydrogenase. Silencing enzyme expression and activity decreased both
      tracer uptake and glucose consumption, caused severe energy depletion and
      decreased NADPH content without altering mitochondrial function. These data
      document the existence of an unknown glucose metabolism triggered by hexose-6
      phosphate-dehydrogenase within endoplasmic reticulum of cancer cells. Besides its
      basic relevance, this finding can improve clinical cancer diagnosis and might
      represent potential target for therapy.

PMID- 27121194
TI  - Comprehensive evaluation and validation of targeted next-generation sequencing
      performance in two clinical laboratories.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has led to breakthroughs for genetic and genomic
      analyses and personalized medicine approaches for many diseases. More and more
      clinical laboratories are using NGS as a genetic screening tool for providing
      mutation information that is used to select the best treatment regimens for
      cancer patients. However, several obstacles prevent the routine implementation of
      NGS technology into the clinical molecular diagnosis setting: the sophisticated
      sample preparation process, high cost, time-consuming data analyses, as well as
      the reproducibility and accuracy of interpretation. To systematically evaluate
      the performance and quality of targeted NGS cancer panel analyses in clinical
      laboratories, we performed three different tests: i) laboratory-to-laboratory
      accuracy test, ii) intra-laboratory precision validation, and iii) limit of
      detection test, using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cancer tissue specimens,
      cell lines and mutation positive DNA. A laboratory-to-laboratory accuracy test
      performed using 51 samples showed 100% sensitivity and 99.97% specificity. For
      the intra-laboratory precision test, 100% reproducibility was observed. For the
      limit of detection test, KRAS mutations from samples diluted from 70 to 2% of
      mutant allele frequencies were detected correctly. We believe that the present
      study demonstrated the feasibility of clinical implementation of a targeted NGS
      cancer panel analysis for personalized medicine. 

PMID- 27121193
TI  - Tolerance of citrus plants to the combination of high temperatures and drought is
      associated to the increase in transpiration modulated by a reduction in abscisic
      acid levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In natural environments, several adverse environmental conditions
      occur simultaneously constituting a unique stress factor. In this work,
      physiological parameters and the hormonal regulation of Carrizo citrange and
      Cleopatra mandarin, two citrus genotypes, in response to the combined action of
      high temperatures and water deprivation were studied. The objective was to
      characterize particular responses to the stress combination. RESULTS: Experiments
      indicated that Carrizo citrange is more tolerant to the stress combination than
      Cleopatra mandarin. Furthermore, an experimental design spanning 24 h stress
      duration, heat stress applied alone induced higher stomatal conductance and
      transpiration in both genotypes whereas combined water deprivation partially
      counteracted this response. Comparing both genotypes, Carrizo citrange showed
      higher phostosystem-II efficiency and lower oxidative damage than Cleopatra
      mandarin. Hormonal profiling in leaves revealed that salicylic acid (SA)
      accumulated in response to individual stresses but to a higher extent in samples
      subjected to the combination of heat and drought (showing an additive response).
      SA accumulation correlated with the up-regulation of pathogenesis-related gene 2
      (CsPR2), as a downstream response. On the contrary, abscisic acid (ABA)
      accumulation was higher in water-stressed plants followed by that observed in
      plants under stress combination. ABA signaling in these plants was confirmed by
      the expression of responsive to ABA-related gene 18 (CsRAB18). Modulation of ABA
      levels was likely carried out by the induction of 9-neoxanthin cis
      epoxicarotenoid dioxygenase (CsNCED) and ABA 8'-hydroxylase (CsCYP707A) while
      conversion to ABA-glycosyl ester (ABAGE) was a less prominent process despite the
      strong induction of ABA O-glycosyl transferase (CsAOG). CONCLUSIONS: Cleopatra
      mandarin is more susceptible to the combination of high temperatures and water
      deprivation than Carrizo citrange. This is likely a result of a higher
      transpiration rate in Carrizo that could allow a more efficient cooling of leaf
      surface ensuring optimal CO2 intake. Hence, SA induction in Cleopatra was not
      sufficient to protect PSII from photoinhibition, resulting in higher
      malondialdehyde (MDA) build-up. Inhibition of ABA accumulation during heat stress
      and combined stresses was achieved primarily through the up-regulation of
      CsCYP707A leading to phaseic acid (PA) and dehydrophaseic acid (DPA) production.
      To sum up, data indicate that specific physiological responses to the combination
      of heat and drought exist in citrus. In addition, these responses are differently
      modulated depending on the particular stress tolerance of citrus genotypes.

PMID- 27121195
TI  - Outcome of penile prosthesis implantation: are malleable prostheses an
      appropriate treatment option in patients with erectile dysfunction caused by
      prior radical surgery?
AB  - The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcome of penile prosthesis
      implantation in patients with various comorbidities as a cause of erectile
      dysfunction (ED). The data of 181 patients who underwent surgery between 1998 and
      2012 in two centers were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 52.2 years
      (range: 31-71 years). The study group contained 162 patients (89.5%) with
      malleable prostheses and 19 (10.5%) with inflatable implants. All patients were
      re-evaluated 1 month later to assess prosthesis function and complications, and
      further re-examinations were performed if needed. Satisfaction was defined as
      having satisfactory intercourse and happiness with the device in general. The
      follow-up period was at least 12 months for each patient. The postoperative
      complication rate was 32% (n = 58). The number of complications with inflatable
      and malleable prostheses was 7 (3.9%) and 51 (28.1%), respectively. Overall, 21
      prostheses (11.6%) had to be removed because of various complications and patient
      dissatisfaction. Patients with prior radical surgery had higher extraction rates
      (lambda = 14.606, P < 0.05, Chi-square test). The main reasons for removal were
      erosion (n = 11; 6.1%) and infection (n = 3; 2.1%). With respect to satisfaction
      during intercourse, we found that 104 (57.5%) patients described themselves as
      very satisfied with the prosthesis, while 21 (11.6%) were unsatisfied. The high
      explantation rate in patients with prior surgery was remarkable in our study. Our
      results revealed that a malleable prosthesis should not be the preferred type of
      implant for patients with prior surgery.

PMID- 27121196
TI  - Heterogeneous malaria transmission in long-term Afghan refugee populations: a
      cross-sectional study in five refugee camps in northern Pakistan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Afghan refugees in northern Pakistan have been resident for over 30
      years and current information on malaria in this population is sparse.
      Understanding malaria risk and distribution in refugee camps is important for
      effective management both in camps and on return to Afghanistan. METHODS: Cross
      sectional malariometric surveys were conducted in five Afghan refugee camps to
      determine infection and exposure to both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium
      vivax. Factors associated with malaria infection and exposure were analysed using
      logistic regression, and spatial heterogeneity within camps was investigated with
      SatScan. RESULTS: In this low-transmission setting, prevalence of infection in
      the five camps ranged from 0-0.2 to 0.4-9 % by rapid diagnostic test and 0-1.39
      and 5-15 % by polymerase chain reaction for P. falciparum and P. vivax,
      respectively. Prevalence of anti-malarial antibodies to P. falciparum antigens
      was 3-11 and 17-45 % for P. vivax antigens. Significant foci of P. vivax
      infection and exposure were detected in three of the five camps. Hotspots of P.
      falciparum were also detected in three camps, only one of which also showed
      evidence of P. vivax hotspots. CONCLUSIONS: There is low and spatially
      heterogeneous malaria transmission in the refugee camps in northern Pakistan.
      Understanding malaria risk in refugee camps is important so the malaria risk
      faced by these populations in the camps and upon their return to Afghanistan can
      be effectively managed.

PMID- 27121198
TI  - Biomarkers of exposure, effect, and susceptibility in workers exposed to
      chloronitrobenzenes.
AB  - Biomonitoring methods were applied to workers exposed to high levels of
      chloronitrobenzenes. The external dose, internal dose, biologically effective
      dose, and biological effects were determined. Individual susceptibility was
      assessed by analyzing genetic polymorphisms of glutathione S-transferases M1, P1
      and T1, and N-acetyltransferases 1 and 2. When the markers of exposure and
      susceptibility were compared with the frequency of chromosomal aberrations,
      clinical blood and urine parameters, and health effects typical of
      chloronitrobenzenes exposure, only a few of the comparisons were statistically
      significant. A statistically significantly higher frequency of chromosomal
      aberrations was detected in workers with a high level of hemoglobin-adducts.

PMID- 27121197
TI  - Point-of-sale cigarette marketing and smoking-induced deprivation in smokers:
      results from a population-based survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strict restrictions on outdoor cigarette marketing have resulted in
      increasing concentration of cigarette marketing at the point-of-sale (POS). The
      association between POS cigarette marketing and smoking-induced deprivation (SID)
      has never been studied. The aim of this study was to examine this association and
      how it is mediated by cravings to smoke, urges to buy cigarettes, and unplanned
      purchases of cigarettes. METHODS: Data from a telephone survey of 939 smokers
      were collected in Omaha, Nebraska. POS cigarette marketing was measured by asking
      respondents three questions about noticing pack displays, advertisements, and
      promotions such as cigarette price discounts within their respective
      neighborhoods. SID was measured with the following question: "In the last six
      months, has there been a time when the money you spent on cigarettes resulted in
      not having enough money for household essentials such as food? [yes/no]" We used
      structural equation modeling to examine the study aim. RESULTS: There was
      overwhelming evidence for an association between higher levels of POS cigarette
      marketing and a higher probability of SID (p < 0.001). This association was
      partly mediated by cravings to smoke, urges to buy cigarettes, and unplanned
      purchases of cigarettes during a visit to a neighborhood store (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Given that POS cigarette marketing is associated with a higher
      probability of experiencing SID, policies that ban POS cigarette marketing might
      help some smokers afford essentials household items such as food more easily and
      thus have better standards of living.

PMID- 27121199
TI  - A novel maneuver to facilitate retrograde wire externalization during retrograde
      chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the retrograde approach has improved the success rate and
      procedural efficiency of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI), it can still be challenging and time-consuming. We introduce
      a novel technique that aims to facilitate the critical step of retrograde wire
      externalization during reverse controlled antegrade and retrograde tracking and
      dissection (CART), which we named DRAFT (Deflate, Retract and Advance into the
      Fenestration Technique). MATERIALS AND METHODS: DRAFT is performed by
      simultaneous retraction of the deflating antegrade balloon (after inflation in
      the subintimal space) and advancement of the retrograde looped wire in the same
      plane through the transient fenestrations created by reverse CART, in order to
      cross through the fenestrated dissection flap before its collapse. The retrograde
      wire is then quickly and easily advanced into the antegrade guiding catheter.
      RESULTS: DRAFT was used in 11 patients (8 with right coronary artery and 3 with
      left anterior descending artery CTOs). Several different guidewires were used,
      since this technique does not need any specific wire to be performed. DRAFT was
      successful in all cases, after at most five attempts. CTO PCI was then completed
      as per standard retrograde practice. No complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS:
      DRAFT is a versatile approach that allows easy and quick re-entry of the
      retrograde wire into the true lumen during reverse CART. It can be performed with
      a variety of guidewires and is feasible both in the left and right coronary
      arteries. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121200
TI  - In-situ Liquid Phase Epitaxy: Another Strategy to Synthesize Heterostructured
      Core-shell Composites.
AB  - Core-shell Nb2O5/TiO2 composite with hierarchical heterostructure is successfully
      synthesized In-situ by a facile template-free and acid-free solvothermal method
      based on the mechanism of liquid phase epitaxy. The chemical circumstance change
      induced by the alcoholysis of NbCl5 is utilized tactically to trigger core-shell
      assembling In-situ. The tentative mechanism for the self-assembling of core-shell
      structure and hierarchical structure is explored. The microstructure and
      morphology changes during synthesis process are investigated systematically by
      using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The dramatic alcoholysis of
      NbCl5 has been demonstrated to be the fundamental factor for the formation of the
      spherical core, which changes the acid circumstance of the solution and induces
      the co-precipitation of TiO2. The homogeneous co-existence of Nb2O5/TiO2 in the
      core and the co-existence of Nb/Ti ions in the reaction solution facilitate the
      In-situ nucleation and epitaxial growth of the crystalline shell with the same
      composition as the core. In-situ liquid phase epitaxy can offer a different
      strategy for the core-shell assembling for oxide materials.

PMID- 27121201
TI  - A Macrocyclic Fluorophore Dimer with Flexible Linkers: Bright Excimer Emission
      with a Long Fluorescence Lifetime.
AB  - Bright fluorescent molecules with long fluorescence lifetimes are important for
      the development of lifetime-based fluorescence imaging techniques. Herein, a
      molecular design is described for simultaneously attaining long fluorescence
      lifetime (tau) and high brightness (PhiF *E) in a system that features
      macrocyclic dimerization of fluorescent pi-conjugated skeletons with flexible
      linkers. An alkylene-linked macrocyclic dimer of bis(thienylethynyl)anthracene
      was found to show excimer emission with a long fluorescence lifetime (tau~19 ns)
      in solution, while maintaining high brightness. A comparison with various
      relevant derivatives revealed that the macrocyclic structure and the length of
      the alkylene chains play crucial roles in attaining these properties. In vitro
      time-gated imaging experiments were conducted as a proof-of-principle for the
      superiority of this macrocyclic fluorophore relative to the commercial
      fluorescent dye Alexa Fluor 488.

PMID- 27121202
TI  - Unravelling the effect of anchoring groups on the ground and excited state
      properties of pyrene using computational and spectroscopic methods.
AB  - Anchoring groups play an important role in dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs). In
      order to acquire a suitable anchoring group for DSCs, a deeper understanding of
      the effect of anchoring groups on the ground and excited state properties of the
      dye is significant. In this context, various anchoring group connected pyrene
      derivatives are successfully synthesized and well characterized by using (1)H,
      (13)C-NMR, FT-IR and EI-MS spectrometry. The anchoring groups employed are
      carboxylic acid, malonic acid, acrylic acid, malononitrile, cyanoacrylic acid,
      rhodanine and rhodanine-3-acetic acid. The optimized geometries, HOMO-LUMO energy
      gap, light harvesting efficiency (LHE) and electronic absorption spectra of these
      dyes are studied by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The
      results show that pyrene connected with anchoring groups with weak electron
      pulling strength (PC, PAC and PMC) has a larger HOMO-LUMO energy gap, whereas
      that connected with anchoring groups with strong electron pulling strength (PCC,
      PMN, PR and PRA) has a reduced HOMO-LUMO energy gap. These molecules with a
      reduced energy gap are primarily preferred for DSC applications. Moreover, P, PC,
      PAC and PMC molecules undergo pi->pi* transition, whereas PCC, PMN, PR and PRA
      molecules show significant charge transfer along with pi->pi* transition. UV
      visible absorption spectral studies on these dyes reveal that connecting various
      anchoring groups with different electron pulling abilities enables the pyrene
      chromophore to absorb in the longer wavelength region. Notably, an efficient
      bathochromic shift is observed for PCC, PMN, PR and PRA molecules in both
      electronic absorption and fluorescence spectral measurements, which suggests that
      the excitation is delocalized throughout the entire pi-system of the molecules.
      Both theoretical and spectral studies reveal that dyes with an ICT character
      (PCC, PMN, PR and PRA) are suitable for dye sensitized solar cell applications.

PMID- 27121203
TI  - Linking Subcellular Disturbance to Physiological Behavior and Toxicity Induced by
      Quantum Dots in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - The wide-ranging applications of fluorescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs)
      have triggered increasing concerns about their biosafety. Most QD-related
      toxicity studies focus on the subcellular processes in cultured cells or global
      physiological effects on whole animals. However, it is unclear how QDs affect
      subcellular processes in living organisms, or how the subcellular disturbance
      contributes to the overall toxicity. Here the behavior and toxicity of QDs of
      three different sizes in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) are systematically
      investigated at both the systemic and the subcellular level. Specifically, clear
      size-dependent distribution and toxicity of the QDs in the digestive tract are
      observed. Short-term exposure of QDs leads to acute toxicity on C. elegans, yet
      incurring no lasting, irreversible damage. In contrast, chronic exposure of QDs
      severely inhibits development and shortens lifespan. Subcellular analysis reveals
      that endocytosis and nutrition storage are disrupted by QDs, which likely
      accounts for the severe deterioration in growth and longevity. This work reveals
      that QDs invasion disrupts key subcellular processes in living organisms, and may
      cause permanent damage to the tissues and organs over long-term retention. The
      findings provide invaluable information for safety evaluations of QD-based
      applications and offer new opportunities for design of novel nontoxic nanoprobes.

PMID- 27121204
TI  - AURKA induces EMT by regulating histone modification through Wnt/beta-catenin and
      PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in gastric cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer, a highly invasive and aggressive malignancy, is the third leading
      cause of death from cancer worldwide. Genetic association studies have
      successfully revealed several important genes consistently associated with
      gastric cancer to date. However, these robust gastric cancer-associated genes do
      not fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of
      the disease. In the present study, we performed an alternative approach, a gene
      expression-based genome-wide association study (eGWAS) across 13 independent
      microarray experiments (including 251 gastric cancer cases and 428 controls), to
      identify top candidates (p<0.00001). Additionally, we conducted gene ontology
      analysis, pathway analysis and network analysis and identified aurora kinase A
      (AURKA) as our candidate. We observed that MLN8237, which is a specific inhibitor
      of AURKA, decreased the beta-catenin and the phosphorylation of Akt1 and GSK
      3beta, as well as blocked the Akt and Wnt signaling pathways. Furthermore,
      MLN8237 arrested the cells in the G2/M phase. The activity of Wnt and Akt
      signaling pathways affected the level of histone methylation significantly, and
      we supposed that MLN8237 affected the level of histone methylation through these
      two signaling pathways. Additionally, the treatment of MLN8237 influenced the
      level of H3K4 me1/2/3 and H3K27 me1/2/3. Chip data on cell lines suggested that
      MLN8237 increases the level of H3K27 me3 on the promoter of Twist and inhibits
      EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition). In summary, AURKA is a potential
      therapeutic target in gastric cancer and induces EMT through histone methylation.

PMID- 27121205
TI  - In vitro functional characterization of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2
      during chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation.
AB  - Cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) has been implicated an essential role during bone
      repair, but the mechanisms remain elusive. Bone repair healing is known to
      include processes similar to endochondral ossification. In this study, we
      investigated the in vitro effect of Cox-2 on Col10a1 expression and chondrocyte
      hypertrophy, two critical components of endochondral ossification. Using
      quantitative RT-PCR, we detected increased mRNA levels of Cox-2 and Col10a1 in
      hypertrophic MCT cells, while cells treated with Cox-2 inhibitor, NS398, showed
      decreased mRNA and protein levels of Cox-2 and Col10a1. Increased Cox-2 also
      correlated with significantly upregulated Col10a1 in hypertrophic ATDC5 cells,
      whereas inhibition of Cox-2 significantly decreased Col10a1 expression. We
      further generated a Cox-2-expressing ATDC5 stable cell line. Compared with the
      controls, Cox-2 over-expression significantly increased Col10a1 as early as day 7
      of continuous culturing, but not at days 14 and 21. Enhanced Alp staining was
      also observed in day 7 stable cell line. Correspondingly, we detected
      significantly increased levels of Runx2, Alp, Bcl-2, Bax, Col1a1, Osterix, and
      Bsp in day 7 stable line. Most of these genes have been associated with
      chondrocyte maturation and apoptosis. Together, our results support that Cox-2
      promotes Col10a1 expression and chondrocyte hypertrophy in vitro, possibly
      through upregulation of Runx2 and other relevant transcription factors.

PMID- 27121206
TI  - Efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer assessed by
      metastatic potential associated with ACTN4.
AB  - Although several clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of platinum
      combined adjuvant chemotherapy for resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC),
      predictive biomarkers for the efficacy of such therapy have not yet been
      identified. Selection of patients with high metastatic ability in the early stage
      of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the potential to predict clinical
      benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy (ADJ).In order to develop a predictive biomarker
      for efficacy of ADJ, we reanalyzed patient data using a public database enrolled
      by JBR.10, which was a clinical trial to probe the clinical benefits of ADJ in
      stage-IB/II patients with NSCLC. The patients who were enrolled by JBR.10 were
      classified into 2 subgroups according to expression of the ACTN4 transcript:
      ACTN4 positive (ACTN4 (+)) and ACTN4 negative (ACTN4 (-)). In the ACTN4 (+)
      group, overall survival (OS) was significantly higher in the ADJ subgroup
      compared with the observation subgroup (OBS), indicating a significant survival
      benefit of ADJ. However, no difference in OS was found between ADJ and OBS groups
      in ACTN4 (-). Although ACTN4 expression level did not correlate with the
      chemosensitivity of cancer cell lines for cytotoxic drugs, the metastatic
      potential of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells was significantly reduced by ACTN4
      shRNA in in vitro assays and in an animal transplantation model. The clinical and
      preclinical data suggested that ACTN4 is a potential predictive biomarker for
      efficacy of ADJ in stage-IB/II patients with NSCLC, by reflecting the metastatic
      potential of tumor cells. 

PMID- 27121207
TI  - SSRI use and clinical outcomes in epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use is common among ovarian cancer
      patients. We examined the effect of SSRIs on survival and progression in ovarian
      cancer patients and effects of 5-HT on ovarian cancer cell (OCC) proliferation.
      Ovarian cancer patients from a 6-site study between 1994 and 2010 were included.
      Cox proportional hazards models were used for multivariate analysis. SSRI use was
      associated with decreased time to disease recurrence (HR 1.3, CI 1.0-1.6,
      p=0.03), but not overall survival (HR 1.1, CI 0.9-1.3, p=0.56). Compared to
      normal ovarian cells, most OCCs had elevated 5-HT2A receptor mRNA expression (up
      to 1600 fold greater expression). Clonogenic survival increased in cells treated
      with 10 uM (1.6 fold, p<0.001) and 20uM (1.9 fold, p=0.018) 5-HT. Mice receiving
      5-HT injections had increases in tumor weight (p=0.07) and nodules (p=0.08) with
      increased Ki67 expression. Injections with sertraline doubled mean tumor weight
      in mice (p=0.16). 5-HT and sertraline both increased Ki67 expression in mouse
      tumors (p < 0.001).Patients using SSRIs had significantly decreased time to
      disease progression. It is possible that SSRIs alter serotonin levels in the
      tumor microenvironment, resulting in activation of proliferation pathways.
      Further characterization of serotonergic pathways in ovarian cancer is
      recommended to demonstrate safety of these medications. 

PMID- 27121208
TI  - Botulinum neurotoxin type C protease induces apoptosis in differentiated human
      neuroblastoma cells.
AB  - Neuroblastomas constitute a major cause of cancer-related deaths in young
      children. In recent years, a number of translation-inhibiting enzymes have been
      evaluated for killing neuroblastoma cells. Here we investigated the potential
      vulnerability of human neuroblastoma cells to protease activity derived from
      botulinum neurotoxin type C. We show that following retinoic acid treatment,
      human neuroblastoma cells, SiMa and SH-SY5Y, acquire a neuronal phenotype
      evidenced by axonal growth and expression of neuronal markers. Botulinum
      neurotoxin type C which cleaves neuron-specific SNAP25 and syntaxin1 caused
      apoptotic death only in differentiated neuroblastoma cells. Direct comparison of
      translation-inhibiting enzymes and the type C botulinum protease revealed one
      order higher cytotoxic potency of the latter suggesting a novel neuroblastoma
      targeting pathway. Our mechanistic insights revealed that loss of ubiquitous
      SNAP23 due to differentiation coupled to SNAP25 cleavage due to botulinum
      activity may underlie the apoptotic death of human neuroblastoma cells. 

PMID- 27121210
TI  - MicroRNA-143 targets CD44 to inhibit breast cancer progression and stem cell-like
      properties.
AB  - CD44 is closely linked to breast cancer progression; however, the regulatory
      functions of microRNAs (miRs) in breast cancer have yet to be fully elucidated.
      In order to investigate the regulation of CD44 by miRs in breast cancer, the
      present study isolated CD44+ and CD44- breast cancer cells by flow cytometry,
      revealing that CD44+ cells were enriched in transplanted compared with those in
      primary breast cancers, and that their proliferation and stem-cell sphere
      formation ability were enhanced. A miRNA array assay indicated that miR-143
      expression in CD44+ breast cancer cells was lower than that in CD44- cells.
      Furthermore, miR-143 was decreased in breast cancer tissues and cell lines
      compared with that in normal tissues and cells. Restoration of miR-143 expression
      in CD44+ breast cancer cells inhibited their proliferation and sphere formation.
      A luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-143 directly tartgeted the 3'
      untranslated region of CD44. In addition, miR-143 inhibited metastasis-associated
      features in breast cancer and reduced tumor growth in a mouse model of breast
      cancer. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that miR-143
      inhibited the progression and stem-cell properties of breast cancer cells by
      targeting CD44. 

PMID- 27121211
TI  - Quentin Young.

PMID- 27121209
TI  - Targeted sequencing identifies genetic alterations that confer primary resistance
      to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (Korean Lung Cancer Consortium).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with activating epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations may exhibit primary resistance to EGFR
      tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). We aimed to examine genomic alterations
      associated with de novo resistance to gefitinib in a prospective study of NSCLC
      patients. Patients and methods: One-hundred and fifty two patients with
      activating EGFR mutations were included in this study and 136 patients' tumor
      sample were available for targeted sequencing of genomic alterations in 22 genes
      using the Colon and Lung Cancer panel (Ampliseq, Life Technologies). Results: All
      132 patients with EGFR mutation were treated with gefitinib for their treatment
      of advanced NSCLC. Twenty patients showed primary resistance to EGFR TKI, and
      were classified as non-responders. A total of 543 somatic single-nucleotide
      variants (498 missense, 13 nonsense) and 32 frameshift insertions/deletions, with
      a median of 3 mutations per sample. TP53 was most commonly mutated (47%) and
      mutations in SMAD4 was also common (19%), as well as DDR2 (16%), PIK3CA (15%),
      STK11 (14%), and BRAF (7%). Genomic mutations in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway were
      commonly found in non-responders (45%) compared to responders (27%), and they had
      significantly shorter progression-free survival and overall survival compared to
      patients without mutations (2.1 vs. 12.8 months, P=0.04, 15.7 vs. not reached,
      P<0.001). FGFR 1-3 alterations, KRAS mutations and TP53 mutations were more
      commonly detected in non-responders compared to responders. Conclusions: Genomic
      mutations in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway were commonly identified in non-responders
      and may confer resistance to EGFR TKI. Screening lung adenocarcinoma patients
      with clinical cancer gene test may aid in selecting out those who show primary
      resistance to EGFR TKI (NCT01697163).

PMID- 27121212
TI  - Low level off-road vehicle (ORV) traffic negatively impacts macroinvertebrate
      assemblages at sandy beaches in south-western Australia.
AB  - Off-road vehicle use is arguably one of the most environmentally damaging human
      activities undertaken on sandy beaches worldwide. Existing studies focused on
      areas of high traffic volumes have demonstrated significantly lower abundance,
      diversity and species richness of fauna in zones where traffic is concentrated.
      The impact of lower traffic volumes is unknown. This study aimed to investigate
      the impacts of relatively low-level vehicle traffic on sandy beach fauna by
      sampling invertebrate communities at eight beaches located in south-western
      Australia. We found that even low-level vehicle traffic negatively impacts the
      physical beach environment, and consequently, the ability of many species to
      survive in this habitat in the face of this disturbance. Compaction, rutting and
      displacement of the sand matrix were observed over a large area, resulting in
      significant decreases in species diversity and density, and measurable shifts in
      community structure on beaches that experienced off-road vehicle traffic.
      Communities at impact sites did not display seasonal recovery as traffic was not
      significantly different between seasons. Given a choice between either reducing
      traffic volumes, or excluding ORV traffic from beaches, our results suggest that
      the latter would be more appropriate when the retention of ecological integrity
      is the objective.

PMID- 27121214
TI  - Age-Adjusted Glycated Albumin at Diagnosis is more Correlated with the Product of
      Age and Plasma Glucose than Plasma Glucose Alone in Patients with Neonatal
      Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously showed that glycated albumin (GA) is a useful glycemic
      control indicator in patients with neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM), and that age
      adjusted GA (Aa-GA) can reflect more accurately glycemic control status. Here, we
      investigated whether the age at diagnosis influences Aa-GA at diagnosis of NDM.
      METHODS: Eight patients with NDM whose GA was measured at diagnosis (age at
      diagnosis: 39 +/- 18 days; GA: 31.3 +/- 7.6%; Aa-GA: 47.1 +/- 10.3%; plasma
      glucose: 525 +/- 194 mg/dl) were included. Aa-GA was calculated as follows: Aa-GA
      = GA * 14.0/[1.77 * log-age (days) + 6.65]. Correlations of GA or Aa-GA at
      diagnosis with its logarithmically transformed age in days (log-age), plasma
      glucose, and their product were investigated. RESULTS: GA at diagnosis was not
      significantly correlated with log-age or plasma glucose. On the other hand, Aa-GA
      at diagnosis was significantly positively correlated with plasma glucose (R =
      0.75, P = 0.031) and was more strongly positively correlated with the product of
      plasma glucose and log-age (R = 0.82, P = 0.012) although it was not correlated
      with log-age. CONCLUSION: Aa-GA at diagnosis is influenced by both age in days
      and plasma glucose. This finding is likely to show the aspect that age in days is
      almost equal to diabetes duration because glycemic control indicators including
      GA reflect the weighted mean of plasma glucose.

PMID- 27121215
TI  - Effectiveness and safety of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 for
      adults with lumbar spine pseudarthrosis following spinal fusion surgery: A
      systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the
      safety and efficacy of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) compared with bone graft
      when used specifically for revision spinal fusion surgery secondary to
      pseudarthrosis. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were
      searched using defined search terms. The primary outcome measure was spinal
      fusion, assessed as success or failure in accordance with radiograph, MRI or CT
      scan review at 24-month follow-up. The secondary outcome measure was time to
      fusion. RESULTS: A total of six studies (three prospective and three
      retrospective) reporting on the use of BMP2 met the inclusion criteria (203
      patients). Of these, four provided a comparison of BMP2 and bone graft whereas
      the other two solely investigated the use of BMP2. The primary outcome was seen
      in 92.3% (108/117) of patients following surgery with BMP2. Although none of the
      studies showed superiority of BMP2 to bone graft for fusion, its use was
      associated with a statistically quicker time to achieving fusion. BMP2 did not
      appear to increase the risk of complication. CONCLUSION: The use of BMP2 is both
      safe and effective within the revision setting, ideally in cases where bone graft
      is unavailable or undesirable. Further research is required to define its optimum
      role.Cite this article: Mr P. Bodalia. Effectiveness and safety of recombinant
      human bone morphogenetic protein-2 for adults with lumbar spine pseudarthrosis
      following spinal fusion surgery: A systematic review. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:145
      152. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.54.2000418.

PMID- 27121216
TI  - Insights Into Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnancy: Findings From a Cross
      Sectional Study in Two States in Nigeria.
AB  - A household survey and focus group discussions examined the frequency and risk
      factors for physical intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy in two
      Nigerian states. Some 22% of women in Cross River and 9% in Bauchi reported IPV
      in their last pregnancy. The risk was higher in communities where more women
      reported IPV in the past year and lower among less poor women with more educated
      partners. Women were more likely to experience IPV in pregnancy if they had an
      income and decided how to spend it. Efforts to reduce IPV in pregnancy should
      involve communities as well as individuals.

PMID- 27121217
TI  - Regulatory and Scientific Aspects of Drug-Drug Interaction Studies.

PMID- 27121213
TI  - Rational bases for the use of the Immunoscore in routine clinical settings as a
      prognostic and predictive biomarker in cancer patients.
AB  - The American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union Internationale Contre le Cancer
      (AJCC/UICC) tumor, nodes, metastasis (TNM) classification system based on tumor
      features is used for prognosis estimation and treatment recommendations in most
      cancers. However, the clinical outcome can vary significantly among patients
      within the same tumor stage and TNM classification does not predict response to
      therapy. Therefore, many efforts have been focused on the identification of new
      markers. Multiple tumor cell-based approaches have been proposed but very few
      have been translated into the clinic. The recent demonstration of the essential
      role of the immune system in tumor progression has allowed great advances in the
      understanding of this complex disease and in the design of novel therapies. The
      analysis of the immune infiltrate by imaging techniques in large patient cohorts
      highlighted the prognostic impact of the in situ immune cell infiltrate in
      tumors. Moreover, the characterization of the immune infiltrates (e.g. type,
      density, distribution within the tumor, phenotype, activation status) in patients
      treated with checkpoint-blockade strategies could provide information to predict
      the disease outcome. In colorectal cancer, we have developed a prognostic score
      ('Immunoscore') that takes into account the distribution of the density of both
      CD3(+) lymphocytes and CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells in the tumor core and the
      invasive margin that could outperform TNM staging. Currently, an international
      retrospective study is under way to validate the Immunoscore prognostic
      performance in patients with colon cancer. The use of Immunoscore in clinical
      practice could improve the patients' prognostic assessment and therapeutic
      management.

PMID- 27121218
TI  - Sublingual Flumazenil for the Residual Effects of Hypnotics: Zolpidem and
      Brotizolam.
AB  - Residual morning drowsiness is a frequent side effect of hypnotics. This study
      examined the safety and efficacy of sublingual Flumazenil in reversing the
      residual hypnotic effect. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized
      crossover study with 20 healthy subjects who slept for 1.5 hours following sleep
      induction was conducted. Upon awakening, they underwent neurocognitive tests
      including immediate word recall test (iWRT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test
      (DSST), and mood/performance questionnaires. They were then treated by Flumazenil
      or placebo and were reevaluated after 20 and 60 minutes. A week later, the same
      procedures were performed (placebo/Flumazenil accordingly). All 20 volunteers
      completed the study. Flumazenil was superior to placebo by 59% to 93% (P < .05
      .001) in improving performance in the various neurocognitive tasks. Subjects
      reported a significant improvement in vigilance with Flumazenil, both at 20
      minutes and 60 minutes. iWRT improved with Flumazenil vs placebo at 20 minutes
      (4.2 +/- 0.8 vs 1.3 +/- 0.9 words, P < .005) and 60 minutes (5.4 +/- 1.1 vs 1.2
      +/- 1.2 words, P < .02). Sublingual administration of Flumazenil is safe and
      effective in reversing the hypnotic effects of Zolpidem and Brotizolam. This may
      offer a comprehensive and safer treatment for insomniac patients. 

PMID- 27121219
TI  - Comparative Sirolimus Pharmacokinetics After Single-Dose Administration of Two
      Prototype 0.5-mg Tablets in Healthy Volunteers.
AB  - Availability of a lower dose tablet would add to the dosing flexibility of
      currently available 1- and 2-mg sirolimus tablets for optimal concentrations and
      patient compliance. A randomized, 3-period crossover study was conducted in 30
      fasting healthy volunteers (29 men, aged 31 +/- 8 years, weight 79 +/- 12 kg).
      Subjects were given 5 mg of sirolimus, either as doses of the 0.5-mg nonshellac
      core prototype, 0.5-mg shellac-core prototype, or approved 1-mg tablet. Whole
      blood samples were collected at selected time points for 144 hours after dosing
      and analyzed using LC/MS/MS assay. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was
      performed, followed by bioequivalence assessment. Twenty-four subjects completed
      all dosing periods, and no formulation-associated adverse events were reported.
      Ratios of maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ), area under the concentration-time
      curve to the last measured concentration (AUCT ), and area under the
      concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC) for the nonshellac-core
      prototype compared with the 1-mg tablet were within the 80% to 125% range
      dictated by bioequivalence conventions. Similar results were observed when
      comparing the ratios of AUCT and AUC for the shellac-core prototype, while 90%
      confidence interval of the ratio of Cmax values was 105% to 129%. Within the
      context of clinical equivalence standards established by a phase 3 study
      comparing liquid to tablet formulations, it was concluded that both prototypes
      were clinically bioequivalent to the reference formulation. 

PMID- 27121220
TI  - A Thorough QT Study of Teduglutide in Healthy Subjects.
AB  - Teduglutide, an analog of the endogenous hormone glucagon-like peptide-2, is
      currently being developed for the treatment of short bowel syndrome. This study
      investigated the potential effects of teduglutide on cardiac conduction and
      repolarization. Seventy-two healthy volunteers underwent 4 treatment periods in
      randomized order with a single subcutaneous injection of placebo, 5 and 20 mg
      teduglutide, and a single oral 400-mg dose of moxifloxacin. The primary variable
      to investigate the effect on cardiac repolarization was the difference between
      QTcF after administration versus predose. The observed upper bounds of the 95%
      one-sided confidence intervals were 3.0 ms (5 mg) and 4.5 ms (20 mg). Arithmetic
      mean curves of QTcF intervals over time of both doses of teduglutide and of
      placebo were almost superposable. Assay sensitivity for the positive control
      moxifloxacin was shown. In conclusion, teduglutide at intended therapeutic and
      supratherapeutic doses had no effect on cardiac repolarization. No safety
      concerns were identified. Treatment with teduglutide was well tolerated. 

PMID- 27121221
TI  - Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Interaction Between Tolvaptan and Warfarin in
      Healthy Subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tolvaptan, a nonpeptide V2 receptor antagonist approved in Japan and in
      the United States, is likely to be co-administered with warfarin in patients with
      heart failure (HF). Therefore, the effect of tolvaptan on warfarin
      pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and protein binding was evaluated. METHODS:
      An open-label, randomized, 2-period crossover trial was conducted involving
      healthy subjects (N = 24) administered 25 mg warfarin sodium on day 4 of a 13-day
      regimen of either 60 mg once daily tolvaptan or matching placebo. Blood samples
      were taken over 240 hours postdose for analysis of tolvaptan, R- and S-warfarin,
      and 7- and 10-hydroxywarfarin concentrations and for the measurement of activated
      partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and international normalized
      ratio. RESULTS: For S-warfarin, the geometric mean ratios
      (warfarin+tolvaptan/warfarin alone; 90% confidence interval) for maximum plasma
      concentration (Cmax ) and area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to
      infinity (AUCinfinity ) were 1.09 (1.05, 1.12) and 1.09 (1.04, 1.13),
      respectively. Corresponding ratios for R-warfarin were 1.06 (1.02, 1.09) and 1.05
      (1.01, 1.11), respectively. No changes were observed in 7- or 10-hydroxywarfarin
      Cmax or AUCinfinity values, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin
      time, and international normalized ratio. The protein binding of racemic warfarin
      and tolvaptan was not significantly altered by the presence of the other
      compound. CONCLUSION: Warfarin doses do not need to be altered when co
      administered with tolvaptan.

PMID- 27121222
TI  - Polymerization of a Photocleavable Monomer Using Visible Light.
AB  - The polymerization of the photocleavable monomer, o-nitrobenzyl methacrylate
      (NBMA), is investigated using photoinduced electron/energy transfer reversible
      addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The polymerizations under
      visible red (lambda max = 635 nm, 0.7 mW cm(-2) ) and yellow (lambda max = 560
      nm, 9.7 mW cm(-2) ) light are performed and demonstrate rational evidence of a
      controlled/living radical polymerization process. Well-defined poly(o-nitrobenzyl
      methacrylate) (PNBMA) homopolymers with good control over the molecular weight
      and polymer dispersity are successfully synthesized by varying the irradiation
      time and/or targeted degree of polymerization. Chain extension of a
      poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) macro-chain transfer agent
      with NBMA is carried out to fabricate photocleavable amphiphilic block copolymers
      (BCP). Finally, these self-assembled BCP rapidly dissemble under UV light
      suggesting the photoresponsive character of NBMA is not altered during the
      polymerization under yellow or red light. Such photoresponsive polymers can be
      potentially used for the remote-controlled delivery of therapeutic compounds. 

PMID- 27121223
TI  - Brazilian Twin Registry: A Bright Future for Twin Studies/Twin Research: Twin
      Study of Alcohol Consumption and Mortality; Oxygen Uptake in Adolescent Twins/In
      the News: Superfecundated Twins In Vietnam; Adolescent Twin Relations; Twin and
      Triplet Co-Workers; A Special Twin Ultrasound; Monozygotic Twins With Different
      Skin Color; Identical Twin Returns from Space.
AB  - The establishment of the Brazilian Twin Registry for the study of genetic,
      social, and cultural influences on behavior is one of eleven newly funded
      projects in the Department of Psychology at the University of Sao Paulo. These 11
      interrelated projects form the core of the university's Center for Applied
      Research on Well-Being and Human Behavior. An overview of the planned twin
      research and activities to date is presented. Next, two recent twin studies are
      reviewed, one on the relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality, and
      the other on factors affecting maximal oxygen uptake. Twins cited in the media
      include the first identified superfecundated twins in Vietnam, adolescent twin
      relations, twins and triplets who work together, monozygotic twins with different
      skin tones and a co-twin control study that addresses the effects of space
      travel.

PMID- 27121224
TI  - Neurofeedback Against Binge Eating: A Randomized Controlled Trial in a Female
      Subclinical Threshold Sample.
AB  - Brain-directed treatment techniques, such as neurofeedback, have recently been
      proposed as adjuncts in the treatment of eating disorders to improve therapeutic
      outcomes. In line with this recommendation, a cue exposure EEG-neurofeedback
      protocol was developed. The present study aimed at the evaluation of the specific
      efficacy of neurofeedback to reduce subjective binge eating in a female
      subthreshold sample. A total of 75 subjects were randomized to EEG-neurofeedback,
      mental imagery with a comparable treatment set-up or a waitlist group. At post
      treatment, only EEG-neurofeedback led to a reduced frequency of binge eating (p =
      .015, g = 0.65). The effects remained stable to a 3-month follow-up. EEG
      neurofeedback further showed particular beneficial effects on perceived stress
      and dietary self-efficacy. Differences in outcomes did not arise from divergent
      treatment expectations. Because EEG-neurofeedback showed a specific efficacy, it
      may be a promising brain-directed approach that should be tested as a treatment
      adjunct in clinical groups with binge eating. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

PMID- 27121225
TI  - Employing Core-Shell Quantum Dots as Triplet Sensitizers for Photon Upconversion.
AB  - A new family of surface-functionalized CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (csQD)
      has been developed, which work as triplet sensitizers for triplet-triplet
      annihilation-based photon upconversion (TTA-UC). The surface modification of csQD
      with acceptor molecules plays a key role in the efficient relay of the excited
      energy of csQD to emitter molecules in the bulk solution, where the generated
      emitter triplets undergo triplet-triplet annihilation that leads to photon
      upconversion. Interestingly, improved UC properties were achieved with the core
      shell QDs compared with core-only CdSe QDs (cQD). The threshold excitation
      intensity, which is defined as the necessary irradiance to achieve efficient TTA
      process, decreases by more than a factor of four. Furthermore, the total UC
      quantum yield is enhanced more than 50-fold. These enhancements should be derived
      from better optical properties of csQD, in which the non-radiative surface
      recombination sites are passivated by the shell layer with wider bandgap.

PMID- 27121227
TI  - Clinical trials for stem cell transplantation: when are they needed?
AB  - In recent years, both stem cell research and the clinical application of these
      promising cells have increased rapidly. About 1000 clinical trials using stem
      cells have to date been performed globally. More importantly, more than 10 stem
      cell-based products have been approved in some countries. With the rapid growth
      of stem cell applications, some countries have used clinical trials as a tool to
      diminish the rate of clinical stem cell applications. However, the point at which
      stem cell clinical trials are essential remains unclear. This commentary
      discusses when stem cell clinical trials are essential for stem cell
      transplantation therapies. 

PMID- 27121226
TI  - Experimental evidence of coherent transport.
AB  - Coherent transport phenomena are difficult to observe due to several sources of
      decoherence. For instance, in the electronic transport through quantum devices
      the thermal smearing and dephasing, the latter induced by inelastic scattering by
      phonons or impurities, destroy phase coherence. In other wave systems, the
      temperature and dephasing may not destroy the coherence and can then be used to
      observe the underlying wave behaviour of the coherent phenomena. Here, we observe
      coherent transmission of mechanical waves through a two-dimensional elastic Sinai
      billiard with two waveguides. The flexural-wave transmission, performed by non
      contact means, shows the quantization when a new mode becomes open. These
      measurements agree with the theoretical predictions of the simplest model
      highlighting the universal character of the transmission fluctuations.

PMID- 27121229
TI  - Moving the mean with feedback: insights from behavioural science.

PMID- 27121230
TI  - Combined use of PI3K and MEK inhibitors synergistically inhibits lung cancer with
      EGFR and KRAS mutations.
AB  - EGFR and KRAS mutations are the two most common driver mutations in non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Molecular target-based therapy using small molecules
      such as gefitinib has been used for inhibiting EGFR with good initial responses;
      however, drug resistance is common when using a mono-targeting strategy. At
      present, KRAS remains an undruggable target. As such, the development of new
      drugs targeting the downstream of KRAS and EGFR and their crosstalk pathways is
      critically needed to effectively treat NSCLC. The present study aimed to
      elucidate the anticancer effects of PI3K (BKM120) and MEK (PD1056309) inhibitors
      on NSCLC cell lines with KRAS or EGFR mutations. Inhibition of the EGFR and KRAS
      downstream P13K pathway using BKM120 significantly inhibited the growth of NSCLC
      cell lines with either EGFR or KRAS mutations. In addition, significant cell
      cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis were observed following BKM120 treatment.
      Notably, although the A549 and H358 NSCLC cell lines harbor the same KRAS
      mutation, A549 cells were less sensitive than H358 cells in the response to
      BKM120 treatment. Similarly, PC-9 and H1650 cells harbor the same EGFR mutation,
      however, H1650 was less sensitive to BKM120. Different sensitivity between NSCLC
      cell lines with the same oncogenic mutation suggests that multiple crosstalk
      pathways exit. Combined usage of BKM120 and PD1056309 synergistically enhanced
      apoptosis in the A549 cells and mildly enhanced apoptosis in the H1650 and H358
      cells, suggesting the crosstalk of the MEK pathway with the P13K/Akt pathways in
      these cell lines. Overall, our findings suggest that inhibition of EGFR and KRAS
      downstream with a P13K/Akt inhibitor could be useful for treating NSCLC. However,
      for NSCLC exhibiting crosstalk with other survival pathways, such as the MEK
      pathway, combination treatment is required. 

PMID- 27121232
TI  - In Memory of Dr. James J. Mezhir, June 28, 1973-February 3, 2016.

PMID- 27121231
TI  - A benzenediamine derivate FC-99 attenuates lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice via
      inhibiting myeloid dendritic cell-secreted BAFF.
AB  - Myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) can produce B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) that
      modulates survival and differentiation of B cells and plays a pivotal role in the
      pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)
      signaling has important functions in the process of BAFF production. Our previous
      study showed that a benzenediamine derivate FC-99 possesses anti-inflammation
      activity and directly interacts with interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4
      (IRAK4), which was a pivotal molecule in TLR4 signaling. In this study, we
      demonstrated that FC-99 attenuated lupus nephritis in the MRL/lpr mice. FC-99
      also decreased the levels of total immunoglobulin G (IgG), total IgG2a and IgM in
      sera, as well as the activation of B cells in the spleens of MRL/lpr mice.
      Moreover, FC-99 inhibited abnormal activation of myeloid DCs in spleens and
      reduced the levels of BAFF in sera, spleens, and kidneys of MRL/lpr mice.
      Furthermore, upon TLR4 stimulation with lipopolysaccharide in vitro, FC-99
      inhibited IRAK4 phosphorylation, as well as the activation and BAFF production in
      murine bone marrow-derived DCs. These data indicate that FC-99 attenuates lupus
      nephritis in MRL/lpr mice via inhibiting DC-secreted BAFF, suggesting that FC-99
      may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of SLE. 

PMID- 27121233
TI  - Assessing Trends in Palliative Surgery for Extrahepatic Biliary Malignancies: A
      15-Year Multicenter Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Extrahepatic biliary malignancies are often diagnosed at an
      advanced stage. We compared patients with unresectable perihilar
      cholangiocarcinoma (PHCC) and gallbladder cancer (GBC) who underwent a palliative
      procedure versus an aborted laparotomy. METHODS: Seven hundred seventy-seven
      patients who underwent surgery for PHCC or GBC between 2000 and 2014 were
      identified. Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors
      associated with outcome. RESULTS: Utilization of preoperative imaging increased
      over time (CT use, 80.1 % pre-2009 vs. 90 % post-2009) (p < 0.001). The
      proportion of the patients undergoing curative-intent resection also increased
      (2000-2004, 67.0 % vs. 2005-2009, 74.5 % vs. 2010-2014, 78.8 %; p = 0.001). The
      planned surgery was aborted in 106 (13.7 %) patients and 94 (12.1 %) had a
      palliative procedure. A higher incidence of postoperative complications (19.2 vs.
      3.8 %, p = 0.001) including deep surgical site infections (8.3 vs. 1.1 %),
      bleeding (4.8 vs. 0 %), bile leak (6.0 vs. 0 %) and longer length of stay (7 vs.
      4.5 days) were observed among the patients who underwent a palliative surgical
      procedure versus an aborted non-therapeutic, non-palliative laparotomy (all p <
      0.05). OS was comparable among the patients who underwent a palliative procedure
      (8.7 months) versus an aborted laparotomy (7.8 months) (p = 0.23). CONCLUSION:
      Increased use of advanced imaging modalities was accompanied by increased
      curative-intent surgery. Compared with patients in whom surgery was aborted,
      patients who underwent surgical palliation demonstrated an increased incidence of
      postoperative morbidity with comparable survival.

PMID- 27121235
TI  - Fusidic acid betamethasone lipid cream.
AB  - Bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues are frequent disorders. They
      can be primitive infections (e.g. impetigo, folliculitis) or secondary infections
      complicating other diseases, particularly atopic dermatitis. The most common
      aetiologic agent is Staphylococcus aureus. Topical antibiotic therapy may be
      sufficient in many instances to control these infections. Fusidic acid is an
      antibiotic used topically on the skin which is very active against S. aureus,
      including methicillin-resistant strains, and other Gram-positive bacteria.
      Resistance rates to fusidic acid are stably low. A fusidic acid and betamethasone
      formulation in a lipid-enriched cream (lipid cream) has been recently developed
      in order to provide effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities in
      conjunction with a powerful emollient and moisturising effect. This preparation
      may be especially useful in patients with atopic-infected eczema. 

PMID- 27121234
TI  - Impact of Perioperative Phosphorus and Glucose Levels on Liver Regeneration and
      Long-term Outcomes after Major Liver Resection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The impact of phosphorus as well as glycemic alterations on liver
      regeneration has not been directly examined. We sought to determine the impact of
      phosphorus and glucose on liver regeneration after major hepatectomy. METHODS:
      Early and late liver regeneration index was defined as the relative increase of
      liver volume (RLV) within 2[(RLV2m-RLVp)/RLVp] and 7 months[(RLV7m-RLVp)/RLVp]
      following surgery. The association of perioperative metabolic factors, liver
      regeneration, and outcomes was assessed. RESULTS: On postoperative day 2, 50
      (52.6 %) patients had a low phosphorus level (<=2.4 mg/dl), while 45 (47.4 %) had
      a normal/high phosphorus level (>2.4 mg/dl). Despite comparable clinicopathologic
      characteristics (all P > 0.05) and RLV/TLV at surgery (P = 0.84), regeneration
      index within 2 months was lower in the normal/high phosphorus group (P = 0.01)
      with these patients having increased risk for postoperative liver failure (P =
      0.01). The inhibition of liver regeneration persisted at 7 months (P = 0.007) and
      was associated with a worse survival (P = 0.02). Preoperative hypoglycemia was
      associated only with a lower early regeneration index (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS:
      Normal/high phosphorus was associated with inhibition of early and late liver
      regeneration, as well as with an increased risk of liver failure and worse long
      term outcomes. Immediate preoperative hypoglycemia was associated with a lower
      early volumetric gain. Metabolic factors may represent early indicators of liver
      failure that could identify patients at increased risk for worse outcomes.

PMID- 27121236
TI  - ACMT Position Statement: Guidance for the Use of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion.

PMID- 27121237
TI  - Melatonin Concentrations and Antioxidative Capacity of Human Breast Milk
      According to Gestational Age and the Time of Day.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While changes in the composition of breast milk throughout the
      lactation period are well known, little is known about the antioxidative capacity
      of breast milk and its regulation as a function of time of day. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidative capacity in breast milk and
      its regulation by time of day. METHODS: Melatonin, superoxide dismutase (SOD),
      glutathione peroxidase 3 (Gpx3) concentrations, and the total antioxidative
      capacity (TAOC) were analyzed in 105 breast milk samples and 12 maternal serum
      samples from 21 healthy nursing mothers. RESULTS: Comparison between daytime
      breast milk (collected from 1000-2200 h) and nighttime breast milk (collected
      from 2200-1000 h) revealed significantly higher concentrations of melatonin and
      Gpx3 in nighttime milk (melatonin: 1.5 pg/mL [1.0-2.1] day vs 7.3 pg/mL [3.8
      13.6] night, median [quartiles], with an estimated mean night-to-day ratio of 5.2
      [3.9, 7.1], P < .001; Gpx3: 1436 ng/mL [765-2060] day vs 1800 ng/mL [1242-2297]
      night, night-to-day difference 192.1 [0.6, 383.7], P = .049). Subgroup analysis
      showed that melatonin had a circadian rhythm in both preterm and term milk, with
      a significantly higher nighttime concentration ( P < .001), while antioxidant
      enzymes had a circadian rhythm only in preterm milk, with a significantly higher
      nighttime concentration for Gpx3 and a significant higher daytime concentration
      for SOD and TAOC ( P = .041 and P = .049, respectively). We found no significant
      correlation between the concentration of melatonin and the concentration of SOD,
      Gpx3, or TAOC. Moreover, there were no significant correlations observed between
      gestational age and the concentration of melatonin and antioxidant enzymes.
      CONCLUSION: Because of its higher melatonin and Gpx3 content, future research is
      needed to determine if preterm nighttime milk ought to be the first choice in the
      feeding of high-risk preterm infants.

PMID- 27121238
TI  - A Multifaceted Approach to Revitalizing the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in
      Croatia.
AB  - The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched in Croatia in 1993. By
      1998, 15 of 34 maternity facilities were designated "Baby-Friendly." Introduction
      of hospital bags, violating the International Code of the Marketing of Breastmilk
      Substitutes, led to a standstill in the BFHI. The aim of this article is to
      describe the successful reintroduction of the BFHI in Croatia between 2007 and
      2015. After hospital bags were abolished in 2007, UNICEF Croatia undertook an
      assessment of BFHI implementation. All maternity facilities were invited by
      UNICEF and the Ministry of Health to join the renewed BFHI. UNICEF materials were
      translated and training for trainers, assessors, coordinators, and hospital staff
      held. By June 2015, 30 of 32 (94%) maternity facilities, providing care to 89% of
      newborns, were Baby-Friendly. Nine maternity hospitals have been renovated and 2
      new hospitals have been built. Exclusive breastfeeding rates have risen 16% at 0
      to 2 months (from 51% in 2007 to 67% in 2014) and 14% at 3 to 5 months (from 32%
      in 2007 to 46% in 2014). Fourteen "Breastfeeding-Friendly" primary care practices
      have been designated, 166 breastfeeding support groups are in operation, criteria
      for Mother-Friendly care are being piloted in 2 maternity facilities, and "Ten
      Steps in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit" are being introduced. The BFHI
      provides an excellent opportunity for revitalizing breastfeeding protection,
      promotion, and support in all settings. Recognition and support of the BFHI by
      the Croatian government was crucial for implementing the BFHI, whereas the
      marketing practices of the breast milk substitutes industry are an ongoing
      challenge. 

PMID- 27121239
TI  - Labor Epidural Analgesia and Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Despite widespread use of epidural analgesia during labor, no consensus has been
      reached among obstetric and anesthesia providers regarding its effects on
      breastfeeding. The purpose of this review was to examine the relationship between
      labor epidural analgesia and breastfeeding in the immediate postpartum period.
      PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health
      Literature were searched for articles published in 1990 or thereafter, using the
      search term breastfeeding combined with epidural, labor epidural analgesia, labor
      analgesia, or epidural analgesia Of 117 articles, 23 described empirical studies
      specific to labor epidural analgesia and measured a breastfeeding outcome.
      Results were conflicting: 12 studies showed negative associations between
      epidural analgesia and breastfeeding success, 10 studies showed no effect, and 1
      study showed a positive association. Most studies were observational. Of 3
      randomized controlled studies, randomization methods were inadequate in 2 and not
      evaluable in 1. Other limitations were related to small sample size or inadequate
      study power; variation and lack of information regarding type and dosage of
      analgesia or use of other intrapartum interventions; differences in timing,
      definition, and method of assessing breastfeeding success; or failure to consider
      factors such as mothers' intention to breastfeed, social support, siblings, or
      the mother's need to return to work or school. It is also unclear to what extent
      results are mediated through effects on infant neurobehavior, maternal fever,
      oxytocin release, duration of labor, and need for instrumental delivery.
      Clinician awareness of factors affecting breastfeeding can help identify women at
      risk for breastfeeding difficulties in order to target support and resources
      effectively. 

PMID- 27121240
TI  - Melatonin inhibits tumorigenicity of glioblastoma stem-like cells via the AKT
      EZH2-STAT3 signaling axis.
AB  - Glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) displaying self-renewing and tumor
      propagating capacity play a particularly important role in maintaining tumor
      growth, therapeutic resistance, and tumor recurrence. Therefore, new therapeutic
      strategies focusing on impairing GSC maintenance are urgently needed. Here, we
      used GSCs isolated from surgical specimens from patients with glioblastoma
      multiforme (GBM) to study the roles and underlying mechanisms associated with
      melatonin in GSC biology. The results showed that melatonin directly targeted
      glioma tumor cells by altering GSC biology and inhibiting GSC proliferation.
      Additionally, melatonin altered profile of transcription factors to inhibit tumor
      initiation and propagation. Furthermore, EZH2 S21 phosphorylation and EZH2-STAT3
      interaction in GSCs were impaired following melatonin treatment. These results
      suggested that melatonin attenuated multiple key signals involved in GSC self
      renewal and survival, and further supported melatonin as a promising GBM
      therapeutic. 

PMID- 27121242
TI  - Parent perceptions of an adapted evidence-based practice for toddlers with autism
      in a community setting.
AB  - Although data from parent-implemented Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral
      Interventions have shown positive effects on decreasing core symptoms of autism,
      there has been limited examination of the effectiveness of Naturalistic
      Developmental Behavioral Interventions in community settings. In addition, parent
      perspectives of their involvement in parent-implemented early intervention
      programs have not been well studied. Using both qualitative and quantitative data
      to examine parent perspectives and the perceived feasibility of parent training
      by community providers, 13 families were followed as they received training in
      the Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention, Project ImPACT. Data
      indicate that parent training by community providers is feasible and well
      received, and parents find value in participating in intervention and perceive
      benefit for their children. Recommendations for adaptation of program elements
      and future research are discussed.

PMID- 27121241
TI  - Antioxidant effects of hydroxysafflor yellow A and acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic
      acid in combination on isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats.
AB  - Oxidative stress plays an important role in the initiation and development of
      myocardial injury (MI). The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2
      (Nrf2) pathway is considered to be a potential target for cardioprotection in MI.
      Acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA) is the major organic acid component
      extracted from Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA)
      is the principal active constituent of Carthamus tinctorius L. In the present
      study, we aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of HSYA and AKBA in
      combination in vivo and in vitro, as well as the underlying mechanisms
      responsible for these effects. For this purpose, MI was produced in Sprague
      Dawley rats by subcutaneous injection with isoproterenol. To model ischemic-like
      conditions in vitro, H9C2 cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation
      (OGD). The levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),
      malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were
      examined as well as apoptotic cell death. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim or MMP) were
      measured using MitoSOX Red and 5,5',6,6'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine
      iodide (JC-1) dye. The expression of PGC-1alpha and Nrf2 was quantified by
      western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. HSYA and AKBA prevented
      myocardial pathological changes, significantly reduced the blood levels of CK-MB
      and LDH, and decreased apoptotic cell death. They significantly increased the
      expression of PGC-1alpha and Nrf2, and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme SOD
      and also decreased the levels of MDA and ROS. Moreover, the reduction in MMP was
      partly prevented by HSYA and AKBA. Taken together, these findings elucidate the
      underlying mechanisms through which HSYA and AKBA protect against MI.
      Additionally, HSYA and AKBA appear to act synergistically in order to exert
      cardioprotective effects. 

PMID- 27121243
TI  - A cross-cultural exploration of the everyday social participation of individuals
      with autism spectrum disorders in Australia and Taiwan: An experience sampling
      study.
AB  - Individuals with an autism spectrum disorder commonly have limited social
      participation. This study aimed to examine the similarities and differences of
      everyday participation among males and females with autism spectrum disorder in
      Australia and Taiwan, using an experience sampling methodology. A total of 14
      Australians (4 males, aged 16-43 years) and 16 Taiwanese (12 males, aged 19-45
      years) with autism spectrum disorder who are cognitively able were asked to carry
      a device which prompted them seven times per day for 7 days, to record everyday
      participation: where they were, what they were doing, and who they were with.
      Multilevel analyses were used to identify the relationships between everyday
      participation and associated factors including gender, country of residence,
      clinical severity of autism spectrum disorder, and social anxiety. The results
      showed that Taiwanese participants were more likely to stay at home than
      Australian participants. However, female participants were more likely to engage
      in social situations than males. Furthermore, participants with fewer autism
      spectrum disorder symptoms and those with higher levels of social anxiety were
      less likely to engage in social interactions. This study sheds light on ways that
      culture and gender affect social participation and highlights the relationship of
      social anxiety to social participation. The findings have implications for
      interventions for social participation.

PMID- 27121244
TI  - Predicting social and communicative ability in school-age children with autism
      spectrum disorder: A pilot study of the Social Attribution Task, Multiple Choice.
AB  - The Social Attribution Task, Multiple Choice is introduced as a measure of
      implicit social cognitive ability in children, addressing a key challenge in
      quantification of social cognitive function in autism spectrum disorder, whereby
      individuals can often be successful in explicit social scenarios, despite marked
      social adaptive deficits. The 19-question Social Attribution Task, Multiple
      Choice, which presents ambiguous stimuli meant to elicit social attribution, was
      administered to children with autism spectrum disorder (N = 23) and to age
      matched and verbal IQ-matched typically developing children (N = 57). The Social
      Attribution Task, Multiple Choice performance differed between autism spectrum
      disorder and typically developing groups, with typically developing children
      performing significantly better than children with autism spectrum disorder. The
      Social Attribution Task, Multiple Choice scores were positively correlated with
      age (r = 0.474) while being independent from verbal IQ (r = 0.236). The Social
      Attribution Task, Multiple Choice was strongly correlated with Vineland Adaptive
      Behavior Scales Communication (r = 0.464) and Socialization (r = 0.482) scores,
      but not with Daily Living Skills scores (r = 0.116), suggesting that the implicit
      social cognitive ability underlying performance on the Social Attribution Task,
      Multiple Choice is associated with real-life social adaptive function.

PMID- 27121246
TI  - Mass-forming type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking pancreatic cancer.
AB  - We reported three cases of mass-forming type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) that
      were preoperatively suspected to be pancreatic cancer, and reviewed their
      clinicopathological features. Radiological findings in the patients revealed
      hypoattenuating masses in the early phase or a stricture of the main pancreatic
      duct with upstream dilatation, which was consistent with the diagnosis of
      pancreatic cancer. Histopathologically, the lesions were well demarcated and met
      all diagnostic criteria for immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related AIP, including the
      presence of periductal lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, obliterative phlebitis,
      storiform fibrosis and abundant IgG4-positive plasma cells. However, the adjacent
      uninvolved pancreatic duct and lobular structures were well preserved. And in all
      patients, none or some of the aforementioned characteristics were observed. We
      suggest that some cases of focal AIP may progress to more severe grades and
      exhibit mass formation, although remaining localized. These focal cases of AIP
      are difficult to distinguish from pancreatic cancer. To our knowledge, this
      report is the first to present a histopathological comparison of mass-forming AIP
      with the adjacent uninvolved pancreatic tissues.

PMID- 27121245
TI  - Myasthenia gravis induced by nivolumab therapy in a patient with non-small-cell
      lung cancer.

PMID- 27121248
TI  - Deactivation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in Prader-Willi syndrome
      after meal consumption.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a type of human genetic
      obesity that may give us information regarding the physiology of non-syndromic
      obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate the functional correlates
      of hunger and satiety in individuals with PWS in comparison with healthy controls
      with obesity, hypothesizing that we would see significant differences in
      activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) based on prior
      findings. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This study compared the central effects of food
      consumption in nine individuals with PWS (7 men, 2 women; body fat 35.3+/-10.0%)
      and seven controls (7 men; body fat 28.8+/-7.6%), matched for percentage body
      fat. H2(15)O-PET (positron emission tomography) scans were performed before and
      after consumption of a standardized liquid meal to obtain quantitative measures
      of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), a marker of neuronal activity. RESULTS:
      Compared with obese controls, PWS showed altered (P<0.05 family-wise error
      cluster-level corrected; voxelwise P<0.001) rCBF before and after meal
      consumption in multiple brain regions. There was a significant differential rCBF
      response within the left DLPFC after meal ingestion with decreases in DLPFC rCBF
      in PWS; in controls, DLPFC rCBF tended to remain unchanged. In more liberal
      analyses (P<0.05 family-wise error cluster-level corrected; voxelwise P<0.005),
      rCBF of the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) increased in PWS and decreased in
      controls. In PWS, DeltarCBF of the right OFC was associated with changes in
      appetite ratings. CONCLUSIONS: The pathophysiology of eating behavior in PWS is
      characterized by a paradoxical meal-induced deactivation of the left DLPFC and
      activation in the right OFC, brain regions implicated in the central regulation
      of eating behavior.

PMID- 27121249
TI  - The differential effect of socio-economic status, birth weight and gender on body
      mass index in Australian Aboriginal Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adult Aboriginal Australians have 1.5-fold higher risk of obesity,
      but the trajectory of body mass index (BMI) through childhood and adolescence and
      the contribution of socio-economic factors remain unclear. Our objective was to
      determine the changes in BMI in Australian Aboriginal children relative to non
      Aboriginal children as they move through adolescence into young adulthood, and to
      identify risk factors for higher BMI. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of
      Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal school children commenced in 2002 across 15
      different screening areas across urban, regional and remote New South Wales,
      Australia. Socio-economic status was recorded at study enrolment and
      participants' BMI was measured every 2 years. We fitted a series of mixed linear
      regression models adjusting for age, birth weight and socio-economic status for
      boys and girls. RESULTS: In all, 3418 (1949 Aboriginal) participants were
      screened over a total of 11 387 participant years of follow-up. The prevalence of
      obesity was higher among Aboriginal children from mean age 11 years at baseline
      (11.6 vs 7.6%) to 16 years at 8 years follow-up (18.6 vs 12.3%). The mean BMI
      increased with age and was significantly higher among Aboriginal girls compared
      with non-Aboriginal girls (P<0.01). Girls born of low birth weight had a lower
      BMI than girls born of normal birth weight (P<0.001). Socio-economic status and
      low birth weight had a differential effect on BMI for Aboriginal boys compared
      with non-Aboriginal boys (P for interaction=0.01). Aboriginal boys of highest
      socio-economic status, unlike those of lower socio-economic status, had a higher
      BMI compared with non-Aboriginal boys. Non-Aboriginal boys of low birth weight
      were heavier than Aboriginal boys. CONCLUSIONS: Socio-economic status and birth
      weight have differential effects on BMI among Aboriginal boys, and Aboriginal
      girls had a higher mean BMI than non-Aboriginal girls through childhood and
      adolescence. Intervention programs need to recognise the differential risk for
      obesity for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal boys and girls to maximise their
      impact.

PMID- 27121247
TI  - Relationship of prediagnostic body mass index with survival after colorectal
      cancer: Stage-specific associations.
AB  - Higher body mass index (BMI) is a well-established risk factor for colorectal
      cancer (CRC), but is inconsistently associated with CRC survival. In 6
      prospective studies participating in the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal
      Cancer Consortium (GECCO), 2,249 non-Hispanic white CRC cases were followed for a
      median 4.5 years after diagnosis, during which 777 died, 554 from CRC-related
      causes. Associations between prediagnosis BMI and survival (overall and CRC
      specific) were evaluated using Cox regression models adjusted for age at
      diagnosis, sex, study and smoking status (current/former/never). The association
      between BMI category and CRC survival varied by cancer stage at diagnosis (I-IV)
      for both all-cause (p-interaction = 0.03) and CRC-specific mortality (p
      interaction = 0.04). Compared to normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m(2) ), overweight (BMI
      25.0-29.9) was associated with increased mortality among those with Stage I
      disease, and decreased mortality among those with Stages II-IV disease.
      Similarly, obesity (BMI >=30) was associated with increased mortality among those
      with Stages I-II disease, and decreased mortality among those with Stages III-IV
      disease. These results suggest the relationship between BMI and survival after
      CRC diagnosis differs by stage at diagnosis, and may emphasize the importance of
      adequate metabolic reserves for colorectal cancer survival in patients with late
      stage disease.

PMID- 27121250
TI  - Sex-specific associations of birth weight with measures of adiposity in mid-to
      late adulthood: the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil).
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To investigate sex-specific associations of birth weight
      with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)
      in mid-to-late adulthood. SUBJECTS/METHODS: ELSA-Brasil is a multicenter cohort
      study of adults aged 35-74 years affiliated with universities or research
      institutions of six capital cities in Brazil. After exclusions, we investigated
      11 636 participants. Socio-demographic factors and birth weight were obtained by
      interview. All anthropometry was directly measured at baseline. We categorized
      birth weight as low (?2.5 kg); normal (2.5-4 kg) and high (?4 kg). We performed
      analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for continuous outcomes and ordinal logistic
      regression for categorical adiposity outcomes. We examined interaction on the
      multiplicative scale by sex and by race. RESULTS: High birth weight uniformly
      predicted greater overall and central obesity in men and women. However, low (vs
      normal) birth weight, in ANCOVA models adjusted for participant age, family
      income, race, education, maternal education, and maternal and paternal history of
      diabetes, was associated with lower BMI, WC and WHR means for men, but not for
      women (Pinteraction=0.01, <0.0001 and <0.0001, respectively). In similarly
      adjusted ordinal logistic regression models, odds of obesity (odds ratio
      (OR)=0.65, 0.46-0.90) and of being in the high (vs low) tertile of WC (OR=0.66,
      0.50-0.87) and of WHR (OR=0.79, 0.60-1.03) were lower for low (vs normal) birth
      weight men, but trended higher (BMI: OR=1.18, 0.92-1.51; WC: OR=1.21, 0.97-1.53;
      WHR: OR=1.44, 1.15-1.82) for low (vs normal) birth weight women. CONCLUSIONS: In
      this Brazilian sample of middle-aged and elderly adults who have lived through a
      rapid nutritional transition, low birth weight was associated with adult
      adiposity in a sex-specific manner. In men, low birth weight was associated with
      lower overall and central adult adiposity, while in women low birth weight was
      generally associated with greater central adiposity.

PMID- 27121251
TI  - miR-200a regulates Rheb-mediated amelioration of insulin resistance after
      duodenal-jejunal bypass.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB) surgery can induce the rapid and
      durable remission of diabetes. Recent studies indicate that ameliorated hepatic
      insulin resistance and improved insulin signaling might contribute to the
      diabetic control observed after DJB. Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb) is
      reported to have an important role in insulin pathway, and some microRNAs
      (miRNAs) have been found to regulate Rheb. This study was conducted to
      investigate the effects of DJB on hepatic insulin resistance and the effects of
      miRNA-200a, a Rheb-targeting miRNA, on the development of DJB-induced
      amelioration in hepatic insulin resistance. SUBJECTS: We investigated hepatic
      insulin signaling change and mapped the hepatic miRNAome involved in a rat model
      of DJB. We studied the effects of miR-200a on Rheb signaling pathway in buffalo
      rat liver cell lines. Liver tissues were studied and glucose tolerance tests were
      conducted in DJB rats injected with lentivirus encoding miR-200a inhibitor and
      diabetic rats injected with miR-200a mimic. RESULTS: Rheb is a potential target
      of miR-200a. Transfection with an miR-200a inhibitor increased Rheb protein
      levels and enhanced the feedback action on insulin receptor substrate-dependent
      insulin signaling, whereas transfection with an miR-200a mimic produced the
      opposite effects. A luciferase assay confirmed that miR-200a bind to the 3'UTR
      (untranslated regions) of Rheb. Global downregulation of miR-200a in DJB rats
      showed impaired insulin sensitivity whereas upregulation of miR-200a in diabetic
      rats showed amelioration of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: A novel mechanism was
      identified, in which miR-200a regulates the Rheb-mediated amelioration of insulin
      resistance in DJB. The findings suggest miR-200a should be further explored as a
      potential target for the treatment of diabetes.

PMID- 27121252
TI  - Established BMI-associated genetic variants and their prospective associations
      with BMI and other cardiometabolic traits: the GLACIER Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent cross-sectional genome-wide scans have reported associations
      of 97 independent loci with body mass index (BMI). In 3541 middle-aged adult
      participants from the GLACIER Study, we tested whether these loci are associated
      with 10-year changes in BMI and other cardiometabolic traits (fasting and 2-h
      glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood
      pressures). METHODS: A BMI-specific genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated by
      summing the BMI-associated effect alleles at each locus. Trait-specific
      cardiometabolic GRSs comprised only the loci that show nominal association
      (P?0.10) with the respective trait in the original cross-sectional study. In
      longitudinal genetic association analyses, the second visit trait measure
      (assessed ~10 years after baseline) was used as the dependent variable and the
      models were adjusted for the baseline measure of the outcome trait, age, age(2),
      fasting time (for glucose and lipid traits), sex, follow-up time and population
      substructure. RESULTS: The BMI-specific GRS was associated with increased BMI at
      follow-up (beta=0.014 kg m(-2) per allele per 10-year follow-up, s.e.=0.006,
      P=0.019) as were three loci (PARK2 rs13191362, P=0.005; C6orf106 rs205262,
      P=0.043; and C9orf93 rs4740619, P=0.01). Although not withstanding Bonferroni
      correction, a handful of single-nucleotide polymorphisms was nominally associated
      with changes in blood pressure, glucose and lipid levels. CONCLUSIONS:
      Collectively, established BMI-associated loci convey modest but statistically
      significant time-dependent associations with long-term changes in BMI, suggesting
      a role for effect modification by factors that change with time in this
      population.

PMID- 27121253
TI  - Reduced circulating levels of sTWEAK are associated with NAFLD and may affect
      hepatocyte triglyceride accumulation.
AB  - CONTEXT: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation
      of the metabolic syndrome and is strongly associated with obesity, dyslipidaemia
      and altered glucose regulation. Previous data demonstrated that low circulating
      levels of tumour necrosis factor weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) were
      associated with obesity, diabetes and insulin resistance, all traits associated
      with an increased risk of NALFD. Circulating sTWEAK levels are expected to be
      reduced in the presence of NAFLD. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore the relationship
      between NAFLD and circulating sTWEAK levels in obese patients, and to evaluate
      the effect of sTWEAK on hepatocyte triglyceride accumulation.Design setting and
      patients:This is an observational case-control study performed in n=112 severely
      obese patients evaluated for NAFLD by abdominal ultrasound and n=32 non-obese
      patients without steatosis. Serum sTWEAK concentrations were measured by ELISA.
      Multivariable analyses were performed to determine the independent predictors of
      NAFLD. We analysed TWEAK and Fn14 protein expression in liver biopsies by western
      blotting and immunohistochemistry. An immortalized primary human hepatocyte cell
      line (HHL) was used to evaluate the effect of sTWEAK on triglyceride
      accumulation. RESULTS: We observed a reduction in serum circulating sTWEAK
      concentrations with the presence of liver steatosis. On multivariable analysis,
      lower sTWEAK concentrations were independently associated with the presence of
      NAFLD (odds ratio (OR)=0.023; 95% confidence interval: 0.001-0.579; P<0.022). In
      human hepatocytes, sTWEAK administration reduced fat accumulation as demonstrated
      by the reduction in palmitic acid-induced accumulation of triglyceride and the
      decreased expression of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and perilipin 1 and
      2 (PLIN1 and PLIN2) genes. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased sTWEAK concentrations are
      independently associated with the presence of NAFLD. This is concordant with the
      observation that TWEAK reduces lipid accumulation in human liver cells.

PMID- 27121254
TI  - Childhood body mass index and height and risk of histologic subtypes of
      endometrial cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer risk factors include adult obesity and taller
      stature, but the influence of size earlier in life is incompletely understood. We
      examined whether childhood body mass index (BMI; kg m(-2)) and height were
      associated with histologic subtypes of endometrial cancer. METHODS: From the
      Copenhagen School Health Records Register, 155 505 girls born 1930-1989 with
      measured weights and heights from 7 to 13 years were linked to health registers.
      BMI and height were transformed to age-specific z-scores. Hazard ratios (HRs) and
      95% confidence intervals were estimated by Cox regressions. RESULTS: A total of
      1020 endometrial cancers were recorded. BMI was non-linearly associated with all
      endometrial cancers, oestrogen-dependent cancers and the subtype of endometrioid
      adenocarcinomas; associations were statistically significant and positive above a
      z-score=0 and non-significant below zero. Compared with a 7-year-old girl with a
      BMI z-score=0, an equally tall girl who was 3.6 kg heavier (BMI z-score=1.5) had
      a hazard ratio=1.53 (95% confidence interval: 1.29-1.82) for endometrioid
      adenocarcinoma. BMI was not associated with non-oestrogen-dependent cancers,
      except at the oldest childhood ages. Height at all ages was statistically
      significant and positively associated with all endometrial cancers, except non
      oestrogen-dependent cancers. At 7 years, per ~5.2 cm (1 z-score), the risk of
      endometrioid adenocarcinoma was 1.18 (95% confidence interval: 1.09-1.28). Among
      non-users of unopposed oestrogens, associations between BMI and endometrioid
      adenocarcinoma strengthened, but no effects on height associations were observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Endometrial carcinogenesis is linked to early-life body size,
      suggesting that childhood BMI and height may be useful indicators for the risk of
      later development of endometrial cancer and might aid in the early prevention of
      obesity-related endometrial cancers.

PMID- 27121256
TI  - Party on wheels: mobile party spaces in the Norwegian high school graduation
      celebration.
AB  - Research on partying and nightlife often emphasizes commercial control while
      overlooking participants' creativity and agency. Due to their age, appearance and
      transgressive partying, participants in the Norwegian high school graduation
      celebration have limited access to bars and pubs in the ordinary night-time
      economy. To create alternative party spaces under their own control they utilize
      the spatial opportunities offered by automobility. Groups of students get
      together many years in advance and buy old buses which they refurbish to become
      rolling nightclubs that enable them to 'transcend space' through partying while
      on the move. These mobile party spaces provide a material and symbolic centre of
      communion and a tight space for physical assembly that enhances the production of
      intense positive emotions. In a cat-and-mouse game with the police, the buses
      provide a sense of nomadic autonomy, and enable participants to drink heavily for
      days on end. The study examines how youth may creatively zone their own party
      spaces within the context of automobility and how these mobile spaces again shape
      the partying that goes on within them. While this party practice opens up for
      autonomy, creativity and social transgressions reminiscent of liminal phases or
      carnivals, at a deeper level participants clearly reproduce class-based
      differences and exaggerate conventional practices and symbols. 

PMID- 27121255
TI  - Intervention with a caspase-1 inhibitor reduces obesity-associated
      hyperinsulinemia, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatic fibrosis in LDLR-/
      .Leiden mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a serious liver
      condition, closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Recent studies
      have suggested an important role for inflammasome/caspase-1 in the development of
      NASH, but the potential therapeutic value of caspase-1 inhibition remains
      unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of caspase-1 inhibition
      in the ongoing disease process, to mimic the clinical setting. SUBJECTS/METHODS:
      To investigate effects of caspase-1 inhibition under therapeutic conditions, male
      LDLR-/-.Leiden mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 9 weeks to induce a pre
      diabetic state before start of treatment. Mice were then continued on HFD for
      another 12 weeks, without (HFD) or with (HFD-YVAD) treatment with the caspase-1
      inhibitor Ac-YVAD-cmk (40 mg kg(-1) per day). RESULTS: Nine weeks of HFD feeding
      resulted in an obese phenotype, with obesity-associated hypertriglyceridemia,
      hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Treatment with Ac-YVAD
      cmk did not affect further body weight gain or dyslipidemia, but did attenuate
      further progression of insulin resistance. Histopathological analysis of livers
      clearly demonstrated prevention of NASH development in HFD-YVAD mice: livers were
      less steatotic and neutrophil infiltration was strongly reduced. In addition,
      caspase-1 inhibition had a profound effect on hepatic fibrosis, as assessed by
      histological quantification of collagen staining and gene expression analysis of
      fibrosis-associated genes Col1a1, Acta2 and Tnfa. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention with
      a caspase-1 inhibitor attenuated the development of NASH, liver fibrosis and
      insulin resistance. Our data support the importance of inflammasome/caspase-1 in
      the development of NASH and demonstrate that therapeutic intervention in the
      already ongoing disease process is feasible.

PMID- 27121257
TI  - Helminth fauna of chiropterans in Amazonia: biological interactions between
      parasite and host.
AB  - Amazonia, the largest Brazilian biome, is one of the most diverse biomes around
      the world. Considering the Brazilian chiropteran species, 120 out of known 167
      species are registered in Para state, with 10 endemic species. Despite the high
      diversity of bats in Amazonia, studies on their parasites, especially on
      helminths, are scarce. Therefore, the present study aims to study the helminth
      fauna of different bats from the Para state, Amazon biome, determine the
      descriptors of infection, and evaluate the host-parasite interactions, as well as
      evaluate differences in ecological indexes in accordance with the feeding guilds.
      The study was developed on 67 bats of 21 species captured in several areas of the
      Para state. The animals were identified, divided into feeding guilds, and
      necropsied. The parasites obtained were identified and quantified. A total of 182
      parasites were found in 20.89 % of the studied bats, representing nine species,
      as follows: Anenterotrema eduardocaballeroi, Anenterotrema liliputianum,
      Ochoterenatrema caballeroi, Tricholeiperia sp., Parahistiostrongylus octacanthus,
      Litomosoides guiterasi, Litomosoides brasiliensis, Capillariinae gen. sp., and
      Hymenolepididae gen. sp. Also, the results indicated that there was no impact of
      parasitism on host body condition and no relationship between sex and parasite
      intensity. In relation to the feeding guilds, the omnivores showed higher
      prevalence and mean intensity. Animals from regions closer to the equator tend to
      have greater richness in parasite species, but the present study revealed low
      diversity and richness in species. In conclusion, the ecological pattern observed
      for other animal groups, in which higher parasitic diversity are registered in
      lower latitudes, is not applicable to chiropterans from the study area. 

PMID- 27121258
TI  - Microsatellite polymorphism in the P1 promoter region of the IGF-1 gene is
      associated with endometrial cancer.
AB  - Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common type of gynecological malignancy.
      Studies have demonstrated that the insulin growth factor (IGF) pathway is
      implicated in the development of endometrial tumors and that the serum levels of
      IGF-1 are affected by estrogen. Most EC cells with high microsatellite
      instability (MSI-H) accumulate mutations at a microsatellite sequence in the IGF
      1 gene. The present study investigated the CA repeat polymorphism in the P1
      promoter region of the IGF-1 gene among Caucasian females with endometrial
      hyperplasia, EC and healthy control subjects, whose blood serum and surgical
      tissue specimens were analyzed. Differences or correlations between the analyzed
      parameters [serum levels of IGF-1 and IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1 and IGFBP-3
      as well as estrogens among the polymorphisms] were verified using the chi2, Mann
      Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis or Spearman's rank correlation tests. A PCR
      amplification and DNA sequencing analysis was used for identification of (CA)n
      repeats in the P1 region of IGF-1. ELISA was used to determine the blood serum
      levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-3 and estrogens. Furthermore, IGF-1 was assessed
      in endometrial tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. The present study
      indicated no statistically significant differences between serum levels of IGF-1,
      IGFBP-1, IGFBP-3 and estrone, estriol and estradiol in the control and study
      groups. A significant correlation was identified between the IGF-1 levels and
      estrone levels in the MSI-H polymorphism (r=-0.41, P=0.012) as well as a highly
      negative correlation between IGF-1 levels and the estradiol levels in the MSI-H
      polymorphism (r=-0.6, P=0.002). Genotypes without the 19 CA allele were
      predominantly found in EC. Furthermore, statistical analysis indicated that the
      number of IGF-1-expressing cells was significantly elevated in MSI-H type 18-20
      (P=0.0072), MSI-L type 19-20 (P=0.025) and microsatellite-stable MSS type 19-19
      (P=0.024) compared with those in the MSI-H 20-20 genotype. The present study
      suggested that it is rather likely that the polymorphisms in the IGF-1 promoter
      are associated with EC in Caucasian females with regard to its development. In
      the present study, polymorphisms of the IGF-1 promoter may have been introduced
      during the genesis of EC and contributed to it by leading to aberrant expression
      of IGF-1. 

PMID- 27121259
TI  - Wellbeing, mental health knowledge and caregiving experiences of siblings of
      people with psychosis, compared to their peers and parents: an exploratory study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The wellbeing and caregiving experiences of family carers supporting
      people with psychosis has garnered increasing interest. Evidence indicates that
      the burden of caregiving can adversely impact on parents' wellbeing, few studies
      have investigated whether this is also the case for siblings, who often take on
      caregiving responsibilities. This exploratory study investigated the wellbeing,
      mental health knowledge, and appraisals of caregiving in siblings of individuals
      with psychosis. METHOD: Using a cross-sectional design, 90 siblings completed
      three validated questionnaires: Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale
      (WEMWBS), Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), and Experience of Caregiving
      Inventory (ECI). Data obtained were compared to general population norms and
      parent-carers' scores. Multi-variable regression analyses were conducted to
      examine relationships between questionnaire scores and demographic
      characteristics including age, sex, birth order, marital status, accommodation
      and educational level. RESULTS: Siblings, especially sisters, had significantly
      poorer mental wellbeing, compared to normative scores. Conversely, they had
      better mental health knowledge. Siblings and parent-carers had comparable high
      levels of negative appraisals of caregiving experiences, but siblings reported
      more satisfaction with personal experiences and relationships. Education level
      was a significant predictor for better mental health knowledge; there were no
      other relationships between siblings' demographic factors and outcomes.
      CONCLUSION: Study findings suggest that siblings have overlapping as well as
      distinct needs, compared to parent-carers. Further research is required to better
      understand siblings' experiences so as to inform development of targeted
      interventions that enhance wellbeing and caregiving capacity.

PMID- 27121260
TI  - Strategy and software for the statistical spatial analysis of 3D intracellular
      distributions.
AB  - The localization of proteins in specific domains or compartments in the 3D
      cellular space is essential for many fundamental processes in eukaryotic cells.
      Deciphering spatial organization principles within cells is a challenging task,
      in particular because of the large morphological variations between individual
      cells. We present here an approach for normalizing variations in cell morphology
      and for statistically analyzing spatial distributions of intracellular
      compartments from collections of 3D images. The method relies on the processing
      and analysis of 3D geometrical models that are generated from image stacks and
      that are used to build representations at progressively increasing levels of
      integration, ultimately revealing statistical significant traits of spatial
      distributions. To make this methodology widely available to end-users, we
      implemented our algorithmic pipeline into a user-friendly, multi-platform, and
      freely available software. To validate our approach, we generated 3D statistical
      maps of endomembrane compartments at subcellular resolution within an average
      epidermal root cell from collections of image stacks. This revealed unsuspected
      polar distribution patterns of organelles that were not detectable in individual
      images. By reversing the classical 'measure-then-average' paradigm, one major
      benefit of the proposed strategy is the production and display of statistical 3D
      representations of spatial organizations, thus fully preserving the spatial
      dimension of image data and at the same time allowing their integration over
      individual observations. The approach and software are generic and should be of
      general interest for experimental and modeling studies of spatial organizations
      at multiple scales (subcellular, cellular, tissular) in biological systems.

PMID- 27121261
TI  - PTIR: Predicted Tomato Interactome Resource.
AB  - Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are involved in almost all biological
      processes and form the basis of the entire interactomics systems of living
      organisms. Identification and characterization of these interactions are
      fundamental to elucidating the molecular mechanisms of signal transduction and
      metabolic pathways at both the cellular and systemic levels. Although a number of
      experimental and computational studies have been performed on model organisms,
      the studies exploring and investigating PPIs in tomatoes remain lacking. Here, we
      developed a Predicted Tomato Interactome Resource (PTIR), based on experimentally
      determined orthologous interactions in six model organisms. The reliability of
      individual PPIs was also evaluated by shared gene ontology (GO) terms, co
      evolution, co-expression, co-localization and available domain-domain
      interactions (DDIs). Currently, the PTIR covers 357,946 non-redundant PPIs among
      10,626 proteins, including 12,291 high-confidence, 226,553 medium-confidence, and
      119,102 low-confidence interactions. These interactions are expected to cover
      30.6% of the entire tomato proteome and possess a reasonable distribution. In
      addition, ten randomly selected PPIs were verified using yeast two-hybrid (Y2H)
      screening or a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay. The PTIR
      was constructed and implemented as a dedicated database and is available at
      http://bdg.hfut.edu.cn/ptir/index.html without registration.

PMID- 27121263
TI  - Studying the effect of Zn-substitution on the magnetic and hyperthermic
      properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles.
AB  - The possibility to finely control nanostructured cubic ferrites (M(II)Fe2O4)
      paves the way to design materials with the desired magnetic properties for
      specific applications. However, the strict and complex interrelation among the
      chemical composition, size, polydispersity, shape and surface coating renders
      their correlation with the magnetic properties not trivial to predict. In this
      context, this work aims to discuss the magnetic properties and the heating
      abilities of Zn-substituted cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with different zinc
      contents (ZnxCo1-xFe2O4 with 0 < x < 0.6), specifically prepared with similar
      particle sizes (~7 nm) and size distributions having the crystallite size (~6 nm)
      and capping agent amount of 15%. All samples have high saturation magnetisation
      (Ms) values at 5 K (>100 emu g(-1)). The increase in the zinc content up to x =
      0.46 in the structure has resulted in an increase of the saturation magnetisation
      (Ms) at 5 K. High Ms values have also been revealed at room temperature (~90 emu
      g(-1)) for both CoFe2O4 and Zn0.30Co0.70Fe2O4 samples and their heating ability
      has been tested. Despite a similar saturation magnetisation, the specific
      absorption rate value for the cobalt ferrite is three times higher than the Zn
      substituted one. DC magnetometry results were not sufficient to justify these
      data, the experimental conditions of SAR and static measurements being quite
      different. The synergic combination of DC with AC magnetometry and (57)Fe
      Mossbauer spectroscopy represents a powerful tool to get new insights into the
      design of suitable heat mediators for magnetic fluid hyperthermia. 

PMID- 27121262
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of ixazomib, an oral proteasome inhibitor, in solid tumour
      patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics of the
      oral proteasome inhibitor, ixazomib, in patients with solid tumours and moderate
      or severe hepatic impairment, to provide posology recommendations. METHODS:
      Eligible adults with advanced malignancies for which no further effective therapy
      was available received a single dose of ixazomib on day 1 of the pharmacokinetic
      cycle; patients with normal hepatic function, moderate hepatic impairment or
      severe hepatic impairment received 4 mg, 2.3 mg or 1.5 mg, respectively. Blood
      samples for single-dose pharmacokinetic characterization were collected over 336
      h postdose. After sampling, patients could continue to receive ixazomib on days
      1, 8 and 15 in 28-day cycles. RESULTS: Of 48 enrolled patients (13, 15 and 20 in
      the normal, moderate and severe groups, respectively), 43 were pharmacokinetics
      evaluable. Ixazomib was rapidly absorbed (median time to reach peak concentration
      was 0.95-1.5 h) and highly bound to plasma proteins, with a similar mean fraction
      bound (~99%) across the three groups. In patients with moderate/severe hepatic
      impairment (combined group), the geometric least squares mean ratios (90%
      confidence interval) for unbound and total dose-normalized area under the plasma
      concentration vs. time curve from time zero to the time of the last quantifiable
      concentration in reference to the normal hepatic function group were 1.27 (0.75,
      2.16) and 1.20 (0.79, 1.82), respectively. Seven (15%) of the 48 patients
      experienced a grade 3 drug-related adverse event; there were no drug-related
      grade 4 adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with moderate/severe hepatic
      impairment, unbound and total systemic exposures of ixazomib were 27% and 20%
      higher, respectively, vs. normal hepatic function. A reduced ixazomib starting
      dose of 3 mg is recommended for patients with moderate or severe hepatic
      impairment.

PMID- 27121264
TI  - Galanin 3 receptor-deficient mice show no alteration in the oxazolone-induced
      contact dermatitis phenotype.
AB  - Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an inflammatory skin disease induced by
      allergen exposure and characterized by erythema, oedema and immune cell
      infiltration. The sensory peptide galanin (GAL) and its three receptors (GAL1-3 )
      are involved in regulating inflammation. As GAL and its receptors are expressed
      in human and murine skin and GAL expression is increased in oxazolone-induced
      contact allergy, it could play a role in dermatitis. As GAL reduces neurogenic
      plasma extravasation in the mouse skin via GAL3 activation, the role of GAL3 in
      the oxazolone-induced dermatitis model was explored. Following topical challenge
      with oxazolone, GAL3 gene-deficient mice showed a trend towards reduced ear
      thickness. Plasma extravasation and neutrophil infiltration increased
      considerably upon oxazolone challenge in both GAL3 knockout animals and wild-type
      controls without any observable effect of the gene deletion. We conclude that a
      lack of GAL3 does not influence oxazolone-induced ACD.

PMID- 27121269
TI  - 2D wax-printed paper substrates with extended solvent supply capabilities allow
      enhanced ion signal in paper spray ionization.
AB  - Paper-based microfluidic channels were created from solid wax printing, and the
      resultant 2D wax-printed paper substrates were used for paper spray (PS) mass
      spectrometry (MS) analysis of small organic compounds. Controlling fluid flow at
      the tip of the wax-printed paper triangles enabled the use of lower spray
      voltages (0.5-1 kV) and extended signal lifetime (10 minutes) in PS-MS. High
      sensitivity (sub ng mL(-1) levels) and quantitation precision (<10% RSD) have
      been achieved in the analysis of illicit drugs in 4 MUL of raw urine (fresh and
      dry), as well as corrosion inhibitors and pesticides in water samples. The
      reported study encourages the future development of disposable 3D microfluidic
      paper-based analytical devices, which function with simple operation but capable
      of on-chip analyte detection by MS; such a device can replace the traditional
      complex laboratory procedures for MS analysis to enable on-site in situ sampling
      with portable mass spectrometers. 

PMID- 27121270
TI  - Extended charge accumulation in ruthenium-4H-imidazole-based black absorbers: a
      theoretical design concept.
AB  - A theoretical-guided design concept aiming to achieve highly efficient
      unidirectional charge transfer and multi-charge separation upon successive
      photoexcitation for light-harvesting dyes in the scope of supramolecular
      photocatalysts is presented. Four 4H-imidazole-ruthenium(ii) complexes
      incorporating a biimidazole-based electron-donating ligand sphere have been
      designed based on the well-known 4H-imidazole-ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl dyes. The
      quantum chemical evaluation, performed at the density functional and time
      dependent density functional level of theory, revealed extraordinary
      unidirectional charge transfer bands from the near-infrared to the ultraviolet
      region of the absorption spectrum upon multi-photoexcitation. Spectro
      electrochemical simulations modeling photoexcited intermediates determined the
      outstanding multi-electron storage capacity for this novel class of black dyes.
      These remarkable photochemical and photophysical properties are found to be
      preserved upon site-specific protonation rendering 4H-imidazole-ruthenium(ii)
      biimidazole dyes ideal for light-harvesting applications in the field of solar
      energy conversion.

PMID- 27121268
TI  - On-body calibration and measurements using personal radiofrequency exposimeters
      in indoor diffuse and specular environments.
AB  - For the first time, response of personal exposimeters (PEMs) is studied under
      diffuse field exposure in indoor environments. To this aim, both numerical
      simulations, using finite-difference time-domain method, and calibration
      measurements were performed in the range of 880-5875 MHz covering 10 frequency
      bands in Belgium. Two PEMs were mounted on the body of a human male subject and
      calibrated on-body in an anechoic chamber (non-diffuse) and a reverberation
      chamber (RC) (diffuse fields). This was motivated by the fact that
      electromagnetic waves in indoor environments have both specular and diffuse
      components. Both calibrations show that PEMs underestimate actual incident
      electromagnetic fields. This can be compensated by using an on-body response.
      Moreover, it is shown that these responses are different in anechoic chamber and
      RC. Therefore, it is advised to use an on-body calibration in an RC in future
      indoor PEM measurements where diffuse fields are present. Using the response
      averaged over two PEMs reduced measurement uncertainty compared to single PEMs.
      Following the calibration, measurements in a realistic indoor environment were
      done for wireless fidelity (WiFi-5G) band. Measured power density values are
      maximally 8.9 mW/m(2) and 165.8 MUW/m(2) on average. These satisfy reference
      levels issued by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
      Protection in 1998. Power density values obtained by applying on-body calibration
      in RC are higher than values obtained from no body calibration (only PEMs) and on
      body calibration in anechoic room, by factors of 7.55 and 2.21, respectively.
      Bioelectromagnetics. 37:298-309, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27121266
TI  - Gamma-Linolenic Acid Suppresses NF-kappaBeta Signaling via CD36 in the
      Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response in Primary Goat Mammary Gland
      Epithelial Cells.
AB  - Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid (LA), which are both n-6 unsaturated
      fatty acids, play vital roles in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation.
      The multi-functional protein scavenger receptor CD36 has also been shown to
      participate in inflammation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the
      interactions between CD36 and GLA or LA in LPS-induced inflammation remain
      unclear. We used small interfering RNA and adenoviral systems to manipulate CD36
      expression in primary goat mammary gland epithelial cells (pGMECs), and the
      results showed that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) levels were significantly
      decreased by CD36 receptor signaling following treatment with GLA but not LA. GLA
      inhibited NF-kappaB activation in LPS-induced pGMECs. However, silencing CD36 or
      deleting its fatty acid-binding domain blocked the anti-inflammatory effects of
      GLA, resulting in an increase in NF-kappaB activation and disrupting its
      localization during LPS-induced inflammation. The activity of the cytokines IL
      1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha, which act downstream of NF-kappaB, was also modulated
      when CD34 expression was manipulated by the addition of GLA in LPS-induced
      pGMECs. Our data suggest that GLA, but not LA, may interact with the CD36 fatty
      acid-binding domain to regulate the activation and localization of NF-kappaB in
      LPS-induced pGMECs. 

PMID- 27121271
TI  - Living with constipation--older people's experiences and strategies with
      constipation before and during hospitalization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Constipation is a common problem among older people. This study aimed
      to explore how older patients experience constipation and which strategies they
      used in handling the condition before and during hospitalization. METHODS: A
      qualitative exploratory research design was used. Fourteen semi-structured
      interviews were conducted with patients (61-91 years of age) during
      hospitalization. Data were analyzed by using content analysis. RESULTS: Themes
      concerning experiences were Bodily signs and symptoms of constipation; the
      participants described severe pain during constipation, as well as pronounced
      relief after bowel movements, Impact on well-being and social activities; being
      constipated negatively impacted their mood and limited social activities,
      Striving for bowel balance; the participants experienced an ongoing strive for
      balancing between constipation and diarrhea. Themes related to strategies were
      Struggling to find a solution; they were aware of different strategies to prevent
      and treat constipation, though the most common solution described was the use of
      laxatives, Wait and see; the participants were awaiting to take action until they
      experienced constipation symptoms, Constipation is a private problem being
      challenged during hospitalization; constipation was considered a private issue
      rarely discussed with health-care professionals. CONCLUSION: This study
      illuminates the need for health-care professionals to be attentive to this issue
      and initiate the conversation with patients in order to advise on the management
      of constipation.

PMID- 27121272
TI  - Salacia chinensis L. extract ameliorates abnormal glucose metabolism and improves
      the bone strength and accumulation of AGEs in type 1 diabetic rats.
AB  - Although extracts of the roots and stems of Salacia chinensis have been used in
      folk medicines for chronic diseases such as rheumatism, irregular menstruation,
      asthma and diabetes mellitus, little is known about the mechanism by which
      Salacia chinensis extract (SCE) ameliorates these diseases. To clarify whether
      SCE ameliorates the progression of lifestyle-related diseases, the inhibitory
      effect of SCE on the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) was
      analyzed in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Although the oral
      administration of SCE did not ameliorate the diabetes-induced decrease in body
      weight, it ameliorated the increase in glycoalbumin levels in diabetic rats. An
      analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
      demonstrated that the levels of N(epsilon)-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) were
      highest in the femurs and that they increased by the induction of diabetes. The
      administration of SCE also ameliorated the decreased femur strength and the
      accumulation of CML. Furthermore, when all of the carbohydrates in the chow of
      diabetic rats were replaced with free glucose, the administration of SCE
      significantly ameliorated a diabetes-induced increase in glycoalbumin and
      decrease in serum creatinine level and body weight. This study provides evidence
      to support that SCE ameliorates diabetes-induced abnormalities by improving the
      uptake of glucose by various organs. 

PMID- 27121273
TI  - Grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts prevent hyperglycemia-induced monocyte
      adhesion to aortic endothelial cells and ameliorates vascular inflammation in
      high-carbohydrate/high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
AB  - The role of grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts (GSPE) in the prevention of
      diabetic vascular inflammation and monocyte-endothelial cell interactions has not
      been examined. We used high-carbohydrate/high-fat diet and streptozotocin to
      induce diabetes and treated with GSPE (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) for 24 weeks.
      Inflammatory response and intima-media thickness (IMT) in aortic root were
      observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. The receptor of advanced glycation
      end products (RAGE) expression of aortic root was assayed by
      immunohistochemistry. Isolation of rat aortic endothelial cell (RAEC) was used to
      ex vivo monocyte adhesion assay. In this study, inflammatory response and IMT
      were significantly increased in diabetic rats compared to non-diabetic rats,
      which can be reversed by GSPE (p < 0.05). Advanced glycation end products (AGEs)
      and RAGE in diabetic rats were significantly higher than in non-diabetic animals,
      but were effectively lowered by 500 mg/kg GSPE for 24 weeks (p < 0.05). There was
      a greater binding of WEHI 78/24 cells to RAEC isolated from diabetic rats as
      compared with normal rats, which can be normalized by GSPE. The concentrations of
      intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1
      (VCAM-1) in RAEC cell supernatant and serum of diabetic rats were greater than
      those in the normal rats. This study provided evidence that GSPE may be an
      effective agent to protect vasculature from diabetes-caused inflammation and
      endothelial dysfunction. 

PMID- 27121274
TI  - Sex-biased response in activity to light sources with different spectral
      composition in geometrid moths with flightless females (Lepidoptera:
      Geometridae).
AB  - Geometrid moths occurring in late autumn and early spring in temperate forest
      habitats are often harmful defoliators of deciduous stands. Their populations can
      cause locally cyclic outbreaks and thus preventive monitoring actions have been
      developed, mainly based on pheromone attraction of males. Females are mostly
      flightless with reduced or lost wings and reduced senses associated with flying.
      Males are standard flyers with well-developed eyes and must be able to deal with
      rapidly changing light conditions during their activity. Although such
      differences indicate sex-biased differences in reactions to light, this has been
      insufficiently tested. In conditions of an experimental arena and using light
      emitting diodes, we tested the different reactions of the sexes for nine species
      to precisely defined short segments of the electromagnetic spectrum in the range
      360-660 nm. Across all species, males preferred shorter wavelengths up to 500 nm,
      while females were nonselective and generally less active. The sexes differed by
      eye size and body mass, with males having significantly larger eyes and lower
      body mass. Between brachypterous and apterous females, the former had larger eye
      size, while body mass differences were statistically insignificant. There were
      differences between the sexes in move-to-light reactions and changes in eye size
      and body mass in line with wing reduction. While males preferred a relatively
      distinct range of shorter wavelengths, a method of attraction to lights with
      distinct narrow spectra could be used markedly to enhance the established methods
      of forest pest monitoring, either alone or in combination with chemical male
      attraction. 

PMID- 27121275
TI  - Identification of MAC1: A Small Molecule That Rescues Spindle Bipolarity in
      Monastrol-Treated Cells.
AB  - The genetic integrity of each organism is intimately tied to the correct
      segregation of its genome during mitosis. Insights into the underlying mechanisms
      are fundamental for both basic research and the development of novel strategies
      to treat mitosis-relevant diseases such as cancer. Due to their fast mode of
      action, small molecules are invaluable tools to dissect mitosis. Yet, there is a
      great demand for novel antimitotic compounds. We performed a chemical genetic
      suppression screen to identify compounds that restore spindle bipolarity in cells
      treated with Monastrol, an inhibitor of the mitotic kinesin Eg5. We identified
      one compound-MAC1-that rescued spindle bipolarity in cells lacking Eg5 activity.
      Mechanistically, MAC1 induces the formation of additional microtubule nucleation
      centers, which allows kinesin Kif15-dependent bipolar spindle assembly in the
      absence of Eg5 activity. Thus, our chemical genetic suppression screen revealed
      novel unexpected insights into the mechanism of spindle assembly in mammalian
      cells.

PMID- 27121276
TI  - Predictors of medical school clerkship performance: a multispecialty longitudinal
      analysis of standardized examination scores and clinical assessments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that poor performance on standardized tests before
      and early in medical school is associated with poor performance on standardized
      tests later in medical school and beyond. This study aimed to explore
      relationships between standardized examination scores (before and during medical
      school) with test and clinical performance across all core clinical clerkships.
      METHODS: We evaluated characteristics of 435 students at Mayo Medical School
      (MMS) who matriculated 2000-2009 and for whom undergraduate grade point average,
      medical college aptitude test (MCAT), medical school standardized tests (United
      States Medical Licensing Examination [USMLE] 1 and 2; National Board of Medical
      Examiners [NBME] subject examination), and faculty assessments were available. We
      assessed the correlation between scores and assessments and determined USMLE 1
      cutoffs predictive of poor performance (<=10th percentile) on the NBME
      examinations. We also compared the mean faculty assessment scores of MMS students
      vs visiting students, and for the NBME, we determined the percentage of MMS
      students who scored at or below the tenth percentile of first-time national
      examinees. RESULTS: MCAT scores correlated robustly with USMLE 1 and 2, and USMLE
      1 and 2 independently predicted NBME scores in all clerkships. USMLE 1 cutoffs
      corresponding to poor NBME performance ranged from 220 to 223. USMLE 1 scores
      were similar among MMS and visiting students. For most academic years and
      clerkships, NBME scores were similar for MMS students vs all first-time
      examinees. CONCLUSIONS: MCAT, USMLE 1 and 2, and subsequent clinical performance
      parameters were correlated with NBME scores across all core clerkships. Even more
      interestingly, faculty assessments correlated with NBME scores, affirming patient
      care as examination preparation. USMLE 1 scores identified students at risk of
      poor performance on NBME subject examinations, facilitating and supporting
      implementation of remediation before the clinical years. MMS students were
      representative of medical students across the nation.

PMID- 27121277
TI  - Coping With Strain (CWS) course - its effects on depressive symptoms: A four-year
      longitudinal randomized controlled trial.
AB  - The Coping With Strain (CWS) course is a modification of the Coping With
      Depression (CWD) course. CWD is by far the most studied psycho-educational
      intervention to reduce and prevent depression, but CWD has never been tested in a
      randomized controlled trial in the workplace. This study seeks to examine the
      extent to which CWS, on a short-term and a long-term basis, reduces depressive
      symptoms in employees. After advertising at workplaces, 119 employees were
      randomized into Intervention Group I (IG1), which immediately participated in
      CWS, or Intervention Group II (IG2), which functioned as a control group for six
      months until its participation in CWS. The follow up period lasted for four years
      in both IG1 and IG2. Linear mixed models were fitted to the data. Depressive
      symptoms were significantly reduced during the course. The reduction of
      depressive symptoms was maintained over a period of four years in both IG1 and
      IG2, although there is a slight increase towards the end of the follow-up period.
      CWS is effective in reducing depressive symptoms among employees. The effects are
      long lasting and may be maintained over a period of four years. 

PMID- 27121278
TI  - Effect of electrode position on azo dye removal in an up-flow hybrid anaerobic
      digestion reactor with built-in bioelectrochemical system.
AB  - In this study, two modes of hybrid anaerobic digestion (AD) bioreactor with built
      in BESs (electrodes installed in liquid phase (R1) and sludge phase (R2)) were
      tested for identifying the effect of electrodes position on azo dye wastewater
      treatment. Alizarin yellow R (AYR) was used as a model dye. Decolorization
      efficiency of R1 was 90.41 +/- 6.20% at influent loading rate of 800 g-AYR/
      m(3).d, which was 39% higher than that of R2. The contribution of
      bioelectrochemical reduction to AYR decolorization (16.23 +/- 1.86% for R1 versus
      22.24 +/- 2.14% for R2) implied that although azo dye was mainly removed in
      sludge zone, BES further improved the effluent quality, especially for R1 where
      electrodes were installed in liquid phase. The microbial communities in the
      electrode biofilms (dominant by Enterobacter) and sludge (dominant by
      Enterococcus) were well distinguished in R1, but they were similar in R2. These
      results suggest that electrodes installed in liquid phase in the anaerobic hybrid
      system are more efficient than that in sludge phase for azo dye removal, which
      give great inspirations for the application of AD-BES hybrid process for various
      refractory wastewaters treatment.

PMID- 27121279
TI  - The impact of occupational hazards and traumatic events among Belgian emergency
      physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency Physicians (EPs) are regularly confronted with work related
      traumatic events and hectic work conditions. Several studies mention a high
      incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and psychosomatic complaints
      in EP. The main objective of this study is to examine the contribution of
      demographics, traumatic events, life events, the occurrence of occupational
      hazards and social support to post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS),
      psychological distress, fatigue, somatic complaints and job satisfaction in
      Emergency Physicians. METHODS: For this study questionnaires were distributed to
      Belgian Emergency Physicians, These include, as determinants socio-demographic
      characteristics, traumatic events, life events, the occurrence of physical
      hazards, occurrences of violence, occurrence of situations that increase the risk
      of burnout and social support by supervisors and colleagues (LQWQ-Med), and as
      outcomes PTSS (IES), psychological distress (BSI), somatic complaints (PHQ 15),
      perceived fatigue (CIS20 R) and job satisfaction (LQWQ-MD). The response rate was
      52.3 %. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the
      association between the determinants and each of the outcomes. RESULTS: Emergency
      Physicians are particularly vulnerable to post-traumatic and chronic stress
      consequences due to repetitive exposure to work related traumatic incidents such
      as serious injuries or death of a child/adolescent. One out of three Emergency
      Physicians met sub-clinical levels of anxiety and 14.5 % met a clinical level of
      PTSD, short for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Levels of fatigue were high but
      not directly related to traumatic events and occupational hazards. Social support
      from colleagues was found to have a beneficial effect on these complaints. Job
      satisfaction seems to have a protective factor. All of these not only affect the
      Emergency Physicians themselves, but can also have an adverse impact on patient
      care. DISCUSSION: EPs are, according to our and other studies, confronted on a
      regular basis with significant, potentially traumatizing work related events.
      There is a higher perception of traumatic events in older Eps. We find out that
      36 % of the EPs find dealing with sudden death of a young person and traumatic
      accident/disease involving a young person the most traumatic experience during
      their work activity. Three quarter of these EPs have children of their own. The
      results of the study show that frequency of exposure to traumatic (work) events
      contributes next to occurrence of situations that increase the risk of burnout to
      the explanation of variance in posttraumatic stress and psychological distress.
      The novelty of this study is that it explores the effect of specific determinants
      of PTSS, psychological distress, fatigue, somatic complaints and job satisfaction
      in Emergency Physicians. Especially occurrence of situations that increase the
      risk of burnout seems to have a major impact on all outcomes including job
      satisfaction, while occurrence of violence contributes especially to
      psychological distress and perceived fatigue. Lack of social support is a well
      known predictor of occupational stress in emergency care workers. In contrast
      however, good social support of colleagues at work, as we found in our study, can
      facilitate the recovery process after confrontation with traumatic events and
      occupational hazards. CONCLUSION: Emergency Physicians are particularly
      vulnerable to post-traumatic stress and chronic stress consequences due to
      repetitive exposure to work related traumatic events. Training in dealing with
      violence and situations that can increase the risk of burnout can reduce
      detrimental consequences in emergency physicians. In addition, it is suggested
      that emergency units are screened systematically on determinants of burnout, in
      view of interventions. Finally, creating a supportive work environment and
      training the medical staff in supportive skills with backup by experts may also
      reduce adverse consequences of confrontation with traumatic work events.

PMID- 27121280
TI  - Elemental mapping of Neuromelanin organelles of human Substantia Nigra:
      correlative ultrastructural and chemical analysis by analytical transmission
      electron microscopy and nano-secondary ion mass spectrometry.
AB  - Neuromelanin (NM) is a compound which highly accumulates mainly in catecholamine
      neurons of the substantia nigra (SN), and is contained in organelles (NM
      containing organelles) with lipid bodies and proteins. These neurons selectively
      degenerate in Parkinson's disease and NM can play either a protective or toxic
      role. NM-containing organelles of SN were investigated by Analytical Electron
      Microscopy (AEM) and Nano-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS) within human
      tissue sections with respect to ultrastructure and elemental composition. Within
      the NM-containing organelle, the single NM granules and lipid bodies had sizes of
      about 200-600 nm. Energy-Dispersive X-ray microanalysis spectra of the NM
      granules and lipid bodies were acquired with 100 nm beam diameter in AEM,
      NanoSIMS yielded elemental maps with a lateral resolution of about 150 nm. AEM
      yielded the quantitative elemental composition of NM granules and bound metals,
      e.g., iron with a mole fraction of about 0.15 atomic percent. Chemical analyses
      by AEM and NanoSIMS were consistent at the subcellular level so that nanoSIMS
      measurements have been quantitated. In NM granules of SN from healthy subjects, a
      significant amount of S, Fe, and Cu was found. In lipid bodies an amount of P
      consistent with the presence of phospholipids was measured. The improved
      detection limits of nanoSIMS offer new possibilities for chemical mapping, high
      sensitivity trace element detection, and reduced acquisition times. Variations
      between individual NM granules can now be investigated effectively and
      quantitatively by NanoSIMS mapping Cu and Fe. This should yield new insight into
      the changes in chemical composition of NM pigments during healthy aging and
      disease. Neuromelanin-containing organelles of dopamine neurons in normal human
      substantia nigra were investigated by analytical electron mircoscopy and
      secondary ion mass spectroscopy (NanoSIMS) yielding the ultrastructure and
      elemental composition. In neuromelanin granules a significant amount of S, Fe and
      Cu was found. In lipid bodies an amount of P consistent with the presence of
      phospholipids was measured. The improved sensitivity of NanoSIMS shows
      differences in chemical composition between individual neuromelanin granules and
      allows to study chemical changes of neuromelanin organelles during aging and
      disease.

PMID- 27121281
TI  - Formulation of venlafaxine for once daily administration using polymeric material
      hybrids.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Controlled release venlafaxine for once daily administration. METHODS:
      Drug resin complexation followed by polymer encapsulation. A 4(1).2(1) factorial
      design was used to study the effect of polymer type and core: coat ratio on the
      release profile and kinetics. Polymer combinations were tried for optimisation
      adapting the desIMNCility function. The optimised formula was tested in rabbits
      against commercial extended release capsules. RESULTS: Poly-epsilon-caprolactone,
      poly(d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) ester and poly(d, l-lactide) ester polymers were
      more efficient in lowering the release rate and the initial burst release than
      Eudragit((r))RS100. Encapsulation at 1:1 ratio ensured complete coats and drug
      release sustainment. Formula prepared using 50:50 PLA/Eudragit at 1:1 ratio
      sustained the drug release up to 24 h with low burst release. This formula had
      higher venlafaxine absorption in rabbits compared to the commercial capsules.
      CONCLUSIONS: The optimised formula is superior to the available once-daily trials
      regarding enhanced bioavailability, dosage form versatility and ease of scaling
      up.

PMID- 27121282
TI  - A qualitative exploration of trial-related terminology in a study involving Deaf
      British Sign Language users.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internationally, few clinical trials have involved Deaf people who
      use a signed language and none have involved BSL (British Sign Language) users.
      Appropriate terminology in BSL for key concepts in clinical trials that are
      relevant to recruitment and participant information materials, to support
      informed consent, do not exist. Barriers to conceptual understanding of trial
      participation and sources of misunderstanding relevant to the Deaf community are
      undocumented. METHODS: A qualitative, community participatory exploration of
      trial terminology including conceptual understanding of 'randomisation', 'trial',
      'informed choice' and 'consent' was facilitated in BSL involving 19 participants
      in five focus groups. Data were video-recorded and analysed in source language
      (BSL) using a phenomenological approach. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Six necessary
      conditions for developing trial information to support comprehension were
      identified. These included: developing appropriate expressions and terminology
      from a community basis, rather than testing out previously derived translations
      from a different language; paying attention to language-specific features which
      support best means of expression (in the case of BSL expectations of specificity,
      verb directionality, handshape); bilingual influences on comprehension;
      deliberate orientation of information to avoid misunderstanding not just to
      promote accessibility; sensitivity to barriers to discussion about
      intelligibility of information that are cultural and social in origin, rather
      than linguistic; the importance of using contemporary language-in-use, rather
      than jargon-free or plain language, to support meaningful understanding.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study reinforces the ethical imperative to ensure trial
      participants who are Deaf are provided with optimum resources to understand the
      implications of participation and to make an informed choice. Results are
      relevant to the development of trial information in other signed languages as
      well as in spoken/written languages when participants' language use is different
      from the dominant language of the country.

PMID- 27121283
TI  - A novel type 2 diabetes risk allele increases the promoter activity of the muscle
      specific small ankyrin 1 gene.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies have identified Ankyrin-1 (ANK1) as a common type
      2 diabetes (T2D) susceptibility locus. However, the underlying causal variants
      and functional mechanisms remain unknown. We screened for 8 tag single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in ANK1 between 2 case-control studies. Genotype analysis
      revealed significant associations of 3 SNPs, rs508419 (first identified here),
      rs515071, and rs516946 with T2D (P < 0.001). These SNPs were in linkage
      disequilibrium (r(2) > 0.80); subsequent analysis indicated that the CCC
      haplotype associated with increased T2D susceptibility (OR 1.447, P < 0.001).
      Further mapping showed that rs508419 resides in the muscle-specific ANK1 gene
      promoter. Allele-specific mRNA and protein level measurements confirmed
      association of the C allele with increased small ANK1 (sAnk1) expression in human
      skeletal muscle (P = 0.018 and P < 0.001, respectively). Luciferase assays showed
      increased rs508419-C allele transcriptional activity in murine skeletal muscle
      C2C12 myoblasts, and electrophoretic mobility-shift assays demonstrated altered
      rs508419 DNA-protein complex formation. Glucose uptake was decreased with excess
      sAnk1 expression upon insulin stimulation. Thus, the ANK1 rs508419-C T2D-risk
      allele alters DNA-protein complex binding leading to increased promoter activity
      and sAnk1 expression; thus, increased sAnk1 expression in skeletal muscle might
      contribute to T2D susceptibility.

PMID- 27121284
TI  - Vitamin D levels in children with familial Mediterranean fever.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is more
      common in children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) than in healthy
      individuals. METHODS: The study group consisted of 100 patients diagnosed with
      FMF and 50 healthy children. Serum baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and other
      related parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation [SD])
      vitamin D levels in patients with FMF and healthy controls were 24.78 (8.35) and
      28.70 (11.70) ng/mL, respectively. Patients with FMF had significantly decreased
      vitamin D levels compared with those in healthy controls (P = 0.039). Vitamin D
      levels were similar in patients with FMF with different MEFV mutations (P =
      0.633). Age was significantly correlated with vitamin D levels (r = -0.235, P =
      0.019). In addition, a negative correlation between parathyroid hormone and
      vitamin D levels was detected (rs = -0.382, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study
      demonstrated that vitamin D levels are lower in children with FMF than in healthy
      controls. We speculate that vitamin D levels should be carefully examined, and
      nutritional supplementation may be required in patients with FMF. Further studies
      with larger patient populations are needed to confirm the frequency of vitamin D
      deficiency in patients with FMF.

PMID- 27121285
TI  - The Role of Oxidative Stress in Methamphetamine-induced Toxicity and Sources of
      Variation in the Design of Animal Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of methamphetamine (MA) use has increased in recent
      years. In order to assess how this drug produces its effects, both clinical and
      preclinical studies have recently begun to focus on oxidative stress as an
      important biochemical mechanism in mediating these effects. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of this review is to illustrate the variation in the design of
      preclinical studies investigating MA exposure on oxidative stress parameters in
      animal models. METHOD: The experimental variables investigated and summarised
      include MA drug treatment, measurements of oxidative stress and antioxidant
      treatments that ameliorate the harmful effects of MA. RESULTS: These preclinical
      studies differ greatly in their experimental design with respect to the dose of
      MA (ranging between 0.25 and 20 mg/kg), the dosing regime (acute, binge or
      chronic), the time of measurement of oxidative stress (0.5 h to 2 wks after last
      MA administration), the antioxidant system targeted and finally the use of
      antioxidants including the route of administration (i.p. or p.o.), the frequency
      of exposure and the time of exposure (preventative or therapeutic). CONCLUSION:
      The findings in this paper suggest that there is a large diversity among these
      studies and so the interpretation of these results is challenging. For this
      reason, the development of guidelines and how best to assess oxidative stress in
      animal models may be beneficial. The use of these simple recommendations mean
      that results will be more comparable between laboratories and that future results
      generated will give us a greater understanding of the contribution of this
      important biochemical mechanism and its implications for the clinical scenario.

PMID- 27121286
TI  - Faecal short-chain fatty acids - a diagnostic biomarker for irritable bowel
      syndrome?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) relies on symptom
      based criteria. A valid and reliable biomarker that could confirm the diagnosis
      is desirable. This study evaluated the properties of faecal short-chain fatty
      acids (SCFA) as diagnostic biomarkers for IBS. METHODS: Twenty-five subjects with
      IBS and 25 controls were included in this explanatory case-control study. Stool
      samples were analysed for SCFA (acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid,
      isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and isovaleric acid) with gas chromatography and
      reported as mmol/l and molar%. In the search for the best way to distinguish
      between subjects with and without IBS, the total amount and the amount of each of
      the SCFA were measured, and the proportions and differences between the SCFA were
      calculated. RESULTS: In the IBS and control group, the mean age was 46.2 (SD
      12.9) and 49.2 (SD 14.6), and the number of females was 13/25 (52 %) and 15/25
      (60 %) respectively. The difference between propionic and butyric acid (mmol/l)
      had the best diagnostic properties, the area under the Receiver Operating
      Characteristic curve was 0.89 (95 % CI: 0.80-0.98) (p < 0.001). With a cut-off
      value > 0.015 mmol/l indicating IBS, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and
      negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 92 %, 72 %, 3.29, 0.11
      and 29.6 respectively. Similar diagnostic properties were shown for all the IBS
      subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated that faecal SCFA could be a non
      invasive, valid and reliable biomarker for the differentiation of healthy
      subjects from subjects with IBS.

PMID- 27121287
TI  - Assessing students' perceptions of the effects of a new Canadian longitudinal pre
      clerkship family medicine experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of longitudinal community-based pre
      clerkship courses in several Canadian medical schools, there is a paucity of data
      assessing students' views regarding their experiences. The present study sought
      to measure students' perceived effects of the new Longitudinal Family Medicine
      Experience (LFME) course at McGill University. METHODS: A 34-item questionnaire
      called the 'LFME Survey (Student Version)' was created, and all first-year
      medical students completed it online. RESULTS: The participation rate was 64% (N
      = 120). Eight factors were identified in the factor analysis performed: overall
      satisfaction, satisfaction with preceptor, knowledge, affective learning,
      clinical skills, teaching/feedback, professional identity/professionalism and
      attitude toward primary care. Factor composite scores were above 4.5/7,indicating
      that students had positive perceptions of the LFME. Students felt that the LFME
      was a valuable educational experience and that their preceptors were good role
      models. The course improved students' confidence, reinforced their commitment to
      being a physician and increased their positive attitude toward primary care.
      INTERPRETATION: Along with similar pre-clerkship courses, the LFME provides a
      valuable context for developing students' clinical skills, providing real-world
      cases, teaching patient-centred care and improving attitudes toward primary care.
      The LFME Survey appears to be a promising and innovative tool that deserves
      further validation.

PMID- 27121288
TI  - Improved estimation of the cardiac global function using combined long and short
      axis MRI images of the heart.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estimating the left ventricular (LV) volumes at the different cardiac
      phases is necessary for evaluating the cardiac global function. In cardiac
      magnetic resonance imaging, accurate estimation of the LV volumes requires the
      processing a relatively large number of parallel short-axis cross-sectional
      images of the LV (typically from 9 to 12). Nevertheless, it is inevitable
      sometimes to estimate the volume from a small number of cross-sectional images,
      which can lead to a significant reduction of the volume estimation accuracy. This
      usually encountered when a number of cross-sectional images are excluded from
      analysis due to patient motion artifacts. In some other cases, the number of
      image acquisitions is reduced to accommodate patients who cannot withstand long
      scan times or multiple breath-holds. Therefore, it is required to improve the
      accuracy of estimating the LV volume from a reduced number of acquisitions.
      METHODS: In this work, we propose a method for accurately estimating the LV
      volume from a small number of images. The method combines short-axis (SAX) and
      long axis (LAX) cross sectional views of the heart to accurately estimate the LV
      volumes. In this method, the LV is divided into a set of consecutive chunks and a
      simple geometric model is then used to calculate the volume of each chunk.
      Validation and performance evaluation of the proposed method is achieved using
      real MRI datasets (25 patients) in addition to CT-based phantoms of human hearts.
      RESULTS: The results show a better performance of the proposed method relative to
      the other available techniques. It is shown that, at the same number of cross
      sectional images, the volume calculation error is significantly lower than that
      of current methods. In addition, the experiments show that the results of the
      proposed model are reproducible despite variable orientations of the imaged cross
      sections. CONCLUSION: A new method for calculating the LV volume from a set of
      SAX and LAX MR images has been developed. The proposed method is based on fusing
      the SAX and LAX segmented contours to accurately estimate the LV volume from a
      small number of images. The method was tested using simulated and real MRI
      datasets and the results showed improved accuracy of estimating the LV volume
      from small number of images.

PMID- 27121290
TI  - Activation of AMP-activated kinase modulates sensitivity of glioma cells against
      epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition.
AB  - The epidermal growth factor (EGFR) pathway is frequently activated in
      glioblastoma but the clinical efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in malignant glioma has
      been disappointing. The reasons for the failure of the mechanisms of resistance
      of these inhibitors are unclear, but may involve factors of the tumor
      microenvironment such as limited glucose availability and hypoxia. It was
      therefore examined whether glucose and oxygen influenced the response of glioma
      cells to EGFR inhibition. Decreased levels of glucose and oxygen led to
      resistance against the EGFR inhibitor PD153035, whereas high glucose amounts and
      normoxia sensitised glioma cells towards the inhibitor. Low levels of glucose and
      oxygen stimulated AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) in glioma cells. 2DG, an inhibitor
      of glycolysis, and the AMPK activator A769662 reduced glucose consumption,
      induced phosphorylation of AMPK and mimicked the effects of low glucose
      availability on the toxicity of PD153035. Similarly, 2DG reduced toxicity of
      imatinib in K562 leukemia cells. In contrast, inhibition of AMPK by compound C or
      by short-hairpin (sh)-mediated gene suppression increased cell death induced by
      the EGFR inhibitor and reverted the protective effects of 2DG and A769662. In
      conclusion, cytotoxicity of EGFR inhibition can be diminished by AMPK activation
      in glioma cells. These results may provide one explanation for the low activity
      of EGFR inhibitors in clinical trials and suggest antagonism of AMPK or of AMPK
      regulated metabolic alterations as a promising approach to enhance their
      therapeutic efficacy. 

PMID- 27121289
TI  - Modelling the impact of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease mortality
      for comparative risk assessments: an overview.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although alcohol consumption has long been considered as a risk
      factor for chronic disease, the relationship to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is
      complex and involves at least two dimensions: average volume of alcohol
      consumption and patterns of drinking. The objective of this contribution was to
      estimate the burden of CVD mortality caused by alcohol consumption. METHODS: Risk
      assessment modelling with alcohol-attributable CVD mortality as primary outcome.
      The mortality burden of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and ischaemic stroke (IS)
      attributable to alcohol consumption was estimated using attributable-fraction
      methodology. Relative Risk (RR) data for IHD and IS were obtained from the most
      comprehensive meta-analyses (except for Russia and surrounding countries where
      alcohol RR data were obtained from a large cohort study). Age-group specific RRs
      were calculated, based on large studies. Data on mortality were obtained from the
      World Health Organization's Global Health Estimates and alcohol consumption data
      were obtained from the Global Information System on Alcohol and Health. Risk of
      former drinkers was modelled taking into account global differences in the
      prevalence of sick quitters among former drinkers. Alcohol-attributable mortality
      estimates for all other CVD causes except IHD and IS were obtained from the 2014
      Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health. RESULTS: An estimated 780,381 CVD
      deaths (441,893 and 338,490 CVD deaths among men and women respectively) were
      attributable to alcohol consumption globally in 2012, accounting for 1.4 % of all
      deaths and 26.6 % of all alcohol-attributable deaths. This is in contrast to the
      previously estimated 1,128,273 CVD deaths attributable to alcohol consumption
      globally, and represents a decrease of 30.8 % in alcohol-attributable CVD
      mortality and of 10.6 % in the global burden of all alcohol-attributable deaths.
      CONCLUSIONS: When the most comprehensive and recent systematic reviews and meta
      analyses are taken as bases, the net impact of alcohol consumption on CVD is
      lower than previously estimated.

PMID- 27121291
TI  - Diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA for lymphoma and review of the literature.
AB  - AIM: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS
      TBNA), which enables cytological examination of mediastinal lymph node (LN)
      aspiration samples, is a safe and minimally invasive method for diagnosis and
      staging of lung cancer and diagnosis of diseases affecting mediastinal LNs. In
      this study, we investigated the yield of EBUS-TBNA for diagnosis of lymphoma and
      reviewed the literature since the British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines were
      published. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated our database for
      patients who underwent EBUS between March 2011 and December 2014. One hundred
      eighty-nine patients with isolated mediastinal lymphadenopathy were included in
      the study. Patients with other causes of lymphadenopathy, such as lung cancer or
      extrathoracic malignancy, and those with pulmonary lesions accompanying
      mediastinal lymphadenopathy were excluded from the study. Patients with final
      diagnosed lymphoma were included in the study on the basis of a history of
      lymphoma or newly evaluated mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The sensitivity and
      negative predictive value (NPV) of EBUS-TBNA were calculated. RESULTS: There were
      13 patients with the final diagnosis of lymphoma. Eleven of them were new
      diagnoses and 2 patients were known chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and
      underwent EBUS-TBNA for determination of recurrence. Twelve EBUS-TBNA procedures
      were performed for suspected new cases. Three (25%) were diagnostic, 2 (16.7%)
      were suspicious for lymphoma and underwent further interventions for definite
      diagnosis, and 7 (58.3%) were false negative. All 3 patients diagnosed with EBUS
      TBNA were non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). None of the Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) cases
      could be diagnosed with EBUS-TBNA. The overall diagnostic sensitivity and NPV of
      EBUS-TBNA in detecting lymphoma was 65% and 96.1%, respectively. For the newly
      diagnosed lymphoma cases, EBUS-TBNA had a sensitivity of 61.1%. CONCLUSION: In
      conclusion, we believe that since the publication of the BTS guidelines, the
      value of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of lymphoma still remains controversial. EBUS
      TBNA can be the first diagnostic modality in diagnosis of recurrent lymphomas.
      However, for suspected new cases, especially for HL, the diagnostic yield of EBUS
      TBNA is low and negative results do not exclude lymphoma. Further interventions
      such as mediastinoscopy should be performed for high-suspicion patients.

PMID- 27121293
TI  - George Alberti: Laid back, iconoclastic, irreverent.

PMID- 27121292
TI  - Contribution of cell block obtained by endobronchial ultrasound-guided
      transbronchial needle aspiration in the diagnosis of malignant diseases and
      sarcoidosis.
AB  - AIM: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA)
      is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in outpatient
      settings. Several studies have demonstrated the usefulness of EBUS-TBNA in the
      diagnosis of sarcoidosis and malignant diseases. This study focused on the role
      of cell block (CB) analysis in determining the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA in
      malignant diseases and sarcoidosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was
      conducted at a training and research hospital. Records of patients who underwent
      EBUS-TBNA between March 2011 and December 2014 for diagnosed sarcoidosis or
      malignancy were retrospectively analyzed. Results of all EBUS-TBNA smears and CB
      were separately evaluated to determine the diagnostic value of each. RESULTS:
      There were 84 sarcoidosis and 179 malignancy patients. In the malignancy group,
      CB contributed to cancer diagnosis in 15 (8.3%) patients and subclassification in
      19 (10.6%) patients. In the sarcoidosis group, for 45.2% of patients (38/84),
      smears were not diagnostic but CB showed granulomatous inflammation. CONCLUSION:
      CB significantly increases the diagnostic yield of EBUS-TBNA for sarcoidosis. In
      our study, in the malignancy group the diagnostic yield was low but it was
      helpful for subclassification, especially for adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27121295
TI  - Preventing injuries in professional football: thinking bigger and working
      together.

PMID- 27121294
TI  - Metabolomic patterns associated to QTc interval in shiftworkers: an explorative
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1)H NMR-metabolomic approach was used to investigate QTc interval
      correlation with plasma metabolic profiles in shiftworkers. METHODS: Socio
      demographic data, electrocardiographic QTc interval and plasma metabolic profiles
      from 32 male shiftworkers, were correlated by multivariate regression analysis.
      RESULTS: We found a positive correlation between QTc interval values, body mass
      index, glycemia and lactate level and a negative correlation between QTc interval
      and both pyroglutamate and 3-hydroxybutyrate plasma level. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      analysis provides evidence of the association between clinical, metabolic
      profiles and QTc interval values. This could be used to identify markers of early
      effects and/or susceptibility in shiftworkers.

PMID- 27121296
TI  - Compressive Broad-Band Hyperspectral Sum Frequency Generation Microscopy to Study
      Functionalized Surfaces.
AB  - A broad-band sum frequency generation microscope has been developed for the study
      of molecular monolayers on surfaces. Because sum frequency generation is a
      vibrational spectroscopy based on a second-order optical process, it is uniquely
      sensitive to detecting a molecule's vibrational fingerprints specifically at
      interfaces. In this microscope, a structured illumination beam generated by a
      spatial light modulator is used to irradiate the sample with a series of
      sparsifying pseudorandom patterns. The spectra associated with each pattern are
      then input into a reconstruction algorithm to compressively recover the full
      hyperspectral image cube. As a proof-of-principle, this system performed molecule
      specific imaging of a microcontact-printed self-assembled monolayer of
      alkanethiolate on copper. This hyperspectral compressive imaging effectively
      recovered both spatial and spectral surface features with compression greater
      than 80%, meaning more than a 5-fold decrease in acquisition time compared to
      traditional methods.

PMID- 27121297
TI  - Pain tolerance predicts human social network size.
AB  - Personal social network size exhibits considerable variation in the human
      population and is associated with both physical and mental health status. Much of
      this inter-individual variation in human sociality remains unexplained from a
      biological perspective. According to the brain opioid theory of social
      attachment, binding of the neuropeptide beta-endorphin to MU-opioid receptors in
      the central nervous system (CNS) is a key neurochemical mechanism involved in
      social bonding, particularly amongst primates. We hypothesise that a positive
      association exists between activity of the MU-opioid system and the number of
      social relationships that an individual maintains. Given the powerful analgesic
      properties of beta-endorphin, we tested this hypothesis using pain tolerance as
      an assay for activation of the endogenous MU-opioid system. We show that a simple
      measure of pain tolerance correlates with social network size in humans. Our
      results are in line with previous studies suggesting that MU-opioid receptor
      signalling has been elaborated beyond its basic function of pain modulation to
      play an important role in managing our social encounters. The neuroplasticity of
      the MU-opioid system is of future research interest, especially with respect to
      psychiatric disorders associated with symptoms of social withdrawal and
      anhedonia, both of which are strongly modulated by endogenous opioids.

PMID- 27121299
TI  - Cutaneous Chromatophoromas in Captive Snakes.
AB  - Chromatophoromas are neoplasms arising from pigment-bearing cells
      (chromatophores) of the dermis. While isolated cases have been reported in the
      literature, the prevalence and biological behavior of chromatophoromas in snakes
      are unknown. Forty-two chromatophoromas were identified among 4663 submissions
      (0.9%) to a private diagnostic laboratory in a 16-year period. The most commonly
      affected snakes were colubrids (23 cases, 55%) and vipers (8 cases, 19%). The San
      Francisco garter snake was the most commonly affected species (6 cases; 14% of
      all affected snake species and 3.7% of all garter snake submissions). No sex
      predilection was found. The age of 28 snakes ranged from 5 to 27 years. Single
      cutaneous chromatophoromas were most commonly observed and presented as pigmented
      cutaneous masses or plaques along any body segment. Euthanasia or death due to
      progressive neoplastic disease or metastasis was reported in 8 (19%) and 4 (10%)
      cases, respectively. The survival time of 4 animals ranged from 4 to 36 months.
      Microscopically, xanthophoromas, iridophoromas, melanocytic neoplasms, and mixed
      chromatophoromas were identified, with melanocytic neoplasms being most common.
      Microscopic examination alone was generally sufficient for the diagnosis of
      chromatophoroma, but immunohistochemistry for S-100 and PNL-2 may be helpful for
      diagnosing poorly pigmented cases. Moderate to marked nuclear atypia appears to
      be consistently present in cutaneous chromatophoromas with a high risk of
      metastasis, while mitotic count, lymphatic invasion, the level of infiltration,
      and the degree of pigmentation or ulceration were not reliable predictors of
      metastasis.

PMID- 27121298
TI  - The C-terminal domain of Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin as a vaccine
      candidate against bovine necrohemorrhagic enteritis.
AB  - Bovine necrohemorrhagic enteritis is caused by Clostridium perfringens and leads
      to sudden death. Alpha toxin, together with perfringolysin O, has been identified
      as the principal toxin involved in the pathogenesis. We assessed the potential of
      alpha toxin as a vaccine antigen. Using an intestinal loop model in calves, we
      investigated the protection afforded by antisera raised against native alpha
      toxin or its non-toxic C-terminal fragment against C. perfringens-induced
      intestinal necrosis. Immunization of calves with either of the vaccine
      preparations induced a strong antibody response. The resulting antisera were able
      to neutralize the alpha toxin activity and the C. perfringens-induced endothelial
      cytotoxicity in vitro. The antisera raised against the native toxin had a
      stronger neutralizing activity than those against the C-terminal fragment.
      However, antibodies against alpha toxin alone were not sufficient to completely
      neutralize the C. perfringens-induced necrosis in the intestinal loop model. The
      development of a multivalent vaccine combining the C-terminal fragment of alpha
      toxin with other C. perfringens virulence factors might be necessary for complete
      protection against bovine necrohemorrhagic enteritis.

PMID- 27121300
TI  - Measuring the Elasticity of Poly-l-Proline Helices with Terahertz Spectroscopy.
AB  - The rigidity of poly-l-proline is an important contributor to the stability of
      many protein secondary structures, where it has been shown to strongly influence
      bulk flexibility. The experimental Young's moduli of two known poly-l-proline
      helical forms, right-handed all-cis (Form I) and left-handed all-trans (Form II),
      were determined in the crystalline state by using an approach that combines
      terahertz time-domain spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and solid-state density
      functional theory. Contrary to expectations, the helices were found to be
      considerably less rigid than many other natural and synthetic polymers, as well
      as differing greatly from each other, with Young's moduli of 4.9 and 9.6 GPa for
      Forms I and II, respectively.

PMID- 27121301
TI  - Quantitative determination of 15 bioactive triterpenoid saponins in different
      parts of Acanthopanax henryi by HPLC with charged aerosol detection and
      confirmation by LC-ESI-TOF-MS.
AB  - Triterpenoid saponins are difficult to analyze using high-performance liquid
      chromatography coupled to UV/vis spectrophotometry due to their lack of
      chromophores. This study describes the first analytical method for the
      determination of 15 triterpenoid saponins from the leaves, stems, root bark, and
      fruits of Acanthopanax henryi, using a high-performance liquid chromatography
      with charged aerosol detection coupled with electrospray ionization mass
      spectrometry method. The separation was carried out on a Kinetex XB-C18 column
      with an acetonitrile/water gradient as the mobile phase, followed by charged
      aerosol detection. The operating conditions of charged aerosol detection were set
      at 24 kPa for nitrogen pressure and 100 pA for the detection range. Liquid
      chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is described for
      the identification of compounds in plant samples. The electrospray ionization
      mass spectrometry method involved the use of the [M + Na](+) and [M + NH4 ](+)
      ions for compounds 1-15 in the positive ion mode with an extracted ion
      chromatogram. The developed method was fully validated in terms of linearity,
      sensitivity, precision, repeatability, and recovery, then subsequently applied to
      evaluate the quality of A. henryi. 

PMID- 27121303
TI  - Production of interleukin-4 in CD133+ cervical cancer stem cells promotes
      resistance to apoptosis and initiates tumor growth.
AB  - The cancer stem cell (CSC) theory suggests that cancer growth and invasion is
      dictated by the small population of CSCs within the heterogenous tumor. The aim
      of the present study was to elucidate the cause for chemotherapy failure and the
      resistance of CSCs to apoptosis. A total of ~2.3% cluster of differentiation
      (CD)133+ cancer stem-like side population (SP) cells were identified in cases of
      uterine cervical cancer. These CD133+ SP cells were found to potently initiate
      tumor growth and invasion, as they exhibit transcriptional upregulation of
      stemness genes, including octamer-binding transcription factor-4, B-cell-specific
      Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site-1, epithelial cell adhesion
      molecule, (sex determining region Y)-box 2, Nestin and anti-apoptotic B cell
      lymphoma-2. In addition, the CD133+ SP cells showed resistance to multi-drug
      treatment and apoptosis. The present study further showed that the secretion of
      interleukin-4 (IL-4) in CD133+ cervical cancer SP cells promoted cell
      proliferation and prevented the SP cells from apoptosis. Following the
      neutralization of IL-4 with anti-IL-4 antibody, the CD133+ SP cells were more
      sensitive to drug treatment and apoptosis. Therefore, the data obtained in the
      present study suggested that the autocrine secretion of IL-4 promotes increased
      survival and resistance to cell death in CSCs.

PMID- 27121302
TI  - Task-related functional connectivity of the caudate mediates the association
      between trait mindfulness and implicit learning in older adults.
AB  - Accumulating evidence shows a positive relationship between mindfulness and
      explicit cognitive functioning, i.e., that which occurs with conscious intent and
      awareness. However, recent evidence suggests that there may be a negative
      relationship between mindfulness and implicit types of learning, or those that
      occur without conscious awareness or intent. Here we examined the neural
      mechanisms underlying the recently reported negative relationship between
      dispositional mindfulness and implicit probabilistic sequence learning in both
      younger and older adults. We tested the hypothesis that the relationship is
      mediated by communication, or functional connectivity, of brain regions once
      traditionally considered to be central to dissociable learning systems: the
      caudate, medial temporal lobe (MTL), and prefrontal cortex (PFC). We first
      replicated the negative relationship between mindfulness and implicit learning in
      a sample of healthy older adults (60-90 years old) who completed three event
      related runs of an implicit sequence learning task. Then, using a seed-based
      connectivity approach, we identified task-related connectivity associated with
      individual differences in both learning and mindfulness. The main finding was
      that caudate-MTL connectivity (bilaterally) was positively correlated with
      learning and negatively correlated with mindfulness. Further, the strength of
      task-related connectivity between these regions mediated the negative
      relationship between mindfulness and learning. This pattern of results was
      limited to the older adults. Thus, at least in healthy older adults, the
      functional communication between two interactive learning-relevant systems can
      account for the relationship between mindfulness and implicit probabilistic
      sequence learning.

PMID- 27121304
TI  - MicroRNA-223 Attenuates Hypoxia-induced Vascular Remodeling by Targeting
      RhoB/MLC2 in Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells.
AB  - There is growing evidence that microRNAs are implicated in pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (PAH), but underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we identified
      that miR-223 was significantly downregulated in chronically hypoxic mouse and rat
      lungs, as well as in pulmonary artery and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
      (PASMC) exposed to hypoxia. Knockdown of miR-223 increased PASMC proliferation.
      In contrast, miR-223 overexpression abrogated cell proliferation, migration and
      stress fiber formation. Administering miR-223 agomir in vivo antagonized hypoxia
      induced increase in pulmonary artery pressure and distal arteriole
      muscularization. RhoB, which was increased by hypoxia, was identified as one of
      the targets of miR-223. Overexpressed miR-223 suppressed RhoB and inhibited the
      consequent phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase target subunit (MYPT1) and the
      expression of myosin light chain of myosin II (MLC2), which was identified as
      another target of miR-223. Furthermore, serum miR-223 levels were decreased in
      female patients with PAH associated with congenital heart disease. Our study
      provides the first evidence that miR-223 can regulate PASMC proliferation,
      migration, and actomyosin reorganization through its novel targets, RhoB and
      MLC2, resulting in vascular remodeling and the development of PAH. It also
      highlights miR-223 as a potential circulating biomarker and a small molecule drug
      for diagnosis and treatment of PAH.

PMID- 27121306
TI  - TriGuardTM HDH embolic deflection device for cerebral protection during
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the safety and performance of the new
      embolic deflection device TriGuardTMHDH in patients undergoing TAVR. BACKGROUND:
      Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with a high incidence
      of new cerebral ischemic lesions. The use of an embolic protection device may
      reduce the frequency of TAVR-related embolic events. METHODS: This prospective,
      single arm feasibility pilot study included 14 patients with severe symptomatic
      aortic stenosis scheduled for TAVR. Cerebral diffusion weighted magnetic
      resonance imaging (DWI) was planned in all patients one day before and at day 4
      (+/-2) after the procedure. Major adverse cerebral and cardiac events (MACCEs)
      were recorded for all patients. Primary endpoints of this study were I) device
      performance success defined as coverage of the aortic arch takeoffs throughout
      the entire TAVR procedure and II) MACCE occurrence. Secondary endpoints included
      the number and the volume of new cerebral ischemic lesions on DWI. RESULTS:
      Thirteen patients underwent transfemoral TAVR and one patient a transapical
      procedure. Edwards SAPIEN valve prosthesis was implanted in 8 (57%) patients and
      Medtronic CoreValve prosthesis in the remaining 6 (43%). Predefined performance
      success of the TriGuardTMHDH device was achieved in 9 (64%) patients. The
      composite endpoint MACCE occurred in none of the patients. Post-procedural DWI
      was performed in 11 patients. Comparing the DWI of these patients to a historical
      control group showed no reduction in number [median 5.5 vs. 5.0, P = 0.857],
      however there was a significant reduction in mean lesion volume per patient
      [median 13.8 vs. 25.1, P = 0.049]. CONCLUSION: This study showed the feasibility
      and safety of using the TriGuardTMHDH for cerebral protection during TAVR. This
      device did not decrease the number of post-procedural new cerebral DWI lesions,
      however its use showed decreased lesion volume as compared to unprotected TAVR.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121305
TI  - Pathophysiology and management of multivalvular disease.
AB  - Multivalvular disease (MVD) is common among patients with valvular disease, and
      has a complex pathophysiology dependent on the specific combination of valve
      lesions. Diagnosis is challenging because several echocardiographic methods
      commonly used for the assessment of stenosis or regurgitation have been validated
      only in patients with single-valve disease. Decisions about the timing and type
      of treatment should be made by a multidisciplinary heart valve team, on a case-by
      case basis. Several factors should be considered, including the severity and
      consequences of the MVD, the patient's life expectancy and comorbidities, the
      surgical risk associated with combined valve procedures, the long-term risk of
      morbidity and mortality associated with multiple valve prostheses, and the
      likelihood and risk of reoperation. The introduction of transcatheter valve
      therapies into clinical practice has provided new treatment options for patients
      with MVD, and decision-making algorithms on how to combine surgical and
      percutaneous treatment options are evolving rapidly. In this Review, we discuss
      the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of MVD, focusing on the
      combinations of valve pathologies that are most often encountered in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 27121307
TI  - Proteomic mapping of p53 immunogenicity in pancreatic, ovarian, and breast
      cancers.
AB  - PURPOSE: Mutations in TP53 induce autoantibody immune responses in a subset of
      cancer patients, which have been proposed as biomarkers for early detection.
      Here, we investigate the association of p53-specific autoantibodies with multiple
      tumor subtypes and determine the association with p53 mutation status and epitope
      specificity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: IgG p53 autoantibodies (p53-AAb), were
      quantified in 412 serum samples using a programmable ELISA assay from patients
      with serous ovarian, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and breast cancer. To determine
      if patients generated mutation-specific autoantibodies we designed a panel of the
      most relevant 51 p53 point mutant proteins, to be displayed on custom
      programmable protein microarrays. To determine the epitope specificity we
      displayed 12 overlapping tiling fragments and 38 N- and C-terminal deletions
      spanning the length of the wild-type p53 protein. RESULTS: We detected p53-AAb
      with sensitivities of 58.8% (ovarian), 22% (pancreatic), 32% (triple negative
      breast cancer), and 10.2% (HER2+ breast cancer) at 94% specificity. Sera with p53
      AAb contained broadly reactive autoantibodies to 51 displayed p53 mutant
      proteins, demonstrating a polyclonal response to common epitopes. All p53-AAb
      displayed broad polyclonal immune response to both continuous and discontinuous
      epitopes at the N- and C-terminus as well as the DNA-binding domain. CONCLUSION
      AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In this comprehensive analysis, mutations in tumor p53
      induce strong, polyclonal autoantibodies with broadly reactive epitope
      specificity.

PMID- 27121308
TI  - Charting a Key Competency Domain: Understanding Resident Physician
      Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC) Skills.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is essential for quality care.
      Understanding residents' level of competence is a critical first step to
      designing targeted curricula and workplace learning activities. In this needs
      assessment, we measured residents' IPC competence using specifically designed
      Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) cases and surveyed residents regarding
      training needs. METHODS: We developed three cases to capture IPC competence in
      the context of physician-nurse collaboration. A trained actor played the role of
      the nurse (Standardized Nurse - SN). The Interprofessional Education
      Collaborative (IPEC) framework was used to create a ten-item behaviorally
      anchored IPC performance checklist (scored on a three-point scale: done,
      partially done, well done) measuring four generic domains: values/ethics;
      roles/responsibilities; interprofessional communication; and teamwork. Specific
      skills required for each scenario were also assessed, including teamwork
      communication (SBAR and CUS) and patient-care-focused tasks. In addition to
      evaluating IPC skills, the SN assessed communication, history-taking and physical
      exam skills. IPC scores were computed as percent of items rated well done in each
      domain (Cronbach's alpha > 0.77). Analyses include item frequencies, comparison
      of mean domain scores, correlation between IPC and other skills, and content
      analysis of SN comments and resident training needs. RESULTS: One hundred and
      seventy-eight residents (of 199 total) completed an IPC case and results are
      reported for the 162 who participated in our medical education research registry.
      IPC domain scores were: Roles/responsibilities mean = 37 % well done (SD 37 %);
      Values/ethics mean = 49 % (SD 40 %); Interprofessional communication mean = 27 %
      (SD 36 %); Teamwork mean = 47 % (SD 29 %). IPC was not significantly correlated
      with other core clinical skills. SNs' comments focused on respect and IPC as a
      distinct skill set. Residents described needs for greater clarification of roles
      and more workplace-based opportunities structured to support interprofessional
      education/learning. CONCLUSIONS: The IPC cases and competence checklist are a
      practical method for conducting needs assessments and evaluating IPC
      training/curriculum that provides rich and actionable data at both the individual
      and program levels.

PMID- 27121309
TI  - Hepatitis B virus X protein amplifies TGF-beta promotion on HCC motility through
      down-regulating PPM1a.
AB  - Over-activation of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway
      promotes cell migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The
      Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is involved in the enhancement of TGF-beta
      signaling pathway in HCC while the mechanism remains unclear. Protein phosphatase
      magnesium dependent 1A (PPM1a) functions as a phosphatase essential for
      terminating the TGF-beta signaling pathway by dephosphorylating p-Smad2/3. In
      this study, we found that HBx dose-dependently downregulated PPM1a protein level
      in the presence of TGF-beta, while having no effect on its mRNA level. Further
      study showed that HBx increased the ubiquitination of PPM1a and accelerated its
      proteasomal degradation. Restoration of PPM1a almost completely abrogated HBx
      mediated promotion on HCC migration and invasion. This involvement of PPM1a in
      HBx-related HCC was further confirmed with immunohistochemical analysis in HCC
      tissue. Compared with paired pericarcinous tissue, HCC tissue showed decreased
      PPM1a level. Besides, PPM1a level is negatively correlated with HBx expression.
      Taken together, our present study suggests that HBx-induced degradation of PPM1a
      is a novel mechanism for over-activation of TGF-beta pathway in HCC development,
      which might provide potential candidates for clinical diagnosis and treatment. 

PMID- 27121310
TI  - NRAS germline variant G138R and multiple rare somatic mutations on APC in
      colorectal cancer patients in Taiwan by next generation sequencing.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) arises from mutations in a subset of genes. We
      investigated the germline and somatic mutation spectrum of patients with CRC in
      Taiwan by using the AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel V2. Fifty paired freshly frozen
      stage 0-IV CRC tumors and adjacent normal tissue were collected. Blood DNA from
      20 healthy donors were used for comparison of germline mutations. Variants were
      identified using an ion-torrent personal genomic machine and subsequently
      confirmed by Sanger sequencing or pyrosequencing. Five nonsynonymous germline
      variants on 4 cancer susceptible genes, CDH1, APC, MLH1, and NRAS, were observed
      in 6 patients with CRC (12%). Among them, oncogene NRAS G138R variant was
      identified as having a predicted damaging effect on protein function, which has
      never been reported by other laboratories. CDH1 T340A variants were presented in
      3 patients. The germline variants in the cancer patients differed completely from
      those found in asymptomatic controls. Furthermore, a total of 56 COSMIC and 21
      novel somatic variants distributed in 20 genes were detected in 44 (88%) of the
      CRC samples. High inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity levels were observed. Nine
      rare variants located in the beta-catenin binding region of the APC gene were
      discovered, 7 of which could cause amino acid frameshift and might have a
      pathogenic effect. In conclusion, panel-based mutation detection by using a high
      throughput sequencing platform can elucidate race-dependent cancer genomes. This
      approach facilitates identifying individuals at high risk and aiding the
      recognition of novel mutations as targets for drug development.

PMID- 27121311
TI  - Triterpenoid herbal saponins enhance beneficial bacteria, decrease sulfate
      reducing bacteria, modulate inflammatory intestinal microenvironment and exert
      cancer preventive effects in ApcMin/+ mice.
AB  - Saponins derived from medicinal plants have raised considerable interest for
      their preventive roles in various diseases. Here, we investigated the impacts of
      triterpenoid saponins isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GpS) on gut
      microbiome, mucosal environment, and the preventive effect on tumor growth. Six
      week old ApcMin/+ mice and their wild-type littermates were fed either with
      vehicle or GpS daily for the duration of 8 weeks. The fecal microbiome was
      analyzed by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC)-PCR and 16S
      rRNA gene pyrosequencing. Study showed that GpS treatment significantly reduced
      the number of intestinal polyps in a preventive mode. More importantly, GpS
      feeding strikingly reduced the sulfate-reducing bacteria lineage, which are known
      to produce hydrogen sulfide and contribute to damage the intestinal epithelium or
      even promote cancer progression. Meanwhile, GpS also boosted the beneficial
      microbes. In the gut barrier of the ApcMin/+ mice, GpS treatment increased Paneth
      and goblet cells, up-regulated E-cadherin and down-regulated N-cadherin. In
      addition, GpS decreased the pro-oncogenic beta-catenin, p-Src and the p-STAT3.
      Furthermore, GpS might also improve the inflamed gut epithelium of the ApcMin/+
      mice by upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4, while downregulating
      pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-18. Intriguingly, GpS
      markedly stimulated M2 and suppressed M1 macrophage markers, indicating that GpS
      altered mucosal cytokine profile in favor of the M1 to M2 macrophages switching,
      facilitating intestinal tissue repair. In conclusion, GpS might reverse the
      host's inflammatory phenotype by increasing beneficial bacteria, decreasing
      sulfate-reducing bacteria, and alleviating intestinal inflammatory gut
      environment, which might contribute to its cancer preventive effects. 

PMID- 27121313
TI  - Correlational study on mitochondrial DNA mutations as potential risk factors in
      breast cancer.
AB  - The presented study performed an mtDNA genome-wide association analysis to screen
      the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients for high-risk germline mutations.
      Unlike previous studies, which have used breast tissue in analyzing somatic
      mutations, we looked for germline mutations in our study, since they are better
      predictors of breast cancer in high-risk groups, facilitate early, non-invasive
      diagnoses of breast cancer and may provide a broader spectrum of therapeutic
      options. The data comprised 22 samples of healthy group and 83 samples from
      breast cancer patients. The sequencing data showed 170 mtDNA mutations in the
      healthy group and 393 mtDNA mutations in the disease group. Of these, 283 mtDNA
      mutations (88 in the healthy group and 232 in the disease group) had never been
      reported in the literature. Moreover, correlation analysis indicated there was a
      significant difference in 32 mtDNA mutations. According to our relative risk
      analysis of these 32 mtDNA mutations, 27 of the total had odds ratio values (ORs)
      of less than 1, meaning that these mutations have a potentially protective role
      to play in breast cancer. The remaining 5 mtDNA mutations, RNR2-2463 indelA, COX1
      6296 C>A, COX1-6298 indelT, ATP6-8860 A>G, and ND5-13327 indelA, whose ORs were
      8.050, 4.464, 4.464, 5.254 and 4.853, respectively, were regarded as risk factors
      of increased breast cancer. The five mutations identified here may serve as novel
      indicators of breast cancer and may have future therapeutic applications. In
      addition, the use of peripheral blood samples was procedurally simple and could
      be applied as a non-invasive diagnostic technique. 

PMID- 27121312
TI  - miR186 suppresses prostate cancer progression by targeting Twist1.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in
      north American men, and most its related deaths are due to advanced and
      metastatic PCa. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PCa progression are
      still unclear. Here we use a pair of prostate cell lines P69/M12, which have the
      same genetic background and the highly metastatic cell line M12 is a subline
      derived from P69, to identify the pathogenesis of PCa. We find that a key miRNA-
      miR186 is significantly reduced in M12 compared to that in P69. Further, we
      validate that miR186 is also downregulated in human PCa specimens, most
      significantly in the metastatic patient specimens. The low miR186 expression is
      correlated with poor patient survival. Through knockdown or overexpression of
      miR186 in PCa cell lines, we discover that miR186 strongly inhibits cell
      motility, invasive, soft-agar colony formation, 3D culture growth and
      vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation capacity, as well as the epithelial-to
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by downregulation of its target Twist1.
      Moreover, the inverse relationship between the expression levels of miR186 and
      Twist1 is confirmed in vivo tumor metastasis experiment and clinical specimens.
      Taken together, our findings demonstrate an important role of miR186/Twist1 axis
      in the regulation of PCa progression, suggesting a potential application of
      miR186/Twist1 in PCa treatment. 

PMID- 27121314
TI  - Mitochondrial transplantation attenuates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.
AB  - Hypoxia triggers pulmonary vasoconstriction, however induces relaxation of
      systemic arteries such as femoral arteries. Mitochondria are functionally and
      structurally heterogeneous between different cell types. The aim of this study
      was to reveal whether mitochondrial heterogeneity controls the distinct responses
      of pulmonary versus systemic artery smooth muscle cells to hypoxia. Intact
      mitochondria were transplanted into Sprague-Dawley rat pulmonary artery smooth
      muscle cells in culture and pulmonary arteries in vitro. Mitochondria retained
      functional after transplantation. The cross transplantation of mitochondria
      between pulmonary and femoral artery smooth muscle cells reversed acute hypoxia
      induced alterations in cell membrane potential, [Ca2+]i signaling in smooth
      muscle cells and constriction or relaxation of arteries. Furthermore, the high or
      low amount of reactive oxygen species generation from mitochondria and their
      divergent (dis-)abilities in activating extracellular Ca2+-sensing receptor in
      smooth muscle cells were found to cause cell membrane potential depolarization,
      [Ca2+]i elevation and constriction of pulmonary arteries versus cell membrane
      potential hyperpolarization, [Ca2+]i decline and relaxation of femoral arteries
      in response to hypoxia, respectively. Our findings suggest that mitochondria
      necessarily determine the behaviors of vascular smooth muscle cells in response
      to hypoxia. 

PMID- 27121315
TI  - CDX2 increases SLC7A7 expression and proliferation of pig intestinal epithelial
      cells.
AB  - Nutrient absorption mediated by nutrient transporters expressed in the intestinal
      epithelium supplies substrates to support intestinal processes, including
      epithelial cell proliferation. We evaluated the role of Caudal type homeobox 2
      (CDX2), an intestine-specific transcription factor, in the proliferation of pig
      intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-1) and searched for novel intestinal nutrient
      transporter genes activated by CDX2. Our cloned pig CDX2 cDNA contains a
      "homeobox" DNA binding motif, suggesting it is a transcriptional activator. CDX2
      overexpression in IPEC-1 cells increased cell proliferation, the percentage of
      cells in S/G2 phase, and the abundance of transcripts of the cell cycle-related
      genes Cyclin A2; Cyclin B; Cyclin D2; proliferating cell nuclear antigen; and
      cell cycle cyclin-dependent kinases 1, 2 and 4, as well as the predicted CDX2
      target genes SLC1A1, SLC5A1 and SLC7A7. In addition, luciferase reporter and
      chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that CDX2 binds directly to the
      SLC7A7 promoter. This is the first report of CDX2 function in pig intestinal
      epithelial cells and identifies SLC7A7 as a novel CDX2 target gene. Our findings
      show that nutrient transporters are activated during CDX2-induced proliferation
      of normal intestinal epithelial cells. 

PMID- 27121316
TI  - Epigenetic modification of miR-141 regulates SKA2 by an endogenous 'sponge'
      HOTAIR in glioma.
AB  - Aberrant expression of miR-141 has recently implicated in the occurrence and
      development of various types of malignant tumors. However whether the involvement
      of miR-141 in the pathogenesis of glioma remains unknown. Here, we showed that
      miR-141 was markedly downregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines compared with
      normal brain tissues, and its expression correlated with the pathological
      grading. Enforced expression of miR-141 in glioma cells significantly inhibited
      cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of miR-141 exerted
      opposite effect. Mechanistic investigations revealed that HOTAIR might act as an
      endogenous 'sponge' of miR-141, thereby regulating the derepression of SKA2.
      Further, we explored the molecular mechanism by which miR-141 expression was
      regulated, and found that the miR-141 promoter was hypermethylated and that
      promoter methylation of miR-141 was mediated by DNMT1 in glioma cells. Finally,
      both overexpression of miR-141 and knockdown of HOTAIR in a mouse model of human
      glioma resulted in significant reduction of tumor growth in vivo. Collectively,
      these results suggest that epigenetic modification of miR-141 and the interaction
      of ceRNA regulatory network will provide a new approach for therapeutics against
      glioma. 

PMID- 27121317
TI  - The role of histamine in opening blood-tumor barrier.
AB  - Blood-tumor barrier (BTB) reduce the permeability for drugs into tumor tissues.
      We found that histamine might serve as an essential regulator of BTB function.
      Further, we aim to determine the role of H2 receptor expression in BTB
      permeability, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms thereof. Transmission
      electron microscopy showed that histamine disrupted the integrity of tight
      junctions (TJ) and increased the number of pinosomes in the cytoplasm.
      Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and trans-endothelial resistance detection (TEER)
      assays revealed that histamine could open BTB and this action was inhibited by
      cimetidine. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays showed that histamine
      decreased the expression of tight junction proteins zonula occluden-1(ZO-1),
      occludin, and claudin-5. Further, quantitative RT-PCR assay showed that the
      expression of H2 receptor could represent and predicted histamine-induced BTB
      permeability. In conclusion, histamine opened BTB by down-regulating the TJ
      associated proteins. The levels of H2 receptor expression was correlated with the
      histamine-induced BTB permeability. 

PMID- 27121318
TI  - Chemolipiodolization with or without embolization in transcatheter arterial
      chemoembolization combined with radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular
      carcinoma-propensity score matching analysis.
AB  - To retrospectively compare the outcome of chemolipiodolization with or without
      embolization in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with
      radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      within the Milan criteria. From August 2002 to December 2014, 112 patients
      (median age, 56.7 years; age range, 22-80 years; 97 men, 15 women) underwent TACE
      with gelatin sponge particle embolization, and 125 patients (median age, 56.6
      years; age range, 23-82 years; 109 men, 16 women) underwent TACE without
      embolization. RFA was performed within 2 weeks after the TACE. Cumulative overall
      survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were compared before and
      after propensity score matching. Before matching, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rate
      were 96%, 80%, and 62% for embolization group and 94%, 76%, and 59% for non
      embolization group . The 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS rate were 77%, 38%, and 30% for
      embolization group and 75%, 35%, and 26% for non-embolization group. After
      matching, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rate were 97%, 82%, and 62% for embolization
      group and 92%, 74%, and 56% for non-embolization group. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year
      DFS rate were 79%, 36%, and 30% for embolization group and 74%, 33%, and 26% for
      non-embolization group. There were no significant difference in OS and DFS rates
      between the two groups before matching (P =0.999 and P =0.654) and after matching
      (P =0.951 and P =0.670). In conclusion, embolization in TACE combined with RFA
      could not improve the survival for patients with HCC within the Milan criteria. 

PMID- 27121319
TI  - TET1 inhibits gastric cancer growth and metastasis by PTEN demethylation and re
      expression.
AB  - Ten-Eleven Translocation 1 (TET1) is a member of ten eleven translocation
      enzymes, which convert 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5
      hmC). TET1 can promote CpG islands demethylation in specific genes and often
      absent in various cancers. Herein, we found that TET1 expression and 5-hmC
      content were low in gastric tumors compared to its adjacent non-tumor tissues.
      Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were enhanced upon TET1 knockdown in
      gastric cancer cells in vitro. This phenomenon was confirmed by an animal
      xeongraft model. We also found that TET1 directly binds to the promoter region of
      PTEN and activates its transcription through demethylation of CpG islands. TET1
      knockdown activated AKT and FAK pathways, which were suppressed by PTEN. The
      activation of AKT and FAK facilitated tumor migration, invasion and accelerated
      cell growth. In conclusion, we found a novel mechanism that TET1 suppresses tumor
      cell growth, migration and invasion through demethylation of CpG island in PTEN
      promoter by increasing 5-hmC content. The re-expressed PTEN subsequently down
      regulates AKT and FAK activity. 

PMID- 27121320
TI  - Salinomycin induced ROS results in abortive autophagy and leads to regulated
      necrosis in glioblastoma.
AB  - Glioblastoma is the most frequent malignant brain tumor. Even with aggressive
      treatment, prognosis for patients is poor. One characteristic of glioblastoma
      cells is its intrinsic resistance to apoptosis. Therefore, drugs that induce
      alternative cell deaths could be interesting to evaluate as alternative
      therapeutic candidates for glioblastoma. Salinomycin (SLM) was identified through
      a chemical screening as a promising anticancer drug, but its mechanism of cell
      death remains unclear. In the present work we set out to elucidate how SLM causes
      cell death in glioblastoma cell lines (both established cell lines and brain
      tumor stem cell lines), aiming to find a potential antitumor candidate. In
      addition, we sought to determine the mechanism of action of SLM so that this
      mechanism can be can be exploited in the fight against cancer. Our data showed
      that SLM induces a potent endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress followed by the
      trigger of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and an aberrant autophagic flux
      that culminated in necrosis due to mitochondria and lysosomal alterations. Of
      importance, the aberrant autophagic flux was orchestrated by the production of
      Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Alleviation of ROS production restored the
      autophagic flux. Altogether our data suggest that in our system the oxidative
      stress blocks the autophagic flux through lipid oxidation. Importantly, oxidative
      stress could be instructing the type of cell death in SLM-treated cells,
      suggesting that cell death modality is a dynamic concept which depends on the
      cellular stresses and the cellular mechanism activated. 

PMID- 27121321
TI  - Systematic review with network meta-analysis: Comparative efficacy of oral
      nucleos(t)ide analogues for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced hepatitis B
      virus reactivation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Currently, no consensus exists regarding the optimal oral
      prophylactic regimens for hepatitis B surface antigen seropositive patients
      undergoing chemotherapy. We aimed to compare the efficacy of oral nucleos(t)ide
      analogues (NAs), including lamivudine, entecavir, adefovir, telbivudine and
      tenofovir, for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      reactivation and its related morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic HBV
      (CHB) infection. RESULTS: Fifty-two eligible articles consisting of 3892
      participants were included. For HBV reactivation, prophylactic treatment with NAs
      were all significantly superior to no prophylaxis, with odds ratio (OR) from 0.00
      (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00~0.04) for the most effective intervention
      (tenofovir) to 0.10 (95% CI 0.06~0.14) for the least effective intervention
      (lamivudine). For secondary outcomes, prophylaxis with NAs also significantly
      outperformed observation. The results suggested that entecavir reduced the risk
      of HBV related hepatitis (predicted probability, 83%), HBV related death (68%)
      and all causes of hepatitis (97%) most efficaciously. It ranked second in
      decreasing all causes of death (34%). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase and
      Cochrane Library database were searched for controlled trials up to March 31,
      2015. Primary outcome was the incidence of HBV reactivation. Secondary outcomes
      included the incidence of HBV-related hepatitis and death, all causes of
      hepatitis and death. Network meta-analysis combined direct and indirect evidence
      to estimate ORs for the clinical outcomes. A mean ranking and the probability of
      optimal therapeutic regime was obtained for each treatment based on clinical
      outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence suggests that prophylatic therapy with
      tenofovir and entecavir may be the most potent interventions in prevention of HBV
      reactivation and HBV-related morbidity and mortality for CHB infection patients
      undergoing chemotherapy.

PMID- 27121322
TI  - A functional variant at miRNA-122 binding site in IL-1a 3' UTR predicts risk of
      recurrence in patients with oropharyngeal cancer.
AB  - IL-1a, an important regulator of immune and inflammation responses, has been
      implicated in cancer development and prognosis. An insertion (Ins)/deletion (Del)
      polymorphism (IL-1a rs3783553) in the 3' UTR of IL-1a may disrupt a binding site
      for miRNA-122 and may affect its transcription level. Thus, this polymorphism may
      cause interindividual variation in immune and inflammation responses and thus may
      lead to different susceptibility to treatment response and prognosis of such
      patients. We evaluated the association of IL-1a rs3783553 polymorphism with risk
      of recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCOP) in a cohort of
      1008 patients. Log-rank test and univariate and multivariable Cox models were
      used to evaluate associations. Compared with patients with Del/Del homozygous
      genotype, the patients with Ins/Del+Ins/Ins variant genotypes had worse disease
      free survival (log-rank P < 0.0001) and increased risk of SCCOP recurrence (HR,
      2.4, 95% CI, 1.7-3.3) after multivariable adjustment. Furthermore, among patients
      with HPV16-positive tumors, the patients with Ins/Del+Ins/Ins variant genotypes
      of the IL-1a polymorphism had worse disease-free survival (log-rank P < 0.0001)
      and much higher recurrence risk than those with Del/Del homozygous genotype of
      this polymorphism (HR, 16.3, 95% CI, 5.0-52.7). Our findings suggest that IL-1a
      rs3783553 polymorphism may modulate the risk of SCCOP recurrence in patients,
      particularly for patients with HPV16-positive tumors. However, larger studies are
      needed to validate these results. 

PMID- 27121323
TI  - Gene expression in normal-appearing tissue adjacent to prostate cancers are
      predictive of clinical outcome: evidence for a biologically meaningful field
      effect.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated gene expression in histologically normal-appearing tissue
      (NT) adjacent to prostate tumor in radical prostatectomy specimens, assessing for
      biological significance based on prediction of clinical recurrence (cR -
      metastatic disease or local recurrence). RESULTS: A total of 410 evaluable
      patients had paired tumor and NT. Forty-six genes, representing diverse
      biological pathways (androgen signaling, stromal response, stress response,
      cellular organization, proliferation, cell adhesion, and chromatin remodeling)
      were associated with cR in NT (FDR < 20%), of which 39 concordantly predicted cR
      in tumor (FDR < 20%). Overall GPS and its stromal response and androgen-signaling
      gene group components also significantly predicted time to cR in NT (RM-corrected
      HR/20 units = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.01-1.56; P = 0.024). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN:
      Expression of 732 genes was measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) separately in tumor and adjacent NT specimens
      from 127 patients with and 374 without cR following radical prostatectomy for
      T1/T2 prostate cancer. A 17-gene expression signature (Genomic Prostate Score
      [GPS]), previously validated to predict aggressive prostate cancer when measured
      in tumor tissue, was also assessed using pre-specified genes and algorithms.
      Analysis used Cox proportional hazards models, Storey's false discovery rate
      (FDR) control, and regression to the mean (RM) correction. CONCLUSIONS: Gene
      expression profiles, including GPS, from NT adjacent to tumor can predict
      prostate cancer outcome. These findings suggest that there is a biologically
      significant field effect in primary prostate cancer that is a marker for
      aggressive disease.

PMID- 27121324
TI  - Silencing of long non-coding RNA ANRIL inhibits the development of multidrug
      resistance in gastric cancer cells.
AB  - The development of multidrug resistance (MDR) is a crucial cause of therapy
      failure in gastric cancer, which results in disease recurrence and metastasis.
      Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to be critical in carcinogenesis
      and metastasis of gastric cancer. However, little is known about the roles of
      ANRIL (antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus) in gastric cancer MDR. The aim
      of our study is to identify the biological function of ANRIL in gastric cancer
      MDR. In our results, ANRIL was highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues of
      cisplatin-resistant and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant patients, and the same
      upregulation trends were observed in cisplatin-resistant cells (BGC823/DDP) and 5
      FU-resistant cells (BGC823/5-FU). In addition, BGC823/DDP and BGC823/5-FU cells
      transfected with ANRIL siRNA and treated with cisplatin or 5-FU, respectively,
      exhibited significant lower survival rate, decreased invasion capability, and
      high percentage of apoptotic tumor cells. The influence of ANRIL knockdown on MDR
      was assessed by measuring IC50 of BGC823/DDP and BGC823/5-FU cells to cisplatin
      and 5-FU, the result showed that silencing ANRIL decreased the IC50 values in
      gastric cancer cells. Moreover, qRT-PCR and western blotting revealed that ANRIL
      knockdown decreased the expression of MDR1 and MRP1, both of which are MDR
      related genes; regression analysis showed that the expression of ANRIL positively
      correlated with the expression of MDR1 and MRP1, resprectively In summary,
      knockdown of lncRNA ANRIL in gastric cancer cells inhibits the development of
      MDR, suggesting an efficacious target for reversing MDR in gastric cancer
      therapy. 

PMID- 27121325
TI  - Different flowering response to various fruit loads in apple cultivars correlates
      with degree of transcript reaccumulation of a TFL1-encoding gene.
AB  - In many perennial fruit trees, flowering in the year following a year with heavy
      fruit load can be quite limited. This biennial cycle of fruiting, termed
      alternate bearing, was described 170 years ago in apple (Malus domestica). Apple
      inflorescences are mainly found on short branches (spurs). Bourse shoots (BS)
      develop from the leaf axils of the spur. BS apices may terminate ~100 days after
      flowering, with formation of next year's inflorescences. We sought to determine
      how developing fruit on the spur prevents the adjacent BS apex from forming an
      inflorescence. The presence of adjacent fruit correlated with reaccumulation of
      transcript encoding a potential flowering inhibitor, MdTFL1-2, in BS apices prior
      to inflorescence initiation. BS apices without adjacent fruit that did not flower
      due to late fruitlet removal, neighbouring fruit on the tree, or leaf removal,
      also reaccumulated the MdTFL1-2 transcript. Fruit load and gibberellin (GA)
      application had similar effects on the expression of MdTFL1-2 and genes involved
      in GA biosynthesis and metabolism. Some apple cultivars are less prone to
      alternate bearing. We show that the response of a BS apex to different numbers of
      adjacent fruit differs among cultivars in both MdTFL1-2 accumulation and return
      flowering. These results provide a working model for the further study of
      alternate bearing, and help clarify the need for cultivar-specific approaches to
      reach stable fruit production.

PMID- 27121326
TI  - Role of Aif1 in regulation of cell death under environmental stress in Candida
      albicans.
AB  - Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) is a conserved flavoprotein localized in the
      mitochondria, inducing apoptosis after translocation into the nucleus. However,
      its role in the important fungal pathogen, Candida albicans, remains to be
      investigated. In this study, we find that the C. albicans AIF protein Aif1,
      similar to its homologues in other organisms, is localized at the mitochondria
      and translocated into the nucleus under apoptosis-inducing conditions. Moreover,
      deletion of AIF1 causes attenuated apoptosis in this pathogen under apoptosis
      inducing conditions, such as the treatment of 2 mm H2 O2 , 10 mm acetic acid or
      0.08 mg/l caspofungin, and its overexpression enhances this process.
      Interestingly, treatment with high levels of these agents leads to reversed
      sensitivity of aif1Delta/Delta and the overexpression strain AIF1ov. In addition,
      the virulence of C. albicans is not affected by deletion or overexpression of
      AIF1. Hence, C. albicans Aif1, as a mitochondria-localized protein, plays a dual
      role in the regulation of cell death under different concentrations of the stress
      caused agents. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27121327
TI  - Claudin-7 indirectly regulates the integrin/FAK signaling pathway in human colon
      cancer tissue.
AB  - The claudin family of proteins is integral to the structure and function of tight
      junctions. The role of claudin-7 (Cldn-7, CLDN7) in regulating the integrin/focal
      adhesion kinase (FAK)/ERK signaling pathway remains poorly understood. Therefore,
      we investigated differences in gene expression, primarily focusing on CLDN7 and
      integrin/FAK/ERK signaling pathway genes, between colon cancer and adjacent
      normal tissues. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR and
      immunohistochemistry were utilized to verify the results of mRNA and protein
      expression, respectively. In silico analysis was used to predict co-regulation
      between Cldn-7 and integrin/FAK/ERK signaling pathway components, and the STRING
      database was used to analyze protein-protein interaction pairs among these
      proteins. Meta-analysis of expression microarrays in The Cancer Genome Atlas
      (TCGA) database was used to identify significant correlations between Cldn-7 and
      components of predicted genes in the integrin/FAK/ERK signaling pathway. Our
      results showed marked cancer stage-specific decreases in the protein expression
      of Cldn-7, Gelsolin, MAPK1 and MAPK3 in colon cancer samples, and the observed
      changes for all proteins except Cldn-7 were in agreement with changes in the
      corresponding mRNA levels. Cldn-7 might indirectly regulate MAPK3 via KRT8 due to
      KRT8 co-expression with MAPK3 or CLDN7. Our bioinformatics methods supported the
      hypothesis that Cldn-7 does not directly regulate any genes in the
      integrin/FAK/ERK signaling pathway. These factors may participate in a common
      network that regulates cancer progression in which the MAPK pathway serves as the
      central node. 

PMID- 27121328
TI  - Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib in a patient
      with multilocus imprinting disturbance: a female-dominant phenomenon?
AB  - Although recent studies have often revealed the presence of multilocus imprinting
      disturbance (MLID) at differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in patients with
      imprinting disorders (IDs), most patients exhibit clinical features of the
      original ID only. Here we report a Japanese female patient with Beckwith
      Wiedemann syndrome and pseudohypoparathyroidism type Ib. Molecular studies
      revealed marked methylation defects (MDs) at the Kv-DMR and the GNAS-DMRs and
      variable MDs at four additional DMRs, in the absence of a mutation in ZFP57,
      NLRP2, NLRP7, KHDC3L and NLRP5. It is likely that the MDs at the Kv-DMR and the
      GNAS-DMRs were sufficient to cause clinically recognizable IDs, whereas the
      remaining MDs were insufficient to result in clinical consequences or took place
      at DMRs with no disease-causing imprinted gene(s). The development of MLID and
      the two IDs of this patient may be due to a mutation in a hitherto unknown gene
      for MLID, or to a reduced amount of DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT1) available for
      the methylation maintenance of DMRs because of the consumption of DNMT1 by the
      maintenance of X-inactivation. In support of the latter possibility, such co
      existence of two IDs has primarily been identified in female patients, and MLID
      has predominantly been identified as loss of methylations. 

PMID- 27121329
TI  - Molecular epidemiology, genotype-phenotype correlation and BH4 responsiveness in
      Spanish patients with phenylketonuria.
AB  - Phenylketonuria (PKU), the most common inborn error of amino acid metabolism, is
      caused by mutations in the phenylalanine-4-hydroxylase (PAH) gene. This study
      aimed to assess the genotype-phenotype correlation in the PKU Spanish population
      and the usefulness in establishing genotype-based predictions of BH4
      responsiveness in our population. It involved the molecular characterization of
      411 Spanish PKU patients: mild hyperphenylalaninemia non-treated (mild HPA-NT)
      (34%), mild HPA (8.8%), mild-moderate (20.7%) and classic (36.5%) PKU. BH4
      responsiveness was evaluated using a 6R-BH4 loading test. We assessed genotype
      phenotype associations and genotype-BH4 responsiveness in our population
      according to literature and classification of the mutations. The mutational
      spectrum analysis showed 116 distinct mutations, most missense (70.7%) and
      located in the catalytic domain (62.9%). The most prevalent mutations were c.1066
      11G>A (9.7%), p.Val388Met (6.6%) and p.Arg261Gln (6.3%). Three novel mutations
      (c.61-13del9, p.Ile283Val and p.Gly148Val) were reported. Although good genotype
      phenotype correlation was observed, there was no exact correlation for some
      genotypes. Among the patients monitored for the 6R-BH4 loading test: 102 were
      responders (87, carried either one or two BH4-responsive alleles) and 194 non
      responders (50, had two non-responsive mutations). More discrepancies were
      observed in non-responders. Our data reveal a great genetic heterogeneity in our
      population. Genotype is quite a good predictor of phenotype and BH4
      responsiveness, which is relevant for patient management, treatment and follow
      up. 

PMID- 27121330
TI  - Moonlighting transcriptional activation function of a fungal sulfur metabolism
      enzyme.
AB  - Moonlighting proteins, including metabolic enzymes acting as transcription
      factors (TF), are present in a variety of organisms but have not been described
      in higher fungi so far. In a previous genome-wide analysis of the TF repertoire
      of the plant-symbiotic fungus Tuber melanosporum, we identified various enzymes,
      including the sulfur-assimilation enzyme phosphoadenosine-phosphosulfate
      reductase (PAPS-red), as potential transcriptional activators. A functional
      analysis performed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, now demonstrates that a
      specific variant of this enzyme, PAPS-red A, localizes to the nucleus and is
      capable of transcriptional activation. TF moonlighting, which is not present in
      the other enzyme variant (PAPS-red B) encoded by the T. melanosporum genome,
      relies on a transplantable C-terminal polypeptide containing an alternating
      hydrophobic/hydrophilic amino acid motif. A similar moonlighting activity was
      demonstrated for six additional proteins, suggesting that multitasking is a
      relatively frequent event. PAPS-red A is sulfur-state-responsive and highly
      expressed, especially in fruitbodies, and likely acts as a recruiter of
      transcription components involved in S-metabolism gene network activation. PAPS
      red B, instead, is expressed at low levels and localizes to a highly methylated
      and silenced region of the genome, hinting at an evolutionary mechanism based on
      gene duplication, followed by epigenetic silencing of this non-moonlighting gene
      variant.

PMID- 27121331
TI  - Self-Reports of Increased Prospective and Retrospective Memory Problems in Adults
      with Developmental Dyslexia.
AB  - Short-term and working memory problems in dyslexia are well-documented, but other
      memory domains have received little empirical scrutiny, despite some evidence to
      suggest that they might be impaired. Prospective memory is memory for delayed
      intentions, whilst retrospective memory relates to memory for personally
      experienced past events. To gain an understanding of subjective everyday memory
      experience, a self-report measure designed to tap prospective and retrospective
      memory was administered to 28 adults with dyslexia and 26 IQ-matched adults
      without dyslexia. Adults with dyslexia reported experiencing significantly more
      frequent problems with memory than the adults without dyslexia. Group differences
      were found across seven out of the eight questionnaire scales. Further to these
      analyses, the participants' own ratings were compared with proxy ratings provided
      by close associates. The perception of poorer memory abilities in the
      participants did not differ between respondent types. The self-reported
      difficulties are, thus, unlikely to be the result of lowered self-esteem or
      metacognitive awareness. More frequent difficulties with both types of memory
      would seem, therefore, to be experienced by adults with dyslexia in everyday
      life. Further laboratory-based research is recommended to explore both memory
      domains in dyslexia and to identify the cognitive mechanisms by which these
      problems occur. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27121334
TI  - Drug Interaction Studies With CYP3A Substrates: How Much Inhibitor Pre-exposure
      Is Needed?

PMID- 27121332
TI  - The association between low blood lead levels and the prevalence of
      prehypertension among nonhypertensive adults in Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Low-level lead exposure has been associated with increases in blood
      pressure (BP) and impairment of the cardiovascular system. Prehypertension is not
      categorized as a disease currently; however, individuals with untreated
      prehypertension are known to be at increased risk of progression to hypertension
      and mortality caused by cardiovascular disease. We investigated the association
      between blood lead levels below the threshold for the harmful effects of lead and
      the prevalence of prehypertension in Korean adults. METHODS: A total of 8,493
      participants (3,945 men and 4,548 women) were included in the current analysis,
      using data from the fourth, fifth, and sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey (KNHANES) in 2007-2013. Blood analysis, self-report
      questionnaires, and physical examinations were used to assess blood lead levels,
      BP, and medical history. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI)
      for prehypertension were calculated using multiple logistic regression models.
      RESULTS: Compared to the first quartile (Q1) blood lead level (0.206-1.539
      MUg/dl), the ORs (95% CI) were 1.24 (1.04-1.48) in Q2, (1.540-2.056 MUg/dl), 1.27
      (1.06-1.52) in Q3, (2.057-2.716 MUg/dl), and 1.30 (1.07-1.60) in Q4 (2.717-24.532
      MUg/dl) for the prevalence of prehypertension after adjusting for age, sex,
      morbidity status, socioeconomic status, and health behavioral variables.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our large, cross-sectional, nationwide study revealed that blood
      lead levels below the threshold for the harmful effects of lead were
      significantly associated with prehypertension. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:729-735,
      2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121335
TI  - Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability Following the Administration of a
      Single Dose of a Combination Tablet Containing Sumatriptan and Naproxen Sodium in
      Adolescent Patients With Migraine and in Healthy Adult Volunteers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare the pharmacokinetics of sumatriptan and
      naproxen in adolescent migraineurs and healthy adults after administration of
      sumatriptan/naproxen sodium combination tablets. DESIGN: The design was an open
      label, randomized, parallel group study. Adolescent migraineurs (12-17 years) and
      healthy adults received 1 dose of sumatriptan/naproxen: 10 mg/60 mg, 30 mg/180
      mg, or 85 mg/500 mg. Pharmacokinetic and safety assessments were conducted.
      RESULTS: Sumatriptan achieved Cmax rapidly (median tmax : 0.8-1.5 hours for
      adolescents, 0.5-2.0 hours for adults); elimination was also rapid (geometric
      mean t1/2 : <2 hours for adolescents, 1.9-2.4 hours for adults). Compared with
      sumatriptan, naproxen was absorbed and eliminated more slowly (median tmax : 1.0
      4.0 hours for adolescents, 1.0-3.0 hours for adults; geometric mean t1/2 : 13.4
      16.3 hours for adolescents, 14.3-16.6 hours for adults). Sumatriptan Cmax and AUC
      were similar for adolescents and adults for the 85 mg/500 mg dose; exposure for
      the 2 lower doses showed slight differences (not significant). Naproxen Cmax and
      AUC were comparable between the 2 groups at all doses. Increases in sumatriptan
      Cmax and AUC were dose proportional; for naproxen, slightly less than
      proportional. The tablets were generally well tolerated. CONCLUSION: Sumatriptan
      and naproxen pharmacokinetics were not dissimilar between adolescent migraineurs
      and healthy adults.

PMID- 27121336
TI  - A Single-Dose Bioequivalence and Food Effect Study With Aprepitant and
      Fosaprepitant Dimeglumine in Healthy Young Adult Subjects.
AB  - Fosaprepitant dimeglumine, a lyophilized prodrug, is rapidly converted to
      aprepitant, a substance P/neurokinin 1 (NK1 ) receptor antagonist. Intravenous
      (IV) fosaprepitant and oral aprepitant are used in combination with other
      antiemetics to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. This randomized,
      phase 1 study was designed to assess the aprepitant area under the curve (AUC0
      infinity ) equivalence of a single, oral 165-mg or 185-mg dose of aprepitant to a
      single 150-mg fosaprepitant IV dose infused over 20 minutes, and to evaluate the
      effect of food on the bioavailability of the oral 165-mg and 185-mg aprepitant
      doses. Plasma samples were analyzed for aprepitant, and linear mixed-effects
      models were applied to natural log-transformed aprepitant AUC data. A 2 one-sided
      tests procedure was used to evaluate bioequivalence; the adjusted P values for
      the AUC0-infinity of both oral doses versus the IV dose were < .05, supporting
      the hypothesis that each single, oral dose of aprepitant is equivalent to the
      AUC0-infinity of a single IV infusion of fosaprepitant. Food effect results
      suggest that dose adjustment would not be necessary with a single oral dose of
      aprepitant. Single-dose administration of oral 165 mg and 185 mg aprepitant and
      IV 150 mg fosaprepitant was generally well tolerated. 

PMID- 27121338
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence Evaluation of 2 Cefadroxil Suspensions in
      Healthy Egyptian Male Volunteers.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of 2 brands of
      cefadroxil monohydrate suspensions, Curisafe (500 mg cefadroxil monohydrate/5 mL;
      test) relative to Duricef (500 mg cefadroxil monohydrate/5 mL; reference). This
      in vivo study was conducted according to a single-center, randomized, single
      dose, laboratory-blinded, 2-period, 2-sequence, crossover design with a washout
      period of 1 week. Under fasting conditions, 24 healthy Egyptian adult male
      volunteers were randomly allocated to receive a single dose of either test or
      reference product. Blood samples were collected at specified time intervals, and
      plasma was analyzed for cefadroxil concentration using a validated high
      performance liquid chromatography assay method. The pharmacokinetic parameters
      Cmax , AUC0-t , AUC0-infinity , tmax , Ke , and t1/2 were determined from plasma
      concentration-time profiles. The 90% confidence intervals for the ratio Cmax ,
      AUC0-t , and AUCt-infinity of the test product over those of reference were
      within the acceptable range (0.8-1.25) for bioequivalence. On the basis of these
      results, the 2 cefadroxil formulations are considered bioequivalent. 

PMID- 27121337
TI  - Absorption, Metabolism, and Excretion of [(14) C]-Tivozanib, a Vascular
      Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, in Healthy Male
      Participants: A Phase I, Open-Label, Mass-Balance Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of tivozanib, a
      new investigational drug for renal cell carcinoma and solid malignancies.
      METHODS: Eight healthy male participants received a single 1.5-mg (~160 MUCi)
      dose of oral [(14) C]-tivozanib. Whole blood, serum, urine, and feces were
      evaluated up to 28 days postdose for pharmacokinetics, radioanalysis, and
      metabolites. Adverse events were recorded throughout the study. RESULTS: [(14) C]
      tivozanib concentration peaked at 10.9 +/- 5.84 hours. The mean serum half-life
      for [(14) C]-tivozanib was 89.3 +/- 23.5 hours. The maximum concentration and
      area under the curve for [(14) C]-tivozanib were 12.1 +/- 5.67 ng/mL and 1084 +/-
      417.0 ng.h/mL, respectively. Mean recovery of total radioactivity was 91.0% +/-
      11.0%; 79.3% +/- 8.82% of the radioactivity was recovered in feces both as
      unchanged tivozanib and metabolites. In the urine, 11.8% +/- 4.59% was recovered
      only as metabolites. No unchanged tivozanib was found in the urine. CONCLUSION:
      Tivozanib had a long half-life with no major circulating metabolite, was well
      tolerated as a single dose, and was primarily eliminated via feces with no
      unchanged tivozanib found in urine. These pharmacokinetic data of [(14) C]
      tivozanib are consistent with previous studies of unlabeled tivozanib.

PMID- 27121339
TI  - COD capture: a feasible option towards energy self-sufficient domestic wastewater
      treatment.
AB  - Although the activated sludge process, one of the most remarkable engineering
      inventions in the 20(th) century, has made significant contribution to wastewater
      reclamation in the past 100 years, its high energy consumption is posing a
      serious impact and challenge on the current wastewater industry worldwide and is
      also inevitably linked to the issue of global climate change. In this study, we
      argued that substantial improvement in the energy efficiency might be no longer
      achievable through further optimization of the activated sludge process. Instead,
      we should devote more effort to the development or the adoption of novel
      treatment configurations and emerging technologies. Of which an example is A-B
      process which can significantly improve the energy recovery potential at A-stage,
      while markedly reduces energy consumption at B-stage. Various configurations of A
      B process with energy analysis are thus discussed. It appears highly possible to
      achieve an overall energy gain in WWTPs with A-B process as a core.

PMID- 27121340
TI  - Self-harm in nurses: prevalence and correlates.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the weighed prevalence of self-harm
      and its correlates among Hong Kong nurses. BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiological
      data suggest that the weighted prevalence of past-year suicidality among Hong
      Kong nurses was found to be 14.9%. Deliberate self-harm was a significant
      correlate of suicidality. Nonetheless, there are few population-based studies
      exploring the prevalence of self-harm and its correlates among medical
      occupational groups in Asia. DESIGN: The study uses a cross-sectional survey
      design. METHOD: Data were collected in Hong Kong over a four-week period from
      October-November 2013. Statistical methods, including binary and multivariate
      logistic regression models, were used to examine the weighted prevalence of self
      harm and its associated factors in nurses. RESULTS: A total of 850 nurses
      participated in the study. Seventy-nine participants (9.3%) reported self-harm in
      the past year. Nurses aged between 25-44 were at especially high risk of self
      harm. Female nurses reported self-harm more than male nurses. The most common
      forms of self-harm were self-cutting, striking oneself and poisoning oneself.
      Clinical experience, chronic illness, relationship crises with family members, a
      family history of self-harm, smoking, symptoms of stress and psychiatric disorder
      were significantly associated with nurses' self-harm. The positive correlation
      between psychiatric disorder and self-harm was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: There is a
      need for a raft of self-harm prevention strategies, including a continuous
      monitoring system in the healthcare setting detecting and managing the risks of
      self-harm in nurses as part of the ordinary provision for their well-being.

PMID- 27121341
TI  - Two-photon light-sheet nanoscopy by fluorescence fluctuation correlation
      analysis.
AB  - Advances in light-sheet microscopy have enabled the fast three-dimensional (3D)
      imaging of live cells and bulk specimens with low photodamage and phototoxicity.
      Combining light-sheet illumination with super-resolution imaging is expected to
      resolve subcellular structures. Actually, such kind of super-resolution light
      sheet microscopy was recently demonstrated using a single-molecule localization
      algorithm. However, the imaging depth and temporal resolution of this method are
      limited owing to the requirements of precise single molecule localization and
      reconstruction. In this work, we present two-photon super-resolution light-sheet
      imaging via stochastic optical fluctuation imaging (2PLS-SOFI), which acquires
      high spatiotemporal resolution and excellent optical sectioning ability. 2PLS
      SOFI is based on non-linear excitation of fluctuation/blinking probes using our
      recently developed fast two-photon three-axis digital scanned light-sheet
      microscope (2P3A-DSLM), which enables both deep penetration and thin sheet of
      light. Overall, 2PLS-SOFI demonstrates up to 3-fold spatial resolution
      enhancement compared with conventional two-photon light-sheet (2PLS) microscopy
      and about 40-fold temporal resolution enhancement compared with individual
      molecule localization-selective plane illumination microscopy (IML-SPIM).
      Therefore, 2PLS-SOFI is promising for 3D long-term, deep-tissue imaging with high
      spatiotemporal resolution. 

PMID- 27121342
TI  - Indirect co-culture of vascular smooth muscle cells with bone marrow mesenchymal
      stem cells inhibits vascular calcification and downregulates the Wnt signaling
      pathways.
AB  - Vascular calcification (VC) is widely considered to be a crucial clinical
      indicator of cardiovascular disease. Recently, certain properties of mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSCs) have been hypothesized to have potential in treating
      cardiovascular diseases. However, their effect on the initiation and progression
      of VC remains controversial. The present study aimed to investigate whether MSCs
      indirectly mediate VC and their impact on the Wnt signaling pathways. A Transwell
      system was selected to establish the indirect co-culture environment, and hence,
      vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were indirectly co-cultured in the presence
      or absence of MSCs at a ratio of 1:1. Osteogenic medium (OS) was added to imitate
      a calcifying environment. Fourteen days later, VSMCs in the lower layers of the
      Transwell plates were harvested. Alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium
      nodules were markedly increased in calcific VSMCs induced by OS. However, these
      parameters were significantly decreased in VSMCs by indirectly co-culturing with
      MSCs in the same medium. Furthermore, the messenger RNA expression levels of
      osteopontin and osteoprotegerin were notably increased in VSMCs cultured in OS,
      but reduced by indirect interaction with MSCs. In addition, the activities of
      canonical and noncanonical Wnt ligands, wingless-type MMTV integration site
      family, number 5A (Wnt5a), receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (Ror2)
      and beta-catenin, which are important in the process of VC, were downregulated by
      indirect contact with MSCs in OS. Thus, indirect co-culture with MSCs inhibits VC
      and downregulates the Wnt signaling pathways. 

PMID- 27121343
TI  - An examination of the regulatory mechanism of Pxdn mutation-induced eye disorders
      using microarray analysis.
AB  - The present study aimed to identify biomarkers for peroxidasin (Pxdn) mutation
      induced eye disorders and study the underlying mechanisms involved in this
      process. The microarray dataset GSE49704 was used, which encompasses 4 mouse
      samples from embryos with Pxdn mutation and 4 samples from normal tissues. After
      data preprocessing, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between Pxdn
      mutation and normal tissues were identified using the t-test in the limma
      package, followed by functional enrichment analysis. The protein-protein
      interaction (PPI) network was constructed based on the STRING database, and the
      transcriptional regulatory (TR) network was established using the GeneCodis
      database. Subsequently, the overlapping DEGs with high degrees in two networks
      were identified, as well as the sub-network extracted from the TR network. In
      total, 121 (75 upregulated and 46 downregulated) DEGs were identified, and these
      DEGs play important roles in biological processes (BPs), including neuron
      development and differentiation. A PPI network containing 25 nodes such as actin,
      alpha 1, skeletal muscle (Acta1) and troponin C type 2 (fast) (Tnnc2), and a TR
      network including 120 nodes were built. By comparing the two networks, seven
      crucial genes which overlapped were identified, including cyclin-dependent kinase
      inhibitor 1B (Cdkn1b), Acta1 and troponin T type 3 (Tnnt3). In the sub-network,
      Cdkn1b was predicted as the target of miRNAs such as mmu-miR-24 and transcription
      factors (TFs) including forkhead box O4 (FOXO4) and activating enhancer binding
      protein 4 (AP4). Thus, we suggest that seven crucial genes, including Cdkn1b,
      Acta1 and Tnnt3, play important roles in the progression of eye disorders such as
      glaucoma. We suggest that Cdkn1b exert its effects via the inhibition of
      proliferation and is mediated by mmu-miR-24 and targeted by the TFs FOXO4 and
      AP4. 

PMID- 27121344
TI  - Balloon kyphoplasty versus percutaneous vertebroplasty for treatment of
      osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).
AB  - The study investigated whether kyphoplasty (KP) was superior to vertebroplasty
      (VP) in treating patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
      (OVCFs). KP may be superior to VP for treating patients with OVCFs based on long
      term VAS and ODI but not short-term VAS. Further large-scale trials are needed to
      verify these findings due to potential risk of selection bias. INTRODUCTION: This
      study aimed to assess whether KP was superior to VP in treating patients with
      OVCFs. METHODS: The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases and references within
      articles and proceedings of major meetings were systematically searched. Eligible
      studies included patients with OVCFs who received either KP or VP. Standard mean
      differences (SMDs) and relative risks (RRs) were used as measures of efficacy and
      safety in a random-effects model. RESULTS: Eleven studies enrolling 869 patients
      with OVCFs were identified as eligible for final analysis. Compared with VP, KP
      was associated with significant improvements in long-term (SMD, -0.70; 95 %
      confidence interval [CI]: -1.30, -0.10; P = 0.023) visual analog scale (VAS);
      short-term (SMD, -1.50; 95 % CI: -2.94, -0.07; P = 0.040) and long-term (SMD, 
      1.03; 95 % CI: -1.88, -0.18; P = 0.017) Oswestry Disability Indexes (ODIs); short
      term (SMD, -0.74; 95 % CI: -1.42, -0.06; P = 0.032) and long-term (SMD, -0.71; 95
      % CI: -1.19, -0.23; P = 0.004) kyphosis angles; and vertebral body height (SMD,
      1.56; 95 % CI: 0.62, 2.49; P = 0.001) and anterior vertebral body height (SMD,
      3.04; 95 % CI: 0.53, 5.56; P = 0.018). KP was also associated with a
      significantly longer operation time (SMD, 0.73; 95 % CI: 0.26, 1.19; P = 0.002)
      and a lower risk of cement extravasation (RR, 0.68; 95 % CI: 0.48, 0.96; P =
      0.030) compared with VP. No significant differences were found in the short-term
      VAS, posterior vertebral body height, and adjacent-level fractures. CONCLUSION:
      Acknowledging some risk of selection bias, KP displayed a significantly better
      performance compared with VP only in one of the two primary endpoints, that is,
      for ODI but not for short-term VAS. Further randomized studies are required to
      confirm these results.

PMID- 27121345
TI  - Clinical cone beam computed tomography compared to high-resolution peripheral
      computed tomography in the assessment of distal radius bone.
AB  - Clinical cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was compared to high-resolution
      peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) for the assessment of ex
      vivo radii. Strong correlations were found for geometry, volumetric density, and
      trabecular structure. Using CBCT, bone architecture assessment was feasible but
      compared to HR-pQCT, trabecular parameters were overestimated whereas cortical
      ones were underestimated. INTRODUCTION: HR-pQCT is the most widely used technique
      to assess bone microarchitecture in vivo. Yet, this technology has been only
      applicable at peripheral sites, in only few research centers. Clinical CBCT is
      more widely available but quantitative assessment of the bone structure is
      usually not performed. We aimed to compare the assessment of bone structure with
      CBCT (NewTom 5G, QR, Verona, Italy) and HR-pQCT (XtremeCT, Scanco Medical AG,
      Bruttisellen, Switzerland). METHODS: Twenty-four distal radius specimens were
      scanned with these two devices with a reconstructed voxel size of 75 MUm for
      Newtom 5G and 82 MUm for XtremeCT, respectively. A rescaling-registration scheme
      was used to define the common volume of interest. Cortical and trabecular
      compartments were separated using a semiautomated double contouring method.
      Density and microstructure were assessed with the HR-pQCT software on both
      modality images. RESULTS: Strong correlations were found for geometry parameters
      (r = 0.98-0.99), volumetric density (r = 0.91-0.99), and trabecular structure (r
      = 0.94-0.99), all p < 0.001. Correlations were lower for cortical microstructure
      (r = 0.80-0.89), p < 0.001. However, absolute differences were observed between
      modalities for all parameters, with an overestimation of the trabecular structure
      (trabecular number, 1.62 +/- 0.37 vs. 1.47 +/- 0.36 mm(-1)) and an
      underestimation of the cortical microstructure (cortical porosity, 3.3 +/- 1.3
      vs. 4.4 +/- 1.4 %) assessed on CBCT images compared to HR-pQCT images.
      CONCLUSIONS: Clinical CBCT devices are able to analyze large portions of distal
      bones with good spatial resolution and limited irradiation. However, compared to
      dedicated HR-pQCT, the assessment of microarchitecture by NewTom 5G dental CBCT
      showed some discrepancies, for density measurements mainly. Further technical
      developments are required to reach optimal assessment of bone characteristics.

PMID- 27121346
TI  - Risk factors for recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma
      undergoing modified radical neck dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the impact of lymph node-related factors on the
      risk of and site of recurrence in patients who had papillary thyroid carcinoma
      with lymph node metastasis in the lateral compartment (classified as pN1b).
      METHODS: Patients underwent total thyroidectomy with unilateral modified radical
      neck dissection for classical papillary thyroid carcinoma. Risk factors for
      recurrence were evaluated according to the pattern of recurrence. RESULTS: A
      total of 324 patients were included in the study. The median follow-up was 63
      (range 14-181) months. Recurrence was detected in 47 patients (14.5 per cent). In
      the multivariable analysis, a maximum diameter of metastatic lymph nodes larger
      than 2.0 cm (hazard ratio (HR) 1.15, 95 per cent c.i. 1.06 to 1.25; P = 0.033)
      and a central compartment metastatic lymph node ratio of more than 0.42 (HR 3.35,
      1.65 to 6.79; P < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for
      locoregional recurrence. Age 45 years or older (HR 5.69, 1.24 to 26.12; P =
      0.025) and extranodal extension of metastasis (HR 12.71, 1.64 to 98.25; P =
      0.015) were risk factors for distant metastasis. In subgroup analysis of
      locoregional recurrence, several lymph node-related factors affected the risk of
      recurrence according to the specific site of metastasis. CONCLUSION: Lymph node
      related factors are of importance for the risk of recurrence in patients with
      classical papillary thyroid carcinoma classified as pN1b.

PMID- 27121347
TI  - Comparison of Three Different Commercial Kits for the Human Papilloma Virus
      Genotyping.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-risk type human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most important
      cause of cervical cancer. Recently, real-time polymerase chain reaction and
      reverse blot hybridization assay-based HPV DNA genotyping kits are developed. So,
      we compared the performances of different three HPV genotyping kits using
      different analytical principles and methods. METHODS: Two hundred positive and
      100 negative cervical swab specimens were used. DNA was extracted and all samples
      were tested by the MolecuTech REBA HPV-ID, Anyplex II HPV28 Detection, and
      HPVDNAChip. Direct sequencing was performed as a reference method for confirming
      high-risk HPV genotypes 16, 18, 45, 52, and 58. RESULTS: Although high-level
      agreement results were observed in negative samples, three kits showed decreased
      interassay agreement as screening setting in positive samples. Comparing the
      genotyping results, three assays showed acceptable sensitivity and specificity
      for the detection of HPV 16 and 18. Otherwise, various sensitivities showed in
      the detection of HPV 45, 52, and 58. CONCLUSIONS: The three assays had dissimilar
      performance of HPV screening capacity and exhibited moderate level of concordance
      in HPV genotyping. These discrepant results were unavoidable due to difference in
      type-specific analytical sensitivity and lack of standardization; therefore, we
      suggested that the efforts to standardization of HPV genotyping kits and
      adjusting analytical sensitivity would be important for the best clinical
      performance.

PMID- 27121348
TI  - Rasch analysis of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-computer
      adaptive test (PEDI-CAT) item bank for children and young adults with spinal
      muscular atrophy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this study we evaluated the suitability of a caregiver-reported
      functional measure, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer
      Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT), for children and young adults with spinal muscular
      atrophy (SMA). METHODS: PEDI-CAT Mobility and Daily Activities domain item banks
      were administered to 58 caregivers of children and young adults with SMA. Rasch
      analysis was used to evaluate test properties across SMA types. RESULTS:
      Unidimensional content for each domain was confirmed. The PEDI-CAT was most
      informative for type III SMA, with ability levels distributed close to 0.0 logits
      in both domains. It was less informative for types I and II SMA, especially for
      mobility skills. Item and person abilities were not distributed evenly across all
      types. CONCLUSIONS: The PEDI-CAT may be used to measure functional performance in
      SMA, but additional items are needed to identify small changes in function and
      best represent the abilities of all types of SMA. Muscle Nerve 54: 1097-1107,
      2016.

PMID- 27121349
TI  - Ovine fetal mesenchymal stem cell differentiation to cardiomyocytes, effects of
      co-culture, role of small molecules; reversine and 5-azacytidine.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of small molecules:
      Reversine and 5-azacytidine (5-AC), in an indirect co-culture condition with the
      cardiac fibroblasts as well as non co-culture condition, in order to explore the
      effect of such molecules in the process of differentiation of the ovine bone
      marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) towards cardiomyocytes. Surface antigens
      of the isolated cells were analysed using flow-cytometry. In addition, following
      to three passages cells were examined for their differentiation capacity into
      osteocytes and adipose cells, in order to ensure the mesenchymal origin of the
      stem cells. Six types of treatments were carried out in the present
      investigation, such that, in the first treatment BM-MSCs were cultured for 28
      days as control group; the second treatment was composed of culturing ovine fetal
      cardiac fibroblasts on inserts, aiming to use these inserts for culturing plates
      which were seeded with BM-MSCs (Chamber group). As the third treatment, BM-MSCs
      were supplemented with 10-MUM 5-AC and incubated for 48 h. The fourth treatment
      was composed of supplementing BM-MSCs with the 600-nM reversine, incubated for 48
      h, and subsequently the incubation was further extended for another 48 h in the
      presence of 5-AC. The fifth treatment was composed of supplementing the chamber
      group with 10-MUM 5-AC and incubation for 48 h, and the last or the sixth
      treatment was such that chamber group was supplemented with 600-nM reversine and
      an incubation period of 48 h. Following to the incubation, medium was replaced
      with 10-MUM 5-AC and further incubated for another round of 48 h. In all
      treatments, following to addition of the small molecules incubations were carried
      out for 28 days; same as controls. Expression of cardiac alpha-actinin was
      analysed by immunocytochemistry. BM-MSCs have shown to express CD44 and CD166
      along with a weak expression of the CD90, CD34, in addition to CD45. Multilineage
      differentiation has indicated that BM-MSCs could differentiate into adipose and
      osteocytes cells as well. In the treatment 4 it was observed that FGF signalling
      involved genes and all cardiac-related genes (ANP, MYH6 and Troponin I) were
      significantly expressed, except connexin 43 compared to other treatments. All
      treatments received small molecules, either alone or as a co-culture were seen to
      express sarcomeric alpha-actinin. This finding was partially supported by
      immunocytochemistry. These results validate that reversine and 5-AC have an
      effect on ovine BM-MSC differentiation into cardiomyocytes. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27121350
TI  - A new piperidinol derivative targeting mycolic acid transport in Mycobacterium
      abscessus.
AB  - The natural resistance of Mycobacterium abscessus to most commonly available
      antibiotics seriously limits chemotherapeutic treatment options, which is
      particularly challenging for cystic fibrosis patients infected with this rapid
      growing mycobacterium. New drugs with novel molecular targets are urgently needed
      against this emerging pathogen. However, the discovery of such new chemotypes has
      not been appropriately performed. Here, we demonstrate the utility of a
      phenotypic screen for bactericidal compounds against M. abscessus using a library
      of compounds previously validated for activity against M. tuberculosis. We
      identified a new piperidinol-based molecule, PIPD1, exhibiting potent activity
      against clinical M. abscessus strains in vitro and in infected macrophages.
      Treatment of infected zebrafish with PIPD1 correlated with increased embryo
      survival and decreased bacterial burden. Whole genome analysis of M. abscessus
      strains resistant to PIPD1 identified several mutations in MAB_4508, encoding a
      protein homologous to MmpL3. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that while de novo
      mycolic acid synthesis was unaffected, PIPD1 strongly inhibited the transport of
      trehalose monomycolate, thereby abrogating mycolylation of arabinogalactan.
      Mapping the mutations conferring resistance to PIPD1 on a MAB_4508 tridimensional
      homology model defined a potential PIPD1-binding pocket. Our data emphasize a yet
      unexploited chemical structure class against M. abscessus infections with
      promising translational development possibilities.

PMID- 27121351
TI  - Communicating with parents of obese children: which channels are most effective?
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the strategies proven most successful in curbing rising rates
      of childhood obesity involves targeting parents as agents of change. Prior
      studies have focused on what messages to communicate, but few have investigated
      how they should be communicated. OBJECTIVE: To identify the channels most
      effective for communicating with parents of overweight and obese children and
      understand whether their use of parenting information sources differs from others
      in the community. DESIGN/SETTING: This study utilizes data from the Longitudinal
      Study of Australian Children (LSAC). Families were included if weight and height
      information was available for parents and children at three data collection
      points: Waves 1, 2 and 4 (collected 2004, 2006 and 2010, respectively, n = 5107).
      ANALYSIS: A priori and a posteriori segmentation methods identified groups of
      parents that were similar in the sources used to obtain information about
      parenting, and examined whether some segments were more likely to have obese
      children. RESULTS: Four segments were identified that differed in their
      information source use: the 'personal networks', 'books', 'official sources' and
      'mixed approach' segments. The 'official sources' and 'mixed approach' segments
      were most likely to have obese children, and they used doctors,
      government/community organizations and friends to obtain information on
      parenting. These segments were also less educated and had lower employment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Messages are most likely to reach families with obese children if
      communicated through doctors, government publications and community
      organizations. Further, messages targeting social groupings of parents will
      leverage the power of advice from friends, which is another valuable information
      source for this group.

PMID- 27121352
TI  - Color Afterimages in Autistic Adults.
AB  - It has been suggested that attenuated adaptation to visual stimuli in autism is
      the result of atypical perceptual priors (e.g., Pellicano and Burr in Trends Cogn
      Sci 16(10):504-510, 2012. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2012.08.009 ). This study
      investigated adaptation to color in autistic adults, measuring both strength of
      afterimage and the influence of top-down knowledge. We found no difference in
      color afterimage strength between autistic and typical adults. Effects of top
      down knowledge on afterimage intensity shown by Lupyan (Acta Psychol 161:117-130,
      2015. doi: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2015.08.006 ) were not replicated for either group.
      This study finds intact color adaptation in autistic adults. This is in contrast
      to findings of attenuated adaptation to faces and numerosity in autistic
      children. Future research should investigate the possibility of developmental
      differences in adaptation and further examine top-down effects on adaptation.

PMID- 27121354
TI  - Both initial red cell distribution width (RDW) and change in RDW during heart
      failure hospitalization are associated with length of hospital stay and 30-day
      outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We examined the predictive ability of red cell distribution width
      (RDW) and the change in RDW during hospitalization (DeltaRDW) for length of stay
      (LOS) and 30-day outcomes after heart failure (HF) inpatient stay. METHODS:
      Electronic query of Intermountain Healthcare medical records identified patients
      (N = 6414) with a primary diagnosis of HF who were discharged between 2004 and
      2013, had RDW measured within 24 h after admission, and had RDW tested at least
      once more during the same hospitalization. DeltaRDW was defined as the last RDW
      within 24 h prior to discharge minus the first RDW. RESULTS: Median LOS by
      initial RDW quartiles was Q1: 3.0, Q2: 3.1, Q3: 3.7, and Q4: 4.0 days (P
      trend<0.001), and by DeltaRDW quartiles was Q1: 4.1, Q2: 3.4, Q3: 3.6, and Q4:
      4.7 days (P-trend<0.001). Both initial RDW (16.8 +/- 2.8% vs. 16.3 +/- 2.7%, P <
      0.001) and DeltaRDW (0.21 +/- 1.09% vs. 0.14 +/- 1.04%, P = 0.039) predicted 30
      day readmission vs. no readmit. For 30-day decedents vs. survivors, initial RDW
      was 17.3 +/- 3.0% vs. 16.3 +/- 2.6% (P < 0.001), while DeltaRDW was +0.20 +/-
      1.14% vs. +0.14 +/- 1.04% (P = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Greater initial RDW and
      DeltaRDW during HF hospitalization were associated with 30-day mortality, longer
      LOS, and 30-day all-cause readmission, suggesting both DeltaRDW and initial RDW
      may aid in personalizing prognosis and treatment.

PMID- 27121353
TI  - Variant-specific persistence of infections with human papillomavirus Types 31,
      33, 45, 56 and 58 and risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
AB  - In our previous study of the etiologic role of oncogenic human papillomavirus
      (HPV) types other than HPV16 and 18, we observed a significantly higher risk of
      cervical intraepithelial neoplasia Grades 2-3 (CIN2/3) associated with certain
      lineages of HPV types 31/33/45/56/58 [called high-risk (HR) variants] compared
      with non-HR variants. This study was to examine whether these intra-type variants
      differ in persistence of the infection and persistence-associated risk of CIN2/3.
      Study subjects were women who had any of HPV types 31/33/45/56/58 newly detected
      during a 2-year follow-up with 6-month intervals. For each type, the first
      positive sample was used for variant characterization. The association of
      reverting-to-negativity with group of the variants and CIN2/3 with length of
      positivity was assessed using discrete Cox regression and logistic regression,
      respectively. Of the 598 newly detected, type-specific HPV infections, 312 became
      undetectable during follow-up. Infections with HR, compared with non-HR, variants
      were marginally more likely to become negative [adjusted hazard ratio = 1.3; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 0.9-1.8]. The adjusted odds ratio associating with the
      development of CIN2/3 was 3.0 (95% CI, 1.2-7.4) for persistent infections with HR
      variants for 6 months and 10.0 (95% CI, 3.8-38.0) for persistent infections with
      HR variants for 12-18 months as compared with the first positive detection of HR
      variants. Among women with non-HR variants, there were no appreciable differences
      in risk of CIN2/3 by length of positivity. Findings suggest that the lineage
      associated risk of CIN2/3 was not mediated through a prolonged persistent
      infection, but oncogenic heterogeneity of the variants.

PMID- 27121355
TI  - Clinical significance of IPF% measurement in diagnosing thrombocytopenic
      disorders: distinguishing primary immune thrombocytopenia from other disorders.

PMID- 27121356
TI  - C11orf95-RELA fusion present in a primary intracranial extra-axial ependymoma:
      Report of a case with literature review.
AB  - Ependymomas are gliomas that recapitulate the ependymal cells microscopically and
      ultrastructurally. They commonly occur along the ventricular surfaces and central
      canal of the brain and spinal cord. Intracranial extra-axial ependymoma (IEAE) is
      a rare entity and is commonly misdiagnosed clinically and radiologically as a
      meningioma. The histogenesis of such IEAEs is obscure. A novel recurrent
      oncogenic fusion involving the C11orf95 and RELA genes was recently described in
      supratentorial ependymomas. A 9-year-old girl presented with a dural based
      parafalcine mass that, in addition to exhibiting classical immunohistochemical
      features of an ependymoma, also demonstrated C11orf95-RELA fusion, characteristic
      of supratentorial ependymomas. We suggest that IEAEs share their histogenesis
      with their intra-axial counterparts, arising either from dural extension of
      subcortical, subependymal rests or directly from ectopic dural rests.

PMID- 27121357
TI  - Perfluorooctyl bromide traces self-assembled with polymeric nanovesicles for
      blood pool ultrasound imaging.
AB  - A novel perfluorooctyl bromide (PFOB)-loaded nanovesicle with a size of about 500
      nm was prepared by self-assembly of an amphiphilic block copolymer, poly(ethylene
      oxide)-b-poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PEG-PDLLA), for blood pool ultrasound imaging.
      The excellent compatibility of PFOB with the hydrophobic PDLLA block makes PFOB
      uniformly distribute and integrate well within the nanovesicle shell. In theory,
      both the compressibility and shell density of the nanovesicle as ultrasound
      scatterers are enhanced, resulting in much higher echo intensity compared to the
      other PFOB nanoparticles. In vitro and in vivo imaging results illustrate that
      these polymeric nanovesicles with extremely low content of PFOB show quite a good
      contrast-enhancing effect even if highly diluted in blood. Therefore this PFOB
      loaded polymeric nanovesicle is anticipated to be applicable as an ultrasound
      contrast agent for normal angiography and specific imaging of capillary-abundant
      organs or tissues (e.g. tumors). 

PMID- 27121358
TI  - Role of psychological factors in burning mouth syndrome: A systematic review and
      meta-analysis.
AB  - Background Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic medical condition
      characterised by hot, painful sensations in the lips, oral mucosa, and/or tongue
      mucosa. On examination, these appear healthy, and organic causes for the pain
      cannot be found. Several studies have yielded scant evidence of the involvement
      of psychological and/or psychopathological factors, and several have outlined a
      model for the classification of BMS. Aim This review aims to provide a systematic
      review of research examining the psychological, psychiatric, and/or personality
      factors linked to BMS. Findings Fourteen controlled studies conducted between
      2000 and the present were selected based on stringent inclusion/exclusion
      criteria. All studies but one reported at least some evidence for the involvement
      of psychological factors in BMS. Anxiety and depression were the most common and
      the most frequently studied psychopathological disorders among BMS patients.
      Discussion and conclusion Anxiety and depression play critical roles in this
      condition. Evidence on the role of personality characteristics of BMS patients
      has also been produced by a few studies. Further studies on the role of specific
      psychological factors in BMS are warranted, but the importance of a
      multidisciplinary approach (medical and psychological) to BMS is no matter of
      discussion.

PMID- 27121359
TI  - The use of oxygen in cluster headache treatment worldwide - a survey of the
      International Headache Society (IHS).
AB  - Background Oxygen is recommended for the treatment of acute cluster headache
      attacks. However, it is not available worldwide. Methods The International
      Headache Society performed a survey among its national member societies on the
      availability and the restrictions for oxygen in the treatment of cluster
      headache. Results Oxygen is reimbursed in 50% of all countries responding ( n =
      22). There are additional restrictions in the reimbursement of the facial mask
      and with respect to age. Conclusion Oxygen for the treatment of cluster headache
      attack is not reimbursed worldwide. Headache societies should pressure
      national/public health authorities to reimburse oxygen for cluster headache in
      all countries.

PMID- 27121361
TI  - Excellence in Certification-The ABOMS.

PMID- 27121362
TI  - Concise total synthesis of (+/-)-serotobenine.
AB  - A concise total synthesis of (+/-)-serotobenine via a strategy inspired by the
      biosynthetic hypothesis for this alkaloid was accomplished. The indolofuran core
      was constructed by an iron-catalyzed intermolecular oxidative radical cross
      coupling reaction developed by our group. 

PMID- 27121363
TI  - Implementation of the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy on College Campuses: Evidence
      From a Survey of College Students in Beijing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: China issued a nationwide "Tobacco-Free Campus" Policy (TFCP) in
      January 2014, but it is unclear how well it was implemented across China's 2138
      college campuses. We conducted an Internet survey of Beijing college students to
      evaluate the implementation of the TFCP in Beijing. METHODS: An Internet survey
      of 711 students from 37 colleges in Beijing was conducted in May 2015.
      Respondents reported on secondhand smoking (SHS) exposure on campus, knowledge on
      and actions taken against SHS, and tobacco marketing exposure on campus. RESULTS:
      Almost 90% of respondents were exposed to SHS on campus at least once in the past
      month. Approximately 37% of nonsmokers and 61% of smokers reported seeing a
      teacher smoking, and the majority of both smokers and nonsmokers reported seeing
      a classmate smoking in campus buildings. The likelihood and location of SHS
      exposure depend on the participant's demographics and own smoking behavior.
      Nonsmokers were more likely to be aware of the health risk of SHS than smokers.
      Although most participants were aware of the harms, only 13% and 9% tried to stop
      their last SHS exposure indoors and outdoors, respectively. Forty-seven students
      from 14 colleges noticed tobacco marketing activities on campus. CONCLUSIONS: The
      TFCP on Chinese college campuses was only partially enforced, particularly with
      regard to SHS. IMPLICATIONS: On January 29, 2014, the Chinese Ministry of
      Education issued the TFCP. A major barrier to effective tobacco control in China
      is the difficulty in implementing policies issued by the central government. At
      this point, it is unclear whether the TFCP was successfully implemented on
      China's college campuses. Major tobacco use monitoring efforts do not include
      college students. The present research describes the current tobacco control
      environment on Beijing's college campuses 15 months after the TFCP took effect.
      To our knowledge, this is the first paper in the English literature on tobacco
      environment and exposure (rather than a prevalence survey) of college students in
      China.

PMID- 27121366
TI  - Rh(iii)-catalyzed chemoselective C-H functionalizations of tertiary aniline N
      oxides with alkynes.
AB  - In this work, we report novel Rh(iii)-catalyzed chemoselective functionalizations
      of tertiary aniline N-oxides with alkynes, including annulation via the
      sequential C(sp(2))-H and C(sp(3))-N activation for the formation of N
      alkylindoles and an O-atom transfer (OAT) process for the synthesis of
      acetophenones. 

PMID- 27121364
TI  - Strongyloidiasis in Latin American immigrants: a pilot study.
AB  - The United States of America (USA) has the largest international population of
      any nation in the world. Immigrants from Latin American countries, where
      intestinal parasites are endemic, comprise more than half of this population.
      This study aims to determine the prevalence of strongyloidiasis, a potentially
      deadly parasitic infection, in foreign-born individuals. We conducted a cross
      sectional study in Washington, DC, to determine the seroprevalence of
      Strongyloides stercoralis infection using an NIE-ELISA IgG antibody assay. Multi
      parallel quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed in
      stool samples of NIE-ELISA-positive patients to investigate possible
      polyparasitism. The NIE-ELISA assay detected an S. stercoralis prevalence of 4.2%
      in a group of 119 volunteers. Combining NIE-ELISA and qPCR detected a parasite
      prevalence of 5.0%. Our results underscore the relevance of systematic testing
      for gastrointestinal parasites in individuals from endemic regions. It also makes
      a case for a survey in the USA to identify immigrants' risk for strongyloidiasis
      and other gastrointestinal parasitic infections.

PMID- 27121367
TI  - Imaging live cells at high spatiotemporal resolution for lab-on-a-chip
      applications.
AB  - Conventional optical imaging techniques are limited by the diffraction limit and
      difficult-to-image biomolecular and sub-cellular processes in living specimens.
      Novel optical imaging techniques are constantly evolving with the desire to
      innovate an imaging tool that is capable of seeing sub-cellular processes in a
      biological system, especially in three dimensions (3D) over time, i.e. 4D
      imaging. For fluorescence imaging on live cells, the trade-offs among imaging
      depth, spatial resolution, temporal resolution and photo-damage are constrained
      based on the limited photons of the emitters. The fundamental solution to solve
      this dilemma is to enlarge the photon bank such as the development of photostable
      and bright fluorophores, leading to the innovation in optical imaging techniques
      such as super-resolution microscopy and light sheet microscopy. With the synergy
      of microfluidic technology that is capable of manipulating biological cells and
      controlling their microenvironments to mimic in vivo physiological environments,
      studies of sub-cellular processes in various biological systems can be simplified
      and investigated systematically. In this review, we provide an overview of
      current state-of-the-art super-resolution and 3D live cell imaging techniques and
      their lab-on-a-chip applications, and finally discuss future research trends in
      new and breakthrough research areas of live specimen 4D imaging in controlled 3D
      microenvironments.

PMID- 27121368
TI  - The effect of preexisting anti-carrier immunity on subsequent responses to CRM197
      or Qb-VLP conjugate vaccines.
AB  - CONTEXT: Certain antigens, such as haptens (small molecules), short peptides, and
      carbohydrates (e.g. bacterial polysaccharides) are non- or poorly immunogenic
      unless conjugated to a carrier molecule that provides a structural scaffold for
      antigen presentation as well as T cell help required for B-cell activation and
      maturation. However, the carriers themselves are immunogenic and resulting
      carrier-specific immune responses may impact the immunogenicity of other
      conjugate vaccines using the same carrier that are administered subsequently.
      OBJECTIVE: Herein, using two different carriers (cross-reactive material 197, CRM
      and Qb-VLP), we examined in mice the impact that preexisting anti-carrier
      antibodies (Ab) had on subsequent immune responses to conjugates with either the
      same or a different carrier. METHOD: For this purpose, we used two nicotine
      hapten conjugates (NIC7-CRM or NIC-Qb), two IgE peptide conjugates (Y-CRM or Y
      Qb), and a pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate (Prevnar 13((r))). RESULTS:
      Prior exposure to CRM or Qb-VLP significantly reduced subsequent responses to the
      conjugated antigen having the homologous carrier, with the exception of Prevnar
      13(r) where anti-polysaccharide responses were similar to those in animals
      without preexisting anti-carrier Ab. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the data suggest
      that the relative sizes of the antigen and carrier, as well as the conjugation
      density for a given conjugate impact the extent of anti-carrier suppression. All
      animals developed anti-carrier responses with repeat vaccination and the
      differences in Ab titer between groups with and without preexisting anti-carrier
      responses became less apparent; however, anti-carrier effects were more durable
      for Ab function.

PMID- 27121369
TI  - Disgust exposure and explicit emotional appraisal enhance the LPP in response to
      disgusted facial expressions.
AB  - The influence of prior exposure to disgusting imagery and the conscious appraisal
      of facial expressions were examined in an event-related potential (ERP)
      experiment. Participants were exposed to either a disgust or a control
      manipulation and then presented with emotional and neutral expressions. An
      assessment of the gender of the face was required during half the blocks and an
      affective assessment of the emotion in the other half. The emotion-related early
      posterior negativity (EPN) and late positive potential (LPP) ERP components were
      examined for disgust and neutral stimuli. Results indicated that the EPN was
      enhanced for disgusted over neutral expressions. Prior disgust exposure modulated
      the middle phase of the LPP in response to disgusted but not neutral expressions,
      but only when the emotion of the face was explicitly evaluated. The late LPP was
      enhanced independently of stimuli when an emotional decision was made. Results
      demonstrated that exposure to disgusting imagery can affect the subsequent
      processing of disgusted facial expressions when the emotion is under conscious
      appraisal.

PMID- 27121370
TI  - Metal contact effect on the performance and scaling behavior of carbon nanotube
      thin film transistors.
AB  - Metal-tube contact is known to play an important role in carbon nanotube field
      effect transistors (CNT-FETs) which are fabricated on individual CNTs. Less
      attention has been paid to the contact effect in network type carbon nanotube
      thin film transistors (CNT-TFTs). In this study, we demonstrate that contact
      plays an even more important role in CNT-TFTs than in CNT-FETs. Although the
      Schottky barrier height at the metal-tube contact can be tuned by the work
      function of the metal, similar to the case in CNT-FETs, the contact resistance
      (Rc) forms a much higher proportion of the total resistance in CNT-TFTs.
      Interestingly, the contact resistivity was found to increase with channel length,
      which is a consequence of the percolating nature of the transport in CNT films,
      and this behavior does not exist in CNT-FETs and normal 2D Ohmic conductors.
      Electrical transport in CNT-TFTs has been predicted to scale with channel length
      by stick percolation theory. However, the scaling behavior is also impacted, or
      even covered up by the effect of Rc. Once the contact effect is excluded, the
      covered scaling behavior can be revealed correctly. A possible way of reducing Rc
      in CNT-TFTs was proposed. We believe the findings in this paper will strengthen
      our understanding of CNT-TFTs, and even accelerate the commercialization of CNT
      TFT technology. 

PMID- 27121371
TI  - Prescribing patterns of dental practitioners in Australia from 2001 to 2012.
      Antimicrobials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of antibiotic resistance by bacteria is of global
      concern. Inappropriate prescribing has the potential to exacerbate this issue. We
      aimed to examine the patterns of prescribing of antimicrobial medicines by dental
      practitioners in Australia from 2001 to 2012. METHODS: Data were collected from
      Medicare Australia on prescriptions from dental practitioners dispensed to
      concessional beneficiaries between 2001 and 2012. We examined patterns of use
      over time. RESULTS: There was an overall increase in number of prescriptions and
      in dispensed use (standardized by dose and population) of antibiotics and
      antifungals for the concessional population over the 12-year period. The use of
      dentally prescribed antibiotics increased 50%. Amoxicillin was the most commonly
      prescribed antibiotic accounting for 66% of all prescriptions in 2012. Generally,
      there was preferential prescribing of the highest dose formulations. The use of
      the two antifungals increased 30% over the study period with a preference for
      amphotericin B (74%) rather than nystatin. CONCLUSIONS: These data show a
      concerning increase in prescribing of antibiotics and antifungals by dentists in
      Australia. It would appear that Australian dentists may not be prescribing these
      medicines appropriately; however, further research is needed to understand
      prescribing behaviours and decision-making by dentists.

PMID- 27121373
TI  - The development and evaluation of the Finnish digit triplet test.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to develop a reliable and easily accessible
      screening test for primary detection of hearing impairment. METHODS: Digits 0-9
      were used to form quasirandom digit triplets. First, digit specific
      intelligibility functions and speech recognition thresholds (SRTs) were
      determined. To homogenize the test material digits with steep intelligibility
      function slopes were chosen and level correction up to +/-2 dB were applied to
      the digits as needed. Evaluation measurements were performed to check for
      systematic differences in intelligibility between the test lists and to obtain
      normative reference function for normal-hearing listeners. RESULTS: The mean SRT
      and the final slope of the test lists were -10.8 +/- 0.1 dB signal-to-noise ratio
      (SNR) and 21.7 +/- 1.8%/dB, respectively (measurements at constant level; inter
      list variability). The mean SRT and slope of the test subjects were -10.8 +/- 0.5
      dB SNR and 23.4 +/- 5.2%/dB (measurements at constant level; inter-subject
      variability). The mean SRT for normal-hearing young adults for a single adaptive
      measurement is -9.8 +/- 0.9 dB SNR. CONCLUSION: The Finnish digit triplet test is
      the first self-screening hearing test in the Finnish language. It was developed
      according to current standards, and it provides reliable and internationally
      comparable speech intelligibility measurements.

PMID- 27121372
TI  - Identification of a Potent and Broad-Spectrum Hepatitis C Virus Fusion Inhibitory
      Peptide from the E2 Stem Domain.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope proteins E1 and E2 play an essential role in
      virus entry. However, the fusion mechanisms of HCV remain largely unclear,
      hampering the development of efficient fusion inhibitors. Here, we developed two
      cell-based membrane fusion models that allow for screening a peptide library
      covering the full-length E1 and E2 amino acid sequences. A peptide from the E2
      stem domain, named E27, was found to possess the ability to block E1E2-mediated
      cell-cell fusion and inhibit cell entry of HCV pseudoparticles and infection of
      cell culture-derived HCV at nanomolar concentrations. E27 demonstrated broad
      spectrum inhibition of the major genotypes 1 to 6. A time-of-addition experiment
      revealed that E27 predominantly functions in the late steps during HCV entry,
      without influencing the expression and localization of HCV co-receptors.
      Moreover, we demonstrated that E27 interfered with hetero-dimerization of
      ectopically expressed E1E2 in cells, and mutational analysis suggested that E27
      might target a conserved region in E1. Taken together, our findings provide a
      novel candidate as well as a strategy for developing potent and broad-spectrum
      HCV fusion inhibitors, which may complement the current direct-acting antiviral
      medications for chronic hepatitis C, and shed light on the mechanism of HCV
      membrane fusion.

PMID- 27121374
TI  - Attitudes towards assisted dying are influenced by question wording and order: a
      survey experiment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surveys on attitudes towards assisted dying play an important role in
      informing public debate, policy and legislation. Unfortunately, surveys are often
      designed with insufficient attention to framing effects; that is, effects on the
      respondents' stated attitudes caused by question wording and context. The purpose
      of this study was to demonstrate and measure such framing effects. METHODS:
      Survey experiment in which an eight-question survey on attitudes towards assisted
      dying was distributed to Norwegian citizens through a web-based panel. Two
      variations of question wording as well as two variations of question order were
      employed. Respondents were randomized to receive one of four questionnaire
      versions. RESULTS: Three thousand and fifty responses were received. There were
      moderate to large question wording and question order effects. A majority of
      Norwegian citizens favour the legalization of assisted dying for patients with
      terminal or chronic disease. CONCLUSIONS: Stakeholders in the assisted dying
      debate need to acknowledge potential framing effects, and accordingly should
      interpret survey results with caution. The same holds for researchers who conduct
      attitude surveys in the field of bioethics.

PMID- 27121375
TI  - The orphan nuclear receptor NR4A2 is part of a p53-microRNA-34 network.
AB  - Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 (NR4A2) is an orphan nuclear
      receptor that is over-expressed in cancer and promotes cell proliferation,
      migration, transformation, and chemoresistance. Increased expression and function
      of NR4A2 have been attributed to various signaling pathways, but little is known
      about microRNA (miRNA) regulation of NR4A2 in cancer. To investigate the
      posttranscriptional regulation of NR4A2, we used a 3' untranslated region (UTR)
      reporter screen and identified miR-34 as a putative regulator of NR4A2. By using
      computer predictions, we identified and confirmed an miRNA recognition element in
      the 3' UTR of NR4A2 that was responsible for miR-34-mediated suppression. We next
      demonstrated that overexpression of exogenous miR-34 or activation of the p53
      pathway, which regulates endogenous miR-34 expression, decreased NR4A2
      expression. Consistent with previous reports, overexpression of NR4A2 blocked the
      induction of p53 target genes, including mir-34a. This was a phenotypic effect,
      as NR4A2 overexpression could rescue cells from p53-induced inhibition of
      proliferation. In summary, our results are the first characterization of a cancer
      related miRNA capable of regulating NR4A2 and suggest a network and possible
      feedback mechanism involving p53, miR-34, and NR4A2.

PMID- 27121376
TI  - Coma of unknown origin in the emergency department: implementation of an in-house
      management routine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coma of unknown origin is an emergency caused by a variety of
      possibly life-threatening pathologies. Although lethality is high, there are
      currently no generally accepted management guidelines. METHODS: We implemented a
      new interdisciplinary standard operating procedure (SOP) for patients presenting
      with non-traumatic coma of unknown origin. It includes a new in-house triage
      process, a new alert call, a new composition of the clinical response team and a
      new management algorithm (altogether termed "coma alarm"). It is triggered by two
      simple criteria to be checked with out-of-hospital emergency response teams
      before the patient arrives. A neurologist in collaboration with an internal
      specialist leads the in-hospital team. Collaboration with anaesthesiology, trauma
      surgery and neurosurgery is organised along structured pathways that include
      standardised laboratory tests and imaging. Patients were prospectively enrolled.
      We calculated response times as well as sensitivity and false positive rates,
      thus proportions of over- and undertriaged patients, as quality measures for the
      implementation in the SOP. RESULTS: During 24 months after implementation, we
      identified 325 eligible patients. Sensitivity was 60 % initially (months 1-4),
      then fluctuated between 84 and 94 % (months 5-24). Overtriage never exceeded 15 %
      and undertriage could be kept low at a maximum of 11 % after a learning period.
      We achieved a median door-to-CT time of 20 minutes. 85 % of patients needed
      subsequent ICU treatment, 40 % of which required specialised neuro-ICUs.
      DISCUSSION: Our results indicate that our new simple in-house triage criteria may
      be sufficient to identify eligible patients before arrival. We aimed at ensuring
      the fastest possible proceedings given high portions of underlying time-sensitive
      neurological and medical pathologies while using all available resources as
      purposefully as possible. CONCLUSIONS: Our SOP may provide an appropriate tool
      for efficient management of patients with non-traumatic coma. Our results justify
      the assignment of the initial diagnostic workup to neurologists and internal
      specialists in collaboration with anaesthesiologists.

PMID- 27121377
TI  - Erratum to: CASPER plus (CollAborative care in screen-positive EldeRs with major
      depressive disorder): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

PMID- 27121380
TI  - Physiological targets for the treatment of diabetic encephalopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic degenerative disease responsible for
      hyperglycemic episodes through insulin secretion deficiency or cellular
      resistance. Clinical diagnosis in diabetic patients established that this disease
      affects the CNS, damaging the brain and impairing cognition, and thus
      establishing a clinical diabetic condition named diabetic encephalopathy. Despite
      the physiological mechanisms responsible for the development diabetic
      encephalopathy are still unclear, an excessive formation of reactive oxygen
      species, an alteration of acetylcholinesterase activity, and a reduction of
      growth factor levels, may be related with the pathogenesis of this condition.
      Pharmacological treatments with natural compounds have been proven useful to
      treat and cure a wide variety of diseases through their antioxidant actions.
      METHODS: This study built a compendium of chemical compounds used for the
      treatment of diabetic encephalopathy demonstrating the most important
      physiological targets that future drugs should aim for, reviewing them. RESULTS:
      As previously suspected, antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were
      useful to prevent memory loss in streptozotocin-induced animals. In addition,
      growth factors showed an improvement of memory in diabetic rodents. Most studies
      focused on antioxidant compounds despite cross studies researched both
      antioxidants and acetylcholinesterase activities. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it could
      be suggested that future studies regarding treatments for diabetic encephalopathy
      should focus on the antioxidant profile and acetylcholinesterase, since they seem
      to play pivotal roles in cognitive impairment in diabetes. No less important,
      studies with growth factors are also important physiological targets for treating
      the diabetic encephalopathy.

PMID- 27121379
TI  - Quantification of maceration changes using post mortem MRI in fetuses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post mortem imaging is playing an increasingly important role in
      perinatal autopsy, and correct interpretation of imaging changes is paramount.
      This is particularly important following intra-uterine fetal death, where there
      may be fetal maceration. The aim of this study was to investigate whether any
      changes seen on a whole body fetal post mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR)
      correspond to maceration at conventional autopsy. METHODS: We performed pre
      autopsy PMMR in 75 fetuses using a 1.5 Tesla Siemens Avanto MR scanner (Erlangen,
      Germany). PMMR images were reported blinded to the clinical history and autopsy
      data using a numerical severity scale (0 = no maceration changes to 2 = severe
      maceration changes) for 6 different visceral organs (total 12). The degree of
      maceration at autopsy was categorized according to severity on a numerical scale
      (1 = no maceration to 4 = severe maceration). We also generated quantitative maps
      to measure the liver and lung T2. RESULTS: The mean PMMR maceration score
      correlated well with the autopsy maceration score (R(2) = 0.93). A PMMR score of
      >=4.5 had a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 64%, for detecting moderate or
      severe maceration at autopsy. Liver and lung T2 were increased in fetuses with
      maceration scores of 3-4 in comparison to those with 1-2 (liver p = 0.03, lung p
      = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There was a good correlation between PMMR maceration score
      and the extent of maceration seen at conventional autopsy. This score may be
      useful in interpretation of fetal PMMR.

PMID- 27121378
TI  - Role of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 channels in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel plays an
      important role in pain and inflammation. However, little is known about the
      significance of the TRPA1 channel in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease
      (AD). METHODS: Wild-type (WT), TRPA1(-/-), amyloid precursor protein
      (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) transgenic (APP/PS1 Tg) mice, the mouse model of AD, and
      APP/PS1 Tg/TRPA1(-/-) mice were used to examine the role of TRPA1 in pathogenesis
      of AD. Western blot was used for protein expression; immunohistochemistry was
      used for histological examination. The mouse behaviors were evaluated by
      locomotion, nesting building, Y-maze and Morris water maze tests; levels of
      interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 and the activities of protein
      phosphatase 2B (PP2B), NF-kappaB and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)
      were measured by conventional assay kits; Fluo-8 NW calcium (Ca(2+)) assay kit
      was used for the measurement of intracellular Ca(2+) level in primary astrocytes
      and HEK293 cells. RESULTS: The protein expression of TRPA1 channels was higher in
      brains, mainly astrocytes of the hippocampus, from APP/PS1 Tg mice than WT mice.
      Ablation of TRPA1-channel function in APP/PS1 Tg mice alleviated behavioral
      dysfunction, Abeta plaque deposition and pro-inflammatory cytokine production but
      increased astrogliosis in brain lesions. TRPA1 channels were activated and Ca(2+)
      influx was elicited in both astrocytes and TRPA1-transfected HEK293 cells treated
      with fibrilized Abeta1-42; these were abrogated by pharmacological inhibition of
      TRPA1 channel activity, disruption of TRPA1 channel function or removal of
      extracellular Ca(2+). Inhibition of TRPA1 channel activity exacerbated Abeta1-42
      induced astrogliosis but inhibited Abeta1-42-increased PP2B activation, the
      production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activities of transcriptional
      factors NF-kappaB and NFAT in astrocytes and in APP/PS1 Tg mice. Pharmacological
      inhibition of PP2B activity diminished the fibrilized Abeta1-42-induced
      production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, activation of NF-kappaB and NFAT and
      astrogliosis in astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: TRPA1 - Ca(2+) - PP2B signaling may play
      a crucial role in regulating astrocyte-derived inflammation and pathogenesis of
      AD.

PMID- 27121381
TI  - Schiff Bases of Benzothiazol-2-ylamine and Thiazolo[5,4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine as
      Anticonvulsants: Synthesis, Characterization and Toxicity Profiling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schiff bases have a broad spectrum of biological activities like
      antiinflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antitubercular,
      anticancer, antioxidant, anthelmintic and so forth. Thus, after a thorough
      perusal of literature, it was decided to conjugate benzothiazol-2
      ylamine/thiazolo [5, 4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine with aromatic and heteroaromatic
      aldehydes to get a series of Schiff bases. OBJECTIVE: Synthesis,
      characterization, in-silico toxicity profiling and anticonvulsant activity of the
      Schiff bases of Benzothiazol-2-ylamine and Thiazolo [5, 4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine.
      METHOD: Aniline/4-aminopyridine was converted to the corresponding thiourea
      derivatives, which were cyclized to obtain benzothiazol-2-ylamine/thiazolo [5, 4
      b] pyridin-2-ylamine. Finally, these were condensed with various aromatic and
      heteroaromatic aldehydes to obtain Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine and
      thiazolo [5, 4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine. The synthesized compounds were characterized
      and screened for their anticonvulsant activity using maximal electroshock (MES)
      test and isoniazid (INH) induced convulsions test. In-silico toxicity profiling
      of all the synthesized compounds was done through "Lazar" and "Osiris" properties
      explorer. RESULTS: Majority of the compounds were more potent against MES induced
      convulsions than INH induced convulsions. Schiff bases of benzothiazol-2-ylamine
      were more effective than thiazolo [5, 4-b] pyridin-2-ylamine against MES induced
      convulsions. The compound benzothiazol-2-yl-(1H-indol-2-ylmethylene)-amine (VI)
      was the most potent member of the series against both types of convulsions.
      CONCLUSION: Compound VI exhibited the most significant activity profile in both
      the models. The compounds did not exhibit any carcinogenicity or acute toxicity
      in the in-silico studies. Thus, it may be concluded that the Schiff bases of
      benzothiazol-2-ylamine exhibit the potential to be promising and non-toxic
      anticonvulsant agents.

PMID- 27121383
TI  - Statistical colour models: an automated digital image analysis method for
      quantification of histological biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colour is the most important feature used in quantitative
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) image analysis; IHC is used to provide information
      relating to aetiology and to confirm malignancy. METHODS: Statistical modelling
      is a technique widely used for colour detection in computer vision. We have
      developed a statistical model of colour detection applicable to detection of
      stain colour in digital IHC images. Model was first trained by massive colour
      pixels collected semi-automatically. To speed up the training and detection
      processes, we removed luminance channel, Y channel of YCbCr colour space and
      chose 128 histogram bins which is the optimal number. A maximum likelihood
      classifier is used to classify pixels in digital slides into positively or
      negatively stained pixels automatically. The model-based tool was developed
      within ImageJ to quantify targets identified using IHC and histochemistry.
      RESULTS: The purpose of evaluation was to compare the computer model with human
      evaluation. Several large datasets were prepared and obtained from human
      oesophageal cancer, colon cancer and liver cirrhosis with different colour
      stains. Experimental results have demonstrated the model-based tool achieves more
      accurate results than colour deconvolution and CMYK model in the detection of
      brown colour, and is comparable to colour deconvolution in the detection of pink
      colour. We have also demostrated the proposed model has little inter-dataset
      variations. CONCLUSIONS: A robust and effective statistical model is introduced
      in this paper. The model-based interactive tool in ImageJ, which can create a
      visual representation of the statistical model and detect a specified colour
      automatically, is easy to use and available freely at
      http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/plugins/ihc-toolbox/index.html . Testing to the tool
      by different users showed only minor inter-observer variations in results.

PMID- 27121382
TI  - Incorporating epistasis interaction of genetic susceptibility single nucleotide
      polymorphisms in a lung cancer risk prediction model.
AB  - Incorporation of genetic variants such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      into risk prediction models may account for a substantial fraction of
      attributable disease risk. Genetic data, from 2385 subjects recruited into the
      Liverpool Lung Project (LLP) between 2000 and 2008, consisting of 20 SNPs
      independently validated in a candidate-gene discovery study was used. Multifactor
      dimensionality reduction (MDR) and random forest (RF) were used to explore
      evidence of epistasis among 20 replicated SNPs. Multivariable logistic regression
      was used to identify similar risk predictors for lung cancer in the LLP risk
      model for the epidemiological model and extended model with SNPs. Both models
      were internally validated using the bootstrap method and model performance was
      assessed using area under the curve (AUC) and net reclassification improvement
      (NRI). Using MDR and RF, the overall best classifier of lung cancer status were
      SNPs rs1799732 (DRD2), rs5744256 (IL-18), rs2306022 (ITGA11) with training
      accuracy of 0.6592 and a testing accuracy of 0.6572 and a cross-validation
      consistency of 10/10 with permutation testing P<0.0001. The apparent AUC of the
      epidemiological model was 0.75 (95% CI 0.73-0.77). When epistatic data were
      incorporated in the extended model, the AUC increased to 0.81 (95% CI 0.79-0.83)
      which corresponds to 8% increase in AUC (DeLong's test P=2.2e-16); 17.5% by NRI.
      After correction for optimism, the AUC was 0.73 for the epidemiological model and
      0.79 for the extended model. Our results showed modest improvement in lung cancer
      risk prediction when the SNP epistasis factor was added. 

PMID- 27121384
TI  - Additional Layers of Violence: The Intersections of Gender and Disability in the
      Violence Experiences of Women With Physical Disabilities in South Africa.
AB  - South Africa has unprecedented levels of violence and many South African women
      are exposed to violence during their lifetime. This article explores how gender
      and disability intersect in women's experiences of violence during their
      lifetime. Repeat in-depth qualitative interviews with 30 physically disabled
      women in Cape Town reveal that women with physical disabilities are exposed to
      various forms of violence, and shows how their impairments shape their violence
      experiences. The most common forms of violence women with disabilities experience
      are psychological violence, financial abuse, neglect, and deprivation, with
      disability stigma playing a central role and contributing to how women with
      disabilities are exploited and dehumanized. Constructions of women as asexual
      shape their sexual relationships and experiences of sexual violence. This article
      identifies that women with disabilities are more at risk and experience
      additional layers of violence than women without disabilities. These additional
      risks and layers of violence need to be recognized and inform interventions to
      prevent and respond to violence against women with disabilities in the country.
      Prevention of violence against women with physical disabilities in South Africa
      needs to address the role of disability stigma that shapes the types of violence
      they experience, change gender norms, and create accessible and safe environments
      and economic empowerment opportunities.

PMID- 27121385
TI  - Responding to Intimate Partner Violence: Challenges Faced Among Service Providers
      in Northern Communities.
AB  - The current study examined the needs of women experiencing intimate partner
      violence (IPV) in a profiled northern community in Saskatchewan, Canada. A focus
      group was conducted with eight knowledgeable and experienced service providers to
      gain an increased understanding of the needs of women IPV survivors in northern
      regions of Canada. The discussion was guided by the question of "What do you see
      as the needs of women coming through your services with regard to intimate
      partner violence?" Qualitative analyses highlighted important findings pertaining
      to the unique needs of women experiencing IPV and the challenges service
      providers face in northern regions. Suggestions for improvement among resources
      and services were discussed. The findings will enhance the ability of government
      representatives and community service providers to decipher the effectiveness of
      support services and resources for women living in geographically diverse areas.

PMID- 27121386
TI  - Interpersonal Sexual Objectification Experiences: Psychological and Social Well
      Being Consequences for Women.
AB  - Sexual objectification as a form of sexist discrimination accounts for the higher
      prevalence of psychological problems among women. More specifically, sexual
      objectification manifests itself in different ways with different intensities, in
      turn affecting women's psychological well-being differently. On one hand,
      experiences of body evaluation are more subtle and work by perpetuating sexist
      attitudes among women themselves. On the other hand, more explicit forms of
      sexual objectification (unwanted explicit sexual advances) are linked to higher
      levels of anxiety and lower levels of self-esteem. The first study, on a sample
      of 343 Spanish women, aims to analyze the consequences of different forms of
      sexual objectification on women's psychological well-being and the effect of
      sexism and enjoyment of objectification on these consequences. The second study,
      on a sample of 144 Spanish women, focuses on analyzing the ideological variables
      that have an effect on response to acts of sexist discrimination. Both studies
      reveal the significance of the more subtle experiences of sexual objectification
      as a mechanism that plays a part in keeping women in a subordinate position,
      where they end up feeling that this process is positive or pleasing.

PMID- 27121387
TI  - A Nationwide Evaluation of Services Provided to Domestic Violence Survivors at
      Shelters in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
AB  - The shelter movement in Bosnia-Herzegovina was born out of a tradition of
      assisting survivors of gender-based violence in the early 1990s during the
      Bosnian conflict. To date, nine shelters are in existence providing emergency
      shelter and services to survivors. Little is known about these shelters, or the
      clients these shelters serve. The purpose of this study is to examine what
      services are provided to domestic violence survivors by shelters in Bosnia
      Herzegovina and who these survivors are. A total of 43 service providers from all
      existing shelters within the country were surveyed about shelter characteristics,
      client demographics, and services provided. Findings revealed that the typical
      Bosnian shelter had been in operation for 11 years and had assisted 64 survivors
      in the previous year; the majority of whom were married females with minor
      children who had sought shelter services before. Core services were provided by
      the majority of shelters, including crisis services, legal and medical advocacy,
      counseling, and community education. While services were provided to a diverse
      group of survivors (e.g., children, elderly women, victims of human trafficking),
      shelters were less likely to be available for male and lesbian, gay, bisexual,
      and transgender survivors. Implications from these findings, as well as
      limitations and suggestions for further research, are discussed.

PMID- 27121388
TI  - Seasonal variations and shared latrine cleaning practices in the slums of Kampala
      city, Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of seasons on health outcomes is a reflection on the
      status of public health and the state of development in a given society. Evidence
      shows that in Sub-Saharan Africa, most infectious diseases flourish during the
      wet months of the year; while human activities in a context of constrained
      choices in life exacerbate the effects of seasons on human health. The paper
      argues that, the wet season and when human activities are at their peak,
      sanitation is most dire poor slum populations. METHODS: A shared latrine cleaning
      observation was undertaken over a period of 6 months in the slums of Kampala
      city. Data was collected through facility observations, user group meetings,
      Focus group discussions and, key informant interviews. The photos of the observed
      sanitation facilities were taken and assessed for facility cleanliness or dirt.
      Shared latrine pictures, observations, Focus Group Discussion, community meetings
      and key informant interviews were analysed and subjected to an analysis over the
      wet, dry and human activity cycles before a facility was categorised as either
      'dirty' or 'clean'. RESULTS: Human activity cycles also referred to as socio
      economic seasons were, school days, holidays, weekends and market days. These
      have been called 'impure' seasons, while the 'pure' seasons were the wet and dry
      months: improved and unimproved facilities were negatively affected by the wet
      seasons and the peak seasons of human activity. Wet seasons were associated with,
      mud and stagnant water, flooding pits and a repugnant smell from the latrine
      cubicle which made cleaning difficult. During the dry season, latrines became
      relatively cleaner than during the wet season. The presence of many child(ren)
      users during school days as well as the influx of market goers for the roadside
      weekly markets compromised the cleaning outcomes for these shared sanitation
      facilities. CONCLUSION: Shared latrine cleaning in slums is impacted by seasonal
      variations related to weather conditions and human activity. The wet seasons made
      the already bad sanitation situation worse. The seasonal fluctuations in the
      state of shared slum sanitation relate to a wider malaise in the population and
      an implied capacity deficit among urban authorities. Poor sanitation in slums is
      part of a broader urban mismanagement conundrum pointing towards the urgent need
      for multiple interventions aimed at improving the general urban living conditions
      well beyond sanitation.

PMID- 27121394
TI  - Assessing blood platelets as RNA biomarker source for prostate cancer.
AB  - CONTEXT: Blood platelets may offer as RNA biomarker source for cancer as recently
      described for an oncogenic transcript in glioma patients and for PCA3 in prostate
      cancer (PCa) patients. OBJECTIVE: Here, we elaborated on this aspect for PCa.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: PCA3 and other PCa-associated RNA markers were measured in
      platelets of PCa patients (cases) and healthy subjects (controls) in comparison
      to PCa cell lines by relative quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: The RNA markers
      displayed heterogeneous expression patterns in cell lines and platelets, however,
      without significant differences between cases and controls. DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSION: The data do not support platelets as a profitable RNA source for
      early detection of PCa. Nonetheless, certain PCa-derived RNA markers in platelets
      may merit further investigation as potential prognostic biomarkers for PCa.

PMID- 27121395
TI  - Enantioselective CuH-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Aryl Alkenes and Activated
      Carboxylic Acids.
AB  - A new method for the enantioselective reductive coupling of aryl alkenes with
      activated carboxylic acid derivatives via copper hydride catalysis is described.
      Dual catalytic cycles are proposed, with a relatively fast enantioselective
      hydroacylation cycle followed by a slower diastereoselective ketone reduction
      cycle. Symmetrical aryl carboxyclic anhydrides provide access to enantioenriched
      alpha-substituted ketones or alcohols with excellent stereoselectivity and
      functional group tolerance.

PMID- 27121397
TI  - Total Syntheses of Periconiasins A-E.
AB  - The first and collective total syntheses of periconiasins A-E, a group of
      naturally occurring cytochalasans, were achieved by a series of rationally
      designed or bioinspired transformations. Salient features of the syntheses
      include a tandem aldol condensation/Grob fragmentation to assemble the linear
      polyketide-amino acid hybrid precursor, a Diels-Alder macrocylization to
      construct the 9/6/5 tricyclic core of periconiasins A-C, and a transannular
      carbonyl-ene reaction to forge the polycyclic framework of periconiasins D and E.

PMID- 27121396
TI  - Up-regulation of FGFBP1 signaling contributes to miR-146a-induced angiogenesis in
      human umbilical vein endothelial cells.
AB  - Recent microRNA expression profiling studies have documented an up-regulation of
      miR-146a in several angiogenesis models. However, the underlying molecular
      mechanism of miR-146a in the angiogenic activity of endothelial cells has not
      been clearly elucidated. The present study was aimed to evaluate whether miR-146a
      promotes angiogenesis in HUVECs by increasing FGFBP1 expression via directly
      targeting CREB3L1. miR-146a was over expressed in HUVECs via lentiviral-miR-146a.
      Expression profiling analysis found miR-146a over expression resulted in up
      regulation of angiogenesis and cytokine activity associated genes including FGF2.
      Further a combination of bioinformatics and experimental analyses demonstrated
      the CREB3L1 as a bona fide functional target of miR-146a during angiogenesis.
      Moreover, CREB3L1 inhibited luciferase expression from FGFBP1 promoter containing
      only CRE elements. Furthermore, CREB3L1 inhibited FGFBP1 expression by binding to
      two CRE-like sites located at approximately -1780-1777 and -868-865 bp relative
      to the FGFBP1 transcription start site. Additionally, ectopic expression of
      CREB3L1 decreased miR-146a-induced FGF2 secretion. These findings indicate that
      the miR-146a-CREB3L1-FGFBP1 signaling axis plays an important role in the
      regulation of angiogenesis in HUVECs and provides a potential therapeutic target
      for anti-angiogenic therapeutics.

PMID- 27121398
TI  - Dysregulation of mprF and dltABCD expression among daptomycin-non-susceptible
      MRSA clinical isolates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In small series or individual reports, SNPs within the mprF ORF and
      dysregulation of its expression in Staphylococcus aureus have been linked to
      daptomycin resistance (DAP-R) via a proposed gain-in-function mechanism.
      Similarly, dysregulation of dltABCD has also been associated with DAP-R. METHODS:
      Using 22 well-characterized, isogenic daptomycin-susceptible (DAP-S)/DAP-R
      clinical MRSA strain pairs, we assessed potential relationships of the DAP-R
      phenotype with: (i) regulation of mprF transcription; (ii) regulation of dltABCD
      transcription; (iii) expression of the two-component regulatory system, graRS
      (upstream regulator for both mprF and dltABCD transcription); (iv) SNPs within
      the graRS promoter or its ORF; and (v) altered mprF transcription and lysyl
      phosphatidylglycerol (L-PG) synthesis. RESULTS: Enhanced expression of mprF
      occurred with SNPs in highly distinct and well-chronicled MprF domain 'hot spots'
      and rarely occurred without such mutations. Increased expression and/or
      dysregulation of mprF and dltABCD were not uncommon in DAP-R strains, occurring
      in 27% of strains for each gene. In these latter strains, neither graRS
      expression profiles nor polymorphic sequences within the graRS promoter or ORF
      could be significantly linked to altered transcription of mprF or dlt.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although graRS can co-regulate mprF and dltABCD expression, loci
      outside of this regulon appear to be involved in dysregulation of these latter
      two genes and the DAP-R phenotype. Finally, DAP-R strains exhibiting
      significantly altered mprF transcription profiles produced significantly
      increased levels of L-PG.

PMID- 27121399
TI  - Tert-butyl benzoquinone: mechanism of biofilm eradication and potential for use
      as a topical antibiofilm agent.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Tert-butyl benzoquinone (TBBQ) is the oxidation product of tert-butyl
      hydroquinone (TBHQ), an antimicrobial food additive with >40 years of safe use.
      TBBQ displays potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in vitro.
      Here, we report on studies to further explore the action of TBBQ on
      staphylococcal biofilms, and provide a preliminary preclinical assessment of its
      potential for use as a topical treatment for staphylococcal infections involving
      a biofilm component. METHODS: The antibacterial properties of TBBQ were assessed
      against staphylococci growing in planktonic culture and as biofilms in the
      Calgary Biofilm Device. Established assays were employed to measure the effects
      of TBBQ on biofilm structure and bacterial membranes, and to assess resistance
      potential. A living-skin equivalent was used to evaluate the effects of TBBQ on
      human skin. RESULTS: TBBQ eradicated biofilms of S. aureus and other
      staphylococcal species at concentrations <=64 mg/L. In contrast to other redox
      active agents exhibiting activity against biofilms, TBBQ did not cause
      substantial destructuring of the biofilm matrix; instead, the antibiofilm
      activity of the compound was attributed to its ability to kill slow- and non
      growing cells via membrane perturbation. TBBQ acted synergistically with
      gentamicin, did not damage a living-skin equivalent following topical application
      and exhibited low resistance potential. CONCLUSIONS: The ability of TBBQ to
      eradicate biofilms appears to result from its ability to kill bacteria regardless
      of growth state. Preliminary evaluation suggests that TBBQ represents a promising
      candidate for development as a topical antibiofilm agent.

PMID- 27121400
TI  - What prevents the intravenous to oral antibiotic switch? A qualitative study of
      hospital doctors' accounts of what influences their clinical practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Escalating antimicrobial resistance worldwide necessitates urgent
      optimization of antimicrobial prescribing to preserve antibiotics for future
      generations. Early intravenous (iv) to oral switch campaigns are one strategy
      that hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship programmes can incorporate to
      minimize inappropriate antibiotic use. Yet, iv antibiotics continue to be offered
      for longer than is clinically indicated, increasing hospital length of stay,
      increasing costs and placing patients at risk (e.g. cannula-related infections).
      This study aims to identify why this inappropriate prescribing trend continues.
      METHODS: Twenty doctors (9 females and 11 males) working at a teaching hospital
      in north-east England participated in semi-structured interviews about their
      experiences of antibiotic use. NVivo10 software was used to conduct a thematic
      content analysis of the full interview transcripts driven by the framework
      approach. Results are reported according to COREQ guidelines. RESULTS: Decisions
      around the choice of iv over oral antibiotics were influenced by three key
      issues: (i) consumerism, i.e. participants were concerned about the risk of
      litigation or complaints if patient expectations were not met; (ii) hierarchy of
      the medical team structure limited opportunities for de-escalation of
      antibiotics; and (iii) iv antibiotics were perceived as more potent and having
      significant mythical qualities, which participants acknowledged were not
      necessarily evidence based. CONCLUSIONS: The iv to oral switch interventions
      should tailor strategies to demystify iv versus oral antibiotic efficacy, engage
      consumers around the negative effects of iv antibiotic overuse and examine
      strategies to streamline team decision-making. Addressing these issues has the
      potential to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and resistance.

PMID- 27121402
TI  - Real-time PCR for detection of plasmid-mediated polymyxin resistance (mcr-1) from
      cultured bacteria and stools.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to develop a simple assay for rapid
      detection of the mcr-1 gene, recently identified as a source of plasmid-mediated
      acquired resistance to polymyxins in Enterobacteriaceae. METHODS: A SYBR Green
      based real-time PCR assay was designed for detection of the mcr-1 gene. This
      assay was applied to cultured bacteria and to spiked human and cattle stools.
      RESULTS: The mcr-1 gene could be detected with a lower limit of 10(2) cultured
      bacteria. This test was highly sensitive and specific, and generated no false
      positive results. The assay was also conclusive when applied to stools spiked
      with mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli. CONCLUSIONS: This simple, rapid, sensitive
      and specific assay will be useful for rapid screening of this resistance trait in
      both human medicine and veterinary medicine.

PMID- 27121401
TI  - Voriconazole pharmacokinetics following HSCT: results from the BMT CTN 0101
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Voriconazole is a first-line agent for the prevention and treatment
      of a number of invasive fungal diseases. Relatively little is known about the
      relationship between drug exposure and the prevention of invasive fungal
      infections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic substudy was
      performed as part of the BMT CTN 0101 trial, which was a randomized clinical
      trial comparing voriconazole with fluconazole for the prevention of invasive
      fungal infections in HSCT recipients. A previously described population
      pharmacokinetic model was used to calculate the maximum a posteriori Bayesian
      estimates for 187 patients. Drug exposure in each patient was quantified in terms
      of the average AUC and average trough concentrations. The relationship between
      drug exposure and the probability of breakthrough infection was investigated
      using logistic regression. AUC and trough concentrations in patients with and
      without breakthrough infection were compared. RESULTS: Pharmacokinetic data from
      each patient were readily described using the maximum a posteriori Bayesian
      estimates. There were only five patients that had a breakthrough infection while
      receiving voriconazole in the first 100 days post-HSCT. For these patients, there
      was no statistically significant relationship between the average AUC or average
      trough concentration and the probability of breakthrough infection [OR (95% CI)
      1.026 (0.956-1.102) and 1.108 (0.475-2.581), respectively]. P value for these
      estimates was 0.474 and 0.813, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Given the very small
      number of proven/probable infections, it was difficult to identify any
      differences in drug exposure in HSCT recipients with and without breakthrough
      fungal infections.

PMID- 27121403
TI  - Mark Porter interview: the government will realise its mistake.

PMID- 27121404
TI  - Magnetic metal-organic framework MIL-100(Fe) microspheres for the magnetic solid
      phase extraction of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from water samples.
AB  - In this work, a magnetic metal-organic framework designated as MIL-100(Fe) was
      prepared and applied as a magnetic solid-phase extraction sorbent for the
      determination of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental water
      samples by coupling with high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence
      detection. The magnetic microspheres exhibited large surface areas and high
      extraction ability, making them excellent candidates as sorbents for enrichment
      of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Under the optimized experimental
      conditions, good sensitivity levels were achieved with low detection limits
      ranging from 32 to 2110 pg/mL and good linearities with correlation coefficients
      higher than 0.9990 for the investigated 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The
      proposed method has been validated in the analysis of real water samples with
      mean recoveries in the range of 81.4-126.9% at four spiked levels and the
      relative standard deviations in the range of 1.3-17.0%. The magnetic MIL-100(Fe)
      microspheres were stable enough for 150 extractions without a significant loss of
      extraction performance. 

PMID- 27121405
TI  - Clinical application of computed tomography-guided (125)I seed interstitial
      implantation for head and neck cancer patients with unmanageable cervical lymph
      node metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess clinical application of computed tomography (CT)-guided
      (125)I seed implantation for patients who cannot endure or unwillingly receive
      repeated surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy for unmanageable cervical lymph
      node metastases in head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: Thirty-one consecutive
      patients received CT-guided (125)I seed implantation between February 2010 and
      December 2013. To evaluate the clinical efficiency, karnofsky performance score
      (KPS), numeric rating scale (NRS), and tumor volume at 3-, and 6-month post
      implantation were compared with pre-implantation, along with local control rate
      (LCR), overall survival rate (OSR), and complications at 3, 6 months, 1, and 2
      years. RESULTS: The tumor volume was obviously decreased at 3-, and 6-month post
      implantation (21.23 +/- 8.83 versus 9.19 +/- 7.52 cm(2); 21.23 +/- 8.83 versus
      6.42 +/- 9.79 cm(2); P < 0.05) compared with pre-implantation. The NRS was
      statistically reduced (3.06 +/- 1.06 versus 7.77 +/- 0.92; 2.39 +/- 1.15 versus
      7.77 +/- 0.92; P < 0.05), while KPS was significantly improved (83.18 +/- 5.97
      versus 73.60 +/- 7.90; 82.86 +/- 5.43 versus 73.60 +/- 7.90; P < 0.05)
      postoperatively at 3 and 6 months, respectively. The LCR at 3, 6 months, 1, and 2
      years was 96.30, 83.87, 64.51, and 45.16%, respectively. The OSR was 100, 100,
      67.74, and 45.16%, respectively. Three cases experienced grade I and two had
      grade II acute radiation toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided seed implantation may
      be feasible and safe for HNC patients whose neck nodes are not manageable by
      routine strategies with fewer complications, higher LCR, and significant pain
      relief.

PMID- 27121406
TI  - Systematic and Specific Treatment of Patients with Enteroatmospheric Fistulas:
      From Initial Conservative Treatment to Definitive Surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The open abdomen is a widespread therapeutic resource; however, it
      is also a source of complications, of which the enteroatmospheric fistulas (EAFs)
      pose one of the greatest problems. The objective of this study was to describe
      the implemented strategy for handling enteroatmospheric fistulas, and
      secondarily, to analyze the differential results based on a change in the
      conservative local treatment specifically designed for the stated complication.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2002 to March 2014, patients treated for EAF
      were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (G1: 2002
      - 2007), treated with an occlusive vacuum device (SIVACO), similar to that used
      for other enterocutaneous fistulas, and Group 2 (G2: 2008 - 2014), covered in a
      specific modality for EAF. Results of conservative and surgical treatment were
      described and then the two groups were statistically compared. RESULTS: Study
      participants comprised 62 patients. Twelve cases (19.4%) healed with conservative
      treatment. This was statistically related with a baseline albumin level >3 g/dL,
      single lesions with no visible mucosa and baseline output <700 mL/d. In G1, the
      output fall was higher, while G2 required fewer wound dressing changes and
      enteral nutrition was feasible in a significantly higher number of patients.
      Forty-seven patients underwent reconstructive surgery. The mortality-associated
      variables were preoperative hypoalbuminemia and 2 or more anastomoses. Overall
      mortality was 8% (5 patients). In the multivariate model, only initial output
      (<700 mL/d) was an independent predictor for spontaneous closure, whereas 2 or
      more anastomoses and hypoalbuminemia were negative independent predictors.
      CONCLUSION: Systematic management of enteroatmospheric fistulas, following a
      rigorous protocol and a two-step specific treatment, resulted in a practical
      approach and yielded good results in healing and mortality.

PMID- 27121407
TI  - Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation Technique in the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine
      Tips and Tricks.
AB  - The need for spinal fixation in patients who cannot tolerate classical open
      surgery has led in recent years to the development of minimally invasive
      approaches. The use of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation offers several
      advantages, such as less blood loss and postoperative pain due to blunt
      separation of the muscles with reduction of soft tissue dissection. Medical
      records and demographic information, diagnosis, and preoperative pain levels of
      63 patients who underwent percutaneous minimally invasive thoracolumbar spine
      stabilization using the Illico(r) Fixation System (Alphatec Spine, Carlsbad,
      California) were analysed: a total of 344 screws were implanted. Preoperative and
      postoperative clinical assessment of the patients were based on a visual analogue
      scale. Because percutaneous techniques do not allow gross visualization of the
      vertebra and erroneous placement of the screw may be high in the initial cases,
      we discuss the techniques for a safe implantation of pedicle screws using a
      single or double intraoperative fluoroscopy. We report tips and tricks for
      technical challenges including fixation in osteoporotic patients, percutaneous
      insertion of long rods, compression/distraction using multiaxial screws turning
      into monoaxial, and use of minimally invasive retractror for interbody fusion.
      Recently, indications for minimally invasive percutaneous fixation have expanded
      and my results support that it may be considered a safe and effective option for
      the treatment of degenerative and traumatic thoracolumbar spinal diseases. 

PMID- 27121408
TI  - Laparoscopic Psoas Hitch Double Ureteral Re-implantation in the Duplex Urinary
      System for Treatment of Ureterovaginal Fistula.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although laparoscopy is widely established for ablative urologic
      procedures, pelvic reconstructive procedures are still mostly performed by open
      surgery. As urologists continue to introduce advanced laparoscopic skills to
      reconstructive urologic procedures, we present our experience with a laparoscopic
      psoas hitch double ureteral re-implantation in a patient with an ureterovaginal
      fistula and an ipsilateral duplex urinary system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 42
      year-old patient presented with continuous involuntary urine loss from the vagina
      after an abdominal hysterectomy. A double modified Lich-Gregoir ureteral re
      implantation with a psoas hitch was performed, using a 4-port laparoscopic
      approach. RESULTS: There were no post-operative complications and the cystography
      at post-operative day 14 revealed good positioning of the psoas hitch, with no
      leak or reflux. At three-months follow-up, the patient is completely dry and
      asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy with psoas hitch for
      the treatment of lesions of the distal ureter is a possible, safe, and effective
      way to resolve a complex urologic situation with minimally invasive surgery.
      Laparoscopy is becoming the standard approach to urologic pelvic reconstructive
      procedures, even in the most complex cases.

PMID- 27121409
TI  - "See-and-Treat" Hysteroscopy in the Management of Endometrial Polyps.
AB  - Endometrial polyps (EPs) are a common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in
      perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and are typically suggested by a
      screening transvaginal ultrasound. In addition, the increasing use of pelvic
      imaging often discloses asymptomatic EPs. In the past, saline infusion sonography
      (SIS) has been advocated in order to triage patients to undergo a blind curettage
      or a diagnostic or operative hysteroscopy. The introduction of small diameter
      hysteroscopes and resectoscopes-often no larger than a SIS catheter-now allows
      most women with abnormal ultrasound findings to undergo a single-stage "see-and
      treat" hysteroscopy for the management of endometrial polyps. In order to provide
      optimal management of endometrial polyps, however, a variety of known and unknown
      factors must be considered prior to "see-and-treat" hysteroscopy. For a woman
      wishing to preserve or enhance her fertility, hysteroscopic polypectomy-with care
      to avoid collateral endometrial damage-remains the standard of care. However, the
      literature reveals three issues that are important to address. First, that many
      premalignant and malignant lesions are found at the polyp base. Second, that
      there is a significant recurrence risk following simple polypectomy; this is
      especially true in tamoxifen-treated women. Third, that polypectomy alone is
      often insufficient for the satisfactory management of AUB. By offering a variety
      of options to women undergoing hysteroscopic polypectomy-including partial or
      total endomyometrial resection-the author addresses many of the limitations of
      traditional polypectomy. Moreover, the use of small diameter hysteroscopes and
      resectoscopes allow these procedures to be performed as a single stage "see-and
      treat" hysteroscopy in the comfort and safety of an office-based setting. 

PMID- 27121410
TI  - Grafting of Expanded Mesenchymal Stem Cells without Associated Procedure in a
      Healed Case of Ulna Pseudarthrosis: A Case Report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The surgical management of pseudoarthrosis is often a challenge. The
      use of mesenchymal multipotent cells expanded and manipulated in the laboratory
      is an interesting treatment of pseudoarthrosis, because they can lead to
      differentiation into osteocytes and thus the formation of bone tissue. CASE
      DESCRIPTION: We present a case of a 47-years-old man with isolate ulna fracture,
      treated with plate and screws and evolved in non-union. The patient underwent an
      expanded stem cells graft on the site of non-union with a small incision of
      approximately 3cm, without changing the synthesis system. After one year, the X
      ray showed a complete fracture consolidation. DISCUSSION: In our opinion, this
      case is interesting because it highlights the cellular action that is the only
      healing factor; it is an important demonstration of the biological action of
      expanded mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). CONCLUSION: To validate the use of MSCs,
      it is necessary to perform comparative studies for age, sex, general condition,
      location, and mechanism of injury as a further clinical validation of the
      efficiency of this cell line.

PMID- 27121411
TI  - Single-Use Instrumentation Technologies in Knee Arthroplasty: State of the Art.
AB  - The surgical site contamination and the resulting periprosthetic infections are
      an important cause of morbidity and socio-economic impact. In total knee
      arthroplasty, the single-use instrumentation is developed to simplify the
      surgical procedure, reduce the chance of instrument contamination, improve the
      operating room efficiency, and reduce overall costs (low cost of instrument
      washing and sterilization as well as personnel management). Surgical single-use
      instrumentations on the market are complete with all you need for the surgical
      procedure-cutting guides, conventional or PSI (patient-specific instrumentation),
      femoral cutting block, re-cutting block, trials components, alignment rods,
      inserts, and impactors. In recent years, PSI (patient-specific instrumentation)
      was introduced. It decreases operative time and blood loss without violating the
      intramedullary canal. It also allows the surgeon to preoperatively plan the
      patient's component size, position, and alignment. We reported an average of 30
      minutes saved for each surgical procedure, a saving of 60? for each surgical
      tray. Moreover, we avoided surgery cancellation or delay due to un-sterile,
      missing, or dysfunctional instruments. We think that this technology is the first
      step in developing implants that are entirely customized for each patient, and we
      believe that it will have a more relevant role in knee surgery in the future. 

PMID- 27121412
TI  - Giant Schwannoma of the Saphenous Nerve in The Distal Thigh: A Case Report.
AB  - CASE: Schwannomas are benign nerve myelin sheath tumors that can occur anywhere
      in the peripheral nervous system. It is very rare for Schwannomas to become
      malignant, but surgery is still the principal treatment to eliminate symptoms and
      to correctly diagnosis the tumor. We report an interesting case of a schwannoma
      of the saphenous nerve at the distal third of the posteromedial thigh: the
      patient complained of muscle weakness at left lower limb and vague anteromedial
      knee pain, mimicking a meniscal tear. Magnetic resonance images of the thigh
      showed a well-defined and oval mass lesion measuring 8.5 cm x 4.5 cm. Before
      investigating for a possible meniscal tear, we decided to remove the mass from
      the thigh, because we felt that it could itself be the cause of the mild pain
      complained about by the patient. Post-surgery, histological analysis conducted
      confirmed that this was a benign schwannoma. DISCUSSION: Schwannomas generally
      can be asymptomatic or present as a mass. The clinical presentation of this rare
      tumor makes the diagnosis difficult. CONCLUSION: This reported case is
      particularly interesting because of the rarity of the lesion localization along
      the course of the saphenous nerve. The combination of the location, and
      especially the large size of the tumor, led us to believe that there is a
      correlation with the particular clinical presentation.

PMID- 27121413
TI  - Is There An Ideal Stump Closure Technique In Laparoscopic Appendectomy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no standard routine closure technique in the management of
      appendiceal stump. Therefore, the ideal method should be determined based on the
      condition of the radix of the appendix. AIM: The aim of this study was to
      evaluate appendiceal stump closure methods in patients undergoing laparoscopic
      appendectomy due to acute appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective
      study included 196 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy due to the
      diagnosis of acute appendicitis at Gazipasa State Hospital, Golhisar State
      Hospital, and Isparta State Hospital between 2009 and 2013. The methods performed
      for the closure of the appendiceal stump included stapler closure technique
      (Group I), ENDOLOOP(r) (Johnson & Johnson Inc., New Brunswick, New Jersey)
      technique (Group II), Hem-o-lok(r) (Teleflex(r), Limerick, Pennsylvania) clip
      (Group III), and handmade endo-loop technique (Group IV). The groups were
      compared in terms of duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, postoperative
      pain, complication rates, and cost of treatment. RESULTS: No significant
      difference was observed among the groups in terms of patient characteristics. In
      eight patients, laparoscopic appendectomy was converted to open surgery due to
      various reasons. Mean length of hospital stay was two days in all of the groups
      that underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. No significant difference was found
      among the groups in terms of duration of surgery, complications, and
      postoperative analgesic requirement, but a significant difference was observed in
      terms of the cost of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the handmade endo
      loop technique is a safe, applicable, and cost-effective method to be used in the
      closure of appendiceal stump.

PMID- 27121414
TI  - Critical role of oncogenic KRAS in pancreatic cancer (Review).
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is a human malignancy with one of the highest mortality rates
      and little progress has been achieved in its treatment in recent decades. Further
      improvement to the understanding of the biological and molecular mechanisms
      underlying the initiation and development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
      (PDAC) is required. Previous studies using genetically engineered mouse models
      have demonstrated that oncogenic GTPase KRas (KRAS) mutation is involved in the
      formation of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia and promotes the progression of
      PDAC. However, attempts to target KRAS directly by pharmacological inhibition
      have been unsuccessful. This has resulted in increased efforts to identify
      pharmacological targets and nodes associated with the mutated KRAS. The present
      review discusses the recent progress and prospects of KRAS signaling in
      pancreatic cancer. 

PMID- 27121415
TI  - 4D-QSAR investigation and pharmacophore identification of pyrrolo[2,1
      c][1,4]benzodiazepines using electron conformational-genetic algorithm method.
AB  - In this paper, we present the results of pharmacophore identification and
      bioactivity prediction for pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine derivatives using
      the electron conformational-genetic algorithm (EC-GA) method as 4D-QSAR analysis.
      Using the data obtained from quantum chemical calculations at PM3/HF level, the
      electron conformational matrices of congruity (ECMC) were constructed by EMRE
      software. The ECMC of the lowest energy conformer of the compound with the
      highest activity was chosen as the template and compared with the ECMCs of the
      lowest energy conformer of the other compounds within given tolerances to reveal
      the electron conformational submatrix of activity (ECSA, i.e. pharmacophore) by
      ECSP software. A descriptor pool was generated taking into account the obtained
      pharmacophore. To predict the theoretical activity and select the best subset of
      variables affecting bioactivities, the nonlinear least square regression method
      and genetic algorithm were performed. For four types of activity including the
      GI50, TGI, LC50 and IC50 of the pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4] benzodiazepine series, the
      r(2)train, r(2)test and q(2) values were 0.858, 0.810, 0.771; 0.853, 0.848,
      0.787; 0.703, 0.787, 0.600; and 0.776, 0.722, 0.687, respectively. 

PMID- 27121416
TI  - Gallstones.
AB  - Gallstones grow inside the gallbladder or biliary tract. These stones can be
      asymptomatic or symptomatic; only gallstones with symptoms or complications are
      defined as gallstone disease. Based on their composition, gallstones are
      classified into cholesterol gallstones, which represent the predominant entity,
      and bilirubin ('pigment') stones. Black pigment stones can be caused by chronic
      haemolysis; brown pigment stones typically develop in obstructed and infected
      bile ducts. For treatment, localization of the gallstones in the biliary tract is
      more relevant than composition. Overall, up to 20% of adults develop gallstones
      and >20% of those develop symptoms or complications. Risk factors for gallstones
      are female sex, age, pregnancy, physical inactivity, obesity and overnutrition.
      Factors involved in metabolic syndrome increase the risk of developing gallstones
      and form the basis of primary prevention by lifestyle changes. Common mutations
      in the hepatic cholesterol transporter ABCG8 confer most of the genetic risk of
      developing gallstones, which accounts for ~25% of the total risk. Diagnosis is
      mainly based on clinical symptoms, abdominal ultrasonography and liver
      biochemistry tests. Symptoms often precede the onset of the three common and
      potentially life-threatening complications of gallstones (acute cholecystitis,
      acute cholangitis and biliary pancreatitis). Although our knowledge on the
      genetics and pathophysiology of gallstones has expanded recently, current
      treatment algorithms remain predominantly invasive and are based on surgery.
      Hence, our future efforts should focus on novel preventive strategies to overcome
      the onset of gallstones in at-risk patients in particular, but also in the
      population in general.

PMID- 27121417
TI  - Assessment of economic instruments for countries with low municipal waste
      management performance: An approach based on the analytic hierarchy process.
AB  - Economic instruments provide significant potential for countries with low
      municipal waste management performance in decreasing landfill rates and
      increasing recycling rates for municipal waste. In this research, strengths and
      weaknesses of landfill tax, pay-as-you-throw charging systems, deposit-refund
      systems and extended producer responsibility schemes are compared, focusing on
      conditions in countries with low waste management performance. In order to
      prioritise instruments for implementation in these countries, the analytic
      hierarchy process is applied using results of a literature review as input for
      the comparison. The assessment reveals that pay-as-you-throw is the most
      preferable instrument when utility-related criteria are regarded (wb = 0.35;
      analytic hierarchy process distributive mode; absolute comparison) mainly owing
      to its waste prevention effect, closely followed by landfill tax (wb = 0.32).
      Deposit-refund systems (wb = 0.17) and extended producer responsibility (wb =
      0.16) rank third and fourth, with marginal differences owing to their similar
      nature. When cost-related criteria are additionally included in the comparison,
      landfill tax seems to provide the highest utility-cost ratio. Data from
      literature concerning cost (contrary to utility-related criteria) is currently
      not sufficiently available for a robust ranking according to the utility-cost
      ratio. In general, the analytic hierarchy process is seen as a suitable method
      for assessing economic instruments in waste management. Independent from the
      chosen analytic hierarchy process mode, results provide valuable indications for
      policy-makers on the application of economic instruments, as well as on their
      specific strengths and weaknesses. Nevertheless, the instruments need to be put
      in the country-specific context along with the results of this analytic hierarchy
      process application before practical decisions are made. 

PMID- 27121418
TI  - Concentration dependence of luminescence efficiency of Dy3+ ions in strontium
      zinc phosphate glasses mixed with Pb3 O4.
AB  - In this work we synthesized SrO-ZnO-P2 O5 glasses mixed with Pb3 O4 (heavy metal
      oxide) and doped with different amounts of Dy2 O3 (0.1 to 1.0 mol%). Subsequently
      their emission and decay characteristics were investigated as a function of Dy2
      O3 concentration. The emission spectra exhibited three principal emission bands
      in the visible region corresponding to 4 F9/2  -> 6 H15/2 (482 nm), 6 H13/2 (574
      nm) and 6 H11/2 (663 nm) transitions. With increase in the concentration of Dy2
      O3 (upto 0.8 mol%) a considerable increase in the intensity of these bands was
      observed and, for further increase, quenching of photoluminescence (PL) output
      was observed. Using emission spectra, various radiative parameters were evaluated
      and all these parameters were found to increase with increase in Dy2 O3
      concentration. The Y/B integral emission intensity ratio of Dy3+ ions evaluated
      from these spectra exhibited a decreasing trend with increase in the Dy2 O3
      concentration up to 0.8 mol%. Quenching of luminescence observed in the case of
      the glasses doped with 1.0 mol% is attributed to clustering of Dy3+ ions. The
      quantitative analysis of these results together with infra-red (IR) spectral
      studies indicated that 0.8 mol% is the optimum concentration of Dy3+ ions needed
      to achieve maximum luminescence efficiency. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 27121419
TI  - Disordered 3 D Multi-layer Graphene Anode Material from CO2 for Sodium-Ion
      Batteries.
AB  - We report the application of disordered 3 D multi-layer graphene, synthesized
      directly from CO2 gas through a reaction with Li at 550  degrees C, as an anode
      for Na-ion batteries (SIBs) toward a sustainable and greener future. The material
      exhibited a reversible capacity of ~190 mA h g(-1) with a Coulombic efficiency of
      98.5 % at a current density of 15 mA g(-1) . The discharge capacity at higher
      potentials (>0.2 V vs. Na/Na(+) ) is ascribed to Na-ion adsorption at defect
      sites, whereas the capacity at low potentials (<0.2 V) is ascribed to
      intercalation between graphene sheets through electrochemical characterization,
      Raman spectroscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments. The disordered
      multi-layer graphene electrode demonstrated a great rate capability and
      cyclability. This novel approach to synthesize disordered 3 D multi-layer
      graphene from CO2 gas makes it attractive not only as an anode material for SIBs
      but also to mitigate CO2 emission.

PMID- 27121420
TI  - Overexpression of WNT5B promotes COLO 205 cell migration and invasion through the
      JNK signaling pathway.
AB  - WNT5B is a member of the WNT family that has been reported to be overexpressed in
      a variety of cancer cell lines and tissues, including colorectal cancer (CRC).
      However, the potential roles of WNT5B in tumorigenesis have not been reported. In
      the present study, the WNT5B gene was transfected into CRC cells and generated a
      COLO 205 cell line with stable overexpression of WNT5B. MTT, wound healing and
      Transwell assays showed that overexpression of WNT5B significantly increased cell
      proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of the COLO 205 cells in vitro.
      Meanwhile, western blotting demonstrated that cells with stable expression of
      WNT5B showed increased protein expression levels and activities of matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP 9. In addition, we also observed activation of
      the WNT/JNK signaling pathway in WNT5B-overexpressing cells. Subsequently, c-jun
      NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) was knocked down by RNA interference in the WNT5B
      overexpressing COLO 205 cells. Knockdown of JNK significantly reduced the
      migratory capacity of the COLO 205 cells and decreased protein expression levels
      and activities of MMP 2 and 9 in vitro. In conclusion, our findings suggest that
      WNT5B may play an important role in the tumorigenesis of CRC. 

PMID- 27121421
TI  - HSP90 canonical content organizes a molecular scaffold mechanism to progress
      flowering.
AB  - Highly interactive signaling processes constitute a set of parameters
      intertwining in a continuum mode to shape body formation and development. A
      sophisticated gene network is required to integrate environmental and endogenous
      cues in order to modulate flowering. However, the molecular mechanisms that
      coordinate the circuitries of flowering genes remain unclear. Here using
      complemented experimental approaches, we uncover the decisive and essential role
      of HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 90 (HSP90) in restraining developmental noise to an
      acceptable limit. Localized depletion of HSP90 mRNAs in the shoot apex resulted
      in low penetrance of vegetative-to-reproductive phase transition and completely
      abolished flower formation. Extreme variation in expression of flowering genes
      was also observed in HSP90 mRNA-depleted transformed plants. Transient heat-shock
      treatments moderately increased HSP90 mRNA levels and rescued flower arrest. The
      offspring had a low, nevertheless noticeable failure to promote transition from
      vegetative into the reproductive phase and showed flower morphological
      heterogeneity. In floral tissues a moderate variation in HSP90 transcript levels
      and in the expression of flowering genes was detected. Key flowering proteins
      comprised clientele of the molecular chaperone demonstrating that the HSP90 is
      essential during vegetative-to-reproductive phase transition and flower
      development. Our results uncover that HSP90 consolidates a molecular scaffold
      able to arrange and organize flowering gene network and protein circuitry, and
      effectively counterbalance the extent to which developmental noise perturbs
      phenotypic traits.

PMID- 27121422
TI  - Neuroscience-based Nomenclature (NbN) for Clinical Psychopharmacology and
      Neuroscience.

PMID- 27121423
TI  - Staging Models in Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
AB  - Bipolar disorder is manifested as severe dysregulation of mood with recurrent
      manic and major depressive episodes. It is associated with psychiatric and
      medical comorbidities, inadequate response to currently available pharmacological
      agents and a progressively deteriorating course in many patients. The index
      episode is often depressive in nature, while the first manic or hypomanic episode
      may occur several years later in the course of the disorder causing delay in
      diagnosis and use of inappropriate treatment strategies. Staging has been used to
      great advantage in other branches of medicine like cardiology and oncology. There
      is growing realization that major mental disorders are fundamentally progressive,
      with simpler treatment requirements and better prognosis during initial stages of
      the illness. Defining these conditions into clinically applicable stages not only
      helps in better understanding the trajectory of a particular disorder, but also
      assists in management. Patients with a chronic, recalcitrant condition like
      bipolar disorder are likely to greatly benefit from this approach. If the illness
      is correctly identified early in its course, proper treatment can be instigated
      arresting progression to latter phases which are associated with myriad
      complications in the biopsychosocial realm. With these considerations, a search
      of the MEDLINE data base was conducted to seek out literature pertaining to
      staging models in bipolar disorder. A thorough scrutiny of the existing research
      work revealed that a number of investigators have endeavored to stage define
      bipolar disorder. This paper outlines staging proposals for bipolar disorder
      which have the greatest supporting evidence in the literature. 

PMID- 27121425
TI  - The Ratio of 2nd to 4th Digit Length in Korean Alcohol-dependent Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The ratio of 2nd to 4th digit length (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic
      trait. Men have a relatively shorter second digit than fourth digit. This ratio
      is thought to be influenced by higher prenatal testosterone level or greater
      sensitivity to androgen. The purpose of this study is to investigate the
      relationship between alcohol dependence and 2D:4D in a Korean sample and whether
      2D:4D can be a biologic marker in alcohol dependence. METHODS: In this study, we
      recruited 87 male patients with alcohol dependence from the alcohol center of one
      psychiatric hospital and 52 healthy male volunteers who were all employees in the
      same hospital as controls. We captured images of the right and left hands of
      patients and controls using a scanner and extracted data with a graphics program.
      We measured the 2D:4D of each hand and compared the alcohol dependence group with
      the control group. We analyzed these ratios using an independent-samples t-test.
      RESULTS: The mean 2D:4D of patients was 0.934 (right hand) and 0.942 (left hand),
      while the mean 2D:4D of controls was 0.956 (right hand) and 0.958 (left hand).
      Values for both hands were significantly lower for patients than controls
      (p<0.001, right hand; p=0.004, left hand). CONCLUSION: Patients who are alcohol
      dependent have a significantly lower 2D:4D than controls, similar to the results
      of previous studies, which suggest that a higher prenatal testosterone level in
      the gonadal period is related to alcoholism. Furthermore, 2D:4D is a possible
      predictive marker of alcohol dependence.

PMID- 27121426
TI  - Adjunctive Low-frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation over the
      Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Patients with Treatment-resistant
      Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The ratio of 2nd to 4th digit length (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic
      trait. Men have a relatively shorter second digit than fourth digit. This ratio
      is thought to be influenced by higher prenatal testosterone level or greater
      sensitivity to androgen. The purpose of this study is to investigate the
      relationship between alcohol dependence and 2D:4D in a Korean sample and whether
      2D:4D can be a biologic marker in alcohol dependence. OBJECTIVE: The present
      study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low frequency (LF) repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the right dorsolateral prefrontal
      cortex (DLPFC) for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). METHODS:
      Twenty-seven patients with treatment resistant OCD were randomly assigned to 3
      week either active (n=14) or sham (n=13) rTMS. The active rTMS parameters
      consisted of 1 Hz, 20-minute trains (1,200 pulses/day) at 100% of the resting
      motor threshold (MT). OCD symptoms, mood, and anxiety were assessed at baseline
      and every week throughout the treatment period. RESULTS: A repeated-measures
      analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate changes on the Yale-Brown
      Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). Our results revealed a significant reduction
      in YBOCS scores in the active group compared with the sham group after 3 weeks.
      Similarly, a repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant effect of time and
      time*group interaction on scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the
      Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale. There were no reports of any serious
      adverse effects following the active and sham rTMS treatments. CONCLUSION: LF
      rTMS over the right DLPFC appeared to be superior to sham rTMS for relieving OCD
      symptoms and depression in patients with treatment-resistant OCD. Further trials
      with larger sample sizes should be conducted to confirm the present findings.

PMID- 27121427
TI  - Early Improvement in One Week Predicts the Treatment Response to Escitalopram in
      Patients with Social Anxiety Disorder: A Preliminary Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) shows relatively delayed responses to
      pharmacotherapy when compared to other anxiety disorders. Therefore, more
      effective early therapeutic decisions can be made if the therapeutic response is
      predictable as early as possible. We studied whether the therapeutic response at
      12 weeks is predictable based on the early improvement with escitalopram at 1
      week. METHODS: The subjects were 28 outpatients diagnosed with SAD. The subjects
      took 10-20 mg/day of escitalopram. The results of the Liebowitz social anxiety
      scale (LSAS), Hamilton anxiety rating scale, and Montgomery-Asberg depression
      rating scale were evaluated at 0, 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. Early
      improvement was defined as a >=10% reduction in the LSAS total at 1 week of
      treatment, and endpoint response was defined as a >=35% reduction in the LSAS
      total score. The correlation between clinical characteristics and therapeutic
      responses was analyzed by simple linear regression. The correlation between early
      improvement responses and endpoint responses was analyzed by multivariate
      logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves.
      RESULTS: When we adjusted the influence of a >=35% reduction in the LSAS total
      endpoint score on a >=10% reduction of the LSAS total score at 1 week of
      treatment for the patients' age, the early improvement group at 1 week of
      treatment was expected to show stronger endpoint responses compared to the group
      with no early improvement. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that a >=10% reduction
      in the LSAS total score in a week can predict endpoint treatment response.

PMID- 27121428
TI  - Heart Rate Variability and the Efficacy of Biofeedback in Heroin Users with
      Depressive Symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Low heart rate variability (HRV) has been confirmed in heroin users,
      but the effects of heart-rate-variability-biofeedback in heroin users remain
      unknown. This study examined (1) correlations between depression and HRV indices;
      (2) group differences in HRV indices among a heroin-user group, a group with
      major depressive disorder but no heroin use, and healthy controls; and (3) the
      effects of heart-rate-variability-biofeedback on depressive symptoms, HRV
      indices, and respiratory rates within the heroin group. METHODS: All participants
      completed a depression questionnaire and underwent electrocardiogram
      measurements, and group differences in baseline HRV indices were examined. The
      heroin group underwent electrocardiogram and respiration rate measurements at
      baseline, during a depressive condition, and during a happiness condition, before
      and after which they took part in the heart-rate-variability-biofeedback program.
      The effects of heart-rate-variability-biofeedback on depressive symptoms, HRV
      indices, and respiration rates were examined. RESULTS: There was a negative
      correlation between depression and high frequency of HRV, and a positive
      correlation between depression and low frequency to high frequency ratio of HRV.
      The heroin group had a lower overall and high frequency of HRV, and a higher low
      frequency/high frequency ratio than healthy controls. The heart-rate-variability
      biofeedback intervention increased HRV indices and decreased respiratory rates
      from pre-intervention to post-intervention. CONCLUSION: Reduced parasympathetic
      and increased sympathetic activations were found in heroin users. Heart-rate
      variability- biofeedback was an effective non-pharmacological intervention to
      restore autonomic balance.

PMID- 27121424
TI  - The Microbiome and Mental Health: Looking Back, Moving Forward with Lessons from
      Allergic Diseases.
AB  - Relationships between gastrointestinal viscera and human emotions have been
      documented by virtually all medical traditions known to date. The focus on this
      relationship has waxed and waned through the centuries, with noted surges in
      interest driven by cultural forces. Here we explore some of this history and the
      emerging trends in experimental and clinical research. In particular, we pay
      specific attention to how the hygiene hypothesis and emerging research on
      traditional dietary patterns has helped re-ignite interest in the use of microbes
      to support mental health. At present, the application of microbes and their
      structural parts as a means to positively influence mental health is an area
      filled with promise. However, there are many limitations within this new paradigm
      shift in neuropsychiatry. Impediments that could block translation of encouraging
      experimental studies include environmental forces that work toward dysbiosis,
      perhaps none more important than westernized dietary patterns. On the other hand,
      it is likely that specific dietary choices may amplify the value of future
      microbial-based therapeutics. Pre-clinical and clinical research involving
      microbiota and allergic disorders has predated recent work in psychiatry, an
      early start that provides valuable lessons. The microbiome is intimately
      connected to diet, nutrition, and other lifestyle variables; microbial-based
      psychopharmacology will need to consider this contextual application, otherwise
      the ceiling of clinical expectations will likely need to be lowered. 

PMID- 27121429
TI  - The Efficacy and Safety of Clonazepam in Patients with Anxiety Disorder Taking
      Newer Antidepressants: A Multicenter Naturalistic Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study compared the efficacy and tolerability of clonazepam with
      other benzodiazepines in patients with anxiety disorders. METHODS: Inclusion
      criteria were as follows: age >20 years, diagnosis of anxiety disorder according
      to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition, text
      revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria, taking only one type of antidepressant, and
      prescribed one of three oral benzodiazepines (alprazolam, clonazepam, or
      lorazepam). At baseline and week 6, clinical benefit was evaluated using the
      Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S), Clinical Global Impression
      Anxiety Scale (CGI-anxiety), and Clinical Global Impression-Sleep Scale (CGI
      sleep). RESULTS: Among 180 patients, no differences in demographic
      characteristics among the three benzodiazepine groups were noted. After six weeks
      of treatment, all benzodiazepine groups showed significant improvements in CGI-S,
      CGI-anxiety, and CGI-sleep scores (p<0.001). There were no differences in mean
      changes in CGI-S, CGI-anxiety and CGI-sleep among the three benzodiazepine
      groups. The incidence of side effects was significantly lower in the clonazepam
      group than with the other benzodiazepines. The incidences of adverse events for
      the clonazepam, alprazolam, and lorazepam groups were 26.7% (n=20), 48.4% (n=31),
      and 43.9% (n=18), respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that
      clonazepam is as efficacious as other benzodiazepines for the treatment of
      various anxiety disorders. Furthermore, the safety profile of clonazepam was
      superior to the other benzodiazepines in this study.

PMID- 27121430
TI  - The Effect of Single Dose Methylphenidate on Neurometabolites according to COMT
      Gene Val158Met Polymorphism in the Patient with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
      Disorder: A Study Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common
      neurodevelopmental disorder. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the
      effects of a single dose of methylphenidate (Mph) on neurometabolite levels
      according to polymorphisms of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene.
      METHODS: This study evaluated the neurometabolite levels including N
      acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), and choline (Cho) of ADHD patients, before
      and after treatment with Mph (10 mg) according to the presence of COMT
      polymorphisms. The spectra were obtained from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
      (DLPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), cerebellum, and striatum. RESULTS: The
      NAA levels of the val/val and val genotype carriers (val/val and val/met
      genotypes) increased in the DLPFC and ACC, respectively, following Mph treatment.
      The NAA/Cr ratio was lower in the DLPFC of val carriers than in the met/met
      genotype carriers prior to Mph administration. The Cho levels of the val/met
      genotype and val carriers increased in the striatum following Mph treatment.
      Following Mph treatment, the Cr levels of the met/met genotype carriers were
      higher than those of the val/met genotype and val carriers. Additionally, after
      Mph treatment, there was a significant increase in Cr levels in the DLPFC of the
      met/met genotype carriers but a significant decrease in such levels in the
      striatum of val/val genotype carriers. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that
      polymorphisms of the COMT gene can account for individual differences in
      neurochemical responses to Mph among ADHD patients. Therefore, further studies
      are needed to fully characterize the effects of the Val158met polymorphism of the
      COMT gene on treatment outcomes in patients with ADHD.

PMID- 27121431
TI  - Expected Emotional Usefulness and Emotional Preference in Individuals with Major
      Depressive Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies indicate that emotion regulation problems in major
      depressive disorder (MDD) may be caused by difficulties in preferring useful
      emotions according to their goals. We investigated expected emotional usefulness
      and emotional preference in individuals with MDD (MDDs) and healthy controls
      (HCs). METHODS: Participants were given an interpersonal scenario with two
      different goals (confrontation and collaboration) and rated their willingness to
      participate in emotion-provoking activities and the expected usefulness of a
      particular emotion. RESULTS: MDDs were similar to HCs in expected emotional
      usefulness but showed different patterns of emotional preference. HCs preferred
      happiness to negative emotions across goals whereas MDDs did not show such
      pattern. In addition, HCs displayed goal-appropriate preferences whereas MDDs did
      not prefer certain emotions for specific goals. CONCLUSION: Although MDDs seemed
      to understand how useful an emotion can be, they did not show preference for goal
      appropriate emotions. Interventions should address why MDDs have difficulty
      engaging in goal-appropriate emotions despite having full knowledge of the
      utility of emotions in achieving goals.

PMID- 27121432
TI  - Heritability and Familiality of Temperament and Character Dimensions in Korean
      Families with Schizophrenic Linkage Disequilibrium.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Categorical syndromes such as schizophrenia may represent complexes of
      many continuous psychological structural phenotypes along several dimensions of
      personality development/degeneration. The present study investigated the
      heritability and familiality of personality dimensions in Korean families with
      schizophrenic linkage disequilibrium (LD). METHODS: We recruited 179 probands
      (with schizophrenia) as well as, whenever possible, their parents and siblings.
      We used the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) to measure personality and
      symptomatic dimensions. The heritability of personality dimensions in a total of
      472 family members was estimated using Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis
      Routines (SOLAR). To measure familiality, we compared the personality dimensions
      of family members with those of 336 healthy unrelated controls using analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) analysis. RESULTS: Three of the seven TCI variables were
      significantly heritable and were included in subsequent analyses. The three
      groups (control, unaffected first-degree relative, case) were found to
      significantly differ from one another, with the expected order of average group
      scores, for all heritable dimensions. CONCLUSION: Despite several study
      limitations with respect to family recruitment and phenotyping, our results show
      that aberrations in several personality dimensions related to genetic-environment
      coactions or interactions may underlie the complexity of the schizophrenic
      syndrome.

PMID- 27121433
TI  - Risperidone-induced Gingival Bleeding in a Pediatric Case: A Dose-dependent Side
      Effect.
AB  - There are several case reports on risperidone-related bleeding; however, to our
      knowledge, there is no report about gingival bleeding associated with risperidone
      in the literature. We presented a case who experienced gingival bleeding when
      risperidone dose was increased to 0.5 mg/day, and subsided after decreasing the
      dose to 0.25 mg/day, suggesting a dose-dependent side-effect. The bleeding side
      effect of risperidone might be caused by several mechanisms, including 5
      hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor antagonism. Although bleeding associated with
      risperidone is rarely reported, clinicians should be aware of this side effect. 

PMID- 27121434
TI  - Late Onset Agranulocytosis with Clozapine Associated with HLA DR4 Responding to
      Treatment with Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor: A Case Report and Review of
      Literature.
AB  - Agranulocytosis as a side effect of clozapine has been reported to be associated
      with initial phases of treatment, i.e., first six months. Agranulocytosis with
      clozapine during the initial phases of treatment has been linked to genetic
      vulnerability in the form of variations in the human leukocyte-antigen
      haplotypes. However, there is limited literature on late onset agranulocytosis
      with clozapine and this has very rarely been linked to human leukocyte-antigen
      haplotypes vulnerability. In this report we review the existing data on late
      onset agranulocytosis with clozapine and describe the case of a young man, who
      developed agranulocytosis with clozapine after 35 months of treatment and was
      found to have genetic vulnerability in form of being positive for HLA DR4. This
      case highlights underlying autoimmune immune mechanism in clozapine-induced
      agranulocytosis and the need for frequent blood count monitoring on clozapine
      even after the initial 6 months of starting treatment especially in patients with
      genetic vulnerability to develop this condition. 

PMID- 27121435
TI  - Successful Management of Tardive Dyskinesia with Quetiapine and Clonazepam in a
      Patient of Schizophrenia with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Tardive dyskinesia is one of the most significant side effects of antipsychotic
      medications. Antipsychotic treated schizophrenia patients with diabetes mellitus
      are more likely to develop tardive dyskinesia than those without diabetes.
      Clozapine is probably best supported for management of tardive dyskinesia. But
      clozapine has been strongly linked to hyperglycaemia and impaired glucose
      tolerance, so it is not preferred in patients with diabetes mellitus. We present
      a case of 35-year-old male with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes
      mellitus with tardive dyskinesia, who was successfully treated with quetiapine
      and clonazepam. 

PMID- 27121436
TI  - Acute Dystonia Following a Switch in Treatment from Atomoxetine to Low-dose
      Aripiprazole.
AB  - The present report describes the cases of a 17-year-old male patient and a 13
      year-old female patient who developed acute dystonia following the administration
      of low-dose aripiprazole (5 mg/day) after the cessation of atomoxetine treatment.
      Although aripiprazole-induced dystonia has been previously reported in the
      literature, it is rare, and most of these cases were associated with doses higher
      than 5 mg/day. Furthermore, both of the patients in the present study
      discontinued atomoxetine prior to the initiation of aripiprazole treatment; thus,
      this report also discussed the possible mechanisms underlying the manifestation
      of dystonia from the perspective of neurotransmitter activity. 

PMID- 27121437
TI  - Use of Clozapine for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Case Report.
AB  - Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) show significant impairment
      in functioning, particularly in the interpersonal and social domains. Prior
      reports suggest that clozapine may be effective in the management of BPD. We
      present the case of a patient with BPD who experienced persistent suicidal
      ideation and was treated with clozapine at a state psychiatric hospital. After
      treatment failure with other psychotropic medications, clozapine medication was
      initiated; not only did suicidal ideation cease, but social and professional
      functioning also greatly improved to the point of no longer requiring intensive
      levels of observation or restrictive procedures. Clozapine appears to be
      efficacious in the management of suicide attempts and self-injurious behavior.
      Moreover, it appears to be promising as a therapeutic measure for ameliorating
      the global functioning of patients with severe BPD. Larger, randomized, blinded,
      and controlled prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to
      determine optimal dosage. 

PMID- 27121438
TI  - An Unusual, Paradoxical Arousal with Alprazolam in a Dependant User.

PMID- 27121439
TI  - Facile Synthesis of Smart Nanocontainers as Key Components for Construction of
      Self-Healing Coating with Superhydrophobic Surfaces.
AB  - SiO2-imidazoline nanocomposites (SiO2-IMI) owning high loading capacity of
      corrosion inhibitor, 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide (HMID), and a
      special acid/alkali dual-stimuli-accelerated release property have been
      synthesized via a one-step modified Stober method. SiO2-IMI were uniformly
      distributed into the hydrophobic SiO2 sol to construct "host"-"guest" feedback
      active coating with a superhydrophobic surface (SiO2-IMI@SHSC) on aluminium
      alloy, AA2024, by dip-coating technique. SiO2-IMI as "guest" components have good
      compatibility with "host" sol-gel coating, and more importantly, once localized
      corrosion occurs on the surface of AA2024, SiO2-IMI can simultaneously respond to
      the increase in environmental pH around corrosive micro-cathodic regions and
      decrease in pH near micro-anodic regions, promptly releasing HMID to form a
      compact molecular film on the damaged surface, inhibiting corrosion spread and
      executing a self-healing function. The scanning vibrating electrode technique
      (SVET) was applied to illustrate the suppression process of cathodic/anodic
      corrosion activities. Furthermore, benefiting from the superhydrophobic surface,
      SiO2-IMI@SHSC remained its protective ability after immersion in 0.5 M NaCl
      solution for 35 days, which is far superior to the conventional sol-gel coating
      with the same coating thickness. The facile fabrication method of SiO2-IMI
      simplifies the construction procedure of SiO2-IMI@SHSC, which have great
      potential to replace non-environmental chromate conversion coatings for practical
      use. 

PMID- 27121440
TI  - The Potential Application of Raw Cadmium Sulfide Nanoparticles as CT Photographic
      Developer.
AB  - With the development of science and technology, new applications about
      nanoparticles should be explored to achieve full-scale knowledge. Therefore, in
      this work, the toxicity and potential application of raw cadmium sulfide
      nanoparticles (CdS) in vivo were further studied through ICP-OES and CTs.
      Surprisingly, CdS exhibited an excellent photographic property, except for
      finding the accumulation of CdS in the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidney with a
      strong dependence on time; it is also found that there were a significant uptake
      in the pancreas for an obvious CT imaging. And the following investigations
      showed that the raw CdS could damage the tissues accumulating nanoparticles.
      Through this work, it can be seen that the raw CdS being modified might be an
      excellent photographic developer for detecting cancers or other diseases. 

PMID- 27121441
TI  - Yeast and mould dynamics in Caciofiore della Sibilla cheese coagulated with an
      aqueous extract of Carlina acanthifolia All.
AB  - Caciofiore della Sibilla is a speciality ewes' milk cheese traditionally
      manufactured in a foothill area of the Marche region (Central Italy) with a crude
      extract of fresh young leaves of Carlina acanthifolia All. subsp. acanthifolia as
      a coagulating agent. The fungal dynamics and diversity of this speciality cheese
      were investigated throughout the manufacturing and 20-day ripening process, using
      a combined PCR-DGGE approach. The fungal biota of a control ewes' milk cheese,
      manufactured with the same batch of milk coagulated with a commercial animal
      rennet, was also monitored by PCR-DGGE, in order to investigate the contribution
      of the peculiar vegetable coagulant to the fungal diversity and dynamics of the
      cheese. Based on the overall results collected, the raw milk and the dairy
      environment represented the main sources of fungal contamination, with a marginal
      or null contribution of thistle rennet to the fungal diversity and dynamics of
      Caciofiore della Sibilla cheese. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27121442
TI  - Hypertension: What are the self-care and health-care-seeking behaviours in women
      over time?
AB  - The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and incidence of
      hypertension in women, and describe their self-care and health-seeking
      behaviours. This research was conducted as part of the Australian Longitudinal
      Study on Women's Health, a study comprising a nationally representative sample of
      Australian women in three age groups. The focus of this research is 14 099 women
      born in 1946-1951, who have been surveyed six times (1996-2010). Student t-tests
      were used to compare women who did or did not have hypertension by their health
      care utilization. Longitudinal analyses were conducted using a Poisson
      generalized estimating equation model. The incidence of hypertension among this
      cohort during 1996 to 2010 ranged from 400 to 597 participants per survey,
      resulting in an increase in prevalence of hypertension from 20.9% in 1996 to
      41.3% in 2010. For all survey periods, women with hypertension had a
      significantly higher average number of visits to doctors and allied health
      practitioners compared with women without hypertension (P<0.005). The use of
      complementary medicine (practitioners and self-prescribed treatments) by women
      with hypertension was significantly lower compared to women without hypertension
      (P<0.005). Over time, conventional health-care utilization was higher for women
      with hypertension compared with women without hypertension (adjusted RR=1.18; 95%
      CI: 1.14, 1.22; P<0.0001). Our findings show that women with hypertension are
      using a range of conventional and complementary and alternative medicine: with
      hypertensive women using more conventional medicine and less complementary and
      alternative medicine than non-hypertensive women. As such, health-care providers
      should communicate with their patients regarding their use of complementary and
      alternative medicine in their efforts to provide safe, effective and coordinate
      care.

PMID- 27121443
TI  - Dietary patterns, nutrition knowledge and lifestyle: associations with blood
      pressure in a sample of Australian adults (the Food BP study).
AB  - This study examined the association between dietary patterns, nutrition knowledge
      and lifestyle with blood pressure (BP) in a sample of Australian adults. Adults
      with normal and high BP were included in a cross-sectional study. Dietary intake
      data was collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Nutrition knowledge and
      lifestyle surveys were included in the questionnaire. Dietary patterns were
      extracted using factor analysis followed by cluster analysis. Associations were
      analysed using logistic regression. Four hundred and seven participants were
      included. Three dietary patterns were identified: Western; Snack and alcohol; and
      Balanced. Participants with high BP had a higher intake of Western and a lower
      intake of Balanced dietary pattern. A significant and higher frequency of
      discretionary foods and oils consumption, as well as lower nutrition knowledge
      score and activity frequency, were observed in the high BP group. Regression
      analysis indicated that the intake of Western and Snack and alcohol dietary
      patterns increases the likelihood of having high BP by 2.40 (95% confidence
      interval (CI): 1.28-4.49) and 2.76 (95% CI: 1.52-5.00), respectively, when
      nutrition knowledge and lifestyle were controlled for as moderator variables. The
      likelihood of high BP was not associated with nutrition knowledge, but increased
      with physical inactivity. This study indicates that poor dietary patterns and
      inactivity are associated with increases in the likelihood of high BP, and the
      association is not influenced by nutrition knowledge. These findings indicate the
      importance of developing public health strategies with an emphasis on improving
      the dietary patterns of individuals to prevent and control high BP in Australian
      adults.

PMID- 27121444
TI  - Impact of ACE2 gene polymorphism on antihypertensive efficacy of ACE inhibitors.
AB  - Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a newly discovered member of renin
      angiotensin-aldosterone system, counterbalances the actions of angiotensin
      converting enzyme. The objective of our study was to assess the association
      between rs2106809 polymorphism in ACE2 gene and the blood pressure response to
      ACE inhibitors in untreated hypertensive patients. After a 2-week, double-blind
      placebo run-in period, either benazepril or imidapril was administered for 6
      weeks to 497 patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. The achieved
      changes in BP were analyzed for their association with genotypes at ACE2 gene
      loci. In female hypertensive patients, the genotype frequency of ACE2 rs2106809
      was 36.7%, 45.2% and 18.1% for CC, CT and TT genotypes, respectively. After 6
      weeks of treatment, the reductions in diastolic blood pressure were significantly
      greater in female patients carrying the CC or CT genotype compared with those
      carrying the TT genotype (9.62+/-6.83 or 10.2+/-7.2 versus 6.81+/-6.31 mm Hg,
      respectively; P=0.045, analysis of variance (ANOVA)). Moreover, the reductions in
      mean arterial pressure were significantly greater in female patients carrying the
      CC or CT genotype compared with those carrying the TT genotype (12.1+/-7.5 or
      12.0+/-7.9 versus 8.38+/-6.83 mm Hg, respectively; P=0.035, ANOVA). In male
      hypertensive patients, the genotype frequency of ACE2 rs2106809 was 58.1% and
      41.9% for C and T genotypes, respectively. However, no association could be
      observed in males. We conclude that ACE2 rs2106809 is an important predictive
      factor of the response to antihypertensive treatment with ACE inhibitors in
      Chinese female hypertensive patients.

PMID- 27121445
TI  - Central blood pressure assessment using oscillometry is feasible for everyday
      clinical practice.
AB  - The benefit of the central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) has already been
      recognized, but its general measurement in the everyday routine is still limited
      mainly because available established non-invasive assessment devices are not
      suitable for everyday use. In this study, we investigated the performance of an
      oscillometric device Tel-O-GRAPH for cSBP assessment in terms of suitability for
      everyday clinical use. One hundred and three patients were prospectively
      included. cSBP was computed by Tel-O-GRAPH compared with Sphygmocor using
      applanation tonometry. There was a good agreement between Tel-O-GRAPH and
      Sphygmocor for cSBP (mean difference+/-s.d.: -0.3+/-6.7 mm Hg; Pearson's R=0.95;
      P<0.0001). Recorded cSBP values in the supine vs seated position and for the
      experienced vs non-experienced user did not significantly differ (mean cSBPsupine
      122.1+/-13.9 mm Hg vs cSBPseated 120.7+/-15.7 mmHg; cSBPnon-experienced 120.6+/
      20.5 mm Hg and cSBPexperienced 119.2+/-19.9 mm Hg). The mean difference of cSBP
      between supine and seated positions was 1.5+/-6.8 and -1.4+/-5.0 mm Hg between
      experienced and non-experienced users. This study showed good accuracy in
      assessing cSBP with an oscillometric BP measurement device Tel-O-GRAPH compared
      with a Sphygmocor. Furthermore, the calculation of cSBP by Tel-O-GRAPH appears to
      be easy and can be done during the routine brachial BP measurement. Computed cSBP
      values seem to remain reliable independently of the patient body position and
      experience of the operator. Consequently, the easiness of utilization and
      reliability of the device may open the opportunity for its extended use in
      everyday clinical practice, as well as reliable alternative for clinical studies,
      making complex applanation tonometry dispensable.

PMID- 27121446
TI  - Epitaxial growth and magnetic properties of ultraviolet transparent Ga2O3/(Ga1
      xFex)2O3 multilayer thin films.
AB  - Multilayer thin films based on the ferromagnetic and ultraviolet transparent
      semiconductors may be interesting because their magnetic/electronic/photonic
      properties can be manipulated by the high energy photons. Herein, the Ga2O3/(Ga1
      xFex)2O3 multilayer epitaxial thin films were obtained by alternating depositing
      of wide band gap Ga2O3 layer and Fe ultrathin layer due to inter diffusion
      between two layers at high temperature using the laser molecular beam epitaxy
      technique. The multilayer films exhibits a preferred growth orientation of
      crystal plane, and the crystal lattice expands as Fe replaces Ga site. Fe ions
      with a mixed valence of Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) are stratified distributed in the film
      and exhibit obvious agglomerated areas. The multilayer films only show a sharp
      absorption edge at about 250 nm, indicating a high transparency for ultraviolet
      light. What's more, the Ga2O3/(Ga1-xFex)2O3 multilayer epitaxial thin films also
      exhibits room temperature ferromagnetism deriving from the Fe doping Ga2O3.

PMID- 27121447
TI  - The Use of Preoperative Psychological Evaluations to Predict Spinal Cord
      Stimulation Success: Our Experience and a Review of the Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pre-operative psychological assessment is commonly used to assess
      patients for spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Though often times mandated by
      insurance, its value is frequently questioned. METHODS: We review the literature
      on the predictive value of psychological testing prior to SCS and retrospectively
      examine our prospective database of SCS patients. We examine associations of
      Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Beck Depression Inventory
      (BDI), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) findings and outcomes on the visual
      analog scale (VAS), McGill Pain Questionnaire - Short Form (MPQ), and Oswestry
      Disability Index (ODI) at 6 and 12 months post-implantation. RESULTS: The nine
      studies examining psychological predictors of SCS outcomes collectively showed
      that substance abuse or feelings of demoralization or less joy correlated with
      worse outcomes. Though not statistically significant, our data show that at one
      year follow-up, patients without psychiatric disorders improved 1.5 times as much
      on ODI and 2.4 times as much on PCS as compared to patients with psychiatric
      disorders. Further, depressed patients concurrently treated with anti-depressants
      had greater improvement in BDI than non-medicated depressed patients (p = 0.009).
      We develop a tool for pain psychologists based on the existing literature to aid
      in identifying possible concerns and treating these patients peri-operatively.
      DISCUSSION: The predictive value of psychological testing depends on which
      psychiatric factors are used and which outcomes are measured. The predictive
      capacity of psychological indications can be used to holistically treat patients,
      specifically to recommend psychiatric medication and consulting to supplement SCS
      treatment as needed.

PMID- 27121448
TI  - Simultaneous Determination of Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead in Raw
      Ingredients, Nutritional Products, and Infant Formula by Inductively Coupled
      Plasma Mass Spectrometry: Single-Laboratory Validation.
AB  - A method was developed for the determination of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in raw
      ingredients, nutritional products, and infant formula using inductively coupled
      plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Three raw ingredients (acid casein,
      maltodextrin, skim milk powder) and three standard reference materials [NIST
      1548a (Typical Diet), NIST 1577c (Bovine Liver), NIST SRM 1568b (Rice Flour)]
      obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology were analyzed by
      two analysts using two ICP-MS instruments in different laboratories. NIST SRM
      1568b was used as the control sample. All protocol validation parameters
      (intermediate precision, accuracy, linearity, quantitation limit, specificity,
      and robustness) were met. The overall precision (n = 8) for analyte
      concentrations (2.5-300 ng/g) ranged from 2 to 14% RSD. Spike recoveries ranged
      from 88 to109% for spike levels between 25 and 200%. The overall average
      concentration of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb measured in all three NIST SRMs were within
      the certified value ranges. Good linearity (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.9995
      or better) was obtained for all analytes. Control chart results for 8 independent
      days showed that the method is robust (precision values of 10% and all points
      within +/-3 sigma were obtained). Excellent specificity was also demonstrated
      when the analytes were measured in the presence of high concentrations of the
      other concomitants.

PMID- 27121449
TI  - Automated quantification of abdominal adiposity by magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop a fully-automated algorithm to process axial magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) slices for quantifying abdominal visceral, subcutaneous
      and total adipose tissues, i.e., VAT, SAT, and TAT, without human intervention or
      prior knowledge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fat regions in single MRI slice or
      sequence (20 slices) were identified with image processing techniques including
      region-growing, inhomogeneity correction, fuzzy c-means clustering, and active
      contours segmentation. The MR images of 85 subjects (60 males and 25 females),
      whose body mass index (BMI) values ranged from 19.96 to 40.35 kg/m2 , were
      analyzed using the fully-automated algorithm-the automatic method developed in
      the research and the widely used semi-automated software (sliceOmatic(r)
      Tomovision, Inc.)-the reference method. RESULTS: The proposed automated method
      showed good performance against the reference method to quantify adipose tissues
      in both single umbilical slice and MRI sequence. The square of the Pearson
      correlation coefficients (R2 ) based on the results generated from the two
      methods for VAT/SAT/TAT were 0.977/0.998/0.997 for single slice data and
      0.995/0.999/0.999 for volumetric data. The intra-class correlation of visceral
      adipose tissue (VAT) between the three operators was 0.939 in the reference
      method, which was improved to 0.999 in the automatic method. The adipose tissue
      measurements in the slice at Lumbar 3 vertebra have the highest correlation with
      the total fat volumes across the entire abdomen. CONCLUSION: The fully-automated
      algorithm presented in the paper provides an accurate and reliable assessment of
      abdominal fat without human intervention. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:757-766, 2016. (c)
      2016Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121450
TI  - Topical application of the Wnt/beta-catenin activator methyl vanillate increases
      hair count and hair mass index in women with androgenetic alopecia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Activation of the WNT/beta-catenin pathway has emerged as a potential
      therapeutic target in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methyl vanillate (MV) - a safe
      plant-derived ingredient - has been recently shown to activate the WNT/beta
      catenin signaling. Objectives Two distinct substudies were conducted. First, we
      designed a 6-month, uncontrolled, open-label clinical study to investigate
      whether topically applied MV may increase hair count and hair mass index (HMI) in
      female AGA. Second, we conducted a molecular study on the effect of MV on WNT10B
      mRNA expression in scalp biopsies of women with AGA. METHODS: A total of 20
      Caucasian women (age range: 25-57 years) with AGA (Sinclair grade 1-2) were
      included. The research product was an alcohol-free formulation supplied in the
      form of a spray containing 0.2% MV as the active ingredient. RESULTS: In the
      clinical study, hair count and HMI were found to increase at 6 months by 6% (P <
      0.01) and 12% (P < 0.001), respectively, compared with baseline. No participant
      discontinued treatment due to adverse effects, and the overall patient
      satisfaction was good. At the molecular level, the topical application of the
      research product resulted in a 32% increase in WNT10B mRNA expression levels in
      the temporal scalp area (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our pilot data suggest that
      topical MV can increase hair count and HMI by inducing WNT10B expression in the
      scalp, potentially serving as a novel treatment strategy for female AGA.

PMID- 27121451
TI  - Mouse models of human disease: An evolutionary perspective.
AB  - The use of mice as model organisms to study human biology is predicated on the
      genetic and physiological similarities between the species. Nonetheless, mice and
      humans have evolved in and become adapted to different environments and so,
      despite their phylogenetic relatedness, they have become very different
      organisms. Mice often respond to experimental interventions in ways that differ
      strikingly from humans. Mice are invaluable for studying biological processes
      that have been conserved during the evolution of the rodent and primate lineages
      and for investigating the developmental mechanisms by which the conserved
      mammalian genome gives rise to a variety of different species. Mice are less
      reliable as models of human disease, however, because the networks linking genes
      to disease are likely to differ between the two species. The use of mice in
      biomedical research needs to take account of the evolved differences as well as
      the similarities between mice and humans. 

PMID- 27121453
TI  - Explaining Some Journal Requirements.

PMID- 27121452
TI  - The early history and emergence of molecular functions and modular scale-free
      network behavior.
AB  - The formation of protein structural domains requires that biochemical functions,
      defined by conserved amino acid sequence motifs, be embedded into a structural
      scaffold. Here we trace domain history onto a bipartite network of elementary
      functional loop sequences and domain structures defined at the fold superfamily
      level of SCOP classification. The resulting 'elementary functionome' network and
      its loop motif and structural domain graph projections create evolutionary
      'waterfalls' describing the emergence of primordial functions. Waterfalls reveal
      how ancient loops are shared by domain structures in two initial waves of
      functional innovation that involve founder 'p-loop' and 'winged helix' domain
      structures. They also uncover a dynamics of modular motif embedding in domain
      structures that is ongoing, which transfers 'preferential' cooption properties of
      ancient loops to emerging domains. Remarkably, we find that the emergence of
      molecular functions induces hierarchical modularity and power law behavior in
      network evolution as the network of motifs and structures expand metabolic
      pathways and translation.

PMID- 27121454
TI  - Summary of Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of a Broad-Spectrum
      Fluoroquinolone, JNJ-Q2.
AB  - This article summarizes key pharmacokinetic properties of JNJ-Q2, a broad
      spectrum fluoroquinolone, being developed for acute bacterial skin and skin
      structure infections and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. Two randomized
      placebo-controlled studies and one open-label study are presented: single and
      multiple ascending-dose studies evaluating intravenous (IV) and oral
      pharmacokinetics, absolute bioavailability accumulation, and lung penetration.
      Fifty-seven participants received JNJ-Q2, which was safe and well tolerated. The
      half-life was 13 to 20 hours, clearance (CLtot ) was 4.41 to 6.22 L/h, volume of
      distribution (Vd ) was 86 to 148 L, renal clearance (CLren ) was 0.58 L/h, and
      the fraction excreted in urine (%Fe) was 12%. Accumulation ratio was 1.63, and
      absolute bioavailability was 0.65. The lung penetration study demonstrated
      substantial concentration of JNJ-Q2 in epithelial lining fluid and alveolar
      macrophages with ratios to free plasma of 50.6 and 156.9, respectively, at 6
      hours postdose. JNJ-Q2 doses under consideration for future clinical trials are
      150 mg for IV and 250-mg tablets for oral administration. 

PMID- 27121455
TI  - Asenapine Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics After Single and Multiple
      Doses in Healthy Volunteers.
AB  - This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study is the first in healthy
      volunteers to describe the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of
      sublingual asenapine at therapeutic dosages. After a 2-day placebo run-in phase,
      healthy male volunteers received placebo or asenapine escalated to dosages of 3,
      5, 10, or 15 mg bid. Another group received single doses (2 and 5 mg) 1 week
      apart. Serial blood samples were obtained for pharmacokinetic analysis. The
      single asenapine doses and multiple bid doses up to 10 mg were well tolerated.
      The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events were somnolence, oral
      paresthesia, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and dyspnea. Clinically relevant
      abnormalities or trends in laboratory and vital signs measures, physical
      examinations, or electrocardiograms were not observed. Asenapine was rapidly
      absorbed, with a tmax of ~1 hour, and was biphasically eliminated with a terminal
      elimination half-life of 20 to 30 hours. In the range of 3 to 10 mg bid,
      increases in plasma concentrations were less than dose proportional. Asenapine
      appears to be well tolerated at single doses up to 5 mg and multiple doses up to
      10 mg bid and can be administered to healthy volunteers in clinical pharmacology
      studies using the dosing regimens described. 

PMID- 27121456
TI  - Vancomycin: Predictive Performance of a Population Pharmacokinetic Model and
      Optimal Dose in Neonates and Young Infants.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Model evaluation is an important issue in population
      pharmacokinetic analyses. The objectives were to evaluate the predictive
      performance of previously published pediatric population pharmacokinetic models
      for vancomycin in a new data set and to propose an optimal dose to obtain a
      vancomycin concentration target. METHODS: External evaluation was conducted for
      all the published models of vancomycin in neonates and young infants with a new
      data set of 70 patients. Bias and accuracy were calculated. Advanced analyses
      were performed to evaluate the predictive performance of the best model. This
      population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed to simulate doses of vancomycin
      according to the appropriate target concentration. RESULTS: All models gave
      almost the same results, except 2 that were not acceptable. Nevertheless, the
      model described by Oudin et al presented the best results with a bias and
      accuracy of 4.0% and 27.8%, respectively. Simulations showed that the maintenance
      dose should be adjusted more precisely to each neonate based on his or her weight
      and serum creatinine value. CONCLUSION: Simulations have allowed the authors to
      describe new dosage schedules, and a chart was created to help clinicians to
      adapt dosage of vancomycin. Because of pharmacokinetic variability, vancomycin
      still requires therapeutic drug monitoring.

PMID- 27121457
TI  - A Randomized, Open-Label, 3-Way Crossover Study to Demonstrate Bioequivalence of
      Sildenafil Powder for Oral Suspension With Tablets Used Commercially and in
      Clinical Studies for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
AB  - Sildenafil citrate (Revatio) is approved for pediatric pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (PAH) in the European Union. A new pediatric formulation, 10 mg/mL
      sildenafil citrate powder for oral suspension (POS), was developed for pediatric
      PAH patients. Bioequivalence among the POS suspension (20 mg), the Revatio 20-mg
      commercial tablet, and the sildenafil citrate 2 * 10-mg clinical trial tablets
      was assessed. In this randomized, open-label study, 42 healthy adult volunteers
      received the 3 different sildenafil treatments, each in a single 20-mg oral dose,
      using a 3-way crossover design. Blood samples were collected at predefined times
      and analyzed for sildenafil plasma concentrations. Natural log-transformed
      sildenafil pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax , AUClast , and AUCinfinity ) were
      evaluated for bioequivalence using a mixed-effects model. Results were used to
      estimate relative bioavailability and construct 90% confidence intervals (CIs).
      Bioequivalence was concluded if the 90% CIs for Cmax , AUClast , and AUCinfinity
      were wholly contained within 80% to 125%. All 90% CIs for the ratios of adjusted
      geometric means of Cmax , AUClast , and AUCinfinity were within 80% to 125%, the
      prespecified bioequivalence criteria. All 3 formulations were well tolerated. In
      conclusion, the POS suspension, the commercial 20-mg Revatio tablet, and the 10
      mg sildenafil tablets were all bioequivalent to one another when given at the
      equal doses. 

PMID- 27121458
TI  - Impact of Clinical Response on Different Approved Doses in Japan and the United
      States.
AB  - The pharmaceutical industry has increasingly aimed to achieve efficient
      strategies for simultaneous international and worldwide development of medicines,
      and there has been a growing need to understand ethnic differences in drug
      evaluation. Japan is one of the unique countries in which substantial domestic
      clinical data are required for dose selection as well as for marketing
      authorization. However, it appears challenging to accumulate a large amount of
      data in a single country in the recent shift to international drug development.
      To gain a better understanding of the influence of ethnic factors, the dosages of
      the products approved in Japan during 2003-2010 were reviewed, and differences in
      clinical responses between Japan and the United States were evaluated using a
      modeling approach. Of new medicines (new molecular entities) approved in Japan,
      39 products (28.1%) have been approved at a different dose level compared with
      the United States, of which 13 products have considerable difference, twice or
      greater. Of those 13 products, only 2 were suggested to have a different clinical
      response, although limited data availability should be taken into careful
      consideration. Further investigation is recommended to establish new approaches
      for appropriate dose selection and thereby increase the efficiency of
      international drug development. 

PMID- 27121459
TI  - The Effect of Food on Cysteamine Bitartrate Absorption in Healthy Participants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Treatment with cysteamine reduces the rate of progression to end
      stage kidney disease in cystinosis. Although food is often taken with cysteamine
      to reduce associated gastrointestinal symptoms, this may alter the
      bioavailability of cysteamine. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, 3
      treatment study to determine the effects of fasting and high-fat/calorie and high
      protein meals on cysteamine absorption in healthy adult controls. On 3 separate
      days, serial plasma cysteamine levels were measured after cysteamine bitartrate
      500 mg was ingested while fasting and also 30 minutes after high-fat/calorie and
      high-protein diets. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were also monitored. RESULTS:
      Eight participants (5 men) were enrolled. Cysteamine absorption, as measured by
      area under the cysteamine concentration-time curve (AUC0-infinity ) while fasted
      and following high-fat/calorie and high-protein meals, was 3618 +/- 372 min.MUM,
      2799 +/- 405 min.MUM (P = .04 vs fasted), and 2457 +/- 353 min.MUM (P = .005),
      respectively, and the mean Cmax values for participants were 26.3 +/- 3.5 MUM,
      22.4 +/- 5.6 MUM (P = .16 vs fasted), and 17.2 +/- 2.6 MUM (P = .036 vs fasted),
      respectively. Mild GI symptoms were reported in 3 participants. CONCLUSIONS:
      Cysteamine absorption may be decreased by 30% when taken with food as compared
      with the fasting state. Food causes wide variation in tmax and Cmax for
      cysteamine.

PMID- 27121461
TI  - Excitatory effect of norepinephrine on neurons in the inferior vestibular nucleus
      and the underlying receptor mechanism.
AB  - The central noradrenergic system, originating mainly from the locus coeruleus in
      the brainstem, plays an important role in many physiological functions, including
      arousal and attention, learning and memory, anxiety, and nociception. However,
      little is known about the roles of norepinephrine (NE) in somatic motor control.
      Therefore, using extracellular recordings on rat brainstem slices and
      quantitative real-time RT-PCR, we investigate the effect and mechanisms of NE on
      neuronal activity in the inferior vestibular nucleus (IVN), the largest nucleus
      in the vestibular nuclear complex, which holds an important position in
      integration of information signals controlling body posture. Here, we report that
      NE elicits an excitatory response on IVN neurons in a concentration-dependent
      manner. Activation of alpha1 - and beta2 -adrenergic receptors (ARs) induces an
      increase in firing rate of IVN neurons, whereas activation of alpha2 -ARs evokes
      a decrease in firing rate of IVN neurons. Therefore, the excitation induced by NE
      on IVN neurons is a summation of the excitatory components mediated by
      coactivation of alpha1 - and beta2 -ARs and the inhibitory component induced by
      alpha2 -ARs. Accordingly, alpha1 -, alpha2 -, and beta2 -AR mRNAs are expressed
      in the IVN. Although beta1 -AR mRNAs are also detected, they are not involved in
      the direct electrophysiological effect of NE on IVN neurons. All these results
      demonstrate that NE directly regulates the activity of IVN neurons via alpha1 -,
      alpha2 -, and beta2 -ARs and suggest that the central noradrenergic system may
      actively participate in IVN-mediated vestibular reflexes and postural control.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121462
TI  - TRIM59 is upregulated and promotes cell proliferation and migration in human
      osteosarcoma.
AB  - Osteosarcoma is a prevalent type of cancer and has a high metastatic ability,
      particularly for metastasis to the lungs. Effective treatment strategies have
      improved, however, the detailed molecular mechanism underlying the onset of this
      malignancy remains to be fully elucidated. The current study investigated the
      role of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family protein TRIM59 in osteosarcoma growth
      and metastasis. It was identified that TRIM59 was overexpressed in clinical
      osteosarcoma tissues and cultured osteosarcoma cell lines. In addition, the MTT
      assay demonstrated that in U2OS and MG63 cells, knockdown of TRIM59 by specific
      siRNA inhibited proliferation, whereas overexpression of TRIM59 promoted cell
      proliferation. Furthermore, overexpression of TRIM59 significantly increased the
      U2OS cell migrative and invasive abilities in a Transwell chamber assay. In
      addition, TRIM59 was able to negatively regulate the protein levels of P53
      without significantly affecting the mRNA levels in U2OS and MG63 cells. These
      data suggest the oncogenic abilities of TRIM59 in osteosarcoma, which promote
      osteosarcoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion. 

PMID- 27121463
TI  - Dysprosium electrodeposition from a hexaalkylguanidinium-based ionic liquid.
AB  - The rare-earth element dysprosium (Dy) is an important additive that increases
      the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of neodymium magnets and additionally prevents
      from demagnetizing at high temperatures. Therefore, it is one of the most
      important elements for high-tech industries and is mainly used in permanent
      magnetic applications, for example in electric vehicles, industrial motors and
      direct-drive wind turbines. In an effort to develop a more efficient
      electrochemical technique for depositing Dy on Nd-magnets in contrast to commonly
      used costly physical vapor deposition, we investigated the electrochemical
      behavior of dysprosium(iii) trifluoromethanesulfonate in a custom-made
      guanidinium-based room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL). We first examined the
      electrodeposition of Dy on an Au(111) model electrode. The investigation was
      carried out by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy (XPS). The initial stages of metal deposition were followed by in
      situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). CV measurements revealed a large
      cathodic reduction peak, which corresponds to the growth of monoatomic high
      islands, based on STM images taken during the initial stages of deposition. XPS
      identified these deposited islands as dysprosium. A similar reduction peak was
      also observed on an Nd-Fe-B substrate, and positively identified as deposited Dy
      using XPS. Finally, we varied the concentration of the Dy precursor, electrolyte
      flow and temperature during Dy deposition and demonstrated that each of these
      parameters could be used to increase the thickness of the Dy deposit, suggesting
      that these parameters could be tuned simultaneously in a temperature-controlled
      flow cell to enhance the thickness of the Dy layer. 

PMID- 27121464
TI  - Three-dimensional printing and the surgeon.

PMID- 27121465
TI  - Association between flood and the morbidity of bacillary dysentery in Zibo City,
      China: a symmetric bidirectional case-crossover study.
AB  - This study examined the relationship between daily morbidity of bacillary
      dysentery and flood in 2007 in Zibo City, China, using a symmetric bidirectional
      case-crossover study. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) on
      the basis of multivariate model and stratified analysis at different lagged days
      were calculated to estimate the risk of flood on bacillary dysentery. A total of
      902 notified bacillary dysentery cases were identified during the study period.
      The median of case distribution was 7-year-old and biased to children.
      Multivariable analysis showed that flood was associated with an increased risk of
      bacillary dysentery, with the largest OR of 1.849 (95 % CI 1.229-2.780) at 2-day
      lag. Gender-specific analysis showed that there was a significant association
      between flood and bacillary dysentery among males only (ORs >1 from lag 1 to lag
      5), with the strongest lagged effect at 2-day lag (OR = 2.820, 95 % CI 1.629
      4.881), and the result of age-specific indicated that youngsters had a slightly
      larger risk to develop flood-related bacillary dysentery than older people at one
      shorter lagged day (OR = 2.000, 95 % CI 1.128-3.546 in youngsters at lag 2; OR =
      1.879, 95 % CI 1.069-3.305 in older people at lag 3). Our study has confirmed
      that there is a positive association between flood and the risk of bacillary
      dysentery in selected study area. Males and youngsters may be the vulnerable and
      high-risk populations to develop the flood-related bacillary dysentery. Results
      from this study will provide recommendations to make available strategies for
      government to deal with negative health outcomes due to floods.

PMID- 27121466
TI  - The long distance transport of airborne Ambrosia pollen to the UK and the
      Netherlands from Central and south Europe.
AB  - The invasive alien species Ambrosia artemisiifolia (common or short ragweed) is
      increasing its range in Europe. In the UK and the Netherlands, airborne
      concentrations of Ambrosia pollen are usually low. However, more than 30 Ambrosia
      pollen grains per cubic metre of air (above the level capable to trigger allergic
      symptoms) were recorded in Leicester (UK) and Leiden (NL) on 4 and 5 September
      2014. The aims of this study were to determine whether the highly allergenic
      Ambrosia pollen recorded during the episode could be the result of long distance
      transport, to identify the potential sources of these pollen grains and to
      describe the conditions that facilitated this possible long distance transport.
      Airborne Ambrosia pollen data were collected at 10 sites in Europe. Back
      trajectory and atmospheric dispersion calculations were performed using
      HYSPLIT_4. Back trajectories calculated at Leicester and Leiden show that higher
      altitude air masses (1500 m) originated from source areas on the Pannonian Plain
      and Ukraine. During the episode, air masses veered to the west and passed over
      the Rhone Valley. Dispersion calculations showed that the atmospheric conditions
      were suitable for Ambrosia pollen released from the Pannonian Plain and the Rhone
      Valley to reach the higher levels and enter the airstream moving to northwest
      Europe where they were deposited at ground level and recorded by monitoring
      sites. The study indicates that the Ambrosia pollen grains recorded during the
      episode in Leicester and Leiden were probably not produced by local sources but
      transported long distances from potential source regions in east Europe, i.e. the
      Pannonian Plain and Ukraine, as well as the Rhone Valley in France.

PMID- 27121467
TI  - Public health risks of prolonged fine particle events associated with stagnation
      and air quality index based on fine particle matter with a diameter <2.5 MUm in
      the Kaoping region of Taiwan.
AB  - The increasing frequency of droughts in tropical and sub-tropical areas since
      1970 due to climate change requires a better understanding of the relationship
      between public health and long-duration fine particle events (FPE; defined as a
      day with an average PM2.5 >= 35.5 MUg/m3) associated with rainfall and wind
      speed. In the Kaoping region of Taiwan, 94.46 % of the daily average PM2.5 in
      winter exceeds the limit established by 2005 World Health Organization (WHO)
      guidelines. This study investigated the differences in winter weather
      characteristics and health effects between non-FPE and FPE days, and the
      performance of air quality indexes on FPE days. Z-statistics for one-tailed
      tests, multiplicative decomposition models, logarithmic regression, and product
      moment correlations were used for the analysis. The results indicate that mean
      wind speeds, rainfall hours, and air temperature were significantly decreased on
      FPE days. Daily mean PM2.5 concentrations were positively correlated to the
      duration of FPE days. The duration of FPE days was positively related to the
      length of drought (r = 0.97, P < 0.05). The number of respiratory admissions was
      positively correlated with the FPE duration (r 2 = 0.60). The age groups >15
      years experienced the largest average reduction in asthma admissions on lag-days.
      Compared to the pollutant standard index (PSI) and revised air quality index
      (RAQI), the PM2.5 index is more representative and sensitive to changes in PM2.5
      concentrations.

PMID- 27121468
TI  - Two types of interneurons in the mouse lateral geniculate nucleus are
      characterized by different h-current density.
AB  - Although hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN)
      channels and the corresponding h-current (Ih) have been shown to fundamentally
      shape the activity pattern in the thalamocortical network, little is known about
      their function in local circuit GABAergic interneurons (IN) of the dorsal part of
      the lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). By combining electrophysiological,
      molecular biological, immunohistochemical and cluster analysis, we characterized
      the properties of Ih and the expression profile of HCN channels in IN. Passive
      and active electrophysiological properties of IN differed. Two subclasses of IN
      were resolved by unsupervised cluster analysis. Small cells were characterized by
      depolarized resting membrane potentials (RMP), stronger anomalous rectification,
      higher firing frequency of faster action potentials (APs), appearance of rebound
      bursting, and higher Ih current density compared to the large IN. The
      depolarization exerted by sustained HCN channel activity facilitated neuronal
      firing. In addition to cyclic nucleotides, Ih in IN was modulated by PIP2
      probably based on the abundant expression of the HCN3 isoform. Furthermore, only
      IN with larger cell diameters expressed neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). It
      is discussed that Ih in IN is modulated by neurotransmitters present in the
      thalamus and that the specific properties of Ih in these cells closely reflect
      their modulatory options.

PMID- 27121469
TI  - Expert consensus on an in vitro approach to assess pulmonary fibrogenic potential
      of aerosolized nanomaterials.
AB  - The increasing use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in consumer products
      and their potential to induce adverse lung effects following inhalation has lead
      to much interest in better understanding the hazard associated with these
      nanomaterials (NMs). While the current regulatory requirement for substances of
      concern, such as MWCNTs, in many jurisdictions is a 90-day rodent inhalation
      test, the monetary, ethical, and scientific concerns associated with this test
      led an international expert group to convene in Washington, DC, USA, to discuss
      alternative approaches to evaluate the inhalation toxicity of MWCNTs. Pulmonary
      fibrosis was identified as a key adverse outcome linked to MWCNT exposure, and
      recommendations were made on the design of an in vitro assay that is predictive
      of the fibrotic potential of MWCNTs. While fibrosis takes weeks or months to
      develop in vivo, an in vitro test system may more rapidly predict fibrogenic
      potential by monitoring pro-fibrotic mediators (e.g., cytokines and growth
      factors). Therefore, the workshop discussions focused on the necessary
      specifications related to the development and evaluation of such an in vitro
      system. Recommendations were made for designing a system using lung-relevant
      cells co-cultured at the air-liquid interface to assess the pro-fibrogenic
      potential of aerosolized MWCNTs, while considering human-relevant dosimetry and
      NM life cycle transformations. The workshop discussions provided the fundamental
      design components of an air-liquid interface in vitro test system that will be
      subsequently expanded to the development of an alternative testing strategy to
      predict pulmonary toxicity and to generate data that will enable effective risk
      assessment of NMs. 

PMID- 27121470
TI  - Clonal hematopoiesis in acquired aplastic anemia.
AB  - Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) in aplastic anemia (AA) has been closely linked to the
      evolution of late clonal disorders, including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
      and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)/acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which are
      common complications after successful immunosuppressive therapy (IST). With the
      advent of high-throughput sequencing of recent years, the molecular aspect of CH
      in AA has been clarified by comprehensive detection of somatic mutations that
      drive clonal evolution. Genetic abnormalities are found in ~50% of patients with
      AA and, except for PIGA mutations and copy-neutral loss-of-heterozygosity, or
      uniparental disomy (UPD) in 6p (6pUPD), are most frequently represented by
      mutations involving genes commonly mutated in myeloid malignancies, including
      DNMT3A, ASXL1, and BCOR/BCORL1 Mutations exhibit distinct chronological profiles
      and clinical impacts. BCOR/BCORL1 and PIGA mutations tend to disappear or show
      stable clone size and predict a better response to IST and a significantly better
      clinical outcome compared with mutations in DNMT3A, ASXL1, and other genes, which
      are likely to increase their clone size, are associated with a faster progression
      to MDS/AML, and predict an unfavorable survival. High frequency of 6pUPD and
      overrepresentation of PIGA and BCOR/BCORL1 mutations are unique to AA, suggesting
      the role of autoimmunity in clonal selection. By contrast, DNMT3A and ASXL1
      mutations, also commonly seen in CH in the general population, indicate a close
      link to CH in the aged bone marrow, in terms of the mechanism for selection.
      Detection and close monitoring of somatic mutations/evolution may help with
      prediction and diagnosis of clonal evolution of MDS/AML and better management of
      patients with AA.

PMID- 27121471
TI  - Development and validation of a comprehensive genomic diagnostic tool for myeloid
      malignancies.
AB  - The diagnosis of hematologic malignancies relies on multidisciplinary workflows
      involving morphology, flow cytometry, cytogenetic, and molecular genetic
      analyses. Advances in cancer genomics have identified numerous recurrent
      mutations with clear prognostic and/or therapeutic significance to different
      cancers. In myeloid malignancies, there is a clinical imperative to test for such
      mutations in mainstream diagnosis; however, progress toward this has been slow
      and piecemeal. Here we describe Karyogene, an integrated targeted
      resequencing/analytical platform that detects nucleotide substitutions,
      insertions/deletions, chromosomal translocations, copy number abnormalities, and
      zygosity changes in a single assay. We validate the approach against 62 acute
      myeloid leukemia, 50 myelodysplastic syndrome, and 40 blood DNA samples from
      individuals without evidence of clonal blood disorders. We demonstrate robust
      detection of sequence changes in 49 genes, including difficult-to-detect
      mutations such as FLT3 internal-tandem and mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) partial
      tandem duplications, and clinically significant chromosomal rearrangements
      including MLL translocations to known and unknown partners, identifying the novel
      fusion gene MLL-DIAPH2 in the process. Additionally, we identify most significant
      chromosomal gains and losses, and several copy neutral loss-of-heterozygosity
      mutations at a genome-wide level, including previously unreported changes such as
      homozygosity for DNMT3A R882 mutations. Karyogene represents a dependable genomic
      diagnosis platform for translational research and for the clinical management of
      myeloid malignancies, which can be readily adapted for use in other cancers.

PMID- 27121472
TI  - Dasatinib and low-intensity chemotherapy in elderly patients with Philadelphia
      chromosome-positive ALL.
AB  - Prognosis of Philadelphia-positive (Ph(+)) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in
      the elderly has improved during the imatinib era. We investigated dasatinib,
      another potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in combination with low-intensity
      chemotherapy. Patients older than age 55 years were included in the European
      Working Group on Adult ALL (EWALL) study number 01 for Ph(+) ALL (EWALL-PH-01
      international study) and were treated with dasatinib 140 mg/day (100 mg/day over
      70 years) with intrathecal chemotherapy, vincristine, and dexamethasone during
      induction. Patients in complete remission continued consolidation with dasatinib,
      sequentially with cytarabine, asparaginase, and methotrexate for 6 months.
      Maintenance therapy was dasatinib and vincristine/dexamethasone reinductions for
      18 months followed by dasatinib until relapse or death. Seventy-one patients with
      a median age of 69 years were enrolled; 77% had a high comorbidity score.
      Complete remission rate was 96% and 65% of patients achieved a 3-log reduction in
      BCR-ABL1 transcript levels during consolidation. Only 7 patients underwent
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. At 5 years, overall survival
      was 36% and up to 45% taking into account deaths unrelated to disease or
      treatment as competitors. Thirty-six patients relapsed, 24 were tested for
      mutation by Sanger sequencing, and 75% were T315I-positive. BCR-ABL1(T315I) was
      tested by allele-specific oligonucleotide reverse transcription-quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction in 43 patients and detection was associated with short
      term relapses. Ten patients (23%) were positive before any therapy and 8
      relapsed, all with this mutation. In conclusion, dasatinib combined with low
      intensity chemotherapy was well-tolerated and gave long-term survival in 36% of
      elderly patients with Ph(+) ALL. Monitoring of BCR-ABL1(T315I) from diagnosis
      identified patients with at high risk of early relapse and may help to
      personalize therapy.

PMID- 27121473
TI  - Candidate driver genes involved in genome maintenance and DNA repair in Sezary
      syndrome.
AB  - Sezary syndrome (SS) is a leukemic variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)
      and represents an ideal model for study of T-cell transformation. We describe
      whole-exome and single-nucleotide polymorphism array-based copy number analyses
      of CD4(+) tumor cells from untreated patients at diagnosis and targeted
      resequencing of 101 SS cases. A total of 824 somatic nonsynonymous gene variants
      were identified including indels, stop-gain/loss, splice variants, and recurrent
      gene variants indicative of considerable molecular heterogeneity. Driver genes
      identified using MutSigCV include POT1, which has not been previously reported in
      CTCL; and TP53 and DNMT3A, which were also identified consistent with previous
      reports. Mutations in PLCG1 were detected in 11% of tumors including novel
      variants not previously described in SS. This study is also the first to show
      BRCA2 defects in a significant proportion (14%) of SS tumors. Aberrations in
      PRKCQ were found to occur in 20% of tumors highlighting selection for activation
      of T-cell receptor/NF-kappaB signaling. A complex but consistent pattern of copy
      number variants (CNVs) was detected and many CNVs involved genes identified as
      putative drivers. Frequent defects involving the POT1 and ATM genes responsible
      for telomere maintenance were detected and may contribute to genomic instability
      in SS. Genomic aberrations identified were enriched for genes implicated in cell
      survival and fate, specifically PDGFR, ERK, JAK STAT, MAPK, and TCR/NF-kappaB
      signaling; epigenetic regulation (DNMT3A, ASLX3, TET1-3); and homologous
      recombination (RAD51C, BRCA2, POLD1). This study now provides the basis for a
      detailed functional analysis of malignant transformation of mature T cells and
      improved patient stratification and treatment.

PMID- 27121474
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of iron therapy in anaemic adults without
      chronic kidney disease: updated and abridged Cochrane review.
AB  - AIMS: Anaemia is increasingly recognized as having an independent impact upon
      patient outcomes in cardiac disease. The role of novel iron therapies to treat
      anaemia is increasing. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the
      efficacy and safety of iron therapies for the treatment of adults with anaemia.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Electronic databases and search engines were searched as per
      Cochrane methodology. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of iron vs. inactive
      control or placebo, as well as alternative formulations, doses, and routes in
      anaemic adults without chronic kidney disease or in the peri-partum period were
      eligible. The primary outcome of interest was mortality at 1 year. Secondary
      outcomes were blood transfusion, haemoglobin levels, quality of life, serious
      adverse events, and length of hospital stay. A total of 64 RCTs (including five
      studies of heart failure patients) comprising 9004 participants were included.
      None of the studies was at a low risk of bias. There were no statistically
      significant differences in mortality between iron and inactive control. Both oral
      and parenteral iron significantly reduced the proportion of patients requiring
      blood transfusion compared with inactive control [risk ratio (RR) 0.66, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.48-0.90; and RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73-0.97, respectively].
      Haemoglobin was increased more by both oral and parenteral iron compared with
      inactive control [mean difference (MD) 0.91 g/dL, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.35; and MD
      1.04, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.57, respectively], and parenteral iron demonstrated a
      greater increase when compared with oral iron (MD 0.53 g/dL, 95% CI 0.31-0.75).
      In all comparisons, there were no differences in the results comparing patients
      with and without heart failure. CONCLUSION: Both oral and parenteral iron are
      shown to decrease the proportion of people who require blood transfusion and
      increase haemoglobin levels, without any benefit on mortality. Further trials at
      a low risk of bias, powered to measure clinically significant endpoints, are
      still required.

PMID- 27121475
TI  - Two-color widefield fluorescence microendoscopy enables multiplexed molecular
      imaging in the alveolar space of human lung tissue.
AB  - We demonstrate a fast two-color widefield fluorescence microendoscopy system
      capable of simultaneously detecting several disease targets in intact human ex
      vivo lung tissue. We characterize the system for light throughput from the
      excitation light emitting diodes, fluorescence collection efficiency, and
      chromatic focal shifts. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the instrument by
      imaging bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in ex vivo human lung tissue. We
      describe a mechanism of bacterial detection through the fiber bundle that uses
      blinking effects of bacteria as they move in front of the fiber core providing
      detection of objects smaller than the fiber core and cladding (~3  MUm ~3  MUm ).
      This effectively increases the measured spatial resolution of 4  MUm 4  MUm . We
      show simultaneous imaging of neutrophils, monocytes, and fungus (Aspergillus
      fumigatus) in ex vivo human lung tissue. The instrument has 10 nM and 50 nM
      sensitivity for fluorescein and Cy5 solutions, respectively. Lung tissue
      autofluorescence remains visible at up to 200 fps camera acquisition rate. The
      optical system lends itself to clinical translation due to high-fluorescence
      sensitivity, simplicity, and the ability to multiplex several pathological
      molecular imaging targets simultaneously.

PMID- 27121476
TI  - Efficient simulations of tubulin-driven axonal growth.
AB  - This work concerns efficient and reliable numerical simulations of the dynamic
      behaviour of a moving-boundary model for tubulin-driven axonal growth. The model
      is nonlinear and consists of a coupled set of a partial differential equation
      (PDE) and two ordinary differential equations. The PDE is defined on a
      computational domain with a moving boundary, which is part of the solution.
      Numerical simulations based on standard explicit time-stepping methods are too
      time consuming due to the small time steps required for numerical stability. On
      the other hand standard implicit schemes are too complex due to the nonlinear
      equations that needs to be solved in each step. Instead, we propose to use the
      Peaceman-Rachford splitting scheme combined with temporal and spatial scalings of
      the model. Simulations based on this scheme have shown to be efficient, accurate,
      and reliable which makes it possible to evaluate the model, e.g. its dependency
      on biological and physical model parameters. These evaluations show among other
      things that the initial axon growth is very fast, that the active transport is
      the dominant reason over diffusion for the growth velocity, and that the
      polymerization rate in the growth cone does not affect the final axon length.

PMID- 27121477
TI  - Culture and sensory response to visual stimuli.
AB  - This study investigated the influence of culture on people's sensory responses,
      such as smell, taste, sound and touch to visual stimuli. The sensory feelings of
      university students from four countries (Japan, South Korea, Britain and France)
      to six images were evaluated. The images combined real and abstract objects and
      were presented on a notebook computer. Overall, 280 participants (144 men and 136
      women; n = 70/country) were included in the statistical analysis. The chi-square
      independence analysis showed differences and similarities in the sensory
      responses across countries. Most differences were detected in smell and taste,
      whereas few variations were observed for sound responses. Large variations in the
      response were observed for the abstract coral and butterfly images, but few
      differences were detected in response to the real leaf image. These variations in
      response were mostly found in the British and Japanese participants.

PMID- 27121478
TI  - Ethno-Cultural Considerations in Cardiac Patients' Medication Adherence.
AB  - We aimed to develop an in-depth understanding about factors that influence
      cardiac medication adherence among South Asian, Chinese, and European White
      cardiac patients. Sixty-four patients were purposively sampled from an ongoing
      study cohort. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for analyses.
      Physicians' culturally sensitive communication and patients' motivation to live a
      symptom-free and longer life enhanced adherence. European Whites were motivated
      to enhance personal well-being and enjoy family life. South Asians' medication
      adherence was influenced by the desire to fulfill the will of God and family
      responsibilities. The Chinese were motivated to avoid pain, illness, and death,
      and to obey a health care provider. The South Asians and Chinese wanted to
      ultimately reduce medication use. Previous positive experiences, family support,
      and establishing a routine also influenced medication adherence. Deterrents to
      adherence were essentially the reverse of the motivators/facilitators. This
      analysis represents an essential first step forward in developing ethno
      culturally tailored interventions to optimize adherence.

PMID- 27121479
TI  - Systematic review with network meta-analysis: comparative effectiveness and
      safety of strategies for preventing NSAID-associated gastrointestinal toxicity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many strategies are used to prevent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
      drug (NSAID)-associated gastrointestinal toxicity, but the comparative
      effectiveness remains unclear. AIM: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of
      clinical strategies for preventing gastrointestinal toxicity induced by NSAIDs.
      METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library (from their inception to May
      2015) were searched for randomised controlled trials comparing the risk of
      gastrointestinal adverse events in patients taking nonselective NSAIDs, selective
      cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 inhibitors or nonselective NSAIDs/COX-2 inhibitors plus
      gastroprotective agents [proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine-2 receptor
      antagonists, misoprostol]. Both pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta
      analysis were performed. RESULTS: Analyses were based on 82 trials including 125
      053 participants. Network meta-analysis demonstrated that selective COX-2
      inhibitors + PPIs [Risk ratio (RR), 95% Credible Interval (CrI): ulcer
      complications 0.07, 0.02-0.18], selective COX-2 inhibitors (RR, 95% CrI: ulcer
      complications 0.25, 0.15- 0.38; symptomatic ulcer 0.12, 0.04-0.30), nonselective
      NSAIDs + PPIs (RR, 95% CrI: ulcer complications 0.28, 0.18-0.41; symptomatic
      ulcer 0.11, 0.04-0.23), nonselective NSAIDs + misoprostol (RR, 95% CrI: ulcer
      complications 0.47, 0.24-0.81; symptomatic ulcer 0.41, 0.13-1.00) were associated
      with significantly lower risk of clinical gastrointestinal events compared with
      nonselective NSAIDs. For all effectiveness endpoints, selective COX-2 inhibitors
      + PPIs was associated with the lowest absolute event probability and the highest
      rank, followed by selective COX-2 inhibitors and thirdly by nonselective NSAIDs +
      PPIs. CONCLUSION: The combination of selective COX-2 inhibitors plus PPIs
      provides the best gastrointestinal protection, followed by selective COX-2
      inhibitors, and thirdly by nonselective NSAIDs plus PPIs.

PMID- 27121481
TI  - Individual placement and support, supported education in young people with mental
      illness: an exploratory feasibility study.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of adapting
      individual placement and support (IPS) to education for young people presenting
      to a tertiary mental health service who wished to re-engage with or be supported
      in their education. METHODS: The study was an uncontrolled trial. Twenty young
      people with severe mental illness were recruited and worked with an educational
      specialist providing adapted IPS for education (IPSed). Demographic, educational
      and symptom measures were collected at baseline. Educational outcome was
      collected at the end of the 6-month intervention. Data presented are descriptive.
      RESULTS: Individual placement and support for education was found to be feasible
      with 95% of the participants successfully completing the intervention. Eighteen
      of the 19 who participated through to the conclusion of the intervention achieved
      positive educational outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: It is well established that education
      is the foundation of career, but many people with mental illness drop out of
      their education with the onset of illness in adolescence or early adulthood.
      There has been a dearth of interventions to reconnect people with mental illness
      to secondary education and training. This study demonstrates that it is feasible
      to adapt IPS to focus exclusively on education at the outset of illness. Further
      larger studies are needed to confirm these results and create an evidence base
      for implementation of IPSed in routine practice for the treatment of early stage
      mental illness.

PMID- 27121484
TI  - Evaluation of the Efficacy and Robustness of a Second Generation Implantable
      Stimulator in a Patient With Hemiplegia During 20 Years of Functional Electrical
      Stimulation of the Common Peroneal Nerve.
AB  - We evaluated the efficacy and robustness of a second generation implantable
      stimulator for correcting drop foot (DF) in a patient with left-sided hemiplegia
      over 20 years of functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the common peroneal
      nerve (CPN). Dorsal flexion and eversion of the affected foot was partially
      restored by FES of the superficial region of the CPN innervating mostly the
      tibialis anterior (TA) and partly peroneus longus (PL) and peroneus brevis (PB)
      muscles. The reasons for implant failure during the long-term follow-up
      assessment were analyzed and resolving procedures were identified. The stimulator
      had an average failure rate of once every three years, due to repetitive
      mechanical load on the lead wires of its internal and/or external unit, and had
      to be serviced once per year to replace the heel switch integrated into the shoe
      sole. FES-associated mechanical trauma to the CPN elicited a thickening of the
      connective tissue around the CPN and a slightly compromised conduction velocity
      of the CPN. FES of the CPN, with the second generation implantable stimulator,
      improved gait parameters of the affected leg during the 20 years period. Long
      term, daily FES enables a functional and reliable recruitment of nerve fibers,
      thus providing a sufficient dorsal flexion and optimal eversion of the affected
      foot to sustain unassisted, almost normal gait. Therefore, the presented implant
      is suitable for very long-term FES of the CPN.

PMID- 27121483
TI  - Evolved plasmid-host interactions reduce plasmid interference cost.
AB  - Antibiotic selection drives adaptation of antibiotic resistance plasmids to new
      bacterial hosts, but the molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. We
      previously showed that a broad-host-range plasmid was poorly maintained in
      Shewanella oneidensis, but rapidly adapted through mutations in the replication
      initiation gene trfA1. Here we examined if these mutations reduced the fitness
      cost of TrfA1, and whether this was due to changes in interaction with the host's
      DNA helicase DnaB. The strains expressing evolved TrfA1 variants showed a higher
      growth rate than those expressing ancestral TrfA1. The evolved TrfA1 variants
      showed a lower affinity to the helicase than ancestral TrfA1 and were no longer
      able to activate the helicase at the oriV without host DnaA. Moreover,
      persistence of the ancestral plasmid was increased upon overexpression of DnaB.
      Finally, the evolved TrfA1 variants generated higher plasmid copy numbers than
      ancestral TrfA1. The findings suggest that ancestral plasmid instability can at
      least partly be explained by titration of DnaB by TrfA1. Thus under antibiotic
      selection resistance plasmids can adapt to a novel bacterial host through partial
      loss of function mutations that simultaneously increase plasmid copy number and
      decrease unfavorably high affinity to one of the hosts' essential proteins.

PMID- 27121482
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of cell death in intervertebral disc degeneration (Review).
AB  - Intervertebral discs (IVDs) are complex structures that consist of three parts,
      namely, nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus and cartilage endplates. With aging,
      IVDs gradually degenerate as a consequence of many factors, such as
      microenvironment changes and cell death. Human clinical trial and animal model
      studies have documented that cell death, particularly apoptosis and autophagy,
      significantly contribute to IVD degeneration. The mechanisms underlying this
      phenomenon include the activation of apoptotic pathways and the regulation of
      autophagy in response to nutrient deprivation and multiple stresses. In this
      review, we briefly summarize recent progress in understanding the function and
      regulation of apoptosis and autophagy signaling pathways. In particular, we focus
      on studies that reveal the functional mechanisms of these pathways in IVD
      degeneration. 

PMID- 27121485
TI  - Formation of fibroblastic reticular network in the brain after infection with
      neurovirulent murine coronavirus.
AB  - cl-2 virus is an extremely neurovirulent murine coronavirus. However, during the
      initial phase of infection between 12 and 24 h post-inoculation (hpi), the viral
      antigens are detected only in the meninges, followed by viral spread into the
      ventricular wall before invasion into the brain parenchyma, indicating that the
      viruses employ a passage between the meninges and ventricular wall as an entry
      route into the brain parenchyma. At 48 hpi, the passage was found to be
      constructed by ER-TR7 antigen (ERag)-positive fibers (ERfibs) associated with
      laminin and collagen III between the fourth ventricle and meninges at the
      cerebellopontine angle. The construct of the fibers mimics the reticular fibers
      of the fibroblastic reticular network, which comprises a conduit system in the
      lymphoid organs. In the meninges, ERfibs together with collagen fibers, lining in
      a striped pattern, made up a pile of thin sheets. In the brain parenchyma, mature
      ERfibs associated with laminin were found around blood vessels. Besides mature
      ERfibs, immature Erfibs without associations with other extracellular matrix
      components like laminin and collagen appeared after infection, suggesting that
      the CNS creates a unique conduit system for immune communication triggered by
      viral invasion.

PMID- 27121486
TI  - Relationship between XspI Site Polymorphisms of LDL-R Gene and Serum IL-2 and IL
      10 in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Relationship has been identified in sporadic reports between
      polymorphisms and hypercholesterolemia. However, the relationship between
      inflammatory cytokines and polymorphism of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL
      R) gene in hypercholesterolemia is unclear. This study aimed to explore the
      relationship and significance between polymorphisms of LDL-R gene and serum
      Interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-10 in patients with hypercholesterolemia. METHODS: PCR
      RFLP and direct DNA sequencing assay were employed to determine polymorphism of
      LDL-R gene in 900 patients with hypercholesterolemia and 400 healthy cases. ELISA
      was applied to assay serum concentration of IL-2 and IL-10. Blood lipid indexes
      were tested in all cases. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy controls, level of
      IL-2 increased significantly, while IL-10 decreased significantly (P < 0.05).
      Correlation analysis showed that IL-2 was positively correlated with total
      cholesterol (TC), LDL-c, and genotype (r = 0.542, 0.410, 0.598, P < 0.05) and
      negatively correlated with HDL-c (r = -0.352, P < 0.05). Negative relationship
      also was found between TC, LDL-c, genotype, and IL-10 (r = -0.452, -0.390, 
      0.613, P < 0.05), and positive correlation between HDL-c and IL-10 (r = 0.398, P
      < 0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that genotypes and TC were independent
      factors affecting the levels of IL-2 and IL-10 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: IL-2 and
      IL-10 were related to gene polymorphisms of LDL-R, which might be involved in the
      development and progress of hypercholesterolemia.

PMID- 27121487
TI  - Influence of temporal variation and host condition on helminth abundance in the
      lizard Tropidurus hispidus from north-eastern Brazil.
AB  - Ecological characteristics and environmental variation influence both host
      species composition and parasite abundance. Abiotic factors such as rainfall and
      temperature can improve parasite development and increase its reproduction rate.
      The comparison of these assemblages between different environments may give us a
      more refined analysis of how environment affects the variation of helminth
      parasite abundance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how temporal
      variation, host size, sex and reproduction affect helminth abundance in the
      Tropidurus hispidus lizard in Caatinga, Restinga and Atlantic Forest
      environments. Overall, larger-sized lizards showed higher helminth abundance. We
      found a monthly variation in the helminth species abundance in all studied areas.
      In the Caatinga area, monoxenic and heteroxenic parasites were related to the
      rainy season and to the reproductive period of lizards. In Restinga, monoxenic
      and heteroxenic helminth species were more abundant during the driest months. In
      the Atlantic Forest, the rainy and host reproductive season occurred continuously
      throughout the year, so parasite abundance was relatively constant. Nevertheless,
      heteroxenic species were more abundant in this area. The present results showed
      that the temporal variation, body size, sex, reproductive period and habitat type
      influence the abundance and composition of helminth species in T. hispidus.

PMID- 27121489
TI  - ent-Abietane diterpenoids with anti-neuroinflammatory activity from the rare
      Chloranthaceae plant Chloranthus oldhamii.
AB  - Twelve new ent-abietane diterpenoids, chlorabietins A-L (), were isolated from
      the roots of Chloranthus oldhamii. Their structures and absolute configurations
      were determined by extensive spectroscopic analyses, X-ray diffraction, and
      experimental/calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy. Among
      the new isolates, chlorabietins D () and E () are the first two naturally
      occurring 8-spiro-fused 9,10-seco-ent-abietanes containing an unexpected cis
      fused A/B ring system. Chlorabietin F () is a rare chinane-type diterpenoid
      featuring a hitherto unknown C-ring cleavage between C-13 and C-14, which might
      be derived from a common precursor of the above spiro-diterpenoid epimers and ,
      and their biosynthetic relationships are briefly discussed. Meanwhile,
      chlorabietin I () is the first representative of the abietane-type diterpenoids
      possessing a tetrahydrofurano function bridging C-6 and C-19. Chlorabietins B (),
      C (), F (), and G () showed anti-neuroinflammatory effects by inhibiting the
      nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine BV-2
      microglial cells, with IC50 values ranging from 16.4 to 33.8 MUM. 

PMID- 27121490
TI  - New insights into the modification mechanism of Li-rich Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 coated
      by Li2ZrO3.
AB  - Lithium-rich Mn-based layered cathode materials have attracted wide attention due
      to their high specific capacity for lithium-ion batteries. However, some critical
      issues i.e. poor rate capability and voltage fade have limited their practical
      applications. Herein, we propose a synchronous lithiation strategy to coat Li
      rich Li1.2Mn0.6Ni0.2O2 (LMNO) with a thin layer of Li(+)-conductive Li2ZrO3. The
      obtained syn-Li2ZrO3@LMNO integrates the advantages of the Li2ZrO3 coating and
      Zr(4+) doping, and shows a much higher rate capability and cycling stability than
      those of the counterpart post-Li2ZrO3@LMNO fabricated by a post-coating method.
      More importantly, the average voltage of syn-Li2ZrO3@LMNO has been enhanced by
      0.15 V and the voltage decay has also been mitigated. New insights into the
      synergetic modification mechanism of the Li2ZrO3 coating and Zr(4+) doping have
      been proposed. The coating layer of Li(+)-conductive Li2ZrO3 alleviates the
      surface side reactions, suppresses the transition metal dissolution and enhances
      the Li-ion conductivity. Meanwhile, the doping and incorporation of Zr(4+) into
      the host structure accompanied by the Li2ZrO3 coating expands the interplanar
      spacing and decreases Li/Ni mixing which facilitates Li(+) diffusion. In
      addition, the integration of the Li2ZrO3 coating and Zr(4+) doping also further
      enhances the layered structure stability and mitigates the voltage fade during
      lithiation/delithiation cycles. Moreover, the proposed synchronous lithiation
      coating route avoids the duplicated high-temperature calcinations and can also be
      widely used to modify some other cathode materials.

PMID- 27121491
TI  - Deboronative cyanation of potassium alkyltrifluoroborates via photoredox
      catalysis.
AB  - A photoredox catalytic method was developed for the direct cyanation of
      alkyltrifluoroborates. This reaction provides a new and useful transformation of
      the easily available alkyltrifluoroborates. The photocatalytic reaction can
      tolerate a variety of functional groups with mild reaction conditions.
      Mechanistic investigations are consistent with the present reaction following a
      radical pathway. 

PMID- 27121492
TI  - Cepharanthine induces apoptosis through the mitochondria/caspase pathway in
      murine dendritic cells.
AB  - CONTEXT: Cepharanthine (CEP) is a biscoclaurine amphipathic alkaloid isolated
      from the plant Stephania cepharantha Hayata. Although the effects of CEP on
      several types of cells have been investigated, those on dendritic cells (DCs) are
      poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of CEP on the induction
      of apoptosis in murine DCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The induction of Annexin
      V/propidium iodide-positive cells and permeability of mitochondrial membrane
      potential were evaluated in DCs treated with CEP. Cell-associated caspase
      activity and DNA fragmentation were analyzed by Dual Sensor: MitoCaspTM and
      agarose gel electrophoresis, respectively. RESULTS: The number of dead cells was
      increased by CEP treatment at concentrations more than 10 MUg/ml. Flow cytometric
      analysis revealed that the cell death was found to be apoptosis, CEP treatment
      reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and upregulated the level of cleaved
      caspases, including caspase-9 and caspase-3/7, in a dose-dependent fashion.
      Furthermore, DNA fragmentation was observed in CEP-treated DCs. CONCLUSION: CEP
      is capable of inducing apoptosis and may be a potential agent against DC-mediated
      and allergic diseases.

PMID- 27121493
TI  - Children's perceptions of emotion regulation strategy effectiveness: links with
      attachment security.
AB  - Six- and nine-year-old children (N = 97) heard illustrated stories evoking anger
      in a story character and provided evaluations of the effectiveness of eight anger
      regulation strategies. Half the stories involved the child's mother as social
      partner and the other half involved a peer. Attachment security was assessed via
      the Security Scale. Children reported greater effectiveness for seeking support
      from adults and peers in the peer context than the mother context, but perceived
      venting as more effective with mothers. Children with higher security scores were
      more likely to endorse problem solving and less likely to endorse aggression in
      both social contexts than those with lower security scores. Early evidence for
      gender differences was found in that boys endorsed the effectiveness of
      distraction while girls endorsed venting their emotion.

PMID- 27121494
TI  - Violent media and hostile appraisals: A meta-analytic review.
AB  - Hostile people tend to view the world as a hostile place. Although there are
      individual differences in hostile world-views, situational factors can also play
      a role. For example, scenes of violence in the mass media might influence people
      to view the world as a hostile place. This meta-analysis aggregates, for the
      first time, all studies that have investigated the link between exposure to
      violent media and hostile appraisals (e.g., perceiving the ambiguous actions by
      others as aggressive actions). This meta-analysis included 37 independent studies
      involving 10,410 participants. The results showed a "small" to "moderate" sized
      average correlation between exposure to violent media and hostile appraisals (r+ 
      = .20, 95%CI = .14, .26). Significant correlations were found in experimental,
      cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies, indicating a triangulation of
      evidence. Effects were not correlated with participant gender. Effects were also
      stable over time. However, the link between exposure to violent media and hostile
      appraisals was positively related to age, perhaps because violent media can have
      cumulative effects over time. There was no evidence of publication bias. The
      findings from this meta-analysis are consistent with the General Aggression Model
      (e.g., Anderson, & Bushman, 2002; Annual Review of Psychology 53:27-51). These
      results compliment those from previous meta-analyses showing that violent media
      can increase aggressive thoughts, angry feelings, physiological arousal, and
      aggressive behavior. These findings also have practical significance, because
      people who view the world in a hostile manner are more likely to behave
      aggressively themselves. Aggr. Behav. 42:605-613, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121495
TI  - Using physiologically based models for clinical translation: predictive
      modelling, data interpretation or something in-between?
AB  - Heart disease continues to be a significant clinical problem in Western society.
      Predictive models and simulations that integrate physiological understanding with
      patient information derived from clinical data have huge potential to contribute
      to improving our understanding of both the progression and treatment of heart
      disease. In particular they provide the potential to improve patient selection
      and optimisation of cardiovascular interventions across a range of pathologies.
      Currently a significant proportion of this potential is still to be realised. In
      this paper we discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with this
      realisation. Reviewing the successful elements of model translation for
      biophysically based models and the emerging supporting technologies, we propose
      three distinct modes of clinical translation. Finally we outline the challenges
      ahead that will be fundamental to overcome if the ultimate goal of fully
      personalised clinical cardiac care is to be achieved.

PMID- 27121497
TI  - oVEMPs and cVEMPs in patients with 'clinically certain' Meniere's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs) and
      cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPS) in Meniere's disease
      patients with confirmed cochlear hydrops and in the normal ears of volunteers.
      METHODS: oVEMPs and cVEMPs were measured in 18 patients with a symptomatic
      diagnosis of Meniere's disease and tone burst electrocochleographic confirmation
      of hydrops, and in the ears of 22 volunteers. RESULTS: Threshold measures: For
      cVEMP: no significant differences between Meniere's ears and controls; for oVEMP:
      significantly elevated thresholds in affected ears of Meniere's ears compared
      with their unaffected ears, but not with controls. Latency measures: cVEMP N1
      peaks were significantly prolonged compared with the left and right ears of
      controls, but not with the non-affected ear. Amplitude measures: cVEMP P1N1 and
      N1P2 measures were significantly reduced compared with the right ear of controls,
      but not with the non-affected ear; For oVEMP, N2P2 amplitudes were significantly
      reduced compared with both ears of controls but not with the non-affected ear.
      CONCLUSION: Abnormalities of oVEMPs and cVEMPs were found in 18 Meniere's disease
      patients who had an independent confirmation of cochlear hydrops. The overlap of
      the results from Meniere's patients compared with normal controls limits the use
      of VEMP abnormalities as a sole reliable diagnostic test for Meniere's disease.

PMID- 27121496
TI  - Exploring the Association between Serum BDNF and Attempted Suicide.
AB  - Suicide is a leading cause of death and a significant public health concern.
      Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein important to nervous system
      function, has been implicated in psychiatric disorders and suicidal behaviour. We
      investigated the association between serum levels of BDNF and attempted suicide
      in a sample of 281 participants using a case-control study design. Participants
      were recruited from clinical and community settings between March 2011 and
      November 2014. Cases (individuals who had attempted suicide) (n = 84) were
      matched on sex and age (within five years) to both psychiatric controls (n = 104)
      and community controls (n = 93) with no history of suicide attempts. We collected
      fasting blood samples, socio-demographic information, physical measurements, and
      detailed descriptions of suicide attempts. We used linear regression analysis to
      determine the association between BDNF level (dependent variable) and attempted
      suicide (key exposure variable), adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, current
      smoking status, and antidepressant use. 250 participants were included in this
      analysis. In the linear regression model, attempted suicide was not significantly
      associated with BDNF level (beta = 0.28, SE = 1.20, P = 0.82). Our findings
      suggest that no significant association exists between attempted suicide and BDNF
      level. However, the findings need to be replicated in a larger cohort study.

PMID- 27121498
TI  - Detection and quantification of water-based aerosols using active open-path FTIR.
AB  - Aerosols have a leading role in many eco-systems and knowledge of their
      properties is critical for many applications. This study suggests using active
      Open-Path Fourier Transform Infra-Red (OP-FTIR) spectroscopy for quantifying
      water droplets and solutes load in the atmosphere. The OP-FTIR was used to
      measure water droplets, with and without solutes, in a 20 m spray tunnel. Three
      sets of spraying experiments generated different hydrosols clouds: (1) tap water
      only, (2) aqueous ammonium sulfate (0.25-3.6%wt) and (3) aqueous ethylene glycol
      (0.47-2.38%wt). Experiment (1) yielded a linear relationship between the shift of
      the extinction spectrum baseline and the water load in the line-of-sight (LOS)
      (R(2) = 0.984). Experiment (2) also yielded a linear relationship between the
      integrated extinction in the range of 880-1150 cm(-1) and the ammonium sulfate
      load in the LOS (R(2) = 0.972). For the semi-volatile ethylene glycol (experiment
      3), present in the gas and condense phases, quantification was much more complex
      and two spectral approaches were developed: (1) according to the linear
      relationship from the first experiment (determination error of 8%), and (2)
      inverse modeling (determination error of 57%). This work demonstrates the
      potential of the OP-FTIR for detecting clouds of water-based aerosols and for
      quantifying water droplets and solutes at relatively low concentrations.

PMID- 27121499
TI  - Ladhani SN, et al (Clin Infect Dis 2015; 61:1637-44).

PMID- 27121500
TI  - Process evaluation of discharge planning implementation in healthcare using
      normalization process theory.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Discharge planning is a care process that aims to secure the transfer
      of care for the patient at transition from home to the hospital and back home.
      Information exchange and collaboration between care providers are essential, but
      deficits are common. A wide range of initiatives to improve the discharge
      planning process have been developed and implemented for the past three decades.
      However, there are still high rates of reported medical errors and adverse events
      related to failures in the discharge planning. Using theoretical frameworks such
      as Normalization Process Theory (NPT) can support evaluations of complex
      interventions and processes in healthcare. The aim of this study was to explore
      the embedding and integration of the DPP from the perspective of registered
      nurses, district nurses and homecare organizers. METHODS: The study design was
      explorative, using the NPT as a framework to explore the embedding and
      integration of the DPP. Data consisted of written documentation from; workshops
      with staff, registered adverse events and system failures, web based survey and
      individual interviews with staff. RESULTS: Using the NPT as a framework to
      explore the embedding and integration of discharge planning after 10 years in use
      showed that the staff had reached a consensus of opinion of what the process was
      (coherence) and how they evaluated the process (reflexive monitoring). However,
      they had not reached a consensus of opinion of who performed the process
      (cognitive participation) and how it was performed (collective action). This
      could be interpreted as the process had not become normalized in daily practice.
      CONCLUSION: The result shows necessity to observe the implementation of old
      practices to better understand the needs of new ones before developing and
      implementing new practices or supportive tools within healthcare to reach the aim
      of development and to accomplish sustainable implementation. The NPT offers a
      generalizable framework for analysis, which can explain and shape the
      implementation process of old practices, before further development of new
      practices or supportive tools.

PMID- 27121501
TI  - Effect of prehospital notification on acute stroke care: a multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The sooner thrombolytic therapy is given to acute ischemic stroke
      patients, the better the outcome. Prehospital notification may shorten the time
      between hospital arrival and brain computed tomography (door-to-CT) and the door
      to-needle (DTN) time. This study investigated the effect of prehospital
      notification on acute stroke care in an urban city in Taiwan. METHODS: This
      retrospective observational study utilized a prospectively collected dataset from
      patients treated at 9 hospitals and the emergency medical service (EMS) system in
      Taipei City from September 1, 2012 to December 31, 2014. During the study period,
      prehospital notification was performed by emergency medical technicians if the
      patient met the following criteria: (1) positive Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke
      Scale (CPSS), (2) symptom onset within 3 h, and (3) a sugar pinprick test result
      >= 60 mg/dL. The demographics, final diagnoses, and data associated with stroke
      for all patients in the prenotification group and for patients diagnosed with
      acute stroke within 3 h of symptoms onset were prospectively recorded in the
      stroke registry. The primary outcome was door-to-CT time and the secondary
      outcome was DTN time. The sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of
      prehospital notifications and the association between the volume of patients
      receiving thrombolytic therapy at individual hospitals and DTN time were also
      evaluated. RESULTS: There were 928 patients who presented <= 3 h from stroke
      onset. Among them, 727 (78.3 %) patients were in the prenotification group; of
      these, more were male, smokers, and presented with severe symptoms, and fewer had
      a history of prior stroke or cardiac diseases compared to patients in the non
      prenotification group. The median door-to-CT time was significantly shorter in
      the prenotification group than among the non-prenotification group (13 versus 19
      min, p < 0.001). Prenotification was associated with shorter DTN time (63 versus
      68 min, p = 0.138). The sensitivity and PPV of prenotification of stroke were
      78.3 % and 78.2 %, respectively. The DTN time demonstrated a significant and
      highly negative association with the volume of patients receiving thrombolytic
      therapy (Spearman's correlation coefficient -0.90, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: In our
      study, we found prehospital notification was associated with faster door-to-CT
      scan and shorter DTN time in patients presenting within 3 hours of symptom onset.
      Such a close collaboration between hospitals and the EMS system gives citizens an
      in-time emergency care network. Our study revealed that, like in other countries,
      prehospital notification for stroke patients improved in-hospital stroke care in
      Taiwan. Our study showed that the sensitivity and PPV of prenotification
      decisions according to our CPSS-based criteria was comparable with those in other
      studies. Our study also found that DTN time was shorter in the hospital that
      treated a greater volume of patients with thrombolytic therapy. A multicenter
      collaboration program is needed to help those hospitals with relatively lower
      stroke patient volume to set up interventions that have been proven to improve
      stroke care. CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital notification of stroke can significantly
      shorten door-to-CT time and improve acute stroke care in Taiwan.

PMID- 27121502
TI  - Rhodnius prolixus and R. robustus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) nymphs show different
      locomotor patterns on an automated recording system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circadian rhythms of triatomines, vectors of the etiological agent
      Trypanosoma cruzi responsible for Chagas disease, have been extensively studied
      in adults of the two most epidemiologically relevant vector species, Rhodnius
      prolixus and Triatoma infestans. However, little attention has been dedicated to
      the activity patterns in earlier developmental stages, even though triatomine
      nymphs are equally capable of transmitting T. cruzi to humans. Because circadian
      rhythms may differ even between closely related species, studies that focus on
      this behavioral trait can also be used to shed light on the taxonomy of
      controversial taxa, which becomes especially relevant regarding vector species.
      METHODS: We compared the daily locomotor activity patterns of second- and third
      instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus and Rhodnius robustus in order to unveil
      possible behavioral differences between these cryptic species. Mitochondrial and
      nuclear markers were sequenced to confirm species identification. RESULTS: Nymphs
      of both species had a bimodal pattern of locomotion and similar daily activity
      patterns, but R. prolixus is more active under light/dark cycles and depicts a
      more pronounced activity rhythm under constant darkness conditions. CONCLUSIONS:
      We describe the implementation of an often-used automated method for the
      recording of individual locomotor activity to differentiate sibling species of
      Rhodnius with distinct epidemiological relevance. The higher levels of activity
      observed in the nymphs of R. prolixus could potentially contribute to increased
      vector capacity.

PMID- 27121503
TI  - The NF-kappaB subunit RelB regulates the migration and invasion abilities and the
      radio-sensitivity of prostate cancer cells.
AB  - NF-kappaB subunits play important roles in carcinogenesis of a variety of human
      malignancies and response to cancer therapy; however, the contribution of an
      individual subunit has not been thoroughly defined. Constitutive activation of
      the canonical NF-kappaB subunit is a critical event in prostate carcinogenesis.
      Recent findings point out that RelB, which contributes to the non-canonical NF
      kappaB activity, functions importantly in the prostate cancer progression. Here,
      we investigated systemically the functional roles of RelB in prostate cancer and
      examine its significance as a therapeutic target. Targeting RelB using short
      hairpin RNA approach in androgen-independent DU145 prostate cancer cells
      interfered with various biological behaviors of cells. We observed that RelB
      knockdown inhibited prostate cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion, and
      enhanced proteasome inhibitor sensitivity. The altered expression of anti
      apoptotic gene Bcl-2 played critical roles in regulating both spontaneous and
      radiation-induced apoptosis in the presence of RelB knockdown. For the first
      time, we showed that RelB knockdown significantly attenuated the migration and
      invasion of DU145 prostate cancer cells, due to the reduction of integrin beta-1.
      Collectively, we provided evidence that RelB functioned as an oncogene in
      prostate cancer. Developing a RelB-targeted therapeutic intervention, is valuable
      in treating advanced, metastatic prostate cancer. 

PMID- 27121504
TI  - Monoclonal antibodies for differentiating infections of three serological-related
      tospoviruses prevalent in Southwestern China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The thrips-borne tospoviruses Calla lily chlorotic spot virus (CCSV),
      Tomato zonate spot virus (TZSV) and a new species provisionally named Tomato
      necrotic spot associated virus (TNSaV) infect similar crops in southwestern
      China. The symptoms exhibiting on virus-infected crops are similar, which is
      difficult for distinguishing virus species by symptomatology. The sequences of
      nucleocapsid proteins (NPs) of CCSV, TNSaV and TZSV share high degrees of amino
      acid identity with each other, and their serological relationship was currently
      demonstrated from the responses of the previously reported monoclonal antibodies
      (MAbs) against the NP of CCSV (MAb-CCSV-NP) and the nonstructural NSs protein of
      Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV) (MAb-WNSs). Therefore, the production of
      virus-specific antibodies for identification of CCSV, TNSaV and TZSV is demanded
      to improve field surveys. METHODS: The NP of TZSV-13YV639 isolated from Crinum
      asiaticum in Yunnan Province, China was bacterially expressed and purified for
      producing MAbs. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and
      immunoblotting were conducted to test the serological response of MAbs to 18
      tospovirus species. Additionally, the virus-specific primers were designed to
      verify the identity of CCSV, TNSaV and TZSV in one-step reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Two MAbs, denoted MAb-TZSV-NP(S15)
      and MAb-TZSV-NP(S18), were screened for test. MAb-TZSV-NP(S15) reacted with CCSV
      and TZSV while MAb-TZSV-NP(S18) reacted specifically to TZSV in both indirect
      ELISA and immunoblotting. Both MAbs can be used to detect TZSV in field-collected
      plant samples. The epitope of MAb-TZSV-NP(S18) was further identified consisting
      of amino acids 78-86 (HKIVASGAD) of the TZSV-13YV639 NP that is a highly
      conserved region among known TZSV isolates but is distinct from TNSaV and TZSV.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, two MAbs targeting to different portions of the TZSV
      NP were obtained. Unlike MAb-CCSV-NP reacted with TNSaV as well as CCSV and TZSV,
      both TZSV MAbs can be used to differentiate CCSV, TNSaV and TZSV. The identity of
      CCSV, TNSaV and TZSV was proven by individual virus-specific primer pairs to
      indicate the correctness of serological responses. We also proposed an
      serological detection platform using MAb-CCSV-NP, MAb-TZSV-NP(S15) and MAb-TZSV
      NP(S18) to allow researchers and quarantine staff to efficiently diagnose the
      infections of CCSV, TNSaV and TZSV in China and other countries.

PMID- 27121505
TI  - Incremental cost-utility of sevelamer relative to calcium carbonate for treatment
      of hyperphosphatemia among pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sevelamer is an alternative to calcium carbonate for the treatment of
      hyperphosphatemia among non-dialysis dependent patients with chronic kidney
      disease (CKD). Although some studies show that it may reduce mortality and delay
      the onset of dialysis when compared to calcium carbonate, it is also
      significantly more expensive. Prior studies looking at the incremental cost
      effectiveness of sevelamer versus calcium carbonate in pre-dialysis patients are
      based on data from a single clinical trial. The goal of our study is to use a
      wider range of clinical data to achieve a more contemporary and robust cost
      effectiveness analysis. METHODS: We used a Markov model to estimate the lifetime
      costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained for treatment with sevelamer
      versus calcium carbonate. The model simulated transitions among three health
      states (CKD not requiring dialysis, end-stage renal disease, and death). Data on
      transition probabilities and utilities were obtained from the published
      literature. Costs were calculated from a third party payer perspective and
      included medication, hospitalization, and dialysis. Sensitivity analyses were
      also run to encompass a wide range of assumptions about the dose, costs, and
      effectiveness of sevelamer. RESULTS: Over a lifetime, the average cost per
      patient treated with sevelamer is S$180,724. The estimated cost for patients
      treated with calcium carbonate is S$152,988. A patient treated with sevelamer
      gains, on average, 6.34 QALYs relative to no treatment, whereas a patient taking
      calcium carbonate gains 5.81 QALYs. Therefore, sevelamer produces an incremental
      cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of S$51,756 per QALY gained relative to calcium
      carbonate. CONCLUSION: Based on established benchmarks for cost-effectiveness,
      sevelamer is cost effective relative to calcium carbonate for the treatment of
      hyperphosphatemia among patients with chronic kidney disease initially not on
      dialysis.

PMID- 27121506
TI  - Comparison of molecular detection methods for pertussis in children during a
      state-wide outbreak.
AB  - A state-wide pertussis outbreak occurred in Washington during the winter-spring
      months of 2012, concurrent with respiratory viral season. We compared performance
      characteristics of a laboratory-developed pertussis PCR (LD-PCR for Bordetella
      pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis, and Bordetella holmesii) and rapid multiplex
      PCR (RM-PCR) for respiratory viruses (FilmArrayTM, BioFire, B. pertussis data
      unblinded following FDA approval post outbreak). We analyzed three cohorts of
      patients using physician testing orders as a proxy for clinical suspicion for
      pertussis or respiratory viruses: Cohort 1, tested by LD-PCR for pertussis
      pathogens only by nasopharyngeal swab; Cohort 2, by RM-PCR for respiratory
      viruses only by mid-nasal turbinate swab; and Cohort 3, by both methods. B.
      pertussis was detected in a total of 25 of the 490 patients in Cohort 3 in which
      LD-PCR detected 20/25 (80 %) cases and the RM-PCR detected 24/25 (96 %; p = 0.2).
      Pertussis pathogens were detected in 21/584 (3.6 %) of samples from Cohort 1
      where clinicians had a relatively strong suspicion for pertussis. In contrast, B.
      pertussis was detected in only 4/3071 (0.1 %) specimens from Cohort 2 where
      suspicion for pertussis was lower (p < 0.001 for comparison with Cohort 1). In
      summary, the two laboratory methods were comparable for the detection of B.
      pertussis. 

PMID- 27121507
TI  - Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Muscle Contraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical activity has been shown to be associated with reduced risk
      of coronary heart disease but the same effect seems to be produced in
      neurological diseases. OBJECTIVE: In this review, we focused on the interplay
      between physical activity and some neurological conditions (Stroke, dementia,
      epilepsy, headache, Parkinson' s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple
      sclerosis, insomnia, depression and anxiety) with the aim of describing the
      potential role of physical activity in the prevention of such diseases and the
      physiological mechanisms involved in these processes. RESULTS: Despite a growing
      body of evidence which reveals that physical activity is able to reduce the
      frequency of neurological diseases, directly or indirectly by enhancing
      cardiovascular conditions, further studies are necessary to better characterize
      which type of exercise is useful for each condition. CONCLUSION: Physical
      activity could represent an additional approach to fight against such diseases.

PMID- 27121509
TI  - Antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis: A new opportunity to slow HIV spread in
      India.

PMID- 27121510
TI  - Breaking dogma for future therapy using stem cell - Where we have reached?

PMID- 27121511
TI  - Understanding complexity of Fanconi anaemia.

PMID- 27121512
TI  - Immune based therapy for melanoma.
AB  - A few years ago therapeutic options in advanced melanoma were very limited and
      the prognosis was somber. Although recent progresses are far from providing a
      cure for advanced melanoma, yet these have kindled new hopes and searching for a
      cure does not seem unreasonable. Seven new medicines have been authorized in
      various regions of the world in the recent past in the therapy of advanced
      melanoma, over half of them acting by mechanisms involving the immune system of
      the host. The anti-CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein-4)
      ipilimumab has been followed by anti-PD1 (programmed death1) inhibitors, more
      effective and safer. Very recently, the first oncolytic immunotherapy, talimogene
      laherparepvec (T-VEC) has been authorized for placing on the market and a variety
      of combinations of the new therapies are currently being evaluated or considered.
      Besides, a plethora of other molecules and approaches, especially monoclonal
      antibodies, are in the preliminary phases of clinical investigation and are
      likely to bring new benefits for the treatment of this potentially fatal form of
      cancer. 

PMID- 27121513
TI  - Targeting the AKT pathway: Repositioning HIV protease inhibitors as
      radiosensitizers.
AB  - Cellular resistance in tumour cells to different therapeutic approaches has been
      a limiting factor in the curative treatment of cancer. Resistance to therapeutic
      radiation is a common phenomenon which significantly reduces treatment options
      and impacts survival. One of the mechanisms of acquiring resistance to ionizing
      radiation is the overexpression or activation of various oncogenes like the EGFR
      (epidermal growth factor receptor), RAS (rat sarcoma) oncogene or loss of PTEN
      (phosphatase and tensin homologue) which in turn activates the phosphatidyl
      inositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3-K)/AKT pathway responsible for radiation
      resistance in various tumours. Blocking the pathway enhances the radiation
      response both in vitro and in vivo. Due to the differential activation of this
      pathway (constitutively activated in tumour cells and not in the normal host
      cells), it is an excellent candidate target for molecular targeted therapy to
      enhance radiation sensitivity. In this regard, HIV protease inhibitors (HPIs)
      known to interfere with PI3-K/AKT signaling in tumour cells, have been shown to
      sensitize various tumour cells to radiation both in vitro and in vivo. As a
      result, HPIs are now being investigated as possible radiosensitizers along with
      various chemotherapeutic drugs. This review describes the mechanisms by which PI3
      K/AKT pathway causes radioresistance and the role of HIV protease inhibitors
      especially nelfinavir as a potential candidate drug to target the AKT pathway for
      overcoming radioresistance and its use in various clinical trials for different
      malignancies. 

PMID- 27121514
TI  - Epidemiology of childhood overweight & obesity in India: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Childhood obesity is a known precursor to obesity and
      other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood. However, the magnitude of
      the problem among children and adolescents in India is unclear due to paucity of
      well-conducted nationwide studies and lack of uniformity in the cut-points used
      to define childhood overweight and obesity. Hence an attempt was made to review
      the data on trends in childhood overweight and obesity reported from India during
      1981 to 2013. METHODS: Literature search was done in various scientific public
      domains from the last three decades using key words such as childhood and
      adolescent obesity, overweight, prevalence, trends, etc. Additional studies were
      also identified through cross-references and websites of official agencies.
      RESULTS: Prevalence data from 52 studies conducted in 16 of the 28 States in
      India were included in analysis. The median value for the combined prevalence of
      childhood and adolescent obesity showed that it was higher in north, compared to
      south India. The pooled data after 2010 estimated a combined prevalence of 19.3
      per cent of childhood overweight and obesity which was a significant increase
      from the earlier prevalence of 16.3 per cent reported in 2001-2005.
      INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our review shows that overweight and obesity rates
      in children and adolescents are increasing not just among the higher socio
      economic groups but also in the lower income groups where underweight still
      remains a major concern.

PMID- 27121515
TI  - Hair & skin derived progenitor cells: In search of a candidate cell for
      regenerative medicine.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Skin is an established tissue source for cell based
      therapy. The hair follicle has been introduced later as a tissue source for cell
      based therapy. The ease of tissue harvest and multipotent nature of the resident
      stem cells in skin and hair follicle has promoted basic and clinical research in
      this area. This study was conducted to evaluate skin stem cells (SSCs) and hair
      follicle stem cells (HFSCs) as candidate cells appropriate for neuronal and
      melanocyte lineage differentiation. METHODS: In this study, SSCs and hair
      follicle stem cells (HFSCs) were expanded in vitro by explant culture method and
      were compared in terms of proliferative potential and stemness; differentiation
      potential into melanocytes and neuronal lineage. RESULTS: SSCs were found to be
      more proliferative in comparison to HFSCs, however, telomerase activity was more
      in HFSCs in comparison to SSCs. Capacity to differentiate into two lineages of
      ectoderm origin (neuronal and melanocyte) was found to be different. HFSCs cells
      showed more propensities towards melanocyte lineage, whereas SSCs were more
      inclined towards neuronal lineage. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The study showed
      that SSCs had differential advantage over the HFSCs for neuronal cell
      differentiation, whereas, the HFSCs were better source for melanocytic
      differentiation.

PMID- 27121516
TI  - Investigation of FANCA gene in Fanconi anaemia patients in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Fanconi anaemia (FA) is a syndrome with a predisposition
      to bone marrow failure, congenital anomalies and malignancies. It is
      characterized by cellular hypersensitivity to cross-linking agents such as
      mitomycin C (MMC). In the present study, a new approach was selected to
      investigate FANCA (Fanconi anaemia complementation group A) gene in patients
      clinically diagnosed with cellular hypersensitivity to DNA cross-linking agent
      MMC. METHODS: Chromosomal breakage analysis was performed to prove the diagnosis
      of Fanconi anaemia in 318 families. Of these, 70 families had a positive result.
      Forty families agreed to molecular genetic testing. In total, there were 27
      patients with unknown complementary types. Genomic DNA was extracted and total
      RNA was isolated from fresh whole blood of the patients. The first-strand cDNA
      was synthesized and the cDNA of each patient was then tested with 21 pairs of
      overlapping primers. High resolution melting curve analysis was used to screen
      FANCA, and LinReg software version 1.7 was utilized for analysis of expression.
      RESULTS: In total, six sequence alterations were identified, which included two
      stop codons, two frames-shift mutations, one large deletion and one amino acid
      exchange. FANCA expression was downregulated in patients who had sequence
      alterations. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show
      that high resolution melting (HRM) curve analysis may be useful in the detection
      of sequence alteration. It is simpler and more cost-effective than the multiplex
      ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) procedure.

PMID- 27121517
TI  - Clinical & radiological evaluation of atherosclerotic changes in carotid &
      coronary arteries in asymptomatic & clinically symptomatic individuals as a tool
      for pre-symptomatic diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: An increase in prevalence of atherosclerosis has been
      noted worldwide with reports of higher incidence of atherosclerotic vascular
      changes in Asian Indians. There is a need to measure vascular atherosclerotic
      changes and provide objective parameter to predict cardiac and cerebrovascular
      adverse events. Atherosclerotic changes in carotids and coronaries are generally
      accepted as an association. We attempted in this study to relate intimal-luminal
      changes in carotid arteries to luminal changes in coronary arteries. Our study
      presents results of high resolution ultra sonographic (HRUS) evaluation of
      intimal-medial-thickness (IMT) in carotid with luminal changes in coronaries on
      multidetector-CT (MDCT) in clinically asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals.
      METHODS: In this prospective study, HRUS examination of the carotid bifurcation
      was performed in 151 individuals to measure IMT in asymptomatic and symptomatic
      groups. Assessments of coronary arteries of the same group of patients were
      evaluated by MDCT within a week interval. IMT changes were associated with age,
      sex, predisposing factors, calcium burden of coronaries and structural
      atherosclerotic changes in coronary arteries. RESULTS: A linear association of
      IMT was observed with increasing age. IMT of 0.5-0.69 mm was noted in 50 per cent
      of patients between 51-56 yr with higher number of symptomatic patients in this
      group. Linear increases in coronary vascular changes were noted with increasing
      IMT thickness. Changes were more prevalent in diabetic, hypertensive, treadmill
      test (TMT) positive and clinically symptomatic patients. INTERPRETATION &
      CONCLUSIONS: Age-related progression of atherosclerosis was evident in internal
      carotid arteries. Significant association was observed in the IMT thickness of
      right common carotid (RCC) and coronary disease in symptomatic group; whereas IMT
      of left common carotid and internal carotid arteries did not show any
      association. RCC IMT between 0.5-0.7mm showed maximal association with
      significant symptomatic narrowing of coronary arteries. Patients with IMT beyond
      0.7mm had no association with symptoms.

PMID- 27121518
TI  - Impaired systemic vascular reactivity & raised high-sensitivity C reactive
      protein levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
      characterized by slowly progressive airflow limitaion, chronic lung inflammation
      and associated systemic manifestations. The objective of this preliminary study
      was to investigate the levels of high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs CRP) and
      tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) as markers of systemic inflammation and
      assessment of systemic vascular reactivity that may play an important role in
      development of cardiovascular disease in COPD patients. METHODS: Systemic
      vascular reactivity was assessed non-invasively by measuring peripheral pulse
      waveform changes during reactive hyperemia (RH) in 16 COPD patients and 14
      controls by photoplethysmography technique (PPG). Parameters measured were pulse
      wave amplitude (PWA), slope and pulse transit time (PTT). Tumour necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha) and hs CRP were measured as markers of inflammation. RESULTS:
      PWA during the 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd minutes post release of occlusion were
      significantly higher than the baseline means in controls, whereas in the patient
      group there was no significant change in the PWA during any of the observed time
      periods following release of occlusion, in comparison to the baseline means.
      Similar results were observed in slope values for patients and controls. Maximum
      percentage change in PWA during RH with reference to baseline was significantly
      lower in patients as compared to controls (26.78+/-20.19 vs 57.20+/-19.80%,
      p<0.001). Maximum percentage change in slope during RH with reference to baseline
      was significantly lower in patients as compared to controls (19.77+/-10.73 vs
      39.25+/-13.49%, P<0.001). A vascular tone response as represented by PTT was also
      impaired in the 3 rd minute of RH as compared to baseline mean values in COPD
      patients only. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed raised hs CRP
      levels and impaired systemic vascular reactivity in COPD patients. Whether these
      may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in COPD patients need to be
      confirmed in future studies with large sample size and appropriate study design.

PMID- 27121519
TI  - Quantitative & qualitative analysis of endothelial cells of donor cornea before &
      after penetrating keratoplasty in different pathological conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Endothelial cells of the donor cornea are known to be
      affected quantitatively and qualitatively in different pathological conditions
      after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and this has direct effect on the clarity of
      vision obtained after PK. This study was undertaken to analyze the qualitative
      and quantitative changes in donor endothelial cells before and after PK in
      different pathological conditions. METHODS: A prospective investigational
      analysis of 100 consecutive donor corneas used for penetrating keratoplasty
      between June 2006 and June 2008, was conducted. The patients were evaluated on
      the first day, at the end of first week, first month, third and six months and
      one year. RESULTS: A decrease was observed in endothelial cell count in all
      pathological conditions. After one year of follow up the loss was 33.1 per cent
      in corneal opacity, 45.9 per cent in acute infective keratitis (AIK), 58.5 per
      cent in regrafts, 28.5 per cent in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK), 37 per
      cent in descemetocele, 27 per cent in keratoconus and 35.5 per cent in aphakic
      bullous keratopathy (ABK) cases. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The endothelial
      cell loss was highest in regraft cases which was significant (P<0.05), while the
      least endothelial cell loss was seen in keratoconus cases. The cell loss was
      associated with increase in coefficient of variation (CV), i.e. polymegathism and
      pleomorphism. Inspite of this polymegathism and pleomorphism, the clarity of the
      graft was maintained.

PMID- 27121521
TI  - Measles & rubella outbreaks in Maharashtra State, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Under the outbreak-based measles surveillance in
      Maharashtra State the National Institute of Virology at Pune receives 3-5 serum
      samples from each outbreak and samples from the local hospitals in Pune for
      laboratory diagnosis. This report describes one year data on the measles and
      rubella serology, virus isolation and genotyping. METHODS: Maharashtra State
      Health Agencies investigated 98 suspected outbreaks between January-December 2013
      in the 20 districts. Altogether, 491 serum samples were received from 20
      districts and 126 suspected cases from local hospitals. Samples were tested for
      the measles and rubella IgM antibodies by commercial enzyme immunoassay (EIA). To
      understand the diagnostic utility, a subset of serum samples (n=53) was tested by
      measles focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT). Further, 37 throat swabs and
      32 urine specimens were tested by measles reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and
      positive products were sequenced. Virus isolation was performed in Vero hSLAM
      cells. RESULTS: Of the 98 suspected measles outbreaks, 61 were confirmed as
      measles, 12 as rubella and 21 confirmed as the mixed outbreaks. Four outbreaks
      remained unconfirmed. Of the 126 cases from the local hospitals, 91 were
      confirmed for measles and three for rubella. Overall, 93.6 per cent (383/409)
      confirmed measles cases were in the age group of 0-15 yr. Measles virus was
      detected in 18 of 38 specimens obtained from the suspected cases. Sequencing of
      PCR products revealed circulation of D4 (n=9) and D8 (n=9) strains. Four measles
      viruses (three D4 & one D8) were isolated. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS:
      Altogether, 94 measles and rubella outbreaks were confirmed in 2013 in the State
      of Maharasthra indicating the necessity to increase measles vaccine coverage in
      the State.

PMID- 27121520
TI  - Perioperative time course of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), its tissue
      inhibitor TIMP-1 & S100B protein in carotid surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Ischaemic stroke is a life burdening disease for which
      carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is considered a gold standard intervention. Pro
      inflammatory markers like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors
      (TIMPs) and S-100 Beta (S100B) may have a role in the early inflammation and
      cognitive decline following CEA. This study was aimed to describe the
      perioperative time courses and correlations between of MMP-9, TIMP-1 and S100B
      following CEA. METHODS: Fifty four patients scheduled for CEA were enrolled.
      Blood samples were collected at four time points, T 1 : preoperative, T 2 : 60
      min after cross-clamp release, T 3 : first postoperative morning, T 4 : third
      postoperative morning. Twenty atherosclerotic patients were included as controls.
      Plasma MMP-9, TIMP-1 and S100B levels were estimated by ELISA. RESULTS: TIMP-1
      was decreased significantly in the CEA group (P<0.01). Plasma MMP-9 was elevated
      and remained elevated from T 1-4 in the CEA group (P<0.05) with a marked
      elevation in T 3 compared to T 1 (P<0.05). MMP-9/TIMP-1 was elevated in the CEA
      group and increased further by T 2 and T 3 (P<0.05). S100B was elevated on T 2
      and decreased on T 3-4 compared to T 1 . INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      provides information on the dynamic changes of MMP-9-TIMP-1 system and S100B in
      the perioperative period. Preoperative reduction of TIMP-1 might be predictive
      for shunt requirement but future studies are required for verification.

PMID- 27121522
TI  - An alternative strategy to generate coding sequence of macrophage migration
      inhibitory factor-2 of Wuchereria bancrofti.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Different developmental stages of Wuchereria bancrofti,
      the major causal organism of lymphatic filariasis (LF), are difficult to obtain.
      Beside this limitation, to obtain complete coding sequence (CDS) of a gene one
      has to isolate mRNA and perform subsequent cDNA synthesis which is laborious and
      not successful at times. In this study, an alternative strategy employing
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was optimized and validated, to generate CDS of
      Macrophage migration Inhibitory Factor-2 (wbMIF-2), a gene expressed in the
      transition stage between L3 to L4. METHODS: The genomic DNA of W. bancrofti
      microfilariae was extracted and used to amplify the full length wbMIF-2 gene
      (4.275 kb). This amplified product was used as a template for amplifying the
      exons separately, using the overlapping primers, which were then assembled
      through another round of PCR. RESULTS: A simple strategy was developed based on
      PCR, which is used routinely in molecular biology laboratories. The amplified CDS
      of 363 bp of wbMIF-2 generated using genomic DNA splicing technique was devoid of
      any intronic sequence. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: The cDNA of wbMIF-2 gene was
      successfully amplified from genomic DNA of microfilarial stage of W. bancrofti
      thus circumventing the use of inaccessible L3-L4 transitional stage of this
      parasite. This strategy is useful for generating CDS of genes from parasites that
      have restricted availability.

PMID- 27121524
TI  - Adherence to anti-retroviral drugs.

PMID- 27121523
TI  - Compromised zinc status of experimental rats as a consequence of prolonged iron &
      calcium supplementation.
AB  - BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Iron supplementation is usually given to pregnant and
      lactating women who may also have marginal deficiency of zinc. The negative
      impact of supplemental iron and calcium on zinc status is a cause of concern. The
      present investigation was undertaken to examine the effect of inclusion of iron
      and calcium in the diet at supplementary levels on zinc status of experimental
      rats. METHODS: Groups of experimental rats were maintained on diets supplemented
      with iron (Molar ratio - Zn:Fe 1:30) and calcium (Molar ratio - Zn:Ca 1:667) both
      individually and in combination for six weeks. Zinc status of these rats was
      assessed by determining zinc concentration in circulation and in organs, and the
      activities of zinc containing enzymes in serum and liver. RESULTS: The zinc
      status of experimental rats receiving supplemental levels of iron and calcium was
      significantly compromised. Zinc concentration in serum, kidney, spleen and liver
      was reduced significantly by both these minerals. Six weeks of supplementation of
      iron and calcium individually, significantly reduced the activity of liver and
      serum superoxide dismutase and alkaline phosphatase. Activity of liver alcohol
      dehydrogenase was lowered in calcium supplemented group and in calcium + iron
      supplemented group, while that of carbonic anhydrase was significantly reduced by
      iron, calcium and their combination. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Supplemental
      levels of iron and calcium, both individually and in combination, significantly
      compromised the zinc status of experimental rats. This negative effect of these
      two minerals was more prominent when these were supplemented for a period of six
      weeks.

PMID- 27121525
TI  - Authors' response.

PMID- 27121526
TI  - Drug-induced diseases (DIDs).

PMID- 27121527
TI  - Authors' response.

PMID- 27121528
TI  - Uncommon presentation of a less common tumour.

PMID- 27121529
TI  - Primary testicular plasmablastic lymphoma: unique case in a 30 year old.

PMID- 27121530
TI  - Iron Supplementation Affects Hematologic Biomarker Concentrations and Pregnancy
      Outcomes among Iron-Deficient Tanzanian Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is a highly prevalent micronutrient abnormality and
      the most common cause of anemia globally, worsening the burden of adverse
      pregnancy and child outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the response of
      hematologic biomarkers to iron supplementation and to examine the predictors of
      the response to iron supplementation among iron-deficient pregnant women.
      METHODS: We identified 600 iron-deficient (serum ferritin <=12 MUg/L) pregnant
      women, aged 18-45 y, presenting to 2 antenatal clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
      using rapid ferritin screening tests, and prospectively followed them through
      delivery and postpartum. All women received 60 mg Fe and 0.25 mg folate daily
      from enrollment until delivery. Proportions meeting the thresholds representing
      deficient hematologic status including hemoglobin <110 g/L, ferritin <=12 MUg/L,
      serum soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) >4.4 mg/L, zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP)
      >70 mmol/L, or hepcidin <=13.3 MUg/L at baseline and delivery were assessed. The
      prospective change in biomarker concentration and the influence of baseline
      hematologic status on the change in biomarker concentrations were assessed.
      Regression models were estimated to assess the relation of change in biomarker
      concentrations and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: There was significant improvement
      in maternal biomarker concentrations between baseline and delivery, with
      increases in the concentrations of hemoglobin (mean difference: 15.2 g/L; 95% CI:
      13.2, 17.2 g/L), serum ferritin (51.6 MUg/L; 95% CI: 49.5, 58.8 MUg/L), and serum
      hepcidin (14.0 MUg/L; 95% CI: 12.4, 15.6 MUg/L) and decreases in sTfR (-1.7 mg/L;
      95% CI: -2.0, -1.3 mg/L) and ZPP (-17.8 mmol/L; 95% CI: -32.1, 3.5 mmol/L). The
      proportions of participants with low hemoglobin, ferritin, and hepcidin were 73%,
      93%, and 99%, respectively, at baseline and 34%, 12%, and 46%, respectively, at
      delivery. The improvements in biomarker concentrations were significantly greater
      among participants with poor hematologic status at baseline - up to 12.1 g/L and
      14.5 MUg/L for hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations, respectively. For every 10
      g/L increase in hemoglobin concentration, there was a 24% reduced risk of
      perinatal mortality (RR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.59, 0.99) and a 23% reduced risk of
      early infant mortality (RR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.99). The risk of anemia at
      delivery despite supplementation was predicted by baseline anemia (RR = 2.11; 95%
      CI: 1.39, 3.18) and improvements in ferritin concentration were more likely to be
      observed in participants who took iron supplements for up to 90 d (RR = 1.41; 95%
      CI: 1.13, 1.76). CONCLUSION: Iron supplementation decreases the risk of maternal
      anemia and increases the likelihood of infant survival among iron-deficient
      Tanzanian pregnant women. Interventions to promote increased duration and
      adherence to iron supplements may also provide greater health benefits.

PMID- 27121531
TI  - Multivitamin Use and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although multivitamins are widely used by US adults, few prospective
      studies have investigated their association with the long- and short-term risks
      of cardiovascular disease (CVD). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      investigate how multivitamin use is associated with the risk of CVD in initially
      healthy men at baseline. METHODS: We studied 18,530 male physicians aged >=40 y
      from the Physicians' Health Study I cohort who were free of CVD and cancer at
      baseline (1982). All men provided a wide range of self-reported lifestyle and
      clinical factors plus intake of selected foods and dietary supplements. Cox
      proportional hazards models were used to calculate multivariable-adjusted HRs
      (95% CIs). RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 12.2 y (total of 225,287 person
      years), there were 1697 incident cases of major CVD (defined as nonfatal
      myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and CVD death). In multivariable-adjusted
      analyses, no significant associations were observed among baseline multivitamin
      users compared with nonusers for the risk of major CVD events (HR: 0.94; 95% CI:
      0.84, 1.05), whereas a self-reported duration of >=20 y at baseline was
      associated with lower risk (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.90; P-trend = 0.05).
      Baseline multivitamin use was also significantly inversely associated with the
      risk of cardiac revascularization (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.75, 0.98). Baseline use of
      multivitamins was not significantly associated with other CVD endpoints.
      CONCLUSION: In this long-term prospective study in initially healthy men,
      multivitamin use for >=20 y was associated with a lower risk of major CVD events.

PMID- 27121533
TI  - Systemic redox imbalance in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - CONTEXT: Increased oxidative burden is found in chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD). OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of ceruloplasmin, albumin,
      bilirubin, transferrin, thiols and malondialdehyde (MDA) with stable COPD.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oxidative stress markers measured in 106 COPD patients and
      45 healthy subjects were evaluated. RESULTS: Higher ceruloplasmin and MDA, and
      lower albumin, transferrin and thiols in COPD patients were found. Ceruloplasmin
      was the strongest single predictor of COPD. The model combining ceruloplasmin,
      albumin and thiols improved their individual diagnostic performances.
      CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic characteristics of ceruloplasmin, albumin, transferrin,
      thiols and MDA suggest their potential value as additional tools in disease
      diagnosis.

PMID- 27121532
TI  - Plasma Riboflavin and Vitamin B-6, but Not Homocysteine, Folate, or Vitamin B-12,
      Are Inversely Associated with Breast Cancer Risk in the European Prospective
      Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Varese Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One-carbon metabolism-important for DNA stability and integrity-may
      play a role in breast carcinogenesis. However, epidemiologic studies addressing
      this issue have yielded inconsistent results. OBJECTIVE: We prospectively
      investigated associations between breast cancer and plasma folate, riboflavin,
      vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and homocysteine in women recruited to the Varese
      (Italy) cohort of the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and
      Nutrition) study. METHODS: We performed a nested case-control study on women aged
      35-65 y at recruitment with a median body mass index of 25.3 kg/m(2) who gave
      blood samples in 1987-1992 and again in 1993-1998. Breast cancer cases identified
      by 31 December 2009 were individually matched to controls. RRs of breast cancer
      (and subtypes defined by hormone receptor status) with 95% CIs were estimated by
      unconditional logistic regression, controlling for matching factors and breast
      cancer risk factors. RESULTS: After a median of 14.9 y, 276 breast cancer cases
      were identified and matched to 276 controls. Increasing plasma vitamin B-6 was
      associated with decreased risk of overall (RR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.96 for 1-SD
      increase), premenopausal (RR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.48, 0.92 for 1-SD increase),
      estrogen receptor-positive (RR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.63, 1.00 for 1-SD increase), and
      progesterone receptor-positive (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.95 for 1-SD increase)
      breast cancers. Increased plasma vitamin B-6 was also associated with decreased
      breast cancer risk in alcohol consumers (>=7 g/d) compared with consumption of <7
      g/d or nonconsumption (RR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.99). High plasma riboflavin was
      associated with significantly lower risk in premenopausal women (RR: 0.45; 95%
      CI: 0.21, 0.94; highest compared with the lowest quartile, P trend = 0.021).
      Plasma homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B-12 were not associated with breast
      cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: High plasma vitamin B-6 and riboflavin may lower breast
      cancer risk, especially in premenopausal women. Additional research is necessary
      to further explore these associations.

PMID- 27121534
TI  - Conductance Quantization at Zero Magnetic Field in InSb Nanowires.
AB  - Ballistic electron transport is a key requirement for existence of a topological
      phase transition in proximitized InSb nanowires. However, measurements of
      quantized conductance as direct evidence of ballistic transport have so far been
      obscured due to the increased chance of backscattering in one-dimensional
      nanowires. We show that by improving the nanowire-metal interface as well as the
      dielectric environment we can consistently achieve conductance quantization at
      zero magnetic field. Additionally we study the contribution of orbital effects to
      the sub-band dispersion for different orientation of the magnetic field,
      observing a near-degeneracy between the second and third sub-bands.

PMID- 27121535
TI  - Rapid analysis of six trace trichlorophenols in seawater by magnetic micro-solid
      phase extraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A new facile, rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive method for the analysis of six
      trace trichlorophenols in seawater samples was developed by magnetic micro-solid
      phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.
      Core-shell covalently functionalized ferroferric oxide coated with aminated
      silicon dioxide and decorated with multiwalled carbon nanotubes was applied as an
      adsorbent to perform the extraction process. The effect of factors including
      solution pH, contact time, adsorbent amount, and ionic strength were investigated
      in detail. The obtained results revealed that the proposed adsorbent was a highly
      effective and low-cost magnetic micro-solid-phase extraction material for the
      enrichment of 2,3,4-trichlorophenol, 2,3,5-trichlorophenol, 2,3,6
      trichlorophenol, 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, and 3,4,5
      trichlorophenol from seawater. Under the optimized conditions, the recoveries
      ranged from 88.0 to 99.5% at the three spiking levels, the limits of detection
      and the limits of quantification were 0.002 and 0.007 MUg/L for the six
      trichlorophenols, respectively. The intra- and interday relative standard
      deviations were 2.0-6.7 and 4.5-8.9%, respectively. The calibration curves showed
      a good linearity in the range of 0.02-5.0 MUg/L. The routine run analyses showed
      that the developed method was fast, simple, accurate, solvent-saving and high
      resolution, and it was suitable for the determination of trace trichlorophenols
      in seawater. 

PMID- 27121536
TI  - An Air-Stable Semiconducting Polymer Containing Dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]arsole.
AB  - Arsole-containing conjugated polymers are a practically unexplored class of
      materials despite the high interest in their phosphole analogues. Herein we
      report the synthesis of the first dithieno[3,2-b;2',3'-d]arsole derivative, and
      demonstrate that it is stable to ambient oxidation in its +3 oxidation state. A
      soluble copolymer is obtained by a palladium-catalyzed Stille polymerization and
      demonstrated to be a p-type semiconductor with promising hole mobility, which was
      evaluated by field-effect transistor measurements.

PMID- 27121538
TI  - Zn/Cd ratios and cadmium isotope evidence for the classification of lead-zinc
      deposits.
AB  - Lead-zinc deposits are often difficult to classify because clear criteria are
      lacking. In recent years, new tools, such as Cd and Zn isotopes, have been used
      to better understand the ore-formation processes and to classify Pb-Zn deposits.
      Herein, we investigate Cd concentrations, Cd isotope systematics and Zn/Cd ratios
      in sphalerite from nine Pb-Zn deposits divided into high-temperature systems
      (e.g., porphyry), low-temperature systems (e.g., Mississippi Valley type [MVT])
      and exhalative systems (e.g., sedimentary exhalative [SEDEX]). Our results showed
      little evidence of fractionation in the high-temperature systems. In the low
      temperature systems, Cd concentrations were the highest, but were also highly
      variable, a result consistent with the higher fractionation of Cd at low
      temperatures. The delta(114/110)Cd values in low-temperature systems were
      enriched in heavier isotopes (mean of 0.32 +/- 0.310/00). Exhalative systems had
      the lowest Cd concentrations, with a mean delta(114/110)Cd value of 0.12 +/-
      0.500/00. We thus conclude that different ore-formation systems result in
      different characteristic Cd concentrations and fraction levels and that low
      temperature processes lead to the most significant fractionation of Cd.
      Therefore, Cd distribution and isotopic studies can support better understanding
      of the geochemistry of ore-formation processes and the classification of Pb-Zn
      deposits.

PMID- 27121537
TI  - Identification of TLR2 and TLR4-induced microRNAs in human mesenchymal stem cells
      and their possible roles in regulating TLR signals.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal
      stromal cells (BM-MSCs), and the activation of TLRs is important in
      proliferation, differentiation, migration and hematopoiesis-supporting functions
      of BM-MSCs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain
      to be elucidated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in various biological functions
      by mediating mRNA degradation or inhibiting translation of target genes. The
      present study aimed to identify whether TLRs regulate the expression of miRNAs in
      BM-MSCs and elucidate the regulatory roles of miRNAs. Illumina high-throughput
      sequencing was used to profile miRNAs expressed in BM-MSCs stimulated with TLR2
      agonist, PAM3CSK4 (PM) or TLR4 agonist, lipopolysaccharides (LPS). A marked
      expression change upon PM or LPS treatment was observed for 164 known miRNAs and
      six novel miRNAs that were identified. The expression of six novel miRNAs and 40
      randomly selected known miRNAs was further validated by reverse transcription
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, bioinformatic methods were
      used to predict the potential target genes of the abundant known miRNAs. The gene
      ontology analysis demonstrated that predicted targets were enriched in the
      regulation of signal transduction, cellular processes and macromolecule metabolic
      processes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis suggested
      that these potential targets were involved in numerous important pathways,
      predominantly including mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol
      4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase-Akt, neurotrophin and cancer-associated signaling
      pathways. The present study aimed to identify the global expression change of
      miRNAs in BM-MSCs stimulated with LPS and PM, providing the opportunity to
      further elucidate the roles of miRNAs in mediating TLR signals to regulate the
      functions of BM-MSCs. 

PMID- 27121540
TI  - Specialised services "swallow up" increasing share of NHS budget.

PMID- 27121539
TI  - Design of a randomized controlled trial of extended-release naltrexone versus
      daily buprenorphine-naloxone for opioid dependence in Norway (NTX-SBX).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current guidelines for opioid dependence recommend daily maintenance
      of physical dependence with methadone or buprenorphine, and discourage abstinence
      due to the high risk of relapse and overdose. Extended-release formulations of
      the opioid antagonist naltrexone (XR-NTX) block heroin and other opioid agonists
      competitively for around 4 weeks per administration. XR-NTX thus enables opioid
      users to experience abstinence from opioid agonists with greatly reduced risk of
      overdose compared to medication-free abstinence. While XR-NTX has shown promise
      compared to placebo and daily naltrexone tablets, there is limited information on
      long-term safety and its performance compared to daily maintenance treatment.
      METHODS/DESIGN: In this five-hospital RCT with long-term follow-up, we aim to
      recruit n = 180 patients in treatment for opioid dependence and allocate them in
      an open, randomized manner (1:1) to receive either 4-week XR-NTX or daily
      buprenorphine-naloxone (BP-NLX) for the duration of 12 weeks. Allocation is open
      label due to the risk of overdose during attempts to self-unmask allocation using
      heroin. Urine drug tests are scheduled every week with follow-up visits &
      assessment every 4 weeks. Primary outcomes are abstinence from illicit opioids in
      urine drug tests and self-report, as well as retention in treatment. Secondary
      outcomes include other substance use, injecting behavior, drug craving, mental
      health, quality of life, treatment satisfaction, abstinence motivation, opioid
      agonist effect rating, insomnia, and pain. Observation is continued for another
      36 weeks in order to assess longer-term safety, adherence and effectiveness. The
      study is an investigator-initiated trial, funded by public grants and approved by
      an Independent Ethical Committee (the Regional Ethical Committee for Research
      South-East B # 2011/1320) and the Norwegian Medicines Agency. DISCUSSION: Despite
      minor implementation problems, the protocol appears sufficiently robust to
      generate results of high interest to patients, clinicians and policy makers.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov # NCT01717963 , first registered: Oct 28,
      2012. Protocol version # 3C, June 12th 2012.

PMID- 27121541
TI  - Resting Metabolic Rate Is Positively Correlated with Parental Care Behavior in a
      Dwarf Hamster.
AB  - Endotherms maintain high and constant body temperatures through the production
      and maintenance of metabolic heat. Defining the evolutionary history of these
      thermal adaptations and the selective factors responsible for the evolution of
      endothermy despite its high metabolic costs have been elusive and controversial
      topics in evolutionary biology. In this sense, several models have been proposed
      to explain the evolution of endothermy. Among them, the parental care model
      explains the increase in resting metabolic rate (RMR) by the action of natural
      selection favoring parental care. Thus, a positive relationship between parental
      care behavior and RMR is predicted. However, there appears to be no or little
      previous work experimentally testing this relationship. In the study presented
      here, RMR was increased through l-tyrosine injections and parental care behavior
      was measured. This treatment allowed us to test the relationship between RMR
      level and parental care behavior in a dwarf hamster. It was found that increased
      RMR enhanced male parental care. Specifically, male latency time, or the time
      until contacting and picking up their pups, decreased when RMR increased. This
      study demonstrates the positive relationship between RMR and the allocation of
      resources to parental care. This study supports the main assumption of Kotejas's
      parental care model and accepts Koteja's proposed explanation for the evolution
      of endothermy as a plausible hypothesis. 

PMID- 27121542
TI  - Analysis of gemini pollen 3 mutant suggests a broad function of AUGMIN in
      microtubule organization during sexual reproduction in Arabidopsis.
AB  - In flowering plants, male gametes arise via meiosis of diploid pollen mother
      cells followed by two rounds of mitotic division. Haploid microspores undergo
      polar nuclear migration and asymmetric division at pollen mitosis I to segregate
      the male germline, followed by division of the germ cell to generate a pair of
      sperm cells. We previously reported two gemini pollen (gem) mutants that produced
      twin-celled pollen arising from polarity and cytokinesis defects at pollen
      mitosis I in Arabidopsis. Here, we report an independent mutant, gem3, with a
      similar division phenotype and severe genetic transmission defects through
      pollen. Cytological analyses revealed that gem3 disrupts cell division during
      male meiosis, at pollen mitosis I and during female gametophyte development. We
      show that gem3 is a hypomorphic allele (aug6-1) of AUGMIN subunit 6, encoding a
      conserved component in the augmin complex, which mediates microtubule (MT)
      dependent MT nucleation in acentrosomal cells. We show that MT arrays are
      disturbed in gem3/aug6-1 during male meiosis and pollen mitosis I using
      fluorescent MT-markers. Our results demonstrate a broad role for the augmin
      complex in MT organization during sexual reproduction, and highlight gem3/aug6-1
      mutants as a valuable tool for the investigation of augmin-dependent MT
      nucleation and dynamics in plant cells.

PMID- 27121544
TI  - Gallstones.

PMID- 27121543
TI  - Investigation of binding properties of dicationic styrylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridinium
      dyes to human serum albumin by spectroscopic techniques.
AB  - The binding interaction between two dicationic styrylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridinium
      dyes and human serum albumin (HSA) was investigated at physiological conditions
      using fluorescence, UV-vis absorption, and circular dichroism (CD)
      spectroscopies. Analysis of the fluorescence titration data at different
      temperatures suggested that the fluorescence quenching mechanism of HSA by these
      dyes was static. The calculated thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG degrees , DeltaH
      degrees  and DeltaS degrees ) indicated that hydrogen bonding and van der Waals
      forces played a major role in the formation of the dye-HSA complex. Binding
      distances (r) between dyes and HSA were calculated according to Forster's non
      radiative energy transfer theory. Studies of conformational changes of HSA using
      CD measurements indicate that the alpha-helical content of the protein decreased
      upon binding of the dyes. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27121545
TI  - Telephone based cognitive-behavioral screening for frontotemporal changes in
      patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
AB  - Our objective was to establish a valid and reliable battery of measures to
      evaluate frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in patients with ALS over the telephone.
      Thirty-one subjects were administered either in-person or by telephone-based
      screening followed by the opposite mode of testing two weeks later, using a
      modified version of the UCSF Cognitive Screening Battery. Equivalence testing was
      performed for in-person and telephone based tests. The standard ALS Cognitive
      Behavioral Screen (ALS-CBS) showed statistical equivalence at the 5% significance
      level compared to a revised phone version of the ALS-CBS. In addition, the
      Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) and Center for Neurologic Study
      Lability Scale (CNS-LS) were also found to be equivalent at the 5% and 10%
      significance level, respectively. Similarly, the Mini-Mental State Examination
      (MMSE) and the well-established Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS)
      were also statistically equivalent. Equivalence could not be claimed for the ALS
      Frontal Behavioral Inventory (ALS-FBI) caregiver interview and the Written Verbal
      Fluency Index (WVFI). In conclusion, our study suggests that telephone-based
      versions of the ALS-CBS, COWAT, and CNS-LS may offer clinicians valid tools to
      detect frontotemporal changes in the ALS population. Development of telephone
      based cognitive testing for ALS could become an integral resource for population
      based research in the future.

PMID- 27121547
TI  - A quasi-steady aerodynamic model for flapping flight with improved adaptability.
AB  - An improved quasi-steady aerodynamic model for flapping wings in hover has been
      developed. The purpose of this model is to yield rapid predictions of lift
      generation and efficiency during the design phase of flapping wing micro air
      vehicles. While most existing models are tailored for a specific flow condition,
      the present model is applicable over a wider range of Reynolds number and Rossby
      number. The effects of wing aspect ratio and taper ratio are also considered. The
      model was validated by comparing against numerical simulations and experimental
      measurements. Wings with different geometries undergoing distinct kinematics at
      varying flow conditions were tested during validation. Generally, model
      predictions of mean force coefficients were within 10% of numerical simulation
      results, while the deviations in power coefficients could be up to 15%. The
      deviation is partly due to the model not taking into consideration the initial
      shedding of the leading-edge vortex and wing-wake interaction which are difficult
      to account under quasi-steady assumption. The accuracy of this model is
      comparable to other models in literature, which had to be specifically designed
      or tuned to a narrow range of operation. In contrast, the present model has the
      advantage of being applicable over a wider range of flow conditions without prior
      tuning or calibration, which makes it a useful tool for preliminary performance
      evaluations. 

PMID- 27121548
TI  - Public Health Education in India - Reforms or Revolution?

PMID- 27121546
TI  - The role of JAM-B in cancer and cancer metastasis (Review).
AB  - The junctional adhesion molecule B (JAM-B) is a multifunctional transmembrane
      protein, which belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF). JAM-B is
      localized to cell-cell contacts and enriched at cell junctions in epithelial and
      endothelial cells, as well as on the surface of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and
      platelets. Recent research in this field has shown that JAM-B plays an important
      role in numerous cellular processes, such as tight junction assembly,
      spermatogenesis, regulation of paracellular permeability, leukocytic
      transmigration, angiogenesis, tumor metastasis and cell proliferation. This study
      provides a new research direction for the diagnosis and treatment of relevant
      diseases. In this review, we briefly focus on what is currently known about the
      structure, function, and mechanism of JAM-B, with particular emphasis on cancer. 

PMID- 27121551
TI  - Poor agreement between diagnostic tests for latent tuberculosis infection among
      HIV-infected persons in Hong Kong.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The tuberculin skin test (TST), T-Spot.TB (T-Spot) and
      QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In Tube (QFT) were compared in diagnosing latent tuberculosis
      infection (LTBI) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons.
      METHODS: Human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons without previous history
      of tuberculosis or LTBI were simultaneously tested by TST, T-Spot and QFT
      annually and followed up for tuberculosis. RESULTS: Among 110 HIV-infected
      subjects with 85% previous TST screening coverage, 75% on anti-retroviral
      therapy, well-preserved median CD4 count (414/MUL) and low median viral load
      (<75/MUL), baseline TST, T-Spot and QFT were positive in 5.5%, 5.6% and 4.9%,
      respectively, with almost complete discordance of positive results. Among 91
      (83%), 66 (60%) and 26 (24%) subjects successfully undergoing the first, second
      and third annual retesting, TST, T-Spot and QFT were, respectively, positive in
      11/123 (8.9%), 13/173 (7.5%) and 21/182 (11.5%) on retesting, with similar
      discordance of positive results. There was no significant association with the
      concurrent CD4 count or viral load. Conversion occurred in 11/123 (8.9%), 8/160
      (5.0%) and 18/168 (10.7%) of TST, T-Spot and QFT, respectively, and none was
      associated with changes in CD4 count or viral load. More than half of the
      positive T-SPOT and QFT results reverted to negative on follow-up. None of these
      tests picked up the single case of culture-confirmed tuberculosis observed after
      798 person-years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Major discordance in positive results,
      high reversion rates and low tuberculosis incidence among test-positive subjects
      cast serious doubt on the utility of the currently available LTBI tests in the
      annual screening of HIV-infected persons in an intermediate tuberculosis burden
      area.

PMID- 27121550
TI  - The estrogenicity of methylparaben and ethylparaben at doses close to the
      acceptable daily intake in immature Sprague-Dawley rats.
AB  - The estrogenicity of parabens at human exposure levels has become a focus of
      concern due to the debate over whether the estrogenicity of parabens is strong
      enough to play a role in the increased incidence of breast cancer. In this study,
      the uterotrophic activities of methylparaben (MP) and ethylparaben (EP) at doses
      close to the acceptable daily intake as allocated by JECFA were demonstrated in
      immature Sprague-Dawley rats by intragastric administration, and up-regulations
      of estrogen-responsive biomarker genes were found in uteri of the rats by
      quantitative real-time RT-PCR (Q-RT-PCR). At the same time, the urinary
      concentrations of MP and EP, as measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
      (GC-MS) in rats that received the same doses of MP and EP, were found to be near
      the high urinary levels reported in human populations in recent years. These
      results show the in vivo estrogenicity of MP and EP at human exposure levels, and
      indicate that populations exposed to large amounts of MP and EP may have a high
      burden of estrogenicity-related diseases. In addition, a molecular docking
      simulation showed interaction between the parabens and the agonist-binding pocket
      of human estrogen receptor alpha (hERalpha).

PMID- 27121554
TI  - Into the Second Year.

PMID- 27121553
TI  - Identification of ZCCHC8 as fusion partner of ROS1 in a case of congenital
      glioblastoma multiforme with a t(6;12)(q21;q24.3).
AB  - Congenital gliobastoma multiforme (GBM) is rare and little is known about the
      molecular defects underlying the initiation and progression of this tumor type.
      We present a case of congenital GBM analyzed by conventional cytogenetics,
      fluorescence in situ hybridization, array comparative genomic hybridization and
      next generation sequencing. On cytogenetic analysis we detected a reciprocal
      translocation t(6;12)(q21;q24.3). By sequencing, the translocation was shown to
      form a fusion between the 5' region of ZCCHC8 and the 3' region of ROS1. RT-PCR
      analyses confirmed the existence of an in-frame fusion transcript with ZCCHC8
      exons 1-3 joined to ROS1 exons 36-43. In addition to the ZCCHC8-ROS1 fusion, we
      detected a deletion in the short arm of chromosome 9, including homozygous loss
      of the CDKN2A/2B locus in 9p21.3 and heterozygous deletion of the HAUS6 gene in
      9p22.1. The latter encodes a protein involved in faithful chromosome segregation
      by regulating microtubule nucleation and its deletion might be associated with
      the marked subclonal changes of ploidy observed in the tumor. This report adds
      the ZCCHC8-ROS1 fusion as oncogenic driver in GBM and supports the role of ROS1
      activation in the pathogenesis of a subset of GBM. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27121555
TI  - Tolerability and Pulmonary Pharmacodynamic Effects During Treatment Initiation of
      Once-Daily Oral Fingolimod in Subjects With Moderate Asthma.
AB  - Fingolimod, a first-in-class sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, is the
      first approved oral therapy for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). While
      treatment initiation of clinical dose of fingolimod (0.5 mg) does not affect
      pulmonary function, supra-therapeutic doses (>=5.0 mg) increased airway
      resistance. The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, 10
      day study was to measure the effect of fingolimod on pulmonary function in
      otherwise healthy patients with moderate asthma. Subjects (n = 36) were
      randomized into four cohorts that received either fingolimod 0.5, 1.25, 2.5 mg,
      or placebo once daily for 10 days. Subjects in placebo and fingolimod 0.5 mg
      groups did not differ in FEV1 AUEC0-6 h , FEF25-75% AUEC0-6 h , or in short
      acting beta (beta) 2 agonists (SABA, rescue bronchodilator) use. Subjects on
      higher doses of fingolimod showed a mild reduction in FEV1 AUEC0-6 h and FEF25
      75% AUEC0-6 h and a significant sixfold increase in SABA use versus placebo. One
      subject had moderately severe, acute exacerbation of asthma after receiving the
      first dose of fingolimod 1.25 mg that quickly responded to inhaled SABA. The
      observed safety profile was consistent with previous reports. These results
      provide reassurance that moderately asthmatic MS individuals can start on
      fingolimod 0.5 mg therapy with minimal effects on pulmonary function and SABA
      use. 

PMID- 27121552
TI  - Triple-acting Lytic Enzyme Treatment of Drug-Resistant and Intracellular
      Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Multi-drug resistant bacteria are a persistent problem in modern health care,
      food safety and animal health. There is a need for new antimicrobials to replace
      over used conventional antibiotics. Here we describe engineered triple-acting
      staphylolytic peptidoglycan hydrolases wherein three unique antimicrobial
      activities from two parental proteins are combined into a single fusion protein.
      This effectively reduces the incidence of resistant strain development. The
      fusion protein reduced colonization by Staphylococcus aureus in a rat nasal
      colonization model, surpassing the efficacy of either parental protein.
      Modification of a triple-acting lytic construct with a protein transduction
      domain significantly enhanced both biofilm eradication and the ability to kill
      intracellular S. aureus as demonstrated in cultured mammary epithelial cells and
      in a mouse model of staphylococcal mastitis. Interestingly, the protein
      transduction domain was not necessary for reducing the intracellular pathogens in
      cultured osteoblasts or in two mouse models of osteomyelitis, highlighting the
      vagaries of exactly how protein transduction domains facilitate protein uptake.
      Bacterial cell wall degrading enzyme antimicrobials can be engineered to enhance
      their value as potent therapeutics.

PMID- 27121556
TI  - Effects of Trastuzumab Emtansine (T-DM1) on QT Interval and Safety of Pertuzumab
      Plus T-DM1 in Patients With Previously Treated Human Epidermal Growth Factor
      Receptor 2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer.
AB  - Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is an antibody-drug conjugate in development for
      human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive cancer. Drugs in
      development are generally tested for their effects on QT interval, prolongation
      of which is associated with the potentially fatal arrhythmia torsades de pointes.
      In addition, an association between left ventricular dysfunction and other HER2
      directed agents has been documented. This multicenter, phase 2 study, TDM4688g,
      assessed the safety and pharmacokinetic characteristics of T-DM1 (3.6 mg/kg every
      3 weeks) in patients with previously treated HER2-positive metastatic breast
      cancer, and the safety of pertuzumab plus T-DM1, an anti-HER2 extracellular
      domain antibody, in patients with early disease progression on T-DM1 alone. The
      primary end point was the change in QTc interval from baseline to each
      postbaseline time point, adjusted for heart rate using Fridericia's correction. T
      DM1 had no clinically relevant effect on QTc interval. The observed upper limit
      of the one-sided 95% confidence interval was below the 10-millisecond threshold
      of safety concern. The safety and efficacy of single-agent T-DM1 was consistent
      with that observed in previous studies. Pertuzumab plus T-DM1 was generally well
      tolerated with no new safety signals. These results support further investigation
      of T-DM1 as a single agent and with pertuzumab. 

PMID- 27121557
TI  - Pharmacokinetic Studies in Healthy Subjects for the Development of an Extended
      Release Tablet Formulation of Guaifenesin: A 505(b)(2) New Drug Application
      Approval.
AB  - Guaifenesin is an expectorant used to improve mucociliary clearance (MCC) and
      relieve chest congestion from upper respiratory tract infections. Immediate
      release (IR) guaifenesin requires dosing every 4 hours to maintain efficacy
      because of the drug's short half-life. Extended-release (ER) guaifenesin has been
      developed to prolong efficacy and reduce dosing frequency. As part of the
      505(b)(2) new drug application (NDA), the pharmacokinetics (PK) of an ER bi-layer
      tablet formulation of guaifenesin (Mucinex(r)) and bioequivalence to an over-the
      counter (OTC) monograph IR formulation were evaluated in healthy subjects. In one
      study, subjects received 1,200 mg ER guaifenesin every 12 hours or 400 mg IR
      guaifenesin every 4 hours for 6 days. Steady-state exposures were equivalent
      between the two products, as demonstrated by AUC and Cmax . In another study,
      subjects received a single dose of 600 mg (fasted) or 1,200 mg (fasted or fed) ER
      bi-layer tablet formulations. AUC and Cmax were equivalent between both states
      for the 1,200 mg ER dose. However, Tmax of 1,200 mg ER guaifenesin was later in
      the fed than the fasted state. ER guaifenesin is bioequivalent to corresponding
      OTC monograph doses of IR guaifenesin. ER guaifenesin offers a convenient 12-hour
      dosing alternative to 4-hour dosing of IR guaifenesin. 

PMID- 27121558
TI  - Bioavailability of Clindamycin From a New Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%-Benzoyl
      Peroxide 3% Combination Gel.
AB  - A new topical fixed-dose combination product containing clindamycin (1%,
      formulated as 1.2% clindamycin phosphate, CLNP 1.2%) with low strength (3%)
      benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in a methylparaben-free gel vehicle (CLNP 1.2%-BPO 3%-MPF)
      has been developed for the treatment of acne. The objective of this study was to
      determine the relative bioavailability of clindamycin and clindamycin sulfoxide
      from CLNP 1.2%-BPO 3%-MPF compared with clindamycin phosphate 1.2%-BPO 5% in a
      methylparaben-preserved gel vehicle (CLNP 1.2%-BPO 5%-MP) and clindamycin
      phosphate 1.2%-BPO 5% in a methylparaben-free gel vehicle (CLNP 1.2%-BPO 5%-MPF),
      and to determine whether exposure is affected by BPO concentration (3% vs. 5%)
      when applied topically. Seventy-two subjects with moderate-severe acne were
      randomized to receive CLNP 1.2%-BPO 3%-MPF, CLNP 1.2%-BPO 5%-MP, or CLNP 1.2%-BPO
      5%-MPF in a 5-day, open-label, and parallel-group study. Cmax and AUC values for
      clindamycin were highest for CLNP 1.2%-BPO 5%-MP, followed by CLNP 1.2%-BPO 3%
      MPF and CLNP 1.2%-BPO 5%-MPF, but differences were not statistically significant.
      Systemic exposure to clindamycin and clindamycin sulfoxide was low and comparable
      between the formulations. Results indicate that differences in BPO concentration
      do not influence clindamycin bioavailability. 

PMID- 27121559
TI  - Liposomal Amphotericin B for the Treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis in HIV/AIDS
      Patients in India-A Pilot Pharmacokinetic Study.
AB  - The liposomal formulation of amphotericin B greatly reduces side effects like
      nephrotoxicity. The present pilot study describes the pharmacokinetic
      characteristics of liposomal Amp B given to eight patients of cryptococcal
      meningitis with HIV/AIDS at a dose of 1 and 3 mg/kg/day. We observed that the
      pharmacokinetic parameters namely AUC, Cmax , CL, Vd, and half-life were not
      proportionate with 1 and 3 mg/kg/day dose of FungiosmeTM. With 1 and 3 mg/kg/day
      dose the mean Cmax was found to be 626.54 +/- 39.26 and 1049.90 +/- 742.75 ng/mL,
      respectively. In conclusion, liposomal Amp B was observed to be safe and
      efficacious in the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV/AIDS patients,
      however, a pharmacokinetics study with larger cohort of patients of cryptococcal
      meningitis in HIV AIDS is warranted. 

PMID- 27121560
TI  - A Randomized Phase I Evaluation of CTP-499, a Novel Deuterium-Containing Drug
      Candidate for Diabetic Nephropathy.
AB  - To determine maximum tolerated dose and food effect for CTP-499, a novel agent
      being studied for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease. CTP-499 has
      demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anti-oxidative activities in
      vitro as well as anti-inflammatory and renoprotective effects in a diabetic
      nephropathy (DN) model. Two studies were performed. Study 1 was a single-dose
      escalation study with 600, 1200, 1800, and 2400 mg doses of controlled-release
      (CR) CTP-499 and a 400 mg immediate release dose to aid in the development of
      prototype formulations of CTP-499. Study 2 was a food-effect study. Plasma
      concentrations of CTP-499 and its metabolites were measured to determine
      pharmacokinetic parameters in each study. Safety was assessed to determine
      tolerability. Doses up to and including 1800 mg were well tolerated. Cmax was
      either equivalent (CTP-499) or slightly lower (metabolites) for the fed
      condition, while overall exposure was equivalent (CTP-499) or slightly higher
      (metabolites) for the fed condition. The range of tolerated doses of CTP-499 and
      the effects of food on exposure were identified, contributing to selection of the
      dose for Phase II development. 

PMID- 27121561
TI  - Influence of CYP3A5 6986A > G and ABCB1 3435C > T Polymorphisms on Adverse Events
      Associated With Tacrolimus in Jordanian Pediatric Renal Transplant Patients.
AB  - The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of ABCB1(3435) and
      CYP3A5(6986) polymorphisms, tacrolimus troughs and clinical factors on the time
      of adverse events associated with tacrolimus in pediatric kidney transplant
      patients. Clinical data, adverse events, tacrolimus troughs, corresponding doses,
      ABCB1 3435C > T and CYP3A5 6986A > G genotypes were collected from 38 pediatric
      kidney transplant patients in a retrospective study for over 2 years post
      transplant. We used a marginal Cox proportional hazard model to evaluate the
      influence of clinical factors and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on
      tacrolimus-associated adverse events. CYP3A5 genotype, the Bayesian predicted
      tacrolimus concentrations, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume are significant
      risk factors of adverse events over a 2-year-period. CYP3A5*1 genotype was
      associated with 36% relative risk of CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype. In the 9-month period,
      the additional factor, ABCB1 3435TT genotype, was shown to be associated with 38%
      relative risk of the CC and CT genotypes. For graft loss, acute and chronic
      rejection, only tacrolimus concentration and hematocrit, but not CYP3A5 or ABCB1
      polymorphisms, are important factors influencing their occurrences. 

PMID- 27121562
TI  - Absolute Bioavailability and Effect of Food on the Disposition of Safinamide
      Immediate Release Tablets in Healthy Adult Subjects.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to establish the basic intravenous (IV) single
      dose PK of safinamide and its major human metabolites, the absolute
      bioavailability (BA) and food effect on safinamide tablets. Fourteen healthy
      adult male and female subjects received 50 mg safinamide single-dose treatments
      according to a randomized, 3-period, 2-sequence crossover design: immediate
      release (IR) tablets, administered after an overnight fast and after a
      standardized high-fat, high-calorie breakfast, and IV solution, administered over
      30 minutes. Treatments were separated by wash-out intervals of at least 17 days.
      Serial blood samples were collected for 240 hours postdosing to evaluate
      safinamide parent drug and metabolite concentrations for the determination of PK
      parameters. The absolute BA of safinamide 50 mg IR tablets was high, with geoMean
      AUC0-infinity ratios of about 95% (90% CI: 90-99%) indicating that safinamide is
      virtually completely absorbed after oral administration. Safinamide IR tablets
      did not display a food effect on exposure parameters; both 90% CIs for the ratios
      fed/fasted of AUC0-infinity and Cmax were entirely within the bioequivalence
      acceptance margins of 80-125%. Only tmax was delayed by about 30% in the fed
      state. Oral and IV safinamide 50 mg single-dose administrations were generally
      well tolerated. 

PMID- 27121563
TI  - The Influence of Multiple-Dose Vorapaxar, an Oral PAR-1 Receptor Antagonist, on
      the Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Digoxin.
AB  - Vorapaxar is a novel orally active thrombin receptor antagonist selective for the
      PAR-1 receptor. This open-label, single-center, fixed-sequence, 2-period, 2
      treatment study assessed the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of single-dose
      digoxin in the presence/absence of multiple-dose vorapaxar. Eighteen healthy
      adult subjects received two treatments in a fixed sequence separated by >=8-day
      washout: (A) digoxin 0.5 mg (Day 1); (B) vorapaxar 2.5 mg/day Days 1-6 and single
      dose vorapaxar 40 mg administered with single-dose digoxin 0.5 mg Day 7. The
      geometric mean ratio (%; GMR) for the two treatments (digoxin alone and digoxin
      plus vorapaxar) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for and AUCtf and Cmax of
      digoxin were calculated. Pharmacodynamics of digoxin was assessed by measuring
      changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters. The GMR (90% CIs) estimates for
      digoxin AUCtf and Cmax were 105% (91, 121) and 154% (130, 181), respectively.
      Except for differences in peak plasma concentrations, the pharmacokinetics of
      digoxin were similar between the two treatments. Coadministration of vorapaxar
      plus digoxin had no effect on digoxin Tmax or ECG parameters. The results of this
      study suggest that the coadministration of vorapaxar and digoxin is unlikely to
      cause a clinically significant drug-drug interaction. 

PMID- 27121564
TI  - ERRATUM.

PMID- 27121565
TI  - Myelodysplastic syndrome associated with acquired beta thalassemia: "BTMDS".

PMID- 27121567
TI  - Expression and clinical significance of aquaglyceroporins in human hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - Aquaglyceroporins (AQPs) are a subset of the aquaporin family, and are permeable
      to water and glycerol. The aim of the present study was to determine the
      expression and clinical significance of three AQPs, AQP3, 7 and 9 in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fresh HCC and adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues
      were collected from 68 patients diagnosed with HCC. The expression levels of
      AQP3, 7 and 9 were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis. The
      association between the expression of AQPs and clinicopathological parameters of
      HCC were investigated. Compared with non-tumorous liver tissue, HCC tissues
      exhibited a significant (P<0.05) increase in the expression of AQP3 and a
      concomitant reduction in the expression levels of AQP7 and AQP9, at both the mRNA
      and protein levels. Immunohistochemistry revealed that AQP9 was dominantly
      localized on the plasma membrane of hepatocytes, while AQP3 and AQP7 exhibited a
      predominantly cytoplasmic and nuclear distribution. High expression of AQP3 was
      significantly (P<0.05) associated with low expression levels of AQP7 and AQP9.
      High expression of AQP3 was correlated with tumor grade (P=0.017), tumor stage
      (P=0.010) and lymphatic metastasis (P=0.031). Low expression of AQP7 was
      correlated with tumor grade (P=0.043). AQP3 was upregulated, and AQP7 and AQP9
      were downregulated in HCC. A high expression of AQP3 and low expression of AQP7
      was significantly associated with the aggressive features of HCC. 

PMID- 27121569
TI  - Outcome improvement of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction:
      has it ended in the new millennium?

PMID- 27121568
TI  - A PARP1-ERK2 synergism is required for the induction of LTP.
AB  - Unexpectedly, a post-translational modification of DNA-binding proteins,
      initiating the cell response to single-strand DNA damage, was also required for
      long-term memory acquisition in a variety of learning paradigms. Our findings
      disclose a molecular mechanism based on PARP1-Erk synergism, which may underlie
      this phenomenon. A stimulation induced PARP1 binding to phosphorylated Erk2 in
      the chromatin of cerebral neurons caused Erk-induced PARP1 activation, rendering
      transcription factors and promoters of immediate early genes (IEG) accessible to
      PARP1-bound phosphorylated Erk2. Thus, Erk-induced PARP1 activation mediated IEG
      expression implicated in long-term memory. PARP1 inhibition, silencing, or
      genetic deletion abrogated stimulation-induced Erk-recruitment to IEG promoters,
      gene expression and LTP generation in hippocampal CA3-CA1-connections. Moreover,
      a predominant binding of PARP1 to single-strand DNA breaks, occluding its Erk
      binding sites, suppressed IEG expression and prevented the generation of LTP.
      These findings outline a PARP1-dependent mechanism required for LTP generation,
      which may be implicated in long-term memory acquisition and in its deterioration
      in senescence.

PMID- 27121570
TI  - Discrepancy between long-term and previously published analysis for osteonecrosis
      of the jaw under denosumab.

PMID- 27121571
TI  - Immunohistochemical localization of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript
      peptide (CARTp) in the brain of the pigeon (Columba livia) and zebra finch
      (Taeniopygia guttata).
AB  - Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptides (CARTp) are neuropeptides
      that act as neurotransmitters in the brain of vertebrates. The expression of
      CARTp has been characterized in teleosts, amphibians, and several mammalian
      species, but comparative data in reptiles and birds are nonexistent. In this
      study, we show the distribution of immunoreactivity against CART peptides (CARTp
      ir) in the brains of two bird species: the pigeon (Columba livia) and zebra finch
      (Taeniopygia guttata). We found CARTp-ir cells and terminals in the brains of
      both, but no major differences between the two species. As in mammals, teleost
      fish, and amphibians, CARTp-ir terminals and cells were abundant in subpallial
      regions, particularly the striatum and nucleus accumbens. We also found CARTp-ir
      cells and terminals in the hypothalamus, and a large number of CARTp-ir terminals
      in the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area, periaqueductal gray,
      parabrachial nucleus, and dorsal vagal complex. However, in contrast to other
      vertebrates, CARTp-ir was not found in the olfactory bulb. In addition there was
      almost no CARTp-ir in the pallium or the hippocampal formation, and little CARTp
      ir in the cerebellum. The conserved expression of CARTp in the subpallium,
      hypothalamus, and dorsal vagal complex of birds suggests that some of the
      functions of CARTp, such as regulation of food intake and interactions with the
      social control network and mesolimbic reward system, are conserved among
      vertebrates. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:3747-3773, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27121572
TI  - Microbial pathogen quality criteria of rendered products.
AB  - The North American rendering industry processes approximately 24 million metric
      tons (Mt) of raw materials and produces more than 8 million Mt of rendered
      products. More than 85 % of rendered products produced annually in the USA are
      used for producing animal feed. Pathogen contamination in rendered products is an
      important and topical issue. Although elevated temperatures (115-140  degrees C)
      for 40-90 min during the standard rendering processes are mathematically
      sufficient to completely destroy commonly found pathogens, the presence of
      pathogens in rendered products has nevertheless been reported. Increased concern
      over the risk of microbial contamination in rendered products may require
      additional safeguards for producing pathogen-free rendered products. This study
      provides an overview of rendered products, existing microbial pathogen quality
      criteria of rendered products (MPQCR), limitations, and the scope of improving
      the MPQCR. 

PMID- 27121573
TI  - Relationship between mycoparasites lifestyles and biocontrol behaviors against
      Fusarium spp. and mycotoxins production.
AB  - Global food security research is seeking eco-friendly solutions to control
      mycotoxins in grain infected by fungi (molds). In particular, mycotoxigenic
      Fusarium spp. outbreak is a chronic threat for cereal grain production, human,
      and animal health. In this review paper, we discuss up-to-date biological control
      strategies in applying mycoparasites as biological control agents (BCA) to
      prevent plant diseases in crops and mycotoxins in grain, food, and feed. The aim
      is to increase food safety and to minimize economic losses due to the reduced
      grain yield and quality. However, recent papers indicate that the study of the
      BCA specialists with biotrophic lifestyle lags behind our understanding of the
      BCA generalists with necrotrophic lifestyle. We examine critical behavioral
      traits of the two BCA groups of mycoparasites. The goal is to highlight their
      major characteristics in the context of future research towards an efficient
      biocontrol strategy against mycotoxin-producing Fusarium species. The emphasis is
      put on biocontrol of Fusarium graminearum, F. avenaceum, and F. culmorum causing
      Fusarium head blight (FHB) in cereals and their mycotoxins. 

PMID- 27121574
TI  - Tactile length contraction as Bayesian inference.
AB  - To perceive, the brain must interpret stimulus-evoked neural activity. This is
      challenging: The stochastic nature of the neural response renders its
      interpretation inherently uncertain. Perception would be optimized if the brain
      used Bayesian inference to interpret inputs in light of expectations derived from
      experience. Bayesian inference would improve perception on average but cause
      illusions when stimuli violate expectation. Intriguingly, tactile, auditory, and
      visual perception are all prone to length contraction illusions, characterized by
      the dramatic underestimation of the distance between punctate stimuli delivered
      in rapid succession; the origin of these illusions has been mysterious. We
      previously proposed that length contraction illusions occur because the brain
      interprets punctate stimulus sequences using Bayesian inference with a low
      velocity expectation. A novel prediction of our Bayesian observer model is that
      length contraction should intensify if stimuli are made more difficult to
      localize. Here we report a tactile psychophysical study that tested this
      prediction. Twenty humans compared two distances on the forearm: a fixed
      reference distance defined by two taps with 1-s temporal separation and an
      adjustable comparison distance defined by two taps with temporal separation t <=
      1 s. We observed significant length contraction: As t was decreased, participants
      perceived the two distances as equal only when the comparison distance was made
      progressively greater than the reference distance. Furthermore, the use of weaker
      taps significantly enhanced participants' length contraction. These findings
      confirm the model's predictions, supporting the view that the spatiotemporal
      percept is a best estimate resulting from a Bayesian inference process.

PMID- 27121575
TI  - Elucidating the neural circuitry underlying planning of internally-guided
      voluntary action.
AB  - In an attempt to elucidate the neural circuitry of planning of internally guided
      voluntary action, Ariani et al. (2015) used a delayed-movement design and
      multivariate pattern analysis of functional MRI data and found areas decoding
      internally elicited action plans, stimulus-elicited action plans, and both types
      of plans. In interpreting their results in the context of a heuristic decision
      model of voluntary action, encompassing "what" action to perform, "when" to
      perform it, and "whether" to perform it at all, we highlight at least some neural
      dissociation of these components. More to that, we note that the exact neural
      circuitry of each component might vary depending on the performed action type,
      and finally, we underscore the importance of understanding the temporal specifics
      of such circuitries to further elucidate how they are involved and interact
      during voluntary action planning.

PMID- 27121576
TI  - Synchronized gamma-frequency inhibition in neocortex depends on excitatory
      inhibitory interactions but not electrical synapses.
AB  - Synaptic inhibition plays a crucial role in the precise timing of spiking
      activity in the cerebral cortex. Synchronized, rhythmic inhibitory activity in
      the gamma (30-80 Hz) range is thought to be especially important for the active,
      information-processing neocortex, but the circuit mechanisms that give rise to
      synchronized inhibition are uncertain. In particular, the relative contributions
      of reciprocal inhibitory connections, excitatory-inhibitory interactions, and
      electrical synapses to precise spike synchrony among inhibitory interneurons are
      not well understood. Here we describe experiments on mouse barrel cortex in vitro
      as it spontaneously generates slow (<1 Hz) oscillations (Up and Down states).
      During Up states, inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) are generated at gamma
      frequencies and are more synchronized than excitatory postsynaptic currents
      (EPSCs) among neighboring pyramidal cells. Furthermore, spikes in homotypic pairs
      of interneurons are more synchronized than in pairs of pyramidal cells. Comparing
      connexin36 knockout and wild-type animals, we found that electrical synapses make
      a minimal contribution to synchronized inhibition during Up states. Estimations
      of the delays between EPSCs and IPSCs in single pyramidal cells showed that
      excitation often preceded inhibition by a few milliseconds. Finally, tonic
      optogenetic activation of different interneuron subtypes in the absence of
      excitation led to only weak synchrony of IPSCs in pairs of pyramidal neurons. Our
      results suggest that phasic excitatory inputs are indispensable for synchronized
      spiking in inhibitory interneurons during Up states and that electrical synapses
      play a minimal role.

PMID- 27121577
TI  - A biophysical model examining the role of low-voltage-activated potassium
      currents in shaping the responses of vestibular ganglion neurons.
AB  - The vestibular nerve is characterized by two broad groups of neurons that differ
      in the timing of their interspike intervals; some fire at highly regular
      intervals, whereas others fire at highly irregular intervals. Heterogeneity in
      ion channel properties has been proposed as shaping these firing patterns
      (Highstein SM, Politoff AL. Brain Res 150: 182-187, 1978; Smith CE, Goldberg JM.
      Biol Cybern 54: 41-51, 1986). Kalluri et al. (J Neurophysiol 104: 2034-2051,
      2010) proposed that regularity is controlled by the density of low-voltage
      activated potassium currents (IKL). To examine the impact of IKL on spike timing
      regularity, we implemented a single-compartment model with three conductances
      known to be present in the vestibular ganglion: transient sodium (gNa), low
      voltage-activated potassium (gKL), and high-voltage-activated potassium (gKH).
      Consistent with in vitro observations, removing gKL depolarized resting
      potential, increased input resistance and membrane time constant, and converted
      current step-evoked firing patterns from transient (1 spike at current onset) to
      sustained (many spikes). Modeled neurons were driven with a time-varying synaptic
      conductance that captured the random arrival times and amplitudes of glutamate
      driven synaptic events. In the presence of gKL, spiking occurred only in response
      to large events with fast onsets. Models without gKL exhibited greater
      integration by responding to the superposition of rapidly arriving events. Three
      synaptic conductance were modeled, each with different kinetics to represent a
      variety of different synaptic processes. In response to all three types of
      synaptic conductance, models containing gKL produced spike trains with irregular
      interspike intervals. Only models lacking gKL when driven by rapidly arriving
      small excitatory postsynaptic currents were capable of generating regular
      spiking.

PMID- 27121578
TI  - CaMKII mediates stimulus specificity in early odor preference learning in rats.
AB  - After naturalistic odor preference training, Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein
      kinase II (CaMKII) was rapidly phosphorylated in the olfactory bulb, specifically
      in the odor encoding regions of the glomerular layer and external plexiform
      layer. Intrabulbar CaMKII antagonist experiments revealed that CaMKII supports
      short- and long-term preference memory formation. With bulbar PKA activation as
      the unconditioned stimulus odor preferences could be induced despite CaMKII
      blockade, but now odor specificity was lost, with odor preference generalizing to
      an untrained odor. Odor-specific learning was associated with increased membrane
      associated AMPA receptors, while nonspecific odor preference was not. Thus CaMKII
      activation provides a tag to confer stimulus specificity as well as supporting
      natural odor preference learning.

PMID- 27121579
TI  - Hypothesis: Hughlings Jackson and presynaptic inhibition: is there a big picture?
AB  - Presynaptic inhibition is a very powerful inhibitory mechanism and, despite many
      detailed studies, its purpose is still only partially understood. One accepted
      function is that, by reducing afferent inflow to the spinal cord and brainstem,
      the tonic level of presynaptic inhibition prevents sensory systems from being
      overloaded. A corollary of this function is that much of the incoming sensory
      data from peripheral receptors must be redundant, and this conclusion is
      reinforced by observations on patients with sensory neuropathies or congenital
      obstetric palsy in whom normal sensation may be preserved despite loss of sensory
      fibers. The modulation of incoming signals by presynaptic inhibition has a
      further function in operating a "gate" in the dorsal horn, thereby determining
      whether peripheral stimuli are likely to be perceived as painful. On the motor
      side, the finding that even minimal voluntary movement of a single toe is
      associated with widespread inhibition in the lumbosacral cord points to another
      function for presynaptic inhibition: to prevent reflex perturbations from
      interfering with motor commands. This last function, together with the normal
      suppression of muscle and cutaneous reflex activity at rest, is consistent with
      Hughlings Jackson's concept of evolving neural hierarchies, with each level
      inhibiting the one below it.

PMID- 27121580
TI  - Target size matters: target errors contribute to the generalization of implicit
      visuomotor learning.
AB  - The process of sensorimotor adaptation is considered to be driven by errors.
      While sensory prediction errors, defined as the difference between the planned
      and the actual movement of the cursor, drive implicit learning processes, target
      errors (e.g., the distance of the cursor from the target) are thought to drive
      explicit learning mechanisms. This distinction was mainly studied in the context
      of arm reaching tasks where the position and the size of the target were
      constant. We hypothesize that in a dynamic reaching environment, where subjects
      have to hit moving targets and the targets' dynamic characteristics affect task
      success, implicit processes will benefit from target errors as well. We examine
      the effect of target errors on learning of an unnoticed perturbation during
      unconstrained reaching movements. Subjects played a Pong game, in which they had
      to hit a moving ball by moving a paddle controlled by their hand. During the
      game, the movement of the paddle was gradually rotated with respect to the hand,
      reaching a final rotation of 25 degrees . Subjects were assigned to one of two
      groups: The high-target error group played the Pong with a small ball, and the
      low-target error group played with a big ball. Before and after the Pong game,
      subjects performed open-loop reaching movements toward static targets with no
      visual feedback. While both groups adapted to the rotation, the postrotation
      reaching movements were directionally biased only in the small-ball group. This
      result provides evidence that implicit adaptation is sensitive to target errors.

PMID- 27121581
TI  - Influence of cortical synaptic input on striatal neuronal dendritic arborization
      and sensitivity to excitotoxicity in corticostriatal coculture.
AB  - Corticostriatal cocultures are utilized to recapitulate the cortex-striatum
      connection in vitro as a convenient model to investigate the development,
      function, and regulation of synapses formed between cortical and striatal
      neurons. However, optimization of this dissociated neuronal system to more
      closely reproduce in vivo circuits has not yet been explored. We studied the
      effect of varying the plating ratio of cortical to striatal neurons on striatal
      spiny projection neuron (SPN) characteristics in primary neuronal cocultures.
      Despite the large difference in cortical-striatal neuron ratio (1:1 vs. 1:3) at
      day of plating, by 18 days in vitro the difference became modest (~25% lower
      cortical-striatal neuron ratio in 1:3 cocultures) and the neuronal density was
      lower in the 1:3 cocultures, indicating enhanced loss of striatal SPNs. Comparing
      SPNs in cocultures plated at a 1:1 vs. 1:3 ratio, we found that resting membrane
      potential, input resistance, current injection-induced action potential firing
      rates, and input-output curves were similar in the two conditions. However, SPNs
      in the cocultures plated at the lower cortical ratio exhibited reduced membrane
      capacitance along with significantly shorter total dendritic length, decreased
      dendritic complexity, and fewer excitatory synapses, consistent with their trend
      toward reduced miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency. Strikingly,
      the proportion of NMDA receptors found extrasynaptically in recordings from SPNs
      was significantly higher in the less cortical coculture. Consistently, SPNs in
      cocultures with reduced cortical input showed decreased basal pro-survival
      signaling through cAMP response element binding protein and enhanced sensitivity
      to NMDA-induced apoptosis. Altogether, our study indicates that abundance of
      cortical input regulates SPN dendritic arborization and survival/death signaling.

PMID- 27121582
TI  - Granule cell excitability regulates gamma and beta oscillations in a model of the
      olfactory bulb dendrodendritic microcircuit.
AB  - Odors evoke gamma (40-100 Hz) and beta (20-30 Hz) oscillations in the local field
      potential (LFP) of the mammalian olfactory bulb (OB). Gamma (and possibly beta)
      oscillations arise from interactions in the dendrodendritic microcircuit between
      excitatory mitral cells (MCs) and inhibitory granule cells (GCs). When cortical
      descending inputs to the OB are blocked, beta oscillations are extinguished
      whereas gamma oscillations become larger. Much of this centrifugal input targets
      inhibitory interneurons in the GC layer and regulates the excitability of GCs,
      which suggests a causal link between the emergence of beta oscillations and GC
      excitability. We investigate the effect that GC excitability has on network
      oscillations in a computational model of the MC-GC dendrodendritic network with
      Ca(2+)-dependent graded inhibition. Results from our model suggest that when GC
      excitability is low, the graded inhibitory current mediated by NMDA channels and
      voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (VDCCs) is also low, allowing MC populations to
      fire in the gamma frequency range. When GC excitability is increased, the
      activation of NMDA receptors and other VDCCs is also increased, allowing the slow
      decay time constants of these channels to sustain beta-frequency oscillations.
      Our model argues that Ca(2+) flow through VDCCs alone could sustain beta
      oscillations and that the switch between gamma and beta oscillations can be
      triggered by an increase in the excitability state of a subpopulation of GCs.

PMID- 27121583
TI  - Frequency-specific insight into short-term memory capacity.
AB  - The digit span is one of the most widely used memory tests in clinical and
      experimental neuropsychology for reliably measuring short-term memory capacity.
      In the forward version, sequences of digits of increasing length have to be
      reproduced in the order in which they are presented, whereas in the backward
      version items must be reproduced in the reversed order. Here, we assessed whether
      transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) increases the memory span for
      digits of young and midlife adults. Imperceptibly weak electrical currents in the
      alpha (10 Hz), beta (20 Hz), theta (5 Hz), and gamma (40 Hz) range, as well as a
      sham stimulation, were delivered over the left posterior parietal cortex, a
      cortical region thought to sustain maintenance processes in short-term memory
      through oscillatory brain activity in the beta range. We showed a frequency
      specific effect of beta-tACS that robustly increased the forward memory span of
      young, but not middle-aged, healthy individuals. The effect correlated with age:
      the younger the subjects, the greater the benefit arising from parietal beta
      stimulation. Our results provide evidence of a short-term memory capacity
      improvement in young adults by online frequency-specific tACS application.

PMID- 27121585
TI  - Taste coding of complex naturalistic taste stimuli and traditional taste stimuli
      in the parabrachial pons of the awake, freely licking rat.
AB  - Several studies have shown that taste-responsive cells in the brainstem taste
      nuclei of rodents respond to sensory qualities other than gustation. Such data
      suggest that cells in the classical gustatory brainstem may be better tuned to
      respond to stimuli that engage multiple sensory modalities than to stimuli that
      are purely gustatory. Here, we test this idea by recording the
      electrophysiological responses to complex, naturalistic stimuli in single neurons
      in the parabrachial pons (PbN, the second neural relay in the central gustatory
      pathway) in awake, freely licking rats. Following electrode implantation and
      recovery, we presented both prototypical and naturalistic taste stimuli and
      recorded the responses in the PbN. Prototypical taste stimuli (NaCl, sucrose,
      citric acid, and caffeine) and naturalistic stimuli (clam juice, grape juice,
      lemon juice, and coffee) were matched for taste quality and intensity
      (concentration). Umami (monosodium glutamate + inosine monophosphate) and fat
      (diluted heavy cream) were also tested. PbN neurons responded to naturalistic
      stimuli as much or more than to prototypical taste stimuli. Furthermore, they
      convey more information about naturalistic stimuli than about prototypical ones.
      Moreover, multidimensional scaling analyses showed that across unit responses to
      naturalistic stimuli were more widely separated than responses to prototypical
      taste stimuli. Interestingly, cream evoked a robust and widespread response in
      PbN cells. Collectively, these data suggest that natural foods are more potent
      stimulators of PbN cells than purely gustatory stimuli. Probing PbN cells with
      pure taste stimuli may underestimate the response repertoire of these cells.

PMID- 27121584
TI  - Auditory Golgi cells are interconnected predominantly by electrical synapses.
AB  - The mossy fiber-granule cell-parallel fiber system conveys proprioceptive and
      corollary discharge information to principal cells in cerebellum-like systems. In
      the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN), Golgi cells inhibit granule cells and thus
      regulate information transfer along the mossy fiber-granule cell-parallel fiber
      pathway. Whereas excitatory synaptic inputs to Golgi cells are well understood,
      inhibitory and electrical synaptic inputs to Golgi cells have not been examined.
      Using paired recordings in a mouse brain slice preparation, we find that Golgi
      cells of the cochlear nucleus reliably form electrical synapses onto one another.
      Golgi cells were only rarely electrically coupled to superficial stellate cells,
      which form a separate network of electrically coupled interneurons in the DCN.
      Spikelets had a biphasic effect on the excitability of postjunctional Golgi
      cells, with a brief excitatory phase and a prolonged inhibitory phase due to the
      propagation of the prejunctional afterhyperpolarization through gap junctions.
      Golgi cells and stellate cells made weak inhibitory chemical synapses onto Golgi
      cells with low probability. Electrical synapses are therefore the predominant
      form of synaptic communication between auditory Golgi cells. We propose that
      electrical synapses between Golgi cells may function to regulate the synchrony of
      Golgi cell firing when electrically coupled Golgi cells receive temporally
      correlated excitatory synaptic input.

PMID- 27121586
TI  - Simultaneous determination of paeoniflorin from total glucosides of paeony in
      Sprague-Dawley rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats by high-performance
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: in vivo and in vitro studies.
AB  - Paeoniflorin is a well-known monoterpene glucoside in the herbal drug that
      exhibits a number of biological activities. The pharmacokinetic characteristics
      of paeoniflorin from total glucosides of paeony in spontaneously hypertensive
      rats (SHR) are still unclear. It is essential to investigate the in vivo and in
      vitro pharmacokinetic differences of paeoniflorin from total glucosides of paeony
      in Sprague-Dawley (SD) and SHR. The in vivo pharmacokinetic data were analyzed
      using DAS 2.0 software and the in vitro metabolic characteristics were measured
      using rat hepatic microsomes. The concentration of paeoniflorin in biological
      samples was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray
      ionization tandem mass spectrometry method, which showed good precision and
      stability. The plasma concentration-time profiles of paeoniflorin following oral
      administration of total glucosides of paeony showed a single peak and there were
      significant differences in the mean values of AUC(0-t) , AUC(0-infinity) , CLz /F
      and Tmax between SD and SHR (p < 0.05). The metabolic rate of paeoniflorin from
      total glucosides of paeony was slower in SHR than in SD rats (p < 0.05). The
      results might be useful in further applications of paeoniflorin and total
      glucosides of paeony. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27121587
TI  - Relocation potentiates obesity and cardiovascular risk: A case-control study on
      relocatees from the Three Gorges area.

PMID- 27121589
TI  - Effects of nitrogen on the apoptosis of and changes in gene expression in human
      lymphoma U937 cells exposed to argon-based cold atmospheric pressure plasma.
AB  - Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) is known as a source of biologically
      active agents, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen
      species (RNS). In the present study, we examined the effects of nitrogen (N2) on
      the apoptosis of and changes in gene expression in human lymphoma U937 cells
      exposed to argon (Ar)-CAP. Enormous amounts of hydroxyl (.OH) radicals in aqueous
      solution were produced using Ar-CAP generated using a 20 kHz low frequency at 18
      kV with a flow rate of 2 l/min. The increase in the levels of .OH radicals was
      significantly attenuated by the addition of N2 to Ar gas. On the other hand, the
      level of total nitrate/nitrite in the supernatant was significantly elevated in
      the Ar + N2-CAP-exposed U937 cells. When the cells were exposed to Ar-CAP, a
      significant increase in apoptosis was observed, whereas apoptosis was markedly
      decreased in the cells exposed to Ar + N2-CAP. Microarray and pathway analyses
      revealed that a newly identified gene network containing a number of heat shock
      proteins (HSPs), anti-apoptotic genes, was mainly associated with the biological
      function of the prevention of apoptosis. Quantitative PCR revealed that the
      expression levels of HSPs were significantly elevated in the cells exposed to Ar
      + N2-CAP than those exposed to Ar-CAP. These results indicate that N2 gas in Ar
      CAP modifies the ratio of ROS to RNS, and suppresses the apoptosis induced by Ar
      CAP. The modulation of gaseous conditions in CAP may thus prove to be useful for
      future clinical applications, such as for switching from a sterilizing mode to
      cytocidal effect for cancer cells. 

PMID- 27121591
TI  - Sparse data bias: a problem hiding in plain sight.

PMID- 27121590
TI  - Sparse (13)C labelling for solid-state NMR studies of P. pastoris expressed
      eukaryotic seven-transmembrane proteins.
AB  - We demonstrate a novel sparse (13)C labelling approach for methylotrophic yeast
      P. pastoris expression system, towards solid-state NMR studies of eukaryotic
      membrane proteins. The labelling scheme was achieved by co-utilizing natural
      abundance methanol and specifically (13)C labelled glycerol as carbon sources in
      the expression medium. This strategy improves the spectral resolution by 1.5
      fold, displays site-specific labelling patterns, and has advantages for
      collecting long-range distance restraints for structure determination of large
      eukaryotic membrane proteins by solid-state NMR.

PMID- 27121592
TI  - Impact of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange on Hemodynamic Parameters in Medical
      Intensive Care Unit Patients: An Observational Study.
AB  - Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an extracorporeal treatment with reported
      beneficial as well as detrimental effects on circulation. However, there is a
      lack of data using advanced hemodynamic monitoring during TPE. Therefore, we
      investigated the effects of TPE on hemodynamic parameters derived from
      transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) as well as the risk for transfusion-related
      acute lung injury (TRALI). We compared hemodynamic parameters obtained before and
      after a total of 30 sessions of TPE treatment in 10 intensive care unit patients.
      Among standard hemodynamic parameters, heart rate (P < 0.012) and systolic blood
      pressure (P < 0.008) significantly increase, whereas neither mean arterial
      pressure nor diastolic blood pressure was altered after TPE. The TPTD-derived
      cardiac function parameters, cardiac index (CI; P = 0.035), cardiac power index
      (CPI; P = 0.008), global ejection fraction (GEF; P = 0.002), and stroke volume
      index (SVI; P = 0.014), were significantly higher after TPE. Furthermore,
      systemic vascular index significantly increased (P < 0.042). Among the cardiac
      preload parameters, central venous pressure was significantly lower after TPE (P
      < 0.001), while the global end-diastolic volume index (GEDVI) did not change.
      Contractility marker dPmax did not change. Finally, TPE application did not
      significantly alter the pulmonary hydration and permeability parameters,
      extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) and pulmonary vascular permeability index.
      Vasopressor dose was not statistically significantly altered. Considering
      increases in SVI, CI, GEF, and CPI and stable values for GEDVI, EVLWI, and dPmax,
      our data do not give any hint for hemodynamic impairment or TRALI.

PMID- 27121593
TI  - An eight-year-old boy with parieto-occipital mass presenting with headache and
      seizure.

PMID- 27121594
TI  - Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Maxillary Sinus.

PMID- 27121595
TI  - KCa 3.1-a microglial target ready for drug repurposing?
AB  - Over the past decade, glial cells have attracted attention for harboring
      unexploited targets for drug discovery. Several glial targets have attracted de
      novo drug discovery programs, as highlighted in this GLIA Special Issue. Drug
      repurposing, which has the objective of utilizing existing drugs as well as
      abandoned, failed, or not yet pursued clinical development candidates for new
      indications, might provide a faster opportunity to bring drugs for glial targets
      to patients with unmet needs. Here, we review the potential of the intermediate
      conductance calcium-activated potassium channels KCa 3.1 as the target for such a
      repurposing effort. We discuss the data on KCa 3.1 expression on microglia in
      vitro and in vivo and review the relevant literature on the two KCa 3.1
      inhibitors TRAM-34 and Senicapoc. Finally, we provide an outlook of what it might
      take to harness the potential of KCa 3.1 as a bona fide microglial drug target.
      GLIA 2016;64:1733-1741.

PMID- 27121597
TI  - Androgens regulate scarless repair of the endometrial "wound" in a mouse model of
      menstruation.
AB  - The human endometrium undergoes regular cycles of synchronous tissue shedding
      (wounding) and repair that occur during menstruation before estrogen-dependent
      regeneration. Endometrial repair is normally both rapid and scarless. Androgens
      regulate cutaneous wound healing, but their role in endometrial repair is
      unknown. We used a murine model of simulated menses; mice were treated with a
      single dose of the nonaromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT; 200
      ug/mouse) to coincide with initiation of tissue breakdown. DHT altered the
      duration of vaginal bleeding and delayed restoration of the luminal epithelium.
      Analysis of uterine mRNAs 24 h after administration of DHT identified significant
      changes in metalloproteinases (Mmp3 and -9; P < 0.01), a snail family member
      (Snai3; P < 0.001), and osteopontin (Spp1; P < 0.001). Chromatin
      immunoprecipitation analysis identified putative androgen receptor (AR) binding
      sites in the proximal promoters of Mmp9, Snai3, and Spp1. Striking spatial and
      temporal changes in immunoexpression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3/9 and
      caspase 3 were detected after DHT treatment. These data represent a paradigm
      shift in our understanding of the role of androgens in endometrial repair and
      suggest that androgens may have direct impacts on endometrial tissue integrity.
      These studies provide evidence that the AR is a potential target for drug therapy
      to treat conditions associated with aberrant endometrial repair processes.
      Cousins, F. L., Kirkwood, P. M., Murray, A. A., Collins, F., Gibson, D. A.,
      Saunders, P. T. K. Androgens regulate scarless repair of the endometrial "wound"
      in a mouse model of menstruation.

PMID- 27121596
TI  - Specialized proresolving lipid mediators in patients with coronary artery disease
      and their potential for clot remodeling.
AB  - Inflammation in arterial walls leads to coronary artery disease (CAD). Because
      specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs; lipoxins, resolvins, and
      protectins) stimulate resolution of inflammation in animal models, we tested
      whether n-3 fatty acids impact SPM profiles in patients with CAD and promote clot
      remodeling. Six patients with stable CAD were randomly assigned to either
      treatment with daily 3.36 g Lovaza for 1 yr or without. Targeted lipid mediator
      metabololipidomics showed that both groups had absence of resolvin D1 (RvD1),
      RvD2, RvD3, RvD5 and resolvin E1-all of which are present in healthy patients.
      Those not taking Lovaza had an absence of aspirin-triggered resolvin D3 (AT-RvD3)
      and aspirin-triggered lipoxin B4 (AT-LXB4). Lovaza treatment restored AT-RvD3 and
      AT-LXB4 and gave levels of RvD6 and aspirin-triggered protectin D1 (AT-PD1) twice
      as high (resolvin E2 ~5 fold) as well as lower prostaglandins. Principal
      component analysis indicated positive relationships for patients with CAD who
      were receiving Lovaza with increased AT-RvD3, RvD6, AT-PD1, and AT-LXB4 SPMs
      identified in Lovaza-treated patients with CAD enhanced ~50% at 1 nM macrophage
      uptake of blood clots. These results indicate that patients with CAD have lower
      levels and/or absence of specific SPMs that were restored with Lovaza; these SPMs
      promote macrophage phagocytosis of blood clots. Together, they suggest that low
      vascular SPMs may enable progression of chronic vascular inflammation
      predisposing to coronary atherosclerosis and to thrombosis.-Elajami, T. K.,
      Colas, R. A., Dalli, J., Chiang, N., Serhan, C. N., Welty, F. K. Specialized
      proresolving lipid mediators in patients with coronary artery disease and their
      potential for clot remodeling.

PMID- 27121598
TI  - Anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy is associated with certain subtypes of
      chronic rhinosinusitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis has many risk factors; however, the effect of
      anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy has not been investigated in depth. Our
      experience points to a detrimental clinical effect in overall prevalence of
      chronic rhinosinusitis, despite its benefit in certain subtypes. METHOD: A
      telephone survey was performed to parallel the findings of the Global Allergy and
      Asthma European Network chronic rhinosinusitis screening survey. This was itself
      based on the widely recognised European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and
      Nasal Polyps criteria. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients responded to the survey.
      The prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis in the anti-tumour necrosis factor
      therapy population was 20 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval = 12.84
      27.16). When compared using a chi-square test, for a two-by-two contingency
      table, this finding was significant against the prevalence recorded in the normal
      population. CONCLUSION: This is the first observational study indicating
      increased prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis in patients treated with anti
      tumour necrosis factor therapy. These clinical findings require investigation in
      greater depth to clarify the nature of pathologies currently diagnosed and
      treated as chronic rhinosinusitis.

PMID- 27121600
TI  - Effects of chain flexibility on the properties of DNA hydrogels.
AB  - The effect of chain rigidity on the mechanic properties of DNA hydrogels was
      studied. Counterintuitively, the hydrogel formed by mainly flexible chains
      exhibited better stability, stretchability, and much mechanical properties than
      the hydrogel containing only rigid chains. Calculations showed that the
      crosslinking ratio in the hydrogel formed by flexible chains was about twice that
      of the hydrogel formed by rigid chains under the same conditions. We attributed
      this to the ease of conformational adjustment of flexible chains. Incorporation
      of 25% rigid chains further improved the performance of DNA hydrogel by shrinking
      the pore size and tuning its distribution. 

PMID- 27121601
TI  - Omalizumab (anti-IgE) therapy in the asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) and its
      effects on circulating cytokine levels.
AB  - CONTEXT: The term "asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap
      syndrome" (ACOS) has been applied to the condition, in which a person has
      clinical features of both asthma and COPD. METHODS: The patients (N = 10) were
      presented to our clinic with low lung function, limited reversibility of airway
      obstruction, hyperinflation, abnormal body composition, dyspnea and episodic
      wheezing. Based on the clinical and laboratory findings, the patients were
      diagnosed with ACOS. Patients' serum IL-2 (sIL-2), sIL-4 sIL-6, sIL-10, sIL-17,
      sTNF-alpha and sIFN-gamma levels were investigated as an apoptotic marker and a
      marker for inflammation. RESULTS: Having undergone omalizumab treatment and a
      long-term (12 months) later, patients had a decreased IgE, fractional exhaled
      nitric oxide concentrations (FENO), eosinophil, neutrophils, macrophages,
      eosinophil cationic peptide (ECP) and sIL-4 levels. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge,
      this is the first documentation of omalizumab use in ACOS. We demonstrated
      decreased IL-4, allergic pulmonary symptoms (dyspnea, wheezing, bronchial hyper
      responsiveness) and migraine attacks in the patients.

PMID- 27121602
TI  - Late reactions in food-allergic children and adolescents after double-blind,
      placebo-controlled food challenges.
AB  - The time during which children are observed following a double-blind, placebo
      controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) varies in clinical practice. There are little
      data on late reactions (LRs) following DBPCFCs. Therefore, we determined the
      prevalence, severity and clinical characteristics of late reactions in food
      allergic children and adolescents after DBPCFC, and ascertained which factors are
      associated with, and may predict, LRs. Logistic regression analyses were
      performed to investigate which factors were associated with LRs and to develop
      the association and prediction models. A total of 1142 children underwent DBPCFCs
      (child-test combinations). Of these 1142 child-test combinations, 400 reported
      LRs following the DBPCFC. LRs in food-allergic children after DBPCFC are poorly
      predictable and are generally not severe. All LRs, including those on the placebo
      day, are more frequently reported in younger children. Children who do not
      experience severe immediate reactions may be safely discharged home 2 h after a
      DBPCFC.

PMID- 27121604
TI  - Risk factors of mastectomy skin flap necrosis in immediate breast reconstruction
      using low abdominal flaps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors
      associated with mastectomy skin flap necrosis during immediate reconstruction
      with TRAM or DIEP flaps. METHODS: This study reviewed 1116 cases of immediate
      breast reconstruction over 10 years. Patients ranged in age from 29-76 years
      (average = 45.1 years), and had an average follow-up period of 65.6 months.
      Thirteen factors (age, BMI (body mass index), smoking habits, diabetes ptosis
      grade, midclavicle-to-nipple distance, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, free or pedicled
      flap, mastectomy method, surgeon, stage, axillary dissection, mastectomy weight)
      known to be associated with mastectomy flap necrosis were retrospectively
      analysed. The odds ratios of the risk factors were calculated using logistic
      regression analyses. RESULTS: Mastectomy skin flap necrosis occurred in 247 cases
      (22.1%). Univariate regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of age, BMI,
      ptosis grade, midclavicle-to-nipple distance, free flap, mastectomy method,
      surgeon, stage, and mastectomy weight were significant and the odds ratios
      determined using multivariate analysis were significant for mastectomy method,
      surgeon, and mastectomy weight. CONCLUSION: During breast reconstruction using
      abdominal tissue, the independent risk factors that affect mastectomy skin flap
      necrosis include the mastectomy method, surgeon, and the weight of the mastectomy
      specimen. Awareness of the impact of each risk factor will lead to the
      modification and individualisation of surgical techniques and continually improve
      outcomes.

PMID- 27121605
TI  - Barrier Modification of Metal-contact on Silicon by Sub-2 nm Platinum
      Nanoparticles and Thin Dielectrics.
AB  - We report metal/p-Si contact barrier modification through the introduction of
      either "isolated" or "nonisolated" tilted-target-sputtered sub-2 nm platinum
      nanoparticles (Pt NPs) in combination with either a 0.98 nm Atomic Layer
      Deposited Al2O3 or a 1.6 nm chemically grown SiO2 dielectric layer, or both.
      Here, we study the role of these Pt NP's size dependent properties, i.e., the Pt
      NP-metal surface dipole, the Coulomb blockade and quantum confinement effect in
      determining the degree of Fermi level depinning observed at the studied metal/p
      Si interfaces. By varying only the embedded Pt NP size and its areal density, the
      nature of the contact can also be modulated to be either Schottky or Ohmic upon
      utilizing the same gate metal. 0.74 nm Pt NPs with an areal density of 1.1 *
      10(13) cm(-2) show ~382 times higher current densities compared to the control
      sample embedded with similarly sized Pt NPs with ~1.6 times lower areal
      densities. We further demonstrate that both Schottky (Ti/p-Si) and poor Ohmic
      (Au/p-Si) contact can be modulated into a good Ohmic contact with current density
      of 18.7 +/- 0.6 A/cm(2) and 10.4 +/- 0.4 A/cm(2), respectively, showing ~18 and
      ~30 times improvement. A perfect forward/reverse current ratio of 1.041 is
      achieved for these low doped p-Si samples.

PMID- 27121603
TI  - Distinct cytoprotective roles of pyruvate and ATP by glucose metabolism on
      epithelial necroptosis and crypt proliferation in ischaemic gut.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Intestinal ischaemia causes epithelial death and crypt dysfunction,
      leading to barrier defects and gut bacteria-derived septic complications. Enteral
      glucose protects against ischaemic injury; however, the roles played by glucose
      metabolites such as pyruvate and ATP on epithelial death and crypt dysfunction
      remain elusive. A novel form of necrotic death that involves the assembly and
      phosphorylation of receptor interacting protein kinase 1/3 complex was found in
      ischaemic enterocytes. Pyruvate suppressed epithelial cell death in an ATP
      independent manner and failed to maintain crypt function. Conversely,
      replenishment of ATP partly restored crypt proliferation but had no effect on
      epithelial necroptosis in ischaemic gut. Our data argue against the traditional
      view of ATP as the main cytoprotective factor by glucose metabolism, and indicate
      a novel anti-necroptotic role of glycolytic pyruvate under ischaemic stress.
      ABSTRACT: Mesenteric ischaemia/reperfusion induces epithelial death in both forms
      of apoptosis and necrosis, leading to villus denudation and gut barrier damage.
      It remains unclear whether programmed cell necrosis [i.e. receptor-interacting
      protein kinase (RIP)-dependent necroptosis] is involved in ischaemic injury.
      Previous studies have demonstrated that enteral glucose uptake by sodium-glucose
      transporter 1 ameliorated ischaemia/reperfusion-induced epithelial injury, partly
      via anti-apoptotic signalling and maintenance of crypt proliferation. Glucose
      metabolism is generally assumed to be cytoprotective; however, the roles played
      by glucose metabolites (e.g. pyruvate and ATP) on epithelial cell death and crypt
      dysfunction remain elusive. The present study aimed to investigate the
      cytoprotective effects exerted by distinct glycolytic metabolites in ischaemic
      gut. Wistar rats subjected to mesenteric ischaemia were enterally instilled
      glucose, pyruvate or liposomal ATP. The results showed that intestinal ischaemia
      caused RIP1-dependent epithelial necroptosis and villus destruction accompanied
      by a reduction in crypt proliferation. Enteral glucose uptake decreased
      epithelial cell death and increased crypt proliferation, and ameliorated mucosal
      histological damage. Instillation of cell-permeable pyruvate suppressed
      epithelial cell death in an ATP-independent manner and improved the villus
      morphology but failed to maintain crypt function. Conversely, the administration
      of liposomal ATP partly restored crypt proliferation but did not reduce
      epithelial necroptosis and histopathological injury. Lastly, glucose and pyruvate
      attenuated mucosal-to-serosal macromolecular flux and prevented enteric bacterial
      translocation upon blood reperfusion. In conclusion, glucose metabolites protect
      against ischaemic injury through distinct modes and sites, including inhibition
      of epithelial necroptosis by pyruvate and the promotion of crypt proliferation by
      ATP.

PMID- 27121606
TI  - What do patients and the public know about clinical practice guidelines and what
      do they want from them? A qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Guideline producers are increasingly producing versions of guidelines
      for the public. The aim of this study was to explore what patients and the public
      understand about the purpose and production of clinical guidelines, and what they
      want from clinical guidelines to support their healthcare decisions. METHODS:
      Participants were purposively selected to represent a range of the likely users
      of patient versions of guidelines, including individuals with health conditions
      (diabetes and depression), general members of the public, health communication
      professionals and a group of young people. Participants were asked about their
      awareness and understanding of clinical guidelines and presented with scenario
      recommendations, or draft materials from patient guidelines to prompt discussion.
      Each discussion was facilitated by one or two researchers. All focus groups were
      recorded and transcribed prior to analysis. Data were analysed using framework
      analysis. RESULTS: We ran nine focus groups involving 62 individuals,
      supplemented by four interviews with people experiencing homelessness. Eight
      groups were held in Scotland, one in England. The four interviews were held in
      Scotland. The framework analysis yielded five themes: access and awareness; what
      patients want to know; properties of guidelines; presenting evidence; and format.
      Awareness of guidelines was low. Participants emphasised the need for information
      that enables them to choose between treatment options, including harms. They
      would like help with this from healthcare professionals, especially general
      practitioners. Participants differed in their support for the inclusion of
      numerical information and graphs. CONCLUSIONS: Members of the public want
      information to help them choose between treatments, including information on
      harms, particularly to support shared decisions with health professionals.
      Presenting numerical information is a challenge and layered approaches that
      present information in stages may be helpful. Ignoring the themes identified in
      this study is likely to lead to materials that fail to support public and patient
      healthcare decision making.

PMID- 27121607
TI  - Effect of private versus emergency medical systems transportation in trauma
      patients in a mostly physician based system- a retrospective multicenter study
      based on the TraumaRegister DGU(r).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of private transportation (PT) to definitive trauma care
      in comparison to transportation using Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have so
      far been addressed by a few studies, with some of them finding a beneficial
      effect on survival. The aim of the current study was to investigate epidemiology,
      pre- and in-hospital times as well as outcomes in patients after PT as compared
      to EMS recorded in the TraumaRegister DGU(r). METHODS: All patients in the
      database of the TraumaRegister DGU(r) (TR-DGU) from participating European trauma
      centers treated in 2009 to 2013 with available data on the mode of
      transportation, ISS >= 4 and ICU treatment were included in the study.
      Epidemiological data, pre- and in-hospital times were analysed. Outcomes were
      analysed after adjustment for RISC-II scores. RESULTS: 76,512 patients were
      included in the study, of which 1,085 (1.4 %) were private transports.
      Distribution of ages and trauma mechanisms showed a markedly different pattern
      following PT, with more children < 15 years treated following PT (3.3 % EMS vs.
      9.6 for PT) and more elderly patients of 65 years or older (26.6 vs 32.4 %).
      Private transportation to trauma care was by far more frequent in Level 2 and 3
      hospitals (41.2 % in EMS group vs 73.7 %). Median pre-hospital times were also
      reduced following PT (59 min for EMS vs. 46 for PT). In-hospital time in the
      trauma room (66 for EMS vs. 103 min for PT) and time to diagnostics were
      prolonged following PT. Outcome analysis after adjustment for RISC-II scores
      showed a survival benefit of PT over EMS transport (SMR for EMS 1.07 95 % CI 1.05
      1.09; for PT 0.85 95 % CI 0.62-1.08). DISCUSSION: The current study shows a
      distinct pattern concerning epidemiology and mechanism of injury following PT. PT
      accelerates the median pre-hospital times, but prolongs time to diagnostic
      measures and time in the trauma room. CONCLUSIONS: In this distinct collective,
      PT seemed to lead to a small benefit in terms of mortality, which may reflect pre
      hospital times, pre-hospital interventions or other confounders.

PMID- 27121608
TI  - Core informatics competencies for clinical and translational scientists: what do
      our customers and collaborators need to know?
AB  - Since the inception of the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA)
      program in 2006, leaders in education across CTSA sites have been developing and
      updating core competencies for Clinical and Translational Science (CTS) trainees.
      By 2009, 14 competency domains, including biomedical informatics, had been
      identified and published. Since that time, the evolution of the CTSA program,
      changes in the practice of CTS, the rapid adoption of electronic health records
      (EHRs), the growth of biomedical informatics, the explosion of big data, and the
      realization that some of the competencies had proven to be difficult to apply in
      practice have made it clear that the competencies should be updated. This paper
      describes the process undertaken and puts forth a new set of competencies that
      has been recently endorsed by the Clinical Research Informatics Workgroup of
      AMIA. In addition to providing context and background for the current version of
      the competencies, we hope this will serve as a model for revision of competencies
      over time.

PMID- 27121610
TI  - Development and usage of wiki-based software for point-of-care emergency medical
      information.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the creation and evaluate the usage of the first medical
      wiki linked to dedicated mobile applications. METHODS: With the support of
      multiple current and past contributors, we developed an emergency medicine wiki
      linked to offline mobile applications (WikEM) in 2009. First deployment was at
      the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center emergency medicine residency program, with the
      wiki later opened to public use. To evaluate the project, we performed a post hoc
      analysis of system use and surveyed 8 years of current and past residents.
      Outcomes included website and application analytics, as well as survey analysis
      by composite response categories. RESULTS: Over the 6-year period of this
      project, the wiki grew to over 7250 pages and 45 500 edits. The website receives
      more than 85 000 user sessions per month, with over 150 million page views to
      date. There have been over 200 000 installs of the mobile applications,
      progressing to produce over 5000 mobile sessions daily. Of potential survey
      respondents, 87.7% (107) completed the Internet-based survey. Among those who
      contributed to the wiki, 74.6% reported that it benefited their understanding of
      core emergency medicine content. Of program graduates, the vast majority reported
      use of the wiki as a resource after residency (93.8%) along with improvement in
      clinical efficiency (89.7%). Residents reported higher use and a more favorable
      opinion of wiki usefulness compared to graduates (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A wiki
      paired with mobile applications is beneficial for resident education and useful
      in post-residency clinical practice.

PMID- 27121609
TI  - Will they participate? Predicting patients' response to clinical trial
      invitations in a pediatric emergency department.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: (1) To develop an automated algorithm to predict a patient's response
      (ie, if the patient agrees or declines) before he/she is approached for a
      clinical trial invitation; (2) to assess the algorithm performance and the
      predictors on real-world patient recruitment data for a diverse set of clinical
      trials in a pediatric emergency department; and (3) to identify directions for
      future studies in predicting patients' participation response. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We collected 3345 patients' response to trial invitations on 18 clinical
      trials at one center that were actively enrolling patients between January 1,
      2010 and December 31, 2012. In parallel, we retrospectively extracted
      demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical predictors from multiple sources to
      represent the patients' profiles. Leveraging machine learning methodology, the
      automated algorithms predicted participation response for individual patients and
      identified influential features associated with their decision-making. The
      performance was validated on the collection of actual patient response, where
      precision, recall, F-measure, and area under the ROC curve were assessed.
      RESULTS: Compared to the random response predictor that simulated the current
      practice, the machine learning algorithms achieved significantly better
      performance (Precision/Recall/F-measure/area under the ROC curve:
      70.82%/92.02%/80.04%/72.78% on 10-fold cross validation and
      71.52%/92.68%/80.74%/75.74% on the test set). By analyzing the significant
      features output by the algorithms, the study confirmed several literature
      findings and identified challenges that could be mitigated to optimize
      recruitment. CONCLUSION: By exploiting predictive variables from multiple
      sources, we demonstrated that machine learning algorithms have great potential in
      improving the effectiveness of the recruitment process by automatically
      predicting patients' participation response to trial invitations.

PMID- 27121611
TI  - Development and implementation of a multitiered health informatics curriculum in
      a college of pharmacy.
AB  - Standards requiring education in informatics in pharmacy curricula were
      introduced in the last 10 years by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy
      Education. Mirroring difficulties faced by other health professions educators,
      implementation of these requirements remains fragmented and somewhat limited
      across colleges of pharmacy in the US. Clinical practice and workforce metrics
      underline a pronounced need for clinicians with varying competencies in health
      informatics. In response to these challenges, a multitiered health informatics
      curriculum was developed and implemented at a college of pharmacy in the
      Southeast. The multitiered approach is structured to ensure that graduating
      pharmacists possess core competencies in health informatics, while providing
      specialized and advanced training opportunities for pharmacy students, health
      professions students, and working professionals interested in a career path in
      informatics. The approach described herein offers institutions, administrators,
      faculty, residents, and students an adaptable model for selected or comprehensive
      adoption and integration of a multitiered health informatics curriculum.

PMID- 27121612
TI  - Text mining for precision medicine: automating disease-mutation relationship
      extraction from biomedical literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identifying disease-mutation relationships is a significant challenge
      in the advancement of precision medicine. The aim of this work is to design a
      tool that automates the extraction of disease-related mutations from biomedical
      text to advance database curation for the support of precision medicine.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a machine-learning (ML) based method to
      automatically identify the mutations mentioned in the biomedical literature
      related to a particular disease. In order to predict a relationship between the
      mutation and the target disease, several features, such as statistical features,
      distance features, and sentiment features, were constructed. Our ML model was
      trained with a pre-labeled dataset consisting of manually curated information
      about mutation-disease associations. The model was subsequently used to extract
      disease-related mutations from larger biomedical literature corpora. RESULTS: The
      performance of the proposed approach was assessed using a benchmarking dataset.
      Results show that our proposed approach gains significant improvement over the
      previous state of the art and obtains F-measures of 0.880 and 0.845 for prostate
      and breast cancer mutations, respectively. DISCUSSION: To demonstrate its
      utility, we applied our approach to all abstracts in PubMed for 3 diseases
      (including a non-cancer disease). The mutations extracted were then manually
      validated against human-curated databases. The validation results show that the
      proposed approach is useful in a real-world setting to extract uncurated disease
      mutations from the biomedical literature. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed approach
      improves the state of the art for mutation-disease extraction from text. It is
      scalable and generalizable to identify mutations for any disease at a PubMed
      scale.

PMID- 27121613
TI  - Pre-immune state induced by chicken interferon gamma inhibits the replication of
      H1N1 human and H9N2 avian influenza viruses in chicken embryo fibroblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), an immunoregulatory cytokine, is known
      to control many microbial infections. In a previous study, chicken interferon
      gamma (chIFN-gamma) was found to be up-regulated following avian influenza virus
      (AIV) infection in specific pathogen-free chickens. We aimed to investigate
      whether the pre-immune state induced by chIFN-gamma could generate an antiviral
      response against influenza virus. METHODS: We generated a chIFN-gamma-expressing
      plasmid and transfected it into chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) and then
      infected the cells with human origin H1N1 or avian origin H9N2 influenza viruses.
      Viral titers of culture medium were evaluated in MDCK cell and the viral RNA and
      IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) were then quantified by real-time reverse
      transcriptase polymerase. To further evaluate the role of the antiviral effect of
      chIFN-gamma by using a backward approach, synthetic small interfering RNAs
      (siRNA) targeting chIFN-gamma were used to suppress chIFN-gamma. RESULTS: The
      chIFN-gamma-stimulated CEFs inhibited the replication of viral RNA (vRNA) and
      showed a mild decrease in the infectious virus load released in the culture
      medium. Compared to the mock-transfected control, the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels
      of type I IFNs and IFN-stimulated genes were up-regulated in the cells expressing
      chIFN-gamma. After treatment with the siRNA, we detected a higher expression of
      viral genes than that observed in the mock-transfected control. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that apart from the important role played by chIFN-gamma in the
      antiviral state generated against influenza virus infection, the pre-immune state
      induced by chIFN-gamma can be helpful in mitigating the propagation of influenza
      virus.

PMID- 27121614
TI  - Caesarean section following induction of labour in uncomplicated first births- a
      population-based cross-sectional analysis of 42,950 births.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of elective induction of labour at term on the increasing
      caesarean section (CS) rate is unclear. A Cochrane Systematic Review that
      concluded that elective induction was associated with a reduction in CS was based
      on trials that mostly reflect outdated obstetric care, or were flawed. The
      findings of other studies vary widely in the magnitude and direction of the
      relationship between elective induction and CS. This inconsistency may be due to
      the heterogeneity in the methods used to induce or augment labour, such that the
      relationship with CS is not constant across methods. METHODS: Using validated,
      routinely-collected data on all births in Victoria in 2000-2005, all singleton,
      cephalic, first births following uncomplicated pregnancies at 37-40 completed
      weeks' gestation ('standard primiparae') were identified (n = 42,950). As well as
      comparing induced with non-induced labour, method of birth was compared between
      those women experiencing spontaneous labour without augmentation, and women
      undergoing each method of augmentation or induction using adjusted multinomial
      logistic regression. Proportions, chi-square tests, adjusted Relative Risk Ratios
      (aRRR) and 95% confidence intervals are presented. RESULTS: Ten percent of
      "standard primiparae" had labour induced for no apparent medical indication.
      Women whose labour was induced were significantly more likely than those who
      laboured spontaneously to have a CS (26.5 and 12.5% respectively (OR 2.54, 95% CI
      2.4, 2.7, p < 0.001). After adjustment for maternal age, epidural analgesia,
      birthweight, gestation, and public/private admission status, each method of
      induction or augmentation remained associated with a significant increase in the
      risk of CS (adjusted ORs range 1.48 to 4.13, p-values all <0.0001). Perinatal
      death did not differ by onset of labour. CONCLUSION: Induction of labour in
      medically uncomplicated nulliparous women at term carries a more than doubling of
      risk of emergency CS, compared with spontaneous labour, with no impact on
      perinatal mortality. All methods of induction and augmentation of labour were
      associated with an increase in the rate of CS. Women included in this study had
      no apparent medical indication for induction of labour or any complication of
      pregnancy, so the increase in CS was not due to identifiable underlying risk
      factors. These results suggest that, in the absence of direction from well
      designed, contemporary RCTs, minimising unindicated inductions before 41 weeks'
      gestation has the potential to reduce the rate of CS.

PMID- 27121615
TI  - Implications of construction method and spatial scale on measures of the built
      environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research surrounding the built environment (BE) and health has
      resulted in inconsistent findings. Experts have identified the need to examine
      methodological choices, such as development and testing of BE indices at varying
      spatial scales. We sought to examine the impact of construction method and
      spatial scale on seven measures of the BE using data collected at two time
      points. METHODS: The Children's Environmental Health Initiative conducted parcel
      level assessments of 57 BE variables in Durham, NC (parcel N = 30,319). Based on
      a priori defined variable groupings, we constructed seven mutually exclusive BE
      domains (housing damage, property disorder, territoriality, vacancy, public
      nuisances, crime, and tenancy). Domain-based indices were developed according to
      four different index construction methods that differentially account for number
      of parcels and parcel area. Indices were constructed at the census block level
      and two alternative spatial scales that better depict the larger neighborhood
      context experienced by local residents: the primary adjacency community and
      secondary adjacency community. Spearman's rank correlation was used to assess if
      indices and relationships among indices were preserved across methods. RESULTS:
      Territoriality, public nuisances, and tenancy were weakly to moderately preserved
      across methods at the block level while all other indices were well preserved.
      Except for the relationships between public nuisances and crime or tenancy, and
      crime and housing damage or territoriality, relationships among indices were
      poorly preserved across methods. The number of indices affected by construction
      method increased as spatial scale increased, while the impact of construction
      method on relationships among indices varied according to spatial scale.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found that the impact of construction method on BE measures was
      index and spatial scale specific. Operationalizing and developing BE measures
      using alternative methods at varying spatial scales before connecting to health
      outcomes allows researchers to better understand how methodological decisions may
      affect associations between health outcomes and BE measures. To ensure that
      associations between the BE and health outcomes are not artifacts of
      methodological decisions, researchers would be well-advised to conduct
      sensitivity analysis using different construction methods. This approach may lead
      to more robust results regarding the BE and health outcomes.

PMID- 27121616
TI  - The prevalence of intraspinal anomalies in infantile and juvenile patients with
      "presumed idiopathic" scoliosis: a MRI-based analysis of 504 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Though several studies have reported the incidence of intraspinal
      neural axis abnormalities in infantile and juvenile "presumed idiopathic"
      scoliosis, there has been a varying prevalence ranging from 11.1 to 26.0% based
      on a limited sample size. Therefore, such inconclusive findings have resulted in
      some questions on the MRI-associated role in the management of these patients. We
      aimed to investigate the prevalence and distribution of intraspinal anomalies in
      the infantile and juvenile patients with "presumed idiopathic" scoliosis and to
      explore the radiographic and clinical indicators with large sample size. METHODS:
      A total of 504 infantile and juvenile patients diagnosed with "presumed
      idiopathic" scoliosis were examined for potentially-existing neural axis
      abnormalities by MRI. Patients were grouped into two cohorts according to the
      presence of neural axis abnormalities. Radiographic parameters including curve
      magnitude, curve pattern, location of apex, degree of thoracic kyphosis, and span
      of curve were recorded and compared between the two groups. The prevalence of the
      neural abnormalities between the infantile-age group and juvenile-age group was
      also compared. The student t test was used to evaluate the differences of
      continuous variables and the chi-square test was used to evaluate the difference
      of categorical variables. Fisher exact test was applied to detect the difference
      of the rate of intraspinal anomalies between the "infantile idiopathic scoliosis"
      and "juvenile idiopathic scoliosis" group. RESULTS: Involving the spinal cord, 94
      patients (18.7%) were found to have a neural abnormality: Arnold-Chiari
      malformation alone in 43 patients, Arnold-Chiari malformation combined with
      syringomyelia in 18 patients, isolated syringomyelia in 13 patients,
      diastematomyelia in six patients, tethered cord combined with diastematomyelia in
      six patients, tethered cord alone in four patients, and other uncommon
      intraspinal abnormalities in the remaining four patients. Totally Arnold-Chiari
      malformation with or without syringomyelia accounted for 64.8% (61/94) among all
      these abnormalities. Male gender, left thoracic curve and right lumbar curve were
      found to be significantly associated with the presence of neural axis
      abnormalities on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of neural axis abnormalities in
      the presumed IIS and JIS was 18.7%. Thus a routine MRI evaluation appears
      warranted for those "presumed idiopathic" scoliosis patients if aged less than 10
      years, being male or having left thoracic or right lumbar curve.

PMID- 27121617
TI  - Role of golden jackals (Canis aureus) as natural reservoirs of Dirofilaria spp.
      in Romania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are mosquito-transmitted
      zoonotic nematodes, causing heartworm disease and skin lesions, respectively, in
      carnivores. In Europe, the domestic dog is apparently the main definitive host,
      but patent infections occur also in other species of carnivores. The rapid spread
      of the golden jackals (Canis aureus) throughout Europe opens a question of
      involvement of this species in the sylvatic cycle of pathogens in the colonised
      territories, including Dirofilaria spp. METHODS: Between January 2014 and May
      2015, 54 golden jackals from 18 localities in Romania were examined by full
      necropsy for the presence of adult filarioid nematodes and blood samples from all
      animals were screened for the presence of microfilariae of D. immitis, D. repens
      and Acanthocheilonema reconditum by multiplex PCR DNA amplification. RESULTS:
      Nematodes morphologically identified as D. immitis were found in 18.52% of the
      animals, originating from the southern part of Romania. No D. repens or A.
      reconditum were found at necropsy. The molecular prevalence in blood samples from
      the same animals was 9.26% for D. immitis and 1.85% for D. repens. All samples
      were negative by PCR for A. reconditum. CONCLUSION: The relatively high
      prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. infections in golden jackals from Romania together
      with the increasing density of the jackal populations highlight their potential
      role in the transmission of these zoonotic parasites and in the maintenance of
      natural disease foci.

PMID- 27121618
TI  - The effects of magnetic fields exposure on relative permittivity of saline
      solutions measured by a high resolution SPR system.
AB  - A measurement system for the relative permittivity of a physiological solution
      under 50 Hz magnetic fields (MF) is presented. It is based on a phase-sensitive
      surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system. Relative permittivity was analyzed for
      different solute concentrations of sodium chloride under various MF exposure
      parameters. We found that MF exposure at 0.2-4.0 mT step-wise decreased
      significantly the SPR phase signal of a 0.9% sodium chloride solution while 0.1
      mT of MF exposure did not. The decreases in the SPR phase signal depended on the
      duration of MF exposure, and the signal reached a plateau after 15 min of
      exposure. Interestingly, the decreased SPR phase signal showed a gradual increase
      and approached the background level when the exposure was drawn off. In addition,
      we found that the response of the sodium chloride solution to MF also depended on
      its concentration. In brief, the relative permittivity of sodium chloride in
      solutions appears to be practically affected by 50 Hz MF exposure. Our data
      indicates that the relative permittivity of the saline solution influenced by MF
      exposure should be considered when investigating the biological effects of MF
      exposure on organisms in experimental study.

PMID- 27121619
TI  - 5'-AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Regulates Papillary (TPC-1 and BCPAP) Thyroid
      Cancer Cell Survival, Migration, Invasion, and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal
      Transition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) are associated with a good
      prognosis and a high survival rate. However, tumor recurrence occurs in
      approximately 20-30% of DTC patients, reinforcing the importance of identifying
      new molecular targets for cancer management. It has been shown that the 5'-AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK) is over-activated in papillary thyroid cancer
      (PTC). This study aimed to investigate the effects of 5-aminoimidazole-4
      carboxamide-ribonucleoside (AICAR), an AMPK activator, on various aspects of
      thyroid cancer cell behavior, including cell survival, apoptosis, migration,
      invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), in the human thyroid
      cancer cell lines BCPAP and TPC-1. METHODS: BCPAP and TPC-1 cells were cultivated
      in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, and the non-tumor-derived cell line Nthy
      ORI was grown in RPMI. Cells were treated or not with AICAR for different periods
      of time. The cell growth rate, cell cycle phase, apoptosis, cell migration, and
      invasion were analyzed using transwell inserts, and EMT was quantified by the
      expression of mesenchymal and epithelial markers. RESULTS: AMPK is activated in
      thyroid cancer cell lines, and AICAR treatment further increased AMPK
      phosphorylation. After 48 hours of AICAR treatment, the percentage of cells in
      the G2/M phase decreased, and a G0/G1-phase arrest was induced in both cell
      lines. AMPK activation effectively induced apoptosis in the BCPAP and TPC-1
      cancer cell lines, while no apoptosis induction was observed in Nthy-ORI cells.
      AICAR also reduced the migration of Nthy-ORI and BCPAP cells by 30% and
      approximately 60% in TPC-1 cells. AICAR had no effect on cell invasion in Nthy
      ORI and TPC-1 cells, but a significant reduction of cell invasion was observed in
      BCPAP cells. AICAR induced a significant reduction of N-cadherin and no changes
      in the expression of vimentin or TCF/Zeb1 protein in BCPAP cells. No differences
      in the expression of EMT markers were found in the AICAR-treated Nthy-ORI cells.
      A remarkable reduction of vimentin, TCF/Zeb1, and N-cadherin protein expression
      was detected in the TPC-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Increased activation of AMPK in PTC
      cell lines leads to a strong antitumor response, as measured by the inhibition of
      cell proliferation, cell migration, and induction of cell death. AMPK activation
      also reverses EMT in TPC-1 cells.

PMID- 27121620
TI  - PCSK9 Association With Lipoprotein(a).
AB  - RATIONALE: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a highly atherogenic low-density lipoprotein
      like particle characterized by the presence of apoprotein(a) [apo(a)] bound to
      apolipoprotein B. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)
      selectively binds low-density lipoprotein; we hypothesized that it can also be
      associated with Lp(a) in plasma. OBJECTIVE: Characterize the association of PCSK9
      and Lp(a) in 39 subjects with high Lp(a) levels (range 39-320 mg/dL) and in
      transgenic mice expressing either human apo(a) only or human Lp(a) (via
      coexpression of human apo(a) and human apolipoprotein B). METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      show that PCSK9 is physically associated with Lp(a) in vivo using 3 different
      approaches: (1) analysis of Lp(a) fractions isolated by ultracentrifugation; (2)
      immunoprecipitation of plasma using antibodies to PCSK9 and immunodetection of
      apo(a); (3) ELISA quantification of Lp(a)-associated PCSK9. Plasma PCSK9 levels
      correlated with Lp(a) levels, but not with the number of kringle IV-2 repeats.
      PCSK9 did not bind to apo(a) only, and the association of PCSK9 with Lp(a) was
      not affected by the loss of the apo(a) region responsible for binding oxidized
      phospholipids. Preferential association of PCSK9 with Lp(a) versus low-density
      lipoprotein (1.7-fold increase) was seen in subjects with high Lp(a) and normal
      low-density lipoprotein. Finally, Lp(a)-associated PCSK9 levels directly
      correlated with plasma Lp(a) levels but not with total plasma PCSK9 levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results show, for the first time, that plasma PCSK9 is found in
      association with Lp(a) particles in humans with high Lp(a) levels and in mice
      carrying human Lp(a). Lp(a)-bound PCSK9 may be pursued as a biomarker for
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 27121622
TI  - A Comprehensive Approach for the Ergonomic Evaluation of 13 Emergency and
      Transport Ventilators.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mechanical ventilation is an important part of emergency medicine and
      is frequently used for transportation. Human errors during ventilator settings
      are frequent and may be associated with high morbidity/mortality. The aim of the
      study was to provide a complete ergonomic evaluation of emergency and transport
      ventilators, taking into account objective and subjective human-machine interface
      assessments and individual mental work load. METHODS: We performed a prospective
      bench ergonomic evaluation of 13 emergency and transport ventilators, using
      standardized conditions and a global methodological approach. The study was
      performed in an evaluation laboratory dedicated to respiratory care, and 12
      emergency physicians unfamiliar with the tested devices were included in the
      evaluation. The ventilators were classified into 3 categories (simple,
      sophisticated, and ICU-like). Objective chronometric evaluations were conducted
      considering 9 tasks, and subjective evaluations were performed (ease of use,
      willingness to use, and user-friendliness of monitoring) using Likert scales.
      Mental work load evaluation was performed using the NASA Task Load Index scale.
      RESULTS: Overall task failure rate represented 4% of all attempts. Setting
      modifications, ventilation mode changes, and powering down durations were
      different between simple and other emergency and transport ventilator categories
      (P < .005). There was no difference between ventilator categories for the ease of
      use and user-friendliness of the monitoring. In contrast, the willingness to use
      was lower for simple devices, compared with sophisticated and ICU-like emergency
      and transport ventilators (2.9 +/- 1.4 vs 3.9 +/- 1.2, P = .002 and 4.3 +/- 1, P
      < .001). No differences were observed between devices regarding the mental work
      load, except for several specific devices in the sophisticated category.
      CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive ergonomic evaluation provides valuable information
      while investigating operational friendliness in emergency and transport
      ventilators. The choice of a device not only depends on its technical
      characteristics but should take into account its clinical operational setting and
      ergonomics in order to decrease mental work load. Sophisticated emergency and
      transport ventilators should only be used by clinicians who demonstrate expertise
      in mechanical ventilation.

PMID- 27121621
TI  - Cardiac Fibro-Adipocyte Progenitors Express Desmosome Proteins and Preferentially
      Differentiate to Adipocytes Upon Deletion of the Desmoplakin Gene.
AB  - RATIONALE: Mutations in desmosome proteins cause arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
      (AC), a disease characterized by excess myocardial fibroadipocytes. Cellular
      origin(s) of fibroadipocytes in AC is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To identify the
      cellular origin of adipocytes in AC. METHODS AND RESULTS: Human and mouse cardiac
      cells were depleted from myocytes and flow sorted to isolate cells expressing
      platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha and exclude those expressing other
      lineage and fibroblast markers (CD32, CD11B, CD45, Lys76, Ly(-6c) and Ly(6c),
      thymocyte differentiation antigen 1, and discoidin domain receptor 2). The
      PDGFRA(pos):Lin(neg):THY1(neg):DDR2(neg) cells were bipotential as the majority
      expressed collagen 1 alpha-1, a fibroblast marker, and a subset CCAAT/enhancer
      binding protein alpha, a major adipogenic transcription factor, and therefore,
      they were referred to as fibroadipocyte progenitors (FAPs). FAPs expressed
      desmosome proteins, including desmoplakin, predominantly in the adipogenic but
      not fibrogenic subsets. Conditional heterozygous deletion of Dsp in mice using
      Pdgfra-Cre deleter led to increased fibroadipogenesis in the heart and mild
      cardiac dysfunction. Genetic fate mapping tagged 41.4+/-4.1% of the cardiac
      adipocytes in the Pdgfra-Cre:Eyfp:Dsp(W/F) mice, indicating an origin from FAPs.
      FAPs isolated from the Pdgfra-Cre:Eyfp:Dsp(W/F) mouse hearts showed enhanced
      differentiation to adipocytes. Mechanistically, deletion of Dsp was associated
      with suppressed canonical Wnt signaling and enhanced adipogenesis. In contrast,
      activation of the canonical Wnt signaling rescued adipogenesis in a dose
      dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: A subset of cardiac FAPs, identified by the
      PDGFRA(pos):Lin(neg):THY1(neg):DDR2(neg) signature, expresses desmosome proteins
      and differentiates to adipocytes in AC through a Wnt-dependent mechanism. The
      findings expand the cellular spectrum of AC, commonly recognized as a disease of
      cardiac myocytes, to include nonmyocyte cells in the heart.

PMID- 27121623
TI  - What's Next After ARDS: Long-Term Outcomes.
AB  - ARDS is a life-threatening organ failure due to several pulmonary and
      extrapulmonary injuries with an incidence between 5 and 60 cases/100,000
      persons/y. Patients with ARDS have non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema and dyspnea
      often requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and intensive care admission.
      Although the short-term mortality rate has significantly decreased in the last
      decade, mainly due to the widespread application of lung-protective ventilation
      and better general support, long-term outcomes are still unsatisfactory. Besides
      simply evaluating the outcome at hospital discharge, several recent studies have
      assessed the health-related quality of life, neuropsychological disability,
      radiological findings, and pulmonary dysfunction up to 5 y. This paper reviews
      the literature regarding the long-term outcomes in patients with ARDS. 

PMID- 27121624
TI  - Is Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction Exercise-Induced Asthma?

PMID- 27121625
TI  - A New Era for Ribavirin Aerosols to Treat Respiratory Syncitial Virus Infections
      in Immunocompromised Patients?

PMID- 27121626
TI  - Should We Nebulize Hypertonic Saline Prophylactically in Our Pediatric Intubated
      Patients?

PMID- 27121627
TI  - CPAP Devices for Emergency Prehospital Use: Looking Inside of It.

PMID- 27121628
TI  - CPAP Devices for Emergency Prehospital Use: Looking Inside of It-Reply.

PMID- 27121629
TI  - PEEP and Mechanical Ventilation: We Are Warned, We Cannot Ignore.

PMID- 27121630
TI  - PEEP and Mechanical Ventilation: We Are Warned, We Cannot Ignore-Reply.

PMID- 27121632
TI  - Editor's Commentary.

PMID- 27121631
TI  - Transcutaneous Carbon Dioxide in the Management of Noninvasive Ventilation.

PMID- 27121633
TI  - Effect of coenzyme A on outer hair cells in cisplatin ototoxicity: functional and
      ultrastructural study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to use functional and morphological analyses to
      evaluate the protective effect of coenzyme A (CoA) in cisplatin-induced toxicity
      in outer hair cells (OHC). Three groups of 8 guinea pigs were used: control
      (group I), cisplatin-treated (group II) and cisplatin + CoA-treated (group III).
      In groups II and III, a single ototoxic dose of cisplatin (10 mg/kg) was injected
      intraperitoneally. Group III was co-treated with CoA (900 MUg/kg per day for 7
      consecutive days). Electrocochleography (ECoG) recordings were made before and
      after the 7-day treatment period in all groups. After ECoG on day 7, all animals
      were anesthetized and the cochleae were removed and fixed for ultrastructural
      analysis. Cell damage in OHC was observed with transmission electron microscopy.
      Cisplatin induced a significant increase in auditory thresholds (p<0.001)
      compared to group I (control). In contrast, group III (cisplatin + CoA) had
      significantly reduced thresholds (p<0.001) compared to the group treated with
      cisplatin alone (group II).We found no significant differences between the
      control group and animals co-treated with cisplatin and CoA. The electron
      microscopy findings in OHC were consistent with these results. Ultrastructural
      analysis of OHC in group II showed morphological indications of necrosis, i.e.
      cytoplasmic swelling and vacuolation, and mitochondrial swelling. In group III
      the cell morphology of OHC was preserved, with ultrastructural characteristics
      similar to the control group. In conclusion, co-treatment with cisplatin with CoA
      inhibited antineoplastic-induced cytotoxicity in OHC in a guinea pig model.

PMID- 27121634
TI  - A service evaluation of self-referral to military mental health teams.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The UK military runs a comprehensive mental health service ordinarily
      accessed via primary care referrals. AIMS: To evaluate the feasibility of self
      referral to mental health services within a military environment. METHODS: Three
      pilot sites were identified; one from each service (Royal Navy, Army, Air Force).
      Socio-demographic information included age, rank, service and career duration.
      Clinical data included prior contact with general practitioner (GP), provisional
      diagnosis and assessment outcome. RESULTS: Of the 57 self-referrals, 69% (n = 39)
      had not previously accessed primary care for their current difficulties. After
      their mental health assessment, 47 (82%) were found to have a formal mental
      health problem and 41 (72%) were offered a further mental health clinician
      appointment. The data compared favourably with a large military mental health
      department that reported 87% of primary care referrals had a formal mental health
      condition. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of self-referrals had formal mental health
      conditions for which they had not previously sought help from primary care; most
      were offered further clinical input. This supports the view that self-referral
      may be a useful option to encourage military personnel to seek professional care
      over and above the usual route of accessing care through their GP.

PMID- 27121635
TI  - Tuberculin and QuantiFERON-TB-Gold tests for latent tuberculosis: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Up to now, there has been no universal consensus on the agreement
      between the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the QuantiFERON-TB-Gold test (QFT) in
      the detection of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among high-risk
      populations. AIMS: To estimate the agreement between TST and QFT among health
      care workers (HCWs). METHODS: A meta-analysis in which all major electronic
      databases, including Medline, Scopus, Web of Sciences and Ovid, were searched
      until June 2014. All cross-sectional and cohort studies addressing the agreement
      between TST and the QFT were included. The extracted data were analysed and the
      results were reported using random effect models. RESULTS: The overall kappa
      statistic between TST and the QFT was 0.27 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22,
      0.32] and the adjusted kappa statistic for prevalence and bias was 0.41 (95% CI
      0.32, 0.50). The kappa for subjects with and without bacillus Calmette-Guerin
      (BCG) vaccination was 0.27 (95% CI 0.18, 0.36) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.15, 0.46)
      respectively. The figures were 0.30 (95% CI 0.16, 0.43) and 0.82 (95% CI 0.74,
      0.90) for prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted kappa, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      The overall agreement between TST and QFT in the detection of LTBI among HCWs was
      poor. After adjusting for the prevalence and bias indices, kappa statistics
      reached fair agreement. The utility of each of these two tests is dependent on
      the prevalence and burden of tuberculosis as well as the BCG vaccination status.

PMID- 27121636
TI  - Using a nasoseptal flap for the reconstruction of osteoradionecrosis in
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a challenging complication in patients
      with postirradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the usage of a nasoseptal flap (NSF) after endoscopic sequestrectomy to
      reconstruct resultant skull base defects for the treatment of ORN. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We present our experience on the adaption of an NSF as a
      reconstruction method for bony clival defects after endoscopic sequestrectomy in
      patients with postirradiated NPC. We propose that by which the patient may be
      offered better and prompt surgical results in the more adequate coverage of a
      vascularized flap for the exposed defect and attenuate the hypoxic and
      inflammatory process among the NPC patients suffering from postirradiation ORN.
      CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, NSF use in such an indication has not been
      previously reported. Consequently, we advocate its utility for the management of
      patients with postirradiated skull base ORN in NPC in the future.

PMID- 27121637
TI  - Oral verrucous carcinoma: From multifactorial etiology to diverse treatment
      regimens (Review).
AB  - Oral verrucous carcinoma (OVC) is a verrucous variant of oral squamous cell
      carcinoma (OSCC), which accounts for 2-12% of all oral carcinomas with a 5-year
      survival rate of only approximately 50%. Enormous effort has been dedicated to
      this cancer, and the past decades have witnessed significant advances in relevant
      diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Currently, there exist three challenges
      from primary sub-fields of research and clinical practice of the cancer, namely
      multifactorial etiology, complex molecular mechanism, and deficient treatment.
      This study reviews the existing literature on the cancer, encompassing its
      etiology, clinical manifestations and pathology, molecular mechanism, diagnosis
      and differential diagnosis, and treatment. For improved treatment of OVC,
      multifactorial etiology analysis, incorporation of effective biomarkers for
      mechanism illustration, and integration of multidisciplinary modalities are
      expounded, in an attempt to resolve the challenges and to provide a useful guide
      for future research in the field. 

PMID- 27121638
TI  - Structure-Odor Activity Studies on Monoterpenoid Mercaptans Synthesized by
      Changing the Structural Motifs of the Key Food Odorant 1-p-Menthene-8-thiol.
AB  - 1-p-Menthene-8-thiol (1) has been discovered as the key odorant in grapefruit
      juice several decades ago and contributes to the overall odor of the fruit with
      an extremely low odor threshold of 0.000034 ng/L in air. This value is among the
      lowest odor thresholds ever reported for a food odorant. To check whether
      modifications in the structure of 1 would lead to changes in odor threshold and
      odor quality, 34 mercapto-containing p-menthane and 1-p-menthene derivatives as
      well as several aromatic and open-chain mercapto monoterpenoids were synthesized.
      Eighteen of them are reported for the first time in the literature, and their
      odor thresholds and odor qualities as well as analytical data are supplied. A
      comparison of the sensory data with those of 1 showed that hydrogenation of the
      double bond led to a clear increase in the odor threshold. Furthermore, moving
      the mercapto group into the ring always resulted in higher odor thresholds
      compared to thiols with a mercapto group in the side chains. Although all
      tertiary thiols always exhibited low odor thresholds, none of the 31 compounds
      reached the extremely low threshold of 1. Also, none of the synthesized mercapto
      monoterpenoids showed a similar odor quality resembling grapefruit. Although the
      saturated and aromatic analogues exhibited similar scents as 1, the aromas of the
      majority of the other compounds were described as sulfury, rubber-like, burned,
      soapy, or even mushroom-like. NMR and MS data as well as retention indices of the
      23 newly reported sulfur-containing compounds might aid in future research to
      identify terpene-derived mercaptans possibly present in trace levels in foods. 

PMID- 27121639
TI  - Monitoring of the tumor response to nano-graphene oxide-mediated
      photothermal/photodynamic therapy by diffusion-weighted and BOLD MRI.
AB  - Photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are promising cancer
      treatment modalities. Because each modality has its own set of advantages and
      limitations, there has been interest in developing methods that can co-deliver
      the two regimens for enhanced tumor treatment. Among the efforts, nano-graphene
      oxide-mediated phototherapies have recently attracted much attention. Nano
      graphene oxide has a broad absorbance spectrum and can be loaded with
      photosensitizers, such as chlorin e6, with high efficiency. Chlorin e6-loaded and
      PEGylated nano-graphene (GO-PEG-Ce6) can be excited at 660 nm, 808 nm, or both,
      to induce PDT, PTT, or PDT/PTT combination. Despite the potential of the
      treatments, there is a lack of a diagnostic tool which can monitor their
      therapeutic response in a non-invasive and prognostic manner; such an ability is
      urgently needed for the transformation and translation of the technologies. In
      this study, we performed diffusion-weighted and blood oxygenation level dependent
      (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after GO-PEG-Ce6-mediated PTT, PDT, or
      PTT/PDT. We found that after efficient PTT, there is a significant increase of
      the tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value in diffusion-weighted
      imaging (DWI) maps; meanwhile, an efficient PDT led to an increase of in BOLD
      images. In both the cases, the amplitude of the increase was correlated with the
      treatment outcomes. More interestingly, a synergistic treatment efficacy was
      observed when the PTT/PDT combination was applied, and the combination was
      associated with a greater ADC and increase than when either modality was used
      alone. In particular, the PTT/PDT condition that induced the most dramatic short
      term increase of the ADC value (>70%) caused the most effective tumor control in
      the long-run, with 60% of the treated animals being tumor-free after 60 days.
      These results suggest the great promise of the combination of DWI and BOLD MRI as
      a tool for accurate monitoring and prognosis of phototherapies, which is of great
      value to the future developments of the methodologies. 

PMID- 27121640
TI  - microRNA signatures in peripheral blood fail to detect acute cellular rejection
      after liver transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether microRNA signatures in whole blood samples are
      associated with acute cellular rejection (ACR) after liver transplantation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected using Paxgene technology and
      analyzed by microarrays and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT
      PCR). RESULTS: microRNA signatures failed to distinguish between 19 patients with
      ACR and 16 controls. Let-7b-5p and let-7c were upregulated in a subgroup of
      patients with ACR during the 6th and 7th postoperative days but failed in an
      independent validation of 20 patients. CONCLUSION: microRNA signatures in whole
      blood processed by Paxgene technology are not suited for the detection of ACR
      after liver transplantation.

PMID- 27121641
TI  - Defining occult injuries of the distal forearm and wrist in children.
AB  - PURPOSE: The nonspecific terms "wrist sprain" and "suspected occult bony injury"
      are frequently documented as diagnoses in occult paediatric wrist injuries. To
      date, however, no one has accurately defined their true underlying pathology. The
      primary objective of this study was to identify the true pathoanatomy of occult
      acute paediatric wrist injuries. Our secondary objective was to compare our
      findings with existing adult data in order to determine any population
      differences that might be clinically relevant. METHODS: We performed a single
      centre retrospective case series evaluating MRI findings in acute paediatric
      wrist injuries presenting to the hand injury unit between 2011 and 2014. All
      patients underwent standardised radiographs of the wrist and, where clinically
      indicated, of the scaphoid. Where no bony anomaly was identified, MRI scanning
      was offered. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to calculate the agreement
      between clinical and MRI diagnosis. RESULTS: 57 patients met the final inclusion
      criteria. Occult fractures and bony contusions comprised the majority of the
      pathologies, at 36.5 and 35.0 %, respectively. There were no cases of isolated
      soft-tissue injury. MRI effected management change in 35.1 % of cases. Paediatric
      wrists demonstrated differences in injury pattern and distribution when compared
      to an adult population. CONCLUSION: This study defines for the first time the
      true pathology of occult paediatric wrist injuries. The current definition of a
      wrist sprain was not applicable to a single case and therefore appears to be
      inappropriate for use in the paediatric population. A precise knowledge of the
      likely pathology facilitates accurate information delivery whilst reducing
      parental uncertainty and treatment variation.

PMID- 27121642
TI  - Three-dimensional block-based restoration integrated with wide-field fluorescence
      microscopy for the investigation of thick specimens with spatially variant
      refractive index.
AB  - Development of a block-based restoration (BBR) method that addresses spatially
      variant (SV) imaging in wide-field fluorescence microscopy of thick samples is
      presented. The BBR method is based on a block-based imaging model, which
      approximates SV imaging using an efficient orthonormal basis decomposition of
      multiple SV point-spread functions computed at block vertices. The effect of
      reducing the number of blocks needed to account for SV imaging on the restoration
      accuracy was investigated with simulations using a numerical lung tissue phantom
      relevant to biological studies. Results show that reducing the number of blocks
      by 82% and 98% resulted in a 19% and 27% reduction in restoration accuracy,
      respectively, thereby establishing a reasonable tradeoff between computational
      resources and accuracy. Comparison of the BBR method to existing methods
      (deconvolution) that do not account for SV imaging demonstrates a 90% improvement
      in restoration accuracy. BBR results from synthetic and experimental images of a
      controlled test sample with SV refractive index (RI) show consistency, providing
      a validation of the BBR approach. In this study, information from DIC and
      fluorescence images was combined to identify regions with changing RI within the
      imaging volume. The BBR method provides a first step toward computationally
      tractable reconstruction of images from thick samples.

PMID- 27121643
TI  - Quantifying Nanomolar Protein Concentrations Using Designed DNA Carriers and
      Solid-State Nanopores.
AB  - Designed "DNA carriers" have been proposed as a new method for nanopore based
      specific protein detection. In this system, target protein molecules bind to a
      long DNA strand at a defined position creating a second level transient current
      drop against the background DNA translocation. Here, we demonstrate the ability
      of this system to quantify protein concentrations in the nanomolar range. After
      incubation with target protein at different concentrations, the fraction of DNA
      translocations showing a secondary current spike allows for the quantification of
      the corresponding protein concentration. For our proof-of-principle experiments
      we use two standard binding systems, biotin-streptavidin and digoxigenin
      antidigoxigenin, that allow for measurements of the concentration down to the low
      nanomolar range. The results demonstrate the potential for a novel quantitative
      and specific protein detection scheme using the DNA carrier method.

PMID- 27121644
TI  - Salmon-coloured lesions mimicking conjunctival papillae: an unusual presentation
      of unilateral conjunctival lymphoma in a young man.

PMID- 27121645
TI  - Altered immune response of immature dendritic cells following dengue virus
      infection in the presence of specific antibodies.
AB  - Dengue virus (DENV) replication is known to prevent maturation of infected
      dendritic cells (DCs) thereby impeding the development of adequate immunity.
      During secondary DENV infection, dengue-specific antibodies can suppress DENV
      replication in immature DCs (immDCs), however how dengue-antibody complexes (DENV
      IC) influence the phenotype of DCs remains elusive. Here, we evaluated the
      maturation state and cytokine profile of immDCs exposed to DENV-ICs. Indeed, DENV
      infection of immDCs in the absence of antibodies was hallmarked by blunted
      upregulation of CD83, CD86 and the major histocompatibility complex molecule HLA
      DR. In contrast, DENV infection in the presence of neutralizing antibodies
      triggered full DC maturation and induced a balanced inflammatory cytokine
      response. Moreover, DENV infection under non-neutralizing conditions prompted
      upregulation of CD83 and CD86 but not HLA-DR, and triggered production of pro
      inflammatory cytokines. The effect of DENV-IC was found to be dependent on the
      engagement of FcgammaRIIa. Altogether, our data show that the presence of DENV-IC
      alters the phenotype and cytokine profile of DCs.

PMID- 27121646
TI  - Three-dimensional polymer scaffolds for enhanced differentiation of human
      mesenchymal stem cells to hepatocyte-like cells: a comparative study.
AB  - Stem cell-based tissue engineering has emerged as a promising avenue for the
      treatment of liver diseases and as drug metabolism and toxicity models in drug
      discovery and development. The in vitro simulation of a micro-environmental niche
      for hepatic differentiation remains elusive, due to lack of information about
      crucial factors for the stem cell niche. For generation of functional
      hepatocytes, an in vivo three-dimensional (3D) micro-environment and architecture
      should be reproduced. Towards this, we fabricated three scaffolds as dextran
      gelatin (DG1), chitosan-hyaluronic acid (CH1) and gelatin-vinyl acetate (GEVAC).
      Hepatic differentiation of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells
      (hUC-MSCs) was induced by culturing hUC-MSCs on these scaffolds. The scaffolds
      support hepatic differentiation by mimicking the native extracellular matrix
      (ECM) micro-environment and architecture to facilitate 3D cell-cell and cell
      matrix interactions. The expression of hepatic markers, glycogen storage, urea
      production, albumin secretion and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) activity indicated the
      hepatic differentiation of hUC-MSCs. The differentiated hUC-MSCs on the 3D
      scaffolds formed hepatospheroids (3D hepatocyte aggregates), as illustrated by
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal microscopy and cytoskeleton
      organization. It was observed that the 3D scaffolds supported improved cell
      morphology, expression of hepatic markers and metabolic activities, as compared
      to Matrigel-coated plates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report
      demonstrating the use of a well-characterized scaffold (GEVAC) for enhanced
      differentiation of hUC-MSCs to hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs). Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27121647
TI  - RNA-directed DNA methylation efficiency depends on trigger and target sequence
      identity.
AB  - RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) in plants has been extensively studied, but
      the RNA molecules guiding the RdDM machinery to their targets are still to be
      characterized. It is unclear whether these molecules require full complementarity
      with their target. In this study, we have generated Nicotiana tabacum (Nt) plants
      carrying an infectious tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd) transgene (Nt-TASVd)
      and a non-infectious potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) transgene (Nt-SB2). The
      two viroid sequences exhibit 81% sequence identity. Nt-TASVd and Nt-SB2 plants
      were genetically crossed. In the progeny plants (Nt-SB2/TASVd), deep sequencing
      of small RNAs (sRNAs) showed that TASVd infection was associated with the
      accumulation of abundant small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that mapped along the
      entire TASVd but only partially matched the SB2 transgene. TASVd siRNAs
      efficiently targeted SB2 RNA for degradation, but no transitivity was detectable.
      Bisulfite sequencing in the Nt-SB2/TASVd plants revealed that the TASVd transgene
      was targeted for dense cis-RdDM along its entire sequence. In the same plants,
      the SB2 transgene was targeted for trans-RdDM. The SB2 methylation pattern,
      however, was weak and heterogeneous, pointing to a positive correlation between
      trigger-target sequence identity and RdDM efficiency. Importantly, trans-RdDM on
      SB2 was also detected at sites where no homologous siRNAs were detected. Our data
      indicate that RdDM efficiency depends on the trigger-target sequence identity,
      and is not restricted to siRNA occupancy. These findings support recent data
      suggesting that RNAs with sizes longer than 24 nt (>24-nt RNAs) trigger RdDM.

PMID- 27121648
TI  - Macrophages: Dissolving cholesterol to unclog arteries.

PMID- 27121649
TI  - Tissue repair: Biological scaffolds modulate immune cells.

PMID- 27121650
TI  - T cell responses: Metabolic pathways take sides.

PMID- 27121653
TI  - Engineering Stacks of V-Shaped Polyaromatic Compounds with Alkyl Chains for
      Enhanced Emission in the Solid State.
AB  - A V-shaped bisanthracene derivative with three butyl groups formed two types of
      emissive solids that display bluish green and blue fluorescence (PhiF =72 and 32
      %, respectively), depending on the preparation conditions. The crystal and powder
      X-ray analyses reveal that the highly emissive solid adopts a head-to-head
      arrangement with discrete stacks of the anthracene moieties, whereas the
      moderately emissive solid adopts a head-to-tail arrangement without the stacks.
      The obtained molecular arrangements are transformed by thermal stimuli
      accompanying the change in fluorescence. Furthermore, large enhancements of dye
      emissions (12-45-fold) through highly efficient host-guest energy transfer were
      achieved in the solid state by adding minute amounts of various fluorescent dyes
      (e.g. rubrene and Nile red) to the V-shaped compound.

PMID- 27121654
TI  - Halloysite-based dopamine-imprinted polymer for selective protein capture.
AB  - We describe a facile, general, and highly efficient approach to obtain
      polydopamine-coated molecularly imprinted polymer based on halloysite nanotubes
      for bovine serum albumin. The method combined surface molecular imprinting and
      one-step immobilized template technique. Hierarchically structured polymer was
      prepared in physiological conditions adopting dopamine as functional monomer. A
      thin layer of polydopamine can be coated on the surface of amino-modified
      halloysite nanotubes by self-polymerization, and the thickness of the imprinted
      shells can be controlled by the mass ratio of matrix and dopamine. The polymer
      was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, transmission
      electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The prepared material showed
      high binding capacity (45.4 mg/g) and specific recognition behavior toward the
      template protein. In addition, stability and regeneration analyses indicated that
      the imprinted polymer exhibited excellent reusability (relative standard
      deviation < 9% for batch-to-batch evaluation). Therefore, the developed polymer
      is effective for protein recognition and separation. 

PMID- 27121652
TI  - Emerging insights into natural killer cells in human peripheral tissues.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells have long been considered to be a homogenous population
      of innate lymphocytes with limited phenotypic and functional diversity. However,
      recent findings have revealed that these cells comprise a large number of
      distinct populations with diverse characteristics. Some of these characteristics
      may relate to their developmental origin, and others represent differences in
      differentiation that are influenced by factors such as tissue localization and
      imprints by viral infections. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview
      of the emerging knowledge about the development, differentiation and function of
      human NK cell populations, with a particular focus on NK cells in peripheral
      tissues.

PMID- 27121655
TI  - Extending the duration of hypothermia does not further improve white matter
      protection after ischemia in term-equivalent fetal sheep.
AB  - A major challenge in modern neonatal care is to further improve outcomes after
      therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. In this study we
      tested whether extending the duration of cooling might reduce white matter
      damage. Term-equivalent fetal sheep (0.85 gestation) received either sham
      ischemia followed by normothermia (n = 8) or 30 minutes of bilateral carotid
      artery occlusion followed by three days of normothermia (n = 8), three days of
      hypothermia (n = 8) or five days of hypothermia (n = 8) started three hours after
      ischemia. Histology was assessed 7 days after ischemia. Ischemia was associated
      with loss of myelin basic protein (MBP) and Olig-2 positive oligodendrocytes and
      increased Iba-1-positive microglia compared to sham controls (p < 0.05). Three
      days and five days of hypothermia were associated with a similar, partial
      improvement in MBP and numbers of oligodendrocytes compared to ischemia
      normothermia (p < 0.05). Both hypothermia groups had reduced microglial
      activation compared to ischemia-normothermia (p < 0.05). In the ischemia-five-day
      hypothermia group, but not ischemia-three-day, numbers of microglia remained
      higher than in sham controls (p < 0.05). In conclusion, delayed cerebral
      hypothermia partially protected white matter after global cerebral ischemia in
      fetal sheep. Extending cooling from 3 to 5 days did not further improve outcomes,
      and may be associated with greater numbers of residual microglia.

PMID- 27121651
TI  - MicroRNAs as regulatory elements in immune system logic.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial post-transcriptional regulators of haematopoietic
      cell fate decisions. They act by negatively regulating the expression of key
      immune development genes, thus contributing important logic elements to the
      regulatory circuitry. Deletion studies have made it increasingly apparent that
      they confer robustness to immune cell development, especially under conditions of
      environmental stress such as infectious challenge and ageing. Aberrant expression
      of certain miRNAs can lead to pathological consequences, such as autoimmunity and
      haematological cancers. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms by which
      several miRNAs influence immune development and buffer normal haematopoietic
      output, first at the level of haematopoietic stem cells, then in innate and
      adaptive immune cells. We then discuss the pathological consequences of
      dysregulation of these miRNAs.

PMID- 27121657
TI  - Impact of end-stage renal disease on psychological status and quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess depression, anxiety, and quality
      of life (QOL) in a cohort of children and adolescents with end-stage renal
      disease (ESRD), to compare these findings with healthy controls, and to evaluate
      the association between these psychological symptoms, QOL, and clinical variables
      related to ESRD. METHODS: Thirty-two children and adolescents 8-18 years of age
      were enrolled in the study. The sociodemographic data were evaluated.
      Questionnaires were used to evaluate the psychological status and QOL of the
      patients and healthy controls. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in
      mean depression score, which was significantly higher for the ESRD patients. Mean
      state anxiety score was significantly lower for ESRD patients than for controls.
      Regarding QOL score, there were significant differences between the ESRD patients
      and control groups for both child-rated and parent-rated QOL scores, which were
      significantly lower for ESRD patients. Trait anxiety was a negative predictor of
      all subscales of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4. CONCLUSIONS: End
      stage renal disease was related to significant morbidity and poorer QOL. The
      assessment and enhancement of QOL and comorbid psychiatric disorders in ESRD
      should be a part of disease management.

PMID- 27121656
TI  - Body composition estimation using skinfolds in children with and without health
      conditions affecting growth and body composition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Body composition prediction equations using skinfolds are useful
      alternatives to advanced techniques, but their utility across diverse paediatric
      populations is unknown. AIM: To evaluate published and new prediction equations
      across diverse samples of children with health conditions affecting growth and
      body composition. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Anthropometric and dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DXA) body composition measures were obtained in children with
      Down syndrome (n = 59), Crohn disease (n = 128), steroid-sensitive nephrotic
      syndrome (n = 67) and a healthy reference group (n = 835). Published body
      composition equations were evaluated. New equations were developed for ages 3-21
      years using the healthy reference sample and validated in other groups and
      national survey data. RESULTS: Fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM) and percentage
      body fat (%BF) from published equations were highly correlated with DXA-derived
      measures (r = 0.71-0.98), but with poor agreement (mean difference = 2.4 kg, -1.9
      kg and 6.3% for FM, FFM and %BF). New equations produced similar correlations (r
      = 0.85-1.0) with improved agreement for the reference group (0.2 kg, 0.4 kg and
      0.0% for FM, FFM and %BF, respectively) and in sub-groups. CONCLUSIONS: New body
      composition prediction equations show excellent agreement with DXA and improve
      body composition estimation in healthy children and those with selected
      conditions affecting growth.

PMID- 27121658
TI  - Effects of ophiopogonin B on the proliferation and apoptosis of SGC-7901 human
      gastric cancer cells.
AB  - Ophiopogonin B (OP-B) is a bioactive component of Radix Ophiopogon japonicus,
      which is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cancer. The present
      study aimed to investigate the antitumor activity of OP-B in gastric cancer. Cell
      Counting kit-8, flow cytometry with Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate, Hoechst
      staining, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) detection, and reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) assay were used to detect the biological function of SGC-7901
      gastric cancer cells. The results demonstrated that high concentrations of OP-B
      (5, 10 and 20 umol/l) exerted potent antiproliferative effects on SGC-7901 cells
      in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, apoptotic rates were increased and cell
      morphology was altered following treatment with OP-B. In addition, OP-B-induced
      apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells was associated with loss of MMP and increased ROS
      generation. Western blotting indicated that treatment with OP-B increased the
      protein expression levels of caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X
      protein, whereas the expression levels of Bcl-2 and the phosphorylation levels of
      extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases 1/2 were
      decreased. These results suggest that OP-B may be considered a potential
      inhibitor of gastric cancer progression, and may be used as an alternative
      compound for its treatment. 

PMID- 27121659
TI  - Factors associated with graft survival and endothelial cell density after
      Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.
AB  - Postoperative endothelial cell loss leads to graft failure after corneal
      transplantation, and is one of the important issues for long-term prognosis. The
      objective of this study was to identify clinical factors affecting graft survival
      and postoperative endothelial cell density (ECD) after Descemet's stripping
      automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). A total of 198 consecutive Japanese
      patients (225 eyes) who underwent DSAEK were analysed using Cox proportional
      hazard regression and multiple linear regression models. The candidate factors
      included recipient age; gender; diagnosis; pre-existing iris damage state, scored
      based on its severity; the number of previous intraocular surgeries; graft ECD;
      graft diameter; simultaneous cataract surgery; surgeons experience;
      intraoperative iris damage; postoperative rebubbling; and graft rejection. Eyes
      with higher pre-existing iris damage score and more number of previous
      intraocular surgery had a significantly higher risk of graft failure (HR = 8.53;
      P < 0.0001, and HR = 2.66; P = 0.026, respectively). Higher pre-existing iris
      damage score, lower graft ECD, and smaller graft diameter were identified as
      significant predisposing factors for lower postoperative ECD. The results show
      that iris damage status before DSAEK may be clinically useful in predicting the
      postoperative course. Avoiding intraoperative iris damage, especially in eyes
      with low ECD can change the prognosis of future DSAEK.

PMID- 27121660
TI  - Rapid fabrication of poly(DL-lactide) nanofiber scaffolds with tunable
      degradation for tissue engineering applications by air-brushing.
AB  - Polymer nanofiber based materials have been widely investigated for use as tissue
      engineering scaffolds. While promising, these materials are typically fabricated
      through techniques that require significant time or cost. Here we report a rapid
      and cost effective air-brushing method for fabricating nanofiber scaffolds using
      a simple handheld apparatus, compressed air, and a polymer solution. Air-brushing
      also facilities control over the scaffold degradation rate without adversely
      impacting architecture. This was accomplished through a one step blending process
      of high (M w  ~  100 000 g mol(-1)) and low (M w  ~  25 000 g mol(-1)) molecular
      weight poly(DL-lactide) (PDLLA) polymers at various ratios (100:0, 70:30 and
      50:50). Through this approach, we were able to control fiber scaffold degradation
      rate while maintaining similar fiber morphology, scaffold porosity, and bulk
      mechanical properties across all of the tested compositions. The impact of
      altered degradation rates was biologically evaluated in human bone marrow stromal
      cell (hBMSC) cultures for up to 16 days and demonstrated degradation rate
      dependence of both total DNA concentration and gene regulation.

PMID- 27121661
TI  - 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of KG
      1a cells through the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
AB  - Previous research has shown that total saponins of Panax ginseng (TSPG) and other
      ginsenoside monomers inhibit the proliferation of leukemia cells. However, the
      effect has not been compared among them. Cell viability was determined by Cell
      Counting Kit-8 assay, and ultra-structural characteristics were observed under
      transmission electron microscopy. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were
      determined by flow cytometry (FCM). Real-time fluorescence quantitative-PCR,
      western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to measure the expression of
      beta-catenin, TCF4, cyclin D1 and NF-kappaBp65. beta-catenin/TCF4 target gene
      transcription were observed by ChIP-PCR assay. We found that 20(S)-ginsenoside
      Rh2 [(S)Rh2] inhibited the proliferation of KG-1a cells more efficiently than the
      other monomers. Moreover, (S)Rh2 arrested KG-1a cells in the G0/G1 phase and
      induced apoptosis. In addition, the levels of beta-catenin, TCF4, cyclin D1 mRNA
      and protein were decreased. The ChIP-PCR showed that (S)Rh2 downregulated the
      transcription of beta-catenin/TCF4 target genes, such as cyclin D1 and c-myc.
      These results indicated that (S)Rh2 induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis
      through the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, demonstrating its potential as a
      chemotherapeutic agent for leukemia therapy. 

PMID- 27121662
TI  - Satisfaction With a Family-Focused Intervention for Mild Cognitive Impairment
      Dyads.
AB  - PURPOSE: This article describes satisfaction that persons with mild cognitive
      impairment (PwMCI) and their caregivers had with the Daily Enhancement of
      Meaningful Activity (DEMA) intervention. METHODS: This randomized controlled
      pilot study compared satisfaction (usefulness, ease of use, and acceptability)
      with DEMA (n = 17 dyads) to an information support (IS) control group (n = 19
      dyads). Six biweekly sessions (two in person and four by telephone) were
      delivered by trained nurses. Data analysis included descriptive statistics,
      independent-sample t tests, and content analysis. FINDINGS: PwMCI receiving DEMA
      rated their satisfaction significantly higher (p = .033) than did the control
      group; there was no difference in satisfaction between caregivers across groups.
      Qualitative interview data supported the usefulness, ease of use, and
      acceptability of DEMA for both PwMCI and caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      documented PwMCI's satisfaction with DEMA as implemented by nurses to support
      PwMCI-caregiver dyads' engagement in meaningful activity. DEMA may need revision
      to increase satisfaction for caregivers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The DEMA
      intervention was evaluated as useful, easy to use, and acceptable to PwMCI and
      their caregivers based on positive mean ratings. The study findings provide
      preliminary support of DEMA as a means to improve quality of life by helping to
      support patient and caregiver engagement in meaningful activities and problem
      solving.

PMID- 27121663
TI  - Patients with rosacea have increased risk of dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder where
      upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and antimicrobial peptides
      (AMPs) is observed. Notably, inflammation, MMPs, and AMPs are also involved in
      the etiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders including certain forms of
      dementia such as Alzheimer disease (AD). Based on several clinical observations,
      we investigated the association between rosacea and dementia, including AD in
      Danish registers. METHODS: All Danish citizens aged >=18 years between January 1,
      1997 and December 31, 2012 were linked at the individual level through
      administrative registers. Cox regression was used to calculate unadjusted and
      adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). RESULTS: The study comprised a total of 5,591,718
      individuals, including 82,439 patients with rosacea. A total of 99,040
      individuals developed dementia (any form) in the study period, of whom 29,193
      were diagnosed with AD. The adjusted HRs of dementia and AD were 1.07 (95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.14), and 1.25 (95% CI = 1.14-1.37),
      respectively, in patients with rosacea. Stratified by sex, the HRs of AD were
      1.28 (95% CI = 1.15-1.45) and 1.16 (95% CI = 1.00-1.35) in women and men,
      respectively. When results were stratified by age at study entry, the risk of AD
      was only significantly increased in individuals >=60 years old (adjusted HR =
      1.20, 95% CI = 1.08-1.32). When analyses were limited to patients with a hospital
      dermatologist diagnosis of rosacea only, the adjusted HRs of dementia and AD were
      1.42 (95% CI = 1.17-1.72) and 1.92 (95% CI = 1.44-2.58), respectively.
      INTERPRETATION: Rosacea is significantly associated with dementia, particularly
      AD. Increased focus on symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in older patients with
      rosacea may be relevant. Ann Neurol 2016;79:921-928.

PMID- 27121664
TI  - The Seventy-Kilogram Fantasy.

PMID- 27121665
TI  - Model-Supported Development of CS-8635: A Fixed-Dose Combination of Olmesartan,
      Amlodipine, and Hydrochlorothiazide.
AB  - CS-8635, a fixed-dose triple combination of olmesartan, amlodipine, and
      hydrochlorothiazide, was developed to address the growing need for additional
      blood pressure (BP) reduction in patients not controlled with dual-combination
      therapies. Prior to Phase III, modeling and simulation (M&S) was conducted to
      estimate the additional BP lowering effect of CS-8635 compared to the respective
      dual combinations. The Phase III study evaluated CS-8635 BP lowering effects only
      at the highest dose strength among the five dose strengths to be developed. Post
      trial M&S was performed using an integrated dataset from three Phase III
      programs; CS-8635 plus two prior dual combinations. M&S robustly estimated and
      described the BP lowering effects of CS-8635 evaluated in a clinical setting.
      Furthermore, M&S evaluated BP lowering effects of the additional four dose
      strengths not studied. In summary, M&S aided the development of the clinical
      study and full characterization of the BP lowering effects of CS-8635 across
      intermediate doses. 

PMID- 27121666
TI  - Effect of Multiple-Dose Diltiazem on the Pharmacokinetics of the Renin Inhibitor
      ACT-077825.
AB  - This open-label, randomized study evaluated the effects of steady-state diltiazem
      on the pharmacokinetic, safety, and tolerability profile of a single dose of the
      novel renin inhibitor ACT-077825. Twelve healthy Caucasian male subjects (20-50
      years) received in treatment sequence A, a single dose of 100 mg ACT-077825 (Days
      1 and 17), and oral diltiazem 300 mg once daily (Days 14-26). In treatment
      sequence B, subjects received a single dose of 100 mg ACT-077825 (Days 4 and 22)
      and oral diltiazem 300 mg once daily (Days 1-13). ACT-077825 alone and combined
      with diltiazem was generally well tolerated. On average, the systemic exposure to
      ACT-077825 was higher in the presence of diltiazem. For AUC0-infinity and t1/2 ,
      the upper limit of the 90% confidence interval (CI) of the geometric mean ratios
      was outside the study-specific 0.5-2.0 equivalence boundaries, that is, 1.92 (90%
      CI: 1.30, 2.83) and 1.58 (90% CI: 1.22, 2.04), respectively. In conclusion,
      diltiazem markedly affected the pharmacokinetics of ACT-077825, probably via
      inhibition of CYP3A4 activity, without changing its safety and tolerability
      profile in healthy male subjects. Whether such an interaction will require for
      therapeutic dose adjustment of ACT-077825 co-administered with diltiazem has to
      be assessed once the dose-response relationship of ACT-077825 in hypertensive
      patients is determined. 

PMID- 27121667
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Migalastat HCl and Effects on Agalsidase Activity
      in Healthy Volunteers.
AB  - Migalastat HCl is an investigational, oral treatment for Fabry disease, an X
      linked lysosomal storage disorder. Four Phase 1 studies were conducted to
      determine the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of
      migalastat. Healthy volunteers (N = 124), 18-55 years old, received migalastat
      HCl single (25 mg-2000 mg) or twice-daily doses (50 mg, 150 mg) for 7 days in a
      double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion. Migalastat pharmacokinetics were dose
      proportional (AUCinfinity range: 1129-72 838 ng h/mL, Cmax range: 200.5-13 844
      ng/mL, t1/2 3-4 hours). Steady state was achieved by Day 7. Up to 67% of the dose
      was excreted as unchanged drug in urine. Increased alpha-Gal A activity was dose
      related. No abnormal cardiac effects, including prolonged QTc intervals, were
      observed. The pharmacokinetics of migalastat were well characterized in these
      Phase 1 studies conducted healthy volunteers. The 150 mg dose of migalastat HCl
      administered BID for 7 days was generally safe and well tolerated. A TQT study
      demonstrated lack of a positive signal at therapeutic and supra-therapeutic
      doses. Increases in alpha-Gal A enzyme activity for the 150 mg dose observed in
      healthy subjects suggested a successful proof of mechanism for further
      investigations. 

PMID- 27121668
TI  - Clinical Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of the 11beta
      Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Inhibitor ABT-384 in Healthy Volunteers and
      Elderly Adults.
AB  - ABT-384 is a potent and selective inhibitor of 11beta-hydroxysteroid
      dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD-1), the enzyme that regenerates cortisol in several
      tissues. Two clinical studies of ABT-384 were undertaken to assess its safety,
      pharmacokinetics, target engagement, and pharmacologic effects in healthy
      subjects. Single doses from 1 to 240 mg, and multiple doses from 1 to 100 mg once
      daily for 7-14 days, were administered to healthy adults. Multiple doses from 10
      to 100 mg once daily for 21 days were administered to elderly subjects. A total
      of 103 subjects received at least 1 dose of ABT-384. A maximum-tolerated dose was
      not defined in either study. The pharmacokinetic profiles of ABT-384 and its
      active metabolite support once daily dosing. Analysis of urine cortisol
      metabolites demonstrated full hepatic HSD-1 inhibition with regimens from 1 mg
      daily, and confirmed in vitro target selectivity. Pharmacologic effects included
      increases of adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels, cortisol production and
      androgen and estradiol levels. ABT-384 has a wide therapeutic index relative to
      full hepatic target engagement which is relevant for indications such as diabetes
      and metabolic syndrome. Its therapeutic index for other potential indications
      such as Alzheimer's disease remains to be established. 

PMID- 27121669
TI  - Empagliflozin (BI 10773), a Potent and Selective SGLT2 Inhibitor, Induces Dose
      Dependent Glucosuria in Healthy Subjects.
AB  - Empagliflozin is an orally available, selective inhibitor of sodium glucose
      cotransporter 2. In this study, single oral doses of empagliflozin from 0.5 to
      800 mg were not associated with any clinically significant safety concerns in
      healthy male volunteers. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar in
      subjects receiving placebo (22.2%) or empagliflozin (25.0%) in the single rising
      dose part of the study and after 50 mg empagliflozin under fed (28.6%) or fasted
      (28.6%) conditions. The most frequent AE was headache. No clinically relevant
      changes in laboratory or electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements were observed.
      Single oral doses of empagliflozin were rapidly absorbed, reaching peak levels
      after 1.0-2.1 hours. Increases in empagliflozin exposure were roughly dose
      proportional and a dose-dependent increase in urinary glucose excretion was
      observed for empagliflozin doses up to 100 mg. After ingestion of 50 mg
      empagliflozin in conjunction with a high-fat, high-calorie meal, no clinically
      relevant changes in exposure were found, indicating that empagliflozin can be
      administered independent of food. Empagliflozin up to 800 mg did not generate
      clinically significant safety concerns in healthy male subjects. The
      pharmacokinetic properties of empagliflozin support once daily administration
      independent of food. 

PMID- 27121670
TI  - A Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Fimasartan, a Selective Angiotensin II
      Receptor Antagonist, in Healthy Caucasian Subjects and Korean Patients With
      Hypertension.
AB  - A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of fimasartan, a selective angiotensin II
      receptor antagonist, was developed and significant covariates for its PK
      parameters were identified using 1438 plasma concentrations from 69 subjects
      (aged 19-64 years, weighing 43.5-95.3 kg), enrolled in 2 phase I studies (n = 42,
      96.4% Caucasian) and a phase II study (n = 27, Korean hypertensive patients). The
      nonlinear mixed-effects analysis method by NONMEM was used, and the final model
      was qualified using sensitivity analysis, bootstrapping, and visual predictive
      checks. A two-compartment open linear PK model with mixed zero- and lagged first
      order absorption best described observed plasma fimasartan concentrations. The
      typical value of the apparent clearance of fimasartan for those weighing 70 kg
      with total bilirubin of 0.7 mg/dL was 176 L/h (95% confidence interval: 163-189
      L/h), and its interindividual and interoccasion variability as coefficient of
      variation was 26.9% (20.5-31.6%) and 10.5% (6.3-15.5%), respectively. Simulation
      of steady state concentrations indicated body weight was the most influential
      covariate on the exposure of fimasartan (i.e., lower level in heavier subjects).
      The population PK model of fimasartan should be refined as more studies are
      conducted in various clinical conditions. 

PMID- 27121671
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence Evaluation of 2 Loxoprofen Tablets in Healthy
      Egyptian Male Volunteers.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the in vitro dissolution and to
      evaluate the bioavailability of two brands of Loxoprofen sodium dihydrate
      tablets. Loxoprofen tablets (68.1 mg loxoprofen sodium dihydrate equivalent to 60
      mg loxoprofen; test) relative to Roxonin tablets (68.1 mg loxoprofen sodium
      dihydrate equivalent to 60 mg loxoprofen; reference). In vitro study was adopted
      to determine and compare the dissolution behavior of both products. In vivo study
      was conducted according to a single-center, randomized, single-dose, and
      laboratory-blinded, 2-period, 2-sequence, crossover design with a washout period
      of 1 week. Under fasting conditions, 24 healthy Egyptian adult male volunteers
      were randomly allocated to receive a single dose of either test or reference
      product. Blood samples were collected at specified time intervals, and plasma was
      analyzed for loxoprofen concentrations using a validated high-performance liquid
      chromatography assay method. The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax , AUC0-t , AUC0
      infinity , tmax , and t1/2 were determined from plasma concentration-time
      profiles. The 90% confidence intervals for the ratio Cmax , AUC0-t , and AUCt
      infinity of the test product over those of reference were within the acceptable
      range (0.8-1.25) for bioequivalence. On the basis of these results, the two
      loxoprofen formulations are considered bioequivalent. 

PMID- 27121672
TI  - Pharmacokinetic Studies of Cysteamine Bitartrate Delayed-Release.
AB  - A twice-daily microsphere formulation of cysteamine bitartrate has been developed
      for cystinosis and other potential applications. To date, there are no published
      pharmacokinetic data for cysteamine bitartrate delayed-release in healthy adults.
      Three randomized open-label, crossover studies to determine the effects of
      fasting, high fat, and carbohydrate meals on the bioavailability of cysteamine
      bitartrate delayed-release (600 mg) administered in capsule or sprinkle form to
      healthy adults. Adverse events were monitored. Fifty-eight adults were studied.
      Cysteamine absorption (AUC0-24 hours ) was the same for capsule and sprinkle
      forms during all meal/fasting states. The AUC0-24 hours for capsules while
      fasted, 30 and 120 minutes before a carbohydrate meal and during a high fat meal
      were 6,313 +/- 329, 4,616 +/- 878, 6,691 +/- 669, 2,572 +/- 295 minutes * uM,
      respectively, and the mean Cmax values were 29.4 +/- 1.7, 20.7 +/- 4.9, 31.6 +/-
      3.0, and 10.9 +/- 1.7 uM, respectively. The mean Tmax following fasting and high
      fat meal were about 3 and 6 hours, respectively. Minor transient GI adverse
      events occurred. Cysteamine bitartrate delayed-release capsule and sprinkle forms
      are bioequivalent and optimal absorption occurs during fasting state. High fat
      diet reduces drug absorption, increases the Tmax and should be avoided at the
      time of drug ingestion. Cysteamine bitartrate delayed-release (RP103) is best
      ingested >30 minutes before a carbohydrate-rich meal. 

PMID- 27121673
TI  - Pharmacokinetic Profile of Orally Administered Scyllo-Inositol (Elnd005) in
      Plasma, Cerebrospinal Fluid and Brain, and Corresponding Effect on Amyloid-Beta
      in Healthy Subjects.
AB  - ELND005 (scyllo-inositol), an endogenous inositol stereoisomer, is being
      investigated as an oral treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Pharmacokinetics
      of ELND005 in plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and brain was characterized in
      healthy young subjects. Eight men received 2000 mg ELND005 every 12 hours for 10
      days. Plasma and CSF samples were collected at predetermined time points; ELND005
      and amyloid-beta (Abeta) fragments were measured by validated bioanalytical
      methods. Brain ELND005 levels, estimated by (1) H Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
      (MRS) scans were obtained from gray/white matter voxels at baseline and Day 8.
      ELND005 was well-tolerated during the study. During the apparent steady state,
      ELND005 plasma levels rapidly peaked at 39.8 ug/mL and decreased to an average
      trough concentration of 10.6 ug/mL at the end of the 12-hour dosing regimen. In
      contrast, CSF drug levels slowly peaked at 13.7 ug/mL and remained near the same
      level with average trough concentrations of 12.4 ug/mL. At Day 8, Brain ELND005
      concentrations increased by 58-76% compared to baseline levels. The CSF
      concentrations achieved in this study were similar to those associated with
      efficacy in transgenic models of AD. No changes were detected in plasma and CSF
      levels of Abeta fragments. 

PMID- 27121674
TI  - Pitavastatin Concentrations Are Not Increased by CYP3A4 Inhibitor Itraconazole in
      Healthy Subjects.
AB  - Itraconazole is a synthetic triazole antifungal agent which is known to be a
      potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4, and may cause drug-drug
      interactions with the many drugs metabolized by this route, including some
      statins. In this study, the influence of concomitant administration of a single
      oral dose of pitavastatin with itraconazole at steady state was investigated to
      determine the potential for pharmacokinetic interaction and any effects on
      safety. Eighteen subjects were enrolled into the study. The AUC and Cmax of
      pitavastatin alone were 138 ng h/mL and 63.8 ng/mL, and pitavastatin with
      itraconazole were 106 ng h/mL and 49.5 ng/mL, respectively. Comparison of the 90%
      confidence interval of the geometric mean ratio of AUC0-t and Cmax against a
      standard reference of 0.80-1.25 demonstrated that the lower limit was breached
      for both pitavastatin and its lactone metabolite (0.71-0.84 and 0.69-0.88 for
      AUC0-t and Cmax , respectively, for pitavastatin, 0.86-0.97 and 0.76-0.86 for
      AUC0-t and Cmax , respectively, for pitavastatin lactone). The safety and
      tolerability of pitavastatin was not affected by co-administration with
      itraconazole. This study suggests that pitavastatin is not a CYP3A4 substrate in
      humans. 

PMID- 27121675
TI  - Outcome measures evaluating hand function in children with bilateral cerebral
      palsy: a systematic review.
AB  - AIM: To review outcome measures used to evaluate hand function, with emphasis on
      manual capacity and performance, in children with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP),
      to describe the content and measurement properties of such measures, and to
      investigate the quality of the studies that have examined these properties.
      METHOD: Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and CINAHL were searched. The COSMIN-criteria
      (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments)
      were used to assess the quality of studies and the Terwee criteria were used to
      assess the result of the studies. RESULTS: Five hand function measures were
      identified from 16 papers. The strongest level of evidence for aspects of
      validity and reliability was found for the Melbourne Assessment 2, assessing
      unimanual capacity, and for the questionnaire ABILHAND-Kids, assessing perceived
      manual ability in daily activities. However, evidence for the responsiveness of
      these measures is missing. INTERPRETATION: Further high-quality studies providing
      evidence for responsiveness, as well as for additional aspects of validity and
      reliability of the Melbourne Assessment 2 and the ABILHAND-Kids, are needed.
      Furthermore, there is a need to develop appropriate outcome measures evaluating
      how children with bilateral CP use their hands when handling objects in bimanual
      tasks.

PMID- 27121676
TI  - mglur6b:EGFP Transgenic zebrafish suggest novel functions of metabotropic
      glutamate signaling in retina and other brain regions.
AB  - Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are mainly known for regulating
      excitability of neurons. However, mGluR6 at the photoreceptor-ON bipolar cell
      synapse mediates sign inversion through glutamatergic inhibition. Although this
      is currently the only confirmed function of mGluR6, other functions have been
      suggested. Here we present Tg(mglur6b:EGFP)zh1, a new transgenic zebrafish line
      recapitulating endogenous expression of one of the two mglur6 paralogs in
      zebrafish. Investigating transgene as well as endogenous mglur6b expression
      within the zebrafish retina indicates that EGFP and mglur6b mRNA are not only
      expressed in bipolar cells, but also in a subset of ganglion and amacrine cells.
      The amacrine cells labeled in Tg(mglur6b:EGFP)zh1 constitute a novel cholinergic,
      non-GABAergic, non-starburst amacrine cell type described for the first time in
      teleost fishes. Apart from the retina, we found transgene expression in subsets
      of periventricular neurons of the hypothalamus, Purkinje cells of the cerebellum,
      various cell types of the optic tectum, and mitral/ruffed cells of the olfactory
      bulb. These findings suggest novel functions of mGluR6 besides sign inversion at
      ON bipolar cell dendrites, opening up the possibility that inhibitory
      glutamatergic signaling may be more prevalent than currently thought. J. Comp.
      Neurol. 524:2363-2378, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121677
TI  - Diamondoid-functionalized gold nanogaps as sensors for natural, mutated, and
      epigenetically modified DNA nucleotides.
AB  - Modified tiny hydrogen-terminated diamond structures, known as diamondoids, show
      a high efficiency in sensing DNA molecules. These diamond cages, as recently
      proposed, could offer functionalization possibilities for gold junction
      electrodes. In this investigation, we report on diamondoid-functionalized
      electrodes, showing that such a device would have a high potential in sensing and
      sequencing DNA. The smallest diamondoid including an amine modification was
      chosen for the functionalization. Here, we report on the quantum tunneling
      signals across diamondoid-functionalized Au(111) electrodes. Our work is based on
      quantum-transport calculations and predicts the expected signals arising from
      different DNA units within the break junctions. Different gating voltages are
      proposed in order to tune the sensitivity of the functionalized electrodes with
      respect to specific nucleotides. The relation of this sensitivity to the coupling
      or decoupling of the electrodes is discussed. Our results also shed light on the
      sensing capability of such a device in distinguishing the DNA nucleotides, in
      their natural and mutated forms. 

PMID- 27121678
TI  - Association between mitochondrial DNA haplogroup and myelodysplastic syndromes.
AB  - Polymorphisms in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are used to group individuals into
      haplogroups reflecting human global migration and are associated with multiple
      diseases, including cancer. Here, we evaluate the association between mtDNA
      haplogroup and risk of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Cases were identified by
      the Minnesota Cancer Surveillance System. Controls were identified through the
      Minnesota State driver's license/identification card list. Because haplogroup
      frequencies vary by race and ethnicity, we restricted analyses to non-Hispanic
      whites. We genotyped 15 mtSNPs that capture common European mitochondrial
      haplogroup variation. We used SAS v.9.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) to calculate
      odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) overall and stratified by MDS
      subtype and IPSS-R risk category. We were able to classify 215 cases with
      confirmed MDS and 522 controls into one of the 11 common European haplogroups.
      Due to small sample sizes in some subgroups, we combined mt haplogroups into
      larger bins based on the haplogroup evolutionary tree, including HV (H + V), JT
      (J + T), IWX (I + W + X), UK (U + K), and Z for comparisons of cases and
      controls. Using haplogroup HV as the reference group, we found a statistically
      significant association between haplogroup JT and MDS (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.36,
      0.92, P = 0.02). No statistically significant heterogeneity was observed in
      subgroup analyses. In this population-based study of MDS, we observed an
      association between mtDNA haplogroup JT and risk of MDS. While previously
      published studies provide biological plausibility for the observed association,
      further studies of the relationship between mtDNA variation and MDS are warranted
      in larger sample sizes. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121679
TI  - Roles of SHARP1 in thyroid cancer.
AB  - SHARP1 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor involved in various
      cellular processes, including proliferation and differentiation. The present
      study assessed the role of SHARP1 in the progression and invasion of thyroid
      cancer. PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that in thyroid cancer
      tissues, SHARP1 was significantly downregulated at the mRNA and protein level
      compared with that in normal tissues. Furthermore, SHARP1 was downregulated in
      the TT and TPC-1 thyroid cancer cell lines compared with a normal thyroid cell
      line, while it was upregulated in other thyroid cancer cell lines. Overexpression
      of SHARP1 in TT and TPC-1 cells significantly inhibited the cell viability,
      migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, the protein and mRNA levels of HIF
      1alpha were found to be decreased in TT and TPC-1 cells following forced
      overexpression of SHARP1. In addition, silencing of HIF-1alpha reduced the
      viability, migration and invasion of TT and TPC-1 cells. In conclusion, the
      present study indicated that SHARP1 acts as a tumor suppressor in thyroid cancer
      and that its downregulation may contribute to the proliferation, migration and
      invasion of thyroid cancer cells through mechanisms possibly involving HIF
      1alpha, suggesting that SHARP1 may be an important therapeutic target for the
      treatment of thyroid cancer. 

PMID- 27121680
TI  - Corrigendum: TET-catalyzed 5-hydroxymethylcytosine regulates gene expression in
      differentiating colonocytes and colon cancer.

PMID- 27121682
TI  - Screening for grades of frailty using electronic health records: where do we go
      from here?

PMID- 27121683
TI  - Exercise for reducing fear of falling in older people living in the community:
      Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to determine the effect of exercise interventions on fear of falling
      in community-living people aged >=65. DESIGN: systematic review and meta
      analysis. Bibliographic databases, trial registers and other sources were
      searched for randomised or quasi-randomised trials. Data were independently
      extracted by pairs of reviewers using a standard form. RESULTS: thirty trials
      (2,878 participants) reported 36 interventions (Tai Chi and yoga (n = 9); balance
      training (n = 19); strength and resistance training (n = 8)). The risk of bias
      was low in few trials. Most studies were from high-income countries (Australia =
      8, USA = 7). Intervention periods (<12 weeks = 22; 13-26 weeks = 7; >26 weeks =
      7) and exercise frequency (1-3 times/week = 32; >=4 times/week = 4) varied
      between studies. Fear of falling was measured by single-item questions (7) and
      scales measuring falls efficacy (14), balance confidence (9) and concern or worry
      about falling (2). Meta-analyses showed a small to moderate effect of exercise
      interventions on reducing fear of falling immediately post-intervention
      (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.37, 95% CI 0.18, 0.56; 24 studies; low
      quality evidence). There was a small, but not statistically significant effect in
      the longer term (<6 months (SMD 0.17, 95% CI -0.05, 0.38 (four studies) and >=6
      months post-intervention SMD 0.20, 95% CI -0.01, 0.41 (three studies)).
      CONCLUSIONS: exercise interventions probably reduce fear of falling to a small to
      moderate degree immediately post-intervention in community-living older people.
      The high risk of bias in most included trials suggests findings should be
      interpreted with caution. High-quality trials are needed to strengthen the
      evidence base in this area.

PMID- 27121684
TI  - Serum chloride in heart failure: a salty prognosis.

PMID- 27121686
TI  - Electrochemical de-alloying in two dimensions: role of the local atomic
      environment.
AB  - We investigate by in situ scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) the potential
      dependence of the electrochemical dealloying of NiPd monoatomic layers
      electrodeposited on Au(111). The dealloying process is achieved by Ni selective
      dissolution and was studied as a function of NiPd composition: for an alloy with
      a Ni content >=70%, quasi-complete Ni dissolution is achieved at a potential of 
      0.9 VMSE whereas for a Ni content <70%, Ni dissolution at the same potential
      drastically slows down after the removal of small amounts of Ni. The alloy
      morphology at this "passivation state" is characterized by the presence of holes
      in the alloy monolayer with evidence for the Pd enrichment at the hole edges.
      These findings are confirmed by Monte Carlo simulations. Further Ni dissolution
      at passivation was achieved by applying more positive potentials which depend on
      the alloy composition. These results allowed us to determine the correlation
      between the Ni dissolution onset potential and the local Pd content. 

PMID- 27121685
TI  - New endoscopic classification of cascade stomach, a risk factor for reflux
      esophagitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We recently demonstrated that cascade stomach detected by barium
      studies was correlated with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. We developed a new
      endoscopic classification of cascade stomach and examined its relationship with
      reflux esophagitis. METHODS: Study 1: the classification (grades 0-3) was based
      on detecting a ridge that runs from the cardia toward the anterior wall crossing
      the greater curvature. Inter-observer variation was evaluated by kappa statistics
      when ten experienced endoscopists used this classification three times each.
      Study 2: in 710 consecutive subjects (500 men and 210 women) undergoing
      endoscopic screening, the grade of cascade stomach and incidence of reflux
      esophagitis were compared. RESULTS: In study 1, the kappa values at the third
      assessment were 0.85, 0.58, 0.50, and 0.78 for each grade, respectively, while
      overall agreement was 0.68. In study 2, the incidence of reflux esophagitis in
      men was 20 % in grade 0, 17 % in grade 1, 25 % in grade 2, and 30 % in grade 3,
      showing significant differences. Among women, the incidence of reflux esophagitis
      in each grade was 9, 3, 6, and 35 %, respectively, also showing significant
      differences. Multivariate analysis showed that independent risk factors for
      reflux esophagitis were cascade stomach (odds ratio = 2.20), body mass index, and
      hiatus hernia in men, as well as cascade stomach (odds ratio = 9.01) and smoking
      tobacco in women. CONCLUSIONS: This endoscopic classification of cascade stomach
      showed acceptable inter-observer variation. Cascade stomach is a risk factor for
      reflux esophagitis.

PMID- 27121687
TI  - Role of time delay on intracellular calcium dynamics driven by non-Gaussian
      noises.
AB  - Effect of time delay (tau) on intracellular calcium dynamics with non-Gaussian
      noises in transmission processes of intracellular Ca(2+) is studied by means of
      second-order stochastic Runge-Kutta type algorithm. By simulating and analyzing
      time series, normalized autocorrelation function, and characteristic correlation
      time of cytosolic and calcium store's Ca(2+) concentration, the results exhibit:
      (i) intracellular calcium dynamics's time coherence disappears and stability
      strengthens as tau -> 0.1s; (ii) for the case of tau < 0.1s, the normalized
      autocorrelation functions of cytosolic and calcium store's Ca(2+) concentration
      show damped motion when tau is very short, but they trend to a level line as tau 
      > 0.1s, and for the case of tau > 0.1s, they show different variation as tau
      increases, the former changes from underdamped motion to a level line, but the
      latter changes from damped motion to underdamped motion; and (iii) at the
      moderate value of time delay, reverse resonance occurs both in cytosol and
      calcium store.

PMID- 27121690
TI  - Effect of adjuvant lithium on thyroxine (T4) concentration after radioactive
      iodine therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the effect of adjuvant lithium on serum thyroxine (T4)
      concentrations in patients treated with radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy in our
      environment. METHODS: This was a prospective simple randomized comparative,
      experimental cohort study of patients with hyperthyroidism referred for RAI
      ablation therapy in the two main academic hospitals in Johannesburg between
      February 2014 and September 2015. RESULTS: Amongst the 163 participants in the
      final analysis, 75 received RAI alone and 88 received RAI with lithium. The
      difference in mean T4 concentrations at 3 months between the RAI-only group
      (17.67 pmol/l) and the RAI with lithium group (11.55 pmol/l) was significant with
      a small effect size (U = 2328.5, Z = -2.700, p = 0.007, r = 0.01). Significant
      decreases in T4 concentrations were observed as early as 1 month after RAI (p =
      0.0001) in the RAI with lithium group, but in the RAI-only group, significant
      decreases in T4 concentrations were observed only at 3 months after RAI therapy
      (p = 0.000). Women and patients with Graves' disease who received RAI with
      adjuvant lithium also showed significant decreases in T4 concentrations at 1
      month (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant lithium leads
      to an earlier and better response to RAI therapy with lower T4 concentrations
      that are achieved earlier. This earlier response and decrease in T4
      concentrations were noted in patients with Graves' disease and nodular goitre,
      and in women with hyperthyroidism who received adjuvant lithium therapy.

PMID- 27121689
TI  - Radium-223 dichloride in clinical practice: a review.
AB  - The onset of skeletal metastases is typical of advanced-stage prostate cancer and
      requires a multidisciplinary approach to alleviate bone pain and try to delay
      disease progression. The current therapeutic armamentarium includes conventional
      analgesics, chemotherapeutic agents, immunotherapy, androgen-deprivation therapy,
      osteoclast inhibitors (bisphosphonates, denosumab), surgical interventions,
      external-beam radiotherapy and radionuclide metabolic therapy. Many studies in
      recent decades have demonstrated the efficacy of various radiopharmaceuticals,
      including strontium-89 and samarium-153, for palliation of pain from diffuse
      skeletal metastases, but no significant benefit in terms of disease progression
      and overall survival has been shown. The therapeutic landscape of metastatic
      skeletal cancer significantly changed after the introduction of radium-223, the
      first bone-homing radiopharmaceutical with disease-modifying properties. In this
      paper we extensively review the literature on the use of radium-223 dichloride in
      metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. 

PMID- 27121691
TI  - 18F-fluorocholine versus 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose for PET/CT imaging in patients
      with suspected relapsing or progressive multiple myeloma: a pilot study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hybrid positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has now
      become available, as well as whole-body, low-dose multidetector row computed
      tomography (MDCT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The radioactive glucose
      analogue 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is the most widely used tracer but has a
      relatively low sensitivity in detecting multiple myeloma (MM). We compared FDG
      with a more recent metabolic tracer, 18F-fluorocholine (FCH), for the detection
      of MM lesions at time of disease relapse or progression. METHODS: We analyzed the
      results of FDG and FCH imaging in 21 MM patients undergoing PET/CT for suspected
      relapsing or progressive MM. For each patient and each tracer, an on-site reader
      and a masked reader independently determined the number of intraosseous and
      extraosseous foci of tracer and the intensity of uptake as measured by their
      SUVmax and the corresponding target/non-target ratio (T/NT). RESULTS: In the
      skeleton of 21 patients, no foci were found for two cases, uncountable foci were
      observed in four patients, including some mismatched FCH/FDG foci. In the 15
      patients with countable bone foci, the on-site reader detected 72 FDG foci vs.
      127 FCH foci (+76 %), whereas the masked reader detected 69 FDG foci vs. 121 FCH
      foci (+75 %), both differences being significant. Interobserver agreement on the
      total number of bone foci was very high, with a kappa coefficient of 0.81 for FDG
      and 0.89 for FCH. Measurement of uptake in the matched foci that took up both
      tracers revealed a significantly higher median SUVmax and T/NT for FCH vs. FDG.
      Almost all unmatched foci were FCH-positive FDG-negative (57/59 = 97 % on-site
      and 56/60 = 93 % on masked reading); they were more frequently observed than
      matched foci in the head and neck region. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest
      that PET/CT performed for suspected relapsing or progressive MM would reveal more
      lesions when using FCH rather than FDG.

PMID- 27121692
TI  - Diffuse bone metastases on (68)Ga-PSMA PET-CT in a patient with prostate cancer
      and normal bone scan.
AB  - A 75-year-old patient was diagnosed with a Gleason 9 prostate carcinoma. His PSA
      level was 50.4 ng/ml. Routine bone scintigraphy was negative for metastasis (a).
      Due to the high tumour grading and relatively high PSA level, (68)Ga-PSMA PET-CT
      was ordered to rule out distant metastases. This scan showed numerous skeletal
      lesions with high tracer accumulation as sign of diffuse osseous metastases (b).
      On low-dose CT there were no signs of sclerosis (c). (68)Ga-PSMA PET-CT also
      showed high uptake in the prostate and in para-iliac and para-aortal lymph nodes,
      without lymph node enlargement. No bone biopsy was obtained to confirm the
      metastases. Due to this result, the treatment plan was changed to systemic
      therapy, instead of local therapy. 

PMID- 27121688
TI  - European LeukemiaNet recommendations for the management and avoidance of adverse
      events of treatment in chronic myeloid leukaemia.
AB  - Most reports on chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) treatment with tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKIs) focus on efficacy, particularly on molecular response and
      outcome. In contrast, adverse events (AEs) are often reported as infrequent,
      minor, tolerable and manageable, but they are increasingly important as therapy
      is potentially lifelong and multiple TKIs are available. For this reason, the
      European LeukemiaNet panel for CML management recommendations presents an
      exhaustive and critical summary of AEs emerging during CML treatment, to assist
      their understanding, management and prevention. There are five major conclusions.
      First, the main purpose of CML treatment is the antileukemic effect. Suboptimal
      management of AEs must not compromise this first objective. Second, most patients
      will have AEs, usually early, mostly mild to moderate, and which will resolve
      spontaneously or are easily controlled by simple means. Third, reduction or
      interruption of treatment must only be done if optimal management of the AE
      cannot be accomplished in other ways, and frequent monitoring is needed to detect
      resolution of the AE as early as possible. Fourth, attention must be given to
      comorbidities and drug interactions, and to new events unrelated to TKIs that are
      inevitable during such a prolonged treatment. Fifth, some TKI-related AEs have
      emerged which were not predicted or detected in earlier studies, maybe because of
      suboptimal attention to or absence from the preclinical data. Overall, imatinib
      has demonstrated a good long-term safety profile, though recent findings suggest
      underestimation of symptom severity by physicians. Second and third generation
      TKIs have shown higher response rates, but have been associated with unexpected
      problems, some of which could be irreversible. We hope these recommendations will
      help to minimise adverse events, and we believe that an optimal management of
      them will be rewarded by better TKI compliance and thus better CML outcomes,
      together with better quality of life.

PMID- 27121693
TI  - Insights into enzyme point mutation effect by molecular simulation:
      phenylethylamine oxidation catalyzed by monoamine oxidase A.
AB  - The I335Y point mutation effect on the kinetics of phenylethylamine decomposition
      catalyzed by monoamine oxidase A was elucidated by means of molecular simulation.
      The established empirical valence bond methodology was used in conjunction with
      the free energy perturbation sampling technique and a classical force field
      representing the state of reactants and products. The methodology allows for the
      simulation of chemical reactions, in the present case the breaking of the alpha-C
      H bond in a phenylethylamine substrate and the subsequent hydrogen transfer to
      the flavin cofactor, resulting in the formation of the N-H bond on flavin. The
      empirical parameters were calibrated against the experimental data for the
      simulated reaction in a wild type protein and then used for the calculation of
      the reaction free energy profile in the I335Y mutant. In very good agreement with
      the measured kinetic data, mutation increases the free energy barrier for the
      rate limiting step by slightly more than 1 kcal mol(-1) and consequently
      decreases the rate constant by about an order of magnitude. The magnitude of the
      computed effect slightly varies with simulation settings, but always remains in
      reasonable agreement with the experiment. Analysis of trajectories reveals a
      major change in the interaction between phenyl rings of the substrate and the
      neighboring Phe352 residue upon the I335Y mutation due to the increased local
      polarity, leading to an attenuated quadrupole interaction between the rings and
      destabilization of the transition state. Additionally, the increased local
      polarity in the mutant allows for a larger number of water molecules to be
      present near the active site, effectively shielding the catalytic effect of the
      enzyme and contributing to the increased barrier.

PMID- 27121694
TI  - Erratum to: The Elements Steering Pathogenesis in IgG-Mediated Alloimmune
      Diseases.

PMID- 27121696
TI  - Micafungin and a case of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Although echinocandins are relatively safe
      antifungal drugs, cardiovascular toxicity is an emerging adverse event. This
      report reviews those side effects and describes a case of polymorphic ventricular
      tachycardia suggestive of torsades de pointes with micafungin. CASE DESCRIPTION:
      The patient was on micafungin for oesophageal candidiasis due to drug-drug
      interactions with fluconazole and amiodarone. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: This is
      the first known case of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with micafungin as
      the possible cause. Clinicians should be aware of this potential adverse event
      and monitor patients receiving concomitant drugs that can prolong QT interval.

PMID- 27121695
TI  - High expression of DDX20 enhances the proliferation and metastatic potential of
      prostate cancer cells through the NF-kappaB pathway.
AB  - DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box polypeptide 20 (DDX20), a member of the DEAD box
      protein family, encodes an RNA helicase. Previous research has revealed that
      DDX20 may act as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma and as a tumor
      promoter in breast cancer. These conflicting reports prompted us to explore the
      role of DDX20 in prostate cancer (PCa). To gain insight into the functions of
      DDX20 in PCa, we examined DDX20 expression patterns in a PCa tissue microarray
      with 99 PCa tissue samples. The results of immunohistochemical staining revealed
      that DDX20 expression is frequently upregulated in PCa tissues compared with that
      in the adjacent tissues and further clinicopathological analysis showed that the
      expression level of DDX20 closely correlates with tumor size, TNM stage (positive
      correlation) and patient prognosis (negative correlation). Both gain-of- and loss
      of-function assays were performed in vitro; the overexpression of DDX20 enhanced
      the proliferation and metastatic potential of cancer cells and this was examined
      by performing a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound healing assay and
      Transwell migration assay. Furthermore, we found that there is a positive
      correlation between the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) and DDX20
      expression. These findings led us to examine whether DDX20 may exert effects
      through the NF-kappaB pathway. Luciferase reporter assays suggested that DDX20
      altered the activity of NF-kappaB. Taken together, these findings show that DDX20
      may promote the progression of PCa through the NF-kappaB pathway. 

PMID- 27121697
TI  - Effect of the oral iron chelator deferiprone in diabetic nephropathy rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the
      iron chelator deferiprone in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats and the mechanisms
      involved. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats (180-220 g, 6 weeks old) were
      randomly divided into a control group, a DN group and two DN groups treated with
      either 50 or 100 mg/kg per day deferiprone. The DN group was established by
      feeding of a high-carbohydrate-fat diet and injection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin
      into the vena caudalis. The duration of deferiprone treatment was 20 weeks.
      Histopathological changes were detected by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining,
      as well as transmission electron microscopy. Levels of nuclear factor (NF)
      kappaB, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9,
      tissue-specific inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2,
      and nitrotyrosine were determined in kidney tissues using reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.
      RESULTS: Histopathological observations showed that deferiprone treatment
      alleviated inflammation infiltrates and collagenous fibrosis in DN rats. Results
      from RT-PCR and western blotting indicated that deferiprone inhibited the
      expression of NF-kappaB, MCP-1, COX-2, and nitrotyrosine, which were
      overexpressed in DN rats. Immunohistochemistry showed that the mechanism of
      deferiprone action may involve regulation of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. Decreased MMP-9
      expression and increased TIMP-1 expression in DN rats were significantly promoted
      and inhibited by deferiprone, respectively. CONCLUSION: Iron chelation by oral
      deferiprone has a renoprotective effect in DN rats by relieving oxidative stress,
      inflammation, and fibrosis, which is related to the cytokines NF-kappaB, MCP-1,
      MMP-9, TIMP-1, COX-2, and nitrotyrosine.

PMID- 27121698
TI  - Significance of epithelial cell clusters in pseudomyxoma peritonei.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare clinical syndrome
      characterised by distension of the peritoneum by jelly-like ascites. Cytological
      evaluation of peritoneal fluid is often an initial diagnostic test for possible
      ovarian and/or appendiceal primary tumours. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The present work
      was conducted to study the usefulness of peritoneal fluid cytomorphology in the
      early diagnosis of PMP and to evaluate the significance of the presence of
      epithelial cell (EC) clusters and their prognostic implications. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We evaluated the detailed cytological features of 21 cases of PMP
      retrospectively. Both conventional and liquid-based cytology smears of peritoneal
      fluid were reviewed, cytological features were compared with histological
      findings and cases were classified into disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis
      (DPAM) and peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis (PMCA). RESULTS: In our study, the
      common causes of PMP were primary gastrointestinal malignancies (appendix and
      colorectal, 57.14%), followed by primary ovarian mucinous neoplasms (28.57%) and
      synchronous ovarian and appendicular tumours (14.28%). Thick mucinous material
      was present in all cases (100%). ECs were present in 18 of 21 (85.17%) patients,
      with mild nuclear atypia in the majority of cases. Histiocytes, mesothelial cells
      and fibroblast-like, spindle-shaped cells with entrapped mucin were also noted in
      the background. The cases of PMCA showed greater numbers of EC clusters in
      cytology smears and these patients had recurrent episodes of PMP. CONCLUSION: On
      cytomorphology, high-grade tumours were more cellular and frequently showed EC
      clusters with moderate to severe atypia, prominent nucleoli and mitosis, and were
      more prone to PMCA.

PMID- 27121699
TI  - Acute effects of different types of aerobic exercise on endothelial function and
      arterial stiffness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic aerobic exercise training is associated with improved
      endothelial function and arterial stiffness and favourable long-term
      cardiovascular effects. DESIGN: We investigated the acute effects of continuous
      moderate intensity aerobic exercise (CAE) and high intensity interval aerobic
      exercise (hIAE) on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in healthy
      participants. METHODS: Twenty healthy men were recruited to this cross-over
      study. They participated in two exercise sessions: (a) CAE, volume at 50% of
      maximum aerobic work for 30 minutes; and (b) hIAE, interval maximum aerobic work
      for 30 minutes. Endothelial function was evaluated by flow-mediated dilation in
      the brachial artery. The carotid femoral pulse wave velocity and the femoral
      dorsalis pedis pulse wave velocity were measured as indices of central aortic and
      peripheral arterial stiffness. Measurements were carried out before and
      immediately after each exercise session. RESULTS: There was no statistically
      significant difference in the baseline measurements before CAE and hIAE with
      respect to flow-mediated dilation, the carotid femoral pulse wave velocity and
      the femoral dorsalis pedis pulse wave velocity (p = NS). Both CAE and hIAE
      significantly improved the flow-mediated dilation compared with baseline (p <
      0.001). Similarly, the femoral dorsalis pedis pulse wave velocity was improved
      after CAE and hIAE (p < 0.005), whereas the carotid femoral pulse wave velocity
      was not significantly affected (p = NS). CONCLUSION: Both CAE and hIAE can
      favourably affect endothelial function, suggesting another cardioprotective
      effect of acute exercise. These types of aerobic exercise have a different impact
      on the central and peripheral arterial stiffness.

PMID- 27121700
TI  - NICE approves innovative treatment for moderate to severe heart failure.

PMID- 27121701
TI  - Glial cells as drug targets: What does it take?
AB  - The last two decades have brought a significant increase in our understanding of
      glial biology and glial contribution to CNS disease. Yet, despite the fact that
      glial cells make up the majority of CNS cells, no drug specifically targeting
      glial cells is on the market. Given the long development times of CNS drugs, on
      average over 12 years, this is not completely surprising. However, there is
      increasing interest from academia and industry to exploit glial targets to
      develop drugs for the benefit of patients with currently limited or no
      therapeutic options. CNS drug development has a high attrition rate and has
      encountered many challenges. It seems unlikely that developing drugs against
      glial targets would be any less demanding. However, the knowledge generated in
      traditional CNS drug discovery teaches valuable lessons, which could enable the
      glial community to accelerate the cycle time from basic discovery to drug
      development. In this review we will discuss steps necessary to bring a "glial
      target idea" to a clinical development program. GLIA 2016;64:1742-1754.

PMID- 27121702
TI  - Single Pass Albumin Dialysis-A Dose-Finding Study to Define Optimal Albumin
      Concentration and Dialysate Flow.
AB  - Several artificial liver support concepts have been evaluated both in vitro and
      clinically. Single pass albumin dialysis (SPAD) has shown to be one of the most
      simple approaches for removing albumin-bound toxins and water-soluble substances.
      Being faced with acute liver failure (ALF) in everyday practice encouraged our
      attempt to define the optimal conditions for SPAD more precisely in a
      standardized experimental setup. Albumin concentration was adjusted to either 1%,
      2%, 3%, or 4%, while the flow rate of the dialysate was kept constant at a speed
      of 700 mL/h. The flow rate of the dialysate was altered between 350, 500, 700,
      and 1000 mL/h, whereas the albumin concentration was continuously kept at 3%.
      This study revealed that the detoxification of albumin-bound substances could be
      improved by increasing the concentration of albumin in the dialysate with an
      optimum at 3%. A further increase of the albumin concentration to 4% did not lead
      to a significant increase in detoxification. Furthermore, we observed a gradual
      increase of the detoxification efficiency for albumin-bound substances, from 350
      mL/h to 700 mL/h (for bilirubin) or 1000 mL/h (for bile acids) of dialysate flow.
      Water-soluble toxins (ammonia, creatinine, urea, uric acid) were removed almost
      completely, regardless of albumin concentration or flow rate. In conclusion, this
      study confirmed that SPAD is effective in eliminating albumin-bound as well as
      water-soluble toxins using a simulation of ALF. Furthermore, this project was
      successful in evaluating the most effective combination of albumin concentration
      (3%) and dialysate flow (700 mL/h-1000 mL/h) in SPAD for the first time.

PMID- 27121703
TI  - Consistency of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) at inpatient-to
      community transition.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) are mandated outcome
      measures in many mental-health jurisdictions. When HoNOS are used in different
      care settings, it is important to assess if setting specific bias exists. This
      article examines the consistency of HoNOS in a sample of psychiatric patients
      transitioned from acute inpatient care and community centres. SETTING: A regional
      mental health service with both acute and community facilities. PARTICIPANTS: 111
      psychiatric patients were transferred from inpatient care to community care from
      2012 to 2014. Their HoNOS scores were extracted from a clinical database; Each
      inpatient-discharge assessment was followed by a community-intake assessment,
      with the median period between assessments being 4 days (range 0-14). Assessor
      experience and professional background were recorded. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
      OUTCOME MEASURES: The difference of HoNOS at inpatient-discharge and community
      intake were assessed with Pearson correlation, Cohen's kappa and effect size.
      RESULTS: Inpatient-discharge HoNOS was on average lower than community-intake
      HoNOS. The average HoNOS was 8.05 at discharge (median 7, range 1-22), and 12.16
      at intake (median 12, range 1-25), an average increase of 4.11 (SD 6.97). Pearson
      correlation between two total scores was 0.073 (95% CI -0.095 to 0.238) and
      Cohen's kappa was 0.02 (95% CI -0.02 to 0.06). Differences did not appear to
      depend on assessor experience or professional background. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic
      change in the HoNOS occurs at inpatient-to-community transition. Some caution
      should be exercised in making direct comparisons between inpatient HoNOS and
      community HoNOS scores.

PMID- 27121704
TI  - Interventions to delay functional decline in people with dementia: a systematic
      review of systematic reviews.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarise existing systematic reviews that assess the effects of
      non-pharmacological, pharmacological and alternative therapies on activities of
      daily living (ADL) function in people with dementia. DESIGN: Overview of
      systematic reviews. METHODS: A systematic search in the Cochrane Database of
      Systematic Reviews, DARE, Medline, EMBASE and PsycInfo in April 2015. Systematic
      reviews of randomised controlled trials conducted in people with Alzheimer's
      disease or dementia measuring the impact on ADL function were included.
      Methodological quality of the systematic reviews was independently assessed by
      two authors using the AMSTAR tool. The quality of evidence of the primary studies
      for each intervention was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS: A total of 23 systematic
      reviews were included in the overview. The quality of the reviews varied; however
      most (65%) scored 8/11 or more on the AMSTAR tool, indicating high quality.
      Interventions that were reported to be effective in minimising decline in ADL
      function were: exercise (6 studies, 289 participants, standardised mean
      difference (SMD) 0.68, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.27; GRADE: low), dyadic interventions (8
      studies, 988 participants, SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.69; GRADE: low)
      acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine (12 studies, 4661 participants,
      donepezil 10 mg SMD 0.18, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.32; GRADE: moderate), selegiline (7
      studies, 810 participants, SMD 0.27, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.41; GRADE: low), huperzine
      A (2 studies, 70 participants, SMD 1.48, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.02; GRADE: very low)
      and Ginkgo biloba (7 studies, 2530 participants, SMD 0.36, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.44;
      GRADE: very low). CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should ensure that people
      with dementia are encouraged to exercise and that primary carers are trained and
      supported to provide safe and effective care for the person with dementia.
      Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or memantine should be trialled unless
      contraindicated. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42015020179.

PMID- 27121705
TI  - Are higher blood mercury levels associated with dry eye symptoms in adult
      Koreans? A population-based cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether blood mercury
      concentrations associated with the presence of dry eye symptoms in a nationally
      representative Korean population. METHODS: Population-based prospective cross
      sectional study using the heavy metal data set of the 2010-2012 Korean National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). A total of 4761 adult Koreans
      were the eligible population in this study. Of the 7162 survey participants, 2401
      were excluded because they were <19 years of age, there were missing data in the
      heavy metal data set, or they had diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid
      disease, asthma, depression and/or under-the-eye surgery. Blood mercury levels
      were measured on the day the participants completed a questionnaire regarding the
      presence of dry eye symptoms (persistent dryness or eye irritation). The
      population was divided into low and high groups by median level (4.26 and 2.89
      ug/L for males and females, respectively). RESULTS: Self-reported dry eye
      symptoms were present in 13.0% of the cohort. Participants with dry eye symptoms
      were significantly more likely to have blood mercury levels exceeding the median
      than those without dry eye symptoms (45.7% vs 51.7%, p=0.021). Logistic
      regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for age, gender, education,
      total household income, smoking status, heavy alcohol use, sleep time, perceived
      stress status, total cholesterol levels and atopy history, dry eye symptoms were
      significantly associated with blood mercury levels that exceeded the median
      (reference: lower mercury group; OR, 1.324; 95% CI 1.059 to 1.655; p<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: High blood mercury levels were associated with dry eye symptoms in a
      nationally representative Korean population.

PMID- 27121706
TI  - Investigation of bias in meta-analyses due to selective inclusion of trial effect
      estimates: empirical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore whether systematic reviewers selectively include trial
      effect estimates in meta-analyses when multiple are available, and what impact
      this may have on meta-analytic effects. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. DATA
      SOURCES: We randomly selected systematic reviews of interventions from 2 clinical
      specialties published between January 2010 and 2012. The first presented meta
      analysis of a continuous outcome in each review was selected (index meta
      analysis), and all trial effect estimates that were eligible for inclusion in the
      meta-analysis (eg, from multiple scales or time points) were extracted from trial
      reports. ANALYSIS: We calculated a statistic (the Potential Bias Index (PBI)) to
      quantify and test for evidence of selective inclusion. The PBI ranges from 0 to
      1; values above or below 0.5 are suggestive of selective inclusion of effect
      estimates more or less favourable to the intervention, respectively. The impact
      of any potential selective inclusion was investigated by comparing the index meta
      analytic standardised mean difference (SMD) to the median of a randomly
      constructed distribution of meta-analytic SMDs (representing the meta-analytic
      SMD expected when there is no selective inclusion). RESULTS: 31 reviews (250
      trials) were included. The estimated PBI was 0.57 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.63),
      suggesting that trial effect estimates that were more favourable to the
      intervention were included in meta-analyses slightly more often than expected
      under a process consistent with random selection; however, the 95% CI included
      the null hypothesis of no selective inclusion. Any potential selective inclusion
      did not have an important impact on the meta-analytic effects. CONCLUSION: There
      was no clear evidence that selective inclusion of trial effect estimates occurred
      in this sample of meta-analyses. Further research on selective inclusion in other
      clinical specialties is needed. To enable readers to assess the risk of selective
      inclusion bias, we recommend that systematic reviewers report the methods used to
      select effect estimates to include in meta-analyses.

PMID- 27121707
TI  - Current evidence for the effectiveness of heated and humidified high flow nasal
      cannula supportive therapy in adult patients with respiratory failure.
AB  - High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) supportive therapy has emerged as a safe, useful
      therapy in patients with respiratory failure, improving oxygenation and comfort.
      Recently several clinical trials have analyzed the effectiveness of HFNC therapy
      in different clinical situations and have reported promising results. Here we
      review the current knowledge about HFNC therapy, from its mechanisms of action to
      its effects on outcomes in different clinical situations. 

PMID- 27121708
TI  - The influence of grandmothers on breastfeeding rates: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life
      has enormous potential to reduce mortality and morbidity. The older generation,
      particularly the infant's grandmothers, play a central role in various aspects of
      pregnancy and child rearing decision-making within the family unit. This is
      particularly true in low- and middle-income countries where older women are seen
      as owners of traditional knowledge. Despite this, most health programs target the
      individual person most directly involved in the target behaviour--usually new
      mothers--without a commensurate understanding of who else influences those
      decisions. In this systematic review we aim to quantify the impact of the
      grandmother on influencing a mother's breastfeeding practices. METHODS: We
      conducted a systematic review using Web of Science, Scopus, and Medline databases
      using search terms for grandmother and breastfeeding. Eligible studies reported
      on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and included estimates of effect of a
      grandmother's influence including whether or not the grandmother lived with the
      infant's family, the grandmother's education, and the grandmother's attitudes
      towards and prior experience with breastfeeding. RESULTS: We identified 568
      articles and, after review, 13 articles were assessed as meeting the selection
      criteria. They were conducted in both developed and developing countries and
      included cross-sectional surveys, prospective cohort studies and one randomised
      controlled trial. Eight studies examined the effects of attitudes or experiences
      of older generations with respect to breastfeeding and five of the eight found a
      significant positive impact on breastfeeding when grandmothers of the infants had
      had their own breastfeeding experience or were positively inclined towards
      breastfeeding, resulting in effects of between 1.6 to 12.4 times more likely to
      exclusively breastfeed or refrain from introducing solid foods. A Chinese study
      however found that highly educated grandmothers were associated with decreased
      exclusive breastfeeding. The majority of the studies were assessed to be of weak
      or moderate quality. CONCLUSIONS: This review found evidence that demonstrates
      that grandmothers have the capacity to influence exclusive breastfeeding.
      Programs that seek to influence exclusive breastfeeding should include
      grandmothers in their interventions to achieve maximum impact.

PMID- 27121709
TI  - Deep-fried oil consumption in rats impairs glycerolipid metabolism, gut histology
      and microbiota structure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deep frying in oil is a popular cooking method around the world.
      However, the safety of deep-fried edible oil, which is ingested with fried food,
      is a concern, because the oil is exposed continuously to be re-used at a high
      temperature, leading to a number of well-known chemical reactions. Thus, this
      study investigates the changes in energy metabolism, colon histology and gut
      microbiota in rats following deep-fried oil consumption and explores the
      mechanisms involved in above alterations. METHODS: Deep-fried oil was prepared
      following a published method. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into
      three groups (n = 8/group). Group 1: basal diet without extra oil consumption
      (control group); Group 2: basal diet supplemented with non-heated canola oil (NEO
      group); Group 3: basal diet supplemented with deep-fried canola oil (DFEO group).
      One point five milliliters (1.5 mL) of non-heated or heated oil were fed by oral
      gavage using a feeding needle once daily for 6 consecutive weeks. Effect of DFEO
      on rats body weight, KEGG pathway regarding lipids metabolism, gut histology and
      gut microbiota were analyzed using techniques of RNA sequencing, HiSeq Illumina
      sequencing platform, etc. RESULTS: Among the three groups, DFEO diet resulted in
      a lowest rat body weight. Metabolic pathway analysis showed 13 significantly
      enriched KEGG pathways in Control versus NEO group, and the majority of these
      were linked to carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolisms. Comparison of NEO
      group versus DFEO group, highlighted significantly enriched functional pathways
      were mainly associated with chronic diseases. Among them, only one metabolism
      pathway (i.e. glycerolipid metabolism pathway) was found to be significantly
      enriched, indicating that inhibition of this metabolism pathway (glycerolipid
      metabolism) may be a response to the reduction in energy metabolism in the rats
      of DFEO group. Related gene analysis indicated that the down-regulation of Lpin1
      seems to be highly associated with the inhibition of glycerolipid metabolism
      pathway. Histological analysis of gastrointestinal tract demonstrated several
      changes induced by DFEO on intestinal mucosa with associated destruction of
      endocrine tissue and the evidence of inflammation. Microbiota data showed that
      rats in DFEO group had the lowest proportion of Prevotella and the highest
      proportion of Bacteroides among the three groups. In particular, rats in DFEO
      group were characterized with higher presence of Allobaculum (Firmicutes), but
      not in control and NEO groups. CONCLUSION: This study investigated the negative
      effect of DFEO on health, in which DFEO could impair glycerolipid metabolism,
      destroy gut histological structure and unbalance microbiota profile. More
      importantly, this is the first attempt to reveal the mechanism involved in these
      changes, which may provide the guideline for designing health diet.

PMID- 27121711
TI  - Development and Validation of a Novel LC-MS/MS Opioid Confirmation Assay:
      Evaluation of beta-glucuronidase Enzymes and Sample Cleanup Methods.
AB  - With the rise in the use and misuse of prescription opioids, there is an
      increasing need for the confirmed identification of opioid analgesics in
      toxicology laboratories. The goals of this study were to (i) systematically
      evaluate the hydrolysis efficiency of four beta-glucuronidase enzymes under
      optimized condition; (ii) evaluate compound recovery, matrix effects and
      precision of three protein precipitation plates and (iii) develop and validate a
      qualitative liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay to identify
      13 opioids in urine. A recombinant beta-glucuronidase exhibited the best overall
      hydrolysis efficiency for seven opioid glucuronide conjugates compared with beta
      glucuronidase from red abalone, Escherichia coli and Patella vulgata One of the
      protein precipitation plates tested exhibited overall better recovery of the
      opioids and lower ion suppression compared with the other two plates. An ESI
      positive mode LC-MS/MS assay for qualitative opioid analysis was developed and
      validated. Linearity, LOD, precision, matrix effect, recovery, carryover and
      interference of the method were evaluated. Sixty-two patient samples were
      analyzed by both a legacy GC-MS opioid method and the LC-MS/MS method, and 22
      samples were analyzed by the LC-MS/MS and an LC-MS/MS reference method. The
      results of the comparisons showed good concordance. Overall, we described an
      efficient sample preparation procedure for a sensitive qualitative opioid
      confirmation assay in urine. 

PMID- 27121710
TI  - Magnesium sulfate treatment for juvenile ferrets following induction of
      hydrocephalus with kaolin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous work with 3-week hydrocephalic rats showed that white matter
      damage could be reduced by the calcium channel antagonist magnesium sulfate
      (MgSO4). We hypothesized that MgSO4 therapy would improve outcomes in ferrets
      with hydrocephalus induced with kaolin at 15 days. METHODS: MRI was performed at
      29 days to assess ventricle size and stratify ferrets to treatment conditions.
      Beginning at 31 days age, they were treated daily for 14 days with MgSO4 (9
      mM/kg/day) or sham saline therapy, and then imaged again before sacrifice.
      Behavior was examined thrice weekly. Histological and biochemical ELISA and
      myelin enzyme activity assays were performed at 46 days age. RESULTS:
      Hydrocephalic ferrets exhibited some differences in weight and behavior between
      treatment groups. Those receiving MgSO4 weighed less, were more lethargic, and
      displayed reduced activity compared to those receiving saline injections.
      Hydrocephalic ferrets developed ventriculomegaly, which was not modified by MgSO4
      treatment. Histological examination showed destruction of periventricular white
      matter. Glial fibrillary acidic protein content, myelin basic protein content,
      and myelin enzyme activity did not differ significantly between treatment groups.
      CONCLUSION: The hydrocephalus-associated disturbances in juvenile ferret brains
      are not ameliorated by MgSO4 treatment, and lethargy is a significant side
      effect.

PMID- 27121713
TI  - Development of Amino Acid-Based Radiopharmaceuticals for Tumor Imaging.
AB  - Amino acids (AAs) are important nutrients for proliferating tumor cells, and
      amino acid transport is generally increased in many malignant tumor cells. So
      far, as a complementary category to 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG),
      radiolabeled amino acids that target the upregulated level of amino acid
      transport have been successfully employed for tumor imaging for decades, thanks
      to their better differentiation between tumor lesions and inflammation. This
      review summarizes the development of various radiolabeled amino acid analogues
      for tumor imaging with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and
      positron emission tomography (PET) and introduces the basic data related to this
      area, such as the biological basis, chemical structure, radiolabeling,
      preclinical evaluation and clinical application. In addition, current status and
      future prospects of this class of imaging agents are discussed in this review.

PMID- 27121714
TI  - Beyond the Selective Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase 6.
AB  - Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) catalyses the removal of acetyl groups from the
      lysine residues of a series of non-histone proteins, e.g., alpha-tubulin, Hsp90
      and cortactin. HDAC6 is a unique deacetylase enzyme that is related to various
      processes that may be important in oncological, immunological and neurological
      fields, which makes the study of selective inhibitors extremely important to
      understand the function of this enzyme and to validate HDAC6 as a drug target
      through the development of clinical candidates. Therefore, this review describes
      the structure-activity and structureselectivity relationships of HDAC6
      inhibitors, which were divided into two main classes, bulky and lipophilic cap
      groups and inhibitors with phenyl linkers. 

PMID- 27121715
TI  - Synthesis and Antinociception Activities of Some Novel Derivatives of
      Phencyclidine with Substituted Aminobenzothiazoles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phencyclidine (PCP) as well as the analogues has indicated several
      pharmacological behaviors like analgesic, anticonvulsant, antianxiety,
      antidepressant depending on the dose and species examined. They interact with
      some neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system like particular
      affinity for PCP sites in NMDA receptors or dopamine uptake blocking or both.
      OBJECTIVE: Due to analgesic properties of aminobenzothiazoles family, piperidine
      ring of PCP was replaced with electron-donating and electron-withdrawing
      substituted aminobenzothiazoles (1-4) for obtaining new analogues (II-V) with
      more analgesic activities. METHODS: Synthesis of new compounds (II-V) and
      measuring the acute and chronic pain properties of them were carried out through
      applying tail immersion &formalin tests on mice and the outcomes compared with
      control & PCP groups at dosage of 10 mg/kg. RESULTS: III & V with substituted
      methoxy and methyl-aminobenzothiazoles indicated better activity to lessen acute
      and chronic (thermal and chemical) pains compared with unsubstituted &
      phencyclidine animal groups. CONCLUSION: Methoxy and methyl-aminobenzothiazole
      derivatives" of phencyclidine revealed more analgesic activities compared with
      other groups which may concern to close affinity for DA uptake blocking as well
      as NMDA receptors in this family.

PMID- 27121716
TI  - Recent Developments in Chimeric NSAIDs as Anticancer Agents: Teaching an Old Dog
      a New Trick.
AB  - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the widely used
      medications all over the world, indicated for pain, fever, and inflammation. It
      is now well established that inflammation and cancer are closely linked with each
      other. Inflammatory mediators, like cyclooxygenase (COX), vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF), tumor growth factor (TGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF),
      chemokines, and cytokines and related genes, such as inhibitor of nuclear factor
      kappa B kinase (IKK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) have been shown to be
      up-regulated in various cancers. Till date, numerous anticancer agents of
      different classes have been discovered to treat and eradicate various forms of
      cancer; though, limitations like cytotoxicity to normal cells and acquired tumor
      resistance restrict the scope of present cancer therapeutics. NSAIDs have shown
      to decrease the incidence, recurrence, and proliferation of various cancers, viz.
      colon, breast, lung, and pancreatic, etc. Therefore, the developing agents, such
      as NO-and H<sub>2</sub>S-releasing NSAIDs, NSAID-metal complexes, natural product
      NSAID conjugates, phospho-NSAIDs, and various other NSAIDs derivatives represent
      the next generation therapeutics to treat both inflammation and cancer.

PMID- 27121717
TI  - Compensatory expression of multidrug-resistance genes encoding ABC transporters
      in dermatophytes.
AB  - Genomic sequencing of several dermatophyte species has revealed that they show
      small differences in genetic content and genome organization, although each
      fungus has adapted to specific niches. Thus, it seemed relevant to compare gene
      expression between species. Here, we examined the transcription modulation of
      three ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes (pdr1, mdr2 and mdr4), which
      code for membrane transporter proteins in four species of Trichophyton ; T.
      interdigitale, T. rubrum, T. tonsurans and T. equinum . These fungal species were
      challenged with sub-lethal doses of griseofulvin, itraconazole, terbinafine and
      amphotericin B. A mutant strain of T. interdigitale, Deltamdr2, was also analysed
      for the modulation of pdr1 and mdr4 genes to evaluate the possible functional
      interaction among these three genes. Disruption of the mdr2 gene resulted in the
      accumulation of high levels of mdr4 transcripts when challenged with
      griseofulvin, suggesting that the mdr4 gene is compensating for the inactivation
      of mdr2 by providing resistance to this antifungal. Although the three ABC
      transporter genes have high homology between the four dermatophytes analysed, it
      is likely that they have specific functions, suggesting that the action of each
      drug is dependent on other factors inherent to each species. Our data suggest
      that these ABC transporter genes act synergistically in dermatophytes, and they
      may compensate for one another when challenged with antifungal drugs. This may be
      an important cause of therapeutic failure when treating fungal infections. 

PMID- 27121718
TI  - Minimally Invasive Stereotactical Radio-ablation of Adrenal Metastases as an
      Alternative to Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to study the clinical outcome for patients
      with metastases of the adrenal gland treated with stereotactic body radiation
      therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six patients were studied retrospectively.
      The dose prescription was 40 Gy in four fractions. Dosimetric analysis was
      performed using the dose volume histograms while clinical outcome was assessed
      using actuarial analysis with determination of the overall survival (OS) and
      local control (LC) rates. RESULTS: The planning objectives were met for all
      patients. With a median follow-up period of 7.6 months, at the last follow-up 42
      patients (91.3%) were alive and four had died because of distant progression. The
      actuarial mean OS was 28.5+/-1.6 months, the median was not reached. One-year and
      2-year OS were 87.6+/-6.1%. None of the risk factors was significant in
      univariate analysis. Actuarial mean LC was 14.6+/-1.8 months (95% confidence
      interval [CI], 11.0 to 18.2) and median LC was 14.5+/-2.0 months (95% CI, 10.5 to
      18.5). One-year and 2-year LC were 65.5+/-11.9% and 40.7+/-15.8%, respectively. A
      mild profile of toxicity was observed in the cohort of patients. Forty patients
      (86.9%) showed no complication (grade 0); two patients reported asthenia, six
      patients (13.1%) reported either pain, nausea, or vomiting. Of these six
      patients, five patients (10.9%) were scored as grade 1 toxicity while one patient
      (2.2%) was scored as grade 2. CONCLUSION: Stereotactic body radiation therapy
      treatment provided an adequate clinical response in the management of adrenal
      gland metastases.

PMID- 27121719
TI  - Ipilimumab Real-World Efficacy and Safety in Korean Melanoma Patients from the
      Korean Named-Patient Program Cohort.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ipilimumab improves survival in advanced melanoma patients. However, the
      efficacy and safety of ipilimumab has not been evaluated in Asian melanoma
      patients with a high frequency of mucosal and acral melanoma subtypes. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Advanced melanoma patients treated with 3 mg/kg ipilimumab in a
      Korean multicenter named-patient program (NPP) were evaluated between September
      2014 and July 2015. Baseline characteristics and blood parameters including
      neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were assessed, and outcome and adverse
      events were evaluated according to subtypes. RESULTS: A total of 104 advanced
      melanoma patients were treated. The primary sites were acral (31.7%), mucosal
      (26%), cutaneous (26%), uveal (9.6%), and unknown (6.7%). Sixty-eight patients
      (65.4%) experienced adverse events, and the most common toxicity was skin rash
      (22.1%), 10 patients (9.6%) experienced adverse events of grade 3 or higher. The
      median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.73 months (95% confidence interval,
      2.67 to 2.85), and there was no difference in PFS according to subtypes. Poor
      performance status, liver metastasis, and NLR (>= 5) were independent poor
      prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In the Korean NPP
      cohort, ipilimumab showed similar efficacy and tolerability compared to Western
      patients, regardless of subtypes. All subtypes should benefit from ipilimumab
      with consideration of performance status, liver metastasis, and NLR.

PMID- 27121720
TI  - Use of a High-Throughput Genotyping Platform (OncoMap) for RAS Mutational
      Analysis to Predict Cetuximab Efficacy in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal
      Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cetuximab demonstrates improved efficacy outcomes in patients with
      metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) harboring wild-type KRAS exon 2. Resistance
      to cetuximab is mediated by activating less frequent mutations in the RAS genes
      beyond KRAS exon 2. We performed extended RAS Mutational analysis using a high
      throughput genotyping platform (OncoMap) and evaluated extended RAS analysis for
      predicting cetuximab efficacy in patients harboring wild-type KRAS exon 2 tumors
      following Sanger sequencing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extended RAS analysis was
      performed on 227 wild-type KRAS exon 2 mCRC patients who received cetuximab as
      salvage treatment using OncoMap ver. 4.0. Targeted genes included exon 2, exon 3,
      and exon 4, both in KRAS and NRAS, and included BRAF exon 15. We assessed
      efficacy by the new RAS mutation status. RESULTS: The OncoMap detected 57
      additional mutations (25.1%): 25 (11%) in KRAS exon 2 and 32 (14.1%) beyond KRAS
      exon 2. Survival differences were observed after dividing patients into the wild
      type RAS group (n=170) and mutant RAS group (n=57) using OncoMap. Progression
      free survival was 4.8 months versus 1.8 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.44; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.61), and overall survival was 11.9 months
      versus 8.4 months (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.88). CONCLUSION: Sanger sequencing
      is not sufficient for selecting candidates for cetuximab treatment. High
      throughput extended RAS genotyping is a feasible approach for this purpose and
      identifies patients who might benefit from cetuximab treatment.

PMID- 27121721
TI  - Rare Incidence of ROS1 Rearrangement in Cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The recent discovery and characterization of an oncogenic ROS1 gene
      rearrangement has raised significant interest because small molecule inhibitors
      are effective in these tumors. The aim of this study was to determine frequency
      and clinicopathological features associated with ROS1 rearrangement in patients
      with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 261 patients who
      underwent surgery for CCA between October 1997 and August 2013 were identified
      from an international, multi-institutional database. ROS1 rearrangement was
      evaluated by break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization using tissue
      microarrays of these patients. RESULTS: Of 261 CCA evaluated, three cases (1.1%)
      showed ROS1 rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), all of
      which were derived from intrahepatic origin. ROS1 protein expression was observed
      in 38 samples (19.1%). Significantly larger tumor size was observed in ROS1
      immunohistochemistry (IHC)-negative patients compared with ROS1 IHC-positive
      patients. ROS1 FISH-positive patients had a single tumor with a median size of 4
      cm and well-to-moderate differentiation. Overall, there was no difference in
      terms of baseline characteristics, overall survival, and recurrence-free survival
      between ROS1-positive and -negative patients. CONCLUSION: ROS1 rearrangement was
      detected in 1.1% of CCA patients. Although rare, conduct of clinical trials using
      ROS1 inhibitors in these genetically unique patients is warranted.

PMID- 27121722
TI  - Clinical Features of Male Breast Cancer: Experiences from Seven Institutions Over
      20 Years.
AB  - PURPOSE: Breast cancer treatment has progressed significantly over the past 20
      years. However, knowledge regarding male breast cancer (MBC) is sparse because of
      its rarity. This study is an investigation of the clinicopathologic features,
      treatments, and clinical outcomes of MBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records
      of 59 MBC patients diagnosed during 1995-2014 from seven institutions in Korea
      were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Over a 20-year period, MBC patients
      accounted for 0.98% among total breast cancer patients, and increased every 5
      years. The median age of MBC patientswas 66 years (range, 24 to 87 years). Forty
      three patients (73%) complained of a palpable breast mass initially. The median
      symptom duration was 5 months (range, 1 to 36 months). Mastectomy was performed
      in 96% of the patients. The most frequent histology was infiltrating ductal
      carcinoma (75%). Ninety-one percent of tumors (38/43) were estrogen receptor
      positive, and 28% (11/40) showed epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)
      overexpression. After curative surgery, 42% of patients (19/45) received adjuvant
      chemotherapy; 77% (27/35) received hormone therapy. Five out of ten patients with
      HER-2 overexpressing tumors did not receive adjuvant anti-HER-2 therapy, while
      two out of four patients with HER-2 overexpressing tumors received palliative
      trastuzumab for recurrent and metastatic disease. Letrozole was used for one
      patient in the palliative setting. The median overall survival durations were 7.2
      years (range, 0.6 to 17.0 years) in patients with localized disease and 2.9 years
      (range, 0.6 to 4.3 years) in those with recurrent or metastatic disease.
      CONCLUSION: Anti-HER-2 and hormonal therapy, except tamoxifen, have been
      underutilized in Korean MBC patients compared to female breast cancer patients.
      With the development of precision medicine, active treatment with targeted agents
      should be applied. Further investigation of the unique pathobiology of MBC is
      clinically warranted.

PMID- 27121723
TI  - Informational role self-efficacy: a validation in interprofessional collaboration
      contexts involving healthcare service and project teams.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare professionals perform knowledge-intensive work in very
      specialized disciplines. Across the professional divide, collaboration becomes
      increasingly difficult. For effective teamwork and collaboration to occur, it is
      considered necessary for individuals to believe in their ability to draw on their
      expertise and provide what others need to perform their job well. To date,
      however, no instruments exist to measure such a construct. METHODS: A two-study
      design is used to test the psychometric properties, factor structure and
      incremental validity of a five-item questionnaire measuring informational role
      self-efficacy. RESULTS: Based on parallel analysis and exploratory factor
      analysis, Study 1 shows a robust and reliable one-dimensional construct. Study 2
      cross-validates this factor structure using confirmatory factor analysis. Study 2
      also shows that informational role self-efficacy predicts proactive teamwork
      behaviors over and above goal similarity, interdependence, coordination and intra
      team trust. CONCLUSIONS: The instrument can be used in research to assess an
      individual's capability beliefs in communicating his/her informational
      characteristics that are pertinent to the task performance of others. The
      construct is also shown to have value in team-building exercises.

PMID- 27121724
TI  - Elementary School-Based Obesity Intervention Using an Educational Curriculum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric obesity is a significant public health problem with a
      prevalence of 16.9% among US children. School-based obesity interventions show
      promise for reducing adiposity in elementary age children. This pilot study
      evaluated the impact of the Let's Go! 5-2-1-0 pediatric obesity intervention
      program in an elementary school setting. METHODS: This was a cluster randomized
      controlled field trial comprising 8 classrooms of second- and third-grade
      children. The impact of implementation of a standardized 5-2-1-0 curriculum was
      evaluated in the classrooms by looking at health behavior (self-reported fruit
      and vegetable and sugar-containing beverage intake, and screen time), physical
      activity (steps measured by pedometer), and body mass index (BMI). Half of the
      classrooms were given 5-2-1-0 teaching over a 4-month period. RESULTS: There was
      no statistical difference in improvement of healthy habits, BMI, or physical
      activity in the intervention group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS:
      The 5-2-1-0 intervention used in this study was feasible. There was no
      significant change in healthy habits, likely due to the small number of
      participants in the study. The intervention and control sites were in different
      classrooms and there could be factors such as teacher enthusiasm, socioeconomic
      factors, and individual traits affecting habits. Future studies could use pre-
      and post-intervention quizzes to assess healthy habits knowledge retention,
      involving the environments the child participates in outside of school, using
      research-grade pedometers or accelerometers for measuring activity data
      collection, and recruiting larger samples to ensure adequate statistical power.

PMID- 27121725
TI  - Predictors of the patient-centered outcomes of surgical carpal tunnel release - a
      prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) causes a substantial burden of disease
      in society. While CTS can be resolved by surgical carpal tunnel release, it still
      remains unclear as to what degree outcomes depend on patients' characteristics.
      This study assesses patient-centered outcomes after surgical carpal tunnel
      release in a large outpatient clinic in Germany. METHODS: Patients with CTS were
      recruited prospectively between August 1st and December 31st, 2013. We assessed
      socio-demographic and psychological factors as well as nerve conduction
      velocities at baseline (before the surgery) and at three and six months after
      surgery. We analyzed the improvement of patient-centered outcomes (symptoms and
      function of the affected hand as well as measures of well-being and subjective
      quality of life) at the two follow-up time points and investigated if socio
      demographic characteristics and CTS-related variables predict the success of the
      surgery with respect to nerve conduction velocities and patient-centered outcomes
      by means of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Factors influencing the duration of
      sick leave were investigated by means of Cox regression. RESULTS: The study
      sample consisted of 71 CTS cases. Surgical carpal tunnel release generally
      improved nerve conduction velocity and patient-centered outcomes. Regarding the
      former, the improvement was proportional to the severity score at baseline. The
      presence of muscular atrophy in the thenar area at baseline displayed medium size
      effects for the patient-centered outcomes. Other socio-demographic
      characteristics and CTS-related variables did not have a strong predictive effect
      on the improvement of nerve conduction velocity and patient-centered outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant improvement of clinical and subjective
      outcomes after CTS surgery in the outpatient sector. The improvement is largely
      independent of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients.

PMID- 27121727
TI  - Surgical Site Infections Following Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery: An Epidemiologic
      Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To identify surgical site infection (SSI) rates following pediatric
      ambulatory surgery, SSI outcomes and risk factors, and sensitivity and
      specificity of SSI administrative billing codes. DESIGN Retrospective chart
      review of pediatric ambulatory surgeries with International Classification of
      Disease, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes for SSI, and a systematic random sampling
      of 5% of surgeries without SSI ICD-9 codes, all adjudicated for SSI on the basis
      of an ambulatory-adapted National Healthcare Safety Network definition. SETTING
      Urban pediatric tertiary care center April 1, 2009-March 31, 2014. METHODS SSI
      rates and sensitivity and specificity of ICD-9 codes were estimated using
      sampling design, and risk factors were analyzed in case-rest of cohort, and case
      control, designs. RESULTS In 15,448 pediatric ambulatory surgeries, 34 patients
      had ICD-9 codes for SSI and 25 met the adapted National Healthcare Safety Network
      criteria. One additional SSI was identified with systematic random sampling. The
      SSI rate following pediatric ambulatory surgery was 2.9 per 1,000 surgeries (95%
      CI, 1.2-6.9). Otolaryngology surgeries demonstrated significantly lower SSI rates
      compared with endocrine (P=.001), integumentary (P=.001), male genital (P<.0001),
      and respiratory (P=.01) surgeries. Almost half of patients with an SSI were
      admitted, 88% received antibiotics, and 15% returned to the operating room. No
      risk factors were associated with SSI. The sensitivity of ICD-9 codes for SSI
      following ambulatory surgery was 55.31% (95% CI, 12.69%-91.33%) and specificity
      was 99.94% (99.89%-99.97%). CONCLUSIONS SSI following pediatric ambulatory
      surgery occurs at an appreciable rate and conveys morbidity on children. Infect
      Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:931-938.

PMID- 27121728
TI  - The pharmacokinetics of transdermal flunixin meglumine in Holstein calves.
AB  - This study describes the pharmacokinetics of topical and intravenous (IV)
      flunixin meglumine in Holstein calves. Eight male Holsteins calves, aged 6 to 8
      weeks, were administered flunixin at a dose of 2.2 mg/kg intravenously. Following
      a 10-day washout period, calves were dosed with flunixin at 3.33 mg/kg topically
      (transdermal). Blood samples were collected at predetermined times from 0 to 48 h
      for the intravenous portions and 0 to 72 h following topical dosing. Plasma drug
      concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography with mass
      spectroscopy. Pharmacokinetic analysis was completed using noncompartmental
      methods. The mean bioavailability of topical flunixin was calculated to be 48%.
      The mean AUC for flunixin was determined to be 13.9 h * ug/mL for IV
      administration and 10.1 h * ug/mL for topical administration. The mean half-life
      for topical flunixin was 6.42 h and 4.99 h for the intravenous route. The Cmax
      following topical application of flunixin was 1.17 MUg/mL. The time to maximum
      concentration was 2.14 h. Mean residence time (MRT) following IV injection was
      4.38 h and 8.36 h after topical administration. In conclusion, flunixin when
      administered as a topical preparation is rapidly absorbed and has longer half
      life compared to IV administration.

PMID- 27121729
TI  - Detection of DNA viruses in prostate cancer.
AB  - We tested prostatic secretions from men with and without prostate cancer (13
      cases and 13 matched controls) or prostatitis (18 cases and 18 matched controls)
      with metagenomic sequencing. A large number (>200) of viral reads was only
      detected among four prostate cancer cases (1 patient each positive for Merkel
      cell polyomavirus, JC polyomavirus and Human Papillomavirus types 89 or 40,
      respectively). Lower numbers of reads from a large variety of viruses were
      detected in all patient groups. Our knowledge of the biology of the prostate may
      be furthered by the fact that DNA viruses are commonly shed from the prostate and
      can be readily detected by metagenomic sequencing of expressed prostate
      secretions.

PMID- 27121730
TI  - Youth sports specialization and musculoskeletal injury: a systematic review of
      the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Early sports specialization is being seen with increasing frequency
      in children and adolescents in an attempt to achieve elite performance status.
      This phenomenon has attracted negative medical and lay media attention due, in
      part, to the possibility of an increased risk of acute and overuse injuries. The
      purpose of this study was to systematically review available research on youth
      sport specialization and musculoskeletal injury. METHODS: A systematic review was
      performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and
      Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for studies evaluating sports specialization
      and injury rates in participants under age 18. Inclusion criteria were: (1) youth
      patient population (defined as <18 years of age), (2) peer-reviewed investigation
      of association(s) between sports specialization and incidence of injury, and (3)
      original research article (rather than a review, case report, or meta-analysis).
      Exclusion criteria were: (1) reliance on surrogate measure(s) of sports
      specialization (eg. hours of participation), (2) language other than English, and
      (3) not a clinically-based study. Rates of sport specialization, acute and
      overuse injuries, and frequency of organized training regimens were recorded.
      RESULTS: Three studies met final inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these
      studies two were retrospective cohort studies and one was a case-control study.
      All three studies reported an increased risk of overuse injures (OR range: 1.27
      4.0; P < 0.05) which varied by sport and anatomic pathology. One study noted an
      increased rate of withdrawal from tennis matches (OR = 1.55, P < 0.05) in
      athletes who participated only in tennis compared to multisport athletes who
      competed in tennis. Based on the consistency of the results from included
      studies, the strength of recommendation grade for the current evidence against
      early sports specialization is "B" (recommendation based on limited-quality
      patient-oriented evidence). CONCLUSIONS: The primary evidence that currently
      exists with regard to early sport specialization is scarce, retrospective, and
      shows only modest associations between early sports specialization and overuse
      injury. Further prospective research is needed to more definitively determine if
      early sports specialization in children is associated with increased injury risk.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic Review, Level III.

PMID- 27121731
TI  - 6,6'-Bieckol suppresses inflammatory responses by down-regulating nuclear factor
      kappaB activation via Akt, JNK, and p38 MAPK in LPS-stimulated microglial cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Microglial activation has been implicated in many neurological
      disorders for its inflammatory and neurotrophic effects. In this study, we
      investigated the pharmaceutical properties of 6,6'-bieckol on the regulation of
      nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation responsible to the expression of
      inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 using
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 and murine primary microglial cells.
      Meterials and methods: The levels of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE)2,
      and pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by Griess assay and enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. The levels of iNOS, COX-2, mitogen-activated protein kinases
      (MAPKs), and Akt were measured using Western blot. Nuclear translocation and
      transcriptional activation of NF-kappaB were determined by immunofluorescence and
      reporter gene assay, respectively. RESULTS: We found that 6,6'-bieckol decreased
      the expression of iNOS and COX-2 as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS
      stimulated BV2 and primary microglial cells in a dose-dependent manner. 6,6'
      Bieckol inhibited activation of NF-kappaB by preventing the degradation of
      inhibitor kappaB (IkappaB)-alpha and led to prevent the nuclear translocation of
      NF-kappaB/p65 subunit. Moreover, 6,6'-bieckol inhibited the phosphorylation of
      Akt, JNK, and p38 MAPK. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results indicate that
      the anti-inflammatory effect of 6,6'-bieckol on LPS-stimulated microglial cells
      is mainly regulated by the inhibition of IkappaB-alpha/NF-kappaB and JNK/p38
      MAPK/Akt pathways, supporting biochemical characteristics of the compound for
      therapeutic agent against neuroinflammatory diseases caused by microglial
      activation.

PMID- 27121732
TI  - Thermoresponsive physical hydrogels of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol)
      stereoblock copolymers tuned by stereostructure and hydrophobic block sequence.
AB  - CBABC-type poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) pentablock
      copolymers composed of a central PEG block (A) and enantiomeric poly(l-lactic
      acid) (PLLA, B), poly(d-lactic acid) (PDLA, C) blocks were synthesized. Such
      pentablock copolymers form physical hydrogels at high concentrations in an
      aqueous solution, which stem from the aggregation and physical bridging of
      copolymer micelles. These gels are thermoresponsive and turn into sols upon
      heating. Physical gelation, gel-to-sol transition, crystalline state,
      microstructure, rheological behavior, biodegradation, and drug release behavior
      of PLA/PEG pentablock copolymers and their gels were investigated; they were also
      compared with PLA-PEG-PLA triblock copolymers containing the isotactic PLLA or
      atactic poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA) endblocks and PLLA-PEG-PLLA/PDLA-PEG-PDLA
      enantiomeric mixtures. PLA hydrophobic domains in pentablock copolymer gels
      changed from a homocrystalline to stereocomplexed structure as the PLLA/PDLA
      block length ratio approached 1/1. The gel of symmetric pentablock copolymer
      exhibited a wider gelation region, higher gel-to-sol transition temperature,
      higher hydrophobic domain crystallinity, larger intermicellar distance, higher
      storage modulus, and slower degradation and drug release rate compared to those
      of the asymmetric PLA/PEG pentablock copolymers or triblock copolymers. SAXS
      results indicated that the PLLA/PDLA blocks stereocomplexation in pentablock
      copolymers facilitated the intermicellar aggregation and bridging. Cylindrical
      ordered structures were observed in all the gels formed from the PLA/PEG
      pentablock and triblock copolymers. The stereocomplexation degree and
      intermicellar distance of the pentablock copolymer gels increased with heating.

PMID- 27121733
TI  - Differential roles of hypoxia and innate immunity in juvenile and adult
      dermatomyositis.
AB  - Dermatomyositis (DM) can occur in both adults and juveniles with considerable
      clinical differences. The links between immune-mediated mechanisms and
      vasculopathy with respect to development of perifascicular pathology are
      incompletely understood. We investigated skeletal muscle from newly diagnosed,
      treatment-naive juvenile (jDM) and adult dermatomyositis (aDM) patients focusing
      on hypoxia-related pathomechanisms, vessel pathology, and immune mechanisms
      especially in the perifascicular region. Therefore, we assessed the skeletal
      muscle biopsies from 21 aDM, and 15 jDM patients by immunohistochemistry and
      electron microscopy. Transcriptional analyses of genes involved in hypoxia, as
      well as in innate and adaptive immunity were performed by quantitative Polymerase
      chain reaction (qPCR) of whole tissue cross sections including perifascicular
      muscle fibers.Through these analysis, we found that basic features of DM, like
      perifascicular atrophy and inflammatory infiltrates, were present at similar
      levels in jDM and aDM patients. However, jDM was characterized by predominantly
      hypoxia-driven pathology in perifascicular small fibers and by macrophages
      expressing markers of hypoxia. A more pronounced regional loss of capillaries,
      but no relevant activation of type-1 Interferon (IFN)-associated pathways was
      noted. Conversely, in aDM, IFN-related genes were expressed at significantly
      elevated levels, and Interferon-stimulated gene (ISG)15 was strongly positive in
      small perifascicular fibers whereas hypoxia-related mechanisms did not play a
      significant role.In our study we could provide new molecular data suggesting a
      conspicuous pathophysiological 'dichotomy' between jDM and aDM: In jDM,
      perifascicular atrophy is tightly linked to hypoxia-related pathology, and poorly
      to innate immunity. In aDM, perifascicular atrophy is prominently associated with
      molecules driving innate immunity, while hypoxia-related mechanisms seem to be
      less relevant.

PMID- 27121735
TI  - Attributes and outcomes of end stage liver disease as compared with other
      noncancer patients admitted to a geriatric palliative care unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: End stage liver disease (ESLD) is increasingly more prevalent as a
      noncancer disease to manage in palliative care. Because of the clear lack of a
      "terminal phase" in ESLD, palliative care is often initiated only when death is
      perceived as being imminent. Palliative care units (PCUs) serve as an option for
      continued care for patients living with ESLD and are a limited resource, often
      not able to accommodate longer patient admissions. Concerns have been raised that
      ESLD patients may be admitted late in their disease course, not allowing for
      equitable access to such a service because of a perceived longer length of stay
      (LOS). The aim of this study is to better characterize the illness experience of
      patients with ESLD on a geriatric PCU comparing ESLD patients and other noncancer
      patients in terms of admission PPS, estimated prognosis and LOS. METHODS: This
      was a single-center retrospective chart review of all noncancer patients admitted
      to Baycrest Health Sciences Palliative Care Unit (PCU) in Toronto, Canada over a
      four-year period. We measured the association between demographic data, estimated
      prognosis, Palliative Performance Score (PPS), and LOS between patients with ESLD
      and other noncancer diagnoses. RESULTS: There were 235 patients with noncancer
      diagnoses admitted to the PCU during the study period, of which 19% had ESLD.
      Patients with ESLD were both significantly younger (P<0.001) and were admitted
      with a significantly higher PPS (P<0.001) than patients with other noncancer
      diagnoses. Estimated prognoses for patients with ESLD compared to other noncancer
      patients were similar. There were no significant difference in LOS between
      patients with ESLD and other noncancer patients (P=0.18), although there was a
      non-significant trend towards a shorter LOS for patients with ESLD. There was no
      significance in disposition (P=0.30); the vast majority of patients with ESLD and
      other noncancer diagnoses died on the PCU. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ESLD were
      younger and had a higher PPS score with no significant difference in estimated
      prognosis, LOS, or disposition when compared to other noncancer patients. Our
      findings suggest that patients with ESLD have a short LOS on the PCU with a
      unique illness experience compared to other noncancer patients.

PMID- 27121736
TI  - Inter-rater reliability in performance status assessment among health care
      professionals: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have reported that performance status (PS) is a good
      prognostic indicator in patients with advanced cancer. However, different health
      care professionals (HCPs) could grade PS differently. The purpose of this review
      is to investigate the PS scores evaluated by different HCPs as reported in the
      literature. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE and
      OLDMEDLINE from 1946 to Present (July 5, 2015), Embase Classic and Embase from
      1947 to 2015 Week 26, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to
      May 2015. Information of interest was whether there was a difference of PS
      assessment between HCPs. Other statistical information provided to assess the
      agreement in ratings, such as Cohen's kappa coefficient, Krippendorff's alpha
      coefficient, Spearman Rank Coefficient, and Kendall's correlation, was noted.
      RESULTS: Of the fifteen articles, eleven compared PS assessments between HCPs of
      different disciplines, one between the attending and resident physician, two
      between similarly-specialized physicians, and one between two unspecified
      specialty physicians. Three studies reported a lack of agreement (kappa =0.19
      0.26; Krippendorff's alpha =0.61-0.63), four reported moderate inter-rater
      reliability (kappa =0.31-0.72), two reported mixed reliability, and six reported
      strong reliability (kappa =0.91-0.92; Spearman rank correlation =0.6-1.0;
      Kendall's correlation =0.75-0.82). Four studies reported that Karnofsky
      performance status (KPS) had better inter-rater reliability than both the Eastern
      Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) and the palliative
      performance scale (PPS). CONCLUSIONS: The existing literature cites both good and
      bad inter-rater reliability of PS scores. It is difficult to conclude which HCPs'
      PS assessments are more accurate.

PMID- 27121734
TI  - Non-infectious Pulmonary Diseases and HIV.
AB  - Pulmonary complications remain among the most frequent causes of morbidity and
      mortality for individuals with HIV despite the advent of antiretroviral therapy
      (ART) and improvement in its efficacy and availability. The prevalence of non
      infectious pulmonary diseases is rising in this population, reflecting both an
      increase in smoking and the independent risk associated with HIV. The unique
      mechanisms of pulmonary disease in these patients remain poorly understood, and
      direct effects of HIV, genetic predisposition, inflammatory pathways, and co
      infections have all been implicated. Lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD), and pulmonary hypertension are the most prevalent non-infectious
      pulmonary diseases in persons with HIV, and the risk of each of these diseases is
      higher among HIV-infected (HIV+) persons than in the general population. This
      review discusses the latest advances in the literature on these important
      complications of HIV infection.

PMID- 27121737
TI  - The impact of psychosocial intervention on survival in cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of psychosocial interventions on survival remains
      controversial in patients with cancer. A meta-analysis of the recent literature
      was conducted to evaluate the potential survival benefit associated with
      psychosocial interventions for cancer patients. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and
      Cochrane Central were searched from January 2004 to May 2015 for all randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) that compared survival outcomes between cancer patients
      receiving a psychosocial intervention and those receiving other, or no
      interventions. Endpoints included one-, two-, and four-year overall survival.
      Subgroup analyses were performed to compare group-versus individually-delivered
      interventions, and to assess breast cancer-only trials. RESULTS: Of 5,080
      identified articles, thirteen trials were included for analysis. There was a
      significant survival benefit for the intervention group at one year [risk ratio
      (RR) =0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.67-1.00; P=0.04] and two years (RR
      =0.86; 95% CI, 0.78-0.95; P=0.003). However, no significant difference was
      detected at four years (RR =0.94; 95% CI, 0.85-1.04; P=0.24). Among patients with
      breast cancer, there was a significant survival benefit of psychosocial
      interventions at one year (RR =0.59; 95% CI, 0.42-0.82; P=0.002), but no
      difference at two years (RR =0.82; 95% CI, 0.67-1.02; P=0.07) or four years (RR
      =0.95; 95% CI, 0.73-1.23; P=0.68). Group-delivered interventions had a
      significant survival benefit favouring the intervention group at one year (RR
      =0.57; 95% CI, 0.41-0.79; P=0.0008), but no difference at two years (RR =0.84;
      95% CI, 0.68-1.02; P=0.08) or four years (RR =0.94; 95% CI, 0.75-1.20; P=0.64).
      Individually-delivered interventions had no significant survival benefit at one
      year (RR =0.92; 95% CI, 0.79-1.08; P=0.32), two years (RR =0.87; 95% CI, 0.75
      1.00; P=0.05), or four years (RR =0.93; 95% CI, 0.84-1.04; P=0.21). CONCLUSIONS:
      For the main analysis and group-delivered treatments, psychosocial interventions
      demonstrated only short-term improvements in survival. Individually-delivered
      interventions failed to show any survival benefit. Future studies with longer
      follow-up are warranted to investigate long-term survival outcomes.

PMID- 27121738
TI  - Urinary cytokines/chemokines pattern in patients with painful bone metastases
      undergoing external beam radiotherapy experiencing pain flare.
AB  - BACKGROUND: External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is a mainstay for treatment of
      painful bone metastases. Transient worsening of pain ("pain flare") occurs in 40%
      of patients. We investigated the pathophysiology of pain flare through assessment
      of changes in urinary cytokines/chemokines in patients receiving EBRT for painful
      bone metastases. METHODS: Urine samples were collected from patients receiving a
      single 8 Gy fraction for painful bone metastases preparation, day 1 or 2 and on
      an additional day between days 3 to 5 post radiation. Patients completed a
      standardized pain and analgesic use diary daily for 10 days following radiation.
      Patients were deemed to have pain flare if they had a two-point increase from
      baseline worst pain on 0-10 scale and no decrease in analgesic intake or a 25%
      increase in analgesic intake with no decrease in worst pain. The Millipore
      Milliplex 42-Plex Cyto-kine/Chemokine KitTM was used to measure urinary levels of
      a panel of cytokines/chemokines. RESULTS: Forty-six patients consented to the
      study of which 28 were evaluable (complete urine and diary data), and 83/84 urine
      samples were available for analysis. Pain flare was experienced by 11 patients
      (39%). The following cytokines/chemokines were detectable in at least 50% of the
      patients: EGF, fractalkine, GRO, IL-4, IL-8, interferon gamma induced protein 10
      (IP-10), MCP-1, macrophage derived chemokine (MDC), PDGF-AA, sIL-2Ra, TGF-Alpha,
      VEGF. Comparing patients with or without pain flare EGF, fractalkine, GRO, IL-8,
      IP-10, MCP-1, MDC, sIL-2Ra, and TGF-alpha increased following radiation in both
      groups. Patients with pain flare have significant lower levels on IL-8, IP-10,
      and MDC over time. No specific time trend was noticed. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who
      experience pain flare appear to have a different pattern in urinary
      cytokine/chemokine levels than patients without pain flare. A larger study is
      required to confirm the possible role of cytokines/chemokines in predisposition
      to and/or the cause of pain flare following radiation to painful bone metastases.

PMID- 27121739
TI  - Radiological changes on CT after stereotactic body radiation therapy to non-spine
      bone metastases: a descriptive series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has
      become increasingly used for the management of non-spine bone metastases. Few
      studies have examined the radiological changes in bone metastases after treatment
      with SBRT and there is no consensus about what constitutes radiologic response to
      therapy. This article describes various changes on CT after SBRT to non-spine
      bone metastases in eight selected cases. METHODS: A retrospective review was
      conducted for patients treated with SBRT to non-spine bone metastases between
      November 2011 and April 2014 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. A
      musculoskeletal radiologist identified eight illustrative cases of interest and
      provided a description of the findings. RESULTS: Different radiological changes
      following SBRT were described, including: remineralization of lytic bone
      metastases, demineralization of sclerotic bone metastases, pathologic fracture,
      size progression and response in different lesions, as well as lung fibrosis
      after SBRT to a rib metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: We reviewed the radiological images
      of eight selected cases after SBRT to nonspine bone metastases and a number of
      characteristic findings were highlighted. We recommend future studies to
      correlate radiologic changes with clinical outcomes including pain relief,
      toxicity and long-term local control.

PMID- 27121740
TI  - Manipulating the Hippo-Yap signal cascade in stem cells for heart regeneration.
AB  - The Hippo-Yap pathway was originally recognized as a crucial signal cascade
      controlling organ size, and more recently identified as an important component
      involved in the regulation of cardiomyocyte survival, proliferation, and
      regeneration. Negative stress responses can activate mammalian sterile 20-like
      kinase 1 (Mst1) to suppress protective autophagy and promote cardiomyocyte
      apoptosis via phosphorylation and inhibition of Bcl-xL. Moreover, decreased Yap
      activity and nuclear entry will decrease upon Mst1 activation, ultimately
      suppressing cardiomyocytes proliferation and regeneration. Based on these
      observations, there are potential therapeutic opportunities in cardiac structural
      and functional regeneration post myocardium infarction to be gained by
      manipulation of the Hippo-Yap signal cascade. This review will summarize the main
      components of the Hippo-Yap pathway and their molecular biological functions. It
      will then highlight the role of these signal modules in the acquisition of stem
      cell pluripotency, cardiogenic differentiation, cardiomyocyte proliferation and
      maturation, and mitochondrial biogenesis in cardiac stem cells. Finally, it will
      discuss the potential for future studies of Hippo-Yap pathway using induced
      pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology. 

PMID- 27121741
TI  - Illness understanding in patients with advanced lung cancer: curse or blessing?
AB  - Early palliative care (EPC) should be introduced from the start of the treatment
      of patients with advanced lung cancer. Unfortunately, this is often not
      integrated in daily oncologic care. This letter wants to emphasize the importance
      of offering a holistic approach, meaning EPC to optimize quality of life (QoL).
      Illness understanding is important because patients with better understanding of
      their disease choose more often for symptom control and less for an aggressive
      treatment at the end of life. This illness understanding should be achieved
      during communication with the treating oncologist. Based on the limited available
      literature about illness understanding, it seems that an EPC program is necessary
      when breaking bad news, in order to maintain or improve QoL in patients. 

PMID- 27121742
TI  - Stereotactic radiosurgery/stereotactic body radiation therapy-reflection on the
      last decade's achievements and future directions.
AB  - Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and its extracranial first cousin, stereotactic
      body radiation therapy (SBRT) have become increasingly important in the
      palliative treatment of cancer patients over the past decade. Appropriately
      designed and adequately powered clinical trials have in many clinical scenarios
      amply justified the time, effort, and expense associated with the development and
      delivery of these highly conformal and complex radiation treatment plans. Ongoing
      trials are anticipated to provide further confirmatory documentation of the
      benefits that have been readily observed by caregivers, patients, and their
      families. It may be predicted that future directions for palliative radiosurgery
      will include simplification, through greater automation, of the detailed steps
      that are still required for safe treatment, and thereby increase the chances for
      patients to receive these advanced palliative interventions at local
      institutions, from local caregivers. 

PMID- 27121743
TI  - Extremely rare presentation of soft tissue metastasis from carcinoma breast as a
      massive swelling of upper extremity.
AB  - Soft tissue metastasis from any primary malignancy is considered very rare and a
      breast carcinoma metastasizing to soft tissue is still rarer. To the best of our
      knowledge, carcinoma breast with soft tissue metastasis to upper extremity is
      very uncommon with only six cases been reported in world literature till date and
      our case is the seventh such case in an 80-year-old female, previously treated
      for carcinoma right breast 15 years ago. The patient presented with progressive
      painful massive swelling of right upper arm measuring 21 cm * 17 cm, of 2 months
      duration. Histopathological examination of the swelling showed metastatic
      deposits from a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Further immunohistochemical
      (IHC) analysis revealed tumor cells staining positive for estrogen and
      progesterone receptors while negative for HER 2-Nu, desmin, epithelial membrane
      antigen, CK7 and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), suggestive of metastasis
      from a primary breast carcinoma. Only few case series and isolated cases reports
      have been published regarding any primary malignancy or breast carcinoma
      metastasizing to soft tissues. A thorough review of literature also reveals that
      our case is the largest soft tissue metastatic swelling from breast carcinoma
      ever reported. We hereby present this case with review of literature to highlight
      its extreme rarity, unusual presentation, clinicopathological characteristics and
      its overall prognosis. 

PMID- 27121744
TI  - A case report of bone metastases from appendiceal adenocarcinoma and a review of
      literature.
AB  - Appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA) is a rare cancer, accounting for less than 0.5%
      of all gastrointestinal cancers. As such, there is still debate surrounding both
      the nature of the disease and the roles of different treatment modalities in the
      care of this patient population. Metastases of AA, particularly distant
      metastases, have not been explored extensively in literature. As survival in
      optimally treated cases of AA continues to improve, clinicians may encounter
      previously unrealized complications of this disease or unlikely metastases at a
      higher frequency. We reported the rare case of a 50-year-old male with recurrent
      mucinous AA who developed painful pelvic bone metastases. To palliate his
      symptoms, the patient underwent 30 Gy of external beam radiation treatment (EBRT)
      in 10 fractions to the pelvis. The patient achieved a good pain response after
      completion of EBRT, with elimination of analgesic use one month post-treatment.
      This case demonstrates successful palliative management of bone metastases from a
      primary mucinous AA. Although there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines
      specific to the treatment of AA, there are a variety of therapies available
      [e.g., chemotherapy, cytoreductive surgery (CRS), radiation, etc.]. The use of
      these treatments is largely determined by prognostic factors. 

PMID- 27121745
TI  - The impact of performance status, psychosocial interventions, and early
      palliative care on overall survival.

PMID- 27121746
TI  - Evaluation of safety climate and employee injury rates in healthcare.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Safety climates that support safety-related behaviour are associated
      with fewer work-related injuries, and prior research in industry suggests that
      safety knowledge and motivation are strongly related to safety performance
      behaviours; this relationship is not well studied in healthcare settings.
      METHODS: We performed analyses of survey results from a Veterans Health
      Administration (VHA) Safety Barometer employee perception survey, conducted among
      VHA employees in 2012. The employee perception survey assessed 6 safety programme
      categories, including management participation, supervisor participation,
      employee participation, safety support activities, safety support climate and
      organisational climate. We examined the relationship between safety climate from
      the survey results on VHA employee injury and illness rates. RESULTS: Among VHA
      facilities in the VA New England Healthcare System, work-related injury rate was
      significantly and inversely related to overall employee perception of safety
      climate, and all 6 safety programme categories, including employee perception of
      employee participation, management participation, organisational climate,
      supervisor participation, safety support activities and safety support climate.
      CONCLUSIONS: Positive employee perceptions of safety climate in VHA facilities
      are associated with lower work-related injury and illness rates. Employee
      perception of employee participation, management participation, organisational
      climate, supervisor participation, safety support activities and safety support
      climate were all associated with lower work-related injury rates. Future
      implications include fostering a robust safety climate for patients and
      healthcare workers to reduce healthcare worker injuries.

PMID- 27121747
TI  - Coordinated process of polarized growth in filamentous fungi.
AB  - Filamentous fungi are extremely polarized organisms, exhibiting continuous growth
      at their hyphal tips. The hyphal form is related to their pathogenicity in
      animals and plants, and their high secretion ability for biotechnology. Polarized
      growth requires a sequential supply of proteins and lipids to the hyphal tip.
      This transport is managed by vesicle trafficking via the actin and microtubule
      cytoskeleton. Therefore, the arrangement of the cytoskeleton is a crucial step to
      establish and maintain the cell polarity. This review summarizes recent findings
      unraveling the mechanism of polarized growth with special emphasis on the role of
      actin and microtubule cytoskeleton and polarity marker proteins. Rapid insertions
      of membranes via highly active exocytosis at hyphal tips could quickly dilute the
      accumulated polarity marker proteins. Recent findings by a super-resolution
      microscopy indicate that filamentous fungal cells maintain their polarity at the
      tips by repeating transient assembly and disassembly of polarity sites. 

PMID- 27121748
TI  - Berberine induces mitochondrial apoptosis of EBV-transformed B cells through p53
      mediated regulation of XAF1 and GADD45alpha.
AB  - Berberine exhibits antiproliferative or cytotoxic effects against various
      cancers. ROS and wild-type p53 play a critical role in berberine-induced
      cytotoxic effects. In this study, we investigated the correlation between XAF1
      and functional p53 in EBV-transformed B cells or cancerous B cells after
      treatment with berberine. Berberine decreased cell viability and induced
      apoptosis through a mitochondria-dependent pathway in EBV-transformed B cells and
      cancerous B cells, but not in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
      Activated p53 and its downstream targets XAF1 and GADD45alpha interacted with
      PUMA, Bax, and Bim in mitochondria after treatment with berberine. Blocking
      phosphorylation of p38/JNK MAPK and treatment with PFT-alpha, a selective p53
      inhibitor, effectively prevented apoptosis and the upregulation of phosphorylated
      p53, XAF1, and GADD45alpha. NAC, a ROS scavenger, also suppressed berberine
      induced mitochondria disruption and the whole apoptotic process via restoration
      of p53-related proteins and proapoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. Taken together,
      our results suggest that ROS generation might be a predisposing event in
      berberine-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in EBV-transformed B cells through the
      upregulation of XAF1 and GADD45alpha expression by MAPK and functional p53. 

PMID- 27121749
TI  - Cancer associated proteins in blood plasma: Determining normal variation.
AB  - Protein biomarkers have the potential to improve diagnosis, stratification of
      patients into treatment cohorts, follow disease progression and treatment
      response. One distinct group of potential biomarkers comprises proteins which
      have been linked to cancer, known as cancer associated proteins (CAPs). We
      determined the normal variation of 86 CAPs in 72 individual plasma samples
      collected from ten individuals using SRM mass spectrometry. Samples were
      collected weekly during 5 weeks from ten volunteers and over one day at nine
      fixed time points from three volunteers. We determined the degree of the normal
      variation depending on interpersonal variation, variation due to time of day, and
      variation over weeks and observed that the variation dependent on the time of day
      appeared to be the most important. Subdivision of the proteins resulted in two
      predominant protein groups containing 21 proteins with relatively high variation
      in all three factors (day, week and individual), and 22 proteins with relatively
      low variation in all factors. We present a strategy for prioritizing biomarker
      candidates for future studies based on stratification over their normal variation
      and have made all data publicly available. Our findings can be used to improve
      selection of biomarker candidates in future studies and to determine which
      proteins are most suitable depending on study design.

PMID- 27121750
TI  - Olefin hydrosilylation catalyzed by cationic nickel(ii) allyl complexes: a non
      innocent allyl ligand-assisted mechanism.
AB  - The arene-supported cationic nickel allyl complexes serve as good catalysts for
      olefin hydrosilylation at room temperature. Detailed mechanistic studies based on
      experiments and DFT calculations support the novel mechanism, which includes the
      facile Si-H bond cleavage and Si-C bond formation, assisted by a non-innocent
      allyl ligand. 

PMID- 27121751
TI  - 5'-(E)-Vinylphosphonate: A Stable Phosphate Mimic Can Improve the RNAi Activity
      of siRNA-GalNAc Conjugates.
AB  - Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing requires siRNA loading into the
      RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). Presence of 5'-phosphate (5'-P) is reported
      to be critical for efficient RISC loading of the antisense strand (AS) by
      anchoring it to the mid-domain of the Argonaute2 (Ago2) protein. Phosphorylation
      of exogenous duplex siRNAs is thought to be accomplished by cytosolic Clp1
      kinase. However, although extensive chemical modifications are essential for
      siRNA-GalNAc conjugate activity, they can significantly impair Clp1 kinase
      activity. Here, we further elucidated the effect of 5'-P on the activity of siRNA
      GalNAc conjugates. Our results demonstrate that a subset of sequences benefit
      from the presence of exogenous 5'-P. For those that do, incorporation of 5'-(E)
      vinylphosphonate (5'-VP), a metabolically stable phosphate mimic, results in up
      to 20-fold improved in vitro potency and up to a threefold benefit in in vivo
      activity by promoting Ago2 loading and enhancing metabolic stability. 

PMID- 27121752
TI  - Solanum pennellii backcross inbred lines (BILs) link small genomic bins with
      tomato traits.
AB  - We present a resource for fine mapping of traits derived from the wild tomato
      species Solanum pennellii (LA0716). The population of backcross inbred lines
      (BILs) is composed of 446 lines derived after a few generations of backcrosses of
      the wild species with cultivated tomato (cultivar M82; LA3475), followed by more
      than seven generations of self-pollination. The BILs were genotyped using the 10K
      SOL-CAP single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) -Chip, and 3700 polymorphic markers
      were used to map recombination break points relative to the physical map of
      Solanum lycopersicum. The BILs carry, on average, 2.7 introgressions per line,
      with a mean introgression length of 11.7 Mbp. Whereas the classic 76
      introgression lines (ILs) partitioned the genome into 106 mapping bins, the BILs
      generated 633 bins, thereby enhancing the mapping resolution of traits derived
      from the wild species. We demonstrate the power of the BILs for rapid fine
      mapping of simple and complex traits derived from the wild tomato species.

PMID- 27121753
TI  - Dietary levels of protein and free amino acids affect pancreatic proteases
      activities, amino acids transporters expression and serum amino acid
      concentrations in starter pigs.
AB  - The dietary contents of crude protein and free amino acids (AA) may affect the
      protein digestion and AA absorption in pigs. Trypsin and chymotrypsin activities,
      AA serum concentrations and expression of AA transporters in the small intestine
      of pigs fed a low protein, AA-supplemented (19.2%, LPAA) or a high protein
      (28.1%, HP), wheat-soybean meal diet were measured in two 14-d trials. The LPAA
      diet contained free L-Lys, L-Thr, DL-Met, L-Leu, L-Ile, L-Val, L-His, L-Trp and L
      Phe. All pigs were fed the same amount of feed (890 and 800 g/d for trial 1 and 2
      respectively). In trial 1, samples of mucosa (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) and
      digesta (duodenum and jejunum) were collected from 14 pigs (17.2 +/- 0.4 kg); in
      trial 2, blood samples were collected from 12 pigs (12.7 +/- 0.3 kg). The trypsin
      and chymotrypsin activities in both intestinal segments were higher in pigs fed
      the HP diet (p < 0.01). Trypsin activity was higher in jejunum than in duodenum
      regardless the dietary treatment (p < 0.05). Pigs fed the LPAA diet expressed
      more b0,+ AT in duodenum, B0 AT1 in ileum (p < 0.05), and tended to express more
      y+ LAT1 in duodenum (p = 0.10). In pigs fed the LPAA diet, the expression of b0,+
      AT was higher in duodenum than in jejunum and ileum (p < 0.01), but no difference
      was observed in pigs fed the HP diet. Ileum had the lowest b0,+ AT expression
      regardless the diet. The serum concentrations of Lys, Thr and Met were higher in
      LPAA pigs while serum Arg was higher in HP pigs (p < 0.05). Serum concentrations
      of AA appear to reflect the AA absorption. In conclusion, these data indicate
      that the dietary protein contents affect the extent of protein digestion and that
      supplemental free AA may influence the intestinal site of AA release and
      absorption, which may impact their availability for growth of young pigs.

PMID- 27121754
TI  - Dexamethasone-induced catatonia in a patient with multiple myeloma.
AB  - Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome, caused by different underlying
      metabolic, neurologic, psychiatric and toxic conditions. Although catatonia is
      often associated with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or depression,
      in about 20 to 39% of the patients a somatic illness is found. Unfortunately,
      this diagnosis is often missed although catatonia is characterized by a specific
      symptom complex. We report a case of acute catatonia with psychotic features in a
      patient with multiple myeloma (MM), caused by systemic use of dexamethasone.
      Physicians should be aware of possible psychiatric side effects when prescribing
      high doses of dexamethasone. Further, MM patients on corticosteroids should be
      closely monitored for mild psychological and/or psychiatric symptoms since they
      may be predictive for the onset of catatonia.

PMID- 27121755
TI  - Corticosteroids for managing tuberculous meningitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculous meningitis is a serious form of tuberculosis (TB) that
      affects the meninges that cover a person's brain and spinal cord. It is
      associated with high death rates and with disability in people who survive.
      Corticosteroids have been used as an adjunct to antituberculous drugs to treat
      people with tuberculous meningitis, but their role has been controversial.
      OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of corticosteroids as an adjunct to
      antituberculous treatment on death and severe disability in people with
      tuberculous meningitis. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Infectious
      Diseases Group Specialized Register up to the 18 March 2016; CENTRAL; MEDLINE;
      EMBASE; LILACS; and Current Controlled Trials. We also contacted researchers and
      organizations working in the field, and checked reference lists. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials that compared corticosteroid plus
      antituberculous treatment with antituberculous treatment alone in people with
      clinically diagnosed tuberculous meningitis and included death or disability as
      outcome measures. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We independently assessed search
      results and methodological quality, and extracted data from the included trials.
      We analysed the data using risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs)
      and used a fixed-effect model. We performed an intention-to-treat analysis, where
      we included all participants randomized to treatment in the denominator. This
      analysis assumes that all participants who were lost to follow-up have good
      outcomes. We carried out a sensitivity analysis to explore the impact of the
      missing data. MAIN RESULTS: Nine trials that included 1337 participants (with 469
      deaths) met the inclusion criteria.At follow-up from three to 18 months, steroids
      reduce deaths by almost one quarter (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.87; nine trials,
      1337 participants, high quality evidence). Disabling neurological deficit is not
      common in survivors, and steroids may have little or no effect on this outcome
      (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.20; eight trials, 1314 participants, low quality
      evidence). There was no difference between groups in the incidence of adverse
      events, which included gastrointestinal bleeding, invasive bacterial infections,
      hyperglycaemia, and liver dysfunction.One trial followed up participants for five
      years. The effect on death was no longer apparent at this time-point (RR 0.93,
      95% CI 0.78 to 1.12; one trial, 545 participants, moderate quality evidence); and
      there was no difference in disabling neurological deficit detected (RR 0.91, 95%
      CI 0.49 to 1.69; one trial, 545 participants, low quality evidence).One trial
      included human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive people. The stratified
      analysis by HIV status in this trial showed no heterogeneity, with point
      estimates for death (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.20; one trial, 98 participants)
      and disability (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.08 to 19.07; one trial, 98 participants)
      similar to HIV-negative participants in the same trial. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      Corticosteroids reduce mortality from tuberculous meningitis, at least in the
      short term.Corticosteroids may have no effect on the number of people who survive
      tuberculous meningitis with disabling neurological deficit, but this outcome is
      less common than death, and the CI for the relative effect includes possible
      harm. However, this small possible harm is unlikely to be quantitatively
      important when compared to the reduction in mortality.The number of HIV-positive
      people included in the review is small, so we are not sure if the benefits in
      terms of reduced mortality are preserved in this group of patients.

PMID- 27121758
TI  - Green Tea and Glycine Modulate the Activity of Metalloproteinases and Collagen in
      the Tendinitis of the Myotendinous Junction of the Achilles Tendon.
AB  - The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is the weakest element in the muscle-tendon unit
      of the heel, and thus the most susceptible to injuries. The scarcity of adequate
      treatments means that tendinitis is a major concern to athletes and other groups
      who depend on their physical fitness, although green tea and glycine have both
      been shown to have beneficial effects on the inflammation. The present study
      investigated the remodeling effects of green tea and glycine in the MTJ of rats
      with tendinitis. For this, male Wistar rats were divided into five groups:
      animals without tendinitis and animals with tendinitis; animals with tendinitis
      supplied with green tea; animals with tendinitis supplied with a glycine diet;
      animals with tendinitis supplied with a green tea and glycine diet. Tendinitis
      was induced and the treatment with green tea (700 mg/kg/day) and a 5% glycine
      diet lasted 7 days. The treatments regulated the activity of metalloproteinases
      (MMP)-2, -8, and -9, and induced the synthesis of type I collagen,
      glycosaminoglycans, and non-collagenous proteins. Changes were also noted in the
      compaction of the collagen molecules and the amount of tenocytes. When combined,
      green tea and glycine modulated the inflammatory process and induced the
      synthesis of the elements involved in the post-lesion recovery of the tissue. The
      data from the MTJ were different when compared with results already published
      using the whole Achilles tendon. These data indicate that each region of the
      inflamed tendon can exhibit different responses during the treatment and
      therefore, modify its extracellular matrix components to facilitate recovery and
      repair. Anat Rec, 299:918-928, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121756
TI  - Lipidomic analysis of epidermal lipids: a tool to predict progression of
      inflammatory skin disease in humans.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lipidomics is the large-scale profiling and characterization of
      lipid species in a biological system using mass spectrometry. The skin barrier is
      mainly comprised of corneocytes and a lipid-enriched extracellular matrix. The
      major skin lipids are ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids (FFA). Lipid
      compositions are altered in inflammatory skin disorders with disrupted skin
      barrier such as atopic dermatitis (AD). AREAS COVERED: Here we discuss some of
      the recent applications of lipidomics in human skin biology and in inflammatory
      skin diseases such as AD, psoriasis and Netherton syndrome. We also review
      applications of lipidomics in human skin equivalent and in pre-clinical animal
      models of skin diseases to gain insight into the pathogenesis of the skin
      disease. Expert commentary: Skin lipidomics analysis could be a fast, reliable
      and noninvasive tool to characterize the skin lipid profile and to monitor the
      progression of inflammatory skin diseases such as AD.

PMID- 27121757
TI  - Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II and nitric oxide synthase 1-dependent
      modulation of ryanodine receptors during beta-adrenergic stimulation is
      restricted to the dyadic cleft.
AB  - KEY POINTS: The dyadic cleft, where coupled ryanodine receptors (RyRs) reside, is
      thought to serve as a microdomain for local signalling, as supported by distinct
      modulation of coupled RyRs dependent on Ca2+ /calmodulin-dependent kinase II
      (CaMKII) activation during high-frequency stimulation. Sympathetic stimulation
      through beta-adrenergic receptors activates an integrated signalling cascade,
      enhancing Ca2+ cycling and is at least partially mediated through CaMKII. Here we
      report that CaMKII activation during beta-adrenergic signalling is restricted to
      the dyadic cleft, where it enhances activity of coupled RyRs thereby contributing
      to the increase in diastolic events. Nitric oxide synthase 1 equally participates
      in the local modulation of coupled RyRs. In contrast, the increase in the Ca2+
      content of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and related increase in the amplitude of
      the Ca2+ transient are primarily protein kinase A-dependent. The present data
      extend the concept of microdomain signalling in the dyadic cleft and give
      perspectives for selective modulation of RyR subpopulations and diastolic events.
      ABSTRACT: In cardiac myocytes, beta-adrenergic stimulation enhances Ca2+ cycling
      through an integrated signalling cascade modulating L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs),
      phospholamban and ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Ca2+ /calmodulin-dependent kinase
      II (CaMKII) and nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) are proposed as prime mediators
      for increasing RyR open probability. We investigate whether this pathway is
      confined to the high Ca2+ microdomain of the dyadic cleft and thus to coupled
      RyRs. Pig ventricular myocytes are studied under whole-cell voltage-clamp and
      confocal line-scan imaging with Fluo-4 as a [Ca2+ ]i indicator. Following
      conditioning depolarizing pulses, spontaneous RyR activity is recorded as Ca2+
      sparks, which are assigned to coupled and non-coupled RyR clusters. Isoproterenol
      (ISO) (10 nm) increases Ca2+ spark frequency in both populations of RyRs.
      However, CaMKII inhibition reduces spark frequency in coupled RyRs only; NOS1
      inhibition mimics the effect of CaMKII inhibition. Moreover, ISO induces the
      repetitive activation of coupled RyR clusters through CaMKII activation.
      Immunostaining shows high levels of CaMKII phosphorylation at the dyadic cleft.
      CaMKII inhibition reduces ICaL and local Ca2+ transients during depolarizing
      steps but has only modest effects on amplitude or relaxation of the global Ca2+
      transient. In contrast, protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition reduces spark frequency
      in all RyRs concurrently with a reduction of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content,
      Ca2+ transient amplitude and relaxation. In conclusion, CaMKII activation during
      beta-adrenergic stimulation is restricted to the dyadic cleft microdomain,
      enhancing LTCC-triggered local Ca2+ release as well as spontaneous diastolic Ca2+
      release whilst PKA is the major pathway increasing global Ca2+ cycling. Selective
      CaMKII inhibition may reduce potentially arrhythmogenic release without negative
      inotropy.

PMID- 27121759
TI  - Osteoarthritis: Molecular imaging detects activated macrophages.

PMID- 27121760
TI  - Colletotrichum species associated with jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) anthracnose
      in southeastern China.
AB  - Anthracnose, caused by the Colletotrichum species of fungi, is one of the most
      serious diseases affecting jute in China. The disease causes chlorotic regions
      with black brown sunken necrotic pits on the surfaces of stems. In late stages of
      disease, plants undergo defoliation, dieback and blight, which make anthracnose a
      major threat to jute fiber production and quality in China. In this study, 7
      strains of Colletotrichum fungi were isolated from diseased jute stems from
      Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangxi, and Henan plantations in China. Multi-locus sequence
      (ACT, TUB2, CAL, GS, GAPDH and ITS) analysis coupled with morphological
      assessment revealed that C. fructicola, C. siamense and C. corchorum-capsularis
      sp. nov. were associated with jute anthracnose in southeastern China. C.
      fructicola and C. siamense were previously not associated with jute anthracnose.
      C. corchorum-capsularis is a new species formally described here. Pathogenicity
      tests confirmed that all species can infect jute, causing anthracnose, however
      the virulence of the 3 species differed. This report is the first associating
      these three species with jute disease worldwide and is the first description of
      the pathogens responsible for jute anthracnose in China.

PMID- 27121761
TI  - Malaria: can we mention the e-word yet?

PMID- 27121763
TI  - Polarized light interaction with tissues.
AB  - This tutorial-review introduces the fundamentals of polarized light interaction
      with biological tissues and presents some of the recent key polarization optical
      methods that have made possible the quantitative studies essential for biomedical
      diagnostics. Tissue structures and the corresponding models showing linear and
      circular birefringence, dichroism, and chirality are analyzed. As the basis for a
      quantitative description of the interaction of polarized light with tissues, the
      theory of polarization transfer in a random medium is used. This theory employs
      the modified transfer equation for Stokes parameters to predict the polarization
      properties of single- and multiple-scattered optical fields. The near-order of
      scatterers in tissues is accounted for to provide an adequate description of
      tissue polarization properties. Biomedical diagnostic techniques based on
      polarized light detection, including polarization imaging and spectroscopy,
      amplitude and intensity light scattering matrix measurements, and polarization
      sensitive optical coherence tomography are described. Examples of biomedical
      applications of these techniques for early diagnostics of cataracts, detection of
      precancer, and prediction of skin disease are presented. The substantial
      reduction of light scattering multiplicity at tissue optical clearing that leads
      to a lesser influence of scattering on the measured intrinsic polarization
      properties of the tissue and allows for more precise quantification of these
      properties is demonstrated.

PMID- 27121762
TI  - Plet1 is an epigenetically regulated cell surface protein that provides essential
      cues to direct trophoblast stem cell differentiation.
AB  - Gene loci that are hypermethylated and repressed in embryonic (ESCs) but
      hypomethylated and expressed in trophoblast (TSCs) stem cells are very rare and
      may have particularly important roles in early developmental cell fate decisions,
      as previously shown for Elf5. Here, we assessed another member of this small
      group of genes, Placenta Expressed Transcript 1 (Plet1), for its function in
      establishing trophoblast lineage identity and modulating trophoblast
      differentiation. We find that Plet1 is tightly repressed by DNA methylation in
      ESCs but expressed on the cell surface of TSCs and trophoblast giant cells. In
      hypomethylated ESCs that are prone to acquire some trophoblast characteristics,
      Plet1 is required to confer a trophoblast-specific gene expression pattern,
      including up-regulation of Elf5. Plet1 displays an unusual biphasic expression
      profile during TSC differentiation and thus may be pivotal in balancing
      trophoblast self-renewal and differentiation. Furthermore, overexpression and
      CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout in TSCs showed that high Plet1 levels favour
      differentiation towards the trophoblast giant cell lineage, whereas lack of Plet1
      preferentially induces syncytiotrophoblast formation. Thus, the endogenous
      dynamics of Plet1 expression establish important patterning cues within the
      trophoblast compartment by promoting differentiation towards the
      syncytiotrophoblast or giant cell pathway in Plet1-low and Plet1-high cells,
      respectively.

PMID- 27121764
TI  - Inhaled loxapine for the urgent treatment of acute agitation associated with
      schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute agitation is a serious complication of schizophrenia and
      bipolar disorder, which may escalate quickly to aggressive behavior. Rapid
      treatment is therefore important to calm and stabilize the patient, reducing the
      potential for harm to the patient and others, and allowing further assessment.
      Current guidelines suggest that where pharmacologic intervention is indicated,
      medication should preferably be non-invasive, should have a rapid onset and
      should control aggressive behavior in the short term without compromising the
      physician-patient relationship in the long term. OBJECTIVES: This article
      presents an overview of a new inhaled formulation of the established
      antipsychotic loxapine, which aims to provide a more rapidly acting agent for the
      treatment of acute agitation without the disadvantages of intramuscular or
      intravenous injection. DISCUSSION: Inhaled loxapine is rapidly absorbed with
      intravenous-like pharmacokinetics, with a time to maximum plasma concentration of
      2 minutes and a plasma half-life of approximately 6 hours. In phase III studies,
      loxapine reduced agitation within 10 minutes of inhalation; agitation was
      decreased at all subsequent assessments during a 24-hour evaluation period.
      Inhaled loxapine was generally well tolerated with no undue sedation. The most
      common adverse events were dysgeusia, mild sedation, and dizziness. Inhaled
      loxapine is contraindicated in patients with asthma, COPD or other pulmonary
      disease associated with bronchospasm. CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled loxapine rapidly
      reduces acute agitation in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and is
      generally well tolerated. The non-invasive route of delivery respects the
      patient's autonomy, reducing the perception of coercion or forced medication.
      Inhaled loxapine is therefore an effective and appropriate option for use in the
      emergency setting in patients with acute agitation.

PMID- 27121765
TI  - Hepatitis C virus core protein regulates OCT4 expression and promotes cell cycle
      progression in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein plays an important role in the development
      of hepatocellular carcinoma. octamer-binding protein 4 (OCT4) is critically
      essential for the pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. Abnormal
      expression of OCT4 has been detected in several human solid tumors. However, the
      relationship between HCV core and OCT4 remains uncertain. In the present study,
      we found that HCV core is capable of upregulating OCT4 expression. The effect of
      HCV core-induced OCT4 overexpression was abolished by RNAi-mediated scilencing of
      HCV core. In addition, HCV core-induced OCT4 overexpression resulted in enhanced
      cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. Inhibition of OCT4 reduced the
      CCND1 expression and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, OCT4 protein
      directly binds to CCND1 promoter and transactivates CCND1. These findings suggest
      that HCV core protein regulates OCT4 expression and promotes cell cycle
      progression in hepatocellular carcinoma providing new insight into the mechanism
      of hepatocarcinogenesis by HCV infection. 

PMID- 27121766
TI  - Formation of beta Polymorphs in Milk Fats with Large Differences in
      Triacylglycerol Profiles.
AB  - In this study, we characterized the polymorphism of milk fat (MF) with various
      TAG compositions during isothermal crystallization at 20  degrees C. TAG
      composition of MF from seven individual cows was determined using GC-FID and
      MALDI-TOF MS, and MF polymorphism was studied using X-ray diffraction. Results
      showed that TAG profile determines the polymorphic behavior of MF. Saturated TAG
      with carbon numbers 34-38 promoted the formation of alpha polymorphs, whereas
      unsaturated TAG with 52-54 promoted the formation of the beta polymorphs.
      Furthermore, MFs with unsaturated fatty acid profiles were increased in
      unsaturated TAG with 52-54 carbons. The presence of MF crystals in the beta
      polymorph has been controversial over the years as most authors mainly find MF
      crystals in the alpha and beta' form. In our work, we showed that the beta
      polymorph is formed in MF on the basis of its TAG composition. 

PMID- 27121767
TI  - Evaluation of the genetic parameters for 10 common and five new ESS core
      autosomal STR loci in seven major geographic regions and the largest metropolitan
      province of Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Situated at the crossroads of Asia, Middle East and Europe, Turkey
      has an ethnically diverse population of over 78 milllion people. AIM: To
      investigate the population genetics and potential differences in the autosomal
      short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphisms across all the major geographic regions
      and largest metropolitan province of Turkey within the context of the Near
      Eastern/European genetic landscape. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Samples from a total of
      5299 unrelated individuals were analysed at 10 common [D2S1338, D3S1358, D8S1179,
      D16S539, D18S51, D19S433, D21S11, FGA, TH01, vWA] and five new European Standard
      Set (ESS) core autosomal STR loci [D1S1656, D2S441, D10S1248, D12S391, D22S1045].
      RESULTS: Allele frequencies, statistical parameters of forensic interest and
      population differentiation tests were calculated for nine population datasets
      corresponding to the seven major geographic regions, the largest metropolitan
      province, and a combined dataset for the entire country. Cumulative results
      confirmed the presence of significant differences among these nine autosomal
      datasets themselves and with those from the nearby populations, therefore
      justifying the differential use of these separate datasets on a case-by-case
      basis in forensic investigations. CONCLUSION: This collection of autosomal STR
      population datasets comprises the largest and most comprehensive of its kind from
      Turkey so far.

PMID- 27121768
TI  - Green Catalytic Process for Cyclic Carbonate Synthesis from Carbon Dioxide under
      Mild Conditions.
AB  - As a renewable and abundant C1 resource possessing multiple attractive
      characteristics, such as low cost, nontoxicity, non-flammability, and easy
      accessibility, CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals and fuels can contribute
      to green chemistry and sustainable development. Since CO2 is a thermodynamically
      inert molecule, the activation of CO2 is pivotal for its effective conversion. In
      this regard, the formation of a transition-metal CO2 complex through direct
      coordination is one of the most powerful ways to induce the inert CO2 molecule to
      undergo chemical reactions. To date, numerous processes have been developed for
      efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2 . On the basis of mechanistic
      understanding, we have developed efficient metal catalysts and green processes,
      including heterogeneous catalysis, and metal-free systems, such as ionic liquids,
      for cyclic carbonate synthesis. The big challenge is to develop catalysts that
      promote the reaction under low pressure (preferably at 1 bar). In this context,
      bifunctional catalysis is capable of synergistic activation of both the substrate
      and CO2 molecule, and thus, could render CO2 conversion smoothly under mild
      conditions. Alternatively, converting CO2 derivatives, that is, the captured CO2
      as an activated species, would more easily take place at low pressure in
      comparison with gaseous CO2 . The aim of this Personal Account is to summarize
      versatile catalytic processes for cyclic carbonate synthesis from CO2 , including
      epoxide/CO2 coupling reaction, carboxylation of 1,2-diol with CO2 , oxidative
      cyclization of olefins with CO2 , condensation of vicinal halohydrin with CO2 ,
      carboxylative cyclization of propargyl alcohols with CO2 , and conversion of the
      CO2 derivatives.

PMID- 27121769
TI  - Recellularized human dermis for testing gene electrotransfer ex vivo.
AB  - Gene electrotransfer (GET) is a proven and valuable tool for in vivo gene
      delivery to a variety of tissues such as skin, cardiac muscle, skeletal muscle,
      and tumors, with controllable gene delivery and expression levels. Optimizing
      gene expression is a challenging hurdle in preclinical studies, particularly for
      skin indications, due to differences in electrical conductivity of animal
      compared to human dermis. Therefore, the goal of this study was to develop an ex
      vivo model for GET using recellularized human dermis to more closely mimic human
      skin. Decellularized human dermis (DermACELL((r))) was cultured with human dermal
      fibroblasts and keratinocytes for 4 weeks. After one week of fibroblast culture,
      fibroblasts infiltrated and dispersed throughout the dermis. Air-liquid interface
      culture led to epithelial cell proliferation, stratification and terminal
      differentiation with distinct basal, spinous, granular and cornified strata.
      Firefly luciferase expression kinetics were evaluated after GET of recellularized
      constructs for testing gene delivery parameters to skin in vitro. Elevated
      luciferase expression persisted up to a week following GET compared to controls
      without electrotransfer. In summary, recellularized dermis structurally and
      functionally resembled native human skin in tissue histological organization and
      homeostasis, proving an effective 3D human skin model for preclinical gene
      delivery studies.

PMID- 27121770
TI  - Genome-wide identification of target genes for miR-204 and miR-211 identifies
      their proliferation stimulatory role in breast cancer cells.
AB  - MiR-204 and miR-211 (miR-204/211) share the same seed site sequence, targeting
      many of the same genes. Their role in cancer development remains controversial,
      as both cell proliferative and suppressive effects have been identified. This
      study aimed to address the relationship between the two structurally similar
      microRNAs (miRs) by examining their target genes in depth as well as to reveal
      their contribution in breast cancer cells. Genome-wide pathway analysis with the
      dysregulated genes after overexpression of either of the two miRs in MCF-7 breast
      cancer cell identified the "Cancer"- and "Cell signaling"-related pathway as the
      top pathway for miR-204 and miR-211, respectively. The majority of the target
      genes for both miRs notably comprised ones that have been characterized to drive
      cells anti-tumorigenic. Accordingly, the miRs induced the proliferation of MCF-7
      and MDA-MB-231 cells, judged by cell proliferation as well as colony forming
      assay. Tumor suppressors, MX1 and TXNIP, were proven to be direct targets of the
      miRs. In addition, a high association was observed between miR-204 and miR-211
      expression in breast cancer tissue. Our results indicate that miR-204/211 serve
      to increase cell proliferation at least in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer
      cells by downregulating tumor suppressor genes.

PMID- 27121772
TI  - Differences in autonomic neural activity during exercise between the second and
      third trimesters of pregnancy.
AB  - AIM: To test the hypothesis that autonomic neural activity in pregnant women
      during exercise varies according to gestational age. METHODS: This cross
      sectional study involved 20 healthy women in their second (n = 13) or third (n =
      7) trimester of pregnancy. Incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing was
      performed with an electromagnetic cycle ergometer. Heart rate variability was
      analyzed by frequency analysis software. RESULTS: The low-frequency to high
      frequency (LF/HF) ratio, an indicator of the sympathetic nervous system, was
      significantly higher in third trimester than in second trimester subjects (P <
      0.05) at 1, 2, and 3 min of incremental exercise testing. In contrast, the
      HF/total power ratio, an indicator of rapidly acting parasympathetic activity,
      was significantly higher in second trimester than in third trimester subjects (P
      < 0.05) at 2 and 3 min. In addition, a negative correlation was found between
      gestational age and the 'accumulation half-time' of the LH/HF ratio, the time
      point at which the sum of the LF/HF ratio reached 50% of that accumulated in the
      total 6 min of exercise testing (r = -0.49, P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: The
      autonomic response to exercise in pregnant women differs between the second and
      third trimesters. These differences should be considered when prescribing
      exercise to pregnant women.

PMID- 27121771
TI  - Chronic effects of soft drink consumption on the health state of Wistar rats: A
      biochemical, genetic and histopathological study.
AB  - The present study was performed to examine the effects of chronic soft drink
      consumption (SDC) on oxidative stress, biochemical alterations, gene biomarkers
      and histopathology of bone, liver and kidney. Free drinking water of adult male
      Wistar rats was substituted with three different soft drinks: Coca-Cola, Pepsi
      and 7-Up, for three consecutive months. The serum and organs were collected for
      examining the biochemical parameters associated with bone, liver and kidney
      functions. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was
      used to observe the changes in the expression of genes in the liver and kidney,
      which are associated with oxidative stress resistance. Histopathological
      investigations were performed to determine the changes in bone, liver and kidney
      tissues using hematoxylin and eosin stains. SDC affected liver, kidney and bone
      function biomarkers. Soft drinks increased oxidative stress, which is represented
      by an increase in malondialdehyde and a decrease in antioxidant levels. SDC
      affected serum mineral levels, particularly calcium and phosphorus. Soft drinks
      downregulated the expression levels of glutathione-S-transferase and super oxide
      dismutase in the liver compared with that of control rats. Rats administered Coca
      Cola exhibited a hepatic decrease in the mRNA expression of alpha2-macroglobulin
      compared with rats administered Pepsi and 7-Up. On the other hand, SDC increased
      the mRNA expression of alpha1-acid glycoprotein. The present renal studies
      revealed that Coca-Cola increased the mRNA expression levels of desmin,
      angiotensinogen and angiotensinogen receptor compared with the other groups,
      together with mild congestion in renal histopathology. Deleterious
      histopathological changes were reported predominantly in the bone and liver of
      the Coca-Cola and Pepsi groups. In conclusion, a very strict caution must be
      considered with SDC due to the increase in oxidative stress biomarkers and
      disruption in the expression of certain genes associated with the bio-vital
      function of both the liver and kidney. 

PMID- 27121773
TI  - A comparison of head motion and prefrontal haemodynamics during upright and
      recumbent cycling exercise.
AB  - The aim of this observational study was to compare head motion and prefrontal
      haemodynamics during exercise using three commercial cycling ergometers.
      Participants (n = 12) completed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion during
      upright, recumbent and semi-recumbent cycling. Head motion (using accelerometry),
      physiological data (oxygen uptake, end-tidal carbon dioxide [PET CO2 ] and heart
      rate) and changes in prefrontal haemodynamics (oxygenation, deoxygenation and
      blood volume using near infrared spectroscopy [NIRS]) were recorded. Despite no
      difference in oxygen uptake and heart rate, head motion was higher and PET CO2
      was lower during upright cycling at maximal exercise (P<0.05). Analyses of
      covariance (covariates: head motion P>0.05; PET CO2 , P<0.01) revealed that
      prefrontal oxygenation was higher during semi-recumbent than recumbent cycling
      and deoxygenation and blood volume were higher during upright than recumbent and
      semi-recumbent cycling (respectively; P<0.05). This work highlights the
      robustness of the utility of NIRS to head motion and describes the potential
      postural effects upon the prefrontal haemodynamic response during upright and
      recumbent cycling exercise.

PMID- 27121774
TI  - Clinical presentation and spectrum of neuroimaging findings in newborn infants
      with incontinentia pigmenti.
AB  - AIM: To report on the neurological presentation and neuroimaging findings in
      newborn infants with incontinentia pigmenti. METHOD: The clinical and
      neurological course including neuroimaging and follow-up data of eight newborn
      infants with the neurological phenotype of incontinentia pigmenti were
      retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: While the clinical picture was polymorphic,
      the neurological manifestations were defined as encephalopathic and comprised
      lethargy and seizures in all but one of the infants. Magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) abnormalities were predominantly in the white matter. Diffusion-weighted
      imaging (DWI) was obtained during the acute phase in seven of the eight infants,
      showing restricted diffusion in the deep and subcortical white matter but also in
      the corpus callosum, basal ganglia, thalami, cerebellum, and cerebral peduncles.
      Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), performed in five infants, showed a
      variable amount of signal loss, mainly in the white matter, within areas of
      restricted diffusion. Extensive MRI abnormalities in newborn infants were
      followed by abnormal neurodevelopment, with significant motor, cognitive, and/or
      visual problems. INTERPRETATION: To assess the extent of central nervous system
      involvement, MRI is recommended in the clinical evaluation of infants with
      incontinentia pigmenti. They have a characteristic pattern of brain lesions seen
      on MRI, best recognized using DWI and SWI in the acute neonatal phase, which
      allow the identification of and distinction between ischaemic and haemorrhagic
      lesions.

PMID- 27121775
TI  - Titanium oxide nanotube arrays for high light extraction efficiency of GaN-based
      vertical light-emitting diodes.
AB  - TiO2 nanotube (NT) arrays were fabricated on the surface of n-GaN through a
      liquid-phase conversion process using ZnO nanorods (NRs) as a template for high
      efficiency InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well (MQW) vertical light-emitting diodes
      (VLEDs). The optical output power of the VLEDs with TiO2 NTs was remarkably
      enhanced by 23% and 189% at an injection current of 350 mA compared to those of
      VLEDs with ZnO NRs and planar VLEDs, respectively. The large enhancement in
      optical output is attributed to a synergistic effect of efficient light injection
      from the n-GaN layer of the VLED to TiO2 NTs because of the well-matched
      refractive indices and superior light extraction into air at the end of the TiO2
      NTs. Light propagation along various configurations of TiO2 NTs on the VLEDs was
      investigated using finite-difference time domain simulations and the results
      indicated that the wall thickness of the TiO2 NTs should be maintained close to
      20 nm for superior light extraction from the VLEDs. 

PMID- 27121776
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27121777
TI  - Erosive and osteoarthritic structural progression in early rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate factors associated with joint damage in early RA, and
      how comorbid OA might influence patient assessment and outcomes. METHODS:
      Baseline radiographs of hands and feet from 512 participants in the Early RA
      Network cohort, and after 3 (+/-1) years, 166 of those participants yielded
      complete scores for RA [erosions, joint space narrowing (JSN)] and OA [JSN,
      osteophytes (OST)] using validated atlases. DAS28-P is the proportion of DAS28
      attributed to patient-reported factors. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated
      using logistic regression. RESULTS: OA was common at baseline in early RA (40%
      hand and 48% foot) and associated with RA radiographic score. Higher baseline RA
      scores were associated with increasing age and ESR, and lower DAS28-P. OST scores
      were associated with higher age. DAS28 and patient-reported outcomes improved,
      whereas RA and OA radiographic scores deteriorated by follow-up. Erosive
      progression was predicted by higher baseline erosions, female gender, better
      mental health and lower DAS28-P. Hand OST progression was predicted by baseline
      OST scores. Inflammatory disease activity was associated with erosive, but not
      with OA progression. Baseline hand OA predicted worse physical function at follow
      up, but radiographic progression did not explain changes in patient-reported
      outcomes. CONCLUSION: OA is a common comorbidity that might confound radiographic
      and clinical assessment, but does not fully explain erosive progression or
      patient-reported outcomes in early RA. Early RA management should address
      psychosocial factors and comorbidities, as well as joint inflammation.

PMID- 27121778
TI  - Rituximab in the treatment of inflammatory myopathies: a review.
AB  - Several uncontrolled studies have encouraged the use of rituximab (RTX) in
      patients with myositis. Unfortunately, the first placebo-phase trial to assess
      the efficacy of RTX in refractory myositis did not show a significant difference
      between the two treatment groups, and doubts have been expressed about its study
      design. In this review we present an up-to-date overview of the reported
      experiences of RTX therapy in myositis. A PubMed search was performed to find all
      the available cases of refractory myositis patients treated with RTX up to July
      2015. The following terms were assessed: inflammatory myopathies OR anti
      synthetase syndrome OR polymyositis OR dermatomyositis AND RTX. A total of 48
      studies were included. We identified 458 patients with myositis treated with RTX.
      We found a rate of response to RTX of 78.3%. RTX can play a role in the
      management of patients with myositis, at least in those with positive myositis
      specific autoantibodies.

PMID- 27121780
TI  - Development of Clinical Pharmacology in India: Perspective of a Young Researcher.

PMID- 27121779
TI  - Neutrophils from patients with SAPHO syndrome show no signs of aberrant NADPH
      oxidase-dependent production of intracellular reactive oxygen species.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate if aberrant intracellular production of NADPH
      oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) in neutrophils is a disease
      mechanism in the autoinflammatory disease SAPHO syndrome, characterized by
      synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis, as has previously been
      suggested based on a family with SAPHO syndrome-like disease. METHODS: Neutrophil
      function was explored in a cohort of four patients with SAPHO syndrome, two of
      whom were sampled during both inflammatory and non-inflammatory phase.
      Intracellular neutrophil ROS production was determined by luminol-amplified
      chemiluminescence in response to phorbol myristate acetate. RESULTS: Cells from
      all patients produced normal amounts of ROS, both intra- and extracellularly,
      when compared with internal controls as well as with a large collection of
      healthy controls assayed in the laboratory over time (showing an extensive inter
      personal variability in a normal population). Further, intracellular production
      of ROS increased during the inflammatory phase. Neutrophil activation markers
      were comparable between patients and controls. CONCLUSION: Dysfunctional
      generation of intracellular ROS in neutrophils is not a generalizable feature in
      SAPHO syndrome. Secondly, serum amyloid A appears to be a more sensitive
      inflammatory marker than CRP during improvement and relapses in SAPHO syndrome.

PMID- 27121781
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of Irinotecan With and Without Panitumumab Coadministration in
      Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - This study examined the effects of panitumumab, a human monoclonal antibody
      against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), on irinotecan pharmacokinetics.
      This phase I, open-label, multicenter, single-arm study enrolled patients with
      metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) without prior exposure to an EGFR inhibitor.
      In cycle 1, patients received irinotecan (180 mg/m(2) intravenously [IV]) on day
      1 and panitumumab (6 mg/kg IV) on Day 4. In cycle 2 (2 weeks after cycle 1
      panitumumab administration) and subsequent every-2-week cycles, patients received
      panitumumab followed immediately by irinotecan until disease progression or
      intolerability. Primary and secondary endpoints included Cmax and AUC of
      irinotecan after irinotecan infusion in cycles 1 and 2, and adverse events,
      respectively. Nineteen of 27 treated patients were eligible for pharmacokinetic
      analysis. Pharmacokinetic profiles of irinotecan with or without panitumumab
      coadministration were nearly identical. The 90% confidence intervals for ratios
      of geometric means for irinotecan Cmax and AUC with or without panitumumab were
      within the 80-125% interval, indicating that panitumumab had no apparent effects
      on irinotecan pharmacokinetics. Adverse events were as expected for irinotecan
      plus panitumumab combination therapy. 

PMID- 27121782
TI  - Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamic Effects of a Selective TGR5
      Agonist, SB-756050, in Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - TGR5 is a bile acid receptor and a potential target for the treatment of type 2
      diabetes (T2D). We report here the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic
      effects of a selective TGR5 agonist, SB-756050, in patients with T2D. Fifty-one
      subjects were randomized to receive either placebo or one of four doses of SB
      756050 for 6 days. A single 100 mg dose of sitagliptin was co-administered on Day
      6 to all subjects. SB-756050 was well-tolerated; it was readily absorbed,
      exhibited nonlinear pharmacokinetics with a less than dose-proportional increase
      in plasma exposure above 100 mg, and demonstrated no significant changes in
      exposure when co-administered with sitagliptin. SB-756050 demonstrated highly
      variable pharmacodynamic effects both within dose groups and between doses, with
      increases in glucose seen at the two lowest doses and no reduction in glucose
      seen at the two highest doses. The glucose effects of SB-756050 + sitagliptin
      were comparable to those of sitagliptin alone, even though gut hormone plasma
      profiles were different. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov
      (NCT00733577). 

PMID- 27121783
TI  - Effect of Food, Antacid, and Age on the Pharmacokinetics of the Oral Thrombin
      Receptor Antagonist Vorapaxar (SCH 530348) in Healthy Volunteers.
AB  - This randomized, open-label, parallel group study examined the effects of food,
      antacid, and age on the pharmacokinetics of vorapaxar. In total, 101 subjects
      were enrolled including 83 young adults (18-45 years) and 18 elderly subjects
      (>65 years). Subjects received single-dose vorapaxar 40 mg after a 10-hour fast
      (young and elderly) or with extra-strength antacid, food, or 1 or 2 hours after
      food (young only). Vorapaxar 40 mg was rapidly absorbed after a fast (median Tmax
      : 1 hour). Administration with food or 1 or 2 hours post-meal modestly increased
      vorapaxar mean area under the curve (AUC) and Cmax and prolonged median Tmax by 1
      hour. Concomitant food modestly increased vorapaxar AUC from time zero to
      infinity [AUC(I)] and Cmax 43% and 31%, respectively. Antacid modestly decreased
      vorapaxar AUC(I) by 15% and Cmax by 38%, and increased median Tmax by 1 hour.
      Vorapaxar AUC(I) and Cmax were 41% and 29% higher, respectively, in elderly
      versus young subjects. Concomitant food and older age were associated with modest
      increases, and antacid was associated with a small decrease in vorapaxar
      exposure, which are not expected to affect the drug's safety or efficacy. 

PMID- 27121784
TI  - Therapeutic Equivalence of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Tablets and Ursodeoxycholic Acid
      Capsules for the Treatment of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.

PMID- 27121786
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of Teneligliptin in Subjects With Renal Impairment.
AB  - The pharmacokinetics of teneligliptin was compared in renally impaired and
      healthy subjects. Subjects were assigned to one of four groups of eight subjects,
      according to the stage of disease [mild, moderate, severe or end stage renal
      disease (ESRD)], while matched healthy subjects were allocated to one of two
      reference groups. Mild, moderate and severe renal impairment had no effect on
      maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) following a single oral dose of 20 mg
      teneligliptin, as defined in the FDA guideline. AUC0-infinity was increased in
      all groups relative to the reference group but this was unrelated to the degree
      of renal impairment. Mean plasma protein binding was <80% in all groups. Overall,
      teneligliptin was well tolerated by subjects with renal impairment or ESRD.
      Dialysis is not expected to affect the efficacy or safety of teneligliptin. These
      results indicate that dose adjustment may not be needed when teneligliptin is
      administered to subjects with mild, moderate or severe renal impairment or ESRD. 

PMID- 27121785
TI  - Impact of Tesamorelin, a Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor (GRF) Analogue, on the
      Pharmacokinetics of Simvastatin and Ritonavir in Healthy Volunteers.
AB  - The potential impact of tesamorelin on CYP3A activity was investigated by
      examining its effect on the pharmacokinetics of simvastatin and ritonavir. In two
      randomized, two-way crossover studies, subjects were administered 2 mg
      tesamorelin on Days 1-7 with 80 mg simvastatin or 100 mg ritonavir co
      administered on Day 6 (Treatment A), and a single dose of simvastatin or
      ritonavir alone on Day 6 (Treatment B). Pharmacokinetic samples were collected on
      Day 6 to measure simvastatin, ritonavir and tesamorelin plasma concentrations.
      For simvastatin, A/B ratios of least squares geometric means and corresponding
      90% confidence intervals (CIs) for AUC0-t , AUC0-inf and Cmax were contained
      within the usual no effect range of 80-125%. For ritonavir, ratios and 90% CIs
      for AUCs were within this acceptance range, but the lower CI for Cmax was 74.8%,
      suggesting a decreased rate of exposure. However, since the A/B ratios for AUCs
      and Cmax parameters were approximately 90%, these were minor decreases and no
      dose adjustment of ritonavir is required in the presence of tesamorelin. These
      studies showed that the impact of tesamorelin on CYP3A activity appears to be
      minimal, if any. Either medication may be co-administered with tesamorelin in
      patients without changing their original dosing regimen. 

PMID- 27121787
TI  - Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetic Interaction Between the beta3 -Adrenoceptor
      Agonist Mirabegron and the Muscarinic Receptor Antagonist Solifenacin In Healthy
      Subjects.
AB  - Mirabegron, a selective beta3 -adrenoceptor agonist, is approved for the
      treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Solifenacin is a muscarinic receptor
      antagonist widely used in the treatment of OAB. This open-label, 1-sequence, 2
      arm study investigated whether any pharmacokinetic interaction exists between
      mirabegron and solifenacin. In arm 1, 21 healthy men and women received 10 mg
      solifenacin succinate alone and in combination with mirabegron 100 mg qd. In arm
      2, 20 healthy men and women received 100 mg mirabegron alone and in combination
      with solifenacin succinate 10 mg qd. Plasma samples were collected and
      tolerability was assessed. Following coadministration of mirabegron and
      solifenacin in arm 1, solifenacin geometric mean ratios (90% confidence interval
      [CI]) for Cmax and AUCinf were 1.23 (1.15, 1.31) and 1.26 (1.17, 1.35),
      respectively, compared with solifenacin alone, with a 1.07-fold increase in mean
      t1/2 . In arm 2, mirabegron ratios (90% CI) for Cmax and AUCinf were 0.99 (0.78,
      1.26) and 1.15 (1.01, 1.30), respectively, for the combination relative to
      mirabegron alone, with an increase in mean tmax of approximately 1 hour.
      Mirabegron or solifenacin alone or in combination was generally well tolerated. 

PMID- 27121788
TI  - Dose Linearity of Glimepiride in Healthy Human Egyptian Volunteers.
AB  - The present study was adopted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and dose linearity
      of glimepiride after administration of single oral doses of 1-6 mg glimepiride in
      an open-label, five-way crossover study. Twenty-four healthy male Egyptian
      volunteers were given 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 mg of glimepiride on five occasions, and
      blood samples were collected over 24 hours. Plasma glimepiride concentrations
      were assayed by a validated reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography
      method with UV detection and the data were evaluated by non-compartmental methods
      to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. The mean elimination half-lives (t1/2 )
      did not vary with the dose. The peak plasma levels (Cmax ) and area under the
      plasma level versus time curve (AUC) data showed dose-proportional response. The
      time to peak plasma concentration (tmax ), mean residence time, oral clearance
      (Cl/F) and apparent volume of distribution (Vd /F) were all similar regardless of
      the administered dose (P > .05). The 90% confidence intervals of the ratios of
      dose-adjusted log transformed values of Cmax , AUC0-t , AUC0-infinity , t1/2 ,
      and tmax fell within the range of 80-125%. These findings suggest that
      glimepiride disposition is linear over the dose range studied healthy human
      Egyptian volunteers. 

PMID- 27121789
TI  - Investigation of Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between
      Rivaroxaban and Enoxaparin in Healthy Male Subjects.
AB  - Rivaroxaban, an oral, direct factor Xa inhibitor, is currently used in clinical
      practice for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. This
      single-center, three-way crossover study was designed to investigate the
      pharmacodynamic effects of rivaroxaban (10 mg) and enoxaparin (40 mg) alone and
      in combination as well as the influence of enoxaparin on the pharmacokinetics of
      rivaroxaban in healthy male subjects. When given alone, both drugs exhibited
      similar, rapid anti-factor Xa activity. Combined administration resulted in an
      increase of ~50% in anti-factor Xa activity and a lesser increase in activated
      partial thromboplastin time, compared with either drug alone. Enoxaparin had no
      additional effect on prolongation of the prothrombin time induced by rivaroxaban
      and did not affect the pharmacokinetic parameters of rivaroxaban. The results
      showed that rivaroxaban (10 mg) and enoxaparin (40 mg) had a similar and rapid
      onset of action, as indicated by the similar anti-factor Xa activity-time curves,
      suggesting that both drugs have a similar duration of pharmacological activity at
      the factor X site. Co-administration of rivaroxaban and enoxaparin is associated
      with enhanced pharmacodynamic effects. 

PMID- 27121790
TI  - Glycerol Phenylbutyrate in Patients With Cirrhosis and Episodic Hepatic
      Encephalopathy: A Pilot Study of Safety and Effect on Venous Ammonia
      Concentration.
AB  - Glycerol tri-(4-phenylbutyrate) (glycerol phenylbutyrate, GPB, HPN-100) mediates
      waste nitrogen excretion through conjugation with glutamine to form
      phenylacetylglutamine which is excreted in urine. This pilot study was performed
      to assess tolerability and effect on venous ammonia concentration in patients
      with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Patients underwent one week of 6
      mL (6.6 g) twice daily (BID). GPB dosing followed by 3 weeks of 9 mL (9.9 g) BID
      dosing and underwent repeated blood sampling for ammonia concentration and
      pharmacokinetics. Fifteen patients were enrolled. Ammonia concentrations were
      lowest after overnight fast and increased post-prandially. Fasting ammonia
      concentrations were lower on GPB compared to baseline, with a decrease on the
      eighth day of 6 mL BID dosing to 45.4 (27.9) umol/L (ULN ~48 umol/L) (P < .05).
      Nine milliliters BID yielded similar lowering but was associated with more
      adverse events and higher phenylacetate (PAA) plasma concentrations (PAA Cmax of
      144 [125] vs. 292 [224] ug/mL on 6 and 9 mL, respectively). GPB dosed at 6 mL BID
      lowered fasting ammonia levels in cirrhotic patients with HE as compared with
      baseline, was better tolerated than 9 mL BID, and is appropriate for further
      evaluation in patients with cirrhosis and episodic HE. 

PMID- 27121791
TI  - A Multiple-Dose, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group
      QT/QTc Study to Evaluate the Electrophysiologic Effects of THC/CBD Spray.
AB  - Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)/cannabidiol (CBD) oromucosal spray has proved
      efficacious in the treatment of spasticity in multiple sclerosis and chronic
      pain. A thorough QT/QTc study was performed to investigate the effects of THC/CBD
      spray on electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters in compliance with regulatory
      requirements, evaluating the effect of a recommended daily dose (8 sprays/day)
      and supratherapeutic doses (24 or 36 sprays/day) of THC/CBD spray on the QT/QTc
      interval in 258 healthy volunteers. The safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic
      profile of THC/CBD spray were also evaluated. Therapeutic and supratherapeutic
      doses of THC/CBD spray had no effect on cardiac repolarization with primary and
      secondary endpoints of QTcI and QTcF/QTcB, respectively, showing similar results.
      There was no indication of any effect on heart rate, atrioventricular conduction,
      or cardiac depolarization and no new clinically relevant morphological changes
      were observed. Overall, 19 subjects (25.0%) in the supratherapeutic (24/36 daily
      sprays of THC/CBD spray) dose group and one (1.6%) in the moxifloxacin group
      withdrew early due to intolerable AEs. Four psychiatric serious adverse events
      (AEs) in the highest dose group resulted in a reduction in the surpatherapeutic
      dose to 24 sprays/day. In conclusion, THC/CBD spray does not significantly affect
      ECG parameters. Additionally, THC/CBD spray is well tolerated at therapeutic
      doses with an AE profile similar to previous clinical studies. 

PMID- 27121792
TI  - RNA-seq Identification of RACGAP1 as a Metastatic Driver in Uterine
      Carcinosarcoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Uterine carcinosarcoma is a rare aggressive malignancy frequently
      presenting at advanced stage of disease with extrauterine metastases. Median
      survival is less than 2 years due to high relapse rates after surgery and poor
      response to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The goal of this study was to identify
      novel therapeutic targets. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We applied RNA-seq analysis to
      prospectively collected uterine carcinosarcoma tumor samples from patients
      undergoing primary surgical resection and for comparison, normal endometrial
      tissues from postmenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications.
      Functional assays were done in primary carcinosarcoma cell lines developed from
      patients and in established cell lines, as well as a cell line-derived xenograft
      model. Validation was done by analysis of an independent cohort of patients with
      uterine carcinosarcoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). RESULTS: Rac GTPase
      activating protein 1 (RACGAP1) was identified to be highly upregulated in uterine
      carcinosarcoma. Functional assays showed that RACGAP1 mediates motility and
      invasion via regulation of STAT3 phosphorylation and survivin expression. RACGAP1
      depletion or survivin inhibition abrogated motility and invasiveness of
      carcinosarcoma cells, while RACGAP1 overexpression conferred invasiveness to
      endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. In the TCGA cohort, RACGAP1 expression
      correlated with survivin expression and extrauterine spread of disease.
      CONCLUSIONS: The RACGAP1-STAT3-survivin signaling pathway is required for the
      invasive phenotype of uterine carcinosarcoma and is a newly identified
      therapeutic target in this lethal disease. Clin Cancer Res; 22(18); 4676-86.
      (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27121793
TI  - WRN Promoter CpG Island Hypermethylation Does Not Predict More Favorable Outcomes
      for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated with Irinotecan-Based
      Therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: WRN promoter CpG island hypermethylation in colorectal cancer has been
      reported to increase sensitivity to irinotecan-based therapies. We aimed to
      characterize methylation of the WRN promoter, determine the effect of WRN
      promoter hypermethylation upon expression, and validate a previous report that
      WRN promoter hypermethylation predicts improved outcomes for patients with
      metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with irinotecan-based therapy.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: WRN methylation status was assessed using methylation
      specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing assays. WRN expression was determined using
      qRT-PCR and Western blotting. WRN methylation status was correlated with overall
      survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in 183 patients with mCRC.
      Among these patients, 90 received capecitabine monotherapy as first-line therapy,
      and 93 received capecitabine plus irinotecan (CAPIRI) therapy as part of the
      CAIRO phase III clinical trial. RESULTS: WRN mRNA and WRN protein expression
      levels were low in colorectal cancer cell lines and in primary colorectal cancer
      and were largely independent of WRN methylation status. Patients with methylated
      WRN colorectal cancer had a shorter OS compared with patients who had
      unmethylated WRN colorectal cancer (HR = 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2
      2.2; P = 0.003). Patients with unmethylated WRN showed a significantly longer PFS
      when treated with CAPIRI compared with capecitabine alone (HR = 0.48; 95% CI,
      0.32-0.70; P = 0.0001). In contrast, patients did not benefit from adding
      irinotecan to capecitabine when WRN was methylated (HR = 1.1; 95% CI, 0.69-1.77;
      P = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: WRN expression is largely independent of WRN promoter
      hypermethylation in colorectal cancer. Moreover, we could not validate the
      previous finding that WRN promoter hypermethylation predicts improved clinical
      outcomes of mCRC treated with irinotecan-based therapy and found instead the
      opposite result. Clin Cancer Res; 22(18); 4612-22. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27121794
TI  - Screening and identification of DNA aptamers toward Schistosoma japonicum eggs
      via SELEX.
AB  - Schistosomiasis is a major parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus
      Schistosoma. Several million people all over the world are estimated to suffer
      from severe morbidity as a consequence of schistosomiasis. The worm's eggs, which
      cause the symptoms of schistosomiasis, are generally used to diagnose the
      disease. In this study, we employed egg-based systematic evolution of ligands by
      exponential enrichment (egg-SELEX) and identified a panel of ssDNA aptamers
      specifically binding to eggs derived from S. japonicum. Among these, two aptamers
      LC6 and LC15 exhibited strong binding to and specific recognition of S. japonicum
      eggs, but not eggs from Fasciolopsis buski, Enterobius, Ascaris or Clonorchis
      sinensis. Furthermore, tissue imaging results revealed that LC15 could recognize
      S. japonicum eggs laid in liver tissues with a detection ratio of 80.5%.
      Collectively, therefore, we obtained useful aptamers specifically recognizing S.
      japonicum eggs, which will facilitate the development of an effective tool for
      both schistosomiasis diagnosis and drug delivery.

PMID- 27121795
TI  - Meta-analysis of population-based studies comparing risk of cerebrovascular
      accident associated with first- and second-generation antipsychotic prescribing
      in dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are often prescribed in the
      treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), however,
      their use has been discouraged in light of clinical trials suggesting that they
      cause an increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs). OBJECTIVE: Aim of
      the study was to assess relative risk of CVA in dementia patients prescribed SGA
      rather than first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs), through meta-analysis of
      population-based studies. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using
      several relevant databases. Five studies were included in the review and data
      were pooled to conduct meta-analysis using the inverse variance method. RESULTS:
      A total of 79,910 patients were treated with SGAs and 1287 cases of CVA were
      reported. Of 48,135 patients treated with FGAs, a total of 511 cases of CVA were
      reported. The relative risk of CVA was 1.02 (95% CI 0.56-1.84) for the SGA group.
      There was no significant difference in the risk of stroke (p = 0.96) between
      groups, but significant heterogeneity was found among the results of included
      studies (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis of population-based data suggested
      that the use of SGAs as opposed to FGAs to control BPSD is not associated with
      significantly increased risk of CVA. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27121796
TI  - Fish diversity in the Rio de la Plata and adjacent waters: an overview of
      environmental influences on its spatial and temporal structure.
AB  - The fish diversity and the main environmental factors affecting the spatial
      distribution of species, life history stages and community structure in the Rio
      de la Plata (RdP) and adjacent waters are reviewed and analysed, with emphasis on
      the functional guild classification. The functional guild classification
      indicated that most species in the RdP were marine stragglers, zoobenthivores and
      oviparous species, although the biomass was dominated by estuarine species.
      Salinity had a stronger influence than temperature on the spatial pattern for all
      life stages, shallower and fresher waters are the preferred habitats of neonates
      and juveniles. During the breeding season (spring-summer), adults showed an
      intrusion into the inner part of RdP or to its adjacent nearshore waters from the
      offshore waters for spawning or mating, respectively. Variations in river
      discharge and wind patterns greatly affected the spatial extent of estuarine
      water, which ultimately influenced the domain of the main life-history stages
      (juveniles or adults) for both marine and estuarine fishes, as well as species
      and fish assemblage composition. The strong environmental gradient restricts some
      species and life-history stages to a particular section and defines three main
      fish assemblage areas. The composition of the fish assemblage is indicative of
      the recruitment of freshwater and marine species to the estuary in opposite ways,
      determined by the vertical stratification. Seasonal changes in the species
      composition were related to migration as a result of salinity and temperature
      variations and reproductive migrations to spawning and mating areas. This
      overview reveals that the RdP is under environmental variations that are likely
      to produce modifications to fish distribution and abundance that affect its
      fisheries. This context plus fish stock declines and changes in exploitation
      patterns could amplify the magnitude of the variations in the fisheries resources
      availability and affect the sustainability of fishing communities. 

PMID- 27121797
TI  - P-selectin increases angiotensin II-induced cardiac inflammation and fibrosis via
      platelet activation.
AB  - Platelet activation is important in hypertension-induced cardiac inflammation and
      fibrosis. P-selectin expression significantly (P<0.05) increases when platelets
      are activated during hypertension. Although P-selectin recruits leukocytes to
      sites of inflammation, the role of P-selectin in cardiac inflammation and
      fibrosis remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate whether
      platelet-derived P-selectin promotes hypertensive cardiac inflammation and
      fibrosis. P-selectin knockout (P-sel KO) mice and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6
      littermates were infused with angiotensin II (Ang II) at 1,500 ng/kg/min for 7
      days and then cross-transplanted with platelets originating from either WT or P
      sel KO mice. P-selectin expression was increased in the myocardium and plasma of
      hypertensive mice, and the P-sel KO mice exhibited significantly (P<0.05) reduced
      cardiac fibrosis. The fibrotic areas were markedly smaller in the hearts of P-sel
      KO mice compared with WT mice, as assessed by Masson's trichrome staining. In
      addition, alpha-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF
      beta1) expression levels were decreased in the P-sel KO mice, as assessed by
      immunohistochemistry. Following platelet transplantation into P-sel KO mice, the
      number of Mac-2 (galectin-3)- and TGF-beta1-positive cells was increased in mice
      that received WT platelets compared with those that received P-sel KO platelets,
      and the mRNA expression levels of collagen I and TGF-beta1 were also increased.
      The results from the present study suggest that activated platelets secrete P
      selectin to promote cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in Ang II-induced
      hypertension. 

PMID- 27121798
TI  - Erosive tooth wear status of institutionalized alcoholic patients under
      rehabilitation therapy in the north of Portugal.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to determine the erosive tooth wear
      (ETW) status of institutionalized patients for alcohol misuse rehabilitation
      therapy in the north of Portugal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive, analytical,
      and cross-sectional study, conducted on 277 individuals (83.4 % men) with an
      average age of 43.6 +/- 8.4 years, institutionalized at Instituto da Droga e
      Toxicodependencia-Delegacao Regional Norte (IDT-Norte). ETW prevalence and
      severity were assessed by Eccles and Jenkins index. Multivariate logistic
      regression was used to identify ETW risk factors. Subjects with ETW risk
      identification according to biological and behavioral exposure were determined in
      the study. RESULTS: ETW prevalence was 98.6 %. In the cohort, 51.3 % showed
      localized ETW lesions, 40.1 % generalized ETW lesions, and 7.2 % enamel ETW
      lesions, more frequently localized in maxilla. From the examined dental surfaces
      (n = 15,598), 11,493 had erosive wear lesions: 92.4 % (95 % CI 91.7-93.1 %) of
      all occlusal surfaces, 71.9 % (95 % CI 70.7-73.1 %) of all palatal/lingual, and
      56.7 % (95 % CI 55.4-58.1 %) of all buccal surfaces. Buccal and lingual surfaces
      showed 43.2 and 41.8 % enamel erosive wear lesions; occlusal surfaces had 43.4 %
      localized erosive wear lesions in dentin. The main ETW risk factors were as
      follows: age, gastroesophageal reflux disease over 1 year, daily intake of
      alcohol >=240 g (grams), and intra-oral location in anterior region; 46.2 % of
      the participants had erosive risk by exposure to biological and behavioral
      factors. CONCLUSIONS: The ETW status showed high values for disease prevalence
      and severity, mainly located in the maxilla, and high frequency of erosive wear
      lesions at occlusal, buccal, and lingual surfaces, resulting from simultaneous
      exposure to several risk factors. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: For ETW differential
      diagnosis, the association of both clinical and biological/nutritional/behavioral
      risk factors should be done for each studied population.

PMID- 27121800
TI  - Renal denervation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection
      fraction: end of the beginning?

PMID- 27121799
TI  - Screening of efficient siRNA carriers in a library of surface-engineered
      dendrimers.
AB  - Polymers are widely used as non-viral carriers for siRNA delivery, but concern
      has also arisen in their limited efficacy and inherent toxicity. Whilst many of
      previous efforts have been documented towards improving the performance of
      polymers via chemical modifications, the structure-activity relationships (SAR)
      of these ligand-modified polymers are not well understood. To address this issue,
      we systemically prepared a library of surface-engineered dendrimers (>300) as the
      screening pool to discover efficient siRNA carriers. The modified ligands include
      alkyls and fluoroalkyls, amino acids, benzene derivatives and heterocyclic
      compounds. Gene silencing results showed that the lead material shows excellent
      efficacy even in hard-to-transfect cells such as mesenchymal stem cells. The SAR
      studies revealed that ligands containing appropriate hydrophobicity, or ligands
      with both hydrophobic and functional atoms/groups are essential for polymers to
      achive efficient knockdown efficacy. A second-generation library designed based
      on the above principles further confirms the proposed design criteria. The
      results enable the future rational design of potent siRNA carriers.

PMID- 27121801
TI  - Anticipating artificial intelligence.

PMID- 27121802
TI  - On a downer.

PMID- 27121803
TI  - Biden time.

PMID- 27121804
TI  - Speak up about subtle sexism in science.

PMID- 27121815
TI  - Devastating wheat fungus appears in Asia for first time.

PMID- 27121816
TI  - AI talent grab sparks excitement and concern.

PMID- 27121817
TI  - Scientists worry as cancer moonshots multiply.

PMID- 27121818
TI  - Researchers push for personalized tumour vaccines.

PMID- 27121819
TI  - Europe plans giant billion-euro quantum technologies project.

PMID- 27121820
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27121821
TI  - AstraZeneca launches project to sequence 2 million genomes.

PMID- 27121822
TI  - Killer landslides: The lasting legacy of Nepal's quake.

PMID- 27121823
TI  - The quiet revolutionary: How the co-discovery of CRISPR explosively changed
      Emmanuelle Charpentier's life.

PMID- 27121824
TI  - Seven chemical separations to change the world.

PMID- 27121825
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27121829
TI  - Air corridors: Ventilating Beijing cannot fix pollution.

PMID- 27121830
TI  - Palaeontology: Benefits of trade in amber fossils.

PMID- 27121831
TI  - Correspondence: Tell us the end of the story.

PMID- 27121832
TI  - Government: Anti-science wave sweeps Poland.

PMID- 27121833
TI  - Portugal: Postdoc rights need not hurt productivity.

PMID- 27121834
TI  - R. McNeill Alexander (1934-2016).

PMID- 27121835
TI  - Materials science: Cracks help membranes to stay hydrated.

PMID- 27121837
TI  - Mathematical physics: Glitches in time.

PMID- 27121838
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27121839
TI  - Natural speech reveals the semantic maps that tile human cerebral cortex.
AB  - The meaning of language is represented in regions of the cerebral cortex
      collectively known as the 'semantic system'. However, little of the semantic
      system has been mapped comprehensively, and the semantic selectivity of most
      regions is unknown. Here we systematically map semantic selectivity across the
      cortex using voxel-wise modelling of functional MRI (fMRI) data collected while
      subjects listened to hours of narrative stories. We show that the semantic system
      is organized into intricate patterns that seem to be consistent across
      individuals. We then use a novel generative model to create a detailed semantic
      atlas. Our results suggest that most areas within the semantic system represent
      information about specific semantic domains, or groups of related concepts, and
      our atlas shows which domains are represented in each area. This study
      demonstrates that data-driven methods--commonplace in studies of human
      neuroanatomy and functional connectivity--provide a powerful and efficient means
      for mapping functional representations in the brain.

PMID- 27121840
TI  - Dynamics from noisy data with extreme timing uncertainty.
AB  - Imperfect knowledge of the times at which 'snapshots' of a system are recorded
      degrades our ability to recover dynamical information, and can scramble the
      sequence of events. In X-ray free-electron lasers, for example, the uncertainty-
      the so-called timing jitter--between the arrival of an optical trigger ('pump')
      pulse and a probing X-ray pulse can exceed the length of the X-ray pulse by up to
      two orders of magnitude, marring the otherwise precise time-resolution
      capabilities of this class of instruments. The widespread notion that little
      dynamical information is available on timescales shorter than the timing
      uncertainty has led to various hardware schemes to reduce timing uncertainty.
      These schemes are expensive, tend to be specific to one experimental approach and
      cannot be used when the record was created under ill-defined or uncontrolled
      conditions such as during geological events. Here we present a data-analytical
      approach, based on singular-value decomposition and nonlinear Laplacian spectral
      analysis, that can recover the history and dynamics of a system from a dense
      collection of noisy snapshots spanning a sufficiently large multiple of the
      timing uncertainty. The power of the algorithm is demonstrated by extracting the
      underlying dynamics on the few-femtosecond timescale from noisy experimental X
      ray free-electron laser data recorded with 300-femtosecond timing uncertainty.
      Using a noisy dataset from a pump-probe experiment on the Coulomb explosion of
      nitrogen molecules, our analysis reveals vibrational wave-packets consisting of
      components with periods as short as 15 femtoseconds, as well as more rapid
      changes, which have yet to be fully explored. Our approach can potentially be
      applied whenever dynamical or historical information is tainted by timing
      uncertainty.

PMID- 27121841
TI  - Nanocrack-regulated self-humidifying membranes.
AB  - The regulation of water content in polymeric membranes is important in a number
      of applications, such as reverse electrodialysis and proton-exchange fuel-cell
      membranes. External thermal and water management systems add both mass and size
      to systems, and so intrinsic mechanisms of retaining water and maintaining ionic
      transport in such membranes are particularly important for applications where
      small system size is important. For example, in proton-exchange membrane fuel
      cells, where water retention in the membrane is crucial for efficient transport
      of hydrated ions, by operating the cells at higher temperatures without external
      humidification, the membrane is self-humidified with water generated by
      electrochemical reactions. Here we report an alternative solution that does not
      rely on external regulation of water supply or high temperatures. Water content
      in hydrocarbon polymer membranes is regulated through nanometre-scale cracks
      ('nanocracks') in a hydrophobic surface coating. These cracks work as nanoscale
      valves to retard water desorption and to maintain ion conductivity in the
      membrane on dehumidification. Hydrocarbon fuel-cell membranes with surface
      nanocrack coatings operated at intermediate temperatures show improved
      electrochemical performance, and coated reverse-electrodialysis membranes show
      enhanced ionic selectivity with low bulk resistance. 

PMID- 27121842
TI  - Musashi-2 attenuates AHR signalling to expand human haematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - Umbilical cord blood-derived haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are essential for
      many life-saving regenerative therapies. However, despite their advantages for
      transplantation, their clinical use is restricted because HSCs in cord blood are
      found only in small numbers. Small molecules that enhance haematopoietic stem and
      progenitor cell (HSPC) expansion in culture have been identified, but in many
      cases their mechanisms of action or the nature of the pathways they impinge on
      are poorly understood. A greater understanding of the molecular circuitry that
      underpins the self-renewal of human HSCs will facilitate the development of
      targeted strategies that expand HSCs for regenerative therapies. Whereas
      transcription factor networks have been shown to influence the self-renewal and
      lineage decisions of human HSCs, the post-transcriptional mechanisms that guide
      HSC fate have not been closely investigated. Here we show that overexpression of
      the RNA-binding protein Musashi-2 (MSI2) induces multiple pro-self-renewal
      phenotypes, including a 17-fold increase in short-term repopulating cells and a
      net 23-fold ex vivo expansion of long-term repopulating HSCs. By performing a
      global analysis of MSI2-RNA interactions, we show that MSI2 directly attenuates
      aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling through post-transcriptional
      downregulation of canonical AHR pathway components in cord blood HSPCs. Our study
      gives mechanistic insight into RNA networks controlled by RNA-binding proteins
      that underlie self-renewal and provides evidence that manipulating such networks
      ex vivo can enhance the regenerative potential of human HSCs. 

PMID- 27121844
TI  - Negative impact of waiting time for primary total knee arthroplasty on
      satisfaction and patient-reported outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the
      time on waiting list for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on the post-operative
      satisfaction and patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: This was a prospective
      observational study of 192 patients followed for one year. Patients were pre and
      post-operatively assessed with the 12-item Short-Form, reduced Western Ontario
      MacMaster University, and Knee Society scores. In addition, the Hospital Anxiety
      and Depression scale was used at time of admission, and patient satisfaction on a
      five point Likert scale at one post-operative year. Univariate and multivariate
      analyses were performed. RESULTS: Patients waiting longer than six months had
      significantly worse pre-operative anxiety score as well as post-operative SF12
      (both physical and mental) and KSS-function scores compared to those with a
      waiting time shorter than six months. Dissatisfaction rate was also higher in
      patients waiting longer than six months, and it was mainly influenced by pre
      operative anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Waiting time longer than six
      months negatively influenced post-operative satisfaction and patient-related
      outcome at one year after TKA. These findings may have important clinical
      implications regarding the prioritization of patients on wait lists or for
      optimization of treatment while patients wait for surgery related to the
      management of the mental health and anxiety in order to reduce post-operative
      dissatisfaction and improve patient-reported outcomes.

PMID- 27121845
TI  - Novel mutations in WWOX, RARS2, and C10orf2 genes in consanguineous Arab families
      with intellectual disability.
AB  - Intellectual disability is a heterogeneous disease with many genes and mutations
      influencing the phenotype. Consanguineous families constitute a rich resource for
      the identification of rare variants causing autosomal recessive disease, due to
      the effects of inbreeding. Here, we examine three consanguineous Arab families,
      recruited in a quest to identify novel genes/mutations. All the families had
      multiple offspring with non-specific intellectual disability. We identified
      homozygosity (autozygosity) intervals in those families through SNP genotyping
      and whole exome sequencing, with variants filtered using Ingenuity Variant
      Analysis (IVA) software. The families showed heterogeneity and novel mutations in
      three different genes known to be associated with intellectual disability. These
      mutations were not found in 514 ethnically matched control chromosomes. p.G410C
      in WWOX, p.H530Y in RARS2, and p.I69F in C10orf2 are novel changes that affect
      protein function and could give new insights into the development and function of
      the central nervous system.

PMID- 27121846
TI  - Probiotics in management of hepatic encephalopathy.
AB  - Gut microflora leads to production of ammonia and endotoxins which play important
      role in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). There is relationship
      between HE and absorption of nitrogenous substances from the intestines.
      Probiotics play a role in treatment of HE by causing alterations in gut flora by
      decreasing the counts of pathogen bacteria, intestinal mucosal acidification,
      decrease in production and absorption of ammonia, alterations in permeability of
      gut, decreased endotoxin levels and changes in production of short chain fatty
      acids. Role of gut microbiota using prebiotics, probiotics and synbiotics have
      been evaluated in the management of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), overt
      HE and prevention of HE. Many studies have shown efficacy of probiotics in
      reduction of blood ammonia levels, treatment of MHE and prevention of HE. However
      these trials have problems like inclusion of small number of patients, short
      treatment durations, variability in HE/MHE related outcomes utilized and high
      bias risk, errors of systematic and random types. Systematic reviews also have
      shown different results with one systematic review showing clinical benefits
      whereas another concluded that probiotics do not have any role in treatment of
      MHE or HE. Also practical questions on optimal dose, ideal combination of
      organisms, and duration of treatment and persistence of benefits on long term
      follow-up are still to be clarified. At present, there are no recommendations for
      use of probiotics in patients with HE.

PMID- 27121847
TI  - Risk score predicts high-grade prostate cancer in DNA-methylation positive,
      histopathologically negative biopsies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis is challenging because efforts for
      effective, timely treatment of men with significant cancer typically result in
      over-diagnosis and repeat biopsies. The presence or absence of epigenetic
      aberrations, more specifically DNA-methylation of GSTP1, RASSF1, and APC in
      histopathologically negative prostate core biopsies has resulted in an increased
      negative predictive value (NPV) of ~90% and thus could lead to a reduction of
      unnecessary repeat biopsies. Here, it is investigated whether, in methylation
      positive men, DNA-methylation intensities could help to identify those men
      harboring high-grade (Gleason score >=7) PCa, resulting in an improved positive
      predictive value. METHODS: Two cohorts, consisting of men with
      histopathologically negative index biopsies, followed by a positive or negative
      repeat biopsy, were combined. EpiScore, a methylation intensity algorithm was
      developed in methylation-positive men, using area under the curve of the receiver
      operating characteristic as metric for performance. Next, a risk score was
      developed combining EpiScore with traditional clinical risk factors to further
      improve the identification of high-grade (Gleason Score >=7) cancer. RESULTS:
      Compared to other risk factors, detection of DNA-methylation in
      histopathologically negative biopsies was the most significant and important
      predictor of high-grade cancer, resulting in a NPV of 96%. In methylation
      positive men, EpiScore was significantly higher for those with high-grade cancer
      detected upon repeat biopsy, compared to those with either no or low-grade
      cancer. The risk score resulted in further improvement of patient risk
      stratification and was a significantly better predictor compared to currently
      used metrics as PSA and the prostate cancer prevention trial (PCPT) risk
      calculator (RC). A decision curve analysis indicated strong clinical utility for
      the risk score as decision-making tool for repeat biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Low DNA
      methylation levels in PCa-negative biopsies led to a NPV of 96% for high-grade
      cancer. The risk score, comprising DNA-methylation intensity and traditional
      clinical risk factors, improved the identification of men with high-grade cancer,
      with a maximum avoidance of unnecessary repeat biopsies. This risk score resulted
      in better patient risk stratification and significantly outperformed current risk
      prediction models such as PCPTRC and PSA. The risk score could help to identify
      patients with histopathologically negative biopsies harboring high-grade PCa.
      Prostate 76:1078-1087, 2016. (c) 2016 The Authors. The Prostate Published by
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121848
TI  - A potential role for zinc transporter 7 in testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig
      tumor cells.
AB  - Previous studies have demonstrated that zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element
      which is involved in male reproduction. The zinc transporter (ZnT) family,
      SLC30a, is involved in the maintenance of Zn homeostasis and in mediating
      intracellular signaling events; however, relatively little is known regarding the
      effect of ZnTs on testosterone synthesis. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to
      determine the effect of Zn transporter 7 (ZnT7) on testosterone synthesis in male
      CD-1 mice and mouse Leydig cells. The findings of the present study revealed that
      the concentrations of Zn in the testes and Leydig cells were significantly lower
      in mice fed a Zn-deficient diet compared with the control mice fed a Zn-adequate
      diet. In addition, ZnT7 was principally expressed and colocalized with
      steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the Leydig cells of male CD-1
      mice. ZnT7 expression was downregulated in the mice fed a Zn-deficient diet,
      which led to decreases in the expression of the enzymes involved in testosterone
      synthesis namely cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and 3beta
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/D5-D4 isomerase (3beta-HSD) as well as decreased
      serum testosterone levels. These results suggested that Znt7 may be involved in
      testosterone synthesis in the mouse testes. To examine this hypothesis, we used
      the mouse Leydig tumor cell line (MLTC-1 cell line) in which the ZnT7 gene had
      been silenced, in order to gauge the impact of changes in ZnT7 expression on
      testosterone secretion and the enzymes involved in testosterone synthesis. The
      results demonstrated that ZnT7 gene silencing downregulated the expression of
      StAR, P450scc and 3beta-HSD as well as progesterone concentrations in the human
      chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)-stimulated MLTC-1 cells. Taken together, these
      findings reveal that ZnT7 may play an important role in the regulation of
      testosterone synthesis by modulating steroidogenic enzymes, and may represent a
      therapeutic target in testosterone deficiency. 

PMID- 27121850
TI  - Randomized Controlled Trial of Social Media: Effect of Increased Intensity of the
      Intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A prior randomized controlled trial of social media exposure at
      Circulation determined that social media did not increase 30-day page views.
      Whether insufficient social media intensity contributed to these results is
      uncertain. METHODS AND RESULTS: Original article manuscripts were randomized to
      social media exposure compared with no social media exposure (control) at
      Circulation beginning in January 2015. Social media exposure consisted of
      Facebook and Twitter posts on the journal's accounts. To increase social media
      intensity, a larger base of followers was built using advertising and organic
      growth, and posts were presented in triplicate and boosted on Facebook and
      retweeted on Twitter. The primary outcome was 30-day page views. Stopping rules
      were established at the point that 50% of the manuscripts were randomized and had
      30-day follow-up to compare groups on 30-day page views. The trial was stopped
      for futility on September 26, 2015. Overall, 74 manuscripts were randomized to
      receive social media exposure, and 78 manuscripts were randomized to the control
      arm. The intervention and control arms were similar based on article type
      (P=0.85), geographic location of the corresponding author (P=0.33), and whether
      the manuscript had an editorial (P=0.80). Median number of 30-day page views was
      499.5 in the social media arm and 450.5 in the control arm; there was no evidence
      of a treatment effect (P=0.38). There were no statistically significant
      interactions of treatment by manuscript type (P=0.86), by corresponding author
      (P=0.35), by trimester of publication date (P=0.34), or by editorial status
      (P=0.79). CONCLUSIONS: A more intensive social media strategy did not result in
      increased 30-day page views of original research.

PMID- 27121849
TI  - Ribonuclease (RNase) Prolongs Survival of Grafts in Experimental Heart
      Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cell damage, tissue and vascular injury are associated with the
      exposure and release of intracellular components such as RNA, which promote
      inflammatory reactions and thrombosis. Based on the counteracting anti
      inflammatory and cardioprotective functions of ribonuclease A (RNase A) in this
      context, its role in an experimental model of heart transplantation in rats was
      studied. METHODS AND RESULTS: Inbred BN/OrlRj rat cardiac allografts were
      heterotopically transplanted into inbred LEW/OrlRj rats. Recipients were
      intravenously treated every other day with saline or bovine pancreatic RNase A
      (50 MUg/kg). Toxic side effects were not found (macroscopically and
      histologically). Heart tissue flow cytometry and quantitative morphological
      analyses of explanted hearts at postoperative day 1 or postoperative day 4 showed
      reduced leukocyte infiltration, edema, and thrombus formation in RNase A-treated
      rats. In allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions, RNase A decreased the
      proliferation of effector T cells. RNase A treatment of rats resulted in
      prolonged median graft survival up to 10.5 days (interquartile range 1.8)
      compared to 6.5 days (interquartile range 1.0) in saline treatment (P=0.001).
      Treatment of rats with a new generated (recombinant) human pancreatic RNase 1
      prolonged median graft survival similarly, unlike treatment with (recombinant)
      inactive human RNase 1 (each 50 MUg/kg IV every other day, 11.0 days,
      interquartile range 0.3, versus 8.0 days, interquartile range 0.5, P=0.007).
      CONCLUSIONS: Upon heart transplantation, RNase administration appears to present
      a promising and safe drug to counteract ischemia/reperfusion injury and graft
      rejection. Furthermore, RNase treatment may be considered in situations of
      critical reperfusion after percutaneous coronary interventions or in cardiac
      surgery using the heart-lung machine.

PMID- 27121851
TI  - Immunotherapy tablet helps control asthma in people with house dust mite allergy.

PMID- 27121852
TI  - Computational analyses of type 2 diabetes-associated loci identified by genome
      wide association studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of type 2 diabetes (T2D) have
      discovered a number of loci that contribute to susceptibility to the disease.
      Future challenges include elucidation of functional mechanisms through which
      these GWAS-identified loci modulate T2D disease risk. The aim of the present
      study was to comprehensively characterize T2D associated single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes through computational approaches. METHODS:
      Computational biology approaches used in the present study included comparative
      genomic analyses and functional annotation using GWAS3D and RegulomeDB,
      investigation of the effects of T2D-associated SNPs on miRNA binding and protein
      phosphorylation, and gene ontology, pathway enrichment, protein-protein
      interaction (PPI) networks and functional module analysis of T2D-associated genes
      from previously published GWAS. RESULTS: Computational analysis identified a
      number of T2D GWAS-associated SNPs that were located at protein binding sites,
      including CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), E1A binding protein p300 (EP300),
      hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4A), transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2),
      forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) and A2 (FOXA2), and potentially affected the binding of
      miRNAs and protein phosphorylation. Pathway enrichment analysis confirmed two
      well-known maturity onset diabetes of the young and T2D pathways, whereas PPI
      network analysis identified highly interconnected "hub" genes, such as TCF7L2,
      melatonin receptor 1B (MTNR1B), and solute carrier family 30 (zinc transporter),
      member 8 (SLC30A8), that created two tight subnetworks. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      provide objectives and clues for future experimental studies and further insights
      into the molecular pathogenesis of T2D.

PMID- 27121853
TI  - Enhancing resolution of free-flow zone electrophoresis via a simple sheath-flow
      sample injection.
AB  - In this work, a simple and novel sheath-flow sample injection method (SFSIM) is
      introduced to reduce the band broadening of free-flow zone electrophoresis
      separation in newly developed self-balance free-flow electrophoresis instrument.
      A needle injector was placed in the center of the separation inlet, into which
      the BGE and sample solution were pumped simultaneously. BGE formed sheath flow
      outside the sample stream, resulting in less band broadening related to
      hydrodynamics and electrodynamics. Hemoglobin and C-phycocyanin were successfully
      separated by the proposed method in contrast to the poor separation of free-flow
      electrophoresis with the traditional injection method without sheath flow. About
      3.75 times resolution enhancement could be achieved by sheath-flow sample
      injection method.

PMID- 27121854
TI  - Definition, evaluation, and management of brain relaxation during craniotomy.
AB  - The term 'brain relaxation' is routinely used to describe the size and firmness
      of the brain tissue during craniotomy. The status of brain relaxation is an
      important aspect of neuroanaesthesia practice and is relevant to the operating
      conditions, retraction injury, and likely patient outcomes. Brain relaxation is
      determined by the relationship between the volume of the intracranial contents
      and the capacity of the intracranial space (i.e. a content-space relationship).
      It is a concept related to, but distinct from, intracranial pressure. The
      evaluation of brain relaxation should be standardized to facilitate clinical
      communication and research collaboration. Both advantageous and disadvantageous
      effects of the various interventions for brain relaxation should be taken into
      account in patient care. The outcomes that matter the most to patients should be
      emphasized in defining, evaluating, and managing brain relaxation. To date, brain
      relaxation has not been reviewed specifically, and the aim of this manuscript is
      to discuss the current approaches to the definition, evaluation, and management
      of brain relaxation, knowledge gaps, and targets for future research. 

PMID- 27121855
TI  - Association between alpha-fetoprotein and metabolic syndrome in a Chinese
      asymptomatic population: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is closely associated with an increased risk for
      fatty liver disease morbidity and mortality. Recently, studies have reported that
      participants with fatty liver disease have higher serum alpha-fetoprotein levels
      than those without. We investigated the association between alpha-fetoprotein
      levels and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in a Chinese asymptomatic
      population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 7,755
      participants who underwent individual health examinations. Clinical and
      anthropometric parameters were collected and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and
      other clinical and laboratory parameters were measured. Logistic regression
      analysis was used to examine associations between alpha-fetoprotein and metabolic
      syndrome. RESULTS: Participants with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher
      (p < 0.001) alpha-fetoprotein levels than those without, though all alpha
      fetoprotein levels were within the reference interval. The association between
      the components of metabolic syndrome (central obesity, elevated blood pressure,
      elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and
      elevated fasting plasma glucose) and alpha-fetoprotein levels was evaluated.
      Alpha-fetoprotein levels in the elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated fasting plasma glucose groups were
      significantly different (p=0.002, p < 0.001, p=0.020) compared with alpha
      fetoprotein in the normal triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,
      and fasting plasma glucose groups. Logistic regression analyses showed an
      association between alpha-fetoprotein levels and increased risk for metabolic
      syndrome, the presence of reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and
      elevated fasting plasma glucose, but not with obesity, elevated blood pressure,
      or triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a significant association
      between alpha-fetoprotein and metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 27121856
TI  - A1 -Adenosine receptor activation has biphasic roles in development of acute
      kidney injury at 4 and 24 h of reperfusion following ischaemia in rats.
AB  - NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? A1 -Adenosine receptor
      (A1 AR) blockade before renal ischaemia aggravated kidney injury after 24 h
      reperfusion in several studies, whereas we previously observed a renoprotective
      effect of A1 AR blockade during a 4 h reperfusion period. What are the underlying
      mechanisms for this biphasic effect of pretreatment with an A1 AR antagonist at 4
      and 24 h reperfusion? What is main finding and its importance? A1 -Adenosine
      receptor blockade protects the kidney against ischaemia-induced injury during the
      early hours of reperfusion by attenuating the reduction in renal blood flow and
      lowering energy expenditure, whereas its inflammatory effects gradually dominate
      over 24 h reperfusion to intensify kidney injury. We previously reported that
      selective blockade of the A1 -adenosine receptor (A1 AR) with an antagonist, 8
      cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), had protective effects on renal
      ischaemia-induced structural and functional disruption during a 4 h reperfusion
      period. In contrast, several studies demonstrated that endogenous and exogenous
      A1 AR activation before renal ischaemia had a renoprotective role 24 h after
      reperfusion, through mechanisms that reduced inflammation, necrosis and
      apoptosis. In this study, we investigated potential mechanisms underlying this
      biphasic action of A1 AR in renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Anaesthetized
      male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 30 min of bilateral renal ischaemia, and
      biphasic effects of pretreatment with DPCPX at 4 and 24 h reperfusion were
      studied on the kidney injury. Pretreatment with DPCPX attenuated at 4 h but
      augmented at 24 h reperfusion the renal ischaemia-induced histological damage,
      reductions in creatinine clearance, urea excretion and free-water reabsorption,
      and increases in bicarbonate excretion and tissue malondialdehyde. The DPCPX
      increased tumour necrosis factor-alpha expression and migration of lymphocytes in
      the postischaemic kidney at both time points, but with a different pattern;
      lymphocytes mostly aggregated in cortical periarterial spaces at 4 h reperfusion
      but had infiltrated into the interstitium at 24 h reperfusion. In conclusion, A1
      AR activation contributes to ischaemia-induced acute kidney injury during the
      early hours of reperfusion by causing a greater reduction in renal haemodynamics
      and by elevating tubular energy expenditure, which overcome its anti-inflammatory
      effect. However, its anti-inflammatory actions are exerted by reducing lymphocyte
      infiltration and cytokine production that begins to dominate from 4 to 24 h of
      reperfusion, which is reflected in attenuation of renal structural and functional
      disruption.

PMID- 27121857
TI  - Comparison of birth certificates and hospital-based birth data on pregnancy
      complications in Los Angeles and Orange County, California.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of both gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia
      is on the rise; however, these pregnancy complications may not be systematically
      reported. This study aimed to examine differences in reporting of preeclampsia
      and gestational diabetes between hospital records and birth certificate data, and
      to determine if such differences vary by maternal socioeconomic status
      indicators. METHODS: We obtained over 70,000 birth records from 2001 to 2006 from
      the perinatal research database of the Memorial Care system, a network of four
      hospitals in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California. Memorial birth records
      were matched to corresponding state birth certificate records and analyzed to
      determine differential rates of reporting of preeclampsia and diabetes.
      Additionally, the influence of maternal socioeconomic factors on the reported
      incidence of such adverse pregnancy outcomes was analyzed. Socioeconomic factors
      of interest included maternal education levels, race, and type of health
      insurance (private or public). RESULTS: It was found that the birth certificate
      data significantly underreported the incidence of both preeclampsia (1.38% vs.
      3.13%) and diabetes (1.97% vs. 5.56%) when compared to Memorial data. For both
      outcomes of interest, the degree of underreporting was significantly higher among
      women with lower education levels, among Hispanic women compared to Non-Hispanic
      White women, and among women with public health insurance. CONCLUSION: The
      Memorial Care database is a more reliable source of information than birth
      certificate data for analyzing the incidence of preeclampsia and diabetes among
      women in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, especially for subpopulations of lower
      socioeconomic status.

PMID- 27121859
TI  - NeuroRehabilitation.

PMID- 27121858
TI  - High CHI3L1 expression is associated with glioma patient survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Survival of glioma patients with the same tumor histology and grade
      can vary significantly, and some low-grade gliomas transform to a more malignant
      phenotype. There is a need of molecular signatures, which are better predictors
      of the patient diagnosis, outcome of treatment, and prognosis than the diagnosis
      provided by histopathology. We propose CHI3L1 mRNA expression as a prognostic
      biomarker for patients with glioma. METHODS: We measured CHI3L1 expression with
      quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in the cohort of 98
      patients with different grade glioma: 10 grade I pylocytic astrocytomas, 30 grade
      II diffuse astrocytomas, 20 grade III anaplastic astrocytomas, and 38 grade IV
      astrocytomas (glioblastomas). Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate
      the association between CHI3L1 mRNA expression levels and patient clinical
      variables. RESULTS: We demonstrated that mRNA expression of CHI3L1 was evidently
      higher in glioblastoma than in lower grade glioma tissues. We evaluated
      correlations between CHI3L1 expression, clinicopathological characteristics, and
      the outcomes of the patients. Patients with high CHI3L1 expression had a shorter
      overall survival (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Findings presented in our study showed
      that increased mRNA level of CHI3L1 could be associated with the progression of
      astrocytoma and poor patient survival not only for glioblastoma, but for lower
      grade astrocytoma tumors as well. Further investigation will be required to
      evaluate CHI3L1 value as a molecular marker for astrocytoma prognoses and for
      novel treatment strategies against all grade astrocytomas.

PMID- 27121860
TI  - Cephalosporins inhibit human metallo beta-lactamase fold DNA repair nucleases
      SNM1A and SNM1B/apollo.
AB  - Bacterial metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) are involved in resistance to beta
      lactam antibiotics including cephalosporins. Human SNM1A and SNM1B are MBL
      superfamily exonucleases that play a key role in the repair of DNA interstrand
      cross-links, which are induced by antitumour chemotherapeutics, and are therefore
      targets for cancer chemosensitization. We report that cephalosporins are
      competitive inhibitors of SNM1A and SNM1B exonuclease activity; both the intact
      beta-lactam and their hydrolysed products are active. This discovery provides a
      lead for the development of potent and selective SNM1A and SNM1B inhibitors.

PMID- 27121862
TI  - Behavioural improvement in a minimally conscious state after caloric vestibular
      stimulation: evidence from two single case studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether caloric vestibular stimulation, a non-invasive
      form of neuro-modulation, alters the level of awareness in people residing in a
      minimally conscious state. DESIGN: Single-case ( n = 2), prospective, controlled
      (ABAB) efficacy study. SETTING: Tertiary, neuro-rehabilitation inpatient ward
      within a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Two individuals in a minimally
      conscious state. INTERVENTION: Left ear caloric vestibular stimulation was
      performed in two four/five-week blocks interleaved with two four/five-week blocks
      of sham stimulation. Session duration and frequency gradually increased within
      each block from once per day for 10 minutes (Week 1) to once per day for 20
      minutes (Week 2) to 20 minutes twice per day in the remaining weeks. MEASURES:
      Wessex Head Injury Matrix, JFK Coma Recovery Scale - Revised. RESULTS: Both
      participants' Wessex Head Injury Matrix scores indicated a transition from
      involuntary (i.e. mechanical vocalization) to voluntary (i.e. gesture making,
      selective responses to family members) behaviour that was time-locked to the
      onset of active stimulation. In one participant, this improvement persisted for
      at least four weeks after active stimulation, while in the other it diminished
      two weeks after stimulation. Allied, although less dramatic, changes were seen on
      the arousal and auditory subscales of the JFK Coma Recovery Scale - Revised.
      CONCLUSION: The data provide the first evidence that vestibular stimulation may
      help improve outcome in a low awareness state, although further studies are
      needed to replicate effect and determine longer-term benefit.

PMID- 27121861
TI  - Dynamics of the fecal microbiome in patients with recurrent and nonrecurrent
      Clostridium difficile infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remains problematic,
      with up to 30 % of individuals diagnosed with primary CDI experiencing at least
      one episode of recurrence. The success of microbial-based therapeutics, such as
      fecal microbiota transplantation, for the treatment of recurrent CDI underscores
      the importance of restoring the microbiota. However, few studies have looked at
      the microbial factors that contribute to the development of recurrent disease.
      Here we compare microbial changes over time in patients with or without
      recurrence to identify microbial signatures associated with the development of
      recurrence. METHODS: We used 16S rRNA-encoding gene sequence analysis to compare
      the fecal microbiota of 93 patients with recurrent and nonrecurrent CDI, sampled
      longitudinally. Cross-group and intra-individual differences in microbial
      community diversity and similarity were compared prior to the development of
      recurrent disease and over time. RESULTS: Samples from these patient groups
      exhibited variable community profiles, clustering into four distinct community
      groups. Cross-group comparison of the index sample collected from patients that
      did or did not develop recurrence revealed differences in diversity and community
      structure (analysis of molecular variance, p < 0.05). Intra-individual
      comparisons of the microbiota were more informative and samples from recurrent
      patients were less likely to recover in diversity (Chi-square test, p < 0.005),
      exhibiting less community similarity overall (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.05).
      Interestingly, patients with severe disease harbored a significantly less diverse
      community, a trend that was observed across both nonrecurrent and recurrent
      patient groups (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To date, this study
      represents one of the largest studies focused on the relationship between
      predictive signals from the gut microbiota and the development of recurrent CDI.
      Our data demonstrate that specific microbiota-derived characteristics associate
      with disease severity and recurrence and that future studies could incorporate
      these characteristics into predictive models.

PMID- 27121863
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Behavioural Outcomes of Anxiety questionnaire in
      stroke patients with aphasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of an observational, carer
      completed anxiety screen for aphasic stroke patients. DESIGN: Phase 1: A cross
      sectional questionnaire design to establish psychometric properties. Phase 2: A
      randomized longitudinal design with treatment and control to evaluate sensitivity
      to change and repeatability/reliability. SUBJECTS: Phase 1: 111 patient-carer
      dyads were recruited through stroke charities: patient mean age 69.7(10. 7),
      6.2(5. 2) years since stroke, 76 male; carer mean age 64.7(12. 2), 27 male. Phase
      2. A subsample of 50 dyads (29 completed). MEASURES: All patients completed the
      Tension Rating Circles and the Frenchay Aphasia Screening Test. Carers completed
      the Behavioural Outcomes of Anxiety questionnaire, observational versions of the
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A) and the Generalised Anxiety
      Disorder-7, and a feedback questionnaire. INTERVENTION: Phase 2: 25 dyads were
      offered relaxation training and 25 acted as controls. RESULTS: The Behavioural
      Outcomes of Anxiety questionnaire correlated .77 with the HADS-A and Cronbach's
      Alpha was .82 demonstrating validity and internal consistency. Using HADS-A cut
      off > 7 as criterion the area under the curve was 0.90 and at cut-off of > 16
      sensitivity (0.85) and specificity (0.85) were both good. Scores declined
      significantly more in a group given anxiety training ( n = 12) than in a control
      group ( n = 17), demonstrating sensitivity to change and construct validity. Two
      week repeatability/reliability was .92. Feedback suggested the scale was
      acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: The Behavioural Outcomes of Anxiety questionnaire shows
      promise as an anxiety screen for stroke patients with aphasia and is sensitive to
      change. Further analysis of dimensionality and discriminant validity is needed.

PMID- 27121864
TI  - Proof of concept for inhibiting metastasis: circulating tumor cell-triggered
      localized release of anticancer agent via a structure-switching aptamer.
AB  - Existing drug delivery systems were not suitable for killing cells in the
      circulatory system specifically. Herein, we developed a novel localized drug
      delivery strategy, in which the release of anticancer agents was specifically
      triggered by circulating tumor cells. Meanwhile, damage to non-target cells was
      avoided. 

PMID- 27121865
TI  - A Pilot Study of Tailored Cognitive-Behavioral Resilience Training for Trauma
      Survivors With Subthreshold Distress.
AB  - This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary
      effectiveness of tailored cognitive-behavioral resilience training (TCBRT) for
      trauma-exposed individuals with a variety of subsyndromal psychological symptoms.
      TCBRT is a brief, flexible intervention that allows individuals to select the
      areas they wish to target using common cognitive-behavioral change principles.
      There were 14 individuals (78.6% female) who were recruited from a major medical
      center and enrolled in the 5-session intervention. There were 12 (85.7%) who
      completed all TCBRT sessions, and 2 (14.3%) who dropped out after 3 sessions. All
      participants reported that they received benefit from, were engaged in, and were
      satisfied with the intervention. Of the 12 with postintervention data, 5 of the
      participants demonstrated reliable increases in resilience and 6 demonstrated
      reliable decreases in anxiety. These improvements appeared to be maintained at 2
      month follow-up; of the 11 participants with follow-up data, 5 demonstrated
      reliable increases in resilience and 6 demonstrated reliable decreases in
      anxiety. Our findings suggested that TCRBT was acceptable to trauma-exposed
      individuals with varying types of subthreshold distress.

PMID- 27121866
TI  - Retraction Note: Peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells implantation in patients
      with peripheral arterial disease: a pilot study for clinical and biochemical
      outcome of neoangiogenesis.

PMID- 27121867
TI  - Management of pulmonary nodules according to the 2015 British Thoracic Society
      guidelines. Key messages for clinical practice.
AB  - The British Thoracic Society guideline on the investigation and management of
      pulmonary nodules is based on a comprehensive and systematic review of the
      literature on pulmonary nodules. Recent evidence has suggested that significant
      changes to existing guidelines are necessary. The use of 2 malignancy prediction
      calculators to better characterize the risk of malignancy was firmly supported by
      evidence, as were the recommendations for a higher nodule size threshold for
      follow-up (>=5 mm or >=80 mm3) and a reduction of the follow-up period to 1 year
      for solid pulmonary nodules. Although caution is required where there is a
      history of cancer, both of these recommendations will reduce the number of follow
      up computed tomographies, thereby improving cost-effectiveness and pressure on
      imaging services. Recent evidence has also confirmed the superiority of volumetry
      as the preferred measurement method and clarified the management of nodules with
      extended volume-doubling times. Acknowledging the good prognosis of subsolid
      nodules, there are recommendations for less aggressive options in their
      management. The guidelines recommend ordinal scale reporting for positron
      emission tomography-computed tomography to facilitate incorporation into risk
      models. There are recommendations on when biopsy is most helpful, the threshold
      for treatment without histological confirmation, and surgical and nonsurgical
      treatment. The guideline also provides evidence-based recommendations about the
      information that people need and that should be provided for them. The complexity
      of managing pulmonary nodules is made more accessible by 4 management algorithms.
      In the real world, it is surprising how easy these are to follow and how they
      seem to follow an intuitive approach.

PMID- 27121868
TI  - Mechanisms of extracellular S0 globule production and degradation in
      Chlorobaculumtepidum via dynamic cell-globule interactions.
AB  - The Chlorobiales are anoxygenic phototrophs that produce solid, extracellular
      elemental sulfur globules as an intermediate step in the oxidation of sulfide to
      sulfate. These organisms must export sulfur while preventing cell encrustation
      during S0 globule formation; during globule degradation they must find and
      mobilize the sulfur for intracellular oxidation to sulfate. To understand how the
      Chlorobiales address these challenges, we characterized the spatial relationships
      and physical dynamics of Chlorobaculum tepidum cells and S0 globules by light and
      electron microscopy. Cba. tepidum commonly formed globules at a distance from
      cells. Soluble polysulfides detected during globule production may allow for
      remote nucleation of globules. Polysulfides were also detected during globule
      degradation, probably produced as an intermediate of sulfur oxidation by attached
      cells. Polysulfides could feed unattached cells, which made up over 80% of the
      population and had comparable growth rates to attached cells. Given that S0 is
      formed remotely from cells, there is a question as to how cells are able to move
      toward S0 in order to attach. Time-lapse microscopy shows that Cba. tepidum is in
      fact capable of twitching motility, a finding supported by the presence of genes
      encoding type IV pili. Our results show how Cba. tepidum is able to avoid mineral
      encrustation and benefit from globule degradation even when not attached. In the
      environment, Cba. tepidum may also benefit from soluble sulfur species produced
      by other sulfur-oxidizing or sulfur-reducing bacteria as these organisms interact
      with its biogenic S0 globules.

PMID- 27121869
TI  - Co-creation of an ICT-supported cancer rehabilitation application for resected
      lung cancer survivors: design and evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer (LC) patients experience high symptom burden and
      significant decline of physical fitness and quality of life following lung
      resection. Good quality of survivorship care post-surgery is essential to
      optimize recovery and prevent unscheduled healthcare use. The use of Information
      and Communication Technology (ICT) can improve post-surgery care, as it enables
      frequent monitoring of health status in daily life, provides timely and
      personalized feedback to patients and professionals, and improves accessibility
      to rehabilitation programs. Despite its promises, implementation of
      telehealthcare applications is challenging, often hampered by non-acceptance of
      the developed service by its end-users. A promising approach is to involve the
      end-users early and continuously during the developmental process through a so
      called user-centred design approach. The aim of this article is to report on this
      process of co-creation and evaluation of a multimodal ICT-supported cancer
      rehabilitation program with and for lung cancer patients treated with lung
      resection and their healthcare professionals (HCPs). METHODS: A user-centered
      design approach was used. Through semi-structured interviews (n = 10 LC patients
      and 6 HCPs), focus groups (n = 5 HCPs), and scenarios (n = 5 HCPs), user needs
      and requirements were elicited. Semi-structured interviews and the System
      Usability Scale (SUS) were used to evaluate usability of the telehealthcare
      application with 7 LC patients and 10 HCPs. RESULTS: The developed application
      consists of: 1) self-monitoring of symptoms and physical activity using on-body
      sensors and a smartphone, and 2) a web based physical exercise program. 71 % of
      LC patients and 78 % of HCPs were willing to use the application as part of lung
      cancer treatment. Accessibility of data via electronic patient records was
      essential for HCPs. LC patients regarded a positive attitude of the HCP towards
      the application essential. Overall, the usability (SUS median score = 70, range
      35-95) was rated acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: A telehealthcare application that
      facilitates symptom monitoring and physical fitness training is considered a
      useful tool to further improve recovery following surgery of resected lung cancer
      (LC) patients. Involvement of end users in the design process appears to be
      necessary to optimize chances of adoption, compliance and implementation of
      telemedicine.

PMID- 27121870
TI  - Cholesterol Point-of-Care Testing for Community Pharmacies: A Review of the
      Current Literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the literature on cholesterol point-of-care tests
      (POCTs). This article would serve as a resource to assist community pharmacists
      in developing cholesterol point-of-care (POC) pharmacy services. DATA SOURCES: A
      literature search was performed in MEDLINE Ovid, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane
      database using the following medical subject headings (MeSH) terms: point-of-care
      test, cholesterol, blood chemical analysis, rapid testing, collaborative
      practice, community pharmacy, and ambulatory care. Additional resources including
      device manufacturer web sites were summarized to supplement the current
      literature. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All human research articles,
      review articles, meta-analyses, and abstracts published in English through
      September 1, 2014, were considered. DATA SYNTHESIS: A total of 36 articles were
      applicable for review. Information was divided into the following categories to
      be summarized: devices, pharmacists' impact, and operational cost for the
      pharmacy. CONCLUSIONS: The current literature suggests that POCTs in community
      pharmacies assist with patient outcomes by providing screenings and referring
      patients with dyslipidemia for further evaluation. The majority of studies on
      cholesterol POC devices focused on accuracy, revealing the need for further
      studies to develop best practices and practice models with successful
      reimbursement. Accuracy, device specifications, required supplies, and patient
      preference should be considered when selecting a POC device for purchase.

PMID- 27121871
TI  - ALS-linked misfolded SOD1 species have divergent impacts on mitochondria.
AB  - Approximately 20 % of familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is caused by
      mutations in superoxide dismutase (SOD1), which leads to misfolding of the SOD1
      protein, resulting in a toxic gain of function. Several conformation-restricted
      antibodies have been generated that specifically recognize misfolded SOD1
      protein, and have been used as therapeutics in pre-clinical models. Misfolded
      SOD1 selectively associates with spinal cord mitochondria in SOD1 rodent models.
      Using the SOD1(G93A) rat model, we find that SOD1 conformational specific
      antibodies AMF7-63 and DSE2-3H1 labeled a fibrillar network concentrated in the
      anterior horn; while A5C3, B8H10, C4F6 and D3H5 labeled motor neurons as well as
      puncta in the neuropil. There is a time-dependent accumulation of misfolded SOD1
      at the surface of spinal cord mitochondria with AMF7-63-labeled mitochondria
      having increased volume in contrast to a mitochondrial subset labeled with B8H10.
      In spinal cord homogenates and isolated mitochondria, AMF7-63, DSE2-3H1 and B8H10
      detect misfolded SOD1 aggregates. SOD1 that lacks its metal cofactors has an
      increased affinity for naive mitochondria and misfolded SOD1 antibodies B8H10 and
      DSE2-3H1 readily detect demetalated mutant and wild-type SOD1. Together, these
      data suggest that multiple non-native species of misfolded SOD1 may exist, some
      of which are associated with mitochondrial damage. Conformational antibodies are
      invaluable tools to identify and characterize the variation in misfolded SOD1
      species with regards to biochemical characteristics and toxicity. This
      information is highly relevant to the further development of these reagents as
      therapeutics.

PMID- 27121872
TI  - Are Females at Greater Risk for Revision Surgery After Hip Resurfacing
      Arthroplasty With the Articular Surface Replacement Prosthesis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Female patients undergoing hip resurfacing arthroplasties may be at
      greater risk of revision surgery than males, but it is unclear whether this is
      related to sex or other factors. We focused our analysis on data from a
      prospective multicenter cohort study monitoring the ASR(TM) hip resurfacing
      arthroplasty prosthesis on the potential association of sex on patient-reported
      outcome measures (PROMs), metal ion levels, revision surgery, and presence of
      adverse local tissue reaction. As thousands of patients with the ASR(TM)
      prosthesis are still undergoing followup it is critical to optimize the protocol
      for monitoring these patients. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We wished (1) to assess the
      associations between sex and implant survival, and adverse local tissue reaction;
      and (2) to report the differences between sexes in metal ion levels and patient
      reported outcome measures. METHODS: One thousand two hundred fifty-two patients
      (1390 hips) who underwent hip resurfacing arthroplasty with implantation of the
      ASR(TM) prosthesis from April 2003 to July 2010 were eligible for enrollment in a
      multicenter followup study of the ASR(TM) Hip Resurfacing System after the
      voluntary recall of this device was initiated by DePuy in 2010. Nine hundred
      seventy patients (1098 hips) were enrolled at a mean of 7 years after surgery,
      with a mean followup of 2 years (range, 1-3.5 years). Nine hundred fifty-eight
      patients (1084 hips) met the inclusion criteria: ability to provide informed
      consent, complete PROMs, and continued routine followup. A subset of patients
      (150 patients, 171 hips), who all were from one center, with annual metal
      artifact reduction sequence MRI were analyzed. Ninety-three percent of patients
      from this center had routine MRI performed. The EuroQoL (EQ-5D), Harris hip score
      (HHS), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, VAS pain,
      radiographs, patient and surgery details, and blood cobalt and chromium levels
      were obtained. Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify factors
      associated with implant survival, using any revision as the end point, and
      presence of adverse local tissue reaction. RESULTS: In patients who had
      unilateral surgery, the only variable found to be associated with revision
      surgery was HHS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.97; p < 0.001). In
      patients who had bilateral surgery, only HHS (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.90-0.97; p <
      0.001) and cobalt level (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03; p < 0.001) were associated
      with risk for revision. In patients with metal artifact reduction sequence MRI,
      the only variable found to be associated with presence of adverse local tissue
      reaction was cobalt level (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10; p = 0.001). Cobalt and
      chromium concentrations were greater in female patients than in male patients
      (cobalt, median 1.89 versus median 1.12 parts per billion [ppb], p < 0.001;
      chromium, median 2.03 versus median 1.17 ppb, p < 0.001). Slight differences were
      observed between males and females in HHS (males median 96 versus females median
      94, p < 0.001) and UCLA scores (median 8 versus median 6, p < 0.001); however,
      there was no difference between sexes for VAS pain (median 0.5 versus median 0.5,
      p = 0.405). Differences were identified between males and females in the
      distribution of EQ-5D scores, yet the medians were the same (median 1.0 versus
      median 1.0, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Male and female patients who had hip
      resurfacing arthroplasty with implantation of the ASR(TM) prosthesis should be
      followed with equal vigilance as both are at similar risk of revision surgery and
      adverse local tissue reaction. Metal ion levels and HHS should be obtained at
      followup to monitor for risk of revision and as a screening tool for MRI. Further
      research is necessary to evaluate if these relationships persist in patients with
      other metal-on-metal prostheses. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

PMID- 27121873
TI  - Rotational Acetabular Osteotomy for Pre- and Early Osteoarthritis Secondary to
      Dysplasia Provides Durable Results at 20 Years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip dysplasia is a common cause of secondary osteoarthritis (OA).
      Periacetabular osteotomy or rotational acetabular osteotomy has been used as
      joint-preserving procedures. However, only a few reports of long-term results
      with these operations have been reported. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Would
      satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes be maintained at a mean duration
      of 20 years after rotational acetabular osteotomy for pre- and early-stage OA;
      and (2) could we identify risk factors for radiographic progression of OA?
      METHODS: Between 1987 and 2001, we treated 159 patients (173 hips) with
      rotational acetabular osteotomies for the diagnosis of pre-OA or early-stage OA
      according to the technique of Ninomiya and Tagawa. During that period, our
      general indications for this approach were age younger than 60 years, center-edge
      angle less than 20 degrees , and improved femoral head coverage and joint
      congruency on preoperative AP plain radiographs of the hip in abduction; we did
      not use this approach when joint congruency was not improved or no widening of
      the joint space was noted on preoperative AP plain radiographs of the hip in
      abduction. Of those patients, 21 patients with pre-OA (followup rate: 84% [27
      hips]) and 110 patients in the early-stage group (followup rate: 82% [118 hips])
      were available at a minimum of 15 years for a total patient group of 131
      (followup rate: 82% [145 hips]). The mean age at the time of surgery was 22 years
      in the pre-OA group and 38 years in the early-stage group. The mean followup was
      21 years in the pre-OA group and 20 years in the early-stage group. Clinical
      evaluation was performed with the Merle d'Aubigne and Postel rating scale, and
      radiographic analyses included measurements of the center-edge angle, acetabular
      roof angle, and head lateralization index on preoperative and postoperative AP
      radiographs of the pelvis. Postoperative joint congruency was also evaluated. The
      cumulative probabilities of radiographic signs of OA progression were estimated
      with use of the Kaplan-Meier product-limited method and parametric survivorship
      analysis using the Cox proportional-hazards model was used to determine risk
      factors for radiographic OA progression. RESULTS: The mean clinical score
      improved very slightly, from 15 (SD, 0.8) to 18 (SD, 1.1) (95% confidence
      interval [CI], -2.9 to -2.0; p < 0.001) in the pre-OA group and from 15 (SD, 1.0)
      to 16 (SD, 2.1) (95% CI, -2.0 to -1.2; p < 0.001) in the early-stage group at
      followup. Fourteen patients (15 hips) including one pre-OA patient (one hip) and
      13 early-stage patients (14 hips) experienced worsening of their Merle d'Aubigne
      and Postel score, from a mean of 15 (SD, 0.9) to 12 (SD, 1.6) (95% CI, 1.8-3.3; p
      < 0.001). Eight patients (nine hips) with early-stage OA preoperatively underwent
      total hip arthroplasty at a mean duration after rotational acetabular osteotomy
      of 20 (SD, 2.5) years. Radiographic indices were improved after surgery in both
      groups. Radiographic progression of OA occurred in 24 patients (25 hips). Kaplan
      Meier survivorship analysis, with radiographic signs of progression of OA as the
      endpoint, predicted survival of 96% (95% CI, 89%-100%) at 10 years and 20 years
      in the pre-OA group. For the early-stage group, we found survivorship of 89% (95%
      CI, 83%-95%) at 10 years and 78% (95% CI, 69%-87%) at 20 years. We identified two
      factors associated with poor outcome: fair (rather than excellent and good)
      postoperative joint congruency (hazard ratio, 12.1; 95% CI, 3.8-39; p < 0.001)
      and age older than 46 years at the time of surgery (hazard ratio, 4.6; 95% CI,
      1.9-11; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Rotational acetabular osteotomy is an effective
      surgical procedure for symptomatic dysplastic hips in pre- and early-stage OA,
      and it prevented radiographic OA progression and maintained hip function at a
      mean 20 years after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

PMID- 27121874
TI  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma-past lessons and a glimpse into the future.

PMID- 27121875
TI  - Genetic susceptibility to the endemic form of NPC.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignancy with remarkably high prevalence in
      East Asia. Lines of evidence have suggested the involvement of genetic lesions in
      the etiology of NPC, together with the contributions of Epstein-Barr virus
      infection and environmental exposures. Linkage and association studies, either
      based on candidate genes or genome-wide levels, have been conducted to dissect
      the genetic variants that contribute to NPC risk. This review summarizes the
      current findings of genetic susceptibility to NPC, and points out some future
      challenges on discovery of other risk variants to explain the missing
      heritability of NPC. 

PMID- 27121876
TI  - Genetic and epigenetic landscape of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a unique epithelial malignancy that shows a
      remarkable geographical and ethic distribution. Multiple factors including
      predisposing genetic factors, environmental carcinogens, and Epstein-Barr virus
      (EBV) infection contribute to the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic
      alterations leading to NPC development. Emerging technologies now allow us to
      detailedly characterize and understand cancer genomes. Genome-wide studies show
      that typically NPC tumors are characterized as having comparatively low mutation
      rates, widespread hypermethylation, and frequent copy number alterations and
      chromosome abnormalities. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the
      genetic and epigenetic aberrations that likely drive nasopharyngeal tumor
      development and progression. We integrate the previous knowledge and novel
      findings from whole-exome sequencing (WES) and methylome studies in NPC, and
      further discuss the potential use of these findings to identify biomarkers for
      NPC diagnosis and prognosis. 

PMID- 27121877
TI  - MicroRNAs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - It is becoming increasingly evident that aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs)
      are responsible for a number of disease processes, including cancer initiation
      and progression. miRNAs have been implicated as key players in numerous
      neoplasms, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Functionally, deregulation
      of miRNAs that act either as tumour suppressors or oncogenes results in numerous
      cancer-associated phenomena, including changes in proliferation, migration, and
      cell survival. Furthermore, miRNA expression has been associated with
      chemoresistant or radioresistant phenotypes; highlighting the importance of
      miRNAs in mediating oncogenic processes. Prognostic and predictive miRNA
      signatures have been defined for a variety of cancer types, including NPC,
      whereby these signatures offer a potentially important clinical tool for
      assessing the disease state, as well as predicting treatment response and
      clinical outcome. Therefore, further examination and validation of miRNAs that
      are deregulated in NPC will provide insight into the fundamental drivers of this
      disease, which will aid in the identification of novel targeted treatments. This
      review summarizes recent advances in the study of miRNAs in NPC, with specific
      discussion on the role of miRNAs in NPC pathogenesis and the potential utility of
      miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers. Our increasing understanding of the role of
      miRNAs in NPC tumorigenesis and their application as novel biomarkers will
      undoubtedly prove useful in the stratification of future patients into clinically
      relevant treatment classifications, thereby improving and personalizing disease
      management. 

PMID- 27121878
TI  - Clinical utility of circulating Epstein-Barr virus DNA analysis for the
      management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the commonest cancers in Southern China.
      The carcinogenesis is closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection.
      In endemic regions with high incidence of NPC, EBV genome can be detected in
      virtually all NPC tumor tissues. Over the last decade, circulating cell-free EBV
      DNA has been developed as a tumor marker for NPC. Plasma EBV DNA analysis using
      real-time PCR has been shown to be useful for early detection, prognostication
      and monitoring of treatment response of NPC. In this review, the clinical
      applications of EBV DNA analysis in the management of NPC would be discussed. 

PMID- 27121879
TI  - Evolution of the Chinese staging system for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - The clinical treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in China started in
      1940s is based on our own clinical staging system. In 1965, we established the
      first TNM staging system for NPC. Advances in technology and therapy led to
      continuous updates in clinical staging. Currently, the Chinese staging system of
      2008 is commonly used in China. Compared with the 7th edition of the American
      Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system, which is widely used
      internationally, the N classification was based on magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) as well as the lymph node criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
      (RTOG) consensus guidelines. However, several studies showed that these two
      staging systems were associated with limitations. Additional international
      studies from different cancer centers are needed to improve and evolve a
      universally accepted staging system for NPC. 

PMID- 27121880
TI  - Clinical trials in nasopharyngeal carcinoma-past, present and future.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has an age-adjusted incidence for both sexes with
      greater frequency in some endemic regions, especially the southern China.
      Genetic, ethnic, environmental factors and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection
      might take part in the cause of the disease. Based on the understanding and
      research progresses, we have had a further step among the diagnosis and prognosis
      of the disease. Meanwhile, a numerous clinical trials aiming to pick out the most
      suitable therapeutic choice are carried on from past till now. The purpose of
      this review is to summarize therapeutic approaches from past RCTs, introduce hot
      topics at present, and explore the development trend in the future. Applying
      appropriate combining procedures of radiotherapy and chemotherapy with
      developments in gene therapy and immunotherapy, the outcomes in the future might
      be widely improved. 

PMID- 27121882
TI  - Immunotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer-a review.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
      and characterized by peritumoral immune infiltrate. Advanced NPC has high
      lethality. Immunotherapy directed against EBV antigen targets has been previously
      explored in clinical trials, and is likely to be validated as an important target
      in NPC as randomized data emerges in the future. Cancer vaccines and adoptive T
      cell therapy have been explored in the clinic, with the latter showing the
      greatest success. Recent advances in gene sequencing technology now allow
      personalized tumor epitope mapping, whilst the advent of immune checkpoint
      inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis offers the opportunity to activate
      adaptive T cell response in vivo. Anti-PD1 antibodies have shown promising
      activity in early phase clinical trials, and randomized studies against
      chemotherapy are underway. As immunotherapy is incorporated into standard
      treatment paradigms, issues of optimal combinations with targeting agents, immune
      adjuvants, and sequence with chemotherapy and radiation therapy will need to be
      addressed. Effective strategies to increase tumor antigenicity, improve
      immunological memory and reduce immune escape, will need to be developed to
      improve treatment outcomes. Here we present a brief history of the evolution of
      immunotherapy in NPC, and highlight key concepts relevant to its further
      development in the clinic. 

PMID- 27121881
TI  - Advances in systemic treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a unique disease endemic in Asia. It is
      etiologically linked to the Epstein-Barr virus and is both radio- and chemo
      sensitive. While radiotherapy (RT) remains the primary treatment modality with
      high cure rates for early stage disease, systemic treatment forms an important
      integral component in the treatment of NPC, both in the non-metastatic as well as
      palliative setting. Presently, standard therapy in locally advanced NPC comprises
      conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy administered concurrently during RT. The role
      of induction chemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy remain to be well-defined.
      Further research strategies in non-metastatic disease will require better
      identification of patients with high risk disease, and determining the optimal
      sequence and combination of chemotherapeutic regimens. In metastatic disease,
      whilst chemotherapy remains the mainstay of care, resistance inevitably develops.
      Development of molecularly targeted therapies has not yielded much success to
      date, and further research has been focused on development of EBV-targeted
      strategies such as vaccination or administration of cytotoxic T-cells directed
      towards EBV, as well as evaluation of immune checkpoint inhibition approaches. 

PMID- 27121883
TI  - Therapeutic vaccination strategies to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects most people worldwide. EBV has oncogenic
      potential and is strongly associated with several lymphomas and carcinomas,
      including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), that together total 200,000 cases of
      cancer each year. All EBV-associated cancers express viral proteins that allow
      highly selective immunotherapeutic targeting of the malignant cells. A number of
      therapeutic EBV vaccines have been tested in clinical trials with evidence of
      immune boosting and clinical responses in NPC patients. Therapeutic vaccination
      could be used after adoptive T-cell transfer to increase and sustain the number
      of infused T-cells or combined with immunotherapies acting at different stages of
      the cancer immunity cycle to increase efficacy. The therapeutic EBV vaccines
      tested to date have been well tolerated with minimal off-target toxicity. A safe
      therapeutic vaccine that was also able to be mass produced could, in principle,
      be used to vaccinate large numbers of patients after first line therapy to reduce
      recurrence. 

PMID- 27121884
TI  - Clinical significance of hypoxia in nasopharyngeal carcinoma with a focus on
      existing and novel hypoxia molecular imaging.
AB  - Locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is still associated with
      significant locoregional failure and poor overall survival (OS) after
      chemoradiation. The maximal therapeutic effect of conventional chemotherapy
      combined with radiation may have been reached and there is a clinical need to
      identify additional adverse prognostic factors that could be targeted
      therapeutically. Hypoxia, a known prognostic factor in head and neck cancers is
      an attractive target in NPC with various treatment strategies available such as
      hypoxic cell sensitisers/cytotoxins and increasing intratumoral oxygen delivery,
      to overcome the poorer outcomes associated with this phenotype. Thus, we aim to
      review the clinical significance of hypoxia as well as the current and future of
      molecular hypoxia imaging in NPC. 

PMID- 27121885
TI  - Proton therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - The treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has traditionally included a
      multimodality approach including radiotherapy (RT) and systemic chemotherapy. RT
      has long been favored as the mainstay of local treatment for disease in this
      challenging anatomic location owing to the morbidity of extensive surgical
      resection in the nasopharynx. However, NPC presents a unique treatment challenge
      for radiation oncologists because such tumors typically involve complex anatomic
      structures near several critical organ structures such as the brainstem, spinal
      cord, temporal lobes, salivary glands, cochleae, oral cavity, mandible and optic
      structures. Thus, radiation is not without toxicity, and critical organs in these
      areas clearly benefit from the use of conformal and precise treatment delivery.
      The unique physical properties of proton radiotherapy (PRT) make it especially
      well-suited for treating tumors in this anatomically complex area and offer
      promising potential for acute and chronic toxicity reduction while maintaining
      excellent disease control. 

PMID- 27121886
TI  - Reirradiation of locally recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer: history, advances, and
      promises for the future.
AB  - Local or locoregional recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after high
      dose radiotherapy remains a significant clinical problem. This is especially
      important in regions of the world in which NPC is endemic, such as Southern
      China. In this review, we briefly present the evolution in the definitive
      treatment of NPC, but focus more so on the historical and contemporary treatment
      approaches and outcomes utilized in the recurrent setting. Specifically, we
      highlight the various treatment strategies (repeat surgery, brachytherapy,
      conventional re-irradiation, SRS/SBRT, and salvage IMRT), and their technical,
      physical and biological limitations. Special attention is given towards salvage
      IMRT, as this is becoming the standard of care for locally recurrent NPC.
      Further, it is the most commonly indicated modality, since it can be used to
      treat larger tumors and more extensive disease stages, which represent the
      majority of recurrent cases. Predictive and prognostic factors for the efficacy
      of repeat treatment are discussed as well. The toxicities brought about by repeat
      radiotherapy courses are also highlighted, with an emphasis on their impact on
      mortality and quality of life, which underscore the difficulty that this clinical
      entity presents. Lastly, the rationale for particle radiation therapy, which is
      potentially safer and more efficacious, for the treatment of locally recurrent
      NPC is presented. 

PMID- 27121887
TI  - The International Atomic Energy Agency global initiatives on nasopharyngeal
      cancer treatment.
AB  - Since its establishment in 1957, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
      has striven to promote global access to reliable and affordable radiotherapy,
      with much of its latest focus being in developing countries. While nasopharyngeal
      cancer (NPC) is highly curable by radiotherapy with excellent outcomes in
      developed countries, the outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are
      disappointing. Although the reasons for this are complex and multifactorial,
      improving the accessibility and quality of radiotherapy in these countries is
      fundamental. With concerted effort from experts and advocates around the world,
      ongoing initiatives are supported by the IAEA to combat the challenges in LMICs. 

PMID- 27121888
TI  - Korean perspectives of nasopharynx cancer management.
AB  - Though Korea is located in non-endemic region of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
      infection and the incidence rate of nasopharynx cancer (NPCa) is very low, some
      clinical and histologic characteristics are similar to those in EBV endemic
      regions. Korean Radiation Oncology Group (KROG) established a database of NPCa
      patients and a few informative studies were performed, which mostly have
      conformed to those from the previously reports by others. Large variation in
      intensity modulated RT (IMRT) detail was recognized and the key principles at
      Samsung Medical Center are introduced. Based on the current understandings of
      Korean perspective, further refinement aiming at improved clinical outcomes would
      be anticipated through large scale prospective clinical trials. 

PMID- 27121889
TI  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma-some closing remarks.

PMID- 27121890
TI  - Maternal and infant correlates of maternal feeding beliefs and practices in a
      multi-ethnic Asian population: the GUSTO (Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy
      Outcomes) study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the influences of maternal and infant correlates
      on maternal feeding beliefs and practices in the first 2 years of life, despite
      its important role in early obesogenic eating behaviours and weight gain. DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional study using demographic data of mothers and infants obtained at
      26-28 weeks of gestation, and postnatally from birth to 15 months, respectively.
      The Infant Feeding Questionnaire was administered at 15 months postpartum. The
      associations between maternal and infant characteristics with seven maternal
      feeding beliefs and practices subscales were evaluated using multivariate linear
      regression analysis. SETTING: Data obtained from the Singapore GUSTO (Growing Up
      in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes) mother-offspring birth cohort. SUBJECTS:
      Mothers and infants (n 1237). RESULTS: Among other maternal correlates such as
      age, education, BMI, income and milk feeding practices, ethnicity was a
      consistent factor associated with six subscales, including concern about infant
      overeating/undereating and weight status, concern and awareness about infants'
      hunger and satiety cues, social interaction during feeding and feeding an infant
      on schedule. Similarly, among infant correlates such as gender and birth order,
      infant body size gain (reflected by BMI Z-score change from 0 to 15 months) was
      significantly associated with all subscales except feeding an infant on schedule.
      Overall, maternal correlates had greater influence on all subscales compared with
      infant correlates except for the maternal concern about infant undereating or
      becoming underweight subscale. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights that
      maternal feeding beliefs and practices can be influenced by both maternal
      correlates and infant correlates at 15 months of age.

PMID- 27121891
TI  - Development and Patient Satisfaction of a New Telemedicine Service for Pain
      Management at Massachusetts General Hospital to the Island of Martha's Vineyard.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients in remote areas lack access to specialist care and pain
      management services. In order to provide pain management care to patients remote
      from our center, we created a telemedicine pain clinic (telepain) at
      Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, MA to extend services to the
      Island of Martha's Vineyard. DESIGN: Over 13 months, 238 telepain video clinic
      evaluations were conducted. A pain physician visited the island 1-2 days per
      month and performed 121 interventions. Given the novelty of telemedicine clinics,
      we surveyed patients to gauge satisfaction and identify perceived weaknesses in
      our approach that could be addressed. Forty-nine consecutive patients answered a
      14-question, 5-point balanced Likert-scale survey with 1 (no, definitely not)
      being most negative and 5 (yes, definitely) being most positive. SETTING:
      Patients on Martha's Vineyard referred for pain management consultation services
      via telemedicine. PATIENTS: Forty-nine consecutive patients evaluated via
      telemedicine. INTERVENTIONS: Likert-scale survey administered. MEASURES:
      Questions measured patient impressions of video-based visits with their doctor,
      convenience of the visit, concerns about privacy, and whether they would
      recommend such a visit, among other items. RESULTS: Mean respondent scores for
      each question were >4.3 indicating a favorable impression of the telepain clinic
      experience. Lowest mean scores were found when respondents were asked to compare
      the care they received by telepain versus an in-person visit, or whether they
      were able to develop a friendly relationship with the doctor. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results suggest an overall positive reception of telepain by patients, yet
      highlight the challenge of building a patient-physician relationship remotely.

PMID- 27121892
TI  - Elimination of cetirizine following administration of multiple doses to exercised
      thoroughbred horses.
AB  - Cetirizine is an antihistamine used in performance horses for the treatment of
      hypersensitivity reactions and as such a withdrawal time is necessary prior to
      competition. The objective of the current study was to describe the disposition
      and elimination of cetirizine following oral administration in order to provide
      additional serum concentration data upon which appropriate regulatory
      recommendations can be established. Nine exercised thoroughbred horses were
      administered 0.4 mg/kg of cetirizine orally BID for a total of five doses. Blood
      samples were collected immediately prior to drug administration and at various
      times postadministration. Serum cetirizine concentrations were determined and
      selected pharmacokinetic parameters determined. The serum elimination half-life
      was 5.83 +/- 0.841 h. Average serum cetirizine concentrations were still above
      the LOQ of the assay (0.05 ng/mL) at 48 h (final sample collected)
      postadministration of the final dose. 

PMID- 27121893
TI  - Kesterite Cu2Zn(Sn,Ge)(S,Se)4 thin film with controlled Ge-doping for
      photovoltaic application.
AB  - Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) semiconductors have been a focus of extensive research
      effort owing to low-toxicity, high abundance and low material cost. Yet, the
      CZTSSe thin film solar cell has a low open-circuit voltage value that presents
      challenges. Herein, using GeSe2 as a new Ge source material, we have achieved a
      wider band gap CZTSSe-based semiconductor absorber layer with its band-gap
      controlled by adjusting the ratio of SnS2 : GeSe2 used. In addition, the
      Cu2Zn(Sn,Ge)(S,Se)4 thin films were prepared with optimal Ge doping (30%) and
      solar cells were fabricated to attain a respectable power conversion efficiency
      of 4.8% under 1.5 AM with an active area of 0.19 cm(2) without an anti-reflection
      layer. 

PMID- 27121896
TI  - Living with cancer: challenges across the lifespan.

PMID- 27121894
TI  - High-sensitivity intravascular photoacoustic imaging of lipid-laden plaque with a
      collinear catheter design.
AB  - A highly sensitive catheter probe is critical to catheter-based intravascular
      photoacoustic imaging. Here, we present a photoacoustic catheter probe design on
      the basis of collinear alignment of the incident optical wave and the
      photoacoustically generated sound wave within a miniature catheter housing for
      the first time. Such collinear catheter design with an outer diameter of 1.6 mm
      provided highly efficient overlap between optical and acoustic waves over an
      imaging depth of >6 mm in D2O medium. Intravascular photoacoustic imaging of
      lipid-laden atherosclerotic plaque and perivascular fat was demonstrated, where a
      lab-built 500 Hz optical parametric oscillator outputting nanosecond optical
      pulses at a wavelength of 1.7 MUm was used for overtone excitation of C-H bonds.
      In addition to intravascular imaging, the presented catheter design will benefit
      other photoacoustic applications such as needle-based intramuscular imaging.

PMID- 27121897
TI  - Parenthood in young cancer survivors is more than a combination of motivation and
      capacity.

PMID- 27121898
TI  - Implementation and feasibility of an adapted two-stage visual inspection with
      acetic acid/cryotherapy-based cervical cancer screening programme for HIV
      infected women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

PMID- 27121899
TI  - An expanded pharmacogenomics warfarin dosing table with utility in generalised
      dosing guidance.
AB  - Pharmacogenomics (PGx) guided warfarin dosing, using a comprehensive dosing
      algorithm, is expected to improve dose optimisation and lower the risk of adverse
      drug reactions. As a complementary tool, a simple genotype-dosing table, such as
      in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Coumadin drug label, may be utilised
      for general risk assessment of likely over- or under-anticoagulation on a
      standard dose of warfarin. This tool may be used as part of the clinical decision
      support for the interpretation of genetic data, serving as a first step in the
      anticoagulation therapy decision making process. Here we used a publicly
      available warfarin dosing calculator (www.warfarindosing.org) to create an
      expanded gene-based warfarin dosing table, the CPMC-WD table that includes nine
      genetic variants in CYP2C9, VKORC1, and CYP4F2. Using two datasets, a European
      American cohort (EUA, n=73) and the Quebec Warfarin Cohort (QWC, n=769), we show
      that the CPMC-WD table more accurately predicts therapeutic dose than the FDA
      table (51 % vs 33 %, respectively, in the EUA, McNemar's two-sided p=0.02; 52 %
      vs 37 % in the QWC, p<1*10(-6)). It also outperforms both the standard of care 5
      mg/day dosing (51 % vs 34 % in the EUA, p=0.04; 52 % vs 31 % in the QWC, p<1*10(
      6)) as well as a clinical-only algorithm (51 % vs 38 % in the EUA, trend p=0.11;
      52 % vs 45 % in the QWC, p=0.003). This table offers a valuable update to the PGx
      dosing guideline in the drug label.

PMID- 27121901
TI  - Effects of highly concentrated hyaluronic acid filler on nasolabial fold
      correction: A 24-month extension study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A previous 6-month study using a more highly concentrated novel
      hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, PP-501-B, found nasolabial fold (NLF) improvements
      with increased tolerability. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the long-term efficacy,
      durability and safety of PP-501-B in the correction of NLFs. METHODS: Subjects
      completing the initial six-month study were enrolled in this 24-month,
      randomized, multicenter, double-blind, split-face, extension study. The injection
      areas and treatment procedures were identical to those of the initial study: each
      subject was injected with PP-501-B in one NLF and with Restylane Perlane (Q-med)
      in the contralateral NLF. We reassessed wrinkle improvement using the five-point
      Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) and changes in the Global Aesthetic
      Improvement Scale at 12, 18 and 24 months after the initial treatment. RESULTS:
      Of the 81 patients enrolled, 72 completed the study. The WSRS score significantly
      decreased from baseline throughout the follow-up period after retreatment with
      both fillers. There was no significant difference in the WSRS scores between the
      two fillers at 24 months. Both fillers were well tolerated with no severe
      complications or adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: The new HA filler PP-501-B is
      safe and effective in the long term for the correction of moderate-to-severe
      NLFs, even after a second treatment.

PMID- 27121900
TI  - DISC1 is a coordinator of intracellular trafficking to shape neuronal development
      and connectivity.
AB  - The long, asymmetric and specialised architecture of neuronal processes
      necessitates a properly regulated transport network of molecular motors and
      cytoskeletal tracks. This allows appropriate distribution of cargo for correct
      formation and activity of the synapse, and thus normal neuronal communication.
      This communication is impaired in psychiatric disease, and ongoing studies have
      proposed that Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is an important genetic risk
      factor for these disorders. The mechanisms by which DISC1 dysfunction might
      increase propensity to psychiatric disease are not completely understood;
      however, an emerging theme is that DISC1 can function as a key regulator of
      neuronal intracellular trafficking. Transport of a wide range of potential
      cargoes - including mRNAs, neurotransmitter receptors, vesicles and mitochondria 
      can be modulated by DISC1, and therefore is susceptible to DISC1 dysfunction.
      This theme highlights the importance of understanding precisely how DISC1 can
      regulate intracellular trafficking, and suggests that a novel approach to the
      treatment of psychiatric disorders could be provided by targeting this protein
      and the trafficking machinery with which it interacts.

PMID- 27121902
TI  - Infiltration of F98 glioma cells in Fischer rat brain is temporary stimulated by
      radiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Irradiation of brain stimulates the expression of inflammatory
      mediators, some of which can modify the ability of cancer cells to infiltrate the
      brain. In the present study, the time window during which this stimulation occurs
      was determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brain of Fischer rat was irradiated (15
      Gy) and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha was
      measured from 4 h to 20 days post-irradiation. Level of the matrix
      metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) which can favor cancer
      cell infiltration were also measured. The F98 glioma cells were implanted either
      during (4 h post-irradiation) or after (10 days post-irradiation) the pro
      inflammatory phase. Infiltration distance of F98 cells in brain parenchyma and
      the median survival time of the animals were determined. RESULTS: Expression of
      IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha was significantly increased in the irradiated brains
      with a peak at 4 h post-irradiation. Implantation of F98 glioma cells 4 h post
      irradiation reduced the median survival time of Fischer rats to 18 days, compared
      to 25 days when the F98 were implanted in non-irradiated brain. Irradiation of
      the brain increased the distance of infiltration of F98 cells and was associated
      with increased levels of MMP-2 and PGE2. Conversely, F98 cells implanted 10 days
      post-irradiation have infiltrated the brain over a shorter distance and the
      median survival time of rats was increased to 35 days. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer
      recurrence is frequently observed in GBM patients. A better understanding of the
      inflammatory response observed in irradiated brain could contribute to develop
      new therapeutic modalities to further increase the efficiency of radiotherapy.

PMID- 27121903
TI  - The isoflavone daidzein directly affects porcine ovarian cell functions and
      modifies the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone.
AB  - The key biological active molecule of soya is the isoflavone daidzein, which
      possesses phytoestrogenic activity. The direct effect of soya and daidzein on
      ovarian cell functions is not known. This study examined the effect of daidzein
      on basic porcine ovarian granulosa cell functions and the response to follicle
      stimulating hormone (FSH). We studied the effects of daidzein (0, 1, 10 and 100
      MUm), FSH (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 IU/ml) and combinations of FSH (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 IU/ml)
      + daidzein (50 MUm) on proliferation, apoptosis and hormone release from cultured
      porcine ovarian granulosa cells and ovarian follicles. The expression of a
      proliferation-related peptide (PCNA) and an apoptosis-related peptide (Bax) was
      analysed using immunocytochemistry. The release of progesterone (P4) and
      testosterone (T) was detected using EIA. Leptin output was analysed using RIA.
      Daidzein administration increased granulosa cell proliferation, apoptosis and T
      and leptin release but inhibited P4 output. Daidzein also increased T release and
      decreased P4 release from cultured ovarian follicles. Follicle-stimulating
      hormone stimulated granulosa cell proliferation, apoptosis and P4, T and leptin
      release. The addition of daidzein promoted FSH-stimulated apoptosis (but not
      proliferation) but suppressed FSH-stimulated P4, T and leptin release. Our
      observations of FSH action confirm previous data on the stimulatory effect of FSH
      on ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis and steroidogenesis and demonstrate for
      the first time the involvement of FSH in the upregulation of ovarian leptin
      release. Our observations of daidzein effects demonstrated for the first time
      that this soya isoflavone affected basic ovarian cell functions (proliferation,
      apoptosis and hormones release) and modified the effects of FSH. Daidzein
      promoted FSH action on ovarian cell proliferation and apoptosis and suppressed,
      and even inverted, FSH action on hormone release. The direct action of daidzein
      on basic ovarian cell functions and the ability of these cells to respond to FSH
      indicate the potential influence of soya-containing diets on female reproductive
      processes via direct action on the ovary.

PMID- 27121904
TI  - Quantification of dopaminergic neuron differentiation and neurotoxicity via a
      genetic reporter.
AB  - Human pluripotent stem cells provide a powerful human-genome based system for
      modeling human diseases in vitro and for potentially identifying novel
      treatments. Directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells produces many
      specific cell types including dopaminergic neurons. Here, we generated a genetic
      reporter assay in pluripotent stem cells using newly-developed genome editing
      technologies in order to monitor differentiation efficiency and compare
      dopaminergic neuron survival under different conditions. We show that insertion
      of a luciferase reporter gene into the endogenous tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) locus
      enables rapid and easy quantification of dopaminergic neurons in cell culture
      throughout the entire differentiation process. Moreover, we demonstrate that the
      cellular assay is effective in assessing neuron response to different cytotoxic
      chemicals and is able to be scaled for high throughput applications. These
      results suggest that stem cell-derived terminal cell types can provide an
      alternative to traditional immortal cell lines or primary cells as a quantitative
      cellular model for toxin evaluation and drug discovery.

PMID- 27121905
TI  - Purification and characterization of 4-N-trimethylamino-1-butanol dehydrogenase
      from Fusarium merismoides var. acetilereum.
AB  - From investigation of 60 filamentous fungi, we identified Fusarium merismoides
      var. acetilereum, which uses 4-N-trimethylamino-1-butanol (TMA-butanol) as the
      sole source of carbon and nitrogen. The fungus produced NAD(+)-dependent TMA
      butanol dehydrogenase (DH) when it was cultivated in medium containing TMA
      butanol. The enzyme showed molecular mass of 40 kDa by SDS-PAGE and 160 kDa by
      gel filtration, suggesting that it is a homotetramer. TMA-butanol DH is stable at
      pH 7.5-9.0. It exhibits moderate stability with respect to temperature (up to 30 
      degrees C). Additionally, it has optimum activity at 45  degrees C and at pH 9.5.
      The enzyme has broad specificity to various alkyl alcohols and amino alkyl
      alcohols, and the carbon chains of which are longer than butanol. Moreover, the
      activity is strongly inhibited by oxidizing agents, carbonyl and thiol
      modulators, and chelating agents. This report is the first study examining TMA
      butanol DH from eukaryotic microbes. 

PMID- 27121906
TI  - Ectopic extramammary Paget's disease on the left hypochondrium.

PMID- 27121907
TI  - Midwife-led continuity models versus other models of care for childbearing women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Midwives are primary providers of care for childbearing women around
      the world. However, there is a lack of synthesised information to establish
      whether there are differences in morbidity and mortality, effectiveness and
      psychosocial outcomes between midwife-led continuity models and other models of
      care. OBJECTIVES: To compare midwife-led continuity models of care with other
      models of care for childbearing women and their infants. SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (25
      January 2016) and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: All
      published and unpublished trials in which pregnant women are randomly allocated
      to midwife-led continuity models of care or other models of care during pregnancy
      and birth. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently
      assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them
      for accuracy. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.
      MAIN RESULTS: We included 15 trials involving 17,674 women. We assessed the
      quality of the trial evidence for all primary outcomes (i.e. regional analgesia
      (epidural/spinal), caesarean birth, instrumental vaginal birth (forceps/vacuum),
      spontaneous vaginal birth, intact perineum, preterm birth (less than 37 weeks)
      and all fetal loss before and after 24 weeks plus neonatal death using the GRADE
      methodology: all primary outcomes were graded as of high quality.For the primary
      outcomes, women who had midwife-led continuity models of care were less likely to
      experience regional analgesia (average risk ratio (RR) 0.85, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 0.78 to 0.92; participants = 17,674; studies = 14; high quality),
      instrumental vaginal birth (average RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.97; participants =
      17,501; studies = 13; high quality), preterm birth less than 37 weeks (average RR
      0.76, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.91; participants = 13,238; studies = eight; high quality)
      and less all fetal loss before and after 24 weeks plus neonatal death (average RR
      0.84, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.99; participants = 17,561; studies = 13; high quality
      evidence). Women who had midwife-led continuity models of care were more likely
      to experience spontaneous vaginal birth (average RR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.07;
      participants = 16,687; studies = 12; high quality). There were no differences
      between groups for caesarean births or intact perineum.For the secondary
      outcomes, women who had midwife-led continuity models of care were less likely to
      experience amniotomy (average RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.98; participants = 3253;
      studies = four), episiotomy (average RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.92; participants =
      17,674; studies = 14) and fetal loss less than 24 weeks and neonatal death
      (average RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.98; participants = 15,645; studies = 11).
      Women who had midwife-led continuity models of care were more likely to
      experience no intrapartum analgesia/anaesthesia (average RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06 to
      1.37; participants = 10,499; studies = seven), have a longer mean length of
      labour (hours) (mean difference (MD) 0.50, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.74; participants =
      3328; studies = three) and more likely to be attended at birth by a known midwife
      (average RR 7.04, 95% CI 4.48 to 11.08; participants = 6917; studies = seven).
      There were no differences between groups for fetal loss equal to/after 24 weeks
      and neonatal death, induction of labour, antenatal hospitalisation, antepartum
      haemorrhage, augmentation/artificial oxytocin during labour, opiate analgesia,
      perineal laceration requiring suturing, postpartum haemorrhage, breastfeeding
      initiation, low birthweight infant, five-minute Apgar score less than or equal to
      seven, neonatal convulsions, admission of infant to special care or neonatal
      intensive care unit(s) or in mean length of neonatal hospital stay (days).Due to
      a lack of consistency in measuring women's satisfaction and assessing the cost of
      various maternity models, these outcomes were reported narratively. The majority
      of included studies reported a higher rate of maternal satisfaction in midwife
      led continuity models of care. Similarly, there was a trend towards a cost-saving
      effect for midwife-led continuity care compared to other care models. AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that women who received midwife-led continuity
      models of care were less likely to experience intervention and more likely to be
      satisfied with their care with at least comparable adverse outcomes for women or
      their infants than women who received other models of care.Further research is
      needed to explore findings of fewer preterm births and fewer fetal deaths less
      than 24 weeks, and all fetal loss/neonatal death associated with midwife-led
      continuity models of care.

PMID- 27121908
TI  - Alternative splicing enhances transcriptome complexity in desiccating seeds.
AB  - Before being dispersed in the environment, mature seeds need to be dehydrated.
      The survival of seeds after dispersal depends on their low hydration in
      combination with high desiccation tolerance. These characteristics are
      established during seed maturation. Some key seed maturation genes have been
      reported to be regulated by alternative splicing (AS). However, so far AS was
      described only for single genes and a comprehensive analysis of AS during seed
      maturation has been lacking. We investigated gene expression and AS during
      Arabidopsis thaliana seed development at a global level, before and after
      desiccation. Bioinformatics tools were developed to identify differentially
      spliced regions within genes. Our data suggest the importance and shows the
      peculiar features of AS during seed desiccation. We identified AS in 34% of genes
      that are expressed at both timepoints before and after desiccation. Most of these
      AS transcript variants had not been found before in other tissues. Among the AS
      genes some seed master regulators could be found. Interestingly, 6% of all
      expressed transcripts were not transcriptionally regulated during desiccation,
      but only modified by AS. We propose that AS should be more routinely taken into
      account in the analysis of transcriptomic data to prevent overlooking potentially
      important regulators.

PMID- 27121909
TI  - Older peoples' experiences of living in a residential aged care facility in
      Australia.
AB  - AIM: The objectives of the study were to investigate the lived experience of
      older people in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Australia, to explore
      their perceptions of their lives in RACFs and how care might be improved.
      METHODS: This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore the
      lived experience of older persons in RACFs across two Australian states. In-depth
      interviews regarding independence, dignity, autonomy, communication and
      relationships were conducted with 18 participants. The interviews were
      audiotaped, transcribed and thematically analysed. RESULTS: Three themes emerged
      reflecting the reality of RACF life for these participants: (i) loss of autonomy,
      dignity and control; (ii) valuing important relationships; and (iii) resigned
      acceptance. CONCLUSION: Older people were not included in decision-making and
      found it difficult to maintain their autonomy and dignity, and forge meaningful
      relationships. They traded their independence and dignity for the safety and
      assistance they needed; however, they accepted this trade-off with stoicism and
      remained positive.

PMID- 27121910
TI  - Histone deacetylase inhibitor givinostat: the small-molecule with promising
      activity against therapeutically challenging haematological malignancies.
AB  - Histone acetyl transferases and histone deacetylases (HDACs) are counteracting
      epigenetic enzymes regulating the turnover of histone acetylation thereby
      regulating transcriptional events in a precise manner. Deregulation of histone
      acetylation caused by aberrant expression of HDACs plays a key role in tumour
      onset and progression making these enzymes as candidate targets for anticancer
      drugs and therapy. Small-molecules namely histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi)
      modulating the biological function of HDACs have shown multiple biological
      effects including differentiation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in tumour
      models. HDACi in general have been described in plethora of reviews with respect
      to various cancers. However, no review article is available describing thoroughly
      the role of inhibitor givinostat (ITF2357 or [6-(diethylaminomethyl) naphthalen-2
      yl] methyl N-[4-(hydroxycarbamoyl) phenyl] carbamate) in haematological
      malignancies. Thus, the present review explores the intricate role of novel
      inhibitor givinostat in the defined malignancies including multiple myeloma,
      acute myelogenous leukaemia, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma apart from
      myeloproliferative neoplasms. The distinct molecular mechanisms triggered by this
      small-molecule inhibitor in these cancers to exert cytotoxic effect have also
      been dealt with. The article also highlights the combination strategy that can be
      used for enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of this inhibitor in the upcoming
      future. 

PMID- 27121912
TI  - Speeding up pyrogenicity testing: Identification of suitable cell components and
      readout parameters for an accelerated monocyte activation test (MAT).
AB  - Pyrogen testing represents a crucial safety measure for parental drugs and
      medical devices, especially in direct contact with blood or liquor. The European
      Pharmacopoeia regulates these quality control measures for parenterals. Since
      2010, the monocyte activation test (MAT) has been an accepted pyrogen test that
      can be performed with different human monocytic cell sources: whole blood,
      isolated monocytic cells or monocytic cell lines with IL1beta, IL6, or TNFalpha
      as readout cytokines. In the present study, we examined the three different cell
      sources and cytokine readout parameters with the scope of accelerating the assay
      time. We could show that despite all cell types being able to detect pyrogens,
      primary cells were more sensitive than the monocytic cell line. Quantitative real
      time PCR revealed IL6 mRNA transcripts having the largest change in Ct-values
      upon LPS-stimulation compared to IL1beta and TNFalpha, but quantification was
      unreliable. IL6 protein secretion from whole blood or peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) was also best suited for an accelerated assay with a
      larger linear range and higher signal-to-noise ratios upon LPS-stimulation. The
      unique combination with propan-2-ol or a temperature increase could additionally
      increase the cytokine production for earlier detection in PBMC. The increased
      incubation temperature could finally increase not only responses to
      lipopolysaccharides (LPS) but also other pyrogens by up to 13-fold. Therefore,
      pyrogen detection can be accelerated considerably by using isolated primary blood
      cells with an increased incubation temperature and IL6 as readout. These results
      could expedite assay time and thus help to promote further acceptance of the MAT.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27121911
TI  - Histone Modifications in a Mouse Model of Early Adversities and Panic Disorder:
      Role for Asic1 and Neurodevelopmental Genes.
AB  - Hyperventilation following transient, CO2-induced acidosis is ubiquitous in
      mammals and heritable. In humans, respiratory and emotional hypersensitivity to
      CO2 marks separation anxiety and panic disorders, and is enhanced by early-life
      adversities. Mice exposed to the repeated cross-fostering paradigm (RCF) of
      interference with maternal environment show heightened separation anxiety and
      hyperventilation to 6% CO2-enriched air. Gene-environment interactions affect CO2
      hypersensitivity in both humans and mice. We therefore hypothesised that
      epigenetic modifications and increased expression of genes involved in pH
      detection could explain these relationships. Medullae oblongata of RCF- and
      normally-reared female outbred mice were assessed by ChIP-seq for H3Ac, H3K4me3,
      H3K27me3 histone modifications, and by SAGE for differential gene expression.
      Integration of multiple experiments by network analysis revealed an active
      component of 148 genes pointing to the mTOR signalling pathway and nociception.
      Among these genes, Asic1 showed heightened mRNA expression, coherent with RCF
      mice's respiratory hypersensitivity to CO2 and altered nociception. Functional
      enrichment and mRNA transcript analyses yielded a consistent picture of
      enhancement for several genes affecting chemoception, neurodevelopment, and
      emotionality. Particularly, results with Asic1 support recent human findings with
      panic and CO2 responses, and provide new perspectives on how early adversities
      and genes interplay to affect key components of panic and related disorders.

PMID- 27121913
TI  - Usefulness of a fluorescence visualization system for the detection of oral
      precancerous and early cancerous lesions.
AB  - Early detection of precancerous and early cancerous lesions could greatly reduce
      both the mortality and morbidity of oral cancer. The objective of this study was
      to analyze a fluorescence visualization (FV) system for the detection of
      precancerous and early cancerous lesions in rat tongue carcinogenesis and human
      oral cancerous lesions using for the first time a 4NQO rat model and human
      tissue. Based on the results from the rat tongue carcinogenesis model, under
      direct FV, the normal oral mucosa emitted various shades of pale green
      autofluorescence. In the precancerous and early cancerous cases, the lesion
      appeared as an irregular dark area. Histological examination of the lesions
      showed that the VELscope system had a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 100%
      in discriminating normal mucosa from dysplasia/carcinoma in situ (CIS) or
      invasive carcinoma. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein level
      was gradually increased with progression of carcinogenic transformation.
      Furthermore, the results of PCNA and FV loss (FVL) were correlated. Next, results
      from 17 patients were also presented. Histological examination of the lesions
      showed that the VELscope system had a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 100%
      in discriminating normal mucosa from severe dysplasia/CIS or invasive carcinoma.
      There were no normal epithelium cells in any of the FVL regions. Furthermore, to
      clarify the usefulness of FV compared to vital staining with iodine, we
      investigated the surgical margins of early oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)
      tissues and compared the FVL and iodine unstained area (IU). The percentage of
      various types of dysplasia were almost equal when comparing the FVL and IU. These
      results suggest that this direct FV device has the potential for simple, cost
      effective screening, detection and margin determination of oral precancerous and
      early cancerous lesions. 

PMID- 27121914
TI  - Combined oral contraceptives, thrombophilia and the risk of venous
      thromboembolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Essentials We performed a meta-analysis on thrombosis risk in thrombophilic oral
      contraceptive (COC)-users. The results support discouraging COC-use in women with
      a natural anticoagulant deficiency. Contrary, additive risk of factor V Leiden
      (FVL) or prothrombin-G20210A (PT) mutation is modest. Women with a FVL/PT
      mutation as single risk factor can use COCs if alternatives are not tolerated.
      SUMMARY: Background Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are associated with an
      increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is shown to be more
      pronounced in women with hereditary thrombophilia. Currently, WHO recommendations
      state that COC-use in women with hereditary thrombophilias (antithrombin
      deficiency, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, factor V Leiden and
      prothrombin-G20210A mutation) is associated with an unacceptable health risk.
      Objective To perform a meta-analysis evaluating the additional risk of VTE in COC
      users with thrombophilia. Methods The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched
      on 10 February 2015 for potential eligible studies. A distinction was made
      between 'mild' (factor V Leiden and prothrombin-G20210A mutation) and 'severe'
      thrombophilia (antithrombin deficiency, protein C deficiency, protein S
      deficiency, double heterozygosity or homozygosity of factor V Leiden and
      prothrombin-G20210A mutation). Results We identified 12 case-control and three
      cohort studies. In COC-users, mild and severe thrombophilia increased the risk of
      VTE almost 6-fold (rate ratio [RR], 5.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.21
      8.23) and 7-fold (RR, 7.15; 95% CI, 2.93-17.45), respectively. The cohort studies
      showed that absolute VTE risk was far higher in COC-users with severe
      thrombophilia than in those with mild thrombophilia (4.3 to 4.6 vs. 0.49 to 2.0
      per 100 pill-years, respectively), and these differences in absolute risks were
      also noted in non-affected women (0.48 to 0.7 vs. 0.19 to 0.0), but with the
      caveat that absolute risks were estimated in relatives of thrombophilic patients
      with VTE (i.e. with a positive family history). Conclusion These results support
      discouraging COC-use in women with severe hereditary thrombophilia. By contrast,
      additive VTE risk of mild thrombophilia is modest. When no other risk factors are
      present, (e.g. family history) COCs can be offered to these women when reliable
      alternative contraceptives are not tolerated.

PMID- 27121915
TI  - Detection and adequacy evaluation of erythrocyte glutathione transferase on
      levels of circulating toxins in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - To explore detection and adequacy evaluation of erythrocyte glutathione S
      transferase (GST) on levels of circulating toxins in hemodialysis patients in
      Qinhuangdao region in China, this study divided 84 cases of long-term, end-stage
      hemodialysis patients into 2 groups: one group of 33 cases of adequate
      hemodialysis (spKt/V >= 1.3) and another group of 51 cases of inadequate
      hemodialysis (spKt/V < 1.3), according to the urea index value of the unit
      chamber model (spKt/V). Another 50 cases of subjects found healthy by a physical
      examination were taken as the control group, and the differences in the related
      clinical and biochemical indexes of the 3 groups were compared and analyzed. The
      levels of GST, creatinine, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP),
      transferrin saturation (TSAT), parathyroid hormone (PTH), interleukin-2,6,8 (IL
      2,6,8) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) in the hemodialysis group were
      significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and GST, IL-2,
      6, 8, and TNF-a levels in the inadequate hemodialysis group were significantly
      higher than in the adequate hemodialysis group (P < 0.05). Pearson's relevant
      analysis showed that the levels of GST and spKt/V, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-a
      have a positive correlation (P < 0.05), and they have no correlation with levels
      of creatinine, hs-CRP, TSAT, and PHT (P > 0.05). There were 23 patients with
      levels of spKt/V >= 1.3 after adjusting the dialysis solution for 51 cases of
      inadequate hemodialysis patients, and the GST level after the adjustment was
      significantly lower than that before the adjustment, but still higher than that
      in the adequate dialysis group. This concludes that the maintenance of
      hemodialysis in patients has certain relevance on spKt/V and associated
      inflammatory factors. Through the study, it can be determined that GST can
      effectively respond to adequate hemodialysis, which has a guiding significance on
      adjusting the blood dialysis solution in clinical practice. 

PMID- 27121916
TI  - Comparison of social functioning in community-living older individuals with
      schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: a catchment area-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preserved social functioning is of utmost importance for older
      individuals living in the community to maintain independency. However, in
      patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, it remains unclear which factors
      influence social functioning in later life. METHODS: In a catchment area-based
      study in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 120 older (>60 years) community-living
      patients with schizophrenia (n = 73) and with bipolar disorder (n = 47) were
      included. Clinical interviews on social functioning and psychometric measurements
      were applied. RESULTS: Patients with schizophrenia scored lower on all social
      measures (social functioning, social participation, network size, availability of
      confidants) compared with their peers with bipolar disorder. In patients with
      schizophrenia, lower social functioning was associated with having more negative
      symptoms and depressive symptoms. Age of onset was also associated with social
      functioning in schizophrenia, with higher scores in very late-onset schizophrenia
      like psychosis. Unfavourable social functioning in patients with bipolar disorder
      was associated with lower cognitive functioning. Furthermore, in both groups,
      social functioning was not related to age, having offspring or the presence of a
      partner. CONCLUSIONS: In community-living older patients, schizophrenia has a
      more disruptive effect on social functioning than bipolar disorder, except in
      those with a very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis. Minimizing residual
      depressive symptoms and optimizing cognitive functioning may be targets for
      improving social functioning and independent-living in older patients with severe
      mental illness. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27121917
TI  - Surface-induced spin state locking of the [Fe(H2B(pz)2)2(bipy)] spin crossover
      complex.
AB  - Temperature- and coverage-dependent studies of the Au(1 1 1)-supported spin
      crossover Fe(II) complex (SCO) of the type [Fe(H2B(pz)2)2(bipy)] with a suite of
      surface-sensitive spectroscopy and microscopy tools show that the substrate
      inhibits thermally induced transitions of the molecular spin state, so that both
      high-spin and low-spin states are preserved far beyond the spin transition
      temperature of free molecules. Scanning tunneling microscopy confirms that
      [Fe(H2B(pz)2)2(bipy)] grows as ordered, molecular bilayer islands at sub
      monolayer coverage and as disordered film at higher coverage. The temperature
      dependence of the electronic structure suggest that the SCO films exhibit a
      mixture of spin states at room temperature, but upon cooling below the spin
      crossover transition the film spin state is best described as a mix of high-spin
      and low-spin state molecules of a ratio that is constant. This locking of the
      spin state is most likely the result of a substrate-induced conformational change
      of the interfacial molecules, but it is estimated that also the intra-atomic
      electron-electron Coulomb correlation energy, or Hubbard correlation energy U,
      could be an additional contributing factor.

PMID- 27121918
TI  - Effect of different levels of nitrogen on rhizosphere bacterial community
      structure in intensive monoculture of greenhouse lettuce.
AB  - Pyrosequencing-based analyses revealed significant effects among low (N50),
      medium (N80), and high (N100) fertilization on community composition involving a
      long-term monoculture of lettuce in a greenhouse in both summer and winter. The
      non-fertilized control (CK) treatment was characterized by a higher relative
      abundance of Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi; however, the average
      abundance of Firmicutes typically increased in summer, and the relative abundance
      of Bacteroidetes increased in winter in the N-fertilized treatments. Principle
      component analysis showed that the distribution of the microbial community was
      separated by a N gradient with N80 and N100 in the same group in the summer
      samples, while CK and N50 were in the same group in the winter samples, with the
      other N-level treatments existing independently. Redundancy analysis revealed
      that available N, NO3(-)-N, and NH4(+)-N, were the main environmental factors
      affecting the distribution of the bacterial community. Correlation analysis
      showed that nitrogen affected the shifts of microbial communities by strongly
      driving the shifts of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria in summer
      samples, and Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria in winter samples.
      The study demonstrates a novel example of rhizosphere bacterial diversity and the
      main factors influencing rizosphere microbial community in continuous vegetable
      cropping within an intensive greenhouse ecosystem.

PMID- 27121919
TI  - Quantitative analysis of gene expression in fixed colorectal carcinoma samples as
      a method for biomarker validation.
AB  - Biomarkers have been described as the future of oncology. Modern proteomics
      provide an invaluable tool for the near-whole proteome screening for proteins
      expressed differently in neoplastic vs. healthy tissues. However, in order to
      select the most promising biomarkers, an independent method of validation is
      required. The aim of the current study was to propose a methodology for the
      validation of biomarkers. Due to material availability the majority of large
      scale biomarker studies are performed using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded
      (FFPE) tissues, therefore these were selected for use in the current study. A
      total of 10 genes were selected from what have been previously described as the
      most promising candidate biomarkers, and the expression levels were analyzed with
      reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) using
      calibrator normalized relative quantification with the efficiency correction. For
      6/10 analyzed genes, the results were consistent with the proteomic data; for the
      remaining four genes, the results were inconclusive. The upregulation of
      karyopherin alpha 2 (KPNA2) and chromosome segregation 1-like (CSE1L) in
      colorectal carcinoma, in addition to downregulation of chloride channel accessory
      1 (CLCA1), fatty acid binding protein 1 (FABP1), sodium channel, voltage gated,
      type VII alpha subunit (SCN7A) and solute carrier family 26 (anion exchanger),
      member 3 (SLC26A3) was confirmed. With the combined use of proteomic and genetic
      tools, it was reported, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, that
      SCN7A was downregulated in colorectal carcinoma at mRNA and protein levels. It
      had been previously suggested that the remaining five genes served an important
      role in colorectal carcinogenesis, however the current study provided strong
      evidence to support their use as biomarkers. Thus, it was concluded that
      combination of RT-qPCR with proteomics offers a powerful methodology for
      biomarker identification, which can be used to analyze FFPE samples. 

PMID- 27121920
TI  - A review of 111 anaesthetic patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and
      hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the treatment of choice for selected patients with
      peritoneal carcinomatosis, a previously lethal condition with dismal survival
      rates. METHODS: We reviewed CRS and HIPEC procedures performed at our centre from
      January 1997 to December 2012, focusing on perioperative events and anaesthetic
      implications. RESULTS: In total, 111 patients underwent 113 procedures. Mean age
      of the patients was 51.7 (range 14-74) years and 84.1% were women. Mean duration
      of surgery was 9 hours 10 minutes +/- 2 hours 56 minutes. Most tumours were
      ovarian or colorectal in origin, and the mean peritoneal cancer index (PCI) score
      was 14.3 +/- 8.9. Mean estimated blood loss was 1,481 +/- 1,064 mL. Mean total
      intravenous fluids and blood products administered was 8,498 +/- 3,941 mL.
      Postoperatively, 79.5% of the patients needed intensive care, as 75.2% of the 113
      procedures required interval extubation. Patients with lower PCI scores were more
      likely to be extubated immediately after surgery (p < 0.05). 80.0% of patients
      had coagulopathy postoperatively, and this was associated with longer HIPEC
      duration (p < 0.05). Median lengths of intensive care unit and hospital stays
      were two days and 14 days, respectively. Longer duration of surgery significantly
      correlated with longer hospitalisation. Prolonged hospitalisation was due to
      nosocomial pneumonia, pleural effusions, respiratory failure, sepsis, surgical
      complications (such as anastomotic or wound dehiscence), and intra-abdominal
      infections. CONCLUSION: The CRS and HIPEC technique is a major surgery with
      significant morbidity, as highlighted by the perioperative concerns observed in
      our study.

PMID- 27121921
TI  - A randomised, double-blinded clinical study on the efficacy of multimedia
      presentation using an iPad for patient education of postoperative hip surgery
      patients in a public hospital in Singapore.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study compared patient satisfaction and recall of
      physiotherapy patient education among patients who had undergone hip surgery,
      with information presented via an iPad versus a standard paper booklet. METHODS:
      Patients who had undergone hip surgery joined and completed this single-centre
      study, which utilised a randomised parallel group design. They were randomly
      allocated to either Group A (received information on hip surgery physiotherapy
      via an iPad) or Group B (received the same information via a paper booklet). The
      participants were blinded to the intervention received by the other group and the
      testers were blinded to the intervention received by the participants. The
      interventions were carried out during the patients' first four postoperative
      physiotherapy sessions. The outcome measures were recorded using pre-validated
      questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 42 participants (mean age 70 +/- 12 years)
      were recruited. After the intervention, patients in both groups had improved
      recall of the information presented during patient education. However, the
      patients in Group A had a significantly better recall score than those in Group B
      (4.0 points higher, p < 0.001). The level of patient satisfaction was also
      significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (8.5 points higher, p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: While the use of an iPad and a paper booklet both had positive
      outcomes for patient recall and satisfaction, the use of an iPad was found to be
      more effective at improving patient satisfaction and recall of physiotherapy
      patient education in the present study.

PMID- 27121922
TI  - Knowledge of diabetes mellitus and safe practices during Ramadan fasting among
      Muslim patients with diabetes mellitus in Singapore.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to explore the level of knowledge of Muslim
      patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) regarding DM and the self-management of DM
      when fasting during Ramadan. METHODS: Muslim patients with DM attending the
      Diabetes Centre of Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, were surveyed on their
      knowledge of DM and self-management of DM when fasting during Ramadan. Data on
      patient demographics, DM history and management of DM during the previous Ramadan
      was also collected. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients (34 male, 58 female) were
      surveyed. The mean age of the patients was 53.4 +/- 13.3 years. The patients were
      either Malay (91.3%) or Indian (8.7%), and most (66.3%) had at least a secondary
      school education. Most (89.1%) had Type 2 DM. The mean duration of DM was 8.7 +/-
      5.1 years and mean pre-Ramadan haemoglobin A1c was 8.4% +/- 1.8%. DM treatment
      consisted of insulin therapy (37.0%), oral glucose-lowering drugs (35.9%) and
      combined therapy (22.8%). The mean DM knowledge score was 58.8% for general
      knowledge and 75.9% for fasting knowledge. During the previous Ramadan, although
      71.4% of the patients consulted their physicians, 37.3% did not monitor their
      blood glucose levels and 47.0% had hypoglycaemic episodes. Among those who had
      hypoglycaemia, 10.8% continued to fast. CONCLUSION: Unsafe self-management
      practices were observed among DM patients who fasted during Ramadan. Efforts
      should be made to bridge the gap between knowledge of DM and self-management of
      DM.

PMID- 27121924
TI  - Controversial issues in the early identification of atypical language development
      in young children.

PMID- 27121923
TI  - Effects of Novel Finishing and Polishing Systems on Surface Roughness and
      Morphology of Nanocomposites.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of
      different finishing/polishing techniques on the surface roughness of
      nanocomposites after thermocycling aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five
      contemporary resin-based composites (Clearfil Majesty ES-2, Filtek Z550,
      Estelite?Quick, Zenit, Filtek Z250) were tested. For each resin-based composite,
      50 disc-shaped specimens were prepared and groups were divided into five
      subgroups according to the finishing/polishing methods (n = 10): control,
      finishing/polishing brush, finishing/polishing disc, and two different
      finishing/polishing wheels. Before and after aging, the surface roughness of
      specimens was measured. For each treatment method two samples were analyzed using
      a scanning electron microscope. Two-way analysis of variance and paired samples t
      tests were used to evaluate the data and the means were compared by Bonferroni
      tests (p <= 0.05). RESULTS: Before aging, the Filtek Z250 resin with the Mylar
      strip group showed the lowest surface roughness (Ra) value (0.13 +/- 0.03 um, p <
      0.05) and the Clearfil Majesty ES 2 resin with Occlubrush finishing/polishing
      system showed the highest (0.7 +/- 0.13 um, p < 0.05). After aging, the Clearfil
      Majesty ES 2 resin with the Mylar strip group showed the highest surface
      roughness (Ra) value (0.96 +/- 0.4 um) and the Clearfil Majesty ES 2 resin with
      the Sof-Lex aluminum oxide disc finishing/polishing system showed the lowest
      surface roughness (Ra) value (0.25 +/- 0.06 um, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Composite
      type and finishing/polishing method significantly affected the surface roughness
      of composites before and after thermocycling aging. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: There
      were significant interactions between finishing/polishing methods and composite
      types for surface roughness. The results give clinicians some flexibility in
      choosing appropriate finishing/polishing techniques for each resin composite
      material. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:247-261, 2016).

PMID- 27121925
TI  - Citrus Tachibana Leaf Extract Mitigates Symptoms of Food Allergy by Inhibiting
      Th2-Associated Responses.
AB  - Although the incidence of food allergy continues to rise, there have been no
      effective therapeutic strategies. Citrus fruits contain a number of bioactive
      flavonoids with immune-regulatory functions. The objective of this study was to
      determine whether Citrus tachibana (fruit body with peel, leaves, and branch) can
      protect against the development of food allergy and the mechanism behind it, and
      to identify the active compound(s) responsible. We found that C. tachibana leaf
      extract (CLE) mitigated ovalbumin (OVA)-induced food allergy symptoms including
      increased rectal temperature, diarrhea, and anaphylaxis. This mitigation was
      likely due to CLE-mediated decreases in cytokine release from T-helper 2 cells
      (Th2 cells) in mesenteric lymph nodes. Moreover, higher levels of CLE attenuated
      systemic Th2 cell-mediated responses in mouse splenocytes sensitized with
      OVA+Alum. This was evidenced by CLE-mediated reductions in Th2 cytokine release,
      including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13, but not the Th1 cytokines IL-12
      and interferon (IFN)-gamma, which was attributable to decreased gene expression
      levels. We also identified kaempferol as the most potent compound for reducing
      Th2-associated responses in splenocytes. The findings of this study suggest that
      CLE suppresses Th2-cell-mediated immune responses, contributing to alleviation of
      food allergy symptoms, and that kaempferol is a flavonoid with potential
      antiallergenic activity that targets Th2 cell-induced responses. 

PMID- 27121926
TI  - Sessile multidroplets and salt droplets under high tangential electric fields.
AB  - Understanding the interaction behaviors between sessile droplets under imposed
      high voltages is very important in many practical situations, e.g., microfluidic
      devices and the degradation/aging problems of outdoor high-power applications. In
      the present work, the droplet coalescence, the discharge activity and the surface
      thermal distribution response between sessile multidroplets and chloride salt
      droplets under high tangential electric fields have been investigated with
      infrared thermography, high-speed photography and pulse current measurement.
      Obvious polarity effects on the discharge path direction and the temperature
      change in the droplets in the initial stage after discharge initiation were
      observed due to the anodic dissolution of metal ions from the electrode. In the
      case of sessile aligned multidroplets, the discharge path direction could affect
      the location of initial droplet coalescence. The smaller unmerged droplet would
      be drained into the merged large droplet as a result from the pressure difference
      inside the droplets rather than the asymmetric temperature change due to
      discharge. The discharge inception voltages and the temperature variations for
      two salt droplets closely correlated with the ionization degree of the salt, as
      well as the interfacial electrochemical reactions near the electrodes. Mechanisms
      of these observed phenomena were discussed.

PMID- 27121927
TI  - Twin-Arginine Protein Translocation.
AB  - Twin-arginine protein translocation systems (Tat) translocate fully folded and co
      factor-containing proteins across biological membranes. In this review, we focus
      on the Tat pathway of Gram-positive bacteria. The minimal Tat pathway is composed
      of two components, namely a TatA and TatC pair, which are often complemented with
      additional TatA-like proteins. We provide overviews of our current understanding
      of Tat pathway composition and mechanistic aspects related to Tat-dependent cargo
      protein translocation. This includes Tat pathway flexibility, requirements for
      the correct folding and incorporation of co-factors in cargo proteins and the
      functions of known cargo proteins. Tat pathways of several Gram-positive bacteria
      are discussed in detail, with emphasis on the Tat pathway of Bacillus subtilis.
      We discuss both shared and unique features of the different Gram-positive
      bacterial Tat pathways. Lastly, we highlight topics for future research on Tat,
      including the development of this protein transport pathway for the
      biotechnological secretion of high-value proteins and its potential applicability
      as an antimicrobial drug target in pathogens.

PMID- 27121928
TI  - Primary lateral sclerosis and hereditary spastic paraplegia in sporadic patients.
      An important distinction in descriptive studies.

PMID- 27121929
TI  - Native myocardial T1 mapping in pulmonary hypertension: correlations with cardiac
      function and hemodynamics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyze alterations in left ventricular (LV) myocardial T1 times
      in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and to investigate their
      associations with ventricular function, mass, geometry and hemodynamics. METHODS:
      Fifty-eight patients with suspected PH underwent right heart catheterization
      (RHC) and 3T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Ventricular function, geometry
      and mass were derived from cine real-time short-axis images. Myocardial T1 maps
      were acquired by a prototype modified Look-Locker inversion-recovery sequence in
      short-axis orientations. LV global, segmental and ventricular insertion point
      (VIP) T1 times were evaluated manually and corrected for blood T1. RESULTS:
      Septal, lateral, global and VIP T1 times were significantly higher in PH than in
      non-PH subjects (septal, 1249 +/- 58 ms vs. 1186 +/- 33 ms, p < 0.0001; lateral,
      1190 +/- 45 ms vs. 1150 +/- 33 ms, p = 0.0003; global, 1220 +/- 52 ms vs. 1171 +/
      29 ms, p < 0.0001; VIP, 1298 +/- 78 ms vs. 1193 +/- 31 ms, p < 0.0001). In PH,
      LV eccentricity index was the strongest linear predictor of VIP T1 (r = 0.72).
      Septal, lateral and global T1 showed strong correlations with VIP T1 (r = 0.81, r
      = 0.59 and r = 0.75, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PH, T1 times in
      VIPs and in the entire LV myocardium are elevated. LV eccentricity strongly
      correlates with VIP T1 time, which in turn is strongly associated with T1 time
      changes in the entire LV myocardium. KEY POINTS: * Native T1 mapping detects left
      ventricular myocardial alterations in pulmonary hypertension * In pulmonary
      hypertension, native T1 times at ventricular insertion points are increased *
      These T1 times correlate strongly with left ventricular eccentricity * In
      pulmonary hypertension, global and segmental myocardial T1 times are increased *
      Global, segmental and ventricular insertion point T1 times are strongly
      correlated.

PMID- 27121930
TI  - Assessment and treatment planning of lateral intracranial dural arteriovenous
      fistulas in 3 T MRI and DSA: A detailed analysis under consideration of time
      resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (TRICKS) and ce-MRA sequences.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The current gold standard in the assessment of lateral intracranial
      dural arteriovenous fistulas (LDAVF) is digital subtraction angiography (DSA).
      However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive emerging tool for the
      evaluation of such lesions. The aim of our study was to compare the DSA to our 3
      T MR-imaging protocol including a highly spatial resolved (ce-MRA) and a temporal
      resolved ("time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics", TRICKS) contrast-enhanced
      MR angiography to evaluate if solely DSA can remain the gold-standard imaging
      modality for the treatment planning of LDAVF. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed matched pairs of DSA and 3 T MRI examinations of 24 patients with LDAVF
      (03/2008-04/2014) by the same list of relevant criteria for an endovascular LDAVF
      treatment planning. In particular, we determined intermodality agreement for the
      Cognard classification, the identifeication of arterial feeders, and the detailed
      assessment of each venous drainage pattern. RESULTS: Intermodality agreement for
      the Cognard classification was excellent (K = 1.0). Whereas MRI failed in
      identifying small arterial feeders, it was superior to the DSA in the assessment
      of the sinus and the venous drainage pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of MRI
      and DSA is the new gold standard in LDAVF treatment planning. KEY POINTS: * DSA
      is superior to the MRI in detecting LDAVF arterial feeders. * MRI excellently
      evaluates the venous side of an LDAVF. * MRI can replace DSA in initial diagnosis
      and monitoring of LDAVF. * MRI and DSA combined are the new gold standard in
      LDAVF treatment planning.

PMID- 27121933
TI  - Hepatic Clearance of Drugs in Patients With Renal Insufficiency.

PMID- 27121931
TI  - Partial meniscectomy is associated with increased risk of incident radiographic
      osteoarthritis and worsening cartilage damage in the following year.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess whether partial meniscectomy is associated with increased
      risk of radiographic osteoarthritis (ROA) and worsening cartilage damage in the
      following year. METHODS: We studied 355 knees from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
      that developed ROA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade >= 2), which were matched with
      control knees. The MR images were assessed using the semi-quantitative MOAKS
      system. Conditional logistic regression was applied to estimate risk of incident
      ROA. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk of worsening cartilage
      damage in knees with partial meniscectomy that developed ROA. RESULTS: In the
      group with incident ROA, 4.4 % underwent partial meniscectomy during the year
      prior to the case-defining visit, compared with none of the knees that did not
      develop ROA. All (n = 31) knees that had partial meniscectomy and 58.9 % (n =
      165) of the knees with prevalent meniscal damage developed ROA (OR = 2.51, 95 %
      CI [1.73, 3.64]). In knees that developed ROA, partial meniscectomy was
      associated with an increased risk of worsening cartilage damage (OR = 4.51, 95 %
      CI [1.53, 13.33]). CONCLUSIONS: The probability of having had partial
      meniscectomy was higher in knees that developed ROA. When looking only at knees
      that developed ROA, partial meniscectomy was associated with greater risk of
      worsening cartilage damage. KEY POINTS: * Partial meniscectomy is a controversial
      treatment option for degenerative meniscal tears. * Partial meniscectomy is
      strongly associated with incident osteoarthritis within 1 year. * Partial
      meniscectomy is associated with increased risk of worsening cartilage damage.

PMID- 27121932
TI  - Prognostic value of preoperative intratumoral FDG uptake heterogeneity in
      patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prognostic value of intratumoral FDG uptake
      heterogeneity (IFH) derived from PET/CT in patients with epithelial ovarian
      cancer (EOC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with pathologically
      proven epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT scans.
      PET/CT parameters such as maximum and average standardized uptake values (SUVmax
      and SUVavg), sum of all metabolic tumour volume (MTV), cumulative total lesion
      glycolysis (TLG) and IFH were assessed. Regression analyses were used to identify
      clinicopathological and imaging variables associated with disease-free survival
      (DFS). RESULTS: Clinicopathological data were reviewed for 61 eligible patients.
      The median duration of DFS was 13 months (range, 6-26 months), and 18 (29.5 %)
      patients experienced recurrence. High IFH values were associated with tumour
      recurrence (P = 0.005, hazard ratio 4.504, 95 % CI 1.572-12.902). The Kaplan
      Meier survival graphs showed that DFS significantly differed in groups
      categorized based on IFH (P = 0.002, log-rank test). Moreover, there were
      significant differences in DFS (P = 0.009) and IFH (P = 0.040) between patients
      with and without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative IFH measured by 18F-FDG
      PET/CT was significantly associated with EOC recurrence. FDG-based heterogeneity
      could be a useful and potential predicator of EOC recurrence before treatment.
      KEY POINTS: * Preoperative IFH was significantly associated with recurrence of
      EOC * Disease-free survival significantly differed in groups categorized by IFH *
      FDG-based heterogeneity could be a potential predicator of EOC recurrence before
      treatment.

PMID- 27121934
TI  - Effect of Vortioxetine on Cardiac Repolarization in Healthy Adult Male Subjects:
      Results of a Thorough QT/QTc Study.
AB  - This double-blind, randomized, placebo- and positive-controlled, parallel-group
      study evaluated the effect of vortioxetine (Lu AA21004), an investigational
      multimodal antidepressant, on QT interval in accordance with current guidelines
      of the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH-E14). A total of 340
      healthy men were randomized to receive 1 of 4 treatments for 14 days: (1)
      vortioxetine 10 mg once daily (QD), (2) vortioxetine 40 mg QD, (3) placebo QD, or
      (4) placebo QD on Days 1 through 13 followed by a single dose of moxifloxacin 400
      mg (positive control). The primary endpoint was the largest time-matched,
      baseline-adjusted least-squares (LS) mean difference for the individual-corrected
      QT interval (QTcNi [linear]) between vortioxetine and placebo. Alternative QT
      correction formulas (i.e., Fredericia [QTcF], Bazett [QTcB], Framingham [QTcFm],
      and QTcNi [nonlinear]) were used as secondary endpoints. The upper bound of the 2
      sided 90% confidence interval around the LS mean difference from placebo for
      baseline-adjusted QTcNi (linear), QTcF, QTcB, QTcFm, and QTcNi (nonlinear) did
      not exceed 10 ms at any time point after multiple doses of vortioxetine 10 mg
      (therapeutic) or 40 mg (supratherapeutic). Overall, the study results indicate
      that vortioxetine is unlikely to affect cardiac repolarization in healthy
      subjects. 

PMID- 27121935
TI  - The Absence of a Clinically Significant Effect of Food on the Single Dose
      Pharmacokinetics of Vorapaxar, a PAR-1 Antagonist, in Healthy Adult Subjects.
AB  - In this open-label, randomized, 2-period crossover study, 16 healthy subjects
      received a single oral 2.5-mg dose of vorapaxar in the fed (i.e., standardized
      high-fat breakfast) and fasted (i.e., an overnight fast) state with a 6-week
      washout. Plasma samples for vorapaxar assay were obtained pre-dose and up to 72
      hours post-dose. Least squares (LS) geometric mean AUC0-72 hr and Cmax were
      analyzed by ANOVA. If 90% confidence intervals (CI) for the geometric mean ratios
      (GMRs; fed/fasted) of AUC0-72 hr and Cmax were within the 50-200% range, then
      food was deemed not to have a clinically important effect. The LS geometric mean
      (90% CI) AUC0-72 hr and Cmax of vorapaxar in the fasted state were 314 (284-348)
      ng hr/mL and 23.4 (20.7-26.4) ng/mL, respectively. The GMRs (fed/fasted) and 90%
      CIs for AUC0-72 hr and Cmax were 96.9 (92.2-102) and 79.1 (67.6-92.5),
      respectively. Vorapaxar was generally safe and well tolerated in the presence and
      absence of food. Concomitant food decreased the rate (i.e., 21% reduction in Cmax
      and 45-min delay in Tmax ) with no effect on the extent of vorapaxar absorption
      when administered as a single 2.5-mg dose. Thus, vorapaxar can be administered
      without regard to food. 

PMID- 27121936
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of the NS3 Protease Inhibitor, Asunaprevir (ASV, BMS-650032), in
      Phase I Studies in Subjects With or Without Chronic Hepatitis C.
AB  - Asunaprevir (BMS-650032, ASV) is a potent, selective hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3
      protease inhibitor in clinical evaluation for chronic hepatitis C treatment. ASV
      pharmacokinetics were evaluated in four single- and multiple-ascending-dose
      studies in healthy subjects or subjects with HCV genotype 1 infection and in
      human mass balance and food-effect studies. Median Tmax was 2-4 hours. Although
      T1/2 was 14-23 hours, oral clearance was high (302-668 L/h at doses >=100 mg).
      Steady state was achieved by Day 7. The ASV dose-exposure relationship was
      disproportionate at doses <200 mg but largely proportional for Cmax and AUC at
      clinically relevant doses of 200-600 mg (capsule). Following multiple doses, the
      accumulation index for AUC[TAU] and Cmin was lower at doses >=200 mg, suggestive
      of possible auto-induction. ASV exposure increased when administered as a
      solution (vs. suspension) or with a high-fat meal; the effect was greater for
      Cmax than AUC, suggesting a saturable first-pass process, the mechanism of which
      remains to be defined. The apparent complexities of ASV pharmacokinetics will be
      further explored; nevertheless, data from these studies and antiviral activity in
      phase 2a/2b studies support further development. Clinical studies are ongoing
      with ASV in combination with other antivirals. 

PMID- 27121937
TI  - Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Safety and Tolerability of
      Darexaban, an Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibitor, in Healthy Elderly Japanese
      Subjects.
AB  - The clinical pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of
      darexaban after single and multiple once-daily doses of 60, 120, and 240 mg in
      healthy elderly Japanese subjects were assessed. Following oral administration,
      darexaban was rapidly and extensively metabolized to darexaban glucuronide, which
      is an active glucuronide metabolite. Plasma concentrations of darexaban
      glucuronide increased with dose, and Cmax and AUC increased dose-dependently
      after both single and repeated doses. Cumulative urinary excretion of darexaban
      glucuronide up to 24 hours after repeated doses ranged from 28.59% to 36.50%. PT
      INR, aPTT, and FXa activity were prolonged or decreased dose-dependently after
      both single and repeated doses of darexaban. The time-profile of pharamcodynamic
      parameters closely followed the time-concentration profile of darexaban
      glucuronide. Five adverse events occurred in the present study (4: darexaban
      [16.7%]; 1: placebo [8.3%]), all of which were mild in severity and required no
      treatment. 

PMID- 27121938
TI  - Effects of Esomeprazole on the Pharmacokinetics of Lapatinib in Breast Cancer
      Patients.
AB  - The aqueous solubility of lapatinib declines significantly at pH >4, suggesting
      that its bioavailability might be lowered by acid-reducing drugs. A study was
      therefore conducted to assess the effects of esomeprazole on lapatinib
      pharmacokinetics (PK). Women with metastatic human epidermal growth factor
      receptor 2 positive (HER2(+) ) breast cancer were enrolled. Patients received
      1,250 mg lapatinib once daily (QD) in the morning on Days 1-7 (Period 1) and Days
      8-14 (Period 2) with 40 mg esomeprazole QD at bedtime 3 hours after dinner on
      Days 8-14. Lapatinib PK sampling occurred during the 24-hour steady-state dosing
      intervals on Day 7 (lapatinib alone) and Day 14 (lapatinib with esomeprazole).
      Esomeprazole treatment resulted in decreased lapatinib bioavailability (mean 26%,
      range 6-49%) that was inversely associated with patient age as a significant
      covariate. 

PMID- 27121940
TI  - Bioavailability and Safety of the Factor Xa Inhibitor Edoxaban and the Effects of
      Quinidine in Healthy Subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Edoxaban is an oral, once-daily, direct factor Xa inhibitor under
      investigation for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and for
      treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism. This study
      evaluated edoxaban absolute bioavailability and effects of the P-glycoprotein
      inhibitor quinidine on edoxaban pharmacokinetics after intravenous edoxaban
      administration. METHODS: Healthy volunteers received three treatments in a
      randomized sequence: single oral 60-mg edoxaban dose, single intravenous 30-mg
      edoxaban dose, and concomitant single intravenous 30-mg edoxaban dose with
      quinidine 300 mg every 8 hours for 4 days. The primary objective was to determine
      absolute bioavailability of edoxaban. Secondary objectives included
      pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of edoxaban after oral or intravenous
      administration, quinidine effect on intravenous edoxaban pharmacokinetics, and
      safety. RESULTS: Thirty-six subjects were randomized; five discontinued (three
      for adverse events [AEs]). Edoxaban oral absolute bioavailability was 61.8%. With
      concomitant quinidine, total edoxaban exposure increased ~35% and total clearance
      decreased ~25%. Coagulation parameters increased after edoxaban administration in
      most subjects, but returned to baseline within 24 hours postdose. No deaths,
      serious AEs, or bleeding-related AEs occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Absolute
      bioavailability of edoxaban in healthy volunteers was established (61.8%).
      Edoxaban, administered orally or intravenously, appeared to be safe and well
      tolerated.

PMID- 27121939
TI  - Bioavailability, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety of Belimumab Administered
      Subcutaneously in Healthy Subjects.
AB  - This Phase 1 study evaluated the absolute bioavailability, pharmacokinetics (PK),
      tolerability, and safety of belimumab 200 mg/mL administered subcutaneously (SC)
      to healthy subjects as a single dose and as multiple doses up to 240 mg. In all,
      118 subjects (age range 18-55 years; body weight 51-115 kg) were enrolled.
      Seventy-eight subjects received a single dose of belimumab 240 mg intravenously,
      or 2 * 120, 1 * 240, or 1 * 200 mg SC. Forty subjects received 4 weekly
      injections of belimumab 2 * 120 or 1 * 200 mg SC. Randomization was stratified by
      weight (<75 kg vs. >=75 kg) and injection site (abdomen vs. thigh). Following
      single belimumab SC doses, bioavailability was 74-82%, indicating that belimumab
      SC was well absorbed, and bioavailability was similar among the three SC groups.
      Following 4 weekly belimumab SC doses, bioavailability was similar to that
      following single SC administration. Four subjects had persistent positive immune
      responses; neutralizing antibodies in these subjects were not detected and there
      was no apparent impact on PK. Belimumab was generally well tolerated after single
      and multiple SC dosing, and 200 mg SC weekly dosing is expected to provide an
      exposure similar to 10 mg/kg intravenously every 28 days. 

PMID- 27121941
TI  - Differential Pharmacokinetics of Ganitumab in Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic
      Cancer Versus Other Advanced Solid Cancers.
AB  - Ganitumab is an investigational, fully human monoclonal antibody antagonist of
      the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) that has shown trends towards
      improved progression-free survival and overall survival in a phase 2 pancreatic
      cancer clinical trial. To characterize ganitumab pharmacokinetics (PK) and
      identify factors affecting PK, ganitumab serum concentration data from three
      clinical trials were analyzed. The PK of ganitumab as monotherapy and in
      combination with gemcitabine in patients with pancreatic or non-pancreatic cancer
      were assessed with a non-linear mixed-effect model. We found that ganitumab
      exhibited linear and time-invariant kinetics. A two-compartment model adequately
      described data over a dose range of 1-20 mg/kg with good predictive capability.
      Typical clearance and central volume of distribution values were 1.7- and 1.3
      fold higher, respectively, in patients with pancreatic cancer than in patients
      with other advanced solid cancers, resulting in lower ganitumab exposure.
      Covariate analysis was used to evaluate effects of cancer type, gemcitabine
      coadministration, clinical study, demographics, and laboratory values on
      ganitumab PK. Pancreatic cancer type was the most significant covariate on
      clearance along with weight, albumin, and serum creatinine. Gemcitabine
      coadministration did not affect ganitumab clearance. Thus, disease state can
      significantly affect PK and should be considered when selecting the clinically
      effective dose. 

PMID- 27121942
TI  - GCG100649, A Novel Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor, Exhibits a Drug Disposition
      Profile in Healthy Volunteers Compatible With High Affinity to Carbonic Anhydrase
      I/II: Preliminary Dose-Exposure Relationships to Define Clinical Development
      Strategies.
AB  - CG100649, proposed as a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and carbonic
      anhydrase (CA)-I/-II, is long-lived in plasma and whole blood. The mean +/- SD
      half-lives were 131 +/- 19 and 127 +/- 33 hours, respectively, after
      administration of oral single doses of 2 or 8 mg CG100649 to healthy volunteers.
      The whole blood to plasma concentration ratio (78 +/- 23) for CG100649 is linear
      over the dosing interval reflecting a biodistribution pattern consistent with
      other strong CA-inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide, methazolamide). A one
      compartment model with first order absorption and elimination described CG100649
      concentration-time profiles well. Estimates (%relative SD) between plasma and
      whole blood were in agreement for the absorption rate constant, 1.54 (58.6) and
      1.43 (28.0) hour(-1) , respectively, but considerably different for clearance,
      3.29 (10.4) and 0.04 (7.7) L/h/70 kg, and for volume of distribution, 559 (6.7)
      and 7.6 (2.4) L/70 kg, respectively. The extent to which these unique PK
      characteristics of CG100649 discriminate it from other COX-2 inhibitors will be
      the subject of future investigation. 

PMID- 27121943
TI  - Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics of the CCR9 Receptor Antagonist Vercirnon in Healthy
      US and Japanese Subjects.
AB  - Two randomized, single-dose, crossover studies were carried out to assess
      different formulations and doses of the CCR9 receptor antagonist vercirnon in
      healthy subjects. US study (n = 24): a five-period crossover study in healthy US
      subjects to assess the bioavailability of four new GlaxoSmithKline formulations
      compared with a "reference" formulation. Each subject received a single 500 mg
      dose of each of the five vercirnon formulations in a fed state. Primary
      pharmacokinetic (PK) endpoints were maximum plasma concentration, (Cmax ), and
      exposure as assessed by area under the curve (AUC). There was no significant
      difference in PK parameters and bioavailability between the formulations tested.
      Japanese study (n = 30): a four-period crossover study in healthy Japanese male
      subjects to assess PK and dose proportionality following single, ascending, oral
      doses of 250, 500, and 1,000 mg vercirnon under fasted and fed conditions.
      Vercirnon Cmax and AUC parameters in the fasted state increased in a less than
      dose proportional manner and were on average 20% higher in fed subjects compared
      with fasted subjects. Overall, these results support the premise that vercirnon
      has similar PK/safety profiles within US and Japanese populations. There was no
      evidence to preclude the use of the new vercirnon formulation in future studies. 

PMID- 27121944
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of a Single 150-mg Intravenous Infusion of Fosaprepitant:
      Effects of Concentration and Infusion Time in Healthy Japanese Men.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fosaprepitant dimeglumine (Proemend(r) for Injection; formerly ONO-7847)
      is a phosphorylated prodrug that is rapidly converted to aprepitant, an oral
      selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist approved for the prevention of
      chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. This Phase 1 study evaluated the
      pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of fosaprepitant after a single
      intravenous dose in healthy Japanese men. METHODS: All fosaprepitant- or placebo
      treated subjects were assessed for the occurrence of adverse events. RESULTS:
      Ninety subjects were randomized into treatment and placebo groups. The plasma
      fosaprepitant concentrations generally reached steady state by 15 minutes after
      the start of infusion. Although the maximum concentration was proportional to the
      infusion time, no clinically important pharmacokinetic differences were noted in
      the cohorts examined. Most adverse events observed in this study were associated
      with infusion site reactions, which tended toward a higher incidence with shorter
      infusion times. These events were mild in severity. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      demonstrate that fosaprepitant at different concentrations and over different
      infusion times has a pharmacokinetic and safety profile that is comparable to the
      intravenous dose previously established as efficacious and well tolerated. The
      dosing flexibility afforded by the single-dose fosaprepitant formulation should
      lead to greater convenience for patients and health care providers.

PMID- 27121945
TI  - Structural modeling of the phycobilisome core and its association with the
      photosystems.
AB  - The phycobilisome (PBS) is a major light-harvesting complex in cyanobacteria and
      red algae. To obtain the detailed structure of the hemidiscoidal PBS core
      composed of allophycocyanin (APC) and minor polypeptide components, we analyzed
      all nine available 3D structures of APCs from different photosynthetic species
      and found several variants of crystal packing that potentially correspond to PBS
      core organization. Combination of face-to-face APC trimer crystal packing with
      back-to-back APC hexamer packing suggests two variants of the tricylindrical PBS
      core. To choose one of these structures, a computational model of the PBS core
      complex and photosystem II (PSII) dimer with minimized distance between the
      terminal PBS emitters and neighboring antenna chlorophylls was built. In the
      selected model, the distance between two types of pigments does not exceed 37 A
      corresponding to the Forster mechanism of energy transfer. We also propose a
      model of PBS and photosystem I (PSI) monomer interaction showing a possibility of
      supercomplex formation and direct energy transfer from the PBS to PSI.

PMID- 27121946
TI  - Tetrandrine suppresses beta-glucan-induced macrophage activation via inhibiting
      NF-kappaB, ERK and STAT3 signaling pathways.
AB  - Macrophages are important in inflammation through the production of various
      proinflammatory mediators. beta-glucan is a polymer of glucose, which is produced
      by numerous different organisms, including fungi, and acts as a trigger for the
      induction of inflammatory responses. Tetrandrine (TET), a bis-benzylisoquinoline
      alkaloid isolated from the Chinese herb Radix Stephania tetrandra, has been
      demonstrated to modulate inflammatory responses. In the present study, it was
      investigated whether TET affects the inflammatory reaction induced by beta-glucan
      in murine and human macrophages. It was demonstrated that beta-glucan induced the
      activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and markedly increased the levels of
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) in
      macrophages. Treatment with TET resulted in downregulation of phosphorylated NF
      kappaB p65 and reduction of the production of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. In
      addition, the phosphorylation of ERK and STAT3 was decreased by TET in activated
      macrophages. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of TET
      on beta-glucan-induced macrophage activation was not due to its cytotoxic action.
      Conclusively, these results indicate that TET can decrease the inflammatory
      responses mediated by beta-glucan in macrophages. Thus, TET may serve as an
      effective tool for the treatment of beta-glucan-associated inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27121949
TI  - Bitter dispute leads junior doctors to take unprecedented action.

PMID- 27121947
TI  - Structural basis of oncogenic histone H3K27M inhibition of human polycomb
      repressive complex 2.
AB  - Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) silences gene expression through
      trimethylation of K27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) via its catalytic SET domain. A
      missense mutation in the substrate of PRC2, histone H3K27M, is associated with
      certain pediatric brain cancers and is linked to a global decrease of H3K27me3 in
      the affected cells thought to be mediated by inhibition of PRC2 activity. We
      present here the crystal structure of human PRC2 in complex with the inhibitory
      H3K27M peptide bound to the active site of the SET domain, with the methionine
      residue located in the pocket that normally accommodates the target lysine
      residue. The structure and binding studies suggest a mechanism for the oncogenic
      inhibition of H3K27M. The structure also reveals how binding of repressive marks,
      like H3K27me3, to the EED subunit of the complex leads to enhancement of the
      catalytic efficiency of the SET domain and thus the propagation of this
      repressive histone modification.

PMID- 27121948
TI  - Elevations in serum anti-flagellin and anti-LPS Igs are related to growth
      faltering in young Tanzanian children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibodies to LPS and flagellin have been described as indirect
      measures of increased gastrointestinal permeability and may be markers of
      environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), which is a condition associated with
      poor child growth. OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether LPS- and flagellin-specific
      immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations were associated with poor growth in young
      Tanzanian children at risk of EED. DESIGN: Blood samples were obtained from 590
      children at 6 wk, 6 mo, and 12 mo of age. Serum LPS- and flagellin-specific Ig
      concentrations (IgA and IgG) were measured with the use of an ELISA. Growth was
      measured on a monthly basis for 18 mo. RESULTS: Anti-LPS and anti-flagellin IgA
      and IgG concentrations increased over the first year of life and were higher than
      concentrations (measured at 9 mo of age) in healthy controls. Children with anti
      flagellin IgA, anti-LPS IgA, anti-flagellin IgG, and anti-LPS IgG concentrations
      in the highest quartile at 6 wk of age were 2.02 (95% CI: 1.11, 3.67), 1.84 (95%
      CI: 1.03, 3.27), 1.94 (95% CI: 1.04, 3.62), and 2.31 (95% CI: 1.25, 4.27) times,
      respectively, more likely to become underweight (weight-for-age z score <-2)
      after adjustment for covariates (P-trend < 0.05) than were children with Ig
      concentrations in the lowest quartile. Children with increased concentrations of
      anti-flagellin IgA were also more likely to become wasted; however, there was no
      association between any of the markers and subsequent stunting. CONCLUSION:
      Serologic measures of increased intestinal permeability to bacterial components
      are associated with subsequent poor growth and could help identify children who
      may benefit most from preventive interventions. This trial was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00421668.

PMID- 27121950
TI  - CEL-Seq2: sensitive highly-multiplexed single-cell RNA-Seq.
AB  - Single-cell transcriptomics requires a method that is sensitive, accurate, and
      reproducible. Here, we present CEL-Seq2, a modified version of our CEL-Seq
      method, with threefold higher sensitivity, lower costs, and less hands-on time.
      We implemented CEL-Seq2 on Fluidigm's C1 system, providing its first single-cell,
      on-chip barcoding method, and we detected gene expression changes accompanying
      the progression through the cell cycle in mouse fibroblast cells. We also compare
      with Smart-Seq to demonstrate CEL-Seq2's increased sensitivity relative to other
      available methods. Collectively, the improvements make CEL-Seq2 uniquely suited
      to single-cell RNA-Seq analysis in terms of economics, resolution, and ease of
      use.

PMID- 27121951
TI  - Li-Assisted Low-Temperature Phase Transitions in Solution-Processed Indium Oxide
      Films for High-Performance Thin Film Transistor.
AB  - Lithium (Li)-assisted indium oxide (In2O3) thin films with ordered structures
      were prepared on solution-processed zirconium oxide (ZrO2) gate dielectrics by
      spin-casting and thermally annealing hydrated indium nitrate solutions with
      different Li nitrate loadings. It was found that the Li-assisted In precursor
      films on ZrO2 dielectrics could form crystalline structures even at processing
      temperatures (T) below 200  degrees C. Different In oxidation states were
      observed in the Li-doped films, and the development of such states was
      significantly affected by both temperature and the mol% of Li cations,
      [Li(+)]/([In(3+)] + [Li(+)]), in the precursor solutions. Upon annealing the Li
      assisted precursor films below 200  degrees C, metastable indium hydroxide and/or
      indium oxyhydroxide phases were formed. These phases were subsequently
      transformed into crystalline In2O3 nanostructures after thermal dehydration and
      oxidation. Finally, an In2O3 film doped with 13.5 mol% Li(+) and annealed at 250 
      degrees C for 1 h exhibited the highest electron mobility of 60 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1)
      and an on/off current ratio above 10(8) when utilized in a thin film transistor.

PMID- 27121954
TI  - Leg defect reconstruction with double hatchet flaps: report of eight cases.

PMID- 27121953
TI  - High prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV)- type 2 co-infection among HIV
      positive women in Ukraine, but no increased HIV mother-to-child transmission
      risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over 3500 HIV-positive women give birth annually in Ukraine, a
      setting with high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections. Herpes simplex
      virus Type 2 (HSV-2) co-infection may increase HIV mother-to-child transmission
      (MTCT) risk. We explored factors associated with HSV-2 seropositivity among HIV
      positive women in Ukraine, and its impact on HIV MTCT. METHODS: Data on 1513 HIV
      positive women enrolled in the Ukraine European Collaborative Study from 2007 to
      2012 were analysed. Poisson and logistic regression models respectively were fit
      to investigate factors associated with HSV-2 seropositivity and HIV MTCT.
      RESULTS: Median maternal age was 27 years (IQR 24-31), 53% (796/1513) had been
      diagnosed with HIV during their most recent pregnancy and 20% had a history of
      injecting drugs. Median antenatal CD4 count was 430 cells/mm(3) (IQR 290-580).
      Ninety-six percent had received antiretroviral therapy antenatally. HSV-2
      seroprevalence was 68% (1026/1513). In adjusted analyses, factors associated with
      HSV-2 antibodies were history of pregnancy termination (APR 1.30 (95% CI 1.18
      1.43) for >= 2 vs. 0), having an HIV-positive partner (APR 1.15 (95% CI 1.05
      1.26) vs partner's HIV status unknown) and HCV seropositivity (APR 1.23 (95 % CI
      1.13-1.35)). The overall HIV MTCT rate was 2.80% (95% CI 1.98-3.84); no increased
      HIV MTCT risk was detected among HSV-2 seropositive women after adjusting for
      known risk factors (AOR 1.43 (95% CI 0.54-3.77). CONCLUSION: No increased risk of
      HIV MTCT was detected among the 68% of HIV-positive women with antibodies to HSV
      2, in this population with an overall HIV MTCT rate of 2.8%. Markers of ongoing
      sexual risk among HIV-positive HSV-2 seronegative women indicate the importance
      of interventions to prevent primary HSV-2 infection during pregnancy in this high
      risk group.

PMID- 27121955
TI  - Risk factors and negative consequences of patient's delay for penile carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delayed first medical consultation (patient's delay) is quite common
      in cases of penile carcinoma (PC), but its reasons and impacts remain unclear. We
      conducted this study to ascertain risk factors resulting in delayed treatment
      seeking and evaluate its influence on prognosis. METHODS: From 2004 to 2010 at 4
      centers, 254 patients were enrolled into this study from 262 consecutive PC
      cases. Patients' sexual performance was investigated using the International
      Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 at the sixth-month end after treatment. Data
      for prognostic analyses was obtained via a 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: A
      multivariate model ascertained 4 risk factors (single, living in rural areas,
      heavy drinking alcohol, and aspecific initial symptoms) and 1 protective factor
      (history of condyloma) significantly associated with patient's delay. Delay >3
      months led to significant risks for adverse clinical characteristics, low penis
      sparing rate, and poor sexual function restoration. Although patient's delay was
      not found to impact on postoperative relapses and 5-year overall survival (OS),
      patients with delay >6 months had significantly inferior 2-year OS. CONCLUSIONS:
      Single, living in rural areas, heavy drinking alcohol, and aspecific initial
      symptoms are significant risk factors of PC associated with patient's delay.
      Delay >3 months will lead to significantly inferior clinical consequences.
      Minimizing patient's delay is the key to avoid amputation and retain superior
      sexual potency. Improving patient education on initial symptoms of PC is
      necessary in men of >40 years old.

PMID- 27121957
TI  - Separation and detection of amino acid metabolites of Escherichia coli in
      microbial fuel cell with CE.
AB  - In this work, CE-LIF was employed to investigate the amino acid metabolites
      produced by Escherichia coli (E. coli) in microbial fuel cell (MFC). Two
      peptides, l-carnosine and l-alanyl-glycine, together with six amino acids,
      cystine, alanine, lysine, methionine, tyrosine, arginine were separated and
      detected in advance by a CE-LIF system coupled with a homemade spontaneous
      injection device. The injection device was devised to alleviate the effect of
      electrical discrimination for analytes during sample injection. All analytes
      could be completely separated within 8 min with detection limits of 20-300
      nmol/L. Then this method was applied to analyze the substrate solution containing
      amino acid metabolites produced by E. coli. l-carnosine, l-alanyl-glycine, and
      cystine were used as the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur source for the E. coli
      culture in the MFC to investigate the amino acid metabolites during metabolism.
      Two MFCs were used to compare the activity of metabolism of the bacteria. In the
      sample collected at the running time 200 h of MFC, the amino acid methionine was
      discovered as the metabolite with the concentrations 23.3 MUg/L.

PMID- 27121956
TI  - Efficacy of vancomycin-releasing biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide)
      antibiotics beads for treatment of experimental bone infection due to
      Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical experience and animal studies have suggested that positron
      emission tomography (PET) using fluorine-18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F
      FDG) may be promising for imaging of bone infections. In this study, we aimed to
      establish the accuracy of (18)F-FDG PET scanning for monitoring the response to
      poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) vancomycin beads for treatment of bone
      infection. METHODS: PLGA was mixed with vancomycin and hot-compress molded to
      form antibiotic beads. In vitro, elution assays and bacterial inhibition tests
      were employed to characterize the released antibiotics. In vivo, cylindrical
      cavities were made in six adult male New Zealand white rabbits, and
      Staphylococcus aureus or saline was injected into the cavity to create a bone
      infection. After 2 weeks, the infection was confirmed by bacterial cultures, and
      the defect was filled with PLGA vancomycin beads. The treatment response was
      monitored by (18)F-FDG PET. RESULTS: The biodegradable beads released high
      concentrations of vancomycin (well above the breakpoint sensitivity
      concentration) for treatment of bone infection. In bacterial inhibition tests,
      the diameter of the sample inhibition zone ranged from 6.5 to 10 mm, which was
      equivalent to 12.5-100 % relative activity. (18)F-FDG PET results showed that
      uncomplicated bone healing was associated with a temporary increase in (18)F-FDG
      uptake at 2 weeks, with return to near baseline at 6 weeks. In the infected
      animals, localized infection resulted in intense continuous uptake of (18)F-FDG,
      which was higher than that in uncomplicated healing bones. Bone infection was
      confirmed with positive bacterial cultures. In vancomycin-treated animals, data
      showed rapidly decreasing amounts of (18)F-FDG uptake after treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: In vitro and in vivo analyses showed that the use of biodegradable
      PLGA vancomycin beads successfully eradicated S. aureus infection in damaged
      bone.

PMID- 27121958
TI  - Gestational Diabetes Mellitus:current knowledge and unmet needs.
AB  - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a global health concern, not only because
      its prevalence is high and on the increase, but also because of the potential
      implications for the health of mothers and their offspring. Unfortunately, there
      is considerable controversy in the literature surrounding the diagnosis and
      treatment of GDM, as well as the possible long-term consequences for the
      offspring. As a result, worldwide there is a lack of uniformly accepted
      diagnostic criteria and the advice regarding the treatment of GDM, including
      diet, insulin therapy, and the use of oral blood glucose-lowering agents, is
      highly variable. In this review we provide an overview of the important issues in
      the field of GDM, including diagnostic criteria, different treatment regimens
      available, and the long-term consequences of GDM in the offspring.

PMID- 27121959
TI  - Polymorphisms in STAT4 are not associated with treatment response and spontaneous
      clearance of hepatitis C virus in europeans.

PMID- 27121961
TI  - Anticonvulsant Activity of Enantiomeric N-trans-Cinnamoyl Derivatives of 2
      Aminopropan-1-ols and 2-Aminobutan-1-ols.
AB  - Epilepsy, one of the most frequent neurological disorders, is still
      insufficiently treated in about 30% of patients. As a consequence, identification
      of novel anticonvulsant agents is an important issue in medicinal chemistry. In
      the present article we report synthesis, physicochemical, and pharmacological
      evaluation of N-trans-cinnamoyl derivatives of R and S-2-aminopropan-1-ol, as
      well as R and S-2-aminobutan-1-ol. The structures were confirmed by spectroscopy
      and for derivatives of 2-aminopropan-1-ols the configuration was evaluated by
      means of crystallography. The investigated compounds were tested in rodent models
      of seizures: maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentetrazol test
      (scPTZ), and also in a rodent model of epileptogenesis: pilocarpine-induced
      status prevention. Additionally, derivatives of 2-aminopropan-1-ols were tested
      in benzodiazepine-resistant electrographic status epilepticus rat model as well
      as in vitro for inhibition of isoenzymes of cytochrome P450. All of the tested
      compounds showed promising anticonvulsant activity in MES. For R(-)-(2E)-N-(1
      hydroxypropan-2-yl)-3-phenylprop-2-enamide pharmacological parameters were found
      as follows: ED50  = 76.7 (68.2-81.3) mg/kg (MES, mice i.p., time = 0.5 h), ED50 
      = 127.2 (102.1-157.9) mg/kg (scPTZ, mice i.p., time = 0.25 h), TD50  = 208.3
      (151.4-230.6) mg/kg (rotarod, mice i.p., time = 0.25 h). Evaluation in
      pilocarpine status prevention proved that all of the reported compounds reduced
      spontaneous seizure activity and act as antiepileptogenic agents. Both
      enantiomers of 2-aminopropan-1-ols did not influence cytochrome P450 isoenzymes
      activity in vitro and are likely not to interact with CYP substrates in vivo.
      Chirality 28:482-488, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27121960
TI  - Serotonin in the solitary tract nucleus shortens the laryngeal chemoreflex in
      anaesthetized neonatal rats.
AB  - What is the central question of this study? Failure to terminate apnoea and
      arouse is likely to contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Serotonin
      is deficient in the brainstems of babies who died of SIDS. Therefore, we tested
      the hypothesis that serotonin in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) would
      shorten reflex apnoea. What is the main finding and its importance? Serotonin
      microinjected into the NTS shortened the apnoea and respiratory inhibition
      associated with the laryngeal chemoreflex. Moreover, this effect was achieved
      through a 5-HT3 receptor. This is a new insight that is likely to be relevant to
      the pathogenesis of SIDS. The laryngeal chemoreflex (LCR), an airway-protective
      reflex that causes apnoea and bradycardia, has long been suspected as an
      initiating event in the sudden infant death syndrome. Serotonin (5-HT) and 5-HT
      receptors may be deficient in the brainstems of babies who die of sudden infant
      death syndrome, and 5-HT seems to be important in terminating apnoeas directly or
      in causing arousals or as part of the process of autoresuscitation. We
      hypothesized that 5-HT in the brainstem would limit the duration of the LCR. We
      studied anaesthetized rat pups between 7 and 21 days of age and made
      microinjections into the cisterna magna or into the nucleus of the solitary tract
      (NTS). Focal, bilateral microinjections of 5-HT into the caudal NTS significantly
      shortened the LCR. The 5-HT1a receptor antagonist, WAY 100635, did not affect the
      LCR consistently, nor did a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, ketanserin, alter the
      duration of the LCR. The 5-HT3 specific agonist, 1-(3-chlorophenyl)-biguanide,
      microinjected bilaterally into the caudal NTS significantly shortened the LCR.
      Thus, endogenous 5-HT released within the NTS may curtail the respiratory
      depression that is part of the LCR, and serotonergic shortening of the LCR may be
      attributed to activation of 5-HT3 receptors within the NTS. 5-HT3 receptors are
      expressed presynaptically on C fibre afferents of the superior laryngeal nerve,
      and serotonergic shortening of the LCR may be mediated presynaptically by
      enhanced activation of inhibitory interneurons within the NTS.

PMID- 27121962
TI  - Associations Between Arthritis and Change in Physical Function in U.S. Retirees.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to determine among retirees: the
      associations of arthritis with limitations in physical functions, and whether
      these associations changed differently with age for those with arthritis versus
      without arthritis. METHODS: We identified retirees from the Health and Retirement
      Study, a nationally representative longitudinal panel study of U.S. adults >=51
      years old. We calculated incidence density ratios (IDRs) using Poisson regression
      modeling with generalized estimating equations to estimate the associations
      between arthritis and limitations in four physical function measures (large
      muscle tasks, mobility, activities of daily living, and instrumental activities
      of daily living) adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status,
      education, total household income, depression, obesity, smoking, chronic
      conditions, physical activity, and cohort status. We examined interaction effects
      between arthritis and age to determine if the rate of change in physical function
      differed by arthritis status across age. RESULTS: Over 8 years (2004-2012),
      significantly more retirees with arthritis had limitations with large muscle
      tasks (IDR 2.1: 95% confidence interval 1.6, 2.8), mobility (IDR 1.6: 1.2, 2.2),
      activities of daily living (IDR 2.2: 1.0, 4.7), and instrumental activities of
      daily living (IDR 3.7: 1.9, 7.4) than retirees without arthritis. Retirees with
      arthritis did not develop limitations in mobility, activities of daily living,
      and instrumental activities of daily living at a different rate as they aged
      compared to those without arthritis. CONCLUSIONS: Arthritis was associated with a
      greater prevalence of physical function limitations. Preventing limitations
      caused by arthritis is a key strategy to prevent disability in retirees.

PMID- 27121963
TI  - Construction and analysis of protein-protein interaction networks based on
      proteomics data of prostate cancer.
AB  - Currently, using human prostate cancer (PCa) tissue samples to conduct proteomics
      research has generated a large amount of data; however, only a very small amount
      has been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we manually carried out the
      mining of the full text of proteomics literature that involved comparisons
      between PCa and normal or benign tissue and identified 41 differentially
      expressed proteins verified or reported more than 2 times from different research
      studies. We regarded these proteins as seed proteins to construct a protein
      protein interaction (PPI) network. The extended network included one giant
      network, which consisted of 1,264 nodes connected via 1,744 edges, and 3 small
      separate components. The backbone network was then constructed, which was derived
      from key nodes and the subnetwork consisting of the shortest path between seed
      proteins. Topological analyses of these networks were conducted to identify
      proteins essential for the genesis of PCa. Solute carrier family 2 (facilitated
      glucose transporter), member 4 (SLC2A4) had the highest closeness centrality
      located in the center of each network, and the highest betweenness centrality and
      largest degree in the backbone network. Tubulin, beta 2C (TUBB2C) had the largest
      degree in the giant network and subnetwork. In addition, using module analysis of
      the whole PPI network, we obtained a densely connected region. Functional
      annotation indicated that the Ras protein signal transduction biological process,
      mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), neurotrophin and the gonadotropin
      releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling pathway may play an important role in the
      genesis and development of PCa. Further investigation of the SLC2A4, TUBB2C
      proteins, and these biological processes and pathways may therefore provide a
      potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of PCa. 

PMID- 27121964
TI  - Pretreatment gut microbiome predicts chemotherapy-related bloodstream infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacteremia, or bloodstream infection (BSI), is a leading cause of
      death among patients with certain types of cancer. A previous study reported that
      intestinal domination, defined as occupation of at least 30 % of the microbiota
      by a single bacterial taxon, is associated with BSI in patients undergoing allo
      HSCT. However, the impact of the intestinal microbiome before treatment
      initiation on the risk of subsequent BSI remains unclear. Our objective was to
      characterize the fecal microbiome collected before treatment to identify microbes
      that predict the risk of BSI. METHODS: We sampled 28 patients with non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)
      prior to administration of chemotherapy and characterized 16S ribosomal RNA genes
      using high-throughput DNA sequencing. We quantified bacterial taxa and used
      techniques from machine learning to identify microbial biomarkers that predicted
      subsequent BSI. RESULTS: We found that patients who developed subsequent BSI
      exhibited decreased overall diversity and decreased abundance of taxa including
      Barnesiellaceae, Coriobacteriaceae, Faecalibacterium, Christensenella,
      Dehalobacterium, Desulfovibrio, and Sutterella. Using machine-learning methods,
      we developed a BSI risk index capable of predicting BSI incidence with a
      sensitivity of 90 % at a specificity of 90 % based only on the pretreatment fecal
      microbiome. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the gut microbiota can
      identify high-risk patients before HSCT and that manipulation of the gut
      microbiota for prevention of BSI in high-risk patients may be a useful direction
      for future research. This approach may inspire the development of similar
      microbiome-based diagnostic and prognostic models in other diseases.

PMID- 27121965
TI  - ITD assembler: an algorithm for internal tandem duplication discovery from short
      read sequencing data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Detection of tandem duplication within coding exons, referred to as
      internal tandem duplication (ITD), remains challenging due to inefficiencies in
      alignment of ITD-containing reads to the reference genome. There is a critical
      need to develop efficient methods to recover these important mutational events.
      RESULTS: In this paper we introduce ITD Assembler, a novel approach that rapidly
      evaluates all unmapped and partially mapped reads from whole exome NGS data using
      a De Bruijn graphs approach to select reads that harbor cycles of appropriate
      length, followed by assembly using overlap-layout-consensus. We tested ITD
      Assembler on The Cancer Genome Atlas AML dataset as a truth set. ITD Assembler
      identified the highest percentage of reported FLT3-ITDs when compared to other
      ITD detection algorithms, and discovered additional ITDs in FLT3, KIT, CEBPA, WT1
      and other genes. Evidence of polymorphic ITDs in 54 genes were also found. Novel
      ITDs were validated by analyzing the corresponding RNA sequencing data.
      CONCLUSIONS: ITD Assembler is a very sensitive tool which can detect partial,
      large and complex tandem duplications. This study highlights the need to more
      effectively look for ITD's in other cancers and Mendelian diseases.

PMID- 27121966
TI  - Terrace Aware Data Structure for Phylogenomic Inference from Supermatrices.
AB  - In phylogenomics the analysis of concatenated gene alignments, the so-called
      supermatrix, is commonly accompanied by the assumption of partition models. Under
      such models each gene, or more generally partition, is allowed to evolve under
      its own evolutionary model. Although partition models provide a more
      comprehensive analysis of supermatrices, missing data may hamper the tree search
      algorithms due to the existence of phylogenetic (partial) terraces. Here, we
      introduce the phylogenetic terrace aware (PTA) data structure for the efficient
      analysis under partition models. In the presence of missing data PTA exploits
      (partial) terraces and induced partition trees to save computation time. We show
      that an implementation of PTA in IQ-TREE leads to a substantial speedup of up to
      4.5 and 8 times compared with the standard IQ-TREE and RAxML implementations,
      respectively. PTA is generally applicable to all types of partition models and
      common topological rearrangements thus can be employed by all phylogenomic
      inference software.

PMID- 27121967
TI  - Retraction Note: Observational study: daily treatment with a new compound
      "tradamixina" plus serenoa repens for two months improved the lower urinary tract
      symptoms.

PMID- 27121968
TI  - 18F-FDG-PET and CT fusion imaging in a differential diagnosis of residual
      intracardiac masses after removal of implantable cardioverter defibrillator due
      to endocarditis.

PMID- 27121969
TI  - Integrating care for frequent users of emergency departments: implementation
      evaluation of a brief multi-organizational intensive case management
      intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Addressing the needs of frequent users of emergency departments (EDs)
      is a health system priority in many jurisdictions. This study describes
      stakeholder perspectives on the implementation of a multi-organizational brief
      intervention designed to support integration and continuity of care for frequent
      ED users with mental health and addictions problems, focusing on perceived
      barriers and facilitators to early implementation in a large urban centre.
      METHODS: Coordinating Access to Care from Hospital Emergency Departments (CATCH
      ED) is a brief case management intervention bridging hospital, primary and
      community care for frequent ED users experiencing mental illness and addictions.
      To examine barriers and facilitators to early implementation of this multi
      organizational intervention, between July and October 2012, 47 stakeholders,
      including direct service providers, managers and administrators participated in
      32 semi-structured qualitative interviews and one focus group exploring their
      experience with the intervention and factors that helped or hindered successful
      early implementation. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
      RESULTS: Stakeholders valued the intervention and its potential to support
      continuity of care for this population. Service delivery system factors,
      including organizational capacity and a history of collaborative relationships
      across the healthcare continuum, and support system factors, such as training and
      supervision, emerged as key facilitators of program implementation. Operational
      challenges included early low program referral rates, management of a multi
      organizational initiative, variable adherence to the model among participating
      organizations, and scant access to specialty psychiatric resources. Factors
      contributing to these challenges included lack of dedicated staff in the ED and
      limited local system capacity to support this population, and insufficient
      training and technical assistance available to participating organizations.
      CONCLUSIONS: A multi-organizational brief intervention is an acceptable model to
      support integration of hospital, primary and community care for frequent ED
      users. The study highlights the importance of early implementation evaluation to
      identify potential solutions to implementation barriers that may be applicable to
      many jurisdictions.

PMID- 27121970
TI  - Developmental delay in a Streptomyces venezuelae glgE null mutant is associated
      with the accumulation of alpha-maltose 1-phosphate.
AB  - The GlgE pathway is thought to be responsible for the conversion of trehalose
      into a glycogen-like alpha-glucan polymer in bacteria. Trehalose is first
      converted to maltose, which is phosphorylated by maltose kinase Pep2 to give
      alpha-maltose 1-phosphate. This is the donor substrate of the maltosyl
      transferase GlgE that is known to extend alpha-1,4-linked maltooligosaccharides,
      which are thought to be branched with alpha-1,6 linkages. The genome of
      Streptomyces venezuelae contains all the genes coding for the GlgE pathway
      enzymes but none of those of related pathways, including glgC and glgA of the
      glycogen pathway. This provides an opportunity to study the GlgE pathway in
      isolation. The genes of the GlgE pathway were upregulated at the onset of
      sporulation, consistent with the known timing of alpha-glucan deposition. A
      constructed DeltaglgE null mutant strain was viable but showed a delayed
      developmental phenotype when grown on maltose, giving less cell mass and delayed
      sporulation. Pre-spore cells and spores of the mutant were frequently double the
      length of those of the wild-type, implying impaired cross-wall formation, and
      spores showed reduced tolerance to stress. The mutant accumulated alpha-maltose 1
      phosphate and maltose but no alpha-glucan. Therefore, the GlgE pathway is
      necessary and sufficient for polymer biosynthesis. Growth of the DeltaglgE mutant
      on galactose and that of a Deltapep2 mutant on maltose were analysed. In both
      cases, neither accumulation of alpha-maltose 1-phosphate/alpha-glucan nor a
      developmental delay was observed. Thus, high levels of alpha-maltose 1-phosphate
      are responsible for the developmental phenotype of the DeltaglgE mutant, rather
      than the lack of alpha-glucan.

PMID- 27121971
TI  - Downstream effects of plectin mutations in epidermolysis bullosa simplex with
      muscular dystrophy.
AB  - Mutations of the human plectin gene (PLEC) on chromosome 8q24 cause autosomal
      recessive epidermolysis bullosa simplex with muscular dystrophy (EBS-MD). In the
      present study we analyzed the downstream effects of PLEC mutations on plectin
      protein expression and localization, the structure of the extrasarcomeric desmin
      cytoskeleton, protein aggregate formation and mitochondrial distribution in
      skeletal muscle tissue from three EBS-MD patients. PLEC gene analysis in a not
      previously reported 35-year-old EBS-MD patient with additional disease features
      of cardiomyopathy and malignant arrhythmias revealed novel compound heterozygous
      (p.(Phe755del) and p.(Lys1040Argfs*139)) mutations resulting in complete
      abolition of plectin protein expression. In contrast, the other two patients with
      different homozygous PLEC mutations showed preserved plectin protein expression
      with one only expressing rodless plectin variants, and the other markedly reduced
      protein levels. Analysis of skeletal muscle tissue from all three patients
      revealed severe disruption of the extrasarcomeric intermediate filament
      cytoskeleton, protein aggregates positive for desmin, syncoilin, and synemin,
      degenerative myofibrillar changes, and mitochondrial abnormalities comprising
      respiratory chain dysfunction and an altered organelle distribution and
      amount.Our study demonstrates that EBS-MD causing PLEC mutations universally
      result in a desmin protein aggregate myopathy phenotype despite marked
      differences in individual plectin protein expression patterns. Since plectin is
      the key cytolinker protein that regulates the structural and functional
      organization of desmin filaments, the defective anchorage and spacing of
      assembled desmin filaments is the key pathogenetic event that triggers the
      formation of desmin protein aggregates as well as secondary mitochondrial
      pathology.

PMID- 27121972
TI  - Fructose-rich diet induces gender-specific changes in expression of the renin
      angiotensin system in rat heart and upregulates the ACE/AT1R axis in the male rat
      aorta.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The cardiovascular renin-angiotensin system (RAS) could be affected
      by gender and dietary regime. We hypothesized that male rats will be more
      susceptible to activation of RAS in the heart and aorta, as a response to a
      fructose-rich diet (FRD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both male and female Wistar rats
      were given a 10% (w/v) fructose solution for 9 weeks. We measured the biochemical
      parameters, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate. We used Western blot and real
      time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to quantify protein and gene expression.
      RESULTS: In the male rats, the FRD elevated BP and expression of cardiac
      angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), while the expression of angiotensin
      converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and angiotensin II Type 2 receptor (AT2R) were
      significantly decreased. In female rats, there were no changes in cardiac RAS
      expression due to FRD. Furthermore, the ACE/AT1R axis was overexpressed in the
      FRD male rats' aortae, while only AT1R was upregulated in the FRD female rats'
      aortae. ACE2 expression remained unchanged in the aortae of both genders
      receiving the FRD. CONCLUSIONS: The FRD induced gender-specific changes in the
      expression of the RAS in the heart and aortae of male rats. Further
      investigations are required in order to get a comprehensive understanding of the
      underlying mechanisms of gender-specific fructose-induced cardiovascular
      pathologies.

PMID- 27121973
TI  - Roles of Copper in Hepatocarcinogenesis via the Activation of Hypoxia-Inducible
      Factor-1alpha.
AB  - Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is involved in the pathogenesis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the roles of trace elements in the
      activation of HIF-1alpha during hepatocarcinogenesis have been unclear. We
      investigated whether copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) participated in the activation of
      HIF-1alpha in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis or not. Nine patients with
      chronic hepatitis (CH), five with liver cirrhosis (LC), 12 with HCC, and nine
      normal healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Their serum HIF-1alpha, Cu,
      and Zn levels were determined in the enrolled patients. Hepatic HIF-1alpha
      expression was evaluated, using an immunohistochemical procedure. The HCC
      patients had significantly higher serum HIF-1alpha levels than the CH patients
      (6.47 +/- 1.57 vs. 5.09 +/- 1.22 ng/ml, p = 0.0344). The serum Cu level in the
      HCC patients was also significantly higher than those in the CH and LC patients
      (137 +/- 24 vs. 107 +/- 15 MUg/dl, 114 +/- 24 MUg/dl). Interestingly, a positive
      correlation was observed between serum HIF-1alpha and Cu levels in the enrolled
      patients (r = 0.425, p = 0.0137). In contrast, no significant differences in
      serum Zn levels were present between the HCC patients and the CH or LC patients.
      The serum HIF-1alpha was not positively correlated with the serum Zn level in the
      enrolled patients, either. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that two of the
      five HCC patients had HIF-1alpha expression in the tumor tissues, whereas none of
      CH and LC had hepatic HIF-1alpha expression in the liver tissues. These data
      suggest that the activation of HIF-1alpha derived from a Cu accumulation in the
      liver may cause hepatocarcinogenesis.

PMID- 27121974
TI  - Thiol Oxidation by Diamide Leads to Dopaminergic Degeneration and Parkinsonism
      Phenotype in Mice: A Model for Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - AIMS: This study investigates the role of thiol homeostasis disruption in
      Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis using a novel animal model. A single
      unilateral administration of the thiol oxidant, diamide (1.45 MUmol) into
      substantia nigra (SN) of mice leads to locomotor deficits and degeneration of
      dopaminergic (DA) neurons in SN pars compacta (SNpc). RESULTS: Diamide-injected
      mice showed hemiparkinsonian behavior, measured as spontaneous contralateral body
      rotations, poor grip strength, and impaired locomotion on a rotarod. We observed
      a significant loss of DA neurons in ipsilateral but not contralateral SNpc and
      their striatal fibers. This was accompanied by increased Fluoro-Jade C-positive
      cells and a loss of NeuN-positive neurons, indicative of neurodegeneration.
      Importantly, diamide injection led to alpha-synuclein aggregation in ipsilateral
      SNpc, a hallmark of PD pathology not often seen in animal models of PD. On
      investigating putative mechanism(s) involved, we observed a loss of glutathione,
      which is essential for maintaining protein thiol homeostasis (PTH).
      Concomitantly, the redox-sensitive ASK1-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK) death signaling pathway was activated in the ipsilateral but not
      contralateral ventral midbrain through dissociation of ASK1-Trx1 complex. In
      Neuro-2a cells, diamide activated ASK1-p38 cascade through Trx1 oxidation,
      leading to cell death, which was abolished by ASK1 knockdown. INNOVATION: Since
      diamide selectively disrupts PTH, DA neurons appear to be vulnerable to such
      perturbations and even a single insult with a thiol oxidant can result in long
      lasting degeneration. CONCLUSION: Identification of the role of PTH dysregulation
      in neurodegeneration, especially in early PD, not only facilitates an
      understanding of novel regulatory features of molecular signaling cascades but
      also may aid in developing disease-modifying strategies for PD. Antioxid. Redox
      Signal. 25, 252-267.

PMID- 27121975
TI  - Tuning Soft Ionization Strength for Organic Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Besides the progress of new mass spectrometer technologies, the investigation and
      development of soft ionization sources play an important key role for analytical
      sciences. Since the dielectric barrier discharge ionization (DBDI) is identified
      as two temporally separated events, a selective prevention of the coincident
      plasma can lead to improved ionization strength. Although a DBDI is known as a
      soft ionization source, a modulation of the high-voltage amplitude and duty cycle
      can lead to optimized ionization strength. This is an advantage to cover
      different types of analytes.

PMID- 27121976
TI  - Cuticular Defects in Oryza sativa ATP-binding Cassette Transporter G31 Mutant
      Plants Cause Dwarfism, Elevated Defense Responses and Pathogen Resistance.
AB  - The cuticle covers the surface of the polysaccharide cell wall of leaf epidermal
      cells and forms an essential diffusion barrier between plant and environment.
      Homologs of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter AtABCG32/HvABCG31 clade
      are necessary for the formation of a functional cuticle in both monocots and
      dicots. Here we characterize the osabcg31 knockout mutant and hairpin RNA
      interference (RNAi)-down-regulated OsABCG31 plant lines having reduced plant
      growth and a permeable cuticle. The reduced content of cutin in leaves and
      structural alterations in the cuticle and at the cuticle-cell wall interface in
      plants compromised in OsABCG31 expression explain the cuticle permeability.
      Effects of modifications of the cuticle on plant-microbe interactions were
      evaluated. The cuticular alterations in OsABCG31-compromised plants did not cause
      deficiencies in germination of the spores or the formation of appressoria of
      Magnaporthe oryzae on the leaf surface, but a strong reduction of infection
      structures inside the plant. Genes involved in pathogen resistance were
      constitutively up-regulated in OsABCG31-compromised plants, thus being a possible
      cause of the resistance to M. oryzae and the dwarf growth phenotype. The findings
      show that in rice an abnormal cuticle formation may affect the signaling of plant
      growth and defense. 

PMID- 27121977
TI  - A pilot study of a nurse-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy intervention
      (Ziphamandla) for adherence and depression in HIV in South Africa.
AB  - Depression is prevalent among people living with HIV in South Africa and
      interferes with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. This study evaluated a nurse
      delivered, cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for adherence and depression
      among antiretroviral therapy users with depression in South Africa ( n = 14).
      Primary outcomes were depression, antiretroviral therapy adherence, feasibility,
      and acceptability. Findings support robust improvements in mood through a 3-month
      follow up. Antiretroviral therapy adherence was maintained during the
      intervention period. Participant retention supports acceptability; however,
      modest provider fidelity despite intensive supervision warrants additional
      attention to feasibility. Future effectiveness research is needed to evaluate
      this nurse-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for adherence and
      depression in this context.

PMID- 27121978
TI  - Brief report: Self-compassion, physical health and the mediating role of health
      promoting behaviours.
AB  - To test the hypothesis that self-compassion predicts better physical health and
      that this is partially mediated through health-promoting behaviours, 147 adults
      completed self-report measures of self-compassion, health-promoting behaviours
      and physical health. Self-compassion and health-promoting behaviours were
      negatively associated with physical symptom scores. Self-compassion was
      positively associated with health-promoting behaviours. A bootstrapped mediation
      model confirmed a significant direct effect of self-compassion on physical health
      through health-promoting behaviours ( R2 = 0.13, b = -8.98, p = 0.015), which was
      partially mediated through health-promoting behaviours ( R2 = 0.06, b = -3.16, 95
      per cent confidence interval [-6.78, -0.86]). Findings underscore the potential
      health-promoting benefits of self-compassion.

PMID- 27121979
TI  - Factors associated with nutritional outcomes in the mother-child dyad: a
      population-based cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate factors associated with double burden of nutritional
      outcomes in the mother-child dyad at the household level (child stunting and/or
      maternal overweight). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using the Brazilian
      Demographic and Health Survey. Nutritional outcomes were: mother with normal
      weight and child with normal height; overweight mother and child with normal
      height; mother with normal weight and short-stature child; and overweight mother
      and child with short stature (double burden). The child was classified as short
      when height-for-age Z-score was <-2 and the mother as overweight when BMI was
      >=25.00 kg/m2. Socio-economic status, environment, social vulnerability, maternal
      characteristics and the child's food intake were the exposure factors. The
      hierarchical approach for multinomial logistic regression modelling was used to
      assess the associations. SETTING: National Demographic and Health Survey of
      Children and Women conducted in Brazil, 2006-2007. SUBJECTS: Mother-child dyads
      (n 3676). RESULTS: After adjustments, lower maternal educational level (OR=3.53;
      95 % CI 1.33, 9.33) and inadequate household (non-masonry house; OR=2.54; 95 % CI
      1.39, 4.66) were associated with the double burden of malnutrition. Mother's
      short stature (OR=3.41; 95 % CI 1.76, 6.61), child's vegetable intake on less
      than or equal to 4 d/week (OR=2.21; 95 % CI 1.03, 4.75) and inadequate household
      (non-masonry house; OR=2.29; 95 % CI 1.36, 3.87) were associated with child's
      short stature. The lack of breast-feeding (OR=2.00; 95 % CI 1.07, 3.72) was
      associated with maternal overweight. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings contribute
      to establishing strategies promoting health and healthy diets, by considering the
      growth deficit and overweight/obesity concomitantly.

PMID- 27121980
TI  - Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluations of a 10 mg/kg enrofloxacin
      intramuscular administration in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps): a preliminary
      assessment.
AB  - Enrofloxacin (E) is commonly used in veterinary medicine. It is necessary to
      perform pharmacokinetic/dynamic studies to minimize the selection of resistant
      mutants of bacteria and extend the efficacy of antimicrobial agents. Eight
      healthy adult Pogona vitticeps were assigned into two groups of equal size and
      treated with a single intramuscular injection of E at 10 mg/kg. Blood samples
      were withdrawn at different scheduled times for each group, and rectal swabs were
      collected. E and ciprofloxacin (active metabolite) blood concentrations were
      quantified by an HPLC validated method, while the in vitro antimicrobial
      susceptibility was evaluated by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility
      test. The pharmacokinetic profiles of E gave similar pharmacokinetic parameters
      irrespective of the collection time schedule. Bacteria isolation showed the
      presence of both E. coli, Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica and subspecies
      3a, Proteus spp., and Pseudomonas spp. The majority of isolated colonies were
      sensitive to E, but the treatment did not reduce the number of bacteria in
      faeces. Results suggest that E is able to reach blood concentrations high enough
      to kill susceptible bacteria (MIC < 0.9 MUg/mL), but at the same time does not
      significantly affect intestinal bacteria.

PMID- 27121981
TI  - GPR40 agonist ameliorates liver X receptor-induced lipid accumulation in liver by
      activating AMPK pathway.
AB  - Hepatic steatosis is strongly linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
      GPR40 is a G protein-coupled receptor mediating free fatty acid-induced insulin
      secretion and thus plays a beneficial role in the improvement of diabetes.
      However, the impact of GPR40 agonist on hepatic steatosis still remains to be
      elucidated. In the present study, we found that activation of GPR40 by its
      agonist GW9508 attenuated Liver X receptor (LXR)-induced hepatic lipid
      accumulation. Activation of LXR in the livers of C57BL/6 mice fed a high
      cholesterol diet and in HepG2 cells stimulated by chemical agonist caused
      increased expression of its target lipogenic genes and subsequent lipid
      accumulation. All these effects of LXR were dramatically downregulated after
      GW9508 supplementation. Moreover, GPR40 activation was accompanied by
      upregulation of AMPK pathway, whereas the inhibitive effect of GPR40 on the
      lipogenic gene expression was largely abrogated by AMPK knockdown. Taken
      together, our results demonstrated that GW9508 exerts a beneficial effect to
      ameliorate LXR-induced hepatic steatosis through regulation of AMPK signaling
      pathway.

PMID- 27121982
TI  - Coupling carbon dioxide reduction with water oxidation in nanoscale
      photocatalytic assemblies.
AB  - The reduction of carbon dioxide by water with sunlight in an artificial system
      offers an opportunity for utilizing non-arable land for generating renewable
      transportation fuels to replace fossil resources. Because of the very large scale
      required for the impact on fuel consumption, the scalability of artificial
      photosystems is of key importance. Closing the photosynthetic cycle of carbon
      dioxide reduction and water oxidation on the nanoscale addresses major barriers
      for scalability as well as high efficiency, such as resistance losses inherent to
      ion transport over macroscale distances, loss of charge and other efficiency
      degrading processes, or excessive need for the balance of system components, to
      mention a few. For the conversion of carbon dioxide to six-electron or even more
      highly reduced liquid fuel products, introduction of a proton conducting, gas
      impermeable separation membrane is critical. This article reviews recent progress
      in the development of light absorber-catalyst assemblies for the reduction and
      oxidation half reactions with focus on well defined polynuclear structures, and
      on novel approaches for optimizing electron transfer among the molecular or
      nanoparticulate components. Studies by time-resolved optical and infrared
      spectroscopy for the understanding of charge transfer processes between the
      chromophore and the catalyst, and of the mechanism of water oxidation at metal
      oxide nanocatalysts through direct observation of surface reaction intermediates
      are discussed. All-inorganic polynuclear units for reducing carbon dioxide by
      water at the nanoscale are introduced, and progress towards core-shell nanotube
      assemblies for completing the photosynthetic cycle under membrane separation is
      described.

PMID- 27121983
TI  - A reduction of prothrombin conversion by cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary
      bypass shifts the haemostatic balance towards bleeding.
AB  - Cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with blood loss
      and post-surgery thrombotic complications. The process of thrombin generation is
      disturbed during surgery with CPB because of haemodilution, coagulation factor
      consumption and heparin administration. We aimed to investigate the changes in
      thrombin generation during cardiac surgery and its underlying pro- and
      anticoagulant processes, and to explore the clinical consequences of these
      changes using in silico experimentation. Plasma was obtained from 29 patients
      undergoing surgery with CPB before heparinisation, after heparinisation, after
      haemodilution, and after protamine administration. Thrombin generation was
      measured and prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation were quantified. In
      silico experimentation was used to investigate the reaction of patients to the
      administration of procoagulant factors and/or anticoagulant factors. Surgery with
      CPB causes significant coagulation factor consumption and a reduction of thrombin
      generation. The total amount of prothrombin converted and the rate of prothrombin
      conversion decreased during surgery. As the surgery progressed, the relative
      contribution of alpha2-macroglobulin-dependent thrombin inhibition increased, at
      the expense of antithrombin-dependent inhibition. In silico restoration of post
      surgical prothrombin conversion to pre-surgical levels increased thrombin
      generation excessively, whereas co-administration of antithrombin resulted in the
      normalisation of post-surgical thrombin generation. Thrombin generation is
      reduced during surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass because of a balance shift
      between prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation. According to in silico
      predictions of thrombin generation, this new balance increases the risk of
      thrombotic complications with prothrombin complex concentrate administration, but
      not if antithrombin is co-administered.

PMID- 27121984
TI  - Programmable bioelectronics in a stimuli-encoded 3D graphene interface.
AB  - The ability to program and mimic the dynamic microenvironment of living organisms
      is a crucial step towards the engineering of advanced bioelectronics. Here, we
      report for the first time a design for programmable bioelectronics, with 'built
      in' switchable and tunable bio-catalytic performance that responds simultaneously
      to appropriate stimuli. The designed bio-electrodes comprise light and
      temperature responsive compartments, which allow the building of Boolean logic
      gates (i.e."OR" and "AND") based on enzymatic communications to deliver logic
      operations. 

PMID- 27121985
TI  - Funding for change: New Zealand pharmacists' views on, and experiences of, the
      community pharmacy services agreement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore pharmacist's views on the shift in ethos, funding and
      service delivery model introduced through the New Zealand's Community Pharmacy
      Services Agreement (CPSA). METHODS: A purposive sampling approach drew
      pharmacists from a matrix who were then contacted via telephone and invited to be
      interviewed. Semistructured interviews were conducted face-to-face with community
      pharmacists (n = 17) across urban and rural New Zealand. An interview schedule
      exploring 12 subject areas was used to facilitate discussion and determine
      pharmacist's views and understanding of the CPSA. The interviews were recorded
      and transcribed verbatim and a general inductive approach was taken to
      identifying emergent themes. KEY FINDINGS: Key themes that emerged were:
      pharmacists supported the philosophy behind the CPSA, pharmacists understanding
      of the CPSA, implementing CPSA-related services, perceived impact on patient
      outcomes and future sustainability of the CPSA. Overall, pharmacists supported
      the alignment of funding with patient-centred services, but pharmacy owners
      reported difficulty understanding the funding model, resulting in uncertainty
      over income. Several pharmacists believed the quality of care offered had not
      changed, while others found their attitudes towards care had evolved. All
      pharmacists communicated an increase in their workload and many perceived the
      sustainability of the CPSA to be linked to its ability to financially sustain
      community pharmacies. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of pharmacists believed in the
      philosophy of the CPSA, but expressed concerns over funding, workload and
      benefits for patients. Future research is required to determine generalisability
      of these findings, investigate patient perspectives and assess the effect of the
      CPSA on patient outcomes.

PMID- 27121986
TI  - Development of 3-dimensional time-dependent density functional theory and its
      application to gas diffusion in nanoporous materials.
AB  - I developed a novel time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and applied
      it to complicated 3-dimensional systems for the first time. Superior to
      conventional TDDFT, the diffusion coefficient is modeled as a function of density
      profile, which is self-determined by the entropy scaling rule instead using an
      input parameter. The theory was employed to mimic gas diffusion in a nanoporous
      material. The TDDFT prediction on the transport diffusivity was reasonable
      compared to simulations. Moreover, the time-dependent density profiles gave an
      insight into the microscopic mechanism of the diffusion process.

PMID- 27121987
TI  - Cerebrovascular disorders caused by hyperfibrinogenaemia.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Hyperfibrinogenaemia (HFg) results in vascular remodelling, and
      fibrinogen (Fg) and amyloid beta (Abeta) complex formation is a hallmark of
      Alzheimer's disease. However, the interconnection of these effects, their
      mechanisms and implications in cerebrovascular diseases are not known. Using a
      mouse model of HFg, we showed that at an elevated blood level, Fg increases
      cerebrovascular permeability via mainly caveolar protein transcytosis. This
      enhances deposition of Fg in subendothelial matrix and interstitium making the
      immobilized Fg a readily accessible substrate for binding Abeta and cellular
      prion protein (PrPC ), the protein that is thought to have a greater effect on
      memory than Abeta. We showed that enhanced formation of Fg-Abeta and Fg-PrPC
      complexes are associated with reduction in short-term memory. The present study
      delineates a new mechanistic pathway for vasculo-neuronal dysfunctions found in
      inflammatory cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases associated with an
      elevated blood level of Fg. ABSTRACT: Many cardiovascular diseases are associated
      with inflammation and as such are accompanied by an increased blood level of
      fibrinogen (Fg). Besides its well-known prothrombotic effects Fg seems to have
      other destructive roles in developing microvascular dysfunction that include
      changes in vascular reactivity and permeability. Increased permeability of brain
      microvessels has the most profound effects as it may lead to cerebrovascular
      remodelling and result in memory reduction. The goal of the present study was to
      define mechanisms of cerebrovascular permeability and associated reduction in
      memory induced by elevated blood content of Fg. Genetically modified, transgenic
      hyperfibrinogenic (HFg) mice were used to study cerebrovascular transcellular and
      paracellular permeability in vivo. The extent of caveolar formation and the role
      of caveolin-1 signalling were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western
      blot (WB) analysis in brain samples from experimental animals. Formation of Fg
      complexes with amyloid beta (Abeta) and with cellular prion protein (PrPC ) were
      also assessed with IHC and WB analysis. Short-term memory of mice was assessed by
      novel object recognition and Y-maze tests. Caveolar protein transcytosis was
      found to have a prevailing role in overall increased cerebrovascular permeability
      in HFg mice. These results were associated with enhanced formation of caveolae.
      Increased formation of Fg-PrPC and Fg-Abeta complexes were correlated with
      reduction in short-term memory in HFg mice. Using the model of
      hyperfibrinogenaemia, the present study shows a novel mechanistic pathway of
      inflammation-induced and Fg-mediated reduction in short-term memory.

PMID- 27121988
TI  - Barrels XXVIII take the Windy City by storm.
AB  - The 28th annual Barrels meeting was held prior to the Society for Neuroscience
      meeting in October 2015 at the Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago,
      Illinois. The meeting brought together researchers focused on the rodent
      sensorimotor system. The meeting focused on modern techniques to decipher
      cortical circuits, social interactions among rodents, and decision-making. The
      meeting allowed investigators to share their work via short talks, poster
      presentations, and a data blitz.

PMID- 27121989
TI  - Consequences of point mutations in melanoma-associated antigen 4 (MAGE-A4)
      protein: Insights from structural and biophysical studies.
AB  - The Melanoma-Associated Antigen A4 (MAGE-A4) protein is a target for cancer
      therapy. The function of this protein is not well understood. We report the first
      comprehensive study on key cancer-associated MAGE-A4 mutations and provide
      analysis on the consequences of these mutations on the structure, folding and
      stability of the protein. Based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Circular
      Dichroism, these mutations had no significant effects on the structure and the
      folding of the protein. Some mutations affected the thermal stability of the
      protein remarkably. Native mass spectrometry of wild-type MAGE-A4 showed a broad
      charge state distribution suggestive of a structurally dynamic protein.
      Significant intensity was found in relatively low charge states, indicative of a
      predominantly globular form and some population in more extended states. The
      latter is supported by Ion Mobility measurements. The MAGE-A4 mutants exhibited
      similar features. These novel molecular insights shed further light on better
      understanding of these proteins, which are implicated in a wide range of human
      cancers.

PMID- 27121990
TI  - Engineering analysis of the high-density heterotrophic cultivation of mung bean
      sprouts.
AB  - This study investigated the heterotrophic growth behavior of mung beans
      cultivated in an individual bed under water supply. The fresh weight of mung
      beans in the bed was estimated, and changes in temperature, and oxygen and carbon
      dioxide concentrations were recorded during the cultivation period. The specific
      growth rate, oxygen uptake rate, and carbon dioxide evolution rate, based on the
      fresh weight in the bed, were calculated. Growth under heterotrophic cultivation
      can be classified into the following three stages. Reductions in specific oxygen
      uptake rate, specific carbon dioxide evolution rate, and specific energy
      production rate corresponded to that of specific growth rate. Indicators of
      biological activity related to oxygen and carbon dioxide were evaluated
      quantitatively for beds under high-density heterotrophic cultivation. Moreover,
      the results obtained from this study successfully demonstrate that there is a
      relationship between the growth of mung beans and indicators of biological
      activity. 

PMID- 27121991
TI  - Therapeutic uses for Angiotensin-(1-7).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Angiotensin-(1-7) is a key component of the Renin-Angiotensin
      System, which can counter-regulate several deleterious effects caused by
      angiotensin II. Due to the potential for therapeutic use, several of its actions
      are specifically described in patents. AREAS COVERED: In this review, the authors
      describe a plethora of therapeutic uses for Angiotensin-(1-7), claimed and
      supported by experimental evidence in patent documents and applications. EXPERT
      OPINION: The clinical potential of Angiotensin-(1-7) as a therapeutic agent to
      treat several pathologies is evidenced by the variety of patents and clinical
      trials involving this peptide. Cancer treatment is one of the most advanced
      therapeutic areas, but clinical studies are also available in several other
      areas, such as cardiovascular, hematological, transplantation, surgical and
      medical procedures.

PMID- 27121992
TI  - Identification of MBF2 family genes in Bombyx mori and their expression in
      different tissues and stages and in response to Bacillus bombysepticus infection
      and starvation.
AB  - The Multiprotein bridge factor 2 (MBF2) gene was first identified as a co
      activator involved in BmFTZ-F1-mediated activation of the Fushi tarazu gene.
      Herein, nine homologous genes of MBF2 gene are identified. Evolutionary analysis
      showed that this gene family is insect-specific and that the family members are
      closely related to response to pathogens (REPAT) genes. Tissue distribution
      analysis revealed that these genes could be expressed in a tissue-specific
      manner. Developmental profiles analysis showed that the MBF2 gene family members
      were highly expressed in the different stages. Analysis of the expression
      patterns of nine MBF2 family genes showed that Bacillus bombysepticus treatment
      induced the up-regulation of several MBF2 family genes, including MBF2-4, -7, -9,
      -8. Furthermore, we found the MBF2 family genes were modulated by starvation and
      the expression of these genes recovered upon re-feeding, except for MBF2-5, -9.
      These findings suggested roles for these proteins in insect defense against
      pathogens and nutrient metabolism, which has an important guiding significance
      for designing pest control strategies. 

PMID- 27121993
TI  - Unsupervised Estimation of Mouse Sleep Scores and Dynamics Using a Graphical
      Model of Electrophysiological Measurements.
AB  - The proportion, number of bouts, and mean bout duration of different vigilance
      states (Wake, NREM, REM) are useful indices of dynamics in experimental sleep
      research. These metrics are estimated by first scoring state, sometimes using an
      algorithm, based on electrophysiological measurements such as the
      electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG), and computing their values
      from the score sequence. Isolated errors in the scores can lead to large
      discrepancies in the estimated sleep metrics. But most algorithms score sleep by
      classifying the state from EEG/EMG features independently in each time epoch
      without considering the dynamics across epochs, which could provide contextual
      information. The objective here is to improve estimation of sleep metrics by
      fitting a probabilistic dynamical model to mouse EEG/EMG data and then predicting
      the metrics from the model parameters. Hidden Markov models (HMMs) with
      multivariate Gaussian observations and Markov state transitions were fitted to
      unlabeled 24-h EEG/EMG feature time series from 20 mice to model transitions
      between the latent vigilance states; a similar model with unbiased transition
      probabilities served as a reference. Sleep metrics predicted from the HMM
      parameters did not deviate significantly from manual estimates except for rapid
      eye movement sleep (REM) ([Formula: see text]; Wilcoxon signed-rank test).
      Changes in value from Light to Dark conditions correlated well with manually
      estimated differences (Spearman's rho 0.43-0.84) except for REM. HMMs also scored
      vigilance state with over 90% accuracy. HMMs of EEG/EMG features can therefore
      characterize sleep dynamics from EEG/EMG measurements, a prerequisite for
      characterizing the effects of perturbation in sleep monitoring and control
      applications. 

PMID- 27121994
TI  - An EEG-Based Fatigue Detection and Mitigation System.
AB  - Research has indicated that fatigue is a critical factor in cognitive lapses
      because it negatively affects an individual's internal state, which is then
      manifested physiologically. This study explores neurophysiological changes,
      measured by electroencephalogram (EEG), due to fatigue. This study further
      demonstrates the feasibility of an online closed-loop EEG-based fatigue detection
      and mitigation system that detects physiological change and can thereby prevent
      fatigue-related cognitive lapses. More importantly, this work compares the
      efficacy of fatigue detection and mitigation between the EEG-based and a nonEEG
      based random method. Twelve healthy subjects participated in a sustained
      attention driving experiment. Each participant's EEG signal was monitored
      continuously and a warning was delivered in real-time to participants once the
      EEG signature of fatigue was detected. Study results indicate suppression of the
      alpha- and theta-power of an occipital component and improved behavioral
      performance following a warning signal; these findings are in line with those in
      previous studies. However, study results also showed reduced warning efficacy
      (i.e. increased response times (RTs) to lane deviations) accompanied by increased
      alpha-power due to the fluctuation of warnings over time. Furthermore, a
      comparison of EEG-based and nonEEG-based random approaches clearly demonstrated
      the necessity of adaptive fatigue-mitigation systems, based on a subject's
      cognitive level, to deliver warnings. Analytical results clearly demonstrate and
      validate the efficacy of this online closed-loop EEG-based fatigue detection and
      mitigation mechanism to identify cognitive lapses that may lead to catastrophic
      incidents in countless operational environments. 

PMID- 27121995
TI  - Learning Topologies with the Growing Neural Forest.
AB  - In this work, a novel self-organizing model called growing neural forest (GNF) is
      presented. It is based on the growing neural gas (GNG), which learns a general
      graph with no special provisions for datasets with separated clusters. On the
      contrary, the proposed GNF learns a set of trees so that each tree represents a
      connected cluster of data. High dimensional datasets often contain large empty
      regions among clusters, so this proposal is better suited to them than other self
      organizing models because it represents these separated clusters as connected
      components made of neurons. Experimental results are reported which show the self
      organization capabilities of the model. Moreover, its suitability for
      unsupervised clustering and foreground detection applications is demonstrated. In
      particular, the GNF is shown to correctly discover the connected component
      structure of some datasets. Moreover, it outperforms some well-known foreground
      detectors both in quantitative and qualitative terms. 

PMID- 27121996
TI  - Adding Emulsified Isoflurane to Cardioplegia Solution Produces Cardiac Protection
      in a Dog Cardiopulmonary Bypass Model.
AB  - This study investigated whether caridoplegia solution with Emulsified Isoflurane
      (EI) could improve cardiaoprotection in a dog CPB model of great similarity to
      clinical settings. Adult dogs were randomly assigned to receive one of the
      following cardioplegia solutions: St. Thomas with EI (group ST+EI), St. Thomas
      with 30% Intralipid (group ST+EL) and St. Thomas alone (group ST). The aorta was
      cross-clamped for two hours followed by reperfusion for another two hours, during
      which cardiac output was measured and dosages of positive inotropic agent to
      maintain normal hemodynamics were recorded. Serum level of cardiac troponin I
      (cTnI) and CK-MB were measured. Deletion of cardiac mitochondrial DNA was
      examined at the end of reperfusion. Compared with ST, ST+EI decreased the
      requirement of dopamine support while animals receiving ST+EI had a significantly
      larger cardiac output. ST+EI reduced post-CPB release of cTnI and CK-MB.
      Mitochondrial DNA loss was observed in only one of the tested animals from group
      ST+EI while it was seen in all the tested animals from group ST+EL and ST.
      Addition of emulsified isoflurane into cardioplegia solution protects against
      myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. This protective effect might be mediated
      by preserving mitochondrial ultrastructure and DNA integrity.

PMID- 27121997
TI  - Australian Rheumatology Association in conjunction with Rheumatology Health
      Professionals Association, 57th Annual Scientific Meeting, 30 April-4 May 2016,
      Darwin, NT, Australia.

PMID- 27121998
TI  - Pilomatricoma presenting with localized alopecia.

PMID- 27121999
TI  - PTEN inhibition preserves trigeminal nucleus caudalis neuron activation through
      tyrosine phosphorylation of the NR2B subunit at Tyr1472 of the NMDA receptor in a
      rat model of recurrent migraine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Activation of the trigeminal nucleus caudalis is believed to be
      involved in the pathomechanism of migraine. Evidence suggests that N-methyl-d
      aspartate receptor subtype 2B tyrosine phosphorylation, originating from the
      trigeminal nucleus caudalis neuron dysfunction, might be a triggering mechanism
      for recurrent migraine. Phosphatase and tensin homolog is thought to have a
      neuroprotective effect in various neurologic diseases by regulating N-methyl-d
      aspartate receptor subtype 2B or tyrosine phosphorylation. Thus, the aim of this
      study was to explore whether the recombinant adenovirus AdR-siPTEN attenuates
      neuron activation in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis in a rat model of recurrent
      migraine. METHODS: Adenovirus-expressing siPTEN or RFP was independently injected
      into the spinal trigeminal nucleus of the rat model suffering from recurrent
      migraine by inflammatory soup stimulation the superior sagittal sinus of rats.
      Seven days later, tactile sensory testing was performed to detect the tactile
      threshold. Immunofluorescence, Immunohistochemistry, and western blot assay were
      done to measure PTEN, NR2B, NR2B-pTyr1472, and c-Fos levels in the trigeminal
      nucleus caudalis of recurrent migraine rats. RESULTS: A significant increase (p <
      0.05) in neuron c-Fos content, an indicator of neuron activation, was detected in
      the trigeminal nucleus caudalis in a rat model of recurrent migraine. However,
      neuron activation in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis was attenuated by
      pretreatment with AdR-siPTEN. Moreover, the attenuated effect was potentially
      mediated by tyrosine phosphorylation of the NR2B-p1472 tyrosine site in the
      trigeminal nucleus caudalis, as seen in rat brain slices. CONCLUSION: These
      results suggest that, phosphatase and tensin homolog might be a novel and
      promising candidate for future treatment or prophylaxis of recurrent migraine by
      attenuating neuron activation in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis.

PMID- 27122000
TI  - Pieter Cullis: an outstanding lipid biophysicist, drug delivery scientist,
      educator, and entrepreneur.
AB  - There are much said about Pieter Cullis in this special volume honoring him. He
      was the pioneer to study the role of hexagonal HII phase in membrane fusion and
      the one who applied this concept for the design of lipid nanoparticles. He was
      also the first to utilize remote loading techniques for the delivery of
      amphipathic bases. At the same time, he is a tremendous entrepreneur and an
      excellent mentor. He is, without doubt, an exceptional scientist and set us an
      excellent model to follow.

PMID- 27122002
TI  - Myricetin suppresses p21-activated kinase 1 in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells
      through downstream signaling of the beta-catenin pathway.
AB  - As a main active compound in the bark of waxberry (Myrica rubra), myricetin is a
      macrocyclic diarylheptanoid, and can trigger the apoptosis of HeLa and PC3 cells.
      The aim of the present study was to elucidate the anticancer effect of myricetin
      on human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and to explore the possible mechanisms of
      action. MCF-7 cells were treated with different concentrations of myricetin (0-80
      uM) for 12, 24 and 48 h. In the present study, we found that myricetin suppressed
      the cell viability of the MCF-7 cells at least partly through the induction of
      apoptosis as determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis
      revealed that myricetin effectively suppressed the protein expression of p21
      activated kinase 1 (PAK1), MEK and phosphorylated extracellular mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (ERK1/2). In addition, treatment of myricetin activated glycogen
      synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta) and Bax protein expression, and inhibited beta
      catenin/cyclin D1/proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)/survivin and promoted
      caspase-3 activity in the MCF-7 cells. These results demonstrated that myricetin
      suppressed the cell viability of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells through
      PAK1/MEK/ERK/GSK3beta/beta-catenin/cyclin D1/PCNA/survivin/Bax-caspase-3
      signaling. 

PMID- 27122001
TI  - Saffron with resistance exercise improves diabetic parameters through the
      GLUT4/AMPK pathway in-vitro and in-vivo.
AB  - Saffron is consumed as food and medicine to treat several illnesses. This study
      elucidates the saffron effectiveness on diabetic parameters in-vitro and combined
      with resistance exercise in-vivo. The antioxidant properties of saffron was
      examined. Insulin secretion and glucose uptake were examined by cultured RIN-5F
      and L6 myotubes cells. The expressions of GLUT2, GLUT4, and AMPKalpha were
      determined by Western blot. Diabetic and non-diabetic male rats were divided
      into: control, training, extract treatment, training + extract treatment and
      metformin. The exercise and 40 mg/kg/day saffron treatments were carried out for
      six weeks. The antioxidant capacity of saffron was higher compare to positive
      control (P < 0.01). High dose of saffron stimulated insulin release in RIN-5F
      cells and improved glucose uptake in L6 myotubes. GLUT4 and AMPKalpha expressions
      increased in both doses of saffron (P < 0.01), whereas GLUT2 not changed (p >
      0.05). Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, very
      low-density lipoprotein, insulin resistance, and glycated hemoglobin levels
      decreased in treated rats compared to untreated (p < 0.01). However, no
      significant differences were observed in the high-density lipoprotein, insulin,
      adiponectin, and leptin concentration levels in all groups (p > 0.05). The
      findings suggest that saffron consuming alongside exercise could improve diabetic
      parameters through redox-mediated mechanisms and GLUT4/AMPK pathway to entrap
      glucose uptake.

PMID- 27122003
TI  - Functional characterization of a novel GFI1B mutation causing congenital
      macrothrombocytopenia.
AB  - Essentials Two groups recently reported GFI1B as a novel causative gene for
      congenital macrothrombocytopenia. We performed functional analysis of a novel
      GFI1B mutation and previous mutations. An immunofluorescence analysis of the
      platelet CD34 expression can be useful as a screening test. Mutant-transduced
      megakaryocytes produced enlarged proplatelet tips which were reduced in number.
      SUMMARY: Background GFI1B is an essential transcription factor for megakaryocyte
      and erythrocyte development. Two groups have recently identified GFI1B as a novel
      causative gene for congenital macrothrombocytopenia associated with alpha-granule
      deficiency. Methods We performed whole exome sequencing and identified a novel
      GFI1B p.G272fsX274 mutation in a family with macrothrombocytopenia, and a
      decreased number of platelet alpha-granules and abnormally shaped red blood
      cells. p.G272fsX274 and the previous two mutations all predicted disruption of an
      essential DNA-binding domain in GFI1B. We therefore performed functional studies
      to characterize the biochemical and biological effects of these three patient
      derived mutations. Results An immunofluorescence analysis revealed decreased
      thrombospondin-1 and increased CD34 expression in platelets from our patient.
      Consistent with the previous studies, the three patient-derived mutants were
      unable to repress the expression of the reporter gene and had a dominant-negative
      effect over wild-type GFI1B. In addition, the three mutations abolished
      recognition of a consensus-binding site in gel shift assays. Furthermore,
      transduction of mouse fetal liver-derived megakaryocytes with the three GFI1B
      mutants resulted in the production of abnormally large proplatelet tips, which
      were reduced in number. Conclusions Our study provides further proof of concept
      that GFI1B is an essential protein for the normal development of the
      megakaryocyte lineage.

PMID- 27122004
TI  - Genetic and environmental factors associated with delirium severity in older
      adults with dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) whether delirium severity was associated with
      Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype status and occupational complexity, a measure of
      cognitive reserve, in individuals with delirium superimposed on dementia; and (2)
      whether decline in delirium severity was associated with these same factors over
      a post-acute care (PAC) stay. METHODS: Control group data (n = 142) from a
      completed randomized clinical trial were used to address the aims of the study.
      Delirium severity was calculated by combining items from the Confusion Assessment
      Method and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. APOE epsilon4 carriers versus non
      carriers were considered. Occupational complexity, a measure of cognitive
      reserve, was derived from the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire. Covariates
      examined included age, gender, education, Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, and the
      Charlson comorbidity score. Data were nested (i.e., days nested within persons)
      and analyzed using multilevel models. RESULTS: The presence of an APOE epsilon4
      allele and higher Clinical Dementia Rating Scale were associated with greater
      delirium severity at baseline. The presence of an APOE epsilon4 allele was also
      associated with greater delirium severity averaged across the PAC stay.
      Occupational complexity was not associated with baseline delirium severity or
      average daily delirium severity; however, individuals with low occupational
      complexity showed a significant decreased in delirium severity during the course
      of their PAC stay. CONCLUSIONS: Individual differences, including genetic factors
      and level of cognitive reserve, contribute to the severity of delirium in older
      adults with dementia. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27122005
TI  - Estimating times of extinction in the fossil record.
AB  - Because the fossil record is incomplete, the last fossil of a taxon is a biased
      estimate of its true time of extinction. Numerous methods have been developed in
      the palaeontology literature for estimating the true time of extinction using
      ages of fossil specimens. These methods, which typically give a confidence
      interval for estimating the true time of extinction, differ in the assumptions
      they make and the nature and amount of data they require. We review the
      literature on such methods and make some recommendations for future directions. 

PMID- 27122006
TI  - Long-term effect of yolk carotenoid levels on testis size in a precocial bird.
AB  - Conditions experienced during prenatal development can have long-lasting
      organizational effects on offspring. Maternal carotenoids deposited in the eggs
      of birds and other oviparous species play an important role during fast embryonic
      growth and chick development through their antioxidant properties. However, the
      long-term consequences of variation in maternal carotenoid transfer for the
      offspring have seldom been considered. Since plasma carotenoid levels at
      adulthood are known to influence testis size and yolk carotenoid levels influence
      the ability to extract carotenoids later in life, we hypothesized that maternally
      transmitted carotenoids might influence gonad size at adulthood. Here, we showed
      that male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) originating from a carotenoid
      enriched egg had smaller testes than control individuals at adulthood. This
      result shows that yolk carotenoids have long-term organizational effects. In
      addition, given that carotenoid intake at sexual maturity increases sperm quality
      and that a decreased testis size is associated with a lower sperm production, we
      propose that carotenoid exposure during embryo development might influence a
      trade-off between ejaculate size and sperm quality. 

PMID- 27122007
TI  - Stay tuned: active amplification tunes tree cricket ears to track temperature
      dependent song frequency.
AB  - Tree cricket males produce tonal songs, used for mate attraction and male-male
      interactions. Active mechanics tunes hearing to conspecific song frequency.
      However, tree cricket song frequency increases with temperature, presenting a
      problem for tuned listeners. We show that the actively amplified frequency
      increases with temperature, thus shifting mechanical and neuronal auditory tuning
      to maintain a match with conspecific song frequency. Active auditory processes
      are known from several taxa, but their adaptive function has rarely been
      demonstrated. We show that tree crickets harness active processes to ensure that
      auditory tuning remains matched to conspecific song frequency, despite changing
      environmental conditions and signal characteristics. Adaptive tuning allows tree
      crickets to selectively detect potential mates or rivals over large distances and
      is likely to bestow a strong selective advantage by reducing mate-finding effort
      and facilitating intermale interactions.

PMID- 27122008
TI  - Pollinator shifts drive petal epidermal evolution on the Macaronesian Islands
      bird-flowered species.
AB  - Pollinator shifts are considered to drive floral trait evolution, yet little is
      still known about the modifications of petal epidermal surface at a biogeographic
      region scale. Here we investigated how independent shifts from insects to
      passerine birds in the Macaronesian Islands consistently modified this floral
      trait (i.e. absence of papillate cells). Using current phylogenies and extensive
      evidence from field observations, we selected a total of 81 plant species and
      subspecies for petal microscopy and comparative analysis, including 19 of the 23
      insular species pollinated by opportunistic passerine birds (Macaronesian bird
      flowered element). Species relying on passerine birds as the most effective
      pollinators (bird-pollinated) independently evolved at least five times and in
      all instances associated with a loss of papillate cells, whereas species with a
      mixed pollination system (birds plus insects and/or other vertebrates) evolved at
      least five times in Macaronesia and papillate cells were lost in only 25% of
      these transitions. Our findings suggest that petal micromorphology is a labile
      trait during pollinator shifts and that papillate cells tend to be absent on
      those species where pollinators have limited mechanical interaction with flowers,
      including opportunistic passerine birds that forage by hovering or from the
      ground. 

PMID- 27122009
TI  - Intra-specific variability of hindlimb length in the palmate newt: an indicator
      of population isolation induced by habitat fragmentation?
AB  - Habitat fragmentation is one of the main drivers of global amphibian decline.
      Anthropogenic landscape elements can act as barriers, hindering the dispersal
      that is essential for maintaining gene flow between populations. Dispersal
      ability can be influenced by locomotor performance, which in turn can depend on
      morphological traits, such as hindlimb length (HLL) in amphibians. Here, we
      tested relationships between HLL and environmental variables--road types, forests
      and agricultural lands--among 35 sub-populations of palmate newts (Lissotriton
      helveticus) in southwestern France. We expected roads to select for short-legged
      newts due to a higher mortality of more mobile individuals (long-legged newts)
      when crossing roads. Accordingly, short-legged newts were found in the vicinity
      of roads, whereas long-legged newts were found closer to forests and in ponds
      close geographically to another water body. HLL in newts was hence influenced by
      habitat types in a heterogeneous landscape, and could therefore be used as an
      indicator of population isolation in a meta-population system.

PMID- 27122010
TI  - Genetic variation in male-induced harm in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - In Drosophila melanogaster, prolonged exposure to males reduces the longevity and
      fecundity of females. This harm arises from the effects of male courtship
      behaviours and the toxic side effects of the accessory gland proteins (Acps) in
      their seminal fluids. Here, we examine the relationship between male exposure and
      its harmful effect on the lifetime fitness of his mates, and quantify the genetic
      basis for this variation. We found significant additive genetic variation in the
      magnitude of harm that males impose on females by exposing females to males from
      a variety of hemiclonal backgrounds for either a brief or prolonged period of
      time and measuring their fecundity, a meaningful fitness index. Furthermore, we
      discovered a strong negative correlation between the magnitude of harm and the
      short-term effects of male exposure on female fitness. We discuss the
      evolutionary significance of these results with regards to potential life-history
      trade-offs in females, and its relationship to male body size.

PMID- 27122011
TI  - Tree diversity reduces pest damage in mature forests across Europe.
AB  - Forest pest damage is expected to increase with global change. Tree diversity
      could mitigate this impact, but unambiguous demonstration of the diversity
      resistance relationship is lacking in semi-natural mature forests. We used a
      network of 208 forest plots sampled along two orthogonal gradients of increasing
      tree species richness and latitudes to assess total tree defoliation in Europe.
      We found a positive relationship between tree species richness and resistance to
      insect herbivores: overall damage to broadleaved species significantly decreased
      with the number of tree species in mature forests. This pattern of associational
      resistance was frequently observed across tree species and countries,
      irrespective of their climate. These findings confirm the greater potential of
      mixed forests to face future biotic disturbances in a changing world. 

PMID- 27122012
TI  - Income and Cognitive Stimulation: A Reanalysis of the Minnesota Family Investment
      Program.
AB  - Correlational research suggests that parents engage in more cognitive stimulation
      with their children when their income increases as reported by Votruba-Drzal
      (Journal of Marriage and Family 65:341-355, 2003). The present study uses data
      from an evaluation of the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), a welfare
      program that allows families to combine their work payments with their welfare
      benefits. We used the dataset in order to assess the causal impact of income on
      how often mothers engage their young children (N = 69) in cognitively stimulating
      activities. Results indicated that single mothers, who were long-term welfare
      recipients and received the financial benefits of the MFIP without employment
      training services, engaged in more cognitively stimulating activities with their
      children, relative to mothers who received traditional Aid to Families with
      Dependent Children. Contrary to expectations, an increase in income did not
      appear to cause the increase in cognitive stimulation. Rather, a reduction in
      work hours, without a drastic loss of income, appeared to cause the increase in
      cognitive stimulation. Implications for future work and policy are discussed.

PMID- 27122013
TI  - Understanding particle size and distance driven competition of interparticle
      interactions and effective single-particle anisotropy.
AB  - Magnetic response of single-domain nanoparticles (NPs) in concentrated systems is
      strongly affected by mutual interparticle interactions. However, particle
      proximity significantly influences single-particle effective anisotropy. To solve
      which of these two phenomena plays a dominant role in the magnetic response of
      real NP systems, systematic study on samples with well-defined parameters is
      required. In our work, we prepared a series of nanocomposites constituted of
      highly-crystalline and well-isolated CoFe2O4 NPs embedded in an amorphous SiO2
      matrix using a single-molecule precursor method. This preparation method enabled
      us to reach a wide interval of particle size and concentration. We observed that
      the characteristic parameters of the single-domain state (coercivity, blocking
      temperature) and dipole-dipole interaction energy ([Formula: see text]) scaled
      with each other and increased with increasing [Formula: see text], where d XRD
      was the NP diameter and r was the interparticle distance. Our results are in
      excellent agreement with Monte-Carlo simulations of the particle growth.
      Moreover, we demonstrated that the contribution of [Formula: see text] acting as
      an additional energetic barrier to the superspin reversal or as an average static
      field did not sufficiently explain how the concentrated NP systems responded to
      an external magnetic field. Alternations in the blocking temperature and
      coercivity of our NP systems accounted for reformed relaxations of the NP
      superspins and modified effective anisotropy energy of the interacting NPs.
      Therefore, the concept of modified NP effective anisotropy explains the magnetic
      response of our concentrated NP systems better than the concept of the energy
      barrier influenced by interparticle interactions.

PMID- 27122014
TI  - Homozygous mutation in the APOA1BP is associated with a lethal infantile
      leukoencephalopathy.
AB  - Febrile-induced neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of genetic
      disorders most commonly inborn errors of metabolism that result in irreversible
      damage involving the central nervous system. Here, we report on five siblings of
      consanguineous family who developed normally for the first 6-12 months of life
      then presented with a severe leukoencephalopathy following a trivial febrile
      illness. Using homozygosity mapping followed by whole exome sequencing, we
      identified a homozygous c. 281C>A mutation in the APOA1BP gene resulting in
      substitution of a highly conserved alanine residue with aspartic acid
      (p.Ala94Asp). APOA1BP encodes for epimerase that catalyzes the R to S
      epimerization of NAD(P)XH, a crucial step in the dehydration of these toxic
      metabolites accumulating during cellular metabolism. This is the first report of
      a defect in the nicotinamide nucleotide repair system in humans.

PMID- 27122015
TI  - Epigenetic assimilation in the aging human brain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epigenetic drift progressively increases variation in DNA
      modification profiles of aging cells, but the finale of such divergence remains
      elusive. In this study, we explored the dynamics of DNA modification and
      transcription in the later stages of human life. RESULTS: We find that brain
      tissues of older individuals (>75 years) become more similar to each other, both
      epigenetically and transcriptionally, compared with younger individuals. Inter
      individual epigenetic assimilation is concurrent with increasing similarity
      between the cerebral cortex and the cerebellum, which points to potential brain
      cell dedifferentiation. DNA modification analysis of twins affected with
      Alzheimer's disease reveals a potential for accelerated epigenetic assimilation
      in neurodegenerative disease. We also observe loss of boundaries and merging of
      neighboring DNA modification and transcriptomic domains over time. CONCLUSIONS:
      Age-dependent epigenetic divergence, paradoxically, changes to convergence in the
      later stages of life. The newly described phenomena of epigenetic assimilation
      and tissue dedifferentiation may help us better understand the molecular
      mechanisms of aging and the origins of diseases for which age is a risk factor.

PMID- 27122016
TI  - The epidemiology of childhood brain injury in the state of Selangor and Federal
      Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited studies describing the epidemiology of childhood
      brain injury, especially in developing countries. This study analyses data from
      the Malaysian National Trauma Database (NTrD) registry to estimate the incidence
      of childhood brain injury among various demographic groups within the state of
      Selangor and Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. METHODS: This study analysed all
      traumatic brain injury cases for children ages 0-19 included in the 2010 NTrD
      report. RESULTS: A total of 5,836 paediatric patients were admitted to emergency
      departments (ED) of reporting hospitals for trauma. Of these, 742 patients (12.7
      %) suffered from brain injuries. Among those with brain injuries, the mortality
      rate was 11.9 and 71.2 % were aged between 15 and 19. Traffic accidents were the
      most common mode of injury (95.4 %). Out of the total for traffic accidents, 80.2
      % of brain injuries were incurred in motorcycle accidents. Severity of injury was
      higher among males and patients who were transferred or referred to the reporting
      centres from other clinics. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) total score and type of
      admission were found to be statistically significant, chi (2) (5, N = 178) =
      66.53, p < 0.001, in predicting patient outcomes. According to this analysis, the
      overall rate of childhood brain injury for this one year period was 32 per
      100,000 children while the incidence of significant (moderate to severe) brain
      injury was approximately 8 per 100,000 children. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides
      an overview of traumatic brain injury rates among children within the most
      populous region of Malaysia. Most brain injuries occurred among older male
      children, with traffic, specifically motorcycle-related, accidents being the main
      mode of injury. These findings point to risk factors that could be targeted for
      future injury prevention programs.

PMID- 27122017
TI  - Surgically treated solitary giant gluteal and retroperitoneal neurofibroma: a
      case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Giant neurofibromas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 involve
      multiple regions and are often difficult to surgically extirpate. However,
      surgical intervention is the most effective means for improving quality of life.
      The case reported herein is unique in that it involves a giant neurofibroma,
      involving the patient's peritoneal and pelvic cavities, retroperitoneal space,
      and buttock, which was causing compressive displacement of abdominal and pelvic
      organs. A challenging surgical intervention was required to accomplish near-total
      resection to relieve organ compression while preserving visceral and genitoanal
      function. CASE PRESENTATION: The case reported is of a patient presenting with a
      solitary giant retroperitoneal neurofibroma that threatened to obliterate both
      peritoneal and pelvic cavities and protruded conspicuously into the right gluteal
      region. The enormous dumbbell-shaped mass was surgically removed in three parts.
      Postoperative pathology studies confirmed a diagnosis of neurofibroma. Follow-up
      computed tomography images taken three months postoperatively revealed residual
      tumor in the perianal region. The patient's quality of life had measurably
      improved on follow-up at eight months. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical intervention in such
      extraordinary circumstances of a giant neurofibroma causing compressive
      displacement of critical organs reduces tumor burden, restores appearance and
      function of patient's body and internal organs, and improves the patient's
      quality of life.

PMID- 27122018
TI  - Quantification of cephalomedullary nail fit in the femur using 3D computer
      modelling: a comparison between 1.0 and 1.5m bow designs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The radius of curvature (ROC) misfit of cephalomedullary nails during
      anterograde nailing can lead to complications such as distal anterior cortical
      encroachment. This study quantified the anatomical fit of a new nail with 1.0-m
      ROC (TFN-ADVANCED(TM) Proximal Femoral Nailing System [TFNA]) compared with a
      nail with 1.5-m ROC (Gamma3 Long Nail R1.5 [Gamma3]). METHODS: We generated 63
      three-dimensional models (48 female, 45 right femur) representing the cortical
      surfaces of the femora (31 Caucasian, 28 Japanese, and 4 Thai). The mean age of
      the specimens was 77 years (+/-8.1), and the mean height was 158.5 cm (+/-9.6).
      Utilizing a customized software tool, nail fit was determined from the total
      surface area of nail protrusion from the inner cortex surface and maximum
      distance of nail protrusion in the axial plane; the position of the distal nail
      tip within the canal was also determined. RESULTS: Overall, TFNA had both a
      significantly smaller mean total surface area of nail protrusion (915.8 vs.
      1181.6 mm(2); P < 0.05) and a mean maximum distance of nail protrusion in the
      axial plane (1.9 vs. 2.1 mm; P = 0.007) when compared with Gamma3. The mean total
      surface area of nail protrusion was significantly smaller with TFNA versus Gamma3
      in both the Caucasian (P = 0.0009) and Asian (Japanese and Thai) samples (P =
      0.000002); the mean maximum distance of TFNA protrusion was significantly smaller
      in Asians (P = 0.04), but not in Caucasians (P = 0.08). Most tip positions for
      both nail types were anterior, but TFNA had a higher number of center positions
      than Gamma3 (13 vs. 7) and a shift from the far anterior cortex to the center of
      the medullary canal (overall and in Caucasians). In Asians, the most prominent
      position was far anterior for both nails. CONCLUSIONS: The 1.0-m ROC TFNA nail
      resulted in better fit than the 1.5-m ROC Gamma3 nail. Clinical trials and case
      studies should be conducted in the future to verify if these findings would also
      result in clinical improvements.

PMID- 27122019
TI  - A man with severe abdominal pain.

PMID- 27122020
TI  - ImiRP: a computational approach to microRNA target site mutation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small ~22 nucleotide non-coding RNAs that
      function as post-transcriptional regulators of messenger RNA (mRNA) through base
      pairing to 6-8 nucleotide long target sites, usually located within the mRNA 3'
      untranslated region. A common approach to validate and probe microRNA-mRNA
      interactions is to mutate predicted target sites within the mRNA and determine
      whether it affects miRNA-mediated activity. The introduction of miRNA target site
      mutations, however, is potentially problematic as it may generate new,
      "illegitimate sites" target sites for other miRNAs, which may affect the
      experimental outcome. While it is possible to manually generate and check single
      miRNA target site mutations, this process can be time consuming, and becomes
      particularly onerous and error prone when multiple sites are to be mutated
      simultaneously. We have developed a modular Java-based system called ImiRP
      (Illegitimate miRNA Predictor) to solve this problem and to facilitate miRNA
      target site mutagenesis. RESULTS: The ImiRP interface allows users to input a
      sequence of interest, specify the locations of multiple predicted target sites to
      mutate, and set parameters such as species, mutation strategy, and disallowed
      illegitimate target site types. As mutant sequences are generated, ImiRP utilizes
      the miRBase high confidence miRNA dataset to identify illegitimate target sites
      in each mutant sequence by comparing target site predictions between input and
      mutant sequences. ImiRP then assembles a final mutant sequence in which all
      specified target sites have been mutated. CONCLUSIONS: ImiRP is a mutation
      generator program that enables selective disruption of specified miRNA target
      sites while ensuring predicted target sites for other miRNAs are not
      inadvertently created. ImiRP supports mutagenesis of single and multiple miRNA
      target sites within a given sequence, including sites that overlap. This software
      will be particularly useful for studies looking at microRNA cooperativity, where
      mutagenesis of multiple microRNA target sites may be desired. The software is
      available at imirp.org and is available open source for download through GitHub (
      https://github.com/imirp ).

PMID- 27122022
TI  - The Basis of Structure/Function Claims of Nutraceuticals.
AB  - In the United States, as in most of the world, there are large numbers of
      nutraceuticals that are sold and which people take to boost their immune
      response. There are, in addition, almost an equal number of products sold to
      reduce allergies. However, very few consumers, and indeed physicians, are aware
      of what a structure/function claim is. Structure/function claims are labeling
      claims that can be used to describe the potential effects of a dietary ingredient
      or similar substance on the structure or function of the human body. This
      category of claims was created by legislation contained in the Dietary Supplement
      Health and Education Act. The intent was to supply consumers with reasonably
      substantiated information that would allow them to make educated choices about
      their diet and health. They were not intended to have the same weight and
      substantiation as the claims made for conventional prescription pharmaceuticals.
      Rather, they were proposed to fill the gap between consumer desire for over-the
      counter supplements and foods, and rigorous and generally more potent and
      potentially "toxic" prescription medications. The legally mandated disclaimer,
      stating that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the
      structure/function claim, often leads to misinterpretation. While there should be
      a biologic premise underlying the claim, there is not an absolute requirement for
      a conventional rigorous placebo-controlled dose response trial. While this may
      not be the clinical standard that a typical scientific oriented society might
      desire, it reflects the attempts of the FDA to find common grounds and to allow
      consumers to use products that are generally considered as safe based on
      historical use and biologic comparisons. The logic of, indeed need for,
      structure/function claims is straightforward; however, of equal importance is
      that nutraceuticals should be properly labeled, have accuracy in their
      ingredients, be free of contamination, be safe, and have a reasonable body of
      data that supports their efficacy.

PMID- 27122021
TI  - Bradykinin: Inflammatory Product of the Coagulation System.
AB  - Episodic and recurrent local cutaneous or mucosal swelling are key features of
      angioedema. The vasoactive agents histamine and bradykinin are highly implicated
      as mediators of these swelling attacks. It is challenging to assess the
      contribution of bradykinin to the clinical expression of angioedema, as accurate
      biomarkers for the generation of this vasoactive peptide are still lacking. In
      this review, we will describe the mechanisms that are responsible for bradykinin
      production in hereditary angioedema (HAE) and the central role that the
      coagulation factor XII (FXII) plays in it. Evidently, several plasma parameters
      of coagulation change during attacks of HAE and may prove valuable biomarkers for
      disease activity. We propose that these changes are secondary to vascular
      leakage, rather than a direct consequence of FXII activation. Furthermore,
      biomarkers for fibrinolytic system activation (i.e. plasminogen activation) also
      change during attacks of HAE. These changes may reflect triggering of the
      bradykinin-forming mechanisms by plasmin. Finally, multiple lines of evidence
      suggest that neutrophil activation and mast-cell activation are functionally
      linked to bradykinin production. We put forward the paradigm that FXII functions
      as a 'sensor molecule' to detect conditions that require bradykinin release via
      crosstalk with cell-derived enzymes. Understanding the mechanisms that drive
      bradykinin generation may help to identify angioedema patients that have
      bradykinin-mediated disease and could benefit from a targeted treatment. 

PMID- 27122023
TI  - Using ultra-sensitive next generation sequencing to dissect DNA damage-induced
      mutagenesis.
AB  - Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have dramatically improved studies
      in biology and biomedical science. However, no optimal NGS approach is available
      to conveniently analyze low frequency mutations caused by DNA damage treatments.
      Here, by developing an exquisite ultra-sensitive NGS (USNGS) platform "EasyMF"
      and incorporating it with a widely used supF shuttle vector-based mutagenesis
      system, we can conveniently dissect roles of lesion bypass polymerases in damage
      induced mutagenesis. In this improved mutagenesis analysis pipeline, the initial
      steps are the same as in the supF mutation assay, involving damaging the pSP189
      plasmid followed by its transfection into human 293T cells to allow replication
      to occur. Then "EasyMF" is employed to replace downstream MBM7070 bacterial
      transformation and other steps for analyzing damage-induced mutation frequencies
      and spectra. This pipeline was validated by using UV damaged plasmid after its
      replication in lesion bypass polymerase-deficient 293T cells. The increased
      throughput and reduced cost of this system will allow us to conveniently screen
      regulators of translesion DNA synthesis pathway and monitor environmental
      genotoxic substances, which can ultimately provide insight into the mechanisms of
      genome stability and mutagenesis.

PMID- 27122024
TI  - Exploring the Origins and Development of the Visual Number Form Area: A
      Functionally Specialized and Domain-Specific Region for the Processing of Number
      Symbols?

PMID- 27122025
TI  - Task-Related Dynamic Division of Labor Between Anterior Temporal and Lateral
      Occipital Cortices in Representing Object Size.
AB  - Object size is represented by functionally distinct sectors along the ventral
      visual pathway. The early visual cortex encodes objects' sensory-retinal size.
      Subsequently, the occipitotemporal cortex computes objects' canonical size based
      on statistical regularities of visual features. Although the neurocomputation of
      size has been studied in a "bottom-up" sensory-driven framework, little is known
      about how perceptual size information is transformed into conceptual knowledge
      and how this computation is modulated by "top-down" goal-driven signals. Using
      continuous theta burst stimulation, we demonstrated that behavioral goal shapes
      the neurocognitive network underpinning object size. We manipulated the
      congruency of perceptual versus conceptual object size, which provides a robust
      behavioral probe reflecting implicit size knowledge. Neurostimulation was
      targeted at the lateral occipital cortex (LOC), a key region for object
      perception, or the anterior temporal lobe (ATL), a "hub" of supramodal conceptual
      processing. We observed striking contextual modulation of the neurocognitive
      architecture: when human participants judged perceptual size, the congruency
      effect was significantly attenuated by LOC stimulation but stayed resilient to
      ATL stimulation. By contrast, when they judged conceptual size, both LOC and ATL
      stimulation eradicated the otherwise robust effect. Our findings demonstrate
      disparate functional profiles of the LOC and ATL, providing the first evidence of
      a malleable network adaptively altering its division of labor with top-down
      states. The LOC, regardless of task demand, automatically represents "bottom-up"
      statistical regularities of visual conformation (reflecting typical object size),
      whereas the ATL contributes to this computation when the context requires
      semantically based linkage of visual attributes to object recognition.
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In the present study, we provide compelling evidence that
      the "top-down" cognitive state of an observer changes the dynamic interaction
      between different subregions of the ventral temporal cortex. Using inhibitory
      neurostimulation combined with a novel paradigm, we demonstrate a flexible
      division of labor in the neurocognitive architecture that underpins size
      knowledge: the lateral occipital cortex codes perceptually based aspects
      (statistical visual configuration of small/large objects), whereas the anterior
      temporal lobe represents semantically based aspects (object identity), with their
      involvement interactively weighted by task demand. The interactive nature of the
      ventral temporal cortex highlights how top-down modulation constrains and shapes
      neural representations in the visual system.

PMID- 27122026
TI  - Cohesion and Joint Speech: Right Hemisphere Contributions to Synchronized Vocal
      Production.
AB  - Synchronized behavior (chanting, singing, praying, dancing) is found in all human
      cultures and is central to religious, military, and political activities, which
      require people to act collaboratively and cohesively; however, we know little
      about the neural underpinnings of many kinds of synchronous behavior (e.g., vocal
      behavior) or its role in establishing and maintaining group cohesion. In the
      present study, we measured neural activity using fMRI while participants spoke
      simultaneously with another person. We manipulated whether the couple spoke the
      same sentence (allowing synchrony) or different sentences (preventing synchrony),
      and also whether the voice the participant heard was "live" (allowing rich
      reciprocal interaction) or prerecorded (with no such mutual influence).
      Synchronous speech was associated with increased activity in posterior and
      anterior auditory fields. When, and only when, participants spoke with a partner
      who was both synchronous and "live," we observed a lack of the suppression of
      auditory cortex, which is commonly seen as a neural correlate of speech
      production. Instead, auditory cortex responded as though it were processing
      another talker's speech. Our results suggest that detecting synchrony leads to a
      change in the perceptual consequences of one's own actions: they are processed as
      though they were other-, rather than self-produced. This may contribute to our
      understanding of synchronized behavior as a group-bonding tool. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: Synchronized human behavior, such as chanting, dancing, and singing,
      are cultural universals with functional significance: these activities increase
      group cohesion and cause participants to like each other and behave more
      prosocially toward each other. Here we use fMRI brain imaging to investigate the
      neural basis of one common form of cohesive synchronized behavior: joint speaking
      (e.g., the synchronous speech seen in chants, prayers, pledges). Results showed
      that joint speech recruits additional right hemisphere regions outside the
      classic speech production network. Additionally, we found that a neural marker of
      self-produced speech, suppression of sensory cortices, did not occur during joint
      synchronized speech, suggesting that joint synchronized behavior may alter self
      other distinctions in sensory processing.

PMID- 27122027
TI  - TMEM184b Promotes Axon Degeneration and Neuromuscular Junction Maintenance.
AB  - Complex nervous systems achieve proper connectivity during development and must
      maintain these connections throughout life. The processes of axon and synaptic
      maintenance and axon degeneration after injury are jointly controlled by a number
      of proteins within neurons, including ubiquitin ligases and mitogen activated
      protein kinases. However, our understanding of these molecular cascades is
      incomplete. Here we describe the phenotype resulting from mutation of TMEM184b, a
      protein identified in a screen for axon degeneration mediators. TMEM184b is
      highly expressed in the mouse nervous system and is found in recycling endosomes
      in neuronal cell bodies and axons. Disruption of TMEM184b expression results in
      prolonged maintenance of peripheral axons following nerve injury, demonstrating a
      role for TMEM184b in axon degeneration. In contrast to this protective phenotype
      in axons, uninjured mutant mice have anatomical and functional impairments in the
      peripheral nervous system. Loss of TMEM184b causes swellings at neuromuscular
      junctions that become more numerous with age, demonstrating that TMEM184b is
      critical for the maintenance of synaptic architecture. These swellings contain
      abnormal multivesicular structures similar to those seen in patients with
      neurodegenerative disorders. Mutant animals also show abnormal sensory terminal
      morphology. TMEM184b mutant animals are deficient on the inverted screen test,
      illustrating a role for TMEM184b in sensory-motor function. Overall, we have
      identified an important function for TMEM184b in peripheral nerve terminal
      structure, function, and the axon degeneration pathway. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
      Our work has identified both neuroprotective and neurodegenerative roles for a
      previously undescribed protein, TMEM184b. TMEM184b mutation causes delayed axon
      degeneration following peripheral nerve injury, indicating that it participates
      in the degeneration process. Simultaneously, TMEM184b mutation causes progressive
      structural abnormalities at neuromuscular synapses and swellings within sensory
      terminals, and animals with this mutation display profound weakness. Thus,
      TMEM184b is necessary for normal peripheral nerve terminal morphology and
      maintenance. Loss of TMEM184b results in accumulation of autophagosomal
      structures in vivo, fitting with emerging studies that have linked autophagy
      disruption and neurological disease. Our work recognizes TMEM184b as a new player
      in the maintenance of the nervous system.

PMID- 27122028
TI  - Targeted Epigenetic Remodeling of the Cdk5 Gene in Nucleus Accumbens Regulates
      Cocaine- and Stress-Evoked Behavior.
AB  - Recent studies have implicated epigenetic remodeling in brain reward regions
      following psychostimulant or stress exposure. It has only recently become
      possible to target a given type of epigenetic remodeling to a single gene of
      interest, and to probe the functional relevance of such regulation to
      neuropsychiatric disease. We sought to examine the role of histone modifications
      at the murine Cdk5 (cyclin-dependent kinase 5) locus, given growing evidence of
      Cdk5 expression in nucleus accumbens (NAc) influencing reward-related behaviors.
      Viral-mediated delivery of engineered zinc finger proteins (ZFP) targeted histone
      H3 lysine 9/14 acetylation (H3K9/14ac), a transcriptionally active mark, or
      histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), which is associated with
      transcriptional repression, specifically to the Cdk5 locus in NAc in vivo We
      found that Cdk5-ZFP transcription factors are sufficient to bidirectionally
      regulate Cdk5 gene expression via enrichment of their respective histone
      modifications. We examined the behavioral consequences of this epigenetic
      remodeling and found that Cdk5-targeted H3K9/14ac increased cocaine-induced
      locomotor behavior, as well as resilience to social stress. Conversely, Cdk5
      targeted H3K9me2 attenuated both cocaine-induced locomotor behavior and
      conditioned place preference, but had no effect on stress-induced social
      avoidance behavior. The current study provides evidence for the causal role of
      Cdk5 epigenetic remodeling in NAc in Cdk5 gene expression and in the control of
      reward and stress responses. Moreover, these data are especially compelling given
      that previous work demonstrated opposite behavioral phenotypes compared with
      those reported here upon Cdk5 overexpression or knockdown, demonstrating the
      importance of targeted epigenetic remodeling tools for studying more subtle
      molecular changes that contribute to neuropsychiatric disease. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: Addiction and depression are highly heritable diseases, yet it has
      been difficult to identify gene sequence variations that underlie this
      heritability. Gene regulation via epigenetic remodeling is an additional
      mechanism contributing to the neurobiological basis of drug and stress exposure.
      In particular, epigenetic regulation of the Cdk5 gene alters responses to cocaine
      and stress in mouse and rat models. In this study, we used a novel technology,
      zinc-finger engineered transcription factors, to remodel histone proteins
      specifically at the Cdk5 gene. We found that this is sufficient to regulate the
      expression of Cdk5 and results in altered behavioral responses to cocaine and
      social stress. These data provide compelling evidence of the significance of
      epigenetic regulation in the neurobiological basis of reward- and stress-related
      neuropsychiatric disease.

PMID- 27122029
TI  - Oligodendrogliopathy in Multiple Sclerosis: Low Glycolytic Metabolic Rate
      Promotes Oligodendrocyte Survival.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions feature demyelination with limited remyelination.
      A distinct injury phenotype of MS lesions features dying back of oligodendrocyte
      (OL) terminal processes, a response that destabilizes myelin/axon interactions.
      This oligodendrogliopathy has been linked with local metabolic stress, similar to
      the penumbra of ischemic/hypoxic states. Here, we developed an in vitro
      oligodendrogliopathy model using human CNS-derived OLs and related this injury
      response to their distinct bioenergetic properties. We determined the energy
      utilization properties of adult human surgically derived OLs cultured under
      either optimal or metabolic stress conditions, deprivation of growth factors, and
      glucose and/or hypoxia using a Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer. Baseline
      studies were also performed on OL progenitor cells derived from the same tissue
      and postnatal rat-derived cells. Under basal conditions, adult human OLs were
      less metabolically active than their progenitors and both were less active than
      the rat cells. Human OLs and progenitors both used aerobic glycolysis for the
      majority of ATP production, a process that contributes to protein and lipid
      production necessary for myelin biosynthesis. Under stress conditions that induce
      significant process retraction with only marginal cell death, human OLs exhibited
      a significant reduction in overall energy utilization, particularly in glycolytic
      ATP production. The stress-induced reduction of glycolytic ATP production by the
      human OLs would exacerbate myelin process withdrawal while favoring cell
      survival, providing a potential basis for the oligodendrogliopathy observed in
      MS. The glycolytic pathway is a potential therapeutic target to promote myelin
      maintenance and enhance repair in MS. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The neurologic
      deficits that characterize multiple sclerosis (MS) reflect disruption of myelin
      (demyelination) within the CNS and failure of repair (remyelination). We define
      distinct energy utilization properties of human adult brain-derived
      oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells under conditions of
      metabolic stress that model the initial relapsing and subsequent progressive
      phases of MS. The observed changes in energy utilization affect both cell
      survival and myelination capacity. These processes may be amenable to therapeutic
      interventions to limit the extent of cumulative tissue injury and to promote
      repair in MS.

PMID- 27122030
TI  - Clinically Anxious Individuals Show Disrupted Feedback between Inferior Frontal
      Gyrus and Prefrontal-Limbic Control Circuit.
AB  - Clinical anxiety is associated with generalization of conditioned fear, in which
      innocuous stimuli elicit alarm. Using Pavlovian fear conditioning (electric
      shock), we quantify generalization as the degree to which subjects'
      neurobiological responses track perceptual similarity gradients to a conditioned
      stimulus. Previous studies show that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC)
      inversely and ventral tegmental area directly track the gradient of perceptual
      similarity to the conditioned stimulus in healthy individuals, whereas clinically
      anxious individuals fail to discriminate. Here, we extend this work by
      identifying specific functional roles within the prefrontal-limbic circuit. We
      analyzed fMRI time-series acquired from 57 human subjects during a fear
      generalization task using entropic measures of circuit-wide regulation and
      feedback (power spectrum scale invariance/autocorrelation), in combination with
      structural (diffusion MRI-probabilistic tractography) and functional (stochastic
      dynamic causal modeling) measures of prefrontal-limbic connectivity within the
      circuit. Group comparison and correlations with anxiety severity across 57
      subjects revealed dysregulatory dynamic signatures within the inferior frontal
      gyrus (IFG), which our prior work has linked to impaired feedback within the
      circuit. Bayesian model selection then identified a fully connected prefrontal
      limbic model comprising the IFG, vmPFC, and amygdala. Dysregulatory IFG dynamics
      were associated with weaker reciprocal excitatory connectivity between the IFG
      and the vmPFC. The vmPFC exhibited inhibitory influence on the amygdala. Our
      current results, combined with our previous work across a threat-perception
      spectrum of 137 subjects and a meta-analysis of 366 fMRI studies, dissociate
      distinct roles for three prefrontal-limbic regions, wherein the IFG provides
      evaluation of stimulus meaning, which then informs the vmPFC in inhibiting the
      amygdala. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Affective neuroscience has generally treated
      prefrontal regions (orbitofrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,
      inferior frontal gyrus, ventromedial prefrontal cortex) equivalently as
      inhibitory components of the prefrontal-limbic system. Yet research across the
      anxiety spectrum suggests that the inferior frontal gyrus may have a more complex
      role in emotion regulation, as this region shows abnormal function in disorders
      of both hyperarousal and hypoarousal. Using entropic measures of circuit-wide
      regulation and feedback, in combination with measures of structural and
      functional connectivity, we dissociate distinct roles for three prefrontal-limbic
      regions, wherein the inferior frontal gyrus provides evaluation of stimulus
      meaning, which then informs the ventromedial prefrontal cortex in inhibiting the
      amygdala. This reconfiguration coheres with studies of conceptual disambiguation
      also implicating the inferior frontal gyrus.

PMID- 27122031
TI  - Decoding the Charitable Brain: Empathy, Perspective Taking, and Attention Shifts
      Differentially Predict Altruistic Giving.
AB  - Altruistic behavior varies considerably across people and decision contexts. The
      relevant computational and motivational mechanisms that underlie its
      heterogeneity, however, are poorly understood. Using a charitable giving task
      together with multivariate decoding techniques, we identified three distinct
      psychological mechanisms underlying altruistic decision-making (empathy,
      perspective taking, and attentional reorienting) and linked them to dissociable
      neural computations. Neural responses in the anterior insula (AI) (but not
      temporoparietal junction [TPJ]) encoded trial-wise empathy for beneficiaries,
      whereas the TPJ (but not AI) predicted the degree of perspective taking.
      Importantly, the relative influence of both socio-cognitive processes differed
      across individuals: participants whose donation behavior was heavily influenced
      by affective empathy exhibited higher predictive accuracies for generosity in AI,
      whereas those who strongly relied on cognitive perspective taking showed improved
      predictions of generous donations in TPJ. Furthermore, subject-specific
      contributions of both processes for donations were reflected in participants'
      empathy and perspective taking responses in a separate fMRI task (EmpaToM),
      suggesting that process-specific inputs into altruistic choices may reflect
      participants' general propensity to either empathize or mentalize. Finally, using
      independent attention task data, we identified shared neural codes for
      attentional reorienting and generous donations in the posterior superior temporal
      sulcus, suggesting that domain-general attention shifts also contribute to
      generous behavior (but not in TPJ or AI). Overall, our findings demonstrate
      highly specific roles of AI for affective empathy and TPJ for cognitive
      perspective taking as precursors of prosocial behavior and suggest that these
      discrete routes of social cognition differentially drive intraindividual and
      interindividual differences in altruistic behavior. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Human
      societies depend on the altruistic behavior of their members, but teasing apart
      its underlying motivations and neural mechanisms poses a serious challenge. Using
      multivariate decoding techniques, we delineated three distinct processes for
      altruistic decision-making (affective empathy, cognitive perspective taking, and
      domain-general attention shifts), linked them to dissociable neural computations,
      and identified their relative influence across individuals. Distinguishing
      process-specific computations both behaviorally and neurally is crucial for
      developing complete theoretical and neuroscientific accounts of altruistic
      behavior and more effective means of increasing it. Moreover, information on the
      relative influence of subprocesses across individuals and its link to people's
      more general propensity to engage empathy or perspective taking can inform
      training programs to increase prosociality, considering their "fit" with
      different individuals.

PMID- 27122032
TI  - Susceptibility of Primary Sensory Cortex to Spreading Depolarizations.
AB  - Spreading depolarizations (SDs) are recognized as actors in neurological
      disorders as diverse as migraine and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Migraine aura
      involves sensory percepts, suggesting that sensory cortices might be
      intrinsically susceptible to SDs. We used optical imaging, MRI, and field
      potential and potassium electrode recordings in mice and electrocorticographic
      recordings in humans to determine the susceptibility of different brain regions
      to SDs. Optical imaging experiments in mice under isoflurane anesthesia showed
      that both cortical spreading depression and terminal anoxic depolarization arose
      preferentially in the whisker barrel region of parietal sensory cortex. MRI
      recordings under isoflurane, ketamine/xylazine, ketamine/isoflurane, and urethane
      anesthesia demonstrated that the depolarizations did not propagate from a
      subcortical source. Potassium concentrations showed larger increases in sensory
      cortex, suggesting a mechanism of susceptibility. Sensory stimulation biased the
      timing but not the location of depolarization onset. In humans with TBI, there
      was a trend toward increased incidence of SDs in parietal/temporal sensory cortex
      compared with other regions. In conclusion, SDs are inducible preferentially in
      primary sensory cortex in mice and most likely in humans. This tropism can
      explain the predominant sensory phenomenology of migraine aura. It also
      demonstrates that sensory cortices are vulnerable in brain injury. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: Spreading depolarizations (SDs) are involved in neurologic disorders
      as diverse as migraine and traumatic brain injury. In migraine, the nature of
      aura symptoms suggests that sensory cortex may be preferentially susceptible. In
      brain injury, SDs occur at a vulnerable time, during which the issue of sensory
      stimulation is much debated. We show, in mouse and human, that sensory cortex is
      more susceptible to SDs. We find that sensory stimulation biases the timing but
      not the location of the depolarizations. Finally, we show a relative impairment
      of potassium clearance in sensory cortex, providing a potential mechanism for the
      susceptibility. Our data help to explain the sensory nature of the migraine aura
      and reveal that sensory cortices are vulnerable in brain injury.

PMID- 27122033
TI  - Motor Nerve Arborization Requires Proteolytic Domain of Damage-Induced Neuronal
      Endopeptidase (DINE) during Development.
AB  - Damage-induced neuronal endopeptidase (DINE)/endothelin-converting enzyme-like 1
      (ECEL1) is a membrane-bound metalloprotease, which we originally identified as a
      nerve regeneration-associated molecule. Abundant expression of DINE is observed
      in regenerating neurons, as well as in developing spinal motor neurons. In line
      with this, DINE-deficient (DINE KO) embryos fail to arborize phrenic motor nerves
      in the diaphragm and to form proper neuromuscular junctions (NMJ), which lead to
      death shortly after birth. However, it is unclear whether protease activity of
      DINE is involved in motor nerve terminal arborization and how DINE participates
      in the process. To address these issues, we performed an in vivo rescue
      experiment in which three types of motor-neuron specific DINE transgenic mice
      were crossed with DINE KO mice. The DINE KO mice, which overexpressed wild-type
      DINE in motor neurons, succeeded in rescuing the aberrant nerve terminal
      arborization and lethality after birth, while those overexpressing two types of
      protease domain-mutated DINE failed. Further histochemical analysis showed
      abnormal behavior of immature Schwann cells along the DINE-deficient axons.
      Coculture experiments of motor neurons and Schwann cells ensured that the
      protease domain of neuronal DINE was required for proper alignment of immature
      Schwann cells along the axon. These findings suggest that protease activity of
      DINE is crucial for intramuscular innervation of motor nerves and subsequent NMJ
      formation, as well as proper control of interactions between axons and immature
      Schwann cells. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Damage-induced neuronal endopeptidase
      (DINE) is a membrane-bound metalloprotease; expression is abundant in developing
      spinal motor neurons, as well as in nerve-injured neurons. DINE-deficient (KO)
      embryos fail to arborize phrenic motor nerves in the diaphragm and to form a
      neuromuscular junction, leading to death immediately after birth. To address
      whether proteolytic activity of DINE is involved in this process, we performed in
      vivo rescue experiments with DINE KO mice. Transgenic rescue of DINE KO mice was
      accomplished by overexpression of wild-type DINE, but not by protease domain
      mutated DINE. Immature Schwann cells were abnormally aligned along the DINE
      protease-deficient axons. Thus, the protease activity of DINE is crucial for
      motor axon arborization, as well as the interaction between axons and immature
      Schwann cells.

PMID- 27122034
TI  - Mutations in Cockayne Syndrome-Associated Genes (Csa and Csb) Predispose to
      Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss in Mice.
AB  - Cisplatin is a common and effective chemotherapeutic agent, yet it often causes
      permanent hearing loss as a result of sensory hair cell death. The causes of
      sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents in nondividing cell populations, such as
      cochlear hair and supporting cells, are poorly understood, as are the specific
      DNA repair pathways that protect these cells. Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is
      a conserved and versatile DNA repair pathway for many DNA-distorting lesions,
      including cisplatin-DNA adducts. Progressive sensorineural hearing loss is
      observed in a subset of NER-associated DNA repair disorders including Cockayne
      syndrome and some forms of xeroderma pigmentosum. We investigated whether either
      of the two overlapping branches that encompass NER, transcription-coupled repair
      or global genome repair, which are implicated in Cockayne syndrome and xeroderma
      pigmentosum group C, respectively, modulates cisplatin-induced hearing loss and
      cell death in the organ of Corti, the auditory sensory epithelium of mammals. We
      report that cochlear hair cells and supporting cells in transcription-coupled
      repair-deficient Cockayne syndrome group A (Csa(-/-)) and group B (Csb(-/-)) mice
      are hypersensitive to cisplatin, in contrast to global genome repair-deficient
      Xpc(-/-) mice, both in vitro and in vivo We show that sensory hair cells in Csa(
      /-) and Csb(-/-) mice fail to remove cisplatin-DNA adducts efficiently in vitro;
      and unlike Xpc(-/-) mice, Csa(-/-) and Csb(-/-) mice lose hearing and manifest
      outer hair cell degeneration after systemic cisplatin treatment. Our results
      demonstrate that Csa and Csb deficiencies predispose to cisplatin-induced hearing
      loss and hair/supporting cell damage in the mammalian organ of Corti, and
      emphasize the importance of transcription-coupled DNA repair in the protection
      against cisplatin ototoxicity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The utility of cisplatin
      in chemotherapy remains limited due to serious side effects, including
      sensorineural hearing loss. We show that mouse models of Cockayne syndrome, a
      progeroid disorder resulting from a defect in the transcription-coupled DNA
      repair (TCR) branch of nucleotide excision repair, are hypersensitive to
      cisplatin-induced hearing loss and sensory hair cell death in the organ of Corti,
      the mammalian auditory sensory epithelium. Our work indicates that Csa and Csb,
      two genes involved in TCR, are preferentially required to protect against
      cisplatin ototoxicity, relative to global genome repair-specific elements of
      nucleotide excision repair, and suggests that TCR is a major force maintaining
      DNA integrity in the cochlea. The Cockayne syndrome mice thus represent a model
      for testing the contribution of DNA repair mechanisms to cisplatin ototoxicity.

PMID- 27122035
TI  - Stimulus-Elicited Connectivity Influences Resting-State Connectivity Years Later
      in Human Development: A Prospective Study.
AB  - Although the functional architecture of the brain is indexed by resting-state
      connectivity networks, little is currently known about the mechanisms through
      which these networks assemble into stable mature patterns. The current study
      posits and tests the long-term phasic molding hypothesis that resting-state
      networks are gradually shaped by recurring stimulus-elicited connectivity across
      development by examining how both stimulus-elicited and resting-state functional
      connections of the human brain emerge over development at the systems level.
      Using a sequential design following 4- to 18-year-olds over a 2 year period, we
      examined the predictive associations between stimulus-elicited and resting-state
      connectivity in amygdala-cortical circuitry as an exemplar case (given this
      network's protracted development across these ages). Age-related changes in
      amygdala functional connectivity converged on the same regions of medial
      prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and inferior frontal gyrus when elicited by emotional
      stimuli and when measured at rest. Consistent with the long-term phasic molding
      hypothesis, prospective analyses for both connections showed that the magnitude
      of an individual's stimulus-elicited connectivity unidirectionally predicted
      resting-state functional connectivity 2 years later. For the amygdala-mPFC
      connection, only stimulus-elicited connectivity during childhood and the
      transition to adolescence shaped future resting-state connectivity, consistent
      with a sensitive period ending with adolescence for the amygdala-mPFC circuit.
      Together, these findings suggest that resting-state functional architecture may
      arise from phasic patterns of functional connectivity elicited by environmental
      stimuli over the course of development on the order of years. SIGNIFICANCE
      STATEMENT: A fundamental issue in understanding the ontogeny of brain function is
      how resting-state (intrinsic) functional networks emerge and relate to stimulus
      elicited functional connectivity. Here, we posit and test the long-term phasic
      molding hypothesis that resting-state network development is influenced by
      recurring stimulus-elicited connectivity through prospective examination of the
      developing human amygdala-cortical functional connections. Our results provide
      critical insight into how early environmental events sculpt functional network
      architecture across development and highlight childhood as a potential
      developmental period of heightened malleability for the amygdala-medial
      prefrontal cortex circuit. These findings have implications for how both positive
      and adverse experiences influence the developing brain and motivate future
      investigations of whether this molding mechanism reflects a general phenomenon of
      brain development.

PMID- 27122036
TI  - FGF-1 Triggers Pannexin-1 Hemichannel Opening in Spinal Astrocytes of Rodents and
      Promotes Inflammatory Responses in Acute Spinal Cord Slices.
AB  - We show here that the growth factor FGF-1 is proinflammatory in the spinal cord
      and explore the inflammatory mechanisms. FGF-1 applied to rat spinal astrocytes
      in culture initiates calcium signaling and induces secretion of ATP that within
      minutes increases membrane permeability to ethidium (Etd(+)) and Ca(2+) by
      activating P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) that open pannexin hemichannels (Px1 HCs) that
      release further ATP; by 7 h treatment, connexin 43 hemichannels (Cx43 HCs) are
      also opened. In acute mouse spinal cord slices ex vivo, we found that FGF-1
      treatment for 1 h increases the percentage of GFAP-positive astrocytes that show
      enhanced Px1 HC-mediated Etd(+) uptake. This response to FGF-1 was not observed
      in astrocytes in slices of cerebral cortex. FGF-1-induced dye uptake by
      astrocytes is prevented by BAPTA-AM or a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor.
      Furthermore, in spinal cord slices, P2X7R antagonists (BBG and A740003) and Px1
      HC blockers ((10)Panx1 and carbenoxolone) prevent the increase in Etd(+) uptake
      by astrocytes, whereas Gap19, a selective Cx43 HC blocker, has no effect on dye
      uptake at this time. Microglia are not required for the increase in Etd(+) uptake
      by astrocytes induced by FGF-1, although they are activated by FGF-1 treatment.
      The morphological signs of microglia activation are inhibited by P2X7R
      antagonists and (10)Panx1 and are associated with elevated levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines in cord slices treated with FGF-1. The FGF-1 initiated
      cascade may play an important role in spinal cord inflammation in vivo
      SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We find that FGF-1 elevates [Ca(2+)]i in spinal
      astrocytes, which causes vesicular release of ATP and activation of P2X7Rs to
      trigger opening of Px1 HCs, which release further ATP. This regenerative response
      occurs in astrocyte cultures and in acute spinal cord slices. In the latter, FGF
      1 application promotes the activation of microglia and increases the production
      of proinflammatory cytokines through mechanisms depending on P2X7 receptors and
      Px1 HCs. This proinflammatory microenvironment may favor recruitment of
      leukocytes into the spinal cord and impacts negatively on neuronal structure and
      function in vivo Any step in these processes provides a potential therapeutic
      target for treatment of secondary damage in various spinal cord pathologies.

PMID- 27122038
TI  - Neurotrophin-3 Regulates Synapse Development by Modulating TrkC-PTPsigma Synaptic
      Adhesion and Intracellular Signaling Pathways.
AB  - Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is a secreted neurotrophic factor that binds neurotrophin
      receptor tyrosine kinase C (TrkC), which in turn binds to presynaptic protein
      tyrosine phosphatase sigma (PTPsigma) to govern excitatory synapse development.
      However, whether and how NT-3 cooperates with the TrkC-PTPsigma synaptic adhesion
      pathway and TrkC-mediated intracellular signaling pathways in rat cultured
      neurons has remained unclear. Here, we report that NT-3 enhances TrkC binding
      affinity for PTPsigma. Strikingly, NT-3 treatment bidirectionally regulates the
      synaptogenic activity of TrkC: at concentrations of 10-25 ng/ml, NT-3 further
      enhanced the increase in synapse density induced by TrkC overexpression, whereas
      at higher concentrations, NT-3 abrogated TrkC-induced increases in synapse
      density. Semiquantitative immunoblotting and optogenetics-based imaging showed
      that 25 ng/ml NT-3 or light stimulation at a power that produced a comparable
      level of NT-3 (6.25 MUW) activated only extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      (ERK) and Akt, whereas 100 ng/ml NT-3 (light intensity, 25 MUW) further triggered
      the activation of phospholipase C-gamma1 and CREB independently of PTPsigma.
      Notably, disruption of TrkC intracellular signaling pathways, extracellular
      ligand binding, or kinase activity by point mutations compromised TrkC-induced
      increases in synapse density. Furthermore, only sparse, but not global, TrkC
      knock-down in cultured rat neurons significantly decreased synapse density,
      suggesting that intercellular differences in TrkC expression level are critical
      for its synapse-promoting action. Together, our data demonstrate that NT-3 is a
      key factor in excitatory synapse development that may direct higher-order
      assembly of the TrkC/PTPsigma complex and activate distinct intracellular
      signaling cascades in a concentration-dependent manner to promote competition
      based synapse development processes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In this study, we
      present several lines of experimental evidences to support the conclusion that
      neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) modulates the synaptic adhesion pathway involving
      neurotrophin receptor tyrosine kinase C (TrkC) and presynaptic protein tyrosine
      phosphatase sigma (PTPsigma) in a bidirectional manner at excitatory synapses. NT
      3 acts in concentration-independent manner to facilitate TrkC-mediated
      presynaptic differentiation, whereas it acts in a concentration-dependent manner
      to exert differential effects on TrkC-mediated organization of postsynaptic
      development. We further investigated TrkC extracellular ligand binding,
      intracellular signaling pathways, and kinase activity in NT-3-induced synapse
      development. Last, we found that interneuronal differences in TrkC levels
      regulate the synapse number. Overall, these results suggest that NT-3 functions
      as a positive modulator of synaptogenesis involving TrkC and PTPsigma.

PMID- 27122037
TI  - Epac Signaling Is Required for Cocaine-Induced Change in AMPA Receptor Subunit
      Composition in the Ventral Tegmental Area.
AB  - Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) and protein kinase A (PKA) are
      intracellular receptors for cAMP. Although PKA and its downstream effectors have
      been studied extensively in the context of drug addiction, whether and how Epac
      regulates cellular and behavioral effects of drugs of abuse remain essentially
      unknown. Epac is known to regulate AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking. Previous
      studies have shown that a single cocaine exposure in vivo leads to an increase in
      GluA2-lacking AMPARs in dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). We
      tested the hypothesis that Epac mediates cocaine-induced changes in AMPAR subunit
      composition in the VTA. We report that a single cocaine injection in vivo in wild
      type mice leads to inward rectification of EPSCs and renders EPSCs sensitive to a
      GluA2-lacking AMPAR blocker in VTA dopamine neurons. The cocaine-induced increase
      in GluA2-lacking AMPARs was absent in Epac2-deficient mice but not in Epac1
      deficient mice. In addition, activation of Epac with the selective Epac agonist 8
      CPT-2Me-cAMP (8-CPT) recapitulated the cocaine-induced increase in GluA2-lacking
      AMPARs, and the effects of 8-CPT were mediated by Epac2. We also show that
      conditioned place preference to cocaine was impaired in Epac2-deficient mice and
      in mice in which Epac2 was knocked down in the VTA but was not significantly
      altered in Epac1-deficient mice. Together, these results suggest that Epac2 is
      critically involved in the cocaine-induced change in AMPAR subunit composition
      and drug-cue associative learning. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Addictive drugs, such
      as cocaine, induce long-lasting adaptions in the reward circuits of the brain. A
      single intraperitoneal injection of cocaine leads to changes in the composition
      and property of the AMPAR that carries excitatory inputs to dopamine neurons.
      Here, we provide evidence that exchange protein directly activated by cAMP
      (Epac), a cAMP sensor protein, is required for the cocaine-induced changes of the
      AMPAR. We found that the effects of cocaine were mimicked by activation of Epac
      but were blocked by genetic deletion of Epac. Furthermore, cocaine-cue
      associative learning was impaired in mice lacking Epac. These findings uncovered
      a critical role of Epac in regulating the cellular and behavioral actions of
      cocaine.

PMID- 27122039
TI  - The Neural Feedback Response to Error As a Teaching Signal for the Motor Learning
      System.
AB  - When we experience an error during a movement, we update our motor commands to
      partially correct for this error on the next trial. How does experience of error
      produce the improvement in the subsequent motor commands? During the course of an
      erroneous reaching movement, proprioceptive and visual sensory pathways not only
      sense the error, but also engage feedback mechanisms, resulting in corrective
      motor responses that continue until the hand arrives at its goal. One possibility
      is that this feedback response is co-opted by the learning system and used as a
      template to improve performance on the next attempt. Here we used
      electromyography (EMG) to compare neural correlates of learning and feedback to
      test the hypothesis that the feedback response to error acts as a template for
      learning. We designed a task in which mixtures of error-clamp and force-field
      perturbation trials were used to deconstruct EMG time courses into error-feedback
      and learning components. We observed that the error-feedback response was
      composed of excitation of some muscles, and inhibition of others, producing a
      complex activation/deactivation pattern during the reach. Despite this
      complexity, across muscles the learning response was consistently a scaled
      version of the error-feedback response, but shifted 125 ms earlier in time.
      Across people, individuals who produced a greater feedback response to error,
      also learned more from error. This suggests that the feedback response to error
      serves as a teaching signal for the brain. Individuals who learn faster have a
      better teacher in their feedback control system. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Our
      sensory organs transduce errors in behavior. To improve performance, we must
      generate better motor commands. How does the nervous system transform an error in
      sensory coordinates into better motor commands in muscle coordinates? Here we
      show that when an error occurs during a movement, the reflexes transform the
      sensory representation of error into motor commands. To learn from error, the
      nervous system scales this feedback response and then shifts it earlier in time,
      adding it to the previously generated motor commands. This addition serves as an
      update to the motor commands, constituting the learning signal. Therefore, by
      providing a coordinate transformation, the feedback system generates a template
      for learning from error.

PMID- 27122040
TI  - GluD2 Endows Parallel Fiber-Purkinje Cell Synapses with a High Regenerative
      Capacity.
AB  - Although injured axons usually do not regenerate in the adult CNS, parallel
      fibers (PFs) regenerate synaptic connections onto cerebellar Purkinje cells
      (PCs). In this study, we investigated the role of GluD2 in this regenerative
      process after PF transection using GluD2-knock-out (KO) mice. All dendritic
      spines on distal dendrites were innervated by PFs in sham-operated wild-type
      controls, whereas one-third were devoid of innervation in GluD2-KO mice. In both
      genotypes, a steep drop in the number of PF synapses occurred with a reciprocal
      surge in the number of free spines on postlesion day 1, when the PF territory
      aberrantly expanded toward the proximal dendrites. In wild-type mice, the
      territory and number of PF synapses were nearly fully restored to normal on
      postlesion day 7, although PF density remained low. Moreover, presynaptic and
      postsynaptic elements were markedly enlarged, and the PF terminal-to-PC spine
      contact ratio increased from 1:1 to 1:2 at most synapses. On postlesion day 30,
      the size and contact ratio of PF synapses returned to sham-operated control
      values and PF density recovered through the sprouting and elongation of PF
      collaterals. However, GluD2-KO mice showed neither a hypertrophic response nor
      territorial restoration 7 d postlesion, nor the recovery of PF axons or synapses
      on postlesion day 30. This suggests that PF wiring regenerates initially by
      inducing hypertrophic responses in surviving synaptic elements (hypertrophic
      phase), followed by collateral formation by PF axons and retraction of PF
      synapses (remodeling phase). Without GluD2, no transition to these regenerative
      phases occurs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The glutamate receptor GluD2 expressed at
      parallel fiber (PF)-Purkinje cell (PC) synapses regulates the formation and
      maintenance of the synapses. To investigate the role of GluD2 in their
      extraordinarily high regenerative capacity, the process after surgical
      transection of PFs was compared between wild-type and GluD2-knock-out mice. We
      discovered that, in wild-type mice, PF synapses regenerate initially by inducing
      hypertrophic responses in surviving synaptic elements, and then by sprouting and
      elongation of PF collaterals. Subsequently, hypertrophied PF synapses remodel
      into compact synapses. In GluD2-knock-out mice, PF wiring remains in the
      degenerative phase, showing neither a hypertrophic response nor recovery of PF
      axons or synapses. Our finding thus highlights that synaptic connection in the
      adult brain can regenerate with aid of GluD2.

PMID- 27122042
TI  - Responses to Pop-Out Stimuli in the Barn Owl's Optic Tectum Can Emerge through
      Stimulus-Specific Adaptation.
AB  - Here, we studied neural correlates of orientation-contrast-based saliency in the
      optic tectum (OT) of barn owls. Neural responses in the intermediate/deep layers
      of the OT were recorded from lightly anesthetized owls confronted with arrays of
      bars in which one bar (the target) was orthogonal to the remaining bars (the
      distractors). Responses to target bars were compared with responses to distractor
      bars in the receptive field (RF). Initially, no orientation-contrast sensitivity
      was observed. However, if the position of the target bar in the array was
      randomly shuffled across trials so that it occasionally appeared in the RF, then
      such sensitivity emerged. The effect started to become significant after three or
      four positional changes of the target bar and strengthened with additional
      trials. Our data further suggest that this effect arises due to specific
      adaptation to the stimulus in the RF combined with suppression from the surround.
      By jittering the position of the bar inside the RF across trials, we demonstrate
      that the adaptation has two components, one position specific and one orientation
      specific. The findings give rise to the hypothesis that barn owls, by active
      scanning of the scene, can induce adaptation of the tectal circuitry to the
      common orientation and thus achieve a "pop-out" of rare orientations. Such a
      model is consistent with several behavioral observations in owls and may be
      relevant to other visual features and species. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Natural
      scenes are often characterized by a dominant orientation, such as the scenery of
      a pine forest or the sand dunes in a windy desert. Therefore, orientation that
      contrasts the regularity of the scene is perceived salient for many animals as a
      means to break camouflage. By actively moving the scene between each trial, we
      show here that neurons in the retinotopic map of the barn owl's optic tectum
      specifically adapt to the common orientation, giving rise to preferential
      representation of odd orientations. Based on this, we suggest a new mechanism for
      orientation-based camouflage breaking that links active scanning of scenes with
      neural adaptation. This mechanism may be relevant to pop-out in other species and
      visual features.

PMID- 27122041
TI  - Behavioral, Neurophysiological, and Synaptic Impairment in a Transgenic
      Neuregulin1 (NRG1-IV) Murine Schizophrenia Model.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a chronic, disabling neuropsychiatric disorder with complex
      genetic origins. The development of strategies for genome manipulation in rodents
      provides a platform for understanding the pathogenic role of genes and for
      testing novel therapeutic agents. Neuregulin 1 (NRG1), a critical developmental
      neurotrophin, is associated with schizophrenia. The NRG1 gene undergoes extensive
      alternative splicing and, to date, little is known about the neurobiology of a
      novel NRG1 isoform, NRG1-IV, which is increased in the brains of individuals with
      schizophrenia and associated with genetic risk variation. Here, we developed a
      transgenic mouse model (NRG1-IV/NSE-tTA) in which human NRG1-IV is selectively
      overexpressed in a neuronal specific manner. Using a combination of molecular,
      biochemical, electrophysiological, and behavioral analyses, we demonstrate that
      NRG1-IV/NSE-tTA mice exhibit abnormal behaviors relevant to schizophrenia,
      including impaired sensorimotor gating, discrimination memory, and social
      behaviors. These neurobehavioral phenotypes are accompanied by increases in
      cortical expression of the NRG1 receptor, ErbB4 and the downstream signaling
      target, PIK3-p110delta, along with disrupted dendritic development, synaptic
      pathology, and altered prefrontal cortical excitatory-inhibitory balance.
      Pharmacological inhibition of p110delta reversed sensorimotor gating and
      cognitive deficits. These data demonstrate a novel role for NRG1-IV in learning,
      memory, and neural circuit formation and a potential neurobiological mechanism
      for schizophrenia risk; show that deficits are pharmacologically reversible in
      adulthood; and further highlight p110delta as a target for antipsychotic drug
      development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Schizophrenia is a disabling psychiatric
      disorder with neurodevelopmental origins. Genes that increase risk for
      schizophrenia have been identified. Understanding how these genes affect brain
      development and function is necessary. This work is the first report of a newly
      generated humanized transgenic mouse model engineered to express human NRG1-IV,
      an isoform of the NRG1 (Neuregulin 1) gene that is increased in the brains of
      patients with schizophrenia in association with genetic risk. Using behavioral
      neuroscience, molecular biology, electrophysiology, and pharmacology, we identify
      a role for NRG1-IV in learning, memory, and cognition and determine that this
      relates to brain excitatory-inhibitory balance and changes in ErbB4/PI3K/AKT
      signaling. Moreover, the study further highlights the potential of targeting the
      PI3K pathway for the treatment of schizophrenia.

PMID- 27122043
TI  - Maternal Loss of Ube3a Impairs Experience-Driven Dendritic Spine Maintenance in
      the Developing Visual Cortex.
AB  - Dendritic spines are a morphological feature of the majority of excitatory
      synapses in the mammalian neocortex and are motile structures with shapes and
      lifetimes that change throughout development. Proper cortical development and
      function, including cortical contributions to learning and memory formation,
      require appropriate experience-dependent dendritic spine remodeling. Dendritic
      spine abnormalities have been reported for many neurodevelopmental disorders,
      including Angelman syndrome (AS), which is caused by the loss of the maternally
      inherited UBE3A allele (encoding ubiquitin protein ligase E3A). Prior studies
      revealed that UBE3A protein loss leads to reductions in dendritic spine density
      and diminished excitatory synaptic transmission. However, the decrease in spine
      density could come from either a reduction in spine formation or an increase in
      spine elimination. Here, we used acute and longitudinal in vivo two-photon
      microscopy to investigate developmental and experience-dependent changes in the
      numbers, dynamics, and morphology of layer 5 pyramidal neuron apical dendritic
      spines in the primary visual cortex of control and AS model mice (Ube3a(m-/p+)
      mice). We found that neurons in AS model mice undergo a greater elimination of
      dendritic spines than wild-type mice during the end of the first postnatal month.
      However, when raised in darkness, spine density and dynamics were
      indistinguishable between control and AS model mice, which indicates that
      decreased spine density in AS model mice reflects impaired experience-driven
      spine maintenance. Our data thus demonstrate an experience-dependent anatomical
      substrate by which the loss of UBE3A reduces dendritic spine density and disrupts
      cortical circuitry. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Reduced dendritic spine densities are
      common in the neurodevelopmental disorder Angelman syndrome (AS). Because prior
      reports were based on postmortem tissue, it was unknown whether this anatomical
      deficit arises from decreased spine formation and/or increased spine elimination.
      Here, we used in vivo two-photon imaging to track spines over multiple days in a
      mouse model of AS. We found that spine formation is normal, but experience
      dependent spine maintenance is reduced in the visual cortex of AS model mice. Our
      data pinpoint the anatomical process underlying the loss of dendritic spines,
      which can account for the decreased excitatory synaptic connectivity associated
      with AS. Therefore, normalizing spine maintenance is a potential therapeutic
      strategy.

PMID- 27122044
TI  - Knockdown of Dyslexia-Gene Dcdc2 Interferes with Speech Sound Discrimination in
      Continuous Streams.
AB  - Dyslexia is the most common developmental language disorder and is marked by
      deficits in reading and phonological awareness. One theory of dyslexia suggests
      that the phonological awareness deficit is due to abnormal auditory processing of
      speech sounds. Variants in DCDC2 and several other neural migration genes are
      associated with dyslexia and may contribute to auditory processing deficits. In
      the current study, we tested the hypothesis that RNAi suppression of Dcdc2 in
      rats causes abnormal cortical responses to sound and impaired speech sound
      discrimination. In the current study, rats were subjected in utero to RNA
      interference targeting of the gene Dcdc2 or a scrambled sequence. Primary
      auditory cortex (A1) responses were acquired from 11 rats (5 with Dcdc2 RNAi; DC
      ) before any behavioral training. A separate group of 8 rats (3 DC-) were trained
      on a variety of speech sound discrimination tasks, and auditory cortex responses
      were acquired following training. Dcdc2 RNAi nearly eliminated the ability of
      rats to identify specific speech sounds from a continuous train of speech sounds
      but did not impair performance during discrimination of isolated speech sounds.
      The neural responses to speech sounds in A1 were not degraded as a function of
      presentation rate before training. These results suggest that A1 is not directly
      involved in the impaired speech discrimination caused by Dcdc2 RNAi. This result
      contrasts earlier results using Kiaa0319 RNAi and suggests that different
      dyslexia genes may cause different deficits in the speech processing circuitry,
      which may explain differential responses to therapy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT:
      Although dyslexia is diagnosed through reading difficulty, there is a great deal
      of variation in the phenotypes of these individuals. The underlying neural and
      genetic mechanisms causing these differences are still widely debated. In the
      current study, we demonstrate that suppression of a candidate-dyslexia gene
      causes deficits on tasks of rapid stimulus processing. These animals also
      exhibited abnormal neural plasticity after training, which may be a mechanism for
      why some children with dyslexia do not respond to intervention. These results are
      in stark contrast to our previous work with a different candidate gene, which
      caused a different set of deficits. Our results shed some light on possible
      neural and genetic mechanisms causing heterogeneity in the dyslexic population.

PMID- 27122047
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of resveratrol against traumatic brain injury in rats:
      Involvement of synaptic proteins and neuronal autophagy.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves primary and secondary injury cascades that
      underlie delayed neuronal dysfunction and death, leading to long-term cognitive
      deficits, and effective therapeutic strategies targeting neuronal death remain
      elusive. The present study aimed to determine whether the administration of
      resveratrol (100 mg/kg) was able to significantly enhance functional recovery in
      a rat model of TBI and whether resveratrol treatment was able to upregulate
      synaptic protein expression and suppress post-TBI neuronal autophagy. The results
      demonstrated that daily treatment with resveratrol attenuated TBI-induced brain
      edema and improved spatial cognitive function and neurological impairment in
      rats. The expression of synaptic proteins was downregulated following TBI and
      this phenomenon was partly reversed by treatment with resveratrol. In addition,
      resveratrol was observed to significantly reduce the levels of the autophagic
      marker proteins, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II and Beclin1, in
      the hippocampus compared with the TBI group. Therefore, these results suggest
      that resveratrol may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for TBI, and that
      this protection may be associated with the upregulation of synaptophysin,
      postsynaptic density protein 95 and the suppression of neuronal autophagy. 

PMID- 27122046
TI  - The healthy human microbiome.
AB  - Humans are virtually identical in their genetic makeup, yet the small differences
      in our DNA give rise to tremendous phenotypic diversity across the human
      population. By contrast, the metagenome of the human microbiome-the total DNA
      content of microbes inhabiting our bodies-is quite a bit more variable, with only
      a third of its constituent genes found in a majority of healthy individuals.
      Understanding this variability in the "healthy microbiome" has thus been a major
      challenge in microbiome research, dating back at least to the 1960s, continuing
      through the Human Microbiome Project and beyond. Cataloguing the necessary and
      sufficient sets of microbiome features that support health, and the normal ranges
      of these features in healthy populations, is an essential first step to
      identifying and correcting microbial configurations that are implicated in
      disease. Toward this goal, several population-scale studies have documented the
      ranges and diversity of both taxonomic compositions and functional potentials
      normally observed in the microbiomes of healthy populations, along with possible
      driving factors such as geography, diet, and lifestyle. Here, we review several
      definitions of a 'healthy microbiome' that have emerged, the current
      understanding of the ranges of healthy microbial diversity, and gaps such as the
      characterization of molecular function and the development of ecological
      therapies to be addressed in the future.

PMID- 27122049
TI  - Retraction Note: Undertreatment of breast cancer in the elderly.

PMID- 27122048
TI  - Maternal corticosterone exposure in the mouse programs sex-specific renal
      adaptations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in 6-month offspring.
AB  - Short-term maternal corticosterone (Cort) administration at mid-gestation in the
      mouse reduces nephron number in both sexes while programming renal and
      cardiovascular dysfunction in 12-month male but not female offspring. The renal
      renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), functions in a sexually dimorphic
      manner to regulate both renal and cardiovascular physiology. This study aimed to
      identify if there are sex-specific differences in basal levels of the intrarenal
      RAAS and to determine the impact of maternal Cort exposure on the RAAS in male
      and female offspring at 6 months of age. While intrarenal renin concentrations
      were higher in untreated females compared to untreated males, renal angiotensin
      II concentrations were higher in males than females. Furthermore, basal plasma
      aldosterone concentrations were greater in females than males. Cort exposed male
      but not female offspring had reduced water intake and urine excretion. Cort
      exposure increased renal renin concentrations and elevated mRNA expression of
      Ren1, Ace2, and Mas1 in male but not female offspring. In addition, male Cort
      exposed offspring had increased expression of the aldosterone receptor, Nr3c2 and
      renal sodium transporters. In contrast, Cort exposure increased Agtr1a mRNA
      levels in female offspring only. This study demonstrates that maternal Cort
      exposure alters key regulators of renal function in a sex-specific manner at 6
      months of life. These finding likely contribute to the disease outcomes in male
      but not female offspring in later life and highlights the importance of renal
      factors other than nephron number in the programming of renal and cardiovascular
      disease. 

PMID- 27122050
TI  - A novel, integrated PET-guided MRS technique resulting in more accurate initial
      diagnosis of high-grade glioma.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and lethal malignant glioma in
      adults. Currently, the modality of choice for diagnosing brain tumor is high
      resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast, which provides
      anatomic detail and localization. Studies have demonstrated, however, that MRI
      may have limited utility in delineating the full tumor extent precisely. Studies
      suggest that MR spectroscopy (MRS) can also be used to distinguish high-grade
      from low-grade gliomas. However, due to operator dependent variables and the
      heterogeneous nature of gliomas, the potential for error in diagnostic accuracy
      with MRS is a concern. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with (11)C
      methionine (MET) and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has been shown to add
      additional information with respect to tumor grade, extent, and prognosis based
      on the premise of biochemical changes preceding anatomic changes. Combined
      PET/MRS is a technique that integrates information from PET in guiding the
      location for the most accurate metabolic characterization of a lesion via MRS. We
      describe a case of glioblastoma multiforme in which MRS was initially non
      diagnostic for malignancy, but when MRS was repeated with PET guidance,
      demonstrated elevated choline/N-acetylaspartate (Cho/NAA) ratio in the right
      parietal mass consistent with a high-grade malignancy. Stereotactic biopsy,
      followed by PET image-guided resection, confirmed the diagnosis of grade IV GBM.
      To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an integrated PET/MRS
      technique for the voxel placement of MRS. Our findings suggest that integrated
      PET/MRS may potentially improve diagnostic accuracy in high-grade gliomas. 

PMID- 27122051
TI  - The association between multimorbidity and hospitalization is modified by
      individual demographics and physician continuity of care: a retrospective cohort
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity poses a significant clinical challenge and has been
      linked to greater health services use, including hospitalization; however, we
      have little knowledge about the influence of contextual factors on outcomes in
      this population. OBJECTIVES: To describe the extent to which the association
      between multimorbidity and hospitalization is modified by age, gender, primary
      care practice model, or continuity of care (COC) among adults with at least one
      chronic condition. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study with linked population
      based administrative data. SETTING: Ontario, Canada. COHORT: All individuals 18
      and older with at least one of 16 priority chronic conditions as of April 1, 2009
      (baseline). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Any hospitalization, 3 or more
      hospitalizations, non-medical discharge delay, and 30-day readmission within the
      1 year following baseline. RESULTS: Of 5,958,514 individuals, 484,872 (8.1 %)
      experienced 646,347 hospitalizations. There was a monotonic increase in the
      likelihood of hospitalization and related outcomes with increasing multimorbidity
      which was modified by age, gender, and COC but not primary care practice model.
      The effect of increasing multimorbidity was greater in younger adults than older
      adults and in those with lower COC than with higher COC. The effect of increasing
      multimorbidity on hospitalization was greater in men than women but reversed for
      the other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of multimorbidity on hospitalization
      is influenced by age and gender, important considerations in the development of
      person-centred care models. Greater continuity of physician care lessened the
      effect of multimorbidity on hospitalization, further demonstrating the need for
      care continuity across providers for people with chronic conditions.

PMID- 27122052
TI  - Identification of the cysteine residue responsible for oxidative inactivation of
      mouse galectin-2.
AB  - Galectins are a group of animal lectins characterized by their specificity for
      beta-galactosides. Mouse galectin-2 (mGal-2) is predominantly expressed in the
      gastrointestinal tract and has been identified as one of the main gastric mucosal
      proteins that are uniquely sensitive to S-nitrosylation. We have previously
      reported that oxidation of mGal-2 by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) resulted in the
      loss of sugar-binding ability, whereas pre-treatment of mGal-2 with S
      nitrosocysteine prevented H2O2-induced inactivation. In this study, we used point
      mutated recombinant mGal-2 proteins to study which of the two highly conserved
      Cys residues in mGal-2 must be S-nitrosylated for protection against oxidative
      inactivation. Mutation of Cys57 to a Met residue (C57M) did not result in lectin
      inactivation following H2O2 treatment, whereas Cys75 mutation to Ser (C75S) led
      to significantly reduced lectin activity, as is the case for wild-type mGal-2.
      However, pre-treatment of the C75S mutant with S-nitrosocysteine protected the
      protein from H2O2-induced inactivation. Therefore, Cys57 is suggested to be
      responsible for oxidative inactivation of the mGal-2 protein, and protection of
      the sulfhydryl group of the Cys57 in mGal-2 by S-nitrosylation is likely
      important for maintaining mGal-2 protein function in an oxidative environment
      such as the gastrointestinal tract.

PMID- 27122053
TI  - Apoptotic Effects of Rotundic Acid on Human Esophagus and Lung Cancer Cells.
AB  - Rotundic acid (RA) is a pentacyclic triterpenic acid. Apoptotic effects of RA at
      4, 8, or 16 uM in OE33 and A549 cell lines, an esophageal squamous cancer cell
      line and a non-small-cell lung cancer cell line, were examined. RA at 4 to 16 uM
      inhibited the survival of both cell lines. RA at 8 and 16 uM decreased Bcl-2
      expression and at 4 to 16 uM upregulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression. RA
      treatments decreased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in those cells. RA at 4 to 16 uM
      lowered Na+-K+-ATPase activity and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in
      OE33 and A549 cells. RA at 8 and 16 uM enhanced DNA fragmentation and caspase-3
      and caspase-9 expression in OE33 cells. In A549 cells, RA increased caspase-3
      expression in a concentration-dependent manner; but only at 8 and 16 uM, it
      upregulated caspase-9 expression. RA treatments at 4 to 16 uM decreased protein
      kinase c activity, suppressed the expression of cytochrome c and apoptosis
      inducing factor, and lowered the production of reactive oxygen species, vascular
      endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta1, and tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha in both cell lines. RA at 8 and 16 uM downregulated hypoxia
      inducible factor-1alpha expression. These findings suggest that RA could
      penetrate into OE33 and A549 cells and execute cytotoxic activities.

PMID- 27122055
TI  - DWI-MRI and Fabry disease: what can we learn?

PMID- 27122054
TI  - Real-time two- and three-dimensional imaging of monocyte motility and navigation
      on planar surfaces and in collagen matrices: roles of Rho.
AB  - We recently found that macrophages from RhoA/RhoB double knockout mice had
      increased motility of the cell body, but severely impaired retraction of the tail
      and membrane extensions, whereas RhoA- or RhoB-deficient cells exhibited mild
      phenotypes. Here we extended this work and investigated the roles of Rho
      signaling in primary human blood monocytes migrating in chemotactic gradients and
      in various settings. Monocyte velocity, but not chemotactic navigation, was
      modestly dependent on Rho-ROCK-myosin II signaling on a 2D substrate or in a
      loose collagen type I matrix. Viewed by time-lapse epi-fluorescence microscopy,
      monocytes appeared to flutter rather than crawl, such that the 3D surface
      topology of individual cells was difficult to predict. Spinning disk confocal
      microscopy and 3D reconstruction revealed that cells move on planar surfaces and
      in a loose collagen matrix using prominent, curved planar protrusions, which are
      rapidly remodeled and reoriented, as well as resorbed. In a dense collagen type I
      matrix, there is insufficient space for this mode and cells adopt a highly Rho
      dependent, lobular mode of motility. Thus, in addition to its role in tail
      retraction on 2D surfaces, Rho is critical for movement in confined spaces, but
      is largely redundant for motility and chemotaxis in loose matrices.

PMID- 27122056
TI  - Sitagliptin inhibits endothelin-1 expression in the aortic endothelium of rats
      with streptozotocin-induced diabetes by suppressing the nuclear factor
      kappaB/IkappaBalpha system through the activation of AMP-activated protein
      kinase.
AB  - Emerging evidence suggests that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors,
      including sitagliptin, exert favourable effects on the vascular endothelium. DPP
      4 inhibitors suppress the degradation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which
      has been reported to enhance nitric oxide (NO) production. However, the effects
      of DPP-4 inhibitors on endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression in the aorta, as well as
      the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects, have yet to be
      investigated in animal models of diabetes mellitus (DM). In the present study,
      the rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: i) control; ii)
      DM; iii) DM + low-dose sitagliptin (10 mg/kg); and iv) DM + high-dose sitagliptin
      (30 mg/kg). Apart from the control group, all the rats received a high-fat diet
      for 8 weeks prior to the induction of diabetes with an intraperitoneal injection
      of streptozotocin. The treatments were then administered for 12 weeks. The serum
      levels of ET-1, NO, GLP-1 and insulin were measured as well as endothelial
      function. The expression of ET-1, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear
      factor (NF)-kappaB/IkappaBalpha were determined. After 12 weeks of treatment, the
      diabetic rats receiving sitagliptin showed significantly elevated serum levels of
      GLP-1 and NO, and reduced levels of ET-1. Moreover, sitagliptin significantly
      attenuated endothelial dysfunction as well as the remodeling of the aortic wall.
      Notably, sitagliptin inhibited ET-1 expression at the transcriptional and
      translational level in the aorta, which may have been mediated by the suppression
      of the NF-kappaB/IkappaBalpha system induced by AMPK activation. The majority of
      the above-mentioned effects were dose dependent. Taken together, the findings of
      the present study indicate that sitagliptin inhibits ET-1 expression in the
      aortic endothelium by suppressing the NF-kappaB/IkappaBalpha system through the
      activation of the AMPK pathway in diabetic rats. These findings further
      demonstrate some of the vasoprotective properties of DPP-4 inhibitors in vivo. 

PMID- 27122057
TI  - Substoichiometric inhibition of transthyretin misfolding by immune-targeting
      sparsely populated misfolding intermediates: a potential diagnostic and
      therapeutic for TTR amyloidoses.
AB  - Wild-type and mutant transthyretin (TTR) can misfold and deposit in the heart,
      peripheral nerves, and other sites causing amyloid disease. Pharmacological
      chaperones, Tafamidis((r)) and diflunisal, inhibit TTR misfolding by stabilizing
      native tetrameric TTR; however, their minimal effective concentration is in the
      micromolar range. By immune-targeting sparsely populated TTR misfolding
      intermediates (i.e. monomers), we achieved fibril inhibition at substoichiometric
      concentrations. We developed an antibody (misTTR) that targets TTR residues 89
      97, an epitope buried in the tetramer but exposed in the monomer. Nanomolar
      misTTR inhibits fibrillogenesis of misfolded TTR under micromolar concentrations.
      Pan-specific TTR antibodies do not possess such fibril inhibiting properties. We
      show that selective targeting of misfolding intermediates is an alternative to
      native state stabilization and requires substoichiometric concentrations. MisTTR
      or its derivative may have both diagnostic and therapeutic potential.

PMID- 27122058
TI  - Oncostatin M overexpression induces skin inflammation but is not required in the
      mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation.
AB  - Oncostatin M (OSM) has been reported to be overexpressed in psoriasis skin
      lesions and to exert proinflammatory effects in vitro on human keratinocytes.
      Here, we report the proinflammatory role of OSM in vivo in a mouse model of skin
      inflammation induced by intradermal injection of murine OSM-encoding adenovirus
      (AdOSM) and compare with that induced by IL-6 injection. Here, we show that OSM
      potently regulates the expression of genes involved in skin inflammation and
      epidermal differentiation in murine primary keratinocytes. In vivo, intradermal
      injection of AdOSM in mouse ears provoked robust skin inflammation with epidermal
      thickening and keratinocyte proliferation, while minimal effect was observed
      after AdIL-6 injection. OSM overexpression in the skin increased the expression
      of the S100A8/9 antimicrobial peptides, CXCL3, CCL2, CCL5, CCL20, and Th1/Th2
      cytokines, in correlation with neutrophil and macrophage infiltration. In
      contrast, OSM downregulated the expression of epidermal differentiation genes,
      such as cytokeratin-10 or filaggrin. Collectively, these results support the
      proinflammatory role of OSM when it is overexpressed in the skin. However, OSM
      expression was not required in the murine model of psoriasis induced by topical
      application of imiquimod, as demonstrated by the inflammatory phenotype of OSM
      deficient mice or wild-type mice treated with anti-OSM antibodies.

PMID- 27122059
TI  - Sibling eating behaviours and parental feeding practices with siblings: similar
      or different?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about whether siblings have similar or different
      eating behaviours or whether parents tailor their feeding practices to different
      siblings. The main objectives of the present study were to examine similarities
      and differences in child eating behaviours and parental feeding practices with
      siblings and to determine whether child eating behaviours and parental feeding
      practices differ depending on sibling concordant (i.e. both siblings overweight
      or healthy weight) or discordant (i.e. one sibling overweight and one sibling
      healthy weight) weight status. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, mixed-methods study.
      SETTING: In-home visits were conducted by research staff. Surveys were conducted
      with parents and anthropometry was collected on parents and siblings. SUBJECTS:
      Children (n 88) aged 6-12 years (mean age 9 (sd 2) years), their parents (mean
      age 34 (sd 7) years) and near-age siblings (mean age 9 (sd 4) years) from diverse
      racial/ethnic and low-income households participated. RESULTS: Results indicated
      that siblings with higher BMI engaged in higher levels of emotional eating
      compared with siblings with lower BMI. Additionally, results indicated that when
      families had sibling dyads discordant on weight status, the sibling who was
      overweight had higher food enjoyment and lower levels of food satiety.
      Additionally, within siblings with discordant weight status, parents were more
      likely to use restrictive feeding practices with the overweight sibling and
      pressure-to-eat and encouragement-to-eat feeding practices with the healthy
      weight sibling. CONCLUSIONS: Family-based childhood obesity interventions may
      need to assess for sibling weight status when researching the home environment
      and intervene with parents to avoid using restriction or pressure-to-eat feeding
      practices when siblings are discordant on weight status.

PMID- 27122060
TI  - Subclinical cardiovascular changes in pediatric solid organ transplant
      recipients.

PMID- 27122061
TI  - Rhizoma Dioscoreae extract protects against alveolar bone loss by regulating the
      cell cycle: A predictive study based on the protein-protein interaction network.
AB  - Rhizoma Dioscoreae extract (RDE) exhibits a protective effect on alveolar bone
      loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The aim of this study was to predict the
      pathways or targets that are regulated by RDE, by re-assessing our previously
      reported data and conducting a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network
      analysis. In total, 383 differentially expressed genes (>=3-fold) between
      alveolar bone samples from the RDE and OVX group rats were identified, and a PPI
      network was constructed based on these genes. Furthermore, four molecular
      clusters (A-D) in the PPI network with the smallest P-values were detected by
      molecular complex detection (MCODE) algorithm. Using Database for Annotation,
      Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis
      (IPA) tools, two molecular clusters (A and B) were enriched for biological
      process in Gene Ontology (GO). Only cluster A was associated with biological
      pathways in the IPA database. GO and pathway analysis results showed that cluster
      A, associated with cell cycle regulation, was the most important molecular
      cluster in the PPI network. In addition, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) may be
      a key molecule achieving the cell-cycle-regulatory function of cluster A. From
      the PPI network analysis, it was predicted that delayed cell cycle progression in
      excessive alveolar bone remodeling via downregulation of CDK1 may be another
      mechanism underling the anti-osteopenic effect of RDE on alveolar bone. 

PMID- 27122062
TI  - Chemical bonding motifs from a tiling of the many-electron wavefunction.
AB  - A method is presented to partition the 3N-dimensional space of a many-electron
      wavefunction into hyper-regions related by permutation symmetry. These hyper
      regions represent unit cells, or "tiles" of the wavefunction from which the
      wavefunction may be regenerated in its entirety upon application of the set of
      permutations of like-spin electrons. The method, wherein a Voronoi diagram is
      constructed from the (even permutations of the) average position of a swarm of
      Monte Carlo walkers sampling |Psi|(2), determines a self-consistent partitioning
      of the wavefunction. When one of the identical 3N-dimensional Voronoi sites is
      projected onto the coordinates of each electron, chemical motifs naturally
      appear, such as core electrons, lone-pairs, single-bonds and banana-bonds. The
      structures determined for N2, O2, F2, and other molecules correspond to the
      double-quartet theory of Linnett. When the procedure is applied to C2, we arrive
      at an interpretation of its bonding in terms of a near triple bond with singlet
      coupled outer electrons.

PMID- 27122063
TI  - Toxicant exposure from smoking a little cigar: further support for product
      regulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although numerous studies have documented the prevalence and
      increasing use of little cigars and other cigar products, the present study is
      the first direct, head-to-head laboratory comparison of little cigar and
      cigarette smoking. The study addressed a fundamental objective to compare
      exposure and use characteristics of little cigar and cigarette smoking. METHODS:
      Smoking patterns, toxicant exposure and subjective measures were collected and
      analysed in 21 adults after smoking a little cigar (Winchester) and a cigarette
      (own brand). Participants were dual users of little cigars and cigarettes.
      RESULTS: Similar to cigarettes, little cigars delivered substantial nicotine and
      relatively more carbon monoxide. Puff volume, puff duration and time to smoke
      were significantly greater after cigarettes, but the temporal pattern of smoking
      more intensively at the beginning was similar in little cigars and cigarettes.
      Both little cigars and cigarettes reduced urge to smoke. Participants
      consistently mentioned that the lower cost of little cigars was a reason for
      initiation and continuation of their use. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the
      notion that regulation of little cigars is appropriate in light of public health
      considerations.

PMID- 27122065
TI  - Botulinum toxin for foot dystonia in patients with Parkinson's disease having
      deep brain stimulation: A case series and a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Six patients with Parkinson's disease with deep brain stimulation who
      were experiencing disabling foot dystonia were referred to the spasticity clinic
      for a trial of botulinum toxin. The foot and ankle muscles were injected with
      onabotulinum toxin (Botox) to determine the effects on foot dystonia, pain and
      lower limb functional outcomes. DESIGN: Case series. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: Six
      patients with Parkinson's disease with deep brain stimulation experiencing
      disabling foot dystonia. METHODS: Dystonic foot and ankle muscles were identified
      and injected with 250-400 units botulinum toxin and re-coded pre- and 3 weeks
      post-injection with the Burke Fahn Marsden Dystonia score, visual analogue score
      of pain, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) - lower limb score,
      Timed up and Go test (TUG), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), gait velocity, cadence in
      an instrumented walkway, and Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). RESULTS: Three weeks
      after botulinum toxin injection, significant improvements were noted in dystonia,
      pain, UPDRS, 6MWT, gait velocity, and cadence. Five out of 6 patients improved on
      the TUG test. Patients also reported improvements in their GAS goals. CONCLUSION:
      Botox injection significantly improved foot dystonia, pain and lower limb
      functional outcomes in patients with Parkinson's disease with deep brain
      stimulation.

PMID- 27122064
TI  - Contribution of smoking to socioeconomic inequalities in mortality: a study of 14
      European countries, 1990-2004.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking contributes to socioeconomic inequalities in mortality, but
      the extent to which this contribution has changed over time and driven widening
      or narrowing inequalities in total mortality remains unknown. We studied
      socioeconomic inequalities in smoking-attributable mortality and their
      contribution to inequalities in total mortality in 1990-1994 and 2000-2004 in 14
      European countries. METHODS: We collected, harmonised and standardised population
      wide data on all-cause and lung-cancer mortality by age, gender, educational and
      occupational level in 14 European populations in 1990-1994 and 2000-2004. Smoking
      attributable mortality was indirectly estimated using the Preston-Glei-Wilmoth
      method. RESULTS: In 2000-2004, smoking-attributable mortality was higher in lower
      socioeconomic groups in all countries among men, and in all countries except
      Spain, Italy and Slovenia, among women, and the contribution of smoking to
      socioeconomic inequalities in mortality varied between 19% and 55% among men, and
      between -1% and 56% among women. Since 1990-1994, absolute inequalities in
      smoking-attributable mortality and the contribution of smoking to inequalities in
      total mortality have decreased in most countries among men, but increased among
      women. CONCLUSIONS: In many European countries, smoking has become less important
      as a determinant of socioeconomic inequalities in mortality among men, but not
      among women. Inequalities in smoking remain one of the most important entry
      points for reducing inequalities in mortality.

PMID- 27122066
TI  - Australian contemporary management of synchronous metastatic colorectal cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This article outlines the current Australian multidisciplinary
      treatment of synchronous metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma and assesses the
      factors that influence patient outcome. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis
      of the prospective 'Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer'
      registry, describing the patient treatment pathway and documenting the extent of
      disease, resection of the colorectal primary and metastases, chemotherapy and
      biological therapy use. Cox regression models for progression-free and overall
      survival were constructed with a comprehensive set of clinical variables.
      Analysis was intentionn-ton-treat, quantifying the effect of treatment intent
      decided at the multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT). RESULTS: One thousand one
      hundred and nine patients presented with synchronous metastatic disease between
      July 2009 and November 2015. Median follow-up was 15.8 months; 4.4% (group 1) had
      already curative resections of primary and metastases prior to MDT, 22.2% (group
      2) were considered curative but were referred to MDT for opinion and/or medical
      oncology treatment prior to resection and 70.2% were considered palliative at MDT
      (group 3). Overall, 83% received chemotherapy, 55% had their primary resected and
      23% had their metastases resected; 13% of resections were synchronous, 20% were
      staged with primary resected first and 62% had only the colorectal primary
      managed surgically. Performance status, metastasis resection (R0 versus R1 versus
      R2 versus no resection), resection of the colorectal primary and treatment intent
      determined at MDT were the most significant factors for progression-free and
      overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest Australian series of
      synchronous metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma and offers insight into the
      nature and utility of contemporary practice.

PMID- 27122067
TI  - DNA Repair in Despair-Vitamin D Is Not Fair.
AB  - The role of vitamin D as a treatment option for neoplastic diseases, once
      considered to have a bright future, remains controversial. The preclinical
      studies discussed herein show compelling evidence that Vitamin D Derivatives
      (VDDs) can convert some cancer and leukemia cells to a benign phenotype, by
      differentiation/maturation, cell cycle arrest, or induction of apoptosis.
      Furthermore, there is considerable, though still evolving, knowledge of the
      molecular mechanisms underlying these changes. However, the attempts to clearly
      document that the treatment outcomes of human neoplastic diseases can be
      positively influenced by VDDs have been, so far, disappointing. The clinical
      trials to date of VDDs, alone or combined with other agents, have not shown
      consistent results. It is our contention, shared by others, that there were
      limitations in the design or execution of these trials which have not yet been
      fully addressed. Based on the connection between upregulation of JNK by VDDs and
      DNA repair, we propose a new avenue of attack on cancer cells by increasing the
      toxicity of the current, only partially effective, cancer chemotherapeutic drugs
      by combining them with VDDs. This can impair DNA repair and thus kill the
      malignant cells, warranting a comprehensive study of this novel concept. J. Cell.
      Biochem. 117: 1733-1744, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27122068
TI  - [Living with incurable cancer].
AB  - Anti-cancer treatments for various subtypes of cancer have significantly
      improved. As a result, the number of cancer patients who cannot be completely
      cured but may live for a considerable period of time is growing. A 72-year-old
      woman was diagnosed with metastatic EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer. She
      received anti-tumour treatment with gefitinib for almost two years and
      experienced only limited side effects. She was anxious about not knowing her
      prognosis but after visiting a psychologist she feels as if she can continue
      life. A 46-year-old woman started to experience symptoms of depression two years
      after treatment for metastatic breast cancer. A visit to a psycho-oncologist
      proved to be very helpful. She does not want to know her prognosis and is
      particularly happy that everything is going well at present. These two cases
      illustrate that patients living longer with incurable cancer may experience
      specific dilemmas. We make several recommendations for the care of this group of
      patients. 

PMID- 27122069
TI  - [Neonatal herpes simplex infection].
AB  - Neonatal encephalitis caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a familiar disease
      with a high mortality and morbidity rate. Isolated skin-eye-mouth infection is
      less familiar among professionals. In this article we present two neonates with
      an isolated skin lesion caused by an HSV infection. Of the neonates infected with
      HSV, 40-45% show isolated skin-eye-mouth disease. With correct treatment, the
      risk of spread to the central nervous system will decrease from 50-60% to 5-10%.
      Typical HSV skin lesions may present at a late stage of the disease or may be
      masked by a secondary bacterial infection. When a neonate presents with atypical
      skin lesions starting 7-12 days after the birth, immediate testing for HSV and
      immediate treatment are required, to decrease the risk of further progression of
      the disease. 

PMID- 27122070
TI  - [Overactive muscles: it can be more serious than common myalgia or cramp].
AB  - Positive muscle phenomena are due to muscle overactivity. Examples are cramp,
      myalgia, and stiffness. These manifestations have mostly acquired causes, e.g.
      side-effects of medication, metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiency, excessive
      caffeine intake or neurogenic disorders. We report on three patients with various
      positive muscle phenomena, to illustrate the clinical signs that indicate an
      underlying myopathy. Patient A, a 56-year-old man, was diagnosed with muscle
      cramp in the context of excessive coffee use and previous lumbosacral
      radiculopathy. Patient B, a 71-year-old man, was shown to have RYR1-related
      myopathy. Patient C, a 42-year-old man, suffered from Brody myopathy. We propose
      for clinicians to look out for a number of 'red flags' that can point to an
      underlying myopathy, and call for referral to neurology if indicated. Red flags
      include second wind phenomenon, familial occurrence of similar complaints, marked
      muscle stiffness, myotonia, muscle weakness, muscle hypertrophy, and
      myoglobinuria. Establishing a correct diagnosis is important for proper
      treatment. Certain myopathies call for cardiac or respiratory screening. 

PMID- 27122071
TI  - [The Dutch College of General Practitioners practice guideline on 'Sexual
      problems'].
AB  - The Dutch College of General Practitioners practice guideline on 'Sexual
      problems' describes the diagnostics and management of common sexual problems. An
      adequate sexual anamnesis is essential in order to obtain a good picture of the
      patient's symptoms and of any underlying causes. Additional physical or other
      medical examination is of limited value. The provision of information and advice
      are central to the treatment of sexual problems. Attention should be paid to the
      different aspects of sexual functioning: physical, psychological, relational and
      sociocultural, and to gender differences. In many cases, management is determined
      by the causal factor, for instance comorbidity, sexual trauma or relational
      problems. In other cases, a more specific problem is diagnosed, and management is
      based on this.

PMID- 27122072
TI  - [Spontaneous dissection of the upper mesenteric artery: a rare cause of acute
      abdominal pain].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute abdominal pain is a common complaint and one with which many
      general practitioners and first-line specialists are faced. The differential
      diagnosis is extensive and appropriate selection of additional diagnostics is
      therefore very important. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a 48-year-old male with
      acute abdominal pain and with no medical history suggesting the cause of this
      pain. Physical examination revealed no abnormalities other than considerable pain
      on pressure in the epigastric region. On the basis of CT angiography, we
      ultimately diagnosed dissection of the upper mesenteric artery and the patient
      was treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: A spontaneous dissection of the upper
      mesenteric artery is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain. The diagnosis is made
      using CT angiography. Conservative management may be selected in patients with no
      aneurysm or stenosis in the upper mesenteric artery and without mesenteric
      ischaemia.

PMID- 27122073
TI  - [Influence of tumour stage at breast cancer detection on survival in modern
      times: population based study in 173,797 patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess influence of stage at breast cancer diagnosis, tumour
      biology, and therapy on survival in contemporary times of better (neo-)adjuvant
      systemic therapy. DESIGN: Prospective nationwide population based study. METHOD:
      Female primary breast cancer patients diagnosed between 1999 and 2012 (173,797).
      Participants were subdivided into two time cohorts on the basis of breast cancer
      diagnosis; 1999 through 2005 (n = 80,228) and 2006 through 2012 (n = 93,569).
      Main outcome measures were relative survival, compared between both cohorts, and
      the influence of traditional prognostic factors on overall mortality, analyzed
      with Cox regression for both cohorts separately. RESULTS: Compared to 1999-2005
      patients from 2006-2012 had smaller ( <= T1 65 vs. 60%; p < 0.001), more often
      lymph node negative (N0 68 vs. 65%; p < 0.001) tumours, but they received more
      chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy (neo-adjuvant/adjuvant
      systemic therapy 60 vs. 53%; p < 0.001). Median follow-up was 9.8 years for 1999
      2005 and 3.9 years for 2006-2012. Relative 5-years survival rate was 96% in 2006
      2012, improved in all tumour and nodal stages compared to 1999-2005, and 100% in
      tumours <= 1 cm. With multivariable analyses, adjusted for age and tumour type,
      overall mortality decreased by surgery (especially breast conserving),
      radiotherapy and systemic therapies. Mortality increased with progressing tumour
      size in both cohorts (2006-2012 T1c vs. T1a HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.78), but
      without significant difference in invasive breast cancers until 1 cm (2006-2012
      T1b vs. T1a HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.22), and independently with progressing
      number of positive lymph nodes (2006-2012 N1 vs. N0 HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.17 to
      1.32). CONCLUSION: Tumour stage at breast cancer diagnosis influences overall
      survival significantly also in the current era of effective systemic therapy.
      Early tumour stage at breast cancer diagnosis remains vital.

PMID- 27122074
TI  - [How representative is the healthcare assessment website Zorgkaart Nederland? The
      evaluation of medical specialists by patients in the Netherlands].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the number of ratings and the corresponding scores given
      to medical specialists on the Dutch healthcare assessment website 'Zorgkaart
      Nederland.nl', and evaluation of this website as tool for evaluation of quality.
      DESIGN: Explorative descriptive study. METHOD: In July 2015, data were gathered
      from the public section of the healthcare assessment website
      'ZorgkaartNederland.nl'. The number of specialists, the mean ratings per
      department (group mark), the number of evaluations, the number of medical
      specialists without a rating and the number of specialists with at least 9
      ratings were registered per speciality, per hospital. Outcomes measures were the
      median number of ratings per speciality and the group score. Data were analysed
      using descriptive and non-parametric statistics. RESULTS: Each month, 763,000
      unique visitors access ZorgkaartNederland.nl; on average, 0.08% of these
      registers a vote. There were 15,337 medical specialists, spread across 97
      hospitals and 2,060 specialities on ZorgkaartNederland.nl, with a total of 45,548
      evaluations. Of these, 6,682 (43.4%) specialists were not rated, and 1.165 (7.6%)
      had >= 9 ratings. Additionally, 327 (15.9%) departments were unrated. Surgical
      departments were evaluated more often, and their grades were significantly
      higher, than those of non-surgical departments. CONCLUSION: The website
      ZorgkaartNederland.nl shows ratings for 56.6% of all medical specialists. When
      the lower limit of at least 9 evaluations per specialist introduced by
      ZorgkaartNederland.nl was applied, only the grades for 7.6% of all specialists
      are valid. On average, 0.08% of unique visitors cast a vote. Surgical
      specialities have a higher number of evaluations and a higher score than non
      surgical ones. ZorgkaartNederland.nl in its current form does not constitute a
      valid tool for evaluation of the quality of medical specialist care in the
      Netherlands. This article provides recommendations for improvement.

PMID- 27122075
TI  - [Sexual history-taking in medical practice: the elephant in the room?].
AB  - Recently, the Dutch College of General Practitioners released a Practice
      Guideline on Sexual Problems which provides clear directives for the diagnosis
      and management of various sexual disorders in men and women. Patients who are
      managed in general practice and in outpatient clinics might experience distress
      related to sexual problems due to their age, medical condition or treatment, or
      distress related to problems in establishing and maintaining intimate
      relationships. We present two clinical cases. The first case is a woman aged 44
      years with breast cancer treated by mastectomy and adjuvant tamoxifen. The second
      case is a man aged 54 years with heart failure due to myocardial infarction and
      resultant loss of physical strength. Both cases illustrate that taking a short
      sexual history could result in the right treatment and patient satisfaction,
      without having to go into detail about very intimate and private matters. 

PMID- 27122076
TI  - [The entrance to the guild chamber of the Amsterdam Guild of Surgeons].
AB  - In the 17th and 18th centuries the entrance to the guild chamber of the Amsterdam
      Guild of Surgeons was located in the right corner-tower of the Waag on the
      Nieuwmarkt in Amsterdam. The surgeons entered their guild chamber through this
      door for guild meetings or to take surgical exams. The entrance also gave access
      to the anatomy theatre, the 'Theatrum Anatomicum', where anatomical dissections -
      anatomy lessons - took place. There was a bust of Hippocrates in the facade above
      the door, and the inscription 'Theatrum Anatomicum'. The series of 'anatomy
      lessons' reminds us of the famous paintings that were commissioned by the
      Surgeons' Guild. At the beginning of the 17th century, a skeleton was painted on
      the door in the gateway, and this marked the entrance to the Surgeons' Guild for
      almost 200 years. We examined, from a historical perspective, how the gateway to
      the guild chamber of the Amsterdam Guild of Surgeons was transformed over time.

PMID- 27122077
TI  - [After surgery or thanks to surgery?].
AB  - In this issue of the Dutch Journal of Medicine (NTvG), Saadatmand and colleagues
      report the results of a large retrospective study on breast cancer patients in
      the Netherlands. One of their conclusions is that breast-conserving therapy
      results in better survival compared to breast amputation. Here we argue that
      retrospective studies are not designed to draw any conclusions with regard to
      outcome. Confounding by indication is the main reason why differences in outcome
      may not be causally connected in the context of retrospective data. In the case
      of different options for breast cancer surgery, many randomised trials have
      firmly concluded that survival is not influenced by type of surgery. Despite the
      association found in this retrospective analysis, this study does not alter that
      conclusion. 

PMID- 27122078
TI  - [Medical history in the information age; new impetus for the section 'Historical
      perspective' in the Dutch Journal of Medicine].
AB  - Over the past half century, medicine has evolved into 'informational medicine'.
      Physicians today no longer necessarily have to possess specialist knowledge, but
      have to know how to access this knowledge. This means that it is important that
      they do not just 'grab' for loose bits of information, but systematically and
      judiciously search for relevant knowledge. Medical-historical insights could be
      helpful, alongside critical-appraisal skills. Medical knowledge has a certain
      structure that has developed historically under the influence of assumptions
      (some implicit), presuppositions and social forces and interests. By exposing
      this underlying structure, medical history provides an overview of and insight
      into relationships within medical knowledge and practice. Now in particular, in
      the current age of information and disinformation, there is a great need for such
      'overviews'. This offers opportunities for the revitalization of the 'Historical
      perspective' section in the Dutch Journal of Medicine (NTvG), especially if this
      section evolves into a shared platform for physicians and historians. 

PMID- 27122079
TI  - Wolbachia from Drosophila incompta: just a hitchhiker shared by Drosophila in the
      New and Old World?
AB  - Wolbachia are intracellular endosymbionts that infect arthropods and filarial
      nematodes, occasionally causing a wide variety of modifications in host biology,
      such as male-killing and cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), amongst others. This
      study assembled draft genomes for Wolbachia infecting Drosophila incompta, a
      species that uses flowers as exclusive breeding and feeding sites, in two
      distinct Brazilian populations. The absence of four genes involved in CI from
      this genome, together with literature reports of low frequencies of infected
      flies in wild populations that contain high mitogenome polymorphism, suggests
      that this bacterium does not induce CI in D. incompta. Phylogenomic analysis
      placed Wolbachia infecting D. incompta as closely related to the wMel strain
      which received such name since it was originally detected in Drosophila
      melanogaster. In addition, phylogenetic analysis using the Wolbachia surface
      protein gene and five genes used for multilocus sequence typing of Wolbachia
      found infecting Drosophila and other arthropod species of Old and New World
      displayed a complex evolutionary scenario involving recent horizontal transfer
      bursts in all major clades of Wolbachia pipens belonging to the supergroup A in
      both geographical regions.

PMID- 27122080
TI  - Effects of acute aerobic exercise on a task-switching protocol and brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor concentrations in young adults with different levels of
      cardiorespiratory fitness.
AB  - What is the central question of this study? Neurocognitive functions can be
      enhanced by acute aerobic exercise, which could be associated with changes in
      serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations. We aimed to
      explore acute exercise-induced changes in BDNF concentrations, neuropsychological
      and neurophysiological performances when individuals with different levels of
      cardiorespiratory fitness performed a cognitive task. What is the main finding
      and its importance? Only young adults with higher cardiorespiratory fitness could
      attain switching cost and neurophysiological benefits via acute aerobic exercise.
      The mechanisms might be fitness dependent. Although acute aerobic exercise could
      enhance serum BDNF concentrations, changes in peripheral BDNF concentrations
      could not be the potential factor involved in the beneficial effects on
      neurocognitive performance. This study investigated the effects of acute aerobic
      exercise on neuropsychological and neurophysiological performances in young
      adults with different cardiorespiratory fitness levels when performing a task
      switching protocol and explored the potential associations between acute aerobic
      exercise-induced changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
      concentrations and various neurocognitive outcomes. Sixty young adults were
      categorized into one control group (i.e. non-exercise-intervention; n = 20) and
      two exercise-intervention (EI) groups [i.e. higher (EIH , n = 20) and lower (EIL
      , n = 20) cardiorespiratory fitness] according to their maximal oxygen
      consumption. At baseline and after either an acute bout of 30 min of moderate
      intensity aerobic exercise or a control period, the neuropsychological and
      neurophysiological performances and serum BDNF concentrations were measured when
      the participants performed a task-switching protocol involving executive control
      and greater demands on working memory. The results revealed that although acute
      aerobic exercise decreased reaction times across three (i.e. pure, switching and
      non-switching) conditions in both EI groups, only the EIH group showed a smaller
      switching cost and larger P3 amplitudes after acute exercise, supporting the view
      that the mechanisms of neural functioning that underlie the effects of such
      exercise may be fitness dependent. In addition, serum BDNF concentrations were
      elevated after acute exercise for both EI groups, but there were no significant
      correlations between the changes in BDNF concentrations and changes in
      neuropsychological and neurophysiological performances for either group,
      suggesting that serum BDNF could not be the potential factor involved in the
      beneficial effects on neuropsychological and neurophysiological performances seen
      in young adults after acute aerobic exercise.

PMID- 27122083
TI  - Abstracts: 2013 American College of Clinical Pharmacology Annual Meeting.

PMID- 27122081
TI  - A high-throughput neutralizing assay for antibodies and sera against hepatitis E
      virus.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the aetiological agent of enterically transmitted
      hepatitis. The traditional methods for evaluating neutralizing antibody titres
      against HEV are real-time PCR and the immunofluorescence foci assay (IFA), which
      are poorly repeatable and operationally complicated, factors that limit their
      applicability to high-throughput assays. In this study, we developed a novel high
      throughput neutralizing assay based on biotin-conjugated p239 (HEV recombinant
      capsid proteins, a.a. 368-606) and staining with allophycocyanin-conjugated
      streptavidin (streptavidin APC) to amplify the fluorescence signal. A linear
      regression analysis indicated that there was a high degree of correlation between
      IFA and the novel assay. Using this method, we quantitatively evaluated the
      neutralization of sera from HEV-infected and vaccinated macaques. The anti-HEV
      IgG level had good concordance with the neutralizing titres of macaque sera.
      However, the neutralization titres of the sera were also influenced by anti-HEV
      IgM responses. Further analysis also indicated that, although vaccination with
      HEV vaccine stimulated higher anti-HEV IgG and neutralization titres than
      infection with HEV in macaques, the proportions of neutralizing antibodies in the
      infected macaques' sera were higher than in the vaccinated macaques with the same
      anti-HEV IgG levels. Thus, the infection more efficiently stimulated neutralizing
      antibody responses.

PMID- 27122082
TI  - Harnessing NMR relaxation interference effects to characterise supramolecular
      assemblies.
AB  - Solution-state NMR spectroscopy remains the primary method for characterising
      synthetic supramolecular assemblies. Yet, in their NMR spectra, relaxation
      interference effects can significantly alter peak intensities hindering
      interpretation. Here, we present a simple experiment for synthetic chemists to
      analyse this effect, allowing interpretation of these distorted spectra and
      validation of spectral assignments. We apply this experiment to synthetic
      porphyrin oligomers with molecular weights approaching those of protein domains
      (10 kDa). Our experiment provides a simple means to gain additional structural
      and dynamical information that will become increasingly useful as chemists create
      larger molecular architectures. 

PMID- 27122084
TI  - From the Editor-in-Chief.

PMID- 27122085
TI  - Past, Present and Future: The Outlook from Mid-Career Nurse Informaticians.
AB  - Nursing informatics (NI), as a specialty of nursing, can trace its origins back
      as far as the 1960s. While difficult to find empirical evidence to pinpoint
      exactly when NI moved from the fringes of nursing to more mainstream recognition,
      the late 1990s to early 2000s was a period of significant growth in the desire to
      leverage information technology as a means of collecting more robust and reliable
      healthcare information. This, in turn, has led to a significant increase in the
      number of nurses working as NI specialists. Those who have remained in NI roles
      since this time are now reaching the "mid-career" point. This paper will examine
      the current NI landscape and the experience of a number of early and mid-career
      nurses who chose to focus on NI by exploring how and why they chose this career
      path, the opportunities and challenges they have faced to date and their
      predictions for the future of NI. 

PMID- 27122086
TI  - The Big Data Revolution: Opportunities for Chief Nurse Executives.
AB  - Informatics competency adoption is a recognized issue across nursing roles in
      digital health practice settings. Further, it has been suggested that the health
      system's inability to reap the promised benefits of electronic health/patient
      records is, in part, a manifestation of inadequate development of informatics
      competency by chief nurse executives (CNEs) and other clinicians (Amendola 2008;
      Simpson 2013). This paper will focus on CNE informatics competency and nursing
      knowledge development as it pertains to the Big Data revolution. With the paper's
      aim of showing how CNEs armed with informatics competency can harness the full
      potential of Big Data offering new opportunities for nursing knowledge
      development in their clinical transformation roles as eHealth project sponsors.
      It is proposed that informatics-savvy CNEs are the new transformational leaders
      of the digital age who will have the advantage to successfully advocate for
      nurses in leading 21st-century health systems. Also, transformational CNEs armed
      with informatics competency will position nurses and the nursing profession to
      achieve its future vision, where nurses are perceived by patients and
      professionals alike as knowledge workers, providing the leadership essential for
      safe, quality care and demonstrating nursing's unique contributions to fiscal
      health through clinically relevant, evidence-based practices (McBride 2005b). 

PMID- 27122087
TI  - The Case for Standardized Data in Nursing.
AB  - With the increased focus on quality and safety within the healthcare system, the
      collection, reporting and use of standardized data are essential to understanding
      the impact of clinicians practice on patient care. This article examines how the
      Canadian Health Outcomes for Better Information and Care (C-HOBIC) dataset can
      support clinical decision-making and facilitate improved sharing of information
      as patients transition between sectors of the healthcare system. If the benefits
      of electronic health records are to be fully realized, it is vital that
      information is collected in a standardized format to support point-of-care
      clinicians in decision-making, as well as for health system use. 

PMID- 27122088
TI  - An International Perspective on Nursing Informatics: In Conversation with Nick
      Hardiker.

PMID- 27122089
TI  - EHR Learning - It's about Nursing, Leadership and Long-Term Commitments.
AB  - Despite a global commitment to the adoption of technologies, such as electronic
      health records (EHRs), to support the delivery of health services, there is
      little empirical guidance to support effective planning for the integration of
      these tools into practice settings (Suter et al. 2009). In particular, although
      EHR learning is known to positively influence integration (Byrne 2012),
      individual perspectives are often overlooked because of investigative designs
      that devalue such viewpoints by exploring the utility of technologies rather than
      the lived experiences of individual users of the technology. Therefore, this
      qualitative study offered nurse participants opportunities to make sense of EHR
      learning through talking about their experiences. This narrative inquiry was a
      collaborative interpretive method of discovery: stories and thematic analysis
      were the two separate yet complementary frames used to support data analysis.
      Finally, several practice implications and recommendations about EHR learning are
      presented with an emphasis placed upon patient safety as a way to impart
      accountability on behalf of learners, educators and those charged with governing
      responsibilities during times of EHR integration. 

PMID- 27122090
TI  - Social Media and Nurs Leadersh (Tor Ont): Unifying Professional Voice and
      Presence.

PMID- 27122091
TI  - Informatics Activities at the Canadian Nurses Association.
AB  - The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) has been participating in nursing
      informatics activities since hosting the 1992 national consensus conference that
      resulted in Health Information: Nursing Components (HI:NC). This article will
      provide a synopsis of the CNA Strategic Plan 2015-2019 and CNA nursing
      informatics activities. 

PMID- 27122092
TI  - Informatics and Nursing in a Post-Nursing Informatics World: Future Directions
      for Nurses in an Automated, Artificially Intelligent, Social-Networked Healthcare
      Environment.
AB  - The increased adoption and use of technology within healthcare and society has
      influenced the nursing informatics specialty in a multitude of fashions. Namely,
      the nursing informatics specialty currently faces a range of important decisions
      related to its knowledge base, established values and future directions - all of
      which are in need of development and future-proofing. In light of the increased
      use of automation, artificial intelligence and big data in healthcare, the
      specialty must also reconceptualize the roles of both nurses and informaticians
      to ensure that the nursing profession is ready to operate within future
      digitalized healthcare ecosystems. To explore these goals, the author of this
      manuscript outlines an examination of technological advancements currently taking
      place within healthcare, and also proposes implications for the nursing role and
      the nursing informatics specialty. Finally, recommendations and insights towards
      how the roles of nurses and informaticians might evolve or be shaped in the
      growing post-nursing informatics era are presented. 

PMID- 27122093
TI  - Role of RANKL in the regulation of NFATc1 and c-Src mRNA expression in osteoclast
      like cells.
AB  - This study was designed to determine the effects of receptor activator of nuclear
      factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) on the mRNA expression of nuclear factor of
      activated T-cells, cytoplasmic, calcineurin-dependent 1 (NFATc1) and c-Src in rat
      osteoclast-like cells. The marrow cells were exposed to macrophage colony
      stimulating factor (M-CSF; 25 ng/ml) and different concentrations of RANKL (0,
      50, 75 and 100 ng/ml) for 9 days. The mRNA expression of NFATc1 and c-Src was
      determined by polymerase chain reaction. Compared with the M-CSF (25 ng/ml)+RANKL
      (0 ng/ml) group, the levels of NFATc1 and c-Src mRNA expression were
      significantly increased in the M-CSF (25 ng/ml)+RANKL (75 and 100 ng/ml) groups
      (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively). Compared with the M-CSF (25
      ng/ml)+RANKL (50 ng/ml) group, the levels of NFATc1 and c-Src mRNA expression was
      significantly increased in the M-CSF (25 ng/ml)+RANKL (75 and 100 ng/ml) groups
      (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01 and P<0.01, respectively). Compared with M-CSF (25
      ng/ml)+RANKL (75 ng/ml) group, the levels of NFATc1 and c-Src mRNA expression was
      significantly increased in the M-CSF (25 ng/ml)+RANKL (100 ng/ml) group, (P<0.01
      and P<0.01, respectively). These data suggest that RANKL could regulate the
      expression of NFATc1 and c-Src mRNA in the marrow culture system. 

PMID- 27122095
TI  - Pheromone-trapping the nun moth, Lymantria monacha (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) in
      Inner Mongolia, China.
AB  - The nun moth, Lymantria monacha L., is one of the most important defoliators of
      Eurasian coniferous forests. Outbreaks during 2011-2015 in the natural/planted
      larch, and larch-birch mixed forests of the Greater Khingan Range in Inner
      Mongolia, China, caused tremendous timber losses from severe defoliation and tree
      mortality. A series of trapping experiments were conducted in these outbreak
      areas to evaluate the efficacy of a synthetic species-specific pheromone lure
      based on the female pheromone blend of European nun moth populations. Our results
      clearly show that the nun moth in Inner Mongolia is highly and specifically
      attracted to this synthetic pheromone, with few gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar)
      captured. Flight activity monitoring of L. monacha male moths using pheromone
      baited Unitraps at 2 locations during the summer of 2015 indicated that the
      flight period started in mid-July, peaking in early August at both locations.
      Based on male moth captures, there was a strong diurnal rhythm of flight activity
      throughout the entire scotophase, peaking between 22:00 and 24:00. Unitraps and
      wing traps had significantly and surprisingly higher catches than the gypsy moth
      traps. Unitraps fastened to tree trunks 2 m above ground caught significantly
      more male moths than those at the ground level or at 5 m height. Male L. monacha
      moths can be attracted to pheromone-baited traps in open areas 150-200 m distant
      from the infested forest edge. Our data should allow improvement on the
      performance of pheromone-baited traps for monitoring or mass-trapping to combat
      outbreaks of this pest in northeastern China.

PMID- 27122094
TI  - The enhancing effect of a laser photochemotherapy with cisplatin or zolendronic
      acid in primary human osteoblasts and osteosarcoma cells in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapies (PDT) have become increasingly popular in the
      adjuvant treatment of different tumour entities. Chemotherapeutic agents, such as
      cisplatin may be used in combination with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as laser
      photochemotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of LLLT on
      cell bioviability of normal and malignant bone cells under chemotherapeutic
      conditions with either cisplatin or zolendronic acid in vitro. METHODS: Primary
      human osteoblasts (HOB) and an osteosarcoma cell line (Saos-2) were treated with
      different concentrations of zolendronic acid or cisplatin and irradiated twice
      with a diode laser (wavelength 670 nm, 120 s, energy outputs of 100mW/cm2 ,
      continuous wave mode). Cell viability was tested by XTT-assay and via
      histomorphological analysis. RESULTS: LLLT alone increased bioviability for both
      cell lines. LLLT lowered HOB viability at the three highest concentrations of
      cisplatin and zolendronic acid. For Saos-2, LLLT reduced cell viability at every
      concentration of cisplatin. In cases of incubation with zolendronic acid, similar
      to osteoblasts, LLLT lowered cell viability at the highest concentration only.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on the conditions of this study, laser photochemotherapy may
      be able to raise the cytotoxicity of cisplatin and zolendronic acid in benign and
      malignant bone cells. This could be of interest in the development of new
      therapeutic treatment modalities against neoplastic bone diseases like
      osteosarcoma.

PMID- 27122096
TI  - Internal maxillary artery to intracranial artery bypass: a case series of 31
      patients with chronic internal carotid/middle cerebral arterial-sclerotic steno
      occlusive disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of internal maxillary artery (IMA) -
      radial artery graft (RAG) - middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass surgery for
      chronic arterial-sclerotic severe stenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid
      artery (ICA) or MCA. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 31 patients
      with ischemic cerebrovascular disease who underwent bypass surgery of the IMA
      with a RAG of the MCA. Twenty-seven patients had complete occlusion of the ICA or
      MCA, and four patients had severe stenosis of the M1 segment of the MCA. RESULTS:
      Patent IMA-RAG-MCA in 30 (96.8%) patients was confirmed by angiography after
      surgery. One case developed a new motor aphasia due to unsuccessful bypass.
      Eleven transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and five ischemic strokes resolved
      following surgery. The other 14 cases showed some improvement without ischemic
      events at one month following surgery. Prior to surgery, mean +/- SD National
      Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 5.4 +/- 1.1 in the ischemic
      stroke group. In the first month post-procedure, the NIHSS score decreased
      significantly to 3.8 +/- 1.2, (p < 0.01). Perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) or
      computed tomography perfusion (CTP) indicated improved hemodynamics in 30
      patients. In addition, seven patients demonstrated improved glucose metabolism on
      18-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)
      postoperatively. No new neurological deficit occurred in the 30 patients during a
      2.19 +/- 1.59 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: By supplying an adequate flow to a
      larger flow territory of chronically stenotic/occlusive major cerebral arteries,
      IMA bypass surgery is efficient for restoring hemodynamics in selected patients
      and improving their neurological deficits.

PMID- 27122097
TI  - Solution-based intramolecular singlet fission in cross-conjugated pentacene
      dimers.
AB  - We show unambiguous and compelling evidence by means of pump-probe experiments,
      which are complemented by calculations using ab initio multireference
      perturbation theory, for intramolecular singlet fission (SF) within two
      synthetically tailored pentacene dimers with cross-conjugation, namely XC1 and
      XC2. The two pentacene dimers differ in terms of electronic interactions as
      evidenced by perturbation of the ground state absorption spectra stemming from
      stronger through-bond contributions in XC1 as confirmed by theory.
      Multiwavelength analysis, on one hand, and global analysis, on the other hand,
      confirm that the rapid singlet excited state decay and triplet excited state
      growth relate to SF. SF rate constants and quantum yields increase with solvent
      polarity. For example, XC2 reveals triplet quantum yields and rate constants as
      high as 162 +/- 10% and (0.7 +/- 0.1) * 10(12) s(-1), respectively, in room
      temperature solutions. 

PMID- 27122099
TI  - Connexin 43 Acts as a Proapoptotic Modulator in Cisplatin-Induced Auditory Cell
      Death.
AB  - AIMS: Gap junction coupling is known to play a role in intercellular
      communication by the Good Samaritan effect or bystander effect. Nonjunctional
      connexins (Cxs) may also play certain gap junction-independent roles in cell
      death or survival. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role
      of junctional and nonjunctional Cxs in ototoxic drug-induced auditory cell death
      by focusing on Cx43 in the cochlea. RESULTS: Nonjunctional Cx43 conditions were
      prepared by low confluence culture (5 * 103/cm2) or a trafficking inhibitor,
      brefeldin A (BFA), in auditory cells, and short lengthened Cx43s with amino
      terminal (NT; amino acids 1-256) or carboxy-terminal (CT; amino acids 257-382)
      were transfected into Cx-deficient HeLa cells to avoid gap junction formation.
      Knockdown of nonchannel Cx43 (small interfering RNA [siRNA]) inhibited Cis
      diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin)-induced cell death regardless of gap
      junction formation; however, a gap junction blocker, 18 alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid
      (18alpha-GA), showed inhibitory effect only under the junctional condition. BFA
      did not show any additive influence on the inhibitory effect of siRNA Cx43.
      Shortened Cx43-transfected HeLa cells also resulted in a significant increase in
      cell death under cisplatin. In the animal studies with cisplatin-treated rats,
      hearing thresholds of auditory brainstem response were significantly preserved by
      a gap junction blocker, carbenoxolone, showing much more preserved stereocilia of
      hair cells in scanning electron microscopic findings. Innovation and Conclusion:
      Cx43 plays a proapoptotic role in cisplatin-induced auditory cell death in both
      junctional and nonjunctional conditions. Targeting the Cx-mediated signaling
      control may be helpful in designing new therapeutic strategies for drug-induced
      ototoxicity. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 25, 623-636.

PMID- 27122100
TI  - Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of 14C-ETX0914, a novel
      inhibitor of bacterial type-II topoisomerases in rodents.
AB  - 1. ETX0914 is a novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitor that has a novel mode-of
      inhibition and is in clinical development for the treatment of infections caused
      by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 2. The in vitro biotransformation studies of ETX0914
      using mouse, rat, dog and human hepatocytes showed moderate intrinsic clearance
      in mouse and rat and low intrinsic clearance in dog and human. 3. Following
      intravenous administration of [14C]-ETX0914 in rats, the mean recovery of
      administered dose in urine, bile and feces was approximately 15%, 55% and 24%,
      respectively. Unchanged ETX0914 recovered in urine and bile was less than 5% of
      the dose, indicating that ETX0914 underwent extensive metabolism in rats.
      Metabolites M1, M2, M4, M6 and M12 detected in both rat and mouse urine samples
      were not detected in mouse urine when predosed with 1-aminobenzotriazole,
      indicating that these metabolites were cytochrome P450 mediated products. The
      major fecal metabolites observed in rats were not formed when ETX0914 was
      incubated with fresh feces from germ free rats under sterile condition or in
      incubations with rat intestinal microsome and cytosol, suggesting that most
      likely ETX0914 was directly excreted into gut lumen where metabolites were formed
      as intestinal microflora-mediated products. The major sites of metabolism by CYP
      enzymes were in the morpholine and oxazolidinone rings while it was benzisoxazole
      reduction with the gut microflora.

PMID- 27122101
TI  - Ultrafast Imaging using Spectral Resonance Modulation.
AB  - CCD cameras are ubiquitous in research labs, industry, and hospitals for a huge
      variety of applications, but there are many dynamic processes in nature that
      unfold too quickly to be captured. Although tradeoffs can be made between
      exposure time, sensitivity, and area of interest, ultimately the speed limit of a
      CCD camera is constrained by the electronic readout rate of the sensors. One
      potential way to improve the imaging speed is with compressive sensing (CS), a
      technique that allows for a reduction in the number of measurements needed to
      record an image. However, most CS imaging methods require spatial light
      modulators (SLMs), which are subject to mechanical speed limitations. Here, we
      demonstrate an etalon array based SLM without any moving elements that is
      unconstrained by either mechanical or electronic speed limitations. This novel
      spectral resonance modulator (SRM) shows great potential in an ultrafast
      compressive single pixel camera.

PMID- 27122098
TI  - Myoscape controls cardiac calcium cycling and contractility via regulation of L
      type calcium channel surface expression.
AB  - Calcium signalling plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of heart failure.
      Here we describe a cardiac protein named Myoscape/FAM40B/STRIP2, which directly
      interacts with the L-type calcium channel. Knockdown of Myoscape in
      cardiomyocytes decreases calcium transients associated with smaller Ca(2+)
      amplitudes and a lower diastolic Ca(2+) content. Likewise, L-type calcium channel
      currents are significantly diminished on Myoscape ablation, and downregulation of
      Myoscape significantly reduces contractility of cardiomyocytes. Conversely,
      overexpression of Myoscape increases global Ca(2+) transients and enhances L-type
      Ca(2+) channel currents, and is sufficient to restore decreased currents in
      failing cardiomyocytes. In vivo, both Myoscape-depleted morphant zebrafish and
      Myoscape knockout (KO) mice display impairment of cardiac function progressing to
      advanced heart failure. Mechanistically, Myoscape-deficient mice show reduced L
      type Ca(2+)currents, cell capacity and calcium current densities as a result of
      diminished LTCC surface expression. Finally, Myoscape expression is reduced in
      hearts from patients suffering of terminal heart failure, implying a role in
      human disease.

PMID- 27122102
TI  - Faculty of Radiation Oncology Position Paper on the use of Image-Guided Radiation
      Therapy.
AB  - The development of technology such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT),
      volumetric arc therapy (VMAT) and stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR)
      has resulted in highly conformal radiotherapy treatments. While such technology
      has allowed for improved dose delivery, it has also meant that improved accuracy
      in the treatment room is required. Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), the use of
      imaging prior to or during treatment delivery, has been shown to improve the
      accuracy of treatment delivery and in some circumstances, clinical outcomes.
      Allied with the adoption of highly conformal treatments, there is a need for
      stringent quality assurance processes in a multidisciplinary environment. In
      2015, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologist (RANZCR)
      updated its position paper on IGRT. The draft document was distributed through
      the membership of the Faculty of Radiation Oncology (FRO) for review and the
      final version was endorsed by the board of FRO. This article describes issues
      that radiotherapy departments throughout Australia and New Zealand should
      consider. It outlines the role of IGRT and reviews current clinical evidence
      supporting the benefit of IGRT in genitourinary, head and neck, and lung cancers.
      It also highlights important international publications which provide guidance on
      implementation and quality assurances for IGRT. A set of key recommendations are
      provided to guide safe and effective IGRT implementation and practice in the
      Australian and New Zealander context.

PMID- 27122103
TI  - Re-expansion pulmonary oedema: a novel emergency therapeutic option.
AB  - Re-expansion pulmonary oedema (REPO) is a rare complication of pleural fluid
      thoracocentesis and has been associated with a high mortality rate. There is
      limited evidence to inform on its most effective management. We present two cases
      of large volume thoracocentesis resulting in acute respiratory decompensation
      that was treated by reintroducing the drained pleural fluid back into the pleural
      cavity. We also present a review of the literature specifically assessing the
      reported incidence rate of REPO after pleural fluid drainage. In both of our
      cases, symptoms and signs of respiratory instability were promptly reversed on
      reintroduction of the drained pleural fluid into the patient's pleural space-a
      therapy we have termed 'rapid pleural space re-expansion'. This was not
      associated with any short-term adverse outcomes. The occurrence of REPO is a rare
      event with most cohort studies reporting an incidence of between 0% and 1%. 

PMID- 27122104
TI  - Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and the onset of a manic episode.
AB  - Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a rare, recently described, clinically
      diagnosed condition that is characterised by a chronic history of cannabis use,
      cyclic nausea and vomiting, symptomatic relief with hot water bathing, and
      resolution with cessation of use. We present a case of this syndrome concurrent
      in a patient with bipolar mania. We suggest that a 3-week period of vomiting in
      the context of this syndrome contributed to the precipitation of a manic episode
      by lowering mood stabiliser serum levels, and that this syndrome will have
      significant consequences for the patient's mental health. 

PMID- 27122105
TI  - Unusual case of intracranial dural AV fistula presenting with acute myelopathy.
AB  - We present a case of intracranial arteriovenous fistula with perimedullary venous
      drainage presenting with acute myelopathy, which is an unusual presentation of
      this uncommon condition. Subsequent catheter angiogram defined the arterial
      feeders from the meningohypophyseal trunk and petrosal branch of the middle
      meningeal artery. The patient was successfully embolised, resulting in complete
      obliteration of the fistula, and significant resolution of brainstem and cervical
      cord changes along with clinical improvement. 

PMID- 27122106
TI  - A benign ancient schwannoma of the tibia nerve.

PMID- 27122107
TI  - Home parenteral nutrition-associated thromboembolic and bleeding events: results
      of a cohort study of 236 individuals.
AB  - Essentials Sparse or outdated studies focus on thrombotic and bleeding risk in
      home parenteral nutrition (HPN). 236 HPN patients followed at a single center for
      a total of 684 patient-years were evaluated. Rates of venous thrombosis and major
      bleeding, and prevalence of vena cava syndrome are provided. Anticoagulants might
      reduce thrombosis risk, but population-specific safety concerns remain. SUMMARY:
      Background Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is necessary for patients with
      intestinal failure. Recurrent catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) is common,
      leading to infectious complications, pulmonary embolism, vascular access loss and
      intestinal transplantation. The efficacy and safety of anticoagulants are unknown
      in this setting and based on sparse and low-quality observational data.
      Objectives Our aim was to estimate the incidence of thromboembolic, bleeding and
      anticoagulant-related complications in HPN patients, and evaluate risk factors
      for first venous thrombosis (VT). Methods This retrospective cohort study
      included all adult patients followed for long-term HPN at our center between 1986
      and 2014. Primary outcomes were symptomatic objectively diagnosed VT,
      encompassing CRT and venous thromboembolism, and major bleeding. Secondary
      outcomes were vena cava syndrome and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or
      hypersensitivity. Results A total of 236 patients were included (median HPN
      duration, 17 months) and 136 received anticoagulants at HPN onset (57.6%).
      Overall, the annual incidence of first VT was 11.4% (95% confidence interval [95%
      CI], 8.6-14.7%); VT was associated with a personal history of thrombosis
      (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.06-4.64), whereas anticoagulation seemed
      to account only for a mild protection (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.36
      1.44). The annual incidence of major bleeding was 4.3% for patients on
      anticoagulants vs. 1.8% for those off anticoagulants. Vena cava syndrome
      developed in 20.7% of patients with VT. One patient had isolated heparin-induced
      thrombocytopenia (0.6%) and four had heparin hypersensitivity (2.5%). Conclusions
      Patients on HPN have a significant risk of venous thrombosis, major bleeding and
      vena cava syndrome. Anticoagulants might reduce thrombosis risk, but population
      specific safety concerns remain.

PMID- 27122109
TI  - A CE-LIF method based on long wavelength fluorescence labeling for the analysis
      of thiols in human urine.
AB  - A rapid and robust CE method using a long wavelength fluorescent reagent 1,7
      dimethyl-3,5-distyryl-8-phenyl-(2-maleimide)difluoroboradiaza-s-indacene as the
      labeling reagent has been developed for the simultaneous determination of thiols,
      including glutathione, cysteine, homocysteine, N-acetylcysteine,
      cysteinylglycine, and penicillamine. The derivatization reaction was carried out
      in 14 mmol/L pH 8.5 borate buffer at 30 degrees C for 6 min and the labeled
      thiols derivatives were separated with the running buffer containing 30 mmol/L pH
      7.4 phosphate, 30% v/v acetonitrile and 8 mmol/L SDS within 12 min. Detection
      limits ranged from 0.4 to 2.4 nmol/L. To demonstrate the capability of this
      method, it was applied to the analysis of thiols in human urine with recoveries
      of 92.4-105.6%. The derivatization reaction was much faster at milder conditions,
      and the analysis was rapider. Moreover, with excitation wavelength at long
      wavelength region, background interference from samples was reduced effectively.
      The present method seems to be a potential choice for quantifying thiols in human
      urine.

PMID- 27122108
TI  - The structural basis of chicken, swine and bovine CD8alphaalpha dimers provides
      insight into the co-evolution with MHC I in endotherm species.
AB  - It is unclear how the pivotal molecules of the adaptive immune system (AIS)
      maintain their inherent characteristics and relationships with their co-receptors
      over the course of co-evolution. CD8alpha, a fundamental but simple AIS component
      with only one immunoglobulin variable (IgV) domain, is a good example with which
      to explore this question because it can fold correctly to form homodimers
      (CD8alphaalpha) and interact with peptide-MHC I (p/MHC I) with low sequence
      identities between different species. Hereby, we resolved the crystal structures
      of chicken, swine and bovine CD8alphaalpha. They are typical homodimers
      consisting of two symmetric IgV domains with distinct species specificities. The
      CD8alphaalpha structures indicated that a few highly conserved residues are
      important in CD8 dimerization and in interacting with p/MHC I. The dimerization
      of CD8alphaalpha mainly depends on the pivotal residues on the dimer interface;
      in particular, four aromatic residues provide many intermolecular forces and
      contact areas. Three residues on the surface of CD8alpha connecting cavities that
      formed most of the hydrogen bonds with p/MHC I were also completely conserved.
      Our data propose that a few key conserved residues are able to ensure the
      CD8alpha own structural characteristics despite the great sequence variation that
      occurs during evolution in endotherms.

PMID- 27122116
TI  - Dosing of Enteric-Coated Mycophenolate Sodium Under Routine Conditions: An
      Observational, Multicenter Study in Kidney Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND Dosing of enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS) should be
      adjusted to reflect concomitant immunosuppression, but it is largely undocumented
      whether such modifications are carried out during routine clinical practice.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS MyLIFE was an observational study of adult kidney-only or
      kidney-pancreas transplant patients starting -EC-MPS at 33 French transplant
      centers. Data were collected at first EC-MPS dose and 6 months later. The primary
      objective was to describe initial EC-MPS dosing according to concomitant
      immunosuppression. RESULTS There were 461 patients analyzed (174 started EC-MPS
      by month 1 post-transplant ['de novo'] and 287 started EC-MPS >1 month post
      transplant ['maintenance']), receiving cyclosporine (CsA) (n=76), tacrolimus
      (n=363), or a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor (n=22). Mean (SD)
      starting dose was 1130 (511) mg/day, 1006 (441) mg/day, and 769 (300) mg/day in
      the CsA, tacrolimus, and mTOR inhibitor groups, respectively (p=0.003). In the de
      novo subpopulation, the starting dose was 1440 mg/day in 66.7% (14/21) of CsA
      treated patients and 71.9% (110/153) of tacrolimus-treated patients, with an
      intensified dose of 2160 mg/day in 28.6% (6/21) and 8.5% (13/153), respectively.
      There was a non-significant trend to a higher rate of biopsy-proven acute
      rejection in patients receiving CsA versus tacrolimus or an mTOR inhibitor
      (p=0.082). Adverse events with a suspected relation to EC-MPS occurred in 21.0%,
      23.1%, and 9.1% of the CsA, tacrolimus, and mTOR inhibitor subpopulations,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS EC-MPS is usually initiated at the dose recommended for
      de novo CsA-treated kidney transplant patients, then titrated downwards as
      required. An early intensified regimen is not used frequently. The EC-MPS dose is
      modified in <20% of de novo patients to account for concomitant tacrolimus
      therapy instead of CsA administration. 

PMID- 27122117
TI  - Finding a new role for NEMO: A key player in preventing hepatocyte apoptosis and
      liver tumorigenesis by inhibiting RIPK1.

PMID- 27122119
TI  - Prediction of substrate specificity in NS3/4A serine protease by biased sequence
      search threading.
AB  - Proteases recognize specific substrate sequences and catalyze the hydrolysis of
      targeted peptide bonds to activate or degrade them. It is particularly important
      to identify the recognition and binding mechanisms of protease-substrate complex
      structures in studies of drug development. Cleavage specificity in protease
      systems is generally determined by the amino acid profile, structural features,
      and distinct molecular interactions. In this work, substrate variability and
      substrate specificity of the NS3/4A serine protease encoded by the hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) was investigated by the biased sequence search threading (BSST)
      methodology. The available crystal structures of peptide-bound protease were used
      as templates as well as new complex structures that were generated via docking
      calculations. Threading various binding and nonbinding sequences as starting
      sequences over multiple templates, the potential sequence space was efficiently
      explored by a low-resolution knowledge-based scoring potential. The low-energy
      substrate sequences generated by the biased search are correlated with the
      natural substrates with conserved amino acid preferences, although some positions
      exhibit variability. Specifically, the amino acids which play essential roles in
      cleavage are mostly preferred. Potential substrate sequences were predicted by
      statistical probability approaches that consider the pairwise and triplewise
      interdependencies among residue positions in the low-energy sequences. The
      predicted substrate sequences also reproduce most of the natural substrate
      sequences, implying the complex interdependence between the different substrate
      residues. Consequently, the BSST seems to provide a powerful methodology for
      predicting the substrate specificity for the NS3/4A protease, which is a target
      in drug discovery studies for HCV.

PMID- 27122120
TI  - Insertion of (t)BuNC into thorium-phosphorus and thorium-arsenic bonds:
      phosphaazaallene and arsaazaallene moieties in f element chemistry.
AB  - The reactivity of thorium-phosphido and thorium-arsenido bonds was probed using
      tert-butyl isocyanide, (t)BuNC. Reaction of (C5Me5)2Th[E(H)R]2, E = P, As; R =
      2,4,6-(i)Pr3C6H2, 2,4,6-Me3C6H2 with (t)BuNC affords the first phosphaazaallene
      and arsaazaallene moieties with an f-element. 

PMID- 27122121
TI  - Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in India-how and by whom: results from a
      speciality clinic-use of low-dose methotrexate (MTX) was inexplicably suboptimal.
AB  - This study was conducted in order to study (a) seropositive RA patients for their
      prior caregivers, diagnosis makers, drugs and doses taken and (b) the disease
      status at the first visit and the last visit, from the standpoint of whether they
      received optimum or suboptimum DMARD treatment. Prospectively entered data were
      extracted from a rheumatology-specific electronic health record for demography,
      diagnostic delay, prior caregivers, diagnosis makers, intake of DMARDs and
      glucocorticoids and disease activity state at first presentation and at the last
      visit using structured query language. Among 316 patients, prior caregivers were
      orthopaedicians (73.4 %), alternative systems of medicine practitioners (62 %),
      internists (38 %), rheumatologists (35.8 %), general practitioners (17 %) and
      others (12 %). The diagnosis of RA was made by rheumatologists (55.6 %),
      orthopaedicians (21 %), internists (12.6 %), physiotherapists (3.5 %), homeopaths
      (2.8 %), general practitioner (2.1 %), neurologists (1.4 %) and Ayurvedic
      physicians (0.7 %). The mean and the median diagnostic delay among 142 patients
      where information was available were 18 and 8.5 months, respectively (SD +23.2).
      Thirty-two percent of the patients had early disease, 48 % established disease
      and 20 % late disease at presentation. Sixty-six percent of the patients had
      taken DMARDs-methotrexate (56 %), hydroxychloroquine (46.2 %), leflunomide (18.7
      %) and sulfasalazine (20.6 %)-and often in combinations. Different preparations,
      doses and schedules of glucocorticoids were taken orally or parentally by 51 %.
      Only one (0.3 %) patient had taken biological DMARDs prior to visiting this
      clinic. High or moderate disease activity was present in 84 % at the first clinic
      visit that fell to 14 % at the last clinic visit. The majority of patients with
      RA were treated by orthopaedicians and practitioners of alternative systems of
      medicine with only a third by rheumatologists. In 80 % of patients, the diagnosis
      was made 18 months at the onset, yet in 84 %, the disease control was poor. Non
      use or suboptimal use of methotrexate appeared to be the main reason. 

PMID- 27122122
TI  - Attenuation assessment of medical protective eyewear: the AVEN experience.
AB  - The goal of this paper is to test the attenuation capability of seven models of
      protective eyewear used in routine clinical practice. Scattered radiation from a
      standard patient was simulated by using a water tank located over the treatment
      couch of a GE Innova 3100 x-ray angiography system. Seven protective eyewear
      models were tested using an anthropomorphic phantom mimicking the first operator.
      At each test, 4 thermoluminiscent dosimeters were placed on the phantom
      (respectively in front of the protective eyewear, under the eyewear, on the left
      earpiece and at chest level) in order to have an eyewear-independent reference. A
      test session without glasses was also acquired. Each model was tested with
      standard posterior-anterior (PA) projections and the two most common protective
      eyewear were tested using LAO90 degrees  and LAO45 degrees CRA30 degrees 
      projections. A worst-case scenario was created to be sure of having an upper
      limit for the assessment of eyewear attenuation in routine clinical practice. In
      PA projections, the absolute attenuation value ranged between 71% and 81%, while
      relative attenuation between dose measured at eye lens and that measured at
      eyewear earpiece ranged from 67% to 85%. The slightly wider range was probably
      due to scatter radiation variability; anyway, differences are still included in
      the variable uncertainty of experimental measurements. It is worth noting that #3
      eyewear model (the one without lateral protection) allows an attenuation similar
      to that of #5 eyewear model (with 0.5 mm lead lateral protection) in LAO90
      degrees  and LAO45 degrees CRA30 degrees  projections. Despite the experimental
      limitations, a description of the radiation properties of protective eyewear
      concerning radiation attenuation can be useful to rely on protection devices
      which can be used in routine clinical practice. 

PMID- 27122123
TI  - Variation of skeletal degenerative joint disease features in an identified
      Italian modern skeletal collection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of
      degenerative joint disease (DJD) features (marginal lipping, porosity, surface
      osteophytes, eburnation, and loss of joint morphology) with sex, age, and
      occupation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We devised a recording method for scoring the
      single features in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle of an Italian
      skeletal sample of 332 individuals (males = 161, females = 171) of known sex,
      age, and occupation from the Frassetto collection (Sassari, Sardinia, 19th-20th
      century). RESULTS: Our data revealed that: (1) the frequency of all features
      increases with age; (2) porosity is the first feature to appear, being in general
      the most frequent feature in young adults; (3) sex differences are especially
      found in the upper limbs of mature and elderly adults; (4) marginal lipping and
      surface osteophytes show a lesser age correlation and, in general, higher
      frequencies in the left lower limb; (5) no differences were found among different
      occupations. DISCUSSION: We explain these results in light of different metabolic
      and adaptive processes in relation to age and sex. Static (weight-bearing) rather
      than dynamic mechanical stress could play a pivotal role in the distribution of
      the features observed in the lower limbs. The considerable increase in marginal
      lipping and surface osteophytes in elderly adults may be an adaptation for
      sustaining mechanical loading, balancing the loss of bone tissue which is
      characteristic of ageing processes (osteopenia, osteoporosis). Am J Phys
      Anthropol, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:683
      693, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27122124
TI  - Microbial Community Composition Associated with Maotai Liquor Fermentation.
AB  - The solid-state fermentation state of Chinese Maotai liquor involves the
      interaction of several complex microbial communities leading to the generation of
      the most complex liquor fermentation system in the world and contributes to the
      unique flavor and aroma of the liquor. In this study, total DNA was extracted
      from 3 fermented grain samples (FG1, FG2, and FG3) and 12 environmental samples,
      including Daqu (DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4), cellar mud (CS1, CS2, and CS3), soil
      (SL1 and SL2), air (A1 and A2), and sorghum (SH), and the 16S and 18S rRNA genes
      were amplified. The distribution of typical microorganisms in the samples was
      analyzed using nested PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, while
      quantitative PCR amplification of 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer genes
      was performed to estimate the microbial abundance present in each sample. The
      results indicated that Daqu was the primary source of bacteria, followed by the
      air, soil, and sorghum samples, while the majority of the fungi responsible for
      Maotai liquor fermentation were from Daqu and sorghum. Highest bacterial
      concentrations were found in fermented grains, followed by Daqu and sorghum,
      while the highest fungal concentrations were found in Daqu, followed by sorghum
      and an air sample from outside the liquor production area. The findings of this
      study may provide information regarding the mechanisms responsible for flavor
      development in Maotai liquor, and may be used to further optimize the traditional
      art of making liquor. 

PMID- 27122118
TI  - Prediction of homoprotein and heteroprotein complexes by protein docking and
      template-based modeling: A CASP-CAPRI experiment.
AB  - We present the results for CAPRI Round 30, the first joint CASP-CAPRI experiment,
      which brought together experts from the protein structure prediction and protein
      protein docking communities. The Round comprised 25 targets from amongst those
      submitted for the CASP11 prediction experiment of 2014. The targets included
      mostly homodimers, a few homotetramers, and two heterodimers, and comprised
      protein chains that could readily be modeled using templates from the Protein
      Data Bank. On average 24 CAPRI groups and 7 CASP groups submitted docking
      predictions for each target, and 12 CAPRI groups per target participated in the
      CAPRI scoring experiment. In total more than 9500 models were assessed against
      the 3D structures of the corresponding target complexes. Results show that the
      prediction of homodimer assemblies by homology modeling techniques and docking
      calculations is quite successful for targets featuring large enough subunit
      interfaces to represent stable associations. Targets with ambiguous or inaccurate
      oligomeric state assignments, often featuring crystal contact-sized interfaces,
      represented a confounding factor. For those, a much poorer prediction performance
      was achieved, while nonetheless often providing helpful clues on the correct
      oligomeric state of the protein. The prediction performance was very poor for
      genuine tetrameric targets, where the inaccuracy of the homology-built subunit
      models and the smaller pair-wise interfaces severely limited the ability to
      derive the correct assembly mode. Our analysis also shows that docking procedures
      tend to perform better than standard homology modeling techniques and that highly
      accurate models of the protein components are not always required to identify
      their association modes with acceptable accuracy. Proteins 2016; 84(Suppl 1):323
      348. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27122125
TI  - The effects of interventions on quality of life, morbidity and consultation
      frequency in frequent attenders in primary care: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients visiting their GPs exceptionally often (frequent attenders,
      FAs) have high rates of somatic disease, emotional distress, psychiatric
      illnesses and social problems and require a disproportionate amount of their GPs'
      time. OBJECTIVES: To summarize which types of FA have been studied and what the
      effects of interventions were on quality of life (QoL), symptom severity of
      underlying illness(es) and consultation frequency. To discover when patients are
      considered FAs. METHODS: Systematic review of RCTs using a comprehensive search
      (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and EMBASE, from 1980 to August 2015) and no language
      restrictions. Two investigators extracted data. Results were summarized
      qualitatively. RESULTS: We included 17 RCTs. Heterogeneity at the level of
      populations, interventions and outcomes precluded statistical pooling. In-depth
      analysis by GPs assessing a patient's reasons for frequent attendance decreased
      consultation frequency by four to six per year. A small effect on symptom
      severity was noted in depressed FAs, although this finding was not replicated in
      a recent trial. Multi-component therapy and medication in FAs with medically
      unexplained symptoms (MUS) improved QoL (SF36 odds ratio: 1.92; 95%CI: 1.08-3.40)
      and morbidity (CES-D 3.17; 95%CI: 1.27-5.08). CONCLUSION: RCTs on intervention
      effects in frequent attenders to primary care used different patient populations,
      interventions, comparators and outcome measures. Consistent evidence on the
      effects of particular interventions in specific patient domains is lacking. A
      tailored approach based on in-depth analysis among GPs of potential reasons for
      frequent attendance may decrease consultation frequency. Research involving the
      screening and treating for FAs with MUS may be useful in future trials.

PMID- 27122126
TI  - Risk factors, clinical variants and therapeutic outcome of retronychia: a
      retrospective study of 18 patients.
AB  - Retronychia is a form of post-traumatic ingrowing nail disease that involves
      proximal nail plate embedding into the proximal nail fold, with multiple
      generations of nail plate beneath the proximal nail. This disease is probably
      underdiagnosed because of incomplete clinical forms. The aim of this study was to
      report clinical and aetiological variants of retronychia and to evaluate their
      therapeutic outcome. A retrospective review was performed on 18 patients who were
      seen in our institution between 2007 and 2013. The diagnostic criteria for
      retronychia were paronychia and interruption of nail growth. A female
      predominance (83.3%) was reported. Various precipitating factors were found,
      including traumatisms in 10 patients (55%), pregnancy and postpartum period in
      two patients (11%), and compartment syndrome in one patient (5%). The mean
      duration of paronychia was eight months (15 days to four years). The fingers most
      affected were the great toes. Retronychia occurred bilaterally in five cases
      (27%) and unilaterally in one case (61%). The commonest signs were, in decreasing
      order, xanthonychia (yellow discolouration of nail plate), longitudinal nail over
      curvature, swelling of proximal nail fold, elevation of the proximal nail plate,
      granulation tissue, subungual hyperkeratosis, superficial leuconychia, distal
      onycholysis, subungueal haemorrhage, and Beau's lines. Most of the cases improved
      after proximal nail plate avulsion. Recurrence occurred in three cases (16.6%).
      In our opinion, ischaemic damage is the main cause of retronychia. Evaluation of
      clinical variants is mandatory to propose appropriate treatment. The limitations
      of this study include the retrospective design. 

PMID- 27122128
TI  - Pooling across cells to normalize single-cell RNA sequencing data with many zero
      counts.
AB  - Normalization of single-cell RNA sequencing data is necessary to eliminate cell
      specific biases prior to downstream analyses. However, this is not
      straightforward for noisy single-cell data where many counts are zero. We present
      a novel approach where expression values are summed across pools of cells, and
      the summed values are used for normalization. Pool-based size factors are then
      deconvolved to yield cell-based factors. Our deconvolution approach outperforms
      existing methods for accurate normalization of cell-specific biases in simulated
      data. Similar behavior is observed in real data, where deconvolution improves the
      relevance of results of downstream analyses. 

PMID- 27122127
TI  - Polyphenols from Korean prostrate spurge Euphorbia supina induce apoptosis
      through the Fas-associated extrinsic pathway and activation of ERK in human
      leukemic U937 cells.
AB  - The Korean prostrate spurge Euphorbia supina (Euphorbiaceae family) has been used
      as a folk medicine in Korea against a variety of ailments such as bronchitis,
      hemorrhage, jaundice and multiple gastrointestinal diseases. Polyphenols from
      Korean E. supina (PES) which include quercetin and kaempferol derivatives have
      anticancer properties. Hence, we investigated the anticancer effects of PES on
      U937 human leukemic cells. Firstly, PES significantly inhibited the proliferation
      of U937 cells in a dose-dependent manner. PES induced accumulation of the sub-G1
      DNA content (apoptotic cell population), apoptotic bodies and chromatin
      condensation and DNA fragmentation in the U937 cells. PES also induced activation
      of caspase-3, -8 and -9, subsequent cleavage of PARP, and significantly
      suppressed XIAP, cIAP-1 and cIAP-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PES
      activated Bid, and induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP,
      DeltaPsim) along with upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bad), and
      downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) and cytochrome c
      release. The Fas receptor was upregulated by PES in a dose-dependent manner,
      suggesting that the extrinsic pathway was also involved in the PES-induced
      apoptosis. Moreover, the PES-induced apoptosis was at least in part associated
      with extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in the U937 human
      leukemic cells. This study provides evidence that PES may be useful in the
      treatment of leukemia. 

PMID- 27122129
TI  - Frequency and prognostic significance of t(v;11q23)/KMT2A rearrangements in adult
      patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with risk-adapted protocols.
AB  - The karyotype is an important predictor of outcome in acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia (ALL). Rearrangements of the 11q23 region involving the KMT2A gene
      confer an unfavorable prognosis. Forty-six adult ALL patients from the PETHEMA
      Group treated with risk-adapted protocols, with t(v;11q23) were selected for this
      study. Complete response (CR) was attained in 38 patients; 25 remained in CR
      after consolidation. Twelve (48%) received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) and 13 delayed intensification and maintenance. The 5-year
      CR duration probability was 37% (95% CI, 19%-55%). A trend for a longer CR
      duration was observed in patients undergoing HSCT vs. those receiving
      chemotherapy. The 5-year overall survival (OS) probability was 20% (95% CI, 5%
      35%). The OS was better, albeit not significant, in patients with a MRD level
      <0.1% after induction (39% [95% CI, 14%-64%] vs. 13% [95% CI, 0%-36%]). Specific
      treatment approaches are required to improve the outcome of patients with KMT2A
      rearrangements.

PMID- 27122130
TI  - Complete genome sequence of a sapovirus from a child in Zhejiang, China.
AB  - Although Sapovirus (Caliciviridae) has been accepted as one of the causes of
      acute gastroenteritis worldwide, little is known about the genetic
      characteristics of the whole genome of sapoviruses in China, especially those
      that infect humans. Here we report the complete genome sequence of a sapovirus
      strain, Human/Zhejiang1/2015/China, obtained from a child with acute
      gastroenteritis in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Samples were collected and
      delivered to the CDC laboratories and were detected by RT-PCR. Sanger sequencing
      was used to obtain the full genome and molecular characterization of the genome
      was determined. A phylogenetic analysis of the genome was also performed. The
      results indicated that Human/Zhejiang1/2015/China belongs to Genogroup I. No
      recombination events were detected. This is the first complete sequence from a
      child to be reported in China. The sequence information is important for
      surveillance of this emerging gastrointestinal infection. 

PMID- 27122131
TI  - Gestational age, mode of birth and breastmilk feeding all influence acute early
      childhood gastroenteritis: a record-linkage cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a leading cause of infectious
      morbidity in childhood. Clinical studies have implicated caesarean section, early
      birth and formula feeding in modifying normal gut microbiota development and
      immune system homeostasis in early life. Rates of early birth and cesarean
      delivery are also increasing worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the
      independent and combined associations of the mode and timing of birth and
      breastmilk feeding with AGE hospitalisations in early childhood. METHODS:
      Population-based record-linkage study of 893,360 singleton livebirths of at least
      33 weeks gestation without major congenital conditions born in hospital, New
      South Wales, Australia, 2001-2011. Using age at first AGE hospital admission, Cox
      regression was used to estimate the associations for gestational age, vaginal
      birth or caesarean delivery by labour onset and formula-only feeding while
      adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: There were 41,274 (4.6 %) children admitted
      to hospital at least once for AGE and the median age at first admission was 1.4
      years. Risk of AGE admission increased with decreasing gestational age (37-38
      weeks: 15 % increased risk, 33-36 weeks: 25 %), caesarean section (20 %), planned
      birth (17 %) and formula-only feeding (18 %). The rate of AGE admission was
      highest for children who were born preterm by modes of birth other than vaginal
      birth following the spontaneous onset of labour and who received formula-only at
      discharge from birth care (62-78 %). CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal birth following
      spontaneous onset of labour at 39+ weeks gestation with any breastfeeding
      minimised the risk of gastroenteritis hospitalisation in early childhood. Given
      increasing trends in early planned birth and caesarean section worldwide, these
      results provide important information about the impact obstetric interventions
      may have on the development of the infant gut microbiota and immunity.

PMID- 27122132
TI  - Comparison of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence after breast-conserving surgery
      between ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the differences in the rates and predictive
      factors for ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) after breast-conserving
      surgery (BCS) between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer.
      And, we evaluated the impact of IBTR on overall survival and distant metastasis.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 322 consecutive patients with DCIS or
      invasive breast cancer who underwent BCS between 2004 and 2010. We evaluated the
      rates of IBTR of DCIS and invasive breast cancer. Univariate and multivariate
      analyses were performed to determine the predictive factors for IBTR, and
      survival rates were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier estimates. RESULTS: With a median
      follow-up period of 57 months, 5 (10%) out of 50 DCIS patients and 14 (5.1%) out
      of 272 invasive cancer patients had developed IBTR. Factors associated with IBTR
      on univariate and multivariate analyses were positive resection margin status in
      DCIS and omission of radiotherapy in invasive cancer, respectively. The hormone
      receptor negativity was strong independent predictive factors for IBTR in both
      DCIS and invasive breast cancer. Although the differences of survival curve did
      not reach statistical significance, the 5-year overall survival and distant
      metastasis-free survival of invasive cancer patients who suffered IBTR were
      inferior to those without (84 vs. 98% and 63.3 vs. 96.5%, respectively). Advanced
      initial stage, lymph node metastasis and experience of IBTR were associated with
      poor overall survival and distant metastasis on univariate and multivariate
      analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The hormone receptor negativity was revealed as
      independent predictive factor for IBTR after BCS in both DCIS and invasive
      cancer. Experience of IBTR was independent prognostic factor for poor overall
      outcome in patients with invasive breast cancer. Aggressive local control and
      adjuvant therapy should be made in hormone receptor-negative patients who receive
      treatment with BCS.

PMID- 27122134
TI  - Demographics and etiologic factors of nasal pyogenic granuloma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nasal pyogenic granuloma (lobular capillary hemangioma) is a rare
      benign tumor of unclear etiology. This study describes the clinical
      characteristics and possible etiologic factors in a series of patients with
      pyogenic granuloma. METHODS: All adult patients with a histologic diagnosis of
      pyogenic granuloma of the nasal cavity were identified between January 2005 and
      May 2015. A total of 128 charts were reviewed retrospectively for age, gender,
      clinical presentation, location of lesion, and medical history. RESULTS: Thirty
      eight patients were identified including 13 (34%) men and 25 (66%) women with a
      mean age of 45 years (range, 18-80 years). The majority (92%) presented with
      epistaxis and 76% had the lesion located on the septum. All patients had the
      lesion surgically excised with final pathology confirming pyogenic granuloma. Out
      of 38 patients, 15 (40%) had a concurrent history of altered hormonal activity
      (due to hormone therapy, pregnancy, or tumor), and 7 (18%) had prior injury to
      the nasal cavity. CONCLUSION: This study is 1 of the largest case series of nasal
      pyogenic granuloma to be reported. In this series, this disease process was seen
      in approximately twice as many women as compared to men. Our data further
      supports prior studies, suggesting that altered hormonal activity and nasal
      injury may increase the risk of developing nasal pyogenic granuloma.

PMID- 27122133
TI  - Pre-operative stroke and neurological disability do not independently affect
      short- and long-term mortality in infective endocarditis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is still associated with high morbidity
      and mortality. The impact of pre-operative stroke on mortality and long-term
      survival is controversial. In addition, data on the severity of neurological
      disability due to pre-operative stroke are scarce. We analysed the impact of pre
      operative stroke and the severity of its related neurological disability on short
      and long-term outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our data from
      patients operated for left-sided IE between 01/2007 and 04/2013. We performed
      univariate (Chi-Square and independent samples t test) and multivariate analyses.
      RESULTS: Among 308 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery for left
      sided IE, pre-operative stroke was present in 87 (28.2 %) patients. Patients with
      pre-operative stroke had a higher pre-operative risk profile than patient without
      it: higher Charlson comorbidity index (8.1 +/- 2.6 vs. 6.6 +/- 3.3) and higher
      incidence of Staphylococcus aureus infection (43 vs. 17 %) and septic shock (37
      vs. 19 %). In-hospital mortality was equal but 5-year survival was significantly
      worse with pre-operative stroke (33.1 % vs. 45 %, p = 0.006). 5-year survival was
      worst in patients with severe neurological disability compared to mild disability
      (19.0 vs. 0.58 %, p = 0.002). However, neither pre-operative stroke nor the
      degree of neurological disability appeared as an independent risk factor for
      short or long-term mortality by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative
      stroke and the severity of neurological disability do not independently affect
      short- and long-term mortality in patients with infective endocarditis. It
      appears that patients with pre-operative stroke present with a generally higher
      risk profile. This information may substantially affect decision-making.

PMID- 27122135
TI  - Digital PCR methods improve detection sensitivity and measurement precision of
      low abundance mtDNA deletions.
AB  - Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are a common cause of primary mitochondrial
      disorders, and have also been implicated in a broad collection of conditions,
      including aging, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Prevalent among these pathogenic
      variants are mtDNA deletions, which show a strong bias for the loss of sequence
      in the major arc between, but not including, the heavy and light strand origins
      of replication. Because individual mtDNA deletions can accumulate focally, occur
      with multiple mixed breakpoints, and in the presence of normal mtDNA sequences,
      methods that detect broad-spectrum mutations with enhanced sensitivity and
      limited costs have both research and clinical applications. In this study, we
      evaluated semi-quantitative and digital PCR-based methods of mtDNA deletion
      detection using double-stranded reference templates or biological samples. Our
      aim was to describe key experimental assay parameters that will enable the
      analysis of low levels or small differences in mtDNA deletion load during disease
      progression, with limited false-positive detection. We determined that the
      digital PCR method significantly improved mtDNA deletion detection sensitivity
      through absolute quantitation, improved precision and reduced assay standard
      error.

PMID- 27122138
TI  - Editorial: systematic reviews and meta-analyses of gene association studies.

PMID- 27122136
TI  - Ex vivo imaging of active caspase 3 by a FRET-based molecular probe demonstrates
      the cellular dynamics and localization of the protease in cerebellar granule
      cells and its regulation by the apoptosis-inhibiting protein survivin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apoptosis takes place in naturally occurring neuronal death, but also
      in aging, neurodegenerative disorders, and traumatic brain injuries. Caspase 3
      (Casp3) is the most important effector protease in apoptosis: being inactive
      inside the cell, it undergoes enzymatic cleavage and - hence - activation once
      the apoptotic cascade is triggered. Immunological techniques with antibodies
      against cleaved Casp3 (cCasp3) or assays with colorimetric/fluorogenic substrates
      are commonly in use, but they do not allow to directly follow the dynamics of
      activation in alive neurons that may be committed to die. RESULTS: By combined
      biolistic transfection, confocal microscopy, and fluorescence resonance energy
      transfer (FRET), we have implemented a methodology to dynamically monitor Casp3
      activation in organotypic cerebellar slices from postnatal mice. After
      transfection with pSCAT3 FRET probes, we measured the ratio of the emissions of
      the donor/acceptor pair (ECFPem/Venusem) in fixed or alive cultures. In so doing,
      we i. discriminated the cellular compartment(s) of enzyme activation (nucleus,
      perikaryon, neurites); ii. demonstrated that Casp3 was constitutively active in
      the granule cells; iii. followed the fluctuations of ECFPem/Venusem, and its
      response to 25 mM KCl depolarization, or to increased intracellular Ca(++) after
      NMDA (1 mM), kainic acid (1 mM), or A23187 (100-200 MUM). The specificity of the
      active pSCAT3-DEVD probe was confirmed with RNA interference and after inhibition
      of Casp3 with Ac-DEVD-CMK (100 MUM), as both sets of experiments brought
      ECFPem/Venusem to the values recorded with the control probe pSCAT3-DEVG. After
      double-transfection with pSCAT3-DEVD + pHcRed1-C1-survivin, we also showed a 44
      56% reduction of basal Casp3 activity in cells overexpressing survivin, a protein
      member of the family of apoptosis inhibitors, with augmented survival (2.82
      folds). Survivin-rescued cells were sensitive to 5 mM H2O2 oxidative stress but
      died without intervention of Casp3. CONCLUSIONS: This ex vivo FRET-based
      methodology provides quantitative information on the functional and histological
      dynamics of Casp3 activation in individual neurons at a cell level resolution.
      Not only it can be combined with experimental manipulation of the apoptotic
      machinery inside the cell, but offers several advantages over existing protocols
      for monitoring apoptosis in live mammalian neurons, and has potential to be
      transferred in vivo. Due to the pivotal role of Casp3 in apoptosis, our approach
      is relevant for a better comprehension of molecular neurodegeneration in the
      normal and pathological brain.

PMID- 27122137
TI  - Rapid evolution of tolerance to toxic Microcystis in two cladoceran grazers.
AB  - Evolutionary adaptation could assist organisms to cope with environmental
      changes, yet few experimental systems allow us to directly track evolutionary
      trajectory. Using experimental evolution, evolutionary tolerance to Microcystis
      aeruginosa was investigated in two cladocerans (Daphnia pulex and Simocephalus
      vetulus) to test the hypothesis that cladoceran grazers rapidly adapt to toxic
      cyanobacteria. After exposure for either three or six months, both grazers
      evolved a higher tolerance. The intrinsic rate of population increases in S.
      vetulus feeding on cyanobacteria was negatively correlated with that on green
      algae, which suggests that evolutionary adaptation in tolerance would carry a
      cost in the absence of cyanobacteria. However, the cyanobacterial selection
      resulted in a general increase in D. pulex when fed both cyanobacteria and green
      algae. Following a three-month relaxation of selection, S. vetulus in the
      selection line exhibited reverse evolution back to their original state when
      their diets were switched back to pure green algae. The present experimental
      evolution, both forwards and reverse, not only demonstrates the evolutionary
      responses of cladoceran grazers to toxic cyanobacterial cells in the laboratory,
      but also indicates that the grazer-cyanobacteria interaction would be an
      effective system to empirically study rapid evolution to environmental changes.

PMID- 27122139
TI  - Health Promotion Efforts as Predictors of Physical Activity in Schools: An
      Application of the Diffusion of Innovations Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implementing a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP)
      effectively addresses public health issues by providing opportunities for
      physical activity (PA). Grounded in the Diffusion of Innovations model, the
      purpose of this study was to identify how health promotion efforts facilitate
      opportunities for PA. METHODS: Physical and health education teachers (N = 256)
      nationwide were surveyed using a CSPAP Index to identify teacher's efforts for
      providing opportunities for PA within a school setting. RESULTS: A hierarchical
      regression analysis revealed total number of PA opportunities was significantly
      predicted by teachers' health promotion efforts, p < .001. Sex and years of
      experience were not significant covariates, p = .35, in the final step of the
      model. Accounting for teaching environments, the model was significant, p < .001.
      The strongest predictors were the promotional efforts of PA for family and
      community, p < .001, PA for staff members, p < .01, PA during the school day, p <
      .05, and PA before school, p < .05. CONCLUSIONS: To increase PA opportunities for
      children in schools, emphasis should be placed on health promotion. This study
      confirms the importance of teachers involving family, community, and staff
      members as co-health promoters when trying to increase PA engagement surrounding
      schools.

PMID- 27122140
TI  - Fluid Intake and Cognitive Performance: Should Schoolchildren Drink During
      Lessons?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that an insufficient fluid intake impairs cognitive
      performance. Drinking policies at schools-especially drinking during lessons-is a
      point of controversy. To provide a scientific base for this debate, more
      empirical evidence is needed on which aspects of fluid intake are crucial for
      cognitive performance. This study makes a contribution by investigating
      associations between quantitative and temporal aspects of fluid intake and
      cognitive performance in everyday school life. METHODS: The study comprised 125
      children (age: mean = 10.98 years, SD = 0.38). Amount of fluid intake and time
      span between fluid intake and completion of cognitive tests were determined on
      basis of self-reports. Cognitive performance was assessed by standardized tests.
      RESULTS: Quantitative and temporal aspects were associated with cognitive
      performance: The more fluid the children consumed and the shorter the time span
      between their last fluid intake and test completion, the better they performed.
      CONCLUSIONS: The amount of fluid intake should be adequate and moreover the time
      span between intake and cognitive efforts should be as short as possible.
      Schoolchildren are thus recommended to drink at regular intervals and also during
      lessons.

PMID- 27122142
TI  - Reliability and Validity of the Physical Education Activities Scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measuring adolescent perceptions of physical education (PE)
      activities is necessary in understanding determinants of school PE activity
      participation. This study assessed reliability and validity of the Physical
      Education Activities Scale (PEAS), a 41-item visual analog scale measuring high
      school adolescent perceptions of school PE activity participation. METHODS:
      Adolescents (N = 529) from the Pacific Northwest aged 15-19 in grades 9-12
      participated in the study. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory
      factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Measurement
      invariance across sex groups was tested by multiple-group CFA. Internal
      consistency reliability was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha. Inter-subscale
      correlations (Pearson's r) were calculated for latent factors and observed
      subscale scores. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis suggested a 3-factor
      solution explaining 43.4% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis
      showed the 3-factor model fit the data adequately (comparative fit index [CFI] =
      0.90, Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = 0.89, root mean squared error of approximation
      [RMSEA] = 0.063). Factorial invariance was supported. Cronbach's alpha of the
      total PEAS was alpha = 0.92, and for subscales alpha ranged from 0.65 to 0.92.
      Independent t-tests showed significantly higher mean scores for boys than girls
      on the total scale and all subscales. CONCLUSION: Findings provide psychometric
      support for using the PEAS for examining adolescent's psychosocial and
      environmental perceptions to participating in PE activities.

PMID- 27122141
TI  - The Impact of the CHILE Intervention on the Food Served in Head Start Centers in
      Rural New Mexico.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Child Health Initiative for Lifelong Eating and Exercise is a
      multicomponent obesity-prevention intervention, which was evaluated among Head
      Start (HS) centers in American Indian and predominantly Hispanic communities in
      rural New Mexico. This study examines the intervention's foodservice outcomes:
      fruits, vegetables, whole grains, discretionary fats, added sugars, and fat from
      milk served in meals and snacks. METHODS: Sixteen HS centers were randomized to
      intervention/comparison groups, following stratification by ethnicity and
      preintervention median body mass index of enrolled children. The foodservice
      component included quarterly trainings for foodservice staff about food
      purchasing and preparation. Foods served were evaluated before and after the 2
      year intervention, in the fall 2008 and spring 2010. RESULTS: The intervention
      significantly decreased fat provided through milk and had no significant effect
      on fruit, vegetables and whole-grain servings, discretionary fats, and added
      sugar served in HS meals and snacks. When effect modification by site ethnicity
      was examined, the effect on fat provided through milk was only found in American
      Indian sites. CONCLUSIONS: Foodservice interventions can reduce the amount of fat
      provided through milk served in HS. More research is needed regarding the
      implementation of foodservice interventions to improve the composition of foods
      served in early education settings.

PMID- 27122143
TI  - School Health Promotion Policies and Adolescent Risk Behaviors in Israel: A
      Multilevel Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health promotion policies targeting risk-taking behaviors are being
      implemented across schools in Israel. This study identified the most effective
      components of these policies influencing cigarette smoking and alcohol
      consumption among adolescents. METHODS: Logistic hierarchical linear model (HLM)
      analysis of data for 5279 students in 95 Jewish public schools from the Health
      Behavior in School-Aged Children (HBSC) 2010-2011 survey in Israel enabled
      simultaneous estimation of the relationship between student- and school-level
      variables (health promotion policy) to alcohol consumption and smoking behavior.
      Principals of participating schools also were interviewed to ascertain their
      degree of adoption and implementation of a health promotion policy. RESULTS: Most
      of the variance in adolescent risk behaviors is explained by student-level
      variables: negative perceptions of school, lack of parental support for school
      issues, and more time spent with friends. Among the school-level policy measures,
      parental participation in health promotion intervention programs was repeatedly
      associated with lower rates of risk behaviors, over and above student
      characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: School health promotion policies should focus on
      parents' involvement in intervention programs and should seek to improve
      students' perceptions of school and their sense of well-being to promote
      resilience. Further research is needed to identify additional factors that may
      increase the effectiveness of school health promotion policies.

PMID- 27122144
TI  - Association Between Markers of Classroom Environmental Conditions and Teachers'
      Respiratory Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have assessed health in schoolchildren. Less is known about
      the environmental and occupational health of teachers. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      survey of teachers was conducted in 24 randomly selected public elementary
      schools. Questionnaire included sociodemographic information, healthcare, school
      conditions, and health outcomes. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to
      analyze bivariate relationships. Multivariable logistic regression model was
      created for each health outcome, adjusted for sex and smoking to calculate
      estimates of association (OR) for variables that were significant in bivariate
      analysis. RESULTS: Response rate was 71.2 % (N = 797). Classroom conditions
      significantly associated with respiratory symptoms included having no windows or
      windows that do not open were associated with asthma or colds (OR 2.0); carpeting
      was associated with having asthma, itchy eyes, and eye irritation (OR 1.9); mold
      or water damage was associated with respiratory infections, eye irritation (OR
      2.1), nasal congestion (OR 2.4), and sore throat (OR 2.7); visible dust was
      associated with frequent colds (OR 2.2), nasal congestion (OR 1.7), and sore
      throat (1.9). CONCLUSIONS: Asthma, respiratory infections, colds, eye irritation,
      nasal congestion, and sore throat were associated with the classroom environment.
      Results indicate that the school environment could affect teachers' respiratory
      health. Further assessments are necessary to establish causation.

PMID- 27122145
TI  - Systematic Review of School-Based Interventions to Modify Dietary Behavior: Does
      Intervention Intensity Impact Effectiveness?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Owing to the associations between diet and health, it is important
      that effective health promotion strategies establish healthful eating behaviors
      from an early age. We reviewed the intensity of school-based interventions aimed
      to modify dietary behavior in preadolescent and adolescents and related
      intervention characteristics to effectiveness. METHODS: Our systematic literature
      search of 8 databases sought to identify interventions measuring dietary intake
      in school settings to students aged 9 to 18. We evaluated these studies for
      effectiveness, intensity, intervention category, and follow-up measures. RESULTS:
      Of the 105 interventions 81 were found to be effective immediately
      postintervention, irrespective of intensity. Studies that were 6 weeks to 5
      months in duration, targeted students' environment or group (alone or in
      combination), and reached students only in schools were more effective. Only one
      fifth of interventions conducted a follow-up measure, and a majority showed a
      loss of effectiveness from postintervention to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: We
      identified characteristics of effective interventions. These findings may inform
      the development of future interventions targeting dietary behavior in
      preadolescents and adolescents in the school-based setting.

PMID- 27122146
TI  - Active Travel to School: Findings From the Survey of US Health Behavior in School
      Aged Children, 2009-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whereas children's active travel to school (ATS) has confirmed
      benefits, only a few large national surveys of ATS exist. METHODS: Using data
      from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) 2009-2010 US survey, we
      conducted a logistic regression model to estimate the odds ratios of ATS and a
      linear regression model to estimate the adjusted mean differences of the
      percentage of ATS within a school. RESULTS: Overall, 21.4% of children engaged in
      at least one way of active travel to or from school. ATS was less common for
      trips to school than from school. Greater distance to school was a major barrier
      preventing children from ATS. Children living in large cities were more likely to
      engage in ATS, and schools located in a large city had higher proportions of ATS
      rate. Children having lower family satisfaction, or engaging in a greater number
      of physically active days during the past week were all more likely to engage in
      ATS. CONCLUSIONS: Although ATS is low among US children, significant variation
      exists. HBSC is a promising data source for an ATS study. As the first study to
      explore the variation of ATS at school level, this research contributes uniquely
      to current knowledge.

PMID- 27122147
TI  - Food Insecurity and Rural Adolescent Personal Health, Home, and Academic
      Environments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food-insecure (FIS) adolescents struggle in school and with health
      and mental health more often than food-secure (FS) adolescents. Rural communities
      experience important disparities in health, but little is known about rural FIS
      adolescents. This study aims to describe select characteristics of rural
      adolescents by food-security status. METHODS: Baseline analysis using data from a
      randomized trial to increase school breakfast participation (SBP) in rural
      Minnesota high schools. Students completed a survey regarding food security,
      characteristics, and home and school environments. Schools provided academic data
      and staff measured height and weight. Food security was dichotomized as FS vs
      FIS. Bivariate analysis, multivariate linear/logistic regression, and testing for
      interaction of food security and sex were performed. RESULTS: Food-insecure
      adolescents reported poorer health, less exercise, had lower grades, and higher
      SBP (p < .01). Food-insecure adolescents reported marginally fewer barriers (p =
      .06) and more benefits of breakfast (p = .05). All associations except reported
      benefits remained significant after adjustment. Interactions were identified with
      girls' grade point average and with boys' caloric and added sugar intake.
      CONCLUSIONS: Negative associations among food insecurity and positive youth
      development are identified in our sample. Policy and environmental strategies
      should address the complexities of these associations, including exploration of
      the role of school meals.

PMID- 27122148
TI  - Addressing inaccuracies in BLOSUM computation improves homology search
      performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: BLOSUM matrices belong to the most commonly used substitution matrix
      series for protein homology search and sequence alignments since their
      publication in 1992. In 2008, Styczynski et al. discovered miscalculations in the
      clustering step of the matrix computation. Still, the RBLOSUM64 matrix based on
      the corrected BLOSUM code was reported to perform worse at a statistically
      significant level than the BLOSUM62. Here, we present a further correction of the
      (R)BLOSUM code and provide a thorough performance analysis of BLOSUM-, RBLOSUM-
      and the newly derived CorBLOSUM-type matrices. Thereby, we assess homology search
      performance of these matrix-types derived from three different BLOCKS databases
      on all versions of the ASTRAL20, ASTRAL40 and ASTRAL70 subsets resulting in 51
      different benchmarks in total. Our analysis is focused on two of the most popular
      BLOSUM matrices - BLOSUM50 and BLOSUM62. RESULTS: Our study shows that fixing
      small errors in the BLOSUM code results in substantially different substitution
      matrices with a beneficial influence on homology search performance when compared
      to the original matrices. The CorBLOSUM matrices introduced here performed at
      least as good as their BLOSUM counterparts in ~75 % of all test cases. On up-to
      date ASTRAL databases BLOSUM matrices were even outperformed by CorBLOSUM
      matrices in more than 86 % of the times. In contrast to the study by Styczynski
      et al., the tested RBLOSUM matrices also outperformed the corresponding BLOSUM
      matrices in most of the cases. Comparing the CorBLOSUM with the RBLOSUM matrices
      revealed no general performance advantages for either on older ASTRAL releases.
      On up-to-date ASTRAL databases however CorBLOSUM matrices performed better than
      their RBLOSUM counterparts in ~74 % of the test cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      imply that CorBLOSUM type matrices outperform the BLOSUM matrices on a
      statistically significant level in most of the cases, especially on up-to-date
      databases such as ASTRAL >=2.01. Additionally, CorBLOSUM matrices are closer to
      those originally intended by Henikoff and Henikoff on a conceptual level. Hence,
      we encourage the usage of CorBLOSUM over (R)BLOSUM matrices for the task of
      homology search.

PMID- 27122149
TI  - How to fix out of hours care.

PMID- 27122150
TI  - Retinyl Palmitate Supplementation Modulates T-bet and Interferon Gamma Gene
      Expression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.
AB  - Vitamin A derivatives such as retinoic acid may improve the impaired balance of
      CD4+ T cells in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This study is a double
      blind randomized trial to evaluate the effect of vitamin A (as form of retinyl
      palmitate) supplementation on multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Thirty-nine
      patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups were
      followed for 6 months. The experimental group received 25,000 IU of retinyl
      palmitate daily, while the control group received a placebo. Before and after the
      study, the expression of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and T-bet genes was
      evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients by RT-PCR. The
      results showed that after 6 months of supplementation, expression of IFN-gamma
      and T-bet was significantly decreased. These data suggest that retinyl palmitate
      supplementation can modulate the impaired balance of Th1 and Th2 cells and
      vitamin A products that may be involved in the therapeutic mechanism of vitamin A
      in MS patients. This study provides information regarding the decreased gene
      expression of IFN-gamma and T-bet in MS by retinyl palmitate supplementation. 

PMID- 27122152
TI  - A roadmap to translating the microbiome.

PMID- 27122151
TI  - Promoter-Specific Hypomethylation Correlates with IL-1beta Overexpression in
      Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC).
AB  - In tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), overexpression of numerous genes associated
      with inflammation has been observed. Among different proinflammatory cytokines,
      interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) has been shown to be significantly involved in
      epileptogenesis and maintenance of seizures. Recent evidence indicates that IL
      1beta gene expression can be regulated by DNA methylation of its promoter. In the
      present study, we hypothesized that hypomethylation in the promoter region of the
      IL-1beta gene may underlie its overexpression observed in TSC brain tissue.
      Bisulfite sequencing was used to study the methylation status of the promoter
      region of the IL-1beta gene in TSC and control samples. We identified
      hypomethylation in the promoter region of the IL-1beta gene in TSC samples. IL
      1beta is overexpressed in tubers, and gene expression is correlated with promoter
      hypomethylation at CpG and non-CpG sites. Our results provide the first evidence
      of epigenetic modulation of the IL-1beta signaling in TSC. Thus, strategies that
      target epigenetic alterations could offer new therapeutic avenues to control the
      persistent activation of interleukin-1beta-mediated inflammatory signaling in TSC
      brain. 

PMID- 27122153
TI  - Retraction Note: Stress urinary incontinence: long-term results of laparoscopic
      Burch colposuspension.

PMID- 27122154
TI  - MicroRNA-199a-5p inhibits tumor proliferation in melanoma by mediating HIF
      1alpha.
AB  - The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is often abundant
      in human cancer and it is associated with poor prognosis. The present study aimed
      to investigate its regulation by microRNA (miRNA). The expression of miRNA-199a
      5p (miR-199a-5p) in melanoma was detected by quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction on samples from 25 melanoma patients. The target of miR-199a-5p was
      predicted and demonstrated by a dual-luciferase reporter system. The effects of
      miR-199a-5p on melanoma cells were assayed in B16 and HME1 melanoma cell lines.
      Furthermore, the potential of miR-199a-5p as a therapeutic target was illustrated
      in xenograft nude mice models. Low expression of miR-199a-5p in tumor melanoma
      tissue samples from patients was associated with high histological grade and
      advanced tumor stage. The 3'-untranslated region of HIF-1alpha was identified as
      a target of miR-199a-5p by Targetscan software. The dual-luciferase reporter
      assay demonstrated that miR-199a-5p transfection of mimics decreased the
      luciferase activity significantly (P<0.05). In the B16 and HME1 cell lines,
      overexpression of miR-199a-5p suppressed cell proliferation and arrested the cell
      cycle in the G1 phase. In vivo overexpression of miR-199a-5p significantly
      suppressed xenograft growth and downregulated the expression of HIF-1alpha
      (P<0.05). The results from the present study suggest that miR-199a-5p suppressed
      melanoma proliferation via HIF-1alpha, suggesting it may be a potential
      therapeutic target for melanoma treatment. 

PMID- 27122156
TI  - 5-fluorouracil toxicity in the treatment of colon cancer associated with the
      genetic polymorphism 2846 A>G (rs67376798).
AB  - Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Europe. Most antineoplastic
      regimens in first-line treatment involve 5-fluorouracil or oral prodrug
      capecitabine, combined with other antineoplastic agents such as oxaliplatin or
      irinotecan. It is well known that 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine are agents that
      can be toxic in cases of decreased dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase activity
      because this enzyme is the main limiting factor in the metabolism of both agents.
      In this paper, we describe the case of a patient who developed severe toxicity to
      5-fluouracil and who had a mutation in the gene encoding the enzyme
      dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase.

PMID- 27122155
TI  - Molecular and cellular factors control signal transduction via switchable
      allosteric modulator proteins (SAMPs).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rap proteins from Bacilli directly target response regulators of
      bacterial two-component systems and modulate their activity. Their effects are
      controlled by binding of signaling peptides to an allosteric site. Hence Raps
      exemplify a class of monomeric signaling receptors, which we call switchable
      allosteric modulator proteins (SAMPs). These proteins have potential applications
      in diverse biomedical and biotechnical settings, but a quantitative understanding
      of the impact of molecular and cellular factors on signal transduction is
      lacking. Here we introduce mathematical models that elucidate how signals are
      propagated though the network upon receptor stimulation and control the level of
      active response regulator. RESULTS: Based on a systematic parameter analysis of
      the models, we show that key features of the dose-response behavior at steady
      state are controlled either by the molecular properties of the modulator or the
      signaling context. In particular, we find that the biochemical activity (i.e. non
      enzymatic vs. enzymatic) and allosteric properties of the modulator control the
      response amplitude. The Hill coefficient and the EC50 are controlled in addition
      by the relative ligand affinities. By tuning receptor properties, either graded
      or more switch-like (memory-less) response functions can be fashioned.
      Furthermore, we show that other contextual factors (e.g. relative concentrations
      of network components and kinase activity) have a substantial impact on the
      response, and we predict that there exists a modulator concentration which is
      optimal for response amplitude. CONCLUSION: We discuss data on Rap-Phr systems in
      B. subtilis to show how our models can contribute to an integrated view of SAMP
      signaling by combining biochemical, structural and physiological insights. Our
      results also suggest that SAMPs could be evolved or engineered to implement
      diverse response behaviors. However-without additional regulatory controls-they
      can generate rather variable cellular outputs.

PMID- 27122157
TI  - Chronology of UPR activation in skeletal muscle adaptations to chronic
      contractile activity.
AB  - The mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein responses (UPR(mt)
      and UPR(ER)) are important for cellular homeostasis during stimulus-induced
      increases in protein synthesis. Exercise triggers the synthesis of mitochondrial
      proteins, regulated in part by peroxisome proliferator activator receptor-gamma
      coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha). To investigate the role of the UPR in exercise
      induced adaptations, we subjected rats to 3 h of chronic contractile activity
      (CCA) for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days followed by 3 h of recovery. Mitochondrial
      biogenesis signaling, through PGC-1alpha mRNA, increased 14-fold after 1 day of
      CCA. This resulted in 10-32% increases in cytochrome c oxidase activity,
      indicative of mitochondrial content, between days 3 and 7, as well as increases
      in the autophagic degradation of p62 and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B
      light chain 3A (LC3)-II protein. Before these adaptations, the UPR(ER)
      transcripts activating transcription factor-4, spliced X-box-binding protein 1,
      and binding immunoglobulin protein were elevated (1.3- to 3.8-fold) at days 1-3,
      while CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and chaperones
      binding immunoglobulin protein and heat shock protein (HSP) 70 were elevated at
      mRNA and protein levels (1.5- to 3.9-fold) at days 1-7 of CCA. The mitochondrial
      chaperones 10-kDa chaperonin, HSP60, and 75-kDa mitochondrial HSP, the protease
      ATP-dependent Clp protease proteolytic subunit, and the regulatory protein
      sirtuin-3 of the UPR(mt) were concurrently induced 10-80% between days 1 and 7 To
      test the role of the UPR in CCA-induced remodeling, we treated animals with the
      endoplasmic reticulum stress suppressor tauroursodeoxycholic acid and subjected
      them to 2 or 7 days of CCA. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid attenuated CHOP and HSP70
      protein induction; however, this failed to impact mitochondrial remodeling. Our
      data indicate that signaling to the UPR is rapidly activated following acute
      contractile activity, that this is attenuated with repeated bouts, and that the
      UPR is involved in chronic adaptations to CCA; however, this appears to be
      independent of CHOP signaling.

PMID- 27122158
TI  - Caveolin-1 regulates corneal wound healing by modulating Kir4.1 activity.
AB  - The expression of caveolin-1 (Cav1) in corneal epithelium is associated with
      regeneration potency. We used Cav1(-/-) mice to study the role of Cav1 in
      modulating corneal wound healing. Western blot and whole cell patch clamp were
      employed to study the effect of Cav1 deletion on Kir4.1 current density in
      corneas. We found that Ba(2+)-sensitive K(+) currents in primary cultured murine
      corneal epithelial cells (pMCE) from Cav1(-/-) were dramatically reduced (602 pA)
      compared with those from wild type (WT; 1,300 pA). As a consequence, membrane
      potential was elevated in pMCE from Cav1(-/-) compared with that from WT (-43 +/-
      7.5 vs. -58 +/- 4.0 mV, respectively). Western blot showed that either inhibition
      of Cav1 expression or Ba(2+) incubation stimulated phosphorylation of the EGFR.
      The transwell migration assay showed that Cav1 genetic inactivation accelerated
      cell migration. The regrowth efficiency of human corneal epithelial cells (HCE)
      transfected with siRNA-Cav1 or negative control was evaluated by scrape injury
      assay. With the presence of mitomycin C (10 MUg/ml) to avoid the influence of
      cell proliferation, Cav1 inhibition with siRNA significantly increased migration
      compared with control siRNA in HCE. This promoting effect by siRNA-Cav1 could not
      be further enhanced by cotransfection with siRNA-Kcnj10. By using corneal
      debridement, we found that wound healing was significantly accelerated in Cav1(-/
      ) compared with WT mice (70 +/- 10 vs. 36 +/- 3%, P < 0.01). Our findings imply
      that the mechanism by which Cav-1 knockout promotes corneal regrowth is, at least
      partially, due to the inhibition of Kir4.1 which stimulates EGFR signaling.

PMID- 27122159
TI  - Uptake of ascorbic acid by pancreatic acinar cells is negatively impacted by
      chronic alcohol exposure.
AB  - Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AA) is indispensable for normal metabolism of all
      mammalian cells including pancreatic acinar cells (PACs). PACs obtain AA from
      their surroundings via transport across the cell membrane. Chronic alcohol
      exposure negatively affects body AA homeostasis; it also inhibits uptake of other
      micronutrients into PACs, but its effect on AA uptake is not clear. We examined
      this issue using both in vitro (266-6 cells) and in vivo (mice) models of chronic
      alcohol exposure. First, we determined the relative expression of the AA
      transporters 1 and 2 [i.e., sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter-1 (SVCT-1) and
      SVCT-2] in mouse and human PACs and found SVCT-2 to be the predominant
      transporter. Chronic exposure of 266-6 cells to alcohol significantly inhibited
      AA uptake and caused a marked reduction in SVCT-2 expression at the protein,
      mRNA, and heterogeneous nuclear RNA (hnRNA) levels. Similarly, chronic alcohol
      feeding of mice significantly inhibited AA uptake and caused a marked reduction
      in level of expression of the SVCT-2 protein, mRNA, and hnRNA. These findings
      suggest possible involvement of transcriptional mechanism(s) in mediating chronic
      alcohol effect on AA uptake by PACs. We also observed significant epigenetic
      changes (histone modifications) in the Slc23a2 gene (reduction in H3K4me3 level
      and an increase in H3K27me3 level) in the alcohol-exposed 266-6 cells. These
      findings show that chronic alcohol exposure inhibits PAC AA uptake and that the
      effect is mediated, in part, at the level of transcription of the Slc23a2 gene
      and may involve epigenetic mechanism(s).

PMID- 27122160
TI  - The Ste20 kinases SPAK and OSR1 travel between cells through exosomes.
AB  - Proteomics studies have identified Ste20-related proline/alanine-rich kinase
      (SPAK) and oxidative stress response 1 (OSR1) in exosomes isolated from body
      fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine. Because proteomics studies likely
      overestimate the number of exosome proteins, we sought to confirm and extend this
      observation using traditional biochemical and cell biology methods. We utilized
      HEK293 cells in culture to verify the packaging of these Ste20 kinases in
      exosomes. Using a series of centrifugation and filtration steps of conditioned
      culture medium isolated from HEK293 cells, we isolated nanovesicles in the range
      of 40-100 nm. We show that these small vesicles express the tetraspanin protein
      CD63 and lack endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi markers, consistent with these
      being exosomes. We show by Western blot and immunogold analyses that these
      exosomes express SPAK, OSR1, and Na-K-Cl cotransporter 1 (NKCC1). We show that
      exosomes are not only secreted by cells, but also accumulated by adjacent cells.
      Indeed, exposing cultured cells to exosomes produced by other cells expressing a
      fluorescently labeled kinase resulted in the kinase finding its way into the
      cytoplasm of these cells, consistent with the idea of exosomes serving as cell-to
      cell communication vessels. Similarly, coculturing cells expressing different
      fluorescently tagged proteins resulted in the exchange of proteins between cells.
      In addition, we show that both SPAK and OSR1 kinases entering cells through
      exosomes are preferentially expressed at the plasma membrane and that the kinases
      in exosomes are functional and maintain NKCC1 in a phosphorylated state.

PMID- 27122162
TI  - Valproic acid attenuates skeletal muscle wasting by inhibiting C/EBPbeta
      regulated atrogin1 expression in cancer cachexia.
AB  - Muscle wasting is the hallmark of cancer cachexia and is associated with poor
      quality of life and increased mortality. Valproic acid (VPA), a histone
      deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, has important biological effects in the treatment
      of muscular dystrophy. To verify whether VPA could ameliorate muscle wasting
      induced by cancer cachexia, we explored the role of VPA in two cancer cachectic
      mouse models [induced by colon-26 (C26) adenocarcinoma or Lewis lung carcinoma
      (LLC)] and atrophied C2C12 myotubes [induced by C26 cell conditioned medium (CCM)
      or LLC cell conditioned medium (LCM)]. Our data demonstrated that treatment with
      VPA increased the mass and cross-sectional area of skeletal muscles in tumor
      bearing mice. Furthermore, treatment with VPA also increased the diameter of
      myotubes cultured in conditioned medium. The skeletal muscles in cachectic mice
      or atrophied myotubes treated with VPA exhibited reduced levels of CCAAT/enhancer
      binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta), resulting in atrogin1 downregulation and the
      eventual alleviation of muscle wasting and myotube atrophy. Moreover, atrogin1
      promoter activity in myotubes was stimulated by CCM via activating the C/EBPbeta
      responsive cis-element and subsequently inhibited by VPA. In contrast to the
      effect of VPA on the levels of C/EBPbeta, the levels of inactivating forkhead box
      O3 (FoxO3a) were unaffected. In summary, VPA attenuated muscle wasting and
      myotube atrophy and reduced C/EBPbeta binding to atrogin1 promoter locus in the
      myotubes. Our discoveries indicate that HDAC inhibition by VPA might be a
      promising new approach for the preservation of skeletal muscle in cancer
      cachexia.

PMID- 27122161
TI  - The mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter: regulation by auxiliary subunits and signal
      transduction pathways.
AB  - Mitochondrial Ca(2+) homeostasis, the Ca(2+) influx-efflux balance, is
      responsible for the control of numerous cellular functions, including energy
      metabolism, generation of reactive oxygen species, spatiotemporal dynamics of
      Ca(2+) signaling, and cell growth and death. Recent discovery of the molecular
      identity of the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter (MCU) provides new possibilities
      for application of genetic approaches to study the mitochondrial Ca(2+) influx
      mechanism in various cell types and tissues. In addition, the subsequent
      discovery of various auxiliary subunits associated with MCU suggests that
      mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake is not solely regulated by a single protein (MCU),
      but likely by a macromolecular protein complex, referred to as the MCU-protein
      complex (mtCUC). Moreover, recent reports have shown the potential role of MCU
      posttranslational modifications in the regulation of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake
      through mtCUC. These observations indicate that mtCUCs form a local signaling
      complex at the inner mitochondrial membrane that could significantly regulate
      mitochondrial Ca(2+) handling, as well as numerous mitochondrial and cellular
      functions. In this review we discuss the current literature on mitochondrial
      Ca(2+) uptake mechanisms, with a particular focus on the structure and function
      of mtCUC, as well as its regulation by signal transduction pathways, highlighting
      current controversies and discrepancies.

PMID- 27122164
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27122163
TI  - The Relationship Between Intracholecystic Papillary-Tubular Neoplasms and
      Invasive Carcinoma of the Gallbladder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The term intracholecystic papillary-tubular neoplasm (ICPN) is
      suggested by some authors for a group of exophytic lesions of the gallbladder. In
      our study, demographic, pathological, and immunohistochemical features of 45 ICPN
      cases and their relationship with invasive carcinoma were analyzed. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A total of 45 ICPN cases were retrieved out of 7334 cholecystectomies
      performed between1996 and 2014. Cases were evaluated with regard to demographic,
      pathological, and immunohistochemical features. Correlation between the clinical
      and histopathological data and occurrence of invasion was sought. RESULTS: The
      incidence of ICPN was 0.61% in our series. Invasive carcinoma was observed in 56%
      of cases. Factors associated with invasion were diffuse high-grade dysplasia (P =
      .002), papillary growth pattern (P = .001), greatest diameter of the lesion, and
      high Ki67 proliferation index (P < .0001). DISCUSSION: Some authors have reported
      that small intracholecystic exophytic lesions without high-grade dysplasia are
      considered to be inconsequential. However, there are not enough data concerning
      the features of large lesions with high-grade dysplasia and their prognoses. Our
      data suggest that cases with diffuse high-grade dysplasia and
      tubulopapillary/papillary growth pattern, large tumor size, and high Ki67
      proliferation index should be studied for the presence of invasion.

PMID- 27122165
TI  - Delamination of neural crest cells requires transient and reversible Wnt
      inhibition mediated by Dact1/2.
AB  - Delamination of neural crest (NC) cells is a bona fide physiological model of
      epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that is influenced by
      Wnt/beta-catenin signalling. Using two in vivo models, we show that Wnt/beta
      catenin signalling is transiently inhibited at the time of NC delamination. In
      attempting to define the mechanism underlying this inhibition, we found that the
      scaffold proteins Dact1 and Dact2, which are expressed in pre-migratory NC cells,
      are required for NC delamination in Xenopus and chick embryos, whereas they do
      not affect the motile properties of migratory NC cells. Dact1/2 inhibit Wnt/beta
      catenin signalling upstream of the transcriptional activity of T cell factor
      (TCF), which is required for EMT to proceed. Dact1/2 regulate the subcellular
      distribution of beta-catenin, preventing beta-catenin from acting as a
      transcriptional co-activator to TCF, yet without affecting its stability.
      Together, these data identify a novel yet important regulatory element that
      inhibits beta-catenin signalling, which then affects NC delamination.

PMID- 27122166
TI  - Mitochondrial biogenesis is required for axonal growth.
AB  - During early development, neurons undergo complex morphological rearrangements to
      assemble into neuronal circuits and propagate signals. Rapid growth requires a
      large quantity of building materials, efficient intracellular transport and also
      a considerable amount of energy. To produce this energy, the neuron should first
      generate new mitochondria because the pre-existing mitochondria are unlikely to
      provide a sufficient acceleration in ATP production. Here, we demonstrate that
      mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP production are required for axonal growth and
      neuronal development in cultured rat cortical neurons. We also demonstrate that
      growth signals activating the CaMKKbeta, LKB1-STRAD or TAK1 pathways also co
      activate the AMPK-PGC-1alpha-NRF1 axis leading to the generation of new
      mitochondria to ensure energy for upcoming growth. In conclusion, our results
      suggest that neurons are capable of signalling for upcoming energy requirements.
      Earlier activation of mitochondrial biogenesis through these pathways will
      accelerate the generation of new mitochondria, thereby ensuring energy-producing
      capability for when other factors for axonal growth are synthesized.

PMID- 27122167
TI  - Diversity in cell motility reveals the dynamic nature of the formation of
      zebrafish taste sensory organs.
AB  - Taste buds are sensory organs in jawed vertebrates, composed of distinct cell
      types that detect and transduce specific taste qualities. Taste bud cells
      differentiate from oropharyngeal epithelial progenitors, which are localized
      mainly in proximity to the forming organs. Despite recent progress in elucidating
      the molecular interactions required for taste bud cell development and function,
      the cell behavior underlying the organ assembly is poorly defined. Here, we used
      time-lapse imaging to observe the formation of taste buds in live zebrafish
      larvae. We found that tg(fgf8a.dr17)-expressing cells form taste buds and get
      rearranged within the forming organs. In addition, differentiating cells move
      from the epithelium to the forming organs and can be displaced between developing
      organs. During organ formation, tg(fgf8a.dr17) and type II taste bud cells are
      displaced in random, directed or confined mode relative to the taste bud they
      join or by which they are maintained. Finally, ascl1a activity in the 5-HT/type
      III cell is required to direct and maintain tg(fgf8a.dr17)-expressing cells into
      the taste bud. We propose that diversity in displacement modes of differentiating
      cells acts as a key mechanism for the highly dynamic process of taste bud
      assembly.

PMID- 27122168
TI  - Ihha induces hybrid cartilage-bone cells during zebrafish jawbone regeneration.
AB  - The healing of bone often involves a cartilage intermediate, yet how such
      cartilage is induced and utilized during repair is not fully understood. By
      studying a model of large-scale bone regeneration in the lower jaw of adult
      zebrafish, we show that chondrocytes are crucial for generating thick bone during
      repair. During jawbone regeneration, we find that chondrocytes co-express genes
      associated with osteoblast differentiation and produce extensive mineralization,
      which is in marked contrast to the behavior of chondrocytes during facial
      skeletal development. We also identify the likely source of repair chondrocytes
      as a population of Runx2(+)/Sp7(-) cells that emanate from the periosteum, a
      tissue that normally contributes only osteoblasts during homeostasis. Analysis of
      Indian hedgehog homolog a (ihha) mutants shows that the ability of periosteal
      cells to generate cartilage in response to injury depends on a repair-specific
      role of Ihha in the induction as opposed to the proliferation of chondrocytes.
      The large-scale regeneration of the zebrafish jawbone thus employs a cartilage
      differentiation program distinct from that seen during development, with the bone
      forming potential of repair chondrocytes potentially due to their derivation from
      osteogenic cells in the periosteum.

PMID- 27122169
TI  - Primary cilia maintain corneal epithelial homeostasis by regulation of the Notch
      signaling pathway.
AB  - Primary cilia have been linked to signaling pathways involved in cell
      proliferation, cell motility and cell polarity. Defects in ciliary function
      result in developmental abnormalities and multiple ciliopathies. Patients
      affected by severe ciliopathies, such as Meckel syndrome, present several ocular
      surface disease conditions of unclear pathogenesis. Here, we show that primary
      cilia are predominantly present on basal cells of the mouse corneal epithelium
      (CE) throughout development and in the adult. Conditional ablation of cilia in
      the CE leads to an increase in proliferation and vertical migration of basal
      corneal epithelial cells (CECs). A consequent increase in cell density of
      suprabasal layers results in a thicker than normal CE. Surprisingly, in cilia
      deficient CE, cilia-mediated signaling pathways, including Hh and Wnt pathways,
      were not affected but the intensity of Notch signaling was severely diminished.
      Although Notch1 and Notch2 receptors were expressed normally, nuclear Notch1
      intracellular domain (N1ICD) expression was severely reduced. Postnatal
      development analysis revealed that in cilia-deficient CECs downregulation of the
      Notch pathway precedes cell proliferation defects. Thus, we have uncovered a
      function of the primary cilium in maintaining homeostasis of the CE by balancing
      proliferation and vertical migration of basal CECs through modulation of Notch
      signaling.

PMID- 27122170
TI  - Role of the ABC transporter Mdr49 in Hedgehog signaling and germ cell migration.
AB  - Coalescence of the embryonic gonad in Drosophila melanogaster requires directed
      migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs) towards somatic gonadal precursor cells
      (SGPs). It was recently proposed that the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter
      Mdr49 functions in the embryonic mesoderm to facilitate the transmission of the
      PGC attractant from the SGPs; however, the precise molecular identity of the
      Mdr49-dependent guidance signal remained elusive. Employing the loss- and gain-of
      function strategies, we show that Mdr49 is a component of the Hedgehog (hh)
      pathway and it potentiates the signaling activity. This function is direct
      because in Mdr49 mutant embryos the Hh ligand is inappropriately sequestered in
      the hh-expressing cells. Our data also suggest that the role of Mdr49 is to
      provide cholesterol for the correct processing of the Hh precursor protein.
      Supporting this conclusion, PGC migration defects in Mdr49 embryos are
      substantially ameliorated by a cholesterol-rich diet.

PMID- 27122172
TI  - Syk kinases are required for spinal commissural axon repulsion at the midline via
      the ephrin/Eph pathway.
AB  - In the hematopoietic system, Syk family tyrosine kinases are essential components
      of immunoreceptor ITAM-based signaling. While there is increasing data indicating
      the involvement of immunoreceptors in neural functions, the contribution of Syk
      kinases remains obscure. Previously, we identified phosphorylated forms of Syk
      kinases in specialized populations of migrating neurons or projecting axons.
      Moreover, we identified ephrin/Eph as guidance molecules utilizing the ITAM
      bearing CD3zeta (Cd247) and associated Syk kinases for the growth cone collapse
      response induced in vitro Here, we show that in the developing spinal cord, Syk
      is phosphorylated in navigating commissural axons. By analyzing axon trajectories
      in open-book preparations of Syk(-/-); Zap70(-/-) mouse embryos, we show that Syk
      kinases are dispensable for attraction towards the midline but confer growth cone
      responsiveness to repulsive signals that expel commissural axons from the
      midline. Known to serve a repulsive function at the midline, ephrin B3/EphB2 are
      obvious candidates for driving the Syk-dependent repulsive response. Indeed, Syk
      kinases were found to be required for ephrin B3-induced growth cone collapse in
      cultured commissural neurons. In fragments of commissural neuron-enriched
      tissues, Syk is in a constitutively phosphorylated state and ephrin B3 decreased
      its level of phosphorylation. Direct pharmacological inhibition of Syk kinase
      activity was sufficient to induce growth cone collapse. In conclusion, Syk
      kinases act as a molecular switch of growth cone adhesive and repulsive
      responses.

PMID- 27122171
TI  - Bmp signaling mediates endoderm pouch morphogenesis by regulating Fgf signaling
      in zebrafish.
AB  - The endodermal pouches are a series of reiterated structures that segment the
      pharyngeal arches and help pattern the vertebrate face. Multiple pathways
      regulate the complex process of endodermal development, including the Bone
      morphogenetic protein (Bmp) pathway. However, the role of Bmp signaling in pouch
      morphogenesis is poorly understood. Using genetic and chemical inhibitor
      approaches, we show that pouch morphogenesis requires Bmp signaling from 10-18 h
      post-fertilization, immediately following gastrulation. Blocking Bmp signaling
      during this window results in morphological defects to the pouches and
      craniofacial skeleton. Using genetic chimeras we show that Bmp signals directly
      to the endoderm for proper morphogenesis. Time-lapse imaging and analysis of
      reporter transgenics show that Bmp signaling is necessary for pouch outpocketing
      via the Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) pathway. Double loss-of-function analyses
      demonstrate that Bmp and Fgf signaling interact synergistically in craniofacial
      development. Collectively, our analyses shed light on the tissue and signaling
      interactions that regulate development of the vertebrate face.

PMID- 27122173
TI  - Release from Xenopus oocyte prophase I meiotic arrest is independent of a
      decrease in cAMP levels or PKA activity.
AB  - Vertebrate oocytes arrest at prophase of meiosis I as a result of high levels of
      cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) activity. In
      Xenopus, progesterone is believed to release meiotic arrest by inhibiting
      adenylate cyclase, lowering cAMP levels and repressing PKA. However, the exact
      timing and extent of the cAMP decrease is unclear, with conflicting reports in
      the literature. Using various in vivo reporters for cAMP and PKA at the single
      cell level in real time, we fail to detect any significant changes in cAMP or PKA
      in response to progesterone. More interestingly, there was no correlation between
      the levels of PKA inhibition and the release of meiotic arrest. Furthermore, we
      devised conditions whereby meiotic arrest could be released in the presence of
      sustained high levels of cAMP. Consistently, lowering endogenous cAMP levels by
      >65% for prolonged time periods failed to induce spontaneous maturation. These
      results argue that the release of oocyte meiotic arrest in Xenopus is independent
      of a reduction in either cAMP levels or PKA activity, but rather proceeds through
      a parallel cAMP/PKA-independent pathway.

PMID- 27122174
TI  - The EGFR signaling pathway controls gut progenitor differentiation during
      planarian regeneration and homeostasis.
AB  - The planarian Schmidtea mediterranea maintains and regenerates all its adult
      tissues through the proliferation and differentiation of a single population of
      pluripotent adult stem cells (ASCs) called neoblasts. Despite recent advances,
      the mechanisms regulating ASC differentiation into mature cell types are poorly
      understood. Here, we show that silencing of the planarian EGF receptor egfr-1 by
      RNA interference (RNAi) impairs gut progenitor differentiation into mature cells,
      compromising gut regeneration and maintenance. We identify a new putative EGF
      ligand, nrg-1, the silencing of which phenocopies the defects observed in egfr
      1(RNAi) animals. These findings indicate that egfr-1 and nrg-1 promote gut
      progenitor differentiation, and are thus essential for normal cell turnover and
      regeneration in the planarian gut. Our study demonstrates that the EGFR signaling
      pathway is an important regulator of ASC differentiation in planarians.

PMID- 27122175
TI  - Fat3 and Ena/VASP proteins influence the emergence of asymmetric cell morphology
      in the developing retina.
AB  - Neurons exhibit asymmetric morphologies throughout development - from migration
      to the elaboration of axons and dendrites - that are correctly oriented for the
      flow of information. For instance, retinal amacrine cells migrate towards the
      inner plexiform layer (IPL) and then retract their trailing processes, thereby
      acquiring a unipolar morphology with a single dendritic arbor restricted to the
      IPL. Here, we provide evidence that the Fat-like cadherin Fat3 acts during
      multiple stages of amacrine cell development in mice to orient overall changes in
      cell shape towards the IPL. Using a time-lapse imaging assay, we found that
      developing amacrine cells are less directed towards the IPL in the absence of
      Fat3, during both migration and retraction. Consistent with its predicted role as
      a cell-surface receptor, Fat3 functions cell-autonomously and is able to
      influence the cytoskeleton directly through its intracellular domain, which can
      bind and localize Ena/VASP family actin regulators. Indeed, a change in Ena/VASP
      protein distribution is sufficient to recapitulate the Fat3 mutant amacrine cell
      phenotype. Thus, Fat-like proteins might control the polarized development of
      tissues by sculpting the cytoskeleton of individual cells.

PMID- 27122176
TI  - Re-epithelialization of cutaneous wounds in adult zebrafish combines mechanisms
      of wound closure in embryonic and adult mammals.
AB  - Re-epithelialization of cutaneous wounds in adult mammals takes days to complete
      and relies on numerous signalling cues and multiple overlapping cellular
      processes that take place both within the epidermis and in other participating
      tissues. Re-epithelialization of partial- or full-thickness skin wounds of adult
      zebrafish, however, is extremely rapid and largely independent of the other
      processes of wound healing. Live imaging after treatment with transgene-encoded
      or chemical inhibitors reveals that re-epithelializing keratinocytes repopulate
      wounds by TGF-beta- and integrin-dependent lamellipodial crawling at the leading
      edges of the epidermal tongue. In addition, re-epithelialization requires long
      range epithelial rearrangements, involving radial intercalations, flattening and
      directed elongation of cells - processes that are dependent on Rho kinase, JNK
      and, to some extent, planar cell polarity within the epidermis. These
      rearrangements lead to a massive recruitment of keratinocytes from the adjacent
      epidermis and make re-epithelialization independent of keratinocyte proliferation
      and the mitogenic effect of FGF signalling, which are only required after wound
      closure, allowing the epidermis outside the wound to re-establish its normal
      thickness. Together, these results demonstrate that the adult zebrafish is a
      valuable in vivo model for studying and visualizing the processes involved in
      cutaneous wound closure, facilitating the dissection of direct from indirect and
      motogenic from mitogenic effects of genes and molecules affecting wound re
      epithelialization.

PMID- 27122177
TI  - Ti-Ag-Pd alloy with good mechanical properties and high potential for biological
      applications.
AB  - Ti-based alloys containing Ag were produced by tilt-casting method and their
      properties were studied. Even in its as-cast state, Ti94Ag3Pd3 showed relatively
      high tensile properties, good electrochemical behavior, and good
      biocompatibility. The relatively good mechanical properties of the as-cast alpha
      Ti-type Ti94Ag3Pd3 alloy (tensile strength up to 850 MPa and elongation of ~10%)
      can be explained by its severely deformed, fine crystalline structure. The high
      biocompatibility of Ti94Ag3Pd3 can be explained by the Ag-Pd interaction, which
      inhibits the release of Ag ions from the surface. Ag, in combination with Pd has
      no toxic effects and demonstrates useful antimicrobial properties. The Ti94Ag3Pd3
      alloy shows a good potential to be applied as a biomedical implant alloy.

PMID- 27122178
TI  - Introduction of rubella-containing-vaccine to Madagascar: implications for roll
      out and local elimination.
AB  - Few countries in Africa currently include rubella-containing vaccination (RCV) in
      their immunization schedule. The Global Alliance for Vaccines Initiative (GAVI)
      recently opened a funding window that has motivated more widespread roll-out of
      RCV. As countries plan RCV introductions, an understanding of the existing
      burden, spatial patterns of vaccine coverage, and the impact of patterns of local
      extinction and reintroduction for rubella will be critical to developing
      effective programmes. As one of the first countries proposing RCV introduction in
      part with GAVI funding, Madagascar provides a powerful and timely case study. We
      analyse serological data from measles surveillance systems to characterize the
      epidemiology of rubella in Madagascar. Combining these results with data on
      measles vaccination delivery, we develop an age-structured model to simulate
      rubella vaccination scenarios and evaluate the dynamics of rubella and the burden
      of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) across Madagascar. We additionally evaluate
      the drivers of spatial heterogeneity in age of infection to identify focal
      locations where vaccine surveillance should be strengthened and where challenges
      to successful vaccination introduction are expected. Our analyses indicate that
      characteristics of rubella in Madagascar are in line with global observations,
      with an average age of infection near 7 years, and an impact of frequent local
      extinction with reintroductions causing localized epidemics. Modelling results
      indicate that introduction of RCV into the routine programme alone may initially
      decrease rubella incidence but then result in cumulative increases in the burden
      of CRS in some regions (and transient increases in this burden in many regions).
      Deployment of RCV with regular supplementary campaigns will mitigate these
      outcomes. Results suggest that introduction of RCV offers a potential for
      elimination of rubella in Madagascar, but also emphasize both that targeted
      vaccination is likely to be a lynchpin of this success, and the public health
      vigilance that this introduction will require. 

PMID- 27122179
TI  - Microscopic and infrared spectroscopic comparison of the underwater adhesives
      produced by germlings of the brown seaweed species Durvillaea antarctica and
      Hormosira banksii.
AB  - Adhesives from marine organisms are often the source of inspiration for the
      development of glues able to create durable bonds in wet environments. In this
      work, we investigated the adhesive secretions produced by germlings of two large
      seaweed species from the South Pacific, Durvillaea antarctica, also named 'the
      strongest kelp in the word', and its close relative Hormosira banksii The
      comparative analysis was based on optical and scanning electron microscopy
      imaging as well as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and principal
      component analysis (PCA). For both species, the egg surface presents peripheral
      vesicles which are released soon after fertilization to discharge a primary
      adhesive. This is characterized by peaks representative of carbohydrate
      molecules. A secondary protein-based adhesive is then secreted in the early
      developmental stages of the germlings. Energy dispersive X-ray, FTIR and PCA
      indicate that D. antarctica secretions also contain sulfated moieties, and become
      cross-linked with time, both conferring strong adhesive and cohesive properties.
      On the other hand, H. banksii secretions are complemented by the putative
      adhesive phlorotannins, and are characterized by a simple mechanism in which all
      constituents are released with the same rate and with no apparent cross-linking.
      It is also noted that the release of adhesive materials appears to be faster and
      more copious in D. antarctica than in H. banksii Overall, this study highlights
      that both quantity and quality of the adhesives matter in explaining the superior
      attachment ability of D. antarctica. 

PMID- 27122180
TI  - Can a linguistic serial founder effect originating in Africa explain the
      worldwide phonemic cline?
AB  - It has been proposed that a serial founder effect could have caused the present
      observed pattern of global phonemic diversity. Here we present a model that
      simulates the human range expansion out of Africa and the subsequent spatial
      linguistic dynamics until today. It does not assume copying errors, Darwinian
      competition, reduced contrastive possibilities or any other specific linguistic
      mechanism. We show that the decrease of linguistic diversity with distance (from
      the presumed origin of the expansion) arises under three assumptions, previously
      introduced by other authors: (i) an accumulation rate for phonemes; (ii) small
      phonemic inventories for the languages spoken before the out-of-Africa dispersal;
      (iii) an increase in the phonemic accumulation rate with the number of speakers
      per unit area. Numerical simulations show that the predictions of the model agree
      with the observed decrease of linguistic diversity with increasing distance from
      the most likely origin of the out-of-Africa dispersal. Thus, the proposal that a
      serial founder effect could have caused the present observed pattern of global
      phonemic diversity is viable, if three strong assumptions are satisfied. 

PMID- 27122181
TI  - Correction to 'Punctuated equilibrium in the large-scale evolution of programming
      languages'.

PMID- 27122182
TI  - Heme oxygenase-1 protects H2O2-insulted glomerular mesangial cells from excessive
      autophagy.
AB  - Increasing evidence has demonstrated that the activation of heme oxygenase (HO)-1
      reduces autophagy stimulated by oxidative stress injury, in which the
      supraphysiological production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is detected.
      However, the potential mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. The
      present study aimed to investigate the function of HO-1 activation in the
      regulation of autophagy in glomerular mesangial cells subjected to H2O2-induced
      oxidative stress injury. The results demonstrated that the HO-1 agonist, hemin,
      reduces the LC3 protein level, which was enhanced by H2O2 treatment. Furthermore,
      hemin-activated HO-1 may function as a regulator of oxidative stress-induced
      autophagy in a dose-dependent manner. Pharmacological activation of c-Jun N
      terminal kinase (JNK) inhibited the effect of hemin, indicating that the JNK
      signaling pathway is associated with the mechanism of HO-1 in impeding excessive
      autophagy. In addition to successfully alleviating H2O2-induced oxidative stress
      and cellular apoptosis, hemin-activated HO-1 may provide cytoprotection against
      rapamycin, a specific autophagy agonist. The present result suggested the
      inhibitory action of HO-1 in the avoidance of a potentially enhanced linkage
      between autophagy and apoptosis, particularly in the setting of excessive ROS.
      Therefore, enhancing the intracellular activity of HO-1 may assist the crosstalk
      between oxidative stress, autophagy and apoptosis, and represent a novel
      therapeutic strategy for renal ischemic disease. 

PMID- 27122184
TI  - Are blood ammonia concentrations dependent on gamma-glutamyl-transferase levels
      in plasma?

PMID- 27122183
TI  - Normal saline as a natural intravascular contrast agent for dynamic perfusion
      weighted MRI of the brain: Proof of concept at 1.5T.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gadolinium-based contrast agents have associated risks. Normal saline
      (NS) is a nontoxic sodium chloride water solution that can significantly increase
      the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relaxation times of blood via transient
      hemodilution (THD). The purpose of this pilot study was to test in vivo in the
      head the potential of normal saline as a safer, exogenous perfusion contrast
      agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Health Insurance Portability and
      Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant prospective study was approved by the local
      Institutional Review Board (IRB): 12 patients were scanned with T1 -weighted
      inversion recovery turbo spin echo pulse sequence at 1.5T. The dynamic inversion
      recovery pulse sequence was run before, during, and after the NS injection for up
      to 5 minutes: 100 ml of NS was power-injected via antecubital veins at 3-4 ml/s.
      Images were processed to map maximum enhancement area-under-the-curve, time-to
      peak, and mean-transit-time. These maps were used to identify the areas showing
      significant NS injection-related signal and to generate enhancement time curves.
      Hardware and pulse sequence stability were studied via phantom experimentation.
      Main features of the time curves were tested against theoretical modeling of THD
      signal effects using inversion recovery pulse sequences. Pearson correlation
      coefficient (R) mapping was used to differentiate genuine THD effects from motion
      confounders and noise. RESULTS: The scans of 8 out of 12 patients showed NS
      injection-related effects that correlate in magnitude with tissue type (gray
      matter ~15% and white matter ~3%). Motion artifacts prevented ascertaining NS
      signal effects in the remaining four patients. Positive and negative time curves
      were observed in vivo and this dual THD signal polarity was also observed in the
      theoretical simulations. R-histograms that were approximately constant in the
      range 0.1 < |R| < 0.8 and leading to correlation fractions of Fcorr (|R| > 0.5) =
      0.45 and 0.59 were found to represent scans with genuine THD signal effects.
      CONCLUSION: A measurable perfusion effect in brain tissue was demonstrated in
      vivo using NS as an injectable intravascular contrast agent. J. Magn. Reson.
      Imaging 2016;44:1580-1591.

PMID- 27122185
TI  - Fully automated PCR detection of KRAS mutations on pancreatic endoscopic
      ultrasound fine-needle aspirates.
AB  - AIMS: In cystic and solid pancreatic lesions, KRAS mutational status refines the
      diagnosis of uncertain endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) aspirates. This test should
      have a fast turnaround time and ideally be performed at the centre where the
      patient is diagnosed. The Idylla KRAS Mutation Test enables standardisation even
      in units without molecular expertise. METHODS: The Idylla test was designed for
      use with formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections. However, we directly
      pipetted 3 uL (corresponding to 1/10th of a DNA preparation from the aspirate
      sample) in the cartridge, which was automatically run as if an FFPE sample had
      been inserted. The performance was compared with Sanger sequencing, Allele
      Specific Locked Nucleic Acid PCR (ASLNAqPCR), and 454 Next Generation Sequencing
      (454-NGS) in light of clinicopathological end points. RESULTS: Idylla yielded
      valid results in 49/52 (94.2%) cases, in 2 h. A total of 18/49 cases showed
      mutation either in KRAS exon 2 (14/18) or in exon 3 (4/18). Idylla KRAS test had
      100% specificity and a sensitivity (55.1%) higher than Sanger sequencing (41.3%)
      and identical to ASLNAqPCR (55.1%). When the low-abundant mutant allele (<5%)
      cases were excluded from the analysis, the Idylla KRAS Mutation Test clinical
      sensitivity increased to 61.9% approaching that of 454-NGS (66.6%). CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the first study that applied the novel Idylla KRAS test to the clinical
      setting of pancreatic cancer. In particular, this system can be easily
      implemented in the routine assessment of pancreatic EUS-fine-needle aspiration
      derived DNA samples to quickly provide information on KRAS mutational status to
      supplement cytological evaluation.

PMID- 27122186
TI  - Rapid identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of positive blood
      cultures using MALDI-TOF MS and a modification of the standardised disc diffusion
      test: a pilot study.
AB  - AIMS: In an era when clinical microbiology laboratories are under increasing
      financial pressure, there is a need for inexpensive, yet effective, rapid
      microbiology tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel modification of
      standard methodology for the identification and antimicrobial susceptibility
      testing (AST) of pathogens in positive blood cultures, reducing the turnaround
      time of laboratory results by 24 h. METHODS: 277 positive blood cultures had a
      Gram stain performed and were subcultured and incubated at 37 degrees C in a CO2
      atmosphere for 4-6 h. Identification of the visible growth was performed using
      matrix-assisted laser desorption time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).
      Taking a modified approach to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
      standardised AST methodology, an inoculum density of 0.5 McFarland was prepared
      from the early growth for disc diffusion testing. The standard AST method was
      also performed on the 18-24 h culture. RESULTS: 96% (n=73/76) of gram-negative
      organisms were correctly identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Comparative analysis of the
      rapid and standard AST results showed an overall interpretive category error rate
      of 7.7% (6.7% minor errors, 0.6% major errors and 0.4% very major errors). 100%
      of Staphylococcus aureus (n=41) and enterococcus isolates (n=9) were correctly
      identified after 4-6 h incubation. The overall AST categorical agreement was also
      100% for these isolates. CONCLUSIONS: An incubation of 4-6 h directly from
      positive blood cultures allowed for both a rapid species identification and an
      antimicrobial susceptibility result approximately 24 h earlier than is possible
      using standard methodology.

PMID- 27122187
TI  - PAX5 interacts with RIP2 to promote NF-kappaB activation and drug-resistance in B
      lymphoproliferative disorders.
AB  - Paired box protein 5 (PAX5) plays a lineage determination role in B-cell
      development. However, high expression of PAX5 has been also found in various
      malignant diseases, including B-lymphoproliferative disorders (B-LPDs), but its
      functions and mechanisms in these diseases are still unclear. Here, we show that
      PAX5 induces drug resistance through association and activation of receptor
      interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 2 (RIP2; also known as RIPK2), and
      subsequent activation of NF-kappaB signaling and anti-apoptosis gene expression
      in B-lymphoproliferative cells. Furthermore, PAX5 is able to interact with RIP1
      and RIP3, modulating both RIP1-mediated TNFR and RIP2-mediated NOD1 and NOD2
      pathways. Our findings describe a new function of PAX5 in regulating RIP1 and
      RIP2 activation, which is at least involved in chemotherapeutic drug resistance
      in B-LPDs.

PMID- 27122188
TI  - The first intracellular loop of GLUT4 contains a retention motif.
AB  - Glucose transporter GLUT4 (also known as SLC2A4) plays a major role in glucose
      homeostasis and is efficiently retained intracellularly in adipocytes and
      myocytes. To simplify the analysis of its retention, here, various intracellular
      GLUT4 domains were fused individually to reporter molecules. Of the four short
      cytoplasmic loops of GLUT4, only the first nine-residue-long loop conferred
      intracellular retention of truncated forms of the transferrin receptor and CD4 in
      adipocytes. In contrast, the same loop of GLUT1 was without effect. The reporter
      molecules to which the first loop of GLUT4 was fused localized, unlike GLUT4, to
      the trans-Golgi network (TGN), possibly explaining why these molecules did not
      respond to insulin. The retention induced by the GLUT4 loop was specific to
      adipocytes as it did not induce retention in preadipocytes. Of the SQWLGRKRA
      sequence that constitutes this loop, mutation of either the tryptophan or lysine
      residue abrogated reporter retention. Mutation of these residues individually
      into alanine residues in the full-length GLUT4 molecule resulted in a decreased
      retention for GLUT4-W105A. We conclude that the first intracellular loop of GLUT4
      contains the retention motif WLGRK, in which W105 plays a prominent role.

PMID- 27122189
TI  - An initial phase of JNK activation inhibits cell death early in the endoplasmic
      reticulum stress response.
AB  - Accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) activates the
      unfolded protein response (UPR). In mammalian cells, UPR signals generated by
      several ER-membrane-resident proteins, including the bifunctional protein kinase
      endoribonuclease IRE1alpha, control cell survival and the decision to execute
      apoptosis. Processing of XBP1 mRNA by the RNase domain of IRE1alpha promotes
      survival of ER stress, whereas activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase
      JNK family by IRE1alpha late in the ER stress response promotes apoptosis. Here,
      we show that activation of JNK in the ER stress response precedes activation of
      XBP1. This activation of JNK is dependent on IRE1alpha and TRAF2 and coincides
      with JNK-dependent induction of expression of several antiapoptotic genes,
      including cIap1 (also known as Birc2), cIap2 (also known as Birc3), Xiap and
      Birc6 ER-stressed Jnk1(-/-) Jnk2(-/-) (Mapk8(-/-) Mapk9(-/-)) mouse embryonic
      fibroblasts (MEFs) display more pronounced mitochondrial permeability transition
      and increased caspase 3/7 activity compared to wild-type MEFs. Caspase 3/7
      activity is also elevated in ER-stressed cIap1(-/-) cIap2(-/-) and Xiap(-/-)
      MEFs. These observations suggest that JNK-dependent transcriptional induction of
      several inhibitors of apoptosis contributes to inhibiting apoptosis early in the
      ER stress response.

PMID- 27122190
TI  - Artemisinin inhibits monocyte adhesion to HUVECs through the NF-kappaB and MAPK
      pathways in vitro.
AB  - The adhesion of monocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)
      plays a crucial role in the initiation of atherosclerosis. Intercellular adhesion
      molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) are two
      important molecules involved in the adhesion of monocytes to HUVECs. Previous
      studies have suggested that artemisinin, apart from an anti-malarial agent, also
      has other effects. In the present study, we found that artemisinin significantly
      decreased the adhesion of monocytes to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
      stimulated HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner and suppressed the mRNA and protein
      level of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVECs. In addition, the
      nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitor, Bay 11-7082, and mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors (SB203580 and U0126) respectively reduced the
      adhesion of monocytes to TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVECs, and suppressed ICAM-1 and
      VCAM-1 expression in TNF-alpha stimulated HUVECs. Moreover, artemisinin impeded
      the activation of the NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, Bay 11
      7082 significantly decreased the phosphorylation of levels extracellular signal
      regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2, p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Taken
      together, the findings of our study indicated that artemisinin blocked monocyte
      adhesion to TNF-alpha-stimulated to HUVECs by downregulating ICAM-1 and VCAM-1
      expression in the TNF-alpha-stimulated HUVECs. Artemisinin may thus have
      potential for use in the protection against the early development of
      atherosclerotic lesions. 

PMID- 27122192
TI  - A Laminated Microfluidic Device for Comprehensive Preclinical Testing in the Drug
      ADME Process.
AB  - New techniques are urgently needed to replace conventional long and costly pre
      clinical testing in the new drug administration process. In this study, a
      laminated microfluidic device was fabricated to mimic the drug ADME response test
      in vivo. This proposed device was loaded and cultured with functional cells for
      drug response investigation and organ tissues that are involved in ADME testing.
      The drug was introduced from the top of the device and first absorbed by the Caco
      2 cell layer, and then metabolized by the primary hepatocyte layer. It
      subsequently interacted with the MCF-7 cell layer, distributed in the lung, heart
      and fat tissues, and was finally eliminated through the dialysis membrane.
      Throughout this on-chip ADME process, the proposed device can be used as a
      reliable tool to simultaneously evaluate the drug anti-tumor activity,
      hepatotoxicity and pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, this device was proven to be
      able to reflect the hepatic metabolism of a drug, drug distribution in the target
      tissues, and the administration method of a drug. Furthermore, this microdevice
      is expected to reduce the number of drug candidates and accelerate the pre
      clinical testing process subject to animal testing upon adaptation in new drug
      discovery.

PMID- 27122194
TI  - Valuable verities on vitamin D.

PMID- 27122193
TI  - Polycomb repressive complex 2 structure with inhibitor reveals a mechanism of
      activation and drug resistance.
AB  - Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediates gene silencing through chromatin
      reorganization by methylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27). Overexpression of
      the complex and point mutations in the individual subunits of PRC2 have been
      shown to contribute to tumorigenesis. Several inhibitors of the PRC2 activity
      have shown efficacy in EZH2-mutated lymphomas and are currently in clinical
      development, although the molecular basis of inhibitor recognition remains
      unknown. Here we report the crystal structures of the inhibitor-bound wild-type
      and Y641N PRC2. The structures illuminate an important role played by a stretch
      of 17 residues in the N-terminal region of EZH2, we call the activation loop, in
      the stimulation of the enzyme activity, inhibitor recognition and the potential
      development of the mutation-mediated drug resistance. The work presented here
      provides new avenues for the design and development of next-generation PRC2
      inhibitors through establishment of a structure-based drug design platform.

PMID- 27122195
TI  - Vitamin D: The unexplored immunomodulator.

PMID- 27122196
TI  - The sequelae of barium aspiration.

PMID- 27122197
TI  - Individualized Dosing of Oral Oxybutynin for the Treatment of Primary Focal
      Hyperhidrosis in Children and Teenagers.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Oral anticholinergic drugs, such as oxybutynin, are often
      used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis, but few studies have focused on dosing
      strategies for children. The objective was to assess the effectiveness and safety
      of individualized dosing regimens of oral oxybutynin for treating primary focal
      hyperhidrosis (PFH) in children and teenagers. METHODS: A prospective study was
      performed including patients who initiated treatment for hyperhidrosis between
      November 2011 and November 2014. Response to treatment and adverse effects were
      evaluated using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale at baseline and at 3 and
      12 months. RESULTS: Of 16 patients included in the study, 15 (93.8%) had
      responded to treatment at the 3-month follow-up (62.5% with excellent response).
      At the 12-month follow-up, the 11 patients who continued the treatment were still
      responding (63.6% with excellent response). Adverse effects were reported for
      68.8% of the patients at 3 months and 54.5% at 12 months, with a predominance of
      oropharyngeal xerosis. No serious adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Dose
      individualization of oral oxybutynin according to clinical response and tolerance
      observed in each patient is a useful management strategy in children and
      teenagers.

PMID- 27122198
TI  - Investigational therapies for renal disease-induced anemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The main pillars for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
      associated anemia are peptidic erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) and iron
      preparations. Both approaches benefit from long-term efficacy and safety data but
      are surrounded by clinical and economic concerns, driving the search for novel
      anti-anemic drugs. AREAS COVERED: By answering pivotal questions, the authors
      describe the recent developments of next generation ESAs, introduce cutting-edge
      iron formulations and focus on investigational approaches that interact with
      pathways involved in erythropoietin (Epo) synthesis and myeloid hematopoiesis.
      Finally, the challenges encountered with these drug candidates are discussed.
      EXPERT OPINION: Current peptidic ESAs are effective and well-tolerated, but are
      costly, require parenteral application and iron supplementation. ESA resistance
      may develop calling for increased doses. Therefore, orally available hypoxia
      inducible factor (HIF) stabilizing compounds are attractive alternatives, which
      may be approved in the near future. Prominent compounds are molidustat,
      daprodustat and roxadustat. HIF stabilizers suppress hepcidin production and
      improve iron balance as the present ESAs, but also raise safety concerns in
      association with their pleiotropic actions. Other investigational erythropoietic
      biologics are growth-differentiation factor-11 (GDF11) ligand traps (sotatercept,
      luspatercept), which are also well advanced in development. Possibly, they will
      provide an add-on for established therapies. However, immunogenicity of these
      compounds still needs to be carefully investigated.

PMID- 27122199
TI  - Evaluating 3D printing to solve the sample-to-device interface for LRS and POC
      diagnostics: example of an interlock meter-mix device for metering and lysing
      clinical urine samples.
AB  - This paper evaluates the potential of 3D printing, a semi-automated additive
      prototyping technology, as a means to design and prototype a sample-to-device
      interface, amenable to diagnostics in limited-resource settings, where speed,
      accuracy and user-friendly design are critical components. As a test case, we
      built and validated an interlock meter-mix device for accurately metering and
      lysing human urine samples for use in downstream nucleic acid amplification. Two
      plungers and a multivalve generated and controlled fluid flow through the device
      and demonstrate the utility of 3D printing to create leak-free seals. Device
      operation consists of three simple steps that must be performed sequentially,
      eliminating manual pipetting and vortexing to provide rapid (5 to 10 s) and
      accurate metering and mixing. Bretherton's prediction was applied, using the bond
      number to guide a design that prevents potentially biohazardous samples from
      leaking from the device. We employed multi-material 3D printing technology, which
      allows composites with rigid and elastomeric properties to be printed as a single
      part. To validate the meter-mix device with a clinically relevant sample, we used
      urine spiked with inactivated Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A
      downstream nucleic acid amplification by quantitative PCR (qPCR) confirmed there
      was no statistically significant difference between samples metered and mixed
      using the standard protocol and those prepared with the meter-mix device, showing
      the 3D-printed device could accurately meter, mix and dispense a human urine
      sample without loss of nucleic acids. Although there are some limitations to 3D
      printing capabilities (e.g. dimension limitations related to support material
      used in the printing process), the advantages of customizability, modularity and
      rapid prototyping illustrate the utility of 3D printing for developing sample-to
      device interfaces for diagnostics.

PMID- 27122200
TI  - Investigation of the Sequential Actions of Doxorubicin and p53 on Tumor Cell
      Growth Via Branched Polyethylenimine-beta-cyclodextrin Conjugates.
AB  - The combination of gene therapy and chemotherapy has showed increased therapeutic
      efficacy in the treatment of cancers, but it is not well investigated about the
      actual coordination pattern between therapeutic gene and chemical drug. In this
      work, p53/BPEI-beta-CD/AD-dox complex was fabricated and employed to investigate
      the interaction manner between p53 and doxorubicin (Dox). Briefly, branched
      polyethylenimine (BPEI) was conjugated with beta-cyclodextrin hydrate (beta-CD)
      to form BPEI-beta-CD backbone, and p53 plasmid was condensed by positively
      charged BPEI via electrostatic interaction, while Dox was first conjugated with
      adamantine (AD) and then assembled with BPEI-beta-CD backbone via the host-guest
      interaction. It was found that the BPEI-beta-CD backbone possessed high
      endocytosis efficiency but low cytotoxicity. Moreover, p53/BPEI-beta-CD/AD-dox
      complex released Dox and enabled the expression of p53 gene in a sequential
      manner, and the released Dox and expressed p53 gene showed successive inhibition
      of the growth of HeLa cells in vitro. With the ability to co-deliver chemical
      drug and therapeutic gene and exert their inhibitory actions on tumor cell growth
      in a sequential manner, this DNA/BPEI-beta-CD/AD-drug complex via electrostatic
      interaction and host-guest assembly not only achieved long-term efficacy in
      inhibiting tumor cell growth but also can be employed as a platform to
      investigate the coordination pattern between chemical drugs and therapeutic genes
      for other purposes.

PMID- 27122201
TI  - Consensus properties and their large-scale applications for the gene duplication
      problem.
AB  - Solving the gene duplication problem is a classical approach for species tree
      inference from gene trees that are confounded by gene duplications. This problem
      takes a collection of gene trees and seeks a species tree that implies the
      minimum number of gene duplications. Wilkinson et al. posed the conjecture that
      the gene duplication problem satisfies the desirable Pareto property for
      clusters. That is, for every instance of the problem, all clusters that are
      commonly present in the input gene trees of this instance, called strict
      consensus, will also be found in every solution to this instance. We prove that
      this conjecture does not generally hold. Despite this negative result we show
      that the gene duplication problem satisfies a weaker version of the Pareto
      property where the strict consensus is found in at least one solution (rather
      than all solutions). This weaker property contributes to our design of an
      efficient scalable algorithm for the gene duplication problem. We demonstrate the
      performance of our algorithm in analyzing large-scale empirical datasets.
      Finally, we utilize the algorithm to evaluate the accuracy of standard heuristics
      for the gene duplication problem using simulated datasets.

PMID- 27122202
TI  - Multi-layer composite mechanical modeling for the inhomogeneous biofilm
      mechanical behavior.
AB  - Experiments showed that bacterial biofilms are heterogeneous, for example, the
      density, the diffusion coefficient, and mechanical properties of the biofilm are
      different along the biofilm thickness. In this paper, we establish a multi-layer
      composite model to describe the biofilm mechanical inhomogeneity based on unified
      multiple-component cellular automaton (UMCCA) model. By using our model, we
      develop finite element simulation procedure for biofilm tension experiment. The
      failure limit and biofilm extension displacement obtained from our model agree
      well with experimental measurements. This method provides an alternative theory
      to study the mechanical inhomogeneity in biological materials.

PMID- 27122203
TI  - Vegetative Bacillus amyloliquefaciens cells do not confer protection against
      necrotic enteritis in broilers despite high antibacterial activity of its
      supernatant against Clostridium perfringens in vitro.
AB  - In this study, the effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on Clostridium
      perfringens was tested in vitro and in vivo. Using an agar well diffusion assay,
      the inhibitory activity of B. amyloliquefaciens supernatant was analysed against
      a large collection of netB-positive and netB-negative C. perfringens strains.
      Although strong growth inhibiting activity was detected against all C.
      perfringens isolates, it was significantly higher against virulent netB-positive
      C. perfringens strains compared with avirulent netB-negative isolates.
      Subsequently, the efficacy of in-feed administration of lyophilised vegetative
      cells of B. amyloliquefaciens to prevent necrotic enteritis was tested in vivo
      using an established experimental infection model in broilers. Ross 308 broilers
      received either B. amyloliquefaciens supplemented or unsupplemented feed
      throughout the experiment. No significant differences could be detected between
      the untreated positive control group and the B. amyloliquefaciens treated group
      in body weight, the number of chickens that developed necrotic lesions and in
      pathological lesion scores. These results demonstrate that despite its
      substantial inhibitory activity in vitro, lyophilised vegetative B.
      amyloliquefaciens cells had no beneficial effect against necrotic enteritis in
      the in vivo model used here. 

PMID- 27122204
TI  - Natural radioactivity in reservoir sediment near an industrial park of northwest
      China.
AB  - The activity concentration of natural radionuclides in the sediment of a
      reservoir near an industrial park of northwest China was determined using gamma
      ray spectrometry. The activity concentrations of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K in
      the investigated samples range from 30.2 to 37.5, 56.5 to 79.8 and 785.6 to 940.3
      Bq kg(-1) with an average of 33.2, 71.8 and 866.2 Bq kg(-1), respectively, which
      are higher than the corresponding activity concentrations in the control sample.
      Radium equivalent activity, external hazard index, internal hazard index, indoor
      air absorbed dose rate and annual effective dose rate were calculated to assess
      the radiation hazards associated with the use of this sediment in the
      construction of dwellings. It was concluded that the radiation levels in the
      reservoir sediment do not give rise to radiological health concerns and the
      sediment can be safely used in the construction of buildings. 

PMID- 27122205
TI  - Nutritional composition of school meals serving children from 7 to 36 months of
      age in municipal day-care centres in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, Parana,
      Brazil.
AB  - The Brazilian National School Feeding Program (PNAE) seeks to meet student's
      nutritional needs during the period they remain in school. This study aimed to
      determine the nutritional composition of meals provided in municipal day-care
      centres serving children of 7-11 months (group A) and 12-36 months (group B) of
      age and to compare observed values with the PNAE's and dietary reference intakes'
      (DRI) recommendations. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 day-care
      centres in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil, between June and
      November 2013. Food samples of six daily meals were collected during 20 non
      consecutive days, totalling 120 samples. For each meal, average served and
      consumed portions were submitted for laboratory analysis of moisture, ash,
      proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, Na, Ca and Fe and compared with
      the PNAE's and DRI's values. No statistically significant difference was found
      between age groups (P=0.793) regarding portion sizes and nutritional composition.
      The same menu was offered to both groups in 95 % of the meals (n 114), although
      the groups' nutritional needs were different. For group A, served meals met
      PNAE's recommendations for energy, carbohydrates, proteins, Na and Ca content,
      and consumed portions provided 70 % of the nutritional needs for carbohydrates,
      proteins and Ca. For group B, served portions complied with the PNAE's values for
      proteins, Na and Ca. Proteins and Na reached 70 % of the nutritional needs when
      consumed food was evaluated. School feeding in day-care centres partially meet
      PNAE's guidelines and children's nutritional requirements, contradicting the
      primary objective established by the national programme.

PMID- 27122206
TI  - Paintball-related traumatic liver injury.
AB  - Paintball is a popular recreational sport played at both amateur and professional
      level. Ocular injuries are well recognised, although there is a growing body of
      literature documenting superficial vascular as well as deep solid organ injuries.
      An 18-year-old man presented with signs and symptoms consistent with acute
      appendicitis. Intraoperatively, a grade III liver injury was identified and
      packed before a relook at 48 h. No further active bleeding was identified;
      however, follow-up ultrasound at 3 weeks demonstrated non-resolution of a large
      subcapsular haematoma. The patient was readmitted for a short period of
      observation and discharged with repeat ultrasound scheduled for 3 months. This
      represents the first report of paintball-related blunt traumatic injury to the
      liver. Solid organ injuries of this nature have only been reported three times
      previously-all in the urological setting. This case also highlights issues
      surrounding the use of routine follow-up imaging in blunt liver trauma and
      provides a concise discussion of the relevant literature.

PMID- 27122207
TI  - [Application of aromatase inhibitors in male Hypogonadism].

PMID- 27122208
TI  - [Clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic analysis of primary
      intestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment protocls
      and prognostic factors in patients with primary intestinal diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma (DLBCL). METHODS: The clinical data of 54 patients with DLBCL who were
      treated in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in the period
      from August 2003 to November 2012 were retrospectively analyzed, and the relevant
      prognostic factors of DLBCL were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 54 patients, there
      were 43 males and 11 females (male?female ratio was 3.91?1), with a median age of
      onset of 49 (7-76) years. Most patients (64.8%) were in Lugano stage I-II. Of all
      the patients, 50 were followed up for a median of 49 (1-118) months. The 1-, 3-
      and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 82.0%, 69.9% and 60.7%, respectively;
      the 1-, 3- and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 68.0%, 58.0% and
      53.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the factors affecting
      prognosis of DLBCL patients included Lugano stage, B symptom, International
      Prognostic Index (IPI) score, lactate dehydrogenase level, beta2-microglobulin
      level, tumor size, and treatment protocols (all P<0.05). The 5-year OS rate was
      67.1% in the patients treated with surgery plus chemoradiotherapy, and 40.0% in
      those treated with surgery or chemotherapy alone (P<0.05). In the patients
      treated with chemotherapy combined with rituximab, the 5-year OS rate was higher
      than in those treated with chemotherapy alone (71.2% vs 47.6%, P<0.05).
      Multivariate analysis indicated that tumor size (RR=7.686, P=0.022) and lactate
      dehydrogenase level (RR=10.131, P=0.017) were independent prognostic risk factors
      affecting OS. CONCLUSIONS: Primary intestinal DLBCL is a highly heterogeneous
      malignancy. Surgery combined with chemoradiotherapy and rituximab may help
      improve the overall prognosis of DLBCL patients.

PMID- 27122209
TI  - [Relationship between CD4+ CD28null T cell and atherosclerosis progression in
      patients with type 2 diabetes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of CD4+ CD28null T cell on occurrence and
      progression of atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total
      of 188 patients who were diagnosed as type 2 diabetes in the department of
      endocrinology were selected in this study.The carotid atherosclerosis was
      detected using color Doppler ultrasound.The patients with intima-media
      thickness>1.1 mm or plaques were classified as the carotid atherosclerosis group
      (95 cases), the others were classified as the control group (93 cases). According
      to the intima-media thickening and plaques, carotid atherosclerosis group was
      divided into three subgroups: the thickening group (30 cases), the plaque group
      (28 cases) and the thickening+plaque group (37 cases). Percentage of CD4+
      CD28null T cell in peripheral blood was detected using a flow cytometry, and thus
      compared and analyzed between the carotid atherosclerosis group and the control
      group.The relationships between percentage of CD4+ CD28null T cell and age, C
      reactive protein (CRP), blood sugar, blood lipids, the body mass index (BMI),
      waist circumference, hip circumference, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood
      pressure and other data were also analyzed. RESULTS: Percentage of CD4+ CD28null
      T cell of the carotid atherosclerosis group was significantly higher than that of
      the control group (4.07%+/-3.21% vs 2.99%+/-2.34%, P<0.01). Percentage of CD4+
      CD28null T cell of the thickening+ plaque group was higher than that of the
      plaque group and thickening group (both P<0.05), and percentage of CD4+ CD28null
      T cell of the plaque group was higher than the thickening group (P<0.05).
      Logistic regression analysis indicated that CRP, FPG and percentage of CD4+
      CD28null T cell were the independent risk factors of atherosclerosis in patients
      with type 2 diabetes.Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis showed that
      percentage of CD4+ CD28null T cell was linear correlated to CRP (P<0.01).
      CONCLUSION: The type 2 diabetes patients with atherosclerosis had a higher
      percentage of CD4+ CD28null T cell, which was increased with the atherosclerosis
      progression.CD4+ CD28null T cell may affect arterial intimal thickening and
      plaque formation via mediating inflammatory response in the patients with type 2
      diabetes.

PMID- 27122210
TI  - [Association of serum free triiodothyronine with long-term outcome in heart
      failure patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the prognostic role of free triiodothyronine (FT3) on all
      cause mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization in patients receiving
      cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). METHODS: In this single-center
      retrospective cohort study, a total of 202 chronic heart failure (CHF) patients
      who had CRT implantation from January 2010 to December 2014 were enrolled.
      Clinical outcomes were defined as all-cause mortality (including heart
      transplantation) and new heart failure (HF) hospitalization. Patients were
      divided into three groups according to FT3 tertiles: FT3<=4.08 pmol/L group
      (n=67), FT3 4.09-4.71 pmol/L group (n=68) and FT3>4.71 pmol/L group (n=67).
      Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed for each outcome. Cox proportional-hazards
      regression analyses were used to evaluate the independent prognosis of FT3 in CRT
      treated patients. RESULTS: Patients in FT3<=4.08 pmol/L group tended to be older,
      with more women patients, and had lower estimated glomerular filtration rate
      (eGFR), hemoglobin and serum sodium concentration. They were also less frequently
      subjected to smoking, alcohol consumption and were less likely prescribed with
      renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. Also, this group had highest
      proportion of NYHA class IV patients. Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated that FT3
      4.09-4.71 pmol/L group was associated with a significantly better survival
      (P=0.022) and less new hospitalizations for HF event (P=0.020). Cox regression
      analyses indicated that FT3 4.09-4.71 pmol/L was an independent protective factor
      for both all-cause mortality (HR=0.220, 95%CI: 0.069-0.700, P=0.011) and HF
      hospitalization (HR=0.490, 95%CI: 0.241-0.996, P=0.049). Left ventricular end
      diastolic diameter (LVEDd) enlargement was an independent risk factor of all
      cause mortality(HR=1.043, 95%CI: 1.004-1.083, P=0.031). CONCLUSION: Patients in
      FT3 4.09-4.71 pmol/L group had the lowest risk of all-cause mortality and HF
      hospitalization after CRT implantation.

PMID- 27122211
TI  - [The preliminary study on the function of methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase
      2 in hepatocellular carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of methylenetetrahydrofolate
      dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and its
      correlation with clinical parameters. METHOD: Fluorogenic quantitative-polymerase
      chain reaction (FQ-PCR) was used to measure the MTHFD2 mRNA expression. The
      MTHFD2 protein expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining in
      cancerous tissues and adjacent noncancerous counterparts. The relationship of
      MTHFD2 expression, clinicopathological parameters and the prognosis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma was subsequently analysed. RESULTS: The MTHFD2 mRNA
      expression in cancerous tissues was higher than that in adjacent noncancerous
      counterparts (31/47) (P<0.05). The positive rate of MTHFD2 protein in cancerous
      tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent noncancerous counterparts
      (69.5% vs. 33.9%) (P<0.05). MTHFD2 overexpression was found to correlate with
      clinical pathological parameters such as tumor metastasis, recurrence and poor
      prognosis (P<0.05). The patients with overexpressed MTHFD2 had shorter tumor-free
      survival time. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of MTHFD2 in HCC may be a risk factor
      of tumor metastasis and recurrence. MTHFD2 could be a new biomarker for prognosis
      of HCC.

PMID- 27122212
TI  - [Evaluation of the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test in the diagnosis
      of the subclinical Cushing's syndrome in patients with Adrenal Incidentaloma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression
      test (1 mg overnight DST) in the diagnosis of subclinical Cushing's syndrome, and
      to explore the best diagnostic cut-off value. METHODS: The clinical data of
      patients with adrenal incidentaloma in Chinese PLA General Hospital from 1995 to
      2013 were gathered. The data of subclinical Cushing's syndrome (SCS) and non
      functional adrenal adenoma (NFA) was retrospectively analyzed. The ROC curve was
      used to evaluate the efficacy of the 1 mg overnight DST and to explore the best
      cut-off value with high sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: There were 447
      patients with NFA (224 male and 223 female), and the mean age was 53+/-11 years
      old.49 patients were with SCS (19 male and 30 female), and the mean age was 47+/
      12 years old. The area under the ROC of serum cortisol level after 1 mg overnight
      DST was 0.967 (95%CI: 0.942-0.993). The best cut-off value of serum cortisol
      after 1 mg overnight DST was 63.65 nmol/L, with a sensitivity of 100.0% and a
      specificity of 88.8%. The best cut-off value of the suppression ratio of serum
      cortisol was 85.64%, with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 84.6%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The best criterion for 1 mg overnight DST in the diagnosis of SCS
      was serum cortisol level , and the recommend cut-off point was 63.65 nmol/L, with
      both a higher sensitivity and specificity. The suppression ratio of serum
      cortisol after 1 mg overnight DST was also considered as a suitable criterion in
      the diagnosis of SCS.

PMID- 27122213
TI  - [Analysis of clinical therapeutic effect using percutaneous mechanical
      thrombectomy in the treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy in the
      treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis. METHODS: Eight cases of acute deep
      venous thrombosis were reviewed who had received percutaneous mechanical
      thrombectomy from January to July, 2015 in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital.
      All cases were diagnosed as iliofemoral venous thrombosis, 2 cases with vena cava
      thrombosis. All cases received anticoagulation treatment for 3 to 6 months and
      pressure treatment after the procedure. Every patient was scheduled to follow up
      at 1, 3, 6 months, respectively. RESULTS: Technical success were achieved in all
      cases with restoring of good flow in previous lesions. Grade III (complete) lysis
      was achieved in 2 cases and grade II(50%-99% ) lysis in 6 cases, swelling legs
      were mostly fade away. Of all study follow up , only one case with mild post
      thrombotic syndrome after six months. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous mechanical
      thrombectomy is safe and effective in the treatment of acute deep venous
      thrombosis.

PMID- 27122214
TI  - [Efficacy of Botulinum-A toxin injection into bladder to treat neurogenic
      incontinence in patients with spinal cord injury: comparison of two doses].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of Botulinum-A toxin injection into bladder
      to treat neurogenic incontinence in patients with spinal cord injury and compare
      effectiveness of two different doses (200 U and 300 U). METHODS: Between January
      2009 and October 2014, A total of 60 adult patients with spinal cord injury above
      the sacral (mean age, 32 years; male 56, female 4) were selected in Beijing Bo'ai
      Hospital of China Rehabilitation Research Center. All the patients kept voiding
      diary and underwent urodynamic examination before operation. All the patients
      were allocated with a random number table into 200 U Botulinum-A toxin injection
      group or 300 U group (both n=30). In the 200 U group, 200 U of Botulinum-A toxin
      were dissolved in 10 ml of normal saline, which was injected into 20 different
      sites (0.5 ml for each site) of bladder wall, including 10 outside the bladder
      trigone and the remaining 10 inside trigone. In the 300 U group, 300 U of
      Botulinum-A toxin were dissolved in 15 ml of normal saline, which was injected
      into 30 different sites (0.5 ml for each site) in bladder outside of the bladder
      trigone using a flexible cystoscopic needle. The evaluation of the effects and
      follow-up included voiding diary, urodynamic testing and observation of adverse
      and toxic effects. RESULTS: At baseline, mean urinary incontinence frequencies
      were (15.2+/-3.2) episodes/day and (16.2+/-2.9) episodes/day in 200 U and 300 U
      group, which reduced to (2.9+/-1.2) episodes/day and (2.5+/-1.4) episodes/day,
      respectively in week 4 (P<0.05). However, continence rate was not significantly
      different between the two dose groups [63% (19/30) vs 70% (21/30), P>0.05]. The
      effect of botulinum-A toxin started to be observed from the 1(st) posttreatment
      week on average. Obvious improvements in maximum cystometric capacity, end
      filling maximum detrusor pressure, and bladder compliance were observed at week 4
      as shown by urodynamics (all P<0.05), but with no significant difference between
      the 200 U and 300 U groups. In the follow-up period of (6.3+/-1.2) months, no
      toxic or adverse effects were observed after injection in the two groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The regimen of Botulinum-A toxin 200 U injection involving trigone
      of the bladder can achieve a short-term effect comparable with that of the
      standard 300 U injection excluding trigone. It may be an effective and safe
      treatment for neurogenic incontinence in spinal cord injury patients.

PMID- 27122215
TI  - [Microsurgical anatomy and DSA research about venous anastomosis of superficial
      cerebral veins].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution and clinical significance about venous
      anastomosis of superficial cerebral vein in normal adult. METHODS: The digital
      subtraction angiography (DSA) images of the venous phase from 50 normal adults
      were retrospectively analyzed, and the morphology of venous anastomosis of
      superficial cerebral veins was observed and measured. While venous anastomosis of
      superficial cerebral veins of 15 (30 sides) cadaveric heads was observed through
      blood vessel perfusion. RESULTS: Trolard vein and Labbe vein were the main venous
      anastomosis of superficial cerebral veins. A total of 55 Trolard veins were found
      out of 50 sides DSA venous phase images, including left 27, right 28; 34 Trolard
      veins, left 18, right 16, were found from the 30 sides of the brain hemispheres.
      51 Labbe veins, left 25, right 26, were found from the 50 sides DSA venous phase
      images, and 31 Labbe veins, left 15, right 16, were found from the 30 sides of
      the brain hemispheres. CONCLUSIONS: Venous anastomosis of superficial cerebral
      veins is variable. The DSA venous phase image is consistent with the microscopic
      anatomy, and the preoperative DSA examination is beneficial for the protection of
      venous anastomosis of superficial cerebral veins.

PMID- 27122216
TI  - [Establish and analyze the predictive model of early stage brain metastases in
      patients with breast cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors of cerebral metastasis of breast
      cancer and to provide guidance for the early diagnosis and treatment of brain
      metastases. METHODS: Clinical data of postoperative patients with breast cancer
      were collected in our hospital from 2005 to 2009. All the patients were divided
      into two groups, with or without brain metastasis. The risk factors of brain
      metastases of patients with breast cancer were analyzed by the logistic
      regression. RESULTS: Eight hundred and twenty four early postoperative patients
      with breast cancer were enrolled. The median follow-up time was 68 months and 199
      cases had brain metastasis. The univariate logistic regression results showed
      that higher grade of tumor, <35 years, premenopausal, clinical stage III, HER-2
      positive and ER negative, no adjuvant chemotherapy, no adjuvant normal therapy
      were the risk factors of brain metastasis. The multivariate logistic regression
      result showed that higher grade of tumor, <35 years, premenopausal, clinical
      stage III, HER-2 positive, ER negative were the risk factors. The mathematical
      model was used to predict the probability of occurrence of brain metastasis. ROC
      curve were draw by the value of predict probability as test variable and the
      brain metastasis status as state variables. The AUC value of this predictive
      model was 0.743+/-0.018. The specificity and sensitivity are relative high.
      CONCLUSION: Age<35 years, premenopausal, clinical stage III, HER-2 positive and
      ER negative were independent risk factors for brain metastases. This model has
      the predictive value for the occurrence of brain metastases from breast cancer.

PMID- 27122217
TI  - [Effect of ERK1/2 pathway in the expression of MHC-IIof intestinal dendritic
      cells in viscerally hypersensitive rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the phenotypic alteration of intestinal dendritic cells (DC)
      in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the change of mitogen
      activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, in order to explore the
      potential mechanism of ERK1/2 pathway mediation in abnormal DC immune response.
      METHODS: IBS rat model was established by combining neonatal maternal separation
      and colorectal distension in 10 SD rats, and 10 healthy rats served as controls.
      Visceral sensitivity was evaluated with abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR).
      Mesenteric lymph node DC (MLNDC) was isolated and purified by magnetic label
      based technique after modeling. Expression of surface major histocompatibility
      complex (MHC)-IIin control rats was determined by flow cytometric analyses.
      Western-blot was used to determine the expression of MHC-II, p-p38, p38,
      phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinase (p-ERK1/2), ERK1/2,
      phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and JNK in MLNDC. RESULTS:
      Visceral sensitivity was significantly higher in the IBS group than in the
      control group. The purity of the OX62 positivity MLNDC following magnetic sorting
      was about 85.57%+/-7.67%. MLNDC in the control group expressed high level of MHC
      II. The expression of MHC-II and p-ERK1/2 in MLNDC in the IBS group were higher
      than those in the control group (1.05+/-0.13 vs 0.67+/-0.18, t=-2.973, P=0.041;
      3.21+/-0.48 vs 2.34+/-0.85, t=-3.130, P=0.035); while there was no significant
      difference in the expressions of p-JNK and p-p38 compared with the control groups
      (0.95+/-0.17 vs 0.76+/-0.36, t=0.808, P=0.464; 1.07+/-1.13 vs 1.19+/-0.91,
      t=0.137, P=0.897). CONCLUSION: The intestinal DC in IBS rats show a upregulated
      expression of MHC-II, which may be related to the activation of intracellular
      ERK1/2 pathway.

PMID- 27122218
TI  - [Study of FN1 and ZNF438 gene expression negatively regulated by androgen
      receptor in androgen-independent LNCaP cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To verify whether FN1 and ZNF438 are the androgen receptor(AR) target
      genes in LNCaP-AI cells and investigate the effects of AR exerts on FN1 and
      ZNF438 gene expression. METHODS: ChIP-PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis were
      performed to verify the fact that AR acted on FN1 and ZNF438 gene. Subsequently,
      LNCaP-AI cells were treated with dihydrotestosterone(DHT)and lentivirus
      transfection to down-regulate AR expression. The expression of FN1 and ZNF438
      gene in mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot.
      RESULTS: FN1 and ZNF438 gene enrichment of AR-ChIP group were 7.274+/-0.290 and
      6.843+/-0.078, significantly higher than the IgG-ChIP group of 1.004+/-0.113 and
      1.000+/-0.014 (t(FN1)=34.91, t(ZNF438)=128.377, P<0.05). Differences were
      statistical significance. After DHT stimulation, the expression of FN1 and ZNF438
      gene in mRNA and protein levels were 0.434+/-0.050 and 0.069+/-0.042,
      significantly lower than the control group of 1.000+/-0.016 and 1.025+/-0.277
      (t(FN1)=18.532, t(ZNF438)=5.905, P<0.05). Differences were statistical
      significance. Moreover, after AR down-regulation, the expression of FN1 and
      ZNF438 gene in mRNA and protein levels were 17.579+/-4.415 and 1.895+/-0.424,
      significantly higher than the control group of 1.028+/-0.445 and 1.041+/-0.190
      (t(FN1)=6.461, t(ZNF438)=3.184, P<0.05). Differences were statistical
      significance. CONCLUSIONS: FN1 and ZNF438 gene are AR negatively regulated target
      genes in LNCaP-AI cells. The study might provide a new sight to further explore
      the mechanism of LNCaP-AI cells grow in androgen-depleted conditions.

PMID- 27122219
TI  - [Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of androgen and simvastatin on osteoporosis
      in castrated rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of androgen and
      simvastatin on osteoporosis in castrated rats. METHODS: Fifty 12-month-old male
      SD rats were divided into five groups randomly: castrated group (A), sham
      operated group (B), androgen group (C), simvastatin group (D), androgen+
      simvastatin group (E). Each group has 10 rats. In this study, osteoporosis model
      was established by castration.All the groups were given testis and epididymis
      resection except sham operated group. The drugs were administrated on 9 weeks
      after operation. C, D and E group were treated by the different drugs lavage for
      12 weeks. A and B group were given normal saline at the same time. Lumbar spine
      bone mineral densities (BMD) of rats were measured on pre-operation, before
      administration, 6 weeks and 12 weeks after administration.All rats were
      sacrificed on 12 weeks after administration. Serum osteocalcin (BGP), interleukin
      6 (IL-6) and Ca2+ were measured. Bone histology was observed. RESULTS: After the
      treatment by simvastatin or androgen for 12 weeks, BMD of the group C and group D
      was significantly higher than that of group A (P<0.01). After the treatment by
      simvastatin and androgen for 6 weeks, BMD of the group E was significantly higher
      than that of group A, C and D (P<0.05). The level of serum BGP in group A was
      significantly lower than that in group B (P<0.05) and the level of serum BGP in
      group E was significantly higher than that in group B (P<0.05). The serum IL-6 in
      each treated group were significantly lower than that in group A (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The combination of simvastatin and androgen could inhibit bone
      absorption and promote bone formation, which could improve the osteoporosis.

PMID- 27122220
TI  - [Effects of 1, 25-(OH)2D3 on airway remodeling and airway epithelial cell
      apoptosis in a murine model of asthma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of calcitriol on airway remodeling and
      airway epithelial cell apoptosis in a murine model of bronchial asthma. METHODS:
      Twenty-four SPF female Balb/c mice were randomly allocated into three groups
      according to a random digits table with 8 mice in each group: the control group,
      the chronic asthma group and the calcitriol intervention group.(1) The chronic
      asthma group: the mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of Ovalbumin
      (OVA, 20 MUg) and aluminium hydroxide (50 MUl) on days 1 and 14.From day 21, the
      mice were challenged by inhalation of 1% OVA solution (10 ml, 30 min/time, three
      times a week for consecutively 8 weeks). (2) The calcitriol intervention group:
      the mice were sensitized and challenged as above, and were given calcitriol 100
      ng through intraperitoneal injection 30 min before every inhalation.(3) The
      control group: the mice were sensitized and challenged by saline instead of
      OVA.The mice were sacrificed 24 hours after the last challenge, and the left lung
      were removed, fixed with paraformaldehyde, embedded with paraffin and
      sectioned.HE staining, Alcian blue and Periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) staining,
      Masson staining, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) immunohistochemistry
      staining were conducted.Bronchial basement membrane perimeter (Pbm), total
      bronchial wall area and positive areas of AB-PAS staining, Masson staining, and
      alpha-SMA staining were determined with image analysis software.The results were
      standardized with the basement membrane perimeter.Paraffin sections of mice lung
      tissue were detected with terminal transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP)
      nick end labeling enzyme mediated method (TUNEL) for apoptosis of airway
      epithelial cells and with immunohistochemistry staining for expression of B cell
      lymphoma/lewkmia-2 (Bcl-2) in the airway epithelium. RESULTS: The mice in the
      chronic asthma group and calcitriol intervention group showed characteristic
      airway inflammation and airway remodeling of asthma.The ratios between the total
      bronchial wall area and positive areas of AB-PAS staining, Masson staining and
      alpha-SMA staining and the basement membrane perimeter in the calcitriol
      intervention group were (14.12+/-2.13), (3.72+/-0.57), (4.31+/-0.65) and (3.27+/
      0.46) MUm2/MUm, respectively, all of them were significantly lower than (19.24+/
      1.70), (5.23+/-0.90), (7.63+/-1.55) and (5.40+/-0.69) MUm2/MUm in the chronic
      asthma group and higher than (7.79+/-1.01), (0.05+/-0.03), (1.37+/-0.25) and
      (1.40+/-0.24) MUm2/MUm in the control group (all P<0.01). The airway epithelial
      cell apoptosis index in the calcitriol intervention group was significantly lower
      than that in the chronic asthma group and higher than the control group [(14.89+/
      1.75)% vs (29.73+/-5.74)% and (0.45+/-0.38)%, both P<0.01]. The relative
      expression of Bcl-2 in the calcitriol intervention group was significantly higher
      than that in the chronic asthma group and lower than the control group (0.114+/
      0.009 vs 0.091+/-0.023 and 0.160+/-0.021, both P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Calcitriol
      attenuates airway remodeling and reduces the apoptosis of airway epithelial cells
      in a murine model of chronic asthma.The mechanism of calcitriol in reducing
      apoptosis of airway epithelial cells is by regulation of expression of the
      important molecule Bcl-2 protein in mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

PMID- 27122221
TI  - HAT inhibitor, garcinol, exacerbates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in
      vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Acetylation modification catalyzed by histone acetyl transferases (HATs) is
      important for transcriptional regulation. The present study investigated the
      effects of the HAT inhibitor garcinol on the expression of inflammation
      associated genes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 murine
      macrophages and LPS-challenged mice. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines
      were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The degree of multi-organ injury was
      evaluated by histopathological examination of the lung, determination of the
      alanine aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen in plasma samples and by
      monitoring the survival rate of the experimental animals. The results of the
      current study demonstrated that garcinol promoted LPS-induced expression of tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in RAW264.7 cells.
      These effects were associated with reduced acetylation of nuclear factor-kappaB
      p65. Additionally, treatment with garcinol enhanced LPS-induced expression of TNF
      alpha and IL-6, exacerbated LPS-induced lung injury, increased LPS-induced
      elevation of plasma alanine aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen, and reduced
      the survival rate of LPS-challenged mice. These data indicated that the HAT
      inhibitor, garcinol, enhances LPS-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo,
      suggesting that acetylation modification has an important regulatory function
      during inflammation. 

PMID- 27122222
TI  - Electrochemical and in situ X-ray spectroscopic studies of MnO2/reduced graphene
      oxide nanocomposites as a supercapacitor.
AB  - Electrochemical and in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements of
      various MnO2-coated carbon materials (MnO2/acid-functionalized carbon nanotubes
      (C-CNT), MnO2/reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and MnO2/RGO-Au electrodes) were
      conducted to evaluate the supercapacitive performances and electronic structures.
      MnO2 was deposited on the surface of C-CNT, RGO, and RGO-Au via a spontaneous
      redox reaction to facilitate the growth of the bulk form of MnO2/C-CNT and the
      surface forms of MnO2/RGO-based materials. Various forms of MnO2 on the carbon
      materials exhibited different charge/discharge behaviors. The specific
      capacitances of the MnO2/RGO and MnO2/RGO-Au electrodes at a current density of 1
      A g(-1) were about 433 and 469 F g(-1), respectively; these values are about 1.5
      times that of the MnO2/C-CNT (259 F g(-1)) electrode. Specific capacitances of
      220 and 281 F g(-1) with retention rates of about 50-60% were obtained from
      MnO2/RGO and MnO2/RGO-Au, respectively, even at a high current density of 80 A g(
      1). Experimental results revealed that the long-term electrochemical stability of
      the MnO2/RGO-based electrodes (with ~90% retention) exceeded that of the MnO2/C
      CNT electrode (with ~60% retention) after 1000 cycles at a high scan rate of 80 A
      g(-1). This finding indicates that MnO2/RGO-based electrodes feature excellent
      cycling stability and rate capacity retention performance. To elucidate the
      atomic/electronic structures of the MnO2/C-CNT, MnO2/RGO, and MnO2/RGO-Au
      electrodes during the charge/discharge process, in situ XAS of the Mn K-edge was
      performed. The MnO2/RGO-based electrodes exhibited the least variations in the
      pre-peak intensity of the Mn K-edge during the charge/discharge process because a
      nano-network of MnO2 is homogeneously decorated on the outer surfaces of RGO
      based electrodes to facilitate the growth of surface forms of MnO2/RGO and
      MnO2/RGO-Au. Analytical results further revealed suppression of changes in tunnel
      size and promotion of insertion/extraction behavior. This work, particularly the
      combination of cyclic voltammetry with in situ XAS measurements, will be of
      general value in the fields of nanomaterials and nanotechnology, and in their use
      in energy storage. 

PMID- 27122223
TI  - Intrinsic disorder accelerates dissociation rather than association.
AB  - The intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) has distinct properties both
      physically and biologically: it often becomes folded when binding to the target
      and is frequently involved in signal transduction. The physical property seems to
      be compatible with the biological property where fast association and
      dissociation between IDP and the target are required. While fast association has
      been well studied, fueled by the fly-casting mechanism, the dissociation kinetics
      has received less attention. We here study how the intrinsic disorder affects the
      dissociation kinetics, as well as the association kinetics, paying attention to
      the interaction strength at the binding site (i.e., the quality of the "fly
      lure"). Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation of the pKID-KIX system, a
      well-studied IDP system, shows that the association rate becomes larger as the
      disorder-inducing flexibility that was imparted to the model is increased, but
      the acceleration is marginal and turns into deceleration as the quality of the
      fly lure is worsened. In contrast, the dissociation rate is greatly enhanced as
      the disorder is increased, indicating that intrinsic disorder serves for rapid
      signal switching more effectively through dissociation than association. Proteins
      2016; 84:1124-1133. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27122224
TI  - Antibacterial effect of N-acetylcysteine on common canine otitis externa
      isolates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) has the potential to be a useful therapeutic
      agent for the treatment of otitis externa due to its antimicrobial and mucolytic
      properties, as well as its ability to disrupt bacterial biofilm.
      HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine the antibacterial activity of NAC against
      common bacterial isolates associated with canine otitis externa. ANIMALS: Twenty
      two isolates from canine clinical cases of otitis externa were identified and
      tested, including five Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, six Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa, five Corynebacterium spp. and six beta-haemolytic Streptococcus spp.
      isolates. METHODS: Each isolate was grown on blood agar for 24 h and transferred
      to Mueller Hinton Broth (MHB) to achieve a final concentration of 5 * 10(5) 
      CFU/mL. NAC was diluted in MHB to a starting concentration of 160 mg/mL and
      serial two-fold microdilution assays were performed in triplicate with negative
      controls for all isolates tested. Concentrations of NAC tested ranged from 0.125
      to 80 mg/mL. A 50 MUL volume of bacterial suspension was used to inoculate each
      well. RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of NAC for all isolates
      tested ranged from 5 to 20 mg/mL. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: N
      Acetylcysteine inhibits clinically relevant and drug resistant bacteria in vitro,
      and has potential for use as a novel agent for treatment of otitis externa.

PMID- 27122225
TI  - Lovastatin causes FaDu hypopharyngeal carcinoma cell death via AMPK-p63-survivin
      signaling cascade.
AB  - Statins are used widely to lower serum cholesterol and the incidence of
      cardiovascular diseases. Growing evidence shows that statins also exhibit
      beneficial effects against cancers. In this study, we investigated the molecular
      mechanisms involved in lovastatin-induced cell death in Fadu hypopharyngeal
      carcinoma cells. Lovastatin caused cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in FaDu cells.
      Lovastatin increased p21(cip/Waf1) level while the survivin level was decreased
      in the presence of lovastatin. Survivin siRNA reduced cell viability and induced
      cell apoptosis in FaDu cells. Lovastatin induced phosphorylation of AMP-activated
      protein kinase (AMPK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and
      transcription factor p63. Lovastatin also caused p63 acetylation and increased
      p63 binding to survivin promoter region in FaDu cells. AMPK-p38MAPK signaling
      blockade abrogated lovastatin-induced p63 phosphorylation. Lovastatin's enhancing
      effect on p63 acetylation was reduced in HDAC3- or HDAC4- transfected cells.
      Moreover, transfection of cells with AMPK dominant negative mutant (AMPK-DN),
      HDAC3, HDAC4 or p63 siRNA significantly reduced lovastatin's effects on
      p21(cip/Waf1) and survivin. Furthermore, lovastatin inhibited subcutaneous FaDu
      xenografts growth in vivo. Taken together, lovastatin may activate AMPK-p38MAPK
      p63-survivin cascade to cause FaDu cell death. This study establishes, at least
      in part, the signaling cascade by which lovastatin induces hypopharyngeal
      carcinoma cell death.

PMID- 27122226
TI  - Non-commutativity measure of quantum discord.
AB  - Quantum discord is a manifestation of quantum correlations due to non
      commutativity rather than entanglement. Two measures of quantum discord by the
      amount of non-commutativity via the trace norm and the Hilbert-Schmidt norm
      respectively are proposed in this paper. These two measures can be calculated
      easily for any state with arbitrary dimension. It is shown by several examples
      that these measures can reflect the amount of the original quantum discord.

PMID- 27122227
TI  - A Microfluidic Paper-Based Origami Nanobiosensor for Label-Free, Ultrasensitive
      Immunoassays.
AB  - Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (MUPADs) represent a promising
      platform technology for point-of-care diagnosis. Highly sensitive, rapid, and
      easy-to-perform immunoassays implemented on MUPADs are desirable to fulfill the
      promise of the MUPAD technology. This article reports the first microfluidic
      paper-based origami nanobiosensor (origami MUPAD), which integrates zinc oxide
      nanowires (ZnO NWs) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) biosensing
      mechanism, for label-free, ultrasensitive immunoassays. The EIS mechanism
      features simple and label-free assay operations which take less than 25 min to be
      finished, while the ZnO NWs allow covalent bonding for immobilizing probe
      proteins and improve the biosensing performance with such features as high
      surface-area-to-volume ratios and high sensitivity to surface binding. The
      calibration of the device reveals an ultralow limit of detection (LOD) of 60 fg
      mL(-1) (>100 times lower than those of existing MUPADs) for rabbit immunoglobulin
      G in phosphate-buffered saline. The detection of human immunodeficiency virus p24
      antigen in human serum with a low LOD of 300 fg mL(-1) (>33 times lower than that
      of a commercial p24 antigen test kit) is also demonstrated. This novel MUPAD
      design offers ultrahigh sensitivity, short assay time, and ease of operation, and
      thus possesses significant potential for low-cost, rapid molecular diagnosis of
      early-stage diseases.

PMID- 27122228
TI  - Highly loaded Ni-based catalysts for low temperature ethanol steam reforming.
AB  - This paper describes the design of high-loading Ni/Al2O3 catalysts (78 wt% Ni)
      for low temperature ethanol steam reforming. The catalysts were synthesized via
      both co-precipitation (COP) and impregnation (IMP) methods. All the catalysts
      were measured by N2 adsorption-desorption, XRD, H2-TPR, and H2 pulse
      chemisorption. The characterization results demonstrated that the preparation
      method and the loading significantly affected the nickel particle size, active
      nickel surface area and catalytic performance. Over COP catalysts, large nickel
      particles were presented in nickel aluminum mixed oxides. In comparison, IMP
      catalysts gained more "free" NiO particles with weak interaction with the
      aluminum oxide. Consequently, COP catalysts yielded smaller nickel particles and
      larger active nickel surface areas than those of IMP catalysts. High loading is
      beneficial for obtaining sufficient active nickel sites when nickel particles are
      dispersed via COP, whereas excessive nickel content is not desired for catalysts
      prepared by IMP. Specifically, the 78 wt% nickel loaded catalyst synthesized by
      COP possessed small nickel particles (~6.0 nm) and an abundant active nickel area
      (35.1 m(2) gcat(-1)). Consequently, COP-78 achieved superior stability with 92%
      ethanol conversion and ~35% H2 selectivity at 673 K for 30 h despite the presence
      of a considerable amount of coke. 

PMID- 27122229
TI  - Weight status, fatness and body image perception of North African immigrant women
      in Italy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the nutritional status of North African (NA) immigrant
      women in Italy, analysing their body size, adiposity and body image perception in
      comparison to Italian natives and NA residents. DESIGN: The study utilized a
      cross-sectional design. Anthropometric traits were directly measured and a few
      indices were computed as proxy measures of nutritional status and adiposity. Body
      image perception was assessed using silhouette drawings. ANCOVA, adjusted for
      age, was used to compare anthropometric traits among different groups of women
      and the chi 2 test to analyse differences in the prevalence of nutritional
      status. SETTING: Italy and North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco). SUBJECTS: A sample of
      433 women aged 18-60 years old: NA immigrants (n 105); Italians (n 100);
      Tunisians (n 104); Moroccans (n 124). RESULTS: Overweight/obesity prevalence was
      very high in immigrants (79.8 %). Immigrants had the highest BMI value, the
      greatest hip circumference and mid upper-arm circumference. Their triceps
      skinfold thickness was significantly higher than that of Italians, but lower than
      that of NA residents. CONCLUSIONS: NA immigrant women in Italy showed a higher
      incidence of overweight compared with Italians and NA residents. All groups
      showed a preference for a thinner body in comparison to their actual bodies and
      the immigrants are the most dissatisfied. Immigrants remain a high-risk group for
      obesity. Assessment of their body composition and health risk profile should be
      improved by using specific anthropometric measures that are easy to collect even
      in the case of large migration flows.

PMID- 27122230
TI  - A quantitative threshold for high/low extent of urinary excretion of compounds in
      humans.
AB  - In this study, a quantitative threshold was determined for the high/low extent of
      urinary excretion (UE) of compounds in humans, using a straightforward but robust
      statistical method known as receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC)
      analysis, and also 18 potential physicochemical determinants of UE were
      evaluated. Data on the percent of drug excreted unchanged into the urine, %Ae ,
      were used to determine the threshold for high/low UE. Compounds can be divided
      into high/low UE groups using the threshold value of Ae  = 16.8%, namely those
      with Ae  > 16.8% are classified as high UE and those with Ae  <= 16.8% as low UE.
      The %Ae negatively correlated with cLogP (r = -0.56); however, cLogP could not
      quantitatively predict the value of %Ae (R(2) adj. = 0.32). Several determinants
      of the extent of UE, including cLogP, ACD labs cLogP and ACD labs cLogD(pH=7.4) ,
      were successfully evaluated as a priori indicators of the extent of UE using two
      cut-off values for each parameter. Moreover, 87% of the 90 compounds in the
      external validation set were correctly classified using this approach. Analysis
      of the physicochemical spaces of compounds in these two groups showed significant
      overlap, which hinders the a priori determination of the extent of UE of
      compounds using a single threshold/cut-off value of simple physicochemical
      parameters. In conclusion, 16.8% is a quantitative threshold value to distinguish
      between high and low UE and new molecular entities with cLogP and ACD labs cLogP
      values of <=0.7 and >=1.0 and ACD labs cLogD(pH=7.4) values of <=0.0 and >=0.5
      could be identified as exhibiting high and low UE, respectively. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27122231
TI  - Accurate and Rigorous Prediction of the Changes in Protein Free Energies in a
      Large-Scale Mutation Scan.
AB  - The prediction of mutation-induced free-energy changes in protein thermostability
      or protein-protein binding is of particular interest in the fields of protein
      design, biotechnology, and bioengineering. Herein, we achieve remarkable accuracy
      in a scan of 762 mutations estimating changes in protein thermostability based on
      the first principles of statistical mechanics. The remaining error in the free
      energy estimates appears to be due to three sources in approximately equal parts,
      namely sampling, force-field inaccuracies, and experimental uncertainty. We
      propose a consensus force-field approach, which, together with an increased
      sampling time, leads to a free-energy prediction accuracy that matches those
      reached in experiments. This versatile approach enables accurate free-energy
      estimates for diverse proteins, including the prediction of changes in the
      melting temperature of the membrane protein neurotensin receptor 1.

PMID- 27122232
TI  - Information Needs in the Precision Medicine Era: How Genetics Home Reference Can
      Help.
AB  - Precision medicine focuses on understanding individual variability in disease
      prevention, care, and treatment. The Precision Medicine Initiative, launched by
      President Obama in early 2015, aims to bring this approach to all areas of health
      care. However, few consumer-friendly resources exist for the public to learn
      about precision medicine and the conditions that could be affected by this
      approach to care. Genetics Home Reference, a website from the US National Library
      of Medicine, seeks to support precision medicine education by providing the
      public with summaries of genetic conditions and their associated genes, as well
      as information about issues related to precision medicine such as disease risk
      and pharmacogenomics. With the advance of precision medicine, consumer-focused
      resources like Genetics Home Reference can be foundational in providing context
      for public understanding of the increasing amount of data that will become
      available. 

PMID- 27122233
TI  - Failure mechanisms in CoCrMo modular femoral stems for revision total hip
      arthroplasty.
AB  - In this retrieval study, we reported the failure mechanisms of the CoCrMo-based
      hip implants. Systematic analyses on the clinically failed modular femoral stems
      from RevitanTM revision prostheses revealed a multistep fracture process.
      Multiple microcracks were first developed under the combined action of pitting
      corrosion and dynamic tensile stress on the lateral side of the CoCrMo connection
      taper. These microcracks then served as the initiation sites of further corrosion
      fatigue cracking leading to the final catastrophic failure. This crack initiation
      process has not been previously reported on retrieved CoCrMo components and our
      findings provide valuable information on the clinical performance of such
      implants, as well as the material selection and structural designs of future
      modular stems. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl
      Biomater, 105B: 1525-1535, 2017.

PMID- 27122234
TI  - Preclinical Evaluation of an Anti-Nectin-4 ImmunoPET Reagent in Tumor-Bearing
      Mice and Biodistribution Studies in Cynomolgus Monkeys.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nectin-4 is selectively overexpressed in a variety of cancers and is
      currently under clinical investigation as a therapeutic target. A monoclonal
      antibody against nectin-4 (AGS-22M6) was evaluated as an Immuno-positron emission
      tomography (ImmunoPET) reagent. Its ability to assay nectin-4 expression as well
      as detect nectin-4 positive tumors in the liver and bone was evaluated using
      mouse models. PROCEDURES: The biodistribution of [(89)Zr]AGS-22M6 was evaluated
      in mice bearing tumors with varying levels of nectin-4 expression. An isogenic
      breast cancer tumor line was used to model metastatic liver and bone disease in
      mice. The biodistribution of [(18)F]AGS-22M6 in cynomolgus monkeys was evaluated.
      RESULTS: A positive correlation was demonstrated between tumor nectin-4
      expression and [(89)Zr]AGS-22M6 uptake. Tumors in the liver and bone were
      detected and differentiated based on nectin-4 expression. [(18)F]AGS-22M6 showed
      limited uptake in cynomolgus monkey tissues. CONCLUSIONS: [(89)Zr]AGS-22M6 is a
      promising ImmunoPET reagent that can assay nectin-4 expression in both primary
      and metastatic lesions.

PMID- 27122235
TI  - Low free triiodothyronine levels are related to symptomatic intracranial
      hemorrhage and poor functional outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis in acute
      ischemic stroke patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Low free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels have been
      associated with increased mortality and poor functional outcomes in patients with
      stroke. However, the research of relationship between fT3 levels and acute
      ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is scarce. We
      aimed to investigate the association of fT3 levels with symptomatic intracranial
      hemorrhage (sICH) and functional outcomes at discharge in AIS patients with IVT.
      METHODS: Patients with AIS admitted to West China hospital, Sichuan University,
      who had underwent IVT treatment, were consecutively and retrospectively included.
      Demographic and clinical information were collected and analyzed according to the
      levels of fT3. We used logistic regression analysis to estimate the multivariable
      adjusted association of fT3 levels and post-IVT sICH, and functional outcomes at
      discharge. RESULTS: Among the 46 patients (26 males; mean age, 63.6 years) in the
      final analysis, 17 patients (37.0%) had fT3 levels lower than the reference
      range. After adjustment for age, gender, and statistically important variables
      (NIHSS on admission, urea levels and creatinine levels), low fT3 levels were
      significantly associated with post-IVT sICH (p = 0.01, OR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.10
      0.77) and poor functional outcomes at discharge (p = 0.04 OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.05
      6.35). CONCLUSION: We found that lower free T3 levels are independently related
      to post-IVT sICH and poor functional outcomes at discharge in AIS patients with
      IVT, which should be verified and extended in large cohorts in the future.

PMID- 27122236
TI  - Interrupting CD28 costimulation before antigen rechallenge affects CD8(+) T-cell
      expansion and effector functions during secondary response in mice.
AB  - The role of CD28-mediated costimulation in secondary CD8(+) T-cell responses
      remains controversial. Here, we have used two tools - blocking mouse anti-mouse
      CD28-specific antibodies and inducible CD28-deleting mice - to obtain definitive
      answers in mice infected with ovalbumin-secreting Listeria monocytogenes. We
      report that both blockade and global deletion of CD28 reveal its requirement for
      full clonal expansion and effector functions such as degranulation and IFN-gamma
      production during the secondary immune response. In contrast, cell-intrinsic
      deletion of CD28 in transferred TCR-transgenic CD8(+) T cells before primary
      infection leads to impaired clonal expansion but an increase in cells able to
      express effector functions in both primary and secondary responses. We suggest
      that the proliferation-impaired CD8(+) T cells respond to CD28-dependent help
      from their environment by enhanced functional differentiation. Finally, we report
      that cell-intrinsic deletion of CD28 after the peak of the primary response does
      not affect the establishment, maintenance, or recall of long-term memory. Thus,
      if given sufficient time, the progeny of primed CD8(+) T cells adapt to the
      absence of this costimulator.

PMID- 27122237
TI  - A Simple Method for Optimization of Reference Gene Identification and
      Normalization in DNA Microarray Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comparative DNA microarray analyses typically yield very large gene
      expression data sets that reflect complex patterns of change. Despite the wealth
      of information that is obtained, the identification of stable reference genes is
      required for normalization of disease- or drug-induced changes across tested
      groups. This is a prerequisite in quantitative real-time reverse transcription
      PCR (qRT-PCR) and relative RT-PCR but rare in gene microarray analysis. The goal
      of the present study was to outline a simple method for identification of
      reliable reference genes derived from DNA microarray data sets by comparative
      statistical analysis of software-generated and manually calculated candidate
      genes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: DNA microarray data sets derived from whole-blood
      samples obtained from 14 Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats (7 lean and 7 diabetic
      obese) were used for the method development. This involved the use of software
      generated filtering parameters to accomplish the desired signal-to-noise ratios,
      75th percentile signal manual normalizations, and the selection of reference
      genes as endogenous controls for target gene expression normalization. RESULTS:
      The combination of software-generated and manual normalization methods yielded a
      group of 5 stably expressed, suitable endogenous control genes which can be used
      in further target gene expression determinations in whole blood of ZDF rats.
      CONCLUSIONS: This method can be used to correct for potentially false results and
      aid in the selection of suitable endogenous control genes. It is especially
      useful when aimed to aid the software in cases of borderline results, where the
      expression and/or the fold change values are just beyond the pre-established set
      of acceptable parameters.

PMID- 27122238
TI  - Copper Exposure Perturbs Brain Inflammatory Responses and Impairs Clearance of
      Amyloid-Beta.
AB  - Copper promotes a toxic buildup of amyloid-beta (Abeta) and neurofibrillary
      tangle pathology in the brain, and its exposure may increase the risk for
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, underlying molecular mechanisms by which
      copper triggers such pathological changes remain largely unknown. We hypothesized
      that the copper exposure perturbs brain inflammatory responses, leading to
      impairment of Abeta clearance from the brain parenchyma. Here, we investigated
      whether copper attenuated Abeta clearance by microglial phagocytosis or by low
      density lipoprotein-related receptor protein-1 (LRP1) dependent transcytosis in
      both in vitro and in vivo When murine monocyte BV2 cells were exposed to copper,
      their phagocytic activation induced by fibrillar Abeta or LPS was significantly
      reduced, while the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1beta, TNF
      alpha, and IL-6, were increased. Interestingly, not only copper itself but also
      IL-1beta, IL-6, or TNF-alpha were capable of markedly reducing the expression of
      LRP1 in human microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) in a concentration
      dependent manner. While copper-mediated downregulation of LRP1 was proteasome
      dependent, the cytokine-induced loss of LRP1 was proteasome- or lysosome
      independent. In the mouse model, copper exposure also significantly elevated
      neuroinflammation and downregulated LRP1 in the brain, consistent with our in
      vitro results. Taken together, our findings support the pathological impact of
      copper on inflammatory responses and Abeta clearance in the brain, which could
      serve as key mechanisms to explain, in part, the copper exposure as an
      environmental risk factor for AD.

PMID- 27122239
TI  - Metallothionein MT2A A-5G Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Chronic Kidney
      Disease and Diabetes: Cross-Sectional and Cohort Studies.
AB  - Metallothioneins (MTs) are proteins that protect cells from toxic agents such as
      heavy metal ions or reactive oxygen species. MT2A A-5G is a single nucleotide
      polymorphism in the promoter region of the MT2A gene, and the minor G allele
      results in lower transcription efficiency. We aimed to elucidate associations
      between MT2A A-5G and risks of 2 diseases potentially related to lowered MT
      expression, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and diabetes mellitus (DM), in a
      community-dwelling population. Study subjects were Nagoya city residents
      participating in the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study (J
      MICC) Daiko Study, comprised 749 men and 2,025 women, aged 39-75 years. CKD
      (>stage 3) and DM were defined by standard guidelines. Associations were
      evaluated using logistic regression models with adjustments for age, sex and
      potential confounders in a cross-sectional study, and verified in a 5-year
      longitudinal study. Odds ratios (OR [95% confidence interval]) were calculated
      relative to the AA genotype. Serum MT (I + II), Cd and zinc levels were also
      determined by genotype. The OR of the GG genotype for CKD risk was 3.98 (1.50,
      10.58) in the cross-sectional study and 5.17 (1.39, 19.28) in the longitudinal
      study. The OR of the GA genotype for DM was 1.86 (1.26, 2.75) in the cross
      sectional study and 2.03 (1.19, 3.46) in the longitudinal study. MT2A A-5G may be
      associated with CKD and DM risks. This polymorphism is a promising target for
      evaluations of CKD and DM risks with possible involvement of low-dose chronic
      exposure to environmental pollutants.

PMID- 27122240
TI  - Detection of Drug-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Humans Using Urinary KIM-1, miR
      21, -200c, and -423.
AB  - Drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is often encountered in hospitalized
      patients. Although serum creatinine (SCr) is still routinely used for assessing
      AKI, it is known to be insensitive and nonspecific. Therefore, our objective was
      to evaluate kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) in conjunction with microRNA (miR)
      21, -200c, and -423 as urinary biomarkers for drug-induced AKI in humans. In a
      cross-sectional cohort of patients (n = 135) with acetaminophen (APAP) overdose,
      all 4 biomarkers were significantly (P < .004) higher not only in APAP-overdosed
      (OD) patients with AKI (based on SCr increase) but also in APAP-OD patients
      without clinical diagnosis of AKI compared with healthy volunteers. In a
      longitudinal cohort of patients with malignant mesothelioma receiving
      intraoperative cisplatin (Cp) therapy (n = 108) the 4 biomarkers increased
      significantly (P < .0014) over time after Cp administration, but could not be
      used to distinguish patients with or without AKI. Evidence for human proximal
      tubular epithelial cells (HPTECs) being the source of miRNAs in urine was
      obtained first, by in situ hybridization based confirmation of increase in miR-21
      expression in the kidney sections of AKI patients and second, by increased levels
      of miR-21, -200c, and -423 in the medium of cultured HPTECs treated with Cp and 4
      aminophenol (APAP degradation product). Target prediction analysis revealed 1102
      mRNA targets of miR-21, -200c, and -423 that are associated with pathways
      perturbed in diverse pathological kidney conditions. In summary, we report
      noninvasive detection of AKI in humans by combining the sensitivity of KIM-1
      along with mechanistic potentials of miR-21, -200c, and -423.

PMID- 27122241
TI  - Multiple Endocrine Disrupting Effects in Rats Perinatally Exposed to
      Butylparaben.
AB  - Parabens comprise a group of preservatives commonly added to cosmetics, lotions,
      and other consumer products. Butylparaben has estrogenic and antiandrogenic
      properties and is known to reduce sperm counts in rats following perinatal
      exposure. Whether butylparaben exposure can affect other endocrine sensitive
      endpoints, however, remains largely unknown. In this study, time-mated Wistar
      rats (n = 18) were orally exposed to 0, 10, 100, or 500 mg/kg bw/d of
      butylparaben from gestation day 7 to pup day 22. Several endocrine-sensitive
      endpoints were adversely affected. In the 2 highest dose groups, the anogenital
      distance of newborn male and female offspring was significantly reduced, and in
      prepubertal females, ovary weights were reduced and mammary gland outgrowth was
      increased. In male offspring, sperm count was significantly reduced at all doses
      from 10 mg/kg bw/d. Testicular CYP19a1 (aromatase) expression was reduced in
      prepubertal, but not adult animals exposed to butylparaben. In adult testes,
      Nr5a1 expression was reduced at all doses, indicating persistent disruption of
      steroidogenesis. Prostate histology was altered at prepuberty and adult prostate
      weights were reduced in the high dose group. Thus, butylparaben exerted endocrine
      disrupting effects on both male and female offspring. The observed adverse
      developmental effect on sperm count at the lowest dose is highly relevant to risk
      assessment, as this is the lowest observed adverse effect level in a study on
      perinatal exposure to butylparaben.

PMID- 27122243
TI  - Experience of early implantation of retropupillary iris-claw intraocular lens in
      childhood.

PMID- 27122244
TI  - Bit1-a potential positive regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lens
      epithelial cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common postoperative
      complication of cataract surgery. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens
      epithelial cells (LECs) is an important initial step of PCO pathogenesis. We have
      previously shown that Bit1 expresses in rat LECs. In this study, we aim to
      investigate the role of Bit1 in the EMT of human LECs. METHODS: The expression of
      Bit1 was firstly detected in human PCO-attached LECs and human lens cell line
      SRA01/04 by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence staining. The proliferation and
      migration of Bit1 knockdown SRA01/04 cells were evaluated by cell counting, wound
      healing assay, and transwell migration assay. The EMT of LECs was triggered by
      TGF-beta2, and then the effect of Bit1 on EMT with a key biomarker of alpha
      smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) was analyzed by siRNA knockdown assay, and the
      reversal of EMT was validated by real-time PCR and western blot. RESULTS: Bit1
      was obviously augmented in LECs derived from PCO tissues and Bit1 expressed with
      high levels in the cytoplasm of cultured SRA01/04 cells. Cell proliferation,
      invasion, and migration, as well as alpha-SMA expression, were significantly
      decreased in Bit1 knockdown SRA01/04 cells. While TGF-beta2 elevated Bit1 and
      alpha-SMA expression levels in a dose-dependent manner, with peak levels at 10
      ng/ml of TGF-beta2 treatment, suppression of Bit1 in SRA01/04 cells reversed the
      EMT process. TGF-beta2 induced elevation of alpha-SMA expression level, as well
      as migration, and invasion abilities were all suppressed by Bit1 deficiency.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal that Bit1 promotes TGF-beta2 induced alpha-SMA
      expression and acts as an positive regulator of EMT. Suppressing Bit1 inhibits
      the proliferation, migration, and EMT of LECs. Bit1 may be a potential novel
      therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of PCO.

PMID- 27122245
TI  - Lamellar macular hole in high myopic eyes with posterior staphyloma:
      morphological and functional characteristics.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study morphological and functional characteristics of myopic lamellar
      macular hole (LMH) with posterior staphyloma. METHODS: Retrospective
      observational longitudinal study. Forty myopic eyes affected by LMH and posterior
      staphyloma have been examined. Pathological myopia was defined as axial length
      equal or superior to 26.5 mm. LMH was defined on the basis of the following
      characteristics: irregular foveal contour, inner retinal defect with or without
      intraretinal splitting and absence of full thickness retinal defect. Demographic
      and functional parameters were: age, sex, status of lens and best corrected
      visual acuity (BCVA). Tomographic parameters were: type of LMH, macular
      retinoschisis (MRS), posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), type of epiretinal
      membrane (ERM), integrity of ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane
      (ELM), residual foveal thickness (RFT) and maximal diameter of intraretinal
      splitting (MDIRS). RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed a significant
      prevalence of posterior vitreous adherence in the atypical ERM subgroup (P =
      0.001). EZ (P = 0.006) and ELM (P = 0.007) damages were significantly associated
      with the atypical ERM subgroup. RFT was statistically lower in the atypical ERM
      subgroup compared to the conventional ERM subgroup (P = 0.015). During the follow
      up, the statistical analysis showed a significant reduction of RFT in the
      atypical ERM subgroup (P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Myopic lamellar macular hole
      (LMH) associated with atypical ERM is a more severe clinical entity than myopic
      LMH associated with conventional ERM.

PMID- 27122246
TI  - Propensities of peptides containing the Asn-Gly segment to form beta-turn and
      beta-hairpin structures.
AB  - The propensities of peptides that contain the Asn-Gly segment to form beta-turn
      and beta-hairpin structures were explored using the density functional methods
      and the implicit solvation model in CH2 Cl2 and water. The populations of
      preferred beta-turn structures varied depending on the sequence and solvent
      polarity. In solution, beta-hairpin structures with betaI' turn motifs were most
      preferred for the heptapeptides containing the Asn-Gly segment regardless of the
      sequence of the strands. These preferences in solution are consistent with the
      corresponding X-ray structures. The sequence, H-bond strengths, solvent polarity,
      and conformational flexibility appeared to interact to determine the preferred
      beta-hairpin structure of each heptapeptide, although the beta-turn segments
      played a role in promoting the formation of beta-hairpin structures and the beta
      hairpin propensity varied. In the heptapeptides containing the Asn-Gly segment,
      the beta-hairpin formation was enthalpically favored and entropically disfavored
      at 25 degrees C in water. The calculated results for beta-turns and beta-hairpins
      containing the Asn-Gly segment imply that these structural preferences may be
      useful for the design of bioactive macrocyclic peptides containing beta-hairpin
      mimics and the design of binding epitopes for protein-protein and protein-nucleic
      acid recognitions. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 653-664,
      2016. 

PMID- 27122247
TI  - Direct CVD Graphene Growth on Semiconductors and Dielectrics for Transfer-Free
      Device Fabrication.
AB  - Graphene is the most broadly discussed and studied two-dimensional material
      because of its preeminent physical, mechanical, optical, and thermal properties.
      Until now, metal-catalyzed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has been widely
      employed for the scalable production of high-quality graphene. However, in order
      to incorporate the graphene into electronic devices, a transfer process from
      metal substrates to targeted substrates is inevitable. This process usually
      results in contamination, wrinkling, and breakage of graphene samples -
      undesirable in graphene-based technology and not compatible with industrial
      production. Therefore, direct graphene growth on desired semiconductor and
      dielectric substrates is considered as an effective alternative. Over the past
      years, there have been intensive investigations to realize direct graphene growth
      using CVD methods without the catalytic role of metals. Owing to the low
      catalytic activity of non-metal substrates for carbon precursor decomposition and
      graphene growth, several strategies have been designed to facilitate and engineer
      graphene fabrication on semiconductors and insulators. Here, those developed
      strategies for direct CVD graphene growth on semiconductors and dielectrics for
      transfer-free fabrication of electronic devices are reviewed. By employing these
      methods, various graphene-related structures can be directly prepared on desired
      substrates and exhibit excellent performance, providing versatile routes for
      varied graphene-based materials fabrication. 

PMID- 27122248
TI  - Development of an accelerated leaching method for incineration bottom ash
      correlated to toxicity characteristic leaching protocol.
AB  - Heavy metals and some metalloids are the most significant inorganic contaminants
      specified in toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) in determining the
      safety of landfills or further utilization. As a consequence, a great deal of
      efforts had been made on the development of miniaturized analytical devices, such
      as Microchip Electrophoresis (ME) and MUTAS for on-site testing of heavy metals
      and metalloids to prevent spreading of those pollutants or decrease the
      reutilization period of waste materials such as incineration bottom ash. However,
      the bottleneck lied in the long and tedious conventional TCLP that requires 18 h
      of leaching. Without accelerating the TCLP process, the on-site testing of the
      waste material leachates was impossible. In this study, therefore, a new
      accelerated leaching method (ALM) combining ultrasonic assisted leaching with
      tumbling was developed to reduce the total leaching time from 18 h to 30 min.
      After leaching, the concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids were determined
      with ICP-MS or ICP-optical emission spectroscopy. No statistical significance
      between ALM and TCLP was observed for most heavy metals (i.e., cobalt, manganese,
      mercury, molybdenum, nickel, silver, strontium, and tin) and metalloids (i.e.,
      arsenic and selenium). For the heavy metals with statistical significance,
      correlation factors derived between ALM and TCLP were 0.56, 0.20, 0.037, and
      0.019 for barium, cadmium, chromium, and lead, respectively. Combined with
      appropriate analytical techniques (e.g., ME), the ALM can be applied to rapidly
      prepare the incineration bottom ash samples as well as other environmental
      samples for on-site determination of heavy metals and metalloids.

PMID- 27122249
TI  - Early development of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Detailed descriptions of the early development of parasitic nematodes
      are seldom available. The embryonic development of the plant-parasitic nematode
      Meloidogyne incognita was studied, focusing on the early events. RESULTS: A fixed
      pattern of repeated cell cleavages was observed, resulting in the appearance of
      the six founder cells 3 days after the first cell division. Gastrulation,
      characterized by the translocation of cells from the ventral side to the center
      of the embryo, was seen 1 day later. Approximately 10 days after the first cell
      division a rapidly elongating two-fold stage was reached. The fully developed
      second stage juvenile hatched approximately 21 days after the first cell
      division. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to the development of the free-living
      nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, the development of M. incognita occurs
      approximately 35 times more slowly. Furthermore, M. incognita differs from C.
      elegans in the order of cell divisions, and the early cleavage patterns of the
      germ line cells. However, cytoplasmic ruffling and nuclear migration prior to the
      first cell division as well as the localization of microtubules are similar
      between C. elegans and M. incognita.

PMID- 27122250
TI  - Interaction of Caveolin-3 and HCN is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic
      cystopathy.
AB  - A growing body of research suggests that impaired bladder Cajal-like interstitial
      cells (ICCs) are a important component in the pathogenesis of diabetes-induced
      bladder dysfunction, although the molecular mechanisms have not been illustrated
      completely. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the
      hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in ICCs-DM
      were responsible for the detrusor weak contractility of Diabetic cystopathy (DCP)
      and to study the possible mechanism of regulating the expression and function of
      HCN channels. HCN channels expression were decreased at the mRNA and protein
      levels. Forskolin (FSK), which can elevate intracellular cAMP levels, increased
      the density of the hyperpolarization-activated current and intracellular calcium
      concentration in both normal control (NC) rats and DCP rats, but the sensitivity
      of FSK on HCN channels was clearly down-regulated in DCP rats. The loss of
      caveolae and caveolin was in accordance with the decrease in HCN channels.
      Caveolin-3 co-localizes with and affects the expression and function of HCN.
      Taken together, these results indicate that the loss of caveolae and HCN channels
      in ICCs-DM is important in the pathogenesis of DCP. Increasing the number of
      caveolae to enhance the function of HCN channels may represent a viable target
      for the pharmacological treatment of DCP.

PMID- 27122251
TI  - The genetic diversity of SMLS (Sitobion miscanthi L type symbiont) and its effect
      on the fitness, mitochondrial DNA diversity and Buchnera aphidicola dynamic of
      wheat aphid, Sitobion miscanthi (Hemiptera: Aphididae).
AB  - SMLS (Sitobion miscanthi L type symbiont) is a recently discovered aphid
      secondary symbiont. Using evidence extracted from 16S rRNA sequences, previous
      studies indicate that SMLS is the most widely distributed and most recently
      transferred secondary symbiont in Chinese Sitobion miscanthi populations. Here,
      we further investigated genetic diversity among SMLS geographic strains with
      multiloci data. Furthermore, the influence of SMLS on S. miscanthi was uncovered
      with ecological and evolutionary evidence. The results indicated that there was
      limited influence of infection with SMLS on variation and evolutionary patterns
      of S. miscanthi mitochondrial DNA. By hemolymph injection, the SMLS-infected and
      SMLS-uninfected S. miscanthi clones with the identical genetic background were
      built in this study. Although similar Buchnera aphidicola dynamics were observed
      between SMLS-infected and SMLS-uninfected S. miscanthi population, B. aphidicola
      density of SMLS-infected S. miscanthi population was always significantly higher
      than SMLS-uninfected ones. The results of fitness measurements indicated that
      under laboratory rearing conditions, transfection of SMLS could confer modest
      advantages to some fitness components of S. miscanthi, that is, total number of
      offspring, longevity, age of first reproduction and weight of adult. However, as
      SMLS is not strictly associated with S. miscanthi, further investigations are
      needed to uncover the mechanisms responsible for this inconceivable association.

PMID- 27122252
TI  - Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities of the Extracts from Chinese Yam (Dioscorea
      opposite Thunb.) Flesh and Peel and the Effective Compounds.
AB  - The aims of this study are to investigate the antioxidant and antitumor
      activities of the water and ethanol extracts isolated from Chinese yam (Dioscorea
      opposite Thunb.) flesh (CYF) and peel (CYP) and the effective compounds. It was
      found that all peel portions have a better effect on reactive oxygen (ROS)
      scavenging assay than meat portions, especially for the water extract of Chinese
      yam peel (CYP-W). Its IC50 values for hydroxyl radical (OH*) scavenging assay
      (744.25 +/- 3.46 MUg/mL) and for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay
      (374.85 +/- 6.78 MUg/mL) were both lower than that of yam flesh (CYF-W).
      Furthermore, the antitumor property of yam peel was more effective than that of
      yam flesh (CYF-W) on mouse models, with tumor inhibition rates were 47.92% and
      27.41% for Ehrlich Ascites Tumor (EAC) model and 40.44% and 24.22% for H22
      hepatocarcinoma tumor (H22) model. Meanwhile, extracts of peel showed higher
      allantoin, total flavonoids, and total phenolics contents than extracts of flesh.
      In conclusion, this study demonstrated that CYP-W exerted better antitumor
      activity than flesh extracts and the scavenging ROS effects were also
      significantly higher in the CYP-W in vitro. Moreover, the data indicated that
      allantoin may play an important role on antioxidative and antitumor capacity in
      yam peel. 

PMID- 27122253
TI  - Interleukin-4 enzyme-linked immunospot assay may be useful for diagnosing
      sensitization to house dust mite.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The skin prick test (SPT) is considered a standard test for
      identification of allergens, but it has some limitations in clinical practice.
      The multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST), which measures allergen-specific
      immunoglobulin E in patients' serum, is a widely used alternative test, but is
      limited by its relatively low sensitivity and specificity. As a novel diagnostic
      test to identify allergens, we investigated the sensitivity and specificity of an
      interleukin-4 (IL-4) enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay for
      Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p).
      METHODS: Based on the symptoms and SPT results, 43 house dust mite (HDM) allergic
      rhinitis (AR) patients and 41 control subjects were included. Peripheral blood
      was drawn from each subject for IL-4 ELISpot assay and MAST. The receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to determine the
      cutoff values. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and neg predictive values
      were compared between the 2 tests. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and
      areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of the IL-4 ELISpot assay were 88.4%, 97.6%, and
      0.939 for Der f, and 95.3%, 97.5%, and 0.971 for Der p, respectively. However,
      the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of MAST were 76.7%, 73.2%, and 0.777 for
      Der f, and 69.8%, 75.6%, and 0.788 for Der p, respectively. CONCLUSION: The IL-4
      ELISpot assay showed higher sensitivity, specificity, and AUC than MAST, which
      indicates its clinical feasibility for diagnosing allergy for HDM. A further
      study is needed to determine the accuracy of the IL-4 ELISpot assay for other
      common allergens.

PMID- 27122254
TI  - Gains following perceptual learning are closely linked to the initial visual
      acuity.
AB  - The goal of the present study was to evaluate the dependence of perceptual
      learning gains on initial visual acuity (VA), in a large sample of subjects with
      a wide range of VAs. A large sample of normally sighted and presbyopic subjects
      (N = 119; aged 40 to 63) with a wide range of uncorrected near visual acuities
      (VA, -0.12 to 0.8 LogMAR), underwent perceptual learning. Training consisted of
      detecting briefly presented Gabor stimuli under spatial and temporal masking
      conditions. Consistent with previous findings, perceptual learning induced a
      significant improvement in near VA and reading speed under conditions of limited
      exposure duration. Our results show that the improvements in VA and reading speed
      observed following perceptual learning are closely linked to the initial VA, with
      only a minor fraction of the observed improvement that may be attributed to the
      additional sessions performed by those with the worse VA.

PMID- 27122255
TI  - Regulation of expression of microRNAs by DNA methylation in lung cancer.
AB  - Differential expression of miRNAs has been linked with lung carcinogenesis.
      Recent studies have indicated that DNA hypermethylation can lead to silencing of
      tumor suppressor miRNA-encoding genes. Restoration of tumor suppressor miRNAs
      using inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases has been shown to suppress cell
      proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis implying that modulation of
      methylation of specific miRNAs can be used as novel therapeutic targets in lung
      cancer. In this review, we highlight tremendous progress which has been made in
      the identification of methylation-mediated silencing of miRNAs and their
      contribution in lung carcinogenesis along with the clinical utility of methylated
      miRNAs. 

PMID- 27122256
TI  - Longer duration of the Pringle maneuver is associated with hepatocellular
      carcinoma recurrence following curative resection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of Pringle maneuver time on tumor recurrence
      following liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
      METHODS: In this single-center study, we retrospectively evaluated the effect of
      Pringle maneuver time on HCC recurrence over a 10-year period from 1999 to 2008
      using a Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: This study enrolled a total of 2,368
      patients. A Pringle maneuver time of 15 min was associated with HCC recurrence
      (log likelihood ratio test, P = 0.001). A Pringle maneuver time less than 15 min
      was not a significant risk factor for HCC recurrence (hazard ratio, HR = 0.97, P
      = 0.708). However, a Pringle maneuver time greater than 15 min was an independent
      predictor of HCC recurrence (HR = 1.41, P < 0.001). The patients who underwent
      the Pringle maneuver for over 15 min had lower overall survival (OS) and
      recurrence-free survival (RFS) than did those who either did not undergo the
      maneuver or underwent the maneuver for less than 15 min (both P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a longer duration of the Pringle maneuver
      increases the risk of tumor recurrence in patients with HCC. However, a shorter
      duration of the Pringle maneuver decreases this risk. J. Surg. Oncol.
      2016;114:112-118. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27122257
TI  - MHPE programs in Pakistan: concerns for quality.

PMID- 27122258
TI  - In vitro effects of nicotine on the non-small-cell lung cancer line A549.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate in vitro effects of nicotine on the non-small-cell lung
      cancer line A549. METHODS: The case-control study was conducted at the First
      Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from 1st January to 30th June, 2014
      and comprised A549 cells which were treated with a series of concentrations of
      nicotine (0.01 uM, 0.1 uM, 1 uM and 10 uM) for 24 hours. Control cells were
      incubated under the same conditions without the addition of nicotine. Cell growth
      was detected by monotetrazolium salt [3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-5-(3
      carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] assay. Cell apoptosis was
      detected by Haematoxylin and Eosin staining, immunofluorescence analysis of
      Filamentous actin and electron microscope observation. RESULTS: Nicotine had no
      significant effect on A549 cell growth at the dose of 0.01uM (p>0.05), but had
      significant growth inhibitory effects at the doses of 0.1uM, 1uM and 10uM (p<
      0.05 each). A significant decrease in cell numbers was observed on staining (p<
      0.05). Significant changes in the size and shape of cells and concomitant changes
      in cytoskeletons and organelles were observed by immunofluorescence and electron
      microscope observation (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The growth inhibitory effects of
      nicotine on A549 cells were found to be dose-dependent.

PMID- 27122259
TI  - Perceptions of medical students regarding dimensions of environmental wellness.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the status of awareness on environmental wellness in
      medical students of Karachi. METHODS: The cross-sectional questionnaire-based
      survey was carried out at Bahria University Medical & Dental College, Karachi,
      from January 2009 to July 2013, and comprised randomly selected medical students.
      The response options were; never, sometimes, mostly and always (numbered 0-4) and
      these were analyzed in terms of frequency, proportion and percentages by
      Predictive analysis software version18. RESULTS: Out of 800 questionnaires
      distributed, 736(92%) were received fully completed. There were 210(28.5%) male
      and 526(71.5%) female respondents, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.5. Female
      medical students were more serious in taking care of their environment tasks (p<
      0.0001). They knew their responsibility to preserve environment and consciously
      tried to conserve energy more than the male students (p=0.034). The proportions
      of admitting disposal of garbage in dustbins was found more in females than males
      (p< 0.0005). Though 486(66%) participants were interested in knowing about
      environmental problems, females tended to be more in liking greenery in their
      place of residence (p< 0.0005) and lived in harmony with nature and universe (p<
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Medical students were aware of the concept of environmental
      wellness, but female medical students had a better perception and were a step
      ahead in its realization.

PMID- 27122260
TI  - Increase in serum alkaline phosphatase due to fatty meal in undergraduate
      students of Khyber Medical University, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of fatty meal on intestinal alkaline
      phosphatase. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Khyber Medical
      University, Peshawar, Pakistan from March to April 2014 and comprised young
      healthy individuals 18-25 years of age. Whole blood samples were collected from
      the subjects in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid anti-coagulated and plane serum
      tubes. For blood group analysis, blood group anti sera were used, while for serum
      alkaline phosphatase, a chemistry analyser was used. Alkaline phosphatase levels
      in the blood before and after breakfast were compared. RESULTS: Of the 177
      subjects, there were 139(78.5%) men and 38(21.4%) women. Mean fasting alkaline
      phosphatise level was 144.22+/-75.57, while mean random value was 174.15+/-96.70
      (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum alkaline phosphatise must be analysed in fasting
      state early in the morning.

PMID- 27122261
TI  - Interim18 F-FLUORO-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography scan/computed
      tomography scan in diffuse large B cell lymphoma-as a prognostic tool.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of interim [18F]-Fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron
      emission tomography scan/computed tomography scan in the management of diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma in terms of progression-free survival and overall survival
      prediction. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at the Shaukat Khanum
      Memorial Cancer Hospital, Lahore, and comprised data of newly diagnosed patients
      of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated between January 2010 and June
      2013.Baseline characteristics of patients were documented and compared. Response
      on interim positron emission tomography/computed tomography and end of treatment
      scan was taken a look at, and .progression-free survival and overall survival for
      positive/negative scans were calculated. Data was also reviewed for sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for relapse.
      SPSS 19 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Data of 119 patients was
      reviewed, and 87(73%) of them were males. Overall median age was 33 years (range
      18-50). Interim scan was positive for 63(53%) patients and negative for 53(47%),
      and showed positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity and
      specificity for relapse of 35%, 89%, 79% and 55% respectively. Two-years
      progression-free survival and overall survival for scan-positive patients was 66%
      and 72% compared to 88% (p=0.002) and 92% (p=0.005) for scan-negative patients.
      Corresponding values at 2 years for patients having positive end-of-treatment
      scan were 35% and 44% against 94% (p< 0.001) and 96%(p< 0.001) for patients with
      negative scan. CONCLUSIONS: Interim positron emission tomography/computed
      tomography had high sensitivity and negative predictive value for relapse in
      diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Both interim and end-of-treatment scans were
      predictors of progression-free survival and overall survival.

PMID- 27122262
TI  - Vaginal douching practice: Frequency, associated factors and relationship with
      vulvovaginal symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency, associated factors and relationship with
      vulvovaginal symptoms and vaginal douching among Turkish women. METHODS: The
      cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted at Merkez Efendi Hospital,
      Manisa, Turkey, from January to June 2014 using a questionnaire. Statistical
      analysis was carried out using SPSS 17. RESULTS: Of the total 343 women in the
      study, 91(26.5%) had reported vaginal douching in the preceding year.
      Statistically significant relationship was determined between the vaginal
      douching behaviour and couples who had low educationand low income levels, having
      unplanned pregnancy and had someone in their neighbourhood who douched (p< 0.05
      each). The most common reason for using vaginal douching was reported to be
      cleanliness by 85(93.4%) women, prevention of genital infections 75(82.4%),
      cleaning after/before sexual intercourse 72(79%), during menstruation 49(54%),
      prevention of vaginal discharge 69(76%), decreasing of unpleasant odours
      65(71.4%) and religious beliefs 46(50.5%). Self-reported history of vaginal
      infection was significantly more common for women who douched compared those who
      did not (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers should determine the reason
      and risky groups of women and educate the women to stop the vaginal douching
      behaviour and harmful effects of vaginal douching.

PMID- 27122263
TI  - Middle and long term radiologic and functional results of childhood supracondylar
      humeral fractures operated in first 24 hours with limited medial approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the middle- and long-term radiological and functional
      results of children with type III supracondylar humerus fractures treated with a
      limited medial approach and internal fixation. METHODS: The retrospective study
      was conducted at Department of Orthopaedics in Goztepe Training and Research
      Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, and comprised data of children who underwent surgery
      between April 1991 and June 2009. Patients in group I underwent surgery within
      the first 8 hours after admission, and those in group II did so 8-24 hours after
      admission. Patients were evaluated according to the Flynn scoring system.
      RESULTS: Of the 79 patients, 52(65.8%) were male and 27(34.2%) were female.
      Fractures involved the left side in 49(62%) patients. Group I had 39(49.4%)
      patients and group II 40(50.6%). The overall mean age was 6.2+/-2.95 years
      (range: 2-13 years), and the mean follow-up was 53.2+/-14.9 months (range: 26-193
      months). Functional scores were satisfactory (excellent, good and fair results)
      in all cases in both groups (100%), and the cosmetic results were satisfactory in
      37(95%) in group I, and 39(97.5%) in group II (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Limited
      medial approach to the treatment of supracondylar humerus fractures yielded
      successful functional and cosmetic results.

PMID- 27122264
TI  - Effects of male literacy on family size: A cross sectional study conducted in
      Chakwal city.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of male education on family size, the desired
      family size, knowledge and use of contraception and opinion about female
      education. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was carried out in Chakwal city,
      Punjab, Pakistan, from June to October 2009. A pre-tested questionnaire was used
      for data collection. The respondents were males and data on their demographics,
      age at marriage, actual and desired family size, knowledge about methods of
      contraception, and opinion about female education was collected. SPSS 15 was used
      for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Out of the 178 respondents, 52(29.2%) were
      illiterate and 126(70.8%) were educated. Among the educated, 97(77%) were in
      favour of small families compared to only 10(19.2%) of the uneducated males (p<
      0.001). Besides, 118 (93.6%) educated males were aware of any method of
      contraception. The most important source of awareness was television 45(37.8%)
      followed by lady health visitors 40(33.9%). Among the respondents, 38(21.3%) were
      not using any contraceptive method because they considered it unIslamic, 16(9.1%)
      had fear of side effects, 57(32.0%) were desirous of large families, while
      67(37.6%) had other reasons, like trying to conceive. Among the uneducated males,
      17(32.7%) didn't discuss any family planning issue with their wives compared to
      14(11.3%) of educated males (p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Educational status of the
      males had an effect on the desired family size, contraceptive use and views in
      favour of female education.

PMID- 27122265
TI  - Medical electives: Students perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify possible learning targets of undergraduates who opted for
      local and foreign medical electives and to quantify their level of achievement.
      METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Foundation University Medical
      College, Islamabad, in February 2014, and apprised undergraduates of either
      gender from second to final year MBBS who had already done medical electives in
      local or foreign hospitals for 2-4 weeks. Data collection tool was an anonymous
      questionnaire with four possible intended learning areas; career choice, learning
      from advanced system, career enhancement and peer pressure. Possible learning
      objectives were accredited with 'yes' or 'no' option and their level of
      achievement were quantified on Likert scale of 1 to 5. RESULTS: Among the 45
      undergraduates, 12(26.6%) were males and 33(73.3%)were females. A total of
      26(57%) believed that electives helped them in making career choice, while 6(14%)
      disagreed and 7(16%) were not sure. Besides, 20(66%) students were expecting to
      learn from advanced system, 12(26.66%) felt that their expectations were met, and
      11(24%) felt them better than expected. Career enhancement was the main objective
      of 16(38%) students with an achievement level of 4 and 5 in 11(24%) of students.
      Only 7(16%) considered peer pressure as one of the motivating factors for
      electives. CONCLUSIONS: Main professional targets of undergraduates who had done
      medical electives were found to be learning from advanced system and career
      selection and an overall significant number felt that their target achievement
      was up to or beyond their expectations.

PMID- 27122266
TI  - Association of ovarian reserve with age, BMI and serum FSH level in subfertile
      women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of age, body mass index, serum follicle
      stimulating hormone levels and antral follicular count with fertility outcomes in
      terms of conception and delivery. METHODS: The prospective cohort study was
      conducted at Baqai Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Karachi,
      from January to December 2012.and comprised women undergoing the first cycle of
      in-vitro fertilisation who were categorised into groups A and B depending upon
      age. Group A consisted of women below 35 years of age, while Group B had women
      over 35 years of age. Age body mass index (BMI), basal level of serum follicle
      stimulating hormone and antral follicular count were determined in all subjects.
      Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was dispensed, and all subjects were followed up
      prospectively and their cycle outcomes were recorded. SPSS 20 was used for
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 148 women in the study, 98(66%) were in
      Group A and 50(44%) in Group B. In Group A, 15(38.5%) women with body mass index
      < 25 and 24(61.5%) with >25with normal follicle stimulating hormone levels showed
      positive outcome. Moreover, 20(51.3%) women with normal ovarian reserve and
      19(48.7%) with higher reserves showed positive pregnancy test and outcome. Group
      B showed < 7 follicular count on ultrasonic examination, < 5 eggs were retrieved
      in 36(72%) women and all of them (100%) had negative outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Sub
      fertile women at age 35 years and above and body mass index over 33 had reduced
      fertility potential compared to younger women, and ultimately had lower success
      rate of fertility treatment, including in-vitro fertilisation.

PMID- 27122267
TI  - Nutritional status of low birth weight infants in Makkah region: Evaluation of
      anthropometric and biochemical parameters.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status of low birth weight infants from
      Makkah area immediately after birth. METHODS: The prospective study was conducted
      between October and December 2012 at Al-Noor Speciality Hospital, Makkah, Saudi
      Arabia, and comprised low birth weight infants who were divided into three equal
      groups according to their birth weight: group A (low birthweight1501-2500gm),
      group B (very low birthweight1001-1500gm), and group C (extremely low birth
      weight < 1000gm). Mothers who had delivered low birth weight infants were
      enrolled. Weight, length, head circumference, complete blood count, and blood
      tests were performed for all the infants under investigation. RESULTS: There were
      300 infants in the study; 100(33.3%) in each of the 3 groups. Group C showed the
      lowest gestational age, length, and head circumferences (p< 0.05 each). No
      significant discrepancies were found in complete blood count results among the
      three groups (p>0.05). Normal serum phosphorus, potassium and magnesium levels
      and mild hypocalcaemia were observed in all infants. However, hypernatraemia was
      significantly evident (p< 0.05) for group C. All infants had hyperglycaemia and
      hyperbilirubinaemia. Albumin content decreased significantly (p< 0.05) as birth
      weight decreased. Groups B and C infants showed higher serum urea than group A
      infants (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low newborn birth weight was related to the
      deteriorated nutritional status in terms of low anthropometric and abnormal
      biochemical measures. It was not possible to correlate the birth weight of the
      neonates to the parameters of the complete blood tests.

PMID- 27122268
TI  - Structured performance monitoring of TB-care at facility, district and province
      levels - Pakistan experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a more structured process for effective
      tuberculosis control monitoring. METHODS: The quasi-experimental exploratory
      study was conducted from April 2007 to January 2008 in the Punjab province of
      Pakistan. Eight intervention districts were compared with eight control
      districts. Intervention consisted of managers using performance monitoring
      guidelines and tools for monitoring meetings at the facility and district levels.
      Proportion of tuberculosis suspects among outpatients, registered confirmed cases
      and patients' default rate were monitored. Semi-structured interviews were done
      to assess the experience of the participants. RESULTS: The proportion of TB
      suspects among outpatient attendees was significantly higher in the intervention
      districts (95% confidence interval 1.6-1.8%). The pre-registration default also
      showed difference (p=0.07). The case finding during 9 months of the intervention
      showed 96.3% increase compared to the 9 months of the preceding year.
      CONCLUSIONS: The new process was effective in improving tuberculosis case
      finding. The process may be used to improve tuberculosis monitoring systems and
      other such healthcare services.

PMID- 27122269
TI  - Frequency of depression in type 2 diabetes mellitus and an analysis of predictive
      factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine frequency of depression in patients with diabetes
      mellitus type 2 and to identify predictive factors. METHODS: The observational
      study was carried out at 1 Mountain Medical Battalion, Bagh, Azad Kashmir,
      Pakistan, from June 2013 to May 2014, and comprised type 2 diabetic patients who
      were not using anti-depressants and did not have history of other psychiatric
      illnesses. Demographic data, duration of diabetes, presence of hypertension and
      type of treatment were recorded and body mass index was calculated. Patient
      Health Questionnaire-9, translated into Urdu, was administered during face-to
      face interviews. Scores >5 indicated depression, which was classified into
      different grades of severity using standard cut-off values. RESULTS: Of the 133
      patients, 51(38.35%) were depressed. Depression was mild in 34(26%), moderate in
      12(9.6%), moderately severe in 4(2.9%) and severe in 1(0.7%) patient. On
      univariate binary logistic regression, female gender (odds ratio=3.07; 95%
      confidence interval = 1.43, 6.59), lesser education (odds ratio = 0.90; 95%
      confidence interval 0.84, 0.97) shorter duration of diabetes (odds ratio=0.87;
      95% confidence interval = 0.80, 0.96) and higher body mass index (odds
      ratio=1.41; 95% confidence interval = 1.05, 1.25) were significantly associated
      with depression. Only shorter duration of diabetes (odds ratio=0.90; 95%
      confidence interval = 0.82, 0.99) remained significant after adjustment for
      confounders. Age, level of education, glycaemic control and type of treatment did
      not predict depression. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of type 2 diabetics
      were depressed. Shorter duration of diabetes reliably predicted depression in
      these patients.

PMID- 27122270
TI  - Experience of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt insertion in late presenting congenital
      hydrocephalus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of insertion of ventriculo-peritoneal shunts
      in paediatric neglected hydrocephalus. METHODS: The quasi-experimental study was
      conducted at the Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January 2012 to
      June 2014, and comprised infants of both genders who presented late with
      congenital hydrocephalus, having fronto-occipital circumference more than 98
      percentile of matched age group. Pre-operative assessment was based upon detailed
      history, clinical examination, laboratory investigations and computed tomography
      scan of head. After insertion of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, patients were
      followed up for outcomes. Data was analysed using SPSS 17. RESULTS: Of the 30
      infants, 12(40%) were girls and 18(60%) were boys. Overall mean age was 7.73+/
      1.41 months (range: 5-10 months). Mean fronto-occipital circumference was 54.30+/
      3.08. Cerebrospinal fluid infection was documented in 12(40%). Abdominal wound
      complications were observed in 7(23.3%) infants. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was
      removed in 18(60%) and eventually replaced in 18(60%). In-hospital mortality on
      account of complications was encountered in 13(43.3%). Correlation of fronto
      occipital circumference to mortality was significant (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: To
      shunt or not to shunt remains a dilemma for poor-risk infants, but timely
      reporting of infants with hydrocephalus, proper case selection may improve the
      outcome of surgical intervention.

PMID- 27122271
TI  - Effect of high-dose fluoride on antioxidant enzyme activities of amniotic Fluid
      in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of high-dose fluoride on antioxidant enzyme
      activities of amniotic fluid and fluoride of serum in rats. METHODS: The
      experimental study was conducted from January 8, 2008, to December 14, 2010, at
      the Suleyman Demirel University Experimental Animals Laboratory and the Medical
      Biochemistry Department Research Laboratory, Isparta, Turkey. Impregnated Wistar
      albino rats were divided into two equal groups. Group I had controls, while Group
      II rats were exposed to high-dose fluoride. Group I was given drinking water
      mixed with 0.1 mg/kg/b.w./day of natrium fluoride, while group II was given
      drinking water mixed with 10 mg/kg/b.w./day of natrium fluoride for 18 days. At
      the end of 18 days, amniotic fluid and blood samples were collected from control
      and experimental groups of pregnancy. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione
      peroxidase, catalase activities and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances as
      antioxidant enzymes in amniotic fluid and levels of fluoride in serum samples
      were investigated. RESULTS: There were 14 rats, with 7(50%) in each group. Foetal
      weight in group II significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<
      0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities in amniotic fluid were significantly higher
      in group II than group I (p< 0.05) although thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances in amniotic fluid and serum fluoride levels were significantly lower
      in group II than group I (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fluoride that created oxidative
      stress inhibited lipid peroxidation and apparently increased the antioxidant
      defence system.

PMID- 27122272
TI  - A thirteen year audit of manuscripts related to medical education published in
      leading medical journals of Pakistan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To audit the number and type of published articles related to medical
      education in leading Pakistani biomedical journals. METHODS: The audit covered
      the period from January 2001 to December 2013. Journals either indexed in Medline
      or having an impact factor were selected. The audit was done in two phases.
      First, articles related to medical education were screened by reading the titles.
      Then abstracts were studied and articles were placed into several pre-defined
      categories based on article type and research topic. Data was analysed using SPSS
      20. RESULTS: A total of 118 relevant articles were published. Of them, 60(51%)
      articles were published in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association, 42(35.6%)
      in the Journal of College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan, 4(3.4%) in
      Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, and 12(10.2%) in the Journal of Ayub
      Medical College. Articles related to curriculum development were 33(28.0 %),
      teaching 28(23.7%), assessment 29(24.6%), faculty training 5(4.2%), continuous
      medical education 4(3.4%), ethics 3(2.5%), and others 16(13.6%). CONCLUSIONS:
      There is a need to increase the quality of health profession education research,
      documentation and audit of the global contribution of Pakistani medical
      educationists.

PMID- 27122273
TI  - Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of food hygiene among schools students'
      in Majmaah city, Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of food
      hygiene among primary, intermediate and high school students and explore
      association, if any, with socio-demographic differences. METHODS: The
      observational cross-sectional study was conducted at boy's schools in Majmaah,
      Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from February to May 2014. Data was collected using
      stratified random sampling technique from students aged 8-25 year. Two schools
      from each level (primary, intermediate and high school) were randomly selected
      and data was collected from the selected schools using simple random sampling
      method. A self-administered modified Sharif and Al-Malki questionnaire for
      knowledge, attitude and practice of food hygiene was used with Arabic
      translation. RESULTS: The mean age of 377 male students in the study was 14.53+/
      2.647 years. Knowledge levels was less in primary school students compared to
      high school students (p=0.026). Attitude level was high in primary school
      students compared to intermediate school students (p< 0.001). No significant
      difference was observed between groups with regard to practice levels (p=0.152).
      CONCLUSIONS: The students exhibited good practice levels, despite fair knowledge
      and attitude levels.

PMID- 27122274
TI  - Selenium, copper, zinc, iron levels and mortality in patients with sepsis and
      systemic inflammatory response syndrome in Western Black Sea Region, Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changing levels of selenium, copper, zinc and iron in
      patients with sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome and their
      influence on mortality. METHODS: The prospective study was conducted at a
      tertiary care university hospital in Zonguldak city in the western Black Sea
      region of Turkey from January 2012 to December 2013, and comprised patients with
      sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Blood samples were taken on
      1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days to measure serum selenium, copper, zinc and iron
      levels. Patients' demographic data, presence of additional diseases and mortality
      were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 57 patients, 28(49.1%) were female and 29(50.9%)
      were male, with an overall mean age of 60.3+/-19.4 years, mean height of 166.1+/
      11.4cm, mean weight of 76.5+/-17.5kg. Copper and zinc levels were in the normal
      range, while selenium and iron levels were lower than the limit values at all
      measuring periods. There was no significant difference between first and other
      days in accordance with element levels (p>0.05). Baseline copper levels in
      patients with malignancy were lower than patients without malignancy (p< 0.05).
      In hypertensive patients, baseline copper levels were higher and 7th day levels
      were lower than non-hypertensive (p< 0.05). Baseline selenium levels of those who
      died were lower than the other patients (p< 0.05). Selenium and iron levels were
      decreased in patients with sepsis-systemic inflammatory response syndrome and
      copper levels were lower in patients with malignancy, hypertension and chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (p< 0.05). There was no change in zinc levels of
      the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced basal selenium levels of patients with sepsis
      and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were associated with mortality.

PMID- 27122275
TI  - Reliability and validity of the faculty evaluation instrument used at King Saud
      bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences: Results from the Haematology
      Course.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess reliability and validity of evaluation tool using
      Haematology course as an example. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was
      conducted at King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University of Health Sciences, Riyadh,
      Saudi Arabia, in 2012, while data analysis was completed in 2013. The 27-item
      block evaluation instrument was developed by a multidisciplinary faculty after a
      comprehensive literature review. Validity of the questionnaire was confirmed
      using principal component analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser
      normalisation. Identified factors were combined to get the internal consistency
      reliability of each factor. Student's t-test was used to compare mean ratings
      between male and female students for the faculty and block evaluation. RESULTS:
      Of the 116 subjects in the study, 80(69%) were males and 36(31%) were females.
      Reliability of the questionnaire was Cronbach's alpha 0.91. Factor analysis
      yielded a logically coherent 7 factor solution that explained 75% of the
      variation in the data. The factors were group dynamics in problem-based learning
      (alpha0.92), block administration (alpha 0.89), quality of objective structured
      clinical examination (alpha 0.86), block coordination (alpha 0.81), structure of
      problem-based learning (alpha 0.84), quality of written exam (alpha 0.91), and
      difficulty of exams (alpha0.41). Female students' opinion on depth of analysis
      and critical thinking was significantly higher than that of the males (p=0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: The faculty evaluation tool used was found to be reliable, but its
      validity, as assessed through factor analysis, has to be interpreted with caution
      as the responders were less than the minimum required for factor analysis.

PMID- 27122276
TI  - Warfarin continuation vs interruption during procedures of cardiac rhythm
      devices: A Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - To compare the safetyand efficacy of warfarin treatment continuation and heparin
      bridging therapy during cardiac rhythm device (CRD) implantation in patients
      chronically treated with anticoagulants.We performed a search and analysis of
      peer-reviewed studies Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs)were included in
      our analysis with 941 patients. The bleeding risk in patients continuing warfarin
      perioperatively was lower than those interrupting warfarin and using a heparin
      bridge (RD -0.08, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.02, p< 0.05). There was no significant
      difference in ischaemic risk between two methods (RD 0, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.02,
      p=1.00). Hence, in patients undergoing long-term warfarin therapy, continuation
      of warfarin treatment is a safe and efficacious perioperative strategy for during
      CRD implantations, while interruption of warfarin with a heparin bridge may
      increase the bleeding risk in these patients. 

PMID- 27122277
TI  - Use of statistical tests and statistical software choice in 2014: tale from three
      Medline indexed Pakistani journals.
AB  - Statistical tests help infer meaningful conclusions from studies conducted and
      data collected. This descriptive study analyzed the type of statistical tests
      used and the statistical software utilized for analysis reported in the original
      articles published in 2014 by the three Medline-indexed journals of Pakistan.
      Cumulatively, 466 original articles were published in 2014. The most frequently
      reported statistical tests for original articles by all three journals were
      bivariate parametric and non-parametric tests i.e. involving comparisons between
      two groups e.g. Chi-square test, t-test, and various types of correlations.
      Cumulatively, 201 (43.1%) articles used these tests. SPSS was the primary choice
      for statistical analysis, as it was exclusively used in 374 (80.3%) original
      articles. There has been a substantial increase in the number of articles
      published, and in the sophistication of statistical tests used in the articles
      published in the Pakistani Medline indexed journals in 2014, compared to 2007. 

PMID- 27122278
TI  - Repeated small bowel resection in a patient with Buerger's disease and intestinal
      involvement.
AB  - Buerger's disease, also called thromboangiitis obliterans, is a recurrent and an
      uncommon vaso-occlusive inflammatory disease, which typically affects small and
      medium-sized arteries, veins and nerves of the upper and lower extremities.
      Mesenteric and multisystem involvement of two or more organs is extremely rare.
      Here we report the case of a 39-year-old male heavy smoker who had undergone four
      repetitive laparotomies and multiple small bowel resections for ischaemic
      involvement of Buerger's disease. He had below-the-knee amputation of the right
      leg and finger of the left hand because of that disease before bowel involvement.
      Histopathological findings revealed that the arteries and veins of the resected
      small intestine were occluded with organised thrombi. Inflammatory cell
      infiltration was recognised mainly in the intima of distal branches of mesenteric
      artery. These findings were compatible with previous findings in
      histopathological examinations of amputated extremities. 

PMID- 27122279
TI  - Nutcracker syndrome complicating with renal abscess.
AB  - The nutcracker syndrome refers to compression of left renal vein between the
      superior mesenteric artery and aorta. Renal abscess consists of purulent and
      necrotic material localised to the renal parenchyma. These two entities are
      extremely rare and their coincidence has not previously been described in
      literature. Here, we report a case of a 10-year-old girl who developed left renal
      abscess probably due to nutcracker syndrome. 

PMID- 27122280
TI  - Oesophagus obstruction due to ingestion of multiple foreign bodies.
AB  - The ingestion of a foreign body (FB) is a potentially serious condition. In
      children, the most common years for FB ingestion are from the age of 6 months to
      6 years. FB ingestion also occurs in those with psychiatric disorders or mental
      retardation and among adult prisoners and alcoholics. Most ingested FBs
      spontaneously pass out of the body via the gastrointestinal system. An endoscopic
      or surgical approach is only needed if the object fails to progress through the
      gastrointestinal tract. All objects impacted in the oesophagus require urgent
      treatment. This study reports a case of multiple FB ingestion and provides a
      literature review. 

PMID- 27122281
TI  - Large-cell lung cancer originating from tracheal bronchus - A rare case.
AB  - Tracheal bronchus is a rarely seen congenital anomaly generally originating from
      the right lateral wall of the trachea and approximately 2 cm above the carina. It
      was firstly defined by Sandifort in 1785 and its frequency of incidence in normal
      population changes between 0.1% and 2%. There are two types called
      ''Supernumerary'' and ''Displaced''. It is a rarely seen kind of tracheal anomaly
      although fairly well defined. The cases accompanied by lung cancer are seen more
      rarely. Nine cases of this association were reported in literature and tracheal
      bronchus-lung cancer association whose pathological result is undifferentiated
      large-cell carcinoma has not been stated so far. We present a 75 years old male
      patient as possibly the first case having tracheal bronchus and large-cell
      carcinoma association in literature. 

PMID- 27122282
TI  - Persistent very high output lymphatic drainage after radical nephrectomy
      successfully treated with surgical management.
AB  - Persistent lymphatic drainage is uncommon after most of the surgical operations.
      It is related with mechanical, nutritional and immunological problems as well as
      electrolyte imbalance and protein deficiency. It is most commonly seen in
      retroperitoneal surgeries including abdominal aortic surgery and retroperitoneal
      lymph node dissection. Conservative management is the first treatment choice and
      resolves the problem in most cases. However persistent high output drainage may
      not be resolved with conservative approach and surgical or invasive treatment may
      become necessary. Additionally, surgical management of persistent lymphatic
      drainage has not been sufficiently discussed in the literature. In this study, we
      present a case of persistent very high output lymphatic drainage after right
      radical nephrectomy which failed with conservative approach and was successfully
      treated with surgical management. 

PMID- 27122283
TI  - The cardiovascular phenotype: impact on choice of glucose- lowering therapy.
AB  - One of the major endpoints to be considered while choosing glucose-lowering
      therapy is their impact on cardiovascular outcomes. As a corollary, the
      cardiovascular health assessment of a person with diabetes informs the choice of
      glucose-lowering treatment. The clinical aspects included in this bidirectional
      relationship are described in this review as the cardiovascular phenotype. Vital
      signs, cardiac autonomic function, myocardial health and coronary status
      influence, and are influenced by, choice of glucose-lowering therapy. Such
      therapy also has an impact on cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial health.
      These aspects should be considered while planning treatment for type 2 diabetes
      mellitus. 

PMID- 27122284
TI  - Professional hazards of diabetes care professionals.
AB  - While the current emphasis on patient-centered, or person-centered care, is
      welcome, it should not neglect the health and rights of persons who serve the
      patient. The diabetes care professional is an equally important part of diabetes
      praxis. Her/His health determines the quality of diabetes care offered to the
      person with diabetes. Here we highlight two specific professional hazards faced
      by diabetes care professionals, i.e., needle stick injuries and compassion
      fatigue. These complications can easily be prevented or managed easily, provided
      attention is paid to them. 

PMID- 27122285
TI  - TAVR - The future of aortic stenosis management.

PMID- 27122286
TI  - Comment on Muhammad Zeeshan Sarwar et al (J Pak Med Assoc 2015; 65: 1075-1078).

PMID- 27122287
TI  - Comment on Khaula Atif et al (J Pak Med Assoc 2016; 66: 63-67) Do doctors have
      hidden distress; a study conducted at tertiary care hospital at Lahore.

PMID- 27122288
TI  - Response to comment on Khaula Atif et al (J Pak Med Assoc 2016; 66: 63-67) Do
      doctors have hidden distress; a study conducted at tertiary care hospital at
      Lahore.

PMID- 27122289
TI  - Comment on Shama Chaudhry et al (J Pak Med Assoc 2016; 66: 107-110) Rare primary
      fallopian tube carcinoma; a gynaecologist's dilemma.

PMID- 27122290
TI  - Response to comment on Shama Chaudhry et al (J Pak Med Assoc 2016; 66: 107-110)
      Rare primary fallopian tube carcinoma; a gynaecologist's dilemma.

PMID- 27122291
TI  - Anomalous right coronary artery arising from left coronary cusp with coexisting
      valvular heart disease.
AB  - We report an unusual case, a 50 year old female with an abnormal right coronary
      artery originating from the left coronary cusp. The patient, who had a history of
      hypertension presented with chest pain and shortness of breath to the emergency
      department. She was diagnosed with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and had
      hypertension as one of the coronary risk factor. Echocardiography revealed poor
      progression of R waves. She was scheduled for echocardiography thereafter which
      revealed severe aortic stenosis with aortic root dilatation. The patient was
      discharged due to absence of any complications or other anomalies. This case is
      unique because of the simultaneously presenting valvular pathology, along with
      the anomalous origin of the right coronary artery which was detected, as an
      incidental finding, during coronary angiography. 

PMID- 27122292
TI  - Propensity scoring - A novel research methodology.

PMID- 27122293
TI  - RETRACTION OF ARTICLE ON GROUNDS OF REDUNDANT/DUPLICATE PUBLICATION.

PMID- 27122294
TI  - GP admits to falsifying clinical trial of insomnia drug.

PMID- 27122295
TI  - Associative Activation and Its Relation to Exploration and Exploitation in the
      Brain.
AB  - Associative activation is commonly assumed to rely on associative strength, such
      that if A is strongly associated with B, B is activated whenever A is activated.
      We challenged this assumption by examining whether the activation of associations
      is state dependent. In three experiments, subjects performed a free-association
      task while the level of a simultaneous load was manipulated in various ways. In
      all three experiments subjects in the low-load conditions provided significantly
      more diverse and original associations compared with subjects in the high-load
      conditions, who exhibited high consensus. In an additional experiment, we found
      increased semantic priming of immediate associations under high load and of
      remote associations under low load. Taken together, these findings imply that
      activation of associations is an exploratory process by default, but is narrowed
      to exploiting the more immediate associations under conditions of high load. We
      propose a potential mechanism for processing associations in exploration and in
      exploitation modes, and suggest clinical implications.

PMID- 27122296
TI  - A study of high-dose lenalidomide induction and low-dose lenalidomide maintenance
      therapy for patients with hypomethylating agent refractory myelodysplastic
      syndrome.
AB  - Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic disorders characterized
      by bone marrow failure which frequently progress to acute myeloid leukemia.
      Patients who fail to respond to, or progress on first-line DNA hypomethylating
      agents (HMA) have a poor prognosis. Conventionally dosed lenalidomide has
      activity in 5q-MDS. In other subtypes, it may reduce RBC transfusion requirements
      but does not result in cytogenetic responses. We previously reported that high
      dose lenalidomide induction (50 mg/day) results in complete remissions in a high
      fraction of patients. We, therefore, conducted a Phase 2 trial of the same
      regimen in MDS refractory to HMA. Marrow complete remissions were seen in 33% of
      patients and hematological improvement in 8% of patients. Significant infections
      complicated more than 50% of cases. Future trials to explore alternative dosing
      schedules of high-dose lenalidomide to increase efficacy while decreasing
      toxicity are warranted.

PMID- 27122297
TI  - Comparison of the properties of collagen-chitosan scaffolds after gamma-ray
      irradiation and carbodiimide cross-linking.
AB  - The property of collagen-chitosan porous scaffold varies according to cross
      linking density and scaffold composition. This study was designed to compare the
      properties of collagen-chitosan porous scaffolds cross-linked with gamma
      irradiation and carbodiimide (CAR) for the first time. Eleven sets of collagen
      chitosan scaffolds containing different concentrations of chitosan at a 5%
      increasing gradient were fabricated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was
      performed to confirm the success of cross-linking in the scaffolds. The scaffold
      morphology was evaluated under scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM revealed
      that chitosan was an indispensable material for the fabrication of gamma-ray
      irradiation scaffold. The microstructure of gamma-ray irradiation scaffold was
      less stable than those of alternative scaffolds. Based upon swelling ratio,
      porosity factor, and collagenase degradation, gamma-ray irradiation scaffold was
      less stable than CAR and 25% proportion of chitosan scaffolds. Mechanical
      property determines the orientation in gamma-irradiation and CAR scaffold. In
      vitro degradation test indicated that gamma-irradiation and CAR cross-linking can
      elevate the scaffold biocompatibility. Compared with gamma-ray irradiation, CAR
      cross-linked scaffold containing 25% chitosan can more significantly enhance the
      bio-stability and biocompatibility of collagen-chitosan scaffolds. CAR cross
      linked scaffold may be the best choice for future tissue engineering. 

PMID- 27122298
TI  - Shensong Yangxin capsules prevent ischemic arrhythmias by prolonging action
      potentials and alleviating Ca2+ overload.
AB  - Shensong Yangxin capsules (SSYX) are an effective traditional Chinese medicine
      that has been used to treat coronary heart disease clinically. The present study
      aimed to establish whether SSYX prevent ischemic arrhythmias in rats, and to
      explore the underlying mechanisms. Male rats were pretreated with distilled
      water, SSYX and amiodarone for one week. Acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) was
      performed to induce ischemic arrhythmias. The incidence and severity of ischemic
      arrhythmias were evaluated. The action potential, transient outward K+ current
      (Ito) and inward rectifier K+ current (IK1) of rat cardiomyocytes were measured
      using the patch-clamp technique. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration of the
      cardiomyocytes was measured using a laser scanning confocal microscope. The
      results revealed that SSYX lowered the incidence of arrhythmia markedly during
      AMI. Furthermore, SSYX delayed the appearance, and reduced the severity, of
      ischemic arrhythmias compared with the control. In addition, SSYX markedly
      decreased the ratio of the myocardial infarction region to the whole heart. In an
      in vitro study, SSYX prolonged the action potential duration of rat
      cardiomyocytes, and inhibited Ito and IK1 markedly. Additionally, SSYX inhibited
      Ca2+ elevation induced by KCl in cardiomyocytes. These results suggested that
      SSYX prevents ischemic arrhythmia, and the underlying mechanism responsible for
      this process may include prolonging the action potential and alleviating Ca2+
      overload. 

PMID- 27122299
TI  - Low protein diets produce divergent effects on energy balance.
AB  - Diets deficient in protein often increase food consumption, body weight and fat
      mass; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We compared
      the effects of diets varying in protein concentrations on energy balance in
      obesity-prone rats. We demonstrate that protein-free (0% protein calories) diets
      decreased energy intake and increased energy expenditure, very low protein (5%
      protein) diets increased energy intake and expenditure, whereas moderately low
      protein (10% protein) diets increased energy intake without altering expenditure,
      relative to control diet (15% protein). These diet-induced alterations in energy
      expenditure are in part mediated through enhanced serotonergic and beta
      adrenergic signaling coupled with upregulation of key thermogenic markers in
      brown fat and skeletal muscle. The protein-free and very low protein diets
      decreased plasma concentrations of multiple essential amino acids, anorexigenic
      and metabolic hormones, but these diets increased the tissue expression and
      plasma concentrations of fibroblast growth factor-21. Protein-free and very low
      protein diets induced fatty liver, reduced energy digestibility, and decreased
      lean mass and body weight that persisted beyond the restriction period. In
      contrast, moderately low protein diets promoted gain in body weight and adiposity
      following the period of protein restriction. Together, our findings demonstrate
      that low protein diets produce divergent effects on energy balance.

PMID- 27122301
TI  - Champions of an Older Adult Exercise Program: Believers, Promoters, and
      Recruiters.
AB  - Champions, who support, market, and promote programs, are a vital part of
      successful program adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Enhance(r)Fitness
      (EF) is an evidence-based, community-delivered group exercise program for older
      adults. Using semistructured phone interviews with 20 participants, 17
      instructors, and 15 staff, we explored the roles of champions in adopting,
      implementing, and maintaining EF at YMCA-affiliated sites. Interviews revealed EF
      champions play critical roles in program dissemination. Champions are outgoing,
      passionate, and enthusiastic about EF. They believe in the program and its
      benefits (believers), are "walking advertisements" (promoters), and have magnetic
      personalities, persuading newcomers to join (recruiters). EF champions were not
      purposefully selected but naturally arose during the course of program delivery.
      Community sites adopting evidence-based programs can foster and support champions
      by engaging with them, and capitalizing on their energy as an emerging resource
      throughout the adoption, implementation, and maintenance of programs.

PMID- 27122300
TI  - Is it getting hot in here? Adjustment of hydraulic parameters in six boreal and
      temperate tree species after 5 years of warming.
AB  - Global temperatures (T) are rising, and for many plant species, their
      physiological response to this change has not been well characterized. In
      particular, how hydraulic parameters may change has only been examined
      experimentally for a few species. To address this, we measured characteristics of
      the hydraulic architecture of six species growing in ambient T and ambient +3.4 
      degrees C T plots in two experimentally warmed forest sites in Minnesota. These
      sites are at the temperate-boreal ecotone, and we measured three species from
      each forest type. We hypothesized that relative to boreal species, temperate
      species near their northern range border would increase xylem conduit diameters
      when grown under elevated T. We also predicted a continuum of responses among
      wood types, with conduit diameter increases correlating with increases in the
      complexity of wood structure. Finally, we predicted that increases in conduit
      diameter and specific hydraulic conductivity would positively affect
      photosynthetic rates and growth. Our results generally supported our hypotheses,
      and conduit diameter increased under elevated T across all species, although this
      pattern was driven predominantly by three species. Two of these species were
      temperate angiosperms, but one was a boreal conifer, contrary to predictions. We
      observed positive relationships between the change in specific hydraulic
      conductivity and both photosynthetic rate (P = 0.080) and growth (P = 0.012). Our
      results indicate that species differ in their ability to adjust hydraulically to
      increases in T. Specifically, species with more complex xylem anatomy,
      particularly those individuals growing near the cooler edge of their range,
      appeared to be better able to increase conduit diameters and specific hydraulic
      conductivity, which permitted increases in photosynthesis and growth. Our data
      support results that indicate individual's ability to physiologically adjust is
      related to their location within their species range, and highlight that some
      wood types may adjust more easily than others.

PMID- 27122302
TI  - New Insights in Tissue Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion of [3H]-Labeled
      Antibody Maytansinoid Conjugates in Female Tumor-Bearing Nude Rats.
AB  - For antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), the fate of the cytotoxic payload in vivo
      needs to be well understood to mitigate toxicity risks and properly design the
      first in-patient studies. Therefore, a distribution, metabolism, and excretion
      (DME) study with a radiolabeled rat cross-reactive ADC ([(3)H]DM1-LNL897)
      targeting the P-cadherin receptor was conducted in female tumor-bearing nude
      rats. Although multiple components [total radioactivity, conjugated ADC, total
      ADC, emtansine (DM1) payload, and catabolites] needed to be monitored with
      different technologies (liquid scintillation counting, liquid chromatography/mass
      spectrometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and size exclusion
      chromatography), the pharmacokinetic data were nearly superimposable with the
      various techniques. [(3)H]DM1-LNL897 was cleared with half-lives of 51-62 hours
      and LNL897-related radioactivity showed a minor extent of tissue distribution.
      The highest tissue concentrations of [(3)H]DM1-LNL897-related radioactivity were
      measured in tumor. Complimentary liquid extraction surface analysis coupled to
      micro-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry data proved that the lysine
      (LYS)-4(maleimidylmethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate-DM1 (LYS-MCC-DM1) catabolite
      was the only detectable component distributed evenly in the tumor and liver
      tissue. The mass balance was complete with up to 13.8% +/- 0.482% of the
      administered radioactivity remaining in carcass 168 hours postdose. LNL897
      derived radioactivity was mainly excreted via feces (84.5% +/- 3.12%) and through
      urine only to a minor extent (4.15% +/- 0.462%). In serum, the major part of
      radioactivity could be attributed to ADC, while small molecule disposition
      products were the predominant species in excreta. We show that there is a
      difference in metabolite profiles depending on which derivatization methods for
      DM1 were applied. Besides previously published results on LYS-MCC-DM1 and MCC
      DM1, maysine and a cysteine conjugate of DM1 could be identified in serum and
      excreta.

PMID- 27122303
TI  - Interplay of dysphoria and anxiety sensitivity in relation to emotion regulatory
      cognitions of smoking among treatment-seeking smokers.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is evidence that anxiety sensitivity (AS) plays
      a role in the maintenance of smoking, yet there is little understanding of how AS
      interplays with other affective symptomatology variables that are also related to
      smoking, such as dysphoria. Therefore, the current cross-sectional study
      evaluated the interactive effects of AS and dysphoria on emotion regulatory
      cognitions, including smoking negative affect reduction expectancies, perceived
      barriers for cessation, and smoking-specific experiential avoidance. METHOD: A
      total of 448 adult treatment-seeking daily smokers, who responded to study
      advertisements, were recruited to participate in a smoking cessation treatment
      trial (47.8% female; Mage  = 37.2, SD = 13.5). The current study utilized self
      report baseline data from trial participants. RESULTS: After accounting for
      covariates, simple slope analyses revealed that AS was positively related to
      negative affect reduction expectancies (beta = .03, p = .01), perceived barriers
      to cessation (beta = .22, p = .002), and smoking avoidance and inflexibility
      (beta = .07, p = .04), among smokers with lower (vs. higher) levels of dysphoria.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current findings suggest that higher levels of dysphoria may
      mitigate the relation between AS and emotion regulatory cognitions of smoking.
      SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: The current findings highlight the unique and additive
      clinical relevance of AS and dysphoria regarding emotion regulatory smoking
      cognitions that may impede quit success. (Am J Addict 2016;25:267-274).

PMID- 27122304
TI  - Association between interleukin-21 gene polymorphisms (rs12508721) and HBV
      related hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Interleukin-21 (IL-21), as a multifunctional cytokine, plays an important role in
      many diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We aimed to
      investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of IL-21 gene and
      susceptibility of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      in a Chinese population. Studied subjects were divided into three groups: 100
      patients with HBV-related HCC, 115 patients with chronic HBV infection and 127
      healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood, and the
      polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) method was used to
      genotype the SNPs (rs2221903, rs907715 and rs12508721) within IL-21 gene. Our
      results showed that IL-21 polymorphisms were associated with the risk of HCC and
      chronic HBV infection when compared with healthy controls. The rs2221903A/G AG
      genotype was associated with a higher risk of chronic HBV infection when compared
      with healthy controls [AG versus AA + GG, P = 0.036, OR = 1.898, 95%CI = 1.038
      3.471]. The rs12508721C/T TT genotype was related with a lower risk of chronic
      HBV infection and HBV-related HCC than in healthy controls [TT versus CT + CC, P
      = 0.026, OR = 0.451, 95%CI = 0.221-0.920; P = 0.049, OR = 0.482, 95%CI = 0.231
      1.005]. No significant difference in the genotype and allele distrubutions of
      rs907715G/A SNP was observed in the HBV-related HCC group, chronic HBV-infected
      group and the healthy control group when compared to each other. Our findings
      suggest that the rs12508721T/C and rs2221903A/G polymorphisms of IL-21 gene are
      associated with the susceptibility of HBV-related HCC and chronic HBV infection.
      The genetic variant may in fact cause protection against the HBV-related HCC.
      However, the function in these SNPs of IL-21 gene needs to clarify the mechanisms
      involved in the pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC further. 

PMID- 27122305
TI  - Clinical and radiographic evaluation of implants placed by means of inferior
      alveolar nerve lateralization: a 5-year follow-up study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and radiological responses of implants placed in
      combination with inferior alveolar nerve lateralization, analyzing survival and
      success rates over 5 years functional loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      prospective, longitudinal, single-center study recruited 40 patients with
      mandibular atrophy in the posterior sectors, who underwent lateralization of the
      inferior alveolar nerve. Three months after surgery and implant placement, the
      implants were loaded by means of screw-retained implant-supported partial
      prostheses or fixed complete prostheses. Clinical and radiographic examinations
      were performed immediately after implant placement and at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60
      month follow-up visits. RESULTS: The 40 patients received a total of 129 implants
      (Phibo TSATM , Phibo Dental Solutions, Sentmenat, Barcelona, Spain). Two implants
      were lost in the first month after surgery, generating an implant cumulative
      survival rate (CSR) of 98.44%. The success rate after 5 years of loading was
      98.44%. No intra-operative or postoperative soft tissue or prosthetic
      complications occurred during the 5-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Inferior
      alveolar nerve lateralization performed to allow placement of (Phibo TSATM )
      implants in patients with mandibular atrophy obtained predictable clinical and
      radiological results over five years of functional loading.

PMID- 27122306
TI  - MicroRNA-130b promotes cell proliferation and invasion by inhibiting peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor-gamma in human glioma cells.
AB  - MicroRNA-130b (miR-130b) is a novel tumor-related miRNA that has been found to be
      involved in several biological processes. However, there is limited evidence
      regarding the role of miR-130b in the tumorigenesis of human gliomas. In the
      present study, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT
      qPCR) assays were used to quantify miR-130b expression levels in human glioma
      tissues and glioma cell lines (U251, U87, SNB19 and LN229). The expression level
      of miR-130b was found to be markedly higher in human glioma tissues than in non
      neoplastic brain specimens. Specifically, higher expression levels of miR-130b
      were observed in the glioma cell lines, compared with those in normal human
      astrocytes (NHA). We also confirmed that miR-130b interacted with the 3'
      untranslated region of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR
      gamma), which negatively affected the protein levels of E-cadherin. Furthermore,
      its effects on cell proliferation and invasion were examined using CCK8, colony
      formation, cell cycle and Transwell assays. We found that the upregulation of miR
      130b induced cell proliferation, decreased the percentage of cells in the G0/G1
      phase and enhanced the invasiveness of U251 glioma cells whereas the
      downregulation of miR-130b exerted opposing effects. Moreover, it was
      demonstrated that the downregulation of miR-130b in U251 glioma cells restored
      the expression of PPAR-gamma and E-cadherin, and inhibited the expression of beta
      catenin. Notably, PPAR-gamma knockdown abolished the inhibitory effect of miR
      130b inhibitor on the proliferation and invasivness of U251 cells. Taken
      together, these findings suggest that miR-130b promotes the proliferation and
      invasion of U251 glioma cells by inhibiting PPAR-gamma. 

PMID- 27122307
TI  - Trapping mammalian protein complexes in viral particles.
AB  - Cell lysis is an inevitable step in classical mass spectrometry-based strategies
      to analyse protein complexes. Complementary lysis conditions, in situ cross
      linking strategies and proximal labelling techniques are currently used to reduce
      lysis effects on the protein complex. We have developed Virotrap, a viral
      particle sorting approach that obviates the need for cell homogenization and
      preserves the protein complexes during purification. By fusing a bait protein to
      the HIV-1 GAG protein, we show that interaction partners become trapped within
      virus-like particles (VLPs) that bud from mammalian cells. Using an efficient VLP
      enrichment protocol, Virotrap allows the detection of known binary interactions
      and MS-based identification of novel protein partners as well. In addition, we
      show the identification of stimulus-dependent interactions and demonstrate
      trapping of protein partners for small molecules. Virotrap constitutes an elegant
      complementary approach to the arsenal of methods to study protein complexes.

PMID- 27122308
TI  - Invisible Support: Effects on the Provider's Positive and Negative Affect.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social support that goes unnoticed by receivers (i.e. invisible
      support) seems to be most beneficial for the receivers' well-being. The
      providers' well-being, however, has been neglected so far. This study examines
      how invisible support is related to the providers' well-being and whether this
      association is dependent on the providers' relationship satisfaction. METHODS:
      Overall, 97 non-smoking partners of smokers who were about to quit smoking were
      examined. Invisible support was assessed dyadically: partners' reports on smoking
      specific provided social support together with smokers' reports on received
      support were assessed at baseline. Partners' relationship satisfaction was also
      assessed at baseline. Partners' positive and negative affect were measured at
      baseline and six-week follow-up. RESULTS: No main effects of invisible
      instrumental or emotional support occurred. However, partners' relationship
      satisfaction moderated the association between invisible instrumental support and
      change in partners' negative and positive affect: For partners with lower
      relationship satisfaction more invisible instrumental support was related to
      increased negative affect and decreased positive affect, whereas for partners
      with higher relationship satisfaction the inverse effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS:
      The study's results emphasise that invisible instrumental support might have
      emotional costs for the providers. Relationship satisfaction seems to serve as a
      protective factor.

PMID- 27122309
TI  - Unravelling and controlling hidden imprint fields in ferroelectric capacitors.
AB  - Ferroelectric materials have a spontaneous polarization that can point along
      energetically equivalent, opposite directions. However, when ferroelectric layers
      are sandwiched between different metallic electrodes, asymmetric electrostatic
      boundary conditions may induce the appearance of an electric field (imprint
      field, Eimp) that breaks the degeneracy of the polarization directions, favouring
      one of them. This has dramatic consequences on functionality of ferroelectric
      based devices such as ferroelectric memories or photodetectors. Therefore, to
      cancel out the Eimp, ferroelectric components are commonly built using symmetric
      contact configuration. Indeed, in this symmetric contact configuration, when
      measurements are done under time-varying electric fields of relatively low
      frequency, an archetypical symmetric single-step switching process is observed,
      indicating Eimp ~ 0. However, we report here on the discovery that when
      measurements are performed at high frequency, a well-defined double-step
      switching is observed, indicating the presence of Eimp. We argue that this
      frequency dependence originates from short-living head-to-head or tail-to-tail
      ferroelectric capacitors in the device. We demonstrate that we can modulate Eimp
      and the life-time of head-to-head or tail-to-tail polarization configurations by
      adjusting the polarization screening charges by suitable illumination. These
      findings are of relevance to understand the effects of internal electric fields
      on pivotal ferroelectric properties, such as memory retention and photoresponse.

PMID- 27122310
TI  - Depot- and sex-specific effects of maternal obesity in offspring's adipose
      tissue.
AB  - According to the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD) concept,
      alterations of nutrient supply in the fetus or neonate result in long-term
      programming of individual body weight (BW) setpoint. In particular, maternal
      obesity, excessive nutrition, and accelerated growth in neonates have been shown
      to sensitize offspring to obesity. The white adipose tissue may represent a prime
      target of metabolic programming induced by maternal obesity. In order to unravel
      the underlying mechanisms, we have developed a rat model of maternal obesity
      using a high-fat (HF) diet (containing 60% lipids) before and during gestation
      and lactation. At birth, newborns from obese dams (called HF) were normotrophs.
      However, HF neonates exhibited a rapid weight gain during lactation, a key period
      of adipose tissue development in rodents. In males, increased BW at weaning
      (+30%) persists until 3months of age. Nine-month-old HF male offspring was
      normoglycemic but showed mild glucose intolerance, hyperinsulinemia, and
      hypercorticosteronemia. Despite no difference in BW and energy intake, HF adult
      male offspring was predisposed to fat accumulation showing increased visceral
      (gonadal and perirenal) depots weights and hyperleptinemia. However, only
      perirenal adipose tissue depot exhibited marked adipocyte hypertrophy and
      hyperplasia with elevated lipogenic (i.e. sterol-regulated element binding
      protein 1 (Srebp1), fatty acid synthase (Fas), and leptin) and diminished
      adipogenic (i.e. peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Ppargamma),
      11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-Hds1)) mRNA levels. By
      contrast, very few metabolic variations were observed in HF female offspring.
      Thus, maternal obesity and accelerated growth during lactation program offspring
      for higher adiposity via transcriptional alterations of visceral adipose tissue
      in a depot- and sex-specific manner.

PMID- 27122311
TI  - Redox proteomic analysis of serum from aortic anerurysm patients: insights on
      oxidation of specific protein target.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: oxidative stress is undoubtedly one of the main players in abdominal
      aortic aneurysm (AAA) pathophysiology. Recent studies in AAA patients reported an
      increase in the indices of oxidative damage at the tissue level and in biological
      fluids coupled with the loss of counter-regulatory mechanisms of protection from
      oxidative stress. We recently reported, in a proteomic analysis of AAA patient
      sera, changes in the expression of several proteins exerting important modulatory
      activities on cellular proliferation, differentiation and response to damage.
      This study aimed to explore the involvement of protein oxidation, at peripheral
      levels, in AAA. METHODS: a redox proteomic approach was used to investigate total
      and specific protein carbonylation and protein-bound 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) in
      the serum of AAA patients compared with age-matched controls. RESULTS: our
      results show increased oxidative damage to protein as indexed by the total
      carbonyl levels and total protein-bound HNE. By redox proteomics we identified
      specific carbonylation of three serum proteins: serum retinol-binding protein,
      vitamin D-binding protein and fibrinogen alpha-chain HNE. We also identified
      increased protein-bound HNE levels for hemopexin, IgK chain C region and IgK
      chain V-III region SIE. In addition we found a high correlation between specific
      protein carbonylation and protein-bound HNE and the aortic diameter. Moreover the
      analysis of serum proteins with antioxidant activity demonstrates the oxidation
      of albumin together with the overexpression of transferrin, haptoglobin and HSPs
      90, 70, 60 and 32. CONCLUSIONS: this study support the involvement of oxidative
      stress in the pathogenesis of AAA and might provide a further degree of knowledge
      in the cause-effect role of oxidative stress shedding new light on the molecular
      candidates involved in the disease.

PMID- 27122312
TI  - Emerging treatment for ALK-positive lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer is associated with poor prognosis and limited benefit
      from chemotherapy. The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been
      revolutionized by the discovery of targetable genetic alterations, including the
      ALK fusion oncogene. AREAS COVERED: Three drugs have been approved for clinical
      use in ALK-positive patients - crizotinib, ceritinib and alectinib.
      Unfortunately, treatment resistance inevitably develops. Several mechanisms of
      acquired resistance are reported. In this review, we will discuss emerging
      treatment options in ALK-positive advanced NSCLC and strategies to overcome
      resistance mechanisms, including newer generation of ALK inhibitors, Hsp90
      inhibitors and immunotherapy. EXPERT OPINION: Tremendous advances have been made
      in the treatment of ALK-positive lung cancers, but management hurdles still
      exist, including universal development of resistance to ALK inhibitors and
      limited CNS activity. Given that specific treatment strategies target distinct
      patterns of resistance, re-biopsy at the time of progression appears necessary to
      optimize management. However, there remain many issues in routine clinical
      application including the burden placed on the patients by serial biopsies and
      the risks of repeat invasive procedures. Future studies are needed to validate
      the usage of non- or minimally invasive tests and to determine the optimal orders
      of utilizing different ALK inhibitors.

PMID- 27122313
TI  - Interaction of HIF1alpha and beta-catenin inhibits matrix metalloproteinase 13
      expression and prevents cartilage damage in mice.
AB  - Low oxygen tension (hypoxia) regulates chondrocyte differentiation and
      metabolism. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF1alpha) is a crucial hypoxic
      factor for chondrocyte growth and survival during development. The major
      metalloproteinase matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) is also associated with
      chondrocyte hypertrophy in adult articular cartilage, the lack of which protects
      from cartilage degradation and osteoarthritis (OA) in mice. MMP13 is up-regulated
      by the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, a pathway involved in chondrocyte catabolism
      and OA. We studied the role of HIF1alpha in regulating Wnt signaling in cartilage
      and OA. We used mice with conditional knockout of Hif1alpha (?Hif1alpha(chon))
      with joint instability. Specific loss of HIF1alpha exacerbated MMP13 expression
      and cartilage destruction. Analysis of Wnt signaling in hypoxic chondrocytes
      showed that HIF1alpha lowered transcription factor 4 (TCF4)-beta-catenin
      transcriptional activity and inhibited MMP13 expression. Indeed, HIF1alpha
      interacting with beta-catenin displaced TCF4 from MMP13 regulatory sequences.
      Finally, DeltaHif1alpha(chon) mice with OA that were injected intraarticularly
      with PKF118-310, an inhibitor of TCF4-beta-catenin interaction, showed less
      cartilage degradation and reduced MMP13 expression in cartilage. Therefore,
      HIF1alpha-beta-catenin interaction is a negative regulator of Wnt signaling and
      MMP13 transcription, thus reducing catabolism in OA. Our study contributes to the
      understanding of the role of HIF1alpha in OA and highlights the HIF1alpha-beta
      catenin interaction, thus providing new insights into the impact of hypoxia in
      articular cartilage.

PMID- 27122314
TI  - Astrocytes regulate cortical state switching in vivo.
AB  - The role of astrocytes in neuronal function has received increasing recognition,
      but disagreement remains about their function at the circuit level. Here we use
      in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of neocortical astrocytes while monitoring the
      activity state of the local neuronal circuit electrophysiologically and
      optically. We find that astrocytic calcium activity precedes spontaneous circuit
      shifts to the slow-oscillation-dominated state, a neocortical rhythm
      characterized by synchronized neuronal firing and important for sleep and memory.
      Further, we show that optogenetic activation of astrocytes switches the local
      neuronal circuit to this slow-oscillation state. Finally, using two-photon
      imaging of extracellular glutamate, we find that astrocytic transients in
      glutamate co-occur with shifts to the synchronized state and that optogenetically
      activated astrocytes can generate these glutamate transients. We conclude that
      astrocytes can indeed trigger the low-frequency state of a cortical circuit by
      altering extracellular glutamate, and therefore play a causal role in the control
      of cortical synchronizations.

PMID- 27122315
TI  - Eyespot-dependent determination of the phototactic sign in Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii.
AB  - The biflagellate green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii exhibits both positive and
      negative phototaxis to inhabit areas with proper light conditions. It has been
      shown that treatment of cells with reactive oxygen species (ROS) reagents biases
      the phototactic sign to positive, whereas that with ROS scavengers biases it to
      negative. Taking advantage of this property, we isolated a mutant, lts1-211,
      which displays a reduction-oxidation (redox) dependent phototactic sign opposite
      to that of the wild type. This mutant has a single amino acid substitution in
      phytoene synthase, an enzyme that functions in the carotenoid-biosynthesis
      pathway. The eyespot contains large amounts of carotenoids and is crucial for
      phototaxis. Most lts1-211 cells have no detectable eyespot and reduced carotenoid
      levels. Interestingly, the reversed phototactic-sign phenotype of lts1-211 is
      shared by other eyespot-less mutants. In addition, we directly showed that the
      cell body acts as a convex lens. The lens effect of the cell body condenses the
      light coming from the rear onto the photoreceptor in the absence of carotenoid
      layers, which can account for the reversed-phototactic-sign phenotype of the
      mutants. These results suggest that light-shielding property of the eyespot is
      essential for determination of phototactic sign.

PMID- 27122317
TI  - Sequential construction of a model for modular gene expression control, applied
      to spatial patterning of the Drosophila gene hunchback.
AB  - Gene network simulations are increasingly used to quantify mutual gene regulation
      in biological tissues. These are generally based on linear interactions between
      single-entity regulatory and target genes. Biological genes, by contrast,
      commonly have multiple, partially independent, cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) for
      regulator binding, and can produce variant transcription and translation
      products. We present a modeling framework to address some of the gene regulatory
      dynamics implied by this biological complexity. Spatial patterning of the
      hunchback (hb) gene in Drosophila development involves control by three CRMs
      producing two distinct mRNA transcripts. We use this example to develop a
      differential equations model for transcription which takes into account the cis
      regulatory architecture of the gene. Potential regulatory interactions are
      screened by a genetic algorithms (GAs) approach and compared to biological
      expression data.

PMID- 27122318
TI  - Assessment of translational importance of mammalian mRNA sequence features based
      on Ribo-Seq and mRNA-Seq data.
AB  - Ribosome profiling technology (Ribo-Seq) allowed to highlight more details of
      mRNA translation in cell and get additional information on importance of mRNA
      sequence features for this process. Application of translation inhibitors like
      harringtonine and cycloheximide along with mRNA-Seq technique helped to assess
      such important characteristic as translation efficiency. We assessed the
      translational importance of features of mRNA sequences with the help of
      statistical analysis of Ribo-Seq and mRNA-Seq data. Translationally important
      features known from literature as well as proposed by the authors were used in
      analysis. Such comparisons as protein coding versus non-coding RNAs and high-
      versus low-translated mRNAs were performed. We revealed a set of features that
      allowed to discriminate the compared categories of RNA. Significant relationships
      between mRNA features and efficiency of translation were also established.

PMID- 27122319
TI  - Conserved features of complexes of TATA-box binding proteins with DNA.
AB  - A comparative analysis of all available structures of complexes of TATA-box
      binding proteins (TBPs) with DNA is performed. Conserved features of DNA-protein
      interaction are described, including nine amino acid residues that form conserved
      hydrogen bonds, 13 residues participating in formation of two conserved
      hydrophobic clusters at DNA-protein interface, and four conserved water-mediated
      contacts. Partial symmetry of conserved contacts reflects quasi-symmetry of TBP
      structure.

PMID- 27122320
TI  - Parallel workflow manager for non-parallel bioinformatic applications to solve
      large-scale biological problems on a supercomputer.
AB  - Rapid expansion of online resources providing access to genomic, structural, and
      functional information associated with biological macromolecules opens an
      opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of biological
      processes due to systematic analysis of large datasets. This, however, requires
      novel strategies to optimally utilize computer processing power. Some methods in
      bioinformatics and molecular modeling require extensive computational resources.
      Other algorithms have fast implementations which take at most several hours to
      analyze a common input on a modern desktop station, however, due to multiple
      invocations for a large number of subtasks the full task requires a significant
      computing power. Therefore, an efficient computational solution to large-scale
      biological problems requires both a wise parallel implementation of resource
      hungry methods as well as a smart workflow to manage multiple invocations of
      relatively fast algorithms. In this work, a new computer software mpiWrapper has
      been developed to accommodate non-parallel implementations of scientific
      algorithms within the parallel supercomputing environment. The Message Passing
      Interface has been implemented to exchange information between nodes. Two
      specialized threads - one for task management and communication, and another for
      subtask execution - are invoked on each processing unit to avoid deadlock while
      using blocking calls to MPI. The mpiWrapper can be used to launch all
      conventional Linux applications without the need to modify their original source
      codes and supports resubmission of subtasks on node failure. We show that this
      approach can be used to process huge amounts of biological data efficiently by
      running non-parallel programs in parallel mode on a supercomputer. The C++ source
      code and documentation are available from
      http://biokinet.belozersky.msu.ru/mpiWrapper .

PMID- 27122321
TI  - Meta-analysis of transcriptome data identified TGTCNN motif variants associated
      with the response to plant hormone auxin in Arabidopsis thaliana L.
AB  - Auxin is the major regulator of plant growth and development. It regulates gene
      expression via a family of transcription factors (ARFs) that bind to auxin
      responsive elements (AuxREs) in the gene promoters. The canonical AuxREs found in
      regulatory regions of many auxin responsive genes contain the TGTCTC core motif,
      whereas ARF binding site is a degenerate TGTCNN with TGTCGG strongly preferred.
      Thereby two questions arise: which TGTCNN variants are functional AuxRE cores and
      whether different TGTCNN variants have distinct functional roles? In this study,
      we performed meta-analysis of microarray data to reveal TGTCNN variants essential
      for auxin response and to characterize their functional features. Our results
      indicate that four TGTCNN motifs (TGTCTC, TGTCCC, TGTCGG, and TGTCTG) are
      associated with auxin up-regulation and two (TGTCGG, TGTCAT) with auxin down
      regulation, but to a lesser extent. The genes having some of these motifs in
      their regulatory regions showed time-specific auxin response. Functional
      annotation of auxin up- and down-regulated genes also revealed GO terms specific
      for the auxin-regulated genes with certain TGTCNN variants in their promoters.
      Our results provide an idea that various TGTCNN motifs may play distinct roles in
      the auxin regulation of gene expression.

PMID- 27122322
TI  - Now you see me, now you don't: The case of a vanishing outflow gradient in a
      patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Cardiogenic shock is well described in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) as acute
      hemodynamic collapse can develop in the setting of acute worsening of left
      ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. We present the case of a 60-year
      old man with drug refractory LVOT obstruction due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
      On the evening prior to planned alcohol septal ablation, the patient presented in
      cardiogenic shock. Interestingly, his previously recorded LVOT gradients of 50 mm
      Hg at rest and 118 mm Hg at peak exercise were absent. With recovery of left
      ventricular function, significant left ventricular outflow obstruction returned.
      The patient then underwent successful septal reduction therapy. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27122323
TI  - Transparent and flexible high-performance supercapacitors based on single-walled
      carbon nanotube films.
AB  - Transparent and flexible energy storage devices have garnered great interest due
      to their suitability for display, sensor and photovoltaic applications. In this
      paper, we report the application of aerosol synthesized and dry deposited single
      walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) thin films as electrodes for an electrochemical
      double-layer capacitor (EDLC). SWCNT films exhibit extremely large specific
      capacitance (178 F g(-1) or 552 MUF cm(-2)), high optical transparency (92%) and
      stability for 10 000 charge/discharge cycles. A transparent and flexible EDLC
      prototype is constructed with a polyethylene casing and a gel electrolyte. 

PMID- 27122324
TI  - Evaluation of Galleria mellonella larvae as an in vivo model for assessing the
      relative toxicity of food preservative agents.
AB  - Larvae of Galleria mellonella are widely used for evaluating the virulence of
      microbial pathogens and for measuring the efficacy of anti-microbial agents and
      produce results comparable to those that can be obtained using mammals. In this
      work, the suitability of using G. mellonella larvae to measure the relative
      toxicity of a variety of food preservatives was evaluated. The response of larvae
      to eight commonly used food preservatives (potassium nitrate, potassium nitrite,
      potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sodium nitrate, sodium chloride, sodium
      nitrite and sodium acetate) administered by feeding or by intra-haemocoel
      injection was measured. A significant correlation between the LD50 (R (2) =
      0.8766, p = 0.0006) and LD80 (R (2) = 0.7629, p = 0.0046) values obtained due to
      oral or intra-haemocoel administration of compounds was established. The response
      of HEp-2 cells to the food preservatives was determined, and a significant
      correlation (R (2) = 0.7217, p = 0.0076) between the LD50 values of the compounds
      administered by feeding in larvae with the IC50 values of the compounds in HEp-2
      cells was established. A strong correlation between the LD50 values of the eight
      food preservatives in G. mellonella larvae and rats (R (2) = 0.6506, p = 0.0156)
      was demonstrated. The results presented here indicate that G. mellonella larvae
      may be used as a model to evaluate the relative toxicity of food preservatives,
      and the results show a strong positive correlation to those obtained using
      established cell culture and mammalian models. 

PMID- 27122325
TI  - [Reference value for micronucleus frequency of peripheral blood lymphocytes in
      general Chinese population: a method of Monte Carlo simulation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the reference value for micronucleus frequency of
      peripheral blood lymphocytes in general Chinese population, and to guide the
      genotoxicity evaluation and risk analysis for populations exposed to
      environmental or occupational chemicals. METHODS: A fulltext search was performed
      in CNKI with the key words of "micronucleus" and "human", and PubMed was searched
      with "cytokinesis-block micronucleus","CBMN","humans", and "adults", to obtain
      the articles published at home and abroad from 2001 to 2014 in which cytokinesis
      block micronucleus (CBMN)assay was applied for micronucleus detection and
      populations not exposed to genotoxins were established as a control. Monte Carlo
      simulation was performed based on the micronucleus frequency, standard deviation,
      and sample size provided in these articles to calculate the micronucleus
      frequency for general population and to analyze the influence of sex, smoking,
      and drinking on micronucleus frequency. RESULTS: A total of 23 articles were
      included in the final analysis. The minimum mean micronucleus frequency was
      0.390/00, and the maximum mean micronucleus frequency was 25.30/00. There were
      1623 subjects in the control group in total (range 22~178, mean 70.6). Monte
      Carlo simulation was performed 100 times, and the mode of micronucleus frequency
      was 0 or 10/00; the values of P0, P25, P50 , P75, and P95 were 00/00, 10/00,
      20/00~30/00, 50/00~60/00, and 140/00~190/00, respectively; the mean value was
      4.360/00(range 4.220/00~4.570/00). With the application of one-sided 95%
      range(x+/-1.64 s), the upper limit of the range of reference value was calculated
      to be 13.460/00~14.750/00. CONCLUSION: The micronucleus frequency of peripheral
      blood lymphocytes in general Chinese population is 4.360/00, the interquartile
      range is 10/00~50/00 or 10/00~60/00, and the upper limit of reference value is
      14.170/00. The factors of living area, sex, smoking, and drinking may influence
      micronucleus frequency.

PMID- 27122326
TI  - [Health status of thyroid and related influencing factors in seamen in Zhoushan,
      China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the health status of the thyroid and related
      influencing factors in the seamen in Zhoushan, China. METHODS: A total of 136
      coastal seamen (coastal group), 104 deep-sea seamen (deep-sea group), and 272
      base staff (base group) who underwent physical examinations in 2014 were
      selected. Questionnaire survey and ultrasound were performed, and levels of
      thyroid hormone and urinary iodine were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the
      coastal group and the base group, the deep-sea group had a significantly higher
      rate of abnormal ultrasound findings (49.04% vs 30.88%/28.67%, P<0.05), as well
      as a significantly higher rate of abnormal serum free thyroxine (FT4) (25.00% vs
      9.56%/6.25%, P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that in the coastal
      group, the risk factors for thyroid abnormality on ultrasound were obesity shown
      by body mass index (BMI) (OR=2.55, 95% CI=1.13~4.13) and annual working time>6
      months (OR=4.25, 95% CI=2.02~8.26) (both P<0.05); in the deep-sea group, the risk
      factors for thyroid abnormality on ultrasound were obesity shown by BMI (OR=3.45,
      95% CI=1.28~7.02) and annual working time>6 months (OR=5.33, 95% CI=3.18~9.23)
      (both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The thyroid abnormality in deep-sea seamen is caused
      by various reasons and is correlated with annual working time, working
      environment and area, and iodine nutritional status.

PMID- 27122327
TI  - [Changes in mRNA expression of p53 and related downstream genes in peripheral
      blood lymphocytes in workers occupationally exposed to arsenic].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in mRNA expression of p53 and related
      downstream genes in peripheral blood lymphocytes in workers occupationally
      exposed to arsenic as well as its influencing factors, and to analyze the
      mechanism of genetic toxicity of arsenic. METHODS: With cluster random sampling,
      79 workers from an arsenic smelting plant were selected as exposure group, and
      another 24 people without occupational exposure to arsenic were selected as
      control group. The relative mRNA expression of p53 and related downstream genes
      in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the two groups was determined by
      quantitative realtime PCR. The levels of inorganic arsenic (iAs),
      monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) in urine were
      determined by hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The
      exposure group had significantly higher levels of iAs, MMA, and DMA than the
      control group (P<0.01); the exposure group had significantly higher relative mRNA
      expression (2(-DeltaDeltaCt)) of p53 and four related downstream genes in
      peripheral blood lymphocytes than the control group (P<0.05); the relative mRNA
      expression of p53 and related downstream genes was positively correlated with
      each other (P<0.01), with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.4; the levels
      of arsenic compounds in urine were positively correlated with the relative mRNA
      expression of p53 and some of its downstream genes (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The
      changes in mRNA expression of p53 and related downstream genes are closely
      related to the metabolic transformation of inorganic arsenic in workers
      occupationally exposed to arsenic, and it also plays an important role in genetic
      toxicity and carcinogenic effect in people exposed to arsenic.

PMID- 27122328
TI  - [Distribution of rubidium, cesium, beryllium, strontium, and barium in blood and
      urine in general Chinese population].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution of rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs),
      beryllium (Be), strontium (Sr), and barium (Ba) in blood and urine in general
      Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 18 120 subjects aged 6~60 years were
      enrolled from 24 regions in 8 provinces in Eastern, Central, and Western China
      from 2009 to 2010 based on the method of cluster random sampling. Questionnaire
      survey was conducted to collect the data on living environment and health status.
      Blood and urine samples were collected from these subjects, and the levels of Rb,
      Cs, Be, Sr, and Ba in these samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma
      mass spectrometry. The distribution of these elements in blood and urine in male
      or female subjects living in different regions was analyzed statistically.
      RESULTS: In the general Chinese population, the concentration of Be in the whole
      blood was below the detection limit (0.06 MUg/L); the geometric mean (GM) of Ba
      in the whole blood was below the detection limit (0.45 MUg/L), with the 95th
      percentile (P95)of 1.37 MUg/L; the GMs (95% CI)of Rb, Cs, and Sr in the whole
      blood were 2 374(2 357~2 392) MUg/L, 2.01 (1.98~2.05) MUg/L, and 23.5 (23.3~23.7)
      MUg/L, respectively; in males and females, the GMs (95%CI)of blood Rb, Cs, and Sr
      were 2 506 (2 478~2 533) MUg/L and 2 248 (2 227~2 270) MUg/L, 1.88 (1.83~1.94)
      MUg/L and 2.16 (2.11~2.20) MUg/L, and 23.4 (23.1~23.7) MUg/L and 23.6 (23.3~23.9)
      MUg/L, respectively(P<0.01, P>0.05, and P>0.05). In the general Chinese
      population, the GM of urine Be was below the detection limit (0.06 MUg/L), while
      the GMs (95%CI)of urine Rb, Cs, Sr, and Ba were 854 (836~873) MUg/L, 3.65
      (3.56~3.74) MUg/L, 39.5 (38.4~40.6) MUg/L, and 1.10 (1.07~1.12) MUg/L,
      respectively; in males and females, the GMs (95%CI)of urine Rb, Cs, Sr, and Ba
      were 876 (849~904) MUg/L and 832 (807~858) MUg/L, 3.83 (3.70~3.96) MUg/L and 3.47
      (3.35~3.60) MUg/L, 42.5 (40.9~44.2) MUg/L and 36.6 (35.1~38.0) MUg/L, and 1.15
      (1.12~1.19) MUg/L and 1.04 (1.01~1.07) MUg/L, respectively (all P< 0.01).
      Correlation analyses showed that there were weak correlations between blood Rb
      and urine Rb (r=0.197)and between blood Sr and urine Sr (r=0.180), but a good
      correlation between blood Cs and urine Cs (r=0.487). CONCLUSION: The levels of
      Rb, Cs, Be, Sr, and Ba in the general Chinese population are similar to those
      reported in other countries, and there is a significant difference in the
      concentration of each element among the populations living in different regions,
      as well as significant differences in blood Rb, urine Rb, urine Cs, urine Sr, and
      urine Ba between males and females.

PMID- 27122329
TI  - [A multilevel model analysis of correlation between population characteristics
      and work ability of employees].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between population characteristics and work
      ability of employees with a multilevel model, to investigate the important
      influencing factors for work ability, and to provide a basis for improvement in
      work ability. METHODS: Work ability index (WAI)was applied to measure the work
      ability of 1686 subjects from different companies (n=6). MLwi N2.0 software was
      applied for two-level variance component model fitting. RESULTS: The WAI of
      employees showed differences between various companies (chi2=3.378 6, P=0.0660);
      working years was negatively correlated with WAI (chi2=38.229 2, P=0.0001), and
      the WAI of the employees with 20 or more working years was 1.63 lower than that
      of the employees with less than 20 working years; the work ability of manual
      workers was lower than that of mental-manual workers (chi2=8.2726, P=0.0040), and
      the work ability showed no significant difference between mental workers and
      mental-manual workers (chi2=2.086 0, P=0.148 7). CONCLUSION: From the perspective
      of probability, the multilevel model analysis reveals the differences in work
      ability of employees between different companies, and suggests that company, work
      type, and working years are the important influencing factors for work ability of
      employees. These factors should be improved and adjusted to protect or enhance
      the work ability of employees.

PMID- 27122330
TI  - [Study on the epidemilolgical characteristics of death among working population
      from 2010 to 2014 in Jinan, China].

PMID- 27122331
TI  - [Noise hazard and hearing loss in workers in automotive component manufacturing
      industry in Guangzhou, China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate noise hazard and its influence on hearing loss in
      workers in the automotive component manufacturing industry. METHODS: Noise level
      in the workplace of automotive component manufacturing enterprises was measured
      and hearing examination was performed for workers to analyze the features and
      exposure levels of noise in each process, as well as the influence on hearing
      loss in workers. RESULTS: In the manufacturing processes for different products
      in this industry, the manufacturing processes of automobile hub and suspension
      and steering systems had the highest degrees of noise hazard, with over-standard
      rates of 79.8% and 57.1%, respectively. In the different technical processes for
      automotive component manufacturing, punching and casting had the highest degrees
      of noise hazard, with over-standard rates of 65.0% and 50%, respectively. The
      workers engaged in the automotive air conditioning system had the highest rate of
      abnormal hearing ability (up to 3.1%). CONCLUSION: In the automotive component
      manufacturing industry, noise hazard exceeds the standard seriously. Although the
      rate of abnormal hearing is lower than the average value of the automobile
      manufacturing industry in China, this rate tends to increase gradually. Enough
      emphasis should be placed on the noise hazard in this industry.

PMID- 27122332
TI  - [Application of risk grading and classification for occupational hazards in risk
      management for a shipbuilding project].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of risk grading and classification for
      occupational hazards in risk management for a shipbuilding project. METHODS: The
      risk management for this shipbuilding project was performed by a comprehensive
      application of MES evaluation, quality assessment of occupational health
      management, and risk grading and classification for occupational hazards, through
      the methods of occupational health survey, occupational health testing, and
      occupational health examinations. RESULTS: The results of MES evaluation showed
      that the risk of occupational hazards in this project was grade 3, which was
      considered as significant risk; Q value calculated by quality assessment of
      occupational health management was 0.52, which was considered to be unqualified;
      the comprehensive evaluation with these two methods showed that the integrated
      risk rating for this shipbuilding project was class D, and follow- up and
      rectification were needed with a focus on the improvement in health management.
      CONCLUSION: The application of MES evaluation and quality assessment of
      occupational health management in risk management for occupational hazards can
      achieve objective and reasonable conclusions and has good applicability.

PMID- 27122333
TI  - [An investigation of brucellosis in occupational population in Yuxi, China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemic status of brucellosis in the occupational
      population in Yuxi, China, and to develop effective prevention and control
      strategies. METHODS: Serological test was performed for 2320 employees involved
      in breeding, slaughtering, meat and dairy product processing, veterinary
      medicine, and sales in counties and districts where brucellosis was detected from
      2008 to 2014 in Yuxi; pathogenic detection was performed for those in the
      occupational population who were suspected of brucellosis. RESULTS: The results
      of serological test showed that the infection rate of brucellosis reached 3.32% ,
      and 15 cases of brucellosis had clinical symptoms. The employees involved in
      breeding had the highest infection rate (4.89%) (chi2=25.75, P<0.05). From 2008
      to 2014, the infection rate of brucellosis was 0.37%~4.93% and tended to
      increase; 67.85% of the occupational population did not take personal protective
      measures and had a significantly higher infection rate than those who took
      personal protective measures (4.45% vs 0.94%; chi2=19.42, P<0.05). Among the 161
      patients suspected of brucellosis, 42 cases were diagnosed as current brucellosis
      confirmed by laboratory pathogenic detection. CONCLUSION: The infection rate of
      brucellosis and the number of newly diagnosed cases tend to increase in the
      occupational population in Yuxi, and the employees involved in breeding are the
      major infected population.

PMID- 27122334
TI  - [Selection of decontaminants for experimental phenol burn wounds].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the decontaminants frequently used for
      phenol burn wounds. METHODS: The central part of the dorsal skin of adult male
      Sprague-Dawley rats were burned with 90% (W/V)phenol solution for 2 min, and
      water, 75% ethanol, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400), and Diphoterine were
      applied for decontamination for 15 min. The changes in wounds were observed, and
      the depth of skin burns at 24 hours after treatment and changes in six indicators
      of organ injuries, i.e., serum levels of total bilirubin (TBil), creatinine
      (Crea), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alanine aminotransferase (AST), creatine
      kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), at 6 hours after treatment were
      compared. RESULTS: After phenol burns, the Diphoterine group had a significantly
      better effect and significantly lower degrees of skin and organ injuries compared
      with the water group (P<0.05). The effect of decontamination and degrees of skin
      and organ injuries were similar between the 75% ethanol group and the PEG400
      group, and both groups had a better effect of decontamination compared with the
      water group; the 75% ethanol group had significantly lower serum levels of CK and
      LDH than the water group (P<0.05). Among these four groups, the water group had
      the worst effect, the deepest wounds, and the most severe organ injuries.
      CONCLUSION: After phenol burns, early decontamination with water has a poor
      effect, while Diphoterine can reduce the depth of phenol burns and the degrees of
      injuries of vital organs, and has a good effect of decontamination.

PMID- 27122335
TI  - [An accident of acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning when cleaning up a salted
      vegetables pool].

PMID- 27122336
TI  - [The treatment experience on four cases acute aniline poisoning].

PMID- 27122337
TI  - [Discussion on the treatment of increased intracranial pressure caused by the
      occupational acute 1,2-dichloroethane poisoning].

PMID- 27122338
TI  - [One case of phenol burn].

PMID- 27122339
TI  - [Determination of stannum in urine by graphite furnace atomic absorption
      spectrometry].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the method of graphite furnace atomic absorption
      spectrometry for the measurement of stannum in urine with calcium nitrate as the
      matrix modifier. METHODS: Graphite tube was pretreated with calcium nitrate as
      the matrix modifier, the urine sample was diluted with 1% nitric acid and then
      direct injection was performed for these samples, and graphite furnace atomic
      absorption spectrometry was applied for measurement. RESULTS: The concentration
      of stannum in urine showed a good linear relationship within the range of
      8.0~40.0 MUg/L, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9981. The minimum detectable
      concentration was 0.72 MUg/L, the degree of precision was 1.54%~6.69%, and the
      recovery rate was 99.23%~107.63%. CONCLUSION: This method can determine the
      content of stannum in urine accurately and rapidly, with a high sensitivity and a
      low cost.

PMID- 27122340
TI  - [Development and clinical application of paraquat test tube].

PMID- 27122341
TI  - [Determination of ethylene glycol in workplace air by capillary column gas
      chromatography].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the method of capillary column gas chromatography for
      determination of ethylene glycol in workplace air. METHODS: Ethylene glycol in
      workplace air was collected with silicone tube, desorbed with methanol, separated
      with FFAP (nitroterephthalic acid-modified polyethylene glycol)capillary column,
      and measured with flame ionization detector. RESULTS: The detection limit of
      ethylene glycol was 0.41 mg/L, the lower limit of quantification was 1.4 mg/L,
      the range of measurement was 1.4~163.9 mg/L, and the minimum detectable
      concentration was 0.3 mg/m3 (1.5 L of air was collected as the sample). This
      method had a good repeatability, the relative standard deviation was 1.4%~5.2%,
      the average desorption efficiency was 94.4%~101.7%, and the sampling efficiency
      was 99.2%~100%. The penetrating capacity of 200 mg silicone was higher than 6.9
      mg, and the samples could be preserved for 14 days at room temperature.
      CONCLUSION: The method has a low detection limit, high accuracy, and good
      precision, which is feasible for determination of ethylene glycol in workplace
      air.

PMID- 27122342
TI  - [Determination of selenium in whole blood by microwave digestionatomic
      fluorescence spectrometry].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a rapid, simple, and accurate method for measuring
      selenium in whole blood by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. METHODS: The whole
      blood samples were treated by microwave digestion and the acids were dispelled.
      After that the samples were pretreated with 50% hydrochloric acid as a reducing
      agent. Then the content of selenium in the pretreated samples was measured by
      hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry. RESULTS: The calibration
      curve for selenium is linear in the range of 0~60 MUg/L (r=0.9999). The detection
      limit, relative standard deviation, and recovery rate were 0.133 MUg/L,
      1.22%~2.08%, and 96.5%~101.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This method is simple,
      with less consumption of chemical reagents, less pollution, and enough accuracy
      and sensitivity for determination of selenium in whole blood samples.

PMID- 27122343
TI  - [Evaluation of measurement uncertainty of welding fume in welding workplace of a
      shipyard].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the measurement uncertainty of welding fume in the air of
      the welding workplace of a shipyard, and to provide quality assurance for
      measurement. METHODS: According to GBZ/T 192.1-2007 "Determination of dust in the
      air of workplace-Part 1: Total dust concentration" and JJF 1059-1999 "Evaluation
      and expression of measurement uncertainty", the uncertainty for determination of
      welding fume was evaluated and the measurement results were completely described.
      RESULTS: The concentration of welding fume was 3.3 mg/m(3), and the expanded
      uncertainty was 0.24 mg/m(3). The repeatability for determination of dust
      concentration introduced an uncertainty of 1.9%, the measurement using electronic
      balance introduced a standard uncertainty of 0.3%, and the measurement of sample
      quality introduced a standard uncertainty of 3.2%. CONCLUSION: During the
      determination of welding fume, the standard uncertainty introduced by the
      measurement of sample quality is the dominant uncertainty. In the process of
      sampling and measurement, quality control should be focused on the collection
      efficiency of dust, air humidity, sample volume, and measuring instruments.

PMID- 27122344
TI  - [Determination of N acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-cysteine in urine by high
      performance liquid chromatography].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the method of high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC
      for the determination of N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-cysteine (AAMA) in urine.
      METHODS: After acid hydrolysis, AAMA in urine was converted into S-2-carboxyethyl
      cysteine (CEC). CEC reacted with the derivative reagent ophthalaldehyde and
      formed the derivative with strong fluorescence absorption. The HPLC-fluorescence
      detector was applied, with an excitation wavelength of 340 nm and an emission
      wavelength of 450 nm. RESULTS: Urinary AAMA demonstrated an excellent linearity
      in the range of 5.3~123.5 MUmol/L, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9994. The
      minimum detectable concentration was 0.1 MUmol/L (the volume of urine sample was
      1.0 ml), the recovery of standard addition was 97.4%~104.2%, and the between-run
      precision was 2.3%~4.3%. The sample could be stored in the refrigerator for at
      least 7 days at a temperature of 4C. CONCLUSION: The method is simple, with a low
      cost, a high sensitivity, and good precision and accuracy, and the instrument and
      equipment commonly seen in laboratories are applied. Therefore, this method is
      worthy of wide application.

PMID- 27122345
TI  - [Introduction to NIOSH health hazard evalution program].

PMID- 27122346
TI  - [Comparision of diagnostic criteria of occupational noiseinduced hearing loss in
      China and abroad].

PMID- 27122347
TI  - [Status of study on self-management and behavior of patients with
      pneumoconiosis].

PMID- 27122348
TI  - Elevated RNA expression of long non-coding HOTAIR promotes cell proliferation and
      predicts a poor prognosis in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
AB  - Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most common types of
      malignancy worldwide. The lack of clear symptoms and early detection make it
      difficult to diagnose at an early stage, leading to poor prognosis of the
      patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have come into focus for their important
      regulatory roles in fundamental biological processes, particularly in cancer
      initiation, development and progression. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the expression of lncRNA Hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA
      (HOTAIR) in a cohort of patients with DLBCL to assess its clinical value and
      biological function in DLBCL. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction
      was used to detect HOTAIR expression levels and cells were transfected with small
      interfering RNA to compare cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and
      apoptosis. Western blotting was also conducted to detect possible signaling
      pathways. It was first found that the expression levels of HOTAIR were
      upregulated in DLBCL tumor tissues and cell lines, compared with normal tissues
      and cells. In addition, HOTAIR was significantly correlated with tumor size,
      clinical stage, B symptoms and International Prognostic Index scores; and higher
      expression levels of HOTAIR were correlated with improved prognosis. Univariate
      and multivariate analyses verified that HOTAIR was a key independent predictive
      factor for DLBCL prognosis. Furthermore, it was revealed that the knockdown of
      the expression of HOTAIR led to growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and
      apoptosis in vitro, possibly through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/nuclear
      factor-kappaB pathway. These results suggested that HOTAIR may be regarded as a
      novel indicator of poor prognosis, and may serve as a potential target for gene
      therapy in the treatment of DLBCL. 

PMID- 27122349
TI  - Determination of Kamlet-Taft parameters for selected solvate ionic liquids.
AB  - The normalised polarity E and Kamlet-Taft parameters of recently described
      solvate ionic liquids, composed of lithium bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonimide
      (LiTFSI) in tri- () or tetraglyme () have been determined and compared to the
      parent glyme ( and ). We show that these solvate ionic liquids have a high
      polarity (, (E) = 1.03; , (E) = 1.03) and display very high electron pair
      accepting characteristics (, alpha = 1.32; , alpha = 1.35). Molecular dynamics
      simulations suggest that the chelated lithium cation is responsible for this
      observation. The relatively small hydrogen bond acceptor (beta) values for these
      systems (, beta = 0.41; , beta = 0.37) are thought to be due primarily to the
      TFSI anion, which is supplemented slightly by the glyme oxygen atom. In addition,
      these solvate ionic liquids are found to have a high polarisability (, pi* =
      0.94; , pi* = 0.90).

PMID- 27122350
TI  - The Restorer-of-fertility-like 2 pentatricopeptide repeat protein and RNase P are
      required for the processing of mitochondrial orf291 RNA in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Eukaryotes harbor mitochondria obtained via ancient symbiosis events. The
      successful evolution of energy production in mitochondria has been dependent on
      the control of mitochondrial gene expression by the nucleus. In flowering plants,
      the nuclear-encoded pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) superfamily proteins are
      widely involved in mitochondrial RNA metabolism. Here, we show that an
      Arabidopsis nuclear-encoded RNA-binding protein, Restorer-of-fertility-like PPR
      protein 2 (RFL2), is required for RNA degradation of the mitochondrial orf291
      transcript via endonucleolytic cleavage of the transcript in the middle of its
      reading frame. Both in vivo and in vitro, this RNA cleavage requires the activity
      of mitochondrial proteinaceous RNase P, which is possibly recruited to the site
      by RFL2. The site of RNase P cleavage likely forms a tRNA-like structure in the
      orf291 transcript. This study presents an example of functional collaboration
      between a PPR protein and an endonuclease in RNA cleavage. Furthermore, we show
      that the RFL2-binding region within the orf291 gene is hypervariable in the
      family Brassicaceae, possibly correlated with the rapid evolution of the RNA
      recognition interfaces of the RFL proteins.

PMID- 27122351
TI  - Bright Field Microscopy to Detect Decoy Cells Due to BK Virus Infection in the
      Fresh and Unstained Urine Sediment in Kidney Allograft Recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: BK virus (BKV) may reactivate in kidney allograft recipients
      ultimately leading to BKV nephropathy and graft loss. Decoy cells (DCs) are one
      of the early marks of BKV reactivation, and these can be detected in the urine
      sediment. METHODS: A cohort of 102 kidney transplant patients was followed during
      months 3 and 6 after the transplant procedure. Urine samples were obtained to
      detect the presence of DC in the fresh and unstained urine sediment under bright
      field microscopy (BFM), in concomitance to the determination of the amount of BK
      viruria by qPCR. RESULTS: Decoy cells were found in 14.7% of patients (15/102).
      There was a strong agreement (P < 0.001) between qualitative DC detection by two
      experienced analysts and by qPCR. The positive predictive value, negative
      predictive value, specificity, and accuracy of BFM were 80%, 75%, 97%, and 75%,
      respectively. Test sensitivity was 16%. The comparative method was the qPCR.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite its limited sensitivity, BFM of unstained urine sediment is
      an easily available, fast and cheap method to identify DCs in the population of
      kidney allograft recipients. The diagnostic performance of BFM on the hands of
      less experienced analysts deserves further investigation.

PMID- 27122352
TI  -  'Black Henna Tattoo': art or allergen?

PMID- 27122353
TI  - Whispering galleries and the control of artificial atoms.
AB  - Quantum computation using artificial-atoms, such as novel superconducting
      circuits, can be sensitively controlled by external electromagnetic fields. These
      fields and the self-fields attributable to the coupled artificial-atoms influence
      the amount of quantum correlation in the system. However, control elements that
      can operate without complete destruction of the entanglement of the quantum-bits
      are difficult to engineer. Here we investigate the possibility of using closely
      spaced-linear arrays of metallic-elliptical discs as whispering gallery
      waveguides to control artificial-atoms. The discs confine and guide radiation
      through the array with small notches etched into their sides that act as
      scatterers. We focus on pi-ring artificial-atoms, which can generate their own
      spontaneous fluxes. We find that the micro-discs of the waveguides can be excited
      by terahertz frequency fields to exhibit whispering-modes and that a quantum
      phase-gate composed of pi-rings can be operated under their influence.
      Furthermore, we gauge the level of entanglement through the concurrence measure
      and show that under certain magnetic conditions a series of entanglement sudden
      deaths and revivals occur between the two qubits. This is important for
      understanding the stability and life-time of qubit operations using, for example,
      a phase gate in a hybrid of quantum technologies composed of control elements and
      artificial-atoms.

PMID- 27122356
TI  - Dietary acculturation among the South-Asian Surinamese population in the
      Netherlands: the HELIUS study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test Kocturk's model of dietary change among South-Asian Surinamese
      in the Netherlands. The model categorizes foods into staple, complementary and
      accessory foods and postulates that dietary change after migration begins with
      accessory foods while foods associated with ethnic identity (staple foods) change
      at a slower rate. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data from the HELIUS study. Dietary
      intake was assessed with an FFQ. Acculturation was based on social contacts and
      sense of belonging and was translated into four strategies of acculturation:
      assimilation, integration, separation and marginalization. Other indicators of
      acculturation included residence duration, age at migration and migration
      generation status. SETTING: Amsterdam, the Netherlands. SUBJECTS: Participants of
      Dutch (n 1456) and South-Asian Surinamese origin (n 968). RESULTS: Across all
      acculturation strategies, South-Asian Surinamese participants reported
      significantly higher intakes of rice (staple food) and chicken (complementary
      food) and significantly lower intakes of red meat and vegetables (complementary
      foods) and cookies and sweets (accessory food) than Dutch participants. Men,
      second-generation and assimilated South-Asian Surinamese were inclined towards
      Dutch foods such as potato, pasta and red meat. Accessory foods like fruits
      showed variation across acculturation strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with
      the Kocturk model, the intake of staple foods was stable among South-Asian
      Surinamese irrespective of acculturation strategy while the intake of accessory
      foods like fruit varied. Contrary to expectations, South-Asian Surinamese showed
      consistently high intakes of complementary foods like chicken and fish
      irrespective of acculturation strategy. Public health practitioners should take
      into consideration the complex and dynamic nature of dietary acculturation.

PMID- 27122355
TI  - The Genetics of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - The term "fetal alcohol spectrum disorders" (FASD) defines the full range of
      ethanol (EtOH)-induced birth defects. Numerous variables influence the phenotypic
      outcomes of embryonic EtOH exposure. Among these variables, genetics appears to
      play an important role, yet our understanding of the genetic predisposition to
      FASD is still in its infancy. We review the current literature that relates to
      the genetics of FASD susceptibility and gene-EtOH interactions. Where possible,
      we comment on potential mechanisms of reported gene-EtOH interactions. Early
      indications of genetic sensitivity to FASD came from human and animal studies
      using twins or inbred strains, respectively. These analyses prompted searches for
      susceptibility loci involved in EtOH metabolism and analyses of candidate loci,
      based on phenotypes observed in FASD. More recently, genetic screens in animal
      models have provided an additional insight into the genetics of FASD.
      Understanding FASD requires that we understand the many factors influencing
      phenotypic outcome following embryonic EtOH exposure. We are gaining ground on
      understanding some of the genetics behind FASD, yet much work remains to be
      carried out. Coordinated analyses using human patients and animal models are
      likely to be highly fruitful in uncovering the genetics behind FASD.

PMID- 27122357
TI  - A Tandem Catalyst with Multiple Metal Oxide Interfaces Produced by Atomic Layer
      Deposition.
AB  - Ideal heterogeneous tandem catalysts necessitate the rational design and
      integration of collaborative active sites. Herein, we report on the synthesis of
      a new tandem catalyst with multiple metal-oxide interfaces based on a tube-in
      tube nanostructure using template-assisted atomic layer deposition, in which Ni
      nanoparticles are supported on the outer surface of the inner Al2 O3 nanotube
      (Ni/Al2 O3 interface) and Pt nanoparticles are attached to the inner surface of
      the outer TiO2 nanotube (Pt/TiO2 interface). The tandem catalyst shows remarkably
      high catalytic efficiency in nitrobenzene hydrogenation over Pt/TiO2 interface
      with hydrogen formed in situ by the decomposition of hydrazine hydrate over
      Ni/Al2 O3 interface. This can be ascribed to the synergy effect of the two
      interfaces and the confined nanospace favoring the instant transfer of
      intermediates. The tube-in-tube tandem catalyst with multiple metal-oxide
      interfaces represents a new concept for the design of highly efficient and
      multifunctional nanocatalysts.

PMID- 27122358
TI  - Label-free detection of DNA single-base mismatches using a simple reflectance
      based optical technique.
AB  - Rapid and quantitative detection of the binding of nucleic acids to surface
      immobilized probes remains a challenge in many biomedical applications. We
      investigated the hybridization of a set of fully complementary and defected 12
      base long DNA oligomers by using the Reflective Phantom Interface (RPI), a
      recently developed multiplexed label-free detection technique. Based on the
      simple measurement of reflected light intensity, this technology enables to
      quantify the hybridization directly as it occurs on the surface with a
      sensitivity of 10 pg mm(-2). We found a strong effect of single-base mismatches
      and of their location on hybridization kinetics and equilibrium binding. In line
      with previous studies, we found that DNA-DNA binding is weaker on a surface than
      in the bulk. Our data indicate that this effect is a consequence of weak
      nonspecific binding of the probes to the surface.

PMID- 27122359
TI  - An Internet-Based Physical Activity Intervention to Improve Quality of Life of
      Inactive Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing physical activity is a viable strategy for improving both
      the health and quality of life of older adults. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study
      was to assess if an Internet-based intervention aimed to increase physical
      activity was effective in improving quality of life of inactive older adults. In
      addition, we analyzed the effect of the intervention on quality of life among
      those participants who successfully reached their individually targeted increase
      in daily physical activity as indicated by the intervention program, as well as
      the dose-response effect of increasing physical activity on quality of life.
      METHODS: The intervention was tested in a randomized controlled trial and was
      comprised of an Internet program-DirectLife (Philips)-aimed at increasing
      physical activity using monitoring and feedback by accelerometry and feedback by
      digital coaching (n=119). The control group received no intervention (n=116).
      Participants were inactive 60-70-year-olds and were recruited from the general
      population. Quality of life and physical activity were measured at baseline and
      after 3 months using the Research ANd Development 36-item health survey (RAND-36)
      and wrist-worn triaxial accelerometer, respectively. RESULTS: After 3 months, a
      significant improvement in quality of life was seen in the intervention group
      compared to the control group for RAND-36 subscales on emotional and mental
      health (2.52 vs -0.72, respectively; P=.03) and health change (8.99 vs 2.03,
      respectively; P=.01). A total of 50 of the 119 participants (42.0%) in the
      intervention group successfully reached their physical activity target and showed
      a significant improvement in quality of life compared to the control group for
      subscales on emotional and mental health (4.31 vs -0.72, respectively; P=.009)
      and health change (11.06 vs 2.03, respectively; P=.004). The dose-response
      analysis showed that there was a significant association between increase in
      minutes spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and increase in
      quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that an Internet-based physical
      activity program was effective in improving quality of life in 60-70-year-olds
      after 3 months, particularly in participants that reached their individually
      targeted increase in daily physical activity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Nederlands
      Trial Register: NTR 3045;
      http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=3045 (Archived by
      WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6fobg2sjJ).

PMID- 27122360
TI  - Protein malnutrition during pregnancy alters maternal behavior and anxiety-like
      behavior in offspring.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of protein
      malnutrition during pregnancy on maternal behavior, on the early behavior in pups
      by ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emission, and on the behavior of offspring in
      adulthood in an elevated T-maze. METHODS: Pregnant female rats were fed a normal
      protein-powdered diet (22% casein; control) or a low-protein (hypoproteic) diet
      (6% casein; protein restriction) during the first 2 weeks of pregnancy. On the
      fifth postpartum day (PND5), the number of USV was rated. On PND7, maternal
      behavior was assessed. Male offspring in adulthood were evaluated for behavioral
      performance in an elevated T-maze. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that a
      hypoproteic diet during early pregnancy increased the maternal behavior,
      increased the number of USV by pups, and reduced the inhibitory avoidance
      responses in an elevated T-maze during adulthood. In addition, there was a
      reduction in weight gain of rats during pregnancy and of offspring during
      lactation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the data found in our study suggest that
      the increase in USV emitted by pups due to hypoproteic diet during pregnancy
      accentuated maternal behavior. In addition, an increase in maternal care promoted
      the reduction in anxiety-like behavior in adult male offspring.

PMID- 27122361
TI  - Topiramate for Treatment in Patients With Migraine and Epilepsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antiepileptic drugs (AED) are often considered first line for
      monotherapy in treatment of patients with migraines, and also those with comorbid
      migraine and epilepsy. Topiramate, a newer generation AED, has broad mechanism of
      action and evidence of benefit in patients with either episodic or chronic
      migraine along with epilepsy, both generalized and focal. METHODS: Our goal is to
      review the relevant mechanisms of action along with any supportive evidence
      published to date on the use of topiramate (TPM) in patients with both migraine
      headache and epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS: There has been very little published to date
      on the use of TPM in patients diagnosed with both disorders. Despite this, TPM
      has been adopted as first line therapy in this patient population. Future studies
      investigating the effectiveness of this treatment strategy are warranted in order
      to determine the most effective use of this medication in patients diagnosed with
      migraine headaches and epilepsy.

PMID- 27122362
TI  - Oral pressure therapy (winx) for obstructive sleep apnea: a meta-analysis
      updating the systematic review.

PMID- 27122363
TI  - A three-step estimation procedure using local polynomial smoothing for
      inconsistently sampled longitudinal data.
AB  - Parametric mixed-effects models are useful in longitudinal data analysis when the
      sampling frequencies of a response variable and the associated covariates are the
      same. We propose a three-step estimation procedure using local polynomial
      smoothing and demonstrate with data where the variables to be assessed are
      repeatedly sampled with different frequencies within the same time frame. We
      first insert pseudo data for the less frequently sampled variable based on the
      observed measurements to create a new dataset. Then standard simple linear
      regressions are fitted at each time point to obtain raw estimates of the
      association between dependent and independent variables. Last, local polynomial
      smoothing is applied to smooth the raw estimates. Rather than use a kernel
      function to assign weights, only analytical weights that reflect the importance
      of each raw estimate are used. The standard errors of the raw estimates and the
      distance between the pseudo data and the observed data are considered as the
      measure of the importance of the raw estimates. We applied the proposed method to
      a weight loss clinical trial, and it efficiently estimated the correlation
      between the inconsistently sampled longitudinal data. Our approach was also
      evaluated via simulations. The results showed that the proposed method works
      better when the residual variances of the standard linear regressions are small
      and the within-subjects correlations are high. Also, using analytic weights
      instead of kernel function during local polynomial smoothing is important when
      raw estimates have extreme values, or the association between the dependent and
      independent variable is nonlinear. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27122364
TI  - Intraoperative image-guided navigation system: development and applicability in
      65 patients undergoing liver surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Image-guided systems have recently been introduced for their
      application in liver surgery. We aimed to identify and propose suitable
      indications for image-guided navigation systems in the domain of open oncologic
      liver surgery and, more specifically, in the setting of liver resection with and
      without microwave ablation. METHOD: Retrospective analysis was conducted in
      patients undergoing liver resection with and without microwave ablation using an
      intraoperative image-guided stereotactic system during three stages of
      technological development (accuracy: 8.4 +/- 4.4 mm in phase I and 8.4 +/- 6.5 mm
      in phase II versus 4.5 +/- 3.6 mm in phase III). It was evaluated, in which
      indications image-guided surgery was used according to the different stages of
      technical development. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2013, 65 patients underwent
      image-guided surgical treatment, resection alone (n = 38), ablation alone (n =
      11), or a combination thereof (n = 16). With increasing accuracy of the system,
      image guidance was progressively used for atypical resections and combined
      microwave ablation and resection instead of formal liver resection (p < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSION: Clinical application of image guidance is feasible, while its
      efficacy is subject to accuracy. The concept of image guidance has been shown to
      be increasingly efficient for selected indications in liver surgery. While
      accuracy of available technology is increasing pertaining to technological
      advancements, more and more previously untreatable scenarios such as multiple
      small, bilobar lesions and so-called vanishing lesions come within reach.

PMID- 27122365
TI  - Growth, biomass allocation and photosynthetic responses are related to intensity
      of root severance and soil moisture conditions in the plantation tree
      Cunninghamia lanceolata.
AB  - We employed the warm temperate conifer Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. as a
      model of plantation forest species to investigate ecophysiological responses to
      root treatments (control (0%), and ~25, 50 or 75% of the initial root mass) under
      well-watered and water-limited conditions. Our results indicated that total root
      dry mass accumulation was negatively associated with the severity of root
      pruning, but there was evidence of multiple compensatory responses. The plants
      exhibited higher instantaneous and long-term (assessed by carbon isotope
      composition, delta(13)C) water-use efficiency in pruning treatments, especially
      under low water availability. Root pruning also increased the fine root/total
      root mass ratio, specific root length and fine root vitality in both water
      availability treatments. As a result of the compensatory responses, under well
      watered conditions, height, stem dry mass accumulation, leaf/fine root biomass
      ratio (L/FR), transpiration rate, photosynthetic capacity and photosynthetic
      nitrogen-use efficiency (EN) were the highest under 25% pruning. Yet, all these
      traits except L/FR and foliage nitrogen content were severely reduced under 75%
      pruning. Drought negatively affected growth and leaf gas exchange rates, and
      there was a greater negative effect on growth, water potential, gas exchange and
      EN when >25% of total root biomass was removed. The stem/aboveground mass ratio
      was the highest under 25% pruning in both watering conditions. These results
      indicate that the responses to root severance are related to the excision
      intensity and soil moisture content. A moderate root pruning proved to be an
      effective means to improve stem dry mass accumulation.

PMID- 27122366
TI  - Insulin increases sympathetic nerve activity in part by suppression of tonic
      inhibitory neuropeptide Y inputs into the paraventricular nucleus in female rats.
AB  - Following binding to receptors in the arcuate nucleus (ArcN), insulin increases
      sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and baroreflex control of SNA via a pathway that
      includes the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Previous studies
      in males indicate that the sympathoexcitatory response is mediated by alpha
      melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), which binds to PVN melanocortin type
      3/4 receptors (MC3/4R). The present study was conducted in alpha-chloralose
      anesthetized female rats to test the hypothesis that suppression of inhibitory
      neuropeptide Y (NPY) inputs to the PVN is also involved. In support of this,
      blockade of PVN NPY Y1 receptors with BIBO 3304 (NPY1x), ArcN insulin
      nanoinjections, and PVN NPY1x followed by ArcN insulin each increased lumbar SNA
      (LSNA) and its baroreflex regulation similarly. Moreover, prior PVN injections of
      NPY blocked the sympathoexcitatory effects of ArcN insulin. Finally, PVN
      nanoinjections of the MC3/4R inhibitor SHU9119 prevented both the acute (15 min)
      and longer, more slowly developing (60 min), increases in LSNA in response to
      ArcN insulin. In conclusion, in females, ArcN insulin increases LSNA, in part, by
      suppressing tonic PVN NPY inhibition, which unmasks excitatory alpha-MSH drive of
      LSNA. Moreover, the steadily increasing rise in LSNA induced by ArcN insulin is
      also dependent on PVN MC3/4R.

PMID- 27122367
TI  - Ascending aorta of hooded seals with particular emphasis on its vasa vasorum.
AB  - The pressure-volume relationship in the ascending aorta ("windkessel") of the
      hooded seal was determined and the morphology of its vasa vasorum described in
      some detail. We found that the ascending aorta has a high compliance and can
      easily accommodate the entire stroke volume when the peripheral vascular
      resistance becomes much increased and maintain perfusion pressure during the much
      extended diastole and thereby reduce cardiac stroke work during diving. We also
      found that the 3- to 5-mm thick wall of the ascending aorta had a very elaborate
      vasa vasorum interna with a hitherto undescribed vascular structure that
      penetrates the entire vascular wall. If similar structures with similar
      importance for the nutrition of the wall of the vessel are found in humans,
      important implications for the understanding of pathological conditions, such as
      aneurisms, may be indicated.

PMID- 27122368
TI  - Divergent effects of ERalpha and ERbeta on fluid intake by female rats are not
      dependent on concomitant changes in AT1R expression or body weight.
AB  - Estradiol (E2) decreases both water and saline intakes by female rats. The
      ERalpha and ERbeta subtypes are expressed in areas of the brain that control
      fluid intake; however, the role that these receptors play in E2's antidipsogenic
      and antinatriorexigenic effects have not been examined. Accordingly, we tested
      the hypothesis that activation of ERalpha and ERbeta decreases water and saline
      intakes by female rats. We found a divergence in E2's inhibitory effect on
      intake: activation of ERalpha decreased water intake, whereas activation of
      ERbeta decreased saline intake. E2 decreases expression of the angiotensin II
      type 1 receptor (AT1R), a receptor with known relevance to water and salt
      intakes, in multiple areas of the brain where ERalpha and ERbeta are
      differentially expressed. Therefore, we tested for agonist-induced changes in
      AT1R mRNA expression by RT-PCR and protein expression by analyzing receptor
      binding to test the hypothesis that the divergent effects of these ER subtypes
      are mediated by region-specific changes in AT1R expression. Although we found no
      changes in AT1R mRNA or binding in areas of the brain known to control fluid
      intake associated with agonist treatment, the experimental results replicate and
      extend previous findings that body weight changes mediate alterations in AT1R
      expression in distinct brain regions. Together, the results reveal selective
      effects of ER subtypes on ingestive behaviors, advancing our understanding of
      E2's inhibitory role in the controls of fluid intake by female rats.

PMID- 27122369
TI  - Fatty acid-induced astrocyte ketone production and the control of food intake.
AB  - Obesity and Type 2 diabetes are major worldwide public health issues today. A
      relationship between total fat intake and obesity has been found. In addition,
      the mechanisms of long-term and excessive high-fat diet (HFD) intake in the
      development of obesity still need to be elucidated. The ventromedial hypothalamus
      (VMH) is a major site involved in the regulation of glucose and energy
      homeostasis where "metabolic sensing neurons" integrate metabolic signals from
      the periphery. Among these signals, fatty acids (FA) modulate the activity of VMH
      neurons using the FA translocator/CD36, which plays a critical role in the
      regulation of energy and glucose homeostasis. During low-fat diet (LFD) intake,
      FA are oxidized by VMH astrocytes to fuel their ongoing metabolic needs. However,
      HFD intake causes VMH astrocytes to use FA to generate ketone bodies. We
      postulate that these astrocyte-derived ketone bodies are exported to neurons
      where they produce excess ATP and reactive oxygen species, which override CD36
      mediated FA sensing and act as a signal to decrease short-term food intake. On a
      HFD, VMH astrocyte-produced ketones reduce elevated caloric intake to LFD levels
      after 3 days in rats genetically predisposed to resist (DR) diet-induced obesity
      (DIO), but not leptin-resistant DIO rats. This suggests that, while VMH ketone
      production on a HFD can contribute to protection from obesity, the inherent
      leptin resistance overrides this inhibitory action of ketone bodies on food
      intake. Thus, astrocytes and neurons form a tight metabolic unit that is able to
      monitor circulating nutrients to alter food intake and energy homeostasis.

PMID- 27122370
TI  - Sulfate transporters involved in sulfate secretion in the kidney are localized in
      the renal proximal tubule II of the elephant fish (Callorhinchus milii).
AB  - Most vertebrates, including cartilaginous fishes, maintain their plasma SO4 (2-)
      concentration ([SO4 (2-)]) within a narrow range of 0.2-1 mM. As seawater has a
      [SO4 (2-)] about 40 times higher than that of the plasma, SO4 (2-) excretion is
      the major role of kidneys in marine teleost fishes. It has been suggested that
      cartilaginous fishes also excrete excess SO4 (2-) via the kidney. However, little
      is known about the underlying mechanisms for SO4 (2-) transport in cartilaginous
      fish, largely due to the extraordinarily elaborate four-loop configuration of the
      nephron, which consists of at least 10 morphologically distinguishable segments.
      In the present study, we determined cDNA sequences from the kidney of
      holocephalan elephant fish (Callorhinchus milii) that encoded solute carrier
      family 26 member 1 (Slc26a1) and member 6 (Slc26a6), which are SO4 (2-)
      transporters that are expressed in mammalian and teleost kidneys. Elephant fish
      Slc26a1 (cmSlc26a1) and cmSlc26a6 mRNAs were coexpressed in the proximal II (PII)
      segment of the nephron, which comprises the second loop in the sinus zone.
      Functional analyses using Xenopus oocytes and the results of immunohistochemistry
      revealed that cmSlc26a1 is a basolaterally located electroneutral SO4 (2-)
      transporter, while cmSlc26a6 is an apically located, electrogenic Cl(-)/SO4 (2-)
      exchanger. In addition, we found that both cmSlc26a1 and cmSlc26a6 were
      abundantly expressed in the kidney of embryos; SO4 (2-) was concentrated in a
      bladder-like structure of elephant fish embryos. Our results demonstrated that
      the PII segment of the nephron contributes to the secretion of excess SO4 (2-) by
      the kidney of elephant fish. Possible mechanisms for SO4 (2-) secretion in the
      PII segment are discussed.

PMID- 27122371
TI  - Role of aortic arch vascular mechanics in cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity.
AB  - Cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cvBRS) measures the efficiency of the
      cardiovagal baroreflex to modulate heart rate in response to increases or
      decreases in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Given that baroreceptors are located
      in the walls of the carotid sinuses (CS) and aortic arch (AA), the arterial
      mechanics of these sites are important contributors to cvBRS. However, the
      relative contribution of CS and AA mechanics to cvBRS remains unclear. This study
      employed sex differences as a model to test the hypothesis that differences in
      cvBRS between groups would be explained by the vascular mechanics of the AA but
      not the CS. Thirty-six young, healthy, normotensive individuals (18 females; 24
      +/- 2 yr) were recruited. cvBRS was measured using transfer function analysis of
      the low-frequency region (0.04-0.15 Hz). Ultrasonography was performed at the CS
      and AA to obtain arterial diameters for the measurement of distensibility. Local
      pulse pressure (PP) was taken at the CS using a hand-held tonometer, whereas AA
      PP was estimated using a transfer function of brachial PP. Both cvBRS (25 +/- 11
      vs. 19 +/- 7 ms/mmHg, P = 0.04) and AA distensibility (16.5 +/- 6.0 vs. 10.5 +/-
      3.8 mmHg(-1) * 10(-3), P = 0.02) were greater in females than males. Sex
      differences in cvBRS were eliminated after controlling for AA distensibility (P =
      0.19). There were no sex differences in CS distensibility (5.32 +/- 2.3 vs. 4.63
      +/- 1.3 mmHg(-1) * 10(-3), P = 0.32). The present data demonstrate that AA
      mechanics are an important contributor to differences in cvBRS.

PMID- 27122372
TI  - Electrically Polarized Biomaterials.
AB  - Electrically polarized biomaterials and their interactions with the surrounding
      biological environment is important for understanding the host response, growth
      and inhibition of biological species as well as the long-term fate and
      performance of the implants. Polarized materials possess electrical charges at
      the surface due to polar or electret properties. As these surfaces are at the
      frontier of biological reactions understanding biological interactions at the
      interface with polarized biomaterials requires a convergence of understanding
      multiple disciplines. This article discusses progress that has taken place in the
      fields of surface and interface science, materials science and biomedical device
      engineering to obtain a better perspective of such interactions. 

PMID- 27122373
TI  - Molecular crowding impacts the structure of apolipoprotein A-I with potential
      implications on in vivo metabolism and function.
AB  - The effect molecular crowding, defined as the volume exclusion exerted by one
      soluble inert molecule upon another soluble molecule, has on the structure and
      self-interaction of lipid-free apoA-I were explored. The influence of molecular
      crowding on lipid-free apoA-I oligomerization and internal dynamics has been
      analyzed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy measurements of
      nitroxide spin label at selected positions throughout the protein sequence and at
      varying concentrations of the crowding agent Ficoll-70. The targeted positions
      include sites previously shown to be sensitive for detecting intermolecular
      interaction via spin-spin coupling. Circular dichroism was used to study
      secondary structural changes in lipid-free apoA-I imposed by increasing
      concentrations of the crowding agent. Crosslinking and SDS-PAGE gel analysis was
      employed to further characterize the role molecular crowding plays in inducing
      apoA-I oligomerization. It was concluded that the dynamic apoA-I structure and
      oligomeric state was altered in the presence of the crowding agent. It was also
      found that the C-terminal was slightly more sensitive to molecular crowding.
      Finally, the data described the region around residue 217 in the C-terminal
      domain of apoA-I as the most sensitive reporter of the crowding-induced self
      association of apoA-I. The implications of this behavior to in vivo functionality
      are discussed. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 683-692, 2016. 

PMID- 27122374
TI  - Nicotine without smoke-putting electronic cigarettes in context.

PMID- 27122375
TI  - The Role of Angiogenesis in the Persistence of Chemoresistance in Epithelial
      Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Chemoresistance remains a major challenge in the treatment of ovarian
      cancer. As part of a survival mechanism, tumor cells have been shown to release
      proangiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), through
      a mechanism that involves the upregulation of hypoxia-induced factor (HIF)
      1alpha. The objective of this study was to compare the expression of VEGF and its
      receptors (R1 and R2) as well as HIF-1alpha in chemoresistant epithelial ovarian
      cancer (EOC) cells to their chemosensitive counterparts and determine their
      impact on angiogenesis. METHODS: Two human EOC cell lines, MDAH-2774 and SKOV-3,
      and their cisplatin- or taxotere-resistant counterparts were used. Total RNA and
      protein were subjected to real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
      reaction, immunoprecipitation/Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      to evaluate the expression of VEGF, VEGF receptors (R1 and R2), and HIF-1alpha.
      Angiogenesis was assessed with an in vitro angiogenesis assay. Data were analyzed
      using independent Student t tests and chi-square. RESULTS: Both taxotere- and
      cisplatin-resistant MDAH-2774 and SKOV-3 EOC cell lines manifested a significant
      decrease in VEGF, VEGF receptors, HIF-1alpha messenger RNA, and protein levels as
      compared to their chemosensitive counterparts. There was a significant decrease
      in the number and thickness of polygon blood vessel formation in chemoresistant
      EOC cells compared to chemosensitive counterparts. CONCLUSION: Cisplatin- and
      taxotere-resistant EOC cells are characterized by lower VEGF, VEGF receptors, and
      HIF-1alpha, and decreased angiogenesis. These findings may indicate a decrease in
      drug delivery at the tumor site, hence allowing the persistence of chemoresistant
      EOC cells.

PMID- 27122376
TI  - Comparison of ESwab and Wound Fiber Swab Specimen Collection Devices for Use with
      Xpert SA Nasal Complete Assay.
AB  - Paired nasal swab specimens were collected from patients who were undergoing
      routine methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening prior to
      elective cardiac or orthopedic procedures. Each patient was swabbed using a
      traditional wound fiber liquid Stuart swab and an ESwab device, a flocked swab
      with a modified liquid Amies microbiology transport medium. The two specimens
      were tested using the Cepheid Xpert SA Nasal Complete assay. Results demonstrated
      a 95.5% agreement between the ESwab and the FDA-cleared wound fiber swab
      collection device.

PMID- 27122377
TI  - Comparison of Culture-Based Methods for Identification of Colonization with
      Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in the
      Context of Cocolonization.
AB  - Two screening methods to detect staphylococcal colonization in humans were
      compared. Direct plating to CHROMagar (BD Diagnostics) was compared to a broth
      preenrichment followed by plating to Baird-Parker agar. The broth-enrichment
      method was comparable to CHROMagar for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureas (MRSA) detection, but the enrichment method was optimum for recovery of
      coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp.

PMID- 27122378
TI  - Clinical Evaluation of the Luminex NxTAG Respiratory Pathogen Panel.
AB  - An evaluation of the Luminex NxTAG Respiratory Pathogen Panel was performed on
      404 clinical respiratory specimens. Clinical sensitivities and specificities of
      the assay compared to those of the reference methods were 80.0% to 100.0% and
      98.9% to 100.0%, respectively. Correct genotyping information was provided for
      95.5% of influenza virus A specimens. The closed-tube format of the assay
      simplified the workflow and minimized carryover contamination.

PMID- 27122379
TI  - Multisite Evaluation of Cepheid Xpert Carba-R Assay for Detection of
      Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms in Rectal Swabs.
AB  - Rapid identification of patients who are colonized with carbapenemase-producing
      organisms (CPO) is included in multiple national guidelines for containment of
      these organisms. In a multisite study, we evaluated the performance of the
      Cepheid Xpert Carba-R assay, a qualitative diagnostic test that was designed for
      the rapid detection and differentiation of the blaKPC, blaNDM, blaVIM, blaOXA-48,
      and blaIMP-1 genes from rectal swab specimens. A double rectal swab set was
      collected from 383 patients admitted at four institutions (2 in the United
      States, 1 in the United Kingdom, 1 in Spain). One swab was used for reference
      culture (MacConkey broth containing 1 mg/liter of meropenem and subcultured to a
      MacConkey agar plate with a 10-MUg meropenem disk) and for sequencing of DNA
      obtained from carbapenem-nonsusceptible isolates for carbapenemase
      identification. The other swab was used for the Xpert Carba-R assay. In addition
      to the clinical rectal swabs, 250 contrived specimens (108 well-characterized CPO
      and 142 negative controls spiked onto negative rectal swabs) were tested.
      Overall, 149/633 (23.5%) samples were positive by the Xpert Carba-R assay. In 6
      samples, multiple targets were detected (4 VIM/OXA-48, 1 IMP-1/NDM, and 1
      NDM/KPC). The Xpert Carba-R assay detected 155 targets (26 IMP-1, 30 VIM, 27 NDM,
      33 KPC, 39 OXA-48) within a time range of 32 to 48 min. The sensitivity,
      specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the Xpert Carba-R
      assay compared to those of the reference culture and sequencing results were
      96.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92.2% to 98.9%), 98.6% (95% CI, 97.1% to
      99.4%), 95.3%, and 99.0%, respectively. The Cepheid Xpert Carba-R assay is an
      accurate and rapid test to identify rectal colonization with CPO, which can guide
      infection control programs to limit the spread of these organisms.

PMID- 27122380
TI  - Clinical Evaluation of the New High-Throughput Luminex NxTAG Respiratory Pathogen
      Panel Assay for Multiplex Respiratory Pathogen Detection.
AB  - A broad range of viral and bacterial pathogens can cause acute respiratory tract
      infection. For rapid detection of a broad respiratory pathogen spectrum,
      multiplex real-time PCR is ideal. This study evaluated the performance of the new
      Luminex NxTAG Respiratory Pathogen Panel (NxTAG-RPP) in comparison with the
      BioFire FilmArray Respiratory Panel (FA-RP) or singleplex real-time PCR as
      reference. A total of 284 clinical respiratory specimens and 3 influenza A/H7N9
      viral culture samples were tested. All clinical specimens were processed and
      analyzed in parallel using NxTAG-RPP and the reference standard method. The H7N9
      viral culture samples were tested using NxTAG-RPP only. Overall, the NxTAG-RPP
      demonstrated >=93% sensitivity and specificity for all respiratory targets except
      human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) and HCoV-HKU1. The H7N9 virus was detected by
      the influenza A virus matrix gene target, while other influenza A virus subtyping
      gene targets in the panel remained negative. Complete concordance between NxTAG
      RPP and FA-RP was observed in 98.8% (318/322) of positive results (kappa = 0.92).
      Substantial agreement was found for most respiratory targets, but significant
      differences were observed in human metapneumovirus (P = 0.001) and parainfluenza
      virus type 3 (P = 0.031). NxTAG-RPP has a higher sample throughput than FA-RP (96
      samples versus 1 sample per run) while the turnaround times for NxTAG-RPP and FA
      RP were 5 h (up to 96 samples) and 1 h (for one sample), respectively. Overall,
      NxTAG-RPP demonstrated good diagnostic performance for most respiratory
      pathogens. The high sample throughput with reasonable turnaround time of this new
      assay makes it a suitable multiplex platform for routine screening of respiratory
      specimens in hospital-based laboratories.

PMID- 27122381
TI  - Use of Shotgun Metagenome Sequencing To Detect Fecal Colonization with Multidrug
      Resistant Bacteria in Children.
AB  - Prevention of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections relies on accurate
      detection of these organisms. We investigated shotgun metagenome sequencing for
      the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin
      resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and MDR Enterobacteriaceae Fecal metagenomes were
      analyzed from high-risk inpatients and compared to those of low-risk outpatients
      and controls with minimal risk for a MDR bacterial infection. Principal-component
      analysis clustered patient samples into distinct cohorts, confirming that the
      microbiome composition was significantly different between cohorts (P = 0.006).
      Microbial diversity and relative anaerobe abundance were preserved in outpatients
      compared to those in controls. Relative anaerobe abundance was significantly
      reduced in inpatients compared to that in outpatients (P = 0.006). Although the
      potential for MDR bacteria was increased in inpatients and outpatients compared
      to that in controls (P < 0.001), there was no difference between inpatients and
      outpatients. However, 9 (53%) inpatients had colonization with a MDR bacterium
      that was not identified by culture. Unlike culture, shotgun sequencing
      quantitatively characterizes the burdens of multiple MDR bacteria relative to all
      of the microbiota within the intestinal community. We propose consideration of
      key microbiome features, such as diversity and relative anaerobe abundance, in
      addition to the detection of MDR bacteria by shotgun metagenome sequencing as a
      novel method that might better identify patients who are at increased risk of a
      MDR infection.

PMID- 27122382
TI  - DISCOVERING PALLADINO'S MEDIUMSHIP. OTERO ACEVEDO, LOMBROSO AND THE QUEST FOR
      AUTHORITY.
AB  - In 1888, the spiritist Ercole Chiaia challenged Cesare Lombroso to go to Naples
      and study a brilliant though still unknown medium: Eusapia Palladino. At that
      time Lombroso turned down the challenge. However, in 1891 he became fascinated by
      the medium's phenomena. Despite the abundant literature on Palladino, there is
      still an episode that needs to be explored: in 1888, the Spanish doctor Manuel
      Otero Acevedo accepted the challenge rejected by Lombroso, spent three months in
      Naples studying the medium and invited the Italian psychiatrist to join his
      investigations. This unexplored episode serves to examine the role of scientific
      authority, testimony, and material evidence in the legitimization of mediumistic
      phenomena. The use Otero Acevedo made of the evidence he obtained in Naples
      reveals his desire to proclaim himself an authority on psychical research before
      other experts, such as Lombroso, Richet, and Aksakof. 

PMID- 27122383
TI  - Costs incurred by family caregivers of patients with palliative care needs.

PMID- 27122384
TI  - The association between smoking status and hospital length of stay: evidence from
      a hospital-based cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Smoking is recognized as one of the main preventable causes of
      mortality and morbidity that imposes a high financial burden on healthcare
      systems and society. This study aimed to examine the association between smoking
      status and hospital length of stay (LOS) among patients with lung cancer (LC),
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ischemic heart diseases (IHD) in
      Iran in 2014. METHODS: A total of 1271 patients (415 LC patients, 427 COPD
      patients and 429 IHD patients) were included in the study. Data on age, sex,
      insurance status and LOS was extracted from the patients' medical records and
      smoking status was obtained from the patients using telephone survey. The LOS
      among current smokers, former smokers, and nonsmokers was compared using a zero
      truncated poisson regression. Analysis was done using STATA v.12. RESULTS: The
      mean LOS for current smokers, former smokers and nonsmokers was 9.4+/-8.4, 7.3 +/
      5.3 and 6.02+/-5.05 days, respectively. The unadjusted and adjusted probabilities
      of LOS for current smokers and former smokers were 56% and 21% and 48% and 15%
      higher, respectively, than when compared with the nonsmoker category. CONCLUSION:
      The study demonstrated longer LOS for the current and former smokers,
      contributing to the drain on large hospital resources in Iran. The results of the
      study provide useful information for health-policy makers that contribute to the
      planning and designing of smoking cessation interventions in this area.

PMID- 27122386
TI  - Why we love glycobiology.

PMID- 27122387
TI  - Translational glycobiology: Patient-oriented glycoscience research.

PMID- 27122388
TI  - Development of a real-time quantitative RT-PCR to detect REV contamination in
      live vaccine.
AB  - Based on the published Avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) whole genome
      sequence, primers and TaqMan probes were designed and synthesized, and the TaqMan
      probe fluorescence real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) method for detecting
      the REV pol gene was established by optimizing the reaction conditions.
      Sensitivity analysis showed that the qRT-PCR method had a sensitivity that was
      1,000-fold higher than conventional PCR. Additionally, no amplification signals
      were obtained when we attempted to detect DNA or cDNA of ALV-A/B/J, MDV, CIAV,
      IBDV, ARV, NDV, AIV, or other viruses, suggesting a high specificity for our
      method. Various titers of REV were artificially "spiked" into the FPV and MDV
      vaccines to simulate REV contamination in attenuated vaccines to validate this
      qRT-PCR method. Our findings indicated that this qRT-PCR method could detect REV
      contamination at a dose of 1 TCID50/1,000 feathers, which was 10,000-fold more
      sensitive than the regular RT-PCR detection (10(4) TCID50/1000 feathers). 

PMID- 27122389
TI  - Early Parental Adaptation, Prenatal Distress, and High-Risk Pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the examined the effects of high risk pregnancy and
      prenatal distress on parental postnatal adaptation. METHODS: A sample of 111
      expecting parents, consisting of 32 high risk pregnancy (HRP) mothers and 21
      spouses and 36 matched low risk pregnancy (LRP) mothers and 22 spouses completed
      reports of depression symptoms (BDI) and pregnancy related concerns prenatally.
      At three months postpartum, parent-infant direct observations and reports of
      parenting alliance (PAI), stress (PSI-SF), satisfaction and efficacy (PSOC) were
      gathered. Data was analyzed with GLM multivariate analyses and the actor-partner
      interdependence model. RESULTS: Parents' prenatal BDI predicted postnatal
      parental stress. BDI and concerns predicted postnatal satisfaction, but only for
      mothers. Mother's concerns predicted low maternal and high paternal parenting
      alliance. Partner effect was found so that high concerns predicted high reports
      of parenting alliance by spouse. Mean-group differences were found between HRP
      and LRP during parent-infant observations, so that HRP parents displayed lower
      sensitivity and reciprocity. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal distress, and to some degree
      high risk pregnancy, are risk factors that may interfere with the early formation
      of parent-infant relationship. Clinical implications of these findings are
      presented.

PMID- 27122390
TI  - Age and cellular composition influence overall survival in a collective of non
      immunocompromised patients with EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma from a
      German lymphoma center.
AB  - We investigated 41 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) diagnosed at one center
      harboring >=50% of latently Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected neoplastic cells
      occurring in 34 patients aged >=50 years and in 7 patients younger than 50 years
      in the absence of any known immunodeficiency for the expression patterns of EBV
      latent and immediate-early proteins, for the differentiation stage of the
      neoplastic cells, the presence of cytogenetic alterations and a possible co
      infection with the human herpes virus (HHV)-8. Here, we show that EBV-positive
      DLBCLs rarely arise from naive and more frequently from post-germinal center B
      cells that often contain crippling immunoglobulin gene mutations. Most of the
      lymphomas did not exhibit breaks in the BCL2, BCL6, and MYC genes and none of the
      cases investigated contained HHV-8 sequences. Patients aged <50 years performed
      better than older ones while in patients aged >=50 years only the cellular
      composition had an impact on overall survival.

PMID- 27122391
TI  - The relation between polysomnography and subjective sleep and its dependence on
      age - poor sleep may become good sleep.
AB  - Women complain more about sleep than men, but polysomnography (PSG) seems to
      suggest worse sleep in men. This raises the question of how women (or men)
      perceive objective (PSG) sleep. The present study sought to investigate the
      relation between morning subjective sleep quality and PSG variables in older and
      younger women. A representative sample of 251 women was analysed in age groups
      above and below 51.5 years (median). PSG was recorded at home during one night.
      Perceived poor sleep was related to short total sleep time (TST), long wake
      within total sleep time (WTSP), low sleep efficiency and a high number of
      awakenings. The older women showed lower TST and sleep efficiency and higher WTSP
      for a rating of good sleep than did the younger women. For these PSG variables
      the values for good sleep in the older group were similar to the values for poor
      sleep in the young group. It was concluded that women perceive different levels
      of sleep duration, sleep efficiency and wake after sleep onset relatively well,
      but that older women adjust their objective criteria for good sleep downwards. It
      was also concluded that age is an important factor in the relation between
      subjective and objective sleep.

PMID- 27122392
TI  - Identification of a novel HLA-A allele, HLA-A*02:590, in a Korean individual.
AB  - A*02:590 differs from A*02:01:01:01 by a nucleotide substitution at codon 152
      (GTG -> GCG) with amino change.

PMID- 27122394
TI  - Forensic Archaeological Recovery of a Large-Scale Mass Disaster Scene: Lessons
      Learned from Two Complex Recovery Operations at the World Trade Center Site.
AB  - In 2006, unexpected discoveries of buried World Trade Center (WTC) debris and
      human remains were made at the World Trade Center mass disaster site. New York
      City's Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) was given the task of
      systematically searching the site for any remaining victims' remains. The
      subsequent OCME assessment and archaeological excavation conducted from 2006
      until 2013, resulted in the recovery of over 1,900 victims' remains. In addition,
      this operation demonstrated the essential skills archaeologists can provide in a
      mass disaster recovery operation. The OCME excavation data illustrates some of
      the challenges encountered during the original recovery effort of 2001/2002. It
      suggests that when understood within the larger site recovery context, certain
      fundamental components of the original recovery effort, such as operational
      priorities and activities in effect during the original recovery, directly or
      indirectly resulted in unsearched deposits that contained human remains.

PMID- 27122395
TI  - SNP Miniplexes for Individual Identification of Random-Bred Domestic Cats.
AB  - Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the cat can be obtained from single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analyses of fur. This study developed miniplexes
      using SNPs with high discriminating power for random-bred domestic cats, focusing
      on individual and phenotypic identification. Seventy-eight SNPs were investigated
      using a multiplex PCR followed by a fluorescently labeled single base extension
      (SBE) technique (SNaPshot((r)) ). The SNP miniplexes were evaluated for
      reliability, reproducibility, sensitivity, species specificity, detection
      limitations, and assignment accuracy. Six SNPplexes were developed containing 39
      intergenic SNPs and 26 phenotypic SNPs, including a sex identification marker,
      ZFXY. The combined random match probability (cRMP) was 6.58 * 10(-19) across all
      Western cat populations and the likelihood ratio was 1.52 * 10(18) . These
      SNPplexes can distinguish individual cats and their phenotypic traits, which
      could provide insight into crime reconstructions. A SNP database of 237 cats from
      13 worldwide populations is now available for forensic applications.

PMID- 27122396
TI  - Next-Generation Sequencing of the Bacterial 16S rRNA Gene for Forensic Soil
      Comparison: A Feasibility Study.
AB  - Soil has the potential to be valuable forensic evidence linking a person or item
      to a crime scene; however, there is no established soil individualization
      technique. In this study, the utility of soil bacterial profiling via next
      generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was examined for associating soils
      with their place of origin. Soil samples were collected from ten diverse and nine
      similar habitats over time, and within three habitats at various horizontal and
      vertical distances. Bacterial profiles were analyzed using four methods:
      abundance charts and nonmetric multidimensional scaling provided simplification
      and visualization of the massive datasets, potentially aiding in expert
      testimony, while analysis of similarities and k-nearest neighbor offered
      objective statistical comparisons. The vast majority of soil bacterial profiles
      (95.4%) were classified to their location of origin, highlighting the potential
      of bacterial profiling via next-generation sequencing for the forensic analysis
      of soil samples.

PMID- 27122398
TI  - Blind Detection of Region Duplication Forgery Using Fractal Coding and Feature
      Matching.
AB  - Digital image forgery detection is important because of its wide use in
      applications such as medical diagnosis, legal investigations, and entertainment.
      Copy-move forgery is one of the famous techniques, which is used in region
      duplication. Many of the existing copy-move detection algorithms cannot
      effectively blind detect duplicated regions that are made by powerful image
      manipulation software like Photoshop. In this study, a new method is proposed for
      blind detecting manipulations in digital images based on modified fractal coding
      and feature vector matching. The proposed method not only detects typical copy
      move forgery, but also finds multiple copied forgery regions for images that are
      subjected to rotation, scaling, reflection, and a mixture of these postprocessing
      operations. The proposed method is robust against tampered images undergoing
      attacks such as Gaussian blurring, contrast scaling, and brightness adjustment.
      The experimental results demonstrated the validity and efficiency of the method.

PMID- 27122397
TI  - Screening Test for Shed Skin Cells by Measuring the Ratio of Human DNA to
      Staphylococcus epidermidis DNA.
AB  - A novel screening method for shed skin cells by detecting Staphylococcus
      epidermidis (S. epidermidis), which is a resident bacterium on skin, was
      developed. Staphylococcus epidermidis was detected using real-time PCR.
      Staphylococcus epidermidis was detected in all 20 human skin surface samples.
      Although not present in blood and urine samples, S. epidermidis was detected in 6
      of 20 saliva samples, and 5 of 18 semen samples. The ratio of human DNA to S.
      epidermidisDNA was significantly smaller in human skin surface samples than in
      saliva and semen samples in which S. epidermidis was detected. Therefore,
      although skin cells could not be identified by detecting only S. epidermidis,
      they could be distinguished by measuring the S. epidermidis to human DNA ratio.
      This method could be applied to casework touch samples, which suggests that it is
      useful for screening whether skin cells and human DNA are present on potential
      evidentiary touch samples.

PMID- 27122399
TI  - Reliable Gait Recognition Using 3D Reconstructions and Random Forests - An
      Anthropometric Approach.
AB  - Photogrammetric measurements of bodily dimensions and analysis of gait patterns
      in CCTV are important tools in forensic investigations but accurate extraction of
      the measurements are challenging. This study tested whether manual annotation of
      the joint centers on 3D reconstructions could provide reliable recognition.
      Sixteen participants performed normal walking where 3D reconstructions were
      obtained continually. Segment lengths and kinematics from the extremities were
      manually extracted by eight expert observers. The results showed that all the
      participants were recognized, assuming the same expert annotated the data.
      Recognition based on data annotated by different experts was less reliable
      achieving 72.6% correct recognitions as some parameters were heavily affected by
      interobserver variability. This study verified that 3D reconstructions are
      feasible for forensic gait analysis as an improved alternative to conventional
      CCTV. However, further studies are needed to account for the use of different
      clothing, field conditions, etc.

PMID- 27122400
TI  - The Effects of Soil Texture on the Ability of Human Remains Detection Dogs to
      Detect Buried Human Remains.
AB  - Despite technological advances, human remains detection (HRD) dogs still remain
      one of the best tools for locating clandestine graves. However, soil texture may
      affect the escape of decomposition gases and therefore the effectiveness of HDR
      dogs. Six nationally credentialed HRD dogs (three HRD only and three cross
      trained) were evaluated on novel buried human remains in contrasting soils, a
      clayey and a sandy soil. Search time and accuracy were compared for the clayey
      soil and sandy soil to assess odor location difficulty. Sandy soil (p < 0.001)
      yielded significantly faster trained response times, but no significant
      differences were found in performance accuracy between soil textures or training
      method. Results indicate soil texture may be significant factor in odor detection
      difficulty. Prior knowledge of soil texture and moisture may be useful for search
      management and planning. Appropriate adjustments to search segment sizes, sweep
      widths and search time allotment depending on soil texture may optimize
      successful detection.

PMID- 27122401
TI  - A Retrospective Demographic and Clinicopathologic Review of Deaths Resulting from
      Minefield Explosions During Migrants' Attempts to Enter Greece from Turkey
      Between 1997 and 2008.
AB  - Until 2008, the easternmost land borders of the European Union (Greek-Turkish
      land zone) were planted with minefields spanning 11 km. Therefore, numerous
      fatalities occurred in peacetime as migrants attempted to avoid Greek border
      checks. Numerous fatal incidents (51) were detected inside the Greek minefields
      between 1997 and 2008. Determination of age, sex, time of death, and nationality
      were evaluated in every case. The injuries' anatomical dispersion, their
      severity, and the mechanism of death were examined in relation to the victims'
      position at the moment of the explosion. Data research indicated that all victims
      were male, aged 18-30 in their majority, crossing border minefields mainly during
      the night. Their distance and position in relation to the point of detonation was
      a key factor in the trauma localization and severity. This review highlights the
      devastating consequences of the residual mines during peacetime, a situation that
      continues to be a persistent international problem.

PMID- 27122402
TI  - Suicidal Drug Overdoses in New Mexico: A 5-year Retrospective Review.
AB  - To better understand the changing toxicology trends in suicidal drug overdoses in
      the setting of an increased national trend of multidrug overdoses, a
      retrospective review of electronic records from New Mexico's Office of the
      Medical Investigator database was performed between 2008 and 2012 to assess the
      drug type and current risk factors in suicide deaths. Information on
      demographics, circumstances, suicide risk factors, toxicology findings, and death
      certificates was collected and analyzed. Three hundred and forty-two suicide
      cases of suicide overdoses were identified. Decedents were predominantly female
      (61.8%). Scene investigation revealed risk factors including suicide ideation
      (47.4%), previous suicide attempts (38%), and suicide note (38%). Psychiatric
      illness was present in 72% of cases, with depression being the most common
      illness. Chronic pain was seen in 27.2% of cases. Most deaths were attributed to
      multiple drugs (76%). Utilizing the toxicology information will assist in
      creating public awareness and provide a framework to support targeted efforts to
      attempt to prevent future suicides.

PMID- 27122403
TI  - Brain Fluid Content Related to Body Position and Postmortem Interval - An Animal
      Model.
AB  - Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were euthanized and placed in a horizontal or
      vertical (head-down) position at room temperature, after which brain fluid
      content was measured by a moisture analysis technique at variable time points. No
      significant difference in brain fluid content was observed between horizontal and
      vertical postmortem positions. A significant increase in brain fluid content was
      demonstrated 3, 6, and 24 h after death, with maximal fluid content observed at
      24 h. Specifically, the brain fluid content of control animals was 77.79 +/-
      0.36%, increasing to 80.05 +/- 0.22% at 24 h (p < 0.0001). This study has
      demonstrated no significant differences in brain fluid content related to
      postmortem position, suggesting that a head-down position is not associated with
      increased brain fluid content or swelling. However, significant temporal
      increases in brain fluid content after death, most likely related to cerebral
      liquefaction, occur.

PMID- 27122404
TI  - Histological Changes in the Thyroid Gland in Cases of Infant and Early Childhood
      Asphyxia-A Preliminary Study.
AB  - A retrospective blinded study of thyroid gland histology was undertaken in 50
      infants and young children aged from 1 to 24 months. Deaths were due to (i)
      suffocation (N = 7), hanging (4), wedging (3), and chest and/or neck compression
      (4), and (ii) SIDS (20), noncervical trauma (7), organic disease, (4) and drug
      toxicity (1). In the asphyxia group (N = 18), thyroid gland congestion ranged
      from 0 to 3+ with 39% of cases (7/18) having moderate/marked congestion. In three
      cases, focal aggregates of red blood cells (blood islands) were observed within
      the intrafollicular colloid. These deaths involved chest compression, chest
      and/or neck compression, and crush asphyxia in a vehicle accident, and all had
      facial petechiae. Only 22% of the 32 control cases (7/32) had moderate/marked
      congestion with no blood islands being identified (p < 0.05). Blood islands
      within the thyroid gland may be caused by congestion associated with crushing or
      compression and may provide supportive evidence for this diagnosis.

PMID- 27122405
TI  - Incidence of Low Body Mass Index in the Elderly in Forensic Cases-A Possible
      Marker for Frailty Syndrome?
AB  - Diagnosing frailty syndrome at autopsy may be difficult if no adequate clinical
      history is provided. As low body mass index (BMI) may be associated with frailty
      in the elderly, the following study was undertaken to determine the percentage of
      medicolegal cases with BMIs < 18.5 in decedents aged over 75 years. Review was
      undertaken over three time periods: January to December 1986, January to December
      2006, and January to December 2012. In 1986, 16% (15 of 93) of individuals aged
      >=75 years had BMIs < 18.5, in 2006, 15% (50 of 336), and in 2012, 13% (35 of
      274). In no case was frailty syndrome mentioned. This study demonstrates that
      frailty syndrome appears to be an underappreciated diagnosis in forensic practice
      despite a significant percentage of elderly decedents (13-16% over a 27-year
      period) having low BMIs. Prospective assessment of this group is required to
      determine the incidence and contribution to mortality of frailty syndrome in a
      forensic context.

PMID- 27122406
TI  - Pig Organ Energy Loss Comparison Experiments Using BBs.
AB  - Torso models for ballistics research require that the mechanical properties of
      simulant materials must match the heterogeneous nature of tissues/organs within
      the human thorax/abdomen. A series of energy loss experiments were conducted on
      fresh porcine organs/tissues at room temperature and 37 degrees C, using steel
      4.5 mm BBs fired from a Daisy((r)) brand air rifle. They were compared to FBI and
      NATO specification ordnance gelatin and a candidate surrogate material called
      Simulant "A". Two CED M2 chronographs measured BB velocity. The resulting energy
      loss was established using KE = 1/2 mv2 before and after target perforation. The
      combined results at room temperature and 37 degrees C were as follows: FBI
      specification gelatin was similar (p > 0.05) to heart and lung, spleen was
      similar to NATO specification gelatin, Simulant "A" was similar to hindquarter
      muscle, and hindquarter muscle, kidney, and spleen were similar to each other
      regarding energy retardation. These results can be used as a basis for the
      development of simulant materials to create an anatomically correct heterogeneous
      model.

PMID- 27122407
TI  - Molecular Autopsy of Desmosomal Protein Plakophilin-2 in Sudden Unexplained
      Nocturnal Death Syndrome.
AB  - Plakophilin-2 (PKP2) variants could produce a phenotype of Brugada syndrome
      (BrS), which seems to be most likely the same allelic disorder as some sudden
      unexplained nocturnal death syndrome (SUNDS). All coding regions of PKP2 gene in
      119 SUNDS victims were genetically screened using PCR and direct Sanger
      sequencing methods. Three novel mutations (p.Ala159Thr, p.Val200Val, and
      p.Gly265Glu), one novel rare polymorphism (p.Thr723Thr), and eight reported
      polymorphisms were identified. A compound mutation (p.Ala159Thr and p.Gly265Glu)
      and a rare polymorphism (p.Thr723Thr) were found in one SUNDS case with absence
      of the cardiomyopathic features. The detected compound mutation identified in
      this first investigation of PKP2 genetic phenotype in SUNDS is regarded as the
      plausible genetic cause of this SUNDS case. The rare incidence of PKP2 mutation
      in SUNDS (1%) supports the previous viewpoint that SUNDS is most likely an
      allelic disorder as BrS.

PMID- 27122408
TI  - Associations between Exposure to Alienating Behaviors, Anxiety, and Depression in
      an Italian Sample of Adults.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine associations between exposure to alienating
      behaviors (ABs) and anxiety and depression as mediated through psychological
      maltreatment and parental bonding in a sample of Italian adults in the community.
      Five hundred and nine adults were given a measure of exposure to ABs, the Baker
      Strategy Questionnaire; the Psychological Maltreatment Measure; the Parental
      Bonding Instrument; the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y; and the Beck Depression
      Inventory-II. Exposure to ABs was associated with psychological maltreatment,
      which was associated with parental bonding, which was associated with each of the
      three mental health outcomes: depression, state anxiety, and trait anxiety. The
      authors conclude that exposure to ABs in childhood represents a risk factor for
      subsequent poor mental health.

PMID- 27122409
TI  - Among a German Sample of Forensic Patients, Previous Animal Abuse Mediates
      Between Psychopathy and Sadistic Actions.
AB  - In an attempt to explain the relationship between psychopathy and severe violent
      behavior, this study associates previous animal abuse, psychopathy, and sadistic
      acting in forensic patients. Two topics are addressed: (i) whether previous
      animal abuse can be identified by a patient's Psychopathy Checklist profile and
      (ii) whether animal abuse statistically mediates between psychopathy and sadistic
      acting. In a German forensic hospital, 60 patients were investigated. Animal
      abuse was assessed using face-to-face interviews and the Psychopathy Checklist:
      Screening Version (PCL:SV), and sadistic acting was identified by file
      records.Discriminant analysis separated previous animal abuse (10/60) by high
      adolescent antisocial behavior, superficiality, lack of remorse, lack of empathy,
      and grandiosity. The mediation from psychopathy to sadistic acting (6/60) through
      animal abuse was found to be complete.The results, although sample size is
      limited and base rate of animal abuse and sadistic acting are low, fit with a
      model suggestive of animal abuse as a causal step toward sadistic crimes. Animal
      abuse correlates with callous, unemotional traits, and a development of sadistic
      crimes.

PMID- 27122410
TI  - Characterization of Printing Inks Using DART-Q-TOF-MS and Attenuated Total
      Reflectance (ATR) FTIR.
AB  - The rise in improved and widely accessible printing technology has resulted in an
      interest to develop rapid and minimally destructive chemical analytical
      techniques that can characterize printing inks for forensic document analysis.
      Chemical characterization of printing inks allows for both discrimination of inks
      originating from different sources and the association of inks originating from
      the same source. Direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) and
      attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR)
      were used in tandem to analyze four different classes of printing inks: inkjets,
      toners, offset, and intaglio. A total of 319 samples or ~ 80 samples from each
      class were analyzed directly on a paper substrate using the two methods. DART-MS
      was found to characterize the semi-volatile polymeric vehicle components, while
      ATR-FTIR provided chemical information associated with the bulk components of
      these inks. Complimentary data results in improved discrimination when both
      techniques are used in succession resulting in >96% discrimination for all
      toners, 95% for all inkjets, >92% for all offset, and >54% for all intaglio inks.

PMID- 27122411
TI  - A Novel Forensic Tool for the Characterization and Comparison of Printing Ink
      Evidence: Development and Evaluation of a Searchable Database Using Data Fusion
      of Spectrochemical Methods.
AB  - A searchable printing ink database was designed and validated as a tool to
      improve the chemical information gathered from the analysis of ink evidence. The
      database contains 319 samples from printing sources that represent some of the
      global diversity in toner, inkjet, offset, and intaglio inks. Five analytical
      methods were used to generate data to populate the searchable database including
      FTIR, SEM-EDS, LA-ICP-MS, DART-MS, and Py-GC-MS. The search algorithm based on
      partial least-squares discriminant analysis generates a similarity "score" used
      for the association between similar samples. The performance of a particular
      analytical method to associate similar inks was found to be dependent on the ink
      type with LA-ICP-MS performing best, followed by SEM-EDS and DART-MS methods,
      while FTIR and Py-GC-MS were less useful in association but were still useful for
      classification purposes. Data fusion of data collected from two complementary
      methods (i.e., LA-ICP-MS and DART-MS) improves the classification and association
      of similar inks.

PMID- 27122412
TI  - Evaluation of the Forensic Utility of Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy
      Dispersive Spectroscopy and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass
      Spectrometry for Printing Ink Examinations.
AB  - Improvements in printing technology have exacerbated the problem of document
      counterfeiting, prompting the need for analytical techniques that better
      characterize inks for forensic analysis and comparisons. In this study, 319
      printing inks (toner, inkjet, offset, and Intaglio) were analyzed directly on the
      paper substrate using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy
      (SEM-EDS) and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP
      MS). As anticipated, the high sensitivity of LA-ICP-MS pairwise comparisons
      resulted in excellent discrimination (average of ~ 99.6%) between different ink
      samples from each of the four ink types and almost 100% correct associations
      between ink samples known to originate from the same source. SEM-EDS analysis
      also resulted in very good discrimination for different toner and intaglio inks
      (>97%) and 100% correct association for samples from the same source. SEM-EDS
      provided complementary information to LA-ICP-MS for certain ink types but showed
      limited utility for the discrimination of inkjet and offset inks.

PMID- 27122413
TI  - Manners of Death in Drug-Related Fatalities in Florida.
AB  - To understand the mortality patterns among drug users and potential risk factors,
      we evaluated drug-related deaths reported to the Florida Medical Examiners
      Commission from 2001 to 2013, by substances, demographics, and manner of death.
      The annual drug-related fatalities increased by 57% from 2001 to 2013 (total n =
      100,882); 51.8% were accidental, 7.9% homicide, 18.6% natural, and 19.6% suicide.
      The different manners of death exhibited distinct demographic profiles and drug
      composition. The gender gap was more prominent in homicide. Age >=55 years was
      more closely associated with natural death and suicide. Age <35 years and central
      nervous system (CNS) stimulants including amphetamines and cocaine showed higher
      relative risks for accidental death and homicide, whereas CNS depressants
      including benzodiazepines, carisoprodol, opioids, and zolpidem were more strongly
      associated with accidental death and/or suicide. The findings aid in identifying
      populations more vulnerable to drug-related deaths, developing targeted
      interventions and thereby improving efficiency of preventive efforts.

PMID- 27122414
TI  - Reliability of the Walker Cranial Nonmetric Method and Implications for Sex
      Estimation.
AB  - The cranial trait scoring method presented in Buikstra and Ubelaker (Standards
      for data collection from human skeletal remains. Fayetteville, AR: Arkansas
      Archeological Survey Research Series No. 44, 1994) and Walker (Am J Phys
      Anthropol, 136, 2008 and 39) is the most common nonmetric cranial sex estimation
      method utilized by physical and forensic anthropologists. As such, the
      reliability and accuracy of the method is vital to ensure its validity in
      forensic applications. In this study, inter- and intra-observer error rates for
      the Walker scoring method were calculated using a sample of U.S. White and Black
      individuals (n = 135). Cohen's weighted kappas, intraclass correlation
      coefficients, and percentage agreements indicate good agreement between trials
      and observers for all traits except the mental eminence. Slight disagreement in
      scoring, however, was found to impact sex classifications, leading to lower
      accuracy rates than those published by Walker. Furthermore, experience does
      appear to impact trait scoring and sex classification. The use of revised
      population-specific equations that avoid the mental eminence is highly
      recommended to minimize the potential for misclassifications.

PMID- 27122415
TI  - D5S818 Typing Discrepancy Between PowerPlex((r)) Fusion and Other STR Kits
      Including GlobalFiler((r)) Caused by a One-base Deletion in 31 Nucleotides
      Upstream of the Repeat Region.
AB  - Short tandem repeat (STR) typing is widely used in forensic investigation. When
      the same DNA sample is analyzed with different STR typing kits, a typing
      discrepancy is occasionally observed. In this study, we examined the cause of a
      typing discrepancy in a sample at D5S818 locus. This sample was designated as 10,
      12 using Identifiler((r)) , Identifiler((r)) Plus, GlobalFiler((r)) ,
      PowerPlex((r)) 16HS, and PowerPlex((r)) 18D, but as 9.3, 12 using PowerPlex((r))
      Fusion. Sequencing results indicated that the shorter allele in the sample had a
      deletion (U31Tdel) at 31 nucleotides upstream of the repeat region (AGAT)10 .
      This deletion was located in the binding site of the published D5S818 forward
      primer in PowerPlex((r)) 16 and was only 9 and 11 nucleotides downstream of our
      estimated 5' end position of D5S818 forward primer in GlobalFiler((r)) and
      PowerPlex((r)) 18D, respectively. We also examined the effect of primer length on
      the heterozygous peak balance in this sample.

PMID- 27122416
TI  - Analytical Characterization of Erythritol Tetranitrate, an Improvised Explosive.
AB  - Erythritol tetranitrate (ETN), an ester of nitric acid and erythritol, is a solid
      crystalline explosive with high explosive performance. Although it has never been
      used in any industrial or military application, it has become one of the most
      prepared and misused improvise explosives. In this study, several analytical
      techniques were explored to facilitate analysis in forensic laboratories. FTIR
      and Raman spectrometry measurements expand existing data and bring more detailed
      assignment of bands through the parallel study of erythritol [(15) N4 ]
      tetranitrate. In the case of powder diffraction, recently published data were
      verified, and (1) H, (13) C, and (15) N NMR spectra are discussed in detail. The
      technique of electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was successfully
      used for the analysis of ETN. Described methods allow fast, versatile, and
      reliable detection or analysis of samples containing erythritol tetranitrate in
      forensic laboratories.

PMID- 27122417
TI  - The Influence of Wood Grain on the Bullet's Ricochet Behavior.
AB  - When a bullet ricochets from wood, various parameters will influence its
      behavior. In this study, the influence of the wood grain on the ricochet angle
      (beta) and deflection angle (gamma) is assessed. Series of five .32 Auto bullets
      were fired at different angles of incidence (alpha) on boards of six wood types.
      The results confirm the previously shown effect that the mean beta-angles usually
      exceed alpha and increase when alpha increases. Overall, the maximum mean gamma
      occurs when the angle of wood grain (zeta), in relation to the plane of impact,
      lies between 30 degrees  and 75 degrees  but differs per combination of wood and
      alpha. The results show the inclination of gamma toward the left or right,
      depending on the bullets left or right rotation while also showing that the
      direction of zeta can enhance or counteract this effect considerably, especially
      when alpha is close to the critical ricochet angle.

PMID- 27122418
TI  - Homemade Heavy Caliber Rifles-Two Unusual Firearms.
AB  - Historically, in crimes involving heavy caliber rifles, only conventional factory
      made versions have been used. However, in recent years the number of homemade
      long-barreled rifles is increasing. The characteristics of two such firearms that
      have been submitted to the Turkish Criminal Laboratory are discussed here. When
      the main parts of the guns were examined in detail, it was noted that nearly all
      of the parts had been made carelessly, with several structural defects visible.
      It was determined that the homemade heavy caliber rifles were unfit for efficient
      use and it was possible that they could have seriously harmed the shooter had
      they been fired. The development of these kinds of gun and the possibility of
      their use spreading throughout the country in terrorist attacks could cause a
      serious threat to national security.

PMID- 27122419
TI  - Investigation of Ballistic Evidence through an Automatic Image Analysis and
      Identification System.
AB  - Automated firearms identification (AFI) systems contribute to shedding light on
      criminal events by comparison between different pieces of evidence on cartridge
      cases and bullets and by matching similar ones that were fired from the same
      firearm. Ballistic evidence can be rapidly analyzed and classified by means of an
      automatic image analysis and identification system. In addition, it can be used
      to narrow the range of possible matching evidence. In this study conducted on the
      cartridges ejected from the examined pistol, three imaging areas, namely the
      firing pin impression, capsule traces, and the intersection of these traces, were
      compared automatically using the image analysis and identification system through
      the correlation ranking method to determine the numeric values that indicate the
      significance of the similarities. These numerical features that signify the
      similarities and differences between pistol makes and models can be used in
      groupings to make a distinction between makes and models of pistols.

PMID- 27122420
TI  - A Comparison of Various Fixatives for Casting Footwear Impressions in Sand at
      Crime Scenes.
AB  - Footwear examination can provide an important link between the crime scene and
      the suspect. Casts have been taken from snow, soil, and sand substrates to assist
      with the examination and to accurately depict the impression. However, there has
      been some discrepancy on what kind of fixative, if any, should be used with
      impressions present in sand. This study tested four different fixatives on three
      sandy substrates. Eight gross characteristics were added to a boot sole, and
      thirty sand impressions were created in each substrate. Except for one control
      set that remained untreated, the impressions were treated with a fixative agent
      before casting. The ninety shoe casts were examined by a qualified footwear
      examiner and scored based on his ability to see the eight characteristics. The
      results indicated that pump-action hairspray was the most successful on play and
      construction sand, while beach sand impressions without any fixative scored
      highest.

PMID- 27122421
TI  - Refreshing the Aged Latent Fingerprints with Ionizing Radiation Prior to the
      Cyanoacrylate Fuming Procedure: A Preliminary Study.
AB  - One of the crucial factors determining the cyanoacrylate deposit quality over
      latent fingerprints appeared to be the extent of the humidity. This work focuses
      on the enhancement/refreshment of age-degraded latent fingerprints by irradiating
      the samples with UV, X-ray, or thermal neutrons prior to the cyanoacrylate (CA)
      fuming. Age degradation of latent fingerprints deposited on glass surfaces was
      examined through the decrease in the number of characteristic minutiae counts
      over time. A term "critical day" was introduced for the time at which the average
      number of identifiable minutiae definitions drops to one-half. Fingerprints older
      than their "critical day" were exposed to either UV, X-ray, or thermal neutrons.
      Identical reference samples were kept unexposed. All samples, both reference and
      irradiated, were developed during a single CA fuming procedure. Comparative
      latent fingerprint analysis showed that exposure to ionizing radiation enhances
      the CA fuming, yielding a 20-30% increase in average minutiae count.

PMID- 27122422
TI  - Comparison of Dimensional Accuracies Using Two Elastomeric Impression Materials
      in Casting Three-dimensional Tool Marks.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate two types of impression materials which
      were frequently used for casting three-dimensional tool marks in China, namely
      (i) dental impression material and (ii) special elastomeric impression material
      for tool mark casting. The two different elastomeric impression materials were
      compared under equal conditions. The parameters measured were dimensional
      accuracies, the number of air bubbles, the ease of use, and the sharpness and
      quality of the individual characteristics present on casts. The results showed
      that dental impression material had the advantage of special elastomeric
      impression material in casting tool marks in crime scenes; hence, it combined
      ease of use, dimensional accuracy, sharpness and high quality.

PMID- 27122423
TI  - Determination of the sequence of intersecting lines using Focused Ion
      Beam/Scanning Electron Microscope.
AB  - The aim of this study was to verify that the combination of focused ion beam
      (FIB) and scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) could be
      applied to determine the sequence of line crossings. The samples were transferred
      into FIB/SEM for FIB milling and an imaging operation. EDX was able to explore
      the chemical components and the corresponding elemental distribution in the
      intersection. The technique was successful in determining the sequence of
      heterogeneous line intersections produced using gel pens and red sealing ink with
      highest success rate (100% correctness). These observations show that the FIB/SEM
      was the appropriate instrument for an overall examination of document.

PMID- 27122424
TI  - An Examination of the Sequence of Intersecting Lines using
      Microspectrophotometry.
AB  - The potential of microspectrophotometry as a technique to determine the sequence
      of intersecting lines was examined. The technique was used to determine the
      sequence of heterogeneous line intersections produced using inkpad, stamp-pad ink
      and ballpoint pens, gel pens, fountain pens, laser and ink-jet printers. The
      study was carried out with an assumption that the peak characteristics of spectra
      from the point of intersection should correspond to the peak characteristics of
      pure ink which was executed later. According to spectral reflectance curves,
      microspectrophotometry was possible to determine whether the ink was above or
      below the inkpad/stamp-pad ink seals. In blind testing, microspectrophotometry
      technique results were directly compared to those obtained by five experienced
      forensic document examiners using optical microscopy regularly employed in
      casework. As the results obtained from the study were positive,
      microspectrophotometry technique was found to be very successful in determining
      the sequence of heterogeneous line intersections under some conditions.

PMID- 27122425
TI  - TOF-SIMS Analysis of Red Color Inks of Writing and Printing Tools on Questioned
      Documents.
AB  - Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) is a well-established
      surface technique that provides both elemental and molecular information from
      several monolayers of a sample surface while also allowing depth profiling or
      image mapping to be performed. Static TOF-SIMS with improved performances has
      expanded the application of TOF-SIMS to the study of a variety of organic,
      polymeric, biological, archaeological, and forensic materials. In forensic
      investigation, the use of a minimal sample for the analysis is preferable.
      Although the TOF-SIMS technique is destructive, the probing beams have microsized
      diameters so that only small portion of the questioned sample is necessary for
      the analysis, leaving the rest available for other analyses. In this study, TOF
      SIMS and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) were
      applied to the analysis of several different pen inks, red sealing inks, and
      printed patterns on paper. The overlapping areas of ballpoint pen writing, red
      seal stamping, and laser printing in a document were investigated to identify the
      sequence of recording. The sequence relations for various cases were determined
      from the TOF-SIMS mapping image and the depth profile. TOF-SIMS images were also
      used to investigate numbers or characters altered with two different red pens.
      TOF-SIMS was successfully used to determine the sequence of intersecting lines
      and the forged numbers on the paper.

PMID- 27122426
TI  - Storm-Related Postmortem Damage to Skeletal Remains.
AB  - In April 2011, human skeletons were exposed to heavy storms at the outdoor
      Anthropology Research Facility (ARF) in Knoxville, Tennessee. Of the approximate
      125 skeletons at the ARF in April 2011, 30 donations exhibited postmortem damage
      that could be attributed to the storms. At least 20 of the affected donations
      exhibit postmortem damage clearly associated with hailstones due to the oval
      shape and similar small size of the defects observed. The irregular shape and
      larger size of other defects may be a product of other falling objects (e.g.,
      tree branches) associated with the storms. Storm-related damage was observed
      throughout the skeleton, with the most commonly damaged skeletal elements being
      the scapula and ilium, but more robust elements (i.e., femora and tibiae) also
      displayed characteristic features of hailstone damage. Thus, hailstone damage
      should be considered when forensic practitioners observe unusual postmortem
      damage in skeletal remains recovered from the outdoor context.

PMID- 27122427
TI  - Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA from a Burned, Ninhydrin-Treated Paper Towel.
AB  - Contact-based evidence is likely to have limited quantities of DNA and may yield
      mixed profiles due to preexisting or contaminating DNA. In a recent arson
      investigation, a paper towel was collected and used as circumstantial evidence.
      The paper towel was partially burned and was likely set on fire with flammable
      liquid. As part of the investigation, the paper towel was treated with ninhydrin
      to visualize fingerprint evidence. Initial DNA analysis of two swabs was negative
      for short tandem repeat (STR) markers and revealed a mixture of mitochondrial DNA
      (mtDNA). Analysis of 13 additional cuttings yielded four more mixed profiles, but
      also two samples with a common single-source profile. The single-source mtDNA
      profile matched that of the primary suspect in the case. Thus, even if initial
      mtDNA analysis yields a mixed profile, a sampling strategy involving multiple
      locations can improve the chance of obtaining valuable single-source mtDNA
      profiles from compromised evidence in criminal casework.

PMID- 27122428
TI  - Meeting a Forensic Podiatry Admissibility Challenge: A Daubert Case Study.
AB  - This article is an introduction to the United States Supreme Court's standard of
      admissibility of forensic evidence and testimony at trial, known as the Daubert
      standard, with emphasis on how this standard applies to the field of forensic
      podiatry. The author, a forensic podiatrist, provided law enforcement with
      evidence tying a bloody sock-clad footprint found at the scene of a homicide to
      the suspect. In 2014, the author testified at a pretrial hearing, known as "a
      Daubert hearing," to address the admissibility of this evidence in court. This
      was the first instance of forensic podiatry being the primary subject of a
      Daubert hearing. The hearing resulted in the court ordering this evidence
      admissible. The expert's testimony contributed to the suspect's conviction. This
      article serves as a reference for forensic podiatrists and experts in similar
      fields that involve impression evidence, providing evidentiary standards and
      their impact on expert evidence and testimony.

PMID- 27122429
TI  - Mechanisms of Lethal Cerebrovascular Accidents in Turner Syndrome.
AB  - A case of intracerebral hemorrhage in Turner syndrome is reported with an
      analysis of possible causes of cerebrovascular accidents in this condition. A 42
      year-old woman with known Turner syndrome died soon after hospital admission
      having been found unconscious at her home address. At autopsy, she showed typical
      features of Turner syndrome with short stature, webbing of the neck,
      underdeveloped breasts, and an increased carrying angle of the arm. Death was due
      to a large left-sided intracerebral hemorrhage extending from the left basal
      ganglia into the white matter of the frontal lobe and lateral ventricle. Cases of
      unexpected death in Turner syndrome may arise from occult cerebrovascular
      accidents which may be hemorrhagic or nonhemorrhagic. Associated features include
      hypertension, vascular malformations, accelerated atherogenesis, cystic medial
      necrosis, and moyamoya syndrome. The possibility of Turner syndrome should be
      considered in cases where there has been a lethal cerebrovascular event in a
      younger woman.

PMID- 27122430
TI  - Self-inflicted Firearm Discharge from Heating Using a Gas Burner.
AB  - A male in his 70s was found lying dead in the living room of his house. A gunshot
      entrance wound was observed in the left orbit, with a lead slug and wadding left
      in the skull, which exhibited fatal cranio-cerebral trauma. A cartridge had been
      discharged from a handmade launcher, or zip gun, that had been fixed to a spare
      gun barrel on a pipe chair, by heating the launcher from the side using a gas
      burner. The deceased had owned guns for hunting in the past and had returned the
      license, but he had retained a spare barrel and live cartridges at home. In this
      unique case of suicide, a zip gun was discharged by heating with a gas burner.

PMID- 27122431
TI  - Sudden Death Due to Undiagnosed Rheumatic Heart Disease in a Child.
AB  - We report the case of a 5-year-old boy who died from complications of rheumatic
      heart disease with atypical presentation. He was hospitalized for recent
      inflammatory and neurological symptoms. He was diagnosed with viral encephalitis.
      He died the day after he was discharged. The macroscopic autopsy findings were
      unremarkable. Histology revealed typical rheumatic heart disease. Neuropathology
      showed cerebral infarction due to an embolic event linked with the rheumatic
      valvulitis. The cause of death was determined as heart failure due to rheumatic
      heart disease secondary to an undiagnosed acute rheumatic fever. It is related to
      an autoimmune response to infection with group A streptococcus. It mainly affects
      children in developing countries. In our case, viral encephalitis was consistent
      with the medical history and the proper diagnosis was made on histological
      analysis. Forensic pathologists should consider this diagnosis facing a sudden
      unexpected death in childhood, even in industrialized countries.

PMID- 27122432
TI  - Skull and Encephalic Injuries Caused by Beach Umbrellas: Case Reports and Review
      of Literature.
AB  - This study reports two unusual cases of skull-encephalic injuries in bathers that
      were caused by violent impacts with beach umbrellas. The first case concerned a
      36-year-old man who, while lying on a sun bed, was struck on his left temple by a
      beach umbrella, which had been blown away by a gust of wind. The second case
      concerned a six-year-old child who was struck on the right temporal region while
      he was playing on the sand. Both subjects died. A review of the literature was
      carried out. Various skull and brain injuries caused by several objects were
      found, but no injuries caused by beach umbrellas were detected. There were only
      cases of injuries caused by normal umbrellas. These cases showed that several
      objects can be responsible for traumas causing skull and brain injuries,
      therefore forensic investigation must be supplemented by circumstantial data.

PMID- 27122433
TI  - A Novel Forensic Investigation Applied to Bone Remains Exhumed near to Quirra
      Interforce Firing Range.
AB  - The need to implement novel techniques, able to support a causal link between
      exposure and pathology, has been emerged over the recent years. The application
      of scanning electron microscope coupled with probe X-ray microanalysis (by means
      of an energy-dispersive spectroscopy) has been developed by our research group
      for the bone remains investigation. It was aimed to testify the exposure to
      microsized and nanosized pollutions, due to military activities in the Quirra
      interforce firing range, of a Sardinian shepherd, died of acute leukemia.
      Metallic debris with a combustive morphology and with an oncogenic potential has
      been surely detected inside his bone marrow canal. This novel technique has
      proved to be able to bring to light a source of past exposure preserved over time
      within the bone marrow canal. It can be useful for postmortem analyses,
      delivering a new avant-garde approach to modern forensic science.

PMID- 27122434
TI  - Somnophilia and Sexual Abuse Using Vaginal Administration of Triazolam.
AB  - Somnophilia is a rare paraphilia, a form of sexual fetishism which is
      characterized by the desire to have sex with an unconscious human object who is
      unable to respond. To the author's knowledge, this is the first case study
      concerning somnophilic sexual abuse associated with vaginal administration of
      triazolam. The perpetrator video-recorded his sexual acts with two unconscious
      female victims with whom he also had normal sexual intercourse and who were
      unaware of his paraphilic activities. His Internet conversations with other
      persons whom he thought to be interested in somnophilic sex and his plans to
      kidnap a child were recorded by the police. It was evident that sex with an
      unconscious object played a specific fetishistic role for this man. He obviously
      used a combination of drugs mixed with alcoholic drinks to make his victims fall
      sleep and videotaped vaginal administration of triazolam used to deepen the
      victim's unconscious state.

PMID- 27122435
TI  - Homicidal Poisoning in China Using Several Anesthetic Drugs.
AB  - The authors describe a case of a well-designed homicidal poisoning in China. A
      male was treated with starvation, intravenous fluids and antibiotics while in the
      hospital for acute diarrhea. He suddenly suffered from shortness of breath and
      subsequently died. A forensic autopsy was carried out, and several specimens were
      collected for toxicological screening. Propofol was tentatively identified in the
      blood by GC-MS. Based on the presence of propofol in the blood, a suspect
      confessed that two other drugs, namely midazolam and vecuronium, were involved in
      this murder. Analytical drug quantification was then performed by GC-MS and LC
      MS/MS. Blood analysis revealed the following: propofol at 0.5 MUg/mL, midazolam
      at 0.098 MUg/mL, and vecuronium at 0.10 MUg/mL. These results suggest that the
      cause of death was respiratory depression due to the acute combined effect of
      several anesthetic drugs administered by the victim's companion.

PMID- 27122436
TI  - Forensic Analysis of Human Autopsy Tissue for the Presence of
      Polydimethylsiloxane (Silicone) and Volatile Cyclic Siloxanes using Macro FT-IR,
      FT-IR Spectroscopic Imaging and Headspace GC-MS.
AB  - This study describes effective and straightforward primary and secondary methods
      for the detection of silicone in human autopsy tissue. The primary method is
      polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) specific and employs either macro-attenuated total
      reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopy for samples with a
      high PDMS concentration (relative to that of the matrix) or micro-FT-IR
      spectroscopic imaging in a reflection/absorption modality for samples with a low
      PDMS concentration. Although the secondary method is not PDMS specific, it
      employs headspace gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (HS/GC-MS)
      for the detection of low molecular weight volatile cyclic siloxanes (VCS), which
      are characteristic marker compounds for PDMS. Overall, the combined results from
      the primary and secondary analyses provide reliable evidence for the presence of
      silicone.

PMID- 27122437
TI  - Fatal Intoxication with Toluene Due to Inhalation of Glue.
AB  - Two cases of fatal intoxications with toluene due to glue sniffing are described.
      In case 1, the autopsy did not indicate cause of death, while in case 2, the
      cause of death was determined to possibly be due to mechanical asphyxia by
      drowning. As the decedents had a history of glue sniffing, toxicological analyses
      were performed. Using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector and gas
      chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with headspace method, toluene was
      detected in biological samples. Toluene ranged from 3.81 to 20.97 MUg/g, with the
      highest concentrations observed in liver and brain (13.82-20.97 MUg/g) in both
      cases. Based upon this data, the cause of death in both cases was determined to
      be toluene poisoning. Toxicological investigations are extremely important and
      should be considered mandatory in all deaths thought to be due to volatile
      substance abuse, as well as all deaths that are thought to be due to poisoning in
      young people.

PMID- 27122438
TI  - Retraction: Suicide trends in Upper Egypt.

PMID- 27122439
TI  - Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction and pressurized liquid extraction
      of phenolic compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves by multiresponse surface
      methodology.
AB  - This work aims at studying the optimization of microwave-assisted extraction
      (MAE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) by multi-response surface
      methodology (RSM) to test their efficiency towards the extraction of phenolic
      compounds from Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) leaves. The extraction yield, total
      phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TF), DPPH scavenging method and
      trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay were considered as response
      variables while effects of extraction time, percentage of ethanol, and
      temperature were studied. Extraction time of 20 min, 42% ethanol and 158 degrees
      C were the MAE optimum conditions for achieving extraction yield of 26 +/- 2%,
      EC50 15 +/- 2 MUg/mL, 16 +/- 1 Eq Trolox/100 g dry leaf, 5.2 +/- 0.5 mg Eq
      quercetin/g dry leaf, and 86 +/- 4 mg GAE/g dry leaf. Regarding PLE, the optimum
      conditions that allowed extraction yield of 56 +/- 2%, EC50 21 +/- 3 MUg/mL, 12
      +/- 2 mmol Eq Trolox/100 g dry leaf, 6.5 +/- 0.2 mg Eq quercetin/g dry leaf, and
      59 +/- 6 mg GAE/g dry leaf were 128 degrees C, 35% of ethanol, and 20 min. PLE
      enabled the extraction of phenolic compounds with a higher number of hydroxyl
      type substituents such as kaempferol diglycoside and its acetyl derivatives and
      those that are sensitive to high temperatures (glucosinolates or amino acids)
      while MAE allowed better recoveries of kaempferol, quercetin, and their
      glucosides derivatives.

PMID- 27122440
TI  - A contact lens causing blood-stained tears.

PMID- 27122441
TI  - "Evaluating normative epistemic frameworks in medicine: EBM and casuistic
      medicine".
AB  - Since its inception in the early 1990s, evidence-based medicine (EBM) has become
      the dominant epistemic framework for Western medical practice. However, in light
      of powerful criticisms against EBM, alternatives such as casuistic medicine have
      been gaining support in both the medical and philosophical community. In the
      absence of empirical evidence in support of the claim that EBM improves patient
      outcomes, and in light of considerations that it is unlikely that such evidence
      will be forthcoming, another standard is needed to assess EBM against its
      alternatives. In this paper, I propose a set of criteria for this purpose based
      on Helen Longino's criteria for assessing the objectivity of a knowledge
      productive community. I then apply these criteria to assess EBM against a
      casuistic framework for medical knowledge. I argue that EBM's strict adherence to
      a hierarchical organization of knowledge can reasonably be expected to block it
      from fulfilling a high level of objectivity. A casuistic framework, on the other
      hand, because it emphasizes critical evaluation in conjunction with the
      flexibility of a case-based approach, could be expected to better facilitate a
      more optimal epistemic community. 

PMID- 27122442
TI  - High Blood Pressure and Self-Reported Systemic Hypertension in Elderly Enrolled
      in the Family Health Strategy Program.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of high blood pressure
      (HBP), self-reported hypertension, and associated factors among in elderly
      enrolled in the Family Health Strategy (FHS) Program. METHOD: This is a cross
      sectional study with in elderly enrolled in the FHS Program of Campina
      Grande/Paraiba/Brazil. This study determined the prevalence of HBP and self
      reported hypertension and their associations with demographic, socioeconomic
      variables, lifestyle, and number of self-reported morbidities. Three blood
      pressure measurements were performed, and the average value was used for
      analysis. To control possible confounding factors, data were modeled by the
      method of linear models generalized with Poisson log modeling to determine
      prevalence ratios and confidence intervals. The SPSS 22.0 statistical application
      was used, and 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS: High prevalence of HBP
      (80.9%) was observed, which was associated with the number of self-reported
      morbidities, both in the univariate and multivariate analyses. High prevalence of
      self-reported hypertension (66.4%) was also observed. In the final model,
      positive association between hypertension and demographic and socioeconomic
      variables and lifestyle was verified. DISCUSSION: Monitor hypertension should be
      a priority action given its association with genetic, social and behavioral
      conditions presented by individuals.

PMID- 27122443
TI  - Obesity and Sexuality Among Older Couples: Evidence From the National Social
      Life, Health, and Aging Project.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigate whether obesity is associated with sexual activity,
      sexual frequency, and the range of sexual behaviors in heterosexual older
      couples. We assess to what extent associations between obesity and sexuality are
      explained by physical, psychological, and sexual health, and by relationship
      quality. METHOD: We use data from 1,698 older adults in 849 partnered dyads in
      the 2010-2011 wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project and
      conduct couple-level analysis featuring women's and men's characteristics.
      RESULTS: Women's obesity-particularly at severe levels-is negatively associated
      with coupled sexual activity, but the association is not mediated by hypothesized
      mediators. Men's obesity did not have any association with sexual activity. There
      was no significant difference between overweight and normal weight adults across
      all three sexuality measures. DISCUSSION: The growing number of older adults with
      high levels of body mass index, particularly women, may face certain difficulties
      in maintaining active sexual lives.

PMID- 27122444
TI  - The Influences of Daily Stressors on Morning Cortisol Levels in Midlife and Older
      Retirees: The Moderating Roles of Age and Gender.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study extends the field of retirement and health by examining
      the impacts of daily stressors on morning cortisol levels in 253 retirees between
      55 and 75 years of age ( M = 66.80, SD = 4.96) and the moderating roles of age
      and gender. METHOD: Participants derived from the second wave of the Daily Diary
      Study portion of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States
      (MIDUS-II). Across eight consecutive evenings, participants completed telephone
      interviews about their daily experiences and provided saliva samples across 4
      days. RESULTS: Findings from the multilevel models showed that in the context of
      navigating the day-to-day responsibilities, older retirees were at a greater risk
      for subsequent hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) dysregulation than younger
      retirees. DISCUSSION: Together, better identification of the associations between
      daily stressors and physiological functioning will help contribute to the
      knowledge on ways to promote greater quality of life in retirement.

PMID- 27122445
TI  - Discrete Choice Experiment Response Rates: A Meta-analysis.
AB  - This paper uses meta-regression analysis to test how aspects of discrete choice
      experiment (DCE) study design influence survey response rates. DCEs are a survey
      based method used to elicit preferences for health and health care and are prone
      to survey errors of coverage, sampling, non-response and measurement. However,
      research on DCE response rates is lacking. Our analysis is motivated by a social
      exchange theory of survey response. We find that DCE response rates are related
      to the survey's cognitive burden and the relevance to the surveyed population.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27122446
TI  - 2D quasi-ordered nitrogen-enriched porous carbon nanohybrids for high energy
      density supercapacitors.
AB  - Two-dimensional (2D) quasi-ordered nitrogen-enriched porous carbon (QNPC)
      nanohybrids, with the characteristics of an ultrathin graphite nanosheet
      framework and thick quasi-ordered nitrogen-doped carbon cladding with a porous
      texture, have been synthesized via an in situ polymerization assembly method. In
      the synthesis, the expandable graphite (EG) is enlarged by an intermittent
      microwave method, and then aniline monomers are intercalated into the interlayers
      of the expanded EG with the assistance of a vacuum. Subsequently, the
      intercalated aniline monomers could assemble on the interlayer surface of the
      expanded EG, accompanied by the in situ polymerization from aniline monomers to
      polyaniline. Meanwhile, the expanded EG could be exfoliated to graphite
      nanosheets. By subsequent pyrolysis and activation processes, the QNPC
      nanohybrids could be prepared. As supercapacitor electrodes, a typical QNPC12-700
      sample derived from the precursor containing an EG content of 12%, with a high
      level of nitrogen doping of 5.22 at%, offers a high specific capacitance of 305.7
      F g(-1) (1 A g(-1)), excellent rate-capability and long-term stability. Notably,
      an extremely high energy density of 95.7 Wh kg(-1) at a power density of 449.7 W
      kg(-1) in an ionic liquid electrolyte can be achieved. The unique structural
      features and moderate heteroatom doping of the QNPC nanohybrids combines
      electrochemical double layer and faradaic capacitance contributions, which make
      these nanohybrids ideal candidates as electrode materials for high-performance
      energy storage devices. 

PMID- 27122447
TI  - Three-dimensional CT for preoperative detection of the left gastric artery and
      left gastric vein in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We evaluated 3-D CT imaging for preoperative classification of the
      left gastric artery and vein in patients with early gastric cancer and estimated
      its clinical benefit. METHODS: Between April 2009 and March 2014, 279 patients
      underwent preoperative 3-D CT using a 64-row multi-detector CT scanner, followed
      by laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy. The 3-D CT images of the arterial and
      portal phases were reconstructed and fused. The operative outcomes were compared
      between patients who had not undergone 3-D CT (2007-2008) and who had undergone 3
      D CT (2009-2011). RESULTS: According to Adachi's classification, the numbers of
      type I, II, III, IV, V, and VI arterial patterns were 253, 15, 1, 3, 3, and 1,
      respectively. Three cases could not be classified. According to the Douglass
      classification, the left gastric vein flowed into the portal vein, splenic vein,
      junction of the portal vein and splenic vein, and left branch of the portal vein
      in 119, 111, 36, and 5 patients, respectively. The left gastric vein could not be
      visualized in six patients, and two patients could not be classified. In
      addition, the relation was absent for an Adachi type I vein and one of the
      "other" types of veins. The total operative time was significantly shorter with 3
      D CT than without it (P = 0.01), and the degree of lymph-node dissection was
      significantly higher (P = 0.01). Inflammatory parameters and operative morbidity
      tended to decrease with 3-D CT. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional CT is a useful
      modality to visualize the vessel anatomy around the stomach, and it improves
      clinical effectiveness and reduces the invasiveness of surgery.

PMID- 27122448
TI  - Comment on article: King-Devick test reference values and associations with
      balance measures in high school American football players.

PMID- 27122449
TI  - Author's response to "Response to recently published article regarding King
      Devick Test".

PMID- 27122450
TI  - Free breathing three-dimensional late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular
      magnetic resonance using outer volume suppressed projection navigators.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a three-dimensional, free-breathing, late gadolinium
      enhancement (3D FB-LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) technique, and to
      compare it with clinically used two-dimensional breath-hold LGE (2D BH-LGE).
      METHODS: The proposed 3D FB-LGE method consisted of inversion preparation,
      inversion delay, fat saturation, outer volume suppression, one-dimensional
      projection navigators, and a segmented stack of spirals acquisition. The 3D FB
      LGE and 2D BH-LGE scans were performed on 29 cardiac patients. Qualitative
      analysis and quantitative analysis (in patients with scar) were performed.
      RESULTS: No significant differences were noted between the 3D FB-LGE and 2D BH
      LGE data sets in terms of overall image quality score (2D: 4.69 +/- 0.60 versus
      3D: 4.55 +/- 0.51, P = 0.46) and image artifact score (2D: 1.10 +/- 0.31 versus
      3D: 1.17 +/- 0.38; P = 0.63). The average difference in fractional scar volume
      between the 3D and 2D methods was 1.9% (n = 5). Acquisition time was
      significantly shorter for the 3D FB-LGE over 2D BH-LGE by a factor of 2.83 +/-
      0.77 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D FB-LGE is a viable option for patients,
      particularly in acute settings or in patients who are unable to comply with
      breath-hold instructions. Magn Reson Med 77:1533-1543, 2017. (c) 2016
      International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27122451
TI  - Plasma and synovial fluid inflammatory cytokine profiles in primary knee
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare inflammatory cytokine levels
      in primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and healthy controls. METHODS: A
      total of 32 knee OA patients and 14 healthy controls were enrolled. A multiplex
      immunoassay was utilized for 10 cytokines in plasma and synovial fluid. RESULTS:
      Plasma IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 concentrations were significantly greater in knee OA
      patients than controls. Moreover, both plasma IL-4 and IL-6 were positively
      correlated with the radiographic severity of knee OA. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma IL-4
      and IL-6 may serve as biomarkers reflecting the severity of OA.

PMID- 27122452
TI  - Behavior Change Techniques Present in Wearable Activity Trackers: A Critical
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wearable activity trackers are promising as interventions that offer
      guidance and support for increasing physical activity and health-focused
      tracking. Most adults do not meet their recommended daily activity guidelines,
      and wearable fitness trackers are increasingly cited as having great potential to
      improve the physical activity levels of adults. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this
      study was to use the Coventry, Aberdeen, and London-Refined (CALO-RE) taxonomy to
      examine if the design of wearable activity trackers incorporates behavior change
      techniques (BCTs). A secondary objective was to critically analyze whether the
      BCTs present relate to known drivers of behavior change, such as self-efficacy,
      with the intention of extending applicability to older adults in addition to the
      overall population. METHODS: Wearing each device for a period of 1 week, two
      independent raters used CALO-RE taxonomy to code the BCTs of the seven wearable
      activity trackers available in Canada as of March 2014. These included Fitbit
      Flex, Misfit Shine, Withings Pulse, Jawbone UP24, Spark Activity Tracker by
      SparkPeople, Nike+ FuelBand SE, and Polar Loop. We calculated interrater
      reliability using Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: The average number of BCTs identified
      was 16.3/40. Withings Pulse had the highest number of BCTs and Misfit Shine had
      the lowest. Most techniques centered around self-monitoring and self-regulation,
      all of which have been associated with improved physical activity in older
      adults. Techniques related to planning and providing instructions were scarce.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, wearable activity trackers contain several BCTs that have
      been shown to increase physical activity in older adults. Although more research
      and development must be done to fully understand the potential of wearables as
      health interventions, the current wearable trackers offer significant potential
      with regard to BCTs relevant to uptake by all populations, including older
      adults.

PMID- 27122453
TI  - [Multidisciplinary discrimination and comprehensive management of pulmonary
      hypertension].

PMID- 27122454
TI  - [Expert Forum Interventional treatment in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary
      hypertension].

PMID- 27122455
TI  - [Expression of PAI-2 mRNA in peripheral blood leucocytes and regulation by sGC
      activator in pulmonary hypertension].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mRNA expression level of plasminogen activator
      inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) in peripheral blood leucocytes and regulation by soluble
      guanylate cyclase (sGC) activator in pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: The human
      pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells were treated with sGC activator
      Cinaciguat. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PAI-2 were detected with
      Real-time PCR and Western blot. The fresh blood samples of 8 patients with
      pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (collected at the China-Japan Friendship
      Hospital from November 2014 to March 2015), 16 patients with chronic
      thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) (collected at the China-Japan
      Friendship Hospital from November 2014 to March 2015), 24 age- and gender-
      matched healthy controls (collected at Beijing Hospital in March 2015) were
      treated with Cinaciguat for 8 hours. Then RNA of peripheral leukocytes was
      extracted and performed with reverse transcription and Real-time PCR to detect
      the mRNA level of PAI-2, which was compared between healthy controls and patients
      with pulmonary hypertension, before and after the treatment of Cinaciguat. At
      last, the correlation of PAI-2 mRNA level and the clinic severity of pulmonary
      hypertension were identified. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expression levels of
      PAI-2 were promoted by Cinaciguat in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle
      cells. The baseline mRNA level of PAI-2 in peripheral leukocytes was
      significantly lower in PAH patients compared to the healthy controls (0.201+/
      0.152, 0.660+/-0.440, P=0.021). There was no significant difference in the mRNA
      expression level of PAI-2 between the CTEPH patients and controls (0.428+/-0.364,
      0.769+/-0.682, P=0.152). After Cinaciguat treatment, the mRNA expression levels
      of PAI-2 were up-regulated in PAH patients and CTEPH patients (1.352+/-1.127,
      1.203+/-1.008), there was no significant difference in the mRNA expression level
      of PAI-2 among the PAH patients, CTEPH patients and controls (P=0.130, P=0.534).
      The baseline mRNA level of PAI-2 was negative correlated with echocardiography
      estimated systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) (r=-0.744, P=0.034).
      CONCLUSIONS: The mRNA expression level of PAI-2 is significantly down-regulated
      in peripheral blood leucocytes and up-regulated by sGC activator in pulmonary
      hypertension. PAI-2 could be used as potential biomarker of pulmonary vascular
      remodeling in PAH.

PMID- 27122456
TI  - [Clinical features of Takayasu arteritis patients with pulmonary hypertension due
      to pulmonary artery involvement].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical features of Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients
      with pulmonary hypertension due to pulmonary artery involvement. METHODS: Ninety
      four TA patients with pulmonary artery involvement treated in Fuwai Hospital from
      Jun 1988 to Jun 2014 were retrospectively summarized. Patients were divided into
      two groups according to whether aorta and its main branches affected (APTA, n=48)
      or not (PTA, n=46). Clinical features and angiographic data were further
      analyzed. RESULTS: Of all the patients, male to female rate was 1?3.3, age ranged
      from 8 to 60 years with median age of 33.5 years when symptom onset. Main
      symptoms included dyspnea on exertion. Heart murmur and mid-systolic murmur in
      pulmonic area were commonly found by physical examination. All patients had
      pulmonary hypertension by echocardiographic examination. Angiographic data showed
      that multi-lobular and multi-segmental pulmonary branches were predominantly
      affected, followed by sub-segmental and peripheral branches. Both sides of
      pulmonary artery involvement were more common than one side involvement, while
      the right pulmonary arteries were more often affected than the left. Most of the
      clinical symptoms and signs between APTA group and PTA group were comparable.
      However, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and N-terminal pro-natriuretic peptide
      were significant higher in APTA group than that in PTA group when admission
      [14.0(5.0, 28.0) vs 8.5(3.0, 19.3) mm/1 h and (1 936+/-1 769) vs (1 627+/-1 153)
      ng/L, both P<0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: Dyspnea on exertion may be the main
      manifestation of TA with pulmonary artery involvement. All patients present with
      pulmonary hypertension and moderate to severe heart failure when symptom onset.

PMID- 27122457
TI  - [Association between OR2T3 gene and pulmonary arterial hypertension].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathogenic genes of pulmonary arterial hypertension
      (PAH) and validate the association between OR2T3 gene and PAH. METHODS: Whole
      exome sequencing was performed in four patients and one healthy person as control
      in two pulmonary arterial hypertension pedigree; patient-specific variations were
      screened by bioinformatics methods and comparison between groups. To further
      analyze the association between these variations and PAH, Sanger sequencing was
      used to analyze the genotype of patient-specific variations of 30 patients with
      idiopathic PAH, 90 healthy people and 30 patients with chronic thromboembolic
      pulmonary hypertension. RESULTS: The preliminary findings of whole exome
      sequencing were 57 variations may be associated with PAH; Among them, there were
      6 AG heterozygotes due to OR2T3rs148748995 in the 30 idiopathic PAH patients,
      while no G allele carrier was found in other healthy people of two pulmonary
      arterial hypertension pedigree (AI-1, AII-3, BII-1) and 90 normal control, and
      the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The variation also didn't
      exist in 30 chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients. CONCLUSION:
      OR2T3 gene may be the pathogenic gene of PAH and OR2T3rs148748995 could have a
      role in the development of PAH.

PMID- 27122458
TI  - [Mutation screening of 433 families with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mutation analysis of unrelated families with Duchenne/Becker muscular
      dystrophy (DMD/BMD) was performed to investigate the characteristic of DMD gene
      mutation, especially the distribution pattern of point mutation of DMD gene in
      Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 433 unrelated DMD/BMD families were
      collected at the Center of Prenatal Diagnosis of the First Affiliated Hospital of
      Zhengzhou University from March 2010 to December 2014. The deletions or
      duplications in 79 exons of DMD gene were screened using multiplex ligation
      dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Any single-exon deletion detected by MLPA
      was further validated by PCR amplification. In the 117 unrelated Chinese families
      in which large-scale deletions and duplications had been excluded by MLPA, the
      point mutation in 79 exons of DMD gene were tested in the propositus using next
      generation sequencing (NGS), and further verified the point mutation using Sanger
      sequencing. RESULTS: In the 433 unrelated DMD/BMD families, 316 families with DMD
      deletions/duplications were identified by MLPA. Out of 57 single-exon deletions
      detected by MLPA, 3 were found as point mutations by PCR and Sanger sequencing,
      including 2 nonsense mutation (c.1729G>T [p.Glu577X], c. 3346A>T [p.Lys1116X])
      and 1 frame-shift mutation (c.8605_8606delGT [p.Val2869ThrfsX25]). Direct
      sequencing with Ion PGM and Sanger sequencing in 117 families with negative
      results in MLPA detected 92 different point mutations in 96 families, including
      46 novel mutations, 42 previously reported ones, and 4 possible polymorphisms
      (rs189143447, rs202008454, rs200213555, rs187617705). The 46 novel mutations
      consisted of 16 nonsense mutations (c.100A>T [p.Lys34X], c. 1201C>T [p.Gln401X],
      c. 1707C>A [p.Cys569X], c. 1831G>T [p.Glu611X], c. 1912C>T [p.Gln638X], c.
      2213C>G [p.Ser738X], c. 3673_3673delA [p.Ile1225X], c. 3774C>A [p.Cys1258X], c.
      4858G>T [p.Glu1620X], c. 5764A>T [p.Lys1922X], c. 6035T>G [p.Leu2012X], c.
      6408G>A [p.Trp2136X], c. 7717C>T [p.Gln2573X], c. 7864G>T [p.Glu2622X], c.
      8184_8185insT [p.Lys2729X], c. 8215C>T [p.Gln2739X]), 5 missense mutations
      (c.139G>A [p.Gly47Arg], c. 238G>C [p.Ala80Pro], c. 335G>T [p.Trp112Leu], c.
      804A>C [p.Leu268Phe], c. 1149G>T [p.Glu383Asp]), 6 splice-site mutations (c.2293
      3C>A, c. 2380+ 1G>T, c. 3277-1G>C, c.4519-7A>G, c. 5740-15G>T, c. 7661-1G>C), 16
      small deletions (c.688_688delA [p.Met230CysfsX14], c.1760_1791del32
      [p.Thr587IlefsX37], c. 2271_2271delA [p.Asp774ThrfsX22], c. 2281_2285delGAAAA
      [p.Glu761SerfsX10], c. 2527_2527delG [p.Glu843SerfsX3], c. 3405_3405delC
      [p.Asn1135LysfsX18], c. 4450_4450delC [p.His1484ThrfsX14], c. 4770_4770delA
      [p.Thr1590ThrfsX5], c. 4937_4937delA [p.Glu1646GlyfsX11], c. 5253_5256delATTA
      [p.Lys1751LysfsX2], c. 5654_5654delA [p.Gln1885ArgfsX6], c. 7441_7441delG
      [p.Glu2481AsnfsX13], c. 7860_7860delC [p.Ile2620IlefsX18], c. 8668-8668delG
      /c.8668+ 1-8668+ 1delG, c. 9009_9009delC [p.Thr3003ThrfsX18], c. 9021_9021delT
      [p.Ile3007IlefsX14]), and 3 small insertions (c.305_306insG [p.Gly102GlyfsX4], c.
      3116_3117insA [p.His1039GlufsX11], c. 9197_9198insATCTC [p.Ser3066SerfsX25]). And
      87.4% (83/95) of the pathologic point mutations disrupted the translational
      reading frame (46 nonsense mutations, 24 frame-shift mutations, and 13 splice
      site mutations). CONCLUSIONS: Inexpensive and efficient genetic/prenatal
      diagnosis of DMD/BMD may be plausible by MLPA analysis, NGS, and Sanger
      sequencing. Most of the mutations identified in this study led to a predictable
      premature stop codon or splicing defects, resulting in defective function of
      dystrophin.

PMID- 27122459
TI  - [Impact of improvement of diabetes on survival after radical pancreatic resection
      in patients with pancreatic cancer and diabetes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explorer the effect of improvement of diabetes on survival after
      radical pancreatic resection in patients with pancreatic cancer and diabetes.
      METHODS: Seventy-three patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic
      cancer at Ruijin Hospital (Shanghai, China) between July 2007 and December 2011
      and had preoperative diabetes were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical
      characteristics and overall postoperative survival were compared between patients
      with controlled/uncontrolled diabetes. Among patients with uncontrolled diabetes,
      comparison was made in clinical characteristics and overall postoperative
      survival between patients with long-term (>=2 years) diabetes and those with new
      onset (<2 years) diabetes. RESULTS: Controlled diabetes after radical pancreatic
      resection was observed in 38.4% (28/73) in the patients with pancreatic cancer
      and diabetes. The median follow-up time was 44.5 months (95CI: 31.7-57.2 months).
      Patients in whom diabetes was controlled had well-differentiated tumors and
      longer overall survival compared to patients with uncontrolled diabetes [median
      overall survival (95%CI) 41.0 (34.2-47.7) months vs 17.0 (14.8-19.2) months,
      P<0.001]. Among the 45 patients with uncontrolled diabetes, there was no
      differences in clinic characteristic and overall survival between new-onset
      (n=21) and long-term diabetes (n=24) [median overall survival (95%CI): 17.8 (15.7
      20.1) months vs 15.8 (10.5-21.1) months, P=0.198]. CONCLUSION: Good postoperative
      control of diabetes after radical pancreatic resection in patients with
      pancreatic cancer and diabetes may predict favorable survival.

PMID- 27122460
TI  - [Analysis of clinical predictive factors of pathologic complete response after
      neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical predictive factors associated with pathologic
      complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer.
      METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of 87 patients
      with rectal cancer, who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by
      radical surgery from April 2007 to May 2015. All patients received pelvic
      intensity-modulated radiotherapy (50 Gy/25 fractions) with concurrent
      fluorouracil- based chemotherapy and then underwent radical surgery 4-8 weeks
      later. The clinical factors associated with pCR or non-pCR were analyzed by
      Logistic regression. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients had completed treatment, of
      which 15 patients (18.1%) achieved pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
      Univariate analysis showed non-diabetes(P=0.033), pre-chemoradiotherapy plasma
      glucose(<=6.1 mmol/L)(P=0.033), pre-chemoradiotherapy CEA(<=5 MUg/L)(P=0.026),
      pre- chemoradiotherapy plasma lymphocytes count(<=1.5*10(9)/L)(P=0.042), pre-
      chemoradiotherapy plasma platelet(<=240*10(12))(P=0.043), tumor pathological
      type(adenocarcinoma)(P=0.036)were significantly correlated with pCR after
      neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer. Logistic regression revealed that
      non-diabetes, pre-chemoradiotherapy plasma glucose, pre-chemoradiotherapy CEA(<=5
      MUg/L), pre-chemoradiotherapy plasma lymphocytes count(<=1.5*10(9)/L), tumor
      pathological type(adenocarcinoma) were independent predictive factors of pCR
      after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer. CONCLUSION: Patients with
      non-diabetes, normal plasma glucose, normal CEA, lower plasma lymphocytes count
      and adenocarcinoma were associated with pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
      for rectal cancer.

PMID- 27122461
TI  - [Selective bladder preservation in muscle-invasive bladder cancer by
      transurethral resection combined with intravesical instillation therapy: analysis
      of clinical effect in the elderly].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect and quality of life in elderly
      patients of muscle-invasive bladder cancer by transurethral resection combined
      with intravesical instillation therapy. METHODS: From January 2005 to January
      2015, 136 cases were diagnosed with T2 bladder cancer by
      transurethralplasmakinetic therapy or transurethral laser therapy. The data of
      136 cases were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In transurethralplasmakinetic
      therapy group, the overall survival rate was 73.3%, the cancer-specific survival
      rate was 85.6%, the average survival time were 65 months. In transurethral laser
      therapy group, the overall survival rate was 73.9%, the cancer-specific
      survivalrate was 87.2%, the average survival time were 70 months. Two methods
      also can improve the patient's quality of life. CONCLUSION: For the aged with
      invasive bladder cancer (T2), we could try the transurethral resection combined
      with intravesical instillation therapy.

PMID- 27122462
TI  - [Effects of intubating laryngeal mask airway in prevention of extubation
      responses in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage during general
      anesthesia recovery period].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) in
      prediction of extubation responses in patients with hypertensive cerebral
      hemorrhage during general anesthesia recovery period. METHODS: A total of 120
      patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage aged 47-71 years, with Glasgow
      Coma Scale (GCS)11-15 scores and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
      physical status I or II, undergoing craniotomy surgery from December 2012 to
      December 2014 in the Affiliated First Municipal Hospital of Fujian Medical
      University were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=60): tracheal intubation (Group
      T) and intubating laryngeal mask airway (Group I), by using a random number
      table. Variations of invasive arterial blood pressure and responses of
      endotracheal extubation were compared between two groups before and after
      extubation. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in ages, sex ratio,
      preoperative GCS, operation time and the time from the end of operation to Train
      of Four stimulation (TOF) becoming to 4 between the two groups. The mean arterial
      pressure (MAP) at the time point of extubation (T3), 1 min (T4), 3 min (T5), 5
      min (T6) after extubation were (136+/-20), (130+/-16), (128+/-12), (125+/-10)
      mmHg in Group T, and heart rate(HR) at these four time points were (105+/-11),
      (96+/-8), (92+/-7), (86+/-6) bpm, respectively. While in group I, MAP were (108+/
      10), (106+/-8), (105+/-9), (106+/-7) mmHg, and HR were (75+/-8), (76+/-7), (68+/
      5), (67+/-6) bpm, respectively. MAP and HR of the two groups at these four time
      points had significant differences (T3: t=10.91, 17.20; T4: t=13.72, 14.69; T5:
      t=12.54, 13.35; T6: t=13.39, 11.27; all P<0.01). During recovery, the incidences
      of extubation responses of group T and group I were 92% and 2%, respectively, and
      the difference had statistically significant (chi(2)=94.05, P<0.01). The
      incidences of coughing of group T and group I were 97% and 0, respectively, and
      the difference had statistically significant (chi(2)=148.69, P<0.01). CONCLUSION:
      Compared with tracheal intubation, ILMA can decrease the incidence of extubation
      responses and coughing in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage during
      general anesthesia recovery period, and avoid cere-brovascular accidents.

PMID- 27122463
TI  - [Application of spontaneous acrosome reaction of sperm in prediction of outcome
      of in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical application of spontaneous acrosome
      reaction (AR) rate of sperm in predicting the outcome of in-vitro fertilization
      and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: The spontaneous AR rate of the sperm of
      patients who underwent IVF-ET treatment in our center during the period from
      November to December 2014 were studied. The cut-off value from 6% to 12% were set
      and analyzed its association between the IVF-ET outcomes (including fertility
      rates, normal fertilization rates and high-quality embryo rates). For those who
      underwent fresh embryo transplantation, the rates of chemical pregnancy and
      clinical pregnancy were calculated, and compared the spontaneous AR rates and
      quantity of acrosomal enzyme according to the pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: There
      were 202 patients in this study and the mean spontaneous AR rate was 5.99%+/
      5.18%. For patients with the spontaneous AR rate >=9% versus <9%, the fertility
      rate, normal fertilization rate and high-quality embryo rate were 81.33% vs
      83.85%, 60.53% vs 60.99%, and 51.10% vs 59.67%, respectively, with statistically
      significant difference in the high-quality embryo rate (P=0.02). For patients who
      underwent fresh embryo transplantation, when comparison was made between those
      with spontaneous AR rate >=8% and those <8%, the rate of chemical pregnancy and
      clinical pregnancy were 48.57% (17/35) vs 69.64% (78/112) and 37.14% (13/35) vs
      63.39% (71/112), respectively, both with statistically significant difference
      (P=0.02 and P<0.01). The patients with clinical pregnancy had lower spontaneous
      AR rate than those without clinical pregnancy (5.41%+/-3.87% vs 7.40%+/-6.79%,
      P=0.04), while the quantity of acrosomal enzyme showed no significant difference
      [(131.79+/-68.50) vs (153.62+/-59.59) MUU/10(6,) P=0.06]. Logistic regression
      analysis demonstrated association between spontaneous AR rates and clinical
      pregnancy (OR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.87-0.99, P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The spontaneous AR
      rate of sperm may have clinical significance in predicting the outcome of IVF-ET,
      as it is reversely correlated with IVF high-quality embryo rate and pregnancy
      rate. The quantity of acrosomal enzyme may not have significant predictive value
      for the outcome of IVF.

PMID- 27122464
TI  - [Comparative proteomics study on lung tissue in early stage of burn-blast
      combined injury in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore changes in the proteomics of lung tissue in early stage of
      burn-blast combined injury in rats. METHODS: According to a random digital table,
      a total number of 18 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into burn-blast
      combined injury group (n=9) and blast injury group (n=9). Lung protein samples
      were collected at 6 h post injury. 2-DE was performed to separate proteins. After
      silver staining, the protein of differential expression were analyzed by PQ Quest
      and then identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of fight
      mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). The features of the changes of proteomics of
      rat lung after burn-blast combined injury were studied by biological
      spectrometry, protein bank and reference article analysis technique. At same
      time, pathologic changes of the lung were monitored after injury. RESULTS: After
      removing death drain during the experiment, each group contained 8 rats and the
      results were analyzed statistically. Well focused and distinct 2-DE maps with
      good reproducibility were obtained, means of 736+/-47 and 782+/-30 protein spots
      were detected from the blast injury group and burn-blast combined injury group
      and the matching rates were 91%. From the two groups, 14 differential protein
      spots expressions were analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS, of which 10 proteins were up
      regulated and 4 proteins were down-regulated in burn-blast combined injury group.
      12 different expression proteins were identified in the lung through 2-DE, mass
      spectrometry and protein date base, including heat shock 27 protein 1, heat shock
      70 protein 1, carbonic anhydrase 2, cytochrome c oxidase, ATP synthase subunit
      alpha, Ca(2+) -transporting ATPase et al, which took part in stress reaction,
      metabolism, immune response and cytoskeleton. CONCLUSIONS: Burn-blast combined
      injury could induce dramatically changes of proteomics in lung tissue at early
      stage. The mechanism probably involves several proteins associated with oxidative
      stress, energy metabolism, immune response and cytoskeleton.

PMID- 27122465
TI  - [miR-34b-3p regulates the angiogenesis of senescent endothelial cell].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of miR-34b-3p on the proliferation,
      migration and tube formation of senescent endothelial cell. METHODS: Primary
      human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in vitro, and
      population doubling levels (PDLs) were calculated by passage. The young
      endothelial cell was defined as PDL8. The senescent endothelial cell was defined
      as PDL44. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction
      (RT-qPCR) was applied to detect the expression of miR-34b-3p in PDL8 and PDL44
      HUVECs. miR-34b-3p mimic and inhibitor were transfected into PDL8 and PDL44
      HUVECs. Then, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell and tube formation assays
      were used to determine the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs,
      respectively. RESULTS: miR-34b-3p was significantly up-regulated approximately
      4.3 times in PDL44 HUVECs than that in PDL44 HUVECs (t=-4.528, P<0.05). The
      proliferation, migration, total tube length and branch points of miR-34b-3p in
      PDL8 HUVECs group were significantly higher approximately 1.2 (0.67/0.57), 1.2
      (106/86), 1.4 (10 605/7 735) and 1.3 (41/31) times than that in PDL44 HUVECs
      group, respectively (t=3.237, 3.564, 5.165, 3.487, P<0.05 or P<0.01).
      Overexpression of miR-34b-3p had significantly inhibited proliferation,
      migration, total tube length and branch points approximately 2.2 (0.67/0.30), 2.3
      (106/46), 1.6 (10 605/6 652) and 1.9 (41/22) times in PDL8 HUVECs, respectively
      (F=145.898, 53.026, 41.997, 36.341, all P<0.01). Repression of miR-34b-3p had
      significantly increased proliferation, migration, total tube length and branch
      points approximately 1.4 (0.77/0.57), 2.3 (198/86), 1.7 (13 073/7 735) and 2.3
      (71/31) times in PDL44 HUVECs, respectively (F=14.815, 42.970, 167.063, 258.340,
      all P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The high expression of miR-34b-3p in senescent HUVECs
      could impair the proliferation, migration and tube formation of senescent
      endothelial cell.

PMID- 27122466
TI  - Enantioselective Oxetane Ring Opening with Chloride: Unusual Use of Wet Molecular
      Sieves for the Controlled Release of HCl.
AB  - An unprecedented enantioselective oxetane opening with chloride provides access
      to a range of highly functionalized three-carbon building blocks. The excellent
      enantiocontrol is enabled not only by a new catalyst, but also by the unusual use
      of wet molecular sieves for the controlled release of HCl.

PMID- 27122467
TI  - Results of AANP 2016 Election.

PMID- 27122468
TI  - Cataloguing versus synthesizing knowledge as a scholarly activity.

PMID- 27122469
TI  - Inequalities in use of total hip arthroplasty for hip fracture: population based
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) among
      individuals with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck is based
      on national guidelines or if there are systematic inequalities. DESIGN:
      Observational cohort study using the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD).
      SETTING: All hospitals that treat adults with hip fractures in England, Wales,
      and Northern Ireland. PARTICIPANTS: Patients within the national database (all
      aged >=60) who received operative treatment for a non-pathological displaced
      intracapsular hip fracture from 1 July 2011 to 31 April 2015. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Provision of THA to patients considered eligible under criteria
      published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
      RESULTS: 114 119 patients with hip fracture were included, 11 683 (10.2%) of whom
      underwent THA. Of those who satisfied the NICE criteria, 32% (6780) : received a
      THA. Of patients who underwent THA, 42% (4903) did not satisfy the NICE criteria.
      A recursive partitioning algorithm found that the NICE eligibility criteria did
      not optimally explain which patients underwent THA. A model with superior
      explanatory power drew distinctions that are not supported by NICE, which were an
      age cut off at 76 and a different ambulation cut off. Among patients who
      satisfied the NICE eligibility, the use of THA was less likely with higher age
      (odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.87 to 0.88), worsening abbreviated
      mental test scores (0.49 (0.41 to 0.58) for normal cognition v borderline
      cognitive impairment)), worsening American Society of Anesthesiologists score
      (0.74, 0.66 to 0.84), male sex (0.85, 0.77 to 0.93), worsening ambulatory status
      (0.32, 0.28 to 0.35 for walking with a stick v independent ambulation), and
      fifths of worsening socioeconomic area deprivation (0.76 (0.66 to 0.88) for least
      v most deprived fifth). Patients receiving treatment during the working week were
      more likely to receive THA than at the weekend (0.90, 0.83 to 0.98). CONCLUSIONS:
      There are wide disparities in the use of THA among individuals with hip
      fractures, and compliance with NICE guidance is poor. Patients with higher levels
      of socioeconomic deprivation and those who require surgery at the weekend were
      less likely to receive THA. Inconsistent compliance with NICE recommendations
      means that the optimal treatment for older adults with hip fractures can depend
      on where and when they present to hospital.

PMID- 27122470
TI  - Rauvolfia serpentina N-methyltransferases involved in ajmaline and Nbeta 
      methylajmaline biosynthesis belong to a gene family derived from gamma-tocopherol
      C-methyltransferase.
AB  - Ajmaline biosynthesis in Rauvolfia serpentina has been one of the most studied
      monoterpenoid indole alkaloid (MIA) pathways within the plant family Apocynaceae.
      Detailed molecular and biochemical information on most of the steps involved in
      the pathway has been generated over the last 30 years. Here we report the
      identification, molecular cloning and functional expression in Escherichia coli
      of two R. serpentinacDNAs that are part of a recently discovered gamma-tocopherol
      like N-methyltransferase (gamma-TLMT) family and are involved in indole and side
      chain N-methylation of ajmaline. Recombinant proteins showed remarkable substrate
      specificity for molecules with an ajmalan-type backbone and strict regiospecific
      N-methylation. Furthermore, N-methyltransferase gene transcripts and enzyme
      activity were enriched in R. serpentina roots which correlated with accumulation
      of ajmaline alkaloid. This study elucidates the final step in the ajmaline
      biosynthetic pathway and describes the enzyme responsible for the formation of
      Nbeta -methylajmaline, an unusual charged MIA found in R. serpentina.

PMID- 27122471
TI  - Commentary on "An Investigation of the Relationship Between Alcohol Use and Major
      Depressive Disorder Across Hispanic National Groups" by Jetelina and Colleagues.

PMID- 27122472
TI  - Unbroken Perovskite: Interplay of Morphology, Electro-optical Properties, and
      Ionic Movement.
AB  - Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite materials have risen up as leading components
      for light-harvesting applications. However, to date many questions are still open
      concerning the operation of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). A systematic analysis
      of the interplay among structural features, optoelectronic performance, and ionic
      movement behavior for FA0.83 MA0.17 Pb(I0.83 Br0.17 )3 PSCs is presented, which
      yield high power conversion efficiencies up to 20.8%. 

PMID- 27122473
TI  - Study design and rationale of the heterotopic implantation of the Edwards-Sapien
      XT transcatheter valve in the inferior VEna cava for the treatment of severe
      tricuspid regurgitation (HOVER) trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is an under treated disease. Although
      surgery for TR remains an effective therapy, many patients are considered to be
      at a high risk or otherwise inoperable. Caval valve implant (CAVI) offers an
      alternative to surgery in these patients. Trials assessing the safety and
      efficacy of caval valve implant are lacking. METHODS: The Heterotopic
      Implantation Of the Edwards-Sapien XT Transcatheter Valve in the Inferior VEna
      cava for the treatment of severe Tricuspid Regurgitation (HOVER) trial is an FDA
      approved, physician initiated, prospective, non-blinded (open label), non
      randomized safety and feasibility study to determine the safety and efficacy of
      the heterotopic implantation of the Edwards-Sapien XT valve in the inferior vena
      cava for the treatment of severe TR in patients who are at high risk or
      inoperable. Patients with severe TR in the absence of severe pulmonary
      hypertension will be recruited. They will be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary
      team who will agree by consensus that the patients' symptoms are from TR. They
      will undergo imaging to assess the size of the inferior vena cava (IVC) to
      determine feasibility of the procedure. If patients meet the inclusion criteria
      and are free from exclusion criteria, after informed consent they will be
      eligible for enrollment in the study. A total of 30 patients will be enrolled.
      The primary objective of the study will be to demonstrate procedural success at
      30-days and patient success at 1-year. CONCLUSION: Caval valve implant may
      present an alternative for patients who are at high risk or inoperable for
      tricuspid valve surgery (TVS) for TR. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27122475
TI  - Prices For Common Medical Services Vary Substantially Among The Commercially
      Insured.
AB  - Using a national multipayer commercial claims database containing allowed
      amounts, we examined variations in the prices for 242 common medical services in
      forty-one states and the District of Columbia. Ratios of average state prices to
      national prices ranged from a low of 0.79 in Florida to a high of 2.64 in Alaska.
      Two- to threefold variations in prices were identified within some states and
      Metropolitan Statistical Areas.

PMID- 27122476
TI  - Transcutaneous and Percutaneous Neurostimulation for Headache Disorders.
AB  - Noninvasive and minimally invasive extracranial stimulation has now been widely
      investigated for the treatment of primary headache disorders, particularly
      migraine. In this review, we describe methodological challenges in studying
      occipital and supraorbital stimulation devices. We explore the efficacy and
      safety of implantable occipital nerve stimulation for primary headache disorders,
      including the 3 randomized, sham-controlled clinical trials for chronic migraine
      treatment. We also review noninvasive supraorbital transcutaneous stimulation as
      a preventive therapy for episodic migraine.

PMID- 27122477
TI  - Bioaccessibility of polyphenols from selected cereal grains and legumes as
      influenced by food acidulants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polyphenols in food are valued for their health-beneficial
      influences. Food acidulants lime juice and amchur used in Indian cookery were
      evaluated for their influence on polyphenol bioaccessibility from food grains.
      RESULTS: Lime juice increased bioaccessible flavonoids by 25% in roasted finger
      millet, while there was no change in total bioaccessible polyphenols in pressure
      cooked, open-pan-boiled and roasted finger millet in the presence of food
      acidulants. Addition of amchur to pressure-cooked and microwave-heated pearl
      millet increased bioaccessible flavonoids by 30 and 53% respectively, while lime
      juice increased them by 46% in pressure-cooked pearl millet. Increased
      bioaccessibility of specific phenolic acids from finger millet and pearl millet
      was observed upon addition of these food acidulants. The presence of either lime
      juice or amchur increased bioaccessible flavonoids from both legumes studied.
      Addition of lime juice and amchur, however, exerted a negative effect on the
      bioaccessibility of several phenolic compounds from food grains in native state
      and under certain processing conditions. CONCLUSION: Thus food acidulants lime
      juice and amchur had a significant influence on the bioaccessibility of health
      beneficial phenolic compounds from food grains. Use of food acidulants in food
      preparations could be a strategy to enhance the bioavailability of polyphenols,
      especially flavonoids from grains. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27122478
TI  - Accidental Trauma Mimicking Homicidal Violence.
AB  - Homicide investigations represent an important function of death investigators.
      Although recognizing nonobvious homicides is crucial, an equally important role
      involves the identification of cases that initially present as possible
      homicides, but are ultimately discovered to not represent homicides. Failure to
      recognize such cases results in wasted time, squandered resources, false
      allegations, and potential life-altering consequences. The authors review a
      series of cases wherein initial investigation suggested a possibility that the
      deaths represented homicides. By carefully considering additional information,
      including scene findings, history, and postmortem examination, each was
      determined to represent an accidental traumatic death. In addition to
      highlighting the importance of recognizing accidental traumatic deaths that
      initially present as homicides, the cases serve to highlight the fact that
      forensic pathology cannot be practiced without knowledge of appropriate ancillary
      information. Although guarding against cognitive bias is important in all
      forensic disciplines, including forensic pathology, access to vital case-related
      ancillary information is an essential component of practicing medicine as a
      forensic pathologist.

PMID- 27122479
TI  - Distribution of Eschar in Pediatric Scrub Typhus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identifying an eschar in scrub typhus is useful for initiation of
      prompt and appropriate antibiotic therapy. METHODS: The distribution of eschars
      in all children <15 years of age admitted with confirmed scrub typhus over a 5
      year period is described. RESULTS: Of 431 children admitted with scrub typhus,
      eschars were present in 176 (40.8%) children with the following distribution:
      head, face and neck, 33 (19.1%); axillae, 37 (21%); chest and abdomen, 21
      (11.9%); genitalia, inguinal region and buttocks, 58 (33%); back, 8 (4.5%); upper
      extremities, 13 (7.4%); and lower extremities, 5 (2.8%). The commonest sites of
      eschars were scrotum (27 of 106; 25.5%) and axillae (15 of 106; 14.2%) in males
      and axillae (22 of 70; 31.4%) and groin (16 of 70; 22.9%) in females. Eschars
      were seen within skin folds in 100 of 176 (56.8%) children. CONCLUSION: Children
      should be carefully examined for the presence of eschar especially in the skin
      folds of the genitalia, axillae and groin to make an early diagnosis of scrub
      typhus.

PMID- 27122480
TI  - Factors Associated with Stunting among Pre-school Children in Southern Highlands
      of Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stunting is a major public health problem in Africa and is associated
      with poor child survival and development. We investigate factors associated to
      child stunting in three Tanzanian regions. METHODS: A cross-sectional two-stage
      cluster sampling survey was conducted among children aged 6-59 months. The sample
      included 1360 children aged 6-23 months and 1904 children aged 24-59 months.
      Descriptive statistics and binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses
      were used. RESULTS: Our main results are: in the younger group, stunting was
      associated with male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.17; confidence interval
      [CI]: 1.52-3.09), maternal absence (AOR: 1.93; CI: 1.21-3.07) and household diet
      diversity (AOR: 0.61; CI: 0.41-0.92). Among older children, stunting was
      associated with male sex (AOR: 1.28; CI: 1.00-1.64), age of 4 and 5 (AOR: 0.71;
      CI: 0.54-0.95; AOR: 0.60; CI: 0.44-0.83), access to improved water source (AOR:
      0.70; CI: 0.52-0.93) and to a functioning water station (AOR: 0.63; CI: 0.40
      0.98) and mother breastfeeding (AOR: 1.97; CI: 1.18-3.29). CONCLUSIONS:
      Interventions that increase household wealth and improve water and sanitation
      conditions should be implemented to reduce stunting. Family planning activities
      and programmes supporting mothers during pregnancy and lactation can positively
      affect both newborns and older siblings.

PMID- 27122481
TI  - Real-Time Measurement of the Tool-Tissue Interaction in Minimally Invasive
      Abdominal Surgery: The First Step to Developing the Next Generation of Smart
      Laparoscopic Instruments.
AB  - Introduction Analysis of force application in laparoscopic surgery is critical to
      understanding the nature of the tool-tissue interaction. The aim of this study is
      to provide real-time data about manipulations to abdominal organs. Methods An
      instrumented short fenestrated grasper was used in an in vivo porcine model,
      measuring force at the grasper handle. Grasping force and duration over 5 small
      bowel manipulation tasks were analyzed. Forces required to retract gallbladder,
      bladder, small bowel, large bowel, and rectum were measured over 30 seconds. Four
      parameters were calculated-T(hold), the grasp time; T(close), time taken for the
      jaws to close; F(max), maximum force reached; and F(rms), root mean square force
      (representing the average force across the grasp time). Results Mean F(max) to
      manipulate the small bowel was 20.5 N (+/-7.2) and F(rms) was 13.7 N (+/-5.4).
      Mean T(close) was 0.52 seconds (+/-0.26) and T(hold) was 3.87 seconds (+/-1.5).
      In individual organs, mean F(max) was 49 N (+/-15) to manipulate the rectum and
      59 N (+/-13.4) for the colon. The mean F(max) for bladder and gallbladder
      retraction was 28.8 N (+/-7.4) and 50.7 N (+/-3.8), respectively. All organs
      exhibited force relaxation, the F(rms) reduced to below 25 N for all organs
      except the small bowel, with a mean F(rms) of less than 10 N. Conclusion This
      study has commenced the process of quantifying tool-tissue interaction. The
      static measurements discussed here should evolve to include dynamic measurements
      such as shear, torque, and retraction forces, and be correlated with evidence of
      histological damage to tissue. 

PMID- 27122482
TI  - Louis de Wecker (1832-1906) and His Innovations in Ocular Surgery.
AB  - Louis de Wecker (1832-1906) was a famous French ophthalmologist and was
      considered one of the greatest ophthalmologists of his time with worldwide
      reputation. He introduced many innovative surgical techniques such as his method
      for iridotomy, "anterior sclerotomy," and the so-called "de Wecker's capsular
      advancement" for the treatment of strabismus. He also invented surgical
      instruments such as "de Wecker's pince-ciseaux" and "de Wecker's double
      advancement hook."

PMID- 27122483
TI  - Effectiveness of a Multimodal Intervention Program for Restraint Prevention in an
      Acute Spanish Psychiatric Ward.
AB  - BACKGROUND: International recommendations have called to implement strategies to
      reduce the use of coercion in psychiatric settings. However, in Spain there is a
      lack of research about intervention programs to reduce mechanical restraint in
      acute psychiatric units. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      effectiveness of a multimodal intervention program based on the principles of six
      core strategies to reduce the frequency of use of mechanical restraint in an
      acute psychiatric ward. DESIGN: The design was a retrospective analysis of the
      frequency and duration of episodes of mechanical restraint prior to the
      intervention program (2012) and during the intervention program (2013) in one
      acute psychiatric ward. The intervention was governed by four strategies: (1)
      leadership and organizational changes, (2) registration and monitoring of risk
      patients, (3) staff training, and (4) involving patients in the treatment
      program. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the mean number of
      monthly episodes of mechanical restraint per 1,000 patient days, pre-intervention
      (18.54 +/- 8.78) compared with postintervention (8.53 +/- 7.00; p = .005). We
      found the probability that mechanical restraint would occur in a hospital
      admission decreased after performing the intervention (odds ratio = .587;
      confidence interval = 0.411-0.838; p = .003) after adjusting for confounding
      variables. The total percentage of restrained patients fell from 15.07% to 9.74%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The main implication of the study is to support the effectiveness of
      specific intervention programs based on different measures to reduce mechanical
      restraint and without contemplating all the strategies that are considered
      effective.

PMID- 27122484
TI  - Bayesian Validation of the Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay and Its Superiority
      to the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and the Complement Fixation Test for
      Detecting Antibodies against Coxiella burnetii in Goat Serum.
AB  - Although many studies have reported the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA)
      to be more sensitive in detection of antibodies to Coxiella burnetii than the
      complement fixation test (CFT), the diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and diagnostic
      specificity (DSp) of the assay have not been previously established for use in
      ruminants. This study aimed to validate the IFA by describing the optimization,
      selection of cutoff titers, repeatability, and reliability as well as the DSe and
      DSp of the assay. Bayesian latent class analysis was used to estimate diagnostic
      specifications in comparison with the CFT and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA). The optimal cutoff dilution for screening for IgG and IgM
      antibodies in goat serum using the IFA was estimated to be 1:160. The IFA had
      good repeatability (>96.9% for IgG, >78.0% for IgM), and there was almost perfect
      agreement (Cohen's kappa > 0.80 for IgG) between the readings reported by two
      technicians for samples tested for IgG antibodies. The IFA had a higher DSe
      (94.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 80.3, 99.6) for the detection of IgG
      antibodies against C. burnetii than the ELISA (70.1%; 95% CI, 52.7, 91.0) and the
      CFT (29.8%; 95% CI, 17.0, 44.8). All three tests were highly specific for goat
      IgG antibodies. The IFA also had a higher DSe (88.8%; 95% CI, 58.2, 99.5) for
      detection of IgM antibodies than the ELISA (71.7%; 95% CI, 46.3, 92.8). These
      results underscore the better suitability of the IFA than of the CFT and ELISA
      for detection of IgG and IgM antibodies in goat serum and possibly in serum from
      other ruminants.

PMID- 27122485
TI  - Parenteral Vaccination Can Be an Effective Means of Inducing Protective Mucosal
      Responses.
AB  - The current paradigm in vaccine development is that nonreplicating vaccines
      delivered parenterally fail to induce immune responses in mucosal tissues.
      However, both clinical and experimental data have challenged this concept, and
      numerous studies have shown that induction of mucosal immune responses after
      parenteral vaccination is not a rare occurrence and might, in fact, significantly
      contribute to the protection against mucosal infections afforded by parenteral
      vaccines. While the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not well
      understood, the realization that parenteral vaccination can be an effective means
      of inducing protective mucosal responses is paradigm-shifting and has potential
      to transform the way vaccines are designed and delivered. 

PMID- 27122486
TI  - 10 Best resources on... intersectionality with an emphasis on low- and middle
      income countries.
AB  - Intersectionality has emerged as an important framework for understanding and
      responding to health inequities by making visible the fluid and interconnected
      structures of power that create them. It promotes an understanding of the dynamic
      nature of the privileges and disadvantages that permeate health systems and
      affect health. It considers the interaction of different social stratifiers (e.g.
      'race'/ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, class, sexuality, geography, age,
      disability/ability, migration status, religion) and the power structures that
      underpin them at multiple levels. In doing so, it is a departure from previous
      health inequalities research that looked at these forms of social stratification
      in isolation from one another or in an additive manner. Despite its potential use
      and long history in other disciplines, intersectionality is uncommonly used in
      health systems research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To orient
      readers to intersectionality theory and research, we first define
      intersectionality and describe its role in public health, and then we review
      resources on intersectionality. We found that applications in public health
      mostly increased after 2009, with only 14 out of 86 articles focused on LMICs. To
      arrive at 10 best resources, we selected articles based on the proportion of the
      article that was devoted to intersectionality, the strength of the
      intersectionality analysis, and its relevance to LMICs. The first four resources
      explain intersectionality as a methodology. The subsequent six articles apply
      intersectionality to research in LMIC with quantitative and qualitative analysis.
      We provide examples from India, Swaziland, Uganda and Mexico. Topics for the
      studies range from HIV, violence and sexual abuse to immunization and the use of
      health entitlements. Through these 10 resources, we hope to spark interest and
      open a needed conversation on the importance and use of intersectional analysis
      in LMICs as part of understanding people-centred health systems. 

PMID- 27122487
TI  - Distinguishing ventricular septal bulge versus hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the
      elderly.
AB  - The burgeoning evidence of patients diagnosed with sigmoidal hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy (HCM) later in life has revived the quest for distinctive features
      that may help discriminate it from more benign forms of isolated septal
      hypertrophy often labelled ventricular septal bulge (VSB). HCM is diagnosed less
      frequently than VSB at older ages, with a reversed female predominance. Most
      patients diagnosed with HCM at older ages suffer from hypertension, similar to
      those with VSB. A positive family history of HCM and/or sudden cardiac death and
      the presence of exertional symptoms usually support HCM, though they are less
      likely in older patients with HCM, and poorly investigated in individuals with
      VSB. A more severe hypertrophy and the presence of left ventricular outflow
      obstruction are considered diagnostic of HCM, though stress echocardiography has
      not been consistently used in VSB. Mitral annulus calcification is very prevalent
      in both conditions, whereas a restrictive filling pattern is found in a minority
      of older patients with HCM. Genetic testing has low applicability in this
      differential diagnosis at the current time, given that a causative mutation is
      found in less than 10% of elderly patients with suspected HCM. Emerging imaging
      modalities that allow non-invasive detection of myocardial fibrosis and disarray
      may help, but have not been fully investigated. Nonetheless, there remains a
      considerable morphological overlap between the two conditions. Comprehensive
      studies, particularly imaging based, are warranted to offer a more evidence-based
      approach to elderly patients with focal septal thickening.

PMID- 27122488
TI  - Depletion of human serum albumin in embryo culture media for in vitro
      fertilization using monolithic columns with immobilized antibodies.
AB  - Affinity depletion of abundant proteins such as HSA is an important stage in
      routine sample preparation prior to MS/MS analysis of biological samples with
      high range of concentrations. Due to the charge competition effects in
      electrospray ion source that results in discrimination of the low-abundance
      species, as well as limited dynamic range of MS/MS, restricted typically by three
      orders of magnitude, the identification of low-abundance proteins becomes a
      challenge unless the sample is depleted from high-concentration compounds. This
      dictates a need for developing efficient separation technologies allowing fast
      and automated protein depletion. In this study, we performed evaluation of a
      novel immunoaffinity-based Convective Interaction Media analytical columns
      (CIMac) depletion column with specificity to HSA (CIMac-alphaHSA). Because of the
      convective flow-through channels, the polymethacrylate CIMac monoliths afford
      flow rate independent binding capacity and resolution that results in relatively
      short analysis time compared with traditional chromatographic supports. Seppro
      IgY14 depletion kit was used as a benchmark to control the results of depletion.
      Bottom-up proteomic approach followed by label-free quantitation using normalized
      spectral indexes were employed for protein quantification in G1/G2 and
      cleavage/blastocyst in vitro fertilization culture media widely utilized in
      clinics for embryo growth in vitro. The results revealed approximately equal HSA
      level of 100 +/- 25% in albumin-enriched fractions relative to the nondepleted
      samples for both CIMac-alphaHSA column and Seppro kit. In the albumin-free
      fractions concentrated 5.5-fold by volume, serum albumin was identified at the
      levels of 5-30% and 20-30% for the CIMac-alphaHSA and Seppro IgY14 spin columns,
      respectively.

PMID- 27122489
TI  - Does physiological acclimation to climate warming stabilize the ratio of canopy
      respiration to photosynthesis?
AB  - Given the contrasting short-term temperature dependences of gross primary
      production (GPP) and autotrophic respiration, the fraction of GPP respired by
      trees is predicted to increase with warming, providing a positive feedback to
      climate change. However, physiological acclimation may dampen or eliminate this
      response. We measured the fluxes of aboveground respiration (Ra ), GPP and their
      ratio (Ra /GPP) in large, field-grown Eucalyptus tereticornis trees exposed to
      ambient or warmed air temperatures (+3 degrees C). We report continuous
      measurements of whole-canopy CO2 exchange, direct temperature response curves of
      leaf and canopy respiration, leaf and branch wood respiration, and diurnal
      photosynthetic measurements. Warming reduced photosynthesis, whereas
      physiological acclimation prevented a coincident increase in Ra . Ambient and
      warmed trees had a common nonlinear relationship between the fraction of GPP that
      was respired above ground (Ra /GPP) and the mean daily temperature. Thus, warming
      significantly increased Ra /GPP by moving plants to higher positions on the
      shared Ra /GPP vs daily temperature relationship, but this effect was modest and
      only notable during hot conditions. Despite the physiological acclimation of
      autotrophic respiration to warming, increases in temperature and the frequency of
      heat waves may modestly increase tree Ra /GPP, contributing to a positive
      feedback between climate warming and atmospheric CO2 accumulation.

PMID- 27122490
TI  - Intrauterine human chorionic gonadotropin infusion in oocyte donors promotes
      endometrial synchrony and induction of early decidual markers for stromal
      survival: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does a single intrauterine infusion of human chorionic
      gonadotropin (hCG) at the time corresponding to a Day 3 embryo transfer in oocyte
      donors induce favorable molecular changes in the endometrium for embryo
      implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER: Intrauterine hCG was associated with endometrial
      synchronization between endometrial glands and stroma following ovarian
      stimulation and the induction of early decidual markers associated with stromal
      cell survival. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The clinical potential for increasing IVF
      success rates using an intrauterine hCG infusion prior to embryo transfer remains
      unclear based on previously reported positive and non-significant findings.
      However, infusion of CG in the non-human primate increases the expression of pro
      survival early decidual markers important for endometrial receptivity, including
      alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and NOTCH1. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION:
      Oocyte donors (n=15) were randomly assigned to receive an intrauterine infusion
      of 500 IU hCG (n=7) or embryo culture media vehicle (n=8) 3 days following oocyte
      retrieval during their donor stimulation cycle. Endometrial biopsies were
      performed 2 days later, followed by either RNA isolation or tissue fixation in
      formalin and paraffin embedding. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS:
      Reverse transcription of total RNA from endometrial biopsies generated cDNA,
      which was used for analysis in the endometrial receptivity array (ERA; n =
      5/group) or quantitative RT-PCR to determine relative expression of ESR1, PGR, C3
      and NOTCH1. Tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin followed by
      blinded staging analysis for dating of endometrial glands and stroma.
      Immunostaining for ESR1, PGR, alpha-SMA, C3 and NOTCH1 was performed to determine
      their tissue localization. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Intrauterine hCG
      infusion was associated with endometrial synchrony and reprograming of stromal
      development following ovarian stimulation. ESR1 and PGR were significantly
      elevated in the endometrium of hCG-treated patients, consistent with earlier
      staging. The ERA did not predict an overall positive impact of intrauterine hCG
      on endometrial receptivity. However, ACTA2, encoding alpha-SMA was significantly
      increased in response to intrauterine hCG. Similar to the hCG-treated non-human
      primate, sub-epithelial and peri-vascular alpha-SMA expression was induced in
      women following hCG infusion. Other known targets of hCG in the baboon were also
      found to be increased, including C3 and NOTCH1, which have known roles in
      endometrial receptivity. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study differs
      from our previous work in the hCG-treated non-human primate along with clinical
      studies in infertile patients. Specifically, we performed a single intrauterine
      infusion in oocyte donors instead of either continuous hCG via an osmotic mini
      pump in the baboon or infusion followed by blastocyst-derived hCG in infertile
      women undergoing embryo transfer. Therefore, the full impact of intrauterine hCG
      in promoting endometrial receptivity may not have been evident. WIDER
      IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our findings suggest a potential clinical benefit
      for intrauterine hCG prior to embryo transfer on Day 3 in counteracting
      endometrial dyssynchrony from ovarian stimulation and promoting expression of
      markers important for stromal survival. Finally, there were no obvious negative
      effects of intrauterine hCG treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: Funding
      for this work was provided by NICHD R01 HD042280 (A.T.F.) and NICHD F30 HD082951
      (M.R.S.). C.S. and P.D.-G are co-inventors of the patented ERA, which is owned by
      IGENOMIX SL and was used in this study, and C.S. is a shareholder in IGENOMIX SL.
      M.R.-A. is employed by IGENOMIX SL. No other authors have any conflicts of
      interest to report. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This study was registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01786252). TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE: 5 February 2013. DATE
      OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLLMENT: 10 May 2013.

PMID- 27122491
TI  - Pharmacological interventions into the renin-angiotensin system with ACE
      inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists: effects beyond blood pressure
      lowering.
AB  - Hypertension is recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular
      morbidity and mortality. Lowering of blood pressure has been shown to minimize
      the risk of cardiovascular events, with the majority of antihypertensives
      demonstrating a similar ability to reduce coronary events and stroke for a given
      reduction in blood pressure. Agents that modify the activity of the renin
      angiotensin system (RAS) have been proposed to exhibit additional effects that
      might go beyond simple blood pressure lowering. The RAS is a crucial system that
      regulates extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure. Proposed potential
      benefits of RAS blockade that go beyond blood pressure lowering include a
      reduction in platelet aggregation and thrombosis, blunting of cardiac and
      vascular remodeling, favorable metabolic effects and reno- and cerebro
      protection. However, factors such as treatment adherence, duration of action of
      antihypertensive agents and differences in effects on central versus brachial
      blood pressure may also result in apparent differences in efficacy of different
      antihypertensives. The aim of this review article is to examine the available
      data from clinical studies of antihypertensive drugs for evidence of effects that
      might legitimately be claimed to go beyond simple blood pressure lowering. 

PMID- 27122492
TI  - Aldosterone is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy in hemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patients with chronic kidney disease present a higher degree of left
      ventricular hypertrophy than expected for hypertension levels. In chronic kidney
      disease the plot between the quotient extracellular water/total body water and
      aldosterone is shifted up and to the right. There are few studies that verified
      the role of aldosterone in cardiac remodeling in this set of patients. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum aldosterone and left
      ventricular mass index in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis.
      METHODS: The patients were submitted to clinical and laboratory evaluation,
      bioelectrical impedance, echocardiography and ambulatory blood pressure
      monitoring. The 27 patients included were divided into two groups according to
      aldosterone level and compared with each other. RESULTS: The group of patients
      with higher aldosterone levels had higher left ventricular mass index. These
      groups were heterogeneous with regard to ambulatory systolic blood pressure, body
      mass index, and aldosterone levels and homogeneous with regard to the quotient
      extracellular water/total body water, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
      blockers, beta blocker use and other clinical characteristics. The association
      between aldosterone levels and left ventricular mass index was adjusted to
      confounding variables by a multiple linear regression analysis in which
      aldosterone was independently associated with left ventricular mass index.
      CONCLUSION: The data presented are consistent with a pathogenic role of
      aldosterone in left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with chronic kidney
      dialysis in dialysis patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
      NCT01128101.

PMID- 27122493
TI  - Methyl Anthranilate as a Repellent for Western Corn Rootworm Larvae (Coleoptera:
      Chrysomelidae).
AB  - Methyl anthranilate was identified as the active compound in extracts of maize
      (Zea mays L.) roots that were shown to be repellent to neonate western corn
      rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) larvae. A bioassay-driven
      approach was used to isolate the active material from diethyl ether extracts of
      roots from germinating maize seeds. Separation of the extract on a Florisil
      column yielded an active fraction of 90:10 hexane:diethyl ether. Analysis with
      gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified two compounds in the active
      fraction: indole (2,3-benzopyrrole) and methyl anthranilate (methyl 2
      aminobenzoate). When tested in behavioral bioassays, methyl anthranilate elicited
      a significant (P < 0.05) repellent response at doses of 1, 10, and 100 ug. In
      subsequent single-choice bioassays, 1, 10, and 100 ug of methyl anthranilate
      prevented larvae from approaching 10 mmol/mol concentrations of carbon dioxide,
      which is normally highly attractive to the larvae. Indole, the other compound
      identified from the active fraction, did not elicit a behavioral response by the
      larvae. Methyl anthranilate has potential for development as a management tool
      for western corn rootworm larvae and may be best suited for use in a push-pull
      control strategy.

PMID- 27122494
TI  - Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Zyrox Fly Granular Bait Against Asian and
      German Cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae).
AB  - The Asian cockroach (Blattella asahinai Mizukubo) was introduced to Florida in
      1986 and has since spread throughout the Southeastern United States. Blattella
      asahinai is a peridomestic pest and high population densities in residential
      areas can become a nuisance, especially when adults fly into homes. Few studies
      to date have been conducted on Asian cockroach control, and we evaluated the
      efficacy of Zyrox Fly Granular Bait and Maxforce Complete Granular Insect Bait
      against this species in the laboratory compared with the closely related German
      cockroach (Blattella germanica (L.)). In no-choice and two-choice assays with
      both species, Zyrox bait and Maxforce bait achieved nearly 100% mortality within
      two and five days, respectively. We also tested Zyrox bait against B. asahinai in
      an invasive field population in North Carolina at the label rate (2 g/m(2)) and
      at approximately three times the label rate (6.9 g/m(2)), and found that
      broadcast applications at both rates reduced populations by an average of 64 and
      92%, respectively, for 35 d after the initial application. Zyrox Fly Bait appears
      to be effective against the Asian and German cockroaches, and could be another
      tool in an integrated pest management program, if its label could be extended or
      the active ingredient (cyantraniliprole) formulated into a cockroach bait.

PMID- 27122495
TI  - Genetically Engineered Ricin Suppresses Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera:
      Tephritidae) based on Demographic Analysis of Group-Reared Life Table.
AB  - The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), reduces the quantity and
      quality of many host fruits through the process of oviposition and larval
      feeding, and this insect has been considered a major insect pest in several Asian
      countries for decades. Using an earlier-developed, female-specific system that
      combines the toxicity of the ricin A chain (RTA) and the alternative RNA splicing
      property of doublesex (Bddsx), we show that transgenic male flies harboring the
      RTA-Bddsx transgene unevenly repress the pest population through inheritable
      effects. In age-stage, two-sex life-table analyses, high larval mortality and a
      delay in pupation were observed after introducing the transgene. The high male to
      female ratio in DsRed+ flies demonstrates the lethal effect of ricin on females.
      The fitness of both the DsRed+- and DsRed--transformed females was reduced as
      shown in the decrease of the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate (r), and
      finite rate (lambda) values compared with the wild-type populations. The
      integrity of the RTA-Bddsx transgene remained in more than 80% of DsRed+ males
      after ten generations, supporting the stable inheritance of the transgene. All of
      the data from this study support the proposed RTA-Bddsx SIT approach, which
      provides a species-specific and environmentally friendly method of suppressing,
      rather than eradiating, B. dorsalis.

PMID- 27122496
TI  - Assessment of Bacterial Communities in Thirteen Species of Laboratory-Cultured
      Domestic Mites (Acari: Acaridida).
AB  - House dust mites (HDMs) and stored-product mites (SPMs) of various species
      inhabit human homes and stored agricultural products. These mites are carriers
      and hosts of microorganisms that enable their survival. The bacteriome from 13
      species of SPMs and HDMs was analyzed and compared by 454 pyrosequencing of
      partial 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Altogether 128,052 sequences were obtained and
      assigned to 71 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at the 97% identity level. The
      number of sequences in the OTUs between species of mites ranged from 6 to 31 in
      the individual mite species. We did not find any significant effect of diet or
      evolutionary origin of mites or their interaction on the composition of the mite
      bacteriome. In mite species with low bacterial diversity, the bacterial
      communities were dominated by potential symbiotic or parasitic bacteria, i.e.,
      Cardinium in Dermatophagoides farinae (Hughes, 1961) and Aeroglyphus robustus
      (Banks 1906) and the enteric bacteria Erwinia in Blomia tropicalis Van Bronswijk,
      de Cock & Oshima, 1974 and Xenorhabdus in Tyroborus lini (Oudemans, 1924). Among
      the bacterial species identified, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Kocuria,
      Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, and Brachybacterium likely serve as food sources
      for the mites. The domestic acaridid mites carried high numbers of various
      bacteria that are potential threats to human health. These results contribute to
      the general understanding of the ecology of mite adaptation to human-made
      habitats.

PMID- 27122497
TI  - Bt Toxin Cry1Ie Causes No Negative Effects on Survival, Pollen Consumption, or
      Olfactory Learning in Worker Honey Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae).
AB  - The honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is a key nontarget insect in environmental risk
      assessments of insect-resistant genetically modified crops. In controlled
      laboratory conditions, we evaluated the potential effects of Cry1Ie toxin on
      survival, pollen consumption, and olfactory learning of young adult honey bees.
      We exposed worker bees to syrup containing 20, 200, or 20,000 ng/ml Cry1Ie toxin,
      and also exposed some bees to 48 ng/ml imidacloprid as a positive control for
      exposure to a sublethal concentration of a toxic product. Results suggested that
      Cry1Ie toxin carries no risk to survival, pollen consumption, or learning
      capabilities of young adult honey bees. However, during oral exposure to the
      imidacloprid treatments, honey bee learning behavior was affected and bees
      consumed significantly less pollen than the control and Cry1Ie groups.

PMID- 27122498
TI  - Field-Based Assessment of Resistance to Bt Corn by Western Corn Rootworm
      (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).
AB  - Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is a serious pest
      of corn and is managed with corn that produces insecticidal toxins derived from
      the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Beginning in 2009, resistance to
      Cry3Bb1 corn, and severe injury to Cry3Bb1 corn in the field, was observed in
      Iowa. However, few data exist on how Cry3Bb1-resistant western corn rootworm
      interact with various management practices in the field. Using a field
      experiment, we measured adult emergence and feeding injury to corn roots for both
      Cry3Bb1-resistant and Cry3Bb1-susceptible populations of western corn rootworm
      when tested against various Bt corn hybrids and a soil-applied insecticide.
      Between 2012 and 2013, we evaluated five fields that were associated with greater
      than one node of feeding injury to Cry3Bb1 corn by western corn rootworm (i.e.,
      problem-field populations), and a laboratory strain that had never been exposed
      to Bt corn (i.e., control population). Adult emergence for western corn rootworm
      and root injury to corn were significantly higher in problem-field populations
      than control populations for both Cry3Bb1 corn and mCry3A corn. By contrast, corn
      with Cry34/35Ab1, either alone or pyramided with Cry3Bb1, significantly reduced
      adult emergence and root injury in both problem fields and control fields. In
      problem fields, application of the soil-applied insecticide to Cry3Bb1 corn
      significantly reduced root injury, but not adult emergence. Our results are
      discussed in terms of developing strategies for managing western corn rootworm
      with resistance to Cry3Bb1 and mCry3A, and delaying the additional evolution of
      Bt resistance by this pest.

PMID- 27122499
TI  - Interlaboratory ring trial to evaluate CFT proficiency of European laboratories
      for diagnosis of glanders in equids.
AB  - To evaluate the routine complement fixation test (CFT) used to detect
      Burkholderia mallei antibodies in equine sera, an interlaboratory proficiency
      test was held with 24 European laboratories, including 22 National Reference
      Laboratories for glanders. The panels sent to participants were composed of sera
      with or without B mallei antibodies. This study confirmed the reliability of CFT
      and highlighted its intralaboratory reproducibility. However, the sensitivity of
      glanders serodiagnosis and laboratory proficiency may be improved by
      standardising critical reagents, including antigens, and by developing a standard
      B mallei serum. 

PMID- 27122500
TI  - Bovine besnoitiosis (Besnoitia besnoiti) in an Irish dairy herd.
AB  - Bovine besnoitiosis, caused by the apicomplexan protozoan parasite Besnoitia
      besnoiti, was diagnosed in an Irish dairy herd. This is the first diagnosis of
      besnoitiosis in Ireland or the UK and the most northerly European outbreak yet
      described. The diagnosis occurred following a farm investigation in June 2015
      into an unusual dermatological problem that had been ongoing since 2010. On an
      annual basis, 1-2 per cent of cows in the herd exhibited clinical signs,
      including skin thickening, alopecia, weight loss and poor performance. Others
      displayed pyrexia, limb oedema, respiratory distress and reduced milk yield.
      Histopathological examination of skin revealed granulomatous and eosinophilic
      dermatitis, with characteristic intradermal protozoal cysts, consistent with
      cutaneous besnoitiosis. Follow-up serological testing and clinical examination of
      cattle (n=228) on the farm found that 68 per cent (144/212) were seropositive for
      B. besnoiti In addition, 51 per cent (117/228) had characteristic scleral
      conjunctival cysts and 68 per cent (134/198) had vulval cysts. Postmortem
      examination of a severely affected animal revealed typical gross and
      histopathological lesions of B. besnoiti infection. These results confirmed
      endemic infection with B. besnoiti The identification of this exotic disease
      highlights the importance of veterinary surveillance at both local and national
      level, particularly in relation to emerging diseases. 

PMID- 27122501
TI  - Editorial: Yes, we still need scientific congresses.

PMID- 27122502
TI  - Commentary: Clinical and financial benefits of intra-articular tranexamic acid in
      total knee arthroplasty.

PMID- 27122503
TI  - Clinical and financial benefits of intra-articular tranexamic acid in total knee
      arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether intra-articular tranexamic acid (TXA) use after
      total knee arthroplasty (TKA) results in decreased postoperative blood
      transfusion and length of hospital stay. METHODS: Medical records of 1981
      patients (mean age, 69.2 years) who underwent primary TKA with (n=1006) or
      without (n=975) TXA use by any of 4 knee arthroplasty surgeons were reviewed. TXA
      (3000 mg/30ml) was administered via an epidural catheter into the knee joint
      after wound closure. Postoperative blood transfusion was given to patients with
      haemoglobin (Hb) level <80 g/dl on days 1 and 2 or with symptoms of acute
      anaemia. RESULTS: Intra-articular TXA use after TKA resulted in a lower blood
      transfusion rate (4.5% [45/1006] vs. 14.8% [144/975], p<0.0001), fewer units of
      blood transfused (86 vs. 313 units, p<0.0001), fewer units of blood transfused
      per 100 patients (8.5 vs. 32.1, p<0.0001), and shorter length of hospital stay
      (4.7+/-2.3 vs. 5.3+/-2.7 days, p<0.0001). Total cost savings with respect to the
      reduction in blood transfusion was AU$143.68 per patient. When the change in
      length of hospital stay and TXA costs were included, the overall saving was
      AU$631.36 per patient. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular TXA use can reduce costs as a
      result of decreased blood transfusion rate and length of hospital stay in
      patients undergoing TKA.

PMID- 27122504
TI  - Quality of cementation in conventional versus minimally invasive total knee
      arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the immediate postoperative radiographs of 108 patients
      following conventional or minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to
      assess the quality of cementation in terms of cement voids and retained cement.
      METHODS: Records of 20 male and 88 female consecutive patients aged 50 to 83
      (mean, 67.5) years who underwent conventional TKA (n=56) or computer-assisted
      minimally invasive TKA (n=52) for osteoarthritis by a single senior surgeon were
      reviewed. Immediate postoperative radiographs were assessed by a single blinded
      assessor for the quality of cementation in terms of cement void and retained
      cement in different zones of the femoral, tibial, and patellar components along
      the prosthesis-bone interface using the Knee Society total knee arthroplasty
      roentgenographic evaluation and scoring system. RESULTS: The 2 groups were
      comparable in terms of baseline demographics as well as cement void and retained
      cement on the femoral, tibial, and patellar components, except that in the
      minimally invasive group, cement void beneath the anterior flange of the femoral
      component was wider (0.32 vs. 0 mm, p=0.001), and retained cement in the
      posterior or lateral aspects of the tibial component was more common (50.0% vs.
      28.6%, p=0.018). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive TKA resulted in a wider cement
      void beneath the anterior flange of the femoral component and a higher rate of
      retained cement around the tibial component.

PMID- 27122505
TI  - Posterior condylar cartilage thickness and posterior condylar offset of the
      femur: a magnetic resonance imaging study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To measure the femoral posterior condylar cartilage (PCC) thickness and
      the posterior condylar offset (PCO) and determine the correlation between the 2
      parameters in 530 normal subjects using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      METHODS: Records of 287 male and 243 female patients (mean age, 40.7 years) who
      underwent MRI for traumatic soft tissue knee injuries not involving the femoral
      PCC and did not have symptomatic knee arthritis were reviewed. RESULTS: The PCC
      thickness was comparable in the lateral and medial sides (2.04 vs. 1.99 mm,
      p=0.13). Males had thicker PCC in the medial (2.05 vs. 1.92 mm, p=0.0006) and
      lateral (2.16 vs. 1.86, p<0.0001) sides than females. Age did not correlate with
      PCC thickness. The bony PCO was larger in the medial than lateral side (25.8 vs.
      22.6 mm, p<0.0001). Males had a larger PCO than females in the medial side only
      (26.1 vs. 25.5 mm, p = 0.0195). The bony PCO did not correlate with PCC
      thickness. CONCLUSION: Femoral PCC thickness was comparable in the medial and
      lateral sides. Males had thicker PCC in the medial and lateral sides than
      females.

PMID- 27122506
TI  - Weekly injection of teriparatide for bone ingrowth after cementless total knee
      arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with or without weekly
      injection of teriparatide to promote bone ingrowth after cementless total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Records of 8 men and 32 women (mean age, 75.6 years)
      who underwent cementless TKA for medial knee osteoarthritis with (n=20) or
      without (n=20) once-weekly subcutaneous/hypodermic injection of teriparatide for
      48 weeks were reviewed. BMD and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) of the bone
      prosthesis interface of the proximal tibia in 6 regions of interest (ROI) were
      assessed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months using multi-detector computed tomography.
      RESULTS: Patients with or without weekly injection of teriparatide after
      cementless TKA were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics and pre- and
      post-operative knee range of motion and Knee Society knee and function scores. In
      ROI 1 (medial), ROI 3 (anteromedial), and ROI 4 (posteromedial), the BV/TV
      increased throughout the postoperative period in patients with weekly injection
      of teriparatide and declined after 6 months in patients without weekly injection
      of teriparatide. These 3 ROIs of the 2 groups differed significantly only in BMD
      at 6, 9, and 12 months. In ROI 2 (lateral), ROI 5 (anterolateral), and ROI 6
      (posterolateral), both BV/TV and BMD showed a decreasing trend, and these 3 ROIs
      of the 2 groups did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Weekly injection of
      teriparatide after cementless TKA promoted bone ingrowth mostly in the medial
      aspect of the bone-prosthesis interface.

PMID- 27122507
TI  - A Kirschner wire as a transverse-axis guide to improve acetabular cup
      positioning.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare cup-positioning accuracy in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with
      or without use of a Kirschner wire as a transverse-axis guide for pelvic
      alignment. METHODS: Records of 18 men and 73 women (mean age, 60 years) who
      underwent primary THA with (n=49) or without (n=42) use of a Kirschner wire as a
      transverse-axis guide for pelvic alignment were reviewed. A 2.4-mm Kirschner wire
      as a transversea-xis guide was inserted to the anterior superior iliac spine and
      was parallel to a line linking the left and right anterior superior iliac spine.
      The safe zone for cup positioning was defined as 30o to 50 degrees  abduction and
      10o to 30o anteversion. Of the 5 operative surgeons, 2 were classified as
      experienced (total surgical volume >300) and 3 as inexperienced (total surgical
      volume of <50). The proportion of patients with the cup in the safe zone was
      compared in patients with or without use of the transverse-axis guide and in
      experienced and inexperienced surgeons. RESULTS: For inexperienced surgeons, the
      use of the transverse-axis guide significantly improved the proportion of
      patients with the cup in the safe zone from 90% to 100% for abduction, from 50%
      to 82.4% for anteversion, and from 40% to 82.4% for both. Patients with the cup
      inside or outside the safe zone were comparable in terms of body height, weight,
      BMI, subcutaneous fat thickness, incision length, and acetabular cup size.
      CONCLUSION: The use of the transverse-axis guide improved the accuracy of cup
      positioning by inexperienced surgeons.

PMID- 27122508
TI  - Midterm outcome of total hip arthroplasty for rapidly destructive coxarthrosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the midterm outcome in 12 women who underwent total hip
      arthroplasty (THA) for rapidly destructive coxarthrosis (RDC) and in 12 controls
      who underwent THA for osteoarthritis. METHODS: Records of 12 women aged 50 to 80
      (mean, 72.3) years who underwent THA for RDC after a mean of 9 (range, 4-11)
      months since symptom onset were reviewed. They were compared with 12 age-and sex
      matched controls who underwent THA for primary or secondary osteoarthritis.
      Acetabular bone deficiency of the 12 RDC patients was classified as type I (n=7),
      type II (n=4), or type III (n=1). Type I was treated with cementless THA, and
      types II and III were treated with THA with a cemented acetabular component. The
      femoral component was cementless. Pre- and post-operative Harris Hip Score was
      assessed. Radiographs of the hip were evaluated for implant migration,
      osteolysis, and periprosthetic radiolucency in the acetabulum and proximal femur.
      RESULTS: The 12 women who underwent THA for RDC and the 12 controls who underwent
      THA for osteoarthritis were comparable in terms of pre-, intra-, and post
      operative parameters. After a mean follow-up of 9.3 years, the mean Harris Hip
      Score improved from 38.3 to 81.1 in RDC patients and from 43.6 to 84.2 in
      controls (p=0.13). One RDC patient had dislocation but did not require revision
      surgery. One RDC patient developed a radiolucent line <2 mm in zones 1 and 7 of
      the femoral component, but no migration occurred. No patient had progression of
      bony destruction, loosening, osteolysis, migration, or radiolucency of the
      acetabular component. CONCLUSION: Despite the rapid destruction of the acetabulum
      and femoral head in RDC patients, cemented or cementless THA achieved a good
      midterm outcome comparable to that for patients with primary or secondary
      osteoarthritis.

PMID- 27122509
TI  - Standard preoperative analgesia with or without fascia iliaca compartment block
      for femoral neck fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the visual analogue score (VAS) for pain in patients with
      femoral neck fracture who received standard preoperative analgesia with or
      without fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB). METHODS: In patients with femoral
      neck fracture, 69 patients who received standard preoperative analgesia (regular
      paracetamol 1g 4 times a day, codeine 60 mg 4 times a day, and opioid 10 mg 2
      hourly as required) were compared with 50 patients who received standard
      preoperative analgesia plus FICB. VAS for pain at rest and on movement (hip
      flexion) was assessed before FICB and 15 minutes, 2 and 8 hours after FICB. The
      amount of additional opioid required and the incidence of opioid overdose
      (necessitating administration of naloxone) were determined. RESULTS: VAS for pain
      was significantly lower after standard analgesia plus FICB than standard
      analgesia alone (p=0.001). The analgesic effect (pre-score minus post-score) of
      standard analgesia plus FICB did not differ between genders (p=0.57) or fracture
      patterns (p=0.79). 19 (38%) patients with standard analgesia plus FICB required
      no additional opioid analgesia. Compared with standard analgesia alone, addition
      of FICB reduced the mean dose of opioid from 6.2 to 2.0 (p=0.001) and the number
      of opioid overdose from 7.2% to 0% (p=0.001). No patient had any complication
      following FICB. CONCLUSION: In patients with femoral neck fracture, FICB reduced
      the need for additional opioid analgesia and avoided the risk of opioid overdose
      and respiratory depression.

PMID- 27122510
TI  - Trends in the incidence of atypical femoral fractures and bisphosphonate therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the trends in the incidence of typical and atypical femoral
      fractures (AFF) in patients aged >50 years from 2009 to 2014 and in the
      prescription of bisphosphonates for osteoporosis from 2001 to 2013 in Australia.
      METHODS: 175 patients aged >50 years presenting to our hospital with an AO type
      32 femoral shaft fracture between October 2009 and October 2014 were identified
      using a trauma database. Of them, 21 male and 110 female patients with a mean age
      of 75 years were reviewed. Radiographs were reviewed by 2 investigators blinded
      to the use of bisphosphonates. The femoral shaft fractures were classified as
      typical or atypical using the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research
      definition, and their annual incidence was compared. The trend and number of
      prescriptions for various bisphosphonates in Australia was determined using the
      Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme statistics from 2001 to 2013. RESULTS: Of the 131
      femoral shaft fractures, 65 were typical and 66 were atypical subtrochanteric
      (n=19) or diaphyseal (n=47) fractures that were complete (n=60) or incomplete
      (n=6). Four patients had sequential bilateral AFF. The 66 AFFs accounted for 5%
      of hip and shaft fractures. Women accounted for 80% of all femoral shaft
      fractures and 95% of AFF. The proportion of AFF was higher in women than men
      (63/110 vs. 3/21, relative risk=3.95, 95% CI=1.37- 11.39, p=0.0006). The mean
      length of hospital stay was 9.7 days shorter in the AFF patients (14.1 vs. 23.8
      days, 95% CI=2.6-16.8 days, p=0.008). Patients with AFF were 8 years younger than
      those with proximal femoral fracture (73 vs. 81 years, p<0.0001). There was no
      trend in the annual incidence or proportion of AFF from 2009 to 2014 (p=0.70).
      The bisphosphonate usage was highest in 2007 with 260 000 yearly patient
      treatments and had declined by 30% by the end of 2013. CONCLUSION: AFF accounted
      for half of all femoral shaft fractures in patients aged >50 years. Women
      accounted for 80% of all femoral shaft fractures and 95% of AFF. The incidence of
      AFF was no longer increasing possibly related to decreased prescription of
      bisphosphonates in preceding years.

PMID- 27122511
TI  - Morbidity and in-hospital mortality after hip fracture surgery on weekends versus
      weekdays.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare morbidity and in-hospital mortality in patients who underwent
      surgery for femoral neck fracture on weekends versus on weekdays. METHODS:
      Records of 90 men and 225 women (mean age, 80.5 years) who underwent surgery for
      femoral neck fractures on weekends or public holidays (n=110) or on weekdays
      (n=205) were retrospectively reviewed. The morbidity and in-hospital mortality of
      the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: The 2 groups were comparable in terms of
      age, sex, and time to surgery, but more hemiarthroplasties were performed on
      weekdays (35.0% vs. 25.0%, p=0.036). Compared with surgery on weekdays, surgery
      on weekends was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (3.4% vs. 9.1%,
      p=0.04). None of the potential confounders (age, type of surgery, presenting
      hospital, and time to surgery) had a significant effect on in-hospital mortality.
      CONCLUSION: In patients with femoral neck fractures, surgery on weekends was
      associated with increased in-hospital mortality but not with increased morbidity
      after adjusting for confounders, compared with surgery on weekdays.

PMID- 27122512
TI  - A clinical and ultrasonographic study of risk factors for elbow injury in young
      baseball players.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the risk factors for elbow injury and its association with
      glenohumeral internal rotation deficit among young baseball players. METHODS: 229
      baseball players aged 9 to 14 (mean, 11) years completed a self-administered
      questionnaire with items related to years of playing baseball, hours of training
      per weekday, days of training per week, and past and present experience of elbow
      pain. Two orthopaedic surgeons measured the range of motion of both shoulders and
      elbows. Another 2 orthopaedic surgeons performed ultrasonography to detect any
      elbow abnormality such as fragmentation of the medial epicondylar apophysis and
      osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum. Using univariate and multivariable
      analyses, participants with or without elbow abnormality were compared to
      determine the risk factors for elbow abnormality. RESULTS: Elbow abnormality was
      detected in 100 of the participants and comprised osteochondritis dissecans of
      the capitellum (n=18) and fragmentation of the medial epicondylar apophysis
      (n=82). Elbow abnormality was associated with being a pitcher, past and present
      experience of elbow pain, loss of elbow extension, and the side-to-side internal
      rotation difference. The 100 participants with elbow abnormality were stratified
      into symptomatic (n=57) or asymptomatic (n=43) of elbow pain. Those with elbow
      abnormality and elbow pain was associated with being a pitcher. CONCLUSION: Being
      a pitcher was a risk factor for both elbow abnormality and elbow pain.
      Nonetheless, 43% of baseball players with elbow abnormality were asymptomatic.
      The use of ultrasonography was effective in detecting elbow abnormality and
      enabling early treatment.

PMID- 27122513
TI  - Bone-peg grafting for osteochondritis dissecans of the humeral capitellum.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the outcome of bone-peg grafting for osteochondritis dissecans
      (OCD) grade II lesions of the humeral capitellum. METHODS: Records of 10 male
      adolescent baseball players aged 10 to 15 (mean, 12.3) years who underwent bone
      peg grafting for OCD grade II lesions of the humeral capitellum of the dominant
      arm were reviewed. The mean time from symptom onset to presentation was 11
      (range, 1-36) months. The mean duration of conservative treatment was 5 (range, 1
      25) months. The mean time from symptom onset to surgery was 17 (range, 3-39)
      months; it was >6 months in 6 patients. The mean size of the lesions was 13x14
      mm. Patients were assessed for elbow pain, range of elbow and forearm motion,
      Timmerman- Andrews elbow score, return to sports activity level, and radiographic
      evidence of healing, osteoarthritic changes, and radial head hypertrophy.
      RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 25 (range, 10-52) months. Postoperatively,
      elbow pain was absent in 6, mild in 2, and moderate in 2 patients. The mean range
      of elbow motion changed from 136o to 139 degrees  (p=0.80). The mean Timmerman
      Andrews elbow score improved from 163 to 189 (p=0.014); it was excellent in 7,
      good in 2, and fair in one patient. The mean extent of lesion healing was 71%
      (range, 33-100%). Five patients achieved complete healing after a mean of 5.2
      (range, 5-6) months and returned to sports at a competitive level. The other 5
      achieved partial healing of 33 to 56% (mean, 41%) that occurred laterally but not
      medially. Two of them returned to sports at a competitive level: one changed the
      throwing side and another had radial head hypertrophy. The remaining 3 underwent
      arthroscopic debridement of the unhealed lesion at 5, 10, and 15 months. One
      patient developed secondary osteoarthritis and further underwent costal
      osteochondral autografting 10 months later. None of the 5 patients with partial
      healing versus 4 of the 5 patients with complete healing underwent surgery within
      6 months of symptom onset. All 3 patients with a dot at the interface versus 2 of
      the 6 patients with a line at the interface between the fragment and the lesion
      on MRI had complete healing. CONCLUSION: Bone-peg grafting is a viable option for
      OCD grade II lesions of the humeral capitellum when performed within 6 months of
      symptom onset and when the interface between the fragment and the lesion appears
      as a dot (rather than a line) on MRI.

PMID- 27122514
TI  - Screw fixation versus arthroplasty versus plate fixation for 3-part radial head
      fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the outcome following headless compression screw fixation
      versus radial head arthroplasty versus plate fixation for 3-part Mason types III
      or IV radial head fracture. METHODS: Records of 25 men and 16 women aged 21 to 80
      (mean, 43.3) years who underwent fixation using 2 to 3 2-mm cannulated headless
      compression screws (n=16), radial head arthroplasty (n=13), or fixation with a 2
      mm Synthes plate (n=12) for 3-part Mason types III or IV radial head and neck
      fracture were reviewed. Treatment option was decided by the surgeon based on the
      presence of associated injury, neurovascular deficit, and the Mason
      classification. Bone union, callus formation, and complications (such as
      heterotopic ossification, malunion, and nonunion) were assessed by an independent
      registrar or consultant using radiographs. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score and
      range of motion were assessed by an independent physiotherapist. RESULTS: The
      median age of the 3 groups were comparable. Associated injuries were most common
      in patients with arthroplasty, followed by screw fixation and plate fixation
      (61.5% vs. 50% vs. 33%, p=0.54). The median time to bone union was shorter after
      screw fixation than plate fixation (55 vs. 86 days, p=0.05). No patient with
      screw fixation had nonunion, but 4 patients with plate fixation had nonunion. The
      3 groups were comparable in terms of the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score
      (p=0.56) and the mean range of motion (p=0.45). The complication rate was highest
      after plate fixation, followed by screw fixation and arthroplasty (50% vs. 18.8%
      vs. 15.4%, p=0.048). Excluding 20 patients with associated injuries (8 in screw
      fixation, 8 in arthroplasty, and 4 in plate fixation), the 3 groups were
      comparable in terms of the median time to bone union (p=0.109), mean Mayo Elbow
      Performance Score (p=0.260), mean range of motion (p=0.162), and complication
      rate (p=0.096). CONCLUSION: Headless compression screw fixation is a viable
      option for 3-part radial head fracture. It achieves earlier bone union with fewer
      complications.

PMID- 27122515
TI  - Platelet-rich plasma versus steroid injection for subacromial impingement
      syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the 6-week and 6-month outcome in 60 patients who received a
      single-dose injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or steroid for subacromial
      impingement syndrome (SIS). METHODS: 22 men and 38 women (mean age, 49.7 years)
      opted to receive a single-dose injection of PRP (n=30) or steroid (n=30) for SIS
      that had not responded to conservative treatment for >3 months. The PRP or a
      mixture of 1 ml 40 mg methylprednisolone and 8 ml prilocaine was administered via
      a dorsolateral approach through the interval just beneath the dorsal acromial
      edge. Both groups were instructed to perform standard rotator cuff stretching and
      strengthening exercises for 6 weeks. The use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory
      drugs was prohibited. Patients were evaluated before and 6 weeks and 6 months
      after treatment using the Constant score, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain,
      and range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder. RESULTS: No local or systemic
      complication occurred. Improvement in the Constant score and VAS for pain at week
      6 and month 6 was significantly better following steroid than PRP injection. The
      difference in the Constant score was greater than the mean clinically important
      difference of 10.4. Nonetheless, the 2 groups were comparable for improvement in
      ROM of the shoulder. CONCLUSION: Steroid injection was more effective than PRP
      injection for treatment of SIS in terms of the Constant score and VAS for pain at
      6 weeks and 6 months.

PMID- 27122516
TI  - Single versus double blade technique for skin incision and deep dissection in
      surgery for closed fracture: a prospective randomised control study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare blade cultures in surgery for closed fracture using a single
      or double blade technique to determine whether the current practice of double
      blade technique is justified. METHODS: 155 men and 29 women aged 20 to 60 (mean,
      35) years who underwent surgery for closed fracture with healthy skin at the
      incision site were included. Patients were block randomised to the single (n=92)
      or double (n=92) blade technique. Blades were sent for bacteriological analysis.
      Outcome measures were early surgical site infection (SSI) within 30 days and
      cultures from the blades. RESULTS: The 2 groups were comparable in baseline
      characteristics. In the single blade group, 6 surgical blades and 2 control
      blades showed positive cultures; 4 patients developed SSI, but only one had a
      positive culture from the surgical blade (with different organism isolated from
      the wound culture). In the double blade group, 6 skin blades, 7 deep blades, and
      0 control blade showed positive culture; only 2 patients had the same bacteria
      grown from both skin and deep blade. Five patients developed SSI, but only one
      patient had a positive culture from the deep blade (with different organism
      isolated from the wound culture). The difference in incidence of culture-positive
      blade or SSI between the 2 groups was not significant. The relative risk of SSI
      in the single blade group was 0.8. Positive blade culture was not associated with
      SSI in the single or double blade group. CONCLUSION: The practice of changing
      blade following skin incision has no effect on reducing early SSI in surgery for
      closed fracture in healthy patients with healthy skin.

PMID- 27122517
TI  - Risk factors for early implant-related surgical site infection.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify the risk factors and microbes associated with early implant
      related surgical site infection (SSI). METHODS: Records of 193 implant-related
      SSIs secondary to primary orthopaedic surgery were reviewed. Early and late SSI
      was defined as infection diagnosed within and after 3 months of surgery,
      respectively. RESULTS: Of the 193 implant-related SSIs, 29 were superficial
      incisional, 127 were deep incisional, and 37 were organ/space-related. 144 (90%)
      out of 160 SSIs used cefazolin in their prophylactic antibiotic regimen. In
      univariate analysis, early SSI was associated with diabetes mellitus, American
      Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of >2, emergency procedures, and lack of
      antibiotic prophylaxis. In multivariable analysis, early SSI was associated with
      an ASA score of >2 (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: It is important to cross-check ASA
      score with co-morbidities to reduce early SSIs. Peri-operative optimisation and
      antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered prior to surgery. Appropriate
      modification of antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered.

PMID- 27122518
TI  - Use of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein to predict
      osteomyelitis recurrence.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the association between both erythrocyte sedimentation rate
      (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and osteomyelitis recurrence. METHODS: Records
      of 81 males and 27 females aged 10 to 87 (median, 54) years who underwent
      antibiotic/ surgical treatment for primary (n=68) or recurrent (n=40)
      osteomyelitis that was related (n=26) or unrelated (n=82) to a prosthesis were
      reviewed. Of the 40 cases of osteomyelitis recurrence followed up for a median of
      23.4 (range, 0.6-74.0) months, 7 and 33 were related and unrelated to a
      prosthesis, respectively. The cutoff points of lowest ESR and CRP for
      osteomyelitis recurrence were calculated. Risk factors for osteomyelitis
      recurrence were determined. RESULTS: Osteomyelitis recurrence was associated with
      diabetes mellitus, ischaemic heart disease, non-healing wound, infection in the
      lower limb, and infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The
      cutoff points of CRP >=5 mg/l and ESR >=20 mm/h were used for osteomyelitis
      recurrence. Risk factors for osteomyelitis recurrence were ESR >=20 mm/h,
      infection with methicillin-resistant S aureus, and infection in the lower limb.
      CONCLUSION: ESR was more sensitive, specific, and independently associated with
      osteomyelitis recurrence and should be used to guide the duration of antibiotic
      treatment.

PMID- 27122519
TI  - Wrist fusion through centralisation of the ulna for recurrent giant cell tumour
      of the distal radius.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the outcome of wide resection and wrist fusion through
      centralisation of the ulna for recurrent giant cell tumour (GCT) of the distal
      radius in 10 patients. METHODS: Records of 7 women and 3 men aged 25 to 40 years
      who underwent wide resection and wrist fusion through centralisation of the ulna
      for grade I (n=6) and grade II (n=4) recurrent GCT of the distal radius were
      reviewed. Functional outcome was evaluated using the modified Musculoskeletal
      Tumor Society scoring system. Grip strength and range of motion of the
      metacarpophalangeal joint were also assessed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period
      was 45 (range, 30-60) months. All tumours were benign and there was no evidence
      of metastasis. The mean grip strength was 45% (range, 30-70%) of the
      contralateral side. All patients achieved normal range of motion of the
      metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints, but 4 patients had an extensor
      lag of the thumb. The mean time to wrist fusion was 6 (range, 4-8) months: 3 to 4
      months for the 6 patients with bone grafting and 5 to 6 months for the 4 patients
      without bone grafting who developed painful subluxation necessitating total wrist
      arthrodesis using a plate and morcellised bone grafts. CONCLUSION: Wrist fusion
      through centralisation of the ulna for recurrent GCT of the distal radius is a
      viable option, despite a loss of wrist motion.

PMID- 27122520
TI  - Segmental excision versus intralesional curettage with adjuvant therapy for giant
      cell tumour of bone.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the functional outcome and local recurrence rate of 29
      patients who underwent segmental excision or intralesional curettage with
      adjuvant therapy for giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone. METHODS: Records of 17 men
      and 12 women (mean age, 30.17 years) who underwent segmental excision (n=18) or
      intralesional curettage followed by adjuvant therapy (n=11) for GCT of the femur
      (n=13), tibia (n=8), radius (n=6), or ulna (n=2) were reviewed. Nine of the
      patients had recurrent GCT of bone and had undergone segmental excision (n=6) or
      intralesional curettage (n=3) elsewhere. Functional outcome was evaluated using
      the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scoring system. RESULTS: The mean
      follow-up period was 6.4 (range, 3-13.5) years. 14 patients were followed up for
      3 to 5 years, 12 for 5 to 10 years, and 3 for >10 years. Of 20 patients with
      primary GCT of bone, 12 underwent segmental excision and had no recurrence, and 8
      underwent intralesional curettage, 2 of whom developed local recurrence. Of the
      remaining 9 patients with recurrent GCT of bone, there was one re-recurrence in
      each surgical option. Local recurrence was not associated with Campanacci grading
      or type of surgery. One of 18 patients with segmental excision and 3 of 11
      patients with intralesional curettage had local recurrence (5.6% vs. 27.3%,
      p=0.139). The MSTS score was excellent in 7, good in 6, moderate in 2, fair in 2,
      and poor in one patient after segmental excision, whereas the score was excellent
      in 9 and good in 2 patients after intralesional curettage (p=0.206). The
      proportion of yielding an excellent outcome was higher after intralesional
      curettage (38.9% vs. 81.8%, p=0.0289). Nonetheless, the mean MSTS score of the 2
      groups was comparable (74.17% vs. 86.36%, p=0.054). CONCLUSION: Local recurrence
      of GCT was not associated with the surgical option. Nonetheless, intralesional
      curettage resulted in better functional outcome.

PMID- 27122521
TI  - Relationship among cervical, thoracic, and lumbopelvic sagittal alignment in
      healthy adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between cervical sagittal alignment and
      thoracic/lumbopelvic sagittal alignment in healthy Japanese adults. METHODS: 30
      male and 22 female healthy adults aged 22 to 50 years were recruited. Spinal
      parameters were measured on radiographs, including the cervical sagittal vertical
      axis, sagittal vertical axis, C7 tilt angle, Ishihara index for cervical
      lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and
      pelvic incidence. RESULTS: The C7 tilt angle positively correlated with the
      Ishihara index (r=0.52, p<0.0001) and thoracic kyphosis (r=0.53, p<0.0001). The
      Ishihara index positively correlated with thoracic kyphosis (r=0.34, p=0.01) and
      C7 tilt angle (r=0.52, p<0.0001). Pelvic incidence positively correlated with
      sacral slope (r=0.45, p=0.001), lumbar lordosis (r=0.26, p=0.07), and pelvic tilt
      (r=0.29, p=0.03). Compared with men, women had a smaller Ishihara index (0.07 vs.
      0.001, p=0.03), thoracic kyphosis (30.5o vs 24.1o, p=0.02), and C7 tilt angle
      (23.1o vs. 16.8o, p=0.02). Women had less cervical lordosis and thoracic
      kyphosis, that is, a straighter cervico-thoracic sagittal alignment. CONCLUSION:
      In healthy Japanese adults, cervical sagittal alignment is associated with
      thoracic sagittal alignment but not with lumbopelvic alignment.

PMID- 27122522
TI  - Cage subsidence after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a cage alone
      or combined with anterior plate fixation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the extent of cage subsidence after anterior cervical
      discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a cage alone or combined with anterior plate
      fixation, and to assess the effect of end plate removal on cage subsidence.
      METHODS: Records of 23 men and 13 women aged 32 to 82 (mean, 54) years who
      underwent ACDF for 61 levels using the Solis cage alone (n=46) or combined with
      anterior plate fixation (n=15) were reviewed. The extent of cage subsidence was
      determined by comparing immediately postoperative (within one week) with final
      follow-up radiographs. Cage subsidence was defined as the sum subsidence of the
      superior and inferior part of the cage into the vertebral body. Mild and major
      cage subsidence was defined as <=2 mm and >2 mm, respectively. RESULTS: Patients
      who underwent ACDF using a cage alone or combined with anterior plate fixation
      were comparable in terms of age, gender, follow-up duration, and number of levels
      decompressed. Cage subsidence occurred in 33 (54%) of the 61 levels decompressed.
      In the cage alone group, the extent of cage subsidence was greater (1.68 vs. 0.57
      mm, p=0.039) and the rate of major cage subsidence was higher (28% vs. 7%,
      p=0.08). The inferior part of the cage was more vulnerable to subsidence compared
      with the superior part (median subsidence: 3.0 vs. 1.4 mm, p<0.0001). Cage
      subsidence occurred more often when the end plate was removed rather than
      preserved (58% vs. 18%, p<0.002). CONCLUSION: The extent of cage subsidence was
      greater after ACDF with cage alone. Cage subsidence occurred more often when the
      end plate was removed. Additional anterior plate fixation is recommended when the
      end plate is removed.

PMID- 27122523
TI  - Transfibular ankle arthrodesis using burring, curettage, multiple drilling, and
      fixation with two retrograde screws through a single lateral incision.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the outcome of 23 ankle arthrodeses using burring, curettage,
      multiple drilling, and fixation with 2 retrograde screws through a single lateral
      incision. METHODS: Records of 22 consecutive patients aged 39 to 79 (mean, 62.4)
      years who underwent 23 ankle arthrodeses for end-stage ankle arthritis were
      reviewed. Through a single lateral incision, articular cartilage was removed
      using burring and curettage, and multiple holes were drilled using a Kirschner
      wire, followed by fixation with 2 retrograde screws. The resected distal fibula
      was fixed to the distal part of the talus and tibia. The position of the ankle
      and subtalar joint arthrosis was assessed by 2 orthopaedic specialists. Pre- and
      post-operative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were
      evaluated. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 122 minutes. The mean follow-up
      period was 41 months. The mean postoperative ankle alignment was suboptimal: 2.7o
      varus, 6.7o plantar flexion, and 2.9o internal rotation. The mean AOFAS score
      improved from 30 to 71 (p<0.01). The postoperative varus ankle alignment was not
      associated with the AOFAS score (r= -0.13, p=0.569). Of the 23 cases, one was
      nonunion and 22 achieved bone union after a mean of 5.4 (range, 2-16) months; 3
      of them were delayed union. Despite bone union, 7 patients complained of
      persistent pain; 4 of them had progressive arthrosis of the adjacent subtalar
      joints (n=2) or subtalar and talonavicular joints (n=2). CONCLUSION: Ankle
      arthrodesis using burring, curettage, multiple drilling, and fixation with 2
      retrograde screws achieved a high union rate and acceptable functional score
      without serious complications.

PMID- 27122524
TI  - Expression of inflammation/pain-related genes in the dorsal root ganglion
      following disc puncture in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the expression of inflammation- and pain-related genes at
      days 1 and 3 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats with or without disc
      puncture, using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) with
      the TaqMan low-density array (TLDA). METHODS: 53 female Sprague-Dawley rats were
      used. The left facet joint between L4 and L5 was removed, and the DRG and
      intervertebral disc between the vertebrae were exposed. The L4-5 intervertebral
      disc was punctured using a 0.4-mm diameter injection needle (disc puncture group)
      or left unpunctured (sham group). After one or 3 days, the 53 DRGs were
      harvested, frozen, and assessed for expression of inflammation-related genes.
      Total RNA was isolated from the DRGs. Expression of 119 genes related to
      inflammation and pain in the DRG after disc puncture were analysed using RT-qPCR
      with the TLDA. RESULTS: Of the 95 inflammation-related genes, 78 genes were
      reliably detected. Two genes were significantly up-regulated: cysteinyl
      leukotriene receptor 1 (CYSLTR1) at day 3 and interleukin 2 receptor gamma
      (IL2RG) at day 1, and one gene was significantly down-regulated: phospholipase C
      beta 3 (PLCB3) at day 1. Of the 24 pain-related genes, 18 genes were reliably
      detected. Two genes were significantly up-regulated: nitric oxide synthase 1
      (NOS1) at days 1 and 3 and 5-HT2A receptor (HTR2A) at day 1. CONCLUSION: Disc
      puncture may elicit changes in the expression of a variety of genes. Gene
      expression profiling is a useful tool for detecting new potential pharmaceutical
      targets for spinal pain syndromes.

PMID- 27122525
TI  - Novel stress radiography technique for avulsion fracture of the lateral malleolus
      in children: a report of three cases.
AB  - This study reports a novel stress radiography technique to evaluate an avulsion
      fracture at the lateral malleolus in children. Radiographs in the stress
      anteroposterior view or the Haraguchi calcaneofibular ligament or anterior
      tarofibular ligament (ATFL) projection could not detect any fracture; only manual
      inversion stress radiography in the Haraguchi ATFL projection could identify the
      avulsion fracture.

PMID- 27122526
TI  - Total knee arthroplasty with extra- or intra-articular correction technique for
      arthritic knees with extra-articular deformity of the femur or tibia: a report of
      three cases.
AB  - This study reports 3 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty combined with
      extra- or intra-articular correction technique for arthritic knees with extra
      articular deformity of the femur or tibia.

PMID- 27122527
TI  - Symptomatic epidural haematoma after cervical laminoplasty: a report of three
      cases.
AB  - Symptomatic epidural haematoma after cervical laminoplasty is rare. We report 3
      patients who required emergency evacuation of an epidural haematoma. Timely
      diagnosis and removal of the haematoma is important to prevent neurological
      deficits. The causative factors in these patients were preoperative coagulopathy,
      hypertension, and the malfunction of a closed-suction drain.

PMID- 27122528
TI  - Osteochondromatosis and osteochondroma involving bilateral patella and patellar
      tendon: a case report.
AB  - We present a 22-year-old man with osteochondromatosis and osteochondroma
      involving bilateral patella and patellar tendon with restriction of joint
      movement and severe arthritis.

PMID- 27122529
TI  - Osteosarcoma of the talus misdiagnosed as ankle arthritis: a case report.
AB  - We present a 65-year-old man with osteosarcoma of the talus that was misdiagnosed
      as osteoarthritis. The patient eventually underwent below-knee amputation and
      adjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 27122530
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Intra-articular tranexamic acid wash during bilateral total
      knee arthroplasty.

PMID- 27122531
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Intra-articular tranexamic acid wash during bilateral total
      knee arthroplasty.

PMID- 27122532
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Epidural versus intra-articular infusion analgesia
      following total knee replacement.

PMID- 27122533
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Curettage without bone grafting for a simple bone cyst in
      the capitate.

PMID- 27122534
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Correlation between survival and tumour characteristics in
      patients with chondrosarcoma.

PMID- 27122535
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for proximal
      humeral fractures.

PMID- 27122536
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Total knee arthroplasty in women with asymptomatic urinary
      tract infection.

PMID- 27122537
TI  - Activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase by BAY 58-2667 improves bladder function
      in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis in mice.
AB  - Activators of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) interact directly with its
      prosthetic heme group, enhancing the enzyme responsiveness in pathological
      conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the sGC activator BAY 58
      2667 on voiding dysfunction, protein expressions of alpha1 and beta1 sGC subunits
      and cGMP levels in the bladder tissues after cyclophosphamide (CYP) exposure.
      Female C57BL/6 mice (20-25 g) were injected with CYP (300 mg/kg ip) to induce
      cystitis. Mice were pretreated or not with BAY 58-2667 (1 mg/kg, gavage), given 1
      h before CYP injection. The micturition patterns and in vitro bladder
      contractions were evaluated at 24 h. In freely moving mice, the CYP injection
      produced reduced the micturition volume and increased the number of urine spots.
      Cystometric recordings in CYP-injected mice revealed significant increases in
      basal pressure, voiding frequency, and nonvoiding contractions (NVCs), along with
      decreases in bladder capacity, intercontraction interval, and compliance. BAY 58
      2667 significantly prevented the micturition alterations observed in both freely
      moving mice and cystometry and normalized the reduced in vitro carbachol-induced
      contractions in the CYP group. Reduced protein expressions of alpha1 and beta1
      sGC subunits and of cGMP levels were observed in the CYP group, all of which were
      prevented by BAY 58-2667. CYP exposure significantly increased reactive-oxygen
      species (ROS) generation in both detrusor and urothelium, and this was normalized
      by BAY 58-2667. The increased myeloperoxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 activities in
      the bladders of the CYP group remained unchanged by BAY 58-2667. Activators of
      sGC may constitute a novel and promising therapeutic approach for management of
      interstitial cystitis.

PMID- 27122538
TI  - Glomerular pathology and the progression of chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Structural studies of the glomerulus, largely undertaken in animal models, have
      informed our understanding of the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) for
      decades. A fundamental tenet of that understanding is that a loss of podocytes
      underlies progression in many or most cases of progressive CKD. Recent attempts
      have been made to reconcile earlier findings from glomerular physiology (the
      primacy of glomerular capillary hypertension in causation of secondary glomerular
      sclerosis) with structural findings and have suggested a more detailed model of
      the mechanisms underlying podocyte detachment as viable cells. A new appreciation
      of the main locus of mechanical challenges to the podocyte (in the filtration
      slit) may both explain the renoprotective action of some current therapies and
      help to suggest novel therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 27122539
TI  - The expression, regulation, and function of Kir4.1 (Kcnj10) in the mammalian
      kidney.
AB  - Kir4.1 is an inwardly rectifying potassium (K(+)) channel and is expressed in the
      brain, inner ear, and kidney. In the kidney, Kir4.1 is expressed in the
      basolateral membrane of the late thick ascending limb (TAL), the distal
      convoluted tubule (DCT), and the connecting tubule (CNT)/cortical collecting duct
      (CCD). It plays a role in K(+) recycling across the basolateral membrane in
      corresponding nephron segments and in generating negative membrane potential. The
      renal phenotypes of the loss-function mutations of Kir4.1 include mild salt
      wasting, hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis, suggesting that
      the disruption of Kir4.1 mainly impairs the transport in the DCT. Patch-clamp
      experiments and immunostaining demonstrate that Kir4.1 plays a predominant role
      in determining the basolateral K(+) conductance in the DCT. However, the function
      of Kir4.1 in the TAL and CNT/CCD is not essential, because K(+) channels other
      than Kir4.1 are also expressed. The downregulation of Kir4.1 in the DCT reduced
      basolateral chloride (Cl(-)) conductance, suppressed the expression of ste20
      proline-alanine-rich kinase (SPAK), and decreased Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC)
      expression and activity. This suggests that Kir4.1 regulates NCC expression by
      the modulation of the Cl(-)-sensitive with-no-lysine kinase-SPAK pathway.

PMID- 27122540
TI  - Wnt6 regulates epithelial cell differentiation and is dysregulated in renal
      fibrosis.
AB  - Diabetic nephropathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes
      mellitus, manifesting as mesangial expansion, glomerular basement membrane
      thickening, glomerular sclerosis, and progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis
      leading to end-stage renal disease. Here we describe the functional
      characterization of Wnt6, whose expression is progressively lost in diabetic
      nephropathy and animal models of acute tubular injury and renal fibrosis. We have
      shown prominent Wnt6 and frizzled 7 (FzD7) expression in the mesonephros of the
      developing mouse kidney, suggesting a role for Wnt6 in epithelialization.
      Importantly, TCF/Lef reporter activity is also prominent in the mesonephros.
      Analysis of Wnt family members in human renal biopsies identified differential
      expression of Wnt6, correlating with severity of the disease. In animal models of
      tubular injury and fibrosis, loss of Wnt6 was evident. Wnt6 signals through the
      canonical pathway in renal epithelial cells as evidenced by increased
      phosphorylation of GSK3beta (Ser9), nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin and
      increased TCF/Lef transcriptional activity. FzD7 was identified as a putative
      receptor of Wnt6. In vitro Wnt6 expression leads to de novo tubulogenesis in
      renal epithelial cells grown in three-dimensional culture. Importantly, Wnt6
      rescued epithelial cell dedifferentiation in response to transforming growth
      factor-beta (TGF-beta); Wnt6 reversed TGF-beta-mediated increases in vimentin and
      loss of epithelial phenotype. Wnt6 inhibited TGF-beta-mediated p65-NF-kappaB
      nuclear translocation, highlighting cross talk between the two pathways. The
      critical role of NF-kappaB in the regulation of vimentin expression was confirmed
      in both p65(-/-) and IKKalpha/beta(-/-) embryonic fibroblasts. We propose that
      Wnt6 is involved in epithelialization and loss of Wnt6 expression contributes to
      the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis.

PMID- 27122541
TI  - What we need to know about the effect of lithium on the kidney.
AB  - Lithium has been a valuable treatment for bipolar affective disorders for
      decades. Clinical use of lithium, however, has been problematic due to its narrow
      therapeutic index and concerns for its toxicity in various organ systems. Renal
      side effects associated with lithium include polyuria, nephrogenic diabetes
      insipidus, proteinuria, distal renal tubular acidosis, and reduction in
      glomerular filtration rate. Histologically, chronic lithium nephrotoxicity is
      characterized by interstitial nephritis with microcyst formation and occasional
      focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Nevertheless, this type of toxicity is
      uncommon, with the strongest risk factors being high serum levels of lithium and
      longer time on lithium therapy. In contrast, in experimental models of acute
      kidney injury and glomerular disease, lithium has antiproteinuric, kidney
      protective, and reparative effects. This paradox may be partially explained by
      lower lithium doses and short duration of therapy. While long-term exposure to
      higher psychiatric doses of lithium may be nephrotoxic, short-term low dose of
      lithium may be beneficial and ameliorate kidney and podocyte injury.
      Mechanistically, lithium targets glycogen synthase kinase-3beta, a ubiquitously
      expressed serine/threonine protein kinase implicated in the processes of tissue
      injury, repair, and regeneration in multiple organ systems, including the kidney.
      Future studies are warranted to discover the exact "kidney-protective dose" of
      lithium and test the effects of low-dose lithium on acute and chronic kidney
      disease in humans.

PMID- 27122542
TI  - Par3A is dispensable for the function of the glomerular filtration barrier of the
      kidney.
AB  - Polarity signaling through the atypical PKC (aPKC)-Par polarity complex is
      essential for the development and maintenance of the podocyte architecture and
      the function of the glomerular filtration barrier of the kidney. To study the
      contribution of Par3A in this complex, we generated a novel Pard3 podocyte
      specific knockout mouse model by targeting exon 6 of the Pard3 gene. Genetic
      deletion of Pard3a did not impair renal function, neither at birth nor later in
      life. Even challenging the animals did not result in glomerular disease. Despite
      its well-established role in aPKC-mediated signaling, Par3A appears to be
      dispensable for the function of the glomerular filtration barrier. Moreover, its
      homolog Pard3b, and not Pard3a, is the dominant Par3 gene expressed in podocytes
      and found at the basis of the slit diaphragm, where it partially colocalizes with
      podocin. In conclusion, Par3A function is either dispensable for slit diaphragm
      integrity, or compensatory mechanisms and a high redundancy of the different
      polarity proteins, including Par3B, Lgl, or PALS1, maintain the function of the
      glomerular filtration barrier, even in the absence of Par3A.

PMID- 27122544
TI  - 50 Years of renal physiology from one man and the perfused tubule: Maurice B.
      Burg.
AB  - Technical advancements in research techniques in science are made in slow
      increments. Even so, large advances from insight and hard work of an individual
      with a single technique can have astonishing ramifications. Here, we examine the
      impact of Dr. Maurice B. Burg and the isolated perfused renal tubule technique
      and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication by Dr. Burg and his
      colleagues of their landmark paper in the American Journal of Physiology in 1966.
      In this study, we have taken a scientific visualization approach to study the
      scientific contributions of Dr. Burg and the isolated perfused tubule preparation
      as determining research impact by the number of research students, postdoctoral
      fellows, visiting scientists, and national and international collaborators.
      Additionally, we have examined the research collaborations (first and second
      generation scientists), established the migrational visualization of the first
      generation scientists who worked directly with Dr. Burg, quantified the metrics
      indices, identified and quantified the network of coauthorship of the first
      generation scientists with their second generation links, and determined the
      citations analyses of outputs of Dr. Burg and/or his first generation
      collaborators as coauthors. We also review the major advances in kidney
      physiology that have been made with the isolated perfused tubule technique.
      Finally, we are all waiting for the discoveries that the isolated perfused
      preparation technique will bring during the next 50 years.

PMID- 27122543
TI  - Collecting duct (pro)renin receptor targets ENaC to mediate angiotensin II
      induced hypertension.
AB  - The (pro)renin receptor (PRR) is abundantly expressed in the collecting duct (CD)
      and the expression is further induced by angiotensin II (ANG II). The present
      study was conducted to investigate the role of CD PRR during ANG II-induced
      hypertension and to further explore the underlying mechanism. Radiotelemetry
      demonstrated that a 1-wk ANG II infusion gradually and significantly induced
      hypertensive response in floxed mice and this response was significantly
      attenuated in mice lacking PRR in the CD (termed CD PRR KO). ANG II infusion in
      floxed mice increased urinary renin activity and selectively induced renal
      medullary alpha-epithelial sodium channel (alpha-ENaC) mRNA and protein
      expression, all of which were blunted in the null mice. In cultured mpkCCD cells
      grown in Transwells, transepithelial Na+ transport as measured by using a volt
      ohmmeter was transiently stimulated by acute ANG II treatment, which was
      abolished by a PRR antagonist, PRO20. In a chronic setting, ANG II treatment
      induced alpha-ENaC mRNA expression in mpkCCD cells, which was similarly blocked
      by PRO20. Chronic intramedullary infusion of an ENaC inhibitor amiloride in rats
      significantly attenuated ANG II-induced hypertension. Overall, the present study
      suggests that CD PRR contributes to ANG II-induced hypertension at least
      partially via activation of renal medullary ENaC.

PMID- 27122545
TI  - MAD2B-mediated SnoN downregulation is implicated in fibroblast activation and
      tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
AB  - MAD2B, an anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) inhibitor and a small
      subunit of DNA polymerase zeta, is indispensible for mitotic checkpoint control
      and DNA repair. Previously, we established that MAD2B is expressed in glomerular
      and tubulointerstitial compartments and participates in high glucose-induced
      podocyte injury. However, its role in other renal diseases remains elusive. In
      the present study, we aim to illustrate the potential role of MAD2B in the
      pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. By immunofluorescence and Western blotting, we
      found MAD2B expression is obviously increased in tubulointerstitial fibrosis
      (TIF) patients and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice. It is widely
      accepted that resident fibroblasts are the major source of collagen-producing
      myofibroblasts during TIF. Therefore, we evaluated the level of MAD2B in
      fibroblasts (NRK-49F) exposed to transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 by
      immunoblotting and revealed that MAD2B is upregulated in a time-dependent manner.
      Intriguingly, SnoN, a transcriptional repressor of the TGF-beta1/Smad signaling
      pathway, is decreased in TGF-beta1-treated fibroblasts as well as the kidney
      cortex from TIF patients and UUO mice. Either in vitro or in vivo, local genetic
      depletion of MAD2B by lentiviral transfection could preserve SnoN abundance and
      suppress Smad3 phosphorylation, which finally dampens fibroblast activation, ECM
      accumulation, and alleviates the severity of TIF. However, the ubiquitin ligase
      APC/C is not involved in the MAD2B-mediated SnoN decline, although this process
      is ubiquitination dependent. In conclusion, our observation proposes that besides
      cell cycle management, MAD2B has a profibrotic role during fibroblast activation
      and TIF by suppressing SnoN expression. Targeting the MAD2B-SnoN pathway is a
      promising intervention for TIF.

PMID- 27122546
TI  - Evaluating the Factors Associated With the Completion of a Community-Based Group
      Exercise Program Among Older Women.
AB  - Despite the well-known benefits of exercise, only 50% of U.S. women met
      recommended physical activity levels in 2014. To combat this issue, the Healthy
      Aging Regional Collaborative of South Florida has been offering the
      EnhanceFitness (EF) program in community-based settings since 2008. In the
      current study, we examined the factors associated with the program completion
      among older women (>= 60 years). During the first 4 years, 3,829 older women
      attended EF sessions. Of these, 924 (24.2%) attended the recommended 32 sessions
      within first 4 months. Results revealed that women who lived in Miami-Dade
      County, were >= 80 years, and did not report depression and/or risk factors for
      chronic conditions were more likely to complete EF. Black women were less likely
      to complete the program. Recognition of these factors might help identify at-risk
      individuals. More efforts are needed to improve completion rates. Theory-based
      interventions would allow comprehensive understanding of all factors and,
      therefore, should be explored in the future.

PMID- 27122547
TI  - A biorobotic model of the suction-feeding system in largemouth bass: the roles of
      motor program speed and hyoid kinematics.
AB  - The vast majority of ray-finned fishes capture prey through suction feeding. The
      basis of this behavior is the generation of subambient pressure through rapid
      expansion of a highly kinetic skull. Over the last four decades, results from in
      vivo experiments have elucidated the general relationships between morphological
      parameters and subambient pressure generation. Until now, however, researchers
      have been unable to tease apart the discrete contributions of, and complex
      relationships among, the musculoskeletal elements that support buccal expansion.
      Fortunately, over the last decade, biorobotic models have gained a foothold in
      comparative research and show great promise in addressing long-standing questions
      in vertebrate biomechanics. In this paper, we present BassBot, a biorobotic model
      of the head of the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). BassBot incorporates
      a 3D acrylic plastic armature of the neurocranium, maxillary apparatus, lower
      jaw, hyoid, suspensorium and opercular apparatus. Programming of linear motors
      permits precise reproduction of live kinematic behaviors including hyoid
      depression and rotation, premaxillary protrusion, and lateral expansion of the
      suspensoria. BassBot reproduced faithful kinematic and pressure dynamics relative
      to live bass. We show that motor program speed has a direct relationship to
      subambient pressure generation. Like vertebrate muscle, the linear motors that
      powered kinematics were able to produce larger magnitudes of force at slower
      velocities and, thus, were able to accelerate linkages more quickly and generate
      larger magnitudes of subambient pressure. In addition, we demonstrate that
      disrupting the kinematic behavior of the hyoid interferes with the anterior-to
      posterior expansion gradient. This resulted in a significant reduction in
      subambient pressure generation and pressure impulse of 51% and 64%, respectively.
      These results reveal the promise biorobotic models have for isolating individual
      parameters and assessing their role in suction feeding.

PMID- 27122548
TI  - A role for acoustic distortion in novel rapid frequency modulation behaviour in
      free-flying male mosquitoes.
AB  - We describe a new stereotypical acoustic behaviour by male mosquitoes in response
      to the fundamental frequency of female flight tones during mating sequences. This
      male-specific free-flight behaviour consists of phonotactic flight beginning with
      a steep increase in wing-beat frequency (WBF) followed by rapid frequency
      modulation (RFM) of WBF in the lead up to copula formation. Male RFM behaviour
      involves remarkably fast changes in WBF and can be elicited without acoustic
      feedback or physical presence of the female. RFM features are highly consistent,
      even in response to artificial tones that do not carry the multi-harmonic
      components of natural female flight tones. Comparison between audiograms of the
      robust RFM behaviour and the electrical responses of the auditory Johnston's
      organ (JO) reveals that the male JO is tuned not to the female WBF per se but,
      remarkably, to the difference between the male and female WBFs. This difference
      is generated in the JO responses as a result of intermodulation distortion
      products (DPs) caused by non-linear interaction between male-female flight tones
      in the vibrations of the antenna. We propose that male mosquitoes rely on their
      own flight tones in making use of DPs to acoustically detect, locate and
      orientate towards flying females. We argue that the previously documented flight
      tone harmonic convergence of flying male and female mosquitoes could be a
      consequence of WBF adjustments so that DPs generated through flight-tone
      interaction fall within the optimal frequency ranges for JO detection.

PMID- 27122549
TI  - Biomarkers associated with checkpoint inhibitors.
AB  - Checkpoint inhibitors (CPI), namely anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1/PD-L1 antibodies,
      demonstrated efficacy across multiple types of cancer. However, only subgroups of
      patients respond to these therapies. Additionally, CPI can induce severe immune
      related adverse events (irAE). Biomarkers that predict efficacy and toxicity may
      help define the patients who may benefit the most from these costly and
      potentially toxic therapies. In this study, we review the main biomarkers that
      have been associated with the efficacy (pharmacodynamics and clinical benefit)
      and the toxicity (irAE) of CPIs in patients.

PMID- 27122550
TI  - Evidence for r- and K-selection in a wild bird population: a reciprocal link
      between ecology and evolution.
AB  - Understanding the variation in selection pressure on key life-history traits is
      crucial in our rapidly changing world. Density is rarely considered as a
      selective agent. To study its importance, we partition phenotypic selection in
      fluctuating environments into components representing the population growth rate
      at low densities and the strength of density dependence, using a new stochastic
      modelling framework. We analysed the number of eggs laid per season in a small
      song-bird, the great tit, and found balancing selection favouring large clutch
      sizes at small population densities and smaller clutches in years with large
      populations. A significant interaction between clutch size and population size in
      the regression for the Malthusian fitness reveals that those females producing
      large clutch sizes at small population sizes also are those that show the
      strongest reduction in fitness when population size is increased. This provides
      empirical support for ongoing r- and K-selection in this population, favouring
      phenotypes with large growth rates r at small population sizes and phenotypes
      with high competitive skills when populations are close to the carrying capacity
      K This selection causes long-term fluctuations around a stable mean clutch size
      caused by variation in population size, implying that r- and K-selection is an
      important mechanism influencing phenotypic evolution in fluctuating environments.
      This provides a general link between ecological dynamics and evolutionary
      processes, operating through a joint influence of density dependence and
      environmental stochasticity on fluctuations in population size. 

PMID- 27122551
TI  - Biotic and abiotic variables influencing plant litter breakdown in streams: a
      global study.
AB  - Plant litter breakdown is a key ecological process in terrestrial and freshwater
      ecosystems. Streams and rivers, in particular, contribute substantially to global
      carbon fluxes. However, there is little information available on the relative
      roles of different drivers of plant litter breakdown in fresh waters,
      particularly at large scales. We present a global-scale study of litter breakdown
      in streams to compare the roles of biotic, climatic and other environmental
      factors on breakdown rates. We conducted an experiment in 24 streams encompassing
      latitudes from 47.8 degrees  N to 42.8 degrees  S, using litter mixtures of local
      species differing in quality and phylogenetic diversity (PD), and alder (Alnus
      glutinosa) to control for variation in litter traits. Our models revealed that
      breakdown of alder was driven by climate, with some influence of pH, whereas
      variation in breakdown of litter mixtures was explained mainly by litter quality
      and PD. Effects of litter quality and PD and stream pH were more positive at
      higher temperatures, indicating that different mechanisms may operate at
      different latitudes. These results reflect global variability caused by multiple
      factors, but unexplained variance points to the need for expanded global-scale
      comparisons.

PMID- 27122552
TI  - Coevolution of venom function and venom resistance in a rattlesnake predator and
      its squirrel prey.
AB  - Measuring local adaptation can provide insights into how coevolution occurs
      between predators and prey. Specifically, theory predicts that local adaptation
      in functionally matched traits of predators and prey will not be detected when
      coevolution is governed by escalating arms races, whereas it will be present when
      coevolution occurs through an alternate mechanism of phenotype matching. Here, we
      analyse local adaptation in venom activity and prey resistance across 12
      populations of Northern Pacific rattlesnakes and California ground squirrels, an
      interaction that has often been described as an arms race. Assays of venom
      function and squirrel resistance show substantial geographical variation
      (influenced by site elevation) in both venom metalloproteinase activity and
      resistance factor effectiveness. We demonstrate local adaptation in the
      effectiveness of rattlesnake venom to overcoming present squirrel resistance,
      suggesting that phenotype matching plays a role in the coevolution of these
      molecular traits. Further, the predator was the locally adapted antagonist in
      this interaction, arguing that rattlesnakes are evolutionarily ahead of their
      squirrel prey. Phenotype matching needs to be considered as an important
      mechanism influencing coevolution between venomous animals and resistant prey.

PMID- 27122554
TI  - New insights on equid locomotor evolution from the lumbar region of fossil
      horses.
AB  - The specialization of equid limbs for cursoriality is a classic case of adaptive
      evolution, but the role of the axial skeleton in this famous transition is not
      well understood. Extant horses are extremely fast and efficient runners, which
      use a stiff-backed gallop with reduced bending of the lumbar region relative to
      other mammals. This study tests the hypothesis that stiff-backed running in
      horses evolved in response to evolutionary increases in body size by examining
      lumbar joint shape from a broad sample of fossil equids in a phylogenetic
      context. Lumbar joint shape scaling suggests that stability of the lumbar region
      does correlate with size through equid evolution. However, scaling effects were
      dampened in the posterior lumbar region, near the sacrum, which suggests strong
      selection for sagittal mobility in association with locomotor-respiratory
      coupling near the lumbosacral joint. I hypothesize that small-bodied fossil
      horses may have used a speed-dependent running gait, switching between stiff
      backed and flex-backed galloping as speed increased.

PMID- 27122553
TI  - Sexual selection on male vocal fundamental frequency in humans and other
      anthropoids.
AB  - In many primates, including humans, the vocalizations of males and females differ
      dramatically, with male vocalizations and vocal anatomy often seeming to
      exaggerate apparent body size. These traits may be favoured by sexual selection
      because low-frequency male vocalizations intimidate rivals and/or attract
      females, but this hypothesis has not been systematically tested across primates,
      nor is it clear why competitors and potential mates should attend to vocalization
      frequencies. Here we show across anthropoids that sexual dimorphism in
      fundamental frequency (F0) increased during evolutionary transitions towards
      polygyny, and decreased during transitions towards monogamy. Surprisingly, humans
      exhibit greater F0 sexual dimorphism than any other ape. We also show that low-F0
      vocalizations predict perceptions of men's dominance and attractiveness, and
      predict hormone profiles (low cortisol and high testosterone) related to immune
      function. These results suggest that low male F0 signals condition to competitors
      and mates, and evolved in male anthropoids in response to the intensity of mating
      competition.

PMID- 27122555
TI  - Molecular assessment of the effect of light and heterotrophy in the scleractinian
      coral Stylophora pistillata.
AB  - Corals acquire nutrients via the transfer of photosynthates by their
      endosymbionts (autotrophy), or via zooplankton predation by the animal
      (heterotrophy). During stress events, corals lose their endosymbionts, and
      undergo starvation, unless they increase their heterotrophic capacities.
      Molecular mechanisms by which heterotrophy sustains metabolism in stressed corals
      remain elusive. Here for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, we
      identified specific genes expressed in heterotrophically fed and unfed colonies
      of the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata, maintained under normal and
      light-stress conditions. Physiological parameters and gene expression profiling
      demonstrated that fed corals better resisted stress than unfed ones by exhibiting
      less oxidative damage and protein degradation. Processes affected in light
      stressed unfed corals (HLU), were related to energy and metabolite supply,
      carbohydrate biosynthesis, ion and nutrient transport, oxidative stress, Ca(2+)
      homeostasis, metabolism and calcification (carbonic anhydrases, calcium
      transporting ATPase, bone morphogenetic proteins). Two genes (cp2u1 and cp1a2),
      which belong to the cytochrome P450 superfamily, were also upregulated 249 and 10
      times, respectively, in HLU corals. In contrast, few of these processes were
      affected in light-stressed fed corals (HLF) because feeding supplied antioxidants
      and energetic molecules, which help repair oxidative damage. Altogether, these
      results show that heterotrophy helps prevent the cascade of metabolic problems
      downstream of oxidative stress. 

PMID- 27122556
TI  - Consecutive cohort effects driven by density-dependence and climate influence
      early-life survival in a long-lived bird.
AB  - Conditions during early life, including maternal cohort effects, can influence
      the future fitness of individuals. This may be particularly true for long
      distance migrating birds, because, apart from conditions experienced by cohorts
      during rearing, conditions during early life in regions far from breeding grounds
      may also influence their population dynamics. Very little is known about the
      fitness consequences of those conditions experienced by juveniles after
      independence, especially in wild populations and for long-lived birds. We used
      multi-event capture-recapture-recovery models and a unique 26-year dataset for
      the Audouin's gull (Larus audouinii) to assess for the first time whether
      survival was influenced by early conditions, both during the rearing period (i.e.
      a maternal cohort effect potentially affected by density dependence) and the
      first winter (i.e. a cohort effect driven by climate when birds disperse to
      wintering grounds). Our results show that juvenile survival was highly sensitive
      to early-life conditions and that survival decreased with stronger density
      dependence and harsh climate. The two consecutive cohort effects were of similar
      magnitude and they may represent a selection filter. Thus, early-life conditions
      had a strong impact on survival, and neglecting this complexity may hinder our
      understanding on how populations of long-lived animals fluctuate and respond to
      perturbations. 

PMID- 27122557
TI  - Intoxicated copepods: ingesting toxic phytoplankton leads to risky behaviour.
AB  - Understanding interactions between harmful algal bloom (HAB) species and their
      grazers is essential for determining mechanisms of bloom proliferation and
      termination. We exposed the common calanoid copepod, Temora longicornis to the
      HAB species Alexandrium fundyense and examined effects on copepod survival,
      ingestion, egg production and swimming behaviour. A. fundyense was readily
      ingested by T. longicornis and significantly altered copepod swimming behaviour
      without affecting copepod survival or fitness. A. fundyense caused T. longicornis
      to increase their swimming speed, and the straightness of their path long after
      the copepods had been removed from the A. fundyense treatment. Models suggest
      that these changes could lead to a 25-56% increase in encounter frequency between
      copepods and their predators. This work highlights the need to determine how
      ingesting HAB species alters grazer behaviour as this can have significant
      impacts on the fate of HAB toxins in marine systems.

PMID- 27122558
TI  - Maintenance of biodiversity on islands.
AB  - MacArthur and Wilson's theory of island biogeography predicts that island species
      richness should increase with island area. This prediction generally holds among
      large islands, but among small islands species richness often varies
      independently of island area, producing the so-called 'small-island effect' and
      an overall biphasic species-area relationship (SAR). Here, we develop a unified
      theory that explains the biphasic island SAR. Our theory's key postulate is that
      as island area increases, the total number of immigrants increases faster than
      niche diversity. A parsimonious mechanistic model approximating these processes
      reproduces a biphasic SAR and provides excellent fits to 100 archipelago
      datasets. In the light of our theory, the biphasic island SAR can be interpreted
      as arising from a transition from a niche-structured regime on small islands to a
      colonization-extinction balance regime on large islands. The first regime is
      characteristic of classic deterministic niche theories; the second regime is
      characteristic of stochastic theories including the theory of island biogeography
      and neutral theory. The data furthermore confirm our theory's key prediction that
      the transition between the two SAR regimes should occur at smaller areas, where
      immigration is stronger (i.e. for taxa that are better dispersers and for
      archipelagos that are less isolated). 

PMID- 27122559
TI  - The colonization history of British water vole (Arvicola amphibius (Linnaeus,
      1758)): origins and development of the Celtic fringe.
AB  - The terminal Pleistocene and Early Holocene, a period from 15 000 to 18 000
      Before Present (BP), was critical in establishing the current Holarctic fauna,
      with temperate-climate species largely replacing cold-adapted ones at mid
      latitudes. However, the timing and nature of this process remain unclear for many
      taxa, a point that impacts on current and future management strategies. Here, we
      use an ancient DNA dataset to test more directly postglacial histories of the
      water vole (Arvicola amphibius, formerly A terrestris), a species that is both a
      conservation priority and a pest in different parts of its range. We specifically
      examine colonization of Britain, where a complex genetic structure can be
      observed today. Although we focus on population history at the limits of the
      species' range, the inclusion of additional European samples allows insights into
      European postglacial colonization events and provides a molecular perspective on
      water vole taxonomy. 

PMID- 27122560
TI  - Crossing fitness valleys: empirical estimation of a fitness landscape associated
      with polymorphic mimicry.
AB  - Characterizing fitness landscapes associated with polymorphic adaptive traits
      enables investigation of mechanisms allowing transitions between fitness peaks.
      Here, we explore how natural selection can promote genetic mechanisms preventing
      heterozygous phenotypes from falling into non-adaptive valleys. Polymorphic
      mimicry is an ideal system to investigate such fitness landscapes, because the
      direction of selection acting on complex mimetic colour patterns can be predicted
      by the local mimetic community composition. Using more than 5000 artificial
      butterflies displaying colour patterns exhibited by the polymorphic Mullerian
      mimic Heliconius numata, we directly tested the role of wild predators in shaping
      fitness landscapes. We compared predation rates on mimetic phenotypes
      (homozygotes at the supergene controlling colour pattern), intermediate
      phenotypes (heterozygotes), exotic morphs (absent from the local community) and
      palatable cryptic phenotypes. Exotic morphs were significantly more attacked than
      local morphs, highlighting predators' discriminatory capacities. Overall,
      intermediates were attacked twice as much as local homozygotes, suggesting the
      existence of deep fitness valleys promoting strict dominance and reduced
      recombination between supergene alleles. By including information on predators'
      colour perception, we also showed that protection on intermediates strongly
      depends on their phenotypic similarity to homozygous phenotypes and that ridges
      exist between similar phenotypes, which may facilitate divergence in colour
      patterns.

PMID- 27122561
TI  - Temporal and spatial expression patterns of biomineralization proteins during
      early development in the stony coral Pocillopora damicornis.
AB  - Reef-building corals begin as non-calcifying larvae that, upon settling, rapidly
      begin to accrete skeleton and a protein-rich skeletal organic matrix that attach
      them to the reef. Here, we characterized the temporal and spatial expression
      pattern of a suite of biomineralization genes during three stages of larval
      development in the reef-building coral Pocillopora damicornis: stage I, newly
      released; stage II, oral-aborally compressed and stage III, settled and
      calcifying spat. Transcriptome analysis revealed 3882 differentially expressed
      genes that clustered into four distinctly different patterns of expression change
      across the three developmental stages. Immunolocalization analysis further
      reveals the spatial arrangement of coral acid-rich proteins (CARPs) in the
      overall architecture of the emerging skeleton. These results provide the first
      analysis of the timing of the biomineralization 'toolkit' in the early life
      history of a stony coral. 

PMID- 27122562
TI  - Metapopulation dominance and genomic-island acquisition of Bradyrhizobium with
      superior catabolic capabilities.
AB  - Root nodule-forming rhizobia exhibit a bipartite lifestyle, replicating in soil
      and also within plant cells where they fix nitrogen for legume hosts. Host
      control models posit that legume hosts act as a predominant selective force on
      rhizobia, but few studies have examined rhizobial fitness in natural populations.
      Here, we genotyped and phenotyped Bradyrhizobium isolates across more than 800 km
      of the native Acmispon strigosus host range. We sequenced chromosomal genes
      expressed under free-living conditions and accessory symbiosis loci expressed in
      planta and encoded on an integrated 'symbiosis island' (SI). We uncovered a
      massive clonal expansion restricted to the Bradyrhizobium chromosome, with a
      single chromosomal haplotype dominating populations, ranging more than 700 km,
      and acquiring 42 divergent SI haplotypes, none of which were spatially
      widespread. For focal genotypes, we quantified utilization of 190 sole-carbon
      sources relevant to soil fitness. Chromosomal haplotypes that were both
      widespread and dominant exhibited superior growth on diverse carbon sources,
      whereas these patterns were not mirrored among SI haplotypes. Abundance, spatial
      range and catabolic superiority of chromosomal, but not symbiosis genotypes
      suggests that fitness in the soil environment, rather than symbiosis with hosts,
      might be the key driver of Bradyrhizobium dominance.

PMID- 27122563
TI  - Habituation in non-neural organisms: evidence from slime moulds.
AB  - Learning, defined as a change in behaviour evoked by experience, has hitherto
      been investigated almost exclusively in multicellular neural organisms. Evidence
      for learning in non-neural multicellular organisms is scant, and only a few
      unequivocal reports of learning have been described in single-celled organisms.
      Here we demonstrate habituation, an unmistakable form of learning, in the non
      neural organism Physarum polycephalum In our experiment, using chemotaxis as the
      behavioural output and quinine or caffeine as the stimulus, we showed that P.
      polycephalum learnt to ignore quinine or caffeine when the stimuli were repeated,
      but responded again when the stimulus was withheld for a certain time. Our
      results meet the principle criteria that have been used to demonstrate
      habituation: responsiveness decline and spontaneous recovery. To distinguish
      habituation from sensory adaptation or motor fatigue, we also show stimulus
      specificity. Our results point to the diversity of organisms lacking neurons,
      which likely display a hitherto unrecognized capacity for learning, and suggest
      that slime moulds may be an ideal model system in which to investigate
      fundamental mechanisms underlying learning processes. Besides, documenting
      learning in non-neural organisms such as slime moulds is centrally important to a
      comprehensive, phylogenetic understanding of when and where in the tree of life
      the earliest manifestations of learning evolved.

PMID- 27122564
TI  - The evolution of the competition-dispersal trade-off affects alpha- and beta
      diversity in a heterogeneous metacommunity.
AB  - Difference in dispersal ability is a key driver of species coexistence in
      metacommunities. However, the available frameworks for interpreting species
      diversity patterns in natura often overlook trade-offs and evolutionary
      constraints associated with dispersal. Here, we build a metacommunity model
      accounting for dispersal evolution and a competition-dispersal trade-off.
      Depending on the distribution of carrying capacities among communities, species
      dispersal values are distributed either around a single strategy (evolutionarily
      stable strategy, ESS), or around distinct strategies (evolutionary branching,
      EB). We show that limited dispersal generates spatial aggregation of dispersal
      traits in ESS and EB scenarios, and that the competition-dispersal trade-off
      strengthens the pattern in the EB scenario. Importantly, individuals in larger
      (respectively (resp.) smaller) communities tend to harbour lower (resp. higher)
      dispersal, especially under the EB scenario. We explore how dispersal evolution
      affects species diversity patterns by comparing those from our model to the
      predictions of a neutral metacommunity model. The most marked difference is
      detected under EB, with distinctive values of both alpha- and beta-diversity
      (e.g. the dissimilarity in species composition between small and large
      communities was significantly larger than neutral predictions). We conclude that,
      from an empirical perspective, jointly assessing community carrying capacity with
      species dispersal strategies should improve our understanding of diversity
      patterns in metacommunities. 

PMID- 27122566
TI  - Correction to 'Competition both drives and impedes diversification in a model
      adaptive radiation'.

PMID- 27122565
TI  - Biodiversity response to natural gradients of multiple stressors on continental
      margins.
AB  - Sharp increases in atmospheric CO2 are resulting in ocean warming, acidification
      and deoxygenation that threaten marine organisms on continental margins and their
      ecological functions and resulting ecosystem services. The relative influence of
      these stressors on biodiversity remains unclear, as well as the threshold levels
      for change and when secondary stressors become important. One strategy to
      interpret adaptation potential and predict future faunal change is to examine
      ecological shifts along natural gradients in the modern ocean. Here, we assess
      the explanatory power of temperature, oxygen and the carbonate system for
      macrofaunal diversity and evenness along continental upwelling margins using
      variance partitioning techniques. Oxygen levels have the strongest explanatory
      capacity for variation in species diversity. Sharp drops in diversity are seen as
      O2 levels decline through the 0.5-0.15 ml l(-1) (approx. 22-6 uM; approx. 21-5
      matm) range, and as temperature increases through the 7-10 degrees C range. pCO2
      is the best explanatory variable in the Arabian Sea, but explains little of the
      variance in diversity in the eastern Pacific Ocean. By contrast, very little
      variation in evenness is explained by these three global change variables. The
      identification of sharp thresholds in ecological response are used here to
      predict areas of the seafloor where diversity is most at risk to future marine
      global change, noting that the existence of clear regional differences cautions
      against applying global thresholds.

PMID- 27122567
TI  - Biogeographic and bathymetric determinants of brachiopod extinction and survival
      during the Late Ordovician mass extinction.
AB  - The Late Ordovician mass extinction (LOME) coincided with dramatic climate
      changes, but there are numerous ways in which these changes could have driven
      marine extinctions. We use a palaeobiogeographic database of rhynchonelliform
      brachiopods to examine the selectivity of Late Ordovician-Early Silurian genus
      extinctions and evaluate which extinction drivers are best supported by the data.
      The first (latest Katian) pulse of the LOME preferentially affected genera
      restricted to deeper waters or to relatively narrow (less than 35 degrees )
      palaeolatitudinal ranges. This pattern is only observed in the latest Katian,
      suggesting that it reflects drivers unique to this interval. Extinction of
      exclusively deeper-water genera implies that changes in water mass properties
      such as dissolved oxygen content played an important role. Extinction of genera
      with narrow latitudinal ranges suggests that interactions between shifting
      climate zones and palaeobiogeography may also have been important. We test the
      latter hypothesis by estimating whether each genus would have been able to track
      habitats within its thermal tolerance range during the greenhouse-icehouse
      climate transition. Models including these estimates are favoured over
      alternative models. We argue that the LOME, long regarded as non-selective, is
      highly selective along biogeographic and bathymetric axes that are not closely
      correlated with taxonomic identity.

PMID- 27122568
TI  - Metabolomics of reef benthic interactions reveals a bioactive lipid involved in
      coral defence.
AB  - Holobionts are assemblages of microbial symbionts and their macrobial host. As
      extant representatives of some of the oldest macro-organisms, corals and algae
      are important for understanding how holobionts develop and interact with one
      another. Using untargeted metabolomics, we show that non-self interactions
      altered the coral metabolome more than self-interactions (i.e. different or same
      genus, respectively). Platelet activating factor (PAF) and Lyso-PAF, central
      inflammatory modulators in mammals, were major lipid components of the coral
      holobionts. When corals were damaged during competitive interactions with algae,
      PAF increased along with expression of the gene encoding Lyso-PAF
      acetyltransferase; the protein responsible for converting Lyso-PAF to PAF. This
      shows that self and non-self recognition among some of the oldest extant
      holobionts involve bioactive lipids identical to those in highly derived taxa
      like humans. This further strengthens the hypothesis that major players of the
      immune response evolved during the pre-Cambrian. 

PMID- 27122569
TI  - The DNA of coral reef biodiversity: predicting and protecting genetic diversity
      of reef assemblages.
AB  - Conservation of ecological communities requires deepening our understanding of
      genetic diversity patterns and drivers at community-wide scales. Here, we use
      seascape genetic analysis of a diversity metric, allelic richness (AR), for 47
      reef species sampled across 13 Hawaiian Islands to empirically demonstrate that
      large reefs high in coral cover harbour the greatest genetic diversity on
      average. We found that a species's life history (e.g. depth range and herbivory)
      mediates response of genetic diversity to seascape drivers in logical ways.
      Furthermore, a metric of combined multi-species AR showed strong coupling to
      species richness and habitat area, quality and stability that few species showed
      individually. We hypothesize that macro-ecological forces and species
      interactions, by mediating species turnover and occupancy (and thus a site's mean
      effective population size), influence the aggregate genetic diversity of a site,
      potentially allowing it to behave as an apparent emergent trait that is shaped by
      the dominant seascape drivers. The results highlight inherent feedbacks between
      ecology and genetics, raise concern that genetic resilience of entire reef
      communities is compromised by factors that reduce coral cover or available
      habitat, including thermal stress, and provide a foundation for new strategies
      for monitoring and preserving biodiversity of entire reef ecosystems.

PMID- 27122570
TI  - A bundle improves eye care in PICU.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intensive care patients are susceptible to developing painful corneal
      epithelial deficits. Provision of eye care to prevent deficits was limited in our
      paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) population. INTERVENTIONS: A new eye care
      bundle was introduced, comprising a guideline for eye care, the addition of eye
      lubricants to the electronic prescribing order set for new admissions to PICU and
      staff education on the importance of eye care. Weekly examinations over a 2-month
      period following implementation of the bundle evaluated eye care provision and
      presence of corneal epithelial deficits on ophthalmic examination. RESULTS:
      Provision of formal eye care improved from 19% to 96%. The incidence of deficits
      was lower than previously, simple eye ointment reduced the risk of deficits, even
      in incompletely closed eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an eye care bundle, together
      with a multidisciplinary team approach to eye care, improves the provision of eye
      care in PICU.

PMID- 27122571
TI  - Life without complex I: proteome analyses of an Arabidopsis mutant lacking the
      mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase complex.
AB  - The mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase complex (complex I) is of particular
      importance for the respiratory chain in mitochondria. It is the major electron
      entry site for the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mETC) and therefore of
      great significance for mitochondrial ATP generation. We recently described an
      Arabidopsis thaliana double-mutant lacking the genes encoding the carbonic
      anhydrases CA1 and CA2, which both form part of a plant-specific 'carbonic
      anhydrase domain' of mitochondrial complex I. The mutant lacks complex I
      completely. Here we report extended analyses for systematically characterizing
      the proteome of the ca1ca2 mutant. Using various proteomic tools, we show that
      lack of complex I causes reorganization of the cellular respiration system.
      Reduced electron entry into the respiratory chain at the first segment of the
      mETC leads to induction of complexes II and IV as well as alternative oxidase.
      Increased electron entry at later segments of the mETC requires an increase in
      oxidation of organic substrates. This is reflected by higher abundance of
      proteins involved in glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and branched-chain
      amino acid catabolism. Proteins involved in the light reaction of photosynthesis,
      the Calvin cycle, tetrapyrrole biosynthesis, and photorespiration are clearly
      reduced, contributing to the significant delay in growth and development of the
      double-mutant. Finally, enzymes involved in defense against reactive oxygen
      species and stress symptoms are much induced. These together with previously
      reported insights into the function of plant complex I, which were obtained by
      analysing other complex I mutants, are integrated in order to comprehensively
      describe 'life without complex I'.

PMID- 27122572
TI  - Silicon-induced reversibility of cadmium toxicity in rice.
AB  - Silicon (Si) modulates tolerance to abiotic stresses, but little is known about
      the reversibility of stress effects by supplementing previously stressed plants
      with Si. This is surprising since recovery experiments might allow mechanisms of
      Si-mediated amelioration to be addressed. Rice was exposed to 10 uM CdCl2 for 4 d
      in hydroponics, followed by 0.6mM Si(OH)4 supplementation for 4 d. Si reversed
      the effects of Cd, as reflected in plant growth, photosynthesis, elemental
      composition, and some biochemical parameters. Cd-dependent deregulation of
      nutrient homeostasis was partially reversed by Si supply. Photosynthetic recovery
      within 48h following Si supply, coupled with strong stimulation of the ascorbate
      glutathione system, indicates efficient activation of defense. The response was
      further verified by transcript analyses with emphasis on genes encoding members
      of the stress-associated protein (SAP) family. The transcriptional response to Cd
      was mostly reversed following Si supply. Reprogramming of the Cd response was
      obvious for Phytochelatin synthase 1, SAP1 , SAP14, and the transcription factor
      genes AP2/Erf020, Hsf31, and NAC6 whose transcript levels were strongly activated
      in roots of Cd-stressed rice, but down-regulated in the presence of Si. These
      findings, together with changes in biochemical parameters, highlight the
      significance of Si in growth recovery of Cd-stressed rice and indicate a decisive
      role for readjusting cell redox homeostasis.

PMID- 27122573
TI  - Improved analysis of C4 and C3 photosynthesis via refined in vitro assays of
      their carbon fixation biochemistry.
AB  - Plants operating C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways exhibit differences in leaf
      anatomy and photosynthetic carbon fixation biochemistry. Fully understanding this
      underpinning biochemical variation is requisite to identifying solutions for
      improving photosynthetic efficiency and growth. Here we refine assay methods for
      accurately measuring the carboxylase and decarboxylase activities in C3 and C4
      plant soluble protein. We show that differences in plant extract preparation and
      assay conditions are required to measure NADP-malic enzyme and
      phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (pH 8, Mg(2+), 22  degrees C) and
      phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (pH 7, >2mM Mn(2+), no Mg(2+)) maximal
      activities accurately. We validate how the omission of MgCl2 during leaf protein
      extraction, lengthy (>1min) centrifugation times, and the use of non-pure
      ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) significantly underestimate Rubisco activation
      status. We show how Rubisco activation status varies with leaf ontogeny and is
      generally lower in mature C4 monocot leaves (45-60% activation) relative to C3
      monocots (55-90% activation). Consistent with their >3-fold lower Rubisco
      contents, full Rubisco activation in soluble protein from C4 leaves (<5min) was
      faster than in C3 plant samples (<10min), with addition of Rubisco activase not
      required for full activation. We conclude that Rubisco inactivation in
      illuminated leaves primarily stems from RuBP binding to non-carbamylated enzyme,
      a state readily reversible by dilution during cellular protein extraction.

PMID- 27122574
TI  - Comparison of Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Virus
      Neutralization by HIV-1 Env-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies.
AB  - Although antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope
      glycoprotein have been studied extensively for their ability to block viral
      infectivity, little data are currently available on nonneutralizing functions of
      these antibodies, such as their ability to eliminate virus-infected cells by
      antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). HIV-1 Env-specific
      antibodies of diverse specificities, including potent broadly neutralizing and
      nonneutralizing antibodies, were therefore tested for ADCC against cells infected
      with a lab-adapted HIV-1 isolate (HIV-1NL4-3), a primary HIV-1 isolate (HIV-1JR
      FL), and a simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) adapted for pathogenic
      infection of rhesus macaques (SHIVAD8-EO). In accordance with the sensitivity of
      these viruses to neutralization, HIV-1NL4-3-infected cells were considerably more
      sensitive to ADCC, both in terms of the number of antibodies and magnitude of
      responses, than cells infected with HIV-1JR-FL or SHIVAD8-EO ADCC activity
      generally correlated with antibody binding to Env on the surfaces of virus
      infected cells and with viral neutralization; however, neutralization was not
      always predictive of ADCC, as instances of ADCC in the absence of detectable
      neutralization, and vice versa, were observed. These results reveal incomplete
      overlap in the specificities of antibodies that mediate these antiviral
      activities and provide insights into the relationship between ADCC and
      neutralization important for the development of antibody-based vaccines and
      therapies for combating HIV-1 infection. IMPORTANCE: This study provides
      fundamental insights into the relationship between antibody-dependent cell
      mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and virus neutralization that may help to guide the
      development of antibody-based vaccines and immunotherapies for the prevention and
      treatment of HIV-1 infection.

PMID- 27122575
TI  - Characterization of Human and Murine T-Cell Immunoglobulin Mucin Domain 4 (TIM-4)
      IgV Domain Residues Critical for Ebola Virus Entry.
AB  - Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) receptors that are responsible for the clearance of
      dying cells have recently been found to mediate enveloped virus entry. Ebola
      virus (EBOV), a member of the Filoviridae family of viruses, utilizes PtdSer
      receptors for entry into target cells. The PtdSer receptors human and murine T
      cell immunoglobulin mucin (TIM) domain proteins TIM-1 and TIM-4 mediate filovirus
      entry by binding to PtdSer on the virion surface via a conserved PtdSer binding
      pocket within the amino-terminal IgV domain. While the residues within the TIM-1
      IgV domain that are important for EBOV entry are characterized, the molecular
      details of virion-TIM-4 interactions have yet to be investigated. As sequences
      and structural alignments of the TIM proteins suggest distinct differences in the
      TIM-1 and TIM-4 IgV domain structures, we sought to characterize TIM-4 IgV domain
      residues required for EBOV entry. Using vesicular stomatitis virus pseudovirions
      bearing EBOV glycoprotein (EBOV GP/VSVDeltaG), we evaluated virus binding and
      entry into cells expressing TIM-4 molecules mutated within the IgV domain,
      allowing us to identify residues important for entry. Similar to TIM-1, residues
      in the PtdSer binding pocket of murine and human TIM-4 (mTIM-4 and hTIM-4) were
      found to be important for EBOV entry. However, additional TIM-4-specific residues
      were also found to impact EBOV entry, with a total of 8 mTIM-4 and 14 hTIM-4 IgV
      domain residues being critical for virion binding and internalization. Together,
      these findings provide a greater understanding of the interaction of TIM-4 with
      EBOV virions. IMPORTANCE: With more than 28,000 cases and over 11,000 deaths
      during the largest and most recent Ebola virus (EBOV) outbreak, there has been
      increased emphasis on the development of therapeutics against filoviruses. Many
      therapies under investigation target EBOV cell entry. T-cell immunoglobulin mucin
      (TIM) domain proteins are cell surface factors important for the entry of many
      enveloped viruses, including EBOV. TIM family member TIM-4 is expressed on
      macrophages and dendritic cells, which are early cellular targets during EBOV
      infection. Here, we performed a mutagenesis screening of the IgV domain of murine
      and human TIM-4 to identify residues that are critical for EBOV entry.
      Surprisingly, we identified more human than murine TIM-4 IgV domain residues that
      are required for EBOV entry. Defining the TIM IgV residues needed for EBOV entry
      clarifies the virus-receptor interactions and paves the way for the development
      of novel therapeutics targeting virus binding to this cell surface receptor.

PMID- 27122577
TI  - NSs Virulence Factor of Rift Valley Fever Virus Engages the F-Box Proteins FBXW11
      and beta-TRCP1 To Degrade the Antiviral Protein Kinase PKR.
AB  - Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV, family Bunyaviridae, genus Phlebovirus) is a
      relevant pathogen of both humans and livestock in Africa. The nonstructural
      protein NSs is a major virulence factor known to suppress the type I interferon
      (IFN) response by inhibiting host cell transcription and by proteasomal
      degradation of a major antiviral IFN effector, the translation-inhibiting protein
      kinase PKR. Here, we identified components of the modular SCF (Skp1, Cul1, F-box
      protein)-type E3 ubiquitin ligases as mediators of PKR destruction by NSs. Small
      interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against the conserved SCF subunit Skp1 protected PKR
      from NSs-mediated degradation. Consequently, RVFV replication was severely
      reduced in Skp1-depleted cells when PKR was present. SCF complexes have a
      variable F-box protein subunit that determines substrate specificity for
      ubiquitination. We performed an siRNA screen for all (about 70) human F-box
      proteins and found FBXW11 to be involved in PKR degradation. The partial
      stabilization of PKR by FBXW11 depletion upregulated PKR autophosphorylation and
      phosphorylation of the PKR substrate eIF2alpha and caused a shutoff of host cell
      protein synthesis in RVFV-infected cells. To maximally protect PKR from the
      action of NSs, knockdown of structurally and functionally related FBXW1 (also
      known as beta-TRCP1), in addition to FBXW11 deletion, was necessary.
      Consequently, NSs was found to interact with both FBXW11 and beta-TRCP1. Thus,
      NSs eliminates the antiviral kinase PKR by recruitment of SCF-type E3 ubiquitin
      ligases containing FBXW11 and beta-TRCP1 as substrate recognition subunits. This
      antagonism of PKR by NSs is essential for efficient RVFV replication in mammalian
      cells. IMPORTANCE: Rift Valley fever virus is a pathogen of humans and animals
      that has the potential to spread from Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to other
      regions. A major virulence mechanism is the proteasomal degradation of the
      antiviral kinase PKR by the viral protein NSs. Here, we demonstrate that NSs
      requires E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes of the SCF (Skp1, Cul1, F-box protein)
      type to destroy PKR. SCF-type complexes can engage variant ubiquitination
      substrate recognition subunits, and we found the F-box proteins FBXW11 and beta
      TRCP1 to be relevant for the action of NSs against PKR. Thus, we identified the
      host cell factors that are critically needed by Rift Valley fever virus to uphold
      its replication against the potent antiviral kinase PKR.

PMID- 27122576
TI  - Long-Term Spontaneous Control of HIV-1 Is Related to Low Frequency of Infected
      Cells and Inefficient Viral Reactivation.
AB  - HIV establishes reservoirs of infected cells that persist despite effective
      antiretroviral therapy (ART). In most patients, the virus begins to replicate
      soon after treatment interruption. However, a low frequency of infected cells at
      the time of treatment interruption has been associated with delayed viral
      rebound. Likewise, individuals who control the infection spontaneously, so-called
      HIV-1 controllers (HICs), carry particularly low levels of infected cells. It is
      unclear, however, whether and how this small number of infected cells contributes
      to durable viral control. Here we compared 38 HICs with 12 patients on effective
      combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and found that the low frequency of
      infected cells in the former subjects was associated both with less efficient
      viral reactivation in resting CD4(+) T cells and with less efficient virion
      production ex vivo We also found that a potent HIV-specific CD8(+) T cell
      response was present only in those HICs whose CD4(+) T cells produced virus ex
      vivo Long-term spontaneous control of HIV infection in HICs thus appears to be
      sustained on the basis of the inefficient reactivation of viruses from a limited
      number of infected cells and the capacity of HICs to activate a potent HIV
      specific CD8(+) T cell response to counteract efficient viral reactivation
      events. IMPORTANCE: There is a strong scientific interest in developing
      strategies to eradicate the HIV-1 reservoir. Very rare HIV-1-infected patients
      are able to spontaneously control viremia for long periods of time (HIV-1
      controllers [HICs]) and are put forward as a model of HIV-1 remission. Here, we
      show that the low viral reservoirs found in HICs are a critical part of the
      mechanisms underlying viral control and result in a lower probability of HIV-1
      reactivation events, resulting in limited HIV-1 release and spread. We found that
      those HICs in whom viral reactivation and spread from CD4(+) T cells in vitro
      were the most difficult were those with diminished CD8(+) T cell responses. These
      results suggest that, in some settings, low HIV-1 reservoirs decisively
      contribute to at least the temporary control of infection without antiretroviral
      therapy. We believe that this work provides information of relevance in the
      context of the search for HIV-1 remission.

PMID- 27122578
TI  - Evolution of Neuroadaptation in the Periphery and Purifying Selection in the
      Brain Contribute to Compartmentalization of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV)
      in the Brains of Rhesus Macaques with SIV-Associated Encephalitis.
AB  - The emergence of a distinct subpopulation of human or simian immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV/SIV) sequences within the brain (compartmentalization) during
      infection is hypothesized to be linked to AIDS-related central nervous system
      (CNS) neuropathology. However, the exact evolutionary mechanism responsible for
      HIV/SIV brain compartmentalization has not been thoroughly investigated. Using
      extensive viral sampling from several different peripheral tissues and cell types
      and from three distinct regions within the brain from two well-characterized
      rhesus macaque models of the neurological complications of HIV infection
      (neuroAIDS), we have been able to perform in-depth evolutionary analyses that
      have been unattainable in HIV-infected subjects. The results indicate that,
      despite multiple introductions of virus into the brain over the course of
      infection, brain sequence compartmentalization in macaques with SIV-associated
      CNS neuropathology likely results from late viral entry of virus that has
      acquired through evolution in the periphery sufficient adaptation for the
      distinct microenvironment of the CNS. IMPORTANCE: HIV-associated neurocognitive
      disorders remain prevalent among HIV type 1-infected individuals, whereas our
      understanding of the critical components of disease pathogenesis, such as virus
      evolution and adaptation, remains limited. Building upon earlier findings of
      specific viral subpopulations in the brain, we present novel yet fundamental
      results concerning the evolutionary patterns driving this phenomenon in two well
      characterized animal models of neuroAIDS and provide insight into the timing of
      entry of virus into the brain and selective pressure associated with viral
      adaptation to this particular microenvironment. Such knowledge is invaluable for
      therapeutic strategies designed to slow or even prevent neurocognitive impairment
      associated with AIDS.

PMID- 27122579
TI  - Monoclonal Antibodies to Different Components of the Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV)
      Pentamer gH/gL/pUL128L and Trimer gH/gL/gO as well as Antibodies Elicited during
      Primary HCMV Infection Prevent Epithelial Cell Syncytium Formation.
AB  - Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) may cause disseminated/end-organ disease in
      congenitally infected newborns and immunosuppressed transplant recipients. Two
      glycoprotein complexes, gH/gL/gO and gH/gL/pUL128/pUL130/pUL131 (gH/gL/pUL128L;
      referred to as the pentamer), are required for HCMV entry into fibroblasts and
      endothelial/epithelial cells, respectively, in the presence of the viral fusion
      protein gB. In addition, gH/gL/gO was recently reported to also be required for
      infection of endothelial/epithelial cells. Virus entry into human fibroblasts
      involves fusion of the virus envelope with the plasma membrane, whereas entry
      into endothelial/epithelial cells involves macropinocytosis or endocytosis and
      low-pH-dependent fusion with endosomes. A large set of neutralizing monoclonal
      antibodies (MAbs), directed to gH, gB, and multiple components of the pentamer,
      was developed. In addition, novel anti-gO human monoclonal antibodies were
      recently isolated. It is known that epithelial cell infection with a wild HCMV
      strain at a high multiplicity of infection produces a large number of syncytia.
      Incubation of heavily HCMV VR1814-infected ARPE-19 epithelial cells with
      neutralizing MAbs to one, two, or three components of the pUL128L portion of the
      pentamer blocked syncytium formation at an antibody concentration of 10 MUg/ml,
      whereas only a partial inhibitory effect was displayed for MAbs to gO, gH, or gB
      at the same concentration. A blocking effect was also exhibited by convalescent
      phase sera from primary HCMV infections. These findings indicate that the
      pentamer is required for syncytium formation in epithelial cells. IMPORTANCE:
      Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) mostly infects epithelial and endothelial cells in
      vivo Recently, the pentamer protein complex (gH/gL/pUL128L) was identified as
      being required for infection of these cells, in association with the other
      protein complex, gH/gL/gO. In primary infections, HCMV migrates to endothelial
      cells and then to leukocytes, which disseminate the infection throughout the
      body. The virus then spreads to organs and tissues, mostly infecting either
      single cells or multinucleated epithelial giant cells (syncytia), depending on
      the viral load. Potent neutralizing human MAbs directed to distinct binding sites
      of the pUL128L portion of the pentamer were shown in the past to block virus
      dissemination. In the present study, MAbs to pUL128L were shown to block
      syncytium formation with a higher potency than that of MAbs to gO, gH, or gB,
      thus suggesting their role in limiting virus dissemination. This finding provides
      additional information useful for the development of anti-HCMV therapeutic
      antibodies and subunit vaccines.

PMID- 27122580
TI  - Migration of Nucleocapsids in Vesicular Stomatitis Virus-Infected Cells Is
      Dependent on both Microtubules and Actin Filaments.
AB  - The distribution of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) nucleocapsids in the
      cytoplasm of infected cells was analyzed by scanning confocal fluorescence
      microscopy using a newly developed quantitative approach called the border-to
      border distribution method. Nucleocapsids were located near the cell nucleus at
      early times postinfection (2 h) but were redistributed during infection toward
      the edges of the cell. This redistribution was inhibited by treatment with
      nocodazole, colcemid, or cytochalasin D, indicating it is dependent on both
      microtubules and actin filaments. The role of actin filaments in nucleocapsid
      mobility was also confirmed by live-cell imaging of fluorescent nucleocapsids of
      a virus containing P protein fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein.
      However, in contrast to the overall redistribution in the cytoplasm, the
      incorporation of nucleocapsids into virions as determined in pulse-chase
      experiments was dependent on the activity of actin filaments with little if any
      effect on inhibition of microtubule function. These results indicate that the
      mechanisms by which nucleocapsids are transported to the farthest reaches of the
      cell differ from those required for incorporation into virions. This is likely
      due to the ability of nucleocapsids to follow shorter paths to the plasma
      membrane mediated by actin filaments. IMPORTANCE: Nucleocapsids of nonsegmented
      negative-strand viruses like VSV are assembled in the cytoplasm during genome RNA
      replication and must migrate to the plasma membrane for assembly into virions.
      Nucleocapsids are too large to diffuse in the cytoplasm in the time required for
      virus assembly and must be transported by cytoskeletal elements. Previous results
      suggested that microtubules were responsible for migration of VSV nucleocapsids
      to the plasma membrane for virus assembly. Data presented here show that both
      microtubules and actin filaments are responsible for mobility of nucleocapsids in
      the cytoplasm, but that actin filaments play a larger role than microtubules in
      incorporation of nucleocapsids into virions.

PMID- 27122581
TI  - Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N6 Viruses Exhibit Enhanced Affinity for
      Human Type Sialic Acid Receptor and In-Contact Transmission in Model Ferrets.
AB  - Since May 2014, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N6 virus has been reported to
      cause six severe human infections three of which were fatal. The biological
      properties of this subtype, in particular its relative pathogenicity and
      transmissibility in mammals, are not known. We characterized the virus receptor
      binding affinity, pathogenicity, and transmissibility in mice and ferrets of four
      H5N6 isolates derived from waterfowl in China from 2013-2014. All four H5N6
      viruses have acquired a binding affinity for human-like SAalpha2,6Gal-linked
      receptor to be able to attach to human tracheal epithelial and alveolar cells.
      The emergent H5N6 viruses, which share high sequence similarity with the human
      isolate A/Guangzhou/39715/2014 (H5N6), were fully infective and highly
      transmissible by direct contact in ferrets but showed less-severe pathogenicity
      than the parental H5N1 virus. The present results highlight the threat of
      emergent H5N6 viruses to poultry and human health and the need to closely track
      their continual adaptation in humans. IMPORTANCE: Extended epizootics and
      panzootics of H5N1 viruses have led to the emergence of the novel 2.3.4.4 clade
      of H5 virus subtypes, including H5N2, H5N6, and H5N8 reassortants. Avian H5N6
      viruses from this clade have caused three fatalities out of six severe human
      infections in China since the first case in 2014. However, the biological
      properties of this subtype, especially the pathogenicity and transmission in
      mammals, are not known. Here, we found that natural avian H5N6 viruses have
      acquired a high affinity for human-type virus receptor. Compared to the parental
      clade 2.3.4 H5N1 virus, emergent H5N6 isolates showed less severe pathogenicity
      in mice and ferrets but acquired efficient in-contact transmission in ferrets.
      These findings suggest that the threat of avian H5N6 viruses to humans should not
      be ignored.

PMID- 27122582
TI  - Human Norovirus Interactions with Histo-Blood Group Antigens and Human Milk
      Oligosaccharides.
AB  - Human noroviruses interact with both human histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) and
      human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). The former are believed to be important for a
      virus infection, while the latter might act as natural decoys in the host during
      an infection. However, certain noroviruses are known to bind poorly to HBGAs and
      yet still cause infections; some interact with numerous HBGA types but are
      nonprevalent; and yet others bind HBGAs and seem to be increasing in prevalence.
      HBGAs and HMOs can be found as soluble antigens in humans, can be structurally
      alike, and can interact with equivalent residues at identical binding pockets on
      the capsid. In this Gem, we discuss HBGA and HMO binding studies for human
      noroviruses, concentrating on the clinically important genogroup II noroviruses.
      In short, the roles of HBGA and HMO interactions in norovirus infections are
      still unclear.

PMID- 27122583
TI  - Analysis of Conformational Stability of Abnormal Prion Protein Aggregates across
      the Spectrum of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Prions.
AB  - The wide phenotypic variability of prion diseases is thought to depend on the
      interaction of a host genotype with prion strains that have self-perpetuating
      biological properties enciphered in distinct conformations of the misfolded prion
      protein PrP(Sc) This concept is largely based on indirect approaches studying the
      effect of proteases or denaturing agents on the physicochemical properties of
      PrP(Sc) aggregates. Furthermore, most data come from studies on rodent-adapted
      prion strains, making current understanding of the molecular basis of strains and
      phenotypic variability in naturally occurring diseases, especially in humans,
      more limited. To fill this gap, we studied the effects of guanidine hydrochloride
      (GdnHCl) and heating on PrP(Sc) aggregates extracted from 60 sporadic Creutzfeldt
      Jakob disease (CJD) and 6 variant CJD brains. While denaturation curves obtained
      after exposure of PrP(Sc) to increasing GdnHCl concentrations showed similar
      profiles among the 7 CJD types analyzed, PrP(Sc) exposure to increasing
      temperature revealed significantly different and type-specific responses. In
      particular, MM1 and VV2, the most prevalent and fast-replicating CJD types,
      showed stable and highly resistant PrP(Sc) aggregates, whereas VV1, a rare and
      slowly propagating type, revealed unstable aggregates that easily dissolved at
      low temperature. Taken together, our results indicate that the molecular
      interactions mediating the aggregation state of PrP(Sc), possibly enciphering
      strain diversity, are differently targeted by GdnHCl, temperature, and proteases.
      Furthermore, the detected positive correlation between the thermostability of
      PrP(Sc) aggregates and disease transmission efficiency makes inconsistent the
      proposed hypothesis that a decrease in conformational stability of prions results
      in an increase in their replication efficiency. IMPORTANCE: Prion strains are
      defined as infectious isolates propagating distinctive phenotypic traits after
      transmission to syngeneic hosts. Although the molecular basis of prion strains is
      not fully understood, it is largely accepted that variations in prion protein
      conformation drive the molecular changes leading to the different phenotypes. In
      this study, we exposed abnormal prion protein aggregates encompassing the
      spectrum of human prion strains to both guanidine hydrochloride and thermal
      unfolding. Remarkably, while exposure to increasing temperature revealed
      significant strain-specific differences in the denaturation profile of the
      protein, treatment with guanidine hydrochloride did not. The findings suggest
      that thermal and chemical denaturation perturb the structure of prion protein
      aggregates differently. Moreover, since the most thermostable prion protein types
      were those associated with the most prevalent phenotypes and most rapidly and
      efficiently transmitting strains, the results suggest a direct correlation
      between strain replication efficiency and the thermostability of prion protein
      aggregates.

PMID- 27122584
TI  - Biphasic CD8+ T-Cell Defense in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Control by Acute
      Phase Passive Neutralizing Antibody Immunization.
AB  - Identifying human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) control mechanisms by
      neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) is critical for anti-HIV-1 strategies. Recent in
      vivo studies on animals infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and
      related viruses have shown the efficacy of postinfection NAb passive immunization
      for viremia reduction, and one suggested mechanism is its occurrence through
      modulation of cellular immune responses. Here, we describe SIV control in
      macaques showing biphasic CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses following
      acute-phase NAb passive immunization. Analysis of four SIVmac239-infected rhesus
      macaque pairs matched with major histocompatibility complex class I haplotypes
      found that counterparts receiving day 7 anti-SIV polyclonal NAb infusion all
      suppressed viremia for up to 2 years without accumulating viral CTL escape
      mutations. In the first phase of primary viremia control attainment, CD8(+) cells
      had high capacities to suppress SIVs carrying CTL escape mutations. Conversely,
      in the second, sustained phase of SIV control, CTL responses converged on a
      pattern of immunodominant CTL preservation. During this sustained phase of viral
      control, SIV epitope-specific CTLs showed retention of phosphorylated
      extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)(hi)/phosphorylated AMP-activated
      protein kinase (AMPK)(lo) subpopulations, implying their correlation with SIV
      control. The results suggest that virus-specific CTLs functionally boosted by
      acute-phase NAbs may drive robust AIDS virus control. IMPORTANCE: In early HIV
      infection, NAb responses are lacking and CTL responses are insufficient, which
      leads to viral persistence. Hence, it is important to identify immune responses
      that can successfully control such HIV replication. Here, we show that monkeys
      receiving NAb passive immunization in early SIV infection strictly control viral
      replication for years. Passive infusion of NAbs with CTL cross-priming capacity
      resulted in induction of functionally boosted early CTL responses showing
      enhanced suppression of CTL escape mutant virus replication. Accordingly, the NAb
      infused animals did not show accumulation of viral CTL escape mutations during
      sustained SIV control, and immunodominant CTL responses were preserved. This
      early functional augmentation of CTLs by NAbs provides key insights into the
      design of lasting and viral escape mutation-free protective immunity against HIV
      1 infection.

PMID- 27122585
TI  - Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor Antagonists Sensitize Human Immunodeficiency
      Virus Type 1-Infected Macrophages to TRAIL-Mediated Killing.
AB  - Strategies aimed at eliminating persistent viral reservoirs from HIV-1-infected
      individuals have focused on CD4(+) T-cell reservoirs. However, very little
      attention has been given to approaches that could promote elimination of tissue
      macrophage reservoirs. HIV-1 infection of macrophages induces phosphorylation of
      colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R), which confers resistance to
      apoptotic pathways driven by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis
      inducing ligand (TRAIL), thereby promoting viral persistence. In this study, we
      assessed whether CSF-1R antagonists (PLX647, PLX3397, and PLX5622) restored
      apoptotic sensitivity of HIV-1-infected macrophages in vitro PLX647, PLX3397, and
      PLX5622 at clinically relevant concentrations blocked the activation of CSF-1R
      and reduced the viability of infected macrophages, as well as the extent of viral
      replication. Our data show that strategies targeting monocyte colony-stimulating
      factor (MCSF) signaling could be used to promote elimination of HIV-1-infected
      myeloid cells and to contribute to the elimination of persistent viral
      reservoirs. IMPORTANCE: As the HIV/AIDS research field explores approaches to
      eliminate HIV-1 in individuals on suppressive antiviral therapy, those approaches
      will need to eliminate both CD4(+) T-cell and myeloid cell reservoirs. Most of
      the attention has focused on CD4(+) T-cell reservoirs, and scant attention has
      been paid to myeloid cell reservoirs. The distinct nature of the infection in
      myeloid cells versus CD4(+) T cells will likely dictate different approaches in
      order to achieve their elimination. For CD4(+) T cells, most strategies focus on
      promoting virus reactivation to promote immune-mediated clearance and/or
      elimination by viral cytopathicity. Macrophages resist viral cytopathic effects
      and CD8(+) T-cell killing. Therefore, we have explored clearance strategies that
      render macrophages sensitive to viral cytopathicity. This research helps inform
      the design of strategies to promote clearance of the macrophage reservoir in
      infected individuals on suppressive antiviral therapy.

PMID- 27122586
TI  - Robust Lys63-Linked Ubiquitination of RIG-I Promotes Cytokine Eruption in Early
      Influenza B Virus Infection.
AB  - Influenza A and B virus infections both cause a host innate immunity response.
      Here, we report that the robust production of type I and III interferons (IFNs),
      IFN-stimulated genes, and proinflammatory factors can be induced by influenza B
      virus rather than influenza A virus infection in alveolar epithelial (A549) cells
      during early infection. This response is mainly dependent on the retinoic acid
      inducible gene I (RIG-I)-mediated signaling pathway. Infection by influenza B
      virus promotes intense Lys63-linked ubiquitination of RIG-I, resulting in
      cytokine eruption. It is known that the influenza A virus NS1 protein (NS1-A)
      interacts with RIG-I and TRIM25 to suppress the activation of RIG-I-mediated
      signaling. However, the present results indicate that the influenza B virus NS1
      protein (NS1-B) is unable to interact with RIG-I but engages in the formation of
      a RIG-I/TRIM25/NS1-B ternary complex. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the N
      terminal RNA-binding domain (RBD) of NS1-B is responsible for interaction with
      TRIM25 and that this interaction blocks the inhibitory effect of the NS1-B C
      terminal effector domain (TED) on RIG-I ubiquitination. Our findings reveal a
      novel mechanism for the host cytokine response to influenza B virus infection
      through regulatory interplay between host and viral proteins. IMPORTANCE:
      Influenza B virus generally causes local mild epidemics but is occasionally
      lethal to individuals. Existing studies describe the broad characteristics of
      influenza B virus epidemiology and pathology. However, to develop better
      prevention and treatments for the disease, determining the concrete molecular
      mechanisms of pathogenesis becomes pivotal to understand how the host reacts to
      the challenge of influenza B virus. Thus, we aimed to characterize the host
      innate immune response to influenza B virus infection. Here, we show that
      vigorous Lys63-linked ubiquitination of RIG-I and cytokine eruption dependent on
      RIG-I-mediated signal transduction are induced by virus infection. Additionally,
      TRIM25 positively regulates RIG-I-mediated signaling by ablating the inhibitory
      function of NS1-B on RIG-I ubiquitination.

PMID- 27122587
TI  - Rearrangement of Influenza Virus Spliced Segments for the Development of Live
      Attenuated Vaccines.
AB  - Influenza viral infections represent a serious public health problem, with
      influenza virus causing a contagious respiratory disease which is most
      effectively prevented through vaccination. Segments 7 (M) and 8 (NS) of the
      influenza virus genome encode mRNA transcripts that are alternatively spliced to
      express two different viral proteins. This study describes the generation, using
      reverse genetics, of three different recombinant influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934
      (PR8) H1N1 viruses containing M or NS viral segments individually or modified M
      or NS viral segments combined in which the overlapping open reading frames of
      matrix 1 (M1)/M2 for the modified M segment and the open reading frames of
      nonstructural protein 1 (NS1)/nuclear export protein (NEP) for the modified NS
      segment were split by using the porcine teschovirus 1 (PTV-1) 2A autoproteolytic
      cleavage site. Viruses with an M split segment were impaired in replication at
      nonpermissive high temperatures, whereas high viral titers could be obtained at
      permissive low temperatures (33 degrees C). Furthermore, viruses containing the M
      split segment were highly attenuated in vivo, while they retained their
      immunogenicity and provided protection against a lethal challenge with wild-type
      PR8. These results indicate that influenza viruses can be effectively attenuated
      by the rearrangement of spliced segments and that such attenuated viruses
      represent an excellent option as safe, immunogenic, and protective live
      attenuated vaccines. Moreover, this is the first time in which an influenza virus
      containing a restructured M segment has been described. Reorganization of the M
      segment to encode M1 and M2 from two separate, nonoverlapping, independent open
      reading frames represents a useful tool to independently study mutations in the
      M1 and M2 viral proteins without affecting the other viral M product. IMPORTANCE:
      Vaccination represents our best therapeutic option against influenza viral
      infections. However, the efficacy of current influenza vaccines is suboptimal,
      and novel approaches are necessary for the prevention of disease caused by this
      important human respiratory pathogen. In this work, we describe a novel approach
      to generate safer and more efficient live-attenuated influenza virus vaccines
      (LAIVs) based on recombinant viruses whose genomes encode nonoverlapping and
      independent M1/M2 (split M segment [Ms]) or both M1/M2 and NS1/NEP (Ms and split
      NS segment [NSs]) open reading frames. Viruses containing a modified M segment
      were highly attenuated in mice but were able to confer, upon a single intranasal
      immunization, complete protection against a lethal homologous challenge with wild
      type virus. Notably, the protection efficacy conferred by our viruses with split
      M segments was better than that conferred by the current temperature-sensitive
      LAIV. Altogether, these results open a new avenue for the development of safer
      and more protective LAIVs on the basis of the reorganization of spliced viral RNA
      segments in the genome.

PMID- 27122588
TI  - Furin Cleavage of L2 during Papillomavirus Infection: Minimal Dependence on
      Cyclophilins.
AB  - Despite an abundance of evidence supporting an important role for the cleavage of
      minor capsid protein L2 by cellular furin, direct cleavage of capsid-associated
      L2 during human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) infection remains poorly characterized.
      The conserved cleavage site, close to the L2 N terminus, confounds observation
      and quantification of the small cleavage product by SDS-PAGE. To overcome this
      difficulty, we increased the size shift by fusing a compact protein domain, the
      Propionibacterium shermanii transcarboxylase domain (PSTCD), to the N terminus of
      L2. The infectious PSTCD-L2 virus displayed an appreciable L2 size shift during
      infection of HaCaT keratinocytes. Cleavage under standard cell culture conditions
      rarely exceeded 35% of total L2. Cleavage levels were enhanced by the addition of
      exogenous furin, and the absolute levels of infection correlated to the level of
      L2 cleavage. Cleavage occurred on both the HaCaT cell surface and extracellular
      matrix (ECM). Contrary to current models, experiments on the involvement of
      cyclophilins revealed little, if any, role for these cellular enzymes in the
      modulation of furin cleavage. HPV16 L2 contains two consensus cleavage sites,
      Arg5 (2RHKR5) and Arg12 (9RTKR12). Mutant PSTCD-L2 viruses demonstrated that
      although furin can cleave either site, cleavage must occur at Arg12, as cleavage
      at Arg5 alone is insufficient for successful infection. Mutation of the conserved
      cysteine residues revealed that the Cys22-Cys28 disulfide bridge is not required
      for cleavage. The PSTCD-L2 virus or similar N-terminal fusions will be valuable
      tools to study additional cellular and viral determinants of furin cleavage.
      IMPORTANCE: Furin cleavage of minor capsid protein L2 during papillomavirus
      infection has been difficult to directly visualize and quantify, confounding
      efforts to study this important step of HPV infection. Fusion of a small protein
      domain to the N terminus greatly facilitates direct visualization of the cleavage
      product, revealing important characteristics of this critical process. Contrary
      to the current model, we found that cleavage is largely independent of
      cyclophilins, suggesting that cyclophilins act either in parallel to or
      downstream of furin to trigger exposure of a conserved N-terminal L2 epitope (RG
      1) during infection. Based on this finding, we strongly caution against using L2
      RG-1 epitope exposure as a convenient but indirect proxy of furin cleavage.

PMID- 27122589
TI  - Calcium-Dependent Rubella Virus Fusion Occurs in Early Endosomes.
AB  - The E1 membrane protein of rubella virus (RuV) is a class II membrane fusion
      protein structurally related to the fusion proteins of the alphaviruses,
      flaviviruses, and phleboviruses. Virus entry is mediated by a low pH-dependent
      fusion reaction through E1's insertion into the cell membrane and refolding to a
      stable homotrimer. Unlike the other described class II proteins, RuV E1 contains
      2 fusion loops, which complex a metal ion between them by interactions with
      residues N88 and D136. Insertion of the E1 protein into the target membrane,
      fusion, and infection require calcium and are blocked by alanine substitution of
      N88 or D136. Here we addressed the requirements of E1 for calcium binding and the
      intracellular location of the calcium requirement during virus entry. Our results
      demonstrated that N88 and D136 are optimally configured to support RuV fusion and
      are strongly selected for during the virus life cycle. While E1 has some
      similarities with cellular proteins that bind calcium and anionic lipids, RuV
      binding to the membrane was independent of anionic lipids. Virus fusion occurred
      within early endosomes, and chelation of intracellular calcium showed that
      calcium within the early endosome was required for virus fusion and infection.
      Calcium triggered the reversible insertion of E1 into the target membrane at
      neutral pH, but E1 homotrimer formation and fusion required a low pH. Thus, RuV
      E1, unlike other known class II fusion proteins, has distinct triggers for
      membrane insertion and fusion protein refolding mediated, respectively, by
      endosomal calcium and low pH. IMPORTANCE: Rubella virus causes a mild disease of
      childhood, but infection of pregnant women frequently results in miscarriage or
      severe birth defects. In spite of an effective vaccine, RuV disease remains a
      serious problem in many developing countries. RuV infection of host cells
      involves endocytic uptake and low pH-triggered membrane fusion and is unusual in
      its requirement for calcium binding by the membrane fusion protein. Here we
      addressed the mechanism of the calcium requirement and the required location of
      calcium during virus entry. Both calcium and low pH were essential during the
      virus fusion reaction, which was shown to occur in the early endosome
      compartment.

PMID- 27122591
TI  - Intranasal Vaccination With Salmonella-Derived Serodominant Secreted Effector
      Protein B Associated With Gas-Filled Microbubbles Partially Protects Against Gut
      Infection in Mice.
AB  - Salmonella infection is an increasingly important public health problem owing to
      the emergence of multidrug resistance and the lack of broadly efficient vaccines.
      Novel strategies of vaccination are required to induce protective immune
      responses at mucosal surfaces and in the circulation, to limit bacteria entry and
      dissemination. To this aim, intranasal anti-Salmonella vaccination with an
      innovative formulation composed of gas-filled microbubbles and the pathogen
      derived protective protein serodominant secreted effector protein B (SseB-MB) was
      evaluated in a mouse infection model. Intranasal application of SseB-MB induced
      gut and systemic immunoglobulin A, T-helper type 17 cell (Th17), and Th1
      responses, all of which are associated with natural immunity against Salmonella
      In vaccinated mice, a significant reduction in bacterial load was observed in
      intestinal tissues and the spleen after an otherwise lethal oral infection.
      Therefore, MB serve as an efficient carrier for nasal delivery of a Salmonella
      antigen that results in protection upon activation of the common mucosal immune
      system.

PMID- 27122590
TI  - Systematic Surveillance Detects Multiple Silent Introductions and Household
      Transmission of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 in the East of
      England.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The spread of USA300 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA) across the United States resulted in an epidemic of infections. In Europe,
      only sporadic cases or small clusters of USA300 infections are described, and its
      prevalence in England is unknown. We conducted prospective surveillance for
      USA300 in the east of England. METHODS: We undertook a 12-month prospective
      observational cohort study of all individuals with MRSA isolated from community
      and hospital samples submitted to a microbiology laboratory. At least 1 MRSA
      isolate from each individual underwent whole-genome sequencing. USA300 was
      identified on the basis of sequence analysis, and phylogenetic comparisons were
      made between these and USA300 genomes from the United States. RESULTS: Between
      April 2012 and April 2013, we sequenced 2283 MRSA isolates (detected during
      carriage screening and in clinical samples) from 1465 individuals. USA300 was
      isolated from 24 cases (1.6%). Ten cases (42%) had skin and soft tissue
      infection, and 2 cases had invasive disease. Phylogenetic analyses identified
      multiple introductions and household transmission of USA300. CONCLUSIONS: Use of
      a diagnostic laboratory as a sentinel for surveillance has identified repeated
      introductions of USA300 in eastern England in 2012-2013, with evidence for
      limited transmission. Our results show how systematic surveillance could provide
      an early warning of strain emergence and dissemination.

PMID- 27122592
TI  - Host Polymorphisms in TLR9 and IL10 Are Associated With the Outcomes of
      Experimental Haemophilus ducreyi Infection in Human Volunteers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In humans inoculated with Haemophilus ducreyi, there are host effects
      on the possible clinical outcomes-pustule formation versus spontaneous resolution
      of infection. However, the immunogenetic factors that influence these outcomes
      are unknown. Here we examined the role of 14 single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) in 7 selected pathogen-recognition pathways and cytokine genes on the
      gradated outcomes of experimental infection. METHODS: DNAs from 105 volunteers
      infected with H. ducreyi at 3 sites were genotyped for SNPs, using real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. The participants were classified into 2 cohorts, by
      race, and into 4 groups, based on whether they formed 0, 1, 2, or 3 pustules.
      chi(2) tests for trend and logistic regression analyses were performed on the
      data. RESULTS: In European Americans, the most significant findings were a
      protective association of the TLR9 +2848 GG genotype and a risk-enhancing
      association of the TLR9 TA haplotype with pustule formation; logistic regression
      showed a trend toward protection for the TLR9 +2848 GG genotype. In African
      Americans, logistic regression showed a protective effect for the IL10 -2849 AA
      genotype and a risk-enhancing effect for the IL10 AAC haplotype. CONCLUSIONS:
      Variations in TLR9 and IL10 are associated with the outcome of H. ducreyi
      infection.

PMID- 27122594
TI  - Renal Function and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate for Preexposure Prophylaxis: How
      Safe Is Safe Enough?

PMID- 27122595
TI  - Reply to: Dr Macaluso's Letter.

PMID- 27122593
TI  - Maintenance of HIV-Specific Memory B-Cell Responses in Elite Controllers Despite
      Low Viral Burdens.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific B-cell responses in infected
      individuals are maintained by active HIV replication. Suppression of viremia by
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) leads to quantitative and qualitative changes that
      remain unclear. Accordingly, B-cell responses were investigated in elite
      controllers (ECs), who maintain undetectable HIV levels without ART, and in
      individuals whose viremia was suppressed by ART. Despite a higher HIV burden in
      the ART group, compared with the EC group, frequencies of HIV-specific B cells
      were higher in the EC group, compared with those in the ART group. However, the
      initiation of ART in several ECs was associated with reduced frequencies of HIV
      specific B cells, suggesting that responses are at least in part sustained by HIV
      replication. Furthermore, B-cell responses to tetanus toxin but not influenza
      hemagglutinin in the ART group were lower than those in the EC group. Thus, the
      superior HIV-specific humoral response in ECs versus ART-treated individuals is
      likely due to a more intact humoral immune response in ECs and/or distinct
      responses to residual HIV replication.

PMID- 27122596
TI  - Identification of Protease Specificity by Combining Proteome-Derived Peptide
      Libraries and Quantitative Proteomics.
AB  - We present protease specificity profiling based on quantitative proteomics in
      combination with proteome-derived peptide libraries. Peptide libraries are
      generated by endoproteolytic digestion of proteomes without chemical modification
      of primary amines before exposure to a protease under investigation. After
      incubation with a test protease, treated and control libraries are differentially
      isotope-labeled using cost-effective reductive dimethylation. Upon analysis by
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, cleavage products of the test
      protease appear as semi-specific peptides that are enriched for the corresponding
      isotope label. We validate our workflow with two proteases with well
      characterized specificity profiles: trypsin and caspase-3. We provide the first
      specificity profile of a protease encoded by a human endogenous retrovirus and
      for chlamydial protease-like activity factor (CPAF). For CPAF, we also highlight
      the structural basis of negative subsite cooperativity between subsites S1 and
      S2'. For A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) 
      4, -5, and -15, we show a canonical preference profile, including glutamate in P1
      and glycine in P3'. In total, we report nearly 4000 cleavage sites for seven
      proteases. Our protocol is fast, avoids enrichment or synthesis steps, and
      enables probing for lysine selectivity as well as subsite cooperativity. Due to
      its simplicity, we anticipate usability by most proteomic laboratories.

PMID- 27122599
TI  - HR-pQCT: a non-invasive 'biopsy' to assess bone structure and strength.

PMID- 27122600
TI  - The left atrial appendage: from embryology to prevention of thromboembolism.
AB  - The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the main source of thromboembolism in patients
      with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). As such, the LAA can be the target of
      specific occluding device therapies. Optimal management of patients with AF
      includes a comprehensive knowledge of the many aspects related to LAA structure
      and thrombosis. Here we provide baseline notions on the anatomy and function of
      the LAA, and then focus on current imaging tools for the identification of
      anatomical varieties. We also describe pathogenetic mechanisms of LAA thrombosis
      in AF patients, and examine the available evidence on treatment strategies for
      LAA thrombosis, including the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants
      and interventional approaches.

PMID- 27122601
TI  - Fasting is not routinely required for determination of a lipid profile: clinical
      and laboratory implications including flagging at desirable concentration cut
      points-a joint consensus statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society and
      European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine.
AB  - AIMS: To critically evaluate the clinical implications of the use of non-fasting
      rather than fasting lipid profiles and to provide guidance for the laboratory
      reporting of abnormal non-fasting or fasting lipid profiles. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Extensive observational data, in which random non-fasting lipid profiles have
      been compared with those determined under fasting conditions, indicate that the
      maximal mean changes at 1-6 h after habitual meals are not clinically significant
      [+0.3 mmol/L (26 mg/dL) for triglycerides; -0.2 mmol/L (8 mg/dL) for total
      cholesterol; -0.2 mmol/L (8 mg/dL) for LDL cholesterol; +0.2 mmol/L (8 mg/dL) for
      calculated remnant cholesterol; -0.2 mmol/L (8 mg/dL) for calculated non-HDL
      cholesterol]; concentrations of HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1,
      apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) are not affected by fasting/non-fasting
      status. In addition, non-fasting and fasting concentrations vary similarly over
      time and are comparable in the prediction of cardiovascular disease. To improve
      patient compliance with lipid testing, we therefore recommend the routine use of
      non-fasting lipid profiles, while fasting sampling may be considered when non
      fasting triglycerides >5 mmol/L (440 mg/dL). For non-fasting samples, laboratory
      reports should flag abnormal concentrations as triglycerides >=2 mmol/L (175
      mg/dL), total cholesterol >=5 mmol/L (190 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol >=3 mmol/L (115
      mg/dL), calculated remnant cholesterol >=0.9 mmol/L (35 mg/dL), calculated non
      HDL cholesterol >=3.9 mmol/L (150 mg/dL), HDL cholesterol <=1 mmol/L (40 mg/dL),
      apolipoprotein A1 <=1.25 g/L (125 mg/dL), apolipoprotein B >=1.0 g/L (100 mg/dL),
      and lipoprotein(a) >=50 mg/dL (80th percentile); for fasting samples, abnormal
      concentrations correspond to triglycerides >=1.7 mmol/L (150 mg/dL). Life
      threatening concentrations require separate referral when triglycerides >10
      mmol/L (880 mg/dL) for the risk of pancreatitis, LDL cholesterol >13 mmol/L (500
      mg/dL) for homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, LDL cholesterol >5 mmol/L
      (190 mg/dL) for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, and lipoprotein(a)
      >150 mg/dL (99th percentile) for very high cardiovascular risk. CONCLUSION: We
      recommend that non-fasting blood samples be routinely used for the assessment of
      plasma lipid profiles. Laboratory reports should flag abnormal values on the
      basis of desirable concentration cut-points. Non-fasting and fasting measurements
      should be complementary but not mutually exclusive.

PMID- 27122602
TI  - Dynamic myosin activation promotes collective morphology and migration by locally
      balancing oppositional forces from surrounding tissue.
AB  - Migrating cells need to overcome physical constraints from the local
      microenvironment to navigate their way through tissues. Cells that move
      collectively have the additional challenge of negotiating complex environments in
      vivo while maintaining cohesion of the group as a whole. The mechanisms by which
      collectives maintain a migratory morphology while resisting physical constraints
      from the surrounding tissue are poorly understood. Drosophila border cells
      represent a genetic model of collective migration within a cell-dense tissue.
      Border cells move as a cohesive group of 6-10 cells, traversing a network of
      large germ line-derived nurse cells within the ovary. Here we show that the
      border cell cluster is compact and round throughout their entire migration, a
      shape that is maintained despite the mechanical pressure imposed by the
      surrounding nurse cells. Nonmuscle myosin II (Myo-II) activity at the cluster
      periphery becomes elevated in response to increased constriction by nurse cells.
      Furthermore, the distinctive border cell collective morphology requires highly
      dynamic and localized enrichment of Myo-II. Thus, activated Myo-II promotes
      cortical tension at the outer edge of the migrating border cell cluster to resist
      compressive forces from nurse cells. We propose that dynamic actomyosin tension
      at the periphery of collectives facilitates their movement through restrictive
      tissues.

PMID- 27122603
TI  - alpha-Actinin links extracellular matrix rigidity-sensing contractile units with
      periodic cell-edge retractions.
AB  - During spreading and migration, the leading edges of cells undergo periodic
      protrusion-retraction cycles. The functional purpose of these cycles is unclear.
      Here, using submicrometer polydimethylsiloxane pillars as substrates for cell
      spreading, we show that periodic edge retractions coincide with peak forces
      produced by local contractile units (CUs) that assemble and disassemble along the
      cell edge to test matrix rigidity. We find that, whereas actin rearward flow
      produces a relatively constant force inward, the peak of local contractile forces
      by CUs scales with rigidity. The cytoskeletal protein alpha-actinin is shared
      between these two force-producing systems. It initially localizes to the CUs and
      subsequently moves inward with the actin flow. Knockdown of alpha-actinin causes
      aberrant rigidity sensing, loss of CUs, loss of protrusion-retraction cycles,
      and, surprisingly, enables the cells to proliferate on soft matrices. We present
      a model based on these results in which local CUs drive rigidity sensing and
      adhesion formation.

PMID- 27122604
TI  - Quiescent Saccharomyces cerevisiae forms telomere hyperclusters at the nuclear
      membrane vicinity through a multifaceted mechanism involving Esc1, the Sir
      complex, and chromatin condensation.
AB  - Like other eukaryotes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae spatially organizes its
      chromosomes within the nucleus. In G1 phase, the yeast's 32 telomeres are
      clustered into 6-10 foci that dynamically interact with the nuclear membrane.
      Here we show that, when cells leave the division cycle and enter quiescence,
      telomeres gather into two to three hyperclusters at the nuclear membrane
      vicinity. This localization depends on Esc1 but not on the Ku proteins. Telomere
      hypercluster formation requires the Sir complex but is independent of the nuclear
      microtubule bundle that specifically assembles in quiescent cells. Importantly,
      mutants deleted for the linker histone H1 Hho1 or defective in condensin activity
      or affected for histone H4 Lys-16 deacetylation are impaired, at least in part,
      for telomere hypercluster formation in quiescence, suggesting that this process
      involves chromosome condensation. Finally, we establish that telomere
      hypercluster formation is not necessary for quiescence establishment,
      maintenance, and exit, raising the question of the physiological raison d'etre of
      this nuclear reorganization.

PMID- 27122598
TI  - Physiology, Biochemistry, and Applications of F420- and Fo-Dependent Redox
      Reactions.
AB  - 5-Deazaflavin cofactors enhance the metabolic flexibility of microorganisms by
      catalyzing a wide range of challenging enzymatic redox reactions. While
      structurally similar to riboflavin, 5-deazaflavins have distinctive and
      biologically useful electrochemical and photochemical properties as a result of
      the substitution of N-5 of the isoalloxazine ring for a carbon. 8-Hydroxy-5
      deazaflavin (Fo) appears to be used for a single function: as a light-harvesting
      chromophore for DNA photolyases across the three domains of life. In contrast,
      its oligoglutamyl derivative F420 is a taxonomically restricted but functionally
      versatile cofactor that facilitates many low-potential two-electron redox
      reactions. It serves as an essential catabolic cofactor in methanogenic, sulfate
      reducing, and likely methanotrophic archaea. It also transforms a wide range of
      exogenous substrates and endogenous metabolites in aerobic actinobacteria, for
      example mycobacteria and streptomycetes. In this review, we discuss the
      physiological roles of F420 in microorganisms and the biochemistry of the various
      oxidoreductases that mediate these roles. Particular focus is placed on the
      central roles of F420 in methanogenic archaea in processes such as substrate
      oxidation, C1 pathways, respiration, and oxygen detoxification. We also describe
      how two F420-dependent oxidoreductase superfamilies mediate many environmentally
      and medically important reactions in bacteria, including biosynthesis of
      tetracycline and pyrrolobenzodiazepine antibiotics by streptomycetes, activation
      of the prodrugs pretomanid and delamanid by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and
      degradation of environmental contaminants such as picrate, aflatoxin, and
      malachite green. The biosynthesis pathways of Fo and F420 are also detailed. We
      conclude by considering opportunities to exploit deazaflavin-dependent processes
      in tuberculosis treatment, methane mitigation, bioremediation, and industrial
      biocatalysis. 

PMID- 27122605
TI  - HIPK family kinases bind and regulate the function of the CCR4-NOT complex.
AB  - The serine/threonine kinase HIPK2 functions as a regulator of developmental
      processes and as a signal integrator of a wide variety of stress signals, such as
      DNA damage, hypoxia, and reactive oxygen intermediates. Because the kinase is
      generated in a constitutively active form, its expression levels are restricted
      by a variety of different mechanisms. Here we identify the CCR4-NOT complex as a
      new regulator of HIPK2 abundance. Down-regulation or knockout of the CCR4-NOT
      complex member CNOT2 leads to reduced HIPK2 protein levels without affecting the
      expression level of HIPK1 or HIPK3. A fraction of all HIPK family members
      associates with the CCR4-NOT components CNOT2 and CNOT3. HIPKs also phosphorylate
      the CCR4-NOT complex, a feature that is shared with their yeast progenitor
      kinase, YAK1. Functional assays reveal that HIPK2 and HIPK1 restrict CNOT2
      dependent mRNA decay. HIPKs are well known regulators of transcription, but the
      mutual regulation between CCR4-NOT and HIPKs extends the regulatory potential of
      these kinases by enabling posttranscriptional gene regulation.

PMID- 27122606
TI  - Distinct stages in the recognition, sorting, and packaging of proTGFalpha into
      COPII-coated transport vesicles.
AB  - In addition to its role in forming vesicles from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER),
      the coat protein complex II (COPII) is also responsible for selecting specific
      cargo proteins to be packaged into COPII transport vesicles. Comparison of COPII
      vesicle formation in mammalian systems and in yeast suggested that the former
      uses more elaborate mechanisms for cargo recognition, presumably to cope with a
      significantly expanded repertoire of cargo that transits the secretory pathway.
      Using proTGFalpha, the transmembrane precursor of transforming growth factor
      alpha (TGFalpha), as a model cargo protein, we demonstrate in cell-free assays
      that at least one auxiliary cytosolic factor is specifically required for the
      efficient packaging of proTGFalpha into COPII vesicles. Using a knockout HeLa
      cell line generated by CRISPR/Cas9, we provide functional evidence showing that a
      transmembrane protein, Cornichon-1 (CNIH), acts as a cargo receptor of
      proTGFalpha. We show that both CNIH and the auxiliary cytosolic factor(s) are
      required for efficient recruitment of proTGFalpha to the COPII coat in vitro.
      Moreover, we provide evidence that the recruitment of cargo protein by the COPII
      coat precedes and may be distinct from subsequent cargo packaging into COPII
      vesicles.

PMID- 27122607
TI  - Long-term outcomes after resection of Stage IV cavoatrial tumour extension using
      deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Renal neoplasms frequently expand into renal veins and inferior vena
      cava from the early stages of the disease. In this study, we set out to define
      the long-term outcomes of patients with Stage IV tumorous cavoatrial extension,
      undergoing radical nephrectomy with excision of cavoatrial extension in deep
      hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). METHODS: Thirty-five patients with Stage
      IV cavoatrial extension of renal cell carcinoma underwent radical nephrectomy
      combined with en bloc excision of cavoatrial tumour-thrombus extension, performed
      in DHCA. The preoperative staging of the tumour and assessment of the
      intravascular position of the tumour were performed using standard imaging
      techniques, including computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance imaging
      and echocardiography. Patient data were collected in the patient data bank and
      analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: In this study cohort, we demonstrate
      acceptable long-term results (the mean overall survival of 4.9 +/- 1.0 years and
      the 5-year survival rate of 40%) and outline several clear predictors for
      postoperative long-term survival of the patients. Preoperative evidence of remote
      tumour metastases and tumourous lymph node involvement conversely predicts
      inferior postoperative survival. However, a high local postoperative tumour
      recurrence rate does not limit patient survival in this group. CONCLUSIONS: The
      data provide evidence for perioperative safety and acceptable long-term results
      of radical nephrectomy with excision of cavoatrial extension in DHCA in patients
      with Stage IV cavoatrial extension of renal neoplasm. Thus, this radical surgical
      procedure can provide effective long-term palliation in the absence of evident
      metastatic disease.

PMID- 27122608
TI  - Risk scores and how to evaluate them.

PMID- 27122610
TI  - An incentive-based approach for improving data reproducibility.

PMID- 27122609
TI  - Reduction of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in a rat lung transplantation model by
      low-concentration GV1001.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Lung ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is one of the major
      complications following lung transplantation. The novel peptide GV1001, which is
      derived from human telomerase reverse transcriptase, has been reported to possess
      both antitumour and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we focused on the
      anti-inflammatory effects of GV1001 to investigate the IR injury prevention
      effect of GV1001 in a rat lung transplantation model. METHODS: An orthotopic left
      lung transplantation rat model was established using the modified cuff technique.
      We applied 50 ml of normal saline (control), Perfadex (low-potassium standard
      dextran containing perfusion solution), Perfadex with 5 mg GV1001 (5-mg GV, low
      concentration) and Perfadex with 50 mg GV1001 (50-mg GV, high concentration) as
      both flushing and preservation solutions. The left lung was stored in the same
      solution as the flushing solution at 4 degrees C for 3 h. After transplantation,
      the recipient rats were monitored for 3 h. Arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA),
      bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis, wet/dry ratio, histological analysis,
      apoptotic cell analysis and cytokine [tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)
      and interleukin 6 (IL-6)] analysis were performed to determine the reduction or
      prevention effect of GV1001 regarding lung IR injury. RESULTS: Compared with the
      control group, the neutrophil count in BAL, reperfusion oedema and cytokine (TNF
      alpha, IL-6) levels of the transplanted lung were significantly decreased in the
      5-mg GV group. Compared with the Perfadex group (16.85 +/- 2.43), the neutrophil
      count in BAL was also significantly decreased in the 5-mg GV group (5.39 +/-
      0.81) (P< 0.001). In addition, the cytokine (TNF-alpha, IL-6) levels of the
      transplanted lung were also significantly decreased in the 5-mg GV group (41.99
      +/- 12.79, 1069.74 +/- 98.48 pg/ml) compared with the Perfadex group (90.73 +/-
      23.87, 2051.92 +/- 243.57 pg/ml) (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). However,
      the 50-mg GV group showed less effect than the 5-mg GV group. CONCLUSIONS: Adding
      a low concentration of GV1001 to the lung preservation solution (Perfadex)
      provided potential protective effects against IR injury after lung
      transplantation in rats. Therefore, GV1001 should be considered as a promising
      anti-inflammatory agent for IR injury.

PMID- 27122611
TI  - On the path to a science of patient input.
AB  - It is early days in the creation of a science of patient input. Participants are
      establishing rigorous methods to better integrate patient perspectives, needs,
      and priorities throughout biomedical and bioengineering R&D and care delivery to
      patients. To assess progress and unmet needs, FasterCures tracked more than 70
      collaborative initiatives clustered in six categories that are defining and
      shaping this developing field. No longer is patient engagement a fanciful notion
      as it was at the start of our journey in 2003, and the rush of activity is
      welcome and vital.

PMID- 27122612
TI  - IRF7 inhibition prevents destructive innate immunity-A target for nonantibiotic
      therapy of bacterial infections.
AB  - Boosting innate immunity represents an important therapeutic alternative to
      antibiotics. However, the molecular selectivity of this approach is a major
      concern because innate immune responses often cause collateral tissue damage. We
      identify the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7), a
      heterodimer partner of IRF-3, as a target for non-antibiotics-based therapy of
      bacterial infections. We found that the efficient and self-limiting innate immune
      response to bacterial infection relies on a tight balance between IRF-3 and IRF
      7. Deletion of Irf3 resulted in overexpression of Irf7 and led to an IRF-7-driven
      hyperinflammatory phenotype, which was entirely prevented if Irf7 was deleted. We
      then identified a network of strongly up-regulated, IRF-7-dependent genes in
      Irf3(-/-) mice with kidney pathology, which was absent in Irf7(-/-) mice. IRF-3
      and IRF-7 from infected kidney cell nuclear extracts were shown to bind OAS1,
      CCL5, and IFNB1 promoter oligonucleotides. These data are consistent in children
      with low IRF7 expression in the blood: attenuating IRF7 promoter polymorphisms
      (rs3758650-T and rs10902179-G) negatively associated with recurrent
      pyelonephritis. Finally, we identified IRF-7 as a target for immunomodulatory
      therapy. Administering liposomal Irf7 siRNA to Irf3(-/-) mice suppressed mucosal
      IRF-7 expression, and the mice were protected against infection and renal tissue
      damage. These findings offer a response to the classical but unresolved question
      of "good versus bad inflammation" and identify IRF7 as a therapeutic target for
      protection against bacterial infection.

PMID- 27122613
TI  - ZP2 peptide beads select human sperm in vitro, decoy mouse sperm in vivo, and
      provide reversible contraception.
AB  - Gamete recognition in the female reproductive tract occurs at the surface of the
      zona pellucida surrounding ovulated eggs. The acellular zona matrix is composed
      of three (mouse) or four (human) proteins (ZP1 to ZP4), and the amino terminus of
      ZP2 is the primary sperm-binding ligand. Mouse and human sperm bind,
      respectively, to recombinant moZP2(35-149) and huZP2(39-154) peptides attached to
      agarose beads. Mouse ZP2 peptide beads markedly inhibited fertilization of
      ovulated mouse eggs inseminated in vitro and incubated overnight. Similarly,
      human ZP2 peptide beads prevented sperm binding and penetration of transgenic
      ZP2(Rescue) zonae pellucidae, in which human ZP2 replaced mouse ZP2. When mouse
      ZP2 peptide beads were transcervically deposited into the uterus, there was no
      change in mating behavior and copulatory plugs were present, but bound sperm did
      not progress into the oviduct and female mice were infertile. On average,
      contraception lasted >10 estrus cycles but was reversible with no detectable
      pathology in the reproductive tract. Despite the long-term contraceptive effect,
      initial sperm binding to the peptide beads was reversible in vitro. We exploited
      this observation to select human sperm that were better able to penetrate the
      zonae of human ZP2(Rescue) eggs, and the approach holds promise for identifying
      superior sperm for human assisted reproductive technologies (ART). We conclude
      that the amino-terminal ZP2 peptide supports sperm binding, which is initially
      reversible but, with time, becomes irreversible. Short-term, reversible binding
      may be useful in selecting sperm for ART, and long-term binding decoys sperm and
      results in effective contraception in mice.

PMID- 27122614
TI  - MDM2 inhibition rescues neurogenic and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of
      fragile X syndrome.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome, the most common form of inherited intellectual disability, is
      caused by loss of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). However, the
      mechanism remains unclear, and effective treatment is lacking. We show that loss
      of FMRP leads to activation of adult mouse neural stem cells (NSCs) and a
      subsequent reduction in the production of neurons. We identified the ubiquitin
      ligase mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) as a target of FMRP. FMRP regulates
      Mdm2 mRNA stability, and loss of FMRP resulted in elevated MDM2 mRNA and protein.
      Further, we found that increased MDM2 expression led to reduced P53 expression in
      adult mouse NSCs, leading to alterations in NSC proliferation and
      differentiation. Treatment with Nutlin-3, a small molecule undergoing clinical
      trials for treating cancer, specifically inhibited the interaction of MDM2 with
      P53, and rescued neurogenic and cognitive deficits in FMRP-deficient mice. Our
      data reveal a potential regulatory role for FMRP in the balance between adult NSC
      activation and quiescence, and identify a potential new treatment for fragile X
      syndrome.

PMID- 27122616
TI  - Early or late surgery for endocarditis with neurological complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The European Society of Cardiology 2015 guidelines advise urgent
      surgery for endocarditis complicated by cerebral embolism or transient ischemic
      events (1B evidence). Nevertheless, the timing of surgery remains contentious.
      This study aimed to review our experience of early versus delayed surgery in a
      selected cohort. METHODS: Our surgical database was examined for patients with a
      discharge diagnosis of endocarditis from 2005 to 2011. Selection was limited to
      patients who fulfilled the Duke criteria and underwent brain imaging for a
      clinically diagnosed preoperative neurological event. Patients were categorized
      as early surgery (<=7 days of clinical or cerebral imaging diagnosis of stroke)
      or delayed surgery (>7 days after diagnosis). RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were
      identified: 20 in the early group (mean age 52 +/- 15 years, diagnosis-to-surgery
      time 4 +/- 2 days) and 19 in the delayed group (mean age 45 +/- 15 years,
      diagnosis-to-surgery time 17 +/- 11 days). There were no statistical differences
      in preoperative risks, operative data (cardiopulmonary bypass and crossclamp
      times) or postoperative neurological and mortality outcomes between the 2 groups.
      The size of the cerebral lesion was not a significant predictor of postoperative
      hemorrhagic or neurological outcome. Multivariate analysis did not show any
      independent predictor of mortality during follow-up (mean 51 +/- 27 months).
      There was no difference in long-term survival, freedom from reoperation, or
      recurrent endocarditis between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed no
      statistical excess of mortality or neurological outcomes after early surgical
      intervention, regardless of the preoperative cerebral lesion size.

PMID- 27122617
TI  - Evaluating Hospice and Palliative Medicine Education in Pediatric Training
      Programs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) competencies are of growing
      importance in training general pediatricians and pediatric sub-specialists. The
      Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) emphasized pediatric
      trainees should understand the "impact of chronic disease, terminal conditions
      and death on patients and their families." Currently, very little is known
      regarding pediatric trainee education in HPM. METHODS: We surveyed all 486 ACGME
      accredited pediatric training program directors (PDs) - 200 in general pediatrics
      (GP), 57 in cardiology (CARD), 64 in critical care medicine (CCM), 69 in
      hematology-oncology (ONC) and 96 in neonatology (NICU). We collected training
      program's demographics, PD's attitudes and educational practices regarding HPM.
      RESULTS: The complete response rate was 30% (148/486). Overall, 45% offer formal
      HPM curriculum and 39% offer a rotation in HPM for trainees. HPM teaching
      modalities commonly reported included conferences, consultations and bedside
      teaching. Eighty-one percent of all respondents felt that HPM curriculum would
      improve trainees' ability to care for patients. While most groups felt that a HPM
      rotation would enhance trainees' education [GP (96%), CARD (77%), CCM (82%) and
      ONC (95%)], NICU PDs were more divided (55%; p < 0.05 for all comparisons vs.
      NICU). CONCLUSION: While most programs report perceived benefit from HPM
      training, there remains a paucity of opportunities for pediatric trainees.
      Passive teaching methods are frequently utilized in HPM curricula with minimal
      diversity in methods utilized to teach HPM. Opportunities to further emphasize
      HPM in general pediatric and pediatric sub-specialty training remains.

PMID- 27122615
TI  - Initiation of immune tolerance-controlled HIV gp41 neutralizing B cell lineages.
AB  - Development of an HIV vaccine is a global priority. A major roadblock to a
      vaccine is an inability to induce protective broadly neutralizing antibodies
      (bnAbs). HIV gp41 bnAbs have characteristics that predispose them to be
      controlled by tolerance. We used gp41 2F5 bnAb germline knock-in mice and
      macaques vaccinated with immunogens reactive with germline precursors to activate
      neutralizing antibodies. In germline knock-in mice, bnAb precursors were deleted,
      with remaining anergic B cells capable of being activated by germline-binding
      immunogens to make gp41-reactive immunoglobulin M (IgM). Immunized macaques made
      B cell clonal lineages targeted to the 2F5 bnAb epitope, but 2F5-like antibodies
      were either deleted or did not attain sufficient affinity for gp41-lipid
      complexes to achieve the neutralization potency of 2F5. Structural analysis of
      members of a vaccine-induced antibody lineage revealed that heavy chain
      complementarity-determining region 3 (HCDR3) hydrophobicity was important for
      neutralization. Thus, gp41 bnAbs are controlled by immune tolerance, requiring
      vaccination strategies to transiently circumvent tolerance controls.

PMID- 27122618
TI  - Addressing Our Deficiencies in End-of-Life Care: Perspectives From a Resident
      Physician.

PMID- 27122619
TI  - Time Delay to Rheumatology Consultation: Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnostic
      Concordance Between Primary Care Physician and Rheumatologist.

PMID- 27122620
TI  - Chest Radiographs Immediately After Cardiac Surgery.

PMID- 27122621
TI  - Burnout's Prevalence Estimations: A House of Cards?

PMID- 27122622
TI  - Mastering Medical Devices for Safe Use.

PMID- 27122623
TI  - Diabetes and Obesity Trends in Tonga Over 40 Years.
AB  - Disparate population surveys of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been
      conducted in Tonga for 4 decades. This study standardizes these surveys to enable
      assessment of T2DM and obesity trends in Tongans aged 25 to 64 years over 1973
      2012, and projects T2DM prevalence to 2020 based on demographic and population
      weight changes. Eight surveys were standardized to the nearest census to produce
      nationally representative estimates. Linear period trends and prevalence
      projections to 2020 were produced using random-effects meta-regression. Over 1973
      2012, T2DM prevalence increased from 5.2% to 19.0% (1.9%/5 years) and obesity
      prevalence from 56.0% to 70.2% (2.7%/5 years). T2DM prevalence period projection
      to 2020 is 22.3%. Based on modeling using body mass index, T2DM prevalence in
      2020 could have been 12.7% and 16.8% in 2020 had mean population weight been 1 to
      4 kg lower than 2012 levels.

PMID- 27122624
TI  - Role of Individual, Family, and Peers in Sexual Initiation Among Late Adolescents
      Attending Institutions of Higher Learning in Malaysia.
AB  - This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and the factors
      associated with sexual initiation among the late adolescents in 6 institutions of
      higher learning in Malaysia. A total of 1572 students completed self-administered
      questionnaires between April and September 2013. Hierarchical multivariate
      logistic regression analyses stratified by gender were employed to identify the
      correlates of sexual initiation. The analyses were further adjusted by sampling
      weights. The overall prevalence of sexual initiation was 9.8% (95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 8.3-11.6), 18.1% (95% CI = 15.1-21.5) among males, and 4.1% (95%
      CI = 2.9-5.9) among females. The risk factors identified in this study supported
      the influence of the individual, family, and peer factors in the social
      ecological model on adolescents' behaviors. The findings suggest the need for
      risk-reduction strategies aimed at the individual, family, and peer levels as
      well as the importance of gender-specific focus in assuring better outcomes.

PMID- 27122625
TI  - Family Planning Practice Among Rural Reproductive-Age Married Women in Myanmar.
AB  - A cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate family planning (FP)
      practices and associated factors among reproductive-age married women. Data were
      collected by interviewing the 300 married women living in a rural area of
      Myanmar. The questionnaire had reliability coefficients ranging from .8 to .9.
      Results indicated that 73.3% of women performed FP, and contraceptive injection
      was the most common method. Significant associations were found with age 21 to 35
      years (adjusted odds ratio [adj OR] = 3.748, 95% CI = 2.179-6.445), adequacy of
      income (adj OR = 2.520, 95% CI = 1.477-4.290), good attitude toward FP (adj OR =
      0.386, 95% CI = 0.228-0.656), good support from health care providers (adj OR =
      0.129, 95% CI = 0.054-0.313), good support from family (adj OR = 0.304, 95% CI =
      0.163-0.565), good support from friends (adj OR = 0.344, 95% CI = 0.193-0.613),
      and FP practice. It is recommended that designing FP programs with peers and
      family involvement could increase the practice of FP among rural Myanmar women.

PMID- 27122626
TI  - Analysis of Validity and Reliability of the Health Literacy Index for Female
      Marriage Immigrants (HLI-FMI).
AB  - The purpose of this study was to obtain an independent evaluation of the factor
      structure of the 12-item Health Literacy Index for Female Marriage Immigrants
      (HLI-FMI), the first measure for assessing health literacy for FMIs in Korea.
      Participants were 250 Asian women who migrated from China, Vietnam, and the
      Philippines to marry. The HLI-FMI was originally developed and administered in
      Korean, and other questionnaires were translated into participants' native
      languages. The HLI-FMI consisted of 2 factors: (1) Access-Understand Health
      Literacy (7 items) and (2) Appraise-Apply Health Literacy (5 items); Cronbach's
      alpha = .73. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated adequate fit for the 2-factor
      model. HLI-FMI scores were positively associated with time since immigration and
      Korean proficiency. Based on classical test theory and item response theory,
      strong support was provided for item discrimination and item difficulty. Findings
      suggested that the HLI-FMI is an easily administered, reliable, and valid scale.

PMID- 27122627
TI  - The Lipid Hypothesis in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease: The Role of the Multi
      Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27122629
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27122628
TI  - Vascular Regeneration by Stem/Progenitor Cells.

PMID- 27122630
TI  - Notice of Retraction.

PMID- 27122631
TI  - Long noncoding RNAs in gastric cancer carcinogenesis and metastasis.
AB  - Recent studies of the human transcriptome, most prominently by the ENCyclopedia
      Of DNA Elements project, have revealed an unexpected number of noncoding RNAs
      (ncRNAs). Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are typically referred to a heterogeneous
      group of polyadenylated long ncRNAs, with a length of > 200 nt. LncRNAs
      constitute an integral part of tumor biology, with many lncRNAs discovered to be
      aberrantly expressed in various cancer types. They are involved in many aspects
      of cancer pathogenesis from its initiation to progression, metastasis and
      treatment response. Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer
      death worldwide. Despite the current improvements of life expectancy and survival
      rate, most of the patients are diagnosed when their cancer has been progressed to
      advanced stages. Therefore, unraveling the molecular mechanisms of GC to find
      early-stage biomarkers is urgent. As the list of lncRNAs with deregulated
      expression in GC is steadily expanding, these molecules offer a source for
      developing GC-specific biomarkers. In this review, we will present and discuss
      those lncRNAs whose expression has been shown to be deregulated in GC.

PMID- 27122632
TI  - C. elegans flavin-containing monooxygenase-4 is essential for osmoregulation in
      hypotonic stress.

PMID- 27122633
TI  - Is the Epididymis a Series of Organs Placed Side By Side?
AB  - The mammalian epididymis is more than a highly convoluted tube divided into four
      regions: initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda. It is a highly segmented
      structure with each segment expressing its own and overlapping genes, proteins,
      and signal transduction pathways. Therefore, the epididymis may be viewed as a
      series of organs placed side by side. In this review we discuss the contributions
      of septa that divide the epididymis into segments and present hypotheses as to
      the mechanism by which septa form. The mechanisms of Wolffian duct segmentation
      are likened to the mechanisms of segmentation of the renal nephron and somites.
      The renal nephron may provide valuable clues as to how the Wolffian duct is
      patterned during development, whereas somitogenesis may provide clues as to the
      timing of the development of each segment. Emphasis is also placed upon how
      segments are differentially regulated, in support of the idea that the epididymis
      can be considered a series of multiple organs placed side by side. One region in
      particular, the initial segment, which consists of 2 or 4 segments in mice and
      rats, respectively, is unique with respect to its regulation and vascularity
      compared to other segments; loss of development of these segments leads to male
      infertility. Different ways of thinking about how the epididymis functions may
      provide new directions and ideas as to how sperm maturation takes place.

PMID- 27122634
TI  - Growing Mouse Oocytes Transiently Activate Folate Transport via Folate Receptors
      As They Approach Full Size.
AB  - The folate cycle is central to cellular one-carbon metabolism, where folates are
      carriers of one-carbon units that are critical for synthesis of purines,
      thymidylate, and S-adenosylmethionine, the universal methyl donor that forms the
      cellular methyl pool. Although folates are well-known to be important for early
      embryo and fetal development, their role in oogenesis has not been clearly
      established. Here, folate transport proteins were detected in developing neonatal
      ovaries and growing oocytes by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and
      immunofluorescence. The folate receptors FOLR1 and FOLR2 as well as reduced
      folate carrier 1 (RFC1, SLC19A1 protein) each appeared to be present in
      follicular cells including granulosa cells. In growing oocytes, however, only
      FOLR2 immunoreactivity appeared abundant. Localization of apparent FOLR2
      immunofluorescence near the plasma membrane increased with oocyte growth and
      peaked in oocytes as they neared full size. We assessed folate transport using
      the model folate leucovorin (folinic acid). Unexpectedly, there was a transient
      burst of folate transport activity for a brief period during oocyte growth as
      they neared full size, while folate transport was otherwise undetectable for the
      rest of oogenesis and in fully grown germinal vesicle stage oocytes. This folate
      transport was inhibited by dynasore, an inhibitor of endocytosis, but insensitive
      to the anion transport inhibitor stilbene 4-acetamido-40-isothiocyanato-stilbene
      2,20-disulfonic acid, consistent with folate receptor-mediated transport but not
      with RFC1-mediated transport. Thus, near the end of their growth, growing oocytes
      may take up folates that could support the final stage of oogenesis or be stored
      to provide the endogenous folates needed in early embryogenesis.

PMID- 27122635
TI  - Cellular Dynamics of Mouse Trophoblast Stem Cells: Identification of a Persistent
      Stem Cell Type.
AB  - Mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) proliferate indefinitely in vitro, despite
      their highly heterogeneous nature. In this study, we sought to characterize TSC
      colony types by using methods based on cell biology and biochemistry for a better
      understanding of how TSCs are maintained over multiple passages. Colonies of TSCs
      could be classified into four major types: type 1 is compact and dome-shaped,
      type 4 is flattened but with a large multilayered cell cluster, and types 2 and 3
      are their intermediates. A time-lapse analysis indicated that type 1 colonies
      predominantly appeared after passaging, and a single type 1 colony gave rise to
      all other types. These colony transitions were irreversible, but at least some
      type 1 colonies persisted throughout culture. The typical cells comprising type 1
      colonies were small and highly motile, and they aggregated together to form
      primary colonies. A hierarchical clustering based on global gene expression
      profiles suggested that a TSC line containing more type 1 colony cells was
      similar to in vivo extraembryonic tissues. Among the known TSC genes examined,
      Elf5 showed a differential expression pattern according to colony type,
      indicating that this gene might be a reliable marker of undifferentiated TSCs.
      When aggregated with fertilized embryos, cells from types 1 and 2, but not from
      type 4, distributed to the polar trophectoderm in blastocysts. These findings
      indicate that cells typically found in type 1 colonies can persist indefinitely
      as stem cells and are responsible for the maintenance of TSC lines. They may
      provide key information for future improvements in the quality of TSC lines.

PMID- 27122636
TI  - MicroRNA-183-96-182 Cluster Regulates Bovine Granulosa Cell Proliferation and
      Cell Cycle Transition by Coordinately Targeting FOXO1.
AB  - Large-scale expression profiling of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) in bovine granulosa cells
      from dominant and subordinate follicles on Day 19 of the estrous cycle revealed
      enriched micro-RNA-183-96-182 cluster miRNAs in preovulatory dominant follicles
      that coordinately regulate the forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) gene. However,
      little is known about the role of this cluster in bovine granulosa cell function.
      We used an in vitro granulosa cell culture model to investigate this role.
      Granulosa cells aspirated from small growing follicles (3-5 mm in diameter) were
      cultured in Dulbecco modified Eagle medium/F-12 medium supplemented with fetal
      bovine serum and transfected with locked nucleic acid-based miRNA mimics,
      inhibitors, and corresponding negative controls. Overexpression of the miRNA
      cluster resulted in suppression of FOXO1 mRNA and protein, whereas inhibition of
      the cluster increased expression of FOXO1 mRNA. Overexpression also increased the
      relative rate of cell proliferation, whereas inhibition slowed it down.
      Similarly, the proportion of cells under G0/G1 arrest declined, whereas the ratio
      of cells in S phase increased in response to miR-183-96-182 overexpression.
      Selective knockdown of FOXO1 mRNA using anti-FOXO1 small interfering RNA
      increased the rate of granulosa cell proliferation, decreased the proportion of
      cells under G0/G1 arrest, and increased the proportion of cells in the S phase of
      cell cycle. Our data suggest that miR-183-96-182 cluster miRNAs promote
      proliferation and G1/S transition of bovine granulosa cells by coordinately
      targeting FOXO1, suggesting a critical role in granulosa cell function. MicroRNA
      183-96-182 cluster regulates bovine granulosa cell function by targeting FOXO1
      gene.

PMID- 27122637
TI  - A problem with problem solving: motivational traits, but not cognition, predict
      success on novel operant foraging tasks.
AB  - Rates of innovative foraging behaviours and success on problem-solving tasks are
      often used to assay differences in cognition, both within and across species. Yet
      the cognitive features of some problem-solving tasks can be unclear. As such,
      explanations that attribute cognitive mechanisms to individual variation in
      problem-solving performance have revealed conflicting results. We investigated
      individual consistency in problem-solving performances in captive-reared pheasant
      chicks, Phasianus colchicus, and addressed whether success depends on cognitive
      processes, such as trial-and-error associative learning, or whether performances
      may be driven solely via noncognitive motivational mechanisms, revealed through
      subjects' willingness to approach, engage with and persist in their interactions
      with an apparatus, or via physiological traits such as body condition. While
      subjects' participation and success were consistent within the same problems and
      across similar tasks, their performances were inconsistent across different types
      of task. Moreover, subjects' latencies to approach each test apparatus and their
      attempts to access the reward were not repeatable across trials. Successful
      individuals did not improve their performances with experience, nor were they
      consistent in their techniques in repeated presentations of a task. However,
      individuals that were highly motivated to enter the experimental chamber were
      more likely to participate. Successful individuals were also faster to approach
      each test apparatus and more persistent in their attempts to solve the tasks than
      unsuccessful individuals. Our findings therefore suggest that individual
      differences in problem-solving success can arise from inherent motivational
      differences alone and hence be achieved without inferring more complex cognitive
      processes.

PMID- 27122640
TI  - Corruption and inequality of wealth amongst the very rich.
AB  - Corruption may lead to tax evasion and unbalanced favors and this may lead to
      extraordinary wealth amongst a few. We study for 13 countries 6 years of Forbes
      rankings data and we examine whether corruption leads to more inequality amongst
      the wealthiest. When we correct in our panel model for current and one-year
      lagged competitiveness and GDP growth rates, we find no such effect. In fact, we
      find that more competitiveness decreases inequality amongst the wealthiest.

PMID- 27122641
TI  - Joint analysis of longitudinal and survival data measured on nested timescales by
      using shared parameter models: an application to fecundity data.
AB  - We consider the joint modelling, analysis and prediction of a longitudinal binary
      process and a discrete time-to-event outcome. We consider data from a prospective
      pregnancy study, which provides day level information regarding the behaviour of
      couples attempting to conceive. Reproductive epidemiologists are particularly
      interested in developing a model for individualized predictions of time to
      pregnancy (TTP). A couple's intercourse behaviour should be an integral part of
      such a model and is one of the main focuses of the paper. In our motivating data,
      the intercourse observations are a long series of binary data with a periodic
      probability of success and the amount of available intercourse data is a function
      of both the menstrual cycle length and TTP. Moreover, these variables are
      dependent and observed on different, and nested, timescales (TTP is measured in
      menstrual cycles whereas intercourse is measured on days within a menstrual
      cycle) further complicating its analysis. Here, we propose a semiparametric
      shared parameter model for the joint modelling of the binary longitudinal data
      (intercourse behaviour) and the discrete survival outcome (TTP). Further, we
      develop couple-based dynamic predictions for the intercourse profiles, which in
      turn are used to assess the risk for subfertility (i.e. TTP longer than six
      menstrual cycles).

PMID- 27122642
TI  - Measure for Measure: How Proficiency-Based Accountability Systems Affect
      Inequality in Academic Achievement.
AB  - How do proficiency-based accountability systems affect inequality in academic
      achievement? This paper reconciles mixed findings in the literature by
      demonstrating that three factors jointly determine accountability's impact.
      First, by analyzing student-level data from a large urban school district, we
      find that when educators face accountability pressure, they focus attention on
      students closest to proficiency. We refer to this practice as educational triage,
      and show that the difficulty of the proficiency standard affects whether lower or
      higher performing students gain most on high-stakes tests used to evaluate
      schools. Less difficult proficiency standards decrease inequality in high-stakes
      achievement, while more difficult ones increase it. Second, we show that
      educators emphasize test-specific skills with students near proficiency, a
      practice that we refer to as instructional triage. As a result, the effects of
      accountability pressure differ across high and low-stakes tests; we find no
      effects on inequality in low-stakes reading and math tests of similar skills.
      Finally, we provide suggestive evidence that instructional triage is most
      pronounced in the lowest performing schools. We conclude by discussing how these
      findings shape our understanding of accountability's impacts on educational
      inequality.

PMID- 27122643
TI  - Patterns of internationalization and criteria for research assessment in the
      social sciences and humanities.
AB  - This article investigates the developments during the last decades in the use of
      languages, publication types and publication channels in the social sciences and
      humanities (SSH). The purpose is to develop an understanding of the processes of
      internationalization and to apply this understanding in a critical examination of
      two often used general criteria in research evaluations in the SSH. One of them
      is that the coverage of a publication in Scopus or Web of Science is seen in
      itself as an expression of research quality and of internationalization. The
      other is that a specific international language, English, and a specific type of
      publication, journal articles, are perceived as supreme in a general hierarchy of
      languages and publication types. Simple distinctions based on these criteria are
      contrary to the heterogeneous publication patterns needed in the SSH to organize
      their research adequately, present their results properly, reach their audiences
      efficiently, and thereby fulfil their missions. Research quality,
      internationalization, and societal relevance can be promoted in research
      assessment in the SSH without categorical hierarchies of publications. I will
      demonstrate this by using data from scholarly publishing in the SSH that go
      beyond the coverage in the commercial data sources in order to give a more
      comprehensive representation of scholarly publishing in the SSH.

PMID- 27122644
TI  - Scientific workflows for bibliometrics.
AB  - Scientific workflows organize the assembly of specialized software into an
      overall data flow and are particularly well suited for multi-step analyses using
      different types of software tools. They are also favorable in terms of
      reusability, as previously designed workflows could be made publicly available
      through the myExperiment community and then used in other workflows. We here
      illustrate how scientific workflows and the Taverna workbench in particular can
      be used in bibliometrics. We discuss the specific capabilities of Taverna that
      makes this software a powerful tool in this field, such as automated data import
      via Web services, data extraction from XML by XPaths, and statistical analysis
      and visualization with R. The support of the latter is particularly relevant, as
      it allows integration of a number of recently developed R packages specifically
      for bibliometrics. Examples are used to illustrate the possibilities of Taverna
      in the fields of bibliometrics and scientometrics.

PMID- 27122645
TI  - Science system path-dependencies and their influences: nanotechnology research in
      Russia.
AB  - In this paper, we study the influence of path dependencies on the development of
      an emerging technology in a transitional economy. Our focus is the development of
      nanotechnology in Russia in the period between 1990 and 2012. By examining
      outputs, publication paths and collaboration patterns, we identify a series of
      factors that help to explain Russia's limited success in leveraging its ambitious
      national nanotechnology initiative. The analysis highlights four path-dependent
      tendencies of Russian nanotechnology research: publication pathways and the
      gatekeeping role of the Russian Academy of Sciences; increasing geographical and
      institutional centralisation of nanotechnology research; limited institutional
      diffusion; and patterns associated with the internationalisation of Russian
      research. We discuss policy implications related to path dependence,
      nanotechnology research in Russia and to the broader reform of the Russian
      science system.

PMID- 27122646
TI  - Obstacles to prior art searching by the trilateral patent offices: empirical
      evidence from International Search Reports.
AB  - Despite many empirical studies having been carried out on examiner patent
      citations, few have scrutinized the obstacles to prior art searching when adding
      patent citations during patent prosecution at patent offices. This analysis takes
      advantage of the longitudinal gap between an International Search Report (ISR) as
      required by the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and subsequent national
      examination procedures. We investigate whether several kinds of distance actually
      affect the probability that prior art is detected at the time of an ISR; this
      occurs much earlier than in national phase examinations. Based on triadic PCT
      applications between 2002 and 2005 for the trilateral patent offices (the
      European Patent Office, the US Patent and Trademark Office, and the Japan Patent
      Office) and their family-level citations made by the trilateral offices, we find
      evidence that geographical distance negatively affects the probability of capture
      of prior patents in an ISR. In addition, the technological complexity of an
      application negatively affects the probability of capture, whereas the volume of
      forward citations of prior art affects it positively. These results demonstrate
      the presence of obstacles to searching at patent offices, and suggest ways to
      design work sharing by patent offices, such that the duplication of search costs
      arises only when patent office search horizons overlap.

PMID- 27122647
TI  - Research data explored: an extended analysis of citations and altmetrics.
AB  - In this study, we explore the citedness of research data, its distribution over
      time and its relation to the availability of a digital object identifier (DOI) in
      the Thomson Reuters database Data Citation Index (DCI). We investigate if cited
      research data "impacts" the (social) web, reflected by altmetrics scores, and if
      there is any relationship between the number of citations and the sum of
      altmetrics scores from various social media platforms. Three tools are used to
      collect altmetrics scores, namely PlumX, ImpactStory, and Altmetric.com, and the
      corresponding results are compared. We found that out of the three altmetrics
      tools, PlumX has the best coverage. Our experiments revealed that research data
      remain mostly uncited (about 85 %), although there has been an increase in citing
      data sets published since 2008. The percentage of the number of cited research
      data with a DOI in DCI has decreased in the last years. Only nine repositories
      are responsible for research data with DOIs and two or more citations. The number
      of cited research data with altmetrics "foot-prints" is even lower (4-9 %) but
      shows a higher coverage of research data from the last decade. In our study, we
      also found no correlation between the number of citations and the total number of
      altmetrics scores. Yet, certain data types (i.e. survey, aggregate data, and
      sequence data) are more often cited and also receive higher altmetrics scores.
      Additionally, we performed citation and altmetric analyses of all research data
      published between 2011 and 2013 in four different disciplines covered by the DCI.
      In general, these results correspond very well with the ones obtained for
      research data cited at least twice and also show low numbers in citations and in
      altmetrics. Finally, we observed that there are disciplinary differences in the
      availability and extent of altmetrics scores.

PMID- 27122648
TI  - Estimating search engine index size variability: a 9-year longitudinal study.
AB  - One of the determining factors of the quality of Web search engines is the size
      of their index. In addition to its influence on search result quality, the size
      of the indexed Web can also tell us something about which parts of the WWW are
      directly accessible to the everyday user. We propose a novel method of estimating
      the size of a Web search engine's index by extrapolating from document
      frequencies of words observed in a large static corpus of Web pages. In addition,
      we provide a unique longitudinal perspective on the size of Google and Bing's
      indices over a nine-year period, from March 2006 until January 2015. We find that
      index size estimates of these two search engines tend to vary dramatically over
      time, with Google generally possessing a larger index than Bing. This result
      raises doubts about the reliability of previous one-off estimates of the size of
      the indexed Web. We find that much, if not all of this variability can be
      explained by changes in the indexing and ranking infrastructure of Google and
      Bing. This casts further doubt on whether Web search engines can be used reliably
      for cross-sectional webometric studies.

PMID- 27122649
TI  - On the bibliometric coordinates of four different research fields in Geography.
AB  - This study is a bibliometric analysis of the highly complex research discipline
      Geography. In order to identify the most popular and most cited publication
      channels, to reveal publication strategies, and to analyse the discipline's
      coverage within publications, the three main data sources for citation analyses,
      namely Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar, have been utilized. This study
      is based on publication data collected for four individual evaluation exercises
      performed at the University of Vienna and related to four different subfields:
      Geoecology, Social and Economic Geography, Demography and Population Geography,
      and Economic Geography. The results show very heterogeneous and individual
      publication strategies, even in the same research fields. Monographs, journal
      articles and book chapters are the most cited document types. Differences between
      research fields more related to the natural sciences than to the social sciences
      are clearly visible, but less considerable when taking into account the higher
      number of co-authors. General publication strategies seem to be established for
      both natural science and social sciences, however, with significant differences.
      While in natural science mainly publications in international peer-reviewed
      scientific journals matter, the focus in social sciences is rather on book
      chapters, reports and monographs. Although an "iceberg citation model" is
      suggested, citation analyses for monographs, book chapters and reports should be
      conducted separately and should include complementary data sources, such as
      Google Scholar, in order to enhance the coverage and to improve the quality of
      the visibility and impact analyses. This is particularly important for social
      sciences related research within Geography.

PMID- 27122650
TI  - Moral Preferences.
AB  - In this brief response to Etzioni's paper we argue that satisfying one's
      preferences and seeking to live up to one's moral standards are not incompatible
      ways of living one's life, and that choosing to act morally need not involve self
      sacrifice.

PMID- 27122651
TI  - Making Moral Judgments from a World-Historic Standpoint: The Case of Woodrow
      Wilson.
AB  - This comment reflects on the recent row over Woodrow Wilson's legacy, which has
      focussed on his undeniable racism. This was in pursuit of a 'Progressive' agenda
      which paved the way for the United States to become the geopolitical force that
      it continues to be today. Without necessarily approving of Wilson's particular
      judgements, I argue that he operated with a 'world-historic' sense of morality
      characteristic of Realpolitik, a perspective which might be worth considering by
      those who believe that modern preoccupations with 'race', 'class' and 'gender'
      will remain part of the sociological firmament indefinitely.?.

PMID- 27122652
TI  - Toward a Theory of Coexistence in Shared Social-Ecological Systems: The Case of
      Cook Inlet Salmon Fisheries.
AB  - Coexistence theory (CT) in community ecology provides a functional perspective on
      how multiple competing species coexist. Here, I explore CT's usefulness for
      understanding conflict and coexistence among human groups with diverse livelihood
      interests in shared resources such as fisheries. I add three concepts from social
      science research on coexistence: adaptability, pluralism, and equity and apply
      this expanded theoretical framework to the case of salmon fisheries in Alaska's
      Cook Inlet, synthesizing catch records with anthropological research. The
      analysis addresses issues of inequity, such as who bears the costs of
      conservation measures, a lack of pluralism, in that people have come to devalue
      their neighbors, and a decline in resilience for some sectors, all of which
      undermine the likelihood of these groups continuing coexistence. I discuss policy
      options for addressing escalating conflict in the region, such as improving
      equity in management and the resilience of some fishing groups to temporary
      closures. Finally, I discuss points of engagement for CT with other areas of
      sustainability science such as resilience thinking.

PMID- 27122653
TI  - REDD+ on the rocks? Conflict Over Forest and Politics of Justice in Vietnam.
AB  - In Vietnam, villagers involved in a REDD+ (reduced emissions from deforestation
      and forest degradation) pilot protect areas with rocks which have barely a tree
      on them. The apparent paradox indicates how actual practices differ from general
      ideas about REDD+ due to ongoing conflict over forest, and how contestations over
      the meaning of justice are a core element in negotiations over REDD+. We explore
      these politics of justice by examining how the actors involved in the REDD+ pilot
      negotiate the particular subjects, dimensions, and authority of justice
      considered relevant, and show how politics of justice are implicit to practical
      decisions in project implementation. Contestations over the meaning of justice
      are an important element in the practices and processes constituting REDD+ at
      global, national and local levels, challenging uniform definitions of forest
      justice and how forests ought to be managed.

PMID- 27122654
TI  - Lost in Translation: State Policies and Micro-politics of Water Governance in
      Namibia.
AB  - Water governance in rural Namibia has profoundly changed since the early 1990s.
      After independence and in accordance with global environmental policies, it
      became a central theme of Namibia's environmental legislation to transfer the
      responsibility for managing natural resources to local user associations. In this
      article, I explore the emergence of new social forms at the intersection of
      existing cultural models and new rationalities for governance. Doing so combines
      an analysis of state legislation with the micro-politics of water governance in
      60 pastoral communities. The ethnographic analysis reveals that different actors,
      including state bureaucrats as well as rich and poorer herd owners, have
      different understandings of how to share water. While the poorer often agree with
      the state policy that water is an economic good and should be paid for
      accordingly, only in about half of the communities do corresponding institutional
      regimes emerge. Using critical institutionalism as a theoretical guide, I offer a
      contribution to understanding how more than 20 years after Rio local institutions
      of resource governance emerge at the intersection of different, and often
      heterogeneous and intertwined, social fields.

PMID- 27122655
TI  - Diagnostic Laparoscopy with Ultrasound Still Has a Role in the Staging of
      Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
AB  - Background. The reported incidence of noncurative laparotomies for pancreatic
      cancer using standard imaging (SI) techniques for staging remains high. The
      objectives of this study are to determine the diagnostic accuracy of diagnostic
      laparoscopy with ultrasound (DLUS) in assessing resectability of pancreatic
      tumors. Study Design. We systematically searched the literature for prospective
      studies investigating the accuracy of DLUS in determining resectability of
      pancreatic tumors. Results. 104 studies were initially identified and 19
      prospective studies (1,573 patients) were included. DLUS correctly predicted
      resectability in 79% compared to 55% for SI. DLUS prevented noncurative
      laparotomies in 33%. Of those, the most frequent DLUS findings precluding
      resection were liver metastases, vascular involvement, and peritoneal metastases.
      DLUS had a morbidity rate of 0.8% with no mortalities. DLUS remained superior to
      SI when analyzing studies published only in the last five years (100% versus
      81%), enrolling patients after the year 2000 (74% versus 58%), or comparing DLUS
      to modern multidimensional CT (100% versus 78%). Conclusion. DLUS seems to still
      have a role in the preoperative staging of pancreatic cancer. With its ability to
      detect liver metastases, vascular involvement, and peritoneal metastases, the use
      of DLUS leads to less noncurative laparotomies. 

PMID- 27122657
TI  - Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation: Immunity in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AB  - Inflammation, as a feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), leads to the activation
      of endothelial cells (ECs). Activated ECs induce atherosclerosis through an
      increased expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules. Endothelial dysfunction
      (ED) is recognized as a failure of endothelial repair mechanisms. It is also an
      early preclinical marker of atherosclerosis and is commonly found in RA patients.
      RA is now established as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, while
      mechanistic determinants of ED in RA are still poorly understood. An expanding
      body of study has shown that EC at a site of RA is both active participant and
      regulator of inflammatory process. Over the last decade, a role for endothelial
      dysfunction in RA associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been
      hypothesized. At the same time, several maintenance drugs targeting this
      phenomenon have been tested, which has promising results. Assessment of
      endothelial function may be a useful tool to identify and monitor RA patients. 

PMID- 27122658
TI  - Intersection of toxicogenomics and high throughput screening in the Tox21
      program: an NIEHS perspective.
AB  - Humans are exposed to thousands of chemicals with inadequate toxicological data.
      Advances in computational toxicology, robotic high throughput screening (HTS),
      and genome-wide expression have been integrated into the Tox21 program to better
      predict the toxicological effects of chemicals. Tox21 is a collaboration among US
      government agencies initiated in 2008 that aims to shift chemical hazard
      assessment from traditional animal toxicology to target-specific, mechanism
      based, biological observations using in vitro assays and lower organism models.
      HTS uses biocomputational methods for probing thousands of chemicals in in vitro
      assays for gene-pathway response patterns predictive of adverse human health
      outcomes. In 1999, NIEHS began exploring the application of toxicogenomics to
      toxicology and recent advances in NextGen sequencing should greatly enhance the
      biological content obtained from HTS platforms. We foresee an intersection of new
      technologies in toxicogenomics and HTS as an innovative development in Tox21.
      Tox21 goals, priorities, progress, and challenges will be reviewed.

PMID- 27122659
TI  - Crohn's disease presenting as acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
AB  - Severe gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage is a rare complication of Crohn's disease
      (CD). Although several surgical and non-surgical approaches have been described
      over the last 2 decades this complication still poses significant diagnostic and
      therapeutic challenges. Given the relative infrequency of severe bleeding in CD,
      available medical literature on this topic is mostly in the form of retrospective
      case series and reports. In this article we review the risk factors, diagnostic
      modalities and treatment options for the management of CD presenting as GI
      hemorrhage. 

PMID- 27122656
TI  - Dendritic Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: From Pathogenic Players to
      Therapeutic Tools.
AB  - System lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial systemic autoimmune disease
      with a wide variety of presenting features. SLE is believed to result from
      dysregulated immune responses, loss of tolerance of CD4 T cells and B cells to
      ubiquitous self-antigens, and the subsequent production of anti-nuclear and other
      autoreactive antibodies. Recent research has associated lupus development with
      changes in the dendritic cell (DC) compartment, including altered DC subset
      frequency and localization, overactivation of mDCs and pDCs, and functional
      defects in DCs. Here we discuss the current knowledge on the role of DC
      dysfunction in SLE pathogenesis, with the focus on DCs as targets for
      interventional therapies. 

PMID- 27122661
TI  - Adult mouse model of early hepatocellular carcinoma promoted by alcoholic liver
      disease.
AB  - AIM: To establish a mouse model of alcohol-driven hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      that develops in livers with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). METHODS: Adult
      C57BL/6 male mice received multiple doses of chemical carcinogen diethyl
      nitrosamine (DEN) followed by 7 wk of 4% Lieber-DeCarli diet. Serum alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT), alpha fetoprotein (AFP) and liver Cyp2e1 were assessed.
      Expression of F4/80, CD68 for macrophages and Ly6G, MPO, E-selectin for
      neutrophils was measured. Macrophage polarization was determined by IL-1beta/iNOS
      (M1) and Arg-1/IL-10/CD163/CD206 (M2) expression. Liver steatosis and fibrosis
      were measured by oil-red-O and Sirius red staining respectively. HCC development
      was monitored by magnetic resonance imaging, confirmed by histology. Cellular
      proliferation was assessed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). RESULTS:
      Alcohol-DEN mice showed higher ALTs than pair fed-DEN mice throughout the alcohol
      feeding without weight gain. Alcohol feeding resulted in increased ALT, liver
      steatosis and inflammation compared to pair-fed controls. Alcohol-DEN mice had
      reduced steatosis and increased fibrosis indicating advanced liver disease.
      Molecular characterization showed highest levels of both neutrophil and
      macrophage markers in alcohol-DEN livers. Importantly, M2 macrophages were
      predominantly higher in alcohol-DEN livers. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed
      increased numbers of intrahepatic cysts and liver histology confirmed the
      presence of early HCC in alcohol-DEN mice compared to all other groups. This
      correlated with increased serum alpha-fetoprotein, a marker of HCC, in alcohol
      DEN mice. PCNA immunostaining revealed significantly increased hepatocyte
      proliferation in livers from alcohol-DEN compared to pair fed-DEN or alcohol-fed
      mice. CONCLUSION: We describe a new 12-wk HCC model in adult mice that develops
      in livers with alcoholic hepatitis and defines ALD as co-factor in HCC.

PMID- 27122660
TI  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as a multi-systemic disease.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic
      liver disease. NAFLD includes a wide spectrum of liver conditions ranging from
      simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and advanced hepatic fibrosis.
      NAFLD has been recognized as a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome linked
      with insulin resistance. NAFLD should be considered not only a liver specific
      disease but also an early mediator of systemic diseases. Therefore, NAFLD is
      usually associated with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, type 2
      diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia. NAFLD is highly prevalent in the general
      population and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and
      mortality. The underlying mechanisms and pathogenesis of NAFLD with regard to
      other medical disorders are not yet fully understood. This review focuses on
      pathogenesis of NAFLD and its relation with other systemic diseases. 

PMID- 27122662
TI  - Functional analysis and drug response to zinc and D-penicillamine in stable ATP7B
      mutant hepatic cell lines.
AB  - AIM: To study the effect of anti-copper treatment for survival of hepatic cells
      expressing different ATP7B mutations in cell culture. METHODS: The most common
      Wilson disease (WD) mutations p.H1069Q, p.R778L and p.C271*, found in the ATP7B
      gene encoding a liver copper transporter, were studied. The mutations represent
      major genotypes of the United States and Europe, China, and India, respectively.
      A human hepatoma cell line previously established to carry a knockout of ATP7B
      was used to stably express WD mutants. mRNA and protein expression of mutant
      ATP7B, survival of cells, apoptosis, and protein trafficking were determined.
      RESULTS: Low temperature increased ATP7B protein expression in several mutants.
      Intracellular ATP7B localization was significantly impaired in the mutants.
      Mutants were classified as high, moderate, and no survival based on their
      viability on exposure to toxic copper. Survival of mutant p.H1069Q and to a
      lesser extent p.C271* improved by D-penicillamine (DPA) treatment, while mutant
      p.R778L showed a pronounced response to zinc (Zn) treatment. Overall, DPA
      treatment resulted in higher cell survival as compared to Zn treatment; however,
      only combined Zn + DPA treatment fully restored cell viability. CONCLUSION: The
      data indicate that the basic impact of a genotype might be characterized by
      analysis of mutant hepatic cell lines.

PMID- 27122663
TI  - Combined mesenchymal stem cell transplantation and interleukin-1 receptor
      antagonism after partial hepatectomy.
AB  - AIM: To study the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and an
      interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in acute liver failure. METHODS:
      Chinese experimental miniature swine (15 +/- 3 kg, 5-8 mo) were obtained from the
      Laboratory Animal Centre of the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing
      University Medical School. Acute liver failure was induced via 85% hepatectomy,
      and animals were treated by MSC transplantation combined with IL-1Ra injection.
      Blood samples were collected for hepatic function analysis, and the living
      conditions and survival time were recorded. Liver injury was histologically
      analyzed. Hepatic cell regeneration and apoptosis were studied by Ki67
      immunohistochemistry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end
      labeling, respectively. The levels of protein kinase B and nuclear factor-kappaB
      expression were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: MSCs were infected with a
      lentivirus for expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) for subsequent
      identification; 97.3% of the MSCs were positive for GFP as assessed by flow
      cytometry. Additional flow cytometric analysis of cell surface marker expression
      demonstrated that > 90% of GFP-expressing MSCs were also positive for CD29, CD44,
      and CD90, indicating that most of these cells expressed typical markers of MSCs,
      and the population of MSCs was almost pure. Transplantation of MSCs in
      combination with 2 mg/kg IL-1Ra therapy significantly improved survival time
      compared to the acute liver failure model group (35.3 +/- 6.7 d vs 17.3 +/- 5.5
      d, P < 0.05). Combined therapy also promoted improvement in serum inflammatory
      cytokines and biochemical conditions. The observed hepatic histopathologic score
      was significantly lower in the group with combined therapy than in the model
      group (3.50 +/- 0.87 vs 8.17 +/- 1.26, P < 0.01). In addition, liver cell
      apoptosis in the combined therapy group was significantly inhibited (18.1 +/-
      2.1% vs 70.8 +/- 3.7%, P < 0.01), and hepatic cell regeneration increased. A
      significant increase in protein kinase B expression and decrease in nuclear
      factor-kappaB expression were observed (P < 0.01), which supports their important
      roles in liver regeneration. CONCLUSION: MSCs and IL-1Ra had a synergistic effect
      in liver regeneration via regulation of inflammation and apoptotic signaling.

PMID- 27122664
TI  - Recombinant adenovirus containing hyper-interleukin-6 and hepatocyte growth
      factor ameliorates acute-on-chronic liver failure in rats.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the protective efficacy of recombinant adenovirus containing
      hyper-interleukin-6 (Hyper-IL-6, HIL-6) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) (Ad
      HGF-HIL-6) compared to that of recombinant adenovirus containing either HIL-6 or
      HGF (Ad-HIL-6 or Ad-HGF) in rats with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).
      METHODS: The recombinant adenoviruses containing HIL-6 and/or HGF were
      constructed. We established an ACLF model, and rats were randomly assigned to
      control, model, Ad-GFP, Ad-HIL-6, Ad-HGF or Ad-HGF-HIL-6 group. We collected
      serum and liver tissue samples to test pathological changes, biochemical indexes
      and molecular biological indexes. RESULTS: Attenuated alanine aminotransferase,
      prothrombin time, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), endotoxin, tumour necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon-gamma were observed in the Ad-HGF-, Ad-HIL-6-
      and Ad-HGF-HIL-6-treated rats with ACLF. Likewise, reduced hepatic damage and
      apoptotic activity, as well as reduced HMGB1 and Bax proteins, but raised
      expression of Ki67 and Bcl-2 proteins and Bcl-2/Bax ratio were also observed in
      the Ad-HGF-, Ad-HIL-6- and Ad-HGF-HIL-6-treated rats with ACLF. More significant
      changes were observed in the Ad-HGF-HIL-6 treatment group without obvious side
      effects. Furthermore, caspase-3 at the protein level decreased in the Ad-HIL-6
      and Ad-HGF-HIL-6 treatment groups, more predominantly in the latter group.
      CONCLUSION: This study identifies that the protective efficacy of Ad-HGF-HIL-6 is
      more potent than that of Ad-HGF or Ad-HIL-6 in ACLF rats, with no significant
      side effects.

PMID- 27122665
TI  - Thymoquinone inhibits proliferation in gastric cancer via the STAT3 pathway in
      vivo and in vitro.
AB  - AIM: To elucidate the mechanism of thymoquinone (TQ)-induced apoptosis in human
      gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: HGC27, BGC823, and SGC7901
      cells were cultured in vitro and treated with TQ (0, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125
      MUmol/L) for 12 h, 24 h, and 36 h, and then the proliferation inhibitory rates
      were detected by methylthiazole tetrazolium assay. Apoptosis was observed after
      Hoechst staining. The protein expressions of signal transducer and activator of
      transcription (STAT)3, p-STAT3, STAT5, p-STAT5, phospho-janus-activated kinase 2
      (JAK2), JAK2, p-Src, Src, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, lamin-A,
      survivin, Cyclin D, Bcl-2, Bax, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor, and
      caspase-3,7,9 were detected by western blot. Cell cycle and apoptosis were
      determined with flow cytometry. TQ induced dose-dependent apoptotic cell death in
      HGC27 cells was measured by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium
      iodide (PI) analysis and Hoechst 33258. RESULTS: TQ inhibited the phosphorylation
      of STAT3 but not STAT5. TQ-induced downregulation of STAT3 activation was
      associated with a reduction in JAK2 and c-Src activity. TQ also downregulated the
      expression of STAT3-regulated genes, such as Bcl-2, cyclin D, survivin, and
      vascular endothelial growth factor, and activated caspase-3,7,9. Consistent with
      the in vitro results, TQ was significantly effective as an antitumor agent in a
      xenograft tumor mouse model. CONCLUSION: This study provides strong evidence that
      downregulation of the STAT3 signaling pathway mediates TQ-induced apoptosis in
      gastric cancer.

PMID- 27122666
TI  - Total pancreatectomy with islet cell transplantation vs intrathecal narcotic pump
      infusion for pain control in chronic pancreatitis.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate pain control in chronic pancreatitis patients who underwent
      total pancreatectomy with islet cell transplantation or intrathecal narcotic pump
      infusion. METHODS: We recognized 13 patients who underwent intrathecal narcotic
      pump (ITNP) infusion and 57 patients who underwent total pancreatectomy with
      autologous islet cell transplantation (TP + ICT) for chronic pancreatitis (CP)
      pain control between 1998 and 2008 at Indiana University Hospital. All patients
      had already failed multiple other modalities for pain control and the decision to
      proceed with either intervention was made at the discretion of the patients and
      their treating physicians. All patients were evaluated retrospectively using a
      questionnaire inquiring about their pain control (using a 0-10 pain scale), daily
      narcotic dose usage, and hospital admission days for pain control before each
      intervention and during their last follow-up. RESULTS: All 13 ITNP patients and
      30 available TP + ICT patients were evaluated. The mean age was approximately 40
      years in both groups. The median duration of pain before intervention was 6 years
      and 7 years in the ITNP and TP + ICT groups, respectively. The median pain score
      dropped from 8 to 2.5 (on a scale of 0-10) in both groups on their last follow
      up. The median daily dose of narcotics also decreased from 393 mg equivalent of
      morphine sulfate to 8 mg in the ITNP group and from 300 mg to 40 mg in the TP +
      ICT group. No patient had diabetes mellitus (DM) before either procedure whereas
      85% of those who underwent pancreatectomy were insulin dependent on their last
      evaluation despite ICT. CONCLUSION: ITNP and TP + ICT are comparable for pain
      control in patients with CP however with high incidence of DM among those who
      underwent TP + ICT. Prospective comparative studies and longer follow up are
      needed to better define treatment outcomes.

PMID- 27122667
TI  - Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma co-occurring with hepatitis C virus
      infection: A mathematical model.
AB  - AIM: To develop a mathematical model for the early detection of hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) with a panel of serum proteins in combination with alpha
      fetoprotein (AFP). METHODS: Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-8, soluble
      intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble tumor necrosis factor
      receptor II (sTNF-RII), proteasome, and beta-catenin were measured in 479
      subjects categorized into four groups: (1) HCC concurrent with hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) infection (n = 192); (2) HCV related liver cirrhosis (LC) (n = 96); (3)
      Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) (n = 96); and (4) Healthy controls (n = 95). The R
      package and different modules for binary and multi-class classifiers based on
      generalized linear models were used to model the data. Predictive power was used
      to evaluate the performance of the model. Receiver operating characteristic curve
      analysis over pairs of groups was used to identify the best cutoffs
      differentiating the different groups. RESULTS: We revealed mathematical models,
      based on a binary classifier, made up of a unique panel of serum proteins that
      improved the individual performance of AFP in discriminating HCC patients from
      patients with chronic liver disease either with or without cirrhosis. We
      discriminated the HCC group from the cirrhotic liver group using a mathematical
      model (-11.3 + 7.38 * Prot + 0.00108 * sICAM + 0.2574 * beta-catenin + 0.01597 *
      AFP) with a cutoff of 0.6552, which achieved 98.8% specificity and 89.1%
      sensitivity. For the discrimination of the HCC group from the CHC group, we used
      a mathematical model [-10.40 + 1.416 * proteasome + 0.002024 * IL + 0.004096 *
      sICAM-1 + (4.251 * 10(-4)) * sTNF + 0.02567 * beta-catenin + 0.02442 * AFP] with
      a cutoff 0.744 and achieved 96.8% specificity and 89.7% sensitivity.
      Additionally, we derived an algorithm, based on a binary classifier, for
      resolving the multi-class classification problem by using three successive
      mathematical model predictions of liver disease status. CONCLUSION: Our proposed
      mathematical model may be a useful method for the early detection of different
      statuses of liver disease co-occurring with HCV infection.

PMID- 27122668
TI  - Effects of interactions between environmental factors and KIF1B genetic variants
      on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese cohort.
AB  - AIM: To examine the effect of the potential interaction between KIF1B variants
      (rs17401966 and rs3748578) and environmental factors on the risk of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a high-risk region in China. METHODS: Three
      hundred and six patients with HCC and 306 hospital-based control participants
      residing in the Shunde region of Guangdong Province, China were enrolled.
      Clinical characteristics were collected by reviewing the complete medical
      histories from the patient archives, and epidemiological data were collected
      using a questionnaire and clinical examination. Two single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) of KIF1B (rs17401966 and rs3748578) were chosen for the
      current study. All subjects were genotyped using a TaqMan real-time polymerase
      chain reaction. Multiplicative and additive logistic regression models were used
      to evaluate various gene-environment interactions. RESULTS: Smoking, frequent
      consumption of raw freshwater fish, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and a
      family history of HCC were important risk factors for HCC in this population.
      Chronic infection with HBV was the most important environmental risk factor for
      HCC [odds ratio (OR) = 12.02; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 6.02-24.00]. No
      significant association was found between the KIF1B variants alone and the risk
      of HCC. Nevertheless, a significant additive effect modification was observed
      between rs17401966 and alcohol consumption (P for additive interaction = 0.0382).
      Compared with non-drinkers carrying either the AG or GG genotype of rs17401966,
      individuals classified as alcohol consumers with the AA genotype of rs17401966
      had a significantly increased risk of HCC (OR = 2.36; 95%CI: 1.49-3.74).
      CONCLUSION: The gene-environment interaction between the KIF1B rs17401966 variant
      and alcohol consumption may contribute to the development of HCC in Chinese
      individuals.

PMID- 27122669
TI  - Urinary nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of a Bangladeshi cohort with
      hepatitis-B hepatocellular carcinoma: A biomarker corroboration study.
AB  - AIM: To establish if a distinct urinary metabolic profile could be identified in
      Bangladeshi hepatitis-B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients compared to
      cirrhosis patients and controls. METHODS: Urine samples from 42 Bangladeshi
      patients with HCC (39 patients with hepatitis-B HCC), 47 with cirrhosis on a
      background of hepatitis B, 46 with chronic hepatitis B, and seven ethnically
      matched healthy controls were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
      spectroscopy. A full dietary and medication history was recorded for each
      subject. The urinary NMR data were analyzed using principal component analysis
      (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA)
      techniques. Differences in relative signal levels of the most discriminatory
      metabolites identified by PCA and OPLS-DA were compared between subject groups
      using an independent samples Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)
      test with all pairwise multiple comparisons. Within the patient subgroups, the
      Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare metabolite levels depending on hepatitis
      B e-antigen (HBeAg) status and treatment with anti-viral therapy. A Benjamini
      Hochberg adjustment was applied to acquire the level of significance for multiple
      testing, with a declared level of statistical significance of P < 0.05. RESULTS:
      There were significant differences in age (P < 0.001), weight (P < 0.001), and
      body mass index (P < 0.001) across the four clinical subgroups. Serum alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) was significantly higher in the HCC group compared to
      controls (P < 0.001); serum alpha-fetoprotein was generally markedly elevated in
      HCC compared to controls; and serum creatinine levels were significantly reduced
      in the HCC group compared to the cirrhosis group (P = 0.004). A three-factor PCA
      scores plot showed clustering of the urinary NMR spectra from the four subgroups.
      Metabolites that contributed to the discrimination between the subgroups included
      acetate, creatine, creatinine, dimethyamine (DMA), formate, glycine, hippurate,
      and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). A comparison of relative metabolite levels
      confirmed that carnitine was significantly increased in HCC; and creatinine,
      hippurate, and TMAO were significantly reduced in HCC compared to the other
      subgroups. HBeAg negative patients showed a significant increase in creatinine (P
      = 0.001) compared to HBeAg positive patients in the chronic hepatitis B subgroup,
      whilst HBeAg negative patients showed a significant decrease in DMA (P = 0.004)
      in the cirrhosis subgroup compared to HBeAg positive patients. There were no
      differences in metabolite levels in HCC patients who did or did not receive
      antiviral treatment. CONCLUSION: Urinary NMR changes in Bangladeshi HCC were
      identified, corroborating previous findings from Egypt and West Africa. These
      findings could form the basis for the development of a cost-effective HCC
      dipstick screening test.

PMID- 27122670
TI  - Influence of antibiotic-regimens on intensive-care unit-mortality and liver
      cirrhosis as risk factor.
AB  - AIM: To assess the rate of infection, appropriateness of antimicrobial-therapy
      and mortality on intensive care unit (ICU). Special focus was drawn on patients
      with liver cirrhosis. METHODS: The study was approved by the local ethical
      committee. All patients admitted to the Internal Medicine-ICU between April 1,
      2007 and December 31, 2009 were included. Data were extracted retrospectively
      from all patients using patient charts and electronic documentations on
      infection, microbiological laboratory reports, diagnosis and therapy. Due to the
      large hepatology department and liver transplantation center, special interest
      was on the subgroup of patients with liver cirrhosis. The primary statistical
      endpoint was the evaluation of the influence of appropriate versus inappropriate
      antimicrobial-therapy on in-hospital-mortality. RESULTS: Charts of 1979 patients
      were available. The overall infection-rate was 53%. Multiresistant-bacteria were
      present in 23% of patients with infection and were associated with increased
      mortality (P < 0.000001). Patients with infection had significantly increased in
      hospital-mortality (34% vs 17%, P < 0.000001). Only 9% of patients with infection
      received inappropriate initial antimicrobial-therapy, no influence on mortality
      was observed. Independent risk-factors for in-hospital-mortality were the
      presence of septic-shock, prior chemotherapy for malignoma and infection with
      Pseudomonas spp. Infection and mortality-rate among 175 patients with liver
      cirrhosis was significantly higher than in patients without liver-cirrhosis.
      Infection increased mortality 2.24-fold in patients with cirrhosis. Patients with
      liver cirrhosis were at an increased risk to receive inappropriate initial
      antimicrobial therapy. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study report the
      successful implementation of early-goal-directed therapy. Liver cirrhosis
      patients are at increased risk of infection, mortality and to receive
      inappropriate therapy. Increasing burden are multiresistant-bacteria.

PMID- 27122671
TI  - Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio predicts survival after radiofrequency ablation for
      colorectal liver metastases.
AB  - AIM: To test the correlation between lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and
      survival after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for colorectal liver metastasis
      (CLMs). METHODS: From July 2003 to Feb 2012, 127 consecutive patients with 193
      histologically-proven unresectable CLMs were treated with percutaneous RFA at the
      University of Foggia. All patients had undergone primary colorectal tumor
      resection before RFA and received systemic chemotherapy. LMR was calculated by
      dividing lymphocyte count by monocyte count assessed at baseline. Treatment
      related toxicity was defined as any adverse events occurred within 4 wk after the
      procedure. Overall survival (OS) and time to recurrence (TTR) were estimated from
      the date of RFA by Kaplan-Meier with plots and median (95%CI). The inferential
      analysis for time to event data was conducted using the Cox univariate and
      multivariate regression model to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95%CI.
      Statistically significant variables from the univariate Cox analysis were
      considered for the multivariate models. RESULTS: Median age was 66 years (range
      38-88) and patients were prevalently male (69.2%). Median LMR was 4.38% (0.79-88)
      whereas median number of nodules was 2 (1-3) with a median maximum diameter of 27
      mm (10-45). Median OS was 38 mo (34-53) and survival rate (SR) was 89.4%, 40.4%
      and 33.3% at 1, 4 and 5 years respectively in the whole cohort. Running log-rank
      test analysis found 3.96% as the most significant prognostic cut-off point for
      LMR and stratifying the study population by this LMR value median OS resulted 55
      mo (37-69) in patients with LMR > 3.96% and 34 (26-39) mo in patients with LMR <=
      3.96% (HR = 0.53, 0.34-0.85, P = 0.007). Nodule size and LMR were the only
      significant predictors for OS in multivariate analysis. Median TTR was 29 mo (22
      35) with a recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate of 72.6%, 32.1% and 21.8% at 1, 4
      and 5 years, respectively in the whole study group. Nodule size and LMR were
      confirmed as significant prognostic factors for TTR in multivariate Cox
      regression. TTR, when stratified by LMR, was 35 mo (28-57) in the group > 3.96%
      and 25 mo (18-30) in the group <= 3.96% (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our study
      provides support for the use of LMR as a novel predictor of outcome for CLM
      patients.

PMID- 27122672
TI  - Predictors of poor outcome in gastrointestinal bleeding in emergency department.
AB  - AIM: To determine the prognostic risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding in
      emergency department cases. METHODS: The trial was a retrospective single-center
      study involving 600 patients over 18-years-old and carried out with approval by
      the Institutional Ethics Committee. Patient data included demographic
      characteristics, symptoms at admission, past medical history, vital signs,
      laboratory results, endoscopy and colonoscopy results, length of hospital stay,
      need of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality. Mortality rate was
      the principal endpoint of the study, while duration of hospital stay, required
      interventional treatment, and admission to the ICU were secondary endpoints.
      RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 61.92-years-old. Among the 600 total
      patients, 363 (60.5%) underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and the most
      frequent diagnoses were duodenal ulcer (19.2%) and gastric ulcer (12.8%). One
      hundred-and-fifteen (19.2%) patients required endoscopic treatment, 20 (3.3%)
      required surgical treatment, and 5 (0.8%) required angiographic embolization. The
      mean length of hospital stay was 5.21 +/- 5.85 d. The mortality rate was 6.3%.
      The ICU admission rate was 5.3%. Patients with syncope, higher blood glucose
      levels, and coronary artery disease had significantly higher ICU admission rates
      (P = 0.029, P = 0.043, and P = 0.002, respectively). Patients with low
      thrombocyte levels, high creatinine, high international normalized ratio, and
      high serum transaminase levels had significantly longer hospital stay (P = 0.02,
      P = 0.001, P = 0.019, and P = 0.005, respectively). Patients who died had
      significantly higher serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels (P = 0.016
      and P = 0.038), and significantly lower mean blood pressure and oxygen saturation
      (P = 0.004 and P = 0.049). Malignancy and low Glasgow coma scale (GCS) were
      independent predictive factors of mortality. CONCLUSION: Prognostic factors for
      gastrointestinal bleeding in emergency room cases are malignancy, hypotension on
      admission, low GCS, and impaired kidney function.

PMID- 27122673
TI  - Eukaryotic elongation factor-1alpha 2 knockdown inhibits hepatocarcinogenesis by
      suppressing PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling.
AB  - AIM: To assess the impact of eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2) on
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and
      invasion, and determine the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: eEF1A2 levels were
      detected in 62 HCC tissue samples and paired pericarcinomatous specimens, and the
      human HCC cell lines SK-HEP-1, HepG2 and BEF-7402, by real-time PCR and
      immunohistochemistry. Experimental groups included eEF1A2 silencing in BEL-7402
      cells with lentivirus eEF1A2-shRNA (KD group) and eEF1A2 overexpression in SK-HEP
      1 cells with eEF1A2 plasmid (OE group). Non-transfected cells (control group) and
      lentivirus-based empty vector transfected cells (NC group) were considered
      control groups. Cell proliferation (MTT and colony formation assays), apoptosis
      (Annexin V-APC assay), cell cycle (DNA ploidy assay), and migration and invasion
      (Transwell assays) were assessed. Protein levels of PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling
      effectors were evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: eEF1A2 mRNA and protein levels
      were significantly higher in HCC cancer tissue samples than in paired
      pericarcinomatous and normal specimens. SK-HEP-1 cells showed lower eEF1A2 mRNA
      levels; HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells showed higher eEF1A2 mRNA levels, with BEL-7402
      cells displaying the highest amount. Efficient eEF1A2 silencing resulted in
      reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, increased apoptosis, and
      induced cell cycle arrest. The PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling pathway was notably
      inhibited. Inversely, eEF1A2 overexpression resulted in promoted cell
      proliferation, migration and invasion. CONCLUSION: eEF1A2, highly expressed in
      HCC, is a potential oncogene. Its silencing significantly decreases HCC
      tumorigenesis, likely by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-kappaB signaling.

PMID- 27122674
TI  - Transient elastography compared to liver biopsy and morphometry for predicting
      fibrosis in pediatric chronic liver disease: Does etiology matter?
AB  - AIM: To evaluate transient elastography (TE) as a noninvasive tool in staging
      liver fibrosis compared with liver biopsy and morphometry in children with
      different chronic liver diseases. METHODS: A total of 90 children [50 with
      chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), 20 with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and 20 with
      Wilson disease] were included in the study and underwent liver stiffness
      measurement (LSM) using TE. Liver biopsies were evaluated for fibrosis,
      qualitatively, by Ishak score and quantitatively by fibrosis area fraction (FAF)
      using digital image analysis (morphometry). LSM was correlated with fibrosis and
      other studied variables using spearman correlation. A stepwise multiple
      regression analysis was also performed to examine independent factors associated
      with LSM. Different cut-off values of LSM were calculated for predicting
      individual fibrosis stages using receiver-operating characteristic curve. Cut-off
      values with optimal clinical performance (optimal sensitivity and specificity
      simultaneously) were selected. RESULTS: The majority of HCV group had minimal
      activity (80%) and no/mild fibrosis (72%). On the other hand, the majority of AIH
      group had mild to moderate activity (70%) and moderate to severe fibrosis (95%)
      and all Wilson disease group had mild to moderate activity (100%) and moderate to
      severe fibrosis (100%). LSM correlated significantly with both FAF and Ishak
      scores and the correlation appeared better with the latter (r = 0.839 vs 0.879, P
      < 0.0001 for both). LSM discriminated individual stages of fibrosis with high
      performance. Sensitivity ranged from 81.4% to 100% and specificity ranged from
      75.0% to 97.2%. When we compared LSM values for the same stage of fibrosis, they
      varied according to the different etiologies. Higher values were in AIH (16.15 +/
      7.23 kPa) compared to Wilson disease (8.30 +/- 0.84 kPa) and HCV groups (7.43 +/
      1.73 kPa). Multiple regression analysis revealed that Ishak fibrosis stage was
      the only independent variable associated with higher LSM (P < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSION: TE appears reliable in distinguishing different stages of liver
      fibrosis in children. However, its values vary according to the disease type. For
      that, a disease-specific estimation of cut-off values for fibrosis staging is
      worthy.

PMID- 27122675
TI  - Predictive effects of bilirubin on response of colorectal cancer to irinotecan
      based chemotherapy.
AB  - AIM: To examine the predictive effects of baseline serum bilirubin levels and UDP
      glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1*28 polymorphism on response of colorectal
      cancer to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. METHODS: The present study was based on
      a prospective multicenter longitudinal trial of Chinese metastatic colorectal
      cancer (mCRC) patients treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy (NCT01282658).
      Baseline serum bilirubin levels, including total bilirubin (TBil) and
      unconjugated bilirubin (UBil), were measured, and genotyping of UGT1A1*28
      polymorphism was performed. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC)
      analysis was used to determine cutoff values of TBil and UBil. The TBil values
      were categorized into > 13.0 or <= 13.0 groups; the UBil values were categorized
      into > 4.1 or <= 4.1 groups. Combining the cutoff values of TBil and UBil, which
      was recorded as CoBil, patients were classified into three groups. The
      classifier's performance of UGT1A1*28 and CoBil for predicting treatment response
      was evaluated by ROC analysis. Associations between response and CoBil or
      UGT1A1*28 polymorphism were estimated using simple and multiple logistic
      regression models. RESULTS: Among the 120 mCRC patients, the serum bilirubin
      level was significantly different between the UGT1A1*28 wild-type and mutant
      genotypes. Patients with the mutant genotype had an increased likelihood of a
      higher TBil (P = 0.018) and a higher UBil (P = 0.014) level compared with the
      wild-type genotype. Patients were stratified into three groups based on CoBil.
      Group 1 was patients with TBil > 13.0 and UBil > 4.1; Group 2 was patients with
      TBil <= 13.0 and UBil > 4.1; and Group 3 was patients with TBil <= 13.0 and UBil
      <= 4.1. Patients in Group 3 had more than a 10-fold higher likelihood of having a
      response in the simple (OR = 11.250; 95%CI: 2.286-55.367; P = 0.003) and multiple
      (OR = 16.001; 95%CI: 2.802 -91.371; P = 0.002) analyses compared with the Group 1
      individuals. Patients carrying the UGT1A1*28 (TA)7 allele were 4-fold less likely
      to present with a response compared with the individuals harboring a homozygous
      (TA)6 genotype in the simple (OR = 0.267; 95%CI: 0.100-0.709; P = 0.008) and
      multiple (OR = 0.244; 95%CI: 0.088-0.678; P = 0.007) analyses. Classifier's
      performance of CoBil and UGT1A1*28 were comparable. CONCLUSION: CoBil and
      UGT1A1*28 are both independent biomarkers for predicting the treatment response
      of mCRC patients to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. After validation, CoBil, an
      easily determinable index in the clinic, might be helpful in facilitating
      stratification of mCRC patients for individualized treatment options.

PMID- 27122676
TI  - Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm associated with coeliac artery occlusion from
      an aortic intramural hematoma.
AB  - Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms are a rare type of visceral artery aneurysm,
      whose rupture is associated with high mortality. These aneurysms are of
      particular interest because local haemodynamic change caused by coeliac artery
      obstruction plays an important role in their development. However, the
      pathophysiological mechanism of coeliac artery obstruction is not completely
      understood. Pressure from the median arcuate ligament is most frequently reported
      cause. Although it is well-known that stenosis or occlusion of the visceral
      vessels may be caused by aortic syndrome, reports of pancreaticoduodenal artery
      aneurysm associated with coeliac artery occlusion due to aortic syndrome are
      extremely rare. Our case indicates a new aetiology for a pancreaticoduodenal
      artery aneurysm and demonstrates the rapid deterioration of the patient affected.

PMID- 27122677
TI  - Urgent endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy for acute obstructive
      suppurative cholangitis-induced sepsis.
AB  - Acute obstructive suppurative cholangitis (AOSC) due to biliary lithiasis is a
      life-threatening condition that requires urgent biliary decompression. Although
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stent placement is the
      current gold standard for biliary decompression, it can sometimes be difficult
      because of failed biliary cannulation. In this retrospective case series, we
      describe three cases of successful biliary drainage with recovery from septic
      shock after urgent endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS)
      was performed for AOSC due to biliary lithiasis. In all three cases, technical
      success in inserting the stents was achieved and the patients completely
      recovered from AOSC with sepsis in a few days after EUS-CDS. There were no
      procedure-related complications. When initial ERCP fails, EUS-CDS can be an
      effective life-saving endoscopic biliary decompression procedure that shortens
      the procedure time and prevents post-ERCP pancreatitis, particularly in patients
      with AOSC-induced sepsis. 

PMID- 27122678
TI  - Occult gastric cancer with distant metastasis proven by random gastric biopsy.
AB  - Krukenberg tumor, a rare metastatic ovarian tumor arising from gastrointestinal
      adenocarcinoma mainly, tends to occur in premenopausal females. Finding the
      origin of a Krukenberg tumor is crucial for determining prognosis. In Eastern
      countries, the most common origin of Krukenberg tumor is stomach cancer, which is
      generally diagnosed via endoscopic biopsy to investigate an abnormal mucosal
      lesion. Here, we describe a case of huge adnexal mass in a 33-year-old woman who
      presented with abdominal distension. Two independent endoscopic examinations
      performed by experts in two tertiary university hospitals revealed no abnormal
      mucosal lesion. The patient was diagnosed with a Krukenberg tumor according to
      findings from random endoscopic biopsies taken from normal-looking gastric mucosa
      in our hospital. It is very rare to be diagnosed via a random biopsy in cases
      where three well-trained endoscopists had not found any mucosal lesion
      previously. Thus, in this case, random biopsy was helpful in finding the origin
      of a Krukenberg tumor. 

PMID- 27122679
TI  - Coronary Vasospastic Angina: Current Understanding and the Role of Inflammation.
AB  - Coronary vasospastic angina (CVsA) plays an important role in myocardial ischemia
      including stable angina, acute coronary syndromes, and sudden cardiac death.
      Inflammation status from either endothelium or adventitia can cause endothelial
      dysfunction. Thereafter, the endothelial dysfunction further induces vascular
      smooth muscle hypercontraction through the enhanced rho-kinase with the resultant
      clinical event. With better understanding of the interactions between
      inflammation, endothelium, and smooth muscle cells, we and other investigators
      have provided new insights into the basic pathophysiology of CVsA. Apart from
      calcium channel blockers, nitrates, and the rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil, anti
      inflammatory treatment is helpful in some patients with refractory CVsA.
      Additional studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms of recurrent CVsA. KEY
      WORDS: Anticoagulants; Deep vein thrombosis; Diagnosis; Treatment.

PMID- 27122680
TI  - Effect of 8-Week Combination Therapy with an Extended-Release alpha1-Blocker
      (Bunazosin or Doxazosin) in Inadequate Responders to an Angiotensin II Antagonist
      (Valsartan) in Patients with Stage 1 or 2 Essential Hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the favorable impact of alpha1-blockers on lipid and glucose
      metabolism, this study was designed to compare the efficacy of two extended
      release alpha1-blockers (bunazosin and doxazosin) as an add-on treatment in
      subjects with stage 1 or 2 essential hypertension which was inadequately
      controlled by valsartan 80 mg/day. METHODS: After a 5-week treatment of valsartan
      monotherapy, subjects with inadequately controlled hypertension were randomized
      to receive either extended-release bunazosin (n = 47) or doxazosin (n = 46) after
      breakfast for 8 weeks. Office sitting blood pressure (BP), 24-hour ambulatory BP,
      and metabolic profiles were measured at baseline, start of study drug, and study
      end. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat population (n = 93), the average daily
      doses of bunazosin and doxazosinwere 2.8 mg and 3.6 mg, respectively. The two add
      on treatments achieved significant and similar BP reductions from monotherapy
      (bunazosin, 13.2/9.3 mmHg; doxazosin, 9.2/8.5 mmHg, all p < 0.001). However, in
      patients with stage 2 hypertension, patients randomized to the bunazosin group,
      compared to those in the doxazosin group, achieved a significantly greater
      reduction in sitting systolic BP (14.4 +/- 8.1 vs. 6.6 +/- 13.8 mmHg, p = 0.015).
      In addition, patients who received bunazosin had significant changes in night-day
      systolic and diastolic BP ratios compared with those who received doxazosin (
      0.02 vs. 0.02, p = 0.04 and 0 vs. 0.04, p = 0.04). No significant changes in
      metabolic profiles were observed in both add-on groups. Both drugs were well
      tolerated, but adverse events related to the study drugs were marginally more
      frequent in the doxazosin group than in the bunazosin group (20% vs. 6%, p =
      0.058). CONCLUSIONS: Both extended-release bunazosin and doxazosinwerewell
      tolerated and similarly effective as add-on therapy in hypertensive patients
      uncontrolled by valsartan monotherapy. However, add-on treatment with bunazosin
      seemed to be associated with favorable night-day BP ratio and greater sitting
      systolic BP reductions in stage 2 hypertensive patients. KEY WORDS: Combination
      therapy; Hypertension; alpha1-blocker.

PMID- 27122681
TI  - Effects of Anti-Hypertensive Monotherapy with Either Calcium Channel Blocker or
      Angiotensin Receptor Blocker on Arterial Stiffness, Central Hemodynamics, and
      Ventriculo-Arterial Coupling in Uncomplicated Hypertension Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study is designed to investigate the effects of anti
      hypertensive monotherapy [either calcium channel blocker (CCB) or angiotensin
      receptor blocker (ARB)] on pulsatile hemodynamic parameters in patients with
      uncomplicated hypertension. METHODS: This is a longitudinal observational study.
      For simplicity, we included patients with uncomplicated hypertension who
      receivedmono anti-hypertensive therapy with ARB or CCB. Hemodynamic parameters
      including central arterial pressure (CAP), aortic characteristic impedance (Zc),
      augmentation index (AI), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), heart-ankle
      pulse wave velocity (haPWV), cardiac ultrasonographic parameters and ventriculo
      arterial (VA) coupling were measured before, 1 month and 3 months after
      treatment. RESULTS: A total of 74 subjects were included in our study for
      analysis from 2007-2008. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure
      (DBP), and central systolic arterial pressure (CSAP) were significantly reduced 1
      and 3 months after initiation of therapy. Among the pulsatile hemodynamic
      parameters, only the baPWV was significantly reduced (from1537.78 +/- 200.63 cm/s
      to 1460.06 +/- 186.09 cm/s to 1456.53 +/- 196.03 cm/s, p for trend = 0.016). The
      haPWV only decreased with borderline significance (from 1015.38 +/- 124.26 cm/s
      to 978.88 +/- 126.55 cm/s to 967.99 +/- 103.37 cm/s, p for trend = 0.041). The
      other pulsatile hemodynamic parameters remained unchanged before and after
      therapy. Subgroup analysis (age above or below52 years) showed that the baPWVwas
      significantly reduced only in the younger group. CONCLUSIONS: Among the pulsatile
      hemodynamic parameters, only the baPWV was effectively reduced by either CCB or
      ARB. The improvement of PWV was more evident in younger subjects. KEY WORDS:
      Arterial stiffness; Central arterial pressure; Hypertension; Pulse wave velocity;
      Ventriculo-arterial coupling.

PMID- 27122682
TI  - Renin-Angiotensin System Genes Polymorphisms and Long-Term Prognosis in Taiwanese
      Patients with Hypertension and Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the renin-angiotensin
      system genetic effects and pharmacogenetic interactions for angiotensin
      converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in hypertensive coronary artery disease (CAD)
      patients. METHODS: Subjects with hypertension and angiographic CAD were recruited
      from 1995 to 2003. Baseline characteristics and genetic polymorphisms [ACE gene
      insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism, six polymorphisms of the angiotensinogen
      (AGT) gene, and A1166C polymorphisms of the angiotensin II type I receptor gene
      (AGT1R)] were collected. Patients were assigned to 2 groups (ACE inhibitor or No
      ACE inhibitor) and followed-for up to 12 years. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox
      regression models were used to demonstrate the survival and major cardiovascular
      events (MACE) event-free survival trends. Pharmacogenetic effects were determined
      by several Cox regression models. RESULTS: Of the 518 patients in our study, 290
      were treated with ACE inhibitors and 228 were not. Prescription of ACE inhibitors
      was associated with a lower rate of MACE at 4000 days. In addition, ACE I/D gene
      D was associated with a higher rate of MACE in a multivariate regression analysis
      [hazard ration (HR): 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-1.98, p < 0.001].
      This effect could be attenuated by the pharmacogenetic interaction of ACE
      inhibitors and the ACE gene (ACE in hibitors*ACE D gene, HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52
      0.84, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The use of ACE inhibitors was associated with a
      significant decrease in MACE in hypertensive patients diagnosed with CAD. Genetic
      variants were also associated with event-free survival, but their effects were
      modified by the use of ACE inhibitors. KEY WORDS: Angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors; Coronary artery disease; Hypertension; Pharmacogenetic.

PMID- 27122683
TI  - Baseline Serum Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio is Associated with the Add-on Effect of
      Thiazide Diuretics in Non-Diabetic Essential Hypertensives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The baseline status of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
      might modify the blood pressure (BP) lowering effects of thiazide diuretics. This
      study aimed to determine if baseline RAAS indicated by serum aldosterone-to-renin
      ratio (ARR) could be associated with the add-on effects of thiazide on BP
      lowering in patients with other concomitant antihypertensive medication. METHODS:
      Non-diabetic hypertensive patients, either untreated or unsatisfactorily treated,
      were enrolled if their office systolic BP was >= 140 or diastolic BP >= 90 mmHg.
      After 2 weeks of diet control and lifestyle modification, patients with
      persistently elevated BP were prospectively given hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg daily
      for 2 weeks. Serum aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) was determined before
      thiazide treatment. Patients with a significant (>= 10%) reduction of office mean
      artery pressure (MAP) by thiazide treatment were defined as responders. RESULTS:
      Among the 66 patients studied, 27 were defined as responders after a 2-week
      hydrochlorothiazide treatment. Baseline serum renin level was reduced and ARR
      increased (p = 0.009) in the responders as compared with the non-responders. A
      similar pattern was also apparent in patients with or without concomitant
      medications. Furthermore, baseline renin level was inversely and ARR positively
      correlated to the MAP reduction both in the whole patient group and in patients
      with concomitant medications. By stepwise multiple linear regression analysis,
      ARR was the only independent predictor for the response to thiazide treatment
      (beta = 0.051, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline ARR could be associated with the
      add-on effects of hydrochlorothiazide on BP reduction in patients with other
      concomitant antihypertensive treatment. KEY WORDS: Add-on; Aldosterone-to-renin
      ratio; Blood pressure; Hydrochlorothiazide; Hypertension; Renin; Thiazide.

PMID- 27122684
TI  - Secular Trends in Prescription Patterns of Single-Pill Combinations of an
      Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Plus a
      Thiazide Diuretic for Hypertensive Patients in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor adherence to recommended drug regimens is one of the fundamental
      issues behind suboptimal control rates of hypertension worldwide. Single-pill
      combinations (SPCs) improve patient adherence, decrease cost, and are
      increasingly prescribed in the Western societies. We conducted this study to
      elucidate the prescription patterns and the secular trends of SPCs in Taiwan.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the reimbursement database of Taiwan's
      National Health Insurance from 2002 to 2007. Among the one million-person random
      samples, information from those coded with ICD-9 401-405 and antihypertensive
      prescriptions was obtained. RESULTS: From 2002 to 2007, there had been amore than
      7.5-fold increase in annual prescription frequency of SPCs of an angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) plus a
      thiazide diuretic (from 1.1% to 8.5%, p < 0.001) among 302,628 hypertensive
      patients. Likewise, among patients treated with at least ACEIs or ARBs and
      diuretics, the relative proportion of SPC use, in contrast to free combinations,
      increased markedly (from 10.8% to 54.2%, p = 0.005). Incorporating patient
      antihypertensive treatment prior to SPCs prescription,we categorized the SPC
      prescription patterns into 3 groups: naive, switch, and add-on. The increase in
      patients taking SPCs came mostly from the naive SPC prescription group (from 2.3%
      in 2002 to 28.8% in 2007 among all patients treated with ACEIs or ARBs and
      thiazide diuretics, p = 0.003). Compared to both naive and add-on SPC users,
      patients in the switch group had a greater pill burden and more comorbidities,
      whichmight drive physicians to switch from free combinations to SPCs.
      CONCLUSIONS: Single-pill combinations are well-accepted and increasingly
      prescribed in Taiwan, particularly in drug-naive hypertensive patients. This
      finding might indicate an aggressive attitude towards early hypertension control
      among physicians in Taiwan. KEY WORDS: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor;
      Angiotensin receptor blocker; Diuretic; Hypertension; Single-pill combinations.

PMID- 27122685
TI  - The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome, Homocysteine, and B Vitamins on Carotid Artery
      Intima-Media Thickness in Hypertensive Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the correlation between metabolic syndrome (MS), plasma
      total homocysteine (tHcy) level, and serum B vitamin levels on carotid intima
      media thickness (CIMT) in hypertensive patients. METHODS: A total of 73 medically
      treated hypertensive patients (42 men, mean age 70.7 years), fasted for 10 hours,
      and provided fasting blood samples for measurement of plasma tHcy, serum folic
      acid, and serum vitamin B12 levels. Additionally, B-mode ultrasound of the distal
      right common carotid arteries was performed on all participants. RESULTS: There
      were 50 patients with and 23 patients without MS. Patients with MS had larger
      CIMT than patient without (0.81 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.74 +/- 0.10 mm, p = 0.018).
      Patients with MS had larger waist circumference (p < 0.001), higher body mass
      index (p < 0.001), elevated serum triglyceride level (p < 0.001), lower serum
      high density lipoprotein level (p = 0.016), higher prevalence of diabetes
      mellitus (p = 0.012), higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia (p = 0.019), and a
      higher prevalence of fibrate usage (p = 0.025) than patients without MS. In
      univariate analysis, CIMT correlated significantly with the presence of MS (r =
      0.256; p = 0.029), usage of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB; r = -0.256; p =
      0.029), and male gender (r = 0.247; p = 0.035). The relationships between CIMT
      and serum folic acid level (r = -0.212; p = 0.072) or statin usage (r = 0.207; p
      = 0.079) were borderline significant. In multivariate regression analysis, after
      adjusting for age and gender, only usage of ARB (beta value -0.078, 95% CI: 
      0.140 to -0.015, p = 0.016) and the presence of MS (beta value 0.075, 95% CI:
      0.020 to 0.131, p = 0.009) were associated with CIMT. In anothermodel, after
      adjusting four additional parameters including age, gender, systolic blood
      pressure and usage of statin, usage of ARB (beta value -0.074, 95% CI: -0.137 to 
      0.011, p = 0.022) and presence of MS (beta value 0.069, 95% CI: 0.012 to 0.125, p
      = 0.017) remained significantly correlated with CIMT. CONCLUSION: MS and usage of
      ARB are associated with CIMT in hypertensive patients. KEY WORDS: Folic acid;
      Homocysteine, Intima-media thickness, Metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 27122686
TI  - Cardiac Remodeling, Adaptations and Associated Myocardial Mechanics in
      Hypertensive Heart Diseases.
AB  - Hypertension is the leading cause of heart failure and cardiovascular
      comorbidities in developed countries. Left ventricular structural/functional
      alterations such as concentric remodeling or hypertrophy have been extensively
      studied in hypertensive heart diseases. Furthermore, it is also well-recognized
      that diastolic function actually deteriorates in hypertensive subjects prior to
      overt heart failure. Novel imaging modality techniques such as myocardial
      deformation have allowed for early detection of regional/global myocardial
      contractile dysfunction. Myocardial deformation, which can be quantified by
      measuring the systolic strain and strain rate in three different directions
      (longitudinal, circumferential and radial), has facilitated new insights into the
      understanding of cardiac systolic mechanics in subjects with early stage
      myocardial damage. Previous studies had shown that longitudinal function remains
      the most sensitive parameter in identifying hypertension-related myocardial
      dysfunction, particularly for those patients who had developed LV hypertrophy.
      Instead, preserved or enhanced short-axis function, when presented as
      circumferential or radial strains, may remain relatively preserved or enhanced in
      order to compensate for longitudinal functional decline. In this manner, global
      cardiac pumping in terms of ejection fraction may remain relatively unchanged.
      The early recognition of subclinical systolic dysfunction and associated
      mechanical compensation in the context of hypertension is crucial, which
      potentially helps to identify a disease stage that is still responsive to
      therapeutic intervention. KEY WORDS: Concentric remodeling; Hypertension;
      Myocardial mechanics; Strain; Subclinical systolic dysfunction.

PMID- 27122687
TI  - LDL Cholesterol Goal Attainment in Hypercholesterolemia: CEPHEUS Indonesian
      Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that lipid-lowering therapy to address
      hypercholesterolemia is generally inadequate because the target cholesterol goal
      is not achieved. Our study reviews the cholesterol goal attainment among patients
      receiving lipid lowering therapy in Indonesian hypercholesterolemic patients.
      METHODS: This surveywas part of the Pan-Asian CEPHEUS (CEntralized Pan-Asian
      survey on tHE Under-treatment of hypercholeSterolemia) study, involving
      hypercholesterolemic patients >= 18 years of age, who were on lipid- lowering
      treatment for >= 3 months. Lipid concentrations were measured, demographic and
      other clinically relevant information were collected. Definitions and criteria
      set by the updated 2004 National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment
      Program III was applied. RESULTS: In this survey, 149 physicians enrolled 979
      patients, of whom only 834 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was
      56.5 years, 53.5% male, and 82.3% were on statin monotherapy. The LDL-C goal
      attainment rate amongst Indonesians (31.3%)was belowthat of the overall Asian
      rate (49.1%). The lowest attainment (12.1%)was found in patients with a
      therapeutic target < 70 mg/dL. Additionally, the goal attainment rate in patients
      with metabolic syndrome (28%) was significantly lower than in patients without
      metabolic syndrome (37.5%, p = 0.006). Goal attainment was inversely related to
      cardiovascular risk and baseline LDL-C (p < 0.001). It was also noted that
      approximately 65.1% of patients believed he/she could miss a dosage without
      affecting his/her blood cholesterol concentration. CONCLUSIONS: High proportions
      of Indonesian hypercholesterolemic patients on lipid-lowering drug are not at the
      recommended LDL-C levels, and remain at risk for cardiovascular disease. KEY
      WORDS: Cardiovascular disease; Dyslipidemia; Hypercholesterolemia; Indonesian;
      LDL cholesterol.

PMID- 27122688
TI  - Predictors for Regression of Large Secundum Atrial Septal Defects Diagnosed in
      Infancy.
AB  - PUPOSE: To determine predictive factors of spontaneous closure or size reduction
      in large secundum-type atrial septal defects (ASD) diagnosed in infancy prior to
      catheterization or surgical intervention. METHODS: From June 2003 to October
      2009, 59 infants diagnosed with secundum-type ASDs measuring >= 8 mm in the first
      year of life were retrospectively enrolled. We reviewed medical records, as well
      as electrocardiography and echocardiography findings. Patients were divided into
      2 groups according to the last ASD size: group A (n = 23), ASD reduction in size
      to < 5 mm or spontaneous closure; group B (n = 36), size of ASD remained >= 5 mm.
      RESULTS: The ASDs spontaneously closed in 10 (17%) patients at a median age of
      26.0 +/- 5.1 months (range, 15-58 months), or decreased to < 5 mm in 13 (22%)
      (range, 6-27 months) patients. There was a significant difference in age at
      diagnosis between the 2 groups (p = 0.014). Patients in group A were younger than
      those in group B at the time of diagnosis. Changes in ASD size (p < 0.001) and
      body weight percentile (p = 0.01) were also significantly different fromthe 6
      month follow-up. ASD diameter of >= 10 mm was a negative predictive factor for
      size reduction (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous closure or size reduction of
      large ASDs was not uncommon in patients diagnosed during infancy. Patients with
      initial ASD sizes between 8 and 10 mm who were younger at the time of diagnosis
      and showed better weight gain were more likely to have favorable outcomes. KEY
      WORDS: Infancy; Large secundum atrial septal defect; Natural course; Spontaneous
      closure.

PMID- 27122689
TI  - Comparison of Clinical Features between Typical and Atypical Takotsubo
      Cardiomyopathy: A Single Center, Retrospective, Case-Controlled Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence and possible differences between typical and atypical
      Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) in Taiwanese patients have not yet been assessed.
      METHODS: We reviewed the records of 2171 patients who underwent left heart
      catheterization for suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) between January 2003
      and March 2011 to identify TTC. Demographic, clinical presentations, laboratory
      data, and electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and angiographic findings were
      assessed in all patients. RESULTS: We found that fourteen patients had typical
      TTC, and six had atypical TTC. There were no differences in the clinical
      presentations, ejection fraction and in-hospital course of illness between
      patients with typical TTC (the TT group) and patients with atypical TTC (the AT
      group). However, the patients in the AT group were relatively younger than those
      in the TT group (mean ages 60 vs. 73 years, respectively, p = 0.018), and fewer
      patients had hypertension in the AT group than in the TT group (33% vs. 86%,
      respectively, p = 0.037). In electrocardiography, ST segment elevation was noted
      less frequently in the AT group than in the TT group (33% vs. 86%, respectively,
      p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Atypical TTC and typical TTC may be the same syndrome
      with different manifestations. They seemed to have different patient
      characteristics and electrocardiographic changes. KEY WORDS: Acute coronary
      syndrome; Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; Transient left ventricular apical ballooning.

PMID- 27122691
TI  - Surgical Treatment of Pseudoaneurysm of Innominate Artery Infected with
      Burkholderia Pseudomallei.
AB  - The management of melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, presenting as
      an infected pseudoaneurysm requires radical debridement and prolonged antibiotics
      because the pathogen is resistant to host immunity. An extra-anatomical bypass
      might be a better treatment choice than in situ graft interposition or other
      methods.We report on a 76-year-oldman with an infected pseudoaneurysmlocated in
      the innominate artery and a method of extra-anatomical bypass that has not yet
      been reported in the literature. The patient recovered well without recurrence of
      infection after the surgical procedure. KEY WORDS: Burkholderia pseudomallei;
      Extra-anatomical bypass; Innominate artery; Melioidosis; Pseudoaneurysm.

PMID- 27122690
TI  - Misdiagnosed Chest Pain: Spontaneous Esophageal Rupture.
AB  - Chest pain is one of themost common complaints expressed by patients presenting
      to the emergency department, and any initial evaluation should always consider
      life-threatening causes. Esophageal rupture is a serious condition with a
      highmortality rate. If diagnosed, successful therapy depends on the size of the
      rupture and the time elapsed between rupture and diagnosis.We report on a 41-year
      old woman who presented to the emergency department complaining of left-sided
      chest pain for two hours. KEY WORDS: Chest pain; Coronary artery disease;
      Esophageal rupture; Misdiagnosis.

PMID- 27122692
TI  - Acute Myocardial Infarction in Association with Occult Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - Acute myocardial infarction is usually caused by rupture of an atheromatous
      plaque in the coronary arteries. For patients without risk factors of
      atherosclerosis, other causes should be considered. We report on a 47-year-old
      woman with acute myocardial infarction but no cardiovascular risk factors, which
      was followed by deep vein thrombosis one week after recovery from acute
      myocardial infarction. Although deep vein thrombosis may be medically addressed
      by prolonged bed rest or heart failure in patients with acute myocardial
      infarction, the clustering of these two diseases in patients without risk factors
      of atherosclerosis or venous thrombosis is unusual. In situ coronary thrombosis
      secondary to hypercoagulable state was presumed to be the cause for her
      myocardial infarction. Further investigation revealed hidden advanced ovarian
      cancer in the patient. This case should remind cardiologists that, for patients
      without clinical evidence of atherosclerosis, unusual underlying causes of acute
      myocardial infarction should be comprehensively investigated, such as malignancy
      related hypercoagulable state. KEY WORDS: Deep vein thrombosis;
      Hypercoagulability; Myocardial infarction; Ovarian cancer; Trousseau's syndrome.

PMID- 27122693
TI  - Isolated Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistula in a Patient with Recurrent Stroke.
AB  - Paradoxical embolism is a risk factor for cryptogenic stroke in young adults, and
      can be primarily attributed to the presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO).
      Although contrast echocardiography may facilitate diagnosis, it would be
      difficult to distinguish a PFO from a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF),
      which could also result in paradoxical embolism. We report a 46-year-old woman
      with recurrent ischemic stroke, who was scheduled for PFO closure because of a
      right-to-left shunt detected by contrast echocardiography. The diagnosis turned
      out to be a PAVF confirmed by angiography. Thereafter, coil embolization of this
      PAVF was performed successfully. KEY WORDS: Embolic stroke; Patent foramen ovale;
      Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula; Right-to-left shunt.

PMID- 27122694
TI  - Statement of the Chairman of the Publication Committee of Acta Cardiologica
      Sinica.

PMID- 27122696
TI  - Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and the Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction: A
      Nationwide Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with autoimmune diseases have a high cardiovascular risk.
      However, few data are available on the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
      in patients diagnosed with primary Sjogren's syndrome (PSS). We conducted a large
      nationwide cohort study to investigate the possible association between PSS and
      the risk of AMI. METHODS: Between the years 2000-2006, a total of 5205 patients
      with newly diagnosed PSS and no history of AMI were identified from the Registry
      of Catastrophic Illness, a sub-dataset of the National Health Insurance Research
      Database in Taiwan. The control group, which consisted of subjects without
      systemic autoimmune disease or previous AMI, was matched by the date of
      enrollment, age, gender, history of coronary artery disease, diabetes,
      hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and hyperlipidemia. The study endpoints
      were the occurrence of AMI. RESULTS: Of the 5205 subjects with PSS and 5205
      controls included in the study, 77 (35 PSS patients and 42 controls) developed
      AMI during the mean 3.7-year (interquartile range, 2.1-5.1 years) follow-up
      period. The incidence of AMI was similar in PSS patients and controls (1.91/1000
      versus 2.25/1000 person-years). Multivariate analysis adjusted for baseline
      covariates demonstrated an insignificant association between PSS and AMI
      [adjusted hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55-1.35; p =
      0.506], suggesting that PSS does not increase the risk of AMI. CONCLUSIONS: PSS
      is not associated with a higher risk of subsequent AMI. KEY WORDS: Acute
      myocardial infarction; Atherosclerosis; Primary Sjogren's syndrome.

PMID- 27122695
TI  - The Impacts of In-Hospital Invasive Strategy on Long-Term Outcome in Elderly
      Patients with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benefit of utilizing an invasive strategy in elderly Chinese
      patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) remains unclear.
      The aim of this study was to determine whether in-hospital revascularization is
      associated with long-term prognosis in elderly Chinese patients with NSTEMI, as
      compared with younger patients. METHODS: All patients were followed up for at
      least 3 years or until the occurrence of a major event. The primary endpoint was
      all-cause mortality, and the secondary endpoint was the combined occurrence of
      major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including death, nonfatal MI, and
      ischemic stroke. RESULTS: A total of 343 consecutive NSTEMI patients (148 over
      the age of 75 years and 195 aged < 75 years) were enrolled. Coronary angiography
      was performed less frequently in elderly patients (66% vs. 76%; p = 0.027).
      Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed the benefit of in-hospital
      revascularization in the elderly and younger patients, with a statistically
      significant reduction in the odds of all-cause death and MACE at 1 year and 3
      years, respectively. In a multivariable Cox regression analysis, in-hospital
      revascularization was an independent predictor of future MACE not only in elderly
      patients [hazard ratio (HR), 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38-0.97] but
      also in younger patients as well (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.31-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: In
      Chinese patients with NSTEMI, in-hospital revascularization was associated with
      significant benefits at 1 year and 3 years in both younger and elderly groups.
      These results are consistent with the published literature and suggest that
      advanced age alone should not be regarded as a contraindication to invasive
      management following presentation with NSTEMI. KEY WORDS: Elderly; Invasive
      strategy; Myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27122698
TI  - The Impacts of Serum Uric Acid on arterial hemodynamics and Cardiovascular Risks.
AB  - Hyperuricemia, and its clinical manifestation gout, is a metabolic disease
      process that has been recognized since the dawn of medical inquiry. Uric acid was
      hypothesized to be a mediator of cardiovascular disease for period of time.
      Epidemiological correlations of hyperuricemia with hypertension and
      cardiovascular events were evident for two centuries' studies. With recent animal
      studies shedding light on the causal mechanisms of hypertension, and clinical
      trials suggesting that urate-lowering therapy can lower blood pressure, there
      appears to be growing evidence of a connection between hyperuricemia and
      cardiovascular disease. To help bring this recent uric acid research into
      context, we have undertaken this narrative review of hyperuricemia, hypertension,
      its hemodynamics and its outcomes, and the risk for cardiovascular diseases. KEY
      WORDS: Cardiovascular risk; Hemodynamics; Uric acid.

PMID- 27122699
TI  - Diagnostic Performance of 64- versus 256-Slice Computed Tomography Coronary
      Angiography Compared with Conventional Coronary Angiography in Patients with
      Suspected Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - PUPOSE: The newer 256-slice computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) has
      the capability of improving diagnostic performance in the detection of
      obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to 64-slice CTCA. The aim of
      this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of 64- versus 256-slice CTCA
      in two similar populations. METHODS: Our study included 120 consecutive patients
      who were referred for CTCA and subsequently underwent conventional coronary
      angiography (CCA). Sixty patients were studied by 64-slice CTCA, with the other
      60 by 256-slice CTCA. We compared the technical characteristics and diagnostic
      performance of 64- and 256-slice CTCA for the detection of >= 50% stenosis of the
      coronary arteries on CCA. RESULTS: The 256-slice CTCA had a shorter scanning time
      (4.4 +/- 0.6 sec vs. 5.0 +/- 0.7 sec, p < 0.001) compared to 64-slice CTCA. The
      diagnostic accuracy rates of 256-slice CTCA based on patient analysis (97% vs.
      83%, p < 0.05), vessel analysis (95% vs. 85%, p < 0.05), and segment analysis
      (94% vs. 88%, p < 0.05) were significantly superior to those of 64-slice CTCA.
      The diagnostic accuracy rates of 64- and 256-slice CTCA were affected by the
      presence of stent (65% vs. 75%, respectively, p > 0.05) and severe calcifications
      (75% vs. 82%, respectively, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In two similar populations,
      256-slice CTCA displayed superior diagnostic performance than 64-slice CTCA.
      However, the performance of 256-slide CTCA is affected in those segments that are
      severely calcified and/or stented. KEY WORDS: Computed tomography coronary
      angiography (CTCA); Conventional coronary angiography; Diagnostic performance; 64
      slice helical CTCA; 256-slice helical CTCA.

PMID- 27122697
TI  - Contemporary Management of Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndrome in
      Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have emerged as a
      worldwide public health problem. Due to the remarkably higher incidence and
      prevalence of this chronic disease in Taiwan than in other countries, CKD/ESRD
      has contributed to a significant health burden in Taiwan. Patients with CKD/ESRD
      have an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary
      syndrome (ACS) compared to the normal population. Patients with ACS alone can
      present differently than patients with ACS and CKD/ESRD. Also, due to the lower
      prevalence of chest pain and ST-segment elevation, CKD/ESRD patients were more
      difficult to diagnose than other patients. Furthermore, whether advances in ACS
      management with medical therapy and an early invasive approach could improve
      patient outcomes with CKD/ESRD is not known. The use of antiplatelets such as
      aspirin and other antithrombotic agents might reduce the incidence of ACS or
      stroke in CKD patients. However, such use could also increase bleeding risk and
      even increase the likelihood of mortality, especially in dialysis patients. While
      recent clinical data suggest the potential benefit of aggressive management with
      coronary intervention for CAD and ACS in this category of patients, further
      clinical studies are still indicated for the proper medical strategy and
      revascularization therapy to improve the outcomes of CAD and ACS in CKD/ESRD
      patients, both in Taiwan and worldwide. KEY WORDS: Acute coronary syndrome;
      Chronic kidney disease; Coronary artery disease; Diagnosis; End-stage renal
      disease; Management.

PMID- 27122700
TI  - Direct Renin Inhibitor Attenuates Left Ventricular Remodeling in Post-Myocardial
      Infarction Heart Failure Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of direct renin inhibitors in myocardial ischemia-induced
      heart failure is controversial. We hypothesized that direct renin inhibitors play
      a positive role, affecting in vivo myocardial function as well as in vitro
      extracellular matrix change. METHODS: Ten-week-old C57BL/6J male mice with 2
      kidney 1-clip (2K1C) model were enrolled in this study. The mice were divided
      into 3 groups each with 18 mice; group 1 sham-operated, group 2 coronary artery
      ligation- induced heart failure, and group 3 coronary artery ligation-induced
      heart failure receiving aliskiren minipump infusion. These mice were assessed for
      systemic hemodynamics and left ventricular function by 2-dimensional
      echocardiography (iE33, Philips). Myocardial tissue was stained and crude protein
      was isolated from the non- ischemic viable left ventricle. Myocardial tissue
      contents of anti-angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, matrix metalloproteinase
      (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were examined. RESULTS: There were 54 mice that received 2K1C
      and were followed up for three weeks. Baseline characteristics showed no
      difference. At follow-up, the heart failure-only group had greater left
      ventricular mass and worse systolic function as compared to the sham group.
      Whereas the heart failure-aliskiren group had lower left ventricle mass and
      better systolic function as compared to the heart failure-only group. AT1
      receptor, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were increased in the heart failure-only model
      while direct renin inhibitor attenuated this significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Direct
      renin inhibitors improved myocardial function in a myocardial ischemia-induced
      heart failure mouse model. The improvement seen is present in myocardial mass,
      left ventricular systolic function and also in myocardial interstitial tissue.
      KEY WORDS: Direct renin inhibitor; Echocardiography; Heart failure.

PMID- 27122702
TI  - Effects of Dexmedetomidine on L-Type Calcium Current in Rat Ventricular Myocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist
      with sedative, analgesic and sympatholytic properties. Its cardiac protective
      effect cannot be ignored, notwithstanding its associated adverse drug reactions.
      This study aimed to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on L-type calcium
      current (ICa-L) in adult rat ventricular myocytes, and to clarify the
      electrophysiological mechanism of its effect on cardiomyocytes. METHODS: Single
      rat ventricular myocytes were obtained by enzymatic dissociation method. Myocytes
      were perfused with external solutions containing various concentrations of
      dexmedetomidine at a flow rate of 2-3 ml/min for 5 min. Whole-cell current
      recordings were performed using the conventional whole-cell patch-clamp
      technique. Besides, the effects of 1 MUM yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenergic
      antagonist, were given alone or in combination with 10 ng/ml dexmedetomidine.
      RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine inhibited the amplitude of ICa-L in a concentration
      dependent manner. The current voltage curve was shifted upwards. The steady
      activated curves were shifted to the right and the V1/2 activation of the ICa-L
      were increased by dexmedetomidine at the high concentration (10 and 200 ng/ml).
      Dexmedetomidine did not affect the ICa-L steady-state inactivation curve, but
      shifted down the recovery curve. Yohimbine did not have influence on ICa-L.
      However, inhibition of ICa-L by dexmedetomidine at the concentration of 10 ng/ml
      was partially reversed by yohimbine. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine can attenuate
      ICa-L in adult rat ventricular myocytes, which may contribute to its negative
      effects on myocardia contractility and cardiac electrophysiology. Its inhibitory
      effect on ICa-L is partially associated with alpha-2 adrenergic receptors. KEY
      WORDS: Cardiology; Dexmedetomidine; L-type calcium current; Ventricular myocytes;
      Whole-cell patch clamp.

PMID- 27122701
TI  - Long-Term Outcomes of Native Coarctation of the Aorta after Balloon Angioplasty
      or Surgical Aortoplasty in Newborns and Young Infants Less Than 3 Months of Age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Balloon angioplasty of native coarctation of the aorta, though
      effective, is frequently associated with early restenosis, repeated interventions
      and aneurysm formation, especially in very young patients. However, available
      long-term data are limited. METHODS: From Jan. 1986 to Dec. 2007, eighty-eight
      patients with simple aortic coarctation, isolated or associated with patent
      ductus arteriosus or ventricular septal defect, and survived angioplasty (n = 17)
      or surgery (n = 71) within 3 months of age in National Taiwan University Hospital
      were enrolled. RESULTS: The average length of follow-up was 10.1 +/- 5.1 years.
      The long-term outcomes between these two groups were comparable in hypertension,
      left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and aortic aneurysm. Patients in the
      angioplasty group had a greater likelihood of reintervention (64.7% vs. 42.3%, p
      = 0.096) and repeated reintervention (29.4% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.027) as compared with
      surgery group. The 10-year freedom from reintervention was 35.3% and 59.2% in the
      angioplasty and surgery group, respectively (p = 0.046); there were no deaths
      reported in that 10-year span. Patients with angioplasty and those with patent
      ductus arteriosus were more likely to require surgical aortoplasty at
      reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term outcomes of aortic coarctation in
      newborns and young infants after balloon angioplasty were effective and
      beneficial. However, those outcomes were accompanied by concomitant higher risks
      of reintervention and surgical reintervention, particularly in those with patent
      ductus arteriosus. KEY WORDS: Aortic operation; Coarctation; Infant; Outcomes.

PMID- 27122703
TI  - Spontaneous Retro-Orbital Subperiosteal Hemorrhage with Complete Resolution
      Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - Among the several treatment strategies available for acute myocardial infarction,
      primary percutaneous coronary intervention concomitant with antithrombotic agents
      is the primary treatment used to facilitate coronary reperfusion. However,
      bleeding can create major complications. Here we have presented a case of acute
      myocardial infarction treated with reperfusion therapy, after which developed a
      sudden onset of proptosis, with high intraocular pressure, blurred vision, and
      ecchymosis of the left eye. Spontaneous retro-orbital subperiosteal hemorrhage, a
      rare complication, was diagnosed based on those symptoms as noted above, as well
      as other orbital signs and imaging evaluation. Multiple antithrombotic agents,
      including antiplatelets, low molecular weight heparin, and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
      receptor inhibitor were thought to be the main precipitating factors of this
      complication. Thereafter, conservative medical treatment was applied. In the
      following 2 weeks, all the patient's orbital signs resolved gradually without
      visual impairment. In conclusion, our experience with a rare case of
      complications arising from reperfusion therapy used to treat myocardial
      infarction suggests that clinicians should remain vigilant for any hemorrhagic
      events during acute myocardial infarction treatment. KEY WORDS: Acute myocardial
      infarction; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Retro-orbital subperiosteal
      hemorrhage.

PMID- 27122704
TI  - Repair of Traumatic Tricuspid Regurgitation.
AB  - Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after blunt chest trauma is rare and often
      results from damage to the subvalvular apparatus. When injured, the damaged
      subvalvular apparatus may break immediately or at a later stage due to mechanical
      fatigue. We report the case of a 30-year-old man who sustained a blunt thoraco
      abdominal trauma in a motorbike accident. The patient's condition immediately
      after the accident precluded any intervention for the moderate TR that was
      detected by transesophageal echocardiography. However, he later developed a
      severe TR which required surgical intervention 11 months after the accident. The
      operative findings included a ruptured anterior common chordae, a contracted and
      perforated anterior leaflet, and an enlarged annulus. A satisfactory valve
      competence was achieved with several techniques including chordae re
      implantation, suture commissurotomy, and ring annuloplasty. This report
      highlights the unpredictable course of deterioration in traumatic TR and the
      possibility of complex repair. KEY WORDS: Blunt cardiac injury; Tricuspid
      regurgitation; Tricuspid valve repair.

PMID- 27122705
TI  - Hypercalcemia-Induced New Onset Left Bundle Branch Block Mimicking Acute
      Myocardial Infarction in a Patient with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - A 78-year-old women with a recent diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism
      presented with vague chest pain, and new onset left bundle block (LBBB) on the
      electrocardiogram (ECG) mimicking acute myocardial infarction (AMI). LBBB
      resolved without abnormal Q waves only after correction of hypercalcemia. The
      cardiac enzymes, including creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, and troponin-I
      were all within normal range. Hypercalcemia provoking ECG changes that mimic
      acute myocardial infarction is infrequently reported. To our knowledge, this is
      the first report of hypercalcemia-induced new onset LBBB mimicking AMI. Emergency
      physicians should include hypercalcemia-induced new onset LBBB on the ECG in the
      differential diagnosis of AMI. KEY WORDS: Acute myocardial infarction;
      Hypercalcemia; Hyperparathyroidism; left bundle branch block.

PMID- 27122707
TI  - Do Not Use Cycloxigenase-2 Inhibitors in STEMI.

PMID- 27122706
TI  - Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia with QRS Duration Alternans, Electrical
      Alternans, and Pulsus Alternans but without Cycle Length Alternans.
AB  - We reported a 60-year-old male patient who had a paroxysmal supraventricular
      tachycardia with QRS duration alternans (alternation between narrow QRS and wide
      QRS beats) and electrical alternans, but without any cycle length alternans. In
      the laboratory, slow-fast atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia was easily
      induced by an atrial extrastimulus, and the arterial pressure recordings
      displayed a simultaneous pulsus alternans during tachycardia. The patient also
      underwent coronary angiography which revealed a total occlusion of the left
      anterior descending artery. In this report, we have proposed that the QRS
      duration alternans, electrical alternans and pulsus alternans during the
      paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardiamay have been due to the prolongation of
      the effective refractory period of the right bundle branch, caused by myocardial
      ischemia. KEY WORDS: Electrical alternans; Myocardial ischemia; Supraventricular
      tachycardia.

PMID- 27122708
TI  - Pharmacology of Aldosterone and the Effects of Mineralocorticoid Receptor
      Blockade on Cardiovascular Systems.
AB  - It is well-known that aldosterone plays an important role in reabsorption of
      sodium and fluid, and in potassium excretion in kidneys via epithelial
      mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. Recent studies have shown that
      aldosterone causes cardiovascular remodeling not only in a blood pressure
      dependent manner, but also in a blood pressure-independent manner by decreasing
      nitric oxide bioavailability and modulating oxidative stress, leading to vascular
      inflammation. In addition, MR blockade does provide beneficial effects associated
      with cardiovascular protection, resulting in a reduction of cardiovascular
      morbidity and mortality. A growing body of evidence suggests that MR blockade is
      a promising therapeutic target to help prevent cardiovascular events. KEY WORDS:
      Aldosterone; Mineralocorticoid receptor; Nitrix oxide; Renin-angiotensin
      aldosterone system.

PMID- 27122709
TI  - C-Reactive Protein Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in a
      Chinese Population in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels can be used to
      predict an increased risk of future atrial fibrillation (AF). However, several
      single polynucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRP gene affect CRP levels.
      This study aims to elucidate the correlation between CRP gene polymorphisms and
      the risk of AF among a Chinese population in Taiwan. METHODS: A total of 200
      patients with AF and 240 age- and gender-comparable control subjects were
      enrolled in this study. From these patients, five SNPs in the CRP gene were
      selected and genotyped. RESULTS: Patients with AF had significantly higher plasma
      CRP levels than the controls. In the total study population, the minor alleles of
      rs3091244 and rs1205 were significantly associated with higher CRP level (p =
      0.001 and 0.045, respectively). The frequency of rs1800947 minor allele (C) was
      significantly higher in patients with AF than that in control subjects (12.8% and
      4.6%, respectively; p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the presence of the C
      allele of rs1800947 was significantly and independently associated with AF after
      adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, smoking,
      hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease, concomitant medication, and CRP
      levels (odds ratio = 3.21; 95% confidence interval = 1.54-6.68; p = 0.01).
      Haplotype analysis further verified that the rs3091244C and rs1800947C bi-loci
      haplotype was significantly overpresented in patients with AF than in the
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the presence of the C allele of
      rs1800947 may indicate susceptibility to AF in a Chinese population in Taiwan.
      KEY WORDS: Atrial fibrillation; C-reactive protein; Polymorphism.

PMID- 27122710
TI  - Nitric Oxide Synthase 1 Adaptor Protein, an Emerging New Genetic Marker for QT
      Prolongation and Sudden Cardiac Death.
AB  - Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is defined as sudden unexplained death due to cardiac
      causes with an acute change in cardiovascular status within 1 hour of onset of
      symptoms. Alternatively, in unwitnessed cases, SCD can also be defined as a
      person last seen functionally normal 24 hours before being found dead. Despite
      significant advances in understanding the pathophysiology of cardiovascular
      diseases and the resultant improvement in resuscitation science, SCD remains a
      major healthcare challenge worldwide. Although the most pronounced risk factor
      for SCD is the presence of coronary artery disease in the setting of a depressed
      left ventricular function, most deaths occur in the larger, lower-risk subgroups
      where genetic variations and other conditions may be the precipitating factors in
      triggering SCD. Recently, a common genetic variation in a neuronal nitric oxide
      synthase regulator, nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP) also known
      as carboxyl-terminal PDZ ligand of neuronal nitric oxide synthase protein (CAPON)
      gene, has been identified as a new genetic marker in modulating QT interval
      prolongation and SCD in general populations. Animal study revealed that NOS1AP is
      expressed in the heart and interacts with NOS1-NO pathways to modulate cardiac
      repolarization via suppressing the sarcolemmal L-type calcium current and
      enhancing the IKr current. This important genetic implication was soon replicated
      in other racial/ethnic populations and extended to a variety of clinical settings
      including diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and
      congenital or drug-induced long QT syndrome. The purpose of this review aims to
      provide up-to-date information about the emerging new genetic marker, NOS1AP, in
      relation to QT prolongation and SCD. KEY WORDS: NOS1AP; QT interval; Sudden
      cardiac death.

PMID- 27122711
TI  - Gene Therapy for Cardiac Arrhythmias.
AB  - Morbidity and mortality caused by cardiac arrhythmias are a major issue in
      developed countries. Although conventional therapeutic options including
      pharmacological therapy, catheter ablation, and implantable devices have shown
      extensive advances to help reduce morbidity and mortality, a certain segment of
      these arrhythmias is still refractory to treatment. Therefore, gene therapy was
      explored as a potential additional or alternative therapy. Gene therapy trials
      have been developed for bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular
      tachycardia. For the treatment of bradycardia, "biological pacemaker" attempts
      have been examined utilizing virus vectors to eliminate inward rectifier
      potassium current, or to overexpress the If current to convert quiescent myocytes
      into spontaneously active cells. These gene therapy attempts were soon followed
      by gene and cell hybrid therapies, and cell transplantation therapies utilizing
      pacemaker cells derived from stem cells. For the treatment of tachycardia, two
      major strategies were conceived: 1) to increase the effective refractory period,
      or 2) to recover the conduction velocity. The establishment of a selective and
      highly efficient gene transfer method would enable us to apply these concepts
      into the atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia models. Both concepts
      resulted in an elimination or reduction of tachyarrhythmias in large animal
      models. Although these trials proved the concept of gene therapy as an adjuvant
      or alternative approach for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, the limitation
      of these studies is the long-term efficacy and safety. Consequently, an
      improvement in the gene delivery method is required to overcome these issues. KEY
      WORDS: Atrial fibrillation; Biological pacemaker; Gene therapy; Ion channel;
      Ventricular tachycardia.

PMID- 27122713
TI  - Prognostic Value of Functional Variables as Assessed by Gated Thallium-201
      Myocardial Perfusion Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography for Major Adverse
      Cardiac Events in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using thallium
      201 (Tl-201) has the capacity to evaluate the earlier post-stress (PS) function
      compared to technetium-99m labeled tracers, and may be more sensitive in
      detecting transient ventricular dysfunction caused by stress-induced ischemia.
      The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of functional
      variables obtained from Tl-201 gated SPECT as a predictor of major adverse
      cardiac events (MACE). METHODS: Four hundred and thirty-eight subjects who had
      known or suspected coronary artery disease and underwent clinically indicated
      dipyridamole-stress electrocardiography-gated Tl-201 SPECT were included in this
      study. Functional variables, including PS-ejection fraction (EF), PS-end systolic
      volume (ESV), PS-regional wall motion abnormality (RWA), reversible RWA and EF
      worsening, were generated to study the correlation with MACE (cardiac death,
      nonfatal infarction, unstable angina and coronary revascularization). RESULTS:
      Sixty-eight of the total 438 patients (15.5%) had MACE during the period of
      follow-up (a median time of 31 months), including 2 cardiac deaths, 9 non-fatal
      infarctions, 9 unstable angina and 48 coronary revascularizations. These events
      occurred significantly more frequently in patients with reversible RWA (28.8% vs.
      7.1%, p < 0.0001), EF worsening (34.8% vs. 12.1%, p < 0.0001), PS-RWA (29.9% vs.
      11.4%, p < 0.0001) and PS-EF < 45% (27.8% vs. 14.4%, p = 0.034). Using the Cox
      proportional hazards regression analysis, reversible RWA and EF worsening were
      two independent predictors of MACE, providing incremental prognostic value over
      clinical and perfusion-alone information. CONCLUSIONS: The functional assessment
      with Tl-201 gated SPECT was a useful prognosticator for patients who had known or
      suspected coronary artery disease. KEY WORDS: Coronary artery disease; Gated
      SPECT; Major adverse cardiac events; Tl-201.

PMID- 27122714
TI  - Fenofibrate Modulates HO-1 and Ameliorates Endothelial Expression of Cell
      Adhesion Molecules in Systolic Heart Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endothelial activation and dysfunction have been implicated in the
      pathogenesis and progression of heart failure (HF). In the present study, we
      investigated if endothelial expression of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) is
      inhibited by fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha
      (PPARalpha) agonist with anti-inflammatory and vascular protective effects,
      through the regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). METHODS: We recruited a total
      of 20 patients with advanced systolic HF and 20 healthy volunteers who all
      provided blood samples. Cultured human pulmonary artery endothelial cells
      (HPAECs) were treated with 70% sera obtained from study individuals, with or
      without pretreatment with fenofibrate. The endothelial expression of
      intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1
      (VCAM-1) and HO-1 were analyzed by mRNA expression and Western blot. RESULTS:
      Stimulation of cultured HPAECs with serum from HF patients significantly
      activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) and increased VCAM-1 and ICAM-1
      expression but attenuated HO-1 expression. Immunohistochemistry study also
      confirmed that CAMs were up-regulated, whereas HO-1 was down-regulated in HF
      patients. HO-1 small interfering RNA significantly suppressed HO-1 expression and
      exaggerated the HF serum-induced CAM expression, whereas HO-1 inducer cobalt
      protoporphyrin IX simultaneously stimulated HO-1 expression and suppressed CAM
      expression. Pretreatment with fenofibrate prevented the decrease of HO-1
      expression and the activation of NF-kappaB as well as the increase of CAM
      expression that induced by HF patient serum. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated
      that fenofibrate may exert beneficial effects in patients with systolic HF
      through regulation of HO-1 expression and amelioration of endothelial activation.
      KEY WORDS: Cell adhesion molecules; Endothelial cells; Heart failure; Heme
      oxygenase-1; Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha.

PMID- 27122712
TI  - Warfarin Pharmacogenetics: New Life for an Old Drug.
AB  - Warfarin was first introduced in the 1950s and quickly became the most commonly
      used oral anticoagulant for the prevention of thromboembolism in patients with
      deep vein thrombosis, atrial fibrillation, or prosthetic heart valve replacement.
      Warfarin is highly effective in treating these diseases; however, several factors
      prevent it from even wider use, especially in Asian populations. It is difficult
      for patients on warfarin to reach desired anticoagulation due to its narrow
      therapeutic index and highly variable dose response. The major adverse event is
      bleeding which is associated with overdose of warfarin. Clinical and genetic
      factors such as polymorphisms in CYP2C9 and VKORC1 associated with an
      individual's warfarin maintenance have been identified. More than 20 dose
      prediction algorithms incorporating both genetic and clinical factors have been
      developed, and some of them have been tested clinically. However, most of the
      algorithms were tested in small populations. Several major clinical trials are
      now underway. This review aims to provide an overview of the field of warfarin
      which includes information about the drug, genetics of warfarin dose
      requirements, dosing algorithms developed and the challenges of clinical
      implementation of warfarin pharmacogenetics. KEY WORDS: CYP2C9; Pharmacogenetics;
      VKORC1; Warfarin.

PMID- 27122717
TI  - Contrast-Induced Encephalopathy after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
AB  - Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a rare complication that presents with
      transient neurologic deficits and is caused by neurotoxicity of intravascular
      contrast media. The prognosis can be extremely favorable even in comatose
      patients. We reported a 76-year-old woman admitted for scheduled coronary
      angiography. The total amount of Optiray contrast media used was 150 mL.
      Immediately after the procedure, the patient developed consciousness disturbance,
      global aphasia, cortical blindness and right-sided weakness. CIE was diagnosed by
      computed tomography and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging. The patient
      recovered completely within 48 hours without any neurological deficits. KEY
      WORDS: Angioplasty; Contrast-induced encephalopathy; Percutaneous coronary
      intervention.

PMID- 27122716
TI  - A Large Institutional Study on Outcomes and Complications after Transcatheter
      Closure of a Perimembranous-Type Ventricular Septal Defect in 890 Cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the incidence, cause, and prevention of complications
      associated with interventional therapy for perimembranous ventricular septal
      defects (pmVSDs). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 890 patients
      with pmVSDs after interventional therapy. The complications were then analyzed by
      electrocardiography and echocardiography during or after interventional therapy.
      During the follow-up period of 12-52 (mean of 26.9 +/- 21.6) months, the
      technical success rate was 97.9% (871/890). RESULTS: The incidence of serious
      complication was 1.12% (10/890), including five cases of third-degree
      atrioventricular block, two of severe tricuspid valve regurgitation, one of
      cerebral infarction in the basal ganglia area, and two of femoral artery
      thrombosis. No death was reported during patient follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      Transcatheter closure of pmVSDs in selected patients was found to be effective
      and safe. KEY WORDS: Complication; Interventional therapy; Ventricular septal
      defect.

PMID- 27122715
TI  - High Flow-Mediated Vasodilatation Predicts Pulmonary Edema in Liver Transplant
      Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early pulmonary edema is common after orthotopic liver
      transplantation. Associated pathogenic mechanisms might involve increased
      activity of cardiac-inhibitory systems due to increased vasodilator production,
      mainly nitric oxide (NO). NO is primarily responsible for flow-mediated
      vasodilatation (FMD). We investigated the incidence of pulmonary edema in liver
      transplant patients and its correlation with FMD. METHODS: We prospectively
      evaluated traditional risk factors, Doppler echocardiographic findings, derived
      hemodynamic data, and brachial artery nitroglycerin-induced vasodilatation (NTD)
      and FMD within 1 week prior to liver transplantation in 54 consecutive liver
      transplant patients with cirrhosis. Post-transplantation chest roentgenography
      was performed daily. In-hospital outcomes, transfusion volume of blood
      components, and hemodynamic data during surgery and at the intensive care unit
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (53.7%) developed radiological
      pulmonary edema within 1 week of transplantation. Diffuse-type interstitial and
      alveolar pulmonary edema constituted 13 cases (24.1%). Patients with pulmonary
      edema had higher pretransplantation Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores (p = 0.01),
      cardiac output (p = 0.03), FMD (p < 0.01), NTD (p = 0.01), and FMD/NTD ratio (p =
      0.02). Although the total volume of intravenous fluid transfused was higher in
      the pulmonary edema group, the net fluid retention during surgery was
      statistically insignificant. The lengths of intensive care unit stay and
      hospitalization, as well as mortality rates, were not different in these groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of pulmonary edema after living donor liver
      transplantation was associated with a high FMD and FMD/NTD ratio at
      pretransplantation. FMD is the only significant predictor associated with
      pulmonary edema. However, we observed no alteration in mortality rates. KEY
      WORDS: Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy; Flow-mediated vasodilatation; Liver
      transplantation; Pulmonary edema.

PMID- 27122718
TI  - A Lethal Complication after Coronary Angiography in a Patient with Ehlers-Danlos
      Syndrome.
AB  - A 51-year-old man with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome presented to our emergency
      department with the chief complaint of chest tightness. The patient was diagnosed
      with acute coronary syndrome, due to his crescendo pattern of typical angina
      without elevated troponin-I, which was managed with dual-antiplatelet agents and
      intravenous heparinization. However, the symptoms persisted, and coronary
      angiography was performed smoothly via the left radial artery with manual
      compression applied for wound closure. Nonetheless, a left arm hematoma with
      compartment syndrome due to delayed arterial leakage developed, which was treated
      with an emergency fasciotomy. Three days later, during general anesthesia for
      surgical wound closure, extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred due to a
      remarkable fluctuation of blood pressure. The patient remained comatose in the
      following months. This case suggests that the undertaking of an endovascular
      procedure should be reserved for life-threatening scenarios to avoid any life
      threatening complications for patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, especially
      the vascular type. Moreover, prolonged manual direct compression or trans-radial
      band may be mandatory for post-angiographic hemostasis. KEY WORDS: Coronary
      angiography; Endovascular procedure; Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; Vascular
      rupture.

PMID- 27122719
TI  - Recurrent Supraventricular Tachycardia with a Different Retrograde Atrial
      Activation Sequence: What is the Mechanism?
AB  - A young man underwent 2 catheter ablation procedures because of frequent episodes
      of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). A left accessory pathway was
      ablated in the first procedure. The patient underwent the second ablation
      procedure due to a recurrent SVT demonstrated by 12-lead electrocardiogram two
      weeks after the first procedure. During the second procedure, a SVT with a
      different retrograde atrial activation sequence was present. Programmed
      stimulation at the right ventricular apex showed multiple retrograde atrial
      activation sequences. Thereafter, careful analysis of the intracardiac
      electrograms helped us to successfully ablate the SVT. KEY WORDS: Ablation;
      Electrophysiology; Supraventricular tachycardia.

PMID- 27122720
TI  - Late Intervention-Related Complication - A Huge Subepicardial Hematoma.
AB  - A 75-year-old man had a history of triple vessel coronary artery disease. In
      August 2009, he had undergone successful percutaneous coronary intervention to
      the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX) for management of an in-stent
      restenosis (ISR) lesion. However, in September 2010, he began experiencing
      recurrent episodes of exertional chest pain. Chest radiography showed the left
      cardiac border bulging upwards. Transthoracic echocardiography and chest computed
      tomography revealed a huge oval mass of about 10.4 cm * 7.9 cm * 8.6 cm, which
      showed calcification and was obliterating the LCX. Subsequent coronary
      angiography revealed significant instent restenosis, with extravasation of a
      small amount of contrast material at the stent location, suggesting that the
      coronary artery had ruptured. We implanted a polytetrafluoroethylene-covered
      stent to seal the coronary perforation and to release the occlusion. The patient
      was symptom-free and had an uneventful outcome until the 1-year follow up. KEY
      WORDS: Coronary artery perforation; Covered stent; Hematoma.

PMID- 27122721
TI  - Cardiovascular Toxicity of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Cancer Patients: A
      Double-Edged Sword.
AB  - The annual incidence of cancer has increased over the past 20 years, yet the 5
      year relative survival rate for cancer has improved with the increasing
      availability of advanced therapies, including molecular targeted therapy.
      Cardiovascular toxicity can develop with this type of targeted therapy, which can
      cause serious side effects including left ventricular dysfunction, hypertension,
      hypotension, QT prolongation, thromboembolism, and myocardial ischemia. In many
      ways, the quality of life primarily depends on the health status of patient
      cardiopulmonary function. However, risk factor assessment, routine monitoring,
      and prompt intervention remain the best strategy to deal with these patients with
      malignancies, to ensure that their cardiopulmonary function is maintained at the
      highest possible level. Most previous studies on cardiovascular toxicity have
      focused on conventional chemotherapy. Molecular targeted therapy is a novel
      anticancer treatment; however, due to potentially adverse cardiovascular events
      from this therapy, oncologists and cardiologists need to work together to
      maximize the benefits. In this review, we focused on target therapy-induced
      cardiovascular toxicities, in particular cardiac structural,
      electrophysiological, and vascular effects. KEY WORDS: Cardiovascular toxicity;
      Molecular target therapy.

PMID- 27122722
TI  - Gender Difference in Idiopathic Right Ventricular Outflow Tract-Ventricular
      Tachycardia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have discussed gender differences in idiopathic right
      ventricular outflow tract-ventricular tachycardia (RVOT-VT). This study explored
      possible gender differences in electrophysiological characteristics and catheter
      ablation for idiopathic RVOT-VT in Taiwan. METHODS: Ninety-three patients (mean
      age 38.7 +/- 15.5years, 30 males) were diagnosed as having idiopathic RVOT-VT
      between 1998 and 2010, and were enrolled and analyzed as part of our
      investigation. RESULTS: The age of onset, syncope episodes, underlying
      hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia or family history of ventricular
      arrhythmias did not differ between males and females. Male patients had longer
      QRS width (99.9 +/- 19.4 ms vs. 88.4 +/- 20.7 ms, p = 0.02). Female patients had
      lower right ventricular mean voltage (3.0 +/- 0.7 mV vs. 3.7 +/- 0.9 mV, p =
      0.03), and more low voltage zone over the right ventricular outflow tract free
      wall (27.0% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.02). Eighty-one patients received catheter ablation
      (23 males). The acute success rate, repeated catheter ablation rate and VT
      recurrence rate were similar between the genders. CONCLUSIONS: Our study did
      reveal differences in electroanatomical characteristics by gender for patients
      who had idiopathic RVOT-VT, but overall outcomes after catheter ablation were
      similar. KEY WORDS: Gender; Right ventricular outflow tract-ventricular
      tachycardia.

PMID- 27122723
TI  - Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Brugada Syndrome in Taiwan.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of atrial
      fibrillation (AF) in patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) and their clinical
      characteristics in Taiwan. METHODS: The patient group consisted of 47 symptomatic
      BrS patients consecutively enrolled from 2000 to 2010. The definition of BrS
      patients with AF was a BrS patient with at least one episode of AF in a 12-lead
      electrogram or 24-hour holter (permanent, persistent or paroxysmal) during follow
      up, or before diagnosis of BrS. RESULTS: Six BrS patients were identified with
      AF, and all of them were male. Two experienced sudden cardiac death (SCD), 2
      presented with seizure and 4 with syncope. The mean age at onset of BrS was 47 +/
      16 years, similar to those BrS patients without AF (45 +/- 14, p = 0.67).
      Compared to those BrS patients without AF, significantly higher percentages of
      the BrS patients with AF presented with seizure and documented ventricular
      tachyarrhythmia (p = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). Five of them had spontaneous
      Brugada type I electrogram, similar to those BrS patients without AF (p = 0.9).
      The SCN5A mutation rate is similar between BrS patients with AF and those without
      AF (p = 0.69). The prevalence of AF in BrS patients in Taiwan was 12.7% (6/47,
      95% confidence interval 0.06-0.19) which is not significantly lower than the 20%
      prevalence found in the Caucasian population (p = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: BrS
      patients with AF had distinct clinical features from those patients without AF in
      Taiwan. KEY WORDS: Atrial fibrillation; Brugada syndrome; Taiwan.

PMID- 27122724
TI  - Next-Generation Sequencing in the Genetics of Human Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - The International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium published the first draft of
      the human genome in the journal Nature in February 2001, providing the sequence
      of the entire genome's three billion base pairs. The Human Genome Project
      involves a concerted effort to better understand the human DNA sequence through
      identification of all the genes. The knowledge that can be derived from the
      genome could result in the development of novel diagnostic assays, targeted
      therapies and the improved ability to predict the onset, severity and progression
      of diseases. This has been made possible by many parallelized, high-throughput
      technologies such as next-generation sequencing. In this review, we discuss the
      possible application of next-generation sequencing in finding the susceptibility
      gene(s) or disease mechanism of an important human arrhythmia called atrial
      fibrillation. KEY WORDS: Arrhythmia; Atrial fibrillation; Genetics, Next
      generation sequencing.

PMID- 27122725
TI  - ACEI and ARB did not Reduce the Incidence of Dementia in Patients with Atrial
      Fibrillation: A Nationwide Cohort Study.
AB  - PUPOSE: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of
      thromboembolism, and is also a predisposing factor to dementia. Our investigation
      was a retrospective observational study to evaluate whether the usage of
      angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blocker
      (ARB) could reduce the incidence of dementia in patients with AF. METHODS: A
      total of 5221 patients over 20 years of age who had a history of AF as noted in
      ambulatory and inpatient claims data were enrolled from the National Health
      Insurance Research Database of Taiwan in 1997 and 1998. Patients with ACEI or ARB
      were designated as group 1 (4343 patients), and patients without ACEI or ARB were
      designated as group 2 (878 patients). RESULTS: During a follow-up of 5.90 +/-
      3.39 years, 135 patients of group 1 (3.1%) and 25 of group 2 (2.8%) developed new
      onset dementia. Group 1 and group 2 had similar proportions of new-onset dementia
      (p = 0.75). The Kaplan-Meier curve demonstrated that patients with ACEI or ARB
      were not associated with a lower incidence of dementia during the follow-up
      period (log rank p = 0.91). Cox-regression analysis also showed that usage of
      ACEI or ARB was not associated with a lower risk of new-onset dementia after
      adjustment for gender and comorbidities. (Hazard ratio = 0.942, 95% confidence
      interval 0.589~1.506, and p = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: ACEI or ARB may be ineffective
      in reducing the incidence of dementia in patients with AF. KEY WORDS: Angiotensin
      converting-enzyme inhibitor; Angiotensin II receptor blocker; Atrial
      fibrillation; Dementia.

PMID- 27122726
TI  - Intracellular Ca(2+) Transient Phase II Can be Assessed by Half-Logistic Function
      Model in Isolated Aequorin-Injected Mouse Left Ventricular Papillary Muscle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myocardial contraction and relaxation are regulated by increases and
      decreases in intracellular cytoplasmic calcium (Ca(2+)) concentration
      ([Ca(2+)]i). In previous studies, we found that a half-logistic (h-L) function,
      which represents a half-curve of a symmetrical sigmoid logistic function with a
      boundary at the inflection point, curve-fits the first half of the ascending
      phase (CaTI) and the second half of the descending phase of the [Ca(2+)]i
      transient curve (CaTIV) better than a mono-exponential (m-E) function. In the
      present study, we investigated the potential application of an h-L function to
      the analysis of the second half of the ascending phase of the [Ca(2+)]i transient
      curve (CaTII). METHODS: The [Ca(2+)]i transient was measured using the Ca(2+)
      sensitive photoprotein aequorin, which was microinjected into 15 isolated left
      ventricular (LV) papillary muscles of mice. The observed CaTII data during the
      time duration from the point corresponding to the maximum of the first-order time
      derivative of Ca(2+) concentration (dCa/dtmax) to the point corresponding to the
      peak Ca(2+) concentration was curve-fitted by the least-squares method using the
      h-L and m-E function equations. RESULTS: The mean correlation coefficient (r)
      values of the h-L and m-E curve-fits for CaTII were 0.9996 and 0.9984,
      respectively. The Z transformation of h-L r was larger than that of m-E r (p <
      0.0001). H-L residual mean square (RMS) was smaller than m-E RMS (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The h-L function tracks the magnitudes and time courses of CaTII
      more accurately than the m-E function in isolated aequorin-injected mouse LV
      papillary muscle. Compared with the m-E time constant, the h-L time constant of
      CaTII is a more reliable index for evaluating the time duration of the change in
      the increase in [Ca(2+)]i during the combination of the middle part of the
      contraction process and the early part of the relaxation process. CaTII can be
      assessed by the h-L function model in cardiac muscles. The h-L approach may
      provide a more useful model for studying each process in myocardial Ca(2+)
      handling. KEY WORDS: Calcium handling; Calcium transient; Curve-fit; Half
      Logistic function; Time constant.

PMID- 27122727
TI  - Curve-Fitting the Intracellular Calcium Dynamics.
AB  - "No one believes modeling results except the one who performed the calculation;
      ...everyone believes the experimental results except the one who did the
      measurements." P. J. Roache - Computational Physicist. 

PMID- 27122728
TI  - How Long Should Prophylactic Antibiotics be Prescribed for Permanent Pacemaker
      Implantations? One Day versus Three Days.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The implantation of a pacemaker is frequently a life-saving
      procedure. However, the process of implantation may carry an uncommon but
      potentially life-threatening infective complication. The prescription of
      prophylactic antibiotics is an effective way to reduce the risk of infection. The
      aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of 2 prophylactic
      antibiotic schemes and the possible risk factors associated with device-related
      infections. METHODS: A total of 194 consecutive patients who received permanent
      pacemaker (PPM) implantations were enrolled in this study. Prophylactic
      antibiotics were prescribed for every patient with a duration of either 1 day or
      3 days. The follow-up period was 3 months, and any event of device-related
      infection was recorded. RESULTS: Out of the total 194 patients, there were 5
      patients who experienced infective complications after PPM implantation (1
      patient in the 1-day group and 4 patients in the 3-day group). The rate of
      infective complications showed no significant difference between the 2 kinds of
      antibiotic regimens (1.7% vs. 2.9%, p > 0.99). In the multivariate analysis, only
      the presence of pocket hematoma was an independent risk factor for infective
      complications (odds ratio = 3.14, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that
      the efficacies for prevention of PPM-related infections were similar between the
      1-day and 3-day regimens of prophylactic antibiotics. Pocket hematoma was an
      independent risk factor of infective complications, and a longer duration of
      antibiotic treatment may be considered for these patients. Otherwise, a 1-day
      course of antibiotic prophylaxis may be effective enough to prevent device
      related infections, and may further reduce the lengths of hospitalizations. KEY
      WORDS: Complication; Infection; Permanent pacemaker implantation; Prophylatic
      antibiotics.

PMID- 27122729
TI  - Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Adults with
      Repaired Congenital Heart Disease: Constraints from Multiple and New Arrhythmic
      Foci.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial tachyarrhythmias
      in postoperative congenital heart disease (CHD) patients has a low success rate
      and a high recurrence rate. This study explores the reasons for these
      constraints. METHODS: A total of 49 consecutive postoperative CHD patients who
      received RFCA for atrial tachyarrhythmias between 1993 and 2010 were enrolled.
      RESULTS: Overall, there were 86 RFCA procedures performed, 32 with the
      conventional method and 54 using CARTO-guided mapping. The interval between the
      operation and the first ablation was 13 years. Isthmus-dependent atrial flutter
      (AFL) was the most common type of tachycardia (37, 76%), followed by intra-atrial
      re-entry tachycardia (IART; 37%), and ectopic atrial tachycardia (EAT; 31%). By
      applying CARTO-guided mapping, the success rate was elevated compared to that of
      conventional ablation (84% vs. 56%, p = 0.006), but there was no improvement in
      the recurrence rate (22% vs. 28%, p = 0.75). Multiple atrial tachyarrhythmias
      occurred in 26 (53%) patients, and 17 presented during the initial
      electrophysiological study. The presence of multiple arrhythmias during the
      initial study predicted ablation failure or multiple ablations (11/17 vs. 3/32, p
      < 0.001). Among the 15 patients with new tachyarrhythmias, EAT and IART
      predominated. However, applying antiarrhythmia agents immediately following
      ablation may decrease arrhythmia recurrence (1/10 vs. 14/25, p = 0.02).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although electroanatomical mapping improves the results of RFCA in
      atrial tachyarrhythmias, the recurrence rate remains high because of multiple and
      new atrial tachyarrhythmias. Therefore, short-term pharmacological treatment
      following RFCA for positive remodeling should be considered. KEY WORDS: Ablation;
      Antiarrhythmia agents; Atrial tachyarrhythmia; Congenital heart disease; Multiple
      arrhythmias.

PMID- 27122730
TI  - Coronary Artery Complications in Pediatric Patients with Kawasaki Disease: A 12
      Year National Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery complications are the predominant causes of morbidity
      and mortality in childhood Kawasaki disease (KD). The aim of this study was to
      investigate the incidence of coronary artery complications and cardiac sequelae
      in pediatric patients with KD. METHODS: Using the Taiwan National Health
      Insurance (NHI) database from 1997 to 2008, records of patients with KD were
      reviewed retrospectively, utilizing the International Classification of Diseases,
      Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code 446.1 in pediatric patients
      aged 18 years or under. The ICD-9CM was also used to identify the outcomes for
      coronary artery complications (ICD-9-CM codes 410-414), including coronary artery
      aneurysm (CAA) (ICD-9-CM code 414.11). RESULTS: From the records of pediatric
      patients with KD admitted to hospitals between 1997 and 2004, 8148 patients
      without any history of coronary artery complications before KD were selected for
      study. Of those patients, 694 patients (8.5%) were followed-up until the end of
      2008 to estimate the incidence of coronary artery complications. The ratio of
      boys to girls with coronary artery complications was 1.84, and the incidence of
      coronary artery complications was 11.53 per 1,000 person-years. Among the 8148
      pediatric patients with KD, 12 patients (0.15%; 8 boys and 4 girls) had
      myocardial infarction, and 20 patients (0.25%; 12 boys and 8 girls) died during
      follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first report regarding the incidence of
      coronary artery complications in KD children aged 18 years or younger. The
      incidence of coronary artery complications was higher as patients progressed in
      age, and increased by year. However, major complications such as death and
      myocardial infarction did not frequently occur. KEY WORDS: Cardiac sequelae;
      Coronary artery complications; Incidence; Kawasaki disease.

PMID- 27122731
TI  - Subaortic-Right Atrial Fistula after Endocarditis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Infective endocarditis in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is rare.
      Management of this disease is challenging due to the unique features of dynamic
      pressure gradient over the left ventricular outflow tract and its unpredictable
      interaction with the management of sepsis. The added complexity of infective
      endocarditis further complicates an already difficult situation. A 72-year-old
      man with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy presented with acute stroke,
      fever, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Infective endocarditis of the aortic
      valve was confirmed. Despite treatment with antibiotics and aortic valve
      replacement, the patient had recurrent bacteremia and developed a periannular
      abscess and a subaortic-right atrial fistula, with a resulting fatal outcome. KEY
      WORDS: Aortic valve replacement; Endocarditis; Hypertrophic obstructive
      cardiomyopathy; Subaortic-right atrial fistula.

PMID- 27122732
TI  - Dynamic Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction with Cardiogenic Shock in
      Apical Ballooning Syndrome.
AB  - Apical ballooning syndrome, also called Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is
      characterized by transient systolic dysfunction of mid to apical segments and
      hyperkinesis of basal segments of the left ventricle that mimic acute myocardial
      infarction without significant coronary artery stenosis. We reported a 51-year
      old man with chest distress, hypotension and abnormal electrocardiogram.
      Echocardiography revealed extensive akinesia of the mid to apical portions of the
      left ventricle, hyperkinesia of basal segments of the left ventricle, increasing
      left ventricle outflow tract velocity and severe mitral regurgitation. Cardiac
      catheterization showed a normal coronary angiography and an obvious pressure
      gradient between the left ventricle and aorta. After we discontinued
      administration of nitrates, provided mild hydration and initiated intravenous
      dopamine infusion, the patient's hypotension, left ventricular to aortic pressure
      gradient, and severe mitral regurgitation resolved the next day. Thereafter,
      apical ballooning syndrome with dynamic left ventricular outflow tract
      obstruction, severe mitral regurgitation and cardiogenic shock was diagnosed. KEY
      WORDS: Apical ballooning syndrome; Cardiogenic shock; Left ventricular outflow
      tract obstruction; Mitral regurgitation.

PMID- 27122733
TI  - Asymptomatic Right Ventricular Perforation by a Temporary Transvenous Pacing Lead
      in an Infant.
AB  - A 3-month-old male infant received transvenous temporary pacemaker for acquired
      complete atrioventricular block. However, a right ventricle perforation by the
      pacing lead was found incidentally when the patient was receiving permanent
      pacemaker implantation nineteen days after temporary pacing. There was no
      pacemaker dysfunction, active bleeding or hemopericardium. The temporary pacing
      lead was extracted and the site of perforation was sutured. This case is unique
      because of the patient's unusual clinical presentation, and we suggested that
      echocardiography should be performed cautiously to check the pacing catheter tip
      daily, even if asymptomatic and/or normal function of pacemaker. KEY WORDS:
      Complete atrioventricular block; Right ventricle perforation; Transvenous pacing
      lead.

PMID- 27122734
TI  - Obesity Paradox - The Controversial Role of Body Mass Index and Plasma
      Adiponectin in Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - Body mass index (BMI) is an anthropometric index used to evaluate a person's
      weight. In the general population, higher BMI is associated with more adverse
      outcomes as well as cardiovascular risk factors. The current clinical guidelines
      suggest weight control within desirable BMI as 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m(2). In the event
      of coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndrome, the impact of BMI on
      clinical outcomes still remains controversial. Some studies have demonstrated
      that overweight and obese patients had better prognosis than normal weight
      patients. Adiponectin, a secretory protein produced by adipocytes and inversely
      proportional to BMI, is a possible mediator for the so-called "obesity paradox",
      a term for the obese-protective phenomenon. Lower plasma adiponectin is
      associated with the progression of coronary artery disease. However, in the
      presence of acute coronary syndrome, patients with higher plasma adiponectin
      could be associated with adverse outcomes. Further studies including serial
      change of plasma adiponectin, or the use of other methods to discriminate lean
      and fat body mass are necessary to investigate this seemingly contradictory
      topic. KEY WORDS: Adiponectin; Body mass index; Obesity paradox.

PMID- 27122735
TI  - Five-Year Outcomes after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients with and without
      Diabetes Mellitus in Taiwan, 1996-2005.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a strong risk factor of cardiovascular
      disease. To date, the impact of DM on outcomes after acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI) in Taiwan is undetermined. The aim of this study was to compare five-year
      outcomes after AMI in patients with and without diabetes in Taiwan. METHODS: A
      nationwide cohort of 25,028 diabetic and 56,028 non-diabetic patients who were
      first hospitalized with AMI between 1996 and 2005 was enrolled through linkage
      with the Taiwan National Health Insurance research database. Patient mortality
      rates within 30 days after AMI, and 1, 3, and 5 years thereafter were compared.
      RESULTS: Length of hospital stay (8.9 +/- 8.7 vs. 8.2 +/- 8.0 days, p < 0.01) and
      medical cost during admission (in Taiwan dollars: $129,123 +/- $158,073 vs.
      $121,631 +/- $157,018, p < 0.01) were significantly higher in diabetic patients.
      The difference in mortality rate within 30 days was insignificant between
      diabetic and non-diabetic patients (18.1% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.06). Mortalities
      within 1 year (31.0% vs. 26.8%, p < 0.01), 3 years (42.4% vs. 34.7%, p < 0.01),
      and 5 years (50.6% vs. 41.1%, p < 0.01) were significantly higher in diabetic
      patients. In patients with AMI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) during index admission, the mortality rate within 30 days was insignificant
      (6.3% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.70) but mortalities within 1 year (15.2% vs. 11.6%, p <
      0.01), 3 years (24.1% vs. 17.2%, p < 0.01), and 5 years (32.2% vs. 22.6%, p <
      0.01) were significantly higher in diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The average
      patient length of hospital stay and medical cost during admission were
      significantly higher in diabetic patients. Additionally, the difference in
      mortality rate within 30 days after AMI was insignificant between diabetic and
      non-diabetic patients. Also, long-term mortality after AMI was significantly
      higher in diabetic patients. KEY WORDS: Acute myocardial infarction; Diabetes
      mellitus; Length of hospital stay; Medical cost; Mortality; National health
      insurance.

PMID- 27122736
TI  - Chronic Kidney Disease, But Not Diabetes, Can Predict 30-Day Outcomes in Patients
      with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction after Primary Percutaneous Coronary
      Intervention: A Single-Center Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with acute coronary syndrome and impaired renal function
      have been shown to have high mortality. However, there is scarce literature to
      date addressing the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) and renal function on
      clinical outcomes of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Taiwan.
      METHOD: This study enrolled 512 STEMI patients who received primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention. Patients were divided into 4 groups including group 1:
      patients without DM or CKD (nDM-nCKD); group 2: patients with DM but without CKD
      (DM-nCKD); group 3: patients with CKD but without DM (nDM-CKD); group 4: patients
      with DM and CKD (DM-CKD). Patients were also classified into four groups based on
      their estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR): stage 1 (eGFR >= 90
      ml/min/1.73 m(2), n = 163), stage 2 (eGFR = 89-60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), n = 171),
      stage 3 (eGFR = 59-30 ml/min/1.73 m(2), n = 136), and stage 4 (eGFR < 30
      ml/min/1.73 m(2), n = 42). The complication rates, length of hospital stay, and
      30-day outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The patients in both the nDM-CKD group
      and DM-CKD group had higher incidences of hypotension, intra-aortic balloon
      counterpulsation use, and respiratory failure (p < 0.005). They had significantly
      longer hospital stay and 30-day mortality rates (p < 0.001). The patients with
      CKD stage 3 and 4 had longer hospital stay and higher 30-day mortality rates (p <
      0.001). However, DM was not an independent factor on the length of hospital stay
      and 30-day mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: STEMI patients with impaired renal
      function, but not DM, had significantly longer hospital stay and higher 30-day
      mortality rates. KEY WORDS: Chronic kidney disease; Diabetes mellitus; Mortality;
      Primary percutaneous coronary intervention; ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction.

PMID- 27122737
TI  - The Effect of Intensified Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction on
      Recurrent Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Mortality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lipid-lowering therapy plays an important role in preventing the
      recurrence of cardiovascular events in patients after acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI). This study aimed to assess the effect of intensified low density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction on recurrent myocardial infarction and
      cardiovascular mortality in patients after AMI. METHOD: The 562 enrolled AMI
      patients (84.2% male) were divided into two groups according to 3-month LDL-C
      decrease percentage equal to or more than 40% (n = 165) and less than 40% (n =
      397). To evaluate the long-term efficacy of LDL-C reduction, the 5-year outcomes
      were collected, including time to the first occurrence of myocardial infarction
      and time to cardiovascular death. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics and
      complication rates were not different between the two study groups. The patients
      with 3-month LDL-C decrease >= 40% had higher baseline LDL-C and lower 3-month, 1
      year, 2-year, 3-year, 4-year and 5-year LDL-C than the patients with 3-month LDL
      C decrease < 40%. In Kaplan-Meier analyses, those patients with 3-month LDL-C
      decrease >= 40% had a higher rate of freedom from myocardial infarction (p =
      0.006) and survival rate (p = 0.02) at 5-year follow-up. The 3-month LDL-C < 40%
      parameter was significantly related to cardiovascular death (HR: 9.62, 95% CI
      1.18-78.62, p < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: After acute myocardial infarction, 3-month
      LDL-C decrease < 40% was identified to be a significant risk factor for
      predicting 5-year cardiovascular death. The patients with 3-month LDL-C decrease
      >= 40% had a higher rate of freedom from myocardial infarction and lower
      cardiovascular mortality, even though these patients had higher baseline LDL-C
      value. KEY WORDS: Acute myocardial infarction; Cardiovascular death; Low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol; Mortality; Statin.

PMID- 27122738
TI  - Body Mass Index and Outcome of Acute Myocardial Infarction - Is There an Obesity
      Paradox?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there have been some studies focusing on the relationship
      between body mass index (BMI), coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary
      syndrome, the clinical effects of BMI on outcomes after percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are not
      well known in a Taiwanese population. METHODS: From January 2005 to December
      2011, 1298 AMI patients who received PCI were enrolled from a single center in
      Taiwan. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to their BMI:
      underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m(2)); normal weight (18.5 <= BMI < 24 kg/m(2));
      overweight (24 <= BMI < 27 kg/m(2)) and obese (BMI >= 27). All patients had been
      followed up for at least 12 months, and 30-day and 5-year all-cause and
      cardiovascular-cause mortality were compared among the study groups. RESULTS: The
      patients in the underweight group had a lower 30-day survival rate than the other
      3 groups, and the underweight and normal weight patients had a lower 5-year
      survival rate than the overweight and obese patients. The multivariate regression
      analysis showed that Killip class >= 2, non-use of statin, older age, hemoglobin
      < 12 g/dl and chronic kidney disease, but not BMI, are independent predictors of
      all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In this present study, the major factors
      affecting long-term survival are lack of using statin and older age, but not
      obese paradox. KEY WORDS: Acute myocardial infarction; Mortality; Obesity;
      Percutaneous coronary intervention; Survival.

PMID- 27122739
TI  - Increased Rosuvastatin Dose versus Concomitant Fenofibrate and Rosuvastatin
      Therapy to Achieve Lipid Goal in Patients with Diabetes or Atherosclerosis with
      Metabolic Syndrome.
AB  - PUPOSE: We aimed to ascertain whether increased rosuvastatin dose is non-inferior
      to concomitant fenofibrate and rosuvastatin therapy in patients with diabetes or
      atherosclerosis with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: After treatment with
      rosuvastatin 5 mg/day for 12 weeks, 112 patients were randomly assigned to
      receive either 10 mg/day rosuvastatin (group A) or 80 mg/day supra-film coated
      fenofibrate plus 5 mg/day rosuvastatin (group B). The therapy effects were
      evaluated by measuring the serum lipid profile, liver and muscle enzymes, and
      renal function after the treatment period. RESULTS: After the treatment, the
      total cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non HDL-C, low
      density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride were comparable between
      the 2 groups. The change in the non-HDL-C were -7.39 +/- 26.58 (-6.62%) and -0.68
      +/- 24.49 (-1.19%) mg/dl (p = 0.28); and the change in the triglyceride were 
      36.61 +/- 62.51 (-14.00%) and -44.77 +/- 77.35 (-23.17%) mg/dl (p = 0.64),
      respectively. While 41.37% of group A and 38.69% of group B achieved their LDL-C
      goal (< 100 mg/dl) (p = 0.79), 37.26% of group A and 42.31% of group B achieved
      their triglyceride goal (< 150 mg/dl) (p = 0.53), respectively. The changes in
      the serum transaminase and creatinine phosphokinase were similar between the 2
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: After 5 mg/day of rosuvastatin, the lipid profile in
      patients with diabetes or atherosclerotic vascular diseases with metabolic
      syndrome could be improved by increasing rosuvastatin dose, and the resultant
      decrease of non-HDL and triglyceride were similar to those obtained with
      combination therapy. Both therapies were safe and feasible. KEY WORDS:
      Combination therapy; Diabetes; Fenofibrate; Metabolic syndrome; Monotherapy;
      Statin.

PMID- 27122740
TI  - Combined Framingham Risk Score and Coronary Artery Calcium Score Predict
      Subclinical Coronary Plaque Assessed by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram in
      Asymptomatic Taiwanese Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the predictive value of the combined
      traditional Framingham risk score (FRS) and coronary artery calcium score (CACS)
      for subclinical coronary plaque detected by computed tomography coronary
      angiogram (CTCA) in asymptomatic subjects. METHOD: We evaluated 167 asymptomatic
      Taiwanese subjects (mean age, 57 +/- 11.2 years), who underwent CTCA as part of a
      health evaluation. We examined the associations between FRS, CACS, serum
      biomarkers, and coronary plaque assessed by CTCA. RESULTS: Out of 167 subjects in
      the study, 95 had coronary artery atheroma. Of those possible predictors for
      coronary atherosclerosis, both FRS and CACS were independent predictors for the
      presence of coronary plaque [relative risk (RR): 1.29, 95% confidence interval
      (CI): 1.07-1.54, p = 0.006 and RR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.16-1.75, p = 0.001,
      respectively]. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis revealed that
      CACS and FRS were indicators of the presence of coronary plaque. The area under
      the curve for FRS and CACS was 0.729 and 0.889, respectively (p < 0.001).
      Furthermore, the area under the curve for combination of FRS and CACS was 0.936
      (95% CI: 0.887-0.969, p < 0.001), and this combination provided a better
      diagnostic advantage than either FRS or CACS alone (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012 by C
      statistic, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic Taiwanese subjects with
      low to intermediate cardiovascular risk, both FRS and CACS were independently
      related to subclinical atherosclerosis. A combined FRS and CACS evaluation
      improved the efficacy of prediction for atherosclerotic plaque burden. KEY WORDS:
      Atherosclerosis; Computed coronary tomography angiogram; Coronary artery calcium
      score; Framingham risk score; Subclinical coronary plaque.

PMID- 27122741
TI  - Falls and Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder in older
      adults, and its prevalence has increased rapidly in recent years. The health
      issues associated with atrial fibrillation are not limited to physiological
      problems, as it also contributes to an increased risk of falls, which may be
      related to cardiovascular co-morbidities and medication use. The aim of this
      study was to determine which cardiovascular co-morbidities and medication use are
      associated with falls in older adults with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Four
      hundred and one patients 75 years of age or older (82.2 +/- 0.2 years) were
      enrolled in a geriatric evaluation and management unit in Taiwan. Events
      associated with patient falls and medication use were recorded, and comprehensive
      geriatric assessment was conducted during admission. RESULTS: Among the study
      participants, 66 (16.5%) patients had atrial fibrillation and 234 (58.4%)
      patients had a history of fall. We found a significantly higher prevalence of
      falls in patients with atrial fibrillation [odds ration (OR) 1.98, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.08-3.63, p = 0.026] compared with those without atrial
      fibrillation. Using multivariate logistic regression, we found that
      benzodiazepine use (OR 18.22, 95% CI 2.71-122.38, p = 0.003), a history of
      paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (OR 12.18, 95% CI 1.37-108.70, p = 0.025) and
      hypertension (OR 9.49, 95% CI 1.19-75.57, p = 0.034) were independent factors for
      falls in atrial fibrillation patients. CONCLUSIONS: A diagnosis of atrial
      fibrillation in elderly patients is associated with falls. Benzodiazepine use,
      history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and hypertension were associated with
      a high falling prevalence among patients with atrial fibrillation. KEY WORDS:
      Atrial fibrillation; Benzodiazepine; Falls; Hypertension.

PMID- 27122742
TI  - Image Quality of 256-Slice Computed Tomography for Coronary Angiography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the image quality of 256-slice computed tomographic
      angiography (CTA) and to identify possible impact factors associated with image
      quality. METHODS: From November 2009 to January 2010, 506 patients underwent 256
      slice CTA at our institute. A total of 451 patients were enrolled in our study,
      after 55 patients were excluded because of prior bypass surgery and stenting. CTA
      image quality was graded by two observers using a 4-point scale: excellent (score
      1), good (score 2), moderate (score 3), poor and non-diagnostic (score 4). The
      coronary arteries were divided into 15 segments. Image quality was correlated to
      the subjects' age, gender, body mass index, heart rate, and calcium scores.
      RESULTS: We evaluated 6650 coronary segments from CTA images of our enrolled 451
      patients. The mean image quality score of all coronary segments was 1.14. Most
      coronary segments (99.7%) were assessable, and only 21 segments (0.3%) were non
      diagnostic. A total of 5824 coronary segments were classified as having excellent
      image quality. Forty-two patients (9.3%) required control of heart rate with beta
      blockers before CTA could be performed. Male patients had better image quality
      than female patients. Heart rate and severity of calcification were impact
      factors associated with image quality. CONCLUSIONS: Examination with 256-slice
      CTA provides good image quality and can effectively evaluate most coronary
      segments. KEY WORDS: Coronary angiography; Heart rate; Image quality; Multi-slice
      computed tomography.

PMID- 27122743
TI  - Utilization of Pulsatile flow to Decellularize the Human Umbilical Arteries to
      Make Small-Caliber Blood Vessel Scaffolds.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the effect of pulsatile flow in the decellularization process
      of small blood vessels. METHODS: A total of 30 human umbilical cords were used in
      the current study. The umbilical cords were flushed with 0.25% trypsin/0.01% EDTA
      for 30 minutes, followed by treatment with 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate sodium
      dodecyl sulfate for 3 hours. The effectiveness of decellularization on the
      umbilical artery wall was analyzed by mechanical analysis. The scaffolds'
      biocompatibility was observed by co-culture with the human umbilical endothelial
      cells. RESULTS: The maximum stress of the arteries before and after denuding was
      3.55 +/- 0.42N and 3.50 +/- 0.43N, respectively. Under the pressure of 300 mmHg,
      28 pieces of umbilical cords remained intact before and after the flushing, while
      2 pieces ruptured under 300 mmHg. There was no significant difference in
      mechanical properties between flushed and control arteries. Isolated human
      umbilical endothelial cells grow and spread well on the decellularized umbilical
      artery scaffolds. CONCLUSIONS: Decellularization by pulsatile flow in human
      umbilical artery is a convenient, rapid and efficient approach to increase the
      availability of small caliber blood vessel scaffolds. KEY WORDS:
      Decellularization; Human umbilical artery; Scaffolds; Small diameter blood
      vessel; Vascular tissue engineering.

PMID- 27122744
TI  - Outcome of Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Ablation of Atrial
      Fibrillation: A Single Center Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in
      adults. Currently, use of the circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI)
      technique is the cornerstone of ablation therapy for paroxysmal atrial
      fibrillation. In this report, we described our ablation strategy and outcomes
      when treating a limited number of AF patients. METHODS: This study enrolled
      patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF that were resistant to at least one
      anti-arrhythmia drug. We used the CARTO XP system for electro-anatomic mapping,
      facilitated by left atrium multi-slice computed tomography imaging. The ablation
      strategy was to obtain CPVI by using an irrigation catheter and the end-point was
      complete entry and exit block at each pulmonary veins. AF recurrence was defined
      through review of symptoms and AF documentation via electrocardiography (ECG) or
      Holter ECG. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2011, 108 patients (76% paroxysmal AF) received
      ablation by means of our standard procedures, and the AF recurrence rate was 22%
      during a mean follow up of 20.6 +/- 10.2 months. The major complication rate was
      less than 3% in all the patients that received AF ablation in our center.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our AF ablation results were comparable to those results reported in
      major electrophysiology centers, with acceptable complication rates. KEY WORDS:
      Ablation; Atrial fibrillation; Pulmonary vein isolation.

PMID- 27122746
TI  - Thyroid Storm and Incidental Anterior Mediastinal Teratoma: Coincidence or
      Correlation?
AB  - Teratoma is a rare cause of thyrotoxicosis. Among the different types of
      teratoma, struma ovarii is the main type which contains thyroid tissue. There is
      no evidence in the literature that would indicate mediasternal teratoma would
      also lead to thyrotoxicosis or thyroid storm. Herein we report a 37-year-old
      woman who suffered from palpitation. Her chest X-ray showed a mass lesion at the
      left hilum, and chest computed tomography scan yielded a suspicion of pericardial
      cyst. Thereafter, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed, and thymic
      cyst was diagnosed during the operation. However, subsequent pathological studies
      confirmed a diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma. A thyroid function test
      demonstrating hyperthyroidism was completed prior to the patient's operation, and
      thyroid storm was diagnosed by clinical presentation. The patient's symptoms did
      not improve after the operation until we added beta blocker and anti-thyroid
      agents. Therefore, was the presence of thyroid storm and anterior mediastinal
      teratoma coincident or correlative in this case? The special stain of teratoma
      tissues did not reveal any thyroid tissues. In conclusion, thyroid storm and
      anterior mediastinal teratoma in our case occurred coincidentally. However, a
      survey of possible hyperthyroidism in patients with anterior mediastinal tumor
      before operation is critical to avoid perioperative complications. KEY WORDS:
      Anterior mediastinal tumor; Hyperthyroidism; Teratoma.

PMID- 27122745
TI  - Recurrent Thrombosis in a Case of Coronary Ectasia with Large Thrombus Burden
      Successfully Treated by Adjunctive Warfarin Therapy.
AB  - Coronary ectasia (CE) is an uncommon disease. Most patients with CE have
      coexisting coronary artery stenosis, which can easily lead to acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI). The current standard treatment for AMI is well-established.
      However, for CE patients, the standard treatment might fail because of the large
      thrombus burden. We report a case of CE suffering from AMI twice during a two
      week period. Percutaneous coronary intervention with aspiration thrombectomy was
      performed but failed to restore adequate blood flow. Heparin and antiplatelet
      treatment including glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor was given for pharmacological
      management, but follow-up angiography still revealed a poor result. This patient
      was finally treated with dual antiplatelet therapy in combination with warfarin
      treatment. Follow-up coronary angiography a few months later showed restored TIMI
      3 flow. This patient reminds us that in CE patients with large thrombus burden,
      if standard treatment fails, long-term warfarin in combination with antiplatelet
      might be a good alternative choice to decrease thrombus burden and enhance blood
      flow. KEY WORDS: Acute myocardial infarction; Anticoagulation; Aspiration
      thrombectomy; Coronary ectasia; Warfarin.

PMID- 27122747
TI  - Successful Treatment of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy with Plasmapheresis.
AB  - Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare, life-threatening disease of late
      pregnancy and early puerperium among previously healthy women. Management of this
      challenging disease is similar to other forms of systolic heart failure.
      Unfortunately, only 30% to 50% of patients recover completely. Among the
      remaining patients, continued poor ejection fraction indicates irreversible
      cardiomyopathy and portends a poor outcome. Immune complexes, autoantibodies, or
      toxic proteins are likely causative agents. Herein, we report first two PPCM
      cases that were successfully managed with plasmapheresis. KEY WORDS: Peripartum
      cardiomyopathy; Plasmapheresis.

PMID- 27122749
TI  - Predicting Trends in Dyspnea and Fatigue in Heart Failure Patients' Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dyspnea and fatigue are distressing symptoms commonly seen in heart
      failure (HF) patients, and are closely related to patients' disease trajectory of
      contributes. Identifying the effect of symptom trends on disease outcomes is
      important to develop effective symptom management interventions in HF patients.
      METHODS: One hundred and twenty-two patients were recruited. Dyspnea, fatigue,
      clinical characteristics, and disease outcomes were measured at the baseline
      assessment, three months, and 12 months. Latent class growth model and Kaplan
      Meier survival analysis were used on dyspnea and fatigue to examine the
      relationship of disease trajectories and effects on disease outcomes. RESULTS: A
      total of 122 patients were examined (mean age 62.8 +/- 13.0 yrs; 79% male; 39%
      NYHA III/IV; 48% preserved systolic function HF). Three groups based on HF
      patients' dyspnea-fatigue trends were identified as "constant good," "recovery,"
      and "getting worse." The cumulative incidence of a first cardiac event in both
      dyspnea and fatigue groups yielded similar results. The quality of life score for
      the getting worse group was significantly higher than that of the constant good
      and recovery groups. The result of the log-rank test was significant (chi(2) =
      8.11, p = 0.017). Post hoc comparison showed that the prognosis status of the
      constant good group was better than that of the getting worse (p = 0.046) and
      recovery groups (p = 0.020), while getting worse and recovery groups did not
      differ in prognosis status (p = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the
      value of tracking symptoms over time to determine symptom trajectories as well as
      severe baseline (even with improvements at follow-ups) or increased fatigue over
      time were related to a worse event-free survival as compared with low but stable
      fatigue. KEY WORDS: Disease outcome; Kaplan-Meier survival analysis; Symptom
      trajectory.

PMID- 27122748
TI  - Clinical Application of Endothelial Progenitor Cell: Are We Ready?
AB  - The discovery of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) opened up a new
      era of EPC-based therapies for cardiovascular diseases. While researchers are
      enthusiastic about applying EPCs to clinical therapy, progress has been
      substantially limited due to the lack of a thorough characterization and
      understanding of early and late outgrowth EPCs (also called endothelial colony
      forming cell, ECFCs) biology. As a means of facilitating the understanding of how
      late EPCs can most effectively be applied to clinical therapeutics, this article
      reviews the recent progress covering 5 important issues: (1) The best passages of
      ex vivo-cultivated EPCs for cell therapy; (2) inflammatory activation of late
      EPCs: a real world consideration; (3) late EPC is not an endothelial cell: an
      issue of cell contamination; (4) ways to improve EPC function and
      differentiation; and (5) how to separate and delete smooth muscle progenitor
      cells (SPCs). KEY WORDS: Cardiovascular disease; Cell therapy; Endothelial
      progenitor cell; Smooth muscle progenitor cell.

PMID- 27122750
TI  - An Overview of Current Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.
AB  - Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is currently an established device
      therapy for heart failure (HF) patients. Existing knowledge of implantation
      techniques, advances in device-based technologies and clinical trial experience
      have all significantly impacted this evolving therapy in recent years. This
      review article will address the updated CRT guidelines, and potentially new
      indications for CRT such as patients with mild HF symptoms and prolonged QRS
      duration; it also highlights new approaches for placement of the left ventricular
      (LV) lead, multi-site LV pacing, and the role of automatic device optimization in
      CRT. KEY WORDS: Cardiac resynchronization therapy; Guideline; Heart failure;
      Optimization.

PMID- 27122751
TI  - Clinical Assessment and Implication of Left Ventricular Mechanical Dyssynchrony
      in Patients with Heart Failure.
AB  - There have been numerous studies focusing on the assessment of left ventricular
      mechanical dyssynchrony. These studies are diverse in their purposes, which
      include more effectively predicting the response to cardiac resynchronization
      therapy, improving the guidance of the left ventricular lead position, and better
      prediction of outcome in patients with heart failure. This article reviews the
      current assessment methods, clinical applications and limitations of left
      ventricular dyssynchrony indices derived from echocardiography, magnetic
      resonance imaging and radionuclide imaging in patients with heart failure. KEY
      WORDS: Cardiac resynchronization therapy; Dyssynchrony; Echocardiography; Heart
      failure.

PMID- 27122752
TI  - Cardiac Systolic Mechanics in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: New
      Insights and Controversies.
AB  - Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a cardinal and complex
      syndrome tightly linked to several co-morbidities, and is currently emerging as a
      new public health problem in the elderly population. However, despite aggressive
      intervention, patients with HFpEF typically have a poor prognosis. Part of the
      reason underlying this phenomenon can be attributed to the insufficiently
      understood pathophysiology behind this syndrome. Traditional echocardiography
      derived parameters such as left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) may not
      be useful in characterizing such a clinical disorder, or in further identifying
      the subjects at risk, owing in part to its lack of power to disclose subclinical
      systolic dysfunction in such a clinical scenario. Herein, we briefly reviewed the
      clinical manifestations and risk factors of HFpEF, and further provided insights
      into the understanding of the ventricular architecture and cardiac mechanics
      underlying HFpEF by utilizing advanced cardiovascular imaging modalities, with a
      special focus on myocardial deformation. KEY WORDS: Heart failure; Speckle
      tracking imaging; Strain.

PMID- 27122753
TI  - The Effects of Fasudil at Different Doses on Acute Myocardial Infarction in Rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the effects of different doses of fasudil on cardiomyocytes
      in rats with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: A model of rats
      experiencing AMI was randomly divided into control groups and fasudil treatment
      groups according to the different doses of fasudil. After four weeks, hemodynamic
      parameters were measured. Expression levels of Rho kinase mRNA by the reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction method and the expression levels of
      apoptosis related proteins, Bcl-2 and bax, were determined by the
      immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: In the model of AMI in rats, their
      hemodynamic deteriorated, and the expression level of the Rho kinase mRNA
      increased in the myocardial tissue; but the expression level of apoptosis-related
      protein bcl-2 decreased, and Bax increased (p < 0.01). After the administration
      of fasudil, hemodynamic levels improved (p < 0.05), expression levels of Rho
      kinase mRNA and Bax (p < 0.01) decreased, expression levels of bcl-2 increased,
      and with the added element of dosage increase, the effect was significant (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: By administration of different doses of fasudil, the
      expression level of Rho kinase in myocardial tissue decreased and apoptosis
      reduced in rats with AMI. Fasudil plays an important role in protecting ischemic
      myocardium and improving cardiac function post AMI in rats, the effects of which
      were enhanced as the dosage was increased. KEY WORDS: Apoptosis; Myocardial
      infarction; Rho kinase.

PMID- 27122754
TI  - Short-Term Safety and Efficacy of Femoral Vascular Closure after Percutaneous
      Coronary Intervention with Combination of the Boomerang(TM) Device and
      Intravenous Protamine Sulfate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Cardiva Boomerang(TM) is a device used to perform femoral
      vascular closure. It facilitates passive hemostasis at the arteriotomy site,
      leaving no residual foreign body. METHODS: We performed a controlled, randomized
      study of 60 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were
      randomized into two groups (30 per group) to undergo vascular closure with the
      Boomerang(TM) or the Perclose(TM) suture-based device after the intravenous
      administration of protamine sulfate. We compared overall success rates, patient
      reported pain, length of time to achieve hemostasis and mobilization of the
      patient, and the frequency of complications in the two groups. RESULTS: Overall
      success rates using the Boomerang(TM) and Perclose(TM) devices were similarly
      high, at 93% and 97%, respectively. The Boomerang(TM) was significantly quicker
      to deploy than the PercloseTM, device deployment time, median (Q1-Q3), [2.00
      (1.33-2.75) vs. 3.84 (2.75-4.38) mins, p < 0.001)]. The pain score was
      significantly lower in the Boomerang(TM) group (1.1 +/- 1.7 vs. 6.4 +/- 2.9, p <
      0.001). The time the device remained in the artery and manual compression time
      were significantly longer with the Boomerang(TM) (p < 0.001), as well as the time
      taken to achieve hemostasis and time to ambulation. There were no major
      complications in either group and no significant differences between the groups
      in the frequency of minor complications. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that when used
      in combination with intravenous protamine sulfate, the Boomerang(TM) device is as
      safe and effective as the Perclose(TM) device for femoral vascular closure, but
      quicker to deploy and less painful to patients. KEY WORDS: Boomerang;
      Percutaneous intervention; Vascular closure device.

PMID- 27122755
TI  - Outpatient Hypertension Control and Prescribing Habits for Hypertension in
      Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension control is of the utmost importance for reducing
      cardiovascular risk. In Taiwan, the hypertension control rate of the general
      population is low (25%). We investigated the factors affecting outpatient
      hypertension control to determine whether the low control rate stems from
      clinician unawareness or inadequate public education. METHODS: Hypertensive
      patients were recruited between 2003 and 2004 by 13 cardiologists and 9 non
      cardiologists from 19 hospitals distributed across four geographical areas of
      Taiwan. Each clinician recruited 100 consecutive patients from outpatient clinics
      and reported their drug prescriptions, co-morbidities, and blood pressure (BP)
      levels. Data were analyzed using the chi square test and multivariate logistic
      regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the 2145 enrolled patients, 63% attained the BP
      goal of < 140/90 mmHg. BP control rates were higher in older patients, and in
      patients who were treated by cardiologists and at medical centers. The control
      rate of high risk co-morbidity patients (BP goal of < 130/80 mmHg) was 36%, which
      was significantly lower than the 62% control rate of low risk patients (BP goal
      of < 140/90 mmHg). Cardiologists achieved higher BP control rates (65% vs. 60%; p
      = 0.0039), and prescribed more combination regimens (p < 0.0001) and beta
      blockers than non-cardiologists. Overall, 63% of patients received combination
      therapy. Calcium channel blockers were the most commonly prescribed
      antihypertensive drugs, followed by beta blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers,
      diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds
      of the entire study population received combination therapy, although BP control
      rate is still less than optimal in the high risk patients. Ultimately, a more
      aggressive strategy is strongly encouraged for patients considered to be at high
      risk. KEY WORDS: Combination therapy; Hypertension control rate; Prescribing
      habit.

PMID- 27122756
TI  - Effects of Coronary Arterial Injection of Tirofiban on Diabetes Mellitus
      Complicated with Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This work aims to explore the short-term efficacy and safety of
      coronary arterial injection of tirofiban in elderly diabetic patients complicated
      with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent emergency percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Ninety-seven elderly diabetic patients
      complicated with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent
      emergency PCI were selected and randomized into control (group A, 49 cases) and
      tirofiban (group B, 48 cases) groups. Another 129 nonelderly diabetic patients
      (group C) complicated with STEMI who underwent emergency PCI and tirofiban
      treatment in the corresponding period were also involved for comparison. RESULTS:
      Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 3 (TIMI3) flow was significantly higher in
      groups B and C than in group A after PCI (p < 0.01). TIMI myocardial perfusion
      grades (TMPG) 0 to 1 and 2 were distinctly lower (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) and TMPG3
      was obviously higher (p < 0.01) in groups B and C than in group A. The average
      length of hospital stay, post-infarction angina pectoris, severe arrhythmia, and
      cardiac function Killip III to IV were markedly lower in groups B and C than in
      group A (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Meanwhile, mucocutaneous hemorrhage was
      significantly higher in groups B and C than in group A (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Tirofiban effectively improved TIMI flow and TMPG perfusion in elderly diabetic
      patients complicated with AMI and reduced the incidence of serious complications
      without increasing the occurrence of severe hemorrhage. KEY WORDS: Acute
      myocardial infarction; Diabetes mellitus; Emergency percutaneous coronary
      intervention; Tirofiban.

PMID- 27122757
TI  - Surgical Management for Complications during Closure of Atrial Septal Defect with
      Amplatzer Device.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure of secundum type atrial septal defect (ASD) has
      become a standard procedure in most medical centers. Although the procedure is
      invasive and has a shorter recovery duration and a lower complication rate
      compared with surgery, it is not risk-free. In this retrospective chart review
      case series, we report our experience of management of complications after
      placement of an ASD occluder. METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2010, a
      total of 508 patients in our hospital underwent closure of secundum type ASD
      using an Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). Six of the patients (1.2%) had device
      embolization or migration warranting surgical retrieval and repair. RESULTS: All
      the devices were removed and the defects were repaired successfully without any
      mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical intervention for complications of ASO placement
      in patients who underwent closure of secundum type ASD is safe and effective. KEY
      WORDS: Amplatzer occluder; Atrial septal defect; Surgical management.

PMID- 27122758
TI  - Silent Left Ventricular Hemangioma.
AB  - Cardiac hemangiomas are extremely rare, and account for 5-10% of benign cardiac
      tumors. Most clinical presentations involve patient dyspnea on exertion and
      arrhythmia; asymptomatic patients are uncommon. A 45-year-old man had an
      asymptomatic left ventricular mass that was found incidentally during an
      echocardiogram. Magnetic resonance images showed an isointense protruding mass
      attached to the lateral wall of the left ventricle. The patient underwent a
      complete surgical resection with a good outcome. Histopathological examination
      revealed a cavernous hemangioma. The natural course of cardiac hemangiomas
      varies, and total resection is the favored treatment. KEY WORDS: Asymptomatic;
      Cardiac hemangioma; Resection.

PMID- 27122759
TI  - Late-Onset Cyanosis and Finger Clubbing in a 37-Year-Old Female with Ebstein's
      Anomaly and Atrial Septal Defect.
AB  - It is common to suspect Eisenmenger syndrome when patients with atrial septal
      defect (ASD) show cyanosis and clubbing. However, ASD accompanying Ebstein's
      anomaly frequently shows cyanosis without severe pulmonary hypertension,
      especially in the early period after birth. So the medical decision to decline
      surgical treatment in those patients should not be determined merely by clinical
      features such as cyanosis and clubbing. We report a case of a 37-year-old female
      with Ebstein's anomaly and secundum ASD who showed lip cyanosis and finger
      clubbing, but maintained normal pulmonary artery pressure and thus underwent
      successful surgical correction. KEY WORDS: Atrial septal defect; Cyanosis;
      Ebstein's anomaly; Eisenmenger syndrome.

PMID- 27122760
TI  - Anomaly of the Conus Artery Arising from the Right Coronary Artery.
AB  - Some anomalies of the conus artery are relatively common, such as those arising
      from the discrete ostium of the right coronary artery. We report a 63 y/o male
      with an unusual anatomic variation of the conus artery terminating in the
      pericardium. Coronary anomalies may cause coronary ischemia, infarction and
      sudden cardiac death; hence, it is significant to identify coronary anomalies.
      Here, we identify an unusual conus artery anomaly for the first time, with
      accompanying imaging showing its very rare anatomical features that may be of
      interest to the larger medical community. KEY WORDS: Anomaly; Coronary
      angiography; Coronary artery.

PMID- 27122761
TI  - Assessment of Coronary Plaque Vulnerability with Optical Coherence Tomography.
AB  - Several catheter-based imaging modalities have been developed over the past 2
      decades for visualizing the morphological features of coronary atherosclerotic
      plaques that are susceptible to future development of serious cardiovascular
      events. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a new high-resolution intracoronary
      imaging modality based on near-infrared interferometry, and it has been shown to
      be able to identify various components of atheromatous plaques. In this review,
      we examine the histopathology of vulnerable plaques as a target for imaging
      technology, and discuss the evidence of OCT in identifying vulnerable
      atherosclerotic lesions in patients with coronary artery disease. KEY WORDS:
      Coronary artery disease; Optical coherence tomography; Vulnerable plaque.

PMID- 27122763
TI  - CHA2DS2-VASc Score and Heart Rate Predict Ischemic Stroke Outcomes in Patients
      withAtrial Fibrillation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors determining the severity and outcome of ischemic
      stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Our study examined 210
      patients with AF and acute ischemic stroke to investigate the relative risks of
      age, gender, comorbidities, CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores, warfarin use, heart
      rate, and blood pressure on stroke severity, hospitalization duration, and
      mortality rate. RESULTS: Patients with poor outcomes [n = 109, National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of >= 8] had elevated CHA2DS2
      VASc scores [5, interquartile range (IQR) 3-6 versus 4, IQR 2.5-5, p = 0.005] and
      were older with a female predominance, less prior warfarin use, and a higher
      heart rate (93 +/- 24 versus 84 +/- 20 beats/min, p = 0.004) in the emergency
      department, with a longer duration of hospitalization (24 +/- 23 versus 11 +/- 12
      days, p < 0.001) and a higher mortality rate (11.0% versus 0.0%, p = 0.002) than
      those with better outcomes (n = 101, low NIHSS scores of <= 7). Patients who died
      (n = 12) were older and had a higher NIHSS, CHADS2 (3.5, IQR 2-4.75 versus 2, IQR
      1-4, p = 0.040), or CHA2DS2-VASc (5.5, IQR 4-6 versus 4, IQR 3-5, p = 0.046)
      scores than patients who survived. The multivariate analysis showed that female
      gender, no prior warfarin use, and heart rate were independent predictors of
      stroke severity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc
      scores, and heart rate were useful parameters for predicting outcomes in AF
      patients with stroke. KEY WORDS: Atrial fibrillation; CHA2DS2-VASc score; Heart
      rate; Ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27122762
TI  - Association of Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels and Atrial
      Fibrillation - How Far Have We Gone?
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained and most important
      arrhythmia in clinical practice. The mechanisms underlying AF initiation and
      maintenance are known to be complex and heterogeneous. The general understanding
      of the detailed molecular basis of AF is still incomplete. Recently, these is
      increasing evidence that small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK)
      channels are associated with atrial action potential repolarization and the
      pathogenesis of AF. Although the functional role of SK channels in the genesis of
      AF is not entirely clear, new insights into the basic pathophysiological
      mechanism of AF have been provided. Besides, genome-wide association studies also
      implicate that genes coding for SK channels are related to the risk of developing
      AF. This article reviews recent work on the association of SK channels and AF,
      genetic studies of SK channels, and discuss future investigation and developments
      regarding this field. KEY WORDS: Atrial fibrillation; Genetics; Small conductance
      calcium-activated potassium channels.

PMID- 27122764
TI  - Long-Term Prognosis in Recipients of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators for
      Secondary Preventions in Taiwan - A Multicenter Registry Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) has a
      proven capacity to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD), and can also improve
      survival duration in well-selected patients. The goal of the present study was to
      investigate the long-term prognosis and predictors of mortalities among ICD
      recipients in Taiwan. METHODS: From 1998 to 2009, 238 consecutive patients who
      experienced SCDs or life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias without
      correctable causes and received ICD implantations in 3 medical centers (Taipei,
      Taichung and Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital) were enrolled in this study.
      The clinical endpoint was defined as the occurrence of all-cause mortality during
      the follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 63.0 +/- 15.3 years, and
      76.5% of them were male. Ischemic cardiomyopathy was the leading cause for the
      ICD implantations (39.1%). During the mean follow-up duration of 36.8 +/- 29.8
      months, there were 48 patients (20.2%) who died. Patients with structural heart
      diseases had a higher mortality rate than those without such diseases.
      Additionally, old age, low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and a
      history of diabetes mellitus (DM) were significant predictors of mortality. The
      optimal cutoff values for age (70 years) and LVEF (40%) in predicting mortality
      were further identified using the receiver operating characteristic curves.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on the ICD registry from 3 medical centers in Taiwan, the
      annual mortality rate was around 6.6% and was higher in those patients with
      structural heart diseases. We observed that old age, low LVEF and a history of DM
      were significant predictors of mortality. KEY WORDS: Implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator; Mortality; Predictor; Taiwan.

PMID- 27122765
TI  - Sitagliptin Modulates the Electrical and Mechanical Characteristics of Pulmonary
      Vein and Atrium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pulmonary veins (PVs) and atria are important foci during that
      period when atrial fibrillation (AF) is generated and maintained. It is well
      understood that hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) are important risk
      factors for AF. Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-4) inhibitors are new agents in the
      fight against type 2 DM, though they have been found to have several
      cardiovascular effects. However, it is not clear whether DPP-4 may modulate the
      electrical and mechanical characteristics in hypertensive atrium or PVs. METHODS:
      Conventional microelectrodes were used to record the action potentials (APs) in
      isolated PVs, right atrium (RA), and left atrium (LA) in Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY)
      and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with or without sitagliptin (10 mg/kg)
      for 4 weeks. RESULTS: WKY (n = 5), SHR (n = 7), sitagliptin-treated WKY (n = 5)
      and sitagliptin-treated SHR (n = 7) had similar PV or sinoatrial spontaneous
      beating rates. However, the sitagliptin-treated WKY had fewer sinoatrial-PV
      beating rate differences than WKY, SHR or sitagliptin-treated SHR. WKY and SHR
      had shorter 90% (APD90) of RA AP duration than sitagliptin-treated WKY or
      sitagliptin-treated SHR. In contrast, WKY had longer LA APD90 than sitagliptin-
      treated WKY, but SHR and sitagliptin-treated SHR had similar LA APD90.
      Sitagliptin-treated WKY or sitagliptin- treated SHR had larger (RA-LA) APD90
      differences than WKY or SHR, respectively. Moreover, as compared to WKY the post
      rest potentiation of contraction was decreased in SHR, sitagliptin-treated WKY,
      and sitagliptin-treated SHR. CONCLUSIONS: Sitagliptin significantly affects the
      electromechanical characteristics of PVs and atria, which can be modulated by
      hypertension. KEY WORDS: Atrial fibrillation; Atrium; Dipeptidyl peptidase
      inhibitor-4; Hypertension; Pulmonary vein.

PMID- 27122766
TI  - Hydrogen Peroxide Modulates Electrophysiological Characteristics of Left Atrial
      Myocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of
      atrial fibrillation (AF). The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) mainly underlies the
      cellular oxidative stress and free radicals. Left atrium (LA) is the most
      important AF substrate. However, the effects of H2O2 on the action potential (AP)
      and ionic currents in LA myocytes have not been fully elucidated. METHODS: The
      whole-cell patch clamp was used to investigate the APs and ionic currents of L
      type calcium current (ICa-L), transient outward currents (Ito), ultra-rapid
      delayed rectifier potassium current (IKur), delayed rectifier potassium currents
      (IK), inward rectifier potassium current (IK1), and sodium-calcium exchanger
      (NCX) before and after H2O2 (100 MUM) in isolated rabbit LA myocytes. RESULTS:
      H2O2 (100 MUM) shortened by 50% (from 40 +/- 7 to 21 +/- 5 ms) and 90% the AP
      duration (from 95 +/- 12 to 74 +/- 11 ms) in LA myocytes (n = 9), but did not
      change the resting membrane potentials. The H2O2 (100 MUM) decreased Ito, but
      increased IKur and IK. H2O2 (100 MUM) also reduced the ICa-L and the reverse mode
      NCX. However, H2O2 (100 MUM) did not change IK1. CONCLUSIONS: H2O2 directly
      modulated the AP morphology and ionic currents in LA myocytes, which may
      contribute to the genesis of AF in oxidative stress. KEY WORDS: Action potential;
      Ionic current; Oxidative stress.

PMID- 27122767
TI  - Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia Present Different Risks of Atrial
      fibrillation: A Nationwide Population-Based Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly prevalent in society, and
      can elevate cardiac morbidity and mortality. Psychosis and gender are known to
      play important roles in the genesis of AF. However, it is not clear whether
      gender modulates the impact of different psychoses on the occurrences of AF.
      METHODS: We identified patients suffering from bipolar disorder and
      schizophrenia, with and without AF, using the Taiwan National Health Insurance
      nationwide database. The identified patient population consisted of 927,915
      subjects (463,050 males and 464,865 females) from 2001 to 2008, which included
      2,963 (3.2 0/00) schizophrenia patients (1,650 males and 1,313 females) and 5,112
      (5.5 0/00) bipolar-disorder patients (1,934 males and 3,178 females). RESULTS:
      The male and female bipolar-disorder patients had higher prevalences of AF than
      did male (16.5 0/00 vs. 2.4 0/00, p < 0.001) and female (12.9 0/00 vs. 2.3 0/00,
      p < 0.001) schizophrenia patients. Furthermore, male and female bipolar-disorder
      patients had higher AF prevalences than did males (8.5 0/00, p < 0.001) and
      females (7.2 0/00, p < 0.001) in the general population. Schizophrenia patients
      had lower AF prevalence than the general population in male, but not in female
      gender. Males had a higher AF prevalence than females. However, male and female
      bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients had similar AF prevalences. Those
      patients with schizophrenia and bipolar-disorder patients with AF were older than
      those without AF. CONCLUSIONS: Differing risk factors for AF were identified in
      bipolar-disorder and schizophrenia patients. Compared to the general population,
      gender may have different impacts on the occurrence of AF in psychosis patients.
      KEY WORDS: Atrial fibrillation; Bipolar disorder; Population-based study;
      Schizophrenia.

PMID- 27122768
TI  - The Connection between Cardiac and Mental Disorder: Atrial Fibrillation in
      Patients with Psychiatric Disorder.

PMID- 27122769
TI  - Dung-Shen Downregulates the Synergistic Apoptotic Effects of Angiotensin II Plus
      Leu 27-IGF II on Cardiomyoblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin growth factor II (IGFII) is expressed after ischemic stress
      in pig hearts and after myocardial infarction in humans. However, its receptor
      (IGFIIR) cannot be found in normal adult hearts. Moreover, a mouse IGFII
      overexpression model showed a heart and kidney hypertrophy phenomenon similar to
      Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome in humans. The previous studies from our lab showed
      that an increase in AngII in H9c2 cells causes an elevation in IGFII and IGFIIR
      through MEK and JNK activation, leading to a rise in intracellular Ca(2+) ions,
      activation of calcineurin by PLC-beta3 via Galphaq, insertion into mitochondrial
      membranes of BAD, and apoptosis via activation of caspases 9 and 3. Codonopsis
      pilosula (Dung-shen) has various uses in traditional Chinese medicine, including
      lowering blood pressure, and increasing red and white blood cell counts. METHODS:
      The purpose of our study is to investigate whether the addition of C. pilosula
      will attenuate the AngII plus Leu27-IGFII-induced apoptosis in H9c2
      cardiomyoblast cells. RESULTS: From MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5
      diphenyl-2-tetrazolium bromide] results, it was revealed that AngII plus Leu(27)
      IGFII significantly reduced cell viability, which was reversed by C. pilosula.
      Additionally, C. pilosula also reversed apoptosis (TUNEL staining) increased by
      AngII plus Leu27-IGFII. Up-regulation of caspase 3 by AngII plus Leu27-IGFII was
      attenuated by C. pilosula treatment, as shown in western blotting assay and
      immunofluorescence microscopy results. CONCLUSIONS: C. pilosula is able to
      suppress the apoptotic pathway enhanced by AngII plus Leu27-IGFII in myocardial
      cells. KEY WORDS: Angiotensin II; Apoptosis; Codonopsis pilosula; Leucine27
      insulin like growth factor II; Mitochondrial outer membrane permeability.

PMID- 27122770
TI  - Rosuvastatin Modulates the Post-Translational Acetylome in Endothelial Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Statins are lipid-lowering drugs that can simultaneously evoke
      pleiotropic effects on cardioprotection, vasodilation, and diabetes prevention.
      Recently, statins have been reported to be able to activate the AMP-activated
      protein kinase, thereby up-regulating sirtuin (SIRT) that functions as non
      histone deacetylases. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the post
      translational acetylome that might explain the mechanism of statin-modulated
      pleiotropic effects. METHODS: Endothelial cells EAhy 926 treated with
      rosuvastatin were used to monitor the expression of SIRTs proteins. The protein
      lysates of both mock- and rosuvastatin-treated cells were further separated by
      two- dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with western blotting analysis. The
      significantly changed acetyl- containing proteins detected by using an anti
      acetyl lysine antibody were collected from another preparative gel for mass
      spectrometric assay to identify the acetylated site in the proteins. RESULTS:
      Rosuvastatin treatment was shown to increase the SIRT1 expression when compared
      with SIRT2. Among 100 detected proteins with acetylated signal, 12 showed an
      increased level of acetylation, whereas 6 showed a decreased level of acetylation
      (deacetylation). The acetylated lysine (K) sites of 3 heat shock proteins, i.e.,
      HSP47/K(165), HSP70/K(380), and heat shock-inducible protein/K(417), were
      determined. We also found that beta-filamin, elongation factor, galectin and
      hCG22067 have 2 acetylated lysine sites in their peptide sequences. These dynamic
      acetylations might alter the protein's function and are thought to be important
      in regulating statin-mediated pleiotropic effect. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided
      a feasible methodology for detecting acetylated proteins. This acetylome
      information may be utilized to explain, at least partially, the mechanisms of
      statin-derived pleiotropic effects. KEY WORDS: Acetylation/deacetylation;
      Acetylome; Endothelial cell; Proteomics; Rosuvastatin; Sirtuin.

PMID- 27122771
TI  - Establishment of a Weight Management Scale for Patients with Congestive Heart
      Failure.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a rating scale for the weight
      management of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). METHODS: The original
      pool of items was created through in-depth interviews and a literature review.
      Scale validity was analyzed based on face validity, content validity, and
      structure validity. The content validity and structure validity were evaluated.
      The overall internal consistency reliability were assessed by using Cronbach's
      alpha and retest reliability test. RESULTS: A total of 190 CHF patients were
      enrolled but 5 refused. The original 19 items were then refined to a scale of 16
      items. The final scale included four factors (weight monitoring, knowledge,
      confidence, and behaviours related to weight management), which accounted for
      58.7% of the variance. Content validity ratio on the content validity was 0.88.
      The Cronbach's alpha was 0.843 and the retest reliability was 0.833. CONCLUSIONS:
      The Chinese CHF-related weight management scale developed has high reliability
      and validity. KEY WORDS: Congestive heart failure; Reliability; Scale; Validity;
      Weight management.

PMID- 27122772
TI  - A Pregnant Woman with Acute Massive Pulmonary Embolism.
AB  - A 30-year-old pregnant woman who suffered from massive pulmonary embolism
      presented in an unstable hemodynamic status. Angiojet catheter embolectomy and
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were performed, which caused the
      patient's condition to improve. Use of ECMO was continued during the weaning
      program, but the patient died of intracranial hemorrhage, a complication of ECMO.
      KEY WORDS: Angiojet; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); Pregnancy;
      Pulmonary embolism; Thromboectomy.

PMID- 27122773
TI  - Cardiac Amyloidosis Presenting as Recurrent Syncope.
AB  - Cardiac amyloidosis is an uncommon disease that is rarely diagnosed clinically.
      In this study, we present a case of a 63-year-old man with recurrent syncope and
      elevated troponin I levels. The patient's coronary angiography showed no
      significant stenosis. An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted
      into the patient due to episodes of ventricular tachycardia. The diagnosis of
      cardiac amyloidosis was made by endomyocardial biopsy. The patient died of a
      combination of cardiogenic shock and rapid deterioration of renal function.
      Although cardiac amyloidosis is rarely diagnosed, it should be considered as a
      differential diagnosis in patients with recurrent syncope, because it is
      potentially treatable. KEY WORDS: Cardiac amyloidosis; Syncope; Troponin I;
      Ventricular tachycardia.

PMID- 27122774
TI  - The Influence of Acute Kidney Injury on Acute Cardiovascular Disease.
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important issue in the management of acute
      cardiovascular diseases. The risk, injury, failure, loss of kidney function, and
      end-stage renal failure (RIFLE) criteria, and acute kidney injury network (AKIN)
      criteria have been proposed to stage and predict the outcomes of patients with
      AKI. In this article, we review AKI in the context of a variety of acute
      cardiovascular diseases, e.g., acute myocardial infarction (AMI), myocarditis,
      aortic dissection, and post-cardiotomy cardiogenic shock. For earlier detection
      of AKI, numerous biomarkers have been proposed and Cystatin C has been shown to
      have predictive value for AKI in patients with AMI. KEY WORDS: Acute
      cardiovascular disease; Acute kidney injury.

PMID- 27122776
TI  - Nicotine: A Double-Edged Sword in Atherosclerotic Disease.
AB  - Chronic cigarette smoking is well-known to damage vascular endothelium, which
      initiates atherosclerosis by first manifesting as endothelial dysfunction and
      later progressing to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Nicotine, a major component
      of tobacco smoke, is traditionally thought to be responsible for increased
      cardiovascular events through stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system,
      increased myocardial metabolic demand, impaired lipid metabolism, and activated
      platelet function. However, recent studies have demonstrated that nicotine, at
      lower doses, may be beneficial to the cardiovascular system. With binding to
      specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, nicotine can induce migration and
      proliferation of vascular cells, and hence enhances angiogenesis. Therefore,
      these seemingly inconsistent properties of nicotine may in fact give rise to
      novel and efficacious management strategies of CVD. KEY WORDS: Angiogenesis;
      Atherosclerosis; nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs); Nicotine.

PMID- 27122775
TI  - Angiotensin Receptor Blockades Effect on Peripheral Muscular and Central Aortic
      Arterial Stiffness: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and
      Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous clinical trials have demonstrated the impact of blocking
      upstream renin-angiotensin-axis with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
      (ACEIs) on arterial stiffness as evaluated by pulse-wave velocity (PWV). We ran a
      meta-analysis to evaluate the anti-stiffness effect of powerful downstream
      angiotensin receptor blockades (ARBs) on peripheral and central arterial
      stiffness (brachial to ankle, ba-PWV; carotid to femoral, cf-PWV, respectively),
      using a systematic review to assess the clinical arterial stiffness issues.
      METHODS: For our study, we searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases
      from inception to June 2013, targeting randomized controlled trials. ARBs along
      with other antihypertensive agents, ACEIs, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), beta
      blockers and diuretics were evaluated to ascertain their comparable effect on ba
      PWV and cf-PWV, respectively. A meta-analysis was conducted utilizing the fixed
      or random effect of the weighted mean change difference between the ARB and
      comparator groups, depending on the I(2) statistic heterogeneity measurement.
      RESULTS: In 2 trials treating patients with ARBs (n = 30), the ARBs
      insignificantly reduced levels of ba-PWV (pooled mean change difference -188, 95%
      CI -687, 311, p = 0.24 with significant heterogeneity) as compared to other
      hypertensive agents (ACEIs and CCBs, n = 77). Interestingly, ARBs (n = 20) had a
      superior capacity to reduce levels of ba-PWV than CCBs (n = 20) in single study
      results (mean change difference -400, 95% CI -477, -322, p < 0.05). In 7 trials
      which included a total of 653 patients, treatment with ARBs (n = 308) also
      insignificantly reduced cf-PWV (pool mean change difference -0.197, 95% CI -0.54,
      0.14, p = 0.218) as compared to other anti-hypertensive agents. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      data suggested that ARBs had a similar effect as other anti-hypertensive agents
      in reducing ba-PWV and cf-PWV. Upon systematic review, the renin-angiotensin-axis
      system mechanism seems more significant than the direct vessel dilatation system
      in anti-arterial stiffness mechanism. KEY WORDS: Angiotension receptor blockage;
      Arterial stiffness; Meta-analysis; Systematic review.

PMID- 27122777
TI  - The Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Amyloid Metabolism of Alzheimer's
      Disease.
AB  - The etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. Epidemiologic studies
      suggest hypertension plays a contributing role to AD. Recently, several
      experimental and observational studies showed interaction between the renin
      angiotensin system and amyloid-beta, a key pathologic feature of AD, with diverse
      results. This article reviews molecular, genetic, experimental and clinical data
      to clarify the impact on an AD patient with angiotensin converting enzyme
      inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker therapy, with some guidance for the
      direction of possible future research. KEY WORDS: Alzheimer's disease; Amyloid
      beta; Renin angiotensin system.

PMID- 27122778
TI  - Predictive Value of Elevated Uric Acid in Turkish Patients Undergoing Primary
      Angioplasty for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uric acid (UA) is an independent risk factor for the development of
      coronary heart disease. Serum UA levels have been correlated with all major forms
      of death from cardiovascular disease, including acute, subacute, and chronic
      forms of coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and stroke. However, its
      value in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains
      unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of UA in
      patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
      METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 434 consecutive Turkish STEMI patients (mean
      age 55.4 +/- 12.4 years, 341 male, 93 female) undergoing primary PCI. The study
      population was divided into tertiles based on admission UA values. The high UA
      group (n = 143) was defined as a value in the third tertile (> 5.7 mg/dl), and
      the low UA group (n = 291) included those patients with a value in the lower two
      tertiles (<= 5.7 mg/dl). Clinical characteristics, in-hospital and six-month
      outcomes of primary PCI were analyzed. RESULTS: Compared to the low UA group,
      only Killip class > 1 at admission was more prevalent in the high UA group (3.4%
      vs. 17.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). Higher in-hospital cardiovascular mortality
      and six-month all-cause mortality rates were observed in the high UA group than
      in the lower group (12.6% vs. 1.7%, respectively, p < 0.001) and (19.6% vs. 4.1%,
      respectively, p < 0.001). In Cox multivariate analysis; a high admission UA value
      (> 5.7 mg/dl) was found to be a powerful independent predictor of six-month all
      cause mortality (hazard ratio: 5.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.903-16.3, p =
      0.002). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a high level of UA on admission
      was associated with increased in-hospital cardiovascular mortality, and six-month
      all-cause mortality in Turkish patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. KEY
      WORDS: Primary angioplasty; ST elevation myocardial infarction; Uric acid.

PMID- 27122779
TI  - Endovascular Declotting of Wall-Adherent Thrombi in Hemodialysis Vascular Access.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the efficacy, safety, and patency following treatment
      of wall-adherent thrombus in hemodialysis vascular access with a wall-contact
      device, the Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device (PTD). METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed an existing database of procedures fulfilling the
      following criteria: thrombosed hemodialysis access, wall-adherent thrombus, and
      use of PTD for mechanical thrombectomy. Data on immediate success, complications,
      and patency were collected from medical records, dialysis records, and
      angiographic reports. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients with 108 episodes of
      vascular access thrombosis were included in the study. Fifty-three of the
      procedures were performed on native fistulas, and 55 were on synthetic grafts.
      Anatomical and clinical success was achieved in 97% and 96% of the procedures,
      respectively. The average procedure time was 52 +/- 23 minutes. Complications
      occurred in three of the procedures (2.7%), but none of these complications were
      device-related. The primary patency rates in the native fistula group were 57%
      and 42% at three and six months, respectively. The primary patency rates in the
      synthetic graft group were 40% at three months, and 27% at six months. The
      secondary patency rates at six months were 91% in the native fistula group, and
      93% in the synthetic graft group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that a wall
      contact mechanical device, PTD, is effective and safe for endovascular removal of
      wall-adherent thrombi in hemodialysis vascular access in both native fistulas and
      synthetic grafts. KEY WORDS: Adherent; Angioplasty; Endovascular; Hemodialysis;
      Thrombectomy; Vascular access.

PMID- 27122780
TI  - Myocardial Tissue Doppler Imaging Detects Right Ventricular Dysfunction after
      Percutaneous Angioplasty of Dysfunctional Hemodialysis Access in Uremic Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right ventricular dysfunction has been observed in uremic patients
      receiving percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). This prospective study
      focuses on the impact of tissue Doppler imaging echocardiographic parameters on
      assessing right ventricle function in uremic patients post PTA of dysfunctional
      hemodialysis access. METHODS: Sixty uremic patients were divided into two groups
      by angiographic findings: an occlusive group (26 patients) and a stenotic group
      (34 patients). All uremic patients underwent routine echocardiography with tissue
      Doppler imaging both before and immediately following PTA to assess the right
      ventricular (RV) function and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). The
      right ventricular (RV) myocardial performance index (MPI) was obtained during
      tissue Doppler imaging over the lateral tricuspid annulus. The M index was
      measured and defined as the peak early diastolic mitral inflow velocity divided
      by the RV MPI. The RV MPI, RV isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and M-index were
      used to evaluate RV function post-PTA. RESULTS: Immediately following PTA, PASP
      (31.6 +/- 11.3 mmHg versus 42.6 +/- 12.0 mmHg, p = 0.001), RV MPI (0.46 +/- 0.08
      versus 0.62 +/- 0.13, p < 0.001) and IVRT (75.1 +/- 12.9 versus 98.4 +/- 27.7 ms,
      p < 0.001) increased significantly in the occlusive group. However, PASP and RV
      function did not change significantly in the stenotic group. In 42.3% patients
      from the occlusive group, the M-index fell below 112 and RV MPI rose above 0.55
      post-PTA; this occurred in only 8.8% of the stenotic group. CONCLUSIONS: This
      prospective study demonstrated that there was a higher incidence of RV
      dysfunction in uremic patients with elevated PASP with totally occluded
      hemodialysis access than those with stenotic access post-PTA. KEY WORDS:
      Myocardial performance index; Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty; Pulmonary
      hypertension; Tissue Doppler image; Uremic.

PMID- 27122781
TI  - Effect of Vitamin D3 on Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 Production in
      Monocytes and Macrophages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chemokine is important in the initiation and progression of
      atherosclerosis, the clinically manifest stages of atherosclerosis and acute
      coronary syndrome. Vitamin D deficiency has been reportedly linked with
      hypertension and myocardial infarction, as well as other cardiovascular-related
      diseases, such as congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and
      atherosclerosis. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) mediates
      atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. However, there have been few
      studies conducted about the role of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 on MCP-1 expression in
      human monocytes. METHODS: We investigated the effects of vitamin A, C and
      1alpha,25-(OH)2D3, three common vitamins, to better ascertain MCP-1 expression in
      human monocyte and also the associated intracellular mechanism. Human monocyte
      cell line (THP-1 cell) and THP-1 cell-induced macrophage were treated with
      varying doses of vitamin A, C and 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 for 2 hours before LPS
      stimulation. Supernatants were harvested to measure MCP-1 levels by the enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The intracellular mechanism about the effects
      of vitamin A, C and 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 on the expression of MCP-1 expression in
      human monocytes was assessed by western blot. RESULTS: We found that
      Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced MCP-1 production was suppressed by 1alpha,25
      (OH)2D3 in THP-1 cells and THP-1-induced macrophage. Only high concentration of
      vitamin A and C could reduce LPS-induced MCP-1 production in THP-1-induced
      macrophage, but not in THP-1 cells. LPS-induced p38 expression in THP-1 cells was
      suppressed by 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3. A selective p38 pathway inhibitor SB203580 could
      also suppress LPS-induced MCP-1 production. However, vitamin D receptor blocking
      antibody could reverse the suppressive effect of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 on MCP-1
      expression. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 is
      effective in down-regulating LPS-induced MCP-1. The suppressive effect on MCP-1
      may, at least in part, involve the vitamin D receptor and down-regulation of LPS 
      induced p38 expression. KEY WORDS: Chemokine; Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1
      (MCP-1); Monocyte; p38; Vitamin D.

PMID- 27122782
TI  - Clinical Characteristics and In-Hospital Prognosis of Infective Endocarditis in
      Two Eastern Counties of Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a common and potentially serious
      disease. Although it is an illness that affects populations around the world,
      narrower descriptions of this disease as it impacts specific regions are
      uncommon. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of IE patients from two
      eastern counties in Taiwan and studied the relationship between the isolated
      pathogens and clinical outcomes in these patients. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective chart review study which enrolled patients who received services
      between January 2007 and December 2010. Subsequent to chart review, IE was
      confirmed in a total of 55 patients by the modified Duke criteria. RESULTS: Of
      these patients, 17 (31%) had previous traumatic open skin wounds. Pre-existing
      cardiac abnormalities were found in 47 (85%) patients, 28 of whom had valvular
      abnormalities. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the blood as the leading
      pathogen in 25 (45%) patients (including 23 methicillin-sensitive and 2
      methicillin-resistant). Septic emboli and shock occurred in 27 (49%) of 55
      patients; surgery was performed on 11 (20%) of those patients, and 4 (36%) of
      them died post-operatively. The total in-hospital mortality rate was 40% (n =
      22). Staphylococcus aureus infection was associated with significantly higher
      complication and mortality rate than non-Staphylococcus aureus infection (59% vs.
      41% and 64% vs. 36%, respectively; p < 0.05). In addition, patients with
      complications had a very high mortality rate (81.5%). CONCLUSIONS: We found that
      Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen of IE in Eastern Taiwan, and
      was associated with higher rates of morbidities and mortality. KEY WORDS:
      Infective endocarditis; Septic shock; Staphylococcus aureus; Systemic
      embolization.

PMID- 27122784
TI  - Endovascular Angioplasty of Celiac Axis Obstruction Prior to
      Pancreaticoduodenectomy in a Patient with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma.
AB  - In patients with celiac axis stenosis or occlusion, a pancreaticoduodenectomy
      procedure can increase the risk of hepato-pancreato-biliary and other organ
      ischemia or failure unless a complete revascularization of the celiac axis is
      performed prior to or simultaneous with such surgery. Celiac axis occlusion does
      not appear to be an uncommon finding in cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy.
      Preoperative abdominal angiography can play an important role in diagnosing this
      high risk comorbid disease, and adequate intervention can lead to a successful
      operation and good postoperative outcome. Herein, we reported a patient with
      periampullary malignancy and metastatic liver cancer, whose preoperative
      diagnosis of severe celiac axis stenosis was proved by preoperative abdominal
      angiography. Preoperative angioplasty was subsequently performed. After
      angioplasty, pancreaticoduodenectomy with resection of segments 4, 6 and 7 of
      liver was done and the postoperative course was uneventful. KEY WORDS: Celiac
      axis occlusion; Endovascular angioplasty; Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PMID- 27122783
TI  - Abnormal Changes of a 12-Lead Electrocardiogram in Male Patients with Left
      Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Typical electrocardiographic (ECG) changes associated with left
      primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) have previously been well-described.
      However, there were no reports in the literature about the characteristic of ECG
      in estimating the severity of pneumothorax. METHODS: From 2003 through 2008, 63
      male patients who had left PSP were divided into two groups: 1) large PSP, Light
      index >= 20% (n = 43), and 2) small PSP, Light index < 20% (n = 20). The ECGs of
      64 age-matched disease-free men were used as the normal control. Those medical
      records reviewed that provided data for this study included patient backgrounds,
      severity of PSP, and 12-lead ECG characteristics. RESULTS: As compared to the
      normal controls, left PSP patients had lower body mass index, more rapid heart
      beat rate and lower voltages in V3R-V6R. In analyzing QRS voltages, the
      amplitudes of V2S and V3S were significantly different. As with both V2S < 12 mm
      and V3S < 9 mm, the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value to
      predict patients who had large left PSP area were estimated at 42% (18/43), 100%
      (20/20) and 100% (18/18), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using the criteria of V2S <
      12 mm, V3S < 9 mm and electrical alternans could predict pneumothorax size
      exceeding 20% in patients who already had left PSP. KEY WORDS: 12-lead
      electrocardiogram; Male; Primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

PMID- 27122785
TI  - Surgical Treatment of Castleman Disease Using Cardiopulmonary Bypass.
AB  - Castleman disease is a rare benign lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown
      etiology. A 29-year-old woman presented with intermittent chest pain for 2 years.
      Upon examination, computed tomography showed an intensely enhanced solid mass
      that encased her right pulmonary artery. The tumor was resected safely and
      completely via standard thoracotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass. KEY WORDS:
      Castleman disease; Middle mediastinal tumor; Surgery.

PMID- 27122786
TI  - Myocardial Infarction with Normal Coronary Arteries in a Patient with Heroin Use
      and Infective Endocarditis.
AB  - Myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries typically occurs in patients
      under 50 years of age. There is usually no history of angina or previous
      myocardial infarction, and risk factors for ischemic heart disease are frequently
      absent. We report a 27-year-old heroin user with normal coronary arteries and
      inferior wall infarction secondary to infective endocarditis. The left
      ventricular dysfunction normalized after antibiotic and surgical treatments for
      infective endocarditis. He was followed at our outpatient clinic for one year
      without recurrence. KEY WORDS: Heroin; Infective endocarditis; Left ventricular
      ballooning syndrome; Myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries.

PMID- 27122787
TI  - Comparison between Exclusive and Selective Drug-Eluting Stent Strategies in
      Treating Patients with Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The expanded usage of drug-eluting stents (DES) in treating patients
      with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) may sometimes be limited in real
      world practice due to cost concerns. We compared the clinical outcomes of
      exclusive and selective DES use in treating patients with multivessel CAD.
      METHODS: From November 2004 to December 2011, 110 patients with multivessel CAD
      who received four or more stents were enrolled into this study, and divided into
      two groups according to the DES strategy employed: exclusive DES (n = 52), or
      selective DES (n = 58). In the selective DES group, DES was reserved for complex
      lesions only, such that the incidence and predictors of clinical events were
      assessed. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 41.4 +/- 26.5 months, there were no
      significant differences between the two strategies in terms of baseline
      characteristics, all-cause mortality (exclusive vs. selective: 1.9% vs. 6.9%, p =
      0.21), cardiac death (1.9% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.94) and nonfatal myocardial infarction
      (3.8% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.74). Despite the presence of more ostial lesions in the
      exclusive DES group, there was a trend such that major adverse cardiac events
      (MACE) and target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates were higher in the
      selective DES group (MACE: 17.3% vs. 31%, p = 0.16; TLR: 11.5% vs. 24.1%, p =
      0.08). The higher MACE rate in the selective DES group was mainly driven by a
      higher target vessel revascularization (TVR) rate (15.4% vs. 29.3%, p = 0.08). In
      the exclusive DES group, SYNTAX score was an independent predictor of MACE
      [Haxard ratio (HR): 1.09, 95% confidence internal (CI): 1.02-1.16, p = 0.01] and
      TVR (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.15, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the exclusive
      DES strategy, the selective DES strategy with reservation of DES for complex
      lesions is associated with numerically higher, but not statistically significant,
      rates of MACE and all-cause mortality in this small group of patients with
      multivessel CAD receiving four or more stents. KEY WORDS: Bare metal stent; Drug
      eluting stent; Multivessel coronary artery disease.

PMID- 27122788
TI  - The Effect of Slow Coronary Artery Flow on Microvolt T-Wave Alternans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Slow coronary artery flow (SCF) is characterized by angiographically
      confirmed delayed vessel opacification in the absence of any evidence of
      obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease. Microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA)
      is defined as beat-to-beat changes in shape, amplitude, or timing of ST segments
      and T waves, and is utilized in predicting sudden cardiac death and life
      threatening malign ventricular arrhythmias in high-risk patients. In our study,
      we aimed to evaluate the effects of slow coronary artery flow on MTWA. METHODS:
      Thirty-nine consecutive patients (SCF group: 6 women and 33 men; mean age, 49 +/-
      10 years) with angiographally documented SCF in at least 1 major epicardial
      artery and 39 patients (control group: 13 women and 26 men; mean age, 50 +/- 10
      years) with normal coronary arteries were included in the study. Coronary flow
      rates of all patients were calculated by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction
      frame count (TFC). The MTWAs of all patients were analyzed using the time-domain
      modified moving average method by means of a treadmill exercise stress test.
      RESULTS: The age distribution , body mass index, and diastolic and systolic blood
      pressure (BP) were similar in the SCF and control group. In the SCF group, the
      three epicardial coronary artery corrected TFCs and mean TFCs were significantly
      higher than in the control group (for all, p < 0.001). MTWA positivity in the SCF
      group was statistically significant compared to the control group (p = 0.006).
      Spearman's correlation analysis, showed a positive correlation between MTWA and
      right coronary artery (RCA) TFC and mean TFC (r = 0.368, p = 0.001 and r = 0.271,
      p = 0.016, respectively). In linear regression analysis, only the right coronary
      artery TFC was correlated with positive MTWA (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of our study suggest that diagnosed SCF is associated with MTWA
      positivity. Furthermore, we determined that only RCA TFC was predictive of
      positive MTWA. KEY WORDS: Microvolt T-wave alternans; Slow coronary flow.

PMID- 27122789
TI  - Coronary Slow Flow is Associated with Depression and Anxiety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an established relationship between depression/anxiety
      disorders and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality which has been previously
      documented. However, there has been no study evaluating coronary slow flow in
      association with depression and anxiety. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of
      consecutive 90 patients were included in the study. All patients completed
      scoring scales for depression [Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD)] and
      anxiety (STAI-1, State anxiety subscale of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; STAI-2,
      Trait anxiety subscale of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). Thereafter, they
      underwent selective coronary angiography and 2 groups were formed: coronary slow
      flow (n = 42), and normal coronary flow (n = 48). The two groups had comparable
      baseline characteristics. However, significant differences were found between
      coronary slow flow and normal coronary flow groups regarding depression (13.1 +/-
      8.2 and 6.9 +/- 6.7, p < 0.001 for HAMD, respectively) and anxiety (46.2 +/- 15.0
      vs. 32.6 +/- 9.9, p < 0.001 for STAI-1 and 51.0 +/- 16.7 vs. 43.0 +/- 10.7, p =
      0.009 for STAI-2, respectively) scores. There were also significant positive
      correlations between depression/anxiety scores and TIMI frame counts of all major
      epicardial coronary arteries. In addition, after adjustment for smoking,
      hypertension, scoring scales, and the presence of depressive mood, all scoring
      scales and depressive mood were found to be independent risk factors for coronary
      slow flow in multivariable logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Significant
      association was found among coronary slow flow, depression/anxiety scores and
      depressive mood. KEY WORDS: Anxiety; Coronary slow flow; Depression; Scale.

PMID- 27122790
TI  - Leptin-to-Adiponectin Ratio is Related to Low Grade Inflammation and Insulin
      Resistance Independent of Obesity in Non-Diabetic Taiwanese: A Cross-Sectional
      Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leptin and adiponectin are secreted from adipose tissue and exert
      opposing effects on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and insulin resistance. As
      hypertrophic adipocytes secrete more leptin and less adiponectin, the leptin-to
      adiponectin ratio (LAR) has been proposed as a useful measure of insulin
      resistance and vascular risk. We investigated whether LAR may serve as a better
      predictor than either leptin or adiponectin alone for low-grade inflammation and
      insulin resistance independent of obesity in a non-diabetic Taiwanese population.
      METHODS: This study included 568 non-diabetic Taiwanese individuals (297 men, 271
      women). CRP, leptin and adiponectin were measured using enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. The degree of insulin resistance was determined using the
      homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: In the
      receiver operator characteristic analysis, the area under the curve of LAR in
      predicting individuals with elevated CRP and insulin resistance was significantly
      greater than that for either leptin (p = 0.0035 vs. elevated CRP, p < 0.0001 vs.
      insulin resistance) or adiponectin alone (p = 0.0131 vs. elevated CRP, p = 0.0006
      vs. insulin resistance), suggesting that LAR might be a better predictor of
      individuals with low grade inflammation and insulin resistance. In the
      multivariable analysis adjusted for age, gender, smoking status, and components
      of metabolic syndrome, LAR was still strongly associated with levels of CRP (p <
      0.001, all participants; p = 0.002, nonobese individuals; p < 0.001, obese
      individuals) and HOMA-IR index (p < 0.001, all participants, obese and nonobese
      individuals). CONCLUSIONS: The LAR is related to low grade inflammation and
      insulin resistance independent of obesity in non-diabetic Taiwanese, and the
      strength of associations between LAR with CRP and HOMA-IR are greater than the
      association with leptin or adiponectin alone. KEY WORDS: Adiponectin; C-reactive
      protein; Insulin resistance; Leptin; Obesity.

PMID- 27122792
TI  - Association between Plasma Fibrinogen Level and Saphenous Vein Graft Patency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibrinogen is related to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The
      inflammatory process in atherosclerosis may cause an increase in plasma
      fibrinogen level. Therefore, in this study we proposed to investigate whether
      plasma fibrinogen is associated with the patency of saphenous vein graft in
      patients at least 1 year after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
      METHODS: Patients who had undergone CABG surgery at least 1 year previously with
      at least one saphenous vein graft were included in the study. Patients were
      directed to cardiac catheterization for stable anginal symptoms or positive
      stress test results. Before coronary angiography, all patients underwent routine
      blood tests including assessment of plasma fibrinogen levels. RESULTS: Saphenous
      vein grafts were found to be patent in 199 patients and occluded in 132 patients.
      Plasma fibrinogen levels were significantly different between the two groups
      (2.85 +/- 0.49 g/L vs. 3.62 +/- 0.82 g/L, p < 0.001, respectively). Although the
      time duration after CABG operation differs significantly between the two groups
      (p = 0.004), multiple logistic regression analysis showed that plasma fibrinogen
      levels were found to be significantly associated with the patency of vein graft
      (odds ratio = 0.27, 95% confidence internal: 0.16-0.48, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results demonstrated that plasma fibrinogen levels were higher in patients
      with an occluded saphenous vein graft. To conclusively prove the relationship
      between plasma fibrinogen values and saphenous vein graft patency, additional
      investigation would be necessary. KEY WORDS: Atherosclerosis; Coronary artery
      bypass graft; Fibrinogen; Saphenous vein.

PMID- 27122791
TI  - Activation of Kruppel-Like Factor 2 with Ginkgo Biloba Extract Induces eNOS
      Expression and Increases NO Production in Cultured Human Umbilical Endothelial
      Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms responsible for the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract
      (GbE) are not fully understood. Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), a zinc
      transcription factor, has vasculoprotective effects if activated. The present
      study attempted to explore whether GbE may activate KLF2 and its consequences.
      METHODS: To determine the effects of GbE on endothelial cells, human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with various concentrations of
      GbE. KLF2 expression levels were determined by quantitative reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction. Cytoskeleton staining and cell migration assays were
      performed to determine the effects of KLF2 activation. Moreover, endothelial NO
      synthase (eNOS) expression levels were detected by PCR and Western blot testing.
      Nitric oxide (NO) production was also measured with 4,5-diaminofluorescein. A
      knockdown of KLF2 was performed to identify the role of KLF2 in GbE-induced eNOS
      expression and NO production. RESULTS: HUVECs that were incubated with GbE
      increased KLF2 expression. These cells demonstrated an altered cell morphology,
      cytoskeleton rearrangement, and inhibited migration activity. Moreover, eNOS
      expression and NO production increased in a dose-dependent manner when cells were
      treated with GbE. Correspondingly, silencing of KLF2 in HUVECs decreased eNOS
      expression and NO production in GbE-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS: GbE significantly
      activated KLF2 expression and KLF2-related endothelial function, including
      cytoskeleton rearrangement, inhibition of migration, eNOS activation, and NO
      production. These findings suggest that GbE may induce a vasculoprotective effect
      in endothelial cells. KEY WORDS: Endothelial cells; eNOS; Ginkgo biloba extract;
      KLF2; NO.

PMID- 27122793
TI  - Long-Term Survival of Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial
      (MADIT) II-Eligible Patients in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: he Multicenter Automatic Defibrillator Implantation Trial (MADIT) II
      showed that use of a prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
      improved the survival of patients with poor left ventricular ejection fraction
      after myocardial infarction. The major concerns about primary ICD prevention in
      Asian countries are the long-term survival and the incidence of sudden cardiac
      death. Whether long-term outcomes within the Taiwanese population are comparable
      to the MADIT II trial remains unclear. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the
      clinical records of 1909 inpatients who had both myocardial infarction and heart
      failure in the discharge diagnoses from Jan. 2001 through Dec. 2006, and 313
      patients without ICD implantation who satisfied the MADIT II criteria were
      included for survival analysis. RESULTS: After 4.60 +/- 4.31 years of follow-up,
      152 (49%) patients had died. Of these patients, 68 (45%) died of sudden cardiac
      death, similar to the conventional group (patients without ICD implantation) in
      the MADIT II study (51%). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that survival during the
      first two years in this cohort was inferior to the conventional group of the
      MADIT II population. After two years, the survival curve was similar to the
      conventional group but still inferior to the defibrillator group in the MADIT II
      study. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed old age and blood urea
      nitrogen > 25 mg/dL were independent predictors of mortality. A history of
      percutaneous coronary intervention was associated with lower mortality.
      CONCLUSIONS: The long-term outcomes of Taiwanese patients who are eligible within
      MADIT II criteria are similar to the conventional group in the MADIT II study.
      KEY WORDS: Heart failure; Implantable cardioverter defibrillator; Myocardial
      infarction; Sudden cardiac death.

PMID- 27122794
TI  - Improvement of Right Ventricular Function in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension with
      Disease-Specific Therapy - A Clinical Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious and progressive
      disorder that can result in right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and mortality.
      Consequently, it is important to monitor RV function during management of PAH.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the change in RV function by
      echocardiography before and after disease-specific therapy. METHODS: We recruited
      31 PAH patients with functional class (FC) III or IV. All the patients received a
      comprehensive assessment before disease-specific therapy was administered,
      including observation of clinical symptoms, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), serum
      brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, and transthoracic echocardiography. The
      assessment was repeated 12 weeks after therapy. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients
      with a mean age of 40 years completed the study, of whom 82% were women. We found
      that the etiologies were mainly connective tissue disease-associated and
      idiopathic PAH. Of the patients in our study, 36% received endothelin receptor
      antagonist and 64% received phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor. There was a
      significant improvement in FC after disease-specific therapy (p < 0.001). The
      6MWD increased from 326 to 403 m (p < 0.001), and the serum BNP level decreased
      from 242 to 130 pg/mL (p = 0.008) after treatment. Echocardiography showed
      significant reduction in the right atrial and RV areas, pulmonary artery
      pressure, RV free wall thickness, and inferior vena cava diameter. The myocardial
      performance index and left ventricular eccentricity index were significantly
      reduced after therapy. CONCLUSIONS: For PAH patients in our study, disease
      specific therapy for 12 weeks resulted in an improvement in FC, 6MWD, serum BNP
      levels, and RV function. KEY WORDS: Disease-specific therapy; Pulmonary arterial
      hypertension; Right ventricular function.

PMID- 27122795
TI  - Inoue-Balloon Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Valvuloplasty through the Left
      Femoral Vein in Anomalous Inferior Vena Cava.
AB  - Inoue-balloon percutaneous transvenous mitral valvuloplasty is conventionally
      performed via the right femoral vein. However, atrial transseptal access can be
      technically challenging. Herein, we describe a 54-year-old male who had balloon
      mitral valvuloplasty performed via the left femoral vein because of an anomalous
      inferior vena cava course, including the technical issues encountered using this
      approach. KEY WORDS: Anomalous inferior vena cava; Left femoral vein approach;
      Mitral valvuloplasty.

PMID- 27122796
TI  - Type A Aortic Dissection Presenting with Inferior ST-Elevation Myocardial
      Infarction.
AB  - Type A aortic dissection with concurrent ST-elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) is relatively rare. However, it can be potentially fatal and easily
      misdiagnosed as STEMI alone. Misdiagnosis will lead to inappropriate
      administration of anticoagulant and thrombolytic therapy and delayed surgical
      repair of the aorta. In patients with STEMI, short reperfusion time is associated
      with improved survival, and minimizing the door-to-balloon time is the goal of
      therapy worldwide. However, signs critical for differential diagnosis may be
      overlooked in the rush to primary percutaneous coronary intervention. When a
      patient is encountered who presents with chest pain and ST elevation on
      electrocardiogram, STEMI should not be the only diagnosis considered. By using
      bedside available information, detailed history taking and focused physical
      examination, it is possible to avoid a mistaken diagnosis. Here we report a case
      of Stanford type A aortic dissection with STEMI that was initially misdiagnosed
      as sole acute inferior wall myocardial infarction. Patient mortality may have
      resulted from delayed diagnosis and surgical treatment. KEY WORDS: Acute
      myocardial infarction; Aortic dissection.

PMID- 27122797
TI  - Syncope Due to Impending Cardiac Tamponade in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
AB  - Pericardial effusion develops in 25 to 35% of patients with severe
      hypothyroidism. These effusions can be large, but rarely if ever cause tamponade.
      We report here a 36-year-old woman who presented with recurrent syncopal attack,
      which turned out to be a case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis complicated by massive
      pericardial effusion with impending tamponade. KEY WORDS: Cardiac tamponade;
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis; Syncope.

PMID- 27122798
TI  - Heart Rate Acceleration and Recovery Indices are Not Related to the Development
      of Ventricular Premature Beats During Exercise Test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes in heart rate (HR) during exercise and recovery from exercise
      are mediated by the balance between sympathetic and vagal activity. HR
      acceleration (HRA) and recovery (HRR) are important measures of cardiac autonomic
      dysfunction and directly correlated with sympathetic and parasympathetic
      activity. It is not known if the autonomic nervous system related to ventricular
      arrhythmias during exercise. The purpose was to evaluate the HRA and HRR in
      patients with and without premature ventricular complex (PVC) during exercise,
      and to examine the factors that might affect HRA and HRR. METHODS: The records of
      consecutive patients undergoing routine exercise test were reviewed. The
      characteristics and the HRA and HRR were compared between patients with and
      without PVC during exercise. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients (145 men) were
      recruited; 156 (103 men) developed PVCs during the exercise. Max HR was
      significantly lower in men with PVCs than in those without, which were not
      mirrored in women. There was no difference in HRA and HRR between the patients
      with and without exercise-induced PVCs in both genders. Compared to the men with
      PVCs, women had higher body mass index, shorter total exercise time, and higher
      HRA indices after the 3 and 6 minutes exercise. In patients with PVCs, the HRA
      and HRR indices were similar regardless of the presence of coronary artery
      disease and the phase of exercise test where PVC developed. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      exercise performance may be different between the genders, the HRA or HRR indices
      were not related to the development of PVC during exercise in both genders. KEY
      WORDS: Exercise-induced arrhythmias; Heart rate acceleration; Heart rate
      recovery.

PMID- 27122799
TI  - Coronary Diameters in Taiwanese Children Younger than 6 Years Old: Z-Score
      Regression Equations Derived from Body Surface Area.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The measurements of coronary diameters, usually obtained by 2
      dimentsional echocardiography, play important roles oin the management and follow
      up of Kawasaki disease (KD). However, in Taiwan, domestic normgrams and a Z-score
      calculator for coronary artery diameters are still not available. METHODS:
      Echocardiography was performed on 412 healthy children younger than 6 years of
      age. The appropriate exponential regression model was fitted to correspond with
      body surface area (BSA). The computed Z-scores of all subjects were also tested
      for normal distribution. RESULTS: Using the model ln (measurement) = beta1 +
      beta2 * ln (BSA), the adjusted R(2) values were 0.611 and 0.484 for the models of
      the left main coronary artery (LMCA) and the right (RCA), respectively. Analysis
      of computed Z-score distribution showed acceptable goodness of fit for a normal
      distribution [p = 0.90 (LMCA); p = 0.17 (RCA)]. CONCLUSIONS: We have established
      reference ranges for the coronary artery diameters in Taiwanese children younger
      than 6 years of age. The regression equations and Z-score calculators for the
      LMCA and RCA provide an objective determination of coronary dilatation in a large
      population, which is important for the care and medical management of KD patients
      in Taiwan. KEY WORDS: Coronary diameter; Kawasaki disease; Taiwan; Z-score.

PMID- 27122800
TI  - Gender and Age Differences in Short- and Long-Term Outcomes Following Primary
      Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have reported that women with ST elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI) have worse short- and long-term outcomes than men. It has not
      yet been confirmed whether these differences reflect differences in age between
      men and women. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 1035 consecutive STEMI
      patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Baseline
      clinical characteristics, coronary anatomy, and outcome were compared between
      young (< 65 years old) and older patients (>= 65 years old) of both sexes.
      RESULTS: Younger women presented with a lower incidence of typical angina (83%
      vs. 93%, p = 0.03), single-vessel disease (21% vs. 35%, p = 0.03), and total
      occlusion of infarct-related artery (65% vs. 83%, p = 0.001) than younger men,
      with no gender difference noted in the older group. Younger women in the study
      had a higher incidence of reinfarction, heart failure requiring admission, or
      mortality (23% vs. 6%, p < 0.001) during follow-up, compared with younger men,
      with no gender difference in the older group. Using the Kaplan-Meier analysis,
      younger women had lower rates of event-free survival (p < 0.001 by log-rank test)
      than younger men, with no gender difference in the older group. In multivariate
      analysis, age could predict long-term outcome in men (Hazard ratio 4.43, 95%
      confidence interval: 2.89-6.78, p < 0.001) but not in women. CONCLUSIONS: In
      STEMI patients receiving primary PCI, sex-related long-term outcome differences
      were age-dependent, with younger women likely to have a worse long-term outcome
      when compared with younger men. KEY WORDS: Coronary heart disease; Gender;
      Myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27122801
TI  - Thrombolysis Followed by Early Percutaneous Coronary Intervention via Transradial
      Artery Approach in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy
      of thrombolysis followed by early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in
      patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: A
      total of 161 patients were enrolled in the study. Fifty-three of them who
      underwent thrombolysis in non-PCI hospital and immediately transferred to receive
      early PCI were assigned to the early PCI group (E-PCI); the rest of the patients
      were assigned to the primary PCI group (P-PCI). Coronary angiography and PCI were
      performed via the transradial artery approach for patients in both groups.
      Angiographic parameters, bleeding complications and total hospital stay were
      compared between the two groups. All patients were followed-up for 30 days to
      evaluate major adverse cardiac events (MACE). RESULTS: Before PCI procedure, the
      thrombus score of IRA in the E-PCI group was lower, and the percentage of TIMI
      flow grade (TFG) 3 was higher (both p < 0.05) compared to those in the P-PCI
      group. The myocardial reperfusion in the E-PCI group was better than that in the
      P-PCI group. There was a trend towards a lower peak value of serum creatine
      kinase MB in the E-PCI group, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)
      before discharge in E-PCI was higher than that in the P-PCI group (54.38 +/-
      5.29% vs. 52.19 +/- 7.00%, respectively, p = 0.028). No significant differences
      were found in the incidences of bleeding complications and hospital stay between
      the two groups. There was no significant difference in the 30-day MACE between
      the two groups (p = 0.863), and no significance of cumulative MACE-free survival
      rates were found between the two groups as well (p = 0.522). Variables predicting
      MACE upon patient follow-up according to univariable Cox regression analyses
      showed that a history of hyperlipidemia, smokers, TFG of infarction related
      artery before PCI < 2, and low levels of LVEF were associated with poor clinical
      outcomes (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is safe and efficacious for STEMI
      patients to receive thrombolysis followed by early PCI via the transradial artery
      approach. KEY WORDS: Major adverse cardiac event; Percutaneous coronary
      intervention; Radial artery; ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction;
      Thrombolysis.

PMID- 27122802
TI  - Facilitated Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in STEMI Patients: Does It Work in
      Asian Patients?

PMID- 27122803
TI  - A Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Study of Intravenous Levosimendan in
      Healthy Chinese Volunteers and Ethnic Comparisons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics and
      pharmacodynamics of intravenous levosimendan and the metabolites (OR1855 and
      OR1896) in healthy Chinese male subjects and to post hoc compare with Caucasian
      subjects. METHODS: One single 2 mg dose of levosimendan was infused intravenously
      over 10 minutes to each of 14 healthy male subjects. Plasma levosimendan was
      analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacodynamics was
      evaluated using echocardiography. RESULTS: The Cmax (peak concentration) and
      AUCinfinity (area under the curve from time 0 to infinity) of levosimendan of
      Chinese subjects were significantly higher than for Caucasian subjects as 256.1
      +/- 37.8 (mean +/- SD) vs. 142.1 +/- 17.5 ng/mL and 207.5 +/- 35.2 vs. 117.0 +/-
      17.0 hr.ng/mL, respectively. The clearance of Chinese subjects was significantly
      lower than Caucasian subjects at 9.9 +/- 1.8 vs. 17.4 +/- 2.7 L/hr, respectively.
      The elimination half-life of Chinese subjects was significantly longer than for
      Caucasian subjects (1.18 +/- 0.18 vs. 0.76 +/- 0.10 hr, respectively). Chinese
      subjects eliminated levosimendan significantly slower than Caucasian subjects,
      leading to a higher exposure of levosimendan in Chinese subjects. However, this
      higher exposure did not significantly change the most pharmacodynamic properties
      of levosimendan except for ejection fraction (EF). The EF increased 12.2 +/-
      11.4% in Chinese subjects 20 min after the end of intravenous infusion, which was
      significantly lower than Caucasian subjects with EF increased by 22.7 +/- 7.0%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The intravenous levosimendan in healthy Chinese volunteers was safe,
      and well-tolerated with significant inotropic effect. The clearance of
      levosimendan of Chinese subjects was significantly lower and elimination half
      life longer than Caucasian subjects. KEY WORDS: Chinese; Ethnic comparison;
      Levosimendan; Pharmacodynamics; Pharmacokinetics; Volunteer.

PMID- 27122805
TI  - Effects of Losartan and Amlodipine on Left Ventricular Remodeling and Function in
      Young Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of
      prehypertensive losartan and amlodipine administration on left ventricular (LV)
      remodeling and function in spontaneously hypertensive rats-stroke prone (SHRSP).
      METHODS: Spontaneously hypertensive rats-stroke prone were prehypertensively
      administered losartan, amlodipine, or vehicle. Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as a
      control. Blood pressure of the rats was determined by tail-cuff method, and LV
      structure and function were measured by echocardiography and LV cannulation.
      Collagen volume fraction was analyzed by picrosirius red staining. Protein
      expressions of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and angiotensin II type 1 (AT1R)
      and type 2 (AT2R) receptors were determined by use of the Western blotting
      method. RESULTS: Although both drugs downregulated BNP protein expression, the LV
      remodeling and function were more improved with losartan than with amlodipine
      treatment. Losartan upregulated AT1R and downregulated AT2R protein expression.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both drugs inhibited LV remodeling and improved LV function in
      prehypertensively treated SHRSP. Losartan provided better continued heart
      protection, potentially due to its persistent inhibition of AT1R and activation
      of AT2R in the myocardium. KEY WORDS: Amlodipine; Blood pressure; Heart;
      Losartan; Prehypertension.

PMID- 27122804
TI  - Andrographolide, a Novel NF-kappaB Inhibitor, Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle
      Cell Proliferation and Cerebral Endothelial Cell Inflammation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aberrant vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and
      cerebral endothelial cell (CEC) dysfunction contribute significantly in the
      pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, inhibition of these cellular
      events would be by candidate agents for treating these diseases. In the present
      study, the mechanism of anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of
      andrographolides, a novel nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitor, was investigated in
      VSMC and CEC cells. METHODS: VSMCs and CECs were isolated from rat artery and
      mouse brain, respectively, and cultured before experimentation. The effect of
      andro on platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) induced VSMC cell
      proliferation was evaluated by cell number, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of extracellular signal
      regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and the
      effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase
      (iNOS) and, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS:
      Andro significantly inhibited PDGF-BB (10 ng/ml) induced cell proliferation in a
      concentration (20-100 MUM) dependent manner, which may be due to reducing the
      expression of ERK1/2, and by inhibiting the expression of PCNA. Andro also
      remarkably diminished LPS-induced iNOS and COX2 expression. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of this study suggested that the effects of andro against VSMCs
      proliferation and CECs dysfunction may represent a promising approach for
      treatment of vascular diseases. KEY WORDS: Andrographolide; CECs; COX2/iNOS;
      ERK/PCNA; LPS; PDGF-BB; VSMCs.

PMID- 27122806
TI  - Factors Associated with Lipid Goal Attainment among Patients with Deployed Drug
      Eluting Stent.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting stents (DES) have provided significant benefits for
      patients with complex coronary lesions. Intensive lipid control through statin
      therapy decreases the risk of late target lesion revascularization in patients
      with implanted DES. Therefore, we investigated lipid management in patients with
      implanted DES and analyzed the predictors for achieving target lipid goals.
      METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on consecutive patients who
      underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with DES deployment from 2010
      to 2012. Fasting lipid profiles were obtained for all patients both on the day of
      and 6 months after PCI. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict factors
      for achieving target lipid goals. RESULTS: A total of 419 patients (mean age: 62;
      80% men) were included. Only 20.8% of patients achieved the target low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level of < 70 mg/dL, and 61.6% of patients
      achieved the target LDL-C level of < 100 mg/dL. An equivalent dose of statins was
      statistically significant in attaining LDL-C levels of < 70 mg/dL [adjusted odds
      radio (AOR): 1.30; p < 0.001] and < 100 mg/dL (AOR: 1.27; p < 0.001). In
      addition, a baseline LDL-C level < 130 mg/dL is a leading predictor of achieving
      target LDL-C levels (AOR: 2.3, p = 0.012 for LDL-C < 70 mg/dL; AOR: 2.01, p =
      0.006 for LDL-C < 100 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: Achievement of target LDL-C levels is
      difficult in patients with implanted DES and a baseline LDL-C level of >=130
      mg/dL who are not treated with statins. Therefore, these patients should be
      treated with more aggressive statin therapy. KEY WORDS: Drug-eluting stents; Low
      density lipoprotein.

PMID- 27122807
TI  - Ligation of Macroscopically Detectable Arteriovenous Fistulas in Stewart-Bluefarb
      Syndrome.
AB  - We herein describe the case of a 21-year-old woman with Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome
      presenting with recurrent ulcers on the right foot and multiple congenital
      arteriovenous malformations. The painful recurrent ulcers and brownish macules at
      the dorsum of the right foot had appeared at 13 years of age, and the size of the
      right foot gradually became larger than the left. She underwent conservative
      treatment and polyvinyl alcohol embolization but the ulcer was recurrent. Two
      macroscopic detectable feeding arteries to arteriovenous fistulas were ligated
      under Doppler sonography. At her 6 month follow-up, the chronic ulcer had begun
      to heal and pain had been alleviated. KEY WORDS: Acroangiodermatitis;
      Arteriovenous malformation; Recurrent foot ulcer; Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome.

PMID- 27122808
TI  - Velocity-Encoded Phase-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosing Severe
      Bilateral Subclavian Steal Syndrome with Complete Vertebral Reversal.
AB  - Subclavian steal syndrome (SSS) involves changes in hemodynamics secondary to
      proximal subclavian artery stenosis and/or occlusion where the subclavian artery
      "drains" the blood from the vertebral artery. It sometimes induces neuromuscular
      symptoms, especially in cases with bilateral involvement. We report the case of a
      65-year-old symptomatic male with severe bilateral SSS with complete vertebral
      reversal. Doppler ultrasonography yielded inconclusive results because of a scar
      in the left lower neck region leading to poor acoustic windows. Subsequent
      magnetic resonance imaging with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography
      and velocity-encoded phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging provided the
      vascular morphology and blood flow pattern which allowed subsequent interventions
      to be successfully performed. KEY WORDS: Angioplasty; Phase-contrast magnetic
      resonance imaging; Subclavian steal syndrome.

PMID- 27122809
TI  - Delayed Infective Endocarditis with Mycotic Aneurysm Rupture below the Mechanical
      Valved Conduit after the Bentall Procedure.
AB  - The Bentall procedure is the gold standard for treating aortic dissection
      complicated with valvular and ascending aorta disease. Recent results for this
      procedure have been excellent; nearly 100% of patients remain free of infective
      endocarditis in long-term follow-up. We report a case of delayed Streptococcus
      agalactiae infective endocarditis complicated by mycotic aneurysm in a man who
      had undergone the Bentall procedure with a mechanical valve conduit 15 years
      previously. The mycotic aneurysm was located in the remnant aortic root, below
      the mechanical valve conduit, and later ruptured into the right atrium. The
      patient was treated conservatively and survived the acute period. Later, the
      aortic root defect was repaired successfully by means of a hybrid technique using
      a Amplatzer duct occluder. KEY WORDS: Amplatzer duct occluder; Aortic dissection;
      Bentall technique; Infective endocarditis; Mycotic aneurysm.

PMID- 27122810
TI  - Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm Caused by Infective Endocarditis.
AB  - A 32-year-old male presented with infective endocarditis and left ventricular
      pseudoaneurysm (PA). The patient was treated with oxacillin but remained
      intermittently febrile for the next 3 weeks. Blood culture revealed
      Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment with oxacillin 2 g every 4 hours gradually
      reduced the fever. Echocardiography then showed an aneurysm-like structure
      communicating with the left ventricle. However, the patient refused further
      examinations and insisted on discharge. After 4 days, he was readmitted to our
      ward with severe dyspnea. Chest computed tomography showed the heart was behind a
      huge PA. The selected treatments for this rare case of multiple medical
      conditions were surgical resection of the PA and mitral valve replacement
      surgery, which achieved a gradual recovery. In this case, early diagnosis and
      timely surgical intervention resulted in an excellent prognosis. KEY WORDS:
      Infective endocarditis; Pseudoaneurysm; Staphylococcus aureus.

PMID- 27122811
TI  - Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Heart Failure.
AB  - Reduced exercise capacity negatively affects the ability of patients with heart
      failure (HF) to perform activities required for daily life, further decreasing
      their independence and quality of life (QoL). Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) can
      effectively improve aerobic fitness and overall health status in patients with
      HF. Low referral rate is an important limitation that may impede successful CR,
      whereas the automatic referral and liaison strategies performed by some
      healthcare providers manifestly increase the CR referral rate. However, there is
      still controversy regarding the most effective exercise strategy for improving
      hemodynamic efficiency during daily activities in the HF population. Aerobic
      interval training (AIT), that includes alternating high- and low-intensity
      exercise sessions, may be a more effective modality for improving functional
      capacity than traditional moderate continuous training (MCT) in patients with HF.
      A novel AIT regimen designed in our previous study may substantially enhance the
      ability of ventilation-perfusion matching during exercise, which effects are
      accompanied by an improved global and disease-specific QoL in HF patients.
      Conversely, the traditional MCT regimen may only maintain these physiologic
      responses to exercise at pre-interventional status. By elucidating the
      relationship between physical activity and hemodynamic property, this review
      attempts to provide a CR strategy for developing suitable exercise prescription
      that ameliorates hemodynamic disturbance, further retarding the disease
      progression and improving health-related QoL in patients with HF. KEY WORDS:
      Aerobic capacity; Heart failure; Hemodynamics; Rehabilitation.

PMID- 27122812
TI  - What Could be Changed in the 2012 Taiwan ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial
      Infarction Guideline?
AB  - The 2012 guidelines of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology for the management of ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an important reference
      commonly used by a variety of medical professionals in Taiwan. However, there are
      several points that may need to be changed or added to the 2012 edition due to
      the scientific development. First, timely primary percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) has become the major reperfusion therapy in Taiwan. Immediate
      transfer to qualified PCI-capable hospitals by ambulance for all STEMI patients
      is the preferred strategy. Second, dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and
      P2Y12 inhibitor is important for STEMI patients. The newer P2Y12 inhibitors,
      ticagrelor or prasugrel, have a more potent platelet inhibitory effect and can be
      used for STEMI patients prepared for primary PCI if there is no contraindication.
      Third, aspiration thrombectomy and newer generation drug-eluting stents can be
      considered during primary PCI. For patients with multivessel disease, typically
      only an infarct-related artery should be treated at the time of primary PCI. All
      these evidence-based suggestions together provide an ideal initial treatment
      strategy for acute STEMI in Taiwan. KEY WORDS: Guideline; Myocardial infarction;
      Taiwan.

PMID- 27122813
TI  - Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapy in Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease.
AB  - Stem cell therapy has been viewed as a promising therapeutic strategy in ischemic
      cardiovascular disease for almost a decade. Although many progenitor/stem cells
      obtained from patients have been investigated, and are alleged to be suitable for
      autologous transplantation, their therapeutic application has been limited by
      their inability to yield a sufficient number of stem cells, as well as impaired
      regeneration capacity from ageing and cardiovascular risk factors. Pluripotent
      stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem
      cells (iPSCs), have the capacity for functional multi-lineage differentiation and
      properties of self-renewal and immortality, and can generate clinically relevant
      amounts of stem cells. The regeneration capacity of these cells is not affected
      by ageing. Patient-specific pluripotent stem cells, iPSCs, can be established by
      epigenetically reprogramming somatic fibroblasts. iPSCs and iPSC-derived stem
      cells share similar phenotypes and gene expressions of ESCs and ESC-derived stem
      cells. Transplantation of pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells, mural
      cells, cardiomyocytes, or cardiovascular progenitor cells contribute to
      neovascularization and cardiomyogenesis with better limb perfusion and recovery
      of myocardial contractility in the preclinical studies. Several strategies have
      been developed to enhance the efficacy of reprogramming and engrafting, and
      improve graft survival, proliferation, and electromechanical coupling by tissue
      engineering. However, the therapeutic application of ESCs and derivatives is
      limited by ethical concerns. Before wide clinical application of these cells in
      regeneration therapy occurs, substantial effort should be undertaken to discover
      the most promising cell type and derivatives, the best protocol regarding cell
      preparation, reprogramming and differentiation, and the most efficacious methods
      to avoid adverse effects. KEY WORDS: Embryonic stem cells; Induced pluripotent
      stem cells; Limb ischemia; Myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27122814
TI  - Effects of Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Endothelial Progenitor Cell.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is a systemic inflammatory disease of arterial wall and initiated
      by endothelial damage. The integrity and functional activity of endothelial
      monolayer play an important role in atherogenesis. The extent of endothelial
      injury may represent a balance between the magnitude of injury and the capacity
      for repair. Traditional view suggested endothelium integrity is maintained by
      neighboring mature endothelial cells which migrate and proliferate to restore the
      injured endothelial cells. However, a series of clinical and basic studies
      prompted by the discovery of bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells
      (EPCs) have demonstrated that the injured endothelial monolayer may be
      regenerated partly by circulating EPCs. These circulating EPCs are mobilized
      endogenously triggered by tissue ischemia or exogenously by cytokine stimulation.
      Clinical studies demonstrated that levels of circulating EPCs are associated with
      vascular endothelial function and cardiovascular risk factors, and help to
      identify patients at increased cardiovascular risk. Reduced levels of circulating
      EPCs independently predict atherosclerotic disease progression and development of
      cardiovascular events. Therefore, a better understanding of the relation between
      EPCs and atherosclerosis would provide additional insight into the pathogenesis
      of cardiovascular disease and create novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we will
      make a brief review to clarify the effects of cardiovascular risk factors on
      circulating EPCs. KEY WORDS: Atherosclerosis; endothelial function; endothelial
      progenitor cell.

PMID- 27122815
TI  - Current Status and Perspectives in Stem Cell Therapy for Heart.
AB  - For most patients, the prognosis of heart failure remains poor despite
      therapeutic advancement in recent decades. The option of cardiac transplantation
      is high risk and limited by a shortage of donors. Traditionally, the heart had
      been considered a terminally differentiated organ incapable of regeneration.
      However, numerous preclinical and clinical studies have been performed since the
      first report of cell therapy in heart failure using skeletal myoblasts in 2001.
      These investigations looked at the promising potential and use of several kinds
      of stem cells, which could some day dramatically alter the understanding of the
      regenerative capacity of the heart. To date, although there is no existing
      cardiac cell therapy that has been conclusively reported to be effective, stem
      cell-related cardiomyocyte regeneration strategies have become significant areas
      of research in modern cardiovascular medicine. In this review, we outline a
      variety of common cell sources, surface biomarkers of stem cells, and provide
      information related to cardiac cell therapy clinical trials. KEY WORDS: Clinical
      trial; Stem cell.

PMID- 27122816
TI  - Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Exosomes: A New Hope for the Treatment of
      Cardiovascular Disease?
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is a major target for numerous experimental stem
      (progenitor) cell-based therapies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from different
      sources confer regenerative effects in animal models of cardiovascular disease.
      Some of these investigations have proceeded into phase I and II clinical trials
      for limb ischemia, heart failure, and acute myocardial infarction. The rationale
      for MSC therapy is increasingly recognized on a secretion (paracrine) rather than
      differentiation mechanism. Recently, several groups have demonstrated that the
      "exosome" is a secreted agent mediating MSC therapeutic efficacy. Unlike cell
      therapy, exosomes have no risk of aneuploidy, and a lower rate of immune
      rejection following allogeneic administration. In this short review, we will
      focus on the potential of using this novel therapeutic modality for the treatment
      of cardiovascular disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction. KEY WORDS:
      Cardiovascular disease; Exosome; Mesenchymal.

PMID- 27122818
TI  - QTc Heterogeneity in Rest Magnetocardiography is Sensitive to Detect Coronary
      Artery Disease: In Comparison with Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is an established
      method for diagnosis and prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). However,
      radiation exposure limits its clinical application. Magnetocardiography (MCG) has
      been proposed as a non-contact, rapid and non-radiation technique with high
      reproducibility. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of
      rest MCG in CAD comparing to stress MPI. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 55
      patients with suspected CAD (64 +/- 10 years) who were scheduled for coronary
      angiography (CA). MCG, stress (201)Tl MPI and CA were performed within 3 months.
      The spatial distribution maps of QTc interval (21 * 21 in resolution) were
      derived from a 64-channel MCG system (KRISS, Korea). T-wave propagation mapping,
      repolarization heterogeneity index with QTc dispersion and smoothness index of
      QTc (SI-QTc) were analyzed, and the diagnostic criteria for CAD were developed
      based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS:
      Patients with significant CAD (>= 70% luminal stenosis, n = 36) had higher QTc
      dispersion and SI-QTc than controls (both p < 0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity
      and specificity were 0.8330, 0.6842 for QTc dispersion >= 79 ms; 0.7778, 0.6842
      for SI-QTc >= 9.1 ms; and 0.8611, 0.6842 for combination. There was no difference
      of area under ROC curve by using criteria of QTc dispersion >= 79 ms, SI-QTc >=
      9.1 ms or combination (0.7588, 0.7310, 0.7727, p = NS), and non-inferior to
      stress MPI (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: The QTc heterogeneity parameters of rest MCG
      yield a good sensitivity and acceptable specificity for detection of CAD, and may
      provide an alternative to stress MPI without stress and radiation. KEY WORDS:
      Coronary artery disease (CAD); Magnetocardiography (MCG); Myocardial perfusion
      imaging (MPI); Repolarization.

PMID- 27122819
TI  - Moderate Hypothermia (33  degrees C) Decreases the Susceptibility to Pacing
      Induced Ventricular Fibrillation Compared with Severe Hypothermia (30  degrees C)
      by Attenuating Spatially Discordant Alternans in Isolated Rabbit Hearts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe hypothermia (SH, 30  degrees C) increases the risk of pacing
      induced ventricular fibrillation (PIVF) by enhancing spatially discordant
      alternans (SDA). Whether moderate hypothermia (MH, 33  degrees C), which is
      clinically used for therapeutic hypothermia, also facilitates SDA remains
      unclear. We hypothesized that MH attenuates SDA occurrence compared with that
      achieved by SH, and decreases the susceptibility of PIVF. METHODS: Using an
      optical mapping system, action potential duration (APD)/conduction velocity
      restitutions and thresholds of APD alternans were determined by S1 pacing in
      Langendorff-perfused isolated rabbit hearts. In the MH group (n = 7), S1 pacing
      was performed at baseline (37  degrees C), after 5-min MH, and after 5-min
      rewarming (37  degrees C). In the SH group (n = 9), pacing was also performed at
      baseline (37  degrees C), after 5-min SH, and after 5-min rewarming (37  degrees
      C). The thresholds of APD alternans were defined as the longest S1 pacing cycle
      length at which APD alternans were detected. RESULTS: Although the thresholds of
      APD alternans were not different between the MH (273 +/- 46 ms) and the SH (300
      +/- 35 ms) (p = 0.281) groups, SDA threshold was shorter (at a faster heart rate)
      during MH (228 +/- 33 ms) than that during SH (289 +/- 42 ms) (p = 0.028). At APD
      alternans threshold, SH hearts showed more SDA than that during MH (SH: 7 hearts,
      MH: 2 hearts, p = 0.049). SDA could be induced in all 9 SH hearts (100%), while
      only 4 MH hearts (57%) had SDA (p = 0.029). The PIVF inducibility during SH (44
      +/- 53%) was higher than that during MH (0%) (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Compared
      with SH, the MH group showed greater attenuation of SDA and decreased the
      susceptibility of PIVF. Therefore, MH is safer as a procedural guideline for use
      in clinical therapeutic hypothermia than SH. KEY WORDS: Cardiac alternans;
      Conduction velocity; Hypothermia; Optical mapping.

PMID- 27122820
TI  - The Translational Proteome Modulated by 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol in Endothelial
      Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), a natural compound of dammarane
      ginsenoside purified from the ginseng plant, exhibits strong anticancer
      properties. It has also been reported to have strong antioxidant activity and
      plays a role in cardiovascular protection. However, the downstream signaling
      mechanism PPD employs is still unclear and requires further elucidation. METHODS:
      Endothelial cells (ECs) EAhy 926 were used to investigate the growth promoting
      effect of PPD. The protein lysates extracted from both mock- and PPD-treated
      cells were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) to monitor
      protein changes. After image analysis, proteins with significant change in the
      expression level were further identified by mass spectrometry. Western blot was
      applied to further confirm the protein variations in the 2-DE assay. RESULTS: In
      the current study, we found that treatment with PPD (10 MUg/ml) significantly
      increased ECs healing. The translational proteome was established according to 16
      up-regulated and 8 down-regulated proteins identified in 2-DE. These proteins
      were reported to function as energy homeostasis and in the prevention of
      oxidative stress. The elevated expressions of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and
      glutathione synthetase (GSS) were further confirmed in the western blot analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: According to the information obtained from translational proteome,
      we delineated that PPD mediated vascular homeostasis through the up-regulation of
      anti-oxidative proteins. Additional functional investigations are necessary
      regarding the HO-1 and GSS proteins. KEY WORDS: Dammarane sapogenins; Endothelial
      cell; Glutathione synthetase; Heme oxygenase 1; Proteome; 20(S)-protopanaxadiol.

PMID- 27122821
TI  - Curcumin Suppress Cardiac Fibroblasts Activities by Regulating Proliferation,
      Migration, and the Extracellular Matrix.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac fibrosis plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of
      cardiovascular disease. It has been observed that curcumin has several
      cardiovascular effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether
      curcumin can attenuate cardiac fibroblasts activity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      evaluated the migration, proliferation, collagen production, and transcription
      signaling in rat cardiac fibroblasts isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats (males,
      weighing 300-350 g) that were or were not incubated with curcumin (25 MUM) and
      the co-administration of transforming growth factor (TGF)- beta1 (10 ng/ml) or
      angiotensin (Ang) II (100 nM) by a cell migration analysis, proliferation assay,
      and Western blot analysis. Compared to those without curcumin, curcumin-treated
      cardiac fibroblasts exhibited lower migratory, proliferative abilities and
      collagen production at the baseline and after the co-administration of TGF-beta1
      or Ang II. Curcumin-treated cardiac fibroblasts had increased matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 activity in the presence of Ang II treatment. Curcumin
      treated cardiac fibroblasts down-regulated phosphorylated protein kinase B (Akt)
      and phosphorylated Smad2/3 expression irrespective of TGF-beta1 treatment.
      Curcumin also decreased phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      (ERK)1/2 levels in the presence of Ang II. CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin attenuated Akt,
      Smad2/3, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation which were mediated by TGF-beta1 and
      angiotensin II. This resulted in decreased cardiac fibroblast activation and
      supports the assertion that curcumin is an effective antifibrotic agent which can
      be used to treat heart failure. KEY WORDS: Angiotensin; Curcumin; Fibroblasts;
      Heart failure; Transforming growth factor.

PMID- 27122822
TI  - Curcumin: Another Potential Translational Candidate for Anti-Fibrosis on Heart
      Failure?

PMID- 27122823
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Saphenous vein graft (SVG) failure secondary to degeneration can cause
      significant problems after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Repeat
      revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention can be performed after
      SVG failure but is often associated with less favourable clinical outcome.
      Treatment for chronic total occlusion (CTO) of native vessels after SVG failure
      among patients with prior CABG is frequently performed. However,
      revascularization of CTO vessels in patients with prior CABG may be more complex
      and require more frequent use of the retrograde approach. Good septal or
      epicardial collateral channels are usually needed for the retrograde CTO
      approach. However, suitable native collateral channels may be absent and
      alternative retrograde routes should be considered. In this case report, we
      described a patient who had prior CABG and developed recurrent angina after SVG
      failure. His native CTO lesion was successfully revascularized by using a totally
      occluded vein graft as a retrograde conduit. KEY WORDS: Chronic total occlusions;
      Coronary artery bypass grafts; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Saphenous vein
      graft.

PMID- 27122824
TI  - Transcatheter Repair of Iatrogenic Aortic Perforation Complicating Transseptal
      Puncture for a Catheter Ablation of Atrial Arrhythmia.
AB  - Aortic root perforation is a potentially life-threatening complication that may
      occur during transseptal puncture and requires immediate repair. We present a 71
      year-old man who was admitted for catheter ablation of persistent atypical atrial
      flutter. Fluoroscopic-guided transseptal puncture was performed to gain access to
      the left atrium. An unrecognized puncture of the aortic root by Brockenbrough
      needle and inadvertent advancement of Mullins sheath resulted in aortic root
      perforation. We decided to seal the hole transcatheterly with an occluder device.
      Severe aortic regurgitation (AR) was noted by transesophageal echocardiography
      after deployment of a 6 mm Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). Thereafter, we
      switched to a 6/4-mm Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO) and only minimal AR was noted
      after deployment. This is because the diameter of the left atrial disc of ASO is
      larger than the diameter of the retention skirt of ADO to interfere with the
      movement of aortic valve leaflet. During 6 months of echocardiographic follow-up,
      the ADO remained in place and no residual shunt was observed. KEY WORDS: Aortic
      perforation; Transcatheter repair; Transseptal puncture.

PMID- 27122817
TI  - 2014 Guidelines of Taiwan Society of Cardiology (TSOC) for the Management of
      Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a hemodynamic and pathophysiologic condition,
      defined as a mean pulmonary arterial pressure exceeding 25 mmHg at rest.
      According to the recent classifications, it is grouped into pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (PAH), heart-related, lung-related, thromboembolic, and
      miscellaneous PH. In the past two decades, tremendous advances have occurred in
      the field of PH. These include (1) development of clinical diagnostic algorithm
      and a monitoring strategy dedicated to PAH, (2) defining strong rationales for
      screening at-risk populations, (3) advent of pulmonary specific drugs which makes
      PAH manageable, (4) recognition of needs of having proper strategy of combining
      existing pulmonary specific drugs, and/or potential novel drugs, (5) pursuit of
      clinical trials with optimal surrogate endpoints and study durations, (6)
      recognition of critical roles of PH/right ventricular function, as well as
      interdependence of ventricles in different conditions, especially those with
      various phenotypes of heart failure, and (7) for rare diseases, putting equal
      importance on carefully designed observation studies, various registries, etc.,
      besides double blind randomized studies. In addition, ongoing basic and clinical
      research has led to further understanding of relevant physiology,
      pathophysiology, epidemiology and genetics of PH/PAH. This guidelines from the
      working group of Pulmonary Hypertension of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology is to
      provide updated guidelines based on the most recent international guidelines as
      well as Taiwan's domestic research on PH. The guidelines are mainly for the
      management of PAH (Group 1) ; however the majority of content can be helpful for
      managing other types of PH. KEY WORDS: Pulmonary arterial hypertension; Taiwan
      guidelines.

PMID- 27122825
TI  - Acute Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection Mimicking Acute Myocardial Infarction: A
      Hidden Catastrophe Which Should Prompt Greater Vigilance.
AB  - Stanford type A aortic dissection involving the coronary artery ostium and
      leading to a concomitant acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an infrequent but
      life-threatening condition, necessitating a prompt diagnosis and appropriate
      treatment. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of this entity can be extremely
      challenging and misdiagnosis is sometimes unavoidable because it usually mimics a
      common AMI. Herein, we describe the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with
      severe retrosternal chest pain and dynamic ECG change which was initially
      misdiagnosed solely as an AMI. However, the patient was finally diagnosed to have
      a type A aortic dissection complicated by coronary artery involvement. Following
      emergent surgery treatment, the patient made a good recovery. KEY WORDS: Acute
      myocardial infarction; Aortic dissection; Coronary angiography.

PMID- 27122826
TI  - Precordial ST-Segment Elevation Caused by Proximal Occlusion of a Non-Dominant
      Right Coronary Artery.
AB  - For patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention to the culprit lesion via electrocardiographic
      guidance is essential. We herein report the rare case of a 49-year-old man who
      presented with ST-segment elevation in the precordial leads, while coronary
      angiography results indicated total occlusion of the proximal non-dominant right
      coronary artery. We evaluated its possible pathophysiologic mechanisms and
      thoroughly discussed isolated right ventricular infarction and its
      electrocardiography findings. KEY WORDS: Coronary angiography; Myocardial
      infarction; Total occlusions.

PMID- 27122827
TI  - Soluble ST2: A Novel Prognostic Biomarker of Heart Failure.

PMID- 27122828
TI  - Clinical Applications of Extracorporeal Membranous Oxygenation: A Mini-Review.
AB  - The clinical usage of extracorporeal membranous oxygenation began more than 40
      years ago. Although the indications for its use have expanded over the years, it
      has been challenging to conduct randomized controlled trials to prove that
      extracorporeal membranous oxygenation is more effective than traditional
      approaches. Through a review of retrospective reports and data from registries,
      we attempted to evaluate the appropriateness of its application for acute
      respiratory distress syndrome, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, postcardiotomy
      cardiogenic shock, and sepsis. Our investigation revealed that using
      extracorporeal membranous oxygenation when readily available is appropriate for
      all patients with cardiopulmonary resuscitation or postcardiotomy cardiogenic
      shock, and for selected patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome or
      sepsis. KEY WORDS: Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation; Extracorporeal membranous oxygenation; Postcardiotomy cardiogenic
      shock; Sepsis.

PMID- 27122829
TI  - Primary Infected Aortic Aneurysm: Clinical Presentation, Pathogen, and Outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Infected aneurysm of the aorta and adjacent arteries is rarely occurring
      and can be fatal without surgical intervention. Within the medical community, the
      most efficacious treatment strategy to address infected aortic aneurysm remains
      controversial. In this study, we have reviewed our treatment experience with 109
      patients. METHODS: We included in our study all consecutive patients treated for
      primary infected aortic aneurysm at our facility between 1995 and 2011. Aneurysm
      related mortality was defined as the presence of in-hospital and late mortality
      related to infection or postoperative complications. RESULTS: The median patient
      age was 72 years (range, 35-88), and 87 (80%) were male. Pathogen was isolated in
      101 patients, and the most common microorganism identified was non-typhoid
      Salmonella in 61 (60%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus in 16 (16%) and
      Streptococci species in 7 (7%). Eighty-five (78%) patients underwent surgical
      treatment. Surgery included open repair with in-situ graft replacement in 77
      (71%) and endovascular repair in 8 (7%). The aneurysm-related mortality rate was
      67% in medically treated and 21% in surgically treated patients, with a median
      follow-up duration of 31.5 months (range 1-189). Additionally, risk factors for
      aneurysm-related mortality included old age, chronic lung disease, psoas muscle
      abscess, short duration of preoperative antibiotics, no operation, and probably
      endovascular repair. CONCLUSIONS: Non-typhoid Salmonella was the most common
      pathogen found in our study group patients with infected aortic aneurysm. It
      appears that prolonged preoperative antibiotic treatment followed by open in-situ
      graft replacement remains the preferred and most effective treatment strategy.
      KEY WORDS: Infected aortic aneurysm; Outcome; Pathogen; Surgery.

PMID- 27122830
TI  - Role of Left Main Coronary Artery Stenosis on Intraoperative Conversion and
      Mortality in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraoperative conversion is a major threat in off-pump coronary
      artery bypass (OPCAB). The conversion rate depends on patient selection and
      surgeon experience. Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of OPCAB
      for patients with left main coronary artery stenosis (LMCAS) >= 50%. However, no
      studies have focused on the role of LMCAS >= 90%. We sought to assess the impact
      of LMCAS >= 90% on the conversion rate and mortality in OPCAB. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective review of 1055 consecutive unselected patients
      undergoing OPCAB between 2000 and 2012. The patients in our study were divided
      into 3 groups by the severity of LMCAS. RESULTS: LMCAS was < 50% in 704, 50-90%
      in 266, and >= 90% in 85 patients. LMCAS was not associated with major
      postoperative complications and hospital mortality, although preoperative
      cardiogenic shock was present in 6.3%. Overall, the conversion rate was
      10.1%:11.4% in LMCAS < 50%, 5.6% in LMCAS 50-90%, and 14.1% in LMCAS >= 90%.
      Operation status, cardiogenic shock, left ventricular ejection fraction < 30% and
      operation before 2007 were noted as independent predictors of conversion. The
      overall hospital mortality rate was 5.1%: 4.8% in LMCAS < 50%, 4.5% in LMCAS 50
      90%, and 9.4% in LMCAS >= 90%. Operation status, cardiogenic shock, left
      ventricular ejection fraction < 30% and intraoperative conversion were observed
      to be independent predictors of mortality. However, LMCAS did not predict either
      conversion or hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: LMCAS >= 90% was not an
      independent predictor of intraoperative conversion or hospital mortality in
      OPCAB. KEY WORDS: Conversion; Left main coronary artery stenosis; Off-pump
      coronary artery bypass.

PMID- 27122831
TI  - Some Ethical Legal Issues in Heart Disease Surgery.
AB  - Ethical concerns, cultural norms, and legal issues must be carefully considered
      when treating a patient with heart disease. Although physicians or surgeons must
      play a role in course of treatment decision making, they should be guided by
      evidence-based data and the preferences of patients and/or the patient's parents.
      However, there is no obligation to provide this type of informed consultation and
      approval unless these ethical issues become law - which typically occurs through
      litigation. In this review, we examined common ethical principles that are
      integral to the regular decisions made by clinicians every day. Some special
      ethical issues and associated litigation, if any, which might occur
      perioperatively will also be reviewed. Finally, the final judgments of civil and
      criminal courts of Taiwan, particularly lawsuits involving physicians associated
      with coronary artery disease care or aortic aneurysm, will also be introduced.
      KEY WORDS: Criminal lawsuit; Medical ethic; Medical litigation; Medical
      negligence.

PMID- 27122832
TI  - Application of 270 mgI/mL Iodinated Contrast Media in Dual-Source Computed
      Tomography Coronary Artery Imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the application of 270 mg I/mL iodinated
      contrast agent with a tube voltage of 100 kV scanning in coronary computed
      tomography angiography (CCTA). METHODS: This CCTA study was a prospective
      observational study. The two radiologists were blinded to both patient
      information and image date arrangement. One-hundred twenty patients (body mass
      index < 25.0 kg/m(2)) were randomly divided into three groups based on contrast
      agent concentrations of 370, 320, and 270 mg I/mL, scanning at an injection rate
      of 5 ml/s. Then, the coronary artery branches of the three groups were compared,
      and the display rate, mean computed tomography (CT) value, signal-to-noise ratio
      (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), image noise, and radiation dose were
      analyzed. RESULTS: The artery display rates of the four main branches of
      coronaries in the three groups were all 100%, and the difference in the display
      rates of the remaining small branches in the three groups exhibited no
      statistical significance (p > 0.05). A comparison of the mean CT value of the
      coronary artery of three groups in the ascending aorta, descending aorta, left
      main, left ventricular wall, right coronary artery, left anterior descending, and
      left circumflex showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). A
      comparison of the SNR, CNR, image noise, and radiation dose showed no
      statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using a tube
      voltage of 100 kV combined with 270 mg I/mL iodinated contrast media in CCTA
      examination can achieve the "double low dose" effect while ensuring image
      quality. KEY WORDS: Contrast agent; Contrast to noise ratio; Coronary
      angiography; Signal noise ratio.

PMID- 27122833
TI  - The Relationship between Pre-Infarction Angina and Serum Sphingosine-1-Phosphate
      Levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pre-infarction angina reduces myocardial infarct size by preventing
      the myocardium from being subjected to ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury.
      Ischemic preconditioning is the proposed mechanism for this effect. Sphingosine 1
      phosphate (S1P) activates ischemic preconditioning pathways and may play a role
      in the presence of cardioprotective effects of pre-infarction angina. Therefore,
      we evaluated the relationship between pre-infarction angina and serum S1P levels.
      METHODS: Between May 2011 and January 2012, 79 patients with acute myocardial
      infarction were included in the study. In addition to taking routine medical
      histories, all of the patients were questioned as to whether or not they had pre
      infarction angina. We determined patients serum levels of S1P at admission and
      discharge, and peak creatine kinase MB and troponin levels were also measured in
      the pre-infarction angina positive and negative groups. RESULTS: Of the 79
      patients included in the study, 36 had pre-infarction angina and 43 had not.
      Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The median level of
      serum S1P in patients with pre-infarction angina was significantly higher than in
      those without pre-infarction angina both at admission and discharge [0.54 (0.14
      1.35) vs. 0.26 (0.12-0.62) p = 0.014/0.51 (0.20-1.81) vs. 0.30 (0.13-0.68) p =
      0.010]. Serum high sensitive troponin levels were significantly lower in patients
      with pre-infarction angina [0.97 (0.39-3.07) vs. 2.56 (0.9-6.51) p = 0.034].
      Serum S1P levels both at admission and discharge tended to be higher in patients
      with more angina episodes, but the differences between these subgroups were not
      statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who experienced pre-infarction
      angina had higher serum S1P levels than patients without pre-infarction angina.
      This study supported our hypothesis that the cardioprotective effects of pre
      infarction angina may in part be mediated by S1P. KEY WORDS: Ischemic
      preconditioning; Pre-infarction angina; Sphingosine 1 phosphate.

PMID- 27122834
TI  - Drug-Eluting Stents versus Bare-Metal Stents in Taiwanese Patients with Acute
      Coronary Syndrome: An Outcome Report of a Multicenter Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aims to compare cardiovascular outcomes of using bare-metal
      stents (BMS) and drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with acute coronary
      syndrome (ACS) through analysis of the database from the Taiwan ACS registry.
      Large domestic studies comparing outcomes of interventional strategies using DES
      and BMS in a Taiwanese population with ACS are limited. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Collected data regarding characteristics and cardiovascular outcomes from the
      registry database were compared between the BMS and DES groups. A Cox regression
      model was used in an unadjusted or adjusted manner for analysis. Baseline
      characteristics apparently varied between DES group (n = 650) and BMS group (n =
      1672) such as ACS types, Killip's classifications, or coronary blood flows.
      Compared with the BMS group, the DES group was associated with significantly
      lower cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality (3.4% vs. 5.8%, p = 0.008),
      target vessel revascularization (TVR) (5.2% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.035), or major
      adverse cardiac events (MACE) (10.2% vs. 15.6%, p < 0.001) at 1 year in a real
      world setting. Cox regression analysis showed the BMS group referenced as the DES
      group had significantly higher risk-adjusted total mortality [hazard ratio (HR) =
      1.85, p = 0.026], target vessel revascularization (TVR) (HR = 1.59, p = 0.035),
      and MACE (HR = 1.68, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The data show use of DES over BMS
      provided advantages to patients with ACS in terms of lower 1-year mortality, TVR,
      and MACE. The study suggests implantation of DES compared with BMS in Taiwanese
      patients with ACS is safe and beneficial in the real-world setting. KEY WORDS:
      Acute coronary syndrome; Bare-metal stent; Cardiovascular outcome; Drug-eluting
      stent; Percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 27122835
TI  - The AMBITIOUS Study Design and Rationale: Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Taiwanese
      Occupational Healthcare Staff.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sudden death is a rare but real threat to hospital-based physicians
      and surgeons. The association between sudden death and blood pressure (BP)
      fluctuations in healthcare providers has not been documented. We hypothesized
      that work-shift loading may lead to variable BP surges in hospital-based
      healthcare staff, which might contribute to their development of cardiovascular
      disease. METHODS: Our intention is to ask 150 healthcare staff (doctors, medical
      technicians, and nurses) working in the coronary catheterization lab, intensive
      care unit, and the medical wards, respectively, to volunteer for the study. Their
      changes in BP would automatically be recorded every 60 minutes on an ambulatory
      BP monitoring machine for 24 hours during a normal workday. All events and
      activities would be recorded in a diary, which would allow us to coordinate BP
      changes with the work being done during the shift. All cardiovascular outcomes
      would be followed-up for a five-year duration. CONCLUSIONS: We herein report the
      rationale and design of this first multicenter trial in Taiwan to explore the BP
      behavior associated with long work shifts in healthy hospital-based healthcare
      providers. KEY WORDS: Ambulatory blood pressure; Health-care staff; Occupation;
      Work shift.

PMID- 27122836
TI  - Rapid Resolution of Severe Myocardial Dysfunction in a Patient with Rheumatoid
      Arthritis by Intravenous Immunoglobulin and Steroid Treatment.
AB  - A 64-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented to our emergency
      department with severe chest tightness and dyspnea. His electrocardiography (ECG)
      showed multiple premature atrial complexes (PACs) with wide QRS, and
      transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe hypokinesis of the left ventricle.
      The patient later developed sudden cardiovascular collapse with presumed
      fulminant myocarditis and cardiogenic shock. Further investigation showed that
      coronary angiogram, viral studies and autoimmune vasculitis markers were all
      negative. After high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and systemic steroid
      were administered, a dramatic improvement of clinical conditions was observed,
      with an increase of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from 10% to 42%
      within one week, and a resolution of the wide QRS on the ECG. The rapid recovery
      from left ventricular dysfunction by treatment with IVIG and systemic steroid
      suggests immunotherapy might be effective in RA patients with acute fulminant
      myocarditis. KEY WORDS: Fulminant myocarditis; Intravenous immunoglobulin;
      Rheumatoid arthritis; Systemic steroid.

PMID- 27122837
TI  - A Case of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Precipitated by Thyroid Storm and Diabetic
      Ketoacidosis with Poor Prognosis.
AB  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCMP) is known as stress cardiomyopathy, and long-term
      prognosis is generally excellent if recovering from an acute stage. Both thyroid
      storm and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are reported to be rare causes of TCMP.
      However, there are no studies discussing TCMP as induced by a combination of
      thyroid storm and DKA, and the prognosis is unknown. Herein we report an 81-year
      old female with type-2 diabetes mellitus initially presenting with palpitation,
      chest tightness, and gastrointestinal symptoms. She was further diagnosed as TCMP
      after echocardiogram and coronary angiography, and DKA was confirmed later.
      However, the patient's general condition didn't improve under proper treatment.
      Thereafter, thyroid storm was discovered fortuitously. Despite appropriate
      treatment, the patient finally expired due to acute respiratory distress syndrome
      progression. This rare case reminds us that despite TCMP being a transient
      cardiomyopathy with good prognosis, physicians should survey the possible
      underlying disease cautiously to avoid catastrophic clinical outcome. KEY WORDS:
      Acute respiratory distress syndrome; Diabetic ketoacidosis; Stress
      cardiomyopathy; Takotsubo cardiomyopathy; Thyroid storm.

PMID- 27122838
TI  - Two Consecutive Episodes of Acute Myocardial Infarction Occurring in Different
      Coronary Arteries of a Single Patient with Sepsis.
AB  - Although recurrent ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the same
      coronary artery due to acute stent thrombosis has been reported in the
      literature, there have been no reported cases discussing consecutive STEMI
      recurring in different coronary arteries in the same patient in one day. Herein,
      we report an elderly male patient initially suffering from STEMI over the
      inferior wall who subsequently had another episode of STEMI over the anterior
      wall within several hours. Despite primary percutaneous coronary intervention
      being performed over both the right coronary artery and the left anterior
      descending artery, the patient eventually expired notwithstanding intensive care.
      This case should caution physicians that consecutive STEMI in different coronary
      arteries is an extremely rare but still possible medical phenomenon, and could
      lead to catastrophic clinical outcome. KEY WORDS: Myocardial infarction; Primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention; Recurrent ST-elevation.

PMID- 27122839
TI  - Dynamic Compression of the Left Coronary Artery by a Left Ventricular
      Pseudoaneurysm after Myocarditis.
AB  - A 69-year-old man with a recent diagnosis of suspected leptospirosis infection
      related myocarditis presented with antecedent arthralgia, myalgia, fever,
      intermittent anterior chest pain, yellowish sclera, yellowish skin and shortness
      of breath. His symptoms improved after antibiotic treatment with penicillin for
      14 days. However, recurrent chest pain and progressive dyspnea upon exertion
      developed 2 months later. A newly developed left ventricular outflow tract
      pseudoaneurysm was identified by cardiac sonography and multi-detector computed
      tomography of the heart. A subsequent coronary arteriogram demonstrated an left
      ventricular (LV) pseudoaneurysm causing compression to both the left circumflex
      coronary artery and the left anterior descending coronary artery with significant
      stenosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a LV
      pseudoaneurysm developing after a clinical course of suspected leptospirosis
      related myocardit is causing dynamic compression of the left coronary artery. KEY
      WORDS: Dynamic compression of coronary artery; Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm;
      Leptospirosis; Myocarditis.

PMID- 27122840
TI  - Decreased Cardiac Expression of Heat Shock Protein 27 is Associated with Atrial
      Fibrillation in Patients with Rheumatic Heart Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare the expression of heat
      shock proteins (HSPs) between rheumatic heart disease (RHD) patients with atrial
      fibrillation (AF) and RHD patients without AF, and its efficacy in predicting the
      occurrence of AF in RHD patients. METHODS: Ninety-five patients were enrolled in
      our study, including 60 RHD patients with AF, and 35 RHD patients without AF. The
      baseline characteristics of the patients such as gender, age, AF duration, left
      atrial diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction were collected, and
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate and high-sensitivity C-reaction protein were
      measured from all patients. Tissue samples were obtained from the right atrial
      appendage during open-heart surgery and then detected using immunohistochemical
      methods and Western blot with HSP27, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 antibodies. RESULTS:
      Compared with RHD patients without AF, the density of HSP27 positive protein in
      RHD patients with AF was significantly lower. The density of HSP60, HSP70 or
      HSP90 antibodies did not indicate significant difference between the two groups.
      Use of the Western blot experiment showed consistent results with
      immunohistochemical staining. In RHD patients with AF, the expression level of
      HSP27 protein was negatively associated with AF duration and left atrial
      diameter. Left atrial enlargement and low expression of HSP27 were the
      independent predictors of AF. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased expression level of
      HSP27 is associated with AF in RHD patients. KEY WORDS: Atrial fibrillation; Heat
      shock protein; Rheumatic heart disease.

PMID- 27122841
TI  - Long-Term Follow-Up of Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias: Experiences
      from a Tertiary Referral Center in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is an alternative therapeutic
      management for drug-refractory ventricular arrhythmias (VA). However, long-term
      follow-up of clinical outcome after RFCA for VAs in Taiwan remains unknown.
      METHODS: From 1999 to 2013, patients undergoing RFCA for VAs from a single
      referral center were consecutively enrolled. The annual distribution of cases,
      clinical characteristics, etiology, disease entity and electrophysiological
      studies were investigated. The clinical outcomes and recurrences between distinct
      entities were compared. RESULTS: A total of 502 patients receiving RFCA of VAs
      were eligible, including 388 patients for idiopathic VAs and 114 for substrate
      VAs. The annual distribution displayed a tendency towards a gradual increase in
      ablation cases within 2009-2013 compared with the prior decade (p < 0.001). Acute
      success was achieved in 453 patients (90.2%), partial success in 3 (0.6%), and
      failed ablation in 46 (9.2%). During a mean follow-up of 39.77 +/- 48.75 months,
      126 (25.1%) patients developed recurrences. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated
      better prognosis after RFCA in patients with idiopathic fascicular VT and RVOT
      VAs (p < 0.001) and attenuation of the occurrences of sustained VT/VF, ICD
      therapies, and mortality in patients with BrS and ARVD/C (p = 0.036), as well as
      overall ICD interventions in substrate VAs (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RFCA could
      be an effective and alternative strategy in the elimination of idiopathic VAs and
      prevention of malignant events in substrate VAs at an experienced referral center
      in Taiwan. Distinct location of arrhythmogenic trigger and disease entities may
      result in non-uniform recurrences and prognosis. KEY WORDS: Idiopathic;
      Radiofrequency catheter ablation; Recurrence; Substrate; Ventricular arrhythmias.

PMID- 27122842
TI  - MiR-196a2 rs11614913 T>C Polymorphism is Associated with an Increased Risk of
      Tetralogy of Fallot in a Chinese Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of endogenous, small, noncoding
      single-stranded RNAs that act as post-transcriptional gene regulatory elements.
      MiRNA polymorphisms may be associated with susceptibility to congenital heart
      disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of miRNA single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on CHD susceptibility. METHODS: We genotyped two
      functional SNPs, miR-196a2 rs11614913 and miR-146a rs2910164, in a case-control
      cohort of 173 Chinese patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and 207 non-CHD
      controls. RESULTS: When the miR-196a2 rs11614913 TT homozygote genotype was used
      as the reference group, the TC genotype was not associated with an increased risk
      of TOF. The CC genotype was associated with a borderline significantly increased
      risk for TOF. In the recessive model, when the miR-196a2 rs11614913 TT/TC
      genotypes were used as the reference group, the CC homozygote genotype was
      associated with a significantly increased risk of TOF (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.18
      3.25, p = 0.01). The miR-146a rs2910164 C>G polymorphism was not associated with
      developing TOF. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that the miR-196a2 rs11614913
      T>C polymorphism may play a role in the development of TOF. Future larger studies
      that include populations of other ethnicities are required to confirm these
      findings. KEY WORDS: Congenital heart disease; MiRNA; Molecular epidemiology;
      Polymorphisms; Tetralogy of Fallot.

PMID- 27122843
TI  - Mobilization of Endothelial Progenitor Cells Following Creation of Arteriovenous
      Access in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A patent arteriovenous (AV) fistula induces activation of regional
      vascular endothelium and vascular shear force. Shear stress is an important
      physiological force in mobilizing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). This study
      aimed to explore the perioperative changes of circulating EPC levels for patients
      who require hemodialysis and underwent radiocephalic fistula operation. METHODS:
      This prospective cohort study included patients who received a radiocephalic
      fistula surgery when they were between 25 and 65 years of age. The subjects were
      followed for 90 days postoperatively for any stenotic events or immaturity of the
      fistula. Blood samples were obtained on the day before surgery and at
      postoperation day (POD) 3 and 30. CD133+/KDR+ cells, defined as EPCs, were
      analyzed using flow cytometry. Blood flow of the fistula was followed on POD 3
      and 30. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were enrolled in the study from July 2009
      to December 2011. One patient dropped out of the study and seven patients
      developed a stenotic (or immature) AV fistula (7/29, 24.1%). There were positive
      linear relationships between EPC numbers and shear rate postoperatively, which
      were more significant on POD 30. In addition, postoperative mobilization of EPCs
      was significantly higher in patients who developed a stenotic fistula than those
      without. CONCLUSIONS: The mobilization of circulating EPCs correlated with a
      compromised arteriovenous fistula. The biological significance of increased EPC
      numbers need to be determined in future studies. KEY WORDS: Arteriovenous
      fistula; Endothelial progenitor cells.

PMID- 27122844
TI  - Parthenolide-Induced Cytotoxicity in H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts Involves Oxidative
      Stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac cellular injury as a consequence of ischemia and reperfusion
      involves nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappa B), amongst other factors, and NF-kappa
      B inhibitors could substantially reduce myocardial infarct size. Parthenolide, a
      sesquiterpene lactone compound which could inhibit NF-kappa B, has been shown to
      ameliorate myocardial reperfusion injury but may also produce toxic effects in
      cardiomyocytes at high concentrations. The aim of this study was to examine the
      cytotoxic effects of this drug on H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, which are precursor cells
      of cardiomyocytes. METHODS: Cell viability and apoptosis were examined by MTT and
      TUNEL assay, respectively, and protein expression was analyzed by western blot.
      Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using DCFH-DA as dye.
      Cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured
      microfluorimetrically using, respectively, fura 2 and rhodamine 123 as dyes.
      RESULTS: Parthenolide caused apoptosis at 30 MU M, as judged by TUNEL assay and
      Bax and cytochrome c translocation. It also caused collapse of mitochondrial
      membrane potential and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Parthenolide triggered ROS
      formation, and vitamin C (antioxidant) partially alleviated parthenolide-induced
      cell death. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that parthenolide at high
      concentrations caused cytotoxicity in cardiomyoblasts in part by inducing
      oxidative stress, and demonstrated the imperative for cautious and appropriate
      use of this agent in cardioprotection. KEY WORDS: Cardiomyoblast; Endoplasmic
      reticulum stress; Oxidative stress; Parthenolide; Reperfusion injury.

PMID- 27122845
TI  - Association of Serum Uric Acid with Cardiovascular Disease in Taiwanese Patients
      with Primary Hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia is closely linked to hypertension and may be a marker
      of susceptibility or an intermediate step in the development of metabolic
      syndrome. However, recently, there have been conflicting conclusions regarding
      the independent role of uric acid as a risk factor of cardiovascular disease
      (CVD). The specific role of serum uric acid (SUA) in relation to CVD remains
      controversial, and there are limited reports utilizing Asian data available on
      this issue. Therefore, this study investigated the association between SUA and
      cardiovascular disease in Taiwanese patients with essential hypertension.
      METHODS: There were 3472 participants from 55-80 years of age (1763 males, 1709
      females) from 38 sites across Taiwan in this hospital-based cross-sectional
      study, covering the period November 2005 to December 2006. The CVD included
      diagnosed angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and
      stroke. RESULTS: Hyperuricemia is positively associated with CVD in both sexes
      when a unified cut-off SUA level of 7 mg/dl was used. However, the odds ratios
      (ORs) for all CVD were greater in magnitude in hypertensive women than in men
      when there was co-morbidity of diabetes. The ORs of all CVD in the diabetes
      subgroup were statistically significantly (p = 0.01 for women, p = 0.07 for men).
      By multivariate analysis, hyperuricemia did not confer an increased risk of CVD.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hyperuricemia may be associated with increased risk of CVD, but is
      not an independent risk factor of CVD in essential hypertensive Taiwanese
      patients. KEY WORDS: Cardiovascular disease; Hypertension; Hyperuricemia; Uric
      acid.

PMID- 27122846
TI  - Clinical Research on Brain Natriuretic Peptide Guiding the Application of beta1
      Receptor Blocker in Patients with Moderate to Severe Heart Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of guiding the
      application of metoprolol succinate in patients with moderate to severe heart
      failure (HF) through monitoring plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.
      METHODS: A total of 195 patients with moderate to severe HF (NYHA Functional
      Class III to IV) were selected and randomized into two groups: an observation
      group and a BNP group. The groups were established to observe the clinical
      conditions and establish plasma BNP levels to guide the application of metoprolol
      succinate. The average start-up of metoprolol succinate and average dose of
      metoprolol succinate after one month, as well as the recurrence rate and
      mortality of HF during hospital stay were compared between the two groups.
      RESULTS: Start-up of metoprolol succinate was shorter in the BNP group than in
      the observation group [(5.89 +/- 1.76) d vs. (7.03 +/- 2.08) d, p < 0.01], but no
      significant differences in recurrence rate (26.60% vs. 23.91%, p > 0.05) and
      mortality (6.38% vs. 5.43%, p > 0.05) of HF were observed between the two groups.
      The average dose of metoprolol succinate after one month was higher in the BNP
      group compared with that of the observation group [(47.65 +/- 13.09) mg/d vs.
      (35.08 +/- 11.08) mg/d, p < 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: Although monitoring plasma BNP
      might have limited the clinical impact on the change of left ventricular ejection
      fraction, recurrence of HF or mortality within 1 month, it could safely
      facilitate early use and up-titration of the metoprolol succinate in patients
      with moderate to severe HF. KEY WORDS: BNP; Heart failure; beta receptor blocker.

PMID- 27122847
TI  - Arterial Stiffness Index and Coronary Artery Plaques in Patients with Subclinical
      Coronary Atherosclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness is a physiologic quantitative value used to
      measure arterial compliance. It is predictive of coronary atherosclerosis in
      patients with intermediate to high cardiovascular risk. However, a correlation
      between arterial stiffness and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis has yet to be
      established. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate arterial
      stiffness using an arterial stiffness index (ASI) and investigate its association
      with coronary artery plaque in patients with subclinical coronary
      atherosclerosis. METHODS: Our study enrolled 156 consecutive subjects who
      underwent health screening using a 64-slice cardiac computed tomography
      angiography (CCTA). Their arterial stiffness index was assessed noninvasively by
      CardioVision((r)) MS-2000. The atheroma on the coronary vessel walls was
      analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 156 patients, 53 displayed at least one > 50% stenotic
      lesion over the coronary arteries in CCTA images. The patients with at least one
      > 50% coronary stenotic plaque were older and had higher systolic blood pressure
      and ASI values than patients without > 50% coronary stenotic plaque. After
      dividing the study population into 2 groups by those patients over and under 50
      years of age, the ASI positively correlated with the presentation of at least one
      > 50% coronary stenotic plaque in patients aged >= 50 years (odds ratio = 1.02,
      95% confidence interval: 1.00-1.04, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The ASI could play a
      role in risk stratification systems for coronary artery disease in patients with
      subclinical coronary atherosclerosis, and is a useful clinical marker for the
      correlation of early coronary plaque. KEY WORDS: Arterial stiffness; Arterial
      stiffness index; Atherosclerosis; Coronary artery plaque.

PMID- 27122849
TI  - Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in a Patient with a Rare Coronary
      Anomaly: Twin Circumflex Arteries.
AB  - Coronary artery anomalies are rare in population and most of them are found
      incidentally during coronary angiography. Percutaneous treatment of critical
      lesions on anomalous arteries may lead to difficulties due to their abnormal
      origin or course. Herein, we report a 65-year-old male patient presented with
      recent onset chest pain. Electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiography
      were in normal range. Treadmill exercise test revealed ST segment depression in
      lead V4-V6. Angiography revealed an unusual coronary anomaly: twin circumflex
      arteries originating from left main coronary artery and same orifice of right
      coronary artery, respectively. There was a significant stenosis on the right
      sided circumflex artery, which was treated percutaneously via transradial access.
      KEY WORDS: Coronary artery anomalies; Percutaneous coronary intervention;
      Transradial access; Twin circumflex arteries.

PMID- 27122848
TI  - A Novel Medical Treatment for Lipid Control in Patients with Unstable Angina
      Pectoris and Statin-Induced Liver Dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Xuezhikang in
      the treatment of unstable angina pectoris (UAP) in patients with elevated liver
      enzymes caused by statins. METHODS: Ninety UAP patients with elevated liver
      enzymes (higher than 3-fold the upper limits of normal caused by statins) were
      randomly divided into 3 groups: withdrawal of simvastatin (group A), continued
      taking of simvastatin (group B) and switching to Xuezhikang capsules (group C).
      RESULTS: Blood lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were
      measured before and after treatment, and liver enzymes were measured every two
      weeks. As the liver enzymes of the patients in group A returned to normal, they
      could again undertake administration of simvastatin. If the liver enzyme levels
      remained abnormal at four weeks, polyene phosphatidylcholine would be added. The
      endpoint events of each group were followed-up. After treatment for 4 weeks, the
      liver enzymes decreased in all of the three groups and there was a significant
      difference (p < 0.05). However, at 8 weeks the liver enzymes showed no
      significant difference among the three groups (p > 0.05). The blood lipids and hs
      CRP were both reduced in group B and C. The decreased triglyceride and hs-CRP
      levels and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in group C were
      more remarkable than those in group B (p < 0.05). The incidence rate of endpoint
      events in group A was the highest (p < 0.05) among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Xuezhikang is safe and effective in the treatment for UAP patients with elevated
      liver enzymes caused by statins. KEY WORDS: Liver enzymes; Simvastatin; Unstable
      angina pectoris; Xuezhikang capsules.

PMID- 27122850
TI  - Urgent Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty for Worsening Heart Failure in a Patient with
      Acute Myocardial Infarction and Critical Aortic Stenosis.
AB  - A 91-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with dyspnea and chest pain. His
      electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in the V1-4 leads, and an emergency
      coronary angiogram revealed subtotal occlusion in the left descending coronary
      artery. A successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention was subsequently
      performed using aspiration thrombectomy and bare metal stent implantation.
      However, his hemodynamic condition deteriorated with severe pulmonary congestion.
      Administration of inotropes with diuretics and mechanical ventilation were not
      effective, and an echocardiogram showed coexisting severe aortic stenosis. As a
      bailout procedure, we performed balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) with a 12- and
      14-mm balloon on the next day. After BAV, the patient's condition improved, and
      he was weaned from the ventilator. It is commonly understood that onset of acute
      myocardial infarction may trigger worsening of heart failure in patients with
      compensated aortic stenosis. However, emergency balloon aortic valvuloplasty,
      when timely administered, is considered a simple and effective procedure for such
      patients, and can lead to substantial clinical improvement. KEY WORDS: Acute
      coronary syndrome; Balloon aortic valvuloplasty; Congestive heart failure;
      Valvular heart disease.

PMID- 27122851
TI  - Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in a Woman with Porcelain Aorta, Previous
      Sternotomy for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, and Critical Aortic Stenosis.
AB  - A 74-year-old woman who was diagnosed with right breast cancer at age 39 had been
      treated with mastectomy, and repeated cycles of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
      She also had a history of coronary artery disease, wherein two coronary artery
      bypass grafts were performed 3 years ago. At that time, porcelain aorta was
      detected during surgery. In the year prior to admission, the patient presented
      with severe symptomatic critical aortic stenosis. Due to the prohibitively high
      surgical risk and need for aortic valve replacement, she underwent successful
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation with transfemoral implantation of a 29 mm
      Medtronic CoreValve prosthesis. The patient experienced a good result with
      reduction of the transaortic gradient and mild residual aortic regurgitation. KEY
      WORDS: Aortic stenosis; Coronary artery bypass grafting; Porcelain aorta;
      Radiation; Transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

PMID- 27122852
TI  - Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The Ace-of-Spades as the Disease Card.
AB  - Apical cardiac hypertrophy (Yamaguchi syndrome) is a relatively rare form of
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A 67-year-old woman presented with exertional angina
      and moderate dyspnea. Her electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm, flattened T
      waves in the limb leads and a strain pattern in the V2-V6 leads.
      Echocardiographic examination showed that apical wall thickness of the left
      ventricle (LV) was 19 mm. Coronary angiography was normal, but left
      ventriculography revealed a spade-like shaped LV cavity, typical for apical
      cardiac hypertrophy. The diagnostic criteria for apical cardiac hypertrophy are:
      1) asymmetric LV hypertrophy - predominantly at the apex of the ventricle; 2) LV
      wall thickness of 15 mm or more during diastole; and 3) apical to posterior wall
      thickness ratio of 1.5 or more determined by 2-dimensional echocardiography or
      cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Although relatively rare, Yamaguchi syndrome
      must enter into the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with exertional
      angina pectoris. KEY WORDS: Angina pectoris; Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 27122853
TI  - Hyperuricemia as an Outcome Predictor in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation
      Myocardial Infarction: Too Good to be True?

PMID- 27122854
TI  - Plasma High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Level is Associated with Impaired
      Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Hypertensives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both inflammation and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are related to
      cardiovascular disease. Whether inflammatory biomarkers are associated with
      impaired glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is unclear in hypertensives. METHODS:
      We recruited hypertension patients from the cardiovascular clinic of a tertiary
      medical center in Taiwan. GFR was calculated using the 7-item Modification of
      Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation and impaired GFR (IGFR) was defined
      as GFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)
      kits were used for the measurement of the CRP levels. RESULTS: In our study, 572
      consecutive hypertensive patients were enrolled. The range of patient age was 26
      91 years (mean 60.5 +/- 11.7), and hsCRP and GFR ranged from 0.01 to 9.99 mg/L
      and 16.6 to 239.6 ml/min//1.73 m(2), respectively. HsCRP levels were correlated
      with GFR (p = 0.01) and the presence of IGFR (p = 0.009). Multivariate regression
      analysis showed hsCRP (p = 0.03), age (p < 0.001) and urinary albumin-to
      creatinine ratio (UACR) (p = 0.002) are independent factors associated with GFR.
      Furthermore, hsCRP levels [odds ratio (OR) = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.03-1.31, p = 0.02],
      age (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.07-1.12, p < 0.001), and UACR (OR = 1.02, 95% CI =
      1.01-1.04, p < 0.001) independently predicted the presence of IGFR using binary
      logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Information obtained from our study
      showed that hsCRP is associated with IGFR in hypertensives. KEY WORDS: Chronic
      kidney disease; C-reactive protein; Glomerular filtration rate; Hypertension;
      Inflammation.

PMID- 27122855
TI  - Significant Correlation between Brachial Pulse Pressure Index and Renal Resistive
      Index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The renal resistive index (RI) is calculated as (peak systolic
      velocity - minimum diastolic velocity)/peak systolic velocity, and has been
      significantly associated with renal function. Pulse pressure index (PPI) is
      derived from a formula similar to renal RI, i.e. (systolic blood pressure -
      diastolic blood pressure)/systolic blood pressure. The purpose of this study was
      to investigate whether brachial PPI had a significant correlation with renal RI
      and could be used in identifying patients with impaired renal function. METHODS:
      We consecutively enrolled 255 patients referred for echocardiographic
      examination. The renal RI was measured from Doppler ultrasonography and blood
      pressure was measured from an ABI-form device. RESULTS: Patients with brachial
      PPI >= 0.428 (mean value of brachial PPI) had a lower estimated glomerular
      filtration rate (eGFR) than those with brachial PPI < 0.428 (p < 0.001). After
      the multivariate analysis was completed, brachial PPI had a significant
      correlation with renal RI (unstandardized coefficient beta = 0.53, p < 0.001).
      The areas under the curve for brachial PPI and renal RI in prediction of eGFR <
      45 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were 0.682 and 0.893 (both p < 0.001), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Brachial PPI was significantly correlated with renal RI. Patients
      with higher brachial PPI had a more reduced renal function. Hence, brachial PPI
      may be able to quickly reflect the intrarenal vascular hemodynamics, and may
      serve as an important tool for screening and follow-up for patients with abnormal
      renovascular resistance. KEY WORDS: Chronic kidney disease; Pulse pressure index;
      Resistive index.

PMID- 27122856
TI  - Proteinuria and Reduced Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Independently
      Predict Risk for Acute Myocardial Infarction: Findings from a Population-Based
      Study in Keelung, Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the independent roles of
      proteinuria and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the
      development of acute myocardial infarction in a northern Taiwanese population.
      METHODS: We conducted a community-based prospective cohort study in Keelung, the
      northernmost county of Taiwan. A total of 63,129 subjects (63% women) >= 20 years
      of age who had no history of coronary heart disease were recruited and followed
      up. Univariate and multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis was
      performed to assess the association between proteinuria and estimated GFR and the
      risk of acute myocardial infarction. RESULTS: There were 305 new cases of acute
      myocardial infarction (114 women and 191 men) documented during a four-year
      follow-up period. After adjustment of potential confounding covariates, heavier
      proteinuria (dipstick urinalysis reading 3+) and estimated GFR of less than 60
      ml/min/1.73 m(2) independently predicted increased risk of developing acute
      myocardial infarction. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of heavier proteinuria for
      occurrence of acute myocardial infarction was 1.85 [95% confidence intervals
      (CI), 1.17-2.91, p < 0.01] (vs. the reference group: negative dipstick
      proteinuria). The aHR of estimated GFR of 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m(2) for occurrence
      of acute myocardial infarction was 2.4 (95% CI, 1.31-4.38, p < 0.01) (vs. the
      reference group: estimated GFR >= 90 ml/ min/1.73 m(2)), and that of estimated
      GFR of 15-29 ml/min/1.73 m(2) was 5.26 (95% CI, 2.26-12.26, p < 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that both heavier proteinuria and lower estimated
      GFR are significant independent predictors of developing future acute myocardial
      infarction in a northern Taiwanese population. KEY WORDS: Acute myocardial
      infarction; Estimated glomerular filtration rate; Proteinuria.

PMID- 27122857
TI  - Association of Plasma Thrombospondin-1 Level with Cardiovascular Disease and
      Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is known to be involved in the regulation of
      angiogenesis, inflammation, and vascular function. Clinical studies have
      demonstrated its correlation with peripheral artery disease, coronary artery
      disease, and pulmonary hypertension. In this study, we explored its potential
      roles in the background of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: A total of
      140 ESRD outpatients (ages 61.0 +/- 12.4 years) were prospectively followed for
      34 +/- 7 months. Their TSP-1 levels were analyzed from pre-hemodialysis blood
      sample. Cardiovascular survey included ankle- brachial index (ABI),
      echocardiography and Tl-201 dipyridamole single-photon emission computed
      tomography (SPECT). RESULTS: Plasma TSP-1 levels were higher in those patients
      with preexisting clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than those
      without (p = 0.002). TSP-1 concentrations were also correlated with ABI, left
      ventricular ejection fraction, and scar burden in SPECT. Stepwise logistic
      regression analysis revealed that TSP-1 level was independently associated with
      the presence of CVD, with an odds ratio of 1.38 [95% confidence interval (CI),
      1.09-1.75, p = 0.008]. In survival analyses, 31 patients (22%) died during the
      follow-up, 16 (52%) arising from cardiovascular causes. Cox hazards analysis
      revealed that the patients with TSP-1 levels in the highest tertile had a 5.32-
      and 6.75-fold higher risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than those
      in the lowest tertile. This predictive value for all-cause mortality still
      persisted after multivariate adjustment (hazard ratio, 8.71; 95% CI, 1.36-55.68;
      p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study hallmarks the association of elevated TSP-1
      level with CVD and adverse outcome among hemodialysis patients. KEY WORDS:
      Thrombospondin-1; End-stage renal disease; Cardiovascular disease; Mortality.

PMID- 27122858
TI  - The Effects of Niacin on Inflammation in Patients with Non-ST Elevated Acute
      Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of niacin on high
      sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and cholesterol levels in non-ST elevated
      acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients. METHODS: In this prospective, open
      label study, 48 NSTE-ACS were randomized to niacin or control group. Patients
      continued their optimal medical therapy in the control group. In the niacin group
      patients were assigned to receive extended-release niacin 500 mg/day. Patients
      were contacted 1 month later to assess compliance and side effects. Blood samples
      for hs-CRP were obtained upon admittance to the coronary care unit, in the third
      day and in the first month of the treatment. Fasting blood samples for
      cholesterol levels were obtained before and 30 days after the treatment. The
      primary end point of the study was to evaluate changes in hs-CRP, cholesterol
      levels, short-term cardiovascular events, and the safety of niacin in NSTE-ACS.
      RESULTS: Baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were
      similar between the two groups. Logarithmic transformation of baseline and 3(rd)
      day hs-CRP levels were similar between the groups; but 1 month later, logarithmic
      transformation of hs-CRP level was significantly lower in the niacin group (0.43
      +/- 0.39 to 0.83 +/- 0.91, p = 0.04). HDL-C level was significantly increased in
      the niacin group during follow-up. Drug related side effects were seen in 7
      patients in the niacin group but no patients discontinued niacin. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our findings demonstrate that lower dose extended release niacin can be used
      safely and decreases hs-CRP and lipid parameters successfully in NSTE-ACS
      patients. KEY WORDS: Acute coronary syndrome; hs-CRP; Inflammation; Niacin.

PMID- 27122859
TI  - Shorter Door-to-Balloon Time in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Saves
      Insurance Payments: A Single Hospital Experience in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between quality of care and cost of medical services
      is a popular topic. In this study, we examined whether a reduced door-to-balloon
      (D2B) time led to cost savings, benefitted insurance payers, and improved patient
      outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients who presented
      with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and received primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between Feb. 1, 2007, and Jul. 31, 2009,
      at a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. The patient data were collected by chart
      review. We utilized claims data from the hospital financial system as the proxy
      for insurance payer costs. We only included the claims data, regardless of
      whether patients were inpatients or outpatients, associated with the first three
      cardiovascular related ICD-9 codes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to
      examine the relationships between the D2B time, in-hospital mortality and one
      year cardiovascular readmission. We utilized a multivariable linear regression to
      test the relationships between the D2B time, hospitalization cost and one-year
      cardiovascular-related cost. RESULTS: The D2B time did not influence the in
      hospital mortality rate, but a D2B time greater than 90 min increased the
      probability of one-year cardiovascular readmission (p = 0.018). The D2B time did
      not increase the index hospitalization cost, but patients with a D2B time above
      90 min had 14.6% higher one-year cardiovascular- related costs. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study shows that the D2B time in patients with STEMI could impact the one-year
      cardiovascular readmission and one-year cardiovascular-related health cost. These
      results suggest that the pursuit of high-quality care not only leads to better
      outcomes, but also reduces costs. KEY WORDS: Acute myocardial infarction; Cost;
      Door-to-balloon time; Insurance payer; Quality.

PMID- 27122860
TI  - Impact of Aortic Stiffness Evaluated by Aortic Pulsatility on Fractional Flow
      Reserve.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a highly reproducible, accurate and
      lesion-specific index to indicate inducible ischemia for a particular coronary
      artery lesion. Invasively measured aortic pulsatility (AP) is an indicator of
      aortic stiffness. In this study we aimed to evaluate the possible impact of AP in
      terms of aortic stiffness on FFR measurement. METHODS: In this study, we reviewed
      the FFR evaluation of 90 patients who had intermediate lesions (40-70% stenosis
      measured with quantitative coronary analysis) at the left anterior descending
      artery (LAD). AP was calculated as the ratio of aortic pulse pressure (systolic
      diastolic pressure) to mean pressure. RESULTS: Aortic systolic pressure, aortic
      diastolic pressure, aortic pulse pressure and also aortic pulsatility did not
      differ significantly between patients with FFR <= 0.80 and FFR > 0.80 (p = 0.44,
      p = 0.28, p = 0.93 and p = 0.41, respectively). In subgroups arranged according
      to the degree of luminal narrowing (40-50%, 51-60%, and 61-70%), we did not
      observe significant correlation between AP and FFR value in subgroups with 40-50%
      and 51-60% lesions (r = 0.03, p = 0.95 and r = 0.07, p = 0.69, respectively).
      However, a statistically significant negative correlation between FFR value and
      AP in the subgroup of patients with 61-70% lesions was detected (r = -0.54, p =
      0.04). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggested that aortic stiffness might have a
      possible impact on FFR measurement in coronary lesions of 61-70% stenosis
      evaluated quantitatively. KEY WORDS: Aortic pulsatility; Fractional flow reserve;
      Stiffness.

PMID- 27122861
TI  - Effects of Tissue-Type Plasminogen Site-Specific Transgene in Gelatin-Coated
      Dacron on the Fibrinolysis Activity of Rabbit Left Atrium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA)
      gene transfer with left-atrium local positioning on the fibrinolytic activity of
      rabbit left atrial blood. METHODS: A total of 48 rabbits were randomly divided
      into 3 groups (n = 16): gene therapy, vector control, and blank control groups.
      Each group was divided into 2 subgroups (8 rabbits in each subgroup) according to
      the sacrifice time on the postoperative 3(rd) and 14(th) days. The tPA mRNA
      transcriptional level and exogenous tPA protein expression within regional
      myocardial tissues of the left atrium were detected on the postoperative 3(rd)
      and 14(th) days. After excluding the animals that died, 6 samples of each
      subgroup were randomly selected for the statistics (n = 6). RESULTS: The tPA
      activities in rabbit left atrial blood and peripheral blood were also detected.
      The tPAmRNA and tPA protein expressions within regional myocardial tissues were
      detected on the postoperative 3(rd) and 14(th) days. The tPA activity in left
      atrial blood in the gene therapy group was higher than the tPA activity of other
      groups (p < 0.02). No significant differences were observed in the tPA activity
      of peripheral blood among the 3 groups before surgery. A gelatin-coated Dacron
      piece, which carried the tPA gene, was implanted in the left atrial appendage.
      CONCLUSIONS: The gelatin-coated Dacron piece could express and secrete tPA
      proteins in the region, thus enhancing the fibrinolytic activity of left atrial
      blood. KEY WORDS: Fibrinolytic activity; Gelatin coating; Gene; Left atrium;
      Tissue-type plasminogen activator.

PMID- 27122862
TI  - Locally Deliver the Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator (tPA) Plasmid for
      Preventing Thrombosis.

PMID- 27122863
TI  - Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty and Stenting for Hepatic Vessel Stenosis
      after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of vascular intervention in
      percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the treatment of hepatic artery
      and hepatic vein stenosis after liver transplantation (LT), including thrombotic
      total occluded lesions. METHODS: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty after
      orthotopic liver transplantation was performed to re-open hepatic vessel lesions.
      We daily used routine Doppler ultrasound during admission for early detection of
      graft hepatic vessel lesions, including hepatic artery and vein lesions. In
      outpatients, Doppler ultrasound was performed every month. Urokinase was
      delivered with a dose of 150,000-300,000 IU by catheter before PTA for thrombotic
      total occlusion of the graft for hepatic artery patients. Laboratory data were
      collected to evaluate the effects of the PTA procedure. RESULTS: The study
      involved a total of seven patients, six of whom were successfully treated by a
      first PTA procedure. Thrombolysis use of urokinase in totally occluded donor
      hepatic arteries post-LT following stenting was successful in three patients. One
      complication occurred, an arterial dissection and perforation, finalizing the
      success rate at ~86% and the complication rate at ~14%. Therefore, our study has
      a primary patency rate of 100% at 1 and 3 months. Also, the graft survival rate
      was 100 % and 86 % in the first and third months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PTA
      with stenting is an effective treatment for hepatic vessel stenosis, including
      hepatic arteries and hepatic veins, after a liver transplantation without an
      increase in the complication rate. In addition, thrombolysis using urokinase
      intra-artery infusion in graft thrombotic total occluded patients is a good
      treatment strategy as well. KEY WORDS: Angioplasty; Complication; Liver
      transplantation.

PMID- 27122864
TI  - Effect of Tempol on Cerebral Resuscitation Caused by Asphyxia-Induced Cardiac
      Arrest.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the effect and mechanism of
      the nitrogen oxide 4-hydroxy- 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (Tempol) on cerebral
      resuscitation caused by asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest. METHODS: Airway
      occlusion-induced asphyxia at the end of expiration was used to establish the rat
      cerebral ischaemia-hypoxia injury model. A total of 90 adult male Sprague-Dawley
      rats were randomly divided into the three groups. The Tempol and conventional
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) groups were further divided into four
      subgroups according to different time points. RESULTS: After cerebral ischaemia,
      independent heart rate following asphyxia appeared earlier, and the success rate
      of primary recovery and the neurological function score of rats were higher in
      the Tempol group than in the conventional CPR group. The serum neuron-specific
      enolase (NSE) levels in the Tempol and conventional CPR groups were significantly
      higher within 6 to 48 h than that in the blank control group. The serum NSE level
      was significantly lower in the Tempol group than the conventional CPR group.
      CONCLUSIONS: After global cerebral ischaemia-hypoxia, the antioxidant Tempol
      improved cerebral resuscitation by reducing oxidative stress injuries and post
      CPR cerebral damage. The NSE level can be used as an early detection index in the
      diagnosis of global cerebral ischaemia-hypoxia injuries. KEY WORDS: Cerebral
      ischemia; Neuron-specific enolase; Rats; Tempol.

PMID- 27122865
TI  - Management of a Primary Cardiac Neoplasm with Tumor Blush by a Stent Graft.
AB  - Primary cardiac tumors are rare. When they do occur, their symptoms and signs
      depend on the location and size of the tumor. Imaging multimodalities play an
      important role in evaluating cardiac tumors. "Tumor blush" is a specific
      character of certain cardiac tumors on coronary angiography. The current
      treatment of these tumors is associated with observed clinical symptoms, and the
      main treatment option is surgical resection. Coronary stent grafts have been used
      for treatment of coronary artery perforation, coronary pseudoaneurysm, and
      coronary artery fistula. In this article, we presented a 53-year-old woman who
      had a cardiac tumor with tumor blush complicated by pericardial effusion which
      was medically managed by use of a stent graft. KEY WORDS: Cardiac neoplasm; Stent
      graft; Tumor blush.

PMID- 27122866
TI  - Consecutive Sessions of Rescue Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty for Critical Aortic
      Valve Stenosis Followed by Successful Bridging to Trans-Catheter Aortic Valve
      Implantation.
AB  - Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) was a rare procedure in
      catheterization laboratories because of its limited prognostic impact. The recent
      advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has led to a resurgence
      of BAV, opening the way to a new indication as a bridge to TAVI. Herein, we
      reported an 83-year-old man with critical aortic valve stenosis and pulmonary
      edema, who strongly declined surgical aortic valve replacement. He also lacked
      financial support or insurance reimbursement for TAVI. He received BAV for relief
      of syncope, pulmonary edema and impending respiratory failure 4 times within 4
      years and was successfully bridged to TAVI after receiving charity aid funding
      from the hospital. KEY WORDS: Aortic valve stenosis; Balloon aortic valvuloplasty
      (BAV); Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

PMID- 27122867
TI  - Chronic Papillary Muscle Rupture: 14-Year Survival without Surgical Treatment.
AB  - Papillary muscle rupture is a life-threatening complication of myocardial
      infarction which is usually refractory to medical treatment. We present a very
      rare case of a 65-year-old woman who had a myocardial infarction and
      posteromedial papillary muscle rupture which was only treated with medical
      therapy, including her corresponding 14-year follow-up. However, surgical
      intervention is still strongly recommended because the prognosis of acute
      papillary muscle rupture associated with myocardial infarction remains poor. KEY
      WORDS: Complication; Myocardial infarction; Papillary muscle rupture; Survival.

PMID- 27122868
TI  - Nightmare: Simultaneous Subacute Stent Thrombosis of Different New-Generation
      Drug-Eluting Stents in Multiple Coronary Arteries.
AB  - Simultaneous stent thrombosis (ST) of first-generation drug-eluting stents (DES)
      has been rarely reported and could lead to high morbidity and mortality. However,
      to date there was no literature discussing simultaneous ST of different new
      generation DESs in multiple coronary arteries. Herein, we report a 60-year-old
      male suffering from acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic
      shock. He had percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed approximately 7
      days prior to admission at a local teaching hospital, with different DES devices
      implanted over the left anterior descending and the left circumflex artery.
      Emergency coronary angiography revealed simultaneous subacute ST over both
      vessels. After PCI, there was a gradual improvement in both cardiogenic shock and
      acute pulmonary edema. High dose clopidogrel (150 mg) was used initially, which
      was later shifted to ticagrelor. Genetic testing of CYP2C19*2 G681A polymorphism
      revealed heterozygous genotype and platelet function testing showed substantial
      inhibition after a medication change. This rare case should remind physicians
      that new-generation DES thrombosis in multiple vessels is still a possible
      complication of PCI, and checking genetic and/or platelet function testing might
      be indicated in these high risk patients. The use of a new antiplatelet drug was
      also strongly suggested to avoid possible clopidogrel resistance. KEY WORDS:
      Clopidogrel resistance; Drug-eluting stents; Genetic testing; Platelet function;
      Stent thrombosis.

PMID- 27122869
TI  - Atrial Functions and Aortic Elasticity in Children with Aortic Coarctation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a chronic vascular disease
      characterized by a persistence of myocardial and vascular alterations. We aimed
      to evaluate children who have had successful coarctation surgery or balloon
      dilatation to evaluate the elasticity of the aorta, left atrial ejection force
      (AEF) and myocardial performance collectively at midterm follow-up. METHODS:
      Nineteen patients (7.15 +/- 0.9 years of age) and 21 age-sex matched healthy
      children were included in this study. Left AEF index is defined as the product of
      mass and acceleration of blood expelled from the left atrium. Aortic stiffness
      and distensibility were estimated using ascending and descending aorta diameters.
      RESULTS: The left atrial force index [(g?cm/s(2))/m(2)] in the patient group was
      found to be significantly higher (12.69 +/- 7.29, 5.74 +/- 2.59, respectively, p
      = 0.001). Distensibility of the ascending aorta (cm(2)/dynes 10(-6)) was
      significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group (42.13 +/-
      24.02, 78.79 +/- 20.49, respectively, p < 0.001). The stiffness index of the
      ascending aorta was significantly higher in the patient group (p < 0.001). We
      also documented that atrial force index is associated with peak E velocity, right
      arm systolic blood pressure and left ventricular mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      investigation showed that AEF is higher in children who have had successful
      coarctation surgery or balloon dilatation, and AEF is associated with systolic
      blood pressure, peak E velocity and left ventricular mass index. Distensibility
      of the ascending aorta was lower, and stiffness index was higher in children with
      corrected CoA than in healthy subjects. KEY WORDS: Atrial ejection force; Balloon
      dilatation; CoA; Coarctation surgery; Distensibility; Stiffness index.

PMID- 27122870
TI  - Six-Minute Walking Test: Normal Reference Values for Taiwanese Children and
      Adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 6-minute walking test (6MWT) is a simple method used to evaluate
      exercise capacity in adults and children with cardiac diseases. Normal reference
      values in pediatric populations have been reported, but significant variations in
      the walking distance (6MWD) were noted among different studies. We aimed to
      provide and validate normal reference values of the 6MWD for healthy Taiwanese
      pediatric population between 7 and 17 years of age. METHODS: Healthy children and
      adolescents were recruited from 13 randomly selected schools in Kaohsiung City.
      From that recruitment effort, 762 participants (50.1% male) were included, and
      the 6MWT was conducted using standardized protocols. The main outcome measure
      utilized was the 6MWD, which was used to construct centile charts and Z score
      equations. Data from additional 64 healthy volunteers recruited from the National
      Taiwan University Children's Hospital were used to validate these standards.
      RESULTS: There was an overall linear trend of increase in the 6MWD between 7 and
      17 years of age (p < 0.001). Males covered significantly more distance than
      females after the age of 14 years, when the 6MWD essentially plateaued in female
      adolescents. Upon multivariate analysis, height was the most significant positive
      predictor of the 6MWD, while body mass index negatively correlated with the 6MWD.
      The height-based normal reference values of the 6MWD, derived from the 6MWT
      conducted in the school settings, were validated by a second cohort who received
      6MWT inside the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Normal reference values of the 6MWD in
      healthy Taiwanese children and adolescents may serve as useful references for
      future clinical and research studies. KEY WORDS: Adolescents; Children; Six
      minute walking test; Taiwan.

PMID- 27122871
TI  - Application of the Transtheoretical Model to Exercise Behavior and Physical
      Activity in Patients after Open Heart Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess exercise behavior and physical activity levels after open
      heart surgery. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 130 patients
      (70.8% male, aged 61.0 +/- 12.2 years, 53.8% coronary bypass grafting) who
      underwent open heart surgery. The exercise behavior and physical activity of
      these patients were assessed at the 3- and 6-month follow-up appointments.
      Additional interviews were also conducted to further assess exercise behavior.
      Physical activity duration and metabolic equivalents were calculated from self
      reported questionnaire responses. Moreover, possible related demographic factors,
      clinical features, participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs, and physical
      activity levels were additionally evaluated. RESULTS: Six months after hospital
      discharge, most patients were in the action (39.2%) and maintenance (37.7%)
      stages. Other subjects were in the precontemplation (11.5%), contemplation
      (5.4%), and preparation (6.2%) stages. The average physical activity level was
      332.6 +/- 377.1 min/week and 1198.1 +/- 1396.9 KJ/week. Subjects in the action
      and maintenance stages exercised an average of 399.4 +/- 397.6 min/week,
      significantly longer than those in other stages (116.2 +/- 176.2 min/week, p =
      0.02). Subjects that participated in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs
      after discharge may have the better exercise habit. Gender had no significant
      effect on exercise behavior 6 months after hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Most
      subjects following open heart surgery may maintain regular exercise behavior at 6
      months after hospital discharge. Physical activity levels sufficient for cardiac
      health were achieved by subjects in the active and maintenance stages. Outpatient
      cardiac rehabilitation programs are valuable for encouraging exercise behavior
      after heart surgery. KEY WORDS: Exercise behavior; Open heart surgery; Physical
      activity; Transtheoretical model.

PMID- 27122872
TI  - Differentiation of Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein-Labeled Mouse Amniotic
      Fluid-Derived Stem Cells into Cardiomyocyte-Like Beating Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs) possess optimal
      differentiation potential and are a promising resource for cell therapy and
      tissue engineering. Mouse is a good model to be studied for pre-clinical
      research. METHODS: In this study, we successfully established enhanced green
      fluorescent protein mouse-derived amniotic fluid stem cells (EGFP-mAFSCs) and
      investigated whether EGFP-mAFSCs possess the ability to differentiate into
      cardiomyocytes by in vitro culture. We evaluated stem-cell differentiation using
      immunofluorescence. RESULTS: This study showed that EGFP-mAFSCs can give rise to
      spontaneously beating cardiomyocyte-like cells expressing the specific markers c
      kit, myosin heavy chain, and cardiac troponin I. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated
      that mAFSCs have the in vitro propensity to acquire a cardiomyogenic phenotype
      and to a certain extent cardiomyocytes; however the process efficiency which
      gives rise to cardiomyocyte-like cells remains quite low (2 out of 10 were
      found). KEY WORDS: Amniotic fluid; Cardiomyocytes; In vitro differentiation; Stem
      cells.

PMID- 27122873
TI  - Effects of Door-to-Balloon Times on Outcomes in Taiwanese Patients Receiving
      Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Report of Taiwan Acute Coronary
      Syndrome Full Spectrum Registry.
AB  - PURPOSE: The impact of door-to-balloon (DTB) time on patient outcomes is unclear
      in a Taiwanese population receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI). The study aimed to investigate the relationship between stratified DTB
      times and outcomes through analysis of the database from the Taiwan acute
      coronary syndrome full spectrum registry. METHODS: Relevant data were collected
      from case report forms of patients receiving primary PCI who were categorized as
      group 1, 2, 3, and 4 according to the DTB time < 45, 45-90, 91-135, and > 135
      minutes, respectively. The differences were analyzed by using ANOVA and Kaplan
      Meier analyses. RESULTS: There were significant variations in DTB times at
      baseline, which included patients salvaged at centers, patients with prior
      cardiovascular disease, and those patients with different coronary artery flows
      (p < 0.01) separated into 4 groups (n = 189, 443, 299, and 401, respectively).
      The in-hospital adverse event rates were identical among the 4 groups except for
      a higher rate of acute renal failure and a longer hospital stay observed in group
      4 (p < 0.01). The results showed no decrease in the incidences of repeated
      revascularization, major adverse cardiac event, or cardiovascular composite at 1
      year in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that the DTB time is not a
      good determinant for outcomes in Taiwanese patients receiving primary PCI. KEY
      WORDS: Acute myocardial infarction; Cardiovascular outcome; Door-to-balloon time;
      Myocardial ischemia; Percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 27122874
TI  - Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony Predicts Left Main Coronary Artery Disease in
      Patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to examine whether left ventricular
      dyssynchrony predicts left main coronary artery stenosis in patients with non-ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive
      patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction underwent
      echocardiography and coronary artery angiography. The 3-dimensional
      echocardiography-derived left ventricular dyssynchrony parameter was determined
      by using the standard deviation of the time to the minimal systolic volume for
      the 16 segments. A stenosis >= 50% of the diameter of the left main coronary
      artery or a stenosis >= 70% in 1 or more of the major epicardial vessels or their
      main branches was considered significant. RESULTS: The logistic regression
      analysis revealed that this parameter (odds ratio 1.2; 95% confidence interval,
      1.01-1.42; p = 0.04) was the independent predictor of left main coronary artery
      stenosis. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed 8.86 as
      the optimal cutoff value to predict left main coronary artery stenosis
      (sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 89.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of left
      ventricular dyssynchrony by 3-dimensional echocardiography is useful for a
      noninvasive diagnosis of the left main coronary artery stenosis in patients with
      non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. KEY WORDS: Dyssynchrony; Left
      main coronary artery stenosis; Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27122875
TI  - Anatomic Consideration of Stitch Depth in Tricuspid Valve Annuloplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The durability of De Vega's tricuspid valve annuloplasty might be
      related to tension of the annulus and could be reinforced by increasing stich
      depth. However, depth of stitches to date has not been addressed in the
      literature. Thus, it is important to better understand the anatomical distance
      between the tricuspid valve annulus and the right coronary artery. METHODS: From
      1998 to 2009, we measured the distances between TV annulus and RCA (TRD) on 46
      explanted human hearts during heart transplantation. Five points were measured
      from the anterior/septal leaflet commissure to the posterior/septal leaflet
      commissure clockwise. Statistical significance was tested in the analyses.
      RESULTS: We found the TRD were independent from sex, age, body weight, and
      etiology. With a minimum of 10 mm at the posterior/septal leaflet commissure, the
      distances increased counterclockwise to the maximum of 20 mm at the
      anterior/septal leaflet commissure. CONCLUSIONS: Stitch depth within 10
      millimeter will not injure the right coronary artery in making De Vega's
      tricuspid annuloplasty. KEY WORDS: De Vega's tricuspid valve annuloplasty.

PMID- 27122876
TI  - A Novel Technique for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Anomalous Right
      Coronary Artery Arising from the Left Sinus of Valsalva.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for anomalous right coronary
      artery (RCA) arising from the left sinus of Valsalva (LSOV) is a technical
      challenge due to inadequate guiding catheter support to overcome the acute
      rightward course of the anomalous RCA. In this study we describe a novel
      technique for PCI for an anomalous RCA arising from the LSOV. METHODS: Six
      patient cases with anomalous RCA arising from the LSOV who underwent PCI from
      January 2001 to January 2014. The Judkins left (JL) guiding catheter tip
      orientation is modified by manually bending at the distal tip 90 degrees 
      vertically to fit the acute rightward course. RESULTS: Of the six patients (mean
      age: 63 +/- 16.7 years), the indication for PCI was acute inferior myocardial
      infarction (MI) in two, recent inferior MI in two, and angina in two of the
      cases. Three procedures were performed via a transfemoral approach and the other
      three via a transradial approach. The median duration of the intervention and
      total procedure time were 44 and 69.5 minutes, respectively. All patients
      received successful revascularization without complications. CONCLUSIONS: This
      novel technique is simple, safe and effective with a 100% procedure success rate
      for PCI for anomalous RCA arising from the LSOV. KEY WORDS: Anomalous right
      coronary artery; Left sinus of Valsalva; Percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 27122877
TI  - Fainting After Chest Pain.
AB  - Variant angina presenting acute chest pain and ST elevation on electrocardiogram
      accounts for an underdiagnosed scenario in acute coronary syndrome and
      contributes to syncope as a consequence of ventricular arrhythmia. Here, we
      report a case of a 48-year-old man with a recent onset of chest pain and
      palpitations followed by syncope. Holter monitoring documented 2 episodes of
      evolving ST elevation associated with non-sustained ventricular tachycardia.
      Emergent cardiac catheterization indicated insignificant coronary narrowing. A
      non-invasive brachial artery ultrasound, which demonstrated endothelial
      dysfunction that was salvaged by exogenic nitrate, was used instead of
      intracoronary provocation. There was no clinical or electrocardiographic
      recurrence of variant angina after vasodilator treatment. In conclusion, variant
      angina represents an important but overlooked etiology for syncope. Holter
      monitoring facilitates the diagnostic and prognostic assessment in patients with
      syncope precipitated by chest pain. KEY WORDS: Flow-mediated vasodilation; Holter
      monitoring; Variant angina; Ventricular arrhythmia.

PMID- 27122878
TI  - Complete AV Block and Torsades de Pointes in a Case of Primary Cardiac T-Cell
      Lymphoma.
AB  - Primary cardiac lymphoma is very rare, and the most common electrocardiographic
      finding in this condition is complete atrioventricular block. After electrolytic,
      metabolic, ischemic, infectious, and traumatic etiologies have been excluded,
      primary cardiac lymphoma should be consided as a possible cause of reversible
      atrioventricular block. Most patients with primary cardiac lymphoma are
      immunocompromised and have disease with a B-cell etiology. This is the first case
      report of a primary cardiac T-cell lymphoma with complete atrioventricular block
      and torsades de pointes in an immunocompetent patient who was successfully
      treated using chemotherapy. KEY WORDS: Atrioventricular block; T-cell lymphoma;
      Torsades de pointes.

PMID- 27122879
TI  - Prolonged Use of Levitronix Left Ventricular Assist Device as a Bridge to Heart
      Transplantation.
AB  - A 61-year-old male presented to our emergency room with chest tightness, dyspnea,
      and cold sweat. He underwent a 12-lead EKG which showed ST-elevation from leads
      V1-V4 and T wave inversion in leads II, III, and aVF. His troponin-I level was
      elevated to 70.3 ng/ml. He went into cardiogenic shock when he was in the
      catheter room. After advanced cardiac life support was administered for 30 min,
      veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) cannulation was set
      up using 21-french arterial and 21-french venous cannula through the right
      femoral artery and right femoral vein by the puncture method for hemodynamic
      support. Subsequently, a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) for acute myocardial
      infarction was performed. However, the patient was unable to be weaned from the
      VA-ECMO. Four days later, a CentriMag (Levitronix LLC, Waltham, MA, USA) left
      ventricular assist device (LVAD) was applied to avoid ECMO-related complications
      such as severe hemolysis, ischemic, deteriorated liver and renal function. The
      patient subsequently underwent a successful orthotopic heart transplant after 87
      days on the CentriMag LVAD. The patient was extubated on the next postoperative
      day and was discharged 2 weeks later. KEY WORDS: Acute myocardial infarction;
      Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Heart transplantation; Ventricular assist
      device.

PMID- 27122880
TI  - "DK Crush" Technique for a Tightly Stenosed Conjoined SVG Lesion in a Patient
      with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Cardiogenic Shock.
AB  - Coronary artery bifurcation disease of saphenous venous graft (SVG) is extremely
      rare. SVG disease remains a challenging lesion to treat because of increased
      morbidity and mortality with repeated coronary artery bypass graft surgery
      (CABG), high rates of periprocedural complications, and in-stent restenosis or
      occlusion requiring repeat revascularization with percutaneous coronary
      intervention. Herein, we present the first reported case of using the "DK crush"
      technique to treat an inverted Y-shaped SVG bifurcation disease in a patient with
      a prior CABG and new-onset acute coronary syndrome. Arising from our treatment,
      favorable immediate and mid-term angiographic and clinical outcomes were
      obtained. KEY WORDS: Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG); "DK crush" technique;
      Saphenous venous graft (SVG).

PMID- 27122881
TI  - Tumor Invasion of Myocardium Presented with Acute Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - Cardiac metastases of malignant tumors are rare but associated with various
      presentations, including arrhythmia, heart failure and myocardial infarction.
      However, it may also cause typical electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, mimicking
      ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) when patients have chest pain.
      We reported a 59 year-old woman with cardiac metastases of buccal squamous cell
      carcinoma, which presented with myocardial infarction ECG pattern due to both
      atrial and ventricular involvements. Rather than alternatives to emergent
      coronary angiogram may be considered, thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial
      infarction could be inappropriate in that it creates a risk for patients with
      malignancies in certain situations mimicking STEMI. KEY WORDS: Arrhythmia;
      Cardiac tumor; ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27122883
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27122882
TI  - Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease - A
      Single Hospital Experience without On-Site Cardiac Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the safety and outcome of percutaneous coronary
      intervention for left main coronary artery disease in hospital without on-site
      cardiac surgery. METHODS: Between January 2007 and December 2010, all patients
      diagnosed with left main coronary artery disease and refused coronary artery
      bypass graft surgery in our hospital or a tertiary center, were enrolled. Data
      including clinical course, angiographic characteristics, and 1- and 3-years
      outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Seventy patients (mean age 73.4 +/-
      10.2 years, 47 male, 23 females) were treated with a mean SYNTAX score of 34.8 +/
      12.6 and EuroSCORE of 6.7 +/- 3.3. Thirty-two (45.7%) patients had stable
      angina, 35 (50.0%) had unstable angina/non ST-elevation myocardial infarction,
      and 3 (4.3%) had ST-elevation Myocardial infarction. Forty-three (61.4%) patients
      received a single-stent, 26 (37.1%) received two-stents, and 1 (1.4%) received
      balloon angioplasty. No procedure-related mortalities were noted and no emergency
      coronary artery bypass graft surgery was required. In the 3-year follow-up
      period, 2 (2.9%) patients had non-fetal myocardial infarction, 11 (15.7%) had
      left main target lesion revascularization. The major adverse cardiac and
      cerebrovascular events rates were 24.3% at 1 year and 37.1% at 3-years. The all
      cause mortality rate was 41.4% (29 patients), including 18 (25.7%) cases of
      septic shock, 7 (10.0%) of sudden cardiac death, 2 (2.8%) of hypovolemic shock
      due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 1 (1.4%) of terminal stage malignancy,
      and 1 (1.4%) of suffocation at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous coronary
      intervention for patients with left main coronary artery disease was found to be
      a safe and effective strategy in our hospital without on-site cardiac surgery.
      KEY WORDS: Incomplete revascularization; Left main coronary artery (LM); No
      cardiac surgery; Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

PMID- 27122884
TI  - Impact of Prolonged Door-to-Balloon Times on the Diastolic Function in Acute ST
      Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary
      Intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence indicates that diastolic left ventricular (LV)
      function is a powerful outcome predictor after acute ST-elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI). We hypothesized that shorter door-to-balloon (D2B) times with
      early restoration of coronary perfusion may preserve diastolic LV function in
      STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).
      METHODS: This study enrolled 340 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent PPCI
      with D2B times of < 90 min in 232 patients and D2B times >= 90 min in 108
      patients, who all received subsequent echocardiographic examination within 48
      hours of hospitalization. RESULTS: Although the LV ejection fraction was similar
      (50.92% vs. 51.66%, p = 0.573), the proportion of E/E' ratio > 15 was greater in
      patients with D2B times >= 90 min compared to those with D2B times < 90 min
      (44.4% vs. 30.6%, p = 0.013). Logistic regression analysis revealed that D2B time
      >= 90 min [odds ratio (OR): 1.82, 95% confidence interval (Cl): 1.04-3.17, p =
      0.035] was an independent predictor for LV diastolic dysfunction. The effect was
      more prominent in patients >= 65 years of age (OR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.09-7.00, p =
      0.032), in whom the fraction of LV diastolic dysfunction increased proportionally
      with prolonged D2B times. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged D2B time of greater than 90 min
      predicted LV diastolic dysfunction, particularly in aged subjects. D2B times
      shortening is important to preserve diastolic heart function after PPCI. KEY
      WORDS: Acute myocardial infarction; Diastolic dysfunction; Door-to-balloon time;
      Primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 27122885
TI  - The Effect of High Dose Cilostazol and Rosuvastatin on Periprocedural Myocardial
      Injury in Patients with Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to assess the effect of pretreatment with
      cilostazol and rosuvastatin combination before elective percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) on peri-procedural myocardial injury (PPMIJ). METHODS: We
      randomly assigned 172 patients with stable angina pectoris scheduled for elective
      PCI to pre- treatment with Cilostazol 200mg and Rosuvastatin 40 mg (group 1), or
      to pretreatment with Rosuvastatin 40 mg group (group 2). The primary end-point
      was the occurrence of PPMIJ defined as any cardiac troponin I (Tn I) level
      elevated above the upper normal limit (UNL). The occurrence of peri-procedural
      myocardial infarction (PPMIN) was defined as a post-procedural increase in cTnI
      level >= 5 times above the UNL. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in
      baseline characteristics between group 1 (n = 86) and group 2 (n = 86). The rate
      of PPMIJ (21% vs. 24%, p = 0.58) and PPMIN (2.3% vs. 7%, p = 0.27) were similar
      between the two study groups. Subgroup analysis performed on those patients
      without statin therapy before PCI (53 patients in group 1 and 50 patients in
      group 2) showed that the incidence of PPMIJ was significantly lower in the group
      1 patients without chronic statin treatment [17% (9/53) versus 34% (17/50); p =
      0.04], but the rate of PPMIN was similar between the two groups for those
      patients without chronic statin treatment [1.9% (1/53) versus 10% (5/50); p =
      0.07]. CONCLUSIONS: We found that adjunct cilostazol and rosuvastatin pre
      treatment did not significantly reduce PPMIJ after elective PCI in patients with
      stable angina pectoris. However, adjunct cilostazol pre-treatment could reduce
      PPMIJ in patients without chronic statin therapy before elective PCI. KEY WORDS:
      Cilostazol; Myocardial injury; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Statin.

PMID- 27122886
TI  - Effect of Danhong Injection Combined with Naoxintong Tablets on Prognosis and
      Inflammatory Factor Expression in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing
      Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Danhong is a Chinese medical component that has been broadly used to
      treat various cerebrovascular diseases. This work aimed to investigate the effect
      of Danhong injection combined with Naoxintong tablets on the short-term prognosis
      and expression of inflammatory factor-soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) in acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI). METHODS: A total of 100 ACS patients with PCI were randomly divided
      equally into treatment and control groups. The control group was treated with
      conventional secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Based on secondary
      prevention, Danhong injection combined with Naoxintong tablets was administered
      in the treatment group. The incidences of major adverse cardiovascular events and
      cardiac functions, including ejection fraction (EF) and six-minute walk test
      distance, during hospital discharge and at the third postoperative month were
      observed. The serum sCD40 levels at different times were also noted. RESULTS:
      There were 2 patients in the treatment group and 7 in the control group that were
      lost during follow-up, so the collected data were from only 48 patients in the
      treatment and 43 in the control group. During hospital discharge and at the third
      postoperative month, no significant difference in death, myocardial infarction,
      stroke, angina pectoris and readmission were observed between the two groups (p >
      0.05). Upon hospital discharge, EF, six-minute walk test distance and serum
      sCD40L level in the two groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). At
      the third postoperative month, EF and six-minute walk test distance in treatment
      group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05), and
      the serum sCD40L level in the treatment group was significantly lower than that
      in the control group (p < 0.01). In addition, serum sCD40L levels in the two
      groups at the third postoperative month were significantly lower than those
      during hospital discharge (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Danhong injection combined
      with Naoxintong tablets decreased serum sCD40L level and improved cardiac
      functions in ACS patients undergoing PCI at 3 months following discharge, but not
      at discharge. KEY WORDS: Acute coronary syndrome; Danhong injection; Naoxintong
      tablets; sCD40.

PMID- 27122887
TI  - The Relationship between Expressive/Suppressive Hostility Behavior and Cardiac
      Autonomic Activations in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hostility is an important psychosocial risk factor in coronary artery
      disease (CAD). Expressive and suppressive hostility behaviors are related to
      cardiovascular response in healthy adults. However, the relationships of these
      behavioral dimensions to cardiac autonomic activations in CAD remain unclear.
      METHOD: This study involved 76 patients with CAD to whom a hostility inventory
      was administered, who were instructed to recall a neutral event and an anger
      related event. Heart rate and blood pressure were obtained for each patient as
      the indices of cardiovascular response; heart rate variability was transformed
      from electrocardiograph and as the indices of cardiac autonomic activation.
      RESULTS: The results showed that CAD patients with expressive hostility behavior
      experienced higher cardiovascular autonomic activations during the neutral and
      anger recall tasks, and lower parasympathetic activations during the recovery
      after an anger episode. On the other hand, CAD patients with suppressive
      hostility behavior experienced both sympathetic and parasympathetic activations
      during the baseline and recovery stages, as well as simultaneously activated
      higher parasympathetic response. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggested
      that it is appropriate to extend the cardiac autonomic activation model for
      expressive and suppressive hostility behaviors in patients with CAD. KEY WORDS:
      Cardiac autonomic; Coronary artery disease; Expressive hostility; Suppressive
      hostility behaviors.

PMID- 27122888
TI  - The Electrical Characteristics and Clinical Significance of the Effect of
      Adenosine on Dissociated Activity after Circumferential Venous Isolation in
      Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dissociated activity can occur after circumferential thoracic vein
      isolation for treating atrial fibrillation (AF). However, its clinical
      significance and response to adenosine remain unclear. METHODS: Fifty-three
      patients (10 women, 11 with non-paroxysmal AF, with mean age 54.4 +/- 11.2 years)
      with slow dissociated activity after thoracic vein isolation for AF ablation were
      analyzed. Adenosine (12 mg) was injected intravenously into 30 patients, and the
      responses of the dissociated activities were recorded. RESULTS: The clinical
      characteristics and the rate of recurrence did not differ between patients with
      and without dissociated activity. Dissociated activity was most frequently
      observed at the right superior pulmonary vein (PV) (61%), left superior PV (26%),
      right inferior PV (5%), left inferior PV (4%), and non-PV sites (4%). The
      locations of dissociated activities were associated with the AF trigger sites (p
      = 0.004). Adenosine injection decreased the cycle length of dissociated activity
      in 13 patients (group 1) and increased it in 17 patients (group 2). Dissociated
      activity disappeared in 7 patients (41%) (group 2) after adenosine injection.
      During the mean 33 +/- 17 months of follow-up, group 2 patients had a lower AF
      recurrence rate (24%) than group 1 patients (62%) (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: The
      locations of dissociated activity were closely associated with the AF trigger
      sites. The responses to adenosine may predict AF recurrence in patients with
      dissociated activity. KEY WORDS: Ablation; Atrial fibrillation; Dissociated
      activity.

PMID- 27122889
TI  - Right Atrium Volume Index in Patients with Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension Due
      to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right atrium volume index has recently been described as a
      quantitative and highly reproducible echocardiographic parameter associated with
      right ventricle systolic dysfunction in patients with chronic systolic heart
      failure. The aim of the current study was to assess right atrium remodeling and
      to establish correlations with echocardiographic parameters of right ventricle
      systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: The study was conducted on
      40 patients with secondary pulmonary hypertension due to COPD and 40 healthy
      volunteers (mean age 59 +/- 6 years) who submitted to detailed echocardiographic
      examinations. Plasma levels of the soluble interleukin-1 receptor family member,
      N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide and galectin-3 were measured in both
      groups. RESULTS: The right atrium volume index was significantly higher in the
      test group (45.7 +/- 15.3 vs. 25.4 +/- 4.0 mL/m(2)) and showed strong
      correlations to tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (r = -0.733, p <
      0.0001), right ventricle fractional area change (r = -0.662, p < 0.0001), right
      ventricle ejection fraction (r = -0.741, p < 0.0001), and systolic pulmonary
      artery pressures (r = 0.721, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis facilitated the
      construction of a linear regression model which showed that right ventricle
      systolic dysfunction parameters (R(2)-adjusted = 0.62, p < 0.001), elevated
      systolic pulmonary artery pressure (R(2)-adjusted = 0.52, p < 0.001) and heart
      failure biomarkers (log-transformed sST2, galectin-3 and N-terminal pro-B type
      natriuretic peptide) (R(2)-adjusted = 0.41, p < 0.001) were independently
      associated with right atrium volume index. CONCLUSIONS: Right ventricle systolic
      dysfunction and elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure are independently
      associated with right atrium volume index in patients with pulmonary hypertension
      due to COPD. KEY WORDS: Echocardiography; Right atrium volume index; Right
      ventricular diastolic function; Right ventricular systolic function.

PMID- 27122890
TI  - Differential Effects of Continuous and Interval Exercise Training on the
      Atherogenic Index of Plasma in the Non-Obese Young Male.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The process of atherogenicity is known to be influenced by exercise.
      However, appropriate exercise stimulus necessary to generate the response and
      adaptation in sedentary non-obese individuals has not yet been investigated. The
      purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of an 8-week continuous
      training and corresponding interval training on the atherogenic index of plasma
      in sedentary Nigerian males. METHODS: Overall, there were 54 male university
      students that participated in our study, which used a pretest- posttest control
      group design. Participants (18 males per group) were assigned into continuous,
      interval and control groups respectively. During the first two weeks, training
      was done 3 times weekly for 30 minutes each day, and was increased by 5 minutes
      every 2 weeks. Continuous training was done at 70-84% of heart rate reserve.
      Interval training was done at 70-84%/30-39% heart rate reserve in 1:2 minutes
      work/rest intervals, respectively. The control group did not participate in the
      training. Data collected were analysed using descriptive, paired t-test, analysis
      of covariance and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis. RESULTS: Young sedentary non
      obese males were at high risk (atherogenic index of plasma > 0.24) of
      cardiovascular diseases/conditions. However, continuous training led to
      significant reductions (p = 0.002) in the atherogenic index of plasma. In
      contrast, non-significant increase (p = 0.084) followed interval training. After
      controlling for baseline values, only continuous training still had significant
      effects on atherogenic index of plasma when compared with other groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Continuous training of vigorous intensity is better than a
      corresponding interval training protocol as a natural anti-atherogenic method of
      reducing risk of cardiovascular event in sedentary non-obese males. KEY WORDS:
      Atherogenicity; Cholesterol; Exercise; Training; Vigorous.

PMID- 27122892
TI  - Right Ventricular Pacing-Induced Heart Failure after Mitral Valve Replacement.
AB  - It is an unfortunate fact that pacing-induced heart failure after cardiac surgery
      is frequently ignored by medical professionals. A 60-year-old woman with chronic
      atrial fibrillation with a single-lead right ventricular permanent pacemaker for
      a prolonged ventricular pause underwent mitral valve replacement 6 months later
      for severe stenosis (NYHA functional class III). The patient's pacing rate was
      increased from the preoperative level of 60 beats per minute (bpm) to 70 bpm in
      order to facilitate weaning from the cardiopulmonary bypass. However, her
      postoperative low cardiac output continued to progress, despite the presence of
      inotropes. The patient's cold limbs and oliguria persisted until she underwent
      echocardiographic imaging, which showed dyssynchronous ventricular contraction 29
      days post-surgery but which improved after the pacing rate was reduced below her
      spontaneous rate. Ultimately, clinicians should exercise caution when increasing
      right ventricular pacing for postoperative stunned myocardium. Due to the
      problems that can arise from an increased pacing rate, postoperative pacing
      strategy in patients complicated with low cardiac output after mitral valve
      replacement merits further discussion. KEY WORDS: Dyssynchrony; Mitral valve
      replacement; Right ventricular pacing; Stunned myocardium.

PMID- 27122893
TI  - A Rare and Life-Threatening Complication of Infective Endocarditis:
      Pseudoaneurysm of the Mitral - Aortic Intervalvular Fibrosa.
AB  - A 59 year-old previously healthy male was admitted to the hospital with fever
      reportedly several days in duration. His physical examination was unremarkable at
      first. Pneumonia was initially diagnosed, but acute pulmonary edema with a new
      grade III to and fro murmur developed 1 week later. Transesophageal
      echocardiography (TEE) disclosed a pseudoaneurysm of the mitral-aortic
      intervalvular fibrosa (P-MAIVF). Subsequent consultation with a cardiovascular
      surgeon resulted in a repaired aorta with otherwise uneventful results. P-MAIVF
      is a very rare complication of prosthetic aortic valve (AV) infective
      endocarditis, and even in native AV. Therefore a careful and through physical
      examination of patients and early TEE examination are essential in this rare
      complication of infective endocarditis. KEY WORDS: Echocardiography; Infective
      endocarditis; Mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa; Pseudoaneurysm.

PMID- 27122891
TI  - Application of Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography to Evaluate the Pre-
      and Postoperative Right Ventricular Systolic Function of Patients with Tetralogy
      of Fallot.
AB  - Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) can be challenging for clinicians to both diagnose and
      treat, given the multiple heart defects that are by definition associated with
      the illness. This study investigates the value of real-time three- dimensional
      echocardiography (RT-3DE) in evaluating the pre-and postoperative right
      ventricular systolic function of patients with tetralogy of Fallot. A total of 41
      ToF patients were divided into two groups: the child group (CG) and the adult
      group (AG) according to age. The right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV),
      right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV), and the right ventricular ejection
      fraction (RVEF) of ToF patients were measured before surgery, 7 days, and 3
      months after the surgery. The correlation between the preoperative Nakata index
      and RVEF was then analyzed. Compared with the RVEDV and RVESV prior to surgery,
      those of the postoperative 7-day and 3-month were not statistically significant
      (p > 0.05). However, RVEF decreased, and the difference was statistically
      significant (p < 0.05). The differences in RVEDV, RVESV, and RVEF between
      postoperative 3-month and 7-day were not significant (p > 0.05). Compared with
      the pre-and postoperative RVEDV and RVESV of CG, those of AG increased. However,
      RVEF decreased, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
      Our study indicated that the correlation between preoperative Nakata index and
      RVEF was good. Ultimately, we did confirm that RT-3DE can quantitatively evaluate
      the right ventricular volume and systolic function of ToF patients, thereby
      providing clinical significance in determining postoperative efficacy and
      prognosis evaluation. KEY WORDS: Echocardiography; Right; Tetralogy of Fallot;
      Three-dimensional; Ventricular function.

PMID- 27122894
TI  - Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia: A Rare Cause of Cardiac
      Arrest Following Blunt Chest Trauma.
AB  - Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is an
      electrophysiological disorder of a physically normal heart that occurs in
      children when the body is subjected to intense emotional or physical stress that
      causes adrenergic discharge. This troubling disease can be sporadic (spontaneous)
      or familial (genetic/inherited). Unfortunately, its associated ventricular
      tachycardia may cause sudden death, so early diagnosis of CPVT is very important.
      Treatment modalities include medical treatment, implantation of a cardioverter
      defibrillator, or surgical sympatectomy; but the implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator (ICD) should be the first choice in patients with a history of
      cardiac arrest. We herein present the case of a patient diagnosed with CPVT after
      a successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation triggered by blunt chest trauma. We
      implanted an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and started oral B-blocker
      treatment. During the course of follow-up, flecainide was added to his treatment
      depending on the patient's status regarding recurrent ICD shock. The patient has
      now continued follow-up without recurrent ICD shock since flecainide treatment
      was initiated. In conclusion, in patients with syncope and sudden cardiac arrest
      secondary to physical stress or blunt chest trauma, CPVT should be considered and
      an implantable cardioverter defibrillator must be implanted. Additionally,
      flecainide theraphy should be considered to decrease recurrent ICD shock. KEY
      WORDS: Blunt chest trauma; Cardiac arrest; CPVT.

PMID- 27122895
TI  - Rescue of Coronary Injury with Right Internal Mammary Artery Bypass during Repair
      of a Complex Congenital Heart.
AB  - A 10-year-old boy with polysplenia syndrome was diagnosed with complex congenital
      heart disease, including common atrium, bilateral superior vena cava, complete
      atrioventricular canal defect, severe pulmonary stenosis, interrupted inferior
      vena cava, and patent ductus arteriosus. Previously, he underwent a bilateral
      bidirectional Glenn shunt operation with ligation of the patent ductus arteriosus
      in April, 2009, when he was six years old. During the operation, his left
      anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was injured accidently due to
      abnormally high coronary artery takeoff. Consequently, a coronary artery bypass
      graft [right internal mammary artery (RIMA) to LAD proximal, end-to-end] was
      performed. On July 24, 2013, he received the last stage of a total cavopulmonary
      connection with an extracardiac conduit (22 mm PTFE graft) at ten years of age.
      The RIMA was not injured during redo-sternotomy and he was discharged
      uneventfully 11 days after the operation. KEY WORDS: Congenital heart disease;
      Coronary artery bypass surgery; Coronary injury.

PMID- 27122896
TI  - Early Administration of Intracoronary Nitroprusside Compared with Thrombus
      Aspiration in Myocardial Perfusion for Acute Myocardial Infarction: A 3-Year
      Clinical Follow-Up Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intracoronary nitroprusside and thrombus aspiration have been
      demonstrated to improve myocardial perfusion during percutaneous coronary
      interventions (PCI) for ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI)
      However, no long-term clinical studies have been performed comparing these
      approaches. METHODS: A single medical center retrospective study was conducted to
      evaluate the effects of intracoronary nitroprusside administration before slow/no
      reflow phenomena versus thrombus aspiration during primary PCI. Forty-three
      consecutive patients with STEMI were enrolled in the intracoronary nitroprusside
      treatment group. One hundred twenty-four consecutive STEMI patients who received
      thrombus aspiration were enrolled; ninety-seven consecutive STEMI patients who
      did not receive either thrombus aspiration or intracoronary nitroprusside
      treatment were enrolled and served as control subjects. Patients with cardiogenic
      shock, who had received platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, or intra-aortic
      balloon pump insertion were excluded. Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction
      (TIMI) flow grade, corrected TIMI frame count and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade
      (TMPG) were assessed prior to and following PCI by two independent cardiologists
      blinded to the procedures. The rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 30
      days, 1 year, and 3 years after study enrollment as a composite of recurrent
      myocardial infarction, target-vessel revascularization, and cardiac death were
      recorded. RESULTS: The control group had a significantly lower pre-PCI TIMI flow
      (<= 1; 49.5% vs. 69.8% vs. 77.4%; p = < 0.001) compared with the nitroprusside
      and thrombus aspiration groups. The thrombus aspiration group had a significantly
      higher pre-PCI thrombus score (> 4; 98.4% vs. 88.4% vs. 74.3%; p = < 0.001) and
      post-PCI TMPG (3; 39.5% vs. 16.3% vs. 20.6%; p = 0.001) compared with the
      nitroprusside and control groups. No significant differences were noted in the
      post-PCI thrombus score, 30-day, 1-year and 3-year MACE rate, and Kaplan-Meier
      curve among 3 groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although thrombus aspiration
      provided improved TMPG compared with early administration of intracoronary
      nitroprusside and neither of both during primary PCI, it did not have a
      significant impact on 30-day, 1-year and 3-year MACE rate. KEY WORDS: Acute
      myocardial infarction; Intracoronary nitroprusside; Thrombus aspiration.

PMID- 27122897
TI  - Comparison of Bare-Metal Stent and Drug-Eluting Stent for the Treatment of
      Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Unprotected Left Main
      Coronary Artery Disease - Long-Term Result from a Single Center Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become an alternative
      treatment for left main (LM) coronary artery disease. The aim of our study was to
      compare long-term clinical outcomes of patients undergoing unprotected LM PCI
      with bare-metal stent (BMS) or drug-eluting stent (DES) in a high-risk
      population. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 223 consecutive patients with
      unprotected LM coronary artery disease undergoing PCI (mean age: 71.1 +/- 11.2
      years, 187 male), including 94 patients receiving BMS and 129 patients receiving
      DES. The patients receiving DES had a significantly higher SYNTAX score (p =
      0.05). During the mean follow-up period of 2.5 years, there were 31
      cardiovascular deaths (BMS: 21 cases, DES: 10 cases, p = 0.04 by log-rank test),
      56 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, including cardiovascular death, non
      fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and clinical-driven target lesion
      revascularization; BMS: 33 cases, DES: 23 cases, p = 0.03 by log-rank test) and 6
      cases with definite/probable stent thrombosis (BMS: 5 cases, DES: 1 cases, p =
      0.09). In multivariate Cox analysis, the use of DES was identified as an
      independent protective factor against cardiovascular death [hazard ratio (HR) =
      0.34, 95% confidence interval (Cl) = 0.15-0.79, p = 0.01] and MACE (HR = 0.50,
      95% CI = 0.28-0.88, p = 0.02). The clinical outcome analyses in propensity-score
      matched the cohort (87 matched pair of patients receiving BMS and DES) and
      yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS: In the general practice among a high-risk
      population undergoing unprotected LM PCI, the use of DES appeared to be
      beneficial in reducing the risk of long-term cardiovascular death and MACE. KEY
      WORDS: Bare-mental stent; Drug-eluting stent; Left main coronary artery disease;
      Percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 27122898
TI  - Clinical Profile and Long-Term Prognostic Factors of a Young Chinese Han
      Population (<= 40 Years) Having ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The proportion of the mainland Chinese population with premature ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction is significantly elevated. Young patients
      with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction have a different risk factor
      profile and clinical outcome compared with elder patients, and may also differ as
      compared to young patients in Western populations. METHODS: We analyzed a total
      of 9462 consecutive ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients, and
      recruited 341 consecutive cases who had survived their first ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction at the age less than 40 years, and followed-up these
      patients for 5 years. RESULTS: The most prevalent risk factor in young Chinese ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction patients was smoking (307/341, 90.03%)
      and male gender (328/341, 96.19%), although young patients had fewer traditional
      risk factors of acute myocardial infarction than the control group [(1.63 +/-
      1.03) vs. (2.38 +/- 1.15), p < 0.01]. The number of affected vessels in cases was
      significantly less than in the elder control group (p < 0.01). During the follow
      up, blood lipids and blood pressure of most patients reached the target level,
      while 42.10% of patients reported continuation of smoking. Multivariable data
      analysis showed that persistence of smoking (OR: 3.784, 95% CI: 1.636-8.751, p <
      0.01) was the most significant prognostic factor of cardiac events after
      adjusting for various confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that
      cigarette smoking is the most prevalent factor among the avoidable cardiovascular
      risk factors for young ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions in China.
      Accordingly, continued smoking is the most powerful predictor for the recurrence
      of cardiac events in young Chinese patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction. KEY WORDS: Premature myocardial infarction; Prognosis; Risk factor.

PMID- 27122899
TI  - Influence of Cigarette Smoking on Burden and Characteristics of Coronary Artery
      Plaques in Chinese Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is generally well-known that smoking has a substantial impact on
      general health, and cardiovascular health in particular. The purpose of this
      study was to analyze the effects of different smoking status on the burden and
      characteristics of coronary artery plaques in Chinese men. METHODS: Our study
      enrolled 1920 individuals with suspected coronary artery disease undergoing 256
      detector-row computed tomography scan after clinical assessment. These study
      participants were stratified into three groups: never smoker, current smoker, and
      former smoker, according to their smoking status. Thereafter, the associations of
      different smoking status with the coronary artery plaques were assessed using
      both univariable and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalences
      of any plaque, significant stenosis and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) >=
      10 were highest in the current smokers (all p < 0.05). The proportion of
      calcified plaques was the lowest and the prevalence of non-calcified plaques was
      the highest in current smokers (p = 0.004). The higher pack-years group had
      significantly elevated percentages of any plaque, significant stenosis, >= 2/LM
      vessel disease and CACS >= 10 than the lower pack-years group (all p < 0.001).
      The percent of calcified plaques was lower and the percent of non-calcified
      plaques was higher in the higher (> 20) pack-years group than in the lower pack
      years group (<= 20) (p = 0.024). Current smoking with higher pack-years was the
      independent risk factor for any plaque, significant stenosis, CACS >= 10, non
      calcified and mixed plaques (all p < 0.05) after multivariate adjustments.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current smokers had the most serious burden of coronary artery
      plaques and the highest percentage of non-calcified plaques. Current smoking with
      higher pack-years was a significant risk factor for coronary artery plaque burden
      and non-calcified and mixed plaques. KEY WORDS: Chinese men; Cigarette smoking;
      Coronary artery calcium score; Coronary artery plaques; Non-calcified plaques.

PMID- 27122900
TI  - Establishment of Rabbit Abdominal Aortic Atherosclerosis Model by Pancreatic
      Elastase Infiltration Associated with High Fat Diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a high fat
      diet (HFD) associated with pancreatic elastase (PE) infiltration, in establishing
      the rabbit aortic atherosclerosis model. METHODS: The HFD+PE method and the
      HFD+saccule injury (SI) method were simultaneously used to prepare the rabbit
      atherosclerosis model; the control group was established with the normal diet.
      Biochemical indicators, radiological imaging, pathomorphology and
      immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the HFD+PE modeling results. RESULTS:
      There were significant changes in the blood lipid contents, as well as the
      pathomorphological and immunohistochemical results between the two experimental
      groups and the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference between
      the two experimental groups. The rabbit aortic atherosclerosis model prepared by
      the HFD+PE method had no significant difference in the local vascular
      pathomorphological and immunohistochemical results with the traditional HFD+SI
      method. CONCLUSIONS: The use of HFD with PE infiltration is feasible in
      establishing the rabbit aortic atherosclerosis model. KEY WORDS: Animal model;
      Atherosclerosis; Rabbit.

PMID- 27122901
TI  - Stimulatory Influences of Far Infrared Therapy on the Transcriptome and Genetic
      Networks of Endothelial Progenitor Cells Receiving High Glucose Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a fundamental role in
      vascular repair and angiogenesis- related diseases. It is well-known that the
      process of angiogenesis is faulty in patients with diabetes. Long-term exposure
      of peripheral blood EPCs to high glucose (HG-EPCs) has been shown to impair cell
      proliferation and other functional competencies. Far infrared (FIR) therapy can
      promote ischemia-induced angiogenesis in diabetic mice and restore high glucose
      suppressed endothelial progenitor cell functions both in vitro and in vivo.
      However, the detail mechanisms and global transcriptome alternations are still
      unclear. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the influences of FIR upon HG
      EPC gene expressions. EPCs were obtained from the peripheral blood and treated
      with high glucose. These cells were then subjected to FIR irradiation and
      functional assays. RESULTS: Those genes responsible for fibroblast growth
      factors, Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), Janus kinase/signal transducer
      and activator of transcription and prostaglandin signaling pathways were
      significantly induced in HG-EPCs after FIR treatment. On the other hand, mouse
      double minute 2 homolog, genes involved in glycogen metabolic process, and genes
      involved in cardiac fibrosis were down-regulated. We also observed complex
      genetic networks functioning in FIR-treated HG-EPCs, in which several genes, such
      as GATA binding protein 3, hairy and enhancer of split-1, Sprouty Homolog 2, MAPK
      and Sirtuin 1, acted as hubs to maintain the stability and connectivity of the
      whole genetic network. CONCLUSIONS: Deciphering FIR-affected genes will not only
      provide us with new knowledge regarding angiogenesis, but also help to develop
      new biomarkers for evaluating the effects of FIR therapy. Our findings may also
      be adapted to develop new methods to increase EPC activities for treating
      diabetes-related ischemia and metabolic syndrome-associated cardiovascular
      disorders. KEY WORDS: Endothelial progenitor cell; Far infrared; Microarray;
      Systems biology.

PMID- 27122902
TI  - Comparative Analysis of Mechanical Properties of PWV, NO and Ascending Aorta
      between WHY Rats and SHR Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare and analyze the tensile
      mechanical properties of the ascending aorta (AA) in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and
      spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), for the purpose of providing a
      biomechanical basis for hypertension prevention. METHODS: Pulse wave velocities
      (PWV) and serum nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were determined in 6-month-old
      WKY rats and SHRs (n = 21, n = 21, respectively). Then, 20 AAs from each group
      were obtained for longitudinal tensile testing. RESULTS: The maximum stress,
      maximum strain, and strain at a tensile stress of 16 Kpa were greater in WKY rats
      than in SHRs (p < 0.05). The aortic elastic modulus and PWV value were greater in
      SHRs than in WKY rats (p < 0.05 for both), while NO concentrations were lower in
      the SHR group than in the WKY group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The AA tensile
      mechanical properties differed between the WKY rats and SHRs, and the tensile
      mechanical properties of the SHR model had changed. KEY WORDS: Ascending aorta;
      Hypertension; Mechanical properties; Pulse wave velocity; SHR rats; WKY rats.

PMID- 27122903
TI  - Assessment of the Risk Factors and Outcomes for Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation
      Patients Undergoing Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most common complication of cardiac
      surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recognizing
      patients at high risk for developing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) may
      help identify those who could benefit from strategies to prevent POAF. This study
      was conducted to delineate outcomes and to assess risk factors for POAF among
      Taiwanese patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS:
      From January 2009 until February 2012, this prospective study included 266
      consecutive patients admitted to our hospital with coronary artery disease. All
      patients underwent isolated CABG. Patients with preoperative permanent atrial
      fibrillation and concomitant surgery were excluded. Multiple risk factors
      associated with the incidence of POAF were collected and evaluated. RESULTS: POAF
      occurred in 126 of 226 patients (47.37%). Univariate analysis revealed that
      significant risk factors for the condition were age, gender, diabetes,
      dyslipidemia, smoking, impaired renal function, impaired cardiac function, and
      increased serum electrolytes. Multivariate analysis showed dyslipidemia [hazard
      ratio (HR): 0.418; 95% confidence interval (Cl): 0.190-0.915, p = 0.029],
      impaired renal function as indicated by an estimated glomerular filtration rate <
      60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (HR: 3.174; 95% CI: 1.432-7.037, p = 0.004), and serum sodium
      (HR: 1.112; 95% Cl: 1.047-1.182, p = 0.001) prior to cardiopulmonary bypass as
      significant. Moreover, POAF was associated with lower 30-day, 1- and 3-year
      cumulative survival rates and higher early postoperative complications.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with isolated CABG who were administered beta-blockers,
      angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers treatment,
      and lipid therapy before CABG were associated with reduced POAF, while those with
      impaired renal function and higher serum sodium before CABG predisposed POAF in a
      Taiwanese population. KEY WORDS: Atrial fibrillation (AF); Coronary artery bypass
      grafting (CABG); Coronary artery disease (CAD); Postoperative atrial fibrillation
      (POAF).

PMID- 27122904
TI  - Heart Rate Turbulence Analysis in Subclinical Hypothroidism Heart Rate Turbulence
      in Hypothyroidism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart rate turbulence (HRT) is a baroreflex-mediated biphasic
      reaction of heart rate in response to premature ventricular beats. Abnormal HRT
      identifies patients with autonomic dysfunction or impaired baroreflex
      sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effect of
      subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) on cardiac autonomic function using HRT
      parameters. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 25 patients (10 men, 15 women
      with a mean age of 39.7 +/- 15.5 years) who were diagnosed with SCH and 35
      euthyroid patients (13 males, 22 females with a mean age 38.4 +/- 11.7 years).
      All patients underwent 24 h ambulatory electrocardiography monitorization. The
      study calculated two HRT parameters, turbulence slope (TS) and turbulence onset
      (TO), and these HRT parameters were compared between the groups to examine the
      relationship between HRT and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. RESULTS:
      The characteristics of SCH patients and control cases were similar with regard to
      age, sex except for TSH levels. Serum TSH levels were significantly higher in SCH
      patients than in the controls (7.3 +/- 1.8 MUIU/ml vs. 2.4 +/- 1.0 MUIU/ml, p <
      0.001). TO was significantly higher in SCH patients compared with controls (-1.51
      +/- 0.5 vs. -2.2 +/- 1.0, p = 0.002). SCH patients had lower TS values than
      controls (7.6 +/- 2.4 vs. 10.8 +/- 3.4, p < 0.001). TO was positively correlated
      with serum TSH levels (r = 0.276, p = 0.033). There was also a negative
      correlation between TS and serum TSH levels (r = -0.437, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      The results of our study indicated that cardiac autonomic function is impaired in
      patients with SCH. KEY WORDS: Heart rate; Holter electrocardiography;
      Hypothyroidism.

PMID- 27122905
TI  - Diffuse ST-Segment Depression with ST-Segment Elevation in Lead aVR in 12-Lead
      Electrocardiography May Indicate Ischemic Change of Severe Aortic Stenosis.
AB  - Diffuse ST-segment depression with ST-segment elevation in the lead augmented
      vector right (aVR) in 12-lead electrocardiography may indicate the possibility of
      coronary artery disease involving the left main coronary artery or proximal left
      anterior descending artery, pulmonary embolism or takotsubo cardiomyopathy. We
      report a 69-year-old female with severe aortic stenosis, who had similar
      electrocardiographic findings which indicated ischemic change and led to
      cardiogenic shock and ventricular tachycardia. Intubation and insertion of an
      intra- aortic balloon pump (IABP) were performed and the result of coronary
      angiography showed only less than 40% stenosis. Her blood pressure gradually
      stabilized, and diffuse ST-segment depression or ST-segment elevation in lead aVR
      was not noted in the 12-lead electrocardiography. However, we removed the IABP
      and after 6 hours, sudden profound shock refractory to combined vasopressors
      occurred. Electrocardiography again showed ST- segment elevation in aVR with and
      diffuse ST-segment depression. After several episodes of ventricular tachycardia,
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation was not successful and the patient expired in our
      hospital. KEY WORDS: Diffuse ST depression; Severe aortic stenosis; ST elevation
      in aVR.

PMID- 27122906
TI  - Correction of Stent Distortion and Overhanging Stent Struts during Left Main
      Bifurcation Stenting by Selective Distal Stent Cell Re-Wiring: A Novel Guidewire
      Approach.
AB  - Stent malapposition and overhanging stent struts in front of the side branch (SB)
      ostium are not uncommon following bifurcation stenting that might lead to stent
      thrombosis. We herein present 2 cases, in which optical frequency domain imaging
      and intravascular ultrasound effectively revealed stent malapposition and
      overhanging struts inside the ostium of the SB following left main coronary
      artery stenting. Therefore, we introduced a novel technique for rectification of
      these incidental findings by selective SB re-wiring through the most distal stent
      cell with the adjunctive help of a double lumen microcatheter. KEY WORDS: Distal
      stent strut; Left main bifurcation; Overhanging struts; Side branch re-crossing;
      Stent optimization.

PMID- 27122907
TI  - An Unusual Case of Loffler Endomyocarditis after Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Induced
      by Deep Neck Infection.
AB  - In this case, we herein have described a 72-year-old female patient with deep
      neck infection induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy and idiopathic hypereosinophilic
      syndrome with Loffler endocarditis characterized by right atrial thrombus and
      right ventricular fibrothrombotic obliteration within two months. KEY WORDS:
      Cardiac thrombi; Hypereosinophilic syndrome; Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 27122908
TI  - Contrast Pooling and Layering in a Patient with Left Main Coronary Artery
      Occlusion and Cardiogenic Shock.
AB  - A 57-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency
      department with sudden onset of chest pain. Shock status and considerably low
      right arm blood pressure were detected. The patient underwent contrast-enhanced
      computed tomography (CT) which revealed dependent contrast pooling and layering
      of contrast material within the inferior vena cava. Post-processing CT
      angiography depicted total occlusion of the left main coronary artery. Sudden
      cardiac arrest developed after CT examination, and following emergency coronary
      angiography we confirmed the diagnosis of left main coronary artery occlusion and
      cardiogenic shock. Clinical physicians should recognize these CT findings of
      imminent cardiovascular decompensation and provide prompt medical management to
      prevent further patient deterioration. KEY WORDS: Cardiogenic shock; Dependent
      pooling; Layering; Left main coronary artery disease.

PMID- 27122909
TI  - Right Ventricle Mass Induced Coronary Artery Steal Phenomenon: A Rare Clinical
      Manifestation on One Leiomyosarcoma Patient.
AB  - We report a 43-year-old female with the underlying disease of retroperitoneal
      leiomyosarcoma and initial presentation of ST elevation myocardial infarction.
      Coronary angiography showed an absence of coronary artery stenosis and a huge,
      ill-defined cardiac mass which was fed by both the left anterior descending
      artery and the right coronary artery. Coronary blood flow was obviously shunted
      by the neovascularized cardiac tumor. Right ventricle metastatic leiomyosarcoma
      was diagnosed according to her clinical course, images of echocardiography and
      computed tomography. In conclusion, we speculated that ST-segment elevation in
      electrocardiogram and typical anginal symptoms can provide significant evidence
      for myocardial ischemia caused by coronary steal phenomenon due to a right
      ventricular metastatic leiomyosarcoma. KEY WORDS: Coronary steal phenomenon;
      Leiomyosarcoma; Myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27122910
TI  - High Sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) in Adolescent and Young Adult
      Patients with History of Kawasaki Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For children with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD), low grade
      inflammation was generally reported to be associated with persistent coronary
      artery lesions (CAL). However, this association has not been clearly demonstrated
      to hold true in KD adolescents and young adults (10-25 years of age). METHODS: We
      enrolled 104 subjects into our study, who were separated into the following 3
      groups and controls: 1): 22 KD patients with angiography-confirmed CAL which
      persisted for an average of 12.5 years after onset of KD; 2) 38 KD patients with
      regressed aneurysms; 3) 44 KD patients without any coronary complications from
      the disease onset; and 4) 31 age-matched (18.7 +/- 1.88 years old) healthy
      controls. Plasma levels of high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were
      measured for all participants. RESULTS: Plasma levels of hs-CRP were
      significantly higher in KD patients than in the controls, regardless of their
      coronary severity. However, there was no significant difference in hs-CRP levels
      among KD patients with different severities of CAL. Of the candidate risk factors
      of elevated hs-CRP such as body mass index, gender, coronary severity, and levels
      of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, linear regression analysis showed the
      only independent predictor of hs-CRP levels was BMI (beta = 0.306, p = 0.01),
      rather than patient grouping (p = 0.091). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that
      levels of hs-CRP are significantly higher in adolescent and young adult patients
      with a history of KD, compared with age-matched controls. Low grade inflammation
      may play a minor role when KD patients enter into adulthood. body mass index
      (BMI), rather than coronary severity, was independently associated with the
      elevation of hs-CRP levels, one of biomarkers for further cardiovascular event.
      Therefore, ongoing control and management of BMI may be one of beneficial
      strategies that can be employed to help avoid elevation of hs-CRP levels in KD
      patients. KEY WORDS: Adolescents; High sensitivity-C reactive protein; Kawasaki
      disease; Young adult.

PMID- 27122911
TI  - Assessing Late Cardiopulmonary Function in Patients with Repaired Tetralogy of
      Fallot Using Exercise Cardiopulmonary Function Test and Cardiac Magnetic
      Resonance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) usually experience
      progressive right ventricle (RV) dysfunction due to pulmonary regurgitation (PR).
      This could further worsen the cardiopulmonary function. This study aimed to
      compare the changes in patient exercise cardiopulmonary test and cardiac magnetic
      resonance imaging, and consider the implication of these changes. METHODS: Our
      study examined repaired TOF patients who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test
      (CPET) to obtain maximal (peak oxygen consumption, peak VO2) and submaximal
      parameters (oxygen uptake efficiency plateau, oxygen uptake efficiency plateau
      (OUEP), and ratio of minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production, VE/VCO2
      slope). Additionally, the hemodynamic status was assessed by using cardiac
      magnetic resonance. Criteria for exclusion included TOF patients with pulmonary
      atresia, atrioventricular septal defect, or absence of pulmonary valve syndrome.
      RESULTS: We enrolled 158 patients whose mean age at repair was 7.8 +/- 9.1 years
      (range 0.1-49.2 years) and the mean patient age at CPET was 29.5 +/- 12.2 years
      (range 7.0-57.0 years). Severe PR (PR fraction >= 40%) in 53 patients, moderate
      in 55, and mild (PR fraction < 20%) in 50 patients were noted. The mean RV end
      diastolic volume index (RVEDVi) was 113 +/- 35 ml/m(2), with 7 patients observed
      to have a RVEDVi > 163 ml/m(2). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction
      (LVEF) was 63 +/- 8%, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi) was 65
      +/- 12 ml/m(2), and LVESVi was 25 +/- 14 ml/m(2). CPET revealed significantly
      decreased peak VO2 (68.5 +/- 14.4% of predicted), and fair OUEP (90.3 +/- 14.1%
      of predicted) and VE/VCO2 slope (27.1 +/- 5.3). PR fraction and age at repair
      were negatively correlated with maximal and submaximal exercise indicators (peak
      VO2 and OUEP). Left ventricular (LV) function and size were positively correlated
      with peak VO2 and OUEP. CONCLUSIONS: The results of CPET showed that patients
      with repaired TOF had a low maximal exercise capacity (peak VO2), but a fair
      submaximal exercise capacity (OUEP and VE/VCO2 slope), suggesting limited
      exercise capability in high intensity circumstances. PR, LV function and age at
      total repair were the most important determinants of CPET performance. KEY WORDS:
      Cardiac magnetic resonance; Cardiopulmonary exercise function; Pulmonary
      regurgitation; Surgical age; Tetralogy of Fallot.

PMID- 27122912
TI  - Early Elevated B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels are Associated with Cardiac
      Dysfunction and Poor Clinical Outcome in Pediatric Septic Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level in pediatric
      septic patients, and to investigate its association with cardiovascular
      dysfunction and clinical outcome. METHODS: Pediatric patients with sepsis or
      septic shock were prospectively enrolled in our pediatric intensive care unit
      (PICU). On day 1 of admission, plasma BNP levels were measured at the time-point
      of echocardiography. Myocardial dysfunction was defined as left ventricular
      fractional shortening (FS) < 30%. Inotropic support was quantified by inotropic
      scores and disease severity was assessed by Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM)
      III scores. Therafter, associations between BNP levels and clinical parameters
      were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 94 patients (mean: 5.6 yr, range: 2 mo-17 yr)
      that were consecutively enrolled in this study. The median BNP level was 127
      pg/ml (range: 5 to 4950 pg/ml). BNP levels were correlated with PRISM III (rho =
      0.36, p = 0.001) and C-reactive protein level (r = 0.39, p = 0.001). The median
      BNP levels were not only higher in patients with septic shock (n = 34) than those
      with sepsis (n = 58) (213 vs. 54 pg/ml, p = 0.0004), but also higher in patients
      with myocardial dysfunction (n = 18) than those with preserved myocardial
      function (n = 66) (765 vs. 65 pg/ml, p < 0.001). We also found that BNP levels
      correlated negatively with FS (r = -0.56, p < 0.001) and positively with
      inotropic scores (r = 0.34, p = 0.04). Most importantly, the median BNP levels
      were higher in non-survivors (n = 13) than survivors (n = 81) (367 vs. 106 pg/ml,
      p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: BNP levels are elevated in pediatric septic patients
      early in the disease course, and increased levels are associated with
      cardiovascular dysfunction and worse clinical outcome. KEY WORDS: B-type
      natriuretic peptide; Cardiac function; Pediatric; Sepsis; Septic shock.

PMID- 27122914
TI  - Preconception Counseling for Women with Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - With advances that have been made over the recent decades in transcatheter and
      surgical interventions, most patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) can
      survive into adulthood. Overall, probably half of these surviving patients are
      female. When these female CHD patients reach childbearing age, however, pregnancy
      management will be a major issue. In order to meet the demands of fetal growth,
      the maternal cardiovascular system starts a series of adaptations beginning in
      early pregnancy. These adaptations include: decreased systemic and pulmonary
      vascular resistances, decreased blood pressure, expansion of the blood volume,
      increased heart rate and increased cardiac output. For women with CHD, this
      hemodynamic alteration may increase the risks of adverse cardiovascular events as
      well as the fetal and neonatal complications. Therefore, proper risk
      stratification and effective counseling for women with CHD who are planning their
      pregnancies is an important undertaking. KEY WORDS: Congenital heart disease;
      Pregnancy.

PMID- 27122913
TI  - Interventional Transcatheter Closure Ameliorates the Leukocyte Rho Kinase
      Activities among Patients with Patent Ductus Arteriosus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) causes increased pulmonary blood flow,
      which can lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Rho-associated coiled
      coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) may play an important pathophysiological
      role in PAH. We hypothesized that the increased pulmonary artery (PA) flow from
      PDA could activate ROCK. METHODS: Patients who received a PDA transcatheter
      closure in our hospital were consecutively enrolled in this study. Basic
      demographics and clinical hemodynamic data of the study participants were
      recorded. Then, ROCK activity was measured before and after the PDA occlusion
      procedure. ROCK activity was defined as the phosphorylation ratio of myosin
      binding subunit by Western blot measurement. We also sub-divided patients into
      the coil group and occluder group based on the occlusion device used in each
      patient's procedure. RESULTS: From January 2009 to December 2011, 25 patients
      with a median age of 2.3 years, ranging from 10 months to 72 years were enrolled.
      The mean PDA size was 0.31 +/- 0.14 cm, the mean Qp/Qs shunt was 1.54 +/- 0.41,
      and the mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 26.9 +/- 10.3 mmHg. There
      were 10 patients (one boy and nine girls) in the coil group and 15 patients (four
      boys and eleven girls) in the occluder group. Following the closure of the PDA,
      ROCK activity significantly decreased (1.78 +/- 2.25 vs. 0.77 +/- 0.69, p <
      0.01). There was a strong correlation between the leukocyte ROCK activity with
      the systolic PA pressure (y = 5.4608x + 22.54, R2 = 0.5539, p < 0.05), but not
      the Qp/Qs value. Both subgroups showed significant changes of ROCK activity after
      the procedure. Interestingly, when comparing the coil group with the occluder
      group, the decrease in ROCK activity was more apparent in the occluder group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicated that ROCK activity is higher in
      patients with PDA and correlates with PA pressure. The decrease in ROCK activity
      following the device closure suggests that ROCK may be an important biomarker for
      PDA patency. KEY WORDS: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA); Pulmonary arterial
      pressure; Rho kinase; Transcatheter closure.

PMID- 27122915
TI  - Insight into Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart
      Disease (PAH-CHD): Classification and Pharmacological Management from a Pediatric
      Cardiological Point of View.
AB  - Compared with adult patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH), pulmonary vascular
      disease is characterized by complex heterogeneity in pediatric patients. The Nice
      PH classification does not completely characterize or individualize any subgroup
      of pediatric PH. This is in contrast to the Panama classification, in which
      prenatal and fetal origins of many pulmonary vascular diseases in neonates and
      children, perinatal pulmonary vascular maladaptation, prenatal and postnatal
      pulmonary vascular mal-development, and pulmonary vascular hypoplasia are
      included. Currently, the updated treatment algorithm for adults with pulmonary
      arterial hypertension (PAH), including PAH associated with congenital heart
      disease (PAH-CHD) and idiopathic PAH, etc. has been reported. It has been
      suggested to treat FC III patients with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) with bosentan.
      However, there is no evidence-based treatment algorithm for children with PAH
      CHD. Moreover, it is necessary to develop a more comprehensive algorithm in which
      multiple specific pediatric risk factors are determined, and the critical goal of
      treatment should be to permit normal activities without the need to self-limit in
      children with PAH-CHD. Together, the beneficial data on specific-target
      pharmacologic interventions are still quite preliminary, and large trials are
      warranted. Specifically, the extrapolation of the other forms of the disease,
      such as ES, should be undertaken carefully. KEY WORDS: Congenital heart disease;
      Eisenmenger syndrome; Pulmonary arterial hypertension; Target therapy.

PMID- 27122916
TI  - The Challenges in Managing Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with
      Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - Congenital heart disease; Eisenmenger syndrome; Pulmonary arterial hypertension. 

PMID- 27122917
TI  - Abnormalities of Selected Trace Elements in Patients with Coronary Artery
      Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery diseases are multifactorial, and over the last
      several decades particular consideration and research have been devoted to
      investigating the imbalance of patient elemental levels. Our current study aimed
      to investigate the comparative distribution of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Cr, Cd
      and Pb in the blood of coronary artery disease patients and healthy subjects.
      METHODS: Blood samples collected from both groups were digested into a HNO3-HCLO4
      (10:1 v/v) mixture in a microwave oven, followed by quantification of the
      elements by atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The average levels of Pb and
      Cr were markedly higher (p < 0.001) while those of Ca, Fe, Cu and Mn were
      moderately higher (p < 0.05) in blood of the patients compared to the controls.
      However, correlation study showed divergent relationships between various
      elements in the blood of both groups. Multivariate cluster analysis revealed two
      major clusters of the elements for patients: Ca-Mg-Mn-Co-Cd and Pb-Cu-Fe-Zn-Cr;
      whereas three common groups were observed for controls: Ca-Mg-Zn-Cu, Cr-Mn-Fe and
      Co-Cd-Pb. Variations in the elemental levels were also observed to be associated
      with gender, habitat, food and smoking habits of the subjects. CONCLUSIONS:
      Overall, the distribution, correlation and apportionment of elemental data
      indicated an imbalance of the toxic/essential elements in blood of the patients
      compared to the controls. KEY WORDS: AAS; Blood; Cluster analysis; Coronary
      artery disease; Essential/toxic element.

PMID- 27122918
TI  - Lack of Association between High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Angiographic
      Coronary Lesion Severity in Chinese Patients with Low Background Low-Density
      Lipoprotein Cholesterol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The atheroprotective role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C)
      particles as measured by HDL-C level in coronary arterial disease (CAD) remains
      unsettled. The aim of our study was to ascertain whether HDL-C was associated
      with the development and severity of coronary artery disease in Chinese patients
      who underwent coronary angiogram with low background Low-density lipoprotein (LDL
      C) levels, which has not been previously investigated. METHODS: Between March
      1995 and May 2000, 566 consecutive patients (408 males, 66.7 +/- 11.3 years of
      age) with background LDL-C less than 100 mg/dl who underwent coronary artery
      angiography at our cath lab for suspected CAD were retrospectively recruited into
      the study. The severity of coronary lesions was measured by conventional coronary
      angiography and modified Gensini scores. RESULTS: In those subjects with
      significant coronary lesions, there were more males and conventional CAD risk
      factors of diabetes mellitus, smoking, and chronic renal disease. They were also
      older compared to those in the control group. However, total cholesterol, LDL-C,
      HDL-C, triglyceride levels and use of statins were similar in both groups. In
      those subjects with significant coronary lesions, there was no difference in
      conventional coronary lesion severity or modified Gensini score between the
      quartered HDL-C subgroups. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation
      between serum HDL-C level and modified Gensini scores. In linear regression
      analysis, HDL-C was not an independent predictor for modified Gensini scores.
      Furthermore, HDL-C was also not an independent risk factor for the presence of
      significant coronary lesions in low LDL-C patients in logistic regression
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In Chinese patients with low background LDL-C, serum HDL-C
      was not associated with development of CAD or lesion severity in patients with
      suspected CAD. Therefore, HDL-C did not appear to be atheroprotective in these
      patients. KEY WORDS: Coronary artery disease; Gensini score; High-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol.

PMID- 27122919
TI  - Variation in Cardiac Vein System is Associated with Coronary Artery Calcium - A
      Venous-Atherosclerosis Paradox?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The factors that determine the different patterns of venous anatomy
      are not well understood. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship
      between variation in the cardiac vein system and the extent of coronary artery
      calcium score (CACS). METHODS: We reviewed the results of 64-slice CTs of 226
      subjects (age 57.2 +/- 11.2; 133M) enrolled in our study. The subjects were
      divided into 3 groups based on coronary artery calcium: 92 patients. with CACS =
      0 AU (Agatston Unit, AU); 56 with CACS = 1-100 AU; and 78 patients with CACS >
      than 100 AU. The cardiac venous system was reconstructed during the optimal phase
      of the cardiac cycle in each subject. RESULTS: Subjects with a higher CACS had a
      better quality of vein images (p < 0.01). The number of visible veins differed
      between the groups. Eight subjects (8.7%) in the group with CACS = 0 AU, 7
      (12.5%) in the group with CACS = 1-100 AU, and 23 (29.5%) in the group with CACS
      > 100 AU had five or more visible veins (p < 0.001), whereas the proportion of
      subjects with less than three visible veins was 56 (60.8%), 31 (55.4%) and 30
      (38.4%), respectively (p < 0.05). The number of visible veins correlated with
      CACS (r = 0.28; p < 0.05). In a multivariate regression analysis, which included
      age, gender, CACS, LV ejection fraction, myocardial volume and heart rate, the
      CACS was found to be an independent determinant of the number of visible veins (p
      < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggested that there is a link
      between a variation in the cardiac venous system and the extent of
      atherosclerosis. KEY WORDS: Coronary artery calcium score (CACS); Computed
      tomography; Coronary veins.

PMID- 27122920
TI  - Electrophysiological Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Sinoatrial Nodes of Rabbits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the electrophysiological
      effects of dexmedetomidine on pacemaker cells in sinoatrial nodes of rabbits.
      METHODS: Healthy rabbits were anesthetized intravenously with sodium
      pentobarbital, and the hearts were quickly dissected and mounted in a tissue
      bath. Machine-pulled glass capillary microelectrodes which were connected to a
      high input impedance amplifier and impaled in dominant pacemaker cells.
      Thereafter, an intracellular microelectrode technique was used to record action
      potential. RESULTS: The amplitude of action potential, velocity of diastolic
      (phase 4) depolarization, and rate of pacemaker firing in normal pacemaker cells
      in sinoatrial node were decreased by use of dexmedetomidine (0.5 ng/ml, 5 ng/ml,
      50 ng/ml) in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment with yohimbine (1
      MUM), did not alter the effects of dexmedetomidine (5 ng/ml) on sinoatrial node
      pacemaker cells. Pretreatment with CsCl (2 mmol/L), dexmedetomidine (5 ng/ml)
      decreased the amplitude of action potential, but had no significant effect on
      other parameters of action potential. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine exerts
      inhibitory electrophysiological effects on pacemaker cells in sinoatrial nodes of
      rabbits in a concentration-dependent manner, which may not be mediated by alpha 2
      adrenoreceptor. KEY WORDS: Action potential; Cardiology; Dexmedetomidine;
      Pacemaker activity; Sinoatrial node.

PMID- 27122921
TI  - Feasibility and Safety of Coronary Procedures via an Arteriovenous Graft Approach
      in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditionally, a radial or brachial arterial approach is unadvisable
      in hemodialysis patients. Consequently, coronary angiography or angioplasty is
      usually performed via a femoral artery approach in these patients, who carry a
      higher risk of vascular access complications. In hemodialysis patients,
      arteriovenous grafts (AVG) are created for repeated punctures; however, the
      feasibility and safety of a trans-AVG approach for coronary angiography or
      angioplasty remains unclear. METHODS: In our institution, cardiac
      catheterizations were attempted via AV grafts in hemodialysis patients with a U
      shaped forearm AVG. We retrospectively identified coronary angiography or
      angioplasty procedures in hemodialysis patients from a computer-based database in
      our hospital. The procedure details and outcomes were obtained from review of the
      clinical, angiographic and hemodialysis records. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2013, 167
      procedures in hemodialysis patients were identified from 2866 diagnostic or
      interventional coronary procedures in our institution. Out of these, 24
      procedures in 17 patients were performed via a trans-AVG approach. In all AVG
      procedures, a 6F 16-cm or 7F 10-cm sheath was placed from the AVG into the
      brachial artery. All diagnostic procedures were successfully performed. In 14
      procedures, the patients also underwent angioplasty and all of the angioplasty
      procedures were successful. There was no arterial spasm, arterial dissection,
      puncture site hematoma, or acute thrombosis of the AVG during or after the
      procedures. CONCLUSIONS: A trans-AVG approach appears to be a feasible and safe
      route for coronary angiography or angioplasty in hemodialysis patients with a U
      shaped forearm AVG. However, further studies with a larger patient number are
      necessary. KEY WORDS: Arteriovenous graft; Hemodialysis; Percutaneous coronary
      intervention.

PMID- 27122922
TI  - Congenital Anomaly of Single Dominant Right Coronary Artery with Hypoplastic Left
      Coronary Artery.
AB  - With the popularization of new imaging technology, more people are deciding to
      undergo non-invasive studies such as multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT)
      before receiving coronary angiography. For this reason, coronary anomalies of
      coronary artery are being encountered more frequently. We here report a 68-year
      old male presenting with typical angina. The MDCT images suggested chronic total
      occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery with collateral
      circulation from the right coronary artery (RCA). The patient's coronary
      angiography showed a congenital coronary anomaly with a single dominant RCA
      supplying the entire coronary circulation of the heart with both LAD and left
      circumflex artery hypoplasia. KEY WORDS: Angiography; Anomaly; Computerized
      tomography; Coronary artery.

PMID- 27122923
TI  - Primary Intimal Sarcoma of Thoracic Aorta Presenting as Hypertensive Crisis.
AB  - We report a 45-year-old woman who presented to our facility in a hypertensive
      crisis. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a thoracic aortic tumor, and tissues
      obtained via endovascular biopsy revealed undifferentiated sarcoma. A final
      diagnosis of intimal sarcoma was made by intra-operative pathological
      examination. Despite undergoing surgical resection followed by adjuvant
      chemotherapy, the patient died from progressive multiple metastasis and severe
      sepsis. Although aortic sarcoma is rarely diagnosed, it should be considered a
      possible etiology of hypertensive crisis. KEY WORDS: Aortic tumor; Endovascular
      biopsy; Hypertension crisis; Intimal sarcoma.

PMID- 27122924
TI  - Brain Stem Hemorrhage in a 2-Year-10-Month-Old Child with Renovascular
      Hypertension Related to Fibromuscular Dysplasia.
AB  - Renovascular hypertension due to fibromuscular dysplasia is an uncommon but
      important cause of pediatric hypertension. It is usually ignored and diagnosed
      after a long delay because blood pressure is infrequently measured in children.
      We report a case of previously undiagnosed renovascular hypertension complicated
      with right renal infarction in a 2-year-10-month-old child, who initially
      presented as a case of conscious disturbance. The patient's brain CT displayed
      brain stem hemorrhage, and a brain MRI showed acute hemorrhage and multiple old
      intracerebral hemorrhage. Therefore, intimal fibromuscular dysplasia of the right
      renal artery was diagnosed by computed tomography and confirmed after renal
      angiography. Her blood pressure was gradually normalized after medical therapy,
      including use of Losartan. She is presently asymptomatic on OPD follow-up. The
      importance of BP measurement can not be overemphasized in pediatric patients less
      than three years of age with underlying diseases. KEY WORDS: Conscious
      disturbance; Fibromuscular dysplasia; Renovascular hypertension.

PMID- 27122925
TI  - Accordion Stent Deformation upon Retrieval of a Side-Branch Protective Guidewire.
AB  - In this case we herein report a dangerous complication from primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention, where an unnoticed loop of the guidewire was inadvertently
      made around the stent during provisional stenting. Since the guidewire and the
      stent were entangled, efforts to retrieve the guidewire only exacerbated the
      problem by compressing the stent like an accordion. We review those factors that
      may have influenced stent compression in our case, as well as possible ways to
      avoid it from occurring in the future. KEY WORDS: Catheterization; Coronary
      stenosis; Embolism; Myocardial infarction; Percutaneous coronary intervention;
      Stents.

PMID- 27122926
TI  - Isolated Congenital Unilateral Agenesis of the Left Pulmonary Artery with Left
      Lung Hypoplasia in an Asymptomatic Adult Patient.
AB  - The congenital unilateral agenesis of pulmonary artery is a congenital
      cardiovascular anomaly rarely seen in adulthood. A 21-year-old asymptomatic male
      was admitted to our hospital to obtain a routine health report to accompany a job
      application. Posteroanterior chest radiograph revealed a mediastinal shift to the
      left, with increased radiopacity in the left lung and increased radiolucency in
      the right lung. Thoracoabdominal computed tomography revealed hypoplasia of the
      left pulmonary artery. Transthoracic echocardiography excluded any accompanying
      cardiac abnormalities. Pulmonary angiography was undertaken and confirmed diffuse
      hypoplasia of the left pulmonary artery while right pulmonary artery was
      significantly enlarged. The patient's pulmonary artery pressure was within the
      normal limits, after which he decided to be carefully followed-up. KEY WORDS:
      Cardiovascular anomaly; Hypoplasia; Pulmonary artery.

PMID- 27122928
TI  - Statin Dose and the Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Population-Based
      Longitudinal Study in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the last 15 years, there has been considerable interest in statin
      use as a means to reduce the likelihood of vascular events. Several clinical
      trials have shown that high-dose statin (HDS) treatment could reduce vascular
      events. In high-risk populations, lipid treatment guidelines have generally
      suggested prescribing statin up to the highest recommended dosage. However, there
      remains concern about the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with HDS
      treatment. METHODS: This was a national population-based cohort study from the
      National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan extending from July 2001 to
      December 2008. Patients with cerebrovascular or cardiovascular disease were
      enrolled. The HDS group was defined as those patients receiving more than 420 mg
      per year of atorvastatin or an equivalent potency statin. Moderate dose statin
      group (MDS) was defined as those patients receiving atorvastatin in amounts
      between 196-420 mg per year or an equivalent potency statin. Low dose statin
      (LDS) group was defined as those receiving less than 196 mg per year of
      atorvastatin or an equivalent statin. The primary endpoint is ICH. The secondary
      endpoints are myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke (IS) and new-onset DM
      (NDM). RESULTS: A total of 5459 patients were enrolled in our study, with study
      participant ages ranging from 62.91 +/- 11.85 years and a mean follow-up time of
      2039 +/- 6 days. After adjusting for age, gender, diabetes and hypertension, Cox
      regression analysis found ICH risk was lower in HDS and MDS groups compared with
      LDS (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.26-0.91, p = 0.0246 and HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24-0.86, p =
      0.0157). The risk of IS is lower in patients with HDS treatment (HR 0.68, 95% CI
      0.55-0.83, p < 0.01). However, the risk of MI and NDM incidence are not
      statistically significant between the different dose groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the
      real-world data provided by Taiwan's National Health Insurance research database,
      it was shown that patients who received a higher dose of statin had a reduced and
      not elevated risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. KEY WORDS: High-dose statin;
      Hyperlipidemia; Intracerebral hemorrhage; Ischemic stroke; New-onset DM.

PMID- 27122929
TI  - The Relation between the Timing of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and
      Outcomes in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome with Routine Invasive Strategy 
      Data from Taiwan Acute Coronary Syndrome Full Spectrum Data Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several large trials have indicated that a routine invasive strategy
      was favored for high-risk patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary
      syndromes. However, the optimal timing for this intervention is unclear. METHODS:
      We included patients with unstable angina or non-ST elevation myocardial
      infarction (NSTEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the
      Taiwan acute coronary syndrome registry. Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction
      (TIMI) score was used to stratify our patients into three groups: low (TIMI 0-2),
      intermediate (TIMI 3-4) and high risk (TIMI 5-7).We analyzed outcomes according
      to the timing of PCI. RESULTS: Overall, 984 patients were included in this study.
      For primary outcomes including cardiac death and recurrent myocardial infarction,
      early PCI within 24 hours did not show benefits over late PCI (24-72 or > 72
      hours) (p > 0.05) in the low and intermediate risk groups. However, in the high
      risk group, patients who underwent PCI after 72 hours had significantly worse
      primary outcomes than those who underwent PCI within 24-72 hours. For secondary
      outcomes including non-cardiac death, unplanned revascularization, and major
      bleeding, the events rate was significantly higher for early or delayed PCI in
      low-risk patients when compared with patients who underwent PCI within 24-72
      hours. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, for high-risk NSTE-ACS patients, PCI within 24
      72 hours from symptom onset is demonstrably the optimum time for PCI. Delayed PCI
      over 72 hours is associated with the worst outcomes and should be avoided. For
      patients with low risks, routine early PCI < 24 hours after PCI is not
      beneficial. KEY WORDS: Acute coronary syndrome; Early invasive strategy.

PMID- 27122930
TI  - The Current Status of Performing Left Ventriculography in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventriculography (LVG) is a gold standard examination of left
      ventricular function, although it also involves a small but significant risk of
      complications. However, it was recently reported to be overused in the USA in
      comparison to an alternative imaging modality. In this study, our aim was to
      analyze the real-world use of LVG in Taiwan. METHODS: This cohort study analyzed
      the data in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Bureau database for patients
      undergoing coronary angiography from 1996-2008. The most recent imaging
      modalities were used to evaluate left ventricular function including
      echocardiography and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) within 30
      day. The primary outcome was the concomitant use of LVG during coronary
      angiography. RESULTS: Of 8653 patients who underwent coronary angiography, LVG
      was performed on 4634 (53.6%) of those study participants. The frequency of LVG
      use was lower in the groups indicating left ventricular function evaluation,
      including acute myocardial infarction, heart failure and shock (49.5 vs. 57.1%, p
      < 0.001). In the population that had undergone a recent left ventricular
      assessment, the use of LVG was lower (52.2% vs. 54.7%, p = 0.03). Multivariate
      analysis found that 30-day imaging tests are not a predictor for use of LVG.
      CONCLUSIONS: In Taiwan, about one half of those patients whose data we reviewed
      actually received coronary angiography and LVG at the same time. Ultimately, we
      found that there was no overuse of LVG in those patients with recent alternative
      imaging modality performed. KEY WORDS: Angiography; Coronary; Ventriculography.

PMID- 27122931
TI  - Heart Failure Functional Class Associated with Depression Severity But Not
      Anxiety Severity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are common in heart failure (HF) patients and
      associated with adverse clinical outcomes. However, there are little or no
      published data that focuses on the relationship between these commonly observed
      situations and HF classes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship
      between these psychiatric co-morbidities and HF symptom classes. As a second
      objective of our study, the associations between patient characteristics and
      depression severity were also assessed. METHODS: Our study enrolled a total of
      420 HF study participants. The severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms was
      evaluated by Beck's depression and anxiety. The measured total scores were used
      to grade depression severity and anxiety as minimal/mild and moderate/severe.
      RESULTS: According to NYHA Functional Classification, 228 patients (51%) had
      class I symptoms, 101 (23%) had class II symptoms, 31 (7%) had class III
      symptoms, and class IV symptoms were noted in the remaining 60 patients (19%).
      The mean Beck's depression and anxiety scores were 12.4 +/- 11.1 and 13.4 +/-
      9.0, respectively. While no association between HF symptom classes and anxiety
      severity was observed, a significant positive relation between HF symptom class
      and depression score was found. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggested
      that HF symptom class was positively associated with severity of depression. On
      the other hand, there was no association between HF symptom class and anxiety
      score in a wide population of heart failure patients. KEY WORDS: Anxiety;
      Depression; Heart failure.

PMID- 27122932
TI  - Psychiatric Comorbidity and Psychosocial Factors Matter in Heart Failure.
AB  - Comment on "Heart failure functional class associated with depression severity
      but not anxiety severity" by Celik E. et al. Acta Cardiologica Sinica 2016;32:55
      61. 

PMID- 27122927
TI  - Management of Venous Thromboembolisms: Part I. The Consensus for Deep Vein
      Thrombosis.
AB  - Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially catastrophic condition because
      thrombosis, left untreated, can result in detrimental pulmonary embolism. Yet in
      the absence of thrombosis, anticoagulation increases the risk of bleeding. In the
      existing literature, knowledge about the epidemiology of DVT is primarily based
      on investigations among Caucasian populations. There has been little information
      available about the epidemiology of DVT in Taiwan, and it is generally believed
      that DVT is less common in Asian patients than in Caucasian patients. However,
      DVT is a multifactorial disease that represents the interaction between genetic
      and environmental factors, and the majority of patients with incident DVT have
      either inherited thrombophilia or acquired risk factors. Furthermore, DVT is
      often overlooked. Although symptomatic DVT commonly presents with lower extremity
      pain, swelling and tenderness, diagnosing DVT is a clinical challenge for
      physicians. Such a diagnosis of DVT requires a timely systematic assessment,
      including the use of the Wells score and a D-dimer test to exclude low-risk
      patients, and imaging modalities to confirm DVT. Compression ultrasound with high
      sensitivity and specificity is the front-line imaging modality in the diagnostic
      process for patients with suspected DVT in addition to conventional invasive
      contrast venography. Most patients require anticoagulation therapy, which
      typically consists of parenteral heparin bridged to a vitamin K antagonist, with
      variable duration. The development of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants has
      revolutionized the landscape of venous thromboembolism treatment, with 4 agents
      available,including rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, and edoxaban. Presently,
      all 4 drugs have finished their large phase III clinical trial programs and come
      to the clinical uses in North America and Europe. It is encouraging to note that
      the published data to date regarding Asian patients indicates that such new
      therapies are safe and efficacious. Ultimately, our efforts to improve outcomes
      in patients with DVT rely on the awareness in the scientific and medical
      community regarding the importance of DVT. KEY WORDS: Combination therapy;
      Hypertension; alpha1-blocker.

PMID- 27122933
TI  - Half-Logistic Function Model for First Half of Descending Phase of Cardiomyocyte
      Cytoplasmic Ca(2+) Concentration ([Ca(2+)]i)-Time Curve (CaTCIII) in Isolated
      Aequorin-Injected Mouse Left Ventricular Papillary Muscle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myocardial contraction and relaxation are regulated by increases and
      decreases in cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i). In previous studies,
      we found that a half-logistic (h-L) function, which represents a half-curve of a
      symmetrical sigmoid logistic function with a boundary at the inflection point,
      curve-fits the first half of the ascending phase and the second half of the
      descending phase of the [Ca(2+)]i transient curve better than a mono-exponential
      (m-E) function. In the present study, we investigated the potential application
      of an h-L function to analyse the first half of the descending phase of CaTC
      (CaTCIII). METHODS: The [Ca(2+)]i was measured using the Ca(2+)-sensitive
      aequorin, which was microinjected into 15 isolated mouse left ventricular (LV)
      papillary muscles. The observed CaTCIII data in the interval from the point
      corresponding to the peak [Ca(2+)]i to the point corresponding to dCa/dtmin was
      curve-fitted using the h-L and m-E function equations by the least-squares
      method. RESULTS: The mean correlation coefficient (r) values of the h-L and m-E
      function best curve-fits for 11 CaTCIIIs were 0.9986 and 0.9982, respectively.
      The Z transformation of h-L r (3.64 +/- 0.45) was larger than that of m-E r (3.50
      +/- 0.33) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The h-L function can evaluate most CaTCIIIs
      more accurately than the m-E function in isolated aequorin-injected mouse LV
      papillary muscle. The three calculated h-L parameters i.e., amplitude constant,
      time constant, and non-zero asymptote, are more reliable indices than m-E for
      evaluating the magnitude and time course of the change in the decrease in
      [Ca(2+)]i. KEY WORDS: Ca(2+) transient; Half-logistic amplitude constant; Half
      logistic non-zero asymptote; Half-logistic time constant; Myocardial Ca(2+)
      handling.

PMID- 27122934
TI  - Serum Paraoxonase Levels are Correlated with Impaired Aortic Functions in
      Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The correlation between aortic functions and paraoxonase levels has
      been previously demonstrated by several earlier studies. In this study, we aimed
      to investigate the correlation between serum paraoxonase levels and aortic
      functions among patients with chronic kidney disease. METHODS: Our study enrolled
      46 chronic kidney disease patients and 45 healthy controls. From these patients,
      serum cholesterol, creatinine, hemoglobin, and paraoxonase-1 levels were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Paraoxonase-1 levels were significantly lower in patients with
      chronic kidney disease compared to the controls (p < 0.001). Additionally, the
      extent of aortic stiffness index (%) was significantly higher in chronic kidney
      disease patients, but aortic strain and aortic distensibility were significantly
      higher in healthy controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively).
      We further found that paraoxonase-1 levels were correlated with aortic stiffness
      index, aortic strain, and aortic distensibility (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p <
      0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that serum paraoxonase
      1 levels were significantly correlated with impaired aortic functions. The
      results of this study highlight the impact of serum paraoxonase-1 activity on
      atherosclerosis and cardiovascular adverse events. KEY WORDS: Aortic functions;
      Atherosclerosis; Chronic kidney disease; Echocardiography; Paraoxonase.

PMID- 27122935
TI  - Total Flavonoids of Astragalus Plays a Cardioprotective Role in Viral
      Myocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Viral myocarditis is initiated by viral infection of myocardial
      tissue leading to dilated cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. Recent
      studies have linked viral myocarditis with dysfunctions in endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) mediated Ca(2+) homeostasis and the unfolded protein response (UPR).
      Currently there are no effective treatments for this viral infection. METHODS: We
      employed the use of a well-characterized pathogen coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) to
      induce mouse viral myocarditis. After intraperitoneal administration of total
      flavonoids of Astragalus (TFA), we examined the protective effect of TFA on CVB3
      induced heart function impairment and decreased calumenin mRNA levels.
      Furthermore, calumenin protein level was studied in vivo and in vitro with CVB3
      infection in the presence or absence of TFA. The interaction between calumenin
      and the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase 2 (SERCA2) was also tested in
      HL-1 cells. RESULTS: Whereas customarily we would expect that CVB3 infection
      would decrease mRNA and protein levels of the Ca(2+) binding ER chaperone
      calumenin, here TFA treatment prevented this decline in both CVB3 infected mice
      and in an in vitro system of infected HL-1 cardiomyocytes. CVB3 infection in HL-1
      cells prevented the association of calumenin with the calcium mobilizing protein
      SERCA2, and TFA treatment rescued this interaction. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      identified that CVB3 infection promotes cardiomyocyte dysfunction by effecting
      expression levels and activity of the cardio protective ER chaperone calumenin.
      For the first time, TFA was shown to prevent loss of mRNA and protein levels of
      calumenin and also rescued the association of this protein with SERCA2. KEY
      WORDS: Calumenin; Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase; Total flavonoids of
      Astragalus; Viral myocarditis.

PMID- 27122936
TI  - Acute Beta Blockade at Peak Stress: Will It Alter the Sensitivity of Dobutamine
      Stress Echocardiography in Patients with Normal Resting Wall Motion?
AB  - BACKGROUND: We compared the accuracy of recovery phase images following
      administration of intravenous propranolol with peak stress images, for detection
      of coronary artery disease in patients with no resting wall motion abnormalities
      undergoing dobutamine stress echocardiography. METHODS: We enrolled 100
      consecutive patients with no resting wall motion abnormalities who underwent
      dobutamine stress echocardiography. Propranolol was injected after termination of
      dobutamine infusion. Positive peak stress images were defined as the induction of
      wall motion abnormalities at any stage before propranolol injection. Positive
      recovery phase images were defined as maintenance or worsening of wall motion
      abnormalities induced at peak stress, or the appearance of new wall motion
      abnormalities during recovery phase. Significant coronary stenosis was defined as
      >= 50% obstruction of >= 1 sizable artery by coronary angiography. RESULTS:
      Seventy-two patients (72%) had significant coronary artery disease. Analysis of
      peak stress images revealed sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative
      predictive values of 80.6%, 85.7%, 93.5%, and 63.2%; the overall accuracy was
      82%. Analysis of the recovery phase images revealed sensitivity, specificity,
      positive and negative predictive values of 91.7%, 75%, 90.4%, and 77.8%; here,
      the overall accuracy was 87%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with no resting wall
      motion abnormalities, acute beta blockade during dobutamine stress
      echocardiography improved the sensitivity of recovery phase images for detection
      of significant coronary artery disease versus peak stress images, but with
      reduced specificity. KEY WORDS: Accuracy; Beta blocker; Coronary artery disease;
      Dobutamine stress echocardiography; Recovery phase images.

PMID- 27122937
TI  - Early Percutaneous Heparin-Free Veno-Venous Extra Corporeal Life Support (ECLS)
      is a Safe and Effective Means of Salvaging Hypoxemic Patients with Complicated
      Chest Trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety
      of heparin-free veno-venous extracorporeal life support (VV ECLS) as a means of
      salvaging polytrauma patients with life-threatening hypoxemia. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective observational study on 7 consecutive trauma patients who underwent
      VV ECLS for severe chest trauma unresponsive to conventional measures. RESULTS:
      The median time to ECLS was within 10 hrs (IQR 2-53) of mechanical ventilation.
      Surgical interventions were performed before and during ECLS based on management
      priorities consistent with advanced trauma life support guidelines. No heparin
      was used for at least 4 days in this group with activated coagulation time (ACT)
      approximating 170 seconds by the 3(rd) and 4(th) day. There were no
      thromboembolic complications. Four patients were successfully discharged and
      three of these survivors had concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI) without
      neurologic sequel. CONCLUSIONS: Early VV ECLS can be used for salvage of patients
      with traumatic lung injury. Acute trauma care can be continued as needed under
      heparin-free ECLS without the fear of thromboembolic complications. KEY WORDS:
      Adult respiratory distress syndrome; Extracorporeal life support; Multiple
      trauma; Thoracic injury; Traumatic brain injury.

PMID- 27122938
TI  - Areca Nut Chewing Complicated with Non-Obstructive and Obstructive ST Elevation
      Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - Areca nut chewing is one of the most prevalent substance abuse habits in the
      world, and it is associated with the risk of a variety of medical challenges
      including hypertension, arrhythmia, and coronary artery disease (CAD). However,
      ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is an extremely rare complication of
      areca nut chewing. Herein we report two cases where patients suffered from STEMI
      after areca nut chewing. The first case involved a patient with non-obstructive
      CAD and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia during hospitalization. The second
      case revealed left circumflex artery total occlusion, and primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention was performed. Initially, the levels of arecoline and
      arecaidine plasma were checked in these two cases after admission. Although both
      cases revealed increased levels, the second case showed substantially higher
      values than the first case. In general, these two cases remind physicians that
      areca nut chewing may cause myocardial injury with different severity, although
      STEMI with true coronary obstruction remains an extremely rare but possible
      complication after areca nut chewing. KEY WORDS: Areca nut chewing; Coronary
      obstruction; ST elevation myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27122939
TI  - Huge Left Atrial Pseudoaneurysm in a 5-Month-Old Baby Presented with
      Supraventricular Tachycardia.
AB  - Cardiac pseudoaneurysm is an extremely rare condition in children. It can be
      congenital or acquired and has been primarily described in the left side of the
      heart. The congenital form of pseudoaneurysm is thought to be related to muscular
      dysplasia of the muscular layer of the heart. The acquired form is related to
      myocardial infarction, infective endocarditis or chest trauma. In this report we
      described a 5-month-old baby with left atrial pseudoaneurysm who was referred to
      our hospital due to tachycardia and hemodynamic instability. After diagnosis of
      left atrial pseudoaneurysm, aneurysmectomy was performed and the left atrial wall
      was successfully repaired by surgery three days after admission. In conclusion,
      due to life threatening complications such as dissection, arrhythmias,
      compression of aneurysm and tromboembolic complications, pseudoaneurysm should be
      treated by surgery. KEY WORDS: Chest trauma; Left atrial pseudoaneurysm;
      Supraventricular arrhythmias.

PMID- 27122940
TI  - Carcinoid Heart Disease in a Primary Ovarian Carcinoid.
AB  - Ovarian carcinoids are very rare, and only their insular form is associated with
      carcinoid syndrome. We herein describe a case report of an elderly woman who
      presented with typical carcinoid syndrome, which is routinely characterized by
      right-sided heart failure, diarrhoea, flushes, and other common manifestations.
      Further examination and biochemical testing of the patient confirmed suspected
      carcinoid tumor. However, the tumor was surprisingly localized in the left ovary.
      The presence of the patient's severe combined tricuspid valve disease would
      create impossible surgical management conditions, so we decided to first perform
      cardio-surgery with tricuspid valve replacement. After tumor removal, levels of
      hydroxyindolacetic acid did not normalize and although the patient was
      asymptomatic, a small lesion was detected by tectrotyd scan paravertebrally.
      Treatment with lanreotide led to complete remission with negative biochemical and
      imaging signs of tumor. Thus, to summarize, carcinoid tumor even in an atypical
      localization (ovary) should be considered in elderly female patients with severe
      combined tricuspid valve disease due to carcinoid syndrome. KEY WORDS: Carcinoid
      syndrome; Ovarian carcinoid; Tricuspid valve.

PMID- 27122941
TI  - Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistula with Pulmonary Hypertension - To Close or Not to
      Close?
AB  - A 37-year-old female presented to our facility suffering from exertional dyspnea
      for 2-3 months. Her chest x-ray showed a nodular shadow in the right lower lung,
      and chest CT revealed a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF). Subsequent
      echocardiographic examination detected no intra-cardiac shunt but did indicate
      pulmonary hypertension as evidenced by a tricuspid regurgitation flow velocity of
      4.17 M/sec. Contrast echocardiography with antecubital vein injection of agitated
      normal saline demonstrated visualization of the left heart chambers compatible
      with PAVF. At cardiac catheterization, pulmonary arterial pressure was 59/26
      mmHg, mean 34 mmHg. Because there was no intra-cardiac communication detected,
      primary pulmonary hypertension was tentatively diagnosed. Pulmonary angiography
      demonstrated a PAVF arising from the lower right pulmonary artery, forming a
      secular structure on its course in draining into the left atrium through a long
      pulmonary vein. In this particular anomaly, a concurrence of PAVF with pulmonary
      hypertension, we judged that the PAVF might serve as a safety valve for pulmonary
      hypertension and should not be closed. We therefore left the PAVF untreated and
      thereafter provided medical management for this patient. The concomitant presence
      of PAVF and pulmonary hypertension is a rare clinical condition. The ultimate
      treatment strategy for this uncommon condition should be carefully considered.
      KEY WORDS: Computed tomography; Contrast echocardiography; Pulmonary angiography;
      Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula; Pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 27122942
TI  - Renal Function Should be Considered in Determining Superiority of Drug-Eluting
      Stents over Bare-Metal Stents in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

PMID- 27122943
TI  - Author Reply to Letter to the Editor: Drug-Eluting Stents versus Bare-Metal
      Stents in Taiwanese Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: An Outcome Report of a
      Multicenter Registry.

PMID- 27122944
TI  - Introduction to Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance: Technical Principles and
      Clinical Applications.
AB  - Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is a set of magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) techniques designed to assess cardiovascular morphology, ventricular
      function, myocardial perfusion, tissue characterization, flow quantification and
      coronary artery disease. Since MRI is a non-invasive tool and free of radiation,
      it is suitable for longitudinal monitoring of treatment effect and follow-up of
      disease progress. Compared to MRI of other body parts, CMR faces specific
      challenges from cardiac and respiratory motion. Therefore, CMR requires
      synchronous cardiac and respiratory gating or breath-holding techniques to
      overcome motion artifacts. This article will review the basic principles of MRI
      and introduce the CMR techniques that can be optimized for enhanced clinical
      assessment. KEY WORDS: Cardiovascular MR * Coronary arteries * Flow
      quantification * Myocardial fibrosis * Myocardial perfusion * Myocardial scarring
      * Regional wall motion * Ventricular function.

PMID- 27122945
TI  - The Incremental Diagnostic Performance of Coronary Computed Tomography
      Angiography Added to Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Patients with Intermediate
      to-High Cardiovascular Risk.
AB  - PURPOSE: Several studies have suggested that a combined approach of stress
      myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and coronary computed tomography angiography
      (CCTA) can provide diagnostic results with excellent accuracy. We aimed to
      explore whether the addition of CCTA to stress MPI provides incremental
      diagnostic value in intermediate-to-high cardiovascular risk patients. METHODS: A
      total of 106 consecutive patients (93 male, 65 +/- 10.4 years) underwent coronary
      artery calcium scoring (CACS), CCTA and (201)Thallium stress MPI before coronary
      angiography was reviewed. Thirty-seven patients (34.9%) had a history of proven
      coronary artery disease (CAD) or revascularization procedures, and four had
      documented non-significant CAD (3.8%). The remaining patients consisted of 17
      (16.0%) classified as intermediate, and 48 (45.3%) as the high-risk groups.
      RESULTS: Obstructive CAD was diagnosed by invasive coronary angiography in 88
      patients with 161 vessels. The sensitivity and specificity in a patient-based
      analysis for obstructive CAD were 99% and 17% for CCTA, 80% and 50% for MPI and
      91% and 67% for the combined method, respectively. The per-vessel diagnostic
      sensitivity and specificity were 95% and 54% for CCTA, 59% and 75% for MPI and
      84% and 76% for the combined method. There were significant differences (p <
      0.05) when comparing the combined method with MPI or CCTA by areas under the
      curve in a patient- or vessel-based analysis. However, CACS of 400 or more could
      not further stratify the patients with obstructive CAD. CONCLUSIONS: CCTA, not
      CACS, provided additional diagnostic values to stress MPI in patients with
      intermediate-to-high cardiovascular risk. KEY WORDS: Coronary artery disease
      (CAD) * Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) * Myocardial perfusion
      imaging (MPI) * Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

PMID- 27122947
TI  - The Emerging Roles of Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography: Acute Chest Pain
      Evaluation and Screening for Asymptomatic Individuals.
AB  - Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has been widely available since
      2004. After that, the diagnostic accuracy of CCTA has been extensively validated
      with invasive coronary angiography for detection of coronary arterial stenosis.
      In this paper, we reviewed the updated evidence of the role of CCTA in both
      scenarios including acute chest pain and screening in asymptomatic adults.
      Several large-scale studies have been conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value
      of CCTA in the context of acute chest pain patients. CCTA could play a role in
      delivering more efficient care. For risk stratification of asymptomatic patients
      using CCTA, latest studies have revealed incremental benefits. Future studies
      evaluating the totality of plaque characteristics may be useful for determining
      the role of noncalcified plaque for risk stratification in asymptomatic
      individuals. KEY WORDS: Acute chest pain * Computed tomography * Coronary artery
      disease * Health screening * Stable angina.

PMID- 27122946
TI  - New Trends in Radionuclide Myocardial Perfusion Imaging.
AB  - Radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with single photon emission
      computed tomography (SPECT) has been widely used clinically as one of the major
      functional imaging modalities for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) for
      decades. Ample evidence has supported the use of MPI as a useful and important
      tool in the diagnosis, risk stratification and treatment planning for CAD.
      Although popular in the United States, MPI has become the most frequently used
      imaging modality among all nuclear medicine tests in Taiwan. However, it should
      be acknowledged that MPI SPECT does have its limitations. These include false
      positive results due to certain artifacts, false-negative due to balanced
      ischemia, complexity and adverse reaction arising from current pharmacological
      stressors, time consuming nature of the imaging procedure, no blood flow
      quantitation and relatively high radiation exposure. The purpose of this article
      was to review the recent trends in nuclear cardiology, including the utilization
      of positron emission tomography (PET) for MPI, new stressor, new SPECT camera
      with higher resolution and higher sensitivity, dynamic SPECT protocol for blood
      flow quantitation, new software of phase analysis for evaluation of LV
      dyssynchrony, and measures utilized for reducing radiation exposure of MPI. KEY
      WORDS: Coronary artery disease * Myocardial flow reserve * Myocardial perfusion
      imaging * Phase analysis * PET * SPECT.

PMID- 27122948
TI  - Intrinsic Cardiac Autonomic Ganglionated Plexi within Epicardial Fats Modulate
      the Atrial Substrate Remodeling: Experiences with Atrial Fibrillation Patients
      Receiving Catheter Ablation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A recent study reported the close relationship between high dominant
      frequent (DF) sites [atrial fibrillation (AF) nest] and the intrinsic cardiac
      autonomic nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      correlation between the regional distribution of epicardial fat and the
      properties of the biatrial substrates in AF patients. METHODS: We studied 32
      patients with paroxysmal (n = 23) and persistent (n = 9) AF. The epicardial fat
      volume around the left atrium (LA) was evaluated using 64-slice multidetector
      computed tomography and the topographic distribution of the fat volume was
      assessed. The biatrial DFs, voltages, and total activation times (TATs) were
      obtained during sinus rhythm. RESULTS: Out of the 8 divided LA regions, a
      significant linear correlation existed between the LA fat and mean DF values in
      the right upper anterior LA, left upper anterior LA, right lower anterior LA,
      right upper posterior LA, left upper posterior LA, and left lower posterior LA.
      There was no significant correlation between the regional LA fat distribution and
      regional LA peak-to-peak bipolar voltage and TAT. During a mean follow-up of 17
      +/- 8 months, 22 of the 32 (69%) patients were free of AF. In the multivariate
      analysis, only the mean LA DF was found to be a significant predictor of
      recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: There was a close association between the regional
      distribution of the LA epicardial fat and the atrial substrate manifesting high
      frequency during sinus rhythm (AF nest). Those nests were related to ablation
      outcome. Hence, epicardial fat may play a significant role in atrial substrate
      remodeling and thereby in the pathogenesis and maintenance of AF. KEY WORDS:
      Atrial fibrillation * Dominant frequency * Epicardial fat * Nest * Recurrence.

PMID- 27122949
TI  - Renal Dysfunction on Admission Predicts No-Reflow Phenomenon in Patients
      Undergoing Manual Thrombus Aspiration during Primary Percutaneous Coronary
      Intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No-reflow is a frequent complication during percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) for acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
      Available data is limited regarding its impact on short-term outcomes in patients
      undergoing manual thrombus aspiration. Renal impairment is also associated with
      higher complication rates in STEMI. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the impact of
      baseline renal dysfunction on the no- reflow phenomenon and the association of no
      reflow phenomenon with early clinical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 94
      consecutive STEMI patients who underwent primary stent-based PCI and thrombus
      aspiration were enrolled. No-reflow was established by the use of angiographic
      and electrocardiographic reperfusion criteria, respectively. Additionally
      angiographic and clinical follow-up data were also recorded. RESULTS: In our
      study, the no-reflow phenomenon was observed in 10 patients (11%)
      angiographically and in 23 patients (24%) electrocardiographically. Whereas, the
      the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) [odds ratio (OR) 10.4],
      hypertension (OR 6.2), previous MI (OR 6.5), previous PCI history, (OR 4.2),
      predilatation (OR 7.2), final balloon pressure (OR 0.9) were found to be the
      significant predictors of angiographic no-reflow, only reperfusion time was the
      predictor of electrocardiographic no-reflow (OR 1.12) at univariate analysis.
      After adjustment, lower eGFR (OR 14.8) was found to be the independent predictor
      for angiographic no-reflow. In-hospital mortality was more common in patients
      with either no-reflow condition separately. CONCLUSIONS: Longer ischemic time and
      lower initial eGFR values were associated with no-reflow phenomenon. Irrespective
      of poor reperfusion criteria, no-reflow phenomenon is associated with in-hospital
      outcome. Future efforts should be made to reduce the incidence of no-reflow
      especially in patients with lower initial eGFR values. KEY WORDS: Acute
      myocardial infarction * Glomerular filtration rate * No-reflow phenomenon *
      Primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 27122950
TI  - Impact of Admission Glucose on Non-Diabetic Patients with ST-Segment Elevation
      Myocardial Infarction Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impaired admission glucose (AG) is thought to significantly increase
      the risk of both early and late death with ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI), especially for non-diabetic patients. However, several
      earlier studies contradict these relationships. Through our meta-analysis, we
      aimed to evaluate such a relation between impaired AG, the risk of death and
      STEMI. METHODS: We accessed PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane
      Library and systematically searched their databases to identify all related
      prospective cohort studies. The relative risks (RRs) with their 95% confidence
      interval (CI) were pooled quantitatively. RESULTS: The pooled, unadjusted
      relative risks of early outcome events indicated that patients who had glucose
      concentrations >= the range of 6.1-11.1 mmol/L, had a 4.38-fold (95% CI, 3.23
      5.94) higher early mortality. For late outcome events, the pooled unadjusted RR
      indicated patients who had glucose concentrations >= the range 7.8-11.1 mmol/L,
      and had a 2.69-fold (95% CI, 2.16-3.34) higher late mortality based on full
      participants, whereas patients had a 1.65-fold (95% CI, 1.33-2.04) higher late
      mortality based on based on in-hospital or 30-day survivors. CONCLUSIONS: In
      conclusion, the present meta-analysis demonstrated that impaired admission
      glucose may be an effective prognostic marker for significantly increased risk of
      early death. Regarding the long-term outcomes based on full population or early
      survival, high admission glucose also has a distinct but poorer prognostic impact
      on long-term mortality than early mortality. KEY WORDS: Admission glucose * Meta
      analysis * Myocardial infarction * Non-diabetic.

PMID- 27122951
TI  - Prognostic Factors for Neurologic Outcome in Patients with Carotid Artery
      Stenting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a valid treatment for patients with
      carotid artery stenosis. The long-term outcome and prognostic factors in Asian
      population after CAS are not clear. This study aimed to identify the prognostic
      factors among Asian patients who have undergone CAS. METHODS: We retrospectively
      analyzed 246 patients with CAS. Annual carotid duplex ultrasound was used to
      identify restenosis. Peri-procedural complications, restenosis, neurologic
      outcomes, and mortality were recorded. Cox regression analyses were used to
      identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 49.2 months.
      Procedural success was achieved in 237 patients (98.3%), and protection devices
      were used in 208 patients (84.5%). Within 30 days of CAS, 13 (4.3% per procedure)
      peri-procedural complications occurred. During the follow-up period, 24 (9.7%)
      patients developed restenosis, and 37 (15.0%) developed ischemic strokes. In a
      multiple logistic regression analysis, head and neck radiotherapy [hazard ratio
      (HR) = 9.9, 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.38-29.1, p < .001], stent diameter
      (HR = 0.72, 95% CI, 0.58-0.89, p = .003), and predilatation (HR = 3.08 95% CI,
      1.21-7.81, p = .018) were independent predictors for restenosis. In Cox
      regression analysis, hypercholesterolemia (HR = 0.25, 95% CI, 0.07-0.94, p =
      .04), head and neck radiotherapy (HR = 6.2, 95% CI, 1.8-21.3, p = .004), and
      restenosis (HR = 3.6, 95% CI, 1.1-11.18, p = .04) were predictors for recurrent
      ipsilateral ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: CAS provides reliable long-term results
      in Asian patients with carotid stenosis. Restenosis is associated with an
      increased rate of recurrent stroke and should be monitored carefully following
      CAS. KEY WORDS: Carotid artery disease * Prognosis * Cerebrovascular disease.

PMID- 27122952
TI  - Non-Carriers of Reduced-Function CYP2C19 Alleles are Most Susceptible to
      Impairment of the Anti-Platelet Effect of Clopidogrel by Proton-Pump Inhibitors:
      A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The phenomenon of CYP2C19 polymorphism affects the metabolism of both
      clopidogrel and proton-pump inhibitors (PPI). However, concomitant use of both
      drugs may reduce the desired therapeutic effects. In this study, we evaluated
      whether individuals with different numbers of reduced-function CYP2C19 alleles
      were equally affected and whether PPIs with different dependencies on CYP2C19
      metabolism were equally involved. METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers were
      recruited to a six-week regimen of clopidogrel. Three PPIs with different
      metabolic dependencies on CYP2C19 were included and separately administered in
      this order. Each PPI was given for a week, followed by a one-week washout period
      before the intervention of the next PPI. The anti-platelet effect was examined by
      Thromboelastography Platelet Mapping(TM) (TEG(r)) and vasodilator-stimulated
      phosphoprotein (VASP) assays. RESULTS: Both TEG(r) and VASP tests showed the same
      general qualitative trend, but TEG(r) detected a statistically significant
      fluctuation of platelet aggregation in response to different drug interventions.
      The TEG(r) results also demonstrated that non-carriers experienced the most
      significant impairment of anti-platelet effect of clopidogrel after concomitant
      use of PPIs. This impairment was closely related to the metabolic dependence on
      CYP2C19 of PPI. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that non-carriers of reduced
      function CYP2C19 alleles are most susceptible to impairment of the anti-platelet
      effect of clopidogrel after concomitant PPI use. Individual subjects are not
      equally affected, and PPIs are not equally involved. However, large-scale
      randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the clinical outcome. KEY
      WORDS: Clopidogrel * CYP2C19 polymorphism * Platelet aggregation * Proton pump
      inhibitors * TEG * VASP.

PMID- 27122953
TI  - The Prognostic Role of QTc Interval in Acute Myocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium.
      Although a fulminant course of the disease is difficult to predict, it may lead
      to acute heart failure and death. Previous studies have demonstrated that reduced
      left ventricular systolic function and prolonged QRS duration can predict the
      fulminant course of acute myocarditis. This study aimed to identify whether
      prolonged QTc interval could also be predictive of fulminant disease in this
      population. METHODS: We retrospectively included 40 patients diagnosed with acute
      myocarditis who were admitted to our hospital between 2002 and 2013. They were
      divided into the fulminant group (n = 9) and the non-fulminant group (n = 31).
      Clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, electrocardiographic, and
      echocardiographic parameters were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression
      analysis was used to identify the independent factors predictive of fulminant
      disease. RESULTS: Patients with fulminant myocarditis had a higher mortality rate
      than those with non-fulminant disease (55.6% vs. 0%, p < 0.001). Multivariate
      analysis revealed that wider QRS durations (133.22 +/- 45.85 ms vs. 92.81 +/-
      15.56 ms, p = 0.030) and longer QTc intervals (482.78 +/- 69.76 ms vs. 412.00 +/-
      33.31 ms, p = 0.016) were significant predictors associated with a fulminant
      course of myocarditis. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged QRS duration and QTc interval, upon
      patient admission, may be associated with an increased risk of fulminant disease
      and increased in-hospital mortality. Therefore, early recognition of fulminant
      myocarditis and early mechanical support could provide improved patient outcomes.
      KEY WORDS: Fulminant myocarditis * Predictors * QRS complex * QTc interval.

PMID- 27122954
TI  - The Association between Serum Ferritin Level, Tissue Doppler Echocardiography,
      Cardiac T2* MRI, and Heart Rate Recovery in Patients with Beta Thalassemia Major.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is generally well-understood that iron-mediated cardiomyopathy is
      the major complication that can arise from beta thalassemia major (TM).
      Therefore, early diagnosis, risk stratification, and the effective treatment of
      beta TM patients are clinically important to optimize long-term positive
      outcomes. METHODS: This study included 57 beta TM patients with a mean age of 25
      +/- 7 years. We determined the serum ferritin level, echocardiography, heart rate
      recovery (HRR), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T2* in all patients. CMR T2*
      findings were categorized as normal myocardium (T2* > 20 ms), and myocardial
      involvement (T2* <= 20 ms). HRR values at 1-5 min (HRR1-5) were recorded;
      Subsequently. HRR was calculated by subtracting the heart rate at each time point
      from the heart rate at peak exercise. RESULTS: There was a significant negative
      correlation between the serum ferritin level and the cardiac T2* MRI findings (r
      = -0.34, p = 0.009). A similar result was found in the negative correlation
      between serum ferritin and all heart rate recovery values. There was a
      significant positive correlation between HRR1, HRR2, and HRR3 values, and CMR T2*
      (T2* heart rate recovery (HRR)1: r = 0.51, p < 0.001; T2* HRR2: r = 0.48, p <
      0.001; T2* HRR3: r = 0.47, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The serum
      ferritin level and echocardiography can be used to predict the presence of
      myocardial iron load in beta TM patients. Therefore, HRR can be used to screen
      beta TM patients, and the clinical use of HRR can be a predictive marker for
      autonomic dysfunction in beta TM patients. KEY WORDS: Beta thalassemia major *
      Cardiac magnetic resonance T2* * Heart rate recovery * Iron overload * Serum
      ferritin level * Tissue Doppler imaging.

PMID- 27122955
TI  - Heart Attack Causes Head-Ache - Cardiac Cephalalgia.
AB  - Chest pain is the typical symptom of myocardial infarction (MI), and there are
      many atypical manifestations such as stomachache or dyspnea. Headache is a rare
      presentation of MI, which has specifically been termed "cardiac cephalalgia" or
      "cardiac cephalgia". In this article, we have reported a case of sudden onset
      headache and neck pain, of whom MI was confirmed by electrocardiography, cardiac
      markers, and coronary angiogram. The patient's headache subsided dramatically
      after coronary angioplasty, and it had not recurred in the following one year.
      Additionally, diagnostic clues and possible mechanisms of cardiac cephalalgia are
      discussed as well. KEY WORDS: Headache * Cardiac cephalgia * Cardiac cephalalgia
      * Myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27122956
TI  - Regorafenib-Related Myocardial Injury during Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - Multikinase inhibitors with an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor effect
      have been reported to increase the risk of myocardial infarction or ischemia. We
      have presented the case of a 72-year-old male who had a metastatic
      gastrointestinal stromal tumor for which he received targeted therapy and who was
      admitted to our hospital for recurrent episodes of myocardial injury during
      atrial fibrillation. Coronary angiography showed insignificant coronary artery
      stenosis. We also reviewed the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients
      receiving regorafenib, and the current understanding of the mechanism of targeted
      therapy-induced myocardial ischemia/infarction. KEY WORDS: Multikinase inhibitor
      * Myocardial infarction * Myocardial ischemia * Vascular endothelial growth
      factor.

PMID- 27122957
TI  - A Rare Cause of Pulmonary Embolism and Seizure in a Young Man: Antiphospholipid
      Syndrome.
AB  - Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a complication of underlying vascular thrombosis. The
      causes of PE are multi-factorial, and patients with PE present with various
      symptoms. We herein have presented the case of a 21-year-old man who initially
      developed palpitation, dyspnea, and seizure. Computed tomography of the chest
      ultimately indicated PE, and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was diagnosed with
      clinical thrombosis events and series presence of antiphospholipid antibodies.
      APS commonly causes vascular thrombosis within the vascular tree; however,
      nonthrombotic manifestations, such as seizure, may also occur. Clinicians should
      be aware of such non-thrombotic manifestations of APS to avoid misdiagnosis and
      inappropriate management. KEY WORDS: Antiphospholipid syndrome * Pulmonary
      embolism * Seizure.

PMID- 27122958
TI  - An Extremely Rare Anatomical Variation: Abnormal Drainage of the Anterior
      Interventricular Coronary Vein.
AB  - Variation of anterior interventricular vein draining into the left atrium is an
      extremely rare occurrence. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary
      angiography has recently become the gold standard for depicting anatomical
      variations and anomalies of coronary arteries and veins. We herein have reported
      the case of a 36-year-old male whose anterior interventricular vein draining into
      the left atrium was demonstrated by MDCT coronary angiography. KEY WORDS:
      Angiography * Computed tomography * Coronary vein * Variation.

PMID- 27122959
TI  - Academic Growth Trajectories and Family Relationships among African American
      Youth.
AB  - This study explored trajectories of African American youths' academic functioning
      and assessed whether changes in parent-adolescent relationships were associated
      with changes in youths' academic functioning. The data were drawn from a three
      year longitudinal study of gender socialization and development in two-parent
      African American families and included 197 families. Findings revealed gender
      differences in achievement trajectories and indicated that boys not only had
      lower levels of academic achievement compared to girls, but also experienced
      steeper declines in school self-esteem during adolescence. Changes in parent
      adolescent relationship quality were linked to changes in academic functioning:
      Increases in conflict were related to decreases in GPA, school bonding, and
      school self-esteem and increases in warmth were related to increases in school
      bonding and school self-esteem.

PMID- 27122960
TI  - Engaging Urban Parents of Early Adolescents in Parenting Interventions: Home
      Visits vs. Group Sessions.
AB  - Interventions targeting parents of young children have shown effectiveness, but
      research is lacking about best practices for engaging parents of early
      adolescents. Low levels of enrollment and attendance in parenting interventions
      present major problems for researchers and clinicians. Effective and efficient
      ways to engage and collaborate with parents to strengthen parenting practices and
      to promote healthy development of early adolescents are needed. This exploratory
      mixed methods study examined the feasibility of three methods of engaging parents
      in positive parenting activities. Participants were parents of youth ages 11-13
      enrolled in three urban, public middle schools in neighborhoods characterized by
      high rates of community violence. Families (N = 144) were randomized into one of
      three interventions: six home sessions, two home sessions followed by four group
      sessions, or six group sessions. The majority of parents were single, non
      Hispanic, African American mothers. Urban parents of middle school students were
      more likely to participate in home visits than in group sessions; offering a
      combination did not increase participation in the group sessions. As only 34% of
      those who consented participated in the intervention, qualitative data were
      examined to explain the reasons for non-participation.

PMID- 27122961
TI  - Probing the Protein-Nanoparticle Interface: The Role of Aromatic Substitution
      Pattern on Affinity.
AB  - A new class of cationic gold nanoparticles has been synthesized bearing benzyl
      moieties featuring -NO2 and -OMe groups to investigate the regioisomeric control
      of aromatic nanoparticle-protein recognition. In general, nanoparticles bearing
      electron withdrawing group demonstrated higher binding affinities towards green
      fluorescent protein (GFP) compared to electron-donating groups. Significantly, a
      ~7.5 and ~4.3 fold increase in binding with GFP was observed for -NO2 groups in
      meta- and para-position respectively, while ortho-substitution showed similar
      binding compared to the unsubstituted ring. These findings demonstrated that
      nanoparticle-protein interaction can be controlled by the tuning the spatial
      orientation and the relative electronic properties of the aromatic substituents.
      This improved biomolecular recognition provides opportunities for enhanced
      biosensing and functional protein delivery to the cells.

PMID- 27122962
TI  - Optimizing two-photon multiple fluorophore imaging of the human trabecular
      meshwork.
AB  - PURPOSE: Advances in two-photon (2P) deep tissue imaging provide powerful options
      for simultaneously viewing multiple fluorophores within tissues. We determined
      imaging parameters for optimally visualizing three fluorophores in the human
      trabecular meshwork (TM) to simultaneously detect broad-spectrum autofluorescence
      and multiple fluorophores through a limited number of emission filters. METHODS:
      2P imaging of viable human postmortem TM was conducted to detect Hoechst 33342
      labeled nuclei, Alexa-568-conjugated phalloidin labeling of filamentous actin,
      and autofluorescence of the structural extracellular matrix (ECM). Emission
      detection through green (500-550 nm), near-red (565-605 nm), and far-red (590-680
      nm) filters following 2P excitation at 750, 800, 850, and 900 nm was analyzed.
      Region-of-interest (ROI) image analysis provided fluorescence intensity values
      for each fluorophore. RESULTS: Red-channel Alexa 568 fluorescence was of highest
      intensity with 2P 750 nm and 800 nm excitation. Alexa 568 was imperceptible with
      900 nm excitation. With excitation at 750 nm and 800 nm, Hoechst 33,342 intensity
      swamped autofluorescence in the green channel, and marked bleed-through into red
      channels was seen. 850 nm excitation yielded balanced Hoechst 33342 and
      autofluorescence intensities, minimized their bleed-through into the far-red
      channel, and produced reasonable Alexa 568 intensities in the far-red channel.
      CONCLUSIONS: 2P excitation at 850 nm and long-wavelength emission detection in
      the far-red channel allowed simultaneous visualization of the specific mix of
      endogenous and exogenous fluorophores with reasonably balanced intensities while
      minimizing bleed-through when imaging the human TM.

PMID- 27122964
TI  - Myelin-specific Th17 cells induce severe relapsing optic neuritis with
      irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells in C57BL/6 mice.
AB  - PURPOSE: Optic neuritis affects most patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), and
      current treatments are unreliable. The purpose of this study was to characterize
      the contribution of Th1 and Th17 cells to the development of optic neuritis.
      METHODS: Mice were passively transferred myelin-specific Th1 or Th17 cells to
      induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model of
      neuroautoimmunity. Visual acuity was assessed daily with optokinetic tracking,
      and 1, 2, and 3 weeks post-induction, optic nerves and retinas were harvested for
      immunohistochemical analyses. RESULTS: Passive transfer experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis elicits acute episodes of asymmetric visual deficits and is
      exacerbated in Th17-EAE relative to Th1-EAE. The Th17-EAE optic nerves contained
      more inflammatory infiltrates and an increased neutrophil to macrophage ratio.
      Significant geographic degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells accompanied
      Th17-EAE but not Th1. CONCLUSIONS: Th17-induced transfer EAE recapitulates
      pathologies observed in MS-associated optic neuritis, namely, monocular episodes
      of vision loss, optic nerve inflammation, and geographic retinal ganglion cell
      (RGC) degeneration.

PMID- 27122963
TI  - Molecular studies of phenotype variation in canine RPGR-XLPRA1.
AB  - PURPOSE: Canine X-linked progressive retinal atrophy 1 (XLPRA1) caused by a
      mutation in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) GTPase regulator (RPGR) exon ORF15 showed
      significant variability in disease onset in a colony of dogs that all inherited
      the same mutant X chromosome. Defective protein trafficking has been detected in
      XLPRA1 before any discernible degeneration of the photoreceptors. We hypothesized
      that the severity of the photoreceptor degeneration in affected dogs may be
      associated with defects in genes involved in ciliary trafficking. To this end, we
      examined six genes as potential disease modifiers. We also examined the
      expression levels of 24 genes involved in ciliary trafficking (seven), visual
      pathway (five), neuronal maintenance genes (six), and cellular stress response
      (six) to evaluate their possible involvement in early stages of the disease.
      METHODS: Samples from a pedigree derived from a single XLPRA1-affected male dog
      outcrossed to unrelated healthy mix-bred or purebred females were used for
      immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot, mutational and haplotype analysis, and
      gene expression (GE). Cell-specific markers were used to examine retinal
      remodeling in the disease. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the
      entire RPGR interacting and protein trafficking genes (RAB8A, RPGRIP1L, CEP290,
      CC2D2A, DFNB31, and RAB11B) were genotyped in the pedigree. Quantitative real
      time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of a total of 24 genes,
      including the six genes listed. RESULTS: Examination of cryosections from XLPRA1
      affected animals of similar age (3-4 years) with different disease severity
      phenotype revealed mislocalization of opsins and upregulation of the Muller cell
      gliosis marker GFAP. Four to ten haplotypes per gene were identified in RAB8A,
      RPGRIP1L, CEP290, CC2D2A, DFNB31, and RAB11B for further assessment as potential
      genetic modifiers of XLPRA1. No correlation was found between the haplotypes and
      disease severity. During mutational analysis, several new variants, including a
      single intronic mutation in RAB8A and three mutations in exon 3 of DFNB31 were
      described (c.970G>A (V324I), c.978T>C (G326=), and c.985G>A (A329T)). Expression
      analysis of stress response genes in 16-week-old predisease XLPRA1 retinas
      revealed upregulation of GFAP but not HSPA5, DDIT3, HSPA4, HSP90B1, or HIF1A.
      Western blot analysis confirmed GFAP upregulation. In the same predisease group,
      no significant differences were found in the expression of 18 selected genes
      (RHO, OPN1LW, OPN1MW, RLBP1, RPGRORF15, RAB8A, RPGRIP1L, CEP290, CC2D2A, DFNB31,
      RAB11B, CRX, RCVRN, PVALB, CALB1, FGFR1, NTRK2, and NTRK3) involved in neuronal
      function. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of association between haplotypes of RAB8A, RPGRIP1L,
      CEP290, CC2D2A, DFNB31, and RAB11B and the disease phenotype suggests that these
      genes are not genetic modifiers of XLPRA1. Upregulation of GFAP, an established
      indicator of the Muller cell gliosis, manifests as an important early feature of
      the disease.

PMID- 27122965
TI  - A novel start codon mutation of the MERTK gene in a patient with retinitis
      pigmentosa.
AB  - PURPOSE: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous
      group of inherited retinal degenerations characterized by progressive loss of
      photoreceptor cells and RPE functions. More than 70 causative genes are known to
      be responsible for RP. This study aimed to identify the causative gene in a
      patient from a consanguineous family with childhood-onset severe retinal
      dystrophy. METHODS: To identify the defective gene, whole exome sequencing was
      performed. Candidate causative variants were selected and validated using Sanger
      sequencing. Segregation analysis of the causative gene was performed in
      additional family members. To verify that the mutation has an effect on protein
      synthesis, an expression vector containing the first ten amino acids of the
      mutant protein fused with the DsRed2 fluorescent protein was constructed and
      transfected into HEK293T cells. Expression of the fusion protein in the
      transfected cells was measured using fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: By
      filtering against public variant databases, a novel homozygous missense mutation
      (c.3G>A) localized in the start codon of the MERTK gene was detected as a
      potentially pathogenic mutation for autosomal recessive RP. The c.3G>A mutation
      cosegregated with the disease phenotype in the family. No expression of the first
      ten amino acids of the MerTK mutant fused with the DsRed2 fluorescent protein was
      detected in HEK293T cells, indicating that the mutation affects the translation
      initiation site of the gene that may lead to loss of function of the MerTK
      signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: We report a novel missense mutation (c.3G>A,
      p.0?) in the MERTK gene that causes severe vision impairment in a patient. Taken
      together with previous reports, our results expand the spectrum of MERTK
      mutations and extend our understanding of the role of the MerTK protein in the
      pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa.

PMID- 27122966
TI  - Aqueous humor cytokine profiling in patients with wet AMD.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the chemokine expression profiles in the aqueous humor of
      wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) patients and to correlate their
      levels with clinical findings. METHODS: Undiluted aqueous humor samples (100-200
      MUl) were obtained from 16 wet AMD eyes and 12 control eyes. Forty chemokines
      were measured using a multiplex method. A 6*6 mm area of the macular region
      centered on the fovea was examined using spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography (SD-OCT). RESULTS: The detection rates were 50% or more for 15
      chemokines. Compared with the control group, the aqueous humor in wet AMD
      patients showed a significantly higher expression of CXCL10 (p=0.004), CCL14
      (p=0.002), CXCL16 (p=0.013), CXCL7 (p=0.033), and CCL22 (p=0.037), while growth
      related oncogene (GRO) was significantly decreased in the wet AMD patients
      (p=0.001). When compared with treatment-naive patients, the recurrent group had
      significant upregulation of CXCL10 (p=0.012) and CCL22 (p=0.002). CXCL16 was
      positively correlated with lesion size, and CCL22 was higher in patients whose
      OCT images showed intraretinal fluid (IRF) or hyperreflective foci (HF).
      CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of inflammation-related chemokines, including
      CXCL10, CCL14, CXCL16, CXCL7, and CCL22, in the aqueous humor of AMD patients may
      suggest a pathogenic role for inflammation. CXCL10 and CCL22 were more elevated
      in eyes with recurrent wet AMD than in treatment-naive eyes. CXCL16 was
      positively correlated with lesion size. The increase in CCL22 was correlated with
      the presence of IRF or HF. These data may be of interest in the search for
      biomarkers associated with wet AMD and may potentially indicate different
      treatment strategies.

PMID- 27122969
TI  - Guideposts for quests in the realm of oncology careers.

PMID- 27122967
TI  - The regulatory role of hepatoma-derived growth factor as an angiogenic factor in
      the eye.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a mitogen that promotes
      endothelial proliferation and neuronal survival. Using a unique technology of
      ligandomics, we recently identified HDGF as a retinal endothelial binding
      protein. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of HDGF in regulating
      ocular vasculature and the expression of HDGF in the retina. METHODS: HDGF
      expression in the retinal was analyzed with western blot and
      immunohistochemistry. Angiogenic activity was investigated in human retinal
      microvascular endothelial cells (HRMVECs) with in vitro endothelial
      proliferation, migration, and permeability assays. In vivo angiogenic activity
      was quantified with a corneal pocket assay. The Evans blue assay and western blot
      using anti-mouse albumin were performed to detect the capacity of HDGF to induce
      retinal vascular leakage. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry revealed that HDGF is
      expressed in the retina with a distinct pattern. HDGF was detected in retinal
      ganglion cells and the inner nuclear layer but not in the inner plexiform layer,
      suggesting that HDGF is expressed in the nucleus, but not in the cytoplasm, of
      retinal neurons. In contrast to family member HDGF-related protein 3 (HRP-3) that
      has no expression in photoreceptors, HDGF is also present in the outer nuclear
      layer and the inner and outer segments of photoreceptors. This suggests that HDGF
      is expressed in the nucleus as well as the cytoplasm of photoreceptors. In vitro
      functional assays showed that HDGF induced the proliferation, migration, and
      permeability of HRMVECs. Corneal pocket assay indicated that HDGF directly
      stimulated angiogenesis in vivo. Intravitreal injection of HDGF significantly
      induced retinal vascular leakage. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that HDGF is
      an angiogenic factor that regulates retinal vasculature in physiologic and
      pathological conditions. Identification of HDGF by ligandomics and its
      independent characterization in this study also support the validity of this new
      technology for systematic identification of cellular ligands, including
      angiogenic factors.

PMID- 27122968
TI  - Comparative analysis of three purification protocols for retinal ganglion cells
      from rat.
AB  - PURPOSE: To make comparative analyses of the common three purification protocols
      for retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), providing a solid practical basis for
      selecting the method for purifying RGCs for use in subsequent experiments.
      METHODS: Rat RGCs were isolated and purified using three methods, including two
      step immunopanning (TIP) separation, two-step immunopanning-magnetic (TIPM)
      separation, and flow cytometric (FC) separation. Immunocytochemical staining,
      quantitative real-time PCR, flow cytometry, electrophysiology, and Cell Counting
      Kit-8 (CCK-8) analyses were performed to compare the purity, yield, and viability
      of the RGCs. RESULTS: The RGC yields from the TIP, TIPM, and FC methods were
      24.60+/-15.98 * 10(4), 5.28+/-4.42 * 10(4), and 5.4+/-2.7 * 10(3) per retina,
      respectively. We easily controlled the relative purity of the RGCs with the FC
      method and even reached 100% of the maximum expected purity. However, the RGC
      purity was only 80.97+/-5.45% and 95.41+/-3.23% using the TIP and TIPM methods,
      respectively. The contaminant cells were mainly large, star-shaped, glial
      fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes and small, round, syntaxin 1
      positive amacrine cells with multiple short neurites. The RGCs purified with FC
      could not be cultured successively in our study; however, the TIP-RGCs survived
      more than 20 days with good viability, while the TIPM-RGCs survived less than 9
      days. CONCLUSIONS: The three protocols for purifying the RGCs each had its own
      pros and cons. The RGCs isolated by the TIP method exhibited the highest
      viability and yield but had low purity. The purity of the RGCs isolated with the
      FC method could reach approximately 100% but had a low yield and cell viability.
      The TIPM method was reliable and produced RGCs with considerable purity, yield,
      and viability. This study provides a solid practical basis for selecting the
      method for purifying RGCs for use in subsequent experiments.

PMID- 27122970
TI  - Training the trainer: five practical considerations for your first five years in
      practice.

PMID- 27122971
TI  - Research output and the public health burden of cancer: is there any
      relationship?
AB  - PURPOSE: The relative distribution of research output across cancer sites is not
      well described. Here, we evaluate whether the volume of published research is
      proportional to the public health burden of individual cancers. We also explore
      whether research output is proportional to research funding. METHODS: Statistics
      from the Canadian and American cancer societies were used to identify the top ten
      causes of cancer death in 2013. All journal articles and clinical trials
      published in 2013 by Canadian or U.S. authors for those cancers were identified.
      Total research funding in Canada by cancer site was obtained from the Canadian
      Cancer Research Alliance. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation
      coefficients were used to describe the relationship between research output,
      cancer mortality, and research funding. RESULTS: We identified 19,361
      publications and 2661 clinical trials. The proportion of publications and
      clinical trials was substantially lower than the proportion of deaths for lung
      (41% deaths, 15% publications, 16% clinical trials), colorectal (14%, 7%, 6%),
      pancreatic (10%, 7%, 5%), and gastroesophageal (7%, 5%, 3%) cancers. Conversely,
      research output was substantially greater than the proportion of deaths for
      breast cancer (10% deaths, 29% publications, 30% clinical trials) and prostate
      cancer (8%, 15%, 17%). We observed a stronger correlation between research output
      and funding (publications r = 0.894, p < 0.001; clinical trials r = 0.923, p <
      0.001) than between research output and cancer mortality (r = 0.363, p = 0.303; r
      = 0.340, p = 0.337). CONCLUSIONS: Research output is not well correlated with the
      public health burden of individual cancers, but is correlated with the relative
      level of research funding.

PMID- 27122972
TI  - Identification of performance indicators across a network of clinical cancer
      programs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer quality indicators have previously been described for a single
      tumour site or a single treatment modality, or according to distinct data
      sources. Our objective was to identify cancer quality indicators across all
      treatment modalities specific to breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer.
      METHODS: Candidate indicators for each tumour site were extracted from the
      relevant literature and rated in a modified Delphi approach by multidisciplinary
      groups of expert clinicians from 3 clinical cancer programs. All rating rounds
      were conducted by e-mail, except for one that was conducted as a face-to-face
      expert panel meeting, thus modifying the original Delphi technique. Four high
      level indicators were chosen for immediate data collection. A list of confounding
      variables was also constructed in a separate literature review. RESULTS: A total
      of 156 candidate indicators were identified for breast cancer, 68 for colorectal
      cancer, 40 for lung cancer, and 43 for prostate cancer. Iterative rounds of
      ratings led to a final list of 20 evidence- and consensus-based indicators each
      for colorectal and lung cancer, and 19 each for breast and prostate cancer.
      Approximately 30 clinicians participated in the selection of the breast, lung,
      and prostate indicators; approximately 50 clinicians participated in the
      selection of the colorectal indicators. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Delphi approach
      that incorporates an in-person meeting of expert clinicians is an effective and
      efficient method for performance indicator selection and offers the added benefit
      of optimal clinician engagement. The finalized indicator lists for each tumour
      site, together with salient confounding variables, can be directly adopted (or
      adapted) for deployment within a performance improvement program.

PMID- 27122973
TI  - Duration of trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer
      in prolonged remission.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outcomes in metastatic breast cancer (mbc) positive for her2 (human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2) are generally unfavourable. Trastuzumab has
      revolutionized the prognosis of her2-positive mbc. Some her2-positive mbc
      patients go into prolonged remission, and a few patients remain in remission even
      after discontinuation of trastuzumab, suggesting the possibility of a cure. In
      our practice, 4 her2-positive mbc patients treated with chemotherapy and
      trastuzumab have remained in remission on maintenance therapy for 5 years or
      more. Of those 4 patients, 2 have continued in remission after discontinuation of
      trastuzumab for more than 1 year. The objective of the present paper was
      therefore to address the duration of trastuzumab therapy in her2-positive mbc
      patients in prolonged remission. METHODS: We conducted a literature review of the
      duration of trastuzumab in her2-positive mbc patients in remission. We also
      conducted an online survey of oncologists in Ontario to determine their treatment
      practices in her2-positive mbc patients. RESULTS: The literature search found no
      specific evidence about the optimal duration of trastuzumab maintenance therapy
      in her2-positive mbc in prolonged remission. However, retrospective studies
      suggest predictive markers of good prognosis in patients in complete remission
      taking maintenance trastuzumab. Identifying those markers could lead to more
      personalized treatment. Our survey of oncologists about their treatment practices
      in her2-positive mbc patients revealed that 82.93% of respondents (n = 34) follow
      the currently available guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: With the emergence of patients
      in prolonged remission, duration of trastuzumab in her2-positive mbc has become
      an important and relevant clinical question worldwide. Collaborative efforts are
      needed for the further study of this topic.

PMID- 27122975
TI  - Follow-up for cervical cancer: a Program in Evidence-Based Care systematic review
      and clinical practice guideline update.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2009, the Program in Evidence-based Care (pebc) of Cancer Care
      Ontario published a guideline on the follow-up of cervical cancer. In 2014, the
      pebc undertook an update of the systematic review and clinical practice guideline
      for women in this target population. METHODS: The literature from 2007 to August
      2014 was searched using medline and embase [extended to 2000 for studies of human
      papillomavirus (hpv) dna testing]. Outcomes of interest were measures of
      survival, diagnostic accuracy, and quality of life. A working group evaluated the
      need for changes to the earlier guidelines and incorporated comments and feedback
      from internal and external reviewers. RESULTS: One systematic review and six
      individual studies were included. The working group concluded that the new
      evidence did not warrant changes to the 2009 recommendations, although hpv dna
      testing was added as a potentially more sensitive method of detecting recurrence
      in patients treated with radiotherapy. Comments from internal and external
      reviewers were incorporated. RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY: Follow-up care after
      primary treatment should be conducted and coordinated by a physician experienced
      in the surveillance of cancer patients. A reasonable follow-up strategy involves
      visits every 3-4 months within the first 2 years, and every 6-12 months during
      years 3-5. Visits should include a patient history and complete physical
      examination, with elicitation of relevant symptoms. Vaginal vault cytology
      examination should not be performed more frequently than annually. Combined
      positron-emission tomography and computed tomography, other imaging, and
      biomarker evaluation are not advocated; hpv dna testing could be useful as a
      method of detection of recurrence after radiotherapy. General recommendations for
      follow-up after 5 years are also provided.

PMID- 27122974
TI  - Canadian recommendations for the management of breakthrough cancer pain.
AB  - Breakthrough cancer pain (btcp) represents an important element in the spectrum
      of cancer pain management. Because most btcp episodes peak in intensity within a
      few minutes, speed of medication onset is crucial for proper control. In Canada,
      several current provincial guidelines for the management of cancer pain include a
      brief discussion about the treatment of btcp; however, there are no uniform
      national recommendations for the management of btcp. That lack, accompanied by
      unequal access to pain medication across the country, contributes to both
      regional and provincial variability in the management of btcp. Currently,
      immediate-release oral opioids are the treatment of choice for btcp. This
      approach might not always offer optimal speed for onset of action and duration to
      match the rapid nature of an episode of btcp. Novel transmucosal fentanyl
      formulations might be more appropriate for some types of btcp, but limited access
      to such drugs hinders their use. In addition, the recognition of btcp and its
      proper assessment, which are crucial steps toward appropriate treatment
      selection, remain challenging for many health care professionals. To facilitate
      appropriate management of btcp, a group of prominent Canadian specialists in
      palliative care, oncology, and anesthesiology convened to develop a set of
      recommendations and suggestions to assist Canadian health care providers in the
      treatment of btcp and the alleviation of the suffering and discomfort experienced
      by adult cancer patients. 

PMID- 27122976
TI  - A first look at relative survival by stage for colorectal and lung cancers in
      Canada.
AB  - Monitoring and reporting on cancer survival provides a mechanism for
      understanding the effectiveness of Canada's cancer care system. Although 5-year
      relative survival for colorectal cancer and lung cancer has been previously
      reported, only recently has pan-Canadian relative survival by stage been analyzed
      using comprehensive registry data. This article presents a first look at 2-year
      relative survival by stage for colorectal and lung cancer across 9 provinces. As
      expected, 2-year age-standardized relative survival ratios (arsrs) for colorectal
      cancer and lung cancer were higher when the cancer was diagnosed at an earlier
      stage. The arsrs for stage i colorectal cancer ranged from 92.2% in Nova Scotia
      [95% confidence interval (ci): 88.6% to 95.1%] to 98.4% in British Columbia (95%
      ci: 96.2% to 99.3%); for stage iv, they ranged from 24.3% in Prince Edward Island
      (95% ci: 15.2% to 34.4%) to 38.8% in New Brunswick (95% ci: 33.3% to 44.2%). The
      arsrs for stage i lung cancer ranged from 66.5% in Prince Edward Island (95% ci:
      54.5% to 76.5%) to 84.8% in Ontario (95% ci: 83.5% to 86.0%). By contrast, arsrs
      for stage iv lung cancer ranged from 7.6% in Manitoba (95% ci: 5.8% to 9.7%) to
      13.2% in British Columbia (95% ci: 11.8% to 14.6%). The available stage data are
      too recent to allow for meaningful comparisons between provinces, but over time,
      analyzing relative survival by stage can provide further insight into the known
      differences in 5-year relative survival. As the data mature, they will enable an
      assessment of the extent to which interprovincial differences in relative
      survival are influenced by differences in stage distribution or treatment
      effectiveness (or both), permitting targeted measures to improve population
      health outcomes to be implemented. 

PMID- 27122977
TI  - Formal evaluation of PYNK: Breast Cancer Program for Young Women-the patient
      perspective.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess patient satisfaction with
      pynk: Breast Cancer Program for Young Women so as to determine how the program
      might be improved and to provide feedback to donors. METHODS: All pynk patients
      who had consented to have their information entered in our database and who
      supplied us with their e-mail address were invited to complete a 58-item online
      questionnaire consisting of multiple choice and open-ended questions. Domains
      included demographics, provision of written and spoken information, support,
      infertility risk, research awareness, attitudes toward discharge, and general
      feedback. RESULTS: Of 120 pynk patients approached, 61 (51%) participated. More
      than 90% were satisfied or very satisfied with the timing, usefulness, and
      clarity of spoken and written information given, and 69% found the service and
      support provided by the nurse navigator to be the most helpful component of the
      program. Of those who had received systemic therapy, 93% recalled a health care
      provider initiating a discussion of the risk of treatment-related infertility,
      and 67% were referred to a fertility clinic. On the negative side, 11%-27% were
      unaware of various services provided by pynk, and 11% were unaware of pynk's
      ongoing research. One third of patients were unhappy or ambivalent about the
      prospect of discharge from the program. CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction with
      this novel program for young women with breast cancer is high. This study
      highlights the critical role that the nurse navigator plays in patient support
      and dissemination of information. In contrast to other reported surveys of young
      cancer patients, pynk patients are routinely given the opportunity to undergo
      fertility preservation.

PMID- 27122978
TI  - Costs of cervical cancer treatment: population-based estimates from Ontario.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the present study were to estimate the overall and
      specific medical care costs associated with cervical cancer in the first 5 years
      after diagnosis in Ontario. METHODS: Incident cases of invasive cervical cancer
      during 2007-2010 were identified from the Ontario Cancer Registry and linked to
      administrative databases held at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.
      Mean costs in 2010 Canadian dollars were estimated using the arithmetic mean and
      estimators that adjust for censored data. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients in
      the study cohort (779 cases) was 49.3 years. The mean overall medical care cost
      was $39,187 [standard error (se): $1,327] in the 1st year after diagnosis. Costs
      in year 1 ranged from $34,648 (se: $1,275) for those who survived at least 1 year
      to $69,142 (se: $4,818) for those who died from cervical cancer within 1 year. At
      5 years after diagnosis, the mean overall unadjusted cost was $63,131 (se:
      $3,131), and the cost adjusted for censoring was $68,745 (se: $2,963). Inpatient
      hospitalizations and cancer-related care were the two largest components of
      cancer treatment costs. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the estimated mean costs that
      did not account for censoring were consistently undervalued, highlighting the
      importance of estimates based on censoring-adjusted costs in cervical cancer. Our
      results are reliable for estimating the economic burden of cervical cancer and
      the cost-effectiveness of cervical cancer prevention strategies.

PMID- 27122979
TI  - A retrospective study on the role of diabetes and metformin in colorectal cancer
      disease survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested an effect of metformin on mortality for
      patients with both diabetes and colorectal cancer (crc). However, the literature
      is contradictory, with both positive and negative effects being identified. We
      set out to determine the effect of metformin with respect to prognosis in crc
      patients. METHODS: After a retrospective chart review of crc patients treated at
      the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario, Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox
      proportional hazards regression models were used to compare overall survival (os)
      in patients with and without diabetes. RESULTS: We identified 1304 crc patients
      treated at the centre. No significant differences between the diabetic and
      nondiabetic groups were observed with respect to tumour pathology, extent of
      metastatic disease, time or toxicity of chemotherapy, and the os rate (1-year os:
      85.6% vs. 86.4%, p = 0.695; 2-year os: 73.6% vs. 77.0%, p = 0.265). In subgroup
      analysis, diabetic patients taking metformin survived significantly longer than
      their counterparts taking other diabetes treatments (os for the metformin group:
      91% at 1 year; 80.5% at 2 years; os for the group taking other treatments,
      including diet control: 80.6% at 1 year, 67.4% at 2 years). Multivariate analysis
      suggests that patients with diabetes taking treatments other than metformin
      experience worse survival (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that crc
      patients with diabetes, excluding those taking metformin, might have a worse crc
      prognosis. Taking metformin appears to have a positive association with
      prognosis. The protective nature of metformin needs further evaluation in
      prospective analyses.

PMID- 27122980
TI  - Hematogones: a sensitive prognostic factor for Chinese adult patients with acute
      myeloid leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hematogones (hgs) are normal B-lymphocyte precursors that increase in
      some hematologic diseases. Many studies indicate that hgs might be a favourable
      prognostic factor. We thus considered it important to determine whether hgs are
      also a prognostic factor for Chinese adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia
      (aml) and whether the hg-positive and hg-negative groups show any serologic or
      phenotypic differences. METHODS: Chinese adult aml patients (n = 177) who were
      all initially hg-negative underwent standard chemotherapy and were thereafter
      divided into hg-positive and hg-negative groups according to hg levels in bone
      marrow during their first remission. RESULTS: The follow-up study confirmed that
      survival duration (both leukemia-free and overall) was significantly greater in
      the hg-positive group than in the hg-negative group and was accompanied by a
      lower relapse rate. A retrospective study of patient characteristics at the time
      of first diagnosis revealed some differences between the hg-positive and the hg
      negative groups, including elevations in white blood cells, lactate
      dehydrogenase, and beta2-microglobulin in the hg-negative group. Retrospective
      phenotypic analysis revealed a significantly lower proportion of abnormal
      chromosome karyotype and CD34 expression in hg-positive patients. Finally, we
      evaluated whether additional intensive chemotherapy after standard chemotherapy
      could further increase hgs. CONCLUSIONS: The present work verified the validity
      of hgs as a prognostic factor for Chinese adult patients with aml. Compared with
      hg-negative patients, hg-positive patients not only experienced longer survival
      and a lower relapse rate, but they also had some serologic and phenotypic
      characteristics that are all considered indicators of better outcome. Additional
      intensive chemotherapy could further increase the level of hgs, which might imply
      better clinical results.

PMID- 27122982
TI  - Collaborative case conferences in rectal cancer: case series in a tertiary care
      centre.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In many hospitals, resource barriers preclude the use of preoperative
      multidisciplinary cancer conferences (mccs) for consecutive patients with cancer.
      Collaborative cancer conferences (cccs) are modified mccs that might overcome
      such barriers. METHODS: We established a ccc at an academic tertiary care centre
      to review preoperative plans for patients with rectal cancer. Attendees included
      only surgeons who perform colorectal cancer procedures and a radiologist with
      expertise in cross-sectional imaging. Individual reviews began with the primary
      surgeon presenting the case information and initial treatment recommendations.
      Cross-sectional images were then reviewed, the case was discussed, and consensus
      on ccc-treatment recommendations was achieved. Outcomes for the present study
      were changes in treatment recommendations defined as "major" (that is,
      redirection of patient to preoperative radiation from straight-to-surgery or
      uncertain plan, or redirection of the patient to straight-to-surgery from
      preoperative radiation or plan uncertain) or as "minor" (that is, referral to a
      multidisciplinary cancer clinic, request additional tests, change type of
      neoadjuvant therapy, change type of surgery). Chart reviews provided relevant
      patient, tumour, and treatment information. RESULTS: Between September 2011 and
      September 2012, 101 rectal cancer patients were discussed at a ccc. Of the 35
      management plans (34.7%) that were changed as a result, 8 had major changes, and
      27 had minor changes. Available patient and tumour factors did not predict for a
      change in treatment recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative cccs at a tertiary
      care centre changed treatment recommendations for one third of patients with
      rectal cancer. Given that no specific factor predicted for a treatment plan
      change, it is likely prudent that all rectal cancer patients undergo some form of
      collaborative review.

PMID- 27122981
TI  - Involved-field irradiation in definitive chemoradiotherapy for T4 squamous cell
      carcinoma of the esophagus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (ccrt) is currently a
      therapeutic option for locally advanced esophageal cancer. However, clinical
      practice differs with respect to the target volume for irradiation. The purpose
      of the present study was to analyze failure patterns and survival, and to
      determine the feasibility of using involved-field irradiation (ifi) with
      concurrent chemotherapy for T4 squamous cell carcinoma (scc) of the esophagus.
      METHODS: Between January 2003 and January 2013, 56 patients with clinical T4M0
      scc of the esophagus received ccrt using ifi. The radiation field included the
      primary tumour and clinically involved lymph nodes. Target volumes and sites of
      failure were analyzed, as were treatment-related toxicity and survival time.
      RESULTS: In this 56-patient cohort, 13 patients (23.2%) achieved a complete
      response, and 21 (37.5%) achieved a partial response, for a total response rate
      of 60.7%. The major toxicities experienced were leucocytopenia and esophagitis,
      with 14 patients (25.0%) experiencing grade 3 toxicities. At a median follow-up
      of 34 months, 48 patients (85.7%) had experienced failure: 39 (69.6%) in-field, 7
      (12.5%) elective nodal, and 19 (33.9%) distant. Only 1 patient (1.8%) experienced
      isolated elective nodal failure. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were
      39.3%, 21.4%, and 12.5% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with T4M0 scc of
      the esophagus, definitive ccrt using ifi resulted in an acceptable rate of
      isolated elective nodal failure and an overall survival comparable to that
      achieved with elective nodal irradiation. A limited radiation therapy target
      volume, including only clinically involved lesions, would therefore be a feasible
      choice for this patient subgroup.

PMID- 27122983
TI  - But other than mesothelioma? An estimate of the proportion of work-related
      cancers in Quebec.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More than 30 exposures in the workplace are proven carcinogens. In
      the present study, we aimed to estimate the burden of occupational cancer in
      Quebec so as to increase awareness among stakeholders and to prioritize research
      activities. METHODS: Work-attributable fractions-that is, the proportions of
      cancers attributable to work-as published in Finland and the United Kingdom were
      applied to Quebec 2002-2006 cancer incidence and mortality data to estimate the
      number of work-related cases for 28 cancer sites. RESULTS: Overall, 6.0% of
      incident cancers (men: 9.1%; women: 2.7%) and 7.6% of cancer deaths (men: 11.8%;
      women: 2.8%) could be attributable to work, resulting annually in an average of
      2160 new cancer diagnoses and 1190 cancer deaths in Quebec. Incident cancers of
      the lung, prostate, skin, bladder, and (female) breast were the most numerous;
      cancer sites resulting in more deaths were lung, (female) breast, and pleura.
      During the same period, compensation statistics reported annual averages of 94.3
      incident cancers and 61.9 cancer deaths, mostly involving mesothelioma (64% of
      compensated incident cancers) and lung cancer (30% of compensated incident
      cancers). CONCLUSIONS: Increased recognition of workplace cancers by all
      stakeholders, from workers and employers to treating physicians, will foster
      appropriate preventive measures for safer workplaces.

PMID- 27122984
TI  - Immunotherapy with imiquimod and interferon alfa for metastasized Merkel cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Merkel cell carcinoma (mcc) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine tumour of the
      skin. Remission rates are high with chemotherapy in patients with metastasis, but
      without any improvement in overall survival. We present the case of a 90-year-old
      woman with facial mcc. After radiation and surgery, the mcc recurred with
      widespread cutaneous and regional lymph node metastases. The metastases were
      treated with weekly intralesional injections of 1-2*10(6) IU interferon alfa-2a,
      accompanied by topical imiquimod 5% cream 3 times weekly. After partial
      regression, subcutaneous pegylated interferon alfa-2b was added at a dose of 30
      MUg weekly, which was then increased to 50 MUg weekly. At 4 months after the
      start of immunotherapy, all cutaneous metastases and the intralesionally treated
      lymph node metastases receded. Interruption or reduction of systemic interferon
      application resulted in locoregional relapses that were successfully treated with
      surgery or intralesional interferon injections. The patient remains alive 30
      months after initiation of immunotherapy, suggesting that locally metastasized
      mcc might be able to be controlled with local and systemic immunotherapy. 

PMID- 27122985
TI  - Synchronous metastatic skull base chordoma to the breast: case report and
      literature review.
AB  - CLINICAL SCENARIO: During routine staging work-up for a left breast mass, a 68
      year-old woman complained of dysphagia and dysphonia. During further
      investigations, a left-sided lesion at the foramen magnum was observed on brain
      imaging. Both lesions were biopsied and showed a classical chordoma. MANAGEMENT:
      The skull-base lesion and the breast lesion were surgically resected, and
      adjuvant radiotherapy was given. SUMMARY: Chordoma is a rare primary central
      nervous system tumour that seldom metastasizes. The lung is the most common site
      of metastasis. Synchronous breast metastasis from a skull-base chordoma is very
      rare, and a safe management option includes a maximum resection followed by
      adjuvant radiotherapy.

PMID- 27122986
TI  - Second-line treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer with wild-type EGFR status.
      What is the best approach?

PMID- 27122987
TI  - Response to: Second-line treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer with wild-type
      EGFR status. What is the best approach?

PMID- 27122988
TI  - Accrual of adolescents and young adults with cancer to clinical trials.

PMID- 27122989
TI  - MicroRNA expression profiling of sputum for the detection of early and locally
      advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a prospective case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) is associated with very poor
      overall survival because 70% of patients present with locally advanced or
      metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Micrornas (mirnas) are a class of
      short, noncoding rna molecules whose presence in samples of biologic fluids such
      as sputum has demonstrated promise as a potential means of detecting nsclc. We
      investigated the stage-specific nsclc detection potential of an efficient panel
      of 3 mirnas (mir-21, mir-210, mir-372) using a single sputum sample. METHODS: A
      single spontaneously expectorated sputum sample was prospectively collected from
      21 early nsclc (<=stage ii) patients, 22 advanced nsclc (>=stage iii) patients,
      and 10 control subjects. Mirna expression profiles were determined by
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and were analyzed by
      unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis. RESULTS: Mean tumour size (+/-95%
      confidence interval) in the early and advanced nsclc patients was 3.3 cm +/- 0.9
      cm and 4.8 cm +/- 0.7 cm respectively. Adenocarcinoma constituted 61.9% of the
      early and 45.5% of the advanced nsclc cases respectively. In comparing the early
      nsclc group with the control group, the mirna panel yielded a diagnostic
      sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 90.0%. For the advanced nsclc group, the
      mirna panel detected nsclc with a sensitivity and specificity of 64% and 100%
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A sputum mir-21, mir-210, and mir-372 expression
      profile might provide a sensitive and highly specific means for detecting nsclc.
      Sputum mirna analysis demonstrates promise as a potential complementary screening
      tool.

PMID- 27122990
TI  - Expression of APPL1 is correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics and poor
      prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although appl1 is overexpressed in many cancers, its status in
      gastric cancer (gc) is not known. In the present study, we used relevant
      pathologic and clinical data to investigate appl1 expression in patients with gc.
      METHODS: In 47 gc and 27 non-gc surgical specimens, immunohistochemistry was used
      to detect the expression of appl1, and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction (rt-pcr) was used to detect messenger rna (mrna). A scatterplot
      visualized the relationship between survival time and mrna expression in gc
      patients. The log-rank test and other survival statistics were used to determine
      the association of appl1 expression with the pathologic features of the cancer
      and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: In gc, appl1 was expressed in 28 of 47 specimens
      (59.6%), and in non-gc, it was expressed in 7 of 23 specimens (30.4%, p < 0.05).
      The expression of mrna in gc was 0.82 [95% confidence interval (ci): 0.78 to
      0.86], and in non-gc, it was 0.73 (95% ci: 0.69 to 0.77; p < 0.05).
      Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that, in gc, appl1 expression was correlated
      with depth of infiltration (p = 0.005), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.017), and
      TNM stage (p = 0.022), but not with pathologic type (p = 0.41). Testing by rt-pcr
      demonstrated that, in gc, appl1 mrna expression was correlated with depth of
      infiltration (p = 0.042), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.031), and TNM stage (p =
      0.04), but again, not with pathologic type (p = 0.98). The correlation
      coefficient between survival time and mrna expression was -0.83 (p < 0.01).
      Overexpression of appl1 protein (hazard ratio: 3.88; 95% ci: 1.07 to 14.09) and
      mrna (hazard ratio: 4.23; 95% ci: 3.09 to 15.11) was a risk factor for death in
      patients with gc. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of appl1 is increased in gc.
      Overexpression is prognostic for a lethal outcome.

PMID- 27122991
TI  - Which Neurons Will Be the Engram - Activated Neurons and/or More Excitable
      Neurons?
AB  - During past decades, the formation and storage principle of memory have received
      much attention in the neuroscience field. Although some studies have attempted to
      demonstrate the nature of the engram, elucidating the memory engram allocation
      mechanism was not possible because of the limitations of existing methods, which
      cannot specifically modulate the candidate neuronal population. Recently, the
      development of new techniques, which offer ways to mark and control specific
      populations of neurons, may accelerate solving this issue. Here, we review the
      recent advances, which have provided substantial evidence showing that both
      candidates (neuronal population that is activated by learning, and that has
      increased CREB level/excitability at learning) satisfy the criteria of the
      engram, which are necessary and sufficient for memory expression. 

PMID- 27122992
TI  - Induction of Nerve Injury-Induced Protein 1 (Ninjurin 1) in Myeloid Cells in Rat
      Brain after Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia.
AB  - Nerve injury-induced protein-1 (Ninjurin-1, Ninj1) was initially identified as a
      novel adhesion molecule in rat sciatic nerve and to be up-regulated in neurons
      and Schwann cells of distal nerve segments after nerve transection or crush
      injury. Recently, Ninj1 was found to act as a modulator of cell migration,
      angiogenesis, and apoptosis. Accumulating evidence indicates that innate immune
      response plays beneficial and deleterious roles in brain ischemia, and the trans
      endothelial migration of blood-derived immune cells is key initiator of this
      response. In the present study, we examined the expression profile and cellular
      distribution of Ninj1 in rat brain after transient focal cerebral ischemia. Ninj1
      expression was found to be significantly induced in cortical penumbras 1 day
      after 60 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and to increase gradually
      for 8 days and then declined. In infarction cores of cortices, patterns of Ninj1
      expression were similar to those observed in cortical penumbras, except induction
      was maintained for 10 days. At 1 day post-MCAO, Ninj1 inductions were detected
      mainly in neutrophils and endothelial cells in both infarction cores and
      penumbras, but reactive macrophages were the major cellular expressers of Ninj1
      at 4 days post-MCAO. Expressional induction in reactive macrophages was
      maintained in infarction cores after 12 days post-MCAO but not in penumbras.
      These dynamic expressions of Ninj1 in different immune cells at different times
      suggest that this protein performs various, critical roles in the modulation of
      acute and delayed immune responses in the postischemic brain. 

PMID- 27122993
TI  - Fluoride Induces a Volume Reduction in CA1 Hippocampal Slices Via MAP Kinase
      Pathway Through Volume Regulated Anion Channels.
AB  - Regulation of cell volume is an important aspect of cellular homeostasis during
      neural activity. This volume regulation is thought to be mediated by activation
      of specific transporters, aquaporin, and volume regulated anion channels (VRAC).
      In cultured astrocytes, it was reported that swelling-induced mitogen-activated
      protein (MAP) kinase activation is required to open VRAC, which are thought to be
      important in regulatory volume decrease and in the response of CNS to trauma and
      excitotoxicity. It has been also described that sodium fluoride (NaF), a
      recognized G-protein activator and protein phosphatase inhibitor, leads to a
      significant MAP kinase activation in endothelial cells. However, NaF's effect in
      volume regulation in the brain is not known yet. Here, we investigated the
      mechanism of NaF-induced volume change in rat and mouse hippocampal slices using
      intrinsic optical signal (IOS) recording, in which we measured relative changes
      in intracellular and extracellular volume as changes in light transmittance
      through brain slices. We found that NaF (1~5 mM) application induced a reduction
      in light transmittance (decreased volume) in CA1 hippocampus, which was
      completely reversed by MAP kinase inhibitor U0126 (10 uM). We also observed that
      NaF-induced volume reduction was blocked by anion channel blockers, suggesting
      that NaF-induced volume reduction could be mediated by VRAC. Overall, our results
      propose a novel molecular mechanism of NaF-induced volume reduction via MAP
      kinase signaling pathway by activation of VRAC. 

PMID- 27122994
TI  - Reversal of an Unconditioned Behavioral Preference for Specific Food Pellets by
      Intervention of Whisker Sensory Inputs.
AB  - Adenylyl cyclase type-5 (AC5) is preferentially expressed in the dorsal striatum.
      Recently, we reported that AC5 knockout (KO) mice preferred food pellets carrying
      an olfactory cue produced by AC5 KO mice during food consumption (AC5 KO pellets)
      over food pellets that had been taken by wildtype (WT) mice. In the present
      study, we demonstrated that whisker trimming on the right side of the face but
      not the left in AC5 KO mice blocked the behavioral preference for AC5 KO pellets.
      Conversely, whisker trimming on the right but not the left in WT mice induced a
      behavioral preference for AC5 KO pellets. Mice lacking D2 dopamine receptor (D2
      KO mice) also showed a behavioral preference for AC5 KO pellets. In D2 mice,
      whisker trimming on the right side of the face but not the left blocked a
      behavioral preference for AC5 KO food pellets. AC5 KO mice had increased level of
      phospho-CaMKIIalpha in the dorsal striatum, and WT mice with whiskers cut on
      either side also showed increased p-CaMKIIalpha level in the dorsal striatum. The
      siRNA-mediated inhibition of CaMKIIalpha in the dorsal striatum in either the
      right or the left hemisphere in AC5 KO mice and D2 KO mice blocked the behavioral
      preference for AC5 KO pellets. However, behavioral changes induced by this
      inhibition on each side showed asymmetrical time courses. These results suggest
      that an unconditioned behavioral preference for specific food pellets can be
      switched on or off based on the balance of states of neural activity in the
      dorsal striatum regulated by a signaling pathway centered on AC5 and D2 and the
      sensory inputs of whiskers from the right side of the face. 

PMID- 27122995
TI  - Pupil Size in Relation to Cortical States during Isoflurane Anesthesia.
AB  - In neuronal recording studies on anesthetized animals, reliable measures for the
      transitional moment of consciousness are frequently required. Previous findings
      suggest that pupil fluctuations reflect the neuronal states during quiet
      wakefulness, whose correlation was unknown for the anesthetized condition. Here,
      we investigated the pupillary changes under isoflurane anesthesia simultaneously
      with the electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG). The pupil was
      tracked by using a region-based active contour model. The dose was given to the
      animal in a stepwise increasing mode (simulating induction of anesthesia) or in a
      stepwise decreasing mode (simulating emergence of anesthesia). We found that the
      quickly widening pupil action (mydriasis) characterizes the transitional state in
      anesthesia. Mydriasis occurred only in the light dose in the emergence phase, and
      the events were accompanied by an increase of burst activity in the EEG followed
      by EMG activity in 47% of the mydriasis events. Our findings suggest that
      recording such pupil changes may offer a noncontact monitoring tool for indexing
      the transitional state of the brain, particularly when a lower threshold dose is
      applied. 

PMID- 27122996
TI  - Fractionated Stereotactic Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Medial Temporal Lobe
      Epilepsy: A Case Report.
AB  - An 18-year-old left-handed male harbored intractable medial temporal lobe
      epilepsy (MTLE) underwent fractionated gamma knife surgery (GKS) instead of open
      surgery, considering the mental retardation and diffuse cerebral dysfunction. GKS
      treatment parameters were: target volume, 8.8 cm(3); total marginal dose, 24 Gy
      in 3 fractionations at the 50% isodose line. The patient has been free from
      seizures since 9 months after GKS, with notable improvement in cognitive outcome.
      Fractionated GKS could be considered as a safe tool for seizure control and
      neuropsychological improvement in patients with MTLE. 

PMID- 27122997
TI  - Frequency, Awareness, Treatment and Control of Hypertension in the over 40
      Population of Erzincan.
AB  - To determine distribution of blood pressure (BP) and prevalence, awareness,
      treatment and control of hypertension in 5 primary health care centers of
      Erzincan. A population-based cross-sectional survey was carried out in January -
      May 2009. A two-stage sampling method was used to select a sample of adult
      population 40 and over years of age. The total number of participants was 1570.
      Data were collected by face-to-face interview technique in the primary health
      care setting. Main outcome measures; mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures,
      distribution of blood pressure, prevalence of hypertension (mean systolic BP>=140
      mmHg or mean diastolic BP >=90 mmHg, or previously diagnosed and/or taking
      antihypertensive drugs) awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were
      assessed. The overall hypertension prevalence was 67.0% in the study sample and
      77.4% of them were aware of their hypertension and received a pharmacologic
      treatment. Of the patients who were aware of the disease, 51.8% use drug
      treatment. Of the patients who had a drug treatment, 33.9 % were under control in
      terms of blood pressure. Our data indicate that hypertension is a highly
      prevalent but inadequately managed health problem in Erzincan. There is an urgent
      need for population-based strategies to improve prevention, early detection, and
      control of hypertension.

PMID- 27122998
TI  - Essential Others and Spontaneous Recovery in the Life and Work of Emily Carr:
      Implications for Understanding Remission of Illness and Resilience.
AB  - Artist Emily Carr 1A majority of paintings by Emily Carr are in the permanent
      collection of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Others may be viewed in the National
      Gallery of Ontario and the British Columbia Archives in Victoria, BC. They are
      also available as photographed reproductions on the web at
      vancouverartgallery.bc.ca. 1 (1871-1945) has attained iconic status in Canada and
      throughout the world for her prodigious output as a painter and writer of the
      Pacific Northwest. This article describes how the arrival of three "essential
      others" at pivotal moments in middle life helped lift Carr out of a serious,
      lifelong depression and nurtured and inspired her creative output. I propose that
      Carr's productivity and psychological recovery were facilitated by sequential,
      cumulative input from these generative human contacts. The creative partnership
      formed between an artist and her muse has features akin to the patient/therapist
      dyad, ranging from sparking new and healthier adaptations, to reshaping the
      internal landscape via internalization, to facilitation and promotion of unique
      talent. This psychobiographical study of Emily Carr is a vehicle for clinicians
      to further contemplate elements imbedded in our daily work that give rise to
      greater resilience, spontaneous recovery from illness, and personal
      transformation in the lives of our patients.

PMID- 27122999
TI  - Musical Sounds, Motor Resonance, and Detectable Agency.
AB  - This paper discusses the paradox that while human music making evolved and spread
      in an environment where it could only occur in groups, it is now often apparently
      an enjoyable asocial phenomenon. Here I argue that music is, by definition, sound
      that we believe has been in some way organized by a human agent, meaning that
      listening to any musical sounds can be a social experience. There are a number of
      distinct mechanisms by which we might associate musical sound with agency. While
      some of these mechanisms involve learning motor associations with that sound, it
      is also possible to have a more direct relationship from musical sound to agency,
      and the relative importance of these potentially independent mechanisms should be
      further explored. Overall, I conclude that the apparent paradox of solipsistic
      musical engagement is in fact unproblematic, because the way that we perceive and
      experience musical sounds is inherently social.

PMID- 27123001
TI  - Advanced Fuzzy Potential Field Method for Mobile Robot Obstacle Avoidance.
AB  - An advanced fuzzy potential field method for mobile robot obstacle avoidance is
      proposed. The potential field method primarily deals with the repulsive forces
      surrounding obstacles, while fuzzy control logic focuses on fuzzy rules that
      handle linguistic variables and describe the knowledge of experts. The design of
      a fuzzy controller--advanced fuzzy potential field method (AFPFM)--that models
      and enhances the conventional potential field method is proposed and discussed.
      This study also examines the rule-explosion problem of conventional fuzzy logic
      and assesses the performance of our proposed AFPFM through simulations carried
      out using a mobile robot.

PMID- 27123000
TI  - Non-targeted UHPLC-MS metabolomic data processing methods: a comparative
      investigation of normalisation, missing value imputation, transformation and
      scaling.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The generic metabolomics data processing workflow is constructed
      with a serial set of processes including peak picking, quality assurance,
      normalisation, missing value imputation, transformation and scaling. The
      combination of these processes should present the experimental data in an
      appropriate structure so to identify the biological changes in a valid and robust
      manner. OBJECTIVES: Currently, different researchers apply different data
      processing methods and no assessment of the permutations applied to UHPLC-MS
      datasets has been published. Here we wish to define the most appropriate data
      processing workflow. METHODS: We assess the influence of normalisation, missing
      value imputation, transformation and scaling methods on univariate and
      multivariate analysis of UHPLC-MS datasets acquired for different mammalian
      samples. RESULTS: Our studies have shown that once data are filtered, missing
      values are not correlated with m/z, retention time or response. Following an
      exhaustive evaluation, we recommend PQN normalisation with no missing value
      imputation and no transformation or scaling for univariate analysis. For PCA we
      recommend applying PQN normalisation with Random Forest missing value imputation,
      glog transformation and no scaling method. For PLS-DA we recommend PQN
      normalisation, KNN as the missing value imputation method, generalised logarithm
      transformation and no scaling. These recommendations are based on searching for
      the biologically important metabolite features independent of their measured
      abundance. CONCLUSION: The appropriate choice of normalisation, missing value
      imputation, transformation and scaling methods differs depending on the data
      analysis method and the choice of method is essential to maximise the biological
      derivations from UHPLC-MS datasets.

PMID- 27123002
TI  - A Dynamic Health Assessment Approach for Shearer Based on Artificial Immune
      Algorithm.
AB  - In order to accurately identify the dynamic health of shearer, reducing operating
      trouble and production accident of shearer and improving coal production
      efficiency further, a dynamic health assessment approach for shearer based on
      artificial immune algorithm was proposed. The key technologies such as system
      framework, selecting the indicators for shearer dynamic health assessment, and
      health assessment model were provided, and the flowchart of the proposed approach
      was designed. A simulation example, with an accuracy of 96%, based on the
      collected data from industrial production scene was provided. Furthermore, the
      comparison demonstrated that the proposed method exhibited higher classification
      accuracy than the classifiers based on back propagation-neural network (BP-NN)
      and support vector machine (SVM) methods. Finally, the proposed approach was
      applied in an engineering problem of shearer dynamic health assessment. The
      industrial application results showed that the paper research achievements could
      be used combining with shearer automation control system in fully mechanized coal
      face. The simulation and the application results indicated that the proposed
      method was feasible and outperforming others. 

PMID- 27123003
TI  - Serum Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Level Is a Potential Biomarker Indicating Cirrhosis
      during Chronic Hepatitis B Infection.
AB  - Background. Serum immunoglobulins (Igs) are frequently elevated in patients with
      chronic liver disease, but currently there is a lack of sufficient data on serum
      Igs in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection. This study aimed
      to evaluate serum IgA, IgG, and IgM levels in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis
      and to analyze, if altered, immunoglobulin levels that were associated with
      cirrhosis progress. Methods. A cohort of 174 CHB patients including 104 with
      cirrhosis (32 decompensated and 72 compensated) and 70 without cirrhosis and 55
      healthy controls were enrolled. Serum immunoglobulin levels and biochemical and
      virological parameters were determined in the enrollment blood samples. Results.
      Serum IgA levels were significantly increased in cirrhosis group compared with
      noncirrhosis group and healthy controls (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, serum IgA
      concentrations in decompensated cirrhosis patients were significantly higher than
      that of compensated patients (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis suggested that
      serum IgA, platelets, and albumin were independent predictors for cirrhosis (all
      P < 0.001). Conclusions. Elevated IgA levels may function as an independent
      factor indicating cirrhosis, and there appears to be a strong association between
      increasing serum IgA level and disease progressing in patients with chronic HBV
      infection. 

PMID- 27123004
TI  - A Comparison of Tissue versus Swab Culturing of Infected Diabetic Foot Wounds.
AB  - Objective. To compare the efficacy of swabbing versus tissue biopsy for
      microbiological diagnosis of diabetic foot infection. Methods. This was a
      prospective trial. Fifty-six patients with diabetic foot infection were divided
      into the following 3 groups according to the PEDIS grading system: grade 2 (n =
      10), grade 3 (n = 29), and grade 4 (n = 17). Two specimens were collected from
      each wound for microbial culturing after debridement, including a superficial
      swab and a deep tissue punch biopsy specimen. Results. Swab culturing identified
      all of the microorganisms isolated from the corresponding deep tissue specimens
      in 9/10 of grade 2 wounds (90.0%), and this proportion decreased to 12/29 (41.4%)
      and 7/17 (41.2%) for grades 3 and 4 wounds, respectively (p = 0.02). Moreover,
      the sensitivity for identifying Gram-negative bacteria, such as E. coli and
      Citrobacter, by swabbing was low (33.3%). In addition, some Gram-negative
      bacteria, such as Serratia and Ralstonia pickettii, were isolated from deep
      tissues but not from swabs. Conclusions. Swab culturing may be reliable for
      identification of pathogens in diabetic foot wounds classified as grade 2.
      However, it is advisable to culture deep tissue specimens for wounds of grade >=3
      because swab culturing is associated with a high risk of missing pathogens,
      especially Gram-negative bacteria. 

PMID- 27123005
TI  - Spread of TEM, VIM, SHV, and CTX-M beta-Lactamases in Imipenem-Resistant Gram
      Negative Bacilli Isolated from Egyptian Hospitals.
AB  - Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli resulting from beta-lactamases have
      been reported to be an important cause of nosocomial infections and are a
      critical therapeutic problem worldwide. This study aimed to describe the
      prevalence of imipenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli isolates and detection of
      bla VIM, bla TEM, bla SHV, bla CTX-M-1, and bla CTX-M-9 genes in these clinical
      isolates in Egyptian hospitals. The isolates were collected from various clinical
      samples, identified by conventional methods and confirmed by API 20E. Antibiotic
      susceptibility testing was determined by Kirby-Bauer technique and interpreted
      according to CLSI. Production of bla VIM, bla TEM, bla SHV, and bla CTX-M genes
      was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Direct sequencing from PCR products
      was subsequently carried out to identify and confirm these beta-lactamases genes.
      Out of 65 isolates, (46.1%) Escherichia coli, (26.2%) Klebsiella pneumoniae, and
      (10.7%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified as the commonest Gram-negative
      bacilli. 33(50.8%) were imipenem-resistant isolates. 22 isolates (66.7%) carried
      bla VIM, 24(72.7%) had bla TEM, and 5(15%) showed bla SHV, while 12(36%),
      6(18.2%), and 0(0.00%) harbored bla CTX-M-1, bla CTX-M-9, and bla CTX-M-8/25,
      respectively. There is a high occurrence of beta-lactamase genes in clinical
      isolates and sequence analysis of amplified genes showed differences between
      multiple SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism) sites in the same gene among local
      isolates in relation to published sequences. 

PMID- 27123006
TI  - Prognostic Factors on the Graft-versus-Host Disease-Free and Relapse-Free
      Survival after Adult Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
AB  - The cure of hematologic disorders by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) is often associated with major complications resulting in
      poor outcome, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), relapse, and death. A
      novel composite endpoint of GVHD-free/relapse-free survival (GRFS) in which
      events include grades 3-4 acute GVHD, chronic GVHD requiring systemic therapy,
      relapse, or death is censored to completely characterize the survival without
      mortality or ongoing morbidity. In this regard, studies attempting to identify
      the prognostic factors of GRFS are quite scarce. Thus, we reviewed 377 adult
      patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT between 2003 and 2013. The 1- and 2-year GRFS
      were 40.8% and 36.5%, respectively, significantly worse than overall survival and
      disease-free survival (log-rank p < 0.001). European Group for Blood and Marrow
      Transplantation (EBMT) risk score > 2 (p < 0.001) and hematologic malignancy (p =
      0.033) were poor prognostic factors for 1-year GRFS. For 2-year GRFS, EBMT risk
      score > 2 (p < 0.001), being male (p = 0.028), and hematologic malignancy (p =
      0.010) were significant for poor outcome. The events between 1-year GRFS and 2
      year GRFS predominantly increased in relapsed patients. With prognostic factors
      of GRFS, we could evaluate the probability of real recovery following HSCT
      without ongoing morbidity. 

PMID- 27123007
TI  - Enhanced Proliferation of Porcine Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induced by
      Extracellular Calcium is Associated with the Activation of the Calcium-Sensing
      Receptor and ERK Signaling Pathway.
AB  - Porcine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (pBMSCs) have the potential for
      application in regenerative medicine. This study aims to investigate the effects
      of extracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]o) on pBMSCs proliferation and to explore the
      possible underlying mechanisms. The results demonstrated that 4 mM [Ca(2+)]o
      significantly promoted pBMSCs proliferation by reducing the G0/G1 phase cell
      percentage and by increasing the S phase cell proportion and the proliferation
      index of pBMSCs. Accordingly, [Ca(2+)]o stimulated the expression levels of
      proliferative genes such as cyclin A2, cyclin D1/3, cyclin E2, and PCNA and
      inhibited the expression of p21. In addition, [Ca(2+)]o resulted in a significant
      elevation of intracellular calcium and an increased ratio of p-ERK/ERK. However,
      inhibition of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) by its antagonist NPS2143 abolished
      the aforementioned effects of [Ca(2+)]o. Moreover, [Ca(2+)]o-induced promotion of
      pBMSCs proliferation, the changes of proliferative genes expression levels, and
      the activation of ERK1/2 signaling pathway were effectively blocked by U0126, a
      selective ERK kinase inhibitor. In conclusion, our findings provided evidence
      that the enhanced pBMSCs proliferation in response to [Ca(2+)]o was associated
      with the activation of CaSR and ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which may be useful for
      the application of pBMSCs in future clinical studies aimed at tissue regeneration
      and repair. 

PMID- 27123009
TI  - In Vitro Differentiation of First Trimester Human Umbilical Cord Perivascular
      Cells into Contracting Cardiomyocyte-Like Cells.
AB  - Myocardial infarction (MI) causes an extensive loss of heart muscle cells and
      leads to congestive heart disease (CAD), the leading cause of mortality and
      morbidity worldwide. Mesenchymal stromal cell- (MSC-) based cell therapy is a
      promising option to replace invasive interventions. However the optimal cell type
      providing significant cardiac regeneration after MI is yet to be found. The aim
      of our study was to investigate the cardiomyogenic differentiation potential of
      first trimester human umbilical cord perivascular cells (FTM HUCPVCs), a novel,
      young source of immunoprivileged mesenchymal stromal cells. Based on the
      expression of cardiomyocyte markers (cTnT, MYH6, SIRPA, and CX43) FTM and term
      HUCPVCs achieved significantly increased cardiomyogenic differentiation compared
      to bone marrow MSCs, while their immunogenicity remained significantly lower as
      indicated by HLA-A and HLA-G expression and susceptibility to T cell mediated
      cytotoxicity. When applying aggregate-based differentiation, FTM HUCPVCs showed
      increased aggregate formation potential and generated contracting cells within 1
      week of coculture, making them the first MSC type with this ability. Our results
      indicate that young FTM HUCPVCs have superior cardiomyogenic potential coupled
      with beneficial immunogenic properties when compared to MSCs of older tissue
      sources, suggesting that in vitro predifferentiation could be a potential
      strategy to increase their effectiveness in vivo. 

PMID- 27123010
TI  - Association between Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Occurrence of Type 2 Diabetes
      Mellitus Susceptible to Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Northeast China.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to explore why type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
      patients are susceptible to pulmonary tuberculosis through detection of serum
      Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an important immune-related receptor, especially in
      terms of content and TLR4 gene polymorphism. Patients with T2DM complicated by
      pulmonary tuberculosis (T2DMTB) were selected as the case group and T2DM patients
      without tuberculosis were selected as the control group. Forty patients in each
      group were randomly selected and their serum TLR4 levels were detected and
      compared. Determination of six sites of TLR4 gene polymorphism was carried out in
      238 T2DMTB patients and 310 patients with T2DM, and results showed that the serum
      TLR4 content of the T2DMTB group was significantly lower than that of the T2DM
      group (p < 0.05). The six sites of TLR4 gene polymorphism did not show
      significant associations with T2DMTB risk. No statistically significant
      differences in genotype distributions were observed between T2DMTB patients and
      patients with T2DM when studied using the recessive and dominant genetic models.
      How two diseases with contradictory nutritional statuses can occur in the same
      person is difficult to explain from environmental factors perspective alone.
      Future research should study the causes of T2DMTB from the perspective of
      genetics. 

PMID- 27123008
TI  - Exercise as an Adjuvant Therapy for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) using mobilized peripheral blood
      hematopoietic stem cells (HSPCs) is the only curative strategy for many patients
      suffering from hematological malignancies. HSPC collection protocols rely on
      pharmacological agents to mobilize HSPCs to peripheral blood. Limitations
      including variable donor responses and long dosing protocols merit further
      investigations into adjuvant therapies to enhance the efficiency of HSPCs
      collection. Exercise, a safe and feasible intervention in patients undergoing
      HSCT, has been previously shown to robustly stimulate HSPC mobilization from the
      bone marrow. Exercise-induced HSPC mobilization is transient limiting its current
      clinical potential. Thus, a deeper investigation of the mechanisms responsible
      for exercise-induced HSPC mobilization and the factors responsible for removal of
      HSPCs from circulation following exercise is warranted. The present review will
      describe current research on exercise and HSPC mobilization, outline the
      potential mechanisms responsible for exercise-induced HSPC mobilization, and
      highlight potential sites for HSPC homing following exercise. We also outline
      current barriers to the implementation of exercise as an adjuvant therapy for
      HSPC mobilization and suggest potential strategies to overcome these barriers. 

PMID- 27123012
TI  - Determinants of Early Marriage from Married Girls' Perspectives in Iranian
      Setting: A Qualitative Study.
AB  - Early marriage is a worldwide problem associated with a range of health and
      social consequences for teenage girls. Designing effective health interventions
      for managing early marriage needs to apply the community-based approaches.
      However, it has received less attention from policymakers and health researchers
      in Iran. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore determinants of early
      marriage from married girls' perspectives. The study was conducted from May 2013
      to January 2015 in Ahvaz, Iran. A purposeful sampling method was used to select
      fifteen eligible participants. Data were collected through face-to-face,
      semistructured interviews and were analyzed using the conventional content
      analysis approach. Three categories emerged from the qualitative data including
      "family structure," "Low autonomy in decision-making," and "response to needs."
      According to the results, although the participants were not ready to get married
      and intended to postpone their marriage, multiple factors such as individual and
      contextual factors propelled them to early marriage. Given that early marriage is
      a multifactorial problem, health care providers should consider a
      multidimensional approach to support and empower these vulnerable girls. 

PMID- 27123011
TI  - Netrin-1 Peptide Is a Chemorepellent in Tetrahymena thermophila.
AB  - Netrin-1 is a highly conserved, pleiotropic signaling molecule that can serve as
      a neuronal chemorepellent during vertebrate development. In vertebrates,
      chemorepellent signaling is mediated through the tyrosine kinase, src-1, and the
      tyrosine phosphatase, shp-2. Tetrahymena thermophila has been used as a model
      system for chemorepellent signaling because its avoidance response is easily
      characterized under a light microscope. Our experiments showed that netrin-1
      peptide is a chemorepellent in T. thermophila at micromolar concentrations. T.
      thermophila adapts to netrin-1 over a time course of about 10 minutes. Netrin
      adapted cells still avoid GTP, PACAP-38, and nociceptin, suggesting that netrin
      does not use the same signaling machinery as any of these other repellents.
      Avoidance of netrin-1 peptide was effectively eliminated by the addition of the
      tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, to the assay buffer; however,
      immunostaining using an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody showed similar fluorescence
      levels in control and netrin-1 exposed cells, suggesting that tyrosine
      phosphorylation is not required for signaling to occur. In addition, ELISA
      indicates that a netrin-like peptide is present in both whole cell extract and
      secreted protein obtained from Tetrahymena thermophila. Further study will be
      required in order to fully elucidate the signaling mechanism of netrin-1 peptide
      in this organism. 

PMID- 27123013
TI  - Self-Reported Knowledge and Attitude of Dentists towards Prescription of
      Fluoride.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the self-reported knowledge and attitude
      of dentists towards fluoride prescription. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire
      survey was conducted at the national annual dental congress in 2010 in Tehran
      Iran. Dentists' level of knowledge about the preventive effects of systemic and
      topical administration of fluoride was assessed as well as their attitudes
      towards its application. Self-reported practice for two paper patients (a child
      and an adult with high risk of dental caries) was assessed. Data were analyzed
      using SPSS, chi-square test and logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 347
      dentists including 232 (73.4%) males and 84 (26.6%) females responded; 84.7%
      agreed/strongly agreed with addition of fluoride to water and 66% agreed with
      prescription of fluoride tablets/drops in fluoride-deficient areas. Fluoridated
      toothpastes were considered useful by 85.3%; this rate was 78.7% for fluoride
      rinse and 87.6% for fluoride varnish, foam or gel. The majority of dentists
      (67.4%) reported no access to clear guidelines on fluoride application; 83%
      considered fluoride to be effective for caries prevention in children less than
      12 years and 39.2% believed it was useful for adults and adolescents; 50% of the
      respondents correctly managed the high-risk child and adult with respect to
      appropriate selection of fluoride product. Younger dentists (OR=0.94; 95% CI 0.8
      0.9; P=0.043) and new graduates (OR=0.94; 95% CI 0.89-0.99; P=0.034) were more
      likely to correctly manage the high-risk child. CONCLUSION: Dentists had good
      knowledge and positive attitudes towards fluoride application. New graduates were
      more likely to correctly manage the young high-risk patient.

PMID- 27123014
TI  - Effect of In-Office Carbamide Peroxide-Based Tooth Bleaching System on Wear
      Resistance of Silorane-Based and Methacrylate-Based Dental Composites.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Several studies have assessed the characteristics and properties of
      silorane-based composites and adhesive systems. Considering the extensive
      application of tooth-whitening agents, possible deteriorative effects of tooth
      bleaching agents on these restorative materials must be studied. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the effect of an in-office carbamide peroxide-based tooth
      bleaching agent on the wear resistance of a silorane-based and a conventional
      microhybrid dimethyl methacrylate-based dental composite with two different
      application times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty cylindrical specimens were made
      of Z250 and P90 dental composite resins (n=15 for each composite). Samples made
      of each composite were divided into three groups (n=5) for immersion in an in
      office bleaching agent (Opalescence(r) Quick 45%) for either three or eight hours
      or saline solution (control). Wear tests were conducted after bleaching using a
      pin-on disk apparatus under the load of 40N at a constant sliding speed of 0.5
      ms(-1) for a sliding distance of 300 m. The samples were weighed before and after
      the wear test. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to statistically analyze the
      obtained data (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the
      weight of samples after the wear test (P<0.001). However, no significant
      difference was found among groups in the mean weight of samples before and after
      the wear test (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Bleaching for three or eight hours using 45%
      carbamide peroxide had no deteriorative effect on the wear resistance of Z250 and
      P90 composites.

PMID- 27123015
TI  - Bonding Durability of Four Adhesive Systems.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the durability of four adhesive systems
      by assessing their microtensile bond strength (MTBS) and microleakage during six
      months of water storage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 128 human third molars
      were used. The adhesives tested were Scotch Bond Multipurpose (SBMP), Single Bond
      (SB), Clearfil-SE bond (CSEB), and All-Bond SE (ABSE). After sample preparation
      for MTBS testing, the microspecimens were subjected to microtensile tester after
      one day and six months of water storage. For microleakage evaluation, facial and
      lingual class V cavities were prepared and restored with composite. After
      thermocycling, microleakage was evaluated. Bond strength values were subjected to
      one-way ANOVA and Tamhane's test, and the microleakage data were analyzed by the
      Kruskal-Wallis, Dunn, Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon tests (P<0.05). RESULTS: Single
      Bond yielded the highest and ABSE yielded the lowest bond strength at one day and
      six months. Short-term bond strength of SBMP and CSEB was similar. After six
      months, a significant decrease in bond strength was observed in ABSE and SBMP
      groups. At one day, ABSE showed the highest microleakage at the occlusal margin;
      however, at the gingival margin, there was no significant difference among
      groups. Long-term microleakage of all groups at the occlusal margins was similar,
      whilst gingival margins of SBMP and SB showed significantly higher microleakage.
      CONCLUSION: The highest MTBS and favorable sealability were obtained by Clearfil
      SE bond. Water storage had no effect on microleakage of self-etch adhesives at
      the gingival margin or MTBS of CSEB and SB.

PMID- 27123016
TI  - Diagnostic Accuracy of Inverted and Unprocessed Digitized Periapical Radiographs
      for Detection of Peri-Implant Defects.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of inverted and
      unprocessed digitized periapical radiographs for detection of peri-implant
      defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 osteotomy sites were prepared in
      three groups of control, study group 1 with 0.425 mm defects and study group 2
      with 0.725 mm defects using the SIC and Astra Tech drill systems with 4.25mm and
      4.85mm diameters. Small and large defects were randomly created in the coronal
      8mm of 20 implant sites; implants (3.4mm diameter, 14.5mm length) were then
      placed. Thirty periapical (PA) radiographs were obtained using Digora imaging
      system (Soredex Corporation, Helsinki, Finland), size 2 photostimulable storage
      phosphor (PSP) plate sensors (40.0mm*30.0mm) and Scanora software. Unprocessed
      images were inverted using Scanora software by applying image inversion and a
      total of 60 images were obtained and randomly evaluated by four oral and
      maxillofacial radiologists. Data were analyzed using the t-test. RESULTS:
      Significant differences were observed in absolute and complete sensitivity and
      specificity of the two imaging modalities for detection of small and large
      defects (P<0.05). Unprocessed digital images had a higher mean in terms of
      absolute sensitivity for detection of small defects, complete sensitivity for
      detection of large peri-implant defects and definite rule out of defects compared
      with inverted images. CONCLUSION: Unprocessed digital images have a higher
      diagnostic value for detection of small and large peri-implant defects and also
      for definite rule out of defects compared with inverted images.

PMID- 27123017
TI  - Effect of Ingested Liquids on Color Change of Composite Resins.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Color change of composite restorations is well known to dentists.
      However, the effect of commonly consumed drinks on discoloration of composite
      resins has yet to be determined. This study sought to assess the color change of
      a nanofilled (Premise) and a flowable composite resin (Premise flowable)
      following simulated consumption of tea, cola, iron drops and multivitamin syrup.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty disk-shaped specimens (7 mm in diameter and 2 mm
      thick) were fabricated from each composite resin. The baseline color values were
      measured according to the CIE L*a*b* system using digital imaging. The specimens
      of each restorative material were randomly divided into five groups (eight each)
      according to the storage media namely tea, cola, iron drops, multivitamin syrup
      or distilled water (control). The specimens were immersed in staining solutions
      for three hours daily over a 40-day test period. Following this, the color change
      values (DeltaE*) were calculated. For statistical analyses, the color differences
      were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P< 0.05). RESULTS: There was
      no significant difference in DeltaE* values between the two types of composite
      resins (P>0.05). In both composite materials, the difference among the solutions
      was not significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Under the tested experimental
      conditions, both restorative materials were susceptible to discoloration by all
      four staining solutions. The color change values were not related to the solution
      or the type of material used.

PMID- 27123018
TI  - In Vitro Comparison of the Effects of Diode Laser and CO2 Laser on Topical
      Fluoride Uptake in Primary Teeth.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Fluoride therapy is important for control and prevention of dental
      caries. Laser irradiation can increase fluoride uptake especially when combined
      with topical fluoride application. The objective of this study was to compare the
      effects of CO2 and diode lasers on enamel fluoride uptake in primary teeth.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty human primary molars were randomly assigned to four
      groups (n=10). The roots were removed and the crowns were sectioned mesiodistally
      into buccal and lingual halves as the experimental and control groups. All
      samples were treated with 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish. The experimental
      samples in the four groups were irradiated with 5 or 7W diode or 1 or 2W CO2
      laser for 15 seconds and were compared with the controls in terms of fluoride
      uptake, which was determined using an ion selective electrode after acid
      dissolution of the specimens. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 using ANOVA
      treating the control measurements as covariates. RESULTS: The estimated amount of
      fluoride uptake was 59.5+/- 16.31 ppm, 66.5+/- 14.9 ppm, 78.6+/- 12.43 ppm and
      90.4+/- 11.51 ppm for 5W and 7 W diode and 1W and 2 W CO2 lasers, respectively,
      which were significantly greater than the values in the conventional topical
      fluoridation group (P<0.005). There were no significant differences between 7W
      diode laser and 1W CO2 laser, 5W and 7W diode laser, or 1W and 2W CO2 laser in
      this regard. CONCLUSION: The results showed that enamel surface irradiation by
      CO2 and diode lasers increases the fluoride uptake.

PMID- 27123019
TI  - Antifungal Efficacy of Green Tea Extract against Candida Albicans Biofilm on
      Tooth Substrate.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Biomechanical preparation and irrigation with antimicrobial solutions
      are necessary to disinfect the root canal space. This in vitro study aimed to
      examine the antifungal effect of green tea extract on Candida albicans biofilm
      formed on tooth substrate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Minimum fungicidal
      concentration (MFC) and minimum inhibitory concentration at which 90% of the
      isolates were inhibited (MIC90) were studied using green tea extract and sodium
      hypochlorite with the broth macro-dilution method. Then, anti-candida effects of
      this extract were tested on tooth substrates of 45 extracted single-canal
      premolar teeth. After biomechanical cleaning of the root canals, the teeth were
      sectioned vertically and randomly divided into three groups of 30. All the
      samples were infected with C. albicans (PTCC 5027) and exposed to the test
      solutions (sodium hypochlorite, green tea, normal saline) for five, 10 and 15
      minutes. Data analyses of the samples were performed using two-way ANOVA.
      RESULTS: The average number of microorganisms showed a significant decrease after
      five, 10 and 15 minutes of exposure to green tea extract and sodium hypochlorite.
      The average number of C. albicans in green tea extract and sodium hypochlorite
      groups decreased to 1/3 and 1/2 of the initial values, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Antifungal activity of green tea extract was time-dependent and its inhibitory
      action did not decrease significantly over time. It is recommended to consider
      other properties of green tea such as tissue solubility, impact on dentin
      structure and use as an intracanal medicament or for smear layer removal in the
      clinical setting.

PMID- 27123020
TI  - In Vitro Evaluation of Apical Sealing Ability of HEROfill(r) Obturator Versus
      Cold Lateral Condensation in Curved Root Canals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess and compare the apical sealing ability of
      HEROfill(r) Soft-Core system and lateral condensation technique in fine curved
      canals using the fluid filtration method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty human
      mesiobuccal root canals of mandibular first molars with 25 degrees  to 40 degrees
      curvatures were instrumented to an apical size 30/0.04. Roots were randomly
      assigned to two experimental groups of 15, designated as groups A and B. Two
      control groups, each containing five teeth, served as positive and negative
      controls. Group A was obturated using lateral condensation technique and group B
      with the HEROfill(r) Soft-Core system. The groups were tested for microleakage
      using an in vitro fluid filtration apparatus with 0.5 atm pressure at zero, two,
      four, six, eight and 10 minutes. Independent t-test was used to analyze the
      microleakage data. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation (SD) values for fluid
      microleakage in the lateral condensation group were 0.58+/-0.49 MUL/min, 0.68+/
      0.35 MUL/min, 0.74+/-0.22 MUL/min, 0.71+/-0.29 MUL/min and 0.60+/- 0.29 MUL/min
      at two, four, six, eight and 10 minutes, respectively. The mean and SD values for
      fluid microleakage in the HEROfill(r) group were 0.53+/-0.42 MUL/min, 0.67+/-0.34
      MUL/min, 0.69+/-0.26 MUL/min, 0.73+/-0.33 MUL/min and 0.63+/-0.26 MUL/min at two,
      four, six, eight and 10 minutes, respectively. The difference between the lateral
      condensation and HEROfill(r) groups was not statistically significant at two
      (P=0.776), four (P=0.909), six (P=0.562), eight (P=0.861) or 10 (P=0.765)
      minutes. CONCLUSION: The HEROfill(r) system and cold lateral condensation
      technique were equally effective for apical sealing of curved canals.

PMID- 27123021
TI  - In-Vitro Effect of Casein Phosphopeptide Amorphous Calcium Phosphate on Enamel
      Susceptibility to Staining by Tea during Bleaching Treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Bleached enamel is more susceptible to staining, and application of
      remineralizing agents may decrease enamel susceptibility to staining. This study
      sought to assess the effect of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate
      (CPP-ACP) on enamel susceptibility to staining during bleaching treatment.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty central and lateral incisors and first premolar
      teeth were evaluated in four groups of 10. Group one specimens were subjected to
      in-office bleaching. Group two underwent in-office bleaching followed by surface
      treatment with CPP-ACP. Group three specimens received home bleaching and group
      four underwent home bleaching followed by CPP-ACP surface treatment. After each
      course of daily bleaching, specimens were immersed in tea solution. Home
      bleaching (15% carbamide peroxide) was performed for 14 days and in-office
      bleaching (40% hydrogen peroxide) was carried out in two sessions with an eight
      day interval. The color of specimens was analyzed at baseline and post
      intervention using Easy Shade Shade-Selection Device. Two-way ANOVA was used to
      evaluate the effects of bleaching type and surface treatment on color change.
      Then, the means were compared by Tukey's HSD test (P=0.05). RESULTS: The
      interaction effect of surface treatment and type of bleaching was not significant
      on any color parameter (P>0.05). Surface treatment had significant effects on
      DeltaL (P=0.004). Type of bleaching had a significant effect on "b" parameter
      (P=0.00). The effect of bleaching type on DeltaE was significant (P=0.00) but the
      effect of surface treatment was not (P=0.34). CONCLUSION: CPP-ACP had no
      significant effect on preventing enamel staining by tea during bleaching
      treatment.

PMID- 27123022
TI  - Implant Rehabilitation in Advanced Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis: A Case
      Report and Literature Review.
AB  - Dental implants have provided exceptional rehabilitative options for edentulous
      and partially edentulous patients. However, as more implants come into play, the
      more the clinicians come across problems where specific considerations must be
      taken into account to meet expectations. The Toronto Bridge is a treatment
      modality proposed for restoring several teeth lost in patients with increased
      crown height (interarch) space. Herein, we applied the Toronto Bridge to
      rehabilitate a patient with generalized aggressive periodontitis; this article
      suggests that an implant-supported Toronto Bridge can be a reliable and
      acceptable treatment modality for patients suffering from tooth loss and vertical
      bone loss as the result of generalized aggressive periodontal disease. 

PMID- 27123023
TI  - Quantitative Pfirrmann Disc Degeneration Grading System to Overcome the
      Limitation of Pfirrmann Disc Degeneration Grade.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pfirrmann disc degeneration grade is one of morphologic disc
      degeneration grading system and it was reliable on routine T2-weighted magnetic
      resonance (MR) images. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the agreement of
      Pfirrmann disc degeneration grade, and check the alternative technique of disc
      degeneration grading system. METHODS: Fifteen volunteers (4 medical doctors
      related to spinal disease, 2 medical doctors not related to spinal disease, 6
      nurses in spinal hospital, and 3 para-medicines) were included in this study.
      Three different digitalized MR images were provided all volunteers, and they
      checked Pfirrmann disc degeneration grade of each disc levels after careful
      listening to explanation. Indeed, all volunteers checked the signal intensity of
      disc degeneration at the points of nucleus pulposus (NP), disc membrane,
      ligaments, fat, and air to modify the quantitative Pfirrmann disc degeneration
      grade. RESULTS: Total 225 grade results of Pfirrmann disc degeneration grade and
      405 signal intensity results of quantitative Pfirrmann disc degeneration grade
      were analyzed. Average interobserver agreement was "moderate (mean+/-standard
      deviation, 0.575+/-0.251)" from poor to excellent. Completely agreed levels of
      Pfirrmann disc degeneration grade were only 4 levels (26.67%), and the
      disagreement levels were observed in 11 levels; two different grades in 8 levels
      (53.33%) and three different grades in 3 levels (20%). Quantitative Pfirrmann
      disc degeneration showed relatively cluster distribution with the interobserver
      deviations of 0.41-1.56 at the ratio of NP and disc membrane, and it showed
      relatively good cluster and distribution indicating that the proposed grading
      system has good discrimination ability. CONCLUSION: Pfirrmann disc degeneration
      grade showed the limitation of different interobserver results, but this
      limitation could be overcome by using quantitative techniques of MR signal
      intensity. Further evaluation is needed to access its advantage and
      reliabilities.

PMID- 27123024
TI  - The Applicability of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Patients with Preoperative
      Motor Weakness during Spine Surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study is to evaluate the success rate and
      feasibility of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) focusing on transcranial
      motor evoked potential (TcMEP) monitoring for patients with preoperative motor
      weakness in spine surgery. METHODS: Between November 2011 and December 2013,
      TcMEP and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) monitoring were attempted in 130
      consecutive patients undergoing spine surgeries for cervical or thoracic cord
      lesions. Patients ranged in age from 14 to 81 years (mean+/-standard deviation,
      56.7+/-14.8 years), and 84 patients were male. The success rates of both SSEP and
      MEPs monitoring were assessed according to the preoperative Medical Research
      Council (MRC) and Nurick grades. RESULTS: TcMEP was recorded successfully in 0%,
      28.6%, 72.3%, and 100% of patients with MRC grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5,
      respectively. SSEP was obtained from 0%, 37.5%, 21.5%, 61.4%, and 85.4% of
      patients with MRC grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. TcMEP was recorded
      successfully in 84% of patients with Nurick grades 1-3 and 26% of patients with
      Nurick grades 4-5. SSEPs were recorded successfully in 76.3% of patients with
      Nurick grades 1-3 and 24% of patients with grades 4-5. CONCLUSION: IONM during
      spine surgery may be useless in patients with MRC grades 1-2, applicable MRC
      grade 3, and useful MRC grades 4-5. MRC grade 3 is a critical point of indication
      for application of MEPs. In unmonitorable cases with MRC grade 3, increasing
      stimulus intensity or facilitation techniques may be considered to improve the
      usefulness of TcMEP.

PMID- 27123025
TI  - Stand-Alone Cages for Anterior Cervical Fusion: Are There No Problems?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are complications in stand-alone cage assisted anterior cervical
      discectomy and fusion (ACDF), such as cage subsidence and kyphosis. Here we
      report our clinical result on ACDF, comparing with stand-alone cages and with
      cervical plate system for degenerative cervical spine diseases. METHODS: Patients
      with degenerative cervical disease who were diagnosed and treated in Konyang
      University Hospital between January 2004 and December 2014 were included in this
      study. Patients who had operation in single level ACDF were selected. Patients
      scored the degree of pain using visual analog scale before and after the surgery.
      Subsidence was defined as >=3-mm decrease of the segmental height, and cervical
      kyphosis was defined as progression of >=5 degrees  at 12 months after
      postoperative follow-up compared to that measured at the immediate postoperative
      period. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were enrolled for this study. Forty-five
      patients were included in a cervical plate group and the others were in stand
      alone cage group. There was no statistical difference in pain score between the 2
      groups. Segmental subsidence was observed in 7 patients (15.6%) in plate-assisted
      cervical fusion group, and 13 patients (36.1%) in stand-alone cage group.
      Segmental kyphosis was observed in 4 patients (8.9%) in plate-assisted cervical
      fusion group, and 10 patients (27.8%) in stand-alone cage group. There was
      statistical difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: There was no difference
      in pain between 2 groups. But stand-alone case group showed higher incidence rate
      than plate-assisted cervical fusion group in segmental subsidence and cervical
      kyphosis. When designing cervical fusion, more attention should be given
      selecting the surgical technique.

PMID- 27123026
TI  - Is Surgical Drain Useful for Lumbar Disc Surgery?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Surgical drains are commonly used after the spine surgeries for
      minimizing hematoma formation, which can delay wound healing and may become a
      source of fibrosis, infection, and pain. The drain, however, may provide a direct
      route for infection if it is contaminated. Our objective was to survey the
      relationship between surgical drains and infection. METHODS: The 70 patients who
      had undergone single-level lumbar discectomy from April 2011 to March 2012 were
      retrospectively analyzed. Each patient's medical chart and magnetic resonance
      image were thoroughly reviewed after all the patients had been divided into the
      drainage and the nondrainage groups. The amounts and durations of the surgical
      drains in the drainage group were analyzed. Additionally, the levels of C
      reactive protein, rates of infection, scores of preoperative and postoperative
      visual analog scale (VAS), and lengths of hospital stay after operation were
      compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: In this study, 70 patients were
      retrospectively analyzed; out of which, 42 and 28 patients were included in the
      drainage and the nondrainage groups, respectively. Two of the postoperative
      infection cases in the nondrainage group required to undergo repeated operations.
      The frequency of the postoperative infection cases was higher in the nondrainage
      group than in the drainage group; however, there was no significant statistical
      difference between the 2 groups (p=0.157). CONCLUSION: Surgical drains did not
      elevate postoperative infection. Furthermore, drain tip cultures allowed us to
      detect postoperative infection at an early stage, and it led to faster initiation
      of antibiotics treatment.

PMID- 27123027
TI  - The Use Fibrin Sealant after Spinal Intradural Tumor Surgery: Is It Necessary?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A fibrin sealant is commonly applied after closure of an incidental or
      intended durotomy to reduce the complications associated with the leakage of
      cerebrospinal fluid. Routine usage might not be essential after closure of an
      intended durotomy, which has clear cut-margins. We investigated the efficacy of
      fibrin sealants for primary intradural spinal cord tumor surgery. METHODS: A
      retrospective review was performed for 231 consecutive surgically treated
      patients with primary intradural spinal cord tumors without extradural extension.
      Fibrin sealants were not used for 47 patients (group I: age, 51.57+/-16.75 years)
      and were applied to 184 patients (group II: age, 48.8+/-14.7 years). The surgical
      procedures were identical except for the use of a fibrin sealant after closure of
      the durotomy. The primary outcome was the occurrence of complications (wound
      problems, hematoma collection, infection, and neurological deterioration). The
      covariates were age, sex, body mass index, operation time, pre-/postoperative
      ambulation, number of laminectomies, and type of tumor. RESULTS: Schwannoma was
      the most common pathology (n=134), followed by meningioma (n=35) and ependymoma
      (n=31). Complications occurred in 13 patients (3 in group I and 10 in group II,
      p=0.73). The postoperative ambulation status (p<0.01; odds ratio, 28.8; 95%
      confidence interval, 6.9-120.0) and operation time (p=0.04; cutoff, 229 minutes;
      sensitivity, 62%; specificity, 72%) were significant factors, whereas the use of
      a fibrin glue was not (p=0.47). CONCLUSION: The use of a fibrin sealant might not
      be essential to reduce complications after surgery for primary spinal intradural
      tumor.

PMID- 27123028
TI  - Multiple Intradural Disc Herniations Masquerading as Intradural Extramedullary
      Tumors: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Intradural disc herniation is a very rare condition, and multiple intradural disc
      herniations have not been reported to date. The latter may be confused with
      intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal tumors. Here, we report a case of
      multiple intradural disc herniations masquerading as multiple IDEM tumors and
      review the relevant literature. We retrospectively reviewed the patient's medical
      chart, reviewed the intraoperative microscopic findings, and reviewed of PubMed
      articles on intradural disc herniation. The masses considered to be IDEM tumors
      were confirmed to be multiple intradural disc herniations. A nonenhancing mass
      was found to have migrated along the intra-arachnoid space. Two enhancing masses
      could not migrate because of adhesion and showed peripheral neovascularization.
      We report an extremely rare case of multiple intradural lumbar disc herniations
      showing diverse enhancing patterns and masquerading as multiple IDEM tumors. In
      case of multiple enhancing IDEM masses suspected preoperatively, surgeons should
      consider the possibility of intradural disc herniation. 

PMID- 27123029
TI  - Concomitant Double Tumors of Myxopapillary Ependymoma Presented at Cauda Equina
      Filum Terminale in Adult Patient.
AB  - A 32-year-old man presented with gradually increasing bilateral buttock pain. He
      had intermittent claudication. Multiple, homogenously enhanced intradural
      extramedullary lesions at L2-L3 and L5-S1 levels were observed on magnetic
      resonance imaging. The tumors were debulked and were removed in piecemeal pattern
      until they had completely been resected. Histopathological examination of the
      surgical specimens confirmed that both tumors were myxopapillary ependymomas
      (MPE). MPE presenting as concomitant double tumor at conus-cauda-filum level are
      very rare. This kind of presentation could not be directly considered as
      dissemination, since both tumors were in the site of classical origin of MPE. Ten
      cases of double spinal MPEs have been reported to date. Including the present
      case, analysis of the 11 patients revealed some facts. There is a male
      predominance, which is opposite to the ependymomas that are commonly observed in
      females. Median age at presentation is 15 years. Most pronounced symptom is low
      back pain that sometimes radiates to lower extremities. Surgical approach was
      aimed in all tumors, which could be succeeded in all tumors except one. Adjuvant
      radiation therapy was applied in 5 patients. No recurrences have been reported
      after surgery or surgery + radiotherapy regimens. 

PMID- 27123030
TI  - Enlargement of Neural Foramina and Dynamic Stabilization in Spondylolisthesis
      without Restoring the Alignment: Technical Note.
AB  - It is well known that the cause of radiculopathy is the compression of the nerve
      root within the foramina which is narrowed secondary to sliding of the corpus and
      reduced disc height. In some patients, unroofing the foramen does not resolve
      this problem. We described a new decompression technique using pedicle removal
      and transpedicular dynamic instrumentation to stabilization the spine. We
      performed this operation in 2 patients and achieved very good results. 

PMID- 27123031
TI  - Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages of the Location Methods of International
      Auricular Acupuncture Points.
AB  - The international standardization of auricular acupuncture points (AAPs) is an
      important basis for auricular therapy or auricular diagnosis and treatment. The
      study on the international standardization of AAPs has gone through a long
      process, in which the location method is one of the key research projects. There
      are different points of view in the field of AAPs among experts from different
      countries or regions. By only analyzing the nine representative location methods,
      this paper tried to offer a proper location method to locate AAPs. Through
      analysis of the pros and cons of each location method, the location method
      applied in the WFAS international standard of AAPs is thoroughly considered as an
      appropriate method. It is important to keep the right direction during developing
      an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) international standard of
      auricular acupuncture points and to improve the research quality of international
      standardization for AAPs. 

PMID- 27123032
TI  - Formula Compatibility Identification of Dachengqi Decoction Based on the Effects
      of Absorbed Components in Cerulein-Injured Pancreatic AR42J Cells.
AB  - Objective. To identify the herbal formula compatibility law based on the effects
      of the absorbed components from DCQD on the cerulein-injured AR42J cells.
      Methods. AR42J cells were pretreated for 30 min with or without the different
      concentrations of the absorbed components from DCQD individually or in
      combination or DCQD and coincubated with cerulein (10 nM) for a further 24 h.
      Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and the levels of apoptosis
      and necrosis were measured. Results. Compared to DCQD, the individual or
      combination components partially protected cerulein-injured AR42J cells by
      increasing cell viability, reducing LDH release, and promoting apoptosis. Rhein,
      naringin, and honokiol were the main absorbed components from DCQD in cerulein
      induced pancreatitis. Moreover, rhein in combination with naringin and honokiol
      had synergistic effects in protecting cerulein-injured AR42J cells and was better
      than the individual or the pairwise combination of the three components.
      Conclusions. The ten effective components from DCQD may elicit similar protective
      effects as DCQD on cerulein-induced pancreatitis. The principle of the formula
      compatibility of DCQD may be identified based on the effects of its absorbed
      components in cerulein-injured AR42J cells. 

PMID- 27123033
TI  - Evaluating Emotional Well-Being after a Short-Term Traditional Yoga Practice
      Approach in Yoga Practitioners with an Existing Western-Type Yoga Practice.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to examine the influence of a traditional
      yoga practice approach (morning daily practice, TY) compared to that of a Western
      yoga practice approach (once-twice weekly, evening practice, WY) on determinants
      of emotional well-being. To that end, in a pre/posttest between-subject design,
      measures of positive (PA) and negative affect (NA), mindfulness, perceived
      stress, and arousal states were taken in 24 healthy participants (20 women; mean
      age: 30.5, SD = 8.1 years) with an already existing WY practice, who either
      maintained WY or underwent a 2-week, five-times-per-week morning practice (TY).
      While WY participants maintained baseline values for all measures taken, TY
      participants showed significant beneficial changes for PA, NA, and mindfulness
      and a trend for improved ability to cope with stress at the completion of the
      intervention. Furthermore, TY participants displayed decreased subjective energy
      and energetic arousal. Altogether, findings indicate that the 2-week TY is
      beneficial over WY for improving perceived emotional well-being. The present
      findings (1) undermine and inspire a careful consideration and utilization of
      yoga practice approach to elicit the best benefits for emotional well-being and
      (2) support yoga as an evidence-based practice among healthy yoga practitioners. 

PMID- 27123034
TI  - Asparagus cochinchinensis Extract Alleviates Metal Ion-Induced Gut Injury in
      Drosophila: An In Silico Analysis of Potential Active Constituents.
AB  - Metal ions and sulfate are components of atmospheric pollutants that have diverse
      ways of entering the human body. We used Drosophila as a model to investigate the
      effect of Asparagus cochinchinensis (A. cochinchinensis) extracts on the gut and
      characterized gut homeostasis following the ingestion of metal ions (copper,
      zinc, and aluminum). In this study, we found that the aqueous A. cochinchinensis
      extract increased the survival rate, decreased epithelial cell death, and
      attenuated metal ion-induced gut morphological changes in flies following chronic
      exposure to metal ions. In addition, we screened out, by network pharmacology,
      six natural products (NPs) that could serve as putative active components of A.
      cochinchinensis that prevented gut injury. Altogether, the results of our study
      provide evidence that A. cochinchinensis might be an effective phytomedicine for
      the treatment of metal ion-induced gut injury. 

PMID- 27123035
TI  - Electroacupuncture Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Middle
      Cerebral Artery Occlusion of Rat via Modulation of Apoptosis, Inflammation,
      Oxidative Stress, and Excitotoxicity.
AB  - Electroacupuncture (EA) has several properties such as antioxidant,
      antiapoptosis, and anti-inflammatory properties. The current study was to
      investigate the effects of EA on the prevention and treatment of cerebral
      ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and to elucidate possible molecular mechanisms.
      Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for
      2 h followed by reperfusion for 24 h. EA stimulation was applied to both Baihui
      and Dazhui acupoints for 30 min in each rat per day for 5 successive days before
      MCAO (pretreatment) or when the reperfusion was initiated (treatment). Neurologic
      deficit scores, infarction volumes, brain water content, and neuronal apoptosis
      were evaluated. The expressions of related inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic
      molecules, antioxidant systems, and excitotoxic receptors in the brain were also
      investigated. Results showed that both EA pretreatment and treatment
      significantly reduced infarct volumes, decreased brain water content, and
      alleviated neuronal injury in MCAO rats. Notably, EA exerts neuroprotection
      against I/R injury through improving neurological function, attenuating the
      inflammation cytokines, upregulating antioxidant systems, and reducing the
      excitotoxicity. This study provides a better understanding of the molecular
      mechanism underlying the traditional use of EA. 

PMID- 27123036
TI  - Identification of "Multiple Components-Multiple Targets-Multiple Pathways"
      Associated with Naoxintong Capsule in the Treatment of Heart Diseases Using
      UPLC/Q-TOF-MS and Network Pharmacology.
AB  - Naoxintong capsule (NXT) is a commercial medicinal product approved by the China
      Food and Drug Administration which is used in the treatment of stroke and
      coronary heart disease. However, the research on the composition and mechanism of
      NXT is still lacking. Our research aimed to identify the absorbable components,
      potential targets, and associated pathways of NXT with network pharmacology
      method. We explored the chemical compositions of NXT based on UPLC/Q-TOF-MS.
      Then, we used the five principles of drug absorption to identify absorbable
      ingredients. The databases of PharmMapper, Universal Protein, and the Molecule
      Annotation System were used to predict the main targets and related pathways. By
      the five principles of drug absorption as a judgment rule, we identified 63
      compositions that could be absorbed in the blood in all 81 chemical compositions.
      Based on the constructed networks by the significant regulated 123 targets and 77
      pathways, the main components that mediated the efficacy of NXT were organic
      acids, saponins, and tanshinones. Radix Astragali was the critical herbal
      medicine in NXT, which contained more active components than other herbs and
      regulated more targets and pathways. Our results showed that NXT had a
      therapeutic effect on heart diseases through the pattern "multiple components
      multiple targets-multiple pathways." 

PMID- 27123037
TI  - Bioactive Components of Chinese Propolis Water Extract on Antitumor Activity and
      Quality Control.
AB  - To understand the material basis of antitumor activity of Chinese propolis water
      extract (CPWE), we developed a simple and efficient method using macroporous
      absorptive resin coupled with preparative high performance liquid chromatography
      and separated and purified eleven chemical components (caffeic acid, ferulic
      acid, isoferulic acid, 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acid, pinobanksin, caffeic acid
      benzyl ester, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, apigenin, pinocembrin, chrysin, and
      galangin) from CPWE; then we tested the antitumor activities of these eleven
      components using different human tumor cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HeLa, and
      A549). Furthermore, cell migration, procaspase 3 level, and reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) of effective components from CPWE were investigated. Our data
      showed that antitumor activities of the eleven components from CPWE were
      different from each other. CPWE and its effective components induced apoptosis by
      inhibiting tumor cell migration, activating caspase 3, and promoting ROS
      production. It can be deduced that the antitumor effects of propolis did not
      depend on a single component, and there must exist "bioactive components," which
      also provides a new idea for Chinese propolis quality control. 

PMID- 27123038
TI  - Antiobesity Effects of the Combined Plant Extracts Varying the Combination Ratio
      of Phyllostachys pubescens Leaf Extract and Scutellaria baicalensis Root Extract.
AB  - The antiobesity effects of several different combinations of extracts (BS)
      prepared from two plants, Phyllostachys pubescens leaf (bamboo leaf: BL) and
      Scutellaria baicalensis root (SB), were investigated using a high fat diet (HFD)
      induced obese mouse model. In order to find the most effective mixture among the
      mixtures of the two plant extracts, experimental preparations were made by
      combining BL and SB by different proportions of 3 : 1 (BS31), 2 : 1 (BS21), 1 : 1
      (BS11), 1 : 2 (BS12), and 1 : 3 (BS13). Body weight, weight of adipose tissues,
      size of adipocytes, levels of glucose, leptin and adiponectin, and lipid profile
      in serum, and fat accumulation in liver were investigated. We have found that
      BS21 is the most effective in antiobesity among the five mixtures investigated,
      indicated by reduction in body weight gain, total mass of adipose tissue, and the
      size of adipocyte. In addition, BS21 has shown to be beneficial in serum lipid
      profile, levels of glucose, leptin, and adiponectin in serum, and fat
      accumulation in liver. By chromatographic separation of BS21, the two maker
      compounds, isoorientin and baicalin, were identified and quantified for the
      standardization of BS21. 

PMID- 27123040
TI  - An improved procedure for isolation of high-quality RNA from nematode-infected
      Arabidopsis roots through laser capture microdissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cyst nematodes are biotrophs that form specialized feeding structures
      in the roots of host plants, which consist of a syncytial fusion of hypertrophied
      cells. The formation of syncytium is accompanied by profound transcriptional
      changes and active metabolism in infected tissues. The challenge in gene
      expression studies for syncytium has always been the isolation of pure syncytial
      material and subsequent extraction of intact RNA. Root fragments containing
      syncytium had been used for microarray analyses. However, the inclusion of
      neighbouring cells dilutes the syncytium-specific mRNA population. Micro
      sectioning coupled with laser capture microdissection (LCM) offers an opportunity
      for the isolation of feeding sites from heterogeneous cell populations. But
      recovery of intact RNA from syncytium dissected by LCM is complicated due to
      extended steps of fixation, tissue preparation, embedding and sectioning.
      RESULTS: In the present study, we have optimized the procedure of sample
      preparation for LCM to isolate high quality of RNA from cyst nematode induced
      syncytia in Arabidopsis roots which can be used for transcriptomic studies. We
      investigated the effect of various sucrose concentrations as cryoprotectant on
      RNA quality and morphology of syncytial sections. We also compared various types
      of microscopic slides for strong adherence of sections while removing embedding
      material. CONCLUSION: The use of optimal sucrose concentrations as cryoprotection
      plays a key role in RNA stability and morphology of sections. Treatment with
      higher sucrose concentrations minimizes the risk of RNA degradation, whereas
      longer incubation times help maintaining the morphology of tissue sections. Our
      method allows isolating high-quality RNA from nematode feeding sites that is
      suitable for downstream applications such as microarray experiments.

PMID- 27123039
TI  - Rubus crataegifolius Bunge regulates adipogenesis through Akt and inhibits high
      fat diet-induced obesity in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is one of the greatest public health problems and major risk
      factors for serious metabolic diseases and significantly increases the risk of
      premature death. The aim of this study was to determine the inhibitory effects of
      Rubus crataegifolius Bunge (RCB) on adipocyte differentiation in 3 T3-L1 cells
      and its anti-obesity properties in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats.
      METHODS: 3 T3-L1 adipocytes and HFD-induced obese rats were treated with RCB, and
      its effect on gene expression was analyzed using RT-PCR and Western blotting
      experiments. RESULTS: RCB treatment significantly inhibited adipocyte
      differentiation by suppressing the expression of C/EBPbeta, C/EBPalpha, and
      PPARgamma in the 3 T3-L1 adipocytes. Subsequently, the expression of the
      PPARgamma target genes aP2 and fatty acid synthase (FAS) decreased following RCB
      treatment during adipocyte differentiation. In uncovering the specific mechanism
      that mediates the effects of RCB, we demonstrated that the insulin-stimulated
      phosphorylation of Akt strongly decreased and that its downstream substrate
      phospho-GSK3beta was downregulated following RCB treatment in the 3 T3-L1
      adipocytes. Moreover, LY294002, an inhibitor of Akt phosphorylation, exerted
      stronger inhibitory effects on RCB-mediated suppression of adipocyte
      differentiation, leading to the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation through
      the downregulation of Akt signaling. An HFD-induced obesity rat model was used to
      determine the inhibitory effects of RCB on obesity. Body weight gain and fat
      accumulation in adipose tissue were significantly reduced by the supplementation
      of RCB. Moreover, RCB treatment caused a significant decrease in adipocyte size,
      associated with a decrease in epididymal fat weight. The serum total cholesterol
      (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels decreased in response to RCB treatment, whereas
      HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) increased, indicating that RCB attenuated lipid
      accumulation in adipose tissue in HFD-induced obese rats. CONCLUSION: Our results
      demonstrate an inhibitory effect of RCB on adipogenesis through the reduction of
      the adipogenic factors PPARgamma, C/EBPalpha, and phospho-Akt. RCB had a potent
      anti-obesity effect, reducing body weight gain in HFD-induced obese rats.

PMID- 27123042
TI  - Concordance of oral HPV prevalence between patients with oropharyngeal cancer and
      their partners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a known causative factor in
      oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPC). In this prospective study, we sought to
      define the risk of HPV transmission between OPC patients and their sexual
      partners by performing HPV genotyping on oral cytology brushings. METHODS: Newly
      diagnosed OPC patients and their sexual partners underwent oral mouth swabs and
      answered a risk factor questionnaire. Patient tumor samples and oral swabs from
      both the patient and partner were assessed for HPV status and genotyped using
      Easy-Chip HPV Blot PCR. RESULTS: We enrolled 227 patient-partner pairs and
      obtained sufficient analyzable DNA from both members in 198 pairs. Of 144
      patients with available OPC tumor tissue, 128 (89 %) had HPV-positive tumors by
      either in situ hybridization or p16 immunohistochemical analysis (104 or 121,
      respectively). In total, there were 28 patients and 30 partners who were HPV
      positive by oral swab. The prevalence rate of oral HPV in partners was 15 %.
      There were 39 patient-partner pairs who had one or both members returning
      positive for HPV in the oral swab, and 49 % of these pairs were concordant for
      their HPV-genotype. Female partners had a higher oral HPV prevalence (16 %) than
      did male partners (11 %). Patients who were non-white were also found to have a
      higher oral prevalence of HPV (p = 0.032) by mouth swab. CONCLUSIONS: Partners of
      OPC patients may have a higher prevalence of oral HPV and should be studied
      prospectively to understand their OPC risk. Additional future research is needed
      to identify oral HPV persistence in partners to OPC patients and to determine the
      optimal sampling methods and technologies to screen patients at high risk for HPV
      related disease.

PMID- 27123041
TI  - Beyond Telomerase: Telomere Instability as a Novel Target for Cancer Therapy.
AB  - Telomeres are areas of heterochromatin composed of TTAGGG repeats located at the
      ends of linear chromosomes. They play a critical role in keeping genome stable
      and preventing premature aging diseases and the development of cancer.
      Characterizing mechanisms of telomere maintenance and understanding how their
      deregulation contributes to human diseases are therefore important for developing
      novel therapies. A key mechanism driving telomere maintenance and replicative
      immortality in cancer cells is telomere elongation by telomerase, and many
      emerging potential telomere-based therapies have focused on targeting telomerase
      components. By contrast, recent studies on telomere maintenance mechanism suggest
      that disrupting telomere stability by interfering with alternative mechanisms of
      telomere synthesis or protection may also yield new strategies for the treatment
      of cancer. This review will focus on emerging regulators of telomere synthesis or
      maintenance, such as G4 telomeric DNA, the CST complex, the t-loop, and
      shelterins, and discuss their potential as targets for anti-cancer
      chemotherapeutic intervention in the future.

PMID- 27123043
TI  - The relationship between parenting attitudes, negative cognition, and the
      depressive symptoms according to gender in Korean adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parenting style is one potential contributor to the development of
      adolescents' cognitions, self-esteem and emotional problems. This study examined
      the relationship between maternal parenting attitudes and adolescents' negative
      cognitions, and depressive symptoms according to gender. METHODS: A total of 401
      middle and high school students were recruited (i.e. 221 males and 180 females;
      mean age, 13.92 +/- 1.31 years). The Maternal Behavior Research Instrument
      assessed maternal parenting attitudes. Analyses examined the relationship between
      parenting attitudes and affective symptoms, with self-esteem and negative
      automatic thoughts as mediators of these relations. RESULTS: Maternal rejecting
      attitudes were positively associated with depressive symptoms via increasing
      negative autonomic thoughts and decreasing self-esteem among female adolescents.
      Among male adolescents, maternal rejecting attitudes were associated with low
      self-esteem, but they were not associated with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS:
      Maternal parenting has a larger impact on the emotional adjustment of females
      compared to males. Interventions to increase self-esteem and correct negative
      cognitions may be helpful for depressed female adolescents, specifically for
      those whose mothers are rejecting.

PMID- 27123044
TI  - The major horse satellite DNA family is associated with centromere competence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The centromere is the specialized locus required for correct
      chromosome segregation during cell division. The DNA of most eukaryotic
      centromeres is composed of extended arrays of tandem repeats (satellite DNA). In
      the horse, we previously showed that, although the centromere of chromosome 11 is
      completely devoid of tandem repeat arrays, all other centromeres are
      characterized by the presence of satellite DNA. We isolated three horse satellite
      DNA sequences (37cen, 2P1 and EC137) and described their chromosomal localization
      in four species of the genus Equus. RESULTS: In the work presented here, using
      the ChIP-seq methodology, we showed that, in the horse, the 37cen satellite binds
      CENP-A, the centromere-specific histone-H3 variant. The 37cen sequence bound by
      CENP-A is GC-rich with 221 bp units organized in a head-to-tail fashion. The
      physical interaction of CENP-A with 37cen was confirmed through slot blot
      experiments. Immuno-FISH on stretched chromosomes and chromatin fibres
      demonstrated that the extension of satellite DNA stretches is variable and is not
      related to the organization of CENP-A binding domains. Finally, we proved that
      the centromeric satellite 37cen is transcriptionally active. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      data offer new insights into the organization of horse centromeres. Although
      three different satellite DNA families are cytogenetically located at
      centromeres, only the 37cen family is associated to the centromeric function.
      Moreover, similarly to other species, CENP-A binding domains are variable in
      size. The transcriptional competence of the 37cen satellite that we observed adds
      new evidence to the hypothesis that centromeric transcripts may be required for
      centromere function.

PMID- 27123045
TI  - Chromosomes in a genome-wise order: evidence for metaphase architecture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One fundamental finding of the last decade is that, besides the
      primary DNA sequence information there are several epigenetic "information
      layers" like DNA-and histone modifications, chromatin packaging and, last but not
      least, the position of genes in the nucleus. RESULTS: We postulate that the
      functional genomic architecture is not restricted to the interphase of the cell
      cycle but can also be observed in the metaphase stage, when chromosomes are most
      condensed and microscopically visible. If so, it offers the unique opportunity to
      directly analyze the functional aspects of genomic architecture in different
      cells, species and diseases. Another aspect not directly accessible by molecular
      techniques is the genome merged from two different haploid parental genomes
      represented by the homologous chromosome sets. Our results show that there is not
      only a well-known and defined nuclear architecture in interphase but also in
      metaphase leading to a bilateral organization of the two haploid sets of
      chromosomes. Moreover, evidence is provided for the parental origin of the
      haploid grouping. CONCLUSIONS: From our findings we postulate an additional
      epigenetic information layer within the genome including the organization of
      homologous chromosomes and their parental origin which may now substantially
      change the landscape of genetics.

PMID- 27123047
TI  - TLR7 agonist induced repression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the TLR7-IKK-NF
      kappaB-IL6 signaling pathway.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key members of innate immunity, involved in the
      defense against diseases, and evidence has revealed that TLR4/5 is involved in
      the carcinogenesis of hepatic cancer. TLR7 belongs to the TLR family, and its
      roles in immune-associated hepatic diseases have been well characterized;
      however, the consequences of agonist targeting of TLR7 in hepatic cancer have not
      previously been reported. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and
      underlying mechanisms of Imiquimod, a TLR7 agonist, on hepatic carcinogenesis by
      affecting the self-renewal of hepatic cancer stem cells. To detect the effects of
      this TLR7 agonist on hepatic cancer cells an MTT assay, mammosphere formation
      assay, ALDEFLUORTM fluorescence-based stem cell sorting was used, and the
      potential signaling involved in the mechanism was investigated by western blot
      analysis. The TLR7 agonist Imiquimod demonstrated inhibitory effects on the cell
      proliferation and mammosphere formation of hepatic cells and stem cells, and
      decreased stem cell number (P<0.01). These effects may be achieved via the
      TLR7/IkappaB kinase/nuclear factor-kappaB/interleukin-6 signaling pathway, with
      decreased levels of Snail expression. The present study demonstrated the effects
      and mechanisms of the TLR7 agonist on hepatic cancer occurred via suppression of
      the self-renewal of cancer stem cells, indicating novel potential functions of
      the TLR7 agonist in the treatment of HCC.

PMID- 27123046
TI  - Lauren classification and individualized chemotherapy in gastric cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. During the last
      50 years, the histological classification of gastric carcinoma has been largely
      based on Lauren's criteria, in which gastric cancer is classified into two major
      histological subtypes, namely intestinal type and diffuse type adenocarcinoma.
      This classification was introduced in 1965, and remains currently widely accepted
      and employed, since it constitutes a simple and robust classification approach.
      The two histological subtypes of gastric cancer proposed by the Lauren
      classification exhibit a number of distinct clinical and molecular
      characteristics, including histogenesis, cell differentiation, epidemiology,
      etiology, carcinogenesis, biological behaviors and prognosis. Gastric cancer
      exhibits varied sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs and significant heterogeneity;
      therefore, the disease may be a target for individualized therapy. The Lauren
      classification may provide the basis for individualized treatment for advanced
      gastric cancer, which is increasingly gaining attention in the scientific field.
      However, few studies have investigated individualized treatment that is guided by
      pathological classification. The aim of the current review is to analyze the two
      major histological subtypes of gastric cancer, as proposed by the Lauren
      classification, and to discuss the implications of this for personalized
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 27123048
TI  - Expression and mutation of c-Kit in intracranial germ cell tumors: A single
      centre retrospective study of 30 cases in China.
AB  - Although primary central nervous system (CNS) germ cell tumors (GCTs) are one of
      the most treatable types of malignant brain tumor, a subset of patients remain
      resistant to standard chemotherapy. Gain-of-function mutations of the c-Kit gene,
      and KIT protein expression, have been observed in a number of GCTs, including
      testicular seminoma, ovarian dysgerminoma and mediastinal seminoma in various
      ethnic groups. Although a small number of studies have reported the role of c-Kit
      in CNS GCTs, few have focused on Chinese patients exhibiting CNS GCTs. In the
      present study, the frequency and location of c-Kit mutations and KIT protein
      expression levels in CNS GCTs were investigated in 30 patients, between January
      1994 and October 2014. Immunohistochemical assays suggested that KIT protein
      expression was present in 59.1% patients (66.7% in males and 42.9% in females);
      however, no statistically significant correlation was identified between KIT
      protein expression and patient clinicopathological features. By performing PCR
      amplification and direct sequencing, 4 mutational hot spots of the c-Kit gene
      (exons 9, 11, 13 and 17) were examined, and c-Kit gene mutation was identified in
      1/17 (5.9%) CNS germinoma cases. This mutation was located in exon 11 at codon
      557-558 WK (Tryptophan-Lysine). No c-Kit gene mutations were detected in non
      germinomatous GCTs. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, may be an effective
      treatment against standard chemotherapy-resistant CNS germinoma patients
      exhibiting c-Kit mutations.

PMID- 27123049
TI  - Synchronous occurrence of gastrointestinal stromal tumor and acute myeloid
      leukemia: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) originate from the mesenchymal tissue of
      the gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of GIST is associated with the
      mutational activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase cluster of differentiation
      (CD)117 or platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha. Overall, ~60% of GISTs
      occur in the stomach. Clinically, GISTs may coexist with various types of cancer,
      including liver cancer, pancreatic tumors and lymphoma, either synchronously or
      metachronously. The present study reports the case of a patient with the
      synchronous occurrence of a CD117-positive GIST and acute myeloid leukemia. A 69
      year-old man was hospitalized for heart palpitations and dizziness, and was
      diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by bone marrow aspiration and flow
      cytometry analysis. An abdominal computed tomograpy and gastroscopy revealed the
      presence of GIST. The patient received chemotherapy in combination with imatinib
      (400 mg/day), and the mass was removed 2 months later. To the best of our
      knowledge, the present study is the first reported case of the synchronous
      development of a CD117-positive GIST and AML. Additional studies are required in
      order to understand the association between GIST and hematological malignancies.

PMID- 27123050
TI  - Low-dose bevacizumab induces radiographic regression of vestibular schwannomas in
      neurofibromatosis type 2: A case report and literature review.
AB  - The current case study aimed to explore the efficacy of a low-dose bevacizumab
      regimen in inhibiting tumor growth and minimizing adverse effects. A 55-year-old
      man with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) suffered bilateral vestibular schwannomas
      (VS) measuring 5.25 and 2.54 cm3 on the left and right, respectively. His
      capacity for bilateral language recognition was impaired. However, the patient
      refused microsurgical tumor resection and gamma knife therapy. Low-dose
      bevacizumab regimen (3.3-2.2 mg/kg every 2-4 weeks) was administered by
      intravenous injection for ~1.5 years to inhibit tumor growth and avoid further
      deterioration of hearing. Compared with baseline measurements prior to treatment,
      the bilateral VS regressed to 3.59 cm3 (68%) and 2.08 cm3 (82%) on the left and
      right, respectively. No hearing improvement was detected; however, the patient
      subjectively experienced a significant hearing improvement as his ability to
      communicate with people and distinguish voices was restored. No adverse effects
      were observed. Bevacizumab provides an alternative treatment option for those who
      refuse surgical intervention. Given the adverse effects commonly induced by
      bevacizumab, the use of a low-dose regimen would appear to be promising with
      regard to tumor regression and hearing preservation for patients with VS in NF2.
      However, the minimum dose required to sustain a response to bevacizumab in NF2
      patients remains unknown. Finding the minimum effective dose sufficient to
      sustain hearing and/or volumetric response for individual patients is required.

PMID- 27123051
TI  - Derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predicts prognosis for patients with HBV
      associated hepatocellular carcinoma following transarterial chemoembolization.
AB  - The derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) has been proposed as an easily
      determinable prognostic factor for cancer patients, but the prognostic
      significance of the dNLR in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been
      investigated. The present study aimed to validate the prognostic power of the NLR
      and dNLR in HCC patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). The
      data of 279 consecutive patients who underwent TACE for unresectable HBV
      associated HCC between September 2009 and November 2011 at the Department of
      Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (Guangzhou, China)
      were retrieved from a prospective database. The cut-off values for the NLR and
      dNLR were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The
      association between the NLR and dNLR and the clinicopathological characteristics
      and overall survival (OS) rates and times of patients was analyzed. The area
      under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the discriminatory ability of
      the NLR and dNLR. The median follow-up period was 446 days, the 1, 2 and 3-year
      OS rates were 38.8, 18.5 and 11.1% respectively, and the median OS time was 264
      days. The cut-off values were determined as 2.6 and 1.8 for the NLR and dNLR,
      respectively. The NLR and dNLR were each associated with patient age, presence of
      vascular invasion, tumor size, AST level and ALP level. Multivariate analysis
      showed that the NLR, dNLR, ALT level and AFP level were independent prognostic
      factors for OS. An elevated NLR or dNLR was associated with a poor prognosis
      (P=0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). The prognostic power of NLR [AUC=0.539; 95%
      confidence interval (CI), 0.423-0.656] and dNLR (AUC=0.522; 95% CI, 0.406-0.638)
      was similar. Elevated dNLR predicted poor prognosis for patients with HBV
      associated HCC undergoing TACE, with similar prognostic power to NLR. The dNLR
      may be used as an alternative to the NLR, as it is easily available and
      inexpensive.

PMID- 27123052
TI  - Prognostic significance of claudin-1 and cyclin B1 protein expression in patients
      with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Claudin-l and cyclin B1 are abnormally expressed in certain malignancies, but
      their expression in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC) has not been
      reported thus far. Studying the expression levels of claudin-1 and cylin B1 in
      HSCC tissues and their association with clinical stage, pathological grade and
      prognosis in patients with HSCC may provide a theoretical basis and guide future
      research on HSCC targeted therapy. The protein expression levels of the above two
      biomarkers was immunohistochemically detected in 97 HSCC cases and 90 matched
      adjacent tissue samples. The correlation between the expression levels of claudin
      1 and cylin B1 and the patients' clinical parameters was analyzed via Pearson's
      chi2 test, while survival analysis was performed using a log-rank test. The
      results of the current study revealed that claudin-1 and cyclin B1 were highly
      expressed in HSCC tissues, and the expression of claudin-1 was associated with
      tumor differentiation degree and lymph node metastasis, while cyclin B1
      expression was associated with tumor differentiation degree. Furthermore, Kaplan
      Meier analysis revealed that claudin-1 expression correlated with survival
      (P=0.003), and the expression levels of claudin-1 and cyclin B1 were observed to
      be positively correlated, in patients with HSCC. Cyclin B1 and claudin-1
      exhibited an elevated expression in HSCC specimens, thus suggesting their use as
      tumor markers. Therefore, the joint detection of claudin-1 and cyclin B1 may aid
      to guide cancer therapy and to determine prognosis in HSCC. Furthermore, claudin
      1 may be used as an HSCC-monitoring index, and may serve as a therapeutic target.

PMID- 27123053
TI  - Oxidored-nitro domain-containing protein 1 expression is associated with the
      progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocarcinogenesis is a stepwise process during which multiple genes are
      altered. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that induce hepatocarcinogenesis
      may improve the screening, prevention and treatment of patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In recent years, the oxidored-nitro domain
      containing protein 1 (NOR1) gene has been identified to have an important role in
      the development of HCC in vitro experiments. The current study aimed to examine
      the expression of NOR1 mRNA and protein expression in specimens of normal liver,
      hepatitis, cirrhosis and HCC, together representing the process of HCC
      development. Furthermore, the association between NOR1 expression and
      clinicopathological parameters of HCC patients was analyzed. Tissue microarrays
      containing the specimens of human normal liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis and HCC were
      purchased, and in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were used to detect
      the expression of NOR1 mRNA and protein expression, respectively. It was revealed
      that the positive rate of NOR1 protein and mRNA expression in the specimens of
      hepatitis and cirrhosis were not significantly different from that in the normal
      liver samples. However, the specimens of HCC exhibited an increased positive rate
      of NOR1 protein and mRNA expression in comparison with the normal liver samples.
      In addition, a higher positive rate of NOR1 protein expression was observed in
      HCC patients with a poor pathological differentiation grade and high tumor node
      metastasis (TNM) stage. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence, for
      the first time, of the increased expression of NOR1 in human HCC tissues, and its
      correlation with the pathological stage and TNM status. These findings indicate
      that NOR1 may be involved in the progression of HCC and it could be employed as a
      predictive biomarker in HCC development.

PMID- 27123054
TI  - Identification of potential therapeutic target genes and mechanisms in head and
      neck squamous cell carcinoma by bioinformatics analysis.
AB  - The present study aimed to identify the potential target genes and underlying
      molecular mechanisms involved in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by
      bioinformatics analysis. Microarray data of a Gene Expression Omnibus series
      GSE6631 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, which was
      generated from paired samples of HNSCC and normal tissue from 22 patients, and
      was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO)
      and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed to
      investigate the functions of the identified DEGs. Furthermore, the protein
      protein interaction (PPI) network of these DEGs was constructed using Cytoscape
      software. Between HNSCC and normal samples there was a difference in 419 DEGs,
      including 196 upregulated and 223 downregulated genes. The upregulated DEGs were
      mainly enriched in GO terms of cell adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM)
      organization and collagen metabolic process, while the downregulated DEGs were
      mainly associated with epidermis development and epidermal cell differentiation.
      The DEGs were enriched in pathways such as ECM-receptor interaction, focal
      adhesion and drug metabolism. Fibronectin 1 (FN1), epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR), collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) and matrix metallopeptidase-9
      (MMP-9) were hub nodes in the PPI network. These results suggested that cell
      adhesion and drug metabolism may be associated with HNSCC development, and genes
      such as FN1, EGFR, COL4A1 and MMP-9 may be potential therapeutic target genes in
      HNSCC.

PMID- 27123055
TI  - Effects of resveratrol on the proliferation, apoptosis and telomerase ability of
      human A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol on cell
      apoptosis, ability of telomerase and the human telomerase reverse transcriptase
      (hTERT) protein expression in human A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells. A431 cells
      were treated with different concentrations of resveratrol, and the cell
      appearance was then observed under a microscope. In addition, the cell
      proliferation was examined using an MTT assay, and the ability of telomerase was
      detected using telomeric repeat amplification protocol-polymerase chain reaction
      ELISA. Resveratrol significantly inhibited the ability of telomerase and
      decreased the expression of hTERT protein in a concentration-dependent manner. In
      conclusion, resveratrol is capable of downregulating the expression of hTERT
      protein and inhibits the ability of telomerase of A431, which is an important
      mechanism of action of resveratrol with regard to inhibition of A431 cell
      proliferation.

PMID- 27123056
TI  - Reflectance confocal microscopy and dermoscopy for in vivo, non-invasive skin
      imaging of superficial basal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) is the second most frequent histological
      type of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), usually requiring a skin biopsy to confirm
      the diagnosis. It usually appears on the upper trunk and shoulders as
      erythematous and squamous lesions. Although it has a slow growth and seldom
      metastasizes, early diagnosis and management are of crucial importance in
      preventing local invasion and subsequent disfigurement. Dermoscopy is nowadays an
      indispensable tool for the dermatologist when evaluating skin tumors. Reflectance
      confocal microscopy (RCM) is a novel imaging technique that allows the non
      invasive, in vivo quasi-microscopic morphological and dynamic assessment of
      superficial skin tumors. Moreover, it offers the advantage of performing infinite
      repeatable determinations to monitor disease progression and non-surgical
      treatment for sBCC. Herein, we present three lesions of sBCC evaluated using in
      vivo and non-invasive imaging techniques, emphasizing the usefulness of combining
      RCM with dermoscopy for increasing the diagnostic accuracy of sBCC.

PMID- 27123057
TI  - Efficacy of microwave ablation for the treatment of endometrial carcinoma: A
      report of 3 cases.
AB  - Microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) is effective for the emergency control of
      uterine hemorrhage. However, to the best of our knowledge, there has been only a
      single report of life-threatening hemorrhage induced by endometrial carcinoma
      that was treated with MEA. The present report evaluates the efficacy of MEA as an
      emergency therapeutic option for the control of bleeding due to advanced
      endometrial carcinoma and minimally-invasive, early-stage endometrial carcinoma
      in 3 patients. MEA was able to effectively control massive uterine bleeding due
      to endometrial carcinoma in 2 patients with advanced disease and was curative in
      a patient with minimally-invasive endometrial carcinoma. Given its safety,
      simplicity and effectiveness, MEA may be utilized for the emergency treatment of
      uterine bleeding in advanced endometrial carcinoma, and may be used as a curative
      treatment in early-stage endometrial carcinoma.

PMID- 27123058
TI  - Suppression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 via interference
      increases the chemosensitivity of ovarian carcinoma.
AB  - The function of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in the
      chemosensitivity of ovarian carcinoma has not been fully investigated, therefore,
      the present study aimed to analyze the potential role of HER2 in ovarian
      carcinoma chemosensitivity in further detail. SKOV3 cells were transfected with
      lentiviral-mediated HER2-small hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules to establish the
      stable expression of HER2-shRNA in the SKOV3 cell line (knockdown cells; KD) and
      negative control cell line (NC). The untransfected SKOV3 cell line served as the
      blank control (CON) group. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression
      of HER2 in the three different cell types, which were subsequently examined for
      growth inhibition using a cell counting kit-8 assay. The CON and KD cell strains
      were utilized to establish xenograft models in nude mice, primarily to detect the
      expression of the HER2 protein, and additionally to observe tumor size changes
      under the treatment of cisplatin (DDP) chemotherapy. RT-qPCR and western blot
      analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in the levels of HER2 mRNA and
      protein in the KD cells. The suppression of HER2 expression resulted in an
      increase of chemotherapy sensitivity in the SKOV3 cells. HER2 protein expression
      decreased significantly following transduction with specific HER2-shRNA.
      Additionally, growth slowed significantly under treatment with DDP in ovarian
      cancer transplantation tumors. In conclusion, lentivirus-mediated HER2-shRNA
      effectively inhibits the expression of the HER2 gene, and increases the
      chemosensitivity to DDP in ovarian carcinoma.

PMID- 27123059
TI  - Co-expression of pregnane X receptor and ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member
      1 in peripheral blood: A prospective indicator for drug resistance prediction in
      non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the protein expression profiling
      of pregnane X receptor (PXR) and ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1
      (ABCB1; also known as MDR1 or P-gp), present in the peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMCs) and cancerous tissues of cases of non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). Furthermore, the study aimed to assess the feasibility of predicting
      drug resistance through the medium of PBMCs. Of the subjects included in the
      study, 37 were histopathologically diagnosed with NSCLC and 17 were control
      patients without cancer. ThinPrep liquid-based smears with cytosine were applied
      in the examination of the PBMCs and proved quite effective in preserving the
      morphology and surface antigens of the lymphocytes. Measurements of expression
      levels in the PBMCs and cancerous tissues were obtained by immunohistochemical
      means. The results showed that, with the exception of the selective PXR
      expression in the normal lung tissues, the two types of proteins existed
      extensively throughout the PBMCs, normal tissues and tumors. Among the cancer
      patients, prior to chemotherapy, a significant rise in ABCB1 expression could be
      observed in the PBMCs, together with a similar rise in ABCB1 and PXR expression
      in the tumor specimens. Marked upregulation of the two proteins was detected in
      the PBMCs following 1 cycle of first-line chemotherapy. ABCB1 expression,
      correlated with PXR, persisted mostly in the PBMCs and tissue samples. When bound
      to and activated by ligands, PXR translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus
      of the cells. PXR subsequently binds to its DNA response elements as a
      heterodimer with the retinoid X receptor. A PXR translocation of moderate or low
      differentiation was identified in 3 cases of adenocarcinoma, which were co
      expressing the two genes in the PBMCs prior to chemotherapy. During follow-up
      visits, tumor recurrence was observed within 3 months in 5 cases, which were
      characterized by PXR translocation. These findings indicate that the combined
      expression of PXR and ABCB1 in PBMCs may be used as a prospective indicator in
      diagnosis prior to histopathological diagnosis, and therefore may function as a
      novel biomarker for the prediction of drug resistance.

PMID- 27123060
TI  - Expression and regulatory effects of microRNA-182 in osteosarcoma cells: A pilot
      study.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression level of microRNA-182
      (miRNA-182) in human osteosarcoma (OS) MG-63 cells and OS tissues, and to
      elucidate the effect of miRNA-182 on the biological activity of tumors. In the
      present study, the expression of miRNA-182 in human OS MG-63 cells, OS tissues
      and normal osteoblast hFOB1.19 cells was determined using quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction. Subsequently, a miRNA-182 mimic and inhibitor were utilized to
      regulate the expression level of this miRNA in MG-63 cells. Cell viability and
      proliferation were examined using cell counting kit-8 assays, and cell apoptosis
      was detected by flow cytometry. Cell invasion and migration assays were performed
      using Transwell chambers to analyze the biological functions of miRNA-182 in
      vitro. The present study demonstrated that the expression level of miRNA-182 in
      MG-63 cells and OS tissues was significantly increased compared with the hFOB1.19
      cell line (P<0.05). The present study successfully performed cell transfections
      of miRNA-182 inhibitor and miRNA-182 mimic into MG-63 cells and achieved the
      desired transfection efficiency. The present study confirmed that upregulation of
      miRNA-182 promotes cell apoptosis and inhibits cell viability, proliferation,
      invasion and migration. The present findings additionally demonstrated that miRNA
      182 is a tumor suppressor gene in OS. Therefore, regulating the expression of
      miRNA-182 may affect the biological behavior of OS cells, which suggests a
      potential role for miRNA-182 in molecular therapy for malignant tumors.

PMID- 27123061
TI  - Pulmonary mucormycosis: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - The current study reports the case of a 15-year-old male who presented to The
      First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (Suzhou, Jiangsu, China) with a 3
      day history of anergy and epistaxis. The patient was diagnosed with T-cell acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia according to the results of a bone marrow examination and
      received chemotherapy. During the agranulocytosis period, the patient developed
      pneumonia of the right upper lung (RUL). Once complete remission was achieved,
      the patient underwent a lobectomy of the RUL, together with amphotericin B
      therapy, following the confirmation of pulmonary mucormycosis by the
      histopathological results. The patient experienced 12 months of uneventful follow
      up post-surgery.

PMID- 27123063
TI  - Thoracoscopic resection of bulky thymoma assisted with artificial pneumothorax: A
      report of 19 consecutive cases.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of
      thoracoscopic radical resection of large retrosternal thymoma using artificial
      pneumothorax. A retrospective analysis was performed on 19 patients with bulky
      thymoma who underwent thoracoscopic resection using artificial pneumothorax by
      CO2 insufflation. The operations were performed with unilateral or bilateral
      thoracic incisions via single lumen endotracheal intubation and two-lung
      ventilation. This approach provided excellent exposure of the thoracic cavity and
      reliable control of the neuro-vascular structures in the anterior mediastinum,
      which was of vital importance for the extended resection of malignant thymoma.
      The operation time was 140.0+/-51.4 min without conversion to thoracotomy or
      sternotomy. The pathological diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry,
      including 5 cases of thymus lipomyoma, 1 case of thymus hyperplasia, 1 case of
      thymus cyst, 2 cases of type AB thymoma, 4 cases of type B1 thymoma, 4 cases of
      type B3 thymoma, and 2 cases of thymic carcinoma. Furthermore, there were no
      complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, phrenic nerve injury,
      pulmonary infection or atelectasis, with a hospital stay of 5.0+/-3.0 days. In
      conclusion, the thoracoscopic resection of thymoma using artificial pneumothorax
      is a preferable approach, that may be considered for patients with bulky
      retrosternal tumors.

PMID- 27123062
TI  - Effects of TLR4 gene silencing on the proliferation and apotosis of
      hepatocarcinoma HEPG2 cells.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key factors in the innate immune system and
      initiate an inflammatory response to foreign pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi
      and viruses. TLR4-mediated signaling has been implicated in tumor cell
      proliferation and apoptosis in numerous cancers. The present study aimed to
      investigate the biological effect of TLR4 on the proliferation and apoptosis of
      human liver cancer cells and the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of
      cellular responses following TLR4 gene knockdown. Three TLR4 small interfering
      (si)RNA constructs, consisting of TLR4-siRNA-1, TLR4-siRNA-2 and TLR4-siRNA-3,
      were transiently transfected into HepG2 cells using Lipofectamine 2000. TLR4
      knockdown was confirmed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and
      western blotting. The effect of the TLR4 siRNA on tumor cell proliferation was
      monitored by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and cell apoptosis was observed
      by flow cytometry. The expression of TLR4-associated proteins, consisting of
      myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), Toll-interleukin-1R-domain
      containing adapter-inducing interferon-beta (TRIF), interferon regulatory factor
      3 (IRF3), nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, NF-kappaB inhibitor alpha (IkappaBalpha),
      phosphorylated IkappaBalpha (p-IkappaBalpha), extracellular signal-regulated
      kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), was detected by western blot
      analysis. TLR4-siRNA-1 had the strongest knockdown effect and inhibited TLR4
      messenger RNA and protein expression. TLR4 knockdown with TLR4-siRNA-1 reduced
      cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. MyD88, TRIF, IRF3, IkappaBalpha,
      JNK and ERK were markedly suppressed in the cells transfected with TLR4 siRNA.
      However, nuclear expression of NF-kappaB and p-IkappaBalpha increased in HepG2
      cells with TLR4 gene knockdown. The present study revealed that TLR4-mediated
      signaling plays a key role in the proliferation and apoptosis of cultured
      hepatocarcinoma cells. Therefore, RNA interference-directed targeting of TLR4 may
      raise the potential of the application of TLR4 knockdown for liver cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 27123064
TI  - Pathological complete response rate in hormone receptor-negative breast cancer
      treated with neoadjuvant FEC, followed by weekly paclitaxel administration: A
      retrospective study and review of the literature.
AB  - While tumor size, the presence of inflammatory carcinoma and lymph node
      involvement are the main prognostic factors of women with locally advanced breast
      cancer, the prognostic value of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and
      human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status has not been fully
      clarified. The present study examined the therapeutic efficacy of a neoadjuvant
      fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide regimen (FEC), followed by weekly
      paclitaxel and/or trastuzumab administration, in the treatment of hormone
      receptor-negative breast cancer patients. Between April 2012 and February 2014,
      14 patients with hormone receptor-negative local breast cancer (triple-negative
      type, 9 patients; HER2 type, 5 patients) were included in the study. In all
      cases, the histological type of the primary cancer was invasive ductal carcinoma.
      Among the 14 women who received the regimen, 5 presented with stage I cancer
      (35.7%), 3 with stage IIA (21.4%), 3 with stage IIB (21.4%), 1 with stage IIIB
      (7.1%) and 2 with stage IIIC (14.3%), according to the American Joint Committee
      on Cancer staging system. With regard to the tumor-node-metastasis
      classification, 5 patients were T1N0M0 (35.7%), 3 were T2N0M0 (21.4%), 3 were
      T2N1M0 (21.4%), 2 were T3N3M0 (14.3%) and 1 was T4N1M0 (7.1%). The pathological
      response was evaluated using resected tissue following neoadjuvant chemotherapy,
      according to the criteria established by the Japanese Breast Cancer Society.
      Patients were classified into pathological responders (grades 2 and 3, 71.4% of
      all patients) and non-responders (grade 1, 28.6% of all patients). A pathological
      complete response (pCR) was achieved in 50.0% of all cases (7/14); 44.4% of
      triple-negative-type cases (4/9) and 60.0% of HER2-type cases (3/5).
      Hematological and non-hematological toxicity was reversible and manageable. No
      patients withdrew from treatment, and favorable compliance was achieved. The
      present study demonstrated that neoadjuvant FEC followed by weekly administration
      of paclitaxel and/or trastuzumab induces a high pathological response and a high
      pCR rate in patients with hormone receptor-negative breast cancer. Due to the
      high clinical benefit rate and acceptable safety profile, this regimen should be
      considered an acceptable neoadjuvant treatment option for hormone receptor
      negative breast cancer.

PMID- 27123065
TI  - Radiation recall dermatitis occurring 6 years and 4 months after breast
      conserving surgery: A case report.
AB  - Currently in Japan, breast-conserving therapy, consisting of breast-conserving
      surgery and post-operative radiation therapy, is performed frequently for the
      treatment of invasive breast cancer. It has been demonstrated that radiation
      therapy not only prevents recurrence in the preserved breast, but that it also
      contributes to improved patient survival. The present study describes the case of
      a 37-year-old woman with radiation recall dermatitis that occurred 6 years and 4
      months after breast-conserving surgery. Erythema with a relatively distinct
      border was observed at the irradiated site on the left breast; eczema was
      diagnosed by a dermatologist. Inflammatory breast cancer was ruled out, since
      chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound and bone scintigraphy were negative. Following
      ~1 month of topical corticosteroid application and oral second generation
      antihistamine treatment, the erythema was alleviated and the subjective symptoms
      also disappeared. Only a few cases of radiation recall dermatitis have been
      described in the fields of radiology and dermatology, but not yet in the surgical
      field. In the future, the incidence of radiation recall dermatitis is predicted
      to increase due to the increasing number of patients undergoing breast-conserving
      therapy. Whether in the surgical, radiological or dermatological field, if
      erythema is detected at the irradiated site during post-operative follow-up,
      routine care should be provided, keeping in mind the possibility of radiation
      recall dermatitis and inflammatory breast cancer.

PMID- 27123066
TI  - Apigenin suppresses colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion
      via inhibition of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
AB  - Abnormal activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway has a significant
      role in human tumorigenesis. The search for potential anticancer drugs has
      included widespread screening of inhibitors of the Wnt signaling pathway.
      Recently, one of the most common flavonoids, apigenin, demonstrated potential
      anti-tumor effects on multiple human cancer cell lines, with low cytotoxicity and
      no mutagenic activity. However, the association between apigenin and the Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling pathway remains to be elucidated. The results of wound healing
      and Transwell invasion assays revealed that apigenin was able to significantly
      suppress colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in a dose
      dependent manner. An organoid culture assay revealed that apigenin was also able
      to suppress the growth of intestinal organoids. Furthermore, apigenin inhibited
      beta-catenin/T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor signaling activation, which
      was induced by LiCl in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibited beta-catenin
      nuclear entry, and therefore the expression of Wnt downstream target genes. In
      conclusion, apigenin significantly suppressed colorectal cancer cell
      proliferation, migration, invasion and organoid growth by inhibiting the Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling pathway.

PMID- 27123067
TI  - Clinical pathology of metastatic gastric carcinoma to the breast: A report of two
      cases and a review of literature.
AB  - The breast is an unusual site for metastasis from a gastric carcinoma. The
      present study reports two cases of metastatic gastric carcinoma to the breast.
      The first patient, a 37-year-old woman, initially presented with gastric
      adenocarcinoma, prior to developing metastatic cancer to the breast 4 years
      later. The second female patient presented with a breast mass, and a modified
      radical mastectomy was performed; however, the subsequent pathological
      examination revealed the mass to be a metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma. An
      abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a diffuse gastric wall thickening
      that was consistent with gastric cancer. The findings suggest that
      immunohistochemistry is a useful tool to differentiate between primary breast
      tumors and gastrointestinal carcinomas that have metastasized to the breast.
      Additional studies are required in order to define the optimal treatment.

PMID- 27123068
TI  - Primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system: A case
      report and literature review.
AB  - The present study reports the clinical diagnosis and management of a patient with
      primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Bcl) of the central nervous system (CNS).
      Making an early diagnosis of primary diffuse large Bcl is challenging due to the
      variable and complicated clinical manifestations of the disease. The relevant
      literature was reviewed, and high-dose methotrexate, whole brain radiotherapy and
      highly active antiretroviral therapy was recommended for the patient. The present
      study elucidates the role of positron emission tomography-computed tomography
      scans for the diagnosis and management of primary diffuse large Bcl of the CNS,
      and demonstrates the importance of resection surgery in the management of the
      disease. Specifically, the present study proposes that resection surgery may be
      applied in the early stages of disease for patients with a single occupied lesion
      and increased intracranial pressure.

PMID- 27123069
TI  - The progression of CD56+ myeloid sarcoma: A case report and literature review.
AB  - The current study presents a case of cluster of differentiation (CD)56+ myeloid
      sarcoma in a patient that initially presented with skin lesions, and provides
      evidence for the clinical and differential diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma. The
      patient of the present case report was a 65-year-old man who was admitted to
      hospital with a six-month history of bilateral purple-red papules and nodules,
      which were present on the upper limbs of the patient and had spread over his
      whole body one month prior to admission to the hospital. Pathological examination
      demonstrated a diffuse infusion of primitive round cells at the papillary dermis
      and subcutaneous tissues. The infiltrated cells were 40-60 um in diameter and
      morphologically identical. Immunohistochemical examination revealed that the
      cells expressed myeloperoxidase, CD56, CD43 and T-cell intracytoplasmic antigen.
      In addition, several cells expressed CD34, and 90% of the cells expressed Ki67.
      While the majority of cells in myeloid sarcoma do not express CD56, the present
      case was a myeloid sarcoma that expressed CD56, which is extremely rare. The
      sarcoma in the present patient progressed rapidly, and the patient died eight
      months following the onset of disease. Clinicians should be aware of CD56+
      myeloid sarcoma, which is easily misdiagnosed and inappropriately treated.
      Consequently, myeloid sarcoma may have a high malignancy and poor outcome for
      patients.

PMID- 27123070
TI  - Malignant transformation of an epidermoid cyst in the temporal and prepontine
      region: Report of a case and differential diagnosis.
AB  - Malignant transformation of an epidermoid cyst is rare. The current report
      presents a case of a 55-year-old female patient with squamous cell carcinoma
      arising from a benign epidermoid cyst in the left temporal region and prepontine
      area. She had undergone subtotal resection of an epidermoid cyst 7 months
      previously. Preoperative imaging findings included a focal enhancing area
      adjacent to the lesion. Postoperative computed tomography demonstrated an
      increase in the size of the enhancing area. The patient underwent removal of the
      lesion and postoperative histological examination revealed a squamous cell
      carcinoma possibly arising from the epidermoid cyst. Accurate diagnosis of
      malignant transformation prior to operation is difficult; however, the
      possibility of an intracranial epidermoid cyst must be considered if a focally
      enhancing area is visible. Postoperative histological examinations may be used to
      determine a definite diagnosis, and accurate diagnosis is important for planning
      a rational therapeutic strategy.

PMID- 27123071
TI  - alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric carcinoma: A case report of a rare subtype
      and literature review.
AB  - alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing gastric carcinoma is a rare type of gastric
      cancer, and the characteristics have not yet been fully elucidated. The present
      study reports the case of a patient with this type of gastric cancer. A 66-year
      old male was referred to the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Qianfoshan
      Hospital, Shandong University (Jinan, China) with a 20-day history of
      retrosternal pain. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a thickening of the
      wall of the cardia and massive lymph node swelling in the region of the lesser
      curvature of the stomach. A laboratory investigation revealed that the serum AFP
      levels of the patient were elevated to 46.49 ng/ml (normal level, <12.00 ng/ml),
      and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were 382.22 ng/ml (normal
      range, <5.00 ng/ml). An endoscopy revealed an elevated tumor and AFP-producing
      gastric cancer was diagnosed. As the tumor was surgically unresectable, the
      patient received systemic adjuvant chemotherapy [consisting of 1 cycle of
      oxaliplatin (150 mg; day 1)-fluorouracil(1.0 g; days 2-6)-calcium folinate (0.3
      g; days 2-6), 4 cycles of paclitaxel (80 mg; day 1 and 8, repeated day 21) and
      capecitabine (1,000 g/m2, twice daily; days 1-14, repeated day 21), and 2 cycles
      of oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2; day 1, repeated day 21) and S-1 (100 mg/d; day 1- day
      14; repeated day 21)]. During the chemotherapy intermission, the patient
      experienced partial remission; the serum AFP levels remained between 44.5 and
      32.7 ng/ml, and serum CEA levels decreased to a normal level. The CT scan
      revealed that the enlarged lymph nodes of the patient had decreased in size.
      During the preoperative examinations, an abdominal CT scan revealed no metastasis
      to the liver. A radical gastrectomy was performed on October 20, 2014.
      Additionally, the tumor did not demonstrate the diffusion of AFP. The
      histopathological examination revealed a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma,
      with local and neuroendocrine differentiation and no hepatoid features. According
      to these histopathological findings, the tumor was diagnosed as AFP-producing non
      hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach. The patient was treated with systemic
      immunity-enhancing therapy and has been free of recurrence for 2 months. The
      present study describes a rare case of AFP-producing non-hepatoid adenocarcinoma
      of the stomach, with a review of the literature and an investigation of the
      clinical features.

PMID- 27123072
TI  - Computed tomography and magnetic resonance features of intracranial
      hemangioendothelioma: A study of 7 cases.
AB  - The current study aimed to present the neuroradiological and histopathological
      features of intracranial hemangioendothelioma (HE). The computed tomography (CT;
      n=3) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n=7) features, and the clinical
      presentations of 7 patients with pathologically documented HEs were
      retrospectively analyzed. Lesions were observed in the right side of the skull
      (the frontal bone in 1 patient and the parietal bone in 1 patient), the tentorium
      (2 patients), the cerebral falx (1 patient), the right cavernous sinus (1
      patient) and the right temporal lobe (1 patient). The tumor was lobulated in 5
      cases and round in 2 cases. The majority of tumors appeared isointense or
      hypointense with multiple scattered hyperintensities on T1-weighted MRI.
      Moreover, the lesions appeared as inhomogeneous hyperintense regions with
      multiple enlarged and tortuous blood flow voids on T2-weighted MRI. The lesions
      also showed marked gadolinium enhancement in a honeycomb pattern. CT scan results
      showed a isoattenuation region (32-47 HU), with numerous small, round, high
      density foci. The 2 cases with skull lesions presented with local bone
      destruction and discontinuous bone lines of the tabula interna ossis cranii. In 1
      case, MR angiography revealed abnormal vessels in the basilar region. A total of
      4 cases were epithelial HE, 2 were retiform HE and 1 was kaposiform HE.
      Histological examination revealed endothelial cell proliferation with vascular
      lesions and a mucous matrix or dense fibrous mesenchyme. In conclusion,
      intracranial HE is rare, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis
      when evaluating intracranial neoplasms. A well-defined lobulated mass and imaging
      features that include internal heterogeneity, small scattered hemorrhages and
      thromboses, signal voids of vessels, and marked and delayed enhancement may
      confirm the diagnosis of HE.

PMID- 27123073
TI  - Pristimerin overcomes adriamycin resistance in breast cancer cells through
      suppressing Akt signaling.
AB  - Breast cancer remains a major public health problem worldwide. Chemotherapy
      serves an important role in the treatment of breast cancer. However, resistance
      to chemotherapeutic agents, in particular, multi-drug resistance (MDR), is a
      major cause of treatment failure in cancer. Agents that can either enhance the
      effects of chemotherapeutics or overcome chemoresistance are urgently needed for
      the treatment of breast cancer. Pristimerin, a quinonemethide triterpenoid
      compound isolated from Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae, has been shown to
      possess antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and insecticidal properties.
      The aim of the present study was to investigate whether pristimerin can override
      chemoresistance in MCF-7/adriamycin (ADR)-resistant human breast cancer cells.
      The results demonstrated that pristimerin indeed displayed potent cytocidal
      effect on multidrug-resistant MCF-7/ADR breast cancer cells, and that these
      effects occurred through the suppression of Akt signaling, which in turn led to
      the downregulation of antiapoptotic effectors and increased apoptosis. These
      findings indicate that use of pristimerin may represent a potentially promising
      approach for the treatment of ADR-resistant breast cancer.

PMID- 27123074
TI  - Primary adrenal sarcomatoid carcinoma metastatic to the lung: Case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Adrenal sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare adrenal carcinoma. To the best of our
      knowledge, only 11 cases have been reported since 1987. Adrenal sarcomatoid
      carcinoma presents a diagnostic challenge due to its atypical symptoms and
      histological patterns. At the time of diagnosis, a large percentage of patients
      are already at the metastatic stage and succumb within a few months. The present
      study reports a case of a 59-year-old man presenting with asthenia and weight
      loss with adrenal sarcomatoid carcinoma metastatic to the lung. A computed
      tomography (CT) scan and ultrasonography of the patient's abdomen suggested a
      large homogeneous mass in the right adrenal gland, and a CT scan of his chest
      suggested lung metastasis. Right adrenalectomy was performed. Histological
      examination revealed that the tumor was composed of sarcomatous and carcinomatous
      differentiation elements. Immunohistochemical examination revealed tumor cell
      positivity for vimentin and cytokeratin. At the 6-month follow-up the patient
      exhibited no disease progression and refused further proposed treatment. The
      patient was alive at the time of writing the current report. The present case
      report additionally reviews the literature, for the purpose of raising awareness
      of these rare lesions and assisting in achieving accurate diagnoses and effective
      treatment.

PMID- 27123075
TI  - Downregulation of SASH1 correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis in
      ovarian carcinoma.
AB  - SAM- and SH3-domain containing 1 (SASH1) is a recently identified tumor
      suppressor gene that is required in the tumorigenesis of breast and other solid
      carcinomas. The SASH1 protein contains SH3 and SAM domains, indicating that it
      may serve an important role in intracellular signal transduction. The purpose of
      the present study was to investigate the expression of SASH1 in ovarian carcinoma
      and the correlation between its expression with clinical pathological features
      and clinical significance, and the effect of SASH1 on cell proliferation,
      apoptosis and migration of ovarian SKOV3 cells. The human ovarian carcinoma
      tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected following surgery. Reverse
      transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis
      were used to detect the expression levels of SASH1 mRNA and protein,
      respectively. The expression levels of SASH1 mRNA and protein in ovarian
      carcinoma tissues were significantly lower than that observed in adjacent normal
      tissues (P<0.05). The expression levels of SASH1 in samples from patients without
      lymph nodes metastasis and patients with early FIGO stage was lower than those
      with lymph nodes metastasis and patients with advanced FIGO stage (P<0.05). Flow
      cytometry analysis and Transwell invasion chamber experiments were used to
      investigate the effect of SASH1 on the cell proliferation, apoptosis and
      migration of SKOV3 cells. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-SASH1 was constructed
      and transfected into SKOV3 cells. In addition, the SKOV3 cells in the pcDNA3.1
      SASH1 group exhibited significantly reduced cell growth, proliferation, and
      migration ability compared to the empty vector group and normal group (P<0.01).
      There were a greater number of apoptotic cells in the pcDNA3.1-SASH1 group
      compared to the empty vector group and normal group (P<0.01). Taken together,
      these results indicated that SASH1 may be a tumor suppressor gene in ovarian
      carcinoma, and SASH1 expression inhibited growth, proliferation and migration,
      and enhanced apoptosis of SKOV3 cells.

PMID- 27123076
TI  - Esophageal cancer diagnosed by high-resolution manometry of the esophagus: A case
      report.
AB  - A 48-year-old female who presented with a history of dysphagia for 5 months and
      regurgitation for 1 week was referred to the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (Hangzhou,
      China) for further evaluation, since the gastroscopy and endoscopic ultrasound
      performed in local hospitals did not reveal the presence of cancer. High
      resolution manometry (HRM) of the esophagus was performed to determine the
      patient's condition, and revealed an abnormal high-pressure zone that was located
      33 cm from the incisor and did not relax upon swallowing. Synchronous waves were
      observed, and the pressure of the esophageal lumen was found to increase with
      secondary synchronous peristaltic waves. The lower esophageal sphincter was 39 cm
      from the incisor and relaxed upon swallowing. The abnormal high-pressure zone
      could have been caused by an obstruction, and therefore an upper gastrointestinal
      series (barium swallow) test and gastroscopy were recommended to further pinpoint
      the cause. Following the two examinations, mid-esophageal cancer was considered
      as a possible diagnosis. A biopsy was performed and the final diagnosis was that
      of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma. The findings of the present study suggest
      that, for patients with evident symptoms of esophageal motor dysfunction without
      significant gastroscopy findings, HRM is recommended.

PMID- 27123077
TI  - Primary extragastrointestinal stromal tumor of the pleura: A case report.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common type of mesenchymal
      tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. The stomach and small intestine are the most
      common sites of occurrence. GISTs are mesenchymal neoplasms originating from the
      interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), and are characterized by positivity for
      cluster of differentiation (CD) 117, also known as proto-oncogene c-Kit. While
      the majority of GISTs develop in the alimentary tract, in rare cases they may
      also be found in extragastrointestinal tissues. This type of GIST is known as an
      extragastrointestinal stromal tumor (EGIST). Despite the fact that EGISTs have
      been reported in the mesentery, omentum and retroperitoneum, primary
      intrathoracic EGISTs, arising from the pleura or lungs, are rare. The patient
      presented in the current study was a 40-year-old man, who presented with a cough
      and pyrexia, with pleural effusion on the left side. Multiple nodules throughout
      the parietal pleura were identified by thoracoscopy and a diagnosis of primary
      GIST of pleura was established, since they were positive for CD117 and discovered
      on GIST-1 and there was no evidence of gastrointestinal tumors. Subsequently, the
      patient was administered with imatinib and had no signs of disease recurrence 2
      years later.

PMID- 27123078
TI  - Myoepithelial carcinoma of the vallecula: A case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Myoepithelial carcinoma (MEC) of the vallecula is relatively rare, and there is
      no specific surgical guideline for resecting MEC in the vallecula. To the best of
      our knowledge, the current study reports the first case of MEC involving the
      vallecula of a 48-year-old female patient. In the present study, the lesion was
      correctly diagnosed as MEC and successfully managed using lateral pharyngotomy
      and by the construction of a sternohyoid myofascial flap. The patient was free of
      local recurrence or metastasis 18 months after surgery. The present study briefly
      reviews the current knowledge concerning the diagnosis and treatment of MECs in
      the head and neck area and offers suggestions for managing MEC in the vallecula.
      To conclude, MEC of the vallecula may be successfully managed by surgical
      treatment without evident post-surgery complications.

PMID- 27123079
TI  - Successful treatment of biliary intraepithelial neoplasia in the common bile duct
      via local excision: A case report.
AB  - Biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN), a precursor lesion of bile duct
      adenocarcinomas, rarely occurs in the extrahepatic bile duct, and therefore
      uniform treatment guidelines are lacking. The present study reports a case of
      BilIN in the common bile duct (CBD) in a 77-year-old man, who presented with
      upper abdominal malaise without jaundice. Imaging modalities revealed a CBD
      luminal tumor and dilated intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. To the best
      of our knowledge, local excision of the lesion was performed for the first time
      for this type of tumor in the present study. Pathological examination gave a
      definite diagnosis of high-grade BilIN in the CBD. No evidence of recurrence was
      observed during a 3-year follow-up period. This case report suggests that local
      excision is able to successfully treat BilIN in the CBD.

PMID- 27123080
TI  - Side population in hepatocellular carcinoma HCCLM3 cells is enriched with stem
      like cancer cells.
AB  - Substantial evidence implicates that low-abundance cancer stem cells (CSCs) are
      responsible for tumor metastasis and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC). Side population (SP) cells possess typical CSCs-like features, and are
      frequently considered as a special subpopulation in which CSCs are enriched and
      in studies may be considered as a substitute for CSCs. The aim of the present
      study was to examine the abundance of SP cells in human HCC cell lines with
      different metastatic potentials and compare their CSC-like, tumorigenic and
      invasive properties with those of the main population (MP) cells. An experimental
      system is described for identifying SP cells and analyzing their CSC-like
      properties. The relative abundance of SP cells correlated directly with the
      metastatic potential of the HCC cell line: HCCLM3, 16.3+/-2.2%; MHCC97-H, 8.4+/
      0.7%; MHCC97-L, 4.7+/-0.5%; and Huh7, 1.0+/-0.3% (P<0.05). SP cells isolated from
      HCCLM3 cultures showed significantly higher proliferation rates and clonogenicity
      than the corresponding MP cells, in addition to higher migration and invasive
      abilities in vitro and greater tumorigenicity in mice. Expression levels of all
      CSC-associated genes tested, except EpCAM and Oct4, were significantly higher in
      SP cells. The findings revealed that the proportion of SP cells correlates with
      metastatic potential, and SP cells demonstrated the characteristics expected of
      CSCs, implicating them in HCC metastasis. Further studies on the identification
      and characterization of SP cells using clinical HCC specimens will contribute to
      the understanding of how SP cells are involved in these disease processes.

PMID- 27123081
TI  - A double suicide gene system driven by vascular endothelial growth factor
      promoter selectively kills human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the selective killing effect on
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells of an adenovirus (Ad)-mediated cytosine
      deaminase (CD) in combination with thymidine kinase (TK) suicide gene system,
      driven by the vascular endothelial growth factor promoter (VEGFp), in vitro and
      in vivo. A double suicide gene system with VEGFp, named Ad-VEGFp-CDglyTK, was
      constructed and transfected into human HCC cells (BEL-7402 or HepG2; the latter
      cell type is deficient in VEGF) and human umbilical vein vascular endothelial
      cells (HUVEC). Green fluorescent protein expression was detected by fluoroscopy
      to verify transfection efficiency, and CDglyTK gene expression was detected by
      reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The selective killing
      effect of Ad-VEGFp-CDglyTK was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and flow cytometry (FCM) in vitro and by
      xenograft studies in vivo. PCR revealed that the transgenic CDglyTK gene was
      expressed in BEL-7402 cells and HUVEC, but not in HepG2 cells. The cell survival
      rate significantly decreased in line with increasing concentrations of the
      prodrugs, ganciclovir (GCV) alone, 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) alone or a combination
      of the two, in HUVEC and BEL-7402 cells with the transfected CDglyTK gene, but
      not in untransfected HUVEC or BEL-7402 cells, or in transfected or untransfected
      HepG2 cells. This result was additionally confirmed by FCM. GCV and 5-FC
      inhibited the HUVEC and BEL-7402 cells containing the transfected CDglyTK gene
      and also inhibited adjacent unmodified cells via the 'bystander effect'. No
      similar results were observed in HepG2 cells. Compared with the control group,
      tumors with the transfected CDglyTK gene were smaller and the microvessel density
      of the tumor tissue was significantly decreased. It was concluded that a
      combination TK/GCV and CD/5-FC suicide gene system driven by VEGFp may provide a
      promising treatment strategy for HCC.

PMID- 27123082
TI  - Retroperitoneal lymphangioma: A report of 2 cases and a review of the literature
      regarding the differential diagnoses of retroperitoneal cystic masses.
AB  - Cystic lymphangioma is a type of benign tumor originating from the lymph vessels.
      The tumor commonly occurs in childhood, in the head or neck regions, and
      retroperitoneal localization and presentations in adulthood are rare. Determining
      a pre-operative diagnosis is often challenging, and in the majority of cases, a
      diagnosis is only possible subsequent to the histological examination of the
      surgical specimen. A radical resection is the recommended treatment for cystic
      lymphangioma, and recurrence is usually due to an incomplete excision of the
      mass. The present study reports 2 cases of cystic lymphangioma, localized in the
      pancreatic gland and duodenal wall respectively, which were treated with surgical
      resection. The study also briefly reviews the literature regarding the
      differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal cystic masses.

PMID- 27123083
TI  - Demethylation drug 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine-induced upregulation of miR-200c
      inhibits the migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of clear
      cell renal cell carcinoma in vitro.
AB  - The microRNA (miR)-200 family has been found to be involved in the process of
      mesenchymal-epithelial transition during renal development. Deregulation of miR
      200c has been suggested to be involved in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
      (ccRCC). However, the precise role of miR-200c in the regulation of ccRCC
      metastasis has not been previously reported. In the present study, it was
      observed that miR-200c was frequently downregulated in ccRCC tissue compared with
      matched adjacent normal tissue. The expression of miR-200c was additionally
      reduced in ccRCC cell lines when compared with levels in normal renal cells. The
      DNA demethylation drug 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (Aza) was used to treat several
      ccRCC cell lines, and it was observed that the expression of miR-200c was
      significantly increased following Aza treatment. Furthermore, treatment with Aza
      markedly inhibited ccRCC cell invasion and migration, while treatment with miR
      200c inhibitor significantly enhanced invasion and migration of ccRCC cells. In
      addition, Aza treatment significantly promoted expression of E-cadherin and
      inhibited the expression of N-cadherin, while the inhibition of miR-200c
      downregulated E-cadherin and upregulated the expression of N-cadherin, suggesting
      that miR-200c has a suppressive role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      of ccRCC cells. In conclusion, it was suggested that demethylation drug Aza
      induced upregulation of miR-200c may inhibit migration, invasion and EMT in ccRCC
      cells.

PMID- 27123084
TI  - Ultra-early microsurgical treatment within 24 h of SAH improves prognosis of poor
      grade aneurysm combined with intracerebral hematoma.
AB  - Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the most common cerebrovascular
      disease. The conventional treatment for SAH is usually associated with high
      mortality. The present study aims to assess the prognosis of microsurgical
      treatment for patients with poor-grade aneurysm (Hunt and Hess grades IV-V)
      associated with intracerebral hematoma. A total of 18 consecutive patients who
      were diagnosed with poor-grade aneurysm accompanied with intracerebral hematoma
      were retrospectively recruited. All patients underwent microsurgical treatment
      between April 2010 and June 2013 at The 101st Hospital of Chinese People's
      Liberation Army (Wuxi, China). Among them, 15 cases underwent microsurgery within
      24 h of SAH, and 3 cases underwent microsurgery 24 h following SAH. All 18 cases
      were examined by computed tomography angiography (CTA). The outcome was assessed
      during a follow-up time of 6-36 months. According to the Glasgow Outcome Scale, 4
      patients experienced a good recovery, 6 were dissatisfied with the outcome, 4
      were in vegetative state and 4 succumbed to disease. Poor outcome occurred in
      patients with an aneurysm diameter >10 mm, exhibited >50 ml volume of
      intracerebral hematoma or presented cerebral hernia prior to the surgical
      operation. The outcome of ultra-early surgery (within 24 h of SAH) was improved,
      compared with that of surgery following 24 h of SAH (P=0.005). Among 7 patients
      who accepted extraventricular drainage, good outcomes were achieved in 4 of them,
      whereas dissatisfaction and mortality occurred in 2 and 1 patients, respectively.
      Therefore, ultra-early microsurgery (within 24 h of SAH) combined with
      extraventricular drainage may improve the prognosis of patients with poor-grade
      aneurysm.

PMID- 27123085
TI  - Bortezomib and etoposide combinations exert synergistic effects on the human
      prostate cancer cell line PC-3.
AB  - Novel treatment modalities are urgently required for androgen-independent
      prostate cancer. In order to develop an alternative treatment for prostate
      cancer, the cytotoxic effects of the 26S proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, either
      alone or in combination with the two commonly used chemotherapeutic agents
      irinotecan and etoposide, on the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3 were
      evaluated in the present study. The PC-3 cell line was maintained in Dulbecco's
      modified Eagle's medium with 10% fetal bovine serum and treated with various
      doses of bortezomib, irinotecan, etoposide or their combinations. The growth
      inhibitory and cytotoxic effects were determined by water-soluble tetrazolium
      (WST)-1 assay, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)
      assay or iCELLigence system. The combination index values were determined by the
      Chou-Talalay method. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of
      bortezomib on the PC-3 cell line was determined to be 53.4 nM by WST-1 assay,
      whereas the IC50 values of irinotecan and etoposide were determined to be 2.1 and
      26.5 uM, respectively. These results suggest that the 26S proteasome inhibitor
      bortezomib is more potent, compared with irinotecan and etoposide, in the
      androgen-insensitive and tumor protein p53-null cell line PC-3. The combined
      effects of bortezomib+irinotecan and bortezomib+etoposide were also tested on PC
      3 cells. The effect of bortezomib+irinotecan combination was not significantly
      different than that produced by either monotherapy, according to the results of
      iCELLigence system and MTT assay. However, 40 nM bortezomib+5 uM etoposide or 40
      nM bortezomib+20 uM etoposide combinations were observed to be more effective
      than each drug tested alone. The results of the current study suggest that
      bortezomib and etoposide combination may be additionally evaluated in clinical
      trials for the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

PMID- 27123086
TI  - Association between intraosseous schwannoma occurrence and the position of the
      intraosseous nutrient vessel: A case report.
AB  - Intraosseous schwannoma is a rare benign bone tumor that originates from Schwann
      cells of the nerve sheath. The majority of intraosseous schwannomas arise in the
      mandible and sacrum, but an intraosseous schwannoma involving the ulna is
      described in the present case report. Radiologically, the current case presented
      as a well-defined lytic lesion, with a pathological fracture and no intralesional
      calcification, in the proximal metaphysis of the left ulna. Using magnetic
      resonance imaging, an intraosseous mass spreading out from the cortical defect
      was observed. The lesion appeared isointense to skeletal muscle on T1-weighted
      images, and hyperintense or heterogeneous on T2-weighted images. The differential
      diagnosis comprised benign bone tumors, including bone cyst, aneurysmal bone
      cyst, giant cell tumor and fibrous dysplasia. Based on the results of a needle
      biopsy, a schwannoma involving the ulnar bone was diagnosed, and tumor marginal
      resection followed by artificial bone grafting and fixation was performed. A
      total of one year subsequent to surgery, the patient exhibits no symptoms, and
      there is no evidence of disease recurrence.

PMID- 27123087
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of pre-operative imaging findings in presumed clinical T1a
      renal cell carcinomas.
AB  - Despite the development of recent imaging modalities, certain pathological
      misdiagnoses remain for surgical specimens of presumed small renal cell
      carcinomas (RCCs). In the present study, a retrospective analysis of benign
      pathological lesions diagnosed as small RCC prior to surgery was performed. In
      total, the cases of 196 sporadic renal tumors that was surgically treated as
      clinical T1a RCCs were reviewed, and the accuracy of the pathological diagnoses
      was calculated. The pre-operative findings for benign pathological lesions was
      investigated, and the lesions were observed in 13 (6.63%) of the 196 tumors. Pre
      operative computed tomography images were obtained in all cases, and magnetic
      resonance images were available in 10 cases. The diagnostic accuracy of imaging
      modalities was significantly lower in the tumors with a diameter of <=20 mm. In
      all cases, the possible pathological diagnosis of RCC could not be excluded even
      by retrospective imaging analysis. Several benign pathological lesions were found
      in small renal masses presumed to be clinical T1a RCC. In conclusion, there may
      be limitations to the pre-operative imaging for certain types of small renal
      mass.

PMID- 27123088
TI  - Traumatic arteriovenous fistula of the left parotid region: A case report.
AB  - The formation of arteriovenous fistula beneath the parotid is relatively rare. To
      the best of our knowledge, the present study reports the first case of a 48-year
      old man with a pulsatile mass on the left parotid region, which had been present
      for >3 years following penetrating wounds. Computed tomography angiography and
      digital subtraction angiography revealed a fistula between the left external
      carotid artery and the left jugular vein. The patient was successfully managed
      through surgical excision without embolization. Intraoperative facial nerve
      monitoring was employed to prevent postoperative facial paralysis. The present
      study briefly reviewed the current literature, illustrating the pathophysiology,
      symptoms, imaging studies and treatment for arteriovenous fistula in the head and
      neck region. To conclude, arteriovenous fistula located near the facial nerve may
      be successfully managed by surgical treatment, without permanent facial
      paralysis.

PMID- 27123089
TI  - Re-sensitization of radiation resistant colorectal cancer cells to radiation
      through inhibition of AMPK pathway.
AB  - Radiotherapy (RT) is commonly used to treat multi-tumors to attenuate the risk of
      recurrence. Despite impressive initial clinical responses, a large proportion of
      patients experience resistance to RT. Therefore, identification of functionally
      relevant biomarkers would be beneficial for radioresistant patients. Adenosine
      monophosphate-activated kinase (AMPK) is recognized as a mediator of tumor
      suppressor gene function. In the present study, radio-sensitive and -resistant
      colon cancer patient samples were compared and the AMPK pathway was observed to
      be highly activated in radioresistant patients. In addition, the protein and mRNA
      levels of AMPK were upregulated in radioresistant colon cancer cells in
      comparison to radiosensitive colon cancer cells. The present study provides
      evidence that activation of AMPK by metformin contributes to radioresistance.
      Inhibition of AMPK by either small interfering RNA or Compound C, which is a
      specific inhibitor of AMPK, re-sensitized radiation resistant cells. The data
      presented indicates a synergistic effect on radiation resistant cancer cells by
      the combination of Compound C and radiation. In summary, the present study
      proposes that inhibition of the AMPK pathway is a potential strategy for
      reversing radiation resistance and may contribute to the development of
      therapeutic anticancer drugs.

PMID- 27123090
TI  - Bladder cancer in a young patient: Undiscovered risk factors.
AB  - Bladder cancer is one of the most common forms of malignancies involving the
      urinary system and multiple risk factors have been associated with its etiology.
      The most common of which include cigarette smoking and various occupational or
      chemical exposures. It is usually diagnosed in older individuals with an average
      age of 70. In rare cases it is observed in children as well as young adults where
      it usually presents as a low-grade, non-invasive disease. In the present case
      report a 27-year-old male patient is discussed: The patient presented with no
      significant risk factors and was treated for mucinous adenocarcinoma of the
      bladder while further investigations were performed to identify other associated
      factors related to this form of malignancy. Debate in the literature exists in
      regards to the characteristics of bladder neoplasms in younger patients compared
      with older patients, however there is a lack of research into the etiology or
      prognosis in young patients. The present case study illustrates the case of a
      young adult with no clear risk factors who was diagnosed with a rare case of
      mucinous adenocarcinoma of the bladder.

PMID- 27123091
TI  - Efficacy of peritoneovenous shunt for treating tolvaptan-resistant refractory
      ascites in a cirrhotic patient with portal vein thrombosis: A case report.
AB  - Peritoneovenous shunt is normally used for the treatment of refractory ascites.
      However, its efficacy in treating tolvaptan-resistant refractory ascites has not
      been reported thus far. In addition, the impact of peritoneovenous shunt on the
      prognosis of cirrhotic patients remains controversial. In the present report, a
      case of tolvaptan-resistant refractory ascites associated with liver cirrhosis
      and portal vein thrombosis is described. The male patient was diagnosed with
      hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis at the age of 51 years. At the age of
      56 years, the patient developed portal vein thrombosis, resulting in the
      development of refractory ascites. Since the ascites was resistant to treatment
      with a low-sodium diet and diuretics such as tolvaptan, a peritoneovenous shunt
      was implanted upon obtaining consent. The shunt immediately increased the urine
      volume, and the ascites was markedly decreased. The patient's body weight
      decreased from 62.7 to 57.1 kg in 2 days, and his ascites symptom inventory-7
      score decreased from 23 to 0 points in 31 days. Although the patient succumbed to
      sepsis on day 486 following the shunt implant, his activities of daily living
      were preserved until 8 days prior to mortality. Thus, the present case supports
      the efficacy of peritoneovenous shunt for the treatment of tolvaptan-resistant
      refractory ascites associated with liver cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis.
      Furthermore, the present case suggests that peritoneovenous shunt may prolong the
      survival of cirrhotic patents with refractory ascites.

PMID- 27123092
TI  - Perirenal hematoma in a patient treated with bevacizumab for metastatic colon
      cancer: A case report.
AB  - The present study reports the case of a patient that developed spontaneous
      perirenal hematoma during treatment with bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy. A
      44-year-old woman with metastatic sigmoid colon cancer, who was being treated
      with bevacizumab (5 mg/kg, intravenous, 90 min biweekly), was admitted to
      hospital following 3 cycles of chemotherapy, with a sudden onset of dyspnea and
      oliguria. An emergency hemodialysis was performed and a large right perirenal
      hematoma was diagnosed using computed tomography. The patient was immediately
      instructed to discontinue chemotherapy, including bevacizumab. However, the right
      perirenal hematoma increased in size and a left perirenal hematoma developed 3
      weeks later. The two perirenal hematomas stabilized 7 weeks subsequent to the
      termination of bevacizumab treatment. Spontaneous perirenal hematoma due to
      bevacizumab treatment is an extremely rare occurrence. However, physicians should
      be aware of this potential complication associated with bevacizumab treatment.

PMID- 27123093
TI  - Delayed bronchobiliary fistula following radiofrequency ablation in a patient
      with hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report and lesson regarding treatment.
AB  - Bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare complication of radiofrequency ablation
      (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma. The rupture of a biloma following RFA may
      result in the development of BBF, with their early detection and timely
      management important in the prevention of BBF. The current study presents a case
      of BBF, which developed at 17 months after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), due to
      biloma rupture in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the
      percutaneous drainage of the biloma following BBF, the persistent fever did not
      resolve due to biliary infection. Finally, an extensive surgical intervention was
      performed. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans that had been performed
      following RFA were reviewed, and it was found that the biloma and increased bile
      leakage had presented prior to biloma rupture. For that reason, it is advised
      that patients who present with biloma following RFA should receive regular follow
      up MRI scans. Biloma enlargement could be a predictor for the development of BBF;
      therefore, timely drainage of an enlarging biloma may be able to prevent this
      complication.

PMID- 27123094
TI  - Statistics and outlook of primary hepatic angiosarcoma based on clinical stage.
AB  - Hepatic angiosarcoma is a rare condition that has been associated with exposure
      to colloidal solutions of thorium dioxide, vinyl chloride, arsenic and radiation.
      Therapeutic guidelines have not been definitively established due to the small
      number of cases of this disease. The present study reviewed 28 cases of hepatic
      angiosarcoma from studies that had been published between January 2000 and
      December 2012, in addition to 6 cases diagnosed at Tri-Service General Hospital
      (Taipei, Taiwan). Clinical staging was based on American Joint Committee on
      Cancer staging system for soft tissue sarcoma (2014). With a mean follow-up of
      27.5 months (range, 0.27-102 months), 18% (6/34) of the patients survived. The 1
      , 3- and 5-year survival rates were 68.0+/-9.3, 42.1+/-10.2 and 32.7+/-9.8% for
      patients with stage I disease (mean follow-up, 32.7 months), whilst the 1- and 3
      year survival rates were 33.3+/-15.7 and 22.2+/-13.9% for patients with stage IV
      disease (mean follow-up, 13.0 months). Determining an appropriate therapeutic
      strategy for this patient group is necessary. New studies encompassing larger
      patient populations are required in order to analyze and define standard
      prognostic parameters and to standardize a treatment approach for this extremely
      rare neoplasm.

PMID- 27123095
TI  - Radiotherapy of brain metastases from breast cancer: Treatment results and
      prognostic factors.
AB  - Brain metastases (BM) from breast cancer are associated with high morbidity and a
      poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of radiotherapy in
      treatment of BM from breast cancer in the context of modern local therapy
      modalities, current systemic treatment options and prognostic factors. A
      retrospective analysis of 86 consecutive female patients treated with
      radiotherapy for BM from breast cancer between 2000 and 2010 was conducted.
      Patient and treatment characteristics were registered and survival data
      calculated. All patients received whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) with a median
      dose of 36 Gy, and 19 patients were treated with an additional boost; this
      included fractionated schemes (median dose, 18 Gy) and radiosurgery (5 and 17
      Gy). The median overall survival time from the start of WBRT was 4.1 months in
      the present cohort. Patients receiving a boost survived 19.7 months in comparison
      to 3.1 months for patients treated with WBRT alone (P<0.001). Other factors that
      improved overall survival, based on a univariate analysis, were dose of WBRT and
      number of BM. There was no statistical evidence for the influence of the human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status on survival in the current study. The
      administration of boost treatment following WBRT was also identified as a
      significant factor influencing survival on multivariate analysis (P=0.030). In
      conclusion, radiotherapy affects the survival time of patients with BM from
      breast cancer. In particular, the implementation of boost treatment following
      WBRT in selected patients seems to extend survival time.

PMID- 27123097
TI  - BIRC3 alterations in chronic and B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia patients.
AB  - Deletions within chromosome 11q22-23, are considered among the most common
      chromosomal aberrations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and are associated
      with a poor outcome. In addition to the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene,
      the baculoviral IAP repeat-containing 3 (BIRC3) gene is also located in the
      region. BIRC3 encodes a negative regulator of the non-canonical nuclear factor
      kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB) protein. Disruption
      of BIRC3 is known to be restricted to CLL fludarabine-refractory patients. The
      aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of copy number changes of
      BIRC3 and to assess its association with two known predictors of negative CLL
      outcome, ATM and tumor protein 53 (TP53) gene deletions. To evaluate the
      specificity of BIRC3 alterations to CLL, BIRC3 copy numbers were assessed in 117
      CLL patients in addition to 45 B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL)
      patients. A commercially available multiplex ligation dependent probe
      amplification kit, which includes four probes for the detection of TP53 and four
      probes for ATM gene region, was applied. Interphase-directed fluorescence in situ
      hybridization was used to apply commercially available probes for BIRC3, ATM and
      TP53. High resolution array-comparative genomic hybridization was conducted in
      selected cases. Genetic abnormalities of BIRC3 were detected in 23/117 (~20%) of
      CLL and 2/45 (~4%) of B-ALL cases. Overall, 20 patients with CLL and 1 with B-ALL
      possessed a BIRC3 deletion, whilst 3 patients with CLL and 1 with B-ALL harbored
      a BIRC3 duplication. All patients with an ATM deletion also carried a BIRC3
      deletion. Only 2 CLL cases possessed deletions in BIRC3, ATM and TP53
      simultaneously. Evidently, the deletion or duplication of BIRC3 may be observed
      rarely in B-ALL patients. BIRC3 duplication may occur in CLL patients, for which
      the prognosis requires additional studies in the future. The likelihood that TP53
      deletions occur simultaneously with BIRC3 and/or ATM aberrations is low. However,
      as ATM deletions may, but not always, associate with BIRC3 deletions, each region
      should be considered in the future diagnostics of CLL in order to aid treatment
      decisions, notably whether to treat with or without fludarabine.

PMID- 27123098
TI  - Late recurrent cutaneous breast angiosarcoma in an elderly woman: A case report.
AB  - Breast angiosarcomas are malignant tumours of the vascular endothelium that arise
      frequently following radiation therapy. Their clinical and radiological aspects
      are highly heterogeneous. The current study reports an unusual case, never
      previously reported, of a late recurrent breast angiosarcoma occurring in an 83
      year old female patient 11 years after a breast-conserving surgery followed by
      radiation therapy for an invasive ductal carcinoma, and 5 years after her initial
      angiosarcoma excision. The first physician to examine the patient noted a
      palpable mass near the scar and, following ultrasonography, described the breast
      lesion as suggestive of an abscess, despite the previous history of neoplasia.
      Typically, recurrences of breast angiosarcoma occur within the first postsurgical
      year. The present patient remains alive at 25 months after her last surgical
      treatment, and no evidence of any local or distant disease is observable.

PMID- 27123096
TI  - Alcohol consumption and corresponding factors: A novel perspective on the risk
      factors of esophageal cancer.
AB  - Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common type of cancer in the world, and the
      sixth most common cause of mortality from cancer. Alcohol consumption is the
      major risk factor for esophageal cancer, due to the worldwide prevalence and high
      carcinogenicity of the ethanol metabolite. In epidemiological studies, the
      efficiency of alcohol intake to enhance the risk of esophageal cancer is altered
      by daily ethanol consumption, type of alcoholic beverages ingested, time since
      quitting drinking, age of drinking initiation, differences in population and
      subtypes of esophageal cancer. Corresponding factors, including gene
      polymorphisms, tobacco smoking, oral microorganisms and folate deficiency, reveal
      a synergistic effect in concurrent alcohol users that may lead to an increased
      risk of developing esophageal cancer. Consequently, esophageal cancer prevention
      involves multiple aspects, including quitting drinking and smoking, maintaining
      an adequate oral health and ingesting adequate quantities of folate, particularly
      in genetically high-risk populations.

PMID- 27123099
TI  - Overexpression of SPARC correlates with poor prognosis in patients with cervical
      carcinoma and regulates cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
AB  - Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is associated with the
      progression of numerous types of cancer. However, the role of SPARC in the
      progression of cervical cancer has not yet been adequately elucidated. In the
      current study, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT
      qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were employed to evaluate the mRNA and protein
      expression of SPARC in normal cervical tissue, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
      (CIN) and cervical cancer. In addition, three epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin) were detected by
      immunohistochemistry in the same specimens, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay was conducted to detect the serum levels of SPARC in patients with cervical
      neoplasia. In highly invasive subclones of human cervical carcinoma cells, HeLa-1
      and SiHa-1, lentiviral transfections were performed and RT-qPCR and western blot
      were used to investigate the effects of downregulated EGF-containing fibulin-like
      extracellular matrix protein 1 on the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and
      vimentin. The results revealed that, in cervical carcinoma tissue, SPARC
      expression was significantly upregulated in a manner that positively correlated
      with N-cadherin and vimentin expression, and negatively correlated with E
      cadherin expression. SPARC overexpression and high serum levels were
      significantly associated with the progression of cervical cancer and adverse
      prognosis of cervical cancer patients. Downregulation of SPARC can markedly
      reduce the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin and increase the expression of E
      cadherin. Thus, overexpression of SPARC is significantly associated with poor
      prognostic clinicopathological characteristics in cervical carcinoma, and may be
      important in EMT. The results of the current study suggest that SPARC may be a
      potential therapeutic option for individuals diagnosed with cervical carcinoma.

PMID- 27123100
TI  - Surgical treatment of a retroperitoneal benign tumor surrounding important blood
      vessels by fractionated resection: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Retroperitoneal tumors are lesions with diverse pathological subtypes that
      originate from the retroperitoneal space; ~40% of these tumors are benign. Due to
      such lesions often surrounding and associating with vital abdominal blood
      vessels, a complete surgical resection is difficult. The current study presents a
      novel surgical approach, known as fractionation, through which a benign
      retroperitoneal tumor surrounding important abdominal blood vessels was
      completely resected. A 21-year-old man was admitted to The First Affiliated
      Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Chongqing, China), presenting with a
      ~7.5*7.2-cm tumor that was located in the retroperitoneal pancreatic head region
      and the first hepatic hilum. The tumor completely surrounded the celiac axis and
      the splenic, common hepatic and superior mesenteric arteries, and was closely
      associated with the abdominal aorta and the portal, splenic, superior mesenteric
      and left renal veins. A pre-operative computed tomography scan and intraoperative
      frozen biopsy indicated that the lesion was a benign tumor. A fractionation
      approach was subsequently adopted, with fractionation of the lesion being
      performed according to the location of the tumor itself and the direction of the
      surrounding abdominal blood vessels. In this manner, a complete tumor resection
      was conducted. Post-operative pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of
      a retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma. The patient was followed up for a year and a
      half, with no evidence of tumor recurrence. In the present case, a fractionation
      approach for the complete resection of the retroperitoneal benign tumor achieved
      a positive outcome and demonstrated the feasibility of the technique.

PMID- 27123101
TI  - Preclinical pharmacodynamic evaluation of antibiotic nitroxoline for anticancer
      drug repurposing.
AB  - The established urinary antibiotic nitroxoline has recently regained considerable
      attention, due to its potent activities in inhibiting angiogenesis, inducing
      apoptosis and blocking cancer cell invasion. These features make nitroxoline an
      excellent candidate for anticancer drug repurposing. To rapidly advance
      nitroxoline repurposing into clinical trials, the present study performed
      systemic preclinical pharmacodynamic evaluation of its anticancer activity,
      including a methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay in vitro and an orthotopic
      urological tumor assay in vivo. The current study determined that nitroxoline
      exhibits dose-dependent anti-cancer activity in vitro and in urological tumor
      orthotopic mouse models. In addition, it was demonstrated that the routine
      nitroxoline administration regimen used for urinary tract infections was
      effective and sufficient for urological cancer treatment, and 2 to 4-fold higher
      doses resulted in obvious enhancement of anticancer efficacy without
      corresponding increases in toxicity. Furthermore, nitroxoline sulfate, one of the
      most common metabolites of nitroxoline in the urine, effectively inhibited cancer
      cell proliferation. This finding increases the feasibility of nitroxoline
      repurposing for urological cancer treatment. Due to the excellent anticancer
      activity demonstrated in the present study, and its well-known safety profile and
      pharmacokinetic properties, nitroxoline has been approved to enter into a phase
      II clinical trial in China for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer treatment
      (registration no. CTR20131716).

PMID- 27123102
TI  - Long-term follow-up and clinical course of a rare case of von Hippel-Lindau
      disease: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominantly inherited neoplastic
      syndrome that increases susceptibility to a variety of benign and malignant
      neoplasms. It has been well documented that, despite complete excision of initial
      neoplasms, VHL patients may develop further lesions, in some cases many years
      after the initial diagnosis. Therefore, the varied and complex clinical
      manifestations and radiological findings of VHL are of interest. The current
      study is the first to describe a case of VHL disease with lateral ventricular
      hemangioblastomas and subsequent pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, bilateral renal
      cysts and renal cell carcinoma. The complete clinical course, radiological
      findings, including ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI), and associated pathological findings are presented. Radiology is
      critical in the accurate diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of VHL. Continuous
      close and long-term follow-up with radiological examination, particularly MRI,
      must be conducted in patients with VHL disease. To the best of our knowledge, the
      current case is a rare phenomenon that has not yet been described in the English
      literature.

PMID- 27123103
TI  - N-glycosylation of R-spondin1 at Asn137 negatively regulates its secretion and
      Wnt/beta-catenin signaling-enhancing activity.
AB  - N-glycosylation is a post-translational protein modification with a wide variety
      of functions. It has been predicted that R-spondin1 (RSPO1) is N-glycosylated,
      although this remains unknown. The present study identified that RSPO1 was N
      glycosylated at Asn137, and that N-glycosylation of RSPO1 negatively influenced
      its secretion and enhancing effect on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. In vitro
      treatment with peptide-N-glycosidase F increased the electrophoretic mobility of
      RSPO1. Furthermore, treatment of wild-type (wt) RSPO1-overexpressing HT1080 cells
      with tunicamycin (TM), which inhibits N-glycosylation, resulted in a significant
      reduction in the molecular weight of RSPO1. However, TM treatment had no effect
      in the RSPO1 mutant whereby the Asn137 residue was replaced by Gln (N137Q). These
      results demonstrated for the first time that RSPO1 is N-glycosylated at Asn137.
      RSPO1 is a secreted protein that has Wnt/beta-catenin signaling-enhancing
      activity and is expected to have therapeutic applications. The role of N
      glycosylation in RSPO1 was evaluated by conducting comparative experiments with
      wt and N137Q RSPO1, which revealed that the N137Q mutant increased the secretion
      and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling-enhancing effect of RSPO1, compared with wt RSPO1.
      These results suggest that N-glycosylation of RSPO1 has a negative influence on
      its secretion and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling-enhancing effect.

PMID- 27123104
TI  - Docetaxel combined with intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy and
      hyperthermia in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is a clinical type of gynecological malignant tumor with poor
      prognosis and a high mortality rate. At present, the primary treatment method
      used is surgery, with chemotherapy as an ajdunctive therapy. Thus, new short-term
      treatments should be identified. The aim of the present study was to investigate
      the short-term curative effects and safety of docetaxel combined with
      intraperitoneal cisplatin chemotherapy and hyperthermia treatment of advanced
      ovarian cancer. A total of 112 cases of advanced (stage III-IV) ovarian cancer
      patients confirmed by clinical diagnosis between October 2014 and December 2015
      were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into the study and
      control groups (n=56 cases). The control group was treated with docetaxel and
      intraperitoneal cisplatin hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy, while the study
      group was treated with docetaxel venous chemotherapy and intraperitoneal
      cisplatin cyclical hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy with BR-TRG-1 body cavity
      hyperthermic perfusion treatment system. Clinical treatment results for short
      term curative effects and adverse reactions were compared and analyzed 8 weeks
      after treatment. The total effective rate of the study and control groups were
      87.5 and 62.5%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant
      (P<0.05). The controlled rate of ascites, remission rate of tumor and descent
      rate of CA125 of patients in the study group were better than patients in the
      control group (P<0.05). The rate of adverse reactions of patients in the study
      group was 39.3%, and the grade of toxicity was from I to II, while the rate of
      adverse reactions of patients in the control group was 55.4%, and the grade of
      toxicity was from II to III. The difference between the two groups was
      statistically significant (P<0.05). In conclusion, applying the combination of
      docetaxel, intraperitoneal cisplatin hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy and
      hyperthermia to treat advanced ovarian cancer can improve the curative effects
      with little toxicity; thus, it is worthy of promotion and application.

PMID- 27123105
TI  - Primary follicular thyroid carcinoma metastasis to the kidney and widespread
      dissemination: A case report.
AB  - Distant metastases are more common in follicular thyroid carcinoma (FC) than in
      papillary thyroid carcinoma. However, FC metastasis to the kidney with eggshell
      calcification, as observed in the present case, is rare. The current report
      presents a case of a 67-year-old woman exhibiting a solitary tumor in the mid
      pole of the left kidney. Radical nephrectomy was performed, as the tumor was
      diagnosed as a primary renal carcinoma using contrast-enhanced computed
      tomography. Once the tumor was confirmed to be FC, total thyroidectomy was
      performed. Following administration of an oral therapeutic dose of 100 mCi 131I,
      functional imaging demonstrated the presence of multifocal metastases in the
      chest and abdomen. Euthyrox(r) was prescribed orally to aid normal thyroid
      function. Follow-up 6 months later using radionuclide imaging demonstrated the
      disappearance of the multifocal metastases in the chest and abdomen. The distant
      metastasis of FC may represent the initial symptom of the primary lesion, which
      was neglected. Ultrasound is an effective method to examine nodules located on
      the thyroid.

PMID- 27123106
TI  - Intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumors: CT and FDG-PET/CT findings
      with histopathological association.
AB  - Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCTs) are rare and aggressive malignant
      tumors. The aim of the present study was to analyze computed tomography (CT) and
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/CT imaging features of
      intra-abdominal desmoplastic DSRCT, and investigate the association of these
      features with histopathological results. The present study was a retrospective
      investigation of 4 patients with DSRCT. All patients underwent CT and dynamic CT,
      and 1 additionally underwent FDG-PET/CT scanning. Following a tumor resection,
      routine hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunostaining, were performed and
      evaluated. Multiple large abdominopelvic masses were identified in all 4
      patients; however, no indications of their site of origin were demonstrated. CT
      revealed soft-tissue masses with patchy foci of hypodense lesions. Contrast
      enhanced CT revealed slightly or moderately heterogeneous enhancement of the
      lesions. Other observations from these patients included calcification (n=2),
      peritoneal seeding (n=3), hepatic metastasis (n=3), retroperitoneal
      lymphadenopathy (n=3) and ascites (n=2). FDG-PET/CT revealed multiple nodular
      increased FDG uptake in the abdominopelvic masses, and in the liver and
      peritoneum in 1 case. Intra-abdominal DSRCT demonstrated significant diagnostic
      characteristics on plain and contrast-enhanced CT. Multiple, bulky soft-tissue
      masses inside the peritoneal cavity, particularly in male adolescents and young
      adults, should be considered as potential cases of DSRCT. FDG-PET/CT techniques
      may be utilized to aid the staging of tumors.

PMID- 27123107
TI  - Coexisting and possible primary extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the
      pancreas and liver: A single case report.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are mesenchymal neoplasms of the
      gastrointestinal tract (GI) that are defined, in part, by the expression of
      CD117, a c-Kit proto-oncogene protein. GISTs emerge outside of the GI at a very
      low frequency, typically in a single organ or location. GISTs that occasionally
      emerge outside of the GI are classified as extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors
      (EGIST). The present study reports an extremely rare case of EGIST detected in
      the pancreas and the liver. The pancreatic and liver tumors were 4.5*2.5 cm and
      2.0*1.5 cm in size, respectively. Both tumors consisted of CD117-positive spindle
      cells with a similar mitotic rate of 1-2 per 50 high power fields. The pancreatic
      and the hepatic EGISTs were at a low risk of malignancy, and both tumors were
      proposed to be primary stromal tumors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the
      first report of likely primary EGIST identified in the pancreas and liver of the
      same patient.

PMID- 27123108
TI  - The proliferative effects of asbestos-exposed peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      on mesothelial cells.
AB  - Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is thought to arise from the direct effect of
      asbestos on mesothelial cells. However, MM takes a long time to develop following
      exposure to asbestos, which suggests that the effects of asbestos are complex.
      The present study examined the effects of asbestos exposure on the cell growth of
      MeT-5A human mesothelial cells via cytokines produced by immune cells. Peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with antibodies against cluster
      of differentiation (CD)3 and CD28 upon exposure to the asbestos chrysotile A (CA)
      or crocidolite (CR); the growth of MeT-5A cells in media supplemented with PBMC
      culture supernatants was subsequently examined. MeT-5A cells exhibited an
      increase in proliferation when grown in supernatant from the 7-day PBMC culture
      exposed to CA or CR. Analysis of cytokine production demonstrated increased
      levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage
      colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-3, IL
      5, IL-13 and IL-17A in supernatants. Individual administration of these
      cytokines, excluding G-CSF and GM-CSF, led to an increase in cell growth of MeT
      5A, whereas this effect was not observed following the combined administration of
      these cytokines. The results indicate that cytokines secreted by immune cells
      upon exposure to asbestos cause an increase in the growth activity of mesothelial
      cells, suggesting that alterations in the production of cytokines by immune cells
      may contribute to tumorigenesis in individuals exposed to asbestos.

PMID- 27123109
TI  - Downregulation of O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase by RNA interference
      decreases MMP9 expression in human esophageal cancer cells.
AB  - O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) catalyzes O-linked glycosylation
      (O-GlcNAcylation). O-GlcNAcylation is a post-translational carbohydrate
      modification of diverse nuclear and cytosolic proteins by the addition of O
      linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine. It was recently demonstrated that OGT and the
      level of O-GlcNAcylation are upregulated in esophageal cancer; however, the
      physiological consequences of this upregulation remain unknown. The current study
      reports that OGT knockdown by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) did not affect cell
      viability; however, cell migration in esophageal cancer Eca-109 cells was
      significantly reduced. OGT-specific shRNA vectors efficiently decreased the
      protein and mRNA levels of OGT and the RL2 level (a marker of O-GlcNAcylation
      levels) in Eca-109 esophageal cancer cells. In addition, colony formation and
      cell proliferation assays demonstrated that OGT-specific shRNA decreased the
      proliferation of Eca-109 cells; however, there was no significant statistical
      difference between OGT-specific shRNA and control shRNA. Notably, transwell
      assays demonstrated that the migratory ability of Eca-109 cells was significantly
      suppressed following knockdown of the OGT gene. Correspondingly, western blot
      analyses demonstrated that OGT knockdown significantly downregulated the
      expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in Eca-109 cells. These results
      suggest that OGT may promote the migration, invasion and metastasis of esophageal
      cancer cells by enhancing the stability or expression of MMP9.

PMID- 27123110
TI  - Primary carcinoma of the ureteral stump following radical nephrectomy for renal
      cell carcinoma: A case report and literature review.
AB  - The occurrence of primary carcinoma of the ureteral stump following radical
      nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma is extremely rare; 7 patients with the
      disease have been reported previously. All these patients were males with
      transitional cell carcinoma. The current study reports the case of a 61-year-old
      woman, who presented with gross hematuria following a radical nephrectomy for
      local clear cell renal carcinoma. A computed tomography scan revealed the
      presence of a mass on the ureteral stump. The patient underwent a left ureteral
      stump and bladder cuff excision. The histological diagnosis was high-grade
      transitional cell carcinoma of the ureteral stump, with focal interstitial cancer
      cell infiltrates. There was no evidence of recurrence during a follow-up period
      of 35 months. In addition, the present study reviewed the literature for previous
      patients with ureteral stump carcinoma following a radical nephrectomy for renal
      cell carcinoma; 7 previous patients with the disease were identified. The present
      study suggests that, if patients who have previously undergone a radical
      nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma present with hematuria, the possibility of
      ureteral stump carcinoma should be considered, particularly in East Asian
      countries. The existence or a history of bladder carcinoma should be considered
      as a high-risk factor for developing ureteral stump carcinoma. A ureteral stump
      and bladder cuff excision should be performed once ureteral stump carcinoma is
      diagnosed.

PMID- 27123111
TI  - Identification of key genes for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma using weighted
      co-expression network analysis.
AB  - Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the most common malignant tumor in
      the head and neck, and can seriously affect the daily life of patients. To study
      the mechanisms of LSCC, the microarray of GSE51958 was analyzed in the present
      study. GSE51958 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus, and included a
      collection of LSCC tissue samples and matched adjacent non-cancerous tissue
      samples from 10 patients. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were identified
      using limma package. Next, a weighted co-expression network was constructed for
      the DEGs by WGCNA package in R. Modules of the weighted co-expression network
      were obtained through constructing a hierarchical clustering tree using the
      hybrid dynamic shear tree method. Using the clusterProfiler package, the
      potential functions of DEGs in the modules correlated with LSCC were predicted by
      pathway enrichment analysis. In total, 959 DEGs were screened from the LSCC
      samples compared with the adjacent non-cancerous samples, including 553
      upregulated and 406 downregulated genes. The appointed black, brown, gray, pink
      and yellow modules were screened for the DEGs in the weighted co-expression
      network. For the DEGs in the brown and yellow modules, the enriched pathways were
      cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and metabolic pathways, respectively. The
      DEGs in the pink module were involved in the majority of pathways. With high
      connectivity degrees in the pink module, TPX2, microtubule-associated (TPX2;
      degree, 25), minichromosome maintenance complex component 2 (MCM2; degree, 25),
      ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1; degree, 22), cyclin
      dependent kinase 2 (CDK2; degree, 20) and protein regulator of cytokinesis 1
      (PRC1; degree, 20) may be involved in LSCC. Overall, In conclusion, from the
      integrated bioinformatics analysis of genes that may be associated with LSCC, 959
      DEGs were obtained from LSCC samples compared with adjacent non-cancerous
      samples, and TPX2, MCM2, UHRF1, CDK2 and PRC1 were found to hold a possible
      association with the disease.

PMID- 27123112
TI  - The impact of FcgammaRIIa and FcgammaRIIIa gene polymorphisms on responses to
      RCHOP chemotherapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients.
AB  - Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody routinely used in the treatment of B-cell non
      Hodgkin lymphomas. It mediates antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of B
      lymphocytes by bridging them with Fcgamma receptors (FcgammaR) on effector cells.
      Several polymorphisms in the FcgammaR genes have been identified to influence
      rituximab binding to FcgammaR, thus altering its antitumor effect in indolent
      lymphomas. In the present study, the impact of FcgammaRIIa and FcgammaRIIIa
      polymorphisms on the survival and response to immunochemotherapy consisting of
      rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone was
      evaluated in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. A total of 29
      Slovenian DLBCL patients were studied. Genotyping was conducted for FcgammaRIIa
      27, FcgammaRIIa-131, FcgammaRIIIa-48 and FcgammaRIIIa-158 polymorphisms. The
      median follow-up time was 29.7 months (range, 9.7-45.4 months). No significant
      impact of the genotypes was observed on the treatment response, progression-free
      or overall survival of DLBCL patients. There was a non-significant trend of an
      improved response to chemotherapy without additional irradiation in patients
      homozygous for Val at FCgammaIIIa-158 compared to Phe carriers. The findings of
      the present study indicate that FcgammaR polymorphisms have no influence on the
      survival of DLBCL patients.

PMID- 27123113
TI  - Solitary cardiac metastasis of uterine cervical cancer with antemortem diagnosis:
      A case report and literature review.
AB  - Cardiac metastasis of uterine cervical cancer with antemortem diagnosis is
      extremely rare. Therefore, its landscape epidemiology has not been well
      elucidated to date. In the present study, a case of solitary cardiac metastasis
      of uterine cervical cancer diagnosed antemortem is reported, and a review of the
      currently available literature (which includes 18 cases of cardiac metastasis of
      uterine cervical cancer) is conducted. In January 2013, a 78-year-old woman with
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the uterine cervix (International Federation of
      Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIIb) underwent definitive radiotherapy at Gunma
      University Hospital (Gunma, Japan). Follow-up examination at 5 months after
      completion of the treatment indicated no evidence of recurrence or metastasis. In
      April 2014, the patient reported epigastric discomfort and general malaise.
      Electrocardiogram suggested myocardial dysfunction. Transthoracic
      echocardiography revealed the presence of a mass occupying the right ventricle
      and pericardial effusion. Cine magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a filling
      defect in the right ventricle, and transcatheter biopsy confirmed SCC. The
      patient was diagnosed with a solitary cardiac metastasis of uterine cervical
      cancer. Despite aggressive medical therapy, the patient succumbed to disease 31
      days after admission to hospital. A review of the current literature revealed
      that 84% of cases of cardiac metastasis develop within 2 years of completion of
      the initial treatment, and that electrocardiogram and echocardiography reveal
      findings of myocardial dysfunction and the presence of a mass in the right
      ventricle, respectively. A treatment strategy for cardiac metastasis of uterine
      cervical cancer has not been standardized thus far, and the prognosis is very
      poor, as the majority of patients succumbed to disease within 1 year. In summary,
      the current case and the literature review conducted in the present study suggest
      that: i) Cardiac metastasis should be included in the differential diagnosis in
      cases with nonspecific complaints such as epigastric discomfort and general
      malaise when patients have a history of uterine cervical cancer, particularly
      within the previous 2 years; and ii) electrocardiogram and echocardiography are
      convenient and effective modalities for the diagnosis of cardiac metastasis of
      uterine cervical cancer.

PMID- 27123114
TI  - Differential diagnostic value of computed tomography perfusion combined with
      vascular endothelial growth factor expression in head and neck lesions.
AB  - There are numerous types of head and neck lesions (HNLs), and conventional
      computed tomography (CT) has low specificity and sensitivity in the definitive
      and differential diagnosis of HNLs. The aim of the present study was to evaluate
      the value of perfusion CT (CTP) combined with vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) expression in the differentiation between malignant and benign HNLs. In
      total, 41 HNLs, which were pathologically confirmed, underwent CTP and VEGF
      expression analysis. All lesions were divided into three groups: Group A, benign
      hypovascular lesions; Group B, benign hypervascular lesions; and Group C,
      malignant lesions. Time density curve (TDC) and CTP parameters [maximum intensity
      projection (MIP), blood volume (BV), blood flow (BF), mean transit time and
      capillary permeability] were analyzed. The association between perfusion
      measurements and VEGF was assessed using Pearson's correlation. TDCs were
      classified into three types, and type I was more frequently identified in benign
      tumors (Groups A and B) compared with malignant tumors (Group C) (P=0.003).
      Malignant tumors primarily had a TDC of type II and III. MIP, BF and BV were all
      significantly higher in Groups B and C compared to Group A (P<0.01). VEGF
      expression of malignant tumors was significantly higher than benign tumors
      (P=0.007). No correlation was identified between VEGF and any CTP parameter. The
      present findings suggest that CTP combined with VEGF may differentiate between
      malignant and benign HNLs, and between benign hypovascular and hypervascular
      lesions.

PMID- 27123115
TI  - Laparoscopic resection of benign schwannoma in the hepatoduodenal ligament: A
      case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Schwannomas are mesenchymal neoplasms with a low malignant potential, which arise
      from Schwann cells. The tumors can occur in most parts of the body; however, the
      head, neck and flexor surfaces of the extremities are the most common locations.
      Schwannomas occurring in the hepatoduodenal ligament are extremely rare. To the
      best of our knowledge, only two cases of schwannoma in the hepatoduodenal
      ligament have been reported in the literature, and treatment of such cases by
      laparoscopic surgery has not yet been reported. The present study reports a case
      of schwannoma in the hepatoduodenal ligament in a 50-year-old male patient.
      Physical and laboratory examinations showed no abnormal results. Ultrasound and
      computed tomography failed to definitively diagnose the mass and identify its
      location. During laparoscopic surgery, a mass was identified in the
      hepatoduodenal ligament and was completely removed. The gross specimen was a
      4.5*2.5*2.5-cm localized mass, yellowish-white in color. Microscopic examination
      revealed that the tumor was mainly composed of spindle-shaped cells and no
      atypical cells were identified. Immunohistochemical staining showed a strong
      positive S-100 protein reaction, whereas cluster of differentiation 34 and
      epithelial membrane antigen were negative. The final diagnosis of the lesion was
      benign schwannoma of the hepatoduodenal ligament. The patient was followed-up for
      7 months and, at the time of writing, was healthy and without any complications.
      The aim of the present study was to describe a rare case of hepatoduodenal
      ligament schwannoma in a 50-year-old male patient, and present a review of the
      literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of
      hepatoduodenal ligament schwannoma treated by laparoscopic surgery.

PMID- 27123117
TI  - Comparison of recovery effect for sufentanil and remifentanil anesthesia with TCI
      in laparoscopic radical resection during colorectal cancer.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to compare the recovery of sufentanil and
      remifentanil anesthesia by target-controlled infusion (TCI) in elderly patients
      with laparoscopic-assisted radical resection of colorectal cancer. The effect of
      anesthesia on patient stress response and cellular immune function was also
      observed. Elderly patients (n=192) who underwent laparoscopic radical resection
      of colorectal cancer between July 2014 and October 2015 were randomly divided
      into the sufentanil and remifentanil groups (n=96 per group). The two groups used
      sufentanil- and remifentanil-based anesthesia by TCI. The wake-up time,
      extubation time, orientation recovery time, vital signs, stress response,
      distribution of T-cell subsets and incidence of adverse reactions were recorded
      and compared. The wake-up and extubation times of the remifentanil group were
      significantly shorter than those of the sufentanil group. The difference of
      orientation recovery time was not statistically significant. The differences in
      heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and arterial oxygen saturation following
      anesthesia and during surgery and those prior to anesthesia of the sufentanil
      group were not statistically significant. However, those of the remifentanil
      group significantly improved following anesthesia. The concentrations of glucose,
      cortisol (COR), and interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein were stable in the
      sufentanil group, whereas the indices in the remifentanil group had a tendency of
      increasing during the anesthesia and surgery, and had a longer postoperative
      recovery time. The decreasing degree of T-cell subsets in the sufentanil group
      was significantly lower than that in the remifentanil group, and had a short
      recovery of cellular immunity following surgery. The adverse reactions rate
      during anesthesia of the remifentanil group was significantly higher than that of
      the sufentanil group. In conclusion, sufentanil- and remifentanil-based
      anesthesia with TCI has certain advantages, including improved recovery effect,
      less stress response, less inhibition of cellular immunity and fewer adverse
      reactions. It has the potential to become the first choice of anesthetic in the
      clinic for elderly patients who undergo laparoscopic radical resection for
      colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27123118
TI  - Expression of endothelin-1 in laryngocarcinoma tissues and its clinical
      significance.
AB  - In recent years, the incidence of laryngeal carcinoma has been on the increase.
      The aim of the present study was to examine the expression level of endothelin-1
      (ET-1) in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and to establish its clinical significance.
      A total of 82 cases of laryngeal carcinoma tissues were examined, of which 27
      cases were stage I, 34 were stage II, and 21 were stage III. The normal mucosal
      tissues beyond the surgical incision margin in the 82 laryngeal carcinoma
      patients were used as the normal control. An additional 80 tissue specimens
      collected from laryngeal carcinoma outpatients were used as benign lesions. ET-1
      expression levels in different tissues were determined using streptavidin
      peroxidase (SP) immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the ET-1 expression
      level was highest in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and was significantly higher
      than that in the other two groups (P<0.05). The ET-1 expression level was higher
      in stage III compared to that in stage I and II (P<0.05) and higher than that of
      the normal control (P<0.05). The ET-1 expression level was higher in stage II
      compared to that in stage I (P<0.05). In conclusion, ET-1 was strongly expressed
      in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and may play an important role in the pathogenesis
      and development of laryngeal carcinoma tissues. ET-1 expression in laryngeal
      carcinoma tissues was associated with the clinical staging of laryngeal
      carcinoma.

PMID- 27123119
TI  - Clinicopathological evaluation of pre-operative chemoradiotherapy with S-1 as a
      treatment for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - The administration of pre-operative chemotherapy with S-1 and concurrent
      radiotherapy at a total dose of 30 Gy was clinicopathologically evaluated as a
      treatment for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the present
      study. The participants comprised 81 patients with OSCC, consisting of 29
      patients with stage II disease, 12 patients with stage III disease and 40
      patients with stage IV disease. All patients received a total radiation dose of
      30 Gy in daily fractions of 2 Gy, 5 times a week, for 3 weeks, and the patients
      were concurrently administered S-1 at a dose of 80-120 mg, twice daily, over 4
      consecutive weeks. Radical surgery was performed in all cases at 2-6 weeks
      subsequent to the end of pre-operative chemoradiotherapy. The most common adverse
      event was oropharyngeal mucositis, but this was transient in all patients. No
      severe hematological or non-hematological toxicities were observed. The clinical
      and histopathological response rates were 70.4 and 75.3%, respectively. Post
      operatively, local failure developed in 6 patients (7.4%) and neck failure
      developed in 2 patients (2.5%). Distant metastases were found in 7 patients
      (8.6%). The overall survival rate, disease-specific survival rate and
      locoregional control rate at 5 years were 87.7, 89.9 and 90.6%, respectively.
      Locoregional recurrence occurred more frequently in patients that demonstrated a
      poor histopathological response compared with patients that demonstrated a good
      response (P<0.01). These results indicate that pre-operative S-1 chemotherapy
      with radiotherapy at a total dose of 30 Gy is feasible and effective for patients
      with locally advanced OSCC, and that little or no histopathological response may
      be a risk factor for locoregional recurrence in this treatment.

PMID- 27123116
TI  - Variations in the expression of TIMP1, TIMP2 and TIMP3 in cutaneous melanoma with
      regression and their possible function as prognostic predictors.
AB  - Regression in melanoma is a frequent biological event of uncertain prognostic
      value as the lesion exhibits heterogeneous phenotypical features, both at the
      morphological and immunohistochemical level. In the present study, we examined
      the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP1, TIMP2 and
      TIMP3) in melanoma with regression. We specifically examined the expression
      levels of these TIMPs in regressed components (RC) and non-regressed components
      (NRC) of the tumor and compared their expression levels with those in non
      regressed melanomas. We found that TIMP1 was overexpressed in the NRC of
      melanomas with partial regression (PR) compared with the NRC in melanomas with
      segmental regression (SR) (P=0.011). TIMP2 was overexpressed in the NRC of
      melanomas with PR compared with the NRC in melanomas with SR (PR/SR, P=0.009); or
      compared with the NRC in melanomas with simultaneous SR-PR (P=0.002); or compared
      with melanomas without regression (absence of regression) (P=0.037). Moreover,
      TIMP3 was overexpressed in the NRC of all melanomas with SR as compared to the RC
      component (P=0.007). Our findings on the differential expression of TIMP1, TIMP2
      and TIMP3 in melanomas with regression support the hypothesis that the
      morphological differences identified in the melanoma regression spectrum may have
      a correlation with prognosis. This may explain the controversial findings within
      the literature concerning the biological and prognostic role of regression in
      melanoma.

PMID- 27123120
TI  - Simvastatin blocks TGF-beta1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human
      prostate cancer cells.
AB  - In recent years, the use of statins has been reported to be associated with a
      reduced risk of prostate cancer (PCa), particularly metastatic PCa. The
      mechanisms underlying these epidemiological observations are poorly understood.
      Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical initial step and a hallmark
      for cancer metastasis. In the present study, the relationship between simvastatin
      and EMT in PCa and the mechanism involved was investigated. It was demonstrated
      that simvastatin inhibited the EMT as assessed by reduced expression of N
      cadherin and vimentin, and increased E-cadherin in TGF-beta1 treated DU145 PCa
      cells. Furthermore, simvastatin inhibited TGF-beta1-induced migration and
      invasion of DU145 cells. The TGF-beta1/Smad pathway and non-Smad pathway were
      investigated in simvastatin-treated DU145 cells. Simvastatin had no effect on TGF
      beta1-induced phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. In the non-Smad pathway,
      simvastatin reduced TGF-beta1-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation, but had no effect
      on TGF-beta1-induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Simvastatin attenuated TGF-beta1
      induced EMT, cell migration and invasion in DU145 cells. These effects may have
      been mediated by the inhibition of p38 MAPK phosphorylation, not through the
      canonical Smad pathway. Therefore simvastatin may be a promising therapeutic
      agent for treating PCa.

PMID- 27123121
TI  - Cyst fluid hemoglobin species in endometriosis and its malignant transformation:
      The role of metallobiology.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to assess the relative concentrations of
      hemoglobin (Hb) species in endometriosis as a possible indicator of malignancy.
      Electronic absorption spectroscopy was employed to quantify the Hb species
      present in the cyst fluid collected from 8 patients with endometriosis-associated
      ovarian cancer (EAOC), and compared with those present in the cyst fluid of 35
      patients with benign endometriotic cysts. The 620/580 nm ratio in the electronic
      absorption spectrum, which was used as a surrogate indicator of the methemoglobin
      (metHb)/(oxyhemoglobin+metHb) ratio, was measured in each cyst fluid by
      ultraviolet/visible grating spectrophotometric microplate reader. The optimal
      cutoff value was defined according to the analysis of receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve. The sensitivity and specificity of detection were
      calculated on the basis of the cutoff value to differentiate EAOC from
      endometriosis. The 620/580 nm ratio of cyst fluid in EAOC patients was much lower
      than that measured in women with benign cysts (0.389+/-0.266 vs. 0.666+/-0.188,
      P=0.021). ROC curve analysis performed using 0.35 as the optimal cutoff value
      indicated that the 620/580 nm ratio had a sensitivity, specificity, positive
      predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value of 62.5, 100.0, 100.0 and
      92.1%, respectively, in the diagnosis of EAOC. In conclusion, metHb is one of the
      most abundant Hb species in benign cysts, and the absorption 620/580 nm ratio of
      cyst fluid exhibits high specificity and PPV as a surveillance test for the early
      detection of malignant transformation of endometriosis. Thus, metallobiology
      highlights diverse features involved in Hb homeostasis and the pathogenesis of
      malignant transformation of endometriosis.

PMID- 27123122
TI  - Comparison of plan optimization for single and dual volumetric-modulated arc
      therapy versus intensity-modulated radiation therapy during post-mastectomy
      regional irradiation.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate volumetric-modulated arc therapy
      (VMAT) with single arc (1ARC) and dual arc (2ARC), and intensity-modulated
      radiation therapy (IMRT), and to evaluate the quality and delivery efficiency of
      post-mastectomy regional irradiation. A total of 24 female patients who required
      post-mastectomy regional irradiation were enrolled into the current study, and
      1ARC, 2ARC and IMRT plans were designed for each individual patient. The quality
      of these plans was evaluated by calculating the homogeneity index (HI),
      conformity index (CI) and specific volume dose to the ipsilateral lung, double
      lungs, contralateral breast, heart and spinal cord. For the delivery efficiency
      of these plans, the total treatment time (TTT) and the number of monitor units
      (MUs) were evaluated. The 1ARC and 2ARC VMAT plans exhibited significantly better
      HIs and CIs than IMRT. For dose-volume histogram analysis, 1ARC and 2ARC VMAT
      spared a more specific volume dose to the ipsilateral lung, double lungs,
      contralateral breast, heart and spinal cord than IMRT (P<0.05). A lower MU per
      2.0-Gy fraction was required for 1ARC (539 MU) and 2ARC (608 MU) than for IMRT
      (1,051 MU). Thus, TTT was correspondingly reduced in 1ARC and 2ARC compared to
      IMRT (P<0.05). There was no significant dose-volume difference in all the organs
      at risk (OARs) between the 1ARC and 2ARC plans (P>0.05), and 2ARC VMAT displayed
      a better HI and CI than 1ARC VMAT (P<0.05). By contrast, 1ARC VMAT was superior
      to 2ARC VAMT with regard to MU and TTT (P<0.05). The 1ARC and 2ARC VMAT plans
      demonstrated significantly better dose distribution in a shorter treatment time
      than IMRT for post-mastectomy regional irradiation, and spared the majority of
      OARs without compromising target coverage. The results of the present study
      suggest that 2ARC VMAT may be an alternative to 1ARC in order to obtain a more
      optimal HI and CI.

PMID- 27123123
TI  - Recurrent intracranial neurenteric cyst with malignant transformation: A case
      report and literature review.
AB  - Neurenteric cysts (NCs) are uncommon congenital cystic lesions. Malignantly
      transformed NCs are extremely rare. The present study reports the case of a
      recurrent foramen magnum NC with a malignant transformation and reviews 8
      previously reported cases. A 58-year-old woman with a 5-month history of
      occasional headaches, dizziness and vomiting presented to the Beijing Tiantan
      Hospital (Beijing, China) with palsy of the left cranial IX and X nerves,
      decreased sensation in the limbs on the right side and an ataxic gait. Magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) scans revealed a cystic mass in the left side of the
      foramen magnum, positioned anteriolaterally to the medulla oblongata. Surgery
      using a left suboccipital retrosigmoid approach was performed. The lesion was
      partially resected and was histopathologically diagnosed as an NC with focal
      hyperplasia of the epithelial cells. Additional MRI scans that were performed 25
      months later revealed a solid lesion posterior to the medullar oblongata.
      Therefore, surgery using a suboccipital midline approach was performed. The solid
      lesion was sub-totally removed and was histopathologically diagnosed as a well
      differentiated papillary adenocarcinoma. At 1 month post-surgery, the patient's
      condition worsened, eventually resulting in mortality due to respiratory failure.
      Based on the findings of the present case and previous literature, strict
      criteria for malignant-transformed NCs were created. The location distribution of
      malignant-transformed NCs does not coincide with the location distribution of all
      NCs, and malignantly transformed NCs usually occur in adult patients and present
      as atypical radiological features. Surgery is the optimal treatment for
      malignantly transformed NCs, and the effectiveness of adjuvant therapy requires
      additional studies.

PMID- 27123124
TI  - Predominance of M2-polarized macrophages in bladder cancer affects angiogenesis,
      tumor grade and invasiveness.
AB  - Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) often assume an immunoregulatory M2
      phenotype. Thus, the aim of the present study was to clarify the correlation of
      vascularity and TAMs, in particular the M2 phenotype in the stroma and tumor
      areas, with the clinical and pathological outcomes of patients with bladder
      cancer. The TAM counts and microvessel counts (MVCs) were determined
      immunohistochemically in 21 patients with bladder cancer. The number of
      infiltrating TAMs was measured using immunohistochemistry with anti-cluster of
      differentiation (CD)68 and anti-CD163 antibodies, to identify a macrophage
      lineage marker and an M2-polarized-specific cell surface receptor, respectively.
      CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages were evaluated in the stroma and tumor areas, and
      areas with a high density of infiltrating cell spots were counted. MVCs were
      determined using immunohistochemistry with anti-CD34 antibodies. The results
      revealed that the higher ratio of CD163+/CD68+ macrophages in the stroma, tumor
      and total tumor tissues were correlated with a higher stage and grade (P<0.05).
      In addition, the low ratio of CD68+/CD34+ microvessels was correlated with a
      higher stage (P<0.05). There was also a positive correlation between TAMs and MVC
      (r2=0.25; P<0.05). These results suggest that the TAM polarized M2 phenotype
      affects microvessels, pathological outcome, tumor grade and invasiveness.

PMID- 27123125
TI  - Brunner's gland cyst in combination with gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A case
      report.
AB  - Brunner's gland cysts are rare benign lesions that are mainly observed in the
      first and the second regions of the duodenum. Patients with Brunner's gland cyst
      demonstrate no specific symptoms. The present study reports the case of a patient
      with Brunner's gland cyst located in the duodenum in combination with a
      gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) in the same region. To the best of our
      knowledge, the present study reports the first case of Brunner's gland cyst with
      GIST. A 58-year-old female patient was referred to Tianchang Hospital of
      Traditional Chinese Medicine (Tianchang, China) with a one-month history of upper
      abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and recurrent vomiting following the intake of
      food. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and a computed tomography scan revealed
      the presence of a round, cystic-like lesion with internal low density located
      within the duodenum. Pathological examination revealed that the cyst measured 0.3
      cm in diameter and was consistent with a diagnosis of Brunner's gland cyst.
      Histopathology revealed that the cyst possessed characteristics of GIST. The
      patient underwent surgical exploration and tumor resection, and was discharged 2
      weeks post-surgery. During the 12 month post-operative follow-up period, the
      outcome of the patient was good. This case study of Brunner's gland cyst combined
      with GIST enriches the present literature and promotes better understanding of
      the two diseases. Further investigation is required to explain the mechanism and
      association between the two rare diseases.

PMID- 27123126
TI  - Dermatomyositis as a symptom of primary lung cancer: A case report and review of
      the literature.
AB  - Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare autoimmune disease associated with manifestations
      of proximal muscle weakness and typical cutaneous skin rash. Patients with DM
      have a higher incidence rate of cancer, compared with the general population,
      since DM usually presents as a paraneoplastic syndrome. The present study reports
      a case of a 69-year-old male patient presenting with typical cutaneous rash and
      aggravating proximal muscle weakness for 3 months. When first admitted to the
      Department of Dermatology of Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong
      University (Jinan, China), the patient was diagnosed with DM. Subsequently, chest
      computed tomography scan revealed a neoplasm located in the right upper lobe.
      Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery right upper lobectomy and lymph node
      dissection were then performed. The patient experienced a fast recovery from the
      surgery. The removal of the neoplasm clearly improved the symptoms of DM.
      Considering that DM is usually associated with the existence of a tumor, cases of
      DM require a thorough diagnostic investigation in order to exclude an underlying
      malignancy.

PMID- 27123127
TI  - Skull sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma: A case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is an unusual variant of fibrosarcoma
      that was previously considered to be a low-grade tumor with an indolent course.
      The tumor occurs most commonly in the soft tissue of the limb, trunk, head and
      neck, and occasionally in the bone and visceral organs. The skull is a rare
      primary site for SEF, with only 3 cases reported to date. The current study
      reports a case of SEF occurring in the occipital bone of a 24-year-old man, who
      lacked neurological symptoms. Imaging revealed a large mass emanating from the
      occipital bone and involving the superior sagittal sinus, torcular herophili and
      adjacent brain tissue. Histological and immunohistochemical characteristics
      confirmed the diagnosis of SEF. The patient experienced local recurrence and
      distant metastasis at 10 and 15 months, respectively, subsequent to the resection
      of the primary mass. The current case and review of the literature suggest that
      skull SEF may behave clinically as an aggressive malignant sarcoma. Radiological
      findings indicated the biological and histopathological characteristics of the
      tumor. Thus, its clinical behavior and certain imaging features may suggest this
      diagnosis.

PMID- 27123128
TI  - Extended field intensity-modulated radiotherapy plus concurrent nedaplatin
      treatment in cervical cancer.
AB  - The present study assessed the efficacy and toxicity of definitive extended-field
      intensity-modulated radiotherapy (EF-IMRT) plus concurrent chemotherapy in
      cervical cancer. A total of 48 patients with cervical cancer received the
      planning target volume between 39.6 and 50.4 Gy in 1.8-2.0 Gy daily fractions,
      while the enlarged pelvic and/or para-aortic nodes were treated with a total dose
      of 55-60 Gy in 2.0-2.4 Gy daily fractions using simultaneous integrated boost
      IMRT. All patients underwent high dose-rate brachytherapy. Concurrent to EF-IMRT,
      nedaplatin was administered weekly at a median dose of 30 mg/m2 (range, 25-40
      mg/m2) for 5 weeks with a total of 150 mg/m2. Of the 48 patients, 46 patients
      exhibited initial complete responses and 2 patients had partial responses, with a
      response rate of 100%. After 4-24 months of treatment, 12 patients (27.08%) had
      local and/or distant failure and 39 patients (81.25%) were alive at the last
      follow-up. The 12-month overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS)
      were 87.5 and 75.8%, respectively, while the 24-month OS and DFS were 69.7 and
      49.7%, respectively. Grade >=3 acute neutropenia and thrombcytopenia occurred in
      20 (41.7%) and 4 (8.3%) patients, respectively, while 2 patients (4.2%) developed
      grade >=3 diarrhea and 2 (4.2%) had grade >=3 late toxicities. However, no
      patients exhibited grade >=3 vomiting. Thus, concurrent nedaplatin chemotherapy
      with definitive EF-IMRT was effective and relatively safe for treating patients
      with cervical cancer. Furthermore, EF-IMRT was able to deliver <=60 Gy to
      enlarged para-aortic and/or pelvic nodes using simultaneous integrated boost
      without increased acute and late gastrointestinal toxicity.

PMID- 27123129
TI  - Fever and arthralgia as the initial symptoms of primary bone marrow diffuse large
      B-cell lymphoma: A case report.
AB  - Primary bone marrow diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is rare, and only a few
      cases have been reported. Fever and arthralgia as the initial symptom are
      extremely rare; however, awareness must be made of this presentation. The current
      study describes the clinical and pathological findings of a 41-year-old man
      affected by fever and arthralgia. Blood tests revealed leukopenia and anemia.
      Multiple bone marrow biopsies were conducted and confirmed the diagnosis of
      primary bone marrow DLBCL. Primary bone marrow DLBCL is a rare and frequently
      misdiagnosed subset of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The current case demonstrates that
      utility of bone marrow biopsy for diagnosis should not be ignored, and that
      repeated bone marrow punctures in multiple locations may be necessary.

PMID- 27123131
TI  - IgG4-related inflammatory pseudotumor of the kidney mimicking renal cell
      carcinoma: A case report.
AB  - IgG4-related disease is a recently recognized clinical entity. It is
      characterized by diffuse organ swelling or mass formation, a dense
      lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate rich in IgG4-positive plasma cells with fibrosis and
      typically an increased serum IgG4 concentration, which may affect various organs.
      An 80-year-old woman with an otherwise unremarkable previous medical history was
      revealed to have a renal mass that was indicative of renal malignant carcinoma,
      for which a radical nephrectomy was performed. The mass was diagnosed as an IgG4
      related inflammatory pseudotumor, which was histopathologically confirmed. The
      patient is currently well without evidence of IgG4-related disease at 3 months
      post-surgery, and did not require any additional therapy.

PMID- 27123130
TI  - Clinical treatment of gastrinoma: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Gastrinoma is a gastrin-secreting tumor that is associated with Zollinger-Ellison
      syndrome. The majority of cases occur in the pancreas, followed by the duodenum.
      Early diagnosis is difficult due to the relative rarity of the tumor and the lack
      of specific symptoms. In the current study, a 68-year-old female patient
      presented at the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University (Hangzhou,
      China) due to intermittent abdominal pain and watery diarrhea. The patient was
      treated by surgical resection and was pathologically diagnosed with a well
      differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (gastrinoma; grade 1). No evidence
      of recurrence was observed during 1 year of follow-up. Furthermore, a review of
      the Chinese literature was performed, which analyzed an additional 17 published
      cases of gastrinoma. The tumor size ranged between 0.5*0.5 cm and 7.5*6.3*5.1 cm.
      The pancreas was the most common site of occurrence, accounting for 72% (13/18)
      of cases, followed by the duodenum (28%; 5/18). The most common initial symptom
      was abdominal pain (89%; 16/18), followed by diarrhea (56%; 10/18). In 18 cases,
      including the present case and 17 previous cases, the level of gastrin ranged
      between 137 and 1,550 pg/ml (normal range, 5-100 pg/ml). Of the 17 previous
      cases, 11 patients underwent surgery and 6 patients received conservative therapy
      due to metastasis or patient choice. Overall, gastrinoma remains a rare disease.
      Complete removal of the lesion is the standard curative treatment and
      conservative treatment is only recommended for patients unsuitable for surgery or
      for those with widespread metastasis.

PMID- 27123132
TI  - Derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio predicts gemcitabine therapy outcome in
      unresectable pancreatic cancer.
AB  - As gemcitabine is a key anti-tumor agent for unresectable pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma (PDAC), it is important to predict the outcomes of gemcitabine
      chemotherapy. The present study aimed to confirm whether the derived neutrophil
      to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) is able to predict chemotherapy outcomes. To elucidate
      the role of dNLR in patients that underwent chemotherapy, the current study
      evaluated clinicopathological variables in 31 patients with unresectable PDAC
      treated with gemcitabine. The correlation between clinicopathological variables,
      and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) time were
      investigated. Univariate analysis revealed that there were no significant
      differences in PFS and OS as a function of age (<65 vs. >=65 years), gender,
      tumor location (pancreas head vs. body/tail), tumor diameter (<23 vs. >=23 mm) or
      serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 concentration level (<3,800 vs. >=3,800 U/ml).
      However, disease stage (locally advanced vs. metastatic) and the dNLR (<2.5 vs.
      >=2.5) significantly affected PFS and OS. Multivariate analysis subsequently
      revealed that a dNLR of >=2.5 was an independent prognostic factor for poor PFS
      (P=0.003) and OS (P=0.026). In conclusion, data from the present study suggests
      that the pre-treatment dNLR is an independent prognostic factor to predict PFS
      and OS in patients with unresectable PDAC treated with gemcitabine. This
      indicates that dNLR has a potential role in stratifying patients that may benefit
      from gemcitabine therapy.

PMID- 27123133
TI  - Progestin-releasing intrauterine device insertion plus palliative radiotherapy in
      frail, elderly uterine cancer patients unfit for radical treatment.
AB  - The present study investigated the combination of levonorgestrel-releasing
      intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) insertion and palliative radiotherapy (RT) as a
      potential approach for treating frail, elderly endometrial cancer (EC) patients
      considered unfit for curative oncological treatments. The inclusion criteria were
      an age of >=65 years, pathological confirmation of a uterine neoplasm, a Charlson
      comorbidity index (CCI) value of >=4 and the presence of vaginal bleeding.
      Patients underwent intrauterine insertion of an LNG-IUD, and thereafter, received
      a total dose of 30 Gy at 3 Gy per fraction, over 10 days. The clinical target
      volume (CTV) was defined as the uterus and disease-involved tissues in the pelvis
      plus a 1-cm margin. The planning target volume was obtained by adding a 1-cm
      isotropic margin to the CTV. A total of 9 patients with EC (median age, 85 years;
      Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status >=2, >=88.8%; obesity,
      55.5%; median CCI, 5) received an LNG-IUD plus RT. An early complete resolution
      of bleeding was documented in 8 patients (88.8%), while the remaining patient
      experienced a marked improvement. The median duration of bleeding control was 18
      months, while the 2-year actuarial rate of bleeding-free survival was 53.3%
      (median follow-up time, 20 months; range, 9-60 months). No LNG-IUD- or severe RT
      related complications were documented. Overall, a high rate of bleeding
      remission, durable bleeding-free survival in face of the easy intrauterine
      insertion of an LNG-IUD and a negligible toxicity profile of the complete
      treatment were documented in this study, indicating a requirement for further
      investigation in a larger series.

PMID- 27123134
TI  - Knockdown of LMP1-induced miR-155 sensitizes nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells to
      radiotherapy in vitro.
AB  - The present study aimed to confirm the promotion of microRNA (miR)-155 expression
      by latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), and to recognize the oncogenic role of LMP1
      and LMP1-promoted miR-155 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), particularly the
      influence of miR-155 knockdown on the radiosensitivity of CNE-2 cells. Following
      the regulation of the levels of LMP1 or miR-155 and/or subsequent to radiation
      treatment, the proliferation ability of CNE-2 cells was examined using 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, colony formation and Cell
      Counting Kit-8 assays. The results demonstrated that miR-155 was upregulated by
      overexpression of LMP1 in CNE-2 cells, and LMP1 overexpression and miR-155 mimic
      transfection increased CNE-2 cell proliferation, whereas miR-155 knockdown
      attenuated the promotion of CNE-2 cell growth induced by LMP1 overexpression.
      Furthermore, knockdown of miR-155 enhanced the radiosensitivity of CNE-2 cells.
      In conclusion, the present study confirmed the oncogenic role of miR-155 in NPC,
      and demonstrated that knockdown of miR-155 inhibited the growth of NPC cells and
      sensitized NPC cells to radiotherapy.

PMID- 27123135
TI  - Imaging features of soft tissue epithelioid angiosarcoma in the lower extremity:
      A case report.
AB  - Epithelioid angiosarcomas are extremely rare malignant tumors formed from
      endothelial cells. The majority of studies reporting these tumors have been
      concerned with the clinical and pathological aspects, with limited reporting of
      radiological diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to provide a reference
      to improve understanding of diagnosis, treatment choice and prognosis assessment
      of epithelioid angiosarcoma. The current study reports the case of a 44-year-old
      woman with epithelioid angiosarcoma located in the deep soft tissue of the lower
      extremities. Physical examination of the right thigh revealed a palpable hard
      mass and movement was clearly restricted and painful. X-ray, computed tomography
      (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to evaluate the imaging
      features of the tumor. Using X-ray and CT scanning, an inhomogenous tumor with
      osteolytic osseous destruction was observed. MRI revealed that the bordering
      skeletal muscles were infiltrated. The patient was treated with palliative
      surgery and chemotherapy, but succumbed to disease 1 year later.

PMID- 27123136
TI  - Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath originating from the ankle capsule: A case
      report and literature review.
AB  - Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS), also termed tendosynovial giant
      cell tumor, is a benign, slow-growing tumor that originates from the tendon
      sheath or bursa. GCTTS of the foot and ankle is much less frequently reported
      compared with GCTTS of the hand and knee. However, GCTTS should be considered as
      a differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors of the foot and ankle. The optimal
      treatment strategy for GCTTS in the foot and ankle is controversial due to a
      scarcity of cases. The present study reports the case of a patient that presented
      with localized intra-articular GCTTS originating from the capsule of the ankle,
      which is a rare anatomical location for this tumor. Considering the proximity of
      the tumor to the adjacent non-tumorous structures, a less radical but complete
      resection of the tumor was performed, followed by a hydrogen peroxide lavage.
      There was no evidence of recurrence during a follow-up period of 12 months, and
      adjuvant radiotherapy was not administered to the patient. A pre-operative
      diagnosis for GCTTS in the foot and ankle is mainly based on the findings of
      clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging, which also facilitates the
      determination of a surgical strategy. For a localized tumor, an integral
      resection, as opposed to a radical resection, with a hydrogen peroxide lavage may
      result in a favorable prognosis. However, the optimal treatment for diffuse GCTTS
      remains to be identified.

PMID- 27123137
TI  - Smad4 inhibits cell migration via suppression of JNK activity in human pancreatic
      carcinoma PANC-1 cells.
AB  - Smad4 is a common Smad and is a key downstream regulator of the transforming
      growth factor-beta signaling pathway, in which Smad4 often acts as a potent tumor
      suppressor and functions in a highly context-dependent manner, particularly in
      pancreatic cancer. However, little is known regarding whether Smad4 regulates
      other signaling pathways involved in pancreatic cancer. The present study
      demonstrated that Smad4 downregulates c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity
      using a Smad4 loss-of-function or gain-of-function analysis. Additionally, stable
      overexpression of Smad4 clearly affected the migration of human pancreatic
      epithelioid carcinoma PANC-1 cells, but did not affect cell growth. In addition,
      the present study revealed that upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase
      phosphatase-1 is required for the reduction of JNK activity by Smad4, leading to
      a decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor expression and inhibiting cell
      migration. Overall, the present findings indicate that Smad4 may suppress JNK
      activation and inhibit the tumor characteristics of pancreatic cancer cells.

PMID- 27123138
TI  - Primary central nervous system lymphoma treated with high-dose methotrexate and
      rituximab: A single-institution experience.
AB  - Rituximab (RTX) improves the outcome in patients with systemic diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but its benefit in primary central nervous system lymphoma
      (PCNSL) is unclear. In the present study, a single-institution retrospective
      analysis was performed for 12 patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL treated with
      combined high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) and RTX. MTX was administered biweekly
      at 8 g/m2/dose until a complete response (CR) was achieved or for a maximum of
      eight doses. RTX was provided for a total of eight weekly doses at 375
      mg/m2/dose. Following a median of 11 cycles of MTX, the radiographic overall
      response rate was 91% and the CR rate was 58%. A CR was achieved after a median 6
      cycles of MTX. The median progression-free survival time was 22 months and the
      median overall survival time has not yet been attained. These results compare
      favorably to single-agent HD-MTX and suggest a role for immunochemotherapy in the
      treatment of PCNSL.

PMID- 27123139
TI  - Evaluation of effects of thymidylate synthase and excision repair cross
      complementing 1 polymorphisms on chemotherapy outcome in patients with
      gastrointestinal tumors using peripheral venous blood.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of thymidylate synthase
      (TYMS) and excision repair cross-complementing 1 (ERCC1) polymorphisms on
      chemotherapeutic efficacy in patients with gastrointestinal tumors using
      peripheral venous blood. Preoperative peripheral venous blood and tumor tissue
      samples of 43 patients with gastric cancer and the peripheral venous blood
      samples of 76 patients with cancer who underwent chemotherapy were studied. The
      3R/3R and 2R/2R or 2R/3R genotypes of TYMS were identified in 72.09 and 27.91%,
      respectively (P<0.01), of untreated patients, and the C/C and T/T or C/T
      genotypes of ERCC1 were present in 81.39 and 18.61%, respectively (P<0.01), of
      patients. The 3R/3R and 2R/2R or 2R/3R genotypes of TYMS were identified in 65.79
      and 34.21%, respectively, of chemotherapy-treated patients. The overall response
      rates (ORRs) for the two aforementioned genotypes were 18.00 and 57.69%,
      respectively (P<0.01), and those for the C/C and T/T or C/T genotypes of ERCC1
      were 63.16 and 36.84%, respectively. The ORRs were 47.91 and 3.57%, respectively
      (P<0.01). In conclusion, peripheral blood samples may be used to replace tumor
      tissue for detecting TYMS and ERCC1 polymorphisms, and may be used to evaluate
      the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil and platinum drugs.

PMID- 27123140
TI  - Serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels as a marker for anthracycline-induced
      cardiotoxicity.
AB  - Observational and experimental studies have produced inconsistent evidence about
      the association of serum levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) with
      anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC). Therefore, the current meta-analysis
      examined the association between serum BNP levels and AIC by using data from high
      quality studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Relevant studies were
      identified through literature searches of China National Knowledge Infrastructure
      (CNKI), Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scolar and China BioMedicine (CBM). STATA
      software was used in this meta-analysis for statistical analysis. In addition,
      the crude standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI)
      for the highest vs. the lowest category of serum BNP levels was calculated. A
      total of 8 independent case-control studies, containing 126 AIC patients and 569
      healthy controls, were included for the current meta-analysis. The results
      indicated a significant difference in serum BNP levels between the cardiotoxic
      group and normal group, with respect to post-treatment and pretreatment with
      anthracyclines. Specifically, the serum levels of BNP increased remarkably after
      treatment with anthracyclines in the cardiotoxic group, compared with the normal
      group. No publication bias was detected in this meta-analysis. The findings of
      the present study provide strong evidence that serum BNP levels may be associated
      with AIC.

PMID- 27123141
TI  - Infrahyoid flap in oropharyngeal reconstruction following carcinoma resection: A
      study of 6 patients and literature review.
AB  - The present study aimed to describe the techniques used and the results obtained
      with the infrahyoid flap for the reconstruction of medium-sized oropharyngeal
      defects following resection for advanced squamous cell cancer. During a period of
      1 year, six patients with oropharyngeal defects were reconstructed using the
      infrahyoid flap. The tumor characteristics, location and size of the defect,
      resective and reconstructive techniques employed and the complications and
      outcomes of the speech and swallowing functions, as identified in the follow-up
      visits every 3 months, were evaluated. All flaps were performed simultaneously in
      association with tumoral excision and ipsilateral supraomohyoid neck dissection.
      The mean size of the skin paddle was 7.0*3.5 cm. The donor site was primarily
      sutured. The postoperative course was uneventful and all flaps were viable. One
      case of marginal skin paddle loss occurred without affecting the survival of the
      flap. Five patients received postoperative radiotherapy and one patient received
      concurrent postoperative chemotherapy. During the follow-up period (mean, 63
      months), all patients showed excellent oral swallowing. Speech was excellent in
      five patients and in one patient speech was classified as good. The aesthetic
      results of the cervical donor site were good. Based on the present case report
      and the literature review, the infrahyoid flap is a simple and safe procedure for
      the reconstruction of the oropharynx, with a high success rate, minimal donor
      site morbidity and good aesthetic and functional results. The infrahyoid flap is
      a valid surgical option that may be considered in selected oncological patients
      undergoing reconstruction of medium-size oropharyngeal defects.

PMID- 27123142
TI  - Prognostic factors of intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis
      of gastric cancer: A retrospective study from a single center.
AB  - Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of gastric origin is currently recognized as a
      terminal disease with a poor prognosis. Advancements in novel therapeutic
      approaches, including intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC), have recently been made
      and it is believed that this may have contributed to the improved survival
      observed in patients with PC. The present study aimed to investigate overall
      survival (OS) and the associated prognostic factors in patients with PC of
      gastric origin who underwent IPC. A total of 57 patients were studied, with a
      median age of 51 years. The median follow-up time was 12.4 months. PC was
      diagnosed in all patients with gastric cancer. The median survival time of all
      patients was 10.1 months, whilst the OS rate at 1, 2 and 3 years was observed to
      be 46, 19 and 12%, respectively. Symptomatic ascites and a signet ring cell (SRC)
      histopathological type were demonstrated to signify a poor prognosis. Complete
      resection of all gross disease (CCR-0) and an increased number of cycles of
      systemic chemotherapy were independent factors that were observed to correlate
      with increased OS. The most common morbidities of grade 3/4 adverse effects were
      bone marrow suppression, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. In conclusion, IPC is
      an important treatment option for patients with PC that has originated from
      gastric cancer. Symptomatic ascites and SRC adenocarcinoma serve as negative
      clinicopathological prognostic factors, whilst CCR-0 and increased systemic
      chemotherapy cycles (>=4 cycles) may prove to be an important therapeutic option
      for PC patients.

PMID- 27123143
TI  - The association between four SNPs of X-ray repair cross complementing protein 1
      and the sensitivity to radiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Early stage diagnosis and therapeutic outcomes of esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma remain poor. In order to evaluate the association between 4 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of X-ray repair cross complementing protein 1
      (XRCC1) and the sensitivity to radiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma (ESCC), the present study identified 4 SNPs of XRCC1 and evaluated
      the distribution of these genotypes among patients with ESCC. Venous blood
      samples from 175 patients with ESCC were collected and DNA was extracted. The 4
      SNPs of the XRCC1 gene fragment were amplified using three primer pairs, which
      were sequenced. The mismatches were analyzed and identified using Basic Local
      Alignment Search Tool software. The sensitivity to radiotherapy was graded as
      effective and non-effective, according to the treatment results of the patients.
      The present study successfully amplified and sequenced 4 SNPs of XRCC1 in 112 out
      of the 175 patients with ESCC. The effective response rate of radiotherapy was
      84.8% among the 112 patients. The effective response rate of patients with no
      mutation in the SNPs was 74.3%, and the rate increased to 89.6% in patients that
      had >=1 mutation out of the 4 SNPs (chi2=4.389; P=0.036). For G28152A and G28152A
      mutations the effective response rate of patients was 91.2% (chi2=4.014; P=0.045)
      and 91.5% (chi2=4.451; P=0.035), respectively, which was significantly different
      compared to patients with no mutation (P=0.045 and P=0.035, respectively). The
      present results suggest that the 4 SNPs of XRCC1 are associated with the
      effective response rate of radiotherapy in patients with ESCC. The mutation of
      SNP G28152A was particularly important and may be a potential genomic predictor
      for radiotherapy sensitivity in patients with ESCC.

PMID- 27123144
TI  - TPX2 in human clear cell renal carcinoma: Expression, function and prognostic
      significance.
AB  - Targeting protein for Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2) is a microtubule
      associated protein. TPX2 is considered to be an important gene in tumorigenesis;
      however, the particular function of TPX2 in the development of human renal cell
      carcinoma (RCC) is unknown. In the present study, the expression, function and
      prognostic significance of TPX2 in human RCC was analyzed. A total of 286 tissue
      samples from patients with RCC who had undergone nephrectomies were utilized.
      Subsequently, the expression of TPX2 protein was investigated using
      immunohistochemistry and western blotting, and TPX2 mRNA expression was examined
      using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. To establish
      the effect of TPX2 on the proliferation and invasion of the RCC cells, TPX2
      expression was increased by stable transfection with a TPX2 vector and TPX2
      expression was decreased using small interfering RNA. Proliferation of the RCC
      cells was analyzed using a WST-1 assay and an animal xenograft model with BALB/c
      nude mice, whilst invasion of the RCC cells was examined using a Matrigel-coated
      invasion chamber. It was demonstrated that TPX2 expression was significantly
      higher in the RCC tissues compared with normal kidney tissues (P<0.05).
      Furthermore, TPX2 expression was associated with tumor size, histological grade
      and tumor stage (P<0.05), and was observed to markedly increase the proliferation
      and invasion of the RCC cells. It may be concluded that the expression of TPX2 is
      significantly upregulated in RCC tissue, subsequently increasing the
      proliferative and invasive ability of RCC cells. Therefore, the protein may serve
      as a therapeutic target and independent prognostic factor in the treatment of
      human RCC.

PMID- 27123145
TI  - Association between dynamic contrast enhanced MRI imaging features and WHO
      histopathological grade in patients with invasive ductal breast cancer.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate the dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and World Health Organization (WHO) histopathological
      grade in patients with invasive ductal breast cancer. A retrospective analysis on
      the results of DCE-MRI of 92 patients, who were diagnosed with invasive ductal
      breast cancer following surgery or biopsy, and these results were correlated with
      WHO histopathological grade. The statistical analysis demonstrated that the tumor
      size, shape and characteristics of early enhancement were associated with the WHO
      histopathological grade: The larger the lesion's long diameter, the higher the
      WHO histopathological grade; the WHO histopathological grades of round and oval
      masses were relatively lower, while those of lobulated and irregular masses were
      higher; and tumors with heterogeneous and ring-like enhancement exhibited higher
      WHO histopathological grades, while those of homogeneous enhancement were lower.
      The lesion's margin shape was not associated with the WHO histopathological
      grade. The present study demonstrates that features of DCE-MRI and WHO
      histopathological grade in patients with invasive ductal breast cancer are
      correlated, and these MRI features could be used to evaluate the biological
      behavior and prognosis of lesions.

PMID- 27123146
TI  - Synergistic antitumor activity of gemcitabine combined with triptolide in
      pancreatic cancer cells.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is a fatal human malignancy associated with an exceptionally
      poor prognosis. Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently required to treat this
      disease. In addition to immunosuppressive activity, triptolide possesses strong
      antitumor activity and synergistically enhances the antitumor activities of
      conventional chemotherapeutic drugs in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer.
      The present study investigated the antitumor effects of triptolide in pancreatic
      cancer cells, either in combination with gemcitabine, or alone. The pancreatic
      cancer BxPC-3 and PANC-1 cell lines were treated with triptolide, which resulted
      in time- and dose-dependent growth arrest. When incorporated into a sequential
      schedule, triptolide synergistically increased gemcitabine-induced cell growth
      inhibition and apoptosis, in addition to the cooperative regulation of B-cell
      lymphoma 2 family proteins and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential.
      Furthermore, triptolide enhanced gemcitabine-induced S phase arrest and DNA
      double-strand breaks, possibly through checkpoint kinase 1 suppression. The
      results of the present study suggest that triptolide has therapeutic potential
      for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, particularly when administered in
      combination with gemcitabine.

PMID- 27123147
TI  - Network and pathway analysis of microRNAs, transcription factors, target genes
      and host genes in human glioma.
AB  - To date, there has been rapid development with regard to gene and microRNA
      (miR/miRNA) research in gliomas. However, the regulatory mechanisms of the
      associated genes and miRNAs remain unclear. In the present study, the genes,
      miRNAs and transcription factors (TFs) were considered as elements in the
      regulatory network, and focus was placed on the associations between TFs and
      miRNAs, miRNAs and target genes, and miRNAs and host genes. In order to show the
      regulatory correlation clearly, all the elements were investigated and three
      regulatory networks, namely the differentially-expressed, related and global
      networks, were constructed. Certain important pathways were highlighted, with
      analysis of the similarities and differences among the networks. Next, the
      upstream and downstream elements of differentially-expressed genes, miRNAs and
      predicted TFs were listed. The most notable aspect of the present study was the
      three levels of network, particularly the differentially-expressed network, since
      the differentially-expressed associations that these networks provide appear at
      the initial stages of cancers such as glioma. If the states of the differentially
      expressed associations can be adjusted to the normal state via alterations in
      regulatory associations, which were also recorded in the study networks and
      tables, it is likely that cancer can be regulated or even avoided. In the present
      study, the differentially-expressed network illuminated the pathogenesis of
      glioma; for example, a TF can regulate one or more miRNAs, and a target gene can
      be targeted by one or more miRNAs. Therefore, the host genes and target genes,
      the host genes and TFs, and the target genes and TFs indirectly affect each other
      through miRNAs. The association also exists between TFs and TFs, target genes and
      target genes, and host genes and host genes. The present study also demonstrated
      self-adaption associations and circle-regulations. The related network further
      described the regulatory mechanism associated with glioma. These results can be
      utilized to adjust the states. The present study expounded the regulatory
      mechanisms of glioma and supplied theoretical data for further studies, in which
      greater attention should be focused on the highlighted genes and miRNAs.

PMID- 27123148
TI  - Arthroscopic excision of giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath in the knee
      mimicking patellar tendinopathy: A case report.
AB  - Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) predominantly occurs in the tendon
      sheaths of the hand, but rarely in those of the knee. The current study reports
      the case of a 36-year-old male patient presenting with anterior knee pain. The
      patient was ultimately diagnosed with GCTTS in the knee mimicking patellar
      tendinopathy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of its kind.
      Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined oval intra-articular lesion
      located at the proximal segment of the infrapatellar fat pad. The lesion was
      completely excised under arthroscopy and pathological examination confirmed the
      diagnosis of GCTTS. There was no evidence of recurrence at the 2-year follow-up
      examination. The findings of the present study suggest that, despite its rarity,
      GCTTS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patellar
      tendinopathy.

PMID- 27123149
TI  - EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in a patient with advanced non-small
      cell lung cancer and concurrent exon 19 and 21 EGFR mutations: A case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are
      considered to be effective treatments for advanced non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) patients with sensitizing EGFR mutations, including exon 19 deletion and
      exon 21 L858R mutations. However, with the development of EGFR mutation detection
      assays, patients with complex EGFR mutations are emerging, and their response to
      EGFR-TKIs remains unclear. The present study reports a case of a 62-year-old, non
      smoking female patient with advanced NSCLC, presenting with concurrent EGFR 19+21
      sensitizing mutations, who had a poor response to the first-line EGFR-TKI
      erlotinib and succumbed 5 months subsequent to diagnosis. Furthermore, the
      present study performed a literature review, and 18 patients with complex EGFR
      19+21 mutations that had received EGFR-TKIs were identified. The majority of
      these patients responded well to EGFR-TKIs. To the best of our knowledge, the
      present case is the first to report a patient with lung adenocarcinoma with
      complex EGFR 19+21 sensitizing mutations that had a poor clinical response to a
      first-line EGFR-TKI. Despite the 70% response rate of sensitizing EGFR-mutant
      NSCLCs to EGFR-TKIs, there is still a proportion of patients that experience de
      novo resistance, and heterogeneity is likely to be important in this resistance
      mechanism. Therefore, comprehensive genomic detection assays and multi-targeted
      therapies for patients with NSCLC with complex EGFR mutations require additional
      investigation.

PMID- 27123150
TI  - 1,6-Bis[4-(4-amino-3-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl] diamantane potentiates in vitro and
      in vivo antitumor effects of irinotecan on human colorectal cancer cells.
AB  - 1,6-Bis[4-(4-amino-3-hydroxyphenoxy)phenyl] diamantane (DPD), a diamantane
      derivative, was previously noted as an anticancer compound through anticancer
      drug screening with NCI-60 human tumor cells. Irinotecan (CPT-11), a
      semisynthetic derivative of camptothecin, is clinically active in the treatment
      of colorectal cancer, with no cross-resistance. The current study conducted a
      pharmacokinetic evaluation of DPD, an essential component of drug discovery.
      Subsequent pathway analysis of microarray gene expression data indicated that the
      anticancer mechanisms of DPD were associated with cell cycle progression and
      apoptosis. The combined effect of DPD and CPT-11 with regard to the mechanisms of
      apoptosis-related pathways in COLO 205 cells, and the antitumor effects in colon
      cancer xenograft mice, were investigated. The plasma concentration and
      pharmacokinetic parameters of DPD in male albino rats were analyzed following a
      single dose of DPD by injection. The protein expression of active caspase-3,
      procaspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) in COLO 205 cells treated with
      DPD and CPT-11, alone or combined, was evaluated by western blotting. A trypan
      blue dye exclusion assay revealed that, whilst DPD alone demonstrated good
      antitumor effects, this effect was potentiated when combined with CPT-11.
      Combined treatment with DPD and CPT-11 upregulated the expression of cleaved
      PARP, procaspase-3, caspase-3 and active caspase-3 in COLO 205 cells. In the
      colon cancer xenograft model, compared with the control (vehicle-treated) mice,
      the sizes of the tumors were significantly lower in mice treated with DPD and CPT
      11, alone or in combination. Thus, DPD may be a potential therapeutic agent for
      the treatment of colorectal cancer via upregulating apoptosis-related pathways.

PMID- 27123151
TI  - Temporary Stabilization with External Fixator in 'Tripolar' Configuration in Two
      Steps Treatment of Tibial Pilon Fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The tibial pilon fractures represent a complex therapeutic problem
      for the orthopedic surgeon, given the frequent complications and outcomes
      disabling. The recent medical literature indicates that the best strategy to
      reduce amount of complications in tibial pilon fractures is two-stages procedure.
      We describe our experience in the primary stabilization of these fractures.
      METHODS: We treated 36 cases with temporary external fixation in a simple
      configuration, called "tripolar": this is an essential structure (only three
      screws and three rods), that is possible to perform even without the availability
      of X-rays and with simple anesthesia or sedation. RESULTS: We found a sufficient
      mechanical stability for the nursing post-operative, in absence of intraoperative
      and postoperative problems. The time between trauma and temporary stabilization
      ranged between 3 and 144 hours; surgical average time was 8.4 minutes. Definitive
      treatment was carried out with a delay of a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 15 days
      from the temporary stabilization, always without problems, both in case of ORIF
      (open reduction, internal fixation) or circular external fixation. CONCLUSION:
      Temporary stabilization with external fixator in 'tripolar' configuration seems
      to be the most effective strategy in two steps treatment of tibial pilon
      fractures. These preliminary encouraging results must be confirmed by further
      studies with more cases.

PMID- 27123152
TI  - Mental Health Nursing, Mechanical Restraint Measures and Patients' Legal Rights.
AB  - Coercive mechanical restraint (MR) in psychiatry constitutes the perhaps most
      extensive exception from the common health law requirement for involving patients
      in health care decisions and achieving their informed consent prior to treatment.
      Coercive measures and particularly MR seriously collide with patient autonomy
      principles, pose a particular challenge to psychiatric patients' legal rights,
      and put intensified demands on health professional performance. Legal rights
      principles require rationale for coercive measure use be thoroughly considered
      and rigorously documented. This article presents an in-principle Danish
      Psychiatric Complaint Board decision concerning MR use initiated by untrained
      staff. The case illustrates that, judicially, weight must be put on the patient
      perspective on course of happenings and especially when health professional
      documentation is scant, patients' rights call for taking notice of patient
      evaluations. Consequently, if it comes out that psychiatric staff failed to pay
      appropriate consideration for the patient's mental state, perspective, and
      expressions, patient response deviations are to be judicially interpreted in this
      light potentially rendering MR use illegitimated. While specification of law
      criteria might possibly improve law use and promote patients' rights, education
      of psychiatry professionals must address the need for, as far as possible, paying
      due regard to meeting patient perspectives and participation principles as well
      as formal law and documentation requirements. 

PMID- 27123153
TI  - Use of Self-Matching to Control for Stable Patient Characteristics While
      Addressing Time-Varying Confounding on Treatment Effect: A Case Study of Older
      Intensive Care Patients.
AB  - Exposure-crossover design offers a non-experimental option to control for stable
      baseline confounding through self-matching while examining causal effect of an
      exposure on an acute outcome. This study extends this approach to longitudinal
      data with repeated measures of exposure and outcome using data from a cohort of
      340 older medical patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). The analytic sample
      included 92 patients who received >=1 dose of haloperidol, an antipsychotic
      medication often used for patients with delirium. Exposure-crossover design was
      implemented by sampling the 3-day time segments prior (Induction) and posterior
      (Subsequent) to each treatment episode of receiving haloperidol. In the full
      cohort, there was a trend of increasing delirium severity scores (Mean+/-SD:
      4.4+/-1.7) over the course of the ICU stay. After exposure-crossover sampling,
      the delirium severity score decreased from the Induction (4.9) to the Subsequent
      (4.1) intervals, with the treatment episode falling in-between (4.5). Based on a
      GEE Poisson model accounting for self-matching and within-subject correlation,
      the unadjusted mean delirium severity scores was -0.55 (95% CI: -1.10, -0.01)
      points lower for the Subsequent than the Induction intervals. The association
      diminished by 32% (-0.38, 95%CI: -0.99, 0.24) after adjusting only for ICU
      confounding, while being slightly increased by 7% (-0.60, 95%CI: -1.15, -0.04)
      when adjusting only for baseline characteristics. These results suggest that
      longitudinal exposure-crossover design is feasible and capable of partially
      removing stable baseline confounding through self-matching. Loss of power due to
      eliminating treatment-irrelevant person-time and uncertainty around allocating
      person-time to comparison intervals remain methodological challenges.

PMID- 27123154
TI  - Oxidative Stress after Surgery on the Immature Heart.
AB  - Paediatric heart surgery is associated with increased inflammation and the
      production of reactive oxygen species. Use of the extracorporeal cardiopulmonary
      bypass during correction of congenital heart defects generates reactive oxygen
      species by various mechanisms: haemolysis, neutrophil activation, ischaemia
      reperfusion injury, reoxygenation injury, or depletion of the endogenous
      antioxidants. The immature myocardium is more vulnerable to reactive oxygen
      species because of developmental differences compared to the adult heart but also
      because of associated congenital heart diseases that can deplete its antioxidant
      reserve. Oxidative stress can be manipulated by various interventions: exogenous
      antioxidants, use of steroids, cardioplegia, blood prime strategies, or
      miniaturisation of the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. However, it is unclear if
      modulation of the redox pathways can alter clinical outcomes. Further studies
      powered to look at clinical outcomes are needed to define the role of oxidative
      stress in paediatric patients. 

PMID- 27123155
TI  - Zinc Chelation Mediates the Lysosomal Disruption without Intracellular ROS
      Generation.
AB  - We report the molecular mechanism for zinc depletion caused by TPEN (N,N,N',N'
      Tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine) in neuroblastoma cells. The activation
      of p38 MAP kinase and subsequently caspase 3 is not due to or followed by redox
      imbalance or ROS generation, though these are commonly observed in literature. We
      found that TPEN is not responsible for ROS generation and the mechanism involves
      essentially lysosomal disruption caused by intracellular zinc depletion. We also
      observed a modest activation of Bax and no changes in the Bcl-2 proteins. As a
      result, we suggest that TPEN causes intracellular zinc depletion which can
      influence the breakdown of lysosomes and cell death without ROS generation. 

PMID- 27123156
TI  - Redox Signaling and Neural Control of Cardiovascular Function.

PMID- 27123157
TI  - Complete genome sequences of Geobacillus sp. WCH70, a thermophilic strain
      isolated from wood compost.
AB  - Geobacillus sp. WCH70 was one of several thermophilic organisms isolated from hot
      composts in the Middleton, WI area. Comparison of 16 S rRNA sequences showed the
      strain may be a new species, and is most closely related to G. galactosidasius
      and G. toebii. The genome was sequenced, assembled, and annotated by the DOE
      Joint Genome Institute and deposited at the NCBI in December 2009 (CP001638). The
      genome of Geobacillus species WCH70 consists of one circular chromosome of
      3,893,306 bp with an average G + C content of 43 %, and two circular plasmids of
      33,899 and 10,287 bp with an average G + C content of 40 %. Among sequenced
      organisms, Geobacillus sp. WCH70 shares highest Average Nucleotide Identity (86
      %) with G. thermoglucosidasius strains, as well as similar genome organization.
      Geobacillus sp. WCH70 appears to be a highly adaptable organism, with an
      exceptionally high 125 annotated transposons in the genome. The organism also
      possesses four predicted restriction-modification systems not found in other
      Geobacillus species. 

PMID- 27123158
TI  - Cancer Activation and Polymorphisms of Human Cytochrome P450 1B1.
AB  - Human cytochrome P450 enzymes (P450s, CYPs) are major oxidative catalysts that
      metabolize various xenobiotic and endogenous compounds. Many carcinogens induce
      cancer only after metabolic activation and P450 enzymes play an important role in
      this phenomenon. P450 1B1 mediates bioactivation of many procarcinogenic
      chemicals and carcinogenic estrogen. It catalyzes the oxidation reaction of
      polycyclic aromatic carbons, heterocyclic and aromatic amines, and the 4
      hydroxylation reaction of 17beta-estradiol. Enhanced expression of P450 1B1
      promotes cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. There are at least 25
      polymorphic variants of P450 1B1 and some of these have been reported to be
      associated with eye diseases. In addition, P450 1B1 polymorphisms can greatly
      affect the metabolic activation of many procarcinogenic compounds. It is
      necessary to understand the relationship between metabolic activation of such
      substances and P450 1B1 polymorphisms in order to develop rational strategies for
      the prevention of its toxic effect on human health. 

PMID- 27123159
TI  - Bio-Inspired Green Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Mechanism, and Antibacterial
      Application.
AB  - In the recent years, noble nanoparticles have attracted and emerged in the field
      of biology, medicine and electronics due to their incredible applications. There
      were several methods have been used for synthesis of nanoparticles such as toxic
      chemicals and high energy physical procedures. To overcome these, biological
      method has been used for the synthesis of various metal nanoparticles. Among the
      nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received much attention in
      various fields, such as antimicrobial activity, therapeutics, bio-molecular
      detection, silver nanocoated medical devices and optical receptor. Moreover, the
      biological approach, in particular the usage of natural organisms has offered a
      reliable, simple, nontoxic and environmental friendly method. Hence, the current
      article is focused on the biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their
      application in the biomedical field. 

PMID- 27123160
TI  - Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the hair growth effects of lavender
      oil (LO) in female C57BL/6 mice. The experimental animals were divided into a
      normal group (N: saline), a vehicle control group (VC: jojoba oil), a positive
      control group (PC: 3% minoxidil), experimental group 1 (E1: 3% LO), and
      experimental group 2 (E2: 5% LO). Test compound solutions were topically applied
      to the backs of the mice (100 MUL per application), once per day, 5 times a week,
      for 4 weeks. The changes in hair follicle number, dermal thickness, and hair
      follicle depth were observed in skin tissues stained with hematoxylin and eosin,
      and the number of mast cells was measured in the dermal and hypodermal layers
      stained with toluidine blue. PC, E1, and E2 groups showed a significantly
      increased number of hair follicles, deepened hair follicle depth, and thickened
      dermal layer, along with a significantly decreased number of mast cells compared
      to the N group. These results indicated that LO has a marked hair growth
      promoting effect, as observed morphologically and histologically. There was no
      significant difference in the weight of the thymus among the groups. However,
      both absolute and relative weights of the spleen were significantly higher in the
      PC group than in the N, VC, E1, or E2 group at week 4. Thus, LO could be
      practically applied as a hair growth-promoting agent. 

PMID- 27123161
TI  - External Application of Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone, Isolated from Sargassum muticum,
      Suppresses Inflammatory Responses in a Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis.
AB  - Allergic skin inflammation such as atopic dermatitis is characterized by skin
      barrier dysfunction, edema, and infiltration with various inflammatory cells. The
      anti-inflammatory effects of Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone, isolated from Sargassum
      muticum, have been described in many diseases, but the mechanism by which it
      modulates the immune system is poorly understood. In this study, the ability of
      Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone to suppress allergic reactions was investigated using a
      mouse model of atopic dermatitis. The Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone-treated group showed
      significantly decreased immunoglobulin E in serum. Also, Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone
      treatment resulted in a smaller lymph node size with reduced the thickness and
      length compared to the induction group. In addition, Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone
      inhibited the expression of interleukin-4, interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin-stimulated
      lymphocytes. These results suggest that Apo-9'-fucoxanthinone may be a useful
      therapeutic strategy for treating chronic inflammatory diseases. 

PMID- 27123162
TI  - Modulation of Apoptosis and Differentiation by the Treatment of Sulfasalazine in
      Rabbit Articular Chondrocytes.
AB  - This study was conducted to examine the cellular regulatory mechanisms of
      sulfasalazine (SSZ) in rabbit articular chondrocytes treated with sodium
      nitroprusside (SNP). Cell phenotype was determined, and the MTT assay, Western
      blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining of type II collagen was performed
      in control, SNP-treated and SNP plus SSZ (50~200 MUg/mL) rabbit articular
      chondrocytes. Cellular proliferation was decreased significantly in the SNP
      treated group compared with that in the control (p < 0.01). SSZ treatment clearly
      increased the SNP-reduced proliferation levels in a concentration-dependent
      manner (p < 0.01). SNP treatment induced significant dedifferentiation and
      inflammation compared with control chondrocytes (p < 0.01). Type II collagen
      expression levels increased in a concentration-dependent manner in response to
      SSZ treatment but were unaltered in SNP-treated chondrocytes (p < 0.05 and <
      0.01, respectively). Cylooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression increased in a
      concentration-dependent manner in response to SSZ treatment but was unaltered in
      SNP-treated chondrocytes (p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed that SSZ
      treatment increased type II collagen expression compared with that in SNP-treated
      chondrocytes. Furthermore, phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase (pERK)
      expression levels were decreased significantly in the SNP-treated group compared
      with those in control chondrocytes (p < 0.01). Expression levels of pERK
      increased in a concentration-dependent manner by SSZ but were unaltered in SNP
      treated chondrocytes. pp38 kinase expression levels increased in a concentration
      dependent manner by SSZ but were unaltered in control chondrocytes (p < 0.01). In
      summary, SSZ significantly inhibited nitric oxide-induced cell death and
      dedifferentiation, and regulated extracellular regulated kinases 1 and 2 and p38
      kinase in rabbit articular chondrocytes. 

PMID- 27123165
TI  - Melanogenesis-Promoting Effects of Rhynchosia nulubilis and Rhynchosia volubilis
      Ethanol Extracts in Melan-a Cells.
AB  - We evaluated the antioxidant activity and melanogenic effects of black soybean
      ethanol extracts, including Rhynchosia nulubilis bean ethanol extract (RNBEE), R.
      nulubilis leaf ethanol extract (RNLEE), R. volubilis bean ethanol extract
      (RVBEE), and R. volubilis leaf ethanol extract (RVLEE). The total polyphenol
      contents of RNBEE, RNLEE, RVBEE, and RVLEE were 16.0, 57.7, 365.9, and 260.1
      mg/g, respectively. The total flavonoid contents of RNBEE, RNLEE, RVBEE, and
      RVLEE were 40.4, 91.7, 84.7, and 216.5 mg/g, respectively. The electron-donating
      abilities of RNBEE, RNLEE, RVBEE, and RVLEE at 1,000 MUg/mL were 32.4%, 12.7%,
      83.5%, and 84.5%, respectively. RNBEE, RNLEE, RVBEE, and RVLEE at 50 MUg/mL
      significantly increased (p < 0.01) melanin contents by 30.4%, 32.1%, 35.5%, and
      37.4%, respectively, compared to that of the control. RNBEE, RNLEE, RVBEE, and
      RVLEE at 50 MUg/mL significantly increased (p < 0.01) intracellular tyrosinase
      activity by 18.4%, 21.8%, 21.5%, and 21.1%, respectively, compared to that of the
      control. These results demonstrated that black soybean ethanol extracts promote
      melanogenesis in melan-a cells. Among the black soybean ethanol extracts, R.
      volubilis was found to be more effective than R. nulubilis, and leaf extract was
      found to be more effective than bean extract. The potential mechanism underlying
      the hyperpigmentation effects of black soybeans is the promotion of tyrosinase
      activity. 

PMID- 27123163
TI  - Neurobehavioural Changes and Brain Oxidative Stress Induced by Acute Exposure to
      GSM900 Mobile Phone Radiations in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).
AB  - The impact of mobile phone (MP) radiation on the brain is of specific interest to
      the scientific community and warrants investigations, as MP is held close to the
      head. Studies on humans and rodents revealed hazards MP radiation associated such
      as brain tumors, impairment in cognition, hearing etc. Melatonin (MT) is an
      important modulator of CNS functioning and is a neural antioxidant hormone.
      Zebrafish has emerged as a popular model organism for CNS studies. Herein, we
      evaluated the impact of GSM900MP (GSM900MP) radiation exposure daily for 1 hr for
      14 days with the SAR of 1.34W/Kg on neurobehavioral and oxidative stress
      parameters in zebrafish. Our study revealed that, GSM900MP radiation exposure,
      significantly decreased time spent near social stimulus zone and increased total
      distance travelled, in social interaction test. In the novel tank dive test, the
      GSM900MP radiation exposure elicited anxiety as revealed by significantly
      increased time spent in bottom half; freezing bouts and duration and decreased
      distance travelled, average velocity, and number of entries to upper half of the
      tank. Exposed zebrafish spent less time in the novel arm of the Y-Maze,
      corroborating significant impairment in learning as compared to the control
      group. Exposure decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities
      whereas, increased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation
      (LPO) was encountered showing compromised antioxidant defense. Treatment with MT
      significantly reversed the above neurobehavioral and oxidative derangements
      induced by GSM900MP radiation exposure. This study traced GSM900MP radiation
      exposure induced neurobehavioral aberrations and alterations in brain oxidative
      status. Furthermore, MT proved to be a promising therapeutic candidate in
      ameliorating such outcomes in zebrafish. 

PMID- 27123164
TI  - Effect of Thiol-reducing Agents and Antioxidants on Sulfasalazine-induced Hepatic
      Injury in Normotermic Recirculating Isolated Perfused Rat Liver.
AB  - Sulfasalzine is a widely administered drug against inflammatory-based disorders
      in human. However several cases of liver injury are associated with its
      administration. There is no stabilized safe protective agent against
      sulfasalazine-induced liver injury. Current investigation was designed to
      evaluate if N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and dithioteritol (DTT) as thiol reducing
      agents and/or vitamins C and E as antioxidants have any protective effects
      against sulfasalazine-induced hepatic injury in an ex vivo model of isolated rat
      liver. Rat liver was canulated and perfused via portal vein in a closed
      recirculating system. Different concentrations of sulfasalazine and/or thiol
      reductants and antioxidants were administered and markers of organ injury were
      monitored at different time intervals. It was found that 5 mM of sulfasalazine
      caused marked liver injury as judged by rise in liver perfusate level of alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) (p < 0.05). A significant amount of lipid peroxidation and
      hepatic glutathione depletion were detected in drug-treated livers, accompanied
      with significant histopathological changes of the organ. Administration of NAC
      (500 MUM), DTT (400 MUM), Vitamin C (200 MUM), or vitamin E (200 MUM)
      significantly alleviated sulfasalazine-induced hepatic injury in isolated
      perfused rat liver. The data obtained from current investigation indicate
      potential therapeutic properties of thiol reductants and antioxidants against
      sulfasalazine-induced liver injury. 

PMID- 27123166
TI  - A Probiotic Preparation Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis-Like Skin Lesions in Murine
      Models.
AB  - Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex
      etiology that encompasses immunologic responses. AD is frequently associated with
      elevated immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels, and common environmental factors
      contribute to its pathogenesis. Several recent studies have documented the role
      of specific lactic acid bacteria in the treatment and prevention of AD in humans
      and mice. In this study, the efficacy of Duolac ATP, a probiotic preparation, was
      determined in a mouse model with AD-like skin lesions. Alterations in the
      cytokine levels and histological staining suggested the alleviation of AD. The in
      vivo test showed that T helper (Th)2 cytokines, IgE, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL
      5, were significantly downregulated, whereas Th1 cytokines, IL-12p40 and
      interferon (IFN)-gamma, were upregulated in all groups of mice treated with
      Duolac ATP compared to that observed in the group of mice treated with 1-chloro
      2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) alone. Moreover, the scratch score decreased in all
      mice treated with Duolac ATP. Staining of the dorsal area of the mice in each
      group with hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue further confirmed the
      alleviation of AD in mice orally treated with Duolac ATP. These results suggest
      that Duolac ATP inhibits the development of AD-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice
      by suppressing the Th2 cell response and increasing the Th1 cell response. Thus,
      Duolac ATP is beneficial and effective for the treatment of AD-like skin lesions.

PMID- 27123167
TI  - Oral Toxicity Study and Skin Sensitization Test of a Cricket.
AB  - Crickets have been attracting considerable interest in the field of nutrition and
      toxicology due to the global exhaustion of food resulting from a growing
      population. The cricket is normally eaten in several countries after roasting,
      similar to the grasshopper; however, safety evaluation data on cricket powder is
      limited. Here, we performed general toxicity studies of cricket powder including
      a single, 2-week repeated dose range evaluation test, a 13-week repeated oral
      dose toxicity test in Sprague-Dawley rats, a single oral dose toxicity test in
      Beagle dogs, and a skin sensitization test in guinea pigs following the
      Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development test guidelines 406 and 408
      in addition to Good Laboratory Practice. To investigate the NOAEL and target
      organs of cricket powder, Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to 4 groups: vehicle
      control, 1,250 mg/kg, 2,500 mg/kg, 5,000 mg/kg dose test groups and cricket
      powder was administered over 13 weeks after single dose and dose range finding
      studies in rats based on the results of the single oral administration toxicity
      study in rats and Beagle dogs. The results of the study showed that the NOAEL of
      cricket powder was over 5,000 mg/kg for both sexes of rats without adverse
      effects in a 13-week repeated oral toxicity study and there was no skin
      hypersensitivity reaction. Therefore, our results reveal that crickets can be
      widely used as a new substitute food or nutrient resource. 

PMID- 27123168
TI  - Erratum to "Evaluation of Genotoxicity and 28-day Oral Dose Toxicity on Freeze
      dried Powder of Tenebrio molitor Larvae (Yellow Mealworm)" [ Toxicol. Res. 30
      (2014) 121-130 ].
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 121 in vol. 30, PMID: 25071922.]. 

PMID- 27123169
TI  - From population to public institutions: what needs to be changed to benefit from
      the full value of vaccination.
AB  - The poor perception of the benefits of vaccines, and their subsequent underuse,
      can result in substantial economic, societal, and political burden. Adequate
      support and communication from health authorities and governments is essential to
      promote the benefits of vaccination and reduce the risk of infectious diseases
      outbreaks. Cost-containment policies in the vaccine procurement processes could
      also be a threat to the long-term sustainability of the vaccine industry and
      manufacturing sites in Europe. Biologicals, such as vaccines, are highly
      technical and complex products to manufacture and only a few industries are
      engaged in this activity. Developing incentives to encourage vaccine
      manufacturers and identifying means of taking into consideration the
      specificities of vaccines in economic evaluations could allow the full value of
      vaccination to be appreciated. In conclusion, governments, international
      agencies, and other stakeholders have an important role to play to help society
      regain confidence in vaccination and ensure that the benefits of vaccination
      programmes are fully recognised and valued. 

PMID- 27123171
TI  - Vaccination: short- to long-term benefits from investment.
AB  - In the context of current economic difficulties across Europe, accurate budgeting
      and resource allocation have become increasingly important. Vaccination
      programmes can respond to the needs of governments to budget with confidence. It
      may be more reliable and accurate to forecast budget and resource allocation for
      a vaccination programme than for unpredictable seasonal disease peaks of
      infections such as rotavirus gastroenteritis, influenza, and pneumonia. In
      addition, prevention through vaccination involves low levels of investment
      relative to the substantial benefits that may be obtained. In France, total
      lifelong vaccination costs, per fully compliant individual, ranged from ?865 to
      ?3,313, covering 12 to 16 diseases, which is comparable to, or lower than, costs
      of other preventive measures. In addition, effectively implemented vaccination
      programmes have the potential to generate substantial savings both in the short
      and in the long term. For example, vaccination programmes for rotavirus,
      meningitis C, human papillomavirus, influenza, and pneumonia have all been shown
      to significantly reduce the disease burden, and thus the associated costs, in the
      first years following vaccination implementation. These programmes demonstrate
      the potential for health authorities to obtain early, and often substantial,
      return on investment. 

PMID- 27123170
TI  - A review of the value of innovation in inhalers for COPD and asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Appropriate use of inhaled therapies for asthma and chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is critical to ensuring good patient
      outcomes, efficient use of healthcare resources and limiting the effects of high
      morbidity. The appropriate choice of inhaler and active therapy, incorporating
      patient preferences, can help improve treatment adherence and long-term outcomes.
      Despite this, many current inhalers are non-intuitive to use, and require
      extensive training. METHODS: In this review, an expert panel considers the
      evidence for the use of inhaler devices in management of COPD and asthma. The
      panel also evaluates the value of innovation in inhaler technologies, which
      optimise the use of existing molecules from a clinical, economic and societal
      perspective. CONCLUSIONS: The panel conclusion is that there remains a
      substantial unmet need in inhaler technology and that innovation in inhaler
      devices can provide real-world health benefits to patients. Furthermore, we
      recommend that these innovations should be supported by healthcare systems
      through appropriate pricing and reimbursement mechanisms.

PMID- 27123172
TI  - National Immunization Therapeutic Advisory Group: it is time for experience
      sharing and best practice learning.

PMID- 27123173
TI  - Current process and future path for health economic assessment of pharmaceuticals
      in France.
AB  - The Social Security Funding Law for 2012 introduced the Economic and Public
      Health Assessment Committee (Commission Evaluation Economique et de Sante
      Publique, or CEESP) in the Social Security Code as a specialised committee
      affiliated with the Haute Autorite de Sante in charge of providing
      recommendations and health economic opinions. This article provides an in-depth
      description of the CEESP's structure and working methods, and analyses the impact
      of health economic assessment on market access of drugs in France. It also points
      out the areas of uncertainty and the conflicting rules following the introduction
      of the health economic assessment in France. The authors also provide their
      personal opinion on the likely future of health economic assessment of drugs in
      France, including the possible merge of the CEESP and the Transparency Committee,
      the implementation of a French threshold, and the extension of health economic
      assessment to a larger number of products. 

PMID- 27123174
TI  - Role of vaccination in economic growth.
AB  - The health of a population is important from a public health and economic
      perspective as healthy individuals contribute to economic growth. Vaccination has
      the potential to contribute substantially to improving population health and
      thereby economic growth. Childhood vaccination programmes in Europe can offer
      protection against 15 important infectious diseases, thus preventing child
      fatalities and any serious temporary and permanent sequelae that can occur.
      Healthy children are more able to participate in education, thus preparing them
      to become healthy and productive adults. Vaccination programmes can also prevent
      infectious diseases in adolescents, thus allowing them to continue their
      development towards a healthy adulthood. Protecting adults against infectious
      diseases ensures that they can fully contribute to productivity and economic
      development by avoiding sick leave and lower productivity. Vaccination in older
      adults will contribute to the promotion of healthy ageing, enabling them to
      assist their familiy with, for instance, childcare, and also help them avoid
      functional decline and the related impacts on health and welfare expenditure.
      Effective vaccination programmes for all ages in Europe will thus contribute to
      the European Union's 2020 health and economic strategies. Indeed, beyond their
      impact on healthcare resources and productivity, reductions in mortality and
      morbidity also contribute to increased consumption and gross domestic product.
      Therefore, assessment of the value of vaccines and vaccination needs to consider
      not just the direct impact on health and healthcare but also the wider impact on
      economic growth, which requires a macroeconomic analysis of vaccination
      programmes. 

PMID- 27123175
TI  - Reimbursement of licensed cell and gene therapies across the major European
      healthcare markets.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to identify the pricing, reimbursement,
      and market access (P&R&MA) considerations most relevant to advanced therapy
      medicinal products (ATMPs) in the Big5EU, and to inform their manufacturers about
      the key drivers for securing adoption at a commercially viable reimbursed price.
      METHODOLOGY: The research was structured following three main steps: 1)
      Identifying the market access pathways relevant to ATMPs through secondary
      research; 2) Validating the secondary research findings and addressing any data
      gaps in primary research, by qualitative interviews with national, regional, and
      local-level payers and their clinical and economic advisors; 3) Collating of
      primary and secondary findings to compare results across countries. RESULTS: The
      incremental clinical benefit forms the basis for all P&R&MA processes. Budget
      impact is a key consideration, regardless of geography. Cost-effectiveness
      analyses are increasingly applied; however, only the United Kingdom has a defined
      threshold that links the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) specifically
      and methodologically to the reimbursed price. Funding mechanisms to enable
      adoption of new and more expensive therapies exist in all countries, albeit to
      varying extents. Willingness to pay is typically higher in smaller patient
      populations, especially in populations with high disease burden. Outcomes
      modelling and risk-sharing agreements (RSAs) provide strategies to address the
      data gap and uncertainties often associated with trials in niche populations.
      CONCLUSIONS: The high cost of ATMPs, coupled with the uncertainty at launch
      around their long-term claims, present challenges for their adoption at a
      commercially viable reimbursed price. Targeting populations of high disease
      burden and unmet needs may be advantageous, as the potential for improvement in
      clinical benefit is greater, as well as the potential for capitalising on
      healthcare cost offsets. Also, targeting small populations can also help reduce
      both payers' budget impact concerns and the risk of reimbursement restrictions
      being imposed.

PMID- 27123176
TI  - Market access pathways for cell therapies in France.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Cell therapies can be classified into three main
      categories of products: advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), ATMPs
      prepared on a non-routine basis (hospital exemptions), and minimally manipulated
      cells. Despite the benefits that cell therapies can bring to patients, they are
      subject to complex pathways to reach the market in France. The objective of this
      study was to identify and describe routes to market access for cell therapies in
      France and how these vary by regulatory status. METHODOLOGY: The research was
      structured following five main steps: (1) identification of the French regulatory
      framework for cell therapies; (2) identification of the health products
      categorised as cell therapies in France; (3) mapping of the market access
      pathways per category of cell therapy; (4) validation of findings by interviewing
      experts; and (5) development of a roadmap summarising market access pathways for
      cell therapies in France. The secondary research methodology included a
      comprehensive literature review conducted on websites of French public health
      institutions, complemented by a research for peer-reviewed articles, abstracts,
      and grey literature. RESULTS: Different market access pathways are possible
      depending on the cell therapy category. For ATMPs, market access pathways depend
      on the licensing status of the therapy. Licensed ATMPs followed the same market
      access pathways as 'conventional' pharmaceuticals, whereas not-yet-licensed ATMPs
      can be funded via a specific financial allowance under the framework of a
      Temporary Authorisation for Use procedure or various research programmes. For new
      ATMPs that are associated with a separate medical device (not considered as
      'combined ATMPs') or associated with a new medical procedure, additional pathways
      will apply for the medical device and/or medical procedure to be reimbursed in
      the ambulatory settings or at hospital. The most likely funding option for ATMPs
      prepared on a non-routine basis is outside the diagnosis-related group (DRG)
      system through Missions of General Interest and Support to Contracting (MIGAC).
      For minimally manipulated cells, four different funding processes are applicable,
      depending on the type of activity: (1) inclusion in a DRG; (2) inclusion in the
      list of products and services qualifying for reimbursement (LPPR) (as a medical
      device); (3) an annual lump sum provided by regional health agencies; and (4) a
      financial allowance under Missions of General Interest (MIG). CONCLUSION: Cell
      therapy is a diverse and promising category of medical interventions. Its
      heterogeneity and complexity mean that several funding options and market access
      pathways apply. The main challenges facing cell therapies relate to (1) the
      identification of the most appropriate path to reimbursement, and (2) price
      setting, whereas high manufacturing costs of these therapies will dictate a high
      price that could only be achieved by a product that leads to important additional
      patient benefits compared to available treatment options. More specific funding
      options could emerge as the number of cell therapies increases and the
      authorities face the need to structure and stabilise funding. It will be vital
      for manufacturers to have a clear understanding of the various temporary funding
      opportunities early in a product's lifecycle for the adoption of a stepwise
      approach to secure permanent funding. Furthermore, due to the very limited Health
      Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies experience for cell therapies, manufacturers
      should enter into dialogues with HTA agencies at an early stage to optimise
      market access conditions.

PMID- 27123177
TI  - A chart review of management of ischemic stroke patients in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke (IS) poses physical, emotional, and economic burdens
      on both patients and the healthcare system in Germany. However, the management of
      IS is not well described, especially after hospital discharge. In this study, we
      aim to describe the management of IS at onset, admission, and during follow-up.
      METHODS: German general practitioners (GPs) (n=40) extracted data on patient
      characteristics, hospitalizations, discharge, and ambulatory care from both GPs
      patient databases and hospital letters. Descriptive analyses were conducted.
      RESULTS: The sample included 185 patients with a mean age of 70 years [standard
      deviation (SD)=11.7]. Most patients (63%) contacted the Emergency Medical
      Services, while 36% contacted their GPs. The majority of patients were
      hospitalized within 1 h from onset, and the length of stay was on average 14
      days. Half of the patients (50%) were admitted to the stroke unit, and 16% of
      patients received thrombolysis treatment with 2 h (SD=2.6) of time to treatment.
      Of the admitted patients, 32% were discharged to their homes, while the remaining
      patients were discharged to nursing homes (16.2%) and rehabilitation centers
      (47.6%). During the 12 months follow-up, 22% of patients were re-hospitalized and
      patients visited their GP (11.7 times), psychologist or psychiatrist (9.5 times),
      and neurologist (2.2 times). Death rate after stroke event was 13%. CONCLUSION:
      The rate of patients who received thrombolysis is lower than the optimal rate in
      Germany. More research is needed to determine the factors that could predict the
      utilization of thrombolysis treatment.

PMID- 27123178
TI  - The societal role of lifelong vaccination.
AB  - The full economic and societal value of vaccination is complex to assess.
      Although direct protection is the immediate goal of vaccination programmes, it is
      rare that 100% uptake is attained. An important facet of vaccines value comes
      from the indirect (or herd) protection they provide. The evolving dynamics of our
      society, including the increase in the proportion of older individuals enhances
      the value of indirect protection in reducing disease transmission within the
      family setting and the society as a whole. For example, grandparents are
      increasingly involved in childcare, putting them at risk of disease transmission
      if they or the children are not vaccinated. Preventing disease in children can
      also reduce absenteeism for parents who otherwise would take days off work to
      care for their sick children, leading to a substantial societal burden.
      Preventing disease in working adults reduces absenteeism and presenteeism,
      enhancing productivity and contributing in turn to economic growth. Quality of
      life is essential at all ages. It is fundamental in children for their life
      chances, educational achievements, and healthy wellbeing. Additionally,
      preventing common diseases in adults and the elderly also contributes to their
      quality of life and helps to assure healthy ageing for growing ageing
      populations. These wider economic and societal values, although difficult to
      measure, should be taken into consideration in assessments of the economic value
      and cost-effectiveness of vaccination programmes. 

PMID- 27123179
TI  - Ischemic stroke management in West Scotland: a chart review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little information is available about the long-term management of
      ischemic stroke (IS) in West Scotland. In this study we aim to describe the
      management of IS at onset, admission, and during follow-up among patients who
      survived an IS event. METHODS: General practitioners (GPs) (n=20) were randomly
      selected to recruit IS patients and extract data about patient characteristics,
      hospitalizations, discharge, and ambulatory care from GP databases, hospital
      letters, and direct contact with patients and their relatives. Descriptive
      analyses were conducted. RESULTS: One hundred and one patients were included,
      with a mean age of 65.6+/-13.4. About half of the patients contacted their GPs at
      the time of onset (45.4%). Cardiovascular history was prevalent in 29.7% of
      cases, and 14% of all cases were recurrences. Of the patients, 89 (88%) were
      hospitalized with mean length of stay (LOS) 11.8 days. Treatment was administered
      on average within 12.9 hours of admission and 23.6% of the admitted patients
      received thrombolytic treatment. During the 1-year follow-up period, 33.6% of
      patients were rehospitalized and the mean LOS was 15.1+/-29.5 days. Further,
      patients on average sought nursing care (10.9%), physical therapy (45.5%),
      occupational therapy (27.7%), speech therapy (12.9%), and professional caregivers
      (12%). CONCLUSION: The health-care resource utilization of IS patients is a major
      driver of economic burden.

PMID- 27123180
TI  - A review of accessibility of administrative healthcare databases in the Asia
      Pacific region.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We describe and compare the availability and accessibility of
      administrative healthcare databases (AHDB) in several Asia-Pacific countries:
      Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, China, Thailand, and Malaysia.
      METHODS: The study included hospital records, reimbursement databases,
      prescription databases, and data linkages. Databases were first identified
      through PubMed, Google Scholar, and the ISPOR database register. Database
      custodians were contacted. Six criteria were used to assess the databases and
      provided the basis for a tool to categorise databases into seven levels ranging
      from least accessible (Level 1) to most accessible (Level 7). We also categorised
      overall data accessibility for each country as high, medium, or low based on
      accessibility of databases as well as the number of academic articles published
      using the databases. RESULTS: Fifty-four administrative databases were
      identified. Only a limited number of databases allowed access to raw data and
      were at Level 7 [Medical Data Vision EBM Provider, Japan Medical Data Centre
      (JMDC) Claims database and Nihon-Chouzai Pharmacy Claims database in Japan, and
      Medicare, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Centre for Health Record Linkage
      (CHeReL), HealthLinQ, Victorian Data Linkages (VDL), SA-NT DataLink in
      Australia]. At Levels 3-6 were several databases from Japan [Hamamatsu Medical
      University Database, Medi-Trend, Nihon University School of Medicine Clinical
      Data Warehouse (NUSM)], Australia [Western Australia Data Linkage (WADL)], Taiwan
      [National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD)], South Korea [Health
      Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA)], and Malaysia [United Nations
      University (UNU)-Casemix]. Countries were categorised as having a high level of
      data accessibility (Australia, Taiwan, and Japan), medium level of accessibility
      (South Korea), or a low level of accessibility (Thailand, China, Malaysia, and
      Singapore). In some countries, data may be available but accessibility was
      restricted based on requirements by data custodians. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with
      previous research, this study describes the landscape of databases in the
      selected countries with more granularity using an assessment tool developed for
      this purpose. A high number of databases were identified but most had restricted
      access, preventing their potential use to support research. We hope that this
      study helps to improve the understanding of the AHDB landscape, increase data
      sharing and database research in Asia-Pacific countries.

PMID- 27123181
TI  - Overview of external reference pricing systems in Europe.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: External reference pricing (ERP) is a price regulation
      tool widely used by policy makers in the European Union (EU) Member States (MS)
      to contain drug cost, although in theory, it may contribute to modulate prices up
      and down. The objective of this article was to summarise and discuss the main
      findings of part of a large project conducted for the European Commission
      ('External reference pricing of medicinal products: simulation-based
      considerations for cross-country coordination'; see
      www.ec.europa.eu/health/healthcare/docs/erp_reimbursement_medicinal_products_en.p
      f) that aimed to provide an overview of ERP systems, both on processes and
      potential issues in 31 European countries (28 EU MS, Iceland, Norway, and
      Switzerland). METHODS: A systematic structured literature review was conducted to
      identify and characterise the use of ERP in the selected countries, to describe
      its impact on the prices of pharmaceuticals, and to discuss the possible cross
      country coordination issues in EU MS. This research was complemented with a
      consultation of competent authorities' and international organisations'
      representatives to address the main issues or uncertainties identified through
      the literature review. RESULTS: All selected countries applied ERP, except the
      United Kingdom and Sweden. Twenty-three countries used ERP as the main systematic
      criterion for pricing. In the majority of European countries, ERP was based on
      legislated pricing rules with different levels of accuracy. ERP was applied
      either for all marketed drugs or for specific categories of medicines; it was
      mainly used for publicly reimbursed medicines. The number of reference countries
      included in the basket varied from 1 to 31. There was a great variation in the
      calculation methods used to compute the price; 15 countries used the average
      price, 7 countries used the lowest price, and 7 countries used other calculation
      methods. Reported limitations of ERP application included the lack of reliable
      sources of price information, price heterogeneity, exchange rate volatility, and
      hidden discounts. Spill-over effect and downward price convergence have often
      been mentioned as ERP's consequences leading to pricing strategies from
      pharmaceutical companies. CONCLUSION: While ERP is widely used in Europe,
      processes and availability of price information vary from one country to another,
      thus limiting ERP implementation. Furthermore, ERP spill-over effect is a major
      concern of pharmaceutical firms leading to implementation of the so-called
      'launch sequence strategies'.

PMID- 27123182
TI  - The intangible benefits of vaccination - what is the true economic value of
      vaccination?
AB  - Previous economic evaluations of new vaccines largely focussed on a narrow set of
      benefit categories, including primarily health gains and disease-related medical
      cost-savings, which probably resulted in underestimates of the true value of
      these vaccines. Other economic benefits of vaccines could be considered to assess
      the full economic value of vaccination, such as, for example, impact of the human
      papillomavirus vaccine on women's fertility through the decrease in precancerous
      lesions and, therefore, in the number of diagnostic and treatment interventions,
      which can be associated with an increased risk of subsequent pregnancy
      complications. Vaccines' impact on resource allocation at hospital level or on
      antimicrobial resistance, such as pneumococcal conjugate vaccines that have
      substantially reduced infections due to antimicrobial non-susceptible strains,
      thereby rendering the residual disease easier to treat, are other examples of
      intangible benefits of vaccination. These benefits are generally not considered
      in economic evaluations because they may not be immediately visible and are
      difficult to quantify. However, they should be taken into consideration in health
      technology assessments to enable those responsible for healthcare policies to
      make well-informed decisions on vaccination. 

PMID- 27123183
TI  - Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of aripiprazole once-monthly versus other long
      acting injectable antipsychotic therapies in the maintenance treatment of
      schizophrenia: a mixed treatment comparison of double-blind randomized clinical
      trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment with long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medication
      is an important element of relapse prevention in schizophrenia. Recently, the
      intramuscular once-monthly formulation of aripiprazole received marketing
      approval in Europe and the United States for schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: This study
      aimed to compare aripiprazole once-monthly with other LAI antipsychotics in terms
      of efficacy, tolerability, and safety. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature
      review was conducted to identify relevant double-blind randomized clinical trials
      of LAIs conducted in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. MEDLINE, MEDLINE
      In-Process, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, conference proceedings,
      clinical trial registries, and the reference lists of key review articles were
      searched. The literature search covered studies dating from January 2002 to May
      2013. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were required to have >=24 weeks of follow-up.
      Patients had to be stable at randomization. Studies were not eligible for
      inclusion if efficacy of acute and maintenance phase treatment was not reported
      separately. Six trials were identified (0.5% of initially identified studies),
      allowing comparisons of aripiprazole once-monthly, risperidone LAI, paliperidone
      palmitate, olanzapine pamoate, haloperidol depot, and placebo. DATA EXTRACTION:
      Data extracted included study details, study duration, the total number of
      patients in each treatment arm, efficacy, tolerability, and safety outcomes. The
      efficacy outcome contained the number of patients that experienced a relapse,
      tolerability outcomes included the number of patients that discontinued treatment
      due to treatment-related adverse events (AEs), and that discontinued treatment
      due to reasons other than AEs (e.g., loss to follow-up). Safety outcomes included
      the incidence of clinically relevant weight gain and extrapyramidal symptoms.
      DATA SYNTHESIS: Data were analyzed by applying a mixed treatment comparison
      competing risks model (efficacy) and using binary models (safety). There was no
      statistically significant difference between any study outcome, including the
      risk of relapse, the risk of discontinuations, and safety outcomes. CONCLUSIONS:
      Aripiprazole once-monthly is similarly efficacious to other LAIs with relatively
      low rates of discontinuation due to AEs and due to reasons other than AEs than
      other LAIs.

PMID- 27123184
TI  - Can we well assess the relative efficacy and tolerability of a new drug versus
      others at the time of marketing authorization using mixed treatment comparisons?
      A detailed illustration with escitalopram.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the variation of relative efficacy and tolerability of an
      antidepressant versus others based on both pre-marketing (registration studies)
      and post-marketing studies versus pre-marketing studies only in patients with
      major depressive disorder. METHODS: The relative efficacy and tolerability of
      antidepressants was assessed by mixed treatment comparisons (MTCs) using data
      acquired over two time periods: before registration of the reference drug
      escitalopram (1989-2002) and up to 5 years later (1989-2007). Ranking probability
      outputs were presented for efficacy, using change from baseline to 8 weeks on
      Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score, and tolerability, using
      withdrawals due to adverse events. RESULTS: The relative efficacy and
      tolerability of some selected antidepressants, including escitalopram, varied
      considerably over the two time periods. The improved relative efficacy and
      tolerability of escitalopram over time, compared with citalopram, was
      demonstrated by greater separation of ranking probability curves for efficacy and
      tolerability. In 2002, escitalopram ranked low with 13.9% and 5.1% probability of
      being in the top four antidepressants' relative efficacy and tolerability,
      respectively. In 2007, ranking probabilities for relative efficacy and
      tolerability of escitalopram increased to 52.5% and 82.1%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Time of marketing authorization may not be the most appropriate time
      to evaluate the relative efficacy and tolerability of a new antidepressant based
      on MTC approach due to the asymmetry of information between new and older
      compounds. However, the first evaluation of relative effect of a new drug for
      health technology assessment recommendations is commonly done at this time. Re
      evaluation of a drug several years after its launch is likely to provide a more
      accurate indication of its relative efficacy and tolerability.

PMID- 27123185
TI  - Cost savings of anti-TNF therapy using a test-based strategy versus an empirical
      dose escalation in Crohn's disease patients who lose response to infliximab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of pharmacokinetics is associated with cost savings in anti
      tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy, but the long-term cost savings in a
      large cohort of Crohn's disease (CD) patients are unknown. AIM: The goal of this
      study was to compare the cost of anti-TNF therapy in two cohorts of CD patients
      losing response to infliximab, one using a test-based strategy and one an
      empirical dose escalation. METHODS: We used a selected mathematical model to
      describe the trajectories of CD patients based on a discrete event system. This
      design allowed us to track over a given period a double cohort of patients who
      moved randomly and asynchronously from one state to another, while keeping all
      the information on their entire trajectory. Both cohorts were modeled using state
      diagram parameters where transition probabilities from one state to another are
      derived from literature data. Costs were estimated based on the French health
      care system. RESULTS: Cost savings among the 10,000 CD patients using a test
      based strategy were ?131,300,293 at 5 years. At 5 years the mean cost saving was
      ?13,130 per patient. The direct cost of the test had no impact on the results
      until the cost per test reached ?2,000. CONCLUSIONS: A test-based strategy leads
      to major cost savings related to anti-TNF therapy in CD.

PMID- 27123187
TI  - The economic value of vaccination: why prevention is wealth.

PMID- 27123188
TI  - Role of vaccination in the sustainability of healthcare systems.
AB  - The use of vaccines to prevent diseases in children, adults, and the elderly
      results in fewer medical visits, diagnostic tests, treatments, and
      hospitalisations, which leads to substantial savings in healthcare costs each
      year in Europe and elsewhere. Vaccines also contribute to reducing resource
      utilisation by preventing nosocomial infections, such as rotavirus
      gastroenteritis, which can increase hospital stays by 4-12 days. Vaccination also
      has an important role in the prevention of cancers with, for example, human
      papillomavirus or hepatitis B vaccines. Since the financial impact of cancer is
      high for patients, healthcare systems, and society as a whole, any cases
      prevented will reduce this impact. Newer vaccines, such as the herpes zoster
      vaccine, can provide an answer to unmet medical needs by preventing and reducing
      the severity of shingles and associated post-herpetic neuralgia, which are
      difficult conditions to treat. Thus, in the context of increasing pressure on
      healthcare budgets, vaccination can contribute to the sustainability of
      healthcare systems through reduced and more efficient use of healthcare
      resources. 

PMID- 27123186
TI  - The Economic Value of Vaccination: Why Prevention is Wealth.

PMID- 27123189
TI  - Vaccination: the cornerstone of an efficient healthcare system.
AB  - Vaccination has made an important contribution to the decreased incidence of
      numerous infectious diseases and associated mortality. In 2013, it was estimated
      that 103 million cases of childhood diseases in the United States had been
      prevented by the use of vaccines since 1924. These health effects translate into
      positive economic results, as vaccination can provide significant savings by
      avoiding the direct and indirect costs associated with treating the disease and
      possible long-term disability. A recent US study estimated that every dollar
      spent on childhood vaccination could save US$3 from a payer perspective and US$10
      from a societal perspective. The first vaccines set a high standard from a public
      health 'return on investment' perspective, because they are highly cost-saving.
      Today, however, where only a few healthcare interventions are considered to be
      cost-saving, the challenge that decision-makers typically face is to identify
      such healthcare interventions that are deemed cost-effective, that is, provide
      extra benefit at a reasonable extra cost. Some of the newer vaccines provide a
      solution to some of today's important health issues, such as cervical cancers
      with human papillomavirus vaccines, or debilitating diseases with herpes zoster
      vaccines. These recent, more expensive vaccines have been shown to be cost
      effective in several economic analyses. Overall, vaccination can still be
      regarded as one of the most cost-effective healthcare interventions. 

PMID- 27123190
TI  - A comparison of HAS & NICE guidelines for the economic evaluation of health
      technologies in the context of their respective national health care systems and
      cultural environments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health technology assessment (HTA) has been reinforced in France,
      notably with the introduction of economic evaluation in the pricing process for
      the most innovative and expensive treatments. Similarly to the National Institute
      for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in England, the National Authority for Health
      (HAS), which is responsible for economic evaluation of new health technologies in
      France, has published recommendations on the methods of economic evaluation.
      Since economic assessment represents a major element of HTA in England, exploring
      the differences between these methodological guidelines might help to comprehend
      both the shape and the role economic assessment is intended to have in the French
      health care system. METHODS: Methodological guidelines for economic evaluation in
      France and England have been compared topic-by-topic in order to bring out key
      differences in the recommended methods for economic evaluation. RESULTS: The
      analysis of both guidelines has revealed multiple similarities between France and
      England, although a number of differences were also noted regarding the elected
      methodology of analysis, the comparison of studies' outcomes with cost
      effectiveness thresholds, the study population to consider, the quality of life
      valuation methods, the perspective on costs, the types of resources considered
      and their valuation, the discount rates to apply in order to reflect the present
      value of interventions, etc. To account for these differences, modifications will
      be required in order to adapt economic models from one country to the other.
      CONCLUSIONS: Changes in HTA assessment methods occur in response to different
      challenges determined by the different philosophical and cultural considerations
      surrounding health and welfare as well as the political considerations regarding
      the role of public policies and the importance of their evaluation.

PMID- 27123191
TI  - Drug pricing reform in China: analysis of piloted approaches and potential impact
      of the reform.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In 2009, the Chinese government launched a national healthcare reform
      programme aiming to control healthcare expenditure and increase the quality of
      care. As part of this programme, a new drug pricing reform was initiated on 1
      June 2015. The objective of this study was to describe the changing landscape of
      drug pricing policy in China and analyse the potential impact of the reform.
      METHODS: The authors conducted thorough research on the drug pricing reform using
      three Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, and Weipu), Chinese health authority
      websites, relevant press releases, and pharmaceutical blogs and discussion
      forums. This research was complemented with qualitative research based on
      targeted interviews with key Chinese opinion leaders representing the
      authorities' and prescribers' perspectives. RESULTS: With the current reform, the
      government has attempted to replace its direct control over the prices of
      reimbursable drugs with indirect, incentive-driven influence. Although the exact
      implementation of the reform remains unclear at the moment, the changes
      introduced so far and the pilot project designs indicate that China is
      considering adaptation of some form of internal and external reference pricing
      policies, commonly used in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
      Development countries. Several challenges related to the potential new mechanism
      were identified: 1) the risk of hospital underfunding, if hospital funding reform
      is not prioritised; 2) the risk of promoting the use of cheap, low-quality drugs,
      if a reliable quality control system is not in place and discrepancy between the
      available drugs is present; 3) the risk of increasing disparity in access to care
      between poor and rich regions, in case of country-wide price convergence; and 4)
      the risk of industry underinvestment, resulting in reduced competition, issues
      with quality and sustainability of supply, and potentially negative social
      impact. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign pricing policies cannot be transferred to China
      without prioritising historical, cultural, and economic contextualisation.
      Otherwise, the new policy may be counterproductive and affect the whole
      healthcare chain, as well as the health outcomes of Chinese patients.

PMID- 27123192
TI  - The value of innovation under value-based pricing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The role of cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) in incentivizing
      innovation is controversial. Critics of CEA argue that its use for pricing
      purposes disregards the 'value of innovation' reflected in new drug development,
      whereas supporters of CEA highlight that the value of innovation is already
      accounted for. Our objective in this article is to outline the limitations of the
      conventional CEA approach, while proposing an alternative method of evaluation
      that captures the value of innovation more accurately. METHOD: The adoption of a
      new drug benefits present and future patients (with cost implications) for as
      long as the drug is part of clinical practice. Incidence patients and off-patent
      prices are identified as two key missing features preventing the conventional CEA
      approach from capturing 1) benefit to future patients and 2) future savings from
      off-patent prices. The proposed CEA approach incorporates these two features to
      derive the total lifetime value of an innovative drug (i.e., the value of
      innovation). RESULTS: The conventional CEA approach tends to underestimate the
      value of innovative drugs by disregarding the benefit to future patients and
      savings from off-patent prices. As a result, innovative drugs are underpriced,
      only allowing manufacturers to capture approximately 15% of the total value of
      innovation during the patent protection period. In addition to including the
      incidence population and off-patent price, the alternative approach proposes
      pricing new drugs by first negotiating the share of value of innovation to be
      appropriated by the manufacturer (>15%?) and payer (<85%?), in order to then
      identify the drug price that satisfies this condition. CONCLUSION: We argue for a
      modification to the conventional CEA approach that integrates the total lifetime
      value of innovative drugs into CEA, by taking into account off-patent pricing and
      future patients. The proposed approach derives a price that allows manufacturers
      to capture an agreed share of this value, thereby incentivizing innovation, while
      supporting health-care systems to pursue dynamic allocative efficiency. However,
      the long-term sustainability of health-care systems must be assessed before this
      proposal is adopted by policy makers.

PMID- 27123193
TI  - Advanced therapy medicinal products: current and future perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) are innovative therapies
      that encompass gene therapy, somatic cell therapy, and tissue-engineered
      products. These therapies are expected to bring important health benefits, but
      also to substantially impact the pharmaceuticals budget. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      this study was to characterise the ATMPs in development and discuss future
      implications in terms of market access. METHODS: Clinical trials were searched in
      the following databases: EudraCT (EU Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical
      Trials), ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP (International Clinical Trials Registry
      Platform of the World Health Organization). Trials were classified by category of
      ATMP as defined by European regulation EC No. 1394/2007, as well as by
      development phase and disease area. RESULTS: The database search identified 939
      clinical trials investigating ATMPs (85% ongoing, 15% completed). The majority of
      trials were in the early stages (Phase I, I/II: 64.3%, Phase II, II/III: 27.9%,
      Phase 3: 6.9%). Per category of ATMP, we identified 53.6% of trials for somatic
      cell therapies, 22.8% for tissue-engineered products, 22.4% for gene therapies,
      and 1.2% for combined products (incorporating a medical device). Disease areas
      included cancer (24.8%), cardiovascular diseases (19.4%), musculoskeletal
      (10.5%), immune system and inflammation (11.5%), neurology (9.1%), and others. Of
      the trials, 47.2% enrolled fewer than 25 patients. Due to the complexity and
      specificity of ATMPs, new clinical trial methodologies are being considered
      (e.g., small sample size, non-randomised trials, single-arm trials, surrogate
      endpoints, integrated protocols, and adaptive designs). Evidence generation post
      launch will become unavoidable to address payers' expectations. CONCLUSION: ATMPs
      represent a fast-growing field of interest. Although most of the products are in
      an early development phase, the combined trial phase and the potential to cure
      severe chronic conditions suggest that ATMPs may reach the market earlier than
      standard therapies. Targeted therapies have opened the way for new trial
      methodologies, from which ATMPs could benefit to get early access. ATMPs may be
      the next source of major impact on payers' drug budgets.

PMID- 27123195
TI  - Evaluation of Risk Factors Associated with Endometriosis in Infertile Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endometriosis affects women's physical and mental wellbeing. Symptoms
      include dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, and infertility. The purpose of
      this study is to assess the correlation between some relevant factors and
      symptoms and risk of an endometriosis diagnosis in infertile women. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A retrospective study of 1282 surgical patients in an infertility
      Institute, Iran between 2011 and 2013 were evaluated by laparoscopy. Of these,
      there were 341 infertile women with endometriosis (cases) and 332 infertile women
      with a normal pelvis (comparison group). Chi-square and t tests were used to
      compare these two groups. Logistic regression was done to build a prediction
      model for an endometriosis diagnosis. RESULTS: Gravidity [odds ratio (OR): 0.8,
      confidence interval (CI): 0.6-0.9, P=0.01], parity (OR: 0.7, CI: 0.6-0.9,
      P=0.01), family history of endometriosis (OR: 4.9, CI: 2.1-11.3, P<0.001),
      history of galactorrhea (OR: 2.3, CI: 1.5-3.5, P=0.01), history of pelvic surgery
      (OR: 1.9, CI: 1.3-2.7, P<0.001), and shorter menstrual cycle length (OR: 0.9, CI:
      0.9-0.9, P=0.04) were associated with endometriosis. Duration of natural
      menstruation and age of menarche were not correlated with subsequent risk of
      endometriosis (P>0.05). Fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, dysmenorrhea,
      dyspareunia, pelvic pain and premenstrual spotting were more significant among
      late-stage endometriosis patients than in those with early-stage endometriosis
      and more prevalent among patients with endometriosis than that of the comparison
      group. In the logistic regression model, gravidity, family history of
      endometriosis, history of galactorrhea, history of pelvic surgery, dysmenorrhoea,
      pelvic pain, dysparaunia, premenstrual spotting, fatigue, and diarrhea were
      significantly associated with endometriosis. However, the number of pregnancies
      was negatively related to endometriosis. CONCLUSION: Endometriosis is a
      considerable public health issue because it affects many women and is associated
      with the significant morbidity. In this study, we built a prediction model which
      can be used to predict the risk of endometriosis in infertile women.

PMID- 27123194
TI  - Immune Aspects of Female Infertility.
AB  - Immune infertility, in terms of reproductive failure, has become a serious health
      issue involving approximately 1 out of 5 couples at reproductive age. Semen that
      is defined as a complex fluid containing sperm, cellular vesicles and other cells
      and components, could sensitize the female genital tract. The immune rejection of
      male semen in the female reproductive tract is explained as the failure of
      natural tolerance leading to local and/or systemic immune response. Present
      active immune mechanism may induce high levels of anti-seminal/sperm antibodies.
      It has already been proven that iso-immunization is associated with infertility.
      Comprehensive studies with regards to the identification of antibody-targets and
      the determination of specific antibody class contribute to the development of
      effective immuno-therapy and, on the other hand, potential immuno-contraception,
      and then of course to complex patient diagnosis. This review summarizes the
      aspects of female immune infertility. 

PMID- 27123196
TI  - Metabolic and Endocrine Characteristics of Indian Women with Polycystic Ovary
      Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common
      endocrinological disorders among women of reproductive age and the leading cause
      of female infertility. This study intends to evaluate the lipid profile, hormonal
      levels [free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), insulin,
      luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin] in
      PCOS women from Nellore and its surrounding districts of Andhra Pradesh, India.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 80 newly diagnosed
      PCOS women and an equal number of age and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy
      controls. We used the photometry methods to determine serum glucose levels and
      the lipid profile. An immunoturbidometry method was employed to measure high
      sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP). All hormonal parameters were measured using
      chemiluminescence immunoassays. Insulin resistance was evaluated using the
      homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) method. Statistical
      analysis was done using SPSS software version 20.0. RESULTS: The PCOS patients
      presented statistically higher levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides
      (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c, P<0.0001) when compared to
      those of controls. PCOS patients had elevated fasting glucose, hsCRP, fasting
      insulin, TSH, LH and prolactin levels (P<0.001). An increased LH/FSH ratio (>1.5)
      was seen in women with PCOS compared with control women. In addition, we observed
      a direct correlation between fasting insulin with fasting glucose and HOMA-IR. LH
      was inversely proportional to BMI. CONCLUSION: The present study showed a higher
      prevalence of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypothyroidism in PCOS women.
      Furthermore this study showed increased LH concentrations, a higher LH/FSH ratio,
      and higher prolactin levels in PCOS women.

PMID- 27123197
TI  - Correlation of Serum Lipoprotein Ratios with Insulin Resistance in Infertile
      Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Case Control Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia and insulin resistance (IR), occurring in most infertile
      women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), increase the risk of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to assess the
      relationships between lipoprotein ratios and IR in PCOS women. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty six infertile women with PCOS selected based on Androgen Excess
      Society (AES) criteria and 29 healthy women matched for age were recruited to
      this case-control study. After physical measurements, fasting serum glucose
      (Glu), insulin and lipid profile levels [triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol
      (TC), low-density lipoproteincholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (HDL-C)] were measured, while lipoprotein ratios (TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL
      C, TG/HDL-C) were calculated. IR was also calculated using homeostasis model
      assessment (HOMA)-IR. The optimal cutoffs of lipoprotein ratios in relation to
      HOMA-IR were calculated based on the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC)
      curve analysis using the area under curve (AUC). RESULTS: Waist circumference
      (WC), insulin levels, HOMA-IR, TG levels, and all lipoprotein ratios were
      significantly higher, while HDL-C was lower in PCOS group as compared to healthy
      controls. All lipoprotein ratios, TG levels, and WC are significantly correlated
      with insulin levels and HOMA-IR. Among lipoprotein ratios, the highest AUC of the
      ROC belonged to TG/HDL-C ratio with sensitivity of 63.6% and specificity of 84.4%
      (TG/HDL-C>3.19) as a marker of IR in infertile PCOS women. CONCLUSION:
      Lipoprotein ratios, particularly TG/HDL-C, are directly correlated with insulin
      levels and can be used as a marker of IR (HOMA-IR) in infertile PCOS patients.

PMID- 27123198
TI  - Relationships between Serum Luteinizing Hormone Level, Endometrial Thickness and
      Body Mass Index in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients with and without
      Endometrial Hyperplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The endometrial hyperplasia measured by ultrasound in polycystic
      ovary syndrome (PCOS) women is strongly related to pathologic endometrial
      thickness, but there is no consensus on the relation between serum luteinizing
      hormone (LH) and either of these factors: pathologic endometrial hyperplasia and
      body mass index (BMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this observational cross
      sectional study, three hundred fifty infertile PCOS women were involved in this
      research. An endometrial biopsy was taken by using a pipelle instrument,
      regardless of menstrual cycle's day and all samples were reported by the same
      pathologist. Basal serum LH level was compared between two subgroups (hyperplasia
      and non-hyperplasia). The intended population was divided into three groups
      according to BMI and basal serum LH, later on the comparison was made in three
      groups. Chi-square test was applied to compare nominal variables between groups.
      Mann-Whitney U, and one way ANOVA tests were used to compare means on the basis
      of the result of normality test. RESULTS: The frequency of endometrial
      hyperplasia was 2.6%. Endometrial thickness in the patients with endometrial
      hyperplasia was significantly higher than that of a normal endometrium (10.78 +/-
      3.70 vs. 7.90 +/- 2.86 respectively, P=0.020). There was no relation between
      endometrial hyperplasia and serum LH (P=0.600). The ANOVA test showed serum LH
      levels were not the same among three BMI groups (P=0.007). Post hoc test was also
      performed. It showed that the LH level in normal BMI group was significantly
      higher than those of other groups (P=0.005 and P=0.004), but there was no
      statistical difference between overweight and obese groups (P=0.8). We found no
      relationship between BMI and endometrial thickness in PCOS patients (P=0.6).
      CONCLUSION: Sonographic endometrial stripe thickness is predictive for
      endometrial hyperplasia in PCOS women. We could not find out any relationship
      between serum LH level and BMI with endometrial thickness in PCOS patients.
      However, our study confirmed a diverse relationship between serum LH level and
      BMI in PCOS patients.

PMID- 27123199
TI  - Effect of Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling on Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization in
      Clomiphene-Resistant Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently the laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) has been used as a
      surgical treatment for ovulation in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
      (PCOS), although its mechanism and outcomes are still unclear. This study was
      undertaken to evaluate the in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection (ICSI) outcomes in clomiphene-resistant women with PCOS who were
      treated with LOD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed
      the medical records of 300 women between 20 to 35 years old with clomiphene
      resistant PCOS who had an ovulatory infertility and who were nominated for
      IVF/ICSI. Based on their treatment history, they were located into the following
      two groups: group I (n=150) including PCOS women who had history of LOD at least
      6 months to 3 years before IVF/ICSI, and group II (n=150) including PCOS patients
      without history of drilling. Both groups were treated with antagonist protocol in
      the assisted reproductive technology (ART) process. The duration of treatment
      cycles, number of oocytes and embryos obtained, chemical and clinical pregnancy
      rate, the number of embryos transferred, and presence of ovarian hyper
      stimulation syndrome (OHSS) were measured. To compare means and frequencies,
      Student's t test, Mann-whitney and chi-square tests were used. RESULTS: Our
      results showed that ovarian cauterization before IVF/ICSI in patients with PCOS
      reduced the risk of OHSS (P=0.025). Despite the same pregnancy rate in both
      groups (P=0.604), more obtained oocytes and embryos were seen on women without
      ovarian drilling than women with LOD (P?0.001 and P=0.033, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: There is no difference between the pregnancy rate in both groups. Due
      to significant reduction in OHSS in women undergoing LOD, this surgical treatment
      may be considered as a useful technique in the management of patients who have
      previously developed OHSS. However, there are ongoing concerns about long-term
      effects of LOD on ovarian function.

PMID- 27123200
TI  - A Comparison of Success Rates of Embryo Transfer on Weekdays and Weekends.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the embryo transfer
      (ET) day on clinical pregnancy success rates in in vitro fertilization-ET (IVF
      ET) cycles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we divided
      patients with infertility who underwent IVF-ET with fresh embryos into two groups
      depending on whether the ET was performed on weekdays or weekends. The main
      outcome measure was to compare the clinical pregnancy rates of patients with
      similar demographic and clinical characteristics who underwent ET on weekdays or
      weekends. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients underwent IVF-ET on weekdays (n=156)
      or weekends (n=32). Both groups had similar demographic and cycle
      characteristics. The overall pregnancy rate was 42.8%. Among the study groups,
      the weekday group had a 40.2% ET success rate and the weekend group had a 54.8%
      success rate (P=0.517). Although no statistically significant difference existed
      between the two groups, we observed an absolute 14.6% increase in pregnancy rate
      for ETs performed during weekends compared to those performed on weekdays, with a
      35% statistical power. CONCLUSION: ETs performed during weekends were more
      successful than ETs performed during weekdays with an absolute 14.6% increase in
      clinical pregnancy rate. This finding should be confirmed by conducting further
      studies with larger groups of patients.

PMID- 27123201
TI  - Effects of Crocin Supplementation during In Vitro Maturation of Mouse Oocytes on
      Glutathione Synthesis and Cytoplasmic Maturation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crocin is an active ingredient of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its
      antioxidant properties have been previously investigated. This carotenoid
      scavenges free radicals and stimulates glutathione (GSH) synthesis; consequently,
      it may protect cells against oxidative stress. The aim of this research is to
      protect oocytes from oxidative stress by the addition of a natural source
      antioxidant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present in vitro experimental study,
      we collected cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) from mouse ovaries of euthanized, 6
      8 week-old female Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice. Oocytes were
      subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) in the presence of either crocin (5 or 10
      MUg/ml), 5 mM buthionine-[S-R]- sulfoximine (BSO), or the combination of crocin
      plus BSO. Oocytes that matured in vitro in a medium without crocin or BSO
      supplements were considered as controls. Following 16-18 hours of IVM, matured
      oocytes (n=631) were fertilized by capacitated sperm from NMRI male mice, and
      cultured in vitro for up to 96 hours to assess preimplantation embryonic
      development. The levels of GSH in metaphase II (MII) oocytes after IVM (n=240)
      were also assessed by the 5, 5-dithio-bis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB)-GSH
      reductase recycling assay. RESULTS: Supplementation of IVM media with 10 ug/ml
      crocin significantly (P<0.05) increased nuclear maturation, preimplantation
      development and GSH concentrations compared with the control group. Maturation of
      oocytes in IVM medium supplemented with BSO alone or the combination of 5 ug/ml
      crocin and BSO drastically decreased GSH concentrations and subsequently resulted
      in low rates of maturation, fertilization and blastocyst development. However,
      the combination of 10 ug/ml crocin with 5 mM BSO increased the level of nuclear
      maturation which was comparable to the control group. CONCLUSION: Supplementation
      of IVM media with crocin can improve nuclear maturation rates and subsequent
      developmental potential of mouse oocytes. This may occur by its beneficial effect
      in increasing GSH concentrations in MII oocytes.

PMID- 27123202
TI  - Fetal RHD Genotyping Using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis of Cell
      Free Fetal DNA in Pregnancy of RhD Negative Women in South of Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal-fetal RhD antigen incompatibility causes approximately 50%
      of clinically significant alloimmunization cases. The routine use of prophylactic
      anti-D immunoglobulin has dramatically reduced hemolytic disease of the fetus and
      newborn. Recently, fetal RHD genotyping in RhD negative pregnant women has been
      suggested for appropriate use of anti-D immunoglobulin antenatal prophylaxis and
      decrease unnecessary prenatal interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      prospective cohort study, in order to develop a reliable and non-invasive method
      for fetal RHD genotyping, cell free fetal DNA (cffD- NA) was extracted from
      maternal plasma. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for
      detection of RHD exons 7, 5, 10 and intron 4 was performed and the results were
      compared to the serological results of cord blood cells as the gold standard
      method. SRY gene and hypermethylated Ras-association domain family member 1
      (RASSF1A) gene were used to confirm the presence of fetal DNA in male and female
      fetuses, respectively. RESULTS: Out of 48 fetuses between 8 and 32 weeks (wks) of
      gestational age (GA), we correctly diagnosed 45 cases (93.75%) of RHD positive
      fetuses and 2 cases (4.16%) of the RHD negative one. Exon 7 was amplified in one
      sample, while three other RHD gene sequences were not detected; the sample was
      classified as inconclusive, and the RhD serology result after birth showed that
      the fetus was RhD-negative. CONCLUSION: Our results showed high accuracy of the
      qPCR method using cffDNA for fetal RHD genotyping and implicate on the efficiency
      of this technique to predict the competence of anti-D immunoglobulin
      administration.

PMID- 27123203
TI  - Crocin Improves Damage Induced by Nicotine on A Number of Reproductive Parameters
      in Male Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crocin, a carotenoid isolated from Crocus sativus L. (saffron), is a
      pharmacologically active component of saffron. Nicotine consumption can decrease
      fertility in males through induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage. The aim
      of this study is to determine the effects of crocin on reproductive parameter
      damages in male mice exposed to nicotine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      experimental study, we divided 48 mice into 8 groups (n=6 per group): control
      (normal saline), nicotine (2.5 mg/kg), crocin (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) and crocin
      (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg)+nicotine (2.5 mg/kg). Mice received once daily
      intraperitoneal injections of crocin, nicotine and crocin+nicotine for 4 weeks.
      Sperm parameters (count, motility, and viability), testis weight, seminiferous
      tube diameters, testosterone, and serum nitric oxide levels were analyzed and
      compared. RESULTS: Nicotine administration significantly decreased testosterone
      level; sperm count, viability, and motility; testis weight and seminiferous
      tubule diameters compared to the control group (P<0.05). However, increasing the
      dose of crocin in the crocin and crocin+nicotine groups significantly boosted
      sperm motility and viability; seminiferous tubule diameters; testis weight; and
      testosterone levels in all groups compared to the nicotine group (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Crocin improves nicotine-induced adverse effects on reproductive
      parameters in male mice.

PMID- 27123204
TI  - Ethyl Pyruvate Ameliorates The Damage Induced by Cyclophosphamide on Adult Mice
      Testes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a chemotherapy drug which causes deleterious
      effects on testicular tissue and increases free radicals in the body. The aim of
      this study is to investigate the protective effects of ethyl pyruvate (EP) on
      testicular improvement in CP treated animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      experimental study, 15 male mice (6-8 weeks) were divided into 3 groups. The
      control group received normal saline (0.1 ml/day), intraperitoneal (IP), CP group
      received CP (15 mg/kg/week, IP), and the CP+EP group received EP (40 mg/kg/day,
      IP) plus CP. After 35 days, we assessed serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC)
      along with histomorphometric and histochemical analyses of the testicles.
      RESULTS: The mean thickness of the germinal epithelium, diameter of seminiferous
      tubules, and the number of Leydig cells in the CP+EP group were higher than those
      of the CP group (P<0.05). The number of the mast cells in the CP+EP group
      significantly reduced compared with the CP group (P<0.05). Alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP), periodic acid-schiff (PAS) positive reactions and lipid granules in
      cytoplasm of the Leydig cells in the CP group increased compared with the other
      groups (P<0.05). TAC in the CP group significantly reduced compared with the
      other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed the ability of EP to reduce
      the destructive side effects of CP in the adult mice reproductive system.

PMID- 27123205
TI  - The Effects of Testosterone on Oxidative Stress Markers in Mice with Spinal Cord
      Injuries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes infertility in male patients through
      erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, semen and hormone abnormalities.
      Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in poor semen quality and subsequent
      infertility in males with SCI. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of
      SCI on the level of testosterone hormone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      experimental study, we evaluated the effects of exogenous testosterone on the
      activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione
      peroxidase (GPx) as well as the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein
      carbonylation (PCO), as markers of OS, in 10 groups of SCI mice. Total
      antioxidant capacity (TAC) was determined using the 2,29-azinobis-(3
      ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation assay. RESULTS:
      Exogenous testosterone administration in mice with SCI significantly reduced SOD
      and GPx enzyme activities and MDA level. There was no significant decrease in PCO
      content. In addition, TAC remarkably increased in the sham and SCI groups not
      treated with testosterone but remained unchanged in all other experimental
      groups. Exogenous testosterone also reduced serum testosterone levels in all
      groups except the positive control group. CONCLUSION: Our cumulative data
      indicated that SCI could cause sterility by disturbing the plasmatic testosterone
      balance. The normal level of endogenous testosterone was not completely restored
      by exogenous testosterone administration.

PMID- 27123206
TI  - Investigation of Personality Traits between Infertile Women Submitted to Assisted
      Reproductive Technology or Surrogacy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Personality traits affect human relationships, social interactions,
      treatment procedures, and essentially all human activities. The purpose of this
      study is to investigate the personality traitsincluding sensation seeking,
      flexibility, and happiness among a variety of infertile women who were apt to
      choose assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that was performed on 251 infertile
      women who visited Isfahan and Tehran Reproductive Medicine Center. These
      fertility clinics are located in Isfahan and Tehran, Iran. In this study, 201
      infertile women who underwent treatment using ART and 50 infertile women who
      tended to have surrogacy were chosen by convenience sampling. Zuckerman's
      Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS-V), Psychological Flexibility Questionnaire
      (adapted from NEO Personality Inventory-Revised) and Oxford Happiness
      Questionnaire (OHQ) were used as research instruments. All participants had to
      complete the research instruments in order to be included in this study. Data
      were analyzed by descriptive-analytical statistics and statistical tests
      including multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Z Fisher. Statistically
      significant effects were accepted for P<0.05. RESULTS: In the sensation-seeking
      variable, there was a meaningful difference between under-study groups. However,
      the flexibility and happiness variables did not have a significant difference
      between under-study groups (P<0.001). Interaction between education, employment,
      and financial status was effective in happiness of infertile women underwent ART
      (P<0.05), while age, education and financial status were also effective in
      happiness of infertile women sought surrogacy (P<0.05). A positive meaningful
      relationship was seen between sensation seeking and flexibility variables in both
      groups (P<0.05). And a negative meaningful relationship was seen between
      sensation seeking and happiness in infertile women who sought surrogacy (P<0.05).
      The difference in rate of relationship between sensation seeking and flexibility
      was meaningful in infertile women who sought either ART or surrogacy (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Sensations seeking as a personality trait is lower in infertile women
      who underwent treatment using ART compared women who tended to have surrogacy.
      This study shows that demographic variables are effective in happiness of
      infertile women. Also, there is a significant relation among sensation seeking,
      flexibility and happiness in infertile women.

PMID- 27123207
TI  - Effect of Group Positive Psychotherapy on Improvement of Life Satisfaction and
      The Quality of Life in Infertile Woman.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Positive psychotherapy is one of the new approaches in psychology
      which is innovated for treating psychological disorders and enhancing positive
      emotions. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the group
      positive psychotherapy on elevation of life satisfaction and quality of life in
      infertile women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized trial study, Beck
      Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) and clinical interview were used in a pre-test
      post-test control group design. After analyzing the result of the questionnaire,
      36 infertile women who showed signs of mild to moderate depression were randomly
      placed into two following groups: control (n=18) and intervention (n=18). Before
      the treatment, the members of both groups answered BDI-II, Satisfaction With Life
      Scale (SWLS) and 12 item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). The intervention group
      received six sessions of group positive psychotherapy, but the treatment of the
      control group began six weeks after the intervention group. RESULTS: The results
      showed that the life satisfaction scores of the intervention group were
      significantly elevated from 22.66 in pre-test to 26.13 in post-test (P<0.001),
      while this improvement was not significant in the control group (P=0.405). The
      difference between life satisfaction scores of the intervention and the control
      groups was also significant (F=8.92, P=0.006). However, no significant change in
      the quality of life level of the intervention and control groups was observed
      (P=0.136). CONCLUSION: Thus it can be deduced from the findings that this
      treatment method could be introduced as solution to increase the life
      satisfaction in infertile women, but not as a treatment for elevating their
      quality of life (Registration Number: IRCT2013042810063N3).

PMID- 27123208
TI  - Development and Validation of Attitude toward Gestational Surrogacy Scale in
      Iranian Infertile Couples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surrogacy is one of the most challenging infertility treatments
      engaging ethical, psychological and social issues. Attitudes survey plays an
      important role to disclosure variant aspects of surrogacy, to help meeting
      legislative gaps and ambiguities, and to convert controversial dimensions
      surrounding surrogacy to a normative concept that eliminates stigma. The aim of
      this study is to develop a comprehensive scale for gestational surrogacy
      attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Development process of gestational surrogacy
      attitudes scale (GSAS) performed based on a descriptive cross-sectional study and
      included a rich data pool gathered from literature reviews, a qualitative pilot
      study on 15 infertile couples (n=30), use of expert advisory panel (EAP)
      consisting of 20 members, as well as use of content validity through qualitative
      and quantitative study by the means of content validity ratio (CVR) and content
      validity index (CVI). Also internal consistence using Cronbach's alpha and test
      retest reliability using intracalss correlation coefficient (ICC) were evaluated.
      Application of GSAS was tested in a cross-sectional study that was conducted on
      200 infertile couples (n=400) at Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran, during 2014.
      RESULTS: Final version of GSAS had 30 items within five subscales including
      "acceptance of surrogacy", "Surrogacy and public attitudes", "Child born through
      surrogacy", "Surrogate mother", and "Intentional attitude and surrogacy future
      attempt". Content validity was represented with values of CVR=0.73 and CVI =0.98.
      Cronbach's alpha value was 0.91 for the overall scale, while ICC value due to
      test-retest responses was 0.89. CONCLUSION: Acceptable level of competency and
      capability of GSAS is significantly indicated; therefore, it seems to be an
      appropriate tool for the evaluation of gestational surrogacy attitudes in Iranian
      infertile couples.

PMID- 27123209
TI  - A Preliminary Study: N-acetyl-L-cysteine Improves Semen Quality following
      Varicocelectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgery is considered the primary treatment for male infertility from
      clinical varicocele. One of the main events associated with varicocele is
      excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC),
      an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals, is considered a supplement to
      alleviate glutathione (GSH) depletion during oxidative stress. Despite beneficial
      effects of NAC in other pathological events, there is no report on the effect of
      NAC in individuals with varicocele. Therefore, the aim of this study is to
      evaluate the outcome of NAC on semen quality, protamine content, DNA damage,
      oxidative stress and fertility following varicocelectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This prospective clinical trial included 35 infertile men with varicocele
      randomly divided into control (n=20) and NAC (n=15) groups. We assessed semen
      parameters, protamine content [chromomycin A3 (CMA3)], DNA integrity [terminal
      deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)] and
      oxidative stress [2', 7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein-diacetate (DCFH-DA)] before
      and three months after varicocelectomy. RESULTS: Percentage of abnormal semen
      parameters, protamine deficiency, DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress were
      significantly decreased in both groups compared to before surgery. We calculated
      the percentage of improvement in these parameters compared to before surgery for
      each group, then compared the results between the groups. Only percentage of
      protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation significantly differed between the NAC
      and control groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study, for the first time,
      revealed that NAC improved chromatin integrity and pregnancy rate when
      administered as adjunct therapy post-varico- celectomy (Registeration Number:
      IRCT201508177223N5).

PMID- 27123210
TI  - Correlation of Adiponectin mRNA Abundance and Its Receptors with Quantitative
      Parameters of Sperm Motility in Rams.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adiponectin and its receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2), known as
      adiponectin system, have some proven roles in the fat and glucose metabolisms.
      Several studies have shown that adiponectin can be considered as a candidate in
      linking metabolism to testicular function. In this regard, we evaluated the
      correlation between sperm mRNA abundance of adiponectin and its receptors, with
      sperm motility indices in the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      completely randomized design study, semen samples from 6 adult rams were
      fractionated on a two layer discontinuous percoll gradient into high and low
      motile sperm cells, then quantitative parameters of sperm motility were
      determined by computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA). The mRNA abundance levels
      of Adiponectin, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 were measured quantitatively using real-time
      reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in the high and low
      motile groups. RESULTS: Firstly, we showed that adiponectin and its receptors
      (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) were transcriptionally expressed in the ram sperm cells.
      Using Pfaff based method qRT- PCR, these levels of transcription were
      significantly higher in the high motile rather than low motile samples. This
      increase was 3.5, 3.6 and 2.5 fold change rate for Adiponectin, AdipoR1 and
      AdipoR2, respectively. Some of sperm motility indices [curvilinear velocity
      (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), linearity
      (LIN), wobble (WOB) and straightness (STR)] were also significantly correlated
      with Adiponectin and AdipoR1 relative expression. The correlation of AdipoR2 was
      also significant with the mentioned parameters, although this correlation was not
      comparable with adiponectin and AdipoR1. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the
      novel association of adiponectin system with sperm motility. The results of our
      study suggested that adiponectin is one of the possible factors which can be
      evaluated and studied in male infertility disorders.

PMID- 27123211
TI  - Herlyn Werner Wunderlich Syndrome with Hematocolpos: An Unusual Case Report of
      Full Diagnostic Approach and Treatment.
AB  - Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome is an uncommon combined mullerian duct
      anomalies (MDAs) and mesonephric duct malformation of female urogenital tract
      characterized by uterus didelphys and obstructed hemi-vagina and ipsilateral
      renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome. We present a rare and unusual case of this
      syndrome in a 19 year-old female who suffered from hypomenorrhoea and abdominal
      pain. She had an obstructed hemi-vagina on right side which led to marked
      distention of ipsilateral cervix, while proximal hemi-vagina compressed the
      contralateral side causing its partial obstruction resulting in hypomenorrhoea.
      Understanding the imaging findings of this rare condition is important for early
      diagnosis in order to prevent complications which may lead to infertility. 

PMID- 27123212
TI  - Sources, Outcomes, and Resolution of Conflicts in Marriage among Iranian women: A
      qualitative study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Family's conflict is the important determinant of the quality and
      quantity of relationships among family members. No study of which we are aware
      has assessed conflicts, especially among normal or apparently satisfied couples
      in the Iranian context. This study explored that how women deal with different
      points, ideas and behaviors in marital life. METHODS: For the study, we recruited
      30 to 45-year-old housewives who visited health centers in Tehran, Iran. The
      participants (n = 45) were selected using purposefully convenient sampling. In
      depth interviews and focus group discussions were used. The data were analyzed
      qualitatively using MAXQDA 10. RESULTS: Themes, including conflicting situations,
      causes of conflict, consequences of conflict, and conflict resolution styles were
      extracted. CONCLUSION: Although Iranian women were dissatisfied with their lives,
      they tried to protect their marriages.

PMID- 27123213
TI  - Postgraduate medical students' acceptance and understanding of scientific
      information databases and electronic resources.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The significance and validity of web-based scientific databases are
      increasing dramatically in the scientific community. Moreover, a great number of
      students use these resources without having sufficient and accurate knowledge and
      understanding. In order for students to use these databases and electronic
      resources optimally, identifying the factors that affect the understanding and
      acceptance of these resources seems necessary. The aim of this study was to
      determine postgraduate medical students' acceptance and understanding of these
      resources. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 311 postgraduate
      medical students from Kerman University of Medical Science (KMU) in 2013. Data
      were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, and the data were analyzed
      using SPSS. In order to design the model (i.e., the interaction between study
      variables and to determine the relationships between them in an integrated
      pattern), LISREL version 8.7 and a structural equation model were used.
      Descriptive statistics and t-tests also were used in data analysis. RESULTS: The
      results showed that the average components of the perception of usefulness,
      perception of ease of use, attitude towards use, decision to use, using to
      perform duties, and using to increase knowledge were 4.31, 4.14, 4.24, 16.27,
      20.85, and 16.13 respectively. Accordingly, the average of all these indicators
      was significantly higher than the assumed amount (p < 0.01). Moreover, the
      results obtained from factor analysis and the structural equation model indicated
      that the model of the present study fit the data perfectly. CONCLUSIONS: Based on
      the findings of this study, the more these databases are considered useful and
      easy to use, the more they are used. Therefore, designers of databases and
      electronic resources can design systems that are both useful and easy to learn by
      considering the components of the research model.

PMID- 27123214
TI  - Evaluation of the Quality of Health Service Providers: The Iranian People
      Perspective 2014.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Quality is the center of attention in all service providing
      organizations that are effective in promoting satisfaction of patients who are
      referred to medical centers. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality
      of health service providers in a case study of Qazvin, Iran, in 2014. METHODS:
      This descriptive study was conducted on 1,002 people who were residents of Qazvin
      Province (Iran) in 2014. The people were selected randomly from the population of
      the study area. The main variables studied were education, perceptions,
      expectations, and gaps in service quality. The data collection tool was the
      standard Servequal questionnaire. To determine the reliability of the research
      tool, we used Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and the test-retest method.
      Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS and the ANOVA test. RESULTS: The
      mean age of people included in the study was 32 +/- 9.9 years, and the average
      waiting time to receive services was 73 +/- 47 minutes. Hospitals and doctors'
      offices had the highest quality gap of -1.420 +/- 0.82 and -1.01 +/- 0.75,
      respectively. The service quality gaps in medical centers, health providers of
      rural area, and health providers of urban area were -0.883 +/- 0.67, -0.882 +/-
      0.83, and -0.804 +/- 0.62, respectively. There was a significant relationship
      between peoples' perceptions and expectations concerning the quality of health
      services and their educational levels. CONCLUSION: The higher gaps in quality in
      hospitals and in doctors' offices require more attention. Managers and policy
      makers should consider developing and implementing plans to reduce these gaps in
      quality and to promote better health services in these two sectors.

PMID- 27123215
TI  - Prevalence and Risk Factors associated with Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase
      Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in Hospitalized
      Patients in Kashan (Iran).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Production of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) is an
      important mechanism of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and
      Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) isolates. This study was performed to
      determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with ESBL producing strains
      of E. coli and K. pneumoniae. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 250 strains
      (134 E. coli and 116 K. pneumoniae) were obtained, and ESBL producing isolates
      were detected by the combination disk test in Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Kashan,
      Iran, from February 2012 to June 2013. Antimicrobial resistance was screened by
      the disk diffusion method and was confirmed by E-test. Furthermore, risk factors
      of ESBL producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae microorganisms were determined. Data
      were analyzed by SPSS version 16, using descriptive statistics, chi-squared,
      independent-samples t-test, and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: One
      hundred and two (40.8%) of all strains were ESBL producers, of which 54 (52.9%)
      were E. coli and 48 (47.1%) were K. pneumoniae (p = 0.86). Furthermore, 40.3% of
      E. coli and 41.4% of K. pneumoniae isolates were ESBL producers (p = 0.86). The
      most antimicrobial resistance was to ampicillin, and no imipenem resistance was
      detected. Risk factors for ESBL producing E. coli included admission duration
      exceeding 7 days (p = 0.011) and antibiotic use in the last month (p < 0.001),
      and the associated risk factor for ESBL producing K. pneumoniae was antibiotic
      use during the recent month (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This study identified a
      relatively high prevalence of ESBL production among E. coli and K. pneumoniae
      strains. Furthermore, anti-bimicrobial use and admission duration were risk
      factors for ESBL producing isolates. Therefore, more comprehensive investigations
      are needed for the development of new strategies to control the dissemination of
      these microbes.

PMID- 27123216
TI  - The Effect of Exposure to High Noise Levels on the Performance and Rate of Error
      in Manual Activities.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sound is among the significant environmental factors for people's
      health, and it has an important role in both physical and psychological injuries,
      and it also affects individuals' performance and productivity. The aim of this
      study was to determine the effect of exposure to high noise levels on the
      performance and rate of error in manual activities. METHODS: This was an
      interventional study conducted on 50 students at Shiraz University of Medical
      Sciences (25 males and 25 females) in which each person was considered as its own
      control to assess the effect of noise on her or his performance at the sound
      levels of 70, 90, and 110 dB by using two factors of physical features and the
      creation of different conditions of sound source as well as applying the Two-Arm
      coordination Test. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Repeated
      measurements were used to compare the length of performance as well as the errors
      measured in the test. RESULTS: Based on the results, we found a direct and
      significant association between the levels of sound and the length of
      performance. Moreover, the participant's performance was significantly different
      for different sound levels (at 110 dB as opposed to 70 and 90 dB, p < 0.05 and p
      < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study found that a sound level of 110 dB
      had an important effect on the individuals' performances, i.e., the performances
      were decreased.

PMID- 27123217
TI  - Frequency of sacroiliitis among patients with low back pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sacroiliitis is one of the important symptoms in patients attending
      infectious diseases and rheumatology clinics. Some patients with sacroiliitis are
      asymptomatic, and some have unspecific symptoms. The aim of this study was to
      determine the frequency of sacroiliitis causes among patients attending Shahid
      Sadoughi's infectious disease and rheumatology clinics. METHODS: In this study,
      we evaluated patients attending Shahid Sadoughi rheumatology and infectious
      diseases clinic in 2014. Patients who had positive findings in favor of
      sacroiliitis were evaluated by history, physical exam, laboratory tests, and
      imaging. The patients were divided into infectious, inflammatory non-infectious,
      and degenerative causes. The data were analyzed by IBM SPSS version 20 using the
      independent samples t-test, ANOVA, the chi-squared test, and the Fisher's exact
      test. RESULTS: We studied 136 patients. Among them 64 (47.1%) were male, and 72
      (52.9%) were female. The mean age of the participants was 34.28 +/- 10.36 years.
      Among the patients, 12 (8.8%) had infectious causes, 120 (88.2%) had inflammatory
      non-infectious causes, and four (2.9%) had degenerative causes. CONCLUSION: Based
      on our results, inflammatory non-infectious causes are at the top of the list of
      sacroiliitis causes, but we should always consider infectious causes, including
      brucellosis.

PMID- 27123218
TI  - Measurement of Quality of Educational Hospital Services by the SERVQUAL Model:
      The Iranian Patients' Perspective.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The main mission of hospitals in any health system is to deliver
      high quality healthcare for patients and meet their needs and expectations. The
      aim of the current study was to assess the quality of the service of educational
      hospitals affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in 2015, from
      the perspective of patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the
      perspectives of 400 patients were assessed about the quality of the services
      provided by educational hospitals in Kermanshah (western Iran) in 2015. The
      quality was assessed by the SERVQUAL questionnaire with five dimensions, i.e.,
      tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. In addition,
      the Wilcoxon test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to explore any
      association between the dependent variable and explanatory variables. The data
      were analyzed using Stata V.12 software. RESULTS: There were negative gaps in all
      five dimensions. The highest and lowest gaps in the mean score were found in the
      assurance (-0.88) and responsiveness (-0.56) dimensions. The patients ranked
      responsiveness as the most important dimension of the quality of healthcare.
      CONCLUSION: There were gaps between the patients' perceptions and their
      expectation about the five dimensions that were studied based on the SERVQUAL
      model. Also, it is recommended that improving the quality of healthcare is
      possible by various policies, such as good responsiveness, access to health
      workers, and delivering healthcare in less time.

PMID- 27123219
TI  - Comparison of lifestyles of young women with and without primary dysmenorrhea.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecologic disorders that
      affects women's quality of life and social activities. Lifestyle, eating
      behaviors, and general health are essential to the management of menstrual
      symptoms. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between lifestyle
      and primary dysmenorrhea in students at Sari University of Medical Sciences in
      2015 in order to facilitate the performance of lifestyle-improving interventions
      among young women. METHODS: This study was conducted on 250 students with and
      without primary dysmenorrhea at Sari University of Medical Sciences in 2015. Data
      were collected using personal-social and lifestyle questionnaires (addressing
      nutrition, physical activity, stress, social relationships, improper health
      behaviors, and self-care). The data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 18,
      using the independent-samples t-test, the chi-squared test, and logistic
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Given the scores obtained on the lifestyle
      questionnaire, significant differences were observed between the groups with and
      without dysmenorrhea in terms of eating behavior (p=0.008), physical activity
      (p=0.011), stress (p=0.041), and social relationships (p=0.000). No differences
      were observed in terms of self-care (p=0.115) and smoking, drinking, and drug use
      (p=0.355). According to the logistic regression analysis, age (OR=1.208,
      p=0.014), physical activity (OR=1.008, p=0.040) and social relationship
      (OR=0.952, p=0.002) were different in the two groups, but there was no
      statistical differences in their eating behavior, self-care, and stress.
      CONCLUSION: To prevent and reduce the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea,
      knowledge and awareness should be raised in young women through proper lifestyle
      education and health promotion measures.

PMID- 27123221
TI  - Active listening: The key of successful communication in hospital managers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One of the important causes of medical errors and unintentional
      harm to patients is ineffective communication. The important part of this skill,
      in case it has been forgotten, is listening. The objective of this study was to
      determine whether managers in hospitals listen actively. METHODS: This study was
      conducted between May and June 2014 among three levels of managers at teaching
      hospitals in Kerman, Iran. Active Listening skill among hospital managers was
      measured by self-made Active Listening Skill Scale (ALSS), which consists of the
      key elements of active listening and has five subscales, i.e., Avoiding
      Interruption, Maintaining Interest, Postponing Evaluation, Organizing
      Information, and Showing Interest. The data were analyzed by IBM-SPSS software,
      version 20, and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, the chi
      squared test, and multiple linear regressions. RESULTS: The mean score of active
      listening in hospital managers was 2.32 out of 3.The highest score (2.27) was
      obtained by the first-level managers, and the top managers got the lowest score
      (2.16). Hospital mangers were best in showing interest and worst in avoiding
      interruptions. The area of employment was a significant predictor of avoiding
      interruption and the managers' gender was a strong predictor of skill in
      maintaining interest (p < 0.05). The type of management and education can predict
      postponing evaluation, and the length of employment can predict showing interest
      (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a necessity for the development of strategies to
      create more awareness among the hospital managers concerning their active
      listening skills.

PMID- 27123220
TI  - Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Hyaluronic Acid for treatment of Knee
      Osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Knee osteoarthritis is a very common chronic degenerative disease
      that could impose significant costs to the health system. Although osteoarthritis
      can affect all joints, knee osteoarthritis is the most common type among
      adolescents. Non-surgical treatments include corticosteroids injection,
      hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the efficiency of platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid for the
      treatment of knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Pubmed, Cochran library, Scopus and
      Ovid databases were investigated to identify related studies from 2000 through
      August 2015. To study the efficiency, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
      Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) outcome using the Standard Mean Difference (SMD)
      index was calculated using a random model and a confidence interval of 95%. In
      addition, sensitivity and cumulative analysis were conducted. The data were
      analyzed using RevMan 5.3.5 and Stata 12 software. RESULTS: Seven studies with
      722 subjects (364 participants in PRP and 358 participants in the HA group) were
      analyzed. The WOMAC PRP compared to HA, SMD = -0.75 (95% CI: -1.33 to -0.18, I2 =
      92.6%) in treatment of knee osteoarthritis was statistically significant and PRP
      was more effective. CONCLUSION: The results of this meta-analysis two years after
      PRP injection showed the efficacy of PRP versus HA. However, further studies are
      required to determine the longer-term effects.

PMID- 27123222
TI  - Association between Organizational Commitment and Personality Traits of Faculty
      Members of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Individual characteristics are important factors influencing
      organizational commitment. Also, committed human resources can lead organizations
      to performance improvement as well as personal and organizational achievements.
      This research aimed to determine the association between organizational
      commitment and personality traits among faculty members of Ahvaz Jundishapur
      University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: the research population of this cross
      sectional study was the faculty members of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of
      Medical Sciences (Ahvaz, Iran). The sample size was determined to be 83. Data
      collection instruments were the Allen and Meyer questionnaire for organizational
      commitment and Neo for characteristics' features. The data were analyzed through
      Pearson's product-moment correlation and the independent samples t-test, ANOVA,
      and simple linear regression analysis (SLR) by SPSS. RESULTS: Continuance
      commitment showed a significant positive association with neuroticism,
      extroversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Normative commitment showed a
      significant positive association with conscientiousness and a negative
      association with extroversion (p = 0.001). Openness had a positive association
      with affective commitment. Openness and agreeableness, among the five
      characteristics' features, had the most effect on organizational commitment, as
      indicated by simple linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Faculty members'
      characteristics showed a significant association with their organizational
      commitment. Determining appropriate characteristic criteria for faculty members
      may lead to employing committed personnel to accomplish the University's
      objectives and tasks.

PMID- 27123223
TI  - Relationship between Work Ability Index and Cognitive Failure among Nurses.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Frequent nursing errors are considered as factors that affect the
      quality of healthcare of patients. Capable nurses who are compatible with work
      conditions are more focused on their tasks, and this reduces their errors and
      cognitive failures. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of
      investigating the relationship between work ability index (WAI) and cognitive
      failures (CFs) as well as some factors that affect them in nurses working in the
      ICU, CCU, and emergency wards. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical and cross
      sectional study was conducted with 750 nurses at educational hospitals affiliated
      with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2015. A questionnaire of work
      ability index and cognitive failures was used to collect data. The data were
      analyzed using SPSS 20 and the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, chi
      squared, ANOVA, and the Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: Using the Pearson
      correlation test, the results of this study showed that there is a significant,
      inverse relationship between WAI, personal prognosis of work ability, and mental
      resources with CFs along with all its subscales in nurses (p < 0.05). In
      addition, there was an inverse and significant relationship between the total
      score of CFs and the estimated work impairment due to diseases (p < 0.05). There
      was a significant positive correlation of CFs with age and experience, while WAI
      was inversely related to age, work experience, and body mass index (BMI) (p <
      0.05). WAI and CFs were related significantly to working units (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Considering the results obtained in this study, WAI and the cognitive
      status of nurses were lower than the specified limit. It is suggested that the
      work ability of nurses be improved and that their CFs be reduced through various
      measures, including pre-employment examinations, proper management of work-shift
      conditions, and using engineering and administrative strategies to ensure the
      safety of hospitalized patients.

PMID- 27123224
TI  - Risk Assessment of Using Entonox for the Relief of Labor Pain: A Healthcare
      Failure Modes and Effects Analysis Approach.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In order to prevent medical errors, it is important to know why
      they occur and to identify their causes. Healthcare failure modes and effects
      analysis (HFMEA) is a type of qualitative descriptive that is used to evaluate
      the risk. The aim of this study was to assess the risks of using Entonox for
      labor pain by HFMEA. METHODS: A mixed-methods design (qualitative action research
      and quantitative cross-sectional research) was used. The modes and effects of
      failures in the process of using Entonox were detected and analyzed during 2013
      2014 at Hefdahe Shahrivar Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. Overall, 52 failure modes were
      identified, with 25 being recognized as high-risk modes. RESULTS: The results
      revealed that 48.5% of these errors fall into the care process type, 22.05%
      belong to the communicative type, 19.1% fall into the administrative type, and
      10.2% are of the knowledge and skills type. Strategies were presented in the
      forms of acceptance (3.2%), control (90.3%), and elimination (6.4%). CONCLUSION:
      The following actions are suggested for improving the process of using Entonox:
      Close supervision by the midwife, precise recording of all the stages of the
      process in the woman's medical record, the necessity of the presence of the
      anesthesiologist at the woman's bedside during labor, confirming the indications
      for use of Entonox, and close monitoring to ensure the safety of the gas cylinder
      guards.

PMID- 27123225
TI  - Principle-based concept analysis: Caring in nursing education.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this principle-based concept analysis was to analyze
      caring in nursing education and to explain the current state of the science based
      on epistemologic, pragmatic, linguistic, and logical philosophical principles.
      METHODS: A principle-based concept analysis method was used to analyze the
      nursing literature. The dataset included 46 English language studies, published
      from 2005 to 2014, and they were retrieved through PROQUEST, MEDLINE, CINAHL,
      ERIC, SCOPUS, and SID scientific databases. The key dimensions of the data were
      collected using a validated data-extraction sheet. The four principles of
      assessing pragmatic utility were used to analyze the data. The data were managed
      by using MAXQDA 10 software. RESULTS: The scientific literature that deals with
      caring in nursing education relies on implied meaning. Caring in nursing
      education refers to student-teacher interactions that are formed on the basis of
      human values and focused on the unique needs of the students (epistemological
      principle). The result of student-teacher interactions is the development of both
      the students and the teachers. Numerous applications of the concept of caring in
      nursing education are available in the literature (pragmatic principle). There is
      consistency in the meaning of the concept, as a central value of the faculty
      student interaction (linguistic principle). Compared with other related concepts,
      such as "caring pedagogy," "value-based education," and "teaching excellence,"
      caring in nursing education does not have exact and clear conceptual boundaries
      (logic principle). CONCLUSION: Caring in nursing education was identified as an
      approach to teaching and learning, and it is formed based on teacher-student
      interactions and sustainable human values. A greater understanding of the
      conceptual basis of caring in nursing education will improve the caring behaviors
      of teachers, create teaching-learning environments, and help experts in
      curriculum development.

PMID- 27123226
TI  - Effect of non-ionizing electromagnetic field on the alteration of ovarian
      follicles in rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In recent years, there has been an increase in the attention paid
      to safety effects, environmental and society's health, extremely low frequency
      electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF), and radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF
      EMF). The aim of this research was to determine the effect of EMF on the
      alteration of ovarian follicles. METHODS: In this experimental study at Tabriz
      Medical University in 2015, we did EMF exposures and assessed the alteration of
      rats' ovarian follicles. Thirty three-month old rats were selected randomly from
      laboratory animals, and, after their ages and weights were determined, they were
      divided randomly into three groups. The control group consisted of 10 rats
      without any treatment, and they were kept in normal conditions. The second group
      of rats was influenced by a magnetic field of 50 Hz for eight weeks (three weeks
      intrauterine and five weeks ectopic). The third group of rats was influenced by a
      magnetic field of 50 Hz for 13 weeks (three weeks intrauterine and ten weeks
      ectopic). Samples were fixed in 10% buffered formaldehyde and cleared with Xylol
      and embedded in paraffin. After sectioning and staining, samples were studied by
      optic microscopy. Finally, SPSS version 17, were used for data analysis. RESULTS:
      EMF radiation increased the harmful effects on the formation of ovarian follicles
      and oocytes implantation. Studies on the effects of electromagnetic fields on
      ovarian follicles have shown that the nuclei of the oocytes become smaller and
      change shape. There were significant, harmful changes in the groups affected by
      electromagnetic waves. Atresia of ovarian follicles was significantly significant
      in both study groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Exposure to electromagnetic fields during embryonic development can cause
      morphological changes in oocytes and affect the differentiation of oocytes and
      folliculogenesis, resulting in decreased ovarian reserve leading to infertility
      or reduced fertility.

PMID- 27123227
TI  - The effectiveness of group positive psychotherapy on depression and happiness in
      breast cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in women in the
      world. It causes fear, despair, and takes a tremendous toll on psychological
      status. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of group positive psychotherapy
      on the depression and happiness of breast cancer patients. METHODS: This
      randomized controlled trial was conducted with 42 breast cancer patients in The
      Oncology Center at Kermanshah, Iran in 2015. The Data were gathered before
      intervention and ten weeks afterwards. The data were collected using Beck's
      Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Oxford's happiness Inventory (OHI). The data
      were analyzed by SPSS-16, Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S), chi-squared, and multivariate
      analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). RESULTS: The results showed a significant
      reduction in the depression of the group on positive psychotherapy compared with
      the control group. Also the positive psychotherapy group experienced a
      significant increase in the patients' happiness, while there was no significant
      increase in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of this research showed
      the effectiveness of positive psychotherapy on the reduction of mental pressure
      and the improvement of the mental status of breast cancer patients. This
      economical therapy can be used to increase patients' psychological health.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of
      Clinical Trials (IRST) with the identification number IRCT2013101410063N4.
      FUNDING: The authors received financial support for the research from Kermanshah
      University of Medical Sciences.

PMID- 27123228
TI  - Detection of Epstein-Barr virus in synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis
      patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common chronic
      inflammatory disorders. Genes and environmental factors contribute to RA. Epstein
      Barr Virus (EBV) has been considered as one the RA pathogeneses. The aim of this
      study was to detect of the EBV genome in patients with RA. METHODS: In this cross
      sectional study, 50 samples of synovial fluid were obtained from patients with RA
      from 2010-2012. Using a standard of the EBV genome and EBNA-1-specific primers,
      the method of PCR was set up. Then, all of the samples of synovial fluids
      separately were subjected to DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
      amplification. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. The statistical
      analysis was performed by the t-test. RESULTS: The demographic and laboratory
      characteristic assay revealed that the mean age of patients was 49, and the
      patients were 60% males and 40% females. In addition, in all cases, the mean
      rheumatoid factor (RF) levels of the patients were below the normal level. The
      results of this study showed that the PCR was able to detect EBV DNA in > 60% of
      the cases. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that EBV was
      frequently detected in the synovial fluid of RA patients. Thus, EBV may be a
      strong candidate that can act at several levels of the pathophysiology of RA.
      However, these findings also indicated that EBV may play a role in the
      pathogenesis of RA. However, the possible relationship between RA and EBV must be
      determined by further research.

PMID- 27123229
TI  - Desmopressin versus Oxybutynin for Nocturnal Enuresis in Children in Bandar
      Abbas: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nocturnal enuresis is among the most common disorders in children.
      Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are available for
      nocturnal enuresis. Studies for reaching the best pharmacological treatment for
      this disorder are continuing. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and safety
      of Desmopressin and oxybutynin for treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children
      from Bandar Abbas in 2014. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was
      conducted in 2014 and participants included 66 children with nocturnal enuresis
      who were more than 5 years old. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups.
      The first group received 120 microgram Desmopressin daily for 2 months, then 60
      microgram daily for 2 months, then 60 microgram every 2 days. The second group
      received 5 mg oxybutynin twice a day for 6 months. The patients were followed
      after 1, 3, and 6 months to track treatment response. The study outcomes were
      frequency of nocturnal enuresis, urinary incontinency, urgency, and frequency.
      Data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: There were no significant
      differences between the two groups with respects to sex, age, place of residence,
      and parents' education (p<0.05). Nocturnal enuresis, incontinency, urgency, and
      frequency of nocturnal enuresis was significantly lower with Desmopressin
      treatment in comparison to the oxybutynin treated group after 1 and 3 months
      (p<0.05). In addition, constipation and xerostomia were more frequent among the
      oxybutynin group after 1, 3, and 6 months (p<0.01). Blurred vision was also more
      frequent among oxybutynin group after 3 months (p<0.01). After 6 months the
      frequency of nocturnal enuresis and its frequency was higher in oxybutynin group
      in comparison to the Desmopressin group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Desmopressin is
      more effective and has lower rate of side effects in comparison to oxybutynin for
      treatment of nocturnal enuresis. We recommend using Desmopressin for treatment of
      nocturnal enuresis in children. More studies are needed to achieve the best
      pharmacological treatment option for treatment of nocturnal enuresis. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with a
      ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02538302. FUNDING: The funder of this research
      is Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences.

PMID- 27123230
TI  - Fatigue and Depression in Iranian Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients in
      Tehran in 2012.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative
      disease with a progressive and rapid course. Fatigue and depression are common
      among ALS patients. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship
      between depression and fatigue in Iranian ALS patients. METHODS: In this 2012
      cross-sectional study, 40 ALS patients, including 22 females and 18 males, were
      selected through consecutive relapsing-remitting, and 40 age- and gender-matched
      health controls (HCs) were recruited from Loghman Hakim Hospital in Tehran, Iran.
      The Persian version of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-Per) questionnaire and
      depression substance of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to
      assess fatigue and depression. Data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Sminov
      Test, Levene's test, Independent Samples t-test, and Pearson product-moment
      correlation coefficient. RESULTS: We identified a significant and positive
      relationship between fatigue and depression in patients with ALS (p=0.000).
      Furthermore, the scores of fatigue and depression in ALS patients were higher
      than in non-ALS patients. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that there was a
      relationship between fatigue and depression in ALS patients and that early
      intervention services can improve these symptoms. Further studies are suggested
      to investigate the direction of such relationship.

PMID- 27123231
TI  - Knowledge of healthy lifestyle in Iran: a systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lifestyle is a set of goals, plans, values, attitudes, behaviors,
      and beliefs manifested in the personal and family life of the individual and in
      her or his social interactions. It is an interdisciplinary concept that involves
      a health-oriented view of the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual
      domains of life. Despite their great importance, there is not much knowledge in
      Iran about healthy lifestyles. The present study is an attempt to address the
      knowledge of healthy lifestyle in Iran through a review of the literature on the
      subject. METHODS: The present systematic review searched Elsevier, SID, Pub Med,
      Magiran, IranMedex, and Google Scholar databases for relevant articles published
      between 2000 and 2014. We used various keywords for the searches, including
      knowledge, lifestyle, health, and Iran. As a result, 62 articles were included in
      the study. RESULTS: There has been a dramatic increase in the publication of
      articles on lifestyle in Iran over the past 10 years. The results obtained showed
      that 64% of the articles addressed physical health, 14% addressed psychological
      health, 10% addressed social health, and 12% addressed spiritual health. Most
      lifestyle studies conducted in Iran have focused on physical health, and a few
      have examined the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of lifestyle. None
      of the studies has examined the knowledge map of healthy lifestyles in Iran.
      CONCLUSION: Given the changes in the causes of mortality from infectious and
      chronic diseases that impose greater medication and treatment costs on the
      society, and since diseases caused by unhealthy lifestyles have become the
      leading cause of death, it is essential for health researchers to focus on the
      root cause of these diseases, i.e., lifestyle and human behaviors.

PMID- 27123232
TI  - Erratum to: 'Clinical presentation, auscultation recordings, ultrasonographic
      findings and treatment response of 12 adult cattle with chronic suppurative
      pneumonia: case study'.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/2046-0481-66-5.]. 

PMID- 26949515
TI  - The unfolded protein response and its potential role in Huntington's disease
      elucidated by a systems biology approach.
AB  - Huntington 's disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease with a
      fatal outcome. Although the disease-causing gene (huntingtin) has been known for
      over 20 years, the exact mechanisms leading to neuronal cell death are still
      controversial. One potential mechanism contributing to the massive loss of
      neurons observed in the brain of HD patients could be the unfolded protein
      response (UPR) activated by accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER). As an adaptive response to counter-balance accumulation of un- or
      misfolded proteins, the UPR upregulates transcription of chaperones, temporarily
      attenuates new translation, and activates protein degradation via the proteasome.
      However, persistent ER stress and an activated UPR can also cause apoptotic cell
      death. Although different studies have indicated a role for the UPR in HD, the
      evidence remains inconclusive. Here, we present extensive bioinformatic analyses
      that revealed UPR activation in different experimental HD models based on
      transcriptomic data. Accordingly, we have identified 53 genes, including RAB5A,
      HMGB1, CTNNB1, DNM1, TUBB, TSG101, EEF2, DYNC1H1, SLC12A5, ATG5, AKT1, CASP7 and
      SYVN1 that provide a potential link between UPR and HD. To further elucidate the
      potential role of UPR as a disease-relevant process, we examined its connection
      to apoptosis based on molecular interaction data, and identified a set of 40
      genes including ADD1, HSP90B1, IKBKB, IKBKG, RPS3A and LMNB1, which seem to be at
      the crossroads between these two important cellular processes. Remarkably, we
      also found strong correlation of UPR gene expression with the length of the
      polyglutamine tract of Huntingtin, which is a critical determinant of age of
      disease onset in human HD patients pointing to the UPR as a promising target for
      therapeutic intervention. The study is complemented by a newly developed web
      portal called UPR-HD (http://uprhd.sysbiolab.eu) that enables visualization and
      interactive analysis of UPR-associated gene expression across various HD models. 

PMID- 26998233
TI  - Profiling and tandem mass spectrometry analysis of aminoacylated phospholipids in
      Bacillus subtilis .
AB  - Cationic modulation of the dominantly negative electrostatic structure of
      phospholipids plays an important role in bacterial response to changes in the
      environment. In addition to zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine, Gram-positive
      bacteria are also abundant in positively charged lysyl-phosphatidylglycerol.
      Increased amounts of both types of lipids render Gram-positive bacterial cells
      more resistant to cationic antibiotic peptides such as defensins.  Lysyl and
      alanyl-phosphatidylglycerol as well as alanyl-cardiolipin have also been studied
      by mass spectroscopy. Phospholipids modified by other amino acids have been
      discovered by chemical analysis of the lipid lysate but have yet to be studied by
      mass spectroscopy. We exploited the high sensitivity of modern mass spectroscopy
      in searching for substructures in complex mixtures to establish a sensitive and
      thorough screen for aminoacylated phospholipids. The search for deprotonated
      aminoacyl anions in lipid extracted from Bacillus subtilis strain 168 yielded
      strong evidence as well as relative abundance of aminoacyl-phosphatidylglycerols,
      which serves as a crude measure of the specificity of aminoacyl
      phosphatidylglycerol synthase MprF. No aminoacyl-cardiolipin was found. More
      importantly, the second most abundant species in this category is D-alanyl
      phosphatidylglycerol, suggesting a possible role in the D-alanylation pathway of
      wall- and lipo-teichoic acids. 

PMID- 26998236
TI  - Sequence and intramolecular distance scoring analyses of microbial rhodopsins.
AB  - Recent accumulation of sequence and structural data, in conjunction with
      systematical classification into a set of families, has significantly advanced
      our understanding of diverse and specific protein functions. Analysis and
      interpretation of protein family data requires comprehensive sequence and
      structural alignments. Here, we present a simple scheme for analyzing a set of
      experimental structures of a given protein or family of proteins, using microbial
      rhodopsins as an example. For a data set comprised of around a dozen highly
      similar structures to each other (overall pairwise root-mean-squared deviation <
      2.3 A), intramolecular distance scoring analysis yielded valuable information
      with respect to structural properties, such as differences in the relative
      variability of transmembrane helices. Furthermore, a comparison with recent
      results for G protein-coupled receptors demonstrates how the results of the
      present analysis can be interpreted and effectively utilized for structural
      characterization of diverse protein families in general. 

PMID- 27081477
TI  - Post-chikungunya chronic inflammatory rheumatism: results from a retrospective
      follow-up study of 283 adult and child cases in La Virginia, Risaralda, Colombia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are limited studies in Latin America regarding the chronic
      consequences of the Chikungunya virus (CHIK), such as post-CHIK chronic
      inflammatory rheumatism (pCHIK-CIR). We assessed the largest cohort so far of
      pCHIK-CIR in Latin America, at the municipality of La Virginia, Risaralda, a new
      endemic area of CHIK in Colombia. METHODS: We conducted a cohort retrospective
      study in Colombia of 283 patients diagnosed with CHIK that persisted with pCHIK
      CIR after a minimum of 6 weeks and up to a maximum of 26.1 weeks. pCHIK cases
      were identified according to validated criteria via telephone. RESULTS: Of the
      total CHIK-infected subjects, 152 (53.7%) reported persistent rheumatological
      symptoms (pCHIK-CIR). All of these patients reported joint pains (chronic
      polyarthralgia, pCHIK-CPA), 49.5% morning stiffness, 40.6% joint edema, and 16.6%
      joint redness. Of all patients, 19.4% required and attended for care prior to the
      current study assessment (1.4% consulting rheumatologists). Significant
      differences in the frequency were observed according to age groups and gender.
      Patients aged >40 years old required more medical attention (39.5%) than those
      <=40 years-old (12.1%) (RR=4.748, 95%CI 2.550-8.840). CONCLUSIONS: According to
      our results, at least half of the patients with CHIK developed chronic
      rheumatologic sequelae, and from those with pCHIK-CPA, nearly half presented
      clinical symptoms consistent with inflammatory forms of the disease. These
      results support previous estimates obtained from pooled data of studies in La
      Reunion (France) and India and are consistent with the results published
      previously from other Colombian cohorts in Venadillo (Tolima) and Since (Sucre).

PMID- 27123237
TI  - Intra-operative adherence to lung-protective ventilation: a prospective
      observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung-protective ventilation in patients with acute respiratory
      distress syndrome improves mortality. Adopting this strategy in the perioperative
      period has been shown to reduce lung inflammation and postoperative pulmonary and
      non-pulmonary sepsis complications in patients undergoing major abdominal
      surgery. We conducted a prospective observational study into the intra-operative
      ventilation practice across the West Midlands to assess the use of lung
      protective ventilation. METHODS: Data was collected from all adult ventilated
      patients undergoing surgery across 14 hospital trusts in the West Midlands over a
      2-day period in November 2013. Data collected included surgical specialty,
      patient's biometric data, duration of procedure, grade of anesthetist, and
      ventilatory parameters. Lung-protective ventilation was defined as the delivery
      of a tidal volume between 6 and 8 ml/kg/predicted body weight, a peak pressure of
      less than 30 cmH2O, and the use of positive end expiratory pressure of 6-8 cmH2O.
      Categorical data are presented descriptively, while non-parametric data are
      displayed as medians with statistical tests from Mann-Whitney U tests or Kruskal
      Wallis tests for independent samples while paired samples are represented by
      Wilcoxon signed rank tests. RESULTS: Four hundred six patients with a median age
      of 56 years (16-91) were included. The majority of operations (78 %) were
      elective procedures with the principal anesthetist being a consultant. The
      commonest surgical specialties were general (29 %), trauma and orthopedic (19 %),
      and ENT (17 %). Volume-controlled ventilation was the preferred ventilation
      strategy in 70 % of cases. No patients were ventilated using lung-protective
      ventilation. Overall peak airway pressure (pPeak) was low (median 20 cmH2O (inter
      quartile range [IQR] 10-43 cmH2O)) with median delivered tidal volumes of 8.4
      ml/kg/predicted body weight (PBW) (IQR 3.5-14.5 ml/kg/PBW). The median positive
      end expiratory pressure (PEEP) was only 4 cmH2O (0-5 cmH2O) with PEEP not used in
      152 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative lung protection ventilation can improve
      patient outcomes from major surgery. This large prospective study demonstrates
      that within the West Midlands lung-protective ventilation during the
      perioperative period is uncommon, especially in relation to the use of PEEP, and
      that perhaps further trials are required to promote wider adoption of practice.

PMID- 27123238
TI  - Atrial fibrillation and flutter following coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A
      retrospective study and review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia following
      coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Its incidence can range from 10 to 60% of
      patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft. This rhythm can result in
      shorter or longer intervals between beats. METHODS: Medical records of 143
      patients from the Queen's Medical Center, Kuakini Medical Center, Saint Francis
      Medical Center, and Straub Hospital and Clinic, all of which are located in
      Honolulu, Hawaii were reviewed. An additional 39 records of patients who did not
      develop these complications were also reviewed as a control group. Patients were
      selected according to the ICD codes for atrial fibrillation/flutter and coronary
      artery bypass graft. Both anomalies can lead to increased health care costs,
      morbidity, and mortality. In this study, possible predisposing factors to these
      complications were investigated. The time of onset, weight gain, elapsed time,
      fluid status (in/out), hematocrit, and drug regimens were compared between the
      two groups. RESULTS: The differences in weight gain, fluid status, and hematocrit
      between the groups were not significant. There were a total of 17 different drugs
      prescribed to the group as a whole but not every patient received the same
      regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Atrial fibrillation and flutter were found to be more
      common in males, particularly between the ages of 60 and 69 years. There were no
      other significant findings.

PMID- 27123239
TI  - Dietary supplementation of Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaves in sheep affects the
      abundance of rumen methanogens and other microbial populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rumen microbiome has a great influence on ruminant health and
      productivity. Different plant extracts have been tested for their ability to
      modulate the rumen microbiome to improve feed digestion and fermentation. Among
      the evaluated plant extracts, essential oils, tannins, and saponins appeared to
      have positive effects on rumen protein metabolism, volatile fatty acids
      production, and methane and ammonia production. METHODS: The objective of this
      study was to evaluate the effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves
      and essential oils on rumen microbial populations. Four ruminally cannulated
      sheep were used in a 4*4 Latin square design fed (21 d/period): 1) a control diet
      composed of alfalfa hay and concentrate pellet (CTR), 2) CTR supplemented with 7
      g/d/sheep of rosemary essential oil adsorbed on an inert support (EO), 3) CTR
      with 10 g/d/sheep of dried and ground rosemary leaves (RL), and 4) CTR with 10
      g/d of dried and ground rosemary leaves pelleted into concentrate (RL pellet).
      Abundance of total bacteria, archaea, protozoa, and some select bacterial species
      or groups was quantified using qPCR, while the community of bacteria and archaea
      was profiled using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: No
      difference in abundance was noted for total bacteria, protozoa, or Ruminococcus
      flavefaciens between the control and the treatments, but the rosemary leaves,
      either in loose form or in pellet, decreased the abundance of archaea and the
      genus Prevotella (P < 0.001). The rosemary leaves in loose form also decreased (P
      < 0.001) the abundance of Ruminococcus albus and Clostridium aminophilum, while
      the EO increased (P < 0.001) the abundance of Fibrobacter succinogenes. The
      community of bacteria and archaea was not affected by any of the supplements.
      CONCLUSIONS: Being able to affect the abundance of several groups of rumen
      microbes that are known to be involved in degradation of protein and fiber and
      production of methane and ammonia, rosemary leaves may be used to modulate rumen
      microbiome and its function.

PMID- 27123240
TI  - Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and cancer.
AB  - Nicotine, the primary addictive constituent of cigarettes, is believed to
      contribute to cancer promotion and progression through the activation of
      nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are membrane ligand-gated
      cation channels. nAChRs activation can be triggered by the neurotransmitter Ach,
      or certain other biological compounds, such as nicotine. In recent years, genome
      wide association studies have indicated that allelic variation in the alpha5
      alpha3-beta4 nAChR cluster on chromosome 15q24-15q25.1 is associated with lung
      cancer risk. The role of nAChRs in other types of cancer has also been reported.
      The present review highlights the role of nAChRs in types of human cancer.

PMID- 27123241
TI  - Role of oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of disability in individuals
      aged >65 years worldwide. AD is characterized by the abnormal deposition of
      amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide, and intracellular accumulation of neurofibrillary
      tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein and dementia. The neurotoxic oligomer
      Abeta peptide, which is the neuropathological diagnostic criterion of the
      disease, together with tau protein, are mediators of the neurodegeneration that
      is among the main causative factors. However, these phenomena are mainly
      initiated and enhanced by oxidative stress, a process referring to an imbalance
      between antioxidants and oxidants in favour of oxidants. This imbalance can occur
      as a result of increased free radicals or a decrease in antioxidant defense, free
      radicals being a species that contains one or more unpaired electrons in its
      outer shell. The major source of potent free radicals is the reduction of
      molecular oxygen in water, that initially yields the superoxide radical, which
      produces hydrogen peroxide by the addition of an electron. The reduction of
      hydrogen peroxide produces highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, termed reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) that can react with lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and
      other molecules and may also alter their structures and functions. Thus, tissues
      and organs, particularly the brain, a vulnerable organ, are affected by ROS due
      to its composition. The brain is largely composed of easily oxidizable lipids
      while featuring a high oxygen consumption rate. The current review examined the
      role of oxidative stress in AD.

PMID- 27123242
TI  - MicroRNAs: Novel regulatory molecules in acute lung injury/acute respiratory
      distress syndrome.
AB  - Acute lung injury (ALI) and the more severe acute respiratory distress syndrome
      (ARDS) are common and complex inflammatory lung diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a
      type of non-coding RNA molecule that regulate gene expression at the post
      transcriptional level, have emerged as a novel class of gene regulators, which
      have critical roles in a wide range of human disorders and diseases, including
      ALI. Certain types of miRNAs are abnormally expressed in response to lung injury.
      miRNAs can regulate inflammation pathways by targeting specific molecules and
      modulate immune response in the process of lung injury and repair. The regulation
      of miRNA can relieve injury response and promote the recovery of ALI/ARDS.
      Therefore, miRNAs may serve as novel therapeutic targets in ALI/ARDS.

PMID- 27123243
TI  - Cell-penetrating peptides: Possible transduction mechanisms and therapeutic
      applications.
AB  - Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), also known as protein transduction domains, are
      a class of diverse peptides with 5-30 amino acids. CPPs are divided into
      cationic, amphipathic and hydrophobic CPPs. They are able to carry small
      molecules, plasmid DNA, small interfering RNA, proteins, viruses, imaging agents
      and other various nanoparticles across the cellular membrane, resulting in
      internalization of the intact cargos. However, the mechanisms of CPP
      internalization remain to be elucidated. Recently, CPPs have received
      considerable attention due to their high transduction efficiency and low
      cytotoxicity. These peptides have a significant potential for diagnostic and
      therapeutic applications, such as delivery of fluorescent or radioactive
      compounds for imaging, delivery of peptides and proteins for therapeutic
      application, and delivery of molecules into induced pluripotent stem cells for
      directing differentiation. The present study reviews the classifications and
      transduction mechanisms of CPPs, as well as their potential applications.

PMID- 27123244
TI  - Role of exercise in the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
AB  - Excessive alcohol use can cause harmful effects on the human body, which are
      associated with serious health problems, and it can also lead to the development
      of alcohol use disorders (AUDs). There is certain evidence that physical exercise
      positively affects excessive alcohol use and the associated problems by leading
      to reduced alcohol intake. A literature search was conducted using the databases
      PubMed, Medline and Web of Science. The search terms used as keywords were:
      Addiction, abuse, alcohol use disorders, exercise training, beta-endorphin,
      opioids, brain, ethanol and alcohol. The current study presents the studies that
      reported on the use of exercise in the treatment of AUDs between 1970 and 2015.
      The potential psychological and physiological mechanisms that contribute to the
      action of exercise were also reviewed, highlighting the role of beta-endorphin
      and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in AUDs and the possible association
      among physical activity, the endogenous opioid system and the desire for alcohol.
      Only 11 studies were identified that refer to the effect of exercise on alcohol
      consumption and/or the associated outcomes. Six of those studies concluded that
      exercise may have a positive impact towards alcohol consumption, abstinence rates
      or the urge to drink. One of those studies also indicated that a bout of exercise
      affects the endogenous opioids, which may be associated with the urge to drink.
      Another 3 studies indicated that responses to acute exercise in individuals with
      AUDs are different compared to those in healthy ones. Generally, despite limited
      research data and often contradictory results, there is certain early promising
      evidence for the role of exercise as an adjunctive tool in the treatment of AUDs.
      Physiological and biochemical parameters that would confirm that exercise is safe
      for individuals with AUDs should be examined in future studies.

PMID- 27123245
TI  - piR-651 and its function in 95-D lung cancer cells.
AB  - PIWI-associated RNAs (piRNAs or piRs), a new-found class of small non-coding
      RNAs, which are mainly expressed in germline cells and partly in somatic lines,
      have a vital role in carcinogenesis by maintaining genomic integrity and
      regulation of epigenetics. The previous studies have confirmed that the
      expression of piR-651 is upregulated in several cancer tissue and cell lines,
      including lung cancer. However, the mechanism of carcinogenesis and piR-651
      remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study assessed the 95-D high
      metastasis human lung cancer cell line to detect the effect of piR-651 on
      carcinogenesis. Firstly, piR-651 promoted the high metastasis characteristic of
      the 95-D cell lines by Transwell and wound-healing assays. The influence of piR
      651 on tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis was detected by the MTT assay and
      flow cytometry. In conclusion, piR-651 may be an oncogene in lung cancer
      formation and development. Therefore, piR-651 regulated carcinogenesis by
      influencing cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, and may be a
      potential tumor marker and therapeutic target.

PMID- 27123246
TI  - A randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of liquid versus powdered
      recombinant human growth hormone in treating patients with severe burns.
AB  - Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) promotes protein utilization and
      synthesis, and is widely used as a therapy to treat severe burns. The present
      randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of different forms of rhGH on
      patients with severe burns. A total of 29 adult severe burns patients were
      enrolled between February 2009 and November 2011, and randomly assigned to either
      treatment group (T, liquid rhGH) or control group (C, powder rhGH). From days 5
      to 7 following the infliction of burns, both patient groups received rhGH at
      0.067 mg/kg/d, once for 10 days. Median serum pre-albumin levels increased in
      both groups following treatment, the elevation from baseline was significantly
      higher in the T group on day 10 compared to the C group (88 mg/l vs. 65 mg/l,
      P=0.046). C-reactive protein, fasting plasma glucose and body weight decreased in
      both groups. Body weight was significantly lower in the T compared to the C group
      at baseline, Day 5 and Day 10 (P=0.046, P=0.018 and P=0.006, respectively),
      however the decrease from baseline levels were not significantly different. Wound
      healing time was similar between groups (P=0.270). In conclusion the early use of
      liquid rather than powder rhGH may be more beneficial for treating adult patients
      with severe burns.

PMID- 27123247
TI  - Association between the HLA-DQB1 polymorphisms and the susceptibility of chronic
      hepatitis B: A comprehensive meta-analysis.
AB  - : Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQB1 gene
      are associated with chronic inflammatory and immunological diseases. Host genetic
      factors have a key role in the development of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim
      of the present study was to investigate the association between the HLA-DQB1
      polymorphisms and the susceptibility to CHB. PubMed, Embase, CNKI and Wanfang
      databases were searched for the studies that reported the association of the HLA
      DQB1 polymorphisms with CHB between January 1, 1966 and July 30, 2015. HLA-DQB1
      polymorphism-specific odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were
      pooled and calculated in the fixed effects model using the Mantel-Haenszel
      method. Q-test and I2 test were performed to examine the heterogeneity. Begg's
      funnel test and Egger's test were conducted to assess publication bias. All the
      statistical tests were two-tailed. Subsequent to searching the databases and
      screening according to the inclusion criteria, 7 case-control studies were
      available in the present meta-analysis, including 815 CHB patients and 731
      control subjects for the HLA-DQB1 polymorphisms. In conclusion, the statistically
      significant pooled OR of the HLA-DQB1 polymorphisms were obtained for the HLA
      DQB1 loci (*0201, case vs. CONTROL: I2=36.5%; P-value of heterogeneity=0.15; OR,
      1.29; 95% CI, 1.02-1.64; P=0.0301; *0301, case vs. CONTROL: I2=0%; P-value of
      heterogeneity=0.899; OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12-1.69; P=0.002; *0502, case vs.
      CONTROL: I2=24.9%; P-value of heterogeneity=0.239; OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.02-2.20;
      P=0.04), which were associated with an increased risk of CHB. Similar significant
      results were observed and acquired in the following HLA-DQB1 loci (*0303, case
      vs. CONTROL: I2=0%; P-value of heterogeneity=0.986; OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62-0.95;
      P=0.017; *0604, case vs. CONTROL: I2=0%; P-value of heterogeneity=0.594; OR,
      0.38; 95% CI, 0.20-0.74; P=0.003), which were associated with a decreased risk of
      CHB. No significant association was observed for the other HLA-DQB1 family loci.
      The present meta-analysis demonstrated that the HLA-DQB1 loci (*0201, *0301 and
      *0502) polymorphisms were significantly associated with an increased risk of CHB.
      However, HLA-DQB1 loci polymorphisms (*0303 and *0604) were associated with a
      decreased risk of CHB. These results support the hypothesis that polymorphisms of
      the HLA-DQB1 allele families may affect the susceptibility or resistance to CHB.

PMID- 27123248
TI  - Correlation between lung neoplasm and serum level of osteopontin: A meta
      analysis.
AB  - The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the clinical significance of serum
      osteopontin (OPN) levels in lung neoplasm in patients to establish a novel
      diagnostic score model. Articles were identified by searching the PubMed, Web of
      Science, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wang Fang
      databases. Studies identified were pooled, and the standardized mean difference
      (SMD) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.
      Subgroup analyses and publication bias detection were also conducted. Version
      12.0 STATA software was used for statistical analysis. A final analysis of 1,327
      subjects together (740 patients with lung neoplasms and 587 controls) was
      performed from 10 clinical case-control studies. The meta-analysis results showed
      a positive association between serum OPN levels and lung neoplasm (SMD=5.59, 95%
      CI: 1.85-3.32, P<0.001). The subgroup analysis by ethnicity detected that high
      levels of serum OPN may be the main risk factor for lung neoplasms in Asians
      (SMD=1.76, 95% CI: 1.24-2.29, P<0.001), but not in Caucasians (P=0.072). In
      conclusion, the present meta-analysis indicated that serum OPN levels were
      generally elevated in lung neoplasm patients, and thus, serum levels of OPN may
      be useful in diagnosing lung neoplasm in certain population groups.

PMID- 27123249
TI  - Differential proteomic analysis of respiratory failure in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells using iTRAQ technology.
AB  - Respiratory failure (RF) is a state in which the respiratory system fails by its
      gas exchange functions. Failure of the lung, which is caused by all types of lung
      diseases, leads to hypoxaemia with type I respiratory failure. Failure of the
      pump leads to hypercapnia or type II respiratory failure. Using isobaric tags for
      relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technology to identify and quantify
      the total proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RF patients
      and identify the differentially expressed proteome. The present study analyzed
      the total proteins in the PBMCs of RF patients and healthy controls using the
      eight-plex iTRAQ added with strong cation-exchange chromatography and liquid
      chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The differentially
      expressed proteins were identified by MASCOT. A total of 4,795 differentially
      expressed proteins were identified, and 403 proteins were upregulated and 421
      were downregulated. Among them, 4 proteins were significantly differentially
      expressed, which were upregulated KIAA1520 protein and gamma fibrinogen type B
      (AA at 202) and downregulated chain A, crystal structure of recombinant human
      platelet factor 4 and myosin regulatory light polypeptide 9. iTRAQ technology is
      suitable for identifying and quantifying the proteome in the PBMCs of RF
      patients. The differentially expressed proteins of RF patients have been
      identified in the present study, and further research of the molecular mechanism
      of the differentially expressed proteins is required to clarify the pathogenesis
      and identify novel biomarkers of RF.

PMID- 27123250
TI  - Effect of Akti-2 on sperm motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction in a mouse
      model.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the Akt inhibitor,
      Akti-2, on the sperm motility and acrosome reaction in mice. Mature sperms from
      the adult mice, aged 8 weeks, were co-incubated with Akti-2 for ~30 min at 37
      degrees C in 5% CO2, and the sperm viability was assessed by eosin-nigrosin
      staining. The sperm total and progressive motility were analyzed by computer
      aided sperm analysis. In addition, the acrosome reaction of sperms was detected
      by the acid phosphatase assay, Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining and fluorescein
      isothiocyanate conjugated pisum sativum lectin staining, respectively. Compared
      with the control (dimethyl sulfoxide), Akti-2 had no effect on sperm viability,
      but it suppressed the total and progressive motility significantly. Furthermore,
      the capacitation-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the acrosome
      reaction induced by calcium ionophore A23187 could be suppressed by Akti-2. These
      experiments confirmed that Akti-2 significantly impaired the sperm functions,
      including motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction, and provide the proof for
      its potential in male reproductive toxicity.

PMID- 27123251
TI  - Effect of the Fructus Ligustri Lucidi extract and its monomers quercetin and
      oleanolic acid on the adhesion and migration of melanocytes and intracellular
      actin.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the Fructus Ligustri Lucidi
      (FLL) extract and its monomers quercetin and oleanolic acid on the adhesion and
      migration of human epidermal melanocytes (MCs) and intracellular actin. The human
      epidermal MCs were cultured and identified. The cells were treated with different
      concentrations of FLL extract, quercetin and oleanolic acid. The adhesion and
      migration abilities of the cells were determined by the fibronectin-coated
      culture experiment and Transwell assay, respectively. The structure and
      distribution of intracellular actin were observed by confocal laser microscopy,
      with semi-quantitative analysis. Results showed that compared with the control
      group, 0.0375-0.3 mg/ml of the FLL extract and 40 uM quercetin significantly
      improved the adhesion rate of MCs (P<0.05). The numbers of MCs permeating the
      microporous membrane in the 0.15 mg/ml FLL extract and 12 uM oleanolic acid
      groups were 43.7 and 30.3, respectively, significantly higher compared to the
      control group (P<0.01). In the control group, the intracellular actin was less,
      and the stress fiber structure was not clear. In the 0.15 mg/ml FLL extract, 12
      uM oleanolic acid and 40 uM quercetin groups, there were numerous bunched stress
      fibers, indicating the aggregation of filamentous fibrous actin. The mean optical
      densities of actin expression in the 0.15 mg/ml FLL extract, 12 uM oleanolic acid
      and 40 uM quercetin groups were significantly higher compared to the control
      group (P<0.05). The FLL extract has a significant stimulatory effect on the
      adhesion and migration of human epidermal MCs. The mechanism may be associated
      with the promotion of intracellular actin cytoskeleton aggregation.

PMID- 27123252
TI  - Interaction between muscle and bone, and improving the effects of electrical
      muscle stimulation on amyotrophy and bone loss in a denervation rat model via
      sciatic neurectomy.
AB  - The side-to-side difference in bone mineral content and soft tissue composition
      of extremities and their associations have been observed in patients with stroke
      and the results are inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to investigate
      the interaction between bone mineral content (BMC), lean mass (LM) and fat mass
      (FM) in the paretic extremities in patients following stroke and to determine the
      effectiveness of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) following sciatic neurectomy
      (SN) in rats. BMC, LM and FM were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in
      61 hemiplegic patients following stroke. In the rat model study, groups of 10
      Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into EMS and non-EMS subgroups. Myostatin
      expression and tetracycline interlabel width were measured. There were
      significant decreases in BMC, LM and FM in paretic limbs compared to non-paretic
      limbs. Compared to non-EMS, downregulated myostatin mRNA, and upregulated mechano
      growth factor (MGF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) mRNA expression
      levels were observed in the EMS subgroup (P<0.05). In conclusion, muscle may have
      an important role in maintaining BMC. EMS-induced muscle contraction effectively
      downregulated myostatin mRNA, upregulated MGF and IGF-1 mRNA expression in muscle
      fiber, and mitigated amyotrophy and cortical bone loss from SN.

PMID- 27123253
TI  - Adjunctive therapy of Mycobacterium vaccae vaccine in the treatment of multidrug
      resistant tuberculosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - A number of studies have suggested that the Mycobacterium vaccae (MV) vaccine as
      an adjunctive therapy has a positive effect in the treatment of multidrug
      resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). However, the result is inconclusive. The aim of
      the present study was to systematically evaluate the effect and safety of MV as
      an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of MDR-TB. A computerized search of
      PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CBM, CNKI and VIP
      until October 2014 was conducted to collect the relevant studies. The main
      outcome measures were the sputum smear positive-turned-negative rate, the
      absorption rate of TB foci and the closure situation of the TB cavity. Two
      investigators identified the eligible studies and extracted data independently.
      Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and pooled
      using the fixed effects model. A total of 25 studies involving 2,281 patients
      with MDR-TB were included. The pooled OR was 3.84 (95% CI, 3.84-4.73) for the
      sputum smear positive-turned-negative, 4.08 (95% CI, 3.08-5.45) for the
      absorption rate of TB foci, and 3.42 (95% CI, 2.68-4.37) for the closure
      situation of TB cavity. Therefore, MV has a significant effect as an adjunctive
      therapy in the treatment of MDR-TB. However, larger scale multicenter randomized
      controlled trials are required to confirm this evidence for limited latent bias
      at present.

PMID- 27123254
TI  - Helicobacter pylori hopQ alleles (type I and II) in gastric cancer.
AB  - The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) outer membrane protein (HopQ) of is one of
      the proteins involved in bacterial adherence to gastric mucosa and has been
      suggested to have a role in the virulence of H. pylori. The aim of the present
      study was to determine the association between H. pylori virulence types I and II
      hopQ genotypes and patients with different gastrointestinal diseases. A
      polymerase chain reaction-based assay was used to determine the presence of type
      I and type II hopQ genes in 88 H. pylori strains isolated from H. pylori-infected
      patients. Of the total 88 H. pylori isolates, type I and type II hopQ alleles
      were detected in 52 (59.1%) and 36 (40.9%), respectively. A significant
      association was found between type I hopQ gene and gastric cancer [odds ratio,
      2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-4.1] and gastric ulcers (odds ratio, 2.5;
      95% CI, 1.4-4.3). A significant association was also identified between the type
      II hopQ gene and gastric cancer (odds ratio, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.1-3.0). The
      association between hopQ type I and hopQ type II genotypes and clinical status
      suggest that these genes may be helpful in the universal prediction of specific
      disease risks.

PMID- 27123255
TI  - Changes in the Dickkopf-1 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b serum levels
      in preschool children with nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes in the serum Dickkopf
      1 (DKK-1) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b) levels in
      preschoolers with nephrotic syndrome (NS). A total of 50 preschoolers (3-5 years
      old) with NS and 20 healthy preschoolers (control group) were enrolled in the
      prospective single-center study. The patients with NS received glucocorticoid
      treatment and the control group received no treatment. The levels of serum
      calcium, phosphorus, TRACP-5b, DKK-1 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were measured at
      baseline and at 3 and 6 months in all the subjects. The levels of DKK-1 and TRACP
      5b were significantly higher in the NS group prior to treatment when compared to
      the control group (P<0.05), but did not differ significantly between the two
      groups following treatment (P>0.05). Therefore, DKK-1 and TRACP-5b can be used as
      biomarkers of bone formation and bone resorption, respectively, in the early
      evaluation of bone metabolism.

PMID- 27123256
TI  - Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels as clinical markers for patients with lung cancer.
AB  - Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its essential binding protein-3 (IGFBP
      3) exhibit significant roles in cellular proliferation, differentiation and
      apoptosis in numerous malignancies, including lung cancer. The aim of the present
      study was to determine the clinical roles of the serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels
      in lung cancer patients. A total of 80 patients with lung cancer were enrolled in
      the study. Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentrations were determined by ELISA
      methods. The median age of patients was 58.5 years old, with a range of 36-80
      years. The majority of the patients had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (85%)
      and metastatic disease (56%). No significant differences were observed in serum
      IGF-1 levels between lung cancer patients and healthy subjects (P=0.403).
      However, baseline serum IGFBP-3 levels of the lung cancer patients were
      significantly lower compared to the control group (P<0.001). The male patients
      had elevated serum IGF-1 concentrations compared to females (P=0.025).
      Furthermore, patients with NSCLC histology and metastatic stage in NSCLC had
      elevated serum IGF-1 (P=0.022 and P=0.039, respectively) and IGFBP-3 (P=0.005 and
      P=0.043, respectively) levels compared with those with SCLC histology and non
      metastatic stage in NSCLC. However, none of the other clinical variables,
      including age of patient, tumor histology and chemotherapy responsiveness, were
      observed as correlated with serum assays of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 (P>0.05). There was
      a significant association found between IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels in lung
      cancer patients (P<0.001). Neither serum IGF-1 nor IGFBP-3 concentrations were
      associated with outcome (P=0.552 and P=0.471, respectively). In conclusion, serum
      concentrations of IGFBP-3 may have a diagnostic predictor in patients with lung
      cancer compared to serum IGF-1 concentrations. However, predictive and prognostic
      values of the two serum assays were not observed.

PMID- 27123257
TI  - An association between dietary habits and traffic accidents in patients with
      chronic liver disease: A data-mining analysis.
AB  - The incidence of traffic accidents in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD)
      is high in the USA. However, the characteristics of patients, including dietary
      habits, differ between Japan and the USA. The present study investigated the
      incidence of traffic accidents in CLD patients and the clinical profiles
      associated with traffic accidents in Japan using a data-mining analysis. A cross
      sectional study was performed and 256 subjects [148 CLD patients (CLD group) and
      106 patients with other digestive diseases (disease control group)] were
      enrolled; 2 patients were excluded. The incidence of traffic accidents was
      compared between the two groups. Independent factors for traffic accidents were
      analyzed using logistic regression and decision-tree analyses. The incidence of
      traffic accidents did not differ between the CLD and disease control groups (8.8
      vs. 11.3%). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that yoghurt
      consumption was the only independent risk factor for traffic accidents (odds
      ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.85; P=0.0197). Similarly, the
      results of the decision-tree analysis showed that yoghurt consumption was the
      initial divergence variable. In patients who consumed yoghurt habitually, the
      incidence of traffic accidents was 6.6%, while that in patients who did not
      consume yoghurt was 16.0%. CLD was not identified as an independent factor in the
      logistic regression and decision-tree analyses. In conclusion, the difference in
      the incidence of traffic accidents in Japan between the CLD and disease control
      groups was insignificant. Furthermore, yoghurt consumption was an independent
      negative risk factor for traffic accidents in patients with digestive diseases,
      including CLD.

PMID- 27123258
TI  - Effects of Dendropanax morbifera Leveille extracts on cadmium and mercury
      secretion as well as oxidative capacity: A randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled trial.
AB  - In this randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, the effects
      of Dendropanax morbifera (D. morbifera) Leveille on heavy metal (cadmium and
      mercury) excretion as well as on lipid peroxidation and Cu, Zn-superoxide
      dismutase (SOD1) activity were investigated. For this study, tablets containing
      placebo or 300 mg of the leaf extract from D. morbifera Leveille were used. A
      total of 60 eligible healthy subjects were enrolled in this randomized, double
      blind, placebo-controlled study. The differences in cadmium, mercury, and
      malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and SOD1 activity were measured in the serum 60 days
      after treatment with placebo or D. morbifera Leveille extracts. No significant
      differences between baseline characteristics and biochemical values were
      identified in subjects in the placebo and D. morbifera Leveille groups. Serum
      levels of cadmium, mercury and MDA decreased following consumption of D.
      morbifera Leveille extracts; however, no significant differences were identified.
      In addition, female, but not male, subjects who consumed D. morbifera Leveille
      extracts showed a significant increase in SOD1 activity. This result suggests
      that chronic consumption of D. morbifera Leveille extract can help to facilitate
      excretion of cadmium and mercury from serum and increase the antioxidant capacity
      in humans.

PMID- 27123259
TI  - Involvement of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in the renoprotective effects of
      isorhamnetin in a type 2 diabetic rat model.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the renoprotective effects of
      isorhamnetin (ISO) in type 2 diabetic rats and its effects on the nuclear factor
      kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway, which is associated with diabetic
      nephropathy. The type 2 diabetic rat model was established by a high-fat diet
      plus streptozocin injection and the rats were subsequently treated with two
      dosages of ISO, respectively. The levels of blood glucose were determined.
      Urinary osteopontin, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and albumin were measured
      to evaluate the renal function of the rats. Renal NF-kappaB signaling activity
      was assessed by measuring the levels of NF-kappaB p65, phospho-NF-kappaB p65,
      inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkappaBalpha) and phospho-IkappaBalpha, and the NF-kappaB
      p65 DNA-binding activity. Downstream inflammatory mediators [tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, intercellular
      adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)] of
      the NF-kappaB signaling pathway were investigated to evaluate the renal
      inflammatory response. Renal levels of malondialdehyde and total superoxide
      dismutase were detected to access the oxidative stress. Furthermore, glomerular
      mesangial cells (GMCs) were treated with lipopolysaccharide and ISO. In the
      cellular experiment, the NF-kappaB signaling activity, levels of TNF-alpha, IL
      1beta, IL-6, ICAM-1 and TGF-beta1, and oxidative stress were also investigated.
      The results showed that ISO decreased the levels of urinary osteopontin, KIM-1
      and albumin. ISO also inhibited the NF-kappaB signaling activity, decreased the
      production of inflammatory mediators and attenuated oxidative stress in diabetic
      rats and GMCs. The present investigations revealed that ISO had ameliorative
      effects on diabetes-induced renal damage and the activity may be associated with
      the negative regulation of NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

PMID- 27123260
TI  - Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the growth of IEC-6 cells
      injured by heavy metals.
AB  - Environmental pollution is a current area of focus worldwide, particularly heavy
      metal pollution. Feasible prevention or therapeutic strategies are required.
      Exploration of the correlation between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega
      3 PUFAs) and intestinal epithelial cells injured by heavy metals may be of
      significance for intestinal health. In the present study, the effects of omega-3
      PUFAs on the rat intestinal crypt cell line (IEC-6) injured by heavy metals and
      its mechanisms were determined according to the evaluation of cell viability and
      expression levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), epidermal growth factor (EGF)
      and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The results demonstrated that omega-3 PUFAs can improve
      the viability of IEC-6 cells injured by heavy metals and the expression level of
      ROS was correlated with oxidative damage; the increased expression level of
      inflammatory factors is associated with cell apoptosis. In the present study,
      omega-3 PUFAs significantly decreased the expression levels of ROS, EGF and IL-6.
      This indicates that the protective action of omega-3 PUFAs was associated with a
      decrease of oxidative damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression against the
      damage of heavy metals.

PMID- 27123261
TI  - Soluble cluster of differentiation 36 concentrations are not associated with
      cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged subjects.
AB  - Cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) is involved in the development of
      atherosclerosis by enhancing macrophage endocytosis of oxidized low-density
      lipoproteins and foam cell formation. Soluble CD36 (sCD36) was found to be
      elevated in type 2 diabetic patients and possibly acted as a marker of insulin
      resistance and atherosclerosis. In young subjects, sCD36 was associated with
      cardiovascular risk factors including obesity and hypertriglyceridemia. The
      present study was conducted to further investigate the association between plasma
      sCD36 and cardiovascular risk factors among middle-aged patients with metabolic
      syndrome (MetS) and healthy controls. sCD36 concentrations were determined by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for 41 patients with MetS and 36
      healthy controls. Data for other variables were obtained from patient medical
      records. sCD36 concentrations were relatively low compared to the majority of
      other studies and were not significantly different between the MetS group and
      controls (P=0.17). sCD36 was also not correlated with age, body mass index,
      glucose, lipid profile, serum electrolytes and blood counts. sCD36 was not
      significantly different between subjects with obesity, hyperglycemia,
      dyslipidemia, hypertension or cardiovascular disease, and those without these
      abnormalities (P>0.05). The inconsistency between results reported in the present
      study and other studies may be unique to the study population or be a result of
      the lack of a reliable standardized method for determining absolute sCD36
      concentrations. However, further investigations are required to assess CD36
      tissue expression in the study population and to assess the accuracy of various
      commercially available sCD36 ELISA kits. Thus, the availability of a standardized
      simple sCD36 ELISA that could be performed in any basic laboratory would be more
      favorable to the specialized flow cytometry methods that detect CD36+
      microparticles if it was to be used as a biomarker.

PMID- 27123262
TI  - Cardiotoxicity associated with targeted cancer therapies.
AB  - Compared with traditional chemotherapy, targeted cancer therapy is a novel
      strategy in which key molecules in signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis
      and tumor spread are inhibited. Targeted cancer therapy has fewer adverse effects
      on normal cells and is considered to be the future of chemotherapy. However,
      targeted cancer therapy-induced cardiovascular toxicities are occasionally
      critical issues in patients who receive novel anticancer agents, such as
      trastuzumab, bevacizumab, sunitinib and imatinib. The aim of this review was to
      discuss these most commonly used drugs and associated incidence of
      cardiotoxicities, including left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure,
      hypertension and thromboembolic events, as well as summarize their respective
      molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular adverse effects.

PMID- 27123264
TI  - Repeated changes of the molecular subtype in gastric metastasis from breast
      cancer: A case report.
AB  - Gastric metastasis from breast cancer is clinically diagnosed rarely. The present
      study described an interesting and valuable case of gastric metastasis from
      breast cancer, which showed repeated changes of the molecular subtype with an
      impact on the choice of treatment. A 42-year-old woman underwent mastectomy with
      axillary lymph node dissection for an invasive lobular carcinoma of the left
      breast. The patient received gastroscopy due to an epigastric pain during the
      adjuvant chemotherapy. The endoscopic examination revealed an erosive lesion at
      the posterior wall of the gastric body. The gastric lesion was
      immunohistochemically diagnosed as a metastatic disease from the breast cancer.
      The patient initially received hormone therapy, according to the subtype of the
      primary and the metastatic diseases. The gastric lesion initially disappeared;
      however, a relapsed lesion transformed into luminal human epidermal growth factor
      receptor 2 type from luminal type. Subsequently, the metastatic lesions underwent
      repeated subtype changing, which created difficultly when deciding the treatment
      strategy. The molecular profile of breast cancer can change during the treatment,
      resulting in the treatment resistance observed in certain cases. Therefore, the
      optimal treatment must be selected, according to the changed subtype.

PMID- 27123266
TI  - B3-lesions of the breast and cancer risk - an analysis of mammography screening
      patients.
AB  - The use of mammography screening, followed by needle core biopsy (NCB), is
      associated with an increasing amount of invasive procedures. A considerable
      amount of specimens must be classified as lesions with uncertain malignant
      potential (B3-lesion). In these cases, an open biopsy is indicated for further
      diagnosis. We evaluated patients with B3-lesions to determine the risk of
      malignancy corresponding to the histopathological NCB results and the type of
      radiological lesion identified. A total of 95 patients participating in the
      German mammography screening program with a B3-lesion following NCB (104 B3
      lesions in total) were included in our analysis. We analyzed the correlation
      between the initial histopathological findings from the NCB specimen and cancer
      risk. We further analyzed the correlations of malignant results with the type of
      mammographic lesion. In 23 cases (22%), histopathological examination following
      excision revealed a malignant lesion, including invasive and in situ carcinoma.
      The positive predictive value of the subgroups of B3-lesions ranged between 0.11
      and 0.31; the B3-lesion associated with the highest cancer risk was the atypical
      ductal hyperplasia; however, no significant difference was observed between the
      B3-lesion subgroups (P=0.309) regarding the risk of malignancy. Comparing the
      different types of mammographic findings, such as radiological mass or
      microcalcifications, there was no significant difference in the risk for
      malignancy (P=0.379). The different types of B3-lesions did not exhibit
      differences in the risk for malignancy, and the morphological type of
      mammographic lesion does not appear to be correlated with cancer risk; therefore,
      our results underline the need for open biopsy in patients with B3-lesions
      following NCB.

PMID- 27123265
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging findings and prognosis of gastric-type mucinous
      adenocarcinoma (minimal deviation adenocarcinoma or adenoma malignum) of the
      uterine corpus: Two case reports.
AB  - Our group previously documented the first, very rare case of primary gastric-type
      mucinous adenocarcinoma of the uterine corpus. Although this type of endometrial
      cancer appears to be similar to the gastric-type adenocarcinoma of the uterine
      cervix, its main symptoms, appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      prognosis have not been fully elucidated due to its rarity. We herein describe an
      additional case of gastric-type mucinous adenocarcinoma of the endometrium and
      review the relevant literature. The two cases at our institution (Kyoto
      University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan) involved postmenopausal women with a primary
      complaint of abnormal genital bleeding. Microscopic examination of the
      hysterectomy specimens indicated a highly differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma
      with a desmoplastic stromal reaction. Immunohistochemistry for HIK1083 and/or
      MUC6 was positive in both cases, suggesting a gastric phenotype. Both patients
      were diagnosed at an advanced stage, they relapsed or recurred immediately after
      adjuvant chemotherapy, and eventually succumbed to the disease. The main symptom
      of gastric-type mucinous adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix is watery
      discharge, whereas abnormal genital bleeding in addition to watery discharge is
      mainly observed in the mucinous type of endometrial adenocarcinoma. Cystic
      cavities in the tumor are present on MRI in cases of endometrial origin, and
      prognosis is very poor due to resistance to chemotherapy. Thus, gastric-type
      mucinous adenocarcinoma of the uterine endometrium exhibits a clinical behavior
      that is similar to tumors originating from the uterine cervix, but is associated
      with distinguishing clinical symptoms. The incidence of gastric-type endometrial
      adenocarcinoma may be higher than expected.

PMID- 27123267
TI  - Primary combined small and squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx: A case
      report.
AB  - We herein report a very rare case of combined small-cell carcinoma (SmCC) of the
      hypopharynx, with a squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) element. A 74-year-old man
      presented with a 3-month history of throat pain and hoarseness. On
      hypopharyngoscopy, a tumor was identified in the right anterior wall of the
      piriform sinus and, following examination of a biopsy sample, the lesion was
      diagnosed as SqCC. Total laryngectomy with bilateral neck dissection was
      performed and the malignancy was diagnosed as combined SmCC. One month after
      surgery, concomitant chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin and etoposide was
      administered. Immunohistochemically, the SmCC element was positive for CD56 and
      Ki-67 (50.2%), whereas the SqCC element was positive for cytokeratin 34betaE12
      and Ki-67 (47.5%). Furthermore, the SmCC element was positive for KIT and
      platelet-derived growth factor alpha (PDGFRalpha), while the SqCC element was
      positive for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and PDGFRalpha. By genetic
      analysis, a silent mutation in the PDGFRalpha gene was recognized. The expression
      of KIT, PDGFRalpha and EGFR in this case provided evidence that combined SmCC may
      be a candidate for molecular-targeted therapy, although further investigations
      are required.

PMID- 27123263
TI  - Immunoglobulin gene translocations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A report of
      35 patients and review of the literature.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) represents the most common hematological
      malignancy in Western countries, with a highly heterogeneous clinical course and
      prognosis. Translocations involving the immunoglobulin (IG) genes are regularly
      identified. From 2000 to 2014, we identified an IG gene translocation in 18 of
      the 396 patients investigated at diagnosis (4.6%) and in 17 of the 275 analyzed
      during follow-up (6.2%). A total of 4 patients in whom the IG translocation was
      identified at follow-up did not carry the translocation at diagnosis. The IG
      heavy locus (IGH) was involved in 27 translocations (77.1%), the IG kappa locus
      (IGK) in 1 (2.9%) and the IG lambda locus (IGL) in 7 (20.0%). The chromosome band
      partners of the IG translocations were 18q21 in 16 cases (45.7%), 11q13 and 19q13
      in 4 cases each (11.4% each), 8q24 in 3 cases (8.6%), 7q21 in 2 cases (5.7%),
      whereas 6 other bands were involved once (2.9% each). At present, 35 partner
      chromosomal bands have been described, but the partner gene has solely been
      identified in 10 translocations. CLL associated with IG gene translocations is
      characterized by atypical cell morphology, including plasmacytoid
      characteristics, and the propensity of being enriched in prolymphocytes. The IG
      heavy chain variable region (IGHV) mutational status varies between
      translocations, those with unmutated IGHV presumably involving cells at an
      earlier stage of B-cell lineage. All the partner genes thus far identified are
      involved in the control of cell proliferation and/or apoptosis. The translocated
      partner gene becomes transcriptionally deregulated as a consequence of its
      transposition into the IG locus. With the exception of t(14;18)(q32;q21) and its
      variants, prognosis appears to be poor for the other translocations. Therefore,
      searching for translocations involving not only IGH, but also IGL and IGK, by
      banding and molecular cytogenetics is required. Furthermore, it is important to
      identify the partner gene to ensure the patients receive the optimal treatment.

PMID- 27123268
TI  - Response to chemotherapy with carboplatin plus albumin-bound paclitaxel in a
      patient with lymphoepithelioma-like thymic carcinoma: A case report.
AB  - Thymic carcinoma is a rare neoplasm with a poor outcome due to its aggressive
      characteristics. For patients who are not operable, radiation therapy and/or
      palliative chemotherapy are indicated. However, no optimal chemotherapy regimen
      has been established. The present study reports the case of a 22-year-old man
      with advanced lymphoepithelioma-like thymic carcinoma refractory to conventional
      chemotherapy with carboplatin plus solvent-based paclitaxel (sb-PAC) treatment.
      The patient was subsequently treated with carboplatin plus nanoparticle albumin
      bound paclitaxel (nab-PAC). The treatment resulted in a partial response
      following three cycles of chemotherapy. Since only grade 3 neutropenia, but no
      other severe adverse effects, was observed, no dose reduction was required. To
      the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to present the response
      to chemotherapy with carboplatin plus nab-PAC in a patient with lymphoepithelioma
      like thymic carcinoma. Considering that no standard treatment has been
      established in thymic carcinoma, nab-PAC may merit further investigation in this
      rare, but aggressive disease.

PMID- 27123269
TI  - HER2-positive double primary tumor of gastric and breast cancer occur
      synchronously in a patient: A case report.
AB  - The simultaneous occurrence of primary gastric cancer and breast cancer is rare,
      and the positive expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2 in
      double primary carcinoma of gastric and breast cancer remains to be reported. The
      present study presented a 46-year-old woman complaining of irregular acid reflux
      and stomach discomfort. The stomach cancer was diagnosed by
      esophagogastroduodenoscopy examination of the pathological biopsies in 2010. The
      patient underwent a radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, and postoperative
      pathological examination revealed moderately-poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma
      with HER2 positive expression. The tumor invaded into the entire thickness of the
      gastric wall and lymph nodes. The patient received five treatments of
      postoperative chemotherapy. In August 2011, the patient felt a lump in the right
      breast. Simple excision of the right breast mass was performed on September 2011,
      and postoperative pathological examination revealed the invasive ductal carcinoma
      of the right breast with HER2 amplification by fluorescent in situ hybridization
      assay. The patient was treated with postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy,
      and also Trastuzumab target therapy. The patient succumbed to aggressive disease
      progression in March 2012.

PMID- 27123270
TI  - Malignant myoepithelioma of the breast: A case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Malignant myoepithelioma of the breast is an extremely rare tumor composed
      entirely or almost entirely of malignant spindle cells with myoepithelial
      differentiation. Only a limited number of case reports have been descibed to
      date; therefore the biological behavior and treatment outcomes of this rare tumor
      have not been clearly determined. Herein, we present a case of a 74-year-old
      woman who was admitted with inflammatory-like cancer of the breast, presenting
      with invasion of the chest wall and axillary lymph node metastasis at the time of
      diagnosis. The histological examination revealed a tumor composed of epithelioid
      and spindle cells with moderate to marked nuclear atypia, with foci of hemorrhage
      and necrosis. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for vimentin, p63, p53, CD10,
      cytokeratin (CK)8/18, CKAE1-3 and S-100. Finally, a diagnosis of myoepithelial
      carcinoma of the breast was established. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was first
      administered and proved to be ineffective. Due to locoregional progression that
      was associated with the development of an abscess and subsequent excessive
      bleeding, a palliative mastectomy was performed. Postoperatively, one more cycle
      of systemic chemotherapy was administered. However, the patient experienced an
      early relapse to the chest wall and succumbed to septic shock due to persistent
      local infection. The aggressiveness and chemoresistance of the tumor in this case
      was consistent with the existing bibliography.

PMID- 27123271
TI  - Cutaneous involvement as a rare first sign of systemic mantle cell lymphoma: A
      case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a unique type of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,
      which very rarely exhibits skin involvement. We herein describe the case of a 55
      year-old woman, who initially presented with a nodular mass of the right
      infraorbital region. On histological analysis of the subcutaneous tissue, a
      diffuse neoplastic cell infiltration was identified, composed of medium-sized
      lymphoid cells with irregular nuclei, which was diagnosed as MCL. The tumor cells
      were positive for CD5, CD20, CD79a, cyclin D1 and sex-determining region Y-box
      11, but negative for CD10 and CD23. Our patient received six cycles of R-CHOP
      chemotherapy and intrathecal methotrexate as central nervous system prophylaxis.
      However, the patient relapsed 1 year later and was treated with two cycles of R
      DHAP and one cycle of intrathecal methotrexate. After achieving partial
      remission, the patient was consolidated with peripheral blood stem cell
      transplantation using the BEAM conditioning regime. While prior case studies
      suggest that skin invasion by MCL is associated with a poor prognosis, our
      patient remains alive almost 4 years after the initial presentation. Skin
      involvement as a first sign of systemic MCL is very rare and must be considered.

PMID- 27123272
TI  - An 80-gene set to predict response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy for rectal
      cancer by principle component analysis.
AB  - Preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer not only
      improves the postoperative local control rate, but also induces downstaging.
      However, it has not been established how to individually select patients who
      receive effective preoperative CRT. The aim of this study was to identify a
      predictor of response to preoperative CRT for locally advanced rectal cancer.
      This study is additional to our multicenter phase II study evaluating the safety
      and efficacy of preoperative CRT using oral fluorouracil (UMIN ID: 03396). From
      April, 2009 to August, 2011, 26 biopsy specimens obtained prior to CRT were
      analyzed by cyclopedic microarray analysis. Response to CRT was evaluated
      according to a histological grading system using surgically resected specimens.
      To decide on the number of genes for dividing into responder and non-responder
      groups, we statistically analyzed the data using a dimension reduction method, a
      principle component analysis. Of the 26 cases, 11 were responders and 15 non
      responders. No significant difference was found in clinical background data
      between the two groups. We determined that the optimal number of genes for the
      prediction of response was 80 of 40,000 and the functions of these genes were
      analyzed. When comparing non-responders with responders, genes expressed at a
      high level functioned in alternative splicing, whereas those expressed at a low
      level functioned in the septin complex. Thus, an 80-gene expression set that
      predicts response to preoperative CRT for locally advanced rectal cancer was
      identified using a novel statistical method.

PMID- 27123273
TI  - A retrospective study on intensity-modulated radiation therapy combined with
      chemotherapy after D2 radical surgery for gastric carcinoma.
AB  - In order to investigate the clinical value of different chemotherapies, the
      efficacy of intensity-modulated radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy
      following D2 radical surgery for gastric carcinoma was evaluated in this study. A
      total of 102 patients who underwent D2 radical surgery for gastric carcinoma
      followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) between January, 2008 and March,
      2012, were selected. The 5/7 field intensity-modulated radiation therapy was
      used, with a planning target volume dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks.
      Among these patients, 45 were administered 400 mg/m2/day fluorouracil and 20
      mg/m2/day tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol through intravenous infusion 4 days before
      and 3 days after the radiotherapy (F-CRT group), while 57 patients received 825
      mg/m2 capecitabine orally twice a day (C-CRT group). The 3-year overall and the
      disease-free survival rates were 75.5 and 70.5%, respectively. The overall 3-year
      survival rates of the F-CRT and C-CRT groups were 72.2 and 78.5% (P>0.05),
      respectively, and the 3-year disease-free survival rates were 67.7 and 72.8%
      (P>0.05), respectively. No significant differences were observed between the two
      groups. However, during the concurrent CRT, significant differences were found in
      the incidence of grade 1-2 haematological toxicity between the F-CRT and C-CRT
      groups (73.3 vs. 50.9%, respectively; chi2 =5.320, P=0.021). Significant
      differences were also found in the incidence of grade 1-2 gastrointestinal
      reactions between the two groups (77.8 vs. 57.9%, respectively; chi2=4.474,
      P=0.034). Therefore, intensity-modulated radiation therapy combined with
      concurrent chemotherapy following D2 radical surgery for gastric cancer was found
      to be safe and effective. In addition, radiotherapy was better tolerated and more
      likely to be completed using C-CRT rather than F-CRT.

PMID- 27123274
TI  - Distinct epithelial growth factor receptor mutation profile in non-small-cell
      lung cancer patients from the Xuanwei area of China.
AB  - The Xuanwei county in China has a high incidence of lung cancer and related
      mortality. Previous studies have suggested that these cases may be associated
      with a distinctive pattern of mutations in the epithelial growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) gene. In this retrospective study, we investigated the mutation profile of
      EGFR in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues from patients in Xuanwei, and
      the associated clinicopathological characteristics. Specimens from 258
      consecutive patients with lung cancer (90 from Xuanwei and 168 from other areas
      of Yunnan province) were subjected to amplification refractory mutation system
      polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) to detect EGFR mutations. In 67 specimens
      from Xuanwei, the results were confirmed by direct DNA sequencing for EGFR
      mutations. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the echinoderm microtubule-associated
      protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4-ALK) fusion protein was performed
      on all specimens from Xuanwei. We observed that Xuanwei patients presented with
      distinctive clinicopathological characteristics, including female gender
      predominance, younger age, higher rate of lymph node metastasis, higher rate of
      adenocarcinoma histological classification and lower disease stage, and a low
      rate of the 'classical' mutations on EGFR exons 19 and 21 compared with non
      Xuanwei patients (7.8 and 21.6% vs. 49.3 and 39.7%, respectively; P<0.05 for
      combined data). However, a significantly higher percentage of Xuanwei patients
      harbored co-mutation of EGFR exons 18 and 20 compared with non-Xuanwei patients
      (45.1 vs. 4.1%, respectively; P<0.0001). Specimens from 2 Xuanwei patients (2.2%)
      were positive for the EML4-ALK fusion protein; by IHC, neither harbored EGFR
      mutations. There was no obvious association between EGFR mutations and disease
      stage or lymph node involvement. Thus, NSCLC patients in Xuanwei presented with a
      unique EGFR profile of high rates of co-mutation of exons 18 and 20, and low
      rates of exon 19 or 21 mutations when compared with patients from other areas in
      the same province, whereas only few of the tumors from Xuanwei patients expressed
      the EML4-ALK oncogene.

PMID- 27123275
TI  - Outcome of patients with glioblastoma in Saudi Arabia: Single center experience.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common primary brain tumor in adults, is
      associated with one of the worst 5 year survival rates among all human cancer
      types. To date, no published data are available for the outcome of this disease
      in Saudi Arabia. The present study performed a single-center, retrospective
      cohort study to evaluate the outcome of patients with GBM in Saudi Arabia. The
      Comprehensive Cancer Center at King Fahad Medical city (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) was
      used in the present study. All adult patients (>=18 years) diagnosed with
      histologically proven GBM between January 2008 and December 2013 were included in
      the present study. A total of 90 patients were treated during the specified
      period. Of this, 73 (81%) patients underwent resection and 17 (19%) had biopsy
      only. The majority of patients (n=88; 98%) received radiotherapy (XRT): 67 (76%)
      with standard and 21 (24%) with hypo-fractionated dosage. Of the total patients,
      65 (72%) received combined modality therapy [standard XRT concurrently with
      Temozolmide (TMZ)]. The 6 month progression-free survival rate was 43% for all
      patients and 55% for the combined modality subgroup. The median overall survival
      (OS) for all patients was 13.7 months. However, the median OS for patients
      treated with combined modality was 19.7 months. In this single-center
      retrospective study, the outcomes of patients with GBM were similar to those in
      previously reported studies. An improved outcome was associated with an improved
      performance status, absence of residual disease and use of adjuvant TMZ.

PMID- 27123276
TI  - Back to the start: Evaluation of prognostic markers in gastrointestinal stromal
      tumors.
AB  - The aim of this study was to provide a standardized risk stratification model for
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) based on tumor localization, tumor size,
      involved lymph nodes and metastases, as well as mitotic activity and other
      morphological and molecular markers, in order to improve the risk evaluation
      scheme for recurrence, metastatic spread and survival for patients with GIST. A
      total of 201 cases of patients with GIST were investigated according to
      standardized morphological markers, including nuclear pleomorphism, tumor cell
      necrosis, mucosal infiltration, ulceration, skeinoid fibers and growth pattern.
      In addition, all cases were immunohistochemically analyzed using a tissue
      microarray platform for various markers of differentiation (CD34, CD44, CD117,
      desmin, discovered on GIST 1, platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha, S
      100 and smooth muscle actin) and proliferation (B-cell lymphoma 2, P16, P53,
      phosphohistone H3 and Ki-67). These findings were correlated by uni- and
      multivariable analyses with clinicopathological characteristics, including
      recurrence, metastasis and survival. The general clinicopathological parameters
      of this GIST specimen cohort were comparable to previous studies. While several
      parameters exhibited clear associations to each other and to the defined clinical
      endpoints, the multivariate analysis reduced the number of relevant prognostic
      variables to localization, margin status, growth pattern and hematoxylin and
      eosin-based mitosis/Ki-67-based proliferation of GISTs. With the exception of
      CD34, none of the applied markers of differentiation and proliferation were found
      to be independent prognostic markers in GIST and the classical risk factors of
      GIST remain important prognostic factors. Additionally, growth pattern may
      predict the risk of recurrence and metastasis in GIST patients. Additional
      independent molecular prognostic markers remain to be identified and validated.

PMID- 27123277
TI  - Elevated levels of plasma lactate dehydrogenase is an unfavorable prognostic
      factor in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive non
      small cell lung cancer, receiving treatment with gefitinib or erlotinib.
AB  - Treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR
      TKIs) has been shown to prolong survival in patients with EGFR mutation-positive
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The present study performed a retrospective
      analysis to investigate the association between the plasma lactate dehydrogenase
      (LDH) levels and survival in patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC receiving
      treatment with EGFR-TKIs. The medical charts of patients with EGFR mutation
      positive NSCLC who were receiving treatment with EGFR-TKIs at Toyama University
      Hospital between 2007 and 2014 were assessed. The data from 65 patients were
      included in the analysis. Patients with higher plasma LDH levels exhibited
      shorter progression-free survival (6.2 vs. 13.2 months; P<0.01) and overall
      survival (10.5 vs. 36.1 months; P<0.01) periods compared with patients with lower
      plasma LDH levels. A Cox proportional hazards model identified that the plasma
      LDH level was associated with the progression-free survival (P=0.05) and overall
      survival (P<0.01). An association was demonstrated between the pretreatment
      plasma LDH level and the survival in patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC
      receiving treatment with EGFR-TKIs. Close observation is required in EGFR
      mutation-positive NSCLC patients exhibiting high plasma LDH levels following the
      initiation of treatment with EGFR-TKIs.

PMID- 27123278
TI  - Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma of the epiglottis: A case report.
AB  - Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma is an uncommon malignant tumor derived from
      the terminal duct cells of the salivary glands. The present study described a
      rare case of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, T2N0M0 stage 2, in a 65-year
      old man, who presented with a sore throat and painful dysphagia. Computed
      tomography revealed an infiltrative heterogenous enhancing mass involving the
      left aryepiglottic fold. He underwent a tumor removal with frozen section for
      evaluating the surgical margin. Subsequent supraglottic laryngectomy was
      performed. Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma was diagnosed histologically,
      characterized by cytologic uniformly, morphologic diversity and an infiltrative
      growth pattern. Epiglottic cartilaginous invasion by the tumor is demonstrated.
      Clinical, radiological, endoscopic and pathological features with briefly
      reviewed relevant literatures are discussed. This is the first reported
      description in the literature, to the best of our knowledge, of an epiglottic
      polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma receiving successful supraglottic
      laryngectomy with 7 year disease free survival.

PMID- 27123279
TI  - Combination chemotherapy with docetaxel and carboplatin for elderly patients with
      endometrial cancer.
AB  - Approximately half of all endometrial cancer cases are diagnosed in patients aged
      >65 years. The objective of this study was to compare the tolerability and
      effectiveness of combination chemotherapy with docetaxel and carboplatin between
      endometrial cancer patients older and younger than 65 years of age. Chemotherapy
      naive patients with endometrial cancer were enrolled in this retrospective study
      between April, 2008 and March, 2015. The patients received docetaxel (60 mg/m2)
      and carboplatin (area under the curve of 6 mg/ml/min) on day 1 of a 3-week cycle.
      The tolerability and effectiveness of this regimen were analyzed. A total of 41
      patients with endometrial cancer were enrolled in this study, of whom 26 (63%)
      were aged <65 years and 15 (37%) were aged >=65 years. There were no significant
      differences with regard to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status
      score and disease stage between the two groups. Patients aged >65 years were
      significantly more likely to have serous or clear-cell histology and high-grade
      tumors compared with the younger group (P=0.014 and 0.012, respectively).
      Although the number of chemotherapy cycles, cycle delays and treatment
      interruptions were comparable between older and younger patients, there was a
      trend toward more dose reductions in the older group (P=0.12). The incidence of
      hematological toxicities did not differ significantly between the two groups. The
      incidence of grade 3/4 diarrhea was significantly higher in the older group
      (P=0.014) and hypersensitivity was significantly more frequent in the younger
      group (P=0.035). Patients aged >=65 years had equivalent response rates,
      progression-free survival and overall survival compared with those aged <65
      years. These results suggest that combination chemotherapy with docetaxel and
      carboplatin was tolerable and effective for the treatment of elderly chemotherapy
      naive patients with endometrial cancer.

PMID- 27123281
TI  - Aplastic anemia associated with severe hemorrhagic cystitis following
      radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
AB  - Hemorrhagic cystitis is a rare complication following radiotherapy for
      intrapelvic cancer types, including cervical cancer, bladder cancer and prostate
      cancer. The severity of hemorrhagic cystitis is different in each case, although
      symptoms improve spontaneously in certain cases, and often significant morbidity
      requiring numerous interventions occurs. Since no treatment strategy exists with
      high evidences for such severe hemorrhagic cystitis, urologists have difficulty
      in solving the bleeding and pain, which the patients suffer. Aplastic anemia is a
      rare blood disorder, with an incidence reported as 2/1 million individuals
      annually. Patients have a risk of diffuse bleeding for presentation with anemia,
      thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. The present report presented a case of severe
      hemorrhagic cystitis remitted successfully by the treatment for underlying
      aplastic anemia.

PMID- 27123280
TI  - Feasibility and early outcome of high-dose-rate Ir-192 brachytherapy as
      monotherapy in two fractions within 1 day for high-/very high-risk prostate
      cancer.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary
      outcomes of high-dose-rate (HDR)-brachytherapy as a monotherapy in two fractions
      within 1 day for localized prostate cancer, including high-/very high-risk cases.
      Among the 68 patients treated with HDR monotherapy between July 2011 and December
      2014, 65 had a minimal follow-up of 12 months without adjuvant androgen
      deprivation therapy and were enrolled in the present study [42/65 (64.6%)
      exhibited high-/very high-risk diseases]. HDR monotherapy was performed in two
      fractions with a minimal interval of 6 h and the prescribed dose was 13.5 Gy
      (*2). Adverse events (AEs) were assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for
      Adverse Events (version 4;
      http://ctep.cancer.gov/protocolDevelopment/electronic_applications/ctc.htm#ctc_40
      , and biochemical failure was assessed by the Phoenix definition. The median
      follow-up time was 30.1 months. The majority of patients had Grade 0-1 acute AEs.
      Four patients (6.2%) exhibited urinary retention, requiring a Foley catheter.
      Grade 3 acute AEs occurred at a frequency of 3.1% and hematuria at 1.5%. The
      majority of patients also exhibited Grade 0-1 chronic AEs. Grade 3 chronic AEs
      occurred at a frequency of 1.5% and urethral stricture at 1.5%, for which
      endoscopic treatment was indicated. Acute and chronic gastrointestinal AEs were
      uncommon, and no Grade 3 or above AEs developed. Biochemical failure occurred in
      4 patients who all exhibited high-/very high-risk diseases. Kaplan-Meier
      estimated that 3 year biochemical failure-free survival was 91.6% overall and
      88.0% in high-/very high-risk cases. The present two-fraction 1 day HDR
      monotherapy is feasible with minimal AEs and achieved acceptable biochemical
      control of localized prostate cancer, including high-/very high-risk cases,
      although long-term follow-up is required.

PMID- 27123282
TI  - Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus: Solitary tumor or sign of a complex gastrointestinal
      syndrome.
AB  - Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus (FEP), which is considered to be an uncommon variant
      of basal cell carcinoma, has been described in association with other systemic
      diseases. However, no specific studies are currently available on this subject.
      The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical and morphological
      characteristics of FEP and investigate whether this rare tumor is a single entity
      or seen in the context of a more complex syndrome. We retrospectively analyzed 49
      cases of FEP diagnosed and excised in a single academic institution from 1995 to
      2011. The tumors were mainly located on the trunk (77.55%), followed by the lower
      extremities (12.20%) and the head and neck (10.20%). In 9 of the 49 cases (18%),
      FEP was associated with gastrointestinal tumors. The abovementioned cases are
      presented in an attempt to make clinicians more aware of a possible association
      between FEP and gastrointestinal cancer. Although a possible underlying common
      genetic background between FEP and gastrointestinal tumors was not provided, our
      study suggests that patients with FEP should be screened for the occurrence of
      gastrointestinal tumors.

PMID- 27123283
TI  - Prognostic performance of inflammation-based prognostic indices in locally
      advanced non-small-lung cancer treated with endostar and concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - A proportion of patients with locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      may benefit from anti-angiogenic therapy combined with concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy; however, effective prognostic biomarkers are required for
      prognosis. In this study, we aimed to establish whether inflammation-based
      factors offer a prognostic benefit in terms of response rate (RR) and overall
      survival (OS) in stage III NSCLC patients treated by endostar with concurrent
      chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). We retrospectively investigated an unselected cohort of
      stage III NSCLC patients, who were treated by combined endostar and CCRT. The log
      rank test was used to analyze the association between each clinical variable and
      OS. Cox regression models were fitted to identify risk factors associated with
      OS. A total of 82 patients with stage III NSCLC were treated with a combination
      of endostar and CCRT and 78 patients were included in the data analysis. A total
      of 13 patients achieved a complete response, 49 achieved a partial response, 6
      had stable disease, 8 had progressive disease and 2 patients could not be
      evaluated. The median progression-free survival of the entire group was 10.50
      months (95% CI: 6.298-14.702), while the median OS was 22.83 months (95% CI:
      19.156-26.504). On chi2test analysis, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)
      exerted a significant effect on RR (P=0.048). The univariate analysis identified
      the factors associated with OS, including NLR (P=0.004) and monocyte count
      (P=0.001), whereas the multivariate analysis confirmed NLR [P=0.043, hazard ratio
      (HR)=0.502] and monocyte count (P=0.011, HR=0.387) as independent prognostic
      factors for OS. Our results indicated that, in patients with stage III NSCLC
      treated by a combination of endostar and CCRT, pre-treatment elevated NLR and
      monocyte number are negatively associated with OS.

PMID- 27123284
TI  - Synchronous double primary cancer of the lung and nasal vestibule: A case report
      and literature review.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal vestibule is a rare tumor entity, and
      its occurrence combined with lung cancer is even rarer. Thus, several patients
      are often initially misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed. This is the case report
      of a 55-year-old male patient who presented to our hospital with a neoplasm in
      the left lung. The patient was treated with left upper pulmonary lobectomy and
      the subsequent histopathological examination of the surgical specimen revealed a
      poorly differentiated SCC. On postoperative week 4, the patient presented with
      purulent and bloody discharge from the left nostril and was misdiagnosed with an
      upper jaw cyst. After another 3 weeks, the patient was re-admitted to the
      hospital with a mass of left nostril and nasal congestion. Tru-Cut biopsies from
      the nasal area and histopathological examination revealed a moderately
      differentiated SCC. According to the clinical presentation and the
      histopathological findings, the patient was diagnosed with double primary cancer
      of the lung and the nasal vestibule. The mass of the left nostril was
      significantly reduced in size with radiotherapy. To the best of our knowledge,
      there is no similar case previously reported in the literature. Due to the rarity
      of scc of the nasal vestibule concomittant with lung cancer, we herein present
      this case report with a review of the relevant literature and investigation of
      the clinical characteristics.

PMID- 27123285
TI  - Primary sarcomatoid carcinoma of the jejunum with massive intra-abdominal
      hemorrhage: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Primary sarcomatoid carcinoma of the jejunum is an extremely rare condition, with
      only 16 cases reported in the literature to date. We herein report an additional
      case of a giant sarcomatoid carcinoma of the jejunum in a 62-year-old male
      patient, presenting as massive intra-abdominal hemorrhage. During emergency
      laparotomy, ~5 litres of bloody ascites was found in the peritoneal cavity and
      the tumor was located in the proximal jejunum. The tumor involved the entire wall
      of the jejunum and had directly invaded the neighboring parietal peritoneum,
      omentum, transverse colon and mesentery, with metastatic lymph nodes. The patient
      underwent palliative resection of the tumor; however, the course was rapidly
      progressive and he succumbed to progression of abdominal and liver metastases 4
      weeks after surgery. The tumor was found to be positive for epithelial and
      mesenchymal markers on immunohistochemical analysis. This case emphasizes the
      aggressive clinical course and metastatic nature of this malignant tumor, with a
      supplementary review of the previously published literature.

PMID- 27123286
TI  - Diagnosis of lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis of T1 lower rectal cancer using
      diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging: A case report with lateral pelvic
      lymph node dissection of lower rectal cancer.
AB  - The present study presented a 35-year-old female patient in whom fecal occult
      blood was detected in a medical check-up. Colonoscopy revealed a superficial
      elevated-type tumor with central depression in the lower rectum. The tumor was
      diagnosed as T1 deep invasive cancer. No swollen lymph nodes or distant
      metastasis were found on computed tomography or [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron
      emission tomography with computed tomography. However, a swollen right lateral
      pelvic lymph node (LPLN; short axis 4 mm) was revealed on magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI). This lymph node exhibited high intensity on diffusion-weighted
      imaging (DWI), suggesting metastasis. Low anterior resection, regional lymph node
      dissection and right LPLN dissection (LPLD) were performed. Histological analysis
      revealed metastasis in the right LPLN, as suggested by the high DWI intensity.
      The indication for LPLD in the current Japanese guidelines is based on the tumor
      location and depth of invasion (>=T3), however, not on the status of LPLN
      metastasis in pre-operative evaluation. The present case was cT1, which is not
      included in this indication. DWI is sensitive for the diagnosis of lymph node
      metastasis of colorectal cancer, although inflammation-induced swelling of lymph
      nodes in advanced rectal cancer may cause a false-positive result, which is
      uncommon in T1 cases. Therefore, an LPLN with a high intensity DWI signal in T1
      cases is likely to be metastasis-positive. Pre-operative DWI-MRI may be useful
      for identifying LPLN metastasis when planning the treatment strategy in these
      cases. The present study suggested reinvestigation of the indication for LPLD
      with inclusion of LPLN status on pre-operative imaging.

PMID- 27123287
TI  - Papillary adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis with renal calculus: A rare case
      report.
AB  - Papillary adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis is a rare clinicopathology of a
      kidney tumor with renal calculus. In the present case report, percutaneous renal
      biopsy, nephroscope lithotripsy and radical nephroureterectomy within a papillary
      adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis accompanied with renal calculus was performed
      on a 65-year-old patient, also including a report on the patient's data and a
      literature review. The histopathological features confirmed the diagnosis of
      papillary adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis. Tumors of the renal pelvis are
      uncommon features of urothelial carcinoma, and papillary adenocarcinoma of the
      renal pelvis is a very unusual entity. The present case report describes
      papillary adenocarcinoma of the renal pelvis with renal calculus, which has
      rarely been previously reported.

PMID- 27123288
TI  - Paralytic ileus due to a novel anticancer drug, nab-paclitaxel: A case report.
AB  - Nab-paclitaxel is a recently emerged chemotherapy drug, which is widely used for
      the treatment of multiple types of cancer. The prospects of this novel drug are
      very bright as a result of its higher efficacy and lower toxicity compared with
      paclitaxel. Hence, the side effect, even if rare, require attention in clinical
      practice. The present study described an unusual case of nab-paclitaxel
      associated paralytic ileus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first
      report to demonstrate that nab-paclitaxel may lead to acute intestinal
      obstruction. Since nab-paclitaxel will be used more frequently, this unusual side
      effect might be encountered by a clinical oncologist and must be treated
      correctly. This is the first reported case, to the best of our knowledge, of
      paralytic ileus caused by nab-paclitaxel, which will be widely used as a novel
      anticancer drug.

PMID- 27123289
TI  - A rare case of tumor-mimicking primary angiitis of the central nervous system.
AB  - Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a rare, but severe
      vascular disease. The present study reports the case of a 42-year-old male who
      developed PACNS. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans initially led to a
      misleading diagnosis of malignant glioma, and surgery was performed. The mass was
      resected, and a pathological examination confirmed a cerebral vasculitis. Single
      therapy with high doses of steroid did not improve the patient's condition, while
      a subsequent lesion appeared on the opposite side one year later. Combined
      therapy with methylprednisone and cyclophosphamide resulted in a great
      improvement for the patient. No relapse occurred during one year's follow-up.
      Although a tumor-mimicking PACNS has no established imaging features, a diagnosis
      of tumor-mimicking PACNS should be suspected when the MRI reveals inappropriate
      presentations of a tumor. Greater awareness of this potential manifestation of
      PACNS may facilitate more prompt diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 27123290
TI  - False-positive 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed
      tomography in a patient with metallic implants following chondrosarcoma
      resection.
AB  - Positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorine-18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose
      (18F-FDG) has been used for the staging and evaluation of recurrence in cancer
      patients. We herein report a false-positive result of 18F-FDG PET/computed
      tomography (CT) scan in a patient following chondrosarcoma resection and metallic
      implanting. A 35-year-old male patient with chondrosarcoma of the left iliac bone
      underwent radical resection, metal brace implanting and radiotherapy. A high
      uptake of 18F-FDG was observed in the metallic implants and adjacent tissue
      during PET/CT scanning in the 5th year of follow-up. Tissue biopsy and follow-up
      examination identified no tumor recurrence or infection at these sites,
      suggesting that the results of 18F-FDG PET/CT must be interpreted with caution in
      cancer patients with metallic implants.

PMID- 27123292
TI  - Clinical outcomes of anti-androgen withdrawal and subsequent alternative anti
      androgen therapy for advanced prostate cancer following failure of initial
      maximum androgen blockade.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate the significance of anti-androgen
      withdrawal and/or subsequent alternative anti-androgen therapy in patients with
      advanced prostate cancer (PC) who relapsed after initial maximum androgen
      blockade (MAB). The present study evaluated the clinical outcomes of 272
      consecutive advanced PC patients undergoing anti-androgen withdrawal and/or
      subsequent alternative anti-androgen therapy with flutamide following the failure
      of initial MAB using bicalutamide. With the exception of 41 patients (15.1%) who
      did not undergo anti-androgen withdrawal due to the characteristics of PC
      suggesting aggressive diseases, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) declined from the
      baseline value in 83 patients (35.9%), including 18 (7.8%) with PSA decline >50%,
      but not in the remaining 148 (64.1%). No significant difference in the overall
      survival (OS) or cancer-specific survival (CSS) among the three groups was
      observed based on the response to anti-androgen withdrawal. Following the
      introduction of alternative anti-androgen therapy with flutamide, PSA decline was
      observed in 185 patients (68.0%), including 103 (37.9%) who achieved a PSA
      reduction of >50%; however, the PSA level continued to elevate in the remaining
      87 (32.0%). Furthermore, of the numerous factors examined, only the duration of
      the initial MAB therapy was shown to be significantly correlated with the PSA
      decline following alternative anti-androgen therapy. Multivariate analysis of
      several factors identified revealed that only PSA decline following alternative
      anti-androgen therapy was an independent predictor of CSS and OS. If initial MAB
      is effective, the introduction of alternative anti-androgen therapy may be
      considered; however, anti-androgen withdrawal should be omitted, irrespective of
      the characteristics of advanced PC.

PMID- 27123291
TI  - Bevacizumab treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma: Systematic review and
      meta-analysis of clinical trials.
AB  - High-grade glioma is a richly neovascularized brain solid tumor with a poor
      prognosis. Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that
      inhibits vascular endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis, which has
      shown clinical efficacy in recurrent glioblastoma. MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and Web
      of Science databases were searched for relevant studies that compared bevacizumab
      plus combined radiotherapy/temozolomide (RT/TMZ) with RT/TMZ alone in newly
      diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). Of all the studies identified, three comparative
      trials were included in the systematic review. All three enrolling trials,
      including a total of 1,738 patients, investigated bevacizumab or placebo plus
      combined RT/TMZ treatment in glioblastoma. The result showed no increased overall
      survival (OS) (pooled hazard ratio (HR), 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.84
      1.29; P=0.71) but increased progression-free survival (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62
      0.88; P=0.0009). However, the two randomized double-blind placebo-control trials
      exemplified a high rate of adverse events of the bevacizumab compared with the
      placebo group while discrepant points were noted in term of quality-of-life
      outcome. Additionally, bevacizumab plus RT/TMZ did not increase the 6-month
      survival rate [odd ratios (ORs), 0.65; 95% CI, 0.37-1.13; P=0.13). Overall,
      addition of bevacizumab to radiotherapy-temozolomide treatment may be an
      effective therapy strategy for improving progression-free survival. OS and the 6
      month survival rate was not prolonged and there was questionable efficacy of
      bevacizumab on the quality-of-life of glioblastoma patients, thus further
      clinical trials should be performed.

PMID- 27123293
TI  - Extrapancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumors: A clinicopathological analysis of
      two cases.
AB  - Solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) are unusual neoplasms that mostly occur in
      the pancreas, and predominantly affect young women. As a low-grade malignant
      neoplasm of the exocrine pancreas, they occasionally metastasize, usually to the
      liver or peritoneum. It has been reported that <1% of SPTs are primary
      extrapancreatic SPTs. In the present study, we present two rare, but conspicuous
      extrapancreatic SPTs. Both occurred in young women, and showed good prognoses
      following surgery. One was a recurrent SPT of the pancreas that metastasized to
      the ovary, and the other was a distinct primary neoplasm that arose in the
      retroperitoneal area. The pathological features of the two tumors, including
      solid and pseudopapillary growth patterns with pale or eosinophilic cytoplasm,
      were characteristic of SPTs of the pancreas. However, in the case of the
      metastatic ovarian tumor, focal necrosis and an increased nuclear-to-cytoplasmic
      ratio were observed. The presence of positive nuclear-cytoplasmic beta-catenin,
      the loss of membranous E-cadherin expression, and a perinuclear punctate CD99
      staining pattern on immunohistochemistical analysis, were essential features for
      diagnosis. The aim of the present study was to compare the morphological and
      immunohistochemical features of these tumors with those typical of pancreatic
      SPTs, and to raise awareness that SPTs are able to metastasize to unusual sites,
      and may also arise as primary tumors outside the pancreas, which may lead to
      diagnostic dilemmas.

PMID- 27123294
TI  - A case of juvenile polyposis of the stomach with multiple early gastric cancers.
AB  - The present study described the case of a 24-year-old man who was diagnosed with
      multiple gastric hyperplastic polyps in 2004. Repeated Helicobacter pylori tests
      were negative, and colonoscopy revealed no specific findings. The patient started
      taking a proton-pump inhibitor and iron supplements as a result of anemia caused
      from the occasional bleeding from the polyps. The number and size of the polyps
      had increased over time. Endoscopic mucosal resection was occasionally performed
      when bleeding occurred from large polyps. Finally, histological examination
      revealed that the surface of the polyp had been replaced with well-differentiated
      adenocarcinoma in 2014. Laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y
      esophagojejunostomy was performed in 2014. The final diagnosis was juvenile
      polyposis of the stomach with multiple early gastric cancers. Juvenile polyposis
      of the stomach is a rare disease, and its malignant potential has been reported
      previously. The present case highlighted the importance of not delaying surgical
      intervention in cases of juvenile polyposis of the stomach, since it is
      associated with a high occurrence of gastric cancer.

PMID- 27123295
TI  - Malignant pleural and pericardial effusions and meningeal infiltrates without
      other metastases in breast cancer: A case report.
AB  - Breast cancer metastasizing to the pleura, pericardium and leptomeninges, but not
      to other sites, is rare. Although malignant pericardial and pleural effusions are
      common complications during the course of malignancies, they are rarely the
      initial manifestations of malignant disease, particularly pericardial effusion
      with cardiac tamponade. This report describes a case of breast carcinoma in a 44
      year-old woman who initially presented with malignant pleural effusion and
      pericardial tamponade and suffered from meningeal metastases after 4.5 months.
      Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to pericardial tamponade 7 months later.
      There was no metastasis identified in other organs during the course of the
      disease. To the best of our knowledge, no similar case has been reported in the
      literature to date.

PMID- 27123296
TI  - Left adrenal gland metastasis of breast invasive ductal carcinoma: A case report.
AB  - The majority of the metastatic lesions of the adrenal gland normally originate
      from lung cancer, colon malignant tumor, renal cell carcinoma and melanoma.
      However, adrenal gland metastasis that metastasize from breast invasive ductal
      carcinoma are extremely rare. The present study reported a rare case of left
      adrenal gland metastasis in a 35-year-old female who was diagnosed as breast
      carcinoma 5 years ago with a mass located on the left adrenal gland, which was
      detected during a routine examination. The patient was asymptomatic and adrenal
      gland computed tomography revealed a mass in the left adrenal gland. Definitive
      preoperative diagnosis failed to be established. Left adrenal gland laparoscopic
      adrenalectomy was performed and the diagnosis of adrenal gland metastasis of
      breast invasive ductal carcinoma was confirmed by pathological and
      immunohistochemical examination. The patient remained in good condition by the
      time of writing.

PMID- 27123297
TI  - Surgical treatment of the primary tumour improves the overall survival in
      patients with metastatic breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Traditionally, stage IV metastatic breast cancer has been treated with systemic
      therapy and/or radiotherapy in order to decrease cancer-associated symptoms,
      maintain quality of life and control disease burden. Previous research suggests
      that surgical treatment of the primary tumour may prolong survival, as well
      achieve local control of disease. Using the PubMed and Ovid SP databases, a
      literature review and meta-analysis was performed in order to assess whether
      surgical resection of the primary tumour in metastatic breast cancer prolongs
      survival. In this meta-analysis, a pooled hazard ratio of 0.63 (95% confidence
      interval, 0.58-0.7; P<0.0001) was revealed, equating to a 37% reduction in risk
      of mortality in patients that underwent surgical resection of the primary tumour.
      Therefore, it was concluded that surgery of the primary tumour in stage IV breast
      cancer appears to offer a survival benefit in metastatic patients.

PMID- 27123298
TI  - Radiation-induced optic neuropathy following external beam radiation therapy for
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A retrospective case-control study.
AB  - Radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION) is a severe ocular complication in
      patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) following external beam radiation
      therapy. However, the systemic risk factors for this condition remain unclear.
      Therefore, patients with NPC who received radiotherapy between 2004 and 2007 at
      the Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center were retrospectively reviewed in this
      case-control study. The study included 40 RION patients and 40 patients in the
      control group, who were strictly matched to the RION patients by tumor
      histopathology, location, Union for International Cancer Control-Tumor Node
      Metastasis classification and radiotherapy protocol. Univariate and multivariate
      statistical regression analyses were performed to identify factors predictive of
      RION. The univariate analysis demonstrated that age (>60 years), gender (female)
      and chemotherapy significantly affected the risk of RION, whereas diabetes,
      hypertension and hepatitis B virus infection did not exert a significant effect.
      The results of the multivariate analysis suggested that only gender and
      chemotherapy were significantly associated with an increased incidence of RION.
      Therefore, the results of the present study suggested that female gender and
      chemotherapy constitute risk factors for the development of RION following
      radiotherapy for NPC. The ocular symptoms of high-risk patients should be
      carefully investigated and reported by ophthalmologists.

PMID- 27123299
TI  - Effect of acid suppressants on the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in
      patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small-cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate whether oral acid suppressant
      (AS) therapy is associated with decreased efficacy of gefitinib and erlotinib,
      particularly in patients with mutated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). A
      total of 46 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed non-small-cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC), who were treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in
      two tertiary hospitals between September, 2005 and May, 2013, were
      retrospectively analyzed. Of the 46 patients, 11 received AS treatment. As
      regards age, gender, smoking history, performance status, histology of lung
      cancer, clinical stage, body surface area (BSA) and type of EGFR mutation, there
      were no statistically significant differences between patients with and those
      without AS treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in
      progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) between the two groups
      of patients (P=0.296 and 0.613, respectively). As regards the relative dose of
      TKI/BSA and survival in patients with and those without AS treatment, there were
      no statistically significant differences in PFS and OS between the two groups of
      patients. Our study indicates that AS treatment may not compromise TKI efficacy
      (gefitinib or erlotinib) in NSCLC patients with mutated EGFR. Prospective studies
      and large-scale confirmation studies investigating the effect of AS co
      administration with TKIs in patients with mutated EGFR may be meaningful in
      clinical practice.

PMID- 27123300
TI  - Association of the CCDC26 rs4295627 polymorphism with the risk of glioma:
      Evidence from 7,290 cases and 11,630 controls.
AB  - Published data on the association between the coiled-coil domain-containing 26
      (CCDC26) rs4295627 polymorphism and the risk of glioma have been inconclusive. To
      further investigate this association, a meta-analysis was performed. By a
      comprehensive literature search using PubMed and EMBASE databases, a total of 16
      case-control studies were identified for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Odds
      ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess this
      association. Our results confirmed that the risk with allele G was higher
      compared with that with allele T for glioma. The results indicated that the
      allele G of rs4295627 polymorphism in the CCDC26 gene was associated with
      increased risk of glioma in the homozygote model (GG vs. TT, OR=1.936, 95 %CI:
      1.500-2.658, P<0.001), the heterozygote model (GT vs. TT, OR=1.323, 95% CI: 1.241
      1.412, P=0.206), the dominant model (GG+GT vs. TT, OR=1.375, 95% CI: 1.256-1.505,
      P=0.026), the recessive model (GG vs. GT+TT, OR=1.769, 95% CI: 1.302-2.403,
      P<0.001) and the allele model (G vs. T, OR=1.310, 95% CI: 1.185-1.448, P<0.001).
      Current evidence suggests that the rs4295627 polymorphism in the CCDC26 gene may
      contribute to glioma susceptibility. However, further case-control studies are
      required to confirm our results.

PMID- 27123301
TI  - Prevalence and treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in
      postoperative patients with colorectal cancer.
AB  - To investigate the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in
      patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) after surgical treatment and observe
      whether gastrointestinal symptoms may improve with rifaximin, 43 postoperative
      CRC patients (CRC group) and 30 healthy individuals (normal group) were subjected
      to the glucose hydrogen breath test (GHBT). All the patients were asked to
      evaluate the gastrointestinal symptoms using the visual analogue scale (VAS).
      SIBO-positive patients were administered rifaximin for 10 days on the basis of
      the original treatment. After the treatment, the patients were asked to undergo
      GHBT and re-evaluate the gastrointestinal symptoms score (GISS). The results
      demonstrated that 18 of the 43 postoperative patients with CRC were SIBO-positive
      (41.86%), which was significantly higher compared with the incidence in normal
      controls (6.67%) (P<0.05). GISS was higher in SIBO-positive patients (P<0.05).
      Following rifaximin treatment, 6 of the 18 (33.33%) SIBO-positive patients had
      improved, as evaluated by GHBT and VAS. Additionally, the GISS in the SIBO-turned
      negative group had improved significantly compared with that in the non-turned
      negative group (P<0.05). The symptoms of all 18 SIBO-positive patients following
      rifaximin treatment improved notably, particularly diarrhea (P<0.05). In
      conclusion, postoperative CRC patients are more likely to develop SIBO compared
      with healthy individuals, and SIBO may aggravate digestive symptoms. The
      administration of rifaximin improved the overall gastrointestinal symptoms,
      particularly diarrhea, in SIBO-positive patients.

PMID- 27123302
TI  - Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of malignant fibrous
      histiocytoma of the head and neck.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the imaging findings of 15 cases of
      malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the head and neck, in order to better
      understand the tumor characteristics based on computed tomography (CT) and
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CT (n=11) and MRI (n=4) images from 15 patients
      with histologically diagnosed MFH of the head and neck were retrospectively
      analyzed. The imaging characteristics were analyzed and compared among different
      histological subtypes. The lesions were primarily located in the maxillary sinus
      in 5 patients, the ethmoid sinus in 1 patient, the infratemporal fossa in 2
      patients, the neck in 4 patients, the left mandible in 1 patient, the gingiva in
      1 patient and the epiglottis in 1 patient. A total of 4 cases were associated
      with radiotherapy. All the lesions were ill-defined, ranging in size from 2.1 to
      5.1 cm in the largest diameter. Bone fractures were evident in 9 cases. The
      attenuation, signal and enhancement patterns varied, although inflammatory MFH
      exhibited prolonged enhancement in dual-phase enhanced CT scans. MFH of the head
      and neck is rare but may be associated with radiotherapy. Although the imaging
      manifestations of MFH are various and non-specific, inflammatory MFH exhibits
      prolonged enhancement on dual-phase enhanced CT scans.

PMID- 27123303
TI  - Effect of oncological treatment on serum adipocytokine levels in patients with
      stage II-III breast cancer.
AB  - Adipose tissue-derived hormones (adipocytokines), such as adiponectin, leptin,
      resistin and visfatin, and the pancreatic hormone insulin, have been suggested to
      play a role in carcinogenesis. we therefore hypothesized that the oncological
      treatment of breast cancer may alter the serum levels of these adipocytokines and
      insulin. In this study, we aimed to compare the serum levels of adipocytokines
      and insulin between the pre- and post-treatment period in patients with breast
      cancer. In this prospective study, 20 consecutive patients with stage II and III
      breast cancer underwent breast-conserving surgery or total mastectomy and/or
      axillary dissection. The patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and
      radiotherapy, if necessary. Blood samples were obtained during the preoperative
      period and postoperatively after completion of the adjuvant therapy. There was no
      statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment levels
      of visfatin, adiponectin and leptin. However, the serum insulin and resistin
      levels and insulin resistance were found to be statistically significantly
      increased following treatment (P<0.05). Post-treatment resistin levels were
      positively correlated with insulin resistance (r=0.45, P<0.05). Therefore,
      oncological treatment of stage II and III breast cancer did not affect visfatin,
      adiponectin and leptin levels, but statistically significantly increased resistin
      levels and insulin resistance. In addition, the post-treatment resistin levels
      were positively correlated with insulin resistance, suggesting that resistin may
      be involved in the development of insulin resistance in breast cancer patients
      following treatment.

PMID- 27123304
TI  - Targeted temperature management in traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is recognized as the significant cause of mortality
      and morbidity in the world. To reduce unfavorable outcome in TBI patients, many
      researches have made much efforts for the innovation of TBI treatment. With the
      results from several basic and clinical studies, targeted temperature management
      (TTM) including therapeutic hypothermia (TH) have been recognized as the
      candidate of neuroprotective treatment. However, their evidences are not yet
      proven in larger randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The main aim of this review
      is thus to clarify specific pathophysiology which TTM will be effective in TBI.
      Historically, there were several clinical trials which compare TH and
      normothermia. Recently, two RCTs were able to demonstrate the significant
      beneficial effects of TTM in one specific pathology, patients with mass evacuated
      lesions. These suggested that TTM might be effective especially for the ischemic
      reperfusional pathophysiology of TBI, like as acute subdural hematoma which needs
      to be evacuated. Also, the latest preliminary report of European multicenter
      trial suggested the promising efficacy of reduction of intracranial pressure in
      TBI. Conclusively, TTM is still in the center of neuroprotective treatments in
      TBI. This therapy is expected to mitigate ischemic and reperfusional
      pathophysiology and to reduce intracranial pressure in TBI. Further results from
      ongoing clinical RCTs are waited. 

PMID- 27123305
TI  - Traumatic brain injury: pathophysiology for neurocritical care.
AB  - Severe cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) require neurocritical care, the goal
      being to stabilize hemodynamics and systemic oxygenation to prevent secondary
      brain injury. It is reported that approximately 45 % of dysoxygenation episodes
      during critical care have both extracranial and intracranial causes, such as
      intracranial hypertension and brain edema. For this reason, neurocritical care is
      incomplete if it only focuses on prevention of increased intracranial pressure
      (ICP) or decreased cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). Arterial hypotension is a
      major risk factor for secondary brain injury, but hypertension with a loss of
      autoregulation response or excess hyperventilation to reduce ICP can also result
      in a critical condition in the brain and is associated with a poor outcome after
      TBI. Moreover, brain injury itself stimulates systemic inflammation, leading to
      increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, exacerbated by secondary brain
      injury and resulting in increased ICP. Indeed, systemic inflammatory response
      syndrome after TBI reflects the extent of tissue damage at onset and predicts
      further tissue disruption, producing a worsening clinical condition and
      ultimately a poor outcome. Elevation of blood catecholamine levels after severe
      brain damage has been reported to contribute to the regulation of the cytokine
      network, but this phenomenon is a systemic protective response against systemic
      insults. Catecholamines are directly involved in the regulation of cytokines, and
      elevated levels appear to influence the immune system during stress. Medical
      complications are the leading cause of late morbidity and mortality in many types
      of brain damage. Neurocritical care after severe TBI has therefore been refined
      to focus not only on secondary brain injury but also on systemic organ damage
      after excitation of sympathetic nerves following a stress reaction. 

PMID- 27123306
TI  - Targeted temperature management for adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: current
      concepts and clinical applications.
AB  - Targeted temperature management (TTM) (primarily therapeutic hypothermia (TH))
      after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has been considered effective,
      especially for adult-witnessed OHCA with a shockable initial rhythm, based on
      pathophysiology and on several clinical studies (especially two randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) published in 2002). However, a recently published large
      RCT comparing TTM at 33  degrees C (TH) and TTM at 36  degrees C (normothermia)
      showed no advantage of 33  degrees C over 36  degrees C. Thus, this RCT has
      complicated the decision to perform TH after cardiac arrest. The results of this
      RCT are sometimes interpreted fever control alone is sufficient to improve
      outcomes after cardiac arrest because fever control was not strictly performed in
      the control groups of the previous two RCTs that showed an advantage for TH.
      Although this may be possible, another interpretation that the optimal target
      temperature for TH is much lower than 33  degrees C may be also possible.
      Additionally, there are many points other than target temperature that are
      unknown, such as the optimal timing to initiate TTM, the period between OHCA and
      initiating TTM, the period between OHCA and achieving the target temperature, the
      duration of maintaining the target temperature, the TTM technique, the rewarming
      method, and the management protocol after rewarming. RCTs are currently underway
      to shed light on several of these underexplored issues. In the present review, we
      examine how best to perform TTM after cardiac arrest based on the available
      evidence. 

PMID- 27123308
TI  - Pituitary apoplexy causing spontaneous remission of acromegaly following long
      acting octreotide therapy: a rare drug side effect or just a coincidence.
AB  - Pituitary apoplexy is characterized by abrupt onset of haemorrhage or non
      haemorrhagic infarction of a pituitary adenoma. The clinical features include
      acute onset severe headache, visual field defects, meningeal irritation,
      ophthalmoplegia and hypopituitarism. The pituitary apoplexy may be clinically
      silent in ~25% of patients. We report a case of acromegaly due to pituitary
      macroadenoma. The patient was started on long-acting octreotide therapy. On 3
      month follow-up, the patient showed clinical and biochemical remission and the
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed subclinical haemorrhage and
      resolution of tumour. The octreotide therapy was stopped. On 6-month follow-up,
      the patient was still in remission and the MRI of brain revealed non-enhancing
      mixed intensities haemorrhagic and cystic areas of the pituitary gland. In our
      patient, whether spontaneous remission of acromegaly due to subclinical pituitary
      haemorrhage was coincidental or due to long-acting octreotide therapy is still a
      dilemma. We report this case because of rarity and clinical importance of this
      unusual occurrence. 

PMID- 27123309
TI  - Thoracic aortic aneurysm: a late complication of coarctation repair.

PMID- 27123307
TI  - Brain injury following cardiac arrest: pathophysiology for neurocritical care.
AB  - Cardiac arrest induces the cessation of cerebral blood flow, which can result in
      brain damage. The primary intervention to salvage the brain under such a
      pathological condition is to restore the cerebral blood flow to the ischemic
      region. Ischemia is defined as a reduction in blood flow to a level that is
      sufficient to alter normal cellular function. Brain tissue is highly sensitive to
      ischemia, such that even brief ischemic periods in neurons can initiate a complex
      sequence of events that may ultimately culminate in cell death. However,
      paradoxically, restoration of blood flow can cause additional damage and
      exacerbate the neurocognitive deficits in patients who suffered a brain ischemic
      event, which is a phenomenon referred to as "reperfusion injury." Transient brain
      ischemia following cardiac arrest results from the complex interplay of multiple
      pathways including excitotoxicity, acidotoxicity, ionic imbalance, peri-infarct
      depolarization, oxidative and nitrative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The
      pathophysiology of post-cardiac arrest brain injury involves a complex cascade of
      molecular events, most of which remain unknown. Many lines of evidence have shown
      that mitochondria suffer severe damage in response to ischemic injury.
      Mitochondrial dysfunction based on the mitochondrial permeability transition
      after reperfusion, particularly involving the calcineurin/immunophilin signal
      transduction pathway, appears to play a pivotal role in the induction of neuronal
      cell death. The aim of this article is to discuss the underlying pathophysiology
      of brain damage, which is a devastating pathological condition, and highlight the
      central signal transduction pathway involved in brain damage, which reveals
      potential targets for therapeutic intervention. 

PMID- 27123310
TI  - Polyarteritis nodosa. Diagnostic challenges in a patient with cutaneous
      vasculitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and pancytopenia: fatal progression
      after treatment with G-CSF.
AB  - A 60-year-old man presented with cutaneous vasculitis, leucopenia and psoriasis.
      He was treated initially with ciclosporin A. On withdrawal of ciclosporin, due to
      inadequate improvement of cutaneous vasculitis, he developed psoriatic arthritis.
      Worsening neutropenia and pancytopenia, believed to be immune mediated,
      developed. He was treated with prednisolone, methotrexate and adalimumab but
      developed pneumocystis pneumonia. Leucocyte levels improved markedly with
      granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). However, whilst being treated with
      G-CSF his condition deteriorated. He developed gastrointestinal and neurological
      symptoms and progressive weight loss. Diagnosis was delayed, but eventually
      polyarteritis nodosa was diagnosed and he was treated with cyclophosphamide. The
      patient improved initially but died from small bowel perforation due to
      vasculitis. Evidence showing a temporal association of his deterioration with use
      of G-CSF is shown. The use of G-CSF in patients with autoimmune conditions
      including vasculitis should be undertaken with great caution. 

PMID- 27123311
TI  - Sequential occurrence of anti-glomerular basement membrane disease 9 years after
      anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.
AB  - We report a case of 63-year-old Chinese man, having a history of anti
      myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibody anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)
      associated pulmonary-renal syndrome 9 years ago, presented with second episode of
      rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and alveolar haemorrhage compatible
      with anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease. In first presentation, his
      anti-GBM antibody was negative. This time, anti-MPO antibody was negative, but
      anti-GBM antibody was positive. The long interval of sequential development of
      anti-GBM disease after ANCA-associated vasculitis in this patient may provide
      clues to the potential immunological links between these two distinct conditions.
      Clinicians should be aware of such double-positive association. 

PMID- 27123312
TI  - Behcet's pulmonary artery aneurysms treated with infliximab and monitored with
      the 6-min walk test.
AB  - Pulmonary involvement in Behcet's disease (BD) is uncommon; however, it is
      potentially fatal due to the risk of massive haemoptysis. We describe the case of
      a 36-year-old male presenting with a 2-month history of worsening dyspnoea,
      weight loss, haemoptysis, oral ulceration, erythema nodosum and superficial
      thrombophlebitis. He was diagnosed with pulmonary vasculitis secondary to BD;
      however, his symptoms were refractory to initial treatment with cyclophosphamide,
      azathioprine and prednisolone. We therefore trialled infliximab alongside
      methotrexate, which led to a remarkable improvement in his condition, enabling
      eventual discontinuation of prednisolone. Whilst not being one of the treatments
      currently recommended for managing pulmonary involvement in BD, infliximab has
      previously been successfully used in cases refractory to conventional therapy. We
      used the 6-min walk test (distance covered and lowest oxygen saturations) to
      monitor his progress, which correlated with his symptoms. This may represent a
      useful adjunct in monitoring the activity of pulmonary vasculitis. 

PMID- 27123313
TI  - Efficacy and safety of fondaparinux versus enoxaparin in patients undergoing
      percutaneous coronary intervention treated with the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa
      inhibitor tirofiban.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In worldwide, the mortality rate of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
      raises year by year. Although the applications of percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) and anticoagulants effectively reduce the mortality of
      patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but also increase the incidence of
      bleeding. Therefore, drugs with stable anticoagulant effects are urgently
      required. METHODS: We enrolled 894 patients with acute coronary syndrome who
      underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in Shenyang Northern Hospital from
      February 2010 to May 2012; 430 patients were included in the fondaparinux group
      (2.5 mg/d), and 464 were included in the enoxaparin group (1 mg/kg twice daily).
      Fondaparinux and enoxaparin were applied for 3-7 days. All patients were treated
      with tirofiban (10 MUg/kg for 3 min initially and 0.15 MUg/(kg . min) for 1 to 3
      days thereafter). The primary efficacy endpoint was the incidence of a major
      adverse cerebrovascular or cardiovascular event. The primary safety endpoint was
      bleeding within 30 days and 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention.
      RESULTS: One-year data were available for 422 patients in the fondaparinux group
      and for 453 in the enoxaparin group. The incidence of a major adverse
      cerebrovascular or cardiovascular event (10.9 % vs 12.6 %, P = 0.433) and cardiac
      mortality (0.5 % vs 1.5 %, P = 0.116) were generally lower in the fondaparinux
      group than in the enoxaparin group, although the differences were not
      significant. Compared with the enoxaparin group, the fondaparinux group had a
      significantly decreased rate of bleeding at 30 days (0.9 % vs 2.8 %) and 1 year
      (2.4 % vs 5.4 %). In addition, the rate of major bleeding events was lower in the
      fondaparinux group, but this difference was not significant (0.2 % vs 0.9 %, 0.2
      % vs 1.1 %). CONCLUSIONS: In tirofiban-treated patients with acute coronary
      syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, fondaparinux presented
      similar efficacy for ischemia events as enoxaparin. However, fondaparinux
      significantly decreased the incidence of bleeding, thus providing safer
      anticoagulation therapy.

PMID- 27123314
TI  - Effects of internal iliac artery embolization on systemic inflammatory response
      syndrome in dogs with simulated-pelvic-fracture combined with massive bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pelvic fracture combined with massive bleeding (PFCMB) is a complex
      issue in clinical practice. Currently, the use of angiography and embolization
      for the treatment of PFCMB obtains good results. The aim of this study is to
      observe the effects of early internal iliac artery embolization on the SIRS in
      dogs with simulated-pelvic-fracture combined with massive bleeding. METHODS:
      Twenty adult dogs were randomly divided into an embolization group (EG) and a
      control group (CG). For the two groups, heart rate, respiratory rate and body
      temperature and other physiological variables were measured, and IL-6, TNF-alpha
      and arterial blood gas levels were monitored. These variables were assayed every
      30 min until death in the CG, while dogs in the EG underwent arterial angiography
      after 60 min of modeling. The internal iliac artery was embolized on the injured
      side. RESULTS: The average time to SIRS in the CG was 3.56 h, occurring at a rate
      of 90 % (9/10) within 24 h, with a mortality rate of 50 % (5/10); the average
      time to SIRS for the EG was 5.33 h, occurring at a rate of 30 % (3/10) within 24
      h, with a mortality rate of 10 % (1/10). When SIRS occurred in the EG, the mean
      plasma IL-6 level was 52.66 +/- 7.38 pg/ml and the TNF-alpha level was 11.45 +/-
      2.72 ng/ml, showing a significant difference with those of the CG (P < 0.05). In
      the two groups, the respiratory rate and leukocyte levels were higher at each
      monitored time after modeling than those before modeling; the mean arterial
      pressure, levels of hemoglobin and oxygen partial pressure were significantly
      lower at each time point after modeling than those before modeling except for the
      mean arterial pressure at 0 h in EG; the platelet levels at 4 and 8 h were higher
      than those before modeling; and the differences were statistically significant (P
      < 0.05). In the EG, the mean arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and
      hemoglobin levels at 2 , 4 and 8 h were lower than those at 0 h; the levels of
      leukocytes, platelets and carbon dioxide partial pressure at 4 and 8 h after
      modeling were higher than those at 0 h, and the differences were statistically
      significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); in the CG after modeling, the mean arterial
      pressure, levels of hemoglobin and carbon dioxide partial pressure at 2, 4 and 8
      h were lower than those at 0 h; the levels of heart rate and leukocytes were
      higher than those before modeling; the respiratory rate and platelet levels at 4
      and 8 h were higher than those at 0 h; and the differences were statistically
      significant (P < 0.05). The levels of the mean arterial pressure and hemoglobin
      at 4 and 8 h and the pH values at 8 h after modeling in the EG were significantly
      higher than those in the CG, while the heart rate and respiratory rate at 4 and 8
      h were significantly lower than those in the CG. The pH values at 8 h after
      modeling were significantly lower than those of the other monitored times in the
      CG (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The two groups had elevated levels of alkaline
      phosphatase after injury induction. CONCLUSION: Through the use of an on-spot
      interventional treatment cabin, early internal iliac artery embolization can
      control bleeding associated with pelvic fractures, delay the occurrence of SIRS,
      and improve the success rate of the treatment of pelvic fracture combined with
      bleeding.

PMID- 27123315
TI  - Clinical outcomes and antiretroviral therapy in 'elite' controllers: a review of
      the literature.
AB  - Elite controllers naturally suppress HIV viraemia below the level of detection
      using standard methods, but demonstrate persistent inflammation and low-level
      viraemia that is detectable via ultrasensitive assays. These factors may
      contribute to an increased risk of non-AIDS-related morbidity and mortality among
      elite controllers. Data suggest that cardiovascular disease may be of particular
      concern in elite controllers, as evidenced by an increased burden of subclinical
      cardiovascular disease upon radiographic screening and an elevated rate of
      hospitalisations for cardiovascular disease as compared to non-controllers who
      are treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Widespread use of ART among non
      controllers has led to significant declines in morbidity and mortality, but
      guidelines are generally silent on the role of ART in the care of elite
      controllers. Multiple small studies have demonstrated that laboratory markers of
      inflammation, immune activation and HIV burden improve after initiation of ART in
      elite controllers. Clinicians must consider these potential benefits of ART when
      deciding whether to initiate treatment in asymptomatic elite controllers.

PMID- 27123317
TI  - Multiparametric MRI of the prostate: the hope for the urology community.

PMID- 27123316
TI  - Multiparametric MRI and targeted prostate biopsy: Improvements in cancer
      detection, localization, and risk assessment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multiparametric-MRI (mp-MRI) is an evolving noninvasive imaging
      modality that increases the accurate localization of prostate cancer at the time
      of MRI targeted biopsy, thereby enhancing clinical risk assessment, and improving
      the ability to appropriately counsel patients regarding therapy. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: We used MEDLINE/PubMed to conduct a comprehensive search of the English
      medical literature. Articles were reviewed, data was extracted, analyzed, and
      summarized. In this review, we discuss the mp-MRI prostate exam, its role in
      targeted prostate biopsy, along with clinical applications and outcomes of MRI
      targeted biopsies. RESULTS: Mp-MRI, consisting of T2-weighted imaging, diffusion
      weighted imaging, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging, and possibly MR
      spectroscopy, has demonstrated improved specificity in prostate cancer detection
      as compared to conventional T2-weighted images alone. An MRI suspicion score has
      been developed and is depicted using an institutional Likert or, more recently, a
      standardized reporting scale (PI-RADS). Techniques of MRI-targeted biopsy include
      in-gantry MRI guided biopsy, TRUS-guided visual estimation biopsy, and software
      co-registered MRI-US guided biopsy (MRI-US fusion). Among men with no previous
      biopsy, MRI-US fusion biopsy demonstrates up to a 20% increase in detection of
      clinically significant cancers compared to systematic biopsy while avoiding a
      significant portion of low risk disease. These data suggest a potential role in
      reducing over-detection and, ultimately, over-treatment. Among men with previous
      negative biopsy, 72-87% of cancers detected by MRI targeted biopsy are clinically
      significant. Among men with known low risk cancer, repeat biopsy by MR-targeting
      improves risk stratification in selecting men appropriate for active surveillance
      secondarily reducing the need for repetitive biopsy during surveillance.
      CONCLUSIONS: Use of mp-MRI for targeting prostate biopsies has the potential to
      reduce the sampling error associated with conventional biopsy by providing better
      disease localization and sampling. MRI-ultrasound fusion-targeted prostate biopsy
      may improve the identification of clinically significant prostate cancer while
      limiting detection of indolent disease, ultimately facilitating more accurate
      risk stratification. Literature supports the clinical applications of MRI
      targeted biopsy in men who have never been biopsied before, those with a prior
      negative biopsy, and those with low risk disease considering active surveillance.

PMID- 27123318
TI  - The limitations of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging also must be borne
      in mind.

PMID- 27123319
TI  - AUTHOR'S REPLY.

PMID- 27123320
TI  - Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with prostate capsule sparing. Initial
      experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In 2008, our department introduced a modified technique of
      laparoscopic radical cystectomy in which the prostatic capsule is spared in
      selected patients with bladder cancer. The different series published are mostly
      using the standard open procedure. The aim of this study is to describe this
      technique using the laparoscopic approach and present our preliminary results.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study includes 20 patients selected by clinical
      analysis and imaging criteria operated using laparoscopic radical cystectomy with
      prostate capsule sparing at our department in the period between 2008 and 2012.
      RESULTS: Patient mean age was 58 years. Mean operative time was 390 minutes.
      Median follow-up was 36 months. No patient had bladder cancer recurrence. Only
      one patient died of disease progression, as the pathological findings was a pT3
      pN1 Mx. Mean PSA before surgery: 1.3 ng/ml (03-2), mean PSA after surgery 1.0
      ng/ml (0.08-1.7). No patients had prostate cancer recurrence. Satisfactory
      daytime and night-time continence was achieved. 90% of patients have sexual
      function preserved. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate-sparing radical cystectomy remains one
      of the most controversial topics in urology today. The laparoscopic approach
      could be an alternative to conventional radical cystoprostatectomy in well
      selected patients, done in experienced institutions in order to find better
      functional results, with a low disease progression and recurrence rate.

PMID- 27123321
TI  - Prostate capsule sparing radical cystectomy - a safe procedure for few.

PMID- 27123322
TI  - AUTHOR'S REPLY.

PMID- 27123323
TI  - Controversies in the management of clinical stage I testicular seminoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Following orchiectomy patients with clinical stage I (CSI)
      testicular seminoma may be managed by active surveillance (AS) or adjuvant
      treatment (radiotherapy or chemotherapy). In view of the published data on long
      term toxicity, mainly second malignant neoplasms (SMNs), adjuvant radiotherapy
      (ART) is currently no longer recommended as adjuvant therapy for these patients.
      The purpose of our recent study was to compare the impact of two selected
      treatment approaches - AS versus adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) on survival in
      patients with CSI testicular seminoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cross-sectional
      study analyzed a total of 106 patients collected at a single centre between
      4/2008-8/2015, with CSI testicular seminoma, stratified into two groups according
      to risk-adapted therapeutic approaches. RESULTS: In group A (low-risk),
      consisting of 84 patients, who underwent AS, relapse occurred in 10 (11.9%)
      patients after a mean follow-up of 13.8 months. In group B (high-risk),
      consisting of 22 patients, who were treated with ACT, relapse occurred in two
      (9.1%) patients after a mean follow-up of 13.8 months. Overall survival of
      patients in both groups was 100% with a mean follow-up of 25.3 months. The
      statistically significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between
      these two groups was not found. CONCLUSIONS: ACT seems to be adequate treatment
      for patients with high-risk of relapse, as well as AS for those with low-risk of
      relapse. Despite its excellent prognosis, optimal management of CSI testicular
      seminoma remains controversial, with variations in expert opinion and
      international guidelines.

PMID- 27123324
TI  - Best treatment option for clinical stage I seminoma patients.

PMID- 27123325
TI  - The detection and upgrade rates of prostate adenocarcinoma following
      transperineal template-guided prostate biopsy - a tertiary referral centre
      experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We aim to present transperineal template-guided prostate biopsy
      (template biopsy) outcomes at a tertiary referral centre. Furthermore, to
      identify the detection rate of prostate cancer in those with a previous negative
      transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy and the upgrade rate of those on
      active surveillance for Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 prostate adenocarcinoma. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 200 consecutive men who underwent
      template biopsy over a 22-month period in a tertiary referral centre, using a
      standard 24 region template prostate biopsy technique. Indications and histology
      results, as well as complications, were recorded. RESULTS: Median age was 67
      years and median PSA was 10 ng/mL. Overall detection rate was 47%. 39.5% of cases
      with previous negative transrectal biopsies were found to have prostate
      adenocarcinoma. 47.5% of cases on active surveillance for Gleason 3 + 3 = 6
      prostate adenocarcinoma were upgraded. The most frequent complication was acute
      urinary retention at a rate of 12.5%, however, the use of a single prophylactic
      dose of tamsulosin was found to be beneficial, with 13 cases needed to treat to
      prevent one episode. CONCLUSIONS: Template biopsies are safe and efficacious with
      an overall detection rate of 47% in the present series. Due to the high detection
      rate, one must consider template biopsy following one negative transrectal biopsy
      where there is persistent clinical suspicion. Furthermore, those considering
      active surveillance for Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 disease should be offered template
      biopsy to confirm the grade of their disease.

PMID- 27123326
TI  - Oncological results at 2 years after robotic radical prostatectomy - the Romanian
      experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To assess the oncological outcomes of robotic radical prostatectomy
      in a country where there are no on-going national screening programs for prostate
      cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between November 2009 and November 2014, 220
      robotic radical prostatectomies were performed at our Robotic Surgery Center. We
      already have the complete data for the 2-year follow-up of the first 105
      patients, who were therefore included in the study group. Pre-operative (age,
      prostate-specific antigen, body-mass index, prostate volume, clinical staging,
      biopsy characteristics), post-operative (surgical technique, surgical margin
      status, lymph node status, pathological stage, Gleason score) and follow-up
      parameters (biochemical recurrence) were assessed. RESULTS: The global rate of
      positive surgical margins was 34.3%, with rates of 17.2% in stage pT2 and 55.3%
      in stage pT3. The most frequent localization for positive surgical margins was at
      the base and apex of the prostate. The positive surgical margins rate was
      correlated with the pre-operative prostate-specific antigen, clinical and
      pathological Gleason score, lymph node status and the number of positive biopsy
      cores. The rate of biochemical recurrence at the 2-year follow-up was 11.8%. The
      most important predictors for the biochemical recurrence were the positive
      surgical margins, pathological staging and Gleason score on the prostatectomy
      specimen. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery is validated by the oncological results at
      medium follow-up (2 years) for localized and locally advanced prostate cancer,
      even in countries where there is no on-going national screening program.

PMID- 27123327
TI  - Quality of life in a population of Polish patients with prostate cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent advances in treatment have led to the prolongation of life
      among patients with prostate cancer (PCa), which implies greater interest in the
      issue of the quality of life (QoL) in patients who undergo treatment. The quality
      of life of patients with cancer questionnaire (QLQ-C30) and the quality of life
      questionnaire specific to PCa (QLQ-PR25) are tools used worldwide to conduct
      research on this subject. In our study we assessed the quality of life in a
      population of Polish patients suffering from prostate cancer. Differences in the
      quality of life depending on the stage of the disease were highlighted. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multicenter, observational study using
      the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PR25 questionnaires in a group of 1047 patients. RESULTS: The
      highest QoL scores (according to the QLQ-C30 questionnaire) were observed in
      patients with localized prostate cancer, while the lowest were recorded in the
      metastatic group. Sexual activity and sexual functioning assessed on the basis of
      QLQ-PR25 was best in the group of patients suffering from localized prostate
      cancer, and the worst in patients with locally advanced PCa. CONCLUSIONS: The
      assessment of QoL showed a significant correlation with the stage of the disease.
      Sexual activity and sexual functioning were the best in patients with localized
      cancer; worst among patients with locally advanced tumor.

PMID- 27123328
TI  - Clinicopathological prognostic factors for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of
      clinicopathological factors including age, gender, tumor grade, tumor stage,
      lymphovascular invasion (LVI), tumor necrosis and previous history of non-muscle
      invasive bladder cancer on outcomes of patients with upper tract urothelial
      carcinoma (UTUC) treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A total of 60 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for
      upper tract urothelial carcinoma at our institute between 2005 to 2012 were
      included in our study. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed using
      the Kaplan-Meier method, log rank statistics, the chi-square test and Cox
      regression models. RESULTS: The mean length of follow-up time was 33.3 months.
      There were 27 (45%) patients alive with the disease, whereas 33 (55%) were dead.
      In 19 cases (31.7%) the tumor grade was low, while in 41 cases (68.3%) it was
      high. Lymphovascular invasion was observed in 28 (46.7%) cases. Tumor necrosis
      was registered in 14 patients (23.3%). From the patients with LVI, 3 (9.6%) were
      alive, whereas from the patients negative for LVI, 75% were alive. Significant
      relationship was found between gender and grading and between positive LVI and
      low grading. CONCLUSIONS: Day case Variables such as gender, grading, tumor
      stage, LVI and tumor necrosis were all demonstrated to be significant independent
      prognostic factors for the overall survival. On the multivariate analysis only
      LVI remained statistically significant, which may explain the different clinical
      course in patients and could be considered as a part of pathological reporting
      and treatment planning for the future.

PMID- 27123329
TI  - Microvascular density and immunohistochemical expression of VEGF, VEGFR-1 and
      VEGFR-2 in benign prostatic hyperplasia, high-grade prostate intraepithelial
      neoplasia and prostate cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to determine and compare angiogenesis in
      benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia
      (HGPIN) and prostate cancer (Pca). Moreover, we evaluated its role as a
      prognostic factor for Pca. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined 39, 12 and 51
      samples of BPH, HGPIN and Pca, respectively. Immunohistochemical methods were
      applied in order to evaluate the expression of VEGF and its receptors (VEGFR-1,
      VEGFR-2), while microvascular density (MVD) was determined using CD105. In Pca
      samples, we recorded stage, differentiation, perineural invasion, adjuvant
      radiotherapy and their correlation with angiogenesis. RESULTS: 225 The expression
      of VEGF, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 was significantly higher in Pca than compared to BPH
      (p <0.001, p <0.001 and p <0.001, respectively) and HGPIN (p <0.001, p <0.001 and
      p = 0.04, respectively), while there was no difference between BPH and HGPIN. MVD
      was higher in Pca compared to BPH (p <0.001) and HGPIN (p <0.01), while there was
      no difference between BPH and HGPIN. VEGF expression and MVD were significantly
      greater in Pca samples with poor differentiation (p = 0.044 and p = 0.038,
      respectively) and perineural invasion (p <0.001 and p = 0.019, respectively),
      while overexpression of VEGF was associated with advanced pathological stage (p =
      0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Angiogenesis is more prominent in Pca than in BPH and HGPIN,
      while there is no difference between BPH and HGPIN. Pharmaceutical inhibition of
      angiogenesis could be a valuable therapeutic option for Pca in the near future.

PMID- 27123330
TI  - A snapshot of the adult spina bifida patient - high incidence of urologic
      procedures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To describe the urologic outcomes of contemporary adult spina
      bifida patients managed in a multidisciplinary clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review of patients seen in our adult spina bifida clinic from
      January 2004 to November 2011 was performed to identify urologic management,
      urologic surgeries, and co-morbidities. RESULTS: 225 patients were identified
      (57.8% female, 42.2% male). Current median age was 30 years (IQR 27, 36) with a
      median age at first visit of 25 years (IQR 22, 30). The majority (70.7%) utilized
      clean intermittent catheterization, and 111 patients (49.3%) were prescribed
      anticholinergic medications. 65.8% had urodynamics performed at least once, and
      56% obtained appropriate upper tract imaging at least every other year while
      under our care. 101 patients (44.9%) underwent at least one urologic surgical
      procedure during their lifetime, with a total of 191 procedures being performed,
      of which stone procedures (n = 51, 26.7%) were the most common. Other common
      procedures included continence procedures (n = 35, 18.3%) and augmentation
      cystoplasty (n = 29, 15.2%). Only 3.6% had a documented diagnosis of chronic
      kidney disease and 0.9% with end-stage renal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Most adult
      spina bifida patient continue on anticholinergic medications and clean
      intermittent catheterization. A large percentage of patients required urologic
      procedures in adulthood. Patients should be encouraged to utilize conservative
      and effective bladder management strategies to reduce their risk of renal
      compromise.

PMID- 27123331
TI  - Continuous positive airway pressure therapy is associated with improvement in
      overactive bladder symptoms in women with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the impact of continuous positive airway pressure
      (CPAP) therapy on overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women with obstructive
      sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred and fifty women
      underwent an overnight polysomnography study between May 2014 and September 2014.
      Their voiding symptoms were evaluated using the OAB symptom score (OABSS) and
      International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form at OSAS
      diagnosis and approximately 3-months after CPAP therapy. OSAS severity was
      assessed according to the apnea-hypopnea-index. RESULTS: We evaluated 140 women
      and 111 of them (79.3%) reported symptoms consistent with OAB. There were no
      statistically significant differences between OSAS severity with a prevalence of
      OAB (p = 0.92). The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) was 35.7% (n = 50)
      and 39.6% (n = 44) in all patients and patients with OAB, respectively. There
      were no statistically significant differences between UI with OAB (p = 0.58).
      Baseline OABSS is comparable between OSAS severity (p = 0.143). After 3-months
      CPAP therapy, OABSS and ICIQ-SF sum scores were significantly decreased in
      patients with severe and moderate OSAS (p <0.01), however, change of OABSS sum
      score was insignificant in patients with mild OSAS (p = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: CPAP
      therapy improves the OAB, OABSS and ICIQ-SF scores in women with severe and
      moderate OSAS. OSAS-induced OAB may be alleviated following CPAP therapy.

PMID- 27123332
TI  - Outcomes of ureteroscopy for patients with stones in a solitary kidney: evidence
      from a systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Management of urolithiasis in a solitary functioning kidney can be
      clinically challenging. The aim of this article was to review the outcomes of URS
      for patients with stone disease in a solitary kidney and critically appraise the
      existing evidence and outcome reporting standards. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We
      conducted a systematic review in line with PRISMA checklist and Cochrane
      guidelines between January 1980 and February 2015. Our inclusion criteria were
      all English language articles reporting on a minimum of 10 patients with a
      solitary kidney undergoing ureteroscopy for stone disease. RESULTS: A total of
      116 patients (mean age 50 years) underwent URS for stones in solitary kidney. For
      a mean stone size of 16.8 mm (range: 5-60 mm) and 1.23 procedures/patient, the
      mean stone free rate was 87%. No significant change in renal function was
      recorded in any of the studies although a transient elevation in creatinine was
      reported in 10 (8.6%) patients. A total of 33 (28%) complications were recorded a
      majority (n = 21) of which were Clavien grade I. The Clavien grade II/III
      complications as reported by authors were urosepsis, steinstrasse and renal
      colic. None of the procedures required conversion to open surgery with no cases
      of renal haematoma or ureteric perforation. CONCLUSIONS: This contemporary review
      highlights URS as a viable treatment option for stone disease in patients with a
      solitary kidney. It is associated with superior clearance rates to SWL and fewer
      high-risk complications compared to PCNL.

PMID- 27123334
TI  - Solitary kidney - a clinical challenge for endourologist.

PMID- 27123333
TI  - Safety and feasibility of day case ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (URSL) in
      patients with a solitary kidney.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The management of nephrolithiasis in patients with a solitary
      kidney poses a treatment challenge. The study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of
      ureteroscopy and laser stone fragmentation (URSL) for renal stones in these
      patients treated in our university teaching hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Between July 2012 and December 2014, seventeen cases of URSL for stones in a
      solitary kidney were reviewed. Patient demographics, stone dimensions,
      perioperative and post-operative outcomes were recorded in a prospectively
      maintained database. Serum creatinine levels pre-procedure and at follow-up were
      also compared. RESULTS: Seventeen cases of URSL were conducted with a mean age of
      52.9 +/-19.9 years. 8 of the 17 (47%) patients had stones in multiple locations
      and 13 (76%) were in the lower pole. The mean +/- SD stone size and BMI were 13.0
      +/-8.9 mm and 31.6 +/-5.8 kg/m(2), respectively. The stone free rate (SFR) was
      82.5%. Fourteen (82.5%) patients were discharged the same day and 16 cases (94%)
      were discharged within 24 hours. For patients with deranged pre-operative serum
      creatinine, the mean serum creatinine level improved from 131.2 +/-68.3 umol/L
      pre-URSL to 106.5 +/-36.7 umol/L at follow-up. There was one Clavien grade II
      complication with a patient requiring additional antibiotics for post-operative
      urinary tract infection. There were no other major or minor complications.
      CONCLUSIONS: Day case ureteroscopy for stone disease in a solitary kidney is safe
      and feasible with a low complication rate and an overall improvement in renal
      function.

PMID- 27123335
TI  - Tips and tricks of ureteroscopy: consensus statement. Part II. Advanced
      ureteroscopy.
AB  - Our "tips and tricks" focuses on all aspects of upper tract endourology and we
      hope these will be of use to all trainees and consultants who perform
      ureteroscopy. We report an "expert consensus view" from experienced
      endourological surgeons, on all aspects of advanced ureteroscopic techniques,
      with a particular focus on avoiding and getting out of trouble while performing
      ureteroscopy. In this paper we provide a summary of placing ureteric access
      sheath, flexible ureteroscopy, intra renal stone fragmentation and retrieval,
      maintaining visual clarity and biopsy of ureteric and pelvicalyceal tumours. 

PMID- 27123336
TI  - Microarray long oligo probe designing for Escherichia coli: an in-silico DNA
      marker extraction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infections are predominant diseases which may be
      caused by different pathogenic microorganisms, particularly Escherichia coli
      (E.coli). DNA microarray technology is an accurate, rapid, sensitive, and
      specific diagnostic tool which may lead to definite diagnosis and treatment of
      several infectious diseases. DNA microarray is a multi-process method in which
      probe designing plays an important. Therefore, the authors of the present study
      have tried to design a range of effective and proper long oligo microarray probes
      for detection and identification of different strains of pathogenic E.coli and in
      particular, uropathogenic E.coli (UPEC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: E.coli O26 H11
      11368 uid41021 was selected as the standard strain for probe designing. This
      strain encompasses the largest nucleotide sequence and the most number of genes
      among other pathogenic strains of E.coli. For performing this in silico survey,
      NCBI database, GReview Server, PanSeq Server, Oligoanalyzer tool, and AlleleID
      7.7 were used to design accurate, appropriate, effective, and flexible long oligo
      microarray probes. Moreover, the genome of E.coli and its closely related
      microorganisms were compared. RESULTS: In this study, 15 long oligo microarray
      probes were designed for detecting and identifying different strains of E.coli
      such as UPEC. These probes possessed the best physico-chemical characteristics.
      The functional and structural properties of the designed probes were recognized
      by practical tools and softwares. CONCLUSIONS: The use of reliable advanced
      technologies and methodologies for probe designing guarentees the high quality of
      microarray probes and makes DNA microarray technology more flexible and an
      effective diagnostic technique.

PMID- 27123337
TI  - Urogenital tract disorders in children suspected of being sexually abused.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is generally defined as child exploitation
      that leads to achievement of sexual satisfaction. According to data from European
      countries, sexual abuse of children affects 10-40% of girls and 5-20% of boys.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Medline, and Web of Science databases were searched
      with no date limitation on May 2015 using the terms 'child abuse' in conjunction
      with 'urinary tract', 'urologist', 'urological dysfunction', 'urologic symptoms',
      'LUTS' or 'urinary infection'. RESULTS: Awareness of the CSA problem among
      paediatricians and urologists is very important, because they are often the only
      physicians who are able to recognize the problem. CSA diagnosis is possible only
      through the proper collection of a medical history and a thorough physical
      examination. Urologists have to remember that children exposed to sexual abuse
      rarely exhibit abnormal genital findings. In fact, absence of genital findings is
      the rule rather than the exception. In most cases, the final diagnosis of sexual
      abuse is based on the child's history and behavior, along with the onset and
      exacerbation of urologic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In this article, we present a
      review of studies and literature concerning urinary symptoms in sexually abused
      children to clarify the problem for a broad group of urologists. We present
      common symptoms and premises that can point to the right diagnosis and basic
      guidelines of proceeding after suspicion of abuse.

PMID- 27123338
TI  - Comprehensive flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) simulator for training in endourology:
      The K-box model.

PMID- 27123339
TI  - Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for non-functional lower pole kidney stone.

PMID- 27123340
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27123341
TI  - Retinal Detachment in Down Syndrome: Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes.
AB  - Purpose. To determine the functional and anatomic outcomes of rhegmatogenous
      retinal detachment (RRD) surgery in patients with Down syndrome. Methods. A
      retrospective chart review was performed of patients with Down syndrome who had
      undergone surgery for RRD at King Khalid Eye Specialist Hospital between 1995 and
      2014. Results. A total of 245 patients with Down syndrome were evaluated during
      the study period. Eighteen eyes of 15 patients (6.1%) with RRD were identified.
      Three out of 15 patients (20%) presented with bilateral retinal detachment. All
      eyes presented with macula off retinal detachment. The retina was successfully
      reattached in 16/18 (88.8%) eyes after a mean follow-up of 48 months. The final
      postoperative visual acuity ranged from light perception to 20/125 (median: hand
      motion) (11/18 eyes). Conclusions. The anatomic success rate of retinal
      reattachment surgery in patients with Down syndrome is comparable to the general
      population. Patients with Down syndrome should undergo regular ophthalmic
      examinations for early diagnosis. Despite late diagnosis and the presence of
      proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in some patients, favorable anatomical
      outcomes can be achieved. 

PMID- 27123342
TI  - Experiences of Iranian Nurses on the Facilitators of Pain Management in Children:
      A Qualitative Study.
AB  - Background. Despite decades of research and the availability of effective
      analgesic approaches, many children continue to experience moderate-to-severe
      pain after hospitalization. Greater research efforts are needed to identify the
      factors that facilitate effective pain management. The aim of this study was to
      explore the perceptions of Iranian nurses on facilitators of pain management in
      children. Materials and Methods. This qualitative study collected the data
      profoundly through unstructured interviews with 19 nurses in Amirkola Children's
      Hospital in Babol and Children's Medical Center in Tehran, during 2013-2014.
      Purposeful sampling and analysis of the data were conducted using conventional
      qualitative content analysis. Results. Four themes were extracted through data
      analysis: mother and child participation in diagnosis and pain relief, the timely
      presence of medical staff and parents, proper communication, and training and
      supportive role of nurses. Conclusion. Mother and child participation in the
      report and diagnosis of pain and nonpharmacological interventions for pain by the
      mother, the timely presence of medical team at the patient's bedside, and proper
      interaction along with the training and supportive role of a nurse enhanced the
      optimal pain management in hospitalized children. 

PMID- 27123343
TI  - Geometric Simulation Approach for Grading and Assessing the Thermostability of
      CALBs.
AB  - Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) is a known stable and highly active enzyme
      used widely in biodiesel synthesis. In this work, the stability of native (4K6G)
      and mutant (4K5Q) CALB was studied through various structural parameters using
      conformational sampling approach. The contours of polar surface area and surface
      area of mutant CALB were 11357.67 A(2) and 30007.4 A(2), respectively, showing an
      enhanced stability compared to native CALB with a statistically significant P
      value of < 0.0001. Moreover, simulated thermal denaturation of CALB, a process
      involving dilution of hydrogen bond, significantly shielded against different
      intervals of energy application in mutant CALB revealing its augmentation of
      structural rigidity against native CALB. Finally, computational docking analysis
      showed an increase in the binding affinity of CALB and its substrate
      (triglyceride) in mutant CALB with Atomic Contact Energy (ACE) of -91.23 kcal/mol
      compared to native CALB (ACE of -70.3 kcal/mol). The computational observations
      proposed that the use of mutant CALB (4K5Q) could serve as a best template for
      production of biodiesel in the future. Additionally, it can also be used as a
      template to identify efficient thermostable lipases through further mutations. 

PMID- 27123344
TI  - Multidrug Resistant CTX-M-Producing Escherichia coli: A Growing Threat among HIV
      Patients in India.
AB  - Extended Spectrum beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) confer resistance to third-generation
      cephalosporins and CTX-M types have emerged as the most prominent ESBLs
      worldwide. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of CTX-M positive
      ESBL-producing urinary E. coli isolates from HIV patients and to establish the
      association of multidrug resistance, phylogeny, and virulence profile with CTX-M
      production. A total of 57 ESBL producers identified among 76 E. coli strains
      isolated from HIV patients from South India were screened for bla CTX-M, AmpC
      production, multidrug resistance, and nine virulence associated genes (VAGs),
      fimH, pap, afa/dra, sfa/foc, iutA, fyuA, iroN, usp, and kpsMII. The majority
      (70.2%) of the ESBL producers harbored bla CTX-M and were AmpC coproducers. Among
      the CTX-M producers, 47.5% were found to be UPEC, 10% harbored as many as 7 VAGs,
      and 45% possessed kpsMII. Multidrug resistance (CIP(R)SXT(R)GEN(R)) was
      significantly more common among the CTX-M producers compared to the nonproducers
      (70% versus 41.2%). However, 71.4% of the multidrug resistant CTX-M producers
      exhibited susceptibility to nitrofurantoin thereby making it an effective
      alternative to cephalosporins/fluoroquinolones. The emergence of CTX-M-producing
      highly virulent, multidrug resistant uropathogenic E. coli is of significant
      public health concern in countries like India with a high burden of HIV/AIDS. 

PMID- 27123345
TI  - Phenotypic Detection of Metallo-Beta-Lactamases in Carbapenem Resistant
      Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated from Pediatric Patients in Pakistan.
AB  - Multidrug resistant A. baumannii has emerged as an important and problematic
      human pathogen as it is the causative agent of several types of infections
      especially in neonates and immunocompromised patients because they have least
      capacity to fight against infections. Carbapenems are used as last resort
      antibiotics for treating these infections but currently resistance against
      carbapenems due to MBL production is on the rise. The objective of this study was
      to determine the frequency of antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii and also to
      compare the efficacy of combined disk test and double disk synergy test for
      detection of metallo-beta-lactamases. A total of 112 A. baumannii were identified
      from various clinical samples and antibiotic susceptibility profile was
      determined by Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion method. Out of 112, 66 (58.9%) isolates
      were resistant to both imipenem and meropenem (OXOID). These resistant isolates
      were tested for carbapenemase production, and 55 (83.3%) were carbapenemase
      producers by Modified Hodge Test. These isolates were further tested for MBL
      production by combined disk test and double disk synergy test. Out of 66, 49
      isolates were positive by both methods, CDT and DDST, and only one isolate was
      detected as negative (with kappa value = 0.038). All MBL producing strains showed
      remarkable resistance to cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and
      piperacillin/tazobactam (OXOID). The antibiotic resistance was very high in A.
      baumannii which were isolated from children in Pakistan specially attending a
      nephrology unit. 

PMID- 27123346
TI  - Eosinophilic Myocarditis due to Toxocariasis: Not a Rare Cause.
AB  - Myocarditis is a clinically important disease because of the high mortality. From
      the perspective of treatment strategy, eosinophilic myocarditis should be
      distinguished from other types of myocarditis. Toxocariasis, caused by Toxocara
      canis or Toxocara cati, is known as a cause of eosinophilic myocarditis but is
      considered rare. As it is an unpopular disease, eosinophilic myocarditis due to
      toxocariasis may be underdiagnosed. We experienced two cases of eosinophilic
      myocarditis due to toxocariasis from different geographical areas in quick
      succession between 2013 and 2014. Case 1 is 32-year-old man. Case 2 is 66-year
      old woman. In both cases, diagnosis was done by endomyocardial biopsy and IgG
      ELISA against Toxocara excretory-secretory antigen. Only a corticosteroid was
      used in Case  1, whereas a corticosteroid and albendazole were used in Case  2 as
      induction therapy. Both patients recovered. Albendazole was also used in Case  1
      to prevent recurrence after induction therapy. Eosinophilic myocarditis by
      toxocariasis may in actuality not be a rare disease, and corticosteroid is an
      effective drug as induction therapy even before use of albendazole. 

PMID- 27123347
TI  - The Use of Plasma-Derived Complement C1-Esterase Inhibitor Concentrate
      (Berinert(r)) in the Treatment of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-Inhibitor Related
      Angioedema.
AB  - Angioedema of the upper airways is a severe and potentially life-threatening
      condition. The incidence has been increasing in the past two decades, primarily
      due to pharmaceuticals influencing the generation or degradation of the
      vasoactive molecule bradykinin. Plasma-derived C1-esterase inhibitor concentrate
      is a well-established treatment option of hereditary and acquired complement C1
      esterase inhibitor deficiency, which are also mediated by an increased level of
      bradykinin resulting in recurrent angioedema. We here present a case of severe
      angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitor related angioedema (ACEi-AE) of the
      hypopharynx that completely resolved rapidly after the infusion of plasma-derived
      C1-inhibitor concentrate adding to the sparse reports in the existing literature.

PMID- 27123348
TI  - The Role of PCR in Diagnosis of a Rare Appendicular Tuberculosis and Mini
      Literature Review.
AB  - Tuberculosis is a prevalent public health problem especially in the poor
      developing countries and results in significant mortality. Albeit tuberculosis
      almost always affects any organ or system of the body, abdominal tuberculosis is
      less frequent; moreover, tuberculous appendicitis is very rare with an incidence
      estimated at about 0.1-0.6% of all gastrointestinal tuberculosis. The purpose of
      this report was to present an unusual case of primary tuberculous appendicitis
      and the approach used for accurate diagnosis as well as a current update on the
      disease. We are reporting a 30-year-old male who presented with acute abdominal
      pain, fever, and vomiting and was admitted with the clinical diagnosis of acute
      appendicitis. Patient was investigated thoroughly and histopathologic examination
      was strongly suggestive of tuberculous appendicitis; however, Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN)
      was negative in tissue section. To confirm the diagnosis, molecular biology
      [polymerase chain reaction (PCR)] study was performed from the formalin fixed
      paraffin embedded (FFPE) appendicular tissue and revealed presence of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis. As there are numerous differential diagnoses in
      granulomatous lesions of appendix and due to the fact that appendicular
      tuberculosis is a rare phenomenon; verification etiologic agent is crucial for
      appropriate management of the disease. 

PMID- 27123349
TI  - Novel GLA Deletion in a Cypriot Female Presenting with Cornea Verticillata.
AB  - Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder resulting from a
      deficiency of the hydrolytic enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal-A). It is
      characterized by progressive lysosomal accumulation of globotriaosylceramide
      (Gb3) and multisystem pathology, affecting the skin, nervous and cerebrovascular
      systems, kidneys, and heart. Heterozygous females typically exhibit milder
      symptoms and a later age of onset than males. Rarely, they may be relatively
      asymptomatic throughout a normal life span or may have symptoms as severe as
      those observed in males with the classic phenotype. We report on a 17-year-old
      female in whom cornea verticillata was found during a routine ophthalmological
      examination but with no other clinical symptoms. Leucocyte alpha-galactosidase
      activity was within the overlap range between Fabry heterozygotes and normal
      controls. Sanger sequencing of the GLA gene failed to reveal any pathogenic
      variants. Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) analysis
      revealed a deletion of exon 7. Using a long-range PCR walking approach, we
      managed to identify the deletion breakpoints. The deletion spans 1182 bp, with
      its 5' end located within exon 6 of the GLA gene and its 3' end located 612 bp
      downstream of exon 7. This finding represents a novel deletion identified in the
      first reported Cypriot female carrier of Fabry disease. 

PMID- 27123350
TI  - Pregnancy and Accelerated Phase of Myeloid Chronic Leukemia Treated with
      Imatinib: A Case Report from a Developing Country.
AB  - Background. Chronic myeloid leukemia is a hematological malignancy caused by
      expression of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase oncogene, product of the t(9;22)
      Philadelphia translocation. Accelerated phase of this disease marks the onset of
      advanced rapidly progressive disease unresponsive to many therapies. Pregnancy
      limits broad number of therapies on patients because of their potential
      teratogenic effects. We report the case of a pregnant 34-year-old patient on
      accelerated phase successively managed by imatinib. She achieved a safe pregnancy
      and delivered at 39 weeks a healthy baby without congenital abnormalities. Our
      case is unusual because of the accelerated phase of the disease. Case
      Presentation. A 34-year-old African female with history of chronic phase of
      myeloid leukemia on imatinib, lost to follow-up for 4 months, presented to the
      hematological department for abdominal discomfort. Accelerated phase of chronic
      myeloid leukemia was diagnosed. Complete hematological response was achieved on
      high doses of imatinib. At the completion of 39 weeks, she delivered a healthy
      child without congenital anomalies. Conclusion. Despite its teratogenic and
      embryotoxic effects, front line imatinib is the only effective, well-tolerated
      treatment for patient on accelerated phase that can be offered to patients in sub
      Saharan countries. 

PMID- 27123351
TI  - S3 Dorsal Root Ganglion/Nerve Root Stimulation for Refractory Postsurgical
      Perineal Pain: Technical Aspects of Anchorless Sacral Transforaminal Lead
      Placement.
AB  - Chronic perineal pain limits patients in physical and sexual activities, leading
      to social and psychological distress. In most cases, this pain develops after
      surgery in the urogenital area or as a consequence of trauma. Neuromodulation is
      one of the options in chronic postsurgical perineal pain treatment. We present a
      case of refractory perineal pain after right sided surgical resection of a
      Bartholin's cyst which was treated with third sacral nerve root/dorsal root
      ganglion stimulation using the transforaminal approach. We describe a new
      anchorless lead placement technique using a unique curved lead delivery sheath.
      We postulate that this new posterior foraminal technique of lead placement is
      simple, safe, and reversible and may lower the occurrence of lead related
      complications. 

PMID- 27123352
TI  - A Successful Mother and Neonate Outcome for a Woman with Essential Thrombocytosis
      and FV Leiden Heterozygosity.
AB  - Essential thrombocytosis (ET) and FV Leiden heterozygosity represent an acquired
      and hereditable hypercoagulable state, respectively. An uncommon case of
      coexistence of ET and FV Leiden heterozygosity in a 36-year-old pregnant woman
      and her successful pregnancy outcome is described. She was considered to be at
      high risk of thrombosis during her pregnancy and she was treated with both
      prophylactic dose of LMWH and aspirin daily throughout her pregnancy and for a 6
      week period postpartum. The efficacy of the anticoagulation treatment was
      monitored in various time points not only by measuring anti-Xa levels and D
      Dimers but also with new coagulation methods such as rotation thromboelastometry
      and multiplate. Global assessment of coagulation using additional newer
      laboratory tests might prove useful in monitoring coagulation pregnancies at high
      risk for thrombosis. 

PMID- 27123353
TI  - A Thickened Coracohumeral Ligament and Superomedial Capsule Limit Internal
      Rotation of the Shoulder Joint: Report of Three Cases.
AB  - Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (also known as frozen shoulder) is a painful
      and disabling disorder with an estimated prevalence ranging from 2% to 5% in the
      general population. Although the precise pathogenesis of frozen shoulder is
      unclear, thickened capsule and coracohumeral ligament (CHL) have been documented
      to be one of the most specific manifestations. The thickened CHL has been
      understood to limit external rotation of the shoulder, and restriction of
      internal rotation of the shoulder has been believed to be related to posterior
      capsular tightness. In this paper, three cases of refractory frozen shoulder
      treated through arthroscopic release of a contracted capsule including CHL were
      reported. Two cases in which there is recalcitrant severe restriction of internal
      rotation after manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) were finally treated with
      arthroscopic surgery. Although MUA could release the posterior capsule, internal
      rotation did not improve in our cases. After release of the thickened CHL, range
      of motion of internal rotation was significantly improved. This report
      demonstrates the role of the thickened CHL in limiting the internal rotation of
      the shoulder. We highlight the importance of release of thickened CHL in addition
      to the pancapsular release, in case of severe limitation of internal rotation of
      shoulder. 

PMID- 27123354
TI  - Management of Testicular Silicone Gel-Filled Prosthesis Rupture: Case Report of a
      Rare Event and a Review of the Literature.
AB  - Introduction. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of a single testicular
      prosthesis in a patient who had undergone bilateral orchiectomy and silicone gel
      filled prosthesis insertion. The consequences of this rare event are discussed.
      There is no management algorithm. Case Presentation. A 55-year-old man presented
      to our outpatient department with altered consistency in his right testicular
      prosthesis and a painful right hemiscrotum with no systemic symptoms thirty-three
      years after the implantation of the prosthesis. We removed this implant without
      replacement, in accordance with the patient's wishes. Conclusion. The long time
      between the implantation and the spontaneous rupture is remarkable and was never
      before described. The removal of the prosthesis was straightforward and it would
      have been possible to implant a new prosthesis after taking into account the
      condition of the skin. 

PMID- 27123355
TI  - Urothelial Carcinoma Recurrence in an Ileal Neobladder Nine Years after Primary
      Surgery with Muir-Torre Syndrome.
AB  - We report a patient who presented with a urothelial carcinoma recurrence
      developed nine years after radical cystoprostatectomy, related to Muir-Torre
      syndrome. 

PMID- 27123356
TI  - The Prevalence of Syphilis Infection and Its Associated Factors in the General
      Population of Rwanda: A National Household-Based Survey.
AB  - Background. The prevalence of syphilis among HIV-infected people is a public
      health concern, but there is limited literature to describe the true burden of
      syphilis in resource-limited settings. We conducted this survey in 2013 to
      estimate the prevalence of syphilis. Methods. A cross-sectional survey.
      Participants were tested for syphilis and HIV. Factors associated with syphilis
      infection were identified. Results. The prevalence of syphilis was 0.9% (95% CI:
      0.7-1.1). This prevalence was higher in the 25-49-year-old age (1.1% [95% CI: 0.8
      1.3]) than in the 15-24-year-old age (0.6% (95% CI: 0.4-0.9)). Women with lower
      education had a higher prevalence of syphilis (1.2% (95% CI: 0.9-1.5)) compared
      to others (0.4% (95% CI: 0.2-0.8)). This prevalence among HIV-infected people was
      six times higher: 4.8% (95% CI: 2.9-7.9) compared to HIV-negative people (0.8%
      (95% CI: 0.6-1.0)). The prevalence of syphilis among HIV-infected females was
      5.9% (95% CI: 3.4-10.0). HIV-infected or concurrent sexual partners was
      associated with increased syphilis prevalence with aOR = 4.2 (95% CI: 2.5-7.2)
      and aOR = 4.2 (95% CI: 2.8-6.5), respectively. Conclusions. The prevalence of
      syphilis was significantly higher among HIV-infected patients. HIV infection and
      concurrent sexual partners are associated with an increased prevalence of
      syphilis. Preventing HIV might help in preventing syphilis. 

PMID- 27123357
TI  - Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women Heterozygous for the C282Y HFE
      Mutation.
AB  - Mutations in the HFE gene may be associated with increased tissue iron stores
      reflected in an elevated serum ferritin. With homozygous mutation C282Y, the
      increase in serum ferritin may be associated with tissue damage in the liver,
      pancreas, and pituitary and with a reduced bone mineral density. With
      heterozygous mutation C282Y, the degree of iron retention is less but information
      relating to how a heterozygous C282Y mutation might impact bone mineral density
      is uncertain. The present study was undertaken to study the relationships between
      bone mineral density measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and the serum
      ferritin and serum iron in postmenopausal women heterozygous for the C282Y
      mutation. The spinal bone mineral density, L2-4, was significantly less than age
      matched community controls (P = 0.016). There was no significant change in the
      femoral neck bone mineral density compared to age matched community controls. The
      correlation between the spinal bone mineral density, L2-4, the femoral neck bone
      mineral density, and the serum ferritin was not significant. The serum iron
      correlated significantly inversely with the femoral neck bone mineral density (P
      = 0.048). The heterozygous C282Y mutation may be associated with impairment of
      bone cell function in postmenopausal women when only small increases in the serum
      iron or serum ferritin have occurred. 

PMID- 27123358
TI  - Hypothyroidism in Pancreatic Cancer: Role of Exogenous Thyroid Hormone in Tumor
      Invasion-Preliminary Observations.
AB  - According to the epidemiological studies, about 4.4% of American general elderly
      population has a pronounced hypothyroidism and relies on thyroid hormone
      supplements daily. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in our patients with
      pancreatic cancer was much higher, 14.1%. A retrospective analysis was performed
      on patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) or distal
      pancreatectomy and splenectomy (DPS) at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital,
      Philadelphia, from 2005 to 2012. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism was correlated
      with clinicopathologic parameters including tumor stage, grade, and survival. To
      further understand how thyroid hormone affects pancreatic cancer behavior,
      functional studies including wound-induced cell migration, proliferation, and
      invasion were performed on pancreatic cancer cell lines, MiaPaCa-2 and AsPC-1. We
      found that hypothyroid patients taking exogenous thyroid hormone were more than
      three times likely to have perineural invasion, and about twice as likely to have
      higher T stage, nodal spread, and overall poorer prognostic stage (P < 0.05).
      Pancreatic cancer cell line studies demonstrated that exogenous thyroid hormone
      treatment increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion (P < 0.05). We
      conclude that exogenous thyroid hormone may contribute to the progression of
      pancreatic cancer. 

PMID- 27123359
TI  - The Relationship between Population T4/TSH Set Point Data and T4/TSH Physiology.
AB  - Context. Population studies of the distribution of T4/TSH set points suggest a
      more complex inverse relationship between T4 and TSH than that suggested by
      physiological studies. The reasons for the similarities and differences between
      the curves describing these relationships are unresolved. Methods. We subjected
      the curve, derived from empiric data, describing the TSH suppression response to
      T4, and the more mathematically derived curve describing the T4 response to TSH,
      to the different possible models of population variation. The implied
      consequences of these in terms of generating a population distribution of T4/TSH
      equilibrium points (a "population curve") were generated and compared to the
      empiric population curve. The physiological responses to primary hypothyroidism
      and hyperthyroidism were incorporated into the analysis. Conclusions. Though the
      population curve shows a similarly inverse relationship, it is describing a
      different relationship than the curve describing the suppression of TSH by T4.
      The population curve is consistent with the physiological studies of the TSH
      response to T4 and implies a greater interindividual variation in the positive
      thyroid T4 response to TSH than in the central inhibitory TSH response to T4. The
      population curve in the dysthyroid states is consistent with known physiological
      responses to these states. 

PMID- 27123360
TI  - A Simple Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Thiobarbituric Acid
      Reactive Substances in Fried Fast Foods.
AB  - A simple and highly sensitive spectrophotometric method was developed for the
      determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as a marker for
      lipid peroxidation in fried fast foods. The method uses the reaction of
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and TBA in the glacial acetic acid medium. The method was
      precise, sensitive, and highly reproducible for quantitative determination of
      TBARS. The precision of extractions and analytical procedure was very high as
      compared to the reported methods. The method was used to determine the TBARS
      contents in the fried fast foods such as Shami kebab, samosa, fried bread, and
      potato chips. Shami kebab, samosa, and potato chips have higher amount of TBARS
      in glacial acetic acid-water extraction system than their corresponding pure
      glacial acetic acid and vice versa in fried bread samples. The method can
      successfully be used for the determination of TBARS in other food matrices,
      especially in quality control of food industries. 

PMID- 27123361
TI  - The Clinical Effectiveness of Intralesional Injection of 2% Zinc Sulfate Solution
      in the Treatment of Common Warts.
AB  - Objective. To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of intralesional
      injection of 2% zinc sulfate solution in the treatment of common warts. Patients
      and Methods. One hundred and twenty patients (78 females and 42 males) aged 5-55
      years with 225 common warts participated in this prospective monocentric
      randomized study. All lesions were treated with intralesional injection of 2%
      zinc sulfate. Results. From 225 warts injected, 135 warts (60%) cured from the
      first session, 51 warts (22.67%) cured from the second session, and 12 warts
      (5.33%) cured from the third session. There is no significant relation between
      improvement and patient's ages, duration, or number of warts (P > 0.05). All
      patients complained from pain during injection, and all treated lesions showed
      redness, tenderness, and swelling in the first 3 days after injection. Late
      complications were postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in 90 patients (75%),
      scaring in 9 patients (7.5%), and ulceration in 3 patients (2.5%). Recurrence
      occurred in 3 lesions (1.33%). Conclusion. The clinical data indicate that
      intralesional injection of 2% zinc sulfate is an effective maneuver in the
      treatment of common warts; however, its associated complications limit its use. 

PMID- 27123362
TI  - Onychomycosis: Potential of Nail Lacquers in Transungual Delivery of Antifungals.
AB  - Onychomycosis constitutes the most common fungal infection of the nail (skin
      beneath the nail bed) that affects the finger as well as toe nails. It is an
      infection that is initiated by yeasts, dermatophytes, and nondermatophyte molds.
      Nail lacquers are topical solutions intended only for use on fingernails as well
      as toenails and have been found to be useful in the treatment of onychomycosis.
      Thus, in the present review an attempt has been made to focus on the treatment
      aspects of onychomycosis and the ungual delivery of antifungals via nail lacquer.
      Several patents issued on nail lacquer till date have also been discussed.
      Penetration efficiency was assessed by several researchers across the human nail
      plate to investigate the potentiality of nail lacquer based formulations. Various
      clinical trials have also been conducted in order to evaluate the safety and
      efficacy of nail lacquers in delivering antifungal agents. Thus, it can be
      concluded that nail lacquer based preparations are efficacious and stable
      formulations. These possess tremendous potential for clinical topical application
      to the nail bed in the treatment of onychomycosis. 

PMID- 27123363
TI  - Implications of Intrathecal Chemotherapy for Anaesthesiologists: A Brief Review.
AB  - Intrathecal chemotherapy is routinely prescribed in medical oncology practice,
      either for prophylaxis or for treatment of leptomeningeal disease due to a
      primary haematological disease or a metastatic disease due to any other
      malignancy. As these groups of patients are coagulopathic either because of the
      disease per se or due to systemic chemotherapy, lumbar puncture in them is
      considered challenging and is expected to be performed by an anaesthesiologist
      because of their expertise in this procedure. However, the challenge is not only
      in performing the lumbar puncture safely but also in dealing with other issues
      like explaining and handling complications that can happen either due to the drug
      injected intrathecally or due to a neurodeficit occurring either due to the
      underlying coagulopathy or due to the progression of leptomeningeal disease. 

PMID- 27123364
TI  - Development and Validation of Stability-Indicating Method for Estimation of
      Chlorthalidone in Bulk and Tablets with the Use of Experimental Design in Forced
      Degradation Experiments.
AB  - Chlorthalidone was subjected to various forced degradation conditions.
      Substantial degradation of chlorthalidone was obtained in acid, alkali, and
      oxidative conditions. Further full factorial experimental design was applied for
      acid and alkali forced degradation conditions, in which strength of acid/alkali,
      temperature, and time of heating were considered as independent variables
      (factors) and % degradation was considered as dependent variable (response).
      Factors responsible for acid and alkali degradation were statistically evaluated
      using Yates analysis and Pareto chart. Furthermore, using surface response curve,
      optimized 10% degradation was obtained. All chromatographic separation was
      carried out on Phenomenex HyperClone C 18 column (250 * 4.6 mm, 5 MU), using
      mobile phase comprising methanol : acetonitrile : phosphate buffer (20 mM) (pH
      3.0 adjusted with o-phosphoric acid): 30 : 10 : 60% v/v. The flow rate was kept
      constant at 1 mL/min and eluent was detected at 241 nm. In calibration curve
      experiments, linearity was found to be in the range of 2-12 MUg/mL. Validation
      experiments proved good accuracy and precision of the method. Also there was no
      interference of excipients and degradation products at the retention time of
      chlorthalidone, indicating specificity of the method. 

PMID- 27123365
TI  - International Air Travel to Ohio, USA, and the Impact on Malaria, Influenza, and
      Hepatitis A.
AB  - The State of Ohio led the United States in measles in 2014, ostensibly related to
      international air travel (IAT), and ranked lower than 43 other states in
      infectious disease outbreak preparedness. We conducted a retrospective cohort
      study using surveillance data of the total Ohio population of 11 million from
      2010 through 2014 with a nested case control of air travelers to determine the
      risk of malaria, seasonal influenza hospitalizations (IH), and hepatitis A (HA)
      disease related to international travel and to estimate the association with
      domestic enplanement. IAT appeared protective for HA and IH with a risk of 0.031
      (.02-.04) but for malaria was 2.7 (2.07-3.62). Enplanement increased the risk for
      nonendemic M 3.5 (2.5-4.9) and for HA and IH 1.39 (1.34-1.44). IAT's ratio of
      relative risk (RRR) of malaria to HA and IH was 87.1 (55.8-136) greater than 219
      times versus domestic enplanement which was protective for malaria at 0.397
      (0.282-0.559). Malaria is correlated with IAT with cases increasing by 6.9 for
      every 10,000 passports issued. 

PMID- 27123366
TI  - Nematode orphan genes are adopted by conserved regulatory networks and find a
      home in ecology.
AB  - Nematode dauer formation represents an essential survival and dispersal strategy
      and is one of a few ecologically relevant traits that can be studied in
      laboratory approaches. Under harsh environmental conditions, the nematode model
      organisms Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus arrest their
      development and induce the formation of stress-resistant dauer larvae in response
      to dauer pheromones, representing a key example of phenotypic plasticity.
      Previous studies have indicated that in P. pacificus, many wild isolates show
      cross-preference of dauer pheromones and compete for access to a limited food
      source. When investigating the genetic mechanisms underlying this intraspecific
      competition, we recently discovered that the orphan gene dauerless (dau-1)
      controls dauer formation by copy number variation. Our results show that dau-1
      acts in parallel to or downstream of steroid hormone signaling but upstream of
      the nuclear hormone receptor daf-12, suggesting that DAU-1 represents a novel
      inhibitor of DAF-12. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the observed copy number
      variation is part of a complex series of gene duplication events that occurred
      over short evolutionary time scales. Here, we comment on the incorporation of
      novel or fast-evolving genes into conserved genetic networks as a common
      principle for the evolution of phenotypic plasticity and intraspecific
      competition. We discuss the possibility that orphan genes might often function in
      the regulation and execution of ecologically relevant traits. Given that only few
      ecological processes can be studied in model organisms, the function of such
      genes might often go unnoticed, explaining the large number of uncharacterized
      genes in model system genomes. 

PMID- 27123367
TI  - Context-dependent regulation of Dicer activity and small RNA production:
      Implications to oocyte-to-embryo transition.
AB  - Cellular and molecular mechanisms that suppress small RNAs in oocytes while
      maintaining them in zygotes remain unknown. Signal-mediated regulation of small
      RNA biogenesis pathway is emerging as a theme for regulating small RNA
      production. We recently reported that ERK-mediated phosphorylation of Dicer, a
      central player in small RNA biogenesis, induced Dicer to move from the cytoplasm
      to the nucleus. Dicer phosphorylation inhibited its function, e.g., the
      production of 26G endo-siRNAs in the female germline. Moreover, our findings
      showed that the inhibition of Dicer function was necessary for normal progression
      of meiosis I and oogenesis, and that Dicer function had to be restored before
      fertilization for normal progression of embryogenesis. Thus, extracellular signal
      dependent inhibition and then reactivation of Dicer is essential for oocyte-to
      embryo transition. Strikingly, signal-induced Dicer translocation from the
      cytoplasm to nucleus is evolutionarily conserved from worm, flies, mice to humans
      thereby suggesting the ERK-mediated control of Dicer activity may be a
      generalized mechanism for regulating small RNA biogenesis. 

PMID- 27123368
TI  - How targets select activation or repression in response to Wnt.
AB  - In metazoans, the Wnt signaling pathway plays a key role in the regulation of
      binary decisions during development. During this process different sets of target
      genes are activated in cells where the Wnt pathway is active (classic target
      genes) versus cells where the pathway is inactive (opposite target genes). While
      the mechanism of transcriptional activation is well understood for classic target
      genes, how opposite target genes are activated in the absence of Wnt remains
      poorly characterized. Here we discuss how the key transcriptional mediator of the
      Wnt pathway, the TCF family member POP-1, regulates opposite target genes during
      C. elegans development. We examine recent findings suggesting that the direction
      of the transcriptional output (activation or repression) can be determined by the
      way TCF is recruited and physically interacts with its target gene. 

PMID- 27123369
TI  - Levels and location are crucial in determining the effect of ROS on lifespan.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause molecular damage that accumulates with age
      and have been proposed to be one of the primary causes of aging. However, recent
      work indicates that ROS have beneficial roles in an organism and that the
      relationship between ROS and aging is complex. We have shown that increasing ROS
      levels or oxidative damage does not necessarily lead to decreased lifespan. We
      have also shown that in some cases increasing ROS can promote longevity. Further
      investigation of the factors that determine the effect of ROS on lifespan
      demonstrate that both the levels and location of ROS are important in predicting
      the impact of ROS on longevity. Increasing superoxide levels in the cytoplasm
      results in decreased lifespan, while increasing superoxide levels in the
      mitochondria leads to increased lifespan. Within the mitochondria, mild elevation
      of superoxide levels promote longevity, while high levels of superoxide are
      toxic. Thus, a new paradigm is emerging in which ROS are neither good nor bad but
      levels and location makes it so. 

PMID- 27123370
TI  - A chemical screen to identify inducers of the mitochondrial unfolded protein
      response in C. elegans.
AB  - We previously showed that inhibition of the mevalonate pathway in C. elegans
      causes inhibition of protein prenylation, developmental arrest and lethality. We
      also showed that constitutive activation of the mitochondrial unfolded protein
      response, UPR(mt), is an effective way for C. elegans to become resistant to the
      negative effects of mevalonate pathway inhibition. This was an important finding
      since statins, a drug class prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in patients,
      act by inhibiting the mevalonate pathway, and it is therefore possible that some
      of their undesirable side effects could be alleviated by activating the UPR(mt).
      Here, we screened a chemical library and identified 4 compounds that specifically
      activated the UPR(mt). One of these compounds, methacycline hydrochloride (a
      tetracycline antibiotic) also protected C. elegans and mammalian cells from
      statin toxicity. Methacycline hydrochloride and ethidium bromide, a known UPR(mt)
      activator, were also tested in mice: only ethidium bromide significantly activate
      the UPR(mt) in skeletal muscles. 

PMID- 27123371
TI  - The C. elegans Ortholog of USP7 controls DAF-16 stability in Insulin/IGF-1-like
      signaling.
AB  - FOXO family transcription factors are downstream effectors of Insulin/IGF-1
      signaling (IIS) and are regulated by posttranslational modification and
      coregulators, including components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS).
      Cofactors promoting DAF-16/FOXO protein stability and function in IIS have not
      been described yet. In a recent study, we have identified the deubiquitylating
      enzyme MATH-33, the ortholog of mammalian USP7/HAUSP, as an essential DAF-16
      coregulator. We found that MATH-33 actively stabilizes DAF-16 protein levels when
      IIS is downregulated. Here we discuss how DAF-16/FOXO transcription factors are
      regulated by the UPS, in particular by the interplay of E3-ubiquitin ligases and
      deubiquitylating enzymes, which is critical for balancing DAF-16/FOXO activity
      and degradation. Recent findings raise the intriguing possibility that regulated
      oscillations in DAF-16/FOXO steady state levels play an integral role in
      mechanisms controlling healthspan and lifespan extension. 

PMID- 27123372
TI  - Trouble in transitioning: activation of zygotic transcription can lead to DNA
      breakage and genome instability.
AB  - Recent work from our laboratory has identified zygotic genome activation as a
      source of intrinsic DNA damage during germline development in C. elegans. More
      specifically, we have found that the primordial germ cells Z2 and Z3 experience
      DNA damage and damage checkpoint activation shortly after RNA polymerase II is
      activated by a nutrient-dependent signal in L1 stage animals. In this Commentary
      we review these data, put them into context with other examples of programmed DNA
      double-strand breaks (DSBs) during gene activation, and speculate as to how a DSB
      would facilitate signal-dependent activation of gene expression. 

PMID- 27123373
TI  - Why do worms go against the flow? C. elegans behaviors explained by simple
      physics.
AB  - Nearly half a century of neurobiological research using the nematode
      Caenorahbitis elegans has produced a remarkably detailed understanding of how
      genotype controls behavioral phenotype. However, the role of simple physical
      forces in regulating behavior has been understudied. Here, we review our recent
      observations of 3 behaviors of C. elegans suspended in solution that can be fully
      explained by the laws of mechanics. These behaviors are bordertaxis, the
      attraction toward solid surfaces; positive rheotaxis, the propensity to swim
      against the flow; and synchrophilia, the tendency of animals when close to each
      other to synchronize their gaits. Although these 3 behaviors are not directly
      regulated by the animal's nervous system, bordertaxis and rheotaxis require the
      animal to have an undulating gait. We conjecture that these behaviors are
      advantageous to the animals, and thus evolution may have favored microorganism
      that swim with an undulating gait. 

PMID- 27123374
TI  - GATA transcription factors as tissue-specific master regulators for induced
      responses.
AB  - GATA transcription factors play important roles in directing developmental
      genetic programs and cell differentiation, and are conserved in animals, plants
      and fungi. C. elegans has 11 GATA-type transcription factors that orchestrate
      development of the gut, epidermis and vulva. However, the expression of certain
      GATA proteins persists into adulthood, where their function is less understood.
      Accumulating evidence demonstrates contributions of 2 terminal differentiation
      GATA transcription factors, ELT-2 and ELT-3, to epithelial immune responses in
      the adult intestine and epidermis (hypodermis), respectively. Involvement in
      other stress responses has also been documented. We recently showed that ELT-2
      acted as a tissue-specific master regulator, cooperating with 2 transcription
      factors activated by the p38 pathway, ATF-7 and SKN-1, to control immune
      responses in the adult C. elegans intestine. Here, we discuss the broader
      implications of these findings for understanding the involvement of GATA
      transcription factors in adult stress responses, and draw parallels between ELT-2
      and ELT-3 to speculate that the latter may fulfill similar tissue-specific
      functions in the epidermis. 

PMID- 27123375
TI  - New insights into the metabolic and nutritional determinants of severe combined
      immunodeficiency.
AB  - Human mutations in MTHFD1 have recently been identified in patients with severe
      combined immunodeficiency (SCID). SCID results from inborn errors of metabolism
      that cause impaired T- and B-cell proliferation and function. One of the most
      common causes of SCID is adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency, which ultimately
      inhibits DNA synthesis and cell division. MTHFD1 has been shown to translocate to
      the nucleus during S-phase of the cell cycle; this localization is critical for
      synthesis of thymidyate (dTMP or the "T" base in DNA) and subsequent progression
      through the cell cycle and cell proliferation. Identification of MTHFD1 mutations
      that are associated with SCID highlights the potential importance of adequate
      dTMP synthesis in the etiology of SCID. 

PMID- 27123377
TI  - A comparison of species composition and community assemblage of secondary forests
      between the birch and pine-oak belts in the mid-altitude zone of the Qinling
      Mountains, China.
AB  - The mid-altitude zone of the Qinling Mountains in China was once dominated by
      birch and pine-oak belts but are now mainly covered by secondary growth following
      large-scale deforestation. Assessing the recovery and sustainability of these
      forests is essential for their management and restoration. We investigated and
      compared the tree species composition and community assemblages of secondary
      forests of the birch and pine-oak belts in the Huoditang forest region of the
      Qinling Mountains after identical natural recoveries. Both types of belts had
      rich species compositions and similar floristic components but clearly different
      community structures. Tree diversity was significantly higher for the birch than
      the pine-oak belt. Niche and neutral processes simultaneously influenced the
      species distribution and community dynamics of the belts, and these forests were
      able to maintain stable development during natural recoveries. The conservation
      and management of these forests should receive more attention to protect
      biodiversity and the forest resources in the Qinling Mountains. 

PMID- 27123376
TI  - Plastome data reveal multiple geographic origins of Quercus Group Ilex.
AB  - Nucleotide sequences from the plastome are currently the main source for
      assessing taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships in flowering plants and their
      historical biogeography at all hierarchical levels. One major exception is the
      large and economically important genus Quercus (oaks). Whereas differentiation
      patterns of the nuclear genome are in agreement with morphology and the fossil
      record, diversity patterns in the plastome are at odds with established taxonomic
      and phylogenetic relationships. However, the extent and evolutionary implications
      of this incongruence has yet to be fully uncovered. The DNA sequence divergence
      of four Euro-Mediterranean Group Ilex oak species (Quercus ilex L., Q. coccifera
      L., Q. aucheri Jaub. & Spach., Q. alnifolia Poech.) was explored at three
      chloroplast markers (rbcL, trnK/matK, trnH-psbA). Phylogenetic relationships were
      reconstructed including worldwide members of additional 55 species representing
      all Quercus subgeneric groups. Family and order sequence data were harvested from
      gene banks to better frame the observed divergence in larger taxonomic contexts.
      We found a strong geographic sorting in the focal group and the genus in general
      that is entirely decoupled from species boundaries. High plastid divergence in
      members of Quercus Group Ilex, including haplotypes shared with related, but long
      isolated oak lineages, point towards multiple geographic origins of this group of
      oaks. The results suggest that incomplete lineage sorting and repeated phases of
      asymmetrical introgression among ancestral lineages of Group Ilex and two other
      main Groups of Eurasian oaks (Cyclobalanopsis and Cerris) caused this complex
      pattern. Comparison with the current phylogenetic synthesis also suggests an
      initial high- versus mid-latitude biogeographic split within Quercus. High
      plastome plasticity of Group Ilex reflects geographic area disruptions, possibly
      linked with high tectonic activity of past and modern distribution ranges, that
      did not leave imprints in the nuclear genome of modern species and infrageneric
      lineages. 

PMID- 27123378
TI  - Natural melatonin fluctuation and its minimally invasive simulation in the zebra
      finch.
AB  - Melatonin is a key hormone in the regulation of circadian rhythms of vertebrates,
      including songbirds. Understanding diurnal melatonin fluctuations and being able
      to reverse or simulate natural melatonin levels are critical to investigating the
      influence of melatonin on various behaviors such as singing in birds. Here we
      give a detailed overview of natural fluctuations in plasma melatonin
      concentration throughout the night in the zebra finch. As shown in previous
      studies, we confirm that "lights off" initiates melatonin production at night in
      a natural situation. Notably, we find that melatonin levels return to daytime
      levels as early as two hours prior to the end of the dark-phase in some
      individuals and 30 min before "lights on" in all animals, suggesting that the
      presence of light in the morning is not essential for cessation of melatonin
      production in zebra finches. Thus, the duration of melatonin production seems not
      to be specified by the length of night and might therefore be less likely to
      directly couple circadian and annual rhythms. Additionally, we show that natural
      melatonin levels can be successfully simulated through a combination of light
      treatment (daytime levels during subjective night) and the application of
      melatonin containing skin-cream (nighttime levels during subjective day).
      Moreover, natural levels and their fluctuation in the transition from day to
      night can be imitated, enabling the decoupling of the effects of melatonin, for
      example on neuronal activity, from sleep and circadian rhythmicity. Taken
      together, our high-resolution profile of natural melatonin levels and
      manipulation techniques open up new possibilities to answer various melatonin
      related questions in songbirds. 

PMID- 27123379
TI  - Thermal summation model and instar determination of all developmental stages of
      necrophagous beetle, Sciodrepoides watsoni (Spence) (Coleoptera: Leiodidae:
      Cholevinae).
AB  - Necrophagous beetles are underrepresented in forensic entomology studies despite
      their undeniable utility for the field. In the present article, information is
      presented regarding the developmental biology and instar determination of
      Sciodrepoides watsoni (Spence, 1813), a very common species occurring across the
      Holarctic region. Wild collected beetles were kept in climate chambers at
      constant temperature (12, 15, 18, 21 and 28  degrees C) and their development was
      regularly documented. Parameters of thermal summation models and standard errors
      were calculated for each developmental stage. These models may be used for an
      estimation of post-mortem interval in legal investigations after further
      validation on local populations of S. watsoni. An additional methodology is
      introduced for future studies of size-based characteristics, addressing instar
      identification bias. The methodology provided estimations (mean, standard error
      and standard deviation) of S. watsoni larval head capsule width for preliminary
      larval instar determination. The methodology may be used with other morphological
      features to improve instar determination accuracy. 

PMID- 27123380
TI  - Factors that influence the beta-diversity of spider communities in northwestern
      Argentinean Grasslands.
AB  - Beta-diversity, defined as spatial replacement in species composition, is crucial
      to the understanding of how local communities assemble. These changes can be
      driven by environmental or geographic factors (such as geographic distance), or a
      combination of the two. Spiders have been shown to be good indicators of
      environmental quality. Accordingly, spiders are used in this work as model taxa
      to establish whether there is a decrease in community similarity that corresponds
      to geographic distance in the grasslands of the Campos & Malezales ecoregion
      (Corrientes). Furthermore, the influence of climactic factors and local
      vegetation heterogeneity (environmental factors) on assemblage composition was
      evaluated. Finally, this study evaluated whether the differential dispersal
      capacity of spider families is a factor that influences their community structure
      at a regional scale. Spiders were collected with a G-Vac from vegetation in six
      grassland sites in the Campos & Malezales ecoregion that were separated by a
      minimum of 13 km. With this data, the impact of alpha-diversity and different
      environmental variables on the beta-diversity of spider communities was analysed.
      Likewise, the importance of species replacement and nesting on beta-diversity and
      their contribution to the regional diversity of spider families with different
      dispersion capacities was evaluated. The regional and site-specific inventories
      obtained were complete. The similarity between spider communities declined as the
      geographic distance between sites increased. Environmental variables also
      influenced community composition; stochastic events and abiotic forces were the
      principal intervening factors in assembly structure. The differential dispersal
      capacity of spider groups also influenced community structure at a regional
      scale. The regional beta-diversity, as well as species replacement, was greater
      in high and intermediate vagility spiders; while nesting was greater in spiders
      with low dispersion capacity. Geographic distance, among other factors (climate,
      and active and passive dispersion capacity), explains assembly structure and the
      decrease spider community similarity between geographically distant sites.
      Spiders with the highest dispersal capacity showed greater species replacement.
      This may be due to the discontinuity (both natural and anthropic) of the
      grasslands in this ecoregion, which limits the dispersal capacity of these
      spiders, and their close dependence on microhabitats. The dispersal capacity of
      the least vagile spiders is limited by geographic distance and biotic factors,
      such as competition, which could explain the nesting observed between their
      communities. 

PMID- 27123381
TI  - Growth and physiological responses of submerged plant Vallisneria natans to water
      column ammonia nitrogen and sediment copper.
AB  - Background. The decline of submerged plant populations due to high heavy metal
      (e.g., Cu) levels in sediments and ammonia nitrogen (ammonia-N) accumulation in
      the freshwater column has become a significant global problem. Previous studies
      have evaluated the effect of ammonia-N on submerged macrophytes, but few have
      focused on the influence of sediment Cu on submerged macrophytes and their
      combined effects. Methods. In this paper, we selected three levels of ammonia-N
      (0, 3, and 6 mg L(-1)) and sediment Cu (25.75 +/- 6.02 as the control, 125.75 +/-
      6.02, and 225.75 +/- 6.02 mg kg(-1)), to investigate the influence of sediment Cu
      and ammonia-N on submerged Vallisneria natans. We measured the relative growth
      rate (RGR), above- and below- ground biomass, chlorophyll, non-protein thiol (NP
      SH), and free proline. Results and Discussion. The below-ground biomass of V.
      natans decreased with increasing Cu sediment levels, suggesting that excessive
      sediment Cu can result in significant damage to the root of V. natans. Similarly,
      the above-ground biomass significantly decreased with increasing ammonia-N
      concentrations, indicating that excessive water ammonia-N can cause significant
      toxicity to the leaf of V. natans. In addition, high ammonia-N levels place a
      greater stress on submerged plants than sediment Cu, which is indicated by the
      decline of RGR and chlorophyll, and the increase of (NP-SH) and free proline.
      Furthermore, high sediment Cu causes ammonia-N to impose greater injury on
      submerged plants, and higher sediment Cu levels (Cu >= 125.75 mg kg(-1)) led to
      the tolerant values of ammonia-N for V. natans decreasing from 6 to 3 mg L(-1).
      This study suggests that high sediment Cu restricts the growth of plants and
      intensifies ammonia-N damage to V. natans. 

PMID- 27123382
TI  - Winter diet and food selection of the Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis in
      Dashanbao, Yunnan, China.
AB  - The Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis is a globally vulnerable species whose
      food is the factor determining its long-term survival. Understanding dietary
      habits, food preferences, and related factors will facilitate the development of
      effective conservation plans for the protection of this vulnerable species. For
      this purpose, we used video recordings and sampling of food availability to
      examine the dietary composition and temporal variation in food selection of Black
      necked Cranes wintering in the Dashanbao National Nature Reserve, China. The
      Black-necked Crane's diet consists primarily of domestic food crops such as
      grains (74%) and potatoes (8%), in addition to invertebrates (14%). A much
      smaller proportion of the diet was comprised of turnips and wild herbaceous
      plants and tubers. There was monthly variation in food selection, partially
      related to food availability. Grains were most available in November and
      decreased through the winter, whereas invertebrates were more available in
      November and February than in December and January. Grain consumption was lowest
      in November but higher from December through February. Invertebrate consumption
      was highest in November and February. The cranes preferred to eat grains
      throughout winter months, while they mainly selected invertebrates in November
      and February. We suggested invertebrate populations sharply declined in December
      and January due to the low temperature. In addition, grain consumption was
      negatively associated with invertebrate availability. In November, when
      invertebrates were most abundant, and despite a concomitant peak in grain
      abundance, we suggested cranes exhibited a preference for invertebrates over
      grains. We recommend that the protection administration provide appropriate
      supplemental foods for cranes during freezing weather. 

PMID- 27123383
TI  - An Overview of Head and Neck Malignancy with Perineural Spread.
AB  - This article provides an overview of perineural spread of head and neck
      malignancy. It defines the problem and explores some of the unique features,
      which occur with this pathology. The expectation is for a better understanding of
      this extraordinary disease, hopefully leading to earlier diagnosis and for a more
      consistent reporting of results. It summarizes the topics to be covered in this
      special edition, which should leave the reader with a fairly complete
      understanding of the contemporary issues of perineural spread. 

PMID- 27123386
TI  - The Natural History and Treatment Outcomes of Perineural Spread of Malignancy
      within the Head and Neck.
AB  - Understanding the natural history of diseases enables the clinician to better
      diagnose and treat their patients. Perineural spread of head and neck cancers are
      poorly understood and often diagnosis is delayed resulting in poorer outcomes and
      more debilitating treatments. This article reviews a large personal series of
      head and neck malignancy presenting with perineural spread along almost
      exclusively the trigeminal and/or facial nerves. A detailed analysis of squamous
      cell carcinoma of cutaneous origin is presented including an analysis of likely
      primaries, which most often have occurred months to years prior. The importance
      of early detection is reinforced by the highly significant (p < 0.0001)
      differences in disease specific survival, which occur, depending on how far along
      a cranial nerve the disease has been allowed to spread. 

PMID- 27123385
TI  - Mechanisms of Perineural Invasion.
AB  - Perineural invasion (PNI) is the neoplastic invasion of nerves. PNI is widely
      recognized as an important adverse pathological feature of many malignancies,
      including pancreatic, prostate, and head and neck cancers and is associated with
      a poor prognosis. Despite widespread acknowledgment of the clinical significance
      of PNI, the mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Recent
      theories of PNI pathogenesis have placed a significant emphasis on the active
      role of the nerve microenvironment, with PNI resulting from well-orchestrated
      reciprocal interactions between cancer and host. Elucidating the mechanisms
      involved in PNI may translate into targeted therapies for this ominous process. 

PMID- 27123387
TI  - The Imaging of Large Nerve Perineural Spread.
AB  - We present a review of the imaging findings of large nerve perineural spread
      within the skull base. The MRI techniques and reasons for performing different
      sequences are discussed. A series of imaging examples illustrates the appearance
      of perineural tumor spread with an emphasis on the zonal staging system. 

PMID- 27123384
TI  - Perineural Spread in Noncutaneous Head and Neck Cancer: New Insights into an Old
      Problem.
AB  - Head and neck malignancies have the propensity to invade nerves. Perineural tumor
      invasion is common, with some series reporting rates of 30 to 100%. Squamous cell
      carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma are the most commonly involved tumors. The
      most commonly involved nerves are the trigeminal (cranial nerve [CN] V) and
      facial (CN VII) and their branches. Neural spread away from a tumor is
      encountered less often and usually causes specific symptoms such as pain, muscle
      weakness, and atrophy, depending on the involved nerves. While clinical symptoms
      and physical examination may suggest the presence of neural invasion, specific
      imaging modalities such as fat-suppressed T1-weighted magnetic resonance images,
      should be utilized to identify perineural tumor spread in its early phases.
      Perineural tumor spread should be considered and addressed in the treatment
      planning of patients with head and neck or skull base cancers as it can influence
      the extent of surgery, and the dosage and fields of radiation therapy. In the
      current review, we discuss the clinical course of perineural tumor spread and its
      therapeutic implications. 

PMID- 27123388
TI  - Pathology of Perineural Spread.
AB  - The perineural space is a compartment located between the nerve axons, supporting
      cells and tissues, and the epineural fibrous sheath. Tumor cells invade this
      space in response to a complex interplay of trophic factors in the local
      microenviroment. This attraction of tumor cells to nerves is referred to as
      neurotropism. The perineural space provides a conduit for tumor spread beyond the
      primary site of tumor occurrence. Perineural tumor growth is of two types:
      perineural invasion, affecting small unnamed nerves; and perineural spread,
      affecting larger, named nerves and presenting with clinical symptoms related to
      the involved nerve. Both forms of perineural tumor growth represent an adverse
      prognostic feature and are an essential element of the histopathologic reporting
      of malignancies of the head and neck region. Perineural spread is associated with
      decreased overall survival. Endoneurial invasion frequently accompanies
      perineural spread. The epineurium is more resistant to invasion and represents an
      important barrier to tumor spread. Immunohistochemical stains such as broad
      spectrum keratin can aid in defining the proximal extent of perineural tumor
      spread. 

PMID- 27123390
TI  - Surgical Management of Perineural Spread of Head and Neck Cancers.
AB  - The surgical management of perineural spread of head and neck cancers has become
      an integral part in the contemporary treatment of this pathology. We now
      understand that tumour spreads within the epineurium and in a continuous fashion.
      We also can rely on the accuracy of magnetic resonance neurography in detecting
      and defining the extent of disease. With modern skull base techniques and a
      greater understanding of the anatomy in this region, specific operations can be
      designed to help eradicate disease. We review the current approaches and
      techniques used that enable us to better obtain tumour free margins and hence
      improve survival. 

PMID- 27123389
TI  - Perineural Spread of Head and Neck Cancer: Ophthalmic Considerations.
AB  - Head and neck malignancies with orbital involvement present difficult decisions
      to the treating physician. When the spread is perineural, the challenges are
      greater due to the incipient nature of the spread and the fact that the orbit can
      also be involved by centrifugal spread from the non-ophthalmic branches of the
      trigeminal nerve. The disease is often misdiagnosed and the subsequent delay in
      treatment results in worse outcomes. This article discusses the evaluation of the
      eye and the many facets of orbital involvement by perineural spread of malignancy
      including the treatment of complications. 

PMID- 27123392
TI  - Reconstruction of the Base of Skull Defect-Lessons Learned over 25 Combined
      Years.
AB  - With an increased understanding of the pathological processes involved in
      perinerual spread, surgery has come to play a greater role in its management. As
      skull base techniques have been refined, the reconstructive surgeon has been
      presented with increasingly complex and voluminous defects requiring repair. To
      enable such surgery to have acceptable outcomes, attention to form and function
      is paramount. This article describes the methods of repair, which have evolved
      over the last 25 years of practice, and that we find to be both reliable and
      durable. Our accumulated experience is presented as a treatment algorithm, which
      will aid the skull base reconstructive surgeon to achieve success for the wide
      variety of defects encountered with these patients. 

PMID- 27123391
TI  - Intracranial Management of Perineural Spread in the Trigeminal Nerve.
AB  - Since the mid-1960s surgeons have attempted to cure intracranial perineural
      spread (PNS) of cutaneous malignancies. Untreated patients with trigeminal PNS
      die from brainstem invasion and leptomeningeal disease. It was understood that
      resection with clear margins was potentially curative, but early surgical
      attempts were unsuccessful. The prevailing wisdom considered that this surgery
      failed to improve the results achieved with radiation therapy alone and was
      associated with high morbidity. However, with improved imaging, surgical
      equipment, and better understanding of cavernous sinus (CS) anatomy and access,
      contemporary surgeons can improve outcomes for this disease. The aim of this
      paper is to describe a technique to access the interdural compartment of the CS
      and treat PNS of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in the intracranial
      trigeminal nerve and ganglion. It is based on the experience of the Queensland
      Skull Base Unit, Australia in managing PNS of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
      of the head and neck (cSCCHN). 

PMID- 27123393
TI  - Definitive Radiotherapy for Skin and Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma with Perineural
      Invasion.
AB  - Adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACC) and, to a lesser extent, cutaneous squamous cell
      carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas may exhibit perineural invasion (PNI). A
      subset of patients have tumors with extensive PNI tracking to the skull base that
      are incompletely resectable and are treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT). RT
      may be administered with intensity-modulated RT or proton RT. Patients with ACC
      may also be considered for neutron RT, although the number of available neutron
      facilities is limited. A substantial proportion of patients with incompletely
      resectable ACCs and cutaneous carcinomas may be cured with definitive RT. Proton
      RT provides a more conformal dose distribution compared with other modalities and
      is likely associated with a lower risk of complications. 

PMID- 27123394
TI  - The Role of Postoperative Radiotherapy for Large Nerve Perineural Spread of
      Cancer of the Head and Neck.
AB  - Large nerve perineural spread (LNPNS) is an uncommon but serious sequelae of
      cutaneous and salivary gland malignancies arising in the head and neck. This
      distinct clinical entity is caused by malignant cell spread along the course of
      larger (named) cranial nerves in a bidirectional pattern of spread toward the
      origins of the nerve in the brainstem and/or its most distal branches residing in
      the dermis. Untreated, LNPNS causes multiple cranial neuropathies that
      significantly impact on quality of life and ultimately is fatal. Curative
      treatment involves en bloc surgical resection of all known involved sites of
      gross disease followed by risk-adapted postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) to
      improve local control. We review the evidence for contemporary practice and
      outline the processes involved in the delivery of PORT using the zonal anatomical
      classification. 

PMID- 27123395
TI  - Postoperative Imaging and Surveillance in Large Nerve Perineural Spread.
AB  - We present a review of the imaging surveillance following treatment for large
      nerve perineural spread in the skull base. The expected appearance and possible
      complications following surgery and radiotherapy are discussed. Imaging examples
      of the possible sites of disease recurrence are also presented. 

PMID- 27123396
TI  - Conservative Management of Pneumoperitoneum in Necrotising Enterocolitis- Is it
      Possible?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common in neonatal intensive
      care unit (NICU) patients; especially in premature and low birth weight ones.
      Surgery is indicated when there is pneumoperitoneum. Other therapies include
      conservative observation or primary peritoneal drain (PPD). This study was
      conceived to evaluate peritoneal tapping, rather than primary peritoneal drain
      (PPD) as a treatment of NEC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective observational
      study conducted from December 2012 to December 2014 and including all patients of
      NEC having pneumoperitoneum on X-ray. RESULTS: There were 12 patients of NEC.
      Seven patients responded to single peritoneal tapping. Three patients needed one
      more tapping. Laparotomy was required in remaining two patients. One patient, who
      underwent laparotomy, expired due to severe sepsis. The mean duration of follow
      up was 4.83 months (range 2 to 8). CONCLUSION: Peritoneal tapping in NEC who
      develops pneumoperitoneum appears to be a viable option. Further studies in this
      regard may substantiate this mode of therapy.

PMID- 27123397
TI  - Neonatal Duodenal Obstruction: A 15-Year Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital duodenal obstruction is one of the commonest causes of
      neonatal intestinal obstruction. We are presenting our 15-year experience by
      analyzing clinical spectrum and outcome in neonates with duodenal obstruction
      admitted at our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The hospital records of all
      neonates admitted with duodenal obstruction from June 2000 to June 2015 were
      reviewed. The patient records were analyzed for antenatal diagnosis, age, sex,
      clinical presentation, diagnosis, associated anomalies, surgical procedures
      performed; postoperative morbidity and mortality. We excluded from our study
      malrotation of gut associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and abdominal
      wall defects. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were admitted, out of which 56 were
      males and 25 were females. Polyhydramnios was detected in 24 (30%) pregnancies.
      Average birth weight was 2.1+/-1.0Kg and average gestational age was 38 (SD+/-1)
      weeks with 17 (21%) preterm neonates. Presenting features were vomiting in
      81(100%) which was bilious in 81% and non-bilious in 19%, epigastric fullness in
      56 (69%) and dehydration in 18 (22%) and failure to thrive in 16 (19%). Most
      common cause of obstruction was duodenal atresia in 38 (46.9%), followed by
      malrotation of gut in 33 (40.7%), and annular pancreas in 4 cases. Depending upon
      site of location, infra-ampullary obstruction was the most common in 64 (79%),
      supra-ampullary in 9 (7.4%) and ampullary 8 neonates. Both duodenal atresia and
      malrotation of gut was present in 4 cases. X-ray abdomen was most commonly used
      investigation to confirm the diagnosis. All cases were managed surgically by open
      laparotomy. Eleven (13.5%) patients died due to sepsis and associated congenital
      anomalies. CONCLUSION: Congenital duodenal obstruction most commonly presents in
      early neonatal period with features of upper GIT obstruction like vomiting and
      epigastrium fullness as in our series. Early antenatal diagnosis and surgical
      interventions hold the key in achieving good outcome. Associated congenital
      anomalies, prematurity, sepsis and delayed presentation are the main risk factors
      for post-operative mortality and morbidity.

PMID- 27123399
TI  - Retroperitoneal Mature Cystic Teratoma in a Neonate: A Case Report.
AB  - We report a case of retroperitoneal mature cystic teratoma in a 2-day-old
      neonate. Diagnostic and surgical procedure including its complexity and relevant
      literature review has been discussed. 

PMID- 27123398
TI  - Gallbladder Duplication Associated with Gastro-Intestinal Atresia.
AB  - Gallbladder duplication in association with other GIT anomalies is a rare entity.
      We report two neonates; one with duodenal atresia and the other newborn with
      pyloric atresia, ileal atresia and colonic atresia, both were associated with
      gallbladder duplication which has not been reported earlier. 

PMID- 27123400
TI  - Sacral Rachipagus Parasite: A Case Report.
AB  - We are reporting a case of sacral rachipagus parasite which was vaginally
      delivered as a large irregular mass attached to the sacral region by a vascular
      pedicle. This case was managed successfully by surgical excision of parasite. 

PMID- 27123401
TI  - Cloacal Exstrophy with Mature Teratoma: A Rare Association in a Neonate.
AB  - Cloacal exstrophy is a very rare and complex malformation. We report a neonate of
      cloacal exstrophy with mature teratoma presenting as a component of exstrophy. To
      our knowledge this has not been reported in the literature. 

PMID- 27123402
TI  - Mass Effect of Pulmonary Sequestration: Multiloculated-Multiseptated
      Pneumomediastinum.
AB  - Pulmonary sequestration (PS) and pneumomediastinum are two rare clinical
      diseases. Pneumomediastinum was generally observed in infants either with
      diseased lungs or who were performed assisted ventilation or resuscitation
      following birth. It was reported in patients with existing ectopic thoracic
      kidney and laryngeal cysts however, no coexisting congenital lung anomalies were
      reported. Here, we report the pneumomediastinum occurred due the extralobar PS
      because of the mass effect of the lesion. 

PMID- 27123403
TI  - Postoperative Spontaneous Gastric Perforation in a Ruptured Exomphalos: A Case
      Report.
AB  - Spontaneous gastric perforation is a rare entity in neonates. We report a case of
      spontaneous gastric perforation in a neonate operated for in-utero rupture of
      omphalocele. 

PMID- 27123404
TI  - Primary Transanal Management of Rectal Atresia in a Neonate.
AB  - Rectal atresia (RA) with a normal anus is a rare anomaly. We describe a case of
      rectal atresia in a newborn male presenting with an abdominal distension and
      failure of passing meconium. The rectal atresia was primarily operated by
      transanal route. 

PMID- 27123405
TI  - Immature Gastric Teratoma in a Newborn: A Case Report.
AB  - A case of immature gastric teratoma in a neonate is being reported here. The
      neonate was presented with abdominal mass and distension and managed with
      excision of mass; the patient is doing fine postoperatively. 

PMID- 27123406
TI  - Neonatal Adrenal Hemorrhage presenting as Prolonged Hyperbilirubinemia.

PMID- 27123407
TI  - Pneumothorax in a Neonate after Foreign Body Ingestion.

PMID- 27123408
TI  - Pure Esophageal Atresia without a Gap: An Unusual Variant.

PMID- 27123409
TI  - Gastroschisis with Concomitant Jejuno-Ileal Atresia Complicated by Jejunal
      Perforation.

PMID- 27123410
TI  - Erratum: Laparoscopic Pyloromyotomy: A Modified Simple Technique.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 3 in vol. 5, PMID: 26793595.]. 

PMID- 27123411
TI  - Ranking Predatory Journals: Solve the Problem Instead of Removing It!
AB  - Predatory journals are a well-known issue for scholarly publishing and they are
      repositories for bogus research. In recent years, the number of predatory
      journals has risen and it is necessary to present a solution for this challenge.
      In this paper, we will discuss about a possible ranking of predatory journals.
      Our ranking approach is based on Beall's criteria for detection of predatory
      journals and it can help editors to improve their journals or convert their
      questionable journals to non-predatory ones. Moreover, our approach could help
      young editors to protect their journals against predatory practice. Finally, we
      present a case study to clarify our approach. 

PMID- 27123412
TI  - Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells Have a Potential to Produce NK Cells Using IL2Rg
      Cytokines.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although bone marrow represents the main site for NK cell development
      and also distinct thymic-dependentNK cell pathway was identified, the cytokines
      effect on the NK cell generation from cord blood is unclear. Studies were
      identified the role of cytokines in the regulation of bone marrow and thymic NK
      cells. Previous studies reported that IL15 are critical for bone marrow dependent
      and IL7 is important for thymic NK cells. It is remain unclear the cytokines
      influence on the expantion of NK cells in cord blood mononuclear cells. METHODS:
      We evaluated cultured cord blood mononuclear cells suplememnted with combinations
      of cytokines using FACS in distinct time points. In this study, we presented the
      role of IL2, IL7 and IL15 as members of the common gamma receptor -chain (Il2rg)
      on the expansion NK cells from cord blood cells. RESULTS: By investigating cord
      blood mononuclear cells in vitro , we demonstrated that IL2 and IL15 are
      important for expansion of NK cells. IL2 in comparision with IL15 has more
      influences in NK cell expansion. In contrast IL-7 is dispensable for NK cell
      generation in cord blood. CONCLUSION: Thus,IL-2Rg cytokines play complementary
      roles and are indispensable for homeostasis of NK cell development in cord blood.
      Probably these cytokines could help to use NK beneficials in engrafment of
      transplanted cells and Anti tumor activity of NK cells.

PMID- 27123413
TI  - Sustained release Curcumin loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles.
AB  - PURPOSE: curcumin is poorly water soluble drug with low bioavailability. Use of
      lipid systems in lipophilic substances increases solubility and bioavailability
      of poorly soluble drugs. The aim of this study was to prepare curcumin loaded
      Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) with high loading efficiency, small particle
      size and prolonged release profile with enhanced antibacterial efficacy. METHODS:
      to synthesize stable SLNs, freeze- Drying was done using mannitol as
      cryoprotectant. Cholesterol was used as carrier because of good tolerability and
      biocompatibility. SLNs were prepared using high pressure homogenization method.
      RESULTS: optimized SLNs had 112 and 163 nm particle size before and after freeze
      drying, respectively. The prepared SLNs had 71% loading efficiency. 90% of loaded
      curcumin was released after 48 hours. Morphologic study for formulation was done
      by taking SEM pictures of curcumin SLNs. RESULTS show the spherical shape of
      curcumin SLNs. DSC studies were performed to determine prolonged release
      mechanism. Antimicrobial studies were done to compare the antimicrobial efficacy
      of curcumin SLNs with free curcumin. DSC studies showed probability of formation
      of hydrogen bonds between cholesterol and curcumin which resulted in prolonged
      release of curcumin. Lipid structure of cholesterol could cause enhanced
      permeability in studied bacteria to increase antibacterial characteristics of
      curcumin. CONCLUSION: the designed curcumin SLNs could be candidate for
      formulation of different dosage forms or cosmeceutical products.

PMID- 27123414
TI  - The Effect of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Vitamin D3 Induced Monocytic
      Differentiation of U937 Cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are key components of the hematopoietic
      stem cells (HSCs) niche. They control the process of hematopoiesis by secreting
      regulatory cytokines, growth factors and expression of important cell adhesion
      molecules for cell-tocell interactions. In this research, we have investigated
      the effect of bone marrow derived MSCs on monocytic differentiation of U937 cells
      line. METHODS: U937 cells were cultured in both direct co-culture with MSCs and
      MSCs conditioned medium (C.M) driven. This study used 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin
      D3(VitD3) as inductor of monocytic differentiation and U937 cells treated with
      VitD3 morphology was examined by Wright Giemsa staining. CD14 monocytic
      differentiation marker was measured by flow cytometry and monocytic gene
      expression was assessed by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR). RESULTS:
      The results of flow cytometric analysis showed that CD14 expression of U937
      increased. The higher effect of MSCs co-culture on CD14 expression in U937 cells
      was observed, compared to the conditioned medium. Among ten monocytic related
      genes which were screened that was observed increase in 5 genes in which CXCR4
      and CSF2RA showed significant increase. CONCLUSION: The results obtained show
      that MSCs have supportive effect on the monocytic differentiation of U937 cells.
      However, a distinct mechanism of that remains unclear.

PMID- 27123415
TI  - The Effect of Particle Size on the Deposition of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles in
      Different Skin Layers: A Histological Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the present study the effect of particle size, as a substantial
      parameters in skin penetration, on the deposition depth and rate of SLNs in
      different layers of skin was explored. METHODS: SLNs in different particle size
      ranges (80, 333 and 971 nm) made of Precirol as solid lipid were prepared using
      hot melt homogenization technique and pigmented by Rhodamine B to be able to be
      tracked in the skin under inspection of fluorescent microscopy. After 0.5 h, 3 h,
      6 h and 24 h of SLNs administration on rat skin, animals were sacrificed and
      exercised skins were sliced by a freeze microtome. SLNs were monitored in the
      skin structure under fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: The size of SLNs played a
      crucial role in the penetration to deep skin layers. The sub100 nm size range of
      SLNs showed the most promising skin penetration rate and depth mainly via hair
      follicles. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicated that the
      selection of an appropriate size of particles may be a valuable factor impacting
      the therapeutic outcomes of dermal drug administration.

PMID- 27123416
TI  - Probiotic Assessment of Lactobacillus plantarum 15HN and Enterococcus mundtii 50H
      Isolated from Traditional Dairies Microbiota.
AB  - PURPOSE: Probiotics are microorganisms, which show beneficial health effects on
      hosts once consumed in sufficient amounts. Among probiotic bacteria, the
      bioactive compounds from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) group can be utilized as
      preservative agents. LAB group can be isolated and characterized from traditional
      dairy sources. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and biologically
      characterize probiotic LAB strains from Iranian traditional dairy products.
      METHODS: A total of 19 LAB strains were identified by sequencing of their 16S
      rRNA genes. They were examined for adherence to human intestinal Caco-2 cells and
      tolerance to low pH/high bile salts and simulated in vitro digestion conditions.
      Moreover, they were evaluated further to assess their ability to prevent the
      adhesion of Escherichia coli 026 to the intestinal mucosa, inhibitory functions
      against pathogens, and sensitivity to conventional antibiotics. RESULTS: L.
      plantarum 15HN and E. mundtii 50H strains displayed >= 71% survival rates at low
      pH/high bile salts and >= 40% survival rates in digestive conditions. Their
      adherences to Caco-2 cells were 3.2*105 and 2.6*105 CFU mL-1 respectively and
      high values of anti-adhesion capability were observed (>=36%). They inhibited the
      growth of 13 and 11 indicator pathogens respectively. Moreover, they were
      sensitive or semi-sensitive to seven and three out of eight antibiotics
      respectively. CONCLUSION: L. plantarum 15HN and E. mundtii 50H, which were
      isolated from shiraz product, displayed above-average results for all of the
      criteria. Therefore, they can be introduced as novel candidate probiotics that
      could be used in the food industry.

PMID- 27123417
TI  - Expression of Functional Recombinant Human Tissue Transglutaminase (TG2) Using
      the Bac-to-Bac Baculovirus Expression System.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a unique multifunctional enzyme. The
      enzyme possesses enzymatic activities such as transamidation/crosslinking and non
      enzymatic functions such as cell migration and signal transduction. TG2 has been
      shown to be involved in molecular mechanisms of cancers and several
      neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The present study aimed
      at cloning and expression of full length human TG2 in Bac-to-Bac baculovirus
      expression system and evaluation of its activity. METHODS: pFastBac HTA donor
      vector containing coding sequence of human TG2 was constructed. The construct was
      transformed to DH10Bac for generating recombinant bacmid. The verified bacmid was
      transfected to insect cell line (Sf9). Expression of recombinant TG2 was examined
      by RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis. Functional analysis was evaluated
      by fluorometric assay and gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Recombinant bacmid was
      verified by amplification of a band near to 4500 bp. Expression analysis showed
      that the enzyme was expressed as a protein with a molecular weight near 80 kDa.
      Western blot confirmed the presence of TG2 and the activity assays including
      flurometric assay indicated that the recombinant TG2 was functional. The
      electrophoresis assay conformed that the expressed TG2 was the indeed capable of
      crosslinking in the presence of physiological concentration calcium ions.
      CONCLUSION: Human TG2 was expressed efficiently in the active biological form in
      the Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system. The expressed enzyme could be used
      for medical diagnostic, or studies which aim at finding novel inhibitors of the
      enzymes . To best of our knowledge, this is probably the first report of
      expression of full length human tissue transglutaminase (TG2) using the Bac-to
      Bac expression system.

PMID- 27123418
TI  - Aggregated Nanotransfersomal Dry Powder Inhalation of Itraconazole for Pulmonary
      Drug Delivery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Local therapy is a valuable and strategic approach in the treatment of
      lung associated diseases and dry powder inhalation (DPI) formulations play the
      key role in this plan. Transfersome has been introduced as a novel biocompatible
      vesicular system with potential for administration in pulmonary drug delivery.
      The present study was designed to prepare Itraconazole-loaded
      nanotrantransfersomal DPI formulation. METHODS: Itraconazole-loaded
      nanotransfersomes with three different types of surfactant in varying
      concentrations were prepared and characterized in the point of particle size
      distribution and morphology by laser light scattering and scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) methods. The optimized transferosomal formulations were co-spray
      dried with mannitol and the aerosolization efficiency and aerodynamic properties
      of dry powders were determined by next generation impactor using a validated HPLC
      technique. RESULTS: The volume mean diameter of optimized nanotransfersomal
      formulation with lecithin:Span(r) 60 in the ratio of 90:10 was 171 nm with narrow
      size distribution pattern which increased up to 518 nm after drug loading.
      Different types of surfactant did not influence the particle size significantly.
      SEM images confirmed the formation of aggregated nanoparticles in the suitable
      range (1-5 um) for the pulmonary drug delivery. Aerosolization evaluation of co
      spray dried formulations with different amounts of mannitol indicated that 2:1
      ratio of mannitol:transfersome (w:w) showed the best aerosolization efficiency
      (fine particle fraction (FPF)=37%). Increasing of mannitol significantly
      decreased the FPF of the optimized formulations. CONCLUSION: The results of this
      study was introduced the potential application of nanotransfersomes in the
      formulation of DPIs for lung delivery of various drugs.

PMID- 27123419
TI  - Impact of Prunus Cerasus on PGR and HAS2 in Cumulus Cells and Fertility Outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cumulus cells have a critical role in normal oocyte development and
      fertilization. Prunus cerasus is an anthocyanin rich berry and performs strong
      antioxidant activity. The present study set to determine if Prunus cerasus can
      affect expression of HAS2 (hyaluronan synthase 2) and progesterone receptor in
      Cumulus cells and its consequences outcome of the in vitro fertilization.
      METHODS: 60 female and 15 male adult mice were used for mating and IVF (in vitro
      fertilization). Prunus cerasus extraction was added to the diet of female mice
      for 30 days. Ovulation induction and oocytes collection were done as routine. The
      cumulus cells were dissected apart, and the expression of progesterone receptor
      and HAS2 was detected using RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction).
      Fertilization rate was evaluated by IVF. All data were analyzed using t-test.
      RESULTS: Data was showed that expression of progesterone receptor and HAS2 in
      cumulus cells of mice that received prunus cerasus increased. Moreover, oocyte
      fertilization rate also increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Prunus cerasus as an
      antioxidant natural can become an important medication for improving oocyte
      quality and opening new opportunities for infertility treatment. It is concluded
      that Prunus cerasus consumption could improve fertility rate by increasing
      progesterone receptor and HAS2 activity in cumulus cells.

PMID- 27123420
TI  - Investigation of DNA-damage and Chromosomal Aberrations in Blood Cells under the
      Influence of New Silver-based Antiviral Complex.
AB  - PURPOSE: The problem of infectious diseases and drug resistance is becoming
      increasingly important worldwide. Silver is extensively used as an anti-infective
      agent, but it has significant toxic side effects. In this regard, it is topical
      to develop new silver compounds with high biological activity and low toxicity.
      This work is aimed to study DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations in blood cells
      under the influence of new silver-based compound of general formula
      C6H19Ag2N4LiO6S2, with antiviral activity. METHODS: The comet assay was applied
      for the genotoxic affects assessment on mice blood leukocytes. DNA damage was
      determined bases on the percentage of DNA in a comet tail (tail DNA), under the
      influence of silver complex in different concentrations. Genotoxic effect of the
      tested substance on the somatic cells was determined by chromosomal aberration
      test of bone marrow cells of mice. RESULTS: In the course of the experiments, no
      essential changes in the level of DNA damage in the cells were found, even at
      highest concentrations. The administration of the substance in doses up to 2.5
      g/kg in mice did not cause any increase in the frequency of chromosomal
      aberration in bone marrow cells. CONCLUSION: Taking into account known silver
      drug genotoxic properties, the use of a given complexed silver compound has
      possible great advantages for potential applications in the treatment of
      infectious diseases.

PMID- 27123421
TI  - Comparative Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine and Magnesium Sulphate on Propofol
      Consumption, Haemodynamics and Postoperative Recovery in Spine Surgery: A
      Prospective, Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Double-blind Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate have been used in anesthesia as
      adjuvant to provide hemodynamic stability and anesthetic agents sparing effect.
      We compared these effects of dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate in spine
      surgeries. METHODS: Ninety patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Group
      D received dexmedetomidine loading dose 1 ug/kg over a period of 15 minutes and
      maintenance 0.5 ug/kg/h throughout the surgery. Group M received magnesium
      sulfate loading dose 50 mg/kg over a period of 15 minutes and maintenance 15
      mg/kg/h throughout the surgery. Group C received same volume of normal saline.
      Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure values were recorded at various intervals. The
      induction and maintenance doses of anesthetics and recovery parameters were also
      recorded. RESULTS: Heart rate in group D and group M were significantly decreased
      (p<0.05) during the whole intraoperative period compared to preoperative values.
      There was a significant difference in HR values between group C, D and M, during
      the whole intraoperaive period (p<0.05). Blood pressure values were statistically
      significantly lower in the group D and group M compared to group C after
      intubation and all time observations of surgery (p<0.05). Both drugs reduced the
      anesthetic agent's requirement during surgery. However, the recovery parameters
      were statistically significant increase with magnesium sulphate compared to
      dexmedetomidine and control groups. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine is more effective
      than magnesium sulfate for maintaining the hemodynamic stability in spine
      surgeries. Both these drugs also reduce the requirements of anesthetic agents.
      Recovery from dexmedetomidine is as rapid as control group compared to magnesium
      sulfate.

PMID- 27123422
TI  - Preparation and Characterization of Nanosuspension of Aprepitant by H96 Process.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nanosuspension in drug delivery is known to improve solubility,
      dissolution and eventually bioavailability of the drugs. The purpose of the study
      was to compare particle size of nanosuspensions prepared by the first generation
      approach and H96 approach and to evaluate the effectiveness of H96 approach.
      METHODS: The nanosuspension of aprepitant was prepared by HPH and H96 approach.
      The prepared nanosuspensions were characterized for their particle size and zeta
      potential. The optimized nanosuspension was further evaluated for DSC, FT-IR,
      solubility and dissolution. RESULTS: The optimized nanosuspension (NCLH5)
      prepared using combination of tween 80 and poloxamer 188 as stabilizer, showed
      particle size of 35.82 nm and improved solubility and dissolution profile over
      pure drug. NCLH5 was chosen optimized formulation and further evaluated for other
      parameters after lyophilization. Lyophilization resulted in increase in particle
      size. The solubility and dissolution studies showed favorable increase in the
      performance. The FT-IR and DSC analysis showed change in the crystallinity after
      nanosizing. CONCLUSION: The observations indicated that lyophilization prior to
      high pressure homogenization resulted in efficient particle size reduction
      yielding smaller particles than first generation preparation technique. H96 is a
      good and easy alternative to achieve efficient particle size reduction of drug in
      lesser time and increase its solubility and dissolution.

PMID- 27123423
TI  - Design and Construction of Chimeric VP8-S2 Antigen for Bovine Rotavirus and
      Bovine Coronavirus.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bovine Rotavirus and Bovine Coronavirus are the most important causes of
      diarrhea in newborn calves and in some other species such as pigs and sheep.
      Rotavirus VP8 subunit is the major determinant of the viral infectivity and
      neutralization. Spike glycoprotein of coronavirus is responsible for induction of
      neutralizing antibody response. METHODS: In the present study, several prediction
      programs were used to predict B and T-cells epitopes, secondary and tertiary
      structures, antigenicity ability and enzymatic degradation sites. Finally, a
      chimeric antigen was designed using computational techniques. The chimeric VP8-S2
      antigen was constructed. It was cloned and sub-cloned into pGH and pET32a(+)
      expression vector. The recombinant pET32a(+)-VP8-S2 vector was transferred into
      E.oli BL21CodonPlus (DE3) as expression host. The recombinant VP8-S2 protein was
      purified by Ni-NTA chromatography column. RESULTS: The results of colony PCR,
      enzyme digestion and sequencing showed that the VP8-S2 chimeric antigen has been
      successfully cloned and sub-cloned into pGH and pET32a(+).The results showed that
      E.coli was able to express VP8-S2 protein appropriately. This protein was
      expressed by induction of IPTG at concentration of 1mM and it was confirmed by Ni
      NTA column, dot-blotting analysis and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. CONCLUSION: The
      results of this study showed that E.coli can be used as an appropriate host to
      produce the recombinant VP8-S2 protein. This recombinant protein may be suitable
      to investigate to produce immunoglobulin, recombinant vaccine and diagnostic kit
      in future studies after it passes biological activity tests in vivo in animal
      model and or other suitable procedure.

PMID- 27123424
TI  - Alteration in Inflammation-related miR-146a Expression in NF-KB Signaling Pathway
      in Diabetic Rat Hippocampus.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the expression of miR
      146a gene, its adaptor genes (TRAF6, NF-KB, and IRAK1), and possible changes in
      the cellular signaling pathway in diabetic hippocampus tissue. METHODS: Male
      Sprague-Dawley rats are randomly selected and divided into control and diabetic
      (n=6) groups. Diabetes induced by the single-dose injection of nicotinamide [110
      mg/kg, (i.p.)], 15 min before streptozotocin (50 mg/kg; i.p.) in 12-h fasted
      rats. The rats are kept at the laboratory for two months. After anaesthetization,
      hippocampus of the rats was removed in order to measure the expression of miR
      146a, NFK-B, IRAK1, and TRAF6 genes using real-time PCR and activity of NF-KB as
      well as amount of apoptosis rate using ELISA. RESULTS: The results indicated a
      reduction in expression of miR-146a and an increase in expression of IRAK1, NF
      KB, and TRAF6 genes in the hippocampus of diabetic rats compared to control. Also
      it reveals an increase in the activity of NF-KB and apoptosis rate in the
      hippocampus of diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: Our results report the probability that
      reduction of miR-146a expression in the negative feedback loop between miR-146a
      and NF-KB increases NF-kB expression and thus intensifies inflammation and
      apoptosis in hippocampus.

PMID- 27123425
TI  - Advantages of Sheep Infrapatellar Fat Pad Adipose Tissue Derived Stem Cells in
      Tissue Engineering.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study has been to evaluate adipose tissue derived stem
      cells (ADSCs) from infrapatellar fat pad and characterize their cell surface
      markers using anti-human antibodies, as adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs)
      have great potential for cellular therapies to restore injured tissues. METHODS:
      Adipose tissue was obtained from infrapatellar fat pad of sheep. Surface markers
      evaluated by flow cytometry. In order to evaluate cell adhesion, the
      Polycaprolactone (PCL) was sterilized under Ultraviolet (UV) light and about
      1*10(5) cells were seeded on PCL. Then, ASCs- PCL construct were evaluated by
      Scanning Electron Microscopy (Mira3 Te Scan, Czech Republic). RESULTS: We showed
      that adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) maintain their fibroblastic-like
      morphology during different subcultures and cell adhesion. They were positive for
      CD44 and CD90 markers and negative for CD31 and Cd45 markers by human antibodies.
      CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that ASCs surface markers can be characterized by
      anti-human antibodies in sheep. As stem cells, they can be used in tissue
      engineering.

PMID- 27123426
TI  - The Effects of Cetirizine on P-glycoprotein Expression and Function In vitro and
      In situ.
AB  - PURPOSE: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) plays a major role in oral absorption of drugs.
      Induction or inhibition of P-gp by drugs contributes to variability of its
      transport activity and often results in clinically relevant drug-drug
      interactions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of
      cetirizine, a second generation H1 antihistamine, on P-gp function and expression
      in vitro and in situ. METHODS: The in-vitro rhodamin-123 (Rho123) efflux assay in
      Caco-2 cells was used to study the effect of cetirizine on P-gp function. Western
      blot analysis was used for surveying the effect of cetirizine on expression of P
      gp in Caco-2 cells. Rat in situ single-pass intestinal permeability technique was
      used to calculate the intestinal permeability of a known P-gp substrate (digoxin)
      in the presence of cetirizine. The amounts of digoxin and cetirizine in
      intestinal perfusion samples were analyzed using a HPLC method. RESULTS: The
      results showed significant increase in Rho123 uptake (P < 0.05) and also P-gp
      band intensity decrease in cetirizine-treated cells in vitro. Furthermore the
      intestinal permeability of digoxin was also increased significantly in the
      presence of cetirizine (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Therefore it is concluded that
      cetirizine is a P-gp inhibitor and this should be considered in co administration
      of cetrizine with other P-gp substrate drugs. Further investigations are required
      to confirm our results and to determine the mechanism underlying P-gp inhibition
      by cetirizine.

PMID- 27123427
TI  - Comparative Study of Different Combinational Mucoadhesive Formulations of
      Sumatriptan-Metoclopramide.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sumatriptan succinate (Sum) is a Serotonin 5- HT1 receptor agonist, used
      in the treatment of migraine. It is absorbed rapidly but incompletely when taken
      orally and underwent first - pass metabolism, resulting in a low bioavailability
      of about 15%. The aim was to design mucoadhesive buccal discs and sublingual
      films of Sum and metoclopramide (Met) combined to improve their bioavailability.
      METHODS: In the current study, the microparticles and films were prepared by
      emulsion solvent diffusion (ESD) and solvent casting methods, respectively.
      Buccal-mucoadhesive microparticles and films with different drug to polymer
      ratios were prepared and characterized by encapsulation efficiency, particle
      size, DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetric), folding endurance, mucoadhesive
      property and drug release studies. RESULTS: The best drug/s to polymer ratios in
      films and microparticles were 1:2.7:8 (SM2) and 1:4:6 (SM4), respectively. The
      film of SM2 showed 11.01 mg weight, 123 um thickness and 300 folding endurance.
      The production yield was 107.33% for SM4 microparticles, 323.59 um for mean
      particle size and 94.53% for loading efficiency (for Sum) and 104.18% (for Met).
      The DSC showed no stable characteristic of Sum and Met in the drug loaded
      films/discs and revealed amorphous form and transition of hydrate to anhydrous
      form for Met. The films exhibited very good mucoadhesive properties and shorter
      retention time (15-30 s) in comparison with the discs (130 min). The results
      showed that the discs prepared had slower release than the films (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Films and discs of Sum-Met combinations were successfully prepared
      with improved release and mucoadhesive properties.

PMID- 27123428
TI  - Chromatographic Fingerprint Analysis of Marrubiin in Marrubium vulgare L. via
      HPTLC Technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the present study we aimed to quantify marrubiin, as the major active
      compound, in the aerial parts of Marrubium vulgare from Iran using a HPTLC
      densitometry technique. METHODS: Quantitative determination of marrubiin in M.
      vulgare methanol extract was performed by HPTLC analysis via a fully automated
      TLC scanner. Later on, the in vitro antioxidant activity of the M. vulgare
      methanol extract was determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) free
      radical scavenging assay. Furthermore, total phenolics and flavonoids contents of
      the methanol extract were quantified, spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: The amount
      of marrubiin was calculated as 156 mg/g of M. vulgare extract. The antioxidant
      assay revealed a strong radical scavenging activity for the M. vulgare methanol
      extract with RC50 value of 8.24MUg/mL. Total phenolics and flavonoids contents
      for M. vulgare were determined as 60.4 mg gallic acid equivalent and 12.05 mg
      quercetin equivalent per each gram of the extract, correspondingly. CONCLUSION:
      The presented fingerprint of marrubiin in M. vulgare extract developed by HPTLC
      densitometry afforded a detailed chemical profile, which might be useful in the
      identification as well as quality evaluation of herbal medications based on M.
      vulgare. Besides, the considerable antioxidant activity of M. vulgare was
      associated with the presence of marrubiin along with phenolics and flavonoids
      exerting a synergistic effect.

PMID- 27123429
TI  - Stability-Indicating HPLC Method for Simultaneous Determination of
      Chloramphenicol, Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate and Tetrahydrozoline
      Hydrochloride in Ophthalmic Solution.
AB  - PURPOSE: A simple stability-indicating RP-HPLC assay method was developed and
      validated for quantitative determination of Chloramphenicol, Dexamethasone Sodium
      Phosphate and Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride in ophthalmic solution in the
      presence of 2-amino-1-(4-nitrophenyl)propane-1,3-diol, a degradation product of
      Chloramphenicol, and Dexamethasone, a degradation product of Dexamethasone Sodium
      Phosphate. METHODS: Effective chromatographic separation was achieved using C18
      column (250 mm, 4.6 mm i.d., 5 MUm) with isocratic mobile phase consisting of
      acetonitrile - phosphate buffer (pH 4.0; 0.05 M) (30:70, v/v) at a flow rate of 1
      mL/minute. The column temperature was maintained at 40 degrees C and the
      detection wavelength was 230 nm. RESULTS: The proposed HPLC procedure was
      statistically validated according to the ICH guideline, and was proved to be
      stability-indicating by resolution of the APIs from their forced degradation
      products. CONCLUSION: The developed method is suitable for the routine analysis
      as well as stability studies.

PMID- 27123430
TI  - Pertinence of the recent school-based nutrition interventions targeting fruit and
      vegetable consumption in the United States:a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schools are the major locations for implementing children's dietary
      behavior related educational or interventional programs. Recently, there has been
      an increase in school-based nutrition interventions. The objective of this
      systematic review was to overview the evidence for the effectiveness of school
      based nutrition intervention on fruit and vegetable consumption. METHODS: PubMed
      was used to search for articles on school-based nutrition interventions that
      measured students' fruit and vegetable consumption. Our search yielded 238
      articles.The article was included if published in a peer-reviewed journal,
      written in English language,administered in the United States, and conducted
      among a population-based sample of children in Kindergarten through eighth grade.
      A total of 14 publications met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Eight articles
      successfully showed the positive effect on increasing fruit and or vegetable
      consumption while the other six did not. Several factors, including (but not
      limited to) intervention duration, type of theory used, style of intervention
      leadership, and positively affecting antecedents of fruit and vegetable
      consumption were compared; however, no dominant factor was found to be shared
      among the studies with significant findings. Given that the criteria for
      selection were high, the lack of consistency between interventions and positive
      outcomes was surprising. CONCLUSION: With high levels of scrutiny and budget
      constraints on school nutrition, it is imperative that more research be conducted
      to identify the effective intervention components.

PMID- 27123431
TI  - Healthy Foods, Healthy Families: combining incentives and exposure interventions
      at urban farmers' markets to improve nutrition among recipients of US federal
      food assistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthy Foods, Healthy Families (HFHF) is a fruit and vegetable (F&V)
      exposure/incentive program implemented at farmers' markets in low-income
      neighborhoods, targeting families receiving US federal food assistance. We
      examined program effects on participants' diet and associations between
      attendance, demographics and dietary change. METHODS: Exposure activities
      included F&V tastings and cooking demonstrations. Incentives included 40% F&V
      bonus for electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card users and $20 for use purchasing
      F&V at every third market visit. Self-report surveys measuring nutritional
      behaviors/literacy were administered to participants upon enrollment (n = 425,
      46.2% Hispanic, 94.8%female). Participants were sampled for follow-up at markets
      during mid-season (n = 186) and at season end (n = 146). Attendance was tracked
      over 16 weeks. RESULTS: Participants post-intervention reported significantly
      higher vegetable consumption(P = 0.005) and lower soda consumption (P = 0.005).
      Participants reporting largest F&V increases attended the market 6-8 times and
      received $40 in incentives. No change in food assistance spent on F&V (P = 0.94);
      70% reported significant increases in family consumption of F&V,indicating
      subsidies increased overall F&V purchasing. Participants reported exposure
      activities and incentives similarly affected program attendance. CONCLUSION:
      Interventions combining exposure activities and modest financial incentives at
      farmers' markets in low-income neighborhoods show strong potential to improve
      diet quality of families receiving federal food assistance.

PMID- 27123432
TI  - Working posture and its predictors in hospital operating room nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate working posture of operating
      room nurses and its relationship with demographic and job details of this group.
      METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 147 operating room nurses
      in Tabriz, Iran using a questionnaire and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)
      checklist. The data were analyzed with SPSS.16 using t test, Pearson correlation
      coefficient and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests for univariate analysis and
      the linear regression test for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The mean (SD) of
      REBA score was 7.7 (1.9), which means a high risk level and highlights an urgent
      need to change the working postures of the studied nurses. There was significant
      relationship between working posture and age (P = 0.003), gender (P = 0.003),
      regular daily exercise (P = 0.048), work experience (P = 0.003), number of shifts
      per month (P = 0.006) and type of operating rooms (P < 0.001) in univariate
      analyses. Gender and type of operating room were the predictors of working
      posture of nurses in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight
      the need for ergonomic interventions and educational programs to improve working
      posture of this study population, which can consequently lead to promotion of
      health and well-being of this group.

PMID- 27123433
TI  - Health promoting hospitals: a study on educational hospitals of Isfahan, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current situation of health promotion (HP) services in hospitals
      of Iran is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the status of HP in
      hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional survey in
      which 9 educational hospitals selected through census sampling. HP self
      assessment was used for the data collection. The assessment teams formed, and
      evidence examined in line with the tools. RESULTS: The results identified five
      categories of HP activities in the hospitals consisted: patients,staff,
      environmental, community, and organizational. The mean of total score of HP was
      48.8(9.8). In terms of the HP standards scores, 5 hospitals (55.5%) were at the
      intermediate level;3 hospitals (33.3%) were at the weak level, and 1 hospital
      (11.1%) was at the good level.About the standards, the highest score was
      "information and patient interventions" standard 79.8 (13.5), and the lowest was
      "continuity and cooperation" standard 36.2 (10.8). CONCLUSION: It seems that some
      of the health promoting hospitals (HPS) duties carried out by hospitals. So, to
      improve the quality of health services, it seems useful to encourage policymakers
      and health service managers to create coherent policies and guidelines in HPS.

PMID- 27123434
TI  - Relationship of work-family conflict with burnout and marital satisfaction: cross
      domain or source attribution relations?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to examine the relationship between
      two dimensions of work-family conflict (WFC) with marital satisfaction and
      burnout in a society in which few studies have been done about the consequences
      of WFC. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015. Surveys were
      distributed to 420 employed married women with various jobs living in Bushehr
      province, Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire for demographic
      characteristic, the Netmeyer's WFC questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory:
      General Survey (MBI-GS), and Enrich maritalsatisfaction questionnaire. The data
      were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: There was a
      negatively significant association between work interference with family(WIF) and
      overall burnout as well as emotional exhaustion (P < .01). Family interference
      with work (FIW) was significantly associated with depersonalization (P < .01).
      The overall marital satisfaction and its subscales were significantly associated
      with WIF (P < .01) and FIW (P < .01 for overall marital satisfaction and P < .05
      for its subscales). CONCLUSION: In terms of practical implication, to avoid
      creating disadvantages of WIF and FIW,facilitation in two domains of improving
      work and family conditions can be a useful means to prevent WFC and its
      consequences.

PMID- 27123435
TI  - Family fun or cultural free-for-all? A critique of the 2015 National Football
      League Super Bowl commercials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to enumerate and
      describe violent and risky behaviors as well as other general health behaviors
      exhibited in the advertisements during the National Football League (NFL) Super
      Bowl 2015. METHODS: Commercials during the NFL Super Bowl 2015 were assessed for
      violent and risky behaviors. Additional health behaviors were indicated such as
      the advertisement of unhealthy food, promotion of physical activity, and sexual
      content. RESULTS: A total of 110 commercials were documented, accounting for 64
      minutes of broadcast time. Commercials promoting automobiles, television shows,
      food, and movies were the most prevalent, representing just over half (53.7%) of
      all of the advertisements featured. Depictions of unsafe driving were found in
      10.9% (n = 12) of the commercials. All 12 commercials contained some sort of
      risky or wild driving behavior, and speeding was observed in 11 of the 12
      commercials. A total of 32 (29.1%) of the commercials were coded as including
      violent content.Physical activity behavior was present in 3 (2.7%) of the
      commercials. Conversely, substance use was observed in 3 (2.7%) of the
      commercials, none of which included health promotion messaging. Of the 110
      commercials aired during the 2015 Super Bowl, 12.7% (n = 14) included sexual
      content. CONCLUSION: Parents should consider the possibility that their children
      may observe acts of violence or conflicting safety messages during commercial
      breaks.

PMID- 27123436
TI  - Determinants of breast cancer screening uptake in Kurdish women of Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, a national breast cancer screening program has been
      introduced in Iran.The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of
      breast cancer screening uptake among Kurdish women, in order to identify those
      characteristics that may be potentially associated with the screening uptake.
      METHODS: Through a cross sectional study, in 2014, a random sample of 561 women
      aged 40 years and older without the history of breast cancer and identified with
      Kurdish background in Baneh county, Iran, were recruited and interviewed by two
      trained interviewers. Data were collected using a valid and reliable researcher
      made questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models with
      self-reported screening history as the dependent variable were used to estimate
      the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% of CI. RESULTS: The mean age of women was 43.64
      (SD = 5.17). The participation rate in the mammography program was 16.8% (95% CI:
      13.7-19.8%). The lowest level of participation was found among women aged 60 and
      older (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.69), illiterate (OR = 0.63,95% CI: 0.40-0.99)
      and post-menopausal (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35-0.91) women. CONCLUSION: It was
      found that the level of breast screening uptake was low among Kurdish women
      compared to those reported in the previous studies. Designing participation
      enhancing interventions with a specific focus on older, illiterate and post
      menopausal women are recommended.

PMID- 27123437
TI  - Leisure time activities of Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leisure time is one of the most important aspects of life, especially
      for people with chronic diseases. The concept and types of leisure have
      frequently been evaluated in different socio-cultural populations. The aim of
      this study was to identify the nature of leisure activities among a sample of
      Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and classify the identified types
      of activities in the context of Iranian culture. METHODS: In this qualitative
      study, semi-structured interview was applied to gather data from 34 MS patients
      that were selected through purposive sampling. The interviews were continued up
      to the point of saturation. Content analysis was used to explore experiences of
      the interviewees regarding their leisure activities. RESULTS: Six categories of
      leisure activities were extracted for the studied patients with MS i.e.physical,
      social, individual, art/cultural, educational and spiritual/religious.
      CONCLUSION: The results represented the range and heterogeneity of leisure
      activities amongst the MS patients. Considering participation in
      spiritual/religious and social activities as leisure time undertaking might
      reflect cultural diversity in the perception and use of time for recreation. For
      mental health promotion purposes, paying special attention to the types of
      activities that people of different socio-cultural background choose for their
      refreshment could help health care providers in giving tailored advice for
      patients with MS and other chronic debilitating disease.

PMID- 27123438
TI  - Erratum: The association between the risk of premenstrual syndrome and vitamin D,
      calcium, and magnesium status among university students: a case control study
      [Health Promotion Perspectives, 2015, 5(3), 225-230].
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.15171/hpp.2015.027.]. 

PMID- 27123439
TI  - Membrane flexibility, free fatty acids, and the onset of vascular and
      neurological lesions in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Free fatty acids released from human adipose tissue contain a limited amount of
      non-esterified poly-cis-unsaturated fatty acids. In cases of elevated plasma free
      fatty acids, this condition ultimately leads to a shift from unsaturated to
      saturated fatty-acyl chains in membrane phospholipids. Because this shift
      promotes the physical attractive van der Waals interactions between phospholipid
      acyl chains, it increases stiffness of both erythrocyte and endothelial
      membranes, which causes a reduction in both insulin-independent and insulin
      dependent Class 1 glucose transporters, a reduction in cell membrane
      functionality, and a decreased microcirculatory blood flow which results in
      tissue hypoxia. Against the background of these processes, we review recently
      published experimental phospholipid data obtained from Drosophila melanogaster
      and from human erythrocytes of controls and patients with type 2 diabetes, with
      and without retinopathy, along the way free fatty acids interfere with eye and
      kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes and give rise to endoplasmic
      reticulum stress, reduced insulin sensitivity, and ischemia. 

PMID- 27123440
TI  - Differential Methylation of Genomic Regions Associated with Heteroblasty Detected
      by M&M Algorithm in the Nonmodel Species Eucalyptus globulus Labill.
AB  - Epigenetic regulation plays important biological roles in plants, including
      timing of flowering and endosperm development. Little is known about the
      mechanisms controlling heterochrony (the change in the timing or rate of
      developmental events during ontogeny) in Eucalyptus globulus. DNA methylation has
      been proposed as a potential heterochrony regulatory mechanism in model species,
      but its role during the vegetative phase in E. globulus has not been explored. In
      order to investigate the molecular mechanisms governing heterochrony in E.
      globulus, we have developed a workflow aimed at generating high-resolution
      hypermethylome and hypomethylome maps that have been tested in two stages of
      vegetative growth phase: juvenile (6-month leaves) and adult (30-month leaves).
      We used the M&M algorithm, a computational approach that integrates MeDIP-seq and
      MRE-seq data, to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs). Thousands of
      DMRs between juvenile and adult leaves of E. globulus were found. Although
      further investigations are required to define the loci associated with
      heterochrony/heteroblasty that are regulated by DNA methylation, these results
      suggest that locus-specific methylation could be major regulators of vegetative
      phase change. This information can support future conservation programs, for
      example, selecting the best methylomes for a determinate environment in a
      restoration project. 

PMID- 27123441
TI  - Methylation Status of Alu and LINE-1 Interspersed Repetitive Sequences in
      Behcet's Disease Patients.
AB  - Behcet's Disease (BD) is a multisystem chronic inflammatory disease. The
      pathology is believed to involve both genetic susceptibility and environmental
      factors. Hypomethylation leading to activation of interspersed repetitive
      sequences (IRSs) such as LINE-1 and Alu contributes to the pathologies of
      autoimmune diseases and cancer. Herein, the epigenetic changes of IRSs in BD were
      evaluated using combined bisulfite restriction analysis-interspersed repetitive
      sequences (COBRA-IRS). DNA from neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMCs) of BD patients with ocular involvement that were in active or
      inactive states and healthy controls were used to analyze LINE-1 and Alu
      methylation levels. For Alu sequences, significant differences were observed in
      the frequency of (u)C(u)C alleles between PBMCs of patients and controls (p =
      0.03), and between inactive patients and controls (p = 0.03). For neutrophils,
      the frequency of (u)C(u)C was significantly higher between patients and controls
      (p = 0.006) and between inactive patients and controls (p = 0.002). The partial
      methylation ((u)C(m)C + (m)C(u)C) frequencies of Alu between inactive patients
      and control samples also differed (p = 0.02). No statistically significant
      differences for LINE-1 were detected. Thus, changes in the methylation level of
      IRS elements might contribute to the pathogenesis of BD. The role of Alu
      transcripts in BD should be investigated further. 

PMID- 27123443
TI  - Importance of Skin Changes in the Differential Diagnosis of Congenital Muscular
      Dystrophies.
AB  - Megaconial congenital muscular dystrophy (OMIM 602541) is characterized with
      early-onset hypotonia, muscle wasting, proximal weakness, cardiomyopathy, mildly
      elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, and mild-to-moderate intellectual
      disability. We report two siblings in a consanguineous family admitted for
      psychomotor delay. Physical examination revealed proximal muscle weakness,
      contractures in the knee of elder sibling, diffuse mild generalized muscle
      atrophy, and dry skin with ichthyosis together with multiple nummular eczema in
      both siblings. Serum CK values were elevated up to 500 U/L. For genetic work-up,
      we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) after Nimblegen enrichment on the
      Illumina platform. The WES revealed a novel homozygous missense mutation in the
      Choline Kinase-Beta (CHKB) gene c.1031G>A (p.R344Q) in exon 9. Ichthyosis-like
      skin changes with intense pruritus and nummular eczema may lead to clinical
      diagnosis in cases with megaconial congenital muscular dystrophy. 

PMID- 27123442
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Postoperative Fracture Healing Process without
      Metal Artifact: A Preliminary Report of a Novel Animal Model.
AB  - Background. Early radiological diagnosis and continual monitoring are of ultimate
      importance for timely treatment of delayed union, nonunion, and infection after
      bone fracture surgery. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could provide
      superior detailed images compared with X-ray and computed tomography (CT) without
      ionizing radiation, metal implants used for fracture fixation lead to abundant
      artifacts on MRI and thus prohibit accurate interpretation. The authors develop a
      novel intramedullary fixation model of rat femoral fracture using
      polyetheretherketone (PEEK) threaded rods and investigate its feasibility for in
      vivo MRI monitoring of the fracture healing process without artifact. Methods.
      Femoral fractures of 3 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were fixed with
      intramedullary PEEK threaded rods. X-ray and MRI examinations were performed at
      day 7 postoperatively. Radiological images were analyzed for the existence of
      artifact interruption and postoperative changes in bone and peripheral soft
      tissue. Results. Postoperative plain film revealed no loss of reduction. MRI
      images illustrated the whole length of femur and peripheral tissue without
      artifact interruption, and the cortical bone, implanted PEEK rod, and soft tissue
      were clearly illustrated. Conclusion. This preliminary study introduced a novel
      rat model for in vivo MRI monitoring of the fracture healing process without
      metal artifact, by using intramedullary fixation of femur with PEEK threaded rod.

PMID- 27123444
TI  - Does Unilateral Oocyte Retrieval due to Transvaginally Inaccessible Ovaries,
      Contrary to Common Beliefs, Affect IVF/ICSI Treatment Outcomes That Much?
AB  - Objective. To investigate in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment outcomes of
      unilateral oocyte retrieval in patients with transvaginally inaccessible ovaries.
      Study Design. Ninety-two women who underwent unilateral oocyte retrieval were
      retrospectively matched for age, antral follicle count, and body mass index with
      184 women who underwent bilateral oocyte retrieval. Each patient in bilateral
      oocyte retrieval group had the same number of cumulus oophorus complexes (COCs)
      from single ovary and had comparable number of follicles (+/-2) on contralateral
      site where follicular aspiration was performed. Results. The number of COCs,
      metaphase-2 oocytes, 2-pronuclei, and top-quality embryos was significantly lower
      in unilateral oocyte retrieval group. However, proportion of patients with an
      embryo transfer of at least one top-quality embryo was found to be comparable
      between unilateral and bilateral oocyte retrieval. Subsequently, clinical
      pregnancy and live birth rates were found to be similar between the groups. The
      ROC curve analysis revealed (AUC = 0.74, 95% CI 0.63-0.86, p = 0.001) that
      retrieved COCs >= 5 from single ovary had sensitivity of 76.0% and specificity of
      64.2% for occurrence of a clinical pregnancy. Conclusion. The patients with
      unilateral oocyte retrieval have reasonable chance of success with IVF. The
      retrieval of >=5 COCs from accessible ovary might result in better treatment
      outcomes among these patients. 

PMID- 27123445
TI  - Elevated Ratio of Th17 Cell-Derived Th1 Cells (CD161(+)Th1 Cells) to CD161(+)Th17
      Cells in Peripheral Blood of Early-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the
      destruction of articular cartilage and bone with elevated levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines. It has been reported that IL-17 and Th17 cells play
      important roles in the pathogenesis of RA. Recently, plasticity in helper T cells
      has been demonstrated; Th17 cells can convert to Th1 cells. It remains to be
      elucidated whether this conversion occurs in the early phase of RA. Here, we
      tried to identify Th17 cells, Th1 cells, and Th17 cell-derived Th1 cells
      (CD161(+)Th1 cells) in the peripheral blood of early-onset RA patients. We also
      evaluated the effect of methotrexate on the ratio of Th17 cells in early-onset RA
      patients. The ratio of Th17 cell-derived Th1 cells to CD161(+)Th17 cells was
      elevated in the peripheral blood of early-onset RA patients. In addition, MTX
      reduced the ratio of Th17 cells but not Th1 cells. These findings suggest that IL
      17 and Th17 play important roles in the early phase of RA; thus, anti-IL-17
      antibodies should be administered to patients with RA in the early phase. 

PMID- 27123446
TI  - Association between Family Structure and Physical Activity of Chinese
      Adolescents.
AB  - Background. This study examines the association between family structure and
      moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of adolescents in China. Methods.
      The participants included 612 adolescents (317 boys and 295 girls) from Shanghai
      with ages ranging from 10 to 16 years. Accelerometers were used to measure the
      duration of MVPA of adolescents, and questionnaires on family structure were
      completed by the parents of these adolescents. Results. Findings suggested that
      family structure significantly increased the likelihood of adolescents engaging
      in physical activity (PA) and explained 6% of MPVA variance. Adolescents living
      in single-parent households and step families were more physically active than
      those living in two-parent homes and with biological parents, respectively.
      However, adolescents residing with grandparents were less active than those
      living with neither grandparent. No significant difference was found in MVPA time
      between adolescents living with one sibling and those without siblings.
      Conclusion. Family environment may be considered in the development of PA
      interventions and policies, and adolescents living with their grandparents may be
      targeted in PA promotion. 

PMID- 27123447
TI  - Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis Induction via Modulation of Mitochondrial
      Integrity by Bcl-2 Family Members and Caspase Dependence in Dracaena cinnabari
      Treated H400 Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Dracaena cinnabari Balf.f. is a red resin endemic to Socotra Island, Yemen.
      Although there have been several reports on its therapeutic properties,
      information on its cytotoxicity and anticancer effects is very limited. This
      study utilized a bioassay-guided fractionation approach to determine the
      cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects of D. cinnabari on human oral squamous
      cell carcinoma (OSCC). The cytotoxic effects of D. cinnabari crude extract were
      observed in a panel of OSCC cell lines and were most pronounced in H400. Only
      fractions DCc and DCd were active on H400 cells; subfractions DCc15 and DCd16
      exhibited the greatest cytotoxicity against H400 cells and D. cinnabari inhibited
      cells proliferation in a time-dependent manner. This was achieved primarily via
      apoptosis where externalization of phospholipid phosphatidylserine was observed
      using DAPI/Annexin V fluorescence double staining mechanism studied through
      mitochondrial membrane potential assay cytochrome c enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      and caspases activities revealed depolarization of mitochondrial membrane
      potential (MMP) and significant activation of caspases 9 and 3/7, concomitant
      with S phase arrest. Apoptotic proteins array suggested that MMP was regulated by
      Bcl-2 proteins family as results demonstrated an upregulation of Bax, Bad, and
      Bid as well as downregulation of Bcl-2. Hence, D. cinnabari has the potential to
      be developed as an anticancer agent. 

PMID- 27123448
TI  - tDCS and Robotics on Upper Limb Stroke Rehabilitation: Effect Modification by
      Stroke Duration and Type of Stroke.
AB  - Objective. The aim of this exploratory pilot study is to test the effects of
      bilateral tDCS combined with upper extremity robot-assisted therapy (RAT) on
      stroke survivors. Methods. We enrolled 23 subjects who were allocated to 2
      groups: RAT + real tDCS and RAT + sham-tDCS. Each patient underwent 10 sessions
      (5 sessions/week) over two weeks. Outcome measures were collected before and
      after treatment: (i) Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), (ii) Box and
      Block Test (BBT), and (iii) Motor Activity Log (MAL). Results. Both groups
      reported a significant improvement in FMA-UE score after treatment (p < 0.01). No
      significant between-groups differences were found in motor function. However,
      when the analysis was adjusted for stroke type and duration, a significant
      interaction effect (p < 0.05) was detected, showing that stroke duration (acute
      versus chronic) and type (cortical versus subcortical) modify the effect of tDCS
      and robotics on motor function. Patients with chronic and subcortical stroke
      benefited more from the treatments than patients with acute and cortical stroke,
      who presented very small changes. Conclusion. The additional use of bilateral
      tDCS to RAT seems to have a significant beneficial effect depending on the
      duration and type of stroke. These results should be verified by additional
      confirmatory studies. 

PMID- 27123449
TI  - Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors about Breast Self-Examination and Mammography
      among Female Primary Healthcare Workers in Diyarbakir, Turkey.
AB  - Aim. This study aims to determine the knowledge level of the female primary
      healthcare workers about breast cancer and to reveal their attitude and behaviors
      about breast self-examination and mammography. Methods. This cross-sectional
      study was conducted on female primary healthcare workers who work in family
      health centres. 91% (n = 369) of female primary healthcare workers agreed to
      participate in the study. The questionnaire consisted of three parts:
      sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about breast self-examination, and
      actual practice of breast self-examination. Results. The mean (SD) age of the
      female primary healthcare workers was 33.1 +/- 6.8 (range, 20-54 years). The
      healthcare workers who practiced breast self-examination had significantly higher
      knowledge level (P = 0.001) than those who had not. The respondents had high
      knowledge level of breast self-examination; however, the knowledge level of
      breast cancer and mammography screen was low. Conclusions. While the female
      primary healthcare workers in this study had adequate knowledge of breast self
      examination, this is not reflected in their attitudes and practices. Emphasis
      should be laid on breast self-examination in undergraduate and postgraduate
      courses for primary healthcare workers, since they are mostly involved in patient
      education. 

PMID- 27123450
TI  - Public versus Private Healthcare Systems following Discharge from the ICU: A
      Propensity Score-Matched Comparison of Outcomes.
AB  - Purpose. The long-term outcomes of patients after discharge from tertiary ICUs as
      they relate to the public versus private healthcare systems in Brazil have not
      yet been evaluated. Materials and Methods. A multicenter prospective cohort study
      was conducted to compare the all-cause mortality and the physical functional
      status (PFS) 24 months after discharge from the ICU between adult patients
      treated in the public and private healthcare systems. A propensity score- (PS-)
      matched comparison of all causes of mortality and PFS 24 months after discharge
      from the ICU was performed. Results. In total, 928 patients were discharged from
      the ICU including 172 (18.6%) patients in the public and 756 (81.4%) patients in
      the private healthcare system. The results of the PS-matched comparison of all
      cause mortality revealed higher mortality rates among the patients of the public
      healthcare system compared to those of the private healthcare system (47.3%
      versus 27.6%, P = 0.003). The comparison of the PS-matched Karnofsky performance
      and Lawton activities of daily living scores between the ICU survivors of the
      public and private healthcare systems revealed no significant differences.
      Conclusions. The patients of private healthcare system exhibited significantly
      greater survival rates than the patients of the public healthcare system with
      similar PFS following ICU discharge.

PMID- 27123451
TI  - An Interoperability Platform Enabling Reuse of Electronic Health Records for
      Signal Verification Studies.
AB  - Depending mostly on voluntarily sent spontaneous reports, pharmacovigilance
      studies are hampered by low quantity and quality of patient data. Our objective
      is to improve postmarket safety studies by enabling safety analysts to seamlessly
      access a wide range of EHR sources for collecting deidentified medical data sets
      of selected patient populations and tracing the reported incidents back to
      original EHRs. We have developed an ontological framework where EHR sources and
      target clinical research systems can continue using their own local data models,
      interfaces, and terminology systems, while structural interoperability and
      Semantic Interoperability are handled through rule-based reasoning on formal
      representations of different models and terminology systems maintained in the
      SALUS Semantic Resource Set. SALUS Common Information Model at the core of this
      set acts as the common mediator. We demonstrate the capabilities of our framework
      through one of the SALUS safety analysis tools, namely, the Case Series
      Characterization Tool, which have been deployed on top of regional EHR Data
      Warehouse of the Lombardy Region containing about 1 billion records from 16
      million patients and validated by several pharmacovigilance researchers with real
      life cases. The results confirm significant improvements in signal detection and
      evaluation compared to traditional methods with the missing background
      information. 

PMID- 27123452
TI  - The Identification of Microdeletion and Reciprocal Microduplication in 22q11.2
      Using High-Resolution CMA Technology.
AB  - The chromosome 22q11.2 region has long been implicated in genomic diseases. Some
      genomic regions exhibit numerous low copy repeats with high identity in which
      they provide increased genomic instability and mediate deletions and duplications
      in many disorders. DiGeorge Syndrome is the most common deletion syndrome and
      reciprocal duplications could be occurring in half of the frequency of
      microdeletions. We described five patients with phenotypic variability that
      carries deletions or reciprocal duplications at 22q11.2 detected by Chromosomal
      Microarray Analysis. The CytoScan HD technology was used to detect changes in the
      genome copy number variation of patients who had clinical indication to global
      developmental delay and a normal karyotype. We observed in our study three
      microdeletions and two microduplications in 22q11.2 region with variable
      intervals containing known genes and unstudied transcripts as well as the LCRs
      that are often flanking and within this genomic rearrangement. The identification
      of these variants is of particular interest because it may provide insight into
      genes or genomic regions that are crucial for specific phenotypic manifestations
      and are useful to assist in the quest for understanding the mechanisms subjacent
      to genomic deletions and duplications. 

PMID- 27123453
TI  - Effect of the Crystallization Process on the Marginal and Internal Gaps of
      Lithium Disilicate CAD/CAM Crowns.
AB  - The aim of this study is to quantify the effect of the crystallization process on
      lithium disilicate ceramic crowns fabricated using a computer-aided
      design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system and to determine whether the
      effect of crystallization is clinically acceptable by comparing values of fit
      before and after the crystallization process. The mandibular right first molar
      was selected as the abutment for the experiments. Fifteen working models were
      prepared. Lithium disilicate crowns appropriate for each abutment were prepared
      using a commercial CAD/CAM system. Gaps in the marginal area and 4 internal areas
      of each crown were measured twice-before and after crystallization-using the
      silicone replica technique. The mean values of fit before and after
      crystallization were analyzed using a paired t-test to examine whether the
      conversion that occurred during crystallization affected marginal and internal
      gaps (alpha = 0.05). Gaps increased in the marginal area and decreased in the
      internal areas after crystallization. There were statistically significant
      differences in all of the investigated areas (P < 0.05). None of the values for
      marginal and internal fit of lithium disilicate CAD/CAM crowns after
      crystallization exceeded 120 MUm, which is the clinically acceptable threshold. 

PMID- 27123454
TI  - In Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes, SIRT1 Expression in
      Circulating Mononuclear Cells Is Associated with Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines
      but Not with Coronary Lesions.
AB  - While SIRT1 is significantly associated with atherosclerosis and diabetic
      complications, its relevance to coronary lesions in patients with coronary artery
      disease and type 2 diabetes has not been specifically investigated. Thus, we
      assessed SIRT1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in these
      patients. We found that SIRT1 expression did not significantly correlate with
      syntax scores from coronary angiography (p > 0.05). Notably, plasma levels of the
      inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chemoattractant
      protein-1, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were markedly higher in
      diabetic patients (p < 0.05). In addition, SIRT1 expression was negatively
      correlated with levels of these cytokines, as well as that of interleukin-6 (p <
      0.05). In summary, the data indicate that SIRT1 expression in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells is significantly correlated with inflammatory cytokines levels
      in patients with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes but not with the
      severity of coronary lesions. 

PMID- 27123455
TI  - The Compound of Mangiferin-Berberine Salt Has Potent Activities in Modulating
      Lipid and Glucose Metabolisms in HepG2 Cells.
AB  - The mangiferin-berberine (MB) salt was synthesized by ionic bonding of mangiferin
      (M) and berberine (B) at an equal molecular ratio. This study aimed to
      investigate the activities of MB salt in modulating lipid and glucose metabolisms
      in HepG2 cells. After 24 h treatment of the studying compounds, cellular AMP
      activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKalpha)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) protein
      levels and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) 1 activities, intracellular lipid
      contents, mRNA expression levels of target genes, glucose consumption, and
      glucose production amounts were determined. Compound C (CC) was used in the
      blocking experiments. Our results showed that MB salt increased p-AMPKalpha
      (Thr172)/p-ACC (Ser79) levels and CPT1 activity and suppressed oleic acid- (OA-)
      induced lipid accumulation and upregulation of lipogenic genes potently in HepG2
      cells. The above activities of MB salt were AMPK dependent and were superior to
      those of M or B when administered at an equal molar concentration. MB salt
      enhanced basal and insulin-stimulated glucose consumption and suppressed
      gluconeogenesis more potently than M or B alone. The inhibiting activity of MB
      salt on cellular gluconeogenesis was AMPK dependent. Our results may support MB
      salt as a new kind of agent for the development of novel lipid or glucose
      lowering drugs in the future. 

PMID- 27123456
TI  - Comparison of Calcium and Barium Microcapsules as Scaffolds in the Development of
      Artificial Dermal Papillae.
AB  - This study aimed to develop and evaluate barium and calcium microcapsules as
      candidates for scaffolding in artificial dermal papilla. Dermal papilla cells
      (DPCs) were isolated and cultured by one-step collagenase treatment. The DPC-Ba
      and DPC-Ca microcapsules were prepared by using a specially designed, high
      voltage, electric-field droplet generator. Selected microcapsules were assessed
      for long-term inductive properties with xenotransplantation into Sprague-Dawley
      rat ears. Both barium and calcium microcapsules maintained xenogenic dermal
      papilla cells in an immunoisolated environment and induced the formation of hair
      follicle structures. Calcium microcapsules showed better biocompatibility,
      permeability, and cell viability in comparison with barium microcapsules. Before
      18 weeks, calcium microcapsules gathered together, with no substantial immune
      response. After 32 weeks, some microcapsules were near inflammatory cells and
      wrapped with fiber. A few large hair follicles were found. Control samples showed
      no marked changes at the implantation site. Barium microcapsules were superior to
      calcium microcapsules in structural and mechanical stability. The cells
      encapsulated in hydrogel barium microcapsules exhibited higher short-term
      viability. This study established a model to culture DPCs in 3D culture
      conditions. Barium microcapsules may be useful in short-term transplantation
      study. Calcium microcapsules may provide an effective scaffold for the
      development of artificial dermal papilla. 

PMID- 27123457
TI  - Design of Infusion Schemes for Neuroreceptor Imaging: Application to
      [(11)C]Flumazenil-PET Steady-State Study.
AB  - This study aims at developing a simulation system that predicts the optimal study
      design for attaining tracer steady-state conditions in brain and blood rapidly.
      Tracer kinetics was determined from bolus studies and used to construct the
      system. Subsequently, the system was used to design inputs for bolus infusion
      (BI) or programmed infusion (PI) experiments. Steady-state quantitative
      measurements can be made with one short scan and venous blood samples. The GABAA
      receptor ligand [(11)C]Flumazenil (FMZ) was chosen for this purpose, as it lacks
      a suitable reference region. Methods. Five bolus [(11)C]FMZ-PET scans were
      conducted, based on which population-based PI and BI schemes were designed and
      tested in five additional healthy subjects. The design of a PI was assisted by an
      offline feedback controller. Results. The system could reproduce the measurements
      in blood and brain. With PI, [(11)C]FMZ steady state was attained within 40 min,
      which was 8 min earlier than the optimal BI (B/I ratio = 55 min). Conclusions.
      The system can design both BI and PI schemes to attain steady state rapidly. For
      example, subjects can be [(11)C]FMZ-PET scanned after 40 min of tracer infusion
      for 40 min with venous sampling and a straight-forward quantification. This
      simulation toolbox is available for other PET-tracers. 

PMID- 27123458
TI  - Urinary 3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic Acid, 3-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid,
      and 3-Hydroxyhippuric Acid Are Elevated in Children with Autism Spectrum
      Disorders.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of mental illnesses highly
      correlated with gut microbiota. Recent studies have shown that some abnormal
      aromatic metabolites in autism patients are presumably derived from overgrown
      Clostridium species in gut, which may be used for diagnostic purposes. In this
      paper, a GC/MS based metabolomic approach was utilized to seek similar biomarkers
      by analyzing the urinary information in 62 ASDs patients compared with 62 non
      ASDs controls in China, aged 1.5-7. Three compounds identified as 3-(3
      hydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxypropionic acid (HPHPA), 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid
      (3HPA), and 3-hydroxyhippuric acid (3HHA) were found in higher concentrations in
      autistic children than in the controls (p < 0.001). After oral vancomycin
      treatment, urinary excretion of HPHPA (p < 0.001), 3HPA (p < 0.005), and 3HHA (p
      < 0.001) decreased markedly, which indicated that these compounds may also be
      from gut Clostridium species. The sensitivity and specificity of HPHPA, 3HPA, and
      3HHA were evaluated by receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The
      specificity of each compound for ASDs was very high (>96%). After two-regression
      analysis, the optimal area under the curve (AUC, 0.962), sensitivity (90.3%), and
      specificity (98.4%) were obtained by ROC curve of Prediction probability based on
      the three metabolites. These findings demonstrate that the measurements of the
      three compounds are strong predictors of ASDs and support the potential clinical
      utility for identifying a subgroup of ASDs subjects. 

PMID- 27123459
TI  - KvLEA, a New Isolated Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein Gene from Kosteletzkya
      virginica Responding to Multiabiotic Stresses.
AB  - The LEA proteins are a kind of hydrophilic proteins, playing main functions in
      desiccation tolerance. However, their importance as a kind of stress proteins in
      abiotic stress is being clarified little by little. In this study we isolated,
      cloned, and identified the first KvLEA gene in Kosteletzkya virginica.
      Bioinformatic analysis showed that the protein encoded by this gene had common
      properties of LEA proteins and the multiple sequences alignment and phylogenetic
      analysis further showed that this protein had high homology with two Arabidopsis
      LEA proteins. Gene expression analysis revealed that this gene had a higher
      expression in root and it was induced obviously by salt stress. Moreover, the
      transcripts of KvLEA were also induced by other abiotic stresses including
      drought, high temperature, chilling, and ABA treatment. Among these abiotic
      stresses, ABA treatment brought about the biggest changes to this gene.
      Collectively, our research discovered a novel LEA gene and uncovered its
      involvement in multiabiotic stresses in K. virginica. This research not only
      enriched studies on LEA gene in plant but also would accelerate more studies on
      K. virginica in the future. 

PMID- 27123460
TI  - Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies and Male Gender Are Associated with Diabetes
      Occurrence in Patients with Beta-Thalassemia Major.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intensive transfusion schedule and iron-chelating therapy prolonged
      and improved quality of life in patients with beta-thalassemia (beta-T) major.
      However, this led to an increased risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance
      or diabetes. In this study we analyzed variables associated with the occurrence
      of impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes in patients with beta-T major. METHODS:
      388 Sardinian patients were included. Age, gender, duration of chelation therapy,
      body mass index, and markers of pancreatic and extrapancreatic autoimmunity were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that anti-thyroid
      peroxidase (TPO) antibodies (Ab) (OR = 3.36; p = 0.008) and male gender (OR =
      1.98; p = 0.025) were significantly associated with glucose impairment, while the
      other variables were not. Ferritin levels were significantly higher in TPOAb
      positive compared to TPOAb negative patients (4870 +/- 1665 MUg/L versus 2922 +/-
      2773 MUg/L; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with beta-T major a progressive
      damage of insulin-producing cells due to secondary hemosiderosis appears to be
      the most reasonable mechanism associated with glucose metabolism disorders. The
      findings need to be confirmed with additional well designed studies to address
      the question of whether TPOAb may have a role in the management of these
      patients.

PMID- 27123461
TI  - The Burden of NAFLD and Its Characteristics in a Nationwide Population with Type
      2 Diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We studied the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
      and its clinical correlates in a population of patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Clinical data of 94,577 T2DM patients were retrieved
      from 160 diabetes clinics in Italy in a standardized format and centrally
      analyzed anonymously. After exclusion of 5967 cases (high or uncertain alcohol
      intake), in 38,880 the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) was used as a proxy for the
      diagnosis of NAFLD. Factors associated with FLI assessed NAFLD (FLI-NAFLD) were
      evaluated through multivariate analysis. RESULTS: FLI-NAFLD was present in 59.6%
      of patients. Compared to non-NAFLD, FLI-NAFLD was associated with impairment in
      renal function, higher albumin excretion, HbA1c and blood pressure, lower HDL
      cholesterol, and poorer quality of care. ALT was within normal limits in 73.6% of
      FLI-NAFLD patients (45.6% if the updated reference values were used). The
      prevalence of FLI-NAFLD did not differ if the whole sample (94,577 cases) was
      examined, irrespective of alcohol intake. CONCLUSIONS: FLI-NAFLD was present in
      the majority of T2DM patients of our sample and metabolic derangement, not
      alcohol consumption, was mainly associated with the disease. FLI-NAFLD patients
      have a worse metabolic profile. ALT levels are not predictive of NAFLD.

PMID- 27123462
TI  - Calpain-Calcineurin-Nuclear Factor Signaling and the Development of Atrial
      Fibrillation in Patients with Valvular Heart Disease and Diabetes.
AB  - Calpain, calcineurin (CaN), and nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) play a
      key role in the development of atrial fibrillation. Patients with valvular heart
      disease (VHD) are prone to develop atrial fibrillation (AF). Thus, our current
      study was aimed at investigating whether activation of calpain-CaN-NFAT pathway
      is associated with the incidence of AF in the patients with VHD and diabetes. The
      expressions of calpain 2 and alpha- and beta-isoforms of CaN catalytic subunit
      (CnA) as well as NFAT-c3 and NFAT-c4 were quantified by quantitative reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction in atrial tissues from 77 hospitalized
      patients with VHD and diabetes. The relevant protein content was measured by
      Western blot and calpain 2 in human atrium was localized by immunohistochemistry.
      We found that the expressions of calpain 2, CnA alpha and CnA beta, and NFAT-c3
      but not NFAT-c4 were significantly elevated in the samples from patients with AF
      compared to those with sinus rhythm (SR). Elevated protein levels of calpain 2
      and CnA were observed in patients with AF, and so was the enhanced localization
      of calpain 2. We thereby concluded that CaN together with its upstream molecule,
      calpain 2, and its downstream effector, NFAT-c3, might contribute to the
      development of AF in patients with VHD and diabetes.

PMID- 27123464
TI  - Selective Subnormal IgG1 in 54 Adult Index Patients with Frequent or Severe
      Bacterial Respiratory Tract Infections.
AB  - We characterized 54 adult index patients with reports of frequent or severe
      bacterial respiratory tract infections at diagnosis of selective subnormal IgG1.
      Mean age was 50 +/- 13 (SD) y; 87.0% were women. Associated disorders included
      the following: autoimmune conditions 50.0%; hypothyroidism 24.1%; atopy 38.9%;
      and other allergy 31.5%. In 35.5%, proportions of protective S. pneumoniae
      serotype-specific IgG levels did not increase after polyvalent pneumococcal
      polysaccharide vaccination (PPPV). Blood lymphocyte subset levels were within
      reference limits in most patients. Regressions on IgG1 and IgG3 revealed no
      significant association with age, sex, autoimmune conditions, hypothyroidism,
      atopy, other allergy, corticosteroid therapy, or lymphocyte subsets. Regression
      on IgG2 revealed significant associations with PPPV response (negative) and CD19+
      lymphocytes (positive). Regression on IgG4 revealed significant positive
      associations with episodic corticosteroid use and IgA. Regression on IgA revealed
      positive associations with IgG2 and IgG4. Regression on IgM revealed negative
      associations with CD56+/CD16+ lymphocytes. Regressions on categories of infection
      revealed a negative association of urinary tract infections and IgG1. HLA-A(*)03,
      HLA-B(*)55 and HLA-A(*)24, HLA-B(*)35 haplotype frequencies were greater in 38
      patients than 751 controls. We conclude that nonprotective S. pneumoniae IgG
      levels and atopy contribute to increased susceptibility to respiratory tract
      infections in patients with selective subnormal IgG1. 

PMID- 27123465
TI  - Clinical Associations of Biallelic and Monoallelic TNFRSF13B Variants in Italian
      Primary Antibody Deficiency Syndromes.
AB  - We assessed the prevalence of TNFRSF13B mutations and the clinical correlates in
      an Italian cohort of 189 CVID, 67 IgAD patients, and 330 healthy controls to
      substantiate the role of TACI genetic testing in diagnostic workup. We found that
      11% of CVID and 13% of IgAD carried at least one mutated TNFRSF13B allele. Seven
      per cent of CVID had monoallelic-mutations and 4% had biallelic-mutations. The
      frequency of C104R monoallelic-mutations was not higher than that found in
      healthy controls. Biallelic-mutations were exclusively found in CVID. CVID
      patients carrying monoallelic-mutations had an increased prevalence of
      lymphadenopathy, granulomata, and autoimmune cytopenias. CVID carrying biallelic
      mutations had a low prevalence of autoimmunity in comparison with TACI wild-type
      CVID. Moreover, biallelic-mutated CVID had higher frequency of switched memory B
      cells and higher IgM and IgA antibodies to polysaccharide antigens than TACI wild
      type and monoallelic-mutated CVID. TACI-mutated IgAD patients had only
      monoallelic-mutations and did not display clinical difference from IgAD wild-type
      patients. In conclusion, TNFRSF13B genetic screening of antibody deficiencies may
      allow the identification of mutational patterns. However, as with counseling for
      risk assessment, geneticists should be aware that the interpretation of genetic
      testing for TACI mutations is difficult and the potential impact on clinical
      management is still limited. 

PMID- 27123467
TI  - Compressed Sensing: Applications in Radar and Communications.

PMID- 27123466
TI  - Biologic Treatments for Sports Injuries II Think Tank-Current Concepts, Future
      Research, and Barriers to Advancement, Part 3: Articular Cartilage.
AB  - Focal chondral defects of the articular surface are a common occurrence in the
      field of orthopaedics. These isolated cartilage injuries, if not repaired
      surgically with restoration of articular congruency, may have a high rate of
      progression to posttraumatic osteoarthritis, resulting in significant morbidity
      and loss of function in the young, active patient. Both isolated and global joint
      disease are a difficult entity to treat in the clinical setting given the high
      amount of stress on weightbearing joints and the limited healing potential of
      native articular cartilage. Recently, clinical interest has focused on the use of
      biologically active compounds and surgical techniques to regenerate native
      cartilage to the articular surface, with the goal of restoring normal joint
      health and overall function. This article presents a review of the current
      biologic therapies, as discussed at the 2015 American Orthopaedic Society for
      Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Biologics Think Tank, that are used in the treatment of
      focal cartilage deficiencies. For each of these emerging therapies, the theories
      for application, the present clinical evidence, and specific areas for future
      research are explored, with focus on the barriers currently faced by clinicians
      in advancing the success of these therapies in the clinical setting. 

PMID- 27123463
TI  - Neuroprotection as a Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Retinopathy.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a multifactorial progressive disease of the retina
      and a leading cause of vision loss. DR has long been regarded as a vascular
      disorder, although neuronal death and visual impairment appear before vascular
      lesions, suggesting an important role played by neurodegeneration in DR and the
      appropriateness of neuroprotective strategies. Upregulation of vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the main target of current therapies, is likely
      to be one of the first responses to retinal hyperglycemic stress and VEGF may
      represent an important survival factor in early phases of DR. Of central
      importance for clinical trials is the detection of retinal neurodegeneration in
      the clinical setting, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography seems the
      most indicated technique. Many substances have been tested in animal studies for
      their neuroprotective properties and for possible use in humans. Perhaps, the
      most intriguing perspective is the use of endogenous neuroprotective substances
      or nutraceuticals. Together, the data point to the central role of
      neurodegeneration in the pathogenesis of DR and indicate neuroprotection as an
      effective strategy for treating this disease. However, clinical trials to
      determine not only the effectiveness and safety but also the compliance of a
      noninvasive route of drug administration are needed.

PMID- 27123469
TI  - Surgically Resected Gall Bladder: Is Histopathology Needed for All?
AB  - Background. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered to be gold standard for
      symptomatic gall stones. As a routine every specimen is sent for
      histopathological examination postoperatively. Incidentally finding gall bladder
      cancers in those specimens is around 0.5-1.1%. The aim of this study is to
      identify those preoperative and intraoperative factors in patients with
      incidental gall bladder cancer to reduce unnecessary work load on pathologist and
      cost of investigation particularly in a developing world. Methods. Retrospective
      records were analyzed from January 2005 to February 2015 in a surgical unit.
      Demographic data, preoperative imaging, peroperative findings, macroscopic
      appearance, and histopathological findings were noted. Gall bladder wall was
      considered to be thickened if >=3 mm on preoperative imaging or surgeons comment
      (on operative findings) and histopathology report. AJCC TNM system was used to
      stage gall bladder cancer. Results. 973 patients underwent cholecystectomy for
      symptomatic gallstone disease. Gallbladder carcinoma was incidentally found in 11
      cases. Macroscopic abnormalities of the gallbladder were found in all those 11
      patients. In patients with a macroscopically normal gallbladder, there were no
      cases of gallbladder carcinoma. Conclusion. Preoperative and operative findings
      play a pivotal role in determining incidental chances of gall bladder malignancy.

PMID- 27123468
TI  - Analogs of LDL Receptor Ligand Motifs in Dengue Envelope and Capsid Proteins as
      Potential Codes for Cell Entry.
AB  - It is established that cell entry of low density lipoprotein particles (LLPs)
      containing Apo B100 and Apo E is mediated by receptors and GAGs. Receptor ligand
      motifs, XBBBXXBX, XBBXBX, and PsiBPsiXB, and mono- and bipartite NLS sequences
      are abundant in Apo E and Apo B100 as well as in envelope and capsid proteins of
      Dengue viruses 1-4 (DENV1-4). Synthetic, fluorescence-labeled peptides of
      sequences in DENV2 envelope protein, and DENV3 capsid that include these motifs
      were used to conduct a qualitative assessment of cell binding and entry capacity
      using HeLa cells. DENV2 envelope peptide, Dsp2EP, 0564Gly-Gly0595, was shown to
      bind and remain at the cell surface. In contrast, DENV3 capsid protein peptide,
      Dsp3CP, 0002Asn-Gln0028, readily enters HeLa cells and accumulates at discrete
      loci in the nucleus. FITC-labeled dengue synthetic peptides colocalize with Low
      Density Lipoprotein-CM-DiI and Apo E-CM-DiI to a degree that suggests that Dengue
      viruses may utilize cell entry pathways used by LLPs.

PMID- 27123470
TI  - Arf6 and the 5'phosphatase of Synaptojanin 1 regulate autophagy in cone
      photoreceptors.
AB  - Abnormalities in the ability of cells to properly degrade proteins have been
      identified in many neurodegenerative diseases. Recent work has implicated
      Synaptojanin 1 (SynJ1) in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, although
      the role of this polyphosphoinositide phosphatase in protein degradation has not
      been thoroughly described. Here we dissected in vivo the role of SynJ1 in
      endolysosomal trafficking in zebrafish cone photoreceptors using a SynJ1
      deficient zebrafish mutant, nrca14 . We found that loss of SynJ1 leads to
      specific accumulation of late endosomes and autophagosomes early in photoreceptor
      development. An analysis of autophagic flux revealed that autophagosomes
      accumulate due to a defect in maturation. In addition we found an increase in
      vesicles that are highly enriched for PI(3)P, but negative for an early endosome
      marker in nrca14 cones. A mutational analysis of SynJ1 enzymatic domains found
      that activity of the 5' phosphatase, but not the Sac1 domain, is required to
      rescue both aberrant late endosomes and autophagosomes. Finally, modulating
      activity of the PI(4,5)P2 regulator, Arf6, rescued the disrupted trafficking
      pathways in nrca14 cones. Our study describes a specific role for SynJ1 in
      autophagosomal and endosomal trafficking and provides evidence that PI(4,5)P2
      participates in autophagy in a neuronal cell type.

PMID- 27123471
TI  - Socioeconomic Status and Internalizing Symptoms in Chilean Children: Does Reserve
      Capacity Matter?
AB  - Informed by the reserve capacity model, we examined pathways between
      socioeconomic status (SES) and internalizing symptoms (IS) in 1119 Chilean 10
      year-olds. Mediators included parental disciplinary style and reserve capacity
      resources (RCR), namely home environment, parent-child engagement, and self
      esteem, and conduct problems. Using structural equation modeling, the model was
      stratified by gender. For boys, the SES-IS relationship was mediated by the home
      environment and parental disciplinary style. For girls, the SES-IS relationship
      was mediated by the home environment, parent-child engagement, self-esteem, and
      conduct problems. Findings suggest different RCR may protect against IS in a
      sample of Chilean children.

PMID- 27123472
TI  - Stabilization of the thermolabile variant S113L of carnitine palmitoyltransferase
      II.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) II deficiency, the most
      common defect of lipid metabolism in muscle, is characterized by attacks of
      myoglobinuria without persistent muscle weakness. METHODS: His6-N-hCPT2 (wild
      type) and His6-N-hCPT2/S113L (variant) were produced recombinantly in prokaryotic
      host and characterized according to their functional and regulatory properties.
      RESULTS: The wild-type and the variant S113L showed the same enzymatic activity
      and thermostability at 30 degrees C. The mutated enzyme, however, revealed an
      abnormal thermal destabilization at 40 degrees C and 45 degrees C. This was
      consistent with an increased flexibility (B-factor) of the variant at 40 degrees
      C compared with that of the wild-type shown by molecular dynamics analysis.
      Preincubation of the enzymes with l-carnitine and acyl-l-carnitines containing
      more than 10 carbons in the acyl side-chain stabilized the mutated enzyme against
      thermal inactivation. In contrast, palmitoyl-CoA destabilized both enzymes.
      CONCLUSIONS: The problems in CPT II deficiency originating from the S113L
      mutation are not caused by the loss of catalytically active enzyme. They might be
      at least partially related to an impaired thermal stability of the protein. The
      lower thermodynamic stability of the variant might explain why fever and
      prolonged exertion provoke attacks of myoglobinuria in CPT II deficiency. The
      stabilization by acyl-l-carnitines might provide the basis for possible
      preventive therapy of CPT II deficiency.

PMID- 27123473
TI  - New susceptible variant of COQ2 gene in Japanese patients with sporadic multiple
      system atrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the
      variations of coenzyme Q2 4-hydroxybenzoate polyprenyltransferase gene (COQ2) and
      Japanese patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA). METHODS: We investigated
      the genetic variations in exons 1, 2, 6, and 7 of the COQ2 gene in 133 Japanese
      patients with MSA and 200 controls and analyzed the association between the
      variations and MSA. RESULTS: Six DNA variations (G21S, L25V, V66L, P157S, V393A,
      and X422K) were found in the 133 patients with MSA, and G21S and X422K were new
      variations that had never been reported. V66L was a common variation that was
      found in all 133 patients with MSA. G21S, P157S, V393A, and X422K did not show
      gene frequency differences between patients with MSA and controls. On the other
      hand, L25V was newly proven to be the only risk factor of sporadic MSA with
      predominant olivopontocerebellar ataxia. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests
      L25V variant of COQ2 gene as a genetic risk factor in Japanese patients with MSA
      with cerebellar ataxia.

PMID- 27123474
TI  - Long-term follow-up and sudden unexpected death in Gaucher disease type 3 in
      Egypt.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the long-term follow-up and distinct phenotype of a large
      cohort of patients with Gaucher disease type 3 on enzyme replacement therapy
      (ERT) in Egypt. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 78 patients on ERT who
      were followed for up to 9 years with yearly evaluations that included EEG and
      cognitive testing. RESULTS: Of the patients, 73% were homozygous for the L444P
      GBA1 mutation; all but 7 were neurologically symptomatic. Supranuclear gaze palsy
      with variable but stable cognitive function was present in 91% of patients.
      Convergent strabismus and bulbar dysfunction were noted in 22% and 37%,
      respectively. Features of oppositional defiant disorder were present in 54% of
      patients. Twenty-three patients (30%) developed seizures while on ERT for 1-9
      years. Of those, 12 patients (15%) died suddenly and unexpectedly at a mean age
      of 6.7 +/- 5.0 years (range 1.5-18). Sudden death was usually associated with a
      seizure disorder or a terminal seizure, but 7 of 12 patients had a preceding
      normal EEG. An additional 11% had background slowing or epileptogenic activity on
      EEG without clinical seizures. There were 3 familial cases of sudden unexpected
      death. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having the most common GBA1 genotype known to be
      associated with neuronopathic Gaucher disease, patients with Gaucher disease type
      3 in Egypt have a phenotype and a clinical outcome on ERT that are very different
      from those observed in other populations. Identifying putative modifying genes of
      this ethnic group is likely to lead to better therapy for neuronopathic Gaucher
      disease generally.

PMID- 27123477
TI  - Reversible white matter lesions associated with mutant EHMT1 and Kleefstra
      syndrome.
AB  - Kleefstra syndrome (KS; OMIM #610253), formerly known as the 9q subtelomeric
      deletion syndrome, is an autosomal dominant cause of intellectual disability (ID)
      characterized by hypotonia and facial dysmorphisms.(1,2) The cause of KS is
      attributed to haploinsufficiency of the euchromatin histone methyltransferase 1
      (EHMT1) gene (OMIM *607001) located at chromosome 9q34.3 (i.e., distal long arm
      of chromosome 9), either by microdeletion or point mutation. EHMT1 encodes a
      histone H3 methyltransferase at position Lys-9 (H3K9).(1-3). 

PMID- 27123475
TI  - Analysis of rare copy number variation in absence epilepsies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify shared genes and pathways between common absence epilepsy
      (AE) subtypes (childhood absence epilepsy [CAE], juvenile absence epilepsy [JAE],
      and unclassified absence epilepsy [UAE]) that may indicate common mechanisms for
      absence seizure generation and potentially a diagnostic continuum. METHODS: We
      used high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays to analyze genome-wide
      rare copy number variation (CNV) in a cohort of 144 children with AEs (95 CAE, 26
      UAE, and 23 JAE). RESULTS: We identified CNVs that are known risk factors for AE
      in 4 patients, including 3x 15q11.2 deletion. We also expanded the phenotype at 4
      regions more commonly identified in other neurodevelopmental disorders: 1p36.33
      duplication, 1q21.1 deletion, 22q11.2 duplication, and Xp22.31 deletion and
      duplication. Fifteen patients (10.5%) were found to carry rare CNVs that disrupt
      genes associated with neuronal development and function (8 CAE, 2 JAE, and 5
      UAE). Four categories of protein are each disrupted by several CNVs: (1) synaptic
      vesicle membrane or vesicle endocytosis, (2) synaptic cell adhesion, (3) synapse
      organization and motility via actin, and (4) gap junctions. CNVs within these
      categories are shared across the AE subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results have
      reinforced the complex and heterogeneous nature of the AEs and their potential
      for shared genetic mechanisms and have highlighted several pathways that may be
      important in epileptogenesis of absence seizures.

PMID- 27123476
TI  - Clinical course and prognosis in patients with Gaucher disease and parkinsonism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to characterize the parkinsonian phenotype
      in patients with Gaucher disease (GD) who developed parkinsonism in order to
      evaluate clinical course and prognosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective
      observational study conducted at the Clinical Center of the NIH, Bethesda, MD,
      over a period of 10 years. The study included 19 patients with GD and
      parkinsonism. The severity of Gaucher and parkinsonian symptoms was determined
      from clinical data including physical, neurologic, pathologic, and neurocognitive
      evaluations, family histories, imaging studies, olfactory testing, and validated
      questionnaires. RESULTS: We found an earlier age at onset of parkinsonism and
      evidence of mild cognitive dysfunction in our cohort. Although the clinical
      course in some patients was similar to that of idiopathic Parkinson disease with
      a favorable levodopa response, others exhibited features characteristic of
      dementia with Lewy bodies. When we examined the patients as a group, we did not
      observe a uniformly aggressive form of parkinsonism after the initial onset of
      symptoms, contrary to other published reports. CONCLUSIONS: Appreciable clinical
      variation was seen in this cohort with GD and parkinsonism. Although some
      patients had early onset and prominent cognitive changes, others had a later,
      slower course, indicating that GBA1 mutations may not be a reliable prognostic
      indicator in Parkinson disease in clinical settings.

PMID- 27123479
TI  - Compound heterozygote mutations in SPG7 in a family with adult-onset primary
      lateral sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the genetic defect for adult-onset primary lateral
      sclerosis (PLS) in a family with 5 patients. METHODS: Whole-exome sequencing was
      performed to identify the shared genetic variants in 3 affected members in a PLS
      family with 5 affected individuals. Sanger sequencing was used for validation of
      the variants and for cosegregation analysis. Mitochondrial activity for both
      patients and unaffected siblings was measured using a SeaHorse metabolic
      analyzer. RESULTS: Whole-exome sequencing and subsequent cosegregation analysis
      demonstrated that compound heterozygous missense variants L695P and I743T in SPG7
      were the only mutations cosegregating with the disease in an autosomal recessive
      fashion in this family. The parents and siblings are genetically heterozygous and
      clinically unaffected. Functional studies suggested that the PLS-associated SPG7
      mutants affect mitochondrial function when glucose is reduced. CONCLUSIONS:
      Compound heterozygote mutations in SPG7 are associated with adult-onset PLS,
      extending the spectrum of SPG7-linked neurologic diseases. Patients with the PLS
      phenotype should have genetic testing for paraplegin, especially when the
      condition is familial.

PMID- 27123478
TI  - Homozygous deletion in MICU1 presenting with fatigue and lethargy in childhood.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define the mechanism responsible for fatigue, lethargy, and
      weakness in 2 cousins who had a normal muscle biopsy. METHODS: Exome sequencing,
      long-range PCR, and Sanger sequencing to identify the pathogenic mutation.
      Functional analysis in the patient fibroblasts included oxygen consumption
      measurements, extracellular acidification studies, Western blotting, and calcium
      imaging, followed by overexpression of the wild-type protein. RESULTS: Analysis
      of the exome sequencing depth revealed a homozygous deletion of exon 1 of MICU1
      within a 2,755-base pair deletion. No MICU1 protein was detected in patient
      fibroblasts, which had impaired mitochondrial calcium uptake that was rescued
      through the overexpression of the wild-type allele. CONCLUSIONS: MICU1 mutations
      cause fatigue and lethargy in patients with normal mitochondrial enzyme
      activities in muscle. The fluctuating clinical course is likely mediated through
      the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, which is regulated by MICU1.

PMID- 27123480
TI  - "Fork and bracket" syndrome expands the spectrum of SBF1-related sensory motor
      polyneuropathies.
AB  - Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy type 4 (CMT4) comprises a large group of
      genetically heterogeneous progressive sensory motor neuropathies characterized by
      autosomal recessive inheritance. Among these, CMT4B includes 3 forms related to
      genes of the myotubularin family, namely CMT4B1 (MTMR2), CMT4B2 (MTMR13/SBF2),
      and CMT4B3 (MTMR5/SBF1). 

PMID- 27123481
TI  - Exonic deletion of SLC9A9 in autism with epilepsy.
AB  - Genes encoding proteins critical for intracellular vesicular transport are an
      emerging area of importance for neurologists. In particular, proteins that create
      and maintain the correct compartmental pH, such as the endosomal Na(+)/H(+)
      exchangers (NHEs), have been implicated in a wide range of human diseases,
      including cardiovascular, inflammatory bowel, renal, and neurologic disorders,
      which demonstrates the critical cellular function of these proteins.(1-3) Two
      NHEs, NHE6 and NHE9, have been linked to neurologic disorders in children.(4)
      Pathologic variants in SLC9A6 encoding NHE6 cause an Angelman-like disorder
      called Christianson syndrome. Fewer variants have been described in SLC9A9
      encoding NHE9, but individuals carrying these variants have been diagnosed with
      neurologic disorders ranging from autism to epilepsy to attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The majority of described variants are missense,
      resulting in amino acid substitutions, making it difficult to determine their
      functional consequence.(4). 

PMID- 27123482
TI  - De novo FUS P525L mutation in Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with
      dysphonia and diplopia.
AB  - Juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (jALS) is characterized by progressive
      upper and lower motor neuron degeneration leading to facial muscle spasticity,
      spastic dysarthria, and spastic gait with an early onset (before 25 years old).
      Unlike adult-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), patients with jALS tend
      to have slower progression of motor neuron disease and prolonged survival to a
      normal life expectancy. Mutations in FUS gene have been reported in jALS,(1)
      including p.P525L mutation that has been consistently associated with early onset
      and aggressive presentation.(2) Here, we report a patient carrying p.P525L FUS
      mutation and experiencing an aggressive course of ALS presenting with dysphonia
      and diplopia. 

PMID- 27123483
TI  - Familial aggregation of Parkinson disease in Utah: A population-based analysis
      using death certificates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe clustering of death from Parkinson disease (PD) in
      relatives in a large US study. METHODS: We analyzed the Utah Population Database
      resource, which includes genealogy data of more than 2.7 million individuals
      linked to 519,061 individuals with a Utah death certificate (DC). We identified
      individuals whose DC included PD as a cause of death using ICD coding. In those
      individuals whose Utah DC listed PD as a cause of death, the relative risk (RR)
      of death with PD was determined among close and distant relatives using sex-,
      birth year-, and birthplace-specific rates. RESULTS: We identified 4,031
      individuals whose DC indicated PD. Among 18,127 first-degree relatives of
      probands with a Utah DC, the RR of death with PD was significantly increased (RR
      = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.61-2.04). The RR of death with PD was also
      significantly increased among 40,546 second-degree relatives with a Utah DC (RR =
      1.44, 95% CI 1.29-1.60) and among 93,398 third-degree relatives with a Utah DC
      (RR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.18). CONCLUSIONS: Significant evidence for excess
      familial clustering was observed for PD deaths. The excess familial clustering
      and the significantly elevated RRs for PD among close and distant relatives
      strongly support a genetic contribution to PD mortality. These results confirm
      and expand the results of previous studies of PD by quantifying the risk of PD
      death among more distant relatives.

PMID- 27123485
TI  - Copy number variants in absence epilepsy: Further complications of the picture.
AB  - After years of largely unsuccessful association studies attempting to detect
      genetic variants underlying common epilepsies, the recent identification of copy
      number variants (CNVs) in epilepsy has generated a lot of excitement. CNVs are
      defined as genomic deletions or duplications larger than 1 kb and up to several
      Mb in size. A proportion occur at genomic hotspots (recurrent CNVs), whereas
      others can occur anywhere in the genome. Although individually rare, these CNVs
      collectively constitute the single largest risk factor for sporadic epilepsies
      known to date. Depending on the exact phenotype, CNVs have been reported in up to
      28% of patients with epilepsy.(1) Subsequently, exon-disrupting deletions in a
      range of genes previously implicated in a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders
      were also identified in patients with epilepsy.(2-4) Genetic generalized epilepsy
      (GGE), either associated or not associated with intellectual disability, is the
      most commonly reported phenotype in patients carrying these CNVs. The GGEs
      comprise a large group of phenotypically heterogeneous disorders with a known or
      presumed genetic cause, which may vary from rare monogenic cases to complex
      polygenic inheritance. 

PMID- 27123484
TI  - Paroxysmal hypnogenic dyskinesia is associated with mutations in the PRRT2 gene.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential causative genes of paroxysmal hypnogenic
      dyskinesia (PHD), which was initially considered a subtype of paroxysmal
      dyskinesia and has been recently considered a form of nocturnal frontal lobe
      epilepsy (NFLE). METHODS: Eleven patients with PHD were recruited. Mutations in
      proline-rich region transmembrane protein-2 (PRRT2), myofibrillogenesis regulator
      1 (MR-1), solute carrier family 2, member 1 (SLC2A1), calcium-activated potassium
      channel alpha subunit (KCNMA1), cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, alpha 4
      (CHRNA4), cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, beta 2 (CHRNB2), cholinergic receptor,
      nicotinic, alpha 2 (CHRNA2), and potassium channel subfamily T member 1 (KCNT1)
      were screened by direct sequencing. RESULTS: Two PRRT2 mutations were identified
      in patients with typical PHD. A mutation of c.649dupC (p.Arg217ProfsX8) was
      identified in a patient with PHD and his father who was diagnosed with paroxysmal
      kinesigenic dyskinesia. An additional mutation of c.640G>C (p.Ala214Pro) was
      identified in a sporadic patient and his asymptomatic mother. No mutations were
      found in the other screened genes. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identified
      PRRT2 mutations in PHD, extending the phenotypic spectrum of PRRT2 and supporting
      the classification of PHD as a subtype of paroxysmal dyskinesia but not NFLE.
      Based on the results of this study, screening for the PRRT2 mutation is
      recommended in patients with PHD.

PMID- 27123486
TI  - Deleterious mutation in GPR88 is associated with chorea, speech delay, and
      learning disabilities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the underlying molecular basis of a familial developmental
      disorder characterized by chorea, marked speech delay, and learning difficulties
      in 4 sisters from a consanguineous family. METHODS: Whole-exome analysis of DNA
      of the 2 older patients followed by Sanger sequencing of the mutated exon in all
      family members. RESULTS: A homozygous deleterious mutation, p.C291X, was
      identified in the GPR88 gene in both exome analyses. The mutation segregated with
      the disease in the family and was absent from a large cohort of controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: Homozygous deleterious mutation in GPR88 in humans is associated
      with marked speech delay, learning disabilities, and chorea, which manifest at 8
      9 years of age. The finding is consistent with the reported abundant expression
      of GPR88 in the striatum and the hyperkinetic activity and learning impairment
      observed in GPR88 knockout mice. Although further functional characterization is
      needed, the finding underscores the importance of GPR88 in movement control and
      learning.

PMID- 27123487
TI  - Spinocerebellar ataxia type 36 in the Han Chinese.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the genetic and clinical characteristics of the GGCCTG
      hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the nucleolar protein 56 gene (NOP56) in
      patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), sporadic ataxia, or amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Taiwan. METHODS: We conducted clinical and molecular
      genetic studies of 109 probands with molecularly unassigned SCA from 512 SCA
      pedigrees, 323 healthy controls, 502 patients with sporadic ataxia syndromes, and
      144 patients with ALS. Repeat-primed PCR assays and PCR-fragment analysis for the
      number of short hexanucleotide repeats (<40 units) were performed to ascertain
      NOP56 hexanucleotide repeat expansion. Genotyping included 8 microsatellite
      markers and 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms flanking NOP56 and covering a
      region of 1.8 Mb to assess a possible founder effect. RESULTS: Eleven individuals
      from 3 SCA pedigrees have the NOP56 repeat expansions. The 3 pedigrees share a
      common haplotype spanning 5.3 kb flanking the NOP56 repeat expansions, suggesting
      a founder effect of spinocerebellar ataxia type 36 (SCA36) in the Han Chinese.
      The average age at symptom onset was 44.8 +/- 3.8 years with truncal ataxia as
      the initial manifestation. Common features included slowly progressive
      truncal/limb ataxia, dysarthria, generalized hyperreflexia, and hearing
      impairment. Evidence of lower motor neuron involvement, including atrophy and
      fasciculation in the limb muscles and tongue, was mostly found in patients with
      prolonged disease duration. NOP56 repeat expansion was not detected in controls
      or patients with sporadic ataxic syndromes or ALS. CONCLUSIONS: SCA36 is an
      uncommon subtype, which accounted for 0.6% (3/512) of SCA cases in the Han
      Chinese population.

PMID- 27123488
TI  - Clinical and genetic features of cervical dystonia in a large multicenter cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical and genetic features of cervical dystonia
      (CD). METHODS: Participants enrolled in the Dystonia Coalition biorepository
      (NCT01373424) with initial manifestation as CD were included in this study (n =
      1,000). Data intake included demographics, family history, and the Global
      Dystonia Rating Scale. Participants were screened for sequence variants (SVs) in
      GNAL, THAP1, and Exon 5 of TOR1A. RESULTS: The majority of participants were
      Caucasian (95%) and female (75%). The mean age at onset and disease duration were
      45.5 +/- 13.6 and 14.6 +/- 11.8 years, respectively. At the time of assessment,
      68.5% had involvement limited to the neck, shoulder(s), and proximal arm(s),
      whereas 47.4% had dystonia limited to the neck. The remaining 31.5% of the
      individuals exhibited more extensive anatomical spread. A head tremor was noted
      in 62% of the patients. Head tremor and laryngeal dystonia were more common in
      females. Psychiatric comorbidities, mainly depression and anxiety, were reported
      by 32% of the participants and were more common in females. Family histories of
      dystonia, parkinsonian disorder, and tremor were present in 14%, 11%, and 29% of
      the patients, respectively. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic SVs in THAP1, TOR1A,
      and GNAL were identified in 8 participants (0.8%). Two individuals harbored novel
      missense SVs in Exon 5 of TOR1A. Synonymous and noncoding SVs in THAP1 and GNAL
      were identified in 4% of the cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Head tremor, laryngeal
      dystonia, and psychiatric comorbidities are more common in female participants
      with CD. Coding and noncoding variants in GNAL, THAP1, and TOR1A make small
      contributions to the pathogenesis of CD.

PMID- 27123489
TI  - Parkinson disease (PARK) genes are somatically mutated in cutaneous melanoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether Parkinson disease (PD) genes are somatically mutated
      in cutaneous melanoma (CM) tissue, because CM occurs in patients with PD at
      higher rates than in the general population and PD is more common than expected
      in CM cohorts. METHODS: We cross-referenced somatic mutations in metastatic CM
      detected by whole-exome sequencing with the 15 known PD (PARK) genes. We computed
      the empirical distribution of the sum of mutations in each gene (Smut) and of the
      number of tissue samples in which a given gene was mutated at least once (SSampl)
      for each of the analyzable genes, determined the 90th and 95th percentiles of the
      empirical distributions of these sums, and verified the location of PARK genes in
      these distributions. Identical analyses were applied to adenocarcinoma of lung
      (ADENOCA-LUNG) and squamous cell carcinoma of lung (SQUAMCA-LUNG). We also
      analyzed the distribution of the number of mutated PARK genes in CM samples vs
      the 2 lung cancers. RESULTS: Somatic CM mutation analysis (n = 246) detected
      315,914 mutations in 18,758 genes. Somatic CM mutations were found in 14 of 15
      PARK genes. Forty-eight percent of CM samples carried >=1 PARK mutation and 25%
      carried multiple PARK mutations. PARK8 mutations occurred above the 95th
      percentile of the empirical distribution for SMut and SSampl. Significantly more
      CM samples harbored multiple PARK gene mutations compared with SQUAMCA-LUNG (p =
      0.0026) and with ADENOCA-LUNG (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The overrepresentation
      of somatic PARK mutations in CM suggests shared dysregulated pathways for CM and
      PD.

PMID- 27123490
TI  - DNA variants in CACNA1C modify Parkinson disease risk only when vitamin D level
      is deficient.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between the genetic variants in CACNA1C,
      which encodes the alpha1 subunit of the L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channel
      (LVSCC) and Parkinson disease (PD) while accounting for interactions with vitamin
      D concentration. METHODS: Two independent case-control data sets (478 cases and
      431 controls; 482 cases and 412 controls) were used. Joint effects of single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and SNP-vitamin D interaction were analyzed by
      comparing models containing vitamin D deficiency, SNP genotypes, SNP-vitamin D
      interaction, and covariates to a restricted model with only vitamin D deficiency
      and covariates. Meta-analysis was used to combine the joint effects in the 2 data
      sets. Analysis was stratified by vitamin D deficiency to demonstrate the pattern
      of SNP-vitamin D interaction. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency was associated with
      PD in both data sets (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9-2.7, p <= 0.009). SNP rs34621387
      demonstrated a significant joint effect (meta-analysis, p = 7.5 * 10(-5);
      Bonferroni corrected, p = 0.02). The G allele at rs34621387 is associated with PD
      in vitamin D-deficient individuals in both data sets (OR = 2.0-2.1, confidence
      interval = 1.3-3.5, p = 0.002) but is not associated with PD in vitamin D
      nondeficient individuals (p > 0.8 in both data sets). CONCLUSIONS: Previous
      studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is associated with PD and sustained
      opening of LVSCC contributes to the selective vulnerability of dopaminergic
      neurons in PD. Our data demonstrate that the association between genetic
      variations in CACNA1C and PD depends on vitamin D deficiency, providing one
      potential mechanism underlying the association between vitamin D deficiency and
      PD.

PMID- 27123492
TI  - A Health Equity Problem for Low Income Children: Diet Flexibility Requires
      Physician Authorization.
AB  - USDA programs, such as the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), School
      Breakfast Program (SBP), and/or National School Lunch Program (NSLP), enable
      child care centers and schools to provide free and reduced price meals, daily, to
      millions of low income children. Despite intention to equalize opportunity for
      every child to have a healthy diet, USDA program rules may be contributing to
      child obesity disparities and health inequity. USDA program rules require child
      care centers and schools to provide meals that include a specified number of
      servings of particular types of foods and beverages. The rules are designed for
      the average, healthy weight child to maintain weight and growth. They are not
      designed for the underweight child to gain weight, obese child to normalize
      weight, or pre-diabetic child to avoid incident diabetes. The rules allow for
      only one meal pattern and volume, as opposed to a flexible spectrum of meal
      patterns and portion sizes. Parents of children who participate in the CACFP,
      SBP, and/or NSLP do not have control over the amount or composition of the
      subsidized meals. Parents of overweight, obese, or diabetic children who
      participate in the subsidized meal programs can request dietary change, special
      meals or accommodations to address their child's health status, but child care
      providers and schools are not required to comply with the request unless a
      licensed physician signs a "Medical statement to request special meals and/or
      accommodations". Although physicians are the only group authorized to change the
      foods, beverages, and portion sizes served daily to low income children, they are
      not doing so. Over the past three years, despite an overweight and obesity
      prevalence of 30% in San Francisco child care centers serving low income
      children, zero medical statements were filed to request special meals or
      accommodations to alter daily meals in order to prevent obesity, treat obesity,
      or prevent postprandial hyperglycemia. Low income children have systematically
      less dietary flexibility than higher income children, because of reliance on free
      or reduced-price meals, federal food program policy, and lack of awareness that
      only physicians have authority to alter the composition of subsidized meals in
      child care centers and schools. Compared with higher income children, low income
      children do not have equal opportunity to change their daily dietary intake to
      balance energy requirements.

PMID- 27123491
TI  - Synergism of FAK and tyrosine kinase inhibition in Ph+ B-ALL.
AB  - BCR-ABL1+ B progenitor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ B-ALL) is an aggressive
      disease that frequently responds poorly to currently available therapies.
      Alterations in IKZF1, which encodes the lymphoid transcription factor Ikaros, are
      present in over 80% of Ph+ ALL and are associated with a stem cell-like
      phenotype, aberrant adhesion molecule expression and signaling, leukemic cell
      adhesion to the bone marrow stem cell niche, and poor outcome. Here, we show that
      FAK1 is upregulated in Ph+ B-ALL with further overexpression in IKZF1-altered
      cells and that the FAK inhibitor VS-4718 potently inhibits aberrant FAK signaling
      and leukemic cell adhesion, potentiating responsiveness to tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors, inducing cure in vivo. Thus, targeting FAK with VS-4718 is an
      attractive approach to overcome the deleterious effects of FAK overexpression in
      Ph+ B-ALL, particularly in abrogating the adhesive phenotype induced by Ikaros
      alterations, and warrants evaluation in clinical trials for Ph+ B-ALL, regardless
      of IKZF1 status.

PMID- 27123493
TI  - Season of birth is associated with birth weight, pubertal timing, adult body size
      and educational attainment: a UK Biobank study.
AB  - Season of birth, a marker of in utero vitamin D exposure, has been associated
      with a wide range of health outcomes. Using a dataset of ~450,000 participants
      from the UK Biobank study, we aimed to assess the impact of this seasonality on
      birth weight, age at menarche, adult height and body mass index (BMI). Birth
      weight, age at menarche and height, but not BMI, were highly significantly
      associated with season of birth. Individuals born in summer (June-July-August)
      had higher mean birth weight (P = 8 * 10-10), later pubertal development (P = 1.1
      * 10-45) and taller adult height (P = 6.5 * 10-9) compared to those born in all
      other seasons. Concordantly, those born in winter (December-January-February)
      showed directionally opposite differences in these outcomes. A secondary
      comparison of the extreme differences between months revealed higher odds ratios
      [95% confidence intervals (CI)] for low birth weight in February vs. September
      (1.23 [1.15-1.32], P = 4.4 * 10-10), for early puberty in September vs. July
      (1.22 [1.16-1.28], P = 7.3 * 10-15) and for short stature in December vs. June
      (1.09 [1.03-1.17], P = 0.006). The above associations were also seen with total
      hours of sunshine during the second trimester, but not during the first three
      months after birth. Additional associations were observed with educational
      attainment; individuals born in autumn vs. summer were more likely to continue in
      education post age 16 years (P = 1.1 * 10-91) or attain a degree-level
      qualification (P = 4 * 10-7). However, unlike other outcomes, an abrupt
      difference was seen between those born in August vs. September, which flank the
      start of the school year. Our findings provide support for the 'fetal
      programming' hypothesis, refining and extending the impact that season of birth
      has on childhood growth and development. Whilst other mechanisms may contribute
      to these associations, these findings are consistent with a possible role of in
      utero vitamin D exposure.

PMID- 27123494
TI  - Evolution of the macromolecular structure of sporopollenin during thermal
      degradation.
AB  - Reconstructing the original biogeochemistry of organic microfossils requires
      quantifying the extent of the chemical transformations they experienced during
      burial and maturation processes. In the present study, fossilization experiments
      have been performed using modern sporopollenin chosen as an analogue for the
      resistant biocompounds possibly constituting the wall of many organic
      microfossils. Sporopollenin powder has been processed thermally under argon
      atmosphere at different temperatures (up to 1000  degrees C) for varying
      durations (up to 900 min). Solid residues of each experiment have been
      characterized using infrared, Raman and synchrotron-based XANES spectroscopies.
      Results indicate that significant defunctionalisation and aromatization affect
      the molecular structure of sporopollenin with increasing temperature. Two
      distinct stages of evolution with temperature are observed: in a first stage,
      sporopollenin experiences dehydrogenation and deoxygenation simultaneously (below
      500  degrees C); in a second stage (above 500  degrees C) an increasing
      concentration in aromatic groups and a lateral growth of aromatic layers are
      observed. With increasing heating duration (up to 900 min) at a constant
      temperature (360  degrees C), oxygen is progressively lost and conjugated carbon
      carbon chains or domains grow progressively, following a log-linear kinetic
      behavior. Based on the comparison with natural spores fossilized within
      metasediments which experienced intense metamorphism, we show that the present
      experimental simulations may not perfectly mimic natural diagenesis and
      metamorphism. Yet, performing such laboratory experiments provides key insights
      on the processes transforming biogenic molecules into molecular fossils.

PMID- 27123495
TI  - Adult Stem Cells and Diabetes Therapy.
AB  - The World Health Organization estimates that diabetes will be the fourth most
      prevalent disease by 2050. Developing a new therapy for diabetes is a challenge
      for researchers and clinicians in field. Many medications are being used for
      treatment of diabetes however with no conclusive and effective results therefore
      alternative therapies are required. Stem cell therapy is a promising tool for
      diabetes therapy, and it has involved embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and
      pluripotent stem cells. In this review, we focus on adult stem cells, especial
      human bone marrow stem cells (BM) for diabetes therapy, its history, and current
      development. We discuss prospects for future diabetes therapy such as induced
      pluripotent stem cells which have popularity in stem cell research area.

PMID- 27123496
TI  - Anti-proliferation effects of Cistanches salsa on the progression of benign
      prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - Cistanche salsa has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of kidney
      deficiency, neurasthenia, sexual dysfunction diseases, and benign prostatic
      hyperplasia (BPH). The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism by
      which C. salsa extract (CSE) elicits an anti-proliferative effect on the prostate
      tissue of BPH-induced rats. The effects of CSE on BPH were evaluated in terms of
      prostate weight, production of serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and the mRNA
      expression of 5alpha-reductase type 1 and type 2 in the prostate tissue of BPH
      induced rats. In addition, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed for
      histological examination of prostate gland morphology, and protein expression
      levels in prostate tissue were investigated by western blot analysis. CSE
      treatment decreased prostate weight, serum DHT concentration, and the mRNA
      expression of 5alpha-reductase type 1 and type 2 in prostate tissue of BPH
      induced rats. In addition, CSE treatment suppressed cell proliferation by
      regulating the expression levels of inflammatory-related proteins (inducible
      nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2) and apoptosis-associated proteins
      (caspase-3 and Bcl-2 family proteins). CSE may be a potential therapeutic
      candidate for BPH owing to its ability to regulate the expression of inflammatory
      and apoptosis-related proteins.

PMID- 27123497
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27123499
TI  - Model-Based Estimation of Aortic and Mitral Valves  Opening and Closing Timings
      in Developing  Human Fetuses.
AB  - Electromechanical coupling of the fetal heart can be evaluated noninvasively
      using doppler ultrasound (DUS) signal and fetal electrocardiography (fECG). In
      this study, an efficient model is proposed using K-means clustering and hybrid
      Support Vector Machine-Hidden Markov Model (SVM-HMM) modeling techniques. Opening
      and closing of the cardiac valves were detected from peaks in the high frequency
      component of the DUS signal decomposed by wavelet analysis. It was previously
      proposed to automatically identify the valve motion by hybrid SVM-HMM based on
      the amplitude and timing of the peaks. However, in the present study, six
      patterns were identified for the DUS components which were actually variable on a
      beat-to-beat basis and found to be different for the early gestation (16-32
      weeks), compared to the late gestation fetuses (36-41 weeks). The amplitude of
      the peaks linked to the valve motion was different across the six patterns and
      this affected the precision of valve motion identification by the previous hybrid
      SVM-HMM method. Therefore in the present study, clustering of the DUS components
      based on K-means was proposed and the hybrid SVM-HMM was trained for each cluster
      separately. The valve motion events were consequently identified more efficiently
      by beat-to-beat attribution of the DUS component peaks. Applying this method,
      more than 98.6% of valve motion events were beat-to-beat identified with average
      precision and recall of 83.4% and 84.2% respectively. It was an improvement
      compared to the hybrid method without clustering with average precision and
      recall of 79.0% and 79.8%. Therefore, this model would be useful for reliable
      screening of fetal wellbeing.

PMID- 27123500
TI  - The author responds.

PMID- 27123501
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27123502
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27123503
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27123530
TI  - Altered cerebral activity associated with topiramate and its withdrawal in
      patients with epilepsy with language impairment: An fMRI study using the verb
      generation task.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Topiramate (TPM) is well recognized for its negative effects on
      language in healthy volunteers and patients with epilepsy. The aim of this study
      was to investigate the brain activation and deactivation patterns in TPM-treated
      patients with epilepsy with language impairment and their dynamic alteration
      during TPM withdrawal using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with the
      verb generation task (VGT). METHODS: Twelve patients with epilepsy experiencing
      subjective language disfluency after TPM add-on treatment (TPM-on) and thirty sex
      and age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. All subjects received a
      battery of neuropsychological tests and an fMRI scan with the VGT. Withdrawal of
      TPM was attempted in all patients. Only six patients reached complete withdrawal
      without seizure relapses (TPM-off), and these patients underwent a reassessment
      of neuropsychological and neuroimaging tests. RESULT: The neuropsychological
      tests demonstrated objective language impairments in TPM-on patients. Compared
      with the HCs, the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex and the posterior midline
      and lateral parts of the default mode network (DMN) (including the bilateral
      posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), the right medial prefrontal cortex, the right
      angular gyrus, the right inferior temporal gyrus, and the bilateral supramarginal
      gyrus) in TPM-on patients failed to deactivate during the VGT. Their task-induced
      activation patterns were largely similar to those of the HCs. After TPM
      withdrawal, partial improvement of both task-induced deactivation of the DMN (the
      left parahippocampal gyrus and the bilateral PCC) and task-related activation of
      the language network (the right middle frontal gyrus and the left superior
      occipital gyrus) was identified along with partial improvement of
      neuropsychological tests. CONCLUSION: Task-induced deactivation is a more
      sensitive neuroimaging biomarker for the impaired language performance in
      patients administered TPM than task-induced activation. Disruption and
      reorganization of the balance between the DMN and the cortical language networks
      are found along with reversible TPM-related language impairment. These results
      may suggest an underlying brain mechanism by which TPM affects cognitive
      function.

PMID- 27123531
TI  - Which outcomes should we measure in adult epilepsy trials? The views of people
      with epilepsy and informal carers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: So that informed treatment decisions can be made, clinical trials need
      to evaluate treatments against domains that are important to people with epilepsy
      (PWE), their carers, and clinicians. Health professionals have identified domains
      of importance to them via the International League Against Epilepsy's Commission
      on Outcome Measurement (COME). However, patients and carers have not been
      systematically asked. METHODS: Via the membership of the British Epilepsy
      Association, we recruited and surveyed 352 PWE and 263 of their informal carers.
      They were presented with 10 outcome domains (including the 5 identified by COME)
      and asked to rate their importance using a 9-point Likert scale. They were also
      asked to identify any additional domains of importance. RESULTS: The patients'
      mean age was 49years, the median number of years since diagnosis was 20, and 65%
      had experienced seizures in the prior 12months. Most carers were the spouse or
      parent. Patients' and carers' mean ratings indicated that their outcome
      priorities were similar, as were those of patients who had and had not
      experienced recent seizures. There was consensus among patients that 6 domains
      were of critical importance. These included the 5 identified by COME (namely, and
      in order of importance, the effects of the treatment on "Seizure severity",
      "Seizure frequency", "Quality of life", "Cognitive function", and "Adverse
      events"), as well as one additional domain ("Independence/need for support").
      There was consensus among carers that the 5 COME domains were also critically
      important. They, however, identified 3 further domains as critically important.
      These were the effects of the treatment on patient "Depression", "Anxiety", and
      "Independence/need for support". CONCLUSIONS: Our study found some overlap
      between the priorities of PWE, carers, and health professionals. They, however,
      highlight additional areas of importance to patients and carers. Our results
      could inform a core outcome set for epilepsy that represents the domains that
      should be reported as a minimum by all trials. This could promote trials which
      produce meaningful results and consistency in measurement and reporting.

PMID- 27123532
TI  - The temporal dynamics of directed reappraisal in high-trait-anxious individuals.
AB  - High-trait-anxious (HTA) individuals often experience high levels of negative
      emotions, signaling potential abnormalities in the down-regulation of negative
      emotions. In this study, we used event-related potentials to examine whether HTA
      individuals can effectively use directed reappraisal to down-regulate negative
      emotions. Participants completed a passive picture-viewing task in which pictures
      were preceded by audio descriptions of their content. For unpleasant pictures,
      descriptions were either neutral or negative, whereas for neutral pictures, only
      neutral descriptions were given. Self-report behavioral results indicated that
      HTA individuals reported greater unpleasantness for the pictures than did low
      trait-anxious (LTA) individuals but revealed no abnormality in decreasing
      negative emotional experience. Such abnormality, however, did emerge neurally.
      Analyses focused on the central-parietal late positive potential (LPP), a neural
      marker of emotion regulation. LTA individuals showed an LPP reduction in response
      to unpleasant pictures with negative descriptions compared to neutral ones at 400
      3000-ms post-picture-onset, indicating effective down-regulation of negative
      emotions. HTA individuals, however, showed no LPP reduction at 400- to 1,000-ms
      post picture onset. Instead, they showed an LPP increase in response to
      unpleasant pictures with negative descriptions compared to neutral ones at 1,000-
      to 2,000-ms post picture-onset. These abnormal central-parietal LPP patterns not
      only verify that HTA individuals exhibit ineffective use of directed reappraisal
      to down-regulate neural responses to unpleasant stimuli, but also reveal an
      abnormal time-course of directed reappraisal in such individuals. Our findings
      also suggest that the ineffective use of cognitive reappraisals may contribute to
      the generally elevated levels of negative emotionality in HTA individuals.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123533
TI  - Giving Boys a Shot: The HPV Vaccine's Portrayal in Canadian Newspapers.
AB  - In January 2012, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) of Canada
      recommended that males aged 9-26 years receive the human papillomavirus (HPV)
      vaccine to protect against genital warts and HPV-associated cancers. Estimated
      HPV vaccine uptake rates for Canadian males are extremely low. Using a content
      analysis of Canadian newspaper articles, this study investigated what information
      about the HPV vaccine was relayed to the public, and how this content was
      portrayed following the 2012 male HPV vaccine recommendation. A search was
      conducted using Proquest Canadian Newsstand Complete for newspaper articles
      published between January 1, 2012, and September 1, 2014. Researchers coded 232
      articles on several relevant dimensions: article information; epidemiological
      information; public policy information; article topic; article and title tone;
      and informant testimony. The majority of articles (93%) mentioned that girls are
      eligible for the HPV vaccine, whereas only half (49%) mentioned male eligibility.
      While most articles associated HPV with cervical cancer (85%), fewer indicated
      its relation to other HPV-associated cancers (59%) or genital warts (52%). Most
      articles (60%) were positive or neutral (22%) in tone toward the HPV vaccine,
      while few had mixed messages (11%) or were negative (6%). Less than 5% of
      articles reported on issues of morality, suggesting that fears that the HPV
      vaccine causes promiscuity have largely subsided. Notably, article tone toward
      male vaccination became progressively more positive over time. However, half of
      the articles did not mention the vaccine's approval for males, and articles
      tended to report HPV's relation to cervical cancer over other HPV-associated
      cancers. The Canadian public may thus be unaware of male eligibility and the
      importance of HPV vaccine for males. The collaboration of researchers, health
      care providers, and policymakers with journalists is critical in order to
      disseminate complete and accurate HPV and HPV vaccine information.

PMID- 27123534
TI  - Engineering Lysosome-Targeting BODIPY Nanoparticles for Photoacoustic Imaging and
      Photodynamic Therapy under Near-Infrared Light.
AB  - Developing lysosome-targeting organic nanoparticles combined with photoacoustic
      imaging (PAI) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) functions toward personalized
      medicine are highly desired yet challenging. Here, for the first time, lysosome
      targeting BODIPY nanoparticles were engineered by encapsulating near-infrared
      (NIR) absorbed BODIPY dye within amphiphilic DSPE-mPEG5000 for high-performing
      lysosomal PAI and acid-activatable PDT against cancer cells under NIR light.

PMID- 27123538
TI  - Hypervalent-Iodine(III)-Mediated Oxidative Methodology for the Synthesis of Fused
      Triazoles.
AB  - The organic chemistry of hypervalent organoiodine compounds has been an area of
      unprecedented development. This surge in interest in the use of hypervalent
      iodine compounds has mainly been owing to their highly selective oxidizing
      properties, environmentally benign character and commercial availability.
      Hypervalent iodine reagents have also been used as an alternative to toxic heavy
      metals, owing to their low toxicity and ease of handling. Hypervalent
      organoiodine(III) reagents are versatile oxidants that have been successfully
      employed to extend the scope of selective oxidative transformations of complex
      organic molecules in synthetic chemistry. This Focus Review concerns the tandem
      in situ generation and 1,5-electrocyclization of N-heteroaryl nitrilimines into
      fused triazoles. We describe the importance of recently developed hypervalent
      organoiodine(III)-catalyzed oxidative cyclization reactions, building towards the
      conclusion that hypervalent iodine chemistry is a promising frontier for
      oxidative cyclization, in particular of hydrazones, for the synthesis of fused
      triazoles. 

PMID- 27123539
TI  - Cell division patterns and chromosomal segregation defects in oral cancer stem
      cells.
AB  - Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a serious public health problem caused
      primarily by smoking and alcohol consumption or human papillomavirus. The cancer
      stem cell (CSC) theory posits that CSCs show unique characteristics, including
      self-renewal and therapeutic resistance. Examining biomarkers and other features
      of CSCs is critical to better understanding their biology. To this end, the
      results show that cellular SOX2 immunostaining correlates with other CSC
      biomarkers in OSCC cell lines and marks the rare CSC population. To assess
      whether CSC division patterns are symmetrical, resulting in two CSC, or
      asymmetrical, leading to one CSC and one cancer cell, cell size and fluorescence
      intensity of mitotic cells stained with SOX2 were analyzed. Asymmetrical SOX2
      distribution in ~25% of the mitoses analyzed was detected. Chromosomal
      instability, some of which is caused by chromosome segregation defects (CSDs), is
      a feature of cancer cells that leads to altered gene copy numbers. We compare
      chromosomal instability (as measured by CSDs) between CSCs (SOX2+) and non-CSCs
      (SOX2-) from the same OSCC cell lines. CSDs were more common in non-CSCs (SOX2-)
      than CSCs (SOX2+) and in symmetrical CSC (SOX2+) mitotic pairs than asymmetrical
      CSC (SOX2+/SOX2-) mitotic pairs. CSCs showed fewer and different types of CSDs
      after ionizing radiation treatment than non-CSCs. Overall, these data are the
      first to demonstrate both symmetrical and asymmetrical cell divisions with CSDs
      in OSCC CSC. Further, the results suggest that CSCs may undergo altered behavior,
      including therapeutic resistance as a result of chromosomal instability due to
      chromosome segregation defects. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27123540
TI  - Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Children and Young Adults with Down
      Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To synthesize existing research evidence and examine effects of
      neuromuscular training on general strength, maximal strength, and functional
      mobility tasks in children and young adults with Down syndrome. METHODS: PubMed
      and EBSCO were used as a data source. To attain the aim of this study, literature
      search was performed under following inclusion criteria: (1) included
      participants with Down syndrome, (2) implemented a neuromuscular training
      intervention and measured outcome variables of general strength, maximal
      strength, and functional mobility tasks, (3) had a group of participants whose
      mean ages were under 30 years old, (4) employed a prospective controlled design,
      and (5) used mean and standard deviations to express the outcome variables.
      Effect size was calculated from each study based on pre- and post-testing value
      differences in general strength, maximal strength, and functional mobility tasks
      between control and intervention groups. The effect size was further classified
      in to one of the following categories: small, moderate, and large effects.
      RESULTS: Seven studies met inclusion criteria. Analysis indicated large to
      moderate effects on general strength, moderate to small effects on maximal
      strength, and small effect on functional mobility tasks by neuromuscular
      training. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were limited studies, the results showed
      that neuromuscular training could be used as an effective intervention in
      children and young adults with Down syndrome. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Synthesis of
      seven reviewed studies indicated that neuromuscular training could be beneficial
      to optimize general and maximal muscular strength development in children and
      young adults with Down syndrome.

PMID- 27123542
TI  - Impact of mode of delivery on skin microcirculation in term healthy newborns
      within the first day of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microcirculation is an important component of hemodynamic physiology.
      It can be assessed simply by clinical scores or by a variety of techniques
      including sidestream dark field (SDF) imaging and peripheral perfusion index (PI)
      measurements. Mode of delivery may have affects on microcirculation during
      transitional period. The aim of this study was to compare skin microcirculation
      in newborns born via vaginal delivery (VD) or cesarian section (C/S). METHODS:
      Term healthy newborns not requiring NICU admission were included. Vital signs
      were recorded. Skin microcirculation was determined by clinical scoring including
      capillary refill time, skin color, warmth of extremities, by SDF imaging where
      capillary density and microvascular flow is determined and by PI measurements
      where pulsatile and nonpulsatile capillary flow is measured. Assessments were
      done at 30 min and 24 h of life. Results were compared between VD and C/S groups
      and overtime. RESULTS: There were 12 newborns in VD group and 25 newborns in C/S
      group. No difference was observed in microcirculation assessments between groups.
      However VD group had increased hyperdynamic flow overtime. CONCLUSION: In healthy
      term newborns microcirculation does not seem to be affected by mode of delivery,
      however results may differ in sick or preterm newborns.

PMID- 27123541
TI  - Role of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinases in stroke.
AB  - Increased expression of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) can
      be induced by stress and growth factors in mammals, and plays an important role
      in cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. A recent work suggested that SGK1 activity
      restores damage in a stroke model. To further investigate the role of SGKs in
      ischemic brain injury, we examined how SGK inhibitors influence stroke outcome in
      vivo and neurotoxicity in vitro. Infarct volumes were compared in adult mice with
      middle cerebral artery occlusion, followed by 24 h reperfusion, in the absence or
      presence of SGK inhibitors. Neurotoxicity assay, electrophysiological recording,
      and fluorescence Ca(2+) imaging were carried out using cultured cortical neurons
      to evaluate the underlying mechanisms. Contrary to our expectation, infarct
      volume by stroke decreased significantly when SGK inhibitor, gsk650394, or
      EMD638683, was administrated 30 min before middle cerebral artery occlusion under
      normal and diabetic conditions. SGK inhibitors reduced neurotoxicity mediated by
      N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, a leading factor responsible for cell
      death in stroke. SGK inhibitors also ameliorated Ca(2+) increase and peak
      amplitude of NMDA current in cultured neurons. In addition, SGK inhibitor
      gsk650394 decreased phosphorylation of Nedd4-2 and inhibited voltage-gated sodium
      currents. These observations suggest that SGK activity exacerbates stroke damage
      and that SGK inhibitors may be useful candidates for therapeutic intervention. To
      investigate the role of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinases (SGKs) in
      ischemic brain injury, we examined how SGK inhibitors influence stroke outcome.
      Infarct volumes induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion were decreased
      significantly by SGK inhibitors. The inhibitors also reduced glutamate toxicity,
      at least partly, by attenuation of NMDA and voltage-gated sodium currents. Thus,
      SGK inhibition attenuates stroke damage.

PMID- 27123543
TI  - Robot-assisted Fallopian tube transection and anastomosis using the new REVO-I
      robotic surgical system: feasibility in a chronic porcine model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the new REVO-I robotic
      platform by performing Fallopian tube transection and anastomosis in live porcine
      models. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A prospective chronic animal study was carried out
      in four crossbred female pigs. The primary outcome was assessment of the pigs' 2
      week survival. The secondary outcomes were measurements of intra-operative
      variables and the complications or difficulties arising when using the REVO-I.
      RESULTS: Fallopian tube anastomosis was successfully performed in four porcine
      models. The mean (range) operating time was 66 (46-104 min), docking time 22.25
      (14-53) min and console time 18 (13-20) min. The REVO-I robotic system functioned
      appropriately, with no technical problems or difficulties noted during the
      procedures. Both the surgeon and the bedside assistants reported ease of use and
      better performance with subsequent procedures. All pigs were alive 2 weeks after
      surgery, with no peri-operative complications related to the use of the robot.
      CONCLUSIONS: This preclinical chronic porcine study showed that the REVO-I
      robotic surgical system is a feasible and safe robotic instrument that can be
      used by surgeons to perform skillful robotic procedures in porcine models. Our
      next objective will be to demonstrate its safety in humans.

PMID- 27123545
TI  - Decision-making quality of younger and older adults in familiar and unfamiliar
      domains.
AB  - Age-related differences in purchasing decisions were examined as a function of
      age and familiarity. On each trial, participants received purchasing options
      which varied in quality but ultimately cost the same amount of money. On half the
      trials, participants made decisions about items familiar to younger adults and on
      the other half of the trials, participants made decisions about products familiar
      to older adults. The participants' task was to choose the option that provided
      the best value for the money. We were particularly interested in participants'
      performance when inferencing was required to select the optimal option from the
      two choices. Younger adults outperformed older adults in unfamiliar but not
      familiar domains. It appeared that both younger and older adults used inferencing
      and elaborative processing to make the best decision in familiar domains but that
      only younger adults used inferencing and elaborative processing in unfamiliar
      domains.

PMID- 27123546
TI  - Phenanthro[4,5-fgh]quinoxaline-Fused Subphthalocyanines: Synthesis, Structure,
      and Spectroscopic Characterization.
AB  - A series of four phenanthro[4,5-fgh]quinoxaline-fused subphthalocyanine
      derivatives 0-3 containing zero, one, two, and three phenanthro[4,5
      fgh]quinoxaline moieties, respectively, were isolated from the mixed
      cyclotrimerization reaction of 2,9-di-tert-butylphenanthro[4,5-fgh]quinoxaline
      5,6-dicarbonitrile with 4,5-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenoxy)phthalonitrile and
      characterized by a series of spectroscopic methods including MALDI-TOF mass, (1)
      H NMR, electronic absorption, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), and fluorescence
      spectroscopy. The molecular structures for the compounds 0 and 2 were clearly
      revealed on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Their
      electrochemical properties were also studied by cyclic voltammetry. In
      particular, theoretical calculations in combination with the electronic
      absorption and electrochemical analyses revealed the significant influence of the
      fused-phenanthro[4,5-fgh]quinoxaline units on the electronic structures. 

PMID- 27123544
TI  - Evidence for the involvement of lipid rafts localized at the ER-mitochondria
      associated membranes in autophagosome formation.
AB  - Mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) are subdomains of the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) that interact with mitochondria. This membrane scrambling between
      ER and mitochondria appears to play a critical role in the earliest steps of
      autophagy. Recently, lipid microdomains, i.e. lipid rafts, have been identified
      as further actors of the autophagic process. In the present work, a series of
      biochemical and molecular analyses has been carried out in human fibroblasts with
      the specific aim of characterizing lipid rafts in MAMs and to decipher their
      possible implication in the autophagosome formation. In fact, the presence of
      lipid microdomains in MAMs has been detected and, in these structures, a
      molecular interaction of the ganglioside GD3, a paradigmatic "brick" of lipid
      rafts, with core-initiator proteins of autophagy, such as AMBRA1 and WIPI1, was
      revealed. This association seems thus to take place in the early phases of
      autophagic process in which MAMs have been hypothesized to play a key role. The
      functional activity of GD3 was suggested by the experiments carried out by
      knocking down ST8SIA1 gene expression, i.e., the synthase that leads to the
      ganglioside formation. This experimental condition results in fact in the
      impairment of the ER-mitochondria crosstalk and the subsequent hindering of
      autophagosome nucleation. We thus hypothesize that MAM raft-like microdomains
      could be pivotal in the initial organelle scrambling activity that finally leads
      to the formation of autophagosome.

PMID- 27123547
TI  - Assembly of a Metal-Organic Framework into 3 D Hierarchical Porous Monoliths
      Using a Pickering High Internal Phase Emulsion Template.
AB  - 3D Hierarchical porous metal-organic framework (MOF) monoliths are prepared by
      using Pickering high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) template. Pickering HIPEs
      were stabilized solely by UiO-66 MOF particles with internal phase up to 90 % of
      the volume. The effects of internal phase type and volume, as well as MOF
      particle concentration on the stability of resulting Pickering HIPEs were
      investigated. Furthermore, by adding small amount of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as
      binder or polymerization in the continuous aqueous phase, followed by freeze
      drying, two types of MOF-based 3D hierarchical porous monoliths with ultralow
      density (as low as 12 mg cm(-3) ) were successfully prepared. This Pickering HIPE
      template approach provides a facile and practical way for assembling of MOFs into
      complex structures. 

PMID- 27123548
TI  - Cucurbit[7]uril inclusion complexation as a supramolecular strategy for color
      stabilization of anthocyanin model compounds.
AB  - Host-guest complexation with cucurbit[7]uril of anthocyanin model compounds in
      which acid-base equilibria are blocked resulted in essentially complete
      stabilization of their color. The color protection is a thermodynamic effect and
      establishes a strategy to stabilize these colored compounds at pH values of
      interest for practical applications.

PMID- 27123549
TI  - Reversible Gel-Sol Transition of a Photo-Responsive DNA Gel.
AB  - Stimuli-responsive DNA gels that can undergo a sol-gel transition in response to
      photo-irradiation provide a way to engineer functional gel material with fully
      designed DNA base sequences. We propose an X-shaped DNA motif that turns into a
      gel by hybridization of self-complementary sticky ends. By embedding a photo
      crosslinking artificial base in the sticky-end sequence, repetitive gel-sol
      transitions are achieved through UV irradiation at different wavelengths. The
      concentration of the DNA motif necessary for gelation is as low as 40 MUm after
      modification of the geometrical properties of the motif. The physical properties,
      such as swelling degree and diffusion coefficient, were assessed experimentally.

PMID- 27123550
TI  - Cytotoxic activity of a synthetic deoxypodophyllotoxin derivative with an opened
      D-ring.
AB  - Podophyllotoxin and its synthetic derivatives are valuable medicinal agents that
      have antitumor, insecticidal, and antifungal properties. We previously
      synthesized a deoxypodophyllotoxin derivative with an opened D-ring (DPD)
      exhibiting potent insecticidal activity. This article was firstly performed to
      identify the cytotoxicity of DPD toward human cancer cell lines (SGC7901, HeLa,
      and A549) and normal cell line (HEK293T) using MTT assay. DPD showed potent
      cytotoxicity against human cancer lines (HeLa and A549) and less cytotoxicity
      against normal cell lines HEK293T. DPD could also induce the cell cycle arrest at
      G2/M phase in HeLa cells and significantly increase the phosphorylation (Tyr 15)
      of CDC2 leading to inactivation of CDC2. The effects of DPD on cellular
      microtubule networks were detected using immunofluorescence technique in HeLa
      cells. The immunofluorescence results showed DPD influenced the arrangement and
      organization of cellular microtubule networks in HeLa cells. Microtubules are
      long, hollow cylinders made up of polymerized tubulin dimers. Total microtubules
      were separated after DPD treatment. Western blot results showed that the free
      polymerized tubulin dimers were obviously increased after DPD treatment. DPD may
      be a good drug candidate with the therapeutic potential to human cancer by
      affecting microtubule polymerization. 

PMID- 27123551
TI  - Saikosaponin A, an active glycoside from Radix bupleuri, reverses P-glycoprotein
      mediated multidrug resistance in MCF-7/ADR cells and HepG2/ADM cells.
AB  - 1. The expression and function of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is associated with the
      phenotype of multidrug resistance (MDR). Saikosaponin A (SSA) is a triterpenoid
      saponin isolated from Radix Bupleuri. This study was mainly designed to
      understand effects of SSA on MDR in MCF-7/ADR and HepG2/ADM cells. 2. MDR
      reversal was examined as the alteration of cytotoxic drugs IC50 in resistant
      cells in the presence of SSA by MTT assay, and was compared with the non
      resistant cells. Apoptosis and uptake of P-gp substrates in the tumor cells were
      detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was performed to assay the expression of
      P-gp. 3. Our results demonstrate SSA could increase the chemosensitivity of P-gp
      overexpressing HepG2/ADM and MCF-7/ADR cells to doxorubicin (DOX), vincristine
      (VCR) and paclitaxel. SSA promoted apoptosis of MCF-7/ADR cells in the presence
      of DOX. Moreover, it could also increase the retention of P-gp substrates DOX and
      rhodamine 123 in MCF-7/ADR cells, and decrease digoxin efflux ratio in Caco-2
      cell monolayer. Finally, a mechanistic study showed that SSA reduced P-gp
      expression without affecting hydrolytic activity of P-gp. 4. In conclusion, our
      findings suggest that SSA could be further developed for sensitizing resistant
      cancer cells and used as an adjuvant therapy together with anticancer drugs to
      improve their therapeutic efficacies.

PMID- 27123552
TI  - The Discovery of Quinoxaline-Based Metathesis Catalysts from Synthesis of
      Grazoprevir (MK-5172).
AB  - Olefin metathesis (OM) is a reliable and practical synthetic methodology for
      challenging carbon-carbon bond formations. While existing catalysts can effect
      many of these transformations, the synthesis and development of new catalysts is
      essential to increase the application breadth of OM and to achieve improved
      catalyst activity. The unexpected initial discovery of a novel olefin metathesis
      catalyst derived from synthetic efforts toward the HCV therapeutic agent
      grazoprevir (MK-5172) is described. This initial finding has evolved into a class
      of tunable, shelf-stable ruthenium OM catalysts that are easily prepared and
      exhibit unique catalytic activity.

PMID- 27123553
TI  - Exploiting Co-solubilization of Warfarin, Curcumin, and Rhodamine B for
      Modulation of Energy Transfer: A Micelle FRET On/Off Switch.
AB  - Two new FRET pairs, warfarin (WF)-curcumin (CUR) and curcumin-rhodamine B (RhB),
      are explored by using surfactant-based self-assembled soft systems as scaffolds.
      The study is extended to design a two-step concurrent FRET system based on these
      three fluorophores, which is an important mechanism to devise artificial light
      harvesting/antenna systems. Surfactant systems of varying nature (cationic,
      anionic, nonionic, and zwitterionic) are exploited to modulate the energy
      transfer in different FRET systems. Interestingly, micelle/water interfacial
      charge-responsive FRET is observed owing to selective solubilization of the
      fluorophores during co-solubilization. The step-one FRET (WF->CUR) is switched on
      in cationic and zwitterionic media but switched off in anionic/nonionic media,
      whereas the step-two FRET from CUR to RhB is switched on in anionic/nonionic and
      zwitterionic media. However, both the FRET steps (WF->CUR->RhB) are observed to
      be active only in zwitterionic medium. Co-solubilized, appropriately mixed
      fluorophores having multistep FRET possibilities can be switched on/off
      selectively as and when required and energy efficiency can be tuned to an optimal
      level by varying the nature and geometry of the micellar scaffold. Thus, the two
      FRET pairs selectively acknowledge all types of media for their anticipated
      applications in biological systems, as structural tools, and for the development
      of artificial light-harvesting/antenna systems and lasers. 

PMID- 27123555
TI  - A Capped Octahedral MHC6 Compound of a Platinum Group Metal.
AB  - A MHC6 complex of a platinum group metal with a capped octahedral arrangement of
      donor atoms around the metal center has been characterized. This osmium compound
      OsH{kappa(2) -C,C-(PhBIm-C6 H4 )}3 , which reacts with HBF4 to afford the 14 e(-)
      species [Os{kappa(2) -C,C-(PhBIm-C6 H4 )}(Ph2 BIm)2 ]BF4 stabilized by two
      agostic interactions, has been obtained by reaction of OsH6 (PiPr3 )2 with N,N'
      diphenylbenzimidazolium chloride ([Ph2 BImH]Cl) in the presence of NEt3 . Its
      formation takes place through the C,C,C-pincer compound OsH2 {kappa(3) -C,C,C-(C6
      H4 -BIm-C6 H4 )}(PiPr3 )2 , the dihydrogen derivative OsCl{kappa(2) -C,C-(PhBIm
      C6 H4 )}(eta(2) -H2 )(PiPr3 )2 , and the five-coordinate osmium(II) species
      OsCl{kappa(2) -C,C-(PhBIm-C6 H4 )}(PiPr3 )2 . 

PMID- 27123554
TI  - Superionic Conduction in Co-Vacant P2-Nax CoO2 Created by Hydrogen Reductive
      Elimination.
AB  - The layered P2-Nax MO2 (M: transition metal) system has been widely recognized as
      electronic or mixed conductor. Here, we demonstrate that Co vacancies in P2-Nax
      CoO2 created by hydrogen reductive elimination lead to an ionic conductivity of
      0.045 S cm(-1) at 25  degrees C. Using in situ synchrotron X-ray powder
      diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, the composition of the superionic conduction
      phase is evaluated to be Na0.61 (H3 O)0.18 Co0.93 O2 . Electromotive force
      measurements as well as molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the ion
      conducting species is proton rather than hydroxide ion. The fact that the Co
      stoichiometric compound Nax (H3 O)y CoO2 does not exhibit any significant ionic
      conductivity proves that Co vacancies are essential for the occurrence of
      superionic conductivity.

PMID- 27123556
TI  - Family Perspectives on Aggressive Cancer Care Near the End of Life.

PMID- 27123557
TI  - Preservative-free tafluprost/timolol fixed combination: a new opportunity in the
      treatment of glaucoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Medical therapy of glaucoma aims to maintain the patient's visual
      function and quality of life. This generally commences with monotherapy, but it
      is often difficult to reach the predetermined target pressure with this approach.
      Fixed combinations (FCs) are therefore selected as the next step of the medical
      therapy algorithm. By employing a prostaglandin/timolol fixed combination (PTFC)
      the desired target 24-hour intraocular pressure can be reached in many glaucoma
      patients with the convenience of once-a-day administration and the associated
      high rate of adherence. AREAS COVERED: The current role and value of FCs in the
      medical therapy of glaucoma is critically appraised. Special attention is paid to
      the PTFCs and the emerging role of preservative-free PTFCs. This review
      summarizes existing information on the efficacy and tolerability of the new
      preservative-free tafluprost/timolol FC (Taptiqom(r)). EXPERT OPINION: The
      preservative-free tafluprost/timolol FC represents a promising stepwise treatment
      option for those patients whose intraocular pressure is insufficiently controlled
      with available monotherapy options. This novel FC has the potential to
      substantially improve glaucoma management and through evolution of the current
      glaucoma treatment paradigm, to become a core therapeutic option in the future.
      Nonetheless, future research is needed to better delineate the therapeutic role
      of current and future preservative-free FCs in glaucoma therapy.

PMID- 27123558
TI  - Zika virus detection in cerebrospinal fluid from two patients with
      encephalopathy, Martinique, February 2016.
AB  - We report two cases of encephalopathy (one with seizures, one with
      electroencephalogram changes) in patients with Zika virus infection. The cases
      occurred on Martinique in February 2016, during the Zika virus outbreak.
      Awareness of the various neurological complications of Zika virus infection is
      needed for patients living in areas affected by Zika virus infections or for
      travellers to these areas. 

PMID- 27123559
TI  - (99m) Tc-labeled tetramer and pentamer of single-domain antibody for targeting
      epidermal growth factor receptor in xenografted tumors.
AB  - The single-domain antibody EG2 can be fused with right-handed coiled-coil (RHCC)
      and human cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), to form the multivalent
      antibodies EG2-RHCC and EG2-COMP. We labeled these two antibodies with (99m) Tc
      and assessed their targeting efficiency for epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR). Cell binding, uptake, efflux, and blocking studies were performed with
      EGFR high- and/or low-expressing cells with (99m) Tc-labeled EG2-RHCC or EG2
      COMP. Single photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and
      biodistribution studies were further carried out. Both (99m) Tc-EG2-RHCC and
      (99m) Tc-EG2-COMP can specially bind to EGFR in vitro. SPECT imaging showed that
      A431, which expresses high levels of EGFR, was clearly visible 6 h after (99m) Tc
      EG2-COMP injection; however, it was not detectable after administration of (99m)
      Tc-EG2-RHCC. Uptake of both antibodies by the non-EGFR-secreting OCM-1 tumors was
      low. EG2-COMP shows promise in identifying EGFR over-expression in tumors;
      however, EG2-RHCC may not be suitable for targeting EGFR in vivo.

PMID- 27123560
TI  - Regression analysis of case K interval-censored failure time data in the presence
      of informative censoring.
AB  - Interval-censored failure time data occur in many fields such as demography,
      economics, medical research, and reliability and many inference procedures on
      them have been developed (Sun, 2006; Chen, Sun, and Peace, 2012). However, most
      of the existing approaches assume that the mechanism that yields interval
      censoring is independent of the failure time of interest and it is clear that
      this may not be true in practice (Zhang et al., 2007; Ma, Hu, and Sun, 2015). In
      this article, we consider regression analysis of case K interval-censored failure
      time data when the censoring mechanism may be related to the failure time of
      interest. For the problem, an estimated sieve maximum-likelihood approach is
      proposed for the data arising from the proportional hazards frailty model and for
      estimation, a two-step procedure is presented. In the addition, the asymptotic
      properties of the proposed estimators of regression parameters are established
      and an extensive simulation study suggests that the method works well. Finally,
      we apply the method to a set of real interval-censored data that motivated this
      study.

PMID- 27123561
TI  - Preparation of Magnetic Tubular Nanoreactors for Highly Efficient Catalysis.
AB  - We report an efficient and controllable route to prepare magnetic tubular
      nanoreactors composed of a mesoporous SiO2 shell with iron-noble metal
      nanoparticles inside. The key of this method is to design and fabricate Fe
      nanoparticles encapsulated in a mesoporous SiO2 shell. Making use of a galvanic
      replacement reaction between Fe and noble metal ions, all of the noble metal
      nanoparticles are loaded inside the mesoporous SiO2 shell, and thus nanoreactors
      are formed. Taking Pd as an example, the prepared Pd-Fe@meso-SiO2 tubular
      nanoreactor exhibits a high catalytic activity and excellent reusability for
      styrene hydrogenation under mild conditions. This study provides a facile route
      to fabricate magnetic nanoreactors with enhanced catalytic properties.

PMID- 27123563
TI  - Facile Cucurbit[8]uril-Based Supramolecular Approach To Fabricate Tunable
      Luminescent Materials in Aqueous Solution.
AB  - Light-emitting materials with tunable properties may offer fascinating
      applications in optoelectronic devices, fluorescent sensors, and imaging agents.
      Herein, a new supramolecular approach based on host-guest interactions that
      greatly decreases the number of required synthetic steps and produces a system
      with tunable and dynamical photophysical properties was developed. Because of the
      novel electronic distributions of the chromophore guest within the rigid
      hydrophobic cavity of the cucurbit[8]uril host in this system, color tuning of
      emissions such as cyan, yellow, green, and white light with efficiency increased
      fluorescence lifetime, and quantum yield was easily achieved by simple addition
      of the host in aqueous solution. Stimulus-responsive tuning of color has long
      been an important area of research into light emissions. The current study
      distinguishes itself by its combination of simple steps using a single synthetic
      receptor and a single organic fluorophore guest in a single solution. Our results
      may provide a promising advancement of the fabrication of smart and tunable
      luminescent materials.

PMID- 27123564
TI  - Cost and economic burden of adverse events associated with metastatic melanoma
      treatments in five countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate per-event cost and economic burden associated with
      managing the most common and/or severe metastatic melanoma (MM) treatment-related
      adverse events (AEs) in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK. METHODS:
      AEs associated with chemotherapy (dacarbazine, paclitaxel, fotemustine),
      immunotherapy (ipilimumab), and targeted therapy (vemurafenib) were identified by
      literature review. Medical resource use data associated with managing AEs were
      collected through two blinded Delphi panel cycles in each of the five countries.
      Published costs were used to estimate per-event costs and combined with AEs
      incidence, treatment usage, and MM prevalence to estimate the economic burden for
      each country. RESULTS: The costliest AEs were grade 3/4 events due to
      immunotherapy (Australia/France: colitis; UK: diarrhea) and chemotherapy
      (Germany/Italy: neutropenia/leukopenia). Treatment of AEs specific to
      chemotherapy (Australia/Germany/Italy/France: neutropenia/leukopenia) and
      targeted therapy (UK: squamous cell carcinoma) contributed heavily to country
      specific economic burden. LIMITATIONS: Economic burden was estimated assuming
      that each patient experienced an AE only once. In addition, the context of
      settings was heterogeneous and the number of Delphi panel experts was limited.
      CONCLUSIONS: Management costs for MM treatment-associated AEs can be substantial.
      Results could be incorporated in economic models that support reimbursement
      dossiers. With the availability of newer treatments, establishment of a baseline
      measure of the economic burden of AEs will be crucial for assessing their impact
      on patients and regional healthcare systems.

PMID- 27123562
TI  - Driver Mutations in Uveal Melanoma: Associations With Gene Expression Profile and
      Patient Outcomes.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Frequent mutations have been described in the following 5 genes in
      uveal melanoma (UM): BAP1, EIF1AX, GNA11, GNAQ, and SF3B1. Understanding the
      prognostic significance of these mutations could facilitate their use in
      precision medicine. OBJECTIVE: To determine the associations between driver
      mutations, gene expression profile (GEP) classification, clinicopathologic
      features, and patient outcomes in UM. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
      Retrospective study of patients with UM treated by enucleation by a single ocular
      oncologist between November 1, 1998, and July 31, 2014. MAIN OUTCOMES AND
      MEASURES: Clinicopathologic features, patient outcomes, GEP classification (class
      1 or class 2), and mutation status were recorded. RESULTS: The study cohort
      comprised 81 participants. Their mean age was 61.5 years, and 37% (30 of 81) were
      female. The GEP classification was class 1 in 35 of 81 (43%), class 2 in 42 of 81
      (52%), and unknown in 4 of 81 (5%). BAP1 mutations were identified in 29 of 64
      (45%), GNAQ mutations in 36 of 81 (44%), GNA11 mutations in 36 of 81 (44%), SF3B1
      mutations in 19 of 81 (24%), and EIF1AX mutations in 14 of 81 (17%). Sixteen of
      the mutations in BAP1 and 6 of the mutations in EIF1AX were previously unreported
      in UM. GNAQ and GNA11 mutations were mutually exclusive. BAP1, SF3B1, and EIF1AX
      mutations were almost mutually exclusive with each other. Using multiple
      regression analysis, BAP1 mutations were associated with class 2 GEP and older
      patient. EIF1AX mutations were associated with class 1 GEP and the absence of
      ciliary body involvement. SF3B1 mutations were associated with younger patient
      age. GNAQ mutations were associated with the absence of ciliary body involvement
      and greater largest basal diameter. GNA11 mutations were not associated with any
      of the analyzed features. Using Cox proportional hazards modeling, class 2 GEP
      was the prognostic factor most strongly associated with metastasis (relative
      risk, 9.4; 95% CI, 3.1-28.5) and melanoma-specific mortality (relative risk,
      15.7; 95% CI, 3.6-69.1) (P < .001 for both). After excluding GEP class, the
      presence of BAP1 mutations was the factor most strongly associated with
      metastasis (relative risk, 10.6; 95% CI, 3.4-33.5) and melanoma-specific
      mortality (relative risk, 9.0; 95% CI, 2.8-29.2) (P < .001 for both). CONCLUSIONS
      AND RELEVANCE: BAP1, SF3B1, and EIF1AX mutations occur during UM tumor
      progression in an almost mutually exclusive manner and are associated with
      different levels of metastatic risk. These mutations may have value as prognostic
      markers in UM.

PMID- 27123565
TI  - Certolizumab pegol does not bind the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn): Consequences
      for FcRn-mediated in vitro transcytosis and ex vivo human placental transfer.
AB  - Antibodies to tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) are used to treat inflammatory
      diseases, which often affect women of childbearing age. The active transfer of
      these antibodies across the placenta by binding of the Fc-region to the neonatal
      Fc receptor (FcRn) may result in adverse fetal or neonatal effects. In contrast
      to other anti-TNFs, certolizumab pegol lacks an Fc-region. The objective of this
      study was to determine whether the structure of certolizumab pegol limits active
      placental transfer. Binding affinities of certolizumab pegol, infliximab,
      adalimumab and etanercept to human FcRn and FcRn-mediated transcytosis were
      determined using in vitro assays. Human placentas were perfused ex vivo to
      measure transfer of certolizumab pegol and positive control anti-D IgG from the
      maternal to fetal circulation. FcRn binding affinity (KD) was 132nM, 225nM and
      1500nM for infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept, respectively. There was no
      measurable certolizumab pegol binding affinity, similar to that of the negative
      control. FcRn-mediated transcytosis across a cell layer (mean+/-SD; n=3) was
      249.6+/-25.0 (infliximab), 159.0+/-20.2 (adalimumab) and 81.3+/-13.1ng/mL
      (etanercept). Certolizumab pegol transcytosis (3.2+/-3.4ng/mL) was less than the
      negative control antibody (5.9+/-4.6ng/mL). No measurable transfer of
      certolizumab pegol from the maternal to the fetal circulation was observed in 5
      out of 6 placentas that demonstrated positive-control IgG transport in the ex
      vivo perfusion model. Together these results support the hypothesis that the
      unique structure of certolizumab pegol limits its transfer through the placenta
      to the fetus and may be responsible for previously reported differences in
      transfer of other anti-TNFs from mother to fetus.

PMID- 27123566
TI  - Prospective memory impairment in chemotherapy-exposed early breast cancer
      survivors: Preliminary evidence from a clinical test.
AB  - We report the results of a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study (Paquet
      et al., 2013 ) to evaluate the cognitive operations involved in prospective
      memory (PM) deficits exhibited by chemotherapy-exposed breast cancer (BC)
      survivors. PM was assessed with the memory for intentions screening test
      administered to 80 patients and 80 healthy controls. Patients performed worse
      than controls on the PM tasks and had more "omission" errors (indices of the
      prospective component of the tasks) than the controls. No group differences
      emerged on a recognition test. Although further studies will be needed to
      disentangle the multiple cognitive operations involved in PM, these findings are
      consistent with the notion that self-initiated retrieval processes rather than
      encoding are implicated in PM impairment among BC survivors.

PMID- 27123567
TI  - Assessing endotoxemia in alcoholic hepatitis.

PMID- 27123568
TI  - Regulatory mechanisms related to biofuel tolerance in producing microbes.
AB  - Production of renewable biofuels through either native or engineered microbes has
      drawn significant attention in recent years, mostly due to the increasing
      concerns on the energy crisis and the environmental consequences of the
      overutilization of petroleum-based fuels. Although significant progress has been
      achieved thus far, further advances are still necessary in order to decrease the
      manufacturing cost so that the producing processes can be more competitive to
      petroleum fuels. Among various possible approaches, the increase in biofuel
      tolerance in microbes has been suggested as one aspect which is important for the
      success of biofuel production at industry-scale. In this article, we critically
      summarize recent advances in deciphering regulatory mechanisms for enhancing
      biofuel tolerance in various micro-organisms, focusing on functions and
      utilization of several well-studied regulatory mechanisms in microbes, such as
      two-component signal transduction systems, sigma factors, transcription factors,
      noncoding RNA and other regulators. 

PMID- 27123569
TI  - Toward an Integrated Federal Health System.

PMID- 27123570
TI  - Lack of a Negative Effect of BCG-Vaccination on Child Psychomotor Development:
      Results from the Danish Calmette Study - A Randomised Clinical Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the non-specific effect of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)
      vaccination at birth on psychomotor development. DESIGN: This is a pre-specified
      secondary outcome from a randomised, clinical trial. SETTING: Maternity units and
      paediatric wards at three university hospitals in Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: Children
      born at gestational age (GA) 32 weeks and above. All women planning to give birth
      at the three sites were invited during the recruitment period. Out of 4262
      randomised children, 144 were premature (GA < 37 weeks). There were 2129 children
      (71 premature) randomised to BCG and 2133 randomised (73 premature) to the
      control group. INTERVENTIONS: BCG vaccination 0.05 ml was given intradermally in
      the upper left arm at the hospital within seven days of birth. Children in the
      control group did not receive any intervention. Parents were not blinded to
      allocation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Psychomotor development measured using Ages
      and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) completed by the parents at 12 months.
      Additionally, parents of premature children (gestational age < 37 weeks)
      completed an ASQ at 6 and 22 months. Developmental assessment was available for
      3453/4262 (81%). RESULTS: The mean difference in ASQ score at 12 months adjusted
      for age and prematurity was -0.7 points (BCG vs. control, 95% confidence
      interval; -3.7 to 2.4), p = 0.67, corresponding to an effect size of Cohen's d = 
      0.015 (-0.082 to 0.052). The mean difference in ASQ score for premature children
      at 22 months was -7.8 points (-20.6 to 5.0, p = 0.23), d = -0.23 (-0.62 to 0.15).
      CONCLUSIONS: A negative non-specific effect of BCG vaccination at birth on
      psychomotor development was excluded in term children. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01694108.

PMID- 27123571
TI  - Utility of neutrophil volume conductivity scatter (VCS) parameter changes as
      sepsis screen in neonates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine changes in neutrophil
      volume conductivity scatter (VCS) parameters and their distribution widths (DW)
      in neonatal sepsis and to estimate their optimal cutoff levels using receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curves. STUDY DESIGN: In a cohort of neonates
      evaluated for sepsis, blood counts and blood culture were performed initially,
      with repeat counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) done after 24 to 48 h. Neutrophil
      VCS parameters from both the initial and repeat blood counts were analyzed.
      Babies were classified as having blood culture-positive sepsis, probable sepsis
      (clinical course consistent with sepsis and CRP-positive, but culture-negative)
      and no sepsis (clinical course not compatible with sepsis, culture- and CRP
      negative). RESULTS: A total of 600 babies were included: 240 (40%) babies in the
      sepsis group and 360 (60%) babies in the control group. All the neutrophil VCS
      parameters and their DWs (except for low angle light scatter in the repeat
      counts) were significantly different between the two groups, with an area under
      curve in the ROC curve of >0.6 for most parameters. The five most significant VCS
      parameters (mean neutrophil volume (MNV), median angle light scatter (MALS),
      lower median angle light scatter (LMALS), MNV-DW and ALL-DW) had around 65 to 75%
      sensitivity and specificity. A combination of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, MNV
      and LMALS had a likelihood ratio (LR)+ of 15.3 and LR- of 0.17. With a pre-test
      probability of 40%, post-test probability increased to 91% for a positive test
      and decreased to 10% for a negative test. A prospective validation study was
      performed recruiting an additional 60 babies, which showed similar results,
      assuring that the cutoffs were robust. CONCLUSION: Neutrophil VCS parameters
      cannot be considered as stand-alone tests to diagnose or rule out neonatal
      sepsis, but can be used in combination with other hematological screening tests
      to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the neonatal sepsis screen.

PMID- 27123572
TI  - Typing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates with Ultrahigh Resolution MALDI-FTICR Mass
      Spectrometry.
AB  - The introduction of standardized matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time
      of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) platforms in the medical
      microbiological practice has revolutionized the way microbial species
      identification is performed on a daily basis. To a large extent, this is due to
      the ease of operation. Acquired spectra are compared to profiles obtained from
      cultured colonies present in a reference spectra database. It is fast and
      reliable, and costs are low compared to previous diagnostic approaches. However,
      the low resolution and dynamic range of the MALDI-TOF profiles have shown limited
      applicability for the discrimination of different bacterial strains, as achieved
      with typing based on genetic markers. This is pivotal in cases where certain
      strains are associated with, e.g., virulence or antibiotic resistance. Ultrahigh
      resolution MALDI-FTICR MS allows the measurement of small proteins at isotopic
      resolution and can be used to analyze complex mixtures with increased dynamic
      range and higher precision than MALDI-TOF MS, while still generating results in a
      similar time frame. Here, we propose to use ultrahigh resolution 15T MALDI
      Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) MS to discriminate clinically
      relevant bacterial strains after species identification performed by MALDI-TOF
      MS. We used a collection of well characterized Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains,
      featuring distinct antibiotic resistance profiles, and isolates obtained during
      hospital outbreaks. Following cluster analysis based on amplification fragment
      length polymorphism (AFLP), these strains were grouped into three different
      clusters. The same clusters were obtained using protein profiles generated by
      MALDI-FTICR MS. Subsequent intact protein analysis by electrospray ionization
      (ESI)-collision-induced dissociation (CID)-FTICR MS was applied to identify
      protein isoforms that contribute to the separation of the different clusters,
      illustrating the additional advantage of this analytical platform.

PMID- 27123573
TI  - Expanding the boundaries of evaluative learning research: How intersecting
      regularities shape our likes and dislikes.
AB  - Over the last 30 years, researchers have identified several types of procedures
      through which novel preferences may be formed and existing ones altered. For
      instance, regularities in the presence of a single stimulus (as in the case of
      mere exposure) or 2 or more stimuli (as in the case of evaluative conditioning)
      have been shown to influence liking. We propose that intersections between
      regularities represent a previously unrecognized class of procedures for changing
      liking. Across 4 related studies, we found strong support for the hypothesis that
      when environmental regularities intersect with one another (i.e., share elements
      or have elements that share relations with other elements), the evaluative
      properties of the elements of those regularities can change. These changes in
      liking were observed across a range of stimuli and procedures and were evident
      when self-report measures, implicit measures, and behavioral choice measures of
      liking were employed. Functional and mental explanations of this phenomenon are
      offered followed by a discussion of how this new type of evaluative learning
      effect can accelerate theoretical, methodological, and empirical development in
      attitude research. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123574
TI  - A comparison of adaptive and fixed schedules of practice.
AB  - Understanding and optimizing spacing during learning is a central topic for
      research in learning and memory and has substantial implications for real-world
      learning. Spacing memory retrievals across time improves memory relative to
      massed practice-the well-known spacing effect. Most spacing research has utilized
      fixed (predetermined) spacing intervals. Some findings indicate advantages of
      expanding over equal spacing (e.g., Landauer & Bjork, 1978); however, evidence is
      mixed (e.g., Karpicke & Roediger, 2007), and the field has lacked an integrated
      explanation. Learning may instead depend on interactions of spacing with an
      underlying variable of learning strength that varies for learners and items, and
      it may be better optimized by adaptive adjustments of spacing to learners'
      ongoing performance. Two studies investigated an adaptive spacing algorithm,
      Adaptive Response-Time-based Sequencing or ARTS (Mettler, Massey & Kellman, 2011)
      that uses response-time and accuracy to generate spacing. Experiment 1 compared
      adaptive scheduling with fixed schedules having either expanding or equal
      spacing. Experiment 2 compared adaptive schedules to 2 fixed "yoked" schedules
      that were copied from adaptive participants, equating average spacing across
      conditions. In both experiments, adaptive scheduling outperformed fixed
      conditions at immediate and delayed tests of retention. No evidence was found for
      differences between expanding and equal spacing. Yoked conditions showed that
      learning gains were due to adaptation to individual items and learners. Adaptive
      spacing based on ongoing assessments of learning strength yields greater learning
      gains than fixed schedules, a finding that helps to understand the spacing effect
      theoretically and has direct applications for enhancing learning in many domains.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123575
TI  - Motivated recall in the service of the economic system: The case of anthropogenic
      climate change.
AB  - The contemporary political landscape is characterized by numerous divisive
      issues. Unlike many other issues, however, much of the disagreement about climate
      change centers not on how best to take action to address the problem, but on
      whether the problem exists at all. Psychological studies indicate that, to the
      extent that sustainability initiatives are seen as threatening to the
      socioeconomic system, individuals may downplay environmental problems in order to
      defend and protect the status quo. In the current research, participants were
      presented with scientific information about climate change and later asked to
      recall details of what they had learned. Individuals who were experimentally
      induced (Study 1) or dispositionally inclined (Studies 2 and 3) to justify the
      economic system misremembered the evidence to be less serious, and this was
      associated with increased skepticism. However, when high system justifiers were
      led to believe that the economy was in a recovery, they recalled climate change
      information to be more serious than did those assigned to a control condition.
      When low system justifiers were led to believe that the economy was in recession,
      they recalled the information to be less serious (Study 3). These findings
      suggest that because system justification can impact information processing,
      simply providing the public with scientific evidence may be insufficient to
      inspire action to mitigate climate change. However, linking environmental
      information to statements about the strength of the economic system may satiate
      system justification needs and break the psychological link between
      proenvironmental initiatives and economic risk. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123576
TI  - Caught red-minded: Evidence-induced denial of mental transgressions.
AB  - We suggest that when confronted with evidence of their socially inappropriate
      thoughts and feelings, people are sometimes less likely-and not more likely-to
      acknowledge them because evidence can elicit psychological responses that inhibit
      candid self-reflection. In 3 studies, participants were induced to exhibit racial
      bias (Study 1) or to experience inappropriate sexual arousal (Studies 2 and 3).
      Some participants were then told that the researcher had collected physiological
      evidence of these mental transgressions. Results showed that participants who
      were told about the evidence were less willing to acknowledge their mental
      transgressions, but only if they were told before they had an opportunity to
      engage in self-reflection. These results suggest that under some circumstances,
      confronting people with public evidence of their private shortcomings can be
      counterproductive. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123577
TI  - Complicating decisions: The work ethic heuristic and the construction of
      effortful decisions.
AB  - The notion that effort and hard work yield desired outcomes is ingrained in many
      cultures and affects our thinking and behavior. However, could valuing effort
      complicate our lives? In the present article, the authors demonstrate that
      individuals with a stronger tendency to link effort with positive outcomes end up
      complicating what should be easy decisions. People distort their preferences and
      the information they search and recall in a manner that intensifies the choice
      conflict and decisional effort they experience before finalizing their choice.
      Six experiments identify the effort-outcome link as the underlying mechanism for
      such conflict-increasing behavior. Individuals with a stronger tendency to link
      effort with positive outcomes (e.g., individuals who subscribe to a Protestant
      Work Ethic) are shown to complicate decisions by: (a) distorting evaluations of
      alternatives (Study 1); (b) distorting information recalled about the
      alternatives (Studies 2a and 2b); and (3) distorting interpretations of
      information about the alternatives (Study 3). Further, individuals conduct a
      superfluous search for information and spend more time than needed on what should
      have been an easy decision (Studies 4a and 4b). (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123578
TI  - Switch Function and Pathological Dissociation in Acute Psychiatric Inpatients.
AB  - Swift switching, along with atypical ability on updating and inhibition, has been
      found in non-clinical dissociators. However, whether swift switching is a
      cognitive endophenotype that intertwines with traumatisation and pathological
      dissociation remains unknown. Unspecified acute psychiatric patients were
      recruited to verify a hypothesis that pathological dissociation is associated
      with swift switching and traumatisation may explain this relationship.
      Behavioural measures of intellectual function and three executive functions
      including updating, switching and inhibition were administered, together with
      standardised scales to evaluate pathological dissociation and traumatisation. Our
      results showed superior control ability on switching and updating in inpatients
      who displayed more symptoms of pathological dissociation. When all three
      executive functions were entered as predictors, in addition to intellectual
      quotient and demographic variables to regress upon pathological dissociation,
      switching rather than updating remained the significant predictor. Importantly,
      the relationship between pathological dissociation and switching became non
      significant when the effect of childhood trauma were controlled. The results
      support a trauma-related switching hypothesis which postulates swift switching as
      a cognitive endophenotype of pathological dissociation; traumatisation in
      childhood may explain the importance of swift switching.

PMID- 27123580
TI  - Drawings of Blood Cells Reveal People's Perception of Their Blood Disorder: A
      Pilot Study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia are rare but chronic blood
      disorders. Recent literature showed impaired quality of life (QOL) in people with
      these blood disorders. Assessing one of the determinants of QOL (i.e. illness
      perceptions) therefore, is an important next research area. OBJECTIVE: We aimed
      to explore illness perceptions of people with a blood disorder with drawings in
      addition to the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief IPQ). Drawings are
      a novel method to assess illness perceptions and the free-range answers drawings
      offer can add additional insight into how people perceive their illness. METHOD:
      We conducted a cross-sectional study including 17 participants with a blood
      disorder. Participants' illness perceptions were assessed by the Brief IPQ and
      drawings. Brief IPQ scores were compared with reference groups from the
      literature (i.e. people with asthma or lupus erythematosus). RESULTS:
      Participants with SCD or thalassemia perceived their blood disorder as being more
      chronic and reported more severe symptoms than people with either asthma or lupus
      erythematosus. In the drawings of these participants with a blood disorder, a
      greater number of blood cells drawn was negatively correlated with perceived
      personal control (P<0.05), indicating that a greater quantity in the drawing is
      associated with more negative or distressing beliefs. CONCLUSION: Participants
      with a blood disorder perceive their disease as fairly threatening compared with
      people with other chronic illnesses. Drawings can add additional insight into how
      people perceive their illness by offering free-range answers.

PMID- 27123579
TI  - Bovine Leukemia Virus Small Noncoding RNAs Are Functional Elements That Regulate
      Replication and Contribute to Oncogenesis In Vivo.
AB  - Retroviruses are not expected to encode miRNAs because of the potential problem
      of self-cleavage of their genomic RNAs. This assumption has recently been
      challenged by experiments showing that bovine leukemia virus (BLV) encodes miRNAs
      from intragenomic Pol III promoters. The BLV miRNAs are abundantly expressed in B
      cell tumors in the absence of significant levels of genomic and subgenomic viral
      RNAs. Using deep RNA sequencing and functional reporter assays, we show that
      miRNAs mediate the expression of genes involved in cell signaling, cancer and
      immunity. We further demonstrate that BLV miRNAs are essential to induce B-cell
      tumors in an experimental model and to promote efficient viral replication in the
      natural host.

PMID- 27123581
TI  - Evidence of Inbreeding in Hodgkin Lymphoma.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified several, mainly co
      dominantly acting, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with Hodgkin
      lymphoma (HL). We searched for recessively acting disease loci by performing an
      analysis of runs of homozygosity (ROH) based on windows of homozygous SNP-blocks
      and by calculating genomic inbreeding coefficients on a SNP-wise basis. We used
      data from a previous GWAS with 906 cases and 1217 controls from a population with
      a long history of no matings between relatives. Ten recurrent ROHs were
      identified among 25 055 ROHs across all individuals but their association with HL
      was not genome-wide significant. All recurrent ROHs showed significant evidence
      for natural selection. As a novel finding genomic inbreeding among cases was
      significantly higher than among controls (P = 2.11*10-14) even after correcting
      for covariates. Higher inbreeding among the cases was mainly based on a group of
      individuals with a higher average length of ROHs per person. This result suggests
      a correlation of higher levels of inbreeding with higher cancer incidence and
      might reflect the existence of recessive alleles causing HL. Genomic inbreeding
      may result in a higher expression of deleterious recessive genes within a
      population.

PMID- 27123583
TI  - A Novel Concept for the Search and Retrieval of the Derwent Markush Resource
      Database.
AB  - The representation of and search for generic chemical structures (Markush)
      remains a continuing challenge. Several research groups have addressed this
      problem, and over time a limited number of practical solutions have been
      proposed. Today there are two large commercial providers of Markush databases:
      Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) and Thomson Reuters. The Thomson Reuters
      "Derwent" Markush database is currently offered via the online services Questel
      and STN and as a data feed for in-house use. The aim of this paper is to briefly
      review the existing Markush systems (databases plus search engines) and to
      describe our new approach for the implementation of the Derwent Markush Resource
      on STN. Our new approach demonstrates the integration of the Derwent Markush
      Resource database into the existing chemistry-focused STN platform without loss
      of detail. This provides compatibility with other structure and Markush databases
      on STN and at the same time makes it possible to deploy the specific features and
      functions of the Derwent approach. It is shown that the different Markush
      languages developed by CAS and Derwent can be combined into a single general
      Markush description. In this concept the generic nodes are grouped together in a
      unique hierarchy where all chemical elements and fragments can be integrated. As
      a consequence, both systems are searchable using a single structure query.
      Moreover, the presented concept could serve as a promising starting point for a
      common generalized description of Markush structures.

PMID- 27123582
TI  - Causal Structure of Brain Physiology after Brain Injury from Subarachnoid
      Hemorrhage.
AB  - High frequency physiologic data are routinely generated for intensive care
      patients. While massive amounts of data make it difficult for clinicians to
      extract meaningful signals, these data could provide insight into the state of
      critically ill patients and guide interventions. We develop uniquely customized
      computational methods to uncover the causal structure within systemic and brain
      physiologic measures recorded in a neurological intensive care unit after
      subarachnoid hemorrhage. While the data have many missing values, poor signal-to
      noise ratio, and are composed from a heterogeneous patient population, our
      advanced imputation and causal inference techniques enable physiologic models to
      be learned for individuals. Our analyses confirm that complex physiologic
      relationships including demand and supply of oxygen underlie brain oxygen
      measurements and that mechanisms for brain swelling early after injury may differ
      from those that develop in a delayed fashion. These inference methods will enable
      wider use of ICU data to understand patient physiology.

PMID- 27123584
TI  - The association of hypertension with asymptomatic cardiovascular organ damage in
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association of hypertension with asymptomatic cardiovascular
      organ damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been little studied
      by echocardiography. METHODS: Echocardiography was done in 134 RA patients and
      102 healthy controls. Left ventricular (LV) geometry was considered abnormal if
      LV mass index or relative wall thickness was increased. LV diastolic dysfunction
      was considered present if septal early diastolic tissue velocity <8 cm/s.
      Systemic arterial compliance (SAC) was assessed from stroke volume index/pulse
      pressure ratio. RESULTS: The hypertensive RA patients (n = 72) had higher
      inflammatory activity, older age and more diabetes than the normotensive RA
      patients (n = 62) (all p < 0.05). Rates of abnormal LV geometry, LV diastolic
      dysfunction and lower SAC were higher among the hypertensive RA patients (p <
      0.05), but similar between normotensive RA patients and controls. Hypertension
      was associated with a 3-fold higher prevalence both for abnormal LV geometry
      (odds ratio 2.89 [95% confidence interval 1.09-7.63], p = 0.03) and for diastolic
      LV dysfunction (odds ratio 2.92 [95% confidence interval 1.14-7.46], p = 0.03) as
      well as lower SAC (beta = 0.31, p = 0.001) independent of age, gender, diabetes
      and inflammatory activity measured by erythrocyte sedimentation rate. CONCLUSION:
      The presence of asymptomatic cardiovascular organ damage in RA patients is
      closely associated with hypertension independent of inflammatory activity.

PMID- 27123585
TI  - Correction: Developmental Eye Movement (DEM) Test Norms for Mandarin Chinese
      Speaking Chinese Children.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148481.].

PMID- 27123586
TI  - Combined virus-like particle and fusion protein-encoding DNA vaccination of
      cotton rats induces protection against respiratory syncytial virus without
      causing vaccine-enhanced disease.
AB  - A safe and effective vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) should
      confer protection without causing vaccine-enhanced disease. Here, using a cotton
      rat model, we investigated the protective efficacy and safety of an RSV
      combination vaccine composed of F-encoding plasmid DNA and virus-like particles
      containing RSV fusion (F) and attachment (G) glycoproteins (FFG-VLP). Cotton rats
      with FFG-VLP vaccination controlled lung viral replication below the detection
      limit, and effectively induced neutralizing activity and antibody-secreting cell
      responses. In comparison with formalin inactivated RSV (FI-RSV) causing severe
      RSV disease after challenge, FFG-VLP vaccination did not cause weight loss,
      airway hyper-responsiveness, IL-4 cytokines, histopathology, and infiltrates of
      proinflammatory cells such as eosinophils. FFG-VLP was even more effective in
      preventing RSV-induced pulmonary inflammation than live RSV infections. This
      study provides evidence that FFG-VLP can be developed into a safe and effective
      RSV vaccine candidate.

PMID- 27123587
TI  - Negative Mood Increases Selective Attention to Negatively Valenced Body Parts in
      Female Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous research has yielded evidence of increased attentional
      processing of negatively valenced body parts in women with anorexia nervosa (AN),
      especially for those with high depressive symptomatology. The present study
      extended previous research by implementing an experimental mood manipulation.
      METHOD: In a within-subjects design, female adolescents with AN (n = 12) and an
      age matched female control group (CG; n = 12) were given a negative and a
      positive mood induction at a one-week interval. After each mood induction,
      participants underwent a 3-min mirror exposure, while their eye movements were
      recorded. RESULTS: After the positive mood induction, both AN and CG participants
      displayed longer and more frequent gazes towards their self-defined most ugly
      relative to their self-defined most beautiful body part. However, after the
      negative mood induction, only females with AN were characterized by increased
      attention to their most ugly compared to their most beautiful body part, while CG
      participants' attention distribution was balanced. Furthermore, in the negative
      (but not in the positive) mood induction condition gaze frequency and duration
      towards the most ugly body part was significantly stronger in the AN group
      relative to the CG. DISCUSSION: The results emphasize the role of negative mood
      in the maintenance of pathological information processing of the self-body. This
      increased body-related negativity-bias during negative mood may lead to the
      persistence and aggravation of AN patients' body image disturbance.

PMID- 27123589
TI  - Counterfeit Norco Poisoning Outbreak - San Francisco Bay Area, California, March
      25-April 5, 2016.
AB  - On March 28, 2016, two patients were evaluated at the Contra Costa Regional
      Medical Center emergency department (ED) in Contra Costa County, California, for
      nausea, vomiting, central nervous system depression, and respiratory depression,
      30 minutes after ingesting what appeared to be Norco, a prescription opioid pain
      medication that contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone. The patients purchased
      the drug from a friend a few days earlier. The two cases of drug intoxication
      were reported to a Contra Costa County Health Department public health official
      who subsequently notified the California State Health Department. 

PMID- 27123588
TI  - One-Step Multiplex RT-qPCR Assay for the Detection of Peste des petits ruminants
      virus, Capripoxvirus, Pasteurella multocida and Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies
      (ssp.) capripneumoniae.
AB  - Respiratory infections, although showing common clinical symptoms like pneumonia,
      are caused by bacterial, viral or parasitic agents. These are often reported in
      sheep and goats populations and cause huge economic losses to the animal owners
      in developing countries. Detection of these diseases is routinely done using
      ELISA or microbiological methods which are being reinforced or replaced by
      molecular based detection methods including multiplex assays, where detection of
      different pathogens is carried out in a single reaction. In the present study, a
      one-step multiplex RT-qPCR assay was developed for simultaneous detection of
      Capripoxvirus (CaPV), Peste de petits ruminants virus (PPRV), Pasteurella
      multocida (PM) and Mycoplasma capricolum ssp. capripneumonia (Mccp) in
      pathological samples collected from small ruminants with respiratory disease
      symptoms. The test performed efficiently without any cross-amplification. The
      multiplex PCR efficiency was 98.31%, 95.48%, 102.77% and 91.46% whereas the
      singleplex efficiency was 93.43%, 98.82%, 102.55% and 92.0% for CaPV, PPRV, PM
      and Mccp, respectively. The correlation coefficient was greater than 0.99 for all
      the targets in both multiplex and singleplex. Based on cycle threshold values,
      intra and inter assay variability, ranged between the limits of 2%-4%, except for
      lower concentrations of Mccp. The detection limits at 95% confidence interval
      (CI) were 12, 163, 13 and 23 copies/reaction for CaPV, PPRV, PM and Mccp,
      respectively. The multiplex assay was able to detect CaPVs from all genotypes,
      PPRV from the four lineages, PM and Mccp without amplifying the other subspecies
      of mycoplasmas. The discriminating power of the assay was proven by accurate
      detection of the targeted pathogen (s) by screening 58 viral and bacterial
      isolates representing all four targeted pathogens. Furthermore, by screening 81
      pathological samples collected from small ruminants showing respiratory disease
      symptoms, CaPV was detected in 17 samples, PPRV in 45, and PM in six samples. In
      addition, three samples showed a co-infection of PPRV and PM. Overall, the one
      step multiplex RT-qPCR assay developed will be a valuable tool for rapid
      detection of individual and co-infections of the targeted pathogens with high
      specificity and sensitivity.

PMID- 27123590
TI  - Thermal Niches of Two Invasive Genotypes of the Wheat Curl Mite Aceria
      tosichella: Congruence between Physiological and Geographical Distribution Data.
AB  - The wheat curl mite (WCM), Aceria tosichella Keifer, is a major pest of cereals
      worldwide. It is also a complex of well-defined genetic lineages with divergent
      physiological traits, which has not been accounted for in applied contexts. The
      aims of the study were to model the thermal niches of the two most pestiferous
      WCM lineages, designated MT-1 and MT-8, and to assess the extent to which
      temperature determines the distribution of these lineages. WCM population
      dynamics were modeled based on thermal niche data from March to November on the
      area of Poland (>311,000 km2). The most suitable regions for population
      development were predicted and compared to empirical field abundance data.
      Congruence between modeled parameters and field data for mite presence were
      observed for both WCM lineages although congruence between modeled thermal
      suitability and mite field abundance was observed only for MT-8. Thermal niche
      data for MT-1 and MT-8 provide biological insights and aid monitoring and
      management of WCM and the plant viruses it vectors. The presented models
      accurately estimate distributions of WCM and can be incorporated into management
      strategies for both current and predicted climate scenarios.

PMID- 27123593
TI  - Correction: Kruppel-like Factor 4, a Tumor Suppressor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
      Cells Reverts Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition by Suppressing Slug Expression.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043593.].

PMID- 27123591
TI  - shRNA-Based Screen Identifies Endocytic Recycling Pathway Components That Act as
      Genetic Modifiers of Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation, Secretion and Toxicity.
AB  - Alpha-Synuclein (aSyn) misfolding and aggregation is common in several
      neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy
      bodies, which are known as synucleinopathies. Accumulating evidence suggests that
      secretion and cell-to-cell trafficking of pathological forms of aSyn may explain
      the typical patterns of disease progression. However, the molecular mechanisms
      controlling aSyn aggregation and spreading of pathology are still elusive. In
      order to obtain unbiased information about the molecular regulators of aSyn
      oligomerization, we performed a microscopy-based large-scale RNAi screen in
      living cells. Interestingly, we identified nine Rab GTPase and kinase genes that
      modulated aSyn aggregation, toxicity and levels. From those, Rab8b, Rab11a, Rab13
      and Slp5 were able to promote the clearance of aSyn inclusions and rescue aSyn
      induced toxicity. Furthermore, we found that endocytic recycling and secretion of
      aSyn was enhanced upon Rab11a and Rab13 expression in cells accumulating aSyn
      inclusions. Overall, our study resulted in the identification of new molecular
      players involved in the aggregation, toxicity, and secretion of aSyn, opening
      novel avenues for our understanding of the molecular basis of synucleinopathies. 

PMID- 27123592
TI  - Rational Structure-Based Rescaffolding Approach to De Novo Design of Interleukin
      10 (IL-10) Receptor-1 Mimetics.
AB  - Tackling protein interfaces with small molecules capable of modulating protein
      protein interactions remains a challenge in structure-based ligand design.
      Particularly arduous are cases in which the epitopes involved in molecular
      recognition have a non-structured and discontinuous nature. Here, the basic
      strategy of translating continuous binding epitopes into mimetic scaffolds cannot
      be applied, and other innovative approaches are therefore required. We present a
      structure-based rational approach involving the use of a regular expression
      syntax inspired in the well established PROSITE to define minimal descriptors of
      geometric and functional constraints signifying relevant functionalities for
      recognition in protein interfaces of non-continuous and unstructured nature.
      These descriptors feed a search engine that explores the currently available
      three-dimensional chemical space of the Protein Data Bank (PDB) in order to
      identify in a straightforward manner regular architectures containing the desired
      functionalities, which could be used as templates to guide the rational design of
      small natural-like scaffolds mimicking the targeted recognition site. The
      application of this rescaffolding strategy to the discovery of natural scaffolds
      incorporating a selection of functionalities of interleukin-10 receptor-1 (IL
      10R1), which are relevant for its interaction with interleukin-10 (IL-10) has
      resulted in the de novo design of a new class of potent IL-10 peptidomimetic
      ligands.

PMID- 27123594
TI  - Effects of Straw Return in Deep Soils with Urea Addition on the Soil Organic
      Carbon Fractions in a Semi-Arid Temperate Cornfield.
AB  - Returning straw to deep soil layers by using a deep-ditching-ridge-ploughing
      method is an innovative management practice that improves soil quality by
      increasing the soil organic carbon (SOC) content. However, the optimum quantity
      of straw return has not been determined. To solve this practical production
      problem, the following treatments with different amounts of corn straw were
      investigated: no straw return, CK; 400 kg ha-1 straw, S400; 800 kg ha-1 straw,
      S800; 1200 kg ha-1 straw, S1200; and 1600 kg ha-1 straw, S1600. After straw was
      returned to the soil for two years, the microbial biomass C (MBC), easily
      oxidized organic C (EOC), dissolved organic C (DOC) and light fraction organic C
      (LFOC) content were measured at three soil depths (0-10, 10-20, and 20-40 cm).
      The results showed that the combined application of 800 kg ha-1 straw
      significantly increased the EOC, MBC, and LFOC contents and was a suitable
      agricultural practice for this region. Moreover, our results demonstrated that
      returning straw to deep soil layers was effective for increasing the SOC content.

PMID- 27123595
TI  - How Physician Assistant Programs Use the CASPA Personal Statement in Their
      Admissions Process.
AB  - PURPOSE: This research surveyed physician assistant (PA) program admissions
      personnel to determine how the Central Application Service for Physician
      Assistants (CASPA) personal statements are used, what influence the statements
      had on certain admissions processes, whether there was any concern about
      authorship of the statements, and how important certain previously identified
      content themes were to admissions committees and personnel. METHODS: The PA
      programs participating in CASPA were contacted and interviewed using a computer
      assisted telephone interview system. Participants were asked a series of open
      ended questions related to the usefulness of the personal statement and asked to
      score certain items using a Likert-type scale. RESULTS: The response rate for the
      telephone survey was 75%. Most of the programs (93%) used the personal statement
      in the applicant review process, and almost two-thirds (62%) indicated that the
      statement was useful or very useful. Three-fourths (76%) of respondents sometimes
      or always used the statement for the selection of candidates for interviews. Only
      29% of respondents were very to extremely concerned that the statements were not
      written by the applicants. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the observation that the
      statements were relatively homogeneous in content, respondents ranked identified
      content themes as an important influence on decision-making. Almost all
      respondents used the personal statement in their admissions process, usually in
      the selection of interviewees. Although there was some concern that the
      statements were not the original work of the applicant, less than a third of
      respondents were very concerned about this possibility. The homogeneity of the
      statements was also a concern, but the importance placed on the identified theme
      content areas validates the applicants' inclusion of these themes in the
      statements.

PMID- 27123596
TI  - High-Fidelity Simulation Use in Preparation of Physician Assistant Students for
      Neonatal and Obstetric Care.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study attempts to determine whether a simulation experience would
      increase physician assistant (PA) students' comfort level in caring for obstetric
      patients and assessing a neonate with an Apgar score. METHODS: First-year PA
      students who are in the didactic phase of their education were asked to complete
      a questionnaire before and after a hybrid simulation scenario, in which they
      aided in estimating cervical dilation, delivering a neonate, and assessing the
      Apgar score of a neonate. The simulation included high-fidelity simulation for 2
      portions of the experience and task-trainer simulation for the remaining portion
      of the experience. The questionnaire asked students to rate their comfort level
      before and after the simulation and provide information regarding their clinical
      experience level with obstetrics, gynecology, or pediatrics. RESULTS: Comfort
      levels were significantly increased according to presession and postsession
      scores for each of the 3 portions of the simulation experience. Prior experience
      level did not affect the results of this group. Results indicate that regardless
      of experience, there was a statistically significant increase between presession
      and postsession comfort levels. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation training in obstetric and
      neonatal assessment increases students' comfort level to perform these difficult
      tasks. Physician assistant programs that are not performing simulation currently,
      or have not used it to train in these specialty areas should consider doing so as
      part of their curriculum.

PMID- 27123597
TI  - Effects of a Comprehensive Oral Health Curriculum on Knowledge, Behavior, and
      Attitude of Physician Assistant Students.
AB  - PURPOSE: Oral health assessment by the medical provider needs to be thorough and
      accurate. Many schools for medical providers are providing an increasing amount
      of oral health education to students during the didactic year. A dedicated and
      comprehensive oral health curriculum was developed for a physician assistant (PA)
      program in Virginia for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the
      curriculum for changing students' attitudes, behavior, and knowledge. METHODS:
      First- and fourth-semester PA students attended about 18 hours of lectures,
      laboratories, and clinical experiences dedicated to oral health. The change in
      student attitude, behavior, and knowledge of oral health and assessment was
      assessed using a validated precurricular and postcurricular survey. RESULTS: The
      responses to the precurricular and postcurricular surveys were compared using
      paired t-tests. The analysis revealed an overall significant increase (P < .001)
      in attitude and knowledge of oral health after the curriculum intervention. The
      only significant change noted in student behavior was an increase in flossing
      frequency. CONCLUSION: The oral health curriculum was successful in changing the
      attitude and knowledge of all students, regardless of their level of education in
      PA school. Therefore, an oral health curriculum conceivably could be added to a
      medical education program at any time that the course load allows for additional
      hours.

PMID- 27123598
TI  - Burnout in Rural Physician Assistants: An Initial Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence and causes of burnout in rural physician
      assistants. (PA in this article refers to personal accomplishment. To avoid
      confusion, we will spell out physician assistant throughout the article, instead
      of using PA to refer to both physician assistant and personal accomplishment.)
      METHODS: Physician assistants who practice in rural communities were asked to
      complete the Maslach Burnout Inventory. A preliminary assessment of burnout was
      determined using the 3 Maslach Burnout Inventory subscale scores: emotional
      exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment, as well as causes of
      burnout assessed for a correlation to personal and professional factors. RESULTS:
      Burnout within the rural physician assistant population responding to this survey
      (response rate = 11.3%) was measured to have high to moderate emotional
      exhaustion and depersonalization subscores (64% each) and a low to moderate
      personal accomplishment subscore (46%). CONCLUSIONS: The rural physician
      assistant population who responded to this survey exhibited burnout correlating
      to feelings of professional isolation and various workplace conditions such as
      the adequacy of administrative support and control over workload. To begin
      addressing burnout within this community, we suggest adjusting rural physician
      assistant workload and support, enhancing professional communications, and
      addressing burnout prevention techniques within physician assistant training
      programs.

PMID- 27123599
TI  - Informed Practice: Students' Clinical Experiences in the Undergraduate Phase of
      an Accelerated Physician Assistant Program.
AB  - This qualitative study explored the clinical experiences of students in an
      accelerated physician assistant (PA) program. The participants were either
      certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or emergency medical technicians-basic (EMTs
      B). The study was designed to elicit (1) how the participants perceived their
      older patients and (2) how the participants' experiences might affect their own
      future communications, bedside manner, and clinical preparedness as PAs. This
      study used a focus group to explore students' clinical experiences before the
      graduate phase of their accelerated PA program. Five female and 2 male PA
      students (N = 7) participated in the study. All participants were 23 years old
      and worked as either a CNA or an EMT-B. Results fell into 2 basic themes:
      informing practice and forming relationships. Regarding the first theme,
      participants felt that their experience as entry-level health care providers
      allowed them to improve their communication skills and bedside manner and to
      provide greater comfort to patients. Regarding the second theme, participants
      gained appreciation for older people and began to recognize the knowledge
      deficits and learning needs of their patients. The results suggested that a
      student's clinical experience as a CNA or an EMT-B before entering a PA program
      has a positive effect on the student's personal and professional development. The
      participants acquired greater appreciation and respect for older patients and
      members of the health care team.

PMID- 27123601
TI  - Stability of solution-processed MAPbI3 and FAPbI3 layers.
AB  - We provide a semi-empirical model based on in situ degradation measurements to
      predict the durability of hybrid perovskite materials under simulated thermal
      operation conditions. In the model, the degradation path of MAPbI3 layers is
      proved to follow an Arrhenius-type law. The predictive role is played by the
      activation energy combined with its pre-exponential factor. Our comparative study
      under moisture conditions with respect to vacuum and nitrogen treatments has
      assessed the occurrence of an intrinsic dynamic exchange of protons between the
      organic cations and the inorganic cage with a direct impact on the lattice
      stability, for which the presence of water molecules is not mandatory. This
      mutual interaction produces defects inside the material and volatile species,
      such as HI, CH3NH2 or MAI, with an associated experimental activation energy of
      1.54 eV measured under vacuum conditions in dark. This value is comparable to
      that calculated by the density functional theory for defect generation in MAPbI3.
      In air, the action of water molecules reduces the activation energy for proton
      exchanges in dark to 0.96 eV. As an alternative solution to increase the material
      stability, we demonstrate that the substitution of methylammonium (MA(+)) with
      the formamidinium (FA(+)) cations inside the inorganic cage gives greater
      robustness to the overall lattice and extends the material durability due to a
      different interaction between the organic molecules and the inorganic cage. This
      definitely supports the use of FAPbI3 in applications, provided its structure can
      be stabilized in the dark phase at room temperature.

PMID- 27123600
TI  - Interprofessional Education: What Measurable Learning Outcomes Are Realistic for
      the Physician Assistant Profession?
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare physician assistant (PA) students' attitudes regarding
      interprofessional education by students' seniority, gender, age, and previous
      experience with interprofessional education. METHODS: The validated 19-item
      Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale and the 12-item Interdisciplinary
      Education Perception Scale were administered to matriculating and graduating PA
      students from 2 US institutions (N = 186). Primary outcomes were score
      differences by subgroup and institution using independent sample t-tests. We also
      examined scale validity measured by Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency) and
      Pearson correlation coefficients (concurrent validity). RESULTS: Student
      demographics at both institutions were similar. Initial comparisons did not
      demonstrate significant institutional differences. Consequently, data were
      combined for subsequent analyses. Matriculating students had significantly higher
      mean Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale scores than did graduating
      students. No significant differences were found by gender, age, or previous
      interprofessional education exposure for either scale. Both scales demonstrated
      high internal consistency (Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale alpha =
      0.93; Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale alpha = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS:
      Physician assistant student attitudes regarding interprofessional education are
      very positive at matriculation and are less positive at graduation. Physician
      assistant student attitudes do not vary by gender, age, or previous
      interprofessional education exposure. Physician assistant educators should ensure
      that students' interprofessional education exposure makes full use of the
      students' initial positive attitudes and focuses on skill development for
      interprofessional education competencies.

PMID- 27123602
TI  - Proposal of a framework for scale-up life cycle inventory: A case of nanofibers
      for lithium iron phosphate cathode applications.
AB  - Environmental assessments are crucial for the management of the environmental
      impacts of a product in a rapidly developing world. The design phase creates
      opportunities for acting on the environmental issues of products using life cycle
      assessment (LCA). However, the LCA is hampered by a lack of information
      originating from distinct scales along the product or technology value chain.
      Many studies have been undertaken to handle similar problems, but these studies
      are case-specific and do not analyze the development options in the initial
      design phase. Thus, systematic studies are needed to determine the possible
      scaling. Knowledge from such screening studies would open the door for developing
      new methods that can tackle a given scaling problem. The present article proposes
      a scale-up procedure that aims to generate a new life cycle inventory (LCI) on a
      theoretical industrial scale, based on information from laboratory experiments.
      Three techniques are described to obtain the new LCI. Investigation of a
      laboratory-scale procedure is discussed to find similar industrial processes as a
      benchmark for describing a theoretical large-scale production process.
      Furthermore, LCA was performed on a model system of nanofiber electrospinning for
      Li-ion battery cathode applications. The LCA results support material developers
      in identifying promising development pathways. For example, the present study
      pointed out the significant impacts of dimethylformamide on suspension
      preparation and the power requirements of distinct electrospinning subprocesses.
      Nanofiber-containing battery cells had greater environmental impacts than did the
      reference cell, although they had better electrochemical performance, such as
      better wettability of the electrode, improving the electrode's electrosorption
      capacity, and longer expected lifetime. Furthermore, material and energy recovery
      throughout the production chain could decrease the environmental impacts by 40%
      to 70%, making the nanofiber a promising battery cathode. Integr Environ Assess
      Manag 2016;12:465-477. (c) 2016 SETAC. 

PMID- 27123603
TI  - A Culture of Safety Starts with Us.
AB  - We need to follow the evidence and own up to our role. 

PMID- 27123604
TI  - The Vital Signs Selfie Campaign.
AB  - A second set of 'vital signs' for nurses. 

PMID- 27123605
TI  - Nursing Diversity.

PMID- 27123606
TI  - Regulation of E-Cigarettes.

PMID- 27123607
TI  - On Bullying.

PMID- 27123608
TI  - Caring for Patients in Pain.

PMID- 27123609
TI  - Caring for Patients in Pain.

PMID- 27123610
TI  - Caring for Patients in Pain.

PMID- 27123611
TI  - Reducing Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescriptions.
AB  - A social component to an intervention appears to lower rates. 

PMID- 27123612
TI  - Increase in Colorectal Cancer Occurring Before Age 50.
AB  - Earlier screening is needed in certain younger patients. 

PMID- 27123614
TI  - The AACN Recommends Increased Palliative Care Training in Undergraduate Nursing
      Education.
AB  - Advice reflects need to provide palliative care earlier during illness. 

PMID- 27123616
TI  - Study Challenges Views on Alcohol Consumption in Native Americans.
AB  - But phone survey data may not have revealed the full picture. 

PMID- 27123621
TI  - Replicating Real Life: Simulation in Nursing Education and Practice.
AB  - Providing learners the experiences without the risks. 

PMID- 27123622
TI  - An Evaluation of Rituximab for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AB  - Editor's note: This is a summary of a nursing care-related systematic review from
      the Cochrane Library. 

PMID- 27123623
TI  - A New Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C.

PMID- 27123624
TI  - Medwatch: Free Patient Safety Resources.

PMID- 27123625
TI  - The First Drug to Improve Survival in Liposarcoma.

PMID- 27123629
TI  - My Name is Nurse.
AB  - : Editor's note: From its first issue in 1900 through to the present day, AJN has
      unparalleled archives detailing nurses' work and lives over more than a century.
      These articles not only chronicle nursing's growth as a profession within the
      context of the events of the day, but they also reveal prevailing societal
      attitudes about women, health care, and human rights. Today's nursing school
      curricula rarely include nursing's history, but it's a history worth knowing. To
      this end, From the AJN Archives offers articles selected to fit today's topics
      and times.This month's article, from the May 1993 issue, is a tongue-in-cheek
      editorial by former editor-in-chief Mary B. Mallison. In it, she introduces us to
      the "PerceptoPhone"-an imaginary device that allows the wearer to access the
      thoughts of nurses. PerceptoPhones are used to educate hospital trustees on
      nurses' essential but often invisible abilities: to identify early warning signs
      of complications; teach and encourage; and carefully assess, soothe, and heal
      abilities that are "hard to quantify with usual accounting methods." More than 20
      years later, we still look for better ways to teach the public about nursing. 

PMID- 27123630
TI  - Mentoring Clinical Nurses to Write for Publication: Strategies for Success.
AB  - : Clinical nurses often find writing a challenge, but it's important to
      disseminate clinical practice initiatives that result in notable patient
      outcomes. Nurses have a responsibility to share what they do to improve patient
      care. The increased emphasis on the development and evaluation of evidence-based
      practice has made it necessary for nurses to share best practices that are
      associated with improved patient outcomes. We developed a six-month Writing for
      Publication workshop series designed to teach clinical nurses about the writing
      process and mentor them through the stages of preparing a manuscript to submit
      for publication. This successful program helped novice nurse authors become
      published professionals and had a great impact on our organization. 

PMID- 27123631
TI  - To Make Everything Possible, Lean In.
AB  - The importance of mutual support in nursing. 

PMID- 27123632
TI  - Henoch-Schonlein Purpura in the ED.
AB  - Diagnosing and treating a child with the most common form of pediatric
      vasculitis. 

PMID- 27123633
TI  - Telemedicine Seen as a Boon to Critical Care Nursing.
AB  - According to this study. 

PMID- 27123634
TI  - Exercise Effective In Preventing Low Back Pain.
AB  - According to this study. 

PMID- 27123635
TI  - The Prevalence of Childhood Asthma is no Longer Increasing.
AB  - According to this study. 

PMID- 27123636
TI  - Improved Well-Being After Gastric Bypass Surgery.
AB  - According to this study. 

PMID- 27123637
TI  - Understanding Hospital Value-Based Purchasing.
AB  - This column is designed to provide a nursing perspective on new hospital quality
      measurements. Future articles will cover the various quality indicators hospitals
      face and the role of the nurse in meeting mandated benchmarks. Reader responses
      to this column are welcome and will help to make it more useful to nurses in
      meeting the challenges posed by health care reform and changing Medicare
      reimbursement programs. 

PMID- 27123638
TI  - A Year in Malawi.
AB  - One nurse's experience working to improve the country's limited health care
      capacity. 

PMID- 27123639
TI  - Five Words.
AB  - A psych nurse ponders the often fleeting nature of connection. 

PMID- 27123640
TI  - Synthesis of Water-Soluble Cyclophane Hexamers Having a Triphenylene Core and
      Their Enhanced Guest-Binding Behavior.
AB  - A key compound, a precursor of water-soluble cyclophane hexamer, was prepared via
      Williamson ether synthesis of tetraaza[6.1.6.1]paracyclophane derivatives bearing
      a bromoacetamide moiety with triphenylene-2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaol as a core. A
      cationic cyclophane hexamer (1) was obtained by removing the protecting groups
      from the precursor. Fluorescence titration experiments proved that cationic
      cyclophane hexamer 1 showed macrocyclic multivalency effects; i.e., 1:1
      host/guest binding constants (K) of 1 with anionic guests, 6-anilinonaphthalene-2
      sulfonate and 6-p-toluidinonaphthalene-2-sulfonate, were increased about 63- and
      62-fold, respectively, relative to those of monomeric cyclophane. Similarly,
      anionic cyclophane hexamer 2, which was easily prepared from 1, showed
      macrocyclic multivalency effects in K values with cationic guests such as
      hydrochlorides of doxorubicin and daunorubicin as an anticancer drug.

PMID- 27123641
TI  - The Accuracy of Diagnostic Methods for Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review
      and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the
      recommended glycemic measures for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: We
      systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of
      Science databases from inception to July 2015 for observational studies comparing
      the diagnostic accuracy of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose
      (FPG), and 2-hour plasma glucose (2h-PG). Random effects models for the
      diagnostic odds ratio (dOR) value computed by Moses' constant for a linear model
      and 95% CIs were used to calculate the accuracy of the test. Hierarchical summary
      receiver operating characteristic curves (HSROC) were used to summarize the
      overall test performance. RESULTS: Eleven published studies were included in the
      meta-analysis. The pooled dOR values for the diagnosis of retinopathy were 16.32
      (95% CI 13.86-19.22) for HbA1c and 4.87 (95% CI 4.39-5.40) for FPG. The area
      under the HSROC was 0.837 (95% CI 0.781-0.892) for HbA1c and 0.735 (95% CI 0.657
      0.813) for FPG. The 95% confidence region for the point that summarizes the
      overall test performance of the included studies occurs where the cut-offs ranged
      from 6.1% (43.2 mmol/mol) to 7.8% (61.7 mmol/mol) for HbA1c and from 7.8 to 9.3
      mmol/L for FPG. In the four studies that provided information regarding 2h-PG,
      the pooled accuracy estimates for HbA1c were similar to those of 2h-PG; the
      overall performance for HbA1c was superior to that for FPG. CONCLUSIONS: The
      three recommended tests for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in nonpregnant
      adults showed sufficient accuracy for their use in clinical settings, although
      the overall accuracy for the diagnosis of retinopathy was similar for HbA1c and
      2h-PG, which were both more accurate than for FPG. Due to the variability and
      inconveniences of the glucose level-based methods, HbA1c appears to be the most
      appropriate method for the diagnosis diabetic retinopathy.

PMID- 27123642
TI  - Metamorphopsia Associated with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: To apply M-CHARTS for quantitative measurements of metamorphopsia in
      eyes with acute branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and to elucidate the
      pathomorphology that causes metamorphopsia. METHODS: This prospective study
      consisted of 42 consecutive patients (42 eyes) with acute BRVO. Both at baseline
      and one month after treatment with ranibizumab, metamorphopsia was measured with
      M-CHARTS, and the retinal morphological changes were examined with optical
      coherence tomography. RESULTS: At baseline, metamorphopsia was detected in the
      vertical and/or horizontal directions in 29 (69.0%) eyes; the mean vertical and
      horizontal scores were 0.59 +/- 0.57 and 0.52 +/- 0.67, respectively. The maximum
      inner retinal thickness showed no association with the M-CHARTS score, but the M
      CHARTS score was correlated with the total foveal thickness (r = 0.43, p =
      0.004), the height of serous retinal detachment (r = 0.31, p = 0.047), and the
      maximum outer retinal thickness (r = 0.36, p = 0.020). One month after treatment,
      both the inner and outer retinal thickness substantially decreased. However,
      metamorphopsia persisted in 26 (89.7%) of 29 eyes. The posttreatment M-CHARTS
      score was not correlated with any posttreatment morphological parameters.
      However, the posttreatment M-CHARTS score was weakly correlated with the baseline
      total foveal thickness (r = 0.35. p = 0.024) and closely correlated with the
      baseline M-CHARTS score (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Metamorphopsia
      associated with acute BRVO was quantified using M-CHARTS. Initial microstructural
      changes in the outer retina from acute BRVO may primarily account for the
      metamorphopsia.

PMID- 27123643
TI  - High-quality bio-oil from one-pot catalytic hydrocracking of kraft lignin over
      supported noble metal catalysts in isopropanol system.
AB  - Catalytic hydrocracking of kraft lignin was carried out in isopropanol system and
      an orthogonal array design (OAD) was employed to optimize the experimental
      conditions. GC-MS/FID, elemental analysis, GPC and (1)H-(13)C HSQC NMR were
      carried out for entire investigation of the liquid products. The results
      indicated that the hydrocracking process was thermally controlled and catalysts
      showed significant influences on the product distributions. Comparing with Pd/C,
      Pt/C and Ru/C, Rh/C inhibited the self-condensation of isopropanol and reduced
      the formation of oxygenic-chain compounds. The excellent catalytic activity for
      phenols conversion was obtained over Rh/C. The routes of oxygenic-chain compounds
      formation and phenol conversion were proposed in detail. The least oxygenic-chain
      compounds formation, the highest phenols conversion (93.4%), the lowest O/C ratio
      (0.094) and the highest HHV (37.969MJ/kg) provided the possibility of the high
      quality bio-oil obtained over Rh/C in isopropanol medium. 

PMID- 27123660
TI  - [Current Aspects of Epididymo-Orchitis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis. It mostly
      occurs unilaterally and may spread to the testis ('epididymo-orchitis') if
      untreated. Increasing technological advances allow for an even more detailed
      examination of concurrent symptoms such as ejaculate changes and the whole
      spectrum of pathogenic agents, which ranges from sexually transmitted pathogens
      such as Chlamydia and gonococci to enterobacteria and, rarely, viruses. This
      review summarises major aspects of the disease including the latest scientific
      findings. METHODS: A selective literature search including the last 40 years was
      performed via Medline. RESULTS: With about 400 cases a year in 100 000 men, acute
      epididymitis is the most common urogenital infection in men. It occurs across all
      age groups including children. Despite the fact that bacterial ascension is
      aetiologically of utmost relevance, only one out of three men reports signs of
      dysuria or urethritis. In young, sexually active men, sexually transmitted
      pathogens are regularly found in addition to the characteristic enterobacteriae,
      even if these men have an unremarkable sexual history. 88% of epididymal abscess
      formations can be successfully treated without surgery. Patients with indwelling
      urethral catheters are at a high risk of multiple drug resistance and should be
      treated empirically with both a fluoroquinolone and a third-generation
      cephalosporin until antimicrobial susceptibility testing has been completed.
      About 40 out of 100 patients develop post-inflammatory sub-fertility. Here,
      virulence factors like haemolysin A produced by uropathogenic E. coli have a
      negative impact on semen parameters compared to those patients suffering from
      epididymitis induced by haemolysin A negative strains. With adequate antibiotic
      treatment there is no evidence for testicular atrophy. Only one out of 10 men
      relapses. These cases should be examined thoroughly for subvesical obstruction.
      Some of them may benefit from prophylactic vasectomy. CONCLUSIONS: This review
      presents key aspects of acute epididymitis, which are increasingly adopted in
      updated guidelines.

PMID- 27123661
TI  - A novel homozygous mutation in UNC13D presenting as Epstein-Barr-virus-associated
      lymphoproliferative disease at 9 years of age.

PMID- 27123662
TI  - Detection of Undiagnosed Disease in Medicare Beneficiaries After a Clinical Home
      Visit.
AB  - Undiagnosed chronic conditions are a common and costly problem in Medicare
      patients. This study examined whether a clinical home visit program was
      associated with an increased future detection of undiagnosed diabetes, chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and atrial fibrillation. Members of
      Medicare Advantage Plans (MAP), including Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNP),
      were identified who received a comprehensive geriatric home visit under United
      Health Group's HouseCalls program and those who did not. Members with no medical
      or prescription drug claim for diabetes, COPD, and atrial fibrillation in the 12
      months prior to the visit were selected. New diagnoses were then identified based
      on claims for office visits and/or prescription drugs in the 6 months after the
      HouseCalls visit. Members who received a visit had a significantly higher rate of
      detection of previously undiagnosed diabetes and COPD, but not of atrial
      fibrillation. The detection rates for diabetes within 6 months of the visit were
      2.8% versus 2.3% (P < 0.01) for MAP and 7.1% versus 5.6% (P < 0.01) for C-SNP
      members. For COPD, 2.5% versus 2.2% (P < 0.01) of members in MAP and 5.3% versus
      4.3% (P < 0.01) of members in C-SNP were newly diagnosed. New diagnoses for
      atrial fibrillation were not significantly more common for members in MAP (1.4%
      versus 1.3%)) and C-SNP (1.9% versus 2.1%). These findings suggest that a home
      visit program, such as HouseCalls, is a promising avenue to address the hidden
      disease burden and unmet care needs in the Medicare population.

PMID- 27123664
TI  - Spontaneous Regression of Pulmonary Nodules Presenting as Epstein-Barr Virus
      related Atypical Infectious Mononucleosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary nodules associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related
      atypical infectious mononucleosis have rarely been described. OBSERVATIONS: A 12
      year-old Japanese boy, upon admission, revealed multiple small round nodules (a
      total of 7 nodules in 4 to 8 mm size) in the lungs on computed tomography. The
      hemorrhagic pharyngeal tonsils with hot signals on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose
      positron emission tomography-computed tomography were biopsied revealing the
      presence of EBV-encoded small nuclear RNA (EBER)-positive cells; however, no
      lymphoma was noted. The patient was diagnosed as having atypical EBV-infectious
      mononucleosis associated with primary EBV infection. Pulmonary nodules markedly
      reduced in numbers and sizes spontaneously over a 2-year period. CONCLUSIONS:
      Differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules in childhood should include atypical
      EBV infection.

PMID- 27123663
TI  - H2 metabolism is widespread and diverse among human colonic microbes.
AB  - Microbial molecular hydrogen (H2) cycling is central to metabolic homeostasis and
      microbial composition in the human gastrointestinal tract. Molecular H2 is
      produced as an endproduct of carbohydrate fermentation and is reoxidised
      primarily by sulfate-reduction, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis. However, the
      enzymatic basis for these processes is incompletely understood and the
      hydrogenases responsible have not been investigated. In this work, we surveyed
      the genomic and metagenomic distribution of hydrogenase-encoding genes in the
      human colon to infer dominant mechanisms of H2 cycling. The data demonstrate that
      70% of gastrointestinal microbial species listed in the Human Microbiome Project
      encode the genetic capacity to metabolise H2. A wide variety of anaerobically
      adapted hydrogenases were present, with [FeFe]-hydrogenases predominant. We
      subsequently analyzed the hydrogenase gene content of stools from 20 healthy
      human subjects. The hydrogenase gene content of all samples was overwhelmingly
      dominated by fermentative and electron-bifurcating [FeFe]-hydrogenases emerging
      from the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. This study supports that H2 metabolism in
      the human gut is driven by fermentative H2 production and interspecies H2
      transfer. However, it suggests that electron-bifurcation rather than respiration
      is the dominant mechanism of H2 reoxidation in the human colon, generating
      reduced ferredoxin to sustain carbon-fixation (e.g. acetogenesis) and respiration
      (via the Rnf complex). This work provides the first comprehensive bioinformatic
      insight into the mechanisms of H2 metabolism in the human colon.

PMID- 27123665
TI  - Pediatric Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma Treated With Surgical Resection Alone:
      Clinicopathologic Features.
AB  - Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare brain tumor that usually occurs in
      children and young adults. It has characteristic histologic features and is
      regarded as a WHO grade II lesion. Overall survival is reported to be >60%, but
      published series usually consist of a range of ages and treatment modalities.
      Gross total resection is associated with superior survival but recurrence rates
      after gross total resection are not well described, particularly in a pediatric
      population. We describe 16 cases over 20 years at our institution of pediatric
      PXA treated with surgical resection alone with a 5-year relapse-free survival of
      40% (95% confidence interval, 20%-82%) and overall survival of 76% (95%
      confidence interval, 55%-100%). Gross total resection was associated with
      superior relapse-free survival (P<0.05). Some cases have a very long period
      between symptom onset or radiologic detection and resection, but neither length
      of symptoms nor radiologic signs of slow growth were associated with survival.
      PXA is a rare and unusual entity with unpredictable behavior. Complete surgical
      resection is optimal but does not guarantee relapse-free survival. We propose
      separation of PXA from other low-grade gliomas in childhood given differing
      biology and behavior.

PMID- 27123666
TI  - DIC Complicating APL Successfully Treated With Recombinant Thrombomodulin Alfa.
AB  - An 8-year-old boy developed anorexia, fatigue, and fever. Laboratory examination
      revealed a high white blood cell (WBC) count of 145*10/MUL with 97.5% abnormal
      promyelocytic cells that contained Auer bodies. Faggot cells were seen. He was
      diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. Later, a chromosome analysis showed
      46,XY,t(15;17)(q22;q12). Promyelocytic Leukemia-retinoic acid receptor alpha
      fused gene and chimeric mRNA were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization
      and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, respectively. He was
      complicated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and his fibrin and
      fibrinogen degradation product at the onset was 37.6 MUg/mL. Human recombinant
      thrombomodulin (rTM) was started for DIC. After dexamethasone was administered at
      a dose of 8 mg/m to prevent all-trans retinoic acid syndrome on day 1, all-trans
      retinoic acid was started at a dose of 45 mg/m on day 4. Cytarabine (100 mg/m/d)
      and daunorubicin (45 mg/m/d) were started on day 9. The WBC count gradually
      increased to 270*10/MUL on day 8, and then decreased beginning on day 9. DIC
      improved after the initiation of chemotherapy and only minor petechia was noted.
      DIC did not become worse even after rTM was stopped on day 8. The risk of DIC and
      bleeding is high in the early stage of treatment for acute promyelocytic
      leukemia, especially in patients with a high WBC count. In our patient, rTM may
      have prevented fatal DIC and made it possible to safely administer induction
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 27123667
TI  - Efficacy of Pulsed Radiofrequency Therapy to Dorsal Root Ganglion Adding to TENS
      and Exercise for Persistent Pain after Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - The majority of patients achieve substantial pain relief and improved function
      after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but a proportion continues to experience
      life-disturbing persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) in the months and years after
      surgery. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical
      nerve stimulation (TENS), exercise, and pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment on
      pain severity, neuropathic pain, knee flexion range of motion (ROM), functional
      status, and patient satisfaction in patients with PPSP after TKA. This is a
      retrospective study of prospectively collected data. Patients who were identified
      retrospectively from hospital charts were divided into two groups: group 1 (n =
      17) received TENS and exercise treatment and group 2 (n = 22) received TENS,
      exercise, and PRF application to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The following
      procedure-related parameters were collected from the special registry form:
      visual analog scale (VAS), Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire, knee
      flexion ROM, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index
      (WOMAC), and patient satisfaction scale scores. The mean follow-up was 253.8 +/-
      109 days. When the two groups were compared, a significant difference of at least
      50% improvement in the VAS (activity) and a significant reduction in the DN4
      scores following the last control examination were found in group 2. There was a
      significant reduction in total WOMAC scores in group 1 compared with group 2 for
      the four study periods. Higher scores for the patient satisfaction scale were
      found in group 1 compared with group 2 following the last control examination.
      Adding PRF to TENS and exercise therapy is useful in reducing the degree of pain
      and the neuropathic component of PPSP in patients with PPSP.

PMID- 27123668
TI  - Comparison of Synovial Fluid Cytokine Levels between Traumatic Knee Injury and
      End-Stage Osteoarthritis.
AB  - Degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) has been associated with elevated synovial fluid
      cytokines. It is unclear whether traumatic knee injuries are a trigger to the
      chemical process that leads to OA. The purpose of this study was to compare the
      synovial fluid cytokine levels between knees undergoing arthroscopy due to a
      documented inciting injury and knees undergoing primary arthroplasty due to end
      stage OA without a previous inciting injury. Synovial fluid samples were
      prospectively collected from knees undergoing arthroscopic surgeries due to
      ligamentous or meniscal knee injuries (knee injury group, n = 16) and primary
      arthroplasty due to OA (end-stage OA group, n = 14). In the knee injury group,
      patients had none or minimal OA and at least 30 days from the inciting injury.
      Exclusion criteria for both groups included inflammatory arthropathy (n = 1) and
      insufficient fluid for analysis (n = 1). In addition to synovial fluid cytokines,
      preoperative demographic, clinical, and functional data (Knee Injury and
      Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS]) were collected and compared between the
      groups. The end-stage OA group had higher age (p < 0.0001), body mass index (p =
      0.0061), Charlson comorbidity index (<0.0001), and OA classification (p <
      0.0001). Preoperative KOOS were similar between the groups. Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
      and IL-8 were elevated in the end-stage OA group compared with the knee injury
      group (p = 0.04 and 0.006, respectively). Granulocyte-macrophage colony
      stimulating factor, interferon gamma, IL-1beta, IL-12p70, IL-2, IL-10, and tumor
      necrosis factor alpha were not statistically different between the groups. A
      similar synovial fluid cytokine profile was found between the two groups. The
      elevation of IL-6 and IL-8 in the end-stage OA group indicates the potential role
      that these proinflammatory cytokines may have in long-term cartilage damage.

PMID- 27123669
TI  - A Cadaveric Analysis of the Optimal Radiographic Angle for Evaluating Trochlear
      Depth.
AB  - Disorders of the patellofemoral joint are common. Diagnosis and management often
      involves the use tangential imaging of the patella and trochlear grove, with the
      sunrise projection being the most common. However, imaging protocols vary between
      institutions, and limited data exist to determine which radiographic projections
      provide optimal visualization of the trochlear groove at its deepest point. Plain
      radiographs of 48 cadaveric femora were taken at various beam-femur angles and
      the maximum trochlear depth was measured; a tilt-board apparatus was used to
      elevate the femur in 5-degree increments between 40 and 75 degrees. A corollary
      experiment was undertaken to investigate beam-femur angles osteologically:
      digital representations of each bone were created with a MicroScribe digitizer,
      and trochlear depth was measured on all specimens at beam-femur angles from 0 to
      75 degrees. The results of the radiographic and digitizer experiments showed that
      the maximum trochlear grove depth occurred at a beam-femur angle of 50 degrees.
      These results suggest that the optimal beam-femur angle for visualizing maximum
      trochlear depth is 50 degrees. This is significantly lower than the beam-femur
      angle of 90 degrees typically used in the sunrise projection. Clinicians
      evaluating trochlear depth on sunrise projections may be underestimating maximal
      depth and evaluating a nonarticulating portion of the femur.

PMID- 27123670
TI  - Do we care about sustainability? An analysis of time sensitivity of social
      preferences under environmental time-persistent effects.
AB  - Environmental cost-benefit analysis has traditionally assumed that the value of
      benefits is sensitive to their timing and that outcomes are valued higher, the
      sooner in time they occur following implementation of a project or policy.
      Though, this assumption might have important implications especially for the
      social desirability of interventions aiming at counteracting time-persistent
      environmental problems, whose impacts occur in the long- and very long-term,
      respectively involving the present and future generations. This study analyzes
      the time sensitivity of social preferences for preservation policies of
      adaptation to climate change stresses. Results show that stated preferences are
      time insensitive, due to sustainability issues: individuals show insignificant
      differences in benefits they can experience within their own lifetimes compared
      to those which occur in the longer term, and which will instead be enjoyed by
      future generations. Whilst these results may be specific to the experimental
      design employed here, they do raise interesting questions regarding choices over
      time-persistent environmental problems, particularly in terms of the desirability
      of interventions which produce longer-term benefits. 

PMID- 27123671
TI  - Small-Protein-Stabilized Semiconductor Nanoprobe for Targeted Imaging of Cancer
      Cells.
AB  - Recently, semiconductor nanoparticles such as quantum dots (QDs) have attracted
      significant attention for bioimaging. Complex chemical functionalization, surface
      modification, and bioconjugation chemistry are generally required to tag
      biomolecules to QDs for imaging of different biomarkers. In this study, we report
      a simple method for production of QDs stabilized by the small protein, Affibody
      (AF-QDs) for fluorescent imaging of the human epidermal growth factor receptor
      type 2 (HER2) in human A549 lung cancer cells. This one-pot synthesis of AF-QDs
      avoids complex chemical conjugation procedures and demonstrates a promising
      approach for the preparation of fluorescent nanoprobes for imaging of cancer
      targets.

PMID- 27123672
TI  - Improved child problem behavior enhances the parents' relationship quality: A
      randomized trial.
AB  - Although a large body of literature indicates that interparental discord is a
      primary risk factor for child maladjustment, less research has examined
      children's behavior as a predictor of the parents' relationship quality. The goal
      of this randomized trial intervention study was to examine the effects of
      improved problem behavior in children on the parents' relationship quality 1 year
      later in a community sample. One hundred couples were randomly assigned to (a) a
      parenting training (Triple P) or (b) an untreated control group. Interparental
      relationship quality, parenting behavior, and child problem behavior were
      assessed by means of questionnaires completed by the parents before and 2 weeks
      after completion of the treatment and at 6-month and 1-year follow-ups. Mother
      report of improved child problem behavior and father-report of improved parenting
      skills predicted both partners' relationship quality at the 1-year follow-up for
      the Triple P group only. The findings suggest that programs aimed at reducing
      child problem behavior hold promise to also enhance the couple's relationship
      quality. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123673
TI  - The association between self-perceived parental role and meaning in life among
      gay and heterosexual fathers.
AB  - The association between self-perceived parental role and meaning in life
      (indicated by personal growth and purpose in life) was explored among 82 Israeli
      gay fathers that were individually matched with 82 heterosexual fathers. Self
      perceived parental role was associated with meaning in life and this association
      was moderated by sexual orientation, demonstrating a significant positive
      association between self-perceived parental role and meaning in life among gay
      fathers but not among heterosexual fathers. The results are interpreted in light
      of the unique parental role gay fathers possibly construct in the context of
      intentional parenting and through possible life circumstances which appear
      associated with increased feelings of personal growth and purpose in life.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123674
TI  - Neuromodulation as a cognitive enhancement strategy in healthy older adults:
      promises and pitfalls.
AB  - Increases in life expectancy have been followed by an upsurge of age-associated
      cognitive decline. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial
      direct current stimulation (tDCS) have risen as promising approaches to prevent
      or delay such cognitive decline. However, consensus has not yet been reached
      about their efficacy in improving cognitive functioning in healthy older adults.
      Here we review the effects of TMS and tDCS on cognitive abilities in healthy
      older adults. Despite considerable variability in the targeted cognitive domains,
      design features and outcomes, the results generally show an enhancement or
      uniform benefit across studies. Most studies employed tDCS, suggesting that this
      technique is particularly well-suited for cognitive enhancement. Further work is
      required to determine the viability of these techniques as tools for long-term
      cognitive improvement. Importantly, the combination of TMS/tDCS with other
      cognitive enhancement strategies may be a promising strategy to alleviate the
      cognitive decline associated with the healthy aging process.

PMID- 27123675
TI  - Altered force-generating capacity is well-perceived regardless of the pain
      presence.
AB  - An inability to perceive changes in action capabilities may result in increased
      risk of injury and/or reduced performance. We investigated whether the perception
      of ability to perform a maximal single-leg hop was updated when the actual
      ability to perform the task was reduced due to experimentally altered force
      generating capacity and associated pain. Twenty-five healthy volunteers performed
      a series of maximal isometric voluntary knee extensions (MVC), performance
      estimates and actual performances of a maximal single-leg hop. The motor tasks
      were completed for each leg, before (t0_pre), and immediately (t0_post), 48 hr
      (t+48hr) and 1 month (t+1month) after, a neuromuscular electrical stimulation
      (NMES) protocol was used to decrease the force generating capacity of the
      quadriceps muscle of 1 leg. MVC torque decreased by ~30% after the NMES protocol
      for the stimulated leg at t0_post and t+48hr (p < .001). This reduction was
      associated with a significant decrease in estimation of performance and actual
      performance of the maximal single-leg hop at t0_post and t+48hr for the test leg
      (p < .001). The reduction in performance ability was associated with low-level
      pain immediately after NMES, and moderate pain and an increase in the belief that
      everyday motor tasks would be harmful 48 hours after NMES. Participants
      accurately estimated their performance capabilities during each testing period.
      This study provides a critical step toward understanding the potential for
      decreased force-generating capacity and muscle pain to modify the relationship
      between motor performance and perceived abilities.

PMID- 27123676
TI  - The processing architectures of whole-object features: A logical-rules approach.
AB  - In this article, we examine whether dimensions comprising the entirety of an
      object (e.g., size and saturation) are processed independently or pooled into a
      single whole-object representation. These whole-object features, while notionally
      separable, sometimes show empirical effects consistent with integrality. A
      recently proposed theoretical distinction between integral and separable
      dimensions that emphasizes the time course of information processing, can be used
      to differentiate whether whole-object features are processed independently,
      either in serial or in parallel, or pooled into a single coactive process (see,
      e.g., Little, Nosofsky, Donkin, & Denton, 2013). The current research examines
      this theoretical distinction in the processing of 3 sets of whole-object-featured
      stimuli that vary on any pair of the dimensions of saturation, size, and
      orientation. We found that a mixture of serial and parallel architectures
      underlies the processing of whole-object features. These results indicate that
      whole-object features are processed independently. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123677
TI  - Observers' cognitive states modulate how visual inputs relate to gaze control.
AB  - Previous research has shown that eye-movements change depending on both the
      visual features of our environment, and the viewer's top-down knowledge. One
      important question that is unclear is the degree to which the visual goals of the
      viewer modulate how visual features of scenes guide eye-movements. Here, we
      propose a systematic framework to investigate this question. In our study,
      participants performed 3 different visual tasks on 135 scenes: search,
      memorization, and aesthetic judgment, while their eye-movements were tracked.
      Canonical correlation analyses showed that eye-movements were reliably more
      related to low-level visual features at fixations during the visual search task
      compared to the aesthetic judgment and scene memorization tasks. Different visual
      features also had different relevance to eye-movements between tasks. This
      modulation of the relationship between visual features and eye-movements by task
      was also demonstrated with classification analyses, where classifiers were
      trained to predict the viewing task based on eye movements and visual features at
      fixations. Feature loadings showed that the visual features at fixations could
      signal task differences independent of temporal and spatial properties of eye
      movements. When classifying across participants, edge density and saliency at
      fixations were as important as eye-movements in the successful prediction of
      task, with entropy and hue also being significant, but with smaller effect sizes.
      When classifying within participants, brightness and saturation were also
      significant contributors. Canonical correlation and classification results,
      together with a test of moderation versus mediation, suggest that the cognitive
      state of the observer moderates the relationship between stimulus-driven visual
      features and eye-movements. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123678
TI  - The feeling of another's knowing: How "mixed messages" in speech are reconciled.
AB  - Listeners often encounter conflicting verbal and vocal cues about the speaker's
      feeling of knowing; these "mixed messages" can reflect online shifts in one's
      mental state as they utter a statement, or serve different social-pragmatic goals
      of the speaker. Using a cross-splicing paradigm, we investigated how conflicting
      cues about a speaker's feeling of (un)knowing change one's perception. Listeners
      rated the confidence of speakers of utterances containing an initial verbal
      phrase congruent or incongruent with vocal cues in a subsequent statement, while
      their brain potentials were tracked. Different forms of conflicts modulated the
      perceived confidence of the speaker, the extent to which was stronger for female
      listeners. A confident phrase followed by an unconfident voice enlarged an
      anteriorly maximized negativity for female listeners and late positivity for male
      listeners, suggesting that mental representations of another's feeling of knowing
      in face of this conflict were hampered by increased demands of integration for
      females and increased demands on updating for males. An unconfident phrase
      followed by a confident voice elicited a delayed sustained positivity (from 900
      ms) in female participants only, suggesting females generated inferences to
      moderate the conflicting message about speaker knowledge. We highlight ways that
      verbal and vocal cues are real-time integrated to access a speaker's feeling of
      (un)knowing, while arguing that females are more sensitive to the social
      relevance of conflicting speaker cues. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123679
TI  - Metacognitive evaluation in the avoidance of demand.
AB  - In the current set of experiments our goal was to test the hypothesis that
      individuals avoid courses of action based on a kind of metacognitive evaluation
      of demand in a Demand Selection Task (DST). Individuals in Experiment 1 completed
      a DST utilizing visual stimuli known to yield a dissociation between performance
      and perceived demand. Patterns of demand avoidance followed that of perceived
      demand. Experiment 2 provided a replication of the aforementioned results, in
      addition to demonstrating a second dissociation between a peripheral
      physiological measure of demand (i.e., blink rates) and demand avoidance.
      Experiment 3 directly tested the assumption that individuals make use of a
      general metacognitive evaluation of task demand during selections. A DST was
      utilized in a forced-choice paradigm that required individuals to either select
      the most effortful, time demanding, or least accurate of 2 choices. Patterns of
      selections were similar across all rating dimensions, lending credit to this
      notion. Findings are discussed within a metacognitive framework of demand
      avoidance and contrasted to current theories. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123680
TI  - Fast and slow readers and the effectiveness of the spatial frequency content of
      text: Evidence from reading times and eye movements.
AB  - Text contains a range of different spatial frequencies but the effectiveness of
      spatial frequencies for normal variations in skilled adult reading ability is
      unknown. Accordingly, young skilled adult readers showing fast or slow reading
      ability read sentences displayed as normal or filtered to contain only very low,
      low, medium, high, or very high spatial frequencies. Reading times and eye
      movement measures of fixations and saccades assessed the effectiveness of these
      displays for reading. Reading times showed that, for each reading ability,
      medium, high, and very high spatial frequencies were all more effective than
      lower spatial frequencies. Indeed, for each reading ability, reading times for
      normal text were maintained when text contained only medium, high, or very high
      spatial frequencies. However, reading times for normal text and for each spatial
      frequency were all substantially shorter for fast readers than for slow readers,
      and this advantage for fast readers was similar for normal, medium, high, and
      very high spatial frequencies but much larger for low and very low spatial
      frequencies. In addition, fast readers made fewer and shorter fixations, fewer
      and shorter regressions, and longer forward saccades, than slow readers, and
      these differences were generally similar in size for normal, medium, high, and
      very high spatial frequencies, but larger when spatial frequencies were lower.
      These findings suggest that fast and slow adult readers can each use a range of
      different spatial frequencies for reading but fast readers make more effective
      use of these spatial frequencies and especially those that are lower. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 27123681
TI  - Memory-based attention capture when multiple items are maintained in visual
      working memory.
AB  - Efficient visual search requires that attention is guided strategically to
      relevant objects, and most theories of visual search implement this function by
      means of a target template maintained in visual working memory (VWM). However,
      there is currently debate over the architecture of VWM-based attentional
      guidance. We contrasted a single-item-template hypothesis with a multiple-item
      template hypothesis, which differ in their claims about structural limits on the
      interaction between VWM representations and perceptual selection. Recent evidence
      from van Moorselaar, Theeuwes, and Olivers (2014) indicated that memory-based
      capture during search, an index of VWM guidance, is not observed when memory set
      size is increased beyond a single item, suggesting that multiple items in VWM do
      not guide attention. In the present study, we maximized the overlap between
      multiple colors held in VWM and the colors of distractors in a search array.
      Reliable capture was observed when 2 colors were held in VWM and both colors were
      present as distractors, using both the original van Moorselaar et al. singleton
      shape search task and a search task that required focal attention to array
      elements (gap location in outline square stimuli). In the latter task, memory
      based capture was consistent with the simultaneous guidance of attention by
      multiple VWM representations. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123682
TI  - Pupils dilate for vocal or familiar music.
AB  - Previous research reveals that vocal melodies are remembered better than
      instrumental renditions. Here we explored the possibility that the voice, as a
      highly salient stimulus, elicits greater arousal than nonvocal stimuli, resulting
      in greater pupil dilation for vocal than for instrumental melodies. We also
      explored the possibility that pupil dilation indexes memory for melodies. We
      tracked pupil dilation during a single exposure to 24 unfamiliar folk melodies
      (half sung to la la, half piano) and during a subsequent recognition test in
      which the previously heard melodies were intermixed with 24 novel melodies (half
      sung, half piano) from the same corpus. Pupil dilation was greater for vocal
      melodies than for piano melodies in the exposure phase and in the test phase. It
      was also greater for previously heard melodies than for novel melodies. Our
      findings provide the first evidence that pupillometry can be used to measure
      recognition of stimuli that unfold over several seconds. They also provide the
      first evidence of enhanced arousal to vocal melodies during encoding and
      retrieval, thereby supporting the more general notion of the voice as a
      privileged signal. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123683
TI  - Remembering faces and scenes: The mixed-category advantage in visual working
      memory.
AB  - We examined the mixed-category memory advantage for faces and scenes to determine
      how domain-specific cortical resources constrain visual working memory.
      Consistent with previous findings, visual working memory for a display of 2 faces
      and 2 scenes was better than that for a display of 4 faces or 4 scenes. This
      pattern was unaffected by manipulations of encoding duration. However, the mixed
      category advantage was carried solely by faces: Memory for scenes was not better
      when scenes were encoded with faces rather than with other scenes. The asymmetry
      between faces and scenes was found when items were presented simultaneously or
      sequentially, centrally, or peripherally, and when scenes were drawn from a
      narrow category. A further experiment showed a mixed-category advantage in memory
      for faces and bodies, but not in memory for scenes and objects. The results
      suggest that unique category-specific interactions contribute significantly to
      the mixed-category advantage in visual working memory. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123684
TI  - Newborns' sensitivity to the visual aspects of infant-directed speech: Evidence
      from point-line displays of talking faces.
AB  - The first time a newborn is held, he is attracted by the human's face. A talking
      face is even more captivating, as it is the first time he or she hears and sees
      another human talking. Older infants are relatively good at detecting the
      relationship between images and sounds when someone is addressing to them, but it
      is unclear whether this ability is dependent on experience or not. Using an
      intermodal matching procedure, we presented newborns with 2 silent point-line
      displays representing the same face uttering different sentences while they were
      hearing a vocal-only utterance that matched 1 of the 2 stimuli. Nearly all of the
      newborns looked longer at the matching point-line face than at the mismatching 1,
      with prior exposure to the stimuli (Experiment 1) or without (Experiment 2).
      These results are interpreted in terms of newborns' ability to extract common
      visual and auditory information of continuous speech events despite a short
      experience with talking faces. The implications are discussed in the light of the
      language processing and acquisition literature. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123685
TI  - The impact of configural superiority on the processing of spatial information.
AB  - The impact of context on perception has been well documented for over a century.
      In some cases, the introduction of context to a set of target features may
      produce a unified percept, leading to a quicker and more accurate classification;
      a configural superiority effect (Pomerantz, Sager, & Stoever, 1977). Although
      this effect has been well characterized in terms of the stimulus features that
      produce the effect, the specific impact context has on the spatial strategies
      adopted by observers when making perceptual judgments remains unclear. Here, we
      sought to address this question by using the methods of response classification
      and ideal observer analysis. In our main experiment, we used a stimulus set known
      to produce the configural superiority effect and found that although observers
      were faster in the presence of context, they were actually less efficient at
      extracting stimulus information. This surprising result was attributable to the
      use of a spatial strategy in which observers relied on redundant, noninformative
      features in the presence of context. A control experiment ruled out the
      possibility that the mere presence of added context led to these strategic
      shifts. Our results support previous notions about the nature of the perceptual
      shifts that are induced by the configural superiority effect. However, they also
      show that configural processing is more nuanced than originally thought: Although
      observers may be faster at making judgments when context induces the percept of a
      configural whole, there appears to be a hidden cost in terms of the efficiency
      with which information is used. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123686
TI  - Seriously clowning: Medical clowning interaction with children undergoing
      invasive examinations in hospitals.
AB  - This qualitative study examined the subjective experience of children undergoing
      an invasive examination in the hospital when accompanied by a medical clown. In
      depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine such children and nine
      of their accompanying parents. The children were patients in two outpatient
      departments (Pediatric Gastroenterology and a Center for the Sexually Abused) in
      a hospital in Israel. Interviews were coded thematically using an Atlas.ti
      software program. Analysis of the interviews indicated that the intervention of
      the clown positively changed the children's perceptions of the hospital, of
      experiencing the examination, and of their life narrative. Medical clowns thus
      appear to be a central, meaningful, and therapeutic source for children
      undergoing invasive examinations in hospital, as well as for their parents.
      Therefore, it may be advisable to incorporate medical clowns as an integral part
      of medical teams performing invasive procedures and to include the clowns in all
      stages of the hospital visit.

PMID- 27123687
TI  - Health behaviors and demographic factors of chronic health conditions among
      elderly veteran men.
AB  - As male veterans age, there are unique opportunities for health-related
      prevention efforts to be introduced throughout the life cycle to ameliorate the
      effects of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, asthma,
      arthritis, and diabetes. This study analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor
      Surveillance System (2012) with a sample of 27,187 male veterans aged 65-84 years
      and 4,079 male veterans over 85 years of age. The study examined associations
      between behaviors, demographics, and five chronic health conditions with
      variables that included marital status, health insurance coverage, alcohol
      consumption, smoking history, and income levels. These associations varied
      between the two age groups, suggesting the need for intervention with veterans
      across their lifespans. Public health social workers could help veterans modify
      their health behaviors to prevent the occurrence or worsening of chronic health
      conditions over time and across the aging process.

PMID- 27123688
TI  - Technology Use Among Patients in a Nonurban Southern U.S. HIV Clinic in 2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Behavioral interventions can be delivered over the Internet, but
      nonurban subpopulations living with HIV may still have inadequate Internet access
      to make this feasible. METHODS: We report on a survey conducted in 2015 among 150
      patients receiving care at a university-based Infectious Disease Clinic serving a
      nonurban and rural population in central Virginia. Our aim was to determine the
      rate of computer, tablet, and smartphone usage, as well as Internet access, to
      inform the delivery of a novel intervention using Internet and mobile technology.
      RESULTS: The participants' mean age was 46; 111 patients used computers, 101 used
      smartphones, and 41 used tablets. The results showed that 87% of patients had
      Internet access. Of those, 49 reported daily Internet use, while 18% reported
      weekly Internet use, and 33% reported less frequent Internet use. CONCLUSIONS:
      The survey study data suggest that Internet access among nonurban and rural
      patients with HIV is adequate to support trials testing Internet-delivered
      interventions. It is time to develop and deliver Internet interventions tailored
      for this often isolated subpopulation.

PMID- 27123689
TI  - Icatibant as acute treatment for hereditary angioedema in adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hereditary angioedema with C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) is
      a rare disease, characterized by recurrent, unpredictable episodes of cutaneous
      and/or mucosal edema. Bradykinin, released by the activation of the contact
      system, binds to bradykinin B2 receptors on the endothelial cell surface to
      enhance vascular permeaility, which leads to angioedema. AREAS COVERED: C1-INH
      HAE therapy is aimed at the inhibition of bradykinin release, as well as at the
      blockage of its effects mediated by its receptor. Three controlled trials, three
      open-label extensions, and two open-label studies, and a prospective,
      observational study have confirmed the safety and efficacy of the bradykinin B2
      receptor antagonist, icatibant administered as acute treatment for HAE attacks in
      adult patients with C1-INH-HAE. Expert commentary: The ready-to-use, pre-filled
      syringes of icatibant can be self-administered easily, effectively, safely and,
      importantly, conviently. - This has resulted in patients being able to quickly
      treat an attack and realize a dramatic change for the better in their lives.

PMID- 27123690
TI  - Notes from the Field: Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis Associated with Exposure
      to Swimming Pool Water Supplied by an Overland Pipe - Inyo County, California,
      2015.
AB  - On June 17, 2015, a previously healthy woman aged 21 years went to an emergency
      department after onset of headache, nausea, and vomiting during the preceding 24
      hours. Upon evaluation, she was vomiting profusely and had photophobia and nuchal
      rigidity. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid was consistent with meningitis.* She
      was empirically treated for bacterial and viral meningoencephalitis. Her
      condition continued to decline, and she was transferred to a higher level of care
      in another facility on June 19, but died shortly thereafter. Cultures of
      cerebrospinal fluid and multiple blood specimens were negative, and tests for
      West Nile, herpes simplex, and influenza viruses were negative. No organisms were
      seen in the cerebrospinal fluid; however, real-time polymerase chain reaction
      testing by CDC was positive for Naegleria fowleri, a free-living thermophilic
      ameba found in warm freshwater that causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis, an
      almost universally fatal infection. 

PMID- 27123692
TI  - Predictive mathematical modeling of knee static laxity after ACL reconstruction:
      in vivo analysis.
AB  - Previous studies did not take into consideration such large variety of surgery
      variables which describe the performed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      reconstruction and the interaction among them in the definition of postoperative
      outcome. Seventeen patients who underwent navigated Single Bundle plus Lateral
      Plasty ACL reconstruction were enrolled in the study. Static laxity was evaluated
      as the value of anterior/posterior displacement at 30 degrees  and at 90 degrees 
      of flexion, internal/external rotation at 30 degrees  and 90 degrees  of knee
      flexion, varus/valgus test at 0 degrees  and 30 degrees  of flexion. The
      evaluated surgical variables were analyzed through a multivariate analysis
      defining the following models: AP30estimate, AP90estimate, IE30estimate,
      IE90estimate, VV0estimate, VV30estimate. Surgical variables has been defined as
      the angles between the tibial tunnel and the three planes, the lengths of the
      tunnel and the relationship between native footprints and tunnels. An analogous
      characterization was performed for the femoral side. Performance and significance
      of the defined models have been quantified by the correlation ratio (eta(2)) and
      the corresponding p-value (*p < 0.050). The analyzed models resulted to be
      statistically significant (p < 0.05) for prediction of postoperative static
      laxity values. The only exception was the AP90estimate model. The eta(2) ranged
      from 0.568 (IE90estimate) to 0.995 (IE30estimate). The orientation of the tibial
      tunnel resulted to be the most important surgical variable for the performed
      laxity estimation. Mathematical models for postoperative knee laxity is a useful
      tool to evaluate the effects of different surgical variables on the postoperative
      outcome. 

PMID- 27123691
TI  - Pandemic vaccination strategies and influenza severe outcomes during the
      influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic and the post-pandemic influenza season: the
      Nordic experience.
AB  - During the 2009/10 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic, the five Nordic countries
      adopted different approaches to pandemic vaccination. We compared pandemic
      vaccination strategies and severe influenza outcomes, in seasons 2009/10 and
      2010/11 in these countries with similar influenza surveillance systems. We
      calculated the cumulative pandemic vaccination coverage in 2009/10 and cumulative
      incidence rates of laboratory confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 infections, intensive care
      unit (ICU) admissions and deaths in 2009/10 and 2010/11. We estimated incidence
      risk ratios (IRR) in a Poisson regression model to compare those indicators
      between Denmark and the other countries. The vaccination coverage was lower in
      Denmark (6.1%) compared with Finland (48.2%), Iceland (44.1%), Norway (41.3%) and
      Sweden (60.0%). In 2009/10 Denmark had a similar cumulative incidence of
      A(H1N1)pdm09 ICU admissions and deaths compared with the other countries. In
      2010/11 Denmark had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of A(H1N1)pdm09
      ICU admissions (IRR: 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9-3.0) and deaths (IRR:
      8.3; 95% CI: 5.1-13.5). Compared with Denmark, the other countries had higher
      pandemic vaccination coverage and experienced less A(H1N1)pdm09-related severe
      outcomes in 2010/11. Pandemic vaccination may have had an impact on severe
      influenza outcomes in the post-pandemic season. Surveillance of severe outcomes
      may be used to compare the impact of influenza between seasons and support
      different vaccination strategies.

PMID- 27123693
TI  - Insights into the Impact of the Nafion Membrane Pretreatment Process on Vanadium
      Flow Battery Performance.
AB  - Nafion membranes are now the most widely used membranes for long-life vanadium
      flow batteries (VFBs) because of their extremely high chemical stability. Today,
      the type of Nafion membrane that should be selected and how to pretreat these
      Nafion membranes have become critical issues, which directly affects the
      performance and cost of VFBs. In this work, we chose the Nafion 115 membrane to
      investigate the effect of the pretreatment process (as received, wet, boiled, and
      boiled and dried) on the performance of VFBs. The relationship between the
      nanostructure and transport properties of Nafion 115 membranes is elucidated by
      wide-angle X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering techniques. The
      self-discharge process, battery efficiencies, electrolyte utilization, and long
      term cycling stability of VFBs with differently pretreated Nafion membranes are
      presented comprehensively. An online monitoring system is used to monitor the
      electrolyte volume that varies during the long-term charge-discharge test of
      VFBs. The capacity fading mechanism and electrolyte imbalance of VFBs with these
      Nafion 115 membranes are also discussed in detail. The optimal pretreatment
      processes for the benchmark membrane and practical application are synthetically
      selected.

PMID- 27123694
TI  - Prosurvival AMBRA1 turns into a proapoptotic BH3-like protein during
      mitochondrial apoptosis.
AB  - Autophagy and apoptosis are 2 stress-response mechanisms that are closely
      interconnected. However, the molecular interplays between these 2 pathways remain
      to be clarified. Here we report that the crucial proautophagic factor AMBRA1 can
      act as a positive mediator of mitochondrial apoptosis. Indeed, we show that, in a
      proapoptotic positive feedback loop, the C-terminal part of AMBRA1, generated by
      CASP/CASPASE cleavage upon apoptosis induction, inhibits the antiapoptotic factor
      BCL2 by a direct binding through its BH3-like domain. The mitochondrial AMBRA1
      BCL2 complex is thus at the crossroad between autophagy and cell death and may
      represent a novel target in development of therapeutic approaches in clinical
      diseases.

PMID- 27123695
TI  - A double-tracer technique to characterize absorption, distribution, metabolism
      and excretion (ADME) of [14C]-basimglurant and absolute bioavailability after
      oral administration and concomitant intravenous microdose administration of
      [13C6]-labeled basimglurant in humans.
AB  - 1. The emerging technique of employing intravenous microdose administration of an
      isotope tracer concomitantly with an [14C]-labeled oral dose was used to
      characterize the disposition and absolute bioavailability of a novel metabotropic
      glutamate 5 (mGlu5) receptor antagonist under clinical development for major
      depressive disorder (MDD). 2. Six healthy volunteers received a single 1 mg
      [12C/14C]-basimglurant (2.22 MBq) oral dose and a concomitant i.v. tracer dose of
      100 MUg of [13C6]-basimglurant. Concentrations of [12C]-basimglurant and the
      stable isotope [13C6]-basimglurant were determined in plasma by a specific LC/MS
      MS method. Total [14C] radioactivity was determined in whole blood, plasma, urine
      and feces by liquid scintillation counting. Metabolic profiling was conducted in
      plasma, urine, blood cell pellet and feces samples. 3. The mean absolute
      bioavailability after oral administration (F) of basimglurant was ~67% (range
      45.7-77.7%). The major route of [14C]-radioactivity excretion, primarily in form
      of metabolites, was in urine (mean recovery 73.4%), with the remainder excreted
      in feces (mean recovery 26.5%). The median tmax for [12C]-basimglurant after the
      oral administration was 0.71 h (range 0.58-1.00) and the mean terminal half-life
      was 77.2 +/- 38.5 h. Terminal half-life for the [14C]-basimglurant was 178 h
      indicating presence of metabolites with a longer terminal half-life. Five
      metabolites were identified with M1-Glucuronide as major and the others in trace
      amounts. There was minimal binding of drug to RBCs. IV pharmacokinetics was
      characterized with a mean +/- SD CL of 11.8 +/- 7.4 mL/h and a Vss of 677 +/- 229
      L. 4. The double-tracer technique used in this study allowed to simultaneously
      characterize the absolute bioavailability and disposition characteristics of the
      new oral molecular entity in a single study.

PMID- 27123696
TI  - Blaming the building: How venue quality influences consumer bias against
      stigmatized leaders.
AB  - Because stigmatized individuals are viewed as incongruent with commonly held
      implicit leadership theories, they are often deemed less fit to lead than their
      nonstigmatized counterparts (Eagly & Karau, 2002). This suggests consumers might
      use such views to discredit not only stigmatized leaders, but also the companies
      they represent. However, cognition based on social categories (1 potential form
      of stigma) may be more likely when there are readily available alternative
      factors to account for one's decisions via casuistry. Across 2 complementary
      studies (field and experiment), we find that customers react negatively to
      stigmatized leaders only when the physical state of the company venue provides an
      ostensible defense to mask their biased behavior. When facilities are of lower
      quality, consumers appear to use a leader's stigma to infer lower product
      quality, coinciding in less patronage for companies with stigmatized as opposed
      to nonstigmatized leaders. Thus, consumers penalize companies with stigmatized
      leaders only when doing so can easily be attributed to an alternative factor
      (e.g., a lower quality venue) not involving the leader's stigma. (PsycINFO
      Database Record 

PMID- 27123697
TI  - Trust and team performance: A meta-analysis of main effects, moderators, and
      covariates.
AB  - Cumulating evidence from 112 independent studies (N = 7,763 teams), we meta
      analytically examine the fundamental questions of whether intrateam trust is
      positively related to team performance, and the conditions under which it is
      particularly important. We address these questions by analyzing the overall trust
      performance relationship, assessing the robustness of this relationship by
      controlling for other relevant predictors and covariates, and examining how the
      strength of this relationship varies as a function of several moderating factors.
      Our findings confirm that intrateam trust is positively related to team
      performance, and has an above-average impact (rho = .30). The covariate analyses
      show that this relationship holds after controlling for team trust in leader and
      past team performance, and across dimensions of trust (i.e., cognitive and
      affective). The moderator analyses indicate that the trust-performance
      relationship is contingent upon the level of task interdependence, authority
      differentiation, and skill differentiation in teams. Finally, we conducted
      preliminary analyses on several emerging issues in the literature regarding the
      conceptualization and measurement of trust and team performance (i.e., referent
      of intrateam trust, dimension of performance, performance objectivity). Together,
      our findings contribute to the literature by helping to (a) integrate the field
      of intrateam trust research, (b) resolve mixed findings regarding the trust
      performance relationship, (c) overcome scholarly skepticism regarding the main
      effect of trust on team performance, and (d) identify the conditions under which
      trust is most important for team performance. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 27123699
TI  - Maternal social support, quality of birth experience, and post-partum depression
      in primiparous women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social relationships provide individuals with a general sense of self
      worth, psychological wellbeing, as well as allowing them access to resources
      during stressful periods and transitions in life. Pregnancy is a time of
      significant life change for every woman. The aim of this study was to verify the
      influence of social support perceived by mothers during pregnancy on the quality
      of their birth experience and post-partum depression. METHOD: A longitudinal
      study at three different times was carried out on 179 nulliparous pregnant women.
      Women completed a Maternal Social Support Questionnaire during the third
      trimester of their pregnancy. Then, on the first day after childbirth, clinical
      birth indices were collected. Finally, a month after childbirth, the Edinburgh
      Postnatal Depression Scale was administered. RESULTS: Post-partum depression was
      influenced negatively by maternal perceived social support and positively by
      negative clinical birth indices. In addition to these direct effects, analyses
      revealed a significant effect of maternal perceived social support on post-partum
      depression, mediated by the clinical indices considered. CONCLUSIONS: Social
      support perceived by mothers during pregnancy plays a significant role as a
      protection factor against post-partum depression, both directly and indirectly,
      reducing the negative clinical aspects of the birth experience.

PMID- 27123698
TI  - In Situ Reductive Synthesis of Structural Supported Gold Nanorods in Porous
      Silicon Particles for Multifunctional Nanovectors.
AB  - Porous silicon nanodisks (PSD) were fabricated by the combination of
      photolithography and electrochemical etching of silicon. By using PSD as a
      reducing agent, gold nanorods (AuNR) were in situ synthesized in the nanopores of
      PSD, forming PSD-supported-AuNR (PSD/AuNR) hybrid particles. The formation
      mechanism of AuNR in porous silicon (pSi) was revealed by exploring the role of
      pSi reducibility and each chemical in the reaction. With the PSD support, AuNR
      exhibited a stable morphology without toxic surface ligands (CTAB). The PSD/AuNR
      hybrid particles showed enhanced plasmonic property compared to free AuNR.
      Because high-density "hot spots" can be generated by controlling the distribution
      of AuNR supported in PSD, surface-enhanced raman scattering (SERS) using PSD/AuNR
      as particle substrates was demonstrated. A multifunctional vector, PSD/AuNR/DOX,
      composed of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded PSD/AuNR capped with agarose (agar), was
      developed for highly efficient, combinatorial cancer treatment. Their therapeutic
      efficacy was examined using two pancreatic cancer cell lines, PANC-1 and MIA PaCa
      2. PSD/AuNR/DOX (20 MUg Au and 1.25 MUg DOX/mL) effectively destroyed these cells
      under near-IR laser irradiation (810 nm, 15 J.cm(-2) power, 90 s). Overall, we
      envision that PSD/AuNR may be a promising injectable, multifunctional nanovector
      for biomedical application.

PMID- 27123700
TI  - Visual grading evaluation of commercially available metal artefact reduction
      techniques in hip prosthesis computed tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate metal artefact reduction (MAR) techniques from four CT
      vendors in hip prosthesis imaging. METHODS: Bilateral hip prosthesis phantom
      images, obtained by using MAR algorithms for single-energy CT data or dual-energy
      CT (DECT) data and by monoenergetic reconstructions of DECT data, were visually
      graded by five radiologists using 10 image quality criteria. Comparisons between
      the MAR images and a reference image were performed for each scanner separately.
      Ordinal probit regression analysis was used. RESULTS: The MAR algorithms in
      general improved the image quality based on the majority of the criteria (up to
      between 8/10 and 10/10) with a statistical improvement in overall image quality
      (p < 0.001). However, degradation of image quality, such as new artefacts, was
      seen in some cases. A few monoenergetic reconstruction series improved the image
      quality (p < 0.004) for one of the DECT scanners, but it was only improved for
      some of the criteria (up to 5/10). Monoenergetic reconstructions resulted in
      worse image quality for the majority of the criteria (up to 7/10) for the other
      DECT scanner. CONCLUSION: The MAR algorithms improved the image quality of the
      hip prosthesis CT images. However, since additional artefacts and degradation of
      image quality were seen in some cases, all algorithms should be carefully
      evaluated for every clinical situation. Monoenergetic reconstructions were in
      general concluded to be insufficient for reducing metal artefacts. ADVANCES IN
      KNOWLEDGE: Qualitative evaluation of the usefulness of several MAR techniques
      from different vendors in CT imaging of hip prosthesis.

PMID- 27123719
TI  - [Allopurinol is positively associated with cardiovascular health].

PMID- 27123701
TI  - Perirenal fat stranding on CT: is there an association with bladder outlet
      obstruction?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between perirenal fat stranding (PFS) on
      CT and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). METHODS: CT scans from 122 patients who
      had undergone urodynamic study for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were
      registered after exclusion of patients with renal or retroperitoneal disease.
      Images were independently reviewed by two radiologists and compared with those of
      244 age- and sex-matched control patients without LUTS. The PFS severity was
      scored on a four-point scale, and the interobserver agreement was assessed with
      kappa statistics. The severity score and incidence was compared between the
      groups, and the association with baseline characteristics was analyzed. For the
      LUTS group, an association between PFS severity and urodynamic and laboratory
      data was evaluated. RESULTS: PFS was more frequent and more severe in the LUTS
      group than in the control group (p-value < 0.001); its presence was significantly
      associated with male gender and older age (p-value < 0.001). PFS was
      predominantly bilateral in both groups (80.1-93.2%). In the LUTS group, PFS
      severity scores were significantly correlated with the maximum flow rate, maximum
      detrusor pressure and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p-value < 0.001).
      Interobserver agreements were excellent for PFS presence (kappa = 0.883) and
      severity (kappa = 0.816). CONCLUSION: Severe PFS was observed in older, male
      patients with LUTS. PFS severity was associated with the degree of BOO and
      impaired renal function. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Recognition of PFS on the CT scan
      may warrant further evaluation of BOO and appropriate management to prevent renal
      impairment.

PMID- 27123720
TI  - [Do DPP-4-inhibitors increase the risk for heart failure?].

PMID- 27123721
TI  - [Benzodiazepines don't increase risk for dementia in general].

PMID- 27123722
TI  - [62-year old woman with chest pain and hyperthyreoidism].

PMID- 27123723
TI  - [A change of directions is imminent].

PMID- 27123724
TI  - [Endoscopic strategies in minimal invasive therapy].
AB  - Due to higher detection rates of early gastrointestinal neoplasia endoscopic
      resection of early GI cancers or precancerous lesions is increasing. Endoscopic
      piece-meal resection (EMR) remains the standard technique for the endoscopic
      resection of large sessile colorectal adenomas. Cap-assisted EMR techniques show
      excellent long-term results in the endoscopic therapy of neoplastic Barrett's
      esophagus. For the endoscopic resection of early gastrointestinal cancers of more
      than 2 cm endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the method of choice. The
      value of endoscopic full thickness resection in the therapy of GI tumors remains
      to be seen. 

PMID- 27123725
TI  - [Curative endoscopic therapy: which lesions can be addressed].
AB  - Since the implementation of a nationwide screening colonoscopy the incidence of
      colorectal adenocarcinoma is decreasing, while the amount of early endoscopically
      resectable tumours is increasing. Similarly malignant tumors of the upper
      gastrointestinal tract are diagnosed and resected endoscopically more often. In
      part, this also depends on improvements in technology.The current guidelines of
      diagnosis and treatment of squamous carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the
      esophagus, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer exactly define, which lesions can
      be endoscopically resected curatively. This mostly depends on the risc of
      metastases in regional lymph nodes. The risc of a lymphatic spread can be asessed
      by histopathological characteristics depending on the localisation of the lesion.
      Substantially, these characteristics comprise the depth of invasion in the
      resection specimen and the status at the resection margins after the endoscopic
      resection as well as the tumor subtype and the histological grading of the tumor.
      In addition, an infiltration in lymphatic or blood vessels has to be taken into
      account. 

PMID- 27123726
TI  - [Minimally invasive endoscopic therapy of GI tumors - evidence and quality
      assurance aspects].

PMID- 27123727
TI  - [How to do: Colonoscopy].
AB  - Colonscopy is the examination of choice for the diagnostic of colorectal disease.
      Since 2002 it is part of the prevention programm for colorectalcancer in Germany.
      If you are aware of a few contraindications like acute bowel inflammation or
      respiratory insufficiency, the diagnostic colonoscopy is a safe procedure.
      Besides the experience of the examiner the bowel preparation is essential for the
      quality of the examination. If there are no contraindications the examination
      should be performed under sedation. To reach the coecum the beginner often needs
      to exercise patience but with sufficent anatomic background and some technically
      maneuver it can be done in most cases. The inspection of the mucosa at the
      withdrawal of the endoscope needs conscientiousness and enough time for an
      optimal result for the patient. 

PMID- 27123728
TI  - [Recurrent seizures of unknown aetiology].
AB  - History and admission findings | A 41year old woman presented at our internistic
      clinic after treatment by an emergency doctor because of confusion and amnesia
      accompanied by a hypoglycaemic episode while driving her car. Only by giving
      continuous glucose intravenously a stable clinical state could be achieved. In
      her medical history she took Lamotrigin for 12 years since she had seizures of
      unknown aetiology. 16 years ago she had similar sudden attacks with confusion and
      hypoglycaemia. At that time thorough diagnostics at the clinic for internal
      medicine did not reveal any evidence for hyperinsulinaemia. While taking
      Lamotrigin the patient had no seizures or similar symptoms for 12 years.
      Treatment and course | In the present case we detected a tumor in the pancreas
      and a two-fold increased insulin secretion. Histopathological work-up of the
      removed tissue confirmed the suspected diagnosis of insulinoma. Postoperatively,
      Lamotrigin treatment was terminated. Since then the patient remained
      asymptomatic. 

PMID- 27123729
TI  - [Hematologic chest pain].
AB  - HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: We report the case of a 59-year-old male who was
      admitted to hospital with acute chest pain. Coronary heart disease was known from
      the medical history. The patient reported recurrent ostealgia and susceptibility
      for infection during the last months before admission. INVESTIGATIONS: A 75%
      stenosis of the circumflex branch was treated with a drug eluting stent. Platelet
      aggregation was inhibited with acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel. Due to
      persisting ostealgia and inflammatory state, spondylodiscitis was excluded in
      MRI. However, platelets remained low after successful treatment of the infection.
      DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: Bone marrow biopsy revealed an acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia with positive detection of the Philadelphia chromosome.
      After chemotherapy and allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation the patient
      remains in remission of his acute lymphoblastic leukemia. CONCLUSIONS: Especially
      in patients with documented history of coronary heart disease, the differential
      diagnosis of chest pain can be challenging. In this case, the chest pain was
      based on a subacute coronary ischemia as well as on proliferation of the acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia. The management of dual oral anticoagulation was performed
      with higher transfusion limits for thrombocytes and continuous application of
      thrombocyte aggregation inhibitors.

PMID- 27123730
TI  - [Pain Management in geriatric patients].
AB  - Pains belong to the most frequent reasons for a doctor's visit. In elderly
      people, it is the result of progressive degenerative processes (e. g. ,
      arthrosis, Osteoarthritis, degenerative spinal changes) and a higher prevalence
      of cancer disease to a further increase of the patients who suffer unnecessarily
      from pains. By the increasing polymorbidity (e.g. diabetes mellitus, vascular
      disease) and a declining immune competence, the prevalence of polyneuropathy and
      post-herpetic neuralgia rises. Insufficiently treated chronic or periodically
      returning pain can lead to serious interferences of the physical, cognitive and
      social everyday competence and therefore to a limited quality of life. These
      facts shows the relevance of a sufficient pain therapy in geriatric patients.
      Nevertheless, on account of existing comorbidity, polypharmacy as well as of
      impaired organ function, the pharmacological pain therapy in old patients also
      poses a potential hazard. Although pain prevalence is higher with geriatric than
      with younger patients, significantly less analgesics are prescribed in the
      elderly population. This results from existing uncertainties at the treating
      doctors as well as the complicated pain capture, in particular with cognitive
      affected patients. The present article should indicate options of treatment for
      geriatric pain patients. 

PMID- 27123731
TI  - [Update: Tuberculosis among adults in Germany].
AB  - With an incidence of 5.6 / 100000, tuberculosis remains rare in Germany. However,
      for the first time since over 60 years, case numbers have began to increase since
      2013. Therefore, knowledge of the clinical presentation as well as diagnostic and
      therapeutic approaches is important, specifically when caring for migrant
      patients. The broad use of molecular analyses will soon facilitate the choice of
      therapeutic regimens. Novel drugs already enable us to successfully treat also
      the increasing numbers of drug-resistant tuberculosis cases. 

PMID- 27123732
TI  - [Prevention must become more efficient].
AB  - The term "prevention" is used with several different meanings. Mistakes can be
      avoided by using different word for different contents. In addition to clear
      definitions the most frequent forms of bias have to be avoided. These forms are
      related to the five dimensions such as targets and endpoints as well as methods
      of screening, diagnostic, and finally treatment. Unless the appropriate items are
      selected in all five dimensions the results of the prevention strategy will not
      provide valid information. 

PMID- 27123733
TI  - [Without health care proxy, no power of decision].

PMID- 27123734
TI  - [Perspectives on advance directives among German intensive care physicians in
      leading positions].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Six years after introduction of a law for advance directives (AD)
      in 2009, AD are still discussed controversially. For the first time in Germany,
      this study investigates intensive care physicians' perspectives on implementation
      of AD, and corresponding experience of ethical issues. METHODS: A standardized
      questionnaire was sent to German hospitals with > 300 beds and anesthesiologist
      led intensive care units. The questionnaire was based on results of a previous
      qualitative study and was intended to be answered by one leading intensive care
      physician per hospital. RESULTS: N = 222/299 (74.2 % response) physicians
      answered the survey. Despite a number of reported problems regarding the
      implementation of AD, 70.6 % (n = 154/218) rated AD generally as helpful. 86.5 %
      (n = 185/214) would prefer a more goal-oriented approach to an intervention
      oriented approach to formulate AD. Furthermore 95.9 % (n = 207/216) plead for
      qualified professional counseling for intensive care topics in AD. Acceptance for
      interventions that equal termination of treatment can be perceived. Terminal
      extubation in correspondence with the patient's will is done in 79.4 % (n =
      173/218) of hospitals, however 54.8 % (n = 113/206) of the physicians experience
      terminal extubations as burdening. DISCUSSION: Supporting concepts and measures
      will be necessary in order to prepare valid AD and to effectively improve
      implementation in intensive care practice.

PMID- 27123735
TI  - [Advance directive consultations - A study of selected consultation services in
      the Munich region].
AB  - BACKGROUND: So far, advance directives (AD) are often used ineffectively in
      Germany. Counseling for advance directives is neither legally required nor are
      quality standards available. Little is known about the structure and content of
      the counseling offered by the many different providers. The goal of this study
      was to assess the current practice and possible improvements of AD consultations
      by different professional groups in the Munich region in Germany compared to
      international Advance Care Planning (ACP) programs as best practice models.
      METHODS: An explorative online survey (using the Likert scale) of general
      practitioners, notaries, nurses and hospice workers in the Munich area was
      conducted. The data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel. RESULTS: Content and
      structure of counseling services differ not only between but also within
      counseling groups, sometimes considerably. Consultations mostly last up to 60
      minutes and included 1-2 sessions. Despite the fact that most counselors (46-79 %
      in the respective groups) favor routinely offered consultations, most counseling
      sessions are initiated by the consulted individuals themselves. Among other
      things, counseling sessions cover the topics of hydration (often / always [o / a]
      69-97 %), permanent unconsciousness (o / a 48-94 %) and terminal illnesses (o / a
      77-97 %). Especially the participation of future legal representatives in the
      counseling sessions (o / a 18-85 %), the drafting of emergency plans (0-45 %) and
      the completion of advance directives within the counseling session (29-51 %) was
      heterogeneous. CONCLUSIONS: The current counseling practice for advance
      directives varies considerably and does not yet reliably meet the best practice
      standards of ACP programs. This study thus underscores the need for comprehensive
      ACP programs.

PMID- 27123740
TI  - Finding the Right Candidate for the Right Position: A Fast NMR-Assisted
      Combinatorial Method for Optimizing Nucleic Acids Binders.
AB  - Development of strong and selective binders from promiscuous lead compounds
      represents one of the most expensive and time-consuming tasks in drug discovery.
      We herein present a novel fragment-based combinatorial strategy for the
      optimization of multivalent polyamine scaffolds as DNA/RNA ligands. Our protocol
      provides a quick access to a large variety of regioisomer libraries that can be
      tested for selective recognition by combining microdialysis assays with simple
      isotope labeling and NMR experiments. To illustrate our approach, 20 small
      libraries comprising 100 novel kanamycin-B derivatives have been prepared and
      evaluated for selective binding to the ribosomal decoding A-Site sequence.
      Contrary to the common view of NMR as a low-throughput technique, we demonstrate
      that our NMR methodology represents a valuable alternative for the detection and
      quantification of complex mixtures, even integrated by highly similar or
      structurally related derivatives, a common situation in the context of a lead
      optimization process. Furthermore, this study provides valuable clues about the
      structural requirements for selective A-site recognition.

PMID- 27123741
TI  - Pattern of employment and associated factors in long-term lymphoma survivors 10
      years after high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Background This study examined employment patterns and associated factors in
      lymphoma survivors treated with high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell
      transplantation (HDT-ASCT) from diagnosis to a follow-up survey at a mean of 10
      years after HDT-ASCT. Patients and methods All lymphoma survivors aged >=18 years
      at HDT-ASCT in Norway from 1987 to 2008, and alive at the end of 2011 were
      eligible for this cross-sectional study performed in 2012/2013. Participants
      completed a mailed questionnaire. Job status was dichotomized as either employed
      (paid work) or not-employed (disability and retirement pension, on economic
      support, home-makers, or students). Results The response rate was 78%, and the
      sample (N = 312) contained 60% men. Mean age at HDT-ASCT was 44.3 and at survey
      54.0 years. At diagnosis 85% of survivors were employed, 77% before and 77% after
      HDT-ASCT, and 58% at follow-up. Forty seven percent of the survivors were
      employed at all time points. The not-employed group at survey was significantly
      older and included significantly more females than the employed group. No
      significant between-group differences were observed for lymphoma-related
      variables. Fatigue, mental distress and type D personality were significantly
      higher among those not-employed, while quality of life was significantly lower
      compared to the employed group. Older age at survey, being female, work ability
      and presence of type D personality remained significantly related to being not
      employed at survey in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions Our findings show
      that not-employed long-term survivors after HDT-ASCT for lymphoma have more
      comorbidity, cognitive problems and higher levels of anxiety/depression than
      employed survivors. These factors should be checked and eventually treated in
      order to improve work ability. 

PMID- 27123742
TI  - Cost effectiveness of pomalidomide in patients with relapsed and refractory
      multiple myeloma in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) patients who have progressed following
      treatment with both bortezomib and lenalidomide have a poor prognosis. In this
      late stage, other effective alternatives are limited, and patients in Sweden are
      often left with best supportive care. Pomalidomide is a new anti-angiogenic and
      immunomodulatory drug for the treatment of MM. Our objective was to evaluate the
      cost effectiveness of pomalidomide as an add-on to best supportive care in
      patients with relapsed and refractory MM in Sweden. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We
      developed a health-economic discrete event simulation model of a patient's course
      through stable disease and progressive disease, until death. It estimates life
      expectancy, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs from a societal
      perspective. Effectiveness data and utilities were taken from the MM-003 trial
      comparing pomalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone with high-dose dexamethasone
      (HIDEX). Cost data were taken from official Swedish price lists, government
      sources and literature. RESULTS: The model estimates that, if a patient is
      treated with HIDEX, life expectancy is 1.12 years and the total cost is SEK 179
      976 (?19 100), mainly indirect costs. With pomalidomide plus low-dose
      dexamethasone, life expectancy is 2.33 years, with a total cost of SEK 767 064
      (?81 500), mainly in drug and indirect costs. Compared to HIDEX, pomalidomide
      treatment gives a QALY gain of 0.7351 and an incremental cost of SEK 587 088 (?62
      400) consisting of increased drug costs (59%), incremental indirect costs (33%)
      and other healthcare costs (8%). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is SEK
      798 613 (?84 900) per QALY gained. CONCLUSION: In a model of late-stage MM
      patients with a poor prognosis in the Swedish setting, pomalidomide is associated
      with a relatively high incremental cost per QALY gained. This model was accepted
      by the national Swedish reimbursement authority TLV, and pomalidomide was granted
      reimbursement in Sweden.

PMID- 27123744
TI  - A Practical Framework for Incentive-Based Cancer Prevention.

PMID- 27123743
TI  - Prospective clinical trial of hepatitis B vaccination in adults with and without
      type-2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - : Objective: Patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for hepatitis
      B virus (HBV) infection and its complications. HBV vaccination is recommended for
      adults with diabetes in the United States and other countries. However, few
      studies have assessed safety and immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in such
      patients. We assessed the safety and immunogenicity of recombinant hepatitis B
      vaccine in subjects with and without diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Prospective,
      multi-country controlled study in 21 centers ( www.clinicaltrials.gov
      NCT01627340). Four hundred and sixteen participants with Type-2 diabetes and 258
      controls matched for age and body mass index (BMI) (2:1 ratio) received 3-doses
      of HBV vaccine (Engerix-BTM, GSK Vaccines, Belgium) according to a 0, 1, 6 months
      schedule. Antibodies were measured against HBV surface antigen and expressed as
      seroprotection rates (anti-HBs >=10mIU/mL) and geometric mean concentration
      (GMC). RESULTS: The median age and BMI in patients with diabetes and controls
      (according-to-protocol cohort) were 54 y and 32.1 kg/m2, and 53 y and 30.8 kg/m2,
      respectively. Seroprotection rates (GMCs) one month post-dose-3 were 75.4% (147.6
      mIU/mL) and 82.0% (384.2 mIU/mL) in patients with diabetes and controls,
      respectively. Age-stratified seroprotection rates for patients with diabetes were
      88.5% (20-39 years), 81.2% (40-49 years), 83.2% (50-59 years), and 58.2% (>=60
      years). The overall safety profile of hepatitis B vaccine was similar between
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis B vaccine is immunogenic in patients with diabetes
      and has a similar safety profile to vaccination in healthy controls. Because
      increasing age was generally associated with a reduction in seroprotection rates,
      hepatitis B vaccine should be administered as soon as possible after the
      diagnosis of diabetes.

PMID- 27123745
TI  - Right ventricular remodeling and updated left ventricular geometry
      classification: is there any relationship?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate right ventricular (RV) structure and function in
      hypertensive patients with various left ventricular (LV) geometric patterns using
      an updated classification for LV geometry. METHODS: This cross-sectional study
      included 232 hypertensive subjects. All the subjects underwent complete two
      dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic examination. Using
      LV mass index, LV end-diastolic diameter and relative wall thickness, according
      to the updated classification, all subjects were divided into six different
      groups: normal LV geometry, concentric remodeling, eccentric LV hypertrophy
      (LVH), concentric, dilated, and concentric-dilated LVH. RESULTS: RV wall
      thickness was increased in concentric and concentric-dilated LVH compared with
      normal LV geometry and LV concentric remodeling. RV longitudinal function was
      reduced in concentric and concentric-dilated patients compared with other
      hypertensive groups. 3D RV volumes were significantly higher in eccentric,
      dilated, and concentric-dilated LVH hypertensive subjects. Conversely, 3D RV
      ejection fraction was lower in these groups. CONCLUSION: RV longitudinal
      myocardial function and 3D RV function are significantly influenced by LV
      geometry in hypertensive patients. RV remodeling is the most pronounced in the
      patients with concentric, dilated, and concentric-dilated LVH geometric patterns.

PMID- 27123746
TI  - Suprasellar Hemangioblastoma Unrelated to von Hippel-Lindau Disease Successfully
      Treated through Extended Transsphenoidal Approach: Diagnostic Value of Von Hippel
      Lindau Disease Gene-Derived Protein.
AB  - Hemangioblastoma tends to occur in the infratentorial regions and rarely in the
      supratentorial regions. This tumor is strongly associated with von Hippel-Lindau
      disease (VHLD), especially in the supratentorial regions, with only 12 cases of
      suprasellar hemangioblastoma unrelated to VHLD. However, all these cases were
      diagnosed based on clinical screening and confirmation of family history. We
      report a case of suprasellar hemangioblastoma that was successfully removed
      through an extended transsphenoidal approach and diagnosed as a sporadic case
      unrelated to VHLD by immunohistochemical examination.A 67-year-old woman had mild
      diabetes insipidus and a visual field defect. Head magnetic resonance imaging
      revealed a suprasellar tumor compressing the optic chiasm upward. The tumor was
      totally removed without complication through an extended transsphenoidal
      approach. Postoperative histologic examination disclosed large vacuolated stromal
      cells and rich capillary networks, and the diagnosis was established as
      hemangioblastoma. Clinical screening and confirmation of family history revealed
      no specific results, and additional immunohistochemical staining showed diffuse
      cytoplasmic expression of anti-VHLD gene-derived protein (pVHL).We emphasize that
      pVHL immunohistochemical evaluation would be wise to adopt, especially for
      patients with a high risk of VHLD related to younger age and supratentorial
      lesions.

PMID- 27123747
TI  - Effect of Annular Defects on Intradiscal Pressures in the Lumbar Spine: An in
      Vitro Biomechanical Study of Diskectomy and Annular Repair.
AB  - Background Integrity of intervertebral disks may influence, and be influenced by,
      the maintenance of hydrostatic pressures inside the nucleus pulposus. Disk
      degeneration causes decreased pressures, leading to overload and injury of the
      annulus fibrosus, increasing the risk of disk herniation. Diskectomies to treat
      disk herniation can cause further loss of hydrostatic pressures resulting in
      worsening degeneration. This study investigated the impact of opening the annulus
      on intradiscal pressure and whether implantation of an annular closure device
      (ACD) can restore physiologic pressures. Methods The pressure responses under
      unconstrained moments in concert with axial compressive loads of nine human
      cadaver lumbar disks were biomechanically tested at baseline, immediately
      following posterior annulotomy, and immediately following implantation of the
      ACD. Results The analysis of variance indicated a significant difference in the
      pressure response (p = 0.0001) among the three rounds of testing. Specifically,
      the post hoc Bonferroni test revealed that the pressure response after diskectomy
      was significantly different when compared with baseline (p < 0.001) and after ACD
      implantation (p = 0.001). However, baseline and ACD pressure responses were
      insignificantly different (p = 1.000). Conclusion Our findings suggest that
      restoration of annular integrity during diskectomy with implantation of the
      tested ACD may restore pressures closer to preoperative levels. Whether or not
      restoring pressures to preoperative levels has any clinical benefit or effect on
      the rate of degeneration is an area for further clinical research.

PMID- 27123748
TI  - Comparison of Irrigation versus No Irrigation during Burr Hole Evacuation of
      Chronic Subdural Hematoma.
AB  - Objective To compare the results of the use of irrigation versus no irrigation
      during burr hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Methodology The
      study was a retrospective chart review of those patients who underwent burr hole
      evacuation of CSDH during a period of 5 years. Cases were divided into two groups
      based on the use of irrigation during surgery. A subdural drain was placed in all
      patients (i.e., in both the irrigation and no-irrigation groups) and removed 24
      to 48 hours postoperatively. Results The total sample size was 56, of which 34
      patients were in the irrigation group and 22 in the no-irrigation group.
      Recurrence rate was 17.6% in the irrigation group and 9.1% in the no-irrigation
      group (p = 0.46). Systemic complications were predominantly cardiac related in
      the no-irrigation group compared with respiratory complications in the irrigation
      group. The irrigation group had a mortality rate of 5.9% compared with 4.5% in
      the no-irrigation group (p = 0.66). Conclusion No statistically significant
      difference was found between the two groups in terms of recurrence or mortality. 

PMID- 27123749
TI  - Conformational Energy Landscape of the Ritonavir Molecule.
AB  - Conformational polymorphism of ritonavir, a well-known pharmaceutical drug, is
      intricately linked to its efficacy in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency
      syndrome (AIDS). Polymorphic transition from the crystalline form I to form II
      leads to the loss of bioactivity. The constituent ritonavir molecules adopt a
      trans configuration about the carbamate torsion angle in the form I crystal, and
      a cis configuration in the form II crystal. Investigating the energetics and
      mechanistic features of conformational transitions at the single molecule level
      is a key step toward decoding the complex features of the solid state
      polymorphism. In this work, we employ the energy landscape framework to
      investigate the conformational transitions of an isolated ritonavir molecule. The
      landscape is explored using discrete path sampling (DPS) and visualized in terms
      of disconnectivity graphs. We identify two distinct funnels corresponding to the
      two molecular forms that are identified by crystallography. The two regions can
      be reliably distinguished using the carbamate torsion angle, and the
      corresponding interconversion rates are predicted to follow Arrhenius behavior.
      The results provide mechanistic insight into pathways for cis <-> trans
      interconversion at the molecular level and may also help in elucidating the
      polymorphic transitions in the crystal state.

PMID- 27123750
TI  - Bayesian dynamic mediation analysis.
AB  - Most existing methods for mediation analysis assume that mediation is a
      stationary, time-invariant process, which overlooks the inherently dynamic nature
      of many human psychological processes and behavioral activities. In this article,
      we consider mediation as a dynamic process that continuously changes over time.
      We propose Bayesian multilevel time-varying coefficient models to describe and
      estimate such dynamic mediation effects. By taking the nonparametric penalized
      spline approach, the proposed method is flexible and able to accommodate any
      shape of the relationship between time and mediation effects. Simulation studies
      show that the proposed method works well and faithfully reflects the true nature
      of the mediation process. By modeling mediation effect nonparametrically as a
      continuous function of time, our method provides a valuable tool to help
      researchers obtain a more complete understanding of the dynamic nature of the
      mediation process underlying psychological and behavioral phenomena. We also
      briefly discuss an alternative approach of using dynamic autoregressive mediation
      model to estimate the dynamic mediation effect. The computer code is provided to
      implement the proposed Bayesian dynamic mediation analysis. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 27123751
TI  - Iodine-Catalyzed Oxidative Functionalization of Azaarenes with Benzylic C(sp(3))
      H Bonds via N-Alkylation/Amidation Cascade: Two-Step Synthesis of Isoindolo[2,1
      b]isoquinolin-7(5H)-one.
AB  - An efficient and practical iodine-catalyzed oxidative functionalization of
      azaarenes with benzylic C-H bonds via an N-alkylation and amidation cascade is
      developed to provide isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones. This method utilizes readily
      available unfunctionalized azaarenes and methylarenes as starting materials and
      proceeds under metal-free conditions with good to excellent yields, avoiding the
      use of expensive noble metal catalysts and generation of halide and metal wastes.
      The synthetic utility of this reaction is exemplified by the concise, two-step
      synthesis of isoindolo[2,1-b]isoquinolin-7(5H)-one.

PMID- 27123752
TI  - Single-Stranded Silencing RNAs: Hit Rate and Chemical Modification.
AB  - Single-stranded silencing RNAs (ss-siRNAs) are chemically modified single
      stranded oligomers that engage the RNA interference machinery normally used by
      duplex RNAs to silence gene expression. ss-siRNAs have the potential to combine
      advantages of antisense oligonucleotides and siRNAs. Previous work has explored
      the chemistry of the phosphate and the oligonucleotide body. We now describe the
      process of attempting to develop and optimize ss-siRNAs based on five active
      siRNA duplexes. Three of the sequences failed to show any activity as ss-siRNAs,
      and in two of those cases the ss-siRNAs showed significantly increased toxicity
      relative to the parent duplexes. For the two sequences that did work well as ss
      siRNAs, we show that the chemistry of the 3'-terminal dinucleotide also has a
      significant effect on the potency of ss-siRNAs. Previously published work on ss
      siRNAs has been based on a 2'-O-methoxyethyl-RNA (MOE) dinucleotide at the 3'
      terminus. To our surprise, oligomers containing 2'-O-Me-RNA modifications at the
      3'-terminus showed significantly improved potency and activity relative to those
      modified with MOE at the same sites. Oligonucleotides with two locked nucleic
      acid units at the 3'-terminus showed improved activity over the MOE-modified
      analog for one sequence. Importantly, the fact that 2'-O-Me-RNA works so well
      makes the ss-siRNA approach accessible to a wider range of researchers since it
      can be achieved with inexpensive commercially available modifications.

PMID- 27123753
TI  - Anticipating syntax during reading: Evidence from the boundary change paradigm.
AB  - Previous evidence suggests that grammatical constraints have a rapid influence
      during language comprehension, particularly at the level of word categories
      (noun, verb, preposition). These findings are in conflict with a recent study
      from Angele, Laishley, Rayner, and Liversedge (2014), in which sentential fit had
      no early influence on word skipping rates during reading. In the present study,
      we used a gaze-contingent boundary change paradigm to manipulate the syntactic
      congruity of an upcoming noun or verb outside of participants' awareness. Across
      3 experiments (total N = 148), we observed higher skipping rates for
      syntactically valid previews (The admiral would not confess . . .), when compared
      with violation previews (The admiral would not surgeon . . .). Readers were less
      likely to skip an ungrammatical continuation, even when that word was repeated
      within the same sentence (The admiral would not admiral . . .), suggesting that
      word-class constraints can take precedence over lexical repetition effects. To
      our knowledge, these results provide the first evidence for an influence of
      syntactic context during parafoveal word recognition. On the basis of the early
      time-course of this effect, we argue that readers can use grammatical constraints
      to generate syntactic expectations for upcoming words. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123754
TI  - Semantic and plausibility preview benefit effects in English: Evidence from eye
      movements.
AB  - Theories of preview benefit in reading hinge on integration across saccades and
      the idea that preview benefit is greater the more similar the preview and target
      are. Schotter (2013) reported preview benefit from a synonymous preview, but it
      is unclear whether this effect occurs because of similarity between the preview
      and target (i.e., integration), or because of contextual fit of the preview
      synonyms satisfy both accounts. Studies in Chinese have found evidence for
      preview benefit for words that are unrelated to the target, but are contextually
      plausible (Yang, Li, Wang, Slattery, & Rayner, 2014; Yang, Wang, Tong, & Rayner,
      2012), which is incompatible with an integration account but supports a
      contextual fit account. Here, we used plausible and implausible unrelated
      previews in addition to plausible synonym, antonym, and identical previews to
      further investigate these accounts for readers of English. Early reading measures
      were shorter for all plausible preview conditions compared to the implausible
      preview condition. In later reading measures, a benefit for the plausible
      unrelated preview condition was not observed. In a second experiment, we asked
      questions that probed whether the reader encoded the preview or target. Readers
      were more likely to report the preview when they had skipped the word and not
      regressed to it, and when the preview was plausible. Thus, under certain
      circumstances, the preview word is processed to a high level of representation
      (i.e., semantic plausibility) regardless of its relationship to the target, but
      its influence on reading is relatively short-lived, being replaced by the target
      word, when fixated. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123755
TI  - Pseudoloma neurophilia Infection Combined with Gamma Irradiation Causes Increased
      Mortality in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Compared to Infection or Irradiation
      Alone: New Implications for Studies Involving Immunosuppression.
AB  - Gamma irradiation is commonly used as a bone marrow suppressant in studies of the
      immune system and hematopoiesis, most commonly in mammals. With the rising
      utility and popularity of the zebrafish (Danio rerio), gamma irradiation is being
      used for similar studies in this species. Pseudoloma neurophilia, a microparasite
      and common contaminant of zebrafish facilities, generally produces subclinical
      disease. However, like other microsporidia, P. neurophilia is a disease of
      opportunity and can produce florid infections with high morbidity and mortality,
      secondary to stress or immune suppression. In this study, we exposed zebrafish to
      combinations of P. neurophilia infection and gamma irradiation to explore the
      interaction between this immunosuppressive experimental modality and a normally
      subclinical infection. Zebrafish infected with P. neurophilia and exposed to
      gamma irradiation exhibited higher mortality, increased parasite loads, and
      increased incidences of myositis and extraneural parasite infections than fish
      exposed either to P. neurophilia or gamma irradiation alone. This experiment
      highlights the devastating effects of opportunistic diseases on immunosuppressed
      individuals and should caution researchers utilizing immunosuppressive modalities
      to carefully monitor their stocks to ensure that their experimental animals are
      not infected.

PMID- 27123756
TI  - Post-ischemic salubrinal treatment results in a neuroprotective role in global
      cerebral ischemia.
AB  - This study describes the neuroprotective effect of treatment with salubrinal 1
      and 24 h following 15 min of ischemia in a two-vessel occlusion model of global
      cerebral ischemia. The purpose of this study was to determine if salubrinal, an
      enhancer of the unfolded protein response, reduces the neural damage modulating
      the inflammatory response. The study was performed in CA1 and CA3 hippocampal
      areas as well as in the cerebral cortex whose different vulnerability to ischemic
      damage is widely described. Characterization of proteins was made by western
      blot, immunofluorescence, and ELISA, whereas mRNA levels were measured by
      Quantitative PCR. The salubrinal treatment decreased the cell demise in CA1 at 7
      days as well as the levels of matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP-9) in CA1 and
      cerebral cortex at 48 h and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 cell adhesion molecules. However,
      increases in tumor necrosis factor alpha and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain
      enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB) inflammatory markers were observed at
      24 h. Glial fibrillary acidic protein levels were not modified by salubrinal
      treatment in CA1 and cerebral cortex. We describe a neuroprotective effect of the
      post-ischemic treatment with salubrinal, measured as a decrease both in CA1 cell
      demise and in the blood-brain barrier impairment. We hypothesize that the ability
      of salubrinal to counteract the CA1 cell demise is because of a reduced ability
      of this structure to elicit unfolded protein response which would account for its
      greater ischemic vulnerability. Data of both treated and non-treated animals
      suggest that the neurovascular unit present a structure-dependent response to
      ischemia and a different course time for CA1/cerebral cortex compared with CA3.
      Finally, our study reveals a high responsiveness of endothelial cells to
      salubrinal in contrast to the limited responsiveness of astrocytes. The
      alleviation of ER stress by enhancing UPR with salubrinal treatment reduces the
      ischemic damage. This effect varies across the different neurovascular unit cell
      types. The salubrinal neuroprotective effect on CA1 supports differences in
      neurovascular unit for different brain regions and involves the inflammatory
      response and its time course. Thus, UPR modulation could be a therapeutic target
      in cerebral ischemia.

PMID- 27123757
TI  - Recent advances in immuno-oncology and its application to urological cancers.
AB  - Recent advances in immuno-oncology have the potential to transform the practice
      of medical oncology. Antibodies directed against negative regulators of T-cell
      function (checkpoint inhibitors), engineered cell therapies and innate immune
      stimulators, such as oncolytic viruses, are effective in a wide range of cancers.
      Immune'based therapies have had a clinically meaningful impact on the treatment
      of advanced melanoma, and the lessons regarding use of single agents and
      combinations in melanoma may be applicable to the treatment of urological
      cancers. Checkpoint inhibitors, cytokine therapy and therapeutic vaccines are
      already showing promise in urothelial bladder cancer, renal cell carcinoma and
      prostate cancer. Critical areas of future immuno-oncology research include the
      prospective identification of patients who will respond to current immune-based
      cancer therapies and the identification of new therapeutic agents that promote
      immune priming in tumours, and increase the rate of durable clinical responses.

PMID- 27123758
TI  - The Effects of Spacer Length and Composition on Aptamer-Mediated Cell-Specific
      Targeting with Nanoscale PEGylated Liposomal Doxorubicin.
AB  - Aptamer-based targeted drug delivery systems have shown significant promise for
      clinical applications. Although much progress has been made in this area, it
      remains unclear how PEG coating would affect the selective binding of DNA
      aptamers and thus influence the overall targeting efficiency. To answer this
      question, we herein report a systematic investigation of the interactions between
      PEG and DNA aptamers on the surface of liposomes by using a series of nanoscale
      liposomal doxorubicin formulations with different DNA aptamer and PEG
      modifications. We investigated how the spatial size and composition of the spacer
      molecules affected the targeting ability of the liposome delivery system. We
      showed that a spacer of appropriate length was critical to overcome the shielding
      from surrounding PEG molecules in order to achieve the best targeting effect,
      regardless of the spacer composition. Our findings provide important guidelines
      for the design of aptamer-based targeted drug delivery systems.

PMID- 27123759
TI  - Synthesis of isotopically labelled 2-isopropylthioxanthone from 2,2'
      dithiosalicylic acid and deuterium cumene.
AB  - Two efficient synthetic routes of stable deuterium labelled 2
      isopropylthioxanthone were presented with 98.1% and 98.8% isotopic abundance in
      acceptable yields and excellent chemical purities. Their structures and the
      isotope-abundance were confirmed according to proton nuclear magnetic resonance
      and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PMID- 27123760
TI  - On confidence intervals for the hazard ratio in randomized clinical trials.
AB  - The log-rank test is widely used to compare two survival distributions in a
      randomized clinical trial, while partial likelihood (Cox, 1975) is the method of
      choice for making inference about the hazard ratio under the Cox (1972)
      proportional hazards model. The Wald 95% confidence interval of the hazard ratio
      may include the null value of 1 when the p-value of the log-rank test is less
      than 0.05. Peto et al. (1977) provided an estimator for the hazard ratio based on
      the log-rank statistic; the corresponding 95% confidence interval excludes the
      null value of 1 if and only if the p-value of the log-rank test is less than
      0.05. However, Peto's estimator is not consistent, and the corresponding
      confidence interval does not have correct coverage probability. In this article,
      we construct the confidence interval by inverting the score test under the
      (possibly stratified) Cox model, and we modify the variance estimator such that
      the resulting score test for the null hypothesis of no treatment difference is
      identical to the log-rank test in the possible presence of ties. Like Peto's
      method, the proposed confidence interval excludes the null value if and only if
      the log-rank test is significant. Unlike Peto's method, however, this interval
      has correct coverage probability. An added benefit of the proposed confidence
      interval is that it tends to be more accurate and narrower than the Wald
      confidence interval. We demonstrate the advantages of the proposed method through
      extensive simulation studies and a colon cancer study.

PMID- 27123761
TI  - Ferromagnetism and Conductivity in Hydrogen Irradiated Co-Doped ZnO Thin Films.
AB  - Impressive changes in the transport and ferromagnetic properties of Co-doped ZnO
      thin films have been obtained by postgrowth hydrogen irradiation at temperatures
      of 400  degrees C. Hydrogen incorporation increases the saturation magnetization
      by one order of magnitude (up to ~1.50 MUB/Co) and increases the carrier density
      and mobility by about a factor of two. In addition to the magnetic
      characterization, the transport and structural properties of hydrogenated ZnO:Co
      have been investigated by Hall effect, local probe conductivity measurements,
      micro-Raman, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Particular care has been given to
      the detection of Co oxides and metal Co nanophases, whose influence on the
      increase in the transport and ferromagnetic properties can be excluded on the
      ground of the achieved results. The enhancement in ferromagnetism is directly
      related to the dose of H introduced in the samples. On the contrary, despite the
      shallow donor character of H atoms, the increase in carrier density n is not
      related to the H dose. These apparently contradictory effects of H are fully
      accounted for by a mechanism based on a theoretical model involving Co-VO (Co-O
      vacancy) pairs.

PMID- 27123762
TI  - Culturing conditions affect biological control activity of Trichoderma atroviride
      against Rhizoctonia solani in ryegrass.
AB  - AIMS: Effects of culture conditions on productivity, germinability and
      bioactivity of Trichoderma atroviride LU132 conidia were assessed to identify the
      factors affecting conidium 'fitness' (quantity and quality) and to withstand
      variable environmental conditions, increase conidial productivity, and perform
      optimum bioactivity. METHODS AND RESULTS: The interaction effects of temperatures
      (20 or 30 degrees C) vs hydrocarbon types (dextrose or sucrose in constant C : N
      5 : 1) were assessed for bioactivity and colonization potential in pot
      experiments with ryegrass in the presence of pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani.
      Trichoderma atroviride produced in different culture conditions increased some
      growth parameters of ryegrass plant and also reduced the pathogenicity effects of
      R. solani. For example, Trichoderma colony produced at 20 degrees C with sucrose
      increased all plant growth parameters and conidia produced at 20 degrees C with
      dextrose gave the greatest bioactivity. CONCLUSION: The bimodal population cycle
      in T. atroviride recurred in pot experiments in a manner similar to that
      previously observed in agar plates but indicating that simulated natural
      conditions shortened the Trichoderma life cycle. Trichoderma colonized ryegrass
      root system and symbiotically interacted with ryegrass and greater ryegrass
      colonization resulted from medium production treatment with dextrose rather than
      sucrose. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study is the first report on
      the effects of inoculum production conditions on conidium quality of Trichoderma
      to colonize and to maintain populations in host rhizospheres, and also the
      ability to promote plant growth and suppress a soil-borne disease. The results of
      these experiments provide new knowledge on how manipulation of culture conditions
      of T. atroviride LU132 can influence conidium fitness, as a basis for optimizing
      commercial production of the fungus as a biological control agent.

PMID- 27123763
TI  - LCA case study on lawn establishment and maintenance with various peat and
      compost contents in substrates.
AB  - The environmental impacts of the establishment and maintenance of lawn, including
      the production and use of various substrates, were analyzed by life cycle
      assessment (LCA). The project focused on comparing substrates with different peat
      and compost contents using pilot substrates and developed a calculation tool to
      optimize landscaping from an ecological perspective. The impact categories were
      climate change, aquatic eutrophication, acidification, and use of primary energy.
      Life cycle assessment methodology and ISO standards 14040 and 14044 were used.
      Two thousand tons of substrates per hectare of lawn area were assumed to be
      needed; this large amount explains the importance of the substrate properties for
      all of the impact categories. Degradation of peat was the most significant factor
      of the influence of climate; thus, the most effective means of reducing the
      impact of landscaping on climate is to replace peat with compost. Nitrous oxide
      and methane emissions were related to the use of compost, but most of these
      emissions will occur regardless of how the sludge or biowaste is treated. Ammonia
      emissions from composting were the most important factor for acidification. The
      significance of fuel consumption by machinery in lawn establishment and mowing
      was low. The high contents of N and P in compost-based substrates may lead to
      high nutrient emissions into water systems, which can have significant local
      impact. The tool helps optimize substrate contents to minimize the environmental
      effects. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:459-464. (c) 2016 SETAC. 

PMID- 27123764
TI  - The "Parade Blue": effects of short-term emission control on aerosol chemistry.
AB  - The strict control on emissions implemented in Beijing, China, during the 2015
      China Victory Day Parade (V-day Parade) to commemorate the 70(th) Anniversary of
      Victory in World War II, provided a good opportunity to investigate the
      relationship between emission sources and aerosol chemistry in a heavily polluted
      megacity. From August 11 to September 3, 2015, an Aerosol Chemical Speciation
      Monitor was deployed in urban Beijing, together with other collocated
      instruments, for the real-time measurement of submicron aerosol characteristics.
      The average PM1 mass concentration was 11.3 (+/-6.7) MUg m(-3) during the V-day
      Parade, 63.5% lower than that before the V-day Parade. Differently to the
      relatively smaller decrease of organics (53%), secondary inorganic aerosols
      (sulfate, nitrate and ammonium) showed significant reductions of 65-78% during
      the V-day Parade. According to the positive matrix factorization results, primary
      organic aerosol (POA) from traffic and cooking emissions decreased by 41.5%
      during the parade, whereas secondary organic aerosol (SOA) presented a much
      greater reduction (59%). The net effectiveness of emission control measures was
      investigated further under comparable weather conditions before and during the
      parade. By excluding the effects of meteorological parameters, the total PM1 mass
      was reduced by 52-57% because of the emission controls. Although the mass
      concentrations of aerosol species were reduced substantially, the PM1 bulk
      composition was similar before and during the control period as a consequence of
      synergetic control of various precursors. The emission restrictions also
      suppressed the secondary formation processes of sulfate and nitrate, indicated by
      the substantially reduced SOR and NOR (molar ratios of sulfate or nitrate to the
      sums of the sulfate and SO2 or nitrate and NO2) during the event. The study also
      explored the influence of emission controls on the evolution of organic aerosol
      using the mass ratios of SOA/POA and oxygen-to-carbon ratios. The results showed
      that for northwesterly airflows, emission restrictions during the V-day Parade
      also reduced the oxidation degree of organic aerosol.

PMID- 27123770
TI  - Risk of neuroblastoma and residential proximity to industrial and urban sites: A
      case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children
      but its etiology is not clearly understood. While a small fraction of cases might
      be attributable to genetic factors, the role of environmental pollution factors
      needs to be assessed. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the effect of residential
      proximity to both industrial and urban areas on neuroblastoma risk, taking into
      account industrial groups and toxic substances released. METHODS: We conducted a
      population-based case-control study of neuroblastoma in Spain, including 398
      incident cases gathered from the Spanish Registry of Childhood Tumors (period
      1996-2011), and 2388 controls individually matched by year of birth, sex, and
      region of residence. Distances were computed from the respective subject's
      residences to the 1271 industries and the 30 urban areas with >=75,000
      inhabitants located in the study area. Using logistic regression, odds ratios
      (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for categories of distance (from 1km
      to 5km) to industrial and urban pollution sources were calculated, with
      adjustment for matching variables and socioeconomic confounders. RESULTS: Excess
      risk (OR; 95%CI) of neuroblastoma was detected for the intersection between
      industrial and urban areas: (2.52; 1.20-5.30) for industrial distance of 1km, and
      (1.99; 1.17-3.37) for industrial distance of 2km. By industrial groups, excess
      risks were observed near 'Production of metals' (OR=2.05; 95%CI=1.16-3.64 at
      1.5km), 'Surface treatment of metals' (OR=1.89; 95%CI=1.10-3.28 at 1km), 'Mines'
      (OR=5.82; 95%CI=1.04-32.43 at 1.5km), 'Explosives/pyrotechnics' (OR=4.04;
      95%CI=1.31-12.42 at 4km), and 'Urban waste-water treatment plants' (OR=2.14;
      95%CI=1.08-4.27 at 1.5km). CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the need for more
      detailed exposure assessment of certain substances released by these industries.

PMID- 27123771
TI  - Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in umbilical cord blood and related
      lifestyle and dietary intake factors among pregnant women of the Huaihe River
      Basin in China.
AB  - Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), one of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
      with highly lipophilic properties, long half-lives, and persistence in the
      environment, are prevalent in the environment even though they have been banned
      for >30years. We aimed to investigate the current OCP exposure levels in cord
      blood from healthy pregnant women residing in the Huaihe River Basin, China, and
      examined the association between OCP levels and dietary habits and lifestyle
      factors. In this study, we measured the exposure levels of 17 OCPs in the
      umbilical cord blood from 999 healthy pregnant women; we also administered 1000
      self-reported questionnaires regarding the general characteristics and dietary
      habits of those women. Our results showed that rho,rho'-DDE, rho,rho'-DDT,
      aldrin, dieldrin, and methoxychlor, which had higher measured concentrations
      (2.01+/-1.89, 4.31+/-5.68, 7.29+/-8.74, 5.27+/-7.65, and 0.98+/-1.42ng/mL,
      respectively) and detection frequencies (99.69%, 100.00%, 81.79%, 75.00%, and
      74.49%, respectively), were the predominant OCPs in cord blood, and the higher
      levels of DDTs, aldrin, dieldrin, and methoxychlor were mainly due to recent use.
      In addition, most of the HCHs in cord blood were derived not only from historical
      use of technical HCH, but also from the additional use of lindane. In addition,
      we found that the education level of the pregnant women and monthly household
      income were positively correlated with OCP levels, particularly rho,rho'-DDE,
      aldrin, and dieldrin. Furthermore, the consumption of red meat (pork, beef, and
      lamb), fish, and bean products may be an important contributing factor to the
      increased concentrations of OCPs in cord blood, while the intake of poultry and
      pickles was negatively correlated with aldrin level. This study is the first to
      provide adequate data on current OCP exposure levels in cord blood from pregnant
      women in the Huaihe River Basin.

PMID- 27123772
TI  - Incidence of Cervical Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
      in Women with Positive and Negative HIV Status.
AB  - Objectives To evaluate the incidence and factors associated with cervical
      intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical infection by human papillomavirus
      (HPV) among HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. Methods A cohort of 103 HIV
      positive and 113 HIV negative women were monitored between October 2008 and
      February 2012, for at least one year. Procedures included cervical cytology,
      DNA/HPV detection by polymerase chain reaction, colposcopy with biopsy if
      necessary, followed by an interview for exposure characteristics data. CIN was
      based on the histopathological results. Results The incidence of CIN was of 8.8
      and 4.6 cases/100 women-years in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women,
      respectively. HIV-positive women presented a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.8 for CIN and
      developed lesions earlier (0.86 year) than HIV-negative women (2 years) (p =
      0.01). The risk of developing CIN decreased with age (HR = 0.9) and marital
      status (HR = 0.4). HPV patients presented a higher incidence of CIN when compared
      HIV-positive and HIV-negative women (p = 0.01). The incidence of HPV cervical
      infection was 18.1 and 11.4 cases/100 women-years in HIV-positive and HIV
      negative women, respectively. Those HIV-positive presented earlier HPV
      infection(p = 0.002). The risk of developing HPV infection decreased with age and
      was higher among HIV-positive women. HPV 16 was the most common type in HIV
      positive women, and also the type most closely associated with CIN in HIV
      negative women. Conclusions HIV-positive women had a greater incidence of HPV and
      CIN, and in a shorter time interval. More rigorous and timely clinical control is
      required for this group. 

PMID- 27123773
TI  - Progressive brain changes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: A
      longitudinal MRI study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine progressive brain changes associated with chronic fatigue
      syndrome (CFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated progressive brain changes
      with longitudinal MRI in 15 CFS and 10 normal controls (NCs) scanned twice 6
      years apart on the same 1.5 Tesla (T) scanner. MR images yielded gray matter (GM)
      volumes, white matter (WM) volumes, and T1- and T2-weighted signal intensities
      (T1w and T2w). Each participant was characterized with Bell disability scores,
      and somatic and neurological symptom scores. We tested for differences in
      longitudinal changes between CFS and NC groups, inter group differences between
      pooled CFS and pooled NC populations, and correlations between MRI and symptom
      scores using voxel based morphometry. The analysis methodologies were first
      optimized using simulated atrophy. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease in WM
      volumes in the left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) in CFS while in
      NCs it was unchanged (family wise error adjusted cluster level P value, PFWE <
      0.05). This longitudinal finding was consolidated by the group comparisons which
      detected significantly decreased regional WM volumes in adjacent regions (PFWE <
      0.05) and decreased GM and blood volumes in contralateral regions (PFWE < 0.05).
      Moreover, the regional GM and WM volumes and T2w in those areas showed
      significant correlations with CFS symptom scores (PFWE < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The
      results suggested that CFS is associated with IFOF WM deficits which continue to
      deteriorate at an abnormal rate. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1301-1311.

PMID- 27123775
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27123774
TI  - Structural Changes of a Doubly Spin-Labeled Chemically Driven Molecular Shuttle
      Probed by PELDOR Spectroscopy.
AB  - Gaining detailed information on the structural rearrangements associated with
      stimuli-induced molecular movements is of utmost importance for understanding the
      operation of molecular machines. Pulsed electron-electron double resonance
      (PELDOR) was employed to monitor the geometrical changes arising upon chemical
      switching of a [2]rotaxane that behaves as an acid-base-controlled molecular
      shuttle. To this aim, the rotaxane was endowed with stable nitroxide radical
      units in both the ring and axle components. The combination of PELDOR data and
      molecular dynamic calculations indicates that in the investigated rotaxane, the
      ring displacement along the axle, caused by the addition of a base, does not
      alter significantly the distance between the nitroxide labels, but it is
      accompanied by a profound change in the geometry adopted by the macrocycle. 

PMID- 27123776
TI  - The association between maternal smoking and hyperemesis gravidarum: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of studies have not found hyperemesis to be a protective
      and some others have not. To date, no meta-analysis has quantitatively assessed
      the association between smoking and risk of hyperemesis gravidarum. To help close
      that research gap, we performed meta-analysis of the association between smoking
      and risk of hyperemesis gravidarum. METHODS: A literature search was carried out
      in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from the earliest possible year to January
      2016. The heterogeneity across studies was explored by Q-test and I2 statistic.
      The possibility of publication bias was assessed using Begg's and Egger's tests.
      The results were reported using odds ratio (OR) estimate with its 95% confidence
      intervals (CI) using a random-effects model. RESULTS: The literature search
      yielded 607 publications until January 2016 with 1 400 000 participants. Based on
      the random-effects model, compared to nonsmoker people, the estimated OR of
      hyperemesis gravidarum was 0.40 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: We showed
      based on reports in epidemiological studies that smoking before and during
      pregnancy is not a risk factor for hyperemesis gravidarum but also can reduce the
      risk of it.

PMID- 27123777
TI  - Anti N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: a game-changer?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an
      inflammatory disorder of the brain that has garnered significant interest within
      the medical and lay communities. There is a need for formal guidelines to assist
      physicians in identifying patients who should undergo testing for NMDAR
      encephalitis, recognizing the high potential for this potentially treatable
      disease to mimic more common disorders, and consequently remain undiagnosed.
      AREAS COVERED: This review highlights the impact of the discovery of NMDAR
      encephalitis on the fields of neurology and psychiatry, and discusses the steps
      that are necessary to improve recognition and treatment of NMDAR encephalitis.
      Expert commentary: While much progress has been made in our understanding of
      NMDAR encephalitis, much work remains to be done to delineate the underlying
      disease mechanisms and their relevance to brain function.

PMID- 27123778
TI  - Encapsulation of Formaldehyde and Hydrogen Cyanide in an Open-Cage Fullerene.
AB  - Reaction of C63 NO2 (Ph)2 (Py) (1) with o-phenylenediamine and pyridine produces
      a mixture of C63 H4 NO2 (Ph)2 (Py)(N2 C6 H4 ) (2) and H2 O@2. Compound 2 is a new
      open-cage fullerene containing a 20-membered heterocyclic orifice, which has been
      fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and X
      ray crystallography. The elliptical orifice of 2 spans 7.45 A along the major
      axis and 5.62 A along the minor axis, which is large enough to trap water and
      small organic molecules. Thus, heating a mixture of 2 and H2 O@2 with hydrogen
      cyanide and formaldehyde in chlorobenzene affords HCN@2 and H2 CO@2,
      respectively. The (1) H NMR spectroscopy reveals substantial upfield shifts for
      the endohedral species (delta=-1.30 to -11.30 ppm), owing to the strong shielding
      effect of the fullerene cage. 

PMID- 27123779
TI  - A Facile Molecular Precursor-based Synthesis of Ag2 Se Nanoparticles and Its
      Composites with TiO2 for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity.
AB  - The reactions of different silver(I) reagents AgX (X(-) =iodide,
      trifluoroacetate, triflate) with selenoethers R2 Se (R=Me, tBu) in a variety of
      solvents were investigated in relation with their use as precursors for Ag2 Se
      nanomaterials. Different reaction conditions led to different reactivities and
      afforded either molecular complexes or metal selenide nanoparticles. The
      reactions leading to in situ formation of the metal selenide nanoparticles were
      then extended in the presence of commercial TiO2 (P25) to prepare silver selenide
      titania nanocomposites with different Ag/Ti ratios. These nanocomposites, well
      characterized by elemental analysis (Ag, Se), PXRD, TEM, BET, XPS and UV/Vis
      studies, were investigated as photocatalysts for the degradation of formic acid
      (FA) solution. The xAg2 Se-TiO2 nanocomposites (x=0.01, 0.13 and 0.25 mol %)
      exhibited a much higher catalytic activity as compared to P25, which is an
      established benchmark for the photocatalysis under UV light, and retained a good
      photocatalytic stability after recycling for several times. 

PMID- 27123780
TI  - Expression of Mcl-1 and Ki-67 in Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas.
AB  - Studying molecules that are differentially expressed in cancers as well as benign
      and normal tissues is crucial for identifying novel biomarkers for cancer
      immunotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the clinical utility of the
      immunochemical expression of the proliferative cell marker Ki-67 and the
      apoptotic blocker Mcl-1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: We built a
      tissue microarray with 282 thyroid specimens. There were 59 PTCs including 35
      classic (CPTC), 3 tall cell (TCPTC) and 21 follicular variants (FVPTC); 79 benign
      thyroid diseases (22 follicular adenomas; 57 adenomatoid hyperplasia); 33
      Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) specimens; and 111 normal thyroid tissues. Clinical
      history and ultrasound data were retrospectively obtained by chart review.
      RESULTS: Mcl-1 overexpression was evident in 66.7% of the PTC tissues compared to
      32% of the benign thyroid diseases. Mcl-1 strong staining distinguished benign
      from malignant thyroid lesions (sensitivity=61.3%; specificity=72.8%; negative
      predictive value, NPV=68%; positive predictive value, PPV=66.7% and 67.5%
      accuracy). Positive nuclear Ki-67 staining was observed in 34% of PTCs vs. 19% of
      thyroid adenomas (P=0.031). Strong Mcl-1 and Ki-67 co-expression was identified
      in 57.5% of PTCs with a higher PPV (75.8%). Mcl-1 and Ki-67 expression was not
      associated with any clinicopathological feature of malignancy. No deaths occurred
      during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Mcl-1 immunochemical overexpression allowed
      differentiating low-risk PTC from the benign thyroid lesions. We suggest that Mcl
      1 expression may help differentiate follicular patterned thyroid lesions. The
      influence of the Mcl-1 expression on several features of tumor aggressiveness has
      to be studied in large series of high-risk thyroid carcinomas.

PMID- 27123781
TI  - Lipid Accumulation Product: a Simple and Accurate Index for Predicting Metabolic
      Syndrome in Patients with Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency.
AB  - PURPOSE: It has been demonstrated that metabolic risk factors were increased in
      adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) patients. Lipid accumulation product (LAP)
      is a novel biomarker of central lipid accumulation related to risk of metabolic
      syndrome (MS), diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the ability of LAP to identify MS in AGHD Patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 75 AGHD patients and 75 controls matched
      with age and gender were enrolled. The general anthropometries and blood
      biochemical indexes were measured. Body mass index(BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR),
      LAP, HOMA-IR were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis
      was used to find out the cut-off points of LAP to predict MS. RESULTS: Compared
      with control group, waist circumference (WC), WHR, Systolic blood pressure (SBP),
      Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and LAP
      were increased in AGHD group, while high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c)
      level was lower in AGHD group (P<0.05). The prevalence of MS was 41.3% in AGHD
      patients. AGHD patients with MS had significantly higher LAP levels compared to
      those without MS. LAP was highly correlated with components of MS. ROC analysis
      showed that LAP was a significant discriminator for MS in AGHD patients, and the
      optimal cutoff point of LAP to predict MS was 44.96 (96.8% sensitivity, 86.4%
      specificity). CONCLUSIONS: LAP was associated with MS and had a strong and
      reliable diagnostic accuracy for MS in AGHD patients.

PMID- 27123782
TI  - The Impact of Dietary Factors on Glycemic Control, Insulin Sensitivity and
      Secretion in the First Years after Diagnosis of Diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dietary factors play an important role in the prevention of diabetes
      mellitus. We tested the hypothesis that dietary factors related to diabetes onset
      also associate with its progression, i. e., early time courses of insulin
      sensitivity and secretion in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In a
      prospective observational study, well-controlled recent-onset diabetes patients
      (n=127) underwent detailed metabolic characterization within the first year after
      diagnosis. A follow-up was conducted 2 years after the first examination. Insulin
      secretion and sensitivity were assessed by intravenous glucose tolerance testing.
      Baseline food consumption was analyzed by a food propensity questionnaire.
      Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess associations between
      consumption frequencies at baseline with metabolic changes during the first 2
      years. RESULTS: Within the first 2 years, metabolic control did not change in
      patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes on average. In type 1 diabetes, an
      increased consumption frequency of refined grains by one time/day at baseline
      associated with higher HbA1c by 0.60% (95% CI: 0.04; 1.16), P=0.04 after 2 years
      compared to baseline. In type 2 diabetes, an increased consumption frequency of
      meat/meat products by one time/day at baseline associated with lower beta-cell
      adaptation index (-7.25% (95% CI: -13.16; -0.93), P=0.03) after adjustment for
      age, sex, BMI, and changes of BMI and glucose-lowering medication. CONCLUSION:
      Dietary factors associate with the initial course of diabetes. Reduced
      consumption of refined grains in type 1 diabetes and of meat products in type 2
      diabetes may contribute to preservation of insulin secretion and sensitivity.

PMID- 27123783
TI  - Peptide Binding Glucose Regulated Protein 78 Improves Type 1 Diabetes by
      Preventing Pancreatic beta Cell Apoptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Diabetes Type 1 is characterized by hyperglycemia due
      to reduced insulin secretion that results from the death of pancreatic beta
      cells. It was suggested that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with
      the autoimmune-mediated beta cell destruction. Glucose regulated protein 78
      (GRP78) functions as a key regulator to maintain the ER function. Under stress
      conditions GRP78 is up-regulated and expressed on the cell surface serving as a
      signaling receptor. Our first objective was to examine the effects of peptide
      binding cell surface GRP78 to reduce the deleterious effects of diabetes induced
      by streptozotocin. The second objective was to demonstrate the ability of the
      peptide to protect the pancreatic beta cells from apoptosis. METHODS: The effect
      of ADoPep on weight loss, HbA1c levels and anti GRP78 antibody titers was
      evaluated in a diabetes mouse model. The effect of ADoPep on the pancreatic beta
      Ins1E cell apoptosis was determined by FACS analysis. RESULTS: The administration
      of ADoPep to diabetic mice retained the weight loss and reduced HbA1c
      significantly in 60% of mice. Titers of anti GRP78 antibodies increased in 70% of
      the treated mice. Apoptosis was significantly inhibited in stressed pancreatic
      beta Ins 1E cells. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that administration of the peptide
      ADoPep to diabetic mice improved type 1 diabetes by preventing pancreatic beta
      cell apoptosis.

PMID- 27123784
TI  - Atorvastatin Plus Metformin Confer Additive Benefits on Subjects with
      Dyslipidemia and Overweight/Obese via Reducing ROCK2 Concentration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atorvastatin and metformin both have pleiotropic effects. Whether
      atorvastatin combined with metformin could provide additive benefits on subjects
      with dyslipidemia and overweight/obese is unknown. And the mechanism is also not
      fully clear yet. METHODS: A cross-sectional research was performed and 130
      subjects with dyslipidemia and overweight/obese were enrolled and randomly
      assigned into combined group (20 mg of atorvastatin daily plus 500 mg of
      metformin twice daily) and control group (20 mg of atorvastatin daily). At
      baseline and 8 weeks later, parameters of interest were recorded and fasting
      venous blood was drawn for laboratory examination. RESULTS: The rates of
      overweight (76.9% vs. 73.8%) and obese (23.1% vs. 26.2%) in both group were
      comparable. Dyslipidemia in both groups were featured by increased serum levels
      of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL-C). Serum level of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP)
      was comparably elevated in both groups at baseline, and leukocyte rho-associated
      kinase 2 (ROCK2) and serum nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were also comparable.
      Generally, the baseline characteristics between these 2 groups were no
      significant differences. 8 weeks later, compared to baseline, body mass index
      (BMI), the rates of overweight and obese, daily exercise time, smoking status,
      lipid profiles, Hs-CRP level, leukocyte ROCK2 and serum NO concentrations in both
      groups were improved. Notably, compared to control group, the rate of obese, Hs
      CRP level, leukocyte ROCK2 and serum NO concentrations were improved more
      profoundly in the combined group (p<0.05). After adjusted for age, gender, BMI,
      TG, LDL-C, Hs-CRP and exercise time, atorvastatin plus metformin was positively
      associated with serum NO concentration, with odds ratio (OR) of 1.146 (95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.089-1.164, combined group vs. control group, p<0.05),
      and inversely associated with leukocyte ROCK2 concentration, with OR of 0.853
      (95% CI 0.834-0.872, combined group vs. control group, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In
      subjects with dyslipidemia and overweight/obese, atorvastatin plus metformin may
      confer additive benefits through reducing leukocyte ROCK2 concentration.

PMID- 27123785
TI  - Diabetes is Associated with Higher Trimethylamine N-oxide Plasma Levels.
AB  - Recent studies have revealed strong associations between systemic trimethylamine
      N-oxide (TMAO) levels, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. In addition,
      plasma L-carnitine levels in patients with high TMAO concentrations predicted an
      increased risk for cardiovascular disease and incident major adverse cardiac
      events. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between TMAO
      and L-carnitine plasma levels and diabetes. Blood plasma samples were collected
      from 12 and 20 weeks old db/db mice and patients undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention. Diabetic compared to non-diabetic db/L mice presented 10-fold
      higher TMAO, but lower L-carnitine plasma concentrations at 12 weeks of age.
      After 8 weeks of observation, diabetic db/db mice had significantly increased
      body weight, insulin resistance and TMAO concentration in comparison to non
      diabetic control. In 191 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
      the median (interquartile range) plasma concentration of TMAO was 1.8 (1.2-2.6)
      umol/L. Analysis of the samples showed a bivariate association of TMAO level with
      age, total cholesterol and L-carnitine. The multivariate linear regression
      analysis revealed that, in addition to L-carnitine as the strongest predictor of
      log transformed TMAO (p<0.001), the parameters of age, diabetes status and body
      mass index (BMI) were independently associated with increased log transformed
      TMAO levels (p<0.01).Our data provide evidence that age, diabetes and BMI are
      associated with higher TMAO levels independently of L-carnitine. These data
      support the hypothesis of TMAO as a cardiovascular risk marker and warrant
      further investigation of TMAO for diabetes research applications. 

PMID- 27123786
TI  - A role for attention during wilderness navigation: Comparing effects of BDNF,
      KIBRA, and CHRNA4.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To better understand what influences interindividual differences in
      ability to navigate in the wilderness, we hypothesized that better performance
      would be seen in (a) BDNF (rs6265) Val/Val homozygotes increased use of a spatial
      strategy, (b) KIBRA rs17070145 T/T homozygotes superior episodic memory, (c)
      CHRNA4 (rs1044396) T allele carriers better ability to focus visuospatial
      attention. METHOD: Military cadets (n = 382) genotyped for BDNF, KIBRA, and
      CHRNA4 SNPs used a map and compass to navigate in unmarked woods. Participants
      completed a morning course within 3.0 km and an afternoon course within 7.0 km.
      RESULTS: Success or failure in finding each point was analyzed in a logistic
      regression model with KIBRA, BDNF, and CHRNA4 genotypes as fixed effects. For the
      morning course, the adjusted odds ratio for the effect of KIBRA T/T over KIBRA
      C/C was 2.58 (95% CI of 1.31, 5.06) demonstrating a statistical benefit of the
      KIBRA T/T genotype over individuals with KIBRA C/C genotype. BDNF did not have an
      independent association with navigational success. For the afternoon course, the
      adjusted odds ratio for the effect of CHRNA4 C/T over C/C was 1.67 (95% CI of
      1.24, 2.25) demonstrating a statistical benefit of CHRNA4 T allele carriers over
      the C/C genotype. CONCLUSIONS: Ability to navigate in the wilderness benefits
      less from sense of direction (BDNF and Santa Barbara Sense of Direction) and more
      from episodic memory (KIBRA) in the first course and heightened ability to focus
      attention (CHRNA4) after experience in the 2nd course. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123787
TI  - Notes from the Field: Health Care-Associated Hepatitis A Outbreak - Texas, 2015.
AB  - On August 27-28, 2015, the Texas Department of State Health Services received
      calls from Fort Bend County and Harris County health departments requesting
      postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) recommendations for contacts of two nurses
      (patients A and B) with confirmed hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. Both nurses
      had symptom onset during August 15-19 and worked for the same pediatric home
      health care agency in another jurisdiction. Because of the proximity of the onset
      dates, a common source exposure was suspected. The state and local health
      departments began an investigation to identify potentially exposed patients,
      their families, and other agency personnel; offer PEP; and identify the source of
      exposure. 

PMID- 27123788
TI  - Autonomously Propelled Motors for Value-Added Product Synthesis and Purification.
AB  - A proof-of-concept design for autonomous, self-propelling motors towards value
      added product synthesis and separation is presented. The hybrid motor design
      consists of two distinct functional blocks. The first, a sodium borohydride
      (NaBH4 ) granule, serves both as a reaction prerequisite for the reduction of
      vanillin and also as a localized solid-state fuel in the reaction mixture. The
      second capping functional block consisting of a graphene-polymer composite serves
      as a hydrophobic matrix to attract the reaction product vanillyl alcohol (VA),
      resulting in facile separation of this edible value-added product. These
      autonomously propelled motors were fabricated at a length scale down to 400 MUm,
      and once introduced in the reaction environment showed rapid bubble-propulsion
      followed by high-purity separation of the reaction product (VA) by the virtue of
      the graphene-polymer cap acting as a mesoporous sponge. The concept has excellent
      potential towards the synthesis/isolation of industrially important compounds,
      affinity-based product separation, pollutant remediation (such as heavy metal
      chelation/adsorption), as well as localized fuel-gradients as an alternative to
      external fuel dependency. 

PMID- 27123789
TI  - Understanding Solvent Manipulation of Morphology in Bulk-Heterojunction Organic
      Solar Cells.
AB  - Film morphology greatly influences the performance of bulk-heterojunction (BHJ)
      structure-based solar cells. It is known that an interpenetrating bicontinuous
      network with nanoscale-separated donor and acceptor phases for charge transfer,
      an ordered molecular packing for exciton diffusion and charge transport, and a
      vertical compositionally graded structure for charge collection are prerequisites
      for achieving highly efficient BHJ organic solar cells (OSCs). Therefore, control
      of the morphology to obtain an ideal structure is a key problem. For this
      solution-processing BHJ system, the solvent participates fully in film
      processing. Its involvement is critical in modifying the nanostructure of BHJ
      films. In this review, we discuss the effects of solvent-related methods on the
      morphology of BHJ films, including selection of the casting solvent, solvent
      mixture, solvent vapor annealing, and solvent soaking. On the basis of a
      discussion on interaction strength and time between solvent and active materials,
      we believe that the solvent-morphology-performance relationship will be clearer
      and that solvent selection as a means to manipulate the morphology of BHJ films
      will be more rational.

PMID- 27123790
TI  - Constraint-induced movement therapy as a rehabilitation intervention for upper
      extremity in stroke patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a neurorehabilitation technique
      designed to improve upper extremity motor functions after stroke. This review
      aimed to investigate evidence of the effect of CIMT on upper extremity in stroke
      patients and to identify optimal methods to apply CIMT. Four databases (MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, CINHAL, and PEDro) and reference lists of relevant articles and reviews
      were searched. Randomized clinical trials that studied the effect of CIMT on
      upper extremity outcomes in stroke patients compared with other rehabilitative
      techniques, usual care, or no intervention were included. Methodological quality
      was assessed using the PEDro score. The following data were extracted for each
      trial: patients' characteristics, sample size, eligibility criteria, protocols of
      CIMT and control groups, outcome measurements, and the PEDro score. A total of 38
      trials were identified according to the inclusion criteria. The trials included
      were heterogeneous in CIMT protocols, time since stroke, and duration and
      frequency of treatment. The pooled meta-analysis of 36 trials found a
      heterogeneous significant effect of CIMT on upper extremity. There was no
      significant effect of CIMT at different durations of follow-up. The majority of
      included articles did not fulfill powered sample size and quality criteria. The
      effect of CIMT changed in terms of sample size and quality features of the
      articles included. These meta-analysis findings indicate that evidence for the
      superiority of CIMT in comparison with other rehabilitative interventions is
      weak. Information on the optimal dose of CIMT and optimal time to start CIMT is
      still limited. 

PMID- 27123791
TI  - Photoactivation of an Acid-Sensitive Ion Channel Associated with Vision and Pain.
AB  - We describe the reversible photoactivation of the acid sensitive ligand-gated ion
      channel ASIC2a, a mammalian channel found throughout the central and peripheral
      nervous systems that is associated with vision and pain. We also show the
      activation of GLIC, an acid-sensitive prokaryotic homologue of the nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor. Photoactivation was achieved by using visible light
      irradiation of a newly synthesized water-soluble merocyanine photoacid, 1, which
      was designed to remove adverse channel blocking effects of a related system.
      Activation of ASIC2a and GLIC occurs reversibly, in a benign manner, and only
      upon irradiation. Further studies using transient absorption spectroscopy showed
      that protonation of a colorimetric base occurred rapidly (ca. 100 MUs) after
      excitation of 1. These results demonstrate that irradiation of 1 can induce
      rapid, local pH changes that can be used to investigate both biological and
      chemical proton transfer reactions.

PMID- 27123793
TI  - Dietary and Household Sources of Prenatal Exposure to Polybrominated Diphenyl
      Ethers (PBDEs) in the INMA Birth Cohort (Spain).
AB  - This study looked at predictors of exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers
      (PBDEs) with a focus on dietary and household-level factors. Concentrations of
      BDE-47, -99, -153, and -209 and their sum (?PBDEs) were measured in cord serum.
      Spanish women (n = 541) completed two semiquantitative food frequency
      questionnaires during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. The daily mean
      intake (grams) of eggs, dairy products, meat, cereals and pasta, vegetables and
      pulses, fruits, shellfish and cephalopods, and fish, and the weekly mean intake
      (servings) of lean, large oily, other oily, and other fish from both
      questionnaires were averaged. Information on house size, curtains and carpets at
      home, mattress type, housekeeping frequency, and television use was also
      collected later in gestation. Multivariate censored regression was used to assess
      the association between PBDE concentration (log2 transformed) and potential
      predictors. BDE-47, -99, -209 and ?PBDE concentrations increased by 13.6%(95%
      CI:0.0, 29.0%), 21.1%(2.3, 43.5%), 21.7%(0.4, 47.5%) and 11.5%(2.2, 21.7%),
      respectively, per interquartile range increment in daily intake of shellfish and
      cephalopods. Fish intake was associated with BDE-99 (20.8%[1.7, 43.4%]). When
      fish was disaggregated by types, BDE-99 and ?PBDEs increased by 13.8%(4.0, 24.7%)
      and 5.7%(0.8, 10.8%), respectively, per 1-serving/week increment in large oily
      fish intake. BDE-153 was associated with higher housekeeping frequency
      (35.9%[0.4, 83.9%]) and BDE-209 with foam mattress use (48.9%[5.8, 109.7%]). In
      conclusion, seafood consumption, higher housekeeping frequency, and foam mattress
      were associated with prenatal PBDE exposure.

PMID- 27123794
TI  - The Economics of Autoclave-Based Sterilization: Experience from Central Sterile
      Supply Department of a Cancer Center in Eastern India.

PMID- 27123792
TI  - Prognostic Implications of Tumor Diameter in Association With Gene Expression
      Profile for Uveal Melanoma.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Uveal melanoma (UM) can be divided into prognostically significant
      subgroups based on a prospectively validated and widely used 15-gene expression
      profile (GEP) test. Class 1 UMs have a low risk and class 2 UMs have a high risk
      for metastasis. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether any clinicopathologic factors
      provide independent prognostic information that may enhance the accuracy of the
      GEP classification. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective
      observational study performed at 2 ocular oncology referral centers included 339
      patients in a primary cohort and 241 patients in a validation cohort. Both
      cohorts had a diagnosis of UM arising from the ciliary body and/or choroid. All
      patients underwent tumor biopsy for GEP prognostic testing. Clinicopathologic
      variables included patient age and sex, tumor thickness, largest basal tumor
      diameter (LBD), ciliary body involvement, and pathologic cell type. Patients from
      the primary cohort were enrolled from November 1, 1998, to March 16, 2012; from
      the validation cohort, from November 4, 1996, to November 7, 2013. Follow-up for
      the primary cohort was completed on August 18, 2013; for the validation cohort,
      December 10, 2013. Data were analyzed from November 12, 2013, to November 25,
      2015. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary
      outcome was overall survival. RESULTS: The primary cohort included 339 patients
      (175 women [51.6%]; mean [SD] age, 61.8 [13.6] years). The most significant
      prognostic factor was GEP classification (exp[b], 10.33; 95% CI, 4.30-24.84; P <
      .001). The only other variable that provided independent prognostic information
      was LBD (exp[b], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02-1.26; P = .02). Among class 2 UMs, LBD showed
      a modest but significant association with PFS (exp[b], 1.13; 95% CI, 1.04-1.24; P
      = .005). The 5-year actuarial metastasis-free survival estimates (SE) were 97%
      (3%) for class 1 UMs with LBD of less than 12 mm, 90% (4%) for class 1 UMs with
      LBD of at least 12 mm, 90% (9%) for class 2 UMs with LBD of less than 12 mm, and
      30% (7%) for class 2 UMs with LBDs of at least 12 mm. The independent prognostic
      value of LBD and the 12-mm LBD cutoff were corroborated in the independent
      validation 241-patient cohort. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Class 2 UMs had better
      prognosis when the LBD was less than 12 mm at the time of treatment. These
      findings could have important implications for patient counseling, primary tumor
      treatment, clinical trial enrollment, metastatic surveillance, and adjuvant
      therapy.

PMID- 27123795
TI  - The Challenge of Pain Control.

PMID- 27123796
TI  - The Association Between Obesity and Hostility: The Mediating Role of Plasma
      Lipids.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recent research indicates an association between obesity and
      psychopathology status, the nature of which remains unclear. We evaluated the
      mediating role of biochemical disturbances in this association among a treatment
      seeking sample of obese individuals. METHOD: The study enrolled 143 consecutive
      overweight and obese individuals (mean age 35+/-9 y) and 143 normal-weight
      controls (mean age 34+/-9 y), matched by age and sex. We measured psychopathology
      features using the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R), a standardized self
      evaluation rating scale, and biochemical parameters (plasma cholesterol,
      triglyceride, and fasting glucose levels) of all participants. Nonlinear
      regression models were used to estimate the associations among obesity,
      psychopathology, and biochemical factors. RESULTS: Obesity was associated
      positively and significantly (P<0.05) with all of the SCL-90-R subscales, with
      the exception of anxiety and phobic anxiety, as well as with levels of plasma
      glucose, cholesterol (P<0.01), and triglycerides (P<0.001). Tests for mediation
      showed that obesity was significantly associated, for the mediators of plasma
      cholesterol [parameter estimate=-0.033, P<0.05] and triglycerides (parameter
      estimate=-0.059, P<0.05), only with hostility (parameter estimate=-0.024, P<0.05
      and parameter estimate=-0.041, P<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      suggest that biological substrates that are critically related to obesity, such
      as dyslipidemia, may mediate, at least in part, the association between obesity
      and hostility.

PMID- 27123797
TI  - Lithium or Valproate Adjunctive Therapy to Second-generation Antipsychotics and
      Metabolic Variables in Patients With Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: People with schizophrenia are at greater risk for cardiovascular
      disease and their overall mortality rate is elevated compared to the general
      population. The metabolic side effects of antipsychotic medications have been
      widely studied; however, the effect of adding conventional mood stabilizers, such
      as lithium and valproate, to antipsychotic medication has not been assessed in
      terms of metabolic risk. The primary purpose of this secondary analysis was to
      examine whether treatment with lithium or valproate in addition to a second
      generation antipsychotic is associated with poorer metabolic outcomes than
      treatment with a second-generation antipsychotic without lithium or depakote.
      METHODS: Baseline data from 3 studies, which included measurement of body mass
      index, waist circumference, fasting glucose, insulin, homeostatic model
      assessment of insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity index, glucose utilization,
      and acute insulin response to glucose, were included in the analysis. RESULTS: No
      differences were found between those taking lithium or valproate and those who
      were not in terms of fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model
      assessment of insulin resistance. Insulin sensitivity was lower among
      participants taking lithium or valproate. Participants taking lithium or
      valproate had a higher body mass index than those not taking conventional mood
      stabilizers, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.
      CONCLUSIONS: These cross-sectional findings suggest it may be beneficial to
      monitor insulin sensitivity and body mass index in patients taking lithium or
      valproate in combination with a second-generation antipsychotic.

PMID- 27123798
TI  - Buprenorphine Prescribing: To Expand or Not to Expand.
AB  - As a result of the prescription opioid epidemic in the United States, there has
      been an increasing need for effective treatment interventions, both
      pharmacological and nonpharmacological. Buprenorphine has emerged as a critical
      component of the treatment of opioid use disorder, yet its adoption has not been
      without some concerns. This article first reviews the pharmacology, clinical use,
      and US legislative action related to buprenorphine, followed by a discussion of
      the misuse and diversion of buprenorphine in the United States as well as
      internationally. We then explore the impact of buprenorphine abuse as well as
      discussing strategies for its reduction, including changes in policy,
      prescription and pharmacy monitoring, and continuing medical education for
      guiding and improving clinical practice.

PMID- 27123799
TI  - Use of the Temperament and Character Inventory to Predict Response to Repetitive
      Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Major Depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the utility of the
      Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) in predicting antidepressant response
      to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). BACKGROUND: Although rTMS
      of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is an established antidepressant treatment,
      little is known about predictors of response. The TCI measures multiple
      personality dimensions (harm avoidance, novelty seeking, reward dependence,
      persistence, self-directedness, self-transcendence, and cooperativeness), some of
      which have predicted response to pharmacotherapy and cognitive-behavioral
      therapy. A previous study suggested a possible association between self
      directedness and response to rTMS in melancholic depression, although this was
      limited by the fact that melancholic depression is associated with a limited
      range of TCI profiles. METHODS: Nineteen patients with a major depressive episode
      completed the TCI before a clinical course of rTMS over the dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex. Treatment response was defined as >=50% decrease in scores on
      the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham-D). Baseline scores on each TCI
      dimension were compared between responders and nonresponders through analysis of
      variance. Pearson correlations were also calculated for temperament/character
      scores in comparison with percentage improvement in Ham-D scores. RESULTS: Eleven
      of the 19 patients responded to rTMS. T-scores for persistence were significantly
      higher in responders than in nonresponders (P=0.022). Linear regression revealed
      a correlation between persistence scores and percentage improvement in Ham-D
      scores. CONCLUSIONS: Higher persistence scores predicted antidepressant response
      to rTMS. This may be explained by rTMS-induced enhancement of cortical
      excitability, which has been found to be decreased in patients with high
      persistence. Personality assessment that includes measurement of TCI persistence
      may be a useful component of precision medicine initiatives in rTMS for
      depression.

PMID- 27123800
TI  - Determining Whether a Definitive Causal Relationship Exists Between Aripiprazole
      and Tardive Dyskinesia and/or Dystonia in Patients With Major Depressive
      Disorder, Part 4: Case Report Data.
AB  - This series of columns has 3 main goals: (1) to explain class warnings as used by
      the United States Food and Drug Administration, (2) to increase awareness of
      movement disorders that may occur in patients treated with antipsychotic
      medications, and (3) to understand why clinicians should refrain from immediately
      assuming a diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia/dystonia (TD) in patients who develop
      abnormal movements during treatment with antipsychotics. The first column in the
      series presented a patient who developed abnormal movements while being treated
      with aripiprazole as an augmentation strategy for major depressive disorder and
      reviewed data concerning the historical background, incidence, prevalence, and
      risk factors for tardive and spontaneous dyskinesias, the clinical presentations
      of which closely resemble each other. The second column in the series reviewed
      the unique mechanism of action of aripiprazole and reviewed preclinical studies
      and an early-phase human translational study that suggest a low, if not absent,
      risk of TD with aripiprazole. The third column in this series reviewed the
      registration trial data for aripiprazole across all of its indications and found
      a raw incidence of TD ranging from 0.004 (4 out of 987) in long-term studies of
      the drug as an augmentation strategy for major depressive disorder to 0.0016 (19
      out of 11,897) based on all short-term (ie, weeks to <6 mo) and long-term (6 mo
      to 1 y) studies combined. This fourth column in the series reviews the "real
      world" data on aripiprazole and assesses whether these data also support the
      conclusion that aripiprazole has a low to absent risk of causing TD. The "real
      world" data consist of case reports from the medical literature and the United
      States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). We
      found 37 cases in the medical literature reporting what was termed TD in
      association with aripiprazole treatment as well as 27 case reports suggesting
      improvement in preexisting TD with aripiprazole treatment. On the basis of the
      case reports from the medical literature, the potential or raw incidence of TD
      during "real-world" treatment with aripiprazole was 0.0000062 (37 out of the 6
      million individuals who had been treated with aripiprazole in the United States
      as of 2013 according to a report from Otsuka). A query of the FAERS yielded 312
      cases of TD in which aripiprazole was the primary suspect. On the basis of the
      FAERS data and again assuming 6 million individuals exposed to aripiprazole, this
      yields a raw incidence of 0.000052 (312 out of 6 million) for TD in patients
      treated with aripiprazole. However, these estimates have limitations because they
      are based on anecdotal reports and pharmacovigilance data and, thus, the events
      themselves were not confirmed or verified in a systematic way. Further, the
      figure of 6 million people exposed to aripiprazole was based on data reported to
      the authors by the drug's manufacturer and only applies to exposure in the United
      States. The final column in this 5-part series will discuss the types of
      prohibitively expensive and logistically difficult studies that would be needed
      to determine whether a definitive causal relationship between aripiprazole and TD
      exists.

PMID- 27123801
TI  - Psychotherapy and its Role in Psychiatric Practice: A Position Paper. I.
      Psychiatry as a Psychobiological Discipline.
AB  - Economic, political, and ideological landscapes have impacted the practice of
      psychiatry throughout its evolution as a medical discipline. Despite enormous
      scientific advances over the course of the past century, many psychiatrists
      continue to operate with a split Cartesian picture of mind versus brain and
      entrenched ideological positions ranging from biological "chemical imbalance" to
      rigidly followed manualized psychotherapy approaches, both of which frequently
      result in fractured clinical care. With the impact of systemic economic and
      political pressures in Canada and the United States, the attention to the doctor
      patient relationship has taken a back seat to high-volume practices, computerized
      assessment tools, and the focus on evidence-based treatments for behaviorally
      defined syndromes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
      that often come at the expense of the patient's experience of his or her illness.
      We spend much time teaching the next generation of psychiatrists what to
      prescribe versus how to prescribe; what manualized treatments to administer
      versus questioning why our patients engage in dysfunctional patterns of thinking,
      feeling, and relating to others, and what impact these patterns may have on their
      interaction with us in the here-and-now of the treatment setting. In this paper,
      we propose an integrative psychobiological model, in which biological
      interventions carry personal meanings, and relational transactions in the
      treatment setting are a form of learning that results in lasting physiological
      changes in the brain. Psychiatry needs to reconnect with its roots as a science
      of attachment and meaning, in which attention to the objective, subjective, and
      relational domains of the patient-provider experience is equally foundational for
      any successful treatment outcome.

PMID- 27123802
TI  - Atomoxetine-related Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Many psychotropic medications target norepinephrine receptors, which can have
      serious cardiovascular implications, especially in the context of overdoses,
      polypharmacy, and high-risk populations. This article presents the case of a
      patient with adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who developed
      takotsubo cardiomyopathy subsequent to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic
      interactions between atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor,
      and fluoxetine. Clinicians should be mindful of the potential for cardiovascular
      adverse effects when prescribing agents that target noradrenergic receptors.

PMID- 27123804
TI  - Commentary on 2 Cases of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Involving Psychotropic
      Medication.
AB  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), is a cardiac
      syndrome first described in Japan in 1990 that typically follows an acute
      physical or psychiatric stressor, hence its association with the terms "broken
      heart syndrome" and stress cardiomyopathy. Although it is relatively rare,
      occurring in only 0.02% of the general population and roughly 2% of patients with
      acute coronary syndrome, neurological or psychiatric disorders are present in
      over 50% of affected individuals. One of the major hypotheses regarding the
      pathophysiology of TTS involves a catecholamine surge, from stress directly, or
      in some cases from psychiatric medication used to relieve distress. Given the
      association of TTS with acute stress and psychiatric illness, psychiatrists may
      be involved in the care of patients with TTS either at the initial presentation
      of the condition or following recovery. The case reports presented in this issue
      exemplify these 2 scenarios: one case involves the development of TTS during
      treatment with atomoxetine, and the other case involves treatment of depression
      in a patient after recovery from TTS, as well as a TTS recurrence during
      treatment with fluoxetine.

PMID- 27123803
TI  - The Use of Fluoxetine in a Patient With Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an acute coronary syndrome that is believed to be
      brought on by stress. Symptoms, which are similar to an acute myocardial
      infarction, include chest pain, shortness of breath, arrhythmias, and cardiogenic
      shock, and the electrocardiogram often shows ST and T wave changes. Left
      ventricular wall hypokinesis along with a significantly reduced ejection fraction
      are seen on echocardiogram. The great majority of these symptoms all occur in the
      absence of occlusive disease. Many cases have been reported in which the
      development of takotsubo cardiomyopathy was associated with serotonin
      norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants. However, no
      cases of takotsubo cardiomyopathy have been reported involving selective
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This article presents the case of a 51-year-old
      woman receiving stable therapy with fluoxetine who developed takotsubo
      cardiomyopathy after an acute stress. We also discuss the clinical presentation
      of takotsubo cardiomyopathy, review possible causes, and discuss the treatment of
      depressive symptoms in patients who are at increased risk of developing this
      illness.

PMID- 27123805
TI  - Efficacy of Baduanjin Exercise and Feasibility of Mobile Text Reminders on Follow
      up Participation in People With Severe Mental Illness: An Exploratory Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with severe mental illness (SMI) frequently have poor physical
      health, which can in part be related to a low level of physical activity. The
      goal of this exploratory study was to examine the efficacy of a group
      participating in Baduanjin (a type of traditional Chinese exercise) on the health
      of individuals with SMI and the feasibility/acceptability of using short message
      service (SMS) reminder strategies to prompt continued exercise during a follow-up
      period. METHOD: Participants (N=11) participated in a Baduanjin group session for
      8 weeks and then maintained home-based Baduanjin with SMS reminders for another 8
      weeks. Physical and psychological tests were administered to participants.
      RESULTS: Significant improvements were found in balance and processing speed and
      in some domains of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) after the
      Baduanjin program. Participants were able to maintain engagement in 80% of the
      expected practice time during the follow-up period. The acceptability of
      strategies to support home-based exercise, including SMS reminders, was high.
      CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggested the efficacy of Baduanjin and the
      feasibility of SMS reminders in maintaining follow-up participation in people
      with SMI. Future studies using a larger sample size and a control group are
      needed to confirm the findings.

PMID- 27123806
TI  - An Examination of Incentive Strategies to Increase Participation in Outcomes
      Research for an Adolescent Inpatient Unit.
AB  - Tracking adolescent outcomes after inpatient hospitalization is important in
      informing clinical care for this age group, as inpatient care is one of the most
      expensive treatment modalities. This study examined 4 incentive strategies used
      to maintain adolescent participation in follow-up research (at 6, 12, and 18 mo)
      after their discharge from the hospital (N=267). A generalized estimation
      equation approach was taken to investigate whether different incentive strategies
      predicted adolescent completion of the follow-up assessments at each time point.
      Findings demonstrate that implementation of social worker contact significantly
      differed from other incentive strategies in increasing adolescent completion of
      follow-up assessments (Z=2.51, P=0.012) over the 3 time points, even when
      controlling for age and sex. Although these findings ultimately need to be
      confirmed through a randomized controlled study of incentive strategies, they
      provide preliminary support for the notion that relational incentives, such as
      maintaining contact with a member of the clinical team at the hospital, may be
      particularly important in promoting adolescent participation in outcomes
      research.

PMID- 27123807
TI  - Correction: Surface binding, localization and storage of iron in the giant kelp
      Macrocystis pyrifera.
AB  - Correction for 'Surface binding, localization and storage of iron in the giant
      kelp Macrocystis pyrifera' by Eric P. Miller et al., Metallomics, 2016, 8, 403
      411.

PMID- 27123808
TI  - Computed Tomography Evaluation of Esophagogastric Necrosis After Caustic
      Ingestion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopy is the standard of care for emergency patient evaluation
      after caustic ingestion. However, the inaccuracy of endoscopy in determining the
      depth of intramural necrosis may lead to inappropriate decision-making with
      devastating consequences. Our aim was to evaluate the use of computed tomography
      (CT) for the emergency diagnostic workup of patients with caustic injuries.
      METHODS: In a prospective study, we used a combined endoscopy-CT decision-making
      algorithm. The primary outcome was pathology-confirmed digestive necrosis. The
      respective utility of CT and endoscopy in the decision-making process were
      compared. Transmural endoscopic necrosis was defined as grade 3b injuries; signs
      of transmural CT necrosis included absence of postcontrast gastric/ esophageal
      wall enhancement, esophageal-wall blurring, and periesophageal-fat blurring.
      RESULTS: We included 120 patients (59 men, median age 44 years). Emergency
      surgery was performed in 24 patients (20%) and digestive resection was completed
      in 16. Three patients (3%) died and 28 patients (23%) experienced complications.
      Pathology revealed transmural necrosis in 9/11 esophagectomy and 16/16
      gastrectomy specimens. Severe oropharyngeal injuries (P = 0.015), increased
      levels of blood lactate (P = 0.007), alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.027),
      bilirubin (P = 0.005), and low platelet counts (P > 0.0001) were predictive of
      digestive necrosis. Decision-making relying on CT alone or on a combined CT
      endoscopy algorithm was similar and would have spared 19 unnecessary
      esophagectomies and 16 explorative laparotomies compared with an endoscopy-alone
      algorithm. Endoscopy did never rectify a wrong CT decision. CONCLUSIONS:
      Emergency decision-making after caustic injuries can rely on CT alone.

PMID- 27123809
TI  - Ethical Recommendations for Video Recording in the Operating Room.

PMID- 27123810
TI  - Thermostability of Enzymes from Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
AB  - Thermodynamic stability is a central requirement for protein function, and one
      goal of protein engineering is improvement of stability, particularly for
      applications in biotechnology. Herein, molecular dynamics simulations are used to
      predict in vitro thermostability of members of the bacterial ribonuclease HI
      (RNase H) family of endonucleases. The temperature dependence of the generalized
      order parameter, S, for four RNase H homologues, from psychrotrophic, mesophilic,
      and thermophilic organisms, is highly correlated with experimentally determined
      melting temperatures and with calculated free energies of folding at the midpoint
      temperature of the simulations. This study provides an approach for in silico
      mutational screens to improve thermostability of biologically and industrially
      relevant enzymes. 

PMID- 27123813
TI  - A Dual-Responsive Bola-Type Supra-amphiphile Constructed from a Water-Soluble
      Calix[4]pyrrole and a Tetraphenylethene-Containing Pyridine Bis-N-oxide.
AB  - Complexation between a water-soluble calix[4]pyrrole and a ditopic pyridine N
      oxide derivative in aqueous media produces a bola-type supra-amphiphile that self
      assembles to produce higher order morphologies, including multilamellar vesicles
      and micelles depending on the pH. The present bola-type supra-amphiphile exhibits
      strong fluorescence due to structural changes and aggregation induced by host
      guest complexation. The resulting structures may be used to recognize,
      encapsulate, and release non-fluorescent, water-soluble small molecules.

PMID- 27123811
TI  - Significantly enhanced tumor cellular and lysosomal hydroxychloroquine delivery
      by smart liposomes for optimal autophagy inhibition and improved antitumor
      efficiency with liposomal doxorubicin.
AB  - Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) inhibits autophagy and therefore can sensitize some
      cancer cells to chemotherapy, but the high doses required limit its clinical use.
      Here we show that loading HCQ into liposomes (HCQ/Lip) decorated with a pH
      sensitive TH-RGD targeting peptide (HCQ/Lip-TR) can concentrate HCQ in B16F10
      tumor cells and lysosomes. HCQ/Lip-TR was efficiently internalized as a result of
      its ability to bind ITGAV-ITGB3/integrin alphavbeta3 receptors highly expressed
      on the tumor cell surface and to undergo charge reversal from anionic at pH 7.4
      to cationic at pH 6.5. Studies in vitro at pH 6.5 showed that the intracellular
      HCQ concentration was 35.68-fold higher, and lysosomal HCQ concentration 32.22
      fold higher, after treating cultures with HCQ/Lip-TR than after treating them
      with free HCQ. The corresponding enhancements observed in mice bearing B16F10
      tumors were 15.16-fold within tumor cells and 14.10-fold within lysosomes.
      HCQ/Lip-TR was associated with milder anemia and milder myosuppressive reductions
      in white blood cell and platelet counts than free HCQ, as well as less
      accumulation in the small intestine, which may reduce risk of intestinal side
      effects. In addition, co-delivering HCQ/Lip-TR with either free doxorubicin (DOX)
      or liposomal DOX improved the ability of DOX to inhibit tumor growth.
      Biochemical, electron microscopy and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed
      that HCQ/Lip-TR blocked autophagic flux in tumor cells. Our results suggest that
      loading HCQ into Lip-TR liposomes may increase the effective concentration of the
      inhibitor in tumor cells, allowing less toxic doses to be used.

PMID- 27123812
TI  - Designing helical peptide inhibitors of protein-protein interactions.
AB  - Short helical peptides combine characteristics of small molecules and large
      proteins and provide an exciting area of opportunity in protein design. A growing
      number of studies report novel helical peptide inhibitors of protein-protein
      interactions. New techniques have been developed for peptide design and for
      chemically stabilizing peptides in a helical conformation, which frequently
      improves protease resistance and cell permeability. We summarize advances in
      peptide crosslinking chemistry and give examples of peptide design studies
      targeting coiled-coil transcription factors, Bcl-2 family proteins, MDM2/MDMX,
      and HIV gp41, among other targets.

PMID- 27123814
TI  - Tracheal Smooth Muscle Cells Stimulated by Stem Cell Factor-c-Kit Coordinate the
      Production of Transforming Growth Factor-beta1 and Fibroblast Growth Factor-2
      Mediated by Chemokine (C-C Motif) Ligand 3.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanism involved in the stem cell
      factor (SCF)-induced production of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2),
      transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3
      (CCL3) in tracheal smooth muscle cells (tSMCs) and the signaling pathway involved
      in the process. tSMC primary cultures were stimulated with SCF and evaluated at
      24 h. Cells treated with specific antibodies did not show any immunolabeling for
      cytokeratin or fibroblast activation protein, but were positive for alpha-smooth
      muscle actin, indicating the purity of the primary cell line. Western blot
      analysis showed constitutive phosphorylation of c-Kit, as well as increased total
      protein and phosphorylated c-Kit levels in tSMCs after SCF stimulation. Flow
      cytometry analysis also showed an increase in cell-surface c-Kit expression in
      the presence of SCF. SCF induced TGF-beta mRNA expression in tSMCs, as well as
      the production of TGF-beta1, CCL3, and FGF-2. Pretreatment with anti-CCL3
      antibody blocked TGF-beta1 expression and partially inhibited FGF-2 production.
      On the other hand, anti-c-Kit antibody blocked TGF-beta1 expression and FGF-2
      production. Thus, TGF-beta1 and FGF-2 production were mediated by CCL3 production
      through c-Kit. Pretreatment with mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1, p38,
      and Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitors showed that the effects mediated by SCF were
      involved with the modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.
      Development of inhibitors targeting CCL3 through MAPK activation could thus be an
      attractive strategy to inhibit tSMC activation during asthma.

PMID- 27123815
TI  - Microbiology: the road to strain-level identification.

PMID- 27123816
TI  - A practical guide to hydrogels for cell culture.
AB  - There is growing appreciation of the role that the extracellular environment
      plays in regulating cell behavior. Mechanical, structural, and compositional
      cues, either alone or in concert, can drastically alter cell function.
      Biomaterials, and particularly hydrogels, have been developed and implemented to
      present defined subsets of these cues for investigating countless cellular
      processes as a means of understanding morphogenesis, aging, and disease. Although
      most scientists concede that standard cell culture materials (tissue culture
      plastic and glass) do a poor job of recapitulating native cellular milieus, there
      is currently a knowledge barrier for many researchers in regard to the
      application of hydrogels for cell culture. Here, we introduce hydrogels to those
      who may be unfamiliar with procedures to culture and study cells with these
      systems, with a particular focus on commercially available hydrogels.

PMID- 27123818
TI  - Detection of bacteria with molecular methods in prosthetic joint infection:
      sonication fluid better than periprosthetic tissue.
AB  - Background and purpose - The correct diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection
      (PJI) can be difficult because bacteria form a biofilm on the surface of the
      implant. The sensitivity of culture from sonication fluid is better than that
      from periprosthetic tissue, but no comparison studies using molecular methods on
      a large scale have been performed. We assessed whether periprosthetic tissue or
      sonication fluid should be used for molecular analysis. Patients and methods -
      Implant and tissue samples were retrieved from 87 patients who underwent revision
      operation of total knee or total hip arthroplasty. Both sample types were
      analyzed using broad-range (BR-) PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. The results
      were evaluated based on the definition of periprosthetic joint infection from the
      Workgroup of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society. Results - PJI was diagnosed
      in 29 patients, whereas aseptic failure was diagnosed in 58 patients. Analysis of
      sonication fluid using BR-PCR detected bacteria in 27 patients, whereas analysis
      of periprosthetic tissue by BR-PCR detected bacteria in 22 patients. In 6 of 7
      patients in whom BR-PCR analysis of periprosthetic tissue was negative, low
      virulence bacteria were present. The sensitivity and specificity values for
      periprosthetic tissue were 76% and 93%, respectively, and the sensitivity and
      specificity values for sonication fluid were 95% and 97%. Interpretation - Our
      results suggest that sonication fluid may be a more appropriate sample than
      periprosthetic tissue for BR-PCR analysis in patients with PJI. However, further
      investigation is required to improve detection of bacteria in patients with so
      called aseptic failure. 

PMID- 27123817
TI  - Measuring cell-generated forces: a guide to the available tools.
AB  - Forces generated by cells are critical regulators of cell adhesion, signaling,
      and function, and they are also essential drivers in the morphogenetic events of
      development. Over the past 20 years, several methods have been developed to
      measure these forces. However, despite recent substantial interest in
      understanding the contribution of these forces in biology, implementation and
      adoption of the developed methods by the broader biological community remain
      challenging because of the inherently multidisciplinary expertise required to
      conduct and interpret the measurements. In this review, we introduce the
      established methods and highlight the technical challenges associated with
      implementing each technique in a biological laboratory.

PMID- 27123824
TI  - Toward Virus-Like Surface Plasmon Strain Sensors.
AB  - The strong configuration dependence of collective surface plasmon resonances in
      an array of metal nanoparticles provides an opportunity to develop a bioinspired
      tool for sensing mechanical deformations in soft matter at the nanoscale. We
      study the feasibility of a strain sensor based on an icosahedral array of
      nanoparticles encapsulated by a virus capsid. When the system undergoes
      deformation, the optical scattering cross-section spectra as well as the induced
      electric field profile change. By numerical simulations, we examine how these
      changes depend on the symmetry and extent of the deformation and on both the
      propagation direction and polarization of the incident radiation. Such a sensor
      could prove useful in studies of the mechanisms of nanoparticle or virus
      translocation in the confines of a host cell.

PMID- 27123825
TI  - Phase shifts in circadian peripheral clocks caused by exercise are dependent on
      the feeding schedule in PER2::LUC mice.
AB  - Circadian rhythms are regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) clock, which
      is the main oscillator and peripheral clock. SCN clock can be entrained by both
      photic and non-photic stimuli, and an interaction exists between photic and non
      photic entrainment. Moreover, peripheral circadian clocks can be entrained not
      only by scheduled restricted feeding, but also by scheduled exercise. Thus, the
      entrainment of peripheral circadian clocks may be the result of an interaction
      between the entrainment caused by feeding and exercise. In this study, we
      examined the effect of wheel-running exercise on the phase of the peripheral
      clocks (kidney, liver and submandibular gland) in PER2::LUC mice under various
      feeding schedules. Phase and waveforms of the peripheral clocks were not affected
      by voluntary wheel-running exercise. Exercise for a period of 4 h during the
      early dark period (morning) delayed the peripheral clocks, while exercise for the
      same duration during the late dark period (evening) advanced the peripheral
      clocks. The feeding phase was advanced and delayed by evening and morning
      exercise, respectively, suggesting that the feeding pattern elicited by the
      scheduled exercise may entrain the peripheral clocks. Exercise did not affect the
      phase of the peripheral clock under the 1 meal per day schedule. When the phase
      of the peripheral clocks was advanced by the feeding schedule of 2 or 4 meals per
      day during light and/or dark periods, wheel-running exercise during the morning
      period significantly and equally shifted the phase of all organs back to the
      original positions observed in mice maintained under free-feeding conditions and
      with no exercise. When the schedule of 2 meals per day during the dark period
      failed to affect the phase of peripheral clock, morning exercise did not affect
      the phase. Wheel-running exercise increased the levels of serum corticosterone,
      and the injection of dexamethasone/corticosterone instead of exercise shifted a
      phase that had advanced under the feeding schedule of 2 meals per day, back to
      the normal position. The liver and submandibular glands exhibit higher
      sensitivity to dexamethasone than the kidneys. In adrenalectomized mice,
      treadmill-induced normalization of the advanced phase under a feeding schedule of
      2 meals per day was not observed. In summary, scheduled exercise-induced phase
      shifts were weaker compared to scheduled feeding-induced phase shifts. The phase
      advance caused by the feeding schedule of 2 or 4 meals per day was suppressed by
      wheel-running, treadmill exercise or dexamethasone/corticosterone injection in
      the early dark period (morning). Corticosterone release may be involved in
      exercise-induced phase shift of peripheral clocks. These results suggest that
      there is an interaction between the phase shifts caused by feeding and exercise
      schedules in peripheral clocks.

PMID- 27123826
TI  - Biofidelic white matter heterogeneity decreases computational model predictions
      of white matter strains during rapid head rotations.
AB  - The finite element (FE) brain model is used increasingly as a design tool for
      developing technology to mitigate traumatic brain injury. We developed an ultra
      high-definition FE brain model (>4 million elements) from CT and MRI scans of a 2
      month-old pre-adolescent piglet brain, and simulated rapid head rotations. Strain
      distributions in the thalamus, coronal radiata, corpus callosum, cerebral cortex
      gray matter, brainstem and cerebellum were evaluated to determine the influence
      of employing homogeneous brain moduli, or distinct experimentally derived gray
      and white matter property representations, where some white matter regions are
      stiffer and others less stiff than gray matter. We find that constitutive
      heterogeneity significantly lowers white matter deformations in all regions
      compared with homogeneous properties, and should be incorporated in FE model
      injury prediction. 

PMID- 27123827
TI  - Varenicline in Autism: Theory and Case Report of Clinical and Biochemical
      Changes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential benefits of varenicline (CHANTIX(r)), a
      highly specific partial agonist of neuronal alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptors (nAChR), for autistic symptoms, and present resulting biochemical
      changes in light of dopamine-related genotype. METHODS: The clinical and
      biochemical changes exhibited by a 19-year-old severely autistic man following
      the use of low-dose varenicline in an ABA experiment of nature, and his genotype,
      were extracted from chart review. Clinical outcome was measured by the Ohio
      Autism Clinical Impression Scale and 12 relevant urine and saliva metabolites
      were measured by Neuroscience Laboratory. RESULTS: With varenicline, this patient
      improved clinically and autonomic biochemical indicators in saliva and urine
      normalized, including dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC),
      epinephrine, norepinephrine, taurine, and histamine levels. In addition, with
      varenicline, the dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1) antibody titer as well as the
      percent of baseline calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM KII) activity
      dropped significantly. When varenicline stopped, he deteriorated; when it was
      resumed, he again improved. Doses of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg daily were tried before
      settling on a dose of 1.5 mg daily. He has remained on varenicline for over a
      year with no noticeable side effects. CONCLUSION: This report is, to the best of
      our knowledge, only the second to demonstrate positive effects of varenicline in
      autism, the first to show it in a severe case, and the first to show
      normalization of biochemical parameters related to genotype. As with the previous
      report, these encouraging results warrant further controlled research before
      clinical recommendations can be made.

PMID- 27123828
TI  - Zebrafish as a model for acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting organophosphorus agent
      exposure and oxime reactivation.
AB  - The current research progression efforts for investigating novel treatments for
      exposure to organophosphorus (OP) compounds that inhibit acetylcholinesterase
      (AChE), including pesticides and chemical warfare nerve agents (CWNAs), rely
      solely on in vitro cell assays and in vivo rodent models. The zebrafish (Danio
      rerio) is a popular, well-established vertebrate model in biomedical research
      that offers high-throughput capabilities and genetic manipulation not readily
      available with rodents. A number of research studies have investigated the
      effects of subacute developmental exposure to OP pesticides in zebrafish,
      observing detrimental effects on gross morphology, neuronal development, and
      behavior. Few studies, however, have utilized this model to evaluate treatments,
      such as oxime reactivators, anticholinergics, or anticonvulsants, following acute
      exposure. Preliminary work has investigated the effects of CWNA exposure. The
      results clearly demonstrated relative toxicity and oxime efficacy similar to that
      reported for the rodent model. This review surveys the current literature
      utilizing zebrafish as a model for OP exposure and highlights its potential use
      as a high-throughput system for evaluating AChE reactivator antidotal treatments
      to acute pesticide and CWNA exposure.

PMID- 27123829
TI  - Over-expression of poplar transcription factor ERF76 gene confers salt tolerance
      in transgenic tobacco.
AB  - Ethylene response factors (ERFs) belong to a large plant-specific transcription
      factor family, which play a significant role in plant development and stress
      responses. Poplar ERF76 gene, a member of ERF TF family, can be up-regulated in
      response to salt stress, osmotic stress, and ABA treatment. The ERF76 protein was
      confirmed to be targeted preferentially in the nucleus of onion cell by particle
      bombardment. In order to understand the functions of ERF76 gene in salt stress
      response, we conducted temporal and spatial expression analysis of ERF76 gene in
      poplar. Then the ERF76 cDNA fragment containing an ORF was cloned from di-haploid
      Populus simonii*P. nigra and transferred into tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum) genome
      by Agrobacterium-mediated leaf disc method. Under salt stress, transgenic tobacco
      over-expressing ERF76 gene showed a significant increase in seed germination
      rate, plant height, root length, and fresh weight, as well as in relative water
      content (RWC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity,
      and proline content, compared to control tobacco lines. In contrast, transgenic
      tobacco lines displayed a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation,
      relative electrical conductivity (REC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      accumulation in response to salt stress, compared to control tobacco lines. Over
      all, the results indicated that ERF76 gene plays a critical role in salt
      tolerance in transgenic tobacco. 

PMID- 27123830
TI  - Phenytoin versus valproate monotherapy for partial onset seizures and generalised
      onset tonic-clonic seizures: an individual participant data review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide, phenytoin and valproate are commonly used antiepileptic
      drugs. It is generally believed that phenytoin is more effective for partial
      onset seizures, and that valproate is more effective for generalised onset tonic
      clonic seizures (with or without other generalised seizure types). This review is
      one in a series of Cochrane reviews investigating pair-wise monotherapy
      comparisons. This is the latest updated version of the review first published in
      2001 and updated in 2013. OBJECTIVES: To review the time to withdrawal, remission
      and first seizure of phenytoin compared to valproate when used as monotherapy in
      people with partial onset seizures or generalised tonic-clonic seizures (with or
      without other generalised seizure types). SEARCH METHODS: We searched the
      Cochrane Epilepsy Group's Specialised Register (19 May 2015), the Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; the Cochrane Library; 2015, Issue
      4), MEDLINE (1946 to 19 May 2015), SCOPUS (19 February 2013), ClinicalTrials.gov
      (19 May 2015), and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform ICTRP (19
      May 2015). We handsearched relevant journals, contacted pharmaceutical companies,
      original trial investigators and experts in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in children or adults with partial onset
      seizures or generalised onset tonic-clonic seizures with a comparison of
      valproate monotherapy versus phenytoin monotherapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
      This was an individual participant data (IPD) review. Outcomes were time to: (a)
      withdrawal of allocated treatment (retention time); (b) achieve 12-month
      remission (seizure-free period); (c) achieve six-month remission (seizure-free
      period); and (d) first seizure (post-randomisation). We used Cox proportional
      hazards regression models to obtain study-specific estimates of hazard ratios
      (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and the generic inverse variance
      method to obtain the overall pooled HR and 95% CI. MAIN RESULTS: IPD were
      available for 669 individuals out of 1119 eligible individuals from five out of
      11 trials, 60% of the potential data. Results apply to partial onset seizures
      (simple, complex and secondary generalised tonic-clonic seizures), and
      generalised tonic-clonic seizures, but not other generalised seizure types
      (absence or myoclonus seizure types). For remission outcomes: HR > 1 indicates an
      advantage for phenytoin; and for first seizure and withdrawal outcomes: HR > 1
      indicates an advantage for valproate.The main overall results (pooled HR adjusted
      for seizure type) were time to: (a) withdrawal of allocated treatment 1.09 (95%
      CI 0.76 to 1.55); (b) achieve 12-month remission 0.98 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.23); (c)
      achieve six-month remission 0.95 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.15); and (d) first seizure
      0.93 (95% CI 0.75 to 1.14). The results suggest no overall difference between the
      drugs for these outcomes. We did not find any statistical interaction between
      treatment and seizure type (partial versus generalised). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We
      have not found evidence that a significant difference exists between phenytoin
      and valproate for the outcomes examined in this review. However misclassification
      of seizure type may have confounded the results of this review. Results do not
      apply to absence or myoclonus seizure types. No outright evidence was found to
      support or refute current treatment policies.

PMID- 27123831
TI  - Vertical integration of biochemistry and clinical medicine using a near-peer
      learning model.
AB  - Vertical integration has been extensively implemented across medical school
      curricula but has not been widely attempted in the field of biochemistry. We
      describe a novel curricular innovation in which a near-peer learning model was
      used to implement vertical integration in our medical school biochemistry course.
      Senior medical students developed and facilitated a case-based small group
      session for first year biochemistry students. Students were surveyed before and
      after the session on their attitudes about biochemistry, as well as the
      effectiveness of the session. Prior to the session, the students believed
      biochemistry was more important to understanding the basic science of medicine
      than it was to understanding clinical medicine or becoming a good physician. The
      session improved students' attitudes about the importance of biochemistry in
      clinical medicine, and after the session they now believe that understanding
      biochemistry is equally important to the basic sciences as clinical medicine.
      Students would like more sessions and believe the senior student facilitators
      were knowledgeable and effective teachers. The facilitators believe they improved
      their teaching skills. This novel combination of near-peer learning and vertical
      integration in biochemistry provided great benefit to both first year and senior
      medical students, and can serve as a model for other institutions. (c) 2016 by
      The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(6):507-516,
      2016.

PMID- 27123832
TI  - Identification of TBK1 and IKKepsilon, the non-canonical IkappaB kinases, as
      crucial pro-survival factors in HTLV-1-transformed T lymphocytes.
AB  - Persistent activation of NF-kappaB is a prerequisite for development of adult T
      cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) caused by human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV
      1). HTLV-1 genome encodes a viral transforming protein named Tax, which
      constitutively activates the canonical IkappaB kinases (IKK), the central
      regulator of NF-kappaB signaling. However, the role of the non-canonical IkappaB
      kinases, TBK1 and IKKepsilon, in the pathogenesis of HTLV-1-associated leukemia
      has not been evaluated. We here show that TBK1/IKKepsilon are crucial pro
      survival molecules by maintaining persistent activity of Stat3. Consistent with
      this finding, silencing Stat3 by the specific shRNA or by the chemical inhibitor
      ruxolitinib results in drastic impediment of leukemia cell growth. We further
      find that in HTLV-1-transformed T cells expressing Tax, TBK1 co-localizes with
      the canonical IkappaB kinases and Tax in the lipid raft microdomains. The wild
      type Tax, but not the Tax mutant defective in activating the canonical IKK,
      promotes the lipid raft translocation of TBK1. This phenomenon correlates with
      Tax activation of both NF-kappaB and Stat3. Tax does not interact directly with
      TBK1/IKKepsilon, and it rather engages a molecular crosstalk between the
      canonical IKKs and TBK1/IKKepsilon. Our data, therefore, demonstrate a key role
      of TBK1/IKKepsilon in the survival and proliferation of HTLV-1-transformed T
      cells and implicate a potential therapy targeting TBK1/IKKepsilon and Stat3 in
      controlling HTLV-1-mediated oncogenesis.

PMID- 27123833
TI  - Effectivity of a strategy in elderly AML patients to reach allogeneic stem cell
      transplantation using intensive chemotherapy: Long-term survival is dependent on
      complete remission after first induction therapy.
AB  - Intensive chemotherapy followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT)
      can cure AML. Most studies on alloSCT in elderly AML report results of highly
      selected patient cohorts. Hardly any data exist on the effectiveness of
      prospective strategies intended to bring as many patients as possible to
      transplant. Between 2006 and 2011 we implemented a treatment algorithm for all
      newly diagnosed AML patients aged 61-75 years, consisting of intensive
      chemotherapy cycles to induce complete remission, followed by alloSCT. 44 of 60
      (73%) newly diagnosed elderly AML patients started with chemotherapy. By
      meticulously following our algorithm in almost all patients, we could induce
      complete remission (CR) in 66% of patients starting with chemotherapy, and
      transplant 32% of these patients in continuous CR. Main reasons for failure were
      early relapse (16%), early death (14%), primary refractory disease (9%), and
      patient or physician decision to stop treatment (16%). Patients in continuous CR
      after first induction benefit most with 36% long-term survival. Patients not in
      CR after first induction benefit less; although additional chemotherapy induces
      CR in 45% of these patients, only 23% are transplanted and no long-term survival
      is observed, mainly due to relapse. Long-term survival in the group of 44
      patients is 9% (median 4.5 years after alloSCT). Considering that 27% of patients
      do not start with chemotherapy and 64% of patients starting with chemotherapy do
      not reach alloSCT, the reasons for failure presented here should be used as a
      guide to develop new treatment algorithms to improve long-term survival in
      elderly AML patients.

PMID- 27123845
TI  - Beyond Correlation in the Detection of Climate Change Impacts: Testing a
      Mechanistic Hypothesis for Climatic Influence on Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus
      nerka) Productivity.
AB  - Detecting the biological impacts of climate change is a current focus of
      ecological research and has important applications in conservation and resource
      management. Owing to a lack of suitable control systems, measuring correlations
      between time series of biological attributes and hypothesized environmental
      covariates is a common method for detecting such impacts. These correlative
      approaches are particularly common in studies of exploited fish species because
      rich biological time-series data are often available. However, the utility of
      species-environment relationships for identifying or predicting biological
      responses to climate change has been questioned because strong correlations often
      deteriorate as new data are collected. Specifically stating and critically
      evaluating the mechanistic relationship(s) linking an environmental driver to a
      biological response may help to address this problem. Using nearly 60 years of
      data on sockeye salmon from the Kvichak River, Alaska we tested a mechanistic
      hypothesis linking water temperatures experienced during freshwater rearing to
      population productivity by modeling a series of intermediate, deterministic
      relationships and evaluating temporal trends in biological and environmental time
      series. We found that warming waters during freshwater rearing have profoundly
      altered patterns of growth and life history in this population complex yet there
      has been no significant correlation between water temperature and metrics of
      productivity commonly used in fisheries management. These findings demonstrate
      that pairing correlative approaches with careful consideration of the mechanistic
      links between populations and their environments can help to both avoid spurious
      correlations and identify biologically important, but not statistically
      significant relationships, and ultimately producing more robust conclusions about
      the biological impacts of climate change.

PMID- 27123834
TI  - The miR-17~92 cluster contributes to MLL leukemia through the repression of MEIS1
      competitor PKNOX1.
AB  - Mixed lineage leukemias have a relatively poor prognosis and arise as a result of
      translocations between the MLL(KMT2A) gene and one of multiple partner genes.
      Downstream targets of MLL are aberrantly upregulated and include the
      developmentally important HOX genes and MEIS1, as well as multiple microRNAs
      (miRNAs), including the miR-17~92 cluster. Here we examined the contribution of
      specific miRNAs to MLL leukemias through knockdown studies utilizing custom anti
      microRNA oligonucleotides. Combinatorial treatment against miR-17-5p and miR-19a
      3p of the miR-17~92 cluster dramatically reduces colony forming ability of MLL
      fusion containing cell lines relative to non-MLL acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
      controls. To determine the mechanism by which these miRNAs contribute to
      leukemia, we validated PKNOX1 as a target of both miR-17-5p and miR-19a-3p. MEIS1
      and PKNOX1 are TALE domain proteins that participate in ternary complexes with
      HOX and PBX partners. Here we establish the competitive relationship between
      PKNOX1 and MEIS1 in PBX-containing complex formation and determine the
      antagonistic role of PKNOX1 to leukemia in a murine MLL-AF9 model. These data
      implicate the miR-17~92 cluster as part of a regulatory mechanism necessary to
      maintain MEIS1/HOXA9 -mediated transformation in MLL leukemia, indicating that
      targeting multiple non-homologous miRNAs may be utilized as a novel therapeutic
      regimen.

PMID- 27123846
TI  - Increased Circulating Levels of Alpha-Ketoglutarate in Morbidly Obese Women with
      Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) causes a wide spectrum of
      liver damage, ranging from simple steatosis to cirrhosis. However, simple
      steatosis (SS) and steatohepatitis (NASH) cannot yet be distinguished by clinical
      or laboratory features. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship
      between alpha-ketoglutarate and the degrees of NAFLD in morbidly obese patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a gas chromatography-quadruple time-of-flight-mass
      spectrometry analysis to quantify alpha-ketoglutarate in serum from normal-weight
      subjects (n = 30) and morbidly obese women (n = 97) with or without NAFLD.
      RESULTS: We found that serum levels of alpha-ketoglutarate were significantly
      higher in morbidly obese women than in normal-weight women. We showed that
      circulating levels of alpha-ketoglutarate were lower in lean controls and
      morbidly obese patients without NAFLD. We also found that alpha-ketoglutarate
      serum levels were higher in both SS and NASH than in normal liver of morbidly
      obese patients. However, there was no difference between SS and NASH. Moreover,
      we observed that circulating levels of alpha-ketoglutarate were associated with
      glucose metabolism parameters, lipid profile, hepatic enzymes and steatosis
      degree. In addition, diagnostic performance of alpha-ketoglutarate has been
      analyzed in NAFLD patients. The AUROC curves from patients with liver steatosis
      exhibited an acceptable clinical utility. Finally, we showed that the combination
      of biomarkers (AST, ALT and alpha-ketoglutarate) had the highest accuracy in
      diagnosing liver steatosis. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that alpha
      ketoglutarate can determine the presence of non-alcoholic fatty liver in morbidly
      obese patients but it is not valid a biomarker for NASH.

PMID- 27123849
TI  - Effect of Different Firing Temperatures on Structural Changes in Porcelain.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the structural changes occurring in the dental porcelain mass
      fired at various firing temperatures using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and
      X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. Also, additional tests, namely compressive
      strength, abrasion resistance analysis, and the amount of oxides released, were
      conducted at different firing temperatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six groups (40
      specimens in each group) of porcelain mass were prepared. The dimensions and
      weight of all the specimens were kept constant. The specimens were then heat
      treated at different firing temperatures (660 degrees C, 760 degrees C, 860
      degrees C, 900 degrees C, 960 degrees C, 990 degrees C). Half of the specimens of
      each group were subjected to a compressive strength test on a universal testing
      machine and then finely ground using an electrochemical grinder to prepare for
      XRD analysis. The other half of the specimens was weighed to analyze the amount
      of oxides released after each firing cycle. Following this, the specimens
      underwent an abrasion resistance test on a Nanovea Tribometer. The unaltered
      surface was scanned using SEM. The data (numerical and graphical) for all the
      tests were recorded and analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test.
      RESULTS: The specimens fired at 900 degrees C exhibited superior compressive
      strength and abrasion resistance. The quantity of oxides released by the
      specimens fired at 900 degrees C was the least compared to specimens heat treated
      at the other firing temperatures. XRD analysis proved that the oxide released by
      the porcelain mass was calcium aluminum chromium oxide. Also, the fewer peaks
      obtained in the XRD graphs of specimens fired at 900 degrees C signified lesser
      porosities in the porcelain specimens. SEM analysis depicted a homogeneous mass
      of porcelain at 900 degrees C. CONCLUSION: All the above findings validate the
      objective of studying the physical and internal structural changes of dental
      porcelain when subjected to an increasing firing temperature gradient. The
      specimens fired at 900 degrees C exhibited superior strength and abrasion
      resistance. SEM analysis depicted a homogeneous mass of dental porcelain,
      implying that firing was complete at 900 degrees C.

PMID- 27123847
TI  - Rotenone Susceptibility Phenotype in Olfactory Derived Patient Cells as a Model
      of Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease is a complex age-related neurodegenerative disorder.
      Approximately 90% of Parkinson's disease cases are idiopathic, of unknown origin.
      The aetiology of Parkinson's disease is not fully understood but increasing
      evidence implies a failure in fundamental cellular processes including
      mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. To dissect the cellular
      events underlying idiopathic Parkinson's disease, we use primary cell lines
      established from the olfactory mucosa of Parkinson's disease patients. Previous
      metabolic and transcriptomic analyses identified deficiencies in stress response
      pathways in patient-derived cell lines. The aim of this study was to investigate
      whether these deficiencies manifested as increased susceptibility, as measured by
      cell viability, to a range of extrinsic stressors. We identified that patient
      derived cells are more sensitive to mitochondrial complex I inhibition and
      hydrogen peroxide induced oxidative stress, than controls. Exposure to low levels
      (50 nM) of rotenone led to increased apoptosis in patient-derived cells. We
      identified an endogenous deficit in mitochondrial complex I in patient-derived
      cells, but this did not directly correlate with rotenone-sensitivity. We further
      characterized the sensitivity to rotenone and identified that it was partly
      associated with heat shock protein 27 levels. Finally, transcriptomic analysis
      following rotenone exposure revealed that patient-derived cells express a
      diminished response to rotenone-induced stress compared with cells from healthy
      controls. Our cellular model of idiopathic Parkinson's disease displays a clear
      susceptibility phenotype to mitochondrial stress. The determination of molecular
      mechanisms underpinning this susceptibility may lead to the identification of
      biomarkers for either disease onset or progression.

PMID- 27123848
TI  - The Effects of Psycho-Emotional and Socio-Economic Support for Tuberculosis
      Patients on Treatment Adherence and Treatment Outcomes - A Systematic Review and
      Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty about the contribution that social support
      interventions (SSI) can have in mitigating the personal, social and economic
      costs of tuberculosis (TB) treatment on patients, and improving treatment
      outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To identify psycho-emotional (PE) and socio-economic (SE)
      interventions provided to TB patients and to assess the effects of these
      interventions on treatment adherence and treatment outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY: We
      searched PubMed and Embase from 1 January 1990-15 March 2015 and abstracts of the
      Union World Conference on Lung Health from 2010-2014 for studies reporting TB
      treatment adherence and treatment outcomes following SSI. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      Studies measuring the effects of PE or SE interventions on TB treatment
      adherence, treatment outcomes, and/or financial burden. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed titles and abstracts for inclusion
      of articles. One reviewer reviewed full text articles and the reference list of
      selected studies. A second reviewer double checked all extracted information
      against the articles. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were included in the
      qualitative analysis; of which eighteen were included in the meta-analysis.
      Effects were pooled from 11 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), including 9,655
      participants with active TB. Meta-analysis showed that PE support (RR 1.37; CI
      1.08-1.73), SE support (RR 1.08; CI 1.03-1.13) and combined PE and SE support (RR
      1.17; CI 1.12-1.22) were associated with a significant improvement of successful
      treatment outcomes. Also PE support, SE support and a combination of these types
      of support were associated with reductions in unsuccessful treatment outcomes
      (PE: RR 0.46; CI 0.22-0.96, SE: RR 0.78; CI 0.69-0.88 and Combined PE and SE: RR
      0.42; CI 0.23-0.75). Evidence on the effect of PE and SE interventions on
      treatment adherence were not meta-analysed because the interventions were too
      heterogeneous to pool. No evidence was found to show whether SE reduced the
      financial burden for TB patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our review and meta
      analysis concluded that PE and SE interventions are associated with beneficial
      effects on TB treatment outcomes. However, the quality of evidence is very low
      and future well-designed evaluation studies are needed.

PMID- 27123850
TI  - Developing a Valuation Function for the Preference-Based Multiple Sclerosis
      Index: Comparison of Standard Gamble and Rating Scale.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The standard gamble (SG) and rating scale (RS) are two approaches that
      can be employed to elicit health state preferences from patients in order to
      inform decision making. The objectives of this study were: (i) to contribute
      evidence towards the similarities and differences in the SG and the RS to reflect
      patient preferences, and (ii) to develop a multi-attribute utility function
      (MAUF) (i.e., scoring algorithm) for the PBMSI. STUDY DESIGN: Two samples were
      recruited for the study. The first sample provided cross-sectional data to
      generate the preference weights which were then used to develop (D) the MAUFD.
      The distribution of SG and RS were compared across levels of perceived
      difficulty. The second sample provided additional data to validate (V) the MAUF,
      termed MAUFV. RESULTS: The mean RS values ranged from 0.39 to 0.65, whereas the
      mean SG values were much higher ranging from 0.80 to 0.91. Correlations between
      the two methods were very low ranging from -0.29 to 0.15. Bland-Altman plots
      revealed the extent of differences in values produced by the two methods.
      CONCLUSION: In contemplating trade-offs in the selection of a preference-based
      elicitation approach for a MAUF that could guide clinical decision making,
      results suggest the RS is preferable in terms of feasibility and validity for MS
      patients. The PBMSI with patient preferences shows promise as a measure of health
      related quality of life for MS.

PMID- 27123851
TI  - Toll-Like Receptor 1/2 and 5 Ligands Enhance the Expression of Cyclin D1 and D3
      and Induce Proliferation in Mantle Cell Lymphoma.
AB  - Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with a
      still undefined etiology. Several lines of evidence are consistent with the
      possible involvement of peculiar microenvironmental stimuli sustaining tumor cell
      growth and survival, as the activation of Toll-like receptors (TLR) 4 and 9.
      However, little is known about the contribution of other TLRs of pathogenic
      relevance in the development of MCL. This study reports evidence that MCL cell
      lines and primary MCL cells express different levels of TLR2 and TLR5, and that
      their triggering is able to further activate the Akt, MAPK, and NF-kappaB
      signaling cascades, known to be altered in MCL cells. This leads to the
      enhancement of cyclin D1 and D3 over-expression, occurring at post-translational
      level through a mechanism that likely involves the Akt/GSK-3alpha/beta pathway.
      Interestingly, in primary B cells, TLR1/2 or TLR5 ligands increase protein level
      of cyclin D1, which is not usually expressed in normal B cells, and cyclin D3
      when associated with CD40 ligand (CD40L), IL-4, and anti-human-IgM co-stimulus.
      Finally, the activation of TLR1/2 and TLR5 results in an increased proliferation
      of MCL cell lines and, in the presence of co-stimulation with CD40L, IL-4, and
      anti-human-IgM also of primary MCL cells and normal B lymphocytes. These effects
      befall together with an enhanced IL-6 production in primary cultures. Overall,
      our findings suggest that ligands for TLR1/2 or TLR5 may provide critical stimuli
      able to sustain the growth and the malignant phenotype of MCL cells. Further
      studies aimed at identifying the natural source of these TLR ligands and their
      possible pathogenic association with MCL are warranted in order to better
      understand MCL development, but also to define new therapeutic targets for
      counteracting the tumor promoting effects of lymphoma microenvironment.

PMID- 27123852
TI  - Discordant Expression of Circulating microRNA from Cellular and Extracellular
      Sources.
AB  - MicroRNA (miRNA) expression has rapidly grown into one of the largest fields for
      disease characterization and development of clinical biomarkers. Consensus is
      lacking in regards to the optimal sample source or if different circulating
      sources are concordant. Here, using miRNA measurements from contemporaneously
      obtained whole blood- and plasma-derived RNA from 2391 individuals, we
      demonstrate that plasma and blood miRNA levels are divergent and may reflect
      different biological processes and disease associations.

PMID- 27123853
TI  - Correction: Synergistic Structure in the Speed Dependent Modulation of Muscle
      Activity in Human Walking.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152784.].

PMID- 27123855
TI  - Screening, Molecular Cloning, and Biochemical Characterization of an Alcohol
      Dehydrogenase from Pichia pastoris Useful for the Kinetic Resolution of a Racemic
      beta-Hydroxy-beta-trifluoromethyl Ketone.
AB  - The stereoselective synthesis of chiral 1,3-diols with the aid of biocatalysts is
      an attractive tool in organic chemistry. Besides the reduction of diketones, an
      alternative approach consists of the stereoselective reduction of beta-hydroxy
      ketones (aldols). Thus, we screened for an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) that would
      selectively reduce a beta-hydroxy-beta-trifluoromethyl ketone. One potential
      starting material for this process is readily available by aldol addition of
      acetone to 2,2,2-trifluoroacetophenone. Over 200 strains were screened, and only
      a few yeast strains showed stereoselective reduction activities. The enzyme
      responsible for the reduction of the beta-hydroxy-beta-trifluoromethyl ketone was
      identified after purification and subsequent MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric
      analysis. As a result, a new NADP(+) -dependent ADH from Pichia pastoris (PPADH)
      was identified and confirmed to be capable of stereospecific and
      diastereoselective reduction of the beta-hydroxy-beta-trifluoromethyl ketone to
      its corresponding 1,3-diol. The gene encoding PPADH was cloned and heterologously
      expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). To determine the influence of an N- or C
      terminal His-tag fusion, three different recombinant plasmids were constructed.
      Interestingly, the variant with the N-terminal His-tag showed the highest
      activity; consequently, this variant was purified and characterized. Kinetic
      parameters and the dependency of activity on pH and temperature were determined.
      PPADH shows a substrate preference for the reduction of linear and branched
      aliphatic aldehydes. Surprisingly, the enzyme shows no comparable activity
      towards ketones other than the beta-hydroxy-beta-trifluoromethyl ketone.

PMID- 27123854
TI  - Pathological Roles of Interleukin-22 in the Development of Recurrent Hepatitis C
      after Liver Transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to longitudinally evaluate and analyze the
      role of interleukin-22-producing CD4 positive cells (IL-22) in the pathogenesis
      of Hepatitis C Virus recurrence after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation (HCV-OLT).
      METHODS: 15 HCV-OLT, 15 age- and gender- matched non-HCV post-OLT (OLT) and 15
      hepatitis C virus infected (HCV) patients were enrolled into our study from the
      liver transplantation and research center at Beijing 302 Hospital. We determined
      the frequencies of IL-22 using flow cytometry and expression of IL-22 mRNA using
      PCR in peripheral blood and liver tissue. We also divided HCV-OLT patients into
      rapid fibrosis progression (RFP) and slow fibrosis progression (SFP), examined IL
      22 cells and analyzed the correlations between IL-22 frequencies and liver
      injury, fibrosis and clinical parameters. Moreover, we investigated the role of
      IL-22 in Human Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs). RESULTS: The levels of serum IL-22,
      frequencies of IL-22 producing cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and
      expression of IL-22 mRNA and protein in the liver in the HCV-OLT group were
      significantly higher than that in the HCV and OLT groups. Furthermore, eight
      (53.3%) patients developed RFP after two years; another three patients were
      diagnosed liver cirrhosis. The frequencies of IL-22 were much higher in RFP
      compared with SFP, while no significant difference existed between OLT and SFP.
      Intrahepatic IL-22 positive cells were located in fibrotic areas and
      significantly correlated with alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and fibrosis
      staging scores, not with grading scores and HCRVNA. In vitro, IL-22
      administration prevented HSCs apoptosis, promoted HSCs proliferation and
      activation, up-regulated the expression of HSC-sourced growth factors including
      alpha-SMA, TGF-beta and TIMP-1, and increased the production of liver fibrosis
      markers including laminin, hyaluronic acid and collagen type IV. CONCLUSION:
      Peripheral and intrahepatic IL-22 is up-regulated and plays a pathological role
      in exacerbating liver fibrosis by activating HSCs in HCV-OLT patients, which may
      predict RFP and serve as an attractive target for anti-fibrotic therapy.

PMID- 27123856
TI  - Joint latent class model for longitudinal data and interval-censored semi
      competing events: Application to dementia.
AB  - Joint models are used in ageing studies to investigate the association between
      longitudinal markers and a time-to-event, and have been extended to multiple
      markers and/or competing risks. The competing risk of death must be considered in
      the elderly because death and dementia have common risk factors. Moreover, in
      cohort studies, time-to-dementia is interval-censored since dementia is assessed
      intermittently. So subjects can develop dementia and die between two visits
      without being diagnosed. To study predementia cognitive decline, we propose a
      joint latent class model combining a (possibly multivariate) mixed model and an
      illness-death model handling both interval censoring (by accounting for a
      possible unobserved transition to dementia) and semi-competing risks. Parameters
      are estimated by maximum-likelihood handling interval censoring. The correlation
      between the marker and the times-to-events is captured by latent classes,
      homogeneous sub-groups with specific risks of death, dementia, and profiles of
      cognitive decline. We propose Markovian and semi-Markovian versions. Both
      approaches are compared to a joint latent-class model for competing risks through
      a simulation study, and applied in a prospective cohort study of cerebral and
      functional ageing to distinguish different profiles of cognitive decline
      associated with risks of dementia and death. The comparison highlights that among
      subjects with dementia, mortality depends more on age than on duration of
      dementia. This model distinguishes the so-called terminal predeath decline (among
      healthy subjects) from the predementia decline.

PMID- 27123857
TI  - Intra-Abdominal Candidiasis: The Importance of Early Source Control and
      Antifungal Treatment.
AB  - Intra-abdominal candidiasis (IAC) is poorly understood compared to candidemia. We
      described the clinical characteristics, microbiology, treatment and outcomes of
      IAC, and identified risk factors for mortality. We performed a retrospective
      study of adults diagnosed with IAC at our center in 2012-2013. Risk factors for
      mortality were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. We identified
      163 patients with IAC, compared to 161 with candidemia. Types of IAC were intra
      abdominal abscesses (55%), secondary peritonitis (33%), primary peritonitis (5%),
      infected pancreatic necrosis (5%), and cholecystitis/cholangitis (3%). Eighty
      three percent and 66% of secondary peritonitis and abscesses, respectively,
      stemmed from gastrointestinal (GI) tract sources. C. albicans (56%) and C.
      glabrata (24%) were the most common species. Bacterial co-infections and
      candidemia occurred in 67% and 6% of patients, respectively. Seventy-two percent
      of patients underwent an early source control intervention (within 5 days) and
      72% received early antifungal treatment. 100-day mortality was 28%, and highest
      with primary (88%) or secondary (40%) peritonitis. Younger age, abscesses and
      early source control were independent predictors of survival. Younger age,
      abscesses and early antifungal treatment were independently associated with
      survival for IAC stemming from GI tract sources. Infectious diseases (ID)
      consultations were obtained in only 48% of patients. Consulted patients were
      significantly more likely to receive antifungal treatment. IAC is a common
      disease associated with heterogeneous manifestations, which result in poor
      outcomes. All patients should undergo source control interventions and receive
      antifungal treatment promptly. It is important for the ID community to become
      more engaged in treating IAC.

PMID- 27123858
TI  - Effects of Culture and Gender on Judgments of Intent and Responsibility.
AB  - Do different cultures hold different views of intentionality? In four studies,
      participants read scenarios in which the actor's distal intent (a focus on a
      broader goal) and proximal intent (a focus on the mechanics of the act) were
      manipulated. In Studies 1-2, when distal intent was more prominent in the actor's
      mind, North Americans rated the actor more responsible than did Chinese and South
      Asian participants. When proximal intent was more prominent, Chinese and South
      Asian participants, if anything, rated the actor more responsible. In Studies 3
      4, when distal intent was more prominent, male Americans rated the actor more
      responsible than did female Americans. When proximal intent was more prominent,
      females rated the actor more responsible. The authors discuss these findings in
      relation to the literatures on moral reasoning and cultural psychology.

PMID- 27123860
TI  - Carbon Allocation into Different Fine-Root Classes of Young Abies alba Trees Is
      Affected More by Phenology than by Simulated Browsing.
AB  - Abies alba (European silver fir) was used to investigate possible effects of
      simulated browsing on C allocation belowground by 13CO2 pulse-labelling at
      spring, summer or autumn, and by harvesting the trees at the same time point of
      the labelling or at a later season for biomass and for 13C-allocation into the
      fine-root system. Before budburst in spring, the leader shoots and 50% of all
      lateral shoots of half of the investigated 5-year old Abies alba saplings were
      clipped to simulate browsing. At harvest, different fine-root classes were
      separated, and starch as an important storage compartment was analysed for
      concentrations. The phenology had a strong effect on the allocation of the 13C
      label from shoots to roots. In spring, shoots did not supply the fine-roots with
      high amounts of the 13C-label, because the fine-roots contained less than 1% of
      the applied 13C. In summer and autumn, however, shoots allocated relatively high
      amounts of the 13C-label to the fine roots. The incorporation of the 13C-label as
      structural C or as starch into the roots is strongly dependent on the root type
      and the root diameter. In newly formed fine roots, 3-5% of the applied 13C was
      incorporated, whereas 1-3% in the <=0.5 mm root class and 1-1.5% in the >0.5-1.0
      mm root class were recorded. Highest 13C-enrichment in the starch was recorded in
      the newly formed fine roots in autumn. The clipping treatment had a significant
      positive effect on the amount of allocated 13C-label to the fine roots after the
      spring labelling, with high relative 13C-contents observed in the <=0.5 mm and
      the >0.5-1.0 mm fine-root classes of clipped trees. No effects of the clipping
      were observed after summer and autumn labelling in the 13C-allocation patterns.
      Overall, our data imply that the season of C assimilation and, thus, the
      phenology of trees is the main determinant of the C allocation from shoots to
      roots and is clearly more important than browsing.

PMID- 27123859
TI  - Interspecies rootstocks affect cadmium accumulation in postgrafting generation
      plants of potential cadmium-hyperaccumulator Solanum photeinocarpum.
AB  - Pot and field experiments were conducted to study the effects of interspecies
      rootstocks on cadmium (Cd) accumulation characteristics of the potential Cd
      hyperaccumulator Solanum photeinocarpum postgrafting generation plants. Four
      treatments (ungrafted and S. photeinocarpum seedlings grafted on the rootstocks
      of eggplant, potato, and tomato) were utilized in the present study. In the 2 pot
      experiments, eggplant and potato reduced biomass of S. photeinocarpum
      postgrafting generation plants, whereas tomato increased shoot biomass compared
      with the control (ungrafted seedlings). Compared with ungrafted seedlings, tomato
      increased and eggplant decreased Cd contents in shoots of S. photeinocarpum
      postgrafting generation. Only tomato increased Cd extraction by shoots of S.
      photeinocarpum postgrafting generation compared with ungrafted seedlings. In the
      field experiment, only tomato increased shoot Cd content of S. photeinocarpum
      postgrafting generation by 8.31% and shoot Cd extraction by 9.30% compared with
      ungrafted seedlings. Therefore, use of tomato as rootstock could enhance the
      ability of S. photeinocarpum postgrafting generation plants to remediate Cd
      contaminated soil. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2845-2850. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27123861
TI  - Gold-Catalyzed Reaction of ortho-Alkynylarylaldehydes with Conjugated Dienes: An
      Efficient Access to Highly Strained Tetracyclic Bridgehead Olefins.
AB  - An unprecedented access to strained tetracyclic bridgehead alkenes by reaction of
      easily accessible ortho-alkynylarylaldehydes with conjugated dienes is described.
      The process involves a chemo- and stereo-selective, gold-catalyzed, tandem
      intermolecular [3+2] cycloaddition/Prins-type ring-closing reaction that allows
      generating structural complexity in a straightforward manner. This approach for
      the preparation of anti-Bredt compounds is synthetically superior to those
      previously reported: the procedure is easy to implement, operates under mild
      experimental conditions, is efficient, and exhibits a good substrate scope. 

PMID- 27123862
TI  - A qualitative meta-analysis examining clients' experiences of psychotherapy: A
      new agenda.
AB  - This article argues that psychotherapy practitioners and researchers should be
      informed by the substantive body of qualitative evidence that has been gathered
      to represent clients' own experiences of therapy. The current meta-analysis
      examined qualitative research studies analyzing clients' experiences within adult
      individual psychotherapy that appeared in English-language journals. This omnibus
      review integrates research from across psychotherapy approaches and qualitative
      methods, focusing on the cross-cutting question of how clients experience
      therapy. It utilized an innovative method in which 67 studies were subjected to a
      grounded theory meta-analysis in order to develop a hierarchy of data and then 42
      additional studies were added into this hierarchy using a content meta-analytic
      method-summing to 109 studies in total. Findings highlight the critical
      psychotherapy experiences for clients, based upon robust findings across these
      research studies. Process-focused principles for practice are generated that can
      enrich therapists' understanding of their clients in key clinical decision-making
      moments. Based upon these findings, an agenda is suggested in which research is
      directed toward heightening therapists' understanding of clients and recognizing
      them as agents of change within sessions, supporting the client as self-healer
      paradigm. This research aims to improve therapists' sensitivity to clients'
      experiences and thus can expand therapists' attunement and intentionality in
      shaping interventions in accordance with whichever theoretical orientation is in
      use. The article advocates for the full integration of the qualitative literature
      in psychotherapy research in which variables are conceptualized in reference to
      an understanding of clients' experiences in sessions. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123863
TI  - Are visual threats prioritized without awareness? A critical review and meta
      analysis involving 3 behavioral paradigms and 2696 observers.
AB  - Given capacity limits, only a subset of stimuli give rise to a conscious percept.
      Neurocognitive models suggest that humans have evolved mechanisms that operate
      without awareness and prioritize threatening stimuli over neutral stimuli in
      subsequent perception. In this meta-analysis, we review evidence for this
      'standard hypothesis' emanating from 3 widely used, but rather different
      experimental paradigms that have been used to manipulate awareness. We found a
      small pooled threat-bias effect in the masked visual probe paradigm, a medium
      effect in the binocular rivalry paradigm and highly inconsistent effects in the
      breaking continuous flash suppression paradigm. Substantial heterogeneity was
      explained by the stimulus type: the only threat stimuli that were robustly
      prioritized across all 3 paradigms were fearful faces. Meta regression revealed
      that anxiety may modulate threat-biases, but only under specific presentation
      conditions. We also found that insufficiently rigorous awareness measures,
      inadequate control of response biases and low level confounds may undermine
      claims of genuine unconscious threat processing. Considering the data together,
      we suggest that uncritical acceptance of the standard hypothesis is premature:
      current behavioral evidence for threat-sensitive visual processing that operates
      without awareness is weak. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123864
TI  - Quantitative Proteome Analysis of Leishmania donovani under Spermidine
      Starvation.
AB  - We have earlier reported antileishmanial activity of hypericin by spermidine
      starvation. In the current report, we have used label free proteome quantitation
      approach to identify differentially modulated proteins after hypericin treatment.
      A total of 141 proteins were found to be differentially regulated with ANOVA P
      value less than 0.05 in hypericin treated Leishmania promastigotes.
      Differentially modulated proteins have been broadly classified under nine major
      categories. Increase in ribosomal protein S7 protein suggests the repression of
      translation. Inhibition of proteins related to ubiquitin proteasome system, RNA
      binding protein and translation initiation factor also suggests altered
      translation. We have also observed increased expression of Hsp 90, Hsp 83-1 and
      stress inducible protein 1. Significant decreased level of cyclophilin was
      observed. These stress related protein could be cellular response of the parasite
      towards hypericin induced cellular stress. Also, defective metabolism,
      biosynthesis and replication of nucleic acids, flagellar movement and signalling
      of the parasite were observed as indicated by altered expression of proteins
      involved in these pathways. The data was analyzed rigorously to get further
      insight into hypericin induced parasitic death.

PMID- 27123865
TI  - MicroRNA Seed Region Length Impact on Target Messenger RNA Expression and
      Survival in Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - microRNAs (miRNA) repress messenger RNAs post-transcriptionally through binding
      to the 3' UTR of the mRNA with the miRNA seed region. It has been purported that
      longer seed regions have a greater efficacy on mRNA repression. We tested this
      hypothesis by evaluating differential expression of miRNAs involved in regulating
      the immune response, an important mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC), by seed
      length category. We subsequently evaluated differential expression of these
      miRNAs' targets in colonic tissue and the impact of these miRNAs on CRC survival.
      We determined sequence complementarity between each miRNA seed region and the 3'
      UTR of each experimentally verified mRNA target gene. We classified miRNAs into
      groups based on seed regions matching perfectly to a mRNA UTR with six bases
      beginning at position two, seven bases beginning at position one, seven bases
      beginning at position two, or eight bases beginning at position one. We analyzed
      these groups in terms of miRNA differential expression between carcinoma and
      normal colorectal mucosa, differential colonic target mRNA expression, and risk
      of dying from CRC. After correction for multiple comparisons, the proportion of
      the miRNAs that were associated with differential mRNA expression was 0% for the
      6-mer, 13.64% for the 7alpha-mer group, 12.82% for the 7beta-mer group, and 8.70%
      for the 8-mer group. The proportion of miRNAs associated with survival was 20%
      for the 6-mer group, 27.27% for the 7alpha-mer group, 10.23% for the 7beta-mer
      group, and 21.74% for the 8-mer group. We did not see a linear relationship
      between seed length and miRNA expression dysregulation, mRNA expression, or
      survival. Our findings do not support the hypothesis the seed region length alone
      influences mRNA repression.

PMID- 27123866
TI  - Dehydrogenative [2 + 2 + 1] Heteroannulation Using a Methyl Group as a One-Carbon
      Unit: Access to Pyrazolo[3,4-c]quinolines.
AB  - A practical and straightforward access to pyrazolo[3,4-c]quinolines by molecular
      sieve mediated dehydrogenative [2 + 2 + 1] heteroannulation of N-(o
      alkenylaryl)imines with aryldiazonium salts is described using a sp(3)-hybrid
      carbon atom as a one-carbon unit. The reaction enables the formation of three new
      chemical bonds, a C-C bond and two C-N bonds, in a single reaction and features
      simple operation and excellent functional group tolerance.

PMID- 27123867
TI  - Survival of the Curviest: Noise-Driven Selection for Synergistic Epistasis.
AB  - A major goal of human genetics is to elucidate the genetic architecture of human
      disease, with the goal of fueling improvements in diagnosis and the understanding
      of disease pathogenesis. The degree to which epistasis, or non-additive effects
      of risk alleles at different loci, accounts for common disease traits is hotly
      debated, in part because the conditions under which epistasis evolves are not
      well understood. Using both theory and evolutionary simulation, we show that the
      occurrence of common diseases (i.e. unfit phenotypes with frequencies on the
      order of 1%) can, under the right circumstances, be expected to be driven
      primarily by synergistic epistatic interactions. Conditions that are necessary,
      collectively, for this outcome include a strongly non-linear phenotypic
      landscape, strong (but not too strong) selection against the disease phenotype,
      and "noise" in the genotype-phenotype map that is both environmental (extrinsic,
      time-correlated) and developmental (intrinsic, uncorrelated) and, in both cases,
      neither too little nor too great. These results suggest ways in which geneticists
      might identify, a priori, those disease traits for which an "epistatic
      explanation" should be sought, and in the process better focus ongoing searches
      for risk alleles. 

PMID- 27123868
TI  - Fitness, insulin sensitivity, and frontal lobe integrity in adults with
      overweight and obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To formally test whether insulin sensitivity mediates the relationship
      between fitness and brain integrity. METHODS: Eighty-four middle-aged
      participants without diabetes received a 6-min walk test from which maximal
      oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was derived, a structural magnetic resonance scan, and a
      medical evaluation including fasting glucose and insulin levels. RESULTS: This
      study showed significant associations between fitness, abdominal obesity, and
      insulin sensitivity and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) volume as well as between
      ACC thickness and quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI). The
      relationship between ACC volume and VO2 max was completely mediated through
      QUICKI. Further, this strong association was confirmed by a single and very
      significant cluster on the ACC linking gray matter volume and QUICKI in a voxel
      based morphometry analysis. CONCLUSIONS: As expected, increased abdominal obesity
      was associated with reductions in fitness, ACC volumes, and insulin sensitivity.
      Importantly, this study demonstrated a significant mediation of the relationship
      between VO2 max and ACC volume by QUICKI. This suggests that the links between
      impaired insulin sensitivity and brain abnormalities in adults carrying excess
      weight could be alleviated through increased physical activity and fitness.

PMID- 27123870
TI  - Importance of timely monitoring of seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness.

PMID- 27123869
TI  - Associations between first-trimester uterine artery Doppler velocimetry indices
      and adverse perinatal outcomes in women conceiving via in vitro fertilization.
AB  - AIM: To explore if first-trimester uterine artery Doppler velocimetric values
      might predict adverse perinatal outcomes in patients conceiving via in vitro
      fertilization (IVF). METHODS: We evaluated pregnancies in women who conceived via
      IVF (Group 1, n = 62) and compared these subjects to a control group (spontaneous
      pregnancies; Group 2, n = 53) in terms of first-trimester uterine artery Doppler
      velocimetric data. We explored whether these data predicted adverse perinatal
      outcomes (need for cesarean delivery, preterm birth, low birth weight, lower
      APGAR score, and need for referral to a neonatal intensive care unit [NICU]).
      RESULTS: The mean age of Group 1 patients was 29.9 +/- 4.7 years and that of
      Group 2 was 27.2 +/- 4.2 years. Gestational age at birth, first-minute APGAR
      scores, NICU referral rate, birth weight, preterm birth rate, abortion rate,
      delivery type, the left-side uterine arterial systole-diastole ratio (LUASD), the
      left-side uterine arterial resistance index (LUARI), the right-side uterine
      arterial systole-diastole ratio (RUASD), and the right-side uterine arterial
      resistance index (RUARI) differed significantly between the two groups (all p
      values < 0.05). In the study group, positive correlations were evident between
      LUASD, LUARI, RUASD, and RUARI, preterm birth rates, and NICU referral rates.
      Also, birth weight correlated negatively with LUASD, LUARI, RUASD, and RUARI in
      the study group. CONCLUSIONS: First-trimester uterine artery Doppler velocimetric
      indices, including the resistance index and systole-diastole ratio, usefully
      predict adverse perinatal outcomes of IVF pregnancies.

PMID- 27123871
TI  - Lyso-phosphatidylcholine: A potential metabolomic biomarker for alcoholic liver
      disease?

PMID- 27123872
TI  - s-Triazine-Based Functional Discotic Liquid Crystals: Synthesis, Mesomorphism and
      Photoluminescence.
AB  - A new series of C3 -symmetric, pi-conjugated molecules was designed, synthesized
      and characterized. The materials were derived from electron-accepting s-triazine,
      appended covalently to electron-donating styrylbenzene arms, and were readily
      prepared in excellent yield with high purity by means of three-fold condensation
      of triphosphonate with n-alkoxybenzaldehydes under Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons
      reaction conditions. Examination of the phase transitional properties by several
      complementary techniques evidenced self-assembly into a hexagonal columnar phase,
      occurring over wide and reasonable thermal ranges. The photophysical properties
      were studied both in solution and in the fluid/frozen columnar states by UV/Vis
      absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The emission spectra obtained as a
      function of the temperature rule out the breaking-up of larger columns and a non
      radiative, thermally activated process. A study carried out on thin films of the
      glassy columnar state, which accounts for conserved fluorescence, defect-free
      orientation, and freezing ionic species, with the help of atomic force microscopy
      (AFM) images, suggested a homogeneous granular morphology comprising fibrillar
      structures. Dissimilarities in the surface morphology and birefringence of thin
      films of the solid and frozen columnar states were clearly shown by Raman
      spectroscopy. An electrochemical investigation revealed a LUMO energy of -4.0 eV.
      Thus, the discotic motifs presented herein meet certain criteria of organic
      materials, which are essential for developing electronic devices. 

PMID- 27123873
TI  - Exceptionally Active and Stable Spinel Nickel Manganese Oxide Electrocatalysts
      for Urea Oxidation Reaction.
AB  - Spinel nickel manganese oxides, widely used materials in the lithium ion battery
      high voltage cathode, were studied in urea oxidation catalysis. NiMn2O4,
      Ni1.5Mn1.5O4, and MnNi2O4 were synthesized by a simple template-free hydrothermal
      route followed by a thermal treatment in air at 800  degrees C. Rietveld analysis
      performed on nonstoichiometric nickel manganese oxide-Ni1.5Mn1.5O4 revealed the
      presence of three mixed phases: two spinel phases with different lattice
      parameters and NiO unlike the other two spinels NiMn2O4 and MnNi2O4. The
      electroactivity of nickel manganese oxide materials toward the oxidation of urea
      in alkaline solution is evaluated using cyclic voltammetric measurements.
      Ni1.5Mn1.5O4 exhibits excellent redox characteristics and lower charge transfer
      resistances in comparison with other compositions of nickel manganese oxides and
      nickel oxide prepared under similar conditions.The Ni1.5Mn1.5O4modified electrode
      oxidizes urea at 0.29 V versus Ag/AgCl with a corresponding current density of
      6.9 mA cm(-2). At a low catalyst loading of 50 MUg cm(-2), the urea oxidation
      current density of Ni1.5Mn1.5O4 in alkaline solution is 7 times higher than that
      of nickel oxide and 4 times higher than that of NiMn2O4 and MnNi2O4,
      respectively.

PMID- 27123874
TI  - Acute and subacute idiopathic interstitial pneumonias.
AB  - Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) may have an acute or subacute
      presentation, or acute exacerbation may occur in a previously subclinical or
      unrecognized chronic IIP. Acute or subacute IIPs include acute interstitial
      pneumonia (AIP), cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), nonspecific interstitial
      pneumonia (NSIP), acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF)
      and AE-NSIP. Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) including connective tissue
      disease (CTD) associated ILD, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, acute eosinophilic
      pneumonia, drug-induced lung disease and diffuse alveolar haemorrhage need to be
      differentiated from acute and subacute IIPs. Despite the severe lack of
      randomized controlled trials for the treatment of acute and subacute IIPs, the
      mainstream treatment remains corticosteroid therapy. Other potential therapies
      reported in the literature include corticosteroids and immunosuppression,
      antibiotics, anticoagulants, neutrophil elastase inhibitor, autoantibody-targeted
      treatment, antifibrotics and hemoperfusion therapy. With regard to mechanical
      ventilation, patients in recent studies with acute and subacute IIPs have shown
      better survival than those in previous studies. Therefore, a careful value-laden
      decision about the indications for endotracheal intubation should be made for
      each patient. Noninvasive ventilation may be beneficial to reduce ventilator
      associated pneumonia. 

PMID- 27123876
TI  - Coding Variation in ANGPTL4, LPL, and SVEP1 and the Risk of Coronary Disease.

PMID- 27123875
TI  - The composition, localization and function of low-temperature-adapted microbial
      communities involved in methanogenic degradations of cellulose and chitin from
      Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau wetland soils.
AB  - AIMS: To reveal the microbial communities from Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau wetland
      soils that have the potential to be used in the utilization of cellulosic and
      chitinous biomass at low temperatures (<=25 degrees C). METHODS AND RESULTS: Soil
      samples collected from six wetlands on Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau were supplemented
      with or without cellulose and chitin flakes, and anaerobically incubated at 25
      and 15 degrees C; high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to access the
      composition and localization (in the slurry and on the surface) of enriched
      microbial communities; a hypothetical model was constructed to demonstrate the
      functional roles of involved microbes mainly at genus level. Overall, microbial
      communities from Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau wetlands showed significant potential to
      convert both cellulose and chitin to methane at low temperatures; Clostridium
      III, Clostridium XIVa, Paludibacter, Parcubacteria, Saccharofermentans,
      Pelotomaculum, Methanosaeta, Methanobrevibacter, Methanoregula, Methanospirillum
      and Methanosarcina participated in methanogenic degradation of both cellulose and
      chitin through the roles of hydrolytic, saccharolytic and secondary fermenters
      and methanogens respectively. Acetotrophic methanogens were mainly enriched in
      the slurries, while hydrogenotrophic methanogens could be both in the slurries
      and on the surface. CONCLUSIONS: The composition and localization of microbial
      communities that could effectively convert cellulose and chitin to methane at low
      temperatures have been revealed by high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing
      methods, and reviewing the literatures on the microbial pure culture helped to
      elucidate functional roles of significantly enriched microbes. SIGNIFICANCE AND
      IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study will contribute to the understanding of carbon
      and nitrogen cycling of cellulose and chitin in cold-area wetlands and provide
      fundamental information to obtain microbial resources for the utilization of
      biomass wastes at low temperatures.

PMID- 27123877
TI  - Risk-Factor Profile of Living Kidney Donors: The Australia and New Zealand
      Dialysis and Transplant Living Kidney Donor Registry 2004-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent literature suggests that living kidney donation may be
      associated with an excess risk of end-stage kidney disease and death. Efforts to
      maximize access to transplantation may result in acceptance of donors who do not
      fit within current guidelines, potentially placing them at risk of adverse long
      term outcomes. METHODS: We studied the risk profile of Australian and New Zealand
      living kidney donors using data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and
      Transplant Living Kidney Donor Registry over 2004 to 2012. We compared their
      predonation profile against national guidelines for donor acceptance. RESULTS:
      The analysis included 2,932 donors (mean age 48.8 +/- 11.2 years, range 18-81),
      58% female and 87% Caucasian. Forty (1%) had measured glomerular filtration rate
      less than 80 mL/min; 32 (1%) had proteinuria >300 mg/day; 589 (20%) were
      hypertensive; 495 (18%) obese; 9 (0.3%) were diabetic while a further 55 (2%) had
      impaired glucose tolerance; and 218 (7%) were current smokers. Overall 767 donors
      (26%) had at least one relative contraindication to donation and 268 (9%) had at
      least one absolute contraindication according to national guidelines.
      CONCLUSIONS: Divergence of current clinical practice from national guidelines has
      occurred. In the context of recent evidence demonstrating elevated long-term
      donor risk, rigorous follow-up and reporting of outcomes are now mandated to
      ensure safety and document any change in risk associated with such a divergence.

PMID- 27123878
TI  - Impact of Graft Selection on Donor and Recipient Outcomes After Living Donor
      Liver Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Balancing donor and recipient risks in living donor liver
      transplantation remains an issue of debate. This study assessed the impact of
      graft selection on outcomes and complications for left lobe (LL) versus right
      lobe (RL) donors and recipients. METHODS: The medical records of donors and
      recipients, who underwent living donor liver transplantation at our institution
      between 2003 and 2015, were reviewed. For donors, we evaluated graft volume,
      residual liver volume per standard liver volume, length of hospital stay (LOS),
      complications, and readmissions. For recipients, we looked at graft and patient
      survival, graft function at postoperative days 7 and 14, graft volume, LOS,
      biliary complications, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease at transplant, and
      hepatitis C virus status. RESULTS: At 5 years posttransplant, there were no
      significant differences in graft survival for LL recipients (86% [95% confidence
      interval, 74-93]) compared with 82% (95% confidence interval, 69-89) for RL
      recipients (P = 0.85) or recipient survival (90% vs 84%; P = 0.44). In LL
      recipients, postoperative days 7 and 14 median international normalized ratio
      (1.5 and 1.2, respectively) and total bilirubin (4.6 and 2.7) were significantly
      greater compared with RL recipients (7 and 14 days international normalized ratio
      [1.2, P < 0.001; 1.1, P = 0.001] and total bilirubin (2.7, P = 0.001; 2.1, P =
      0.05)). The LL recipients also had a significantly greater median LOS (14 vs 10,
      P = 0.008). Median donor LOS was significantly greater for RL donors (7
      [interquartile range, 7-8] vs 7 [interquartile range, 6-7] days, P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The RL and LL grafts provide comparable long-term outcomes in
      properly selected donor-recipient pairs and the appropriate use of LL grafts does
      not impact graft or patient survival at 5 years posttransplant.

PMID- 27123879
TI  - Magnetic particle characterization-magnetophoretic mobility and particle size.
AB  - Quantitative characterization of magnetic particles is useful for analysis and
      separation of labeled cells and magnetic particles. A particle velocimeter is
      used to directly measure the magnetophoretic mobility, size, and other parameters
      of magnetic particle suspensions. The instrument provides quantitative video
      analysis of particles and their motion. The trajectories of magnetic particles in
      an isodynamic magnetic field are recorded using a high-definition
      camera/microscope system for image collection. Image analysis software then
      converts the image data to the parameters of interest. The distribution of
      magnetophoretic mobility is determined by combining fast image analysis with
      velocimetry measurements. Particle size distributions have been characterized to
      provide a better understanding of sample quality. The results have been used in
      the development and operation of analyzer protocols for counting particle
      concentrations accurately and measuring magnetic susceptibility and size for
      simultaneous display for routine application to particle suspensions and
      magnetically labeled biological cells. (c) 2016 International Society for
      Advancement of Cytometry.

PMID- 27123880
TI  - Describing Differences in Survival Curves.

PMID- 27123881
TI  - Embedded Instruction Improves Vocabulary Learning During Automated Storybook
      Reading Among High-Risk Preschoolers.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated a small-group intervention designed to teach vocabulary
      and comprehension skills to preschoolers who were at risk for language and
      reading disabilities. These language skills are important and reliable predictors
      of later academic achievement. METHOD: Preschoolers heard prerecorded stories 3
      times per week over the course of a school year. A cluster randomized design was
      used to evaluate the effects of hearing storybooks with and without embedded
      vocabulary and comprehension lessons. A total of 32 classrooms were randomly
      assigned to experimental and comparison conditions. Approximately 6 children per
      classroom demonstrating low vocabulary knowledge, totaling 195 children, were
      enrolled. RESULTS: Preschoolers in the comparison condition did not learn novel,
      challenging vocabulary words to which they were exposed in story contexts,
      whereas preschoolers receiving embedded lessons demonstrated significant learning
      gains, although vocabulary learning diminished over the course of the school
      year. Modest gains in comprehension skills did not differ between the two groups.
      CONCLUSION: The Story Friends curriculum appears to be highly feasible for
      delivery in early childhood educational settings and effective at teaching
      challenging vocabulary to high-risk preschoolers.

PMID- 27123882
TI  - Balancing treatment efficacy, toxicity and complication risk in elderly patients
      with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - The number of elderly patients with renal cell carcinoma is rising. Elderly
      patients differ from their younger counterparts in, among others, higher
      incidence of comorbidity and reduced organ function. Age influences outcome of
      surgery, and therefore has to be taken into account in elderly patients eligible
      for cytoreductive nephrectomy. Over the last decade several novel effective drugs
      have become available for the metastatic setting targeting angiogenesis and
      mammalian target of rapamycin. Immune checkpoint blockade with a programmed death
      1 antibody has recently been shown to increase survival and further studies with
      immune checkpoint inhibitors are ongoing. In this review we summarize the
      available data on efficacy and toxicity of existing and emerging therapies for
      metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the elderly. Where possible, we provide
      evidence-based recommendations for treatment choices in elderly. 

PMID- 27123883
TI  - Systemic therapy for recurrent meningioma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Meningioma comprise 20-30% of all primary brain tumors.
      Notwithstanding surgery and radiotherapy, a subset of patients will manifest
      recurrent meningioma. Systemic therapy is recommended only when further surgery
      and radiotherapy are not possible. No prospective study with a high level of
      evidence is available to inform as to recommendations regarding systemic therapy.
      AREAS COVERED: We aim to summarize systemic therapies for recurrent meningioma.
      Expert commentary: Hydroxurea, temozolomide, irinotecan, the combination of
      cyclophosphamide/adriamycine/vincristine, interferon-alpha, somatostatin analogs,
      mifepristone, megestrol acetate, imatinib, erlotinib and gefitinib are considered
      as having limited efficacy. Potential activity of VEGF (vascular endothelial
      growth factor) inhibitors such as sunitinib, valatinib, and bevacizumab is
      suggested in small non-controlled studies and requires validation in randomized
      trials. The identification of new prognostic markers such as TERT promoter
      mutations and potential new therapeutic targets, such as KLF4, AKT1, TRAF7, and
      SMO mutations hopefully facilitate this endeavor.

PMID- 27123884
TI  - A Photo-Triggered Traceless Staudinger-Bertozzi Ligation Reaction.
AB  - The use of light to control the course of a chemical/biochemical reaction is an
      attractive idea because of its ease of administration with high precision and
      fine spatial resolution. Staudinger ligation is one of the commonly adopted
      conjugation processes that involve a spontaneous reaction between azides and
      arylphosphines to form iminophosphoranes, which further hydrolyze to give stable
      amides. We designed an anthracenylmethyl diphenylphosphinothioester (1) that
      showed promising Staudinger ligation reactivity upon photo-excitation. Broadband
      photolysis at 360-400 nm in aqueous organic solvents induced heterolytic cleavage
      of its anthracenylmethyl-phosphorus bond, releasing a diphenylphosphinothioester
      (2) as an efficient traceless Staudinger-Bertozzi ligation reagent. The quantum
      yield of such a photo-induced heterolytic bond-cleavage at the optimal wavelength
      of photolysis (376 nm) at room temperature is >=0.07. This work demonstrated the
      feasibility of photocaging arylphosphines to realize the photo-triggering of the
      Staudinger ligation reaction. 

PMID- 27123885
TI  - Engineered Molecular Chain Ordering in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Polyaniline
      Composite Films for High-Performance Organic Thermoelectric Materials.
AB  - Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)/polyaniline (PANI) composite films with
      enhanced thermoelectric properties were prepared by combining in situ
      polymerization and solution processing. Conductive atomic force microscopy and X
      ray diffraction measurements confirmed that solution processing and strong pi-pi
      interactions between the PANI and SWNTs induced the PANI molecules to form a
      highly ordered structure. The improved degree of order of the PANI molecular
      arrangement increased the carrier mobility and thereby enhanced the electrical
      transport properties of PANI. The maximum in-plane electrical conductivity and
      power factor of the SWNTs/PANI composite films reached 1.44*10(3)  S cm(-1) and
      217 MUW m(-1)  K(-2) , respectively, at room temperature. Furthermore, a
      thermoelectric generator fabricated with the SWNTs/PANI composite films showed
      good electric generation ability and stability. A high power density of 10.4 MUW
      cm(-2)  K(-1) was obtained, which is superior to most reported results obtained
      in organic thermoelectric modules. 

PMID- 27123886
TI  - [Trabeculotomy Combined with Cataract Surgery in Glaucoma: Outcome in a Rural
      Setting].
AB  - Purpose: Intensive postoperative care is essential for the outcome of
      trabeculectomy. However, in a rural setting, repeated visits to the operating
      theatre are often not requested or possible. The objective of this study was to
      examine the outcome of trabeculotomy combined with cataract surgery in patients
      with glaucoma. Patients and Methods: 142 patients with glaucoma and cataract were
      included in a retrospective clinical study. All patients were operated on from
      November 2005 to December 2008 by a single surgeon and with a minimum follow-up
      of 2 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucomatous medications
      and surgical success rate were assessed at 2 months and at the longest follow-up
      (at least 1 year). Results: IOP was significantly reduced from 24.1 +/- 8.3 mmHg
      preoperatively to 14.9 +/- 3.3 mmHg at 2 months (p < 0.0001) and to 15.1 +/- 3
      mmHg at the longest follow-up (3.71 +/- 1.5 years). The number of IOP-lowering
      medications was lowered from 1.35 +/- 1 preoperatively to 0.73 +/- 1 at the
      longest follow-up. Complete surgical success (no IOP-lowering medications,
      longest follow-up) was achieved in 51.3 % (IOP < 22 mmHg) and 47.5 % (IOP < 19
      mmHg) of patients, respectively. Conclusions: Trabeculotomy combined with
      cataract surgery is a safe and effective surgical option to treat combined
      cataract and glaucoma without the need of intensified postoperative treatment.

PMID- 27123887
TI  - [Switching Therapy from Ranibizumab and/or Bevacizumab to Aflibercept in
      Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): One-Year Results].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The presented study is a retrospective evaluation of switching
      therapy from ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab to aflibercept in neovascular age
      related macular degeneration in patients who had previously given an insufficient
      response to therapy with ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 96
      eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were included, which
      had been pretreated with ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab (T&E), but had responded
      insufficiently. An injection interval of less than six weeks or permanently
      persisting intra- and/or subretinal fluid or persistent pigment epithelial
      detachments (PED) were defined as an insufficient response. The patients were
      followed for 12 months after switching therapy to aflibercept. The change in
      central retinal thickness (CRT) was defined as the primary endpoint. Other
      endpoints were the axial height of PEDs and the injection interval. RESULTS: The
      primary endpoint, the average CRT, was significantly decreased twelve months
      after switching therapy to aflibercept (Wilcoxon Nemenyi-McDonald-Thompson post
      hoc analysis - 31.36 um; SD +/- 70.64 um; p < 0.001). Another morphological
      endpoint, the average axial height of PEDs, also decreased significantly (- 34.10
      um; SD +/- 91.90 um, p < 0.001) from 207.82 um (SD +/- 148.12 um) at baseline to
      173.72 um (SD +/- 132.30 um) at month 12. Moreover, the average injection
      interval increased significantly (p < 0.001; Friedman test) from 1.30 months (SD
      +/- 0.19 months) before switching therapy to 1.67 months (SD +/- 0.19 months) at
      month 12 after switching therapy to aflibercept. However, the best corrected
      visual acuity (BCVA) as a functional endpoint did not significantly improve (+
      0.36 ETDRS letters = 0.0972 p; SD +/- 16.94 ETDRS letters). CONCLUSION: In
      patients with neovascular AMD, who had initially exhibited an inadequate response
      to ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab, switching therapy to aflibercept improves
      clinical outcome measures. Besides morphological improvements, such as the
      decrease of the CRT and the axial height of PEDs, the average injection interval
      was prolonged. However, visual acuity did not improve.

PMID- 27123888
TI  - Linking boundary crossing from work to nonwork to work-related rumination across
      time: A variable- and person-oriented approach.
AB  - [Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported in Vol 22(4) of
      Journal of Occupational Health Psychology (see record 2017-05746-001). There were
      errors in two separate sections of the article. The final sentence preceding
      Hypothesis 4 in "The Present Study" section should read, "We did not hypothesize
      that the specific forms of work-related thoughts (i.e., affective rumination,
      problem-solving pondering, or lack of psychological detachment) would be
      differently associated with stability or changes in boundary crossing behavior."
      The fifth sentence in the second paragraph of the "Identifying Subgroups of
      Boundary Crossing Behavior Across Time" subsection of the "Results" section
      should read, "Group 5 (n = 162, 19%), characterized by stable low boundary
      crossing behavior across time (M = 1.37 for Time 1 and M = 1.34 for Time 2), and
      Group 6 (n = 154, 18%), characterized by stable high boundary crossing behavior
      (M = 4.54 for Time 1 and M = 4.60 for Time 2), were almost equally large in
      size."] This 1-year follow-up study (N = 841) investigated the relationship
      between boundary crossing behavior from work to nonwork and work-related
      rumination (i.e., affective rumination, problem-solving pondering, and lack of
      psychological detachment from work during off-job time). This relationship is
      important to examine as work-related rumination is a risk factor for poor
      recovery and ill-health over time. The aims were twofold: first, to examine these
      relationships in terms of temporal ordering, and, second, to show how individual
      differences regarding stability and change of boundaries from work to nonwork are
      reflected in work-related rumination across time. The structural equation
      modeling analyses lent support to the hypothesized normal causation model
      compared with the reversed causation and reciprocal models. However, only the
      cross-lagged relationship between high boundary crossing behavior at T1 and lack
      of psychological detachment at T2 was significant. Through latent profile
      analysis, 6 subgroups of boundary crossing behavior across time were identified.
      Over 70% of the employees belonged to the stable (low, moderate, high) and about
      one-third to the changing (mostly increasing) boundary crossing subgroups.
      Employees in the 2 stable (high and moderate) boundary crossing subgroups
      reported less psychological detachment and more problem-solving pondering during
      off-job time than did those in the low boundary crossing subgroup. Employees in
      the change groups reported simultaneous expected changes, especially in their
      problem-solving pondering. No effects on affective rumination were found. Thus
      frequent boundary crossing behavior from work to nonwork plays a different role
      regarding the various forms of work-related rumination during nonwork. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 27123889
TI  - Feeling vital after a good night's sleep: The interplay of energetic resources
      and self-efficacy for daily proactivity.
AB  - This study aims to investigate the role of daily vitality as an energy-based
      mechanism through which sleep quantity and quality relate to proactive behavior.
      In addition, we propose that daily self-efficacy forms a contingency condition in
      that self-efficacy facilitates the translation of vitality into proactive
      behavior. We conducted a 7-day diary study based on a sample of 66 employees who
      completed surveys 3 times daily. We used multilevel regression analyses to test
      the hypotheses while controlling for the 1-day lagged measures of vitality and
      proactivity. The results provide evidence for a model of moderated mediation.
      Sleep quality but not quantity predicted an increase in daily vitality. Self
      efficacy moderated the relationship between vitality and daily proactivity such
      that this relationship was stronger when self-efficacy was reported to be high
      rather than low. The conditional effect mediated by vitality was significant for
      sleep quality but not for sleep quantity and occurred at the within-person level
      of analysis. These results suggest that organizations aiming to boost daily
      proactivity in employees can benefit from increasing employees' self-efficacy and
      supporting them in developing strategies to ensure sufficient vitality. One such
      strategy is improving sleep quality. This study extends the literature on
      dynamics in proactive work behavior and its well-being-related antecedents by
      exploring both vitality as an underlying energetic mechanism and daily self
      efficacy as a boundary condition. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123890
TI  - Announcement: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month - May 2016.
AB  - May is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month. ALS, also known as
      Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive, fatal, neurodegenerative disorder of
      upper and lower motor neurons. The cause of ALS is not known, and no cure exists.
      Persons with ALS usually die within 2-5 years of diagnosis. 

PMID- 27123891
TI  - Nucleosome Assembly Alters the Accessibility of the Antitumor Agent Duocarmycin
      B2 to Duplex DNA.
AB  - To evaluate the reactivity of antitumor agents in a nucleosome architecture, we
      conducted in vitro studies to assess the alkylation level of duocarmycin B2 on
      nucleosomes with core and linker DNA using sequencing gel electrophoresis. Our
      results suggested that the alkylating efficiencies of duocarmycin B2 were
      significantly decreased in core DNA and increased at the histone-free linker DNA
      sites when compared with naked DNA conditions. Our finding that nucleosome
      assembly alters the accessibility of duocarmycin B2 to duplex DNA could advance
      its design as an antitumor agent. 

PMID- 27123892
TI  - Facile Hydrazine-Hydrothermal Syntheses and Characterizations of Two Quaternary
      Thioarsenates(III): Two-Dimensional SrAg4 As2 S6 ?2 H2 O and One-Dimensional
      BaAgAsS3.
AB  - Two new quaternary thioarsenates(III), SrAg4 As2 S6 ?2 H2 O (1) and BaAgAsS3 (2),
      have been prepared through a hydrazine-hydrothermal method at low temperature.
      Compound 1 possesses a two-dimensional (2D) layer network, while compound 2
      features a one-dimensional (1D) column structure. The detailed structure analysis
      indicates that Sr(2+) and Ba(2+) cations have different directing effects on the
      structures of thioarsenates(III). Both experimental and theoretical studies
      demonstrate that compounds 1 and 2 are narrow-gap semiconductors. Our success in
      synthesizing these two quaternary thioarsenates(III) proves that the hydrazine
      hydrothermal technique is a powerful yet facile synthetic method for exploring
      new complex chalcogenides with diverse crystal structures and interesting
      physical properties. 

PMID- 27123894
TI  - The secret is out.

PMID- 27123893
TI  - Early Bone Formation at a Femur Defect Using CGF and PRF Grafts in Adult Dogs: A
      Comparative Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the predictability of new bone
      formation using an autologous concentrated growth factor (CGF) graft alone and
      platelet graft alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four bony defects of 8 mm were
      formed, and 3.7- * 10-mm implants were placed in the right femur. The platelet
      rich fibrin (PRF), CGF, and synthetic bone were grafted to the bone defect area.
      Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay quantitative analysis and microscopic analysis
      of the fibrinogen structure were performed. RESULTS: At 4 weeks, the comparisons
      of each experimental group showed a significant difference between the CGF group
      and the synthetic bone graft group. When comparing the CGF and allograft material
      groups, the allograft group showed significantly more new bone formation. In the
      case of vascular endothelial growth factor, CGF had 1.5 times more than PRF. CGF
      showed a fibrinogen structure with a constant diameter. CONCLUSION: When applied
      to a clinical case, CGF is predicted to show better results than PRF.

PMID- 27123895
TI  - Letters From Our Readers.

PMID- 27123896
TI  - Letters From Our Readers.

PMID- 27123897
TI  - Letters From Our Readers.

PMID- 27123899
TI  - Position-Specific Mass Shift Analysis: A Systematic Method for Investigating the
      EI-MS Fragmentation Mechanism of epi-Isozizaene.
AB  - The EI-MS fragmentation mechanism of the bacterial sesquiterpene epi-isozizaene
      was investigated through enzymatic conversion of all 15 synthetic ((13) C1 )FPP
      isotopomers with the epi-isozizaene synthase from Streptomyces albus and GC-MS
      and GC-QTOF analysis including MS-MS. A systematic method, which we wish to call
      position-specific mass shift analysis, for the identification of the full set of
      fragmentation reactions was developed.

PMID- 27123900
TI  - Discovery of novel, high potent, ABC type PTP1B inhibitors with TCPTP selectivity
      and cellular activity.
AB  - Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as a key negative regulator of both
      insulin and leptin receptor pathways has been an attractive therapeutic target
      for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. With the goal
      of enhancing potency and selectivity of the PTP1B inhibitors, a series of methyl
      salicylate derivatives as ABC type PTP1B inhibitors (P1-P7) were discovered. More
      importantly, compound P6 exhibited high potent inhibitory activity (IC50 = 50 nM)
      for PTP1B with 15-fold selectivity over T-cell PTPase (TCPTP). Further studies on
      cellular activities revealed that compound P6 could enhance insulin-mediated
      insulin receptor beta (IRbeta) phosphorylation and insulin-stimulated glucose
      uptake. 

PMID- 27123901
TI  - Locking PDK1 in DFG-out conformation through 2-oxo-indole containing molecules:
      Another tools to fight glioblastoma.
AB  - The phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) is one of the main components of
      the PI3K/Akt pathway. Also named the "master kinase" of the AGC family, PDK1
      plays a critical role in tumorigenesis, by enhancing cell proliferation and
      inhibiting apoptosis, as well as in cell invasion and metastasis formation.
      Although there have been done huge efforts in discovering specific compounds
      targeting PDK1, nowadays no PDK1 inhibitor has yet entered the clinic. With the
      aim to pick out novel and potent PDK1 inhibitors, herein we report the design and
      synthesis of a new class of molecules obtained by merging the 2-oxo-indole
      nucleus with the 2-oxo-pyridonyl fragment, two moieties with high affinity for
      the PDK1 hinge region and its DFG-out binding site, respectively. To this
      purpose, a small series of compounds were synthesised and a tandem application of
      docking and Molecular Dynamic (MD) was employed to get insight into their mode of
      binding. The OXID-pyridonyl hybrid 8, possessing the lower IC50 (IC50 = 112 nM),
      was also tested against recombinant kinases involved in the PI3K/PDK1/Akt pathway
      and was subjected to vitro studies to evaluate the cytotoxicity and the
      inhibition of tumour cell migration. All together the results let us to consider
      8, as a lead compound of a new generation of PDK1 inhibitors and encourage us to
      further studies in this direction. 

PMID- 27123902
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of [(18)F]-fluoromethyl triphenylphosphonium cation as a
      novel mitochondria-specific positron emission tomography tracer.
AB  - We developed a radiosynthesis of the voltage sensitive tracer [(18)F]
      fluoromethyltriphenylphosphonium cation ([(18)F]-FTPMP), giving high yield (30
      34%, decay-corrected), radiochemical purity (>99%) and specific activity (about
      760 GBq/MUmol). [(18)F]-FTPMP had suitable lipophilicity (logP = 0.91 +/- 0.03)
      and high in vivo/vitro stability. Biodistribution studies showed that [(18)F]
      FTPMP had high heart uptake (>7%ID/g from 10 min to 120 min postinjection) and
      rapid clearance from the background. Clear cardiac images were obtained at
      different time periods, and the infarction areas could be detected sensitively
      with small-animal PET. The autoradiography and myocardial membrane potential
      studies confirmed the mitochondria specific of [(18)F]-FTPMP in rat myocardia.
      These excellent pharmacokinetic properties suggest [(18)F]-FTPMP is a promising
      mitochondria-specific tracer for clinical PET imaging of myocardial diseases
      associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. 

PMID- 27123903
TI  - Left Temple Ulceration.

PMID- 27123904
TI  - Effects of antioxidants, catalase and alpha-tocopherol on cell viability and
      oxidative stress variables in frozen-thawed mice spermatogonial stem cells.
AB  - Cryopreservation of spermatogonial stem cells is considered as a useful procedure
      for preserving fertility in children with testis cancer. SSCs were isolated from
      testes mice, and then antioxidant was added to the freezing medium. The Bax
      expression level in antioxidant groups was significantly (P <= 0.05) lower than
      the control group and a significant rise of Bcl2 expression was detected in the
      antioxidant groups. ROS production with antioxidant was significantly lower
      compared with the control group. Cryopreservation with the addition of the
      antioxidants can help increase the number of SSCs and improve the quality and
      viability of these cells after cryopreservation.

PMID- 27123905
TI  - Drag Reduction by Bubble-Covered Surfaces Found in PDMS Microchannel through
      Depressurization.
AB  - Drag reduction was found in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannels when the
      flow was pulled by depressurization at the inlet, and it was attributed to the
      formation of the bubbles on the PDMS surface. The formed bubbles were examined by
      atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the resultant effective slip length was
      measured by microparticle image velocimetry (MUPIV). The drag reduction was found
      to decrease as the bubbles grew and detached from the surface, causing a
      pulsatile flow in the microchannel.

PMID- 27123906
TI  - The AMCP Format for Formulary Submissions: Welcome to Version 4.0.
AB  - Managed care pharmacists are increasingly presented with complex considerations
      related to prescription drug formulary management. As prescription drug spending
      soars, and new effective, but expensive drugs rush to the market, pharmacists and
      other health care decision makers must evaluate a myriad of important clinical
      and economic considerations in determining the relative value and, subsequently,
      the appropriate placement of a product within a formulary. The AMCP Format for
      Formulary Submissions, Version 4.0, is the next iteration of the Format, which
      was first released in 2000. Version 4.0, developed by pharmacists from health
      plan, manufacturer, and academic perspectives, provides updated recommendations
      on acquiring and evaluating clinical and economic evidence to inform formulary
      and medical policy decisions. It also includes new guidance related to emerging
      special topic considerations such as biosimilars, specialty pharmacy products,
      and companion diagnostic tests. Version 4.0 has been modified to improve the
      usability of the Format, with clarifying guidance related to logistical
      considerations such as a recommended time frame for implementation of Version
      4.0, as well as dossier updates and ongoing communication between manufacturers
      and health care decision makers. The Format should be used as a framework for
      ongoing evidence-based dialogue between manufacturers and payers. The evolving
      health care landscape will require new levels of collaboration and communication
      among key stakeholders to successfully navigate the challenges of this new
      environment. The Format provides a framework to support these critical
      interactions related to product value by facilitating an evidence-based,
      transparent approach. DISCLOSURES: This document was prepared by Jeff Lee,
      PharmD, FCCP, on behalf of the AMCP Format Executive Committee. Committee members
      reviewed and provided feedback on the final draft. No conflicts of interest,
      financial or otherwise, were reported.

PMID- 27123907
TI  - Achieving Balance with the AMCP Format for Formulary Submissions, Version 4.0: A
      Dossier Producer's Perspective.
AB  - DISCLOSURES: Both authors are employed by Xcenda and develop AMCP Format
      dossiers.

PMID- 27123908
TI  - AMCP Format for Formulary Submissions, Version 4.0.
AB  - DISCLOSURES: Pannier is a member of the AMCP Format Executive Committee. The
      authors report no financial or other conflicts of interest related to the subject
      of this letter.

PMID- 27123909
TI  - Association Between Weight Change, Clinical Outcomes, and Health Care Costs in
      Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research suggests that weight loss is associated with
      decreases in health care costs among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM) and that weight change can affect clinical measures, including hemoglobin
      A1c (A1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and blood pressure.
      Previous research has also demonstrated more pronounced impact of weight change
      among patients with T2DM who are obese and have no evidence of cardiovascular
      disease (CVD). OBJECTIVES: To (a) examine the association between weight change
      and all-cause and diabetes-related health care costs among patients with T2DM;
      (b) examine the association between weight change and select clinical measures
      among patients with T2DM; and (c) analyze a subgroup of obese patients with no
      previous CVD. METHODS: This retrospective, observational cohort study used U.S.
      insurance claims linked to laboratory and electronic medical records. This study
      included patients with T2DM aged 18 years or older who added or switched to a
      nonmetformin antidiabetes medication after metformin monotherapy between January
      1, 2007, and June 30, 2012 (date of add/switch was the index date). The primary
      predictor was percentage weight change (PWC) between a weight measurement at
      index and a follow-up measurement 6 months later; PWC ranged from negative
      (weight loss) to positive (weight gain). Outcomes, measured in the 12-month
      period beginning at the time of follow-up weight measurement, included all-cause
      and diabetes-related health care costs and achievement of thresholds for A1c,
      blood pressure, and LDL-C. Multivariable models quantified the association
      between PWC (linear effect) and study outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1,520
      patients (mean age 55 years; 47% female) were included, with 780 patients (mean
      age 53 years; 51% female) in the subgroup sample. Mean (SD) index weight and PWC
      were 224.6 (52.8) lbs and +0.2% (4.7%) in the primary analysis, and 241.3 (47.3)
      lbs and -0.2% (4.6%) in the subgroup sample. In adjusted analyses, decreasing PWC
      was associated with decreasing diabetes-specific pharmacy costs (P < 0.001) in
      the primary analysis sample and with decreasing all-cause pharmacy costs (P =
      0.018), diabetes-specific total costs (P = 0.039), diabetes-specific medical
      costs (P = 0.002), and diabetes-specific pharmacy costs (P < 0.001) in the
      subgroup sample. PWC was not associated with all-cause total health care costs or
      all-cause medical costs in either sample. In adjusted analyses, decreasing PWC
      was also associated with increasing odds of attaining the A1c goals of < 6.5% (P
      < 0.001) and < 7.0% (P < 0.001) in the primary analysis sample and increasing
      odds of attaining the A1c goals of < 6.5% (P < 0.001), < 7.0% (P < 0.001), and <
      8.0% (P = 0.010) in the subgroup sample. PWC was not associated with any of the
      other clinical measures in either of the study samples. CONCLUSIONS: This real
      world study suggests that among patients with T2DM, weight loss over a short-term
      (6-month) period is associated with positive impact on attainment of A1c goals
      and decreased diabetes-specific pharmacy costs over the subsequent 12 months. In
      the subset of patients who were obese and had no previus CVD, weight loss over
      the 6-month period was also associated with decreased all-cause pharmacy costs,
      diabetes-specific medical costs, and diabetes-specific total health care costs.
      Future research is warranted to examine whether these associations change over
      longer-term periods of follow-up. DISCLOSURES: This study was sponsored by
      AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Truven Health Analytics received funding
      from Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca to conduct this study. Mukherjee is an
      employee of Bristol-Myers Squibb. Bell and Sternhufvud are employees of
      AstraZeneca. Johnston, Stott-Miller, and McMorrow are employees of Truven Health
      Analytics. Nancy Smith is a consultant to Bristol-Myers Squibb and is employed by
      GreenKey Resources. Study concept was created by Mukherjee, Sternhufvud, Bell,
      and Johnston. Stott-Miller and McMorrow took the lead in data collection, along
      with Johnston, with data interpretation performed by Mukherjee, Sternhufvud,
      Smith, Stott-Miller, and Johnston. The manuscript was written by Mukherjee,
      Johnston, and Stott-Miller, along with Sternhufvud and Smith, and revised by
      Mukherjee, Smith, and Johnston, along with Sternhufvud and Stott-Miller.

PMID- 27123910
TI  - Predictors of Change in Adherence Status from 1 Year to the Next Among Patients
      with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Oral Antidiabetes Drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and medical
      resource utilization in the United States and worldwide. Treatment is aimed at
      keeping blood glucose levels close to normal and preventing or delaying medical
      complications. It has been estimated that only 50% of patients with diabetes in
      the United States achieve glycosylated hemoglobin A1c level < 7%. Nonadherence to
      antidiabetic medications has been identified as a major factor related to poor
      glycemic control. OBJECTIVES: To (a) assess adult patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM) whose adherence status to oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) changed
      from 1 year to the next and (b) identify predictors of change in adherence
      status. METHODS: This retrospective study of the Humana Medicare Advantage
      Database included patients with T2DM and continuous enrollment between 2010 and
      2012. Proportion of days covered (PDC) by OADs was calculated for each of the 3
      study years (2010, 2011, 2012). Patients were classified as adherent (PDC >= 80%)
      or nonadherent (PDC < 80%) during each year. Patient characteristics from the
      baseline period (2010) were used as covariates, and adherence status changes from
      baseline to follow-up year (2011) were used as response variables. Data from the
      subsequent study periods (2011 as baseline, 2012 as follow-up) were used to
      validate the model (final model). RESULTS: A total of 238,402 patients met
      inclusion criteria. Among them, 144,216 (60.5%) were adherent, and 94,186 (39.5%)
      were nonadherent during the baseline period. Change in adherence status from
      baseline to follow-up year was observed in 31,320 (21.7%) patients that were
      adherent and 39,284 (41.7%) patients that were nonadherent during the baseline
      year. The final model for baseline adherent patients had a receiver-operating
      characteristic (ROC) index of 73% and a misclassification rate of 39%. The
      predictors of highest importance were identified as total number of prescriptions
      filled with 90-day supply, diabetes-related pill burden, longest gap in OADs,
      total number of antidiabetic classes filled, and copay for the last OAD filled.
      The final model had a sensitivity value of 76.4%. The final model for baseline
      nonadherent patients had a ROC index of 68%, a misclassification rate of 36.4%,
      and sensitivity value of 52.9%. The predictors of highest importance were
      diabetes-related pill burden, longest gap in OADs, month-wise patient oscillation
      from adherent to nonadherent during baseline year, total number of prescriptions
      filled with a 90-day supply, and total pill burden during the baseline year.
      CONCLUSIONS: One third of the T2DM patients changed adherence status from 1 year
      to the next, and factors associated with adherence status changes were
      identified. Predictive models such as those used in this study can serve as
      useful and cost-effective tools for payers, helping to identify members that
      should be targeted for adherence enhancement programs and, ultimately, to improve
      patients' long-term outcomes. DISCLOSURES: Funding for this research was provided
      by Eli Lilly and Company. Comprehensive Health Insights, owned by Humana,
      completed this study. Peng, Fu, Ascher-Svanum, Ali, and Rodriguez are employees
      of Eli Lilly and Company. Saundankar and Louder are employed by Comprehensive
      Health Insights, and Slabaugh and Young are employed by Humana. Study concept and
      design were contributed by Peng, Ascher-Svanum, and Young. Saundankar and Louder
      took the lead in data collection, while Saundankar, Peng, Fu, and Louder
      interpreted the data. The manuscript was written by Saundankar, Peng, Fu, and
      Louder and revised by Saundankar, Rodriguez, Ali, and Louder.

PMID- 27123911
TI  - Hypoglycemia Incidence Rates and Associated Health Care Costs in Patients with
      Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Second-Line Linagliptin or Sulfonylurea
      After Metformin Monotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypoglycemia poses a significant clinical and economic burden to
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Minimizing the risk of
      hypoglycemia is an important component when managing patients with T2DM.
      Understanding hypoglycemia rates and the associated economic consequences can
      help to inform health care decision makers. OBJECTIVE: To assess hypoglycemia
      incidence rates and associated costs in patients who initiated second-line
      treatment with the antidiabetic agents linagliptin or a sulfonylurea (SU) after
      metformin. METHODS: A large U.S. administrative claims database was used to
      identify patients with T2DM (during the identification period July 2011-October
      2013) who initiated linagliptin or a SU after metformin use. The date of the
      first prescription for linagliptin or a SU during the identification period was
      designated as the index date. Linagliptin users were matched to SU users based on
      demographic and clinical characteristics identified within a 12-month period
      before the index date using propensity scores (1:3 ratio, caliper: +/-0.001).
      Rates and costs (2013 U.S. dollars) of hypoglycemia resulting in any health care
      resource use were quantified during a variable follow-up period (i.e., end of the
      study, end of the 12-month follow-up, treatment regimen change, or disenrollment,
      whichever came first). Hypoglycemia rates per 100 person-years were compared
      using univariate Poisson regression, and hazard of hypoglycemia was obtained from
      multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Mean monthly hypoglycemia
      related costs, all-cause costs, and T2DM-related costs were computed for patients
      with hypoglycemia and compared using t-tests. RESULTS: Propensity-score matching
      resulted in a sample of 11,536 patients (linagliptin = 2,884; SU = 8,652) with a
      mean age of 56 years and 59% male. The rate of hypoglycemia (per 100 person
      years) was lower in the linagliptin than the SU user groups (2.51 vs. 3.63; P=
      0.049). Linagliptin users had a 33% lower risk of hypoglycemia compared with SU
      users (HR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.47-0.97; P= 0.031). Among patients who had
      hypoglycemia, linagliptin users showed numerically lower mean monthly
      hypoglycemia-related costs compared with SU users ($300 vs. $890; P= 0.092),
      which was primarily driven by differences in hypoglycemia-related costs in the
      hospital setting. A similar theme was observed with monthly all-cause costs
      (linagliptin users, $1,971 vs. SU users, $3,758; P= 0.092). CONCLUSIONS:
      Linagliptin use was associated with a lower incidence rate of hypoglycemia
      compared with SU use in patients initiating second-line therapy after metformin
      monotherapy. Among patients who experienced hypoglycemia, linagliptin users
      appeared to have lower monthly hypoglycemia-related and all-cause costs than SU
      users. Careful consideration of newer treatment alternatives may be prudent for
      optimal T2DM management, especially with regard to hypoglycemia. DISCLOSURES:
      Funding for the research study and resultant publication was provided by
      Boehringer Ingelheim. Shetty is an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim. Cai was an
      employee of Boehringer Ingelheim at the time of the study. Raju and D'Souza are
      employees of Xcenda, which received research funding from Boehringer Ingelheim
      for the conduct of this study and for the preparation of this manuscript. All
      authors contributed to concept and study design. Raju took the lead in data
      analysis, along with D'Souza, and all authors contributed equally to data
      interpretation. The manuscript was written by Raju, D'Souza, Cai, and Shetty and
      revised primarily by Raju, along with Shetty and D'Souza.

PMID- 27123912
TI  - Pharmacist Interventions in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A
      Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem that is growing rapidly
      worldwide. A collaborative and integrated team approach in which pharmacists can
      play a pivotal role should be sought when managing patients with diabetes.
      OBJECTIVE: To identify and summarize the main outcomes of pharmacist
      interventions in the management of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched for
      randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of any pharmacist
      intervention directed at patients with type 2 diabetes in comparison with usual
      care. Outcome measures of interest included glycosylated hemoglobin (Alc), blood
      glucose, blood pressure, lipid profile, body mass index (BMI), 10-year coronary
      heart disease (CHD) risk, medication adherence, health-related quality of life
      (HRQoL), and economic outcomes. The risk of bias in included studies was assessed
      using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS: Thirty-six studies were included
      in this systematic review, involving 5,761 participants. The studies evaluated
      the effects of several pharmacist interventions carried out in various countries
      and in different health care facilities, such as community pharmacies, primary
      care clinics, and hospitals. The number of studies reporting each outcome of
      interest varied. Alc was evaluated in 26 studies, of which 24 reported a greater
      reduction in this outcome in the intervention group compared with the control
      group, with the difference in change between groups ranging from -0.18% to -2.1%.
      Eighteen studies assessed change in systolic blood pressure, of which 17 studies
      reported a greater improvement in this outcome in the intervention group, with
      the difference in change between groups varying between -3.3 mmHg and -23.05
      mmHg. For diastolic blood pressure, a greater effect was also observed in the
      intervention group in 14 out of 15 studies, with the difference in change between
      groups varying between -0.21 mmHg and -9.1 mmHg. Thirteen studies described total
      cholesterol as an outcome measure, of which 10 reported a greater improvement in
      this outcome in the intervention group, with the difference in change between
      groups ranging from +18.95 mg dL(-1) to -32.48 mg dL(-1). With regard to low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol, a greater reduction in this parameter in the
      intervention group was documented in 12 out of 15 studies, with the difference in
      change between groups varying between +7.35 mg dL(-1) and -30 mg dL(-1).
      Similarly, favorable data were reported on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      in the intervention group in 9 out of 12 studies that assessed this outcome, with
      the difference in change between groups ranging from -5.8 mg dL(-1) to +11 mg dL(
      1). Data on triglycerides were also reported in 12 studies, of which 9 reported a
      greater reduction in triglycerides levels in the intervention group, with the
      difference in change between groups varying between +12 mg dL(-1) and -62 mg dL(
      1). Overall, a beneficial effect on BMI was also described in the intervention
      group in 12 out of 14 studies. Of note, in all 6 studies that estimated the 10
      year CHD risk among study patients, a greater improvement in the intervention
      group versus the control group was found. In addition, pharmacist interventions
      also had a positive impact on medication adherence and HRQoL in most studies that
      ascertained these outcomes. Finally, although only 3 studies conducted a cost
      effectiveness analysis, pharmacist interventions proved to be cost-effective.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this review clearly support the involvement of
      pharmacists as members of health care teams in the management of patients with
      type 2 diabetes. DISCLOSURES: This systematic review was not funded. The authors
      declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Concept and study design were
      created by Pousinho, Morgado, and Alves. Pousinho took the lead in data
      collection, along with Alves, and data interpretation was performed by Pousinho,
      Falcao, and Alves. The manuscript was primarily written by Pousinho, along with
      Alves, and revised by Alves, Morgado, and Falcao.

PMID- 27123913
TI  - Defining and Measuring Primary Medication Nonadherence: Development of a Quality
      Measure.
AB  - Poor medication adherence has been increasingly recognized as a major public
      health issue and a priority for health care reform. Primary medication
      nonadherence (PMN) is a subset of this broader subject and occurs when a new
      medication is prescribed for a patient, but the patient does not obtain the
      medication, or an appropriate alternative, within an acceptable period of time
      after it was prescribed. It is increasingly evident that the public health
      problem of PMN is widespread. However, the lack of standardized definitions and
      measures inhibits the ability to establish the true incidence of this problem or
      to track changes in PMN rates over time. Given the limitations of current
      measures, the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) convened an expert working group to
      set parameters for a new industry measure. That new measure, which links
      electronic prescribing and pharmacy dispensing databases and was developed and
      approved by the PQA, is described here. PMN literature from 1990 to June 2015 is
      also reviewed, and existing PMN measures are summarized. DISCLOSURES: No funding
      was received for this article, and the authors declare no conflicts of interest.
      The views expressed in this article are those of the authors alone and do not
      necessarily reflect those of their respective employers. Adams has received grant
      support from Pfizer for adherence research. Adams and Stolpe were equally
      involved in all aspects of study design, data collection and interpretation, and
      manuscript preparation.

PMID- 27123914
TI  - A Multichannel Medication Adherence Intervention Influences Patient and
      Prescriber Behavior.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Health
      Plan Quality and Performance Ratings program, or Star Ratings program, includes 3
      medication adherence outcome measures (Medication Adherence for Diabetes
      Medications, Medication Adherence for Hypertension, and Medication Adherence for
      Cholesterol), which contribute to approximately 31% of a Medicare Advantage
      prescription drug (MA-PD) plan's Part D summary rating and 12% of its overall
      star rating (a weighted summary of a plan's Part C and Part D ratings). MA-PD
      plans have been increasing their adherence intervention efforts as an approach to
      improving beneficiaries' medication adherence and the plan's quality performance
      ratings. However, few evaluations have examined the effects of these
      interventions on medication adherence and performance ratings. OBJECTIVE: To
      assess the impact of a quasi-experimental multichannel adherence intervention on
      beneficiaries' medication adherence and health plan quality performance measures
      for 2 MA-PD plans. The intervention included a daily prescriber-directed 90-day
      retail refill component and a weekly member-directed refill reminder component.
      METHODS: Members filling 1 or more medications assessed by the 3 CMS star ratings
      adherence measures (oral antidiabetics [DM], antihypertensives [HTN], and statins
      [CHOL]) were identified for a 2-component intervention starting in April 2013.
      The retail-based 90-day refill component sent populated 90-day prescription
      letters via fax to prescribers of members who had filled a 30-day prescription.
      One fax per member-medication instance was sent and included the option to fax
      approval of a new 90-day prescription. For prescribers who approved, members were
      notified that a 90-day refill was available at their retail pharmacies. The
      refill reminder component used weekly scans of pharmacy claims to identify
      members' refill patterns. Reminder letters were sent to members 7 days late to
      refill. An intent-to-treat approach was used to assess intervention
      effectiveness. Pharmacy claims and health plan enrollment data were used to
      calculate adherence among members enrolled 1 year pre- and postintervention start
      (April 2013) for the intervention group and a comparator group that consisted of
      4 MA-PD plans not implementing an adherence intervention. Adherence was estimated
      by the proportion of days covered (PDC) and generalized linear models were fit to
      calculate difference-in-difference (DID) estimators to control for demographics,
      comorbidity, and changes in adherence over the study period. To estimate the
      impact of the intervention on health plan quality performance, 2013 and 2014 CMS
      star ratings for the respective 2012 and 2013 measurement years were compared by
      group. RESULTS: During the first year of the intervention, 1,344 prescribers
      representing 6,701 members were faxed 15,284 populated prescription letters.
      Prescriber response rate was 53.7% and approval rate (approved letters of total
      sent) was 47.3%. An average of 539 refill reminder letters were sent per week.
      DID estimators showed positive influence of the intervention on adherence to HTN
      and CHOL. For the intervention group, adherence increased 2.0 percentage points
      (P < 0.001) for HTN and 1.8 percentage points (P < 0.001) for CHOL, relative to
      the control group. The odds of achieving adherence (PDC >= 80%) were greater in
      the intervention group compared with control for HTN (ratio of odds ratio [ROR] =
      1.334; 95% CI = 1.203-1.479) and for CHOL (ROR = 1.247; 95% CI = 1.132-1.374).
      For the 2 plans implementing the intervention, CMS-published adherence rates for
      DM, HTN, and CHOL increased from 2012 to 2013 by an average 5.5, 6.0, and 7.0
      percentage points, respectively, compared with the control group (3.5, 2.0, and
      1.8 percentage points, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study found increases in
      adherence to HTN and CHOL in 2 MA-PD plans implementing a combined prescriber and
      patient-directed intervention. MA-PD plans can use broad multichannel
      interventions to address common adherence barriers and as an approach to
      improving members' adherence to maintenance medications and CMS quality
      performance ratings. DISCLOSURES: No funding was received in return for
      conducting this research. Leslie is an employee of MedImpact Healthcare Systems.
      The authors report no conflicts of interest. Study concept was developed
      primarily by Leslie, along with Gilmer. Leslie took the lead in data collection,
      while data interpretation was performed by Leslie, Natarajan, and Gilmer. The
      manuscript was written primarily by Leslie, along with Gilmer and assisted by
      Hovell. Leslie, Gilmer, and Hovell revised the manuscript, with assistance from
      Natarajan.

PMID- 27123915
TI  - Impact of Patient Reimbursement Timing and Patient Out-of-Pocket Expenses on
      Medication Adherence in Patients Covered by Private Drug Insurance Plans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adherence to prescribed medications used in the treatment of chronic
      diseases is suboptimal, and drug insurance plans can have an impact on adherence.
      There is little evidence on the impact of patient reimbursement timing on
      medication adherence. OBJECTIVE: To compare adherence to prescribed medications
      in privately insured patients from Quebec, Canada, with different patient
      reimbursement timing and levels of patient out-of-pocket expenses. METHODS: A
      retrospective cohort was constructed by selecting privately insured patients aged
      18-64 years from the reMed database (2008-2012) who filled at least 1
      prescription for a medication belonging to 1 of the 10 most prescribed drug
      classes for chronic diseases. Patient reimbursement timing was classified as
      immediate (immediate patient reimbursement at the point of service of the portion
      of the medication cost covered by the insurer) or deferred (patient reimbursement
      at a later time). Patient outof-pocket expenses related to the medication under
      study at cohort entry (available only for the immediate patient reimbursement
      group), which included the deductible and the coinsurance, were categorized into
      5 levels (null category and quartiles): $0, $0.01-$3.59, $3.60-$8.11, $8.12
      $14.40, and $14.41-$89.99. Adherence was measured with the proportion of days
      covered (PDC) over 1 year among new users of the medication under study. Linear
      regression models were used to estimate the adjusted mean difference of PDC
      between groups. RESULTS: There was no difference in medication adherence between
      the immediate (n = 1,345) and deferred patient reimbursement (n = 437;
      difference, 0.0%; 95% CI, -3.0 to 3.0). Patients with the highest patient out-of
      pocket expenses were less adherent than those with the lowest patient out-of
      pocket expenses (difference, -19.0%; 95% CI, -24.0 to -13.0); however, patients
      with no patient out-of-pocket expenses were less adherent than those with low
      patient out-of-pocket expenses (difference, -9.0%; 95% CI, -15.0 to -2.0).
      CONCLUSIONS: Medication adherence appeared to be unaffected by patient
      reimbursement timing but was affected by the level of patient out-of-pocket
      expenses. The absence of a correlation between medication adherence and timing of
      patient reimbursement might be explained by the relatively rapid reimbursement of
      expenses by insurance companies in Canada. Subjects with no patient out-of-pocket
      expenses at the point of service might be less adherent because they place less
      value on their medications than do patients who must pay even a small amount.
      DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Pfizer Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
      Blais received research grants or honorarium from AstraZeneca, Pfizer Canada,
      Sanofi, Novartis, Almirall, GlaxoSmithKline, and Merck for research projects and
      co-chairs the AstraZeneca Endowment Pharmaceutical Chair in Respiratory Health.
      Despres, Kettani, and Forget have no competing interests to declare. All authors
      contributed to the concept and design of the study. Data were collected by Blais
      and Forget. Data analysis was conducted by Despres. The manuscript was written by
      Despres and revised by all authors.

PMID- 27123916
TI  - Medication Nonadherence Among Medicare Beneficiaries with Comorbid Chronic
      Conditions: Influence of Pharmacy Dispensing Channel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Taking medications as prescribed is imperative for their
      effectiveness. In populations such as Medicare, where two thirds of Medicare
      beneficiaries have at least 2 or more chronic conditions requiring treatment with
      medications and account for more than 90% of Medicare health care spend,
      examining ways to improve medication adherence in patients with comorbidities is
      warranted. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of pharmacy dispensing channel
      (home delivery or retail pharmacy) with medication adherence for Medicare
      patients taking medications with comorbid conditions of diabetes, hypertension,
      and high blood cholesterol (3 of the top 5 most prevalent conditions), while
      controlling for various confounders. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was
      conducted using de-identified pharmacy claims data from a large national pharmacy
      benefits manager between October 2010 and December 2012. Continuously eligible
      Medicare Part D patients (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan and
      Prescription Drug Plan only) aged 65 years or older who had an antidiabetic,
      antihypertensive, and antihyperlipidemic prescription claim between October and
      December 2010 were identified and analyzed over a 2-year period. Multivariate
      logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between dispensing
      channel (DC) and medication adherence in calendar year (CY) 2012 controlling for
      prior adherence behavior (adherence in CY2011), differences in demographics, low
      income subsidy status, days supply, disease burden, and drug-use pattern.
      Patients with a proportion of days covered (PDC) of at least 80% for each of the
      3 conditions were considered to be adherent, and patients with PDC less than 80%
      for each of the 3 conditions were considered to be nonadherent. Patients were
      assigned to a DC depending on where they filled at least 66.7% of their
      prescriptions for each of the 3 conditions, and the rest were assigned to a mixed
      channel group. RESULTS: The final analytical sample consisted of 40,632 patients.
      The adjusted odds of adherence for patients using home delivery were 1.59 (95% CI
      = 1.40-1.80) higher compared with patients using retail channels to obtain their
      prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: Medicare Part D patients taking medications for
      comorbid conditions who used home delivery had a greater likelihood (adjusted) of
      adherence than patients who filled their antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and
      antihyperlipidemic prescriptions using retail channels. Managed care stakeholders
      looking to make informed decisions in a cost-constrained environment to assess,
      implement, and promote solutions that improve health outcomes should consider the
      use of home delivery of prescriptions to improve adherence for Medicare Part D
      patients with comorbid conditions. DISCLOSURES: Funding for this study was
      provided internally by Express Scripts Holding Company. Iyengar, LeFrancois,
      Henderson, and Rabbitt are employees of Express Scripts. Study concept and design
      were created by Iyengar and LeFrancois. Iyengar was responsible for acquisition
      of data, statistical analysis, and interpretation of data. The manuscript was
      written by Iyengar and LeFrancois and revised by all the authors.

PMID- 27123917
TI  - Treatment Initiation Patterns, Modifications, and Medication Adherence Among
      Newly Diagnosed Heart Failure Patients: A Retrospective Claims Database Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a debilitating disease associated with high
      mortality and frequent hospitalizations. American College of Cardiology
      Foundation and American Heart Association (ACCF/AHA) guidelines recommend the
      following drug classes for HF treatment: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
      (ACEI), angiotensin receptor II blocker (ARB) for patients intolerant to ACEI,
      beta blocker (BB), and aldosterone antagonist (AA). OBJECTIVE: To examine, in a
      real-word setting, the treatment initiation pattern among newly diagnosed HF
      patients in the United States, subsequent treatment modifications,
      hospitalizations and the impact of hospitalizations on therapy changes, and
      treatment adherence and persistence. METHODS: Using medical and pharmacy claims
      data from the Truven Health MarketScan database, this retrospective cohort study
      included adult patients with >= 2 medical claims corresponding to an HF diagnosis
      (ICD-9-CM codes 428.x, 402.11, 402.91, 404.01, 404.11, 404.91, 404.03, 404.13,
      and 404.93) between April 2009 and March 2012. The date of the first claim was
      defined as the index date. Patients with continuous medical and pharmacy
      eligibility for a minimum of 12 months pre- and post-index were included in the
      analysis. Patients with an HF diagnosis in the 12 months before the index date
      were excluded. Index treatment (within 30 days post-index), subsequent treatment
      modification (class addition/removal) during the study period, hospitalization,
      and change in treatment after hospitalization (within 15 days after hospital
      discharge) were determined. Adherence was evaluated using the proportion of days
      covered (PDC) method, and persistence was defined as the proportion of patients
      remaining on index treatment after a defined period of time (12 months). RESULTS:
      A total of 235,758 patients meeting the sample selection criteria were included
      in the analysis and were followed for a median of 28 months after the index date.
      Approximately 42% of patients were not prescribed any HF-specific treatment
      within 30 days post-index. Among those treated, prescriptions for ACEIs were
      filled by 46.42% of patients, ARBs by 17.07%, BBs by 75.62%, and AAs by 9.83%.
      Based on HF therapy class, monotherapy was prescribed to 51% of patients, bi
      therapy to 40%, and triple therapy to 9%. More than 80% of patients experienced
      treatment modification during the median 28 months of follow-up. A total of
      174,563 (74.0%) patients had at least 1 all-cause hospitalization (mean 1.11 [SD
      = 0.98]) per year, with a mean length of stay (LOS) of 7.19 [SD = 8.69] days.
      Within 12 months post-index, 85.7% of these patients experienced an all-cause
      hospitalization, with 29.6% having HF-related hospitalization (mean 0.18 [0.36])
      and mean LOS of 5.85 [5.45] days. More than 60% of patients continued on the same
      therapy after all-cause or HF hospitalization. More patients on multiple
      therapies remained on the same treatment (73%-89%) compared with those treated
      with monotherapy (60%-73%) after the first HF hospitalization. Among patients
      untreated before hospitalization, 9.8% and 17% received treatment after all-cause
      and HF hospitalization, respectively. During the entire study period (median 28
      months), 29% of patients did not have a prescription fill for HF-specific
      treatments. The median PDC was > 0.65, and considering a gap of 30 days between
      ends of supply from 1 medication fill to the subsequent fill, persistence ranged
      from 41% (AA) to 52% (BB). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this claims database analysis
      among 235,758 HF patients suggest that more than one third of newly diagnosed HF
      patients do not receive HF-specific medication within 30 days following initial
      diagnosis. Despite ACCF/AHA recommendations of initiating treatment with a
      combination of 2 HF drug classes, only 40% of patients had a prescription fill
      for bi-therapy. Hospitalization did not have a major impact on HF therapy
      prescribing patterns. To our knowledge, this is the first study to establish the
      impact of hospitalization on HF-specific treatment among newly diagnosed
      patients. Adherence and persistence were moderate across all HF therapies of
      interest. This analysis reveals the need for further research to better
      understand the reasons for the demonstrated delay in HF treatment initiation and
      limited use of guideline-directed medical therapy after initial diagnosis.
      DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland.
      Deschaseaux, McSharry, Hudson, Agrawal, and Turner are permanent employees of
      Novartis. Concept and study design were contributed by Deschaseaux, Hudson, and
      Turner, along with McSharry. McSharry took the lead in data collection, along
      with Deschaseaux, Hudson, and Turner. Data interpretation was performed by
      Hudson, along with the other authors. The manuscript was written by Agrawal,
      along with Deschaseaux and Turner, and revised by Deschaseaux and Turner, along
      with the other authors.

PMID- 27123918
TI  - Analysis of Adherence, Persistence, and Surgery Among Endometriosis Patients
      Treated with Leuprolide Acetate Plus Norethindrone Acetate Add-Back Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endometriosis affects over 10 million women in the United States.
      Depot leuprolide acetate (LA), a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, has been
      used extensively for the treatment of women with endometriosis but is associated
      with hypoestrogenic symptoms and bone mineral density loss. The concomitant use
      of add-back therapies, specifically norethindrone acetate (NETA), can alleviate
      these adverse effects. OBJECTIVE: To compare adherence to and persistence with LA
      treatment and time to endometriosis-related surgery among women treated with NETA
      and women treated with LA plus other add-back therapies or LA only. METHODS: This
      retrospective analysis was conducted using Truven Health MarketScan Commercial
      Claims and Encounters Database. Women with a diagnosis of endometriosis (ICD-9-CM
      code 617.xx) who initiated LA (index date) in 2005-2011 were selected for
      inclusion. Additional requirements were 12 months of continuous enrollment pre-
      and post-index and no evidence of endometriosis-related surgeries pre-index or up
      to 30 days post-index; no pre-index use of estrogen or noncontraceptive hormones;
      and no diagnoses of uterine fibroids, malignant neoplasms, infertility, or
      pregnancy. Patients were characterized as using NETA; other add-back therapies
      (estrogens, progestins, or estrogen-progestin combinations); or no add-back
      therapy. Adherence to and persistence with LA were measured over the 6 months
      following the index date using outpatient medical and pharmacy claims. Patients
      were considered adherent if their proportion of days covered was greater than or
      equal to 0.80. Persistence was operationalized as time to discontinuation,
      defined as a continuous gap of > 60 days without LA on hand. Time to
      endometriosis-related surgery (laparotomy, laparoscopy,
      excision/ablation/fulguration, oophorectomy, and hysterectomy) was measured over
      the 12 months following the index date. Surgeries were identified from inpatient
      and outpatient medical claims using procedure codes. Outcomes were compared among
      cohorts using multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression
      models controlling for demographics and baseline clinical characteristics.
      RESULTS: The final sample included 3,114 women, with a mean age of 36.9 years.
      The majority of women used LA only with no add-back therapy (n = 1,963, 63.0%),
      while 15.1% (n = 470) used NETA, and 21.9% (N = 681) used other add-back
      therapies. During the 6-month follow-up, more patients in the LA plus NETA cohort
      were adherent to LA therapy compared with LA only (47.2% vs. 31.5%, P < 0.001),
      and fewer patients discontinued (37.9% vs. 59.6%, P < 0.001). Additionally, fewer
      patients underwent endometriosis-related surgery in the 12 months after LA
      initiation in the LA plus NETA cohort (12.6% vs. 16.9%, P = 0.021). In
      multivariable models, women who initiated LA plus NETA or LA plus other add-back
      therapies had a higher likelihood of being adherent to LA than LA only patients
      (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.55-2.36 and OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.63-2.34) and lower
      likelihood of LA discontinuation (HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.46-0.63 and HR = 0.59,
      95% CI = 0.52-0.68). NETA patients had a lower surgery rate in the 12-month post
      index period compared with other add-back patients (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.50
      0.93) or LA only patients (HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.52-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: For women
      with endometriosis, treatment with LA and concomitant add-back therapies was
      associated with better adherence to and persistence with LA over the 6 months
      following initiation, compared with treatment with LA only. The increased
      adherence and persistence to LA may translate into decreased need for surgical
      intervention, although fewer endometriosis-related surgeries were only observed
      in the 12 months following LA initiation for patients using concomitant NETA add
      back therapy. These results support an increased and earlier use of NETA add-back
      therapy among women who initiate LA. DISCLOSURES: This study was funded by
      AbbVie, which also markets the endometriosis drugs Lupron and Lupaneta Pack.
      AbbVie participated in the study design, research, data collection, analysis and
      interpretation, writing, review, and approval of this publication. Soliman and
      Castelli-Haley are employees of AbbVie and may own AbbVie stock or stock options.
      Bonafede and Farr are employees of Truven Health Analytics, which received a
      research contract to conduct this study with and on behalf of AbbVie. Winkel is a
      clinical professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown
      University in Washington, DC, and has served in a consulting role on research to
      AbbVie for this project. An earlier version of the current research was presented
      at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR)
      20th Annual International Meeting; Philadelphia, PA; May 2015. All authors
      participated in data analysis and interpretation and contributed to the
      development of the manuscript.

PMID- 27123919
TI  - Medication Adherence and Persistence in Patients with Severe Major Depressive
      Disorder with Psychotic Features: Antidepressant and Second-Generation
      Antipsychotic Therapy Versus Antidepressant Monotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder with psychotic features, or psychotic
      depression, is a severe mental health disorder often associated with a worse
      depression-related symptom profile when compared with major depressive disorder
      without psychotic features. While combination pharmacotherapy with an
      antidepressant and an antipsychotic is recommended as first-line therapy,
      antidepressant monotherapy has been found to be useful and efficacious in
      psychotic depression. OBJECTIVE: To assess the rates of antidepressant adherence
      and antidepressant persistence in Texas Medicaid patients with psychotic
      depression who used antidepressant plus second-generation antipsychotic (AD/SGA)
      therapy or antidepressant (AD) monotherapy. METHODS: Using Texas Medicaid
      prescription and medical claims data from September 2007 to December 2012, adult
      patients aged 18-63 years were included if they had no confounding psychiatric
      disorders, no antidepressant claims during a 6-month pre-index period, and at
      least 1 diagnosis for severe major depressive disorder with psychotic features
      (ICD-9-CM codes 296.24 and 296.34). The first claim date for an antidepressant
      served as the index date. All patients were required to have at least 2
      antidepressant claims, and those in the AD/SGA cohort were required to have 2 or
      more claims for an SGA. Study covariates included age, gender, race/ethnicity,
      residence, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, and tobacco use/dependence.
      Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, univariate analyses,
      logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: A total of
      926 patients met study criteria (AD cohort = 510; AD/SGA cohort = 416). The
      overall sample had a mean [+/-SD] age of 40.5 [+/-13.2] years and was primarily
      female (66.8%) and non-Caucasian (74.8%). When compared with the AD cohort,
      patients in the AD/SGA cohort had a 52.3% higher likelihood of being adherent to
      antidepressant therapy based on proportion of days covered (PDC; OR = 1.523; 95%
      CI = 1.129-2.053; P = 0.006). Similarly, antidepressant adherence was 42.0%
      higher for the AD/SGA cohort based on medication possession ratio (MPR; OR =
      1.420; 95% CI = 1.062-1.898; P = 0.018). Younger patients, African Americans, and
      tobacco users/dependents had significantly worse likelihoods of antidepressant
      medication adherence based on PDC and MPR. The risk of antidepressant
      nonpersistence was 23.2% lower for patients in the AD/SGA cohort (HR = 0.768; 95%
      CI = 0.659-0.896; P = 0.001), compared with those in the AD cohort.
      Antidepressant nonpersistence was significantly higher in younger patients,
      African Americans, Hispanics, and tobacco users/dependents. CONCLUSIONS: Better
      antidepressant adherence and persistence outcomes were associated with
      combination pharmacotherapy with an AD and an SGA antipsychotic. This study
      provides real-world estimates that support the current first-line treatment
      recommendations for psychotic depression; however, it should be noted that the
      majority of study patients used AD therapy only. Future research in psychotic
      depression is needed. DISCLOSURES: Kim-Romo received funding to conduct this
      study from the PhRMA Foundation Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Health Outcomes.
      Rascati, Richards, Ford, Wilson, and Beretvas declare no conflict of interest in
      relation to this manuscript. Kim-Romo and Rascati collaborated on the study
      design, data analysis, study interpretation, and writing of this manuscript.
      Richards, Ford, Wilson, and Beretvas provided critical evaluation of the study
      design, analysis, and interpretation, as well as edited this manuscript.

PMID- 27123920
TI  - Seeing the Forest Through the Trees: Improving Adherence Alone Will Not Optimize
      Medication Use.
AB  - Medication adherence is a problem that has received widespread attention in the
      medical literature and health policy circles. With the increased emphasis on
      recognizing and rewarding quality in the U.S. health care system, medication
      adherence measures are increasingly being adopted to assess quality of medication
      use. However, when adherence is discussed in the literature or evaluated via
      quality measures, there is rarely any dialogue surrounding adherence in the
      context of patient-centered issues such as clinical status, individualized
      medication needs, or personal expectations and social situation. When
      nonadherence is identified via a comprehensive assessment of all of a patient's
      medication-related issues, it typically is recognized as only the third most
      frequent type of medication-related problem. Issues such as requiring a
      medication that has not been prescribed or receiving a medication prescribed at a
      dose too low to achieve the intended clinical goal are more frequently
      experienced. Furthermore, if a patient is nonadherent to a medication because of
      adverse effects or if the medication prescribed is not appropriate considering
      the patient's individual clinical situation, promoting adherence can create
      unintended harm. Therefore, achieving medication adherence as typically evaluated
      via existing quality metrics such as proportion of days covered is only valid if
      the medication is first deemed to be indicated, effective, and safe for the
      patient. Medications are the most common medical intervention for chronic
      illnesses. As a result, success in achieving the Triple Aim of health care is
      highly dependent on optimizing medication use. When quality measures for
      medication use narrowly focus on measuring adherence, the resulting programs of
      payers and providers will likely ignore the most frequent types of medication
      problems that prevent improved health, create unnecessary costs, and could
      negatively impact patients' experience with the health care system. Strong
      leadership and advocacy on the part of agencies in the position to influence the
      quality measurement landscape in the U.S. health care system will be critical to
      achieve widespread awareness of medication nonadherence in the context of the
      full scope of medication-related problems in health care. DISCLOSURES: No outside
      funding supported this research. Brummel provides consulting services to other
      health systems; has received grants from Sanofi and speaking fees from AMCP,
      APhA, and ASHP; and is on the faculty at the University of Minnesota and employed
      by Fairview Pharmacy Services. Ekstrand provides consulting services for Alliance
      for Integrated Medication Management and has received speaking fees from
      International Diabetes Center and MN Alliance of Physician Assistants. The
      authors report no other conflict of interest, potential or otherwise. Study
      concept and design were contributed primarily by Sorensen, Brummel, and Rehrauer,
      along with the other authors. Rehrauer, Brummel, and Ekstrand collected the data,
      which were interpreted by Sorensen, Brummel, Rehrauer, and Ekstrand. Pestka and
      Sorensen wrote and revised the manuscript, with assistance from the other
      authors.

PMID- 27123922
TI  - Sulfur Dioxide Capture by Heterogeneous Oxidation on Hydroxylated Manganese
      Dioxide.
AB  - Here we demonstrate that sulfur dioxide (SO2) is efficiently captured via
      heterogeneous oxidation into sulfate on the surface of hydroxylated manganese
      dioxide (MnO2). Lab-scale activity tests in a fluidized bed reactor showed that
      the removal efficiency for a simulated flue gas containing 5000 mg.Nm(-3) SO2
      could reach nearly 100% with a GHSV (gas hourly space velocity) of 10000 h(-1).
      The mechanism was investigated using a combination of experimental
      characterizations and theoretical calculations. It was found that formation of
      surface bound sulfate proceeds via association of SO2 with terminal hydroxyls.
      Both H2O and O2 are essential for the generation of reactive terminal hydroxyls,
      and the indirect role of O2 in heterogeneous SO2 oxidation at low temperature was
      also revealed. We propose that the high reactivity of terminal hydroxyls is
      attributed to the proper surface configuration of MnO2 to adsorb water with
      degenerate energies for associative and dissociative states, and maintain rapid
      proton dynamics. Viability analyses suggest that the desulfurization method that
      is based on such a direct oxidation reaction at the gas/solid interface
      represents a promising approach for SO2 capture.

PMID- 27123921
TI  - The Nicotine-Evoked Locomotor Response: A Behavioral Paradigm for Toxicity
      Screening in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Embryos and Eleutheroembryos Exposed to
      Methylmercury.
AB  - This study is an adaptation of the nicotine-evoked locomotor response (NLR)
      assay, which was originally utilized for phenotype-based neurotoxicity screening
      in zebrafish embryos. Zebrafish embryos do not exhibit spontaneous swimming until
      roughly 4 days post-fertilization (dpf), however, a robust swimming response can
      be induced as early as 36 hours post-fertilization (hpf) by means of acute
      nicotine exposure (30-240MUM). Here, the NLR was tested as a tool for early
      detection of locomotor phenotypes in 36, 48 and 72 hpf mutant zebrafish embryos
      of the non-touch-responsive maco strain; this assay successfully discriminated
      mutant embryos from their non-mutant siblings. Then, methylmercury (MeHg) was
      used as a proof-of-concept neurotoxicant to test the effectiveness of the NLR
      assay as a screening tool in toxicology. The locomotor effects of MeHg were
      evaluated in 6 dpf wild type eleutheroembryos exposed to waterborne MeHg (0,
      0.01, 0.03 and 0.1MUM). Afterwards, the NLR assay was tested in 48 hpf embryos
      subjected to the same MeHg exposure regimes. Embryos exposed to 0.01 and 0.03MUM
      of MeHg exhibited significant increases in locomotion in both scenarios. These
      findings suggest that similar locomotor phenotypes observed in free swimming fish
      can be detected as early as 48 hpf, when locomotion is induced with nicotine.

PMID- 27123923
TI  - Profile of Women Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches.
AB  - Laskowski, KD and Ebben, WP. Profile of women collegiate strength and
      conditioning coaches. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3481-3493, 2016-This study
      describes the careers of women collegiate strength and conditioning coaches,
      including specifics of the universities and athletic departments they work for,
      responsibilities and demands of their jobs, compensation and benefits,
      preparation and qualifications, likes and dislikes about their work, and the role
      that gender plays in their work. Forty-three coaches participated for a response
      rate of 29.1% (43 of 148). The survey was divided into 5 sections, including
      university profile, position profile, personal profile, job satisfaction, and
      comments. Results show that women occupy approximately 32% of all strength and
      conditioning positions. Those who are full-time coaches work approximately 55.6
      hours per week, starting their workday at 6:02 AM and ending at 5:40 PM, on
      average. Part-time coaches worked 42.5 hours per week. Those who were in director
      positions earned approximately $76,000 per year, whereas full-time assistants
      averaged approximately $39,300 per year. Most coaches had master's degree and
      held the CSCS and USAW certifications. These coaches averaged 7.14 years of full
      time experience. Coaches identified a variety of advantages and disadvantages
      associated with their work and described the influence of gender in their work.
      These results provide normative data about employment conditions of women
      strength and conditioning coaches and those who are considering this career.
      These data also document the current state of affairs in the profession and can
      be used in comparison with the past benchmarks in an attempt to understand the
      role of women in the collegiate strength and conditioning profession.

PMID- 27123924
TI  - Genomic and Molecular Characterization of Miltefosine Resistance in Leishmania
      infantum Strains with Either Natural or Acquired Resistance through Experimental
      Selection of Intracellular Amastigotes.
AB  - During the last decade miltefosine (MIL) has been used as first-line treatment
      for visceral leishmaniasis in endemic areas with antimonial resistance, but a
      decline in clinical effectiveness is now being reported. While only two MIL
      resistant Leishmania infantum strains from HIV co-infected patients have been
      documented, phenotypic MIL-resistance for L. donovani has not yet been identified
      in the laboratory. Hence, a better understanding of the factors contributing to
      increased MIL-treatment failure is necessary. Given the paucity of defined MIL
      resistant L. donovani clinical isolates, this study used an experimental
      amastigote-selected MIL-resistant L. infantum isolate (LEM3323). In-depth
      exploration of the MIL-resistant phenotype was performed by coupling genomic with
      phenotypic data to gain insight into gene function and the mutant phenotype. A
      naturally MIL-resistant L. infantum clinical isolate (LEM5159) was included to
      compare both datasets. Phenotypically, resistance was evaluated by determining
      intracellular amastigote susceptibility in vitro and actual MIL-uptake. Genomic
      analysis provided supportive evidence that the resistance selection model on
      intracellular amastigotes can be a good proxy for the in vivo field situation
      since both resistant strains showed mutations in the same inward transporter
      system responsible for the acquired MIL-resistant phenotype. In line with
      previous literature findings in promastigotes, our data confirm a defective
      import machinery through inactivation of the LiMT/LiRos3 protein complex as the
      main mechanism for MIL-resistance also in intracellular amastigotes. Whole genome
      sequencing analysis of LEM3323 revealed a 2 base pair deletion in the LiMT gene
      that led to the formation an early stop codon and a truncation of the LiMT
      protein. Interestingly, LEM5159 revealed mutations in both the LiMT and LiRos3
      genes, resulting in an aberrant expression of the LiMT protein. To verify that
      these mutations were indeed accountable for the acquired resistance, transfection
      experiments were performed to re-establish MIL-susceptibility. In LEM3323,
      susceptibility was restored upon expression of a LiMT wild-type gene, whereas the
      MIL-susceptibility of LEM5159 could be reversed after expression of the LiRos3
      wild-type gene. The aberrant expression profile of the LiMT protein could be
      restored upon rescue of the LiRos3 gene both in the LEM5159 clinical isolate and
      a DeltaLiRos3 strain, showing that expression of LdMT is dependent on LdRos3
      expression. The present findings clearly corroborate the pivotal role of the
      LiMT/LiRos3 complex in resistance towards MIL.

PMID- 27123925
TI  - Leader Peptide Establishes Dehydration Order, Promotes Efficiency, and Ensures
      Fidelity During Lacticin 481 Biosynthesis.
AB  - The mechanisms by which lanthipeptide synthetases control the order in which they
      catalyze multiple chemical processes are poorly understood. The lacticin 481
      synthetase (LctM) cleaves eight chemical bonds and forms six new chemical bonds
      in a controlled and ordered process. Two general mechanisms have been suggested
      for the temporal and spatial control of these transformations. In the spatial
      positioning model, leader peptide binding promotes certain reactions by
      establishing the spatial orientation of the substrate peptide relative to the
      synthetase active sites. In the intermediate structure model, the LctM-catalyzed
      dehydration and cyclization reactions that occur in two distinct active sites
      orchestrate the overall process by imparting a specific structure into the
      maturing peptide that facilitates the ensuing reaction. Using isotopically
      labeled LctA analogues with engineered lacticin 481 biosynthetic machinery and
      mass spectrometry analysis, we show here that the LctA leader peptide plays
      critical roles in establishing the modification order and enhancing the catalytic
      efficiency and fidelity of the synthetase. The data are most consistent with a
      mechanistic model for LctM where both spatial positioning and intermediate
      structure contribute to efficient biosynthesis.

PMID- 27123928
TI  - From Shell Midden to Midden-Mound: The Geoarchaeology of Mound Key, an
      Anthropogenic Island in Southwest Florida, USA.
AB  - Mound Key was once the capital of the Calusa Kingdom, a large Pre-Hispanic polity
      that controlled much of southern Florida. Mound Key, like other archaeological
      sites along the southwest Gulf Coast, is a large expanse of shell and other
      anthropogenic sediments. The challenges that these sites pose are largely due to
      the size and areal extent of the deposits, some of which begin up to a meter
      below and exceed nine meters above modern sea levels. Additionally, the complex
      depositional sequences at these sites present difficulties in determining their
      chronology. Here, we examine the development of Mound Key as an anthropogenic
      island through systematic coring of the deposits, excavations, and intensive
      radiocarbon dating. The resulting data, which include the reversals of
      radiocarbon dates from cores and dates from mound-top features, lend insight into
      the temporality of site formation. We use these insights to discuss the nature
      and scale of human activities that worked to form this large island in the
      context of its dynamic, environmental setting. We present the case that deposits
      within Mound Key's central area accumulated through complex processes that
      represent a diversity of human action including midden accumulation and the
      redeposition of older sediments as mound fill.

PMID- 27123926
TI  - Persistent activation of autophagy in kidney tubular cells promotes renal
      interstitial fibrosis during unilateral ureteral obstruction.
AB  - Renal fibrosis is the final, common pathway of end-stage renal disease. Whether
      and how autophagy contributes to renal fibrosis remains unclear. Here we first
      detected persistent autophagy in kidney proximal tubules in the renal fibrosis
      model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice. UUO-associated fibrosis
      was suppressed by pharmacological inhibitors of autophagy and also by kidney
      proximal tubule-specific knockout of autophagy-related 7 (PT-Atg7 KO).
      Consistently, proliferation and activation of fibroblasts, as indicated by the
      expression of ACTA2/alpha-smooth muscle actin and VIM (vimentin), was inhibited
      in PT-Atg7 KO mice, so was the accumulation of extracellular matrix components
      including FN1 (fibronectin 1) and collagen fibrils. Tubular atrophy, apoptosis,
      nephron loss, and interstitial macrophage infiltration were all inhibited in
      these mice. Moreover, these mice showed a specific suppression of the expression
      of a profibrotic factor FGF2 (fibroblast growth factor 2). In vitro, TGFB1
      (transforming growth factor beta 1) induced autophagy, apoptosis, and FN1
      accumulation in primary proximal tubular cells. Inhibition of autophagy
      suppressed FN1 accumulation and apoptosis, while enhancement of autophagy
      increased TGFB1-induced-cell death. These results suggest that persistent
      activation of autophagy in kidney proximal tubules promotes renal interstitial
      fibrosis during UUO. The profibrotic function of autophagy is related to the
      regulation on tubular cell death, interstitial inflammation, and the production
      of profibrotic factors.

PMID- 27123927
TI  - Design of a Virtual Player for Joint Improvisation with Humans in the Mirror
      Game.
AB  - Joint improvisation is often observed among humans performing joint action tasks.
      Exploring the underlying cognitive and neural mechanisms behind the emergence of
      joint improvisation is an open research challenge. This paper investigates
      jointly improvised movements between two participants in the mirror game, a
      paradigmatic joint task example. First, experiments involving movement
      coordination of different dyads of human players are performed in order to build
      a human benchmark. No designation of leader and follower is given beforehand. We
      find that joint improvisation is characterized by the lack of a leader and high
      levels of movement synchronization. Then, a theoretical model is proposed to
      capture some features of their interaction, and a set of experiments is carried
      out to test and validate the model ability to reproduce the experimental
      observations. Furthermore, the model is used to drive a computer avatar able to
      successfully improvise joint motion with a human participant in real time.
      Finally, a convergence analysis of the proposed model is carried out to confirm
      its ability to reproduce joint movements between the participants.

PMID- 27123929
TI  - Th1-Induced CD106 Expression Mediates Leukocytes Adhesion on Synovial Fibroblasts
      from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Patients.
AB  - This study tested the hypothesis that subsets of human T helper cells can
      orchestrate leukocyte adhesion to synovial fibroblasts (SFbs), thus regulating
      the retention of leukocytes in the joints of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
      patients. Several cell types, such as monocytes/macrophages, granulocytes, T and
      B lymphocytes, SFbs and osteoclasts participate in joint tissue damage JIA. Among
      T cells, an enrichment of classic and non-classic Th1 subsets, has been found in
      JIA synovial fluid (SF), compared to peripheral blood (PB). Moreover, it has been
      shown that IL-12 in the SF of inflamed joints mediates the shift of Th17
      lymphocytes towards the non-classic Th1 subset. Culture supernatants of Th17,
      classic and non-classic Th1 clones, have been tested for their ability to
      stimulate proliferation, and to induce expression of adhesion molecules on SFbs,
      obtained from healthy donors. Culture supernatants of both classic and non
      classic Th1, but not of Th17, clones, were able to induce CD106 (VCAM-1) up
      regulation on SFbs. This effect, mediated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha,
      was crucial for the adhesion of circulating leukocytes on SFbs. Finally, we found
      that SFbs derived from SF of JIA patients expressed higher levels of CD106 than
      those from healthy donors, resembling the phenotype of SFbs activated in vitro
      with Th1-clones supernatants. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that
      classic and non-classic Th1 cells induce CD106 expression on SFbs through TNF
      alpha, an effect that could play a role in leukocytes retention in inflamed
      joints.

PMID- 27123930
TI  - Context Dependent Effect of Landscape on the Occurrence of an Apex Predator
      across Different Climate Regions.
AB  - In studies of habitat suitability at landscape scales, transferability of species
      landscape associations among sites are likely to be critical because it is often
      impractical to collect datasets across various regions. However, limiting
      factors, such as prey availability, are not likely to be constant across scales
      because of the differences in species pools. This is particularly true for top
      predators that are often the target for conservation concern. Here we focus on
      gray-faced buzzards, apex predators of farmland-dominated landscapes in East
      Asia. We investigated context dependency of "buzzard-landscape relationship",
      using nest location datasets from five sites, each differing in landscape
      composition. Based on the similarities of prey items and landscape compositions
      across the sites, we determined several alternative ways of grouping the sites,
      and then examined whether buzzard-landscape relationship change among groups,
      which was conducted separately for each way of grouping. As a result, the model
      of study-sites grouping based on similarities in prey items showed the smallest
      DeltaAICc. Because the terms of interaction between group IDs and areas of broad
      leaved forests and grasslands were selected, buzzard-landscape relationship
      showed a context dependency, i.e., these two landscape elements strengthen the
      relationship in southern region. The difference in prey fauna, which is
      associated with the difference in climate, might generate regional differences in
      the buzzard-landscape associations.

PMID- 27123932
TI  - Correction: Genetic Diversity in the Major Capsid L1 Protein of HPV-16 and HPV-18
      in the Netherlands.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152782.].

PMID- 27123931
TI  - Inter- and Intra-Observer Repeatability of Quantitative Whole-Body, Diffusion
      Weighted Imaging (WBDWI) in Metastatic Bone Disease.
AB  - Quantitative whole-body diffusion-weighted MRI (WB-DWI) is now possible using
      semi-automatic segmentation techniques. The method enables whole-body estimates
      of global Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (gADC) and total Diffusion Volume (tDV),
      both of which have demonstrated considerable utility for assessing treatment
      response in patients with bone metastases from primary prostate and breast
      cancers. Here we investigate the agreement (inter-observer repeatability) between
      two radiologists in their definition of Volumes Of Interest (VOIs) and subsequent
      assessment of tDV and gADC on an exploratory patient cohort of nine. Furthermore,
      each radiologist was asked to repeat his or her measurements on the same patient
      data sets one month later to identify the intra-observer repeatability of the
      technique. Using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation method provided
      full posterior probabilities of repeatability measures along with maximum a
      posteriori values and 95% confidence intervals. Our estimates of the inter
      observer Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICCinter) for log-tDV and median
      gADC were 1.00 (0.97-1.00) and 0.99 (0.89-0.99) respectively, indicating
      excellent observer agreement for these metrics. Mean gADC values were found to
      have ICCinter = 0.97 (0.81-0.99) indicating a slight sensitivity to outliers in
      the derived distributions of gADC. Of the higher order gADC statistics, skewness
      was demonstrated to have good inter-user agreement with ICCinter = 0.99 (0.86
      1.00), whereas gADC variance and kurtosis performed relatively poorly: 0.89 (0.39
      0.97) and 0.96 (0.69-0.99) respectively. Estimates of intra-observer
      repeatability (ICCintra) demonstrated similar results: 0.99 (0.95-1.00) for log
      tDV, 0.98 (0.89-0.99) and 0.97 (0.83-0.99) for median and mean gADC respectively,
      0.64 (0.25-0.88) for gADC variance, 0.85 (0.57-0.95) for gADC skewness and 0.85
      (0.57-0.95) for gADC kurtosis. Further investigation of two anomalous patient
      cases revealed that a very small proportion of voxels with outlying gADC values
      lead to instability in higher order gADC statistics. We therefore conclude that
      estimates of median/mean gADC and tumour volume demonstrate excellent inter- and
      intra-observer repeatability whilst higher order statistics of gADC should be
      used with caution when ascribing significance to clinical changes.

PMID- 27123933
TI  - Elucidating concepts in drug design through taste with natural and artificial
      sweeteners.
AB  - Fundamental concepts in biochemistry important for drug design often lack
      connection to the macroscopic world and can be difficult for students to grasp,
      particularly those in introductory science courses at the high school and college
      level. Educational research has shown that multisensory teaching facilitates
      learning, but teaching at the high school and college level is almost exclusively
      limited to the visual and auditory senses. This approach neglects the lifetime of
      experience our students bring to the classroom in the form of taste perception
      and makes our teaching less supportive of those with sensory impairment. In this
      article, we outline a novel guided-inquiry activity that utilizes taste
      perception for a series of natural and artificial sweetener solutions to
      introduce the concepts of substrate affinity and selectivity in the context of
      drug design. The findings from this study demonstrate clear gains in student
      knowledge, as well as an increase in enthusiasm for the fields of biochemistry
      and drug design. (c) 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and
      Molecular Biology, 44(6):550-554, 2016.

PMID- 27123935
TI  - Evaluating the GW Approximation with CCSD(T) for Charged Excitations Across the
      Oligoacenes.
AB  - Charged excitations of the oligoacene family of molecules, relevant for
      astrophysics and technological applications, are widely studied and therefore
      provide an excellent system for benchmarking theoretical methods. In this work,
      we evaluate the performance of many-body perturbation theory within the GW
      approximation relative to new high-quality CCSD(T) reference data for charged
      excitations of the acenes. We compare GW calculations with a number of hybrid
      density functional theory starting points and with eigenvalue self-consistency.
      Special focus is given to elucidating the trend of GW-predicted excitations with
      molecule length increasing from benzene to hexacene. We find that GW calculations
      with starting points based on an optimally tuned range-separated hybrid (OTRSH)
      density functional and eigenvalue self-consistency can yield quantitative
      ionization potentials for the acenes. However, for larger acenes, the predicted
      electron affinities can deviate considerably from reference values. Our work
      paves the way for predictive and cost-effective GW calculations of charged
      excitations of molecules and identifies certain limitations of current GW methods
      used in practice for larger molecules. 

PMID- 27123934
TI  - Multigeneration Cross-Contamination of Mail with Bacillus anthracis Spores.
AB  - The release of biological agents, including those which could be used in
      biowarfare or bioterrorism in large urban areas, has been a concern for
      governments for nearly three decades. Previous incidents from Sverdlosk and the
      postal anthrax attack of 2001 have raised questions on the mechanism of spread of
      Bacillus anthracis spores as an aerosol or contaminant. Prior studies have
      demonstrated that Bacillus atrophaeus is easily transferred through simulated
      mail handing, but no reports have demonstrated this ability with Bacillus
      anthracis spores, which have morphological differences that may affect adhesion
      properties between spore and formite. In this study, equipment developed to
      simulate interactions across three generations of envelopes subjected to tumbling
      and mixing was used to evaluate the potential for cross-contamination of B.
      anthracis spores in simulated mail handling. In these experiments, we found that
      the potential for cross-contamination through letter tumbling from one generation
      to the next varied between generations while the presence of a fluidizer had no
      statistical impact on the transfer of material. Likewise, the presence or absence
      of a fluidizer had no statistically significant impact on cross-contamination
      levels or reaerosolization from letter opening.

PMID- 27123936
TI  - Back to the Future.

PMID- 27123938
TI  - Correction to Kidd et al.

PMID- 27123940
TI  - State Laws on Emergency Holds: Updated Data Set.

PMID- 27123939
TI  - Is the NHS Mental Health Service Preparing Clients to Resume Employment?

PMID- 27123942
TI  - News & Notes.

PMID- 27123941
TI  - Admission Rates and Psychiatric Beds in Hong Kong, 1999-2014: A Population-Based
      Study.

PMID- 27123947
TI  - Diverse hematological phenotypes of beta-thalassemia carriers.
AB  - Most beta-thalassemia carriers have mild anemia, low mean corpuscular volume and
      mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and elevated hemoglobin alpha2 (HbA2 ). However,
      there is considerable variability resulting from coinheritance with alpha- and/or
      delta-globin gene mutations, dominant inheritance of beta-thalassemia mutations,
      highly unstable variant globin chains, large deletions removing part or all of
      the beta-globin gene cluster, loss of heterozygosity of the beta-globin gene
      cluster during development, or concomitant erythroid enzyme or membrane protein
      abnormalities. Recognition of the specific abnormality and correct diagnosis can
      allay anxiety and unnecessary investigation, help formulate treatment programs,
      and deliver appropriate genetic and family counseling.

PMID- 27123948
TI  - Clinical and laboratory characteristics in congenital ANKRD26 mutation-associated
      thrombocytopenia: A detailed phenotypic study of a family.
AB  - The clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with non-syndromic,
      autosomal dominant thrombocytopenia secondary to germ line ANKRD26 mutations
      appear to be heterogeneous. Except for a targeted molecular genotyping approach,
      there is no distinct clinical or laboratory phenotype that has been specifically
      associated with this particular gene mutation. Such heterogeneity could be due to
      variations in mutation and genetic background in different families. To
      understand the phenotypic heterogeneity, we thoroughly studied one affected
      family using the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis bleeding
      assessment tool and both clinically validated standard and esoteric platelet
      testing (electron microscopy (EM) and flow cytometry). We found that decreased
      platelet aggregation with arachidonic acid and epinephrine agonists was common in
      affected family members. EM studies demonstrated persistent borderline low mean
      dense granules per platelet, decreased alpha granules and an increased
      canalicular network pattern in all affected members. Since these characteristics
      are subtle or non-pathognomonic, molecular testing for ANKRD26 mutation remains
      the most reliable test to render a diagnosis and should be considered when
      evaluating a patient or family with congenital thrombocytopenia, particularly if
      there is a history of myeloid neoplasms.

PMID- 27123949
TI  - Large-scale production of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes for malaria drug
      discovery.
AB  - The tightly controlled induction of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes in large
      scale culture is a fundamental requirement for malaria drug discovery
      applications including, but not limited to, high-throughput screening. This
      protocol uses magnetic separation for isolation of hemozoin-containing parasites
      in order to (i) increase parasitemia, (ii) decrease hematocrit and (iii)
      introduce higher levels of young red blood cells in a culture simultaneously
      within 2-4 h. These parameters, along with red blood cell lysis products that are
      generated through schizont rupture, are highly relevant for enabling optimum
      induction of gametocytogenesis in vitro. No other previously published protocols
      have applied this particular approach for parasite isolation and maximization of
      fresh red blood cells before inducing gametocytogenesis, which is essential for
      obtaining highly synchronous gametocyte classical stages on a large scale. In
      summary, 500-1,000 million stage IV gametocytes can be obtained within 16 d from
      an initial 10 ml of asexual blood-stage culture. 

PMID- 27123950
TI  - Six alternative proteases for mass spectrometry-based proteomics beyond trypsin.
AB  - Protein digestion using a dedicated protease represents a key element in a
      typical mass spectrometry (MS)-based shotgun proteomics experiment. Up to now,
      digestion has been predominantly performed with trypsin, mainly because of its
      high specificity, widespread availability and ease of use. Lately, it has become
      apparent that the sole use of trypsin in bottom-up proteomics may impose certain
      limits in our ability to grasp the full proteome, missing out particular sites of
      post-translational modifications, protein segments or even subsets of proteins.
      To overcome this problem, the proteomics community has begun to explore
      alternative proteases to complement trypsin. However, protocols, as well as
      expected results generated from these alternative proteases, have not been
      systematically documented. Therefore, here we provide an optimized protocol for
      six alternative proteases that have already shown promise in their applicability
      in proteomics, namely chymotrypsin, LysC, LysN, AspN, GluC and ArgC. This
      protocol is formulated to promote ease of use and robustness, which enable
      parallel digestion with each of the six tested proteases. We present data on
      protease availability and usage including recommendations for reagent
      preparation. We additionally describe the appropriate MS data analysis methods
      and the anticipated results in the case of the analysis of a single protein (BSA)
      and a more complex cellular lysate (Escherichia coli). The digestion protocol
      presented here is convenient and robust and can be completed in ~2 d. 

PMID- 27123952
TI  - Spatial resolution of tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy - DFT assessment of the
      chemical effect.
AB  - Experimental evidence of extremely high spatial resolution of tip-enhanced Raman
      scattering (TERS) has been recently demonstrated. Here, we present a full quantum
      chemical description (at the density functional level of theory) of the non
      resonant chemical effects on the Raman spectrum of an adenine molecule mapped by
      a tip, modeled as a single silver atom or a small silver cluster. We show
      pronounced changes in the Raman pattern and its intensities depending on the
      conformation of the nanoparticle-substrate system, concluding that the spatial
      resolution of the chemical contribution of TERS can be in the sub-nm range. 

PMID- 27123951
TI  - Ex vivo tools for the clonal analysis of zebrafish hematopoiesis.
AB  - This protocol describes the ex vivo characterization of zebrafish hematopoietic
      progenitors. We show how to isolate zebrafish hematopoietic cells for cultivation
      and differentiation in colony assays in semi-solid media. We also describe
      procedures for the generation of recombinant zebrafish cytokines and for the
      isolation of carp serum, which are essential components of the medium required to
      grow zebrafish hematopoietic cells ex vivo. The outcome of these clonal assays
      can easily be evaluated using standard microscopy techniques after 3-10 d in
      culture. In addition, we describe how to isolate individual colonies for further
      imaging and gene expression profiling. In other vertebrate model organisms, ex
      vivo assays have been crucial for elucidating the relationships among
      hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), progenitor cells and their mature progeny. The
      present protocol should facilitate such studies on cells derived from zebrafish. 

PMID- 27123953
TI  - The relationship between elevated magnesium levels and coronary artery ectasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) without specific symptoms is the
      localised or diffuse swelling of the epicardial coronary arteries. Magnessium
      (Mg) plays an important role in cardiac excitability, vascular tonus,
      contractibility, reactivity and vasodilatation. In our research, we aimed to
      study the vasodilatory effect of Mg in the aetiopathogenesis of ectasia. METHODS:
      Patients identified during routine coronary angiograms in our clinic between
      January 2010 and 2013 were included in the study. Sixty-two patients with
      isolated CAE, 57 with normal coronary angiograms (NCA), 73 with severe coronary
      artery disease (CAD), and 95 with stenosis of at least one coronary artery and
      CAE (CAD + CAE) were included in the study. Serum Mg levels were measured in
      mg/dl after 12 hours of fasting. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant
      differences between the groups in terms of age, hypertension, smoking,
      hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, family history of coronary artery disease and
      medications used. Serum glucose, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), urea, total
      cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, sodium and
      potassium levels were similar in all groups. Serum Mg levels were 1.90 +/- 0.19
      mg/dl in patients with isolated CAE, 1.75 +/- 0.19 mg/dl in those with CAD, 1.83
      +/- 0.20 mg/dl in those with CAD + CAE, and 1.80 +/- 0.16 mg/dl in the NCA group.
      These results show that Mg levels were higher in ectasia patients with or without
      CAD. CONCLUSIONS: The histopathological characteristics of patients with CAE were
      similar to those with CAD. The specific mechanism of abnormal luminal dilatation
      seen in CAE however remains to be elucidated. Mg is a divalent cation with
      powerful vasodilatory effects. In our study, serum Mg levels were found to be
      statistically higher in ectasia patients with or without CAD.

PMID- 27123954
TI  - Two Therapies Are Better than One: Optimizing Recovery from ARDS.

PMID- 27123955
TI  - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation tissue injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer is a significant global health problem. Radiotherapy is a
      treatment for many cancers and about 50% of people having radiotherapy will be
      long-term survivors. Some will experience late radiation tissue injury (LRTI)
      developing months or years later. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been
      suggested as a treatment for LRTI based upon the ability to improve the blood
      supply to these tissues. It is postulated that HBOT may result in both healing of
      tissues and the prevention of problems following surgery. OBJECTIVES: To assess
      the benefits and harms of HBOT for treating or preventing LRTI. SEARCH METHODS:
      We updated the searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (CENTRAL; 2015, Issue 11), MEDLINE, EMBASE, DORCTIHM and reference lists of
      articles in December 2015. We also searched for ongoing trials at
      clinicaltrials.gov. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs)
      comparing the effect of HBOT versus no HBOT on LRTI prevention or healing. DATA
      COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three review authors independently evaluated the quality
      of the relevant trials using the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for
      Systematic Reviews of Interventions and extracted the data from the included
      trials. MAIN RESULTS: Fourteen trials contributed to this review (753
      participants). There was some moderate quality evidence that HBOT was more likely
      to achieve mucosal coverage with osteoradionecrosis (ORN) (risk ratio (RR) 1.3;
      95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 1.6, P value = 0.003, number needed to treat
      for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 5; 246 participants, 3 studies).
      There was also moderate quality evidence of a significantly improved chance of
      wound breakdown without HBOT following operative treatment for ORN (RR 4.2; 95%
      CI 1.1 to 16.8, P value = 0.04, NNTB 4; 264 participants, 2 studies). From single
      studies there was a significantly increased chance of improvement or cure
      following HBOT for radiation proctitis (RR 1.72; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.9, P value =
      0.04, NNTB 5), and following both surgical flaps (RR 8.7; 95% CI 2.7 to 27.5, P
      value = 0.0002, NNTB 4) and hemimandibulectomy (RR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.8, P
      value = 0.001, NNTB 5). There was also a significantly improved probability of
      healing irradiated tooth sockets following dental extraction (RR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1
      to 1.7, P value = 0.009, NNTB 4).There was no evidence of benefit in clinical
      outcomes with established radiation injury to neural tissue, and no randomised
      data reported on the use of HBOT to treat other manifestations of LRTI. These
      trials did not report adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: These small trials
      suggest that for people with LRTI affecting tissues of the head, neck, anus and
      rectum, HBOT is associated with improved outcome. HBOT also appears to reduce the
      chance of ORN following tooth extraction in an irradiated field. There was no
      such evidence of any important clinical effect on neurological tissues. The
      application of HBOT to selected participants and tissues may be justified.
      Further research is required to establish the optimum participant selection and
      timing of any therapy. An economic evaluation should be undertaken.

PMID- 27123956
TI  - Infant Growth following Maternal Participation in a Gestational Weight Management
      Intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is widespread and treatment strategies have demonstrated
      limited success. Changes to obstetrical practice in response to obesity may
      support obesity prevention by influencing offspring growth trajectories. METHODS:
      This retrospective cohort study examined growth among infants born to obese
      mothers who participated in Nutrition in Pregnancy (NIP), a prenatal nutrition
      intervention at one urban hospital. NIP participants had Medicaid insurance and
      BMIs of 30 kg/m(2) or greater. We compared NIP infant growth to a historical
      control cohort, matched on maternal factors: age, race/ethnicity, prepregnancy
      BMI, parity, and history of prepregnancy hypertension or preterm birth. RESULTS:
      Growth data were available for 61 NIP and 145 control infants. Most mothers were
      African American (94%). Mean maternal BMI was 39.9 kg/m(2) (standard deviation
      [SD], 5.6) for NIP participants and 38.8 kg/m(2) (SD, 6.0) for controls.
      Pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and birth
      weight, did not differ between groups. NIP participants were more likely to
      attend a postpartum visit (69% vs. 52%; p value, 0.03). At 1 year, 17% of NIP
      infants and 15% of controls had weight-for-length (WFL) >=95th percentile (p
      value, 0.66). Other markers of accelerated infant growth, including crossing WFL
      percentiles and peak infant BMI, did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      There was no difference in growth between infants whose mothers participated in a
      prenatal nutrition intervention and those whose mothers did not. Existing
      prenatal programs for obese women may be inadequate to prevent pediatric obesity
      without pediatric collaboration to promote family-centered support beyond
      pregnancy.

PMID- 27123957
TI  - Surgical treatment of breast lesions at a Day Centre: Experience of the European
      Institute of Oncology.
AB  - Breast cancer is the commonest malignancy in women worldwide. The reduced
      aggressiveness of breast cancer surgery has made it possible treat patients in
      the day surgery setting. The European Institute of Oncology, Milan, opened its
      new Day Center in May 2010. From May 2010 to December 2014, 17,087 patients with
      breast conditions were treated by the Institute's Division of Senology, 4132
      (24.2%) of these in the day surgery setting, including malignant and benign
      conditions; 204 (4.9%) were not discharged on the day of surgery, being converted
      to inpatients; five (0.1%) patients returned to hospital for persistent hematoma.
      Our experience of performing breast cancer surgery in the day surgery setting is
      in line that of the literature. It is safe, but requires a well-organized unit
      and multidisciplinary medical team to function smoothly, with much attention paid
      to patient comfort and education, so as to ensure maximum patient acceptance and
      satisfaction. 

PMID- 27123958
TI  - Predictors for extensive nodal involvement in breast cancer patients with
      axillary lymph node metastases.
AB  - PURPOSE: Various prediction models have been developed to predict the risk of
      having no additional axillary metastases in patients with a positive sentinel
      lymph node biopsy (SLNB), thereby disregarding patients with a positive
      ultrasound-guided lymph node biopsy (UGLNB). However, in the post-Z0011 trial era
      it is important to identify all patients with extensive nodal involvement for
      whom axillary treatment might still be beneficial. Therefore, the aim of this
      study is to identify factors predicting extensive nodal involvement (>=3 positive
      nodes) in the axilla, with the emphasis on the method of axillary staging: node
      positivity by UGLNB versus SLNB. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with invasive
      breast cancer between January 2006 and December 2011 at the Maxima Medical Center
      were included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were
      performed. RESULTS: We included 302 cases, representing 301 node positive
      patients, of whom 177 cases had 1 or 2 positive lymph nodes and 125 cases had >=3
      positive lymph nodes. Multivariate analyses showed that a positive UGLNB (OR =
      5.10; 95%CI = 2.78-9.36), lymphovascular invasion (OR = 3.60; 95%CI = 1.79-7.23)
      and a larger tumor size (OR = 1.03 per mm increase; 95%CI = 1.00-1.06) were
      significantly associated with extensive nodal involvement in patients with
      invasive breast cancer. CONCLUSION: This study shows that a positive axilla,
      determined by UGLNB, is the most important factor for predicting further
      extensive nodal involvement. Hence, the role of axillary staging by ultrasound
      should be redefined since it might play an important role in selecting patients
      who may still benefit from axillary treatment.

PMID- 27123959
TI  - Reconstruction of an Extensive Midfacial Defect Using Additive Manufacturing
      Techniques.
AB  - Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are extremely rare tumors arising in
      peripheral nerves. Only 17 cases involving the trigeminal nerve have ever been
      reported. These tumors have a very poor prognosis and very high rates of
      recurrence and metastases. Their recommended treatment involves complete tumor
      resection followed by radiation. This can be problematic in the head and neck
      region. We present a clinical case involving a 33-year-old female patient
      presenting with a slow-growing, exophytic mass of the anterior maxilla.
      Incisional biopsy and subsequent histological examination revealed a diagnosis of
      a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Surgical resection involved a complete
      maxillectomy, rhinectomy, and resection of the upper lip and aspects of the left
      and right cheeks. Reconstruction of the subsequent defect incorporated the
      placement of four zygomatic oncology implants to aid in retention of a facial
      prosthesis. These implants, however, were subsequently lost; and an anatomical
      model of the hard tissues was manufactured via 3D printing. This model was used
      to design and manufacture a titanium frame (customized implant) for the patient.
      The frame was then fixated and secured intraoperatively with 21 cortical screws.
      A maxillary denture and silicone facial prosthesis were also made to fit onto
      this frame. This is the first known case where additive manufacturing, via the
      use of rapid prototyping and 3D printing, was employed to manufacture a facial
      prosthesis.

PMID- 27123960
TI  - Subject-specific musculoskeletal modelling in patients before and after total hip
      arthroplasty.
AB  - The goal of this study was to define the effect on hip contact forces of
      including subject-specific moment generating capacity in the musculoskeletal
      model by scaling isometric muscle strength and by including geometrical
      information in control subjects, hip osteoarthritis and total hip arthroplasty
      patients. Scaling based on dynamometer measurements decreased the strength of all
      flexor and abductor muscles. This resulted in a model that lacked the capacity to
      generate joint moments required during functional activities. Scaling muscle
      forces based on functional activities and inclusion of MRI-based geometrical
      detail did not compromise the model strength and resulted in hip contact forces
      comparable to previously reported measured contact forces. 

PMID- 27123961
TI  - Molecular-Level Understanding of the Encapsulation and Dissolution of Poorly
      Water-Soluble Ibuprofen by Functionalized Organic Nanotubes Using Solid-State NMR
      Spectroscopy.
AB  - A comprehensive study of the encapsulation and dissolution of the poorly water
      soluble drug ibuprofen (IBU) using two types of organic nanotubes (ONT-1 and ONT
      2) was conducted. ONT-1 and ONT-2 had similar inner and outer diameters, but
      these surfaces were functionalized with different groups. IBU was encapsulated by
      each ONT via solvent evaporation. The amount of IBU in the ONTs was 9.1 and 29.2
      wt % for ONT-1 and ONT-2, respectively. Dissolution of IBU from ONT-1 was very
      rapid, while from ONT-2 it was slower after the initial burst release. One
      dimensional (1D) (1)H, (13)C, and two-dimensional (2D) (1)H-(13)C solid-state NMR
      measurements using fast magic-angle spinning (MAS) at a rate of 40 kHz revealed
      the molecular state of the encapsulated IBU in each ONT. Extremely mobile IBU was
      observed inside the hollow nanosapce of both ONT-1 and ONT-2 using (13)C MAS NMR
      with a single pulse (SP) method. Interestingly, (13)C cross-polarization (CP) MAS
      NMR demonstrated that IBU also existed on the outer surface of both ONTs. The
      encapsulation ratios of IBU inside the hollow nanospaces versus on the outer
      surfaces were calculated by waveform separation to be approximately 1:1 for ONT-1
      and 2:1 for ONT-2. Changes in (13)C chemical shifts showed the intermolecular
      interactions between the carboxyl group of IBU and the amino group on the ONT-2
      inner surface. The cationic ONT-2 could form the stronger electrostatic
      interactions with IBU in the hollow nanosapce than anionic ONT-1. On the other
      hand, 2D (1)H-(13)C NMR indicated that the hydroxyl groups of the glucose unit on
      the outer surface of the ONTs interacted with the carboxyl group of IBU in both
      ONT-1 and ONT-2. The changes in peak shape and chemical shift of the ONT glucose
      group after IBU encapsulation were larger in ONT-2 than in ONT-1, indicating a
      stronger interaction between IBU and the outer surface of ONT-2. The smaller
      amount of IBU encapsulation and rapid IBU dissolution from ONT-1 could be due to
      the weak interactions both at the outer and inner surfaces. Meanwhile, the
      stronger interaction between IBU and the inner surface of ONT-2 could suppress
      IBU dissolution, although the IBU on the outer surface of ONT-2 was released soon
      after dispersal in water. This study demonstrates that the encapsulation amount
      and the dissolution rates of poorly water-soluble drugs, a class which makes up
      the majority of new drug candidates, can be controlled using the functional
      groups on the surfaces of ONTs by considering the host-guest interactions.

PMID- 27123962
TI  - Biocatalytic Properties and Structural Analysis of Eugenol Oxidase from
      Rhodococcus jostii RHA1: A Versatile Oxidative Biocatalyst.
AB  - Eugenol oxidase (EUGO) from Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 had previously been shown to
      convert only a limited set of phenolic compounds. In this study, we have explored
      the biocatalytic potential of this flavoprotein oxidase, resulting in a broadened
      substrate scope and a deeper insight into its structural properties. In addition
      to the oxidation of vanillyl alcohol and the hydroxylation of eugenol, EUGO can
      efficiently catalyze the dehydrogenation of various phenolic ketones and the
      selective oxidation of a racemic secondary alcohol-4-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2
      methoxyphenol. EUGO was also found to perform the kinetic resolution of a racemic
      secondary alcohol. Crystal structures of the enzyme in complexes with isoeugenol,
      coniferyl alcohol, vanillin, and benzoate have been determined. The catalytic
      center is a remarkable solvent-inaccessible cavity on the si side of the flavin
      cofactor. Structural comparison with vanillyl alcohol oxidase from Penicillium
      simplicissimum highlights a few localized changes that correlate with the
      selectivity of EUGO for phenolic substrates bearing relatively small p
      substituents while tolerating o-methoxy substituents.

PMID- 27123963
TI  - Morningness-eveningness and amplitude - development and validation of an improved
      composite scale to measure circadian preference and stability (MESSi).
AB  - Measuring morningness-eveningness is an important aspect of individual
      differences because it is associated with many aspects of personality and health.
      The present study outlines recent advancements in the field of measurement and
      proposes an improved assessment of morningness-eveningness, such as the
      measurement of circadian amplitude, updating and reflecting new item
      developments, addressing the clock time based measures, the morning-biased items
      and the aspect of uni versus multidimensionality. Four studies have been carried
      out in Germany to present a novel development (with a total sample of N = 1181).
      In study I, the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed three dimensions, one
      of morningness, one of eveningness and one of amplitude/stability. Then, items
      were reduced to present a clearer factor structure by removing ambiguous items.
      In the second study, a shortened questionnaire was applied, with 15 items (5 per
      construct), but Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) did not provide acceptable fit
      indices. Refining items were made in study III, which again showed a clearer
      factor structure in EFA, and subsequently, in study IV, the refined set of 15
      items provided a good fit of a CFA. The final questionnaire was tested for
      validity by applying clock times, personality questions and alertness ratings.
      Thus, this newly developed questionnaire contains three distinct dimensions. To
      reflect the new content, the scale is labelled morningness-eveningness-stability
      scale improved (MESSi).

PMID- 27123964
TI  - Mixture of time-dependent growth models with an application to blue swimmer crab
      length-frequency data.
AB  - Understanding how aquatic species grow is fundamental in fisheries because stock
      assessment often relies on growth dependent statistical models. Length-frequency
      based methods become important when more applicable data for growth model
      estimation are either not available or very expensive. In this article, we
      develop a new framework for growth estimation from length-frequency data using a
      generalized von Bertalanffy growth model (VBGM) framework that allows for time
      dependent covariates to be incorporated. A finite mixture of normal distributions
      is used to model the length-frequency cohorts of each month with the means
      constrained to follow a VBGM. The variances of the finite mixture components are
      constrained to be a function of mean length, reducing the number of parameters
      and allowing for an estimate of the variance at any length. To optimize the
      likelihood, we use a minorization-maximization (MM) algorithm with a Nelder-Mead
      sub-step. This work was motivated by the decline in catches of the blue swimmer
      crab (BSC) (Portunus armatus) off the east coast of Queensland, Australia. We
      test the method with a simulation study and then apply it to the BSC fishery
      data.

PMID- 27123965
TI  - Bis(haloBODIPYs) with Labile Helicity: Valuable Simple Organic Molecules That
      Enable Circularly Polarized Luminescence.
AB  - Simple organic molecules (SOM) based on bis(haloBODIPY) are shown to enable
      circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), giving rise to a new structural design
      for technologically valuable CPL-SOMs. The established design comprises together
      synthetic accessibility, labile helicity, possibility of reversing the handedness
      of the circularly polarized emission, and reactive functional groups, making it
      unique and attractive as advantageous platform for the development of smart CPL
      SOMs.

PMID- 27123971
TI  - Quality decline and oxidative damage in sperm of freshwater crab Sinopotamon
      henanense exposed to lead.
AB  - Lead (Pb) induces male infertility in vertebrates. Whether lead is related to
      reproductive abnormalities in aquatic invertebrates remains uncertain. In this
      work, effects of Pb on the sperm quality and oxidative stress of the freshwater
      crab Sinopotamon henanense were investigated after 3, 5 and 7d exposure to
      different Pb concentrations (0, 3.675, 7.35, 14.7, 29.4 and 58.8mg/L). Sperm
      quality indices including sperm plasma-membrane integrity and acrosomal-membrane
      integrity were measured by flow cytometry. DNA integrity was measured by
      fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that Pb levels in sperm increased
      significantly upon Pb exposure in most treated groups, sperm plasma-membrane
      integrity, acrosomal-membrane integrity, and DNA integrity were reduced at higher
      concentrations after 5 d and 7d. Oxidative stress of sperm induced by Pb was
      reflected in significant up-regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels
      after 3, 5 and 7d. A significant reduction of the total antioxidant capacity
      levels occurred after exposure to 14.7mg/L Pb and above at 7d compared to the
      control. The results of oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA of sperm
      showed that malondialdehyde, protein carbonylation and DNA-protein crosslinks
      were increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Our findings
      document that Pb can induce harmful effects on several reproductive endpoints in
      a freshwater crab. 

PMID- 27123972
TI  - Study of temporal trends in mercury concentrations in the primary flight feathers
      of Strix aluco.
AB  - Temporal trends in Hg concentrations were determined in the primary flight
      feathers of 146 specimens of Strix aluco which had died in various Wildlife
      Recovery Centres in Galicia (NW Spain) between 1997 and 2014. The aim of the
      study was to determine whether standardization of a primary flight feather (or
      feathers) in this species is essential for identifying temporal trends in Hg
      concentrations. For this purpose, we had to first standardize the feather(s)
      analyzed to enable comparison of the levels of Hg detected in different feathers.
      The results show a high degree of both inter and intra-individual variability but
      despite that, it was possible to identify P5 as the most representative feather
      taking into account the amount of metal excreted in each feather and the intra
      individual variability: its median was 133ng, which represents 15% (from 7% to
      15%) of the total Hg present in all the primary feathers. However, this "standard
      feather" did not reveal any temporal trend in Hg concentrations for the study
      period. This lack of trend was found irrespective of the feather considered and
      it is expected that detection of any existing trend would also not depend on the
      feather considered. We conclude that use of any particular feather is not
      essential for identifying temporal trends in Hg concentrations, because the
      pattern will be identified regardless of the feather selected. 

PMID- 27123973
TI  - The response of thyroid hormones, biochemical and enzymological biomarkers to
      pyrene exposure in common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
AB  - Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are discharged into aquatic environments
      through anthropogenic activities mainly industrial and municipal effluents. There
      is little information on the adverse effects of pyrene, a member of the PAH
      family which is classified as a priority pollutant by the USEPA, on fish
      biochemical and physiological endpoints, particularly thyroid hormones. The
      present study investigated the effects of subacute semi-static pyrene exposure on
      biochemical, enzymological and ionoregulatory responses as well as thyroid
      hormones in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The fish (140+/-10g, 1(+) year) were
      exposed to 10, 50 and 100ug/l nominal concentrations of pyrene for 35 days. The
      results revealed that pyrene at these concentrations significantly altered plasma
      levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP). Moreover, plasma thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) were significantly decreased
      in fish exposed to pyrene. In contrast, plasma electrolytes (sodium, potassium
      and calcium) levels remained statistically unchanged after exposure to the
      various pyrene concentrations. In conclusion, the studied biomarkers may be used
      as monitoring tools to evaluate pyrene toxicity. Pyrene induced diverse effects
      on the physiological endpoints of common carp, thus this chemical should be
      considered in toxicity studies concerning PAHs. Furthermore, this study confirmed
      that there was an interaction between pyrene and the thyroid system in fish.
      Therefore, the thyroid system may be used to assess the impact of pyrene on fish.

PMID- 27123974
TI  - alpha-fetoprotein levels after interferon therapy predict regression of liver
      fibrosis in patients with sustained virological response.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Eradicating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
      improves liver fibrosis and reduces hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in
      chronic HCV patients. We evaluated the relationship between fibrosis regression,
      as assessed by sequential biopsies, and clinical factors of patients with
      sustained virological response (SVR). METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 130
      patients (74 men; 60.1 +/- 8.1 years) with chronic HCV treated with interferon
      and ribavirin therapy who achieved SVR. To evaluate the change in fibrosis stage
      over time, all patients underwent a pre-therapy initial biopsy and a second
      biopsy after achieving SVR. RESULTS: The mean time between biopsies was 5.5 +/-
      1.2 years. Fibrosis stage regressed in 55 patients (42.3%), remained stable in 69
      (53.1%), and progressed in 6 (4.6%). The mean fibrosis stage significantly
      decreased, from 2.01 +/- 0.99 units to 1.61 +/- 1.24 units (P < 0.001). Aspartate
      aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels
      at 24 weeks after the end of treatment (EOT) were significantly lower, and the
      platelet count at 24 weeks after the EOT was significantly higher in patients
      with fibrosis regression than in those without. Logistic regression analysis
      confirmed that lower AFP levels (< 5.4 ng/mL) at 24 weeks after the EOT (odds
      ratio [OR], 4.626; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.557-13.153; P = 0.006) and HCV
      genotype 2 (OR, 2.198; 95% CI, 1.010-4.786; P = 0.047) were significant
      independent predictive factors for regressed fibrosis after SVR. CONCLUSIONS:
      Lower post-treatment AFP levels and HCV genotype 2 significantly correlated with
      liver fibrosis regression after SVR.

PMID- 27123975
TI  - Developing a Clinical Prediction Rule for First Hospital-Onset Clostridium
      difficile Infections: A Retrospective Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND The healthcare burden of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile
      infection (CDI) demands attention and calls for a solution. Identifying patients'
      risk of developing a primary nosocomial CDI is a critical first step in reducing
      the development of new cases of CDI. OBJECTIVE To derive a clinical prediction
      rule that can predict a patient's risk of acquiring a primary CDI. DESIGN
      Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Large tertiary healthcare center. PATIENTS
      Total of 61,482 subjects aged at least 18 admitted over a 1-year period (2013).
      INTERVENTION None. METHODS Patient demographic characteristics, evidence of CDI,
      and other risk factors were retrospectively collected. To derive the CDI clinical
      prediction rule the patient population was divided into a derivation and
      validation cohort. A multivariable analysis was performed in the derivation
      cohort to identify risk factors individually associated with nosocomial CDI and
      was validated on the validation sample. RESULTS Among 61,482 subjects, CDI
      occurred in 0.46%. CDI outcome was significantly associated with age, admission
      in the past 60 days, mechanical ventilation, dialysis, history of congestive
      heart failure, and use of antibiotic medications. The sensitivity and specificity
      of the score, in the validation set, were 82.0% and 75.7%, respectively. The area
      under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.85. CONCLUSION This study
      successfully derived a clinical prediction rule that will help identify patients
      at high risk for primary CDI. This tool will allow physicians to systematically
      recognize those at risk for CDI and will allow for early interventional
      strategies. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:896-900.

PMID- 27123977
TI  - Cognitive models for panic disorder with agoraphobia: A study of disaggregated
      within-person effects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test 2 cognitive models of panic
      disorder with agoraphobia (PDA)-a catastrophic cognitions model and a low self
      efficacy model-by examining the within-person effects of model-derived cognitive
      variables on subsequent anxiety symptoms. METHOD: Participants were 46 PDA
      patients with agoraphobic avoidance of moderate to severe degree who were
      randomly allocated to 6 weeks of either cognitive therapy, based on the
      catastrophic cognitions model of PDA, or guided mastery (guided exposure)
      therapy, based on the self-efficacy model of PDA. Cognitions and anxiety were
      measured weekly over the course of treatment. The data were analyzed with mixed
      models, using person-mean centering to disaggregate within- and between-person
      effects. RESULTS: All of the studied variables changed in the expected way over
      the course of therapy. There was a within-person effect of physical fears, loss
      of control fears, social fears, and self-efficacy when alone on subsequent state
      anxiety. On the other hand, within-person changes in anxiety did not predict
      subsequent cognitions. Loss of control and social fears both predicted subsequent
      self-efficacy, whereas self-efficacy did not predict catastrophic cognitions. In
      a multipredictor analysis, within-person catastrophic cognitions still predicted
      subsequent anxiety, but self-efficacy when alone did not. CONCLUSIONS: Overall,
      the findings indicate that anxiety in PDA, at least in severe and long-standing
      cases, is driven by catastrophic cognitions. Thus, these cognitions seem to be
      useful therapeutic targets. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27123976
TI  - Prognostic Value of Quantitative Metabolic Metrics on Baseline Pre-Sunitinib FDG
      PET/CT in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate various
      quantitative metrics on FDG PET/CT for monitoring sunitinib therapy and
      predicting prognosis in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC).
      METHODS: Seventeen patients (mean age: 59.0 +/- 11.6) prospectively underwent a
      baseline FDG PET/CT and interim PET/CT after 2 cycles (12 weeks) of sunitinib
      therapy. We measured the highest maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of
      all identified lesions (highest SUVmax), sum of SUVmax with maximum six lesions
      (sum of SUVmax), total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV)
      from baseline PET/CT and interim PET/CT, and the % decrease in highest SUVmax of
      lesion (%Delta highest SUVmax), the % decrease in sum of SUVmax, the % decrease
      in TLG (%DeltaTLG) and the % decrease in MTV (%DeltaMTV) between baseline and
      interim PET/CT, and the imaging results were validated by clinical follow-up at
      12 months after completion of therapy for progression free survival (PFS).
      RESULTS: At 12 month follow-up, 6/17 (35.3%) patients achieved PFS, while 11/17
      (64.7%) patients were deemed to have progression of disease or recurrence within
      the previous 12 months. At baseline, PET/CT demonstrated metabolically active
      cancer in all cases. Using baseline PET/CT alone, all of the quantitative imaging
      metrics were predictive of PFS. Using interim PET/CT, the %Delta highest SUVmax,
      %Delta sum of SUVmax, and %DeltaTLG were also predictive of PFS. Otherwise,
      interim PET/CT showed no significant difference between the two survival groups
      regardless of the quantitative metric utilized including MTV and TLG.
      CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative metabolic measurements on baseline PET/CT appears to be
      predictive of PFS at 12 months post-therapy in patients scheduled to undergo
      sunitinib therapy for mRCC. Change between baseline and interim PET/CT also
      appeared to have prognostic value but otherwise interim PET/CT after 12 weeks of
      sunitinib did not appear to be predictive of PFS.

PMID- 27123978
TI  - Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity of Isosyringolin A.
AB  - Isosyringolin A, which is an isomer of the proteasome-inhibiting natural product
      syringolin A, was designed and synthesized to develop analogues that are step
      economical and synthetically accessible in a practical manner. It was revealed
      that isosyringolin A exhibited proteasome-inhibitory activity comparable to that
      of syringolin A and that its derivatization leads to great enhancement in its
      proteasome inhibitory activity as well as its cytotoxicity against human myeloma
      cells.

PMID- 27123979
TI  - Distinct Biochemical Pools of Golgi Phosphoprotein 3 in the Human Breast Cancer
      Cell Lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231.
AB  - Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been implicated in the development of
      carcinomas in many human tissues, and is currently considered a bona fide
      oncoprotein. Importantly, several tumor types show overexpression of GOLPH3,
      which is associated with tumor progress and poor prognosis. However, the
      underlying molecular mechanisms that connect GOLPH3 function with tumorigenicity
      are poorly understood. Experimental evidence shows that depletion of GOLPH3
      abolishes transformation and proliferation of tumor cells in GOLPH3
      overexpressing cell lines. Conversely, GOLPH3 overexpression drives
      transformation of primary cell lines and enhances mouse xenograft tumor growth in
      vivo. This evidence suggests that overexpression of GOLPH3 could result in
      distinct features of GOLPH3 in tumor cells compared to that of non-tumorigenic
      cells. GOLPH3 is a peripheral membrane protein mostly localized at the trans
      Golgi network, and its association with Golgi membranes depends on binding to
      phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate. GOLPH3 is also contained in a large cytosolic
      pool that rapidly exchanges with Golgi-associated pools. GOLPH3 has also been
      observed associated with vesicles and tubules arising from the Golgi, as well as
      other cellular compartments, and hence it has been implicated in several membrane
      trafficking events. Whether these and other features are typical to all different
      types of cells is unknown. Moreover, it remains undetermined how GOLPH3 acts as
      an oncoprotein at the Golgi. Therefore, to better understand the roles of GOLPH3
      in cancer cells, we sought to compare some of its biochemical and cellular
      properties in the human breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 with that of
      the non-tumorigenic breast human cell line MCF 10A. We found unexpected
      differences that support the notion that in different cancer cells,
      overexpression of GOLPH3 functions in diverse fashions, which may influence
      specific tumorigenic phenotypes.

PMID- 27123980
TI  - USP7 and TDP-43: Pleiotropic Regulation of Cryptochrome Protein Stability Paces
      the Oscillation of the Mammalian Circadian Clock.
AB  - Mammalian Cryptochromes, CRY1 and CRY2, function as principal regulators of a
      transcription-translation-based negative feedback loop underlying the mammalian
      circadian clockwork. An F-box protein, FBXL3, promotes ubiquitination and
      degradation of CRYs, while FBXL21, the closest paralog of FBXL3, ubiquitinates
      CRYs but leads to stabilization of CRYs. Fbxl3 knockout extremely lengthened the
      circadian period, and deletion of Fbxl21 gene in Fbxl3-deficient mice partially
      rescued the period-lengthening phenotype, suggesting a key role of CRY protein
      stability for maintenance of the circadian periodicity. Here, we employed a
      proteomics strategy to explore regulators for the protein stability of CRYs. We
      found that ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7 also known as HAUSP) associates
      with CRY1 and CRY2 and stabilizes CRYs through deubiquitination. Treatment with
      USP7-specific inhibitor or Usp7 knockdown shortened the circadian period of the
      cellular rhythm. We identified another CRYs-interacting protein, TAR DNA binding
      protein 43 (TDP-43), an RNA-binding protein. TDP-43 stabilized CRY1 and CRY2, and
      its knockdown also shortened the circadian period in cultured cells. The present
      study identified USP7 and TDP-43 as the regulators of CRY1 and CRY2, underscoring
      the significance of the stability control process of CRY proteins for period
      determination in the mammalian circadian clockwork.

PMID- 27123982
TI  - Lagrange Interpolation Learning Particle Swarm Optimization.
AB  - In recent years, comprehensive learning particle swarm optimization (CLPSO) has
      attracted the attention of many scholars for using in solving multimodal
      problems, as it is excellent in preserving the particles' diversity and thus
      preventing premature convergence. However, CLPSO exhibits low solution accuracy.
      Aiming to address this issue, we proposed a novel algorithm called LILPSO. First,
      this algorithm introduced a Lagrange interpolation method to perform a local
      search for the global best point (gbest). Second, to gain a better exemplar, one
      gbest, another two particle's historical best points (pbest) are chosen to
      perform Lagrange interpolation, then to gain a new exemplar, which replaces the
      CLPSO's comparison method. The numerical experiments conducted on various
      functions demonstrate the superiority of this algorithm, and the two methods are
      proven to be efficient for accelerating the convergence without leading the
      particle to premature convergence.

PMID- 27123981
TI  - The Impact of Normal Range of Serum Phosphorus on the Incidence of End-Stage
      Renal Disease by A Propensity Score Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although hyperphosphatemia is deemed a risk factor of the progression
      of chronic kidney disease (CKD), it remains unclear whether the normal range of
      serum phosphorus likewise deteriorates CKD. A propensity score analysis was
      applied to examine the causal effect of the normal range of serum phosphorus on
      the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS: A retrospective CKD
      cohort of 803 participants in a single institution was analyzed. Propensity score
      was estimated using 22 baseline covariates by multivariate binary logistic
      regression for the different thresholds of time-averaged phosphorus (TA-P) in the
      normal range of serum phosphorus incremented by 0.1 mg/dL from 3.3 to 4.5 mg/dL.
      RESULTS: The incidence rate of ESRD was 33.9 per 1,000 person-years over median
      follow-up of 4.3 years. Total patients showed the mean baseline phosphorus of
      3.37 mg/dL and were divided to quartile. The higher quartile was associated with
      the parameters consistent with the advancement of CKD. A stratified Cox
      regression showed the highest hazard ratio (HR) at TA-P 3.4 mg/dL (HR 17.60, 95%
      CI 3.92-78.98) adjusted for baseline covariates such as sex, age, diabetic
      nephropathy, estimated GFR, serum albumin, Na-Cl, phosphorus, LDL-C and
      proteinuria. Adjusted HRs remained high up to TA-P 4.2 mg/dL (HR 2.22, 95% CI
      1.33-3.71). After propensity score matching conducted at the thresholds of TA-P
      3.4, 3.6, 3.8 and 4.0 mg/dL, the higher levels of TA-P showed the higher HRs by
      Kaplan-Meier analysis (p < 0.05 by stratified log-rank test). The numbers needed
      to treat were calculated as 3.9 to 5.3 over 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The propensity
      score analysis shows that even the normal range of serum phosphorus clearly
      accelerates CKD progression to ESRD. Our results encourage clinicians to target
      serum phosphorus to inhibit CKD progression in the manner of 'the lower the
      better.'

PMID- 27123985
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27123983
TI  - The MADD-3 LAMMER Kinase Interacts with a p38 MAP Kinase Pathway to Regulate the
      Display of the EVA-1 Guidance Receptor in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - The proper display of transmembrane receptors on the leading edge of migrating
      cells and cell extensions is essential for their response to guidance cues. We
      previously discovered that MADD-4, which is an ADAMTSL secreted by motor neurons
      in Caenorhabditis elegans, interacts with an UNC-40/EVA-1 co-receptor complex on
      muscles to attract plasma membrane extensions called muscle arms. In nematodes,
      the muscle arm termini harbor the post-synaptic elements of the neuromuscular
      junction. Through a forward genetic screen for mutants with disrupted muscle arm
      extension, we discovered that a LAMMER kinase, which we call MADD-3, is required
      for the proper display of the EVA-1 receptor on the muscle's plasma membrane.
      Without MADD-3, EVA-1 levels decrease concomitantly with a reduction of the late
      endosomal marker RAB-7. Through a genetic suppressor screen, we found that the
      levels of EVA-1 and RAB-7 can be restored in madd-3 mutants by eliminating the
      function of a p38 MAP kinase pathway. We also found that EVA-1 and RAB-7 will
      accumulate in madd-3 mutants upon disrupting CUP-5, which is a mucolipin ortholog
      required for proper lysosome function. Together, our data suggests that the MADD
      3 LAMMER kinase antagonizes the p38-mediated endosomal trafficking of EVA-1 to
      the lysosome. In this way, MADD-3 ensures that sufficient levels of EVA-1 are
      present to guide muscle arm extension towards the source of the MADD-4 guidance
      cue. 

PMID- 27123984
TI  - Effectiveness of Community Dialogue in Changing Gender and Sexual Norms for HIV
      Prevention: Evaluation of the Tchova Tchova Program in Mozambique.
AB  - Structural HIV prevention interventions have gained prominence as ways to address
      underlying social and cultural factors that fuel the HIV epidemic. Identifying
      theories that explain how structural interventions are expected to change such
      factors can substantially increase their success. The Tchova Tchova community
      dialogue program, a theory-based intervention implemented in 2009-2010 in the
      provinces of Zambezia and Sofala, Mozambique, aimed to change gender and sexual
      norms for HIV prevention. Through facilitated sessions, the program sparked
      critical thinking and open dialogue among participants. This article measures the
      program's effectiveness based on a sample of 462 participants and 453
      nonparticipants. The results show that the program was successful in producing
      changes in three of the underlying structural factors of HIV: gender attitudes,
      gender roles, and HIV stigma. The program was also successful in changing other
      factors associated with HIV infection, including HIV prevention knowledge,
      discussion of HIV between sex partners, and having multiple sex partners.

PMID- 27123986
TI  - Maintaining the anonymity of cadavers in medical education: Historic relic or
      educational and ethical necessity?
AB  - Throughout the modern history of anatomical dissection by medical and other
      health science students, cadavers have been anonymized. This has meant that
      students have been provided with limited, if any, information on the identities
      or medical histories of those they are dissecting. While there was little way
      around this when the bodies were unclaimed, this need not be the case when the
      bodies have been donated. However, with a few exceptions, no efforts have been
      made to change this model. Recent attempts to move anatomy teaching in a more
      humanistic direction, by emphasizing the cadaver as the students' first patient
      and with the growth of commemoration services following the dissecting process,
      raise the question of whether cadavers should continue to be anonymized. In
      laying a basis for discussion of this matter, we outline what appear to be the
      virtues of anonymity, and the form that alternatives to anonymity might take. The
      options identified are nonidentification, low information; nonidentification,
      moderate information; and identification, full information. The virtues and
      drawbacks of each of these possibilities are assessed by analyzing their value
      for students, and also for donors and their families. Policy issues raised by
      alternatives are also considered. This article provides a basis for continued
      discussion and suggestions for further research in this area. Anat Sci Educ 10:
      87-97. (c) 2016 American Association of Anatomists.

PMID- 27123987
TI  - Agreeing the content of a patient-reported outcome measure for primary care: a
      Delphi consensus study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the first contact for any health-related need, primary care
      clinicians often address multiple patient problems, with a range of possible
      outcomes. There is currently no patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) which
      covers this range of outcomes. Therefore, many research studies into primary care
      services use PROMs that do not capture the full impact of these services.
      OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to identify outcomes sought by primary care patients
      which clinicians can influence, thus providing the basis for a new primary care
      PROM. METHODS: We used a Delphi process starting with an outcomes list
      inductively derived in a prior qualitative study. Thirty-five experts were
      recruited into patient, clinician and academic panels. Participants rated each
      outcome on whether it was (i) relevant to health, (ii) influenced by primary care
      and (iii) detectable by patients. In each round, outcomes which passed/failed
      preset levels of agreement were accepted/rejected. Remaining outcomes continued
      to the next round. RESULTS: The process resulted in a set of outcomes occupying
      the domains of health status, health empowerment (internal and external), and
      health perceptions. Twenty-six of 36 outcomes were accepted for inclusion in a
      PROM. Primary care having insufficient influence was the main reason for
      exclusion. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first time PROM outcomes
      have been agreed through criteria which explicitly exclude outcomes less relevant
      to health, uninfluenced by primary care or undetected by patients. The PROM in
      development covers a unique set of outcomes and offers an opportunity for
      enhanced research into primary care.

PMID- 27123989
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27123988
TI  - Kidney Transplantation From Donors with Hepatitis B.
AB  - The growing demand for organ donors to supply the increasing number of patients
      on kidney waiting lists has led most transplant centers to develop protocols that
      allow safe use of organs from donors with special clinical situations previously
      regarded as contraindications. Deceased donors with previous hepatitis B may be a
      safe resource to increase the donor pool even if there is still controversy among
      transplantation centers regarding the use of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive
      donors for renal transplantation. However, when allocated to serology-matched
      recipients, kidney transplantation from donors with hepatitis B may result in
      excellent short-term outcome. Many concerns may arise in the long-term outcome,
      and studies must address the evaluation of the progression of liver disease and
      the rate of reactivation of liver disease in the recipients. Accurate selection
      and matching of both donor and recipient and correct post-transplant management
      are needed to achieve satisfactory long-term outcomes. 

PMID- 27123990
TI  - Heavy-Atom Labeled Transmembrane beta-Peptides: Synthesis, CD-Spectroscopy, and X
      ray Diffraction Studies in Model Lipid Multilayer.
AB  - Transmembrane beta-peptides are promising candidates for the design of well
      controlled membrane anchors in lipid membranes. Here, we present the synthesis of
      transmembrane beta-peptides with and without tryptophan anchors, as well as a
      novel iodine-labeled d-beta(3) -amino acid. By using one or more of the heavy
      atom labeled amino acids as markers, the orientation of the helical peptide was
      inferred based on the electron-density profile determined by X-ray reflectivity.
      The beta-peptides were synthesized through manual Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide
      synthesis (SPPS) and reconstituted in unilamellar vesicles forming a right-handed
      314 -helix secondary structure, as shown by circular dichroism spectroscopy. We
      then integrated the beta-peptide into solid-supported membrane stacks and carried
      out X-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering to
      determine the beta-peptide orientation and its effect on the membrane bilayers.
      These beta-peptides adopt a well-ordered transmembrane motif in the solid
      supported model membrane, maintaining the basic structure of the original bilayer
      with some distinct alterations. Notably, the helical tilt angle, which
      accommodates the positive hydrophobic mismatch, induces a tilt of the acyl
      chains. The tilted chains, in turn, lead to a membrane thinning effect. 

PMID- 27123991
TI  - Reactivity, Selectivity, and Stability in Sulfenic Acid Detection: A Comparative
      Study of Nucleophilic and Electrophilic Probes.
AB  - The comparative reaction efficiencies of currently used nucleophilic and
      electrophilic probes toward cysteine sulfenic acid have been thoroughly evaluated
      in two different settings-(i) a small molecule dipeptide based model and (ii) a
      recombinant protein model. We further evaluated the stability of corresponding
      thioether and sulfoxide adducts under reducing conditions which are commonly
      encountered during proteomic protocols and in cell analysis. Powered by the
      development of new cyclic and linear C-nucleophiles, the unsurpassed efficiency
      in the capture of sulfenic acid under competitive conditions is achieved and thus
      holds great promise as highly potent tools for activity-based sulfenome
      profiling.

PMID- 27123992
TI  - Lessons learnt to keep Europe polio-free: a review of outbreaks in the European
      Union, European Economic Area, and candidate countries, 1973 to 2013.
AB  - Between 1973 and 2013, 12 outbreaks of paralytic poliomyelitis with a cumulative
      total of 660 cases were reported in the European Union, European Economic Area
      and candidate countries. Outbreaks lasted seven to 90 weeks (median: 24 weeks)
      and were identified through the diagnosis of cases of acute flaccid paralysis,
      for which infection with wild poliovirus was subsequently identified. In two
      countries, environmental surveillance was in place before the outbreaks, but did
      not detect any wild strain before the occurrence of clinical cases. This
      surveillance nonetheless provided useful information to monitor the outbreaks and
      their geographical spread. Outbreaks were predominantly caused by poliovirus type
      1 and typically involved unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated groups within
      highly immunised communities. Oral polio vaccine was primarily used to respond to
      the outbreaks with catch-up campaigns implemented either nationwide or in
      restricted geographical areas or age groups. The introduction of supplementary
      immunisation contained the outbreaks. In 2002, the European region of the World
      Health Organization was declared polio-free and it has maintained this status
      since. However, as long as there are non-vaccinated or under-vaccinated groups in
      European countries and poliomyelitis is not eradicated, countries remain
      continuously at risk of reintroduction and establishment of the virus. Continued
      efforts to reach these groups are needed in order to ensure a uniform and high
      vaccination coverage. 

PMID- 27123993
TI  - Drug Pricing Trends for Orally Administered Anticancer Medications Reimbursed by
      Commercial Health Plans, 2000-2014.

PMID- 27123994
TI  - Adult Prey Neutralizes Predator Nonconsumptive Limitation of Prey Recruitment.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that predator chemical cues can limit prey demographic
      rates such as recruitment. For instance, barnacle pelagic larvae reduce
      settlement where predatory dogwhelk cues are detected, thereby limiting benthic
      recruitment. However, adult barnacles attract conspecific larvae through chemical
      and visual cues, aiding larvae to find suitable habitat for development. Thus, we
      tested the hypothesis that the presence of adult barnacles (Semibalanus
      balanoides) can neutralize dogwhelk (Nucella lapillus) nonconsumptive effects on
      barnacle recruitment. We did a field experiment in Atlantic Canada during the
      2012 and 2013 barnacle recruitment seasons (May-June). We manipulated the
      presence of dogwhelks (without allowing them to physically contact barnacles) and
      adult barnacles in cages established in rocky intertidal habitats. At the end of
      both recruitment seasons, we measured barnacle recruit density on tiles kept
      inside the cages. Without adult barnacles, the nearby presence of dogwhelks
      limited barnacle recruitment by 51%. However, the presence of adult barnacles
      increased barnacle recruitment by 44% and neutralized dogwhelk nonconsumptive
      effects on barnacle recruitment, as recruit density was unaffected by dogwhelk
      presence. For species from several invertebrate phyla, benthic adult organisms
      attract conspecific pelagic larvae. Thus, adult prey might commonly constitute a
      key factor preventing negative predator nonconsumptive effects on prey
      recruitment.

PMID- 27123996
TI  - Vitamin E and the risk of childhood asthma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Asthma, a heterogeneous disease with multiple phenotypes, remains a
      significant health problem. Present treatments are not curative and prevention
      should be our ultimate goal. Vitamin E supplementation presents a potential easy
      and cheap preventive therapy but the results of studies are confusing and
      sometimes contradictory. Clarification is needed. AREAS COVERED: Animal studies
      and research in pregnant women suggest enhanced lifetime resistance to asthma
      with appropriate fetal exposure to vitamin E. Vitamin E's preventive role is
      complex and includes functional variations of the different isoforms. Expert
      commentary: We review the most recent literature on the role of vitamin E
      isoforms on: lung inflammation, immune development, animal and clinical studies
      during pregnancy, and the potential influence of vitamin E isoforms on asthma
      development in offspring. We point out where data are seemingly contradictory,
      explain why this is so, and comment on where further clarifying research is
      needed and its future direction.

PMID- 27123995
TI  - Rebamipide Attenuates Mandibular Condylar Degeneration in a Murine Model of TMJ
      OA by Mediating a Chondroprotective Effect and by Downregulating RANKL-Mediated
      Osteoclastogenesis.
AB  - Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA) is characterized by progressive
      degradation of cartilage and changes in subchondral bone. It is also one of the
      most serious subgroups of temporomandibular disorders. Rebamipide is a
      gastroprotective agent that is currently used for the treatment of gastritis and
      gastric ulcers. It scavenges reactive oxygen radicals and has exhibited anti
      inflammatory potential. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of
      rebamipide both in vivo and in vitro on the development of cartilage degeneration
      and osteoclast activity in an experimental murine model of TMJ-OA, and to explore
      its mode of action. Oral administration of rebamipide (0.6 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg) was
      initiated 24 h after TMJ-OA was induced, and was maintained daily for four weeks.
      Rebamipide treatment was found to attenuate cartilage degeneration, to reduce the
      number of apoptotic cells, and to decrease the expression levels of matrix
      metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in TMJ
      OA cartilage in a dose-dependent manner. Rebamipide also suppressed the
      activation of transcription factors (e.g., NF-kappaB, NFATc1) and mitogen
      activated protein kinases (MAPK) by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B
      ligand (RANKL) to inhibit the differentiation of osteoclastic precursors, and
      disrupted the formation of actin rings in mature osteoclasts. Together, these
      results demonstrate the inhibitory effects of rebamipide on cartilage degradation
      in experimentally induced TMJ-OA. Furthermore, suppression of oxidative damage,
      restoration of extracellular matrix homeostasis of articular chondrocytes, and
      reduced subchondral bone loss as a result of blocked osteoclast activation
      suggest that rebamipide is a potential therapeutic strategy for TMJ-OA.

PMID- 27123998
TI  - Metal-Organic-Framework-Templated Polyelectrolyte Nanocapsules for the
      Encapsulation and Delivery of Small-Molecule-Polymer Conjugates.
AB  - Herein, we report a strategy for exploiting nanoscale metal-organic frameworks
      (nano-MOFs) as templates for the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of
      polyelectrolytes. Because small-molecule drugs or imaging agents cannot be
      efficiently encapsulated by polyelectrolyte nanocapsules, we investigated two
      promising and biocompatible polymers (comb-shaped polyethylene glycol (PEG) and
      hyperbranched polyglycerol-based PEG) for the conjugation of model drugs and
      imaging agents, which were then encapsulated inside the nano-MOF-templated
      nanocapsules. Furthermore, we also systemically explored the release kinetics of
      the encapsulated conjugates, and examined how the encapsulation and/or release
      processes could be controlled by varying the composition and architecture of the
      polymers. We envision that our nano-MOFs-templated nanocapsules, through
      combining with small-molecule-polymer conjugates, will represent a new type of
      delivery system that could open up new opportunities for biomedical applications.

PMID- 27123997
TI  - Clostridium Butyricum CGMCC0313.1 Modulates Lipid Profile, Insulin Resistance and
      Colon Homeostasis in Obese Mice.
AB  - Obesity is associated with a cluster of metabolic disorders and systemic low
      grade inflammation involving multiple organs. Recent findings have suggested that
      intestine is a key organ altered in response to high fat diet (HFD) feeding.
      Probiotics mainly lactobacillus strains have earlier been implicated in
      alleviating metabolic disorders. Here we aimed to examine the effects of a
      naturally occurring butyrate-producing probiotic clostridium butyricum
      CGMCC0313.1 (CB0313.1) in limiting the development of HFD-induced obesity. Mice
      treated with CB0313.1 exhibited reduced lipid accumulation in liver and serum,
      lower circulating insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance and insulin
      sensitivity. Furthermore, CB0313.1 administration reversed the HFD-induced
      colonic inflammation as evidenced by reduced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha
      level and increases the interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-22 levels in colon tissue.
      Additionally to colonic inflammation, CB0313.1 also reduced the colon
      permeability by upregulating the tight junction (TJ) proteins (claudin-1 and
      occludin) and contributed to a decreased circulating endotoxin level. In colon
      content, CB0313.1 administration restored the reduced production of butyrate and
      other short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) caused by HFD feeding. In adipose tissue,
      lower transcriptional levels of pro-inflammatory TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta and
      monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 in adipose tissue were observed in CB0313.1
      treated mice. Collectively, our data demonstrated that CB0313.1, targeting colon
      inflammation and permeability, ameliorated HFD-induced obesity, insulin
      resistance as well as adipose inflammation.

PMID- 27124000
TI  - A Natural Language Processing Tool for Large-Scale Data Extraction from
      Echocardiography Reports.
AB  - Large volumes of data are continuously generated from clinical notes and
      diagnostic studies catalogued in electronic health records (EHRs).
      Echocardiography is one of the most commonly ordered diagnostic tests in
      cardiology. This study sought to explore the feasibility and reliability of using
      natural language processing (NLP) for large-scale and targeted extraction of
      multiple data elements from echocardiography reports. An NLP tool, EchoInfer, was
      developed to automatically extract data pertaining to cardiovascular structure
      and function from heterogeneously formatted echocardiographic data sources.
      EchoInfer was applied to echocardiography reports (2004 to 2013) available from 3
      different on-going clinical research projects. EchoInfer analyzed 15,116
      echocardiography reports from 1684 patients, and extracted 59 quantitative and 21
      qualitative data elements per report. EchoInfer achieved a precision of 94.06%, a
      recall of 92.21%, and an F1-score of 93.12% across all 80 data elements in 50
      reports. Physician review of 400 reports demonstrated that EchoInfer achieved a
      recall of 92-99.9% and a precision of >97% in four data elements, including three
      quantitative and one qualitative data element. Failure of EchoInfer to correctly
      identify or reject reported parameters was primarily related to non-standardized
      reporting of echocardiography data. EchoInfer provides a powerful and reliable
      NLP-based approach for the large-scale, targeted extraction of information from
      heterogeneous data sources. The use of EchoInfer may have implications for the
      clinical management and research analysis of patients undergoing
      echocardiographic evaluation.

PMID- 27123999
TI  - Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/AKT Pathway Inhibition by Doxazosin Promotes
      Glioblastoma Cells Death, Upregulation of p53 and Triggers Low Neurotoxicity.
AB  - Glioblastoma is the most frequent and malignant brain tumor. Treatment includes
      chemotherapy with temozolomide concomitant with surgical resection and/or
      irradiation. However, a number of cases are resistant to temozolomide, as well as
      the human glioblastoma cell line U138-MG. We investigated doxazosin's (an
      antihypertensive drug) activity against glioblastoma cells (C6 and U138-MG) and
      its neurotoxicity on primary astrocytes and organoptypic hippocampal cultures.
      For this study, the following methods were used: citotoxicity assays, flow
      cytometry, western-blotting and confocal microscopy. We showed that doxazosin
      induces cell death on C6 and U138-MG cells. We observed that doxazosin's effects
      on the PI3K/Akt pathway were similar as LY294002 (PI3K specific inhibitor). In
      glioblastoma cells treated with doxasozin, Akt levels were greatly reduced. Upon
      examination of activities of proteins downstream of Akt we observed upregulation
      of GSK-3beta and p53. This led to cell proliferation inhibition, cell death
      induction via caspase-3 activation and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in
      glioblastoma cells. We used in this study Lapatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor,
      as a comparison with doxazosin because they present similar chemical structure.
      We also tested the neurocitotoxicity of doxazosin in primary astrocytes and
      organotypic cultures and observed that doxazosin induced cell death on a small
      percentage of non-tumor cells. Aggressiveness of glioblastoma tumors and dismal
      prognosis require development of new treatment agents. This includes less toxic
      drugs, more selective towards tumor cells, causing less damage to the patient.
      Therefore, our results confirm the potential of doxazosin as an attractive
      therapeutic antiglioma agent.

PMID- 27124001
TI  - On the Use of Biomineral Oxygen Isotope Data to Identify Human Migrants in the
      Archaeological Record: Intra-Sample Variation, Statistical Methods and
      Geographical Considerations.
AB  - Oxygen isotope analysis of archaeological skeletal remains is an increasingly
      popular tool to study past human migrations. It is based on the assumption that
      human body chemistry preserves the delta18O of precipitation in such a way as to
      be a useful technique for identifying migrants and, potentially, their homelands.
      In this study, the first such global survey, we draw on published human tooth
      enamel and bone bioapatite data to explore the validity of using oxygen isotope
      analyses to identify migrants in the archaeological record. We use human delta18O
      results to show that there are large variations in human oxygen isotope values
      within a population sample. This may relate to physiological factors influencing
      the preservation of the primary isotope signal, or due to human activities (such
      as brewing, boiling, stewing, differential access to water sources and so on)
      causing variation in ingested water and food isotope values. We compare the
      number of outliers identified using various statistical methods. We determine
      that the most appropriate method for identifying migrants is dependent on the
      data but is likely to be the IQR or median absolute deviation from the median
      under most archaeological circumstances. Finally, through a spatial assessment of
      the dataset, we show that the degree of overlap in human isotope values from
      different locations across Europe is such that identifying individuals' homelands
      on the basis of oxygen isotope analysis alone is not possible for the regions
      analysed to date. Oxygen isotope analysis is a valid method for identifying first
      generation migrants from an archaeological site when used appropriately, however
      it is difficult to identify migrants using statistical methods for a sample size
      of less than c. 25 individuals. In the absence of local previous analyses, each
      sample should be treated as an individual dataset and statistical techniques can
      be used to identify migrants, but in most cases pinpointing a specific homeland
      should not be attempted.

PMID- 27124002
TI  - Correction: Inhibition of Nickel Nanoparticles-Induced Toxicity by
      Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate in JB6 Cells May Be through Down-Regulation of the
      MAPK Signaling Pathways.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150954.].

PMID- 27124003
TI  - Population Pharmacokinetics of Lithium Carbonate in Young Male Healthy Chinese
      Volunteers.
AB  - Aim: To investigate the population pharmacokinetics (PK) model of lithium
      carbonate in young male healthy Chinese subjects. Methods: This study was
      conducted using a 2-period crossover design. 20 healthy male subjects received
      lithium carbonate tablets from 2 different Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturers.
      Plasma samples were obtained by blood sampling over 72 h in each period.
      Population PK analysis was performed using nonlinear mixed-effects model (NONMEM)
      software. The final models were validated using bootstrap and visual predictive
      check (VPC) approaches. Results: The final PK model was a two-compartment model.
      The population PK parameters, clearance (CL/F), apparent distribution volume of
      the central compartment (V2/F), inter-compartmental clearance (Q/F) and apparent
      distribution volume of the peripheral compartment (V3/F), were 9.39 L/h, 10.4 L,
      22.1 L/h, and 216 L, respectively. Conclusion: Population PK models for lithium
      carbonate have been developed and considerable inter-subject variability was
      found in healthy young male Chinese subjects. It takes a long time to achieve the
      steady state in conventional therapy. This may provide guidelines for future use
      of lithium carbonate in China.

PMID- 27124006
TI  - Nanowires: Enhanced Optoelectronic Performance of a Passivated Nanowire-Based
      Device: Key Information from Real-Space Imaging Using 4D Electron Microscopy
      (Small 17/2016).
AB  - Selective mapping of surface charge carrier dynamics of InGaN nanowires before
      and after surface passivation with octadecylthiol (ODT) is reported by O. F.
      Mohammed and co-workers on page 2313, using scanning ultrafast electron
      microscopy. In a typical experiment, the 343 nm output of the laser beam is used
      to excite the microscope tip to generate pulsed electrons for probing, and the
      515 nm output is used as a clocking excitation pulse to initiate dynamics. Time
      resolved images demonstrate clearly that carrier recombination is significantly
      slowed after ODT treatment, which supports the efficient removal of surface trap
      states.

PMID- 27124009
TI  - QuickStats: Distribution of Long-Term Care Staffing* Hours,(?) by Staff Member
      Type and Sector - United States, 2014.
AB  - In 2014, aides provided more hours of care in the major sectors of long-term care
      than the other staffing types shown. Aides accounted for 60% of all staffing
      hours in nursing homes, compared with licensed practical or vocational nurses
      (21%), registered nurses (13%), activities staff members (5%), and social workers
      (2%). Aides accounted for 75% of all staffing hours in residential care
      communities, in contrast to activities staff members (11%), registered nurses
      (7%), licensed practical or vocational nurses (6%), and social workers (1%). In
      adult day services centers, aides provided 41% of all staffing hours, followed by
      activities staff members (32%), registered nurses (12%), licensed practical or
      vocational nurses (9%), and social workers (6%). 

PMID- 27124010
TI  - The Family Revisited.

PMID- 27124011
TI  - A genetic overview of 23Y-STR markers in UAE population.

PMID- 27124013
TI  - Synthesis of Two-dimensional Microporous Carbonaceous Polymer Nanosheets and
      Their Application as High-performance CO2 Capture Sorbent.
AB  - The synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) polymer nanosheets with a well-defined
      microporous structure remains challenging in materials science. Here, a new kind
      of 2D microporous carbonaceous polymer nanosheets was synthesized through
      polymerization of a very low concentration of 1,4-dicyanobenzene in molten zinc
      chloride at 400-500  degrees C. This type of nanosheets has a thickness in the
      range of 3-20 nm, well-defined microporosity, a high surface area (~537 m(2)  g(
      1) ), and a large micropore volume (~0.45 cm(3)  g(-1) ). The microporous
      carbonaceous polymer nanosheets exhibit superior CO2 sorption capability (8.14 wt
      % at 298 K and 1 bar) and a relatively high CO2 selectivity toward N2 (25.6).
      Starting from different aromatic nitrile monomers, a variety of 2D carbonaceous
      polymer nanosheets can be obtained showing a certain universality of the
      ionothermal method reported herein. 

PMID- 27124012
TI  - Lean Participative Process Improvement: Outcomes and Obstacles in Trauma
      Orthopaedics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the effectiveness of a "systems" approach using Lean
      methodology to improve surgical care, as part of a programme of studies
      investigating possible synergy between improvement approaches. SETTING: A
      controlled before-after study using the orthopaedic trauma theatre of a UK Trust
      hospital as the active site and an elective orthopaedic theatre in the same Trust
      as control. PARTICIPANTS: All staff involved in surgical procedures in both
      theatres. INTERVENTIONS: A one-day "lean" training course delivered by an
      experienced specialist team was followed by support and assistance in developing
      a 6 month improvement project. Clinical staff selected the subjects for
      improvement and designed the improvements. OUTCOME MEASURES: We compared
      technical and non-technical team performance in theatre using WHO checklist
      compliance evaluation, "glitch count" and Oxford NOTECHS II in a sample of
      directly observed operations, and patient outcome (length of stay, complications
      and readmissions) for all patients. We collected observational data for 3 months
      and clinical data for 6 months before and after the intervention period. We
      compared changes in measures using 2-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: We
      studied 576 cases before and 465 after intervention, observing the operation in
      38 and 41 cases respectively. We found no significant changes in team performance
      or patient outcome measures. The intervention theatre staff focused their efforts
      on improving first patient arrival time, which improved by 20 minutes after
      intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This version of "lean" system improvement did not
      improve measured safety processes or outcomes. The study highlighted an important
      tension between promoting staff ownership and providing direction, which needs to
      be managed in "lean" projects. Space and time for staff to conduct improvement
      activities are important for success.

PMID- 27124014
TI  - Successful Experience of Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy and Digestive Tract
      Reconstruction With Minimized Complications Rate by 14 Case Reports.
AB  - Laparoscopic pancreatic surgery is one of the most sophisticated and advanced
      applications of laparoscopy in the current surgical practice. The adoption of
      laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) has been relatively slow due to the
      technical challenges. The aim of this study is to review and characterize our
      successful LPD experiences in patients with distal bile duct carcinoma,
      periampullary adenocarcinoma, pancreas head cancer, and duodenal cancer and
      evaluate the clinical outcomes of LPD for its potential in oncologic surgery
      applications.We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data from 14 patients who
      underwent LPD from August 2013 to February 2015 in our institute.We presented our
      LPD experience with no cases converted to open surgery in all 14 cases, which
      included 10 cases of laparoscopic digestive tract reconstruction and 4 cases of
      open digestive tract reconstructions. There were no deaths during the
      perioperative period and no case of gastric emptying disorder or postoperative
      bleeding. The other clinical indexes were comparable to or better than open
      surgery.Based on our experience, LPD could be potentially safe and feasible for
      the treatment of early pancreas head cancer, distal bile duct carcinoma,
      periampullary adenocarcinoma, and duodenal cancer. The master of LPD procedure
      requires technical expertise but it can be accomplished with a short learning
      curve. 

PMID- 27124015
TI  - Low Expression of Mucin-4 Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients With Clear-Cell
      Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Mucin-4 (MUC4), a member of membrane-bound mucins, has been reported to exert a
      large variety of distinctive roles in tumorigenesis of different cancers. MUC4 is
      aberrantly expressed in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) but its
      prognostic value is still unveiled. This study aims to assess the clinical
      significance of MUC4 expression in patients with ccRCC.The expression of MUC4 was
      assessed by immunohistochemistry in 198 patients with ccRCC who underwent
      nephrectomy retrospectively in 2003 and 2004. Sixty-seven patients died before
      the last follow-up in the cohort. Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test was
      applied to compare survival curves. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression
      models were applied to evaluate the prognostic value of MUC4 expression in
      overall survival (OS). The predictive nomogram was constructed based on the
      independent prognostic factors. The calibration was built to evaluate the
      predictive accuracy of nomogram.In patients with ccRCC, MUC4 expression, which
      was determined to be an independent prognostic indicator for OS (hazard ratio
      [HR] 3.891; P < 0.001), was negatively associated with tumor size (P = 0.036),
      Fuhrman grade (P = 0.044), and OS (P < 0.001). The prognostic accuracy of TNM
      stage, UCLA Integrated Scoring System (UISS), and Mayo clinic stage, size, grade,
      and necrosis score (SSIGN) prognostic models was improved when MUC4 expression
      was added. The independent prognostic factors, pT stage, distant metastases,
      Fuhrman grade, sarcomatoid, and MUC4 expression were integrated to establish a
      predictive nomogram with high predictive accuracy.MUC4 expression is an
      independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with ccRCC. 

PMID- 27124016
TI  - Retrospective Comparison of Radiological and Clinical Outcomes of PLIF and TLIF
      Techniques in Patients Who Underwent Lumbar Spinal Posterior Stabilization.
AB  - Degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis lead to various symptoms.
      Degeneration of facet joints is added to this degenerative process with
      aging.Seventy-four patients who were admitted to the Spinal Column Outpatient
      Clinic of the Neurosurgery Department with a diagnosis of degenerative narrow
      spinal canal and lumbar spondylolisthesis between 2011 and 2013 and who underwent
      surgery were included in the study.Our study was conducted with 74 patients of
      whom 73.0% (n = 54) were female and 27.0% (n = 20) were male. Mean age was 54.86
      +/- 7.87 years (range 34-74).Although we did not detect a difference between the
      two surgical methods with regard to clinical improvement, transforaminal lumbar
      interbody fusion (TLIF) is preferred due to radiological advantages observed one
      year later, ease of application, and the development of fewer complications. 

PMID- 27124017
TI  - Rehabilitation Management of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Syndrome: A Systematic
      Review of the Literature.
AB  - The Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) causes significant muscular deficits in the
      affected patients, restricts daily activities (ADL), and involves a severe
      disability. Although the conservative intervention is the only treatment for the
      disease, there is no scientific evidence so far on rehabilitation treatment.
      Objectives of the review are: research the best literary evidence so far on the
      rehabilitation treatment of CMT; critically analyze the outcome, to build an
      evidence-based work protocol.A systematic review of the rehabilitation of a
      patient with CMT, including the results from the following databases: Pubmed,
      Medline, Embase, Pedro, Cinahl, Ebsco discovery. Criteria for inclusion:
      randomized/controlled studies, analytic studies, transversal studies on a cohort
      of at least 10 individuals; medium/long-term report of the results.Eleven studies
      in total have been admitted to the final review phase; trials about physiotherapy
      CMT treatment (5), about orthosis treatment (6). Despite the wide range of
      outcomes and proposed interventions, the data points to the following: strength
      or endurance trainings improve functionality and ADLs of affected patients, while
      orthotic role is, at the moment, not completely clear.Physiotherapy treatment is
      a useful tool to manage CMT; more studies on a larger number of cases are needed
      to define orthosis utility and to establish the gold standard of the treatment. 

PMID- 27124019
TI  - Unusual Localization of a Primary Hydatid Cyst: Scaphoid Bone: A Case Report.
AB  - Because hydatidosis of the bone (echinococcus infection) is a rare parasitic
      infection, its diagnosis and treatment poses great difficulties. Radiologic
      imaging findings are generally helpful to make the diagnosis. But occurrence of
      disease in atypical places and lack of specific radiological findings may
      complicate differential diagnosis. Nevertheless, familiarity with imaging
      findings in patients living at endemic areas provides advantages for diagnosis
      and treatment.We present a cyst hydatic case in scaphoid bone which has been
      reported in the literature only once previously. 

PMID- 27124018
TI  - Toll-like Receptor-4 Polymorphisms and Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 in Newly
      Diagnosed Patients With Calcified Neurocysticercosis and Seizures.
AB  - We evaluated seizure profile, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 polymorphisms, and serum
      matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in patients with calcified
      neurocysticercosis.One-hundred nine patients with calcified neurocysticercosis
      with newly diagnosed seizures and 109 control subjects were enrolled. TLR-4
      Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms and serum MMP-9 levels were evaluated. The
      patients were followed for 1 year.Asp/Gly (P = 0.012) and Thr/Ile (P = 0.002),
      Gly (Asp/Gly plus Gly/Gly) (P = 0.008) and Ile (Thr/Ile plus Ile/Ile) (P = 0.003)
      genotypes were significantly associated with calcified neurocysticercosis
      compared with controls. Gly/Gly and Ile/Ile genotypes were not significantly
      associated (P = 0.529 for Gly/Gly, P = 0.798 for Ile/Ile) with either group. The
      levels of MMP-9 were higher in calcified neurocysticercosis (P =  < 0.001). The
      levels of MMP-9 were higher in patients with multiple calcified
      neurocysticercosis compared with single calcified neurocysticercosis (P =  <
      0.001).Headache (P = 0.031), status epilepticus (P = 0.029), Todd paralysis (P =
      0.039), lesion size >10 mm (P = 0.001), and perilesional edema (P =  < 0.001)
      were significantly associated with seizure recurrence. Heterozygous form Asp/Gly
      (P =  < 0.001) and heterozygous form Thr/Ile (P =  < 0.001) were significantly
      associated with seizure recurrence. The Gly (Asp/Gly plus Gly/Gly) (P =  < 0.001)
      and Ile (Thr/Ile plus Ile/Ile) (P =  < 0.001) genotypes were also significantly
      associated with seizure recurrence. Higher serum MMP-9 levels were significantly
      associated with seizure recurrence (P =  < 0.001).The TLR-4 gene abnormalities
      may trigger inflammation around calcified neurocysticercosis leading to an
      increase in perilesional edema and provocation of seizures. 

PMID- 27124020
TI  - Association Between Race/Ethnicity and Survival of Melanoma Patients in the
      United States Over 3 Decades: A Secondary Analysis of SEER Data.
AB  - Melanoma is a treatable and preventable skin cancer. It is responsible for 75% of
      deaths among all skin cancers. Previous studies have found that race/ethnicity
      may play a role in survival among melanoma patients. However, there are no
      studies that cover 30 years and take race into account for the U.S. POPULATION:
      This study is a secondary analysis of the National Cancer Institute's
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) Program. Adults with primary
      cutaneous melanoma from 1982 to 2011 were included; the final sample size was
      185,219. The outcome was survival; both cause-specific and all-cause mortality
      were examined. The main exposure was race/ethnicity. Kaplan-Meier survival
      analysis was used to estimate overall survival. Cox proportional hazards
      regression was used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). A P
      value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.More than 50% of
      patients in all races/ethnicities were diagnosed at the in situ or localized
      stage. Non-Hispanic White patients were more frequently diagnosed at the in situ
      stage. Overall, more men were diagnosed than women. The majority of cases among
      all races were men. Non-Hispanic Black females represented the smallest
      percentage of melanoma cases among all races. The smallest number of diagnoses
      across all races/ethnicities was made from 1982 to 1991. Median follow-up was 81
      months and no collinearity was observed in the adjusted models. When examining
      cause-specific mortality and controlling for site and stage at diagnosis, gender,
      age and decade of diagnosis, the HR for non-Hispanic Black patients was lower
      than that for non-Hispanic White patients (HR 0.7; 95% confidence interval (CI):
      0.6-0.8). However, when examining all-cause mortality, this difference
      disappeared (HR 1.1; 95% CI: 1.0-1.2). Stage at diagnosis impacted HR; patients
      diagnosed with distant metastases had significantly worse survival.When taking
      cause-specific mortality into consideration and after controlling for stage and
      site at diagnosis, gender, and age and decade of diagnosis, non-Hispanic Black
      patients had a lower HR compared to non-Hispanic White patients. However, this
      difference disappeared when examining all-cause mortality. Further research is
      needed to explore this finding and to determine what factors may be associated
      with late-stage melanoma diagnosis.

PMID- 27124021
TI  - Patient Perceptions of Expression of Empathy From Chinese Medicine Clinicians in
      a Chinese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - This study aims to examine the level of empathy perceived by patients receiving
      care from herbalists, acupuncturists and massage therapists and to investigate
      the factors that influence levels of perceived empathy.Participants who were 18
      years or above; able to provide written informed consent; and able to read and
      write in Chinese without assistance were included. A total of 514 participants
      sampled from charity and semipublic Chinese medicine (CM) clinics in Hong Kong
      were recruited to assess levels of empathy perceived during various length of
      consultations (1-20 minutes) by the Chinese Consultation and Relational Empathy
      Measure (Chinese CARE). Multiple linear regressions were conducted to evaluate
      the associations between perceived levels of empathy and the type of CM
      practitioner consulted and participants' demographic and health
      characteristics.The average Chinese CARE total score for participants consulting
      CM practitioners was 34.3 of a maximum of 50. After adjusting for participants'
      health and demographic characteristics, acupuncturists received the highest
      ratings (P < 0.001), whereas massage therapists (P < 0.001) scored the lowest of
      the 3 modalities. Participants receiving social benefits (P = 0.013), those with
      longer waiting times (P = 0.002), and those with shorter consultation durations
      (P = 0.020) scored significantly lower on the Chinese CARE.The level of empathy
      perceived by participants using CM was similar to results found for those in
      conventional care, in contrast to findings in other geographical settings, where
      a high level of perceived empathy was a major motivator for participants to
      choose complementary medicine. 

PMID- 27124022
TI  - Descending Control of Nociceptive Processing in Knee Osteoarthritis Is Associated
      With Intracortical Disinhibition: An Exploratory Study.
AB  - Based on the hypothesis that an imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory input is a
      central mechanism of knee osteoarthritis chronic pain (KOACP), this exploratory
      study had the following aims: to compare whether the function of the descending
      inhibitory pain pathway is associated with the state of inhibition in the
      corticospinal system indexed by the motor-evoked potential (MEP) and the cortical
      salient period (CSP) in patients with severe osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy
      controls; and to determine if there is correlation between the measures of
      intracortical inhibition (CSP, MEP) with changes on the numerical pain scale (NPS
      [0-10]) in KOACP during a conditioned pain modulation (CPM)-task considering the
      effect of self-reported function assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster
      Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and analgesic use.In a cross-sectional
      study, we included females (n = 21), with disability by pain or stiffness due to
      KOACP and healthy controls (n = 10), aged 19 to 75 years. The motor cortex
      excitability parameters (MEP and CSP) were assessed using the transcranial
      magnetic stimulation. We assessed the pain and disability by the WOMAC, and
      change on NPS (0-10) during CPM-task.A Multivariate analysis of covariance
      revealed that the adjusted mean (SD) on the MEP amplitude was 13.53% higher in
      the OA than in healthy subjects (1.33 [0.49] vs 1.15 [0.13]), respectively (P =
      0.16). The adjusted mean (SD) on the CSP observed in OA patients was 23.43% lower
      than in healthy subjects (54.54 [16.10] vs 70.94 [22.87]), respectively (P =
      0.01). The function of the descending pain modulatory system assessed by change
      on NPS (0-10) during a CPM-task was negatively correlated with the cortical
      excitability parameter indexed by the CSP (P = 0.001). Also, the CSP was
      negatively correlated with the pain and disability assessed by the WOMAC
      index.These findings support the hypothesis that the change in cortical
      plasticity in KOACP is associated with less intracortical inhibition, as measured
      by the CSP. These results show that the neural change in the motor cortex in
      KOACP is associated with pain and disability levels, and also with decreased
      activation of the endogenous pain-modulating system by a CPM-task. 

PMID- 27124023
TI  - The Association Between Glycosylation of Immunoglobulin G and Hypertension: A
      Multiple Ethnic Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - More than half of all known proteins, and almost all membrane and extra-cellular
      proteins have oligosaccharide structures or glycans attached to them. Defects in
      glycosylation pathways are directly involved in at least 30 severe human
      diseases.A multiple center cross-sectional study (China, Croatia, and Scotland)
      was carried out to investigate the possible association between hypertension and
      IgG glycosylation. A hydrophilic interaction chromatography of fluorescently
      labeled glycans was used to analyze N-glycans attached to IgG in plasma samples
      from a total of 4757 individuals of Chinese Han, Croatian, and Scottish
      ethnicity.Five glycans (IgG with digalactosylated glycans) significantly differed
      in participants with prehypertension or hypertension compared to those with
      normal blood pressure, while additional 17 glycan traits were only significantly
      differed in participants with hypertension compared to those of normal blood
      pressure. These glycans were also significant correlated with systolic blood
      pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP).The present study demonstrated
      for the 1st time an association between hypertension and IgG glycome composition.
      These findings suggest that the individual variation in N-glycosylation of IgG
      contributes to pathogenesis of hypertension, presumably via its effect on pro-
      and/or anti-inflammatory pathways. 

PMID- 27124024
TI  - Statins are Associated With a Reduced Risk of Brain Cancer: A Population-Based
      Case-Control Study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate whether statin utilization is associated
      with brain cancer risk.A population-based case-control study was conducted using
      nationally representative claims data from the National Health Insurance Bureau
      in Taiwan. Cases included all patients 50 years and older who received an index
      diagnosis of brain cancer between 2004 and 2011. Our controls were matched by
      age, sex, and index date. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) using multiple logistic regression.We examined 213
      brain cancer cases and 852 controls. The unadjusted ORs for any statin
      prescription was 0.77 (95% CI = 0.50-1.18) and the adjusted OR was 0.59 (95% CI =
      0.37-0.96). Compared with no use of statins, the adjusted ORs were 0.68 (95% CI =
      0.38-1.24) for the group having been prescribed with statins with cumulative
      defined daily dose (DDD) below 144.67 DDDs and 0.50 (95% CI = 0.28-0.97) for the
      group with the cumulative statin use of 144.67 DDDs or more.The results of this
      study suggest that statins may reduce the risk of brain cancer. 

PMID- 27124025
TI  - Evaluating Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Plasma miRNA133a in Acute Chest
      Pain Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography.
AB  - Circulating microRNA has recently emerged as a promising biomarker for
      cardiovascular disease. This study sought to evaluate the diagnostic and
      prognostic value of circulating miR-133a as a marker of acute myocardial
      infarction in acute chest pain patients undergoing coronary angiography.Plasma
      was collected from 312 patients with chest pain on admission in the emergency
      department and 67 healthy controls. MiR-133a was detected using real-time
      quantitative PCR and enhanced accu-TnI, creatinine kinase-MB mass, and myoglobin
      were measured by immunoassay. End-point events (serious adverse cardiovascular
      events which require hospitalization or cardiovascular death) were examined in
      the AMI (acute myocardical infarction) group within 1, 6, 12, and 24 months.The
      miR-133a level was higher in AMI patients than in non-AMI patients (P < 0.001).
      In the ROC analysis, the sensitivity of miR-133a in diagnosis of AMI is 0.61 and
      the specificity is 0.68. In the prognostic analysis, only 1 endpoint event was
      observed in the non-AMI group; the amount of cases with end-point events in the
      AMI group at 1,6,12, and 24 months were 8, 19, 28, and 35, respectively. The
      cutoff value of miR-133a was determined using the median value of the AMI group
      and separated the patients into a positive group and a negative group. The Kaplan
      Meier survival curve showed no significant difference in survival was detected in
      AMI patients between the miR-133a positive group and negative group after follow
      up (12-month: x2 = 1.353, P = 0.245; 24-month: x2 = 3.722, P = 0.054). After
      adjusting for age, gender, Killip classes, prior myocardiac infarction history,
      myoglobin, LVEF (left ventricular ejection fraction), diabetes, hypertension,
      smoking and systolic blood pressure, miR133a had a significant association with
      the risk of events at 12 months (HR = 2.869, P = 0.024) and 24 months (HR =
      3.936, P = 0.001).In patients undergoing coronary angiography, circulating miR
      133a is upregulated in AMI patients, but it does not provide enough accuracy for
      clinical AMI diagnosis because it also rises in unstable angina patients. Its
      prognostic value in AMI is uncertain mainly for the number of cases with end
      point event was small and may be further validated in a larger, better designed
      study. 

PMID- 27124026
TI  - 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D, Vitamin D Receptor and Toll-like Receptor 2 Polymorphisms
      in Spinal Tuberculosis: A Case-Control Study.
AB  - Vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene abnormalities confer
      susceptibility to tuberculosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), such asTLR-2, are
      also important mediators of inflammatory response against Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis. We evaluated serum vitamin D, and VDR and TLR-2 gene polymorphisms
      in patients with spinal tuberculosis.This study comprised of 3 groups: spinal
      tuberculosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, and controls (each with 106 subjects).
      Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure vitamin D levels, and
      polymerase chain reaction-sequencing method was used to analyze VDR and TLR-2
      gene polymorphisms. Patients were followed up for 6 months.Vitamin D deficiency
      was significantly more prevalent in patients with spinal tuberculosis (P < 0.001)
      and pulmonary tuberculosis (P = 0.011), versus controls. The heterozygous and
      mutant genotypes of VDR TaqI gene were significantly associated with spinal
      tuberculosis (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] 4.74 [2.45-9.18]) and pulmonary
      tuberculosis (P < 0.001; OR 3.52 [1.80-6.88]) when compared with controls. The
      heterozygous and mutant variants of VDR ApaI gene were significantly more common
      in patients with spinal tuberculosis in comparison with patients with pulmonary
      tuberculosis (P < 0.001; OR 2.90 [1.65-5.10]) and controls (P < 0.001; OR 6.56
      [3.41-12.61]). We did not observe any significantly different results for TLR-2
      gene polymorphisms. Vitamin D deficiency, VDR, and TLR-2 polymorphisms did not
      affect the 6-month disability.Vitamin D deficiency and VDR gene polymorphisms are
      significantly more prevalent in people with pulmonary and spinal tuberculosis.
      They may, in isolation or collectively, confer susceptibility to pulmonary and
      spinal tuberculosis. 

PMID- 27124027
TI  - Glomerular Filtration Rate and Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio Associated With
      Hearing Impairment Among Korean Adults With Diabetes: A Nationwide Population
      Based Study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine the association of estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR)
      with hearing impairment among diabetic adults in Korea. The study was based on
      data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011 to 2012.
      Participants were 1206 diabetic adults, aged over 19 years, who completed
      audiometric testing supervised by nationally certified clinicians. Hearing
      impairment was defined in three grades: no hearing impairment (pure-tone average
      0-25 dB), slight hearing impairment (26-40 dB), and disabling hearing impairment
      (>40 dB) in the better ear at frequencies 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz. Using
      logistic regression, risk of hearing impairment was assessed after having
      controlled for confounding factors. Higher levels of ACR and lower levels of eGFR
      correlated with an increase in percentage of disabling hearing impairment both
      unilaterally and bilaterally (P < 0.001). Controlling for possible confounding
      covariates, odds ratios for hearing impairment showed tendency to increase in
      higher ACR groups (P for trend = 0.029). Similar pattern was examined between
      eGFR and hearing impairment (P for trend = 0.006). Odds ratios were 1.981 (1.146,
      3.424) for ACR Q4 and 2.773 (1.286, 5.983) for eGFR < 60 mL/min. Fall in eGFR and
      rise in ACR correlated with severity of hearing impairment. The association
      existed independently of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking, drinking,
      exercise, new onset of diabetes, education, income, mental stress, noise
      exposure, and metabolic syndrome. 

PMID- 27124028
TI  - Low-Dose Sevoflurane May Reduce Blood Loss and Need for Blood Products After
      Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Pilot Study.
AB  - Patients undergoing cardiac surgery often experience abnormal bleeding, due
      primarily to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)-induced activation of platelets.
      Sevoflurane may inhibit platelet activation, raising the possibility that
      administering it during CPB may reduce blood loss.Patients between 18 and 65
      years old who were scheduled for cardiac surgery under CPB at our hospital were
      prospectively enrolled and randomized to receive intravenous anesthetics alone
      (control group, n = 77) or together with sevoflurane (0.5-1.0 vol/%) from an
      oxygenator (sevoflurane group, n = 76). The primary outcome was postoperative
      blood loss, the secondary outcome was postoperative need for blood
      products.Volume of blood loss was 48% lower in the sevoflurane group than the
      control group at 4 hours after surgery, and 33% lower at 12 hours after surgery.
      Significantly fewer patients in the sevoflurane group lost >700 mL blood within
      24 hours (9 of 76 vs 28 of 77, P < 0.001). As a result, the sevoflurane group
      received significantly smaller volumes of packed red blood cells (1.25 +/- 2.36
      vs 2.23 +/- 3.75 units, P = 0.011) and fresh frozen plasma (97 +/- 237 vs 236 +/-
      344 mL, P = 0.004). Thus the sevoflurane group was at significantly lower risk of
      requiring complex blood products after surgery (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.34,
      95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17-0.68, P = 0.002).Sevoflurane inhalation from an
      oxygenator during CPB may reduce blood loss and need for blood products after
      cardiac surgery. 

PMID- 27124029
TI  - Aspiration Thrombectomy and Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation Decrease the
      Occurrence of Angina Pectoris One Year After Acute Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - Angina pectoris is a treatable symptom that is associated with mortality and
      decreased quality of life. Angina eradication is a primary care goal of care
      after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Our aim was to evaluate factors
      influencing angina pectoris 1 year after an AMI.From January 2005 to December
      2013, 1547 patient received primary percutaneous intervention in our hospital for
      an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI). Of these patients, 1336
      patients did not experience post-MI angina during a 1-year follow-up, and 211
      patients did. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were
      performed to identify the factors influencing angina pectoris 1 year after an
      AMI. Propensity score matched analyses were performed for subgroups analyses.The
      average age of the patients was 61.08 +/- 12.77 years, with a range of 25 to 97
      years, and 82.9% of the patients were male. During 1-year follow-up, 13.6% of the
      patients experienced post-MI angina. There was a longer chest pain-to-reperfusion
      time in the post-MI angina group (P = 0.01), as well as a higher fasting sugar
      level, glycohemoglobin (HbA1C), serum creatinine, troponin-I and creatine kinase
      MB (CK-MB). The post-MI angina group also had a higher prevalence of multiple
      vessel disease. Manual thrombectomy, and distal protective device and
      intracoronary glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor injection were used frequently in
      the no post-MI angina group. Antiplatelet agents and post-MI medication usage
      were similar between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic regression analyses
      demonstrated that prior MI was a positive independent predictor of occurrence of
      post-MI angina. Manual thrombectomy use and drug-eluting stent implantation were
      negative independent predictors of post-MI angina. Higher troponin-I and longer
      chest pain-to-reperfusion time exhibited a trend toward predicting post-MI
      angina.Prior MIs were strong, independent predictors of post-MI angina. Manual
      thrombectomy and drug-eluting stent implantation could decrease the occurrence of
      angina pectoris 1 year after an AMI, decrease long-term healthy costs, and
      increase post-MI quality of life. 

PMID- 27124030
TI  - Utility of Red Cell Distribution Width as a Prognostic Factor in Young Breast
      Cancer Patients.
AB  - The prognosis of breast cancer occurs in young women is usually poor. Red cell
      distribution width (RDW), 1 of many routinely examined parameters, has recently
      been proposed as a prognostic marker in solid tumors. The aim of our study was to
      assess the predictive value of RDW for survival in young women with breast
      cancer.We reviewed 203 consecutive young female patients (under 40) with invasive
      breast cancer diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical
      University between January 2008 and December 2012. Preoperational RDW,
      clinicopathological information, and prognostic data were collected. RDW levels
      were divided into 2 groups: 161 patients with low RDW (<=13.75%) and 42 patients
      with high RDW (>13.75%). Clinicopathological differences between the 2 groups
      were calculated by chi-squared test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Kaplan-Meier
      survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to
      examine the effect of RDW on survival.We found that high RDW was significantly
      associated with larger tumor size (P = 0.002), positive lymph node metastases (P
      = 0.011), and advanced stages (P = 0.004). Patients with high RDW showed
      significantly lower disease-free survival (DFS; P < 0.001) and lower overall
      survival (OS) rate (P < 0.001) than patients with low RDW. Moreover, the Cox
      regression multivariate analysis revealed that high pretreatment DRW was
      independently correlated with poor DFS and OS, with hazard ratio 4.819 (95%
      confidence interval [CI] 2.291-10.138, P < 0.001) and 5.887 (95% CI 1.666-20.802,
      P = 0.006), respectively.In conclusion, our study demonstrated that pretreatment
      RDW may be associated with DFS and OS in young women with breast cancer. Further
      validation and feasibility studies are required before the result of our study
      can be considered for clinical practice. 

PMID- 27124031
TI  - The Periosteal Autografts Transplantation for Cartilage Defects of the Hip in
      Older Children With Developmental Dysplasia as an Adjunctive Procedure.
AB  - Cartilage lesions are at a high prevalence in dysplastic hips and may relate to
      arthritic changes and hip joint dysfunction. To date, the effectiveness of repair
      of articular cartilage defects in the dysplastic hips has not yet been thoroughly
      evaluated. Here we retrospectively reviewed the effects of acetabuloplasty
      procedures with/without concomitant autologous tibial periosteal transplantation
      (ATPT) for articular cartilage defects of the hip in older children with
      developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).Older DDH children with focal cartilage
      defects of the acetabular or femoral cartilage or both in the hip joint were
      treated by acetabuloplasty procedures with (Group I) or without (Group II)
      concomitant ATPT to evaluate the improvements in range of motion (ROM), pain
      relief of hip, walking tolerability (WL), radiologic evaluations, and outcomes in
      the long-term follow-up.More satisfactory functional outcome is readily achieved
      among patients treated with combined acetabuloplasty and ATPT, evidenced by
      marked pain relief and improved ROM and WL. The latest favorable radiologic
      evaluation was 70.6% in Group I and 60.0% in Group II, respectively. More hips
      exhibited congruency between the femoral head and the shell, with less deformity
      of femoral head and acetabulum or narrowed joint space in Group I. Few major
      complications were recorded in Group I.Application of periosteal autograft for
      repair of cartilage defects within the hip joint might be an effective adjunctive
      treatment for acetabuloplasty in preventing stiffness, reducing pain, and
      improving ROM and outcomes in hip rehabilitation in the long-term follow-up in
      older children with DDH. 

PMID- 27124032
TI  - Perinatal HIV Status and Executive Function During School-Age and Adolescence: A
      Comparative Study of Long-Term Cognitive Capacity Among Children From a High HIV
      Prevalence Setting.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether perinatal HIV infection (PHIV),
      HIV-exposed uninfected (PHEU) versus HIV-unexposed (PHU) status predicted long
      term executive function (EF) deficit in school-aged Ugandan children.Perinatal
      HIV status was determined by 18 months via DNA polymerase chain reaction test and
      confirmed at cognitive assessment between 6 and 18 years using HIV rapid
      diagnostic test. Primary outcome is child EF measured using behavior-rating
      inventory of executive function questionnaire across 8 subscales summed to derive
      the global executive composite (GEC). EF was proxy-reported by caregivers and
      self-reported by children 11 years or older. Descriptive analyses by perinatal
      HIV status included derivation of mean, standard deviations (SD), number, and
      percent (%) of children with EF deficits warranting clinical vigilance. Raw
      scores were internally standardized by age and sex adjustment. EF scores
      warranting clinical vigilance were defined as >= mean + 1.5SD. t Tests for mean
      score differences by perinatal HIV status and linear-regression models were
      implemented in SAS version 9.4 to derive HIV status-related EF deficits (beta)
      and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Proxy-reported and self-reported EF were
      assessed in 166 and 82 children, respectively. GEC deficit was highest for PHIV
      (mean = 121.9, SD = 29.9), intermediate for PHEU (mean = 107.5, SD = 26.8), and
      lowest for PHU (mean = 103.4, SD = 20.7; P-trend < 0.01). GEC deficit levels
      warranting clinical vigilance occurred in 9 (15.8%), 5 (9.3%) and 0 (0%) PHIV,
      PHEU, and PHU children, respectively (P-trend = 0.01). Nineteen percent (n = 32)
      children had deficits requiring clinical vigilance in >=2 proxy-reported EF
      subscales. Of these, multisubscale deficits occurred in 35.1%, 13.0%, and 9.3% of
      PHIV, PHEU, and PHU respectively (P-trend = 0.001). Multivariable analyses find
      significantly higher GEC deficits for PHIV compared with PHU and PHEU children
      regardless of respondent (all P values <0.01). Proxy-reported EF performance was
      similar for PHEU compared with PHU; however, child self-reported GEC scores were
      elevated by 12.8 units (95% CI: 5.4-25.5) for PHEU compared with PHU.PHIV had
      long-term EF deficits compared with other groups. Furthermore, PHEU >=11 years
      may have long-term EF deficits compared with PHU, but future studies are needed
      to clarify this relationship. Cognitive remediation interventions with emphasis
      on EF may translate to improvements in long-term functional survival in HIV
      affected children from sub-Saharan Africa. 

PMID- 27124033
TI  - Intercondylar Notch Stenosis of Knee Osteoarthritis and Relationship between
      Stenosis and Osteoarthritis Complicated with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A
      Study in MRI.
AB  - The aim of this study was to research whether the patients with knee
      osteoarthritis (OA) exist intercondylar notch stenosis and the relationship
      between stenosis and OA complicated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
      from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).A total of 79 cases of moderate-severe OA
      patients and 71 cases of healthy people were collected; among these OA patients,
      38 were OA complicated with ACL injury and 41 were simple OA. The intercondylar
      notch was divided into A, U, and W types according to the notch shape in the
      axial sequence of MRI. Measurement of the notch width index (NWI) in the
      sequences of axial (NWI-1), coronal (NWI-2), and ACL attachment point at femoral
      (NWI-A) was done. The differences of NWI in different groups and different
      sequences were compared and the NWI cut-off values in different sequences were
      resolved by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve which could be used
      as indicators for intercondylar notch narrowing were calculated.The proportion of
      type A in moderate-severe OA group was larger than healthy group, and similar to
      OA complicated with ACL injury and simple OA groups (P <0.05). The NWI values of
      the moderate-severe OA group in three sequences were smaller than the healthy
      group, and similar to OA complicated with ACL injury and simple OA groups (P
      <0.001). The cut-off values of ROC curve were NWI-1 <0.266, NWI-2 <0.247, and NWI
      A <0.253 in the moderate-severe OA group, and NWI-1 <0.263, NWI-2 <0.246, and NWI
      A <0.253 in the OA complicated with ACL injury group. The intercondylar notch of
      moderate-severe OA patients exist significant stenosis. Type A is one of the
      variables that predispose a notch to stenosis. Intercondylar notch stenosis and
      type A are risk factors for moderate-severe OA patients complicated with ACL
      injury. 

PMID- 27124034
TI  - Removal of Laryngeal Mask Airway in Adults Under Target-Controlled, Propofol
      Fentanyl Infusion Anesthesia: Awake or Deep Anesthesia?
AB  - After emergence from anesthesia, the incidence and severity of adverse airway
      effects caused by the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) can vary, depending on when the
      device was removed; nonetheless, reports differ regarding the exact optimal
      timing of LMA removal. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of
      adverse events between 2 groups: those whose LMA was removed under general
      anesthesia ("deep" group) or under target-controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol
      ("awake" group).Institutional Review Board approval and written informed consent
      were obtained; 124 patients were then randomly allocated into either the "awake"
      group or the "deep" group. Anesthesia was induced and maintained using TCI of
      propofol, as well as intravenous fentanyl. In the "deep" group, the LMA was
      removed after surgery while the patients were deeply anesthetized using a target
      effect-site propofol concentration of 2 MUg/mL, whereas in the "awake" group, the
      device was removed while the patients followed verbal instructions. The incidence
      of the following adverse events was recorded: coughing, straining, bronchospasm,
      laryngospasm, clenching, breath holding, gross purposeful movement, airway
      obstruction, retching, vomiting, and oxygen desaturation. If any such event
      occurred, the LMA removal was considered a failure. Airway hyperreactivity was
      recorded and graded - based on the severity of cough, breath holding, and oxygen
      desaturation.The failure rate was higher in the "awake" group (15/61; 24.6%) than
      in the "deep" group (5/60; 8.3%). Airway hyperreactivity was mild (score, <3) in
      both groups.Removal of the LMA under deep anesthesia using a target-controlled,
      effect-site propofol concentration of 2 MUg/mL may be safer and more successful
      than removal when patients are fully awake after surgery. 

PMID- 27124035
TI  - Combination of Klinefelter Syndrome and Acromegaly: A Rare Case Report.
AB  - Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is the most common chromosomal aneuploidy in male
      population, which demonstrates an unusual association with acromegaly. We herein
      present a rare case involving the confirmation of KS 2 years after surgical
      treatment for acromegaly.A 27-year-old man presented with an acromegalic
      appearance. Endocrinological examination revealed a high growth hormone (GH)
      concentration, low testosterone concentration, and high follicle-stimulating
      hormone and luteinizing hormone concentration. Brain imaging revealed a 9 * 6 * 7
      mm sellar low-density nodule suggestive of a microadenoma. Trans-sphenoidal
      surgery was undertaken, and immunohistochemistry revealed GH positivity. Two
      years after surgery, the patient underwent examination for infertility. He
      presented with diminished pubic hair, and small and firm testes. Hormonal assay
      revealed hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism on the basis of decreased serum total
      testosterone (<0.2 ng/mL), and elevated luteinizing hormone (14.71 mIU/mL) and
      follicle-stimulating hormone (21.8 mIU/mL). A chromosomal karyotype examination
      showed 47,XXY, confirming the diagnosis of KS. Replacement therapy with oral
      testosterone undecanoate was begun. Brain imaging showed no delayed enhancement
      in the saddle region of the pituitary gland, but the concentration of plasma
      insulin-like growth factor maintained a high level. The patient's GH
      concentration was not significantly suppressed by the GH glucose suppression
      test. In this consideration, he was referred for postoperative somatostatin
      analogue treatment to control GH hypersecretion.The misdiagnosis or delayed
      diagnosis of KS is mainly because of substantial variations in clinical
      presentation and insufficient professional awareness of the syndrome itself. As
      the simultaneous occurrence of KS and acromegaly is rare, and the association
      between them remains unclear, we suggest that complete pituitary hormonal
      screening and conventional pituitary MRI should be essential for patients with KS
      to screen for pituitary tumor. 

PMID- 27124036
TI  - Long-Term Outcomes of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in 148 Children and Adolescents.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the survival and long-term morbidities
      of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in children and adolescents.We retrospectively
      reviewed children and adolescents with NPC treated at Sun Yat-sen University
      Cancer Center from February 1991 to October 2010, where the prognostic factors
      and long-term effects of therapy were analyzed.A total of 148 patients were
      identified. The median age was 15 years old (range, 5-18 years) and the male to
      female ratio was 3.6:1. Most of the tumor histopathology was undifferentiated
      nonkeratinizing carcinoma (97.3%). The number of patients staged with IVa, IVb,
      IVc, III, and II were 45 (30.4%), 12 (8.1%), 5 (3.4%), 70 (47.3%), and 16
      (10.8%), respectively. For the whole series with a median follow-up of 81 months
      (range, 6-282 months), the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival
      (DFS) ratios were 79.3% and 69.7%, respectively. We observed significant
      differences in the 5-year OS (81.1% vs 25.0%, P = 0.002) and the DFS rates (72.2%
      vs 0.0%, P = 0.000) between patients with stage II to IVb disease and stage IVc
      disease. For patients with stage II, III, IVa, and IVb disease, we found a high
      radiation dose (dose > 66 Gy to the primary lesion) would not significantly
      improve the survival compared to the sub-high radiation dose group (dose = 60-66
      Gy to the primary lesion), even considering the type of radiation therapy
      technologies. However, the incidences of sequelae (grades I-IV) in patients with
      high radiation dose were apparently higher than those in patients with low
      radiation dose.Considering the late sequelae, a dose of 60 to 66 Gy to the
      primary lesions seems to be enough for children and adolescents with NPC. 

PMID- 27124037
TI  - Association of Urinary Sodium Excretion With Insulin Resistance in Korean
      Adolescents: Results From the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey 2009-2010.
AB  - High sodium intake is a well-known risk factor for elevated blood pressure and is
      responsible for a higher incidence of cardiovascular events. Reports have
      suggested an association of sodium intake with insulin resistance (IR) and type 2
      diabetes mellitus in adults. However, evidence on an association between sodium
      intake assessed on the basis of urinary sodium excretion and IR in adolescents is
      scarce. The present study aimed at investigating the association between urinary
      sodium excretion and IR among South Korean adolescents.This population-based,
      cross-sectional study analyzed the data obtained from the Korea National Health
      and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2009 to 2010. The data of a total of
      1353 adolescents (779 boys and 574 girls) were included in the final analysis.
      Spot urine samples were collected, and urinary sodium excretion was estimated by
      using the urinary sodium concentration (U[Na]), U[Na] to urinary creatinine ratio
      (U[Na]/Cr), and U[Na] to specific gravity unit (SGU) ratio (U[Na]/SGU). IR was
      assessed by using the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). Hierarchical
      multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk for a
      high HOMA-IR according to urinary sodium excretion.The mean levels of U[Na],
      U[Na]/Cr, and U[Na]/SGU were significantly higher in subjects in the highest HOMA
      IR quartile (Q4) than in subjects in the lowest, second, or third quartiles (Q1
      3) of HOMA-IR. The mean values of HOMA-IR and several cardiometabolic parameters
      tended to progressively increase with the U[Na], U[Na]/Cr, and U[Na]/SGU
      quartiles. Q3 of U[Na] was at a significantly higher risk than Q1 of U[Na] of an
      association with Q4 of HOMA-IR, after adjustment for confounding variables. Q3
      and Q4 of U[Na]/Cr and U[Na]/SGU, respectively, had significantly higher risks,
      than the respective Q1s, of an association with Q4 of HOMA-IR. The risk of an
      association with Q4 of HOMA-IR demonstrated significantly increasing trends with
      increasing quartiles of U[Na], U[Na]/Cr, and U[Na]/SGU irrespective of
      confounding factors.Urinary sodium excretion was positively associated with IR in
      South Korean adolescents. The monitoring and control of urinary sodium excretion
      may be recommended as an important intervention for the prevention of IR and
      related diseases in adolescents. 

PMID- 27124038
TI  - A Systematic Review of Des-gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin for the Diagnosis of Primary
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - Determining the serum des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin (DCP) level is of great
      importance for the diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC). Although
      several studies have investigated the accuracy of diagnostic DCP tests for PHC,
      the results have been inconsistent.The aim of this study was to systematically
      evaluate DCP as a diagnostic standard for PHC.Several databases, including
      PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE (Ovid), the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure
      (CNKI), the VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP), WanFang Data,
      and the China Biological Medicine Database (CBM), were searched from the date of
      database inception until July 1, 2015 to collect published international and
      domestic studies of DCP in the diagnosis of PHC. Two investigators screened the
      literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the data,
      and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies.A total of 38
      studies involving 11,124 cases were included (5298 cases in the PHC group and
      5826 cases in the control group). A meta-analysis was then performed using Meta
      Disc 1.4 and RevMan 5.2 software. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive
      likelihood ratio (+LR), and negative likelihood ratio (-LR) of DCP for the
      detection of PHC were 0.66 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.68), 0.88 (95%
      CI: 0.87-0.90), 7.13 (95% CI: 5.73-8.87), and 0.33 (95% CI: 0.29-0.38),
      respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the summary receiver-operating
      characteristic curve (SROC) was 0.9002. In conclusion, DCP has moderate
      diagnostic utility for PHC. Owing to the heterogeneity and limitations of the
      included studies, the above conclusion requires further support from additional
      high-quality studies. 

PMID- 27124039
TI  - Maximum Standard Uptake Value as a Clinical Biomarker for Detecting Loss of SMAD4
      Expression and Early Systemic Tumor Recurrence in Resected Left-Sided Pancreatic
      Cancer.
AB  - This study investigated the oncologic impact of loss of SMAD4 expression in
      resected left-sided pancreatic cancer and its correlation with tumor
      metabolism.From 2005 to 2011, the medical records of patients who underwent
      radical distal pancreatectomy for resectable pancreatic cancer were
      retrospectively reviewed. Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue from 32
      patients was investigated. Clinicopathological characteristics, immunostaining of
      SMAD4, and positron emission tomography-based parameters were analyzed in
      relation to oncologic outcomes.Thirteen patients were women and 19 were men, with
      a mean age of 63 +/- 9.4 years. Mean resected tumor size was 3.3 +/- 1.5 cm. Ten
      patients (31.3%) showed loss of SMAD4 expression. No significant
      clinicopathological differences were noted according to SMAD4 expression (P >
      0.05); however, patients with loss of SMAD4 showed significantly poorer disease
      free survival (mean 57.4 months vs mean 17.6 months, P = 0.006). As a cut-off
      value, a SUVmax of 4.5 was found to be predictive of loss of SMAD4 with a
      sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 84.6%. In logistic regression analysis,
      SUVmax>4.5 was found to infer a 16-fold higher risk for loss of SMAD4 in resected
      left-sided pancreatic cancers (Exp[beta] = 16.5, P = 0.012, 95% confidence
      interval: 1.832-148.606).Loss of SMAD4 is associated with poor oncologic
      outcomes. SUVmax can predict loss of SMAD4 in resected left-sided pancreatic
      cancer. SUVmax may be a clinical biomarker for detecting loss of SMAD4 expression
      and predicting early systemic metastasis. 

PMID- 27124040
TI  - Impact of Instrumented Spinal Fusion on the Development of Vertebral Compression
      Fracture.
AB  - Instrumented spinal fusion has become one of the most common surgeries for
      patients with various spinal disorders. Only few studies have reported subsequent
      vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) after instrumented spinal fusion. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of new VCFs in patients undergoing
      instrumented spinal fusion.We obtained claims data from the National Health
      Insurance Research Database of Taiwan and retrospectively reviewed 6949 patients
      with instrumented spinal fusion as the spinal fusion cohort. Control subjects
      were individually matched at a ratio of 10:1 with those of the spinal fusion
      cohort according to age, sex, and the index day. Comorbidities were classified as
      those existing before the index day, and these included diabetes mellitus,
      hypertension, osteoporosis, and cerebrovascular accident. The end of the follow
      up period for the analyses was marked on the day new VCFs developed, enrolment in
      the National Health Insurance was terminated, on the day of death, or until the
      end of 2012. We used the Cox proportion hazards model to analyze the hazard ratio
      (HR) for developing new VCFs.Patients with instrumented spinal fusion were
      significantly more likely to develop new VCFs (1.87% vs .25%, HR: 8.56; P <
      0.001). Female, elderly, and osteoporotic patients had a high incidence of new
      VCFs after spinal fusion. The HR for developing new VCFs after instrumented
      spinal fusion was higher in patients younger than 65 years than in those 65 years
      or older (HR: 10.61 vs 8.09). Male patients with instrumented spinal fusion also
      had a higher HR of developing new VCFs than female patients (men, HR: 26.42;
      women, HR: 7.53).In our retrospective cohort study, patients who had undergone
      instrumented spinal fusion surgery exhibited an increased risk of developing new
      VCFs. Particularly, the HR increased in young (age <65 years) and male patients. 

PMID- 27124041
TI  - Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Versus Medical Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in
      Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled
      Trials.
AB  - The aim of the study is to compare Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery versus
      medical treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in obese patients.Bariatric
      surgery can achieve remission of T2DM in obese patients. RYGB surgery has been
      performed as one of the most common surgical treatment options for obese patients
      with T2DM, but the efficacy of RYGB surgery comparing with medical treatment
      alone has not been conclusively determined.A systematic literature search
      identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating RYGB surgery versus
      medical treatment for T2DM in obese patients was conducted in PubMed, Embase,
      Cochrane Database, and Cochrane Clinical Trials Registry. This systematic review
      and meta-analysis were performed according to the preferred reporting items for
      systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The primary outcome was
      T2DM remission. Additional analyses comprised hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting
      plasma glucose (FPG), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, serum lipid
      level, blood pressure, medication use, and adverse events. Random-effects meta
      analyses were calculated and presented as weighted odds ratio (OR) or mean
      difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Six RCTs concerning 410 total
      obese T2DM patients were included. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 60 months. RYGB
      surgery was associated with a higher T2DM remission rate (OR: 76.37, 95% CI:
      20.70-281.73, P < 0.001) and serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (MD: 0.24 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.18-0.30 mmol/L, P < 0.001) than medical treatment
      alone. HbA1c (MD: -1.25%, 95% CI: -1.88% to -0.63%, P < 0.001), BMI (MD: -6.54
      kg/m, 95% CI: -9.28 to -3.80 kg/m, P < 0.001), waist circumference (MD: -15.60
      cm, 95% CI: -18.21 to -13.00 cm, P < 0.001), triglyceride (MD: -0.87 mmol/L, 95%
      CI: -1.17 to -0.57 mmol/L, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: 
      0.32 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.62 to -0.02 mmol/L, P = 0.04), systolic blood pressure
      (MD: -2.83 mm Hg, 95% CI: -4.88 to -0.78 mm Hg, P < 0.01) were lower after RYGB
      surgery. However, FPG (MD: -1.58 mmol/L, 95% CI: -3.58 to 0.41 mmol/L, P = 0.12),
      total cholesterol (MD: -0.40 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.92 to 0.12 mmol/L, P = 0.13), and
      diastolic blood pressure (MD: 0.28 mm Hg, 95% CI: -1.89 to 2.45 mm Hg, P = 0.80)
      were not significantly different between the 2 treatment groups. The medicine use
      and quality of life were solely improved in the surgical group. Nutritional
      deficiencies and anemia were noted more frequently in the RYGB group.RYGB surgery
      is superior to medical treatment for short- to medium-term remission of T2DM,
      improvement of metabolic condition, and cardiovascular risk factors. Further RCTs
      should address the safety and long-term benefits of RYGB surgery on obese
      patients with T2DM. 

PMID- 27124042
TI  - Evaluation of the Immune Response to Interferon Gamma Release Assay and
      Tuberculin Skin Test Among BCG Vaccinated Children in East of Egypt: A Cross
      Sectional Study.
AB  - Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine (BCG) vaccination is used routinely in most of
      countries, especially developing one. The efficacy of the BCG vaccination
      generally decreases with time. The tuberculin skin test (TST) is a most popular
      diagnostic test for suspicion of tuberculosis (TB) in children till now, but it
      has many false positives. The interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) is more
      specific than TST for detection of childhood TB, as it is more specific to
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Evaluate the interferon gamma response and TST
      reaction in BCG vaccinated children in east of Egypt.150 children were included
      in the study aged 1 month to 12 years; the collected data from the children
      included, full history taking, clinical examination, examination for the presence
      or absence of BCG scar under direct light. All the children had performed TST,
      IGRA.TST was done for all studied group reveal 51.3% with size of reaction <5 mm,
      39.3% with size of reaction = 5 to 9 mm while 9.3% with size of reaction >=10 mm.
      Mean size of reaction was 4.07 mm. Interferon gamma release assay was done for
      all studied group reveal 5 children (3.3%) with positive test. There was
      significant difference between the size of TST reaction and age (P < 0.01) with
      old children were more frequent to show positive reaction. Also, children with
      age range 1 month to 1 year were frequently have negative IGRA test, while
      children with age range 4 years to 12 years were frequently have positive test (P
      < 0.01). There was moderate agreement between IGRA and TST results (Kappa [kappa]
      = 0.475). With high agreement between IGRA and TST results in children with
      absent BCG scar (kappa = 1000).Therefore, Interferon gamma release assays have
      higher specificity and lower cross-reactions with BCG vaccination and
      nontuberculous Mycobacteraie than TST. 

PMID- 27124043
TI  - Characteristics of Venous Thromboembolism in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma in East
      Asian Ethnics: A Large Population-Based Observational Study.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer (PC) is known to be frequently associated with venous
      thromboembolism (VTE). Although treatment and prophylaxis strategies for VTE in
      PC patients were updated recently, these were mainly based on data from Western
      populations and were not verified in East Asian ethnic populations.We
      investigated the clinical characteristics of VTE in East Asian PC patients. We
      reviewed electronic medical records (EMR) of 1334 patients diagnosed with
      pancreatic adenocarcinoma from 2005 to 2010 at single tertiary hospital in Korea.
      All the patients with newly diagnosed VTE were classified by anatomical site and
      manifestation of symptoms. The primary outcomes of interest were 2-year
      cumulative incidence of VTE events. Cox proportional hazards models were used to
      analyze associations between risk factors and clinical outcomes.A total of 1115
      patients were eligible for enrollment. The 2-year cumulative VTE incidence was
      9.2%. Major risk factors associated with VTE event were advanced cancer stage,
      major surgery, and poor performance status. Risk factors associated with
      mortality after PC diagnosis included advanced cancer stage, poor performance
      score, leukocytosis, and lower albumin level. The overall VTE did not affected
      mortality. However in subgroup analysis, symptomatic VTE and deep vein
      thrombosis/pulmonary thromboembolism (DVT/PTE) showed worse prognosis than
      incidental or intra-abdominal VTE.The overall incidence of VTE events in Korean
      PC patients was lower than previous studies. Advanced cancer stage was the most
      important factor for VTE event and mortality. Unlike Western population group,
      VTE event did not affect overall prognosis after PC diagnosis. However,
      symptomatic VTE and DVT/PTE showed higher mortality after VTE event. 

PMID- 27124044
TI  - Prognostic Factors Toward Clinically Relevant Radiographic Progression in
      Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Clinical Practice: A Japanese Multicenter,
      Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study for Achieving a Treat-to-Target Strategy.
AB  - To determine prognostic factors of clinically relevant radiographic progression
      (CRRP) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in clinical practice.We
      performed a multicenter prospective study in Japan of biological disease
      modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD)-naive RA patients with moderate to high
      disease activity treated with conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs) at study
      entry. We longitudinally observed 408 patients for 1 year and assessed disease
      activity every 3 months. CRRP was defined as yearly progression of modified total
      Sharp score (mTSS) > 3.0 U. We also divided the cohort into 2 groups based on
      disease duration (<3 vs >=3 years) and performed a subgroup analysis.CRRP was
      found in 10.3% of the patients. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed
      that the independent variables to predict the development of CRRP were: CRP at
      baseline (0.30 mg/dL increase, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.11), time
      integrated Disease Activity Score in 28 joints-erythrocyte sedimentation rate
      (DAS28-ESR) during the 1 year postbaseline (12.4-unit increase, 95%CI 1.17-2.59),
      RA typical erosion at baseline (95%CI 1.56-21.1), and the introduction of bDMARDs
      (95%CI 0.06-0.38). The subgroup analysis revealed that time-integrated DAS28-ESR
      is not a predictor whereas the introduction of bDMARDs is a significant
      protective factor for CRRP in RA patients with disease duration <3 years.We
      identified factors that could be used to predict the development of CRRP in RA
      patients treated with DMARDs. These variables appear to be different based on the
      RA patients' disease durations. 

PMID- 27124045
TI  - Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole-Induced Severe Lactic Acidosis: A Case Report and
      Review of the Literature.
AB  - Propylene glycol (PG) is used as a solvent in numerous medications, including
      trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) and lorazepam, and is metabolized in the
      liver to lactic acid. Cases of lactic acidosis related to PG toxicity have been
      described and always involved large doses of benzodiazepines and PG. We present
      the first case of severe lactic acidosis after a 3-day course of TMP/SMX alone,
      involving allegedly safe amounts of PG.A 31-year-old female with
      neurofibromatosis and pilocytic astrocytoma, receiving temozolomide and steroids,
      was admitted to the intensive care unit for pneumonia and acute respiratory
      failure requiring intubation. Her initial hemodynamic and acid-base statuses were
      normal. She was treated with intravenous TMP/SMX for possible Pneumocystis
      jirovecii pneumonia and was successfully extubated on day 2. On day 3, she
      developed tachypnea and arterial blood gas analysis revealed a severe metabolic
      acidosis (pH 7.2, PCO2 19 mm Hg, bicarbonates 8 mEq/L) with anion gap of 25 mEq/L
      and lactate of 12.1 mmol/L. TMP/SMX was discontinued and the lactate decreased to
      2.9 mmol/L within 24 hours while her plasma bicarbonates normalized, without
      additional intervention. The patient never developed hypotension or severe
      hypoxia, and her renal and liver functions were normal. No other cause for lactic
      acidosis was identified and it resolved after TMP/SMX cessation alone, suggesting
      PG toxicity.Although PG-related lactic acidosis is well recognized after large
      doses of lorazepam, clinicians should bear in mind that TMP/SMX contains PG as
      well and should suspect PG toxicity in patients developing unexplained metabolic
      acidosis while receiving TMP/SMX. 

PMID- 27124046
TI  - Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Esophagus With Unusual Endoscopic Findings: A
      Case Report and Literature Review.
AB  - Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare disease with an
      extremely poor prognosis. We experienced a 79-year-old man with PMME who had
      unusual endoscopic findings. On endoscopy, an elongated lump was detected on 1
      side of the vertical axis of the esophagus. The mass extended progressively for
      15 cm along the esophageal longitudinal axis and invaded half of the esophageal
      circumference. These endoscopic findings were not characteristic of PMME, and the
      condition was confirmed with biopsy and immunohistochemical staining. Here, we
      present this rare case and review the recent relevant literature regarding PMME.
      Doctors should be aware that PMME might present with unusual endoscopic findings.

PMID- 27124047
TI  - Use of Electrocardiography to Predict Future Development of Hypertension in the
      General Population.
AB  - Cardiac muscle responds to increased afterload by developing hypertrophy. During
      the early stages of hypertension, the heart can be transiently, but frequently,
      exposed to increased afterload. This study was designed to test the hypothesis
      that left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) assessed by electrocardiography (ECG) can
      be used to predict future development of hypertension.Sokolow-Lyon voltage and
      Cornell product were calculated using ECG in 5770 normotensive participants who
      visited our hospital for a physical checkup (age 52.7 +/- 11.3 years). LVH was
      defined as a Sokolow-Lyon voltage of >3.8 mV or a Cornell product of >2440 mm *
      ms. After baseline examination, participants were followed up with the endpoint
      being the development of hypertension.During the median follow-up period of 1089
      days (15,789 person-years), hypertension developed in 1029 participants
      (65.2/1000 person-years). A Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a significantly
      higher incidence of hypertension in participants with LVH than in those without
      LVH as assessed by Sokolow-Lyon voltage or Cornell product (P < 0.0001 for both).
      The hazard ratios for incident hypertension in participants with LVH defined by
      Sokolow-Lyon voltage and Cornell product were 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]
      1.16-1.90, P < 0.01) and 1.34 (95% CI 1.09-1.65, P < 0.01), respectively, after
      adjustment for possible risk factors. Furthermore, in multivariable Cox hazard
      analysis, where Sokolow-Lyon voltage and Cornell product were taken as continuous
      variables, both indices were independent predictors of future hypertension (P <
      0.0001).Both Sokolow-Lyon voltage and Cornell product are novel predictors of
      future development of hypertension in the general population. 

PMID- 27124048
TI  - GALNT14 Genotype Predicts Postoperative Outcome of Stage III Colorectal Cancer
      With Oxaliplatin as Adjuvant Chemotherapy.
AB  - Adjuvant oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is widely used for stage III colorectal
      cancer (CRC) after curative surgery. CRC is a molecularly heterogeneous disease,
      and our current knowledge of therapeutic response-related genetic factors remains
      limited. N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 14 (GALNT14)-rs9679162 genotype is a
      prognostic predictor for chemotherapy response in advanced hepatocellular
      carcinoma. Here, we investigated whether this genotype was related to the
      therapeutic outcome of stage III CRC.A cohort of 300 stage III CRC patients
      receiving curative resection followed by oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy was
      retrospectively recruited. GALNT14 genotypes and the clinicopathological factors
      were correlated with posttherapeutic prognosis.Of these patients, 18% patients
      had GALNT14-rs9679162 "TT" and 82% had the "GT" + "GG" genotypes. The analysis
      showed that the "TT" genotype was associated with unfavorable overall survival
      (OS, P = 0.009) but not with recurrence-free survival (RFS, P = 0.700). The
      subgroup analysis showed that the "TT" genotype was associated with unfavorable
      OS in the following subgroups: age <=65 years, men, left side CRC, N2 stage,
      carcinoembryonic antigen >5 ng/mL, and mucinous histology (P = 0.012, 0.011,
      0.009, 0.025, 0.013, and 0.007, respectively). Within the latter 2 subgroups, the
      "TT" genotype was the only independent predictor for OS. Finally, the "TT"
      genotype was associated with the T4 tumor stage (P = 0.017) and in patients with
      T4 tumors, the "TT" genotype was the only independent predictor for unfavorable
      RFS (P = 0.007).GALNT14 "TT" genotype was associated with unfavorable OS in stage
      III CRC patients receiving curative surgery and adjuvant oxaliplatin-based
      chemotherapy. 

PMID- 27124049
TI  - Predictive Factors of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis Caused by Gram-Positive
      Bacteria in Patients With Cirrhosis.
AB  - Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients with cirrhosis is typically
      caused by gram-negative bacteria. However, the number of SBP cases due to gram
      positive bacteria is steadily increasing. To date, little is known about the
      predictive factors involved in SBP infections.We performed a retrospective cohort
      study of patients (>18 years) with SBP due to gram-positive and -negative
      bacteria who were enrolled from January 2006 to December 2013 at Severance
      Hospital in Seoul, Korea where the incidences of hepatitis B virus associated
      chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma are high. Only the
      1st SBP episode for each patient within the study period was included in our
      analysis.We identified 77 patients with cirrhosis and SBP. Of these, 27 patients
      (35%) had gram-positive bacterial infections and 50 patients (65%) had gram
      negative bacterial infections. Our univariate analysis revealed that an early
      stage of cirrhosis (P = 0.004), lower creatinine level (P = 0.011), lower
      Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (P = 0.001), lower Model for End
      Stage Liver Disease score (P = 0.005), and use of systemic antibiotics within 30
      days before SBP diagnosis (P = 0.03) were significantly associated with gram
      positive bacterial infections. Our multivariate analysis indicated that the use
      of systemic antibiotics within 30 days before SBP diagnosis (odds ratio, 3.94;
      95% CI, 1.11-13.96; P = 0.033) and a lower SOFA score (odds ratio, 0.56; 95% CI,
      0.37-0.86; P = 0.007) were independent predictive factors of SBP caused by gram
      positive bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis. However, we did not
      observe a statistically significant difference in the 28-day mortality between
      the gram-positive and -negative bacterial infection groups (40.7% vs 46.0%,
      respectively; P = 0.407).In this study, the incidence rate of SBP caused by gram
      positive bacteria in patients with cirrhosis was similar to the rates reported in
      recently published studies. Furthermore, the use of systemic antibiotics within
      30 days before SBP diagnosis and a lower SOFA score were significantly associated
      with SBP caused by gram-positive bacteria in patients with cirrhosis. 

PMID- 27124050
TI  - Multiple Primary Malignancies in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A
      Largest Series With 26-Year Follow-Up.
AB  - Multiple primary malignancies (MPMs) are defined as 2 or more malignancies
      without subordinate relationship detected in different organs of an individual
      patient. Reports addressing MPM patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are
      rare. We perform a 26-year follow-up study to investigate characteristics and
      prognosis of MPM patients associated with HCC due to the scarcity of relative
      researches.We retrospectively analyzed records of 40 patients who were diagnosed
      with MPM including HCC at the Departments of Surgery at Peking Union Medical
      College Hospital during 1989 to 2010. Their clinical characteristics and
      postoperative survival were compared with those of 448 patients who had HCC only
      during the study period.Among the 40 MPM patients, 11 were diagnosed
      synchronously and 29 metachronously. The most common extra-hepatic malignancies
      were lung cancer (15%), colorectal (12.5%), and thyroid carcinoma (12.5%). MPM
      patients had a negative hepatitis B virus infection rate (P = 0.013) and lower
      median alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) level (P = 0.001). Post-operative 1-, 3-, and 5
      year overall survival (OS) rates for MPM patients were 82.5%, 64.5%, and 38.6%
      respectively, and showed no significant difference with those of HCC-only
      patients (84.7%, 54.2%, and 38.3% P = 0.726). During follow-up, 24 MPM patients
      died, including 17 (70.8%) who died of HCC-related causes. In univariate
      analysis, synchronous diagnosis, higher gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and/or
      AFP levels, tumor >5 cm and vascular invasion were significantly associated with
      shorter OS, but only tumor size was an independent OS factor in Cox modeling
      analysis.HCC should be considered as a potential second primary for all cancer
      survivors. Most MPM patients died of HCC-related causes and showed no significant
      difference in OS compared with HCC-only patients. Tumor size of HCC, rather than
      MPMs itself, was the only independent OS predictor for the MPM patients. 

PMID- 27124051
TI  - The Prognostic Role of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Autoantibody in Non-Gravid
      Hypertension and Pre-eclampsia: A Meta-analysis and Our Studies.
AB  - Angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibody (AT1-AA) is found in patients with
      non-gravid hypertension or pre-eclampsia, but the relationship is uncertain.The
      aim of the present study was to assess the association between AT1-AA and high
      blood pressure using meta-analysis, and to evaluate the prognosis value of AT1-AA
      for hypertensive diseases.Literature search from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane
      databases were conducted using keywords "hypertension" or "pre-eclampsia,"
      "angiotensin II receptor type 1 autoantibody," and its aliases from April 1999 to
      December 2015.Studies evaluating the association between AT1-AA and non-gravid
      hypertension or pre-eclampsia were included in this analysis. The quality of the
      eligible studies was assessed based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale with some
      modifications.Two researchers then independently reviewed all included studies
      and extracted all relevant data. Association between AT1-AA and hypertension was
      tested with pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Finally,
      we evaluated whether AT1-AA predicted the prognosis of hypertension by using a
      summary receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and sensitivity
      analysis.Ten studies were finally included in this meta-analysis. AT1-AA showed
      more significant association with pre-eclampsia than that with non-gravid
      hypertension (pooled OR 32.84, 95% CI 17.19-62.74; and pooled OR 4.18, 95% CI
      2.20-7.98, respectively). Heterogeneity among studies was also detected probably
      due to different hypertensive subtypes and AT1-AA measuring methods. Area under
      summary ROC curve (AUC) of pre-eclampsia was 0.92 (sensitivity 0.76; specificity
      0.86). Area under the ROC curve of overall hypertensive diseases or non-gravid
      hypertension was lower than that of pre-eclampsia (0.86 and 0.72, respectively)
      with lower sensitivities (0.46 and 0.26, respectively).The major limitation of
      this analysis was the publication bias due to lack of unpublished data and the
      language limitation during literature search. Prospective study with large simple
      size and specific measuring data collection are needed to enhance our findings in
      the future.Our analysis confirms that elevated AT1-AA in serum is significantly
      associated with hypertensive disorder, especially pre-eclampsia. AT1-AA may be a
      valuable indicator for poorer prognosis of patients with pre-eclampsia, and could
      be used in patients with hypertensive disease for risk evaluation and making
      individual treatment decision. 

PMID- 27124052
TI  - Congenital Kyphoscoliosis in Monozygotic Twins: Ten-Year Follow-up Treated by
      Posterior Vertebral Column Resection (PVCR): A Case Report.
AB  - The etiology of congenital scoliosis and its development remains unclear and has
      not yet been fully identified, even there are theories that congenital scoliosis
      could be derived from the failure of formation or failure of segmentation, which
      are etiologically heterogeneous with genetic, epigenetic, and environmental
      factors contributing to their occurrence. We reported a case of long-term follow
      up after posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) in both identical twins with
      similar congenital kyphoscoliosis at thoracolumbar levels. Twin I had been
      noticed by his parents to have asymmetry of his back at age 5 years, but no
      treatment was given. Twin II was first noticed to have a spinal problem at 11
      years of age by his parents. Overtime, spine of both twins became further
      deviated to the left with kyphosis and was referred to our hospital. Both
      monozygotic twins were treated by PVCR and satisfactory results were demonstrated
      at 10-year follow-up.This case is the first report on the surgical treatment with
      PVCR, almost simultaneously, in both identical twins who had similar congenital
      vertebral anomalies causing kyphoscoliosis. Both identical twins with congenital
      kyphoscoliosis had undergone surgical correction by PVCR, anterior support with a
      mesh cage and posterior fusion using pedicle screws at the age of 14 years and
      achieved a satisfactory correction and a stable spine without curve progression
      with 10-year follow-up. 

PMID- 27124053
TI  - Interferon-gamma Genetic Polymorphism and Expression in Kawasaki Disease.
AB  - Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology. IFNG gene
      encoding interferon (IFN)-gamma, produced by natural killer cells and T cells,
      has been suggested to play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of
      Kawasaki disease. The aim of this study was to examin the correlation of gene
      polymorphisms of the IFNG gene and plasma levels of IFN-gamma in KD patients and
      their outcomes.A total of 950 subjects (381 KD and 569 controls) were recruited.
      Three tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2069718, rs1861493, rs2069705)
      were selected for TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. Clinical phenotypes,
      coronary artery lesions (CAL), coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) and intravenous
      immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment outcomes were collected for analysis. Plasma IFN
      gamma levels were also measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay.Polymorphisms of the IFNG gene were significantly different between the
      normal controls and KD patients. The G allele of rs1861493 conferred a better
      response to IVIG treatment in KD patients. AA allele frequencies of rs1861493
      were also associated with a significantly higher risk of CAA in KD patients.
      Furthermore, the plasma IFN-gamma level was lower in the AA allele than in the GG
      allele of rs1861493 both before and after IVIG treatment in KD patients.This
      study provides the first evidence supporting an association between IFNG gene
      polymorphisms, susceptibility of KD, IVIG responsiveness, and plasma IFN-gamma
      levels in KD patients. 

PMID- 27124054
TI  - Diagnostic Performance of Fused Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Using Unenhanced or
      Postcontrast T1-Weighted MR Imaging in Patients With Breast Cancer.
AB  - To evaluate the diagnostic performance of fused diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)
      using either unenhanced (UFMR) or early postcontrast T1-weighted imaging (PCFMR)
      to detect and characterize breast lesions in patients with breast cancer.This
      retrospective observational study was approved by institutional review board in
      our hospital and informed consents were waived. We retrospectively selected 87
      consecutive patients who underwent preoperative breast magnetic resonance
      imaging, including DWI and definitive surgery. Both UFMR and PCFMR were reviewed
      by 5 radiologists for detection, lesion size, Breast Imaging Reporting and Data
      System final assessment, the probability of malignancy, lesion conspicuity, and
      apparent diffusion coefficients.A total of 129 lesions were identified by at
      least 2 readers on UFMR or PCFMR. Of 645 potentially detected lesions, there were
      528 (82%) with UFMR and 554 (86%) with PCFMR. Malignant lesions or index cancers
      showed significantly higher detection rates than benign or additional lesions on
      both UFMR and PCFMR (P < 0.05). Area under the characteristic curves (AUCs) for
      predicting malignancy ranged 0.927 to 0.986 for UFMR, and 0.936 to 0.993 for
      PCFMR, which was not significantly different. Lesion conspicuity was
      significantly higher on PCFMR than UFMR (8.59 +/- 1.67 vs 9.19 +/- 1.36,
      respectively; P < 0.05) across 5 readers. Mean intraclass correlation
      coefficients for lesion size on UFMR and PCFMR were 0.89 and 0.92,
      respectively.Detection rates of index malignant lesions were similar for UFMR and
      PCFMR. Interobserver agreement for final assessments was reliable across 5
      readers. Diagnostic accuracy for predicting malignancy with UFMR versus PCFMR was
      similar, although lesion conspicuity was significantly greater with the latter. 

PMID- 27124055
TI  - Liver Abscess Formation Following Transarterial Chemoembolization: Clinical
      Features, Risk Factors, Bacteria Spectrum, and Percutaneous Catheter Drainage.
AB  - To investigate the clinical features, risk factors, and bacterial spectrum of
      liver abscess following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and evaluate the
      therapeutic effect of percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) on the abscesses.A
      retrospective review of patient charts was performed in 3613 patients who
      suffered from liver malignancies (2832 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and
      781 with metastatic hepatic tumor) and had undergone 11,054 TACE procedures from
      January 2005 to October 2013. Liver abscesses were found in 21 patients. PCD was
      performed in all abscess patients. The clinical features, risk factors, and
      bacterial spectrum of liver abscess following TACE were investigated and the
      therapeutic effect of PCD was evaluated.The incidence of liver abscess was 0.58%
      per patient and 0.19% per procedure. Approximately 57.1% of the patients had a
      medical history of bilioenteric anastomosis or biliary stent implantation. On
      computed tomography scans, the abscesses appeared as low-attenuation lesions and
      high-density iodinate oil scattered in the abscesses. The ultrasound showed the
      well defined, heterogeneously hypoechoic lesions. Positive microbiological
      isolates were obtained in all pus cultures and in 47.6% of blood cultures. The
      most common bacterium was Escherichia coli (52.4%). Twenty patients (95.2%) were
      cured from abscesses by using PCD, and 1 died of sepsis.Patients with
      predisposing factors are prone to an increased risk of liver abscess following
      TACE. Bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity tests on pus and blood help on
      the antibiotics selection. PCD combined with aggressive antibiotics can be
      recommended as the first-line therapeutic regimen. 

PMID- 27124056
TI  - A Prognostic Model Using Inflammation- and Nutrition-Based Scores in Patients
      With Metastatic Gastric Adenocarcinoma Treated With Chemotherapy.
AB  - The outcomes of patients with metastatic gastric cancer (mGC) are poor. Recent
      studies have identified the prognostic impact of inflammatory response and
      nutritional status on survival for patients with gastric cancer. This study aims
      to create a prognostic model using inflammatory- and nutrition-based scores to
      predict survival in patients with mGC treated with chemotherapy.After
      institutional review board approval, patients who had mGC and were treated with
      chemotherapy from 2007 to 2012 at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were
      retrospectively reviewed. Significantly predictive factors were identified by
      multivariate Cox regression analyses. Based on these variables, a prognostic
      model using inflammatory- and nutrition-based scores was constructed to predict
      survival. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to estimate overall survival. The c
      statistic values with 95% confidence interval (CI) were also calculated to access
      their predicting performances.Our study consisted of 256 patients with a median
      age of 60 years and a median follow-up visit of 18.5 months. Multivariate
      analyses showed that neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), modified Glasgow
      prognostic score (mGPS), and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG
      SGA) were independently related to survival. After computing these scores,
      patients were classified into favorable-, intermediate-, and poor-risk groups.
      The median overall survival were 27.6 versus 13.2 versus 8.2 months in favorable,
      intermediate, and poor-risk groups, respectively. The 2-year survival rate was
      52% versus 16% versus 3% in favorable-, intermediate-, and poor-risk groups,
      respectively. (P < 0.001). The c-statistic value of our model at 2 years is 0.8
      (95% CI, 0.75-0.86).NLR, mGPS, and PG-SGA were independently related to survival.
      Our prognostic model using inflammatory- and nutrition-based scores could provide
      prognostic information to patients and physicians. 

PMID- 27124058
TI  - Hemolymphangioma of Greater Omentum: A Rare Case Report.
AB  - Hemolymphangioma is a rare vascular developmental error. It comprises malformed
      venous and lymphatic component in various proportion. To the best of our
      knowledge, only a few cases have been reported in the literature so far. Here, we
      report a case of huge intraperitoneal cystic mass in a 3-year-old boy that was
      presented to hospital with intractable abdominal pain. On examination, he had
      fever along with associated symptoms like cough and sputum. Abdomen was distended
      with no tenderness or rebound tenderness. On computed tomography scan, huge
      cystic mass was seen and was diagnosed as intraperitoneal benign cystic lesion.
      Excisional surgery of the lesion was planned. On surgery, lesion was found to be
      originated from greater omentum and no adhesion was seen in surrounding tissue.
      Complete excision of the lesion was done. Histopathological specimen after
      surgery suggested it to be hemolymphangioma. Follow-up for 6 months showed no
      recurrence.Hemolymphangioma of the greater omentum is benign tumor and accurate
      diagnosis before surgery is still a challenge. Presentation of disease may vary
      from simple well-defined cystic lesion to aggressive ill-defined lesion mimicking
      malignancy. Therefore, further research is needed to help doctor with
      preoperative radiological diagnosis and avoid unnecessary radical surgery. 

PMID- 27124057
TI  - Adjuvant Therapeutic Modalities in Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of Esophagus
      Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Multicenter Clinical Outcomes.
AB  - To evaluate the treatment pattern and survival of patients receiving radical
      resection for primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (PSCCE).This
      retrospective study included 150 patients who received radical resection of
      PSCCE. Data were retrieved from 4 centers in Western China. Thirty-nine of 150
      patients received postoperative chemo-radiotherapy, 62 received postoperative
      chemotherapy, and 49 received radical resection only. The median radiation dosage
      was 50 Gy. The chemotherapeutic regimen was platinum-based and lasted for 2 to 6
      cycles (median, 3).Median disease-free survival (mDFS) and overall survival (mOS)
      were 12.0 and 18.3 months, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that
      postoperative therapy did not improve survival in limited stage I (LSI) disease,
      whereas postoperative chemotherapy improved survival in limited stage II (LSII)
      disease. Relative to chemotherapy alone, chemoradiotherapy did not improve
      survival in patients with completely resected LSII disease. A multivariate
      analysis indicated an association of no postoperative chemotherapy with shorter
      DFS (P = 0.050) and OS (P = 0.010). Higher lymph node stage and length of disease
      longer than 3 cm were poor prognostic factors for both DFS and OS.Adjuvant
      chemotherapy improves survival in PSCCE patients with completely resected LSII
      disease. Adjuvant treatment with postoperative chemotherapy alone or
      postoperative chemo-radiotherapy does not increase survival in completely
      resected LSI disease. 

PMID- 27124059
TI  - Evaluation of Biliary Calprotectin as a Biomarker in Primary Sclerosing
      Cholangitis.
AB  - Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the
      bile ducts with limited therapeutic options except liver transplantation.
      Reliable biomarkers to predict the disease course are unavailable, and currently
      employed disease activity scores such as the Mayo risk score (MRS) have
      limitations. The present study aims to evaluate biliary calprotectin as a marker
      of disease activity and prognosis in PSC.This is a monocentric retrospective
      observational study. Calprotectin concentrations were measured by an enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay in bile samples collected by endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiography from 106 PSC patients and 20 controls. Biliary calprotectin
      concentrations were compared between the 2 groups. In PSC patients, results were
      evaluated with regard to the presence of dominant bile duct stenoses, bile
      microbiology, MRS, survival free of liver transplantation, and necessity for bile
      duct interventions in the further disease course.Median (interquartile ranges)
      biliary calprotectin concentrations were higher in PSC patients than in controls
      (3646 ng/mL, 249-9748 vs 116 ng/mL, 104-655; P < 0.001). In the PSC cohort,
      higher biliary calprotectin concentrations were associated with the presence of
      microbes in bile (P = 0.02), the occurrence of dominant bile duct stenosis at any
      time in the disease course (P = 0.005), and the necessity for future bile duct
      interventions (P = 0.02). Patients with biliary calprotectin concentrations above
      a cut-off of 11,610 ng/mL displayed significantly shorter transplantation-free
      survival than those with biliary calprotectin concentrations <=11,610 ng/mL (P <
      0.001). Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed high biliary calprotectin
      concentration (>11,610 ng/mL) as a risk factor of shorter transplantation-free
      survival of PSC patients (P < 0.001) beside high plasma alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP) concentration (>142.5 U/L) (P = 0.006), high MRS (>=2) (P < 0.001), and
      nonsterility of bile (P = 0.03). Multivariate analysis identified only MRS (P =
      0.002) and ALP concentration (P = 0.04) as independent risk factors.Our data
      strongly suggest that biliary calprotectin may be a valuable additional marker
      for disease activity and a predictor of outcome in PSC, so that further studies
      for evaluation of calprotectin in this disease are warranted. 

PMID- 27124060
TI  - Placebo-Controlled Trials in Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - This systematic review was performed to investigate the ethical justification,
      methodological quality, validity and safety of placebo controls in randomized
      placebo-controlled surgical trials.Central, MEDLINE, and EMBASE were
      systematically searched to identify randomized controlled trials comparing a
      surgical procedure to a placebo. "Surgical procedure" was defined as a medical
      procedure involving an incision with instruments. Placebo was defined as a
      blinded sham operation involving no change to the structural anatomy and without
      an expectable physiological response in the target body compartment.Ten
      randomized placebo-controlled controlled surgical trials were included, all of
      them published in high-ranking medical journals (mean impact factor: 20.1). Eight
      of 10 failed to show statistical superiority of the experimental intervention.
      Serious adverse events did not differ between the groups (rate ratio [RR] 1.38,
      95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-2.06, P = 0.46). None of the trials had a high
      risk of bias in any domain. The ethical justification for the use of a placebo
      control remained unclear in 2 trials.Placebo-controlled surgical trials are
      feasible and provide high-quality data on efficacy of surgical treatments. The
      surgical placebo entails a considerable risk for study participants.
      Consequently, a placebo should be used only if justified by the clinical question
      and by methodological necessity. Based on the current evidence, a pragmatic
      proposal for the use of placebo controls in future randomized controlled surgical
      trials is made. 

PMID- 27124061
TI  - Association of Metformin Use With Cancer-Specific Mortality in Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma After Curative Resection: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.
AB  - Many preclinical reports and retrospective population studies have shown an
      anticancer effect of metformin in patients with several types of cancer and
      comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this work, the anticancer effect of
      metformin was assessed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with T2DM who
      underwent curative resection.A population-based retrospective cohort design was
      used. Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Service and Korea
      Center Cancer Registry in the Republic of Korea, identifying 5494 patients with
      newly diagnosed HCC who underwent curative resection between 2005 and 2011. Crude
      and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard
      models to estimate effects. In the sensitivity analysis, we excluded patients who
      started metformin or other oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) after HCC diagnosis to
      control for immortal time bias.From the patient cohort, 751 diabetic patients who
      were prescribed an OHA were analyzed for HCC-specific mortality and retreatment
      upon recurrence, comparing 533 patients treated with metformin to 218 patients
      treated without metformin. In the fully adjusted analyses, metformin users showed
      a significantly lower risk of HCC-specific mortality (HR 0.38, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.30-0.49) and retreatment events (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.33-0.52)
      compared with metformin nonusers. Risks for HCC-specific mortality were
      consistently lower among metformin-using groups, excluding patients who started
      metformin or OHAs after diagnosis.In this large population-based cohort of
      patients with comorbid HCC and T2DM, treated with curative hepatic resection,
      metformin use was associated with improvement of HCC-specific mortality and
      reduced occurrence of retreatment events. 

PMID- 27124062
TI  - The Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Lung Cancer Prognosis: A PRISMA-compliant Meta
      analysis of Cohort Studies.
AB  - Previous studies suggested that diabetes mellitus (DM) was associated with risk
      and mortality of cancer, but studies investigating the correlation between DM and
      lung cancer prognosis remain controversial. Herein, a meta-analysis was performed
      to derive a more precise estimate of the prognostic role of DM in lung
      cancer.Medline and Embase were searched for eligible articles from inception to
      October 25, 2015. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) with its 95% confidence interval
      (95% CI) was calculated to evaluate the correlation between DM and lung cancer
      prognosis. Subgroup meta-analysis was performed based on the histology and the
      treatment methods.A total of 20 cohort studies from 12 articles were included in
      the meta-analysis. Also, 16 studies investigated the overall survival (OS) and 4
      studies investigated the progression-free survival (PFS). DM was significantly
      associated with the inferior OS of lung cancer with the pooled HR 1.28 (95% CI:
      1.10-1.49, P = 0.001). The association was prominent in the nonsmall cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) subgroup (HR 1.35, 95%CI: 1.14-1.60, P = 0.002), whereas the
      association was not significant in the small cell lung cancer (SCLC) subgroup (HR
      1.33, 95% CI: 0.87-2.03, P = 0.18). When NSCLC patients were further stratified
      by treatment methods, DM had more influence on the surgically treated subgroup
      than the nonsurgically treated subgroup. There was no obvious evidence for
      publication bias by Begg's and Egger's test.The results of this meta-analysis
      exhibit an association of DM with inferior prognosis amongst lung cancer
      patients, especially the surgically treated NSCLC patients. Given the small
      number of studies included in this meta-analysis, the present conclusion should
      be consolidated with more high-quality prospective cohort studies or randomized
      controlled trials. 

PMID- 27124063
TI  - Primary Uterine Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma: A Case Report of MRI and 18F-FDG
      PET/CT Findings.
AB  - Primary uterine non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is extremely rare accounting for <1% of
      all extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Imaging findings of primary uterine
      lymphoma have rarely been reported before. We present magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) positron emission tomography
      (PET)/CT findings in a patient with primary uterine peripheral T-cell lymphoma.A
      27-year-old female presented with intermittent fever with neutropenia for 7
      months. MRI showed an ill-defined mass involved both the uterine corpus and
      cervix, resulting in diffuse enlargement of the uterus. This mass showed
      inhomogeneous hypointensity on unenhanced T1-weighted images, hyperintensity on
      diffusion-weighted imaging, relative hypointensity compared to the surrounding
      myometrium on T2-weighted images and lower enhancement than the surrounding
      myometrium on enhanced T1-weighted images. FDG PET/CT showed intense FDG uptake
      in the thickened wall of the uterine corpus and cervix with SUVmax of 26.9. There
      were multiple hypermetabolic lymph nodes in the pelvis and retroperitoneum.
      Uterine curettage and CT-guided biopsy of the uterine mass revealed peripheral T
      cell lymphoma. Bone marrow biopsy revealed no evidence of lymphomatous
      involvement. The imaging and pathologic findings were consistent with primary
      uterine lymphoma. After 3 circles of chemotherapy, follow-up enhanced MRI showed
      decreased thickness of the uterine wall.Despite its rarity, primary uterine non
      Hodgkin's lymphoma should be taken into consideration when a uterine tumor shows
      large size, relative hypointesity on both T2-weighted images and enhanced T1
      weighted images compared to the surrounding myometrium, and intense FDG uptake on
      PET/CT. MRI may be helpful for describing the relationship between the tumor and
      adjacent structures. FDG PET/CT may be useful for tumor detection and staging. 

PMID- 27124065
TI  - A Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to a Post-Traumatic Splenosis: "Wait and
      See" Represents a Feasible Attitude: A Case Report.
AB  - Splenosis represents a benign condition due to an ectopic localization of splenic
      tissue caused by pathologic or traumatic spleen rupture. Generally, it is
      asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed during imaging performed for other
      reasons. Occult gastrointestinal bleeding due to an extraperitoneal localization
      is a rare occurrence. Differential diagnosis may be very hard and includes benign
      and malignant neoplasms.We describe the case of a 68-year-old Caucasian man that
      was admitted for an increasing lower gastrointestinal bleeding associated to a
      vague abdominal pain.He was assessed by means of laboratory tests, as well as by
      endoscopic and radiological examinations, and successfully treated with an
      exclusive medical approach.The patient was discharged on the ninth day and
      currently he is doing well.This case shows that wait and see could prove a
      feasible attitude for the management of clinically stable patients. 

PMID- 27124064
TI  - Associations Between Sleep Quality and Migraine Frequency: A Cross-Sectional Case
      Control Study.
AB  - Migraine has been associated with sleep disturbances. Relationship between sleep
      quality and migraine frequency is yet to be determined. The present study aimed
      to investigate sleep disturbances among low-frequency, moderate-frequency, high
      frequency, and chronic migraineurs, with and without auras, with well-controlled
      confounding variables.This cross-sectional controlled study included 357 subjects
      from an outpatient headache clinic in Taiwan. Standardized questionnaires were
      utilized to collect demographic, migraine, sleep, depression, anxiety, and
      restless leg syndrome characteristics in all participants. According to frequency
      of migraine attacks, patients were divided into 4 groups: with 1 to 4 migraine
      days per month, 5 to 8 migraine days in a month, 9 to 14 migraine days in a
      month, and >14 migraine days per month. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
      and subgroup items were used to evaluate sleep quality. The association between
      migraine frequency and sleep quality was investigated using multivariable linear
      regression and logistic regression.The PSQI total score was highest in patients
      with high frequent migraine (10.0 +/- 3.4) and lowest in controls (7.0 +/- 3.4)
      with a significant trend analysis (P for trend = 0.006). Migraine frequency had
      an independent effect on the items "Cannot get to sleep within 30 minutes" (P <
      0.001), "Wake up in the middle of the night or early morning" (P < 0.001), "Bad
      dreams" (P = 0.001), "Pain" (P = 0.004), and "Quality of sleep" (P < 0.001). The
      result showed the effect of migraine frequency in both the aura-present (P for
      trend = 0.008) and the aura-absent subgroups (P for trend = 0.011).High migraine
      frequency correlates with poor sleep quality and a higher prevalence of poor
      sleepers. These associations occur in migraine with aura and without aura. 

PMID- 27124066
TI  - Abnormal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients With Sudden
      Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Vestibular Schwannoma as the Most Common Cause of MRI
      Abnormality.
AB  - The etiology of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) remains unclear in most
      cases. This study aimed to assess abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      findings in patients with SSNHL and evaluate the value of MRI in identifying the
      cause of SSNHL.A retrospective analysis of the charts and MRI findings of 291
      patients with SSNHL was performed.In 291 patients, MRI abnormality, which was
      considered a cause of SSNHL, was detected in 13 patients. Vestibular schwannoma
      involving the internal auditory canal (IAC) and/or cerebellopontine angle was
      observed in 9 patients. All 9 patients had intrameatal tumors, and 6 of the 9
      patients displayed extrameatal extension of their tumors. The tumor was small (<1
      cm) or medium-sized (1.1-2.9 cm) in these 6 patients. Intralabyrinthine
      schwannoma, labyrinthine hemorrhage, IAC metastasis, and a ruptured dermoid cyst
      were each observed in 1 patient.The most commonly observed MRI abnormality in
      patients with SSNHL was vestibular schwannoma, and all of the lesions were small
      or medium-sized tumors involving the IAC. 

PMID- 27124067
TI  - Metabolomic Research on Newborn Infants With Intrauterine Growth Restriction.
AB  - To compare differences in metabolites between newborns with intrauterine growth
      restriction (IUGR) and those who are appropriate for gestational age (AGA) in
      order to understand the changes in metabolites of newborns with IUGR and to
      explore the possible metabolic mechanism of tissue and organ damages in patients
      with IUGR, with the ultimate goal of providing the basis for clinical
      intervention.A total of 60 newborns with IUGR and 60 AGA newborns who were
      hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital between January
      2011 and December 2015 and who underwent metabolic disease screening were
      enrolled in this study. The differences in 21 amino acids and 55 carnitines in
      peripheral blood, as well as changes in the ratios of free carnitine and
      acylcarnitine to total carnitine, were compared.Metabolites, particularly
      alanine, homocysteine, leucine, methionine, ornithine, serine, tyrosine,
      isovaleryl carnitine, and eicosenoyl carnitine, differed according to newborns'
      birth weight (<3rd percentile, 3rd-5th percentiles, 5th-10th percentiles, and
      10th-90th percentiles), with those with lower birth weight showing the greater
      difference (P < 0.05). Metabolites also differed by gestational age, and the
      differences observed were mainly as follows: preterm and full-term newborns
      showed differences in metabolites, mainly in alanine, proline, cerotoyl
      carnitine, and tetradecanedioyl carnitine (P < 0.05); preterm and full-term AGA
      newborns showed differences in metabolites, mainly in alanine, glutamine,
      homocysteine, pipecolic acid, proline, heptanoyl carnitine, and sebacoyl
      carnitine (P < 0.05); and preterm and full-term newborns with IUGR showed
      differences in metabolites, mainly in arginine, glutamic acid, homocysteine,
      histidine, leucine, isoleucine, ornithine, serine, threonine, tryptophan, valine,
      heptanoyl carnitine, decanoyl carnitine, linoleyl carnitine, methylmalonyl
      carnitine, glutarylcarnitine, sebacoyl carnitine, hydroxyacetyl carnitine, and
      hydroxyhexadecancenyl carnitine (P < 0.05). Among newborns with IUGR, metabolites
      differed among males and females, mainly in aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and
      hexacosenoic acid (P < 0.05). Birth weight had no significant effects on free
      carnitine concentration or on the ratios of free carnitine and acylcarnitine to
      total carnitine (P < 0.05).IUGR infants exhibit significant abnormalities in
      amino acid and acylcarnitine metabolism, especially those with birth weight below
      the third percentile. With increasing birth weight, amino acids and
      acylcarnitines showed compensatory increases or reductions, and when birth weight
      reached the 10th percentile, the newborns with IUGR resembled the AGA newborns. 

PMID- 27124070
TI  - Health Professions Education: Make Big Data Meaningful.

PMID- 27124068
TI  - Relationship Between Hepatic Steatosis and the Elevation of Aminotransferases in
      HBV-Infected Patients With HBe-Antigen Negativity and a Low Viral Load.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has been suggested to be associated with alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients
      with HBe antigen (HBeAg)-negativity and a low HBV-DNA level. However, few studies
      have evaluated the association according to histological findings of the
      liver.Among a total of 198 HBV-infected patients who received a percutaneous
      liver biopsy, we studied the histological and laboratory findings of HBeAg
      negative patients without receiving nucleoside/nucleotide analogues treatment (N
      = 70) in order to evaluate whether hepatic steatosis and its related metabolic
      disorders were associated with an elevation in ALT levels in HBeAg-negative
      patients.In HBeAg-negative patients with a high serum HBV-DNA level (>=2000
      IU/mL), the level of HBV-DNA was the only significant factor related to ALT
      elevation. However, in HBeAg-negative patients with a low HBV-DNA level, the
      serum ferritin level, and histologically observed hepatic steatosis were
      significantly associated factors with ALT elevation. When we evaluated 2
      metabolic variables (serum ferritin and fasting insulin) that are suggested to be
      relevant to the presence of progressive disease in Japanese patients, we found
      that the rate of metabolic disorders was significantly higher among patients with
      a high ALT level and a low HBV-DNA level than it was among those with other
      conditions. The triglyceride level and the frequency of moderate or severe
      hepatic steatosis were significantly higher in patients with a low HBV-DNA level
      than in those with a high HBV-DNA level.Histologically proven hepatic steatosis
      and its related metabolic disorders are suggested to be involved in the elevation
      of aminotransferases of HBeAg-negative patients, particularly those with low HBV
      DNA levels. 

PMID- 27124069
TI  - The Usefulness of Serum CXCR3 Ligands for Evaluating the Early Treatment Response
      in Tuberculosis: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.
AB  - Cell-mediated immunity plays an important role in the pathobiology of
      tuberculosis (TB). The ligands for CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) activate the
      T-helper type 1 lymphocyte pathway. The CXCR3 ligands are reportedly useful
      clinical markers for the diagnosis and follow-up of TB. The objective of this
      study was to assess the utility of CXCR3 ligands for evaluating early treatment
      responses in TB.We recruited 88 patients who underwent antituberculous
      chemotherapy. The serum levels of interferon (IFN)-gamma and the CXCR3 ligands
      CXCL9 (monokine induced by IFN-gamma [MIG]), CXCL10 (IFN-gamma-inducible 10-kDa
      protein [IP-10]), and CXCL11 (IFN-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant [I-TAC])
      were measured before and 2 months after the start of treatment. Treatment
      responses were divided into "fast" and "slow" based on the clinical,
      radiological, and bacteriological improvement at 2 months. A change in level of
      20% or more at 2 months was defined as "significant."In patients with treatment
      success, 58 patients exhibited a fast response and 20 patients exhibited a slow
      response. Treatment failure occurred in 5 patients, and the diagnoses were
      changed to non-TB diseases in 5 patients. The levels of all CXCR3 ligands
      significantly decreased in the fast-response group (P < 0.01) but did not
      decrease in the other groups. IFN-gamma levels showed no significant changes. The
      ability of significant decreases in marker levels to predict a fast response was
      evaluated. CXCL9 showed a sensitivity of 83%, and CXCL10 showed a specificity of
      100%. Use of various combinations of CXCR3 ligands resulted in improvements in
      sensitivity (88%-93%), while specificity (92%-96%) was similar to that using
      single CXCR3 ligands. The decreases in CXCR3 ligand levels were less marked in
      the 2-month Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture-positive group than in the culture
      negative group. There were significant differences in treatment outcomes in terms
      of 2-month culture positivity (P < 0.001), the significance of CXCL9 decreases (P
      < 0.01), and the significance of CXCL11 decreases (P < 0.05).In conclusion, CXCR3
      ligands may be useful surrogate markers for the evaluation of early treatment
      response and showed utility as indicators of possible treatment failure in TB. 

PMID- 27124071
TI  - Personality and Mentoring: Stepping Off on the Right Foot.
AB  - This column offers some innovative recommendations on the use of personality
      testing as a stepping-off point for mentorship pairing. Effective pairing
      increases the value and effectiveness of the mentoring relationship. J Contin
      Educ Nurs. 2016;47(5):201-203. 

PMID- 27124072
TI  - Sepsis Update: A New Core Measure of Quality.
AB  - This column provides an update on the current literature related to sepsis as a
      new quality core measure. Sepsis care for adult patients in the acute care
      setting is outlined. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(5):204-206. 

PMID- 27124073
TI  - Appreciative Inquiry and Implementation Science in Leadership Development.
AB  - Appreciative inquiry was developed to initiate and animate change. As
      implementation science gains a foothold in practice settings to bridge theory,
      evidence, and practice, appreciative inquiry takes on new meaning as a leadership
      intervention and training tool. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(5):207-209. 

PMID- 27124074
TI  - Building a Culture of Health: Implications for Nurse Educators.
AB  - The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is implementing a new program to
      improve health in the United States. This program, Building a Culture of Health,
      includes a four-point action plan, recognizes the complex social factors that
      contribute to a healthy society, and notes that implementing this plan will
      require health care organizations and professionals to think differently about
      the work they do and where they do it. Nurse educators are a vital force in
      ensuring health for all. This column discusses the RWJF program and the
      implications for nurse educators. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(5):210-211. 

PMID- 27124075
TI  - Population-Focused Practice Competency Needs Among Public Health Nursing Leaders
      in Washington State.
AB  - HOW TO OBTAIN CONTACT HOURS BY READING THIS ISSUE Instructions: 1.2 contact hours
      will be awarded by Villanova University College of Nursing upon successful
      completion of this activity. A contact hour is a unit of measurement that denotes
      60 minutes of an organized learning activity. This is a learner-based activity.
      Villanova University College of Nursing does not require submission of your
      answers to the quiz. A contact hour certificate will be awarded after you
      register, pay the registration fee, and complete the evaluation form online at
      http://goo.gl/gMfXaf. In order to obtain contact hours you must: 1. Read the
      article, "Population-Focused Practice Competency Needs Among Public Health
      Nursing Leaders in Washington State," found on pages 212-219, carefully noting
      any tables and other illustrative materials that are included to enhance your
      knowledge and understanding of the content. Be sure to keep track of the amount
      of time (number of minutes) you spend reading the article and completing the
      quiz. 2. Read and answer each question on the quiz. After completing all of the
      questions, compare your answers to those provided within this issue. If you have
      incorrect answers, return to the article for further study. 3. Go to the
      Villanova website to register for contact hour credit. You will be asked to
      provide your name, contact information, and a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card
      number for payment of the $20.00 fee. Once you complete the online evaluation, a
      certificate will be automatically generated. This activity is valid for
      continuing education credit until April 30, 2019. CONTACT HOURS This activity is
      co-provided by Villanova University College of Nursing and SLACK Incorporated.
      Villanova University College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing
      nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on
      Accreditation. OBJECTIVES Describe supports and barriers to adopting population
      focused care in public health nursing practice. Describe the benefit of using
      practice models to assess staff readiness for adopting evidence-based guidelines
      or practice competencies. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Neither the planners nor the
      authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose. Public health nurses (PHNs)
      need effective strategies to reduce health disparities, requiring a workforce
      that can practice with a population-focus across the continuum of care and with
      an ecological approach to health. A statewide leadership group of county-level
      PHN leaders in Washington assessed their training needs in population-focused
      knowledge and skills. Interview findings from 17 members were coded based on the
      Quad Council PHN Competencies. Recommendations were organized around the Push
      Pull Infrastructure (PPI) practice model established to help bridge the practice
      research gap. The PHN leaders in Washington State want to strengthen their own
      leadership skills and provide support to staff in transitioning to population
      focused care. This article describes the assessment findings of PHN leaders'
      training needs using the PPI practice model and explores how the PPI might serve
      to develop evidence-based training for PHNs and local health department staff. J
      Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(5):212-219. 

PMID- 27124077
TI  - Improving Online Teaching by Using Established Best Classroom Teaching Practices.
AB  - This pilot study explored the effectiveness of an online workshop provided to
      faculty teaching one course in a large online RN-to-baccalaureate nursing (BSN)
      program. This exploration helped to fill a gap in knowledge related to
      implementing best classroom teaching practices into distance education for online
      nursing students. Focus groups with purposeful sampling (three focus groups: two
      faculty focus groups with a total of 11 faculty and one student focus group with
      a total of six students) were used to assess the effectiveness of the workshop
      and faculty and student perceptions of the seven best classroom teaching
      practices. Themes derived from the faculty focus groups included reaffirmation,
      commitments from students, and opportunities for instructor improvement. Themes
      derived from the student focus group included engagement, availability,
      encouragement, and diverse learning. Online teaching recommendations, created
      from the emerged themes of the study, could be considered to improve teaching
      practices of online nurse educators. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(5):222-227. 

PMID- 27124078
TI  - New Faculty Orientation: Discussion of Cultural Competency, Sexual Victimization,
      and Student Behaviors.
AB  - In the arena of undergraduate education in health care, orientation programs
      assist new faculty in transitioning from their role as clinician to educator.
      However, orientation typically overlooks training in the areas of cultural
      competency, how to assist students who are victims of sexual assault, and how to
      handle unprofessional student behaviors. At a large midwestern university, the
      new faculty orientation program in an interprofessional undergraduate department
      was expanded to include education in these areas by incorporating case scenarios
      and discussion sessions. The orientation faculty team included faculty from the
      areas of medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, public health, and
      neuropsychiatry. The goal of the enhanced orientation program was to empower new
      faculty members with the skills and resources they needed to be advocates for
      students in the areas of cultural competency, sexual victimization, and
      professional development. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(5):228-233. 

PMID- 27124079
TI  - Creating a Long-Term Care New Nurse Residency Model.
AB  - As the impact of health care reform continues to evolve, the movement of patients
      from acute to post-acute settings will continue to expand. Currently, the
      turnover and retention of RNs nationally in long-term care is at an all-time
      high, with a median turnover rate of 50% for RNs. Workforce instability is a
      prime contributor to poor patient outcomes, increased costs, and a dissatisfied
      nursing workforce. Therefore, the New Jersey Action Coalition determined that the
      Institute of Medicine's Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health
      recommendation to implement nurse residency programs across settings would be a
      priority for New Jersey. A 12-month new nurse residency and preceptor program was
      developed and implemented in long-term care, with 37 new nurses and 37
      preceptors. The design and implementation processes are described, as well as
      lessons learned along the journey. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(5):234-240. 

PMID- 27124080
TI  - Interprofessional Silence at the End of Life: Do Swiss General Practitioners and
      Hospital Physicians Sufficiently Share Information About Their Patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Empirical research suggests that the quality of patient care at the
      end of life (EOL) is influenced by the effectiveness of the collaboration between
      the general practitioners (GPs) and hospital physicians (HPs). AIM: To identify
      possible difficulties and barriers to effective collaboration at the EOL between
      GPs and HPs from the perspective of Swiss GPs. DESIGN: Twenty-three qualitative
      semi-structured interviews with GPs were transcribed and analyzed using Mayring's
      content analysis. Interdisciplinary clinical-ethical analysis focused on the
      quality of GP and HP professional collaboration. RESULTS: GPs described the
      quality of collaboration with HPs as poor, in particular the lack of
      communication. There were two main issues to emerge. First, infrequent
      communication with HPs could negatively affect the care of the patient. Second,
      GPs were concerned with the lack of information about hospital care and
      involvement in medical decision making given their longstanding relationships
      with their patients. CONCLUSIONS: The research showed that Swiss GPs were
      concerned with the quality of their patients' EOL care and the current level of
      GP/HP collaboration. GPs appealed for greater involvement with EOL care decisions
      based on their relationship of care and knowledge of patient preferences. These
      findings require further critical evaluation to explore the potential advantages
      for patient care. Existing evidence suggests that there are measurable health
      benefits from successful GP/HP collaborations. A change in the way GPs maintain
      involvement with their patients during hospitalizations would be warranted if it
      resulted in a better use of resources, better patient experiences, and better
      health outcomes.

PMID- 27124082
TI  - Weak O-Assistance Outcompeting Strong N,N-Bidentate Directing Groups in Copper
      Catalyzed C-H Chalcogenation.
AB  - A copper-mediated C-H chalcogenation of triazoles has been achieved by weak
      coordination. The user-friendly protocol showed high functional-group tolerance
      and ample substrate scope, yielding fully substituted 1,2,3-triazoles with
      complete positional site-selectivity. The C-H selenylation could likewise be
      achieved by means of copper catalysis. Our findings highlight for the first time
      that weak O-coordination can outcompete the strong N,N-bidentate coordination
      mode in C-H functionalization technology.

PMID- 27124081
TI  - The Role of Visual Eccentricity on Preference for Abstract Symmetry.
AB  - This study tested preference for abstract patterns, comparing random patterns to
      a two-fold bilateral symmetry. Stimuli were presented at random locations in the
      periphery. Preference for bilateral symmetry has been extensively studied in
      central vision, but evaluation at different locations had not been systematically
      investigated. Patterns were presented for 200 ms within a large circular region.
      On each trial participant changed fixation and were instructed to select any
      location. Eccentricity values were calculated a posteriori as the distance
      between ocular coordinates at pattern onset and coordinates for the centre of the
      pattern. Experiment 1 consisted of two Tasks. In Task 1, participants detected
      pattern regularity as fast as possible. In Task 2 they evaluated their liking for
      the pattern on a Likert-scale. Results from Task 1 revealed that with our
      parameters eccentricity did not affect symmetry detection. However, in Task 2,
      eccentricity predicted more negative evaluation of symmetry, but not random
      patterns. In Experiment 2 participants were either presented with symmetry or
      random patterns. Regularity was task-irrelevant in this task. Participants
      discriminated the proportion of black/white dots within the pattern and then
      evaluated their liking for the pattern. Even when only one type of regularity was
      presented and regularity was task-irrelevant, preference evaluation for symmetry
      decreased with increasing eccentricity, whereas eccentricity did not affect the
      evaluation of random patterns. We conclude that symmetry appreciation is higher
      for foveal presentation in a way not fully accounted for by sensitivity.

PMID- 27124083
TI  - Continuous Performance Tasks: Not Just About Sustaining Attention.
AB  - PURPOSE: Continuous performance tasks (CPTs) are used to measure individual
      differences in sustained attention. Many different stimuli have been used as
      response targets without consideration of their impact on task performance. Here,
      we compared CPT performance in typically developing adults and children to assess
      the role of stimulus processing on error rates and reaction times. METHOD:
      Participants completed a CPT that was based on response to infrequent targets,
      while monitoring and withholding responses to regular nontargets. Performance on
      3 stimulus conditions was compared: visual letters (X and O), their auditory
      analogs, and auditory pure tones. RESULTS: Adults showed no difference in error
      propensity across the 3 conditions but had slower reaction times for auditory
      stimuli. Children had slower overall reaction times. They responded most quickly
      to the visual target and most slowly to the tone target. They also made more
      errors in the tone condition than in either the visual or the auditory spoken CPT
      conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest error propensity and reaction time
      variations on CPTs cannot solely be interpreted as evidence of inattention. They
      also reflect stimulus-specific influences that must be considered when testing
      hypotheses about modality-specific deficits in sustained attention in populations
      with different developmental disorders.

PMID- 27124084
TI  - Kinematic predictors of star excursion balance test performance in individuals
      with chronic ankle instability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Star Excursion Balance Test has identified dynamic postural
      control deficits in individuals with chronic ankle instability. While kinematic
      predictors of Star Excursion Balance Test performance have been evaluated in
      healthy individuals, this has not been thoroughly examined in individuals with
      chronic ankle instability. METHODS: Fifteen individuals with chronic ankle
      instability completed the anterior reach direction of the Star Excursion Balance
      Test and weight-bearing dorsiflexion assessments. Maximum reach distances on the
      Star Excursion Balance Test were measured in cm and normalized to leg length.
      Three-dimensional trunk, hip, knee, and ankle motion of the stance limb were
      recorded during each anterior reach trial using a motion capture system.
      Sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane displacement observed from trial
      initiation to the point of maximum reach was calculated for each joint or segment
      and averaged for analysis. Pearson product-moment correlations were performed to
      examine the relationships between kinematic variables, maximal reach, and weight
      bearing dorsiflexion. A backward multiple linear regression model was developed
      with maximal reach as the criterion variable and kinematic variables as
      predictors. FINDINGS: Frontal plane displacement of the trunk, hip, and ankle and
      sagittal plane knee displacement were entered into the analysis. The final model
      (p=0.004) included all three frontal plane variables and explained 81% of the
      variance in maximal reach. Maximal reach distance and several kinematic variables
      were significantly related to weight-bearing dorsiflexion. INTERPRETATION:
      Individuals with chronic ankle instability who demonstrated greater lateral trunk
      displacement toward the stance limb, hip adduction, and ankle eversion achieved
      greater maximal reach.

PMID- 27124085
TI  - Obesity-specific neural cost of maintaining gait performance under complex
      conditions in community-dwelling older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent evidence of obesity-related changes in the prefrontal cortex
      during cognitive and seated motor activities has surfaced; however, the impact of
      obesity on neural activity during ambulation remains unclear. The purpose of this
      study was to determine obesity-specific neural cost of simple and complex
      ambulation in older adults. METHODS: Twenty non-obese and obese individuals,
      65years and older, performed three tasks varying in the types of complexity of
      ambulation (simple walking, walking+cognitive dual-task, and precision walking).
      Maximum oxygenated hemoglobin, a measure of neural activity, was measured
      bilaterally using a portable functional near infrared spectroscopy system, and
      gait speed and performance on the complex tasks were also obtained. FINDINGS:
      Complex ambulatory tasks were associated with ~2-3.5 times greater cerebral
      oxygenation levels and ~30-40% slower gait speeds when compared to the simple
      walking task. Additionally, obesity was associated with three times greater
      oxygenation levels, particularly during the precision gait task, despite obese
      adults demonstrating similar gait speeds and performances on the complex gait
      tasks as non-obese adults. INTERPRETATION: Compared to existing studies that
      focus solely on biomechanical outcomes, the present study is one of the first to
      examine obesity-related differences in neural activity during ambulation in older
      adults. In order to maintain gait performance, obesity was associated with higher
      neural costs, and this was augmented during ambulatory tasks requiring greater
      precision control. These preliminary findings have clinical implications in
      identifying individuals who are at greater risk of mobility limitations,
      particularly when performing complex ambulatory tasks.

PMID- 27124086
TI  - Effective Inhibition of Cellular ROS Production by MXCXXC-Type Peptides:
      Potential Therapeutic Applications in Copper-Homeostasis Disorders.
AB  - Cyclic and acyclic peptides with sequences derived from metallochaperone binding
      sites, but differing at position 2, were analyzed for their inhibitory reactivity
      towards cellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) formation and catalytic activity
      towards oxidation with H2 O2 , in comparison with three commercial drugs
      clinically employed in chelation therapy for Wilson's disease. Acyclic peptides
      were more effective inhibitors than the cyclic ones, with one leading peptide
      with threonine at position 2 systematically showing the highest efficiency in
      reducing cellular ROS levels and in inhibiting Cu oxidation. This peptide was
      more effective than all commercial drugs in all aspects analyzed, and showed no
      toxicity towards human colon HT-29 cancer cells at concentrations 10-100 times
      higher than the IC50 of the commercial drugs, corroborating its high medicinal
      potential. 

PMID- 27124087
TI  - Short-term comparison of tibial tuberosity advancement and tibial plateau
      levelling osteotomy in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease using kinetic
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study set out to compare the outcomes of tibial tuberosity
      advancement (TTA) and tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) procedures in the
      treatment of dogs affected with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament disease
      (CCLD) based on subjective parameters and objective pressure platform analysis
      (baropodometry). METHODS: Twenty-seven adult dogs weighing over 20 kg that were
      presented with unilateral CCLD and were treated by the TTA (12 dogs) or TPLO (15
      dogs) surgical procedure. Patient allocation to either group was based on tibial
      plateau angle (TPA), according to clinical guidelines (indication for TTA for
      dogs was a TPA up to 25 degrees , and indication for TPLO was any TPA). Pressure
      platform analysis was performed prior to surgery and at four different
      postoperative time points (14, 30, 60 and 90 days). RESULTS: Limb function
      significantly improved following TTA and TPLO, with no significant differences
      between groups. CONCLUSION: The TTA and TPLO surgical procedures were considered
      to be equally effective in promoting weight bearing capacity recovery in dogs
      affected with unilateral CCLD under the conditions of this trial.

PMID- 27124088
TI  - Mono- to Octachlorinated Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxin and Dibenzofuran
      Emissions from Sintering Plants Synergistically Controlled by the Desulfurization
      Process.
AB  - The influence of desulfurization systems in sintering plants on polychlorinated
      dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) concentrations, profiles, and emission
      factors was studied. Mono- to tri-CDD/Fs and tetra- to octa-CDD/F concentrations
      were 4.4 +/- 2.3 and 10.5 +/- 8.3 ng m(-3), respectively, at the inlets and 0.87
      +/- 0.48 and 0.47 +/- 0.22 ng m(-3), respectively, after desulfurization. The
      toxic equivalents (TEQs) were 0.95 +/- 0.093 and 0.51 +/- 0.040 ng of I-TEQ m(-3)
      at the inlets and after desulfurization, respectively. The congener profiles and
      homologue distributions were dominated by 2-MoCDF and MoCDF, respectively. The
      PCDD/F removal efficiencies achieved by desulfurization increased as the
      chlorination level increased. The PCDD/Fs became adsorbed to gypsum. Annual mono-
      to tri-CDD/Fs PCDD/F and TEQ (tetra- to octa-CDD/F) emission factors for flue gas
      and gypsum between 2003 and 2012 were determined. The total amounts of mono- to
      tri-CDD/Fs emitted in flue gas and gypsum between 2003 and 2012 were 10.7 and
      10.2 kg, respectively. The total TEQs emitted in flue gas and gypsum between 2003
      and 2012 were estimated to be 15486 and 1878 g of I-TEQ, respectively. PCDD/Fs
      adsorbed to gypsum are not effectively eliminated. The PCDD/F concentrations
      increased as the fly ash surface area increased moving through the electrostatic
      precipitator stages.

PMID- 27124089
TI  - Formation of Reversible Clusters with Controlled Degree of Aggregation.
AB  - We develop a reversible colloidal system of silica nanoparticles whose state of
      aggregation is controlled reproducibly from a state of fully dispersed
      nanoparticles to that of a colloidal gel and back. The surface of silica
      nanoparticles is coated with various amino silanes to identify a silane capable
      of forming a monolayer on the surface of the particles without causing
      irreversible aggregation. Of the three silanes used in this study, N-[3
      (trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine was found to be capable of producing
      monolayers up to full surface coverage without inducing irreversible aggregation
      of the nanoparticles. At near full surface coverage the electrokinetic behavior
      of the functionalized silica is completely determined by that of the aminosilane.
      At acidic pH the ionization of the amino groups provides electrosteric
      stabilization and the system is fully dispersed. At basic pH, the dispersion
      state is dominated by the hydrophobic interaction between the uncharged
      aminosilane chains in the aqueous environment and the system forms a colloidal
      gel. At intermediate pH values the dispersion state is dominated by the balance
      between electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, and the system exists in
      clusters whose size is determined solely by the pH. The transformation between
      states of aggregation is reversible and a reproducible function of pH. The rate
      of gelation can be controlled to be as fast as minutes while deaggregation is
      much slower and takes several hours to complete.

PMID- 27124090
TI  - Phospholipases as GTPase activity accelerating proteins (GAPs) in plants.
AB  - GTPase activity accelerating proteins (GAPs) are key regulators of the G-protein
      signaling cycle. By facilitating effective hydrolysis of the GTP bound on Galpha
      proteins, GAPs control the timing and amplitude of the signaling cycle and
      ascertain the availability of the inactive heterotrimer for the next round of
      activation. Until very recently, the studies of GAPs in plants were focused
      exclusively on the regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) protein. We now show
      that phospholipase Dalpha1 (PLDalpha1) is also a bona fide GAP in plants and
      together with the RGS protein controls the level of active Galpha protein.

PMID- 27124091
TI  - Quantifying Aflatoxin B1 in peanut oil using fabricating fluorescence probes
      based on upconversion nanoparticles.
AB  - Rare earth doped upconversion nanoparticles convert near-infrared excitation
      light into visible emission light. Compared to organic fluorophores and
      semiconducting nanoparticles, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) offer high
      photochemical stability, sharp emission bandwidths, and large anti-Stokes shifts.
      Along with the significant light penetration depth and the absence of
      autofluorescence in biological samples under infrared excitation, these UCNPs
      have attracted more and more attention on toxin detection and biological
      labelling. Herein, the fluorescence probe based on UCNPs was developed for
      quantifying Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in peanut oil. Based on a specific immunity
      format, the detection limit for AFB1 under optimal conditions was obtained as low
      as 0.2ng.ml(-1), and in the effective detection range 0.2 to 100ng.ml(-1), good
      relationship between fluorescence intensity and AFB1 concentration was achieved
      under the linear ratios up to 0.90. Moreover, to check the feasibility of these
      probes on AFB1 measurements in peanut oil, recovery tests have been carried out.
      A good accuracy rating (93.8%) was obtained in this study. Results showed that
      the nanoparticles can be successfully applied for sensing AFB1 in peanut oil.

PMID- 27124092
TI  - Hypercalcemia in a Young Man.

PMID- 27124094
TI  - Investigation of maternal and cord blood erythropoietin and copeptin levels in
      low-risk term deliveries complicated by meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare maternal, cord blood erythropoietin (EPO), and copeptin
      levels in low-risk term deliveries which are complicated by meconium-stained
      amniotic fluid (MSAF) to those with clear amniotic fluid. Also, to evaluate the
      relations between these markers and cord blood pH values. METHODS: Low-risk term
      pregnant women with MSAF at an active phase of labor were defined as the study
      group (n = 39). Pregnant women with clear amniotic fluid were selected for the
      control group (n = 41). The two groups were matched for age, body mass index and
      gestational age. Maternal, cord blood EPO and copeptin levels with cord blood pH
      values were also measured. RESULTS: Maternal, cord blood EPO, and copeptin levels
      of study and control groups were 42.6 +/- 9.0 versus 40.7 +/- 9.2, 134.2 (20.5
      834.6) versus 38.4 (10.3-114.2), 4.9 (0.1-31.1) versus 4.0 (3.1-28.4), and 4.7
      (2.6-25.5) versus 3.6 (2.0-23.2), respectively. The differences were
      statistically significant for cord blood EPO, maternal and cord blood copeptin
      levels (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p < 0.001, respectively). The study group had a
      statistically and significantly lower cord blood pH values (7.25 +/- 0.05 versus
      7.34 +/- 0.04, p < 0.001). Moreover, cord blood EPO and maternal and cord blood
      copeptin levels were inversely correlated with cord blood pH values in the study
      group (p < 0.001, p = 0.005, and p = 0.009, respectively). CONCLUSION: We suggest
      that higher cord blood EPO and maternal and cord blood copeptin levels may be an
      indicator of fetal acidosis in low-risk term deliveries complicated by MSAF.

PMID- 27124095
TI  - Elucidation of the Key Role of [Ru(bpy)3 ](2+) in Photocatalyzed RAFT
      Polymerization.
AB  - Photocatalysis reactions using [Ru(II) (bpy)3 ](2+) were studied on the example
      of visible-light-sensitized reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer
      (RAFT) polymerization. Although both photoinduced electron- and energy-transfer
      mechanisms are able to describe this interaction, no definitive experimental
      proof has been presented so far. This paper investigates the actual mechanism
      governing this reaction. A set of RAFT agents was selected, their redox
      potentials measured by cyclic voltammetry, and relaxed triplet energies
      calculated by quantum mechanics. Gibbs free-energy values were calculated for
      both electron- and energy-transfer mechanisms. Quenching rate constants were
      determined by laser flash photolysis. The results undoubtedly evidence the
      involvement of a photoinduced energy-transfer reaction. Controlled
      photopolymerization experiments are discussed in the light of the primary
      photochemical process and photodissociation ability of RAFT agent triplet states.

PMID- 27124093
TI  - Narrative review of genes, environment, and cigarettes.
AB  - Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the US, emphasizing
      the need to understand which genes and environments are involved in the
      establishment of cigarette use behaviors. However, to date, no comprehensive
      review of the influence of genes, the environment, and their interaction on
      cigarette use exists. This narrative review provides a description of gene
      variants and environmental factors associated with cigarette use, as well as an
      overview of studies investigating gene-environment interaction (GxE) in cigarette
      use. GxE studies of cigarette use have been useful in demonstrating that the
      influence of genes changes as a function of both the phenotype being measured and
      the environment. However, it is difficult to determine how the effect of genes
      contributing to different phenotypes of cigarette use changes as a function of
      the environment. This suggests the need for more studies of GxE, to parse out the
      effects of genes and the environment across the development of cigarette use
      phenotypes, which may help to inform potential prevention and intervention
      efforts aimed at reducing the prevalence of cigarette use. Key Messages No
      comprehensive reviews of the influence of genes, the environment, and their
      interaction on cigarette use exist currently. The influence of genes may change
      as a function of the environment and the phenotype being measured. It is
      difficult to determine how the effect of genes contributing to different
      phenotypes of cigarette use changes according to environmental context,
      suggesting the need for more studies of gene-environment interaction related to
      cigarette use to parse out effects.

PMID- 27124096
TI  - Testosterone Replacement Therapy: The Emperor's New Clothes.
AB  - The mean age of the world population has steadily increased in the last decades,
      as a result of increased life expectancy and reduced birth rate. Global aging has
      led to a greater worldwide cost for healthcare: hormonal alterations contribute
      to the pathogenesis of several conditions and might cause a significant reduction
      in the perceived sense of well-being. Menopause is archetypal of hormonal
      alterations occurring during aging: in males, sex hormones do not decrease
      abruptly, yet testosterone levels decrease steadily and continuously during
      aging, ultimately resulting in late-onset hypogonadism. Treatment of this
      condition might mitigate most symptoms; however, testosterone replacement therapy
      (TRT) should be prescribed only in selected patients and it should not be
      considered as an antiaging treatment. In recent years, different authors have
      questioned health risks associated with testosterone treatment; while position
      statements from many scientific societies seem to be reassuring, the Food and
      Drug Administration has issued a warning in regard to the possible side effects
      of this therapy. We aim to review recent controversies and discoveries in regard
      to TRT.

PMID- 27124097
TI  - Reductive Cleavage of CO2 by Metal-Ligand-Cooperation Mediated by an Iridium
      Pincer Complex.
AB  - A unique mode of stoichiometric CO2 activation and reductive splitting based on
      metal-ligand-cooperation is described. The novel Ir hydride complexes [((t)Bu
      PNP*)Ir(H)2] (2) ((t)Bu-PNP*, deprotonated (t)Bu-PNP ligand) and [((t)Bu
      PNP)Ir(H)] (3) react with CO2 to give the dearomatized complex [((t)Bu
      PNP*)Ir(CO)] (4) and water. Mechanistic studies have identified an adduct in
      which CO2 is bound to the ligand and metal, [((t)Bu-PNP-COO)Ir(H)2] (5), and a di
      CO2 iridacycle [((t)Bu-PNP)Ir(H)(C2O4-kappaC,O)] (6). DFT calculations confirm
      the formation of 5 and 6 as reversibly formed side products, and suggest an
      eta(1)-CO2 intermediate leading to the thermodynamic product 4. The calculations
      support a metal-ligand-cooperation pathway in which an internal deprotonation of
      the benzylic position by the eta(1)-CO2 ligand leads to a carboxylate
      intermediate, which further reacts with the hydride ligand to give complex 4 and
      water.

PMID- 27124098
TI  - Dissociation Pathways of the CH2CH2ONO Radical: NO2 + Ethene, NO + Oxirane, and a
      Non-Intrinsic Reaction Coordinate HNO + Vinoxy Pathway.
AB  - We first characterize the dissociation pathways of BrCH2CH2ONO, a substituted
      alkyl nitrite, upon photoexcitation at 193 nm under collision-free conditions, in
      a crossed laser-molecular beam scattering apparatus using vacuum ultraviolet
      photoionization detection. Three primary photodissociation pathways occur:
      photoelimination of HNO, leading to the products HNO + BrCH2CHO; C-Br bond
      photofission, leading to Br + CH2CH2ONO; and O-NO bond photofission, leading to
      NO + BrCH2CH2O. The data show that alkyl nitrites can eliminate HNO via a
      unimolecular mechanism in addition to the commonly accepted bulk
      disproportionation mechanism. Some of the products from the primary
      photodissociation pathways are highly vibrationally excited, so we then probe the
      product branching from the unimolecular dissociation of these unstable
      intermediates. Notably, the vibrationally excited CH2CH2ONO radicals undergo two
      channels predicted by statistical transition-state theory, and an additional non
      intrinsic reaction coordinate channel, HNO elimination. CH2CH2ONO is formed with
      high rotational energy; by employing rotational models based on conservation of
      angular momentum, we predict, and verify experimentally, the kinetic energies of
      stable CH2CH2ONO radicals and the angular distribution of dissociation products.
      The major dissociation pathway of CH2CH2ONO is NO2 + ethene, and some of the NO2
      is formed with sufficient internal energy to undergo further photodissociation.
      Nascent BrCH2CHO and CH2Br are also photodissociated upon absorption of a second
      193 nm photon; we derive the kinetic energy release of these dissociations based
      on our data, noting similarities to the analogous photodissociation of ClCH2CHO
      and CH2Cl. 

PMID- 27124099
TI  - Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) processing speed
      scores as measures of noncredible responding: The third generation of embedded
      performance validity indicators.
AB  - Research suggests that select processing speed measures can also serve as
      embedded validity indicators (EVIs). The present study examined the diagnostic
      utility of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) subtests as
      EVIs in a mixed clinical sample of 205 patients medically referred for
      neuropsychological assessment (53.3% female, mean age = 45.1). Classification
      accuracy was calculated against 3 composite measures of performance validity as
      criterion variables. A PSI <=79 produced a good combination of sensitivity (.23
      .56) and specificity (.92-.98). A Coding scaled score <=5 resulted in good
      specificity (.94-1.00), but low and variable sensitivity (.04-.28). A Symbol
      Search scaled score <=6 achieved a good balance between sensitivity (.38-.64) and
      specificity (.88-.93). A Coding-Symbol Search scaled score difference >=5
      produced adequate specificity (.89-.91) but consistently low sensitivity (.08
      .12). A 2-tailed cutoff on the Coding/Symbol Search raw score ratio (<=1.41 or
      >=3.57) produced acceptable specificity (.87-.93), but low sensitivity (.15-.24).
      Failing >=2 of these EVIs produced variable specificity (.81-.93) and sensitivity
      (.31-.59). Failing >=3 of these EVIs stabilized specificity (.89-.94) at a small
      cost to sensitivity (.23-.53). Results suggest that processing speed based EVIs
      have the potential to provide a cost-effective and expedient method for
      evaluating the validity of cognitive data. Given their generally low and variable
      sensitivity, however, they should not be used in isolation to determine the
      credibility of a given response set. They also produced unacceptably high rates
      of false positive errors in patients with moderate-to-severe head injury.
      Combining evidence from multiple EVIs has the potential to improve overall
      classification accuracy. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124100
TI  - Factorial structure and long-term stability of the Autonomy Preference Index.
AB  - The autonomy preference index scale (API) has been designed to measure patient
      preference for 2 dimensions of autonomy: Their desire to take part in making
      medical decisions (decision making, [DM]) and their desire to be informed about
      their illness and the treatment (information seeking; [IS]). The DM dimension is
      measured by 6 general items together with 9 items related to 3 clinical vignettes
      (3 * 3 items). The IS dimension is measured by 8 items. While the API is widely
      used, a review of literature has identified several inconsistencies in the way it
      is scored. The first aim of this study was to determine the best scoring
      structure of the API on the basis of validity and reliability evidence. The
      second aim was to investigate the long-term stability of API scores. Two-hundred
      and 85 patients with a diagnosis of psychosis were assessed as they were about to
      be discharged from involuntary psychiatric hospitalization and they were
      reassessed after 6 and 12 months. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed
      that a 3-factor solution was most adequate and that 2 distinct DM subscales
      should be preferred to 1 total DM score. While internal consistency estimates of
      the 3 subscales were good, the long-term stability of API scores was only modest.
      Multigroup-CFA revealed scalar invariance indicating API scores kept the same
      meaning longitudinally. In conclusion, a 3-factor structure seemed to be most
      adequate for the API scale. Long-term stability estimates suggested that
      clinicians should regularly assess patients' preferences for autonomy because API
      scores fluctuate over time. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124101
TI  - Development of a structured undergraduate research experience: Framework and
      implications.
AB  - Participating in undergraduate research can be a pivotal experience for students
      in life science disciplines. Development of critical thinking skills, in addition
      to conveying scientific ideas in oral and written formats, is essential to
      ensuring that students develop a greater understanding of basic scientific
      knowledge and the research process. Modernizing the current life sciences
      research environment to accommodate the growing demand by students for
      experiential learning is needed. By developing and implementing a structured,
      theory-based approach to undergraduate research in the life sciences,
      specifically biochemistry, it has been successfully shown that more students can
      be provided with a high-quality, high-impact research experience. The structure
      of this approach allowed students to develop novel, independent projects in a
      computational molecular modeling lab. Students engaged in an experience in which
      career goals, problem-solving skills, time management skills, and independence in
      a research lab were developed. After experiencing this approach to undergraduate
      research, students reported feeling challenged to think critically and prepared
      for future career paths. The approach allowed for a progressive learning
      environment where more undergraduate students could participate in publishable
      research. Future areas for development include implementation in a bench-top lab
      and extension to disciplines beyond biochemistry. In this study, it has been
      shown that utilizing the structured approach to undergraduate research could
      allow for more students to experience undergraduate research and develop into
      more confident, independent life scientists well prepared for graduate schools
      and professional research environments. (c) 2016 by The International Union of
      Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(5):463-474, 2016.

PMID- 27124103
TI  - Determination of energy absorption and exposure buildup factors by using G-P
      fitting approximation for radioprotective agents.
AB  - PURPOSE: Recently, there has been an increase in interest into research into
      radioprotective agents. Radioprotectors are compounds that protect against
      radiation injury when given orally (through drinking water) prior to radiation
      exposure. The purpose is to achieve preferred protection of normal tissues
      against injury inflicted by ionizing radiation used to treat tumors. The main aim
      of this work is to investigate energy absorption (EABF) and exposure buildup
      factors (EBF) of commonly used some radioprotective agents. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We have used the Geometric Progression (G-P) fitting method for
      calculating the equivalent atomic number (Zeq), for EABF and EBF buildup factors
      of the radioprotective agents in the energy range 0.015-15 MeV for penetration
      depths up to 40 mean free path. RESULTS: Significant variations in both EABF and
      EBF values were observed for several agents at the moderate energy region. At
      energies below 0.1 MeV, EABF and EBF values increased with decreasing equivalent
      atomic number Zeq of the samples. At energies >0.15 MeV, EABF and EBF values were
      found to decrease with decreasing Zeq of all agents. In addition, EABF and EBF
      were the largest for carnosin, tempol, melatonin, interferon gamma and orientine
      at 0.05 and 0.06 MeV, respectively, and the minimum values of buildup factors
      were at 0.1 MeV for cysteine, amifostine, penicillamine and glutathione.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cysteine and amifostine are good compounds for gamma rays absorption
      applications among the selected compounds. The presented results in this study
      are expected to be helpful in radiation dosimetry.

PMID- 27124104
TI  - The effect of Nordic Walking on joint status, quality of life, physical ability,
      exercise capacity and pain in adult persons with haemophilia.
AB  - Nordic Walking is an exercise form requiring significant energy consumption, but
      where the use of poles minimizes the risk of injury. The aim of this pilot study
      was to examine the effect of 3 months of Nordic Walking on males (>40 years of
      age) with haemophilia, regarding joint function (Haemophilia Joint Health Score),
      physical ability (Haemophilia Exercise Project - Test-Questionnaire), exercise
      capacity (6-min walking test), pain (visual analogue scale) and quality of life
      (the Swedish version of The Short Form Health Survey, SF-36). Pre-interventional
      and post-interventional scores of above-mentioned parameters were analysed, using
      Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. Eleven participants were recruited to the study.
      Statistically significant improvements were observed in physical ability (P
      value: 0.01) and body perception (P value: 0.02). The intervention did not
      increase number of bleedings or factor consumption. This is the first study ever
      evaluating Nordic Walking in persons with haemophilia. Our results suggest that
      Nordic Walking is safe and efficient, also in patients with haemophilic
      arthropathy. 

PMID- 27124102
TI  - Increased mitochondrial fission promotes autophagy and hepatocellular carcinoma
      cell survival through the ROS-modulated coordinated regulation of the NFKB and
      TP53 pathways.
AB  - Mitochondrial morphology is dynamically remodeled by fusion and fission in cells,
      and dysregulation of this process is closely implicated in tumorigenesis.
      However, the mechanism by which mitochondrial dynamics influence cancer cell
      survival is considerably less clear, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC). In this study, we systematically investigated the alteration of
      mitochondrial dynamics and its functional role in the regulation of autophagy and
      HCC cell survival. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanisms and
      therapeutic application were explored in depth. Mitochondrial fission was
      frequently upregulated in HCC tissues mainly due to an elevated expression ratio
      of DNM1L to MFN1, which significantly contributed to poor prognosis of HCC
      patients. Increased mitochondrial fission by forced expression of DNM1L or
      knockdown of MFN1 promoted the survival of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo
      mainly by facilitating autophagy and inhibiting mitochondria-dependent apoptosis.
      We further demonstrated that the survival-promoting role of increased
      mitochondrial fission was mediated via elevated ROS production and subsequent
      activation of AKT, which facilitated MDM2-mediated TP53 degradation, and NFKBIA-
      and IKK-mediated transcriptional activity of NFKB in HCC cells. Also, a crosstalk
      between TP53 and NFKB pathways was involved in the regulation of mitochondrial
      fission-mediated cell survival. Moreover, treatment with mitochondrial division
      inhibitor-1 significantly suppressed tumor growth in an in vivo xenograft nude
      mice model. Our findings demonstrate that increased mitochondrial fission plays a
      critical role in regulation of HCC cell survival, which provides a strong
      evidence for this process as drug target in HCC treatment.

PMID- 27124105
TI  - Concerns about idarucizumab for dabigatran reversal.

PMID- 27124106
TI  - Protective effects of combined beta-caryophyllene and silymarin against
      ketoprofen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
AB  - Ketoprofen (Ket), widely utilized in treatment of many inflammatory disorders, is
      found to induce liver toxicity especially with overdose. This study aimed to
      evaluate the possible protective effects of concomitant beta-caryophyllene (Cary)
      and silymarin (Sily) against Ket-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Forty adult male
      albino rats were divided into 5 groups (each n = 8): the control group received
      distilled water for 6 weeks; the Ket-treated group received distilled water for 5
      weeks and Ket in a dose of 8 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) p.o. for the 6th week; the Cary +
      Ket treated group received Cary in a dose of 200 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) orally for 6
      weeks and Ket for the 6th week; the Sily + Ket treated group received Sily in the
      dose of 150 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) for 6 weeks and Ket for the 6th week; and the Cary
      + Sily + Ket treated group received Sily and Cary for 6 weeks and Ket for the 6th
      week. At end of the experiment, serum ALT, AST, and albumin and liver total
      antioxidant capacity (t.TAC) and malondialdehyde (t.MDA) were measured in all
      rats. Ket increased serum ALT and AST and t.MDA and decreased t.TAC. Cary and
      Sily improved these changes. Combined Cary and Sily restored these liver changes
      to nearly normal. Combined Cary and Sily is hepatoprotective, with the ability to
      scavenge oxidants against Ket-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. 

PMID- 27124108
TI  - Sintering-resistant Pt@CeO2 nanoparticles for high-temperature oxidation
      catalysis.
AB  - The key challenge that has limited the industrial utilization of nano-sized metal
      catalysts is their poor thermal stability and the resulting performance
      degradation. Here, we address this issue by designing a post-encapsulated
      composite structure in which individual Pt nanoparticles are surrounded by gas
      permeable and catalytically active CeO2 shells. Positively charged surfactants on
      the nanoparticle surfaces are exploited to adsorb negatively charged Ce precursor
      complexes spontaneously, followed by confined precipitation to form cerium
      dioxide. This strategy enables the creation of uniformly coated shell structures
      with tunable thicknesses between 2.9 and 26.5 nm, thereby enabling the
      investigation of how thickness affects the thermal stability and chemical
      reactivity of the composite particles. Enhanced metal-support interactions
      significantly prevent Pt agglomeration, leading to exceptionally high reactivity
      for methane combustion. With a shell thickness of 13.8 nm, we observe a T10 lower
      by more than 100  degrees C with an eight-fold higher reaction rate when compared
      with a bare mixture of Pt and CeO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, their cores remain
      isolated even after heating them to 1000  degrees C, while complete methane
      oxidation was maintained for more than 50 hours at 700  degrees C. These results
      provide improved guidelines toward the design of a sintering-resistant, high
      performance catalyst for use at elevated temperatures. 

PMID- 27124107
TI  - Neonicotinoids target distinct nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and neurons,
      leading to differential risks to bumblebees.
AB  - There is growing concern over the risk to bee populations from neonicotinoid
      insecticides and the long-term consequences of reduced numbers of insect
      pollinators to essential ecosystem services and food security. Our knowledge of
      the risk of neonicotinoids to bees is based on studies of imidacloprid and
      thiamethoxam and these findings are extrapolated to clothianidin based on its
      higher potency at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This study addresses the
      specificity and consequences of all three neonicotinoids to determine their
      relative risk to bumblebees at field-relevant levels (2.5 ppb). We find compound
      specific effects at all levels (individual cells, bees and whole colonies in semi
      field conditions). Imidacloprid and clothianidin display distinct, overlapping,
      abilities to stimulate Kenyon cells, indicating the potential to differentially
      influence bumblebee behavior. Bee immobility was induced only by imidacloprid,
      and an increased vulnerability to clothianidin toxicity only occurred following
      chronic exposure to clothianidin or thiamethoxam. At the whole colony level, only
      thiamethoxam altered the sex ratio (more males present) and only clothianidin
      increased queen production. Finally, both imidacloprid and thiamethoxam caused
      deficits in colony strength, while no detrimental effects of clothianidin were
      observed. Given these findings, neonicotinoid risk needs to be considered
      independently for each compound and target species.

PMID- 27124109
TI  - Chlorpromazine versus reserpine for schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the 1940s reserpine, refined from a plant extract that had been
      used for centuries, began to be used as a treatment for people with mental
      disorders and was one of the very first antipsychotic drugs. Its irreversible
      pharmacological potency and adverse effects meant that it has been withdrawn in
      the UK and its role has been superceded by 'newer' compounds. The effects of
      reserpine are of historical interest although there are some reports of it still
      being used in highly specialist situations in psychiatry. Chlorpromazine is also
      an old drug but it is still used for treatment of people with schizophrenia.
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of two old medications (reserpine and
      chlorpromazine) for people with schizophrenia. Reserpine is now rarely used while
      chlorpromazine remains on the essential list of drugs of the World Health
      Organization (WHO). SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia
      Group's Study-Based Register of Trials (24 March 2016). SELECTION CRITERIA: We
      included randomised clinical trials focusing on chlorpromazine versus reserpine
      for schizophrenia that presented useable data. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We
      extracted data independently. For binary outcomes, we calculated risk ratio (RR)
      and its 95% confidence interval (CI), on an intention-to-treat basis. We employed
      a fixed-effect model for analyses. We assessed risk of bias for included studies
      and created a 'Summary of findings' table using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: The review
      currently includes nine studies with an average 60 participants per study. All of
      these studies are now over 60 years old, conducted between 1955 and 1962. When
      chlorpromazine was compared with reserpine for people with schizophrenia,
      improvement in global state was better at short term for those receiving
      chlorpromazine (n = 781, 6 RCTs, RR 'not improved' 0.75 95% CI 0.62 to 0.92, low
      quality evidence). Short-term improvement in paranoid distortion was measured
      using the Multidimensional Scale for Rating Psychiatric Patients (MSRPP). Data
      showed no clear difference between treatment groups (n = 19, 1 RCT, RR 1.33 95%
      CI 0.62 to 2.89, very low-quality evidence). There was no difference in
      functioning: occupational adjustment, medium term (n = 40, 1 RCT, RR 0.83 95% CI
      0.47 to 1.47, moderate-quality evidence) and general behaviour (n = 98, 1 RCT, RR
      0.79 CI 0.41 to 1.53, moderate-quality evidence). Adverse events were poorly
      reported. For 'toxic reaction' there was, again, no obvious difference between
      the two compounds (n = 210, 3 RCTs, RR 1.68 95% CI 0.43 to 6.54, moderate-quality
      evidence), and this also applied to leaving the study early (n = 229, 4 RCTs, RR
      1.16 95% CI 0.94 to 1.42, moderate-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:
      Judged by standards of today, the evidence is largely of limited quality.
      However, some of these 1950s studies are remarkable in their foresight and
      clarity. Reserpine did have some effect on global state - but chlorpromazine did
      seem to perform better. Important issues regarding adverse effects were not
      really addressed by these trials. Chlorpromazine remains on the WHO list of
      essential drugs. Reserpine is now almost obsolete, although, probably as a result
      of evidence other than that reported in the pioneering trials used in this
      review.

PMID- 27124110
TI  - Assessment and treatment of pain in thalassemia.
AB  - Pain is a subjective symptom whose prevalence can be grossly underestimated. The
      high proportion of adults with thalassemia who experience chronic pain is evident
      from recent surveys. However, pain has not received enough attention in the
      overall management of thalassemia. The association of pain with the type and
      treatment of thalassemia or with its comorbidities is unclear. Abnormal spine
      imaging is seen in patients reporting pain, although the role of osteopenia has
      not been established. Pain becomes more frequent with age. The lower back is the
      most common site and can be particularly disabling and difficult to treat.
      Treatable causes, such as extramedullary masses or disc herniation or fractures,
      must be ruled out. Some adults experience increasing pain when the hemoglobin
      drops at the end of transfusion cycles. Interdisciplinary management of pain is
      necessary, while overreliance on medications can be counterproductive. The impact
      of chronic pain on the quality of life must be acknowledged. Physical therapy,
      psychological counseling, and vocational rehabilitation are vital to management.
      I recommend a proactive approach for prevention of pain by maintaining optimal
      bone density and an active lifestyle. I further propose that a universal tool be
      adopted to document and characterize pain at routine clinic visits.

PMID- 27124112
TI  - Electrophysiology of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion: First evidence for the
      role of synapse in ischemic tolerance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The subthreshold brain-damaging stimulus may protect the brain from
      subsequent ischemia; this phenomenon has been named "ischemic tolerance" (IT). We
      focused on the synaptic properties of the neurons after mild and severe ischemia
      to determine the association between IT and synaptic efficacy. EXPERIMENTAL
      DESIGN: Adult male rats were randomly divided into four experimental groups
      including control, sham, permanent ischemia (pI/R), and mild ischemia (mI/R).
      Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method was applied to induce brain
      ischemia. Seven days after the insult, long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by
      high-frequency stimulation (HFS) and paired-pulse ratio (PPR) were monitored
      before and after the HFS delivery. RESULTS: The field potential recording
      demonstrated that mild ischemia significantly increased the basal synaptic
      transmission. Additionally, the HFS produced a significant potentiation compared
      to its baseline level in the mI/R group. Moreover, mild ischemia prevented
      depression of PPR by HFS. This effect was accompanied by a significant increase
      in the normalized PPR (PPR after HFS/PPR before HFS) in this group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our data indicated that a mild reduction in brain perfusion without permanent
      lesion can dramatically increase the basal synaptic transmission. This effect may
      be associated with an increase in the neurotransmitter content of the pre
      synaptic neurons. This hypothesis could provide a new insight into the
      relationship between IT and synaptic efficacy. Synapse 70:351-360, 2016. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27124113
TI  - Novel Use of CF3SO2Cl for the Metal-Free Electrophilic Trifluoromethylthiolation.
AB  - The regioselective trifluoromethylthiolation of indole derivatives was achieved
      under reductive conditions with trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride as the readily
      available source of electrophilic SCF3 and a phosphine as the reducing agent. It
      is a straightforward process free from any metal and also applicable for the
      trifluoromethylthiolation of other azaarenes, enamines, and enoxysilanes.

PMID- 27124111
TI  - Hypoxia-Induced Changes in DNA Methylation Alter RASAL1 and TGFbeta1 Expression
      in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fibrosis and a hypoxic environment are associated with the trabecular
      meshwork (TM) region in the blinding disease glaucoma. Hypoxia has been shown to
      alter DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism involved in regulating gene
      expression such as the pro-fibrotic transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1 and
      the anti-fibrotic Ras protein activator like 1 (RASAL1). The purpose of this
      study was to compare DNA methylation levels, and the expression of TGFbeta1 and
      RASAL1 in primary human normal (NTM) with glaucomatous (GTM) cells and in NTM
      cells under hypoxic conditions. METHODS: Global DNA methylation was assessed by
      ELISA in cultured age-matched NTM and GTM cells. qPCR was conducted for TGFbeta1,
      collagen 1alpha1 (COL1A1), and RASAL1 expression. Western immunoblotting was used
      to determine protein expression. For hypoxia experiments, NTM cells were cultured
      in a 1%O2, 5%CO2 and 37 degrees C environment. NTM and GTM cells were treated
      with TGFbeta1 (10ng/ml) and the methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-aza)
      (0.5MUM) respectively to determine their effects on DNA Methyltransferase 1
      (DNMT1) and RASAL1 expression. RESULTS: We found increased DNA methylation,
      increased TGFbeta1 expression and decreased RASAL1 expression in GTM cells
      compared to NTM cells. Similar results were obtained in NTM cells under hypoxic
      conditions. TGFbeta1 treatment increased DNMT1 and COL1A1, and decreased RASAL1
      expression in NTM cells. 5-aza treatment decreased DNMT1, TGFbeta1 and COL1A1
      expression, and increased RASAL1 expression in GTM cells. CONCLUSIONS: TGFbeta1
      and RASAL1 expression, global DNA methylation, and expression of associated
      methylation enzymes were altered between NTM and GTM cells. We found that hypoxia
      in NTM cells induced similar results to the GTM cells. Furthermore, DNA
      methylation, TGFbeta1 and RASAL1 appear to have an interacting relationship that
      may play a role in driving pro-fibrotic disease progression in the glaucomatous
      TM.

PMID- 27124115
TI  - Robustifying Bayesian nonparametric mixtures for count data.
AB  - Our motivating application stems from surveys of natural populations and is
      characterized by large spatial heterogeneity in the counts, which makes
      parametric approaches to modeling local animal abundance too restrictive. We
      adopt a Bayesian nonparametric approach based on mixture models and innovate with
      respect to popular Dirichlet process mixture of Poisson kernels by increasing the
      model flexibility at the level both of the kernel and the nonparametric mixing
      measure. This allows to derive accurate and robust estimates of the distribution
      of local animal abundance and of the corresponding clusters. The application and
      a simulation study for different scenarios yield also some general methodological
      implications. Adding flexibility solely at the level of the mixing measure does
      not improve inferences, since its impact is severely limited by the rigidity of
      the Poisson kernel with considerable consequences in terms of bias. However, once
      a kernel more flexible than the Poisson is chosen, inferences can be robustified
      by choosing a prior more general than the Dirichlet process. Therefore, to
      improve the performance of Bayesian nonparametric mixtures for count data one has
      to enrich the model simultaneously at both levels, the kernel and the mixing
      measure.

PMID- 27124114
TI  - Selective Neuromuscular Denervation in Taiwanese Severe SMA Mouse Can Be Reversed
      by Morpholino Antisense Oligonucleotides.
AB  - Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease
      caused by deficiency of the survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein, which leads
      to synaptic defects and spinal motor neuron death. Neuromuscular junction (NMJ)
      abnormalities have been found to be involved in SMA pathogenesis in the SMNDelta7
      SMA mouse model. However, whether similar NMJ pathological findings present in
      another commonly used mouse model, the Taiwanese SMA mouse, has not been fully
      investigated. To examine the NMJs of the Taiwanese severe SMA mouse model (Smn-/
      ; SMN2tg/0), which is characterized by severe phenotype and death before
      postnatal day (P) 9, we investigated 25 axial and appendicular muscles from P1 to
      P9. We labelled the muscles with anti-neurofilament and anti-synaptophysin
      antibodies for nerve terminals and alpha-bungarotoxin for acetylcholine receptors
      (AChRs). We found that severe NMJ denervation (<50% fully innervated endplates)
      selectively occurred in the flexor digitorum brevis 2 and 3 (FDB-2/3) muscles
      from P5, and an increased percentage of fully denervated endplates correlated
      with SMA progression. Furthermore, synaptophysin signals were absent at the
      endplate compared to control littermate mice, suggesting that vesicle transport
      might only be affected at the end stage. Subsequently, we treated the Taiwanese
      severe SMA mice with morpholino (MO) antisense oligonucleotides (80 MUg/g) via
      subcutaneous injection at P0. We found that MO significantly reversed the NMJ
      denervation in FDB-2/3 muscles and extended the survival of Taiwanese severe SMA
      mice. We conclude that early NMJ denervation in the FDB-2/3 muscles of Taiwanese
      severe SMA mice can be reversed by MO treatment. The FDB-2/3 muscles of Taiwanese
      severe SMA mice provide a very sensitive platform for assessing the effectiveness
      of drug treatments in SMA preclinical studies.

PMID- 27124116
TI  - Self-Administered Domiciliary tDCS Treatment for Tinnitus: A Double-Blind Sham
      Controlled Study.
AB  - Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has shown potential for providing
      tinnitus relief, although positive effects have usually been observed only during
      a short time period after treatment. In recent studies the focus has turned from
      one-session experiments towards multi-session treatment studies investigating
      long-term outcomes with double-blinded and sham-controlled study designs.
      Traditionally, tDCS has been administered in a clinical setting by a healthcare
      professional but in studies involving multiple treatment sessions, often a trade
      off has to be made between sample size and the amount of labor needed to run the
      trial. Also, as the number of required visits to the clinic increases, the
      dropout rate is likely to rise proportionally.The aim of the current study was to
      find out if tDCS treatment for tinnitus could be patient-administered in a
      domiciliary setting and whether the results would be comparable to those from in
      hospital treatment studies. Forty-three patients with chronic (> 6 months)
      tinnitus were involved in the study, and data on 35 out of these patients were
      included in final analysis. Patients received 20 minutes of left temporal area
      anodal (LTA) or bifrontal tDCS stimulation (2 mA) or sham stimulation (0.3 mA)
      for ten consecutive days. An overall reduction in the main outcome measure,
      Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), was found (mean change -5.0 points, p < 0.05),
      but there was no significant difference between active and sham treatment
      outcomes. Patients found the tDCS treatment easy to administer and they all
      tolerated it well. In conclusion, self-administered domiciliary tDCS treatment
      for tinnitus was found safe and feasible and gave outcome results similar to
      recent randomized controlled long-term treatment trials. The results suggest
      better overall treatment response-as measured by THI-with domiciliary treatment
      than with in-hospital treatment, but this advantage is not related to the tDCS
      variant. The study protocol demonstrated in the current study is not restricted
      to tinnitus only.

PMID- 27124117
TI  - Inhibition of SK4 Potassium Channels Suppresses Cell Proliferation, Migration and
      the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells.
AB  - Treatments for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are limited; intermediate
      conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK4) channels are closely involved in
      tumor progression, but little is known about these channels in TNBC. We aimed to
      investigate whether SK4 channels affect TNBC. First, by immunohistochemistry
      (IHC) and western blotting (WB), increased SK4 protein expression in breast tumor
      tissues was detected relative to that in non-tumor breast tissues, but there was
      no apparent expression difference between various subtypes of breast cancer
      (p>0.05). Next, functional SK4 channels were detected in the TNBC cell line MDA
      MB-231 using WB, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and patch-clamp recording. By
      employing SK4 specific siRNAs and blockers, including TRAM-34 and clotrimazole,
      in combination with an MTT assay, a colony-formation assay, flow cytometry and a
      cell motility assay, we found that the suppression of SK4 channels significantly
      inhibited cell proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis in MDA-MB-231
      cells (p<0.05). Further investigation revealed that treatment with epidermal
      growth factor (EGF)/basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) caused MDA-MB-231 cells
      to undergo the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and to show increased SK4
      mRNA expression. In addition, the down-regulation of SK4 expression inhibited the
      EMT markers Vimentin and Snail1. Collectively, our findings suggest that SK4
      channels are expressed in TNBC and are involved in the proliferation, apoptosis,
      migration and EMT processes of TNBC cells.

PMID- 27124119
TI  - Regional atmospheric CO2 inversion reveals seasonal and geographic differences in
      Amazon net biome exchange.
AB  - Understanding tropical rainforest carbon exchange and its response to heat and
      drought is critical for quantifying the effects of climate change on tropical
      ecosystems, including global climate-carbon feedbacks. Of particular importance
      for the global carbon budget is net biome exchange of CO2 with the atmosphere
      (NBE), which represents nonfire carbon fluxes into and out of biomass and soils.
      Subannual and sub-Basin Amazon NBE estimates have relied heavily on process-based
      biosphere models, despite lack of model agreement with plot-scale observations.
      We present a new analysis of airborne measurements that reveals monthly, regional
      scale (~1-8 * 10(6)  km(2) ) NBE variations. We develop a regional atmospheric
      CO2 inversion that provides the first analysis of geographic and temporal
      variability in Amazon biosphere-atmosphere carbon exchange and that is minimally
      influenced by biosphere model-based first guesses of seasonal and annual mean
      fluxes. We find little evidence for a clear seasonal cycle in Amazon NBE but do
      find NBE sensitivity to aberrations from long-term mean climate. In particular,
      we observe increased NBE (more carbon emitted to the atmosphere) associated with
      heat and drought in 2010, and correlations between wet season NBE and
      precipitation (negative correlation) and temperature (positive correlation). In
      the eastern Amazon, pulses of increased NBE persisted through 2011, suggesting
      legacy effects of 2010 heat and drought. We also identify regional differences in
      postdrought NBE that appear related to long-term water availability. We examine
      satellite proxies and find evidence for higher gross primary productivity (GPP)
      during a pulse of increased carbon uptake in 2011, and lower GPP during a period
      of increased NBE in the 2010 dry season drought, but links between GPP and NBE
      changes are not conclusive. These results provide novel evidence of NBE
      sensitivity to short-term temperature and moisture extremes in the Amazon, where
      monthly and sub-Basin estimates have not been previously available.

PMID- 27124118
TI  - Structure and Ligand-Binding Mechanism of a Cysteinyl Leukotriene-Binding Protein
      from a Blood-Feeding Disease Vector.
AB  - Blood-feeding disease vectors mitigate the negative effects of hemostasis and
      inflammation through the binding of small-molecule agonists of these processes by
      salivary proteins. In this study, a lipocalin protein family member (LTBP1) from
      the saliva of Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of the pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi, is
      shown to sequester cysteinyl leukotrienes during feeding to inhibit immediate
      inflammatory responses. Calorimetric binding experiments showed that LTBP1 binds
      leukotrienes C4 (LTC4), D4 (LTD4), and E4 (LTE4) but not biogenic amines,
      adenosine diphosphate, or other eicosanoid compounds. Crystal structures of
      ligand-free LTBP1 and its complexes with LTC4 and LTD4 reveal a conformational
      change during binding that brings Tyr114 into close contact with the ligand. LTC4
      is cleaved in the complex, leaving free glutathione and a C20 fatty acid.
      Chromatographic analysis of bound ligands showed only intact LTC4, suggesting
      that cleavage could be radiation-mediated.

PMID- 27124120
TI  - Caveolin-1 Expression Ameliorates Nephrotic Damage in a Rabbit Model of
      Cholesterol-Induced Hypercholesterolemia.
AB  - Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) participates in regulating vesicular transport, signal
      transduction, tumor progression, and cholesterol homeostasis. In the present
      study, we tested the hypothesis that CAV-1 improves dyslipidemia, inhibits
      cyclophilin A (CypA)- mediated ROS production, prevents mitochondrial
      compensatory action and attenuates oxidative stress responses in cholesterol
      induced hypercholesterolemia. To determine the role of CAV-1 in mediating
      oxidative and antioxidative as well as cholesterol homeostasis,
      hypercholesterolemic rabbits were intravenously administered antenapedia-CAV-1
      (AP-CAV-1) peptide for 2 wk. AP-CAV-1 enhanced CAV-1 expression by ?15%,
      inhibited CypA expression by ?50% (P < 0.05) and significantly improved
      dyslipidemia, thus reducing neutral lipid peroxidation. Moreover, CAV-1
      attenuated hypercholesterolemia-induced changes in mitochondrial morphology and
      biogenesis and preserved mitochondrial respiratory function. In addition, CAV-1
      protected against hypercholesterol-induced oxidative stress responses by reducing
      the degree of oxidative damage and enhancing the expression of antioxidant
      enzymes. CAV-1 treatment significantly suppressed apoptotic cell death, as
      evidenced by the reduction in the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase
      dUTP nick end-labeling-positive cells. We concluded that CAV-1 plays a critical
      role in inhibiting CypA-mediated ROS production, improving dyslipidemia,
      maintaining mitochondrial function, and suppressing oxidative stress responses
      that are vital for cell survival in hypercholesterol-affected renal organs.

PMID- 27124121
TI  - Rab GTPase signaling in neurite outgrowth and axon specification.
AB  - Neurons are highly polarized cells that contain specialized subcellular domains
      involved in information transmission in the nervous system. Specifically, the
      somatodendritic compartment receives neuronal inputs while the axons convey
      information through the synapse. The establishment of asymmetric domains requires
      a specific delivery of components, including organelles, proteins, and membrane.
      The Rab family of small GTPases plays an essential role in membrane trafficking.
      Signaling cascades triggered by extrinsic and intrinsic factors tightly regulate
      Rab functions in cells, with Rab protein activation depending on GDP/GTP binding
      to establish a binary mode of action. This review summarizes the contributions of
      several Rab family members involved in trans-Golgi, early/late endosomes, and
      recycling endosomes during neurite development and axonal outgrowth. The
      regulation of some Rabs by guanine exchanging factors and GTPase activating
      proteins will also be addressed. Finally, discussion will be provided on how
      specific effector-mediated Rab activation modifies several molecules essential to
      neuronal differentiation. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27124122
TI  - Application of Geant4 simulation for analysis of soil carbon inelastic neutron
      scattering measurements.
AB  - Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) was applied to determine soil carbon content.
      Due to non-uniform soil carbon depth distribution, the correlation between INS
      signals with some soil carbon content parameter is not obvious; however, a
      proportionality between INS signals and average carbon weight percent in ~10cm
      layer for any carbon depth profile is demonstrated using Monte-Carlo simulation
      (Geant4). Comparison of INS and dry combustion measurements confirms this
      conclusion. Thus, INS measurements give the value of this soil carbon parameter.

PMID- 27124123
TI  - Aging decreases collagen IV expression in vivo in the dermo-epidermal junction
      and in vitro in dermal fibroblasts: possible involvement of TGF-beta1.
AB  - Collagen IV is a major component of the dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ). To study
      expression of collagen IV upon aging in the DEJ and dermal fibroblasts isolated
      from the same patients. A model of senescent fibroblasts was developed in order
      to identify biological compounds that might restore the level of collagen IV.
      Skin fragments of women (30 to 70 years old) were collected. Localisation of
      collagen IV expression in the DEJ was studied by immunofluorescence. Fibroblast
      collagen IV expression was studied by real-time PCR, ELISA, and western blotting.
      Premature senescence was simulated by exposing fibroblasts to subcytotoxic H2O2
      concentrations. Collagen IV decreased in the DEJ and fibroblasts relative to age.
      TGF-beta1 treatment significantly increased collagen IV gene and protein
      expression in fibroblasts and restored expression in the model of senescence.
      Addition of TGF-beta1-neutralizing antibody to fibroblast cultures decreased
      collagen IV expression. Taken together, the results suggest that the decrease in
      collagen IV in the DEJ, relative to age, could be due to a decrease in collagen
      IV expression by senescent dermal fibroblasts and may involve TGF-beta1
      signalling. 

PMID- 27124124
TI  - QSPR prediction of the hydroxyl radical rate constant of water contaminants.
AB  - In advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), the aqueous hydroxyl radical (HO) acts as
      a strong oxidant to react with organic contaminants. The hydroxyl radical rate
      constant (kHO) is important for evaluating and modelling of the AOPs. In this
      study, quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) method is applied to
      model the hydroxyl radical rate constant for a diverse dataset of 457 water
      contaminants from 27 various chemical classes. The constricted binary particle
      swarm optimization and multiple-linear regression (BPSO-MLR) are used to obtain
      the best model with eight theoretical descriptors. An optimized feed forward
      neural network (FFNN) is developed to investigate the complex performance of the
      selected molecular parameters with kHO. Although the FFNN prediction results are
      more accurate than those obtained using BPSO-MLR, the application of the latter
      is much more convenient. Various internal and external validation techniques
      indicate that the obtained models could predict the logarithmic hydroxyl radical
      rate constants of a large number of water contaminants with less than 4% absolute
      relative error. Finally, the above-mentioned proposed models are compared to
      those reported earlier and the structural factors contributing to the AOP
      degradation efficiency are discussed.

PMID- 27124125
TI  - Reductive dehalogenation of disinfection byproducts by an activated carbon-based
      electrode system.
AB  - Low molecular weight, uncharged, halogenated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are
      poorly removed by the reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation process treatment
      units often applied for further treatment of municipal wastewater for potable
      reuse. Granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment effectively sorbed 22
      halogenated DBPs. Conversion of the GAC to a cathode within an electrolysis cell
      resulted in significant degradation of the 22 halogenated DBPs by reductive
      electrolysis at -1 V vs. Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE). The lowest removal
      efficiency over 6 h electrolysis was for trichloromethane (chloroform; 47%) but
      removal efficiencies were >90% for 13 of the 22 DBPs. In all cases, DBP
      degradation was higher than in electrolysis-free controls, and degradation was
      verified by the production of halides as reduction products. Activated carbons
      and charcoal were more effective than graphite for electrolysis, with graphite
      featuring poor sorption for the DBPs. A subset of halogenated DBPs (e.g.,
      haloacetonitriles, chloropicrin) were degraded upon sorption to the GAC, even
      without electrolysis. Using chloropicrin as a model, experiments indicated that
      this loss was attributable to the partial reduction of sorbed chloropicrin from
      reducing equivalents in the GAC. Reducing equivalents depleted by these reactions
      could be restored when the GAC was treated by reductive electrolysis. GAC
      treatment of an advanced treatment train effluent for potable reuse effectively
      reduced the concentrations of chloroform, bromodichloromethane and
      dichloroacetonitrile measured in the column influent to below the method
      detection limits. Treatment of the GAC by reductive electrolysis at -1 V vs. SHE
      over 12 h resulted in significant degradation of the chloroform (63%),
      bromodichloromethane (96%) and dichloroacetonitrile (99%) accumulated on the GAC.
      The results suggest that DBPs in advanced treatment train effluents could be
      captured and degraded continuously by reductive electrolysis using a GAC-based
      cathode.

PMID- 27124126
TI  - Multi-species measurements of nitrogen isotopic composition reveal the spatial
      constraints and biological drivers of ammonium attenuation across a highly
      contaminated groundwater system.
AB  - Groundwater under industrial sites is characterised by heterogeneous chemical
      mixtures, making it difficult to assess the fate and transport of individual
      contaminants. Quantifying the in-situ biological removal (attenuation) of
      nitrogen (N) is particularly difficult due to its reactivity and ubiquity. Here a
      multi-isotope approach is developed to distinguish N sources and sinks within
      groundwater affected by complex industrial pollution. Samples were collected from
      70 wells across the two aquifers underlying a historic industrial area in
      Belgium. Below the industrial site the groundwater contained up to 1000 mg N l(
      1) ammonium (NH4(+)) and 300 mg N l(-1) nitrate (NO3(-)), while downgradient
      concentrations decreased to ~1 mg l(-1) DIN ([DIN] = [NH4(+)N] + [NO3(-)N] +
      [NO2(-)N]). Mean delta(15)N-DIN increased from ~20/00 to +200/00 over this flow
      path, broadly confirming that biological N attenuation drove the measured
      concentration decrease. Multi-variate analysis of water chemistry identified two
      distinct NH4(+) sources (delta(15)NNH4(+) from -140/00 and +50/00) within the
      contaminated zone of both aquifers. Nitrate dual isotopes co-varied (delta(15)N: 
      30/00 - +600/00; delta(18)O: 00/00 - +500/00) within the range expected for
      coupled nitrification and denitrification of the identified sources. The fact
      that delta(15)NNO2(-) values were 500/00-200/00 less than delta(15)NNH4(+) values
      in the majority of wells confirmed that nitrification controlled N turnover
      across the site. However, the fact that delta(15)NNO2(-) was greater than
      delta(15)NNH4(+) in wells with the highest [NH4(+)] shows that an autotrophic
      NO2(-) reduction pathway (anaerobic NH4(+) oxidation or nitrifier
      denitrification) drove N attenuation closest to the contaminant plume. This
      direct empirical evidence that both autotrophic and heterotrophic biogeochemical
      processes drive N attenuation in contaminated aquifers demonstrates the power of
      multiple N isotopes to untangle N cycling in highly complex systems.

PMID- 27124127
TI  - Event-driven model predictive control of sewage pumping stations for sulfide
      mitigation in sewer networks.
AB  - Chemicals such as Mg(OH)2 and iron salts are widely dosed to sewage for
      mitigating sulfide-induced corrosion and odour problems in sewer networks. The
      chemical dosing rate is usually not automatically controlled but profiled based
      on experience of operators, often resulting in over- or under-dosing. Even though
      on-line control algorithms for chemical dosing in single pipes have been
      developed recently, network-wide control algorithms are currently not available.
      The key challenge is that a sewer network is typically wide-spread comprising
      many interconnected sewer pipes and pumping stations, making network-wide sulfide
      mitigation with a relatively limited number of dosing points challenging. In this
      paper, we propose and demonstrate an Event-driven Model Predictive Control (EMPC)
      methodology, which controls the flows of sewage streams containing the dosed
      chemical to ensure desirable distribution of the dosed chemical throughout the
      pipe sections of interests. First of all, a network-state model is proposed to
      predict the chemical concentration in a network. An EMPC algorithm is then
      designed to coordinate sewage pumping station operations to ensure desirable
      chemical distribution in the network. The performance of the proposed control
      methodology is demonstrated by applying the designed algorithm to a real sewer
      network simulated with the well-established SeweX model using real sewage flow
      and characteristics data. The EMPC strategy significantly improved the sulfide
      mitigation performance with the same chemical consumption, compared to the
      current practice.

PMID- 27124152
TI  - Social dominance orientation, nonnative accents, and hiring recommendations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Discrimination against nonnative speakers is widespread and largely
      socially acceptable. Nonnative speakers are evaluated negatively because accent
      is a sign that they belong to an outgroup and because understanding their speech
      requires unusual effort from listeners. The present research investigated
      intergroup bias, based on stronger support for hierarchical relations between
      groups (social dominance orientation [SDO]), as a predictor of hiring
      recommendations of nonnative speakers. METHOD: In an online experiment using an
      adaptation of the thin-slices methodology, 65 U.S. adults (54% women; 80% White;
      Mage = 35.91, range = 18-67) heard a recording of a job applicant speaking with
      an Asian (Mandarin Chinese) or a Latino (Spanish) accent. Participants indicated
      how likely they would be to recommend hiring the speaker, answered questions
      about the text, and indicated how difficult it was to understand the applicant.
      RESULTS: Independent of objective comprehension, participants high in SDO
      reported that it was more difficult to understand a Latino speaker than an Asian
      speaker. SDO predicted hiring recommendations of the speakers, but this
      relationship was mediated by the perception that nonnative speakers were
      difficult to understand. This effect was stronger for speakers from lower status
      groups (Latinos relative to Asians) and was not related to objective
      comprehension. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a cycle of prejudice toward
      nonnative speakers: Not only do perceptions of difficulty in understanding cause
      prejudice toward them, but also prejudice toward low-status groups can lead to
      perceived difficulty in understanding members of these groups. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 27124153
TI  - Perceived parental psychological control, familism values, and Mexican American
      college students' adjustment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Drawing from cultural ecological and risk and resilience
      perspectives, we investigated associations among Mexican American college
      students' perceptions of mothers' and fathers' psychological control and familism
      values, and college students' adjustment (i.e., depressive symptoms and self
      esteem). Additionally, we examined how familism values moderated the relations
      between perceived psychological control and college students' adjustment.
      METHODS: Participants were 186 Mexican American college students (78.5% women;
      Mage = 21.56 years), and data were collected using self-report online surveys.
      RESULTS: Using path analyses, we found that perceived maternal psychological
      control was positively associated and familism values were negatively associated
      with college students' depressive symptoms. Additionally, perceived paternal
      psychological control was negatively associated with college students' self
      esteem when college students reported low, but not high, familism values.
      CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the importance of family relationships for Mexican
      American college students and the significance of examining these relationships
      within this cultural context. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124154
TI  - If It Looks Like a Duck, Swims Like a Duck, and Quacks Like a Duck--Does It Have
      to Be a Duck?

PMID- 27124155
TI  - Successful vaginal delivery following an abdominal cerclage, predicted by serial
      vaginal cervical ultrasound.

PMID- 27124157
TI  - Effects of Vocal Fold Nodules on Glottal Cycle Measurements Derived from High
      Speed Videoendoscopy in Children.
AB  - The goal of this study is to quantify the effects of vocal fold nodules on
      vibratory motion in children using high-speed videoendoscopy. Differences in
      vibratory motion were evaluated in 20 children with vocal fold nodules (5-11
      years) and 20 age and gender matched typically developing children (5-11 years)
      during sustained phonation at typical pitch and loudness. Normalized kinematic
      features of vocal fold displacements from the mid-membranous vocal fold point
      were extracted from the steady-state high-speed video. A total of 12 kinematic
      features representing spatial and temporal characteristics of vibratory motion
      were calculated. Average values and standard deviations (cycle-to-cycle
      variability) of the following kinematic features were computed: normalized peak
      displacement, normalized average opening velocity, normalized average closing
      velocity, normalized peak closing velocity, speed quotient, and open quotient.
      Group differences between children with and without vocal fold nodules were
      statistically investigated. While a moderate effect size was observed for the
      spatial feature of speed quotient, and the temporal feature of normalized average
      closing velocity in children with nodules compared to vocally normal children,
      none of the features were statistically significant between the groups after
      Bonferroni correction. The kinematic analysis of the mid-membranous vocal fold
      displacement revealed that children with nodules primarily differ from typically
      developing children in closing phase kinematics of the glottal cycle, whereas the
      opening phase kinematics are similar. Higher speed quotients and similar opening
      phase velocities suggest greater relative forces are acting on vocal fold in the
      closing phase. These findings suggest that future large-scale studies should
      focus on spatial and temporal features related to the closing phase of the
      glottal cycle for differentiating the kinematics of children with and without
      vocal fold nodules.

PMID- 27124156
TI  - NOTCH3 Is Induced in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Promotes Angiogenesis in
      Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that Notch signaling is involved in many types of
      cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). However, the role of
      Notch signaling in the tumor microenvironment is not yet fully understood. In
      this study, we investigated the roles of NOTCH3 signaling in cancer associated
      fibroblasts (CAFs) in OSCCs. Immunohistochemical study of 93 human tongue OSCC
      cases indicated that about one third of OSCCs showed NOTCH3 expression in CAFs,
      and that this expression significantly correlated with tumor-size. In vitro study
      showed that OSCC cell lines, especially HO1-N-1 cells stimulated NOTCH3
      expression in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) through direct cell-to-cell
      contact. Immunohistochemical and morphometric analysis using human OSCC samples
      demonstrated that NOTCH3 expression in CAFs significantly correlated with micro
      vessel density in cancer stroma. In vitro angiogenesis assays involving co
      culture of NHDFs with HO1-N-1 and human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs), and
      NOTCH3 knockdown in NHDFs using siRNA, demonstrated that HO1-N-1 cells
      significantly promoted tube formation dependent on NOTCH3-expression in NHDFs.
      Moreover, NOTCH3 expression in CAFs was related to poor prognosis of the OSCC
      patients. This work provides a new insight into the role of Notch signaling in
      CAFs associated with tumor angiogenesis and the possibility of NOTCH3-targeted
      molecular therapy in OSCCs.

PMID- 27124158
TI  - Enhanced Heat Stability of alpha-Chymotrypsin through Single-Enzyme Confinement
      in Attoliter Liposomes.
AB  - The entrapment of alpha-chymotrypsin (alpha-CT) within 70-140 nm liposomes formed
      from POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) leads to an
      unexpected and remarkable increase in the thermal stability of the enzyme. This
      finding is based on the observation that heating aqueous suspensions of alpha-CT
      containing POPC liposomes to 80  degrees C for 30 minutes resulted in partial
      enzyme inactivation, whereas the same treatment of aqueous solutions of free
      alpha-CT inactivated the enzyme completely. The stabilizing effect of enzyme
      confinement in the attoliter volumes of the liposomes was found to increase with
      decreasing numbers of alpha-CT molecules per liposome. Single-enzyme confinement
      was particularly effective, as intermolecular interactions between heat-denatured
      alpha-CT molecules (causing irreversible inactivation) are not possible.

PMID- 27124159
TI  - Hypercalcemia and diffuse osteolytic lesions in a 45-year-old patient with
      myeloid sarcoma with megakaryocytic differentiation.
AB  - Acute megakaryocytic leukemia is a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia that
      carries a poor prognosis. As most cases of osteolytic lesions are due to plasma
      cell and myeloid malignancies, maintaining a broad differential directly
      influences clinical course. We document a 45-year-old patient with progressive
      constitutional symptoms, osteolytic bone lesions in the setting of hypercalcemia,
      who developed acutely worsening pancytopenia. The diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma
      with megakaryocytic differentiation was made after obtaining tissue from
      osteolytic bone that stained strong for CD34. Immunohistochemical testing
      underscores the importance of how serologic and urine testing remains limited and
      can delay early diagnosis in this disease. 

PMID- 27124160
TI  - Calcitriol-mediated hypercalcemia in a patient with bilateral adrenal non
      Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma case report.
AB  - Calcitriol-mediated hypercalcemia is a frequent manifestation of hematological
      malignancies. However, there are a few reports of cases presenting with increased
      angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) level, which suggests a possible mechanism
      similar to that of granulomatous diseases. We present a patient with
      hypercalcemia, normal parathyroid hormone, and parathyroid hormone-related
      protein levels but high calcitriol and ACE levels that, after further
      investigation, was diagnosed with bilateral adrenal non-Hodgkin's B-cell
      lymphoma. Primary adrenal lymphoma represents only 1% of all non-Hodgkin's
      lymphomas and is usually asymptomatic but should be considered by clinicians
      among the malignancies that cause calcitriol-mediated hypercalcemia. 

PMID- 27124161
TI  - Hydralazine-induced pauci-immune glomerulonephritis: intriguing case series with
      misleading diagnoses.
AB  - Hydralazine has been used since the 1950s for the management of hypertension.
      Evidence for hydralazine-associated vasculitis dates to pre-ANCA (antineutrophil
      cytoplasmic antibodies) era. This abstract describes two cases of ANCA-positive
      pauci-immune glomerulonephritis (GN) in challenging scenarios where diagnosis was
      misconstrued. A comprehensive literature review was done to understand the
      pathogenesis of drug-induced pauci-immune GN. We have described key diagnostic
      features that are helpful in distinguishing idiopathic ANCA vasculitis from drug
      induced vasculitis. Additionally, we have also described different treatments
      meant to provide therapy options with the least side effects. 

PMID- 27124162
TI  - Janeway lesions: a valuable clinical sign in patients with infective
      endocarditis.

PMID- 27124163
TI  - Guillain-Barre syndrome occurring synchronously with systemic lupus erythematosus
      as initial manifestation treated successfully with low-dose cyclophosphamide.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is frequently encountered in clinical practice;
      a widespread immunological response can involve any organ system, sometimes
      leading to rare and diagnostically challenging presentations. We describe a 38
      year-old female who presented with symmetric numbness and tingling of the hands
      and feet, and cervical pain. Imaging studies were not diagnostic of any serious
      underlying pathology. The patient developed ascending paresis involving lower
      extremities and cranial muscles (dysphagia and facial weakness). Guillain-Barre
      syndrome (GBS) was diagnosed on the basis of electromyography and lumbar puncture
      showing albuminocytologic dissociation. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) were
      administered for 5 days. Supported by anti-dsDNA antibody, oral ulcers,
      proteinuria of 0.7 g in 24 h, and neurological manifestation, she was diagnosed
      with lupus. After completion of IVIG, she received pulse-dose corticosteroids and
      one dose of low-dose cyclophosphamide. Her neurological symptoms improved and she
      had complete neurological recovery several months after her initial presentation.
      Literature search provides evidence of co-occurrence of lupus and GBS occurring
      mostly later in the course of the disease. However, GBS as initial manifestation
      of SLE is exceedingly rare and less understood. The association of GBS with lupus
      is important to recognize for rapid initiation of appropriate therapy and for
      consideration of immunosuppressive therapy which may affect the outcome. 

PMID- 27124164
TI  - ST elevation occurring during stress testing.
AB  - A case is presented of significant reversible ST elevation occurring during
      treadmill testing, and the coronary anatomy and subsequent course are described,
      indicating that ischemia is a potential cause of this electrocardiographic
      finding. 

PMID- 27124165
TI  - Isolated supra-cardiac partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection causing
      right heart failure.
AB  - Right heart failure (RHF) has been overlooked as left heart failure has
      predominated. One of the many causes of RHF is partial anomalous pulmonary venous
      connection (PAPVC), an extremely rare entity in nature. Physicians should
      consider the unusual causes of RHF after ruling out the common causes. 

PMID- 27124166
TI  - A rare cause of chest pain in a cancer patient.
AB  - It is well known that cancer and hypercoagulability go hand in hand. Most
      thromboembolism is venous in nature although arterial thrombosis can occur.
      Arterial thrombosis secondary to malignancy is usually seen in the lower
      extremities; however, it can also be seen elsewhere. This is a case of
      bronchogenic carcinoma with no history of typical atherosclerotic risk factors
      including smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia presented
      with chest pain and was found to have an acute ST segment elevation myocardial
      infection. Coronary angiography showed a large thrombus in the left anterior
      descending artery in the absence of any atherosclerotic lesions. Malignancy is
      considered to be the major contributing factor for this myocardial infarction in
      the absence of both atherosclerotic risk factors and atherosclerotic lesions in
      the coronary angiography. We will focus on the relationship between cancer and
      thrombosis with special emphasis on arterial thromboembolism with subsequent
      development of myocardial infarction. 

PMID- 27124167
TI  - Avoiding transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography for
      patients with variable body mass indexes in infective endocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Echocardiography has been a popular modality used to aid in the
      diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) with the modified Duke criteria. We
      evaluated the necessity between the uses of either a transthoracic
      echocardiography (TTE) or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with
      a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 25 kg/m(2) and less than 25
      kg/m(2). METHODS: A single-centered, retrospective study of 198 patients between
      2005 and 2012 diagnosed with IE based on modified Duke criteria. Patients,
      required to be above age 18, had undergone an echocardiogram study and had blood
      cultures to be included in the study. RESULTS: Among 198 patients, two
      echocardiographic groups were evaluated as 158 patients obtained a TTE, 143
      obtained a TEE, and 103 overlapped with TEE and TTE. Out of these patients, 167
      patients were included in the study as 109 (65%) were discovered to have native
      valve vegetations on TEE and 58 (35%) with TTE. TTE findings were compared with
      TEE results for true negatives and positives to isolate valvular vegetations.
      Overall sensitivity of TTE was calculated to be 67% with a specificity of 93%.
      Patients were further divided into two groups with the first group having a BMI
      >=25 kg/m(2) and the subsequent group with a BMI <25 kg/m(2). Patients with a BMI
      >=25 kg/m(2) who underwent a TTE study had a sensitivity and specificity of 54
      and 92%, respectively. On the contrary, patients with a BMI < 25 kg/m(2) had a
      TTE sensitivity and specificity of 78 and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with a BMI <25 kg/m(2) and a negative TTE should refrain from further
      diagnostic studies, with TEE strong clinical judgment is warranted. Patients with
      a BMI >= 25 kg/m(2) may proceed directly to TEE as the initial study, possibly
      avoiding an additional study with a TTE.

PMID- 27124168
TI  - Effect of didactic lectures on obesity documentation and counseling among
      internal medicine residents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Screening adult patients for obesity and offering appropriate
      counseling and treatment for weight loss is recommended. However, many healthcare
      providers feel ill-equipped to address this topic. OBJECTIVE: We examined whether
      didactic presentations lead to increased obesity documentation and counseling
      among internal medicine (IM) residents. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of
      patients seen at the IM Resident Continuity Clinic during April 2015. Residents
      were provided feedback at two didactic presentations during May 2015. To examine
      the effect of this intervention, we repeated medical record review during June
      2015. For both reviews, we abstracted patient-specific (i.e., age, body mass
      index [BMI], race, sex, and number of comorbid diagnoses) and resident-specific
      (i.e., sex and training level) data as well as evidence of obesity documentation
      and counseling. We used logistic regression models to examine the effect of
      intervention on obesity documentation and counseling, adjusting for patient- and
      resident-specific variables. RESULTS: Of the 278 patients with BMI>=30 kg/m(2),
      139 were seen before and 139 after the intervention. Intervention had no effect
      on obesity documentation or counseling with or without adjustment for confounding
      variables (both P>0.05). In adjusted post-hoc analyses, each additional
      comorbidity increased the odds of obesity documentation by 8% (OR=1.08; 95%
      CI=1.05-1.11; P<0.001). In addition, as compared to postgraduate year (PGY) 1
      residents, PGY-3 residents were 56% (OR=0.44; 95% CI=0.21-0.95; P=0.03) less
      likely to counsel obese patients. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is inadequately addressed
      in primary care settings, and didactic presentations were unable to increase
      obesity documentation or weight loss counseling. Future research to identify
      effective interventions is needed.

PMID- 27124169
TI  - A case of saddle pulmonary embolus visualized on a transthoracic echocardiography
      in a 69-year-old female.
AB  - A 69-year-old female with history of immobilization presented with shortness of
      breath and generalized weakness and was found to have large saddle pulmonary
      embolus on CT scan. Further evaluation with a transthoracic echocardiography
      revealed a moderately enlarged and hypokinetic right ventricle with a pulmonary
      artery clot of about 1.5 cm seen at the bifurcation while the ultrasound of the
      legs was negative for deep vein thrombosis. 

PMID- 27124170
TI  - Impact of bowel preparation type on the quality of colonoscopy: a multicenter
      community-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-quality bowel preparation is crucial for achieving the goals of
      colonoscopy. However, choosing a bowel preparation in clinical practice can be
      challenging because of the many formulations. This study aims to assess the
      impact the type of bowel preparation on the quality of colonoscopy in a community
      hospital setting. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was conducted
      utilizing a colonoscopy screening/surveillance database in central Illinois
      during the period of January 1, 2010, to March 31, 2014. Patients without bowel
      preparation assessment were excluded from this study. Controlling for the
      confounders, generalized linear models were used to estimate the adjusted impact
      [odds ratio (OR)] of bowel preparation type on the quality of preparation
      (excellent, good, fair, and poor), and on the detection of advanced adenoma. The
      association between the time of withdrawal after insertion and the quality of
      preparation was also examined using a linear model. RESULTS: A total of 28,368
      colonoscopies; half the patients were male, and the average age was 61+/-9 years.
      Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used in the majority (70.2%) of bowel preparations,
      followed by sodium sulfate (21.4%), sodium phosphate (2.5%), magnesium sulfate
      (0.4%), and others. Compared with PEG, magnesium sulfate had a poorer quality of
      bowel preparations (OR=0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9; p<0.05), whereas the quality of bowel
      preparation was significantly improved by using sodium sulfate (OR=5.7, 95% CI
      5.4-6.1; p<0.001) and sodium phosphate (OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.8-2.5; p<0.001). For
      those who had adequate bowel preparation, the better quality of preparation
      significantly increased the detection rate of advanced adenoma (5.0, 3.6, and
      2.9% for excellent, good, and fair, respectively). CONCLUSION: When possible,
      sodium sulfate-based preparations should be recommended in the community setting
      for colonoscopy because of their high quality of bowel preparation.

PMID- 27124171
TI  - Streptococcus agalactiae mural infective endocarditis in a structurally normal
      heart.
AB  - A 38-year-old Caucasian man with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus type 2 was
      admitted with a 1-week duration of fevers, chills, and a non-productive cough. He
      had a left ischiorectal abscess 1 month prior to admission. Physical examination
      revealed caries on a left upper molar and a well-healed scar on the left buttock,
      but no heart murmur or evidence of micro-emboli. Blood cultures grew
      Streptococcus agalactiae. A transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a mobile mass
      in the right ventricle that attached to chordae tendineae without valvular
      disease or dysfunction. A computed tomography (CT) with contrast revealed the
      mass within the right ventricle, a left lung cavitary lesion, and a splenic
      infarction. He was initially treated with penicillin G for a week. Subsequently,
      ceftriaxone was continued for a total of 8 weeks. A follow-up CT showed no
      evidence of right ventricular mass 8 weeks after discharge. This is the first
      reported case of S. agalactiae mural infective endocarditis in a structurally
      normal heart. 

PMID- 27124172
TI  - Poor glycemic control as a reason for referral of diabetes patients to
      specialists in Israel.
AB  - AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Family physicians face the dilemma of when to refer patients
      with diabetes to specialists. This study examined attitudes of family physicians
      to referring patients with poor glucose control to diabetes specialists.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: At continuous medical education courses, family physicians
      were asked to respond anonymously, as to whether they generally manage the
      diabetes of their patients, and specifically those with poor glycemic control
      (HbA1c>9.0%). RESULTS: Of 470 respondents, 426 (90%) reported that they generally
      manage their patients' diabetes; 202 (43%) reported that they manage the diabetes
      of patients with HbA1c>9.0%. Board certification in family medicine and
      affiliation to a health maintenance organization, but not sex, age, years of
      professional experience, or the proportion of patients with diabetes at their
      clinics, were associated with referral practices. CONCLUSIONS: Family medicine
      residency and organizational support appear to promote treatment by family
      physicians of patients with poorly controlled diabetes in the primary care
      setting.

PMID- 27124173
TI  - Over-diuresis or cardiac tamponade? An unusual case of acute kidney injury and
      early closure.
AB  - An 84-year-old man with hypertension and a history of deep venous thrombosis (on
      warfarin) was admitted with shortness of breath presumed to be due to congestive
      heart failure. Echocardiogram performed the following day showed a low-normal
      ejection fraction with signs of elevated right-sided pressures but was otherwise
      normal. He improved with diuretic therapy but after a few days was found to be
      hypotensive with a concomitant rise in creatinine with decreased urine output.
      This was felt to be secondary to over-diuresis but he did not respond to small
      boluses of intravenous fluids as his kidney function continued to worsen and
      hypotension persisted. He was transferred to the intermediate care unit where a
      rapid, bedside ultrasound revealed a new, moderate-sized pericardial effusion
      with tamponade physiology. Pericardiocentesis, with removal of 750 cc of frank
      blood, led to dramatic improvement in blood pressure, kidney function, and urine
      output. Here, we demonstrate the utility of point-of-care ultrasound in a
      community hospital setting where urgent echocardiogram is not routinely
      available. We also report acute kidney injury due to pericardial tamponade
      reversed with therapeutic pericardiocentesis. 

PMID- 27124174
TI  - Emergency department Modified Early Warning Score association with admission,
      admission disposition, mortality, and length of stay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Geisinger Health System implemented the Modified Early Warning Score
      (MEWS) in 2011 and is fully integrated to the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
      Our objective was to assess whether the emergency department (ED) MEWS (auto
      calculated by EMR) is associated with admission to the hospital, admission
      disposition, inpatient mortality, and length of stay (LOS) 4 years after its
      implementation. METHODS: A random sample of 3,000 patients' first encounter in
      the ED was extracted in the study period (between January 1, 2014 and May 31,
      2015). Logistic regression was done to analyze whether mean, maximum, and median
      ED MEWS is associated with admission disposition, mortality, and LOS. RESULTS:
      Mean, maximum, and median ED MEWS is associated with admission to the hospital,
      admission disposition, and mortality. It correlates weakly with LOS. CONCLUSION:
      MEWS can be integrated to the EMR, and the score automatically generated still
      helps predict catastrophic events. MEWS can be used as a triage tool when
      deciding whether and where patients should be admitted.

PMID- 27124175
TI  - Surgical treatment of unruptured dissecting intracranial aneurysms of vertebral
      posterior inferior cerebellar artery region.
AB  - A lack of published surgical experience and higher symptomatic recurrence than
      previously recognized prompted the authors to present their experience with the
      surgical treatment of unruptured intracranial dissecting aneurysms (UIDAs).
      Hospital records, neuroimaging studies, operative reports, and follow-up records
      were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent surgical exploration of the
      lesion with proximal clipping of the parent artery through a far-lateral
      suboccipital craniotomy with or without partial condylar resection. The surgical
      treatment of vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery UIDAs has
      acceptable risk regarding perioperative mortality and morbidity. The incidence of
      aneurysmal recurrence or the need for retreatment seems to be less than that
      associated with anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy or endovascular treatment.

PMID- 27124176
TI  - Computed tomography perfusion and computed tomography angiography in vasospasm
      after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and
      reliability of a combined computed tomography angiography (CTA) and computed
      tomography perfusion (CTP) approach in the diagnosis of cerebral vasospasm after
      subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: Nineteen patients with clinical signs of
      arterial vasospasm and positive transcranial Doppler (TCD) were enrolled and
      underwent CTP. Mean time transit (MTT), cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral
      blood volume (CBV) values of 20 standardized ROI (regions of interest) were
      analyzed, and CTA used to measure the gauge of 26 arterial ramifications. CTA
      measurements were compared with those taken upon hospitalization. Of the 19
      patients, 11 were scheduled for digital subtraction angiography (DSA), performed
      less than 12 hours after execution of the CTA-CTP protocol. The results were
      compared with findings of DSA and/or clinical follow-up and CT or TCD. RESULTS:
      Computed tomography angiography diagnosis of vasospasm was confirmed in all cases
      (100% sensitivity and 100% specificity), while CTP yielded 3 false negatives (70%
      sensitivity and 100% specificity). All patients sent for endovascular treatment
      had received diagnostic confirmation of vasospasm by angiography. CTP thresholds
      proved reliable in both diagnosis and indicating treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Combined
      one-shot CT angiography and CT perfusion represents a valid alternative to DSA in
      the diagnosis and management of cerebral vasospasm.

PMID- 27124177
TI  - Community Dialogue to Shift Social Norms and Enable Family Planning: An
      Evaluation of the Family Planning Results Initiative in Kenya.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Use of family planning (FP) is powerfully shaped by social and
      gender norms, including the perceived acceptability of FP and gender roles that
      limit women's autonomy and restrict communication and decision-making between men
      and women. This study evaluated an intervention that catalyzed ongoing community
      dialogues about gender and FP in Siaya county, Nyanza Province, Kenya.
      Specifically, we explored the changes in perceived acceptability of FP, gender
      norms and use of FP. METHODS: We used a mixed-method approach. Information on
      married men and women's socio-demographic characteristics, pregnancy intentions,
      gender-related beliefs, FP knowledge, attitudes, and use were collected during
      county-representative, cross-sectional household surveys at baseline (2009; n11 =
      650 women; n12 = 305 men) and endline (2012; n21 = 617 women; n22 = 317 men);
      exposure to the intervention was measured at endline. We assessed changes in FP
      use at endline vs. baseline, and fitted multivariate logistic regression models
      for FP use to examine its association with intervention exposure and explore
      other predictors of use at endline. In-depth, qualitative interviews with 10
      couples at endline further explored enablers and barriers to FP use. RESULTS: At
      baseline, 34.0% of women and 27.9% of men used a modern FP method compared to
      51.2% and 52.2%, respectively, at endline (p<0.05). Exposure to FP dialogues was
      associated with 1.78 (95% CI: 1.20-2.63) times higher odds of using a modern FP
      method at endline for women, but this association was not significant for men.
      Women's use of modern FP was significantly associated with higher spousal
      communication, control over own cash earnings, and FP self-efficacy. Men who
      reported high approval of FP were significantly more likely to use modern FP if
      reporting high approval of FP and more equitable gender beliefs. FP dialogues
      addressed persistent myths and misconceptions, normalized FP discussions, and
      increased its acceptability. Public examples of couples making joint FP decisions
      legitimized communication and decision-making with spouses about FP especially
      for men; women described partner support as key enabler of FP use. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our evaluation demonstrates that an intervention that catalyzes open dialogue
      about gender and FP can shift social norms, enable more equitable couple
      communication and decision-making and, ultimately, increase use of FP.

PMID- 27124178
TI  - Exploring the relationship between stigma and help-seeking for mental illness in
      African-descended faith communities in the UK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stigma related to mental illness affects all ethnic groups,
      contributing to the production and maintenance of mental illness and restricting
      access to care and support. However, stigma is especially prevalent in minority
      communities, thus potentially increasing ethnically based disparities. Little is
      known of the links between stigma and help-seeking for mental illness in African
      descended populations in the UK. OBJECTIVE AND STUDY DESIGN: Building on the
      evidence that faith-based organizations (FBOs) can aid the development of
      effective public health strategies, this qualitative study used semi-structured
      interviews with faith groups to explore the complex ways in which stigma
      influences help-seeking for mental illness in African-descended communities. A
      thematic approach to data analysis was applied to the entire data set. SETTING
      AND PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six men and women who had varying levels of involvement
      with Christian FBOs in south London were interviewed (e.g. six faith leaders,
      thirteen 'active members' and seven 'regular attendees'). RESULTS: Key factors
      influencing help-seeking behaviour were as follows: beliefs about the causes of
      mental illness; 'silencing' of mental illness resulting from heightened levels of
      ideological stigma; and stigma (re)production and maintenance at community level.
      Individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness were likely to experience a triple
      jeopardy in terms of stigma. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: 'One-size-fits-all'
      approaches cannot effectively meet the needs of diverse populations. To ensure
      that services are more congruent with their needs, health and care organizations
      should enable service users, families and community members to become active
      creators of interventions to remove barriers to help-seeking for mental illness.

PMID- 27124179
TI  - Analyzing Exercise Behaviors during the College Years: Results from Latent Growth
      Curve Analysis.
AB  - The objective of this study is to analyze changes in the predictors of physical
      activity behavior among college students. The Theory of Planned Behavior served
      as its theoretical framework. METHODS: Among an initial sample of 417 college
      students, 195 participants completed a validated questionnaire measuring
      attitudes, subjective norms, perceived control, intentions and self-reported
      physical activity, at the beginning and end of each of 3 college semesters.
      Latent growth curve modeling analyses were conducted to examine the relationships
      between the trajectories of changes in PA, intentions, attitudes, subjective
      norms, and perceived control. RESULTS: Good fit indices supported the validity of
      the proposed longitudinal model (CFI > .97, RMSEA < .05). Changes in perceived
      control (gamma = 0.57) were significantly linked with changes in intentions (p <
      .05). Perceived control (gamma = 0.28) and intention growth (gamma = 0.36)
      predicted behavior changes (p < .05). No gender differences were observed on
      attitudes, subjective norms and perceived control (p > .10). However, girls tend
      to have higher growth parameters on intentions and physical activity (p < .05).
      In summary, intentions and physical activity has significantly increased over 3
      college semesters (growth parameters significant at p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study demonstrated that attitudes and perceived control are key determinants
      regarding the intentions of being active. On a longer term perspective, future
      physical activity interventions should focus on the enhancement of students'
      perceived control. Such educational context should help in promoting the adoption
      of an active lifestyle during college.

PMID- 27124180
TI  - The Relationship between Habitat Loss and Fragmentation during Urbanization: An
      Empirical Evaluation from 16 World Cities.
AB  - Urbanization results in habitat loss and habitat fragmentation concurrently, both
      influencing biodiversity and ecological processes. To evaluate these impacts, it
      is important to understand the relationships between habitat loss and habitat
      fragmentation per se (HLHF) during urbanization. The objectives of this study
      were two-fold: 1) to quantify the different forms of the HLHF relationship during
      urbanization using multiple landscape metrics, and 2) to test the validity of the
      HLHF relations reported in the literature. Our analysis was based on a long-term
      urbanization dataset (1800-2000) of 16 large cities from around the world.
      Habitat area was represented as the percentage of non-built-up area in the
      landscape, while habitat fragmentation was measured using several landscape
      metrics. Our results show that the relationship between habitat loss and habitat
      fragmentation during urbanization is commonly monotonic-linear, exponential, or
      logarithmic, indicating that the degree of habitat fragmentation per se increases
      with habitat loss in general. We compared our results with 14 hypothesized HLHF
      relationships based on simulated landscapes found in the literature, and found
      that four of them were consistent with those of urbanization, whereas the other
      ten were not. Also, we identified six new HLHF relationships when fragmentation
      was measured by total core area, normalized total core area, patch density, edge
      density and landscape shape index, respectively. In addition, our study
      demonstrated that the "space-for-time" approach, frequently used in ecology and
      geography, generated specious HLHF relationships, suggesting that this approach
      is largely inappropriate for analyses of urban landscapes that are highly
      heterogeneous in space and unusually contingent in dynamics. Our results show
      both generalities and idiosyncrasies of the HLHF relationship, providing new
      insights for assessing ecological effects of urbanization.

PMID- 27124181
TI  - Prostaglandin E2 Exerts Multiple Regulatory Actions on Human Obese Adipose Tissue
      Remodeling, Inflammation, Adaptive Thermogenesis and Lipolysis.
AB  - Obesity induces white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction characterized by
      unremitting inflammation and fibrosis, impaired adaptive thermogenesis and
      increased lipolysis. Prostaglandins (PGs) are powerful lipid mediators that
      influence the homeostasis of several organs and tissues. The aim of the current
      study was to explore the regulatory actions of PGs in human omental WAT collected
      from obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. In addition to
      adipocyte hypertrophy, obese WAT showed remarkable inflammation and total and
      pericellular fibrosis. In this tissue, a unique molecular signature characterized
      by altered expression of genes involved in inflammation, fibrosis and WAT
      browning was identified by microarray analysis. Targeted LC-MS/MS lipidomic
      analysis identified increased PGE2 levels in obese fat in the context of a
      remarkable COX-2 induction and in the absence of changes in the expression of
      terminal prostaglandin E synthases (i.e. mPGES-1, mPGES-2 and cPGES). IPA
      analysis established PGE2 as a common top regulator of the
      fibrogenic/inflammatory process present in this tissue. Exogenous addition of
      PGE2 significantly reduced the expression of fibrogenic genes in human WAT
      explants and significantly down-regulated Col1alpha1, Col1alpha2 and alphaSMA in
      differentiated 3T3 adipocytes exposed to TGF-beta. In addition, PGE2 inhibited
      the expression of inflammatory genes (i.e. IL-6 and MCP-1) in WAT explants as
      well as in adipocytes challenged with LPS. PGE2 anti-inflammatory actions were
      confirmed by microarray analysis of human pre-adipocytes incubated with this
      prostanoid. Moreover, PGE2 induced expression of brown markers (UCP1 and PRDM16)
      in WAT and adipocytes, but not in pre-adipocytes, suggesting that PGE2 might
      induce the trans-differentiation of adipocytes towards beige/brite cells.
      Finally, PGE2 inhibited isoproterenol-induced adipocyte lipolysis. Taken
      together, these findings identify PGE2 as a regulator of the complex network of
      interactions driving uncontrolled inflammation and fibrosis and impaired adaptive
      thermogenesis and lipolysis in human obese visceral WAT.

PMID- 27124183
TI  - Correction: Paternal B Vitamin Intake Is a Determinant of Growth, Hepatic Lipid
      Metabolism and Intestinal Tumor Volume in Female Apc1638N Mouse Offspring.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151579.].

PMID- 27124182
TI  - Protection against Experimental Melioidosis with a Synthetic manno-Heptopyranose
      Hexasaccharide Glycoconjugate.
AB  - Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei
      and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in endemic areas.
      Antibiotic treatment is protracted and not always successful; even with
      appropriate therapy, up to 40% of individuals presenting with melioidosis in
      Thailand succumb to infection. In these circumstances, an effective vaccine has
      the potential to have a dramatic impact on both the scale and the severity of
      disease. Currently, no vaccines are licensed for human use. A leading vaccine
      candidate is the capsular polysaccharide consisting of a homopolymer of
      unbranched 1->3 linked 2-O-acetyl-6-deoxy-beta-d-manno-heptopyranose. Here, we
      present the chemical synthesis of this challenging antigen using a novel modular
      disaccharide assembly approach. The resulting hexasaccharide was coupled to the
      nontoxic Hc domain of tetanus toxin as a carrier protein to promote recruitment
      of T-cell help and provide a scaffold for antigen display. Mice immunized with
      the glycoconjugate developed IgM and IgG responses capable of recognizing native
      capsule, and were protected against infection with over 120 * LD50 of B.
      pseudomallei strain K96243. This is the first report of the chemical synthesis of
      an immunologically relevant and protective hexasaccharide fragment of the
      capsular polysaccharide of B. pseudomallei and serves as the rational starting
      point for the development of an effective licensed vaccine for this emerging
      infectious disease.

PMID- 27124200
TI  - The Dilemma of Breast Cancer Treatment and Existing Collagen Vascular Disease: A
      Case of Scleroderma and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Collagen vascular diseases present a treatment dilemma for patients with breast
      cancer. Due to the potential for severe, acute, and late complications of
      radiation therapy, a history of collagen vascular disease (CVD) is a relative
      contraindication to breast-conserving treatment. We present a case of early stage
      breast cancer in a patient with severe scleroderma treated with breast-conserving
      surgery without radiation and a brief review of the published literature
      regarding the therapeutic approach to the patient with CVD and breast cancer.

PMID- 27124184
TI  - Association of Baseline Depressive Symptoms with Prevalent and Incident Pre
      Hypertension and Hypertension in Postmenopausal Hispanic Women: Results from the
      Women's Health Initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression and depressive symptoms are risk factors for hypertension
      (HTN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hispanic women have higher rates of
      depressive symptoms compared to other racial/ethnic groups yet few studies have
      investigated its association with incident prehypertension and hypertension among
      postmenopausal Hispanic women. This study aims to assess if an association exists
      between baseline depression and incident hypertension at 3 years follow-up among
      postmenopausal Hispanic women. METHODS: Prospective cohort study, Women's Health
      Initiative (WHI), included 4,680 Hispanic women who participated in the
      observational and clinical trial studies at baseline and at third-year follow-up.
      Baseline current depressive symptoms and past depression history were measured as
      well as important correlates of depression-social support, optimism, life events
      and caregiving. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate prevalent
      and incident prehypertension and hypertension in relation to depressive symptoms.
      RESULTS: Prevalence of current baseline depression ranged from 26% to 28% by
      hypertension category and education moderated these rates. In age-adjusted
      models, women with depression were more likely to be hypertensive (OR = 1.25; 95%
      CI 1.04-1.51), although results were attenuated when adjusting for covariates.
      Depression at baseline in normotensive Hispanic women was associated with
      incident hypertension at year 3 follow-up (OR = 1.74; 95% CI 1.10-2.74) after
      adjustment for insurance and behavioral factors. However, further adjustment for
      clinical covariates attenuated the association. Analyses of psychosocial
      variables correlated with depression but did not alter findings. Low rates of
      antidepressant medication usage were also reported. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest
      longitudinal study to date of older Hispanic women which included physiologic,
      behavioral and psychosocial moderators of depression, there was no association
      between baseline depressive symptoms and prevalent nor incident pre-hypertension
      and hypertension. We found low rates of antidepressant medication usage among
      Hispanic women suggesting a possible point for clinical intervention. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00000611.

PMID- 27124201
TI  - The Relevance of Emotional Intelligence in Personnel Selection for High Emotional
      Labor Jobs.
AB  - Although a large number of studies have pointed to the potential of emotional
      intelligence (EI) in the context of personnel selection, research in real-life
      selection contexts is still scarce. The aim of the present study was to examine
      whether EI would predict Assessment Center (AC) ratings of job-relevant
      competencies in a sample of applicants for the position of a flight attendant.
      Applicants' ability to regulate emotions predicted performance in group
      exercises. However, there were inconsistent effects of applicants' ability to
      understand emotions: Whereas the ability to understand emotions had a positive
      effect on performance in interview and role play, the effect on performance in
      group exercises was negative. We suppose that the effect depends on task type and
      conclude that tests of emotional abilities should be used judiciously in
      personnel selection procedures.

PMID- 27124202
TI  - Protein complexes in focus.
AB  - A new advance in electron microscopy can reveal highly-detailed structures of
      protein complexes.

PMID- 27124203
TI  - Growth and Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversion of Wurtzite Indium Phosphide
      Nanowire Arrays.
AB  - Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen is a
      promising strategy to absorb solar energy and directly convert it into a dense
      storage medium in the form of chemical bonds. The continual development and
      improvement of individual components of PEC systems is critical toward increasing
      the solar to fuel efficiency of prototype devices. Within this context, we
      describe a study on the growth of wurtzite indium phosphide (InP) nanowire (NW)
      arrays on silicon substrates and their subsequent implementation as light
      absorbing photocathodes in PEC cells. The high onset potential (0.6 V vs the
      reversible hydrogen electrode) and photocurrent (18 mA/cm(2)) of the InP
      photocathodes render them as promising building blocks for high performance PEC
      cells. As a proof of concept for overall system integration, InP photocathodes
      were combined with a nanoporous bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) photoanode to generate
      an unassisted solar water splitting efficiency of 0.5%.

PMID- 27124204
TI  - HACEK endocarditis: a review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The HACEK group, referring to Haemophilus spp., Aggregatibacter
      actinomycetemcomitans, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens, and Kingella
      kingae, is a rare cause of infective endocarditis (IE). It causes the majority of
      Gram-negative endocarditis cases and has an excellent prognosis and simple
      management if properly identified. However, delay in diagnosis and associated
      complications can render the infection fatal. AREAS COVERED: Over the past few
      decades, there have been tremendous advancements in understanding the
      manifestations and progression of HACEK endocarditis (HE). This review tackles
      the epidemiology of HE, the microbiological characteristics of each organism in
      the HACEK group, the methods used to diagnose HE, the clinical manifestations,
      complications, and mortality of patients with HE, as well as the recommended
      treatment and preventive methods. Expert Commentary: The lack of robust
      randomized controlled trials in diagnosis and treatment of HE makes it difficult
      to determine the optimal management of such infections. Nevertheless,
      advancements in culturing methods have shown progress in isolating and
      identifying these fastidious organisms. Positive blood cultures for any of the
      HACEK organisms in the setting of no definite focus of infection is highly
      suggestive of HE. In such cases, treatment with ceftriaxone or a fluoroquinolone,
      even without obtaining antibiotic susceptibilities, should be initiated.
      Moreover, the decision to proceed with surgical intervention should be
      individualized. As is the case for other IE, HE requires the collaboration of a
      multidisciplinary team consisting of the infectious disease specialist,
      cardiologist, cardiothoracic surgeon, and the microbiologist.

PMID- 27124205
TI  - Return to Work and Social Communication Ability Following Severe Traumatic Brain
      Injury.
AB  - PURPOSE: Return to competitive employment presents a major challenge to adults
      who survive traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study was undertaken to better
      understand factors that shape employment outcome by comparing the communication
      profiles and self-awareness of communication deficits of adults who return to and
      maintain employment with those who do not. METHOD: Forty-six dyads (46 adults
      with TBI, 46 relatives) were recruited into 2 groups based on the current
      employment status (employed or unemployed) of participants with TBI. Groups did
      not differ in regard to sex, age, education, preinjury employment, injury
      severity, or time postinjury. The La Trobe Communication Questionnaire (Douglas,
      O'Flaherty, & Snow, 2000) was used to measure communication. Group comparisons on
      La Trobe Communication Questionnaire scores were analyzed by using mixed 2 * 2
      analysis of variance (between factor: employment status; within factor: source of
      perception). RESULTS: Analysis yielded a significant group main effect (p = .002)
      and a significant interaction (p = .004). The employed group reported less
      frequent difficulties (self and relatives). Consistent with the interaction,
      unemployed participants perceived themselves to have less frequent difficulties
      than their relatives perceived, whereas employed participants reported more
      frequent difficulties than their relatives. CONCLUSION: Communication outcome and
      awareness of communication deficits play an important role in reintegration to
      the workplace following TBI.

PMID- 27124206
TI  - Probable preventive effects of placenta from oxidative stress; Evaluation of
      total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index in
      fetal cord blood during the delivery.
AB  - Depression in pregnancy may have negative effects on birth outcomes. It may also
      effect the intrauterine environment of the fetus. The umbilical cord is the
      conduit between the fetus and placenta, and functions in the transport between
      fetus and mother. Investigating biochemical parameters in fetal cord blood (FCB)
      during delivery may be helpful to understanding to what the fetus is exposed to,
      at least in the last trimester. In this study, we aimed to investigate total
      antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index
      (OSI) in the FCB of depressed mothers and healthy controls during delivery. Our
      study included 33 depressed mothers and 37 healthy controls. TAS, TOS, and OSI
      were measured according to Erel's method. We found that TAS, TOS, and OSI levels
      were similar in patients and healthy controls; however, the birth weights of
      depressed patients were significantly lower than those of healthy controls. Our
      results suggest that the placental barrier may prevent from oxidative stress.
      Future studies should include blood samples collected simultaneously from mothers
      during delivery.

PMID- 27124207
TI  - The impact of proposed changes to ICD-11 on estimates of PTSD prevalence and
      comorbidity.
AB  - The World Health Organization's posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) work group
      has published a proposal for the forthcoming edition of the International
      Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) that would yield a very different diagnosis
      relative to DSM-5. This study examined the impact of the proposed ICD-11 changes
      on PTSD prevalence relative to the ICD-10 and DSM-5 definitions and also
      evaluated the extent to which these changes would accomplish the stated aim of
      reducing the comorbidity associated with PTSD. Diagnostic prevalence estimates
      were compared using a U.S. national community sample and two U.S. Department of
      Veterans Affairs clinical samples. The ICD-11 definition yielded prevalence
      estimates 10-30% lower than DSM-5 and 25% and 50% lower than ICD-10 with no
      reduction in the prevalence of common comorbidities. Findings suggest that by
      constraining the diagnosis to a narrower set of symptoms, the proposed ICD-11
      criteria set would substantially reduce the number of individuals with the
      disorder. These findings raise doubt about the extent to which the ICD-11
      proposal would achieve the aim of reducing comorbidity associated with PTSD and
      highlight the public health and policy implications of such a redefinition.

PMID- 27124208
TI  - Objective and subjective measurement of sleep disturbance in female trauma
      survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder.
AB  - Sleep disturbance may be the most often endorsed symptom of posttraumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD). Much of this research is based on subjective reports from trauma
      survivors; however, objective measures of sleep-related impairment have yielded
      findings inconsistent with self-report data. More studies investigating
      subjective and objective assessments concordantly are needed to understand sleep
      impairment in PTSD. The current study examined PTSD-related sleep disturbance in
      a female interpersonal violence cohort with full PTSD diagnoses (N=51) assessing
      subjective (global and daily diary measures) and objective (actigraphy) sleep
      measures concurrently. PTSD severity was positively associated with global,
      subjective reports of sleep impairment and insomnia. Subjective measures of sleep
      (including global sleep impairment, insomnia, and daily sleep diary reports of
      total sleep time, sleep efficiency, and sleep onset latency) were moderately to
      strongly correlated. However, no significant correlations between subjective and
      objective reports of sleep impairment were found in this cohort. Analyses
      demonstrated an overall elevation in subjectively reported sleep impairment when
      compared to objective measurement assessed concurrently. Findings demonstrate a
      lack of agreement between subjective and objective measurements of sleep in a
      PTSD-positive female cohort, suggesting objective and subjective sleep
      impairments are distinct sleep parameters that do not necessarily directly co
      vary.

PMID- 27124209
TI  - Heart rate variability and suicidal behavior.
AB  - Identification of biological indicators of suicide risk is important given
      advantages of biomarker-based models. Decreased high frequency heart rate
      variability (HF HRV) may be a biomarker of suicide risk. The aim of this research
      was to determine whether HF HRV differs between suicide attempters and non
      attempters. Using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), we compared HF HRV between
      females with and without a history of suicide attempt, all with a lifetime
      diagnosis of a mood disorder. To investigate a potential mechanism explaining
      association between HF HRV and suicide, we examined the association between self
      reported anger and HF HRV. Results of an Area under the Curve (AUC) analysis
      showed attempters had a lower cumulative HF HRV during the TSST than non
      attempters. In addition, while there was no difference in self-reported anger at
      baseline, the increase in anger was greater in attempters, and negatively
      associated with HF HRV. Results suggest that suicide attempters have a reduced
      capacity to regulate their response to stress, and that reduced capacity to
      regulate anger may be a mechanism through which decreased HF HRV can lead to an
      increase in suicide risk. Our results have implications for the prevention of
      suicidal behavior in at-risk populations.

PMID- 27124210
TI  - The Net Chance of a Longer Survival as a Patient-Oriented Measure of Treatment
      Benefit in Randomized Clinical Trials.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Time to events, or survival end points, are common end points in
      randomized clinical trials. They are usually analyzed under the assumption of
      proportional hazards, and the treatment effect is reported as a hazard ratio,
      which is neither an intuitive measure nor a meaningful one if the assumption of
      proportional hazards is not met. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that a different
      measure of treatment effect, called the net chance of a longer survival, is a
      meaningful measure of treatment effect in clinical trials whether or not the
      assumption of proportional hazards is met. DESIGN: In this simulation study, the
      net chance of a longer survival by at least m months, where m months is
      considered clinically worthwhile and relevant to the patient, was calculated as
      the probability that a random patient in the treatment group has a longer
      survival by at least m months than does a random patient in the control group
      minus the probability of the opposite situation. The net chance of a longer
      survival is equal to zero if treatment does not differ from control and ranges
      from -100% if all patients in the control group fare better than all patients in
      the treatment group up to 100% in the opposite situation. We simulated data sets
      for realistic trials under various scenarios of proportional and nonproportional
      survival hazards and plotted the Kaplan-Meier survival curves as well as the net
      chance of a longer survival as a function of m. Data analysis was performed from
      August 14 to 18, 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The net chance of a longer
      survival calculated for values of m ranging from 0 to 40 months. RESULTS: When
      hazards are proportional, the net chance of a longer survival approaches zero as
      m increases. The net chance of a longer survival (Delta) was 13% (95% CI, 6.5%
      19.4%; P < .001) when any survival difference was considered clinically relevant
      (m = 0 months). When survival differences larger than 20 months were considered
      relevant (m = 20), the net chance of a longer survival was very close to zero
      (Delta[20] = 0.5%; 95% CI, -0.1% to 1.1%; P = .09). In contrast, when treatment
      effects are delayed or when some patients are cured by treatment, the net chance
      of a longer survival benefit remains high and tends to the cure rate. For
      crossing hazards, the Delta was negative (Delta = -6.9%; 95% CI, -14.0% to -0.5%;
      P = .047). However when large survival differences were considered (m = 20), the
      Delta(m) was positive (Delta[20] = 8.9%; 95% CI, 6.7%-11.1%; P < .001).
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The net chance of a longer survival is useful whether
      or not the assumption of proportional hazards is met in the analysis of survival
      end points and may be helpful as a measure of treatment benefit that has direct
      relevance to patients and health care professionals.

PMID- 27124211
TI  - Quality of Life, Mood, and Prognostic Understanding in Patients with Metastatic
      Breast Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related
      mortality in women in the United States, few studies focus on the supportive care
      needs of patients living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). OBJECTIVE: We
      studied quality of life (QOL), depression, anxiety, and prognostic understanding
      of patients with MBC. DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 140
      patients with MBC, stratified by receipt of endocrine therapy or chemotherapy.
      MEASUREMENTS: We evaluated anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and
      Depression Scale (HADS). We assessed QOL using the Functional Assessment of
      Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), specifically measuring the FACT-B Trial Outcome
      Index (TOI), which includes physical and functional well-being and breast cancer
      specific symptoms. Higher FACT-B TOI scores represent better QOL. We used a 12
      item questionnaire to assess patients' perceptions of their prognosis and goals
      of therapy. RESULTS: Compared to those taking endocrine therapy (n = 40),
      patients receiving chemotherapy (n = 100) reported lower scores on the FACT-B TOI
      (66.1 versus 72.5, p < 0.01) and more depression symptoms (HADS-D >7; 22% versus
      7.5%, p = 0.03). Higher scores on the FACT-B TOI were associated with lower
      depression (beta, -0.16; p < 0.01) and anxiety (beta, -0.11; p < 0.01), and
      patients who reported frequent prognostic conversations with their oncologists
      had less depression (beta, -1.28; p < 0.01). Thirty-nine percent (54/140)
      reported that their cancer was likely curable. CONCLUSION: Patients with MBC,
      particularly those treated with chemotherapy, may benefit from interventions to
      address their physical, functional, and breast cancer-related symptoms. Many do
      not report accurate prognostic understanding, and more frequent prognostic
      conversations might address this information gap.

PMID- 27124212
TI  - Surveillance for Certain Health Behaviors, Chronic Diseases, and Conditions,
      Access to Health Care, and Use of Preventive Health Services Among States and
      Selected Local Areas?- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United States,
      2012.
AB  - PROBLEM: Chronic diseases (e.g., heart diseases, cancer, chronic lower
      respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis) and unintentional injuries
      are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the United States.
      Behavioral risk factors (e.g., tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity,
      excessive alcohol consumption, failure to use seat belts, and insufficient sleep)
      are linked to the leading causes of death. Modifying these behavioral risk
      factors and using preventive health services (e.g., cancer screenings and
      influenza and pneumococcal vaccination of adults aged >=65 years) can
      substantially reduce morbidity and mortality in the U.S. POPULATION: Continuous
      monitoring of these health-risk behaviors, chronic conditions, and use of
      preventive services are essential to the development of health promotion
      strategies, intervention programs, and health policies at the state, city, and
      county level. REPORTING PERIOD: January-December 2012. DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM:
      The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is an ongoing, state
      based, random-digit-dialed landline- and cellular-telephone survey of
      noninstitutionalized adults aged >=18 years residing in the United States. BRFSS
      collects data on health-risk behaviors, chronic diseases and conditions, access
      to health care, and use of preventive health services related to the leading
      causes of death and disability. This report presents results for all 50 states,
      the District of Columbia, participating U.S. territories that include the
      Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico) and Guam, 187 Metropolitan/Micropolitan
      Statistical Areas (MMSAs), and 210 counties (n = 475,687 survey respondents) for
      the year 2012. RESULTS: In 2012, the estimated prevalence of health-risk
      behaviors, chronic diseases or conditions, access to health care, and use of
      preventive health services substantially varied by state and territory, MMSA, and
      county. The following portion of the abstract lists a summary of results by
      selected BRFSS measures. Each set of proportions refers to the range of estimated
      prevalence for health-risk behaviors, chronic diseases or conditions, and use of
      preventive health care services among geographical units, as reported by survey
      respondents. Adults with good or better health: 64.0%-88.3% for states and
      territories, 62.7%-90.5% for MMSAs, and 68.1%-92.4% for counties. Adults aged 18
      64 years with health care coverage: 64.2%-93.1% for states and territories, 35.4%
      93.7% for MMSAs, and 35.4%-96.7% for counties. Adults who received a routine
      physical checkup during the preceding 12 months: 55.7%-80.1% for states and
      territories, 50.6%-85.0% for MMSAs, and 52.4%-85.0% for counties. An influenza
      vaccination received during the preceding 12 months among adults aged >=65 years:
      26.3%-70.1% for states and territories, 20.8%-77.8% for MMSAs, and 24.1%-77.6%
      for counties. Ever received pneumococcal vaccination among adults aged >=65
      years: 22.2%-76.2% for states and territories, 15.3%-83.4% for MMSAs, and 25.8%
      85.2% for counties. Adults who had a dental visit in the past year: 53.7%-76.2%
      for states and territories, and 44.8%-81.7% for MMSAs and counties. Adults aged
      >=65 years who have lost all of their natural teeth from tooth decay or gum
      disease: 7.0%-33.7% for states and territories, 5.8%-39.6% for MMSAs, and 5.8%
      37.1% for counties. Adults aged 50-75 years who received a colorectal cancer
      screening on the basis of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation:
      40.0%-76.4% for states and territories, 47.1%-80.7% for MMSAs, and 47.0%-81.0%
      for counties. Women aged 21-65 years who had a Papanicolaou test during the
      preceding 3 years: 68.5% to 89.6% for states and territories, 70.3% to 92.8% for
      MMSAs, and 65.7%-94.6% for counties. Women aged 50-74 years who had a mammogram
      during the preceding 2 years: 66.5%- 89.7% for states and territories, 61.1%
      91.5% for MMSAs, and 61.8%-91.6% for counties. Current cigarette smoking among
      adults: 10.6%-28.3% for states and territories, 5.1%-30.1% for MMSAs, and 5.1%
      28.3% for counties. Binge drinking among adults during the preceding month: 10.2%
      25.2% for states and territories, 6.2%-28.1% for MMSAs, and 6.2%-29.5% for
      counties. Heavy drinking among adults during the preceding month: 3.5%-8.5% for
      states and territories, 2.0%-11.0% for MMSAs, and 1.9%-11.0% for counties. Adults
      who reported no leisure-time physical activity: 16.3%-42.4% for states and
      territories, 9.2%-47.3% for MMSAs, and 9.2%-39.0% for counties. Self- reported
      seat belt use: 62.0%-93.7% for states and territories, 54.1%-97.1% for MMSAs, and
      50.1%-97.4% for counties. Adults who were obese: 20.5%-34.7% for states and
      territories, 14.8%-44.5% for MMSAs and counties. Adults with diagnosed diabetes:
      7.0%-16.4% for states and territories, 3.4%-17.4% for MMSAs, and 3.1%-17.4% for
      counties. Adults who ever had any type of cancer: 3.0%-13.7% for states and
      territories, 3.8%-19.2% for MMSAs, and 4.5%-19.2% for counties. Adults with
      current asthma: 5.8%-11.1% for states and territories, 3.1%-15.0% for MMSAs, and
      3.1%-15.7% for counties. Adults with some form of arthritis: 15.6%-36.4% for
      states and territories, 16.8%-45.8% for MMSAs, and 14.8%-35.9% for counties.
      Adults having had a depressive disorder: 9.0%-23.5% for states and territories,
      9.2%-28.3% for MMSAs, and 8.5%-28.4% for counties. Adults aged >=45 years who
      have had coronary heart disease: 7.4%-19.0% for states and territories, 6.1%
      23.3% for MMSAs, and 6.1%-20.6% for counties. Adults aged >=45 years who have had
      a stroke: 3.1%-7.3% for states and territories, 2.1%-9.3% for MMSAs, and 1.5%
      9.3% for counties. Adults with limited activities because of physical, mental, or
      emotional problems: 15.0%-28.6% for states and territories, 12.0%-31.7% for
      MMSAs, and 11.3%-31.7% for counties. Adults using special equipment because of
      any health problem: 4.8%-11.6% for states and territories, 4.0%-14.7% for MMSAs,
      and 2.8%-13.6% for counties. INTERPRETATION: This report underscores the need for
      continuous surveillance of health-risk behaviors, chronic diseases or conditions,
      health care access, and use of preventive care services at state and local
      levels. It will help to identify high-risk populations and to evaluate public
      health intervention programs and policies designed to reduce morbidity and
      mortality from chronic disease and injury. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION: State and local
      health departments and agencies can continue to use BRFSS data to identify
      populations at high risk for unhealthy behaviors and chronic diseases or
      conditions, lack of health care access, and inadequate use of preventive care
      services. Additionally, states can use the data to design, implement, monitor,
      and evaluate public health programs and policies at state and local levels.

PMID- 27124213
TI  - Electro-assisted heterogeneous activation of persulfate by Fe/SBA-15 for the
      degradation of Orange II.
AB  - The removal of Orange II by activation of persulfate (S2O8(2-), PS) using
      synthesized Fe/SBA-15 in the electrochemical (EC) enhanced process was reported
      in this study. The reaction rate constants, degradation mechanism, catalyst
      stability, and evolution of mineralization and toxicity were detailed
      investigated. On the basis of radical scavenger results, both the sulfate
      radicals (SO4(-)) and hydroxyl radicals (OH) were responsible for the degradation
      of Orange II. A possible pathway is suggested to describe the degradation of
      Orange II according to the degradation intermediates identified. The results
      showed that the Fe/SBA-15 catalyst maintained strong reusability and stability
      with a low level of iron leaching. In addition, favorable mineralization
      efficiency in terms of COD removal efficiency (75.4%) and TOC removal efficiency
      (46.3%) was obtained when the reaction time was prolonged to 24h. The toxicity
      experiments implied that the toxicity of the treated solution ascended at the
      first 30min but then dropped to almost zero eventually. This study provides a
      proof-of-concept that can be applied widely for the PS remediation of
      contaminated water.

PMID- 27124214
TI  - Validity and repeatability of goniometry in normal horses.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess validity and inter- and intra-tester reliability of equine
      goniometry and to establish values for carpal, metacarpophalangeal, tarsal, and
      metatarsophalangeal flexion and extension in horses. SUBJECTS: Seventeen healthy
      equine subjects of varied breeds were used. METHODS: Three investigators blindly
      and independently measured in triplicate the extension and flexion of carpal,
      metacarpophalangeal, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints of 17 horses after
      sedation. Radiographs of these joints in flexion and extension were acquired
      while under sedation. Goniometric and radiographic measurements were compared
      statistically and were correlated. A Bland-Altman plot was constructed. Inter-
      and intra-tester repeatability of goniometry were evaluated by calculating
      intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Mean flexion and extension of carpal,
      metacarpophalangeal, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints were calculated.
      RESULTS: Goniometric and radiographic measurements did not differ statistically
      and were significantly correlated (correlation coefficients ranged from 0.59 -
      0.89). The mean difference between goniometric and radiographic measurements was
      0.4 degrees . Triplicate measurements collected by the three raters did not
      differ significantly within raters (ICC ranging from 0.950 - 0.995) and between
      raters (ICC ranging from 0.942 - 0.989). CONCLUSION: Goniometry is a valid and
      repeatable tool for evaluation of the range of motion of carpal,
      metacarpophalangeal, tarsal, and metatarsophalangeal joints in standing, sedated
      healthy horses.

PMID- 27124215
TI  - Assessment of sleep disorders among patients with hypertension and coexisting
      metabolic syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: The coexistence of hypertension, abdominal obesity, and carbohydrate and
      lipid metabolism disturbances favors the acceleration of other disease entities -
      also apart from cardiovascular system disorders. This study was planned to
      estimate the relationship between the presence of metabolic syndrome and sleep
      disorders among a group of hypertensive patients. PATIENTS/METHODS: The study was
      conducted on unselected group of 261 patients from the Outpatient Hypertension
      Clinic. The standardized questionnaire was used to collect the data on medical
      history, prescribed drugs and lifestyle. Sleep disorders were diagnosed based on
      the Athens Insomnia Scale and STOP-Bang Questionnaire. According to the study
      protocol, anthropometric parameters (weight, height, waist and neck
      circumferences), blood pressure, serum lipids and fasting glucose laboratory
      measurements were performed. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to IDF
      criteria. RESULTS: Sleep disorders were recognized in 183 participants of the
      study - significantly more frequently (P=0.03) among patients with diagnosed
      metabolic syndrome (120; 75%) in comparison with participants without this
      disturbance (63; 62.38%). Male gender, poor financial situation, tingling
      sensations before falling asleep and combination therapy of hypertension
      significantly increased the risk of sleep disorder occurrence in the group of
      patients with metabolic syndrome. Night food intake, aging, hypertension
      combination therapy and poor socioeconomic status were the factors increasing the
      risk of sleep problems among participants without metabolic syndrome.
      CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders often coexist with metabolic syndrome in
      hypertensive patients. A number of factors increase the probability of occurrence
      of sleep disorders, but most of them are modifiable.

PMID- 27124217
TI  - Synchronization of Coupled Oscillators on a Two-Dimensional Plane.
AB  - The effect of the transfer rate of signal molecules on coupled chemical
      oscillators arranged on a two-dimensional plane was systematically investigated
      in this paper. A microreactor equipped with a surface acoustic wave (SAW) mixer
      was applied to adjust the transfer rate of the signal molecules in the
      microreactor. The SAW mixer with adjustable input powers provided a simple means
      to generate different mixing rates in the microreactor. A robust synchronization
      of the oscillators was found at an input radio frequency power of 20 dBm, with
      which the chemical waves were initiated at a fixed site of the oscillator system.
      With increasing input power, the frequency of the chemical waves was increased,
      which agreed well with the prediction given by the time-delayed phase oscillator
      model. Results from the finite element simulation agreed well with the
      experimental results. 

PMID- 27124216
TI  - Co-transcriptional degradation by the 5'-3' exonuclease Rat1p mediates quality
      control of HXK1 mRNP biogenesis in S. cerevisiae.
AB  - The co-transcriptional biogenesis of export-competent messenger ribonucleoprotein
      particles (mRNPs) in yeast is under the surveillance of quality control (QC)
      steps. Aberrant mRNPs resulting from inappropriate or inefficient processing and
      packaging reactions are detected by the QC system and retained in the nucleus
      with ensuing elimination of their mRNA component by a mechanism that requires the
      catalytic activity of Rrp6p, a 3'-5' exonuclease associated with the RNA exosome.
      In previous studies, we implemented a new experimental approach in which the
      production of aberrant mRNPs is massively increased upon perturbation of mRNP
      biogenesis by the RNA-dependent helicase/translocase activity of the bacterial
      Rho factor expressed in S. cerevisiae. The analyses of a subset of transcripts
      such as PMA1 led us to substantiate the essential role of Rrp6p in the nuclear
      mRNP QC and to reveal a functional coordination of the process by Nrd1p. Here, we
      extended those results by showing that, in contrast to PMA1, Rho-induced aberrant
      HXK1 mRNPs are targeted for destruction by an Nrd1p- and Rrp6p-independent
      alternative QC pathway that relies on the 5'-3' exonuclease activity of Rat1p. We
      show that the degradation of aberrant HXK1 mRNPs by Rat1p occurs co
      transcriptionally following decapping by Dcp2p and leads to premature
      transcription termination. We discuss the possibility that this alternative QC
      pathway might be linked to the well-known specific features of the HXK1 gene
      transcription such as its localization at the nuclear periphery and gene loop
      formation.

PMID- 27124218
TI  - Preparation of Nanoscrolls by Rolling up Graphene Oxide-Polydopamine-Au Sheets
      using Lyophilization Method.
AB  - Graphene oxide-polydopamine-Au (GO-PDA-Au) nanoscrolls were prepared by rolling
      up GO-PDA-Au sheets through a simple lyophilization method. The structure of GO
      PDA-Au nanoscrolls and GO-PDA-Au sheets were compared by powder X-ray
      diffraction, Raman spectra, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning
      electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that the heterogeneous GO-PDA-Au
      nanoscrolls were synthesized successfully. Polydopamine (PDA) attached at the
      surface of GO sheets served as binding reagents to anchor and disperse Au
      nanoparticles (NPs). The electrocatalytic activity of methanol with GO-PDA-Au
      nanoscrolls and GO-PDA-Au sheets as electrodes were conducted. Compared to GO-PDA
      Au sheets, GO-PDA-Au nanoscrolls showed better electrocatalytic activity and
      electrochemical stability owing to their scrolled structure. This article
      provides a simple and effective method to prepare GO nanoscrolls containing metal
      NPs that broadens the applications of the graphene-based materials in optical,
      magnetic, and catalytic fields. 

PMID- 27124221
TI  - Healing to fight.

PMID- 27124219
TI  - Evaluating the Impact of Uncertainties in Clearance and Exposure When
      Prioritizing Chemicals Screened in High-Throughput Assays.
AB  - The toxicity-testing paradigm has evolved to include high-throughput (HT) methods
      for addressing the increasing need to screen hundreds to thousands of chemicals
      rapidly. Approaches that involve in vitro screening assays, in silico predictions
      of exposure concentrations, and pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics provide the
      foundation for HT risk prioritization. Underlying uncertainties in predicted
      exposure concentrations or PK behaviors can significantly influence the
      prioritization of chemicals, though the impact of such influences is unclear. In
      the current study, a framework was developed to incorporate absorbed doses, PK
      properties, and in vitro dose-response data into a PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) model
      to allow for placement of chemicals into discrete priority bins. Literature
      reported or predicted values for clearance rates and absorbed doses were used in
      the PK/PD model to evaluate the impact of their uncertainties on chemical
      prioritization. Scenarios using predicted absorbed doses resulted in a larger
      number of bin misassignments than those scenarios using predicted clearance
      rates, when comparing to bin placement using literature-reported values.
      Sensitivity of parameters on the model output of toxicological activity was
      examined across possible ranges for those parameters to provide insight into how
      uncertainty in their predicted values might impact uncertainty in activity.

PMID- 27124222
TI  - Accreditation and implications of clinical postgraduate PA training programs.
AB  - No consensus definition exists for postgraduate physician assistant (PA)
      training. This report from the AAPA Task Force on Accreditation of Postgraduate
      PA Training Programs describes the types of clinical training programs and their
      effects on hiring and compensation of PAs. Although completing a postgraduate
      program appears to have no effect on compensation, PAs who complete these
      programs may be favored in the hiring process and frequently report greater
      confidence in their skills. More research is needed and program accreditation is
      key to monitoring the effectiveness of these programs. 

PMID- 27124225
TI  - Letters to the Editor.

PMID- 27124223
TI  - The education, role, distribution, and compensation of physician assistants in
      orthopedic surgery.
AB  - Physician assistants (PAs) have worked alongside surgeons since the 1970s, yet
      little is known about their postgraduate education, roles, distribution, and
      compensation. In 2015, an estimated 8,900 PAs were employed in orthopedics (9.4%
      of all clinically active PAs in the United States). This study analyzed surveys
      undertaken by Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery (PAOS) from 2009 to
      2015 and found that most PAs working in orthopedics (85%) reported regularly
      assisting in surgery. Demand for PAs in orthopedics is expected to grow because
      of population growth, increasing incidence of musculoskeletal conditions,
      shortages of surgeons, and changing technology. Improved data acquisition and
      more detailed analyses are needed to better understand the nature of this
      specialized workforce. 

PMID- 27124226
TI  - When should a provider consider insulin human inhalation powder?
AB  - Insulin human inhalation powder, a rapid-acting inhaled insulin, was approved by
      the FDA in June 2014 for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. For patients
      reluctant to start insulin therapy because of fear of injections, insulin human
      inhalation powder may be an alternative. This article discusses appropriate
      dosing, use, and monitoring. 

PMID- 27124227
TI  - Recognizing Charcot disease in a man with diabetes.
AB  - Charcot disease is a neurogenic osteoarthropathy that occurs in the foot and
      ankle following the loss of normal muscle tone, vascularization, and protective
      reflexes. Diabetes is its most common cause in the Western world. Fragmentation,
      destruction, and dislocation of the bones can occur spontaneously or after
      trauma. This article describes the care of a patient with Charcot disease. 

PMID- 27124228
TI  - A rare case of iron-deficiency anemia rapidly progressing to a life-threatening
      event.
AB  - Giant colonic diverticula are extremely rare; however, they should be considered
      in a patient with a history or susceptibility to diverticular disease because of
      the nonspecific presentation and life-threatening complications. Giant colonic
      diverticula often are overlooked because of their nonspecific gastrointestinal
      (GI) symptoms, leading to complications of obstruction, perforation, abscess
      formation, and sepsis. A rare and unusual presentation of a giant colonic
      diverticulum is the development of a bezoar. This case describes a patient whose
      GI bleeding led to the diagnosis of a giant colonic diverticulum with a bezoar. 

PMID- 27124229
TI  - Peritoneal dialysis: An effective yet underused renal replacement therapy.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease affects more than 30 million people in the United States,
      creating a significant disease burden. Peritoneal dialysis, an effective yet
      underused method of renal replacement therapy, can provide a high quality of
      life, maintain a patient's residual renal function, and decrease overall
      healthcare costs with little negative effect on patient morbidity or mortality.
      Given this, knowledge of the methods, outcomes, and costs of renal replacement
      therapy is essential to physician assistants. 

PMID- 27124230
TI  - The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey: PAs and NPs in outpatient surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and occupational
      characteristics of physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) in
      outpatient surgical subspecialty clinics. METHODS: The 2007 and 2008 National
      Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) databases were queried for the number and
      characteristics of office visits seen by different provider types (PAs or NPs,
      physicians, or both) in various surgical subspecialties. RESULTS: More than 250
      million weighted sample visits were analyzed. PAs or NPs were involved in 5.9% of
      visits, though the percentage of patients seen by them alone (1.1%) was
      significantly lower (P<0.0001). PAs and NPs were more likely to be involved in
      pre- or postoperative visits, and often saw the same diagnoses alone as
      physicians only. The most common procedures performed by PAs and NPs varied
      according to subspecialty. CONCLUSIONS: PAs and NPs have a minor prevalence in
      the ambulatory surgical workforce during the time period studied. Further
      integration of these providers into the outpatient setting may help optimize
      efficiency in ambulatory surgical care.

PMID- 27124231
TI  - Small bowel obstruction.

PMID- 27124232
TI  - Abdominal injury after a fall.

PMID- 27124233
TI  - A progressive pruritic rash with blisters.
AB  - This article describes a patient with a progressive pruritic rash and fluid
      filled blisters. A punch biopsy later confirmed the diagnosis of bullous
      pemphigoid, an inflammatory condition that most commonly occurs in older adults
      and is treated with corticosteroids. 

PMID- 27124234
TI  - What is causing this man's persistent low back pain?

PMID- 27124235
TI  - Like home.

PMID- 27124237
TI  - Bioinspired Total Syntheses of Isospongian-type Diterpenoids (-)-Kravanhins A and
      C.
AB  - The first bioinspired total syntheses of (-) kravanhins A and C were accomplished
      from a labdane diterpenoid derivative. The key reactions involve a photooxidation
      and a one-pot sequential aldol cyclization and lactonization, which provide a new
      plausible biosynthetic pathway for the kravanhins and other symbiotic members.

PMID- 27124238
TI  - Hydration-Induced Phase Transitions in Surfactant and Lipid Films.
AB  - For several surfactant and lipid systems, it is crucial to understand how
      hydration influences the physical and chemical properties. When humidity changes,
      it affects the degree of hydration by adding or removing water molecules. In many
      cases, this process induces transitions between liquid crystalline phases. This
      phenomenon is of general interest for numerous applications simply because of the
      fact that humidity variations are ubiquitous. Of particular interest are
      hydration-induced phase transitions in amphiphilic films, which in many cases
      appear as the frontier toward a vapor phase with changing humidity. Considering
      this, it is important to characterize the film thickness needed for the formation
      of 3D liquid crystalline phases and the lyotropic phase behavior of this kind of
      film. In this work, we study this issue by employing a recently developed method
      based on the humidity scanning quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation
      monitoring (HS QCM-D), which enables continuous scanning of the film hydration.
      We investigate five surfactants films (DDAO, DTAC, CTAC, SDS, and n-octylbeta-d
      glucoside) and one lipid film (monoolein) and show that HS QCM-D enables the fast
      characterization of hydration-induced phase transitions with small samples. Film
      thicknesses range from tens to hundreds of nanometers, and clear phase
      transitions are observed in all cases. It is shown that phase transitions in
      films occur at the same water activities as for corresponding bulk samples. This
      allows us to conclude that surfactant and lipid films, with a thickness of as low
      as 50 nm, are in fact assembled as 3D-structured liquid crystalline phases.
      Furthermore, liquid crystalline phases of surfactant films show liquidlike
      behavior, which decreases the accuracy of the absorbed water mass measurement. On
      the other hand, the monoolein lipid forms more rigid liquid crystalline films,
      allowing for an accurate determination of the water sorption isotherm, which is
      also true for the sorption isotherms corresponding to the solid surfactant
      phases.

PMID- 27124236
TI  - Catalyst-Driven Scaffold Diversity: Selective Synthesis of Spirocycles,
      Carbazoles and Quinolines from Indolyl Ynones.
AB  - Medicinally relevant spirocyclic indolenines, carbazoles and quinolines can each
      be directly synthesised selectively from common indolyl ynone starting materials
      by catalyst variation. The high yielding, divergent reactions all proceed by an
      initial dearomatising spirocyclisation reaction to generate an intermediate vinyl
      metal species, which then rearranges selectively by careful choice of catalyst
      and reaction conditions. 

PMID- 27124239
TI  - Erratum for: Combined LC/UV/MS and NMR Strategies for the Dereplication of Marine
      Natural Products.

PMID- 27124240
TI  - LC-MS-Based Quality Assessment of a Traditional Chinese Medicine YANG XIN
      Formulation.
AB  - YANG XIN is a traditional Chinese medicine formulation used for nervous fatigue
      and consists of a proprietary blend of concentrated extracts from 18 plant
      ingredients. The 18 constituent plant ingredients, YANG XIN capsules, and
      formulations 2014-005_1 A and 1B were extracted by consecutive 24-hour
      macerations with dichloromethane followed by methanol. Metabolite separation was
      carried out through LC-MS in 40 minutes. Data acquisitions for qualitative and
      quantitative analyses of the samples were collected under (+/-) ESI modes and (+)
      APCI mode using full spectrum scan analysis.A total of 18 analytical markers were
      identified by LC-MS for YANG XIN formulations based on accurate mass
      measurements, molecular formula, double bond equivalent, MFG score, and error
      (ppm) of the measurement. Aditionally, a comparison of the data with previously
      reported results for the compounds, followed by identity confirmation with
      standard compounds, was performed. Seventeen analytical markers representing 17
      plant ingredients in the different YANG XIN formulations were quantified for the
      first time. The YANG XIN capsules and the 2014-005_1B formulation were similar to
      each other and different from the 2014-005_1 A formulation based on the fact that
      both YANG XIN capsules and the 2014-005_1B formulation contain the same
      analytical markers. This method provides good linearity (r(2) > 0.9945), intraday
      precision (R. S. D. < 3.9 %), interday precision (R. S. D. < 5.6 %), accuracy
      (99.2-101 %), recovery (145.7 %), limit of detection (0.0011-0.0732 ug/mL), and
      limit of quantitation (0.0038-0.2441 ug/mL). 

PMID- 27124241
TI  - Pharmacological and Toxicological Studies of Essential Oil of Lavandula stoechas
      subsp. luisieri.
AB  - The present study was carried out to evaluate the chemical and pharmacological
      properties of the essential oil of Lavandula stoechas subsp. luisieri, which is a
      spontaneous shrub widespread in Alentejo (Portugal). Oxygenated monoterpenes,
      such as 1,8-cineole, lavandulol, and necrodane derivatives, are the main
      components of essential oil. It revealed important antioxidant activity with a
      high ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation and showed an outstanding effect
      against a wide spectrum of microorganisms, such as gram-positive and gram
      negative bacteria and pathogenic yeasts. The analgesic effect studied in rats was
      dose dependent, reaching a maximum of 67 % at 60 min with the dose of 200 mg/kg
      and the anti-inflammatory activity with this dose caused an inhibition in
      carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema (83 %) that is higher than dexamethasone 1
      mg/Kg (69 %). Besides, animals exhibited normal behaviour after essential oil
      administration, revealing low toxicity. The essential oil of L. luisieri from
      Alentejo presents important pharmacological properties and low toxicity, and is a
      promised candidate to be used as a food supplement or in pharmaceutical
      applications. 

PMID- 27124242
TI  - alpha-Terpineol Induces Gastric Retention of Liquids by Inhibiting Vagal
      Parasympathetic Pathways in Rats.
AB  - alpha-Terpineol is a monoterpene with smooth muscle relaxant properties. In this
      study, its effects on the gastric emptying rate of awake rats were evaluated with
      emphasis on the mode by which it induces gastrointestinal actions. Administered
      by gavage, alpha-terpineol (50 mg/kg) delayed gastric emptying of a liquid test
      meal at 10 min postprandial. Hexamethonium or guanethidine did not interfere with
      the retarding effect induced by alpha-terpineol, but atropine and L-NG
      nitroarginine methyl ester abolished it. In vagotomized rats, alpha-terpineol did
      not delay gastric emptying. In isolated strips of gastric fundus, concentration
      effect curves in response to carbamylcholine were higher in magnitude after
      treatment with the monoterpene. alpha-Terpineol (1 to 2000 uM) relaxed sustained
      contractions induced by carbamylcholine or a high K+ concentration in a
      concentration-dependent manner. This relaxing effect was not affected by the
      presence of L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester, 1 H-[1, 2, 4]oxadiazolo[4,3
      a]quinoxalin-1-one, tetraethylammonium, or atropine. Smooth muscle contractions
      induced by electrical field stimulation were inhibited by alpha-terpineol. In
      conclusion, alpha-terpineol induced gastric retention in awake rats through
      mechanisms that depended on intact vagal innervation to the stomach, which
      involved cholinergic/nitrergic signalling. Such a retarding effect induced by
      alpha-terpineol appears not to result from a direct action of the monoterpene on
      gastric smooth muscle cells.

PMID- 27124243
TI  - Characterization of the Volatile and Nonvolatile Fractions of Heartwood Aqueous
      Extract from Pterocarpus marsupium and Evaluation of Its Cytotoxicity against
      Cancer Cell Lines.
AB  - Pterocarpus marsupium is a well-known plant due to its healing properties, in
      particular, the use of its aqueous extract is able to reduce blood sugar levels
      and blood triglyceride concentrations. Although this plant has already been
      widely studied, a complete characterization of its aqueous extract has not been
      reported. The present study deals with the characterization of the aqueous
      extract of P. marsupium in order to obtain a full fingerprint of the volatile and
      nonvolatile constituents. The volatile constituents were identified by CG-MS,
      whereas the nonvolatile fraction was characterized by UHPLC-MS/MS using a
      nontarget approach. Several compounds were identified, in particular,
      polyphenolic species belonging to the class of proanthocyanidins. Cytotoxicity
      tests were carried out on four different cancer cell lines and three different
      non-tumoral cell lines. Preliminary results indicate a selective cytotoxicity of
      the aqueous extract towards the cancer cells. The potential cytotoxicity due to
      the presence of metals in the aqueous extract was ruled out by testing an aqueous
      mixture of the metals at the same concentration found in the P. marsupium
      extract. 

PMID- 27124244
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of Compound D, the Major Bioactive Component of Zingiber
      cassumunar, in Rats.
AB  - Rhizomes of Zingiber cassumunar have been used for many years in traditional Thai
      medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent. The major bioactive component of this
      plant is Compound D [E-4-(3', 4'-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-1-ol], which is a
      strong smooth muscle relaxant, and has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory
      actions. There is, however, incomplete information available for the
      pharmacokinetics of Compound D in mammals. In this study, we examined the
      pharmacokinetic profiles of Compound D in male Wistar rats. A standardized
      extract of Z. cassumunar containing 4 % w/w Compound D was administered
      intravenously at 25 mg/kg or by oral gavage at 25, 75, or 250 mg/kg to Wistar
      rats. Blood, tissues, urine, and feces were collected from 0 to 48 h after dosing
      and the level of Compound D was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry. The concentration of Compound D ranged from 10-100 ug/L, reached a
      maximum approximately 0.15 h after oral dosing. Compound D exhibited an excellent
      tissue to plasma ratio, ranging from 1- to 1000 in several organs at 1-4 h after
      oral dosing. Less than 1 % of unchanged Compound D was excreted in the urine and
      feces. Further studies on tissue uptake and metabolite identification are
      required to obtain complete pharmacokinetic information and to develop
      appropriate dosing strategies of Compound D and the standardized extract of Z.
      cassumunar. 

PMID- 27124245
TI  - Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activity of Raw Plant Extracts as Reported by
      Knowledgeable Indigenous People of the Amazon Region (Vaupes Medio in Colombia).
AB  - The in vitro antiplasmodial activity of 122 raw extracts prepared in ethanol and
      water from 35 medicinal plants reported by the Cubeo indigenous village of the
      Amazon region (Vaupes Medio in Colombia) was evaluated for efficacy against 3D7
      (sensitive to chloroquine) and FCR-3 (resistant to chloroquine) Plasmodium
      falciparum strains. Five percent of these extracts presented a significant
      antiplasmodial activity (< 5 ug/mL) and 83 % of them were not cytotoxic. These
      findings highlight the importance of investigating traditional medicinal plants
      implemented by these ancestral communities of the Amazon region as well as their
      potential to become a source of new drugs against malaria. 

PMID- 27124246
TI  - Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) as Vehicles for Topical Administration of
      Sesamol: In Vitro Percutaneous Absorption Study and Evaluation of Antioxidant
      Activity.
AB  - Sesamol is a natural phenolic compound extracted from Sesamum indicum seed oil.
      Sesamol is endowed with several beneficial effects, but its use as a topical
      agent is strongly compromised by unfavorable chemical-physical properties.
      Therefore, to improve its characteristics, the aim of the present work was the
      formulation of nanostructured lipid carriers as drug delivery systems for topical
      administration of sesamol.Two different nanostructured lipid carrier systems have
      been produced based on the same solid lipid (Compritol(r) 888 ATO) but in a
      mixture with two different kinds of oil phase such as Miglyol(r) 812
      (nanostructured lipid carrier-M) and sesame oil (nanostructured lipid carrier
      PLUS). Morphology and dimensional distribution of nanostructured lipid carriers
      have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and photon
      correlation spectroscopy, respectively. The release pattern of sesamol from
      nanostructured lipid carriers was evaluated in vitro determining drug
      percutaneous absorption through excised human skin. Furthermore, an oxygen
      radical absorbance capacity assay was used to determine their antioxidant
      activity.From the results obtained, the method used to formulate nanostructured
      lipid carriers led to a homogeneous dispersion of particles in a nanometric
      range. Sesamol has been encapsulated efficiently in both nanostructured lipid
      carriers, with higher encapsulation efficiency values (> 90 %) when sesame oil
      was used as the oil phase (nanostructured lipid carrier-PLUS). In vitro evidences
      show that nanostructured lipid carrier dispersions were able to control the rate
      of sesamol diffusion through the skin, with respect to the reference
      formulations.Furthermore, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay pointed
      out an interesting and prolonged antioxidant activity of sesamol, especially when
      vehiculated by nanostructured lipid carrier-PLUS.

PMID- 27124247
TI  - Application of MALDI Mass Spectrometry in Natural Products Analysis.
AB  - This article presents the utility of mass spectrometry with a MALDI ionization
      source in natural products analysis. The advantages and drawbacks of this
      technique for natural products analyses will be presented and discussed. In
      addition, the structural determination of secondary metabolites using MALDI-MS/MS
      will be explored, which can guide MALDI experimental methods and stimulate new
      research in this area. Finally, several important approaches for MALDI data
      processing will be discussed. 

PMID- 27124248
TI  - May bed rest cause greater muscle loss than limb immobilization?

PMID- 27124249
TI  - Gene Expression Classifier Testing and the Surgical Decision-Making Process for
      Patients With Thyroid Nodules.

PMID- 27124250
TI  - Manganese-Mediated C-H Alkylation of Unbiased Arenes Using Alkylboronic Acids.
AB  - The alkylation of arenes is an essential synthetic step of interest not only from
      the academic point of view but also in the bulk chemical industry. Despite its
      limitations, the Friedel-Crafts reaction is still the method of choice for most
      of the arene alkylation processes. Thus, the development of new strategies to
      synthesize alkyl arenes is a highly desirable goal, and herein, we present an
      alternative method to those conventional reactions. Particularly, a simple
      protocol for the direct C-H alkylation of unbiased arenes with alkylboronic acids
      in the presence of Mn(OAc)3 ?2H2 O is reported. Primary or secondary unactivated
      alkylboronic acids served as alkylating agents for the direct functionalization
      of representative polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or benzene. The results are
      consistent with a free-radical mechanism. 

PMID- 27124251
TI  - Determination of reference range of gamma glutamyl transferase in the neonatal
      intensive care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to establish the reference range of gamma glutamyl
      transferase (GGT) in the first week of life at each gestational age (GA).
      METHODS: This retrospective study included infants born and admitted before 7
      days of age with no apparent congenital liver disease during four consecutive
      years. Early GGT levels measured at 3-7 days of age were analyzed according to
      GA. Differences according to sex, mode of delivery, small for gestational age,
      and the predictability for cholestasis were analyzed. RESULTS: We analyzed early
      GGT values in 2091 neonates. The average reference value in neonates (156.7 +/-
      98.2 IU/L) was much higher than that in adults. The GGT values were significantly
      higher in preterm than in term infants and in male infants than in female
      infants. Mode of delivery and small for gestational age were not significantly
      related to GGT level. Early GGT had no predictive value for cholestasis
      occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Early GGT levels were much higher in neonates,
      especially preterm infants with GA of 31-35 weeks.

PMID- 27124252
TI  - Science Publishing, Social Media, and Nursing Research on Facebook and Twitter.

PMID- 27124253
TI  - A Grounded Theory Study of How Nurses Integrate Pregnancy and Full-Time
      Employment: Becoming Someone Different.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A holistic exploration of the experience of how nurses integrate
      pregnancy and employment is lacking among the global nursing literature.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to explore how primiparous U.S.
      nurses integrated pregnancy and full-time employment. METHODS: Using a grounded
      theory approach, 20 nurses from the United States, who were pregnant and
      delivered their first baby-while employed full time on 12-hour work shifts
      provided a firsthand account of how they incorporated pregnancy with professional
      nursing employment. RESULTS: The basic social process, "becoming someone
      different," emerged to explain how U.S. nurses integrated pregnancy and full-time
      employment in early and late stages. Four core categories were: (a) "looking
      different, feeling different,"(b) "expectations while expecting," (c) "connecting
      differently," and (d) "transitioning labor." DISCUSSION: Within early and late
      stages, pregnant nurses becoming someone different navigate through various
      social interactions with peers and patients alike, with meaning assigned to those
      experiences. Research with pregnant nurses from other countries, nurses working
      in settings other than acute care, and multiparous nurses is needed to further
      expand on these findings.

PMID- 27124255
TI  - Evaluation of the Dogs, Physical Activity, and Walking (Dogs PAW) Intervention: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To facilitate physical activity (PA) adoption and maintenance,
      promotion of innovative population-level strategies that focus on incorporating
      moderate-intensity lifestyle PAs are needed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the Dogs, Physical Activity, and
      Walking intervention, a 3-month, social cognitive theory (SCT), e-mail-based PA
      intervention. METHODS: In a longitudinal, repeated-measures design, 49 dog owners
      were randomly assigned to a control (n = 25) or intervention group (n = 24). The
      intervention group received e-mail messages (twice weekly for 4 weeks and weekly
      for 8 weeks) designed to influence SCT constructs of self-efficacy, self
      regulation, outcome expectations and expectancies, and social support. At
      baseline and every 3 months through 1 year, participants completed self-reported
      questionnaires of individual, interpersonal, and PA variables. Linear mixed
      models were used to assess for significant differences in weekly minutes of dog
      walking and theoretical constructs between groups (intervention and control)
      across time. To test self-efficacy as a mediator of social support for dog
      walking, tests for mediation were conducted using the bootstrapping technique.
      RESULTS: With the exception of Month 9, participants in the intervention group
      accumulated significantly more weekly minutes of dog walking than the control
      group. On average, the intervention group accumulated 58.4 more minutes (SD =
      18.1) of weekly dog walking than the control group (p < .05). Self-efficacy
      partially mediated the effect of social support variables on dog walking.
      DISCUSSION: Results indicate that a simple SCT-based e-mail intervention is
      effective in increasing and maintaining an increase in dog walking among dog
      owners at 12-month follow-up. In light of these findings, it may be advantageous
      to design dog walking interventions that focus on increasing self-efficacy for
      dog walking by fostering social support.

PMID- 27124254
TI  - Drug Use and Multiple Sex Partners Among Homeless Ex-Offenders: Secondary
      Findings From an Experimental Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transitioning into society after release from incarceration presents
      real challenges for male offenders; in California, up to 60% return to prison
      within 3 years after release. The risk for ongoing drug use and having sex with
      multiple partners is a significant challenge for ex-offenders preparing to enter
      the community. OBJECTIVES: The aims are to describe drug use and sexual behavior
      (sex with multiple partners) prior to incarceration and 6 and 12 months after
      study enrollment using data obtained as part of a randomized controlled trial.
      METHODS: This is a planned secondary analysis of data obtained as part of a
      randomized controlled trial designed to study the effects of intensive peer
      coaching and nurse case management, intensive peer coaching, and brief nurse
      counseling on hepatitis A and B vaccination adherence compared to a usual care
      control treatment that also included brief peer coaching and brief nurse
      counseling. Self-report data from subjects enrolled at one residential drug
      treatment facility in Los Angeles were captured at three time points: baseline
      and 6- and 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Findings showed substantive and
      significant reductions in drug use and engaging in sex with multiple partners 6
      months after enrollment into the study compared to the baseline data, but results
      did not differ by study condition. At 12-month follow-up, drug use and sex with
      multiple partners increased but remained less than at baseline levels.
      DISCUSSION: Sustaining reductions in drug use and engaging in sex with multiple
      partners remains a challenge after incarceration.

PMID- 27124256
TI  - Self-Care Behaviors of Nepalese Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Mixed Methods
      Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most previously reported literature on diabetes self-care is either
      solely quantitative or qualitative research conducted in developed countries;
      findings may not be generalizable to developing countries with different
      sociodemographic and cultural factors. PURPOSE: The study aims to develop an
      explanatory mediation model for self-care and enhance model interpretation
      through qualitative input. METHODS: A quantitatively driven, sequential, mixed
      method design was used. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data for
      the quantitative component from 230 participants. Participants for the
      qualitative interview were selected using maximum variation sampling (n = 13),
      and interviewing was guided by semistructured questions. RESULTS: Diabetes
      management self-efficacy had the strongest influence on diabetes self-care
      (standardized path coefficient = .42, p < .001), followed by perceived social
      support (standardized path coefficient = .26, p < .001), and educational status
      (standardized path coefficient = -.22, p < .001). Diabetes management self
      efficacy significantly and partially mediated the relationship between diabetes
      duration and diabetes self-care (Sobel's z = 2.65, p < .001) and between
      expectation regarding aging and diabetes self-care (Sobel's z = 3.03, p < .001).
      Perceived social support significantly and partially mediated the relation
      between educational status and diabetes self-care (Sobel's z = -2.81, p < .001).
      The qualitative component elucidated nine themes interwoven in Nepalese culture,
      social structure, and religious belief. Responsibilities toward family and belief
      in God acted as boosters for self-care in the case of Nepalese adults, which
      differed by age, gender, and literacy status. DISCUSSION: The results from this
      study suggest that tailored psychosocial interventions to promote diabetes
      management self-efficacy may be beneficial in promoting self-care among Nepalese
      adults with diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 27124257
TI  - Oral Health Status of Older Adults in Sweden Receiving Elder Care: Findings From
      Nursing Assessments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frail elderly people often have poor oral hygiene, contributing to
      oral health problems that can detract significantly from quality of life.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe oral health status of frail
      elderly individuals using the Revised Oral Assessment Guide-Jonkoping (ROAG-J), a
      mouth assessment instrument that can be used in daily nursing care. METHODS: Data
      were obtained from the Swedish Senior Alert quality registry in one Swedish
      municipality. ROAG-J assessments on admission to elder care and one subsequent
      occasion were used. ROAG-J measurements documented oral health in nine areas:
      voice, lips, oral mucosa, tongue, gums, teeth, saliva, swallowing, and presence
      of any prostheses or implants. Assessments were made by nursing staff during the
      course of daily nursing care. RESULTS: Individuals 65 years of age or older and
      receiving elder care services (N = 667) were involved; 1,904 assessments made
      between November 2011 and March 2014 were used for the analysis. On the basis of
      both assessments, less than one third of participants had oral health problems.
      No significant difference in any of the oral health variables was found between
      first and subsequent assessments. At first assessment, men and women differed in
      tongue health (p < .01); at the subsequent assessment, gender differences in
      voice (p < .05), mucous membranes (p < .003), tongue (p < .01), and saliva (p <
      .006) were observed. DISCUSSION: Most participants had good oral health.
      Assessments made by nursing staff using the ROAG-J demonstrate that this tool can
      be used in daily nursing care, where different, important oral conditions may be
      encountered. However, knowledge about oral health conditions and the ROAG-J
      instrument is important to ensure high validity. The ROAG-J enables nursing staff
      to detect problems in the mouth and to guide decisions related to oral health
      interventions.

PMID- 27124258
TI  - Neurobiological Basis of Insight in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insight in schizophrenia is defined as awareness into illness,
      symptoms, and need for treatment and has long been associated with cognition,
      other psychopathological symptoms, and several adverse clinical and functional
      outcomes. However, the biological basis of insight is not clearly understood.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to critically evaluate and
      summarize advances in the study of the biological basis of insight in
      schizophrenia and to identify gaps in this knowledge. METHODS: A literature
      search of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases was conducted using
      search terms to identify articles relevant to the biology of insight in
      schizophrenia published in the last 6 years. Articles that focused on etiology of
      insight in schizophrenia and those that examined the neurobiology of insight in
      schizophrenia or psychoses were chosen for analysis. Articles on insight in
      conditions other than schizophrenia or psychoses and which did not investigate
      the neurobiological underpinnings of insight were excluded from the review.
      RESULTS: Twenty-six articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Of the
      26 articles, 3 focused on cellular abnormalities and 23 were neuroimaging
      studies. Preliminary data identify the prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and
      regions of the temporal and parietal lobe (precuneus, inferior parietal lobule)
      and hippocampus as the neural correlates of insight. DISCUSSION: A growing body
      of literature attests to the neurobiological basis of insight in schizophrenia.
      Current evidence supports the neurobiological basis of insight in schizophrenia
      and identifies specific neural correlates for insight types and its dimensions.
      Further studies that examine the precise biological mechanisms of insight are
      needed to apply this knowledge to effective clinical intervention development.

PMID- 27124259
TI  - A Review of Worldwide Patents: Innovations in Peak Flow Meters for Asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Contemporary healthcare nurses increasingly rely on innovative
      technology for assessment, treatment, and patient self-management. Funding
      opportunities as well are increasingly steering toward technology development and
      innovation. Health researchers, including nursing scientists, who are engaged in
      medical device innovation need to assess the state of the art of current
      technology. This requires an intellectual property analysis, or patent search,
      which is not covered by the types of literature reviews customarily used in
      health science research. PURPOSE: The purposes of this article are to illustrate
      a methodical review of worldwide patents and to show how those results can be
      used to identify possible products available for use. APPROACH: An application of
      peak flow meters for use by patients with asthma is used to illustrate the
      process. The Derwent Innovations Index interface with keyword searching is
      illustrated, as is the use of Google Patents. From the 14 patent document
      results, six possible technologies were identified. The patent search revealed
      innovations in asthma peak flow meters for use in future research and identified
      future directions for device development. DISCUSSION: These results support the
      claim that patent literature must be included in reviews that seek to identify
      technology state-of-the-art healthcare applications and that advances in the
      nursing research paradigm should include patents as background and scholarly
      products.

PMID- 27124261
TI  - Formation of Two-Dimensional Copper Selenide on Cu(111) at Very Low Selenium
      Coverage.
AB  - Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), we observed that adsorption of Se on
      Cu(111) produced islands with a (?3*?3)R30 degrees  structure at Se coverages far
      below the structure's ideal coverage of 1/3 monolayer. On the basis of density
      functional theory (DFT), these islands cannot form due to attractive interactions
      between chemisorbed Se atoms. DFT showed that incorporating Cu atoms into the ?3
      Se lattice stabilizes the structure, which provided a plausible explanation for
      the experimental observations. STM revealed three types of ?3 textures. We
      assigned two of these as two-dimensional layers of strained CuSe, analogous to
      dense planes of bulk klockmannite (CuSe). Klockmannite has a bulk lattice
      constant that is 11 % shorter than ?3 times the surface lattice constant of
      Cu(111). This offers a rationale for the differences observed between these
      textures, for which strain limits the island size or distorts the ?3 lattice. STM
      showed that existing step edges adsorb Se and facet toward ?12? 1?, which is
      consistent with DFT.

PMID- 27124260
TI  - Feasibility of Hair Collection for Cortisol Measurement in Population Research on
      Adolescent Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Black-White disparities in adolescent health are widespread and
      thought to be explained, in part, by exposure to chronic stress. Cortisol assayed
      from hair is increasingly recognized as a valid and reliable measure for chronic
      physiological stress, but the feasibility of collecting hair among large
      probability samples of diverse adolescents is unknown. PURPOSE: The aim of the
      study was to investigate participation in hair collection for cortisol analyses
      in a probability sample of racially and socioeconomically diverse adolescents,
      including the extent to which sociodemographic factors and adverse exposures were
      associated with participation. METHODS: The study included a probability sample
      of 516 adolescents conducted in conjunction with a prospective cohort study on
      adolescent health. Data were collected over 1 week via in-home interviews,
      ecological momentary assessment, global positioning system methods, and in-home
      hair collection at the end of the week. RESULTS: Of the 516 eligible youth, 471
      (91.3%) participated in the hair collection. Of the 45 youth who did not provide
      hair samples, 18 had insufficient hair, 25 refused, and 2 did not participate for
      unknown reasons. Multivariable logistic regression results indicated that non
      Hispanic Black youth were less likely than their non-Hispanic White peers to
      participate due to insufficient hair or refusal (OR = 0.24, 95% CI [0 .09,
      0.60]). Despite lower rates of participation, the proportion of Black youth in
      the participating sample was representative of the study area. No significant
      differences in participation were found by other sociodemographic characteristics
      or adverse exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Hair collection for cortisol measurement is
      feasible among a probability sample of racially and socioeconomically diverse
      adolescents. Hair cortisol analyses may accelerate research progress to
      understand the biological and psychosocial bases of health disparities.

PMID- 27124262
TI  - Tyranny of the randomised clinical trial.
AB  - Researchers and clinicians often disagree about what it means to provide the best
      possible care. This paper's purpose is to propose ways of resolving the
      disagreements. The first is to have both groups re-examine the three equal
      components of evidence-based practice, a re-examination that begins with
      rejection of the randomised clinical trial's tyranny. The second is for
      researchers to design rehabilitation research based on a biopsychosocial rather
      than a biomedical model. The third is for both groups to redefine translational
      research so that it means both translation from the laboratory to the clinic and
      from the clinic to the laboratory. The fourth is to advocate for a science of
      dissemination that is as robust as rehabilitation's present science of discovery.
      Most examples are drawn from the literature on acquired neurologic speech and
      language disorders.

PMID- 27124264
TI  - Remote effects of lower limb stretching: preliminary evidence for myofascial
      connectivity?
AB  - The skeletal muscles and the fibrous connective tissue form an extensive, body
      wide network of myofascial chains. As fascia can modify its stiffness, strain
      transmission along these meridians is supposable. The goal of this trial
      therefore was to collect pilot data for potential remote effects of lower limb
      stretching on cervical range of motion (ROM). Twenty-six healthy participants (30
      +/- 6 years) were included in the matched-pairs intervention study. One group (n
      = 13) performed three 30 s bouts of static stretching for the gastrocnemius and
      the hamstrings, respectively. An age- and sex-matched control group (CG; n = 13)
      remained inactive. Pre- and post-intervention, maximal cervical ROM in
      flexion/extension was assessed. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed systematic
      differences between groups (P < .05). ROM increased following stretching (143.3
      +/- 13.9 to 148.2 +/- 14 degrees ; P < .05) but remained unchanged in the CG
      (144.6 +/- 16.8 to 143.3 +/- 16.8 degrees ; P > .05). Our data point towards
      existence of a strain transfer along myofascial meridians. Further randomised
      controlled studies on conditions, factors and magnitude of tensile transmission
      are warranted.

PMID- 27124263
TI  - Zn or O? An Atomic Level Comparison on Antibacterial Activities of Zinc Oxides.
AB  - For the first time, the influence of different types of atoms (Zn and O) on the
      antibacterial activities of nanosized ZnO was quantitatively evaluated with the
      aid of a 3D-printing-manufactured evaluation system. Two different outermost
      atomic layers were manufactured separately by using an ALD (atomic layer
      deposition) method. Interestingly, we found that each outermost atomic layer
      exhibited certain differences against gram-positive or gram-negative bacterial
      species. Zinc atoms as outermost layer (ZnO-Zn) showed a more pronounced
      antibacterial effect towards gram-negative E. coli (Escherichia coli), whereas
      oxygen atoms (ZnO-O) showed a stronger antibacterial activity against gram
      positive S. aureus (Staphylococcus aureus). A possible antibacterial mechanism
      has been comprehensively discussed from different perspectives, including Zn(2+)
      concentrations, oxygen vacancies, photocatalytic activities and the DNA
      structural characteristics of different bacterial species.

PMID- 27124265
TI  - Potential sex differences in the pattern of sensory reinforcers enhanced by
      nicotine.
AB  - Along with its primary and secondary reinforcing effects, nicotine acutely
      enhances reinforcement from rewards not directly related to nicotine,
      particularly those consisting of "sensory" stimuli. Less certain is the magnitude
      of these effects across types of sensory reinforcers commonly available in the
      natural environment, especially under different smoking exposure conditions of
      clinical relevance. This study compared reinforced responding for immediate
      auditory (music) or visual (video) sensory rewards, or no reward (nonspecific
      control), due to nicotine via ad lib smoking versus no nicotine (overnight
      abstinence), in a within-subjects design. Dependent smokers (N = 48; 21 male, 27
      female) responded on an operant computer task for small units of the designated
      rewards during 2 sessions, following overnight abstinence (>12 hr; CO <= 10 ppm)
      or no abstinence (i.e., ad lib smoking). Preferred music and video rewards were
      each selected by participants to ensure their equal initial reinforcing efficacy.
      Responding reinforced by music and by video rewards, but not by no reward, was
      similarly enhanced by ad lib smoking in the entire sample. Yet, in post hoc
      follow-ups, the smoking-induced increase in responding for music was greater in
      women versus men, while the increase in responding for video was greater in men
      versus women. Results confirm the comparability of the reinforcement enhancing
      effects of nicotine via smoking on both auditory and visual rewards, consistent
      with the notion that enhanced sensory reinforcement may contribute to persistence
      of smoking behavior. However, findings also suggest the specific pattern of
      sensory reinforcers enhanced by nicotine may differ between men and women.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124266
TI  - Discriminating unalike single nucleobase mismatches using a molecularly resolved,
      label-free, interfacial LNA-based assay.
AB  - A number of reports have been made in recent times on label-free detection of
      nucleic acid sequences. However, most of these studies deal with ensemble
      measurements, therefore lacking in molecular level resolution. These assays have
      usually employed ssDNA sensor probes, and often suffered from problems of
      irreproducibility and poor sequence-selectivity. Herein, the applicability of
      surface-anchored single stranded locked nucleic acid (ssLNA) probes has been
      assessed in the detection of target DNA sequences, as an alternative to the DNA
      based assay. Importantly, the effectiveness of the LNA-based assay in identifying
      different types of single nucleobase mismatches has been tested. Since the duplex
      melting temperature is an indicator of duplex stability, the ensemble on-surface
      Tm values of the surface-confined LNA-DNA duplexes have been compared to the
      duplex unbinding force values obtained from atomic force spectroscopy (AFS)
      experiments. A common mismatch discrimination pattern elicited by both the
      ensemble and the molecular level AFS approach could be identified. Apart from
      quantitative delineation of the different types of mismatches, the label-free AFS
      analysis confirms different degrees of efficiency of the purine and pyrimidine
      bases, present on the LNA backbone, in discriminating different nucleobase
      mismatch types. Importantly, the LNA-based AFS analysis can distinguish between
      the disease-relevant gene fragments, e.g., multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis (MTB) mutation, and the wild type. Since LNA probes are nuclease
      resistant, these findings could potentially pave way to diagnostic applications
      of the LNA-based AFS assay. 

PMID- 27124267
TI  - Hybrid mechanosensing system to generate the polarity needed for migration in
      fish keratocytes.
AB  - Crawling cells can generate polarity for migration in response to forces applied
      from the substratum. Such reaction varies according to cell type: there are both
      fast- and slow-crawling cells. In response to periodic stretching of the elastic
      substratum, the intracellular stress fibers in slow-crawling cells, such as
      fibroblasts, rearrange themselves perpendicular to the direction of stretching,
      with the result that the shape of the cells extends in that direction; whereas
      fast-crawling cells, such as neutrophil-like differentiated HL-60 cells and
      Dictyostelium cells, which have no stress fibers, migrate perpendicular to the
      stretching direction. Fish epidermal keratocytes are another type of fast
      crawling cell. However, they have stress fibers in the cell body, which gives
      them a typical slow-crawling cell structure. In response to periodic stretching
      of the elastic substratum, intact keratocytes rearrange their stress fibers
      perpendicular to the direction of stretching in the same way as fibroblasts and
      migrate parallel to the stretching direction, while blebbistatin-treated stress
      fiber-less keratocytes migrate perpendicular to the stretching direction, in the
      same way as seen in HL-60 cells and Dictyostelium cells. Our results indicate
      that keratocytes have a hybrid mechanosensing system that comprises elements of
      both fast- and slow-crawling cells, to generate the polarity needed for
      migration.

PMID- 27124269
TI  - The clinical course of alcoholic cirrhosis: development of comorbid diseases. A
      Danish nationwide cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: We aimed to determine associations between alcoholic cirrhosis
      and incidence of comorbidity, and to describe the clinical course of alcoholic
      cirrhosis in terms of comorbidity development. The comorbid diseases we studied
      were acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease,
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, epilepsy, diabetes
      and cancer. METHODS: This was a registry-based nationwide historical cohort
      study. We included 10 650 Danish citizens diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis at
      age 45-69 years in 1994-2014 and 43 150 age- and gender-matched persons. None of
      them had the comorbid diseases we studied at inclusion. We compared rates and
      cumulative risks of comorbidity development between patients and controls.
      RESULTS: Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis had a higher rate of comorbidity
      (hazard ratio for any comorbidity = 3.74, 95% CI 3.56-3.94), including all the
      non-cancer comorbidities (hazard ratio for any non-cancer comorbidity = 4.33, 95%
      CI 4.06-4.62) except acute myocardial infarction. They also had a higher rate of
      developing cancer (hazard ratio = 2.94, 95% CI 2.70-3.19). Still, relatively few
      patients actually lived to experience development of non-cancer (10-year risk:
      21.4% vs. 13.2% for controls) or cancer comorbidity (10-year risk: 10.9% vs.
      10.0%) because they died before they developed any comorbid disease.
      Hepatocellular carcinoma and oropharyngeal cancer were the only two comorbidities
      that were much more likely to develop in patients than in controls. CONCLUSIONS:
      Alcoholic cirrhosis promotes development of several comorbid diseases, but only
      few patients with alcoholic cirrhosis live long enough to actually develop them.

PMID- 27124268
TI  - Managing Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With ST-Elevation
      Myocardial Infarction: A Comprehensive Review.
AB  - Multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) is found in up to 60% of the patients
      presenting with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and worsens the
      prognosis proportional to the extent of CAD severity. However, the 2013 American
      College of Cardiology/American Heart Association STEMI guidelines, based on
      mostly observational data, had recommended against a routine noninfarct-related
      artery percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). After these guidelines were
      published, a handful of randomized trials became available, and they suggested
      that PCI of significant lesions in a noninfarct-related artery at the time of
      primary PCI might result in improved patient outcomes. The incidence of major
      adverse cardiac events was significantly reduced by 55% at 1 year and 65% at 2
      years in patients undergoing angiographically guided PCI of nonculprit vessels at
      the time of primary PCI, in 2 different randomized trials. Fractional flow
      reserve-guided PCI of nonculprit vessels in this setting has also been shown to
      reduce cardiac events by 44% at 1 year. Meta-analyses of both nonrandomized and
      randomized trials have also suggested that complete revascularization at the time
      of STEMI significantly improves outcomes, including long-term all-cause
      mortality. In view of the emerging data, a focused update on primary PCI was
      published in 2015 and suggested that PCI of noninfarct-related arteries might be
      considered in selected patients. This article is a comprehensive review of the
      literature on the treatment of multivessel CAD in patients with STEMI, which
      provides the reader a critical analysis of the available information to determine
      the best therapeutic approach.

PMID- 27124271
TI  - Computational studies on the reactivity of alkyl halides over (Al2O3)n
      nanoclusters: an approach towards room temperature dehydrohalogenation.
AB  - The role of alumina nanoclusters as a catalyst on the reactivity of alkyl halides
      has been explored. The thermochemical data obtained from Density Functional
      Theory (DFT) calculations and the analyses of the transition structures reveal
      that, between the two competing reactions, elimination (via E2) versus
      dissociative addition (via SN2), elimination is the kinetically controlled one
      and thus at room temperature, olefin is the major product. The results are in
      excellent agreement with the recent experimental observation where more than 97%
      of ethylene is formed at room temperature with the reaction of ethyl fluoride
      over an alumina surface, although the dissociative addition product is being
      thermodynamically more stable. We have tried to rationalize the fact by using
      alumina clusters of different sizes as well as different alkyl halides having
      beta-H for elimination. It has been shown that, during the elimination (E2)
      pathway, the transition structure is oriented in such a way that the eliminating
      halogen and the beta-H are in the interacting position with the three-centered Al
      and two-centered O atoms, respectively, where the Lewis acid/base interaction is
      the main guiding factor. We have also shown a possible pathway for regenerating
      the catalyst. Finally, the possibility of the reactions has been tested in the
      presence of H2O to mimic the same on the hydrated alumina surface. 

PMID- 27124270
TI  - Prophylactic effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice on sodium fluoride
      induced oxidative damage in liver and erythrocytes of rats.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of
      pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice (PGJ) on oxidative damages in liver tissue
      and erythrocytes of rats intoxicated by sodium fluoride (NaF). Rats were randomly
      divided into two groups: group I received standard diet and group II received
      orally 1 mL of PGJ. After 5 weeks of pretreatment, each group was divided again
      into two subgroups and treated for another 3 weeks as follows: group I was
      subdivided into a control group and a group that was treated with 100 ppm of NaF
      (in drinking water); group II was subdivided into one group that was treated
      daily with both 100 ppm NaF and PGJ (1 mL orally) and one that received daily 1
      mL of pomegranate juice. Exposure to NaF decreased hematological parameters,
      changed the total protein, albumin, bilirubin levels, and increased the
      activities of hepatic marker enzymes. We also noted an increase in lipid
      peroxidation contents, accompanied by a decrease of reduced glutathione levels.
      Antioxidant enzyme activities in both tissues were modified in the NaF group
      compared with the control group. However, the administration of PGJ juice caused
      an amelioration of the previous parameters. Our results indicated the potential
      effects of NaF to induce oxidative damage in tissues and the ability of PGJ to
      attenuate NaF-induced oxidative injury. 

PMID- 27124272
TI  - A Case of Unilateral Optic Neuropathy Following Influenza Vaccination.
AB  - The influenza vaccination has greatly benefited public health, leading to
      significant reductions in flu season hospitalizations and deaths. However, with
      more widespread administration of this vaccine, it is expected that the absolute
      number of patients that present with unusual, adverse reactions will increase.
      Here, we report a case of a 55-year-old woman who developed a progressive optic
      neuropathy and severe visual loss associated with optic disc edema following
      influenza virus vaccination. Our patient also experienced other concurrent
      symptoms, including bilateral knee effusions, muscle spasms and a facial rash.
      The strong temporal connection between the vaccine administration and the
      development of sequelae suggests that the optic neuropathy was an adverse
      reaction. Furthermore, HLA typing of our patient revealed alleles that have been
      linked to autoimmune reactions, consistent with the notion that specific HLA
      alleles could be involved in the pathophysiology of these adverse reactions.

PMID- 27124273
TI  - Towards a new era in fetal medicine in the Nordic countries.
AB  - Fetal medicine is a subspecialty of obstetrics investigating the development,
      growth and disease of the human fetus. The advances in fetal imaging
      (ultrasonography, MRI) and molecular diagnostic techniques, together with the
      possibility of intervention in utero, make fetal medicine an important, rapidly
      developing field within women's healthcare. Therefore, a variety of specialists,
      such as neonatologists, pediatric cardiologists, medical geneticists,
      radiologists and pediatric surgeons, are necessary to adjunct in the diagnosis
      and treatment of the fetus as a patient. In this commentary, we provide a
      description of some organizational and educational aspects of fetal medicine in
      the Nordic countries, using examples of the management of specific conditions
      such as aneuploidy screening, red cell allo-immunization and fetal interventions.
      Clearly, there are several cultural, legal, organizational and practical
      differences between the Nordic countries; these are not necessarily negative,
      given the high standards of care in all Nordic countries. The scope of the newly
      founded Nordic Network of Fetal Medicine is to enhance cooperation in clinical
      practice, education and research between the participant countries. Hopefully,
      this initiative will find the necessary political and economic support from the
      national authorities and bring a new era in the field of fetal medicine in the
      Nordic region. 

PMID- 27124274
TI  - Transcending as a driver of development.
AB  - This paper draws from three different bodies of research to discuss the
      hypothesis that age-appropriate experiences enhance brain and cognitive
      development throughout the life span. These age-appropriate experiences could be
      considered as the drivers of development at each age, including drivers to foster
      development beyond adult abstract thinking, as described in Piaget's formal
      operational stage. We explore how a nurturing caregiver is the driver in the
      first 2 years of life, how language learning is the driver from 3 to 10 years,
      and how problem solving is the driver in the teenage years. To develop beyond
      adult rational thinking, we suggest that the driver is transcending thought,
      which can result when practicing meditations in the automatic self-transcending
      category, such as Transcendental Meditation.

PMID- 27124277
TI  - Invasive blue mussels threaten regional scale genetic diversity in mainland and
      remote offshore locations: the need for baseline data and enhanced protection in
      the Southern Ocean.
AB  - Human-mediated biological transfers of species have substantially modified many
      ecosystems with profound environmental and economic consequences. However, in
      many cases, invasion events are very hard to identify because of the absence of
      an appropriate baseline of information for receiving sites/regions. In this
      study, use of high-resolution genetic markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms -
      SNPs) highlights the threat of introduced Northern Hemisphere blue mussels
      (Mytilus galloprovincialis) at a regional scale to Southern Hemisphere lineages
      of blue mussels via hybridization and introgression. Analysis of a multispecies
      SNP dataset reveals hotspots of invasive Northern Hemisphere blue mussels in some
      mainland New Zealand locations, as well as the existence of unique native
      lineages of blue mussels on remote oceanic islands in the Southern Ocean that are
      now threatened by invasive mussels. Samples collected from an oil rig that has
      moved between South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand were identified as
      invasive Northern Hemisphere mussels, revealing the relative ease with which such
      non-native species may be moved from region to region. In combination, our
      results highlight the existence of unique lineages of mussels (and by extension,
      presumably of other taxa) on remote offshore islands in the Southern Ocean, the
      need for more baseline data to help identify bioinvasion events, the ongoing
      threat of hybridization and introgression posed by invasive species, and the need
      for greater protection of some of the world's last great remote areas.

PMID- 27124276
TI  - Mononostril versus Binostril Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Approach for Pituitary
      Adenomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the past several decades, the endoscopic endonasal
      transsphenoidal approach (EETA) has gradually become a preferred option of
      pituitary adenomas surgery because of its minimal invasiveness and high
      efficiency. However, some EETA operations were performed through one nostril
      (mononostril), while other EETA operations were performed through both nostrils
      (binostril). Therefore, we conducted this study to compare the pros and cons of
      these two methods in an attempted to confirm which method is more effective.
      METHODS: We executed a systematic literature search of PubMed, the Cochrane
      Library, and the Web of Science and Medline (1992-2015). The language is limited
      to English and all studies should meet the inclusion criteria. Comparisons were
      made for postoperative outcomes, complications, and other relevant parameters
      between the mononostril and the binostril group. Statistical analyses of
      categorical variables were undertaken by the use of Stata 12.0 and SPASS 19.0.
      RESULTS: Thirty studies, involving 4805 patients, were included. The two groups
      had similar results in GTR rate (included GTR rate of macroadenomas), hormonal
      remission rate, improvement in visual function, postoperative CSF leak, permanent
      diabetes insipidus, meningitis, and sinusitis. The binostril group had less
      temporary diabetes insipidus (2.9% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.022), less anterior pituitary
      insufficiency (2.3% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.000) and few hospitalization days (3.2 days
      vs. 4.4 days, p<0.05) than the mononostril group. However, the mononostril group
      had less rate of epistaxis (0.4% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.008) than the binostril group.
      For invasive macroadenomas, the binostril group seem to demonstrate a tendency
      towards better outcomes though there was no subgroup analysis between the two
      groups. CONCLUSION: The binostril approach had less temporary diabetes insipidus,
      anterior pituitary insufficiency, and a shorter length of hospital stay, although
      they demonstrated a higher rate of epistaxis than the mononstril group.
      Additionally, the binostril group seemed to suggest a tendency towards better
      outcomes for invasive macroadenomas.

PMID- 27124278
TI  - A Matter of Contrast: Yellow Flower Colour Constrains Style Length in Crocus
      species.
AB  - Most flowers display distinct colour patterns comprising two different areas. The
      peripheral large-area component of floral colour patterns attracts flower
      visitors from some distance and the central small-area component guides flower
      visitors towards landing sites. Whereas the peripheral colour is largely variable
      among species, the central colour, produced mostly by anthers and pollen or
      pollen mimicking floral guides, is predominantly yellow and UV-absorbing. This
      holds also for yellow flowers that regularly display a UV bull's eye pattern.
      Here we show that yellow-flowering Crocus species are a noticeable exception,
      since yellow-flowering Crocus species-being entirely UV-absorbing-exhibit low
      colour contrast between yellow reproductive organs and yellow tepals. The
      elongated yellow or orange-yellow style of Crocus flowers is a stamen-mimicking
      structure promoting cross-pollination by facilitating flower visitors' contact
      with the apical stigma before the flower visitors are touching the anthers. Since
      Crocus species possess either yellow, violet or white tepals, the colour contrast
      between the stamen-mimicking style and the tepals varies among species. In this
      study comprising 106 Crocus species, it was tested whether the style length of
      Crocus flowers is dependent on the corolla colour. The results show that members
      of the genus Crocus with yellow tepals have evolved independently up to twelve
      times in the genus Crocus and that yellow-flowering Crocus species possess
      shorter styles as compared to violet- and white-flowering ones. The manipulation
      of flower visitors by anther-mimicking elongated styles in Crocus flowers is
      discussed.

PMID- 27124279
TI  - Pediatric Pulmonology year in review 2015: Part 1.
AB  - Our journal covers a broad range of research and scholarly topics related to
      children's respiratory disorders. For updated perspectives on the rapidly
      expanding knowledge in our field, we will summarize the past year's publications
      in our major topic areas, as well as selected publications in these areas from
      the core clinical journal literature outside our own pages. The current review
      covers articles on neonatal lung disease, pulmonary physiology, and respiratory
      infection. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:733-739. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27124281
TI  - Synthesis and Photostability of Unimolecular Submersible Nanomachines: Toward
      Single-Molecule Tracking in Solution.
AB  - The synthesis and photophysical properties of a series of photostable
      unimolecular submersible nanomachines (USNs) are reported as a first step toward
      the analysis of their trajectories in solution. The USNs have a light-driven
      rotatory motor for propulsion in solution and photostable cy5-COT fluorophores
      for their tracking. These cy5-COT fluorophores are found to provide an almost 2
      fold increase in photostability compared to the previous USN versions and do not
      affect the rotation of the motor.

PMID- 27124280
TI  - Response of Spring Diatoms to CO2 Availability in the Western North Pacific as
      Determined by Next-Generation Sequencing.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have enabled us to determine
      phytoplankton community compositions at high resolution. However, few studies
      have adopted this approach to assess the responses of natural phytoplankton
      communities to environmental change. Here, we report the impact of different CO2
      levels on spring diatoms in the Oyashio region of the western North Pacific as
      estimated by NGS of the diatom-specific rbcL gene (DNA), which encodes the large
      subunit of RubisCO. We also examined the abundance and composition of rbcL
      transcripts (cDNA) in diatoms to assess their physiological responses to changing
      CO2 levels. A short-term (3-day) incubation experiment was carried out on-deck
      using surface Oyashio waters under different pCO2 levels (180, 350, 750, and 1000
      MUatm) in May 2011. During the incubation, the transcript abundance of the diatom
      specific rbcL gene decreased with an increase in seawater pCO2 levels. These
      results suggest that CO2 fixation capacity of diatoms decreased rapidly under
      elevated CO2 levels. In the high CO2 treatments (750 and 1000 MUatm), diversity
      of diatom-specific rbcL gene and its transcripts decreased relative to the
      control treatment (350 MUatm), as well as contributions of Chaetocerataceae,
      Thalassiosiraceae, and Fragilariaceae to the total population, but the
      contributions of Bacillariaceae increased. In the low CO2 treatment,
      contributions of Bacillariaceae also increased together with other eukaryotes.
      These suggest that changes in CO2 levels can alter the community composition of
      spring diatoms in the Oyashio region. Overall, the NGS technology provided us a
      deeper understanding of the response of diatoms to changes in CO2 levels in terms
      of their community composition, diversity, and photosynthetic physiology.

PMID- 27124283
TI  - Immunohistochemical activity of Prohibitin-2 and Stomatin-Like Protein-2 in
      patients with ulcerative colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to semi-quantitatively investigate prohibitin-2 (Phb-2)
      and stomatin-like protein-2 (Slp-2) expressions in patients with ulcerative
      colitis (UC) and healthy controls using the immunohistochemical (IHC) method. We
      also aimed to evaluate the correlations between the activity of UC and the
      expressions of these two proteins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five patients
      with UC (82 males and 13 females) and 38 healthy controls (35 males and 3
      females) were included. Clinical and endoscopic activities of UC were assessed.
      Conventional laboratory activation parameters and severity of inflammation
      measures were used for the evaluation of histological activity. IHC staining of
      biopsy samples for the two proteins were semi-quantitatively applied, similar to
      previously described methods for colon adenocarcinomas. RESULTS: IHC scores of
      Phb-2 were lower but Slp-2 scores were higher in the UC group than in the healthy
      controls (p<0.05 and p=0.003, respectively). Phb-2 scores were positively
      correlated with clinical and histological activities (r=0.364, p<0.05 and
      r=0.220, p<0.032, respectively). In the UC group, endoscopic activity scores, C
      reactive protein levels, and sedimentation rates were also positively correlated
      with Phb-2 scores (r=0.279, p<0.05, r=0.216, p<0.05, and r=0.216, p<0.05,
      respectively). IHC scores of Slp-2 were not significantly correlated with the
      activity parameters of UC. However, there was a significant positive correlation
      between the expressions of Phb-2 and Slp-2 proteins (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Phb-2
      may serve as a valuable new biomarker for predicting the severity of all UC
      activity parameters. The therapeutic effectiveness of both Phb-2 and Slp-2 should
      be taken into consideration.

PMID- 27124282
TI  - Possible Increase in Serum FABP4 Level Despite Adiposity Reduction by
      Canagliflozin, an SGLT2 Inhibitor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4/A-FABP/aP2) is secreted from
      adipocytes in association with catecholamine-induced lipolysis, and elevated
      serum FABP4 level is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and
      atherosclerosis. Secreted FABP4 as a novel adipokine leads to insulin resistance
      via increased hepatic glucose production (HGP). Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2
      (SGLT2) inhibitors decrease blood glucose level via increased urinary glucose
      excretion, though HGP is enhanced. Here we investigated whether canagliflozin, an
      SGLT2 inhibitor, modulates serum FABP4 level. METHODS: Canagliflozin (100 mg/day)
      was administered to type 2 diabetic patients (n = 39) for 12 weeks. Serum FABP4
      level was measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: At baseline, serum FABP4
      level was correlated with adiposity, renal dysfunction and noradrenaline level.
      Treatment with canagliflozin significantly decreased adiposity and levels of
      fasting glucose and HbA1c but increased average serum FABP4 level by 10.3% (18.0
      +/- 1.0 vs. 19.8 +/- 1.2 ng/ml, P = 0.008), though elevation of FABP4 level after
      treatment was observed in 26 (66.7%) out of 39 patients. Change in FABP4 level
      was positively correlated with change in levels of fasting glucose (r = 0.329, P
      = 0.044), HbA1c (r = 0.329, P = 0.044) and noradrenaline (r = 0.329, P = 0.041)
      but was not significantly correlated with change in adiposity or other variables.
      CONCLUSIONS: Canagliflozin paradoxically increases serum FABP4 level in some
      diabetic patients despite amelioration of glucose metabolism and adiposity
      reduction, possibly via induction of catecholamine-induced lipolysis in
      adipocytes. Increased FABP4 level by canagliflozin may undermine the improvement
      of glucose metabolism and might be a possible mechanism of increased HGP by
      inhibition of SGLT2. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN-CTR Clinical Trial UMIN000018151.

PMID- 27124284
TI  - Cirrhosis with ascites: Is the presence of hemorrhagic ascites an indicator of
      poor prognosis?
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hemorrhagic ascites in patients with cirrhosis is described as a
      RBC (Red Blood cell) > 50,000/mm3 and leads to increased morbidity and mortality.
      Positive red blood cells at a level of less than 50,000/mm3 (10,000-50,000) may
      be encountered in the ascites but it is not known whether this is clinically
      significant or not. This study aimed to examine the outcome of hemorrhagic
      ascites in patients with advanced cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 329
      cirrhotic patients with ascites who received paracentesis at least once due to
      ascites was retrospectively analyzed from the period of 2007-2013 from the
      Turkiye Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology. Patients were
      divided according to the number of RBC, with greater than 10,000/mm3 being
      described as hemorrhagic ascites, and less than 10,000/mm3 described as the
      normal or control group. Patient data included: number of accepted intensive unit
      service stays, acute kidney injury (AKI), hepatic encephalopathy (HES), model for
      end-liver disease (MELD) score, Child Pugh score (CPS), degree of esophageal
      varices, spleen size and mortality rates. RESULTS: Patients were defined as
      having hemorrhagic ascites with a RBC count greater than 10,000/mm3 in 118
      (35.9%) patients and as a non-hemorrhagic ascites group with less than 10,000/mm3
      in 211 (64.1%) patients. The hemorrhagic ascites group had advanced liver disease
      symptoms compared to the control group. Meld score in the hemorrhagic group was
      statistically higher than in the control group (21.5+/-8.3 vs. 17.3+/-6.6; p
      value: 0.001). The median value of bilirubin was 5.9 (0.45-33) in the hemorrhagic
      ascites group and 4.01 (0.39-33) in the non-hemorrhagic group (p value: 0.001).
      Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, hemorrhagic ascites was also an
      independent predictor of mortality (HR 2.7 1.4-6.3), with other mortality
      indicators being HCC (HR 3.1 1.5-6.4) and HRS (HR 2.6 1.2-5.5). CONCLUSION:
      Patients with hemorrhagic ascites had higher HRS, SBP and admissions to the
      intensive care unit. We believe that the presence of hemorrhagic ascites can be
      used as a marker for advanced liver disease and for predicting mortality.

PMID- 27124285
TI  - The Dynamics of the Human Leukocyte Antigen Head Domain Modulates Its Recognition
      by the T-Cell Receptor.
AB  - Generating the immune response requires the discrimination of peptides presented
      by the human leukocyte antigen complex (HLA) through the T-cell receptor (TCR).
      However, how a single amino acid substitution in the antigen bonded to HLA
      affects the response of T cells remains uncertain. Hence, we used molecular
      dynamics computations to analyze the molecular interactions between peptides, HLA
      and TCR. We compared immunologically reactive complexes with non-reactive and
      weakly reactive complexes. MD trajectories were produced to simulate the behavior
      of isolated components of the various p-HLA-TCR complexes. Analysis of the
      fluctuations showed that p-HLA binding barely restrains TCR motions, and mainly
      affects the CDR3 loops. Conversely, inactive p-HLA complexes displayed
      significant drop in their dynamics when compared with its free versus ternary
      forms (p-HLA-TCR). In agreement, the free non-reactive p-HLA complexes showed a
      lower amount of salt bridges than the responsive ones. This resulted in
      differences between the electrostatic potentials of reactive and inactive p-HLA
      species and larger vibrational entropies in non-elicitor complexes. Analysis of
      the ternary p-HLA-TCR complexes also revealed a larger number of salt bridges in
      the responsive complexes. To summarize, our computations indicate that the
      affinity of each p-HLA complex towards TCR is intimately linked to both, the
      dynamics of its free species and its ability to form specific intermolecular salt
      bridges in the ternary complexes. Of outstanding interest is the emerging concept
      of antigen reactivity involving its interplay with the HLA head sidechain
      dynamics by rearranging its salt-bridges.

PMID- 27124286
TI  - The influence of diisocyanate antigen preparation methodology on monoclonal and
      serum antibody recognition.
AB  - Exposure to diisocyanates (dNCOs), such as methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI)
      can cause occupational asthma (OA). Currently, lab tests for dNCO specific IgE
      are specific, but not sensitive, which limits their utility in diagnosing dNCO
      asthma. This may be due to variable preparation and poor characterization of the
      standard antigens utilized in these assays. The aim of this study was to produce
      and characterize a panel of antigens prepared using three different commonly
      employed methods and one novel method. The conjugates were examined for
      recognition by anti-MDI monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in varying enzyme linked
      immunosorbant assay (ELISA) formats, extent of crosslinking, total amount of MDI,
      the sites of MDI conjugation, relative shape/charge, and reactivity with human
      serum with antibodies from sensitized, exposed workers. Results indicate that
      while there are minimal differences in the total amount of MDI conjugated, the
      extent of crosslinking, and the conjugation sites, there are significant
      differences in the recognition of differently prepared conjugates by mAbs. Native
      and denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrate differences in the
      mobility of different conjugates, indicative of structural changes that are
      likely important for antigenicity. While mAbs exhibited differential binding to
      different conjugates, polyclonal serum antibodies from MDI exposed workers
      exhibited equivalent binding to different conjugates by ELISA. While differences
      in the recognition of the different conjugates exist by mAb detection,
      differences in antigenicity could not be detected using human serum from MDI
      sensitized individuals. Thus, although dNCO conjugate preparation can, depending
      on the immunoassay platform, influence binding of specific antibody clones,
      serologic detection of the dNCO-exposure-induced polyclonal antibody response may
      be less sensitive to these differences.

PMID- 27124287
TI  - Patient-Centered Communication for Discussing Oncotype DX Testing.
AB  - Oncotype DX testing (ODX), a tumor gene expression test, may improve breast
      cancer care, however, communicating results remains challenging. We identified
      patient-centered communication strategies/gaps for discussing ODX results. We
      applied a patient-centered communication framework to analyze qualitative
      interviews with oncologists about how they communicate about ODX with patients,
      using template analysis in Atlas.ti. Overall, providers discussed four patient
      centered communication domains: exchanging information, assessing uncertainty,
      making decisions and cross-cutting themes. Providers did not report discussing
      emotional aspects of managing uncertainty, assessing decision-making preferences,
      and evaluating decisions. A patient-centered approach may be a model for
      communicating about tumor gene expression tests. 

PMID- 27124288
TI  - Modification in hydrophobic packing of HAMP domain induces a destabilization of
      the auto-phosphorylation site in the histidine kinase CpxA.
AB  - The histidine kinases belong to the family of two-component systems, which serves
      in bacteria to couple environmental stimuli to adaptive responses. Most of the
      histidine kinases are homodimers, in which the HAMP and DHp domains assemble into
      an elongated helical region flanked by two CA domains. Recently, X-ray
      crystallographic structures of the cytoplasmic region of the Escherichia coli
      histidine kinase CpxA were determined and a phosphotransferase-defective mutant,
      M228V, located in HAMP, was identified. In the present study, we recorded 1 MUs
      molecular dynamics trajectories to compare the behavior of the WT and M228V
      protein dimers. The M228V modification locally induces the appearance of larger
      voids within HAMP as well as a perturbation of the number of voids within DHp,
      thus destabilizing the HAMP and DHp hydrophobic packing. In addition, a
      disruption of the stacking interaction between F403 located in the lid of the CA
      domain involved in the auto-phosphorylation and R296 located in the interacting
      DHp region, is more often observed in the presence of the M228V modification.
      Experimental modifications R296A and R296D of CpxA have been observed to reduce
      also the CpxA activity. These observations agree with the destabilization of the
      R296/F403 stacking, and could be the sign of the transmission of a conformational
      event taking place in HAMP to the auto-phosphorylation site of histidine kinase.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 670-682, 2016. 

PMID- 27124292
TI  - Dancing with the SNARC: Measuring spatial-numerical associations on a digital
      dance mat.
AB  - According to the concept of embodied numerosity, bodily experiences influence the
      way in which we process numerical magnitude. The development of this influence
      could be anchored in the spatial ordering of numbers along a mental number line
      representation, which is measured by effects of spatial-numerical associations.
      The aim of this study was to investigate whether horizontally oriented full-body
      movement and visual presentation of a number line both contribute to spatial
      numerical associations in children. We presented fourth-graders with 2 magnitude
      comparison tasks that differed in the relevance of magnitude information. In both
      tasks, we varied the amount of bodily movement in different response conditions
      (responding verbally, with a foot tap, or by jumping) and the visual presentation
      (items were presented with or without a number line). From the data, we
      calculated 2 spatial-numerical effects and expected to find the strongest effects
      if a full-body response was combined with a number line presentation. The 2
      effects were differentially influenced by response modalities, but not
      presentation. The SNARC (= Spatial Numerical Association of Response Codes)
      effect was present in all conditions and was not influenced by our manipulations.
      In contrast, a new relative numerical congruity effect was influenced by the
      variations in responses in accordance with our hypotheses. The relative numerical
      congruity effect results suggest that responses involving bodily movement
      increase activation of spatial-numerical associations compared to verbal
      responses. These results are the first to demonstrate such an influence in a full
      body approach in elementary schoolchildren. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124293
TI  - Reference intervals for biochemical analytes of captive Black-Fronted Piping-Guan
      (Aburria jacutinga).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Black-Fronted Piping-Guan (Aburria jacutinga) is considered one of
      the most threatened bird species on the American continent. Ex situ conservation
      efforts have been developed in Brazil, and monitoring the health status of these
      populations is essential to ensure reproductive success in captivity. Reference
      intervals (RI) for biochemistry analytes from a larger population of Black
      Fronted Piping-Guan are unavailable. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at
      establishing RI for biochemical analytes of captive Black-Fronted Piping-Guan for
      future improved health assessments in these animals. METHODS: Blood samples were
      collected from 32 adult Black-Fronted Piping-Guans for serum and plasma
      separation. Liver and kidney function markers, and concentration of protein and
      lipids were measured. Reference intervals were determined using an Excel program
      with Reference Value Adviser (version 2.0). RESULTS: The RI of the analytes were:
      AST 20.7-188.0 U/L; CK 713.7-4741.4 U/L; LDH 360.7-1173.7 U/L; gamma Glutamyl
      Transferase 1.1-5.4 U/L; total plasma protein 3.5-6.2 g/dL; total serum protein
      1.7-4.7 g/dL; uric acid 0.9-19.2 mg/dL; urea 7.0-25.3 mg/dL; cholesterol 71.8
      232.2 mg/dL; triglycerides 25.6-183.4 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: The RI are similar to
      the ones published for other avian species. Only CK and uric acid values were in
      discordance with the usually reported avian ranges. This could be due to
      different methods of capture and physical restraint. Alternatively, some
      differences could be species-specific. In general, physical restraint should be
      limited to a minimum and without stress to prevent capture myopathy and death.

PMID- 27124294
TI  - Clinical Pharmacist Team-Based Care in a Safety Net Medical Home: Facilitators
      and Barriers to Chronic Care Management.
AB  - Collaborative care models incorporating pharmacists have been shown to improve
      quality of care for patients with hypertension and/or diabetes. Little is known
      about how to integrate such services outside of clinical trials. The authors
      implemented a 22-month observational study to evaluate pharmacy collaborative
      care for hypertension and diabetes in a safety net medical home that incorporated
      population risk stratification, clinical decision support, and medication dose
      adjustment protocols. Patients in the pharmacy group saw their primary care
      provider (PCP) more often and had higher baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP)
      and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and A1c levels compared to patients who only
      received care from their PCPs. There were no significant differences in the
      proportion of patients achieving treatment goals (SBP <140, DBP <90; A1c < 8) or
      the magnitude of change in BP or A1c among patients who underwent collaborative
      care versus those who did not. Age, race, and number of PCP encounters were
      associated with BP and A1c trends. The median time to achieve disease control was
      longer in the pharmacy group. Although 70% of all patients with poorly controlled
      hypertension achieved treatment goals within 7 months, less than 50% of patients
      with poorly controlled diabetes achieved A1c < 8 within 15 months, suggesting
      that diabetes was harder to manage overall. Contextual factors that facilitated
      or hindered practice redesign included organizational culture, health information
      technology and related workflows, and pharmacy caseload optimization. Future
      studies should further examine implementation strategies that work best in
      specific settings to optimize the benefits of team-based care with clinical
      pharmacists.

PMID- 27124295
TI  - Estimating Tropical Forest Structure Using a Terrestrial Lidar.
AB  - Forest structure comprises numerous quantifiable biometric components and
      characteristics, which include tree geometry and stand architecture. These
      structural components are important in the understanding of the past and future
      trajectories of these biomes. Tropical forests are often considered the most
      structurally complex and yet least understood of forested ecosystems. New
      technologies have provided novel avenues for quantifying biometric properties of
      forested ecosystems, one of which is LIght Detection And Ranging (lidar). This
      sensor can be deployed on satellite, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and
      terrestrial platforms. In this study we examined the efficacy of a terrestrial
      lidar scanner (TLS) system in a tropical forest to estimate forest structure. Our
      study was conducted in January 2012 at La Selva, Costa Rica at twenty locations
      in a predominantly undisturbed forest. At these locations we collected field
      measured biometric attributes using a variable plot design. We also collected TLS
      data from the center of each plot. Using this data we developed relative
      vegetation profiles (RVPs) and calculated a series of parameters including
      entropy, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), number of layers and plant area index to
      develop statistical relationships with field data. We developed statistical
      models using a series of multiple linear regressions, all of which converged on
      significant relationships with the strongest relationship being for mean crown
      depth (r2 = 0.88, p < 0.001, RMSE = 1.04 m). Tree density was found to have the
      poorest significant relationship (r2 = 0.50, p < 0.01, RMSE = 153.28 n ha-1). We
      found a significant relationship between basal area and lidar metrics (r2 = 0.75,
      p < 0.001, RMSE = 3.76 number ha-1). Parameters selected in our models varied,
      thus indicating the potential relevance of multiple features in canopy profiles
      and geometry that are related to field-measured structure. Models for biomass
      estimation included structural canopy variables in addition to height metrics.
      Our work indicates that vegetation profiles from TLS data can provide useful
      information on forest structure.

PMID- 27124296
TI  - Nutritional Enteric Failure: Neglected Tropical Diseases and Childhood Stunting.

PMID- 27124275
TI  - Principles and Overview of Sampling Methods for Modeling Macromolecular Structure
      and Dynamics.
AB  - Investigation of macromolecular structure and dynamics is fundamental to
      understanding how macromolecules carry out their functions in the cell.
      Significant advances have been made toward this end in silico, with a growing
      number of computational methods proposed yearly to study and simulate various
      aspects of macromolecular structure and dynamics. This review aims to provide an
      overview of recent advances, focusing primarily on methods proposed for exploring
      the structure space of macromolecules in isolation and in assemblies for the
      purpose of characterizing equilibrium structure and dynamics. In addition to
      surveying recent applications that showcase current capabilities of computational
      methods, this review highlights state-of-the-art algorithmic techniques proposed
      to overcome challenges posed in silico by the disparate spatial and time scales
      accessed by dynamic macromolecules. This review is not meant to be exhaustive, as
      such an endeavor is impossible, but rather aims to balance breadth and depth of
      strategies for modeling macromolecular structure and dynamics for a broad
      audience of novices and experts.

PMID- 27124297
TI  - The Minimal Important Difference in Physical Activity in Patients with COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes in physical activity (PA) are difficult to interpret because
      no framework of minimal important difference (MID) exists. We aimed to determine
      the minimal important difference (MID) in physical activity (PA) in patients with
      Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and to clinically validate this MID by
      evaluating its impact on time to first COPD-related hospitalization. METHODS: PA
      was objectively measured for one week in 74 patients before and after three
      months of rehabilitation (rehabilitation sample). In addition the intraclass
      correlation coefficient was measured in 30 patients (test-retest sample), by
      measuring PA for two consecutive weeks. Daily number of steps was chosen as
      outcome measurement. Different distribution and anchor based methods were chosen
      to calculate the MID. Time to first hospitalization due to an exacerbation was
      compared between patients exceeding the MID and those who did not. RESULTS:
      Calculation of the MID resulted in 599 (Standard Error of Measurement), 1029
      (empirical rule effect size), 1072 (Cohen's effect size) and 1131 (0.5SD)
      steps.day-1. An anchor based estimation could not be obtained because of the lack
      of a sufficiently related anchor. The time to the first hospital admission was
      significantly different between patients exceeding the MID and patients who did
      not, using the Standard Error of Measurement as cutoff. CONCLUSIONS: The MID
      after pulmonary rehabilitation lies between 600 and 1100 steps.day-1. The
      clinical importance of this change is supported by a reduced risk for hospital
      admission in those patients with more than 600 steps improvement.

PMID- 27124298
TI  - Selection and Validation of Reference Genes for qRT-PCR in Cycas elongata.
AB  - Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) is a sensitive technique used in
      gene expression studies. To achieve a reliable quantification of transcripts,
      appropriate reference genes are required for comparison of transcripts in
      different samples. However, few reference genes are available for non-model taxa,
      and to date, reliable reference genes in Cycas elongata have not been well
      characterized. In this study, 13 reference genes (ACT7, TUB, UBQ, EIF4, EF1,
      CLATHRIN1, PP2A, RPB2, GAPC2, TIP41, MAPK, SAMDC and CYP) were chosen from the
      transcriptome database of C. elongata, and these genes were evaluated in 8
      different organ samples. Three software programs, NormFinder, GeNorm and
      BestKeeper, were used to validate the stability of the potential reference genes.
      Results obtained from these three programs suggested that CeGAPC2 and CeRPB2 are
      the most stable reference genes, while CeACT7 is the least stable one among the
      13 tested genes. Further confirmation of the identified reference genes was
      established by the relative expression of AGAMOUSE gene of C. elongata (CeAG).
      While our stable reference genes generated consistent expression patterns in
      eight tissues, we note that our results indicate that an inappropriate reference
      gene might cause erroneous results. Our systematic analysis for stable reference
      genes of C. elongata facilitates further gene expression studies and functional
      analyses of this species.

PMID- 27124299
TI  - Pelvic Organ Support in Animals with Partial Loss of Fibulin-5 in the Vaginal
      Wall.
AB  - Compromise of elastic fiber integrity in connective tissues of the pelvic floor
      is most likely acquired through aging, childbirth-associated injury, and genetic
      susceptibility. Mouse models of pelvic organ prolapse demonstrate systemic
      deficiencies in proteins that affect elastogenesis. Prolapse, however, does not
      occur until several months after birth and is thereby acquired with age or after
      parturition. To determine the impact of compromised levels of fibulin-5 (Fbln5)
      during adulthood on pelvic organ support after parturition and elastase-induced
      injury, tissue-specific conditional knockout (cKO) mice were generated in which
      doxycycline (dox) treatment results in deletion of Fbln5 in cells that utilize
      the smooth muscle alpha actin promoter-driven reverse tetracycline transactivator
      and tetracycline responsive element-Cre recombinase (i.e., Fbln5f/f/SMA++
      rtTA/Cre+, cKO). Fbln5 was decreased significantly in the vagina of cKO mice
      compared with dox-treated wild type or controls (Fbln5f/f/SMA++-rtTA/Cre-/-). In
      controls, perineal body length (PBL) and bulge increased significantly after
      delivery but declined to baseline values within 6-8 weeks. Although overt
      prolapse did not occur in cKO animals, these transient increases in PBL
      postpartum were amplified and, unlike controls, parturition-induced increases in
      PBL (and bulge) did not recover to baseline but remained significantly increased
      for 12 wks. This lack of recovery from parturition was associated with increased
      MMP-9 and nondetectable levels of Fbln5 in the postpartum vagina. This
      predisposition to prolapse was accentuated by injection of elastase into the
      vaginal wall in which overt prolapse occurred in cKO animals, but rarely in
      controls. Taken together, our model system in which Fbln5 is conditionally knock
      downed in stromal cells of the pelvic floor results in animals that undergo
      normal elastogenesis during development but lose Fbln5 as adults. The results
      indicate that vaginal fibulin-5 during development is crucial for baseline pelvic
      organ support and is also important for protection and recovery from parturition-
      and elastase-induced prolapse.

PMID- 27124301
TI  - Invasive fungal infections in ALL: a new 'growth' area.

PMID- 27124300
TI  - Defense Responses in Rice Induced by Silicon Amendment against Infestation by the
      Leaf Folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis.
AB  - Silicon (Si) amendment to plants can confer enhanced resistance to herbivores. In
      the present study, the physiological and cytological mechanisms underlying the
      enhanced resistance of plants with Si addition were investigated for one of the
      most destructive rice pests in Asian countries, the rice leaf folder,
      Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee). Activities of defense-related enzymes,
      superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and
      polyphenol oxidase, and concentrations of malondialdehyde and soluble protein in
      leaves were measured in rice plants with or without leaf folder infestation and
      with or without Si amendment at 0.32 g Si/kg soil. Silicon amendment
      significantly reduced leaf folder larval survival. Silicon addition alone did not
      change activities of defense-related enzymes and malondialdehyde concentration in
      rice leaves. With leaf folder infestation, activities of the defense-related
      enzymes increased and malondialdehyde concentration decreased in plants amended
      with Si. Soluble protein content increased with Si addition when the plants were
      not infested, but was reduced more in the infested plants with Si amendment than
      in those without Si addition. Regardless of leaf folder infestation, Si amendment
      significantly increased leaf Si content through increases in the number and width
      of silica cells. Our results show that Si addition enhances rice resistance to
      the leaf folder through priming the feeding stress defense system, reduction in
      soluble protein content and cell silicification of rice leaves.

PMID- 27124302
TI  - Molecular Cloning, Expression Pattern and Polymorphisms of NADPH-Cytochrome P450
      Reductase in the Bird Cherry-Oat Aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.).
AB  - NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) plays an important role in the cytochrome
      P450 (CYP)-mediated metabolism of endogenous and exogenous substrates. CPR has
      been found to be associated with insecticide metabolism and resistance in many
      insects. However, information regarding CPR in the bird cherry-oat aphid,
      Rhopalosiphum padi, is unavailable. In the current study, a full-length cDNA
      (2,476 bp) of CPR (RpCPR) encoding 681 amino acids was cloned from R. padi.
      Nucleotide sequence and deduced amino acid sequence analysis showed that RpCPR
      exhibits characteristics of classical CPRs and shares high identities with those
      of other insects, especially with the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. The mRNA of
      RpCPR was expressed at all developmental stages, with the highest expression
      level found in the second instar and the lowest in adult. Expression levels of
      RpCPR in isoprocarb-resistant and imidacloprid-resistant strains were 3.74- and
      3.53-fold higher, respectively, than that of a susceptible strain. RpCPR
      expression could also be induced by low concentrations (LC30) of isoprocarb and
      imidacloprid. Moreover, we sequenced the open reading frame (ORF) of RpCPR from
      167 field samples collected in 11 geographical populations. Three hundred and
      thirty-four SNPs were detected, of which, 65 were found in more than two
      individuals. One hundred and ninety-four missense mutations were present in the
      amino acid sequence, of which, the P484S mutant had an allele frequency of 35.1%.
      The present results suggest that RpCPR may play an important role in the P450
      mediated insecticide resistance of R. padi to isoprocarb and imidacloprid and
      possibly other insecticides. Meanwhile, RpCPRmaintains high genetic diversity in
      natural individuals, which provides the possibility of studying potential
      correlations between variants and certain special physiological characters.

PMID- 27124304
TI  - Correction: The Impact of Heterogeneous Thresholds on Social Contagion with
      Multiple Initiators.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143020.].

PMID- 27124306
TI  - Reduction-Responsive Guanine Incorporated into G-Quadruplex-Forming DNA.
AB  - Stimulus-responsive biomolecules are attractive targets to understand biomolecule
      behaviour as well as to explore their therapeutic and diagnostic applications. We
      demonstrate that a reduction-responsive cleavable group (chemically caged unit)
      introduced into the guanine ring enables modulation of the secondary structure
      transition of an oligonucleotide in a reduction-responsive and traceless manner
      leaving the unmodified oligonucleotide of interest. This simple but robust
      strategy could yield a variety of stimuli-responsive oligonucleotides. 

PMID- 27124305
TI  - HCV Specific IL-21 Producing T Cells but Not IL-17A Producing T Cells Are
      Associated with HCV Viral Control in HIV/HCV Coinfection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decreased hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance, faster cirrhosis
      progression and higher HCV RNA levels are associated with Human Immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) coinfection. The CD4+ T helper cytokines interleukin (IL)-21 and IL
      17A are associated with virus control and inflammation, respectively, both
      important in HCV and HIV disease progression. Here, we examined how antigen
      specific production of these cytokines during HCV mono and HIV/HCV coinfection
      was associated with HCV virus control. METHODS: We measured HCV-specific IL-21
      and IL-17A production by transwell cytokine secretion assay in PBMCs from
      monoinfected and coinfected individuals. Viral control was determined by plasma
      HCV RNA levels. RESULTS: In acutely infected individuals, those able to establish
      transient/complete HCV viral control tended to have stronger HCV-specific IL-21
      production than non-controllers. HCV-specific IL-21 production also correlated
      with HCV viral decline in acute infection. Significantly stronger HCV-specific IL
      21 production was detected in HAART-treated coinfected individuals. HCV-specific
      IL-17A production was not associated with lower plasma HCV RNA levels in acute or
      chronic HCV infection and responses were stronger in HIV coinfection. HCV
      specific IL-21/ IL-17A responses did not correlate with microbial translocation
      or fibrosis. Exogenous IL-21 treatment of HCV-specific CD8+ T cells from
      monoinfected individuals enhanced their function although CD8+ T cells from
      coinfected individuals were somewhat refractory to the effects of IL-21.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data show that HCV-specific IL-21 and IL-17A-producing T cells
      are induced in HIV/HCV coinfection. In early HIV/HCV coinfection, IL-21 may
      contribute to viral control, and may represent a novel tool to enhance acute HCV
      clearance in HIV/HCV coinfected individuals.

PMID- 27124307
TI  - Bleeding management in patients with new oral anticoagulants.
AB  - New oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have been developed in recent years and are
      increasingly used in clinical practice. Dabigatran is a direct thrombin (factor
      II) inhibitor while rivaroxaban, apixaban and edoxaban are direct inhibitors of
      factor Xa. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) currently approves these NOACs for
      different clinical uses. NOACs do not require routine monitoring of coagulation
      although an assessment of anticoagulation activity in these patients may be
      required in different conditions. NOACs show a similar or lower incidence of
      bleeding compared with conventional therapies in phase III trials. In case of
      bleeding, non-specific reversal strategies are available while specific reversal
      agents are the subject of ongoing trials. The role of this review is to summarize
      the current knowledge on NOCAs focusing on bleeding management in the
      perioperative period.

PMID- 27124308
TI  - Is tinea versicolor a contraindication for epidural analgesia?

PMID- 27124309
TI  - The end is nigh.

PMID- 27124303
TI  - Genetic Analysis of 'PAX6-Negative' Individuals with Aniridia or Gillespie
      Syndrome.
AB  - We report molecular genetic analysis of 42 affected individuals referred with a
      diagnosis of aniridia who previously screened as negative for intragenic PAX6
      mutations. Of these 42, the diagnoses were 31 individuals with aniridia and 11
      individuals referred with a diagnosis of Gillespie syndrome (iris hypoplasia,
      ataxia and mild to moderate developmental delay). Array-based comparative genomic
      hybridization identified six whole gene deletions: four encompassing PAX6 and two
      encompassing FOXC1. Six deletions with plausible cis-regulatory effects were
      identified: five that were 3' (telomeric) to PAX6 and one within a gene desert 5'
      (telomeric) to PITX2. Sequence analysis of the FOXC1 and PITX2 coding regions
      identified two plausibly pathogenic de novo FOXC1 missense mutations (p.Pro79Thr
      and p.Leu101Pro). No intragenic mutations were detected in PITX2. FISH mapping in
      an individual with Gillespie-like syndrome with an apparently balanced X;11
      reciprocal translocation revealed disruption of a gene at each breakpoint:
      ARHGAP6 on the X chromosome and PHF21A on chromosome 11. In the other individuals
      with Gillespie syndrome no mutations were identified in either of these genes, or
      in HCCS which lies close to the Xp breakpoint. Disruption of PHF21A has
      previously been implicated in the causation of intellectual disability (but not
      aniridia). Plausibly causative mutations were identified in 15 out of 42
      individuals (12/32 aniridia; 3/11 Gillespie syndrome). Fourteen of these
      mutations presented in the known aniridia genes; PAX6, FOXC1 and PITX2. The large
      number of individuals in the cohort with no mutation identified suggests greater
      locus heterogeneity may exist in both isolated and syndromic aniridia than was
      previously appreciated.

PMID- 27124310
TI  - Doctors' engagements with patient experience surveys in primary and secondary
      care: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient experience surveys are increasingly important in the
      measurement of, and attempts to improve, health-care quality. To date, little
      research has focused upon doctors' attitudes to surveys which give them
      personalized feedback. AIM: This paper explores doctors' perceptions of patient
      experience surveys in primary and secondary care settings in order to deepen
      understandings of how doctors view the plausibility of such surveys. DESIGN,
      SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a qualitative study with doctors in two
      regions of England, involving in-depth semi-structured interviews with doctors
      working in primary care (n = 21) and secondary care (n = 20) settings. The
      doctors in both settings had recently received individualized feedback from
      patient experience surveys. FINDINGS: Doctors in both settings express strong
      personal commitments to incorporating patient feedback in quality improvement
      efforts. However, they also concurrently express strong negative views about the
      credibility of survey findings and patients' motivations and competence in
      providing feedback. Thus, individual doctors demonstrate contradictory views
      regarding the plausibility of patient surveys, leading to complex, varied and on
      balance negative engagements with patient feedback. DISCUSSION: Doctors'
      contradictory views towards patient experience surveys are likely to limit the
      impact of such surveys in quality improvement initiatives in primary and
      secondary care. We highlight the need for 'sensegiving' initiatives (i.e.
      attempts to influence perceptions by communicating particular ideas, narratives
      and visions) to engage with doctors regarding the plausibility of patient
      experience surveys. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of engaging
      with doctors' views about patient experience surveys when developing quality
      improvement initiatives.

PMID- 27124311
TI  - Degradation of reactive blue 19 by needle-plate non-thermal plasma in different
      gas atmospheres: Kinetics and responsible active species study assisted by CFD
      calculations.
AB  - This study investigated the degradation of a model organic compound, reactive
      blue (RB-19), in aqueous solution using a needle-plate non-thermal plasma (NTP)
      reactor, which was operated using three gas atmospheres (Ar, air, O2) at room
      temperature and atmospheric pressure. The relative discharge and degradation
      parameters, including the peak to peak applied voltage, power, ozone generation,
      pH, decolorization rates, energy density and the total organic carbon (TOC)
      reduction were analyzed to determine the various dye removal efficiencies. The
      decolorization rate for Ar, air and O2 were 59.9%, 49.6% and 89.8% respectively
      at the energy density of 100 kJ/L. The best TOC reduction was displayed by Ar
      with about 8.8% decrease, and 0% with O2 and air atmospheres. This phenomenon
      could be explained by the formation of OH* and O3 in the Ar and O2 atmospheres,
      which are responsible for increased mineralization and efficient decolorization.
      A one-dimension model was developed using software COMSOL to simulate the RB-19
      ozone reaction and verify the experiments by comparing the simulated and
      experimental results. It was determined that ozone plays the most important role
      in the dye removal process, and the ozone contribution rate ranged from 0.67 to
      0.82. 

PMID- 27124312
TI  - Chronic Galactocele.

PMID- 27124314
TI  - Author Response: Diagnostic Ability of Retinal Arteriolar Diameter Measurements
      in Glaucoma.

PMID- 27124313
TI  - Diagnostic Ability of Retinal Arteriolar Diameter Measurements in Glaucoma.

PMID- 27124315
TI  - Assessment of UVA-Riboflavin Corneal Cross-Linking Using Small Amplitude
      Oscillatory Shear Measurements.
AB  - PURPOSE: The effect of ultraviolet (UV)-riboflavin cross-linking (CXL) has been
      measured primarily using the strip extensometry technique. We propose a simple
      and reliable methodology for the assessment of CXL treatment by using an
      established rheologic protocol based on small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS)
      measurements. It provides information on the average cross-link density and the
      elastic modulus of treated cornea samples. METHODS: Three fresh postmortem
      porcine corneas were used to study the feasibility of the technique, one serving
      as control and two receiving corneal collagen cross-linking treatment.
      Subsequently, five pairs of fresh postmortem porcine corneas received corneal
      collagen cross-linking treatment with riboflavin and UVA-irradiation (370 nm;
      irradiance of 3 mW/cm2) for 30 minutes (Dresden protocol); the contralateral
      porcine corneas were used as control samples. After the treatment, the linear
      viscoelastic moduli of the corneal samples were measured using SAOS measurements
      and the average cross-linking densities extracted. RESULTS: For all cases
      investigated, the dynamic moduli of the cross-linked corneas were higher compared
      to those of the corresponding control samples. The increase of the elastic
      modulus of the treated samples was between 122% and 1750%. The difference was
      statistically significant for all tested samples (P = 0.018, 2-tailed t-test).
      CONCLUSIONS: We report a simple and accurate methodology for quantifying the
      effects of cross-linking on porcine corneas treated with the Dresden protocol by
      means of SAOS measurements in the linear regime. The measured dynamic moduli,
      elastic and viscous modulus, represent the energy storage and energy dissipation,
      respectively. Hence, they provide a means to assess the changing physical
      properties of the cross-linked collagen networks after CXL treatment.

PMID- 27124316
TI  - A Genome-Wide Association Study Provides New Evidence That CACNA1C Gene is
      Associated With Diabetic Cataract.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diabetic cataract is one of the major eye complications of diabetes. It
      was reported that cataract occurs two to five times more frequently in patients
      with diabetes compared with those with no diabetes. The purpose of this study was
      to identify genetic contributors of diabetic cataract based on a genome-wide
      association approach using a well-defined Scottish diabetic cohort. METHODS: We
      adapted linked e-health records to define diabetic cataract. A diabetic cataract
      case in this study was defined as a type 2 diabetic patient who has ever been
      recorded in the linked e-health records to have cataracts in both eyes or who had
      previous cataract extraction surgeries in at least one eye. A control in this
      study was defined as a type 2 diabetic individual who has never been diagnosed as
      cataract in the linked e-health records and had no history of cataract surgeries.
      A standard genome-wide association approach was applied. RESULTS: Overall, we
      have 2341 diabetic cataract cases and 2878 controls in the genetics of diabetes
      audit and research in Tayside Scotland (GoDARTS) dataset. We found that the P
      value of rs2283290 in the CACNA1C gene was 8.81 * 10(-10), which has reached
      genome-wide significance. We also identified that the blood calcium level was
      statistically different between diabetic cataract cases and controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: We identified supporting evidence that CACNA1C gene is associated
      with diabetic cataract. The role of calcium in the cataractogenesis needs to be
      reevaluated in future studies.

PMID- 27124317
TI  - Dissociations in Coherence Sensitivity Reveal Atypical Development of Cortical
      Visual Processing in Congenital Achromatopsia.
AB  - PURPOSE: While basic visual functions have been described in subjects with
      congenital achromatopsia (ACHM), little is known about their mid- or high-level
      cortical visual processing. We compared midlevel cortical visual processing in
      ACHM subjects (n = 11) and controls (n = 20). METHODS: Abilities to detect global
      form, global motion, and biological motion embedded in noise were tested across a
      range of light levels, including scotopic, in which both ACHM subjects and
      controls must rely on rods. Contrast sensitivity functions (CSFs) were also
      measured. RESULTS: Achromatopsia subjects showed differential impairments across
      tests. In scotopic conditions, global form was most impaired, while biological
      motion was normal. In a subset of three ACHM subjects with normal scotopic CSFs,
      two of the three showed global form perception worse than controls; all showed
      global motion comparable to controls; and strikingly, two of the three showed
      biological motion perception superior to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The cone signal
      appears to play a crucial role in the development of perception of global form,
      as in ACHM this is impaired even in scotopic conditions, in which controls also
      have to rely on rods, and even in ACHM subjects with no scotopic spatial vision
      loss. In contrast, the rod signal appears sufficient for the development of
      normal (or even superior) extrastriate biological motion perception. These
      results suggest that ACHM leads to atypical development of cortical vision,
      highlighting the need to better understand the potential for further
      reorganization of cortical visual processing following new therapies aimed at
      restoring cone function.

PMID- 27124318
TI  - Estimating Mean Ocular Perfusion Pressure Using Mean Arterial Pressure and
      Intraocular Pressure.

PMID- 27124319
TI  - Author Response: Helicobacter pylori-Related Impact on Glaucoma Pathophysiology.

PMID- 27124320
TI  - Quantification of Vessel Density in Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography
      Angiography Images Using Local Fractal Dimension.

PMID- 27124321
TI  - Author Response: Quantification of Vessel Density in Retinal Optical Coherence
      Tomography Angiography Images Using Local Fractal Dimension.

PMID- 27124323
TI  - Tilting and Tumbling of Janus Nanoparticles at Sheared Interfaces.
AB  - We investigate the response of a single Janus nanoparticle adsorbed at an oil
      water interface to imposed shear flows using molecular dynamics simulations. We
      consider particles of different geometry, including spheres, cylinders, and
      discs, and tune their degree of amphiphilicity by controlling the affinity of
      their two sides to the fluid phases. We observe that depending on the shape,
      amphiphilicity, and the applied shear rate, two modes of rotational dynamics
      takes place: a smooth tilt or a tumbling motion. We demonstrate that irrespective
      of this dynamic behavior, a steady-state orientation is eventually achieved as a
      result of the balance between the shear- and capillary-induced torques, which can
      be tuned by controlling the surface property and flow parameters. Our findings
      provide insight on using flow fields to tune particle orientation at an interface
      and to utilize it to direct their assembly into ordered monolayers.

PMID- 27124322
TI  - Vascular Normalization by ROCK Inhibitor: Therapeutic Potential of Ripasudil (K
      115) Eye Drop in Retinal Angiogenesis and Hypoxia.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of a Rho
      associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor ripasudil (K
      115) eye drop on retinal neovascularization and hypoxia. METHODS: In vitro, human
      retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were pretreated with ripasudil
      and then stimulated with VEGF. ROCK activity was evaluated by phosphorylation of
      myosin phosphatase target protein (MYPT)-1. Endothelial migration and cell
      viability were assessed by cell migration and MTT assay, respectively. The
      concentration of ripasudil in the retina was measured by liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In vivo, normal saline, 0.4%, or 0.8%
      ripasudil were administered three times a day to mice with oxygen-induced
      retinopathy (OIR). The areas of neovascularization and avascular retina were also
      quantified with retinal flat-mounts at postnatal day (P) 15, P17, or P21. The
      retinal hypoxic area was evaluated using hypoxia-sensitive drug pimonidazole by
      immunohistochemistry at P17. The vascular normalization was also evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry at P17. RESULTS: Ripasudil but not fasudil significantly
      reduced VEGF-induced MYPT-1 phosphorylation in HRMECs at 30 MUmol/L. Ripasudil
      significantly inhibited VEGF-induced HRMECs migration and proliferation. The
      concentration of ripasudil in the retina was 3.8 to 10.4 MUmol/L and 6.8 to 14.8
      MUmol/L after 0.4% and 0.8% ripasudil treatment, respectively. In the 0.4% and
      0.8% ripasudil treated OIR mice, the areas of neovascularization as well as
      avascular area in the retina was significantly reduced compared with those of
      saline-treated mice at P17 and P21. Pimonidazole staining revealed that treatment
      with 0.4% and 0.8% ripasudil significantly inhibited the increase in the hypoxic
      area compared with saline. 0.8% ripasudil could cause intraretinal vascular
      sprouting and increase retinal vascular perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Novel ROCK
      inhibitor ripasudil eye drop has therapeutic potential in the treatment of
      retinal hypoxic neovascular diseases via antiangiogenic effects as well as
      vascular normalization.

PMID- 27124324
TI  - Nutritional habits in functional dyspepsia and its subgroups: a comparative
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Research data demonstrating nutritional habits of functional dyspepsia
      (FD) patients are very limited. This is the first study to evaluate nutritional
      habits in FD subgroups according to Rome III criteria. Our aim was to evaluate
      nutritional habits of FD patients and determine the food items that may provoke a
      dyspepsia symptom. METHODS: A total of 168 adults with FD and 135 healthy control
      subjects participated in the study. FD subjects were divided into epigastric pain
      syndrome (EP-FD), postprandial distress syndrome (PS-FD), mixed (MX-FD) subgroups
      according to Rome Criteria III. Subjects completed a questionnaire that included
      a short-form food frequency questionnaire. Furthermore, subjects were asked to
      list the food items that were causing a dyspepsia symptom. RESULTS: Functional
      dyspepsia subjects had a slightly higher BMI (26.1 +/- 4.97 kg/m(2)) than control
      subjects (24.6 +/- 4.08 kg/m(2)). The most common symptom triggering foods among
      all the FD groups were fried and fatty foods (27.1%), hot spices (26.4%), and
      carbonated drinks (21.8%). In FD subgroups, carbonated drinks were more likely to
      cause a symptom in PS-FD group (37.3%) than MX-FD (25.7%) and EP-FD (22.1%)
      groups. There was no difference in frequency of main meals and snacks among any
      of the groups. CONCLUSION: Fatty and spicy foods and carbonated drinks were the
      most common symptom triggering food items in FD group. In subgroups, carbonated
      drinks and legumes were more likely to cause a symptom in PS-FD. Removing these
      food items during the course of treatment might help alleviate the symptoms.

PMID- 27124325
TI  - Clinical Diagnosis of Mental Disorders Immediately Before and After Cancer
      Diagnosis: A Nationwide Matched Cohort Study in Sweden.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Psychiatric comorbidities are common among patients with cancer.
      However, whether or not there is increased risk of mental disorders during the
      diagnostic workup leading to a cancer diagnosis was unknown. OBJECTIVE: To
      examine the relative risks of depression, anxiety, substance abuse,
      somatoform/conversion disorder, and stress reaction/adjustment disorder during
      the periods before and after cancer diagnosis compared with individuals without
      cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Nationwide matched cohort study from
      January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2010, in a Swedish population and health
      registers. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: We estimated the time-varying hazard
      ratios (HRs) of the first clinical diagnosis of the studied mental disorders from
      2 years before cancer diagnosis, through the time of diagnosis, and until 10
      years after diagnosis, adjusting for age, sex, calendar period, and educational
      level. To assess milder mental conditions and symptoms, we further assessed the
      use of related psychiatric medications for patients with cancer diagnosed during
      2008-2009. RESULTS: The study included 304 118 patients with cancer and 3 041 174
      cancer-free individuals who were randomly selected from the Swedish population
      and individually matched to the patients with cancer on year of birth and sex.
      The median age at diagnosis for the patients with cancer was 69 years, and 46.9%
      of the patients were female. The relative rate for all studied mental disorders
      started to increase from 10 months before cancer diagnosis (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.1
      1.2), peaked during the first week after diagnosis (HR, 6.7; 95% CI, 6.1-7.4),
      and decreased rapidly thereafter but remained elevated 10 years after diagnosis
      (HR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2). The rate elevation was clear for all main cancers
      except nonmelanoma skin cancer and was stronger for cancers of poorer prognosis.
      Compared with cancer-free individuals, increased use of psychiatric medications
      was noted from 1 month before cancer diagnosis and peaked around 3 months after
      diagnosis among patients with cancer. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Patients
      diagnosed as having cancer had increased risks of several common mental disorders
      from the year before diagnosis. These findings support the existing guidelines of
      integrating psychological management into cancer care and further call for
      extended vigilance for multiple mental disorders starting from the time of the
      cancer diagnostic workup.

PMID- 27124326
TI  - The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Expert Consensus Statement: A Tool Kit to Assist
      Thoracic Surgeons Seeking Privileging to Use New Technology and Perform Advanced
      Procedures in General Thoracic Surgery.

PMID- 27124327
TI  - The Koala, an Iconic Animal under Threat.

PMID- 27124328
TI  - Clinical Mycoplasma sp. Infections in Free-living Three-toed Box Turtles (
      Terrapene carolina triunguis) in Missouri, USA.
AB  - Mycoplasma species, which can cause upper respiratory tract disease (URTD), are
      significant pathogens of birds, mammals, fish, and reptiles. Mycoplasmosis is of
      high concern for chelonian conservation, with the most well-documented cases in
      gopher and desert tortoises. Mycoplasma sp. infections have been reported in
      captive and free-living box turtles ( Terrapene spp.). We documented URTD
      associated with Mycoplasma sp. in two free-living, three-toed box turtles (
      Terrapene carolina triunguis) in Missouri, US. Both turtles were Mycoplasma sp.
      positive by PCR and had URTD-like clinical signs, including nasal and ocular
      discharge, palpebral edema, lethargy, and weight loss, during a 6-8-wk period
      between June and September 2014.

PMID- 27124330
TI  - Prevalence of Antibodies against Neospora caninum in Pere David's Deer (
      Elaphurus davidianus ) in Beijing, China.
AB  - Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan protozoan and causes neuromuscular disorders
      in canids and abortions in cattle worldwide. We screened sera samples from 49
      free-ranging Pere David's deer ( Elaphurus davidianus ) in a nature reserve in
      Beijing, China, for antibodies against N. caninum using indirect fluorescence
      antibody tests and western blot tests. Antibodies were found in 27% of the deer.
      Western blot analysis revealed antibody reactivity against immunodominant N.
      caninum antigens of 16, 25, and 37 kDa in size together with other visible bands.

PMID- 27124329
TI  - Pseudorabies Virus and Brucella abortus from an Expanding Wild Pig ( Sus scrofa )
      Population in Southern Oklahoma, USA.
AB  - Wild pigs ( Sus scrofa ) are causing increasing ecologic and economic damage at a
      global scale. Because wild pigs can carry >=65 diseases that affect livestock,
      their widespread expansion threatens native wildlife and livestock. We screened
      wild pigs from south-central Oklahoma, US for antibodies against Brucella abortus
      , pseudorabies virus (PRV), and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome
      virus (PRRS). These pathogens were chosen because they are part of eradication
      programs in the US and could have large economic impacts on domestic livestock if
      transmitted from wild animals. We tested 282 serum samples during spring 2010
      (n=149) and 2011 (n=133) and found an overall exposure rate to PRV of 24.1%
      (n=68); PRV was detected at two of three study sites. Two wild pigs had
      detectable antibody to B. abortus , and one had detectable antibody to PRRS. On
      average, 27% of wild pigs within a sounder were positive for PRV antibody, with
      44% of the sounders (16/36) having at least one positive individual. These data
      highlight that wild pigs could carry pathogens that affect domestic livestock.
      Because the US is free of these pathogens in commercial livestock operations,
      continued surveillance and vaccination of domestic livestock are needed.
      Commercial livestock producers at the wildlife-livestock interface may benefit
      from spatial prioritization of risk zones to facilitate strategic control
      efforts.

PMID- 27124331
TI  - Prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Eastern Hellbender
      (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) Populations in West Virginia, USA.
AB  - The eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) is a North
      American salamander species in decline throughout its range. Efforts to identify
      the causes of decline have included surveillance for the chytrid fungus
      Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which has been associated with global
      amphibian population losses. We evaluated the prevalence of Bd in 42 hellbenders
      at four sites in West Virginia, US, from June to September 2013, using standard
      swab protocols and real-time PCR. Overall prevalence of Bd was 52% (22/42; 37.7
      66.6%; 95% confidence interval). Prevalence was highest in individuals with body
      weight >=695 g (chi(2)=7.2487, df=1, P=0.007), and was higher in montane sampling
      sites than lowland sites (t=-2.4599, df=44, P=0.02). While increased prevalence
      in montane sampling sites was expected, increased prevalence in larger
      hellbenders was unexpected and hypothesized to be associated with greater surface
      area for infection or prolonged periods of exposure in older, larger hellbenders.
      Wild hellbenders have not been reported to display clinical disease associated
      with Bd; however, prevalence in the population is important information for
      evaluating reservoir status and risk to other species, and as a baseline for
      investigation in the face of an outbreak of clinical disease.

PMID- 27124332
TI  - Histopathologic and Molecular Characterization of Sarcocystis calchasi
      Encephalitis in White-winged Doves ( Zenaida asiatica ) and Eurasian Collared
      Doves ( Streptopelia decaocto ), East-central Texas, USA, 2010-13.
AB  - Sarcocystis calchasi is a recently described apicomplexan parasite that causes
      encephalitis in avian hosts. We diagnosed one White-winged Dove ( Zenaida
      asiatica ) and two Eurasian Collared Doves ( Streptopelia decaocto ) in Texas,
      US, with a history of neurologic signs with protozoal encephalitis. On histologic
      examination, all three doves had moderate to severe meningoencephalitis
      characterized by large numbers of plasma cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages with
      gliosis and astrocytosis. Brain sections from two doves also contained numerous
      Mott cells. Protozoal schizonts with rosettes or clusters of individual
      merozoites consistent with Sarcocystis spp. were seen within areas of
      inflammation. Sarcocysts were also identified in the skeletal muscle of one dove.
      The PCR and sequencing of brain and skeletal muscle from two doves revealed 99%
      identity with S. calchasi. The presence of S. calchasi in fatal cases of
      encephalitis in doves in Texas suggests that the geographic and host ranges of S.
      calchasi are broader than previously reported.

PMID- 27124333
TI  - Effective Reversible Immobilization of Captive Himalayan Black Bears (Selenarctos
      thibetanus laniger) with Medetomidine-Tiletamine-Zolazepam and Atipamezole.
AB  - We used a combination of medetomidine and tiletamine-zolazepam to immobilize five
      Himalayan black bears (Selenarctos thibetanus laniger) in Bannerghatta Biological
      Park, Bangalore, India. Medetomidine and tiletamine-zolazepam were administered
      at 0.01 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively. We describe procedures and
      observations recorded during the immobilization.

PMID- 27124335
TI  - Chromatin changes predict recurrence after radical prostatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathological evaluations give the best prognostic markers for
      prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy, but the observer variance
      is substantial. These risk assessments should be supported and supplemented by
      objective methods for identifying patients at increased risk of recurrence.
      Markers of epigenetic aberrations have shown promising results in several cancer
      types and can be assessed by automatic analysis of chromatin organisation in
      tumour cell nuclei. METHODS: A consecutive series of 317 prostate cancer patients
      treated with radical prostatectomy at a national hospital between 1987 and 2005
      were followed for a median of 10 years (interquartile range, 7-14). On average
      three tumour block samples from each patient were included to account for tumour
      heterogeneity. We developed a novel marker, termed Nucleotyping, based on
      automatic assessment of disordered chromatin organisation, and validated its
      ability to predict recurrence after radical prostatectomy. RESULTS: Nucleotyping
      predicted recurrence with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.3 (95% confidence interval
      (CI), 2.1-5.1). With adjustment for clinical and pathological characteristics,
      the HR was 2.5 (95% CI, 1.5-4.1). An updated stratification into three risk
      groups significantly improved the concordance with patient outcome compared with
      a state-of-the-art risk-stratification tool (P<0.001). The prognostic impact was
      most evident for the patients who were high-risk by clinical and pathological
      characteristics and for patients with Gleason score 7. CONCLUSION: A novel
      assessment of epigenetic aberrations was capable of improving risk stratification
      after radical prostatectomy.

PMID- 27124336
TI  - Comment on: 'Nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine for metastatic pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma after Folfirinox failure: an AGEO prospective multicentre cohort'.

PMID- 27124337
TI  - Meta-analysis of breast cancer mortality benefit and overdiagnosis adjusted for
      adherence: improving information on the effects of attending screening
      mammography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women require information about the impact of regularly attending
      screening mammography on breast cancer mortality and overdiagnosis to make
      informed decisions. To provide this information we aimed to meta-analyse
      randomised controlled trials adjusted for adherence to the trial protocol.
      METHODS: Nine screening mammography trials used in the Independent UK Breast
      Screening Report were selected. Extending an existing approach to adjust
      intention-to-treat (ITT) estimates for less than 100% adherence rates, we
      conducted a random-effects meta-analysis. This produced a combined deattenuated
      prevented fraction and a combined deattenuated percentage risk of overdiagnosis.
      RESULTS: In women aged 39-75 years invited to screen, the prevented fraction of
      breast cancer mortality at 13-year follow-up was 0.22 (95% CI 0.15-0.28) and it
      increased to 0.30 (95% CI 0.18-0.42) with deattenuation. In women aged 40-69
      years invited to screen, the ITT percentage risk of overdiagnosis during the
      screening period was 19.0% (95% CI 15.2-22.7%), deattenuation increased this to
      29.7% (95% CI 17.8-41.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Adjustment for nonadherence increased the
      size of the mortality benefit and risk of overdiagnosis by up to 50%. These
      estimates are more appropriate when developing quantitative information to
      support individual decisions about attending screening mammography.

PMID- 27124338
TI  - Reply to the comment on 'Nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine for metastatic
      pancreatic adenocarcinoma after Folfirinox failure: an AGEO prospective
      multicentre cohort'.

PMID- 27124340
TI  - 5'-Substituted Amiloride Derivatives as Allosteric Modulators Binding in the
      Sodium Ion Pocket of the Adenosine A2A Receptor.
AB  - The sodium ion site is an allosteric site conserved among many G protein-coupled
      receptors (GPCRs). Amiloride 1 and 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride 2 (HMA)
      supposedly bind in this sodium ion site and can influence orthosteric ligand
      binding. The availability of a high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of the
      human adenosine A2A receptor (hA2AAR), in which the allosteric sodium ion site
      was elucidated, makes it an appropriate model receptor for investigating the
      allosteric site. In this study, we report the synthesis and evaluation of novel
      5'-substituted amiloride derivatives as hA2AAR allosteric antagonists. The
      potency of the amiloride derivatives was assessed by their ability to displace
      orthosteric radioligand [(3)H]4-(2-((7-amino-2-(furan-2-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5
      a]-[1,3,5]triazin-5-yl)amino)ethyl)phenol ([(3)H]ZM-241,385) from both the wild
      type and sodium ion site W246A mutant hA2AAR. 4-Ethoxyphenethyl-substituted
      amiloride 12l was found to be more potent than both amiloride and HMA, and the
      shift in potency between the wild-type and mutated receptor confirmed its likely
      binding to the sodium ion site.

PMID- 27124339
TI  - Efficacy and toxicity of treatment with the anti-CTLA-4 antibody ipilimumab in
      patients with metastatic melanoma after prior anti-PD-1 therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent phase III clinical trials have established the superiority of
      the anti-PD-1 antibodies pembrolizumab and nivolumab over the anti-CTLA-4
      antibody ipilimumab in the first-line treatment of patients with advanced
      melanoma. Ipilimumab will be considered for second-line treatment after the
      failure of anti-PD-1 therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively identified a cohort of
      40 patients with metastatic melanoma who received single-agent anti-PD-1 therapy
      with pembrolizumab or nivolumab and were treated on progression with ipilimumab
      at a dose of 3 mg kg(-1) for a maximum of four doses. RESULTS: Ten percent of
      patients achieved an objective response to ipilimumab, and an additional 8%
      experienced prolonged (>6 months) stable disease. Thirty-five percent of patients
      developed grade 3-5 immune-related toxicity associated with ipilimumab therapy.
      The most common high-grade immune-related toxicity was diarrhoea. Three patients
      (7%) developed grade 3-5 pneumonitis leading to death in one patient.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ipilimumab therapy can induce responses in patients who fail the
      anti-PD-1 therapy with response rates comparable to previous reports. There
      appears to be an increased frequency of high-grade immune-related adverse events
      including pneumonitis that warrants close surveillance.

PMID- 27124341
TI  - Man With Painful Proptosis of the Left Eye.

PMID- 27124359
TI  - Resolving Electronic Transitions in Synthetic Fluorescent Protein Chromophores by
      Magnetic Circular Dichroism.
AB  - The detailed electronic structures of fluorescent chromophores are important for
      their use in imaging of living cells. A series of green fluorescent protein
      chromophore derivatives is examined by magnetic circular dichroism (MCD)
      spectroscopy, which allows the resolution of more bands than plain absorption and
      fluorescence. Observed spectral patterns are rationalized with the aid of time
      dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) computations and the sum-over-state
      (SOS) formalism, which also reveals a significant dependence of MCD intensities
      on chromophore conformation. The combination of organic and theoretical chemistry
      with spectroscopic techniques also appears useful in the rational design of
      fluorescence labels and understanding of the chromophore's properties. For
      example, the absorption threshold can be heavily affected by substitution on the
      phenyl ring but not much on the five-member ring, and methoxy groups can be used
      to further tune the electronic levels. 

PMID- 27124358
TI  - Identification of miR-34 regulatory networks in settings of disease and antimiR
      therapy: Implications for treating cardiac pathology and other diseases.
AB  - Expression of the miR-34 family (miR-34a, -34b, -34c) is elevated in settings of
      heart disease, and inhibition with antimiR-34a/antimiR-34 has emerged as a
      promising therapeutic strategy. Under chronic cardiac disease settings, targeting
      the entire miR-34 family is more effective than targeting miR-34a alone. The
      identification of transcription factor (TF)-miRNA regulatory networks has added
      complexity to understanding the therapeutic potential of miRNA-based therapies.
      Here, we sought to determine whether antimiR-34 targets secondary miRNAs via TFs
      which could contribute to antimiR-34-mediated protection. Using miRNA-Seq we
      identified differentially regulated miRNAs in hearts from mice with cardiac
      pathology due to transverse aortic constriction (TAC), and focused on miRNAs
      which were also regulated by antimiR-34. Two clusters of stress-responsive miRNAs
      were classified as "pathological" and "cardioprotective," respectively. Using
      ChIPBase we identified 45 TF binding sites on the promoters of "pathological" and
      "cardioprotective" miRNAs, and 5 represented direct targets of miR-34, with the
      capacity to regulate other miRNAs. Knockdown studies in a cardiomyoblast cell
      line demonstrated that expression of 2 "pathological" miRNAs (let-7e, miR-31) was
      regulated by one of the identified TFs. Furthermore, by qPCR we confirmed that
      expression of let-7e and miR-31 was lower in hearts from antimiR-34 treated TAC
      mice; this may explain why targeting the entire miR-34 family is more effective
      than targeting miR-34a alone. Finally, we showed that Acsl4 (a common target of
      miR-34, let-7e and miR-31) was increased in hearts from TAC antimiR-34 treated
      mice. In summary, antimiR-34 regulates the expression of other miRNAs and this
      has implications for drug development.

PMID- 27124360
TI  - Pumpkin-Derived Porous Carbon for Supercapacitors with High Performance.
AB  - Pumpkin has been employed for the first time as a renewable, low-cost precursor
      for the preparation of porous carbon materials with excellent performance. Unlike
      most other precursors, pumpkin is rich in sugars and starch, and it has
      advantageous properties for large-scale production. The as-prepared materials
      adopted a unique morphology that consisted of numerous fused sphere-like carbon
      grains with a high specific surface area (2968 m(2)  g(-1) ), abundant micro and
      mesopores, and excellent electrochemical properties. The pumpkin-derived
      activated carbon (PAC) material not only exhibited a high specific capacitance of
      419 F g(-1) , but also showed considerable cycling stability, with 93.6 %
      retention after 10 000 cycles. Moreover, a symmetrical supercapacitor that was
      based on PAC showed a high energy density of 22.1 W h kg(-1) in aqueous
      electrolyte. These superior properties demonstrate that PAC holds great promise
      for applications in electrochemical energy-storage devices. 

PMID- 27124361
TI  - Progressive Increase in Disinfection Byproducts and Mutagenicity from Source to
      Tap to Swimming Pool and Spa Water: Impact of Human Inputs.
AB  - Pools and spas are enjoyed throughout the world for exercise and relaxation.
      However, there are no previous studies on mutagenicity of disinfected spa (hot
      tub) waters or comprehensive identification of disinfection byproducts (DBPs)
      formed in spas. Using 28 water samples from seven sites, we report the first
      integrated mutagenicity and comprehensive analytical chemistry of spas treated
      with chlorine, bromine, or ozone, along with pools treated with these same
      disinfectants. Gas chromatography (GC) with high-resolution mass spectrometry,
      membrane-introduction mass spectrometry, and GC-electron capture detection were
      used to comprehensively identify and quantify DBPs and other contaminants.
      Mutagenicity was assessed by the Salmonella mutagenicity assay. More than 100
      DBPs were identified, including a new class of DBPs, bromoimidazoles. Organic
      extracts of brominated pool/spa waters were 1.8* more mutagenic than chlorinated
      ones; spa waters were 1.7* more mutagenic than pools. Pool and spa samples were
      2.4 and 4.1* more mutagenic, respectively, than corresponding tap waters. The
      concentration of the sum of 21 DBPs measured quantitatively increased from
      finished to tap to pool to spa; and mutagenic potency increased from finished/tap
      to pools to spas. Mutagenic potencies of samples from a chlorinated site
      correlated best with brominated haloacetic acid concentrations (Br-HAAs) (r =
      0.98) and nitrogen-containing DBPs (N-DBPs) (r = 0.97) and the least with Br
      trihalomethanes (r = 0.29) and Br-N-DBPs (r = 0.04). The mutagenic potencies of
      samples from a brominated site correlated best (r = 0.82) with the concentrations
      of the nine HAAs, Br-HAAs, and Br-DBPs. Human use increased significantly the DBP
      concentrations and mutagenic potencies for most pools and spas. These data
      provide evidence that human precursors can increase mutagenic potencies of pools
      and spas and that this increase is associated with increased DBP concentrations.

PMID- 27124362
TI  - Rilpivirine and Doravirine Have Complementary Efficacies Against NNRTI-Resistant
      HIV-1 Mutants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rilpivirine (RPV) is the latest non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitor (NNRTI) to be approved by Food and Drug Administration to combat HIV-1
      infections. NNRTIs inhibit the chemical step in viral DNA synthesis by binding to
      an allosteric site located about 10 A from the polymerase active site of reverse
      transcriptase (RT). Although NNRTIs potently inhibit the replication of wild-type
      HIV-1, the binding site is not conserved, and mutations arise in the binding
      pocket. Doravirine (DOR) is a new NNRTI in phase III clinical trials. METHODS:
      Using a single round HIV-1 infection assay, we tested RPV and DOR against a broad
      panel of NNRTI-resistant mutants to determine their respective activities. We
      also used molecular modeling to determine if the susceptibility profile of each
      compound was related to how they bind RT. RESULTS: Several mutants displayed
      decreased susceptibility to DOR. However, with the exception of E138K, our data
      suggest that the mutations that reduce the potency of DOR and RPV are non
      overlapping. Thus, these 2 NNRTIs have the potential to be used together in
      combination therapy. We also show that the location at which DOR and RPV bind
      with the NNRTI binding pocket of RT correlates with the differences in their
      respective susceptibility to the panel of NNRTI-resistance mutations.
      CONCLUSIONS: This shows that (1) DOR is susceptible to a number of well-known
      NNRTI resistance mutations and (2) an understanding of the mutational
      susceptibilities and binding interactions of NNRTIs with RT could be used to
      develop pairs of compounds with non-overlapping mutational susceptibilities.

PMID- 27124365
TI  - A Four-Component Heterometallic Cu-Pt Quadrilateral via Self-Sorting.
AB  - Herein we combine the subcomponent self-assembly and integrative self-sorting
      techniques with the well-established platinum(II)-pyridine coordination-driven
      self-assembly to report the quantitative synthesis and spectroscopic
      characterization of a heterometallic CuI -PtII quadrilateral QL that is formed
      from a total of twelve molecular components from four unique species, including 5
      (pyridin-4-ylethynyl)picolinaldehyde (1), p-toluidine (2), [Cu(CH3 CN4 ](PF6 )
      (3), and cis-Pt(PEt3 )2 (OTf)2 (4), in a 4:4:2:2 ratio. Despite the many
      different entities potentially forming from these four precursor units, the clean
      formation of QL is mainly guided by the different coordination preferences of the
      metal ions 3 and 4, and the design criteria inherent in compounds 1 and 2.

PMID- 27124364
TI  - Asymmetric Organocatalytic Stepwise [2+2] Entry to Tetra-Substituted
      Heterodimeric and Homochiral Cyclobutanes.
AB  - An asymmetric synthesis of tetra-substituted cyclobutanes involving an
      organocatalytic, stepwise [2+2]-cycloaddition is described. The secondary-amine
      catalyzed method allows for the hetero-dimerization of two different cinnamic
      acid-derived sub-units, opening a novel one-step assembly to densely
      functionalized, head-to-tail coupled dimeric cyclobutanes in high enantiomeric
      excess. A series of selective synthetic interconversions in these sensitive
      cycloadducts is also described. 

PMID- 27124363
TI  - Male Partner Participation in Antenatal Clinic Services is Associated With
      Improved HIV-Free Survival Among Infants in Nairobi, Kenya: A Prospective Cohort
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This prospective study investigated the relationship between male
      antenatal clinic (ANC) involvement and infant HIV-free survival. METHODS: From
      2009 to 2013, HIV-infected pregnant women were enrolled from 6 ANCs in Nairobi,
      Kenya and followed with their infants until 6 weeks postpartum. Male partners
      were encouraged to attend antenatally through invitation letters. Men who failed
      to attend had questionnaires sent for self-completion postnatally. Multivariate
      regression was used to identify correlates of male attendance. The role of male
      involvement in infant outcomes of HIV infection, mortality, and HIV-free survival
      was examined. RESULTS: Among 830 enrolled women, 519 (62.5%) consented to male
      participation and 136 (26.2%) men attended the ANC. For the 383 (73.8%) women
      whose partners failed to attend, 63 (16.4%) were surveyed through outreach. In
      multivariate analysis, male report of previous HIV testing was associated with
      maternal ANC attendance (adjusted odds ratio = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.5 to 8.9, P =
      0.003). Thirty-five (6.6%) of 501 infants acquired HIV or died by 6 weeks of
      life. HIV-free survival was significantly greater among infants born to women
      with partner attendance (97.7%) than those without (91.3%) (P = 0.01). Infants
      lacking male ANC engagement had an approximately 4-fold higher risk of death or
      infection compared with those born to women with partner attendance (HR = 3.95,
      95% CI: 1.21 to 12.89, P = 0.023). Adjusting for antiretroviral use, the risk of
      death or infection remained significantly greater for infants born to mothers
      without male participation (adjusted hazards ratio = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.15 to 12.42,
      P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Male ANC attendance was associated with improved infant
      HIV-free survival. Promotion of male HIV testing and engagement in ANC/prevention
      of mother-to-child transmission services may improve infant outcomes.

PMID- 27124366
TI  - ZnO/Al:ZnO Transparent Resistive Switching Devices Grown by Atomic Layer
      Deposition for Memristor Applications.
AB  - ZnO has intrinsic semiconductor conductivity because of an unintentional doping
      mechanism resulting from the growth process that is mainly attributable to oxygen
      vacancies (VO) positioned in the bandgap. ZnO has multiple electronic states that
      depend on the number of vacancies and the charge state of each vacancy. In
      addition to the individual electron states, the vacancies have different
      vibrational states. We developed a high-temperature precursor vapor mask
      technique using Al2O3 to pattern the atomic layer deposition of ZnO and Al:ZnO
      layers on ZnO-based substrates. This technique was used to create a memristor
      device based on Al:ZnO thin films having metallic and semiconducting and
      insulating transport properties ZnO. We demonstrated that adding combination of
      Al2O3 and TiO2 barrier layers improved the resistive switching behavior. The
      change in the resistance between the high- and low-resistivity states of the
      memristor with a combination of Al2O3 and TiO2 was approximately 157%. The
      devices were exposed to laser light from three different laser diodes. The 450 nm
      laser diode noticeably affected the combined Al2O3 and TiO2 barrier, creating a
      high-resistivity state with a 2.9% shift under illumination. The high-resistivity
      state shift under laser illumination indicates defect shifts and the
      thermodynamic transition of ZnO defects.

PMID- 27124367
TI  - Asbestos: Socio-legal and Scientific Controversies and Unsound Science in the
      Context of the Worldwide Asbestos Tragedy - Lessons to be Learned.
AB  - Eight to fifteen per cent of lung cancer cases and nearly all mesothelioma cases
      are caused by asbestos. Problems in compensation issues ensue from strict legal
      requirements for eligibility and regulations of the statutory accident insurance
      institution pertaining to eligibility for occupational disease benefits. The
      latter include the unscientific requirement for set numbers of asbestos bodies or
      fibers to be found in lung tissue in order to "prove" disease causation if lung
      specimen are available. Although the validity of such evidence has been
      discredited by independent scientists, it is still used as evidence by an
      influential US pathology department. Frequently, epidemiological evidence
      regarding causal relationships and exposure histories is also often being ignored
      by insurance-affiliated medical experts.Similar misleading arguments are
      currently being used in newly industrialized countries where white asbestos -
      which is carcinogenic and fibrogenic like other asbestos types - is efficiently
      promoted as being less harmful. As a result, asbestos use is increasing in some
      of these countries. Behind the worldwide asbestos tragedy, a well-designed
      strategy orchestrated by certain transnational or multinational industrial
      interest groups can be perceived.Beyond the asbestos tragedy their covert plan is
      motivated by economic interests and discounts the ensuing damage to health and
      the impact of the diseases they create on public health systems. 

PMID- 27124369
TI  - Gene Expression Classifier Testing and the Surgical Decision-Making Process for
      Patients With Thyroid Nodules-Reply.

PMID- 27124368
TI  - PAFAH1B1 and the lncRNA NONHSAT073641 maintain an angiogenic phenotype in human
      endothelial cells.
AB  - AIM: Platelet-activating factor acetyl hydrolase 1B1 (PAFAH1B1, also known as
      Lis1) is a protein essentially involved in neurogenesis and mostly studied in the
      nervous system. As we observed a significant expression of PAFAH1B1 in the
      vascular system, we hypothesized that PAFAH1B1 is important during angiogenesis
      of endothelial cells as well as in human vascular diseases. METHOD: The
      functional relevance of the protein in endothelial cell angiogenic function, its
      downstream targets and the influence of NONHSAT073641, a long non-coding RNA
      (lncRNA) with 92% similarity to PAFAH1B1, were studied by knockdown and
      overexpression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). RESULTS:
      Knockdown of PAFAH1B1 led to impaired tube formation of HUVEC and decreased
      sprouting in the spheroid assay. Accordingly, the overexpression of PAFAH1B1
      increased tube number, sprout length and sprout number. LncRNA NONHSAT073641
      behaved similarly. Microarray analysis after PAFAH1B1 knockdown and its
      overexpression indicated that the protein maintains Matrix Gla Protein (MGP)
      expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that PAFAH1B1 is
      required for active histone marks and proper binding of RNA Polymerase II to the
      transcriptional start site of MGP. MGP itself was required for endothelial
      angiogenic capacity and knockdown of both, PAFAH1B1 and MGP, reduced migration.
      In vascular samples of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary
      hypertension (CTEPH), PAFAH1B1 and MGP were upregulated. The function of PAFAH1B1
      required the presence of the intact protein as overexpression of NONHSAT073641,
      which was highly upregulated during CTEPH, did not affect PAFAH1B1 target genes.
      CONCLUSION: PAFAH1B1 and NONHSAT073641 are important for endothelial angiogenic
      function.

PMID- 27124370
TI  - Practical Stannylation of Allyl Acetates Catalyzed by Nickel with Bu3 SnOMe.
AB  - A practical and scalable nickel-catalyzed allylic stannylation of allyl acetates
      with Bu3 SnOMe is described. A variety of acyclic and cyclic allyl acetates, even
      with base-sensitive moieties, undergoes the stannylation by using NiBr2 /4,4'-di
      tert-butylbipyridine (dtbpy)/Mn catalyst system to afford highly functionalized
      allyl stannanes with excellent regioselectivity and yields. Furthermore, the
      scope of protocol is also extended by the reaction of propargyl acetates, giving
      rise to propargyl or allenyl stannanes. Additionally, a unique
      diastereoselectivity using the nickel catalyst different from the palladium was
      demonstrated for the stannylation of cyclic allyl acetates. In the reaction,
      inexpensive and stable nickel complexes, abundant reductant (Mn), and atom
      economical stannyl source were used. 

PMID- 27124371
TI  - Impact of maternal serum levels of Visfatin, AFP, PAPP-A, sFlt-1 and PlGF at 11
      13 weeks gestation on small for gestational age births.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Investigating potential value of maternal serum Visfatin, sFlt-1,
      PlGF, AFP, PAPP-A levels at first trimester for prediction of small for
      gestational age (SGA) at birth. METHODS: Measurements were performed in 20 SGA
      and 65 control cases. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and weeks of
      pregnancy at data collection was performed to estimate odds ratios (OR), 95%
      confidence intervals (95% CI) and p values separately for each potential
      predictor. A multiple regression model was used to assess the impact of all the
      promising predictors adjusted for each other. Receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) analysis was used to indicate the ability to discriminate between SGA cases
      and controls. RESULTS: There was an association of serum PlGF levels (OR 0.53 per
      interquartile range [IQR] increase in PlGF; 95% CI 0.24-1.16), sFlt-1/PlGF ratio
      (OR 1.42 per IQR increase in sFlt-1/PlGF; 95% CI 1.03-1.96), serum Visfatin
      levels (OR 0.31 per IQR increase in Visfatin; 95% CI 0.10-0.95) and smoking (OR
      4.24; 95% CI 1.10-16.37) with SGA at birth. CONCLUSIONS: Associations between SGA
      and lower PlGF, Visfatin levels as well as increased sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and
      smoking status were detected which may contribute to predict SGA.

PMID- 27124373
TI  - Behavior of Halogen Bonds of the Y-X???pi Type (X, Y=F, Cl, Br, I) in the Benzene
      pi System, Elucidated by Using a Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules Dual
      Functional Analysis.
AB  - The nature of halogen bonds of the Y-X-?-pi(C6 H6 ) type (X, Y=F, Cl, Br, and I)
      have been elucidated by using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM)
      dual-functional analysis (QTAIM-DFA), which we proposed recently. Asterisks (?)
      emphasize the presence of bond-critical points (BCPs) in the interactions in
      question. Total electron energy densities, Hb (rc ), are plotted versus Hb (rc )
      Vb (rc )/2 [=(h(2) /8m)?(2) rhob (rc )] for the interactions in QTAIM-DFA, in
      which Vb (rc ) are potential energy densities at the BCPs. Data for perturbed
      structures around fully optimized structures were used for the plots, in addition
      to those of the fully optimized ones. The plots were analyzed by using the polar
      (R, theta) coordinate for the data of fully optimized structures with (thetap ,
      kappap ) for those that contained the perturbed structures; thetap corresponds to
      the tangent line of the plot and kappap is the curvature. Whereas (R, theta)
      corresponds to the static nature, (thetap , kappap ) represents the dynamic
      nature of the interactions. All interactions in Y-X-?-pi(C6 H6 ) are classified
      by pure closed-shell interactions and characterized to have vdW nature, except
      for Y-I-?-pi(C6 H6 ) (Y=F, Cl, Br) and F-Br-?-pi(C6 H6 ), which have typical
      hydrogen-bond nature without covalency. I-I-?-pi(C6 H6 ) has a borderline nature
      between the two. Y-F-?-pi(C6 H6 ) (Y=Br, I) were optimized as bent forms, in
      which Y-?-pi interactions were detected. The Y-?-pi interactions in the bent
      forms are predicted to be substantially weaker than those in the linear F-Y-?
      pi(C6 H6 ) forms. 

PMID- 27124374
TI  - Refinements of and commentary on the silver staining techniques of Fernandez
      Galiano.
AB  - The original ammoniacal silver carbonate staining technique and subsequent
      modification developed by Fernandez-Galiano are useful for investigating ciliate
      protozoan systematics and/or ciliate cortical structure and morphogenesis. The
      technique is complicated, however, by both uncertainties arising from the need to
      count drops of reagents and subjective control of the staining intensity. I have
      resolved these complications by defining volumes of reagents rather than using
      drops and by defining a range of staining times. I also comment on various steps
      of the techniques. My techniques are simplified and refined to produce
      consistent, high quality staining results. 

PMID- 27124375
TI  - Suppression of Photocyclization: Stabilization of an Aggregation-Induced
      Tetraaryldistyrylbenzene Emitter.
AB  - The synthesis of 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2,6-difluorophenyl)di(styryl)benzene by using a
      conventional synthetic sequence, including Diels-Alder and Horner reactions is
      reported. The target is an effective aggregation-induced emitter. It is
      photostable with respect to electrocyclization, due to the presence of the
      fluorine substituents. This compound undergoes photochemical trans/cis
      isomerization of its styryl double bonds. 

PMID- 27124372
TI  - Embryologic and Fetal Development of the Human Eyelid.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the recent data about eyelid morphogenesis, and outline a
      timeline for eyelid development from the very early stages during embryonic life
      till final maturation of the eyelid late in fetal life. METHODS: The authors
      extensively review major studies detailing human embryologic and fetal eyelid
      morphogenesis. These studies span almost a century and include some more recent
      cadaver studies. Numerous studies in the murine model have helped to better
      understand the molecular signals that govern eyelid embryogenesis. The authors
      summarize the current findings in molecular biology, and highlight the most
      significant studies in mice regarding the multiple and interacting signaling
      pathways involved in regulating normal eyelid morphogenesis. RESULTS: Eyelid
      morphogenesis involves a succession of subtle yet strictly regulated
      morphogenetic episodes of tissue folding, proliferation, contraction, and even
      migration, which may occur simultaneously or in succession. CONCLUSIONS:
      Understanding the extraordinary process of building eyelid tissue in embryonic
      life, and deciphering its underlying signaling machinery has far reaching
      clinical implications beyond understanding the developmental abnormalities
      involving the eyelids, and may pave the way for achieving scar-reducing therapies
      in adult mammalian wounds, or control the spread of malignancies.

PMID- 27124376
TI  - Trichomonas vaginalis Repair of Iron Centres Proteins: The Different Role of Two
      Paralogs.
AB  - Trichomonas vaginalis, the causative parasite of one of the most prevalent
      sexually transmitted diseases is, so far, the only protozoan encoding two
      putative Repair of Iron Centres (RIC) proteins. Homologs of these proteins have
      been shown to protect bacteria from the chemical stress imposed by mammalian
      immunity. In this work, the biochemical and functional characterisation of the T.
      vaginalis RICs revealed that the two proteins have different properties.
      Expression of ric1 is induced by nitrosative stress but not by hydrogen peroxide,
      while ric2 transcription remained unaltered under similar conditions. T.
      vaginalis RIC1 contains a di-iron centre, but RIC2 apparently does not. Only RIC1
      resembles bacterial RICs on spectroscopic profiling and repairing ability of
      oxidatively-damaged iron-sulfur clusters. Unexpectedly, RIC2 was found to bind
      DNA plasmid and T. vaginalis genomic DNA, a function proposed to be related with
      its leucine zipper domain. The two proteins also differ in their cellular
      localization: RIC1 is expressed in the cytoplasm only, and RIC2 occurs both in
      the nucleus and cytoplasm. Therefore, we concluded that the two RIC paralogs have
      different roles in T. vaginalis, with RIC2 showing an unprecedented DNA binding
      ability when compared with all other until now studied RICs.

PMID- 27124377
TI  - Hierarchy in the eye of the beholder: (Anti-)egalitarianism shapes perceived
      levels of social inequality.
AB  - Debate surrounding the issue of inequality and hierarchy between social groups
      has become increasingly prominent in recent years. At the same time, individuals
      disagree about the extent to which inequality between advantaged and
      disadvantaged groups exists. Whereas prior work has examined the ways in which
      individuals legitimize (or delegitimize) inequality as a function of their
      motivations, we consider whether individuals' orientation toward group-based
      hierarchy motivates the extent to which they perceive inequality between social
      groups in the first place. Across 8 studies in both real-world (race, gender, and
      class) and artificial contexts, and involving members of both advantaged and
      disadvantaged groups, we show that the more individuals endorse hierarchy between
      groups, the less they perceive inequality between groups at the top and groups at
      the bottom. Perceiving less inequality is associated with rejecting egalitarian
      social policies aimed at reducing it. We show that these differences in hierarchy
      perception as a function of individuals' motivational orientation hold even when
      inequality is depicted abstractly using images, and even when individuals are
      financially incentivized to accurately report their true perceptions. Using a
      novel methodology to assess accurate memory of hierarchy, we find that
      differences may be driven by both antiegalitarians underestimating inequality,
      and egalitarians overestimating it. In sum, our results identify a novel
      perceptual bias rooted in individuals' chronic motivations toward hierarchy
      maintenance, with the potential to influence their policy attitudes. (PsycINFO
      Database Record

PMID- 27124378
TI  - Personality traits below facets: The consensual validity, longitudinal stability,
      heritability, and utility of personality nuances.
AB  - It has been argued that facets do not represent the bottom of the personality
      hierarchy-even more specific personality characteristics, nuances, could be
      useful for describing and understanding individuals and their differences.
      Combining 2 samples of German twins, we assessed the consensual validity
      (correlations across different observers), rank-order stability, and heritability
      of nuances. Personality nuances were operationalized as the 240 items of the
      Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R). Their attributes were examined by
      analyzing item residuals, controlling for the variance of the facet the item had
      been assigned to and all other facets. Most nuances demonstrated significant (p <
      .0002) cross-method agreement and rank-order stability. A substantial proportion
      of them (48% in self-reports, 20% in informant ratings, and 50% in combined
      ratings) demonstrated a significant (p < .0002) component of additive genetic
      variance, whereas evidence for environmental influences shared by twins was
      modest. Applying a procedure to estimate stability and heritability of true
      scores of item residuals yielded estimates comparable with those of higher-order
      personality traits, with median estimates of rank-order stability and
      heritability being .77 and .52, respectively. Few nuances demonstrated robust
      associations with age and gender, but many showed incremental, conceptually
      meaningful, and replicable (across methods and/or samples) predictive validity
      for a range of interest domains and body mass index. We argue that these narrow
      personality characteristics constitute a valid level of the personality
      hierarchy. They may be especially useful for providing a deep and contextualized
      description of the individual, but also for the prediction of specific outcomes.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124379
TI  - Writer-reader contagion of inspiration and related states: Conditional process
      analyses within a cross-classified writer * reader framework.
AB  - A longstanding tradition in the humanities holds that a writer's inspiration is
      infectious, but this thesis has not been tested. We hypothesized that (a)
      inspiration is infectious, such that inspired writers are more inspiring to the
      average reader; (b) contagion is mediated by the insightfulness of the text; and
      (c) contagion is moderated by readers' openness to experience, such that open
      readers are more prone to contagion. To test these hypotheses, a sample of 195
      student writers, each of whom wrote 1 poem, was crossed with a sample of 220
      student readers, who read all poems. Data were available for 36,020 cells of the
      resulting Writer * Reader matrix. Our analytic approach integrated cross
      classified multilevel modeling with conditional process analysis. As
      hypothesized, writers who were more inspired elicited higher levels of
      inspiration in the average reader. Inspiration contagion was mediated by the
      insightfulness and pleasantness of the text and was partially suppressed by
      originality. Inspiration contagion was moderated by reader openness. Moderated
      mediation analyses indicated that open readers were prone to contagion because
      they were tolerant of the originality and sublimity of inspired writing.
      Additional analyses differentiated contagion of inspiration from contagion of its
      covariates (awe, positive affect), documented effects of writer inspiration on
      reader enthrallment (awe, chills), and showed that writer effort is a poor
      predictor of reader states. The infectiousness of inspiration-through poetry, if
      not also through scripture and academic writing-suggests that a given instance of
      inspiration may have far-reaching cultural implications, including dissemination
      of innovations and ideologies. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124380
TI  - Long-term clinical impact of polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stents in unselected
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The long-term clinical impact of polymer-free sirolimus-eluting
      stents (PF-SES) in unselected patients undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI) still remains poorly investigated. We studied the long-term
      clinical impact of PF-SES in a large cohort of unselected patients receiving PCI
      therapy at two tertiary care centers in India. METHODS: A total of 3213 patients
      received PCI with drug-eluting stents during the period from December 2004 to
      September 2011. Among these, those receiving PF-SES implantation were
      retrospectively included in this registry. The primary endpoint in our study was
      the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite
      of death/myocardial infarction (MI) and target lesion revascularization, whereas
      the main secondary endpoints were cardiac death/MI and definite/probable stent
      thrombosis. RESULTS: A total of 1213 patients (83.8% men, 31.8% diabetics) with
      1658 lesions (52.5% B2/C, according to the American College of
      Cardiology/American Heart Association classification) were studied. After a
      median follow-up of 1160 days, MACE occurred in 10.0% of patients, whereas the
      rates of cardiac death/MI and definite/probable ST were found to be 5.4 and 1.9%,
      respectively. The incidence of MACE was more common in patients aged at least 65
      years [hazard ratio (HR)=1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.13-2.52, P=0.01]
      and diabetics (HR=1.71, 95% CI=1.18-2.47, P=0.004). The incidence of cardiac
      death/MI was more common in patients aged at least 65 years (HR=2.21, 95% CI=1.32
      3.70, P=0.003). The baseline risk profile did not impact the occurrence of target
      lesion revascularization. CONCLUSION: In this large cohort of unselected PCI
      patients treated in India, PF-SES shows a sustained safety and efficacy at long
      term follow-up.

PMID- 27124381
TI  - Can modifier gene mutations improve the predictive value of the modified Iron
      Avidity Index in Type 1 Hereditary Haemochromatosis?

PMID- 27124382
TI  - Towards an optimal contact metal for CNTFETs.
AB  - Downscaling of the contact length Lc of a side-contacted carbon nanotube field
      effect transistor (CNTFET) is challenging because of the rapidly increasing
      contact resistance as Lc falls below 20-50 nm. If in agreement with existing
      experimental results, theoretical work might answer the question, which metals
      yield the lowest CNT-metal contact resistance and what physical mechanisms govern
      the geometry dependence of the contact resistance. However, at the scale of 10
      nm, parameter-free models of electron transport become computationally
      prohibitively expensive. In our work we used a dedicated combination of the Green
      function formalism and density functional theory to perform an overall ab initio
      simulation of extended CNT-metal contacts of an arbitrary length (including
      infinite), a previously not achievable level of simulations. We provide a
      systematic and comprehensive discussion of metal-CNT contact properties as a
      function of the metal type and the contact length. We have found and been able to
      explain very uncommon relations between chemical, physical and electrical
      properties observed in CNT-metal contacts. The calculated electrical
      characteristics are in reasonable quantitative agreement and exhibit similar
      trends as the latest experimental data in terms of: (i) contact resistance for Lc
      = infinity, (ii) scaling of contact resistance Rc(Lc); (iii) metal-defined
      polarity of a CNTFET. Our results can guide technology development and contact
      material selection for downscaling the length of side-contacts below 10 nm. 

PMID- 27124383
TI  - Regions of ilium and fibula providing clinically usable bone for mandible
      reconstruction: "A different approach to bone comparison".
AB  - A variety of donor sites are available for mandibular reconstruction. We present
      here a different way of comparing two commonly-used bone flaps. The lengths of
      the usable parts in a total of 241 coxal bones, 91 mandibles and 60 fibulas were
      measured. The mandible was measured from condyle-to-condyle and the harvestable
      bone length (HBL) and usable (UBL) bone lengths in fibula and ilium were also
      measured. The bone thickness (BT) in 60 iliac crests was measured in two parallel
      lines from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) along the iliac crest. The
      mandible was 32.17 mm shorter in females than in males. The total ilium UBL was
      171.12 mm in females and 178.80 mm in males. The mean HBL of the fibula was 22.6
      mm shorter in females than in males. However, in some fibulas in both females and
      males, only 4.2% and 21.1% of the HBL respectively could be used if the ultimate
      goal was to insert dental implants. We found significant correlations between BT
      and gender in both fibula and ilium (P<= 0.05). The ilium offers constant BT
      throughout the usable bone area with a similar bone length to the fibula. In
      contrast, the fibula showed variable bone dimensions, so not all of it is
      clinically usable. This should especially be considered in females when a
      mandibular reconstruction is planned with the goal of occlusal rehabilitation.
      Clin. Anat. 29:773-778, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27124385
TI  - Summary of the 9th international conference on human herpesviruses 6 and 7 (HHV
      6A, HHV-6B, and HHV-7).
AB  - The 9th International Conference on Human herpesviruses 6 and 7 (HHV-6A, HHV-6B,
      and HHV-7) was held at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts from
      November 9 to 11, 2015. Important new information was presented regarding: the
      biology of these viruses, particularly HHV-6A and HHV-6B; the biology and
      epidemiology of inherited chromosomally integrated HHV-6A/B; improved diagnostic
      tests; animal models for studying HHV-6 and HHV-7, and animal viruses with
      similarities to HHV-6 and HHV-7; established and possible disease associations;
      and new approaches to treatment. Here, we summarize work of particular interest.
      J. Med. Virol. 88:2038-2043, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27124384
TI  - A population-based registry study evaluating surgery in newly diagnosed uterine
      cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim was to evaluate surgical treatment of newly diagnosed
      uterine cancer in a Swedish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data in the GynOp
      registry from 2008 to 2014 were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 3443 cases were
      included: 430 (12%) were robotic-assisted laparoscopic, 272 (8%) laparoscopic,
      and 2741 (80%) abdominal operations. There was an increasing trend in minimally
      invasive surgery from 2008 to 2014 (41%). Women with lymph nodes removed in the
      robotic-assisted laparoscopic group experienced less blood loss (mean 105 vs. 377
      mL), shorter length of hospital stay (2.4 vs. 4.1 days), and fewer days to normal
      activities of daily living (6.5 vs. 12.7 days) (all p < 0.001) compared with the
      abdominal group, but operating time did not differ. Similar results were found in
      women with no lymph node removal and in women with body mass index >=35. Major
      complications during hospital stay, reoperations, and time to work were less in
      both minimally invasive groups. More lymph nodes were retrieved in the abdominal
      (mean 34.4) than in the robotic-assisted laparoscopic (mean 26.0) group, but the
      number of women with lymph node metastases did not differ, totaling 211/960
      (21.9%; 95% CI 19.4-24.7%). Isolated para-aortic lymph node metastases were found
      in 3.9% (95% CI 2.4-5.6%) of women. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgery in
      uterine cancer patients reduces days to normal activities of daily living, number
      of days to return to work, length of hospital stay, and blood loss in patients
      without and with lymph node dissection and in obese patients.

PMID- 27124388
TI  - Hemoptysis from an aorto-pulmonary collateral vessel in a four month old resolved
      by embolization.
AB  - Hemoptysis in the children is a rare but serious diagnosis and is even more
      uncommon in infancy. Mortality is reported and depends on associated illnesses,
      underlying etiology, and amount of bleeding. A 4-month-old patient presented with
      significant hemoptysis. Flexible bronchoscopy with differential lavage confirmed
      the presence and site of origin of hemoptysis. She was managed with cardiac
      catheterization for embolization of an aorto-pulmonary collateral vessel with
      immediate complete resolution and no further recurrences. This highlights the
      importance of cardiac catheterization to detect collateral vessels as a cause for
      hemoptysis at this age and its successful resolution following embolization.
      Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016; 51:E31-E33. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27124389
TI  - Arylative Desulfonation of Diarylmethyl Phenyl Sulfone with Arenes Catalyzed by
      Scandium Triflate.
AB  - A scandium-triflate-catalyzed arylative desulfonation of diarylmethyl phenyl
      sulfones with arenes and heteroarenes was established. A variety of both sulfone
      and arene substrates were reacted to afford symmetric and nonsymmetric
      triarylmethanes in good yields. Further transformations of the resulting
      triarylmethanes and application to the concise synthesis of a bactericidal agent
      analogue were also demonstrated.

PMID- 27124387
TI  - Multiyear dual nitrate isotope signatures suggest that N-saturated subtropical
      forested catchments can act as robust N sinks.
AB  - In forests of the humid subtropics of China, chronically elevated nitrogen (N)
      deposition, predominantly as ammonium (NH4+ ), causes significant nitrate (NO3- )
      leaching from well-drained acid forest soils on hill slopes (HS), whereas
      significant retention of NO3- occurs in near-stream environments (groundwater
      discharge zones, GDZ). To aid our understanding of N transformations on the
      catchment level, we studied spatial and temporal variabilities of concentration
      and natural abundance (delta15 N and delta18 O) of nitrate (NO3- ) in soil pore
      water along a hydrological continuum in the N-saturated Tieshanping (TSP)
      catchment, southwest China. Our data show that effective removal of atmogenic
      NH4+ and production of NO3- in soils on HS were associated with a significant
      decrease in delta15 N-NO3- , suggesting efficient nitrification despite low soil
      pH. The concentration of NO3- declined sharply along the hydrological flow path
      in the GDZ. This decline was associated with a significant increase in both
      delta15 N and delta18 O of residual NO3- , providing evidence that the GDZ acts
      as an N sink due to denitrification. The observed apparent 15 N enrichment factor
      (epsilon) of NO3- of about -50/00 in the GDZ is similar to values previously
      reported for efficient denitrification in riparian and groundwater systems.
      Episode studies in the summers of 2009, 2010 and 2013 revealed that the spatial
      pattern of delta15 N and delta18 O-NO3- in soil water was remarkably similar from
      year to year. The importance of denitrification as a major N sink was also seen
      at the catchment scale, as largest delta15 N-NO3- values in stream water were
      observed at lowest discharge, confirming the importance of the relatively small
      GDZ for N removal under base flow conditions. This study, explicitly recognizing
      hydrologically connected landscape elements, reveals an overlooked but robust N
      sink in N-saturated, subtropical forests with important implications for regional
      N budgets.

PMID- 27124386
TI  - Regulation of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Expression and Phosphorylation in Dopamine
      Transporter-Deficient Mice.
AB  - Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporters (DATs) regulate dopamine (DA)
      neurotransmission at the biosynthesis and reuptake steps, respectively.
      Dysfunction or loss of these proteins occurs in impaired locomotor or addictive
      behavior, but little is known about the influence of DAT expression on TH
      function. Differences in TH phosphorylation, DA tissue content, l-DOPA
      biosynthesis, and DA turnover exist between the somatodendritic and terminal
      field compartments of nigrostriatal and mesoaccumbens pathways. We examined
      whether differential DAT expression affects these compartmental differences in DA
      regulation by comparing TH expression and phosphorylation at ser31 and ser40. In
      heterozygous DAT knockout (KO) (+/-) mice, DA tissue content and DA turnover were
      unchanged relative to wild-type mice, despite a 40% reduction in DAT protein
      expression. In DAT KO (-/-) mice, DA turnover increased in all DA compartments,
      but DA tissue content decreased (90-96%) only in terminal fields. TH protein
      expression and phosphorylation were differentially affected within DA pathway
      compartments by relative expression of DAT. TH protein decreased (~74%), though
      to a significantly lesser extent than DA, in striatum and nucleus accumbens (NAc)
      in DAT -/- mice, with no decrease in substantia nigra or ventral tegmental area.
      Striatal ser31 TH phosphorylation and recovery of DA relative to TH protein
      expression in DAT +/- and DAT -/- mice decreased, whereas ser40 TH
      phosphorylation increased ~2- to 3-fold in striatum and NAc of DAT -/- mice.
      These results suggest that DAT expression affects TH expression and
      phosphorylation largely in DA terminal field compartments, further corroborating
      evidence for dichotomous regulation of TH between somatodendritic and terminal
      field compartments of the nigrostriatal and mesoaccumbens pathways.

PMID- 27124390
TI  - A Drug-Centric View of Drug Development: How Drugs Spread from Disease to
      Disease.
AB  - Drugs are often seen as ancillary to the purpose of fighting diseases. Here an
      alternative view is proposed in which they occupy a spearheading role. In this
      view, drugs are technologies with an inherent therapeutic potential. Once
      created, they can spread from disease to disease independently of the drug
      creator's original intentions. Through the analysis of extensive literature and
      clinical trial records, it can be observed that successful drugs follow a life
      cycle in which they are studied at an increasing rate, and for the treatment of
      an increasing number of diseases, leading to clinical advancement. Such initial
      growth, following a power law on average, has a degree of momentum, but
      eventually decelerates, leading to stagnation and decay. A network model can
      describe the propagation of drugs from disease to disease in which diseases
      communicate with each other by receiving and sending drugs. Within this model,
      some diseases appear more prone to influence other diseases than be influenced,
      and vice versa. Diseases can also be organized into a drug-centric disease
      taxonomy based on the drugs that each adopts. This taxonomy reflects not only
      biological similarities across diseases, but also the level of differentiation of
      existing therapies. In sum, this study shows that drugs can become contagious
      technologies playing a driving role in the fight against disease. By better
      understanding such dynamics, pharmaceutical developers may be able to manage drug
      projects more effectively.

PMID- 27124392
TI  - Secondary Confinement of Water Observed in Eutectic Melting of Aqueous Salt
      Systems in Nanopores.
AB  - Freezing and melting of aqueous solutions of alkali halides confined in the
      cylindrical nanopores of MCM-41 and SBA-15 silica was probed by differential
      scanning calorimetry (DSC). We find that the confinement-induced shift of the
      eutectic temperature in the pores can be significantly greater than the shift of
      the melting temperature of pure water. Greatest shifts of the eutectic
      temperature are found for salts that crystallize as oligohydrates at the eutectic
      point. This behavior is explained by the larger fraction of pore volume occupied
      by salt hydrates as compared to anhydrous salts, on the assumption that
      precipitated salt constitutes an additional confinement for ice/water in the
      pores. A model based on this secondary confinement effect gives a good
      representation of the experimental data. Salt-specific secondary confinement may
      play a role in a variety of fields, from salt-impregnated advanced adsorbents and
      catalysts to the thermal weathering of building materials.

PMID- 27124391
TI  - Community Water Improvement, Household Water Insecurity, and Women's
      Psychological Distress: An Intervention and Control Study in Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over 650 million people worldwide lack access to safe water supplies,
      and even among those who have gained access to 'improved' sources, water may be
      seasonally unreliable, far from homes, expensive, and provide insufficient
      quantity. Measurement of water access at the level of communities and households
      remains crude, and better measures of household water insecurity are urgently
      needed to inform needs assessments and monitoring and evaluation. We set out to
      assess the validity of a quantitative scale of household water insecurity, and to
      investigate (1) whether improvements to community water supply reduce water
      insecurity, (2) whether water interventions affect women's psychological
      distress, and (3) the impacts of water insecurity on psychological distress,
      independent of socio-economic status, food security, and harvest quality. METHODS
      AND FINDINGS: Measures were taken before and one to six months after a community
      water supply improvement in three villages in rural northern Ethiopia. Villages
      similar in size and access to water sources and other amenities did not receive
      interventions, and served as controls. Household water insecurity was assessed
      using a 21-item scale based on prior qualitative work in Ethiopia. Women's
      psychological distress was assessed using the WHO Self-Reporting Questionnaire
      (SRQ-20). Respondents were either female heads of household or wives of the heads
      of household (n = 247 at baseline, n = 223 at endline); 123 households provided
      data at both rounds. The intervention was associated with a decline of
      approximately 2 points on the water insecurity scale between baseline and endline
      compared to the control (beta -1.99; 95% CI's -3.15, -0.84). We did not find
      evidence of impact of the intervention on women's psychological distress. Water
      insecurity was, however, predictive of psychological distress (p <0.01),
      independent of household food security and the quality of the previous year's
      harvest. CONCLUSION: These results contribute to the construct validity of our
      water insecurity scale, and establish our approach to measuring water insecurity
      as a plausible means of evaluating water interventions. Improvements to community
      water supplies were effective in reducing household water insecurity, but not
      psychological distress, in this population. Water insecurity was an important
      predictor of psychological distress. This study contributes to an emerging
      literature on quantitative assessment of household water insecurity, and draws
      attention to the potential impact of improved access to water on women's mental
      well-being.

PMID- 27124394
TI  - Airborne asbestos exposures associated with the installation and removal of
      roofing products.
AB  - Asbestos-containing roofing products were widely used throughout the 20th
      century, and certain products are still used in limited quantities today. Roofing
      products are generally considered non-friable and are not expected to release
      appreciable amounts of airborne asbestos fibers; however, despite the variety of
      roofing products that have contained asbestos over time, there are no
      comprehensive analyses of the exposure data associated with these products in the
      published literature. The objective of this study was to analyze the available
      data and characterize asbestos exposures associated with the installation,
      removal, and replacement of built-up roofing (BUR), felts, flashings, shingles,
      coatings, cements, and mastics under a variety of work practices. Published and
      unpublished literature that contained the following information was included in
      the analysis: (1) airborne fiber concentrations determined by PCM; (2) a
      description of the product(s) used; and (3) a description of the task(s)
      performed. More than 800 personal air samples from 12 studies performed between
      1982 and 2010 were identified which fit the inclusion criteria. The findings
      indicate that short-term and full-shift exposures from the use of asbestos
      containing roofing products were typically well below applicable occupational
      exposure limits. Additionally, the cumulative exposures associated with roofing
      work would be well below published chrysotile no-observed-adverse-effect-levels
      (NOAELs) for asbestos-related diseases.

PMID- 27124393
TI  - Novel Tissue Level Effects of the Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin Gene Cluster
      Are Essential for Infective Endocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Superantigens are indispensable virulence factors for Staphylococcus
      aureus in disease causation. Superantigens stimulate massive immune cell
      activation, leading to toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and contributing to other
      illnesses. However, superantigens differ in their capacities to induce body-wide
      effects. For many, their production, at least as tested in vitro, is not high
      enough to reach the circulation, or the proteins are not efficient in crossing
      epithelial and endothelial barriers, thus remaining within tissues or localized
      on mucosal surfaces where they exert only local effects. In this study, we
      address the role of TSS toxin-1 (TSST-1) and most importantly the enterotoxin
      gene cluster (egc) in infective endocarditis and sepsis, gaining insights into
      the body-wide versus local effects of superantigens. METHODS: We examined S.
      aureus TSST-1 gene (tstH) and egc deletion strains in the rabbit model of
      infective endocarditis and sepsis. Importantly, we also assessed the ability of
      commercial human intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) plus vancomycin to alter the
      course of infective endocarditis and sepsis. RESULTS: TSST-1 contributed to
      infective endocarditis vegetations and lethal sepsis, while superantigens of the
      egc, a cluster with uncharacterized functions in S. aureus infections, promoted
      vegetation formation in infective endocarditis. IVIG plus vancomycin prevented
      lethality and stroke development in infective endocarditis and sepsis.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our studies support the local tissue effects of egc superantigens
      for establishment and progression of infective endocarditis providing evidence
      for their role in life-threatening illnesses. In contrast, TSST-1 contributes to
      both infective endocarditis and lethal sepsis. IVIG may be a useful adjunct
      therapy for infective endocarditis and sepsis.

PMID- 27124395
TI  - Molecular Predictors of Long-Term Survival in Glioblastoma Multiforme Patients.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive adult primary
      brain cancer, with <10% of patients surviving for more than 3 years. Demographic
      and clinical factors (e.g. age) and individual molecular biomarkers have been
      associated with prolonged survival in GBM patients. However, comprehensive
      systems-level analyses of molecular profiles associated with long-term survival
      (LTS) in GBM patients are still lacking. We present an integrative study of
      molecular data and clinical variables in these long-term survivors (LTSs,
      patients surviving >3 years) to identify biomarkers associated with prolonged
      survival, and to assess the possible similarity of molecular characteristics
      between LGG and LTS GBM. We analyzed the relationship between multivariable
      molecular data and LTS in GBM patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA),
      including germline and somatic point mutation, gene expression, DNA methylation,
      copy number variation (CNV) and microRNA (miRNA) expression using logistic
      regression models. The molecular relationship between GBM LTS and LGG tumors was
      examined through cluster analysis. We identified 13, 94, 43, 29, and 1
      significant predictors of LTS using Lasso logistic regression from the somatic
      point mutation, gene expression, DNA methylation, CNV, and miRNA expression data
      sets, respectively. Individually, DNA methylation provided the best prediction
      performance (AUC = 0.84). Combining multiple classes of molecular data into joint
      regression models did not improve prediction accuracy, but did identify
      additional genes that were not significantly predictive in individual models. PCA
      and clustering analyses showed that GBM LTS typically had gene expression
      profiles similar to non-LTS GBM. Furthermore, cluster analysis did not identify a
      close affinity between LTS GBM and LGG, nor did we find a significant association
      between LTS and secondary GBM. The absence of unique LTS profiles and the lack of
      similarity between LTS GBM and LGG, indicates that there are multiple genetic and
      epigenetic pathways to LTS in GBM patients.

PMID- 27124396
TI  - Racial and ethnic disparities in human papillomavirus-associated cancer burden
      with first-generation and second-generation human papillomavirus vaccines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the United States, the burden of human papillomavirus (HPV)
      associated cancers varies by racial/ethnic group. HPV vaccination may provide
      opportunities for primary prevention of these cancers. Herein, the authors
      projected changes in HPV-associated cancer burden among racial/ethnic groups
      under various coverage assumptions with the available first-generation and second
      generation HPV vaccines to evaluate changes in racial/ethnic disparities.
      METHODS: Cancer-specific mathematical models simulated the burden of 6 HPV
      associated cancers. Model parameters, informed using national registries and
      epidemiological studies, reflected sex-specific, age-specific, and racial/ethnic
      specific heterogeneities in HPV type distribution, cancer incidence, stage of
      disease at detection, and mortality. Model outcomes included the cumulative
      lifetime risks of developing and dying of 6 HPV-associated cancers. The level of
      racial/ethnic disparities was evaluated under each alternative HPV vaccine
      scenario using several metrics of social group disparity. RESULTS: HPV
      vaccination is expected to reduce the risks of developing and dying of HPV
      associated cancers in all racial/ethnic groups as well as reduce the absolute
      degree of disparities. However, alternative metrics suggested that relative
      disparities would persist and in some scenarios worsen. For example, when
      assuming high uptake with the second-generation HPV vaccine, the lifetime risk of
      dying of an HPV-associated cancer for males decreased by approximately 60%, yet
      the relative disparity increased from 3.0 to 3.9. CONCLUSIONS: HPV vaccines are
      expected to reduce the overall burden of HPV-associated cancers for all
      racial/ethnic groups and to reduce the absolute disparity gap. However, even with
      the second-generation vaccine, relative disparities will likely still exist and
      may widen if the underlying causes of these disparities remain unaddressed.
      Cancer 2016;122:2057-66. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27124400
TI  - Spatial generalization of imitation in dogs (Canis familiaris).
AB  - Dogs, like human infants, are able to imitate human actions after a delay
      (deferred imitation). This study demonstrates that in deferred imitation tasks,
      dogs can generalize imitation across context modification to a certain extent.
      Specifically, they can imitate an object-related action if the object used by the
      demonstrator is displaced to a different location. However, if the object is
      interchanged with a different one, their imitative performance drops while they
      show a spatial bias toward the location of demonstration. We used a combination
      of the 2-action procedure and the "Do as I do" paradigm and displaced the target
      objects manipulated by the demonstrator, so that, at the time of recall, dogs
      could only match either the original location of demonstration or the displaced
      object, but not both. In conditions with a single object present and displaced
      after the demonstration, dogs matched the action and the object on which it was
      shown. In conditions with the location of 2 objects interchanged, dogs more
      likely matched the location. However, when humans provided ostensive cues and
      pointing gestures to draw the subjects' attention toward the displaced target
      object, dogs' predisposition to follow human communication outweighed their
      spatial bias and, as a consequence, their object matching and imitative
      performance increased. We conclude that object's physical features function as
      retrieval cues that facilitate recalling the action. In addition to figurative
      information, dogs rely strongly on spatial information in Do as I do tasks. The
      results are discussed concerning dogs' representational system of imitative
      actions. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 27124399
TI  - Inferring Intra-Community Microbial Interaction Patterns from Metagenomic
      Datasets Using Associative Rule Mining Techniques.
AB  - The nature of inter-microbial metabolic interactions defines the stability of
      microbial communities residing in any ecological niche. Deciphering these
      interaction patterns is crucial for understanding the mode/mechanism(s) through
      which an individual microbial community transitions from one state to another
      (e.g. from a healthy to a diseased state). Statistical correlation techniques
      have been traditionally employed for mining microbial interaction patterns from
      taxonomic abundance data corresponding to a given microbial community. In spite
      of their efficiency, these correlation techniques can capture only 'pair-wise
      interactions'. Moreover, their emphasis on statistical significance can
      potentially result in missing out on several interactions that are relevant from
      a biological standpoint. This study explores the applicability of one of the
      earliest association rule mining algorithm i.e. the 'Apriori algorithm' for
      deriving 'microbial association rules' from the taxonomic profile of given
      microbial community. The classical Apriori approach derives association rules by
      analysing patterns of co-occurrence/co-exclusion between various '(subsets of)
      features/items' across various samples. Using real-world microbiome data, the
      efficiency/utility of this rule mining approach in deciphering multiple
      (biologically meaningful) association patterns between 'subsets/subgroups' of
      microbes (constituting microbiome samples) is demonstrated. As an example,
      association rules derived from publicly available gut microbiome datasets
      indicate an association between a group of microbes (Faecalibacterium, Dorea, and
      Blautia) that are known to have mutualistic metabolic associations among
      themselves. Application of the rule mining approach on gut microbiomes (sourced
      from the Human Microbiome Project) further indicated similar microbial
      association patterns in gut microbiomes irrespective of the gender of the
      subjects. A Linux implementation of the Association Rule Mining (ARM) software
      (customised for deriving 'microbial association rules' from microbiome data) is
      freely available for download from the following link:
      http://metagenomics.atc.tcs.com/arm.

PMID- 27124401
TI  - Unveiling the "secret" of play in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): Asymmetry and
      signals.
AB  - Due to their playful propensity, dogs are a good model to test some hypotheses
      about play dynamics (length, asymmetry, features of players) and communication
      (play bow [PBOW]; relaxed open-mouth [ROM] display). We video-recorded 203 play
      sessions between dogs in an off-leash dog park in Palermo, Italy. Contrary to the
      expectation, play asymmetry (particularly high in this species) did not differ
      between stranger and familiar dogs, thus suggesting the limited role of play in
      forming dominance relationships. Asymmetry negatively affected the duration of
      the session, whereas the increasing number of players was positively linked to
      the duration of playful interactions. The number of PBOWs exchanged by players
      may exert a certain influence on the session length as well. PBOWs were performed
      independently from the kind of play (locomotor vs. contact) the dogs were
      engaging in. Conversely, ROMs were preferentially emitted during contact play
      when "face-to-face" interactions were more likely. Body closeness is also
      required in case opening the mouth has not a signal function but only preludes a
      bite. However, in the 82% of cases play bites did not follow a ROM, thus
      suggesting that dogs place ROMs in the appropriate context to optimize signal
      detectability. In conclusion, 2 tactics may concur in coping with the asymmetry
      and unpredictability of play sessions in dogs. First, whenever the asymmetry
      increases dogs shorten the duration of their sessions thus limiting the risk of
      possible escalation. Second, dogs make use of a good communicative system based
      on the reciprocal exchange of playful signals. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 27124402
TI  - Three actions, two groups: Looking for the origin of primate manual
      lateralization.
AB  - Handedness is the most evident behavioral asymmetry in humans: to study nonhuman
      primate hand preference could be optimal to investigate the evolutionary origin
      of handedness in our species, even though behavioral asymmetries are widespread
      among vertebrates. This study investigated hand preferences in 32 Old World
      monkeys and 26 great apes during 3 spontaneous actions, assessing the effect of
      taxonomic group, sex and age on primate handedness. Data about foraging,
      locomotion, and manipulation were collected and 50 bouts per behavioral category
      per subject were recorded. A bias toward right-hand use for starting locomotion
      was reported in both Old World monkeys and great apes. Furthermore, in the great
      apes, a group-level right-hand preference for manipulation was found. Results
      suggest an important role of factors such as posture and task complexity in the
      evolution of primate manual lateralization. The effect of taxonomic group, sex,
      and age on the hand preference are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 27124403
TI  - Reliability of the Radiographic Sagittal and Frontal Tibiotalar Alignment after
      Ankle Arthrodesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate measurement of the tibiotalar alignment is important in
      radiographic outcome assessment of ankle arthrodesis (AA). In studies, various
      radiological methods have been used to measure the tibiotalar alignment leading
      to facultative misinterpretation of results. However, to our knowledge, no
      previous study has investigated the reliability of tibiotalar alignment
      measurement in AA. We aimed to investigate the reliability of four different
      methods of measurement of the frontal and sagittal tibiotalar alignment after AA,
      and to further clarify the most reliable method for determining the longitudinal
      axis of the tibia. METHODS: Thirty-eight weight bearing anterior to posterior and
      lateral ankle radiographs of thirty-seven patients who had undergone AA with a
      two screw fixation technique were selected. Three observers measured the frontal
      tibiotalar angle (FTTA) and the sagittal tibiotalar angle (STTA) using four
      different methods. The methods differed by the definition of the longitudinal
      tibial axis. Method A was defined by a line drawn along the lateral tibial border
      in anterior to posterior radiographs and along the posterior tibial border in
      lateral radiographs. Method B was defined by a line connecting two points in the
      middle of the proximal and the distal tibial shaft. Method C was drawn
      "freestyle"along the longitudinal axis of the tibia, and method D was defined by
      a line connecting the center of the tibial articular surface and a point in the
      middle of the proximal tibial shaft. Intra- and interobserver correlation
      coefficients (ICC) and repeated measurement ANOVA were calculated to assess
      measurement reliability and accuracy. RESULTS: All four methods showed excellent
      inter- and intraobserver reliability for the FTTA and the STTA. When the
      longitudinal tibial axis is defined by connecting two points in the middle of the
      proximal and the distal tibial shaft, the highest interobserver reliability for
      the FTTA (ICC: 0.980; CI 95%: 0.966-0.989) and for the STTA (ICC: 0.997; CI 95%:
      0.996-0.999) is provided. Intergroup analysis for FTTA measurements revealed a
      statistically significant difference between the method in which the lateral
      border of the tibia was used to determine the longitudinal axis of the tibia, and
      the other methods in which the longitudinal axis was defined by bisecting the
      tibia. CONCLUSIONS: When the longitudinal axis of the tibia is defined by
      connecting two points in the middle of the proximal and the distal tibial shaft
      for measuring the FTTA and STTA, the most favorable interobserver reliability is
      provided. Therefore, this method can be recommended for evaluating the frontal
      and the sagittal alignment on anterior to posterior and lateral radiographs after
      ankle arthrodesis.

PMID- 27124404
TI  - Testosterone therapy, association with age, initiation and mode of therapy with
      cardiovascular events: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although male hypogonadism is associated with increased
      cardiovascular events (CVE), recent concerns are that testosterone
      supplementation may increase CVE. The purpose was to determine associations with
      age, initiation or mode of therapy to explain these discrepancies. DATA
      SYNTHESIS: Meta-analyses were supplemented through Scopus and PubMed with search
      terms 'testosterone', 'random' and 'trial'. CVE, defined before data extraction,
      were death, myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, percutaneous coronary
      intervention, coronary bypass, syncope, arrhythmia, hospital admission for
      congestive heart failure or cerebrovascular event. RESULTS: There were 45 trials
      with 5328 subjects evaluated, with a mean age of 63.3 (SD +/-7.9) years, followed
      for mean study duration of 10.6 (+/- 8.6) months. Overall, testosterone
      supplementation was not associated with increased CVE risk ratio (rr = 1.10 (95%
      CI 0.86; 1.41, P = 0.45)). However, there was an increase event rate during the
      first 12 months (rr = 1.79 (1.13;2.83, P = 0.012)), predominantly in those >=65
      years, (rr = 2.90 (1.35;6.21, P = 0.006)). Within studies with lipid data, CVE
      were associated with fall in HDL, P = 0.002. Intramuscular testosterone appeared
      neutral for CVE (rr = 0.96 (0.462;1.98, P = 0.91)) compared with oral
      testosterone (rr = 2.28 (95% CI 2.28;8.59, P = 0.22)) and transdermal
      testosterone (rr = 2.80 (1.38;5.68, P = 0.004)). Intramuscular testosterone had
      the least effect of lowering HDL and non-HDL cholesterol (both P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone supplementation may be associated with increased CVE in
      those >=65 years especially during the first year. Biological actions may differ
      depending upon mode of testosterone administration with intramuscular
      testosterone having less cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 27124405
TI  - Sleeping for Two: An Open-Pilot Study of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for
      Insomnia in Pregnancy.
AB  - Insomnia and disturbed sleep are common during pregnancy. This study investigated
      the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
      delivered in pregnancy. Thirteen pregnant women with insomnia participated in
      five weekly CBT-I group sessions. All participants completed the study and
      provided baseline and follow-up data. Significant reductions in insomnia symptoms
      and increases in subjective sleep quality were observed over the course of the
      study. Diary and actigraphy assessments of sleep also changed, such that
      participants reported less time in bed (TIB), shorter sleep onset latency (SOL),
      increased sleep efficiency (SE), and increased subjective total sleep time (TST).
      Additionally, symptoms of depression, pregnancy-specific anxiety, and fatigue all
      decreased over the course of treatment. Effect sizes ranged from medium to large.
      CBT-I delivered during pregnancy was associated with significant improvements in
      sleep and mood. The next step in this area of inquiry is to better establish
      effectiveness via a randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 27124406
TI  - Defining Population Health Management: A Scoping Review of the Literature.
AB  - Population health management (PHM) has increasingly been mentioned as a concept
      to realize improvements in population health and quality of care while reducing
      cost growth (the so-called Triple Aim). The concept of PHM has been used in
      various settings and has been defined in different ways. This study compared the
      definitions of PHM used in the literature in order to improve the understanding
      and interpretation of the concept of PHM. A scoping literature search was
      performed for papers published between January 2000 and January 2015 that defined
      PHM. PHM definitions were summarized, focusing on: (1) overall aim, (2) PHM
      activities, and (3) contextual factors. Eighteen articles were retrieved. The
      overall aim was defined in terms of health (N = 14), costs (N = 8), and/or
      quality of care (N = 10). Definitions varied regarding the description of PHM
      activities, though all definitions contained elements in common with disease
      management and health promotion. Data management, Triple Aim assessment, risk
      stratification, evaluation, and feedback cycles were less likely to be mentioned.
      Contextual factors were scarcely brought forward in the definitions. Moderate
      variations were found across definitions in the way PHM was conceptualized.
      Frequently, essential elements of PHM were not specified. Differences in
      conceptualizations of PHM should be taken into account when comparing PHM
      initiatives that are working toward improvements in population health,
      (experienced) quality of care, and reduction of costs.

PMID- 27124408
TI  - The Use of Assistive Technology to Promote Care of the Self and Social Inclusion
      in Patients with Sequels of Leprosy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study is about the contribution of occupational therapy inside a
      rehabilitation group, and we focus on the autonomy of patients with disabilities
      due to leprosy. There are few studies on the use of assistive technology by
      leprosy patients; to our knowledge, none of them aim to have a subjective
      approach of care. Our purpose was to analyze the repercussions of assistive
      technology on autonomy of care of the self in patients with sequels of leprosy.
      METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive exploratory study with a semi-structured
      interview and a field observation as a research method was conducted between
      November 2014 and February 2015 at a University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro.
      FINDINGS: Eight patients from the service of Occupational Therapy were
      interviewed, and 44 hours of observation were performed. Interviews followed a
      semi-structured script and a field journal was used to take notes. Analysis was
      conducted by the hermeneutic approach. Costs were obtained after a global cost
      analysis of the fixed and variable expenses and direct and indirect costs to the
      manufactured products with an amount of 100 dollars. Results were grouped
      according to the following categories: contribution of the adapted devices for
      the care of the self and feelings and sensations provoked by the use of self-help
      devices. The reports revealed feelings, perceptions and meaningful contents about
      the social, familiar and individual dimensions, also the stigma coupled with
      leprosy. However, forms of re-signification were elaborated. CONCLUSIONS:
      Assistive technology empowers the subject to perform care of the self and
      promotes social inclusion.

PMID- 27124407
TI  - A High-Throughput Cell-Based Screen Identified a 2-[(E)-2-Phenylvinyl]-8
      Quinolinol Core Structure That Activates p53.
AB  - p53 function is frequently inhibited in cancer either through mutations or by
      increased degradation via MDM2 and/or E6AP E3-ubiquitin ligases. Most agents that
      restore p53 expression act by binding MDM2 or E6AP to prevent p53 degradation.
      However, fewer compounds directly bind to and activate p53. Here, we identified
      compounds that shared a core structure that bound p53, caused nuclear
      localization of p53 and caused cell death. To identify these compounds, we
      developed a novel cell-based screen to redirect p53 degradation to the Skip
      Cullin-F-box (SCF) ubiquitin ligase complex in cells expressing high levels of
      p53. In a multiplexed assay, we coupled p53 targeted degradation with Rb1
      targeted degradation in order to identify compounds that prevented p53
      degradation while not inhibiting degradation through the SCF complex or other
      proteolytic machinery. High-throughput screening identified several leads that
      shared a common 2-[(E)-2-phenylvinyl]-8-quinolinol core structure that stabilized
      p53. Surface plasmon resonance analysis indicated that these compounds bound p53
      with a KD of 200 +/- 52 nM. Furthermore, these compounds increased p53 nuclear
      localization and transcription of the p53 target genes PUMA, BAX, p21 and FAS in
      cancer cells. Although p53-null cells had a 2.5+/-0.5-fold greater viability
      compared to p53 wild type cells after treatment with core compounds, loss of p53
      did not completely rescue cell viability suggesting that compounds may target
      both p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways to inhibit cell proliferation.
      Thus, we present a novel, cell-based high-throughput screen to identify a 2-[(E)
      2-phenylvinyl]-8-quinolinol core structure that bound to p53 and increased p53
      activity in cancer cells. These compounds may serve as anti-neoplastic agents in
      part by targeting p53 as well as other potential pathways.

PMID- 27124409
TI  - Porphyromonas gingivalis Differentially Modulates Cell Death Profile in Ox-LDL
      and TNF-alpha Pre-Treated Endothelial Cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Clinical studies demonstrated a potential link between atherosclerosis
      and periodontitis. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), one of the main periodontal
      pathogen, has been associated to atheromatous plaque worsening. However,
      synergism between infection and other endothelial stressors such as oxidized-LDL
      or TNF-alpha especially on endothelial cell (EC) death has not been investigated.
      This study aims to assess the role of Pg on EC death in an inflammatory context
      and to determine potential molecular pathways involved. METHODS: Human umbilical
      vein ECs (HUVECs) were infected with Pg (MOI 100) or stimulated by its
      lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) (1MUg/ml) for 24 to 48 hours. Cell viability was
      measured with AlamarBlue test, type of cell death induced was assessed using
      Annexin V/propidium iodide staining. mRNA expression regarding caspase-1, -3, -9,
      Bcl-2, Bax-1 and Apaf-1 has been evaluated with RT-qPCR. Caspases enzymatic
      activity and concentration of APAF-1 protein were evaluated to confirm mRNA
      results. RESULTS: Pg infection and Pg-LPS stimulation induced EC death. A
      cumulative effect has been observed in Ox-LDL pre-treated ECs infected or
      stimulated. This effect was not observed in TNF-alpha pre-treated cells. Pg
      infection promotes EC necrosis, however, in infected Ox-LDL pre-treated ECs,
      apoptosis was promoted. This effect was not observed in TNF-alpha pre-treated
      cells highlighting specificity of molecular pathways activated. Regarding mRNA
      expression, Pg increased expression of pro-apoptotic genes including caspases-1,
      3,-9, Bax-1 and decreased expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. In Ox-LDL pre
      treated ECs, Pg increased significantly the expression of Apaf-1. These results
      were confirmed at the protein level. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to
      demonstrate that Pg and its Pg-LPS could exacerbate Ox-LDL and TNF-alpha induced
      endothelial injury through increase of EC death. Interestingly, molecular
      pathways are differentially modulated by the infection in function of the pre
      stimulation.

PMID- 27124410
TI  - Exploratory Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Response-Guided Neoadjuvant
      Chemotherapy for Hormone Positive Breast Cancer Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Guiding response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (guided-NACT) allows for an
      adaptative treatment approach likely to improve breast cancer survival. In this
      study, our primary aim is to explore the expected cost-effectiveness of guided
      NACT using as a case study the first randomized controlled trial that
      demonstrated effectiveness (GeparTrio trial). MATERIALS AND METHODS: As
      effectiveness was shown in hormone-receptor positive (HR+) early breast cancers
      (EBC), our decision model compared the health-economic outcomes of treating a
      cohort of such women with guided-NACT to conventional-NACT using clinical input
      data from the GeparTrio trial. The expected cost-effectiveness and the
      uncertainty around this estimate were estimated via probabilistic cost
      effectiveness analysis (CEA), from a Dutch societal perspective over a 5-year
      time-horizon. RESULTS: Our exploratory CEA predicted that guided-NACT as proposed
      by the GeparTrio, costs additional ?110, but results in 0.014 QALYs gained per
      patient. This scenario of guided-NACT was considered cost-effective at any
      willingness to pay per additional QALY. At the prevailing Dutch willingness to
      pay threshold (?80.000/QALY) cost-effectiveness was expected with 78% certainty.
      CONCLUSION: This exploratory CEA indicated that guided-NACT (as proposed by the
      GeparTrio trial) is likely cost-effective in treating HR+ EBC women. While
      prospective validation of the GeparTrio findings is advisable from a clinical
      perspective, early CEAs can be used to prioritize further research from a broader
      health economic perspective, by identifying which parameters contribute most to
      current decision uncertainty. Furthermore, their use can be extended to explore
      the expected cost-effectiveness of alternative guided-NACT scenarios that combine
      the use of promising imaging techniques together with personalized treatments.

PMID- 27124411
TI  - Total Mechanical Unloading Minimizes Metabolic Demand of Left Ventricle and
      Dramatically Reduces Infarct Size in Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) mechanically unloads the left
      ventricle (LV). Theoretical analysis indicates that partial LVAD support (p
      LVAD), where LV remains ejecting, reduces LV preload while increases afterload
      resulting from the elevation of total cardiac output and mean aortic pressure,
      and consequently does not markedly decrease myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2).
      In contrast, total LVAD support (t-LVAD), where LV no longer ejects, markedly
      decreases LV preload volume and afterload pressure, thereby strikingly reduces
      MVO2. Since an imbalance in oxygen supply and demand is the fundamental
      pathophysiology of myocardial infarction (MI), we hypothesized that t-LVAD
      minimizes MVO2 and reduces infarct size in MI. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate the differential impact of the support level of LVAD on MVO2 and infarct
      size in a canine model of ischemia-reperfusion. METHODS: In 5 normal mongrel
      dogs, we examined the impact of LVAD on MVO2 at 3 support levels: Control (no
      LVAD support), p-LVAD and t-LVAD. In another 16 dogs, ischemia was induced by
      occluding major branches of the left anterior descending coronary artery (90 min)
      followed by reperfusion (300 min). We activated LVAD from the beginning of
      ischemia until 300 min of reperfusion, and compared the infarct size among 3
      different levels of LVAD support. RESULTS: t-LVAD markedly reduced MVO2 (%
      reduction against CONTROL: -56 +/- 9%, p<0.01) whereas p-LVAD did less (-21 +/-
      14%, p<0.05). t-LVAD markedly reduced infarct size compared to p-LVAD (infarct
      area/area at risk: CONTROL; 41.8 +/- 6.4, p-LVAD; 29.1 +/- 5.6 and t-LVAD; 5.0 +/
      3.1%, p<0.01). Changes in creatine kinase-MB paralleled those in infarct size.
      CONCLUSIONS: Total LVAD support that minimizes metabolic demand maximizes the
      benefit of LVAD in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27124412
TI  - Trends in the Attack Rates, Incidence, and Mortality of Stroke during 1986-2012:
      Data of Kaunas (Lithuania) Stroke Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a lack of reliable epidemiological data on longitudinal
      trends in stroke attack rates, incidence, and mortality in the countries of the
      Baltic region. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to explore the longitudinal
      trends of stroke in middle-aged urban population of Lithuania during the period
      of 1986 through 2012. METHODS: All stroke events in the studied population were
      ascertained and validated according to the standardized criteria outlined by the
      WHO MONICA Project. The study included all patients in Kaunas (Lithuania) city
      aged 25 to 64 years who experienced a stroke between 1986 and 2012. Estimates of
      time-trends of the annual percentage change in stroke attack rates, incidence of
      stroke, and mortality from this condition were made by applying the Joinpoint
      regression analysis. RESULTS: During the study period, 9,992 stroke events were
      registered. The overall proportion of recurrent events was 25.7%. Overall, 18.9%
      of the events (20.0% in men, and 17.4% in women) were fatal within 28 days.
      During the period of 1986 to 2012, a flat trend in the incidence of stroke was
      observed among both male and female middle-aged inhabitants of Kaunas city, while
      attack rates were increasing due to the increase in recurrent strokes. Both
      mortality and 28-day case fatality of stroke declined significantly over the
      study period in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: An increase both in the incidence and
      recurrence of stroke among middle-aged men residing in Kaunas city and in the
      recurrence of stroke among women denotes the inefficiency of measures applied
      both for primary and secondary prevention of stroke in Lithuania. The revision of
      current prevention strategies and the introduction of new ones are of paramount
      importance in order to fight the epidemic of stroke.

PMID- 27124415
TI  - Braving the New World.

PMID- 27124413
TI  - Meiotic Recombination Analyses in Pigs Carrying Different Balanced Structural
      Chromosomal Rearrangements.
AB  - Correct pairing, synapsis and recombination between homologous chromosomes are
      essential for normal meiosis. All these events are strongly regulated, and our
      knowledge of the mechanisms involved in this regulation is increasing rapidly.
      Chromosomal rearrangements are known to disturb these processes. In the present
      paper, synapsis and recombination (number and distribution of MLH1 foci) were
      studied in three boars (Sus scrofa domestica) carrying different chromosomal
      rearrangements. One (T34he) was heterozygote for the t(3;4)(p1.3;q1.5) reciprocal
      translocation, one (T34ho) was homozygote for that translocation, while the third
      (T34Inv) was heterozygote for both the translocation and a pericentric inversion
      inv(4)(p1.4;q2.3). All three boars were normal for synapsis and sperm production.
      This particular situation allowed us to rigorously study the impact of
      rearrangements on recombination. Overall, the rearrangements induced only minor
      modifications of the number of MLH1 foci (per spermatocyte or per chromosome) and
      of the length of synaptonemal complexes for chromosomes 3 and 4. The distribution
      of MLH1 foci in T34he was comparable to that of the controls. Conversely, the
      distributions of MLH1 foci on chromosome 4 were strongly modified in boar T34Inv
      (lack of crossover in the heterosynaptic region of the quadrivalent, and
      crossover displaced to the chromosome extremities), and also in boar T34ho (two
      recombination peaks on the q-arms compared with one of higher magnitude in the
      controls). Analyses of boars T34he and T34Inv showed that the interference was
      propagated through the breakpoints. A different result was obtained for boar
      T34ho, in which the breakpoints (transition between SSC3 and SSC4 chromatin on
      the bivalents) seemed to alter the transmission of the interference signal. Our
      results suggest that the number of crossovers and crossover interference could be
      regulated by partially different mechanisms.

PMID- 27124414
TI  - Serum Levels of TNF Receptor Ligands Are Dysregulated in Sepsis and Predict
      Mortality in Critically Ill Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: TNF superfamily members, including TNF-related weak inducer of
      apoptosis (TWEAK) and Glucocorticoid-Induced TNFR-Related Protein Ligand (GITRL)
      have been described as serum based biomarkers for inflammatory and immune
      mediated diseases. However, up to now the role of TWEAK and GITRL has not been
      analyzed in critical illness and sepsis. METHODS: GITRL and TWEAK serum
      concentrations were measured in 121 critically ill patients (84 fulfilled with
      septic disease), in comparison to 50 healthy controls. Results were correlated
      with clinical data. RESULTS: Serum levels of TWEAK and GITRL were strongly
      decreased in critically ill patients compared with healthy controls.
      Concentrations of TWEAK (but not GITRL) were further decreased in patients with
      sepsis and correlated with routinely used markers of inflammation and bacterial
      infection such as C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and Interleukin-6. Notably,
      we failed to detect a correlation to other TNFR ligands such as TNF or APRIL.
      Finally, TWEAK levels of the upper quartile of the cohort were prognostic for
      mortality during ICU treatment. CONCLUSION: TWEAK and GITRL levels were lower in
      intensive care unit medical patients. Levels of TWEAK were further decreased in
      septic patients, and alterations in TWEAK concentrations were linked to an
      unfavorable outcome. Together with recently published results on other TNFR
      ligands, these data indicate specific functions of the different TNFR ligands in
      septic diseases.

PMID- 27124416
TI  - Are Forensic Experts Already Biased before Adversarial Legal Parties Hire Them?
AB  - This survey of 206 forensic psychologists tested the "filtering" effects of
      preexisting expert attitudes in adversarial proceedings. Results confirmed the
      hypothesis that evaluator attitudes toward capital punishment influence
      willingness to accept capital case referrals from particular adversarial parties.
      Stronger death penalty opposition was associated with higher willingness to
      conduct evaluations for the defense and higher likelihood of rejecting referrals
      from all sources. Conversely, stronger support was associated with higher
      willingness to be involved in capital cases generally, regardless of referral
      source. The findings raise the specter of skewed evaluator involvement in capital
      evaluations, where evaluators willing to do capital casework may have stronger
      capital punishment support than evaluators who opt out, and evaluators with
      strong opposition may work selectively for the defense. The results may provide a
      partial explanation for the "allegiance effect" in adversarial legal settings
      such that preexisting attitudes may contribute to partisan participation through
      a self-selection process.

PMID- 27124417
TI  - Urothelial cancer of the upper urinary tract: emerging biomarkers and integrative
      models for risk stratification.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this review was to provide an overview of current
      biomarkers and risk stratification models in urothelial cancer of the upper
      urinary tract (UTUC). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A non-systematic Medline/PubMed
      literature search was performed using the terms "biomarkers", "preoperative
      models", "postoperative models", "risk stratification", together with "upper
      tract urothelial carcinoma". Original articles published between January 2003 and
      August 2015 were included based on their clinical relevance. Additional
      references were collected by cross referencing the bibliography of the selected
      articles. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Various promising predictive and prognostic
      biomarkers have been identified in UTUC thanks to the increasing knowledge of the
      different biological pathways involved in UTUC tumorigenesis. These biomarkers
      may help identify tumors with aggressive biology and worse outcomes. Current
      tools aim at predicting muscle invasive or non-organ confined disease, renal
      failure after radical nephroureterectomy and survival outcomes. These models are
      still mainly based on imaging and clinicopathological feature and none has
      integrated biomarkers. Risk stratification in UTUC is still suboptimal,
      especially in the preoperative setting due to current limitations in staging and
      grading. Identification of novel biomarkers and external validation of current
      prognostic models may help improve risk stratification to allow evidence-based
      counselling for kidney-sparing approaches, perioperative chemotherapy and/or risk
      based surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: Despite growing understanding of the biology
      underlying UTUC, management of this disease remains difficult due to the lack of
      validated biomarkers and the limitations of current predictive and prognostic
      tools. Further efforts and collaborations are necessaryry to allow their
      integration in daily practice.

PMID- 27124418
TI  - Early phase mixed chimerism in bone marrow does not affect long-term outcomes of
      myeloablative single-unit cord blood transplantation for adult patients with
      hematological malignancies.
AB  - Coexisting hematopoiesis from donor and recipient origin, called a mixed
      chimerism status, can occur in patients after myeloablative allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, its impact on the outcomes of
      cord blood transplantation (CBT) has yet to be clarified. We retrospectively
      analyzed 150 adult patients who received myeloablative single-unit CBT for
      hematological malignancies in our institute. At the median time of first bone
      marrow analysis of 41 days after CBT, mixed chimerism was observed in 16 of the
      150 patients. Among patients with mixed chimerism, 4 patients relapsed. The
      remaining 12 patients were alive and in remission at a median follow-up of 50
      months. Bone marrow-mixed chimerism did not have a significant impact on the
      incidences of disease-free survival, relapse, or transplant-related mortality
      after CBT. These data show that early phase mixed chimerism did not have a
      significant impact on long-term outcomes after myeloablative single-unit CBT for
      hematological malignancies.

PMID- 27124419
TI  - Defining 'quality' from the patient's perspective: findings from focus groups
      with Medicaid beneficiaries and implications for public reporting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With an increased emphasis on patient-centred outcomes and research,
      investigators seek to understand aspects of health care that are most important
      to patients. Such information is essential for developing report cards that
      present health-care quality information for consumers, which many states are
      adopting as a strategy to promote consumer choice. OBJECTIVE: This study examined
      the processes that women in Medicaid follow for selecting health plans and
      explored their definitions of 'good' and 'poor' quality health care. DESIGN: We
      conducted focus groups with Medicaid beneficiaries in four Texas communities,
      using quota sampling to ensure representation of different racial/ethnic,
      eligibility and geographic groups. RESULTS: We conducted 22 focus groups with 102
      participants between October 2012 and January 2013. In a free-list exercise,
      'doctors' represented the most important aspect of health care to participants,
      followed by cost, attention, coverage and respect. Discussions of health-care
      quality revealed an even mix of structural factors (e.g. timeliness) and
      interpersonal factors (e.g. communication), although few differences were
      observed by beneficiary characteristics. Participants linked themes in their
      overall framing of 'quality' - revealing processes of care that affect health
      outcomes (e.g. discontinuity of care resulting from poor communication with
      providers) and which were often mediated by advocate providers who assisted
      patients experiencing barriers to services. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Findings
      support other studies that highlight the importance of the patient-provider
      relationship. Patient-centred definitions of health-care quality can complement
      predominant provider-centred conceptual frameworks and better inform initiatives
      for public reporting of quality measures in these populations.

PMID- 27124420
TI  - I-MOVE multicentre case-control study 2010/11 to 2014/15: Is there within-season
      waning of influenza type/subtype vaccine effectiveness with increasing time since
      vaccination?
AB  - Since the 2008/9 influenza season, the I-MOVE multicentre case-control study
      measures influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) against medically-attended
      influenza-like-illness (ILI) laboratory confirmed as influenza. In 2011/12,
      European studies reported a decline in VE against influenza A(H3N2) within the
      season. Using combined I-MOVE data from 2010/11 to 2014/15 we studied the effects
      of time since vaccination on influenza type/subtype-specific VE. We modelled
      influenza type/subtype-specific VE by time since vaccination using a restricted
      cubic spline, controlling for potential confounders (age, sex, time of onset,
      chronic conditions). Over 10,000 ILI cases were included in each analysis of
      influenza A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09 and B; with 4,759, 3,152 and 3,617 influenza
      positive cases respectively. VE against influenza A(H3N2) reached 50.6% (95% CI:
      30.0-65.1) 38 days after vaccination, declined to 0% (95% CI: -18.1-15.2) from
      111 days onwards. At day 54 VE against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 reached 55.3% (95%
      CI: 37.9-67.9) and remained between this value and 50.3% (95% CI: 34.8-62.1)
      until season end. VE against influenza B declined from 70.7% (95% CI: 51.3-82.4)
      44 days after vaccination to 21.4% (95% CI: -57.4-60.8) at season end. To assess
      if vaccination campaign strategies need revising more evidence on VE by time
      since vaccination is urgently needed. 

PMID- 27124421
TI  - Nucleoside-Based Diarylethene Photoswitches: Synthesis and Photochromic
      Properties.
AB  - Diarylethene photoswitches based on the natural nucleoside deoxyadenosine were
      designed and synthesized. In aqueous solution, some of them exhibited good
      photochromic properties, including clear changes in color upon irradiation at 365
      nm, red-shifts of the absorption wavelength, with good fatigue resistance,
      thermal stability, conversion efficiency, and base-pairing properties.

PMID- 27124422
TI  - Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Breast.

PMID- 27124423
TI  - "Mad Scared" versus "I Was Sad": Emotional expression and response in urban
      adolescent males.
AB  - Decades of masculinity research have concluded that society places higher demands
      on males to adhere to norms for low emotional expression; yet, countless studies
      find that emotional expression is integral to well-being. Unfortunately, this
      contradiction places boys and men in a tenuous position as they must navigate a
      bombardment of societal messages about the importance of emotional stoicism and
      invincibility. For urban adolescents, the situation is more complicated as they
      encounter environmental stressors that place greater emphasis on projecting a
      tough facade. Thus, our primary aim was to assess to what degree dyads of close
      adolescent male friends from urban, low-income neighborhoods are able to engage
      in emotional expression and response and to explore some of the underlying
      mechanisms and interpersonal processes. Qualitative findings from our sample
      suggest that urban boys exhibit a wide range of behaviors when participating in
      dyadic emotional disclosure and response, including being highly emotionally
      expressive and supportive in the context of close male friendship.

PMID- 27124424
TI  - Short-term group cognitive behavior therapy contributes to recovery from mild
      depression: Evidence from functional and structural MRI.
AB  - We used the functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging to explore the
      neural correlates of response to group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in mild
      depression. College students with mild depressive symptoms participated in our 4
      week group CBT training. The behavioral results showed that depression symptoms
      decreased after participation in group CBT. After the training, the gray matter
      volume (GMV) in the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) increased and amplitude of
      low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) decreased. In addition, GMV in the left
      postcentral gyrus decreased after the group CBT. Moreover, the increase of
      percentage change in the right MFG was positively correlated with the decrease of
      the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score, while less decrease in percentage
      change in the left postcentral gyrus was significantly correlated with greater
      decrease of BDI score. Finally, after the training, functional connectivity
      between the right MFG and the insula decreased, while the connectivity between
      the left postcentral gyrus and the parahippocampal gyrus increased. These
      findings suggested that short-term participation in group CBT had an effective
      impact on mild depression. It contributed to decreasing negative bias (salience
      detection for negative stimuli).

PMID- 27124425
TI  - Duration of the depressive episode is correlated with ganglion cell inner
      plexifrom layer and nasal retinal fiber layer thicknesses: Optical coherence
      tomography findings in major depression.
AB  - Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a relatively new, noninvasive imaging
      technique that has been used increasingly to diagnose and manage a variety of
      retinal diseases. Since the axons in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) are
      nonmyelinated within the retina, OCT has been used in various neurodegenerative
      diseases to visualize the process of neurodegeneration. Decreases in RNFL and
      ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses were observed in patients
      with schizophrenia. To date, there is no clinical research investigating OCT
      parameters in patients with MD. We compared the RNFL thickness, GCIPL thickness
      in 58 MD patients and 57 healthy controls, and investigated their correlation
      with clinical variables of depression. Depressed patients were not different from
      the healthy controls with regard to OCT parameters. GCIPL and nasal RNFL were
      correlated with the duration of the latest depressive episode. Some measures of
      OCT were negatively associated with clinical variables like a family history of
      psychiatric diagnosis and the duration of the latest episode. Larger studies
      including depressed patients of different severity, including structured
      interviews and controlling for the effect of antidepressant treatment will
      provide better results.

PMID- 27124426
TI  - The transformation of oncology.

PMID- 27124428
TI  - INFECTIOUS DISEASES. Yellow fever outbreak triggers vaccine alarm.

PMID- 27124430
TI  - ARCHAEOLOGY. Tallying the losses in Palmyra.

PMID- 27124429
TI  - ECOLOGY. An unhappy peace dividend.

PMID- 27124432
TI  - INDUSTRIAL ESPIONAGE. 3D printers vulnerable to spying.

PMID- 27124431
TI  - SOCIAL SCIENCE. Ironic coda to fraudulent study of bias.

PMID- 27124433
TI  - Only the strong survive.

PMID- 27124434
TI  - Global tensions rile experimental university.

PMID- 27124435
TI  - Poised for liftoff.

PMID- 27124436
TI  - Out in the cold.

PMID- 27124437
TI  - SURFACE WEAR. Moving superhydrophobic surfaces toward real-world applications.

PMID- 27124438
TI  - RIBOSWITCHES. (Meta-)genome mining for new ribo-regulators.

PMID- 27124439
TI  - CANCER. How neutrophils promote metastasis.

PMID- 27124440
TI  - PSYCHOLOGY. How to overcome prejudice.

PMID- 27124441
TI  - DIVERSITY IN SCIENCE. A recipe for change: Creating a more inclusive academy.

PMID- 27124442
TI  - BIOMOLECULAR FOLDING. Moments of excitement.

PMID- 27124443
TI  - CLIMATE CHANGE. A heated mirror for future climate.

PMID- 27124444
TI  - Grant funding: Playing the odds.

PMID- 27124445
TI  - Undermined by overhead accounting.

PMID- 27124446
TI  - Cultural costs of tropical dams.

PMID- 27124447
TI  - Metastasis: An evolving story.

PMID- 27124448
TI  - Malignant messengers.

PMID- 27124449
TI  - A collective route to metastasis: Seeding by tumor cell clusters.
AB  - Despite decades of study, there are still many unanswered questions about
      metastasis, the process by which a localized cancer becomes a systemic disease.
      One of these questions is the nature of the tumor cells that give rise to
      metastases. Although conventional models suggest that metastases are seeded by
      single cells from the primary tumor, there is growing evidence that seeding
      requires the collective action of tumor cells traveling together in clusters.
      Here, we review this evidence, which comes from analysis of both experimental
      models and patient samples. We present a model of metastatic dissemination that
      highlights the activities of clusters of tumor cells that retain and require
      their epithelial properties. 

PMID- 27124450
TI  - Metastasis as an evolutionary process.
AB  - Therapeutic advances in oncology have not fully translated to the treatment of
      metastatic disease, which remains largely incurable. Metastatic subclones can
      emerge both early and late in the life of the primary tumor. A better
      understanding of the genetic evolution of metastatic disease has the potential to
      reveal differences in the therapeutic vulnerabilities of primary and metastatic
      tumors, shed light on the temporal patterns of and routes to metastatic
      colonization, and provide insight into the biology of the metastatic process.
      Here we review recent comparative studies of primary and metastatic tumors,
      including data suggesting that macroevolutionary shifts (the onset of chromosomal
      instability) contribute to the evolution of metastatic disease. We also discuss
      the practical challenges associated with these studies and how they might be
      overcome. 

PMID- 27124453
TI  - The half-filled Landau level: The case for Dirac composite fermions.
AB  - In a two-dimensional electron gas under a strong magnetic field, correlations
      generate emergent excitations distinct from electrons. It has been predicted that
      "composite fermions"--bound states of an electron with two magnetic flux quanta-
      can experience zero net magnetic field and form a Fermi sea. Using infinite
      cylinder density matrix renormalization group numerical simulations, we verify
      the existence of this exotic Fermi sea, but find that the phase exhibits particle
      hole symmetry. This is self-consistent only if composite fermions are massless
      Dirac particles, similar to the surface of a topological insulator. Exploiting
      this analogy, we observe the suppression of 2k(F) backscattering, a
      characteristic of Dirac particles. Thus, the phenomenology of Dirac fermions is
      also relevant to two-dimensional electron gases in the quantum Hall regime.

PMID- 27124451
TI  - Hypoxic control of metastasis.
AB  - Metastatic disease is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and involves
      critical interactions between tumor cells and the microenvironment. Hypoxia is a
      potent microenvironmental factor promoting metastatic progression. Clinically,
      hypoxia and the expression of the hypoxia-inducible transcription factors HIF-1
      and HIF-2 are associated with increased distant metastasis and poor survival in a
      variety of tumor types. Moreover, HIF signaling in malignant cells influences
      multiple steps within the metastatic cascade. Here we review research focused on
      elucidating the mechanisms by which the hypoxic tumor microenvironment promotes
      metastatic progression. These studies have identified potential biomarkers and
      therapeutic targets regulated by hypoxia that could be incorporated into
      strategies aimed at preventing and treating metastatic disease. 

PMID- 27124454
TI  - Extended Bose-Hubbard models with ultracold magnetic atoms.
AB  - The Hubbard model underlies our understanding of strongly correlated materials.
      Whereas its standard form only comprises interactions between particles at the
      same lattice site, extending it to encompass long-range interactions is predicted
      to profoundly alter the quantum behavior of the system. We realize the extended
      Bose-Hubbard model for an ultracold gas of strongly magnetic erbium atoms in a
      three-dimensional optical lattice. Controlling the orientation of the atomic
      dipoles, we reveal the anisotropic character of the onsite interaction and
      hopping dynamics and their influence on the superfluid-to-Mott insulator quantum
      phase transition. Moreover, we observe nearest-neighbor interactions, a genuine
      consequence of the long-range nature of dipolar interactions. Our results lay the
      groundwork for future studies of exotic many-body quantum phases. 

PMID- 27124455
TI  - Exploiting the colloidal nanocrystal library to construct electronic devices.
AB  - Synthetic methods produce libraries of colloidal nanocrystals with tunable
      physical properties by tailoring the nanocrystal size, shape, and composition.
      Here, we exploit colloidal nanocrystal diversity and design the materials,
      interfaces, and processes to construct all-nanocrystal electronic devices using
      solution-based processes. Metallic silver and semiconducting cadmium selenide
      nanocrystals are deposited to form high-conductivity and high-mobility thin-film
      electrodes and channel layers of field-effect transistors. Insulating aluminum
      oxide nanocrystals are assembled layer by layer with polyelectrolytes to form
      high-dielectric constant gate insulator layers for low-voltage device operation.
      Metallic indium nanocrystals are codispersed with silver nanocrystals to
      integrate an indium supply in the deposited electrodes that serves to passivate
      and dope the cadmium selenide nanocrystal channel layer. We fabricate all
      nanocrystal field-effect transistors on flexible plastics with electron
      mobilities of 21.7 square centimeters per volt-second. 

PMID- 27124452
TI  - Dissecting the multicellular ecosystem of metastatic melanoma by single-cell RNA
      seq.
AB  - To explore the distinct genotypic and phenotypic states of melanoma tumors, we
      applied single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to 4645 single cells isolated from
      19 patients, profiling malignant, immune, stromal, and endothelial cells.
      Malignant cells within the same tumor displayed transcriptional heterogeneity
      associated with the cell cycle, spatial context, and a drug-resistance program.
      In particular, all tumors harbored malignant cells from two distinct
      transcriptional cell states, such that tumors characterized by high levels of the
      MITF transcription factor also contained cells with low MITF and elevated levels
      of the AXL kinase. Single-cell analyses suggested distinct tumor
      microenvironmental patterns, including cell-to-cell interactions. Analysis of
      tumor-infiltrating T cells revealed exhaustion programs, their connection to T
      cell activation and clonal expansion, and their variability across patients.
      Overall, we begin to unravel the cellular ecosystem of tumors and how single-cell
      genomics offers insights with implications for both targeted and immune
      therapies. 

PMID- 27124456
TI  - Ribose and related sugars from ultraviolet irradiation of interstellar ice
      analogs.
AB  - Ribose is the central molecular subunit in RNA, but the prebiotic origin of
      ribose remains unknown. We observed the formation of substantial quantities of
      ribose and a diversity of structurally related sugar molecules such as arabinose,
      xylose, and lyxose in the room-temperature organic residues of photo-processed
      interstellar ice analogs initially composed of H2O, CH3OH, and NH3 Our results
      suggest that the generation of numerous sugar molecules, including the
      aldopentose ribose, may be possible from photochemical and thermal treatment of
      cosmic ices in the late stages of the solar nebula. Our detection of ribose
      provides plausible insights into the chemical processes that could lead to
      formation of biologically relevant molecules in suitable planetary environments. 

PMID- 27124457
TI  - Task-free MRI predicts individual differences in brain activity during task
      performance.
AB  - When asked to perform the same task, different individuals exhibit markedly
      different patterns of brain activity. This variability is often attributed to
      volatile factors, such as task strategy or compliance. We propose that individual
      differences in brain responses are, to a large degree, inherent to the brain and
      can be predicted from task-independent measurements collected at rest. Using a
      large set of task conditions, spanning several behavioral domains, we train a
      simple model that relates task-independent measurements to task activity and
      evaluate the model by predicting task activation maps for unseen subjects using
      magnetic resonance imaging. Our model can accurately predict individual
      differences in brain activity and highlights a coupling between brain
      connectivity and function that can be captured at the level of individual
      subjects. 

PMID- 27124458
TI  - Durably reducing transphobia: A field experiment on door-to-door canvassing.
AB  - Existing research depicts intergroup prejudices as deeply ingrained, requiring
      intense intervention to lastingly reduce. Here, we show that a single
      approximately 10-minute conversation encouraging actively taking the perspective
      of others can markedly reduce prejudice for at least 3 months. We illustrate this
      potential with a door-to-door canvassing intervention in South Florida targeting
      antitransgender prejudice. Despite declines in homophobia, transphobia remains
      pervasive. For the intervention, 56 canvassers went door to door encouraging
      active perspective-taking with 501 voters at voters' doorsteps. A randomized
      trial found that these conversations substantially reduced transphobia, with
      decreases greater than Americans' average decrease in homophobia from 1998 to
      2012. These effects persisted for 3 months, and both transgender and
      nontransgender canvassers were effective. The intervention also increased support
      for a nondiscrimination law, even after exposing voters to counterarguments. 

PMID- 27124459
TI  - Observational constraints on mixed-phase clouds imply higher climate sensitivity.
AB  - Global climate model (GCM) estimates of the equilibrium global mean surface
      temperature response to a doubling of atmospheric CO2, measured by the
      equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS), range from 2.0 degrees  to 4.6 degrees C.
      Clouds are among the leading causes of this uncertainty. Here we show that the
      ECS can be up to 1.3 degrees C higher in simulations where mixed-phase clouds
      consisting of ice crystals and supercooled liquid droplets are constrained by
      global satellite observations. The higher ECS estimates are directly linked to a
      weakened cloud-phase feedback arising from a decreased cloud glaciation rate in a
      warmer climate. We point out the need for realistic representations of the
      supercooled liquid fraction in mixed-phase clouds in GCMs, given the sensitivity
      of the ECS to the cloud-phase feedback. 

PMID- 27124461
TI  - Direct observation of transition paths during the folding of proteins and nucleic
      acids.
AB  - Transition paths, the fleeting trajectories through the transition states that
      dominate the dynamics of biomolecular folding reactions, encapsulate the critical
      information about how structure forms. Owing to their brief duration, however,
      they have not previously been observed directly. We measured transition paths for
      both nucleic acid and protein folding, using optical tweezers to observe the
      microscopic diffusive motion of single molecules traversing energy barriers. The
      average transit times and the shapes of the transit-time distributions agreed
      well with theoretical expectations for motion over the one-dimensional energy
      landscapes reconstructed for the same molecules, validating the physical theory
      of folding reactions. These measurements provide a first look at the critical
      microscopic events that occur during folding, opening exciting new avenues for
      investigating folding phenomena. 

PMID- 27124460
TI  - Complementation of mitochondrial electron transport chain by manipulation of the
      NAD+/NADH ratio.
AB  - A decline in electron transport chain (ETC) activity is associated with many
      human diseases. Although diminished mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate
      production is recognized as a source of pathology, the contribution of the
      associated reduction in the ratio of the amount of oxidized nicotinamide adenine
      dinucleotide (NAD(+)) to that of its reduced form (NADH) is less clear. We used a
      water-forming NADH oxidase from Lactobacillus brevis (LbNOX) as a genetic tool
      for inducing a compartment-specific increase of the NAD(+)/NADH ratio in human
      cells. We used LbNOX to demonstrate the dependence of key metabolic fluxes,
      gluconeogenesis, and signaling on the cytosolic or mitochondrial NAD(+)/NADH
      ratios. Expression of LbNOX in the cytosol or mitochondria ameliorated
      proliferative and metabolic defects caused by an impaired ETC. The results
      underscore the role of reductive stress in mitochondrial pathogenesis and
      demonstrate the utility of targeted LbNOX for direct, compartment-specific
      manipulation of redox state. 

PMID- 27124463
TI  - Erratum for the Research Article "Architecture of the type IVa pilus machine" by
      Y.-W. Chang, L. A. Rettberg, A. Treuner-Lange, J. Iwasa, L. Sogaard-Andersen, G.
      J. Jensen.

PMID- 27124462
TI  - A researcher discovers teaching.

PMID- 27124464
TI  - Erratum for the Report "MYC regulates the antitumor immune response through CD47
      and PD-L1" by S. C. Casey, L. Tong, Y. Li, R. Do, S. Walz, K. N. Fitzgerald, A.
      M. Gouw, V. Baylot, I. Gutgemann, M. Eilers, D. W. Felsher.

PMID- 27124465
TI  - Towards Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture: Lessons from Caprellids (Crustacea:
      Amphipoda).
AB  - The search for alternative live feed organisms and the progression of Integrative
      Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) are currently being highly prioritised in EU
      strategies. Caprellids could potentially be an important exploitable resource in
      aquaculture due to their high levels of beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids,
      fast growing nature and widespread distribution. Furthermore, since they are
      mainly detritivorous, they could be excellent candidates for integration into
      IMTA systems, potentially benefitting from uneaten feed pellets and faeces
      released by cultured fish in fish farms and sea-cage structures. Despite this,
      there is a lack of experimental studies to: (i) test inexpensive diets for
      caprellids, such as detritus, (ii) develop sustainable caprellid culture
      techniques and (iii) include caprellids in IMTA systems. The main aim of this
      study was to determine whether detritus (D) in the form of fish faeces provided
      an adequate diet for caprellids in comparison to other traditional diets, such as
      Artemia nauplii (A) or phytoplankton (P). Adult survival rate was shown to be
      significantly higher for caprellids fed with D. Conversely, hatchlings had the
      highest survival rate with A, although the juvenile growth rate and number of
      moults was similar in the three diets. With regard to lipid composition,
      caprellids fed with A had higher concentrations of Triacylglycerols (TAG) and
      Phosphatidylcholine (PC) while those fed with P or D were richer in
      polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially 22:6(n-3) (DHA). Interestingly,
      caprellids fed with D were also a rich source of 18:2(n-6) (LA), considered to be
      an essential fatty acid in vertebrates. It was found that detritus based mainly
      on fish faeces and uneaten feed pellets can be considered an adequate feed for
      adult caprellids, providing a source of both omega-3 (DHA) and omega-6 (LA) fatty
      acids. Hatchlings however seem to require an additional input of TAG and PC
      during juvenile stages to properly grow.

PMID- 27124466
TI  - Relationship between Resilience, Psychological Distress and Physical Activity in
      Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observation Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Psychological distress remains a major challenge in cancer care. The
      complexity of psychological symptoms in cancer patients requires multifaceted
      symptom management tailored to individual patient characteristics and active
      patient involvement. We assessed the relationship between resilience,
      psychological distress and physical activity in cancer patients to elucidate
      potential moderators of the identified relationships. METHOD: A cross-sectional
      observational study to assess the prevalence of symptoms and supportive care
      needs of oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or chemo
      radiation therapy in a tertiary oncology service. Resilience was assessed using
      the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 10), social support was
      evaluated using the 12-item Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support
      (MSPSS) and both psychological distress and activity level were measured using
      corresponding subscales of the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL). Socio
      demographic and medical data were extracted from patient medical records.
      Correlation analyses were performed and structural equation modeling was employed
      to assess the associations between resilience, psychological distress and
      activity level as well as selected socio-demographic variables. RESULTS: Data
      from 343 patients were included in the analysis. Our revised model demonstrated
      an acceptable fit to the data (chi2(163) = 313.76, p = .000, comparative fit
      index (CFI) = .942, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = .923, root mean square error of
      approximation (RMSEA) = .053, 90% CI [.044.062]). Resilience was negatively
      associated with psychological distress (beta = -.59), and positively associated
      with activity level (beta = .20). The relationship between resilience and
      psychological distress was moderated by age (beta = -0.33) but not social support
      (beta = .10, p = .12). CONCLUSION: Cancer patients with higher resilience,
      particularly older patients, experience lower psychological distress. Patients
      with higher resilience are physically more active. Evaluating levels of
      resilience in cancer patients then tailoring targeted interventions to facilitate
      resilience may help improve the effectiveness of psychological symptom management
      interventions.

PMID- 27124468
TI  - Pichia kudriavzevii as a representative yeast of North Patagonian winemaking
      terroir.
AB  - Terroir concept includes specific soil, topography, climate, landscape
      characteristics and biodiversity features. In reference to the last aspect,
      recent studies investigating the microbial biogeography (lately called 'microbial
      terroir') have revealed that different wine-growing regions maintain different
      microbial communities. The aim of the present work was to identify potential
      autochthonous fermentative yeasts isolated from native plants in North Patagonia,
      Schinus johnstonii, Ephedra ochreata and Lycium chilense, that could be
      associated to the specific vitivinicultural terroir of this region. Different
      Pichia kudriavzevii isolates were recovered from these plants and physiologically
      and genetically compared to regional wine isolates and foreign reference strains
      of the same species. All isolates were subjected to molecular characterization
      including mtDNA-RFLP, RAPD-PCR and sequence analysis. Both wine and native P.
      kudriavzevii isolates from Patagonia showed similar features, different from
      those showed by foreign strains, suggesting that this species could be part of a
      specific regional terroir from North Patagonia. 

PMID- 27124467
TI  - Proteogenomic Characterization of Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Degradation
      Pathways in the Aniline-Degrading Bacterium Burkholderia sp. K24.
AB  - Burkholderia sp. K24, formerly known as Acinetobacter lwoffii K24, is a soil
      bacterium capable of utilizing aniline as its sole carbon and nitrogen source.
      Genomic sequence analysis revealed that this bacterium possesses putative gene
      clusters for biodegradation of various monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs),
      including benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX), as well as aniline. We verified the
      proposed MAH biodegradation pathways by dioxygenase activity assays, RT-PCR, and
      LC/MS-based quantitative proteomic analyses. This proteogenomic approach revealed
      four independent degradation pathways, all converging into the citric acid cycle.
      Aniline and p-hydroxybenzoate degradation pathways converged into the beta
      ketoadipate pathway. Benzoate and toluene were degraded through the benzoyl-CoA
      degradation pathway. The xylene isomers, i.e., o-, m-, and p-xylene, were
      degraded via the extradiol cleavage pathways. Salicylate was degraded through the
      gentisate degradation pathway. Our results show that Burkholderia sp. K24
      possesses versatile biodegradation pathways, which may be employed for efficient
      bioremediation of aniline and BTX.

PMID- 27124469
TI  - A SNARE and specific COPII requirements define ER-derived vesicles for the
      biogenesis of autophagosomes.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major source for the generation of
      autophagosomes during macroautophagy. Our recent work in yeast shows that
      particular ER-derived vesicles are generated for the biogenesis of
      autophagosomes. These vesicles not only incorporate a SNARE protein that is
      largely ER-resident under nonstarving conditions, but also display COPII
      requirements for ER-exit that differ from conventional cargo-transporting
      vesicles. Our results suggest that specific intracellular traffic is launched at
      the ER for the transport of membranes to sites of autophagosome formation.

PMID- 27124471
TI  - Highly Efficient Fructooligosaccharides Production by an Erythritol-Producing
      Yeast Yarrowia lipolytica Displaying Fructosyltransferase.
AB  - Currently, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are industrially transformed from sucrose
      by purified enzymes or fungi cells. However, these methods are expensive and time
      consuming. An economical approach to producing FOS using erythritol-producing
      yeast cells was described in this study. Fructosyltransferase from Aspergillus
      oryzae was displayed on the cell surface of Yarrowia lipolytica, resulting in an
      engineered strain capable of transforming sucrose to FOS. An amount of 480 g/L
      FOS was produced within 3 h in a solution of 800 g/L sucrose and 5 g/L cells (dry
      cell weight, DCW) at pH 6.0 and 60  degrees C, with a yield of 60% of total
      sucrose and a productivity of 160 g/(L.h). The yeast pastes from the erythritol
      industry can be repeatedly used as the whole-cell catalysts at least 10 times by
      this newly developed approach. This efficient method is attractive for the large
      scale production of FOS from sucrose. 

PMID- 27124470
TI  - DNA Metabolism in Balance: Rapid Loss of a RecA-Based Hyperrec Phenotype.
AB  - The RecA recombinase of Escherichia coli has not evolved to optimally promote DNA
      pairing and strand exchange, the key processes of recombinational DNA repair.
      Instead, the recombinase function of RecA protein represents an evolutionary
      compromise between necessary levels of recombinational DNA repair and the
      potentially deleterious consequences of RecA functionality. A RecA variant, RecA
      D112R, promotes conjugational recombination at substantially enhanced levels.
      However, expression of the D112R RecA protein in E. coli results in a reduction
      in cell growth rates. This report documents the consequences of the substantial
      selective pressure associated with the RecA-mediated hyperrec phenotype. With
      continuous growth, the deleterious effects of RecA D112R, along with the observed
      enhancements in conjugational recombination, are lost over the course of 70 cell
      generations. The suppression reflects a decline in RecA D112R expression,
      associated primarily with a deletion in the gene promoter or chromosomal
      mutations that decrease plasmid copy number. The deleterious effects of RecA
      D112R on cell growth can also be negated by over-expression of the RecX protein
      from Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The effects of the RecX proteins in vivo parallel the
      effects of the same proteins on RecA D112R filaments in vitro. The results
      indicate that the toxicity of RecA D112R is due to its persistent binding to
      duplex genomic DNA, creating barriers for other processes in DNA metabolism. A
      substantial selective pressure is generated to suppress the resulting barrier to
      growth.

PMID- 27124472
TI  - Behavioral Abnormalities in a Mouse Model of Chronic Toxoplasmosis Are Associated
      with MAG1 Antibody Levels and Cyst Burden.
AB  - There is marked variation in the human response to Toxoplasma gondii infection.
      Epidemiological studies indicate associations between strain virulence and
      severity of toxoplasmosis. Animal studies on the pathogenic effect of chronic
      infection focused on relatively avirulent strains (e.g. type II) because they can
      easily establish latent infections in mice, defined by the presence of bradyzoite
      containing cysts. To provide insight into virulent strain-related severity of
      human toxoplasmosis, we established a chronic model of the virulent type I strain
      using outbred mice. We found that type I-exposed mice displayed variable outcomes
      ranging from aborted to severe infections. According to antibody profiles, we
      found that most of mice generated antibodies against T. gondii organism but
      varied greatly in the production of antibodies against matrix antigen MAG1. There
      was a strong correlation between MAG1 antibody level and brain cyst burden in
      chronically infected mice (r = 0.82, p = 0.0021). We found that mice with high
      MAG1 antibody level displayed lower weight, behavioral changes, altered levels of
      gene expression and immune activation. The most striking change in behavior we
      discovered was a blunted response to amphetamine-trigged locomotor activity. The
      extent of most changes was directly correlated with levels of MAG1 antibody.
      These changes were not found in mice with less cyst burden or mice that were
      acutely but not chronically infected. Our finding highlights the critical role of
      cyst burden in a range of disease severity during chronic infection, the
      predictive value of MAG1 antibody level to brain cyst burden and to changes in
      behavior or other pathology in chronically infected mice. Our finding may have
      important implications for understanding the heterogeneous effects of T. gondii
      infections in human. 

PMID- 27124474
TI  - [Can Quality of Life Be Measured in a Health Care Setting? History, Constraints
      and Possibilities].
AB  - Quality of life concepts and scales related to health (QLRH) are beginning to be
      customary in clinical practice and now play an important role in bioethical
      discussions, particularly concerning the management of terminal patients. This
      paper looks at how that concept has evolved and how it relates to the health
      illness binomial. We illustrate some important complexities the notion of quality
      of life (QL) has borne since its inception and that make applicability in the
      health sciences difficult and, most of all, lead to tremendous biases. In our
      conclusions, we argue it is necessary to improve the concept of QL by including
      aspects and factors related to well-being. Although not entirely quantifiable,
      they give coherence and meaning to the patient data health professionals normally
      work with. 

PMID- 27124475
TI  - [The Identity of Medicine in the Thought of Edmund D. Pellegrino].
AB  - This essay addresses Pellegrino's thought on Philosophy of Medicine; it also
      provides an approach to his concerns on the changing relationship between
      patients and physicians which took place in the late twentieth century in the
      United States and, finally, to his contribution to the identity of Medicine
      debate. From an Aristotelian-Thomist way of thinking, and from a phenomenological
      approach to the medical act, he identifies the ending of Medicine and also its
      limits concerning to "healing", in his two moments, curing and helping, which
      includes caring. Medicine, the essence of Medicine, tends to healing, for this
      relationship between patient and physician tends to a "good" which ultimately
      ends up being its finality. Medical ethics germinates within this relationship,
      the clinical encounter, as a universal experience of illness, pain and humane
      limitation. Therefore, healing is the essence of Medicine and truly its genuine
      identity. Besides healing any other act is not strictly medical. From the
      doctrine of Pellegrino emerges that original and classic idea of "the good of the
      patient" as the main and ruling principle of medical ethics. Medical act is no
      longer just a technique, a technical act, but also a moral enterprise, which our
      teacher relates to the so called "medical virtues". But this "good" may not be
      understood nowadays in the old Hippocratic terms and should also be related to
      the dignity of the patients and to his or her moral autonomy. And accordingly an
      updating of the concept of good is demanded by the teacher who, to this intent,
      stresses four main aspects which are summoned in the article. 

PMID- 27124473
TI  - A Network Biology Approach Identifies Molecular Cross-Talk between Normal
      Prostate Epithelial and Prostate Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - The advent of functional genomics has enabled the genome-wide characterization of
      the molecular state of cells and tissues, virtually at every level of biological
      organization. The difficulty in organizing and mining this unprecedented amount
      of information has stimulated the development of computational methods designed
      to infer the underlying structure of regulatory networks from observational data.
      These important developments had a profound impact in biological sciences since
      they triggered the development of a novel data-driven investigative approach. In
      cancer research, this strategy has been particularly successful. It has
      contributed to the identification of novel biomarkers, to a better
      characterization of disease heterogeneity and to a more in depth understanding of
      cancer pathophysiology. However, so far these approaches have not explicitly
      addressed the challenge of identifying networks representing the interaction of
      different cell types in a complex tissue. Since these interactions represent an
      essential part of the biology of both diseased and healthy tissues, it is of
      paramount importance that this challenge is addressed. Here we report the
      definition of a network reverse engineering strategy designed to infer
      directional signals linking adjacent cell types within a complex tissue. The
      application of this inference strategy to prostate cancer genome-wide expression
      profiling data validated the approach and revealed that normal epithelial cells
      exert an anti-tumour activity on prostate carcinoma cells. Moreover, by using a
      Bayesian hierarchical model integrating genetics and gene expression data and
      combining this with survival analysis, we show that the expression of putative
      cell communication genes related to focal adhesion and secretion is affected by
      epistatic gene copy number variation and it is predictive of patient survival.
      Ultimately, this study represents a generalizable approach to the challenge of
      deciphering cell communication networks in a wide spectrum of biological systems.

PMID- 27124476
TI  - [Omission and Withdrawal of Vital Care. ?Killing or Letting Die? An Approach From
      the Moral and Legal Criteria of Action Tipification].
AB  - This work aims at two objectives. Firstly, at identifying the basic criterions
      that underlie the conceptual distinction between letting die, on the one hand,
      and killing by omitting or withdrawing vital care (VCO), on the other. Secondly,
      at identifying the reasonableness conditions of public interference on the
      decision either to reject or to withdraw vital care. Based upon a theory of
      action inspired in the works of John Finnis, Martin Rhonheimer and Elisabeth
      Anscombe, it is argued that the moral criteria of typification and individuation
      of VCO is analogous but not identical to the corresponding legal criteria.
      Assuming this distinction, I suggest a three steps reasonableness test for public
      interference on the decision to omit or withdraw vital care. 

PMID- 27124477
TI  - [Theory and Practice of Informed Consent].
AB  - Informed consent is the process of communication between the professional
      (medical staff and/or investigator) and patient culminating in the decision
      regarding a particular intervention. However, in our country the concept of
      informed consent is usually limited to the document that must be signed by the
      patient to undergo diagnostic or therapeutic procedures riskier. This consent is
      best understood as a process rather than an event, and also it usually gives
      consent on care processes rather than on specific events: the acceptance of a
      process involves a tacitly acceptance of the different components that are
      usually part of this process. There are many steps in the care process in which a
      simple permission could be enough, not needing a specific and formal consent...
      finally, contrary to the usual practice, the acceptance document of consent
      should be short, clear and understandable, flexible, and with the ability to
      adapt to the circumstances and the patient's wishes as far as possible and, all
      in an atmosphere of trust and verbal information that enables the patient, not
      forced to confront all the information, to delegate decisions on the
      professional. 

PMID- 27124478
TI  - [Transsexualism: a Brain Disorder that Begins to Known].
AB  - Transsexualism describes the condition when a person's psychological gender
      differs from his or her biological sex. People with gender identity disorder
      suffer persistently from this incongruence and they search hormonal and surgical
      sex reassignment to the desired anatomical sex. This review, from an ethical
      perspective, intends to give an overview of structural and functional
      neurobiological correlations of transsexualism and their course under cross-sex
      hormonal administration. Several studies demonstrate an increased functional
      connectivity between cortex regions reaffirming psychosocial distress of
      psychologicalbiological sex incongruity. Such distress can be ascribed to a
      disharmonic body image due to changes in the functional connectivity of the key
      components of body representation network. These brain alterations seem to imply
      a strategic mechanism dissociating bodily emotions from bodily images. For a
      number of sexually dimorphic brain structures or processes, signs of feminization
      or masculinization are observable in transsexual individuals, who during hormonal
      administration seem to partly further adjust to characteristics of the desired
      sex. These changes allow a reduction of psychosocial distress. However, a model
      leading to a "gender affirmation" does not solve the problem, since brain
      disorders causing it are not corrected. This is a serious medical ethics issue.
      Prejudices should be left aside. To know what happens in the brain of
      transsexuals is a medical need, both to define what is and what is not, and so to
      choose an adequate treatment, and to decide and guide legal actions. 

PMID- 27124480
TI  - [Commentary on the Case: Nutrition in Oncological Patient].

PMID- 27124479
TI  - [Case: Nutrition in Oncological Patient].

PMID- 27124482
TI  - Characteristics of Soil and Organic Carbon Loss Induced by Water Erosion on the
      Loess Plateau in China.
AB  - Soil erosion has been a common environmental problem in the Loess Plateau in
      China. This study aims to better understand the losses of soil organic carbon
      (SOC) induced by water erosion. Laboratory-simulated rainfall experiments were
      conducted to investigate the characteristics of SOC loss induced by water
      erosion. The applied treatments included two rainfall intensities (90 and 120 mm
      h-1), four slope gradients (10 degrees , 15 degrees , 20 degrees , and 25 degrees
      ), and two typical soil types- silty clay loam and silty loam. Results showed
      that the sediment OC enrichment ratios (ERoc) in all the events were relative
      stable with values ranged from 0.85 to1.21 and 0.64 to 1.52 and mean values of
      0.98 and 1.01 for silty clay loam and silty loam, respectively. Similar to the
      ERoc, the proportions of different sized particles in sediment showed tiny
      variations during erosion processes. No significant correlation was observed
      between ERoc values and the proportions of sediment particles. Slope, rainfall
      intensity and soil type almost had no impact on ERoc. These results indicate that
      the transportation of SOC during erosion processes was nonselective. While the
      mean SOC loss rates for the events of silty clay loam and silty loam were 0.30
      and 0.08 g m-2 min-1, respectively. Greater differences in SOC loss rates were
      found in events among different soil types. Meanwhile, significant correlations
      between SOC loss and soil loss for all the events were observed. These results
      indicated that the amount of SOC loss was influenced primarily by soil loss and
      the SOC content of the original soil. Erosion pattern and original SOC content
      are two main factors by which different soils can influence SOC loss. It seems
      that soil type has a greater impact on SOC loss than rainfall characteristics on
      the Loess Plateau of China. However, more kinds of soils should be further
      studied due to the special formation processes in the Loess Plateau.

PMID- 27124481
TI  - Phenotypical characterization of regulatory T cells in humans and rodents.
AB  - Regulatory T cells (Tregs ) constitute a fascinating subpopulation of CD4(+) T
      cells due to their ability to limit the immune response against self and non-self
      antigens. Murine models and antibodies directed against surface and intracellular
      molecules have allowed elucidation of the mechanisms that govern their
      development and function. However, these markers used to their classification
      lack of specificity, as they can be expressed by activated T cells. Similarly,
      there are slight differences between animal models, in steady state and
      pathological conditions, anatomical localization and strategy of analysis by flow
      cytometry. Here, we revised the most common markers utilized for Treg
      typification by flow cytometry such as CD25, forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) and
      CD127, along with our data obtained in different body compartments of humans,
      mice and rats. Furthermore, we revised and determined the expression of other
      molecules important for the phenotypical characterization of Treg cells. We draw
      attention to the drawbacks of those markers used in chronic states of
      inflammation. However, until a specific marker for the identification of Tregs is
      discovered, the best combination of markers will depend upon the tissue or the
      degree of inflammation from which Tregs derive.

PMID- 27124484
TI  - Development, Use, and Interpretation of Patient-Reported Outcomes for Clinical
      Decision Making in Ophthalmology.

PMID- 27124483
TI  - Real-Time Tracking of BODIPY-C12 Long-Chain Fatty Acid in Human Term Placenta
      Reveals Unique Lipid Dynamics in Cytotrophoblast Cells.
AB  - While the human placenta must provide selected long-chain fatty acids to support
      the developing fetal brain, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the
      transport process. We tracked the movement of the fluorescently labeled long
      chain fatty acid analogue, BODIPY-C12, across the cell layers of living explants
      of human term placenta. Although all layers took up the fatty acid, rapid
      esterification of long-chain fatty acids and incorporation into lipid droplets
      was exclusive to the inner layer cytotrophoblast cells rather than the expected
      outer syncytiotrophoblast layer. Cytotrophoblast is a progenitor cell layer
      previously relegated to a repair role. As isolated cytotrophoblasts
      differentiated into syncytialized cells in culture, they weakened their lipid
      processing capacity. Syncytializing cells suppress previously active genes that
      regulate fatty-acid uptake (SLC27A2/FATP2, FABP4, ACSL5) and lipid metabolism
      (GPAT3, LPCAT3). We speculate that cytotrophoblast performs a previously
      unrecognized role in regulating placental fatty acid uptake and metabolism.

PMID- 27124485
TI  - Investigating Empathy-Like Responding to Conspecifics' Distress in Pet Dogs.
AB  - Empathy covers a wide range of phenomena varying according to the degree of
      cognitive complexity involved; ranging from emotional contagion, defined as the
      sharing of others' emotional states, to sympathetic concern requiring animals to
      have an appraisal of the others' situation and showing concern-like behaviors.
      While most studies have investigated how animals reacted in response to
      conspecifics' distress, dogs so far have mainly been targeted to examine cross
      species empathic responses. To investigate whether dogs would respond with
      empathy-like behavior also to conspecifics, we adopted a playback method using
      conspecifics' vocalizations (whines) recorded during a distressful event as well
      as control sounds. Our subjects were first exposed to a playback phase where they
      were subjected either to a control sound, a familiar whine (from their familiar
      partner) or a stranger whine stimulus (from a stranger dog), and then a reunion
      phase where the familiar partner entered the room. When exposed to whines, dogs
      showed a higher behavioral alertness and exhibited more stress-related behaviors
      compared to when exposed to acoustically similar control sounds. Moreover, they
      demonstrated more comfort-offering behaviors toward their familiar partners
      following whine playbacks than after control stimuli. Furthermore, when looking
      at the first session, this comfort offering was biased towards the familiar
      partner when subjects were previously exposed to the familiar compared to the
      stranger whines. Finally, familiar whine stimuli tended to maintain higher
      cortisol levels while stranger whines did not. To our knowledge, these results
      are the first to suggest that dogs can experience and demonstrate "empathic-like"
      responses to conspecifics' distress-calls.

PMID- 27124487
TI  - Bottom-Up Colloidal Crystal Assembly with a Twist.
AB  - Globally ordered colloidal crystal lattices have broad utility in a wide range of
      optical and catalytic devices, for example, as photonic band gap materials.
      However, the self-assembly of stereospecific structures is often confounded by
      polymorphism. Small free-energy differences often characterize ensembles of
      different structures, making it difficult to produce a single morphology at will.
      Current techniques to handle this problem adopt one of two approaches: that of
      the "top-down" or "bottom-up" methodology, whereby structures are engineered
      starting from the largest or smallest relevant length scales, respectively.
      However, recently, a third approach for directing high fidelity assembly of
      colloidal crystals has been suggested which relies on the introduction of polymer
      cosolutes into the crystal phase [Mahynski, N.; Panagiotopoulos, A. Z.; Meng, D.;
      Kumar, S. K. Nat. Commun. 2014, 5, 4472]. By tuning the polymer's morphology to
      interact uniquely with the void symmetry of a single desired crystal, the entropy
      loss associated with polymer confinement has been shown to strongly bias the
      formation of that phase. However, previously, this approach has only been
      demonstrated in the limiting case of close-packed crystals. Here, we show how
      this approach may be generalized and extended to complex open crystals,
      illustrating the utility of this "structure-directing agent" paradigm in
      engineering the nanoscale structure of ordered colloidal materials. The high
      degree of transferability of this paradigm's basic principles between relatively
      simple crystals and more complex ones suggests that this represents a valuable
      addition to presently known self-assembly techniques.

PMID- 27124488
TI  - The Water Suitcase of Migrants: Assessing Virtual Water Fluxes Associated to
      Human Migration.
AB  - Disentangling the relations between human migrations and water resources is
      relevant for food security and trade policy in water-scarce countries. It is
      commonly believed that human migrations are beneficial to the water endowments of
      origin countries for reducing the pressure on local resources. We show here that
      such belief is over-simplistic. We reframe the problem by considering the
      international food trade and the corresponding virtual water fluxes, which
      quantify the water used for the production of traded agricultural commodities. By
      means of robust analytical tools, we show that migrants strengthen the commercial
      links between countries, triggering trade fluxes caused by food consumption
      habits persisting after migration. Thus migrants significantly increase the
      virtual water fluxes and the use of water in the countries of origin. The flux
      ascribable to each migrant, i.e. the "water suitcase", is found to have increased
      from 321 m3/y in 1990 to 1367 m3/y in 2010. A comparison with the water footprint
      of individuals shows that where the water suitcase exceeds the water footprint of
      inhabitants, migrations turn out to be detrimental to the water endowments of
      origin countries, challenging the common perception that migrations tend to
      relieve the pressure on the local (water) resources of origin countries.

PMID- 27124486
TI  - Clinical, Molecular, and Immune Analysis of Dabrafenib-Trametinib Combination
      Treatment for BRAF Inhibitor-Refractory Metastatic Melanoma: A Phase 2 Clinical
      Trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Combined treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib (CombiDT) achieves
      clinical responses in only about 15% of patients with BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi)
      refractory metastatic melanoma in contrast to the higher response rate observed
      in BRAFi-naive patients. Identifying correlates of response and mechanisms of
      resistance in this population will facilitate clinical management and rational
      therapeutic development. OBJECTIVE: To determine correlates of benefit from
      CombiDT therapy in patients with BRAFi-refractory metastatic melanoma. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Single-center, single-arm, open-label phase 2 trial of
      CombiDT treatment in patients with BRAF V600 metastatic melanoma resistant to
      BRAFi monotherapy conducted between September 2012 and October 2014 at the
      University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Key eligibility criteria for
      participants included BRAF V600 metastatic melanoma, prior BRAFi monotherapy,
      measurable disease (RECIST 1.1), and tumor accessible for biopsy. INTERVENTIONS:
      Patients were treated with dabrafenib (150 mg, twice daily) and trametinib (2
      mg/d) continuously until disease progression or intolerance. All participants
      underwent a mandatory baseline biopsy, and optional biopsy specimens were
      obtained on treatment and at disease progression. Whole-exome sequencing, reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis for BRAF splicing, RNA
      sequencing, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed on tumor samples, and
      blood was analyzed for levels of circulating BRAF V600. MAIN OUTCOMES AND
      MEASURES: The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR). Progression-free
      survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were secondary clinical end points.
      RESULTS: A total of 28 patients were screened, and 23 enrolled. Among evaluable
      patients, the confirmed ORR was 10%; disease control rate (DCR) was 45%, and
      median PFS was 13 weeks. Clinical benefit was associated with duration of prior
      BRAFi therapy greater than 6 months (DCR, 73% vs 11% for <=6 months; P = .02) and
      decrease in circulating BRAF V600 at day 8 of cycle 1 (DCR, 75% vs 18% for no
      decrease; P = .02) but not with pretreatment mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK) pathway mutations or activation. Biopsy specimens obtained during
      treatment demonstrated that CombiDT therapy failed to achieve significant MAPK
      pathway inhibition or immune infiltration in most patients. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: The baseline presence of MAPK pathway alterations was not associated
      with benefit from CombiDT in patients with BRAFi-refractory metastatic melanoma.
      Failure to inhibit the MAPK pathway provides a likely explanation for the limited
      clinical benefit of CombiDT in this setting. Circulating BRAF V600 is a promising
      early biomarker of clinical response. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov
      Identifier: NCT01619774.

PMID- 27124489
TI  - Filamentous Fungi in Respiratory Infections. What Lies Beyond Aspergillosis and
      Mucormycosis?

PMID- 27124491
TI  - Placing Local Aggregations in a Larger-Scale Context: Hierarchical Modeling of
      Black-Footed Albatross Dispersion.
AB  - At-sea surveys facilitate the study of the distribution and abundance of marine
      birds along standardized transects, in relation to changes in the local
      environmental conditions and large-scale oceanographic forcing. We analyzed the
      form and the intensity of black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes: BFAL)
      spatial dispersion off central California, using five years (2004-2008) of vessel
      based surveys of seven replicated survey lines. We related BFAL patchiness to
      local, regional and basin-wide oceanographic variability using two complementary
      approaches: a hypothesis-based model and an exploratory analysis. The former
      tested the strength and sign of hypothesized BFAL responses to environmental
      variability, within a hierarchical atmosphere-ocean context. The latter explored
      BFAL cross-correlations with atmospheric / oceanographic variables. While
      albatross dispersion was not significantly explained by the hierarchical model,
      the exploratory analysis revealed that aggregations were influenced by static
      (latitude, depth) and dynamic (wind speed, upwelling) environmental variables.
      Moreover, the largest BFAL patches occurred along the survey lines with the
      highest densities, and in association with shallow banks. In turn, the highest
      BFAL densities occurred during periods of negative Pacific Decadal Oscillation
      index values and low atmospheric pressure. The exploratory analyses suggest that
      BFAL dispersion is influenced by basin-wide, regional-scale and local
      environmental variability. Furthermore, the hypothesis-based model highlights
      that BFAL do not respond to oceanographic variability in a hierarchical fashion.
      Instead, their distributions shift more strongly in response to large-scale ocean
      atmosphere forcing. Thus, interpreting local changes in BFAL abundance and
      dispersion requires considering diverse environmental forcing operating at
      multiple scales.

PMID- 27124492
TI  - Surface Area of Carbon Nanoparticles: A Dose Metric for a More Realistic
      Ecotoxicological Assessment.
AB  - Engineered nanoparticles such as graphenes, nanodiamonds, and carbon nanotubes
      correspond to different allotropes of carbon and are among the best candidates
      for applications in fast-growing nanotechnology. It is thus likely that they may
      get into the environment at each step of their life cycle: production, use, and
      disposal. The aquatic compartment concentrates pollutants and is expected to be
      especially impacted. The toxicity of a compound is conventionally evaluated using
      mass concentration as a quantitative measure of exposure. However, several
      studies have highlighted that such a metric is not the best descriptor at the
      nanoscale. Here we compare the inhibition of Xenopus laevis larvae growth after
      in vivo exposure to different carbon nanoparticles for 12 days using different
      dose metrics and clearly show that surface area is the most relevant descriptor
      of toxicity for different types of carbon allotropes.

PMID- 27124490
TI  - Biobanking of Fresh-Frozen Human Adenocarcinomatous and Normal Colon Tissues:
      Which Parameters Influence RNA Quality?
AB  - Medical research projects become increasingly dependent on biobanked tissue of
      high quality because the reliability of gene expression is affected by the
      quality of extracted RNA. Hence, the present study aimed to determine if
      clinical, surgical, histological, and molecular parameters influence RNA quality
      of normal and tumoral frozen colonic tissues. RNA Quality Index (RQI) was
      evaluated on 241 adenocarcinomas and 115 matched normal frozen colon tissues
      collected between October 2006 and December 2012. RQI results were compared to
      patients' age and sex, tumor site, kind of surgery, anastomosis failure,
      adenocarcinoma type and grade, tumor cell percentage, necrosis extent, HIF-1alpha
      and cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry, and BRAF, KRAS and microsatellites
      status. The RQI was significantly higher in colon cancer tissue than in matched
      normal tissue. RQI from left-sided colonic cancers was significantly higher than
      RQI from right-sided cancers. The RNA quality was not affected by ischemia and
      storage duration. According to histological control, 7.9% of the samples were
      unsatisfactory because of inadequate sampling. Biobanked tumoral tissues with RQI
      >=5 had lower malignant cells to stromal cells ratio than samples with RQI <5 (p
      <0.05). Cellularity, necrosis extent and mucinous component did not influence RQI
      results. Cleaved caspase-3 and HIF-1alpha immunolabelling were not correlated to
      RQI. BRAF, KRAS and microsatellites molecular status did not influence RNA
      quality. Multivariate analysis revealed that the tumor location, the surgical
      approach (laparoscopy versus open colectomy) and the occurrence of anastomotic
      leakage were the only parameters influencing significantly RQI results of tumor
      samples. We failed to identify parameter influencing RQI of normal colon samples.
      These data suggest that RNA quality of colonic adenocarcinoma biospecimens is
      determined by clinical and surgical parameters. More attention should be paid
      during the biobanking procedure of right-sided colon cancer or laparoscopic
      colectomy specimen. Histological quality control remains essential to control
      sampling accuracy.

PMID- 27124493
TI  - The Dynamics of Initiative in Communication Networks.
AB  - Human social interaction is often intermittent. Two acquainted persons can have
      extended periods without social interaction punctuated by periods of repeated
      interaction. In this case, the repeated interaction can be characterized by a
      seed initiative by either of the persons and a number of follow-up interactions.
      The tendency to initiate social interaction plays an important role in the
      formation of social networks and is in general not symmetric between persons. In
      this paper, we study the dynamics of initiative by analysing and modeling a
      detailed call and text message network sampled from a group of 700 individuals.
      We show that in an average relationship between two individuals, one part is
      almost twice as likely to initiate communication compared to the other part. The
      asymmetry has social consequences and ultimately might lead to the
      discontinuation of a relationship. We explain the observed asymmetry by a
      positive feedback mechanism where individuals already taking initiative are more
      likely to take initiative in the future. In general, people with many initiatives
      receive attention from a broader spectrum of friends than people with few
      initiatives. Lastly, we compare the likelihood of taking initiative with the
      basic personality traits of the five factor model.

PMID- 27124494
TI  - Flexible Circuits and Soft Actuators by Printing Assembly of Graphene.
AB  - An effective way to improve the electrical conductivity of printed graphene
      patterns was demonstrated by realizing the assembly of giant graphene oxide
      sheets during the printing process. The synergetic effect of printing-induced
      orientation and evaporation-induced interfacial assembly facilitated the
      formation of laminar-structured patterns. The resulting patterns after chemical
      reduction showed excellent electrical conductivity in printed graphene
      electronics. Because of their high conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and
      advantage in pattern design, printed graphene electrodes were applied in
      electrical-driven soft actuators, which can realize controllable deformation with
      low driving voltage. Such achievements will be of great significance for the
      development of graphene-based flexible and printed electronics.

PMID- 27124495
TI  - Stealth fast photoswitching of negative photochromic naphthalene-bridged phenoxyl
      imidazolyl radical complexes.
AB  - Naphthalene-bridged phenoxyl-imidazolyl radical complex (Np-PIC) is a novel fast
      switchable negative photochromic compound, which shows the thermal back reaction
      in the millisecond time scale. Upon UV light irradiation, Np-PIC shows the
      hypochromic effect in the UVA region due to there being less conjugation in the
      transient isomer. By replacing the phenoxyl unit with a naphthoxyl unit, the
      molecular structure has an asymmetric carbon, leading to fast chiroptical
      switching. This simple molecular design will be a good candidate for the future
      development of negative photochromic compounds. 

PMID- 27124497
TI  - Assembling Metal-Organic Frameworks in Ionic Liquids and Supercritical CO2.
AB  - Ionic liquids (ILs) and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2 ) are both considered
      to be green solvents with tunable properties. Recently, studies of the synthesis
      of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in the presence of ILs and scCO2 has become a
      burgeoning direction in chemistry and materials science. ILs have been shown to
      be ideal media for the synthesis of a variety of MOFs owing to their unique
      properties including the ability to dissolve a wide range of organic and
      inorganic compounds and flexible designability. scCO2 has adjustable solvent
      power and excellent mass-transfer characteristics that offer the opportunity to
      replace organic solvents for MOF activation, MOF aerogel synthesis, and MOF
      construction. More interestingly, the simultaneous utilization of IL and scCO2
      can combine the advantages of the two liquids, which provides novel routes for
      the fabrication of MOF structures. This review describes the advances in MOF
      synthesis in ILs, scCO2 , and IL/scCO2 systems.

PMID- 27124498
TI  - Synthesis and Application of Tetrahydro-2H-fluorenes by a Pd(0)-Catalyzed
      Benzylic C(sp(3) )-H Functionalization.
AB  - A new method has been developed for the synthesis of tetrahydro-2H-fluorenes
      based on a Pd(0)-catalyzed benzylic C(sp(3) )-H functionalization. Importantly,
      the success of the cyclization step was dependent on there being substituents at
      the two positions ortho to the benzylic group to avoid an undesired C(sp(2) )-H
      functionalization. This method was subsequently used to prepare the right-hand
      fragment of the hexacyclic triterpenoid benzohopanes, and therefore represents a
      powerful tool for the construction of the related compounds.

PMID- 27124496
TI  - Stand Composition, Tree Proximity and Size Have Minimal Effects on Leaf Function
      of Coexisting Aspen and Subalpine Fir.
AB  - Forest structural heterogeneity due to species composition, spatial relationships
      and tree size are widely studied patterns in forest systems, but their impacts on
      tree function are not as well documented. The objective of this study was to
      examine how stand composition, tree proximity relationships and tree size
      influence the leaf functional traits of aspen, an early successional species, and
      subalpine fir, a climax species. We measured foliar nutrients, nonstructural
      carbohydrates (aspen only), defense chemistry and xylem water potential of aspen
      and subalpine fir trees in three size classes growing in close proximity or
      independently from other trees under three stand conditions: aspen dominant,
      aspen-conifer mixed, and conifer dominant stands. Close proximity of subalpine
      fir to aspen reduced aspen's storage of starch in foliar tissue by 17% suggesting
      that competition between these species may have small effects on carbon
      metabolism in aspen leaves. Simple sugar (glucose + sucrose) concentrations in
      aspen leaves were slightly higher in larger aspen trees than smaller trees.
      However, no differences were found in stem water potential, foliar concentrations
      of nitrogen, phosphorus, or secondary defense chemicals of aspen or subalpine fir
      across the gradients of stand composition, tree proximity or tree size. These
      results suggest that mechanisms of coexistence allow both aspen and subalpine fir
      to maintain leaf function across a wide range of stand structural
      characteristics. For aspen, resource sharing through its clonal root system and
      high resource storage capacity may partially contribute to its functional
      stability in mixed aspen-conifer stands.

PMID- 27124499
TI  - A Microfiltration Device for Urogenital Schistosomiasis Diagnostics.
AB  - Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease affecting over 200 million people
      worldwide. This study reports the design and development of a microfiltration
      device for isolating schistosome eggs in urine for rapid diagnostics of
      urogenital schistosomiasis. The design of the device comprises a linear array of
      microfluidic traps to immobilize and separate schistosome eggs. Sequential
      loading of individual eggs is achieved autonomously by flow resistance, which
      facilitates observation and enumeration of samples with low-abundance targets.
      Computational fluid dynamics modeling and experimental characterization are
      performed to optimize the trapping performance. By optimizing the capture
      strategy, the trapping efficiency could be achieved at 100% with 300 MUl/min and
      83% with 3000 MUl/min, and the filtration procedure could be finished within 10
      min. The trapped eggs can be either recovered for downstream analysis or
      preserved in situ for whole-mount staining. On-chip phenotyping using confocal
      laser fluorescence microscopy identifies the microstructure of the trapped
      schistosome eggs. The device provides a novel microfluidic approach for trapping,
      counting and on-chip fluorescence characterization of urinal Schistosoma
      haematobium eggs for clinical and investigative application.

PMID- 27124500
TI  - TRPV4 channels in the human urogenital tract play a role in cell junction
      formation and epithelial barrier.
AB  - AIM: The molecular interactions between transient receptor potential vanilloid
      subtype 4 channels (TRPV4) and cell junction formation were investigated in the
      human and mouse urogenital tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative study was
      performed to investigate TRPV4 channels, adherence junctions (AJs) and tight
      junctions (TJs) in kidney, ureter and bladder tissues from humans and wild-type
      and transgenic TRPV4 knockout (-/-) mice with immunohistochemistry, Western
      blotting, immunoprecipitation and reverse trasnscription-PCR. Cell junction
      formation in the wild-type and TRPV4 knockout (-/-) mouse was evaluated with
      immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques.
      RESULTS: TRPV4 channels are predominantly located in membranes of epithelial
      cells of the bladder, ureter and the collecting ducts of the kidney. There is a
      molecular interaction between the TRPV4 channel and the AJ. TEM evaluation showed
      that AJ formation is disrupted in the TRPV4 -/- mouse resulting in deficient
      intercellular connections and integrity of the epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: TRPV4 is
      believed to be a mechanoreceptor in the bladder. This study demonstrates that
      TRPV4 is also involved in intercellular connectivity and structural integrity of
      the epithelium.

PMID- 27124502
TI  - Psychometric evaluation of the 10-item Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale-Gossop (SOWS
      Gossop) in patients undergoing opioid detoxification.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale (SOWS)-Gossop is a 10-item
      questionnaire developed to evaluate opioid withdrawal symptom severity. The scale
      was derived from the original 32-item Opiate Withdrawal Scale in order to reduce
      redundancy while providing an equally sensitive measure of opioid withdrawal
      symptom severity appropriate for research and clinical practice. The objective of
      this study was to examine the psychometric properties and provide score
      interpretation guidelines for the SOWS-Gossop 10-item version. METHODS: Blinded,
      pooled data from two trials assessing the efficacy of lofexidine hydrochloride in
      reducing withdrawal symptoms in patients undergoing opioid detoxification were
      used to evaluate the quantitative psychometric properties and score
      interpretation of the SOWS-Gossop. RESULTS: Five hundred fifty-five (N=555)
      observations were available at baseline with numbers decreasing to n=213 at day
      7. Mean (standard deviation) SOWS-Gossop scores were 10.4 (6.86) at baseline, 8.7
      (6.49) on day 1, 10.5 (7.21) on day 2, and 3.1 (3.95) on day 7. Confirmatory
      factor analysis indicated that the SOWS-Gossop items loaded on a single factor
      consistent with a single total score. Intra-class correlations (95% confidence
      interval) were 0.78 (0.70-0.85) between baseline and day 1, 0.84 (0.79-0.89)
      between days 4 and 5, and 0.88 (0.83-0.91) between days 6 and 7, demonstrating
      good test-retest reliability. Mean SOWS-Gossop scores varied significantly
      (p<0.0001) by Modified Clinical Global Impression severity groups supporting
      known-groups validity. Most correlations with conceptually similar instruments
      were over 0.4, providing evidence of construct validity. Results suggest that a
      change score of approximately 2-4 points is likely a small but meaningful
      improvement on the SOWS-Gossop Total Score. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this
      study indicate that the SOWS-Gossop includes concepts that are relevant to
      patients' experiences with opioid withdrawal and has excellent psychometric
      properties. The SOWS-Gossop is an appropriate, precise, and sensitive measure to
      evaluate the symptoms of acute opioid withdrawal in research or clinical
      settings.

PMID- 27124503
TI  - Borderline personality disorder and compulsive buying: A multivariate etiological
      model.

PMID- 27124505
TI  - Examining the effectiveness of a culturally adapted social-emotional intervention
      for African American males in an urban setting.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy of a culturally
      adapted version of the Strong Start intervention program on the social-emotional
      outcomes of African American male students. Externalizing behavior problems of
      children, specifically African American males, are of great concern for schools.
      Punitive discipline polices such as expulsion and suspension have proved to be
      ineffective and harmful. Consequently, school-based social-emotional learning
      (SEL) interventions have been proposed to teach children coping skills that can
      help them increase positive social behaviors and emotional regulation. Sixty-one
      African American male students enrolled in an urban elementary school
      participated in this intervention. This study employed a randomized delayed
      treatment control design. Results indicated positive effects in the areas of self
      regulation and self-competence. However the intervention did not have an impact
      on student's empathy, responsibility, or externalizing behavior. Implications are
      discussed in terms of developing culturally relevant school-based interventions
      for African American males. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124504
TI  - Localization of RNAPII and 3' end formation factor CstF subunits on C. elegans
      genes and operons.
AB  - Transcription termination is mechanistically coupled to pre-mRNA 3' end formation
      to prevent transcription much beyond the gene 3' end. C. elegans, however,
      engages in polycistronic transcription of operons in which 3' end formation
      between genes is not accompanied by termination. We have performed RNA polymerase
      II (RNAPII) and CstF ChIP-seq experiments to investigate at a genome-wide level
      how RNAPII can transcribe through multiple poly-A signals without causing
      termination. Our data shows that transcription proceeds in some ways as if
      operons were composed of multiple adjacent single genes. Total RNAPII shows a
      small peak at the promoter of the gene cluster and a much larger peak at 3' ends.
      These 3' peaks coincide with maximal phosphorylation of Ser2 within the C
      terminal domain (CTD) of RNAPII and maximal localization of the 3' end formation
      factor CstF. This pattern occurs at all 3' ends including those at internal sites
      in operons where termination does not occur. Thus the normal mechanism of 3' end
      formation does not always result in transcription termination. Furthermore,
      reduction of CstF50 by RNAi did not substantially alter the pattern of CstF64,
      total RNAPII, or Ser2 phosphorylation at either internal or terminal 3' ends.
      However, CstF50 RNAi did result in a subtle reduction of CstF64 binding upstream
      of the site of 3' cleavage, suggesting that the CstF50/CTD interaction may
      facilitate bringing the 3' end machinery to the transcription complex.

PMID- 27124506
TI  - Retention of Mastoidectomy Skills After Virtual Reality Simulation Training.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The ultimate goal of surgical training is consolidated skills with a
      consistently high performance. However, surgical skills are heterogeneously
      retained and depend on a variety of factors, including the task, cognitive
      demands, and organization of practice. Virtual reality (VR) simulation is
      increasingly being used in surgical skills training, including temporal bone
      surgery, but there is a gap in knowledge on the retention of mastoidectomy skills
      after VR simulation training. OBJECTIVES: To determine the retention of
      mastoidectomy skills after VR simulation training with distributed and massed
      practice and to investigate participants' cognitive load during retention
      procedures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective 3-month follow-up
      study of a VR simulation trial was conducted from February 6 to September 19,
      2014, at an academic teaching hospital among 36 medical students: 19 from a
      cohort trained with distributed practice and 17 from a cohort trained with massed
      practice. INTERVENTIONS: Participants performed 2 virtual mastoidectomies in a VR
      simulator a mean of 3.2 months (range, 2.4-5.0 months) after completing initial
      training with 12 repeated procedures. Practice blocks were spaced apart in time
      (distributed), or all procedures were performed in 1 day (massed). MAIN OUTCOMES
      AND MEASURES: Performance of the virtual mastoidectomy as assessed by 2 masked
      senior otologists using a modified Welling scale, as well as cognitive load as
      estimated by reaction time to perform a secondary task. RESULTS: Among 36
      participants, mastoidectomy final-product skills were largely retained at 3
      months (mean change in score, 0.1 points; P = .89) regardless of practice
      schedule, but the group trained with massed practice took more time to complete
      the task. The performance of the massed practice group increased significantly
      from the first to the second retention procedure (mean change, 1.8 points; P =
      .001), reflecting that skills were less consolidated. For both groups, increases
      in reaction times in the secondary task (distributed practice group: mean
      pretraining relative reaction time, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.37-1.47]; mean end of
      training relative reaction time, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.16-1.32]; and mean retention
      relative reaction time, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.30-1.42]; massed practice group: mean
      pretraining relative reaction time, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.28-1.40]; mean end of
      training relative reaction time, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.21-1.42]; and mean retention
      relative reaction time, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.31-1.46]) indicated that cognitive load
      during the virtual procedures had returned to the pretraining level. CONCLUSIONS
      AND RELEVANCE: Mastoidectomy skills acquired under time-distributed practice
      conditions were retained better than skills acquired under massed practice
      conditions. Complex psychomotor skills should be regularly reinforced to
      consolidate both motor and cognitive aspects. Virtual reality simulation training
      provides the opportunity for such repeated training and should be integrated into
      training curricula.

PMID- 27124507
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27124509
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27124508
TI  - Dose Monitoring in Radiology Departments: Status Quo and Future Perspectives.
AB  - The number of computed tomography examinations has continuously increased over
      the last decades and accounts for a major part of the collective radiation dose
      from medical investigations. For purposes of quality assurance in modern
      radiology a systematic monitoring and analysis of dose related data from
      radiological examinations is mandatory. Various ways of collecting dose data are
      available today, for example the Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine -
      Structured Report (DICOM-SR), optical character recognition and DICOM-modality
      performed procedure steps (MPPS). The DICOM-SR is part of the DICOM-standard and
      provides the DICOM-Radiation Dose Structured Report, which is an easily
      applicable and comprehensive solution to collect radiation dose parameters. This
      standard simplifies the process of data collection and enables comprehensive dose
      monitoring. Various commercial dose monitoring software devices with varying
      characteristics are available today. In this article, we discuss legal
      obligations, various ways to monitor dose data, current dose monitoring software
      solutions and future perspectives in regard to the EU Council Directive
      2013/59/EURATOM. KEY POINTS: * Automated, systematic dose monitoring is an
      important element in quality assurance of radiology departments. * DICOM-RDSR
      capable CT scanners facilitate the monitoring of dose data. * A variety of
      commercial and non-commercial dose monitoring software tools are available today.
      * Successful dose monitoring requires comprehensive infrastructure for
      monitoring, analysing and optimizing radiation exposure. Citation Format: * Boos
      J, Meineke A, Bethge OT et al. Dose Monitoring in Radiology Departments: Status
      Quo and Future Perspectives. Fortschr Rontgenstr 2016; 188: 443 - 450.

PMID- 27124510
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27124512
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27124511
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27124514
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27124513
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27124515
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27124516
TI  - Multicomponent Double Diels-Alder/Nazarov Tandem Cyclization of Symmetric Cross
      Conjugated Diynones to Generate [6-5-6] Tricyclic Products.
AB  - The construction of complex polycyclic terpenoid products in an efficient and
      step-economical manner using multicomponent and tandem processes is highly
      valuable. Herein, we report a tandem cyclization sequence that initiates with a
      multicomponent double Diels-Alder reaction of cross-conjugated diynones, followed
      by a Nazarov cyclization to efficiently produce [6-5-6] tricyclic products with
      excellent regio- and diastereoselectivity. This methodology generates five new
      carbon-carbon bonds, three rings, quaternary or vicinal quaternary carbons, and
      stereogenic centers in a one-pot reaction. 

PMID- 27124517
TI  - Food Insecurity Associated with Self-Efficacy and Acculturation.
AB  - Food insecurity is a significant public health issue that affects the physical
      and mental health of people of all ages. Higher levels of self-efficacy may
      reduce levels of food insecurity. In addition, acculturation is potentially an
      important factor for food insecurity among immigrant populations. The purpose of
      this study is to examine food insecurity associated with self-efficacy and
      acculturation among low-income primary care patients in the United States. A self
      administered survey was administered in May and June 2015 to uninsured primary
      care patients (N = 551) utilizing a free clinic that provides free primary care
      services to low-income uninsured individuals and families in the United States.
      On average, participants reported low food security. Higher levels of self
      efficacy were associated with lower levels of food insecurity. Higher levels of
      heritage language proficiency were related to lower levels of food insecurity. US
      born English speakers, women, and unmarried individuals potentially have higher
      risks of food insecurity and may need interventions to meet their specific needs.
      Self-efficacy should be included in nutrition education programs to reduce the
      levels of food insecurity. Future studies should further examine why these groups
      have a high risk to better understand needs for interventions.

PMID- 27124518
TI  - A Three-Step Method for the Deposition of Large Cuboids of Organic-Inorganic
      Perovskite and Application in Solar Cells.
AB  - A three-step method for the deposition of CH3 NH3 PbI3 perovskite films with a
      high crystalline structure and large cuboid overlayer morphology is reported. The
      method includes PbI2 deposition, which is followed by dipping into a solution of
      C4 H9 NH3 I (BAI) and (BA)2 PbI4 perovskite formation. In the final step, the
      poorly thermodynamically stable (BA)2 PbI4 phase converts into the more stable
      CH3 NH3 PbI3 perovskite by dipping into a solution of CH3 NH3 I. The final
      product is characterized by XRD, SEM, UV/Vis, and photoluminescence analysis
      methods. The experimental results indicate that the prepared perovskite has
      cuboids with high crystallinity and large sizes (up to 1 MUm), as confirmed by
      XRD and SEM data. Photovoltaic investigations show that the three-step method
      results in higher solar cell efficiency (15 % enhancement in efficiency) with a
      better reproducibility than the conventional two-step deposition method. 

PMID- 27124519
TI  - Infections and coinfections by respiratory human bocavirus during eight seasons
      in hospitalized children.
AB  - The human bocavirus (hBoV) has been identified in respiratory infections in
      children in a large number of studies. Despite this, the pathogenic role of the
      HBoV is under discussion. The main objectives of the study were: to determine the
      incidence of HBoV in hospitalized children; to describe the main clinical
      features of the positive children; and to compare the data with those from other
      viral infections in the same population. A prospective study was performed
      between 2005 and 2013 including children up to 14-year old with respiratory
      infection admitted to the Severo Ochoa Hospital (Spain). Nasopharyngeal aspirates
      were taken from 3,275 patients and were tested for HBoV and other 15 respiratory
      viruses by RT-nested PCR. HBoV was detected in 319 patients (9.9%); 80 cases as a
      single pathogen, and 239 cases (75%) as coinfections with other viruses. The HBoV
      was the fourth most common virus detected, behind respiratory syncytial virus
      (39.8%), rhinovirus (30.6%), and adenovirus (15%). The most common clinical
      diagnosis, in cases that HBoV was detected as a single pathogen was asthma
      exacerbation followed by pneumonia. A seasonal distribution was shown, with
      higher positivity rates in December and January. Children affected by HBoV were
      older than children infected by other viruses. Differences in terms of clinical
      diagnosis were found, bronchiolitis diagnosis was lower compared with the other
      viruses, and HBoV was associated with diagnosis of pneumonia, with increased use
      of antibiotics (41.8%), and radiographic infiltrates (47%). These findings could
      suggest a pathogenic role of HBoV in respiratory infections in children under 14
      years of age. J. Med. Virol. 88:2052-2058, 2016. Published 2016. This article is
      a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

PMID- 27124520
TI  - Minor populations of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria-type cells in patients
      with chronic idiopathic neutropenia.
AB  - Chronic idiopathic neutropenia (CIN) is an acquired disorder of granulopoiesis
      characterized by increased apoptosis of the bone marrow (BM) granulocytic
      progenitor cells under the influence of pro-inflammatory mediators and
      oligoclonal/monoclonal T-lymphocytes. Because patients with immune-mediated BM
      failure display frequently paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH)-type cells
      in the peripheral blood (PB), we investigated the possible existence of PNH-type
      cells in 91 patients with CIN using flow cytometry. The patients displayed
      increased proportions of PNH-type glycophorin A+ /CD59dim and glycophorin A+
      /CD59- red blood cells (RBCs), FLAER- /CD24- granulocytes, and FLAER- /CD14-
      monocytes, compared to controls (n = 55). A positive correlation was found
      between the proportions of PNH-type RBCs, granulocytes, and monocytes and an
      inverse correlation between the number of PB neutrophils and the proportions of
      PNH-type cell populations. The number of patients, displaying percentages of PNH
      type cells above the highest percentage observed in the control group, was
      significantly increased among patients with skewed compared to those with normal
      T-cell receptor repertoire suggesting that T-cell-mediated immune processes
      underlie the emergence of PNH-type cells in CIN. Our findings suggest that
      patients with CIN display PNH-type cells in the PB at a high frequency
      corroborating the hypothesis that CIN belongs to the immune-mediated BM failure
      syndromes.

PMID- 27124544
TI  - Adsorption Behaviors of Mixed Monolayers of n-Alkanes at the Liquid-Solid
      Interface.
AB  - To understand the self-assembly of monolayers at the liquid-solid interface, a
      thermodynamic model, which describes the contributions of the molecular
      interactions, is essential. We present an adapted Zimm-Bragg model of the
      cooperativity transitions for determining the Gibbs free energy for self-assembly
      at the liquid-solid interface. Scanning tunneling microscopy was used to observe
      the monolayers formed on graphite from phenyloctane solutions of binary mixtures
      of n-hexacosane (C26H54) and n-tetratriacontane (C34H70). This revealed that the
      sharp transition in the monolayers from the full surface coverage of the long
      chain alkane, which is adsorbed preferentially, to the full coverage of the short
      chain alkane is a function of the mixture composition. The model allows for the
      estimation of the free-energy changes associated with the difference in the alkyl
      chain length and the interface between the two different alkane regions in the
      monolayers. It is also suitable for understanding more complex systems that
      exhibit intermolecular interactions.

PMID- 27124542
TI  - Wheel running improves REM sleep and attenuates stress-induced flattening of
      diurnal rhythms in F344 rats.
AB  - Regular physical activity produces resistance to the negative health consequences
      of stressor exposure. One way that exercise may confer stress resistance is by
      reducing the impact of stress on diurnal rhythms and sleep; disruptions of which
      contribute to stress-related disease including mood disorders. Given the link
      between diurnal rhythm disruptions and stress-related disorders and that exercise
      both promotes stress resistance and is a powerful non-photic biological
      entrainment cue, we tested if wheel running could reduce stress-induced
      disruptions of sleep/wake behavior and diurnal rhythms. Adult, male F344 rats
      with or without access to running wheels were instrumented for biotelemetric
      recording of diurnal rhythms of locomotor activity, heart rate, core body
      temperature (CBT), and sleep (i.e. REM, NREM, and WAKE) in the presence of a 12 h
      light/dark cycle. Following 6 weeks of sedentary or exercise conditions, rats
      were exposed to an acute stressor known to disrupt diurnal rhythms and produce
      behaviors associated with mood disorders. Prior to stressor exposure, exercise
      rats had higher CBT, more locomotor activity during the dark cycle, and greater
      %REM during the light cycle relative to sedentary rats. NREM and REM sleep were
      consolidated immediately following peak running to a greater extent in exercise,
      compared to sedentary rats. In response to stressor exposure, exercise rats
      expressed higher stress-induced hyperthermia than sedentary rats. Stressor
      exposure disrupted diurnal rhythms in sedentary rats; and wheel running reduced
      these effects. Improvements in sleep and reduced diurnal rhythm disruptions
      following stress could contribute to the health promoting and stress protective
      effects of exercise.

PMID- 27124543
TI  - Overexpression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha in human mesenchymal stem
      cells suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma development through Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling pathway downregulation.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold promise as cellular vehicles for the delivery
      of therapeutic gene products because they can be isolated, expanded, and
      genetically modified in vitro and possess tumor-oriented homing capacity in vivo.
      (1) Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha) is a dominant transcriptional
      regulator of hepatocyte differentiation and hepatocellular carcinogenesis (HCC).
      (2,3) We have previously demonstrated that overexpression of HNF4alpha activates
      various hepatic-specific genes and enhances MSC differentiation. (4) However, the
      extent that overexpression of HNF4alpha in MSCs influences HCC progression has
      yet to be examined. Here we sought to investigate what effect MSCs overexpressing
      HNF4alpha (MSC-HNF4alpha) have on human hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo.
      Conditioned medium collected from in vitro MSC-HNF4alpha cultures significantly
      inhibited hepatoma cell growth and metastasis compared with controls.
      Additionally, nude mice administered MSC-HNF4alpha exhibited significantly
      smaller tumors compared with controls in vivo. Immunoblot analysis of HCC cells
      treated with MSC-HNF4alpha displayed downregulated beta-catenin, cyclinD1, c-Myc,
      MMP2 and MMP9. Taken together, our results demonstrate that MSC-HNF4alpha
      inhibits HCC progression by reducing hepatoma cell growth and metastasis through
      downregulation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.

PMID- 27124546
TI  - Intramolecular Charge-Transfer Interaction of Donor-Acceptor-Donor Arrays Based
      on Anthracene Bisimide.
AB  - We designed anthracene bisimide (ABI) derivatives having two triphenylamine (TPA)
      groups as donor units at the 9,10-positions to form a novel pi-conjugated donor
      acceptor system. These compounds and their analogues with ethynylene linkers were
      synthesized by Suzuki-Miyaura and Sonogashira coupling reactions, respectively.
      In UV-vis spectra, the linker-free derivatives showed broad absorption bands
      arising from intramolecular charge-transfer interactions. Introducing ethynylene
      linkers resulted in a considerable red shift of the absorption bands. In
      fluorescence spectra, the ethynylene derivatives showed intense emission bands at
      600-650 nm. Their photophysical and electrochemical properties were compared with
      those of the corresponding mono TPA derivatives on the basis of theoretical
      calculations and cyclic voltammetry to evaluate the intramolecular electronic
      interactions between the donor and acceptor units.

PMID- 27124545
TI  - Diagnostic Performance of Whole-Body PET/MRI for Detecting Malignancies in Cancer
      Patients: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As an evolving imaging modality, PET/MRI is preliminarily applied in
      clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance
      of PET/MRI for tumor staging in patients with various types of cancer. METHODS:
      Relevant articles about PET/MRI for cancer staging were systematically searched
      in PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCO and the Cochrane Library. Two researchers independently
      selected studies, extracted data and assessed the methodological quality using
      the QUADAS tool. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio
      (DOR), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were
      calculated per patient and per lesion. The summary receiver-operating
      characteristic (SROC) curves were also constructed, and the area under the curve
      (AUC) and Q* estimates were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 38 studies that
      involved 753 patients and 4234 lesions met the inclusion criteria. On a per
      patient level, the pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) were 0.93 (0.90-0.95) and 0.92 (0.89-0.95), respectively. On a
      per-lesion level, the corresponding estimates were 0.90 (0.88-0.92) and 0.95
      (0.94-0.96), respectively. The pooled PLR, NLR and DOR estimates were 6.67 (4.83
      9.19), 0.12 (0.07-0.21) and 75.08 (42.10-133.91) per patient and 10.91 (6.79
      17.54), 0.13 (0.08-0.19) and 102.53 (59.74-175.97) per lesion, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: According to our results, PET/MRI has excellent diagnostic potential
      for the overall detection of malignancies in cancer patients. Large, multicenter
      and prospective studies with standard scanning protocols are required to evaluate
      the diagnostic value of PET/MRI for individual cancer types.

PMID- 27124547
TI  - Co-effects of matrix low elasticity and aligned topography on stem cell
      neurogenic differentiation and rapid neurite outgrowth.
AB  - The development of novel biomaterials that deliver precise regulatory signals to
      direct stem cell fate for nerve regeneration is the focus of current intensive
      research efforts. In this study, a hierarchically aligned fibrillar fibrin
      hydrogel (AFG) that was fabricated through electrospinning and the concurrent
      molecular self-assembly process mimics both the soft and oriented features of
      nerve tissue, thus providing hybrid biophysical cues to instruct cell behavior in
      vitro and in vivo. The electrospun hydrogels were examined by scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM), polarized light microscopy, small angle X-ray scattering assay
      and atomic force microscopy (AFM), showing a hierarchically linear-ordered
      structure from the nanoscale to the macroscale with a soft elastic character
      (elasticity ~1 kPa). We found that this low elasticity and aligned topography of
      AFG exhibit co-effects on promoting the neurogenic differentiation of human
      umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) in comparison to random fibrin
      hydrogel (RFG) and tissue culture plate (TCP) control after two week cell culture
      in growth medium lacking supplementation with soluble neurogenic induction
      factors. In addition, AFG also induces dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to
      rapidly project numerous long neurite outgrowths longitudinally along the AFG
      fibers for a total neurite extension distance of 1.96 mm in three days in the
      absence of neurotrophic factor supplementation. Moreover, the AFG implanted in a
      rat T9 dorsal hemisection spinal cord injury model was found to promote
      endogenous neural cell fast migration and axonal invasion along AFG fibers,
      resulting in aligned tissue cables in vivo. Our results suggest that matrix
      stiffness and aligned topography may instruct stem cell neurogenic
      differentiation and rapid neurite outgrowth, providing great promise for
      biomaterial design for applications in nerve regeneration. 

PMID- 27124548
TI  - Correction: View-Invariant Visuomotor Processing in Computational Mirror Neuron
      System for Humanoid.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152003.].

PMID- 27124549
TI  - Are therapists uniformly effective across patient outcome domains? A study on
      therapist effectiveness in two different treatment contexts.
AB  - As established in several studies, therapists differ in effectiveness. A vital
      research task now is to understand what characterizes more or less effective
      therapists, and investigate whether this differential effectiveness
      systematically depends on client factors, such as the type of mental health
      problem. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether therapists are
      universally effective across patient outcome domains reflecting different areas
      of mental health functioning. Data were obtained from 2 sites: the Research
      Consortium of Counseling and Psychological Services in Higher Education (N =
      5,828) in the United States and from primary and secondary care units (N = 616)
      in Sweden. Outcome domains were assessed via the Outcome Questionnaire-45
      (Lambert et al., 2004) and the CORE-OM (Evans et al., 2002). Multilevel models
      with observations nested within patients were used to derive a reliable estimate
      for each patient's change (which we call a multilevel growth d) based on all
      reported assessment points. Next, 2 multilevel confirmatory factor analytic
      models were fit in which these effect sizes (multilevel ds) for the 3 subscales
      of the OQ-45 (Study 1) and 6 subscales of CORE-OM (Study 2) were indicators of 1
      common latent factor at the therapist level. In both data sets, such a model,
      reflecting a global therapist effectiveness factor, yielded large factor loadings
      and excellent model fit. Results suggest that therapists effective (or
      ineffective) within one outcome domain are also effective within another outcome
      domain. Tentatively, therapist effectiveness can thus be conceived of as a global
      construct. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 27124550
TI  - Prenatal effects of transplacental exposure to ifosfamide in rats.
AB  - Ifosfamide is an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent that exhibits activity against
      a wide range of tumors. Exposure to such agent just prior to mating
      (preconception period) may have adverse effects on developing embryos. I
      investigated the rate of apoptosis and the histological changes in both placenta
      and developing fetal tissues after exposure to ifosfamide of young female rats
      before mating. I clarified the roles of the drug and the placenta in causing
      fetal developmental toxicity. Rats were divided into four groups: (1) untreated
      controls, (2) rats administered saline, (3 and 4) rats administered 25 mg/kg and
      50 mg/kg ifosfamide, respectively. After treatment of females with ifosfamide,
      the treated females were allowed to mate with normal untreated males. All
      pregnant animals were sacrificed on day 18 of gestation. Treatment with high
      doses of ifosfamide caused small placentas, fewer viable fetuses, greater post
      implantation losses and more resorbed fetuses. Reduced progesterone and increased
      prolactin levels also were found. Immunohistochemical staining, the TUNEL
      technique and histological studies showed increased apoptotic cells and many
      histological changes in the placenta, and in fetal brain, liver and kidney
      tissues. Ifosfamide treatment increased apoptosis and caused hypoplasia of
      placental basal and labyrinth zones, which resulted in pathological changes in
      developing fetal tissue. 

PMID- 27124551
TI  - From Companion Diagnostics to Theranostics: A New Avenue for Alzheimer's Disease?
AB  - The recent literature signals a growing paradigm shift toward integrating
      therapeutics and diagnostics rather than developing and deploying them
      separately. In this gradual move toward more effective and personalized
      medications, companion diagnostics are an intermediate stage. The next step may
      be "theranostics", in which single chemical entities are developed to deliver
      therapy and diagnosis simultaneously. This strategy has been successfully
      exploited in oncology and is now emerging as a possibility for Alzheimer's
      disease, where its feasibility has caught the attention of researchers from
      industry and academia. Medicinal chemists do not yet completely understand the
      nuances of theranostic action and consequently have not yet developed universally
      validated strategies for developing theranostic clinical applications against
      Alzheimer's disease. However, given the emerging indications of the potentially
      enormous benefits that theranostics may bring to the fight against this
      devastating disease, further rigorous research is warranted.

PMID- 27124552
TI  - Self-Assembly of Porphyrin-Paclitaxel Conjugates Into Nanomedicines: Enhanced
      Cytotoxicity due to Endosomal Escape.
AB  - Nanomedicines assembled directly from drug molecules possess several advantages,
      including precise molecular structure and high content of drugs. Herein,
      porphyrin-paclitaxel conjugates (Py-s-s-PTX) were synthesized by using a
      disulfide bond as a linker. The Py-s-s-PTX could self-assemble into nanoparticles
      (Py-s-s-PTX NPs) with a size of about 100 nm via disulfide-induced assembly. Py-s
      s-PTX NPs are highly stable under biological conditions and could be destroyed in
      the presence of reducing agents as revealed by dynamic light scattering. The
      obtained Py-s-s-PTX NPs could be internalized by cancer cells via endocytosis and
      disassociated in the reducing cytoplasm, thus releasing PTX in cancer cells.
      Endosomal escape triggered upon irradiation could enhance the cytotoxicity of
      paclitaxel, and Py-s-s-PTX NPs possess cytotoxicity comparable to that of free
      PTX. We believe that this disulfide-assembled nanomedicine represents a new and
      important development for chemotherapy in cancer therapy. 

PMID- 27124553
TI  - Maternal plasma concentrations of the placental specific sFLT-1 variant, sFLT-1
      e15a, in fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: sFLT-1 e15a is a recently described sFlt-1 variant that is placental
      and primate specific. As such, it may have potential as a biomarker. Using a
      newly developed ELISA, we measured maternal plasma sFLT-1 e15a levels in women
      with fetal growth restriction and pre-eclampsia. METHOD: We performed a nested
      case-control study where we measured total sFLT-1 and sFLT-1 e15a plasma protein
      concentrations. Samples, selected from a prospective cohort study, consisted of
      87 healthy controls, 11 cases that developed term preeclampsia and 20 cases where
      there was fetal growth restriction. We also measured sFLT-1 and sFLT-1 e15a
      plasma concentrations in a separate cohort: 15 cases of preterm preeclampsia and
      24 healthy controls. RESULTS: The prospective case-control cohort demonstrated
      significantly increased sFLT-1 e15a among cases with term fetal growth
      restriction (p < 0.05). We also observed that total sFLT-1 (this ELISA
      indiscriminately detects all variants) was significantly increased in term
      preeclampsia (p < 0.0001), but not fetal growth restriction. The separate cohort
      of early-onset preeclamptics showed significantly increased sFLT-1 e15a levels (p
      < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Plasma sFLT-1 e15a is significantly increased in early
      onset preeclampsia and term fetal growth restriction. Further assessment of the
      benefit for sFLT-1 e15a testing in prediction or diagnosis of these disease
      states is warranted.

PMID- 27124554
TI  - Effect of early-term birth on respiratory symptoms and lung function in childhood
      and adolescence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early-term-born subjects, (37-38 weeks' gestation), form a large part
      of the population and have an increased risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity
      and childhood respiratory symptoms; there is a paucity of data on their later
      lung function. We sought to (1) compare lung function at 8-9 and 14-17 years in
      early-term-born children with full-term-born children (39-43 weeks' gestation);
      (2) assess the role of caesarean section delivery; and (3) compare respiratory
      symptoms and diagnosis of asthma. METHODS: Caucasian, singleton, term births from
      the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (n = 14,062) who had lung
      spirometry at 8-9 (n = 5,465) and/or 14-17 (n = 3,666) years were classified as
      early or full term. RESULTS: At 8-9 years, standardized spirometry measures,
      although within the normal range, were lower in the early-term-born group, (n =
      911), compared to full-term controls (n = 4,554). Delivery by caesarean section
      did not influence later spirometry, and the effect of early-term birth was not
      modified by delivery by caesarean section. At 14-17 years, the spirometry
      measures in the early-term group, (n = 602), were similar to the full-term group
      (3,064), and the rates of asthma and respiratory symptoms were also similar
      between the two gestation groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early-term-born children had lower
      lung function values at 8-9 years compared to the full-term group, but were
      similar by 14-17 years of age. Delivery at early term should be avoided due to
      early and late morbidity. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1212-1221. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27124555
TI  - Health-related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients after Adjuvant
      Treatments.

PMID- 27124556
TI  - Organocatalytic Enantioselective Aza-Friedel-Crafts Reaction of Cyclic Ketimines
      with Pyrroles using Imidazolinephosphoric Acid Catalysts.
AB  - Organocatalytic enantioselective aza-Friedel-Crafts reactions of cyclic ketimines
      with pyrroles or indoles were catalyzed by imidazoline/phosphoric acid catalysts.
      The reaction was applied to various 3H-indol-3-ones to afford products in
      excellent yields and enantioselectivities. The chiral catalysts can be recovered
      by a single separation step using column chromatography and are reusable without
      further purification. Based on the experimental investigations, a possible
      transition state has been proposed to explain the origin of the asymmetric
      induction. 

PMID- 27124557
TI  - Boom and bust: rapid feedback responses between insect outbreak dynamics and
      canopy leaf area impacted by rainfall and CO2.
AB  - Frequency and severity of insect outbreaks in forest ecosystems are predicted to
      increase with climate change. How this will impact canopy leaf area in future
      climates is rarely tested. Here, we document function of insect outbreaks that
      fortuitously and rapidly occurred in an ecosystem under free-air CO2 enrichment.
      Over the first 2 years of CO2 fumigation of a naturally established mature
      Eucalyptus woodland, we continuously assessed population responses of three sap
      feeding insect species of the psyllid genera Cardiaspina, Glycaspis and
      Spondyliaspis for up to ten consecutive generations. Concurrently, we quantified
      changes in the canopy leaf area index (LAI). Large and rapid shifts in psyllid
      community composition were recorded between species with either flush (Glycaspis)
      or senescence-inducing (Cardiaspina, Spondyliaspis) feeding strategies. Within
      the second year, two psyllid species experienced significant and rapid population
      build-up resulting in two consecutive outbreaks: first, rainfall stimulated
      Eucalyptus leaf production increasing LAI, which supported population growth of
      flush-feeding Glycaspis without impacting LAI. Glycaspis numbers then crashed and
      were followed by the outbreak of senescence-feeding Cardiaspina fiscella that led
      to significant defoliation and reduction in LAI. For all three psyllid species,
      the abundance of lerps, protective coverings excreted by the sessile nymphs,
      decreased at e[CO2 ]. Higher lerp weight at e[CO2 ] for Glycaspis but not the
      other psyllid species provided evidence for compensatory feeding by the flush
      feeder but not the two senescence feeders. Our study demonstrates that rainfall
      drives leaf phenology, facilitating the rapid boom-and-bust succession of psyllid
      species, eventually leading to significant defoliation due to the second but not
      the first outbreaking psyllid species. In contrast, e[CO2 ] may impact psyllid
      abundance and feeding behaviour, with psyllid species-specific outcomes for
      defoliation severity, nutrient transfer and trophic cascades. Psyllid populations
      feeding on Eucalyptus experience rapid boom-and-bust cycles depending on
      availability of suitable foliage driven by rainfall patterns and leaf phenology.

PMID- 27124559
TI  - Combinatorial Synthesis of Epitaxial LiCoO2 Thin Films on SrTiO3(001) via On
      Substrate Sintering of Li2CO3 and CoO by Pulsed Laser Deposition.
AB  - High-quality single-phase epitaxial LiCoO2 thin films are synthesized on 0.5 wt %
      Nb-doped SrTiO3(001) substrates by nanoscale alternate deposition of Li2CO3 and
      CoO as Li and Co sources, respectively, using a combinatorial pulsed laser
      deposition (PLD) technique. The formation of LiCoO2 thin films from these two
      sources results from the sintering reaction between Li2CO3 and CoO, which is
      commonly used in a bulk ceramics process, but simultaneously takes place on the
      substrate during the deposition at a temperature of 550  degrees C.
      Electrochemical characterization reveals that the charge/discharge property of
      LiCoO2 thin films as a cathode is severely sensitive to the nominal Li:Co
      composition ratio. The best-quality film shows an excellent discharge capacity
      comparable with the characteristic capacity of LiCoO2.

PMID- 27124558
TI  - Investigating Cooperative Behavior in Ecological Settings: An EEG Hyperscanning
      Study.
AB  - The coordinated interactions between individuals are fundamental for the success
      of the activities in some professional categories. We reported on brain-to-brain
      cooperative interactions between civil pilots during a simulated flight. We
      demonstrated for the first time how the combination of neuroelectrical
      hyperscanning and intersubject connectivity could provide indicators sensitive to
      the humans' degree of synchronization under a highly demanding task performed in
      an ecological environment. Our results showed how intersubject connectivity was
      able to i) characterize the degree of cooperation between pilots in different
      phases of the flight, and ii) to highlight the role of specific brain macro areas
      in cooperative behavior. During the most cooperative flight phases pilots showed,
      in fact, dense patterns of interbrain connectivity, mainly linking frontal and
      parietal brain areas. On the contrary, the amount of interbrain connections went
      close to zero in the non-cooperative phase. The reliability of the interbrain
      connectivity patterns was verified by means of a baseline condition represented
      by formal couples, i.e. pilots paired offline for the connectivity analysis but
      not simultaneously recorded during the flight. Interbrain density was, in fact,
      significantly higher in real couples with respect to formal couples in the
      cooperative flight phases. All the achieved results demonstrated how the
      description of brain networks at the basis of cooperation could effectively
      benefit from a hyperscanning approach. Interbrain connectivity was, in fact, more
      informative in the investigation of cooperative behavior with respect to
      established EEG signal processing methodologies applied at a single subject
      level.

PMID- 27124560
TI  - Preparation and characterization of a new monoclonal antibody against CXCR4 using
      lentivirus vector.
AB  - CXCR4 is a member of chemokine receptors and plays a vital role in numerous
      diseases and cancer processes, which makes the CXCR4/CXCL12 chemotactic axis a
      potential therapeutic target. In this study, we used lentiviral vectors as a
      novel technology to produce a monoclonal antibody against CXCR4. Lentivirus
      vector pLV-CXCR4-Puro was successfully constructed and a hybridoma cell line 1A4
      was generated. The CXCR4 monoclonal antibody (MAb) 1A4 had high titer and
      affinity, and the isotype was identified as IgG1a. The recombinant lentivirus
      vector could effectively stimulate the production of 39kDa CXCR4 antibody in vivo
      after immunization. Western blot analysis showed that the MAb could recognize the
      CXCR4 antigen expressed on transfected 293T cells as well as various human cancer
      cell lines. Immunofluorescence assays showed that MAb 1A4 mainly localized and
      strongly stained on the membrane of transfected 293T cells. Immunohistochemistry
      assays demonstrated that 1A4 could recognize strong expression of CXCR4 on the
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, the method using lentiviral vectors may
      have application on effective and large-scale production of the CXCR4 monoclonal
      antibody, which will be a potential tool for the diagnosis and treatment of human
      cancers. 

PMID- 27124561
TI  - Effects of Surfactant Lavage Combined With Intratracheal Budesonide Instillation
      on Meconium-Injured Piglet Lungs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the combined effects of surfactant lavage and
      intratracheally instillation of budesonide on meconium-injured piglet lungs.
      DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, animal model study. SETTING: An experimental
      laboratory. SUBJECTS: Twenty-four anesthetized and mechanically ventilated
      newborn piglets. INTERVENTIONS: Human meconium slurry was intratracheally
      instilled into piglet lungs to induce lung injury. The injured piglets were
      randomly assigned to either the sham treatment group (control) or one of the
      three therapeutic groups: the intratracheally instilled budesonide (Bud) group,
      the bronchoalveolar lavage with diluted surfactant (dsBAL) group, and the
      combination therapy of Bud and dsBAL (dsBAL + Bud) group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Cardiopulmonary profiles were measured hourly. Proinflammatory cytokine
      (interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8) levels in bronchoalveolar
      lavage fluid were measured. Finally, the pulmonary histology of the experimental
      subjects was examined at the end of experiments. Both of the lavaged groups
      (dsBAL and dsBAL + Bud) showed significantly better oxygenation than those that
      had not undergone lavage (control and Bud) (p < 0.05). The dsBAL + Bud group
      showed a significantly higher lung compliance and required a significantly lower
      peak inspiratory pressure during the experimental periods than the other three
      groups (p < 0.05). All treatment groups had significantly lower concentrations of
      interleukin-1beta concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid than the
      control group (p < 0.05). The dsBAL + Bud group also had a significantly lower
      interleukin-6 concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (p< 0.05), as
      well as a significantly lower lung injury score based on pulmonary histology than
      the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic bronchoalveolar lavage
      with diluted surfactant followed by intratracheal instillation of budesonide has
      a synergistic and beneficial effect when treating severe meconium-injured newborn
      piglet lungs.

PMID- 27124562
TI  - The Association of Central-Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections With Central
      Line Utilization Rate and Maintenance Bundle Compliance Among Types of PICUs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Central-line-associated bloodstream infections comprise 25% of device
      associated infections. Compared with other units, PICUs demonstrate a higher
      central-line-associated bloodstream infections prevalence. Prior studies have not
      investigated the association of central-line-associated bloodstream infections
      prevalence, central-line utilization, or maintenance bundle compliance between
      specific types of PICUs. DESIGN: This study analyzed monthly aggregate data
      regarding central-line-associated bloodstream infections prevalence, central-line
      utilization, and maintenance bundle compliance between three types of PICUs: 1)
      PICUs that do not care for cardiac patients (PICU); 2) PICUs that provide care
      for cardiac and noncardiac patients (C/PICU); or 3) designated cardiac ICUs
      (CICU). SETTING: The included units submitted data as part of The Children's
      Hospital Association PICU central-line-associated bloodstream infections
      collaborative from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2013. PATIENTS: Patients
      admitted to PICUs in collaborative institutions. INTERVENTIONS: None.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The overall central-line-associated bloodstream
      infections prevalence was low (1.37 central-line-associated bloodstream
      infections events/1,000 central-line days) and decreased over the time of the
      study. Central-line-associated bloodstream infections prevalence was not related
      to the type of PICU although C/PICU tended to have a higher central-line
      associated bloodstream infections prevalence (p = 0.055). CICU demonstrated a
      significantly higher central-line utilization ratio (p < 0.001). However, when
      examined on a unit level, central-line utilization was not related to the central
      line-associated bloodstream infections prevalence. The central-line maintenance
      bundle compliance rate was not associated with central line-associated
      bloodstream infections prevalence in this unit-level investigation. Neither
      utilization rate nor compliance rate changed significantly over time in any of
      the types of units. CONCLUSIONS: Although this unit-level analysis did not
      demonstrate an association between central-line-associated bloodstream infections
      prevalence and central-line utilization and maintenance bundle compliance,
      optimization of both should continue, further decreasing central-line-associated
      bloodstream infections prevalence. In addition, investigation of patient-specific
      factors may aid in further central-line-associated bloodstream infections
      eradication.

PMID- 27124563
TI  - Procalcitonin in the Early Course Post Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Procalcitonin has emerged as a promising infection marker, but
      previous reports from small-sized studies suggest nonspecific elevation of
      procalcitonin after pediatric heart surgery. As procalcitonin is increasingly
      used as a marker for infection in the PICU, the aim of this study was to identify
      factors associated with postoperative procalcitonin elevation and to investigate
      the role of procalcitonin as an early marker of outcome after cardiac surgery.
      DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single, tertiary referral PICU.
      PATIENTS: Patients aged 0-16 years following cardiac surgery with or without
      cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTIONS: Procalcitonin was measured in all patients
      at admission to PICU, and on postoperative day 1 and 2. Outcome variables
      included major adverse event, length of stay in PICU, postoperative renal failure
      requiring temporary dialysis, duration of mechanical ventilation and duration of
      inotropic support. A major adverse event was defined as cardiac arrest, need for
      postoperative extracorporeal life support or death within 3 months of cardiac
      surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In 221 included patients who underwent
      232 operations, procalcitonin at admission to PICU was significantly associated
      with mechanical ventilation prior to surgery (p = 0.001), preoperative myocardial
      dysfunction (p = 0.002), duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (p < 0.001),
      intraoperative cross-clamp time (p = 0.015), and serum lactate at admission (p <
      0.001). Patients suffering a major adverse event and patients with postoperative
      renal failure had significantly higher procalcitonin levels at admission to PICU
      (p = 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, procalcitonin levels at admission
      correlated significantly with the length of stay in the PICU (p = 0.005), time on
      mechanical ventilation (p = 0.03), and duration of inotropic support (p = 0.02).
      CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of procalcitonin in the early phase after pediatric
      cardiac surgery are a marker for increased risk for major adverse events and
      postoperative renal failure and increased postoperative morbidity.

PMID- 27124564
TI  - Hemodynamic Bedside Ultrasound Image Quality and Interpretation After
      Implementation of a Training Curriculum for Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
      Providers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bedside ultrasound for hemodynamic evaluation in critically ill
      children is increasingly recognized as an important skill for pediatric critical
      care medicine providers. Our institution implemented a training curriculum
      leading to institutional credentialing for pediatric critical care providers in
      nonprocedural bedside ultrasound core applications. We hypothesized that
      hemodynamic studies performed or supervised by credentialed providers
      (credentialed providers group) have better image quality and greater accuracy in
      interpretation than studies performed by non-credentialed providers without
      supervision (non-credentialed providers group). DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive
      study. SETTING: Single-center tertiary non-cardiac 55-bed PICU in a children's
      hospital. PATIENTS: Patients from October 2013 to January 2015, with hemodynamic
      bedside ultrasound performed and interpreted by pediatric critical care providers
      exposed to bedside ultrasound training. INTERVENTIONS: A cardiologist blinded to
      performer scored hemodynamic bedside ultrasound image quality for five core
      cardiac views (excellent = 3, good = 2, fair = 1, unacceptable = 0; median =
      quality score) and interpretation within 5 hemodynamic domains (agreement = 3,
      minor disagreement = 2, major disagreement = 1; median = interpretation score),
      as well as a global assessment of interpretation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
      Eighty-one studies (45 in the credentialed providers group and 36 in the non
      credentialed providers group) were evaluated. There was no statistically
      significant difference in quality score between groups (median: 1.4
      [interquartile range: 0.8-1.8] vs median: 1.2 [interquartile range: 0.75-1.6]; p
      = 0.14]. Studies in the credentialed providers group had higher interpretation
      score than those in the non-credentialed providers group (median: 3
      [interquartile range: 2.5-3) vs median: 2.67 [interquartile range: 2.25-3]; p =
      0.04). Major disagreement between critical care provider and cardiology review
      occurred in 25 of 283 hemodynamic domains assessed (8.8%), with no statistically
      significant difference between credentialed providers and non-credentialed
      providers groups (6.1% vs 11.9%; p = 0.12). CONCLUSION: Hemodynamic bedside
      ultrasound performed or supervised by credentialed pediatric critical care
      providers had more accurate interpretation than studies performed by unsupervised
      non-credentialed providers. A rigorous pediatric critical care medicine bedside
      ultrasound credentialing program can train intensivists to attain adequate images
      and interpret those images appropriately.

PMID- 27124565
TI  - Family Burden After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe family burden among caregivers of children who survived
      out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and who were at high risk for neurologic
      disability and examine relationships between family burden, child functioning,
      and other factors during the first year post arrest. DESIGN: Secondary analysis
      of data from the Therapeutic Hypothermia after Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Out-of
      Hospital trial. SETTING: Thirty-six PICUs in the United States and Canada.
      PATIENTS: Seventy-seven children recruited to the Therapeutic Hypothermia after
      Pediatric Cardiac Arrest Out-of-Hospital trial who had normal prearrest
      neurologic functioning and were alive 1 year post arrest. INTERVENTIONS: Family
      burden was assessed using the Infant Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire for
      children less than 5 years old and the Child Health Questionnaire for children 5
      years old or older at baseline (reflecting prearrest status), 3 months, and 12
      months post arrest. Child functioning was assessed using the Vineland Adaptive
      Behavior Scale II, the Pediatric Overall Performance Category, and Pediatric
      Cerebral Performance Category scales and caregiver perception of global
      functioning. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Fifty-six children (72.7%) were boys,
      48 (62.3%) were whites, and 50 (64.9%) were less than 5 years old prior to out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest. Family burden at baseline was not significantly
      different from reference values. Family burden was increased at 3 and 12 months
      post arrest compared with reference values (p < 0.001). Worse Pediatric Overall
      Performance Category and Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category, lower adaptive
      behavior, lower global functioning, and higher family burden all measured 3
      months post arrest were associated with higher family burden 12 months post
      arrest (p < 0.05). Sociodemographics and prearrest child functioning were not
      associated with family burden 12 months post arrest. CONCLUSIONS: Families of
      children who survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and have high risk for
      neurologic disability often experience substantial burden during the first year
      post arrest. The extent of child dysfunction 3 months post arrest is associated
      with family burden at 12 months.

PMID- 27124566
TI  - Comparison of Pediatric Severe Sepsis Managed in U.S. and European ICUs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pediatric severe sepsis remains a significant global health problem
      without new therapies despite many multicenter clinical trials. We compared
      children managed with severe sepsis in European and U.S. PICUs to identify
      geographic variation, which may improve the design of future international
      studies. DESIGN: We conducted a secondary analysis of the Sepsis PRevalence,
      OUtcomes, and Therapies study. Data about PICU characteristics, patient
      demographics, therapies, and outcomes were compared. Multivariable regression
      models were used to determine adjusted differences in morbidity and mortality.
      SETTING: European and U.S. PICUs. PATIENTS: Children with severe sepsis managed
      in European and U.S. PICUs enrolled in the Sepsis PRevalence, OUtcomes, and
      Therapies study. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: European
      PICUs had fewer beds (median, 11 vs 24; p < 0.001). European patients were
      younger (median, 1 vs 6 yr; p < 0.001), had higher severity of illness (median
      Pediatric Index of Mortality-3, 5.0 vs 3.8; p = 0.02), and were more often
      admitted from the ward (37% vs 24%). Invasive mechanical ventilation, central
      venous access, and vasoactive infusions were used more frequently in European
      patients (85% vs 68%, p = 0.002; 91% vs 82%, p = 0.05; and 71% vs 50%; p < 0.001,
      respectively). Raw morbidity and mortality outcomes were worse for European
      compared with U.S. patients, but after adjusting for patient characteristics,
      there were no significant differences in mortality, multiple organ dysfunction,
      disability at discharge, length of stay, or ventilator/vasoactive-free days.
      CONCLUSIONS: Children with severe sepsis admitted to European PICUs have higher
      severity of illness, are more likely to be admitted from hospital wards, and
      receive more intensive care therapies than in the United States. The lack of
      significant differences in morbidity and mortality after adjusting for patient
      characteristics suggests that the approach to care between regions, perhaps
      related to PICU bed availability, needs to be considered in the design of future
      international clinical trials in pediatric severe sepsis.

PMID- 27124567
TI  - Development of a Prediction Model of Early Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill
      Children Using Electronic Health Record Data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Acute kidney injury is independently associated with poor outcomes in
      critically ill children. However, the main biomarker of acute kidney injury,
      serum creatinine, is a late marker of injury and can cause a delay in diagnosis.
      Our goal was to develop and validate a data-driven multivariable clinical
      prediction model of acute kidney injury in a general PICU using electronic health
      record data. DESIGN: Derivation and validation of a prediction model using
      retrospective data. PATIENTS: All patients 1 month to 21 years old admitted
      between May 2003 and March 2015 without acute kidney injury at admission and
      alive and in the ICU for at least 24 hours. SETTING: A multidisciplinary,
      tertiary PICU. INTERVENTION: The primary outcome was early acute kidney injury,
      which was defined as new acute kidney injury developed in the ICU within 72 hours
      of admission. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to derive the
      Pediatric Early AKI Risk Score using electronic health record data from the first
      12 hours of ICU stay. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 9,396 patients
      were included in the analysis, of whom 4% had early acute kidney injury, and
      these had significantly higher mortality than those without early acute kidney
      injury (26% vs 3.3%; p < 0.001). Thirty-three candidate variables were tested.
      The final model had seven predictors and had good discrimination (area under the
      curve 0.84) and appropriate calibration. The model was validated in two
      validation sets and maintained good discrimination (area under the curves, 0.81
      and 0.86). CONCLUSION: We developed and validated the Pediatric Early AKI Risk
      Score, a data-driven acute kidney injury clinical prediction model that has good
      discrimination and calibration in a general PICU population using only electronic
      health record data that is objective, available in real time during the first 12
      hours of ICU care and generalizable across PICUs. This prediction model was
      designed to be implemented in the form of an automated clinical decision support
      system and could be used to guide preventive, therapeutic, and research
      strategies.

PMID- 27124568
TI  - Prevalence and characteristics of coronary artery anomalies detected by coronary
      computed tomography angiography in 5 634 consecutive patients in a single centre
      in Switzerland.
AB  - STUDY PRINCIPLES: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) allows three
      dimensional visualisation of the origin, course and ending of the coronary
      vessels with high spatial resolution, yielding an accurate depiction of coronary
      artery anomalies (CAAs). This study sought to determine the prevalence, incidence
      and characteristics of CAAs detected with CCTA in a single centre in Switzerland.
      METHODS: CAAs were retrospectively identified in 5 634 consecutive patients
      referred for CCTA between March 2007 and July 2015. Single coronary arteries,
      Bland-White-Garland syndrome, anomalous coronary arteries originating from the
      opposite site of the sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS) with an interarterial course and
      coronary artery fistulas were classified as potentially malignant CAAs. RESULTS:
      We identified 145 patients with CAAs, resulting in an overall prevalence of 2.6%
      and cumulative incidence of 2.1% in all patients referred for CCTA in the
      observation period. Forty-nine (33.8%) patients showed malignant CAAs including 1
      (0.7%) patient with Bland-White-Garland syndrome, 7 (4.8%) with single coronary
      arteries, 36 (24.8%) with ACAOS and an interarterial course, and 5 (3.5%) with
      coronary artery fistulas. The remaining 96 (66.2%) patients were classified as
      having benign variants. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CAA detected by CCTA is
      not negligible. Because of its noninvasive nature, relatively low cost and low
      radiation exposure, a further increase in the utilisation of CCTA may be
      expected, which may consequently be paralleled by an increasing absolute number
      of incidentally detected CAAs. Hence, awareness of the main issues and possible
      management strategies regarding CAAs is of importance for every treating
      physician.

PMID- 27124569
TI  - The Role of Datasets on Scientific Influence within Conflict Research.
AB  - We inductively tested if a coherent field of inquiry in human conflict research
      emerged in an analysis of published research involving "conflict" in the Web of
      Science (WoS) over a 66-year period (1945-2011). We created a citation network
      that linked the 62,504 WoS records and their cited literature. We performed a
      critical path analysis (CPA), a specialized social network analysis on this
      citation network (~1.5 million works), to highlight the main contributions in
      conflict research and to test if research on conflict has in fact evolved to
      represent a coherent field of inquiry. Out of this vast dataset, 49 academic
      works were highlighted by the CPA suggesting a coherent field of inquiry; which
      means that researchers in the field acknowledge seminal contributions and share a
      common knowledge base. Other conflict concepts that were also analyzed-such as
      interpersonal conflict or conflict among pharmaceuticals, for example, did not
      form their own CP. A single path formed, meaning that there was a cohesive set of
      ideas that built upon previous research. This is in contrast to a main path
      analysis of conflict from 1957-1971 where ideas didn't persist in that multiple
      paths existed and died or emerged reflecting lack of scientific coherence
      (Carley, Hummon, and Harty, 1993). The critical path consisted of a number of key
      features: 1) Concepts that built throughout include the notion that resource
      availability drives conflict, which emerged in the 1960s-1990s and continued on
      until 2011. More recent intrastate studies that focused on inequalities emerged
      from interstate studies on the democracy of peace earlier on the path. 2) Recent
      research on the path focused on forecasting conflict, which depends on well
      developed metrics and theories to model. 3) We used keyword analysis to
      independently show how the CP was topically linked (i.e., through democracy,
      modeling, resources, and geography). Publically available conflict datasets
      developed early on helped shape the operationalization of conflict. In fact, 94%
      of the works on the CP that analyzed data either relied on publically available
      datasets, or they generated a dataset and made it public. These datasets appear
      to be important in the development of conflict research, allowing for cross-case
      comparisons, and comparisons to previous works.

PMID- 27124570
TI  - Assessing the Delivery of Molecules to the Mitochondrial Matrix Using Click
      Chemistry.
AB  - Mitochondria are central to health and disease, hence there is considerable
      interest in developing mitochondria-targeted therapies that require the delivery
      of peptides or nucleic acid oligomers. However, progress has been impeded by the
      lack of a measure of mitochondrial import of these molecules. Here, we address
      this need by quantitatively detecting molecules within the mitochondrial matrix.
      We used a mitochondria- targeted cyclooctyne (MitoOct) that accumulates several-
      hundredfold in the matrix, driven by the membrane potential. There, MitoOct
      reacts through click chemistry with an azide on the target molecule to form a
      diagnostic product that can be quantified by mass spectrometry. Because the
      membrane potential-dependent MitoOct concentration in the matrix is essential for
      conjugation, we can now determine definitively whether a putative mitochondrion
      targeted molecule reaches the matrix. This "ClickIn" approach will facilitate
      development of mitochondria-targeted therapies.

PMID- 27124571
TI  - Dermatophytosis among Schoolchildren in Three Eco-climatic Zones of Mali.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dermatophytosis, and particularly the subtype tinea capitis, is
      common among African children; however, the risk factors associated with this
      condition are poorly understood. To describe the epidemiology of dermatophytosis
      in distinct eco-climatic zones, three cross-sectional surveys were conducted in
      public primary schools located in the Sahelian, Sudanian and Sudano-Guinean eco
      climatic zones in Mali. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Among 590 children (average age 9.7
      years) the overall clinical prevalence of tinea capitis was 39.3%. Tinea capitis
      prevalence was 59.5% in the Sudano-Guinean zone, 41.6% in the Sudanian zone and
      17% in the Sahelian eco-climatic zone. Microsporum audouinii was isolated
      primarily from large and/or microsporic lesions. Trichophyton soudanense was
      primarily isolated from trichophytic lesions. Based on the multivariate analysis,
      tinea capitis was independently associated with male gender (OR = 2.51, 95%CI
      [1.74-3.61], P<10(-4)) and residing in the Sudano-Guinean eco-climatic zone (OR =
      7.45, 95%CI [4.63-11.99], P<10(-4)). Two anthropophilic dermatophytes species,
      Trichophyton soudanense and Microsporum audouinii, were the most frequent species
      associated with tinea capitis among primary schoolchildren in Mali. CONCLUSIONS:
      Tinea capitis risk increased with increasing climate humidity in this relatively
      homogenous schoolchild population in Mali, which suggests a significant role of
      climatic factors in the epidemiology of dermatophytosis.

PMID- 27124572
TI  - Carotid calcification in panoramic radiographs: radiographic appearance and the
      degree of carotid stenosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Approximately 7% of patients examined with panoramic radiographs
      (PRs) for odontological reasons, and with incidental findings of carotid artery
      calcification (CAC), have significant (>=50%) carotid stenosis (SCS). The aim of
      this study was to determine if the radiographic appearance of CACs in PRs could
      be categorized such that we could improve the positive-predictive value (PPV) for
      SCS detection. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 278 patients with
      CACs identified by PRs, 127 with SCS and 151 without SCS. CACs were categorized
      based on the following appearances: (1) single, (2) scattered or (3) vessel
      outlining. Correlates were derived for each category according to positivity or
      not for SCS in the corresponding neck sides. For a representative adult
      population (in dentistry) presenting with CACs in PRs, PPVs for SCS prediction
      were then calculated for three subgroups based on different combinations of
      appearances (2) and/or (3). RESULTS: Vessel-outlining CACs corresponded to 65% of
      neck sides with SCS vs 47% without SCS (p < 0.001). Single CACs corresponded to
      15% of neck sides with SCS vs 27% without SCS (p = 0.006). Scattered CACs
      corresponded to 20% of neck sides with SCS vs 26% without SCS (p = 0.127). In the
      representative population, the PPVs for SCS detection were comparable (7.2-7.8%)
      for all three subgroups and when the presence of a CAC is the sole criterion
      (7.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Stratifying the radiographic appearance of CACs in PRs does
      not improve the PPV for SCS detection. Whether different radiographic appearances
      are associated with future risk of stroke, or other cardiovascular events,
      remains unknown.

PMID- 27124573
TI  - Concordance of interim and final estimates of influenza vaccine effectiveness: a
      systematic review.
AB  - The World Health Organization's Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System
      meets twice a year to generate a recommendation for the composition of the
      seasonal influenza vaccine. Interim vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates provide
      a preliminary indication of influenza vaccine performance during the season and
      may be useful for decision making. We reviewed 17 pairs of studies reporting 33
      pairs of interim and final estimates using the test-negative design to evaluate
      whether interim estimates can reliably predict final estimates. We examined
      features of the study design that may be correlated with interim estimates being
      substantially different from their final estimates and identified differences
      related to change in study period and concomitant changes in sample size,
      proportion vaccinated and proportion of cases. An absolute difference of no more
      than 10% between interim and final estimates was found for 18 of 33 reported
      pairs of estimates, including six of 12 pairs reporting VE against any influenza,
      six of 10 for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, four of seven for influenza A(H3N2) and two
      of four for influenza B. While we identified inconsistencies in the methods, the
      similarities between interim and final estimates support the utility of
      generating and disseminating preliminary estimates of VE while virus circulation
      is ongoing. 

PMID- 27124575
TI  - The effect of a novel mechanical nasal dilator on cycling performance.

PMID- 27124574
TI  - Germline recombination in a novel Cre transgenic line, Prl3b1-Cre mouse.
AB  - Spermatogenesis is a complex and highly regulated process by which spermatogonial
      stem cells differentiate into spermatozoa. To better understand the molecular
      mechanisms of the process, the Cre/loxP system has been widely utilized for
      conditional gene knockout in mice. In this study, we generated a transgenic mouse
      line that expresses Cre recombinase under the control of the 2.5 kbp of the
      Prolactin family 3, subfamily b, member 1 (Prl3b1) gene promoter (Prl3b1-cre).
      Prl3b1 was initially reported to code for placental lactogen 2 (PL-2) protein in
      placenta along with increased expression toward the end of pregnancy. PL-2 was
      found to be expressed in germ cells in the testis, especially in spermatocytes.
      To analyze the specificity and efficiency of Cre recombinase activity in Prl3b1
      cre mice, the mice were mated with reporter R26GRR mice, which express GFP
      ubiquitously before and tdsRed exclusively after Cre recombination. The systemic
      examination of Prl3b1-cre;R26GRR mice revealed that tdsRed-positive cells were
      detected only in the testis and epididymis. Fluorescence imaging of Prl3b1
      cre;R26GRR testes suggested that Cre-mediated recombination took place in the
      germ cells with approximately 74% efficiency determined by in vitro
      fertilization. In conclusion, our results suggest that the Prl3b1-cre mice line
      provides a unique resource to understand testicular germ-cell development.
      genesis 54:389-397, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27124576
TI  - Effect of Temperature on Acidity and Hydration Equilibrium Constants of
      Delphinidin-3-O- and Cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside Calculated from Uni- and
      Multiwavelength Spectroscopic Data.
AB  - Delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside are the main
      anthocyanins of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces, traditionally used to make a bright
      red beverage by decoction in water. At natural pH, these anthocyanins are mainly
      in their flavylium form (red) in equilibrium with the quinonoid base (purple) and
      the hemiketal (colorless). For the first time, their acidity and hydration
      equilibrium constants were obtained from a pH-jump method followed by UV-vis
      spectroscopy as a function of temperature from 4 to 37  degrees C. Equilibrium
      constant determination was also performed by multivariate curve resolution (MCR).
      Acidity and hydration constants of cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside at 25  degrees C
      were 4.12 * 10(-5) and 7.74 * 10(-4), respectively, and were significantly higher
      for delphinidin-3-O-sambubioside (4.95 * 10(-5) and 1.21 * 10(-3), respectively).
      MCR enabled the obtaining of concentration and spectrum of each form but led to
      overestimated values for the equilibrium constants. However, both methods showed
      that formations of the quinonoid base and hemiketal were endothermic reactions.
      Equilibrium constants of anthocyanins in the hibiscus extract showed comparable
      values as for the isolated anthocyanins. 

PMID- 27124578
TI  - Epstein-Barr viral loads and serum free light chains levels are potential follow
      up markers of HIV-related lymphomas.

PMID- 27124577
TI  - Nucleosome Presence at AML-1 Binding Sites Inversely Correlates with Ly49
      Expression: Revelations from an Informatics Analysis of Nucleosomes and Immune
      Cell Transcription Factors.
AB  - Beyond its role in genomic organization and compaction, the nucleosome is
      believed to participate in the regulation of gene transcription. Here, we report
      a computational method to evaluate the nucleosome sensitivity for a transcription
      factor over a given stretch of the genome. Sensitive factors are predicted to be
      those with binding sites preferentially contained within nucleosome boundaries
      and lacking 10 bp periodicity. Based on these criteria, the Acute Myeloid
      Leukemia-1a (AML-1a) transcription factor, a regulator of immune gene expression,
      was identified as potentially sensitive to nucleosomal regulation within the
      mouse Ly49 gene family. This result was confirmed in RMA, a cell line with
      natural expression of Ly49, using MNase-Seq to generate a nucleosome map of
      chromosome 6, where the Ly49 gene family is located. Analysis of this map
      revealed a specific depletion of nucleosomes at AML-1a binding sites in the
      expressed Ly49A when compared to the other, silent Ly49 genes. Our data suggest
      that nucleosome-based regulation contributes to the expression of Ly49 genes, and
      we propose that this method of predicting nucleosome sensitivity could aid in
      dissecting the regulatory role of nucleosomes in general.

PMID- 27124579
TI  - Tumor suppression in mice lacking GABARAP, an Atg8/LC3 family member implicated
      in autophagy, is associated with alterations in cytokine secretion and cell
      death.
AB  - GABARAP belongs to an evolutionary highly conserved gene family that has a
      fundamental role in autophagy. There is ample evidence for a crosstalk between
      autophagy and apoptosis as well as the immune response. However, the molecular
      details for these interactions are not fully characterized. Here, we report that
      the ablation of murine GABARAP, a member of the Atg8/LC3 family that is central
      to autophagosome formation, suppresses the incidence of tumor formation mediated
      by the carcinogen DMBA and results in an enhancement of the immune response
      through increased secretion of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-2 and IFN-gamma from stimulated
      macrophages and lymphocytes. In contrast, TGF-beta1 was significantly reduced in
      the serum of these knockout mice. Further, DMBA treatment of these GABARAP
      knockout mice reduced the cellularity of the spleen and the growth of mammary
      glands through the induction of apoptosis. Gene expression profiling of mammary
      glands revealed significantly elevated levels of Xaf1, an apoptotic inducer and
      tumor-suppressor gene, in knockout mice. Furthermore, DMBA treatment triggered
      the upregulation of pro-apoptotic (Bid, Apaf1, Bax), cell death (Tnfrsf10b,
      Ripk1) and cell cycle inhibitor (Cdkn1a, Cdkn2c) genes in the mammary glands.
      Finally, tumor growth of B16 melanoma cells after subcutaneous inoculation was
      inhibited in GABARAP-deficient mice. Together, these data provide strong evidence
      for the involvement of GABARAP in tumorigenesis in vivo by delaying cell death
      and its associated immune-related response. 

PMID- 27124580
TI  - GSK-3beta-induced Tau pathology drives hippocampal neuronal cell death in
      Huntington's disease: involvement of astrocyte-neuron interactions.
AB  - Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) has emerged as a critical factor in
      several pathways involved in hippocampal neuronal maintenance and function. In
      Huntington's disease (HD), there are early hippocampal deficits both in patients
      and transgenic mouse models, which prompted us to investigate whether disease
      specific changes in GSK-3beta expression may underlie these abnormalities. Thirty
      three postmortem hippocampal samples from HD patients (neuropathological grades 2
      4) and age- and sex-matched normal control cases were analyzed using real-time
      quantitative reverse transcription PCRs (qPCRs) and immunohistochemistry. In
      vitro and in vivo studies looking at hippocampal pathology and GSK-3beta were
      also undertaken in transgenic R6/2 and wild-type mice. We identified a disease
      and stage-dependent upregulation of GSK-3beta mRNA and protein levels in the HD
      hippocampus, with the active isoform pGSK-3beta-Tyr(216) being strongly expressed
      in dentate gyrus (DG) neurons and astrocytes at a time when phosphorylation of
      Tau at the AT8 epitope was also present in these same neurons. This upregulation
      of pGSK-3beta-Tyr(216) was also found in the R6/2 hippocampus in vivo and linked
      to the increased vulnerability of primary hippocampal neurons in vitro. In
      addition, the increased expression of GSK-3beta in the astrocytes of R6/2 mice
      appeared to be the main driver of Tau phosphorylation and caspase3 activation
      induced neuronal death, at least in part via an exacerbated production of major
      proinflammatory mediators. This stage-dependent overactivation of GSK-3beta in HD
      affected hippocampal neurons and astrocytes therefore points to GSK-3beta as
      being a critical factor in the pathological development of this condition. As
      such, therapeutic targeting of this pathway may help ameliorate neuronal
      dysfunction in HD. 

PMID- 27124582
TI  - Glutathione peroxidase 1 deficiency attenuates concanavalin A-induced hepatic
      injury by modulation of T-cell activation.
AB  - Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatitis model is well-established experimental T
      cell-mediated liver disease. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with T
      cell activation and proliferation, but continued ROS exposure induces T-cell
      hyporesponsiveness. Because glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1) is an antioxidant
      enzyme and is involved in T-cell development, we investigated the role of Gpx1
      during Con A-induced liver injury in Gpx1 knockout (KO) mice. Male wild-type (WT)
      mice and Gpx1 KO mice were intravenously injected with Con A (10 mg/kg), and then
      killed after 8 h after Con A injection. Serum levels of aspartate transaminase
      and alanine transaminase were measured to assess hepatic injury. To identify that
      Gpx1 affects T cell-mediated inflammation, we pretreated Gpx1 inhibitor to Human
      Jurkat T cells then treated Con A. Con A-induced massive liver damage in WT mice
      but its damage was attenuated in Gpx1 KO mice. Con A-induced Th1 cytokines such
      as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and
      interleukin (IL)-2 were also decreased in the liver and spleen of Gpx1 KO mice
      compared with WT mice. In Jurkat T cells, Con A-induced mRNA levels of IL-2, IFN
      gamma and TNF-alpha were downregulated by pretreatment of Gpx inhibitor,
      mercaptosuccinic acid. We also observed that Gpx1 KO mice showed increasing
      oxidative stress in the liver and spleen compared with WT mice. These results
      suggest that Gpx1 deficiency attenuates Con A-induced liver injury by induction
      of T-cell hyporesponsiveness through chronic ROS exposure.

PMID- 27124581
TI  - The hnRNP-Htt axis regulates necrotic cell death induced by transcriptional
      repression through impaired RNA splicing.
AB  - In this study, we identify signaling network of necrotic cell death induced by
      transcriptional repression (TRIAD) by alpha-amanitin (AMA), the selective RNA
      polymerase II inhibitor, as a model of neurodegenerative cell death. We performed
      genetic screen of a knockdown (KD) fly library by measuring the ratio of
      transformation from pupa to larva (PL ratio) under TRIAD, and selected the cell
      death-promoting genes. Systems biology analysis of the positive genes mapped on
      protein-protein interaction databases predicted the signaling network of TRIAD
      and the core pathway including heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs)
      and huntingtin (Htt). RNA sequencing revealed that AMA impaired transcription and
      RNA splicing of Htt, which is known as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stabilizing
      molecule. The impairment in RNA splicing and PL ratio was rescued by
      overexpresion of hnRNP that had been also affected by transcriptional repression.
      Fly genetics with suppressor or expresser of Htt and hnRNP worsened or
      ameliorated the decreased PL ratio by AMA, respectively. Collectively, these
      results suggested involvement of RNA splicing and a regulatory role of the hnRNP
      Htt axis in the process of the transcriptional repression-induced necrosis. 

PMID- 27124585
TI  - Elemental electron energy loss mapping of a precipitate in a multi-component
      aluminium alloy.
AB  - The elemental distribution of a precipitate cross section, situated in a lean Al
      Mg-Si-Cu-Ag-Ge alloy, has been investigated in detail by electron energy loss
      spectroscopy (EELS) and aberration corrected high angle annular dark field
      scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). A correlative analysis of
      the EELS data is connected to the results and discussed in detail. The energy
      loss maps for all relevant elements were recorded simultaneously. The good
      spatial resolution allows elemental distribution to be evaluated, such as by
      correlation functions, in addition to being compared with the HAADF image. The
      fcc-Al lattice and the hexagonal Si-network within the precipitates were resolved
      by EELS. The combination of EELS and HAADF-STEM demonstrated that some atomic
      columns consist of mixed elements, a result that would be very uncertain based on
      one of the techniques alone. EELS elemental mapping combined with a correlative
      analysis have great potential for identification and quantification of small
      amounts of elements at the atomic scale. 

PMID- 27124583
TI  - CD95 maintains stem cell-like and non-classical EMT programs in primary human
      glioblastoma cells.
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer with limited
      therapeutic options and unfavorable prognosis. Stemness and non-classical
      epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (ncEMT) features underlie the switch from
      normal to neoplastic states as well as resistance of tumor clones to current
      therapies. Therefore, identification of ligand/receptor systems maintaining this
      privileged state is needed to devise efficient cancer therapies. In this study,
      we show that the expression of CD95 associates with stemness and EMT features in
      GBM tumors and cells and serves as a prognostic biomarker. CD95 expression
      increases in tumors and with tumor relapse as compared with non-tumor tissue.
      Recruitment of the activating PI3K subunit, p85, to CD95 death domain is required
      for maintenance of EMT-related transcripts. A combination of the current GBM
      therapy, temozolomide, with a CD95 inhibitor dramatically abrogates tumor sphere
      formation. This study molecularly dissects the role of CD95 in GBM cells and
      contributes the rational for CD95 inhibition as a GBM therapy.

PMID- 27124586
TI  - Nepsilon-lysine acetylation in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum: A way to
      regulate autophagy and maintain protein homeostasis in the secretory pathway.
AB  - The Nepsilon-lysine acetylation of cargo proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) requires a membrane transporter (SLC33A1) and 2 acetyltransferases
      (NAT8B and NAT8). The ER acetylation machinery regulates the homeostatic balance
      between quality control/efficiency of the secretory pathway and autophagy
      mediated disposal of toxic protein aggregates. We recently reported that the
      autophagy pathway that acts downstream of the ER acetylation machinery
      specifically targets protein aggregates that form within the secretory pathway.
      Genetic and biochemical manipulation of ER acetylation in a mouse model of
      Alzheimer disease is able to restore normal proteostasis and rescue the disease
      phenotype. Here we summarize these findings and offer an overview of the ER
      acetylation machinery.

PMID- 27124584
TI  - MicroRNA-682-mediated downregulation of PTEN in intestinal epithelial cells
      ameliorates intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.
AB  - Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury causes inflammation and tissue
      damage and contributes to high morbidity and mortality, but the underlying
      mechanism remains elusive and effective therapies are still lacking. We report
      here a critical role of the microRNA 682 (miR-682) as a key regulator and
      therapeutic target in intestinal I/R injury. MiR-682 was markedly induced in
      intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) during intestinal ischemia in mice and in the
      human colonic epithelial cells during hypoxia, but was undetected rapidly after
      intestinal reperfusion in IEC of mice. MiR-682 induction during hypoxia was
      modulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha). On lentivirus-mediated
      miR-682 overexpression in vivo during intestinal reperfusion or miR-682 mimic
      transfection in vitro during hypoxia, miR-682 decreased the expression of
      phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and subsequently activated nuclear
      translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) p65. Consequently, NF-kappaB
      activation by miR-682-mediated PTEN downregulation prevented reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) induction, inflammatory reaction, mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis
      and IEC apoptosis. The effect of miR-682-mediated PTEN/NF-kappaB pathway on IECs
      resulted in protection against intestinal I/R injury in mice. However, NF-kappaB
      chemical inhibitor reversed miR-682-mediated decreased PTEN expression, ROS
      induction, inflammation and IEC apoptosis. Collectively, these results identify a
      novel miR-682/PTEN/NF-kappaBp65 signaling pathway in IEC injury induced by I/R
      that could be targeted for therapy.

PMID- 27124587
TI  - Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Investigation of Radical Production
      by Gold Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solutions Under X-ray Irradiation.
AB  - Nanomaterials can enhance the effect of X-rays, but the mechanisms of enhancement
      can be complicated. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was used here to shed
      light on enhancement mechanisms by detecting the originally proposed physical
      enhancement of the effect of X-rays by as-made large gold nanoparticles.
      Specifically spin trap reagent 5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide
      (BMPO) was used to trap radicals produced in aqueous solutions under X-ray
      irradiation. Even though only BMPO hydroxyl adducts were detected at the time of
      EPR measurement, both hydroxyl and superoxide radicals were found to contribute
      to the enhancement. The measured total enhancement was 0.7-fold per weight
      percent (wp) of Au in water using unfiltered X-rays. The theoretically predicted
      physical enhancement is 0.49 fold per wp of gold in water. This information,
      together with scavenging experimental results and the fact that the G-values are
      close for both radicals, suggest that hydroxyl and superoxide radicals
      contributing almost equally to the total measured enhancement. Further, the
      enhancement was found to be linearly dependent on the amount of large gold
      nanoparticles in water and no additional radical was produced beyond the amount
      predicted by type 1 physical enhancement, indicating that hydroxyl or superoxide
      radicals were not produced via catalytic pathways.

PMID- 27124588
TI  - Giemsa is the optimal counterstain for immunohistochemical detection of BRAF
      V600E mutation status in pigmented melanomas.

PMID- 27124589
TI  - Patients' use and views of real-time feedback technology in general practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in real-time feedback (RTF), which involves
      collecting and summarizing information about patient experience at the point of
      care with the aim of informing service improvement. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the
      feasibility and acceptability of RTF in UK general practice. DESIGN: Exploratory
      randomized trial. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Ten general practices in south-west
      England and Cambridgeshire. All patients attending surgeries were eligible to
      provide RTF. INTERVENTION: Touch screens were installed in waiting areas for 12
      weeks with practice staff responsible for encouraging patients to provide RTF.
      All practices received fortnightly feedback summaries. Four teams attended a
      facilitated reflection session. OUTCOMES: RTF 'response rates' among consulting
      patients were estimated, and the representativeness of touch screen users were
      assessed. The frequency of staff-patient interactions about RTF (direct
      observation) and patient views of RTF (exit survey) were summarized. Associated
      costs were collated. RESULTS: About 2.5% consulting patients provided RTF (range
      0.7-8.0% across practices), representing a mean of 194 responses per practice.
      Patients aged above 65 were under-represented among touch screen users.
      Receptionists rarely encouraged RTF but, when this did occur, 60% patients
      participated. Patients were largely positive about RTF but identified some
      barriers. Costs per practice for the twelve-week period ranged from L1125
      (unfacilitated team-level feedback) to L1887 (facilitated team +/- practitioner
      level feedback). The main cost was the provision of touch screens. CONCLUSIONS:
      Response rates for RTF were lower than those of other survey modes, although the
      numbers of patients providing feedback to each practice were comparable to those
      achieved in the English national GP patient survey. More patients might engage
      with RTF if the opportunity were consistently highlighted to them.

PMID- 27124590
TI  - Real-Time Cell-Electronic Sensing of Coal Fly Ash Particulate Matter for Toxicity
      Based Air Quality Monitoring.
AB  - The development of a unique bioassay for cytotoxicity analysis of coal fly ash
      (CFA) particulate matter (PM) and its potential application for air quality
      monitoring is described. Using human cell lines, A549 and SK-MES-1, as live
      probes on microelectrode-embedded 96-well sensors, impedance changes over time
      are measured as cells are treated with varying concentrations (1 MUg/mL-20 mg/mL)
      of CFA samples. A dose-dependent impedance change is determined for each CFA
      sample, from which an IC50 histogram is obtained. The assay was successfully
      applied to examine CFA samples collected from three coal-fired power plants
      (CFPs) in China. The samples were separated into three size fractions: PM2.5
      (<2.5 MUm), PM10-2.5 (2.5 MUm < x < 10 MUm), and PM10 (>10 MUm). Dynamic cell
      response profiles and temporal IC50 histograms of all samples show that CFA
      cytotoxicity depends on concentration, exposure time (0-60 h), and cell-type (SK
      MES-1 > A549). The IC50 values differentiate the cytotoxicity of CFA samples
      based on size fraction (PM2.5 ~ PM10-2.5 ? PM10) and the sampling location (CFP2
      > CFP1 ~ CFP3). Differential cytotoxicity measurements of particulates in human
      cell lines using cell-electronic sensing provide a useful tool for toxicity-based
      air quality monitoring and risk assessment.

PMID- 27124591
TI  - C26:0-Carnitine Is a New Biomarker for X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy in Mice and
      Man.
AB  - X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, is
      caused by mutations in ABCD1 and characterized by very-long-chain fatty acids
      (VLCFA) accumulation. Virtually all males develop progressive myelopathy (AMN). A
      subset of patients, however, develops a fatal cerebral demyelinating disease
      (cerebral ALD). Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is curative for cerebral
      ALD provided the procedure is performed in an early stage of the disease.
      Unfortunately, this narrow therapeutic window is often missed. Therefore, an
      increasing number of newborn screening programs are including ALD. To identify
      new biomarkers for ALD, we developed an Abcd1 knockout mouse with enhanced VLCFA
      synthesis either ubiquitous or restricted to oligodendrocytes. Biochemical
      analysis revealed VLCFA accumulation in different lipid classes and
      acylcarnitines. Both C26:0-lysoPC and C26:0-carnitine were highly elevated in
      brain, spinal cord, but also in bloodspots. We extended the analysis to patients
      and confirmed that C26:0-carnitine is also elevated in bloodspots from ALD
      patients. We anticipate that validation of C26:0-carnitine for the diagnosis of
      ALD in newborn bloodspots may lead to a faster inclusion of ALD in newborn
      screening programs in countries that already screen for other inborn errors of
      metabolism.

PMID- 27124592
TI  - Genetically modified human CD4(+) T cells can be evaluated in vivo without lethal
      graft-versus-host disease.
AB  - Adoptive cell immunotherapy for human diseases, including the use of T cells
      modified to express an anti-tumour T-cell receptor (TCR) or chimeric antigen
      receptor, is showing promise as an effective treatment modality. Further advances
      would be accelerated by the availability of a mouse model that would permit human
      T-cell engineering protocols and proposed genetic modifications to be evaluated
      in vivo. NOD-scid IL2rgamma(null) (NSG) mice accept the engraftment of mature
      human T cells; however, long-term evaluation of transferred cells has been
      hampered by the xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) that occurs soon
      after cell transfer. We modified human primary CD4(+) T cells by lentiviral
      transduction to express a human TCR that recognizes a pancreatic beta cell
      derived peptide in the context of HLA-DR4. The TCR-transduced cells were
      transferred to NSG mice engineered to express HLA-DR4 and to be deficient for
      murine class II MHC molecules. CD4(+) T-cell-depleted peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells were also transferred to facilitate engraftment. The transduced
      cells exhibited long-term survival (up to 3 months post-transfer) and lethal GVHD
      was not observed. This favourable outcome was dependent upon the pre-transfer T
      cell transduction and culture conditions, which influenced both the kinetics of
      engraftment and the development of GVHD. This approach should now permit human T
      cell transduction protocols and genetic modifications to be evaluated in vivo,
      and it should also facilitate the development of human disease models that
      incorporate human T cells.

PMID- 27124593
TI  - Natural Language Processing in Oncology: A Review.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Natural language processing (NLP) has the potential to accelerate
      translation of cancer treatments from the laboratory to the clinic and will be a
      powerful tool in the era of personalized medicine. This technology can harvest
      important clinical variables trapped in the free-text narratives within
      electronic medical records. OBSERVATIONS: Natural language processing can be used
      as a tool for oncological evidence-based research and quality improvement.
      Oncologists interested in applying NLP for clinical research can play pivotal
      roles in building NLP systems and, in doing so, contribute to both oncological
      and clinical NLP research. Herein, we provide an introduction to NLP and its
      potential applications in oncology, a description of specific tools available,
      and a review on the state of the current technology with respect to cancer case
      identification, staging, and outcomes quantification. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
      More automated means of leveraging unstructured data from daily clinical practice
      is crucial as therapeutic options and access to individual-level health
      information increase. Research-minded oncologists may push the avenues of
      evidence-based research by taking advantage of the new technologies available
      with clinical NLP. As continued progress is made with applying NLP toward
      oncological research, incremental gains will lead to large impacts, building a
      cost-effective infrastructure for advancing cancer care.

PMID- 27124594
TI  - Prognostication of Uveal Melanoma: A Work in Progress.

PMID- 27124595
TI  - Differences in intracellular calcium dynamics cause differences in alpha-granule
      secretion and phosphatidylserine expression in platelets adhering on glass and
      TiO2.
AB  - In this study, the activation of purified human platelets due to their adhesion
      on glass and TiO2 in the absence of extracellular calcium was investigated.
      Differences in alpha-granule secretion between platelets adhering on the two
      surfaces were detected by examining the expression and secretion of the alpha
      granule markers P-selectin (CD62P) and beta-thromboglobulin. Similarly,
      differences in the expression of phosphatidylserine (PS), and in the activation
      of the major integrin GPIIb/IIIa, on the surfaces of the adhering platelets, were
      also observed. While all of these activation markers were expressed in platelets
      adhering on glass, the surface markers were not expressed in platelets adhering
      on TiO2, and beta-thromboglobulin secretion levels were substantially reduced.
      Differences in marker expression and secretion correlated with differences in the
      intracellular calcium dynamics. Calcium ionophore treatment triggered alpha
      granule secretion and PS expression in TiO2-adhering platelets but had no effect
      on the activation of GPIIb/IIIa. These results demonstrate specificity in the way
      surfaces of artificial materials activate platelets, link differences in the
      intracellular calcium dynamics observed in the platelets adhering on the two
      surfaces to the differences in some of the platelet responses (alpha-granule
      secretion and PS expression), but also highlight the involvement of synergistic,
      calcium-independent pathways in platelet activation. The ability to control
      activation in surface-adhering platelets makes this an attractive model system
      for studying platelet signaling pathways and for tissue engineering applications.

PMID- 27124596
TI  - Unidirectional Living Growth of Self-Assembled Protein Nanofibrils Revealed by
      Super-resolution Microscopy.
AB  - Protein-based nanofibrils are emerging as a promising class of materials that
      provide unique properties for applications such as biomedical and food
      engineering. Here, we use atomic force microscopy and stochastic optical
      reconstruction microscopy imaging to elucidate the growth dynamics, exchange
      kinetics, and polymerization mechanism for fibrils composed of a de novo designed
      recombinant triblock protein polymer. This macromolecule features a silk-inspired
      self-assembling central block composed of GAGAGAGH repeats, which are known to
      fold into a beta roll with turns at each histidine and, once folded, to stack,
      forming a long, ribbon-like structure. We find several properties that allow the
      growth of patterned protein nanofibrils: the self-assembly takes place on only
      one side of the growing fibrils by the essentially irreversible addition of
      protein polymer subunits, and these fibril ends remain reactive indefinitely in
      the absence of monomer ("living ends"). Exploiting these characteristics, we can
      grow stable diblock protein nanofibrils by the sequential addition of differently
      labeled proteins. We establish control over the block length ratio by simply
      varying monomer feed conditions. Our results demonstrate the use of engineered
      protein polymers in creating precisely patterned protein nanofibrils and open
      perspectives for the hierarchical self-assembly of functional biomaterials.

PMID- 27124597
TI  - Incorporating Anthropogenic Influences into Fire Probability Models: Effects of
      Human Activity and Climate Change on Fire Activity in California.
AB  - The costly interactions between humans and wildfires throughout California
      demonstrate the need to understand the relationships between them, especially in
      the face of a changing climate and expanding human communities. Although a number
      of statistical and process-based wildfire models exist for California, there is
      enormous uncertainty about the location and number of future fires, with
      previously published estimates of increases ranging from nine to fifty-three
      percent by the end of the century. Our goal is to assess the role of climate and
      anthropogenic influences on the state's fire regimes from 1975 to 2050. We
      develop an empirical model that integrates estimates of biophysical indicators
      relevant to plant communities and anthropogenic influences at each forecast time
      step. Historically, we find that anthropogenic influences account for up to fifty
      percent of explanatory power in the model. We also find that the total area
      burned is likely to increase, with burned area expected to increase by 2.2 and
      5.0 percent by 2050 under climatic bookends (PCM and GFDL climate models,
      respectively). Our two climate models show considerable agreement, but due to
      potential shifts in rainfall patterns, substantial uncertainty remains for the
      semiarid inland deserts and coastal areas of the south. Given the strength of
      human-related variables in some regions, however, it is clear that comprehensive
      projections of future fire activity should include both anthropogenic and
      biophysical influences. Previous findings of substantially increased numbers of
      fires and burned area for California may be tied to omitted variable bias from
      the exclusion of human influences. The omission of anthropogenic variables in our
      model would overstate the importance of climatic ones by at least 24%. As such,
      the failure to include anthropogenic effects in many models likely overstates the
      response of wildfire to climatic change.

PMID- 27124598
TI  - Early CD4+ T Cell Responses Are Associated with Subsequent CD8+ T Cell Responses
      to an rAd5-Based Prophylactic Prime-Boost HIV Vaccine Strategy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Initial evaluation of a candidate vaccine against HIV includes an
      assessment of the vaccine's ability to generate immune responses. However, the
      dynamics of vaccine-induced immune responses are unclear. We hypothesized that
      the IFN-gamma producing cytotoxic CD8+ (CD8+ IFN-gamma+) T cell responses could
      be predicted by early IL-2 producing CD4+ (CD4+ IL-2+) helper T cell responses,
      and we evaluated this hypothesis using data from a phase I/II prophylactic HIV
      vaccine trial. The objective was to assess the dynamics and correlations between
      CD4+ IL-2+ T cell and CD8+ IFN-gamma+ T cell responses after vaccination with a
      recombinant adenoviral serotype 5 (rAd5) HIV vaccine. METHODS: We analyzed data
      from the HVTN 068 HIV vaccine trial, which evaluated the immunogenicity of two
      different strategies for prime and boost vaccination (rAd5-rAd5 vaccine versus
      DNA-rAd5) in 66 healthy volunteers. Spearman correlations between immunogenicity
      markers across time-points were calculated. CD8+ IFN-gamma+ T cell response in
      the rAd5-rAd5 arm was modeled as a function of CD4+ IL-2+ T cell response and
      time using mixed effects regression models. RESULTS: Moderate to high
      correlations (r = 0.48-0.76) were observed in the rAd5-rAd5 arm between the CD4+
      IL-2+ T cell response at week 2 and later CD8+ IFN-gamma+ T cell responses (weeks
      2-52). Regression models confirmed this relationship with a significant
      association between the two markers: for a 1.0% increase in CD4+ IL-2+ T cells at
      week 2 post-prime, a 0.3% increase in CD8+ IFN-gamma+ T cell responses across
      subsequent time points, including post-boost time points, was observed (p<0.01).
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest an early and leading role of CD4+ T cells in
      the cellular response to the rAd5-rAd5 vaccine and in particular the stimulation
      of cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses. These results could inform better timing of
      CD4+ T cell measurements in future clinical trials.

PMID- 27124599
TI  - MDR-TB Outbreak among HIV-Negative Tunisian Patients followed during 11 Years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) outbreaks that evolve, from
      the outset, in a context strictly negative for HIV infection deserve special
      consideration since they reflect the true intrinsic epidemic potential of the
      causative strain. To our knowledge, the long-term evolution of such exceptional
      outbreaks and the treatment outcomes for the involved patients has never been
      reported hitherto. Here we provide a thorough description, over an 11-year
      period, of an MDR-TB outbreak that emerged and expanded in an HIV-negative
      context, Northern Tunisia. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: From October 2001 to
      June 2011, the MDR-TB outbreak involved 48 HIV-negative individuals that are
      mainly young (mean age 31.09 yrs; 89.6% male) and noninstitutionalized. Drug
      susceptibility testing coupled to mutational analysis revealed that initial
      transmission involved an isolate that was simultaneously resistant to isoniazid,
      rifampicin, ethambutol, and streptomycin. The causative Haarlem3-ST50 outbreak
      strain expanded mainly as an 11-banded IS6110 RFLP profile (77.1%), from which a
      12-banded subclone evolved. After undergoing a 2-year treatment with second-line
      drugs, 22 (45.8%) patients were cured and 3 (6.2%) completed treatment, thus
      yielding an overall treatment success rate of 52.1%. Among the patients that
      experienced unfavorable treatment outcomes, 10 (20.8%) failed treatment, 3 (6.2%)
      were lost to follow-up, 5 (10.4%) died, and 5 (10.4%) could not be evaluated.
      Poor adherence to treatment was found to be the main independent predictor of
      unfavorable outcomes (HR: 9.15; 95% CI 1.72-48.73; P = 0.014). Intriguingly, the
      evolved 12-banded subclone proved significantly associated with unfavorable
      outcomes (HR: 4.90; 95% CI 1.04-23.04, P = 0.044). High rate of fatality and
      relapse was further demonstrated at the long-term, since 70% of those whose
      treatment failed have died, and 24% among those deemed successfully treated have
      relapsed. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Taken together, the data obtained in this
      study indicate that MDR-TB clinical isolates could become fit enough to cause
      large and severe outbreaks in an HIV-negative context. Such MDR-TB outbreaks are
      characterized by low treatment success rates and could evolve towards increased
      severity, thus calling for early detection of cases and the necessity to raise
      the bar of surveillance throughout and beyond the treatment period.

PMID- 27124601
TI  - Highly Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells With Sulfonated Lignin Doped
      PEDOT as Hole Extract Layer.
AB  - Sulfonated-acetone-formaldehyde (SAF) was grafted with alkali lignin (AL) to
      prepare grafted sulfonated-acetone-formaldehyde lignin (GSL). Considering the
      rich phenolic hydroxyl groups in GSL, we detected a hole mobility of 2.27 * 10(
      6) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) with GSL as a hole transport material by space-charge
      limited current model. Compared with nonconjugated poly(styrene sulfonic acid),
      GSL was applied as p-type semiconductive dopant for PEDOT to prepare water
      dispersed PEDOT: GSL. PEDOT: GSL shows enhanced conductivity compared with that
      of PEDOT: PSS. Simultaneously, the enhanced open-circuit voltage, short-circuit
      current density, and fill factor are achieved using PEDOT: GSL as a hole extract
      layer (HEL) in sandwich-structure inverted perovskite solar cells. The power
      conversion efficiency is increased to 14.94% compared with 12.6% of PEDOT: PSS
      based devices. Our results show that amorphous GSL is a good candidate as dopant
      of PEDOT, and we provide a novel prospective for the design of HEL based on
      lignin, a renewable biomass and phenol derivatives.

PMID- 27124602
TI  - Regioselective synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted isocoumarins through the Pd
      catalyzed annulation of 2-iodoaromatic acids with ynamides.
AB  - A Pd(0)-catalyzed annulation reaction of ynamides is described for the efficient
      synthesis of 3,4-disubstituted isocoumarins. This novel methodology allows for
      the concomitant construction of O-C and C-C bonds between 2-iodoaromatic acids
      and ynamides, exhibiting excellent regioselectivities and a wide functional group
      tolerance. 

PMID- 27124600
TI  - ABHD5/CGI-58, the Chanarin-Dorfman Syndrome Protein, Mobilises Lipid Stores for
      Hepatitis C Virus Production.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles closely mimic human very-low-density
      lipoproteins (VLDL) to evade humoral immunity and to facilitate cell entry.
      However, the principles that govern HCV association with VLDL components are
      poorly defined. Using an siRNA screen, we identified ABHD5 (alpha/beta hydrolase
      domain containing protein 5, also known as CGI-58) as a new host factor promoting
      both virus assembly and release. ABHD5 associated with lipid droplets and
      triggered their hydrolysis. Importantly, ABHD5 Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome mutants
      responsible for a rare lipid storage disorder in humans were mislocalised, and
      unable to consume lipid droplets or support HCV production. Additional ABHD5
      mutagenesis revealed a novel tribasic motif that does not influence subcellular
      localization but determines both ABHD5 lipolytic and proviral properties. These
      results indicate that HCV taps into the lipid droplet triglyceride reservoir
      usurping ABHD5 lipase cofactor function. They also suggest that the resulting
      lipid flux, normally devoted to VLDL synthesis, also participates in the assembly
      and release of the HCV lipo-viro-particle. Altogether, our study provides the
      first association between the Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome protein and an infectious
      disease and sheds light on the hepatic manifestations of this rare genetic
      disorder as well as on HCV morphogenesis.

PMID- 27124603
TI  - Time-Domain Simulation of Three Dimensional Quantum Wires.
AB  - A method is presented to calculate the eigenenergies and eigenfunctions of
      quantum wires. This is a true three-dimensional method based on a direct
      implementation of the time-dependent Schrodinger equation. It makes no
      approximations to the Schrodinger equation other than the finite-difference
      approximation of the space and time derivatives. The accuracy of our method is
      tested by comparing it to analytical results in a cylindrical wire.

PMID- 27124604
TI  - Efficient Record Linkage Algorithms Using Complete Linkage Clustering.
AB  - Data from different agencies share data of the same individuals. Linking these
      datasets to identify all the records belonging to the same individuals is a
      crucial and challenging problem, especially given the large volumes of data. A
      large number of available algorithms for record linkage are prone to either time
      inefficiency or low-accuracy in finding matches and non-matches among the
      records. In this paper we propose efficient as well as reliable sequential and
      parallel algorithms for the record linkage problem employing hierarchical
      clustering methods. We employ complete linkage hierarchical clustering algorithms
      to address this problem. In addition to hierarchical clustering, we also use two
      other techniques: elimination of duplicate records and blocking. Our algorithms
      use sorting as a sub-routine to identify identical copies of records. We have
      tested our algorithms on datasets with millions of synthetic records.
      Experimental results show that our algorithms achieve nearly 100% accuracy.
      Parallel implementations achieve almost linear speedups. Time complexities of
      these algorithms do not exceed those of previous best-known algorithms. Our
      proposed algorithms outperform previous best-known algorithms in terms of
      accuracy consuming reasonable run times.

PMID- 27124605
TI  - Vertically Oriented Growth of GaN Nanorods on Si Using Graphene as an Atomically
      Thin Buffer Layer.
AB  - The monolithic integration of wurtzite GaN on Si via metal-organic vapor phase
      epitaxy is strongly hampered by lattice and thermal mismatch as well as meltback
      etching. This study presents single-layer graphene as an atomically thin buffer
      layer for c-axis-oriented growth of vertically aligned GaN nanorods mediated by
      nanometer-sized AlGaN nucleation islands. Nanostructures of similar morphology
      are demonstrated on graphene-covered Si(111) as well as Si(100). High crystal and
      optical quality of the nanorods are evidenced through scanning transmission
      electron microscopy, micro-Raman, and cathodoluminescence measurements supported
      by finite-difference time-domain simulations. Current-voltage characteristics
      revealed high vertical conduction of the as-grown GaN nanorods through the Si
      substrates. These findings are substantial to advance the integration of GaN
      based devices on any substrates of choice that sustains the GaN growth
      temperatures, thereby permitting novel designs of GaN-based heterojunction device
      concepts.

PMID- 27124606
TI  - Curcumin Lowers Serum Lipids and Uric Acid in Subjects With Nonalcoholic Fatty
      Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common
      hepatic diseases in the general adult population. Dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia,
      and insulin resistance are common risk factors and accompanying features of
      NAFLD. Curcumin is a dietary natural product with beneficial metabolic effects
      relevant to the treatment of NAFLD. AIM: To assess the effects of curcumin on
      metabolic profile in subjects with NAFLD. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with NAFLD
      (grades 1-3; according to liver sonography) were randomly assigned to curcumin
      (1000 mg/d in 2 divided doses) (n = 50) or control (n = 52) group for a period of
      8 weeks. All patients received dietary and lifestyle advises before the start of
      trial. Anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, glucose, insulin, glycated
      hemoglobin, and uric acid concentrations were measured at baseline and after 8
      weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: Eighty-seven subjects (n = 44 and 43 in the curcumin
      and control group, respectively) completed the trial. Supplementation with
      curcumin was associated with a reduction in serum levels of total cholesterol (P
      < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001), triglycerides (P <
      0.001), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001), and uric acid (P <
      0.001), whereas serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose
      control parameters remained unaltered. Curcumin was safe and well tolerated
      during this study. CONCLUSION: Results of the present trial suggest that curcumin
      supplementation reduces serum lipids and uric acid concentrations in patients
      with NAFLD.

PMID- 27124607
TI  - STAT3 Suppression Is Involved in the Protective Effect of SIRT6 Against
      Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy.
AB  - The activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is
      critical for the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Sirtuin 6
      (SIRT6) protects cardiomyocytes from hypertrophy. This study focused on the
      association between SIRT6 and STAT3 in the regulation of cardiomyocyte
      hypertrophy. In the phenylephrine (PE)-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocyte model
      and in the hearts of isoprenaline-induced cardiac hypertrophic rat model, the
      mRNA and protein expressions of STAT3 and its phosphorylated level at tyrosine
      705 (P-STAT3) were significantly increased. By contrast, the deacetylation
      activity of SIRT6 was weakened without altering its protein expression. In
      addition, the nuclear localization of STAT3 and P-STAT3 was enhanced by PE,
      suggesting that STAT3 was activated in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Adenovirus
      infection-induced SIRT6 overexpression repressed the activation of STAT3 by
      decreasing its mRNA and protein levels, by suppressing its transcriptional
      activity, and by hindering the expressions of its target genes. Moreover, the
      effect of SIRT6 overexpression on eliminating PE-induced expressions of
      hypertrophic biomarkers, such as atrial natriuretic factor and brain natriuretic
      peptide, was reversed by STAT3 overexpression. Likewise, SIRT6 knockdown-induced
      upregulation of atrial natriuretic factor and brain natriuretic peptide was
      reversed by STAT3 silencing. These observations suggest that the antihypertrophic
      effect of SIRT6 involves STAT3 suppression. In conclusion, SIRT6 prevents PE
      induced activation of STAT3 in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy; the inhibitory effect
      of SIRT6 on STAT3 contributes to cardiac protection. 

PMID- 27124608
TI  - Pregnancy as a critical window for blood pressure regulation in mother and child:
      programming and reprogramming.
AB  - Pregnancy is a critical time for long-term blood pressure regulation in both
      mother and child. Pregnancies complicated by placental insufficiency, resulting
      in pre-eclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, are associated with a
      threefold increased risk of the mother to develop hypertension later in life. In
      addition, these complications create an adverse intrauterine environment, which
      programmes the foetus and the second generation to develop hypertension in adult
      life. Female offspring born to a pregnancy complicated by placental insufficiency
      are at risk for pregnancy complications during their own pregnancies as well,
      resulting in a vicious circle with programmed risk for hypertension passing from
      generation to generation. Here, we review the epidemiology and mechanisms leading
      to the altered programming of blood pressure trajectories after pregnancies
      complicated by placental insufficiency. Although the underlying mechanisms
      leading to hypertension remain the subject of investigation, several
      abnormalities in angiotensin sensitivity, sodium handling, sympathetic activity,
      endothelial function and metabolic pathways are found in the mother after
      exposure to placental insufficiency. In the child, epigenetic modifications and
      disrupted organ development play a crucial role in programming of hypertension.
      We emphasize that pregnancy can be viewed as a window of opportunity to improve
      long-term cardiovascular health of both mother and child, and outline potential
      gains expected of improved preconceptional, perinatal and post-natal care to
      reduce the development of hypertension and the burden of cardiovascular disease
      later in life. Perinatal therapies aimed at reprogramming hypertension are a
      promising strategy to break the vicious circle of intergenerational programming
      of hypertension.

PMID- 27124609
TI  - A Rapid and Sensitive Strip-Based Quick Test for Nerve Agents Tabun, Sarin, and
      Soman Using BODIPY-Modified Silica Materials.
AB  - Test strips that in combination with a portable fluorescence reader or digital
      camera can rapidly and selectively detect chemical warfare agents (CWAs) such as
      Tabun (GA), Sarin (GB), and Soman (GD) and their simulants in the gas phase have
      been developed. The strips contain spots of a hybrid indicator material
      consisting of a fluorescent BODIPY indicator covalently anchored into the
      channels of mesoporous SBA silica microparticles. The fluorescence quenching
      response allows the sensitive detection of CWAs in the MUg m(-3) range in a few
      seconds. 

PMID- 27124610
TI  - Clustering Scientific Publications Based on Citation Relations: A Systematic
      Comparison of Different Methods.
AB  - Clustering methods are applied regularly in the bibliometric literature to
      identify research areas or scientific fields. These methods are for instance used
      to group publications into clusters based on their relations in a citation
      network. In the network science literature, many clustering methods, often
      referred to as graph partitioning or community detection techniques, have been
      developed. Focusing on the problem of clustering the publications in a citation
      network, we present a systematic comparison of the performance of a large number
      of these clustering methods. Using a number of different citation networks, some
      of them relatively small and others very large, we extensively study the
      statistical properties of the results provided by different methods. In addition,
      we also carry out an expert-based assessment of the results produced by different
      methods. The expert-based assessment focuses on publications in the field of
      scientometrics. Our findings seem to indicate that there is a trade-off between
      different properties that may be considered desirable for a good clustering of
      publications. Overall, map equation methods appear to perform best in our
      analysis, suggesting that these methods deserve more attention from the
      bibliometric community.

PMID- 27124616
TI  - S8 -Mediated Cyclization of 2-Aminophenols/thiophenols with Arylmethyl Chloride:
      Approach to Benzoxazoles and Benzothiazoles.
AB  - A metal-free approach to benzazoles from arylmethyl chlorides and 2-mercaptan/2
      hydroxyanilines using elemental sulfur as a traceless oxidizing agent has been
      developed. The reactions proceeded in good to excellent yields, exhibiting good
      functional groups tolerance and gram-scale ability. A key mechanistic
      investigation indicated that the key intermediate trisulfide 6, which was
      characterized by NMR, HRMS and crystal X-ray crystallography, was separated in
      the reaction prior to the formation of the product. 

PMID- 27124615
TI  - Effects of Isoflavone-Enriched Feed on the Rumen Microbiota in Dairy Cows.
AB  - In this study, we compared the effects of two diets containing different
      isoflavone concentrations on the isoflavone transfer from feed into milk and on
      the rumen microbiota in lactating dairy cows. The on-farm experiment was
      conducted on twelve lactating Czech Fleckvieh x Holstein cows divided into two
      groups, each with similar mean milk yield. Twice daily, cows were individually
      fed a diet based on maize silage, meadow hay and supplemental mixture. Control
      group (CTRL) received the basal diet while the experimental group (EXP) received
      the basal diet supplemented with 40% soybean isoflavone extract. The average
      daily isoflavone intake in the EXP group (16 g/day) was twice as high as that in
      the CTRL group (8.4 g/day, P<0.001). Total isoflavone concentrations in milk from
      the CTRL and EXP groups were 96.89 and 276.07 MUg/L, respectively (P<0.001).
      Equol concentrations in milk increased from 77.78 MUg/L in the CTRL group to
      186.30 MUg/L in the EXP group (P<0.001). The V3-4 region of bacterial 16S rRNA
      genes was used for metagenomic analysis of the rumen microbiome. The experimental
      cows exhibited fewer OTUs at a distance level of 0.03 compared to control cows
      (P<0.05) and reduced microbial richness compared to control cows based on the
      calculated Inverse Simpson and Shannon indices. Non-metric multidimensional
      scaling analysis showed that the major contributor to separation between the
      experimental and control groups were changes in the representation of bacteria
      belonging to the phyla Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and
      Planctomycetes. Surprisingly, a statistically significant positive correlation
      was found only between isoflavones and the phyla Burkholderiales (r = 0.65,
      P<0.05) and unclassified Betaproteobacteria (r = 0.58, P<0.05). Previous mouse
      and human studies of isoflavone effects on the composition of gastrointestinal
      microbial populations generally report similar findings.

PMID- 27124617
TI  - Who can I trust? Extended fear during and after the Utoya terrorist attack.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate specific peritraumatic
      reactions among adolescent and young adult survivors of the 2011 terrorist attack
      on Utoya Island, Norway. The authors focused specifically on a phenomenon that
      has so far not been thoroughly investigated: fear of nondangerous stimuli
      ("extended fear") during and immediately after the traumatic event. METHOD: In
      total, 325 survivors of the shooting on Utoya Island were interviewed 4-5 months
      after the attack and provided a free narrative of the event. Posttraumatic stress
      symptoms were assessed using the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index; depression and anxiety
      were assessed using HSCL-8. For the purpose of the current study, the authors
      chose participants who were under the age of 26 at the time of the terrorist
      attack (M = 18.4 years), which constituted the vast majority of the total sample
      (93%). RESULTS: The authors found that 54% of the sample felt threatened during
      and immediately after the attack, not only by the perpetrator himself, but by
      other people as well; in most cases by people who came to help them (medical
      personnel, policemen, volunteers). The participants who mentioned experiencing
      extended fear in their trauma narratives had significantly higher scores of
      posttraumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, and depression 5 months after the attack
      than participants who did not peritraumatically experience extended fear.
      CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of extended fear can help in identifying individuals
      who will later develop symptomatology. In addition, knowledge of the phenomenon
      could help policemen and medical personnel understand survivors' seemingly
      irrational reactions. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124618
TI  - Domestic Travel and Regional Migration for Parathyroid Surgery Among Patients
      Receiving Care at Academic Medical Centers in the United States, 2012-2014.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: To improve outcomes after parathyroidectomy, several organizations
      advocate for selective referral of patients to high-volume academic medical
      centers with dedicated endocrine surgery programs. The major factors that
      influence whether patients travel away from their local community and support
      system for perceived better care remain elusive. OBJECTIVE: To assess how
      race/ethnicity and insurance status influence domestic travel patterns and
      selection of high- vs low-volume hospitals in different regions of the United
      States for parathyroid surgery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A
      retrospective study was conducted of 36 750 inpatients and outpatients discharged
      after undergoing parathyroidectomy identified in the University HealthSystem
      Consortium database from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2014 (12 quarters
      total). Each US region (Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Great Lakes, Central Plains,
      Southeast, Gulf Coast, and West) contained 20 or more low-volume hospitals (1-49
      cases annually), 5 or more mid-volume hospitals (50-99 cases annually), and
      multiple high-volume hospitals (>=100 cases annually). Domestic medical travelers
      were defined as patients who underwent parathyroidectomy at a hospital in a
      different US region from which they resided and traveled more than 150 miles to
      the hospital. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Distance traveled, regional
      destination, and relative use of high- vs low-volume hospitals. RESULTS: A total
      of 23 268 of the 36 750 patients (63.3%) had parathyroidectomy performed at high
      volume hospitals. The mean (SD) age of the study cohort was 71.5 (16.2) years
      (95% CI, 71.4-71.7 years). The female to male ratio was 3:1. Throughout the study
      period, mean (SD) distance traveled was directly proportional to hospital volume
      (high-volume hospitals, 208.4 [455.1] miles; medium-volume hospitals, 50.5
      [168.4] miles; low-volume hospitals, 27.7 [89.5] miles; P < .001). From 2012 to
      2014, the annual volume of domestic medical travelers increased by 15.0% (from
      961 to 1105), while overall volume increased by 4.9% (from 11 681 to 12 252; P =
      .03). Nearly all (2982 of 3113 [95.8%]) domestic medical travelers had surgery at
      high-volume hospitals, and most of these patients (2595 of 3113 [83.4%]) migrated
      to hospitals in the Southeast. Domestic medical travelers were significantly more
      likely to be white (2888 of 3113 [92.8%]; P < .001) and have private insurance
      (1934 of 3113 [62.1%]; P < .001). Most patients with private insurance (12 137 of
      17 822 [68.1%]) and Medicare (9433 of 15 121 [62.4%]) had surgery at high-volume
      hospitals, while the largest proportion of patients with Medicaid and those who
      were uninsured had surgery at low-volume hospitals (1059 of 2715 [39.0%]).
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Centralization of parathyroid surgery is a reality in
      the United States. Significant disparities based on race and insurance coverage
      exist and may hamper access to the highest-volume surgeons and hospitals.
      Academic medical centers with dedicated endocrine surgery programs should
      consider strategic initiatives to reduce disparities within their respective
      regions.

PMID- 27124611
TI  - Remote Physical Activity Monitoring in Neurological Disease: A Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of studies using remote physical
      activity monitoring in neurological diseases, highlighting advances and
      determining gaps. METHODS: Studies were systematically identified in
      PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL and SCOPUS from January 2004 to December 2014 that
      monitored physical activity for >=24 hours in adults with neurological diseases.
      Studies that measured only involuntary motor activity (tremor, seizures), energy
      expenditure or sleep were excluded. Feasibility, findings, and protocols were
      examined. RESULTS: 137 studies met inclusion criteria in multiple sclerosis (MS)
      (61 studies); stroke (41); Parkinson's Disease (PD) (20); dementia (11);
      traumatic brain injury (2) and ataxia (1). Physical activity levels measured by
      remote monitoring are consistently low in people with MS, stroke and dementia,
      and patterns of physical activity are altered in PD. In MS, decreased ambulatory
      activity assessed via remote monitoring is associated with greater disability and
      lower quality of life. In stroke, remote measures of upper limb function and
      ambulation are associated with functional recovery following rehabilitation and
      goal-directed interventions. In PD, remote monitoring may help to predict falls.
      In dementia, remote physical activity measures correlate with disease severity
      and can detect wandering. CONCLUSIONS: These studies show that remote physical
      activity monitoring is feasible in neurological diseases, including in people
      with moderate to severe neurological disability. Remote monitoring can be a
      psychometrically sound and responsive way to assess physical activity in
      neurological disease. Further research is needed to ensure these tools provide
      meaningful information in the context of specific neurological disorders and
      patterns of neurological disability.

PMID- 27124619
TI  - Assessment of Hemophilic Arthropathy by Ultrasound: Where Do We Stand?
AB  - Joint hemorrhages represent the most common type of bleeding episode in persons
      with hemophilia, and recurrent hemarthrosis triggers chronic arthropathy, which
      is the most frequent chronic complication in these patients. In recent years, in
      the frame of a comprehensive care approach, a growing attention has been given to
      the periodic assessment of the joint status in hemophilia patients with the aim
      to identify early arthropathic changes and to prevent the development of a
      clinically overt arthropathy. Besides clinical examination, X-ray and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) are currently used to evaluate joint status and to
      monitor the disease progression in hemophilia. Considering the limitations of X
      ray and MRI, growing interest has been given to ultrasound (US) as a possible
      tool to assess joint status and identify early arthropathic changes in hemophilia
      patients. In the present review, we summarize major literature evidence on the
      use of joint US for the evaluation of markers of disease activity (joint effusion
      and synovial hypertrophy) and of degenerative damages (osteochondral changes) in
      patients with hemophilia. On the whole, being able to identify the presence of
      intra- or extra-articular fluid, US examination is the fastest and most reliable
      technique to identify acute conditions, such as hemarthrosis. In addition, the
      information on joint involvement provided by US in the patient follow-up may
      influence treatment decisions on a personalized basis. The use of US as part of a
      routine clinical examination by hemophilia experts may optimize the diagnostic
      workflow, avoiding additional costs and long waiting lists for patients referred
      to imaging departments. In the frame of a comprehensive care approach, US might
      represent a strategy to early detect and monitor synovial hypertrophy and
      osteochondral changes in hemophilia, thus extending the clinical examination and
      helping identify joints to be studied with a second-level examination such as
      MRI. 

PMID- 27124620
TI  - Metal binding affinity and structural properties of calmodulin-like protein 14
      from Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - In addition to the well-known Ca(2+) sensor calmodulin, plants possess many
      calmodulin-like proteins (CMLs) that are predicted to have specific roles in the
      cell. Herein, we described the biochemical and biophysical characterization of
      recombinant Arabidopsis thaliana CML14. We applied isothermal titration
      calorimetry to analyze the energetics of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) binding to CML14, and
      nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, together with intrinsic and ANS-based
      fluorescence, to evaluate the structural effects of metal binding and metal
      induced conformational changes. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry
      and limited proteolysis were used to characterize protein thermal and local
      stability. Our data demonstrate that CML14 binds one Ca(2+) ion with micromolar
      affinity (Kd ~ 12 uM) and the presence of 10 mM Mg(2+) decreases the Ca(2+)
      affinity by ~5-fold. Although binding of Ca(2+) to CML14 increases protein
      stability, it does not result in a more hydrophobic protein surface and does not
      induce the large conformational rearrangement typical of Ca(2+) sensors, but
      causes only localized structural changes in the unique functional EF-hand. Our
      data, together with a molecular modelling prediction, provide interesting
      insights into the biochemical properties of Arabidopsis CML14 and may be useful
      to direct additional studies aimed at understanding its physiological role.

PMID- 27124622
TI  - Mixed-Halide CH3 NH3 PbI3-x Xx (X=Cl, Br, I) Perovskites: Vapor-Assisted Solution
      Deposition and Application as Solar Cell Absorbers.
AB  - There have been recent reports on the formation of single-halide perovskites, CH3
      NH3 PbX3 (X=Cl, Br, I), by means of vapor-assisted solution processing. Herein,
      the successful formation of mixed-halide perovskites (CH3 NH3 PbI3-x Xx ) by
      means of a vapor-assisted solution method at ambient atmosphere is reported. The
      perovskite films are synthesized by exposing PbI2 film to CH3 NH3 X (X=I, Br, or
      Cl) vapor. The prepared perovskite films have uniform surfaces with good
      coverage, as confirmed by SEM images. The inclusion of chlorine and bromine into
      the structure leads to a lower temperature and shorter reaction time for optimum
      perovskite film formation. In the case of CH3 NH3 PbI3-x Clx , the optimum
      reaction temperature is reduced to 100  degrees C, and the resulting phases are
      CH3 NH3 PbI3 (with trace Cl) and CH3 NH3 PbCl3 with a ratio of about 2:1. In the
      case of CH3 NH3 PbI3-x Brx , single-phase CH3 NH3 PbI2 Br is formed in a
      considerably shorter reaction time than that of CH3 NH3 PbI3 . The mesostructured
      perovskite solar cells based on CH3 NH3 PbI3 films show the best optimal power
      conversion efficiency of 13.5 %, whereas for CH3 NH3 PbI3-x Clx and CH3 NH3 PbI3
      x Brx the best recorded efficiencies are 11.6 and 10.5 %, respectively. 

PMID- 27124621
TI  - Diabetes 2030: Insights from Yesterday, Today, and Future Trends.
AB  - To forecast future trends in diabetes prevalence, morbidity, and costs in the
      United States, the Institute for Alternative Futures has updated its diabetes
      forecasting model and extended its projections to 2030 for the nation, all
      states, and several metropolitan areas. This paper describes the methodology and
      data sources for these diabetes forecasts and discusses key implications. In
      short, diabetes will remain a major health crisis in America, in spite of medical
      advances and prevention efforts. The prevalence of diabetes (type 2 diabetes and
      type 1 diabetes) will increase by 54% to more than 54.9 million Americans between
      2015 and 2030; annual deaths attributed to diabetes will climb by 38% to 385,800;
      and total annual medical and societal costs related to diabetes will increase 53%
      to more than $622 billion by 2030. Improvements in management reducing the annual
      incidence of morbidities and premature deaths related to diabetes over this time
      period will result in diabetes patients living longer, but requiring many years
      of comprehensive management of multiple chronic diseases, resulting in
      dramatically increased costs. Aggressive population health measures, including
      increased availability of diabetes prevention programs, could help millions of
      adults prevent or delay the progression to type 2 diabetes, thereby helping turn
      around these dire projections.

PMID- 27124623
TI  - Zika virus: An update on epidemiology, pathology, molecular biology, and animal
      model.
AB  - Zika virus (ZIKV) was first described in 1947, and became a health emergency
      problem in 2016 when its association with fetal microcephaly cases was confirmed
      by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. To
      date, ZIKV infection has been documented in 66 countries. ZIKV is recognized as a
      neurotropic virus and numerous diseases manifested in multiple neurological
      disorders have been described, mainly in countries that have been exposed to ZIKV
      after the 2007 outbreak in the Federated States of Micronesia. The most dramatic
      consequence of ZIKV infection documented is the abrupt increase in fetal
      microcephaly cases in Brazil. Here, we present an update of the published
      research progress in the past few months. J. Med. Virol. 88:1291-1296, 2016. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27124624
TI  - Long term exposure to NO2 and diabetes incidence in the Black Women's Health
      Study.
AB  - While laboratory studies show that air pollutants can potentiate insulin
      resistance, the epidemiologic evidence regarding the association of air pollution
      with diabetes incidence is conflicting. The purpose of the present study was to
      assess the association of the traffic-related nitrogen dioxide (NO2) with the
      incidence of diabetes in a longitudinal cohort study of African American women.
      We used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate hazard ratios and 95%
      confidence intervals (CI) for diabetes associated with exposure to NO2 among
      43,003 participants in the Black Women's Health Study (BWHS). Pollutant levels at
      participant residential locations were estimated with 1) a land use regression
      model for participants living in 56 metropolitan areas, and 2) a dispersion model
      for participants living in 27 of the cities. From 1995 to 2011, 4387 cases of
      diabetes occurred. The hazard ratios per interquartile range of NO2 (9.7 ppb),
      adjusted for age, metropolitan area, education, vigorous exercise, body mass
      index, smoking, and diet, were 0.96 (95% CI 0.88-1.06) using the land use
      regression model estimates and 0.94 (95% CI 0.80, 1.10) using the dispersion
      model estimates. The present results do not support the hypothesis that exposure
      to NO2 contributes to diabetes incidence in African American women.

PMID- 27124625
TI  - Evolution and oncological outcomes of a contemporary radical prostatectomy
      practice in a UK regional tertiary referral centre.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and pathological trends, over a 10-year
      period, in robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) in a UK regional
      tertiary referral centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 1 500 consecutive
      patients underwent RALP between October 2005 and January 2015. Prospective data
      were collected on clinicopathological details at presentation as well as surgical
      outcomes and compared over time. RESULTS: The median (range) age of patients
      throughout the period was 62 (35-78) years. The proportion of preoperative high
      grade cases (Gleason score 8-10) rose from 4.6% in 2005-2008 to 18.2% in 2013
      2015 (P < 0.001). In the same periods the proportion of clinical stage T3 cases
      operated on rose from 2.4% to 11.4% (P < 0.001). The median prostate-specific
      antigen (PSA) level at diagnosis did not alter significantly. Overall, 11.6% of
      men in 2005-2008 were classified preoperatively as high-risk by National
      Institute for Health and Care Excellence criteria, compared with 33.6% in 2013
      2015 (P < 0.001). The corresponding proportions for low-risk cases were 48.6% and
      17.3%, respectively. Final surgical pathology showed an increase in tumour stage,
      Gleason grade, and nodal status over time. The proportion of pT3 cases rose from
      43.2% in 2005-2008 to 55.5% in 2013-2015 (P < 0.001), Gleason score 9-10 tumours
      increased from 1.8% to 9.1% (P < 0.001) and positive nodal status increased from
      1.6% to 12.9% (P < 0.001) between the same periods. Despite this, positive
      surgical margin rates showed a downward trend in all pT groups across the
      different eras (P = 0.72). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the patient
      profile for RALP in our unit is changing, with increasing proportions of higher
      stage and more advanced disease being referred and operated on. However, surgical
      margin outcomes have remained good.

PMID- 27124643
TI  - Prevalence of bleeding manifestations in 128 heterozygotes for Factor X
      deficiency, mainly for FX Friuli, matched versus 128 unaffected family members,
      during a long sequential observation period (23.5 years).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the study was to evaluate the incidence of
      bleeding manifestations in heterozygotes for FX deficiency vs. unaffected family
      members. Secondary objective was to compare the prevalence of arterial or venous
      diseases found in the two groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 128
      heterozygote patients for FX deficiency were investigated. A total of 102
      patients had FX Friuli; 26 patients had other forms of FX deficiency. At time of
      diagnosis, each patient was paired with an unaffected family member, matched by
      gender and age (+/-5). Patients and their normal counterparts were checked every
      1-2 yr for a mean period of 23.5 yr. The occurrence of bleeding manifestations
      was recorded and scored. The occurrence of arterial diseases and venous
      thrombosis was also recorded as a secondary finding. RESULTS: A total of 38
      heterozygote patients (29.7%) had one or more than one bleeding manifestation.
      The most frequent one was bleeding after tooth extraction or surgery. On the
      contrary, only three control subjects (2.3%) had documented hemorrhagic symptoms.
      There was a good correlation between bleeding and FX levels. Arterial disease
      (acute coronary syndromes, ischemic stroke, stable angina, peripheral arteries
      disease) was found in eight patients (6.3%) with FX deficiency and in seven
      unaffected subjects (5.5%). On the contrary, no venous thrombosis was seen in the
      affected group, whereas three cases (2.3%) of documented venous thrombosis were
      observed in the control group (two deep veins and one superficial vein).
      CONCLUSIONS: Heterozygotes FX deficiency may be accompanied by a mild bleeding
      tendency. This has important implications to assure a safe FX level in case of
      surgery or invasive procedures. Furthermore, mild FX deficiency seems to have no
      protective effect on arterial disease but does seem to protect from venous
      thrombosis.

PMID- 27124645
TI  - Physicochemical Studies on Orientation and Conformation of a New Bacteriocin
      BacSp222 in a Planar Phospholipid Bilayer.
AB  - The behavior, secondary structure, and orientation of a recently discovered
      bacteriocin-like peptide BacSp222 in a lipid model system supported at a gold
      electrode was investigated by chronocoulometry, polarization modulation infrared
      reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), and attenuated total reflectance
      infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. The IR spectra show that the secondary structure
      of BacSp222 is predominantly alpha-helical. Analysis of the spectra in the amide
      I region shows that the alpha-helical fragment of the peptide is inserted into
      bilayer at the potential range at which the bilayer is stable and attached to the
      Au(111) surface, i.e., from -0.5 to 0.3 V vs Ag/AgCl. Insertion of BacSp222 to
      the membrane significantly changes the conformation of the acyl chains of lipid
      molecules, from all-trans to partially melted; however, the chains become less
      tilted. Based on these results, we propose that BacSp222 interacts with the DMPC
      bilayer through the barrel-stave pore formation. In this model, alpha-helix of
      BacSp222 inserts into the membrane with an angle between the alpha-helix axis and
      membrane normal equal to ~18 degrees . The changes in orientation of the alpha
      helical fragment of the peptide indicate that the orientation of BacSp222 with
      respect to the bilayer surface is potential-dependent. The peptide is inserted
      into the membrane driven by the electrostatic field generated by negative charge
      at the metal surface. It is not inserted at negative potentials where the
      membrane is detached from the metal and no longer exposed to the electrostatic
      field of the metal.

PMID- 27124644
TI  - Mesenchymal stromal cells having inactivated RB1 survive following low
      irradiation and accumulate damaged DNA: Hints for side effects following
      radiotherapy.
AB  - Following radiotherapy, bone sarcomas account for a significant percentage of
      recurring tumors. This risk is further increased in patients with hereditary
      retinoblastoma that undergo radiotherapy. We analyzed the effect of low and
      medium dose radiation on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) with inactivated RB1
      gene to gain insights on the molecular mechanisms that can induce second
      malignant neoplasm in cancer survivors. MSC cultures contain subpopulations of
      mesenchymal stem cells and committed progenitors that can differentiate into
      mesodermal derivatives: adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. These stem
      cells and committed osteoblast precursors are the cell of origin in osteosarcoma,
      and RB1 gene mutations have a strong role in its pathogenesis. Following 40 and
      2000 mGy X-ray exposure, MSCs with inactivated RB1 do not proliferate and
      accumulate high levels of unrepaired DNA as detected by persistence of gamma-H2AX
      foci. In samples with inactivated RB1 the radiation treatment did not increase
      apoptosis, necrosis or senescence versus untreated cells. Following radiation,
      CFU analysis showed a discrete number of cells with clonogenic capacity in
      cultures with silenced RB1. We extended our analysis to the other members of
      retinoblastoma gene family: RB2/P130 and P107. Also in the MSCs with silenced
      RB2/P130 and P107 we detected the presence of cells with unrepaired DNA following
      X-ray irradiation. Cells with unrepaired DNA may represent a reservoir of cells
      that may undergo neoplastic transformation. Our study suggests that, following
      radiotherapy, cancer patients with mutations of retinoblastoma genes may be under
      strict controls to evaluate onset of secondary neoplasms following radiotherapy.

PMID- 27124642
TI  - Pancreatic islet blood flow and its measurement.
AB  - Pancreatic islets are richly vascularized, and islet blood vessels are uniquely
      adapted to maintain and support the internal milieu of the islets favoring normal
      endocrine function. Islet blood flow is normally very high compared with that to
      the exocrine pancreas and is autonomously regulated through complex interactions
      between the nervous system, metabolites from insulin secreting beta-cells,
      endothelium-derived mediators, and hormones. The islet blood flow is normally
      coupled to the needs for insulin release and is usually disturbed during glucose
      intolerance and overt diabetes. The present review provides a brief background on
      islet vascular function and especially focuses on available techniques to measure
      islet blood perfusion. The gold standard for islet blood flow measurements in
      experimental animals is the microsphere technique, and its advantages and
      disadvantages will be discussed. In humans there are still no methods to measure
      islet blood flow selectively, but new developments in radiological techniques
      hold great hopes for the future. 

PMID- 27124647
TI  - Non-Bullous Lichen Planus Pemphigoides Possibly Induced by Venlafaxine.

PMID- 27124646
TI  - Curcumin-docetaxel co-loaded nanosuspension for enhanced anti-breast cancer
      activity.
AB  - PURPOSE: A curcumin-docetaxel co-loaded nanosuspension with increased anti-breast
      cancer activity was developed. Curcumin is a potential anticancer agent with p
      glycoprotein (p-gp) inhibiting activity may be co-administered with docetaxel as
      a nanosuspension to enhance its anticancer effect by increasing the oral
      bioavailability and decreasing drug efflux. METHODS: Nanosuspensions of curcumin
      and docetaxel were prepared by precipitation-homozenisation technique and
      evaluated for particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential and drug release. The
      in vitro MTT assay was conducted using MCF-7 for anti-breast cancer activity. The
      in vivo biodistribution by radiolabeling and tumor inhibition study was conducted
      in mice. RESULTS: Homogenous nanosuspensions of 80 +/- 20 nm were obtained with
      increased solubility. The drugs as nanosuspensions showed higher cytotoxicity on
      MCF-7 cell line compared to their suspensions due to the increased in vitro
      cellular uptake. Due to this increased solubility, sensitization of tumor cells
      and inhibition of p-gp the in-vivo results showed greater tumor inhibition rate
      of up to 70% in MCF-7 treated mice. Histopathological results showed higher
      apoptotic activity and reduced level of angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: The in vitro
      and in vivo study of the nanosuspensions has shown that Co-administration of
      Curcumin as a p-gp inhibitor with docetaxel may have the potential to increase
      the anti-breast cancer efficacy of both drugs.

PMID- 27124648
TI  - Alitretinoin-induced curling of the hair.

PMID- 27124649
TI  - Acne keloidalis nuchae in renal transplant patients receiving tacrolimus and
      sirolimus.

PMID- 27124650
TI  - A CdSe thin film: a versatile buffer layer for improving the performance of TiO2
      nanorod array:PbS quantum dot solar cells.
AB  - To fully utilize the multiple exciton generation effects in quantum dots and
      improve the overall efficiency of the corresponding photovoltaic devices,
      nanostructuralizing the electron conducting layer turns out to be a feasible
      strategy. Herein, PbS quantum dot solar cells were fabricated on the basis of
      morphologically optimized TiO2 nanorod arrays. By inserting a thin layer of CdSe
      quantum dots into the interface of TiO2 and PbS, a dramatic enhancement in the
      power conversion efficiency from 4.2% to 5.2% was realized and the resulting
      efficiency is one of the highest values for quantum dot solar cells based on
      nanostructuralized buffer layers. The constructed double heterojunction with a
      cascade type-II energy level alignment is beneficial for promoting photogenerated
      charge separation and reducing charge recombination, thereby responsible for the
      performance improvement, as revealed by steady-state analyses as well as ultra
      fast photoluminescence and photovoltage decays. Thus this paper provides a good
      buffer layer to the community of quantum dot solar cells. 

PMID- 27124651
TI  - Borderline ankle-brachial index is associated with poor short-term clinical
      outcome after coronary artery intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between borderline ankle-brachial index
      (ABI) and clinical outcome in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI). METHODS: From August 2009 to August 2012, ABI was measured in
      1291 patients who underwent PCI. Patients with borderline ABI were compared with
      those who had normal ABI. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac and
      cerebrovascular event (MACCE), defined as a composite of all-cause death,
      myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat revascularization. RESULTS: Of the 1291
      patients, 1154 (82%) had normal ABI and 89 (7%) had borderline ABI. The median
      overall follow-up duration was 19 (interquartile range 13-26) months. After
      adjustment with IPTW, the incidence of stroke (HR, 6.28; CI 95%, 1.95-20.19; P <
      0.01) and MACCE (HR, 2.54; CI 95%, 1.40-4.62; P < 0.01) were higher in the
      borderline ABI group. In a propensity score-matched population, the incidence of
      stroke (HR, 4.68; CI 95%, 1.18-18.52; p = 0.03) and MACCE (HR, 2.12; CI 95%, 1.09
      4.11; P = 0.03) were still significantly higher. CONCLUSION: The presence of
      borderline ABI was associated with worse clinical outcome and increased stroke
      rate compared with normal ABI during the short-term follow-up period in patients
      who underwent coronary intervention.

PMID- 27124652
TI  - Algal Diet of Small-Bodied Crustacean Zooplankton in a Cyanobacteria-Dominated
      Eutrophic Lake.
AB  - Small-bodied cladocerans and cyclopoid copepods are becoming increasingly
      dominant over large crustacean zooplankton in eutrophic waters where they often
      coexist with cyanobacterial blooms. However, relatively little is known about
      their algal diet preferences. We studied grazing selectivity of small crustaceans
      (the cyclopoid copepods Mesocyclops leuckarti, Thermocyclops oithonoides, Cyclops
      kolensis, and the cladocerans Daphnia cucullata, Chydorus sphaericus, Bosmina
      spp.) by liquid chromatographic analyses of phytoplankton marker pigments in the
      shallow, highly eutrophic Lake Vortsjarv (Estonia) during a seasonal cycle.
      Copepods (mainly C. kolensis) preferably consumed cryptophytes (identified by the
      marker pigment alloxanthin in gut contents) during colder periods, while they
      preferred small non-filamentous diatoms and green algae (identified mainly by
      diatoxanthin and lutein, respectively) from May to September. All studied
      cladoceran species showed highest selectivity towards colonial cyanobacteria
      (identified by canthaxanthin). For small C. sphaericus, commonly occuring in the
      pelagic zone of eutrophic lakes, colonial cyanobacteria can be their major food
      source, supporting their coexistence with cyanobacterial blooms. Pigments
      characteristic of filamentous cyanobacteria and diatoms (zeaxanthin and
      fucoxanthin, respectively), algae dominating in Vortsjarv, were also found in the
      grazers' diet but were generally avoided by the crustaceans commonly dominating
      the zooplankton assemblage. Together these results suggest that the co-occurring
      small-bodied cyclopoid and cladoceran species have markedly different algal diets
      and that the cladocera represent the main trophic link transferring
      cyanobacterial carbon to the food web in a highly eutrophic lake.

PMID- 27124653
TI  - Switch hands! Mapping proactive and reactive cognitive control across the life
      span.
AB  - We investigated the effects of age on proactive and reactive cognitive control in
      a large population sample of 809 individuals, ranging in age between 5 and 97
      years. For that purpose, we used an anticue paradigm, which required a consistent
      remapping of cue location and response hand: Left-sided cues required right-hand
      responses and vice versa. After a random preparation interval of 100-850 ms,
      these anticues were followed by a target stimulus, which prompted a response with
      the index or middle finger of 1 of 2 hands. A neutral control condition involved
      uninformative cues, indicating all 4 possible response locations. The primary
      outcome measure was the difference between neutral and anticue reaction time
      (RT). Negative values indicated RT costs of the anticue, relative to the neutral
      condition, reflecting reactive cognitive control. Positive values indicated RT
      benefits, reflecting proactive cognitive control. Results were twofold. First,
      the switch from RT costs to benefits took place at longer preparation intervals
      in the youngest and oldest age groups than in the intermediate age groups.
      Second, irrespective of preparation interval, anticue performance followed an
      inverted U-shaped trajectory as a function of age, with a relatively steep
      improvement during childhood and adolescence, relative stability between 26 and
      60 years, and a slightly accelerating decline into old age. Both patterns of
      results suggest an age-related transition from a primarily reactive, to a
      primarily proactive mode of cognitive control in early life and back again from a
      primarily proactive, to a primarily reactive mode of control in later life.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124654
TI  - Age-related differences in moral identity across adulthood.
AB  - In this study, age-related differences in adults' moral identity were
      investigated. Moral identity was conceptualized a context-dependent self
      structure that becomes differentiated and (re)integrated in the course of
      development and that involves a broad range of value-orientations. Based on a
      cross-sectional sample of 252 participants aged 14 to 65 years (148 women, M =
      33.5 years, SD = 16.9) and a modification of the Good Self-Assessment, it was
      demonstrated that mean-level of moral identity (averaged across the contexts of
      family, school/work, and community) significantly increased in the adult years,
      whereas cross-context differentiation showed a nonlinear trend peaking at the age
      of 25 years. Value-orientations that define individuals' moral identity shifted
      so that self-direction and rule-conformity became more important with age. Age
      related differences in moral identity were associated with, but not fully
      attributable to changes in personality traits. Overall, findings suggest that
      moral identity development is a lifelong process that starts in adolescence but
      expands well into middle age. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124655
TI  - Correction: Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Mitigates High Fat Diet-Induced
      Cardiomyocyte Contractile and Intracellular Ca2+ Anomalies.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063615.].

PMID- 27124656
TI  - Challenges and Opportunities for the Application of Boron Clusters in Drug
      Design.
AB  - There are two branches in boron medicinal chemistry: the first focuses on single
      boron atom compounds, and the second utilizes boron clusters. Boron clusters and
      their heteroatom counterparts belong to the family of cage compounds. A subset of
      this extensive class of compounds includes dicarbadodecaboranes, which have the
      general formula C2B10H12, and their metal biscarboranyl complexes,
      metallacarboranes, with the formula [M(C2B10H12)2(-2)]. The unique properties of
      boron clusters have resulted in their utilization in applications such as in
      pharmacophores, as scaffolds in molecular construction, and as modulators of
      bioactive compounds. This Perspective presents an overview of the properties of
      boron clusters that are pertinent for drug discovery, recent applications in the
      design of various classes of drugs, and the potential use of boron clusters in
      the construction of new pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 27124657
TI  - Hypertension related knowledge and behaviour associated with awareness, treatment
      and control of hypertension in a rural hypertensive population: a community
      based, cross-sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hypertension-related knowledge and behaviour have been
      identified as influential factors associated with awareness, treatment and
      control of hypertension in urban regions. However, there were few studies on
      rural areas. This study aims to investigate whether hypertension related
      knowledge and behaviour were associated with hypertension awareness, treatment
      and control in Gaoyou, a rural area of Jiangsu province, China. METHODS: A cross
      sectional, population-based survey was conducted among hypertensive individuals
      in rural areas of Gaoyou, the south-eastern of China in 2010. We identified 1943
      subjects with hypertension among 4536 subjects participated in this study and
      collected information about medical history, use of medication, hypertension
      related knowledge and behaviour by a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: This
      study showed that 41.07% of subjects were aware of their disease, 30.01% of
      subjects were taking antihypertensive medication and 5.04% of subjects controlled
      their blood pressure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that
      subjects who knew the threshold, the lifelong treatment of hypertension and
      measured blood pressure at least once a year had better detection, treatment or
      control of hypertension. CONCLUSION: Hypertension related knowledge and behaviour
      were associated with awareness, treatment and control rate of hypertension in the
      rural areas of south-eastern China.

PMID- 27124659
TI  - Triphenylsilane-fused Porphyrins.
AB  - A reaction sequence of 2-(diphenylsilyl)phenylation by Negishi coupling and
      intramolecular sila-Friedel-Crafts reaction has been explored for the synthesis
      of mono-triphenylsilane-fused porphyrins 5 M and 6 M (M= Ni, Zn) and bis
      triphenylsilane-fused porphyrins 7 M and 8 Ni. A triply linked triphenylsilane
      fused Ni(II) porphyrin, 13 Ni, was synthesized in a stepwise manner involving the
      above reaction sequence and a final Pd-catalyzed C-H activating arylative
      cyclization. The silicon atom in 13 Ni takes a distorted planarized structure
      with an almost perpendicular Si-phenyl group, causing an electronic effect due to
      effective sigma*-pi* interaction.

PMID- 27124658
TI  - Orthostatic Hypotension and Elevated Resting Heart Rate Predict Low-Energy
      Fractures in the Population: The Malmo Preventive Project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autonomic disorders of the cardiovascular system, such as orthostatic
      hypotension and elevated resting heart rate, predict mortality and cardiovascular
      events in the population. Low-energy-fractures constitute a substantial clinical
      problem that may represent an additional risk related to such autonomic
      dysfunction. AIMS: To test the association between orthostatic hypotension,
      resting heart rate and incidence of low-energy-fractures in the general
      population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression
      models we investigated the association between orthostatic blood pressure
      response, resting heart rate and first incident low-energy-fracture in a
      population-based, middle-aged cohort of 33 000 individuals over 25 years follow
      up. The median follow-up time from baseline to first incident fracture among the
      subjects that experienced a low energy fracture was 15.0 years. A 10 mmHg
      orthostatic decrease in systolic blood pressure at baseline was associated with
      5% increased risk of low-energy-fractures (95% confidence interval 1.01-1.10)
      during follow-up, whereas the resting heart rate predicted low-energy-fractures
      with an effect size of 8% increased risk per 10 beats-per-minute (1.05-1.12),
      independently of the orthostatic response. Subjects with a resting heart rate
      exceeding 68 beats-per-minute had 18% (1.10-1.26) increased risk of low-energy
      fractures during follow-up compared with subjects with a resting heart rate below
      68 beats-per-minute. When combining the orthostatic response and resting heart
      rate, there was a 30% risk increase (1.08-1.57) of low-energy-fractures between
      the extremes, i.e. between subjects in the fourth compared with the first
      quartiles of both resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure-decrease.
      CONCLUSION: Orthostatic blood pressure decline and elevated resting heart rate
      independently predict low-energy fractures in a middle-aged population. These two
      measures of subclinical cardiovascular dysautonomia may herald increased risks
      many years in advance, even if symptoms may not be detectable. Although the
      effect sizes are moderate, the easily accessible clinical parameters of
      orthostatic blood pressure response and resting heart rate deserve consideration
      as new risk predictors to yield more accurate decisions on primary prevention of
      low-energy fractures.

PMID- 27124660
TI  - Antibacterial activity of Litsea cubeba (Lauraceae, May Chang) and its effects on
      the biological response of common carp Cyprinus carpio challenged with Aeromonas
      hydrophila.
AB  - AIMS: The aims of this study were to characterize the antibacterial activity and
      the chemotype of Litsea cubeba leaf essential oil (EO) harvested in North Vietnam
      and to investigate the biological effects induced by the leaf powder on growth,
      nonspecific immunity and survival of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) challenged
      with Aeromonas hydrophila. METHODS AND RESULTS: The EO showed the prevalence of
      linalool (95%, n = 5). It was bactericidal against the majority of tested
      strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.72 to 2.89 mg ml(
      1) (Aer. hydrophila, Edwarsiella tarda, Vibrio furnissii, Vibrio
      parahaemolyticus, Streptococcus garvieae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella
      Typhimurium). The fish was fed with 0 (control), 2, 4 and 8% leaf powder
      supplementation diets for 21 days. Nonspecific immunity parameters (lysozyme,
      haemolytic and bactericidal activities of plasma) were assessed 21 days after
      feeding period and before the experimental infection. Weight gain, specific
      growth rate and feed conversion ratio were improved by supplementation of L.
      cubeba in a dose-related manner, and a significant difference appeared at the
      highest dose (8%) when compared to the control. The increase in plasma lysozyme
      was significant for all the treated groups. Haemolysis activity was higher for
      the groups fed with 4 and 8% plant powder. Antibacterial activity increased
      significantly for the 8% dose only. CONCLUSIONS: Litsea cubeba leaf powder
      increased nonspecific immunity of carps in dose-related manner. After infection
      with Aer. hydrophila, survivals of fish fed with 4 and 8% L. cubeba doses were
      significantly higher than those fed with 2% dose and the control. SIGNIFICANCE
      AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: A range of 4-8% L. cubeba leaf powder supplementation
      diet (from specific linalool-rich chemotype) can be used in aquaculture to reduce
      antibiotic burden and impacts of diseases caused by Aer. hydrophila.

PMID- 27124662
TI  - Sonography interval and the diagnosis of twin-twin transfusion syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between sonography surveillance interval
      and Quintero stage at diagnosis. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study
      of monochorionic diamniotic pregnancies diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion
      syndrome (TTTS) and followed with serial sonography between 1997 and 2013. Women
      were divided into three cohorts: diagnosis at initial second-trimester sonogram,
      at a sonogram within 14 d of the prior exam, and at a sonogram greater than 14 d
      from the prior exam. Isolated amniotic fluid abnormalities were also recorded.
      RESULTS: TTTS was identified in 48 pregnancies, with 50% of cases diagnosed at
      the initial sonogram, 21% within 14 d of a prior sonogram, and 29% more than 14 d
      from a prior sonogram. There was no association between interval and TTTS stage
      at diagnosis. Of 24 cases diagnosed during a follow-up sonogram, 46% had an
      isolated amniotic fluid abnormality preceding diagnosis. When isolated
      oligohydramnios (29%) or hydramnios (17%) was present, the sonography interval
      was significantly shorter (p = 0.003), but no difference in TTTS stage at
      diagnosis was found. CONCLUSIONS: Although frequent surveillance of monochorionic
      diamniotic pregnancies is prudent, when close follow-up of isolated fluid
      abnormalities was practiced, we were unable to demonstrate an effect of
      surveillance interval on stage of TTTS at diagnosis.

PMID- 27124661
TI  - Liver-Specific Deletion of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted on Chromosome
      10 Significantly Ameliorates Chronic EtOH-Induced Increases in Hepatocellular
      Damage.
AB  - Alcoholic liver disease is a significant contributor to global liver failure. In
      murine models, chronic ethanol consumption dysregulates PTEN/Akt signaling.
      Hepatospecific deletion of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome
      10 (PTENLKO) mice possess constitutive activation of Akt(s) and increased de novo
      lipogenesis resulting in increased hepatocellular steatosis. This makes PTENLKO a
      viable model to examine the effects of ethanol in an environment of preexisting
      steatosis. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of chronic ethanol
      consumption and the absence of PTEN (PTENLKO) compared to Alb-Cre control mice
      (PTENf/f) on hepatocellular damage as evidenced by changes in lipid accumulation,
      protein carbonylation and alanine amino transferase (ALT). In the control PTENf/f
      animals, ethanol significantly increased ALT, liver triglycerides and steatosis.
      In contrast, chronic ethanol consumption in PTENLKO mice decreased hepatocellular
      damage when compared to PTENLKO pair-fed controls. Consumption of ethanol
      elevated protein carbonylation in PTENf/f animals but had no effect in PTENLKO
      animals. In PTENLKO mice, overall hepatic mRNA expression of genes that
      contribute to GSH homeostasis as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized
      glutathione (GSSG) concentrations were significantly elevated compared to
      respective PTENf/f counterparts. These data indicate that during conditions of
      constitutive Akt activation and steatosis, increased GSH homeostasis assists in
      mitigation of ethanol-dependent induction of oxidative stress and hepatocellular
      damage. Furthermore, data herein suggest a divergence in EtOH-induced
      hepatocellular damage and increases in steatosis due to polyunsaturated fatty
      acids downstream of PTEN.

PMID- 27124664
TI  - Reference ranges for cortisol and alpha-amylase in mother and newborn saliva
      samples at different perinatal and postnatal periods.
AB  - This paper describes a reliable analytical method based on Ultra High-Performance
      Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry to determine cortisol
      in saliva samples from healthy mothers (n=87) and newborns (n=65) at different
      time points: (i) 38 weeks of gestation, (ii) in the immediate postnatal period
      (48h) after a term delivery and, (iii) 3 months after delivery. The procedure is
      characterized by a simple sample treatment employing a sample volume of 25MUL. In
      addition to this, salivary alpha-amylase was determined using a commercial kit.
      We have proposed potential reference ranges in saliva for cortisol (0.7-35nmolL(
      1)) and alpha-amylase (2-500UmL(-1)) in mothers, and for cortisol (0.1-56nmolL(
      1)) and alpha-amylase (0.1-500UmL(-1)) in newborn infants. In addition,
      statistical differences between the two sensitive population groups (mothers and
      newborns) at the perinatal and postnatal periods were studied. A lower
      concentration for maternal cortisol was found at 38 weeks of gestation than at
      48h (p=0.048) or 3 months after delivery (p=0.021). Similar results were found
      for the alpha-amylase determinations. Hence, higher concentrations than could be
      expected from a chronic stress marker were found at 3 months after delivery than
      at 38 weeks of gestation (p<0.001) or 48h after delivery (p<0.001). We conclude
      that this analytical method could be applied to further clinical research on
      perinatal and postnatal stress, such as threatened preterm labor and/or parenting
      stress, respectively. 

PMID- 27124663
TI  - The wMel Strain of Wolbachia Reduces Transmission of Chikungunya Virus in Aedes
      aegypti.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New approaches to preventing chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are needed
      because current methods are limited to controlling mosquito populations, and they
      have not prevented the invasion of this virus into new locales, nor have they
      been sufficient to control the virus upon arrival. A promising candidate for
      arbovirus control and prevention relies on the introduction of the intracellular
      bacterium Wolbachia into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. This primarily has been
      proposed as a tool to control dengue virus (DENV) transmission; however, evidence
      suggests Wolbachia infections confer protection for Ae. aegypti against CHIKV.
      Although this approach holds much promise for limiting virus transmission, at
      present our understanding of the ability of CHIKV to infect, disseminate, and be
      transmitted by wMel-infected Ae. aegypti currently being used at Wolbachia
      release sites is limited. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using Ae. aegypti
      infected with the wMel strain of Wolbachia that are being released in Medellin,
      Colombia, we report that these mosquitoes have reduced vector competence for
      CHIKV, even with extremely high viral titers in the bloodmeal. In addition, we
      examined the dynamics of CHIKV infection over the course of four to seven days
      post feeding. Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes remained non-infective over the
      duration of seven days, i.e., no infectious virus was detected in the saliva when
      exposed to bloodmeals of moderate viremia, but CHIKV-exposed, wild type
      mosquitoes did have viral loads in the saliva consistent with what has been
      reported elsewhere. Finally, the presence of wMel infection had no impact on the
      lifespan of mosquitoes as compared to wild type mosquitoes following CHIKV
      infection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results could have an impact on vector
      control strategies in areas where Ae. aegypti are transmitting both DENV and
      CHIKV; i.e., they argue for further exploration, both in the laboratory and the
      field, on the feasibility of expanding this technology beyond DENV.

PMID- 27124665
TI  - Breast Pain and the Perception of Associated Risk.

PMID- 27124666
TI  - Clinical utility of a novel ultrasonic vessel sealing device in transecting and
      sealing large vessels during laparoscopic hysterectomy using advanced hemostasis
      mode.
AB  - OBJECTIVE(S): The ultrasonic advanced energy study device (AH device) is the
      first surgical device indicated to seal vessels up to and including 7mm using
      ultrasonic technology alone. This study assesses clinical experience during total
      laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) using advanced hemostasis mode (AHM). STUDY
      DESIGN: This was a prospective, non-randomized, single arm, multicenter,
      observational study which did not modify or influence current surgeon technique
      for elective TLH for benign disease. Each surgeon assessed hemostasis, defined as
      the hemostatic transection of the uterine vasculature (left/right) with at least
      one use of the AH device in AHM without the use of additional hemostatic measures
      other than the AH device. Patients were followed for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
      Vessel sealing performance was quantitatively assessed for transection and
      sealing of the uterine artery (UA), the uterine pedicle (UP; defined as cases
      where the UA could not be 'isolated') and the ovarian pedicle (OP) (when
      indicated). Adverse events (AEs) related to the AH device or procedures were
      collected. RESULTS: Forty patients underwent the procedure. Mean age was 49 years
      and mean body mass index was 28kg/m(2). Mean surgical duration was 88min. None
      required conversion to open procedure. Using only the AH device, hemostasis was
      achieved and maintained in 119 (94.4%) transections (both left and right sides of
      the UA/UP and OP). Additional hemostasis was achieved in 5 patients using
      conventional bipolar (4) or monopolar (1) energy. No patient required a blood
      transfusion postoperatively. Only one adverse event of pain was considered to be
      related to the use of the ultrasonic AH device during this study. CONCLUSION:
      These results support that the AH device with its AHM has clinical utility in
      sealing named vessels in TLH. The new algorithm to deliver energy in the AHM has
      the potential to reduce the need for additional hemostatic devices or products as
      well as the potential to reduce the need for multiple instrument changes during
      surgery.

PMID- 27124667
TI  - Synthesis and DFT Study of a Diphenylsilanone-Bridged Dimolybdenum Complex.
AB  - Reaction of the 30-electron benzylidyne complex [Mo2 Cp2 (MU-CPh)(MU-PCy2 )(MU
      CO)] with excess Ph2 SiH2 under visible-UV irradiation yields the silylene
      bridged complex [Mo2 Cp2 (MU-CPh)(MU-PCy2 )(MU-SiPh2 )]. This compound undergoes
      selective oxidation with O2 to give the unsaturated complex [Mo2 Cp2 (MU-CPh)(MU
      PCy2 )(MU-kappa(1) :kappa(1) -OSiPh2 )], which contains an unprecedented bridging
      diphenylsilanone ligand, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis and DFT
      calculations. The bonding within the central Mo2 SiO ring of this complex
      approaches the extreme description of a dimetallacyclosiloxane according to the
      relevant solid-state bond lengths and theoretical calculations. 

PMID- 27124668
TI  - The safety of progestogen in the prevention of preterm birth: meta-analysis of
      neonatal mortality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The safety of preventive progestogen therapy for preterm birth
      remains to be established. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of
      preventive progestogen therapy on neonatal mortality. METHODS: Randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) on the preventive use of progestogen therapy, published
      between October 1971 and November 2015, were identified by searching
      MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library databases,
      CINAHL, POPLINE, and LILACS using "progesterone" and "preterm birth" as key
      terms. We conducted separate analyses according to the type of progestogen
      administered and plurality of the pregnancy. RESULTS: Twenty-two RCTs provided
      data on 11,188 neonates. Preventive progestogen treatment in women with a history
      of preterm birth or short cervical length was not associated with increased risk
      of neonatal death compared to placebo in all analyzed progestogen types and
      pregnancy conditions. The pooled relative risks (95% confidence interval) of
      neonatal mortality were 0.69 (0.31-1.54) for vaginal progestogen in singleton
      pregnancies, 0.6 (0.33-1.09) for intramuscular progestogen in singleton
      pregnancies, 0.96 (0.51-1.8) for vaginal progestogen in multiple pregnancies, and
      0.96 (0.49-1.9) for intramuscular progestogen in multiple pregnancies.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that administration of
      preventive progestogen treatment to women at risk for preterm birth does not
      appear to negatively affect neonatal mortality in single or multiple pregnancies
      regardless of the route of administration.

PMID- 27124669
TI  - Differential immunophenotype of macrophages in acute and chronic
      chorioamnionitis.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement and immunophenotype
      of macrophages in acute chorioamnionitis (ACA) and chronic chorioamnionitis
      (CCA), marking amniotic fluid infection and anti-fetal rejection, respectively.
      METHODS: Chorioamniotic membranes from (1) gestational age-matched cases without
      chorioamnionitis, (2) cases with ACA, and (3) cases with CCA were studied after
      immunohistochemical staining using antibodies against CD14, CD68, CD163, and DC
      SIGN. RESULTS: Macrophages increased prominently in the chorionic trophoblastic
      layer of both ACA and CCA cases in contrast to non-inflammatory cases.
      Macrophages in the decidua and the chorioamniotic membranes of ACA cases
      expressed CD14. Macrophages in the chorionic trophoblastic layer of CCA cases
      were characterized by CD68 positivity. DC-SIGN-positive cells were increased in
      the chorioamniotic mesodermal layer of CCA cases. CONCLUSIONS: Macrophages
      participate in the inflammatory response in ACA and CCA. The differential
      immunophenotypes of macrophages in the decidua and chorioamniotic membranes of
      ACA and CCA cases suggest their disease-specific and region-specific roles at the
      feto-maternal interface.

PMID- 27124670
TI  - Maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with multiple sclerosis: a case
      control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether maternal multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with
      adverse pregnancy outcomes by determining the clinical course of disease during
      pregnancy and postpartum throughout a 10-year-period in a single tertiary center.
      METHODS: We conducted a case-control study that included pregnancies with a
      definitive diagnosis of MS (n=43), matched with 100 healthy pregnant women with
      similar characteristics. Maternal and perinatal data were retrieved from hospital
      files. Groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney and chi2 tests. Logistic
      regression models were constructed to determine independent effects. RESULTS:
      Maternal demographic and baseline laboratory data were similar across the groups.
      Rates of preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, preeclampsia, gestational
      diabetes, stillbirth, cesarean delivery, congenital malformation, and 5-min Apgar
      score were comparable (P>0.05 for all). General anesthesia during cesarean
      delivery (96% vs. 39%, P=0.002), urinary tract infection (UTI) (12% vs. 3%,
      P=0.04), low 1-min Apgar score (21% vs. 9%, P=0.04), and nonbreastfeeding (33%
      vs. 2%, P=0.001) were more frequent in women with MS. The low 1-min Apgar score
      and breastfeeding rates were independent of general anesthesia and UTI in
      regression models. CONCLUSION: MS during pregnancy was not associated with
      adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes except UTI, low 1-min Apgar scores, and
      decreased breastfeeding rates.

PMID- 27124672
TI  - Sertoli cell only syndrome with ambiguous genitalia.
AB  - The Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCOS) is a rare genetic disorder with a variable
      phenotype ranging from a severe ambiguous genitalia to a normal male phenotype
      with infertility. SCOS is diagnosed on testicular histopathology as germ cells
      are absent without histological impairment of Sertoli or Leydig cells. The SRY
      positive XX male syndrome is usually diagnosed in adulthood during infertility
      investigations. Here, we report a rare case of 46,XX maleness with ambiguous
      genitalia due to Sertoli cell only syndrome (SCOS). 

PMID- 27124671
TI  - Translation and psychometric properties of the Persian version of self-management
      of type 1 diabetes for adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to translate and assess the
      validation of the measure of self-management of type 1 diabetes for adolescents
      that developed by Schilling et al [Schilling LS, Knafl KA, Grey M. Changing
      patterns of self-management in youth with type I diabetes. J Pediatr Nurs
      2006;21:412-24]. METHODS: The first stage of the study involved the translation
      of the measure of self-management of type 1 diabetes for adolescents into Persian
      based on the model proposed by Wild et al. in two versions [Wild D, Grove A,
      Martin M, Eremenco S, McElroy S, et al. Principles of good practice for the
      translation and cultural adaptation process for patient-reported outcomes (PRO)
      measures: report of the ISPOR task force for translation and cultural adaptation.
      Value Health 2005;8:94-104; Wild D, Eremenco S, Mear I, Martin M, Houchin C, et
      al. Multinational trials - recommendations on the translations required,
      approaches to using the same language in different countries, and the approaches
      to support pooling the data: the ISPOR patient-reported outcomes translation and
      linguistic validation good research practices task force report. Value Health
      2009;12:430-40]. The translated versions were reviewed in consultation sessions
      with experts and the more appropriate items were selected and the final version
      was translated back into English in two versions and was then sent to the
      measure's designer for confirmation. The content validity of the measure was then
      evaluated by a group of experts and found to be acceptable. The next stage
      evaluated the measure's construct validity. This measure contains 52 items
      classified under five subscales. The confirmatory factor analysis was performed
      to assess the measure's construct validity and was found to be acceptable. For
      evaluating the reliability of the measure, its internal consistency was assessed
      through calculating its Cronbach's alpha and intra-class correlation. The
      measure's consistency was measured through calculating its test-retest
      reliability. RESULTS: The assessment of the measure's content validity revealed a
      content validity index of 0.98. For the construct validity of the measure using
      the confirmatory factor analysis, the following figures were obtained: NFI=0.97,
      RMSA=0.001, AGFI=0.81, IFI=0.833, GFI=0.83. In the assessment of the measure's
      reliability, the intra-class correlation showed an overall Cronbach's alpha of
      0.88. The test-retest showed a consistency of 0.73 for the measure. CONCLUSIONS:
      The validation of the 48-item measure revealed that it can be used in the
      population of Iranian adolescents with type 1 diabetes (8 items changed their
      subscales and 4 items were removed).

PMID- 27124673
TI  - Phytochemicals as future drugs for Parkinson's disease: a comprehensive review.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common chronic neurodegenerative
      disease that affects motor skills and cognitive performance. The conventional
      therapeutic approaches for the management of PD are just able to alleviate
      symptoms. Exploring for achieving novel substances with therapeutic benefits in
      PD patients is the focus of a wide range of current investigations. The aim of
      the present study is to comprehensively review phytochemicals with protective or
      therapeutic activities in PD and focus on their neuropsychopharmacological
      mechanisms. Various subgroups of polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids,
      stilbenes, and lignanes) and terpenes are the most abundant groups of
      phytochemicals with well-established antiparkinsonian effects. Other
      phytochemical categories, such as alkaloids, cinnamates, carbohydrates, amino
      acids, and fatty acid amides, also have some representatives with positive
      effects in PD. Phytochemicals perform their antiparkinsonian effect through
      several mechanisms of action, including suppressing apoptosis (via the reduction
      of Bax/Bcl-2, caspase-3, -8, and -9, and alpha-synuclein accumulation),
      decreasing dopaminergic neuronal loss and dopamine depletion, reducing the
      expression of proinflammatory cytokines (such as prostaglandin E2, interleukin-6,
      interleukin-1beta, and nuclear factor-kappaB), and modulating nuclear and
      cellular inflammatory signaling, elevation of neurotrophic factors, and
      improvement of antioxidant status. Plant-derived natural products can be
      considered as future pharmaceutical drugs or adjuvant treatment with conventional
      therapeutic approaches to improve their efficacy and alleviate their
      psychological adverse effects in the management of PD. Well-designed clinical
      trials are mandatory to evaluate the protective and healing benefits of
      phytochemicals as promising future drugs in the management of neurodegenerative
      diseases.

PMID- 27124674
TI  - Anxiolytic-like effect of the leaves of Pseudospondias microcarpa (A. Rich.)
      Engl. in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pseudospondias microcarpa is a plant used for managing various
      diseases including CNS disorders. Previous studies showed sedative and
      anticonvulsant effects, suggesting possible anxiolytic activity. This study
      therefore assessed the anxiolytic effects of P. microcarpa hydroethanolic leaf
      extract (PME) in mice. METHODS: In the present study, anxiolytic-like effect of
      the extract in behavioural paradigms of anxiety - the elevated plus maze (EPM),
      light/dark box (LDB), social interaction test and stress-induced hyperthermia
      (SIH) - was evaluated. RESULTS: Mice treated with PME (30-300 mg kg-1, p.o.)
      exhibited anxiolytic-like activity similar to diazepam in all the anxiety models
      used. The extract increased open arm activity (p<0.05) in the EPM as well as
      increasing the time spent in the lit area in relation to the time spent in the
      dark area of the LDB. Sociability and preference for social novelty significantly
      (p<0.05-0.001) increased in mice treated with PME. In the SIH paradigm in mice,
      both PME and the benzodiazepine receptor agonist, diazepam, significantly
      (p<0.05) reduced the stress-induced increase in rectal temperature. The extract
      did not impair motor coordination and balance in the beam walk test. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results of the present study indicate that PME possesses anxiolytic-like effects
      in mice.

PMID- 27124675
TI  - Nephrotoxicity of sodium valproate and protective role of L-cysteine in rats at
      biochemical and histological levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether the combination of sodium valproate
      (SV) with L-cysteine (LC) can decrease the SV toxicity of kidneys. SV caused
      alternation in oxidative/antioxidant balance. METHODS: Biochemical estimations
      included the determination of oxidative stress markers like thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances in kidney tissue, and enzymatic antioxidant activities such
      as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx),
      glutathione reductase as well as total antioxidant capacity were evaluated in
      renal tissues. Creatinine and uric acid levels in the serum were also determined
      to assess kidney function. Pathological examination of the kidney was also
      performed. RESULTS: Increasing the levels of lipid peroxidation and decreasing
      the enzymatic activity (SOD, CAT, and GPx) as well as total antioxidant capacity
      of rats was shown with different doses of SV. Impairment in renal function tests
      suggests a decreased glomerular filtration rate, as serum creatinine was
      elevated. Histopathological changes of kidney tissue treated with SV reveal the
      proximal and the distal convoluted tubules that show hydropic changes (small
      white vacuoles within the cytoplasm and the glomeruli show hypercellularity).
      CONCLUSIONS: The concurrent administration of LC with SV significantly had
      beneficial effects on the kidney and all the above parameters have been improved.

PMID- 27124676
TI  - Synthesis and in vitro anti-HIV-1 activity of a series of N-arylsulfonyl-3
      propionylindoles.
AB  - Fifteen N-arylsulfonyl-3-propionylindoles (3a-o) were prepared and preliminarily
      evaluated as in vitro inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1).
      Three compounds 3c, 3g and 3i exhibited potent anti-HIV-1 activity with effective
      concentration (EC(50)) values of 0.8, 4.0 and 1.2 MUg/mL, and therapeutic index
      (TI) values of 11.7, 16.6 and 84.1, respectively. N-(m-Nitro)phenylsulfonyl-3
      propionyl-6-methylindole (3i) exhibited the most promising and best activity
      against HIV-1 replication. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was assessed as
      well.

PMID- 27124677
TI  - EDD1 predicts prognosis and regulates gastric cancer growth in vitro and in vivo
      via miR-22.
AB  - Gastric cancer is the most common digestive malignant tumor worldwild. EDD1 was
      reported to be frequently amplified in several tumors and played an important
      role in the tumorigenesis process. However, the biological role and potential
      mechanism of EDD1 in gastric cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we
      are aim to investigate the effect of EDD1 on gastric cancer progression and to
      explore the underlying mechanism. The results showed the significant up
      regulation of EDD1 in -gastric cancer cell tissues and lines. The expression
      level of EDD1 was also positively associated with advanced clinical stages and
      predicted poor overall patient survival and poor disease-free patient survival.
      Besides, EDD1 knockdown markedly inhibited cell viability, colony formation, and
      suppressed tumor growth. Opposite results were obtained in gastric cancer cells
      with EDD1 overexpression. EDD1 knockdown was also found to induce gastric cancer
      cells apoptosis. Further investigation indicated that the oncogenic role of EDD1
      in regulating gastric cancer cells growth and apoptosis was related to its PABC
      domain and directly through targeting miR-22, which was significantly down
      regulated in gastric cancer tissues. Totally, our study suggests that EDD1 plays
      an oncogenic role in gastric cancer and may be a potential therapeutic target for
      gastric cancer.

PMID- 27124678
TI  - Design of a Microfluidic Chip for Magnetic-Activated Sorting of One-Bead-One
      Compound Libraries.
AB  - Molecular targeting using ligands specific to disease markers has shown great
      promise for early detection and directed therapy. Bead-based combinatorial
      libraries have served as powerful tools for the discovery of novel targeting
      agents. Screening platforms employing magnetic capture have been used to achieve
      rapid and efficient identification of high-affinity ligands from one-bead-one
      compound (OBOC) libraries. Traditional manual methodologies to isolate magnetized
      "hit" beads are tedious and lack accuracy, and existing instruments to expedite
      bead sorting tend to be costly and complex. Here, we describe the design and
      construction of a simple and inexpensive microfluidic magnetic sorting device
      using standard photolithography and soft lithography approaches to facilitate
      high-throughput isolation of magnetized positive hit beads from combinatorial
      libraries. We have demonstrated that the device is able to sort magnetized beads
      with superior accuracy compared to conventional manual sorting approaches. This
      chip offers a very convenient yet inexpensive alternative for screening OBOC
      libraries.

PMID- 27124679
TI  - FDG PET/CT in Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma of the Lung.
AB  - A right upper lung mass was incidentally found on a chest radiograph in a routine
      health examination in a 56-year-old man. The mass showed mild heterogeneous
      enhancement on contrast chest CT images and intense FDG uptake on PET/CT images.
      Pathological examination demonstrated hepatoid adenocarcinoma in the lung. 

PMID- 27124681
TI  - 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging of Burkitt Lymphoma Presenting With Unusual Muscle
      Involvement.
AB  - Extranodal involvement is more common with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) than other
      subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in childhood. According to our knowledge, there
      are rare cases in the literature about muscle involvement of BL, and its F-FDG
      PET/CT findings were not well defined. We report a 6-year-old girl with a
      histopathologic diagnosis of BL and referred for staging with PET/CT. FDG-avid
      abdominal lymph nodes and diffuse involvements of right quadriceps muscle were
      demonstrated. 

PMID- 27124680
TI  - Survival Analysis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Relation to Stage and
      Recurrence Risk: A 20-Year Experience in Pakistan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall and progression-free
      survival of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), comparing the American Thyroid
      Association (ATA) guideline for risk of recurrence with the TNM staging system
      with dynamic assessment at 2 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a
      retrospective analysis of 689 PTC patients over a 20-year period at a single
      center. Disease-free survival based on the TNM staging and ATA recurrence risk
      was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Dynamic response assessment during the
      first 2 years was compared for both systems. Survival was calculated based on
      age, baseline resectability, and postthyroidectomy serum tumor marker levels.
      RESULTS: Six hundred eighty-nine (72.2%) of the total thyroid cancer patients had
      PTC. Four hundred sixty-nine patients were females, and 220 patients were males.
      The age range was 6 to 87 years. Five hundred thirty-five patients were
      resectable, and 56 patients were unresectable. One hundred fifty-one patients
      were excluded due to insufficient information on recurrence risk. By ATA
      categorization, 39% had low risk, no disease-related mortality; 44% had
      intermediate risk, 3 died; and 17% had high risk, 32 died. The 5-year disease
      free survival was 54%, 26%, and 5% in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups,
      respectively. The log-rank test showed a significant difference in the percent
      survival (P < 0.01). TNM stage wise, in terms of survival, 1.3% in stage I, 2.2%
      in stage II, 0% in stage III, and 37.5% in stage IV died. The 20-year disease
      free survival showed the following: stage I, 43%; stage II, 28%; stage III, 18%;
      and stage IV, 2%. There is significant difference in survival rate (P < 0.01).
      Both ATA risk classification and TNM staging were significant predictors of
      disease-free survival. On bivariate analysis, ATA classification (hazards ratio,
      2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.64-2.67; P = 0.001) was better predictive of
      overall survival versus TNM classification (hazards ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.11-1.43; P = 0.063). CONCLUSIONS: The ATA risk stratification and
      continuous reassessment during the first 2 years predicts disease-free survival
      better than the TNM staging. Age older than 45 years, unresectable disease, and
      elevated postthyroidectomy thyroglobulin levels dictate a poorer prognosis.

PMID- 27124682
TI  - Ovarian Hyperstimulation and Oocyte Harvesting Prior to Systemic Chemotherapy-A
      Possible Pitfall in 18F-FDG PET/CT Staging of Oncologic Patients.
AB  - A 33-year-old woman with Hodgkin disease Ann Arbor stage IIA underwent baseline F
      FDG PET/CT scanning. The scan showed gross multicystic enlargement of both
      ovaries and a nodule at the edge of the right ovary with intense FDG uptake
      (SUVmax = 14.8). Differential diagnosis would include ovarian lymphoma
      manifestation, endometrioma, and ovarian or pelvic neoplasia. However, chart
      analysis revealed previous superstimulation with gonadotropins and gonadotropin
      release hormone antagonist, and transvaginal oocyte retrieval the day before FDG
      PET/CT. This led to the diagnosis of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, with the
      FDG-avid focus representing a hemorrhagic follicle after transvaginal oocyte
      retrieval procedure. 

PMID- 27124683
TI  - 18F-Fluorocholine PET/CT Finding of a Vertebral Hemangioma.
AB  - The uptake of F-fluorocholine (FCH), a radiopharmaceutical used to study patients
      with prostate cancer, follow both the phosphorylcholine and acetylcholine
      synthesis. FCH uptake is not specific of neoplastic cells because phospholipids
      are a structural constituent of the membrane of all cells. Thus, PET/CT with FCH
      show several areas of physiologic uptake. The skeleton concentrates only mild
      amounts of FCH, thus a diffuse faint uptake of the radiopharmaceutical is present
      at a PET/CT study. Herein we present the case of a patient in which PET/CT
      evidenced a sharply defined vertebral "cold" area of reduced FCH uptake
      corresponding to a vertebral hemangioma. 

PMID- 27124685
TI  - Clinical Nuclear Medicine at 40.

PMID- 27124684
TI  - Incidental Detection of Subcutaneous Myopericytoma of Trunk on FDG PET/CT and
      Bone Scintigraphy for Imaging of Colon Cancer.
AB  - Myopericytoma is a rare type of unusual soft tissue tumor with perivascular myoid
      differentiation. A 53-year-old man with the diagnosis of colon cancer was
      referred to Tc-MDP bone scan and F-FDG PET/CT for staging. A subcutaneous mass
      located in right lower back with heterogeneous FDG uptake was detected on PET/CT.
      There was increased osteoblastic activity on MDP bone scan in the same region.
      Mass was resected and subsequently confirmed as myopericytoma by histopathology. 

PMID- 27124686
TI  - High Prevalence of Antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative Colonization in
      Hospitalized Cambodian Infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative infections are a significant
      cause of mortality in young infants. We aimed to determine characteristics of,
      and risk factors for, colonization and invasive infection caused by 3rd
      generation cephalosporin (3GC) or carbapenem-resistant organisms in outborn
      infants admitted to a neonatal unit (NU) in Cambodia. METHODS: During the first
      year of operation, patients admitted to the Angkor Hospital for Children NU, Siem
      Reap, Cambodia, underwent rectal swabbing on admission and twice weekly until
      discharge. Swabs were taken also from 7 environmental sites. Swabs were cultured
      to identify 3GC or carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter sp., Escherichia coli,
      Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RESULTS: The study included 333
      infants with a median age at NU admission of 10 days (range, 0-43). Colonization
      by >=1 3GC-resistant organism was detected in 85.9% (286/333). Admission swabs
      were collected in 289 infants: 61.9% were colonized by a 3GC-resistant organism
      at the time of admission, and a further 23.2% were colonized during
      hospitalization, at a median of 4 days [95% confidence interval: 3-5]. Probiotic
      treatment (hazard ratio: 0.58; 95% confidence interval: 0.35-0.98) was associated
      with delayed colonization. Colonization by a carbapenem-resistant organism
      occurred in 25 (7.5%) infants. Six infants had NU-associated K. pneumoniae
      bacteremia; phenotypically identical colonizing strains were found in 3 infants.
      Environmental colonization occurred early. CONCLUSIONS: Colonization by
      antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative organisms occurred early in hospitalized
      Cambodian infants and was associated with subsequent invasive infection. Trials
      of potential interventions such as probiotics are needed.

PMID- 27124687
TI  - Estimating Respiratory Syncytial Virus-associated Hospitalization in the First
      Year of Life Among Infants Born at 32-35 Weeks of Gestation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prophylaxis against respiratory syncytial virus-associated
      hospitalization (RSV-H) with anti-RSV monoclonal antibody is not considered cost
      effective for routine use in most jurisdictions. The aim of this study was to
      develop a scoring tool to estimate local risk of RSV-H in the first year of life
      among moderately premature infants to assist in prophylaxis decision making.
      METHODS: A retrospective cohort was constructed from population-based databases
      in Nova Scotia, Canada, to follow 32- to 35-week gestation infants from the
      prenatal period to <12 months of age, from 1998 to 2008. Potential risk factors
      were entered into the logistic regression model, where the dependent variable was
      RSV-H. Receiver operator characteristic analysis demonstrated cutoff scores
      producing the highest predictive accuracy, and the likelihood ratio test was used
      to select the final set of variables for the predictive tool. RESULTS: In 2811
      eligible infants, the overall RSV-H rate was 3.1% (88/2811). Of 17 variables
      considered, 3 were used to create the scoring tool: birth during December to
      February, household smoke exposure and household crowding. The positive
      likelihood ratios of predictive tool scores for high, moderate and low of RSV-H
      were 3.57, 3.38 and 1.95, whereas posttest probabilities (risk of RSV-H) were
      11.4%, 10.8% and 1.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: While able to predict infants
      at low risk of RSV-H, the tool did not discriminate high from moderate risk
      infants. The tool could be used in anticipatory care to help educate families
      about reducing risk of serious RSV illness in their newborn.

PMID- 27124688
TI  - A Disassembly Strategy for Imaging Endogenous Pyrophosphate in Mitochondria by
      Using an Fe(III) -salen Complex.
AB  - Inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) is produced from nucleoside triphosphates in
      important biosynthetic reactions and is considered a diagnostic marker for
      various diseases, such as cancer, crystal deposition disease, and arthritis.
      Traditional methods for biological PPi detection rely on off-line analytics after
      sample destruction. Molecular probes for imaging this biologically important
      analyte with temporal and spatial control in living cells are currently in
      demand. Herein, we report an Fe(III) -salen complex as the first small reaction
      based probe for endogenous mitochondrial PPi following a disassembly approach.
      Significantly, we successfully applied this complex for the detection of
      increased cellular PPi levels, and its performance was not affected by the
      presence of mitochondrial ATP in living cells.

PMID- 27124689
TI  - Quality improvement in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome patients.

PMID- 27124690
TI  - VISUAL VIGNETTE.

PMID- 27124691
TI  - FREQUENCY OF FLAME SENSOR ACTIVATION IN PUBLIC PLACES AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF
      RADIOACTIVE IODINE TO TREAT GRAVES DISEASE: A RECENT SURVEY.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Ultraviolet (UV)-perception-type flame sensors detect gamma rays
      emitted from iodine 131 ((131)I). Explaining the possibility of flame sensor
      activation to patients when they receive (131)I to treat Graves disease or other
      ablative purposes is important. We investigate the current situation of flame
      sensor activation after radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. METHODS: A total of 318
      patients (65 males and 253 females) with Graves disease who received RAI therapy
      at our clinic between November 2007 and June 2014 participated in this study.
      Patients were given both written and oral explanations regarding the possibility
      of flame sensor activation. Participants were surveyed with a questionnaire. The
      following question was asked: "Did the fire alarm (flame sensor) go off when you
      used a restroom in places like shopping centers within a few days after your
      isotope therapy?" To those who answered "yes," we asked where the fire alarm had
      gone off. RESULTS: Of the 318 patients, 19 (6.0%) answered "yes," 2 of whom were
      male while 17 were female. Of the 299 (94.0%) patients who answered "no," 63 were
      male and 236 were female. As to the place of restroom sensor activation, shopping
      centers were reported by 9 patients; supermarkets by 5; airports by 2; and a
      bookstore, the Kyushu Shinkansen (bullet train), and a hospital by 1 each.
      CONCLUSION: Explaining to patients the possibility of flame sensor activation
      after RAI therapy is important to avoid some complications, especially in
      security-sensitive areas. ABBREVIATIONS: (131)I = iodine 131 RAI = radioactive
      iodine UV = ultra-violet.

PMID- 27124692
TI  - PREDICTORS OF NONATTENDANCE AT AN ENDOCRINOLOGY OUTPATIENT CLINIC.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors potentially contributing to patients'
      nonattendance or to same-day cancellation of scheduled appointments at an adult
      endocrinology office practice. METHODS: A retrospective, records-based, cross
      sectional study was conducted using data from 9,305 electronic medical records of
      patients presenting at a U.S. metropolitan adult endocrinology clinic in 2013.
      Statistical analyses included multivariate regression, calculated odds ratios,
      and posttest probabilities. RESULTS: Of 29,178 total patient visits analyzed, 68%
      were attended by patients. Of total scheduled appointments, 7% resulted in
      nonattendance and 5% in same-day cancellation. The most significant predictors of
      nonatten-dance were a previous history of nonattendance (P<.001), uncontrolled
      diabetes (P<.001), and new patients to the practice (P<.001). Long lead-time to
      appointment (P = .001), younger age (P<.001), and certain insurance carriers
      (P<.001) also were significant predictors. CONCLUSION: Specific predictors of
      nonattendance at scheduled appointments were identified using statistical
      analysis of electronic medical record data. Previous history of nonattendance and
      having uncontrolled diabetes (especially in patients newly referred to the
      practice) are among these significant predictors. Identifying specific predictors
      for nonattendance enables targeted strategies to be developed. ABBREVIATIONS:
      APRN = Advanced Practice Registered Nurse CI = confidence interval DM = diabetes
      mellitus EMR = electronic medical record HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin NS = no-show
      OR = odds ratio SDC = same-day cancellation.

PMID- 27124693
TI  - UTILITY OF A GLUCOCORTICOID SPARING STRATEGY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS
      FOLLOWING TRANSSPHENOIDAL SURGERY.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS), it is important to assess for
      and manage adrenal insufficiency (AI). The goal of this study is to assess the
      efficacy and safety of a glucocorticoid (GC) sparing protocol to limit GC
      exposure in patients undergoing TSS. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing TSS
      (excluding Cushing disease) with adequate adrenal function prior to surgery
      underwent TSS without perioperative GC coverage. Following TSS, daily morning
      fasting serum cortisol levels were tested. GCs were administered at stress doses
      for serum cortisol <5 mcg/dL, between 5 and 12 mcg/dL in the presence of
      clinically significant symptoms of AI, or >12 mcg/dL with severe headache, nausea
      or vomiting, fatigue, anorexia, or hyponatremia. The primary endpoint was the use
      of GCs in the immediate postoperative period. RESULTS: Of 178 subjects, GCs were
      administered to 80 (45%) patients for the following indications: 31.3% for serum
      cortisol <5 mcg/dL; 36.3% for cortisol between 5 and 12 mcg/dL accompanied by
      symptoms or signs of AI; 8.8% for moderate to severe postoperative hyponatremia;
      and 7.5% for severe headache, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, or anorexia with
      cortisol >12 mcg/dL. Logistic regression analysis showed that longer length of
      hospital stay (odds ratio [OR] 1.22, confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.45) and the
      presence of new postoperative anterior pituitary hormone deficiency (OR 3.3, CI
      1.26-8.67) were associated with postoperative GC use. By 12 weeks, only 14% of
      subjects remained on GCs. There were no adverse events related to withholding
      GCs. CONCLUSION: Our protocol for managing GC replacement is both safe and
      effective for limiting GC exposure in patients undergoing TSS. ABBREVIATIONS: AI
      = adrenal insufficiency CI = confidence interval FSH = follicle-stimulating
      hormone GC = glucocorticoid GH = growth hormone IGF-1 = insulin-like growth
      factor-1 IV = intravenous LH = luteinizing hormone LOS = length of hospital stay
      OR = odds ratio TSS = transsphenoidal surgery.

PMID- 27124694
TI  - RISK FACTORS FOR NONREMISSION AND PROGRESSION-FREE SURVIVAL AFTER I-131 THERAPY
      IN PATIENTS WITH LUNG METASTASIS FROM DIFFERENTIATED THYROID CANCER: A SINGLE
      INSTITUTE, RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS IN SOUTHERN CHINA.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prognostic factors related to progression-free survival (PFS) have not
      received much attention in the literature regarding iodine-131 ((131)I) therapy
      for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and lung metastases. We sought to
      explore the factors associated with PFS and nonremission in a group of patients
      with differentiated thyroid cancer and pulmonary metastases at initial diagnosis
      and to investigate the impact of (131)I therapy on pulmonary function and
      peripheral blood counts in the same cohort of patients. METHODS: The medical
      records of 1,050 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer treated at the
      Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University from January 2006 to January
      2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 107 patients fulfilled the
      inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that
      age >=45 years and (131)I nonavidity were independent risk factors for disease
      progression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that pulmonary
      nodule size >=1 cm and (131)I nonavidity were the strongest risk factors
      predicting nonremission. Varying cumulative (131)I dosage had no association with
      posttreatment pulmonary function or peripheral blood cell counts. CONCLUSION:
      Similar to earlier studies, our results confirm that (131)I nonavidity was
      associated with an increased risk of disease progression and greater odds of
      nonremission. In addition, patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and lung
      metastases with pulmonary nodules >=1 cm had a reduced likelihood of achieving
      remission. Furthermore, special attention is needed when monitoring patients over
      45 years at a higher risk of disease progression. ABBREVIATIONS: CI = confidence
      interval DTC = differentiated thyroid cancer (18)F-FDG = fluoro-18
      fluorodeoxyglucose FEF = forced expiratory flow FTC = follicular thyroid cancer
      FVC = forced vital capacity GR = granulocytes Hb = hemoglobin HR = hazard ratio
      (131)I = iodine-131 LN = lymph node OR = odds ratio OS = overall survival PET/CT
      = positive positron emission tomography/computed tomography PFS = progression
      free survival PT = partial thyroidectomy PTC = papillary thyroid cancer RAI =
      radioactive iodine RBC = red blood cell Tg = thyroglobulin TgAb = thyroglobulin
      antibody TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone TT = total thyroidectomy WBC = white
      blood cells WBS = whole body scan.

PMID- 27124695
TI  - INPATIENT HYPOGLYCEMIC EVENTS IN A COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS TRIAL FOR GLYCEMIC
      CONTROL IN A HIGH-RISK POPULATION.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Inpatient hypoglycemia (glucose <=70 mg/dL) is a limitation of
      intensive control with insulin. Causes of hypoglycemia were evaluated in a
      randomized controlled trial examining intensive glycemic control (IG, target 140
      mg/dL) versus moderate glycemic control (MG, target 180 mg/dL) on post-liver
      transplant outcomes. METHODS: Hypoglycemic episodes were reviewed by a
      multidisciplinary team to calculate and identify contributing pathophysiologic
      and operational factors. A subsequent subgroup case control (1:1) analysis
      (with/without) hypoglycemia was completed to further delineate factors. A total
      of 164 participants were enrolled, and 155 patients were examined in depth.
      RESULTS: Overall, insulin-related hypoglycemia was experienced in 24 of 82
      patients in IG (episodes: 20 drip, 36 subcutaneous [SQ]) and 4 of 82 in MG
      (episodes: 2 drip, 2 SQ). Most episodes occurred at night (41 of 60), with high
      insulin amounts (44 of 60), and during a protocol deviation (51 of 60). Compared
      to those without hypoglycemia (n = 127 vs. n = 28), hypoglycemic patients had
      significantly longer hospital stays (13.6 +/- 12.6 days vs. 7.4 +/- 6.1 days; P =
      .002), higher peak insulin drip rates (17.4 +/- 10.3 U/h vs. 13.1 +/- 9.9 U/h; P
      = .044), and higher peak insulin glargine doses (36.8 +/- 21.4 U vs. 26.2 +/-
      24.3 U; P = .035). In the case-matched analysis (24 cases, 24 controls), those
      with insulin-related hypoglycemia had higher median peak insulin drip rates (17
      U/h vs. 11 U/h; P = .04) and protocol deviations (92% vs. 50%; P = .004).
      CONCLUSION: Peak insulin requirements and protocol deviations were correlated
      with hypoglycemia. ABBREVIATIONS: DM = diabetes mellitus ICU = intensive care
      unit IG = intensive glycemic control MELD = Model for End-stage Liver Disease MG
      = moderate glycemic control SQ = subcutaneous.

PMID- 27124696
TI  - VISUAL VIGNETTE.

PMID- 27124697
TI  - Economic analysis of paliperidone long-acting injectable for chronic
      schizophrenia in Portugal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with chronic schizophrenia suffer a huge burden, as do their
      families/caregivers. Treating schizophrenia is costly for health systems. The
      European Medicines Agency has approved paliperidone palmitate (PP-LAI; Xeplion),
      an atypical antipsychotic depot; however, its pharmacoeconomic profile in
      Portugal is unknown. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from the
      viewpoint of the Portuguese National Health Service. METHODS: PP-LAI was compared
      with long acting injectables risperidone (RIS-LAI) and haloperidol (HAL-LAI) and
      oral drugs (olanzapine; oral-OLZ) adapting a 1-year decision tree to Portugal,
      guided by local experts. Clinical information and costs were obtained from
      literature sources and published lists. Outcomes included relapses (both
      requiring and not requiring hospitalization) and quality-adjusted life-years
      (QALYs). Costs were expressed in 2014 euros. Economic outcomes were incremental
      cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs); including cost-utility (outcome = QALYs) and
      cost-effectiveness analyses (outcomes = relapse/hospitalization/emergency room
      (ER) visit avoided). RESULTS: The base-case cost of oral-OLZ was 4447? (20%
      drugs/20% medical/60% hospital); HAL-LAI cost 4474? (13% drugs/13% medical/74%
      hospital); PP-LAI cost 5326? (49% drugs/12% medical/39% hospital); RIS-LAI cost
      6223? (44% drugs/12% medical/44% hospital). Respective QALYs/hospitalizations/ER
      visits were oral-OLZ: 0.761/0.615/0.242; HAL-LAI: 0.758/0.623/0.250; PP-LAI:
      0.823/0.288/0.122; RIS-LAI: 0.799/0.394/0.168. HAL-LAI was dominated by oral-OLZ
      and RIS-LAI by PP-LAI for all outcomes. The ICER of PP-LAI over oral-OLZ was
      14,247?/QALY, well below NICE/Portuguese thresholds (~24,800?/30,000?/QALY).
      ICERs were 1973?/relapse avoided and 2697?/hospitalization avoided. Analyses were
      robust against most variations in input values, as PP-LAI was cost-effective over
      oral-OLZ in >99% of 10,000 simulations. CONCLUSION: In Portugal, PP-LAI dominated
      HAL-LAI and RIS-LAI and was cost-effective over oral-OLZ with respect to QALYs
      gained, relapses avoided, and hospitalizations avoided.

PMID- 27124698
TI  - Effect of Commercial Enzymes on Berry Cell Wall Deconstruction in the Context of
      Intravineyard Ripeness Variation under Winemaking Conditions.
AB  - Significant intravineyard variation in grape berry ripening occurs within vines
      and between vines. However, no cell wall data are available on such variation.
      Here we used a checkerboard panel design to investigate ripening variation in
      pooled grape bunches for enzyme-assisted winemaking. The vineyard was dissected
      into defined panels, which were selected for winemaking with or without enzyme
      addition. Cell wall material was prepared and subjected to high-throughput
      profiling combined with multivariate data analysis. The study showed that
      significant ripening-related variation was present at the berry cell wall polymer
      level and occurred within the experimental vineyard block. Furthemore, all enzyme
      treatments reduced cell wall variation via depectination. Interestingly, cell
      wall esterification levels were unaffected by enzyme treatments. This study
      provides clear evidence that enzymes can positively influence the consistency of
      winemaking and provides a foundation for further research into the relationship
      between grape berry cell wall architecture and enzyme formulations. 

PMID- 27124699
TI  - Deep Neural Networks as a Computational Model for Human Shape Sensitivity.
AB  - Theories of object recognition agree that shape is of primordial importance, but
      there is no consensus about how shape might be represented, and so far attempts
      to implement a model of shape perception that would work with realistic stimuli
      have largely failed. Recent studies suggest that state-of-the-art convolutional
      'deep' neural networks (DNNs) capture important aspects of human object
      perception. We hypothesized that these successes might be partially related to a
      human-like representation of object shape. Here we demonstrate that sensitivity
      for shape features, characteristic to human and primate vision, emerges in DNNs
      when trained for generic object recognition from natural photographs. We show
      that these models explain human shape judgments for several benchmark behavioral
      and neural stimulus sets on which earlier models mostly failed. In particular,
      although never explicitly trained for such stimuli, DNNs develop acute
      sensitivity to minute variations in shape and to non-accidental properties that
      have long been implicated to form the basis for object recognition. Even more
      strikingly, when tested with a challenging stimulus set in which shape and
      category membership are dissociated, the most complex model architectures capture
      human shape sensitivity as well as some aspects of the category structure that
      emerges from human judgments. As a whole, these results indicate that
      convolutional neural networks not only learn physically correct representations
      of object categories but also develop perceptually accurate representational
      spaces of shapes. An even more complete model of human object representations
      might be in sight by training deep architectures for multiple tasks, which is so
      characteristic in human development.

PMID- 27124700
TI  - Clinical Genetic Testing in Gastroenterology.
AB  - Rapid advances in genetics have led to an increased understanding of the genetic
      determinants of human disease, including many gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.
      Coupled with a proliferation of genetic testing services, this has resulted in a
      clinical landscape where commercially available genetic tests for GI disorders
      are now widely available. In this review, we discuss the current status of
      clinical genetic testing for GI illnesses, review the available testing options,
      and briefly discuss indications for and practical aspects of such testing. Our
      goal is to familiarize the practicing gastroenterologist with this rapidly
      changing and important aspect of clinical care. 

PMID- 27124701
TI  - Maintenance of Efficacy and Continuing Safety of Golimumab for Active Ulcerative
      Colitis: PURSUIT-SC Maintenance Study Extension Through 1 Year.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The safety and efficacy of subcutaneous golimumab through 2 years of
      maintenance therapy was evaluated in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative
      colitis (UC). METHODS: Patients completing treatment through week 52 (placebo,
      golimumab 50, 100, every-4-weeks (q4w)) and evaluations at week 54 were eligible
      for this long-term extension (LTE) trial. Patients receiving placebo or golimumab
      50 mg with worsening disease during the LTE could receive golimumab 100 mg.
      Efficacy assessments included the Mayo physician's global assessment (PGA)
      subscore, inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ), and corticosteroid
      use. Patients who were randomized to golimumab at PURSUIT-Maintenance baseline
      and continued receiving golimumab during the LTE were analyzed for efficacy
      (using intention-to-treat and "as observed" analyses; N=195) and safety (N=200).
      Patients treated with golimumab at any time from induction baseline through week
      104 (N=1240) constituted the overall safety population. RESULTS: Baseline
      demographics and disease characteristics of patients entering the LTE receiving
      golimumab were similar to those of all patients randomized to golimumab
      maintenance at baseline. At week 104, 80.5% (157/195) of patients had a PGA=0/1
      (range weeks 56-104: 80.5-91.8%) and 56.4% (110/195) had a PGA=0 (weeks 56-104:
      range: 53.8-58.5%). Through week 104, 86% of patients maintained inactive or mild
      disease activity. Among 174 corticosteroid-free patients at week 54, 88.5%
      remained corticosteroid-free at week 104. At week 104, 62.2% (120/193) had an
      IBDQ score >=170. Tuberculosis, opportunistic infection, and malignancy rates
      were low, and the overall safety profile was similar to that reported through
      week 54. Two non-melanoma skin cancers, one metastatic colon cancer, and two
      deaths (biventricular heart dysfunction, sepsis) occurred between weeks 54 and
      104. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous golimumab q4w through 2 years maintained clinical
      benefit and reduced corticosteroid use among patients who did well in the
      maintenance study. No new safety signals were observed.

PMID- 27124702
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of conductive, biodegradable, elastomeric
      polyurethanes for biomedical applications.
AB  - Biodegradable conductive polymers are currently of significant interest in tissue
      repair and regeneration, drug delivery, and bioelectronics. However,
      biodegradable materials exhibiting both conductive and elastic properties have
      rarely been reported to date. To that end, an electrically conductive
      polyurethane (CPU) was synthesized from polycaprolactone diol, hexadiisocyanate,
      and aniline trimer and subsequently doped with (1S)-(+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid
      (CSA). All CPU films showed good elasticity within a 30% strain range. The
      electrical conductivity of the CPU films, as enhanced with increasing amounts of
      CSA, ranged from 2.7 +/- 0.9 * 10(-10) to 4.4 +/- 0.6 * 10(-7) S/cm in a dry
      state and 4.2 +/- 0.5 * 10(-8) to 7.3 +/- 1.5 * 10(-5) S/cm in a wet state. The
      redox peaks of a CPU1.5 film (molar ratio CSA:aniline trimer = 1.5:1) in the
      cyclic voltammogram confirmed the desired good electroactivity. The doped CPU
      film exhibited good electrical stability (87% of initial conductivity after 150
      hours charge) as measured in a cell culture medium. The degradation rates of CPU
      films increased with increasing CSA content in both phosphate-buffered solution
      (PBS) and lipase/PBS solutions. After 7 days of enzymatic degradation, the
      conductivity of all CSA-doped CPU films had decreased to that of the undoped CPU
      film. Mouse 3T3 fibroblasts proliferated and spread on all CPU films. This
      developed biodegradable CPU with good elasticity, electrical stability, and
      biocompatibility may find potential applications in tissue engineering, smart
      drug release, and electronics. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater
      Res Part A: 104A: 2305-2314, 2016.

PMID- 27124704
TI  - Complete Assignment of the Infrared Spectrum of the Gas-Phase Protonated Ammonia
      Dimer.
AB  - The infrared (IR) spectrum of the ammoniated ammonium dimer is more complex than
      those of the larger protonated ammonia clusters due to close-lying fundamental
      and combination bands and possible Fermi resonances (FR). To date, the only
      theoretical analysis involved partial dimensionality quantum nuclear dynamic
      simulations, assuming a symmetric structure (D3d) with the proton midway between
      the two nitrogen atoms. Here we report an extensive study of the less symmetric
      (C3v) dimer, utilizing both second order vibrational perturbation theory (VPT2)
      and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD), from which we calculated the Fourier
      transform (FT) of the dipole-moment autocorrelation function (DACF). The
      resultant IR spectrum was assigned using FTed velocity autocorrelation functions
      (VACFs) of several interatomic distances and angles. At 50 K, we have been able
      to assign all 21 AIMD fundamentals, in reasonable agreement with MP2-based VPT2,
      about 30 AIMD combination bands, and a difference band. The combinations involve
      a wag or the NN stretch as one of the components, and appear to follow symmetry
      selection rules. On this basis, we suggest possible assignments of the
      experimental spectrum. The VACF-analysis revealed two possible FR bands, one of
      which is the strongest peak in the computed spectrum. Raising the temperature to
      180 K eliminated the "proton transfer mode" (PTM) fundamental, and reduced the
      number of observed combination bands and FRs. With increasing temperature,
      fundamentals red-shift, and the doubly degenerate wags exhibit larger anharmonic
      splittings in their VACF bending spectra. We have repeated the analysis for the
      H3ND(+)NH3 isotopologue, finding that it has a simplified spectrum, with all the
      strong peaks being fundamentals. Experimental study of this isotopologue may thus
      provide a good starting point for disentangling the N2H7(+) spectrum. 

PMID- 27124703
TI  - A systematic literature review and network meta-analysis of treatments for
      patients with untreated multiple myeloma not eligible for stem cell
      transplantation.
AB  - In newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM), patients ineligible for front-line
      autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), melphalan and prednisone (MP) with
      thalidomide (MPT) or bortezomib (VMP) are standard first-line therapeutic
      options. Despite new treatment regimens incorporating bortezomib or lenalidomide,
      MM remains incurable. The FIRST study demonstrated significant improvement in
      progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for the combination of
      lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone (Rd) until progression vs. MPT in
      transplant-ineligible ndMM patients. However, to date no head-to-head randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) have compared Rd or MPT versus VMP. We conducted a
      network meta-analysis using RCTs identified through a systematic literature
      review to evaluate the relative efficacy of Rd versus other regimens on survival
      endpoints in previously untreated MM patients ineligible for ASCT. In this
      analysis, Rd was associated with a significant PFS and survival advantage versus
      other first-line treatments (VMP, MPT, MP), challenging the role of alkylators in
      this setting.

PMID- 27124705
TI  - A case of scurvy associated with nilotinib.

PMID- 27124706
TI  - Reduced Disparities in Birth Rates Among Teens Aged 15-19 Years - United States,
      2006-2007 and 2013-2014.
AB  - Teen childbearing can have negative health, economic, and social consequences for
      mothers and their children (1) and costs the United States approximately $9.4
      billion annually (2). During 1991-2014, the birth rate among teens aged 15-19
      years in the United States declined 61%, from 61.8 to 24.2 births per 1,000, the
      lowest rate ever recorded (3). Nonetheless, in 2014, the teen birth rate remained
      approximately twice as high for Hispanic and non-Hispanic black (black) teens
      compared with non-Hispanic white (white) teens (3), and geographic and
      socioeconomic disparities remain (3,4), irrespective of race/ethnicity. Social
      determinants associated with teen childbearing (e.g., low parental educational
      attainment and limited opportunities for education and employment) are more
      common in communities with higher proportions of racial and ethnic minorities
      (4), contributing to the challenge of further reducing disparities in teen
      births. To examine trends in births for teens aged 15-19 years by race/ethnicity
      and geography, CDC analyzed National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) data at the
      national (2006-2014), state (2006-2007 and 2013-2014), and county (2013-2014)
      levels. To describe socioeconomic indicators previously associated with teen
      births, CDC analyzed data from the American Community Survey (ACS) (2010-2014).
      Nationally, from 2006 to 2014, the teen birth rate declined 41% overall with the
      largest decline occurring among Hispanics (51%), followed by blacks (44%), and
      whites (35%). The birth rate ratio for Hispanic teens and black teens compared
      with white teens declined from 2.9 to 2.2 and from 2.3 to 2.0, respectively. From
      2006-2007 to 2013-2014, significant declines in teen birth rates and birth rate
      ratios were noted nationally and in many states. At the county level, teen birth
      rates for 2013-2014 ranged from 3.1 to 119.0 per 1,000 females aged 15-19 years;
      ACS data indicated unemployment was higher, and education attainment and family
      income were lower in counties with higher teen birth rates. State and county data
      can be used to understand disparities in teen births and implement community
      level interventions that address the social and structural conditions associated
      with high teen birth rates. 

PMID- 27124707
TI  - Inhibition of calcium carbonate deposition on stainless steel using olive leaf
      extract as a green inhibitor.
AB  - The antiscale properties of the aqueous extract of olive (Olea europaea L.)
      leaves as a natural scale inhibitor for stainless steel surface in Hammam raw
      water were investigated using chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical
      impedance spectroscopy techniques in conjunction with a microscopic examination.
      The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the scale deposited over the pipe
      walls consists of pure CaCO3 calcite. The CA, in accordance with electrochemical
      impedance spectra and scanning electron microscopy, shows that the inhibition
      efficiency increases with increasing extract concentration. This efficiency is
      considerably reduced as the temperature is increased.

PMID- 27124708
TI  - Two-layer regulation of PAQR3 on ATG14-linked class III PtdIns3K activation upon
      glucose starvation.
AB  - As a central node of the macroautophagy/autophagy process, the BECN1/Beclin1
      PIK3C3/VPS34 complex participates in different steps of autophagy by interacting
      with multiple molecules. The ATG14-associated PIK3C3 complex is involved in
      autophagy initiation, whereas the UVRAG-associated complex mainly modulates
      autophagosome maturation and endosome fusion. However, the molecular mechanism
      that coordinates the sequential execution of the autophagy program remains
      unknown. We have recently discovered that a Golgi-resident protein, PAQR3,
      regulates autophagy initiation as it preferentially facilitates the formation of
      the ATG14-linked PIK3C3 complex instead of the UVRAG-associated complex. Upon
      glucose starvation, AMPK directly phosphorylates T32 of PAQR3, which is crucial
      for the activation of the ATG14-associated class III PtdIns3K. Furthermore, Paqr3
      deleted mice have a deficiency in exercise-induced autophagy as well as
      behavioral disorders. Thus, this work not only uncovers the regulatory mechanism
      of PAQR3 on autophagy initiation, but also provides a potential candidate
      therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27124710
TI  - Violence in Gaza: An Academic-Activist Agenda for Health Communication.

PMID- 27124709
TI  - Synthesis and Kinetic Characterisation of Water-Soluble Fluorogenic Acyl Donors
      for Transglutaminase 2.
AB  - Small glutamate-containing peptides bearing coumarin derivatives as fluorescent
      leaving groups attached to the gamma-carboxylic acid group of the Glu residue
      were synthesised and investigated with regard to their potential to act as
      substrates for transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2). Their synthesis was accomplished by
      an efficient solid-phase approach. The excellent water solubility of the
      compounds enabled their extensive kinetic characterisation in the context of
      TGase 2-catalysed hydrolysis and aminolysis. The influence of the coumarin
      skeleton's substitution pattern on the kinetic properties was studied.
      Derivatives containing 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (HMC) revealed properties
      superior to those of their 7-hydroxycoumarin counterparts; analogous amides are
      not accepted as substrates. Z-Glu(HMC)-Gly-OH, which exhibited the best substrate
      properties out of the investigated derivatives, was selected for representative
      kinetic characterisation of acyl acceptor substrates and irreversible inhibitors.

PMID- 27124711
TI  - Primary Palliative Care Education in Specialty Oncology Training: More Work Is
      Needed.

PMID- 27124712
TI  - Proptosis Secondary to Orbital Bone Remodeling From Intracranial Hypertension.

PMID- 27124713
TI  - Loneliness over time: The crucial role of social anxiety.
AB  - Loneliness is known to be associated with multiple adverse physical outcomes,
      including higher mortality and morbidity risk. However, the impact of loneliness
      on mental health is less well researched, with most studies assessing how
      loneliness relates to depressive symptoms alone. We hypothesized that 2 mental
      health symptoms that relate to the fear of others-social anxiety and paranoia
      would contribute to loneliness. We examined how loneliness relates to social
      anxiety, paranoia, and depression symptoms in a general community sample aged 18
      87 years old (N = 1,010). We administered online measures over 3 time points
      across a 6-month period. In a cross-lagged structural equation model controlling
      for trait levels and prior states, our results indicated that earlier loneliness
      positively predicted future states of social anxiety, paranoia, and depression.
      However, in the same model, earlier social anxiety was the only predictor of
      future loneliness. These results suggest that loneliness may be a potential
      antecedent to emerging mental health symptoms and that identifying and treating
      co-occurring social anxiety symptoms may reduce the severity of loneliness.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124714
TI  - Sensation seeking, peer deviance, and genetic influences on adolescent
      delinquency: Evidence for person-environment correlation and interaction.
AB  - Both sensation seeking and affiliation with deviant peer groups are risk factors
      for delinquency in adolescence. In this study, we use a sample of adolescent
      twins (n = 549), 13 to 20 years old (M age = 15.8 years), in order to test the
      interactive effects of peer deviance and sensation seeking on delinquency in a
      genetically informative design. Consistent with a socialization effect,
      affiliation with deviant peers was associated with higher delinquency even after
      controlling for selection effects using a co-twin-control comparison. At the same
      time, there was evidence for person-environment correlation; adolescents with
      genetic dispositions toward higher sensation seeking were more likely to report
      having deviant peer groups. Genetic influences on sensation seeking substantially
      overlapped with genetic influences on adolescent delinquency. Finally, the
      environmentally mediated effect of peer deviance on adolescent delinquency was
      moderated by individual differences in sensation seeking. Adolescents reporting
      high levels of sensation seeking were more susceptible to deviant peers, a Person
      * Environment interaction. These results are consistent with both selection and
      socialization processes in adolescent peer relationships, and they highlight the
      role of sensation seeking as an intermediary phenotype for genetic risk for
      delinquency. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124715
TI  - Additive genetic contribution to symptom dimensions in major depressive disorder.
AB  - Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a phenotypically heterogeneous disorder with a
      complex genetic architecture. In this study, genomic-relatedness-matrix
      restricted maximum-likelihood analysis (GREML) was used to investigate the extent
      to which variance in depression symptoms/symptom dimensions can be explained by
      variation in common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a sample of
      individuals with MDD (N = 1,558) who participated in the National Institute of
      Mental Health Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D)
      study. A principal components analysis of items from the Hamilton Rating Scale
      for Depression (HRSD) obtained prior to treatment revealed 4 depression symptom
      components: (a) appetite, (b) core depression symptoms (e.g., depressed mood,
      anhedonia), (c) insomnia, and (d) anxiety. These symptom dimensions were
      associated with SNP-based heritability (hSNP2) estimates of 30%, 14%, 30%, and
      5%, respectively. Results indicated that the genetic contribution of common SNPs
      to depression symptom dimensions were not uniform. Appetite and insomnia symptoms
      in MDD had a relatively strong genetic contribution whereas the genetic
      contribution was relatively small for core depression and anxiety symptoms. While
      in need of replication, these results suggest that future gene discovery efforts
      may strongly benefit from parsing depression into its constituent parts.
      (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27124717
TI  - Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoclusters: Aqueous, Concentrated, Stable, and
      Catalytically Active Colloids toward Green Chemistry.
AB  - Increasing attention has been dedicated to the development of nanomaterials
      rendering green and sustainable processes, which occur in benign aqueous reaction
      media. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of another family of green
      nanomaterials, layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoclusters, which are
      concentrated (98.7 g/L in aqueous solvent), stably dispersed (transparent sol for
      >2 weeks), and catalytically active colloids of nano LDHs (isotropic shape with
      the size of 7.8 nm as determined by small-angle X-ray scattering). LDH
      nanoclusters are available as colloidal building blocks to give access to meso-
      and macroporous LDH materials. Proof-of-concept applications revealed that the
      LDH nanocluster works as a solid basic catalyst and is separable from solvents of
      catalytic reactions, confirming the nature of nanocatalysts. The present work
      closely investigates the unique physical and chemical features of this colloid,
      the formation mechanism, and the ability to act as basic nanocatalysts in benign
      aqueous reaction systems.

PMID- 27124716
TI  - Obesity and Mortality, Length of Stay and Hospital Cost among Patients with
      Sepsis: A Nationwide Inpatient Retrospective Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine the association between
      obesity and all-cause mortality, length of stay and hospital cost among patients
      with sepsis 20 years of age or older. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a
      retrospective cohort study. The dataset was the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2011,
      the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient care database in the United
      States. Hospitalizations of sepsis patients 20 years of age or older were
      included. All 25 primary and secondary diagnosis fields were screened to identify
      patients with sepsis using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
      Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Obesity was the exposure of interest. It
      was one of the 29 standardized Elixhauser comorbidity measures and readily
      available in the dataset as a dichotomized variable. The outcome measures were
      all-cause in-hospital death, length of stay and hospital cost. RESULTS: After
      weighting, our sample projected to a population size of 1,763,000, providing an
      approximation for the number of hospital discharges of all sepsis patients 20
      years of age or older in the US in 2011. The overall all-cause mortality rate was
      14.8%, the median hospital length of stay was 7 days and the median hospital cost
      was $15,917. After adjustment, the all-cause mortality was lower (adjusted OR =
      0.84; 95% CI = 0.81 to 0.88); the average hospital length of stay was longer
      (adjusted difference = 0.65 day; 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.86) and the hospital cost per
      stay was higher (adjusted difference = $2,927; 95% CI = $1,606 to $4,247) for
      obese sepsis patients as compared to non-obese ones. CONCLUSION: With this large
      and nationally representative sample of over 1,000 hospitals in the US, we found
      that obesity was significantly associated with a 16% decrease in the odds of
      dying among hospitalized sepsis patients; however it was also associated with
      greater duration and cost of hospitalization.

PMID- 27124719
TI  - Polymeric Inverse Glasses for Development of Noniridescent Structural Colors in
      Full Visible Range.
AB  - Amorphous colloidal array with short-range order displays noniridescent
      structural colors due to the isotropic nature of the colloidal arrangement. The
      low angle dependence renders the colloidal glasses, which is promising for
      various coloration applications. Nevertheless, the colloidal glasses are
      difficult to develop red structural color due to strong cavity-like resonance
      from individual particles in the blue region. To suppress the cavity mode and
      develop the colors in the full visible range, we prepare inverse glasses composed
      of amorphous array of air cavities with short-range order. To produce the
      structures in a simple and reproducible manner, monodisperse silica particles are
      dispersed in a photocurable resin of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate
      (PEGDMA) at a volume fraction of 0.3. The particles spontaneously form the
      amorphous array with short-range order, which is rapidly captured in polymeric
      films by photopolymerization of the resin. Selective removal of silica particles
      from the polymerized resin leaves behind amorphous array of air cavities. The
      inverse glasses display structural colors with negligible backscattering in blue
      due to short optical path and low index in each cavity. Therefore, the colors can
      be tuned in full visible range by simply controlling the cavity size. The
      photocurable suspensions of silica particles can be patterned by
      photolithography, which enables the production of freestanding films containing
      patterned inverse glasses with noniridescent structural colors.

PMID- 27124718
TI  - Replaced gastroduodenal artery: Added benefit of the "artery first" approach
      during pancreaticoduodenectomy-A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Variations in hepatic arterial anatomy are frequently encountered
      in pancreas and liver surgery. These aberrancies add technical complexity to the
      procedure and can result in significant patient morbidity if these vascular
      nuances are not recognized. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case whereby a
      superior mesenteric artery first approach was used to locate and preserve an
      aberrant left hepatic artery arising from a replaced gastroduodenal artery
      emanating from the SMA during pancreaticoduodenectomy. The procedure was done for
      resection of a large duodenal adenoma. DISCUSSION: High-quality preoperative
      imaging and mastery in surgical expertise are requirements for identification and
      preservation of aberrant hepatic arterial anatomy during procedures involving
      vital intra-abdominal organs. CONCLUSION: Our aim is to provide awareness of rare
      vascular anomalies encountered during pancreaticoduodenectomy and provide a
      unique method for successful management.

PMID- 27124721
TI  - Correction: Regioselectivity in the Au-catalyzed hydration and hydroalkoxylation
      of alkynes.
AB  - Correction for 'Regioselectivity in the Au-catalyzed hydration and
      hydroalkoxylation of alkynes' by Justin A. Goodwin et al., Chem. Commun., 2015,
      51, 8730-8741.

PMID- 27124720
TI  - Effects of Exhaustive Aerobic Exercise on Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolism in
      Trained Athletes.
AB  - Exhaustive exercise can cause a transient depression of immune function. Data
      indicate significant effects of immune activation cascades on the biochemistry of
      monoamines and amino acids such as tryptophan. Tryptophan can be metabolized
      through different pathways, a major route being the kynurenine pathway, which is
      often systemically up-regulated when the immune response is activated. The
      present study was undertaken to examine the effect of exhaustive aerobic exercise
      on biomarkers of immune activation and tryptophan metabolism in trained athletes.
      After a standardized breakfast 2 h prior to exercise, 33 trained athletes (17
      women, 16 men) performed an incremental cycle ergometer exercise test at 60 rpm
      until exhaustion. After a 20 min rest phase, the participants performed a 20 min
      maximal time-trial on a cycle ergometer (RBM Cyclus 2, Germany). During the test,
      cyclists were strongly encouraged to choose a maximal pedalling rate that could
      be maintained for the respective test duration. Serum concentrations of amino
      acids tryptophan, kynurenine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine were determined by HPLC
      and immune system biomarker neopterin by ELISA at rest and immediately post
      exercise. Intense exercise was associated with a strong increase in neopterin
      concentrations (p<0.001), indicating increased immune activation following
      intense exercise. Exhaustive exercise significantly reduced tryptophan
      concentrations by 12% (p<0.001) and increased kynurenine levels by 6% (p =
      0.022). Also phenylalanine to tyrosine ratios were lower after exercise as
      compared with baseline (p<0.001). The kynurenine to tryptophan ratio correlated
      with neopterin (r = 0.560, p<0.01). Thus, increased tryptophan catabolism by
      indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase appears likely. Peak oxygen uptake correlated with
      baseline tryptophan and kynurenine concentrations (r = 0.562 and r = 0.511,
      respectively, both p<0.01). Findings demonstrate that exhaustive aerobic exercise
      is associated with increased immune activation and alterations in monoamine
      metabolism in trained athletes which may play a role in the regulation of mood
      and cognitive processes.

PMID- 27124722
TI  - Nanovalved Adsorbents for CH4 Storage.
AB  - A novel concept of utilizing nanoporous coatings as effective nanovalves on
      microporous adsorbents was developed for high capacity natural gas storage at low
      storage pressure. The work reported here for the first time presents the concept
      of nanovalved adsorbents capable of sealing high pressure CH4 inside the
      adsorbents and storing it at low pressure. Traditional natural gas storage tanks
      are thick and heavy, which makes them expensive to manufacture and highly energy
      consuming to carry around. Our design uses unique adsorbent pellets with
      nanoscale pores surrounded by a coating that functions as a valve to help manage
      the pressure of the gas and facilitate more efficient storage and transportation.
      We expect this new concept will result in a lighter, more affordable product with
      increased storage capacity. The nanovalved adsorbent concept demonstrated here
      can be potentially extended for the storage of other important gas molecules
      targeted for diverse relevant functional applications.

PMID- 27124723
TI  - Decision-Making under Ambiguity Is Modulated by Visual Framing, but Not by Motor
      vs. Non-Motor Context. Experiments and an Information-Theoretic Ambiguity Model.
AB  - A number of recent studies have investigated differences in human choice behavior
      depending on task framing, especially comparing economic decision-making to
      choice behavior in equivalent sensorimotor tasks. Here we test whether decision
      making under ambiguity exhibits effects of task framing in motor vs. non-motor
      context. In a first experiment, we designed an experience-based urn task with
      varying degrees of ambiguity and an equivalent motor task where subjects chose
      between hitting partially occluded targets. In a second experiment, we controlled
      for the different stimulus design in the two tasks by introducing an urn task
      with bar stimuli matching those in the motor task. We found ambiguity attitudes
      to be mainly influenced by stimulus design. In particular, we found that the same
      subjects tended to be ambiguity-preferring when choosing between ambiguous bar
      stimuli, but ambiguity-avoiding when choosing between ambiguous urn sample
      stimuli. In contrast, subjects' choice pattern was not affected by changing from
      a target hitting task to a non-motor context when keeping the stimulus design
      unchanged. In both tasks subjects' choice behavior was continuously modulated by
      the degree of ambiguity. We show that this modulation of behavior can be
      explained by an information-theoretic model of ambiguity that generalizes Bayes
      optimal decision-making by combining Bayesian inference with robust decision
      making under model uncertainty. Our results demonstrate the benefits of
      information-theoretic models of decision-making under varying degrees of
      ambiguity for a given context, but also demonstrate the sensitivity of ambiguity
      attitudes across contexts that theoretical models struggle to explain.

PMID- 27124725
TI  - A Comparative Analysis of the Financial Incentives of Two Distinct Experience
      Rating Programs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the association between
      insurance premium incentives and claim outcomes in two different workers'
      compensation programs. METHODS: Regression models were run for claim outcomes
      using data from two Canadian jurisdictions with different experience-rating
      programs-one with prospective (British Columbia) and another with retrospective
      (Ontario) adjustment of premiums. Key explanatory variables were past premium
      adjustments. RESULTS: For both programs, past premium adjustments were
      significantly associated with claim outcomes, suggesting adjustments provided
      incentives for claims reduction. The magnitudes of effects in the prospective
      program were smaller than the retrospective one, though relative persistence of
      effects over time was larger. CONCLUSION: Having large and immediate employer
      responses to incentives may appear desirable, but insurers should consider the
      time required for employers to improve and sustain good practices, and create
      incentives that parallel such time lines.

PMID- 27124724
TI  - In Heart Failure Patients with Left Bundle Branch Block Single Lead MultiSpot
      Left Ventricular Pacing Does Not Improve Acute Hemodynamic Response To
      Conventional Biventricular Pacing. A Multicenter Prospective, Interventional, Non
      Randomized Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent efforts to increase CRT response by multiSPOT pacing (MSP)
      from multiple bipols on the same left ventricular lead are still inconclusive.
      AIM: The Left Ventricular (LV) MultiSPOTpacing for CRT (iSPOT) study compared the
      acute hemodynamic response of MSP pacing by using 3 electrodes on a quadripolar
      lead compared with conventional biventricular pacing (BiV). METHODS: Patients
      with left bundle branch block (LBBB) underwent an acute hemodynamic study to
      determine the %change in LV+dP/dtmax from baseline atrial pacing compared to the
      following configurations: BiV pacing with the LV lead in a one of lateral veins,
      while pacing from the distal, mid, or proximal electrode and all 3 electrodes
      together (i.e. MSP). All measurements were repeated 4 times at 5 different
      atrioventricular delays. We also measured QRS-width and individual Q-LV
      durations. RESULTS: Protocol was completed in 24 patients, all with LBBB (QRS
      width 171+/-20 ms) and 58% ischemic aetiology. The percentage change in
      LV+dP/dtmax for MSP pacing was 31.0+/-3.3% (Mean+/-SE), which was not
      significantly superior to any BiV pacing configuration: 28.9+/-3.2% (LV-distal),
      28.3+/-2.7% (LV-mid), and 29.5+/-3.0% (LV-prox), respectively. Correlation
      between LV+dP/dtmax and either QRS-width or Q-LV ratio was poor. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with LBBB MultiSPOT LV pacing demonstrated comparable improvement in
      contractility to best conventional BiV pacing. Optimization of atrioventricular
      delay is important for the best performance for both BiV and MultiSPOT pacing
      configurations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NTC01883141.

PMID- 27124726
TI  - DNMT targets MiRacle torching TORCh.

PMID- 27124728
TI  - beta-to-beta 2,5-Pyrrolylene-Linked Cyclic Porphyrin Oligomers.
AB  - beta-to-beta 2,5-Pyrrolylene linked cyclic porphyrin oligomers have been
      synthesized by Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of 2,5-diborylpyrrole and 3,7
      dibromoporphyrin. The cyclic porphyrin oligomers exhibit roughly coplanar
      structures, strong excitonic coupling, small electrochemical HOMO-LUMO gaps, and
      ultrafast excitation energy transfer between the neighboring porphyrins via the
      pyrrolylene bridge. 

PMID- 27124729
TI  - Implications of Harvest on the Boundaries of Protected Areas for Large Carnivore
      Viewing Opportunities.
AB  - The desire to see free ranging large carnivores in their natural habitat is a
      driver of tourism in protected areas around the globe. However, large carnivores
      are wide-ranging and subject to human-caused mortality outside protected area
      boundaries. The impact of harvest (trapping or hunting) on wildlife viewing
      opportunities has been the subject of intense debate and speculation, but
      quantitative analyses have been lacking. We examined the effect of legal harvest
      of wolves (Canis lupus) along the boundaries of two North American National
      Parks, Denali (DNPP) and Yellowstone (YNP), on wolf viewing opportunities within
      the parks during peak tourist season. We used data on wolf sightings, pack sizes,
      den site locations, and harvest adjacent to DNPP from 1997-2013 and YNP from 2008
      2013 to evaluate the relationship between harvest and wolf viewing opportunities.
      Although sightings were largely driven by wolf population size and proximity of
      den sites to roads, sightings in both parks were significantly reduced by
      harvest. Sightings in YNP increased by 45% following years with no harvest of a
      wolf from a pack, and sightings in DNPP were more than twice as likely during a
      period with a harvest buffer zone than in years without the buffer. These
      findings show that harvest of wolves adjacent to protected areas can reduce
      sightings within those areas despite minimal impacts on the size of protected
      wolf populations. Consumptive use of carnivores adjacent to protected areas may
      therefore reduce their potential for non-consumptive use, and these tradeoffs
      should be considered when developing regional wildlife management policies.

PMID- 27124727
TI  - Transformed Recombinant Enrichment Profiling Rapidly Identifies HMW1 as an
      Intracellular Invasion Locus in Haemophilus influenza.
AB  - Many bacterial species actively take up and recombine homologous DNA into their
      genomes, called natural competence, a trait that offers a means to identify the
      genetic basis of naturally occurring phenotypic variation. Here, we describe
      "transformed recombinant enrichment profiling" (TREP), in which natural
      transformation is used to generate complex pools of recombinants, phenotypic
      selection is used to enrich for specific recombinants, and deep sequencing is
      used to survey for the genetic variation responsible. We applied TREP to
      investigate the genetic architecture of intracellular invasion by the human
      pathogen Haemophilus influenzae, a trait implicated in persistence during chronic
      infection. TREP identified the HMW1 adhesin as a crucial factor. Natural
      transformation of the hmw1 operon from a clinical isolate (86-028NP) into a
      laboratory isolate that lacks it (Rd KW20) resulted in ~1,000-fold increased
      invasion into airway epithelial cells. When a distinct recipient (Hi375, already
      possessing hmw1 and its paralog hmw2) was transformed by the same donor, allelic
      replacement of hmw2AHi375 by hmw1A86-028NP resulted in a ~100-fold increased
      intracellular invasion rate. The specific role of hmw1A86-028NP was confirmed by
      mutant and western blot analyses. Bacterial self-aggregation and adherence to
      airway cells were also increased in recombinants, suggesting that the high
      invasiveness induced by hmw1A86-028NP might be a consequence of these phenotypes.
      However, immunofluorescence results found that intracellular hmw1A86-028NP
      bacteria likely invaded as groups, instead of as individual bacterial cells,
      indicating an emergent invasion-specific consequence of hmw1A-mediated self
      aggregation.

PMID- 27124731
TI  - One-Step Electrodeposition of NiCo2 S4 Nanosheets on Patterned Platinum
      Electrodes for Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensing.
AB  - The preparation of NiCo2 S4 (NCS) nanosheets on photolithographically patterned
      platinum electrodes by electrodeposition was explored. The as-prepared nanosheets
      were systematically characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy,
      energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      techniques. The NCS-modified Pt electrode was used as a non-enzymatic glucose
      sensor. The sensor response exhibited two linear regions in glucose
      concentration, with a limit of detection of 1.2 MUm. The sensors showed that the
      as-prepared NCS nanosheets have excellent electrocatalytic activity towards
      glucose with long stability, good reproducibility, and excellent anti
      interference properties, and thus, this material holds promise for the
      development of a practical glucose sensor. 

PMID- 27124732
TI  - Headache symptoms consistent with migraine and tension-type headaches in children
      with anxiety disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of headache symptoms consistent with migraine
      and tension-type headache (TTH) in children with anxiety disorders. METHOD:
      Parents of children with anxiety disorders (n=27) and children without anxiety
      disorders (n=36) completed a headache questionnaire based on the International
      Classification of Headache Disorders (2nd edition) criteria. RESULTS: Children
      with anxiety disorders had a higher incidence of headache symptoms consistent
      with migraine and TTH compared to children without anxiety disorders. Girls with
      anxiety disorders and children with separation anxiety disorder had a higher
      incidence of headaches compared to girls without anxiety disorders and children
      with other anxiety disorders respectively. Children with anxiety disorders and
      headaches had higher self-reported anxiety symptom severity compared to children
      with anxiety disorders without headaches and children without anxiety disorders.
      CONCLUSION: Findings highlight an overlap in anxiety and headaches in children
      and warrant further research on factors that contribute to the etiology and
      maintenance of these co-occurring problems.

PMID- 27124730
TI  - Influenza-Specific Antibody-Dependent Phagocytosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunity to human influenza A virus (IAV) infection is only partially
      understood. Broadly non-neutralizing antibodies may assist in reducing disease
      but have not been well characterized. METHODS: We measured internalization of
      opsonized, influenza protein-coated fluorescent beads and live IAV into a
      monocytic cell line to study antibody-dependent phagocytosis (ADP) against
      multiple influenza hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes. We analyzed influenza HA-specific
      ADP in healthy human donors, in preparations of intravenous immunoglobulin
      (IVIG), and following IAV infection of humans and macaques. RESULTS: We found
      that both sera from healthy adults and IVIG preparations had broad ADP to
      multiple seasonal HA proteins and weak cross-reactive ADP to non-circulating HA
      proteins. The ADP in experimentally influenza-infected macaque plasma and
      naturally influenza-infected human sera mediated phagocytosis of both homologous
      and heterologous IAVs. Further, the IAV phagocytosed in an antibody-mediated
      manner had reduced infectivity in vitro. CONCLUSION: We conclude that IAV
      infections in humans and macaques leads to the development of influenza-specific
      ADP that can clear IAV infection in vitro. Repeated exposure of humans to
      multiple IAV infections likely leads to the development of ADP that is cross
      reactive to strains not previously encountered. Further analyses of the
      protective capacity of broadly reactive influenza-specific ADP is warranted.

PMID- 27124733
TI  - Moderate Exercise Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and
      Associated Maternal and Fetal Morbidities in Pregnant Rats.
AB  - Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and coagulopathies are often associated with
      aberrant maternal inflammation. Moderate-intensity exercise during pregnancy has
      been shown to increase utero-placental blood flow and to enhance fetal nutrition
      as well as fetal and placental growth. Furthermore, exercise is known to reduce
      inflammation. To evaluate the effect of moderate-intensity exercise on
      inflammation associated with the development of maternal coagulopathies and FGR,
      Wistar rats were subjected to an exercise regime before and during pregnancy. To
      model inflammation-induced FGR, pregnant rats were administered daily
      intraperitoneal injections of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on gestational
      days (GD) 13.5-16.5 and sacrificed at GD 17.5. Control rats were injected with
      saline. Maternal hemostasis was assessed by thromboelastography. Moderate
      intensity exercise prevented LPS-mediated increases in white blood cell counts
      measured on GD 17.5 and improved maternal hemostasis profiles. Importantly, our
      data reveal that exercise prevented LPS-induced FGR. Moderate-intensity exercise
      initiated before and maintained during pregnancy may decrease the severity of
      maternal and perinatal complications associated with abnormal maternal
      inflammation.

PMID- 27124734
TI  - Interactions of Indole Derivatives with beta-Cyclodextrin: A Quantitative
      Structure-Property Relationship Study.
AB  - Retention factors for 31 indole derivatives, most of them with auxin activity,
      were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, using bonded beta
      cyclodextrin as a stationary phase. A three-parameter QSPR (quantitative
      structure-property relationship) model, based on physico-chemical and structural
      descriptors was derived, which accounted for about 98% variations in the
      retention factors. The model suggests that the indole nucleus occupies the
      relatively apolar cavity of beta-cyclodextrin while the carboxyl group of the
      indole -3-carboxylic acids makes hydrogen bonds with the hydroxyl groups of beta
      cyclodextrin. The length and flexibility of the side chain containing carboxyl
      group strongly affect the binding of these compounds to beta-cyclodextrin. Non
      acidic derivatives, unlike the indole-3-carboxylic acids, are poorly retained on
      the column. A reasonably well correlation was found between the retention factors
      of the indole-3-acetic acids and their relative binding affinities for human
      serum albumin, a carrier protein in the blood plasma. A less satisfactory
      correlation was obtained when the retention factors of the indole derivatives
      were compared with their affinities for auxin-binding protein 1, a plant auxin
      receptor.

PMID- 27124736
TI  - Education on, Exposure to, and Management of Vascular Anomalies During
      Otolaryngology Residency and Pediatric Otolaryngology Fellowship.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The field of vascular anomalies presents diverse challenges in
      diagnosis and management. Although many lesions involve the head and neck,
      training in vascular anomalies is not universally included in otolaryngology
      residencies and pediatric otolaryngology (POTO) fellowships. OBJECTIVE: To
      explore the education in, exposure to, and comfort level of otolaryngology
      trainees with vascular anomalies. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A survey was
      distributed to 39 POTO fellows and 44 residents in postgraduate year 5 who
      matched into POTO fellowships from April 22 through June 16, 2014. MAIN OUTCOMES
      AND MEASURES: Survey responses from trainees on exposure to, education on, and
      comfort with vascular anomalies. RESULTS: Forty-four residents in postgraduate
      year 5 who applied to POTO fellowships and 39 POTO fellows were emailed the
      survey. Fourteen respondents were unable to be contacted owing to lack of a
      current email address. Thirty-six of 69 residents and fellows (18 fellows and 18
      residents [52%]) responded to the survey. Twenty-seven trainees (75%) reported no
      participation in a vascular anomalies clinic during residency; 6 of these 27
      individuals (22%) trained at institutions with a vascular anomalies clinic but
      did not participate in the clinic, and 28 of the 36 respondents (78%) reported
      that they had less than adequate or no exposure to vascular anomalies in
      residency. Among POTO fellows, 11 of 17 (65%) did not participate in a vascular
      anomalies clinic during fellowship, even though 8 of the 11 had a vascular
      anomalies clinic at their fellowship program. During fellowship training, 12 of
      18 fellows (67%) reported that they had adequate exposure to vascular anomalies.
      Only 20 respondents (56%) felt comfortable distinguishing among diagnoses of
      vascular anomalies, and only 4 residents (22%) and 9 fellows (50%) felt
      comfortable treating patients with vascular anomalies. All fellows believed that
      training in vascular anomalies was important in fellowship, and 100% of
      respondents indicated that increased exposure to diagnosis and management of
      vascular anomalies would have been beneficial to their ability to care for
      patients. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These data indicate that most otolaryngology
      trainees do not receive formal training in vascular anomalies in residency and
      that such training is valued among graduating trainees. Conversely, most POTO
      fellows felt their exposure was adequate and 50% of fellows felt comfortable
      treating vascular anomalies. However, 65% of POTO fellows had no participation in
      a vascular anomalies clinic, where many patients are managed by a
      multidisciplinary team. This finding may indicate that POTO fellows may have a
      false sense of confidence in managing patients with vascular anomalies and that
      residency and fellowship programs may consider changes in didactic and clinical
      programs.

PMID- 27124738
TI  - [Single Patient Room Design in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - Parent
      Perceptions of Open Ward vs. Single Patient Room Units].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single patient room design is not yet implemented in German neonatal
      intensive care units. Surveys from other countries revealed positive and negative
      implications on the staff, the patients and their families. The survey examines
      the perceptions of parents who experienced both facilities - the traditional
      multipatient ward and the individual patient room - during their babies' hospital
      stays. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was used to assess the perceptions
      of parents. The results were compared to international surveys. RESULTS: During
      their stay in the single patient room, parents noticed improvements in privacy
      and data protection and a reduction in harmful environmental stimuli affecting
      their babies. These results are comparable to those of international surveys.
      CONCLUSIONS: Single patient room design is mostly perceived as an improvement by
      parents. The room design can complement an implemented concept of developmental
      and family-centered care.

PMID- 27124735
TI  - Does Celiac Disease Influence Survival in Sepsis? A Nationwide Longitudinal
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with celiac disease (CD) are at increased risk of sepsis.
      The aim of this study was to examine whether CD influences survival in sepsis of
      bacterial origin. METHODS: Nationwide longitudinal registry-based study. Through
      data on small intestinal biopsies from Sweden's 28 pathology departments, we
      identified 29,096 individuals with CD (villous atrophy, Marsh stage III). Each
      individual with CD was matched with five population-based controls. Among these,
      5,470 had a record of sepsis according to the Swedish Patient Register (1,432
      celiac individuals and 4,038 controls). Finally we retrieved data on mortality in
      sepsis patients through the Swedish Cause of Death Registry. RESULTS: CD was
      associated with a 19% increase in overall mortality after sepsis (95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 1.09-1.29), with the highest relative risk occurring in children
      (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.62; 95%CI = 0.67-3.91). However, aHR for death
      from sepsis was lower (aHR = 1.10) and failed to reach statistical significance
      (95%CI = 0.72-1.69). CD did not influence survival within 28 days after sepsis
      (aHR = 0.98; 95%CI = 0.80-1.19). CONCLUSIONS: Although individuals with CD seem
      to be at an increased risk of overall death after sepsis, that excess risk does
      not differ from the general excess mortality previously seen in celiac patients
      in Sweden. CD as such does not seem to influence short-term or sepsis-specific
      survival in individuals with sepsis and therefore is not an independent risk
      factor for poor prognosis in sepsis.

PMID- 27124737
TI  - [Transcervical Embryoscopy after Missed Abortion in Monoamniotic Twins with
      Discordant Exencephaly].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Monoamniotic twins are considered a cause of high-risk pregnancies.
      Thereby, discordant malformations do occur rarely. A discordant exencephaly has
      been described in only a few cases. Transcervical embryoscopy can be performed in
      cases of monoamniotic twins with missed abortion directly before the abort
      curettage. CASE REPORT: The case of a 35-year-old G1/P0 women in the 12(th) week
      of pregnancy is described. She had a monoamniotic twin pregnancy with discordant
      exencephaly and missed abortion diagnosed at 11+2 weeks. A transcervical
      embryoscopy was performed immediately before the abort-curettage and identified
      the discordant exencephaly and an additional umbilical cord knot of the 2
      foetuses as a probable cause for the abortion. DISCUSSION: The transcervical
      embryoscopy lead in our case report to the diagnosis of a umbilical cord knot in
      a monoamniotic twin pregnancy with missed abortion. We also identified a
      discordant exencephaly by embryoscopy. With blunt access to the amniotic cavity,
      the transcervical embryoscopy applies only a minor additional risk to the abort
      curettage. However, it should only be performed when the patient explicitly asks
      for enhanced diagnostics. CONCLUSION: Transcervical embryoscopy can be performed
      as an additional diagnostic tool in cases of monoamniotic twins with missed
      abortion. However, a detailed risk-benefit analysis should be done upfront in
      consultation with the patient.

PMID- 27124739
TI  - Fetal aneuploidy screening with cell-free DNA in late gestation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical use of NIPT at
      gestational ages of 23 weeks and above. METHODS: A cohort of 5579 clinical
      patients with singleton gestations of 23 weeks or greater submitting a blood
      sample for NIPT in an 18-month period were selected for this study. Clinical
      outcomes were requested for samples with NIPT results indicating fetal aneuploidy
      and compared with NIPT findings to confirm concordance or discordance. RESULTS: A
      review of clinical indications revealed that a significantly (p < 0.0001) larger
      proportion of late-gestation samples indicated abnormal ultrasound findings with
      or without other indications, 6.2% and 42.1%, compared with early-gestation
      samples, 1.8% and 6.0%, respectively. Of 5372 reported late-gestation samples,
      151 (2.8%) were reported as aneuploidy detected or suspected. In late-gestation
      samples, the overall observed positive predictive value (PPV) for NIPT was 64.7%,
      with an observed PPV of 100% in the subset of cases with multiple clinical
      indications including abnormal ultrasound findings. CONCLUSIONS: NIPT is a highly
      accurate prenatal screening option for women after 23 weeks of gestation. Women
      who presented for NIPT in the latter stages of pregnancy more frequently
      specified clinical indications of abnormal ultrasound findings than women who
      entered screening earlier in pregnancy.

PMID- 27124740
TI  - Drift effects on the multivariate floral phenotype of Calceolaria polyrhiza
      during a post-glacial expansion in Patagonia.
AB  - Quaternary environmental changes substantially impacted the landscape and
      promoted rapid evolutionary changes in many species; however, analyses of
      adaptive phenotypic variation in plants have usually neglected the underlying
      historical context. Here, we associate phylogeography and phenotypic evolution by
      analysing the divergence of Calceolaria polyrhiza multivariate floral phenotype
      after a Pleistocene post-glacial expansion in Patagonia. Phenotypic matrix (P)
      properties (size, shape, orientation and phenotypic integration) of six refugium
      and six recent populations from two different phylogroups were compared following
      different approaches. We found that P-matrix shape and orientation remained
      stable despite the strong phylogeographic footprint of post-glacial expansion.
      However, average proportional reductions in matrix size supported the expectation
      that drift had a significant effect on the floral phenotype in the northern
      phylogroup. When phylogeographic history was not included in the analyses, the
      results overestimated phenotypic differences, whereas under explicit
      phylogeographic control, drift appeared as the best explanation for matrix
      differences. In general, recent populations showed a larger phenotypic divergence
      among them, but a lower overall phenotypic variation than refugium populations.
      Random Skewers analyses indicated a lower potential response to selection in
      recently colonized populations than in refugium populations. We discuss that the
      combination of phylogeographic analyses with geographical distribution of
      functional phenotypic (genotypic) variation is critical not only to understand
      how historical effects influence adaptive evolution, but also to improve field
      comparisons in evolutionary ecology studies.

PMID- 27124741
TI  - Expression of the significance of silent information regulator type-1 in
      Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma is greater association with tumorigenesis and
      has strong implications for adverse prognosis.
AB  - Silent information regulator type-1 (SIRT1) is the best-studied member of the
      Sirtuin (Sir2) family of nicotinamide dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent class III
      histone deacetylases (HDACs). Rrecently, it is suggested that SIRT1 may be
      involved in the development of malignant tumors including mouse lymphoma, but has
      not yet been explored in Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Therefore, we
      investigated the prevalence and the prognostic impact of SIRT1 expression in
      AITL. Immunohistochemical expression of SIRT1, p53 were evaluated by using a 2 mm
      core from 45 AITL patients. Positive expression of SIRT1 was seen in 71.11% (32
      of 45) of patients and p53 expression were seen in 53.33% (24 of 45). SIRT1 and
      p53 expression were significantly associated with shorter PFS by univariate
      analysis (P=0.009 and P < 0.001, respectively), multivariate analysis also shows
      that SIRT1 expression relate to worse prognosis. We also suggest inferior
      survival in AITL with the combined expression of SIRT1 and clinical
      characteristics of high IPI scores, high clinical stage, increased serum LDH,
      decreased HGB and increased gamma-Globulin. In conclusion, our results indicate
      that SIRT1 is strongly expressed in AITL and it act as a clinically significant
      prognostic indicator for AITL patients, may also serve as a therapeutic target in
      AITL.

PMID- 27124743
TI  - Correction: Subcellular Partitioning of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B to the
      Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria Depends Sensitively on the Composition of
      Its Tail Anchor.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139429.].

PMID- 27124742
TI  - Transgenic Expression of Human Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor LPA2 in Mouse
      Intestinal Epithelial Cells Induces Intestinal Dysplasia.
AB  - Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) acts on LPA2 receptor to mediate multiple
      pathological effects that are associated with tumorigenesis. The absence of LPA2
      attenuates tumor progression in rodent models of colorectal cancer, but whether
      overexpression of LPA2 alone can lead to malignant transformation in the
      intestinal tract has not been studied. In this study, we expressed human LPA2 in
      intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) under control of the villin promoter. Less
      than 4% of F1-generation mice had germline transmission of transgenic (TG) human
      LPA2; as such only 3 F1 mice out of 72 genotyped had TG expression. These TG mice
      appeared anemic with hematochezia and died shortly after birth. TG mice were
      smaller in size compared with the wild type mouse of the same age and sex.
      Morphological analysis showed that TG LPA2 colon had hyper-proliferation of IECs
      resulting in increased colonic crypt depth. Surprisingly, TG small intestine had
      villus blunting and decreased IEC proliferation and dysplasia. In both intestine
      and colon, TG expression of LPA2 compromised the terminal epithelial
      differentiation, consistent with epithelial dysplasia. Furthermore, we showed
      that epithelial dysplasia was observed in founder mouse intestine, correlating
      LPA2 overexpression with epithelial dysplasia. The current study demonstrates
      that overexpression of LPA2 alone can lead to intestinal dysplasia.

PMID- 27124744
TI  - Urethral-fixation technique improves early urinary continence recovery in
      patients who undergo retropubic radical prostatectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe step-by-step an original urethrovesical anastomosis
      technique (urethral fixation) in patients undergoing retropubic radical
      prostatectomy (RRP), to compare their early urinary continence recovery with
      those in a control group receiving a standard anastomosis technique and to
      identify the predictors of early urinary continence recovery. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We compared 70 patients who underwent RRP with the urethral-fixation
      technique with a contemporary control group of 51 patients who received RRP with
      a standard urethrovesical anastomosis. In the urethral-fixation group, the
      urethrovesical anastomosis was made using eight single sutures. Specifically, to
      avoid retraction and/or deviations, we fixed the urethral stump laterally to the
      medial portion of levator ani muscle. Also, to maintain the normal position in
      the context of the pelvic floor, we fixed the urethral sphincter deeper to the
      medial dorsal raphe using a 3-0 polydioxanone suture at the 6 o'clock position
      before completing the incision of the urethral wall. Urinary continence recovery
      was evaluated at 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after catheter removal. Patients self
      reporting no urine leak were considered continent. Uni- and multivariable
      analyses were used to identify predictors of urinary incontinence at the
      different follow-up time-points. RESULTS: The evaluated groups had comparable
      preoperative variables. At 1 week after catheter removal, 32 (45.7%) patients in
      the urethral-fixation group and 10 (19.6%) in the control group were continent (P
      = 0.01). At 4 weeks after catheter removal, 46 (65.7%) patients in the urethral
      fixation group and 16 (31.4%) in the control group were continent (P = 0.001). At
      8 weeks after catheter removal, 59 (84.3%) patients in the urethral-fixation
      group and 21 (41.2%) in the control group were continent (P < 0.001). Finally, at
      12 weeks after catheter removal, 63 (90%) patients in the urethral-fixation group
      and 32 (62.7%) in the control group were continent (P = 0.001). The urethral
      fixation technique was an independent predictor of urinary continence recovery at
      1 week [odds ratio (OR) 4.305; P = 0.002); 4 weeks (OR 4.784; P < 0.001); 8 weeks
      (OR 7.678; P < 0.001) and 12 weeks (OR 5.152; P = 0.001) after catheter removal.
      CONCLUSIONS: The urethral-fixation technique significantly improves early urinary
      continence recovery in comparison with the standard technique. Moreover, our
      study confirmed that this surgical technique is an independent predictor of
      urinary continence recovery at 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after catheter removal.

PMID- 27124745
TI  - Coagulation parameters and major bleeding in critically ill patients with
      cirrhosis.
AB  - Disturbances of coagulation and hemostasis are common in patients with liver
      cirrhosis. The typical laboratory pattern mimics disseminated intravascular
      coagulation (DIC). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of routine
      coagulation parameters in critically ill cirrhosis patients with regard to new
      onset of major bleeding and outcome. A total of 1,493 critically ill patients
      were studied prospectively. Routine coagulation parameters were assessed, and the
      DIC score was calculated based on platelets, fibrinogen, d-dimer, and prothrombin
      index. New onset of major bleeding during the stay at the intensive care unit and
      mortality were assessed. Patients were followed for 1 year. Two hundred eleven
      patients of the cohort had liver cirrhosis. Platelets, fibrinogen, prothrombin
      index, activated partial thromboplastin time, and d-dimer as well as the DIC
      score differed significantly between patients with and without cirrhosis (P <
      0.001 for all). Moreover, fibrinogen, platelets, and activated partial
      thromboplastin time (but not prothrombin index) differed significantly between
      cirrhosis patients with and without major bleeding (P < 0.01 for all). Bleeding
      on admission, platelet count <30 < 10(9) /L, fibrinogen level <60 mg/dL, and
      activated partial thromboplastin time values >100 seconds were the strongest
      independent predictors for new onset of major bleeding in multivariate regression
      analysis. One-year mortality in cirrhosis patients with and without major
      bleeding was 89% and 68%, respectively (P < 0.05 between groups). CONCLUSION:
      Abnormal coagulation parameters and high DIC scores (primarily due to fibrinogen
      and platelets) correspond to increased bleeding risk in patients with liver
      cirrhosis in the intensive care unit, and fibrinogen and platelet count were
      identified as the best routine coagulation parameters for prediction of new onset
      of major bleeding; however, further studies are required to evaluate the
      potential therapeutic implications of these findings. (Hepatology 2016;64:556
      568).

PMID- 27124763
TI  - Second-trimester plasma mannose-binding lectin levels and risk of preterm birth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene polymorphisms
      and low levels of second-trimester plasma MBL were significant risk factors for
      preterm birth in Taiwanese women. METHODS: We conducted a prospective
      longitudinal study to explore the associations of MBL2 gene single nucleotide
      polymorphisms and plasma MBL levels between preterm birth and term controls.
      Blood samples were collected at 16-23 weeks of gestation, and were divided into
      51 mothers with preterm births and 255 term controls after delivery. Blood
      samples were further collected at delivery from 11 mothers with term delivery and
      9 with preterm births. DNA was isolated, and polymorphisms in exon 1, the
      promoter untranslated regions of MBL2 were determined by polymerase chain
      reaction. The plasma concentrations of MBL were measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: There is a positive correlation between SNP
      genotypes and second-trimester plasma MBL levels. Among mothers with preterm
      births, a higher frequency of specific genotypes with low MBL levels was not
      observed. The second-trimester plasma MBL levels were not significantly different
      between mothers with preterm births (N = 51) and term deliveries (N = 255).
      However, among mothers (N = 11) with term pregnancies, the MBL plasma level
      significantly increased from the second trimester to delivery, whereas in mothers
      (N = 9) who developed preterm delivery, the MBL level did not significantly
      change. CONCLUSION: Genotypes associated with low levels of plasma MBL during
      pregnancy did not increase the risk of preterm births. A low second-trimester
      plasma MBL level is therefore not a predictor for the development of preterm
      birth.

PMID- 27124764
TI  - Non-Uniform-Sampling Ultrahigh Resolution TOCSY NMR: Analysis of Complex Mixtures
      at Microgram Levels.
AB  - Non-uniform sampling in combination with homonuclear broadband decoupling along
      an indirect dimension, and indirect covariance processing are used to record
      ultrahigh resolution two-dimensional TOCSY spectra in less than half an hour, for
      typical sample concentrations in the mm range. TOCSY correlations belonging to
      protons separated by as little as ~2 Hz can be distinctly discerned. The utility
      of the technique for low concentrations has been demonstrated. 

PMID- 27124762
TI  - Development and characterization of aptamer-based enzyme-linked apta-sorbent
      assay for the detection of Singapore grouper iridovirus infection.
AB  - AIMS: Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is a devastating aquaculture virus
      responsible for heavy economic losses to grouper, Epinephelus sp. aquaculture.
      The aim of this study was to develop a rapid and sensitive detection method for
      SGIV infections in infected groupers. METHODS AND RESULTS: We previously
      generated DNA aptamers against SGIV-infected cells. In this study, we established
      and characterized a novel aptamer (Q3)-based enzyme-linked apta-sorbent assay
      (ELASA) for the detection of SGIV infection in Epinephelus coioides. The Q3-based
      ELASA could detect SGIV infection rapidly in vitro and in vivo, with high
      specificity and stability. Q3-based ELASA specifically recognized SGIV-infected
      cells, but not other-virus-infected cells or uninfected cells. Q3-based ELASA
      detected SGIV infection in a dose-dependent manner at Q3 concentrations as low as
      125 nmol l(-1) . The results in relation to SGIV-infected cells (5 * 10(4) ),
      incubation time (1 min) and incubation temperature (37 degrees C) demonstrated
      that Q3-based ELASA could detect SGIV infection quickly and stably, superior to
      antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Q3-based ELASA could detect the
      presence of SGIV infection in kidney, liver and spleen samples in vivo, at
      dilutions of 1/50, 1/100 and 1/50 respectively. The complete detection process
      took 1-2 h. CONCLUSIONS: Q3-based ELASA could be a useful tool for diagnosing
      SGIV infection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first developed
      aptamer-based ELASA for detecting SGIV infection, and is widely applicable in
      grouper aquaculture industry in light of its rapidity, and high specificity and
      stability.

PMID- 27124765
TI  - Critical concepts, practice recommendations, and research perspectives of
      pixantrone therapy in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a SIE, SIES, and GITMO consensus
      paper.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this paper, we present a review of critical concepts and research
      perspectives and produce recommendations on the optimal use of pixantrone in non
      Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) by group discussion from an expert panel appointed by the
      Italian Society of Hematology and the affiliate societies, Societa Italiana di
      Ematologia Sperimentale and Gruppo Italiano Trapianto di Midollo Osseo. METHODS:
      Recommendations were produced using the Delphi process. Scientific evidence on
      pixantrone efficacy was analyzed using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment,
      Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology in the areas where at least one
      randomized trial was published. The following key issues were addressed for
      practical recommendations: pixantrone monotherapy in aggressive relapsed or
      refractory non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas and toxicity risk management in patients
      candidates to pixantrone. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After a balanced and value
      oriented discussion, the panel agreed that the benefit/risk profile was in favor
      of pixantrone in the treatment of adult patients with multiply relapsed or
      refractory aggressive NHL B-cell lymphomas. Pixantrone was deemed to be
      contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled cardiovascular disease. Despite a
      low rate of cardiotoxicity of pixantrone reported in clinical trials, the panel
      recommended that all patients receiving pixantrone should undergo periodical
      cardiac monitoring.

PMID- 27124766
TI  - Early hominin diversity and the emergence of the genus Homo.
AB  - Bipedalism is a defining trait of hominins, as all members of the clade are
      argued to possess at least some characters indicative of this unusual form of
      locomotion. Traditionally the evolution of bipedalism has been treated in a
      somewhat linear way. This has been challenged in the last decade or so, and in
      this paper I consider this view in light of the considerable new fossil hominin
      discoveries of the last few years. It is now apparent that there was even more
      locomotor diversity and experimentation across hominins than previously thought,
      and with the discovery of taxa such as H. floresiensis and H. naledi, that
      diversity continues well into the genus Homo. Based on these findings,we need to
      reevaluate how we define members of the genus Homo, at least when considering
      postcranial morphology, and accept that the evolution of hominin bipedalism was a
      complex and messy affair. It is within that context that the modern human form of
      bipedal locomotion emerged. 

PMID- 27124767
TI  - Comprehensive Mitochondrial Metabolic Shift during the Critical Node of Seed
      Ageing in Rice.
AB  - The critical node (CN) in seed aging in rice (Oryza sativa) is the transformation
      from Phase I (P-I) to Phase II (P-II) of the reverse S-shaped curve (RS-SC).
      Although mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in seed ageing, the metabolic
      shift in the CN remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the
      mitochondrial regulatory mechanisms during the CN of rice seed ageing. We showed
      that during the CN of seed ageing, the mitochondrial ultrastructure was impaired,
      causing oxygen consumption to decrease, along with cytochrome c (cyt c) oxidase
      and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity. In addition, the transcript levels for
      the alternative pathway of the electron transport chain (ETC) were significantly
      induced, whereas the transcripts of the cytochrome oxidase (COX) pathway were
      inhibited. These changes were concomitant with the down-regulation of
      mitochondrial protein levels related to carbon and nitrogen metabolism, ATP
      synthase (ATPase) complex, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle, mitochondrial
      oxidative enzymes, and a variety of other proteins. Therefore, while these
      responses inhibit the production of ATP and its intermediates, signals from
      mitochondria (such as the decrease of cyt c and accumulation of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS)) may also induce oxidative damage. These events provide
      considerable information about the mitochondrial metabolic shifts involved in the
      progression of seed ageing in the CN.

PMID- 27124769
TI  - Tertiary work-up of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH) has regained attention with
      development of new methods for treatment. However, the prevalence of TRH varies
      considerably from primary to secondary and tertiary care. We aimed to assess the
      prevalence of true TRH in a population of patients with apparent TRH in a
      university hospital setting of tertiary work-up and also investigate reasons for
      poor BP control and evaluate how work-up can be performed in general practice and
      secondary care. METHODS: In this cohort study, we characterize a study population
      from Oslo Renal Denervation (RDN) Study. Patients (n = 83) were referred for RDN
      from secondary care. All patients underwent thorough medical investigation and 24
      h ambulatory blood pressure measurements (24ABPM) after directly observed therapy
      (DOT). We then assessed reasons for lack of BP control. RESULTS: Fifty-three of
      83 patients did not have true TRH. Main reasons for non-TRH were poor drug
      adherence (32%), secondary hypertension (30%) and white coat hypertension (15%).
      Forty-seven percent achieved blood pressure control after DOT with subsequent
      24ABPM. There were otherwise no statistically significant differences in patient
      characteristics between the true TRH and the non-TRH group. CONCLUSION: Despite
      being a highly selected cohort referred for tertiary work-up of apparent TRH, BP
      control was achieved or secondary causes were identified in almost two thirds of
      the patients. Thorough investigation according to guidelines and DOT with
      subsequent 24ABPM is needed in work-up of apparent TRH.

PMID- 27124768
TI  - Association between Spouse/Child Separation and Migration-Related Stress among a
      Random Sample of Rural-to-Urban Migrants in Wuhan, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Millions of people move from rural areas to urban areas in China to
      pursue new opportunities while leaving their spouses and children at rural homes.
      Little is known about the impact of migration-related separation on mental health
      of these rural migrants in urban China. METHODS: Survey data from a random sample
      of rural-to-urban migrants (n = 1113, aged 18-45) from Wuhan were analyzed. The
      Domestic Migration Stress Questionnaire (DMSQ), an instrument with four
      subconstructs, was used to measure migration-related stress. The relationship
      between spouse/child separation and stress was assessed using survey estimation
      methods to account for the multi-level sampling design. RESULTS: 16.46% of
      couples were separated from their spouses (spouse-separation only), 25.81% of
      parents were separated from their children (child separation only). Among the
      participants who married and had children, 5.97% were separated from both their
      spouses and children (double separation). Spouse-separation only and double
      separation did not scored significantly higher on DMSQ than those with no
      separation. Compared to parents without child separation, parents with child
      separation scored significantly higher on DMSQ (mean score = 2.88, 95% CI: [2.81,
      2.95] vs. 2.60 [2.53, 2.67], p < .05). Stratified analysis by separation type and
      by gender indicated that the association was stronger for child-separation only
      and for female participants. CONCLUSION: Child-separation is an important source
      of migration-related stress, and the effect is particularly strong for migrant
      women. Public policies and intervention programs should consider these factors to
      encourage and facilitate the co-migration of parents with their children to
      mitigate migration-related stress.

PMID- 27124770
TI  - Metal-Free Synthesis of 3-Arylquinolin-2-ones from Acrylic Amides via a Highly
      Regioselective 1,2-Aryl Migration: An Experimental and Computational Study.
AB  - Combined experimental and theoretical investigations into the phenyliodine
      bis(trifluoroacetate) (PIFA)-mediated reaction of N-arylcinnamamide to produce 3
      arylquinolin-2-one derivatives have been conducted. High regioselectivity during
      the aryl migration process was observed in 3,3-disubstituted acrylamides. Density
      functional theory calculation was conducted in an attempt to understand the
      mechanism and the origin of the regioselectivity. On the basis of both the
      experimental and the theoretical results, a mechanism involving an oxidative
      annulation, followed by an aryl migration, has been proposed. The annulation is
      the regioselectivity determining step.

PMID- 27124771
TI  - The Role of Weak Interactions in the Mechano-induced Single-Crystal-to-Single
      Crystal Phase Transition of 8-Hydroxyquinoline-Based Co-crystals.
AB  - Mechano-induced single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) phase transitions in
      crystalline materials that change their properties have received more and more
      attention. However, there are still too few examples to study molecular-level
      mechanisms in the mechano-induced SCSC phase transitions, making the systematic
      and in-depth understanding very difficult. We report that bis-(8
      hydroxyquinolinato) palladium(II)-tetracyanoquinodimethane (PdQ2 -TCNQ) and bis
      (8-hydroxyquinolinato) copper(II)-tetracyanoquinodimethane (CuQ2 -TCNQ) show very
      different mechano-response behaviors during the SCSC phase transition. Phase
      transition in CuQ2 -TCNQ can be triggered by pricking on the crystal surface,
      while in PdQ2 -TCNQ it can only be induced by applying pressure uniformly over
      the whole crystal face. The crystallography data and Hirshfeld surface analysis
      indicate that the weak intra-layer C-H???O, C-H???N hydrogen bonds and inter
      layer stacking interactions determine the feasibility of the SCSC phase
      transition by mechanical stimuli. Weaker intra-layer interactions and looser
      inter-layer stacking make the SCSC phase transition occur much more easily in the
      CuQ2 -TCNQ.

PMID- 27124772
TI  - Superconductivity-induced magnetization depletion in a ferromagnet through an
      insulator in a ferromagnet-insulator-superconductor hybrid oxide heterostructure.
AB  - Coupling between superconducting and ferromagnetic states in hybrid oxide
      heterostructures is presently a topic of intense research. Such a coupling is due
      to the leakage of the Cooper pairs into the ferromagnet. However, tunneling of
      the Cooper pairs though an insulator was never considered plausible. Using depth
      sensitive polarized neutron reflectivity we demonstrate the coupling between
      superconductor and magnetic layers in epitaxial La2/3Ca1/3MnO3
      (LCMO)/SrTiO3/YBa2Cu3O7-delta (YBCO) hybrid heterostructures, with SrTiO3 as an
      intervening oxide insulator layer between the ferromagnet and the superconductor.
      Measurements above and below the superconducting transition temperature (TSC) of
      YBCO demonstrate a large modulation of magnetization in the ferromagnetic layer
      below the TSC of YBCO in these heterostructures. This work highlights a unique
      tunneling phenomenon between the epitaxial layers of an oxide superconductor
      (YBCO) and a magnetic layer (LCMO) through an insulating layer. Our work would
      inspire further investigations on the fundamental aspect of a long range order of
      the triplet spin-pairing in hybrid structures. 

PMID- 27124773
TI  - Expression of Concern: 'Reduction of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting and
      Analgesic Requirement with Dexamethasone in Women Undergoing General Anesthesia
      for Mastectomy' by Dr. Yoshitaka Fujii.

PMID- 27124774
TI  - HepatoDyn: A Dynamic Model of Hepatocyte Metabolism That Integrates 13C
      Isotopomer Data.
AB  - The liver performs many essential metabolic functions, which can be studied using
      computational models of hepatocytes. Here we present HepatoDyn, a highly detailed
      dynamic model of hepatocyte metabolism. HepatoDyn includes a large metabolic
      network, highly detailed kinetic laws, and is capable of dynamically simulating
      the redox and energy metabolism of hepatocytes. Furthermore, the model was
      coupled to the module for isotopic label propagation of the software package
      IsoDyn, allowing HepatoDyn to integrate data derived from 13C based experiments.
      As an example of dynamical simulations applied to hepatocytes, we studied the
      effects of high fructose concentrations on hepatocyte metabolism by integrating
      data from experiments in which rat hepatocytes were incubated with 20 mM glucose
      supplemented with either 3 mM or 20 mM fructose. These experiments showed that
      glycogen accumulation was significantly lower in hepatocytes incubated with
      medium supplemented with 20 mM fructose than in hepatocytes incubated with medium
      supplemented with 3 mM fructose. Through the integration of extracellular fluxes
      and 13C enrichment measurements, HepatoDyn predicted that this phenomenon can be
      attributed to a depletion of cytosolic ATP and phosphate induced by high fructose
      concentrations in the medium.

PMID- 27124775
TI  - Efficacy of Subconjunctival Aflibercept Versus Bevacizumab for Prevention of
      Corneal Neovascularization in a Rat Model.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of subconjunctival aflibercept, a
      vascular endothelial growth factor trap compound, for the treatment of corneal
      neovascularization in a rat model. METHODS: Chemical burn was produced in the
      central cornea of 31 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals were randomized to receive
      treatment with subconjunctival injection of 0.08 mL aflibercept (25 mg/mL), 0.05
      mL bevacizumab (25 mg/mL), or 0.05 mL physiologic saline. Corneal
      neovascularization was evaluated on postinjury days 1, 3, 7, 9, and 13 by corneal
      photographs. The rats were killed on day 21 and samples were collected for
      histological and flat-mount immunofluorescence analyses. RESULTS: In all rats,
      vascular sprouting began on day 3, reached maximum density on days 7-9, and
      spontaneously regressed thereafter. Mean burn area in the central cornea
      comprised ~15% of the total corneal area. The aflibercept group had a
      significantly smaller relative area of neovascularization than both control group
      (P < 0.05, 12.27 +/- 9.91, 29.66 +/- 9.96 days 7) and bevacizumab group (P <
      0.05, 12.27 +/- 9.91, 21.27 +/- 8.19 days 7 and 15.5 +/- 10.25, 32.38 +/- 9.44
      days 9; Mann-Whitney test). On histological study, hematoxylin and eosin staining
      revealed blood vessels extending to the central cornea in the control and
      bevacizumab groups and limited to the periphery in the aflibercept group.
      Immunofluorescence study with an endothelial marker revealed a smaller area of
      staining in the aflibercept group. CONCLUSIONS: Aflibercept effectively inhibits
      corneal neovascularization in a rat model of chemical burn-induced
      neovascularization and warrants further study for potential use in humans.

PMID- 27124776
TI  - Simultaneous Topography-Guided Photorefractive Keratectomy and Accelerated
      Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking for Keratoconus.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the evolution of visual and refractive outcomes through the
      first year after simultaneous topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (t
      PRK) and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in keratoconus. METHODS: This
      retrospective case series included 85 eyes of 66 patients with a mean age of 26.3
      +/- 5.7 years, which underwent simultaneous t-PRK with accelerated CXL. Patients
      were examined for uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance
      visual acuity (CDVA), flat and steep keratometry readings, and manifest
      refraction spherical equivalent at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: At 12 months,
      all study parameters demonstrated a statistically significant improvement with
      uncorrected distance visual acuity 0.46 +/- 0.49 logMAR (vs. 0.86 +/- 0.39 logMAR
      preoperatively), CDVA 0.11 +/- 0.12 logMAR (vs. 0.41 +/- 0.27 logMAR
      preoperatively), manifest refraction spherical equivalent -2.80 +/- 4.47 D (vs. 
      4.51 +/- 4.68 D preoperatively), flat keratometry 43.84 +/- 3.24 D (vs. 44.61 +/-
      3.12 D preoperatively), and steep keratometry 46.05 +/- 3.94 D (vs. 48.10 +/-
      3.68 D preoperatively). Although 90.6% eyes gained 1 or more lines of CDVA, no
      eyes lost any lines of CDVA. In all, 37.6% of the eyes demonstrated an
      improvement of 4 or more lines of CDVA with a maximum improvement of 11 lines of
      CDVA in 1 eye. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous t-PRK with accelerated CXL improved the
      spherocylindrical refraction and visual function of keratoconus eyes, and the
      outcomes were stable through 12 months' follow-up. Future studies with longer
      follow-up and larger data set are necessary to validate the results of the
      current study and evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy.

PMID- 27124777
TI  - Corneal Biomechanical Properties in Patients With Arcus Senilis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the corneal biomechanical properties and intraocular pressure
      (IOP) levels in patients with and without arcus senilis (AS). METHODS: Ocular
      response analyzer measurements were performed on the right eyes of 37 patients
      with AS (group 1) and 37 control eyes (group 2). Corneal hysteresis, corneal
      resistance factor, Goldmann-correlated IOP, and corneal compensated IOP were
      recorded with Ocular response analyzer. Spherical equivalent value of the
      refractive errors, axial length, central corneal thickness, and IOP measured with
      Goldmann applanation tonometer were noted for each study eyes. Statistical
      analyses were performed with Student t, Kruskal-Wallis, and Pearson correlation
      tests. RESULTS: Mean age was 67.6 +/- 9.8 years in group 1 and 65.3 +/- 8.1 years
      in group 2 (P = 0.308). Mean corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor
      readings were 9.8 +/- 0.9 versus 10.6 +/- 0.8 (P < 0.001) and 10.05 +/- 1.07
      versus 10.9 +/- 0.9 (P < 0.001) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean corneal
      compensated IOP and Goldmann-correlated IOP values were found as 16.1 +/- 3.3 mm
      Hg versus 15.8 +/- 2.6 mm Hg (P = 0.719) and 15.1 +/- 3.3 mm Hg versus 15.0 +/-
      2.6 mm Hg (P = 0.912) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no statistical
      difference in IOP measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer, central corneal
      thickness, spherical equivalent value of the refractive error, axial length
      measurements, and mean keratometry readings between the 2 groups (P = 0.983, P =
      0.289, P = 0.938, P = 0.886, P = 0.07, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The mean
      corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor values of eyes with AS were
      lower when compared with the controls. This study demonstrated that AS may change
      the corneal biomechanical properties.

PMID- 27124778
TI  - Size of the Lesions of Superficial Punctate Keratitis in Dry Eye Syndrome
      Observed With a Slit Lamp.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the size distribution of epithelial lesions of superficial
      punctate keratitis (SPK) in dry eye after staining of the ocular surface by
      sodium fluorescein. METHODS: Fluorescein was instilled in 10 patients with dry
      eye graded using the Oxford Scheme. Pictures were taken using a standard Topcon
      slit lamp with cobalt blue light, without barrier filter. Two magnifications (*10
      and *16) were used and calibrated using a certified standard reference grating,
      allowing the diameter of the observed objects to be determined with ImageJ
      software. The most visible and isolated SPK lesions (green dots) were selected.
      The size of 254 SPK lesions was measured by tracing the irradiance profile and
      manually measuring the full width at half maximum. RESULTS: For all patients,
      with the 2 magnifications combined, the median diameter was 20.9 MUm (15.2-26.6
      MUm, 10-90 percentile). There was a significant difference between the size of
      SPK lesions measured with *10 and *16 magnifications, respectively, 24.3 MUm
      (18.2-29.8) versus 19.0 MUm (15.2-26.6) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lesions seem to
      be smaller than normal superficial epithelial cells (which are approximately 25 *
      50 MUm) and might correspond to the staining of dying shrunken cells, according
      to recent investigations. These new quantitative data will help in developing
      automated recognition algorithms to obtain reliable objective classification of
      corneal staining.

PMID- 27124779
TI  - Conjunctival Microbial Flora in Ocular Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Sequelae Patients
      at a Tertiary Eye Care Center.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the conjunctival microbial flora in cases of ocular Stevens
      Johnson Syndrome (SJS) in a tertiary eye care center. METHODS: This prospective
      study comprised 176 eyes of 88 patients with ocular SJS compared with 124 eyes of
      normal subjects. The conjunctival swabs were collected and sent for
      microbiological analysis for bacterial isolation and antibiotic sensitivity
      examination. The type of bacteria isolated and its antibiotic sensitivity pattern
      were studied. RESULTS: Of 176 eyes, 104 (59%) had positive cultures for bacteria
      in cases of SJS and 16 (12.9%) had positive culture in the control group, the
      difference being statistically significant (P = 0.001). In the SJS group, 14
      different types of bacterial isolates were identified. The most common isolate
      was coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) (30/104, 28.8%) followed by
      Corynebacteria species (35/104, 33.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (19/104, 18.2%).
      More than 1 bacteria were isolated in 7 eyes (6.7%). Most of the isolates showed
      resistance to ciprofloxacin with no resistance to gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin.
      In the control group, only 2 bacteria were isolated, which included CNS (14/16,
      87.5%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (2/16, 12.5%). CNS showed resistance to
      ciprofloxacin, and S. pneumoniae was resistant to tobramycin and gentamycin.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ocular SJS is associated with alteration of the normal microbial
      flora residing in the conjunctival sac. The study of which is vital in cases of
      infection in these eyes with compromised ocular surface. Mixed flora are seen
      more often in cases of ocular SJS as compared with controls.

PMID- 27124780
TI  - Evaluation of Corneas from Donors With Septicemia for Use in Corneal Transplant.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate if donor corneas obtained from deaths occurring because of
      septicemia can be used for corneal transplantation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective
      study. METHODS: Eleven septicemic donor corneas were used in the study and 10
      donor corneas from deaths because of causes other than septicemia were used as
      controls. Blood culture reports of all patients who had donated eyes were
      collected, and the pathogenic organisms causing septicemia were noted. On
      obtaining the eyeballs, aqueous and vitreous samples were sent for polymerase
      chain reaction to analyze for eubacterial and panfungal genomes. Corneal and
      scleral tissues (3 * 3 mm) were sent for culture in brain heart infusion media.
      Growth from each of the samples was checked to ascertain if the same organism was
      isolated in all. RESULTS: One corneal and 3 scleral culture reports in the sepsis
      group and 1 corneal and 1 scleral culture report in the control group showed
      positive growth. Normal conjunctival/eyelid commensal organisms were isolated
      from all culture-positive samples and did not correlate with the pathogenic
      organism causing the septicemia. Three aqueous and vitreous samples in the sepsis
      group and 4 samples of aqueous and vitreous in the control group that tested
      positive for eubacterial genome showed no corresponding growth in the culture
      report of cornea and sclera. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal tissues harvested from
      septicemic donors do not necessarily harbor the pathogenic organisms causing the
      septicemia, suggesting that such corneas may be suitable for transplantation.

PMID- 27124781
TI  - Predictors of Early Postoperative Pain After Photorefractive Keratectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the profiles of postoperative photorefractive keratectomy
      (PRK) pain between both eyes under the same conditions and to verify the
      preoperative predictors of pain such as gender, anxiety, knowledge of the
      procedure, and spherical equivalent refractive error (SERE). METHODS: This
      prospective study included 86 eyes of 43 patients with myopia who underwent PRK
      in both eyes at an interval of 14 days between the procedures. Before surgery,
      subjects answered the State Anxiety Inventory. After surgery, usual PRK pain
      treatment was given. Subjects answered the Visual Analog Scale, the Brief Pain
      Inventory (BPI), and the McGill Pain Questionnaire at 1, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours
      after surgery. Pain scores and anxiety were compared between each eye using the
      Wald test and paired Student t test, respectively. The Wald test was performed
      for gender and SERE for each eye separately. RESULTS: There were no statistically
      significant differences between both eyes for all time points regarding the
      Visual Analog Scale, BPI, and McGill Pain Questionnaire-Pain Rating Index pain
      scores. Subjects were less anxious on average before the second surgery compared
      with before the first surgery (P < 0.001); however, it was not related to pain
      ratings after surgery. Gender did not significantly affect any scale of pain, and
      the SERE between -3 diopters (D) and -5 D (P = 0.035) revealed effects on the
      BPI. CONCLUSIONS: The profiles of postoperative pain after PRK were similar
      between both eyes under the same conditions. In this study, a high SERE was the
      only predictor for increased pain after PRK.

PMID- 27124782
TI  - Corneal Densitometry and Higher Order Aberrations After Bowman Layer
      Transplantation: 1-Year Results.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate corneal densitometry and higher order aberrations (HOAs) up
      to 1 year after Bowman layer (BL) transplantation. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective study carried out at a tertiary referral center. Fifteen eyes of 14
      patients who underwent BL transplantation for advanced keratoconus and had at
      least 1 year of follow-up were examined before BL transplantation and
      postoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Corrected distance
      visual acuity (CDVA) with spectacles and contact lenses, anterior and posterior
      HOAs, and corneal densitometry were analyzed. RESULTS: One year after surgery,
      average logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of spectacle-CDVA changed
      from 1.35 (+/-0.46) preoperatively to 0.96 (+/-0.32, P < 0.001), whereas average
      logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution of CDVA with contact lens remained
      stable after surgery (P = 0.126). Anterior and posterior HOA root mean square
      decreased from 3.08 +/- 0.59 to 2.67 +/- 0.71 MUm and 7.32 +/- 2.20 to 6.30 +/-
      2.18 MUm, respectively (P < 0.05). Spherical aberration ((Equation is included in
      full-text article.)) improved on both anterior and posterior corneal surfaces (P
      < 0.001). After 1 year, corneal backscattering values showed an increase as
      compared with preoperative values mostly involving the central and posterior
      layers of the cornea, with a peak 1 month after surgery (P < 0.005 in zones 2-6
      and 6-10 mm). No correlation between HOAs or corneal backscatter and CDVA was
      found. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal HOAs, especially spherical aberration, decreased for
      both anterior and posterior corneal surfaces after BL transplantation, whereas
      corneal backscattering increased, mostly in the central and posterior layers,
      where the graft has been placed. Changes in HOAs and corneal backscattering did
      not correlate with CDVA.

PMID- 27124783
TI  - Long-Term Follow-Up of Amniotic Membrane Graft for the Treatment of Symblepharon
      in a Patient With Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case of symblepharon due to epidermolysis bullosa (EB),
      surgical treatment, and follow-up to 14 years. METHODS: A 17-year-old white
      female with recessive dystrophic EB presented with decreased vision due to
      extensive symblepharon OU. There was opacification and neovascularization of the
      cornea OU with limited motility. RESULTS: The symblepharon was surgically lysed,
      anterior lamellar keratectomy performed, and amniotic membrane graft transplanted
      to the cornea and palpebral conjunctiva, first in the OS and subsequently in the
      OD. Visual acuity improved from counting fingers to 20/40 in the OS and from
      20/200 to 20/70 in the OD at 2 months and 6 weeks postoperatively, respectively,
      with minimal symblepharon, mild corneal scarring, neovascularization, and haze of
      OU. She recovered full ductions, but noted diplopia and had a 35 prism diopter
      exotropia. Symblepharon resolved after 6 months, and alignment improved to 4
      prism diopter exophoria. At 14 years follow-up, visual acuity was 20/20 in the OD
      and 20/30 in the OS, with clear cornea, maintained on fluorometholone 0.1% one
      drop OU at bedtime. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical symblepharolysis, superficial lamellar
      keratectomy, and amniotic membrane graft transplantation were effective for our
      patient with recessive dystrophic EB. Her postoperative exotropia resolved over
      time with monitoring and convergence exercises.

PMID- 27124784
TI  - Comparative analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants of uncertain significance in
      patients with breast cancer: a multifactorial probability-based model versus ACMG
      standards and guidelines for interpreting sequence variants.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in BRCA1 and
      BRCA2, we assessed the multifactorial posterior probability of VUS in BRCA1 and
      BRCA2 and compared these analyses with interpretations according to the recently
      released American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) standards and
      guidelines. METHODS: The analysis involved 715 Korean patients with breast
      cancer. The multifactorial probability of a VUS was analyzed using the prior
      probability and combined likelihoods of personal and family history, the
      pathologic profile of the breast cancer, and co-occurrence with pathogenic
      variants. Results were compared with those obtained according to the ACMG
      standards/guidelines. RESULTS: Sixteen VUS from 51 BRCA1 VUS carriers and 28 VUS
      from 62 BRCA2 VUS carriers were analyzed. There was a slight agreement between
      the two analyses, with a kappa value of 0.14 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 
      0.34 to 0.62) for the BRCA1 VUS and a kappa value of 0.17 (95% CI = -0.10 to
      0.49) for the BRCA2 VUS. CONCLUSION: We propose that genetic counseling should be
      based on the concordant results between these two analyses. When discrepancies
      are found, those variants are still considered VUS and careful counseling should
      be provided.Genet Med 18 12, 1250-1257.

PMID- 27124785
TI  - Section E6.1-6.4 of the ACMG technical standards and guidelines: chromosome
      studies of neoplastic blood and bone marrow-acquired chromosomal abnormalities.
AB  - DISCLAIMER: These American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics standards and
      guidelines are developed primarily as an educational resource for clinical
      laboratory geneticists to help them provide quality clinical laboratory genetic
      services. Adherence to these standards and guidelines is voluntary and does not
      necessarily ensure a successful medical outcome. These standards and guidelines
      should not be considered inclusive of all proper procedures and tests or
      exclusive of other procedures and tests that are reasonably directed to obtaining
      the same results. In determining the propriety of any specific procedure or test,
      the clinical laboratory geneticist should apply his or her own professional
      judgment to the specific circumstances presented by the individual patient or
      specimen. Clinical laboratory geneticists are encouraged to document in the
      patient's record the rationale for the use of a particular procedure or test,
      whether or not it is in conformance with these standards and guidelines. They
      also are advised to take notice of the date any particular guideline was adopted,
      and to consider other relevant medical and scientific information that becomes
      available after that date. It also would be prudent to consider whether
      intellectual property interests may restrict the performance of certain tests and
      other procedures.Cytogenetic analyses of hematological neoplasms are performed to
      detect and characterize clonal chromosomal abnormalities that have important
      diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications. At the time of diagnosis,
      cytogenetic abnormalities assist in the diagnosis of such disorders and can
      provide important prognostic information. At the time of relapse, cytogenetic
      analysis can be used to confirm recurrence of the original neoplasm, detect
      clonal disease evolution, or uncover a new unrelated neoplastic process. This
      section deals specifically with the standards and guidelines applicable to
      chromosome studies of neoplastic blood and bone marrow-acquired chromosomal
      abnormalities. This updated Section E6.1-6.4 has been incorporated into and
      supersedes the previous Section E6 in Section E: Clinical Cytogenetics of the
      2009 Edition (Revised 01/2010), American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics
      Standards and Guidelines for Clinical Genetics Laboratories.Genet Med 18 6, 635
      642.

PMID- 27124787
TI  - Highly accurate molecular genetic testing for HFE hereditary hemochromatosis:
      results from 10 years of blinded proficiency surveys by the College of American
      Pathologists.
AB  - PURPOSE: The College of American Pathologists offers blinded proficiency testing
      (PT) for laboratories performing HFE genetic tests for hereditary hemochromatosis
      (common C282Y and H63D variants). This study used 10 years of PT data to
      determine laboratory performance for HFE analytical genotyping and clinical
      interpretation. METHODS: Laboratories were graded for accuracy of genotype
      determination (six possible C282Y/H63D genotypes) and clinical interpretation
      regarding whether the genotype was likely to have contributed to iron overload in
      a hypothetical patient. RESULTS: The analytical genotyping error rate was low
      (0.73%) in 7,663 results (from 257 unique laboratories). Genotyping errors were
      significantly higher in C282Y heterozygous, H63D homozygous, and C282Y homozygous
      samples, in non-American laboratories, and in laboratories with lower testing
      volume. Analytical sensitivity and specificity were >98.5 and >99.5%. The
      interpretive error rate (4.3%) was higher than the genotyping error rate, with
      two problematic genotypes (C282Y heterozygous and H63D homozygous) accounting for
      77% of total interpretive errors. There was a time-dependent improvement in the
      interpretation of the clinical significance of HFE genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: HFE
      molecular genetic testing, performed by non-US Food and Drug Administration
      approved laboratory-developed tests, demonstrated excellent accuracy,
      sensitivity, and specificity. Clinical interpretations were more heterogeneous,
      probably owing to the low clinical penetrance of some common HFE genotypes.Genet
      Med 18 12, 1206-1213.

PMID- 27124786
TI  - Section E6.5-6.8 of the ACMG technical standards and guidelines: chromosome
      studies of lymph node and solid tumor-acquired chromosomal abnormalities.
AB  - DISCLAIMER: These ACMG standards and guidelines are developed primarily as an
      educational resource for clinical laboratory geneticists to help them provide
      quality clinical laboratory genetic services. Adherence to these standards and
      guidelines is voluntary and does not necessarily ensure a successful medical
      outcome. These standards and guidelines should not be considered inclusive of all
      proper procedures and tests or exclusive of other procedures and tests that are
      reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. In determining the propriety
      of any specific procedure or test, the clinical laboratory geneticist should
      apply his or her own professional judgment to the specific circumstances
      presented by the individual patient or specimen. Clinical laboratory geneticists
      are encouraged to document in the patient's record the rationale for the use of a
      particular procedure or test, whether or not it is in conformance with these
      standards and guidelines. They also are advised to take notice of the date any
      particular guideline was adopted, and to consider other relevant medical and
      scientific information that becomes available after that date. It also would be
      prudent to consider whether intellectual property interests may restrict the
      performance of certain tests and other procedures.Cytogenetic analysis of tumor
      tissue is performed to detect and characterize chromosomal aberrations to aid
      histopathological and clinical diagnosis and patient management. At the time of
      diagnosis, known recurrent clonal aberrations may facilitate histopathological
      diagnosis and subtyping of the tumor. This information may contribute to clinical
      therapeutic decisions. However, even when tumors have a known recurrent clonal
      aberration, each tumor is genetically unique and probably heterogeneous. It is
      important to discover as much about the genetics of a tumor at diagnosis as is
      possible with the methods available for study of the tumor material. The
      information gathered at initial study will inform follow-up studies, whether for
      residual disease detection, determination of relapse and clonal evolution, or
      identifying a new disease clone.This updated Section E6.5-6.8 has been
      incorporated into and supersedes the previous Sections E6.4 and E6.5 in Section
      E: Clinical Cytogenetics of the 2009 Edition (Revised 01/2010), American College
      of Medical Genetics and Genomics Standards and Guidelines for Clinical Genetics
      Laboratories. This section deals specifically with the standards and guidelines
      applicable to lymph node and solid tumor chromosome analysis.Genet Med 18 6, 643
      648.

PMID- 27124789
TI  - Clinical genomics can facilitate countrywide estimation of autosomal recessive
      disease burden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most autosomal recessive diseases are rare, but they collectively
      account for a substantial proportion of disease burden, especially in
      consanguineous populations. Estimation of this disease burden, however, is
      hampered by many factors, including lack of countrywide registries. Establishing
      carrier frequency can be a practical surrogate to estimate disease burden,
      although the requirement of a large representative cohort may be challenging.
      PURPOSE: We propose that the application of clinical genomics in the diagnostic
      setting offers a unique opportunity to estimate carrier frequency in the
      population as a secondary benefit. METHODS: We used a data set of ~7,100 patients
      who underwent genomic testing for various Mendelian disorders to estimate the
      carrier frequency. RESULTS: We were able to calculate the frequency of 259
      confirmed founder recessive mutations. We found the corresponding disease burden
      to be, at minimum, ~7 per 1,000 children born to first-cousin parents, with
      disorders related to intellectual disability and vision impairment being the most
      common. CONCLUSION: Our approach can be utilized to inform the design of new
      policies for the prevention of genetic disorders and highlights an important
      secondary benefit of clinical genomics.Genet Med 18 12, 1244-1249.

PMID- 27124788
TI  - A standardized, evidence-based protocol to assess clinical actionability of
      genetic disorders associated with genomic variation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Genome and exome sequencing can identify variants unrelated to the
      primary goal of sequencing. Detecting pathogenic variants associated with an
      increased risk of a medical disorder enables clinical interventions to improve
      future health outcomes in patients and their at-risk relatives. The Clinical
      Genome Resource, or ClinGen, aims to assess clinical actionability of genes and
      associated disorders as part of a larger effort to build a central resource of
      information regarding the clinical relevance of genomic variation for use in
      precision medicine and research. METHODS: We developed a practical, standardized
      protocol to identify available evidence and generate qualitative summary reports
      of actionability for disorders and associated genes. We applied a
      semiquantitative metric to score actionability. RESULTS: We generated summary
      reports and actionability scores for the 56 genes and associated disorders
      recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics for return
      as secondary findings from clinical genome-scale sequencing. We also describe the
      challenges that arose during the development of the protocol that highlight
      important issues in characterizing actionability across a range of disorders.
      CONCLUSION: The ClinGen framework for actionability assessment will assist
      research and clinical communities in making clear, efficient, and consistent
      determinations of actionability based on transparent criteria to guide analysis
      and reporting of findings from clinical genome-scale sequencing.Genet Med 18 12,
      1258-1268.

PMID- 27124790
TI  - AN ATYPICAL CASE OF SYMPATHETIC OPHTHALMIA AFTER LIMBAL CORNEAL LACERATION.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To report a case of atypical sympathetic ophthalmia after
      limbal corneal laceration. METHODS AND RESULTS: An 11-year-old child had a
      successful left eye corneal laceration repair at the temporal limbus with
      excision of exposed nonnecrotic iris tissue, resulting in good visual acuity of
      20/80 and 20/25 on postoperative Days 1 and 7, respectively. The patient was
      prescribed 1 mg/kg oral prednisolone in a tapering dose as prophylaxis. On
      postoperative Day 21, the patient presented with acute onset decreased vision in
      both eyes. Visual acuity was counting fingers 3 feet in both eyes. On
      examination, anterior segment examination was quiet without any inflammation,
      anterior vitreous face showed 1+ cells, and dilated funduscopy revealed bilateral
      symmetrical serous retinal detachments along the posterior pole. Optical
      coherence tomography demonstrated separation and elevation of inner neurosensory
      layers from the outer segment marking presence of hyperreflective material along
      with subretinal fluid between detached surfaces. There was stippled
      hyperfluorescence along the posterior pole as seen in fluorescein angiography.
      With a diagnosis of sympathetic ophthalmia confirmed, oral prednisolone (2 mg/kg
      body weight) was instituted after which, there was gradual decrease in macular
      elevation with corresponding improvement in visual acuity with no recurrence for
      the last 6 months. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first reported
      instance of an atypical presentation of sympathetic ophthalmia, and antecedent
      corticosteroid therapy would have mitigated robust anterior segment findings
      usually associated with the condition.

PMID- 27124791
TI  - BILATERAL SUBRETINAL FLUID AND RETINAL VASCULOPATHY ASSOCIATED WITH SUBACUTE
      SCLEROSING PANENCEPHALITIS.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral retinopathy associated with subacute
      sclerosing panencephalitis. METHODS: History and clinical examination,
      fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: We report a
      rare case of unilateral, followed by bilateral retinopathy, subretinal fluid, and
      vasculopathy in a young boy. History of missed measles vaccination, behavioral
      and neurologic symptoms, and electroencephalogram suggested a diagnosis of
      subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Retinal imaging using optical coherence
      tomography was performed to document changes in the retinal microstructure
      through the natural course of the disease. Within 8 weeks, the changes progressed
      to retinal atrophy in both eyes. CONCLUSION: The progressive course of retinitis
      associated with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis can be monitored on optical
      coherence tomography. Retinitis is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis rapidly
      progressive from the acute stage to the stage of atrophy, involving full
      thickness of the retina.

PMID- 27124792
TI  - CONCURRENT ENDOPHTHALMITIS AND ANTERIOR SEGMENT ISCHEMIA AFTER STRABISMUS
      SURGERY.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To report a case of simultaneous endophthalmitis and anterior
      segment ischemia (ASI) that occurred in a patient after strabismus surgery. This
      is the first known case of both complications occurring at the same time.
      METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 60-year-old woman presented with eye pain and
      loss of vision 6 days after uncomplicated strabismus surgery for thyroid eye
      disease. On examination, she had corneal edema, anterior segment fibrin, an
      atonic iris, and no view to the posterior segment. On fluorescein angiography of
      the anterior segment, a large portion of the iris was nonperfused. Posterior
      segment ultrasound showed dense vitritis and a choroidal abscess. Intraoperative
      cultures grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSIONS:
      Endophthalmitis and anterior segment ischemia are both exceedingly rare
      complications of strabismus surgery. It is possible that each one occurred
      independently, but more likely one process potentiated the other. One possible
      mechanism is inflammation-induced thrombosis.

PMID- 27124793
TI  - WALDENSTROM'S MACROGLOBULINEMIA MASQUERADING AS BIRDSHOT CHORIORETINOPATHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) as a masquerade
      syndrome. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 59-year-old human leukocyte antigen
      (HLA)-A29-negative white male presented with a 7-year history of floaters,
      progressive vision loss, and poor contrast sensitivity along with choroidal
      lesions suggestive of birdshot chorioretinopathy (BCR). Fluorescein angiography,
      fundus autofluorescence, and indocyanine green angiography showed multiple areas
      of hyperfluorescence and hypofluorescence. Electroretinography showed reduced
      cone and rod responses. Comprehensive workup for infectious, paraneoplastic, and
      other causes including sarcoidosis was negative at the time. The patient was
      treated with multiple immunomodulatory agents without any significant
      improvement. Two years after initial presentation, the patient developed
      normocytic anemia and high levels of inflammatory markers. Further workup yielded
      a diagnosis of WM. His choroidal lesions were significantly reduced after
      treatment with rituximab and bendamustine. CONCLUSION: We report a case of WM
      masquerading as BCR. Other indolent diseases should be considered in the
      differential diagnosis for HLA-A29-negative patients presenting with birdshot
      like lesions, especially if they are clinically unresponsive to multiple systemic
      immunosuppressive agents.

PMID- 27124794
TI  - A CASE OF UNILATERAL RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM DYSGENESIS.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case of unilateral retinal pigment epithelium dysgenesis.
      METHODS: An 8-year-old boy with a large grayish lesion and leopard-spot pattern
      lesion at its periphery in his left eye underwent fluorescein angiography, fundus
      autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, and electroretinography.
      RESULTS: Fluorescein angiography showed an area of geographic hyperfluorescence
      with a peripheral pattern of dark spots. The area of retinal pigment epithelial
      atrophy showed hypofluorescence on fundus autofluorescence. Optical coherence
      tomography of the left eye showed attenuation of the inner segment-outer segment
      junction and choroidal thinning. Single-flash electroretinography and scotopic
      electroretinography showed normal results and did not differ between both the
      eyes. The 30-Hz flicker test and photopic electroretinography showed a decrease
      in amplitude in the left eye. CONCLUSION: Unilateral retinal pigment epithelium
      dysgenesis is very rare, and its prognosis is still unknown. Careful follow-up of
      the patient seems to be essential.

PMID- 27124795
TI  - MULTIMODAL IMAGING AND HISTOLOGIC CORRELATION OF ISOLATED METASTASIS OF PROSTATE
      ADENOCARCINOMA TO THE CHOROID.
AB  - PURPOSE: To provide correlative clinical-multimodal imaging-histopathologic
      findings of isolated prostatic choroidal metastasis. METHODS: Ophthalmologic
      examination, fluorescein angiogram, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography,
      fundus autofluorescence, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging,
      positive emission tomography, CSF analysis, serologies, tissue pathology with
      immunohistochemistry, and examination of relevant literature. RESULTS: A 76-year
      old man with a history of prostate adenocarcinoma was referred for 2 months of
      unilateral blurry vision. Fundus examination revealed elevated deep orange
      choroidal lesions in the macula with overlying retinal pigment epithelium
      mottling and subretinal fluid. Fluorescein angiogram demonstrated alternating
      areas of hypofluorescence and hyperfluorescence (staining) without leakage.
      Optical coherence tomography revealed dome-shaped and lumpy choroidal lesions
      with surrounding undulating "lumpy bumpy" and "rippled/seasick" patterns. Workup
      for a primary or additional metastatic lesion including computerized tomography
      of head/chest/abdomen/pelvis, lumbar puncture, magnetic resonance imaging brain,
      and whole-body positive emission tomography scan was negative. Full-thickness
      excisional chorioretinal biopsy was obtained through pars plana vitrectomy with
      diathermy and vertical scissors. Histologic examination revealed adenocarcinoma
      with weak positive staining for prostate specific antigen, moderate positive
      staining for P501S (prostein), and strong positive staining for prostatic acid
      phosphatase, consistent with metastasis from a prostate primary. Treatment
      consisted of local radiation with regression of the metastatic tumor. The patient
      is also on concomitant androgen deprivation treatment because there is a very
      high incidence of systemic recurrence due to hematogenous involvement. The
      patient's vision has continued to improve 6 months past treatment. CONCLUSION:
      The authors present a unique case to highlight the multimodal imaging and
      histology of a rare presentation of biopsy-proven, isolated metastasis of
      prostate adenocarcinoma to the choroid. Systemic workup is required, and if
      unrevealing of a primary or metastatic lesion, full-thickness chorioretinal
      biopsy and histopathology can provide a definitive diagnosis, allowing optimal
      treatment. Chorioretinal biopsy is a useful technique and may allow for visual
      preservation while also giving superior histologic quality.

PMID- 27124796
TI  - PERIPHERAL RETINAL VASCULOPATHY IN COCKAYNE SYNDROME.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present peripheral retinal vasculopathy and foveal ellipsoid zone
      abnormalities as novel fundus manifestations of Cockayne syndrome (CS), a rare
      autosomal recessive condition with well-described ophthalmic associations.
      METHODS: Clinical examination, wide-field fundus photography, wide-field fundus
      autofluorescence, wide-field fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical
      coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were used to diagnose and document the patient's
      clinical presentation. RESULTS: Our patient presented with postnatal growth
      delay, neurologic dysfunction, premature aging, dental anomalies, sensory neural
      hearing loss, and pigmentary retinopathy. This constellation of clinical features
      satisfies the clinical diagnostic criteria of CS Type 1. In addition to these
      well-known features, we used multimodal retinal imaging to perform an in-depth
      analysis of the retinal manifestations of CS and report peripheral vasculopathy
      and ellipsoid zone abnormality as two novel features which have not previously
      been described in conjunction with CS. CONCLUSION: This case report is intended
      to assist physicians in making the correct diagnosis of this rare condition by
      reviewing the clinical diagnostic criteria and providing the most comprehensive
      fundus imaging of CS available in the literature to date.

PMID- 27124797
TI  - DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANT REMOVAL FROM ANTERIOR CHAMBER: SURGICAL TECHNIQUE.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a surgical technique for complete and safe dexamethasone
      intravitreal implant (Ozurdex; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA) removal from anterior
      chamber. METHODS: Description of a new surgical technique for Ozurdex removal
      using a lens injector cartridge. RESULTS: Dexamethasone implant was removed
      completely from anterior chamber with no damage to corneal endothelium or
      posterior chamber luxation in a patient with Ozurdex anterior chamber migration.
      CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone implants can be removed from anterior chamber in an
      easy, cheap, fast, and save way.

PMID- 27124798
TI  - The effect of fluid shear stress on the in vitro degradation of poly(lactide-co
      glycolide) acid membranes.
AB  - Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA) has been widely used as a biodegradable
      polymer material for coating stents or fabricating biodegradable stents. Its
      mechanism of degradation has been extensively investigated, especially with
      regard to how tensile and compressive loadings may affect the in vitro
      degradation of PLGA. Fluid shear stress is also one of the most important factors
      in the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis. But the effect of fluid
      shear stress on the degradation process is still unclear. The purpose of this
      study was to characterize the in vitro degradation of PLGA membranes that
      experienced different fluid shear stresses in 150 mL of deionized water at 37
      degrees C for 20 days. Particular emphasis was given to changes in the viscosity
      of the degradation solution, as well as the mechanical and morphological
      properties of the samples. The viscosity of the degradation solution with the
      mechanical loaded specimens was more severely affected than that of the control
      group. Increasing the fluid shear stress could accelerate the loss of the
      ultimate strength of PLGA membranes while it slowed down the change of the
      tensile elastic modulus in the early period. With regard to morphology, the
      surface roughness was more obviously reduced in the loaded groups. This indicated
      that the fluid shear stress could affect the in vitro degradation of PLGA
      membranes. Therefore, this study could help improve the design of PLGA membranes
      for biomedical applications. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res
      Part A, 2016.

PMID- 27124799
TI  - Design Principles for Fragment Libraries: Maximizing the Value of Learnings from
      Pharma Fragment-Based Drug Discovery (FBDD) Programs for Use in Academia.
AB  - Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is well suited for discovering both drug
      leads and chemical probes of protein function; it can cover broad swaths of
      chemical space and allows the use of creative chemistry. FBDD is widely
      implemented for lead discovery in industry but is sometimes used less
      systematically in academia. Design principles and implementation approaches for
      fragment libraries are continually evolving, and the lack of up-to-date guidance
      may prevent more effective application of FBDD in academia. This Perspective
      explores many of the theoretical, practical, and strategic considerations that
      occur within FBDD programs, including the optimal size, complexity,
      physicochemical profile, and shape profile of fragments in FBDD libraries, as
      well as compound storage, evaluation, and screening technologies. This
      compilation of industry experience in FBDD will hopefully be useful for those
      pursuing FBDD in academia. 

PMID- 27124800
TI  - Disease, treatment, and outcome differences between men and women with follicular
      lymphoma in the United States.
AB  - We aimed to comprehensively study sex differences in disease and patients'
      characteristics, treatment and outcomes in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL)
      in the United States (USA) utilizing the National LymphoCare Study registry (2004
      2014). Among evaluable males (n = 1277) and females (n = 1375) with FL, females
      less commonly received anthracyclines and were more likely to receive rituximab
      monotherapy. Overall response rates were comparable between sex groups. With a
      median follow-up of 8.1 years, male sex emerged as an adverse factor for PFS (HR,
      0.84, 95% CI, 0.72-0.97). Lymphoma-related mortality (HR, 0.46; 0.23-0.93) and
      overall survival (HR, 0.63; 0.41-0.97) favored females aged <=60 years. There are
      subtle differences in outcomes between male and female FL patients diagnosed and
      treated in the contemporary era. These data represent the largest prospective
      analysis of FL patients in the USA based on sex and can aid design of clinical
      trials for this disease. Am. J. Hematol. 91:770-775, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27124801
TI  - Advanced ECG in 2016: is there more than just a tracing?
AB  - The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most frequently used technology in
      clinical cardiology. It is critical for evidence-based management of patients
      with most cardiovascular conditions, including patients with acute myocardial
      infarction, suspected chronic cardiac ischaemia, cardiac arrhythmias, heart
      failure and implantable cardiac devices. In contrast to many other techniques in
      cardiology, the ECG is simple, small, mobile, universally available and cheap,
      and therefore particularly attractive. Standard ECG interpretation mainly relies
      on direct visual assessment. The progress in biomedical computing and signal
      processing, and the available computational power offer fascinating new options
      for ECG analysis relevant to all fields of cardiology. Several digital ECG
      markers and advanced ECG technologies have shown promise in preliminary studies.
      This article reviews promising novel surface ECG technologies in three different
      fields. (1) For the detection of myocardial ischaemia and infarction, QRS
      morphology feature analysis, the analysis of high frequency QRS components (HF
      QRS) and methods using vectorcardiography as well as ECG imaging are discussed.
      (2) For the identification and management of patients with cardiac arrhythmias,
      methods of advanced P-wave analysis are discussed and the concept of ECG imaging
      for noninvasive localisation of cardiac arrhythmias is presented. (3) For risk
      stratification of sudden cardiac death and the selection of patients for medical
      device therapy, several novel markers including an automated QRS-score for scar
      quantification, the QRS-T angle or the T-wave peak-to-end-interval are discussed.
      Despite the existing preliminary data, none of the advanced ECG markers and
      technologies has yet accomplished the transition into clinical practice. Further
      refinement of these technologies and broader validation in large unselected
      patient cohorts are the critical next step needed to facilitate translation of
      advanced ECG technologies into clinical cardiology.

PMID- 27124802
TI  - Substrate-Determined Diastereoselectivity in an Enzymatic Carboligation.
AB  - Thiamine diphosphate-dependent enzymes catalyze the formation of C-C bonds,
      thereby generating chiral secondary or tertiary alcohols. By the use of
      vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy we studied the
      stereoselectivity of carboligations catalyzed by YerE, a carbohydrate-modifying
      enzyme from Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Conversion of the non-physiological
      substrate (R)-3-methylcyclohexanone led to an R,R-configured tertiary alcohol
      (diastereomeric ratio (dr) >99:1), whereas the corresponding reaction with the S
      enantiomer gave the S,S-configured product (dr>99:1). This suggests that YerE
      catalyzed carboligations can undergo either an R- or an S-specific pathway. We
      show that, in this case, the high stereoselectivity of the YerE-catalyzed
      reaction depends on the substrate's preference to acquire a low-energy
      conformation.

PMID- 27124803
TI  - Variation of mechanical behavior of beta-TCP/collagen two phase composite
      scaffold with mesenchymal stem cell in vitro.
AB  - The primary aim of this study is to characterize the variational behavior of the
      compressive mechanical property of bioceramic-based scaffolds using stem cells
      during the cell culture period. beta-Tricalcium phosphate (TCP)/collagen two
      phase composites and beta-TCP scaffolds were fabricated using the polyurethane
      template technique and a subsequent freeze-drying method. Rat bone-marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) were then cultured in these scaffolds for up to 28
      days. Compression tests of the scaffolds with rMSCs were periodically conducted.
      Biological properties, such as the cell number, alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
      activity, and gene expressions of osteogenesis, were evaluated. The
      microstructural change due to cell growth and the formation of extracellular
      matrices was examined using a field-emission scanning electron microscope. The
      compressive property was then correlated with the biological properties and
      microstructures to understand the mechanism of the variational behavior of the
      macroscopic mechanical property. The porous collagen structure in the beta-TCP
      scaffold effectively improved the structural stability of the composite scaffold,
      whereas the beta-TCP scaffold exhibited structural instability with the collapse
      of the porous structure when immersed in a culture medium. The beta-TCP/collagen
      composite scaffold exhibited higher ALP activity and more active generation of
      osteoblastic markers than the beta-TCP scaffold.

PMID- 27124804
TI  - Effects of high-dose gamma irradiation on tensile properties of human cortical
      bone: Comparison of different radioprotective treatment methods.
AB  - There are growing interests in the radioprotective methods that can reduce the
      damaging effects of ionizing radiation on sterilized bone allografts. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the effects of 50kGy (single dose, and
      fractionated) gamma irradiation, in presence and absence of l-Cysteine (LC) free
      radical scavenger, on tensile properties of human femoral cortical bone. A total
      of 48 standard tensile test specimens was prepared from diaphysis of femurs of
      three male cadavers (age: 52, 52, and 54 years). The specimens were assigned to
      six groups (n=8) according to different irradiation schemes, i.e.; Control (Non
      irradiated), LC-treated control, a single dose of 50kGy (sole irradiation), a
      single dose of 50kGy in presence of LC, 10 fractions of 5kGy (sole irradiation),
      and 10 fractions of 5kGy in presence of LC. Uniaxial tensile tests were carried
      out to evaluate the variations in tensile properties of the specimens.
      Fractographic analysis was performed to examine the microstructural features of
      the fracture surfaces. The results of multivariate analysis showed that
      fractionation of the radiation dose, as well as the LC treatment of the 50kGy
      irradiated specimens, significantly reduced the radiation-induced impairment of
      the tensile properties of the specimens (P<0.05). The fractographic observations
      were consistent with the mechanical test results. In summary, this study showed
      that the detrimental effects of gamma sterilization on tensile properties of
      human cortical bone can be substantially reduced by free radical scavenger
      treatment, dose fractionation, and the combined treatment of these two methods.

PMID- 27124805
TI  - Study the molecular structure of poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/graphene oxide and
      graphene nanocomposite nanofibers.
AB  - In this article, poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL)/graphene oxide (GO) and reduced
      graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite nanofibrous mats were prepared using
      electrospinning technique. Dynamic mechanical analysis of mats electrospun from
      solution 16wt% PCL showed 22% and 133% increment in shrink force in the presence
      of 0.1wt% GO and RGO nanosheets respectively. The creep resistance was also
      increased 24% and 41%. The good enlargement of molecular chains of PCL at
      presence of nanosheets and strong chemical interaction within the molecular
      chains of PCL and nanosheets were caused the increment of shrink force and creep
      resistance of electrospun mats. However, less relaxation time and higher
      entanglement density of molecular chains in solution 14wt% and 18wt% PCL
      respectively limited the interaction within molecular chains of PCL and
      nanosheets in electrospinning process and thus showed less increment in creep
      resistance and shrink force of mats electrospun from them. Moreover, tensile
      stress test of mats electrospun from solution 16wt% PCL showed 53% and 189%
      increment in the tensile stress at presence of 0.1wt% GO and RGO respectively.

PMID- 27124806
TI  - Role of deposition time on the properties of ZnO:Tb(3+) thin films prepared by
      pulsed laser deposition.
AB  - Terbium (Tb(3+)) doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Tb(3+)) thin films were grown on silicon
      (100) substrates by the pulsed laser deposition technique at different deposition
      times that varied from 15 to 55min. The effects of deposition time on the
      structural and optical properties of the ZnO:Tb(3+) films were investigated by X
      ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy.
      As expected, the thickness of the ZnO:Tb(3+) film has increased with an increase
      in the deposition time. The photoluminescence intensity of the band to band
      emission has also increased with deposition time, while the deep level defect
      emission has decreased. The blue emission was observed from all the ZnO:Tb(3+)
      thin films deposited at the different deposition times excited by 325nm He-Cd
      laser, while a green emission was observed when excited by 228nm. 

PMID- 27124807
TI  - Adsorption of As(III) and As(V) onto colloidal microparticles of commercial cross
      linked polyallylamine (Sevelamer) from single and binary ion solutions.
AB  - This work investigates the removal of arsenic ions in trivalent (As(III)) or
      pentavalent form (As(V)) from single-component and binary (equal initial ion
      concentrations) aqueous solutions using commercial cross-linked polyallylamine
      (namely as Sevelamer) as adsorbent. This is the first work in literature
      regarding the application of that commercial material as adsorbent for ions.
      Sevelamer (SVL) is a widely known pharmaceutical compound and the existence of
      primary and secondary amino groups (with different ratios) in its molecule
      increases its adsorption potential. For this purpose can be easily proposed as
      potential sorbent. The adsorption evaluation was based on the pH-effect (optimum
      pH=6, where As(III) and As(V) removal was 69 and 86%, respectively), isotherms
      and kinetic curves. The maximum theoretical adsorption capacity (Qm) was 86 and
      133mg/g for single-component solutions of As(III) and As(V), respectively. The
      respective values for binary mixtures of the same concentration (100mg/L) were 84
      and 116mg/g, respectively (calculated after fitting to Langmuir-Freundlich
      isotherm model at 20 degrees C). A novel kinetic interpretation based on the raw
      experimental kinetics data was also developed. Although adsorption of As(III) and
      As(V) occurs mainly at different sites, there is an interdependence in their
      adsorption kinetics. It was found that adsorption from the binary mixtures is a
      two-stage process. The adsorption mechanism of SVL and arsenic ions interaction
      was elucidated using FTIR spectroscopy before and after adsorption. SEM images
      and XRD patterns (the material was amorphous both before and after arsenic
      adsorption indicating that the mechanism did not alter its physical state) were
      also taken for the characterization of SVL before and after arsenic adsorption.
      The adsorption mechanism was mainly attributed to the electrostatic interactions
      between negatively As ions and positively charged amino groups of SVL. For this
      reason, As(V) adsorption is higher than As(III). 

PMID- 27124808
TI  - Direct preparation of La2Zr2O7 microspheres by cathode plasma electrolysis.
AB  - La2Zr2O7 microspheres were directly prepared by cathode plasma electrolysis (CPE)
      in the electrolyte of Zr(NO3)4.5H2O and La(NO3)3.6H2O. Compared with high
      temperature sintering methods, the energy of plasma was completely used by CPE
      and made it possible to prepare the microspheres without calcining. The diameters
      of microspheres were mostly in the range of 0.5-5MUm and the microspheres
      consisted of fluorite and pyrochlore structures of La2Zr2O7. Moreover, the
      microspheres possessed potential photocatalytic activity and fluorescence
      property, owing to the high crystallinity and large surface area of the
      microspheres. 

PMID- 27124809
TI  - Thin bacteria/Layered Double Hydroxide films using a layer-by-layer approach.
AB  - This paper reports the design of thin bacteria/Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH)
      films in which bacterial cells of Pseudomonas sp. strain ADP were assembled
      alternatively with Mg2Al-NO3 LDH nanosheets by a layer-by-layer deposition
      method. The UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to monitor the assembly process, showing
      a progressive increase in immobilized bacteria amount upon deposited cycles. The
      {ADP/LDH}n film was characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy,
      scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The metabolic activity
      of immobilized bacteria was determined using chronoamperometry by measuring the
      biochemical oxygen demand in presence of glucose using an artificial electron
      acceptor (Fe(CN)6(3-)) at 0.5V/Ag-AgCl. A steady current of 0.250MUAcm(-2) was
      reached in about 30s after the addition of 5mM glucose. 

PMID- 27124810
TI  - The effect of inositol hexaphosphate on cadmium sorption to gibbsite.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Oxides, hydrous oxides and hydroxides of aluminium and iron are
      important in determining the availability of trace and heavy metals in soil
      systems. The presence of complexing anions is also known to affect the binding of
      these metals in soils. Since organophosphates, such as inositol hexaphosphate
      (IP6), are present in most soil systems they are expected to affect the nature of
      the interaction between metal ions and metal (hyr)oxides. EXPERIMENTS: Both
      adsorption edge and isotherm experiments were conducted on Cd(II)-gibbsite and
      Cd(II)-IP6-gibbsite systems. In addition, solid-state (31)P MAS NMR measurements
      were performed on the ternary system. All results were used to develop Extended
      Constant Capacitance surface complexation models of both the Cd(II)-gibbsite and
      IP6-Cd(II)-gibbsite sorption systems. FINDINGS: The presence of IP6 significantly
      increased sorption of Cd(II) to gibbsite below pH 8 especially at higher
      concentrations of Cd(II) and IP6. The (31)P MAS NMR spectra, together with
      surface complexation modeling, indicated the presence of two outer-sphere ternary
      complexes with the first, [(SOH2)3(3+)(LHCd)(9-)](6-), important at relatively
      low concentrations, while the second, [SLH3(8-)Cd(2+)](6-), dominated sorption at
      higher sorbate concentrations. Thus the presence of organophosphates in soil
      systems increases sorption and may therefore decrease the availability of trace
      and heavy metals to plants.

PMID- 27124811
TI  - Highly sensitive interference-free electrochemical determination of pyridoxine at
      graphene modified electrode: Importance in Parkinson and Asthma treatments.
AB  - To reduce the side effects in the medication of Parkinson and Asthma, pyridoxine
      (PY) is administered along with l-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl alanine (l-dopa) and
      theophylline (TP), respectively. However, excessive dosage of PY leads to nervous
      disorder. Thus, a sensitive and selective electrochemical method was developed
      for the determination of PY in the presence of major interferences including TP,
      l-dopa, ascorbic acid (AA) and riboflavin (RB) using electrochemically reduced
      graphene oxide (ERGO) film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in this paper.
      The ERGO fabrication process involves the nucleophilic substitution of graphene
      oxide at basic pH on amine terminal of 1,6-hexadiamine which was pre-assembled on
      GCE followed by electrochemical reduction. The electrocatalytic activity of the
      ERGO modified electrode was examined towards the oxidation of PY. It greatly
      enhanced the oxidation current of PY in contrast to bare and GO modified GCEs due
      to facile electron transfer besides pi-pi interaction between ERGO film and PY.
      Since TP and l-dopa drugs antagonize the drug action of PY, ERGO modified GCE was
      also used for the simultaneous determination of PY and l-dopa and PY and TP.
      Further, the selective determination of PY in the presence of other water soluble
      vitamins such as ascorbic acid and riboflavin was also demonstrated. Using
      amperometry, detection of 100nM PY was achieved and the detection limit was found
      to be 5.6*10(-8)M (S/N=3). The practical application of the present method was
      demonstrated by determining the concentration of PY in human blood serum and
      commercial drugs. 

PMID- 27124812
TI  - Investigation of the influence of vanadium, iron and nickel dopants on the
      morphology, and crystal structure and photocatalytic properties of titanium
      dioxide based nanopowders.
AB  - Photoactive V, Fe and Ni doped TiO2 (M-TiO2) nanopowders were synthesized by a
      modified two-step sol-gel process in the absence of additives. Titanium
      oxychloride, which is a rarely-used TiO2 precursor was used to yield M-TiO2
      photocatalysts with preferential photochemical performance in the presence of
      natural solar irradiation. The obtained samples were calcined at different
      calcination temperatures ranging from 450 to 800 degrees C to evaluate the
      influence of the sintering on the physicochemical properties. The properties of
      the obtained samples were examined by XRF, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, UV-visible
      DRS, XPS, nitrogen gas physisorption studies, SEM-EDAX and HRTEM analyses.
      Structural characterization of the samples revealed the incorporation of these
      transition metal element into TiO2. It was also depicted that the morphology,
      crystal structure, optical and photochemical properties of the obtained samples
      were largely dependent on the calcination temperature and the type of dopant used
      during the preparation process. The photochemical performance of the samples was
      investigated in the photodegradation of methylene blue in the presence of natural
      sunlight. The experimental results indicated that the VT600 sample possessed the
      highest activity due to its superior properties. This study provides a systematic
      preparation and selection of the precursor, dopant and calcination temperature
      that are suitable for the formation of TiO2-based heterogeneous photocatalysts
      with appealing morphology, crystal structure, optical and photochemical
      properties for myriad of applications. 

PMID- 27124813
TI  - Langmuir monolayers composed of single and double tail sulfobetaine lipids.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Owing to structural similarities between sulfobetaine lipids and
      phospholipids it should be possible to form stable Langmuir monolayers from long
      tail sulfobetaines. By modification of the density of lipid tail group (number of
      carbon chains) it should also be possible to modulate the two-dimensional phase
      behaviour of these lipids and thereby compare with that of equivalent
      phospholipids. Potentially this could enable the use of such lipids for the wide
      array of applications that currently use phospholipids. The benefit of using
      sulfobetaine lipids is that they can be synthesised by a one-step reaction from
      cheap and readily available starting materials and will degrade via different
      pathways than natural lipids. The molecular architecture of the lipid can be
      easily modified allowing the design of lipids for specific purposes. In addition
      the reversal of the charge within the sulfobetaine head group relative to the
      charge orientation in phospholipids may modify behaviour and thereby allow for
      novel uses of these surfactants. EXPERIMENTS: Stable Langmuir monolayers were
      formed composed of single and double tailed sulfobetaine lipids. Surface pressure
      area isotherm, Brewster Angle Microscopy and X-ray and neutron reflectometry
      measurements were conducted to measure the two-dimensional phase behaviour and
      out-of-plane structure of the monolayers as a function of molecular area.
      FINDINGS: Sulfobetaine lipids are able to form stable Langmuir monolayers with
      two dimensional phase behaviour analogous to that seen for the well-studied
      phospholipids. Changing the number of carbon tail groups on the lipid from one to
      two promotes the existence of a liquid condensed phase due to increased Van der
      Waals interactions between the tail groups. Thus the structure of the monolayers
      appears to be defined by the relative sizes of the head and tail groups in a
      predictable way. However, the presence of sub-phase ions has little effect on the
      monolayer structure, behaviour that is surprisingly different to that seen for
      phospholipids.

PMID- 27124814
TI  - Triflic Acid-Catalyzed Enynes Cyclization: A New Strategy beyond Electrophilic pi
      Activation.
AB  - The cyclization of enynes, catalyzed by a transition metal, represents a powerful
      tool to construct an array of cyclic compounds through electrophilic pi
      activation. In this paper, we disclose a new and efficient strategy for enynes
      cyclization catalyzed by triflic acid. The salient features of this
      transformation includes a broad substrate scope, metal free synthesis, open flask
      and mild conditions, good yields, ease of operation, low catalyst loading, and
      easy scale-up to gram scale. A preliminary mechanism study demonstrated that the
      activation model of the reaction was sigma-activation, which is different from
      the transition-metal-catalyzed enynes cyclization. Our strategy affords a
      complementary method to the traditional strategies, which use transition-metal
      catalysts.

PMID- 27124815
TI  - Opioid Prescriptions Among Women of Reproductive Age Enrolled in Medicaid - New
      York, 2008-2013.
AB  - Exposure to opioids during pregnancy can lead to adverse infant outcomes,
      including neonatal abstinence syndrome (1) and birth defects (2). Ascertaining
      opioid prescriptions for women who become pregnant or have no indication of
      contraceptive use is important to determine the number of women who are at
      potential risk for adverse fetal outcomes. The New York State (NYS) Department of
      Health (DOH) analyzed data for women aged 15-44 years (i.e., reproductive-aged
      women) enrolled in Medicaid to examine opioid drug prescriptions during 2008
      2013. On the basis of Medicaid drug claims for any drug with an opioid
      ingredient, prescriptions were identified for the enrolled population of
      reproductive-aged women and for three subgroups: women whose diagnosis,
      procedure, and drug codes indicated contraceptive use or infertility; women who
      were not using contraceptives and not infertile; and women who had had a live
      birth during the reporting year. During 2008-2013, among all women of
      reproductive age, 20.0% received a prescription for a drug with an opioid
      component; the proportion was highest (27.3%) among women with an indication of
      contraceptive use or infertility, intermediate (17.3%) among women who had no
      indication of contraceptive use, and lowest (9.5%) among women who had had a live
      birth. Although New York's proportion of opioid prescriptions among female
      Medicaid recipients who had a live birth is lower than a recent U.S. estimate
      (3), these results suggest nearly one in 10 women in this group may have been
      exposed to opioids in the prenatal period. 

PMID- 27124816
TI  - Crystal Structure of the HMG-CoA Synthase MvaS from the Gram-Negative Bacterium
      Myxococcus xanthus.
AB  - A critical step in bacterial isoprenoid production is the synthesis of 3-hydroxy
      3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) catalyzed by HMG-CoA synthase (HMGCS). In
      myxobacteria, this enzyme is also involved in a recently discovered alternative
      and acetyl-CoA-dependent isovaleryl CoA biosynthesis pathway. Here we present
      crystal structures of MvaS, the HMGCS from Myxococcus xanthus, in complex with
      CoA and acetylated active site Cys115, with the second substrate acetoacetyl CoA
      and with the product of the condensation reaction, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl
      CoA. With these structures, we show that MvaS uses the common HMGCS enzymatic
      mechanism and provide evidence that dimerization plays a role in the formation
      and stability of the active site. Overall, MvaS shows features typical of the
      eukaryotic HMGCS and exhibits differences from homologues from Gram-positive
      bacteria. This study provides insights into myxobacterial alternative isovaleryl
      CoA biosynthesis and thereby extends the toolbox for the biotechnological
      production of renewable fuel and chemicals.

PMID- 27124817
TI  - The Role of Digital Engagement in the Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Mobile tablet devices and applications have the potential to help type 2 diabetes
      patients in the self-management of their disease. However, users must be equipped
      with an appropriate level of digital literacy in order to use the tools and
      technologies effectively. This study reports from an exploratory mobile health
      (mHealth) pilot program that was conducted at a large, local clinic in Canberra,
      Australia. The research team provided digital training and support opportunities
      to participants as part of the longitudinal study. The aim of the research
      project was to examine the diverse range of participant digital literacy and how
      it impacted on self-management and the adoption of mHealth. Mid-study results
      from online surveys conducted at 2 and 5 months after enrolling 28 participants
      in the pilot program revealed that digital engagement is crucial to the patients'
      participation in mHealth activities. Support, by way of digital training, was
      essential to the patients' sustainable use of the devices and applications for
      health care.

PMID- 27124818
TI  - Estimation of Nasal Tip Support Using Computer-Aided Design and 3-Dimensional
      Printed Models.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Palpation of the nasal tip is an essential component of the
      preoperative rhinoplasty examination. Measuring tip support is challenging, and
      the forces that correspond to ideal tip support are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To
      identify the integrated reaction force and the minimum and ideal mechanical
      properties associated with nasal tip support. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
      Three-dimensional (3-D) printed anatomic silicone nasal models were created using
      a computed tomographic scan and computer-aided design software. From this model,
      3-D printing and casting methods were used to create 5 anatomically correct nasal
      models of varying constitutive Young moduli (0.042, 0.086, 0.098, 0.252, and
      0.302 MPa) from silicone. Thirty rhinoplasty surgeons who attended a regional
      rhinoplasty course evaluated the reaction force (nasal tip recoil) of each model
      by palpation and selected the model that satisfied their requirements for minimum
      and ideal tip support. Data were collected from May 3 to 4, 2014. RESULTS: Of the
      30 respondents, 4 surgeons had been in practice for 1 to 5 years; 9 surgeons, 6
      to 15 years; 7 surgeons, 16 to 25 years; and 10 surgeons, 26 or more years.
      Seventeen surgeons considered themselves in the advanced to expert skill
      competency levels. Logistic regression estimated the minimum threshold for the
      Young moduli for adequate and ideal tip support to be 0.096 and 0.154 MPa,
      respectively. Logistic regression estimated the thresholds for the reaction force
      associated with the absolute minimum and ideal requirements for good tip recoil
      to be 0.26 to 4.74 N and 0.37 to 7.19 N during 1- to 8-mm displacement,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study presents a method to estimate
      clinically relevant nasal tip reaction forces, which serve as a proxy for nasal
      tip support. This information will become increasingly important in computational
      modeling of nasal tip mechanics and ultimately will enhance surgical planning for
      rhinoplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

PMID- 27124819
TI  - Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Quality of Life in Latinos: The Los Angeles
      Latino Eye Study.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: This study found evidence of a threshold effect in which the presence
      of bilateral soft drusen and depigmentation of retinal pigment epithelium was
      associated with substantially low health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult
      Latinos from the United States. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of general
      and vision-specific HRQoL with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), overall
      and by bilaterality and severity, in adult Latinos. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: This cross-sectional, population-based study included 4876
      participants from the general urban community in 6 US Census tracts in La Puente,
      California. The data for these analyses were collected as part of a population
      based study of ocular diseases in adult Latinos in the Los Angeles Latino Eye
      Study from February 1, 2000, through May 31, 2003. The analysis was performed
      from November 2010 to February 2011. Additional analyses were performed in June
      2014. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Mean-adjusted HRQoL scores and effect sizes.
      RESULTS: Of the 4876 participants included in the analysis, 4402 (90.3%) had no
      AMD, and 474 (9.7%) had any AMD, with 453 having early (9.3%) and 21 (0.4%)
      having late stages of the disease. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 54.8
      (10.7) years. Of the 4876 participants, 2001 (41.0%) were male and 2875 (59.0%)
      were female. In this cohort of Latinos, participants with AMD had lower vision
      specific HRQoL scores. General HRQoL was assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study
      12-Item Short-Form Health Survey and self-reported vision-related HRQoL by the
      National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ-25). Composite
      NEI-VFQ-25 scores were 59.5 (95% CI, 50.8-68.1) for those with late-stage AMD and
      79.4 (95% CI, 72.5-86.1) for those with early-stage AMD, compared with
      participants without AMD 80.7 (95% CI, 73.9-82.4); P < .001. Several lesions of
      early AMD were associated with lower NEI-VFQ-25 composite scores and 8 to 10
      individual scales. Large effect sizes and lower mean scores were observed for
      those with late AMD lesions, overall and specifically for geographic atrophy and
      neovascular AMD, compared with those without AMD. With the use of concatenated
      bilateral severity levels for AMD, decreases in the NEI-VFQ-25 composite and
      individual scale scores were observed at the transition from a unilateral to
      bilateral severity level of 40, which corresponds to having bilateral soft drusen
      (>125 MUm in diameter with drusen area >=196 350 MUm2) and depigmentation of
      retinal pigment epithelium (slope of -19.17 for the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score).
      Measures of general health, as assessed by the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item
      Short-Form Health Survey, were not affected in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: In this study of adult Latinos, early AMD lesions are associated with
      lower self-reported, vision-specific HRQoL but not general HRQoL. Severity and
      bilaterality of AMD are associated with measurably lower HRQoL scores, with the
      largest difference in scores occurring for individuals with both eyes affected. A
      concatenated approach to incorporate bilateral severity might be more useful and
      provide better insight into the association of AMD and HRQoL.

PMID- 27124820
TI  - Long-Term Tracking Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation with Photostable
      Fluorescent Nanoparticles.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have proved to be a promising and abundant cell
      source for tissue and organ repair in regenerative medicine. However, the cell
      fate, distribution and migration of these transplanted cells are still unclear
      due to the limited tracking methods. It is desirable to develop a biocompatible
      and photostable probe to label the MSCs for long-term tracking without affecting
      the cell proliferation and potency. Herein we apply a recently developed
      nanoprobe system, in which di(thiophene-2-yl)-diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) is
      covalently linked in the middle of polycaprolactone (PCL) forming the PCL-DPP-PCL
      polymer complex. Although the PCL-DPP-PCL nanoparticles uptaken by the MSCs did
      not affect the cell viability, it was interesting that they exhibited different
      effects on the multilineage potency of the MSCs in the subsequent differentiation
      in vitro. Specifically, we found that the PCL-DPP-PCL labeling was unfavorable to
      the MSC osteogenic differentiation, whereas the labeled MSCs exhibited the same
      adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiations compared to the unlabeled controls
      as verified by gene expressions and histological staining. Furthermore, the PCL
      DPP-PCL nanoparticles remained strong fluorescence intensity even after 4 weeks
      of differentiation. This study indicated that PCL-DPP-PCL nanoparticles could be
      used for long-term cell tracing in MSC differentiation into adipogenic and
      chondrogenic lineages.

PMID- 27124821
TI  - On the nature of chemical bonding in the all-metal aromatic [Sb3Au3Sb3](3-)
      sandwich complex.
AB  - In a recent communication, an all-metal aromatic sandwich [Sb3Au3Sb3](3-) was
      synthesized and characterized. We report herein a density-functional theory (DFT)
      study on the chemical bonding of this unique cluster, which makes use of a number
      of computational tools, including the canonical molecular orbital (CMO), adaptive
      natural density partitioning (AdNDP), Wiberg bond index, and orbital composition
      analyses. The 24-electron, triangular prismatic sandwich is intrinsically
      electron-deficient, being held together via six Sb-Sb, three Au-Au, and six Sb-Au
      links. A standard, qualitative bonding analysis suggests that all CMOs are
      primarily located on the three Sb3/Au3/Sb3 layers, three Au 6s based CMOs are
      fully occupied, and the three extra charges are equally shared by the two cyclo
      Sb3 ligands. This bonding picture is referred to as the zeroth order model, in
      which the cluster can be formally formulated as [Sb3(1.5+)Au3(3-)Sb3(1.5+)](3-)
      or [Sb3(0)Au3(3-)Sb3(0)]. However, the system is far more complex and covalent
      than the above picture. Seventeen CMOs out of 33 in total involve remarkable Sb 
      > Au electron donation and Sb <- Au back-donation, which are characteristic of
      covalent bonding and effectively redistribute electrons from the Sb3 and Au3
      layers to the interlayer edges. This effect collectively leads to three Sb-Au-Sb
      three-center two-electron (3c-2e) sigma bonds as revealed in the AdNDP analyses,
      despite the fact that not a single such bond can be identified from the CMOs.
      Orbital composition analyses for the 17 CMOs allow a quantitative understanding
      of how electron donation and back-donation redistribute the charges within the
      system from the formal Sb3(0)/Au3(3-) charge states in the zeroth order model to
      the effective Sb3(1.5-)/Au3(0) charge states, the latter being revealed from the
      natural bond orbital analysis.

PMID- 27124822
TI  - Early Predictors of Mortality in Geriatric Patients With Trauma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify variables that predict mortality in geriatric patients
      with trauma. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Level I trauma center.
      PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 147 geriatric patients with trauma (age >=65)
      with a predicted probability of survival of 10%-75% based on the Trauma Score
      Injury Severity Score (TRISS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patients were divided
      into 2 cohorts: survivors and nonsurvivors. The following variables available at
      presentation were analyzed: age, mechanism of injury, temperature, systolic blood
      pressure, pulse rate, shock index, respiratory rate, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
      score, base deficit, and hematocrit (HCT). The Injury Severity Score (ISS) and
      TRISS were calculated for both cohorts. RESULTS: Of the 147 patients analyzed, 84
      (57%) died during the index hospitalization and 63 (43%) survived. The mean age
      of nonsurvivors was significantly higher than that of survivors (78.6 vs. 76.1
      years; P < 0.04). A greater number of nonsurvivors (72.6%) sustained injuries as
      a result of a low-energy mechanism compared with survivors (54%; P = 0.02). GCS,
      temperature, and respiratory rate were significantly lower for nonsurvivors,
      whereas base deficit was higher (P < 0.05). The TRISS was predictive of survival
      (TRISS 0.27 vs. 0.53, P < 0.001), but the distinguishing capacity of the TRISS to
      predict mortality was limited (area under the receiver operator curve; 0.67; 95%
      confidence interval 0.58-0.76; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Older age, lower GCS,
      and a low-energy mechanism of injury are associated with a higher mortality rate
      in this at-risk geriatric trauma population. Early identification of predictors
      of mortality may help care providers more accurately assess injury burden in
      geriatric patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for
      Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 27124823
TI  - A Comparison of Three C-Arm Draping Techniques to Minimize Contamination of the
      Surgical Field.
AB  - The use of intraoperative fluoroscopy has become a routine and useful adjunct
      within orthopaedic surgery. However, the fluoroscopy machine may become an
      additional source of contamination in the operating room, particularly when
      maneuvering from the anterior-posterior position to the lateral position.
      Consequently, draping techniques were developed to maintain sterility of the
      operative field and surgeon. Despite a variety of methods, no studies exist to
      compare the sterility of these techniques specifically when the fluoroscopy
      machine is in the lateral imaging position. We evaluated the sterility of 3 c-arm
      draping techniques in a simulated operative environment. The 3 techniques
      consisted of a traditional 3-quarter sterile sheet attached to the side of the
      operative table, a modified clip-drape method, and a commercially available
      sterile pouch. Our study demonstrated that the traditional method poses a high
      risk for sterile field contamination, whereas the modified clip-drape method and
      commercially available sterile pouch kept floor contamination furthest from the
      surgical field. With the current data, we urge surgeons to use modified
      techniques rather than the traditional draping method. 

PMID- 27124824
TI  - Membrane Induced Osteogenesis in the Management of Posttraumatic Bone Defects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the union rate of posttraumatic bone defects treated with
      the induced membrane technique. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective case series.
      SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three patients who
      sustained 34 posttraumatic bone defects (19 tibia, 15 femur). INTERVENTION:
      Staged management using the induced membrane technique described by Masquelet.
      After extensive debridement at the fracture site, a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
      spacer was inserted into the resulting void. After soft tissue recovery, the
      spacer was removed, and the void, now enveloped by an induced membrane, was
      filled with an autologous iliac crest bone graft. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bone
      union rate, time to achieve bone union, length of hospital stay, number of
      surgeries, infection resolution, range of motion, musculoskeletal tumor society
      system functional score, and limb shortening. RESULTS: The mean defect size was
      6.7 cm, and infection was present in 23 (68%) of the bone defects. Bone union was
      evident in 91% of cases (31/34). The average time to union was 8.5 months. In 7
      of 23 (30%) of infected cases, the infection recurred, and in 3 of them, the
      graft was resorbed, resulting in treatment failure. CONCLUSION: The induced
      membrane technique was effective for managing posttraumatic bone defects. A
      recurrence of infection was associated with treatment failure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of
      levels of evidence.

PMID- 27124825
TI  - Five-Year Outcome Analysis of Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures: A Prospective
      Randomized Trial Comparing a 2-Screw and a Single-Screw Cephalomedullary Nail.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the radiological and functional outcome after fixation of
      intertrochanteric fractures (IF) using either an integrated 2-screw
      cephalomedullary nail [InterTan (IT); Smith & Nephew] or a single-screw device
      [Gamma3 (G3); Stryker] with a 5-year follow-up. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized.
      SETTINGS: A single-center study. PATIENTS: One hundred four patients with a mean
      age of 81.2 +/- 9.2 years were included, 33 patients were available for the final
      5-year follow-up, 63 patients died, and 8 patients were lost for follow-up.
      INTERVENTION: Internal fixation of intertrochaneteric femur fractures using a
      cephalomedullary nail with either a single screw or an integrated 2-screw system.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Length of hospital stay, SF-36-questionnaire, Harris
      Hip-Score, radiographs. RESULTS: SF-36 index at 6 months indicated that 93% of
      the IT group returned to their prefracture status compared with only 80% in the
      G3 group. For the mental health SF-36 index, the IT patients showed a significant
      increased level 6 months after the index procedure (IT: P = 0.02; G3: P = 0.20).
      The length of hospital stay was significantly (P = 0.03) shorter in the IT group.
      After 5 years however, neither group had significant implant-related
      complications or differences in terms of functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS:
      Regarding functional outcome and hospital stay, the IT collective performed
      better in the 6-month follow-up. After 5 years, no significant differences were
      recorded. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors
      for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 27124826
TI  - Time-Dependent Effectiveness of Locally Applied Vancomycin Powder in a
      Contaminated Traumatic Orthopaedic Wound Model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of locally applied vancomycin powder at
      different times postinfection in a contaminated traumatic animal model. METHODS:
      This study used an established segmental defect rat femur model contaminated with
      Staphylococcus aureus UAMS-1 followed by treatment at 6 or 24 hours
      postinfection. Three treatments were evaluated: debridement and irrigation alone
      (control group) or in combination with either vancomycin powder or vancomycin
      impregnated poly(methyl methacrylate) beads. Serum vancomycin levels were
      determined at scheduled time points over 14 days; bone, surrounding muscle, and
      implants were harvested for bacterial and inflammatory analyses. RESULTS: Locally
      applied vancomycin powder and impregnated beads significantly reduced bacteria
      both within the bone and implant when treatment was performed at 6 hours.
      Delaying treatment to 24 hours significantly reduced the therapeutic efficacy of
      locally applied vancomycin of both groups. Serum vancomycin levels were
      detectable in all animals treated with vancomycin powder at 24 hours, but
      absorption was negligible from beads. At 14 days, vancomycin was detectable in
      the surrounding musculature of all animals and in serum of 20% of animals treated
      with vancomycin powder. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that vancomycin powder
      is a promising adjunctive therapy for preventing infection in traumatic wounds
      when treatment is performed early. This time-dependent effectiveness of
      vancomycin powder is similar to that observed with systemic and other local
      delivery adjuncts, which is likely attributable to biofilm formation after
      contamination, conferring intrinsic recalcitrance to antimicrobials.

PMID- 27124827
TI  - Hemorrhagic-Induced Cardiovascular Complications During Reamer-Irrigator
      Aspirator-Assisted Femoral Nonunion Treatment.
AB  - The reamer-irrigator-aspirator (RIA) is a device that has recently been developed
      to retrieve bone graft from the medullary canal of the femur and the tibia. As
      for most new surgical procedures, complications arise as part of the learning
      curve and/or imperfections in the design or technique. To increase awareness of
      potential complications and to prevent unnecessary harm to the patient, new
      complications need to be reported. We present case reports of 2 patients who
      developed severe intraoperative cardiac events presumably caused by excessive and
      rapid blood loss during RIA bone graft harvesting. This complication has not been
      described before. Increased awareness of excessive blood loss and subsequent
      cardiac events during an RIA procedure is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of
      levels of evidence.

PMID- 27124828
TI  - Ketorolac Administered in the Recovery Room for Acute Pain Management Does Not
      Affect Healing Rates of Femoral and Tibial Fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether ketorolac administered in the immediate
      perioperative period affects the rate of nonunion in femoral and tibial shaft
      fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: Single Institution,
      Academic Level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENTS: Three hundred and thirteen skeletally
      mature patients with 137 femoral shaft (OTA 32) and 191 tibial shaft (OTA 42)
      fractures treated with intramedullary rod fixation. INTERVENTION: Eighty patients
      with 33 femoral shaft and 52 tibial shaft fractures were administered ketorolac
      within the first 24 hours after surgery (group 1-study group). Two-hundred thirty
      three patients with 104 femoral shaft and 139 tibial shaft fractures were not
      (group 2-control group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Rate of reoperation for
      repair of a nonunion and time to union. RESULTS: Average time to union of the
      femur was 147 days for group 1 and 159 days for group 2 (P = 0.57). Average time
      to union of the tibia was 175 days for group 1 and 175 days for group 2 (P =
      0.57). There were 3 femoral nonunions (9%) in group 1 and eleven femoral
      nonunions (11.6%) in group 2 (P = 1.00). There were 3 tibial nonunions (5.8%) in
      group 1 and 17 tibial nonunions (12.2%) in group 2 (P = 0.29). The average dose
      of ketorolac for patients who healed their fracture was 85 mg, whereas it was 50
      mg for those who did not (P = 0.27). All patients with a nonunion in the study
      group were current smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Ketorolac administered in the first 24
      hours after fracture repair for acute pain management does not seem to have a
      negative impact on time to healing or incidence of nonunion for femoral or tibial
      shaft fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for
      Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 27124829
TI  - Culture-Negative Infection After Operative Fixation of Fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1) Compare the outcomes of patients with orthopaedic trauma with
      culture-negative infection with those with pathogens identified; (2) identify the
      incidence of culture-negative infection and describe the common characteristics.
      DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Two level 1 trauma centers. PATIENTS: A
      total of 391 patients 16 years of age or older who underwent irrigation and
      debridement for surgical site infection after having undergone fracture fixation
      were included. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent irrigation and debridement with
      cultures, and antibiotic therapy was initiated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT:
      Treatment failure due to unsuccessful eradication of infection and time to union.
      RESULTS: We found 9% incidence of culture-negative infection. Approximately one
      third of patients in both groups went on to have treatment failure (25% of
      pathogen-specific infections, 38% of culture-negative infections, P = 0.15), and
      there was no difference between the 2 groups with regard to time to union (22 vs.
      24 weeks, P = 0.55). More than one-third of patients required subsequent
      reconstructive procedure and 5% of patients in each group required amputation to
      control their infection. There was no difference between the groups with respect
      to the use of antibiotics before intervention and culture. CONCLUSION: This study
      confirms the devastating effect that postoperative infections can have and
      suggests that, with clinical sign of infection, negative cultures do not portend
      a better prognosis. These entities should be treated in a similar manner to
      infections with positive cultures. Furthermore, we believe that future studies
      should not strictly rely on the presence of positive intraoperative cultures.
      Consensus as to what constitutes a clinical infection, in the absence of positive
      cultures, is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions
      for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 27124830
TI  - Association Between Tibial Malunion Deformity Parameters and Degenerative Hip and
      Knee Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Tibia fractures are the most common long bone fracture. Criteria for
      closed and open reduction are based on the amount of fracture shortening,
      angulation, and rotation, with high success rates achieved if acceptable
      alignment is maintained. However, there exists limited data available regarding
      the long-term consequences of specific deformation patterns. METHODS: The tibiae
      of 2898 cadaveric skeletons were manually inspected for evidence of fracture.
      Specimens with midshaft fractures were identified as candidates for study;
      intraarticular fractures were excluded. Fracture shortening, location,
      angulation, rotation (torsion), and translation were measured using previously
      described techniques. Degenerative joint disease of the knee and hip was graded
      from 0 to 3 in fracture specimens using a previously published system.
      Correlations between fracture characteristic and osteoarthritis were evaluated.
      RESULTS: Thirty-seven tibia fractures were present in 36 skeletons. In patients
      with tibia fractures, ipsilateral knee arthritis was greater than that of the
      contralateral side (P < 0.001). Knee arthritis was greater in fractures with
      coronal plane deformity greater than 5 degrees (P = 0.006) and with rotational
      deformity greater than 10 degrees (P = 0.004). There were no differences in knee
      arthritis based on laterality, shortening, sagittal deformity, fracture type, or
      translation in any plane (P > 0.05 for all). There were no differences in hip
      arthritis on the ipsilateral side compared with the contralateral side (P =
      0.149). However, tibiae that were shortened by more than 10 mm had higher grades
      of ipsilateral hip arthritis (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study
      suggest that coronal and axial plane malalignment and shortening are of the
      greatest consequence following tibia fracture. These conclusions strengthen the
      recommendations of authors who have emphasized restoring tibial length following
      fracture, and providing anatomic restoration in the coronal and axial planes.

PMID- 27124831
TI  - Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) as a spontaneous animal model of Vitiligo.
AB  - Vitiligo is a multifactorial acquired depigmenting disorder. Recent insights into
      the molecular mechanisms driving the gradual destruction of melanocytes in
      vitiligo will likely lead to the discovery of novel therapies, which need to be
      evaluated in animal models that closely recapitulate the pathogenesis of human
      vitiligo. In humans, vitiligo is characterized by a spontaneous loss of
      functional melanocytes from the epidermis, but most animal models of vitiligo are
      either inducible or genetically programmed. Here, we report that acquired
      depigmentation in water buffalo recapitulates molecular, histological,
      immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural changes observed in human vitiligo and
      hence could be used as a model to study vitiligo pathogenesis and facilitate the
      discovery and evaluation of therapeutic interventions for vitiligo.

PMID- 27124832
TI  - Sophisticated Design of Covalent Organic Frameworks with Controllable Bimetallic
      Docking for a Cascade Reaction.
AB  - Precise control of the number and position of the catalytic metal ions in
      heterogeneous catalysts remains a big challenge. Here we synthesized a series of
      two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) containing two different
      types of nitrogen ligands, namely imine and bipyridine, with controllable
      contents. For the first time, the selective coordination of the two nitrogen
      ligands of the 2D COFs to two different metal complexes, chloro(1,5
      cyclooctadiene)rhodium(I) (Rh(COD)Cl) and palladium(II) acetate (Pd(OAc)2 ), has
      been realized using a programmed synthetic procedure. The bimetallically docked
      COFs showed excellent catalytic activity in a one-pot addition-oxidation cascade
      reaction. The high surface area, controllable metal-loading content, and
      predesigned active sites make them ideal candidates for their use as
      heterogeneous catalysts in a wide range of chemical reactions. 

PMID- 27124834
TI  - Trimethylammonium-Derived Molecular Tweezers and Their Host-Guest Complexation
      Behaviours in Polar Media.
AB  - Trimethylammonium-derived alkynylplatinum(II) terpyridine molecular tweezers have
      been designed and synthesized in this manuscript. They show moderate binding
      affinity towards the complementary organoplatinum guest in polar media, such as
      DMSO, methanol, and water, even though the guest itself is sparingly soluble in
      the latter two solvents. Responsive guest encapsulation/release from the cavity
      of molecular tweezers can be achieved by successive addition and removal of
      trifluoroacetic acid, accompanying with remarkable switching of the photophysical
      signals, which would benefit for the fabrication of intelligent supramolecular
      materials with tailored functionalities. 

PMID- 27124833
TI  - Preliminary Results of National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry Risk
      Factor Survey Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National ALS Registry is made up of two components to capture
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases: national administrative databases
      (Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits
      Administration) and self-identified cases captured by the Registry's web portal.
      This study describes self-reported characteristics of U.S. adults with ALS using
      the data collected by the National ALS Registry web portal risk factor surveys
      only from October 19, 2010 through December 31, 2013. OBJECTIVE: To describe
      findings from the National ALS Registry's web portal risk factor surveys.
      MEASUREMENTS: The prevalence of select risk factors among adults with ALS was
      determined by calculating the frequencies of select risk factors-smoking and
      alcohol (non, current and former) histories, military service and occupational
      history, and family history of neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS,
      Alzheimer's and/or Parkinson's. RESULTS: Nearly half of survey respondents were
      ever smokers compared with nearly 41% of adults nationally. Most respondents were
      ever drinkers which is comparable to national estimates. The majority were light
      drinkers. Nearly one-quarter of survey respondents were veterans compared with
      roughly 9% of US adults nationally. Most respondents were retired or disabled.
      The industries in which respondents were employed for the longest time were
      Professional and Scientific and Technical Services. When family history of
      neurodegenerative diseases in first degree relatives was evaluated against our
      comparison group, the rates of ALS were similar, but were higher for Parkinson's
      disease, Alzheimer's disease and any neurodegenerative diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The
      National ALS Registry web portal, to our knowledge, is the largest, most
      geographically diverse collection of risk factor data about adults living with
      ALS. Various characteristics were consistent with other published studies on ALS
      risk factors and will allow researchers to generate hypotheses for future
      research.

PMID- 27124835
TI  - Progression-Free Survival Among Patients With Well-Differentiated or
      Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma Treated With CDK4 Inhibitor Palbociclib: A Phase 2
      Clinical Trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: More than 90% of well-differentiated or dedifferentiated liposarcomas
      (WD/DDLS) have CDK4 amplification. The selective CDK4 and CDK6 inhibitor
      palbociclib inhibits growth and induces senescence in liposarcoma cell lines and
      xenografts. Our prior phase 2 study demonstrated that treatment with palbociclib
      (200 mg daily for 14 days every 21 days) resulted in clinical benefit in WD/DDLS
      but moderate hematologic toxic effects. It is important to understand whether
      palbociclib at a new dose and schedule-125 mg daily for 21 days every 28 days
      results in clinical benefit and manageable toxic effects. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      the progression-free survival (PFS) at 12 weeks of patients with WD/DDLS treated
      with palbociclib (PD0332991). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this phase 2,
      nonrandomized, open-label clinical trial conducted at the Memorial Sloan
      Kettering Cancer Center, 60 patients 18 years and older with advanced WD/DDLS and
      measurable disease by RECIST 1.1 were enrolled from December 2011 to January 2014
      and followed to March 2015. Patients received oral palbociclib at 125 mg daily
      for 21 days in 28-day cycles. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Primary end point was
      PFS. Secondary end points included response rate and toxic effects. RESULTS:
      Overall, 30 patients were enrolled in the initial cohort and 30 more in an
      expansion cohort. Median (range) age was 61.5 (35-87) years; 31 patients (52%)
      were male; median (range) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score was 0 (0-1).
      Progression-free survival at 12 weeks was 57.2% (2-sided 95% CI, 42.4%-68.8%),
      and the median PFS was 17.9 weeks (2-sided 95% CI, 11.9-24.0 weeks). There was 1
      complete response. Toxic effects were primarily hematologic and included
      neutropenia (grade 3, n = 20 [33%]; grade 4, n = 2 [3%]) but no neutropenic
      fever. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In patients with advanced WD/DDLS, treatment
      with palbociclib was associated with a favorable PFS and occasional tumor
      response. This dose and schedule appears active and may have less toxic effects
      than 200 mg for 14 days. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:
      NCT01209598.

PMID- 27124837
TI  - Privacy in paediatrics.

PMID- 27124836
TI  - Validation of Chinese Version of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Health-Related Quality
      of Life Questionnaire (Chi-PCOSQ).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the responsiveness, longitudinal validity, and
      measurement invariance of the Chinese version of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
      Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (Chi-PCOSQ). RESEARCH DESIGN AND
      METHOD: This prospective study was conducted in a medical center in southern
      Taiwan. 102 women aged 18-45 years and diagnosed with PCOS were enrolled.
      Objective indicators for clinical changes of PCOS included assessing the 2-hour
      glucose and insulin levels before and after treatment. The responsiveness of Chi
      PCOSQ and WHOQOL-BREF was analyzed using paired t-tests and the standard response
      mean. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to assess the measurement
      invariance of Chi-PCOSQ. RESULTS: With improved 2-hour glucose and insulin
      levels, we also found significantly increased Chi-PCOSQ total and individual
      domain scores (total score: t (49) = 5.20; p < 0.001, domain scores: t (49) =
      2.72 to 3.87; p < 0.01), except for hair growth. Half of the domains scores (3 of
      6) and the total score of Chi-PCOSQ had a medium responsiveness, but WHOQOL-BREF
      was not sufficiently responsive to clinical changes of PCOS. Improved PCOS
      specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL), as indicated by Chi-PCOSQ
      scores, was significantly associated with improved 2-hour glucose and insulin
      levels. All indices of the data-model fit of the Chi-PCOSQ structure were
      satisfactory, except for the slightly high standardized root mean square residual
      values (0.087 to 0.088). The measurement invariance of Chi-PCOSQ was supported
      across time. CONCLUSION: Chi-PCOSQ is sufficiently sensitive in detecting
      clinical changes and its measurement structure is suitable for Chinese women with
      PCOS. It is thus a promising tool for assessing the HRQoL of ethnic Chinese women
      with PCOS.

PMID- 27124838
TI  - Privacy for neonates: 'All the world loves a baby'.

PMID- 27124839
TI  - Why respecting all human beings' privacy matters.

PMID- 27124840
TI  - Lysosomal storage disorders: A review of the musculoskeletal features.
AB  - The lysosomal storage disorders are a collection of progressive, multisystem
      disorders that frequently present in childhood. Their timely diagnosis is
      paramount as they are becoming increasingly treatable. Musculoskeletal
      manifestations often occur early in the disease course, hence are useful as
      diagnostics clues. Non-inflammatory joint stiffness or pain, carpal tunnel
      syndrome, trigger fingers, unexplained pain crises and short stature should all
      prompt consideration of a lysosomal storage disorder. Recurrent ENT infections,
      hepatosplenomegaly, recurrent hernias and visual/hearing impairment - especially
      when clustered together - are important extra-skeletal features. As diagnostic
      and therapeutic options continue to evolve, children with lysosomal storage
      disorders and their families are facing more sophisticated options for screening
      and treatment. The aim of this article is to highlight the paediatric
      presentations of lysosomal storage disorders, with an emphasis on the
      musculoskeletal features. 

PMID- 27124841
TI  - CeasIng Cpap At standarD criteriA (CICADA): Implementation improves neonatal
      outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A previous randomised controlled trial (RCT) in babies born < 30
      weeks gestation found the so-called CICADA method (ceasing continuous positive
      airways pressure (CPAP) with a view to remain off rather than slow weaning)
      significantly reduced CPAP time. Post-RCT we introduced the CICADA method and
      evaluated whether the improved outcomes of the CICADA method during the RCT were
      replicated in clinical practice. AIM: The aim of the study is to compare cardio
      respiratory outcomes in PBs < 30 weeks GA over three epochs: (i) pre RCT, (ii)
      during RCT and (iii) post RCT implementation. METHODS: The study used prospective
      data to compare baseline characteristics and cardio-respiratory outcomes over the
      three epochs. RESULTS: There were 270/393(69%) PBs < 30 weeks GA who fulfilled
      the inclusion criteria over the three epochs. No significant differences were
      found in GA or birthweight between the three epochs (27.9 +/- 1.3, 27.7 +/- 1.4,
      28.0 +/- 1.3 (weeks +/- 1 standard deviation); and 1100 +/- 252, 1086 +/- 251,
      1094 +/- 320 (grams +/- 1 standard deviation)). There were significant decreases
      in CPAP days and corrected GA to cease CPAP post implementation (20.5 +/- 2.1,
      21.1 +/- 2.1, 16.5 +/- 1.8 (days +/- SE); P = 0.006 and 33.3 +/- 0.4, 33.5 +/-
      0.4, 32.6 +/- 0.4 (weeks +/- SE); P = 0.01). Compared with the pre RCT epoch,
      there were significant reductions in patent ductus arteriosus (36/78 (46%), 33/87
      (37%), 18/103 (17%); P < 0.001) and chronic lung disease (40/78 (51%), 19/87
      (21%), 30/103 (29%); P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CPAP time, corrected GA to cease
      CPAP, patent ductus arteriosus and chronic lung disease significantly reduced
      following the introduction of the CICADA method. Early cessation of CPAP
      expedites the transition from neonatal intensive care to special care.

PMID- 27124842
TI  - Developmental outcomes in cerebrospinal fluid proven enteroviral meningitis in
      neonates > 32 weeks of gestation.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the short-term and long-term (1 year)
      outcomes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) confirmed enteroviral meningitis in
      neonates > 32 weeks of gestation. METHODS: A retrospective audit of neonates
      admitted between 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2012. RESULTS: Thirty-three neonates were
      diagnosed with enteroviral meningitis based on a positive CSF enteroviral PCR.
      Physical growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 1 year corrected for
      prematurity were available for 24 infants. All infants were alive at 1 year. The
      median weight, length and head circumference at 1 year were in the 72nd, 62nd and
      78th centile and were comparable with the birth parameters. The mean general
      quotient (GQ) was 98.5 (SD 7.1) and was not significantly different from the
      population mean of 100.2 (P = 0.27). None of the infants had a GQ > 2SD below the
      population mean. Neurological recovery was complete in the 24 neonates assessed
      except one, who developed cerebral palsy, epilepsy and progressive hydrocephalus
      requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Neonatal enteroviral
      meningitis was associated with optimal growth and neurodevelopment in the
      majority of the infants at 1 year corrected for prematurity. Longer term studies
      are needed to better define developmental outcomes.

PMID- 27124843
TI  - Oximetry for preterm infants at neonatal discharge: What is current practice in
      New Zealand and Australia?
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to survey level 2 and 3 neonatal units in
      Australasia to determine the prevalence of oximetry studies at discharge for
      preterm infants, how these oximetry studies are performed, and which measures are
      included in an oximetry report. METHODS: A 10-question online survey was created
      using Survey Monkey regarding use of predischarge oximetry and e-mailed to 46
      neonatal units (all level 2 and three units in NZ and all level 3 units in
      Australia). RESULTS: The response rate was 59% (27/46) with a NZ response rate of
      78% (18/23). There was variation in the groups of infants receiving predischarge
      oximetry studies, with one fifth of responding neonatal units never performing
      oximetry at discharge. Of the units using predischarge oximetry screening,
      infants being discharged home on supplemental oxygen were the only group for
      which all units perform predischarge oximetry. Masimo (Masimo, Irvine,
      California, USA) is the most common oximeter brand and profox Associates, Inc.
      (PROFOX Associates, Inc., Escondido, CA 92025, USA) the most common analysis
      software used. Measures included in oximetry reports vary between units, with
      profox Associates, Inc.'s default event definition of 'a drop in saturation by
      four or more' being the most commonly reported desaturation definition.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate a need for guidelines to standardise preterm
      infant oximetry monitoring at neonatal discharge. Further research is required to
      determine the utility of predischarge oximetry and to establish which infants
      should be screened.

PMID- 27124844
TI  - Fulminant liver failure in a neonate.
AB  - Neonatal acute liver disease is relatively rare, with multiple different
      aetiologies including congenital infections, metabolic disorders, gestational
      alloimmune liver disease, haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and ischaemic
      injury. We report a case of neonatal liver failure in a preterm, growth
      restricted infant, who underwent extensive investigation and was clinically
      diagnosed with gestational alloimmune liver disease, which was confirmed on post
      mortem examination. We then discuss management of neonatal liver failure and
      gestational alloimmune liver disease, including maternal management in future
      pregnancies.

PMID- 27124845
TI  - Profuse watery diarrhoea: An unusual presenting feature of streptococcal toxic
      shock syndrome.

PMID- 27124846
TI  - Agitation on emergence from sevoflurane anaesthesia can be reduced.

PMID- 27124847
TI  - The mother load.

PMID- 27124848
TI  - In premature infants born at borderline viability, do days matter?

PMID- 27124849
TI  - A peripherally inserted central line in a preterm infant.

PMID- 27124850
TI  - Verrucous pits on the palms.

PMID- 27124851
TI  - A peripherally inserted central line in a preterm infant.

PMID- 27124852
TI  - Verrucous pits on the palms.

PMID- 27124854
TI  - Methylphenidate and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

PMID- 27124853
TI  - The spice of life?

PMID- 27124855
TI  - Toddlers can use touch screen technology purposefully.

PMID- 27124856
TI  - Phototherapy using filtered sunlight.

PMID- 27124857
TI  - Phototherapy in transport for neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia.

PMID- 27124858
TI  - Embarrassing Moments.

PMID- 27124859
TI  - Development and Cognitive Functions in Saudi Pre-School Children with Feeding
      Problems without Underlying Medical Disorders.

PMID- 27124861
TI  - Janus all-cis-1,2,3,4,5,6-Hexafluorocyclohexane: A Molecular Motif for
      Aggregation-Induced Enhanced Polarization.
AB  - Recently synthesized all-cis-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexafluorocyclohexane is the least
      stable among all possible configurational isomers of 1,2,3,4,5,6
      hexafluorocyclohexane. This molecule has a remarkably large dipole moment (6.2 D)
      as well as high facial polarization. Solid-state, dispersion-corrected DFT (DFT
      D3) calculations are performed on the crystalline phase of all-cis-1,2,3,4,5,6-
      hexafluorocyclohexane, which reveal that dispersion interactions play a crucial
      role in its stabilization. A number of thermodynamically favorable orientations
      of dimers, trimers and tetramers are demonstrated for this molecule. Parallel
      stacked aggregates, from dimers to higher-order aggregates, which are absent in
      the crystal, are found to be thermodynamically most favorable due to the presence
      of strong short-range C-H???F-C intermolecular hydrogen-bonding networks. Because
      of their cooperative nature, binding energies, dipole moments, and polarizations
      per molecule increase from monomer to tetramer, whereas the HOMO-LUMO gaps follow
      the opposite trend. Based on the DFT-D3 calculations, it is proposed that this
      parallel-stacked arrangement can be further extended to prepare stable a 1D
      crystal such that a large dipole moment and macroscopic polarizations can arise,
      which might be useful in designing electronic and nonlinear optical devices.
      Because the molecule has conformational flexibility, the potential energy surface
      is investigated for ring flipping and the effects of fluorine substitution are
      studied by comparing the barrier with respect to cyclohexane and all-cis-1,2,3
      trifluorocyclohexane. 

PMID- 27124860
TI  - Mirabegron causes relaxation of human and rat corpus cavernosum: could it be a
      potential therapy for erectile dysfunction?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of mirabegron, a selective beta3 -adrenoceptor
      agonist that has recently been approved for the treatment of overactive bladder
      (OAB), on erectile function. Stimulation of beta3 -adrenoceptors localised in
      cavernosal smooth muscle cells may play a physiological role in mediating penile
      erection, and offer a beneficial pharmacological action for patients who have OAB
      and erectile dysfunction (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Corpus cavernosal (CC)
      specimens were obtained from patients with ED and Peyronie's disease undergoing
      penile prosthesis implantation. Erectile responses were also evaluated in vivo
      after intracavernosal injection (ICI) of mirabegron in anaesthetised rats.
      Mirabegron-elicited relaxation responses (10(-8) -10(-3) m) on phenylephrine
      induced contraction were seen in human CC (HCC) and rat CC strips in isolated
      organ-bath studies. The effects of inhibitors, namely L-NAME [N(G) -nitro-L
      arginine methyl ester, a competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS),
      100 MUm], ODQ [1H-(1,2,4) oxadiazolo(4,3-alpha) quinoxalin-1-one, a soluble
      guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor, 30MUm], methylene blue (a NOS and sGC
      inhibitor, 20MUm), SR59230A (beta3 -adrenoceptor blocker, 1 MUm), and fasudil
      [Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, 0.1 MUm], on mirabegron-induced
      relaxation responses were evaluated. Responses to mirabegron were compared with
      responses to isoprenaline and nebivolol. Immunohistochemistry was used to
      localise beta3 -adrenoceptors and ROCK in CC smooth muscle cells. In vivo rat
      data were expressed as intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure, and
      total ICP. RESULTS: Mirabegron resulted in a relaxation of phenylephrine-evoked
      CC contractions in a concentration-dependent manner and SR59230A antagonised the
      mirabegron-induced relaxations in HCC and rat CC. Other inhibitors, L-NAME, ODQ,
      and methylene blue, did not affect the mirabegron-induced relaxation responses.
      Mirabegron relaxation responses at concentrations (0.1-10 MUm) were enhanced by
      fasudil (ROCK inhibitor) in rat but not in HCC strips. KCl-induced contractions
      in HCC and rat CC were partially inhibited by mirabegron. In vivo, ICI of
      mirabegron (doses of 0.1-1 mg/kg) had a minor effect on ICP when compared with
      vehicle administration. Immunohistochemistry data showed beta3 -adrenoceptors
      localised in the smooth muscle cells of the HCC and rat CC. CONCLUSIONS:
      Mirabegron markedly relaxed isolated CC strips by activating beta3 -adrenoceptors
      independently of the NO-cGMP pathway. There is also evidence of the existence of
      a close functional link between beta3 -adrenoceptors and the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
      These results may support further clinical studies using combinations of
      mirabegron with ROCK and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) for the
      treatment of ED, especially in patients who do not respond to PDE5i therapy.

PMID- 27124876
TI  - Casting of 3-dimensional footwear prints in snow with foam blocks.
AB  - Commercially available foam blocks are presented as an alternative material for
      the casting and preservation of 3-dimensional footwear impressions located in
      snow. The method generates highly detailed foam casts of questioned footwear
      impressions. These casts can be compared to the known outsole standards made from
      the suspects' footwear. Modification of the commercially available foam casting
      blocks is simple and fast. The foam block is removed and a piece of cardboard is
      secured to one side of the block with painter's masking tape. The prepared foam
      block is then placed back into its original box, marked appropriately, closed and
      stored until needed. When required the foam block is carefully removed from its
      storage box and gently placed, foam side down, over the questioned footwear
      impression. Next, the crime scene technician's hands are placed on top of the
      cardboard and pressure is gently applied by firmly pressing down onto the
      impression. The foam cast is removed, dried and placed back into its original
      container and sealed. The resulting 3D impressions can be directly compared to
      the outsole of known suspected item(s) of footwear. 

PMID- 27124877
TI  - Janus Composite Nanotubes.
AB  - We propose a facile method to achieve paramagnetic Janus nanotubes with two
      compositions compartmentalized onto the interior and exterior surfaces,
      respectively. A sulfonated polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) nanotube is prepared by
      simple sulfonation of the exterior surface of a PDVB nanotube. Silica@FeOOH dual
      layers are sequentially grown onto the sulfonated PDVB nanotube surface. The
      composite nanotubes become paramagnetic after calcination and can be broken into
      shorter pieces under vigorous ultrasonication. After selective modification of
      the interior and exterior surfaces of the paramagnetic nanotubes, the nanotube
      shell becomes Janus in wettability. Desired hydrophobic species can be
      selectively captured inside the cavity. The paramagnetic Janus composite
      nanotubes can align into parallel chains under a magnetic field, which is self
      disassembled upon removal of the magnetic field. 

PMID- 27124878
TI  - Bimatoprost 0.03% for the Treatment of Eyebrow Hypotrichosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eyebrow loss may have substantial negative functional and social
      consequences. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the safety and efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% in
      subjects with eyebrow hypotrichosis. METHODS: This multicenter, double-masked
      study randomized adult females or males with eyebrow hypotrichosis to receive
      bimatoprost 0.03% twice (BID) or once daily (QD) or vehicle BID for 7 months.
      Primary endpoint was overall eyebrow fullness at Month 7. Secondary endpoints
      included eyebrow fullness (mm), darkness (intensity units), and subject
      satisfaction with treatment. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: At Month 7, the
      proportion of subjects with improvement was significantly higher in bimatoprost
      groups versus vehicle (both, p < .001). Improvements occurred in both bimatoprost
      groups versus vehicle after Month 1 and continued through follow-up; eyebrow
      fullness and darkness improved as early as Months 2 and 1, respectively (both, p
      < .001). Greater satisfaction was reported with bimatoprost versus vehicle at
      Month 2 and all subsequent time points. Overall, 38.1%, 42.4%, and 35.5% of
      subjects in the bimatoprost BID, QD, and vehicle groups, respectively,
      experienced >=1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE). Most frequent TEAEs were
      similar across groups. No skin or iris hyperpigmentation or conjunctival
      hyperemia occurred. CONCLUSION: Bimatoprost 0.03% BID and QD is safe, well
      tolerated, and effective for eyebrow hypotrichosis.

PMID- 27124879
TI  - BRACHYTHERAPY ALONE OR WITH NEOADJUVANT PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR AMELANOTIC
      CHOROIDAL MELANOMA: Functional Outcomes and Local Tumor Control.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare visual outcomes and local tumor control between two groups of
      patients with amelanotic choroidal melanoma treated with brachytherapy alone, or
      neoadjuvant photodynamic therapy before brachytherapy. METHODS: Patients
      diagnosed with amelanotic choroidal melanoma were recruited for the study and
      divided into two groups: brachytherapy alone (Group A) and photodynamic therapy
      preceding brachytherapy (Group B). Patients of both groups were selected to be
      comparable. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with amelanotic choroidal melanoma were
      enrolled in the study. Within Group B, 1 month after photodynamic therapy,
      ultrasonography showed reduction of tumor height in 11 patients (73.4%). The mean
      doses of irradiation to macula and optic nerve, at baseline were 74.37 and 52.07
      Gy, whereas after photodynamic therapy there was a decrease of 17.26% (P = 0.008)
      and 21.22% (P = 0.025), respectively. In terms of visual acuity, a mean decrease
      of 14 ETDRS letters and 5 ETDRS letters was observed at 24 months follow-up, in
      Groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy as
      neoadjuvant therapy before brachytherapy reduces tumor thickness in 73.4% of
      cases. As a result, a decrease of radiation toxic effects on visual function
      could be obtained, without compromising disease control.

PMID- 27124880
TI  - SUBRETINAL FIBROSIS AFTER ANTIVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY IN EYES
      WITH MYOPIC CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the incidence and risk factors of subretinal fibrosis and
      their impact on visual outcome in eyes with myopic CNV. METHODS: Medical records
      of 72 eyes treated with antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF)
      therapy in a pro re nata regimen for myopic CNV that followed up for more than 1
      year were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of subretinal fibrosis after
      anti-VEGF therapy was determined using both fundus photographs and optical
      coherence tomography. The incidence and risk factors of subretinal fibrosis were
      evaluated, and best-corrected visual acuity was compared between the eyes with
      and without subretinal fibrosis. RESULTS: The incidences of subretinal fibrosis
      during the 1-year and whole follow-up period were 31.9% and 36.1%, respectively.
      Occurrence of subretinal fibrosis was associated with frequent CNV recurrence (P
      = 0.005) and poor baseline best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.044) in a Cox
      proportional hazard model. Anatomically, the eyes with subretinal fibrosis showed
      more frequent progression of chorioretinal atrophy (95.7% vs. 71.4%, P = 0.027)
      and less frequent photoreceptor recovery (17.4% vs. 65.3%, P < 0.001) after anti
      VEGF therapy. Occurrence of subretinal fibrosis was associated with poor vision
      at baseline (P = 0.011) and the final visit (P = 0.008) when compared with the
      findings in the nonoccurrence group. CONCLUSION: Development of subretinal
      fibrosis after anti-VEGF therapy was common in eyes with myopic CNV and was
      associated with CNV recurrence. Myopic eyes with subretinal fibrosis show
      progressive chorioretinal atrophy and poor visual outcome.

PMID- 27124881
TI  - PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED SUBJECT-MASKED STUDY OF INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB
      MONOTHERAPY VERSUS DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANT MONOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF
      PERSISTENT DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy with intravitreal
      dexamethasone delayed delivery system monotherapy for persistent diabetic macular
      edema. METHODS: Single-center, randomized, subject-masked study of eyes with
      persistent diabetic macular edema, defined as central subfield thickness (CST)
      >340 MUm despite >=3 anti-vascular endothelial growth factors injections within 5
      months. The intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy (n = 23 eyes) and delayed
      delivery system monotherapy (n = 27 eyes) groups received treatments q1month and
      q3months, respectively. RESULTS: Baseline best-corrected visual acuity and CST
      were similar in the two groups. At Month 7, the mean final best-corrected visual
      acuity (mean +/- SD) was 65 +/- 16 letters (mean Snellen visual acuity 20/50) and
      64 +/- 11 letters (20/50) (P = 0.619), the mean change in best-corrected visual
      acuity was +5.6 +/- 6.1 and +5.8 +/- 7.6 letters (P = 0.785), the mean final CST
      was 471 +/- 157 and 336 +/- 89 MUm (P = 0.001), and the mean change in CST was 
      13 +/- 105 and -122 +/- 120 MUm (P = 0.005) in the intravitreal bevacizumab
      monotherapy and delayed delivery system monotherapy groups, respectively. The
      number of injections was 7.0 +/- 0.2 and 2.7 +/- 0.5 (P < 0.001) in the 2 groups.
      CONCLUSION: The two groups had similar best-corrected visual acuity gains. The
      delayed delivery system monotherapy group achieved a significantly greater
      reduction of CST compared with the intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy group,
      with a q3month interval of treatment, and had no recurrent edema at any visit.

PMID- 27124882
TI  - CHOROIDAL VASCULARITY INDEX IN CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in eyes with central
      serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) using an image binarization tool on enhanced depth
      imaging using spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans. METHODS: In
      this retrospective cohort study, enhanced depth imaging optical coherence
      tomography scans of both eyes of patients with CSC were taken at baseline; they
      were segmented and compared with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence
      tomography scans of fellow eyes without CSC as well as age-matched healthy
      subjects. Subfoveal choroidal area (1,500 MUm) was segmented into luminal area
      and stromal area using image binarization. Choroidal vascularity index was
      defined as the proportion of luminal area to the total circumscribed subfoveal
      choroidal area. RESULTS: Eyes with acute CSC (32 eyes) had significantly higher
      CVI compared with their fellow eyes (27 eyes) (P < 0.0001), 19 eyes with resolved
      CSC (P < 0.0001) and with 30 eyes of age-matched healthy eyes (P < 0.0001).
      Fellow eyes of subjects with acute CSC also had significantly higher CVI compared
      with eyes with resolved CSC (P < 0.0001) and age-matched healthy eyes (P <
      0.0001). CONCLUSION: Increased CVI suggests increased vascular component compared
      with the stromal component in acute CSC. Increased CVI was noted in fellow eye of
      the subjects with acute CSC in comparison with age-matched healthy subjects. The
      CVI could be a useful index for early diagnosis of CSC and to assess the
      treatment response after laser photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy.

PMID- 27124883
TI  - LONG-TERM RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF VISUAL ACUITY AND OPTICAL COHERENCE
      TOPOGRAPHIC CHANGES AFTER SINGLE VERSUS DOUBLE PEELING DURING VITRECTOMY FOR
      MACULAR EPIRETINAL MEMBRANES.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the long-term effect of internal limiting membrane with
      associated epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling versus single peeling alone in terms
      of best-corrected visual acuity and anatomical outcomes on spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography. METHODS: This retrospective comparative cohort
      study of patients who had follow-up of >1 year and underwent surgery for ERM by a
      single surgeon (S.C.) from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012 compared cases in
      which the internal limiting membrane was stained with brilliant blue G to
      facilitate double peeling (n = 42) and single peeling (n = 43) of the ERM alone
      for up to 3 years of follow-up. For continuous variables, an independent two
      tailed t-test was performed. For binary variables, the Fisher's exact test was
      performed. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. RESULTS: Eighty-five
      of 142 patients fit the inclusion criteria. At the last follow-up, the single
      peeling group were more likely to have ERM remaining in the central fovea
      postoperatively (P = 0.0020, becoming significant by postoperative Year 1, P =
      0.022) and less likely to develop inner retinal dimpling (P = 0.000, becoming
      significant by postoperative Month 3, P = 0.015). At 3 years, central foveal
      thickness had decreased in the single-peeling group by -136.9 um and by -84.1 MUm
      in the double-peeling group, which was not significantly different (P = 0.08).
      Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved in both the groups at all time points.
      There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups at 3 years
      (P = 0.44; single-peeling group, 0.32 +/- 0.42, Snellen 20/42; double-peeling
      group, 0.23 +/- 0.27, Snellen 20/34). CONCLUSION: Brilliant blue G-assisted
      internal limiting membrane peeling for ERM results in a more thorough removal of
      residual ERM around the paracentral fovea. However, there is no difference in
      long-term best-corrected visual acuity at 3 years and a greater likelihood of
      inner retinal dimpling.

PMID- 27124885
TI  - Parents' and patients' experiences with paediatric oncology care in Switzerland-
      satisfaction and some hurdles.
AB  - QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: This paper explores parents' and patients' satisfaction
      with care in Swiss paediatric oncology settings and examines difficulties
      experienced while undergoing treatment for cancer. METHODS: Semistructured
      interviews were conducted with 19 parents, and with 17 children who were
      diagnosed with cancer and receiving treatment. During these interviews questions
      pertaining to communication and decision-making at time of diagnosis and
      throughout the illness course were asked. In this paper, we examined these
      interviews using thematic coding to identify themes with regard to satisfaction
      with care. RESULTS: Generally, participants reported being very content with the
      care they received. Aspects that contributed to satisfaction were the
      friendliness and responsive nature of healthcare staff; helpful communication;
      and professionals going beyond their duties to care for the family. In spite of
      mainly being pleased with the care they received, participants underlined several
      issues that made their experiences at times difficult. These included frequent
      change of physician or receiving care from another unit, which for them
      represented lack of continuity of care; language problems; and challenges with
      reproductive health issues of the child. Additionally, patients suggested several
      ways to improve hospital stays and thereby patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION:
      Participants reported being very satisfied with care delivered by paediatric
      oncology units. Nevertheless, they also identified problems that are worth
      addressing in order to efficiently tend to the needs of patients and families
      undergoing this difficult experience. Future research is needed to explore how
      care for children with cancer and their families can be further improved.

PMID- 27124884
TI  - Cytomegalovirus infection does not impact on survival or time to first treatment
      in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widely prevalent herpes virus which establishes
      a state of chronic infection. The establishment of CMV-specific immunity controls
      viral reactivation and leads to the accumulation of very large numbers of virus
      specific T cells which come to dominate the immune repertoire. There is concern
      that this may reduce the immune response to heterologous infections and HCMV
      infection has been associated with reduced survival in elderly people. Patients
      with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) suffer from a state of immune
      suppression but have a paradoxical increase in the magnitude of the CMV-specific
      T cell and humoral immune response. As such, there is now considerable interest
      in how CMV infection impacts on the clinical outcome of patients with B-CLL.
      Utilizing a large prospective cohort of patients with B-CLL (n = 347) we
      evaluated the relationship between HCMV seropositivity and patient outcome. HCMV
      seropositive patients had significantly worse overall survival than HCMV negative
      patients in univariate analysis (HR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.34-3.88; P = 0.002).
      However, CMV seropositive patients were 4 years older than seronegative donors
      and this survival difference was lost in multivariate modeling adjusted for age
      and other validated prognostic markers (P = 0.34). No significant difference was
      found in multivariate modeling between HCMV positive and negative patients in
      relation to the time to first treatment (HR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.68-1.84; P = 0.65).
      These findings in a second independent cohort of 236 B-CLL patients were
      validated. In conclusion no evidence that HCMV impacts on the clinical outcome of
      patients with B-CLL was found. Am. J. Hematol. 91:776-781, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27124886
TI  - Weighting of Facial Grading Variables to Disfigurement in Facial Palsy.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: A universal, health care professional-graded scale for facial
      assessment would be a useful tool for reporting, comparing, and assessing facial
      function among patients with facial paralysis. OBJECTIVES: To correlate scores of
      an assessment tool, the eFACE scale, with expert-rated facial disfigurement and
      to determine the relative contributions of facial features to facial palsy
      related disfigurement. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The eFACE scale yields
      15 individual variable scores, in addition to subscores for static, dynamic, and
      synkinesis elements, and a total score that is based on 100-point scales. Two
      hundred patients with varying degrees of unilateral facial palsy underwent
      independent eFACE assessment and assignment of a disfigurement score by 2 facial
      nerve surgeons. The mean scores were determined, and multivariate regression
      analysis was performed to fit eFACE subset scores (static, dynamic, and
      synkinesis) to disfigurement ratings. A hybrid regression model was then used to
      weight each of the 15 eFACE variables, using stepwise regression to control for
      the effect of the other variables. Scoring was performed during an 8-week period
      from March 16 to May 8, 2015. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE: Use of the 100-point
      eFACE variables, together with a 100-point visual analog scale of disfigurement,
      with 0 representing the most extreme disfigurement possible from a facial nerve
      disorder and 100 representing no discernible facial disfigurement. RESULTS: In
      the 200 patients included in analysis (126 [63.0% female]; mean [SD] age, 46.5
      [16.4] years]), predicted disfigurement scores based on eFACE subset scores
      demonstrated excellent agreement with surgeon-graded disfigurement severity (r2 =
      0.79). Variable weighting demonstrated that the 6 key contributors to overall
      disfigurement were (in order of importance) nasolabial fold depth at rest
      (normalized coefficient [NC], 0.18; P < .001), oral commissure position at rest
      (NC, 0.15; P < .001), lower lip asymmetry while pronouncing the long /e/ (NC,
      0.09; P < .001), palpebral fissure width at rest (NC, 0.09; P < .001), nasolabial
      fold orientation with smiling (NC, 0.08; P = .001), and palpebral fissure width
      during attempts at full eye closure (NC, 0.06; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: A mathematical association between eFACE-measured facial features and
      overall expert-graded disfigurement in facial paralysis has been established. For
      those using the eFACE grading scale, predictions of the specific effects of
      various interventions on expert-rated disfigurement are now possible and may
      guide therapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

PMID- 27124887
TI  - Food and Drug Administration Approval for Use of Hiberix as a 3-Dose Primary
      Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccination Series.
AB  - On January 14, 2016, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (Research Triangle Park, North
      Carolina) received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expand
      use of Hiberix (Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine [Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate]) for a
      3-dose infant primary vaccination series at ages 2, 4, and 6 months. Hiberix was
      first licensed in the United States in August 2009 for use as a booster dose in
      children aged 15 months through 4 years under the Accelerated Approval
      Regulations, in response to a Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine
      shortage that lasted from December 2007 to July 2009 (1). Expanding the age
      indication to include infants provides another vaccine option in addition to
      other currently licensed monovalent or combination Hib vaccines recommended for
      the primary vaccination series.* Hiberix contains 10 MUg purified capsular
      polyribosyl ribitolphosphate (PRP) conjugated to 25 MUg tetanus toxoid (PRP-T)
      and is supplied as a single-dose vial of lyophilized vaccine to be reconstituted
      with saline diluent. For the 3-dose primary series, a single (0.5 mL) dose should
      be given by intramuscular injection at ages 2, 4, and 6 months; the first dose
      may be given as early as age 6 weeks. The recommended catch-up schedule for PRP-T
      vaccines (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/child-adolescent.html) should
      be followed. As previously recommended, a single booster dose should be
      administered to children aged 15 months through 18 months; to facilitate timely
      booster vaccination, Hiberix can be administered as early as age 12 months, in
      accordance with Hib vaccination schedules for routine and catch-up immunization
      (1-3). 

PMID- 27124888
TI  - Fundamental Differences between Group 8 Metals: Unexpected Oxidation State
      Preferences and Mechanisms in Ruthenium Borylene Complex Formation.
AB  - The reaction of the salts K[Ru(CO)3 (PMe3 )(SiR3 )] (R=Me, Et) with Br2 BDur or
      Cl2 BDur (Dur=2,3,5,6-Me4 C6 H) leads to both boryl and borylene complexes of
      divalent ruthenium, the former through simple salt elimination and the latter
      through subsequent CO loss and 1,2-halide shift. The balance of products can be
      altered by varying the reaction conditions; boryl complexes can be favored by the
      addition of CO, and borylene complexes by removal of CO under vacuum. All of
      these products are in competition with the corresponding
      (aryl)(halo)(trialkylsilyl)borane, a reductive elimination product. The Ru(II)
      borylene products and the mechanisms that form them are distinctly different from
      the analogous reactions with iron, which lead to low-valent borylene complexes,
      highlighting fundamental differences in oxidation state preferences between iron
      and ruthenium.

PMID- 27124889
TI  - Testosterone undecanoate improves sexual function in men with type 2 diabetes and
      severe hypogonadism: results from a 30-week randomized placebo-controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sexual function response to 30 weeks' treatment with
      long-acting testosterone undecanoate (TU) or placebo in 199 men with type 2
      diabetes and either severe or mild hypogonadism (HG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Men
      with HG were identified from seven primary care type 2 diabetes registers. A 30
      week randomized placebo-controlled study of TU was carried out in 199 of these
      men (placebo, n = 107, TU, n = 92). The patient-reported outcome measure was the
      15-item International Index of Erectile Function score. Men completing the study
      (n=189) were stratified, firstly, by baseline total testosterone (TT) or free
      testosterone (FT) into mild HG (TT 8.1-12 nmol/L or FT 0.18-0.25 nmol/L) and
      severe HG groups (TT <=8 nmol/L and FT <=0.18 nmol/L), and secondly, by
      intervention (placebo or TU), thereby creating four groups: mild HG/placebo; mild
      HG/TU; severe HG/placebo and severe HG/TU. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Changes in
      sexual function score (a secondary outcome of the study) at each visit within
      group (from baseline) and between groups (TU vs placebo) at each assessment (6,
      18 and 30 weeks) were compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank and Wilcoxon rank-sum
      test, respectively. RESULTS: Significant improvement in erectile function was
      evident only in the severe HG group after 30 weeks of TU treatment; this finding
      persisted when TU was compared with placebo. Intercourse satisfaction and sexual
      desire scores were also improved at 6, 18 and 30 weeks in the severe HG group
      after TU treatment; this increase in scores was also evident when compared with
      placebo. TU did not appear to alter orgasmic function significantly in any of the
      patient groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that benefit in sexual
      symptoms after TU treatment is evident principally in patients with HG with TT
      levels <=8 nmol/L and FT levels <=0.18 nmol/L. We also suggest that 30 weeks of
      treatment is necessary before evaluating improvement in erectile function.

PMID- 27124892
TI  - Domain wall motion driven by adiabatic spin transfer torque through excitation of
      nonlinear dynamics.
AB  - Domain wall dynamics under the joint action of a linearly polarized microwave
      magnetic field and spin transfer torque was analysed in terms of the domain wall
      collective coordinates. It was found that a microwave-assisted steady domain wall
      motion driven by adiabatic spin transfer torque can be adequately described by
      three domain wall collective coordinates. Analytical expression for the domain
      wall velocity showed that there are two contributions to the steady domain wall
      motion. One is derived from the nonlinear oscillation of domain wall width
      excited by the microwave field, and the other is from the heterodyne process
      between the width oscillation and the microwave field. The former always propels
      a domain wall to move in the positive direction, which is defined as the
      direction of the applied current. The latter contribution to the domain wall
      velocity can be positive or negative, depending on the polarization of the
      microwave field. The final domain wall velocity is determined by the competition
      between those two contributions, which indicates that by simply changing the
      polarization of the microwave field, the direction of the domain wall motion can
      be reversed. Our analysis demonstrated that the characteristics of domain wall
      motion can be tuned by selective excitation of nonlinear domain wall dynamics.

PMID- 27124891
TI  - HIV viral suppression in TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database enrolled adults on
      antiretroviral therapy at the Social Health Clinic, the National Center for
      HIV/AIDS, Dermatology & STDs, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Social Health Clinic at the National Center for HIV/AIDS,
      Dermatology & STDs (SHC-NCHADS) in Phnom Penh is a major provider of
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Cambodia. However, patient access to viral load
      monitoring is uncommon. We conducted a cross-sectional evaluation of HIV viral
      load in SHC-NCHADS patients on ART to determine the proportion experiencing
      virological failure and to identify factors associated with virological failure
      in this population. METHODS: Patients who had been using their current first- or
      second-line ART regimen for >=6 months were eligible. Virological failure was
      defined as a viral load >1,000 copies/ml, death, lost-to-follow-up or the absence
      of viral load testing despite presenting for care. Factors associated with
      virological failure were evaluated using logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall,
      463 patients (53.1% male, median age 42.1 years) were included in the
      investigation. At the time of current regimen initiation, median CD4+ T-cell
      count was 101 cells/mm3 and 89.0% of patients had experienced a WHO stage III/IV
      event. At the time of testing/last clinic visit, 28 (6.0%) patients met our
      definition of virological failure. Median viral load among those failing was
      9,633 copies/ml. Shorter time on current ART regimen, low CD4+ T-cell count at
      the time of viral load testing/last clinic visit and a record of suboptimal
      adherence were the strongest predictors of virological failure. CONCLUSIONS: This
      work demonstrates the high rate of viral suppression being achieved by the
      treatment programme at SHC-NCHADS and the need for future work to phase-in
      routine viral load monitoring in Cambodia.

PMID- 27124890
TI  - In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of Silicate-Coated Polyetheretherketone
      Fabricated by Electron Beam Evaporation.
AB  - Intrinsic bioinertness severely hampers the application of polyetheretherketone
      (PEEK), although in the field of dentistry it is considered to be an ideal
      titanium substitute implanting material. In this study, a bioactive silicate
      coating was successfully introduced onto PEEK surface by using electron beam
      evaporation (EBE) technology to improve its bioactivity and osseointegration of
      PEEK. Through controlling the duration of EBE, the incorporated amounts of
      silicon (Si) could be exquisitely adjusted to obtain proper biofunctionality, as
      assessed by cell adhesion, proliferation, osteogenic gene expression, and protein
      detection. In vivo, the samples were then tested in a femur implantation model to
      assay osseointegration effects in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Remarkable
      enhancement of adhesion, spreading, osteogenesis, and differentiation of bone
      marrow stem cells (rBMSCs-OVX) were noted on silicate-coated samples. In
      particular, the group that was processed for 5 min with EBE (EBE-5 min) showed
      the most improvements in ALP activity and osteogenic-related gene expression
      compared to the remaining groups. Better osseointegration of the group that was
      processed for 8 min with EBE (EBE-8 min) was observed in vivo, as indicated by
      micro-CT test, fluorescent labeling, and histological and histomorphometric
      analyses. Collectively, the outcomes of the above experiments demonstrate that
      the present work is a meaningful attempt to promote osseointegration under
      osteoporotic conditions with only Si element incorporated to PEEK surface by the
      application of EBE technique. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the
      first demonstration of tuning the surface properties of PEEK via the adoption of
      an EBE-fabricated silicate coating to address an osteoporotic problem both in
      vitro and in vivo. 

PMID- 27124893
TI  - The effect of bending stiffness on scaling laws for the size of colloidal
      nanosheets.
AB  - Using coarse-grained Brownian dynamics simulations, we study the relationship
      between hydrodynamic radius ([Formula: see text] and the lateral size ([Formula:
      see text] of dispersed nanosheets. Our simulation results show that the bending
      modulus of the nanosheets has a significant impact on the exponent of this power
      law relationship between the radius of gyration (and thus [Formula: see text] and
      [Formula: see text] The exponent can vary from 0.17 to 1. This sheds light on the
      interpretation of dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements, such that DLS data
      can capture both nanosheet lateral size and modulus (which is, in turn, affected
      by nanosheet thickness). 

PMID- 27124894
TI  - Predicting virological decay in patients starting combination antiretroviral
      therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Model trajectories of viral load measurements from time of starting
      combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), and use the model to predict whether
      patients will achieve suppressed viral load (<=200 copies/ml) within 6-months of
      starting cART. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study including HIV-positive adults (UK
      Collaborative HIV Cohort Study). METHODS: Eligible patients were antiretroviral
      naive and started cART after 1997. Random effects models were used to estimate
      viral load trends. Patients were randomly selected to form a validation dataset
      with those remaining used to fit the model. We evaluated predictions of
      suppression using indices of diagnostic test performance. RESULTS: Of 9562
      eligible patients 6435 were used to fit the model and 3127 for validation. Mean
      log10 viral load trajectories declined rapidly during the first 2 weeks post
      cART, moderately between 2 weeks and 3 months, and more slowly thereafter. Higher
      pretreatment viral load predicted steeper declines, whereas older age, white
      ethnicity, and boosted protease inhibitor/non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitors based cART-regimen predicted a steeper decline from 3 months onwards.
      Specificity of predictions and the diagnostic odds ratio substantially improved
      when predictions were based on viral load measurements up to the 4-month visit
      compared with the 2 or 3-month visits. Diagnostic performance improved when
      suppression was defined by two consecutive suppressed viral loads compared with
      one. CONCLUSIONS: Viral load measurements can be used to predict if a patient
      will be suppressed by 6-month post-cART. Graphical presentations of this
      information could help clinicians decide the optimum time to switch treatment
      regimen during the first months of cART.

PMID- 27124895
TI  - Targeting elimination of mother-to-child HIV transmission efforts using
      geospatial analysis of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Zimbabwe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We assessed Zimbabwe's progress toward elimination of mother-to-child
      HIV transmission (MTCT) under Option A. METHODS: We analyzed 2012 and 2014 cross
      sectional serosurvey data from mother-infant pairs residing in the same 157
      health facility catchment areas randomly sampled from five provinces. Eligible
      women were at least 16 years and mothers/caregivers of infants born 9-18 months
      prior. We aggregated individual-level questionnaire and HIV serostatus within
      catchment areas or district to estimate MTCT and the number of HIV-infected
      infants; these data were mapped using facility global positioning system
      coordinates. RESULTS: A weighted population of 8800 and 10 404 mother-infant
      pairs was included from 2012 and 2014, respectively. In 2014, MTCT among HIV
      exposed infants was 6.7% (95% confidence interval: 5.2, 8.6), not significantly
      different from 2012 (8.8%, 95% confidence interval: 6.9, 11.1, P = 0.13). From
      2012 to 2014, self-reported antiretroviral therapy or prophylaxis among HIV
      infected women increased from 59 to 65% (P = 0.05), as did self-reported infant
      antiretroviral prophylaxis (63 vs. 67%, P = 0.08). In 2014, 65 (41%), 55 (35%),
      and 37 (24%) catchment areas had the same, lower, and higher MTCT rate as in
      2012, respectively. MTCT in 2014 varied by catchment areas (median = 0%, mean =
      4.9%, interquartile range = 0-10%) as did the estimated number of HIV-infected
      infants (median = 0, mean = 1.1, interquartile range = 0-1.0). Also in 2014, 106
      (68%) catchment areas had MTCT = 0%. Geovisualization revealed clustering of
      catchment areas where both MTCT and the estimated number of HIV-infected infants
      were relatively high. CONCLUSION: Although MTCT is declining in Zimbabwe,
      geospatial analysis indicates facility-level variability. Catchment areas with
      high MTCT rates and a high burden of HIV-infected infants should be the highest
      priority for service intensification.

PMID- 27124896
TI  - Longitudinal increase in vitamin D binding protein levels after initiation of
      tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz among individuals with HIV.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine longitudinal change in vitamin D binding protein (DBP)
      levels during the first year after initiation of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
      (TDF)/lamivudine/efavirenz and compare these findings with concurrent changes in
      markers of skeletal metabolism. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of plasma samples
      collected from an ongoing multicenter clinical trial. METHODS: Plasma samples
      collected at 0, 24, and 48 weeks after initiation of TDF + lamivudine + efavirenz
      from 134 adult participants enrolled in a multicenter randomized trial were
      analyzed. Data regarding sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were
      obtained as part of the parent study. Laboratory analyses included plasma DBP,
      intact parathyroid hormone, total 25-hydroxy vitamin D, phosphorus, the bone
      resorption marker collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide, and the bone
      formation marker total procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide. Repeated
      measures analysis of variance was used to measure changes in biomarkers over
      time. RESULTS: Our sample included 108 men and 26 women (mean age 33.6 +/- 9.6
      years). Median levels of DBP increased significantly from baseline to 48 weeks
      [154 (91.8-257.4) versus 198.3 (119.6-351.9) MUg/ml, P < 0.001]. A concurrent
      rise in intact parathyroid hormone levels was observed over the same period [32.3
      (24.4-40.9) versus 45.2 (35.1-60.4) pg/ml, P < 0.001]; however, 25-hydroxy
      vitamin D and phosphorus levels remained stable. Bone resorption and formation
      markers rapidly increased from 0 to 24 weeks, followed by a slight decline or
      plateau, but remained significantly elevated at 48 weeks (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Our study provides longitudinal data supporting a potential role for DBP in bone
      loss associated with TDF-based therapy. Further research to elucidate the
      mechanistic pathways and clinical impact of these findings is warranted.

PMID- 27124898
TI  - Modification of the HIV-specific CD8+ T-cell response in an HIV elite controller
      after chikungunya virus infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection on the
      quality of the HIV-specific CD8 T-cell (CTL) response in an HIV elite controller.
      DESIGN: Three blood samples were obtained from an elite controller at 27 days (EC
      CHIKV, Sample 1, S1), 41 days (S2) and 1 year (S3) after CHIKV infection.
      Additionally, samples from another nine elite controllers and nine viremic
      chronics were obtained. METHODS: CD4 T-cell counts, viral load and immune
      activation were recorded. Natural killer (NK) cells and HIV-specific CTL quality
      were evaluated. Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistics. RESULTS: A
      male HIV elite controller was confirmed for CHIKV infection. At S1, he presented
      211 cells/MUl CD4 T-cell count, a HIV viral load blip (145 copies/ml) and high T
      cell activation. NK cell percentage and activation were higher at S2. All
      parameters were recovered by S3. CTLs at S1 were exclusively monofunctional with
      a high proportion (>80%) of degranulating CTLs. By S3, CTL polyfunctionality was
      more similar to that of a typical elite controller. The distribution of CTL
      memory subsets also displayed altered profiles. CONCLUSION: The results showed
      that the phenotype and function of HIV-specific CTLs were modified in temporal
      association with an HIV viral load blip that followed CHIKV infection. This might
      have helped to control the transient HIV rebound. Additionally, NK cells could
      have been involved in this control. These results provide useful information to
      help understand how elite controllers maintain their status, control HIV
      infection and alert about the negative impact to the immune function of HIV
      infected individuals living in CHIKV endemic areas.

PMID- 27124897
TI  - HIV-1 is undetectable in preejaculatory secretions from HIV-1-infected men on
      suppressive HAART.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preejaculatory fluid, a viscous, lubricating secretion expressed by
      penile urethral glands during sexual excitement, may play a role in the sexual
      transmission of HIV-1. The urethra has been shown to be an important site of HIV
      infection in men and male macaques, and preejaculatory fluid and urethral swabs
      from HIV-1-infected men often contain HIV. Recent studies have shown that HAART
      reduces but does not eliminate seminal HIV shedding in infected men, and that the
      penile urethra remains a site of persistent simian immunodeficiency virus
      infection in HAART-treated macaques. The objective of this study was to determine
      whether HIV-infected men on stable HAART continue to shed HIV into preejaculatory
      secretions. DESIGN: Single-center prospective study. METHODS: Sixty HIV-infected
      men on HAART were recruited to provide preejaculatory fluid, semen, and blood for
      HIV RNA quantification by reverse transcription-PCR. RESULTS: Eight men had
      detectable HIV in blood; of these four had HIV in semen (range: 40-96 000
      copies/ml), and one had HIV in preejaculate (2400 copies/sample). Fifty-two men
      had undetectable HIV RNA in blood; of these 10 (19.2%) had HIV RNA in semen
      (range: 59-800 copies/ml) whereas none (0%) had HIV RNA in preejaculate (P =
      0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This study documents for the first time high levels of HIV
      RNA in preejaculate fluid. However, none of the men on stable HAART with
      undetectable blood viral load had HIV RNA in preejaculate, even though many had
      detectable HIV in semen. The urethral glands do not appear to be a principal
      source of HIV in men on suppressive HAART.

PMID- 27124899
TI  - Non-R5-tropic HIV-1 in subtype A1 and D infections were associated with lower
      pretherapy CD4+ cell count but not with PI/(N)NRTI therapy outcomes in Mbarara,
      Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that infection with non-R5-tropic subtype B
      HIV-1, compared with R5, is associated with a more rapid decline in CD4 cell
      count, but does not affect PI/(N)NRTI therapy outcome. Here, we explored clinical
      correlates associated with viral tropism in subtype A1 and D infections. METHODS:
      HIV-1 subtype A1 (n = 196) and D (n = 143) pretherapy plasma samples and up to
      7.5 years of posttherapy virologic and CD4 data were collected from a cross
      sectional cohort in Mbarara, Uganda. Tropism and subtype were inferred using env
      V3 (geno2pheno) and gp41 (RIP) Sanger sequences. For each subtype, R5 infection
      was compared with non-R5 in terms of: pretherapy viral load and CD4 cell count
      (Mann-Whitney tests), and therapy outcomes, including time to virologic
      suppression, postsuppression virologic rebound, CD4 decline and CD4 recovery (log
      rank tests). RESULTS: A 94% of all patients in this study achieved virologic
      suppression within median 3 months posttherapy. In both subtypes, non-R5
      infection was associated with lower pretherapy CD4 cell count (non-R5 vs. R5; A:
      median 57 vs. 147 cells/MUl P = 0.005; D: 80 vs. 128 cells/MUl P = 0.006).
      Multivariable linear regression confirmed that tropism, not subtype nor the
      interaction between subtype and tropism, was a significant predictor of
      pretherapy CD4 cell count (P < 0.0001). None of pretherapy viral load, time to
      virologic suppression, virologic rebound, CD4 decline nor CD4 recovery was
      significantly different (all P > 0.09). CONCLUSION: Regardless of HIV-1 subtype
      or tropism, the majority of patients in this Ugandan cohort responded to therapy,
      even though non-R5 infection was associated with lower pretherapy CD4 cell count.

PMID- 27124900
TI  - Sensitivity of HIV rapid tests compared with fourth-generation enzyme
      immunoassays or HIV RNA tests.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Determine the sensitivity of HIV rapid tests compared with fourth
      generation enzyme immunoassays (EIA) or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT)
      in clinical settings. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS:
      Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane reviews
      and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched until
      14 July 2015 for studies of adults comparing point-of-care HIV rapid tests to
      fourth-generation HIV EIA antibody/p24 antigen or HIV NAAT. RESULTS: From 953
      titles, 18 studies were included, involving 110 122 HIV rapid test results.
      Compared with EIA, the estimated sensitivity (random effects) of HIV rapid tests
      was 94.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 87.4-97.7]. Compared with NAAT, the
      sensitivity of HIV rapid tests was 93.7% (95% CI: 88.7-96.5). The sensitivity of
      HIV rapid tests in high-income countries was 85.7% (95% CI: 81.9-88.9) and in low
      income countries was 97.7% (95% CI: 95.2-98.9) compared with either EIA or NAAT
      (P < 0.01 for difference between settings). Proportions of antibody negative
      acute infections were 13.6 (95% CI: 10.1-18.0) and 4.7% (95% CI: 2.8-7.7) in
      studies from high-income and low-income countries, respectively (P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: In clinical settings, HIV rapid tests were less sensitive in high
      income countries compared with low-income countries, missing about one in seven
      infections, possibly because of the larger proportion of acute infections in
      targeted populations. This suggests that in high-income countries, HIV rapid
      tests should be used in combination with fourth-generation EIA or NAAT tests,
      except in special circumstances. Prospective Registration of Systematic Reviews
      registration number CRD42015020154.Supplementary video link:
      http://links.lww.com/QAD/A924.

PMID- 27124902
TI  - ASCP and OUP: Stronger Together.

PMID- 27124901
TI  - B-cell development and pneumococcal immunity in vertically acquired HIV
      infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Many children with HIV infection now survive into adulthood. This
      study explored the impact of vertically acquired HIV in the era of antiretroviral
      therapy on the development of humoral immunity. DESIGN: Natural and vaccine
      related immunity to pneumococcus and B-cell phenotype was characterized and
      compared in three groups of young adults: those with vertically-acquired
      infection, those with horizontally acquired infection and healthy controls.
      METHODS: Serotype-specific pneumococcal (Pnc) immunoglobulin M and G
      concentrations before and up to 1 year post-Pnc polysaccharide (Pneumovax)
      immunization were determined, and opsonophagocytic activity was analysed. B-cell
      subpopulations and dynamic markers of B-cell signalling, turnover and
      susceptibility to apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: HIV
      infected patients showed impaired natural Pnc immunity and reduced humoral
      responses to immunization with Pneumovax; this was greatest in those viraemic at
      time of the study. Early-life viral control before the age of 10 years diminished
      these changes. Expanded populations of abnormally activated and immature B-cells
      were seen in both HIV-infected cohorts. Vertically infected patients were
      particularly vulnerable to reductions in marginal zone and switched memory
      populations. These aberrations were reduced in patients with early-life viral
      control. CONCLUSION: In children with HIV, damage to B-cell memory populations
      and impaired natural and vaccine immunity to pneumococcus is evident in early
      adult life. Sustained viral control from early childhood may help to limit this
      effect and optimize humoral immunity in adult life.

PMID- 27124903
TI  - MYC Immunohistochemistry Assessment in High-Grade Lymphomas: Hit or Miss?

PMID- 27124904
TI  - Pathology Consultation on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thrombotic
      Microangiopathies (TMAs).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pathologists specializing in transfusion medicine, apheresis
      medicine, and/or coagulation are often consulted by clinicians to reach a
      diagnosis for patients with thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), so that disease
      specific, often life-saving therapy can be initiated as promptly as possible.
      METHODS: This article describes how to proceed when treating a patient with TMA.
      The differential diagnosis is broad and potentially very challenging. Thrombotic
      thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), and
      typical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) are three such TMAs that require timely
      diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: TTP is treated with daily therapeutic plasma
      exchange (TPE) and commonly with adjunctive immunosuppressive therapy, while aHUS
      may initially be managed with TPE but is best controlled with eculizumab once a
      presumptive diagnosis is made. TPE has no proven role in typical HUS, which is
      most commonly treated with supportive measures only. CONCLUSIONS: Prompt and
      accurate diagnosis of TMA subtypes optimizes treatment and improves patient
      outcomes.

PMID- 27124905
TI  - Identification of Factors Affecting the Success of Next-Generation Sequencing
      Testing in Solid Tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Clinical laboratories are rapidly implementing next-generation
      sequencing (NGS) tests for mutation analysis, but there are few guidelines
      regarding sample quality for successful results. METHODS: We aimed to establish
      tissue quality parameters for successful NGS in solid tumors and to improve NGS
      performance. RESULTS: Analysis of 614 clinical cases tested in 2013 using a 50
      gene hotspot mutation panel identified the major cause for unsuccessful NGS
      analysis was DNA less than 10 ng (91%, 67/74) associated with extremely small and
      low cellularity samples. High success rates were associated with resection
      procedures (333/342, 97%) and biopsied tumor larger than 10 mm(2) (77/77, 100%).
      NGS can be successfully performed on bone specimens processed with formic acid
      based decalcification procedures (8/11, 73%). Tumor type and paraffin block age
      did not affect success. We demonstrated that NGS can be carried out on samples
      with less than 10 ng DNA. Analysis of 408 cases tested in 2014 using an optimized
      workflow showed improved NGS success rates from 88% to 95% (387/408) with
      pronounced improvement among tiny (<10 mm(2)) samples (from 76% to 94%) as well
      as cytology samples (from 58% to 87%). CONCLUSIONS: Identifying preanalytical
      tissue factors allows us to improve NGS performance and to successfully test
      tumors obtained from minimally invasive procedures.

PMID- 27124906
TI  - CD4-Positive T-Cell Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma in an HIV Positive
      Patient.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs) in patients with
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are predominantly B-cell lymphomas associated
      with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and rarely CD8-positive T-cell PCNSLs. METHODS:
      Patient history, laboratory results, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), imaging, and
      brain biopsy specimens were reviewed and tested for T-cell receptor clonality.
      RESULTS: A 64-year-old HIV-positive woman sought treatment for lethargy and left
      sided weakness. Brain imaging showed regional increased T2 signal with restricted
      diffusion in cerebral hemispheres. CSF flow cytometry revealed CD4-positive T
      lymphocytes with loss of CD3, CD5, and CD7. EBV-positive T-cell lymphoma was
      immunohistochemically confirmed on brain biopsy specimens. Molecular analysis
      detected clonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement. The patient received
      intrathecal methotrexate and whole-brain radiation. She did not respond to
      treatment and was eventually placed in hospice care. CONCLUSIONS: To our
      knowledge, this is the first report of CD4-positive T-cell PCNSL in an HIV
      positive patient and will help to raise clinical awareness of this previously
      unknown entity.

PMID- 27124907
TI  - Repeat Clostridium difficile PCR Testing After a Negative Result.

PMID- 27124908
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27124909
TI  - Is the Hemocytometer Obsolete for Body Fluid Cell Counting?

PMID- 27124910
TI  - Deja Visite: Specimen Provenance Issues in Next-Generation Sequencing.

PMID- 27124911
TI  - Evaluation of Sysmex XN-1000 High-Sensitive Analysis (hsA) Research Mode for
      Counting and Differentiating Cells in Cerebrospinal Fluid.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Counting cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using automated analyzers
      is generally problematic due to low precision at low cell numbers. To overcome
      this limitation, Sysmex (Kobe, Japan) developed the high-sensitive analysis (hsA)
      research mode specifically for counting cells in fluids that contain low cell
      counts. We evaluated this mode by counting RBCs, WBCs, and differentiated WBCs in
      CSF samples. METHODS: We analyzed 248 CSF samples using the hsA mode and compared
      these results with those obtained using the manual counting method. We also
      evaluated the linearity, detection limits, carryover, and precision of the hsA
      mode. RESULTS: Using the hsA mode, the lower limit of quantification for RBCs and
      WBCs was 10 and 2 cells/MUL, respectively. Comparing the two methods revealed
      good agreement with respect to WBCs (y = 1.08x + 0.52), RBCs (y = 1.07x + 0.00),
      lymphocytes (y = 1.00x + 0.00), neutrophils (y = 1.05x + 0.00), and monocytes (y
      = 0.88x + 0.07). Regression analysis for samples containing low WBCs (<10
      cells/MUL) and low RBCs (<50 cells/MUL) also had good agreement, although a
      slight positive bias was found for RBCs. Linearity was good (r(2) >= 0.99) for
      all parameters evaluated. Carryover was negligible and never exceeded 0.04%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The XN hsA research mode provides reliable cell counts in CSF
      samples, even in samples containing low numbers of WBCs and RBCs.

PMID- 27124912
TI  - Applying Ancestry and Sex Computation as a Quality Control Tool in Targeted Next
      Generation Sequencing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To apply techniques for ancestry and sex computation from next
      generation sequencing (NGS) data as an approach to confirm sample identity and
      detect sample processing errors. METHODS: We combined a principal component
      analysis method with k-nearest neighbors classification to compute the ancestry
      of patients undergoing NGS testing. By combining this calculation with X
      chromosome copy number data, we determined the sex and ancestry of patients for
      comparison with self-report. We also modeled the sensitivity of this technique in
      detecting sample processing errors. RESULTS: We applied this technique to 859
      patient samples with reliable self-report data. Our k-nearest neighbors ancestry
      screen had an accuracy of 98.7% for patients reporting a single ancestry. Visual
      inspection of principal component plots was consistent with self-report in 99.6%
      of single-ancestry and mixed-ancestry patients. Our model demonstrates that
      approximately two-thirds of potential sample swaps could be detected in our
      patient population using this technique. CONCLUSIONS: Patient ancestry can be
      estimated from NGS data incidentally sequenced in targeted panels, enabling an
      inexpensive quality control method when coupled with patient self-report.

PMID- 27124913
TI  - Optimal Scoring of Brightfield Dual-Color In Situ Hybridization for Evaluation of
      HER2 Amplification in Breast Carcinoma: How Many Cells Are Enough?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum number of
      cells that should be counted when scoring human epidermal growth factor receptor
      2 (HER2) brightfield dual-color in situ hybridization (BDISH), including cases
      with HER2/chromosome 17 (Chr17) ratios in the 1.80 to 2.20 range. METHODS IN
      TOTAL,: 131 cases of breast carcinoma with HER2 immunohistochemistry and BDISH
      were included. For cases with a HER2/Chr17 ratio of less than 1.80 or more than
      2.20 (n = 115), BDISH scoring was performed for 60 cells using three tumor
      fields, and for cases with a HER2/Chr17 ratio of 1.80 to 2.20 (n = 16), scoring
      was performed for 120 cells using six tumor fields. Mean HER2/Chr17 ratio and
      HER2 copy number were calculated for cumulative cell counts. RESULTS: The HER2
      status as determined by the HER2/Chr17 ratio or HER2 copy number was unchanged
      following counting of additional cells in 100% of cases with ratio of less than
      1.80 or more than 2.20. The HER2 status of two cases with ratios of 1.80 to 2.20
      changed from positive to negative following counting of 120 cells. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our findings support recommendations to score 20 nuclei in conjunction with
      careful assessment of immunohistochemistry and scan of the BDISH slide to
      identify areas of heterogeneity. Scoring of additional cells/fields is likely not
      of benefit and might be a disadvantage since the scorer moves out of the area of
      strongest signal.

PMID- 27124914
TI  - Diagnostic Evaluation of ELISA and Chemiluminescent Assays as Alternative
      Screening Tests to Indirect Immunofluorescence for the Detection of Antibodies to
      Cellular Antigens.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) plays an important role in
      the diagnosis of systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease (SARD). Our goal was to
      evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of three commercially available enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and one chemiluminescent assay for ANA
      detection, using the clinical diagnostic as the reference standard. METHODS: We
      evaluated serum samples from 143 patients with an established diagnosis of SARD
      (group 1), 166 patients with infectious diseases and other rheumatic diseases for
      which the ANA test is not useful in diagnosis (group 2), and 89 outpatients with
      suspicion of SARD (group 3). RESULTS: The sensitivity for ANA HEp-2, calculated
      in group 1, was 87.4% and varied between 62.9% and 90.0% for other tests. The
      specificity for ANA HEp-2, calculated in group 2, was 72.3% and varied between
      45.2% and 90.4% for other tests. In group 3, the negative predictive value for
      ANA Hep-2 was 92.5% and varied between 89.3% and 100% for other tests.
      CONCLUSIONS: Some ELISA kits have comparable or superior diagnostic sensitivity
      to ANA HEp-2 and could be used as an alternative method for ANA screening,
      therefore allowing the immediate report of the results with fewer false negatives
      than ANA HEp-2. Owing to the lower specificity, ELISA-positive samples should be
      submitted to ANA HEp-2 for confirmation of results.

PMID- 27124915
TI  - Morphologic Spectrum of Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Desmoid-type fibromatosis is a locally aggressive neoplasm composed
      of long sweeping fascicles of bland fibroblasts/myofibroblasts. Tumors with
      classic features are easy to identify, but the morphologic spectrum of this
      entity spans beyond the conventional histologic pattern. Since sampling of an
      unrecognized histologic variant may lead to misdiagnosis, especially on small
      needle biopsy specimens, we sought to fully characterize the morphologic spectrum
      of this entity. METHODS: We examined 165 cases of desmoid-type fibromatosis and
      catalogued the morphologic patterns and percentage of those patterns identified
      in each case. Clinicopathologic variables, including age, sex, location, and
      recurrence, were analyzed and correlated with pattern frequency. RESULTS: Seven
      morphologic patterns were identified, including conventional,
      hyalinized/hypocellular, staghorn vessel, myxoid, keloidal, nodular fasciitis
      like, and hypercellular. The mean number of patterns per case was two, but some
      cases harbored up to five patterns. The greatest morphologic variability was seen
      in the intra-abdominal lesions, with these tumors having a significantly higher
      percentage of the keloidal and staghorn patterns compared with extra-abdominal
      and abdominal wall sites. No significant correlation between patient outcome
      (recurrence) and presence of variant morphologic pattern was observed (P = .549).
      CONCLUSIONS: The morphologic spectrum of desmoid-type fibromatosis is deceptively
      broad, and awareness of the variety of histologic patterns is critical for
      accurate diagnosis.

PMID- 27124916
TI  - Do Histopathologic Variables Affect the Reporting of Lymphovascular Invasion in
      Testicular Germ Cell Tumors?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Identification of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) in testicular germ
      cell tumors (GCTs) is a challenging yet important aspect of cancer staging that
      can alter therapeutic management. Our study aimed to identify pathologic features
      that affect the reporting of LVI. METHODS: Pathology report and slide review of
      orchiectomies performed at our institution between 2007 and 2013 for testicular
      GCTs were performed. RESULTS: Seminomas grossed by residents had a higher rate of
      reported LVI compared with specimens grossed by pathology assistants (46% vs
      15%). Tumor displacement artifact was more frequent in seminomas vs mixed GCTs
      (60% vs 38%). LVI concordance was high upon review (kappa = 0.77), with
      displacement artifact present in all discrepancies. Tumor emboli from cases
      reported to have LVI had a higher frequency of tumor cohesiveness, smooth
      contours, and adherence to vessel walls compared with tumor emboli that were
      considered pseudo-LVI. Presence of fibrin and RBCs were features found at a
      similar frequency in emboli that were reported as LVI compared with those deemed
      artifactual. CONCLUSIONS: Grosser type, tumor subtype, tumor displacement
      artifact, and characteristics of tumor emboli are pathologic features that affect
      the interpretation of LVI in testicular GCTs. Pathologists should be aware of
      these variables to more accurately diagnose LVI.

PMID- 27124917
TI  - The Value of Papanicolaou Tests in the Diagnosis of Endometrial Carcinoma: A
      Large Study Cohort From an Academic Medical Center.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine on a large scale whether routine cervical Papanicolaou
      (Pap) tests play a role in endometrial carcinoma diagnosis. METHODS: A
      retrospective search of an academic women's hospital pathology archive for cases
      of surgically resected endometrial carcinoma with Pap smears within 36 months
      before the histologic diagnosis was performed. Demographic features, Pap test
      results, and tumor features were recorded. RESULTS: We identified 554 (30.5%) of
      1,817 cases of endometrial carcinoma with documented Pap test results within 36
      months before histologic diagnosis. Among these 554 patients, 405 (73.0%) had Pap
      test results within 5 months before histologic diagnosis. In total, 154 (38%)
      cases demonstrated abnormal glandular cells, and 25 (6.2%) had only benign
      endometrial cells in women 40 years or older. The presence of glandular
      abnormality on the Pap test is significantly correlated with tumor size, tumor
      type, depth of invasion, presence of cervical involvement, and presence of
      lymphovascular invasion (P < .05). The rate of detecting abnormal glandular cells
      was higher in cases with a high International Federation of Gynecology and
      Obstetrics (FIGO) stage than in cases with a low FIGO stage (47.5% vs 35.5%; P <
      .05). CONCLUSIONS: The Pap test may play a role in the detection of endometrial
      carcinoma, especially for those with cervical involvement, lymphovascular
      invasion, and/or advanced stage.

PMID- 27124918
TI  - Reduction in Unnecessary Clinical Laboratory Testing Through Utilization
      Management at a US Government Veterans Affairs Hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To implement an electronic laboratory utilization management system
      (laboratory expert system [LES]) to provide safe and effective reductions in
      unnecessary clinical laboratory testing. METHODS: The LES is a set of frequency
      filter subroutines within the Veterans Affairs hospital and laboratory
      information system that was formulated by an interdisciplinary medical team.
      RESULTS: Since implementing the LES, total test volume has decreased by a mean of
      11.18% per year compared with our pre-LES test volume. This change was not
      attributable to fluctuations in outpatient visits or inpatient days of care.
      Laboratory cost savings were estimated at $151,184 and $163,751 for 2012 and
      2013, respectively. A significant portion of these cost savings was attributable
      to reductions in high-volume, large panel testing. No adverse effects on patient
      care were reported, and mean length of stay for patients remained unchanged.
      CONCLUSIONS: Electronic laboratory utilization systems can effectively reduce
      unnecessary laboratory testing without compromising patient care.

PMID- 27124919
TI  - A Clinicopathologic Analysis of 45 Patients With Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Metaplastic breast carcinomas (MBCs) are rare, aggressive cancers
      lacking targeted therapy. Here, we review the clinicopathologic features,
      treatment, and outcomes of patients with MBC treated at our institution. METHODS:
      We searched clinical and pathology databases for patients with histologically
      confirmed MBC from 1999 to 2012. We estimated survival probabilities using the
      Kaplan-Meier method and evaluated prognostic factors using Cox regression.
      RESULTS: Forty-five cases were identified, including chondroid (24%), spindled
      (20%), sarcomatoid (16%), squamous (11%), and mixed (29%) histologic subtypes.
      Median tumor size was 3 cm, with 86% grade III and 69% triple-negative for
      estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor
      receptor 2. Most had negative lymph nodes, and two patients had metastases at
      diagnosis. Six patients received neoadjuvant therapy, with one pathologic
      complete response. All patients underwent surgery, 60% received adjuvant
      radiation, and 58% had adjuvant chemotherapy. Five-year recurrence-free survival
      was 64%; 5-year overall survival was 69%. Tumor size, history of breast cancer,
      and mixed histology were associated with inferior outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: We
      report one of the largest single-institution series of patients with MBC. MBC is
      associated with a poor prognosis, despite low nodal involvement. Most patients in
      this series had high-grade, triple-negative tumors and were treated with optimal
      therapy.

PMID- 27124920
TI  - Can We Identify Nephrogenic Adenoma in Urine Cytology Specimens? A Study
      Evaluating Previously Described Cytomorphologic Features in Correlation With PAX8
      Immunohistochemical Staining Results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine if the diagnosis of nephrogenic
      adenoma (NA) can be made on cytologic criteria alone and if pair box gene
      transcription factor 8 (PAX8) is useful in the diagnosis of NA in daily cytology
      practice. METHODS: Cytologic features of NA previously described in a literature
      were used to identify NA cells in urinary specimens. Subsequently, all cytology
      and corresponding biopsy specimens were stained with the PAX8
      immunohistochemistry stain. The stains were examined; the results were tabulated.
      RESULTS: A total of 44 specimens were reviewed (35 with corresponding biopsy
      specimens diagnosed as NA and nine negative for NA diagnosis on corresponding
      biopsy specimens). Of them, 14 demonstrated features previously described as NA.
      None of atypical cells that were morphologically suspicious for NA showed
      positive staining, whereas all of the corresponding biopsy sections demonstrated
      nuclear PAX8 positivity. Only rare lymphocytes present in cytology specimens
      showed nuclear staining with PAX8. CONCLUSIONS: Assuming that the results of the
      PAX8 stain performed are accurate at least in most cases, as suggested by the
      presence of internal positive controls, our study shows that the previously
      described cytologic features of NA cannot be used as diagnostic criteria, since
      they are not characteristic for this entity.

PMID- 27124922
TI  - Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Thymic Carcinomas: A Diagnostic Pitfall: An
      Immunohistochemical Analysis of 27 Cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Neuroendocrine differentiation in carcinomas of the nonneuroendocrine
      type has been observed in various organ systems. Awareness of this phenomenon is
      important since such tumors need to be separated from true neuroendocrine
      neoplasms because of therapeutic and prognostic consequences. To investigate this
      occurrence in thymic carcinomas, 27 cases of different histologies were analyzed
      using neuroendocrine immunohistochemical markers. METHODS: Twenty-seven
      conventional thymic carcinomas from thymectomies were studied
      immunohistochemically with antibodies directed against synaptophysin,
      chromogranin A, and CD56 in addition to the standard markers for these tumors.
      RESULTS: Focal expression of at least one neuroendocrine marker was identified in
      a total of 12 (44%) cases. Chromogranin A was positive in five (19%) cases,
      synaptophysin in eight (30%), and CD56 in 10 (37%). All three markers were
      coexpressed in four (15%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Neuroendocrine differentiation in
      conventional thymic carcinomas is a common occurrence. It is imperative to
      separate these tumors from true neuroendocrine neoplasms of the thymus-especially
      large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma-since both entities require different
      treatment modalities and likely show different biologic behavior. Contrary to
      prior suggestions, neuroendocrine differentiation should not be used to
      distinguish thymic carcinomas from thymomas, and these tumors should not be
      regarded as "mixed carcinomas."

PMID- 27124921
TI  - Analysis of HSP90 Expression Is Valuable in the Differential Diagnosis of Ocular
      Surface Squamous Lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate heat shock protein 90 (HSP90)
      expression in squamous lesions (SLs) and to assess its diagnostic value for
      different lesions within the SL spectrum. METHODS: A total of 70 conjunctival
      SLs, including 19 papillomas, 22 cases of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia
      (ConINs) I, 11 cases of ConIN II, six cases of ConIN III, and 12 squamous
      carcinomas (sqCAs), were evaluated using the German immunoreactive score against
      HSP90. RESULTS: Cytoplasmic HSP90 expression differed between low- and high-grade
      lesions (P < .001). Among high-grade lesions, the nuclear HSP90 score was higher
      in the ConIN III-sqCA group than in the ConIN II group (P = .0162). A percentage
      of total thickness staining of less than 73% differentiated between ConIN III and
      sqCA. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of HSP90 is particularly useful to
      differentiate low-grade from high-grade lesions of the conjunctiva. HSP90 may
      play an important role in the malignant transformation of SLs and could be a new
      target for therapy.

PMID- 27124923
TI  - Granuloma Faciale and Erythema Elevatum Diutinum in Relation to Immunoglobulin G4
      Related Disease: An Appraisal of 32 Cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To elucidate whether granuloma faciale (GF) and erythema elevatum
      diutinum (EED), two inflammatory skin dermatoses, meet the consensus
      histopathologic diagnostic criteria for immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4
      RD). METHODS: With institutional review board approval, we assessed the clinical,
      microscopic, and immunophenotypic features of skin specimens of patients with GF
      and EED. We compared these findings with previously published consensus
      diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients (GF, n = 25; EED, n
      = 7) met study inclusion criteria. Histopathologic findings of small-vessel
      vasculitis, dermal fibrosis, and plasma cell infiltrates were uniformly present,
      and eosinophilic inflammation was frequent. No specimen met diagnostic criteria
      for IgG4-RD. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that despite some histopathologic
      similarities between GF/EED and IgG4-RD, the cases did not meet the consensus
      immunohistochemical diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD.

PMID- 27124924
TI  - Evaluation of Fluorescently Labeled Aerolysin as a New Kind of Reagent for Flow
      Cytometry Tests: Optimization of Use of FLAER, Hints, and Limits.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Diagnostic tests for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) are
      currently based on flow cytometry techniques. Typically, these tests use
      antibodies against glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins, but a
      new approach has been described recently, using a novel reagent named FLAER
      (fluorescently labeled aerolysin). In this work, we evaluate the performance and
      highlight the peculiarities of using this new reagent. RESULTS: We investigated
      the general conditions of staining and explored optimal labeling settings. We
      found that the kinetics of the FLAER labeling is slightly different from that of
      antibodies. Our results led us to select a 30-minute incubation period at room
      temperature using 50 nmol/L as a final concentration of FLAER. As the nonspecific
      binding was dependent on the balance between FLAER and its ligand, the number of
      target cells was also found critical. In addition, sample preparation affected
      FLAER staining, and the lyse-before-stain preparation was preferred.
      Interestingly, FLAER affinity seems restricted to certain types of GPI anchors,
      making it unsuitable for exploration of RBCs. Finally, we aimed to evaluate FLAER
      as a possible single diagnostic tool; we studied cellular background in non-PNH
      samples and found a limit of detection close to 0.01% in optimal conditions.
      CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the FLAER labeling on leukocytes proves that this
      reagent is a valuable tool for PNH diagnosis and particularly appropriate for
      high-sensitivity tests in laboratories aiming to detect minor PNH clones.

PMID- 27124925
TI  - Myeloproliferative Neoplasms With Calreticulin Mutations Exhibit Distinctive
      Morphologic Features.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Calreticulin (CALR) mutations are present in 50% to 85% of JAK2/MPL
      wild-type (wt) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The histopathologic features
      of CALR-mutated MPNs are unknown. METHODS: We identified 71 patients with
      essential thrombocythemia (ET), primary myelofibrosis (PMF), and post-essential
      thrombocythemia myelofibrosis (post-ET MF) with available CALR status. CALR was
      assessed using capillary electrophoresis followed by Sanger sequencing
      confirmation. CALR status was correlated with histopathologic features. RESULTS:
      The megakaryocytes of CALR-mutated PMF more often were hyperchromatic (20/21)
      compared with CALR-wt cases (10/14) (P = .05). CALR-mutated ET showed more
      megakaryocytic clustering (7/7) compared with CALR-wt cases (5/9) (P = 03).
      Megakaryocytes of CALR-mutated post-ET MF (8/8) had a predominance of convoluted
      nuclei compared with CALR-wt cases (2/4) (P = .03). CALR mutations were more
      frequent in post-ET MF compared with ET (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: CALR-mutated MPNs
      have a higher frequency of megakaryocytic aberrancies compared with CALR-wt
      cases. Patients with CALR-mutated ET appear to be more likely to develop
      myelofibrosis compared with patients with wt CALRUpon completion of this activity
      you will be able to: describe morphologic features that are associated with CALR
      mutated myeloproliferative neoplasms.examine cases of essential thrombocythemia
      and primary myelofibrosis and predict which cases are more likely to be CALR
      mutated based on histopathologic features.initiate CALR mutation testing for
      cases likely to have mutations.  The ASCP is accredited by the Accreditation
      Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education
      for physicians. The ASCP designates this journal-based CME activity for a maximum
      of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM per article. Physicians should claim only the
      credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. This
      activity qualifies as an American Board of Pathology Maintenance of Certification
      Part II Self-Assessment Module. The authors of this article and the planning
      committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with
      commercial interests to disclose. Exam is located at www.ascp.org/ajcpcme.

PMID- 27124927
TI  - Is It Time for a New Gold Standard? FISH vs Cytogenetics in AML Diagnosis.

PMID- 27124928
TI  - About the Journal.

PMID- 27124932
TI  - Prevalence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection in China:  Analysis of
      671,163 Human Papillomavirus Test Results From China's Largest College of
      American Pathologists-Certified Laboratory.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study on human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in China's largest
      independent laboratory accredited by the international Laboratory Accreditation
      Program of the College of American Pathologists extends previous reports on
      cervical screening test results from this Chinese facility. METHODS: A
      retrospective laboratory database search from 2007 to 2014 documented high-risk
      HPV test results using either Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2; Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) or
      multiplex polymerase chain reaction fluorescence testing (MPFT) methods. RESULTS:
      During the study period, HPV testing steadily increased, with 643,702 HC2 and
      27,641 MPFT HPV tests performed. The mean ages of the tested women were 35.0
      years using HC2 and 38.3 years using MPFT. The HC2 HPV-positive rate was 21.7%,
      significantly higher than 15.7% with MPFT (P < .0001), with bimodal peak
      incidence in adolescents and women aged 60 to 69 years. CONCLUSIONS: Use of HPV
      testing in cervical screening is increasing in China. HC2 HPV-positive rates
      around 20% in all age groups from more than 500,000 tested Chinese women are
      consistent with previous reports from China and significantly higher than
      published HC2 HPV-positive rates in populations with more widespread cervical
      screening. MPFT HPV-positive rates were slightly lower in every age group. The
      high HPV-positive rate likely reflects limited routine cervical screening and
      high cervical cancer incidence in China.

PMID- 27124933
TI  - Teaching High School Students About Pathology:  Development of a Secondary School
      Focused Enrichment Course in Pathology and Physiology.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although pathology is a central discipline in medicine, many do not
      understand the role of pathologists and laboratory professionals. While there are
      efforts to educate the public, few focus on precollege students. METHODS: To
      define a curriculum exposing high school students to major concepts in health and
      disease, while introducing them to professions that employ this knowledge. A
      semester-long class was designed to meet for 2-hour sessions semiweekly. Each
      session included a lecture given by a pathologist followed by group activities
      including hands-on gross or virtual laboratory experiences and clinical
      simulations. Content included epidemiology, biostatistics, and the critical
      evaluation of health-related articles in the popular press. Students were
      evaluated by examination, group assignments, and a capstone research project
      presentation. RESULTS: Over 4 years (2011-2014), 114 of 122 students completed
      the course with a "B" or better. By course conclusion, students could articulate
      the link between tissue changes and clinical phenotypes. Surveys showed that 90%
      of students found the course appropriately challenging, 98% found the class
      appropriate for their learning style, and the teaching methods and course content
      received 99% approval. CONCLUSIONS: We present a pathology course geared toward
      high school students that taught the foundations of human disease that allowed
      students to fully understand and engage in the material. Students felt that the
      knowledge earned was valuable and helped them to understand human health as well
      as inform their future career choices. This course could serve as a model for
      public outreach programs and for secondary and postsecondary educators.

PMID- 27124934
TI  - Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing in Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Chronic
      Myelomonocytic Leukemia Aids Diagnosis in Challenging Cases and Identifies
      Frequent Spliceosome Mutations in Transformed Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Optimal integration of next-generation sequencing (NGS) into clinical
      practice in hematologic malignancies remains unclear. We evaluate the utility of
      NGS in myeloid malignancies. METHODS: A 42-gene panel was used to sequence 109
      cases of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS, n = 38), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
      (CMML, n = 14), myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN, n = 24), and MDS and/or MPN
      transformed to acute myeloid leukemia (AML, n = 33). RESULTS: At least one
      pathogenic mutation was identified in 74% of cases of MDS, 100% of CMMLs, and 96%
      of MPNs. In contrast, only 47% of cases of MDS (18/38) and 7% (1/14) of CMMLs
      exhibited abnormal cytogenetics. In diagnostically difficult cases of MDS or CMML
      with normal cytogenetics, NGS identified a pathogenic mutation and was critical
      in establishing the correct diagnosis. Spliceosomal genes and epigenetic
      modifiers were frequently mutated. Spliceosome mutations were also frequently
      detected in AML arising from MDS, CMML, or MPN (39%) compared with the reported
      rate in de novo AML (7%-14%). CONCLUSIONS: In difficult cases of MDS or MPN, NGS
      facilitates diagnosis by detection of gene mutations to confirm clonality, and
      AMLs evolving from MDS or MPN carry frequent mutations in spliceosomal genes.

PMID- 27124935
TI  - Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma With Translocations Involving BCL6 and
      MYC (Double-Hit Lymphoma).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphomas (PMLBCLs) are aggressive
      lymphomas with characteristic clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic
      features. "Double-hit" (DH) lymphomas are B-cell neoplasms characterized by a
      translocation involving MYC and either BCL2 or BCL6 In the indexed literature,
      there are no reported cases of PMLBCL associated with DH or triple-hit events.
      METHODS: Herein, we present a case of a 15-year-old girl with PMLBCL who had
      typical clinical, morphologic, and immunophenotypic features. RESULTS:
      Fluorescent in situ hybridization studies showed rearrangements involving MYC and
      BCL6 We also excluded the possibility of a reciprocal t(3;8) (3q27;8q24) BCL6/MYC
      translocation. CONCLUSIONS: This case expands the current spectrum of lymphomas
      subtypes in which DH can be found and supports the rationale for cytogenetic
      testing for DH abnormalities in all cases of aggressive large B-cell lymphomas
      regardless of subtype.

PMID- 27124936
TI  - Impact of Continuous Improvement of Laboratory Test Result Comments on Requests
      for Consultation:  A Case Series.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Test interpretation is an important part of the brain-to-brain loop.
      Poor test comments can lead to calls for explanations and impair test
      interpretation and possibly patient care. There has been little study on quality
      improvement of test result comments. The objective of this study was to
      investigate the impact of improvements in test comments on requests for
      consultation by clinicians. METHODS: We monitored the volume of requests for
      consultation regarding test results before and after a test comment was modified.
      RESULTS: Modifications of test comments eliminated calls for three different
      tests. Reductions were statistically significant for all tests (P < .007).
      CONCLUSIONS: Quality improvement activities targeted at test comments can improve
      service, reduce costs, and improve patient care.

PMID- 27124937
TI  - IFITM1 Is Superior to CD10 as a Marker of Endometrial Stroma in the Evaluation of
      Myometrial Invasion by Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distinguishing myometrial invasion from adenomyosis involvement is
      important for staging of endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma. We aimed to
      compare CD10, which has limited value in this scenario, with interferon-induced
      transmembrane protein 1 (IFITM1), a recently described sensitive and specific
      marker of endometrial stroma. METHODS: We reviewed 25 hysterectomies containing
      endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma and adenomyosis. Tumor areas were
      classified as unequivocally myoinvasive or unequivocally noninvasive. Foci
      equivocal for invasion were also recorded. Immunohistochemistry for IFITM1 and
      CD10 was performed and scored in terms of intensity and distribution and
      classified as negative or positive. RESULTS: Unlike CD10, IFITM1 staining showed
      significant differences in mean intensity (P < .0001) and distribution (P <
      .0001) between invasive vs noninvasive areas. Sixteen (84.2%) invasive and 34
      (97.1%) noninvasive areas were positive for CD10 (P = .22). In contrast, none of
      the invasive vs 25 (71.4%) noninvasive areas were positive for IFITM1 (P <
      .0001). IFITM1 had 71.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity in detecting stroma
      surrounding endometrioid adenocarcinoma, hence excluding myoinvasion. Eleven
      (45.8%) of 24 foci designated as equivocal stained with IFITM1. CONCLUSIONS:
      Compared with CD10, IFITM1 has superior performance distinguishing endometrial
      stroma of adenomyosis from mesenchyma surrounding invasive endometrial
      adenocarcinoma. IFITM1 expression is highly predictive of the absence of invasion
      and may be valuable in cases in which determining myoinvasion has staging
      implications.

PMID- 27124938
TI  - Patients With a History of Chemotherapy and Isolated del(20q) With Minimal
      Myelodysplasia Have an Indolent Course.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Isolated deletion (20q) is relatively common in myeloid neoplasms and
      has been rarely reported in cases of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome
      (MDS). Our aim was to characterize cases of isolated del(20q) in bone marrow
      biopsy specimens from patients with a history of chemotherapy with morphologic
      findings insufficient for a diagnosis of MDS. METHODS: In this retrospective
      study from one institution, we identified 22 patients with isolated del(20q) and
      no or minimal dysplasia and evaluated clinical and pathologic characteristics.
      RESULTS: Eleven of the patients had a history of chemotherapy for mostly
      lymphoproliferative disorders. There were no statistically significant
      differences in peripheral blood or bone marrow features between patients with a
      history of chemotherapy and those without. Three patients with a history of
      chemotherapy had died at last follow-up; cause of death was recurrent nonmyeloid
      neoplasm. None of the patients with a history of chemotherapy subsequently
      developed a high-grade myeloid neoplasm, whereas one of the patients who had not
      received prior chemotherapy developed refractory anemia with excess blasts 2.
      CONCLUSIONS: The presence of del(20q) as an isolated bone marrow cytogenetic
      abnormality in the absence of morphologic findings sufficient for a diagnosis of
      acute myeloid leukemia, myeloproliferative neoplasm, or MDS portends an indolent
      clinical course, regardless of previous exposure to chemotherapy.

PMID- 27124939
TI  - Prospective and Retrospective Diagnosis of Barth Syndrome Aided by Next
      Generation Sequencing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To establish a genetic and clinical diagnosis in a newborn with fetal
      onset dilated cardiomyopathy using next-generation sequencing technologies.
      METHODS: We have conducted the clinical evaluation of the proband and the
      molecular characterization of his disease by means of whole-exome sequencing. In
      addition, the clinical evaluation and subsequent genetic screening of five
      relatives has been performed. This comprises two males with features of left
      ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy, two females suspected of being
      carriers, and one pregnant female at risk of being a carrier and thereby
      transmitting the disease to her child. RESULTS: We have discovered a novel
      variant in the TAZ gene by means of whole-exome sequencing. This, together with
      the performance of further clinical analyses, led to an early diagnosis of Barth
      syndrome in the proband. The genetic screening of the subject's familial group
      revealed full cosegregation of the variant with another two affected males and
      identified several female carriers. CONCLUSIONS: The investigation for Barth
      syndrome must be considered in male babies and young boys with dilated
      cardiomyopathy and left ventricular noncompaction. Next-generation sequencing
      technologies provide an accurate and rapid diagnostic tool in prospectively and
      retrospectively identifying individuals with this Mendelian syndrome.

PMID- 27124940
TI  - Audit of Use and Overuse of Serum Protein Immunofixation Electrophoresis and
      Serum Free Light Chain Assay in Tertiary Health Care: A Case for Algorithmic
      Testing to Optimize Laboratory Utilization.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Overuse of laboratory tests is a persistent issue. We examined the
      use and overuse of serum immunofixation electrophoresis and serum free light
      chain assays to develop an algorithm for optimizing utilization. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of all tests, for investigation of monoclonal gammopathies,
      for all patients who had any of these tests done from April 24, 2014, through
      July 25, 2014, was carried out. The test orders were categorized as warranted or
      not warranted according to criteria presented in the article. RESULTS: A total of
      237 patients were tested, and their historical records included 1,503 episodes of
      testing for one or more of serum protein electrophoresis, serum immunofixation
      electrophoresis, and serum free light chain assays. Only 46% of the serum
      immunofixation and 42% serum free light chain assays were warranted. Proper
      utilization, at our institution alone, would have obviated $64,182.95/year in
      health care costs, reduced laboratory cost of reagent alone by $26,436.04/year,
      and put $21,904.92/year of part B reimbursement at risk. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than
      half of the serum immunofixation and serum free light chain assays added value.
      The proposed algorithm for testing should improve utilization. Risk to part B
      billing may be a disincentive to reducing test utilization.

PMID- 27124941
TI  - Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Carcinoma, Amphicrine Type, of the Small Bowel.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Amphicrine-type mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas are exceedingly
      rare lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, comprising tumor cells simultaneously
      demonstrating both neuroendocrine and exocrine features. To date, only 14 cases
      of amphicrine carcinoma have been reported; here we report the first definitive
      case of amphicrine carcinoma in the small bowel. METHODS: A 72-year-old woman who
      sought treatment for nonspecific abdominal complaints was found to have a
      duodenojejunal junction tumor and underwent radical surgical resection. RESULTS:
      Morphologically, the tumor consisted of areas of moderately differentiated
      adenocarcinoma intermingled with areas characteristic of neuroendocrine tumor.
      The entire tumor showed strong, diffuse immunoreactivity for synaptophysin.
      Coexpression of exocrine and neuroendocrine features by neoplastic cells
      indicates bivalent differentiation, and therefore the tumor was classified as an
      amphicrine carcinoma of the small bowel. CONCLUSIONS: Demonstration of amphicrine
      carcinoma in the small bowel carries implications with regard to the common
      origin of exocrine and neuroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract.

PMID- 27124942
TI  - Negative Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Test Result After Massive Transfusion: 
      Believe It or Not?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is complicated by
      a high false-positive rate for the screening enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and limited
      availability of confirmatory platelet activation assays such as serotonin release
      assay (SRA). We evaluate the impact of a massive transfusion on EIA and SRA
      testing and emphasize that the timing of the confirmatory sample is important.
      METHODS: We present a case in which separate samples for HIT testing were
      collected before and after a major bleed requiring massive transfusion. We also
      discuss a recent study in which HIT serum samples were diluted in vitro and in
      vivo. RESULTS: The EIA was strongly positive, but SRA was negative, leading to
      suspicion of a false-positive EIA result. However, SRA performed on the initial
      EIA specimen was strongly positive. A second EIA, drawn after a massive
      transfusion, was negative. CONCLUSIONS: Replacement of several blood volumes
      diluted the HIT antibodies below the limit of detection. Confirmatory testing for
      HIT antibodies should be done on the specimen that initially tested positive.

PMID- 27124943
TI  - Effect of Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology Recommendations on the Use of p16
      Immunohistochemistry and the Proportion of High-Grade Diagnoses in Cervical
      Biopsy Specimens.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST) group has
      recommended that cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) terminology be replaced
      by squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) terminology, with p16
      immunohistochemistry used to separate lesions formerly diagnosed as CIN grade 2
      into high-grade SILs (HSILs) and low-grade SILs. This study investigated the
      impact of these changes on the frequency of p16 testing and the diagnosis of high
      grade lesions. METHODS: Pathology reports for all cervical biopsy specimens in
      the 1 year before and after the introduction of LAST recommendations (July 2011
      to June 2013) were examined. RESULTS: Before and after the implementation of
      LAST, 365 (15.4%) of 2,376 cases were diagnosed as high grade (CIN 2/3) vs 486
      (17.6%) of 2,761 cases diagnosed as HSILs (P = .0343), and p16 was performed 79
      (3.3%) times vs 383 (13.9%) times (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Immunohistochemistry
      for p16 increased dramatically as a result of LAST recommendations, and high
      grade diagnoses increased.

PMID- 27124944
TI  - Pure Erythroid Leukemia and Erythroblastic Sarcoma Evolving From Chronic Myeloid
      Neoplasms.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pure erythroid leukemia (PEL) is an extremely rare entity that may,
      even more rarely, evolve from a preexisting chronic myeloid neoplasm (CMN); there
      is minimal literature regarding this latter phenomenon. METHODS: We describe 14
      patients with PEL that represented progression from a preexisting myelodysplastic
      syndrome (MDS, n = 8) or myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN, n = 6), three of which
      manifested as erythroblastic sarcoma (EBS), a rare entity. These patients had a
      highly complex karyotype with prominent clonal evolution and a very aggressive
      clinical course. RESULTS: Patients with PEL from MDS showed a more rapid
      progression time to PEL and had lower platelet counts compared with PEL from MPN.
      No other significant differences were found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      These data represent the largest cohort of patients with PEL and an antecedent
      CMN, as well as the largest series of EBS reported to date, and underscore the
      unique morphologic, cytogenetic, immunophenotypic, and clinical features of this
      uncommon entity.

PMID- 27124945
TI  - Prognostic Impact of Tumor Microenvironment in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
      Uniformly Treated With R-CHOP Chemotherapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the prognostic impact of cell-of-origin classification
      as well as intratumoral regulatory T cells (Tregs), macrophages, and microvessel
      density (MVD) on 115 patients (74 in the training set and 41 in the validation
      set) diagnosed with de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and uniformly
      treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and
      prednisone (R-CHOP) chemotherapy. METHODS: The prognostic impact of Tregs,
      macrophages, and MVD was evaluated using FOXP3, CD68, and CD34
      immunohistochemical stains, respectively. In addition, we designed a scoring
      system where 1 point was awarded per each adverse prognostic factor, including
      non-germinal center B-cell-like subtype, FOXP3 17% or more, CD68 less than 2%,
      and MVD less than 800 vessels/mm(2) RESULTS: Although only MVD was statistically
      significant on multivariate analysis, the scoring system significantly segregated
      patients into low- and high-risk groups. Patients having two or more adverse
      prognostic factors (high-risk group) demonstrated significantly worse event-free
      and progression-free survivals in the training set and event-free survival in the
      validation set. CONCLUSIONS: The concomitant evaluation of cell of origin along
      with tumor microenvironment components identifies patients with DLBCL treated
      with R-CHOP chemotherapy portraying a worse prognosis.

PMID- 27124946
TI  - Integration of Immature Granulocytes Quantification With the Version 2.0 UniCel
      DxH 800 in the HematoFlow Strategy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to define whether the early granulocyte cell marker
      (EGC%_DxH) parameter might replace immature granulocytes counts obtained by
      HematoFlow (IG%_HF) and/or manual differential count (IG%_manual). METHODS: We
      conducted a study over a 10-day period in February 2014 whereby 402 samples were
      analyzed for the IG flag. We correlated the EGC%_DxH vs IG%_HF and IG%_manual,
      identified any discrepant results and finally looked at the impact on our
      workflow by incorporation of the EGC% into our WBC differential algorithm.
      RESULTS: On an initial training set, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
      curve analysis showed a threshold of 0.9% for EGC%_DxH (sensitivity of 91.7%,
      specificity of 93.5% and an area under the curve of 0.965). Further analysis of
      the dataset (259 samples) found a correlation of the EGC%_DxH to all our IG%
      counting methods (r = 0.963). Incorporation of the EGC%_DxH into the WBC
      HematoFlow differential resulted in a 36% reduction of samples requiring
      HematoFlow and/or slide review. CONCLUSIONS: The EGC% generated by the DxH 800
      can be easily incorporated into existing HematoFlow and slide review algorithms.

PMID- 27124947
TI  - Pathology Consultation on Influenza Diagnostics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the strengths and limitations of the available influenza
      diagnostics, with a focus on rapid antigen detection assays and nucleic acid
      detection assays. METHODS: A case-based presentation is used to illustrate the
      potential limitations of rapid antigen detection assays for influenza. RESULTS:
      Influenza is a seasonal illness; estimates attribute influenza to approximately
      200,000 hospitalizations and 41,000 deaths in the United States annually. Antigen
      detection assays for influenza are rapid and convenient, and thus are widely used
      in a variety of health care settings, even though the sensitivity of these assays
      may be suboptimal. The United States Food and Drug Administration has recently
      created new guidelines intended to improve the oversight and performance
      characteristics of influenza antigen detection assays. Molecular assays, although
      more costly and complex, are more sensitive and may be designed to simultaneously
      detect multiple respiratory pathogens within a single assay. CONCLUSIONS:
      Diagnostic assays for influenza can vary greatly with regards to analytical
      performance characteristics, complexity, turnaround time and cost. This can have
      important patient care and infection prevention implications.

PMID- 27124948
TI  - Follow-up of Women With Negative Pap Test Results and Abnormal Clinical Signs or
      Symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Abnormal signs or symptoms recorded on Papanicolaou (Pap) test
      requisitions may reflect disease not detected with Pap testing. Since 2009, these
      cases have been reviewed in our laboratory by a second cytotechnologist and a
      cytopathologist. The objective of this study was to document follow-up findings
      on these patients. METHODS: A search for Pap test results of "Negative for
      intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, abnormal clinical signs or symptoms" was
      performed for cases from January 1, 2009, to October 10, 2013. Clinical
      information and follow-up findings were documented. RESULTS: 1,104 cases were
      identified. Signs and symptoms were abnormal bleeding 897 (81%), polyps 83 (8%),
      pelvic mass 54 (5%), visible cervical lesions 48 (4%), vaginal lesions 17 (2%)
      and endometrial masses 6 (0.5%). Six hundred sixty-seven (60%) had follow-up
      results, including 517 with histopathologic diagnoses. Two-hundred thirty-three
      (45%) had nonspecific benign diagnoses, 216 (42%) had benign tumor-like
      conditions, 28 (4%) had insufficient specimens, 16 (3%) had precancerous
      diagnoses and 23 (4%) had malignancies. Endometrial malignancy was identified in
      14 (61%), ovarian in 6 (26%), and miscellaneous in 3 (13%). No cervical cancers
      were identified. CONCLUSIONS: We report follow-up findings from patients with
      abnormal clinical signs or symptoms, negative Pap test results, and follow-up
      recommendations highlighting reported abnormal signs or symptoms. Abnormal
      clinical signs and symptoms should routinely be considered in assessment and
      management of patients with negative cervical screening test results.

PMID- 27124949
TI  - Mean Abnormal Result Rate: Proof of Concept of a New Metric for Benchmarking
      Selectivity in Laboratory Test Ordering.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: There is a need to develop and validate new metrics to access the
      appropriateness of laboratory test requests. METHODS: The mean abnormal result
      rate (MARR) is a proposed measure of ordering selectivity, the premise being that
      higher mean abnormal rates represent more selective test ordering. As a
      validation of this metric, we compared the abnormal rate of lab tests with the
      number of tests ordered on the same requisition. We hypothesized that
      requisitions with larger numbers of requested tests represent less selective test
      ordering and therefore would have a lower overall abnormal rate. RESULTS: We
      examined 3,864,083 tests ordered on 451,895 requisitions and found that the MARR
      decreased from about 25% if one test was ordered to about 7% if nine or more
      tests were ordered, consistent with less selectivity when more tests were
      ordered. We then examined the MARR for community-based testing for 1,340 family
      physicians and found both a wide variation in MARR as well as an inverse
      relationship between the total tests ordered per year per physician and the
      physician-specific MARR. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed metric represents a new
      utilization metric for benchmarking relative selectivity of test orders among
      physicians.

PMID- 27124950
TI  - Thyroid Frozen Sections in Patients With Preoperative FNAs:  Review of Surgeons'
      Preoperative Rationale, Intraoperative Decisions, and Final Outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We wished to discover (1) in what circumstances surgeons wished to
      request frozen sections (FSs) on thyroid nodules having a prior fine needle
      aspiration (FNA) and the preoperative plan in these cases; (2) what the surgeons
      did with the information provided by FS and (3) in what types of cases was value
      added with the FS. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of 121
      consecutive patients receiving an intraoperative FS diagnosis on a thyroid
      nodule, all of which had been evaluated with a preoperative FNA. RESULTS: The
      medical record documented rationale for the request in 83% of cases. The most
      common reason for a FS request of a nodule was whether a planned
      hemithyroidectomy should proceed to a total thyroidectomy (TT). This scenario led
      to a TT in 9% of patients with a FNA diagnosed as benign thyroid nodule, 16%
      diagnosed as follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm and 69%
      diagnosed as suspicious for malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: The stated rationale for FSs
      in patients with preoperative FNA was not supported by patient outcome in most
      cases. There may be some utility for FSs in lesions with a suspicious for
      malignancy preoperative FNA diagnosis.

PMID- 27124951
TI  - Pathology Consultation on Viscoelastic Studies of Coagulopathic Obstetrical
      Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In obstetrics, the decision to transfuse blood components has
      historically been driven by traditional laboratory testing in combination with
      direct observation of bleeding. The adjunctive use of viscoelastic testing,
      including thromboelastometry and thromboelastography, has gained increasing
      acceptance in the clinical domain. METHODS: We performed a review of the
      published medical literature by searching the PUBMED database for keywords
      "viscoelastic" and "obstetric," as well as "viscoelastic" and "postpartum
      hemorrhage." Additionally, case reports and expert opinion publications that
      referenced viscoelastic studies in obstetrical patients were evaluated. RESULTS:
      There is very little high-quality evidence currently published in the medical
      literature to support the notion that viscoelastic testing obviates the need for
      traditional coagulation testing or improves mortality resulting from major
      obstetrical hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is needed to further
      focus the optimum role of viscoelastic tests in major obstetrical hemorrhage.

PMID- 27124952
TI  - Radical Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma:  Its Contemporary Role Related to
      Histologic Type, Tumor Size, and Nodal Status: A Retrospective Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Staging for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) depends on tumor size and the
      status of the regional lymph nodes. Although lymph node involvement by tumor
      yields the most accurate staging and prognostic information in patients with
      carcinomas of various genitourinary organs, the role of lymph node sampling (LNS)
      in patients with RCC to definitively establish nodal metastases remains
      unsettled. METHODS: In this retrospective study of 399 patients with RCC treated
      by total nephrectomy, 115 cases were subjected to lymph node dissection. RESULTS:
      The corresponding primary tumors averaged  larger than 8 cm. Twenty-nine showed
      positive lymph nodes (25%). The present review confirms that primary tumor size
      is a key indicator of nodal involvement. Clear cell and papillary tumors larger
      than 4 cm involve lymph nodes more commonly than other types of RCC. Sarcomatoid
      differentiation occurred in all major cell types and existed in numbers too few
      to predict the likelihood of nodal metastases. CONCLUSIONS: LNS in RCC for
      staging purposes may be warranted based on tumor size (>4 cm) as determined by
      imaging as well as histologic cell type, the latter suggesting a selective role
      for preoperative fine needle aspiration or core biopsy.

PMID- 27124955
TI  - Meeting Increasing Demands for Rural General  Surgeons.
AB  - Dynamic assessment of the effective surgical workforce recommends 27,300 general
      surgeons in 2030; 2,525 more than are presently being trained. Rural shortages
      are already critical and there has been insufficient preparation for this need. A
      literature review of the factors influencing the choice of rural practice was
      performed. A systematic search was conducted of PubMed and the Web of Science to
      identify applicable studies in rural practice, surgical training, and rural
      general surgery. These articles were reviewed to identify the pertinent reports.
      The articles chosen for review are directed to four main objectives: 1)
      description of the challenges of rural practice, 2) factors associated with the
      choice of rural practice, 3) interventions to increase interest and preparation
      for rural practice, and 4) present successful rural surgical practice models.
      There is limited research on the factors influencing surgeons in the selection of
      rural surgery. The family practice literature suggests that physicians are primed
      for rural living through early experience, with reinforcement during medical
      school and residency, and retained through community involvement, and personal
      and professional satisfaction. However, more research into the factors drawing
      surgeons specifically to rural surgery, and keeping them in the community, is
      needed.

PMID- 27124956
TI  - Commentary on Meeting Increasing Demands for  Rural General Surgeons.

PMID- 27124954
TI  - Antibiotic perturbation of the murine gut microbiome enhances the adiposity,
      insulin resistance, and liver disease associated with high-fat diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD) are serious health concerns, especially in Western populations.
      Antibiotic exposure and high-fat diet (HFD) are important and modifiable factors
      that may contribute to these diseases. METHODS: To investigate the relationship
      of antibiotic exposure with microbiome perturbations in a murine model of growth
      promotion, C57BL/6 mice received lifelong sub-therapeutic antibiotic treatment
      (STAT), or not (control), and were fed HFD starting at 13 weeks. To characterize
      microbiota changes caused by STAT, the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was
      examined from collected fecal samples and analyzed. RESULTS: In this model, which
      included HFD, STAT mice developed increased weight and fat mass compared to
      controls. Although results in males and females were not identical, insulin
      resistance and NAFLD were more severe in the STAT mice. Fecal microbiota from
      STAT mice were distinct from controls. Compared with controls, STAT exposure led
      to early conserved diet-independent microbiota changes indicative of an immature
      microbial community. Key taxa were identified as STAT-specific and several were
      found to be predictive of disease. Inferred network models showed topological
      shifts concurrent with growth promotion and suggest the presence of keystone
      species. CONCLUSIONS: These studies form the basis for new models of type 2
      diabetes and NAFLD that involve microbiome perturbation.

PMID- 27124957
TI  - Commentary on Meeting Increasing Demands for  Rural General Surgeons.

PMID- 27124958
TI  - Changing the Picture Frame.

PMID- 27124959
TI  - Representative Aspects of Some Synthetic Gametes.
AB  - With the development of new procedures in the production of synthetic human
      gametes it has become important to re-examine the manner in which reproductive
      cells, taking part in the generation of children, can be understood. Though this
      can be attempted from many different perspectives, the present study will examine
      the possibility of considering gametes as representing the persons from whom they
      originated. From this perspective, it is possible to suggest that, in
      procreation, the entirety of each human sperm cell may represent and reveal the
      man from whom it was produced and the entirety of each human egg cell may
      represent and reveal the woman from whom it was produced. The possible ethical
      consequences of using synthetic gametes for those who hold this perspective
      together with their understanding of relational identity will also be examined.

PMID- 27124960
TI  - Transhumanism: A New Kind of Promethean Hubris.
AB  - Asking whether transhumanist hopes of overcoming ageing and cognitive and other
      shortcomings are realistic, this paper pitches a Christian anthropology against a
      transhumanist anthropology. It is shown that on critical examination many of the
      technologies proposed by transhumanists in order to better or extend human life
      raise questions about dualism and materialism, about our nature as relational
      beings, and indeed even about what it means to be alive.

PMID- 27124961
TI  - Lessons in Biopolitics and Agency: Agamben on Addiction.
AB  - The concepts of 'biopolitics' and 'naked life' have become increasingly relevant
      in the debate on substance dependency due to the growing prominence of
      neuroscience in defining the nature of addiction and its threat to agency.
      However, these concepts are not necessarily well understood, and therefore may
      lead to oversight rather than insight. In this article we review the literature
      on Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben, whose founding works on both concepts
      shed a different light on addiction. We argue that the current debate is missing
      a key insight from Agamben's work: the idea of agency past the subject, of agency
      past identity. We will illustrate how this can be an important form of agency
      against the stigmatization of users, making use of empirical data from our
      ongoing work on addiction and agency.

PMID- 27124962
TI  - A Systematic Review on Confidentiality, Disclosure, and Stigma in the United
      States: Lessons for HIV Care in Pregnancy From Reproductive Genetics.
AB  - The fields of HIV care in pregnancy and reproductive genetics have always been
      'exceptional' in that patients are highly concerned about the potential for
      stigma and the corresponding need for privacy and confidentiality. However, the
      two fields have diverged in how they have addressed these concerns. The
      systematic review analyzed 61 manuscripts for similarities and differences
      between the fields of HIV care in pregnancy and reproductive genetics in the
      United States, with respect to privacy, confidentiality, disclosure, and stigma.
      The systematic review revealed that the field of HIV care in pregnancy has
      insufficiently addressed patient concerns about privacy, confidentiality, and
      stigma compared to the field of reproductive genetics. Failure to adequately
      protect confidentiality of HIV-positive patients, and failure to reduce stigma
      associated with HIV testing and treatment are deficiencies in the delivery of
      care to HIV-positive pregnant woman and barriers to reducing vertical
      transmission of HIV. Improvements in care and policy should mirror the field of
      reproductive genetics.

PMID- 27124963
TI  - The Evolution of Autonomy.
AB  - There can be little doubt, at least in the Western world, that autonomy is
      theruling principle in contemporary bioethics. In spite of its 'triumph'
      however,the dominance of the utilitarian concept of autonomy is being
      increasinglyquestioned. In this paper, I explore the nature of autonomy, how it
      came todisplace the Hippocratic tradition in medicine and how different
      conceptsof autonomy have evolved. I argue that the reduction of autonomy to'the
      exercise of personal choice' in medicine has led to a 'tyranny of autonomy' which
      can be inimical to ethical medical practice rather than conducive to it.I take
      the case of Kerrie Wooltorton as an illustration of how misplacedadherence to
      respect for patient autonomy can lead to tragic consequences.An analysis of
      autonomy based on the work of Rachel Haliburton isdescribed and applied to the
      role of autonomy in a recent bioethicaldebate--that arising from Savulescu's
      proposal that conscientious objection by health-care professionals should not be
      permitted in the NHS. Inconclusion, I suggest Kukla's concept of conscientious
      autonomy as onepromising pathway to circumvent both the limitations and adverse
      effectsof the dominance of current (mis)understandings of autonomy in biomedical
      ethics.

PMID- 27124965
TI  - [In remembrance of Professor Ivan Duris].

PMID- 27124964
TI  - The Idea of Patents vs. the Idea of University.
AB  - It is generally accepted that patents are a driving force for innovation through
      research and development. But the university's involvement in patenting is
      problematic as well. In particular, it is in tension with the idea of a
      university itself. If patents entail a restriction on the accessibility of the
      scientific knowledge that has been patented, and if the main purpose of
      universities is to produce and disseminate knowledge to the public, then, there
      is a tension: when universities patent their research innovations, they are
      making the scientific knowledge they produce less accessible to the public. The
      paper argues that university patenting contradicts the very idea of a university
      as an institution whose mission is fundamentally to disseminate the knowledge it
      produces to the public. The practice of university patenting involves an un
      academic attitude thus: by inciting an attitude towards knowledge that is not
      consistent with the proper attitudes and goals of a university, university
      patenting hurts university's integrity.

PMID- 27124966
TI  - [Epidemiologic data of hyperuricaemia prevalence in the conditions of primary
      care in Slovakia].
AB  - Hyperuricaemia represents nowaday the new risk factor for cardiovascular
      diseases. Prevalence data and its treatment in our patient's population are still
      missing. Literature data shows, that its prevalence differs in various
      populations significantly from 4% up to 40% with race and geographical means. In
      the hospital population its prevalence is about 7% and represents the important
      predictor of hospital mortality, e.i with heart failure. From the Framingham data
      relative risk was estimated of 25% for cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart
      disease and all-course mortality. From the epidemiologic survey Mirror Slovakia
      hyperuricaemia was evaluated from the sample of 20 000 patients from the primare
      care physicians in order to see the picture on this newer risk factor.

PMID- 27124967
TI  - [Management of treatment in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasmas of digestive
      tract].
AB  - Neuroendocrine neoplasmas are a form of cancer arising from cells of diffuse
      neuroendocrine system. They produce peptides or amines that act as hormones or
      neurotransmitters. Incidence of NENs is relatively low. Diagnostic work-up and
      treatment requires a multidisciplinary team approach. The aim of this study was
      an analysis of data from patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine
      neoplasmas of gastrointestinal tract. The study included patients followed up
      from 1998 to 2013 with histologically confirmed well-differentiated digestive
      neuroendocrine neoplasm with low or intermediate malignant potential. 97 patients
      were included; 34 men (35.1%) and 63 women (64.9%). In patients being diagnosed
      after 2005 interferon treatment is significantly less used than endoscopic and
      peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. We have identified more appropriate
      discriminant values of 5-HIAA and chromogranin A (6.8 mg/24 hours; 70 ng/ml) for
      predicting the presence of metastases at the time of diagnosis. We have
      identified following risk factors for overall mortality: liver metastases,
      presence of diarrhea, flush, small bowel primary tumor, high values of CgA and 5
      HIAA at the time of diagnosis (5-HIAA > 520.52 mg/24 hours, CgA > 174.5 ng/ml).
      Surgical treatment was found to be a positive prognostic factor.

PMID- 27124968
TI  - [Specifics of using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the elderly].
AB  - Arterial hypertension is a chronic disease which represents a major risk factor
      for damage of cardiovascular system. Insufficient control of elevated blood
      pressure is associated with the development of target organ damage, increased
      cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with a adverse prognostic value. Using
      ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) we can improve the overall management
      of elderly patients at which the prevalence of arterial hypertension is
      particularly high.

PMID- 27124969
TI  - [Arterial hypertension--multicirculus vitiosus vasorum].
AB  - AIM: The aim of this review is to address documents and a number of studies on
      hypertension published in the last years in order to assess their contribution to
      our expanding knowledge of arterial hypertension. DISCUSSION: Arterial
      hypertension is not defined by symptoms and signs but by numbers of blood
      pressure values. Arterial hypertension is vascular disease (vascular risk factor)
      of many vascular diseases (atherosclerosis;
      arteriolosclerosis/arteriolonecrosis/arteriolocalcinosis; arterial thrombosis;
      arterial embolism; arterial thromboembolism; arterial dissection; complicated
      arterial aneurysm) and other. CONCLUSION: Arterial hypertension is cause and
      consequence of functional (endothelial dysfunction) and of structural
      organovascular injury (multiorganomultivascular disease). Blood vessels are
      culprits, implements and victims of arterial hypertension and of organovascular
      arterial diseases.

PMID- 27124970
TI  - [Hormonal changes in inflammatory bowel disease].
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease is often accompanied by extraintestinal manifestations
      due to a common autoimmune etiopathogenesis, chronic systemic inflammation,
      frequent nutrition deficits, and the treatment. Endocrine system changes belong
      to manifestations too. Interaction is mutual, Crohn's disease and ulcerative
      colitis cause functional and morphological changes of endocrine tissues. On the
      other hand the endocrine disorders negatively influence the course of bowel
      disease. In the article we analyze correlation of IBD with gonadal hormone
      production and fertility, with adrenal function, with the function and morphology
      of the thyroid, with growth hormone production and growth disorders in children,
      and with bone mineral density reduction. This topic is not studied enough and
      needs more analysis and clarification.

PMID- 27124971
TI  - [Diagnostics of polycystic ovary syndrome].
AB  - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrinopathy among women
      of reproductive age and the most frequent cause of menstruation cycle disorders.
      It is marked by a hyperandrogenic state (clinical and/or biochemical) and
      ovulatory dysfunction (anovulation and/or ultrasonographic finding of polycystic
      ovaries), which are also criteria for its diagnosis according to Androgen Excess
      and PCOS Society. The syndrome has multiple phenotypic expressions, among them
      besides the above characteristics also a metabolic syndrome, primarily obesity
      and insulin resistance. Diagnosing of PCOS may be rather exacting in clinical
      practice and it remains to be a diagnosis per exclusionem, following elimination
      of other causes of hyperandrogenic state and chronic oligo-anovulation. It
      requires a close cooperation between a gynecologist and endocrinologist and with
      regard to frequent metabolic complications also with an internist, diabetologist
      and possibly cardiologist.

PMID- 27124972
TI  - [Non usual cases of hypoglycaemia--hypoglycaemia factitia].
AB  - Hypoglycaemia factitia means also in recent time serious diagnostic and
      therapeutic problem in medical clinical practice, whereby often repeating
      episodes of serious hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes mellitus, but also in
      patients without diabetes mellitus could be very difficult do resolve. First
      unsuccessful diagnosis implicit from wrong chose of examination algorithm, can
      lead to unidentified surgical interventions as are laparotomy and pancreatectomy,
      respectively. Hypoglycaemia factitia is considered to be one of many
      manifestations of so called Munchhausen's syndrome for that is typical acting of
      diabetic patient with goal to intentionally making hypoglycaemia or within
      suicidal attempt of patient on the basis psychological disease with intention to
      attract attention of surrounding community to himself due to application of
      insulin or sulfonylurea drugs. Diagnostic and therapeutic process could be in the
      case of hypoglycaemia factitia extremely difficult as from time side, than from
      health and also from economical side and that why necessary to approach with
      maximum responsibility.

PMID- 27124973
TI  - [Is iron important in heart failure?].
AB  - Iron deficiency is a frequent comorbidity in a patient with chronic heart
      failure, and it associates with a worse prognosis of that patient. Mainly worse
      quality of life and more rehospitalizations are in these iron deficient patients.
      Iron metabolism is rather complex and there is some new information concerning
      this complexity in heart failure. We distinquish an absolute and a functional
      iron deficiency in heart failure. It is this deficit which is important and not
      as much is anemia important here. Prevalence of anaemia in heart failure is about
      30-50%, higher it is in patients suffering more frequently heart failure
      decompensations. Treatment of iron deficiency is important and it improves
      prognosis of these patients. Most experiences there are with i.v. iron treatment
      (FERRIC HF, FAIR HF and CONFIRM HF studies), less so with per oral treatment.
      There are no clinical trials which analysed mortality influences.

PMID- 27124974
TI  - [Novel diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in diabetic nephropathy].
AB  - Epidemiological studies show increasing prevalence of diabetic nephropathy.
      Diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease are the biggest group from among
      patients on renal replacement therapy. Renal Pathology Society developed
      pathological classification of diabetic nephropathy. The cardinal biochemical
      diagnostic parameters are albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate.
      European Renal Best Practice work group developed Clinical Practice Guideline on
      management of patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease stage 3b or
      higher.

PMID- 27124976
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27124975
TI  - [Are we to pay attention to factor XII deficiency?].
AB  - Severe coagulation factor XII (FXII) deficiency is a very rare, mysterious and
      not well known inherited condition. Unlike other coagulation factor deficiencies,
      it is totally asymptomatic. Surprisingly, it does not lead to abnormal bleeding,
      even with major surgical procedures. The explanation for the lack of bleeding
      manifestations is unknown. It is suggested, but unproven, that patients are not
      sufficiently protected from thrombosis. FXII deficiency is usually discovered by
      accident through a routine coagulation testing done prior to surgery. Since FXII
      plays an important role in clot formation during in vitro measurements, its
      deficiency causes a marked prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin
      time in the laboratory examination. The main concern related to FXII deficiency
      is the unnecessary testing, delay in health care and worry of surgical
      interventions that may be prompted by the abnormal laboratory result.

PMID- 27124977
TI  - The Responsibility of Organized Medicine in South Carolina and Thoughts from Your
      SCMA President.

PMID- 27124979
TI  - The Roe Award: Past, Present, Future.

PMID- 27124978
TI  - Tribute to Dr. Tim Pearce 2014-2015 SCMA President.

PMID- 27124980
TI  - A Community Radiologist's Perspective on Screening Mammography: Focus on
      Improvement.

PMID- 27124981
TI  - Investigation of Epidemiological Factors as Barriers to Indicated Radiation
      Therapy in Post-Mastectomy Breast Cancer Patients in South Carolina.

PMID- 27124982
TI  - Thinking Outside of the Lines: Diagnosing Babesiosis in the Lowcountry.

PMID- 27124983
TI  - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Simulation Training in the MUSC Family Medicine
      Residency Program.

PMID- 27124984
TI  - Suvorexant for Adults with Insomnia.

PMID- 27124985
TI  - A Case of Primary Cardiac Lymphoma.

PMID- 27124986
TI  - Stimulant Use by Medical Students.

PMID- 27124988
TI  - Fundamentals of the Medical Practice Act.

PMID- 27124987
TI  - Response from Authors.

PMID- 27124989
TI  - Spinning Wheels....

PMID- 27124990
TI  - The Doctor as the Patient.

PMID- 27124991
TI  - Changing The Game in Childhood Obesity Prevention.

PMID- 27124992
TI  - Prescription for Parks: A Creative Approach to Combat Childhood Obesity in South
      Carolina and To Get South Carolina Children Moving.

PMID- 27124993
TI  - The Docs-Adopt School Wellness Initiative: An Innovative Program to Involve
      Doctors in School-Based Obesity Prevention Efforts.

PMID- 27124994
TI  - Team-Based Approach to Obesity Management.

PMID- 27124995
TI  - Development and Use of the SCMA Childhood Obesity Taskforce Toolkit.

PMID- 27124996
TI  - The New Impact-Healthy Lifestyle Program at Children's Hospital of Greenville.

PMID- 27124997
TI  - South Carolina Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

PMID- 27124999
TI  - Eat Smart, Move More South Carolina.

PMID- 27124998
TI  - The Department of Health and Environmental Control.

PMID- 27125000
TI  - Representing PROTeens (Program for the Reduction of Obesity in Teens) and
      Bariatric Solutions.

PMID- 27125001
TI  - COMMIT to Be FIT.

PMID- 27125002
TI  - Celebrating the Voice of Health Care. Honoring Dr. Bruce A. Snyder SCMA President
      2013-2014.

PMID- 27125003
TI  - It's What Physicians Do Year After Year.

PMID- 27125004
TI  - Evaluation of Cost Reduction Measures at a State University Medical Center.
AB  - Components of a Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH), implemented at a large State
      University Medical Center (SUMC), have driven significant reductions in Surgical
      Site Infections (SSIs) and Day of Surgery (DOS) cancellations. Refined
      methodology for efficient and accurate assessment of these reductions was
      developed based on available electronic data systems and proven strategies
      adapted from literature. At our institution, the practice of evidence-based
      protocol-driven medicine has contributed to the prevention of an estimated 1073
      SSIs over a 6 year period, representing avoided costs in excess of $24M.
      Management of logistics surrounding patients' surgeries starting in the
      preoperative clinic has yielded exceedingly low DOS cancellation rates (3.47% of
      scheduled procedures). This level of efficiency is critical given that a 1%
      increase in DOS cancellation rates can represent as much as a $5.6M loss of
      revenue to a large SUMC.

PMID- 27125005
TI  - The Diagnostic Significance of a Mucocele of the Appendix.
AB  - Appendiceal mucoceles are rare lesions with a variable clinical presentation
      often identified incidentally on imaging or at laparotomy/laparoscopy for an
      unrelated diagnosis. Mucocele of the appendix may be a benign or malignant
      process, making early recognition based on symptoms and key radiographic
      characteristics of the utmost importance for optimal patient management. Here we
      present the case of a patient presenting with non-specific abdominal complaints
      suffering from appendiceal mucocele perforation due to low-grade mucinous
      adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27125006
TI  - Tele-Intensivist Augmented Critical Care: Report of Three-Year Experience with a
      Remote Tele-ICU System.

PMID- 27125007
TI  - Yellow Fever and the Emergence of Public Health Policy in Charleston, South
      Carolina.

PMID- 27125009
TI  - President's Annual Report.

PMID- 27125010
TI  - Effect of formulation variables on the physical properties and stability of Dead
      Sea mud masks.
AB  - The physical stability of Dead Sea mud mask formulations under different
      conditions and their rheological properties were evaluated as a function of the
      type and level of thickeners, level of the humectant, incorporation of ethanol,
      and mode of mud treatment. Formulations were evaluated in terms of visual
      appearance, pH, moisture content, spreadability, extrudability, separation, rate
      of drying at 32 degrees C, and rheological properties. Prepared mud formulations
      and over-the-shelf products showed viscoplastic shear thinning behavior;
      satisfactory rheological behavior was observed with formulations containing a
      total concentration of thickeners less than 10% (w/w). Casson and Herschel
      Bulkley models were found the most suitable to describe the rheological data of
      the prepared formulations. Thickener incorporation decreased phase separation and
      improved formulation stability. Bentonite incorporation in the mud prevented
      color changes during stability studies while glycerin improved spreadability.
      Addition of 5% (w/w) ethanol improved mud extrudability, slightly increased
      percent separation, accelerated drying at 32 degrees C, and decreased viscosity
      and yield stress values. Different mud treatment techniques did not cause a clear
      behavioral change in the final mud preparation. B10G and K5B5G were labeled as
      "best formulas" based on having satisfactory physical and aesthetic criteria
      investigated in this study, while other formulations failed in one or more of the
      tests we have performed.

PMID- 27125008
TI  - Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

PMID- 27125011
TI  - Feasibility study of a cosmetic cream added with aqueous extract and oil from
      date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit seed using experimental design.
AB  - This article reports on the feasibility study of a cosmetic cream added with
      aqueous extract and oil from date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit seed using
      experimental design. First, the mixture design was applied to optimize the
      cosmetic formula. The responses (dependent variables) were the spreadability
      (YSp) and viscosity (YVis), the factors (independent variables) being the weight
      proportions of the fatty phase (X1), the aqueous date seed extract (X2), and the
      beeswax (X3). Second, the cosmetic stability study was conducted by applying a
      full factorial design. Here, three responses were considered [spreadability (Sp),
      viscosity (Vis), and peroxide index (PI)], the independent variables being the
      concentration of the date seed oil (DSO) (x1), storage temperature (x2), and
      storage time (x3). Results showed that in the case of mixture design, the second
      order polynomial equations correctly described experimental data. Globally,
      results show that there is a relatively wide composition range to ensure a
      suitable cosmetic cream from the point of view of Sp and Vis. Regarding the
      cosmetic stability, the storage time was found to be the most influential factor
      on both Vis and PI, which are considered here as indicators of physical and
      chemical stability of the emulsion, respectively. Finally, the elaborated and
      commercial cosmetics were compared in terms of pH, Sp, and centrifugation test
      (Ct).

PMID- 27125013
TI  - Quantifying hair shape and hair damage induced during reshaping of hair.
AB  - The manipulation of hair shape, either to straighten or curl hair, is carried out
      on a grand scale in the hair care consumer market. Often, such changes are
      brought about through chemical or physical treatment, resulting in changes to
      hair chemistry. In this article, we review existing and present new data on
      methods to assess the efficacy of such treatments, mostly concentrating on
      imaging technologies used in conjunction with image analysis. In addition, we
      introduce spectroscopic imaging techniques and fluorescence spectrophotometry as
      tools to assess the biochemical state of the hair fiber as a result of hair shape
      modification regimens. Finally, we demonstrate how the structural integrity of
      the fiber is monitored with dynamic scanning calorimetry and traditional
      mechanical testing of the tensile properties of hair.

PMID- 27125012
TI  - Volatile profile and sensory property of Gardenia jasminoides aroma extracts.
AB  - The volatile profiles of aroma extracts prepared from the flower of Gardenia
      jasminoides by different methods were investigated using gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry. The enfleurage extraction using spermaceti wax and palm oil
      afforded the best aroma extract with a preference that was significantly (p <
      0.05) better than those from solvent extractions, as sensorially evaluated in 43
      volunteers. The odor quality of the absolute de enfleurage was similar to the
      floral scent of fresh gardenia, as confirmed in 152 volunteers. Although female
      volunteers were insignificantly (p > 0.05) better sensed than male volunteers,
      age was significant (p < 0.05). The nuance gardenia floral scent was contributed
      by farnesene, Z-3-hexenyl tiglate, Z-3-hexenyl benzoate, and indole. The relaxing
      and refreshing sensations of the gardenia odor suggest its applications in body
      care, cleansing products, and perfume. This study addresses the increasing
      interest in floral fragrances. The aroma profile and sensory property of this
      sweet and elegant scent flower will strengthen and expand the applications of
      gardenia from traditional medicine to those of perfumery and the field of
      phytochemistry.

PMID- 27125014
TI  - Competing for domain names in the cosmetic industry: registrants versus trademark
      owners.

PMID- 27125015
TI  - Diagnostic Emergency Ultrasound: Assessment Techniques In The Pediatric Patient.
AB  - Emergency ultrasound is performed at the point of care to answer focused clinical
      questions in a rapid manner. Over the last 20 years, the use of this technique
      has grown rapidly, and it has become a core requirement in many emergency
      medicine residencies and in some pediatric emergency medicine fellowships. The
      use of emergency ultrasound in the pediatric setting is increasing due to the
      lack of ionizing radiation with these studies, as compared to computed
      tomography. Utilizing diagnostic ultrasound in the emergency department can allow
      clinicians to arrive at a diagnosis at the bedside rather than sending the
      patient out of the department for another study. This issue focuses on common
      indications for diagnostic ultrasound, as found in the pediatric literature or
      extrapolated from adult literature where pediatric evidence is scarce.
      Limitations, current trends, controversies, and future directions of diagnostic
      ultrasound in the emergency department are also discussed.

PMID- 27125016
TI  - [Pioneer Transcription Factors in Normal Development and in Carcinogenesis].
AB  - Pioneer transcription factors constitute a heterogeneous group of regulatory
      proteins of animals, which, unlike other transcription factors, are able to
      recognize and bind target DNA sequences within closed chromatin. This binding can
      change the local chromatin structure and facilitate binding of other proteins,
      thus establishing competence for gene expression. The ability to bind silent
      genes in the closed environment makes the pioneer factors very useful in the
      processes leading to cardinal alteration of cell phenotype, such as
      differentiation in embryonic development or cell reprogramming. These proteins
      can remain bound to target sequences during mitotic division, and due to this
      probably take part in the maintenance of cellular memory. Apparently, pioneer
      transcription factors are active participants in carcinogenesis and maintenance
      of tumor cell phenotype, although their role in these processes needs additional
      research. It is reasonable to suppose that a further study will help to shed more
      light on the genetic processes in embryonic development, increase the efficiency
      of cell reprogramming and also develop new approaches to diagnostics and therapy
      of cancer diseases.

PMID- 27125017
TI  - [The Qualitative Analysis of the Amide Derivative of HLDF-6 Peptide and Its
      Metabolites with the Use of Tritium- and Deuterium-Labeled Derivatives].
AB  - The goal of the study was to elaborate the pharmacokinetics methods of the amide
      derivative of peptide HLDF-6 (TGENHR-NH2) and its range of nootropic and
      neuroprotective activity is wide. The hexapeptide 41TGENHR46 is a fragment of the
      HDLF differentiation factor. It forms the basis for the development of preventive
      and therapeutic preparations for treating cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative
      conditions. Pharmacokinetic and molecular mechanisms of the action of the HLDF-6
      peptide were studied using tritium- and deuterium-labeled derivatives of this
      peptide, produced with the use of the high-temperature solid-state catalytic
      isotope exchange reaction (HSCIE). This reaction was employed to produce the
      tritium-labeled peptide [3H]TGENHR-NH2 with a molar radioactivity of 230 Ci/mmol
      and the deuterium-labeled peptide [2H]TGENHR-NH2 with an average deuterium
      incorporation equal to 10.5 atoms. It was shown by the NMR spectroscopy that the
      isotope label distribution over the labeled peptide's molecule was uniform, which
      allowed qualitative analysis ofboth the peptide itself and its fragments in the
      organism's tissues to be conducted. The newly developed pharmacokinetics method
      makes it possible to avoid almost completely losses of the peptides under study
      due to biodegradation during the analysis of tissues. These labeled peptides were
      used in mice, rats and rabbits to study the pharmacokinetics of the peptide and
      to calculate the values of its principal pharmacokinetic parameters.
      Characteristics of its pharmacokinetic profile in the blood were obtained, the
      hypothesis of pharmacokinetics linearity tested, its metabolism analyzed and its
      bioavailability value, 34%, calculated. It has been shown that the studied TGENHR
      NH2 peptide shows high resistance to hydrolysis in the blood plasma, with
      dipeptidyl aminopeptidases making the largest contribution to its hydrolysis.

PMID- 27125018
TI  - [Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Polypeptide of the Sea Anemone, Heteractis
      crispa].
AB  - The anti-inflammatory effect of the recombinant polypeptide HCGS 1.20, a Kunitz
      type serine protease inhibitor of the sea anemone Heteractis crispa, was
      investigated. It was shown that the polypeptide inhibits the increase of the
      concentration of calcium ions in mouse bone marrow derived macrophages elicited
      by histamine, and reduces the content of NO in lipopolysaccharide stimulated
      macrophages. A presumable mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of the
      polypeptide was being discussed.

PMID- 27125019
TI  - [Interaction of Arenicin-1 with C1q Protein].
AB  - The interaction between arenicin-1, that is an antimicrobial peptide from
      polychaeta Arenicola marina, and human complement system protein C1q was studied
      using enzyme-linked receptor sorbent assay and ELISA. We revealed that arenicin-1
      and C1q form complex that is stable in high ionic strength condition 0.5 M NaCl.
      The ability of C1q to interact with arenicin-1 is comparable with the binding
      activity of C1q towards another antimicrobial peptide, porcine cathelicidin
      protegrin-1, which has a similar spatial arrangement with arenicin-1. Namely,
      both arenicin-1 and protegrin-1 form cystine-stabilized antiparallel beta-hairpin
      structure.

PMID- 27125020
TI  - [Ph-Sensor Properties of a Fluorescent Protein from Dendronephthya sp].
AB  - Genetically encoded biosensors based on fluorescent proteins are now widely
      applicable for monitoring pH changes in live cells. Here, we have shown that a
      fluorescent protein from Dendronephthya sp. (DendFP) exhibits a pronounced pH
      sensitivity. Unlike most of known genetically encoded pH-sensors, fluorescence of
      the protein is not quenched upon medium acidification, but is shifting from the
      red to green spectral range. Therefore, quantitative measurements of
      intracellular pH are feasible by ratiometric comparison of emission intensities
      in the red and green spectral ranges, which makes DendFP advantageous compared
      with other genetically encoded pH-sensors.

PMID- 27125021
TI  - [Functionalized Metal Chelates Based on Diethylenetriaminetetraacetic Acids for
      Chemical Modification of Proteins and Small Biomolecules].
AB  - Bifunctional reagents based on diethylenetriaminetetraacetic acid containing a
      bound metal ion and a reactive functional group for the interaction with proteins
      and low-molecular-weight substances have been synthesized. An Amino-derivative of
      a complexonate was obtained by acylation of monosubstituted diamine with
      diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid dianhydride followed by deprotection ofthe
      amino group, purification by anion exchange chromatography and chelation of Eu3+.
      This metal chelate derivative was used for labeling 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone 3
      (O-carboxymethyl)oxime and horseradish peroxidase. The enzyme modified with the
      Eu3+ complexonate at the carbohydrate component and with a cortisol derivative at
      the polypeptide chain was used in a dissociation-enhanced lanthanide fluorescent
      immunoassay (DELFIA) as well as in an enzyme immunoassay of the steroid hormone.
      DELFIA showed that labeled 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone retained the affinity for
      corresponding antibodies. A Eu(3+)-complexonate carboxy-derivative N-succinimide
      ester was obtained by acylation of the aminochelate with p-phthalic acid di-N
      succinimide ester. It was used for modification of amino groups of lysine
      residues in polypeptide chains of human serum albumin and some immunoglobulins G.
      Purification of Eu3+ complexonate-protein conjugates by gel-chromatography on a
      Superose- 12 column allowed to separate the modified proteins from unreacted low
      molecular weight Eu(3+)-derivatives and to determine a degree of lanthanide
      inclusion into a protein. The amount of Eu3+ covalently attached to a protein was
      determined by measuring the fluorescence of a conjugate in the dissociative
      enhancement solution. The obtained values correlated well with the results of ICP
      MS determination of Eu3+ concentration in a conjugate solution. It was shown that
      conjugates of monoclonal antibodies obtained by the proposed method possessed the
      required characteristics of fluorescence intensity, signal-to-noise ratio,
      sensitivity and specificity in DELFIA medical diagnostic systems.

PMID- 27125022
TI  - [Protein Identification of Blood Nucleoprotein Complexes].
AB  - Circulating nucleoprotein complexes were isolated-from blood plasma by affinity
      chromatography using immobilized polyclonal anti-histone antibodies. It was
      found, that the main part of DNA from histone-contained nucleoprotein complexes
      have size 170-180 b.p., in blood of breast cancer patients DNA with size 170-180
      b.p. and DNA more then 6 k.b.p. are presented in equal quantity. Proteins from
      circulating nucleoprotein complexes were identified using MALDI-TOF mass
      spectrometry. It was shown that nucleoprotein complexes from blood of breast
      cancer patients contain tumor-specific proteins, such as LDOC1L, ADP/ATP
      translocase 3 and Lamellipodin. These data indicate, that a part of circulating
      extracellular DNA have tumor origin.

PMID- 27125023
TI  - [Interaction of DNA Aptamers with the ATP-Dependent Lon Protease from Escherichia
      coli].
AB  - ATP-dependent Lon protease of E. coli (Ec-Lon) is a key enzyme of the quality
      control system of the cell proteome. Ec-Lon subunit comprises N-terminal non
      catalytic region, ATPase module and proteolytic domain (serine-lysine
      endopeptidase). A distinctive feature of the Ec-Lon is its ability to interact
      with DNA, however either DNA binding site(s) or the role ofthe complex Ec-Lon .
      DNA have not yet been characterized. A promising tool for the study of molecular
      mechanisms of interaction between nucleic acids and protein ligands are known to
      be aptamers (small nucleic acids with high specificity to organic compounds of
      different nature). Ec-Lon-protease was found to form complexes with the
      previously obtained thrombin aptamers whose molecules comprise the duplex domains
      and G-quadruplex region. The aptamer affinities to the enzyme have been
      characterized. The synthesis of novel aptamers specific to Ec-Lon protease is
      planed for studying the mechanism of the enzyme-DNA complexation.

PMID- 27125024
TI  - [Preparation of Transmembrane Fragments Growth Hormone Receptor GHR in a Cell
      Free Expression System for Structural Studies].
AB  - Growth hormone somatotropin and its membrane receptor GHR, belonging to a
      superfamily of the type I receptors possessing tyrosine kinase activity, are
      involved in the intercellular signal transduction cascade and regulate a number
      of important physiological and pathological processes in humans. Binding with
      somatotropin triggers a transition of GHR between two alternative dimer states,
      resulting in an allosteric activation of JAK2 tyrosine kinase in the cell
      cytoplasm. Transmembrane domain of GHR directly involved in this complex
      conformational transition. It has presumably two dimerization interfaces
      corresponding to the "unliganded" and the active state of GHR. In order to study
      the molecular basis of biochemical signal transduction mechanism across the cell
      membrane, we have developed an efficient cell-free production system of a TM
      fragment of GHR, which contains its TM domain flanked by functionally important
      juxtamembrane regions (GHRtm residues 254-298). The developed system allows to
      obtain -1 mg per 1 ml of reaction mixture of 13C- and 15N-isotope-labeled protein
      for structural and dynamic studies of the GHR TM domain dimerization in the
      membrane-mimicking medium by high-resolution heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy.

PMID- 27125025
TI  - [Fragment of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Improves Memory State
      in a Model of Alzheimer's Disease].
AB  - A number of synthetic peptides corresponding to potentially important regions in
      the sequence of the four membrane proteins known as beta-amyloid cell receptors
      have been investigated on their ability to improve memory state in experimental
      model of Alzheimer's disease. Nine fragments repeating all the exposed
      nonstructural regions of the RAGE protein according to X-ray data, have been
      synthesized. The activity of these peptides and synthesized earlier
      immunoprotective fragments of other three proteins (acetylcholine receptor alpha7
      type, prion protein and neurotrophin receptor p75) has been investigated under
      intranasal administration, without immune response to the peptide. Only one
      fragment RAGE (60-76) was shown to have a therapeutic activity improving the
      memory state of bulbectomized mice and leads to decreasing in the level of brain
      beta-amyloid.

PMID- 27125027
TI  - [Modulation of Ca(2+)-Dependent Proteiolysis under the Action of Weak Low
      Frequency Magnetic Fields].
AB  - The study aimed to determine the molecular targets of magnetic fields in living
      objects. Time-dependent effects of weak low-frequency magnetic field tuned to the
      parametric resonance for calcium ions were studied on model organisms (fish,
      whelk). The dynamics of Ca(2+)-dependent proteinase activity under the exposure
      to magnetic fields with given parameters was determined and minimal time of
      exposure in order to achieve inactivation of these proteinases was find out as
      well. As hyperactivation of Ca(2+)-dependent proteinases is a basis of
      degenerative pathology development the therapeutic potential of weak low
      frequency magnetic fields enabling to modulate Ca(2+)-dependent proteinase
      activity is supported.

PMID- 27125026
TI  - [Intracellular Protein Degradation in Growth of Atlantic Salmon, Salmo salar L].
AB  - A brief review on the common characteristics and specific features of proteolytic
      machinery in fish skeletal muscles (based on Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.,
      Salmonidae) has been given. Among a variety of proteases in the muscle tissue,
      those determining protein degradation level in developing and intensively growing
      muscles in salmon young and by this way regulating protein retention intensity
      and growth at all namely lysosomal cathepsins B and D and calcium-dependent
      proteases (calpains) were comprehensively studied. Revealed age-related
      differences in intracellular protease activity in salmon skeletal muscles
      indicate the role of proteolysis regulation in growth in general and a specific
      role of the individual proteolytic enzymes in particular. The data on negative
      correlation of cathepsin D and calpain activity levels in muscles and the rate of
      weight increase in juvenile salmon were obtained. A revealed positive correlation
      of cathepsin B activity and morphometric parameters in fish young presumably
      indicates its primary contribution to non-myofibrillar protein turnover.

PMID- 27125028
TI  - [Inhibitory Properties of Nitrogen-Containing Adamantane Derivatives with
      Monoterpenoid Fragments Against Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase I].
AB  - It was found that compounds combining diazaadamantane and monoterpenoid fragments
      are potent inhibitors of new structural type of human recombinant DNA repair
      enzyme Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (Tdp1). It was demonstrated that the
      inhibition efficiency depended on the length and flexibility of the aliphatic
      chain of the substituent.

PMID- 27125029
TI  - [Synthesis and Neurotropic Activity of 2,4-pyrano[4',3':4,5]pyrido[2,3
      b]thieno[3,2-d] Pyrimidines].
AB  - 2,4-Disubstituted derivatives of pyrano[4',3':4,5]pyrido[2,3-b]thieno[3,2-d]
      pyrimidines were synthesized and their pharmacological studies was carried out at
      animals by the tests of antagonism with subcutaneous administration of corazol
      and behavior of "open field" model. The method of "rotating rod" was used to
      evaluate of neurotoxicity. The neurotropic properties were found in the new
      synthesized compounds. The new synthesized compounds as well as diazepam
      prevented the occurrence of clonic twitchings and clonic corazol seizures in
      animals. However, the studied compounds in contrast of tranquilizer diazepam
      having the anxiolytic and activating effects in the test of "open field", induced
      a oppressive behavior sedative effects.

PMID- 27125030
TI  - [The Cytoskelrtal Protein Zvxin Interacts with the Hedgehog Receptor Patched].
AB  - Earlier, we demonstrated Zyxin influence upon Hedgehog (Hh)-signaling pathway
      during early patterning of the central neural system (CNS) anlage of the Xenopus
      laevis embryo. Now we show that Zyxin can physically interact with the
      transmembrane receptor of Hh, Patched2 (Ptc2). Binding of Hh by this receptor
      activates signaling pathway, which regulates many events, including numerous
      types of cell differentiation during the embryonic development. In particular,
      patterning of the CNS anlage. The ability of Zyxin to interact with Ptc2 have
      been confirmed by immunoprecipitation experiments, in which we tested mutual
      binding affinity of Zyxin and Ptc2, as well as mutual affinity of their deletion
      mutants. As a result, we have established that in Xenopus levis, Zyxin binding to
      Ptc2 is due to the interaction of Zyxin 2nd LIM-domain (530-590 aa) with the
      under-membrane region of the cytoplasmic C-terminus of Ptc2 (1159-1412 aa). We
      have also demonstrated that similar interaction is valid for the homologous
      regions of the human Zyxin and human Hh receptor, Ptc1. The data obtained allow
      to hypothesize existence of evolutionary conserved mechanism that modulates Hh
      signaling and based on the interaction of Zyxin with Ptc.

PMID- 27125032
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27125033
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27125031
TI  - [The Point Mutation in NOGGIN2 Protein That Enhances Its Ability to Bind
      Activin].
AB  - Earlier we have revealed the ability of Noggin family proteins to bind a member
      of the TUF-beta superfamily, ActivinB, and to repress the Activin-dependent Smad2
      signaling cascade. In the present work we have characterized a mutant of the
      Xenopus laevis Noggin2, bearing the substitution W203R. We have shown that this
      point mutation enhances the affinity of Noggin2 to ActivinB, while weakens its
      affinity to BMP. Consistently, we have shown that W203 R mutant inhibits Smad2
      signaling cascade more efficiently than the wild-type Noggin2. Interestingly, the
      mutation of human Noggin in the homologous position is associated with hereditary
      anomalies. The revealed effects of W203R substitution in Noggin2 demonstrate
      promising potential of such mutagenesis for generation of Noggin variants with
      enhanced affinity to different members of the TGF-beta superfamily.

PMID- 27125034
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Ebola virus belongs to the Filoviridae family and includes several species,
      including the Ebola Zaire virus, responsible for an initial outbreak of
      hemorrhagic fever in 1976 and the current epidemic of West Africa. Fruit bats of
      tropicalforests are the likely reservoir of this enveloped RNA virus which,
      following the incidental infection of a human being, is efficiently transmitted
      from man to man. Ebola virus exhibits a wide cell and tissue tropism and causes a
      deleterious acute infection leading to severe sepsis burdened with a heavy
      mortality. During the acute phase, the virus is very abundant in biological
      fluids where it can temporarily retain its infectivity for several days after
      death. Virological diagnosis is done mainly by RT-PCR on a blood sample and needs
      to be practiced in high security conditions. The pathophysiology of the infection
      allows to consider curative treatments and vaccination which are urgently needed.

PMID- 27125035
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27125036
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27125037
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Accomplishment of therapeutic clinical trials in the midst of an uncontrolled and
      devasta- ting epidemic in resource-poor communities is complex and challenging.
      Key issues rely to close collaboration between research and clinical teams
      involved in care in the field. Indeed, it is of prime importance to consider
      cultural dimensions when aiming to build trust within communities and flexibility
      to adapt trial procedures to field constraints. The JIKI trial, a sequential
      single-arm proof-of-concept trial, has been implemented in Guinea in 2014-2015
      with the aim to evaluate the efficacy of the antiviralfavipiravir in decreasing
      mortality and tolerance in patients with acute Ebola virus disease. Research was
      integrated into care to inform clinical management of patients. This pioneer
      trial illustrates challenging inputs for producing scientific and ethical gains
      for the benefit of vulnerable populations in the context of an international
      emerging or re-emerging infectious disease event.

PMID- 27125038
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27125039
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27125040
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27125041
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Despite a decrease in stroke mortality, the global burden of stroke is increasing
      worldwide, hence the importance of improving prevention, acute treatment and
      rehabilitation. Nume- rous randomized clinical trials have been performed in the
      acute treatment of the three main varieties of stroke, namely acute cerebral
      ischemia, intracerebral hemorrhage and suba- rachnoid hemorrhage. They have all
      shown that " time is brain ". Stroke, however, is only the tip of the iceberg:
      MRI studies have shown the frequency of silent ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions
      contributing to cognitive impairment and eventually to dementia. This again
      underlines the needfor effective prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of
      stroke.

PMID- 27125042
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Treatment of ischemic stroke consists of (i) general patient management
      (maintaining vital signs, ensuring normal biological parameters except for blood
      pressure, preventing complications), (ii) admission to an acute stroke unit,
      (iii) rt-PA for in patients admitted with 4.5 hours of stroke onset who have no
      contraindications, sometimes followed by mechanical thrombectomy in case of
      proximal artery occlusion, (iv) aspirin (160 to 300 mg) for patients who are not
      eligible for rt-PA, and (v) decompressive surgery for patients at risk of a
      malignant infarct. All these treatments should be administered rapidly. A
      centralized emergency call system (phone number 15 in France) is the most
      effective way to achieve this objective.

PMID- 27125043
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most severe forms of stroke, yet
      several factors continue to undermine effective patient management: (1) Contrary
      to ischemic stroke, no dedicated ICH classification has so far been established
      for routine clinical use. (2) The diagnostic workup for patients presenting with
      acute ICH has not been standardized (3) Specific ICH treatment options remain
      limited. (4) Major uncertainties exist regarding preventive interventions for
      unruptured, hemorrhage-prone lesions such as cerebral AVMs, aneurysms, and
      cavernous malformations. This paper summarizes recent progress in establishing an
      etiology-based ICH classification, a pragmatic stepwise algorithm for the
      diagnostic workup of ICH, and novel treatment strategies such as rapid blood
      pressure-lowering therapy for acute ICH.

PMID- 27125044
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27125045
TI  - Building a Physician Culture for Healthcare Transformation: A Hospital's
      Leadership Challenge.
AB  - Engaging and integrating physicians has become the veritable "brass ring" for
      many hospital systems: many attempts and few actual wins. This is especially true
      in California's managed care environment and for public entities such as Palomar
      Health in Escondido, California. Our commitment to engage and integrate
      physicians continues to be a vital element of a larger cultural shift toward
      delivery of care that puts the patients' needs first. A key determinant of
      success has been the ability to align a diverse medical staff culture with
      administrative priorities. This alignment involves a carefully executed strategy
      and a structure to build a collective identity among diverse players. Palomar
      Health is in the third year of the journey. Some of the critical milestones have
      been the implementation of a physician leadership development process, creation
      of a physician onboarding process to codify the desired physician culture,
      delineation of roles and expectations for physician leadership, and formalization
      of dyad and triad partnerships between physicians and their clinical and
      administrative partners.

PMID- 27125046
TI  - Physician Leadership: A Central Strategy to Transforming Healthcare.
AB  - As the role of the physician leader becomes increasingly important in the
      transformation of healthcare, how hospitals, health systems, and other healthcare
      organizations define that role is undergoing radical change. Traditional
      physician leadership roles no longer are effective, and the independent medical
      staff approach is changing to a collaborative, team-oriented model. The dyad
      relationship between physician leaders and operational leaders is shifting from a
      rigid, siloed set of responsibilities to a model characterized by a distributed,
      situational framework of accountabilities, and the scope of influence of the
      physician leader and operational leader fluctuates depending on the situation and
      individuals involved. In addition, the focus of the physician leader is moving to
      one founded in servant leadership, with an increased emphasis on creating
      supportive models to enhance physicians' success and place them in the roles of
      leader and integrator of health.

PMID- 27125047
TI  - Physician Leadership in a Changing Healthcare Environment.

PMID- 27125048
TI  - Physicians Lead the Way in Transforming Healthcare.

PMID- 27125049
TI  - The Five Questions of Physician Leadership.

PMID- 27125050
TI  - Starting Year 20!

PMID- 27125051
TI  - Extemporaneous Compounding of Oral Acitretin Suspension for Pediatric Patient
      with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis.
AB  - Generalized pustular psoriasis is rare in children, but it can occur and affect
      an extensive body surface area of a child. Treatment regimens can include
      medications that are not available in pediatric dosage form. Acitretin is
      considered one of the treatment options for acute generalized pustular psoriasis
      in children, but, in Singapore, it is only available as Neotigason capsules.
      Extemporaneous compounding of the powder content in the capsules was developed
      for formulating the oral acitretin suspension with a standardized formulation
      table and compounding process at National Skin Centre. An appropriate beyond-use
      date of the extemporaneous preparation was assigned after reviewing the
      photostability data of acitretin, compatibility of the active ingredient and
      excipients, and United States Pharmacopeia <795> guidelines. It is deemed
      appropriate to assign a beyond-use date of 14 days when the extemporaneous
      preparation is stored in amber glass bottles at 2 degrees C to 8 degrees C.

PMID- 27125052
TI  - Microbial Identification in Pharmaceutical Compounding.
AB  - Compounding pharmacies and contract testing laboratories can readily utilize
      critical information that microbial identification methods provide. Rapidly
      identifying the genus and species of environmental isolates and sample
      contaminates provides pharmacies and laboratories the opportunity to determine
      the possible source and implement corrective actions to improve compounding and
      testing processes. The microbial identification data collected from a compounding
      environment is critical. It is important to have accurate and specific microbial
      information to guide environmental collection practices, validation studies, and
      troubleshooting initiatives. The different technologies available provide varying
      levels of identification. They range from phenotypic assays to more accurate
      molecular-based techniques, including macromolecular methods and whole genome
      sequencing. Selecting the appropriate identification methodology requires
      evaluating multiple factors including the level of information required (genus
      only, genus and species, etc.) and the pharmacy's tolerance for unidentified or
      incorrectly identified isolates.

PMID- 27125053
TI  - Basic Principles of Lyophilization, Part 2.
AB  - The achievement of a high-quality lyophilized (freeze-dried) dosage form involves
      the combination of optimal formulation design and optimal freeze-dry cycle
      design. Part 1 of this 2-part article discussed the basic principles and
      procedures of lyophilization up to a discussion on the different stages of
      lyophilization. The stages of lyophilization are discussed within this article.

PMID- 27125054
TI  - Performance Improvement in 503A Compounding Pharmacies: A PLAN FOR ASSESSMENT,
      IMPLEMENTATION, AND SUSTAINED SUCCESS.
AB  - Performance improvement is the continual effort to objectively assess current
      performance and then restructure the practices that support it to more closely
      achieve desired performance. A plan for performance improvement, unlike other
      approaches to correcting problems in job fulfillment, is a systematic method used
      to first find the root causes of areas of concern and then apply corrections to
      remedy those deficits. Implementing a performance improvement plan that can be
      easily adapted to ensure compliance with evolving and increasingly complex state
      and federal regulations is crucial to a successful compounding practice. In this
      article, we discuss the need for performance improvement in 503A compounding
      pharmacies, list the steps necessary to develop such a plan, and present three
      case reports of performance improvement plans in differing compounding settings.

PMID- 27125055
TI  - Antimicrobial Activity of Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) and Pracaxi
      (Pentaclethra macroloba) Oils against Staphylococcus Aureus: Importance in
      Compounding for Wound Care.
AB  - The Amazon rainforest is the largest reserve of natural products in the world.
      Its rich biodiversity of medicinal plants has been utilized by local populations
      for hundreds of years for the prevention and treatment of various diseases and
      ailments. Oil extracts from plant species such as Copaifera officinalis and
      Pentaclethra macroloba are used in compounded formulations for their
      antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, emollient, moisturizing, and wound-healing
      activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro
      bacteriostatic effect of two Amazonian oils, Copaiba and Pracaxi, against
      Staphylococcus aureus, a clinically important microorganism responsible for wound
      infection, to support the use of these oils as novel natural products for
      compounded wound-treatment modalities. The antibacterial activity of Copaiba and
      Pracaxi oils against a standard strain of Staphylococcus aureus was assessed
      using broth microdilution to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and
      Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of the oil extracts. Copaiba oil demonstrated
      antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with a Minimum Inhibitory
      Concentration of 0.3125 mg/mL and a Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of 0.3125
      mg/mL. Conversely, Pracaxi oil failed to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus growth.
      While additional studies are required to further evaluate the antimicrobial
      activity of Pracaxi oil, even low concentrations of Copaiba oil effectively
      inhibited Staphylococcus aureus growth, supporting its potential use as a
      promising adjuvant in compounded topical formulations for wound and scar healing.

PMID- 27125056
TI  - Validation of Ultraviolet-visible and High-performance Liquid Chromatographic
      Methods for the Determination of Sodium p-Aminosalicylate and m-Aminophenol in a
      New Pharmaceutical Formulation.
AB  - Sodium p-aminosalycilate is an orphan drug used in patients affected with
      Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis. Two methods, high-performance liquid
      chromatographic and ultraviolet spectrophotometric for the quantitative
      determination of sodium p-aminosalycilate and its degradation product m
      aminophenol in a new pharmaceutical formulation, powder for extemporaneous
      reconstitution, were developed in the present work. The parameters linearity,
      precision, accuracy, specificity, robustness, limit of detection, and limit of
      quantification were also studied. Chromatography was carried out by reverse-phase
      technique on an RP-18 column with a mobile phase composed of 50 mM
      monobasic/dibasic phosphate buffer and methanol (42.5:42.5:15 v/v/v) with 1.9 g
      of hidroxytetrabutylammonium ionic pare adjusted to pH 7.0 with orthophosphoric
      acid. The ultraviolet spectrophotometric method was performed at 254 nm and 280
      nm for quantification of sodium p-aminosalycilate and m-aminophenol,
      respectively. The proposed methods are highly sensitive, precise, and accurate
      and can be used for the reliable quantification of sodium p-aminosalycilate in
      the new alternative formulation. High-performance liquid chromatographic approach
      demonstrated to be a stability-indicating method, therefore suitable for the
      investigation of the chemical stability of sodium p-aminosalycilate.

PMID- 27125057
TI  - A Novel Vehicle for Enhanced Drug Delivery Across the Human Nail for the
      Treatment of Onychomycosis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to use in vitro nail models to investigate the
      potential of a novel base formulation (Recura) containing either fluconazole or
      miconazole for the treatment of onychomycosis in comparison to two commercial
      comparators (Jublia and a Penlac generic). Initially, a modified Franz cell was
      used, where sections of human nail served as the barrier through which drug
      penetrated into an agar-filled chamber infected with dermatophytes. A second
      study was performed using a novel infected nail model where dermatophytes grew
      into human nail and adenosine triphosphate levels were used as biological marker
      for antimicrobial activity. The novel enhancing system Recura increased the
      permeation of both existing drugs through human nail sections mounted in a
      modified Franz cell. Furthermore, the infected nail model also confirmed that the
      system also enhanced the permeation through infected nail resulting in a decrease
      in adenosine triphosphate levels superior (P <= 0.05) to Penlac generic and
      equivalent (P > 0.05) to the commercial comparator Jublia. This study
      demonstrated that with the use of a novel permeation-enhancing formulation base,
      Recura enhances delivery of miconazole and fluconazole when applied ungually such
      that the efficacy was equivalent or superior to commercial comparators. Such a
      topically applied system has the possibility of overcoming the systemic side
      effects of antifungals when taken orally.

PMID- 27125058
TI  - Evaluation of the Stability of Mercaptopurine Suspension Compounded in a
      Commercial Vehicle and the Determination of an Appropriate Beyond-use Date.
AB  - Mercaptopurine is commonly used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia and has
      historically been commercially available only in tablet form. Since tablets may
      be difficult for children and elderly patients to swallow, many pharmacists have
      compounded mercaptopurine suspensions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
      recently approved a commercial suspension, but it is not widely available at this
      time. Therefore, pharmacists may still need to compound mercaptopurine suspension
      for use in areas where it is not available or if the commercial suspension is in
      short supply. Stability studies must be conducted in order to assign appropriate
      beyond-use dates for compounded preparations. The objective of this study was to
      evaluate the stability of extemporaneously compounded suspensions using
      commercially available mercaptopurine tablets, as well as active pharmaceutical
      ingredient in a vehicle of Ora-Sweet and Ora-Plus (1:1) stored in plastic and
      glass containers at room temperature. Each mercaptopurine preparation was
      analyzed using a validated stability-indicating high-performance liquid
      chromatography method at the following time points: 0, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90
      days. Suspensions were also observed for changes in appearance or odor, and pH
      was tested at each time point. The suspension compounded from Roxane generic
      tablets was extremely viscous and was therefore eliminated from the study. All
      other suspensions showed no observed physical changes and maintained greater than
      93% of initial concentration of mercaptopurine for the entire study period.

PMID- 27125059
TI  - The Home Field Disadvantage.

PMID- 27125060
TI  - Degeneration versus Regeneration.

PMID- 27125061
TI  - Deprivation of bFGF Promotes Spontaneous Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem
      Cells into Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), an important tissue monolayer
      of retina, sustains visual function and retinal homeostasis. In disease
      conditions such as Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and Age related Macular degeneration
      (AMD), the integrity and functional capacity of RPE monolayer is compromised.
      Human embryonic stem cells derived RPE (hESC-RPE) is ideal for cell based therapy
      because of their ability to morphologically and functionally mimic native fetal
      and adult RPE. However protocols for optimum culture of hESC-RPE are not well
      established. AIM: To describe a simplified protocol for differentiating human
      embryonic stem cells (hESC) into retinal pigment epithelial cells. METHODS: hESC
      (WA09-DL-11) cell lines were grown with standard stem cell culture protocol.
      After cell colonies were established, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was
      deprived (day 0). hESC colonies expressing pigmentation were characterized for
      expression of RPE65 and Zonular occludens--1 (ZO-1) with immunocytochemistry on
      days 0, 36, 42, 56 and 70 and western blot analysis on days 0, 40, 48, 53 and 63.
      In addition, morphological assessment was conducted on transformed cells
      longitudinally. RESULTS: Pigmented cells were noted 36 days after deprivation of
      bFGF from growth media. Immunofluorescence demonstrated progressive up regulation
      of RPE specific proteins (ZO-1 & RPE 65). Immunofluorescence of ZO-1 (in pixels)
      was (3.08 +/- 0.31) on day 42, (5.33 +/- 0.89, p = 0.0001) on day 56 and (4.87 +/
      0.57, p = 0.0011) on day 70. Similarly expression of RPE 65 was (2.44 +/- 0.31)
      on day 42, which continued to increase (4.23 +/- 0.60, p = 0.0011) on day 56 and
      (5.59 +/- 0.36, p < 0.0001) on day 70. Protein expression patterns using western
      blot confirmed the trends seen in immunofluorescence. Western blot analysis of ZO
      1 expression (in optical density unit) was 272.57 +/- 31.75 on day 40, 4212.20 +/
      911.31 (p = 0.0004) on day 48, 5182.43 +/- 1230.38 (p = 0.030) on day 53 and
      5848.76 +/- 241.04 (p < 0.0001) on day 63. Protein expression of RPE 65 was
      1607.64 +/- 247.76 on day 40, 2448.07 +/- 152.66 on day 48 and (2341.15 +/-
      52.84) on day 63. hESC-RPE cells displayed a series of specific morphological
      changes (cytoplasmic, nuclear pigmentary and cell shape) over the course of time
      frame. By day 70, cells with hexagonal pattern, dark dense nucleus and uniform
      cytoplasm were noted in densely pigmented RPE colonies. CONCLUSION: bFGF
      deprivation leads to successful differentiation of hESC into RPE cells.
      Longitudinal transformative changes were confirmed with measurement of ZO-1 and
      RPE 65, specific markers of RPE.

PMID- 27125062
TI  - Overview of Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
AB  - Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in
      individuals older than 65 years of age. It is a multifactorial disorder and
      identification of risk factors enables individuals to make life style choices
      that may reduce the risk of disease. This review discusses the role of genetics,
      sunlight, diet, cardiovascular factors, smoking, and alcohol as possible risk
      factors for AMD. Genetics plays a more significant role in AMD than previously
      thought, especially in younger patients, histocompatibility locus antigen (HLA)
      and complement system genes being the most significant. Whether the risk of AMD
      is increased by exposure to sunlight, cardiovascular risk factors, and diet is
      more controversial. Smoking is the risk factor most consistently associated with
      AMD. Current smokers are exposed to a two to three times higher risk of AMD than
      non-smokers and the risk increases with intensity of smoking. Moderate alcohol
      consumption is unlikely to increase the risk of AMD. Optometrists as front-line
      informers and educators of ocular health play a significant role in increasing
      public awareness of the risks of AMD. Cessation of smoking, the use of eye
      protection in high light conditions, dietary changes, and regular use of dietary
      supplements should all be considered to reduce the lifetime risk of AMD.

PMID- 27125063
TI  - HTRA1 Overexpression Induces the Exudative Form of Age-related Macular
      Degeneration.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss and
      blindness in the elderly. The dry form is more common and accounts for about 85
      90% of AMD patients in US, while Japanese AMD patients predominantly progress to
      wet-form or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Recent studies have shown
      HTRA1, a serine protease gene, as major risk factor for wet form AMD (De Wan et
      al., Science 2006). Furthermore, we reported that the Japanese typical wet form
      AMD patients showed significant association with ARMS2/HTRA1 (Goto, Akahori et
      al., JOBDI 2009). The purpose of this study is to elucidate the function of
      ARMS2/HTRA1 gene promoter in wet-form AMD patients. The promoter sequence
      experiment showed that a great number of AMD patients had specific indel mutation
      in 3.8 kb upstream of HTRA1 gene. 2-3-fold increase of promoter activity was
      observed in indel HTRA1 promoter compared to control sequence (Iejima et al., JBC
      2015). Furthermore, we created transgenic mice ubiquitously overexpressing mouse
      HtrA1 using the chicken act in promoter, continuous induction of HtrA1 in vivo
      was shown to lead to CNV, similar to wet AMD patients (Nakayama, Iejima et al.,
      IOVS 2014). These results suggest that human HTRA1 expression is enhanced by AMD
      specific indel mutation in the promoter region of HTRA1 gene, and this enhanced
      HTRA1 may be concerned with induce retinal neovasucularization.

PMID- 27125064
TI  - The New Era of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation: Therapeutic Effects on Dry
      Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
AB  - One of the major causes of reduced vision over the age of 50 is age-related
      macular degeneration (AMD). Although such a common pathology, there are no
      current guidelines for the first-line treatment of dry AMD. The aim of this study
      is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of high omega-3 fatty acids as anti
      inflammatory agents in two sub-groups of dry AMD patients with 1) mild to
      moderate visual impairment and 2) with severe visual impairment (blindness). The
      key feature of this investigation is the frequent monitoring of the levels of
      specific fatty acids in patient's blood in order to adjust the treatment dose
      within the ideal therapeutic window. Following the positive outcome from our
      initial observational studies in patients with dry AMD, who demonstrated
      significant improvement in visual acuity (gain of >= 1 line of vision in 4.5
      months) when taking a total of 5 g/day eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), additional studies were encouraged. The latest data
      which is presented in this chapter suggests that the eyes which had the greatest
      gain in vision (>= 15 letters gain at 6 months) were from patients with mild to
      moderate visual impairment, who were taking between 5-7.5 g/day EPA and DHA and
      had a ratio of arachidonic acid (AA)/EPA < 2. In addition, a sub-group of dry AMD
      patients with severe visual impairment (< 6/60), showed significant increase in
      their visual acuity only 3 months following treatment with omega-3 fatty acids.
      The preliminary results indicate a promising therapeutic regime for dry AMD and
      perhaps for other types of retinopathies as well. Although initial results are
      encouraging, further investigations are necessary to establish a better
      understanding of the mode of action of these supplements and to observe their
      long-term effects.

PMID- 27125065
TI  - HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS AND SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD AND NECK.

PMID- 27125066
TI  - ADHD (ATTENTION DEFFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER)--A TROUBLING ENTITY, SOMETIMES
      PERPETUATING DURING ADULT LIFE.
AB  - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is considered a neurologic
      development disorder resulting in impairment of attention and inhibitory control,
      manifested as attention deficit, hyperactivity, impulsiveness; symptoms should
      develop between age six and twelve and have to persist for more than six months.
      Approximately 30-50% of the diagnosed cases are manifesting the disorder during
      adulthood and 2.5-5% of the adults are suffering of ADHD. Genetics are important
      factors in ADHD, being involved in 75% of the cases, as well in the persistence
      of ADHD during adult life. Three subtypes of ADHD are described--one in which is
      predominating the attention deficit, one with predominant hyperactivity and
      impulsiveness and a third combined subtype. Diagnosis criteria in ADHD are
      established by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM criteria) and by World
      Health Organization. Differential diagnosis is mainly considering bipolar
      disorder and borderline personality disorder. Management of ADHD is including
      behavioral therapies and medication, alone or combined. Stimulant medications
      such as amphetamine represent the therapy of choice, being effective in 80% of
      the cases. New data are underlying the need for following up of the cases during
      adulthood, since the risk for development of psychiatric conditions such as
      depression, anxiety, as well as the suicidal behavior is higher than in the
      general population.

PMID- 27125067
TI  - ETHICAL AND GENETIC ASPECTS REGARDING PRESYMPTOMATIC TESTING FOR
      NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES.
AB  - Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's dementia, Huntington's chorea,
      Parkinson's disease or spinocerebellar ataxia, manifests into adulthood with an
      insidious onset, slowly of progressive symptoms. All of these diseases are
      characterized by presimptomatic stages that preceded with many years of clinical
      debut. In Parkinson's disease, more than half of the dopaminergic neurons of the
      black substance are lost before the advent of motor characteristic
      manifestations. In Huntington's chorea, the progressive neurodegenerative disease
      could be diagnose prenatal and presymptomatic by analyse of the number of CAG
      repeats in exon 1 of the huntingtin gene. A similar mechanism represented by
      expansion of trinucleotide repeats during hereditary transmission from parents to
      children was identified in fragile X syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia, spinal
      muscular and bulbar atrophy, or myotonic dystrophy. Presymptomatic diagnosis in
      all these progressive diseases raise many ethical issues, due to the
      psychological impact that can cause the prediction of a disease for which there
      is currently no curative treatment. Therefore, a positive result can produce
      serious psychological trauma and major changes in the lifestyle of the
      individual, instead, a negative result can bring joy and tranquillity. But the
      problem arises if presymptomatic testing in these neurodegenerative diseases
      brings greater benefits compared to the possible psychological damage, which can
      add the risk of stigmatization or discrimination.

PMID- 27125068
TI  - NONSELECTIVE BETA-BLOCKERS IN PATIENTS WITH CIRRHOSIS: "THE THERAPEUTIC WINDOW".
AB  - For over 30 years, nonselective beta-blockers (NSBB) have been successfully used
      for preventing variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis and portal
      hypertension. Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that NSBB may be effective
      only within a particular "therapeutic window" in patients with advanced liver
      disease. Outside of this window, in early stages of cirrhosis and in very
      advanced cirrhosis, NSBB may be ineffective and even potentially harmful. In this
      paper we review the beneficial effects and potential harms of beta-blocker
      therapy in cirrhosis and underline the most recent recommendations for their use
      in very advanced cases of liver disease.

PMID- 27125069
TI  - NADPH OXIDASE: STRUCTURE AND ACTIVATION MECHANISMS (REVIEW). NOTE I.
AB  - NADPH oxidase (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase), with its
      generically termed NOX isoforms, is the major source of ROS (reactive oxigen
      species) in biological systems. ROS are small oxygen-derived molecules with an
      important role in various biological processes (physiological or pathological).
      If under physiological conditions some processes are beneficial and necessary for
      life, under pathophysiological conditions they are noxious, harmful. NADPH
      oxidases are present in phagocytes and in a wide variety of nonphagocytic cells.
      The enzyme generates superoxide by transferring electrons from NADPH inside the
      cell across the membrane and coupling them to molecular oxygen to produce
      superoxide anion, a reactive free-radical. Structurally, NADPH oxidase is a
      multicomponent enzyme which includes two integral membrane proteins, glycoprotein
      gp9 1 Phox and adaptor protein p22(phox), which together form the heterodimeric
      flavocytochrome b558 that constitutes the core of the enzyme. During the resting
      state, the multidomain regulatory subunits p40P(phox), p47(phox), p67(Phox) are
      located in the cytosol organized as a complex. The activation of phagocytic NADPH
      oxidase occurs through a complex series of protein interactions.

PMID- 27125070
TI  - ANEMIA IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE MORE THAN AN EXTRAINTESTINAL COMPLICATION.
AB  - The most common hematologic complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-
      ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease is anemia. Anemia in patients with IBD may
      be a result of iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency; anemia of chronic disease
      and hemolytic anemia are other causes in these patients. Factors contributing to
      the development of anemia include chronic gastrointestinal blood loss, vitamin
      B12 malabsorption secondary to terminal ileitis, folate deficiency as a result of
      sulfasalazine therapy. Approximately 30% of patients with IBD have hemoglobin
      levels below 12 g/dl. The risk of developing anemia relates to disease activity,
      given that blood loss and inflammatory anemia are triggered by intestinal
      inflammation. In the management strategy of IBD patients with anemia it is
      important to distinguish between the different types of anemia in order to decide
      an appropriate manner of treatment.

PMID- 27125071
TI  - ATOPIC DERMATITIS--CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGICAL CORRELATIONS.
AB  - AIM: Medical records from 2010-2014 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed in
      view of determining the correlations between the clinical severity of atopic
      dermatitis (AD) and total IgE level, eosinophilia, place of residence, family
      history of atopy, type of birth, and natural or artificial feeding. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Following medical record review, 296 cases diagnosed with AD were
      included in the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v20 for
      determining the frequency and testing the hypotheses, for p < 0.05, by t tests
      and One-Way ANOVA. RESULTS: Of the 296 cases, 53% were male children and 47%
      female children aged 1 month to 16 years. According to total serum IgE level,
      49.3% of patients had elevated IgE levels, 20.6% normal levels and in 30.03% of
      cases it was not determined. According to the SCORAD, children had mild AD in 20%
      of cases, moderate in 70%, and severe in 10%. The independent samples t tests
      showed a statistically significant difference between the means demonstrating
      correlations between IgE level and place of residence (p < 0.01), family history
      of atopy (p < 0.01), baby feeding (p < 0.01), and by one-way ANOVA for SCORAD (p
      < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Atopy in AD can be influenced by complex factors, both
      internal and environmental, but this remains a controversial topic. External
      factors acting on a background genetically predisposed to atopy trigger the
      manifestation of AD.

PMID- 27125072
TI  - ASSESSMENT OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS AS CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS.
AB  - A wide range of pharmaceutical substances can induce side-effects expressed as
      cardiovascular changes or events, adding to other risk factors or worsening
      preexisting cardiovascular diseases. AIM: Continuous study focused on iatrogenic
      conditions representing cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: We developed a
      descriptive study of patients admitted to the Iasi Vth Internal Medicine and
      Geriatrics-Gerontology Clinic between 1998-2013, focusing on iatrogenic
      conditions representing cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: We have diagnosed
      81 cases of drug-induced hypertension, and 43 patients with hypertensive crises;
      72 cases of iatrogenic hyperglycemia; 36 cases of drug-induced hyperuricemia; 50
      cases of drug-induced dyslipidemias; and 17 cases of iatrogenic obesity. These
      iatrogenic diseases were more common in women and the elderly. Twenty-eight
      patients have developed simultaneous adverse drug reactions induced by the same
      drug and manifest as different cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS:
      Cardiovascular risk factors can be induced to a significant extent by chronic
      drug administration. Some medications (e.g., NSAIDs, corticoids, beta-blockers,
      diuretics, contraceptives) can act on the same patient by multiple pathogenic
      links. The adverse drug reactions can be cardiovascular risk factors that persist
      in time, or can be removed (by discontinuing the administration of the implicated
      drug). The highest importance of their acknowledgment relies on the possibility
      of their prevention through carefully balancing the benefits and the risk of each
      new medication.

PMID- 27125073
TI  - PLATELET INDICES AND LIVER FIBROSIS EVALUATION IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS C.
AB  - Recently, several studies have reported that the mean platelet volume and
      platelet distribution width may give information about liver fibrosis severity in
      chronic hepatitis C. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether
      platelet indices correlate with hepatic fibrosis measured by transient
      elastography in patients with chronic hepatitis C. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Patients with chronic hepatitis C were prospectively enrolled. Samples for
      complete blood count and routine biochemical parameters were collected and
      analyzed in the same day with liver fibrosis assessment by transient
      elastography. Mean platelet volume, platelet large cell ratio and platelet
      distribution width were compared with stages of liver fibrosis. Statistical
      analysis was carried out using SPSS 17.0 software. A P-value of less than 0.05
      was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were 139 patients with
      chronic hepatitis C (70.5% males, mean age 54.8 +/- 16.7 years). Compared with
      mild/moderate liver fibrosis patients, those with advanced liver fibrosis had an
      increased mean platelet volume (10.4 +/- 0.7 vs. 10.9 +/- 0.9, p < 0.002),
      platelet large cell ratio (28.5 +/- 5.3 vs. 32.5 +/- 7.2, P < 0.0001), and
      platelet distribution width (12.8 +/- 1.5 vs. 14.1 +/- 2.7, P = 0.003).
      CONCLUSIONS: Increased platelet indices were associated with advanced liver
      fibrosis stages evaluated by transient elastography in patients with chronic
      hepatitis C.

PMID- 27125074
TI  - THE MALFUNCTIONS OF A NATIONAL TRANSPLANTATION SYSTEM: MULTI-LAYERED EXPLANATIONS
      FROM WITHIN.
AB  - Romanja has one of the lowest posthumous organ donation and transplantation rates
      in Europe. AIM: To explore the perspectives on the national transplantation
      system deficits shared by the physicians responsible for the identification and
      referral of potential posthumous organ donors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study
      consists of semi-structured interviews with the key informants (ICU physicians,
      neurologists and neurosurgeons) in county hospitals in Moldavia. RESULTS: The
      explanations for the current Romanian organ transplantation rate, as emerged from
      the participants' answers, are multi-layered. Overall, the national
      transplantation system is accused of being plagued with serious problems: it is
      underfunded, understaffed, its resources have been distributed unevenly among
      medical centers, the communication between its elements is disrupted, leaving the
      majority of the transplant professionals practically detached from its upper
      layer and affecting their motivation to perform their transplantation-related
      tasks. Furthermore, some of the participants point to the strong reluctance of
      the population to donate their deceased relatives' organs. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results suggest a set of possible multi-level interventicrnq that could alleviate
      these problems.

PMID- 27125075
TI  - CERVICAL SPINE LESIONS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: to gather clinical and laboratory data on rheumatoid arthritis
      patients with cervical spine damage (incidence and prevalence, correlation
      between duration of disease and the time of lesion onset, to assess signs and
      symptoms and the role of laboratory investigations). The spine is an axial organ
      with an important role in support and resistance. It is a pillar with a very
      complex morphological and functional structure. The vertebral column is crossed
      by many kinematic chains. The main problem of the cervical spine caused by
      rheumatoid arthritis is cervical instability which describes all cervical lesions
      that can lead to neurovascular damage or major disturbance of pain generating
      statics at movement. The evolving disease shows chronic inflammation of the
      synovium, which is a self-maintained process and an immunologically induced
      phenomenon. The chronic inflammation of the synovium forms granulation tissue
      that invades peripheral joints towards the center and causes ligament cartilage
      and bone damage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present paper investigated cervical
      spine lesions in 107 rheumatoid arthritis patients who were admitted to the 1st
      Rheumatology Clinic of Iasi Rehabilitation Hospital between January 2013 and
      December 2014. Our study focused on assessing signs and symptoms seen in spine
      affected by rheumatic disease. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: the disease causes
      destructive lesions due to granulomatous infiltration of rachidian structures and
      medullary sheaths. These lesions lead to damaged discs and instability that
      produces subluxations and dislocations. The suboccipital region is most affected;
      in other regions of the spine, high lesions of C4-C5 prevail, where osteolysis
      damage of spinal apophyses are found. In atlas and axis joints, rheumatoid
      arthritis causes the inflammation of bursa, synovium and joint capsule and leads
      to synovial pannus formation. This causes the destruction of cartilage and
      subchondral bone. Atlantoaxial dislocation is caused by erosive synovitis of
      atlanto-epistrophic joint, atlanto-odontoid joint and serous bursitis separating
      the odontoid process from the transverse ligament. CONCLUSIONS: The dominant
      symptom of cervical spine damage was pain associated with stiffness and limited
      joint mobility, muscle stiffness, poor posture.

PMID- 27125076
TI  - CORRELATIONS BETWEEN ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION INDUCED BY ANGIOTENSIN II AND SYSTEMIC
      INFLAMMATION IN RAT.
AB  - Angiotensin II has articularly shown to play a key role in the regulation of
      inflammatory processes in hypertension. AIM: The present study aims to correlate
      the angiotensin II-induced hypertension 4th systemic inflammation. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: We conducted an experimental study on Wistar male rats who received Ang
      II via subcutaneous miniosmotic pumps for 2 weeks. Rats were exposed to a 12h
      light /12h dark cycle. Sham rats were used as control. Systolic load pressure
      measurements and a flow cytometric analysis of lymphocyte surface markers were
      performed. After 14 days, the animals were euthanized under anesthesia with
      ylazine/ketaniine. RESULTS: Systolic BP progressively and significantly increased
      in rats 4th Ang II chronic infusion. We observed a statistical significant
      difference (p = 0.00001), in terms of T lymphocytes percentage between control
      rats plasma and Ang H treated rats lasma, in 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: Angiotensin II
      is an important mediator of hypertension and directly promotes inflammation by
      noticeably increasing the quantity of T cells in kidney tissue.

PMID- 27125077
TI  - SHORT TERM EVALUATION OF PERIMETRIC PROGRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH OPEN ANGLE
      GLAUCOMA AND DIABETES.
AB  - AIM OF STUDY: Progression rate in patients with glaucoma and diabetes. MATERIAL
      AND METHOD: cohort prospective study in Ophthalmology Clinic "Sf. Spiridon"
      University Hospital Iasi. We recruited patients with positive history for
      diabetes and of open angle glaucoma (OAG). The control group included subjects
      with OAG (74 eyes from 74 patients) and the study group (44 eyes, from 44
      patients) included subjects with OAG and diabetes. At enrollment all patients had
      a complete ophthalmologic evaluation along with full metabolic status assessment.
      There were included only incipient and moderate forms of glaucoma, with mild or
      no diabetic retinopathy changes. Perimetric progression was assessed at 24 months
      with automated methods. RESULTS: globally, from 118 investigated eyes, 56.40%
      cases had primary open angle glaucoma, 41.03% normal tension glaucoma and 2.36%
      pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. Glaucoma severity classification showed early defects
      (mean deviation < -6 db) in the study group of 77.27% vs. 83.78% in control
      group, whereas moderate defects (mean deviation > -6 db) were found in 22.63% in
      study group vs. 16.21.0% in control group. Mean age of the patients was higher in
      absolute value in the open angle glaucoma group (64.31 +/- 1.66 years), vs.
      diabetes + open angle glaucoma (62.69 +/- 1.8 years), with comparable visual
      acuities (0.91 +/- 0.15 vs. 0.89 +/- 0.16), CID ratios and other clinical pa-
      rameters (p > 0.05). Mean baseline lOP in the study group was 18.18 +/- 3.55
      mrnHg vs. 17.08 +/- 2.4 nimHg in controls (p > 0.05). Analysis of visual field
      parameters at baseline showed a significant difference (p = 0.48) between groups
      in MD levels -3.63 +/- 3.35 db (control group) vs. -4.40 +/- 5.78 db (study
      group), but no difference (p > 0.05) in PSD levels: 3.71 +/- 3.06 db (control
      group) vs. 4.05 +/- 3.04 dB (study group). Perimetric progression was estimated
      at 24 months by Glaucoma Progression Analysis software (GPA-Humphrey Visual Field
      Analyzer II) using 6 reliable visual field (VF) exams. Progression rate was
      similar between groups--0.19 +/- 0.78 dB/year (OAG) vs. -0.18 +/- 0.05 dB/year
      (OAG+DM), p > 0.05 and no other risk factor could have been linked to an
      increased progression rate, except visual field parameters at final and baseline
      evaluation, in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: On short term, functional deterioration
      in open angle glaucoma patients having early or moderate stages, occurs similarly
      in the presence or absence of diabetes.

PMID- 27125078
TI  - THE ACUTE SCROTUM IN CHILDREN.
AB  - The acute scrotum syndrome is a medical-surgical emergency and the recognition of
      this condition by both healthcare professionals and the general population may
      result into the patients' coming in earlier for medical examination and into the
      preservation of the gonad in case of torsion. The purpose of this retrospective
      analytical research is to point out specific epidemiological aspects in pediatric
      patients suffering from acute scrotum, and to review the existing diagnosis and
      treatment options. The study included 208 patients, of whom 16 with vanishing
      testis and 192 with acute scrotum (torsion of testis 25.5%, torsion of the
      hydatid of Morgagni 68.2%, epididymoorchitis 5.2%). The torsion of the hydatid of
      Morgagni occurs in boys with a mean age of 10 years and it involves both testes
      equally, whereas the torsion of testis usually occurs around the age of 13 and is
      twice more common in the left gonad. Another significant difference between the
      two conditions is the inflammatory syndrome, which occurs in 45.4% of the
      children with torsion of testis versus only 18.2% in the torsion of hydatid. Only
      one out of six testes torted during the neonatal period could be saved (16.6%);
      the gonad preservation rate was as high as 68.2% in the group of patients with
      testis torsion occurring outside the neonatal period. These alarming data are
      accounted for by the non-recognition of the severity of the condition and by the
      delayed surgical therapy, which occurs on the average 20 hours after the testis
      torsion has set in. If the asepsis and antisepsis standards are observed,
      patients with torsion of the hydatid of Morgagni or torsion of testis require
      neither fluid sampling from the tunica vaginalis for culture, nor antibiotic
      therapy.

PMID- 27125079
TI  - PROLONGED FEVER WITHOUT OBVIOUS ETIOLOGY FINALLY DIAGNOSED AS HIGH-GRADE SOFT
      TISSUE SARCOMA.
AB  - Sarcomas represent a challenge t clinicians as they are rare and diagnosis is
      often delayed. Soft tissue sarcomas are relatively uncommon cancers, the
      incidence is estimated about 1% from all malignant tumors. Due to aggressive
      biological behavior of pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma diagnosis must hi
      made as quickly as possible. MRI is the standard imaging modality for
      investigating possibl3 malignant masses. Excisional biopsy appears to be
      necessary for differentiating soft tissus sarcoma from expanding hematoma. FDG
      PET scans may be helpful in specific circum. stances (as was the situation in our
      case, because the lesion is composed from two components: an area without precise
      edges and a necrotic-cystic area).

PMID- 27125080
TI  - COMPLEX MANAGEMENT OF FRAILTY FRACTURES--CASE REPORT.
AB  - Frailty fractures encompass pelvic ring fractures in the elderly--a condition
      more frequently encountered in women, usually with pre-existing osteoporosis. The
      incidence of these fractures is increasing, following the increase in average
      life expectancy. Most of the times, they are the result of a minor injury, of
      which the patient has little or no recollection; the clinical signs and symptoms,
      radiological changes and the degree of fracture stability vary greatly. As such,
      there is a wide range of therapeutic options and one of the most important
      decisions for the physician is choosing between surgery and conservative
      treatment. We present the case of an elderly female patient with multiple pelvic
      ring fractures, and a medical history of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis;
      the orthopedic examination recommended conservative treatment which was carried
      out in the Geriatric Clinic of the "Dr. C.I. Parhon" Hospital. Following the
      complete physical examination and through geriatric evaluation, a complex
      therapeutic plan was devised, which included: recovery through physiotherapy,
      adequate nutrition, psychological support, treatment of the cardiovascular
      comorbidities and prevention of the consequences of extended bed rest. The
      treatment lasted for 60 days and the outcome was favorable: decreased bone
      frailty, mainly through preserving muscle tone and osteoarticular function,
      correction of malnutrition, improvement of depression and partial recovery of
      patient's mobility; the results of our therapy made it possible for the patient
      to return home, where she leaves alone. She will need help with daily household
      chores, but she intends to continue the recovery therapy as means of increasing
      her quality of life and independence.

PMID- 27125082
TI  - ATYPICAL FEMORAL FRACTURES AFTER LONG-TERM BISPHOSPHONATES THERAPY: CASE REPORT.
AB  - We present a 77-year-old woman with no histor of trauma, or associated with low
      energy trauma, admitted to our clinic after three weeks of a left femoral
      fracture threated in Orthopedic Clinic. The patient was in treatment with
      bisphosphonates over 10 years for osteoporosis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The
      causal re lationship between prolonged bisphosphonate use and the occurrence of
      atypical femora fractures (AFF) has not yet been established. For the patient at
      high risk of fracture, it may be beneficial to continue bisphosphonate treatment
      beyond five years. The absolute risk of atypical femoral fractures is low (about
      100 cases per 100,000 person-years among long term users). For most people with
      osteoporosis, the proven fragility-fracture risk-reduction. benefits of
      bisphosphonates outweigh the risks of AFF.

PMID- 27125081
TI  - SEVERE AMIODARONE-INDUCED BRADICARDIA CONCEALES SICK SINUS SYNDROME: CASE REPORT.
AB  - Sinus node dysfunction is one of the most common arrhythmias in elderly patients;
      it is usually associated with intermittent and variable symptoms, thus making it
      difficult to diagnose. We present the case of an elderly female patient with a
      personal history of atrial fibrillation treated for the last three years with
      amiodarone; she was admitted to the Geriatric Clinic for non-specific symptoms
      with onset two months previously for which she had already sought care in
      different medical services. Clinical examination showed severe bradycardia; ECG
      and Holter ECG on admission confirmed severe bradycardia, with a heart rate
      between 29 and 50 beats/min (bpm). Given her long-term treatment with amiodarone
      we looked for and found hyperthyroidism; the endocrine examination led to the
      diagnosis of mixed type Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis and initiation of
      corticosteroid and antithyroid treatment. The evolution of cardiac arrhythmia was
      monitored with the help of several Holter ECGs performed after amiodarone washout
      and return to the euthyroid state, which revealed a tachycardia-bradycardia
      syndrome initially masked by the side effects of the unsupervised therapy with
      amiodarone, and properly treated by the implantation of a pacemaker.

PMID- 27125083
TI  - THE PATIENT-DOCTOR-PSYCHOLOGIST TRIANGLE IN A CASE Of SEVERE IMUNOSUPRESSION IN
      THE HIV INFECTION.
AB  - In the last two years the Romanian adult population infected with the human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has increased due to sexual transmission, both
      heterosexual and homosexual. The case presented is that of a 33 year-old man,
      admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Iasi with acute respiratory
      failure and a confirmation of Kaposi's sarcoma. Tests later proved positive for
      HIV, the patient being included in the stage AIDS C3 (acute immunodeficiency
      syndrome). The respiratory failure was suspected to be caused by Pneumocystis
      carinii and cotrimoxazol therapy, oxygen therapy and anti-retroviral therapy were
      established. He was also referred to the oncology hospital for treatment of
      Kaposi's sarcoma. The patient's adherence to therapy was influenced by a strong
      doctor-patient relationship, as well as by psychological counseling and support.
      Creating a functional doctor-patient-psychologist team is key throughout the HIV
      positive patient's existence, for supporting long term adherence to therapy and
      acceptance of the diagnosis. This case highlights the need for a strong
      psychosocial compartment in every medical center that deals with HIV-infected
      individuals.

PMID- 27125084
TI  - CONCENTRATIONS OF VITREAL CYTOKINES IN RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.
AB  - Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is one of the most frequent causes of
      failure of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery. AIM: To measure the
      vitreous levels of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and monocyte
      chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in eyes with RRD and in a control group.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study of 40 patients operated for RRD (study
      group) and 20 patients with epiretinal membrane or macular holes (selected as
      control group since they needed vitrectomy but had attached retinas). Vitreous
      samples were collected during vitrectomy and were assessed for the presence of
      cytokines using a fluorescent bead-based multiplex assay. RESULTS: The
      concentration of G-CSF (8.59 pg/ml) and MCP-1 (1615.2 pg/ml) were significantly
      increased in the study group, when compared to the control group (0 and 469.13
      pg/ml, respectively). MCP-1 was also significantly increased in the subgroup of
      patients with PVR compared to the patients with uncomplicated RRD. CONCLUSIONS:
      The levels of these biomarkers support the idea that proliferative
      vitreoretinopathy has an inflammatory component.

PMID- 27125085
TI  - TREATMENT OF PUBIC DISJUNCTION IN YOUNG-BURGUESS TYPE II AND III PELVIC RING
      FRACTURES.
AB  - AIM: To present the personal experience in assessing the treatment of pubic
      disjunction in Young-Burguess type II and III pelvic ring fractures. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Included in the study were 30 patients with type II and III pelvic ring
      fractures, aged 32 to 76 years. Of these, 18 patients were treated with external
      fixation, and 12 patients were treated surgically: type II fractures were treated
      with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of pubic disjunction and type
      III fractures underwent additionally posterior fixation. RESULTS: Mean follow-up
      was 1.6 years. After external fixation we found the persistence of diastasis (1.5
      to 4 cm), which was asymptomatic in all cases. Complications included implant
      failure in 3 patients, and postoperative infection in 2 patients. Among the 5
      patients with type II lesions the clinical and radiological scores were excellent
      in 3, good in 1, and poor in 1. Among the patients with type III lesions the
      clinical outcomes were excellent in 5 and good in 2. CONCLUSIONS: External
      fixation has proved a good treatment option for patients who cannot tolerate a
      more extensive surgery. There is no conclusive clinical evidence favoring the use
      of two perpendicular plates vs. 1 plate for pubic symphysis fixation. In
      osteonorotic patients the use of 2 plates is recommended.

PMID- 27125086
TI  - EFFECT OF TRANEXAMIC ACID USE ON POSTOPERATIVE BLOOD LOSS IN TOTAL KNEE
      ARTHROPLASTY.
AB  - AIM: To monitor the effect of tranexamic acid use (Exacyl) on postoperative
      bleeding (aspiration), autologous blood transfusion (autotransfusion), allogeneic
      blood transfusion and postoperative anemia (difference between preoperative and
      immediate postoperative hemoglobin levels) in total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted on a sample of
      457 patients who underwent endoprosthetic knee arthroplasty in the interval
      January 1, 2008-July 3O, 2014 at the Traumatology-Orthopedics Clinic of the Iasi
      Rehabilitation Hospital. The mean age of the study group was 66 years (range 32
      84 years), 74.4% were female, 39.8% presented varus and 6.1% valgus malalignment.
      The study group was subdivided into two groups: Group 1 served as controls and
      underwent surgery without the administration of tranexamic acid and Group 2
      received tranexamic acid. RESULTS: In group 1 the average amount of blood lost
      was significantly higher than in group 2, 1168.94 ml vs. 452.9 ml (p < 0.001).
      The use of a cell saver was required in 70% of group 1 patients with an average
      amount of auto transfused blood of 480.70 ml, significantly more frequent and in
      greater amounts than in group 2 (below 10%) with an average of 15.05 ml (p <
      0.001). In this study tranexamic acid had not a statistically significant
      favorable effect on blood transfusion requirements and anemia syndrome.
      CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid has a favorable effect on postoperative blood loss
      and its associated complications, with a favorable impact on both early clinical
      and functional recovery.

PMID- 27125087
TI  - OUTCOME OF INTERNAL HEMIPELVECTOMY IN A PATIENT WITH MULTIPLE MYELOMA--CASE
      REPORT.
AB  - A patient treated for thyroid cancer was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the
      context of trauma. After the pelvic tumor devascularization she underwent
      internal hemipelvectomy Type I + IIA Enneking Classification using polymerizing
      bioneutral gel embolization, "Glubran 2". The purpose of this case report is to
      demonstrate the importance of careful selection of treatment methods, together
      with adequate physical therapy in order to obtain favorable long-term results.

PMID- 27125088
TI  - GIANT INTRALIGAMENTARY UTERINE LEIOMYOMA AND ITS COMPLICATIONS.
AB  - Uterine leiomyomas are benign tumors arising from uterine smooth muscle. Although
      their pathogenesis remains unclear, they are the most common tumor of the female
      reproductive tract, occurring in as many as half of women older than 35 years.
      Uterine leiomyomas represent the most common benign tumors of the female
      reproductive tract. Giant uterine leiomyomas are very rare and represents a great
      diagnosis and therapeutic challenge. Uterine leiomyoma is one of the most
      frequent types of tumours and it is diagnosed in 20-40% of the women of
      reproductive age. Until the age of 50, approximately 70% of the white women and
      less than 80% of the black women will have had at least one leiomyoma. The
      frequency of the emergence of uterine leiomyoma in black women is significantly
      higher than in white women.

PMID- 27125089
TI  - DILEMMAS IN THE ATTITUDE TOWARDS SUICIDE.
AB  - Although apparently easy to define, the suicidal act or attempt raises complex
      and difficult problems due to the multitude of conditions and situations that can
      lead to it. In all cases the suicide's definition has always centred on the
      intention of one person to deliberately cause his or her death in an active
      manner. Defining suicide has been consecutively the temptation of philosophers,
      sociologists, theologians, psychologists and psychiatrists. From an
      epistemological point of view the suicide is an open concept without precise
      borders, yet not incoherent. Scientists have constantly tried to establish
      evaluation criteria of suicidal acts but these are variable. One can even assume
      that there is an infinity of combinations of characteristics that would legit-
      imize the label of suicide, although none of them can be particularized in any
      way. Not even death itself represents a necessary condition for the evaluation of
      an act as suicide.

PMID- 27125090
TI  - REDUCE CHILD MORTALITY AS A MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENI GOAL IN ROMANIA.
AB  - AIM: To assess the efforts made in Romania towards achieving the Goal 4 from MDGs
      -Reduce Child Mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study about the
      deaths among Romanian children under five, between 2002 and 2015, from the
      perspective of the MDGs. To help track progress toward this commitment, following
      specific targets and indicators were developed: Target 1-Halve the mortality rate
      in children aged 1-4 years between 2002-2015; Target 2--Reduce infant mortality
      by 40% between 2002 and 2015; Target 3--Eliminate measles by 2007. The comparison
      allows establish the status (achieved or not) for each target. RESULTS: From
      2002, the under-five mortality rate recorded a continuous descendent trend till
      now (20.8 to 10.3 under five deaths per 1000 inhabitants in 2013). The infant
      mortality rates declined from 17.3 to 8.5 deaths per 1,000 live births (2002
      2013). Eliminating measles by 2007--was achieved one year later, because of the
      measles epidemic in 2005 and 2006. High vaccination rates have been maintained,
      with the proportion of children 1 year old vaccinated against measles reaching
      and being maintained at between 94-98%. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial progress has
      been made in Romania, in achieving the Millennium Development Goal no. 4. All the
      three targets were achieved. However, infant mortality still remains above the
      average of European Union (4 infant deaths per 1,000 live-births).

PMID- 27125091
TI  - HEALTH CARE ECONOMICS IN ROMANIA--DYNAMICS AND EVOLUTION.
AB  - Health economics refers to the analysis of medical institutions considering their
      economic and social efficacy, but also the regularity and the relationships that
      govern the phenomena and the processes from the field of health with the final
      purpose of achieving better results with the minimum of resources; it represents
      the study of health price in its complexity. The economics of the population's
      health needs and in particular the health needs in case of the poor groups of the
      population, consider health to be the main component of global human
      vulnerability. Health economics tries to change the simple interpretation of
      health price and disease cost into a wider consideration of a system
      administration similar to educational and social economics and the study of
      health in the context of the multiple specializations of the macro economy of the
      national group, as it is an instrument in the country's great economics symphony.

PMID- 27125092
TI  - INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RESTRICTION--PREDICTIVE SERUM MARKERS.
AB  - AIM: To determine during the first trimester of pregnancy some serum and
      ultrasound markers that could improve perinatal morbidity and mortality in women
      with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective
      study of pregnant women gestational age 11 weeks and 0 days--13 weeks and 6 days,
      consisting in the determination of pregnancy associated plasma protein (PAPP-A),
      mean platelet volume (MPV), and ultrasound appearance of placenta. DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that screening by detailed history and PAPP-A
      and MPV determination during the first trimester of pregnancy in women at risk
      for IUGR makes possible the prophylactic treatment and monitoring of pregnancy
      according to a given protocol and thus neonatal morbidity and mortality to be
      reduced.

PMID- 27125093
TI  - AXIAL MODIFICATIONS OF PERMANENT LOWER MOLARS AFTER PREMATURE LOSSES OF TEMPORARY
      MOLARS.
AB  - AIM: The aim of our study was to determine the impact of premature loss of
      temporary lower molars upon the longitudinal axis of the first and second
      permanent molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study groups included 61 patients, 6
      9 year olds with premature loss of primary molars and a control group of 24
      patients with intact temporary teeth. We evaluated the angle between longitudinal
      axis of first and second lower permanent molars and occlusal plane. RESULTS: It
      was observed that premature loss of lower second deciduous molar modifies more
      the vertical axis of first and second permanent molars than the premature loss of
      first lower primary molar. Reducing space occurs mainly through mesial
      inclination of molars that separates the edentulous breach. Temporary loss of
      both lower first molars on the same quadrant causes an accelerated eruption of
      both premolars increasing the prevalence of eruption sequence: "4-5-3-7".
      CONCLUSIONS: The preservation of the occlusal morpho-functional complex using
      space maintainers mainly when the premature loss of the second primary molars
      occurs is the best interceptive treatment option.

PMID- 27125094
TI  - COMBINED EFFECT OF THERMAL LOAD AND MECHANICAL LOAD IN TRANSTIBIAL PROSTHESIS. AN
      EMPIRICAL STUDY.
AB  - Probably the most important factor in evaluating a patient's prosthesis is
      quality of life. Transtibial amputations, are among the most frequently performed
      major limb amputations. Many individuals with transtibial amputations
      successfully achieve rehabilitation at or near their preamputation levels.
      Discomfort in prosthetic sockets continues to be a critical challenge faced by
      both prosthetists and amputees. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This paper proposes a
      fusion Graphic User Interface that combines two types of information (pressure
      and temperature). Data from pressure sensors and thermistors (an electrical
      resistor whose resistance is greatly reduced by heating, used for measurement and
      control) placed on the stump in transtibial prosthetics are collected in real
      time using a National Instruments Data Acquisition device. RESULTS: All the data
      stored in files are available for offline processing. The user has the
      possibility to analyse the signal by zooming or positioning the marker and window
      on different parts of signal. A complex analysis that involves the pressure and
      temperature for a location (where both sensors are placed) is available in time
      domain. CONCLUSIONS: Blunt-prosthesis interface is characterized by few
      parameters among the most important are pressure and friction. The action of
      these parameters during static and dynamic stage is very important because their
      actions can produce lesions of skin at the level of interface. Despite the
      advancements in surgical techniques and prostheses, much still needs to be done.
      We made certain that the sensors were in the same location by pressing on
      specific cells on the residual limb during various stages of the experimentation.
      The highest pressures recorded were during the stance phase of walking. The curve
      that shows the temperature evolution or pressure in one point could differ in
      different points from patient to patient.

PMID- 27125095
TI  - EVOLUTION OF SYNCHRONOUS BILATERAL BREAST CARCINOMA IN A YOUNG PATIENT.
AB  - Bilateral breast cancer incidence is appreciated to be between 0.3 to 12% and is
      determined either by a hereditary load associated with chromosomal instability
      under the effect of environmental factors, or by the evolution in a particular
      hormonal context which gives biological aggressiveness. We present the case of a
      patient, aged 38 years, clinically, imagistic and bioptic diagnosed with left
      axillary lymph node metastases of breast carcinoma NST invasive G3, IHC-RE = 60%,
      RP = 30%, HER2neu = 2 +, Ki67 = 20%, in August 2013. Patient followed neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy treatment during September-October 2013. In December 2013 she was
      clinically and imaging diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer, for which surgical
      intervention was done which consisted of bilateral radical Madden mastectomy with
      bilateral axillary lymphadenectomy. BAP-invasive carcinoma NST: left breast
      pT2mN3a G2, right breast--pT3mN3a G2, IHC-RE = 90%, RP =70% HER2neu = 2 +, Ki67 =
      50%. During the period of January-March 2014, the patient followed adjuvant
      chemotherapy and Herceptin. Bilateral breast ultrasound assessment in April 2014
      revealed: left axilla--liquid blade 29 / 6mm; right axilla--oval ganglion 9/5 mm.
      Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound: empty uterine cavity, bosselated contour; at
      left ovary level multiple cystic formations. During the period of May-June 2014,
      adjuvant radiation therapy and ovarian irradiationwas administered to the
      patient. Subsequently hormone therapy was initiated. Following CHT / ovarian
      irradiation patient continues to experience intermittent uterine bleeding, which
      is why a total hysterectomy with bilateral ovariectomy was done, and BAP:
      cervical, endometrialand left ovary with tumor multifocal infiltration with
      histopathological aspect of invasive breast carcinoma NST. Periodic imaging
      evaluations do not reveal local or distant recurrence. The particularity of this
      case is synchronous bilateral breast cancer diagnosis in a young patient
      complicated in its evolution by ovarian metastases. This form of metastasis is
      rare in young women and occurs in advanced stages of the disease.

PMID- 27125096
TI  - THERMOPLASTIC MATERIALS APPLICATIONS IN RADIATION THERAPY.
AB  - This is an example of the use of thermoplastic materials in a high-tech medicine
      field, oncology radiation therapy, in order to produce the rigid masks for
      positioning and immobilization of the patient during simulation of the treatment
      procedure, the imaging verification of position and administration of the
      indicated radiation dose. Implementation of modern techniques of radiation
      therapy is possible only if provided with performant equipment (CT simulators,
      linear accelerators of high energy particles provided with multilamellar
      collimators and imaging verification systems) and accessories that increase the
      precision of the treatment (special supports for head-neck, thorax, pelvis, head
      neck and thorax immobilization masks, compensating materials like bolus type
      material). The paper illustrates the main steps in modern radiation therapy
      service and argues the role of thermoplastics in reducing daily patient
      positioning errors during treatment. As part of quality assurance of irradiation
      procedure, using a rigid mask is mandatory when applying 3D conformal radiation
      therapy techniques, radiation therapy with intensity modulated radiation or
      rotational techninques.

PMID- 27125098
TI  - [Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiosurgical Patients].

PMID- 27125097
TI  - A RENAISSANCE PROMOTER OF MODERN SURGERY.
AB  - The present paper aims, exploring the history of Renaissance medicine, to evoke
      the figure and work of the priest, surgeon and anatomist, Guido Guidi (Vidus
      Vidius) (1509-1569). The XVIth century is considered a period marked by artistic
      and scientific effervescence in the western part of Europe and Guido Guidi was a
      first order personality, grandson of Domenico Ghirlandaio and friend of Benvenuto
      Cellini. He was appointed by the King Francis I the first professor of anatomy
      and surgery at the newly founded College de France. On demand of the King, he
      wrote Chirurgia j Graeco in Latinum conversa Vido Vidio Florentino interprete,
      cum nonnullis eiusdem Vidii comentariis (1544), a beautifully illustrated
      original surgery book that became for the following two centuries the main source
      in teaching surgery. Our study realized a detailed assessment of the book and
      especially of its illustrations belonging to Francesco Salviati. Exploring the
      life of Guido Guidi, we were also able to point out other significant
      contributions in the field of anatomy and clinical medicine as De anatome the
      first book where are presented disarticulated, the bones of the skull base and
      also the discovery of the chickenpox. Some surgical personalities attributed to
      him both the elaboration of the term appendix vermiformis and the first
      description of an aneurysm, he treated with the help of Fallopio. Although
      forgotten today, Guido Guidi was a leading figure of the Renais sance medicine
      both in France and Italy.

PMID- 27125099
TI  - [Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in T-Cadherin Gene (CDH13) Have Cumulative
      Effect on Body Mass in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low adiponectin concentration observed in obese patients is
      associated with a high risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases
      and could be related to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in T-cadherin gene
      (CDH13). T-cadherin is a receptor for adiponectin and low-density lipoprotein.
      Aim of this study was to investigate association of CDH13 SNPs with the
      development of obesity in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). RESULTS: We
      established a statistically significant correlation between the number of minor
      alleles of rs11646213, rs4783244 and rs12444338 in CDH13 gene with body mass
      index: patients with smaller number of minor alleles tended to have normal body
      weight (odds ratio 3.03, 95% confidence interval 1.03-8.87). CONCLUSION: The
      obtained results are indicative of the cumulative effect of SNPs in CDH13
      (rs11646213, rs4783244, rs12444338) on BMI in patients with IHD.

PMID- 27125100
TI  - [Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index and Subclinical Peripheral Atherosclerosis in
      Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease].
AB  - AIM: To study relationship between cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and
      subclinical manifestations of noncoronary atherosclerosis in patients with stable
      ischemic heart disease (IHD). MATERIAL AND METHOD: We included into this study
      511 patients with IHD examined within framework of a register of patients before
      aorto-coronary bypass surgery. CAVI was determined using VaSera-1000 device.
      RESULTS: We distinguished 2 groups of patients: (1) with abnormal (>= 9.0, n =
      128) and (2) normal (< 9.0, n = 383) CAVI. Group 1 compared with group 2 had high
      mean age (p = 0.02), comprised more women (p = 0.0016), hypertensive patients (p
      = 0.0061), patients with three vessel coronary disease, and patients with
      stenoses in carotid arteries. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed
      independent association between elevated arterial stiffness and age. Elevated
      arterial stiffness was found in 25% of group 1 patients. Abnormal CAVI was
      associated with increased intima-media thickness and stenoses of carotid arteries
      but not with presence of stenoses in arteries of lower extremities.

PMID- 27125101
TI  - [The Impact of Renal Dysfunction on Outcomes of In-Hospital and Remote Periods in
      Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Combined With Type 2 Diabetes
      Mellitus].
AB  - PURPOSE. To elucidate association of renal dysfunction (RD) with unfavorable
      outcomes of in-hospital and long-term (1 year) treatment stages of patients with
      ST-elevation (STE) myocardial infarction (M) and concomitant diabetes mellitus
      (DM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled in this register study 954 patients (65%
      men, 35% women, mean age 63.4 [62.6-64.2] years) with STE acute coronary
      syndrome. Mean age of men was 60.3 (59.4-61.1), of women--69.2 [68.1-70.4] years.
      DM was verified in 175 patients (18.3%) basing on history data and values of
      fasting and postprandial glycaemia. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was
      calculated by MDRD formula using serum creatinine level determined at admission.
      RESULTS: Four groups of patients were distinguished depending on the presence of
      DM and RD: with DM and RD (n = 82), with DM without RD (n = 93), without DM with
      RD (n = 269) and without DM and RD (n = 510). Presence of RD in acute period of
      MI was associated with 3.3-fold increase of risk of in-hospital and annual
      mortality, while the presence of DM was associated with 1.6-fold increase of in
      hospital mortality without significant impact on annual mortality. CONCLUSION: RD
      had a significant impact on realization of poor outcomes in STEMI patients with
      concomitant DM. Prognostic significance of combination of DM and RD was proved to
      be higher than that of isolated DM.

PMID- 27125102
TI  - [Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Is
      Associated With Polymorphism of Interleukin 6 Gene].
AB  - It can be suggested that development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is directly related to the system of
      inflammation. Genetic polymorphism of factors of this system can be one of
      components of mechanism of AF in COPD. Aim: to elucidate polymorphic markers of
      genes of factors of the system of inflammation associated with AF in patients
      with COPD. Material and methods. We examined 208 patients with COPD (52 with and
      156 without AF). Examination included spirometry, echocardiography, and study of
      frequencies of polymorphic markers G(-238)A, G(-308)A of tumor necrosis factor
      (TNF) gene, C(-819)T of interleukin (IL) 10 gene, G(-174)C of IL-6 gene,
      rs2228145(AC) of IL-6R gene, and rs2069762(A/C) of IL-2 gene. RESULTS. Factors
      associated with AF were left atrial volume (odds ratio [OR] 1.021, 95% confidence
      interval [ClI] 1.004-1.043, p = 0,027), right atrial volume (OR 1.02, 95% CI
      1.001-1.040, p=0.021), and carriage of C allele of polymorphic marker G(-174)C of
      IL-6 gene (OR 6.02, 95% Cl 1.87-19.38, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: C allele of
      polymorphic marker G(-174)C of IL-6 gene can be considered to be independently
      associated with development of AF in patients with COPD.

PMID- 27125103
TI  - [Left Atrial Remodeling and Thromboembolic Risk in Patients With Recurrent Atrial
      Fibrillation].
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between left ventricular and left atrial (LA)
      structural and functional characteristics and thromboembolic (TE) risk in
      patients (pts) with recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Sixty pts (mean age 65 [61; 72] years, 42% men) with nonvalvular paroxysmal and
      persistent AF during sinus rhythm were divided into three groups based on CHA2DS2
      VASc score: 1, 2, and >= 3. All pts underwent conventional and speckle tracking
      echocardiography. Apical four- and two-chamber views images of 6 myocardial
      segments in the filling phase were obtained to assess global peak left atrial
      longitudinal strain (PALS) in the reservoir (r) and contractile (c) phase.
      RESULTS. Patients with paroxysmal AF had significantly higher PALSr compared with
      patients with persistent AF (15.1 vs 11.2%, p = 0.0002) and PALSc (-15.0 vs 
      12.0%; p = 0.0002]. In logistic regression analyses, only higher PALSr was
      significantly associated with lower CHA2DS2-VASc score (OR 0.61; 95% Cl 0.38
      0.97; p = 0.03). In order to distinguish patients with moderate and high TE risk
      we performed ROC curve analysis. Effective PALSr cut-off point was 16.7% with
      sensitivity of 62.5%, specificity of 39.0% and an area under the curve of 0.85
      (95% Cl 0.72-0.98; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AF PALSr was
      independently associated with CHA2DS2-VASc score. Use of a PALSr threshold allows
      to detect patients with moderate and high TE risk and can be considered in the
      process of decision making on initiation of anticoagulation treatment in patients
      with AF and CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1.

PMID- 27125104
TI  - [The Possibilities of Pharmacological Correction of Endothelial Dysfunction in
      Patients With Arterial Hypertension].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the possibility of a fixed combination of perindopril
      arginine and amlodipine in the correction of endothelial dysfunction (ED) in
      patients with arterial hypertension (AH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study
      included 49 patients with hypertension and ED receiving any antihypertensive
      therapy and have not reached the target level of blood pressure--blood pressure
      (66% women, 34% men). The mean age was 46.2 +/- 5.4 years. Patients switching to
      visit prescribed combination of perindopril arginine and amlodipine in different
      dosages depending on the level of blood pressure. The study lasted 12 weeks, on
      the first and last visit was assessed endothelial function. RESULTS: All patients
      completed the study. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased during
      the 12 weeks to 162.6 +/-11.4 to 131.1 +/- 10.0 mmHg and 95.4 +/- 10.2 to 78.7 +/
      7.7 mm Hg respectively (p < 0.05). At the time of the telephone contact was a
      target mean arterial pressure (p > 0.05). The structure of the DE before the
      study was as follows: DE major arteries or resistance--28.6%; DE both types-
      71.4%. After 12 weeks in patients receiving the drug in only 57.1% of the
      subjects had both types of ED (p < 0.05), DE or large resistive arteries was
      recorded in 21.4% of patients, while 21.5% were no signs of ED. The number of
      patients with hypertension who have reached the target blood pressure in patients
      receiving perindopril arginine and amlodipine increased from visit to visit, and
      reached 71.4% at 12 weeks. Over the 12 weeks of treatment adverse events occurred
      only in 2.1-4.2% of cases. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with ACE inhibitor
      perindopril arginine and a calcium channel blocker amlodipine in people of
      working age with hypertension and ED for 12 weeks leads to a reduction of
      endothelial dysfunction of large and small vessels (from 71.4 to 57.1%), a
      significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and achieve target
      blood pressure in 71.4% of cases.

PMID- 27125105
TI  - [Comparative Clinical Biochemical Assesment of the State of Mycardium After
      Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Performed Using Various Techniques].
AB  - We compared parameters of the state of myocardium after coronary artery bypass
      surgery (CABS) performed according to the following techniques--with complete
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CABS-CBP), beating heart bypass grafting with parallel
      normothermic perfusion (CABS- BH-NP), and beating heart bypass grafting (CABS
      BH). Patients (n = 100, 86% men, 14% women, age 56-69 years) were divided into 3
      groups with comparable sex, age, state of the myocardium, and EUROSCORE surgical
      risk. In group 1 patients (n = 35) we used CABS-CHB, in group 2 (n = 32)--CABS-BH
      NP, in group 3 (n = 33)--CABS-BH. The following parameters were obtained on day 1
      after surgery: left ventricular ejection fraction (EF, echocardiography), blood
      plasma levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), CPK-MB, and cardiac troponin I
      (TnI). There was no significant difference in parameters studied between groups 1
      and 2 with a tendency to their more pronounced positive dynamics in group 2. In
      group 3 compared with groups 1 and 2 we observed significant lowering of levels
      of CPK (by 21.2-30.9%, p < 0.05), CPK-MB (by 9.1-13.1%, p <0.05), Tnl (by 0.6
      0.7%, p < 0.05), and elevation of EF (by 9.8-11.6%, p < 0.05). Rate of
      development of myocardial infarction in group 3 (6.8%) was lower than in groups 1
      and 2 (14.2 and 9.8%, respectively). In all groups we observed close correlation
      between biochemical parameters and left ventricular EF (r = 0.74-0.82, p < 0.01).

PMID- 27125106
TI  - [Immediate Results of Mitral Valve Surgery in Asymptomatic Patients With Severe
      Mitral Regurgitation Due to Degenerative Mitral VaIve Disease].
AB  - Degenerative mitral valve disease nowadays is the most common cause of mitral
      insufficiency in developed countries and is associated with high morbidity and
      mortality. In the last decades repairing the mitral valve has become the
      operation of choice for treatment of the mitral valve prolapse, enabling to
      improve the geometry and function of the left ventricle and long-term survival.
      Nevertheless, the problem of choice of method of management of severe mitral
      regurgitation in asymptomatic patients with degenerative mitral valve disease
      remains unsolved. In this article we present immediate results of a prospective
      comparative study of mitral valve surgery in asymptomatic and symptomatic
      patients in dependence on NYHA class of heart failure.

PMID- 27125107
TI  - [Proignostic Factors of Cardiovascular Complications After Ischemic Stroke].
AB  - We included into prospective cohort observational study 148 patients with
      ischemic stroke aged 60 [52; 68] years. Duration of a prospective follow-up was
      35 [28; 40] months. Cardiovascular events (CVE) registered during follow-up were
      recurrent stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction, unstable
      angina, congestive heart failure, including acute decompensation of chronic heart
      failure requiring hospitalization, cardiovascular death. During follow-up 37
      patients (25%) had 50 CVE. On multivariate regression analysis, independent
      predictors of CVE after ischemic stroke were: age over 67 years, presence of
      chronic ischemic heart disease, high grade ventricular arrhythmias, standard
      deviation of cardiointervals (SDNN) less than 71 ms, absence of thiazide
      diuretics in the basic antihypertensive therapy.

PMID- 27125108
TI  - [The State of Coagulation Hemostasis and Fibrinolysis in Children With Essential
      Arterial Hypertension].
AB  - Children with essential hypertension and increased risk of thrombotic
      complications are characterized by history of familial thrombosis, increased
      levels of fibrinogen and soluble fibrin-monomer complexes, activity and content
      of von Willebrand factor, activity of plasminogen.

PMID- 27125109
TI  - [Predictive Value of Renal Dysfunction for Early and Long-Term Outcomes of
      Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting].
AB  - AIM: to assess value of renal dysfunction for immediate and long-term prognosis
      after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We examined
      657 patients (419 men and 238 women) aged 54-68 (60.6 +/- 5.3) years before and
      after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Patients with baseline glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR) > 90 and with GFR 89-45 ml/1.73 (n = 246) comprised groups
      1 and 2, respectively. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was diagnosed using the AKI
      Network criteria. RESULTS: In early postoperative period AKI (perioperative AKI)
      was diagnosed in 97 (23.6%) and 102 (41.55) patients of group 1 and 2,
      respectively (chi2 = 22.4; p < 0.001). Rate of early cardio-vascular
      complications and hospital mortality were significantly higher in patients with
      compared with those without perioperative AKI. During 12 months of follow-up 6.8%
      of patients in group 1 developed chronic kidney disease (CKD). In group 2 we
      noted progression of CKD in 14.7 and 5.4% (p > 0.05) and its regression in 45.1
      and 61.4% (p = 0.004) of patients with and without perioperative AKI,
      respectively. Programmed hemodialysis was carried out in 12 patients of group 2,
      including 10 with perioperative AKI (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Presence of CKD and
      development of perioperative AKI was associated with unfavorable cardiorenal
      prognosis after CABG.

PMID- 27125110
TI  - [Results of the European Congress of Cardiology 2015].

PMID- 27125111
TI  - [The Efficacy and Safely of Rosuvastatin in Patients With Coronary Heart
      Disease].

PMID- 27125112
TI  - [Inflammatory Markers and Their RoIe in Assessing Prognosis of patients With
      Stable Coronary Artery Disease After Coronary Stenting].
AB  - In recent years, expanded data have demonstrated the association between
      increased inflammatory markers and risk of adverse cardiovascular events in
      patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent
      implantation. Particularly, several studies have demonstrated association between
      increased C-reactive protein (CRP) level and various risk factors of
      cardiovascular diseases and their complications. The role of CRP in predicting
      restenosis after implantation of bare metal stents has been proven, but its role
      in predicting drug-eluting stents restenosis is still unproved. Significant
      association between increased white blood cells count and risk of development and
      severity of coronary artery disease and as well as poor prognosis after PCI has
      also been demonstrated. But erythrocyte sedimentation rate has been studied
      insufficiently in this regard. According to some studies, including those
      conducted in our institute, one can suggest an association between eosinophilic
      inflammatory response, progression of coronary atherosclerosis, and drug-eluting
      stents restenosis. Identification of factors affecting prognosis of patients with
      coronary heart disease after PCI will allow determining further strategy of
      patient management.

PMID- 27125113
TI  - [The Results of Long-Term Observation of Patients Who Participated in the ADVANCE
      Trial].
AB  - We present in this article data on the prevalence and risk of complications in
      patients with diabetes and hypertension. From the standpoint of current
      guidelines on the management of arterial hypertension we consider problems of
      target blood pressure levels and choice of antihypertensive drugs in patients
      with diabetes, including those with diabetic nephropathy. We also present results
      of long-term observation of participants of the ADVANCE trial that have shown
      that reduction of mortality achieved because of antihypertensive therapy in the
      randomized study persisted throughout follow-up. Discussion of possible
      mechanisms of this phenomenon and the advantages of fixed perindopril/indapamide
      combination is presented as well.

PMID- 27125114
TI  - [Aspects of the Efficacy and Safety of Rosuvastatin in Patients at Polymorbid
      States].

PMID- 27125116
TI  - Rightsizing Your Board.
AB  - What's the ideal size for a hospital board of trustees? Here are several factors
      to consider before deciding if your own board needs to be right-sized.

PMID- 27125115
TI  - [The Strategy of Indapamide Retard Use in the Prevention of the Early Vascular
      Aging Syndrome].

PMID- 27125117
TI  - IN SEARCH OF VALUE.
AB  - Defining value in health care isn't easy, and measurements are incomplete or even
      contradictory. But that isn't stopping some health care systems from going full
      steam ahead.

PMID- 27125118
TI  - Our Opioid Nightmare.
AB  - Abuse of opioids, including prescription painkillers and heroin, is epidemic,
      crossing boundaries of class, age and region. Here's how hospitals are working to
      stop it.

PMID- 27125119
TI  - Dissecting New Medicare Physician Pay.
AB  - A summary of key aspects of the new Medicare physician payment system and the
      implications for hospitals.

PMID- 27125121
TI  - Redesigning Care Delivery.
AB  - This Hospitals in Pursuit of Excellence column considers innovative care and
      payment models to help hospitals and health systems achieve the Triple Aim.

PMID- 27125120
TI  - Creating a Safer Facility.
AB  - Trustees and hospital executives are paying more attention to design innovations
      that can prevent bad things from happening to patients.

PMID- 27125122
TI  - Another Use for Lean.
AB  - The Lean principles and tools that hospitals use to transform care delivery,
      transparency and cost can also help to manage population health.

PMID- 27125123
TI  - Better Community Health.
AB  - Hospitals need to find and work with multiple partners to improve community
      health. Here's the case for doing so.

PMID- 27125124
TI  - [The Trend of Multidimentional Images].

PMID- 27125125
TI  - [Development of a Text-Data Based Learning Tool That Integrates Image Processing
      and Displaying].
AB  - We developed a text-data based learning tool that integrates image processing and
      displaying by Excel. Knowledge required for programing this tool is limited to
      using absolute, relative, and composite cell references and learning
      approximately 20 mathematical functions available in Excel. The new tool is
      capable of resolution translation, geometric transformation, spatial-filter
      processing, Radon transform, Fourier transform, convolutions, correlations,
      deconvolutions, wavelet transform, mutual information, and simulation of proton
      density-, T1-, and T2-weighted MR images. The processed images of 128 x 128
      pixels or 256 x 256 pixels are observed directly within Excel worksheets without
      using any particular image display software. The results of image processing
      using this tool were compared with those using C language and the new tool was
      judged to have sufficient accuracy to be practically useful. The images displayed
      on Excel worksheets were compared with images using binary-data display software.
      This comparison indicated that the image quality of the Excel worksheets was
      nearly equal to the latter in visual impressions. Since image processing is
      performed by using text-data, the process is visible and facilitates making
      contrasts by using mathematical equations within the program. We concluded that
      the newly developed tool is adequate as a computer-assisted learning tool for use
      in medical image processing.

PMID- 27125126
TI  - [3D Visualization for Computer-Aided Diagnosis in Thoracic CT].
AB  - Medical imaging is one of the major tools that have enriched medical science,
      disease detection and treatment. Computed tomography (CT) is the most widely used
      imaging modality in clinical practice for cancer detection, oncologic diagnosis,
      and treatment guidance. Recent advances in CT imaging technologies allow the high
      throughput extraction of informative imaging features to quantify the differences
      that oncologic tissues exhibit. The development of computer-aided
      detection/diagnosis (CADe/CADx) systems based on imaging biomakers associated
      with disease probabilities may become increasingly an attractive field to support
      clinicians in detecting early-stage diseases and determining risk-adaptive
      treatments. Three-dimensional visualization for CADe/CADx systems may have a
      large impact as various imaging modalities are routinely used in clinical
      practice to improve medical decision-support. In this article, we present some
      examples of 3D visualization for CADe/CADx systems of thoracic CT images.

PMID- 27125127
TI  - [Two-dimensional Projection and Image Reconstruction].
AB  - Medical images are being recently reconstructed using several data sets. In x-ray
      and computed tomography (CT), 3-dimensional (3D) images are reconstructed using 2
      dimensional (2D) projection data. Research regarding the image reconstruction
      method has been actively conducted. Further, 3D images include patient
      information and are used as diagnostic tools. Therefore, it is necessary to
      acquire a projection technique. There are several algorithms of the projection
      method. In this paper, we reviewed three methods. The first method is based on
      mathematical formulae, the second integrates pixel values at regular intervals
      along the x-ray track, and the third integrates pixel values multiplied by
      distance. We confirmed the usefulness of the projection method for reconstructing
      images.

PMID- 27125128
TI  - [Three Dimensional Display in Nuclear Medicine].
AB  - Imaging techniques to obtain a tomographic image in nuclear medicine such as PET
      and SPECT are widely used. It is necessary to interpreting all of the tomographic
      images obtained in order to accurately evaluate the individual lesion, whereas
      three dimensional display is often useful in order to overview and evaluate the
      feature of the entire lesion or disease such as the position, size and abnormal
      pattern. In Japan, the use of three dimensional image analysis workstation with
      an application of the co-registration and image fusion between the functional
      images such as PET or SPECT and anatomical images such as CT or MRI has been
      generalized. In addition, multimodality imaging system such as a PET/CT and
      SPECT/CT has been widespread. Therefore, it is expected to improve the diagnostic
      accuracy using three dimensionally image fusion to functional images with poor
      anatomical information. In this commentary, as an example of a three dimensional
      display that are commonly used in nuclear medicine examination in Japan, brain
      regions, cardiac region and bone and tumor region will be introduced separately.

PMID- 27125129
TI  - [Medical Image Displaying Techniques for Clinical].
AB  - It has been than 15 years since medical image analysis is used clinical scene. We
      provide 3D image for doctors to recognize easily by reconstructed CT or MRI
      images. It is introduced a recently technique for 3D medical image, for example,
      volume rendering, CPR, colon analysis, CT-SPECT fusion image.

PMID- 27125130
TI  - [The Three-dimensional Representation in the Nuclear Medicine].
AB  - The three-dimensional representation is used by cerebral blood flow SPECT and
      myocardial SPECT. It is used with the statistical image analysis software (3D
      SSP, eZIS) in cerebral blood flow SPECT, and regional cerebral blood flow
      decrease can be detected. It is used with the heart function analysis software
      (QGS, QPS, QBS) in myocardial SPECT, and is effective for the cardiac wall motion
      evaluation. SPECT/CT and PET/CT are used in clinical. The three-dimensional
      fusion image that overlaps CT- volume rendering image with SPECT (PET) image can
      be constructed with an easy and high quality by SPECT/CT (PET/CT). It is
      effective for identification of accumulation part of radiopharmaceutical.

PMID- 27125131
TI  - [Three-dimensional Representation of a Medical CT Image].
AB  - Recently, MSCT acquisition of volume data becomes easier. For computer processing
      technology has advanced, was the performance of the workstation also be improved.
      Therefore, three-dimensional representation of the whole body is also made
      possible. Three-dimensional display, is usually doing the diagnosis in only axial
      image, it is useful to understand the structure that traveling to the cranio
      caudal direction. When surgical care is necessary, an examination for CT is
      conducted for the purpose of a metastasis search. Use the data obtained this
      time, it becomes possible to provide surgical support image. I make what kind of
      image to use a clinical on the site three-dimensional image, and it is necessary
      to understand it what you want to know.

PMID- 27125132
TI  - [Utility of Medical Imaging Displaying Method in 3D Magnetic Resonance Imaging].
AB  - The recent improvements in magnetic resonance (MR) hardware, especially 3T
      devices, scanning protocols, and three dimensional (3D) volumetric reconstruction
      software have facilitated great expansion of the role of 3D imaging. With the
      volumetric data, various post processing image reconstructions could readily be
      done on the 3D workstation. The reconstructions allow better demonstration of
      anatomic details, which help improve lesion localization and surgical planning.
      Particularly, in patients who are planned for surgery such as tumors assessment
      or pre-transplant evaluation, the 3D reconstructions provide not only better
      tumors extent, tumors volume evaluation and an excellent anatomical guide map,
      but also tumors relations with the blood vessels. In this review, we explain the
      various 3D reconstruction techniques used in MRI and demonstrate the value of 3D
      imaging in preoperative evaluation, diagnosis of coronary diseases, vascular
      diseases and each abdominal disease.

PMID- 27125133
TI  - [Series: Fundamental Electromagnetics for Beginners (4)].

PMID- 27125134
TI  - [Series: Medical Applications of the PHITS Code (2): Acceleration by Parallel
      Computing].
AB  - Time-consuming Monte Carlo dose calculation becomes feasible owing to the
      development of computer technology. However, the recent development is due to
      emergence of the multi-core high performance computers. Therefore, parallel
      computing becomes a key to achieve good performance of software programs. A Monte
      Carlo simulation code PHITS contains two parallel computing functions, the
      distributed-memory parallelization using protocols of message passing interface
      (MPI) and the shared-memory parallelization using open multi-processing (OpenMP)
      directives. Users can choose the two functions according to their needs. This
      paper gives the explanation of the two functions with their advantages and
      disadvantages. Some test applications are also provided to show their performance
      using a typical multi-core high performance workstation.

PMID- 27125135
TI  - Differentiation Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Equine Bone Marrow
      Cultured on Hyaluronic Acid-Chitosan Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Biofilm.
AB  - Nanotechnology techniques have a prominent role in the current technical and
      scientific scene. The layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition allows obtaining
      nanostructures with sophisticated multilayer, using a simple, but versatile
      technique. This procedure, which is used to coat and functionalize surfaces with
      nanometer- thick films, has applications in bioengineering, medicine, chemistry,
      materials and chemical engineering among other areas. Chitosan is a biomaterial,
      coming from the chitin, a very abundant polymer in nature, which has been
      recently tested as scaffolds. In this experiment we test the hypothesis that the
      hyaluronic acid-chitosan polyelectrolyte multilayer biofilm would be a good
      substrate to the adherence of equine mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone
      marrow. The results showed that these biofilms accelerate the process of cell
      adhesion on smooth surfaces, allowing a constant cell growth and creating a great
      option to cover surgical materials.

PMID- 27125136
TI  - Fat Layer from Medullary Canal Reamer Aspirate for Potential Use as a
      Supplemental Osteoinductive Bone Graft Material.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are of therapeutic interest to clinicians and
      researchers, as they have been shown to augment the osteogenic properties of bone
      grafts. MSCs are known to be prevalent in bone marrow, but are still limited in
      numbers. Hence, additional sources of MSCs are beneficial to increasing grafting
      potential. Aspirate material collected using the Reamer/Irrigator/Aspirator (RIA)
      device (Synthes; Paoli, PA) during reaming of the femoral shaft consists of three
      main components: bone fragments, liquid flow-through, and a fat layer. Currently,
      only the bone and liquid layers have been examined for osteoinductive elements,
      and the bone fragments are exclusively used as autologous bone graft. In the
      present study, a method to promote cellular outgrowth, tapping proliferative
      capacity from the previously discarded fatty layer of RIA aspirate, is described.
      Proliferating cells were successfully isolated from the bone and fatty layers of
      a consenting patient and found to be viable after liquid nitrogen storage. The
      osteogenic differentiation potential of the cells isolated from the fat and bone
      layers was assessed. Cells from both layers of the aspirate expressed
      statistically significant levels (p < 0.05) of the bone cell marker alkaline
      phosphatase compared to the control cells, suggesting differentiation along the
      osteoblastic pathway. Results from this pilot study indicate that the
      traditionally discarded fatty element of RIA aspirate may be a source of MSCs
      with bone-forming capabilities and the described isolation technique is
      effective. Combining the aspirate fatty and bony elements may enhance the
      clinical success of the RIA autograft.

PMID- 27125137
TI  - Healing of Experimentally Created Non-Union of Femur in Rats Using Bone Precursor
      Cells from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Around 20% of fractures have impaired or no healing.
      Many procedures have been tried with varying success. The objective of this study
      is to assess effect of osteoblast transplant (obtained after proliferation and
      differentiation of MSCs of bone marrow aspirate) in healing of experimentally
      created non-union of femur in rats. METHODS: Non-Union of femur were created in
      Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 grams. In 20 rats, Femur fracture was
      surgically created in 20 rats and 2 mm of the periosteum was cauterized on each
      side of the fracture and this created a non-union in 8 weeks. In 10 animals bone
      marrow was aspirated from the femoral shaft using 24-gauge butterfly needle and
      injected in special media. The two groups 10 each were marked and animals were
      kept in the similar surroundings. After radiological confirmation of non-union at
      8 weeks, an injection containing 1 x 10 (6) osteoblasts cells (1 million cells)
      dissolved in 200 microliters of balanced salt solution was injected at the
      nonunion site. In the control group of 10 rats 1 ml of normal saline was
      injected. In 5 animals of each group the fracture was fixed using 1 mm kirschner
      wire and the other 5 were treated without fixation. After 8 weeks of implantation
      the animals were radiographed and euthanized. The hind legs were disarticulated
      from the hip joints, specimens were stored in 2% formalin and histological
      evaluation was performed. RESULTS: There were no deaths in both the groups and
      there was one superficial infection in the control group. Eight weeks post
      implantation of the BM-MSCs derived osteoblasts, all the fractures of the study
      group united with robust mineralization and new bone formation confirmed by
      radiograph and histopathology. In the control group there was no healing and the
      histopathology showed full of fibrous tissue with cartilage cells lining the
      fracture site. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our results indicate that implant of
      BM-MSCs derived osteo-progenitor cells at the non-union efficiently induces a
      complete union. We believe a similar study should be carried out in a larger
      animal before any human trials.

PMID- 27125138
TI  - Anaerobic Glycolysis and HIF1alpha Expression in Haematopoietic Stem Cells
      Explains Its Quiescence Nature.
AB  - Metabolic alteration that a stem cell undergoes during proliferation and
      quiescence are decisive. These cells survive in extreme hypoxic environment that
      prevails in bone marrow. The present study is aimed to understand this nature in
      hematopoietic stem cells. These stem cells were mobilized from bone marrow into
      peripheral blood by giving G-CSF at a concentration of 5 MUg/Kg/d and the cells
      were isolated by apheresis technique. The morphological analysis of these cells
      using Giemsa stain and SEM showed presence of only single type of cells with
      conspicuous nuclei, the hematopoietic nature was assessed by the presence of
      CD34, a glycoprotein using anti-CD34 monoclonal antibodies. The ICC results
      revealed presence of CD34 marker further; pure population of CD34+ stem cells was
      described by FACS. These cells were cultured separately in DMEM having 5.5mM,
      11.1mM and 25mM glucose respectively. In these cells GK, PK and L-LDH enzyme
      activities were estimated which showed increased activities at 5.5mM glucose
      concentration and further elevation of glucose concentration the activities were
      fallen considerably. Similarly, qPCR analysis of HIF1alpha and GAPDH genes showed
      very high expression of HIF1alpha at 5.5mM glucose concentration which reduced
      with increased glucose concentration. While GAPDH gene expression enhanced on
      elevation of glucose concentration. Thus, these results indicate high HIF1alpha
      expression in low glucose condition with improved anaerobic glycolysis seems to
      be one of the key factors in maintaining the quiescent state of CD34+ stem cells.

PMID- 27125139
TI  - Antiaging Effects of an Intensive Mind and Body Therapeutic Program through
      Enhancement of Telomerase Activity and Adult Stem Cell Counts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Key modalities of integrative medicine known to rejuvenate the mind
      and body are meditation, yoga, and controlled diet. It has been shown previously
      that intensive or prolonged mind and body therapies (MBT) may have beneficial
      effects on the well-being of healthy people and in patients. Telomerase activity
      and levels of peripheral blood adult pluripotent stem cells (PB-APSC) are
      reliable markers of long-term well-being that are known to decrease with age. The
      objective of this study is to understand the effect of our MBT program on
      telomerase activity and stem cells in blood collected from the participants.
      DESIGN: Here, we have investigated the effects of an intensive three weeks MBT
      retreat on telomerase activity and the peripheral blood stem cells in
      participants before and after the MBT. A total of 108 people were enrolled in the
      study; 38 men and 70 women (aged 18-90) randomly assigned for the study. RESULTS:
      Telomerase activity was greater in retreat participants at the end of the MBT
      retreat. About 45% of people showed more than one-fold increase of telomerase
      activity after our MBT program. Furthermore, about 27% of people showed more
      pronounced fold increase (2-fold) in telomerase activity after the MBT. In
      addition, a substantial percentage of people (about 90%) exhibited increased stem
      cell counts after the MBT. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest increased telomerase
      activity and stem cells count in peripheral blood from MBT retreat participants
      that may lead to increased longevity and better quality of life at latter age.

PMID- 27125140
TI  - Reversal of Methanol-Induced Blindness in Adults by Autologous Bone Marrow
      Derived Stem Cells: A Case Series.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Methanol ingestion leads to severe damage to visual pathways and
      permanent loss of vision. Current treatment is aimed at removal of methanol from
      system and prevention of generation of toxic metabolites along with symptomatic
      management of patient. Autologous bone marrow mononuclear stem cells (MNC) can be
      used to rejuvenate the damaged retinal cells and restoration of vision. METHODS:
      Five patients suffering from methanol induced complete blindness within three
      months of insult and no known comorbidities during the past 6 months were
      enrolled to receive autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cell fraction on
      compassionate grounds. The visual acuity and visual evoked responses (VER) were
      done at the time of enrollment and during follow-up visits. OBSERVATIONS AND
      RESULTS: Visual acuity of these patients at the time of enrollment: no perception
      of light. Improvement in visual acuity was recorded by 7 days which reached
      maximum at 3 weeks after treatment in three patients and three months in two
      patients. The patients had acuity of 6/9, finger counting and reading with
      magnifying glasses with no subsequent improvement till 2 years of follow-up.
      Visual Evoked Responses demonstrated improvements following treatment. No adverse
      reactions were noticed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Treatment with Autologous
      Bone marrow derived MNC offers a new line of management in patients with loss of
      vision following methanol ingestion. The efficacy and safety of this line of
      management needs to be evaluated in controlled clinical trials.

PMID- 27125141
TI  - Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular
      Dystrophy: Safety and Feasibility Study in India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a musculo-degenerative disease
      characterized by lack of dystrophin production with no definite cure available
      currently. Discarded umbilical cord is a potential source of mesenchymal stem
      cells which are non-immunogenic and can be used for transplantation in allogenic
      set ups. Given the regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties of mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSCs), here we investigated its role in the cellular therapy of DMD
      patients. DESIGN: This is a single-blinded study conducted in various hospitals
      of India situated in Mumbai, Delhi, and Lucknow. Inclusion criteria for enrolling
      the patients in the study were boys aged between 5 to 18 years, absence of
      dystrophin in the immunohistochemistry of muscle biopsy and mutation in
      dystrophin gene in cytogenetic analysis. The exclusion criteria were presence of
      dystrophin in the muscle biopsy, patients on corticosteroids etc. UC-MSCs (2
      millions/kg body weight) were administered through IV and IM injection. Muscle
      power in muscles of proximal upper limb, distal upper limb, proximal lower limb,
      distal lower limb, hip flexors, hip extensors, hip abductors, and paraspinal
      muscles were measured in 11 DMD patients after UC-MSCs transplantation and were
      followed for up to 3 years (average follow up 1.5 years). 5 DMD patients did not
      receive any UC-MSCs transplantation and served as the control group. RESULTS: The
      treatment group (N = 11 at baseline) had a pretransplantation strength of 3.45 +/
      1.0357 and 4.090 +/- 0.8312 in muscles of proximal upper limb and distal upper
      limb respectively. After 1 year (N = 9) these strengths remained stable with an
      average of 3.78 (1.03) and 4.22 (0.83). In contrast, the control group (N = 5)
      has a pre-transplantation strength of 3.6 (0.54) and 4 (1) in the proximal and
      distal upper limb respectively. After 1 year, (N = 5) 3/5 subjects had a slight
      but not statistically significant decrease in the proximal upper limb, mean 3.0
      (1.0) and 5/5 had a lunit decrease in strength, mean 3.0 (1.0). The treatment
      group had a pre-transplantation strength of 2.0909 +/- 0.8312 and 3.1181 +/-
      0.8738 in muscles of distal and proximal lower limbs respectively. At 1 year (N =
      9), 4/9 subjects had a 1 unit increase in strength in the distal lower limb (mean
      3.78 (0.97)) and 8/9 subjects had a lunit increase in strength in the proximal
      lower limb, mean 3.11 (1.05). The control group has a mean of 3.41 (0.54) and 3.0
      (1.0) at baseline in the distal and proximal lower limb respectively. By 1 year,
      3/5 subjects had a 1 unit decrease (mean 2.8 (0.45)) and 5/5 had a lunit
      decrease, mean 2.0 (1.0) in distal and proximal lower limb strength. Stability in
      muscle function was also achieved in muscles of hip flexors, hip extensors, hip
      abductors, and paraspinal muscles at one year as compared to untreated group.
      CONCLUSION: UC-MSCs administration not only resulted in the stabilization of
      muscle power but also did not show GVHD or any deleterious effects on the
      patients and thus may be considered as safe option for treatment of DMD as
      compared to control untreated group although further larger double-blinded
      studies are needed.

PMID- 27125142
TI  - Evaluation of the impact of support for nursing research on scientific
      productivity in seven Italian hospitals: A multiple interrupted time series
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nursing research is not well-developed in Italy, and knowledge of the
      methodologies for conducting research is lacking. In several hospitals, including
      those in which this study was conducted, a research center has been established
      to support and educate nurses on how to conduct clinical research. AIMS AND
      OBJECTIVES: In this observational study, we sought to assess whether establishing
      a support center for nursing research has resulted in an increase in scientific
      production in terms of the numbers of protocols approved (primary outcome),
      articles published and nurse authors involved in the publications (secondary
      outcomes). DESIGN: Multiple interrupted time series. METHODS: Data from 2002 to
      2012 were collected in seven hospitals. Research centers have been established at
      various times in only four of these hospitals. RESULTS: A statistically
      significant increase in the primary outcome (the number of protocols approved by
      the Research Ethics Committee in which the principal investigator was a nurse)
      was observed in two hospitals approximately 2years after establishing a research
      center. The number of nursing research articles published in scientific journals
      with an impact factor increased but was not statistically significant. Finally,
      the number of nurse authors increased significantly in two hospitals with support
      units. Definitive conclusions could not be reached for the other two experimental
      hospitals because notably few post-intervention data were available. In the
      control hospitals, the scientific production outcomes did not change.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that establishing a support center for nursing
      research inside hospitals can facilitate the production of research.

PMID- 27125143
TI  - Graduate nurse experiences of support: A review.
AB  - The first year of practice as a nurse is recognized as stressful. Graduate nurses
      (GNs) report gaps in their education, reality shock, burnout and other negative
      experiences that influence their intentions to remain in nursing. OBJECTIVES: The
      aim of this literature review was to gain a greater understanding of the
      experiences of GNs. REVIEW METHODS: It included thirty-six articles that focused
      on GNs and their transition to nursing, as part of a graduate nurse program
      (GNP), from 2005 to present. RESULT: The review identified three main themes that
      influence the transition from student to registered nurse. These themes included,
      1) feeling stressed and overwhelmed by nursing responsibilities, 2) the amount of
      support from senior nurses and 3) the importance of feedback on their performance
      as nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Further research that is focused on the support and
      feedback provided to new nurses is needed.

PMID- 27125144
TI  - Factors influencing nurse participation in continuing professional development
      activities: Survey results from the Netherlands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Professionals are individually responsible for planning and carrying
      out continuing professional development (CPD) activities, ensuring their
      relevance to current practice and career development. The key factors that
      encourage nurses to undertake CPD activities are not yet clear. Several studies
      have investigated motives of nurses to participate in CPD programmes ("Motives"),
      the importance they attach to CPD ("Importance"), the conditions they consider
      necessary for participation ("Conditions"), and their actual participation in CPD
      activities ("Pursued"). The relationships among these variables, however, have
      neither been investigated nor reported to date. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study
      is to investigate the nature of the relationships among those factors that
      influence nurse participation in CPD in the Netherlands. DESIGN: An exploratory
      cross-sectional study was carried out using quantitative data collected with the
      previously validated Questionnaire Professional Development of Nurses (Q-PDN).
      SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 5500 registered nurses working
      at one Dutch university hospital and several general hospitals was addressed.
      METHODS: A descriptive study using a survey was undertaken. The questionnaire was
      completed and returned by 1226 nurses. Correlation analyses were conducted to
      determine which factors were related to nurses undertaking CPD activities.
      Structural equation modelling was deployed to determine the relationships among
      the variables. RESULTS: "Conditions" was found to be moderately related to
      "Motives", which itself was strongly related to "Importance", which itself was
      very strongly related to "CPD activities pursued". If nurses considered a CPD
      activity important they were highly likely to pursue it; however, the importance
      attached to specific CPD activities was influenced by the presence of particular
      motives, which depended in part on the way CPD conditions were perceived.
      CONCLUSIONS: The key factor influencing CPD participation of nurses is how
      important they deem particular CPD activities; the latter is a function of their
      CPD motives and of their perceptions that the right conditions for participation
      are in place. Implications are discussed.

PMID- 27125145
TI  - A review of mentorship measurement tools.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review mentorship measurement tools in various fields to inform
      nursing educators on selection, application, and developing of mentoring
      instruments. DESIGN: A literature review informed by PRISMA 2009 guidelines. DATA
      SOURCES: Six databases: CINHAL, Medline, PsycINFO, Academic Search Premier, ERIC,
      Business premier resource. REVIEW METHODS: Search terms and strategies used:
      mentor* N3 (behav* or skill? or role? or activit? or function* or relation*) and
      (scale or tool or instrument or questionnaire or inventory). The time limiter was
      set from January 1985 to June 2015. Extracted data were content of instruments,
      samples, psychometrics, theoretical framework, and utility. An integrative review
      method was used. RESULTS: Twenty-eight papers linked to 22 scales were located,
      seven from business and industry, 11 from education, 3 from health science, and 1
      focused on research mentoring. Mentorship measurement was pioneered by business
      with a universally accepted theoretical framework, i.e. career function and
      psychosocial function, and the trend of scale development is developing: from
      focusing on the positive side of mentorship shifting to negative mentoring
      experiences and challenges. Nursing educators mainly used instruments from
      business to assess mentorship among nursing teachers. In education and nursing,
      measurement has taken to a more specialised focus: researchers in different
      contexts have developed scales to measure different specific aspects of
      mentorship. Most tools show psychometric evidence of content homogeneity and
      construct validity but lack more comprehensive and advanced tests. CONCLUSION:
      Mentorship is widely used and conceptualised differently in different fields and
      is less mature in nursing than in business. Measurement of mentorship is heading
      to a more specialised and comprehensive process. Business and education provided
      measurement tools to nursing educators to assess mentorship among staff, but a
      robust instrument to measure nursing students' mentorship is needed.

PMID- 27125146
TI  - Planning and executing a global health experience for undergraduate nursing
      students: A comprehensive guide to creating global citizens.
AB  - The preparation of future baccalaureate-prepared nurses will require
      undergraduate students to have both cultural awareness and global or
      international health competencies in order to meet the increasingly complex
      health care needs of a diverse community. Additionally, the nursing accrediting
      bodies have identified global healthcare as an area of core knowledge for
      clinical nurses. In order to meet the workforce needs, and provide global
      education of the undergraduate student body, we designed an international
      clinical experience within the undergraduate Community/Population Health course.
      The purpose of this article is to provide a guide for faculty in the planning,
      infrastructure needs, and implementation of a global clinical experience for
      undergraduate nursing students, in the context of the United States with
      addressing university concerns for student safety and security while abroad. 

PMID- 27125147
TI  - Interprofessional training enhances collaboration between nursing and medical
      students: A pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effective collaboration among healthcare providers is an essential
      component of high-quality patient care. Interprofessional education is
      foundational to ensuring that students are prepared to engage in optimal
      collaboration once they enter clinical practice particularly in the care of
      complex geriatric patients undergoing surgery. STUDY DESIGN: To enhance
      interprofessional education between nursing students and medical students in a
      clinical environment, we modeled the desired behavior and skills needed for
      interprofessional preoperative geriatric assessment for students, then provided
      an opportunity for students to practice skills in nurse/physician pairs on
      standardized patients. This experience culminated with students performing skills
      independently in a clinic setting. RESULTS: Nine nursing students and six medical
      students completed the pilot project. At baseline and after the final clinic
      visit we administered a ten question geriatric assessment test. Post-test scores
      (M=90.33, SD=11.09) were significantly higher than pre-test scores (M=72.33,
      SD=12.66, t(14)=-4.50, p<0.001. Nursing student post-test scores improved a mean
      of 22.0 points and medical students a mean of 11.7 points over pre-test scores.
      Analysis of observational notes provided evidence of interprofessional education
      skills in the themes of shared problem solving, conflict resolution, recognition
      of patient needs, shared decision making, knowledge and development of one's
      professional role, communication, transfer of interprofessional learning, and
      identification of learning needs. CONCLUSIONS: Having nursing and medical
      students "learn about, from and with each other" while conducting a preoperative
      geriatric assessment offered a unique collaborative educational experience for
      students that better prepares them to integrate into interdisciplinary clinic
      teams.

PMID- 27125148
TI  - Experiences in the workplace community and the influence of community experiences
      on ENP courses for nursing professionals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A nursing community can be described as a discourse community or a
      Community of Practice (CoP). No matter what type, a nursing community exerts
      influences on its group members' worldviews, perspectives and beliefs.
      OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research is to explore what nurses' experiences
      of membership within the nursing community are and how such experiences influence
      nurses' views of English for nursing purposes (ENP) courses. DESIGN: A
      qualitative case study was conducted in a medical centre in Taiwan in which many
      foreign patients seek medical treatment and in which English is highly valued.
      PARTICIPANTS: Nine nurses who had at least three years working experience in
      relation to clinical practice participated in the study. METHODS: Semi-structured
      interviews and shadowing observations were the two primary methods of data
      collection. RESULTS: Five themes emerged: (1) building of the nurse-patient
      relationship, (2) provision of patient-centred care, (3) negative caring
      experiences, (4) professional identity, and (5) perspectives on ENP courses.
      CONCLUSIONS: Nurses' connection with the community led for them to a focus in
      their working lives. This determined their perceptions of ENP courses.

PMID- 27125149
TI  - Development and psychometric evaluation of the arterial puncture self-efficacy
      scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arterial puncture for arterial blood gases (ABG) analysis can be a
      risky, painful, difficult-to-perform procedure that is often insufficiently
      practised and generates stress and discomfort amongst patients and healthcare
      professionals. Self-efficacy is a key component in the acquisition of procedural
      skills. Therefore, professionals' self-efficacy in arterial puncture should be
      measured before attempting the procedure on real patients. OBJECTIVE: To develop
      and psychometrically assess a self-efficacy scale in arterial puncture. DESIGN:
      An observational cross-sectional design was used in this study. SETTING: Faculty
      of Education Sciences, Nursing and Physiotherapy in a higher education
      institution in the south of Spain. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 342
      nursing students entered and completed the study. All participants met the
      following inclusion criteria: (1) >=18years old and (2) enrolled in a nursing
      degree programme during the 2014/2015 academic year. Participants were 74% female
      (n=254) and their age ranged from 18 to 50, with a mean age of 21.74years
      (SD=5.14). METHOD: The Arterial Puncture Self-Efficacy Scale (APSES) was
      developed and psychometrically tested. Reliability and content validity were
      studied. Predictive validity and concurrent validity assessed criterion validity.
      In addition, principal component analysis and known-group analysis evaluated
      construct validity. RESULTS: Principal component analysis revealed the two
      subscale structure of the final 22-item version of the Arterial Puncture Self
      Efficacy Scale (APSES). A total Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.97 showed its
      high reliability. The APSES' content validity index was excellent (S
      CVI/Ave=0.95). Predictive and concurrent validity analysis demonstrated the good
      criterion validity of the tool. Supporting the APSES' sensitivity and
      specificity, known-groups analysis evidenced significant differences (p<0.001) in
      self-efficacy levels between groups. CONCLUSION: The APSES showed good
      psychometric properties for measuring self-efficacy in arterial puncture for ABG
      analysis.

PMID- 27125150
TI  - An exploration of the value of the role of the mentor and mentoring in midwifery.
AB  - This research project aimed to examine the perceived value sign-off mentors
      (SOMs) in midwifery have for their role. Using a phenomenological approach, the
      results were drawn from in-depth interviews. The project included a literature
      review, methodology, results and discussion. The results indicate that mentors
      enjoy their role and they see themselves as essentials to the delivery of pre
      registration midwifery programmes and for the supervision and assessment of
      student midwives. Mentors are not sure if student midwives value their sign-off
      mentor, or whether senior management is aware of the sign-off role and its value.
      This project also confirms previous findings from other studies, particularly the
      problem of finding time to complete student assessment paper work, support
      students in clinical practice and whether there are enough SOMs within clinical
      practice. The study does not conclude that the issues raised are distinctive to
      midwifery, potentially all of the points raised translate to the various forms of
      nursing practice. 

PMID- 27125151
TI  - Sexuality, sexual health and older people: A systematic review of research on the
      knowledge and attitudes of health professionals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Sexuality remains important to older people and should be recognised
      as an important part of their overall care. However, this appears to be poorly
      understood and addressed by many healthcare professionals. This systematic review
      reports on knowledge and attitudes of health professionals towards sexuality and
      sexual health of older people, including factors that impact knowledge and
      perceptions. REVIEW METHODS AND DATA SOURCES: The review, conducted using Joanna
      Briggs Institute methods, included 23 studies of varied methodology published
      between January 2004 and January 2015. RESULTS: Findings indicated that
      healthcare professionals often consider older people's sexuality as outside their
      scope of practice and there is lack of knowledge and confidence in this area.
      Cultural norms and taboos, length of time spent working with older people,
      familiarity with the older person, previous training and degree of exposure to
      people who are not heterosexual were all identified as factors that impact
      knowledge and attitude. CONCLUSIONS: Better role modelling and education are
      needed to improve knowledge and attitudes toward later life sexuality.

PMID- 27125152
TI  - Development and validation of the simulation-based learning evaluation scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The instruments that evaluate a student's perception of receiving
      simulated training are English versions and have not been tested for reliability
      or validity. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a Chinese
      version Simulation-Based Learning Evaluation Scale (SBLES). METHODS: Four stages
      were conducted to develop and validate the SBLES. First, specific desired
      competencies were identified according to the National League for Nursing and
      Taiwan Nursing Accreditation Council core competencies. Next, the initial item
      pool was comprised of 50 items related to simulation that were drawn from the
      literature of core competencies. Content validity was established by use of an
      expert panel. Finally, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor
      analysis were conducted for construct validity, and Cronbach's coefficient alpha
      determined the scale's internal consistency reliability. Two hundred and fifty
      students who had experienced simulation-based learning were invited to
      participate in this study. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-five students
      completed and returned questionnaires (response rate=90%). Six items were deleted
      from the initial item pool and one was added after an expert panel review.
      Exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation revealed 37 items remaining in
      five factors which accounted for 67% of the variance. The construct validity of
      SBLES was substantiated in a confirmatory factor analysis that revealed a good
      fit of the hypothesized factor structure. The findings tally with the criterion
      of convergent and discriminant validity. The range of internal consistency for
      five subscales was .90 to .93. Items were rated on a 5-point scale from 1
      (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study
      indicate that the SBLES is valid and reliable. The authors recommend that the
      scale could be applied in the nursing school to evaluate the effectiveness of
      simulation-based learning curricula.

PMID- 27125153
TI  - Teaching research methods in nursing using Aronson's Jigsaw Technique. A cross
      sectional survey of student satisfaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To adapt nursing studies to the European Higher Education Area, new
      teaching methods have been included that assign maximum importance to student
      centered learning and collaborative work. The Jigsaw Technique is based on
      collaborative learning and everyone in the group must play their part because
      each student's mark depends on the other students. Home group members are given
      the responsibility to become experts in a specific area of knowledge. Experts
      meet together to reach an agreement and improve skills. Finally, experts return
      to their home groups to share all their findings. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to evaluate nursing student satisfaction with the Jigsaw Technique used
      in the context of a compulsory course in research methods for nursing. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered anonymous
      questionnaire administered to students who completed the Research Methods course
      during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 academic years. The questionnaire was developed
      taking into account the learning objectives, competencies and skills that should
      be acquired by students, as described in the course syllabus. The responses were
      compared by age group (younger or older than 22years). RESULTS: A total of 89.6%
      of nursing students under 22years believed that this methodology helped them to
      develop teamwork, while this figure was 79.6% in older students. Nursing students
      also believed it helped them to work independently, with differences according to
      age, 79.7% and 58% respectively (p=0.010). Students disagreed with the statement
      "The Jigsaw Technique involves little workload", with percentages of 88.5% in the
      group under 22years and 80% in older students. Most believed that this method
      should not be employed in upcoming courses, although there were differences by
      age, with 44.3% of the younger group being against and 62% of the older group
      (p=0.037). CONCLUSION: The method was not highly valued by students, mainly by
      those older than 22years, who concluded that they did not learn more with it than
      with other traditional techniques. The results of this study question whether
      this form of learning meets students' learning needs and its compatibility with
      individual and group realities.

PMID- 27125154
TI  - From scientific discovery to health outcomes: A synergistic model of doctoral
      nursing education.
AB  - Across the globe, health system leaders and stakeholder are calling for system
      level reforms in education, research, and practice to accelerate the uptake and
      application of new knowledge in practice and to improve health care delivery and
      health outcomes. An evolving bi-dimensional research-practice focused model of
      doctoral nursing education in the U.S. is creating unprecedented opportunities
      for collaborative translational and investigative efforts for nurse researchers
      and practitioners. The nursing academy must commit to a shared goal of preparing
      future generations of nurse scientists and practitioners with the capacity and
      motivation to work together to accelerate the translation of evidence into
      practice in order to place nursing at the forefront of health system improvement
      efforts and advance the profession. 

PMID- 27125155
TI  - Mentor experiences of international healthcare students' learning in a clinical
      environment: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Globalisation has brought new possibilities for international growth
      in education and professional mobility among healthcare professionals. There has
      been a noticeable increase of international degree programmes in non-English
      speaking countries in Europe, creating clinical learning challenges for
      healthcare students. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to describe
      mentors' experiences of international healthcare students' learning in a clinical
      environment. The objective of the review was to identify what influences the
      success or failure of mentoring international healthcare students when learning
      in the clinical environment, with the ultimate aim being to promote optimal
      mentoring practice. DESIGN: A systematic review was conducted according to the
      guidelines of the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. DATA SOURCES: Seven
      electronic databases were used to search for the published results of previous
      research: CINAHL, Medline Ovid, Scopus, the Web of Science, Academic Search
      Premiere, Eric, and the Cochrane Library. REVIEW METHODS: Search inclusion
      criteria were planned in the PICOS review format by including peer-reviewed
      articles published in any language between 2000 and 2014. Five peer-reviewed
      articles remained after the screening process. The results of the original
      studies were analysed using a thematic synthesis. RESULTS: The results indicate
      that a positive intercultural mentor enhanced reciprocal learning by improving
      the experience of international healthcare students and reducing stress in the
      clinical environment. Integrating international healthcare students into work
      with domestic students was seen to be important for reciprocal learning and the
      avoidance of discrimination. CONCLUSION: Many healthcare students were found to
      share similar experiences of mentoring and learning irrespective of their
      cultural background. However, the role of a positive intercultural mentor was
      found to make a significant difference for international students: such mentors
      advocated and mediated cultural differences and created a welcoming environment
      for international students by helping to minimise feelings of social isolation.

PMID- 27125156
TI  - Registered nurses' clinical reasoning in home healthcare clinical practice: A
      think-aloud study with protocol analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The home healthcare context can be unpredictable and complex, and
      requires registered nurses with a high level of clinical reasoning skills and
      professional autonomy. Thus, additional knowledge about registered nurses'
      clinical reasoning performance during patient home care is required. OBJECTIVES:
      The aim of this study is to describe the cognitive processes and thinking
      strategies used by recently graduated registered nurses while caring for patients
      in home healthcare clinical practice. DESIGN: An exploratory qualitative think
      aloud design with protocol analysis was used. SETTINGS: Home healthcare visits to
      patients with stroke, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in
      seven healthcare districts in southern Norway. PARTICIPANTS: A purposeful sample
      of eight registered nurses with one year of experience. METHODS: Each nurse was
      interviewed using the concurrent think-aloud technique in three different patient
      home healthcare clinical practice visits. A total of 24 home healthcare visits
      occurred. Follow-up interviews were conducted with each participant. The think
      aloud sessions were transcribed and analysed using three-step protocol analysis.
      RESULTS: Recently graduated registered nurses focused on both general nursing
      concepts and concepts specific to the domains required and tasks provided in home
      healthcare services as well as for different patient groups. Additionally,
      participants used several assertion types, cognitive processes, and thinking
      strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that recently graduated registered
      nurses used both simple and complex cognitive processes involving both inductive
      and deductive reasoning. However, their reasoning was more reactive than
      proactive. The results may contribute to nursing practice in terms of developing
      effective nursing education programmes.

PMID- 27125158
TI  - The effect of emotional freedom technique on stress and anxiety in nursing
      students: A pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress and anxiety have been identified as significant issues
      experienced by student nurses during their education. Some studies have suggested
      that the stress experienced by nursing students is greater than that experienced
      by medical students, other non-nursing healthcare students, degreed nurses, and
      the female population in general. A recently introduced energy type therapy,
      emotional freedom technique (EFT), has shown some success in reducing symptoms of
      anxiety, stress, and fear in a variety of settings. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of
      this study was to determine the efficacy of EFT in decreasing anxiety and stress
      as a potential intervention to assist students in stress management. DESIGN: The
      study used a mixed method design of both qualitative and quantitative measures.
      Quantitatively, in a one group pretest-posttest design, participants received
      group instruction in the technique and were encouraged to repeat it daily. Self
      reported anxiety was measured at baseline, and then weekly for four weeks using
      the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
      The qualitative survey was completed by participants at the end of the study in
      order to capture a more subjective experience. SETTING: The pilot study was
      conducted in a two-year college in the southeastern region of the United States.
      PARTICIPANTS: All enrolled nursing students in an associate degree nursing
      program were invited to participate. Participation was voluntary, resulting in an
      original convenience sample of thirty-nine nursing students (N=39). METHODS: Data
      collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire, pretest State-Trait
      Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). A qualitative
      questionnaire was also administered at the end of the four weeks. STAI and PSS
      were administered weekly. Data analysis using RMANOVA was performed at the
      second, third and the fourth week. RESULTS: Decreases in anxiety as measured on
      both the STAI and PSS were statistically significant (p=.05). For PSS, STAI state
      and trait data, the reduction in self-reported stress was statistically
      significant with a mean difference baseline to week 4. Qualitative data suggested
      that nursing students experienced a decrease in feelings of stress and anxiety
      including a decrease in somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, findings
      suggested that EFT can be an effective tool for stress management and anxiety
      relief in nursing students.

PMID- 27125157
TI  - Bringing your a-game: Educational gaming for student success.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this article is to describe the theoretical basis for
      the integration of gaming in nursing education and discuss aspects related to the
      implementation of "The Race for Nursing Student Success" game. METHODS: This game
      was designed for 112 junior-level baccalaureate nursing students enrolled in a
      fundamentals nursing course. Students were divided into groups of 5-8 and rotated
      through ten specific learning activities that took place in various locations
      throughout the nursing building. RESULTS: Student and faculty feedback indicated
      positive responses to this instructional strategy and also promoted a learner
      centered teaching environment. CONCLUSION: This learning activity supports the
      use of educational gaming as a means to develop learner-centered environments
      that provide experiential experiences, enhance learning, and stimulate interest,
      and motivation for students to learn.

PMID- 27125159
TI  - Predicting factors of positive orientation and attitudes towards nursing: A
      quantitative cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified various reasons for students to
      choose a career in nursing. Students at the start of their programme hold a great
      variety of images and perceptions of nursing which can affect their orientation
      and attitudes towards their future profession. OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to
      examine nursing students' orientation and attitudes towards nursing at the
      beginning of their educational programme, and to explore predictors of positive
      orientation and attitudes. DESIGN: The study used a quantitative cross-sectional
      design. SETTINGS: A survey was conducted among first-year nursing students at
      four nursing universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS:
      Questionnaires were administered to all students enrolled in a bachelor of
      nursing programme (n=1414) at these universities. METHODS: Respondents completed
      a survey consisting of: 1) Nursing Orientation Tool, 2) Nursing Attitude
      Questionnaire, and 3) demographic data such as gender, living status, nursing
      experience, preliminary training, first-choice programme, and career choice.
      Kruskal Wallis tests, with post hoc Mann Whitney U tests, were used to compare
      group scores. Multiple regression was performed to investigate predictors of
      positive orientation and attitudes towards nursing. RESULTS: Students in this
      study sample (n=1244) strongly agreed with statements related to caring, nursing
      expertise, professional nursing knowledge and the application of this knowledge.
      Predictors of positive orientation and attitudes towards nursing include having
      nursing/caring experience, indicating nursing as the first choice for study,
      preliminary vocational training, and a desire to make a career in nursing.
      CONCLUSIONS: Data from this survey suggest a link between personal and
      environmental characteristics and motivations to select nursing as a career.
      Understanding which factors predict positive orientation and attitudes towards
      nursing could offer educators a tool in the recruitment and selection assessment
      of new students.

PMID- 27125160
TI  - Pedagogical principles underpinning undergraduate Nurse Education in the UK: A
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This review provides a contextual report of the current use of
      pedagogy in undergraduate nursing programmes run by Higher Education Institutes
      (HEIs) in the United Kingdom (UK). Pedagogy provides the framework for educators
      to add shape and structure to the educational process, and to support student
      learning and programme development. Traditionally nurse education has used a
      behaviourist approach focusing on learning outcomes and competency based
      education, although there is also increasing support for the cognitive/student
      learning focused pedagogic approach. DESIGN: The keywords andragogy, pedagogy and
      student centred learning were used in a systematic stepwise descriptive content
      analysis of the programme specifications and programme handbooks of 40 current
      undergraduate programme documents, leading to an undergraduate award and
      professional registration as a nurse. RESULTS: 42% (17) of documents contained
      reference to the words, pedagogy and student centred learning, whilst no
      documents used the word andragogy. Where identified, pedagogy was used in a
      superficial manner, with only three documents identifying a specific pedagogical
      philosophy: one HEI citing a value based curriculum and two HEIs referencing
      social constructionism. Nine HEIs made reference to student centred learning but
      with no additional pedagogic information. A review of teaching, learning and
      assessment strategies indicated no difference between the documented strategies
      used by HEIs when comparing those with an espoused pedagogy and those without.
      CONCLUSION: Although educational literature supports the use of pedagogic
      principles in curriculum design, this is not explicit in undergraduate nursing
      programme documentation, and suggests that nurse educators do not view pedagogy
      as important to their programmes. Instead programmes appear to be developed based
      on operational and functional requirements with a focus on acquisition of
      knowledge and skills, and the fitness to practice of graduates entering the
      nursing workforce.

PMID- 27125161
TI  - Student nurse selection and predictability of academic success: The Multiple Mini
      Interview project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With recent reports of public enquiries into failure to care,
      universities are under pressure to ensure that candidates selected for
      undergraduate nursing programmes demonstrate academic potential as well as
      characteristics and values such as compassion, empathy and integrity. The
      Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) was used in one university as a way of ensuring
      that candidates had the appropriate numeracy and literacy skills as well as a
      range of communication, empathy, decision-making and problem-solving skills as
      well as ethical insights and integrity, initiative and team-work. OBJECTIVES: To
      ascertain whether there is evidence of bias in MMIs (gender, age, nationality and
      location of secondary education) and to determine the extent to which the MMI is
      predictive of academic success in nursing. DESIGN: A longitudinal retrospective
      analysis of student demographics, MMI data and the assessment marks for years 1,
      2 and 3. SETTINGS: One university in southwest London. PARTICIPANTS: One cohort
      of students who commenced their programme in September 2011, including students
      in all four fields of nursing (adult, child, mental health and learning
      disability). METHODS: Inferential statistics and a Bayesian Multilevel Model.
      RESULTS: MMI in conjunction with MMI numeracy test and MMI literacy test shows
      little or no bias in terms of ages, gender, nationality or location of secondary
      school education. Although MMI in conjunction with numeracy and literacy testing
      is predictive of academic success, it is only weakly predictive. CONCLUSIONS: The
      MMI used in conjunction with literacy and numeracy testing appears to be a
      successful technique for selecting candidates for nursing. However, other
      selection methods such as psychological profiling or testing of emotional
      intelligence may add to the extent to which selection methods are predictive of
      academic success on nursing.

PMID- 27125162
TI  - Distraction by smartphone use during clinical practice and opinions about
      smartphone restriction policies: A cross-sectional descriptive study of nursing
      students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smartphone use in healthcare settings may distract healthcare
      providers and disrupt patient care. Moreover, it may lead to adverse events,
      thereby threatening patient safety. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed nursing
      students' smartphone use as a source of distraction in clinical practice and
      identified their opinions about policies restricting smartphone use during
      patient care. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used with
      convenience sampling. PARTICIPANTS: Third-year nursing students (n=312) from two
      nursing schools in the Republic of Korea completed the survey in 2012. METHODS: A
      self-report questionnaire-based on addiction theories for problem behaviors and
      literature on the distraction caused by cellular phone use-was used to assess
      smartphone use, experiences of distraction caused by smartphone use, and opinions
      about restriction policies on smartphone use during clinical practice. RESULTS:
      Nearly half (46.2%) of the nursing students used smartphones at least sometimes
      during clinical practice and about a quarter of the respondents (24.7%) were at
      least sometimes distracted by smartphones during clinical practice. The majority
      of the respondents (83.7%) had witnessed nurses using smartphones at least
      sometimes during their work. A few respondents (15.7%) agreed or strongly agreed
      with the policy for restricting smartphone use in hospitals. Students who used
      smartphones more often tended to disagree with restriction policies for
      smartphone use in hospitals. CONCLUSION: Awareness about the risks of smartphone
      use, especially regarding patient safety, is necessary for nursing students in
      school and hospital settings. Educators and faculty of nursing schools need to
      develop policies that encourage intelligent and safe use of smartphones during
      clinical practice.

PMID- 27125163
TI  - Nursing students' knowledge and attitudes toward urinary incontinence: A cross
      sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nurses must have adequate knowledge to manage the complexities of
      urinary incontinence. Nursing students are the nurses of the future, yet little
      is known about urinary incontinence education in undergraduate nursing programs.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was (a) to assess the knowledge and attitudes
      of urinary incontinence held by undergraduate nursing students in China and (b)
      to explore the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and socio-demographic
      characteristics. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey using cluster random sampling.
      SETTINGS: Undergraduate departments of Nursing within the Faculty of Health
      Sciences at six Universities, located in different areas of China. PARTICIPANTS:
      A random selection of 6 faculties with a total of 1313 full time undergraduate
      nursing students completed the survey. METHODS: Self-reported data were collected
      using two validated questionnaires, the Urinary Incontinence Knowledge Scale and
      the Urinary Incontinence Attitude Scale, to access students' knowledge and
      attitudes toward urinary incontinence. RESULTS: Overall urinary incontinence
      knowledge was poor (49.9%, 15.0/30) and attitudes about urinary incontinence were
      generally positive (71.7%, 43.0/60). A high level of interest in learning more
      about urinary incontinence was found. There was a weak correlation between
      urinary incontinence knowledge and attitudes (r=0.135, p<0.01). There was also a
      significant positive correlation between urinary incontinence knowledge and
      attitudes and nursing students' year of study, urinary incontinence education and
      training, and formal clinical practicum experience in urology (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Chinese nursing students showed poor urinary incontinence knowledge
      but generally positive attitudes toward urinary incontinence. This study suggests
      there is a need to examine urinary incontinence content throughout undergraduate
      nursing curricula in China.

PMID- 27125164
TI  - Factors hindering clinical training of students in selected nursing educational
      institutions in Southeastern Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Clinical training is an integral part of professional nursing
      education as it equips students with the required knowledge, skills, attitudes,
      and values needed for optimal practice in real-life situations. Inappropriate
      professional attributes have been observed among nursing graduates, while
      challenges to acquisition of clinical skills have been understudied in Nigeria.
      PURPOSE: This study investigated system factors related to the provision of
      infrastructure/equipment, training/supervisory activities, and students' factors
      that may hinder clinical training of nursing students in two selected
      institutions in Southeastern Nigeria. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive
      study purposively enlisted 283 students from a diploma and a degree nursing
      education program. Data were collected with researchers' developed questionnaire
      and analyzed in percentages, and means, with a mean decision criterion of <3.0
      for identifying significant hindering factors. T-test was used for inferential
      statistics at p<0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: Major hindering factors
      identified include: non participation of teachers in students' clinical
      supervision; non-completion of relevant level classroom instructions and
      practical demonstrations before each clinical experience, inadequate equipment to
      practice in the clinical areas, with no preceptors to coach them at each shift
      (mean scores <3.0). Significant differences (p-value<0.05) exist in the
      deficiencies identified between the institutions. While the degree program
      students had significantly less opportunity for return demonstration under
      supervision and independent practice in the laboratory; the diploma program
      students had significantly fewer teachers in their school and patients in their
      clinical area, clinical nurses as role models were not following the standard
      procedures in practice and students were not evaluated by supervisors at the end
      of each clinical experience. CONCLUSION: Identified factors in these training
      environments could hinder learners' interest and acquisition of professional
      attributes. Rectifying these situations could enhance the acquisition and display
      of appropriate professional performance behavior in practice by nursing
      graduates.

PMID- 27125165
TI  - Increasing nursing students' understanding and accuracy with medical dose
      calculations: A collaborative approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate calculation of medication dosages can be challenging for
      nursing students. Specific interventions related to types of errors made by
      nursing students may improve the learning of this important skill. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of this study was to determine areas of challenge for students in
      performing medication dosage calculations in order to design interventions to
      improve this skill. DESIGN: Strengths and weaknesses in the teaching and learning
      of medication dosage calculations were assessed. These data were used to create
      online interventions which were then measured for the impact on student ability
      to perform medication dosage calculations. SETTING: The setting of the study is
      one university in Canada. PARTICIPANTS: The qualitative research participants
      were 8 nursing students from years 1-3 and 8 faculty members. Quantitative
      results are based on test data from the same second year clinical course during
      the academic years 2012 and 2013. METHODS: Students and faculty participated in
      one-to-one interviews; responses were recorded and coded for themes. Tests were
      implemented and scored, then data were assessed to classify the types and number
      of errors. RESULTS: Students identified conceptual understanding deficits,
      anxiety, low self-efficacy, and numeracy skills as primary challenges in
      medication dosage calculations. Faculty identified long division as a particular
      content challenge, and a lack of online resources for students to practice
      calculations. Lessons and online resources designed as an intervention to target
      mathematical and concepts and skills led to improved results and increases in
      overall pass rates for second year students for medication dosage calculation
      tests. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that with concerted effort and a multi
      modal approach to supporting nursing students, their abilities to calculate
      dosages can be improved. The positive results in this study also point to the
      promise of cross-discipline collaborations between nursing and education.

PMID- 27125166
TI  - Professional commitment and attributional style of medical-college nursing
      students in China: A cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The persistent shortage of nurses has become a common phenomenon
      around the world. Nursing students' professional commitment affects their
      decision to choose nursing as a professional career. However, there is little
      knowledge about the professional commitment of nursing students, especially its
      relationship with attributional style. OBJECTIVES: To explore the professional
      commitment of nursing students and to identify the role of attributional style on
      nursing students' professional commitment. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study design.
      SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: This study was conducted at three different medical
      colleges in Jinan, Shandong Province, China and included 1230 nursing students. A
      total of 1223 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of
      99%. METHODS: The Professional Commitment Scale and the Multidimensional
      Multiattributional Causality Scale (MMCS) were used to investigate nursing
      students' professional commitment and attributional style. Basic demographic
      information about the nursing students was collected. Stepwise regression
      analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The mean scores on the
      Professional Commitment Scale were 3.54+/-5.29 (mean+/-SD). Professional
      commitment of first year students was higher than that of second year students.
      Their residence affected their affective commitment, ideal commitment, and
      continuance commitment which were the sub-dimensions of professional commitment.
      Effort and ability attribution positively influenced professional commitment;
      however, context attribution negatively influenced it. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      imperative to take effective measures to improve nursing students' professional
      commitment. Our findings indicated that attributional style had a significant
      effect on professional commitment; thus, effort and ability attribution need to
      be emphasized.

PMID- 27125167
TI  - An exploration of the structure of mentors' behavior in nursing education using
      exploratory factor analysis and Mokken scale analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To understand nursing students' expectation from their mentors and
      assess mentors' performance, a scale of mentors' behavior was developed based on
      literature review and focus group in China. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to
      explore the structure of mentors' behavior. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey.
      SETTING: Data were collected from nursing students in three hospitals in
      southwest China in 2014. PARTICIPANT: A total of 669 pre-registered nursing
      students in their final year clinical learning participated in this study.
      METHODS: Exploratory factor analysis and Mokken scale analysis was employed to
      explore the structure and hierarchical property of mentors' behavior. RESULTS:
      Three dimensions (professional development, facilitating learning and
      psychosocial support) were identified by factor analysis and confirmed by Mokken
      scaling analysis. The three sub-scales showed internal consistency reliability
      from 87% to 91%, and moderate to strong precision in ordering students'
      expectation about mentors' behavior and a small Mokken scale showing hierarchy
      was identified. CONCLUSION: Some insight into the structure of mentoring in
      nursing education has been obtained and a scale which could be used in the study
      of mentoring and in the preparation of mentors has been developed.

PMID- 27125168
TI  - Factors influencing preventive behavior against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
      Coronavirus among nursing students in South Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), an emerging
      infectious disease introduced in South Korea in 2015, spreads quickly through
      hospitals, and Korea became one of the major areas affected by the disease after
      the Middle East region. To stop the spread of an emerging disease, it is
      important to practice prevention guidelines correctly. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of
      this study was to investigate factors influencing preventive behavior against
      MERS-CoV among Korean nursing students. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study
      using a questionnaire survey. Data were collected from 429 nursing students from
      three colleges of nursing in Korea from June 25 to July 3 in 2015. RESULTS:
      Preventive behavior against MERS-CoV was affected mostly by attitude (beta=.243,
      p<.001). Such behavior was also high in relation to the variables of perceived
      risk (beta=.232, p<.001), older students (beta=.202, p<.001), knowledge level
      (beta=.153, p<.01), and female respondents (beta=.115, p<.05). CONCLUSION:
      Preventive behavior against emerging infectious diseases such as MERS-CoV was
      found to be affected most significantly by attitude and risk perception. It is
      crucial to provide nursing students with information or knowledge, but it is also
      important to help those in nursing education recognize that active preventive
      behavior can prevent this infectious disease and stop its spread.

PMID- 27125169
TI  - Global and public health core competencies for nursing education: A systematic
      review of essential competencies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Nurses are learning and practicing in an increasingly global world.
      Both nursing schools and nursing students are seeking guidance as they integrate
      global health into their learning and teaching. This systematic review is
      intended to identify the most common global and public health core competencies
      found in the literature and better inform schools of nursing wishing to include
      global health content in their curricula. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA
      SOURCES: An online search of CINAHL and Medline databases, as well as, inclusion
      of pertinent gray literature was conducted for articles published before 2013.
      REVIEW METHODS: Relevant literature for global health (GH) and public and
      community health (PH/CH) competencies was reviewed to determine recommendations
      of both competencies using a combination of search terms. Studies must have
      addressed competencies as defined in the literature and must have been pertinent
      to GH or PH/CH. The databases were systematically searched and after reading the
      full content of the included studies, key concepts were extracted and
      synthesized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Twenty-five studies were identified and
      resulted in a list of 14 global health core competencies. These competencies are
      applicable to a variety of health disciplines, but particularly can inform the
      efforts of nursing schools to integrate global health concepts into their
      curricula.

PMID- 27125171
TI  - Exploration of mindfulness in relation to compassion, empathy and reflection
      within nursing education.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This article will look at the viability of the inclusion of
      mindfulness into the nursing curriculum. In nursing, the environment rarely
      allows the time for contemplation, though reflection is encouraged specifically
      in regard to the care we confer on our patients and how that impacts on us
      professionally. Student nurses are taught to hide their feelings to a point where
      they cannot find it themselves under their professional armour. Mindfulness is a
      possible way of bridging this gap. DISCUSSION: Our nursing code is geared to
      safeguard the patient from any harm as well as our colleagues but little is done
      or said in support of our own personal psychological or emotional health. The
      helping professions are restricted by legislation which has had an impact of
      fostering caution and fearfulness. In using mindfulness it can be seen as a
      possibility in building a bridge between what actually happens in a nurse's
      professional life and the possibility of reengaging with that internal emotional
      space. If student nurses begin to incorporate mindfulness techniques, in reality
      this should make a difference. This was experienced with students doing these
      exercises, who reported anecdotally feeling more centred. As they have progressed
      in the course feedback from the students using the techniques has been positive
      not only for the students but also for them using the skills in a clinical
      setting, benefiting patients. CONCLUSION: Mindfulness has been used as a part of
      the modality of health care. It is clear that mindfulness is another way of
      dealing with the stressors of the modern heath service in which the students are
      being introduced. Incorporating this coping strategy into the curriculum ensures
      that students will have the tools to deal with the stressors of the course, which
      in turn will enhance the student experience.

PMID- 27125170
TI  - Family involvement in medical decision-making: Perceptions of nursing and
      psychology students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Family members often rely on health care professionals to guide and
      support them through the decision-making process. Although family involvement in
      medical decisions should be included in the preservice curriculum for the health
      care professions, perceptions of students in caring professions on family
      involvement in medical decision-making have not yet been examined. OBJECTIVE: To
      examine the perceptions of nursing and psychology students on family involvement
      in medical decision-making for seriously ill patients. DESIGN: A descriptive
      cross-sectional design was used. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: First year
      undergraduate nursing and psychology students studying for their Bachelor of Arts
      degree were recruited. METHODS: Perceptions were assessed with a questionnaire
      constructed based on the Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT), which examines
      decision-maker preferences. The questionnaire consisted of two parts referring to
      the respondent once as the patient and then as the family caregiver. RESULTS:
      Questionnaires were completed by 116 nursing students and 156 psychology
      students. Most were of the opinion that family involvement in decision-making is
      appropriate, especially when the patient is incapable of making decisions.
      Nursing students were more inclined than psychology students to think that
      financial, emotional, and value-based considerations should be part of the
      family's involvement in decision-making. Both groups of students perceived the
      emotional consideration as most acceptable, whereas the financial consideration
      was considered the least acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing and psychology students
      perceive family involvement in medical decision-making as appropriate. In order
      to train students to support families in the process of decision-making, further
      research should examine Shared Decision-Making (SDM) programs, which involve
      patient and clinician collaboration in health care decisions.

PMID- 27125172
TI  - Effect of e-learning program on risk assessment and pressure ulcer classification
      - A randomized study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a problem in health care. Staff competency
      is paramount to PU prevention. Education is essential to increase skills in
      pressure ulcer classification and risk assessment. Currently, no pressure ulcer
      learning programs are available in Norwegian. OBJECTIVES: Develop and test an e
      learning program for assessment of pressure ulcer risk and pressure ulcer
      classification. METHODS:  DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Forty-four nurses
      working in acute care hospital wards or nursing homes participated and were
      assigned randomly into two groups: an e-learning program group (intervention) and
      a traditional classroom lecture group (control). Data was collected immediately
      before and after training, and again after three months. The study was conducted
      at one nursing home and two hospitals between May and December 2012. ANALYSIS:
      Accuracy of risk assessment (five patient cases) and pressure ulcer
      classification (40 photos [normal skin, pressure ulcer categories I-IV] split in
      two sets) were measured by comparing nurse evaluations in each of the two groups
      to a pre-established standard based on ratings by experts in pressure ulcer
      classification and risk assessment. Inter-rater reliability was measured by exact
      percent agreement and multi-rater Fleiss kappa. A Mann-Whitney U test was used
      for continuous sum score variables. RESULTS: An e-learning program did not
      improve Braden subscale scoring. For pressure ulcer classification, however, the
      intervention group scored significantly higher than the control group on several
      of the categories in post-test immediately after training. However, after three
      months there were no significant differences in classification skills between the
      groups. CONCLUSION: An e-learning program appears to have a greater effect on the
      accuracy of pressure ulcer classification than classroom teaching in the short
      term. For proficiency in Braden scoring, no significant effect of educational
      methods on learning results was detected.

PMID- 27125173
TI  - Online intravenous pump emulator: As effective as face-to-face simulation for
      training nursing students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The expansion of online education for nursing students has created
      the challenge of finding innovative ways to teach clinical skills. An online
      intravenous pump emulator (IVPE) modelled on actual IV pumps used in clinical
      healthcare settings was developed to facilitate online education delivery.
      OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to implement the online IVPE and
      evaluate student learning outcomes and perceptions of device use. DESIGN: A mixed
      method, quasi-experimental design was used. SETTING: The study was conducted in
      the School of Nursing and Midwifery at a regional university in Queensland,
      Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 179 first year nursing students
      enrolled in a medications course, ranging in age from 18 to 44years, of whom 150
      were female. METHODS: Participants were assigned to one of three groups and
      trained in the use of IV infusion pumps. Group 1 (n=57) were trained online using
      the IVPE (ONL); Group 2 (n=73) were trained on-campus using an actual IV pump
      (ONC); Group 3 (n=49) were trained both on-campus using the actual IV pump and
      online using the IVPE (ONL+ONC). Competence in using the actual IV pump was
      assessed for all participants at the conclusion of the training period. RESULTS:
      No significant differences in learning outcomes, measured by assessment scores
      out of 80 points, were found between the ONL (M=65.5+/-9.2) and ONC (M=62.0+/
      14.8; p>.05) groups. Significantly better learning outcomes were evident for the
      ONL+ONC group (M=68.7+/-4.9) compared to the ONC group (p<.01). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study highlights that the nursing students became more competent in the skill of
      preparing and administrating IV infusions when face-to-face and online learning
      were combined.

PMID- 27125174
TI  - Recruitment, advising, and retention programs - Challenges and solutions to the
      international problem of poor nursing student retention: A narrative literature
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this literature review was to identify emerging themes in
      current research to identify challenges to nursing student retention
      internationally, as well as strategies to improve persistence. DESIGN: A
      narrative literature review was conducted. DATA SOURCES: Using CINAHL and
      HealthSource databases, journal articles were reviewed and evaluated for emerging
      themes related to the causes of high nursing student attrition rates and
      strategies to overcome this issue. REVIEW METHODS: A five-step approach was used
      to complete the narrative review, beginning with problem identification, followed
      by the literature search, data analysis, theme emergence and synthesis of the
      information. RESULTS: The literature review supports the idea that poor retention
      is related not only to student ability, but also to a lack of necessary
      intervention by faculty beginning with the admission process and continuing
      throughout the curriculum. Alterations should be made in the recruitment and
      student selection process. Aggressive academic advising strategies should be
      implemented, and retention programs should be interwoven in to the nursing
      curriculum. CONCLUSION: Student retention is a multifaceted issue that requires a
      multi-modal approach. Changes in recruitment, implementation of academic
      advising, and curriculum integration have the potential to help correct the
      problem.

PMID- 27125175
TI  - Efficacy of teaching methods used to develop critical thinking in nursing and
      midwifery undergraduate students: A systematic review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The value and importance of incorporating strategies that promote
      critical thinking in nursing and midwifery undergraduate programmes are well
      documented. However, relatively little is known about the effectiveness of
      teaching strategies in promoting CT. Evaluating effectiveness is important to
      promote 'best practise' in teaching. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of
      teaching methods used to develop critical thinking skills in nursing and
      midwifery undergraduate students. DATA SOURCES: The following six databases;
      CINAHL, Ovid Medline, ERIC, Informit, PsycINFO and Scopus were searched and
      resulted in the retrieval of 1315 papers. REVIEW METHODS: After screening for
      inclusion, each paper was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme
      tool. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria and quality appraisal.
      RESULTS: Twelve different teaching interventions were tested in 8 countries.
      Results varied, with little consistency across studies using the same type of
      intervention or outcome tool. Sixteen tools were used to measure the efficacy of
      teaching in developing critical thinking. Seventeen studies identified a
      significant increase in critical thinking, while nine studies found no increases,
      and two found unexplained decreases in CT when using a similar educational
      intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst this review aimed to identify effective
      teaching strategies that promote and develop critical thinking, flaws in
      methodology and outcome measures contributed to inconsistent findings. The
      continued use of generalised CT tools is unlikely to help identify appropriate
      teaching methods that will improve CT abilities of midwifery and nursing students
      and prepare them for practise. The review was limited to empirical studies
      published in English that used measures of critical thinking with midwifery and
      nursing students. Discipline specific strategies and tools that measure students'
      abilities to apply CT in practise are needed.

PMID- 27125176
TI  - Nursing students' perceptions of learning after high fidelity simulation: Effects
      of a Three-step Post-simulation Reflection Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-fidelity simulation (HFS) has become a bridge between
      theoretical knowledge and practical skills. A safe and realistic environment is
      commonly used in nursing education to improve cognitive, affective and
      psychomotor abilities. Debriefing following a simulation experience provides
      opportunities for students to analyze and begin to reflect upon their decisions,
      actions and results. The nursing literature highlights the need to promote the
      concept of reflective practice and to assist students in reflection, and research
      indicates the need to refine and develop debriefing strategies, which is the
      focus of the current paper. PURPOSE: To explore the value of reflections after
      HFS by investigating nursing students' perceptions of their learning when a Three
      step Post-simulation Reflection Model is used. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive
      research approach was applied. METHOD: A Three-step Post-simulation Reflection
      Model that combined written and verbal reflections was used after an HFS
      experience in a second-year course in the Bachelor Program in Nursing at Lulea
      University of Technology, Sweden. Reflective texts written before and after a
      verbal group reflection were subjected to qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS:
      The main theme in the first written reflections was identified as "Starting to
      act as a nurse", with the following categories: feeling stressed, inadequate and
      inexperienced; developing an awareness of the importance of never compromising
      patient safety; planning the work and prioritizing; and beginning to understand
      and implement nursing knowledge. The main theme in the second written reflections
      was identified to be "Maturing in the profession", with the following categories:
      appreciating colleagues, good communication and thoughtfulness; gaining increased
      self-awareness and confidence; and beginning to understand the profession.
      CONCLUSION: The Three-step Post-simulation Reflection Model fostered an
      appreciation of clear and effective communication. Having time for thoughtfulness
      and reflection promotes self-awareness and a better understanding of both the
      nursing profession and patient safety. The progress demonstrated in the depth of
      the themes in the written reflections indicates that repeated reflections
      stimulate and enhance student learning. The findings point towards the potential
      effectiveness of alternate methods of reflections.

PMID- 27125177
TI  - Minimizing cows' stress when calves were early weaned using the two-step method
      with nose flaps.
AB  - Early weaning may be used in beef cattle production to improve reproduction rates
      in range conditions. However, weaning causes a stress response in cows, which may
      be especially strong in early weaning management, as the bond between the cow and
      the calf is still strong. We hypothesized that weaning calves in two steps, with
      the aid of anti-sucking devices (nose flaps) would reduce the behavioural stress
      response in the cows separated from their calves 2 months after parturition. We
      compared the behaviour frequency and weight change in cows that were weaned
      abruptly, by separation of the calf on day 0 of the study, or in two steps,
      consisting of the use of anti-sucking nose flaps for 5 days before permanent
      separation; a third group was not weaned to serve as control. Thirty-six
      crossbred multiparous Aberdeen Angus*Hereford cows and their calves
      (n=12/treatment) were managed in three paddocks with similar pasture
      availability, with four dyads from each treatment per paddock. Cows' behaviour
      was observed by direct visual instantaneous sampling, at 10 min intervals from
      days -3 to 11. Weaning the calves in two steps clearly attenuated the behavioural
      stress response observed in abruptly weaned cows, which included reductions in
      grazing and lying, and increases in pacing, walking and vocalizing. Our results
      corroborate those previously shown for cows nursing older calves, and indicate
      that step weaning can reduce the behavioural stress response of cows at weaning,
      even when the calf is weaned shortly after birth, when the bond between the cow
      and calf is still very strong.

PMID- 27125178
TI  - Application of biodegradable dendrigraft poly-l-lysine to a small interfering RNA
      delivery system.
AB  - Dendrigraft poly-l-lysine (DGL), including its central core, consists entirely of
      lysine, hence it is completely biodegradable. We applied DGL in a small
      interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery system. Binary complexes with siRNA and DGL had
      particle sizes of 23-73 nm and zeta-potentials of 34-42 mV. The siRNA-DGL
      complexes showed significant silencing effects in a mouse colon carcinoma cell
      line expressing luciferase (Colon26/Luc cells). The siRNA-DGL complexes induced
      slight cytotoxicity and hematological toxicity at a high charge ratio of DGL to
      siRNA, probably because of their cationic charges. Therefore, we recharged the
      siRNA-DGL complexes with gamma-polyglutamic acid (gamma-PGA), a biodegradable
      anionic compound, which was reported to reduce the cytotoxicity of cationic
      complexes. The ternary complexes showed particle sizes of 35-47 nm at a charge
      ratio of greater than 14 to siRNA with negative charges. Strong silencing effects
      of the ternary complexes were observed in Colon26/Luc cells without cytotoxicity
      or hematological toxicity. The cellular uptake and degradation of the binary and
      ternary complexes were confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. The ternary
      complexes suppressed luciferase activity in the tumor after direct injection into
      the tumors of mice bearing Colon26/Luc cells. Thus, a potentially important siRNA
      delivery system was constructed using biodegradable DGL.

PMID- 27125179
TI  - Knockdown of zebrafish Nanog increases primordial germ cells during early
      embryonic development.
AB  - Nanog is a homeodomain transcription factor that plays a prominent role in
      maintaining the pluripotency and self-renewal capacity of embryonic stem cells
      (ESCs) in mammals. Medaka Nanog is necessary for S-phase transition and
      proliferation during embryonic development. However, whether Nanog regulates the
      proliferation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) during embryonic development has
      not yet been investigated. In this study, we identified the homologue of the
      mammalian Nanog gene in zebrafish (zNanog). The expression of both zNanog mRNA
      and protein was demonstrated in the spermatogonia (male germ stem cells) of the
      testis and the early oocytes of the ovary. During the embryonic development,
      zNanog mRNA is expressed in the cytoplasm of PGCs, and its protein is localized
      to the PGC nuclei. We also found that zNanog depletion using morpholinos resulted
      in the increases and aberrant localization of PGCs in the zebrafish embryos from
      the sphere stage to the 50% epiboly stage. These data indicated that zNanog
      inhibits the PGCs proliferation in early embryonic development of zebrafish. 

PMID- 27125180
TI  - Corrigendum: Discovery of a Novel Seminal Fluid Microbiome and Influence of
      Estrogen Receptor Alpha Genetic Status.

PMID- 27125181
TI  - Pregnancy after aortic root replacement in Loeys-Dietz syndrome: High risk of
      aortic dissection.
AB  - Loeys-Dietz syndrome due to mutations in TGFBR1 and 2 is associated with early
      and aggressive aortic aneurysm and branch vessel disease. There are reports of
      uncomplicated pregnancy in this condition, but there is an increased risk of
      aortic dissection and uterine rupture. Women with underlying aortic root aneurysm
      are cautioned about the risk of pregnancy-related aortic dissection. Prophylactic
      aortic root replacement is recommended in women with aortopathy and aortic root
      dilatation to lessen the risk of pregnancy. There is limited information in the
      literature about the outcomes of pregnancy after root replacement in Loeys-Dietz
      syndrome. We present a case series of three women with Loeys-Dietz syndrome who
      underwent elective aortic root replacement for aneurysm disease and subsequently
      became pregnant and underwent Cesarean section delivery. Each of these women were
      treated with beta blockers throughout pregnancy. Surveillance echocardiograms and
      noncontrast MRA studies during pregnancy remained stable demonstrating no
      evidence for aortic enlargement. Despite the normal aortic imaging and careful
      observation, two of the three women suffered acute aortic dissection in the
      postpartum period. These cases highlight the high risk of pregnancy following
      aortic root replacement in Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Women with this disorder are
      recommended to be counseled accordingly. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27125182
TI  - Emerging Concepts in Glaucoma and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Glaucoma is the most commonly acquired optic neuropathy. It represents a public
      health challenge because it causes an irreversible blindness. Emerging evidence
      indicates that the pathogenesis of glaucoma depends on several interacting
      pathogenetic mechanisms, which include mechanical effects by an increased
      intraocular pressure, decreased neutrophine-supply, hypoxia, excitotoxicity,
      oxidative stress, and the involvement of autoimmune processes. In particular,
      alterations in serum antibody profiles have been described. However, it is still
      unclear whether the autoantibodies seen in glaucoma are an epiphenomenon or
      causative. Oxidative stress appears to be a critical factor in the
      neurodestructive consequences of mitochondrial dysfunction, glial activation
      response, and uncontrolled activity of the immune system during glaucomatous
      neurodegeneration. In addition, hearing loss has been identified in association
      with glaucoma. A higher prevalence of antiphosphatidylserine antibodies of the
      immunoglobulin G class was seen in normal-tension glaucoma patients with hearing
      loss in comparison with normal-tension glaucoma patients with normacusis. This
      finding suggests a similar pathological pathway as a sign for generalized
      disease.

PMID- 27125183
TI  - Challenges in assessment of the mild traumatic brain injured geriatric patient.

PMID- 27125184
TI  - Treatment of metastatic lesions localized in the acetabulum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metastatic lesions localized in the periacetabular area cause
      troublesome pain and reduced mobility of the patients. Radiotherapy effectively
      decreases pain, yet it does not restore the ability to load the joint. Surgical
      treatment involving resection of metastatic lesions and joint reconstruction
      using bone grafts is burdened with a high rate of complications. Modular tumor
      prostheses are being increasingly used. In some cases, it is possible to
      strengthen the acetabular roof with bone cement using vertebroplasty kits. The
      aim of the study was to demonstrate various methods of treatment of metastatic
      lesions localized in the periacetabular area together with the analysis of their
      results and effectiveness. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2015, 27 patients with
      cancer metastases to the acetabulum were treated at our department. Qualification
      for surgical treatment was multifaceted with numerous aspects being considered.
      They included patients' general condition, type of neoplasm, clinical stage, and
      prognosis. CT and MRI scans of the pelvis were performed in each case. Before the
      surgery and 3 months following the surgery, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain
      intensity, Karnofsky functional status, and motor ability according to the Harris
      scale were evaluated. Bone cement (PMMA)-augmentation was performed in 21
      patients, of whom nine had cement injected precutaneously and 12 at proximal
      femur resection alloplasty. Hemipelvectomy Type II combined with implantation of
      LUMiC resection prosthesis of the acetabulum were performed in six cases.
      RESULTS: The quality of life improved in all the patients. After percutaneous
      cement injection, the mean pain intensity VAS score was 2.7, and the mean
      Karnofsky functional status score was 71.8. The mean postoperative Harris hip
      score (HHS) was 94 points. The patients who had undergone resection alloplasty on
      the proximal femur combined with periacetabular cement injection were walking
      using one crutch. In this group of patients, the mean postoperative pain
      intensity, functional status, and gait efficiency scores were 4.5, 65.7, and 82
      points, respectively. The mean pain intensity VAS score in patients who had LUMiC
      prostheses implanted was 3.4. Their mean functional status score was 65 and the
      gait efficiency score 71 points. All the patients were able to walk on crutches.
      CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening of the acetabular roof with bone cement in a specific
      group of patients is an adequate method of treatment which decreases pain and
      allows for loading the affected limb while walking. Internal hemipelvectomy
      combined with LUMiC prosthesis implantation makes it possible for the patients to
      walk using crutches and significantly reduces pain.

PMID- 27125185
TI  - Macular oedema after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Possible relationship with
      the volume of intracameral cefuroxime.

PMID- 27125186
TI  - Favourable response to rituximab by an ocular adnexal primary lymphoma.
AB  - CASE REPORT: A 70-year-old woman who presented with an extranodal marginal zone B
      cell lymphoma in lacrimal gland and conjunctiva. Initial treatment with rituximab
      yielded an immediate good response. Five months later she showed lymphoid
      proliferation in her contralateral conjunctiva. Although no additional treatment
      was performed, the patient has been free of systemic symptoms and recurrences.
      DISCUSSION: Rituximab is a quite good therapeutic agent in low grade adnexal
      lymphomas.

PMID- 27125187
TI  - Over-diagnosis and over-treatment in Ophthalmology: A review of the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if the pernicious effects of over-diagnosis and over
      treatment have been studied in the most common ocular diseases. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Bibliographic search conducted in PubMed. RESULTS: The search algorithm
      used retrieved 29 articles related with the topic. Most of them address the issue
      tangentially. Only 4 of them address the problem directly. One of them focuses on
      the problem of over-diagnosis and over-treatment in idiopathic intracranial
      hypertension. The remaining 3 focus on the problem of over-diagnosis and over
      treatment in glaucoma. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmology community has thought very
      little about the detrimental effects of over-diagnosis and over-treatment.

PMID- 27125188
TI  - Simultaneous determination of perfluoroalkyl iodides, perfluoroalkane
      sulfonamides, fluorotelomer alcohols, fluorotelomer iodides and fluorotelomer
      acrylates and methacrylates in water and sediments using solid-phase
      microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
AB  - Here, we developed and validated a headspace-solid-phase microextraction-gas
      chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS) method for the determination of
      14 volatile perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFASs) in water and sediment
      samples according to SANTE 11945/2015 guidelines. Three fluorotelomer alcohols
      (FTOHs), two perfluoroalkyl iodides (PFIs), three fluorotelomer iodides (FTIs),
      four fluorotelomer acrylates and methacrylates (FTACs and FTMACs) and two
      perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (FASAs) were analysed simultaneously to assess the
      occurrence of these compounds from their emission sources to the outlets in water
      treatment plants. Several SPME parameters were optimised for both water and
      sediment to maximise responses and keep analysis time to a minimum. In tap water,
      the limits of quantification (LOQs) were found to be between 20ng/L and 100ng/L
      depending on the analyte, with mean recoveries ranging from 76 to 126%. For
      sediments, LOQs ranged from 1 to 3ng/g dry weight depending on the target
      compound, with mean recoveries ranging from 74 to 125%. SPME considerably reduced
      sample preparation time and its use provided a sensitive, fast and simple
      technique. We then used this HS-SPME-GC/MS method to investigate the presence of
      volatile PFASs in the vicinity of an industrial facility. Only 8:2 FTOH and 10:2
      FTOH were detected in a few water and sediment samples at sub-ppb concentration
      levels. Moreover, several non-target fluorotelomers (12:2 FTOH, 14:2 FTOH and
      10:2 FTI) were identified in raw effluent samples. These long-chain
      fluorotelomers have high bioaccumulative potential in the aquatic environment
      compared with short-chain fluorotelomers such as 6:2 FTOH and 6:2 FTI. 

PMID- 27125189
TI  - Determination of Tyrian purple by high performance liquid chromatography with
      diode array detection.
AB  - Indigotin, indirubin, 6-bromoindigotin, 6'-bromoindirubin, 6-bromoindirubin, 6,6'
      dibromoindigotin and 6,6'-dibromoindirubin, the colouring components of Tyrian
      purple, are quantified by an efficient HPLC method coupled to a diode array
      detector. The compounds were separated using gradient elution, on a RP-column
      (Alltima C18, 250mm*3.0mm i.d., 5MUm), thermostated at 35 degrees C, with a
      mobile phase consisting of solvents (Alpha) H2O+0.1% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid
      and (Beta) acetonitrile+0.1% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid, at a flow rate of
      0.5mLmin(-1). The method was validated in terms of linearity, detection and
      quantification limits, precision, accuracy, ruggedness and robustness, the latter
      with respect to small changes in column temperature and in flow-rate, pH- and
      solvent composition of the mobile phase. Under optimal conditions, the developed
      analytical scheme offers limits of detection in the range 0.02-0.05MUgmL(-1) and
      satisfactory linearity up to 2.5MUgmL(-1) for all analytes. Four samples produced
      from the hypobranchial glands of Hexaplex (Murex) trunculus molluscs, collected
      in the coastlines of Tunisia and Croatia, were treated with hot DMSO and analysed
      by the established HPLC method, using the standards addition approach. To
      evaluate the matrix effect, a comparison of the slopes of the standards in
      solvent regression curves with those of the standard addition method's
      calibration curves, using the Student's t-test was carried out. The accuracy was
      evaluated by recovery experiments. Amounts of indigotin, indirubin, and their
      mono- and dibrominated derivatives ranging between 0.01 to 12.2MUgmg(-1) were
      found in the DMSO extracts of the four molluscan samples. 

PMID- 27125190
TI  - Poly(lactic acid) nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering.
AB  - Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a synthetic polyester that has shown extensive utility
      in tissue engineering. Synthesized either by ring opening polymerization or
      polycondensation, PLA hydrolytically degrades into lactic acid, a metabolic
      byproduct, making it suitable for medical applications. Specifically, PLA
      nanofibers have widened the possible uses of PLA scaffolds for regenerative
      medicine and drug delivery applications. The use of nanofibrous scaffolds imparts
      a host of desirable properties, including high surface area, biomimicry of native
      extracellular matrix architecture, and tuning of mechanical properties, all of
      which are important facets of designing scaffolds for a particular organ system.
      Additionally, nanofibrous PLA scaffolds hold great promise as drug delivery
      carriers, where fabrication parameters and drug-PLA compatibility greatly affect
      the drug release kinetics. In this review, we present the latest advances in the
      use of PLA nanofibrous scaffolds for musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular,
      and cutaneous tissue engineering and offer perspectives on their future use.

PMID- 27125192
TI  - Poly(lactic acid) stereocomplexes: A decade of progress.
AB  - Upon blending enantiomeric poly(l-lactide) [i.e., poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA)] and
      poly(d-lactide) (PDLA) [i.e., poly(d-lactic acid) (PDLA)] or synthesis of stereo
      block poly(lactide) [i.e., poly(lactic acid) (PLA)], a stereocomplex (SC) is
      formed. PLA SC has a higher melting temperature (or heat resistance), mechanical
      performance, and hydrolysis-resistance compared to those of neat PLLA and PDLA.
      Because of such effects, PLA SC has been extensively studied in terms of
      biomedical and pharmaceutical applications as well as commodity, industrial, and
      environmental applications. Stereocomplexation stabilizes and strengthens PLA
      based hydrogel or nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Stereocomplexation
      increases the barrier property of PLA-based materials and thereby prolongs drug
      release from PLA based materials. In addition, PLA SC is attracting significant
      attention because it can act as a nucleating agent for the widely used biobased
      polymer PLLA and thereby the heat resistance of PLLA-based materials can be
      enhanced. Interestingly, a wide variety of SCs other than PLA SC are found to
      have been formed in the enantiomeric substituted PLA blends and stereo block
      substituted PLA polymers. In the present review article, a decade of progress in
      investigation of PLA SCs is summarized.

PMID- 27125193
TI  - Onset of psoriasis upon interferon beta treatment in a multiple sclerosis
      patient.

PMID- 27125194
TI  - Analysis of constant tension-induced rupture of lipid membranes using activation
      energy.
AB  - The stretching of biomembranes and lipid membranes plays important roles in
      various physiological and physicochemical phenomena. Here we analyzed the rate
      constant kp of constant tension-induced rupture of giant unilamellar vesicles
      (GUVs) as a function of tension sigma using their activation energy Ua. To
      determine the values of kp, we applied constant tension to a GUV membrane using
      the micropipette aspiration method and observed the rupture of GUVs, and then
      analyzed these data statistically. First, we investigated the temperature
      dependence of kp for GUVs of charged lipid membranes composed of negatively
      charged dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG) and electrically neutral
      dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC). By analyzing this result, the values of Ua of
      tension-induced rupture of DOPG/DOPC-GUVs were obtained. Ua decreased with an
      increase in sigma, supporting the classical theory of tension-induced pore
      formation. The analysis of the relationship between Ua and sigma using the theory
      on the electrostatic interaction effects on the tension-induced rupture of GUVs
      provided the equation of Ua including electrostatic interaction effects, which
      well fits the experimental data of the tension dependence of Ua. A constant which
      does not depend on tension, U0, was also found to contribute significantly to Ua.
      The Arrhenius equations for kp using the equation of Ua and the parameters
      determined by the above analysis fit well to the experimental data of the tension
      dependence of kp for DOPG/DOPC-GUVs as well as for DOPC-GUVs. On the basis of
      these results, we discussed the possible elementary processes underlying the
      tension-induced rupture of GUVs of lipid membranes. These results indicate that
      the Arrhenius equation using the experimentally determined Ua is useful in the
      analysis of tension-induced rupture of GUVs.

PMID- 27125195
TI  - ECONOMIC EVALUATION STUDIES OF SELF-MANAGEMENT INTERVENTIONS IN CHRONIC DISEASES:
      A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, there has been no overall systematic review
      focusing on the methodological quality of full economic evaluation studies of
      self-management interventions. Our objective was to systematically review the
      literature of full economic evaluation studies of self-management interventions
      in adult chronic patients and to investigate their methodological quality and
      cost-effectiveness. METHODS: A data extraction form was developed to assess
      general and randomized controlled trial (RCT) -related characteristics, quality,
      of the RCTs, economic information and quality of the economic evaluation studies
      by means of a quality assessment (CHEC-list for trial-based studies, adjusted
      CHEC-list for model-based studies). RESULTS: Twenty-three reports were found.
      Sixteen studies (73 percent) lack information on the control intervention(s).
      Only one study fulfilled all three criteria for quality of RCTs and five studies
      (23 percent) did not meet any of these criteria. This review included one model
      based study; the other studies were trial-based economic evaluation studies based
      on a RCT. Eight studies (35 percent) used a societal perspective and 12 (60
      percent) synthesized costs and effects. Seven studies were categorized into the
      highest category (<15 score), nine studies into the "moderate" group (9-14
      score), six studies received a "low" score (<8) on the CHEC-list. Eighteen
      studies found the self-management intervention(s) to be cost-effective compared
      with other interventions Conclusions: Self-management interventions for adult
      chronic patients were heterogeneous and there was no clear, well-considered
      definition of self-management. Overall, the methodological quality of the full
      economic evaluation studies was moderate and, therefore, cost-effectiveness
      results must be interpreted with caution. Future research will benefit from
      further improvements in methodological quality of both economic study design and
      analysis, as well as a taxonomy for describing self-management interventions and
      their contents.

PMID- 27125196
TI  - Defect levels in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 studied using capacitance and photocurrent
      techniques.
AB  - This work contributes to the discussion on defect levels in Cu(In,Ga)Se2
      photovoltaic material. CuInSe2- and Cu(In,Ga)Se2- based Schottky junctions, solar
      cells and thin films were investigated using complementary capacitance and
      current spectroscopic techniques. Depending on the applied technique and type of
      investigated structure, six different signals were observed. Out of the signals
      identified, three were ascribed to responses from bulk defects-two electron and
      one hole trap. The remainder were discussed in light of available in-literature
      models including carrier mobility freeze-out and non-ohmic back junction.

PMID- 27125197
TI  - Quantitative proteomic analysis of normal and degenerated human intervertebral
      disc.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is the most common disease of
      aging in humans. DDD is characterized by the gradual damage of the intervertebral
      discs. The disease is characterized by progressive dehydration of nucleus
      pulposus and disruption of annulus fibrosus of intervertebral disc. PURPOSE: Even
      though it is highly prevalent, there is no effective therapy to regenerate the
      degenerated disc, or decrease or halt the disease progression. Therefore, novel
      monitoring and diagnostic tests are essential to develop an alternative
      therapeutic strategies which can prevent further progression of disc
      degeneration. STUDY DESIGN: The study was designed to understand the proteome map
      of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus tissues of intervertebral disc and its
      differential expression in patients with DDD. METHODS: The proteome map of the
      annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus tissues of intervertebral disc was
      cataloged involving one-dimensional gel electrophoresis-Fourier transform mass
      spectrometry/ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (FTMS/ITMSMS) analysis. The
      altered proteome patterns of annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus tissues for
      DDD were identified using Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification
      (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics coupled with FTMS/ITMSMS and network
      pathway analysis. RESULTS: The study identified a total of 759 and 692 proteins
      from the annulus fibrosus and the nucleus pulposus tissues of the disc based on
      FTMS/ITMSMS analysis, which includes 118 proteins commonly identified between the
      two tissues. Vibrant changes were observed between the normal and the
      degenerating annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus tissues. A total of 73 and 54
      proteins were identified as differentially regulated in the annulus and the
      nucleus tissues, respectively, between the normal and the degenerated tissues
      independently. Network pathway analysis mapped the differentially expressed
      proteins to cell adhesion, cell migration, and interleukin13 signaling pathways.
      CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the current study provides a novel vision in the
      biomechanism of human disc degeneration and a certain number of proteins with the
      potential biomarker value for the preliminary diagnosis and scenario of DDD.

PMID- 27125191
TI  - Poly (lactic acid)-based biomaterials for orthopaedic regenerative engineering.
AB  - Regenerative engineering converges tissue engineering, advanced materials
      science, stem cell science, and developmental biology to regenerate complex
      tissues such as whole limbs. Regenerative engineering scaffolds provide
      mechanical support and nanoscale control over architecture, topography, and
      biochemical cues to influence cellular outcome. In this regard, poly (lactic
      acid) (PLA)-based biomaterials may be considered as a gold standard for many
      orthopaedic regenerative engineering applications because of their versatility in
      fabrication, biodegradability, and compatibility with biomolecules and cells.
      Here we discuss recent developments in PLA-based biomaterials with respect to
      processability and current applications in the clinical and research settings for
      bone, ligament, meniscus, and cartilage regeneration.

PMID- 27125200
TI  - Effect of gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for
      detecting extramural venous invasion in rectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of gadolinium contrast-enhanced T1-weighted
      magnetic resonance imaging (CET1WI) in addition to high-resolution T2-weighted
      imaging (HRT2WI) for preoperative detection of extramural venous invasion (EMVI)
      in rectal cancer. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with rectal cancer who underwent
      preoperative MRI were included in this study. The likelihood of EMVI was
      retrospectively scored by two readers on CET1WI, HRT2WI, and HRT2WI + CET1WI,
      using a subjective five-point scale ranging from 0 to 4. The pathological status
      of EMVI was used as a standard reference. Diagnostic parameters, including area
      under the receiver operating curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity, were
      calculated, and the diagnostic performances of HRT2WI and HRT2WI + CET1WI were
      compared. Interobserver variance was also evaluated. RESULTS: Eighteen (30.5%)
      patients showed pathological EMVI. During EMVI detection, reader A obtained an
      AUC of 0.768, sensitivity of 72.5%, and specificity of 73.2% from HRT2WI alone;
      after combination with CET1WI, these values improved to 0.864, 83.3%, and 75.6%,
      respectively. Differences in AUC between these techniques were not significant (p
      = 0.056). Reader B obtained an AUC of 0.833, sensitivity of 77.8%, and
      specificity of 73.2% from HRT2WI alone; after combination with CET1W1, these
      figures were adjusted to 0.720, 50%, and 78%; differences in AUC between
      techniques were significant (p = 0.027). Interobserver agreement during EMVI
      scoring was good for HRT2WI (kappa = 0.603) and moderate for HRT2WI + CET1WI
      (kappa = 0.413). CONCLUSIONS: Although interobserver agreement decreased,
      combination of CET1WI with HRT2WI could improve EMVI detection.

PMID- 27125199
TI  - The Role of Steroid Receptor Coactivators in Hormone Dependent Cancers and Their
      Potential as Therapeutic Targets.
AB  - Steroid receptor coactivator (SRC) family members (SRC-1, SRC-2, SRC-3) interact
      with nuclear receptors (NRs) and many transcription factors to enhance target
      gene transcription. Deregulation of SRCs is widely implicated in NR mediated
      diseases, especially hormone dependent cancers. By integrating steroid hormone
      signaling and growth factor pathways, SRC proteins exert multiple modes of
      oncogenic regulation in cancers and represent emerging targets for cancer
      therapeutics. Recent work has identified SRC-targeting agents that show promise
      in blocking tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, and have the potential to function
      as powerful and broadly encompassing treatments for different cancers.

PMID- 27125198
TI  - Mustard vesicants alter expression of the endocannabinoid system in mouse skin.
AB  - Vesicants including sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) are
      bifunctional alkylating agents that cause skin inflammation, edema and
      blistering. This is associated with alterations in keratinocyte growth and
      differentiation. Endogenous cannabinoids, including N-arachidonoylethanolamine
      (anandamide, AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), are important in regulating
      inflammation, keratinocyte proliferation and wound healing. Their activity is
      mediated by binding to cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), as well as
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha). Levels of
      endocannabinoids are regulated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). We found
      that CB1, CB2, PPARalpha and FAAH were all constitutively expressed in mouse
      epidermis and dermal appendages. Topical administration of NM or SM, at
      concentrations that induce tissue injury, resulted in upregulation of FAAH, CB1,
      CB2 and PPARalpha, a response that persisted throughout the wound healing
      process. Inhibitors of FAAH including a novel class of vanillyl alcohol
      carbamates were found to be highly effective in suppressing vesicant-induced
      inflammation in mouse skin. Taken together, these data indicate that the
      endocannabinoid system is important in regulating skin homeostasis and that
      inhibitors of FAAH may be useful as medical countermeasures against vesicants.

PMID- 27125201
TI  - Production and identification of iturin A lipopeptide from Bacillus
      methyltrophicus TEB1 for control of Phoma tracheiphila.
AB  - A lipopeptide-producing endophytic Bacillus methyltrophicus TEB1 strain exhibited
      potent antifungal activity against Phoma tracheiphila. Lipopeptide production
      started at the early growth phase plateaued after 36 h of culture where it
      reduced the mycelium growth by 80%. The crude lipopeptide extract harvested at
      the stationary phase efficiently inhibited the growth of P. tracheiphila mycelium
      and MIC values displaying 50 and 90% inhibition of conidia germination were
      around 47.5 and 100 MUg ml(-1) , respectively. Increasing lipopeptide extract
      till 3 mg ml(-1) induced 10% swelling and 3% crumbling of P. tracheiphila conidia
      whereas 5 mg ml(-1) induced 40% swelling and 20% crumbling. Mass spectrometry
      analysis of the lipopeptide extract indicated that surfactin production took
      place from 12 to 20 h, iturin A from 16 to 72 h, and fengycin from 12 to 72 h and
      that the main active compound against P. tracheiphila was identified as C15
      iturin A lipopeptide. Iturin A appeared as a potential biological control agent
      able to substitute the currently used chemical pesticides in agriculture. 

PMID- 27125203
TI  - How can we know if new drugs are effective in myeloproliferative neoplasm
      associated myelofibrosis?

PMID- 27125204
TI  - CDKN2A-independent role of BMI1 in promoting growth and survival of Ph+ acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - BMI1 is a key component of the PRC1 (polycomb repressive complex-1) complex
      required for maintenance of normal and cancer stem cells. Its aberrant expression
      is detected in chronic myeloid leukemia and Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      (ALL), but no data exist on BMI1 requirement in ALL cells. We show here that BMI1
      expression is important for proliferation and survival of Ph+ ALL cells and for
      leukemogenesis of Ph+ cells in vivo. Levels of BIM, interferon-alpha (IFNalpha)
      regulated genes and E2F7 were upregulated in BMI1-silenced cells, suggesting that
      repressing their expression is important for BMI1 biological effects. Consistent
      with this hypothesis, we found that: (i) downregulation of BIM or E2F7 abrogated
      apoptosis or rescued, in part, the reduced proliferation and colony formation of
      BMI1 silenced BV173 cells; (ii) BIM/E2F7 double silencing further enhanced colony
      formation and in vivo leukemogenesis of BMI1-silenced cells; (iii) overexpression
      of BIM and E2F7 mimicked the effect of BMI1 silencing in BV173 and SUP-B15 cells;
      and (iv) treatment with IFNalpha suppressed proliferation and colony formation of
      Ph+ ALL cells. These studies indicate that the growth-promoting effects of BMI1
      in Ph+ ALL cells depend on suppression of multiple pathways and support the use
      of IFNalpha in the therapy of Ph+ ALL.

PMID- 27125202
TI  - Weighing the Evidence: A Systematic Review on Long-Term Neurocognitive Effects of
      Cannabis Use in Abstinent Adolescents and Adults.
AB  - Findings on neurocognitive effects of sustained cannabis use are heterogeneous.
      Previous work has rarely taken time of abstinence into account. In this review,
      we focus on understanding sustained effects of cannabis, which begin when
      clinical symptoms of the drug have worn off after at least 14 days. We conducted
      a search between 2004 and 2015 and found 38 studies with such a prolonged
      abstinence phase. Study-design quality in terms of evidence-based medicine is
      similar among studies. Studies found some attention or concentration deficits in
      cannabis users (CU). There is evidence that chronic CU might experience sustained
      deficits in memory function. Findings are mixed regarding impairments in
      inhibition, impulsivity and decision making for CU, but there is a trend towards
      worse performance. Three out of four studies found evidence that motor function
      remains impaired even after a time of abstinence, while no impairments in visual
      spatial functioning can be concluded. Functional imaging demonstrates clear
      differences in activation patterns between CU and controls especially in
      hippocampal, prefrontal and cerebellar areas. Structural differences are found in
      cortical areas, especially the orbitofrontal region and the hippocampus. Twenty
      studies (57 %) reported data on outcome effects, leading to an overall effect
      size of r mean = .378 (CI 95 % = [.342; .453]). Heavy use is found to be more
      consistently associated with effects in diverse domains than early age of onset.
      Questions of causality-in view of scarce longitudinal studies, especially those
      targeting co-occurring psychiatric disorders-are discussed.

PMID- 27125205
TI  - High prevalence and allele burden-independent prognostic importance of p53
      mutations in an inner-city MDS/AML cohort.

PMID- 27125206
TI  - Predictors of survival in WHO-defined hypereosinophilic syndrome and idiopathic
      hypereosinophilia and the role of next-generation sequencing.

PMID- 27125207
TI  - Macrophages in Vascular Inflammation: Origins and Functions.
AB  - Macrophages influence various processes of cardiovascular inflammation. Whether
      they are of embryonic or post-natal hematopoietic origin, their balance in
      differential activation may direct the course of inflammation. Accelerated
      macrophage activation and accumulation through a pro-inflammatory signaling
      pathway may result in extensive tissue damage, adverse repair, and worsened
      clinical outcomes. Attenuation of such a mechanism and/or promotion of the anti
      inflammatory macrophage activation may lead to early resolution of inflammation.
      Elucidating multiple novel mechanisms of monocyte and macrophage activation leads
      to a better understanding of their roles in vascular inflammation. In turn, this
      begets better therapeutic target identification and biomarker discovery. Combined
      with increasingly sensitive and specific imaging techniques, we continue to push
      back early detection and monitoring to provide us with a greater window for
      disease modification. The potential success of cytokine-targeted therapy will be
      solid proof of the inflammatory hypothesis of atherothrombosis. 

PMID- 27125208
TI  - Endoloop technique for laparoscopic cornuectomy: A safe and effective approach
      for the treatment of interstitial pregnancy.
AB  - Interstitial pregnancy (IP) occurs within the intramural portion of the tube and
      accounts for 2% of ectopic pregnancies. Surgery is considered the most definitive
      treatment for IPs, although there is no clear consensus regarding the optimal
      approach. In this paper we describe the advantages of cornual resection performed
      using the Endoloop technique and present three patients who were successfully
      treated using this approach. IP diagnosis was confirmed at two and three
      dimensional ultrasound and laparoscopy in all cases. Fertility sparing surgery
      with cornuectomy by Endoloop ligature technique demonstrated low mean operating
      time and blood loss, and allowed the quick recovery and discharge of all
      patients. Laparoscopy has become the gold standard surgical approach for IP.
      Cornual resection or excision is the most commonly performed procedure. In our
      case series, the Endoloop technique showed excellent treatment outcomes in terms
      of effectiveness, blood loss, operative time, recovery and post-procedure
      fertility. Because of these features, Endoloop appears to be a suitable option
      for the laparoscopic management of IPs, both in elective and emergency settings. 

PMID- 27125209
TI  - Effects of hydropeaking on the spawning behaviour of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
      and brown trout Salmo trutta.
AB  - An in situ camera set-up was used to study the spawning activity of Atlantic
      salmon Salmo salar and brown trout Salmo trutta throughout two consecutive
      seasons in a spawning area affected by hydropower-related pulse flows due to
      hydropeaking. The purpose was to test whether the flow variation discouraged
      spawning in shallow areas or motivated spawning into areas with elevated risk of
      incubation mortality. There were more S. salar observed on the spawning ground
      during days with high discharge. The presence of S. salar in the spawning grounds
      was not affected by the hydropeaking cycles of the preceding night. Female S.
      salar were observed preparing nests within the first hour after water discharge
      had increased to levels suitable for spawning. In contrast, the number of S.
      trutta was not correlated with flow and nest preparation was also observed at a
      discharge corresponding to the lowest discharge levels during a hydropeaking
      cycle. Survival was generally high in nests excavated the following winter, with
      only 5.4% suffering mortality due to dewatering. The results suggest that S.
      salar may respond rapidly to variable-flow conditions and utilize short windows
      with suitable flows for spawning. Smaller S. trutta may utilize low-flow
      conditions to spawn in areas that are not habitable by larger S. salar during low
      flow. 

PMID- 27125210
TI  - Effects of dexmedetomidine on hemodynamics and respiration in intubated,
      spontaneously breathing patients after endoscopic submucosal dissection for
      cervical esophageal or pharyngeal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated the hemodynamic and respiratory effects of dexmedetomidine
      in intubated, spontaneously breathing patients after endoscopic submucosal
      dissection (ESD) for cervical esophageal or pharyngeal cancer. METHODS: This
      retrospective study included 129 patients aged 66.5 +/- 8.3 years, who underwent
      ESD under general anesthesia, and who were kept intubated overnight to prevent
      airway obstruction, receiving sedation with dexmedetomidine. Constant
      dexmedetomidine infusion at 0.51 +/- 0.16 MUg/kg/h was started intraoperatively
      (n = 109) or postoperatively (n = 20), following (n = 29) or not following (n =
      100) loading doses, and continued until extubation. Hemodynamic and respiratory
      variables, and Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score, were recorded.
      RESULTS: Postoperatively, 129 patients remained intubated while breathing
      spontaneously for 16.4 +/- 3.3 h, and 124 patients could be sedated solely with
      dexmedetomidine, whereas 5 required rescue sedatives. During infusion, blood
      pressure decreased progressively until 12 h, whereas heart rate decreased only at
      3 h. Hemodynamic alterations during dexmedetomidine infusion greatly depended not
      only on its hemodynamic effects but also on baseline hemodynamics before
      anesthesia. No serious adverse effect was noted. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine in
      intubated, spontaneously breathing patients after ESD was safe and effective.
      Patient baseline hemodynamics could significantly affect hemodynamics during drug
      infusion. Without loading doses, plasma drug concentrations were expected to
      increase progressively. A progressive decrease in blood pressure and unchanged
      heart rate after an initial decrease suggested that hemodynamic effects of
      dexmedetomidine in our patients might differ from those reported in young
      volunteers, although further studies are required to elucidate these points.

PMID- 27125211
TI  - Inflammation modulates LC3 expression in human preterm delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Autophagy is an inducible intracellular process acting under stressor
      conditions, such as infections, inflammation and hypoxia. The aim of the present
      study was to analyze autophagy expression in preterm delivered human placenta.
      METHODS: Autophagy marker LC3 was analyzed in 25 consecutive human placentas
      delivered before 34 weeks of gestation, analyzed by immunohistochemistry,
      immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time PCR, according to the histologic
      classification of preterm delivery (PTD) (cases with or without placental
      inflammatory lesions). RESULTS: LC3 expression was observed both in cases with
      and without inflammatory lesions. In cases with histological inflammation, strong
      immunoreactivity for LC3 autophagic marker was observed in the inflammatory cell
      infiltration composed by neutrophils. In all PTD cases, trophoblastic cells in
      chorion laeve express LC3, with variable staining intensity: a significant
      reduction of LC3 expression was observed in chorion laeve of PTD with
      histological inflammation compared to PTD without inflammatory lesions. Moreover,
      the decrement of LC3 staining was observed to be associated to the increasing
      severity of the histological signs of fetal inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our data show that the expression of LC3 varies depending on different
      histological features, indicating an interesting and possibly clinically relevant
      relation between autophagy expression levels and the inflammatory status.

PMID- 27125212
TI  - Awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of infertility, fertility assessment, and
      assisted reproductive technologies in the era of oocyte freezing among female and
      male university students.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aims of our study were to analyze university student's knowledge and
      attitude towards parenthood, female fertility, fertility assessment, and oocyte
      freezing and to explore associations between these aspects and the participant's
      sex or degree program they were registered for. METHODS: The study was designed
      as an online-based cross-sectional survey. A total of 1144 participants answered
      27 questions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Linear
      regression models were employed to explore associations between sex or university
      program and attitude towards parenthood, fertility assessment, and oocyte
      freezing. RESULTS: Female students and students of non-medical degree programs
      were more likely to plan to have children earlier than male students or students
      of medical degree programs. Female sex or medical degree program was associated
      with an overall better knowledge about women's fertility. The better the
      participant's knowledge about fertility, the more likely the students would
      consider assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments as an option to become
      pregnant when ovarian reserve is low. The majority of students knew the principal
      of oocyte freezing but would not consider using it. However, in the case of a low
      ovarian reserve, oocyte freezing would be accepted as an option. CONCLUSIONS:
      Students planned to have children at an age when women's fertility is already
      declining. Gaps in knowledge about female fertility and the potential of ART were
      more pronounced in male students and students of non-medical degree programs
      suggesting an increase of fertility awareness is necessary in these groups to
      prevent them from infertility and unwanted childlessness.

PMID- 27125213
TI  - Characterization of gut microbiota profiles in coronary artery disease patients
      using data mining analysis of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism:
      gut microbiota could be a diagnostic marker of coronary artery disease.
AB  - The association between atherosclerosis and gut microbiota has been attracting
      increased attention. We previously demonstrated a possible link between gut
      microbiota and coronary artery disease. Our aim of this study was to clarify the
      gut microbiota profiles in coronary artery disease patients using data mining
      analysis of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). This
      study included 39 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and 30 age- and sex-
      matched no-CAD controls (Ctrls) with coronary risk factors. Bacterial DNA was
      extracted from their fecal samples and analyzed by T-RFLP and data mining
      analysis using the classification and regression algorithm. Five additional CAD
      patients were newly recruited to confirm the reliability of this analysis. Data
      mining analysis could divide the composition of gut microbiota into 2
      characteristic nodes. The CAD group was classified into 4 CAD pattern nodes
      (35/39 = 90 %), while the Ctrl group was classified into 3 Ctrl pattern nodes
      (28/30 = 93 %). Five additional CAD samples were applied to the same dividing
      model, which could validate the accuracy to predict the risk of CAD by data
      mining analysis. We could demonstrate that operational taxonomic unit 853
      (OTU853), OTU657, and OTU990 were determined important both by the data mining
      method and by the usual statistical comparison. We classified the gut microbiota
      profiles in coronary artery disease patients using data mining analysis of T-RFLP
      data and demonstrated the possibility that gut microbiota is a diagnostic marker
      of suffering from CAD.

PMID- 27125214
TI  - Impact of early tumor reduction on outcome differs by histological subtype in
      stage III non-small-cell lung cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We retrospectively investigated the impact on survival of early tumor
      reduction during definitive radiotherapy for inoperable stage III non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, according to their histological subtypes. METHODS:
      Between November 2006 and December 2012, 152 consecutive patients with inoperable
      stage III NSCLC who underwent definitive radiotherapy were reviewed
      retrospectively. Forty-one patients were excluded for not satisfying the
      inclusion criteria. Forty-five (40.5 %) and 48 (43.2 %) patients were diagnosed
      with squamous cell carcinoma (SQC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC), respectively. The
      tumor reduction rate (TRR) was defined as follows: TRR = 1-[gross tumor volume
      (GTV) on computed tomography at shrinking irradiation field planning]/(GTV on
      computed tomography at the initial treatment planning). The Cox proportional
      hazard model was used to identify significant prognostic factors for overall
      survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: We evaluated 111
      patients, with a median follow-up time of 52.2 months in surviving patients. The
      median TRR was 45.9 %. In all patients, there were significant associations
      between TRR and PFS (P = 0.036) on multivariate analysis, although TRR had no
      correlation with OS (P = 0.141). With respect to histological subtype,
      multivariate analyses revealed that a higher TRR showed significant associations
      with better OS and PFS in the SQC group (P = 0.013 and 0.040, respectively). In
      contrast, a higher TRR was associated with poorer OS in the ADC group (P =
      0.030); there was no association between TRR and PFS. CONCLUSION: We found that a
      higher TRR is a promising prognostic factor for better survival and disease
      control in SQC patients.

PMID- 27125216
TI  - E-cigarettes are a "gateway from smoking," RCP concludes.

PMID- 27125217
TI  - Long QT Syndrome Leading to Multiple Cardiac Arrests After Posaconazole
      Administration in an Immune-Compromised Patient with Sepsis: An Unusual Case
      Report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present the case of a septic patient with severe immunodeficiency,
      who developed QT interval prolongation followed by episodes of lethal cardiac
      arrhythmia. Cardiac events occurred after posaconazole administration,
      incriminating posaconazole use, alone or in combination with voriconazole, as the
      culpable agent. CASE REPORT: A 26-year-old female patient underwent orthopedic
      surgery to remove ectopic calcifications in her left hip joint. On the first post
      operative day she became septic due to a surgical wound infection. Despite being
      treated according to the therapeutic protocols for sepsis, no clinical
      improvement was noticed and further assessment revealed an underlying
      immunodeficiency. Considering the underlying immunodeficiency and to that point
      poor clinical response, an antifungal agent was added to the antibiotic regiment.
      Following discontinuation of multiple antifungal agents due to adverse effects,
      posaconazole was administered. Posaconazole oral intake was followed by episodes
      of bradycardia and QT interval prolongation. The patient suffered continuous
      incidents of cardiac arrest due to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (torsades
      des pointes) that degenerated to lethal ventricular fibrillation. Posaconazole
      was immediately discontinued and a temporary pacemaker was installed. The patient
      finally recovered without any neurological deficit, and was discharged in a good
      clinical status. CONCLUSIONS: Close cardiac monitoring is recommended in cases
      where posaconazole administration is combined with coexisting risk factors, as
      they may lead to severe ECG abnormalities and cardiac arrhythmias such as long QT
      interval syndrome and torsades de pointes. Posaconazole interactions with
      medications metabolized via the CYP3A4 pathway should be considered an additional
      risk factor for lethal cardiac incidents.

PMID- 27125215
TI  - Extracellular Cl(-) regulates human SO4 (2-)/anion exchanger SLC26A1 by altering
      pH sensitivity of anion transport.
AB  - Genetic deficiency of the SLC26A1 anion exchanger in mice is known to be
      associated with hyposulfatemia and hyperoxaluria with nephrolithiasis, but many
      aspects of human SLC26A1 function remain to be explored. We report here the
      functional characterization of human SLC26A1, a 4,4'-diisothiocyanato-2,2'
      stilbenedisulfonic acid (DIDS)-sensitive, electroneutral sodium-independent anion
      exchanger transporting sulfate, oxalate, bicarbonate, thiosulfate, and (with
      divergent properties) chloride. Human SLC26A1-mediated anion exchange differs
      from that of its rodent orthologs in its stimulation by alkaline pHo and
      inhibition by acidic pHo but not pHi and in its failure to transport glyoxylate.
      SLC26A1-mediated transport of sulfate and oxalate is highly dependent on
      allosteric activation by extracellular chloride or non-substrate anions.
      Extracellular chloride stimulates apparent V max of human SLC26A1-mediated
      sulfate uptake by conferring a 2-log decrease in sensitivity to inhibition by
      extracellular protons, without changing transporter affinity for extracellular
      sulfate. In contrast to SLC26A1-mediated sulfate transport, SLC26A1-associated
      chloride transport is activated by acid pHo, shows reduced sensitivity to DIDS,
      and exhibits cation dependence of its DIDS-insensitive component. Human SLC26A1
      resembles SLC26 paralogs in its inhibition by phorbol ester activation of protein
      kinase C (PKC), which differs in its undiminished polypeptide abundance at or
      near the oocyte surface. Mutation of SLC26A1 residues corresponding to candidate
      anion binding site-associated residues in avian SLC26A5/prestin altered anion
      transport in patterns resembling those of prestin. However, rare SLC26A1
      polymorphic variants from a patient with renal Fanconi Syndrome and from a
      patient with nephrolithiasis/calcinosis exhibited no loss-of-function phenotypes
      consistent with disease pathogenesis.

PMID- 27125218
TI  - Actinidia chlorotic ringspot-associated virus: a novel emaravirus infecting
      kiwifruit plants.
AB  - By integrating next-generation sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics, electron
      microscopy and conventional molecular biology tools, a new virus infecting
      kiwifruit vines has been identified and characterized. Being associated with
      double-membrane-bound bodies in infected tissues and having a genome composed of
      RNA segments, each one containing a single open reading frame in negative
      polarity, this virus shows the typical features of members of the genus
      Emaravirus. Five genomic RNA segments were identified. Additional molecular
      signatures in the viral RNAs and in the proteins they encode, together with data
      from phylogenetic analyses, support the proposal of creating a new species in the
      genus Emaravirus to classify the novel virus, which is tentatively named
      Actinidia chlorotic ringspot-associated virus (AcCRaV). Bioassays showed that
      AcCRaV is mechanically transmissible to Nicotiana benthamiana plants which, in
      turn, may develop chlorotic spots and ringspots. Field surveys disclosed the
      presence of AcCRaV in four different species of kiwifruit vines in five different
      provinces of central and western China, and support the association of the novel
      virus with symptoms of leaf chlorotic ringspots in Actinidia. Data on the
      molecular features of small RNAs of 21-24 nucleotides, derived from AcCRaV RNAs
      targeted by host RNA silencing mechanisms, are also reported, and possible
      molecular pathways involved in their biogenesis are discussed.

PMID- 27125219
TI  - Demonstration of Autosomal Monoallelic Expression in Thyroid Tissue Assessed by
      Whole-Exome and Bulk RNA Sequencing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid dysgenesis (CHTD) is a
      disorder with a prevalence of 1/4000 live births, the cause of which remains
      unknown. The most common diagnostic category is thyroid ectopy, which occurs in
      up to 80% of CHTD cases. CHTD is predominantly not inherited and has a high
      discordance rate (>92%) between monozygotic (MZ) twins. The sporadic nature of
      CHTD might be explained by somatic events such as autosomal monoallelic
      expression (AME), given that genes expressed in a monoallelic way are more
      vulnerable to otherwise benign monoallelict genetic or epigenetic mutations.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to search for complete (90%) AME in normal
      and dysgenetic thyroid tissues. METHODS: Aggregated analysis of whole-exome and
      bulk RNA sequencing was performed on two ectopic thyroids, four normal thyroids,
      and the human thyroid cell line Nthy-ori. RESULTS: A median of 5062 (range 2081
      5270) genes per sample showed sufficient numbers of heterozygous single
      nucleotide polymorphisms to be informative. The median monoallelic expression
      represented 22 (range 16-32) of the informative genes for each thyroid sample.
      Examples of genes displaying AME are FCGBP, ZNF331, USP10, BCLAF1, and some HLA
      genes; these genes are involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell
      migration, cancer, and immunity. CONCLUSIONS: AME may account for the high
      discordance rate observed between MZ twins and for the sporadic nature of CHTD.
      These findings also have implications for other pathologies, including cancers
      and autoimmune disorders of the thyroid.

PMID- 27125220
TI  - Arabidopsis thaliana G2-LIKE FLAVONOID REGULATOR and BRASSINOSTEROID ENHANCED
      EXPRESSION1 are low-temperature regulators of flavonoid accumulation.
AB  - Flavonoid synthesis is predominantly regulated at the transcriptional level
      through the MYB-basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH)-WD40 (MBW) (MYB: transcription
      factor of the myeloblastosis protein family, WD40: tanscription factor with a
      short structural motif of 40 amino acids which terminates in an aspartic acid
      tryptophan dipeptide) complex, and responds to both environmental and
      developmental stimuli. Although the developmental regulation of flavonoid
      accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana has been examined in great detail, the
      response of the flavonoid synthesis pathway to abiotic stress (particularly low
      temperature) remains unclear. A screen of a Dissociation element (Ds) transposon
      induced mutation collection identified two lines which exhibited an altered
      profile of phenylpropanoid accumulation following exposure to low-temperature
      stress. One of the mutated genes (BRASSINOSTEROID ENHANCED EXPRESSION1 (BEE1))
      encoded a brassinosteroid enhanced expression transcription factor, while the
      other (G2-LIKE FLAVONOID REGULATOR (GFR)) encoded a G2-like flavonoid regulator.
      Phenylpropanoid-targeted analysis was performed using high-performance LC-MS, and
      gene expression analysis using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. In both
      mutants, the accumulation of quercetins and scopolin was reduced under low
      temperature growing conditions, whereas that of anthocyanin was increased. BEE1
      and GFR were both shown to negatively regulate anthocyanin accumulation by
      inhibiting anthocyanin synthesis genes via the suppression of the bHLH
      (TRANSPARENT TESTA8 (TT8) and GLABROUS3 (GL3)) and/or the MYB (PRODUCTION OF
      ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENTS2 (PAP2)) components of the MBW complex. Our results provide
      new insight into the regulatory control of phenylpropanoid metabolism at low
      temperatures, and reveal that BEE1 and GFR act as important components of the
      signal transduction chain.

PMID- 27125221
TI  - Memory-driven attentional capture reveals the waxing and waning of working memory
      activation due to dual-task interference.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that information held in working memory (WM) actively
      or as a residue of previous processing can lead to attentional capture by
      corresponding stimuli in the environment. Here, we compared attentional capture
      by goal-driven and residual WM activation and examined how these effects are
      affected by dual-task interference. In two experiments, participants performed an
      animacy judgment task for a word that they did or did not have to remember for a
      later recognition test. The word was followed in half of the trials by an
      arithmetic task that served to disrupt the WM activation of the previously
      processed word. Subsequently, WM-driven capture was assessed by having
      participants perform a single-target rapid serial visual presentation task in
      which a line drawing corresponding to the word was presented shortly before a
      target. The results showed that the line drawing captured attention irrespective
      of the presence of the arithmetic task when the word had to be remembered. In
      comparison, the animacy judgment alone resulted in capture only when the
      arithmetic task was absent, and this effect was equally strong as the capture
      effect caused by a to-be-remembered word. Taken together, these findings show
      that although residual and goal-driven WM activation may be equally potent in
      guiding attentional selection, these two forms of WM activation differ in that
      residual activation is overwritten by an attention-demanding task, whereas goal
      driven WM activation can lead to the reinstatement of a stimulus after performing
      such a task.

PMID- 27125222
TI  - How do pre-adolescent children interpret conditionals?
AB  - Studies examining children's basic understanding of conditionals have led to very
      different conclusions. On the one hand, conditional inference tasks suggest that
      young children are able to interpret familiar conditionals in a complex manner.
      In contrast, truth-table tasks suggest that before adolescence, children have
      limited (conjunctive) representations of conditionals. We hypothesized that the
      latter results are due to use of what are essentially arbitrary conditionals. To
      examine this, we gave a truth-table task using two kinds of conditional rules,
      Arbitrary and Imaginary categorical rules (If an animal is a bori, then it has
      red wings) to 9- and 12-year-olds. Results with the Arbitrary rules were
      consistent with those found in previous studies, with the most frequent
      interpretation being the Conjunctive one. However, among even the youngest
      children, the most frequent interpretation of the Imaginary categorical rules was
      the defective conditional, which is only found with much older adolescents with
      Arbitrary rules. These results suggest that working memory limitations are not an
      important developmental factor in how young children interpret conditional rules.

PMID- 27125224
TI  - Gene expression profiles of autophagy-related genes in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an imflammatory disease of central nervous system
      caused by genetic and environmental factors that remain largely unknown.
      Autophagy is the process of degradation and recycling of damaged cytoplasmic
      organelles, macromolecular aggregates, and long-lived proteins. Malfunction of
      autophagy contributes to the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, and autophagy
      genes may modulate the T cell survival. We aimed to examine the expression levels
      of autophagy-related genes. The blood samples of 95 unrelated patients (aged 17
      65years, 37 male, 58 female) diagnosed as MS and 95 healthy controls were used to
      extract the RNA samples. After conversion to single stranded cDNA using polyT
      priming: the targeted genes were pre-amplified, and 96*78 (samples*primers) qRT
      PCR reactions were performed for each primer pair on each sample on a 96.96 array
      of Fluidigm BioMarkTM. Compared to age- and sex-matched controls, gene expression
      levels of ATG16L2, ATG9A, BCL2, FAS, GAA, HGS, PIK3R1, RAB24, RGS19, ULK1, FOXO1,
      HTT were significantly altered (false discovery rate<0.05). Thus, altered
      expression levels of several autophagy related genes may affect protein levels,
      which in turn would influence the activity of autophagy, or most probably, those
      genes might be acting independent of autophagy and contributing to MS
      pathogenesis as risk factors. The indeterminate genetic causes leading to
      alterations in gene expressions require further analysis. 

PMID- 27125223
TI  - In-home nighttime predictive low glucose suspend experience in children and
      adults with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - Overnight predictive low glucose suspend (PLGS) reduces hypoglycemia across all
      ages; however, there are no reports on behavior or experience differences across
      age groups, especially in pediatrics. As run-in for a subsequent randomized
      clinical trial (RCT), 127 subjects (50% male) ages 4-45 yr utilized the
      experimental PLGS system nightly for 5-10 nights (PLGS active phase). We analyzed
      the number of blood glucose (BG) checks and boluses given per age group. During
      the subsequent 42 night RCT phase, we analyzed sensor use, skin reactions,
      errors, and reasons why the experimental system was not used. In 821 nights of
      active PLGS, subjects ages 4-6 yr (and their parents) tested BG levels 75% of
      nights compared with 65% of nights (7-10 yr), 53% of nights (11-14 yr), 33% of
      nights (15-25 yr), and 28% of nights (26-45 yr), respectively (p < 0.001).
      Likewise, youngest subjects (and parents) administered insulin boluses 56% of
      nights during active PLGS use compared with 48%, 33%, 20%, and 25%, respectively
      (p < 0.001). This was unrelated to study requirements. During the RCT phase,
      subjects 4-6 yr experienced more frequent and severe skin reactions (p = 0.02),
      while adult subjects (26-45 yr) wore individual sensors a median of 26 h longer
      than the youngest subjects (p < 0.001). Technical problems with the sensor
      (errors, miscalibrations, etc.), traveling, and BG levels >270 at bedtime (study
      requirement) were primary contributors to non-system use. Understanding the
      different use patterns and challenges in pediatrics and adolescence is needed to
      direct patient education to optimize use of PLGS and future artificial pancreas
      systems.

PMID- 27125225
TI  - Transcriptomic analysis of Pseudostellariae Radix from different fields using RNA
      seq.
AB  - Pseudostellariae Radix is an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which
      is consumed commonly for its positive health effects. However, a lack of
      transcriptomic and genomic information hinders research on Pseudostellariae
      Radix. Here, high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed for the de
      novo assembly to analyze the transcriptome in Pseudostellariae Radix, finding
      significantly differentially expressed genes in this TCM from different fields
      based on RNA-seq and bioinformatic analysis. A total of 146,408,539 paired-end
      reads were generated and assembled into 89,857 unigenes with an average length of
      862bp. All of the assembly unigenes were annotated by running BLASTx and BLASTn
      similarity searches on the Non-redundant nucleotide database (NT), the Non
      redundant protein database (NR), Swiss-Prot, Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG),
      Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and Interpro.
      On the basis of bioinformatic analysis and the expression profiles for
      Pseudostellariae Radix, 29 significantly differentially expressed genes were
      identified, which provides the basic information for exploring the molecular
      mechanisms that determine the quality of Pseudostellariae Radix from different
      fields. The expression levels of 29 genes were validated by real-time
      quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). This is the first study to sample Pseudostellariae
      Radix, which provides an invaluable resource for understanding the genome of this
      herb. 

PMID- 27125226
TI  - Economic burden of gastrointestinal cancer under the protection of the New Rural
      Cooperative Medical Scheme in a region of rural China with high incidence of
      oesophageal cancer: cross-sectional survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the financial burden of oesophageal cancer under the
      protection of the new Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) and to provide
      evidence and suggestions to policymakers in a high-incidence region in China.
      METHODS: We analysed inpatient claim data for oesophageal cancer, gastric cancer
      and colorectal cancer from 1 January to 31 December 2013. The data were extracted
      from the NCMS management system of Hua County, Henan Province, a typical high
      risk region for oesophageal cancer in China. Cancer-specific health economic
      indicators were calculated to evaluate the financial burden under the protection
      of the local NCMS. RESULTS: The total cost of oesophageal cancer was 2.7-3.6
      times higher than that of gastric cancer and colorectal cancer, respectively, due
      to high incidence of oesophageal cancer. For each hospitalisation to treat
      oesophageal cancer, the average total cost and out-of-pocket expenses after
      reimbursement equalled an entire year's gross domestic product per capita and per
      capita disposable income, respectively, for the local area. The average total
      cost per hospitalisation for oesophageal cancer increased monotonically with
      hospital level for surgical hospitalisations, and it increased more rapidly for
      non-surgical hospitalisations (from $301 to $2589, 860%) than for gastric cancer
      (from $289 to $1453, 503%) and colorectal cancer (from $359 to $1610, 448%).
      Vulnerable groups with less access to high-level hospitals were found in
      different gender and age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oesophageal cancer imposes serious
      financial burdens on communities and patients' households in this high-incidence
      region, and no preferential policy from the local NCMS has been designed to
      address this issue. A special supportive policy should be developed on the basis
      of local disease profiles and population characteristics to alleviate the
      financial burden of populations at high risk for certain high-cost diseases.

PMID- 27125227
TI  - One uterus bridging three generations: first live birth after mother-to-daughter
      uterus transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a uterus from the mother of a woman with absolute
      uterine factor infertility can be transplanted to daughter and carry a pregnancy
      with delivery of a healthy child. DESIGN: Part of an observational study.
      SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): Twenty eight-year-old woman
      with uterine agenesis, her male partner, and her 50-year-old mother.
      INTERVENTION(S): In vitro fertilization with embryo cryopreservation before live
      donor uterus transplantation (UTx). Induction immunosuppression. Embryo transfer
      12 months after UTx, pregnancy controls, delivery, and hysterectomy. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Results of IVF-ET, parameters of pregnancy/birth, and surgical data
      of transplantation/cesarean section/hysterectomy. RESULT(S): Two IVF cycles
      before UTx resulted in 10 cryopreserved embryos. Donor surgery included
      hysterectomy with vascular pedicles of uterine vessels and proximal vessels up to
      and including parts of internal iliacs. Recipient surgery was by bilateral
      vascular connections to external iliacs, vaginal-vaginal anastomosis, and uterine
      fixation. Pregnancy occurred at the first single ET, and the pregnancy proceeded
      uneventfully until gestational week 34, when the patient developed cholestasis
      with intense pruritus. Cesarean section was performed at 34+6, with delivery of a
      healthy boy (weight 2,335 g). Hysterectomy was performed 3.5 months after
      delivery. The weight of the healthy child at 12 months was 9.3 kg. Grandmother
      (uterus donor) and mother are in good health 3 years after UTx. CONCLUSION(S):
      This is the first report of a live birth after mother-to-daughter UTx, and it
      also represents the second birth ever after human UTx. CLINICAL TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: NCT01844362.

PMID- 27125228
TI  - Sociocultural influences on fertility in the Middle East: the role of parental
      consanguinity, obesity and vitamin D deficiency.

PMID- 27125229
TI  - Imaging and angiography in male factor infertility.
AB  - Ultrasound imaging and angiography play a crucial role in the diagnosis and
      treatment of men with subfertility. The most commonly used imaging modality is
      ultrasound (US), which can be used for diagnostic purposes or to aid in
      treatment. Scrotal US can be used to document varicoceles in subfertile men in
      the context of difficult examination or for confirmation before treatment.
      Spectral Doppler, sonoelastography, and power Doppler have aided in the
      evaluation and treatment of azoospermia and oligospermia. They have proven useful
      in the detection of spermatogenesis and sperm retrieval. In the population with
      congenital Wolffian duct abnormalities, renal US can evaluate renal anomalies. In
      subfertile men with low ejaculate volume and oligospermia or azoospermia
      transrectal US can be used to evaluate and assist in treatment of ejaculatory
      duct obstruction. Non-US-based modalities are also commonly used in evaluating
      and treating men with subfertility. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used
      for evaluation of pituitary adenomas in hypogonadism. More invasive imaging
      modalities used during treatment of subfertile men include vasography for vasal
      obstruction, venography and angioembolization for varicocele, and US-guided
      needle placement for testis-sparing surgery. Male subfertility is a complex
      problem and the use of imaging techniques is often essential in providing
      accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

PMID- 27125230
TI  - Body mass index, physical activity and fecundability in a North American
      preconception cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between adiposity, physical activity (PA),
      and fecundability. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Not applicable.
      PATIENT(S): A total of 2,062 female pregnancy planners from the United States and
      Canada who were enrolled during the preconception period. INTERVENTION(S): None.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Self-reported pregnancy. Fecundability ratios (FRs) and
      95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using proportional probabilities
      models that adjusted for potential confounders. RESULT(S): Relative to body mass
      index (BMI) 18.5-24 kg/m(2), FRs for BMI <18.5, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, and
      >=45 kg/m(2) were 1.05 (95% CI 0.76-1.46), 1.01 (95% CI 0.89-1.15), 0.98 (95% CI
      0.82-1.18), 0.78 (95% CI 0.60-1.02), 0.61 (95% CI 0.42-0.88), and 0.42 (95% CI
      0.23-0.76), respectively. Reduced fecundability was observed among women with the
      largest waist-to-hip ratios (>=0.85 vs. <0.75; FR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.74-1.01) and
      waist circumferences (>=36 vs. <26 inches [>=90 vs. <66 cm]; FR = 0.80, 95% CI
      0.59-1.01). Tendency to gain weight in the chest/shoulders (FR = 0.63, 95% CI
      0.36-1.08) and waist/stomach (FR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.79-1.02), relative to
      hips/thighs, was associated with lower fecundability. Moderate PA was associated
      with increased fecundability (>=5 vs. <1 h/wk; FR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.96-1.65), but
      there was no dose-response relation. Among overweight/obese women (BMI >=25
      kg/m(2)), fecundability was 27% higher for vigorous PA of >=5 versus <1 h/wk (95%
      CI 1.02-1.57). CONCLUSION(S): Various measures of overall and central adiposity
      were associated with decreased fertility among pregnancy planners. Vigorous PA
      was associated with improved fertility among overweight and obese women only;
      moderate PA was associated with improved fertility among all women.

PMID- 27125232
TI  - [Erratum to: Macroscopic and functional anatomy of the apophyseal plate].

PMID- 27125231
TI  - [Anterior knee pain after total knee arthroplasty : Causes, diagnosis and
      treatment].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anterior knee pain is one of the most common complications after
      total knee arthroplasty. An incidence of up to 30 % has been reported in peer
      reviewed studies. TARGET: The purpose of this study was to systematically review
      the literature and to identify determinants that have been analyzed with regard
      to anterior knee pain. CAUSES: Patient- and knee-specific characteristics,
      prosthetic designs and operative techniques are addressed as well as functional
      and neurologic determinants. Instability, increased contact pressure in the
      patellofemoral joint and patella maltracking due to malrotation of components,
      offset errors, ligament insufficiencies or patella baja are mechanical reasons
      for anterior knee pain. Functional causes include pathologic gait patterns,
      quadriceps imbalance and dynamic valgus. They have to be differentiated from
      infectious and inflammatory causes as well as soft tissue impingement,
      arthrofibrosis and neurologic diseases. TREATMENT: A differentiated treatment
      algorithm is recommended. Often conservative treatment options exist, however,
      particularly with most mechanical causes revision surgery is necessary.

PMID- 27125233
TI  - [Patella fractures in knee arthroplasty].
AB  - Periprosthetic patella fractures occur both with and without retropatellar joint
      replacement. A non-operative treatment yields satisfactory results with low
      morbidity. It can be applied in minimally displaced fractures that have an intact
      retropatellar component and an intact extensor mechanism, combined with an
      initial immobilization. The surgical treatment is associated with relatively poor
      results and with high complication rates. There was only minor improvement of
      functional results, no matter which surgical technique was used. Surgical
      intervention is still required in fractures with a loosening of the patellar
      component, considerable dislocations of fragments, and damage to or rupture of
      the extensor mechanism. In particular, type II fractures require repair of the
      extensor mechanism and the fracture or patellectomy. Type III fractures require a
      revision or resection of the patella, a patelloplasty or total patellectomy. In
      addition, early or late reconstruction using allograft to restore the extensor
      mechanism can be taken in consideration. 

PMID- 27125234
TI  - [Patellar tendon injuries after total knee arthroplasty : Classification and
      management].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ruptures of the patellar tendon after total knee arthroplasty
      represent a rare but severe complication, which in general requires surgical
      therapy. OBJECTIVES: To implement a classification and correspondent therapy
      algorithm in consideration of the current literature for the treatment of
      patellar tendon ruptures after TKA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the recent
      literature and the author's experience are summarized in a classification and
      correspondent therapy algorithm for the treatment of patellar tendon ruptures
      after TKA. RESULTS: Ruptures of the patella tendon can be classified as avulsions
      (Type I), acute (Type II) and chronic ruptures (Type III). Avulsions are often of
      iatrogenic nature and can be sufficiently treated by transosseous refixation
      prior to implantation of the revision TKA. Acute ruptures of the patellar tendon
      can originate from trauma or intraoperative injury. The rupture can be restored
      by primary suture in combination with a wire cerclage in the case of good tendon
      quality and the absence of patient comorbidities (Type IIA). In the case of poor
      tendon quality or existing comorbidities (Type IIB) additional augmentation of
      the ruptured tendon, utilizing the autologous semitendinosus/gracilis tendon, is
      recommended. Chronic ruptures revealing a good patellar bone stock (Type IIIA)
      can be treated by a combination of a semitendinosus augmentation and a turndown
      quadriceps tendon flap. In the case of a poor patellar bone stock (Type IIIB)
      transpatellar fixation of the semitendinosus tendon is virtually impossible, so
      that an allograft augmentation or the use of a soft tissue muscle flap (i. e. the
      gastrocnemius flap) has to be considered. A failed complex reconstruction with or
      without infection (Type IIIC) is an invidious surgical task and needs to be
      addressed by the utilization of a muscle flap, an allograft or a patellectomy
      with or without arthrodesis.

PMID- 27125235
TI  - [Quadriceps tendon insufficiency and rupture : Treatment options in total knee
      arthroplasty].
AB  - Quadriceps tendon injuries and insufficiencies in total knee arthroplasty are
      rare, but are followed by a devastating complication that left untreated leads to
      a complete loss of function of the knee. This review article summarizes the
      functional anatomy, risk factors, and the prevalence and diagnosis of quadriceps
      tendon injuries, in addition to the possible management options for partial and
      complete ruptures. The treatment options are adapted according to the extent of
      the loss of function (partial, complete) and the duration of the injury (acute vs
      chronic). Furthermore, the choice of treatment should take into account the
      quality and availability of primary tissue, the patient's general health, along
      with their likely functional requirements. Conservative treatment is often
      justified in partial ruptures with good results. Complete ruptures require
      surgical intervention and multiple operative techniques are described. Treatment
      options for acute ruptures include direct primary repair with autogenous or
      synthetic tissue augmentation. In the case of chronic insufficiency and a lack of
      soft-tissue surroundings, reconstruction with the aid of a muscle flap or
      allograft tissue can be considered. All surgical intervention techniques used so
      far have been fraught with complications and rarely lead to satisfactory results.
      A new surgical approach to the reconstruction and augmentation of the extensor
      mechanism consists of the use of a synthetic mesh. The technique is described
      here in detail. 

PMID- 27125236
TI  - [Causes and management of patellar instability after total knee replacement :
      Lateralization, subluxation and luxation].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral complications after total knee arthroplasty are
      responsible for a variety of surgical revisions. OBJECTIVE: The causes of the
      various types of instability of the patella are listed in a differentiated way
      and the importance of clinical and imaging diagnostics as well as preventive
      strategies are elaborated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article is based on a
      selective literature search in the PubMed database and on the long-standing
      experience of the author. RESULTS: Besides postoperative genu valgum with
      malalignment of the extensor mechanisms, other risk factors for patellar
      maltracking are insufficiency of the medial retinaculum, weakening of the vastus
      medialis muscle, contracture of the quadriceps femoris or tractus iliotibialis
      muscle, residual valgus deformity after total knee replacement, femoral or tibial
      malrotation as well as malpositioning of the patella, inappropriate design of the
      prosthesis and asymmetrical resection of the patella. The causes with respect to
      incorrect component positioning, faulty preparation of the patella, leg
      malalignment, inappropriate design of the prosthesis and soft tissue imbalance
      have to be recognized in order to address the problem in a targeted way. The
      preferred method of choice in the case of patellofemoral instability after total
      knee replacement is normally surgery; however, the cause for the instability has
      to be identified and consequently corrected before surgery. Without a clearly
      identified cause surgical measures are unrewarding and almost regularly lead to
      an unsatisfactory outcome. CONCLUSION: Patella maltracking after total knee
      arthroplasty is multifactorial and requires an accurate clarification. A surgical
      revision is only recommended in cases of clearly defined causes of pain or a
      clearly defined reason for patella malpositioning.

PMID- 27125238
TI  - Kinetics of throwing arm joints and the trunk motion during an overarm distance
      throw by skilled Japanese elementary school boys.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate joint kinetics of the throwing arms
      and role of trunk motion in skilled elementary school boys during an overarm
      distance throw. Throwing motions of 42 boys from second, fourth, and sixth grade
      were videotaped with three high-speed cameras operating at 300 fps. Seven skilled
      boys from each grade were selected on the basis of throwing distance for three
      dimensional kinetic analysis. Joint forces, torques, and torque powers of the
      throwing arm joints were calculated from reconstructed three-dimensional
      coordinate data smoothed at cut-off frequencies of 10.5-15 Hz and by the inverse
      dynamics method. Throwing distance and ball velocity significantly increased with
      school grade. The angular velocity of elbow extension before ball release
      increased with school grade, although no significant increase between the grades
      was observed in peak extension torque of elbow joint. The joint torque power of
      shoulder internal/external rotation tended to increase with school grade. When
      teaching the overarm throw, elementary school teachers should observe large
      backward twisting of trunk during the striding phase and should keep in mind that
      young children, such as second graders (age 8 years), will be unable to
      effectively utilise shoulder external/internal rotation during the throwing
      phase. 

PMID- 27125237
TI  - Transformation seismology: composite soil lenses for steering surface elastic
      Rayleigh waves.
AB  - Metamaterials are artificially structured media that exibit properties beyond
      those usually encountered in nature. Typically they are developed for
      electromagnetic waves at millimetric down to nanometric scales, or for acoustics,
      at centimeter scales. By applying ideas from transformation optics we can steer
      Rayleigh-surface waves that are solutions of the vector Navier equations of
      elastodynamics. As a paradigm of the conformal geophysics that we are creating,
      we design a square arrangement of Luneburg lenses to reroute Rayleigh waves
      around a building with the dual aim of protection and minimizing the effect on
      the wavefront (cloaking). To show that this is practically realisable we
      deliberately choose to use material parameters readily available and this
      metalens consists of a composite soil structured with buried pillars made of
      softer material. The regular lattice of inclusions is homogenized to give an
      effective material with a radially varying velocity profile and hence varying the
      refractive index of the lens. We develop the theory and then use full 3D
      numerical simulations to conclusively demonstrate, at frequencies of
      seismological relevance 3-10 Hz, and for low-speed sedimentary soil (vs: 300-500
      m/s), that the vibration of a structure is reduced by up to 6 dB at its resonance
      frequency.

PMID- 27125239
TI  - Erratum: Structural revisions of small molecules reported to cross-link G
      quadruplex DNA in vivo reveal a repetitive assignment error in the literature.

PMID- 27125240
TI  - Evaporation of droplets in a Champagne wine aerosol.
AB  - In a single glass of champagne about a million bubbles nucleate on the wall and
      rise towards the surface. When these bubbles reach the surface and rupture, they
      project a multitude of tiny droplets in the form of a particular aerosol holding
      a concentrate of wine aromas. Based on the model experiment of a single bubble
      bursting in idealized champagnes, the key features of the champagne aerosol are
      identified. In particular, we show that film drops, critical in sea spray for
      example, are here nonexistent. We then demonstrate that compared to a still wine,
      champagne fizz drastically enhances the transfer of liquid into the atmosphere.
      There, conditions on bubble radius and wine viscosity that optimize aerosol
      evaporation are provided. These results pave the way towards the fine tuning of
      flavor release during sparkling wine tasting, a major issue for the sparkling
      wine industry.

PMID- 27125242
TI  - HIV-Risk Index: Development and Validation of a Brief Risk Index for Hispanic
      Young People.
AB  - The prevalence of HIV risk behaviors among young people facilitates the spread of
      HIV, in particular regarding unsafe sex behavior, although this trend is
      different within this population. For this reason, identifying the riskier young
      population is required to prevent HIV infection. The main purpose of this study
      was to develop and validate a risk index to assess the different sexual HIV risk
      exposure among Hispanic Young people. For this purpose, 9861 Spanish young people
      were randomly distributed into two groups (derivation and validation group).
      According to the results, the factor analyses grouped the nine items of the HIV-
      risk index into two factors (factor 1, direct sexual risk indicators and factor
      2, indirect sexual risk indicators) with an equal structure for men and women by
      a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. The variance explained was 54.26 %.
      Moreover, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient revealed high internal reliability
      (alpha = .79) and the convergent validity supported its evidence based on
      different HIV risk indexes. Therefore, the HIV-risk index seem to be a rigorous
      and valid measure to estimate HIV risk exposure among young people.

PMID- 27125241
TI  - The Effect of Depressive Symptoms on Adherence to Daily Oral PrEP in Men who have
      Sex with Men and Transgender Women: A Marginal Structural Model Analysis of The
      iPrEx OLE Study.
AB  - We assessed the role of depressive symptoms on adherence to daily oral FTC/TDF
      for HIV PrEP in cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women
      who have sex with men (TGW) using data from the iPrEx OLE study. A marginal
      structural logistic regression model was used to estimate the effect of time
      varying CES-D scores on having protective levels of drug concentration, adjusting
      for confounding by sexual practices over time, prior adherence, and baseline
      demographic characteristics. We found a non-monotonic relationship between CES-D
      score and odds of protective FTC/TDF levels in MSM. We found evidence that the
      effect of depression on adherence varied between MSM and TGW, and that depressive
      symptoms did not contribute greatly to decreased adherence on a population scale.
      We recommend that depressive symptoms not preclude the prescription of PrEP, and
      that MSM and TGW be studied separately.

PMID- 27125243
TI  - Roles and Functions of Social Networks Among Men Who Use Drugs in ART Initiation
      in Vietnam.
AB  - Support from social network members may help to facilitate access to HIV medical
      care, especially in low resourced communities. As part of a randomized clinical
      trial of a community-level stigma and risk reduction intervention in Thai Nguyen,
      Vietnam for people living with HIV who inject drugs (PWID), 341 participants were
      administered a baseline social network inventory. Network predictors of
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation at the 6-month follow-up were assessed.
      The social networks of PWID were sparse. Few participants who reported injectors
      in their networks also reported family members, whereas those who did not have
      injectors were more likely to report family members and network members providing
      emotional support and medical advice. In multivariate models, having at least one
      network member who provided medical advice predicted ART initiation at 6 months
      (OR 2.74, CI 1.20-6.28). These results suggest the importance of functional
      social support and network support mobilization for ART initiation among PWID.

PMID- 27125245
TI  - Microtechnology-based organ systems and whole-body models for drug screening.
AB  - After drug administration, the drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and
      excreted (ADME). Because ADME processes affect drug efficacy, various in vitro
      models have been developed based on the ADME processes. Although these models
      have been widely accepted as a tool for predicting the effects of drugs, the
      differences between in vivo and in vitro systems result in high attrition rates
      of drugs during the development process and remain a major limitation. Recent
      advances in microtechnology enable more accurate mimicking of the in vivo
      environment, where cellular behavior and physiological responses to drugs are
      more realistic; this has led to the development of novel in vitro systems, known
      as "organ-on-a-chip" systems. The development of organ-on-a-chip systems has
      progressed to include the reproduction of multiple organ interactions, which is
      an important step towards "body-on-a-chip" systems that will ultimately predict
      whole-body responses to drugs. In this review, we summarize the application of
      microtechnology for the development of in vitro systems that accurately mimic in
      vivo environments and reconstruct multiple organ models. 

PMID- 27125246
TI  - Patient Education and Peritoneal Dialysis Modality Selection: A Systematic Review
      and Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Educational interventions are increasingly used to promote peritoneal
      dialysis (PD), the most common form of home therapy for end-stage renal disease.
      A systematic review of the evidence in support of dialysis modality education is
      needed to inform the design of patient-targeted interventions to increase
      selection of PD. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to
      characterize the relationship between patient-targeted educational interventions
      and choosing and receiving PD. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
      SETTING & POPULATION: Published original studies and abstracts. SELECTION
      CRITERIA FOR STUDIES: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and EBMR. We included
      controlled observational studies and randomized trials of educational
      interventions designed to increase PD selection. INTERVENTION: Predialysis
      educational interventions. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was choosing PD, defined
      as intention to use PD regardless of whether PD was ever used. The secondary
      outcome, receiving PD, was defined as an individual receiving PD as his or her
      treatment. RESULTS: Of 3,540 citations, 15 studies met our inclusion criteria,
      including 1 randomized trial. In the single randomized trial (N=70), receipt of
      an educational intervention was associated with a more than 4-fold increase in
      the odds of choosing PD (OR, 4.60; 95% CI, 1.19-17.74). Based on results from 4
      observational studies (N=7,653), patient-targeted educational interventions were
      associated with a 2-fold increase in the odds of choosing PD (pooled OR, 2.15;
      95% CI, 1.07-4.32; I(2)=76.7%). Based on results from 9 observational studies
      (N=8,229), patient-targeted educational intervention was associated with a 3-fold
      increase in the odds of receiving PD as the initial treatment modality (OR, 3.50;
      95% CI, 2.82-4.35; I(2)=24.9%). LIMITATIONS: Most studies were observational
      studies, which can establish an association between education and choosing PD or
      receiving PD, but does not establish causality. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic
      review demonstrates a strong association between patient-targeted education
      interventions and the subsequent choice and receipt of PD.

PMID- 27125244
TI  - Social Network Strategies to Address HIV Prevention and Treatment Continuum of
      Care Among At-risk and HIV-infected Substance Users: A Systematic Scoping Review.
AB  - Social network analysis (SNA) and social network-based interventions (SNI) are
      important analytical tools harnessing peer and family influences critical for HIV
      prevention and treatment among substance users. While SNA is an effective way to
      measure social network influences, SNI directly or indirectly involves network
      members in interventions. Even though these methods have been applied in
      heterogeneous ways, leading to extensive evidence-based practices, systematic
      reviews are however, lacking. We searched five bibliographic databases and
      identified 58 studies involving HIV in substance users that had utilized SNA or
      SNI as part of their methodology. SNA was used to measure network variables as
      inputs in statistical/mathematical models in 64 % of studies and only 22 % of
      studies used SNI. Most studies focused on HIV prevention and few addressed
      diagnosis (k = 4), care linkage and retention (k = 5), ART adherence (k = 2), and
      viral suppression (k = 1). This systematic review highlights both the advantages
      and disadvantages of social network approaches for HIV prevention and treatment
      and gaps in its use for HIV care continuum.

PMID- 27125247
TI  - Towards universal buckling dynamics in nanocolloidal sessile droplets: the effect
      of hydrophilic to superhydrophobic substrates and evaporation modes.
AB  - The evaporation of a nanocolloidal sessile droplet exhibits preferential particle
      assembly, nanoporous shell formation and buckling to form cavities with unique
      morphological features. Here, we have established many universal trends that
      explain the buckling dynamics under one umbrella irrespective of hydrophobicity,
      evaporation mode and particle loading. We provide a regime map explaining the
      droplet morphology and buckling characteristics for droplet evaporation on
      various substrates. Specifically, we find that the final droplet volume and the
      radius of curvature at the buckling onset are universal functions of particle
      concentration. Furthermore, we establish that post-buckling cavity growth is
      evaporation driven regardless of the substrate. 

PMID- 27125248
TI  - Expression of guanylate cyclase-C, guanylin, and uroguanylin is downregulated
      proportionally to the ulcerative colitis disease activity index.
AB  - The transmembrane receptor guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) signaling pathway has been
      implicated in several gastrointestinal disorders. Activation of GC-C via guanylin
      (Gn) and uroguanylin (Ugn) regulates intestinal fluid and electrolyte
      homeostasis. However, how it regulates the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD) is still unclear. Here, we investigated the activation of GC-C
      signaling in ulcerative colitis (UC) of different clinical severities. A total of
      60 UC patients and 20 normal controls were recruited. Evaluation of the UC
      disease activity index (DAI) was performed using a modified Mayo scoring system.
      The expression of GC-C, Gn and Ugn in the colonic mucosa was measured by
      quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. We found that the UC patients had
      significantly lower expression of GC-C, Gn and Ugn than the controls.
      Furthermore, there were significant differences for GC-C, Gn and Ugn expression
      for the UC groups of Grade 1, 2 and 3, and their expression levels were reduced
      with increases in their DAI. Taken together, our results demonstrate that GC-C,
      Gn and Ugn are downregulated in UC, and this downregulation is more significant
      with aggravation of the clinical condition. Therefore, the GC-C signaling pathway
      may be implicated in the progression of UC.

PMID- 27125249
TI  - Maternal control and early child dysregulation: Moderating roles of ethnicity and
      child delay status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal controlling behaviour has been found to influence child
      development, particularly in behavioural and emotional regulation. Given the
      higher rates of interfering parent control found in mothers of children with
      developmental delays (DD) and Latina mothers, their children could be at
      increased risk for behavioural and emotional dysregulation. While studies
      generally support this increased risk for children with DD, findings for Latino
      children are mixed and often attributed to cultural models of child rearing. The
      present study sought to determine the moderating roles of child DD and mother
      ethnicity in determining the relationships between two types of parent control
      (supportive directiveness and interference) and child dysregulation over time.
      METHODS: The present study, involving 178 3-year old children with DD (n = 80) or
      typical development (n = 98), examined observed parent control (directive versus
      interfering) of Latina and Anglo mothers as it relates to change in preschool
      child dysregulation over 2 years. RESULTS: Interfering parent control was greater
      for children with DD and also for Latino mothers. Supportive directive parenting
      generally related to relatively greater decline in child behaviour and emotion
      dysregulation over time, while interfering parenting generally related to less
      decline in child behaviour dysregulation over time. In Anglo but not Latino
      families, these relationships tended to vary as a function of child disability.
      CONCLUSIONS: Parent directives that support, rather than deter, ongoing child
      activity may promote positive regulatory development. These results particularly
      hold for children with DD and Latino families, and have implications for
      parenting practices and intervention.

PMID- 27125251
TI  - Positive predictive values of selected hospital discharge diagnoses to identify
      infections responsible for hospitalization in the French national hospital
      database.
AB  - PURPOSE: The identification of infections in electronic health databases is a key
      issue for pharmacoepidemiology research. The aim of this study was to assess the
      positive predictive values (PPVs) of hospitalizations for infection in the
      Systeme National d'Information Inter-regimes de l'Assurance Maladie, that is the
      electronic database recording in-and-out hospital data for the entire French
      population (66 million inhabitants). METHODS: The source of data was the database
      of hospitalizations (Programme de Medicalisation des Systemes d'Informations) of
      Toulouse University hospital, South of France (2880 beds). Among all hospital
      stays between September and December 2014, we randomly selected 100 stays with an
      International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision code of infection as
      primary diagnosis and 100 as related diagnosis. Medical charts were reviewed to
      assess the PPV of infection codes, as well as the PPV of correct coding of
      infection type among the true positive cases. RESULTS: The PPVs of codes of
      infection as reason for hospitalization were 0.97, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      [0.93-1.00] for primary diagnosis codes and 0.70, 95% CI [0.61-0.71] for related
      diagnosis codes. Among the true positive cases, the PPVs of correct coding of the
      type of infection were, respectively, 0.98, 95% CI [0.95-1.00] and 0.93, 95% CI
      [0.88-0.98]. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalizations for infection codes have very good
      PPVs in the Programme de Medicalisation des Systemes d'Informations. Copyright
      (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27125250
TI  - PATZ1 is a target of miR-29b that is induced by Ha-Ras oncogene in rat thyroid
      cells.
AB  - The regulatory transcriptional factor PATZ1 is constantly downregulated in human
      thyroid cancer where it acts as a tumour suppressor by targeting p53-dependent
      genes involved in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and cell migration. The aim
      of the present work was to elucidate the upstream signalling mechanisms
      regulating PATZ1 expression in thyroid cancer cells. The bioinformatics search
      for microRNAs able to potentially target PATZ1 led to the identification of
      several miRNAs. Among them we focused on the miR-29b since it was found
      upregulated in rat thyroid differentiated cells transformed by the Ha-Ras
      oncogene towards a high proliferating and high migratory phenotype resembling
      that of anaplastic carcinomas. Functional assays confirmed PATZ1 as a target of
      miR-29b, and, consistently, an inverse correlation between miR-29b and PATZ1
      protein levels was found upon induction of Ha-Ras oncogene expression in these
      cells. Interestingly, restoration of PATZ1 expression in rat thyroid cells stably
      expressing the Ha-Ras oncogene decreased cell proliferation and migration,
      indicating a key role of PATZ1 in Ras-driven thyroid transformation. Together,
      these results suggest a novel mechanism regulating PATZ1 expression based on the
      upregulation of miR-29b expression induced by Ras oncogene.

PMID- 27125252
TI  - Prediction of HCV vertical transmission: what factors should be optimized using
      data mining computational analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Neonates born to hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive mothers are
      usually not screened for HCV. Unscreened children may act as active sources for
      social HCV transmission, and factors contributing for vertical HCV transmitting
      still remained controversial and needed optimization. We aimed to investigate the
      factors contributing for vertical HCV transmission in Egypt; the highest HCV
      prevalence worldwide. METHODS: We prospectively followed the neonates born to HCV
      positive mother in the child-bearing period, to identify mother-to-child
      transmission (MTCT) factors from January 2015 to March 2016. Data mining
      computational analysis was used to quantify the findings. RESULTS: Among 3000
      randomized pregnant women, prevalence of HCV was 46/3000 (1.53%). HCV vertical
      transmission was identified in eight neonates (17.39%). Only high viral load
      identified at 975.000 IU was the predictor risk for MTCT. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis
      C virus in pregnancy has substantial risk for vertical HCV transmission: High
      viral load in HCV-positive women increases the risk of HCV transmission to
      neonates. Screening pregnant women during early stage of pregnancy and optimizing
      the HCV viral load in HCV-positive women might prevent vertical HCV transmission
      to neonates.

PMID- 27125253
TI  - Topographical modulation of macrophage phenotype by shrink-film multi-scale
      wrinkles.
AB  - The host immune response to foreign materials is a major hurdle for implanted
      medical devices. To control this response, modulation of macrophage behavior has
      emerged as a promising strategy, given their prominent role in inflammation and
      wound healing. Towards this goal, we explore the effect of biomimetic multi-scale
      wrinkles on macrophage adhesion and expression of phenotype markers. We find that
      macrophages elongate along the direction of the uniaxial wrinkles made from shape
      memory polymers, and express more arginase-1 and IL-10, and less TNF-alpha,
      suggesting polarization towards an alternatively activated, anti-inflammatory
      phenotype. Materials were further implanted in the subcutaneous space of mice and
      tissue surrounding the material evaluated by histology and immunohistochemistry.
      We found that material surface topography altered the distribution of collagen
      deposition in the adjacent tissue, with denser collagen tissue observed near flat
      materials when compared to wrinkled materials. Furthermore, cells surrounding
      wrinkled materials exhibited higher arginase-1 expression. Together these data
      suggest that wrinkled material surfaces promote macrophage alternative
      activation, and may influence the foreign body response to implants. 

PMID- 27125254
TI  - Identification of a small protein domain present in all plant lineages that
      confers high prephenate dehydratase activity.
AB  - l-Phenylalanine serves as a building block for the biosynthesis of proteins, but
      also as a precursor for a wide range of plant-derived compounds essential for
      plants and animals. Plants can synthesize Phe within the plastids using arogenate
      as a precursor; however, an alternative pathway using phenylpyruvate as an
      intermediate, described for most microorganisms, has recently been proposed. The
      functionality of this pathway requires the existence of enzymes with prephenate
      dehydratase (PDT) activity (EC 4.2.1.51) in plants. Using phylogenetic studies,
      functional complementation assays in yeast and biochemical analysis, we have
      identified the enzymes displaying PDT activity in Pinus pinaster. Through
      sequence alignment comparisons and site-directed mutagenesis we have identified a
      22-amino acid region conferring PDT activity (PAC domain) and a single Ala314
      residue critical to trigger this activity. Our results demonstrate that all plant
      clades include PAC domain-containing ADTs, suggesting that the PDT activity, and
      thus the ability to synthesize Phe using phenylpyruvate as an intermediate, has
      been preserved throughout the evolution of plants. Moreover, this pathway
      together with the arogenate pathway gives plants a broad and versatile capacity
      to synthesize Phe and its derived compounds. PAC domain-containing enzymes are
      also present in green and red algae, and glaucophytes, the three emerging clades
      following the primary endosymbiont event resulting in the acquisition of plastids
      in eukaryotes. The evolutionary prokaryotic origin of this domain is discussed.

PMID- 27125255
TI  - Safety of anti-rheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis in pregnancy and
      lactation.
AB  - Women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are often of childbearing age and therefore
      questions regarding reproductive health and the use of medications, including
      disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may arise during the clinical
      consultation. Each patient requires individual assessment in order to effectively
      manage the disease while minimizing any treatment-associated risks to the fetus.
      Although good-quality controlled trials are lacking, there is an increasing
      volume of evidence surrounding the use of immunosuppressive therapies in
      pregnancy and lactation. This review summarizes the currently available
      information which can be of benefit to clinicians guiding patients and their
      families through the risks and benefits of continuing RA therapy during pregnancy
      and lactation. Further studies and ongoing surveillance of drug safety in
      pregnancy are required to resolve the uncertainties that remain regarding
      synthetic and biologic DMARDs. 

PMID- 27125256
TI  - Smoking increases donor site complications in breast reconstruction with DIEP
      flap.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) is
      considered to be the first choice for autologous breast reconstruction. The
      primary aims of this retrospective study were to find out if differences in
      smoking habits and BMI are useful predictors for postoperative complications in
      DIEP surgery. METHODS: Three hundred and one patients were included. Data
      regarding smoking habits, BMI, age at surgery, total and final flap weight,
      abdominal scars, parity, number of perforators, chemotherapy, post mastectomy
      radiation therapy, and preoperative mapping of perforators with either Computer
      Tomography Angiography or hand-held ultra sound Doppler were collected.
      Complications that occurred in the first 30 postoperative days were taken into
      account. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: It was found that former smokers had a risk for
      donor site complication more than double that of never smokers (OR =2.12, CI
      =1.10-4.10, p = 0.025). Differences in BMI within the range from 18-33.7 did not
      have any significant impact on complication rates, neither at the donor site nor
      at the breast.

PMID- 27125257
TI  - Lisdexamfetamine: A pharmacokinetic review.
AB  - Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a d-amphetamine (d-AMPH) pro-drug used to treat
      Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Binge Eating Disorder
      (BED) symptoms. The in vivo pharmacodynamics of LDX is the same as that of its
      active product d-AMPH, although there are a few qualitative and quantitative
      differences due to pharmacokinetics. Due to the specific pharmacokinetics of the
      long-acting stimulants, this article revises the pharmacokinetic studies on LDX,
      the newest amphetamine pro-drug. The Medline/Pubmed, Science Direct and
      Biblioteca Virtual em Saude (Lilacs and Ibecs) (2007-2016) databases were
      searched for articles and their list of references. As for basic pharmacokinetics
      studies, since LDX is a newly developed medication, there are few results
      concerning biotransformation, distribution and the use of different biological
      matrices for analysis. This is the first robust review on this topic, gathering
      data from all clinical pharmacokinetics studies available in the literature. The
      particular pharmacokinetics of LDX plays a major role in studying this pro-drug,
      since this knowledge was essential to understand some reports on clinical effects
      in literature, e.g. the small likelihood of reducing the effect by interactions,
      the effect of long duration use and the still questionable reduction of the
      potential for abuse. In general the already well-known pharmacokinetic properties
      of amphetamine make LDX relatively predictable, simplifying the use of LDX in
      clinical practice. 

PMID- 27125258
TI  - Homo- and Heteropolynuclear Complexes Containing Bidentate Bridging 4-Phosphino-N
      Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands.
AB  - The abnormal reaction of phosphaalkenes with N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) offers
      a convenient method to introduce new functionality at the backbone of an NHC. The
      4-phosphino-substituted NHC (1a) derived from 1,3-dimesitylimidazol-2-ylidene
      (IMes) and MesP?CPh2 is shown to be an effective bifunctional ligand for Au(I)
      and Pd(II). Several new complexes are reported: 2a: 1a.AuCCl, 3a: 1a.(AuCl)2, 4a:
      [(1a)2AuC]Cl, 5a: [(1a.AuPCl)2AuC]Cl], and 6a: 1a.(PdC) (AuPCl). The reaction of
      4-phosphino-NHC 1b, derived from 1,3-di(cyclohexyl)imidazol-2-ylidene (ICy) and
      MesP?C(4-C6H4F)2, with (tht)AuCl (2 equiv, tht = tetrahydrothiophene) affords the
      fascinating tetranuclear 5b [(1b.AuPCl)2AuC][AuCl2]. The molecular structure of
      5b features a close Au...Au contact (3.0988(4) A) between the bis(carbene)gold(I)
      cation and the dichloroaurate(I) anion. The buried volumes (%Vbur) and Tolman
      cone angles for representative 4-phosphino-NHCs calculated from structural data
      are compared to related carbenes and phosphines. The molecular structures are
      reported for complexes 3a, 4a, 5b, and 6a.

PMID- 27125259
TI  - Analysis of association of FOXO3 gene with Trypanosoma cruzi infection and
      chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - FOXO3, a member of the Forkhead family of proteins, plays a role in controlling
      immune response. FOXO3 gene variant rs12212067 has been associated to
      differential severity of infectious diseases like malaria. In this study, we
      assessed whether this FOXO3 gene polymorphism is related to susceptibility to
      infection by Trypanosoma cruzi and/or chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy. A total of
      1171 individuals from a Colombian region endemic for Chagas disease, classified
      as seronegative (n = 595), seropositive asymptomatic (n = 175) and chronic
      Chagasic cardiomyopathy (n = 401) were genotyped for the FOXO3 rs12212067 using
      TaqMan allelic discrimination. Our results showed no statistically significantly
      differences between allelic and genotypic frequencies of rs12212067 in
      seronegative individuals compared with seropositive individuals. Similarly, we
      observed no evidence of association when asymptomatic individuals were compared
      with chronic Chagasic cardiomyopathy patients. Our data suggest that the FOXO3
      genetic variant rs12212067 do not play an important role in Chagas disease.

PMID- 27125260
TI  - Absence or low density of Propionibacterium acnes in comedonal lesions of acne
      patients? A surface to inside study of skin fluorescence.

PMID- 27125261
TI  - Association between atopic dermatitis and extracutaneous infections in US adults.

PMID- 27125262
TI  - Composition- and temperature-driven phase transition characteristics and
      associated electromechanical properties in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based lead-free
      ceramics.
AB  - In this study, a lead-free ceramic system comprising (0.94 - x)Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3
      0.06BaTiO3-xBi(Zn0.5Ti0.5)O3 (BNT-BT-BZT) was designed and prepared by a
      conventional solid-state reaction method. The effect of the addition of BZT on
      the phase transition characteristics and associated electromechanical properties
      of BNT-BT was systematically discussed and a schematic phase diagram was
      established. The addition of BZT had a strong impact on the phase transition as
      well as the strain and piezoelectric activity. The phase coexistence, which
      involves ferroelectric rhombohedral-relaxor pseudocubic phases, can be driven by
      modification with BZT and increases in temperature and can be confirmed by XRD
      measurements, analysis of Raman spectra and temperature-dependent changes in
      polarization and strain hysteresis loops. Accompanied by a shift in the
      ferroelectric-to-relaxor temperature TF-R to below room temperature on the
      addition of BZT, a compositionally induced ferroelectric-to-relaxor phase
      transition occurred, which gave rise to a large strain of 0.33% with a normalized
      strain Smax/Emax of 550 pm V(-1) at the critical BZT content x of 0.0275. The
      results were closely correlated with the composition and dependence on
      temperature of the phase transition, which significantly influenced the
      electromechanical properties, and the origin of the large strain observed in the
      present system was also addressed in detail. As a result, the design principles
      provided in this study open the possibility of obtaining BNT-based lead-free
      ceramics with enhanced electromechanical properties for actuator applications. 

PMID- 27125263
TI  - Fenestrated Transcatheter ASD Closure in Adults with Diastolic Dysfunction and/or
      Pulmonary Hypertension: Case Series and Review of the Literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter
      fenestrated ASD closure and to summarize the literature regarding the published
      techniques and outcomes of transcatheter partial ASD closure. BACKGROUND:
      Patients with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) or right ventricular
      (RV) dysfunction and/or pulmonary hypertension (PHT) may suffer untoward
      consequences of complete closure of an ostium secundum atrial septal defect
      (ASD). Therefore, for patients that fall under these categories we suggest
      partial occlusion of the defect, which may be better tolerated than complete
      defect closure. METHODS AND PATIENTS: After obtaining IRB approval, a search for
      patients that have undergone percutaneous ASD closure was performed in the
      Ahmanson/UCLA Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center database to identify which
      patients received a fenestrated ASD closure device. RESULTS: Eight consecutive
      patients ranging between 22 and 83 years of age (mean 48 years) with PHT and/or
      LVDD or RV dysfunction who underwent fenestrated transcatheter ASD closure at
      UCLA were identified. None of the subjects experienced complications related to
      the procedure. Postprocedure clinical evaluation showed improvement in symptoms
      and exercise capacity. Available follow-up transthoracic echocardiography data
      (mean 4 months, range 0-20 months) demonstrated patent fenestrations in four of
      eight patients. None of the patients had thromboembolic or infectious
      complications and there were no device migrations, erosions or embolizations.
      CONCLUSIONS: Partial ASD occlusion in patients with diastolic dysfunction or RV
      dysfunction and/or PHT is safe and may be better tolerated than complete ASD
      closure in selected patients.

PMID- 27125265
TI  - Publisher's Comment.

PMID- 27125264
TI  - Lingonberries alter the gut microbiota and prevent low-grade inflammation in high
      fat diet fed mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of
      obesity and obesity-associated impairments such as low-grade inflammation.
      Lingonberries have been shown to prevent diet-induced obesity and low-grade
      inflammation. However, it is not known whether the effect of lingonberry
      supplementation is related to modifications of the gut microbiota. The aim of the
      present study was to describe whether consumption of different batches of
      lingonberries alters the composition of the gut microbiota, which could be
      relevant for the protective effect against high fat (HF)-induced metabolic
      alterations. METHODS: Three groups of C57BL/6J mice were fed HF diet with or
      without a supplement of 20% lingonberries from two different batches (Lingon1 and
      Lingon2) during 11 weeks. The composition and functionality of the cecal
      microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing and PICRUSt. In addition,
      parameters related to obesity, insulin sensitivity, hepatic steatosis,
      inflammation and gut barrier function were examined. RESULTS: HF-induced obesity
      was only prevented by the Lingon1 diet, whereas both batches of lingonberries
      reduced plasma levels of markers of inflammation and endotoxemia (SAA and LBP) as
      well as modified the composition and functionality of the gut microbiota,
      compared to the HF control group. The relative abundance of Akkermansia and
      Faecalibacterium, genera associated with healthy gut mucosa and anti
      inflammation, was found to increase in response to lingonberry intake.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that supplementation with lingonberries to an HF
      diet prevents low-grade inflammation and is associated with significant changes
      of the microbiota composition. Notably, the anti-inflammatory properties of
      lingonberries seem to be independent of effects on body weight gain.

PMID- 27125266
TI  - The effect of erythropoietin on biomechanical properties of the Achilles tendon
      during the healing process: an experimental study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the potential biomechanical and
      histological benefits of systemic erythropoietin administration during the
      healing of Achilles tendon injury in a rat experimental model. METHODS: Eighty
      Sprague-Dawley female rats were included in this study. Animals were randomly
      assigned into two groups with 40 animals in each: erythropoietin group and
      control group. Then each group was further divided into four subgroups
      corresponding to four time points with 10 animals in each. A full-thickness cut
      was made on the Achilles tendon of each animal and then the tendon was sutured
      with modified Kessler method. Erythropoietin groups received intraperitoneal
      erythropoietin (500 IU/kg/day) every day at same time throughout the study
      period, and the control groups received saline in a similar manner. Animals were
      sacrificed at four time points, and tensile test was performed on each tendon
      sample to assess maximum load for each sample. In addition, histopathological
      examination and scoring was done. RESULTS: Both groups had improvement on tensile
      test (maximum load) over time. However, groups did not differ with regard to
      maximum load in any of the time points. Similarly, groups did not differ with
      regard to any of the histopathological scores over time. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings of this study do not support the benefit of systemic erythropoietin
      administration in Achilles tendon healing process. Further evidence from larger
      experimental studies is required to justify any such potential benefit.

PMID- 27125267
TI  - Corticosterone Methyl Oxidase Deficiency Type 1 with Normokalemia in an Infant.
AB  - Isolated aldosterone synthase deficiency may result in life-threatening salt
      wasting and failure to thrive. The condition involves hyperkalemia accompanying
      hyponatremia. Two types of aldosterone synthase deficiency may be observed
      depending on hormone levels: corticosterone methyl oxidase type 1 (CMO 1) and CMO
      2. Herein, we describe a Turkish infant patient with aldosterone synthase
      deficiency who presented with failure to thrive and salt wasting but with normal
      potassium levels. Urinary steroid characteristics were compatible with CMO I
      deficiency. Diagnosis of aldosterone synthase deficiency was confirmed by
      mutational analysis of the CYP11B2 gene which identified the patient as
      homozygous for two mutations: c.788T>A (p.Ile263Asn) and c.1157T>C (p.Val386Ala).
      Family genetic study revealed that the mother was heterozygous for c.788T>A and
      homozygous for c.1157T>C and the father was heterozygous for both c.788T>A and
      c.1157T>C. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second Turkish case
      with a confirmed molecular basis of type 1 aldosterone synthase deficiency. This
      case is also significant in showing that spot urinary steroid analysis can assist
      with the diagnosis and that hyperkalemia is not necessarily part of the disease. 

PMID- 27125268
TI  - In Vivo Trial of a Novel Atraumatic Urinary Catheter Design for Prevention of
      Catheter-Induced Trauma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Clinically significant urinary tract infection may be the most familiar
      complication of urinary catheterization; however, catheter-associated trauma can
      entail even more significant morbidity. We have designed and patented a novel
      atraumatic urinary catheter (AUC) and through this study, we compare its efficacy
      with the conventional Foley catheter (FC) in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty
      male rabbits were divided into two equal groups for FC and AUC. The animals were
      catheterized on day 4 for 8 hours to compare the maintenance of the tubes and
      sedated before standardized forcible extraction of the catheter under sedation
      with the balloon still inflated. They were then examined visually and by
      cystoscopy. RESULTS: In a number of animals in either group, the catheters failed
      to drain urine effectively due to anatomical issues. Those were excluded from the
      study. At the extraction phase, evidence of urethral trauma was found in 13 of 15
      FC rabbits, but only in 4 of 14 in the AUC group (p = 0.009). Major trauma,
      however, was exclusively seen in the FC group, with 12 of 15 subjects sustaining
      deep lacerations or urethral disruption. CONCLUSION: The two catheters bear
      similar efficacy for maintaining urine drainage; however, traumatic injury is
      significantly less common following forceful extraction of the AUC than a
      conventional Foley.

PMID- 27125269
TI  - Longitudinal bioimpedance assessments to evaluate hydration in POEMS syndrome.
AB  - Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein and skin changes (POEMS)
      syndrome is a rare paraneoplastic disorder associated with an underlying plasma
      cell dyscrasia and multiorgan failure. POEMS syndrome is potentially fatal and
      adversely affects quality of life. Oedema is common with many patients affected
      by pleural effusions, ascites and lower limb oedema. Bioelectrical impedance
      vector analysis (BIVA) is a non-invasive assessment tool, which enables rapid
      bedside assessments of nutrition and hydration. This paper describes the use of
      sequential BIVA assessments to evaluate the response to diuretic therapy in a
      woman aged 52 years with POEMS syndrome. This case illustrates the potential to
      use BIVA to conduct longitudinal assessments of hydration status. This provides
      opportunities for further research using BIVA to monitor hydration and response
      to interventions. This may be useful in specific situations, for example at the
      end of life. 

PMID- 27125270
TI  - "A monster that lives in our lives": experiences of caregivers of people with
      motor neuron disease and identifying avenues for support.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A developing body of evidence has provided valuable insight into the
      experiences of caregivers of people with motor neuron disease; however,
      understandings of how best to support caregivers remain limited. AIM: This study
      sought to understand concepts related to the motor neuron disease caregiver
      experience which could inform the development of supportive interventions.
      DESIGN: A qualitative thematic analysis of a one-off semistructured interview
      with caregivers was undertaken. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Caregivers of people with
      motor neuron disease were recruited from a progressive neurological diseases
      clinic in Melbourne, Australia. RESULTS: 15 caregivers participated. Three key
      themes were identified: (1) The Thief: the experience of loss and grief across
      varied facets of life; (2) The Labyrinth: finding ways to address ever changing
      challenges as the disease progressed; (3) Defying fate: being resilient and
      hopeful as caregivers tried to make the most of the time remaining. CONCLUSIONS:
      Caregivers are in need of more guidance and support to cope with experiences of
      loss and to adapt to changeable care giving duties associated with disease
      progression. Therapeutic interventions which target these experiences of loss and
      change are worth investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12615000120572,
      pre-results.

PMID- 27125271
TI  - Evaluation of the Impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine on Pediatric Community
      Acquired Pneumonia Using an Emergency Database System.
AB  - Background.: A 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) seems to be
      associated with a reduction of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children.
      Methods.: To explore the link between PCV13 implementation and children' visits
      in emergency departments (EDs) for pneumonia, we analyzed mandatory Electronics
      Emergency Department Abstracts (EEDA), in 7 EDs, located in southern France, from
      2009 to 2014. Diagnosis related to visits were coded using International
      Classification Diseases-10 codes. All codes available for EEDA were used to
      define bacterial pneumonia (BP), viral pneumonia (VP), and nonspecific pneumonia
      (NSP). For adjustment, we also used codes related to influenza and bronchiolitis.
      Comparisons between periods (pre-PCV13, transitional, early post-PCV13, and late
      post-PCV13) were made by logistic regression. On daily aggregated data, a general
      linear model was constructed with daily proportion of BP as dependent variable,
      period as fixed factor, and daily proportion of viral respiratory infections (flu
      plus bronchiolitis) as covariate. Results.: Among 718 758 visits, 7284 were coded
      as CAP. A significant decline in CAP was noted only for children between 2 and 5
      years of age. In contrast, the proportion of BP was dramatically reduced: 2.49 vs
      5.17/1000 visits (odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.55), whereas
      the proportion of VP was similar and NSP increased. After adjustment on influenza
      plus bronchiolitis, the decrease of BP remained significant. Conclusions.:
      Electronics Emergency Department Abstracts analysis confirms an important
      reduction in children ED visits for BP after PCV13 implementation. The EEDA also
      allow a real-time surveillance of pneumonia and an adjustment on confounding
      factors, such as viral respiratory infections.

PMID- 27125272
TI  - Congenital and Neonatal Chikungunya in Colombia.
AB  - In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), chikungunya (CHIK) viral infection has
      emerged as a significant arboviral disease. This rapidly expanding vector-borne
      viral illness is associated with a substantial burden of disease in terms of
      acute illness and also in terms of long-term sequelae. In addition, this viral
      pathogen has the ability to impact different populations including pregnant women
      and newborns. Despite the growing threat of this arboviral infection to the
      region, there are insufficient reports or studies attempting to delineate the
      clinical and epidemiological features of congenital and neonatal cases of CHIK in
      LAC. In this study, we present a case of congenital CHIK and a case of neonatal
      CHIK infection identified in Santander, Colombia. We discuss the potential
      neurological impact and sequelae of CHIK infection acquired during the neonatal
      period. There is an urgent need for further epidemiological and clinical studies
      to better understand the impact of CHIK in endemic areas in LAC. 

PMID- 27125273
TI  - Effectiveness of the 10-Valent Pneumococcal Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae
      Protein D-Conjugated Vaccine (PHiD-CV) Against Carriage and Acute Otitis Media-A
      Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial in Finland.
AB  - After administering the 10-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide nontypeable
      Haemophilus influenzae protein D-conjugated vaccine (PHiD-CV) to children aged 2
      18 months, we observed a reduction in vaccine-type nasopharyngeal carriage,
      resulting in a reduction of overall pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage, which
      may be important for indirect vaccine effects. We noted a trend toward reduction
      of acute otitis media. BACKGROUND: This trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier
      NCT00839254), nested within a cluster-randomized double-blind invasive
      pneumococcal disease effectiveness study in Finland (ClinicalTrials.gov
      identifier NCT00861380), assessed the effectiveness of the 10-valent pneumococcal
      polysaccharide nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D-conjugated vaccine
      (PHiD-CV or PCV10) against bacterial nasopharyngeal carriage and acute otitis
      media (AOM). METHODS: Infants (aged 6 weeks to 6 months) received the PHiD-CV or
      a control vaccine (hepatitis B) (schedule 3+1 or 2+1). Nasopharyngeal swabs were
      collected at 4 time points post-vaccination from all of the infants and at pre
      vaccination from a subset. Parent-reported physician-diagnosed AOM was assessed
      from first vaccination until last contact (mean follow-up, 18 months). Vaccine
      effectiveness (VE) was derived as (1 - relative risk)*100, accounting for cluster
      design in AOM analysis. Significant VE was assessed descriptively (positive lower
      limit of the non-adjusted 95% confidence interval [CI]). RESULTS: The vaccinated
      cohort included 5093 infants for carriage assessment and 4117 infants for AOM
      assessment. Both schedules decreased vaccine-serotype carriage, with a trend
      toward a lesser effect from the 2+1 schedule ( VE across timpoints 19%-56% [3+1]
      and 1%-38% [2+1]). Trends toward reduced pneumococcal carriage (predominantly
      vaccine serotypes 6B, 14, 19F, and 23F), decreased carriage of vaccine-related
      serotype 19A, and small increases at later time points (ages 14-15 months) in non
      vaccine-serotype carriage were observed. No effects on nontypeable Haemophilus
      influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, or Moraxella catarrhalis carriage were
      observed. There were non-significant trends toward a reduction in the number of
      infants reporting AOM episodes (VE 3+1: 6.1% [95% CI, -2.7% to 14.1%] and 2+1:
      7.4% [-2.8% to 16.6%]) and all AOM episodes (VE 3+1: 2.8% [-9.5% to 13.9%] and
      2+1: 10.2% [-4.1% to 22.9%]). PHiD-CV was immunogenic and had an acceptable
      safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: We observed reduced vaccine-type pneumococcal
      carriage, a limited increase in non-vaccine-type carriage, and a trend toward AOM
      reduction.

PMID- 27125274
TI  - Gastric and pyloric sphincter muscle function and the developmental-dependent
      regulation of gastric content emptying in the rat.
AB  - Feeding intolerance is a common issue in the care of preterm neonates. The
      condition manifests as delayed emptying of gastric contents and represents a
      therapeutic challenge, since the factors accounting for its manifestations are
      unknown. The main goal of this study was to comparatively investigate the age
      related function of rat gastric and pyloric smooth muscle and their putative
      regulators. We hypothesized that a reduced gastric muscle contraction potential
      early in life contributes to the delayed gastric emptying of the newborn. Newborn
      and adult rat gastric (fundus) and pyloric sphincter tissues were comparatively
      studied in vitro. Shortening of the tissue-specific dissociated smooth muscle
      cell was evaluated, and expression of the key regulatory proteins Rho-associated
      kinase 2 and myosin light chain kinase was determined. Gastric and pyloric smooth
      muscle cell shortening was significantly greater in the adult than the respective
      newborn counterpart. Expression of myosin light chain kinase and Rho-associated
      kinase 2 was developmentally regulated and increased with age. Pyloric sphincter
      muscle expresses a higher neuronal nitric oxide synthase and phosphorylated
      vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein content in newborn than adult tissue.
      Compared with later in life, the newborn rat gastropyloric muscle has a Ca(2+)
      related reduced potential for contraction and the pyloric sphincter relaxation
      dependent modulators are overexpressed. To the extent that these rodent data can
      be extrapolated to humans, the delayed gastric emptying in the newborn reflects
      reduced stomach muscle contraction potential, as opposed to increased pyloric
      sphincter tone.

PMID- 27125275
TI  - Inhibition of SIRT2 suppresses hepatic fibrosis.
AB  - Liver fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis and result in serious complications of
      liver disease. The pathogenesis of liver fibrosis involves the activation of
      hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the underlying mechanisms of which are not fully
      known. Emerging evidence suggests that the classic histone deacetylases play a
      role in liver fibrosis, but the role of another subfamily of histone
      deacetylases, the sirtuins, in the development of hepatic fibrosis remains
      unknown. In this study, we found that blocking the activity of sirtuin 2 (SIRT2)
      by using inhibitors or shRNAs significantly suppressed fibrogenic gene expression
      in HSCs. We further demonstrated that inhibition of SIRT2 results in the
      degradation of c-MYC, which is important for HSC activation. In addition, we
      discovered that inhibition of SIRT2 suppresses the phosphorylation of ERK, which
      is critical for the stabilization of c-MYC. Moreover, we found that Sirt2
      deficiency attenuates the hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)
      and thioacetamide (TAA). Furthermore, we showed that SIRT2, p-ERK, and c-MYC
      proteins are all overexpressed in human hepatic fibrotic tissues. These data
      suggest a critical role for the SIRT2/ERK/c-MYC axis in promoting hepatic
      fibrogenesis. Inhibition of the SIRT2/ERK/c-MYC axis represents a novel strategy
      to prevent and to potentially treat liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

PMID- 27125276
TI  - Keratin 8 knockdown leads to loss of the chloride transporter DRA in the colon.
AB  - Keratins (K) are intermediate filament proteins important in protection from
      stress. The roles of keratins in the intestine are not clear, but K8 knockout
      (K8(-/-)) mice develop a Th2-type colonic inflammation, epithelial
      hyperproliferation, and mild diarrhea caused by a keratin level-dependent
      decrease in short-circuit current and net sodium and chloride absorption in the
      distal colon. The lack of K8 leads to mistargeting or altered levels of membrane
      proteins in colonocytes; however, the main transporter responsible for the
      keratin-related ion transport defect is unknown. We here analyzed protein and
      mRNA levels of candidate ion transporters CFTR, PAT-1, NHE-3, and DRA in ileum,
      cecum, and proximal and distal colon. Although no differences were observed for
      CFTR, PAT-1, or NHE-3, DRA mRNA levels were decreased by three- to fourfold and
      DRA protein was almost entirely lost in K8(-/-) cecum and proximal and distal
      colon compared with K8(+/+), whereas the levels in ileum were normal. In K8(+/-)
      mice, DRA mRNA levels were unaltered, while decreased DRA protein levels were
      detected in the proximal colon. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the loss of
      DRA in K8(-/-) distal colon, while K8(+/-) displayed a similar but more patchy
      apical DRA distribution compared with K8(+/+) DRA was similarly decreased when K8
      was knocked down in Caco-2 cells, confirming that K8 levels modulate DRA levels
      in an inflammation-independent manner. Taken together, the loss of DRA in the K8(
      /-) mouse colon and cecum explains the dramatic chloride transport defect and
      diarrheal phenotype after K8 inactivation and identifies K8 as a novel regulator
      of DRA.

PMID- 27125277
TI  - Two-Dimensional Crystallization of P22 Virus-Like Particles.
AB  - Virus-like particles (VLPs) are well established platforms for constructing
      functional biomimetic materials. The VLP from the bacteriophage P22 can be used
      as a nanocontainer to sequester active enzymes, at high concentration, within its
      cavity through a process of directed self-assembly. Construction of ordered 2D
      assemblies of these catalytic VLPs can be envisioned as a functional membrane. To
      achieve this, it is important to establish methods to fabricate densely packed
      monolayers of VLPs. Highly ordered assemblies of P22 can also be utilized as a
      two-dimensional (2D) crystal for electron crystallography to get precise
      structural information on the VLP. Here we report 2D crystallization of different
      P22 morphologies: P22 procapsid (PC), enzyme encapsulated PC (beta-glycosidase
      and enhanced green fluorescent protein), empty shell (PC without scaffold
      proteins, ES), the expanded form of P22 (EX), and enzyme encapsulated EX (NADH
      oxidase). The 2D crystals of P22 VLPs were formed on a positively charged lipid
      monolayer at the water-air interface with a subphase containing 1% trehalose. A
      P22 solution, injected underneath the lipid monolayer, floated to the surface
      because of the density difference between the subphase and protein solution. The
      lipid monolayer, with adsorbed P22, was transferred to a holey carbon grid and
      was examined by electron microscopy. 2D crystals were obtained from a subphase
      containing 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM MES (pH 5.0), and 1% trehalose. The diffraction
      spots from the transferred film extended to the sixth order in negatively stained
      samples and the 10th order in cryo-electron microscopy samples.

PMID- 27125281
TI  - Band filling dependence of the Curie temperature in CrO2.
AB  - Rutile CrO2 is an important half-metallic ferromagnetic material, which is also
      widely used in magnetic recording. In an attempt to find the conditions, which
      lead to the increase of the Curie temperature (T C), we study theoretically the
      band-filling dependence of interatomic exchange interactions in the rutile
      compounds. For these purposes, we use the effective low-energy model for the
      magnetic t 2g bands, derived from the first-principles electronic structure
      calculations in the Wannier basis, which is solved by means of dynamical mean
      field theory. After the solution, we calculate the interatomic exchange
      interactions, by using the theory of infinitesimal spin rotations, and evaluate T
      C. We argue that, as far as the Curie temperature is concerned, the band filling
      realized in CrO2 is far from being the optimal one and much higher T C can be
      obtained by decreasing the number of t 2g electrons (n) via the hole doping. We
      find that the optimal n is close to 1, which should correspond to the case of
      VO2, provided that it is crystallized in the rutile structure. This finding was
      confirmed by using the experimental rutile structure for both CrO2 and VO2 and
      reflects the general tendency towards ferromagnetism for the narrow-band
      compounds at the beginning of the band filling. In particular, our results
      suggest that the strong ferromagnetism can be achieved in the thin films of VO2,
      whose crystal structure is controlled by the substrate.

PMID- 27125278
TI  - Histone lysine crotonylation during acute kidney injury in mice.
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a potentially lethal condition for which no therapy
      is available beyond replacement of renal function. Post-translational histone
      modifications modulate gene expression and kidney injury. Histone crotonylation
      is a recently described post-translational modification. We hypothesized that
      histone crotonylation might modulate kidney injury. Histone crotonylation was
      studied in cultured murine proximal tubular cells and in kidneys from mice with
      AKI induced by folic acid or cisplatin. Histone lysine crotonylation was observed
      in tubular cells from healthy murine and human kidney tissue. Kidney tissue
      histone crotonylation increased during AKI. This was reproduced by exposure to
      the protein TWEAK in cultured tubular cells. Specifically, ChIP-seq revealed
      enrichment of histone crotonylation at the genes encoding the mitochondrial
      biogenesis regulator PGC-1alpha and the sirtuin-3 decrotonylase in both TWEAK
      stimulated tubular cells and in AKI kidney tissue. To assess the role of
      crotonylation in kidney injury, crotonate was used to increase histone
      crotonylation in cultured tubular cells or in the kidneys in vivo Crotonate
      increased the expression of PGC-1alpha and sirtuin-3, and decreased CCL2
      expression in cultured tubular cells and healthy kidneys. Systemic crotonate
      administration protected from experimental AKI, preventing the decrease in renal
      function and in kidney PGC-1alpha and sirtuin-3 levels as well as the increase in
      CCL2 expression. For the first time, we have identified factors such as cell
      stress and crotonate availability that increase histone crotonylation in vivo
      Overall, increasing histone crotonylation might have a beneficial effect on AKI.
      This is the first observation of the in vivo potential of the therapeutic
      manipulation of histone crotonylation in a disease state.

PMID- 27125280
TI  - TLR-mediated albuminuria needs TNFalpha-mediated cooperativity between TLRs
      present in hematopoietic tissues and CD80 present on non-hematopoietic tissues in
      mice.
AB  - Transient albuminuria induced by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)
      in mice through engagement of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is widely studied as a
      partial model for some forms of human nephrotic syndrome (NS). In addition to
      TLRs, CD80 has been shown to be essential for PAMP-mediated albuminuria. However,
      the mechanistic relationships between TLRs, CD80 and albuminuria remain unclear.
      Here, we show that albuminuria and CD80-uria induced in mice by many TLR ligands
      are dependent on the expression of TLRs and their downstream signalling
      intermediate MyD88 exclusively in hematopoietic cells and, conversely, on CD80
      expression exclusively in non-hematopoietic cells. TNFalpha is crucial for TLR
      mediated albuminuria and CD80-uria, and induces CD80 expression in cultured renal
      podocytes. IL-10 from hematopoietic cells ameliorates TNFalpha production,
      albuminuria and CD80-uria but does not prevent TNFalpha-mediated induction of
      podocyte CD80 expression. Chitohexaose, a small molecule originally of parasite
      origin, mediates TLR4-dependent anti-inflammatory responses, and blocks TLR
      mediated albuminuria and CD80-uria through IL-10. Thus, TNFalpha is a prominent
      mediator of renal CD80 induction and resultant albuminuria in this model, and
      small molecules modulating TLR-mediated inflammatory activation might have
      contributory or adjunct therapeutic potential in some contexts of NS development.

PMID- 27125282
TI  - Health capability of family caregivers: how different factors interrelate and
      their respective contributions using a Bayesian approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lifestyles of family caregivers pose risks to their physical,
      mental and social health. The capability to stay healthy may be protective in the
      context of poor socioeconomic conditions and risk behaviours, but the
      interrelations between its aspects and their respective influences remain
      unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interrelations between the
      factors comprising health capability of family caregivers (HCFC) and the
      respective contributions of its components. METHODS: All stroke patients admitted
      to all hospitals in Luxembourg were identified by the 'Inspection Generale de la
      Securite Sociale' using the national database system for care expenditure
      reimbursement, and asked to designate the main person caring for them. Sixty-two
      caregivers (mean age 59.3 years; 40 women and 22 men) responded face to face, to
      a questionnaire including 20 items measuring eight aspects of health capability
      (physical functioning, psychological functioning, lifestyle value, self-efficacy
      towards the use of health services, family support, social capital, material
      conditions/sense of security, and satisfaction with the interactions with health
      services). Using a Bayesian approach, significance values were estimated by
      comparing the test values to the posterior distribution of the parameters.
      Structural equation modelling with standard deviations was applied. RESULTS:
      Female family caregivers had lower scores than men in physical and psychological
      functioning. Family caregivers with the lowest incomes had the least lifestyle
      value, social capital and material conditions/security. Self-efficacy towards
      health services increased with age. The material conditions/sense of security
      factor was positively correlated with almost all the others. The items that
      impacted health capability factors the most were - for physical functioning -
      fatigue, and - for family support - feeling abandoned by the family. CONCLUSIONS:
      During the chronic phase, relationships between risk behaviours can help guide
      social and health decision-makers to determine their priorities in improving the
      lives of family caregivers. Enhancing health capability involves implementing
      programs that relieve family caregivers physically, and foster family networking
      around the person being cared for. Special attention should also be paid to the
      socially disadvantaged in order to fight inequalities in health capability.

PMID- 27125279
TI  - High-throughput screening for modulators of ACVR1 transcription: discovery of
      potential therapeutics for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
AB  - The ACVR1 gene encodes a type I receptor of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs).
      Activating mutations in ACVR1 are responsible for fibrodysplasia ossificans
      progressiva (FOP), a rare disease characterized by congenital toe malformation
      and progressive heterotopic endochondral ossification leading to severe and
      cumulative disability. Until now, no therapy has been available to prevent soft
      tissue swelling (flare-ups) that trigger the ossification process. With the aim
      of finding a new therapeutic strategy for FOP, we developed a high-throughput
      screening (HTS) assay to identify inhibitors of ACVR1 gene expression among drugs
      already approved for the therapy of other diseases. The screening, based on an
      ACVR1 promoter assay, was followed by an in vitro and in vivo test to validate
      and characterize candidate molecules. Among compounds that modulate the ACVR1
      promoter activity, we selected the one showing the highest inhibitory effect,
      dipyridamole, a drug that is currently used as a platelet anti-aggregant. The
      inhibitory effect was detectable on ACVR1 gene expression, on the whole Smad
      dependent BMP signaling pathway, and on chondrogenic and osteogenic
      differentiation processes by in vitro cellular assays. Moreover, dipyridamole
      reduced the process of heterotopic bone formation in vivo Our drug repositioning
      strategy has led to the identification of dipyridamole as a possible therapeutic
      tool for the treatment of FOP. Furthermore, our study has also defined a pipeline
      of assays that will be useful for the evaluation of other pharmacological
      inhibitors of heterotopic ossification.

PMID- 27125284
TI  - Treatment of FBSS Low Back Pain with a Novel Percutaneous DRG Wireless
      Stimulator: Pilot and Feasibility Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Test a miniaturized neurostimulator transforaminally placed at the
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and evaluate the device's safety and efficacy in
      treating failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) low back pain. DESIGN: Pilot, two
      phase study. SUBJECTS: Eleven subjects with chronic intractable neuropathic trunk
      and/or lower limbs pain were included. METHODS: The system consisted of an
      implantable, miniaturized stimulator, provided by Stimwave Technologies (Freedom
      4) and an external transmitter. Only one stimulator per subject was implanted
      unilaterally and transforaminally at L1 to L5 levels. During Phase 1 of the
      study, the stimulators were not anchored. In Phase 2, the stimulators were
      anchored. Subjects were treated during 45 days after which the stimulator was
      removed. Pain reduction, implant duration, and stimulator migration were
      registered. RESULTS: Overall pain reduction was 59.9%, with only one device
      placed at one location, covering only a portion of the painful areas in the
      majority of the subjects. In Phase 1, the non-anchored stimulators migrated a
      mean of 8.80 mm and in Phase 2 a mean of 1.83 mm. Stimulator migration did not
      correlate with changes in pain relief. Mean time-to-implant duration was 10
      minutes and no adverse events were reported during implant, follow-up period, or
      after explant. CONCLUSIONS: The pain reduction results indicate that the Freedom
      4 spinal cord stimulation (SCS) Wireless System is a viable treatment of low back
      pain through stimulation of the DRG, and better overall pain reduction may be
      achieved by implanting multiple devices. With short percutaneous implant times
      and excellent safety profile, this new system may offer health cost savings.

PMID- 27125283
TI  - Anticancer Effects of Paris Saponins by Apoptosis and PI3K/AKT Pathway in
      Gefitinib-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND Paris saponins have been studied for their anticancer effects in
      various cancer types, but the mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic effects,
      especially in EGFR-TKI-resistant cells, are still unclear. We explored the
      potential mechanism of the antitumor effects of PSI, II, VI, VII in EGFR-TKI
      resistant cells and attempted to develop PSI, II, VI, VII as a systemic treatment
      strategy for EGFR-TKI-resistant lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS Growth
      inhibition was detected by MTT assay. The apoptosis assay was detected using
      annexin-V/PI and Hoechst staining. The level of PI3K, pAKT, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase
      3, and caspase-9 protein expression were detected using Western blot analysis.
      RESULTS The results revealed that PSI, II, VI, VII inhibited the proliferation of
      PC-9-ZD cells. Furthermore, PSI, II, VI, VII induced significant cell apoptosis.
      The levels of PI3K, pAKT, Bcl-2 protein decreased, while the Bax, caspase-3, and
      caspase-9 protein was increased by PSI, II, PSVI, PSVII treatment and resulted in
      increased sensitivity to gefitinib in PC-9-ZD cells. CONCLUSIONS The underlying
      mechanism of Paris saponins may be related to targeting the PI3K/AKT pathways to
      cause apoptosis. Our results suggest a therapeutic potential of Paris saponins in
      clinical settings for gefitinib-resistant NSCLC. 

PMID- 27125286
TI  - A New Sacroiliac Joint Injection Technique and Its Short-Term Effect on Chronic
      Sacroiliac Region Pain.

PMID- 27125289
TI  - Health-related quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus: a longitudinal
      study on the impact of problematic support and self-efficacy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease
      which can affect any organ in the body, reducing patients' health-related quality
      of life (HR-QOL). Psychosocial research on SLE is quite recent and is mostly
      based on qualitative and cross-sectional evidence. Some studies suggest that a
      protective role is played by perceived self-efficacy in the management of the
      disease, while a detrimental role is played by problematic social interactions.
      METHODS: In a longitudinal study, we tested the independent contribution of self
      efficacy and problematic social support, in predicting patients' HR-QOL after 11
      months. An online questionnaire was completed by 162 participants with SLE, the
      second questionnaire after 11 months. RESULTS: Controlling for corticosteroids
      and hydroxychloroquine use, self-efficacy in the management of the disease at
      Time 1 showed a significant and positive effect on HR-QOL at Time 2, while
      problematic social support (denying/uninformed) showed a negative effect.
      CONCLUSIONS: HR-QOL of SLE patients is influenced by self-efficacy in the
      management of the disease and problematic support. Specific attention should be
      paid to the quality of patients' social relationships and their perceived
      efficacy in the management of the disease in focused interventions as in daily
      clinical practice.

PMID- 27125290
TI  - The illness experience of youth with lupus/mixed connective tissue disease: a
      mixed methods analysis of patient and parent perspectives.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop a model of the illness experience for youth with
      systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).
      METHODS: We conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with 16 outpatient youth with
      SLE/MCTD, age 11 to 22 years, and their parents. We qualitatively defined key
      features of illness for families and distinguished profiles of youth adapting
      well vs poorly to SLE/MCTD. We then related these profiles to features of
      illness, patient-level attributes and outcomes. RESULTS: Experiences with
      SLE/MCTD grouped into five themes: managing disease, limitations, stigma, illness
      uncertainty and psychological coping. Youth adapting well experienced minimal
      challenges in these areas. Youth adapting poorly (4/16) experienced significant
      challenges in >1 thematic area, and were older with lower socioeconomic status,
      quality of life and psychosocial functioning, and increased disease-related
      morbidity. They also described suboptimal treatment adherence, healthcare
      utilization and transition to adult care. These findings support a dynamic model
      in which illness adaptation and outcomes are shaped by patient characteristics
      and five central illness-related challenges. CONCLUSION: Further testing of our
      model of illness experience may help guide comprehensive and personalized care of
      youth with SLE/MCTD, with targeted supports for youth at risk for negative
      adaptation to illness and poor outcomes.

PMID- 27125291
TI  - The potential protective role of hepatitis B virus infection in pristane-induced
      lupus in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) infection plays a role in the regulation of autoimmunity for systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHOD: A total of 21 female BALB/c mice and 21 female
      HBV transgenic BALB/c mice aged two months were randomly divided into four
      groups: BALB/c mice, HBV(Tg) mice, pristane-injected BALB/c mice, and pristane
      injected HBV(Tg) mice. BALB/c mice and HBV(Tg) mice were given an intraperitoneal
      injection of 0.5 ml normal saline, and the mice in the other two groups were
      given an intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 ml pristane. ANA and anti-dsDNA levels
      in serum were detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL
      4, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-alpha were measured by Luminex technology. The serum BAFF
      level was measured using an Elisa kit. Twenty-four weeks after pristane
      administration, kidneys were removed, dissected, and stained with hematoxylin and
      eosin and periodic-acid Schiff. RESULT: At six months after injecting, the ANA
      titers in pristane-injected HBV(Tg) mice were significantly lower than pristane
      injected BALB/c mice. IL-17, TNF-alpha, and BAFF levels were significantly higher
      in pristane-injected BALB/c mice than BALB/c mice and pristane-injected HBV(Tg)
      mice. IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 levels were much higher in pristane-injected HBV(Tg)
      mice than pristane-injected BALB/c mice. In pristane-injected HBV(Tg) mice and
      HBV(Tg) mice, fewer glomerulonephritis changes were found in the kidneys.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the incidence of SLE was much lower in
      HBV(Tg) mice, and that HBV infection helped the SLE mice survive high levels of
      inflammatory cytokines and severe renal damage. All these findings demonstrated
      the protective role of HBV in SLE patients via the immunoregulatory networks of
      the cytokines.

PMID- 27125292
TI  - Elevated plasma interleukin-37 levels in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.
AB  - This study aims to evaluate the plasma interleukin (IL)-37 levels in systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, as well as its association with major
      clinical and laboratory features. Ninety consecutively selected SLE patients and
      78 community-based healthy controls were recruited. Plasma IL-37 levels were
      detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The major clinical and
      laboratory data of SLE patients were also recorded. The results showed that IL-37
      level was significantly higher in the plasma of patients with SLE compared with
      controls (p = 0.028). The correlation of plasma IL-37 levels with major clinical
      and laboratory data of SLE patients was also analyzed, and the results showed
      that anti-Sm and anti-RNP were negatively associated with plasma IL-37 levels of
      SLE patients, while C3 was positively associated with plasma IL-37 levels of SLE
      patients. No significant associations of IL-37 with other clinical and laboratory
      parameters were observed (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, elevated plasma IL-37
      level and its associations with anti-Sm, anti-RNP and C3 in SLE patients suggest
      that IL-37 may be implicated in this disease. 

PMID- 27125293
TI  - Lupus pneumonitis as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus:
      case series from a single institution.
AB  - Objective The aim of this study was to examine the clinical features, treatment
      and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients in our centre who
      presented with lupus pneumonitis as the initial manifestation. Methods We
      performed a retrospective review of all patients who presented with lupus
      pneumonitis during the initial SLE manifestation from March 2006 to March 2015.
      Results There were a total of five patients in our study who presented with fever
      and cough as the main clinical features. All patients had pulmonary infiltrates
      on chest radiographs. High-resolution computed tomography, which was performed in
      two patients, showed ground glass opacities with patchy consolidations
      bilaterally. All patients received high-dose steroids, 80% received intravenous
      cyclophosphamide and 60% received intravenous immunoglobulin. Two patients died
      from severe lupus pneumonitis within 2 weeks of admission despite treatment with
      ventilation, steroids, cyclophosphamide and intravenous immunoglobulin.
      Conclusions Acute lupus pneumonitis is an uncommon presentation of SLE. Mortality
      in this case series is 40%.

PMID- 27125294
TI  - Plasma copeptin may not be a sensitive marker of perinatal stress in healthy full
      term growth-restricted fetuses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Intrauterine-growth-restriction-(IUGR) is associated with chronic
      fetal stress, as well as a phase of enhanced fetal/early postnatal insulin
      sensitivity, followed by a later emergence of insulin resistance. We aimed to
      prospectively investigate concentrations of copeptin, a sensitive marker of
      stress and insulin resistance, in IUGR versus appropriate-for-gestational-age
      (AGA) fetuses. METHODS: Cord blood copeptin concentrations were determined by
      ELISA in well-defined, non-distressed at birth, asymmetric IUGR (n = 30) and AGA
      (n = 20) full-term pregnancies. Doppler studies were indicative of placental
      insufficiency. RESULTS: Cord blood copeptin concentrations were similar in IUGR
      cases and AGA controls, after controlling for delivery mode. Copeptin
      concentrations were markedly elevated in vaginally delivered fetuses (p = 0.001).
      No association was recorded between fetal copeptin concentrations and maternal
      age, parity, gestational age, or fetal gender. CONCLUSIONS: Cord blood copeptin
      concentrations are probably not affected by IUGR at term, in the absence of fetal
      distress, possibly due to a balance between copeptin up-regulation by chronic
      fetal stress, on one hand, and copeptin down-regulation in the presence of
      increased insulin sensitivity, on the other hand; thus, copeptin may not be a
      sensitive marker of chronic perinatal stress in healthy asymmetric IUGR infants.
      Cord blood copeptin seems to primarily reflect perinatal stress associated with
      delivery mode.

PMID- 27125295
TI  - Mechanical parameters and flight phase characteristics in aquatic plyometric
      jumping.
AB  - Plyometric jumping is a commonly prescribed method of training focused on the
      development of reactive strength and high-velocity concentric power. Literature
      suggests that aquatic plyometric training may be a low-impact, effective
      supplement to land-based training. The purpose of the present study was to
      quantify acute, biomechanical characteristics of the take-off and flight phase
      for plyometric movements performed in the water. Kinetic force platform data from
      12 young, male adults were collected for counter-movement jumps performed on land
      and in water at two different immersion depths. The specificity of jumps between
      environmental conditions was assessed using kinetic measures, temporal
      characteristics, and an assessment of the statistical relationship between take
      off velocity and time in the air. Greater peak mechanical power was observed for
      jumps performed in the water, and was influenced by immersion depth.
      Additionally, the data suggest that, in the water, the statistical relationship
      between take-off velocity and time in air is quadratic. Results highlight the
      potential application of aquatic plyometric training as a cross-training tool for
      improving mechanical power and suggest that water immersion depth and fluid drag
      play key roles in the specificity of the take-off phase for jumping movements
      performed in the water. 

PMID- 27125296
TI  - Future Directions in the Management of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome.
AB  - Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is the major complication of
      monochorionic (MC) pregnancy. The outcomes of this condition have been
      significantly improved after the introduction and widespread uptake of fetoscopic
      laser ablation over the last decade. However, there is still a significant fetal
      loss rate and morbidity associated with this condition. Improvements in the
      management of TTTS will require improvements in many areas. They are likely to
      involve refinements in the prediction of the disease and clarification of the
      optimum frequency of surveillance and monitoring. Improvements in training for
      fetoscopic surgery as well as in the technique of fetoscopic laser ablation may
      lead to better outcomes. New technologies as well as a better understanding of
      the pathophysiology of TTTS may lead to adjuvant medical therapies that may also
      improve short- and long-term results.

PMID- 27125297
TI  - Naringin suppresses the development of glioblastoma by inhibiting FAK activity.
AB  - As the most common and lethal primary malignant brain cancer, glioblastoma is
      hard to timely diagnose and sensitive therapeutic monitoring. It is essential to
      develop new and effective drugs for glioblastoma multiform. Naringin belongs to
      citrus flavonoids and was found to display strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
      and antitumor activities. In this report, we found that naringin can specifically
      inhibit the kinase activity of FAK and suppress the FAKp-Try397and its downstream
      pathway in glioblastoma cells. Our study showed out that naringin can inhibit
      cell proliferation by inhibiting FAK/cyclin D1 pathway, promote cell apoptosis
      through influencing FAK/bads pathway, at the same time, it can also inhibit cell
      invasion and metastasis by inhibiting the FAK/mmps pathway. All these showed that
      naringin exerts the anti-tumor effects in U87 MG by inhibiting the kinase
      activity of FAK.

PMID- 27125298
TI  - Temporomandibular disorders symptoms in Asian adolescents and their association
      with sleep quality and psychological distress.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of
      temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms and their association with sleep
      quality and psychological distress in Chinese adolescents. METHODS: Five hundred
      seventy-eight adolescents were enrolled in the study and completed a self
      reported TMD symptom questionnaire and socio-demographics survey. Sleep quality
      and psychological distress were assessed. Descriptive statistics and logistic
      regression analysis were performed with TMD symptoms as the outcome variable.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of adolescents with at least one TMD symptom was 61.4%.
      One-third of subjects experienced disturbed sleep, depression, and stress; 65.2%
      experienced anxiety. Subjects with TMD symptoms had greater psychological
      distress and disturbed sleep than those who were symptom-free. Logistic
      regression analysis showed that sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction and
      anxiety were significantly related to TMD symptoms. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of
      TMD symptoms in Asian adolescents is high. Disturbed sleep and psychological
      distress are correlated with TMD; thus, a further longitudinal research of the
      causality is warranted.

PMID- 27125299
TI  - Tai Chi for Chronic Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of
      Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - Several studies reported that Tai Chi showed potential effects for chronic pain,
      but its role remains controversial. This review assessed the evidence regarding
      the effects of Tai Chi for chronic pain conditions. 18 randomized controlled
      trials were included in our review. The aggregated results have indicated that
      Tai Chi showed positive evidence on immediate relief of chronic pain from
      osteoarthritis (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.54; 95% confidence
      intervals [CI], -0.77 to -0.30; P < 0.05). The valid duration of Tai Chi practice
      for osteoarthritis may be more than 5 weeks. And there were some beneficial
      evidences regarding the effects of Tai Chi on immediate relief of chronic pain
      from low back pain (SMD, -0.81; 95% CI, -1.11 to -0.52; P < 0.05) and
      osteoporosis (SMD, -0.83; 95% CI, -1.37 to -0.28; P = 0.003). Therefore,
      clinicians may consider Tai Chi as a viable complementary and alternative
      medicine for chronic pain conditions.

PMID- 27125301
TI  - Prophylactic HPV vaccination: past, present, and future - CORRIGENDUM.

PMID- 27125300
TI  - The Growth Characteristics of Patients with Noonan Syndrome: Results of Three
      Years of Growth Hormone Treatment: A Nationwide Multicenter Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Noonan syndrome (NS) is a multisystem disorder, and short stature is
      its most striking manifestation. Optimal growth hormone (GH) treatment for NS is
      still controversial. In this study, using a nationwide registration system, we
      aimed to evaluate the growth characteristics and the clinical features of NS
      patients in Turkey and their growth response to GH treatment. METHODS: Children
      and adolescents with a diagnosis of NS were included inthe study. Laboratory
      assessment including standard GH stimulation test results were evaluated. Height
      increment of patients with or without GH treatment were analyzed after three
      years of therapy. RESULTS: A total of 124 NS patients from different centers were
      entered in the web-based system. Short stature and typical face appearance were
      the most frequently encountered diagnostic features of our patients. Of the 84
      patients who were followed long-term, 47 hadreceived recombinant human GH (rhGH).
      In this group of 47 patients, height standard deviation score (HSDS) increased
      from -3.62+/-1.14 to -2.85+/-0.96 after three years of therapy, indicating
      significant differences from the patients who did not receive GH treatment.
      PTPN11 gene was analyzed in 61 patients, and 64% of these patients were found to
      have a mutation. HSDS at admission was similar in patients with or without PTPN11
      gene mutation. CONCLUSION: A diagnosis of NS should be kept in mind in all
      patients with short stature showing systemic clinical findings. GH therapy is
      effective for improvement of short stature especially in the first two years of
      treatment. Further studies are needed for optimisation of GH therapy and
      evaluation of final height data in NS patients.

PMID- 27125302
TI  - Paracrine Factors from Irradiated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Improve Skin
      Regeneration and Angiogenesis in a Porcine Burn Model.
AB  - Burn wounds pose a serious threat to patients and often require surgical
      treatment. Skin grafting aims to achieve wound closure but requires a well
      vascularized wound bed. The secretome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs) has been shown to improve wound healing and angiogenesis. We hypothesized
      that topical application of the PBMC secretome would improve the quality of
      regenerating skin, increase angiogenesis, and reduce scar formation after burn
      injury and skin grafting in a porcine model. Full-thickness burn injuries were
      created on the back of female pigs. Necrotic areas were excised and the wounds
      were covered with split-thickness mesh skin grafts. Wounds were treated
      repeatedly with either the secretome of cultured PBMCs (Sec(PBMC)), apoptotic
      PBMCs (Apo-Sec(PBMC)), or controls. The wounds treated with Apo-Sec(PBMC) had an
      increased epidermal thickness, higher number of rete ridges, and more advanced
      epidermal differentiation than controls. The samples treated with Apo-Sec(PBMC)
      had a two-fold increase in CD31+ cells, indicating more angiogenesis. These data
      suggest that the repeated application of Apo-Sec(PBMC) significantly improves
      epidermal thickness, angiogenesis, and skin quality in a porcine model of burn
      injury and skin grafting.

PMID- 27125303
TI  - Morphological Alterations in the Thalamus, Striatum, and Pallidum in Autism
      Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with
      cognitive, motor, and emotional symptoms. The thalamus and basal ganglia form
      circuits with the cortex supporting all three of these behavioral domains.
      Abnormalities in the structure of subcortical regions may suggest atypical
      development of these networks, with implications for understanding the neural
      basis of ASD symptoms. Findings from previous volumetric studies have been
      inconsistent. Here, using advanced surface-based methodology, we investigated
      localized differences in shape and surface area in the basal ganglia and thalamus
      in ASD, using T1-weighted anatomical images from the Autism Brain Imaging Data
      Exchange (373 male participants aged 7-35 years with ASD and 384 typically
      developing). We modeled effects of diagnosis, age, and their interaction on
      volume, shape, and surface area. In participants with ASD, we found expanded
      surface area in the right posterior thalamus corresponding to the pulvinar
      nucleus, and a more concave shape in the left mediodorsal nucleus. The shape of
      both caudal putamen and pallidum showed a relatively steeper increase in
      concavity with age in ASD. Within ASD participants, restricted, repetitive
      behaviors were positively associated with surface area in bilateral globus
      pallidus. We found no differences in overall volume, suggesting that surface
      based approaches have greater sensitivity to detect localized differences in
      subcortical structure. This work adds to a growing body of literature implicating
      corticobasal ganglia-thalamic circuits in the pathophysiology of ASD. These
      circuits subserve a range of cognitive, emotional, and motor functions, and may
      have a broad role in the complex symptom profile in ASD.

PMID- 27125304
TI  - Decreased Incentive Motivation Following Knockout or Acute Blockade of the
      Serotonin Transporter: Role of the 5-HT2C Receptor.
AB  - Acute pharmacological elevation of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) activity
      decreases operant responding for primary reinforcers, suggesting that 5-HT
      reduces incentive motivation. The mechanism by which 5-HT alters incentive
      motivation is unknown, but parallel evidence that 5-HT2C receptor agonists also
      reduce responding for primary reinforcers implicates this receptor as a potential
      candidate. These experiments examined whether chronic and acute disruptions of
      serotonin transporter (SERT) activity altered incentive motivation, and whether
      the 5-HT2C receptor mediated the effects of elevated 5-HT on behavior. To assess
      incentive motivation, we measured responding for three different reinforcers: a
      primary reinforcer (saccharin), a conditioned reinforcer (CRf), and an
      unconditioned sensory reinforcer (USRf). In the chronic condition, responding was
      compared between SERT knockout (SERT-KO) mice and their wild-type littermates. In
      the acute condition, responding was examined in wild-type mice following
      treatment with 10 or 20 mg/kg citalopram, or its vehicle. The ability of the
      selective 5-HT2C antagonist SB 242084 to prevent the effects of SERT-KO and
      citalopram on responding was subsequently examined. Both SERT-KO and citalopram
      reduced responding for saccharin, a CRf, and a USRf. Treatment with SB 242084
      enhanced responding for a CRf and a USRf in SERT-KO mice and blocked the effects
      of citalopram on CRf and USRf responding. However, SB 242084 was unable to
      prevent the effects of SERT-KO or citalopram on responding for saccharin. These
      results support a powerful inhibitory function for 5-HT in the control of
      incentive motivation, and indicate that the 5-HT2C receptor mediates these
      effects of 5-HT in a reinforcer-dependent manner.

PMID- 27125305
TI  - beta-Catenin is required for T-cell leukemia initiation and MYC transcription
      downstream of Notch1.
AB  - Notch activation is instrumental in the development of most T-cell acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cases, yet Notch mutations alone are not
      sufficient to recapitulate the full human disease in animal models. We here found
      that Notch1 activation at the fetal liver (FL) stage expanded the hematopoietic
      progenitor population and conferred it transplantable leukemic-initiating
      capacity. However, leukemogenesis and leukemic-initiating cell capacity induced
      by Notch1 was critically dependent on the levels of beta-Catenin in both FL and
      adult bone marrow contexts. In addition, inhibition of beta-Catenin compromised
      survival and proliferation of human T-ALL cell lines carrying activated Notch1.
      By transcriptome analyses, we identified the MYC pathway as a crucial element
      downstream of beta-Catenin in these T-ALL cells and demonstrate that the MYC 3'
      enhancer required beta-Catenin and Notch1 recruitment to induce transcription.
      Finally, PKF115-584 treatment prevented and partially reverted leukemogenesis
      induced by active Notch1.

PMID- 27125306
TI  - Gab2 is essential for Bcr-Abl-mediated leukemic transformation and hydronephrosis
      in a chronic myeloid leukemia mouse model.

PMID- 27125307
TI  - The NOTCH1/CD39 axis: a Treg trip-switch for GvHD.

PMID- 27125308
TI  - Modeling BCR-ABL and MLL-AF9 leukemia in a human bone marrow-like scaffold-based
      xenograft model.
AB  - Although NOD-SCID IL2Rgamma-/- (NSG) xenograft mice are currently the most
      frequently used model to study human leukemia in vivo, the absence of a human
      niche severely hampers faithful recapitulation of the disease. We used NSG mice
      in which ceramic scaffolds seeded with human mesenchymal stromal cells were
      implanted to generate a human bone marrow (huBM-sc)-like niche. We observed that,
      in contrast to the murine bone marrow (mBM) niche, the expression of BCR-ABL or
      MLL-AF9 was sufficient to induce both primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and
      acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Stemness was preserved within the human niches
      as demonstrated by serial transplantation assays. Efficient engraftment of AML
      MLL-AF9 and blast-crisis chronic myeloid leukemia patient cells was also
      observed, whereby the immature blast-like phenotype was maintained in the huBM-sc
      niche but to a much lesser extent in mBM niches. We compared transcriptomes of
      leukemias derived from mBM niches versus leukemias from huBM-like scaffold-based
      niches, which revealed striking differences in the expression of genes associated
      with hypoxia, mitochondria and metabolism. Finally, we utilized the huBM-sc MLL
      AF9 B-ALL model to evaluate the efficacy of the I-BET151 inhibitor in vivo. In
      conclusion, we have established human niche models in which the myeloid and
      lymphoid features of BCR-ABL+ and MLL-AF9+ leukemias can be studied in detail.

PMID- 27125310
TI  - Editorial Comment for Mitchell et al.

PMID- 27125309
TI  - Influence of SiO2 shell thickness on power conversion efficiency in plasmonic
      polymer solar cells with Au nanorod@SiO2 core-shell structures.
AB  - Locating core-shell metal nanoparticles into a photoactive layer or at the
      interface of photoactive layer/hole extraction layer is beneficial for fully
      employing surface plasmon energy, thus enhancing power conversion efficiency
      (PCE) in plasmonic organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs). Herein, we first
      investigated the influence of silica shell thickness in Au nanorods (NRs)@SiO2
      core-shell structures on OPV performances by inserting them into poly(3,4
      ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) and thieno[3,4
      b]thiophene/benzodithiophene (PTB7) interface, and amazedly found that a 2-3 nm
      silica shell onto Au NRs induces a highest short-circuit current density of 21.2
      mA cm(-2) and PCE of 9.55%. This is primarily due to an extremely strong local
      field and a much slower attenuation of localized surface plasmon resonance around
      ultrathin silica-coated Au NRs, with which the field intensity remains a high
      value in the active layer, thus sufficiently improves the absorption of PTB7. Our
      work provides a clear design concept on precise control of the shell of metal
      nanoparticles to realize high performances in plasmonic OPVs.

PMID- 27125312
TI  - Impacts of Typhoon Soudelor (2015) on the water quality of Taipei, Taiwan.
AB  - Typhoon Soudelor was one of the strongest storms in the world in 2015. The
      category 5 hurricane made landfall in Taiwan on August 8, causing extensive
      damage and severe impacts on the environment. This paper describes the changes of
      trihalomethane (THM) concentrations in tap and drinking fountain water in
      selected typhoon-affected areas in Taipei before and after the typhoon. Samples
      were taken from water transmission mains at various distances from the local
      water treatment plant. The results showed that organic matter increased between
      pre- and post-typhoon periods with a greater proportion of aromatic compounds.
      Although drinking fountains showed moderately less total trihalomethane (TTHM)
      levels than that of tap water, the intake of high turbidity water considerably
      diminished the efficiency of their purification systems after the typhoon. The
      percentage distribution of THM species increased throughout the distribution
      network, probably due to a longer contact time between chlorine and the organic
      matter in the pipelines. After 2 to 5 min of boiling, THM reduction was
      considerable in all cases with the greater extent in post-typhoon samples. It is
      evident that extreme weather conditions may have a severe impact on water
      quality, and thus more cautious strategies should be adopted in such cases.

PMID- 27125311
TI  - The association between medically unexplained physical symptoms and health care
      use over two years and the influence of depressive and anxiety disorders and
      personality traits: a longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are highly prevalent
      and are associated with frequent health care use (HCU). MUPS frequently co-occur
      with psychiatric disorders. With this study we examined the longitudinal
      association between MUPS and HCU over 2 years and the influence of depressive and
      anxiety disorders and personality traits on this association. METHODS: We
      analysed follow-up data from 2045 to 2981 participants from the Netherlands Study
      of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA), a multisite cohort study. The study population
      included participants with a current depressive and/or anxiety disorder,
      participants with a lifetime risk and/or subthreshold symptoms for depressive
      and/or anxiety disorders and healthy controls. HCU, measured with the Trimbos and
      iMTA questionnaire on Costs associated with Psychiatric illness (TIC-P), was
      operationalized as the number of used medical services and the number of
      associated contacts. MUPS were measured with the Four Dimensional Symptoms
      Questionnaire, depressive and anxiety disorders with the Composite International
      Diagnostic Interview and personality traits with the NEO Five-Factory Inventory.
      Measurements were taken at baseline, 1 and 2 years follow-up. We used generalized
      estimating equations (GEE), using HCU at all three measurements as (multivariate)
      outcome. GEE also takes into account the dependency of observations within
      participants. RESULTS: MUPS were positively associated with HCU over 2 years
      (medical services: RR 1.020, 95 % CI 1.017-1.022; contacts: RR 1.037, 95 % CI
      1.030-1.044). Neuroticism and depression had the strongest influence on the
      associations. After adjustment for these factors, the associations between MUPS
      and HCU weakened, but remained significant (services: RR 1.011, 95 % CI 1.008
      1.014; contacts: RR 1.023, 95 % CI 1.015-1.032). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show
      that MUPS were positively associated with HCU over 2 years, even after adjusting
      for depressive and anxiety disorders and personality traits.

PMID- 27125313
TI  - High activity of the stress promoter contributes to susceptibility to stress in
      the tree shrew.
AB  - Stress is increasingly present in everyday life in our fast-paced society and
      involved in the pathogenesis of many psychiatric diseases. Corticotrophin
      releasing-hormone (CRH) plays a pivotal role in regulating the stress responses.
      The tree shrews are highly vulnerable to stress which makes them the promising
      animal models for studying stress responses. However, the mechanisms underlying
      their high stress-susceptibility remained unknown. Here we confirmed that
      cortisol was the dominate corticosteroid in tree shrew and was significantly
      increased after acute stress. Our study showed that the function of tree shrew
      CRH - hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was nearly identical to human
      that contributed little to their hyper-responsiveness to stress. Using CRH
      transcriptional regulation analysis we discovered a peculiar active
      glucocorticoid receptor response element (aGRE) site within the tree shrew CRH
      promoter, which continued to recruit co-activators including SRC-1 (steroid
      receptor co-activator-1) to promote CRH transcription under basal or
      forskolin/dexamethasone treatment conditions. Basal CRH mRNA increased when the
      aGRE was knocked into the CRH promoter in human HeLa cells using CAS9/CRISPR. The
      aGRE functioned critically to form the "Stress promoter" that contributed to the
      higher CRH expression and susceptibility to stress. These findings implicated
      novel molecular bases of the stress-related diseases in specific populations.

PMID- 27125314
TI  - A new quantitative image-based method for evaluation of bony temporal hollowing
      in metopic synostosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Premature craniosynostosis is a congenital disorder causing a skull
      deformity. For both functional and cosmetic reasons, the deformity is surgically
      treated with a cranioplasty before the age of 1 year. Temporal hollowing is a
      common and undesirable remaining deformity after cranioplasty for metopic
      synostosis. The most common method to determine the degree of temporal hollowing
      is subjective judgement of the temporal region. The aim of the present project
      was to develop a quantitative semi-automatic computer tool for objective
      measurement of bony temporal hollowing. METHODS: Using MATLAB, a tool was
      developed to segment computed tomography images, defining the outermost contour.
      The images were dorsally limited to the widest point of the head. In each case, a
      sex- and age-matched control was identified and the contours compared. The bony
      temporal hollowing of the cases was calculated. RESULTS: The intra-user
      coefficient of variation (CV) was 5.0% (95% CI = 4.2%-6.2%) and the inter-user CV
      was 3.0% (95% CI = 2.1%-8.6%). For clinical testing purposes, the tool was used
      in 14 patients, seven of whom had been operated on with a spring-assisted
      cranioplasty and seven with a cranioplasty using a bone graft. CONCLUSIONS: In
      summary, this study presents a new tool for objective measurement of the surgical
      result after cranioplasty for metopic synostosis.

PMID- 27125316
TI  - Evaluation of ablation of thyroid remnants with 1,850 MBq iodine-131 in 67
      patients with thyroid cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) is used to destroy residual normal
      thyroid tissue after total thyroidectomy in differentiated thyroid carcinoma
      (DTC) patients. As 1,850 MBq RRA is routinely performed at our facility, we
      evaluated the outcomes. METHODS: Sixty-seven DTC patients without macroscopic
      residual lesions after total thyroidectomy were evaluated. Thyroglobulin (Tg) was
      measured 2-3 months before RRA with thyrox in administration (pretreatment); just
      before ablation after a 3-week iodine intake restriction with thyroxin withdrawal
      (THW) (n = 16) or recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH)
      stimulation (n = 51); and 3 months after RRA after a 2-week iodine intake
      restriction and 3-week THW (n = 57) or rhTSH stimulation (n = 10). All patients
      received 131I (1,850 MBq) treatment followed by 131I scintigraphy about 8 days
      later (8.18+/- 0.91) and 131I scintigraphy (185 MBq) after the dosage 24 hours
      later 3months after RRA. Initial RRA goal was defined as negatively visible
      uptake in 131I thyroid bed (VUT) and a Tg level of <2 ng/mL 3 months after RRA.
      RESULTS: Rest 60 patients whose TSH levels were below 0.5 MUIU/mL of all 67
      patients were evaluated. Negatively VUT on 3 months after RRA was shown in 56 out
      of 60 patients (93.3%). Initial RRA goal was achieved in 21 (42.0%) of 50
      patients, excluding 3 patients whose Tg levels 3 months after RRA were not
      measured and 7 patients with anti-Tg antibodies. Pretreatment Tg levels (p =
      0.0003) was significant predictive factor for Initial RRA goal on multivariate
      logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: RRA with 1,850 MBq is effective by
      visual diagnosis, about 40% of all intermediate or high risk DTC patients
      achieved initial RRA goals by both visual and Tg levels diagnosis.

PMID- 27125315
TI  - Expression analysis of Baf60c during heart regeneration in axolotls and neonatal
      mice.
AB  - Some organisms, such as zebrafish, urodele amphibians, and newborn mice, have a
      capacity for heart regeneration following injury. However, adult mammals fail to
      regenerate their hearts. To know why newborn mice can regenerate their hearts, we
      focused on epigenetic factors, which are involved in cell differentiation in many
      tissues. Baf60c (BRG1/BRM-associated factor 60c), a component of ATP-dependent
      chromatin-remodeling complexes, has an essential role for cardiomyocyte
      differentiation at the early heart development. To address the function of Baf60c
      in postnatal heart homeostasis and regeneration, we examined the detailed
      expression/localization patterns of Baf60c in both mice and axolotls. In the
      mouse heart development, Baf60c was highly expressed in the entire heart at the
      early stages, but gradually downregulated at the postnatal stages. During heart
      regeneration in neonatal mice and axolotls, Baf60c expression was strongly
      upregulated after resection. Interestingly, the timing of Baf60c upregulation
      after resection was consistent with the temporal dynamics of cardiomyocyte
      proliferation. Moreover, knockdown of Baf60c downregulated proliferation of
      neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes. These data suggested that Baf60c plays an
      important role in cardiomyocyte proliferation in heart development and
      regeneration. This is the first study indicating that Baf60c contributes to the
      heart regeneration in vertebrates. 

PMID- 27125317
TI  - Purification, gene cloning, and characterization of gamma-butyrobetainyl CoA
      synthetase from Agrobacterium sp. 525a.
AB  - The report is the first of purification, overproduction, and characterization of
      a unique gamma-butyrobetainyl CoA synthetase from soil-isolated Agrobacterium sp.
      525a. The primary structure of the enzyme shares 70-95% identity with those of
      ATP-dependent microbial acyl-CoA synthetases of the Rhizobiaceae family. As
      distinctive characteristics of the enzyme of this study, ADP was released in the
      catalytic reaction process, whereas many acyl CoA synthetases are annotated as an
      AMP-forming enzyme. The apparent Km values for gamma-butyrobetaine, CoA, and ATP
      were, respectively, 0.69, 0.02, and 0.24 mM. 

PMID- 27125318
TI  - In Vivo Mesoscopic Voltage-Sensitive Dye Imaging of Brain Activation.
AB  - Functional mapping of brain activity is important in elucidating how neural
      networks operate in the living brain. The whisker sensory system of rodents is an
      excellent model to study peripherally evoked neural activity in the central
      nervous system. Each facial whisker is represented by discrete modules of neurons
      all along the pathway leading to the neocortex. These modules are called
      "barrels" in layer 4 of the primary somatosensory cortex. Their location
      (approximately 300-500 MUm below cortical surface) allows for convenient imaging
      of whisker-evoked neural activity in vivo. Fluorescence laminar optical
      tomography (FLOT) provides depth-resolved fluorescence molecular information with
      an imaging depth of a few millimeters. Angled illumination and detection
      configurations can improve both resolution and penetration depth. We applied
      angled FLOT (aFLOT) to record 3D neural activities evoked in the whisker system
      of mice by deflection of a single whisker in vivo. A 100 MUm capillary and a pair
      of microelectrodes were inserted to the mouse brain to test the capability of the
      imaging system. The results show that it is possible to obtain 3D functional maps
      of the sensory periphery in the brain. This approach can be broadly applicable to
      functional imaging of other brain structures.

PMID- 27125319
TI  - PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite for proton radiation shielding applications.
AB  - Radiation shielding in space missions is critical in order to protect astronauts,
      spacecraft and payloads from radiation damage. Low atomic-number materials are
      efficient in shielding particle-radiation, but they have relatively weak material
      properties compared to alloys that are widely used in space applications as
      structural materials. However, the issues related to weight and the secondary
      radiation generation make alloys not suitable for space radiation shielding.
      Polymers, on the other hand, can be filled with different filler materials for
      reinforcement of material properties, while at the same time provide sufficient
      radiation shielding function with lower weight and less secondary radiation
      generation. In this study, poly(methyl-methacrylate)/multi-walled carbon nanotube
      (PMMA/MWCNT) nanocomposite was fabricated. The role of MWCNTs embedded in PMMA
      matrix, in terms of radiation shielding effectiveness, was experimentally
      evaluated by comparing the proton transmission properties and secondary neutron
      generation of the PMMA/MWCNT nanocomposite with pure PMMA and aluminum. The
      results showed that the addition of MWCNTs in PMMA matrix can further reduce the
      secondary neutron generation of the pure polymer, while no obvious change was
      found in the proton transmission property. On the other hand, both the pure PMMA
      and the nanocomposite were 18%-19% lighter in weight than aluminum for stopping
      the protons with the same energy and generated up to 5% fewer secondary neutrons.
      Furthermore, the use of MWCNTs showed enhanced thermal stability over the pure
      polymer, and thus the overall reinforcement effects make MWCNT an effective
      filler material for applications in the space industry. 

PMID- 27125320
TI  - High rates of virological failure and drug resistance in perinatally HIV-1
      infected children and adolescents receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy in
      routine clinics in Togo.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has been scaled up over the last
      decade but compared to adults, children living with HIV are less likely to
      receive ART. Moreover, children and adolescents are more vulnerable than adults
      to virological failure (VF) and emergence of drug resistance. In this study we
      determined virological outcome in perinatally HIV-1-infected children and
      adolescents receiving ART in Togo. METHODS: HIV viral load (VL) testing was
      consecutively proposed to all children and adolescents who were on ART for at
      least 12 months when attending HIV healthcare services for their routine follow
      up visit (June to September 2014). Plasma HIV-1 VL was measured using the m2000
      RealTime HIV-1 assay (Abbott Molecular, Des Plaines, IL, USA). Genotypic drug
      resistance was done for all samples with VL>1000 copies/ml. RESULTS AND
      DISCUSSION: Among 283 perinatally HIV-1-infected children and adolescents
      included, 167 (59%) were adolescents and 116 (41%) were children. The median
      duration on ART was 48 months (interquartile range: 28 to 68 months). For 228
      (80.6%), the current ART combination consisted of two nucleoside reverse
      transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (zidovudine and lamivudine) and one non
      nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) (nevirapine or efavirenz).
      Only 28 (9.9%) were on a protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen. VL was below the
      detection limit (i.e. 40 copies/ml) for 102 (36%), between 40 and 1000 copies/ml
      for 35 (12.4%) and above 1000 copies/ml for 146 (51.6%). Genotypic drug
      resistance testing was successful for 125/146 (85.6%); 110/125 (88.0%) were
      resistant to both NRTIs and NNRTIs, 1/125 (0.8%) to NRTIs only, 4/125 (3.2%) to
      NNRTIs only and three harboured viruses resistant to reverse transcriptase and
      PIs. Overall, 86% (108/125) of children and adolescents experiencing VF and
      successfully genotyped, corresponding thus to at least 38% of the study
      population, had either no effective ART or had only a single effective drug in
      their current ART regimen. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided important information
      on virological outcome on lifelong ART in perinatally HIV-1-infected children and
      adolescents who were still on ART and continued to attend antiretroviral (ARV)
      clinics for follow-up visits. Actual conditions for scaling up and monitoring
      lifelong ART in children in resource-limited countries can have dramatic long
      term outcomes and illustrate that paediatric ART receives inadequate attention.

PMID- 27125321
TI  - Spatially resolved analysis of variation in barley (Hordeum vulgare) grain
      micronutrient accumulation.
AB  - Genetic biofortification requires knowledge on natural variation and the
      underlying mechanisms of micronutrient accumulation. We therefore studied
      diversity in grain micronutrient concentrations and spatial distribution in
      barley (Hordeum vulgare), a genetically tractable model cereal and an important
      crop with widespread cultivation. We assembled a diverse collection of barley
      cultivars and landraces and analysed grain micronutrient profiles in genebank
      material and after three independent cultivations. Lines with contrasting grain
      zinc (Zn) accumulation were selected for in-depth analysis of micronutrient
      distribution within the grain by micro-proton-induced X-ray emission (MU-PIXE).
      Also, we addressed association with grain cadmium (Cd) accumulation. The analysis
      of > 120 lines revealed substantial variation, especially in grain Zn
      concentrations. A large fraction of this variation is due to genetic differences.
      Grain dissection and MU-PIXE analysis of contrasting lines showed that
      differences in grain Zn accumulation apply to all parts of the grain including
      the endosperm. Cd concentrations exceeded the Codex Alimentarius threshold in
      most of the representative barley lines after cultivation in a Cd-contaminated
      agricultural soil. Two important conclusions for biofortification are: first,
      high-Zn grains contain more Zn also in the consumed parts of the grain; and
      second, higher micronutrient concentrations are strongly associated with higher
      Cd accumulation.

PMID- 27125322
TI  - Spatial Shift in the Utilization of Mental Health Services After Hurricane Sandy
      Among New York City Residents Enrolled in Medicaid.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Closure of several New York City (NYC) hospitals after Hurricane Sandy
      caused an unanticipated, extended surge in patient demand at open hospitals. This
      study identified hospitals with a significant increase in mental-health-related
      emergency department, inpatient, and outpatient visits from Medicaid patients
      displaced by Hurricane Sandy. METHODS: NYC Medicaid patients were classified into
      non-mutually-exclusive geographic categories corresponding to residence in areas
      served by Bellevue Hospital Center and Coney Island Hospital, the hurricane
      impact area, and all of NYC. For each geographic region, we compared the observed
      to the expected number of service visits in the 6 months after the storm. The
      expected number of visits was calculated from 2-year trends in mental health
      claims. RESULTS: Twenty-four facilities in all 5 NYC boroughs experienced patient
      redistribution from storm-affected areas. Eighteen facilities had a concurrent
      surge in total Medicaid patients, which suggested that redistribution had a
      greater impact on resource use at these locations. CONCLUSIONS: The
      redistribution of Medicaid patients after Hurricane Sandy increased mental health
      service utilization at facilities not near flooded areas. Our findings can aid in
      surge capacity planning and thereby improve the continuity of mental health care
      after a natural disaster. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:420
      427).

PMID- 27125323
TI  - New sonographic morphology score for the differentiation of malignant from benign
      ovarian tumors.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of a new sonographic
      morphology score (SMS) to differentiate malignant from benign ovarian tumors.
      METHODS: Data on 84 ovarian tumors in patients hospitalized in our hospital
      between 2013 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. We established a new
      sonographic morphology score for ovarian tumors based on volume and structure
      scores. The efficacy of the new SMS was compared with that of Ueland's index (the
      old SMS). Receiver-operator curves (ROC) of the two SMS were constructed, and the
      areas under the curve were calculated and compared. The ROC of the new SMS was
      also compared with those for the patients' CA-125 and CA-72-4 levels. RESULTS:
      The area under the ROC of the new SMS for ovarian tumors was 0.836, while for the
      old SMS for ovarian tumors it was 0.709. By Z-test (Z = 2.452, P = 0.0384), there
      was a significant difference between the new SMS and the old SMS in the diagnosis
      of ovarian tumors. There was no significant difference in the area under the ROC
      between the new SMS and CA-125 and CA-72-4 in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors.
      With a cut-off value of 6, the sensitivity, specificity, positive prognostic
      value, and negative prognostic value of the new SMS were 0.797, 0.85, 0.944, and
      0.567, respectively. CONCLUSION: The new SMS may be used to differentiate
      malignant ovarian carcinomas from benign tumors except in the case of ovarian
      thecoma.

PMID- 27125324
TI  - Does maternal hydronephrosis have an impact on urinary neutrophil gelatinase
      associated lipocalin (uNGAL) levels?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin
      (uNGAL) levels and creatinine clearance values in women with different degrees of
      asymptomatic hydronephrosis during pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 44 pregnant
      women with different degrees of hydronephrosis and 46 without hydronephrosis were
      consecutively enrolled in this prospective study. Basic serum and urine
      parameters, uNGAL levels, and creatinine clearance values were evaluated. All
      results were compared between the two groups. Regression analysis was used to
      determine independent predictors, which were mostly related to hydronephrosis.
      RESULTS: Demographic data, basal laboratory parameters, and creatinine clearance
      values were similar, whereas significantly higher uNGAL levels were detected in
      women with hydronephrosis compared to those without hydronephrosis (45.3 versus
      33.2 ng/mL, respectively) (p = 0.004). An increasing trend in uNGAL levels was
      detected with increasing degrees of hydronephrosis; as it was not statistically
      significant (p = 0.163). Linear regression analysis revealed that the parameter
      of "pelvic diameter" was found as a significant independent factor influencing
      uNGAL concentrations (beta = 0.289; 95% CI: 0.522-3.061; p = 0.006). Other
      independent variables were not found to influence uNGAL concentrations (p >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: The results obtained from this study indicate a significant
      increase of urinary concentration of NGAL in the presence of asymptomatic
      maternal hydronephrosis. This impact is likely to be more profound in those with
      severe hydronephrosis although this has not been specifically investigated. This
      theory needs to be validated in larger populations.

PMID- 27125325
TI  - Effects of acute stress on aggression and the cortisol response in the African
      sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus: differences between day and night.
AB  - African sharptooth catfish Clarias gariepinus were housed under continuous dim
      light (1 lx) or 12L:12D (350-0 lx) cycles. The number of skin lesions, as
      indicator of aggressive acts, and plasma cortisol levels, as indicator of stress
      axis activity, were measured at baseline as well as following a stressor (given
      in the light or dark phase). Results showed that (1) baseline plasma cortisol
      levels were not different between photoperiods, (2) the number of baseline skin
      lesions was highest for C. gariepinus housed under continuous dim light, (3)
      stressor-induced peak levels of plasma cortisol were highest in the light phase
      and (4) the number of skin lesions following a stressor was highest in the dark
      phase. The higher number of stressor-related skin lesions in the dark (active)
      phase suggests increased stressor-induced aggression while in the active phase.
      In addition, the data suggest that housing under continuous dim light does not
      result in higher stress-axis activity, as measured by baseline levels of
      cortisol, but does result in more stressor-induced aggression, as measured by the
      higher number of skin lesions. The latter may be related to the fact that the
      continuous dim light photoperiod has twice the number of dark-phase (active)
      hours in which stressor-induced aggression is stronger compared to the 12L:12D
      photoperiod, which has a light phase in which stressor-induced aggression is
      lower. 

PMID- 27125326
TI  - Fine-Needle Aspiration as a Method of Diagnosis of Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis of
      the Newborn.
AB  - A 5-day-old boy presented with cellulitis-like, fluctuant lesions since birth.
      Clinically, subcutaneous fat necrosis was suspected, but an infective lesion
      could not be excluded. By performing a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, a diagnosis
      was established within minutes. 

PMID- 27125327
TI  - Root-specific expression of opine genes and opine accumulation in some cultivars
      of the naturally occurring genetically modified organism Nicotiana tabacum.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that Nicotiana tabacum contains three Agrobacterium
      derived T-DNA sequences inherited from its paternal ancestor Nicotiana
      tomentosiformis. Among these, the TB locus carries an intact mannopine synthase
      2' gene (TB-mas2'). This gene is similar to the Agrobacterium rhizogenes A4-mas2'
      gene that encodes the synthesis of the Amadori compound deoxyfructosyl-glutamine
      (DFG or santhopine). In this study we show that TB-mas2' is expressed at very low
      levels in N. tomentosiformis and in most N. tabacum cultivars; however, some
      cultivars show high TB-mas2' expression levels. The TB-mas2' promoter sequences
      of low- and high-expressing cultivars are identical. The low/high level of
      expression segregates as a single Mendelian factor in a cross between a low- and
      a high-expression cultivar. pTB-mas2'-GUS and pA4-mas2'-GUS reporter genes were
      stably introduced in N. benthamiana. Both were mainly expressed in the root
      expansion zone and leaf vasculature. Roots of tobacco cultivars with high TB
      mas2' expression contain detectable levels of DFG.

PMID- 27125328
TI  - Post-Synthetic Decoupling of On-Surface-Synthesized Covalent Nanostructures from
      Ag(111).
AB  - The on-surface synthesis of covalent organic nanosheets driven by reactive metal
      surfaces leads to strongly adsorbed organic nanostructures, which conceals their
      intrinsic properties. Hence, reducing the electronic coupling between the organic
      networks and commonly used metal surfaces is an important step towards
      characterization of the true material. We demonstrate that post-synthetic
      exposure to iodine vapor leads to the intercalation of an iodine monolayer
      between covalent polyphenylene networks and Ag(111) surfaces. The experimentally
      observed changes from surface-bound to detached nanosheets are reproduced by DFT
      simulations. These findings suggest that the intercalation of iodine provides a
      material that shows geometric and electronic properties substantially closer to
      those of the freestanding network.

PMID- 27125329
TI  - NIPBL expression levels in CdLS probands as a predictor of mutation type and
      phenotypic severity.
AB  - Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare, genetically heterogeneous
      multisystem developmental disorder with a high degree of variability in its
      clinical presentation. Approximately 65% of probands harbor mutations in genes
      that encode core components (SMC1A, SMC3, and RAD21) or regulators (NIPBL, HDAC8)
      of the cohesin complex, of which mutations in NIPBL are the most common. Cohesin
      plays a canonical role in sister chromatid cohesion during cell division and non
      canonical roles in DNA repair, stem cell maintenance and differentiation, and
      regulation of gene expression. Disruption of the latter role seems to be the
      major contributor to the underlying molecular pathogenesis of CdLS. NIPBL is
      required for loading and unloading the cohesin complex onto chromosomes. The
      expression levels of NIPBL itself appear to be tightly regulated and highly
      evolutionarily conserved. Droplet digital PCR was used to quantify NIPBL mRNA
      expression levels with high precision from a cohort of 37 samples (NIPBL, SMC1A,
      SMC3, and HDAC8 mutation positive probands and negative control). Probands with
      severe forms of CdLS or severe mutation types were found to have lower levels of
      NIPBL in comparison to phenotypically milder patients and controls. Levels of
      NIPBL also correlated with the presence of mutations in different CdLS-causing
      genes. The data suggests that NIPBL levels are closely correlated with the
      severity of CdLS and with specific causative genes and types of mutations. ddPCR
      may provide a tool to assist in diagnostic approaches to CdLS, for genetic
      counseling and prognosis, and for monitoring potential therapeutic modalities in
      the future. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27125330
TI  - IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis: a newly characterized disease.
AB  - Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disease characterized by chronic,
      nonspecific inflammatory and sclerotic or fibrotic tissue in the periaortic or
      periiliac retroperitoneum that encases adjacent structures. There will be a
      series of clinical manifestations once the proliferated fibrous tissues encase
      the abdominal aorta, iliac arteries and urinary duct. RPF is generally divided
      into two types: idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRPF) without identified
      pathogenesis, making up about two-thirds of cases, and secondary retroperitoneal
      fibrosis. Recent studies on Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) reveal
      that abundant infiltration of IgG4 positive plasma cells is found in biopsies on
      the mass of RPF of some IRPF patients, which is identified as one spectrum of
      IgG4-RD and is named IgG4-related RPF. IgG4-related RPF is often misdiagnosed as
      retroperitoneal visceral malignancy and is treated with surgery. In addition,
      because of its good response to glucocorticoid, early detection and treatment is
      important. We review the definition, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic
      criteria, treatment and prognosis of IgG4-related RPF in this article to raise
      awareness of this newly characterized disease.

PMID- 27125331
TI  - Effects of intravenous terbutaline on heart rate, arterial pressure and blood
      gases in anesthetized horses breathing air.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of intravenous (IV) administration of
      terbutaline on PaO2, PaCO2, pH, heart rate (HR) and arterial pressures in
      healthy, laterally recumbent horses breathing ambient air under total intravenous
      anesthesia (TIVA). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental study. ANIMALS: Eight
      healthy adult horses were enrolled. Six horses, four mares and two geldings
      weighing 433-624 kg, completed the study. METHODS: Horses were sedated with
      xylazine (1.0 mg kg-1) IV for placement of arterial and venous catheters.
      Anesthesia was induced with midazolam (0.1 mg kg-1) and ketamine (2.2 mg kg-1) IV
      and maintained with an IV infusion of guaifenesin (50 mg mL-1), ketamine (2 mg mL
      1) and xylazine (0.5 mg mL-1) at 1.9 +/- 0.3 mL kg-1 hour-1. Horses were in left
      lateral recumbency and breathed air spontaneously. Arterial blood was collected
      for pH and blood gas analysis during xylazine sedation, 15 minutes after
      induction of anesthesia, immediately before and 5, 15 and 30 minutes after
      administration of terbutaline (2 MUg kg-1), and when the horse was standing after
      recovery from anesthesia. HR, systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP)
      arterial pressures were recorded at 5 minute intervals during anesthesia. Normal
      data were analyzed with anova and non-normal data were analyzed with a Friedman
      test with a p < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: The mean PaO2 decreased
      from baseline to <60 mmHg (8.0 kPa) during anesthesia (p < 0.0001) and did not
      improve after administration of terbutaline. After terbutaline administration, HR
      increased (p = 0.002), and SAP, MAP and DAP decreased (p < 0.001) with the
      greatest changes occurring immediately after terbutaline administration.
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Terbutaline (2 MUg kg-1) IV did not improve
      PaO2 and was associated with adverse cardiovascular effects during TIVA in
      healthy, laterally recumbent horses breathing air.

PMID- 27125332
TI  - Epidemiology of globus symptoms and associated psychological factors in China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the lifetime prevalence, epidemiological
      characteristics and psychological factors of globus symptoms in Guangzhou
      (Guangzhou Province, China). METHODS: A total of 3 360 individuals were randomly
      selected and participated in the study. Respondents completed questionnaires
      about their physical and psychological characteristics, globus symptomatology and
      the Glasgow-Edinburgh throat scale questionnaires and quality of sleep and life.
      Those who had experienced a globus sensation with no history of gastroesophageal
      reflux disease, dysphagia, odynophagia or alerting symptoms such as weight loss
      and hoarseness were diagnosed as having globus. RESULTS: A total of 3 006
      respondents completed the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 89.5%. The
      overall lifetime prevalence of globus was 21.5%, with a peak age at disease onset
      of 35-54 years. The prevalence of globus was higher in participants from the
      urban region than those from the rural areas (26.5% vs 16.4%, P = 0.001). No sex
      related difference was observed (P = 0.082). Anxiety (39.8% vs 22.3%, P = 0.001),
      depression (31.2% vs 18.0%, P = 0.001) and sleep disorders (23.7% vs 13.6%, P =
      0.001) were significantly more common in respondents with globus than in those
      without. Scores on all dimensions of the 36-item short-form health survey, except
      physical function, were lower in respondents with globus than in those without
      (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Globus symptoms are common and often accompanied by
      psychological and sleep disorders. The medical community should pay more
      attention to globus in clinical setting.

PMID- 27125333
TI  - Clinical outcomes of HIV-exposed, HIV-uninfected children in sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: HIV-exposed but HIV-uninfected (HEU) children are widely considered at
      increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Recent advances in prevention of
      mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) strategies, incorporating life-long
      universal maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART, "Option B+") with extended
      breastfeeding, may improve HEU child health substantially. We critically reviewed
      reports of mortality/morbidity among HEU and HIV-unexposed (HU) children in sub
      Saharan Africa. METHODS: We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Academic
      Search Premier, Global Health & Psychosocial Instruments databases, conference
      abstracts, and reference lists for longitudinal studies from sub-Saharan Africa
      reporting mortality and clinical morbidity among HIV-uninfected children aged
      <=10 years, by maternal HIV status. Studies were appraised by Newcastle-Ottawa
      Scale and ACROBAT-NRSI. Due to substantial heterogeneity of study designs,
      populations and results (I(2) = 75%), data were not synthesised. RESULTS: We
      included 37 reports (28 studies, 11 164 HEU children); methodological and
      reporting quality were variable. Most reports came from settings without
      universal access to maternal ART (n = 35). Results were conflicting, with some
      studies indicating increased risk of mortality, hospitalisation and/or under
      nutrition among HEU children, while others found no evidence of increased risk.
      In subanalyses, improved maternal health, ART use and breastfeeding were strongly
      protective for all outcomes. Only 39% (11/28) of studies adjusted for major
      confounders. Reports from settings using universal maternal ART with
      breastfeeding (n = 2) found no differences in growth or development but did not
      report mortality or infectious morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: The existing literature
      provides little insight into HEU child health under recently adopted PMTCT
      strategies. There is a need for robust comparative data on HEU and HIV-unexposed
      child health outcomes under Option B+; optimising breastfeeding practices and
      increasing maternal use of ART should be urgent public health priorities.

PMID- 27125334
TI  - Preschoolers affect others' reputations through prosocial gossip.
AB  - Providing evaluative information to others about absent third parties helps them
      to identify cooperators and avoid cheaters. Here, we show that 5-year-olds, but
      not 3-year-olds, reliably engage in such prosocial gossip. In an experimental
      setting, 5-year-old children spontaneously offered relevant reputational
      information to guide a peer towards a cooperative partner. Three-year-old
      children offered such evaluative information only rarely, although they still
      showed a willingness to inform in a non-evaluative manner. A follow-up study
      revealed that one component involved in this age difference is children's
      developing ability to provide justifications. The current results extend previous
      work on young children's tendency to manage their own reputation by showing that
      preschoolers also influence others' reputations via gossip.

PMID- 27125335
TI  - Validation of R-MIPI and prognostic value of immunoglobulin light chain
      restriction in mantle cell lymphoma.

PMID- 27125336
TI  - 3D Bioprinting Using a Templated Porous Bioink.
AB  - 3D tissue printing with adult stem cells is reported. A novel cell-containing
      multicomponent bioink is used in a two-step 3D printing process to engineer bone
      and cartilage architectures.

PMID- 27125337
TI  - The association between trajectories of endocrine therapy adherence and mortality
      among women with breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Studies examining adherence to endocrine therapy (ET) and breast cancer
      related outcomes have traditionally used the proportion of days covered (PDC) by
      medication to define adherence which may mask true treatment-outcome associations
      for patients with different medication use behaviors. We use group-based
      trajectory models to examine the association between ET adherence patterns and
      mortality compared to a standard PDC adherence measure. METHODS: Using
      Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data we included 9492 women
      with breast cancer who initiated ET between 2007 and 2010. We excluded women who
      died/recurred in the 12 months after ET initiation. We used monthly group-based
      trajectory models to characterize longitudinal adherence patterns and adjusted
      Cox proportional hazard models to estimate the association between ET adherence
      and mortality, comparing trajectory-based adherence to traditional PDC-based
      measures. RESULTS: Trajectory models identified five adherence groups: (i) high
      (56.2%); (ii) quick decline (9.5%); (iii) moderate decline (7.9%); (iv) quick
      decline, then increase (16.0%); and (v) slow decline (10.5%). Mortality was
      significantly associated with group assignment; compared to the high adherers,
      there was a significantly higher risk of death among quick declines (HR = 1.41,
      95%CI = 1.09-1.72) and moderate declines (HR = 1.25, 95%CI = 1.00-1.55). Using
      the standard PDC adherence measure women with adherence <80% over the year had a
      higher risk of death than those with adherence >=80% (HR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.06
      1.38). CONCLUSIONS: Defining ET adherence using trajectory models improved
      adherence measurement. These models could inform clinical practice by helping to
      identify common adherence patterns, potential areas for intervention and better
      isolate adherence-related outcomes in comparative effectiveness studies.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27125338
TI  - Hydroxytyrosol and its complex forms (secoiridoids) modulate aorta and heart
      proteome in healthy rats: Potential cardio-protective effects.
AB  - SCOPE: Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is the major phenolic compound in virgin olive oil
      (VOO) in both free and complex forms (secoiridoids; SEC). Proteomics of
      cardiovascular tissues such as aorta or heart represents a promising tool to
      uncover the mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds in healthy animals.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve female Wistar rats were separated into three groups:
      a standard diet and two diets supplemented in phenolic compounds (HT and SEC)
      adjusted to 5 mg/kg/day during 21 days. Proteomic analyses of aorta and heart
      tissues were performed by nano-LC and MS. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used to
      generate interaction networks. HT or SEC modulated aorta and heart proteome
      compared to the standard diet. The top-scored networks were related to
      Cardiovascular System. HT and SEC downregulated proteins related to proliferation
      and migration of endothelial cells and occlusion of blood vessels in aorta and
      proteins related to heart failure in heart tissue. SEC showed higher fold change
      values compared to HT, attributed to higher concentration of HT detected in heart
      tissue. CONCLUSION: Changes at proteomic level in cardiovascular tissues may
      partially account for the underlying mechanisms of VOO phenols cardiovascular
      protection being the SEC effects higher than free HT.

PMID- 27125340
TI  - Growth Mechanism of Strain-Dependent Morphological Change in PEDOT:PSS Films.
AB  - Understanding the mechanism of the strain-dependent conductivity change in
      polymers in stretched conditions is important. We observed a strain-induced
      growth of the conductive regions of PEDOT: PSS films, induced by a coalescence of
      conductive PEDOT-rich cores. This growth due to coalescence leads to a gradual
      decrease in the electrical resistivity up to 95%, independent of the thickness of
      the PEDOT: PSS films. The primary mechanism for the evolution of the PEDOT-rich
      cores proceeds by the cores growing larger as they consuming relatively smaller
      cores. This process is caused by a strain-induced local rearrangement of PEDOT
      segments in the vicinity of PSS shells around the cores and also changes the
      chemical environment in PEDOT, induced by the electron-withdrawing effects around
      the PEDOT chains. The strain-induced growth mechanism is beneficial to
      understanding the phenomenon of polymeric chain rearrangement in mechanical
      deformation and to modulating the electrical conductivity for practical
      applications.

PMID- 27125341
TI  - Spontaneous Aerosol Ejection: Origin of Inorganic Particles in Biomass Pyrolysis.
AB  - At high thermal flux and temperatures of approximately 500  degrees C,
      lignocellulosic biomass transforms to a reactive liquid intermediate before
      evaporating to condensable bio-oil for downstream upgrading to renewable fuels
      and chemicals. However, the existence of a fraction of nonvolatile compounds in
      condensed bio-oil diminishes the product quality and, in the case of inorganic
      materials, catalyzes undesirable aging reactions within bio-oil. In this study,
      ablative pyrolysis of crystalline cellulose was evaluated, with and without doped
      calcium, for the generation of inorganic-transporting aerosols by reactive
      boiling ejection from liquid intermediate cellulose. Aerosols were characterized
      by laser diffraction light scattering, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy,
      and high-speed photography. Pyrolysis product fractionation revealed that
      approximately 3 % of the initial feed (both organic and inorganic) was
      transported to the gas phase as aerosols. Large bubble-to-aerosol size ratios and
      visualization of significant late-time ejections in the pyrolyzing cellulose
      suggest the formation of film bubbles in addition to the previously discovered
      jet formation mechanism.

PMID- 27125342
TI  - Protecting and accelerating adiabatic passage with time-delayed pulse sequences.
AB  - Using numerical simulations of two-photon electronic absorption with femtosecond
      pulses in Na2 we show that: (i) it is possible to avoid the characteristic
      saturation or dumped Rabi oscillations in the yield of absorption by time
      delaying the laser pulses; (ii) it is possible to accelerate the onset of
      adiabatic passage by using the vibrational coherence starting in a wave packet;
      and (iii) it is possible to prepare the initial wave packet in order to achieve
      full state-selective transitions with broadband pulses. The findings can be used,
      for instance, to achieve ultrafast adiabatic passage by light-induced potentials
      and understand its intrinsic robustness.

PMID- 27125339
TI  - Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Inhibin-A, but not Inhibin-B or Insulin-Like Peptide
      3, may be Used as Surrogates in the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in
      Adolescents: Preliminary Results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine problem in
      adolescents with an increasing prevalence of 30%. Pursuing new biomarkers with
      high specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents is
      currently an active area of research. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic
      value of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), insulin-like peptide-3 (INSL3), inhibin-A
      (INH-A), and inhibin-B (INH-B) in adolescents with PCOS and also to determine the
      association, if any, between these hormones and clinical/laboratory findings
      related with hyperandrogenism. METHODS: The study group comprised 53 adolescent
      girls aged between 14.5 and 20 years who were admitted to our outpatient clinic
      with symptoms of hirsutism and/or irregular menses and diagnosed as having PCOS
      in accordance with the Rotterdam criteria. Twenty-six healthy peers, eumenorrheic
      for at least two years and body mass index-matched, constituted the controls.
      Fasting blood samples for hormones [luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle
      stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS),
      androstenedione (D4-A), total/free testosterone (T/fT), sex hormone binding
      globulin (SHBG), AMH, INSL3, INH-A, INH-B] were drawn after an overnight fast.
      RESULTS: In the PCOS group, 83% of the subjects were oligomenorrheic/amenorrheic
      and 87% had hirsutism. The LH, LH/FSH ratio, total T, fT, free androgen-index
      (FAI), DHEAS levels were significantly higher (p=0.005, p=0.042, p=0.047,
      p<0.001, p=0.007, p=0.014, respectively) and SHBG was significantly lower
      (p=0.004) in PCOS patients as compared to the controls. Although the INSL-3 and
      INH-B levels showed no difference between the groups (p>0.05), AMH and INH-A
      levels were found to be significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to the
      controls (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). In multiple linear regression
      analysis, WC SDS (p=0.028), logD4-A (p=0.033), logSHBG (p=0.031), and total
      ovarian volume (p=0.045) had significant effects on AMH levels, and LH (p=0.003)
      on INH-A levels. In receiver-operating characteristic analysis, the cut-off
      values for AMH and INH-A were 6.1 ng/mL (sensitivity 81.1%) and 12.8 pg/mL
      (sensitivity 86.8%), respectively, to diagnose PCOS. When AMH and INH-A were used
      in combination, the sensitivity (96.2%) increased. CONCLUSION: INSL3 and INH-B
      were not found to have diagnostic value in adolescents with PCOS. On the other
      hand, it was shown that INH-A could be used as a new diagnostic biomarker in
      addition to AMH.

PMID- 27125344
TI  - Active Ageing to Gerotranscendence.

PMID- 27125343
TI  - Short-term MyD88 inhibition ameliorates cardiac graft rejection and promotes
      donor-specific hyporesponsiveness of skin grafts in mice.
AB  - Recognition of evolutionarily conserved ligands by Toll-like receptors (TLRs)
      triggers signaling cascades in innate immune cells to amplify adaptive immune
      responses. Nearly all TLRs require MyD88 to transduce downstream signaling. MyD88
      deficiency has been shown to promote the allograft acceptance in mice. However,
      direct evidence for therapeutic potential of MyD88 inhibitors remains lacking.
      Herein, we used a MyD88 inhibitor, namely ST2825, to explore its therapeutic
      potential and mechanisms in fully allogeneic skin and heart transplant models.
      Phenotypic maturation of dendritic cells stimulated by TLR ligands was alleviated
      by ST2825 in parallel with reduced T-cell proliferation in vitro. A short-course
      treatment with ST2825 significantly prolonged cardiac graft survival (mean
      survival time = 18.5 +/- 0.92 days vs. 7.25 +/- 0.46 days). ST2825-treated group
      had significantly reduced proinflammatory cytokines in allografts compared with
      control group. ST2825 combined with anti-CD154 induced long-term skin allograft
      acceptance in about one-third of recipients (>100 days). 'Skin-tolerant'
      recipients showed attenuated donor-specific IFN-gamma responses, intact IL-4
      responses, and compromised alloantibody responses. We conclude that MyD88
      inhibitor ST2825 attenuates acute cardiac rejection and promotes donor-specific
      hyporesponsiveness in stringent skin transplant models. The direct evidence
      suggests that pharmacological inhibition of MyD88 hold promising potential for
      transplant rejection. 

PMID- 27125345
TI  - Efficacy, Immunogenicity and Safety of a Human Rotavirus Vaccine RIX4414 in
      Singaporean Infants.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This was the first study conducted to evaluate the efficacy of 2
      oral doses of the human rotavirus vaccine, RIX4414 in Singaporean infants during
      the first 3 years of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy infants, 11 to 17 weeks
      of age were enrolled in this randomised (1:1), double-blinded, placebo-controlled
      study to receive 2 oral doses of RIX4414 vaccine/placebo following a 0-, 1-month
      schedule. Vaccine efficacy against severe rotavirus (RV) gastroenteritis
      (Vesikari score >=11) caused by wild-type RV strains from a period starting from
      2 weeks post-Dose 2 until 2 and 3 years of age was calculated with 95% confidence
      interval (CI). Immunogenicity and safety of the vaccine were also assessed.
      RESULTS: Of 6542 infants enrolled, 6466 were included in the efficacy analysis
      and a subset of 100 infants was included in the immunogenicity analysis. Fewer
      severe RV gastroenteritis episodes were reported in the RIX4414 group when
      compared to placebo at both 2 and 3 year follow-up periods. Vaccine efficacy
      against severe RV gastroenteritis at the respective time points were 93.8% (95%
      CI, 59.9 to 99.9) and 95.2% (95% CI, 70.5 to 99.9). One to 2 months post-Dose 2
      of RIX4414, 97.5% (95% CI, 86.8 to 99.9) of infants seroconverted for anti-RV IgA
      antibodies. The number of serious adverse events recorded from Dose 1 until 3
      years of age was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Two oral doses of RIX4414
      vaccine was immunogenic and provided high level of protection against severe RV
      gastroenteritis in Singaporean children, during the first 3 years of life when
      the disease burden is highest.

PMID- 27125346
TI  - Survival Prognostication in Patients with Skeletal Metastases from Nasopharyngeal
      Carcinoma: An Evaluation of the Scandinavian Sarcoma Group, Katagiri and Bauer
      Scoring Systems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nasopharnygeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterised by early metastases
      with the skeleton being the most common site of metastases. The ability to
      prognosticate survival is crucial in the decision whether or not to offer surgery
      to these patients and the choice of surgery offered. We aimed to evaluate the
      scoring systems namely: Bauer, Katagiri and Scandinavian Sarcoma Group (SSG) in
      NPC patients with skeletal metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 92
      patients with skeletal metastases from NPC were studied. We retrospectively
      analysed the actual survival of these patients and compared with predicted
      survival according to the 3 scoring systems. The predicted survival according to
      each system was calculated and labelled as A scores. These were then re-scored by
      assigning NPC as a better prognostic tumour and labelled as B scores. The
      predicted survival of scores A and B were compared to actual survival. Univariate
      and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed. The predictive values of
      each scoring were calculated. RESULTS: The median overall survival for the whole
      cohort was 13 months (range: 1 to 120 months). In multivariate analysis, general
      condition and visceral metastases showed significant effect on survival. There
      were statistically significant differences (P <0.001) between the subgroups of
      the SSG B as well as Katagiri B scoring systems where NPC was classified as a
      better prognostic tumour. SSG B provided the highest predictive value (0.67) as
      compared to the other 2 scoring systems. CONCLUSION: The SSG and Katagiri score
      could be used to prognosticate NPC with a statistically significant association
      with actual survival.

PMID- 27125347
TI  - Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Biliary Atresia Living with
      Native Livers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to quantify and investigate factors affecting the
      health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with biliary atresia (BA)
      living with their native livers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study
      on the HRQoL using the PedsQL4.0 generic core scales in children with BA aged
      between 2 to 18 years followed up at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)
      in Malaysia was conducted. Two groups, consisting of healthy children and
      children with chronic liver disease (CLD) caused by other aetiologies, were
      recruited as controls. RESULTS: Children with BA living with their native livers
      (n = 36; median (range) age: 7.4 (2 to 18) years; overall HRQoL score: 85.6) have
      a comparable HRQoL score with healthy children (n = 81; median age: 7.0 years;
      overall HQRoL score: 87.4; P = 0.504) as well as children with CLD (n = 44;
      median age: 4.3 years; overall score: 87.1; P = 0.563). The HRQoL of children
      with BA was not adversely affected by having 1 or more hospitalisations in the
      preceding 12 months, the presence of portal hypertension, older age at corrective
      surgery (>60 days), a lower level of serum albumin (<=34 g/L) or a higher blood
      international normalised ratio (INR) (>=1.2). Children who had liver
      transplantation for BA did not have a significantly better HRQoL as compared to
      those who had survived with their native livers (85.4 vs 85.7, P = 0.960).
      CONCLUSION: HRQoL in children with BA living with their native livers is
      comparable to healthy children.

PMID- 27125348
TI  - Generalised Anhidrosis Secondary to Intracranial Haemorrhage.

PMID- 27125349
TI  - Detection of Residual Lentigo Maligna Using the In Vivo Reflectance Confocal
      Microscopy.

PMID- 27125350
TI  - Progress in Singapore Family Medicine: Reflections over the Decades from 1931.

PMID- 27125353
TI  - Chemotherapy: Clocking up resistance.

PMID- 27125351
TI  - Sequence diversity of NanA manifests in distinct enzyme kinetics and inhibitor
      susceptibility.
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading pathogen causing bacterial pneumonia and
      meningitis. Its surface-associated virulence factor neuraminidase A (NanA)
      promotes the bacterial colonization by removing the terminal sialyl residues from
      glycoconjugates on eukaryotic cell surface. The predominant role of NanA in the
      pathogenesis of pneumococci renders it an attractive target for therapeutic
      intervention. Despite the highly conserved activity of NanA, our alignment of the
      11 NanAs revealed the evolutionary diversity of this enzyme. The amino acid
      substitutions we identified, particularly those in the lectin domain and in the
      insertion domain next to the catalytic centre triggered our special interest. We
      synthesised the representative NanAs and the mutagenized derivatives from E. coli
      for enzyme kinetics study and neuraminidase inhibitor susceptibility test. Via
      molecular docking we got a deeper insight into the differences between the two
      major variants of NanA and their influence on the ligand-target interactions. In
      addition, our molecular dynamics simulations revealed a prominent intrinsic
      flexibility of the linker between the active site and the insertion domain, which
      influences the inhibitor binding. Our findings for the first time associated the
      primary sequence diversity of NanA with the biochemical properties of the enzyme
      and with the inhibitory efficiency of neuraminidase inhibitors.

PMID- 27125354
TI  - Elevated expression of chemokine C-C ligand 2 in stroma is associated with
      recurrent basal-like breast cancers.
AB  - Despite advances in treatment, up to 30% of breast cancer patients experience
      disease recurrence accompanied by more aggressive disease and poorer prognosis.
      Treatment of breast cancer is complicated by the presence of multiple breast
      cancer subtypes, including: luminal, Her2 overexpressing, and aggressive basal
      like breast cancers. Identifying new biomarkers specific to breast cancer
      subtypes could enhance the prediction of patient prognosis and contribute to
      improved treatment strategies. The microenvironment influences breast cancer
      progression through expression of growth factors, angiogenic factors and other
      soluble proteins. In particular, chemokine C-C ligand 2 (CCL2) regulates
      macrophage recruitment to primary tumors and signals to cancer cells to promote
      breast tumor progression. Here we employed a software-based approach to evaluate
      the prognostic significance of CCL2 protein expression in breast cancer subtypes
      in relation to its expression in the epithelium or stroma or in relation to
      fibroblast-specific protein 1 (Fsp1), a mesenchymal marker. Immunohistochemistry
      analysis of tissue microarrays revealed that CCL2 significantly correlated with
      Fsp1 expression in the stroma and tumor epithelium of invasive ductal carcinoma.
      In the overall cohort of invasive ductal carcinomas (n=427), CCL2 and Fsp1
      expression in whole tissues, stroma and epithelium were inversely associated with
      cancer stage and tumor size. When factoring in molecular subtype, stromal CCL2
      was observed to be most highly expressed in basal-like breast cancers. By Cox
      regression modeling, stromal CCL2, but not epithelial CCL2, expression was
      significantly associated with decreased recurrence-free survival. Furthermore,
      stromal CCL2 (HR=7.51 P=0.007) was associated with a greater hazard than cancer
      stage (HR=2.45, P=0.048) in multivariate analysis. These studies indicate that
      stromal CCL2 is associated with decreased recurrence-free survival in patients
      with basal-like breast cancer, with important implications on the use of stromal
      markers for predicting patient prognosis.

PMID- 27125352
TI  - From melanocytes to melanomas.
AB  - Melanomas on sun-exposed skin are heterogeneous tumours, which can be subtyped on
      the basis of their cumulative levels of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A
      melanocytic neoplasm can also be staged by how far it has progressed, ranging
      from a benign neoplasm, such as a naevus, to a malignant neoplasm, such as a
      metastatic melanoma. Each subtype of melanoma can evolve through distinct
      evolutionary trajectories, passing through (or sometimes skipping over) various
      stages of transformation. This Review delineates several of the more common
      progression trajectories that occur in the patient setting and proposes models
      for tumour evolution that integrate genetic, histopathological, clinical and
      biological insights from the melanoma literature.

PMID- 27125355
TI  - A systematic comparison of three commercial estrogen receptor assays in a single
      clinical outcome breast cancer cohort.
AB  - Breast cancers are routinely assessed for estrogen receptor status using
      immunohistochemical assays to assist in patient prognosis and clinical
      management. Specific assays vary between laboratories, and several antibodies
      have been validated and recommended for clinical use. As numerous factors can
      influence assay performance, many laboratories have opted for ready-to-use assays
      using automated stainers to improve reproducibility and consistency. Three
      commonly used autostainer vendors-Dako, Leica, and Ventana-all offer such
      estrogen receptor assays; however, they have never been directly compared. Here,
      we present a systematic comparison of three platform-specific estrogen receptor
      ready-to-use assays using a retrospective, tamoxifen-treated, breast cancer
      cohort from patients who were treated in Calgary, Alberta, Canada from 1985 to
      2000. We found all assays showed good intra-observer agreement. Inter-observer
      pathological scoring showed some variability: Ventana had the strongest agreement
      followed closely by Dako, whereas Leica only showed substantial agreement. We
      also analyzed each estrogen receptor assay with respect to 5-year disease-free
      survival, and found that all performed similarly in univariate and multivariate
      models. Determination of measures of test performance found that the Leica assay
      had a lower negative predictive value than Dako or Ventana, compared with the
      original ligand-binding assay, while other measures-sensitivity, specificity,
      positive predictive value, and accuracy-were comparable between the three ready
      to-use assays. When comparing against disease-free survival, the difference in
      negative predictive value between the vendor assays were not as extreme, but Dako
      and Ventana still performed slightly better than Leica. Despite some discordance,
      we found that all ready-to-use assays were comparable with or superior to the
      ligand-binding assay, endorsing their continued use. Our analysis also allowed
      for exploration of estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-positive
      cases, and we discovered that this phenotype was not consistent across the
      assays, suggesting this might be an artifact.

PMID- 27125356
TI  - Definition of MYC genetic heteroclonality in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with
      8q24 rearrangement and its impact on protein expression.
AB  - MYC rearrangement can be detected in a subgroup of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
      characterized by unfavorable prognosis. In contrast to Burkitt lymphoma, the
      correlation between MYC rearrangement and MYC protein expression in diffuse large
      B-cell lymphoma is less clear, as approximately one-third of rearranged cases
      show negative or low expression by immunohistochemistry. To better understand
      whether specific characteristics of the MYC rearrangement may influence its
      protein expression, we investigated 43 de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
      positive for 8q24 rearrangement by FISH, using 14 Burkitt lymphoma for
      comparison. Different cell populations (clones), breakpoints (classical vs non
      classical FISH patterns), partner genes (IGH vs non-IGH) and immunostaining were
      detected and analyzed using computerized image systems. In a subgroup of diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma, we observed different clones within the same tumor
      distinguishing the founder clone with MYC rearrangement alone from other
      subclones, carrying MYC rearrangement coupled with loss/extra copies of
      derivatives/normal alleles. This picture, which we defined MYC genetic
      heteroclonality, was found in 42% of cases and correlated to negative MYC
      expression (P=0.026). Non-classical FISH breakpoints were detected in 16% of
      diffuse large B-cell lymphoma without affecting expression (P=0.040). Non-IGH
      gene was the preferential partner of rearrangement in those diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma showing MYC heteroclonality (P=0.016) and/or non-classical FISH
      breakpoints (P=0.058). MYC heteroclonality was not observed in Burkitt lymphoma
      and all cases had positive MYC expression. Non-classical FISH MYC breakpoint and
      non-IGH partner were found in 29 and 20% of Burkitt lymphoma, respectively. In
      conclusion, MYC genetic heteroclonality is a frequent event in diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma and may have a relevant role in modulating MYC expression.

PMID- 27125357
TI  - USP6 genetic rearrangements in cellular fibroma of tendon sheath.
AB  - Fibroma of tendon sheath is a benign (myo)fibroblastic neoplasm of the
      tenosynovial soft tissues, typically affecting the distal extremities. It is
      classically described as a paucicellular, densely collagenized tumor; however,
      cellular variants have been described. A subset of cellular fibromas of tendon
      sheath shares similar histological features with nodular fasciitis. As nodular
      fasciitis very frequently harbors rearrangement of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 6
      (USP6), we hypothesized that cellular fibromas of tendon sheath with nodular
      fasciitis-like features may also contain USP6 rearrangements. Cases of fibroma of
      tendon sheath (n=19), including cellular (n=9) and classic (n=10) variants, were
      evaluated for USP6 rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization studies. A
      subset of cases was tested for MYH9 rearrangements and MYH9-USP6 and CDH11-USP6
      fusion products. Classic fibroma of tendon sheath occurred in 5 males and 5
      females (median age 67 years, range 23-77 years) as soft tissue masses of the
      hand (n=4), finger (n=3), forearm (n=1) and foot (n=2). Cellular fibroma of
      tendon sheath occurred in 5 males and 4 females in a younger age group (median
      age 32 years, range 12-46 years) as small soft tissue masses of the finger (n=5),
      hand (n=3) and wrist (n=1). USP6 rearrangements were detected in 6/9 cellular
      fibromas of tendon sheath. Among cellular fibromas of tendon sheath with USP6
      rearrangements, no MYH9 rearrangements were detected. By RT-PCR, neither the MYH9
      USP6 or the CDH11-USP6 fusion products were detected in any case. Neither USP6
      nor MYH9 rearrangement were detected in any classic fibroma of tendon sheath. We
      report for the first time the presence of USP6 rearrangements in a subset of
      cellular fibroma of tendon sheath. Based on the similar morphological and
      molecular genetic features, we suspect that a subset of cellular fibromas of
      tendon sheath are under-recognized examples of tenosynovial nodular fasciitis,
      driven by alternate USP6 fusion genes. Further investigation will delineate how
      these lesions should best be classified.

PMID- 27125359
TI  - Trigonal prismatic metal complexes: a not so rare coordination geometry?
AB  - The solid state structures of two metal complexes of a hexaamine macrobicyclic
      ligand, in which the metal ion has an exact trigonal prismatic geometry, have
      been determined. Theoretical calculations showed this is the most stable geometry
      for d(0), d(10) and high spin d(5) metal complexes of the ligand with M-N bond
      distances >~2.35 A. 

PMID- 27125360
TI  - Carbon nanotube-supported Au-Pd alloy with cooperative effect of metal
      nanoparticles and organic ketone/quinone groups as a highly efficient catalyst
      for aerobic oxidation of amines.
AB  - Functionalised carbon nanotube (CNT)-supported Au-Pd alloy nanoparticles were
      highly efficient catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of amines. We achieved the
      highest turnover frequencies (>1000 h(-1)) for the oxidative homocoupling of
      benzylamine and the oxidative dehydrogenation of dibenzylamine. We discovered a
      cooperative effect between Au-Pd nanoparticles and ketone/quinone groups on CNTs.

PMID- 27125358
TI  - Comparison of metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms to the breast and primary
      invasive mammary carcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation.
AB  - Metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms to the breast may show considerable
      morphologic overlap with primary mammary carcinomas, particularly those showing
      evidence of neuroendocrine differentiation, and may be misdiagnosed as such.
      Accurate distinction between these two entities is crucial for determination of
      appropriate clinical management. The histologic and immunohistochemical features
      of metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasms to the breast were studied and compared
      with the features of primary invasive mammary carcinomas with neuroendocrine
      differentiation, which served as controls. Of the metastatic neuroendocrine
      neoplasms, 15 were well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors with carcinoid tumor
      type morphology and 7 were poorly differentiated/high-grade neuroendocrine
      carcinomas with small-cell or large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma morphology. The
      majority of the metastatic neoplasms originated in the lung and gastrointestinal
      tract. There were histologic similarities between metastatic neuroendocrine
      neoplasms and invasive mammary carcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation,
      both of which exhibited neuroendocrine histologic features (nested and trabecular
      architecture, minimal tubular differentiation, and characteristic nuclear
      features). Only one case of the invasive mammary carcinomas with neuroendocrine
      differentiation was modified Bloom-Richardson grade 1 (largely due to minimal
      tubular differentiation on most such tumors), and the invasive mammary carcinomas
      with neuroendocrine differentiation were often associated with in situ carcinoma.
      Immunohistochemistry was helpful in distinguishing metastatic neuroendocrine
      neoplasms from invasive mammary carcinomas with neuroendocrine differentiation.
      Whereas the majority of invasive mammary carcinomas with neuroendocrine
      differentiation were positive for estrogen receptor and GATA3, metastatic
      neuroendocrine neoplasms were typically negative for estrogen receptor and GATA3,
      and metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors often showed
      immunoreactivity for site-specific markers. Although the histologic and
      immunohistochemical features of a breast tumor may raise the suspicion of a
      metastatic neuroendocrine neoplasm, the pathologic findings should be interpreted
      in the context of the clinical history and imaging findings in order to establish
      an accurate diagnosis.

PMID- 27125361
TI  - Paraneoplastic arthritis as first symptom of a liver inflammatory pseudotumor
      like follicular dendritic cell sarcoma.

PMID- 27125362
TI  - Erratum: Kallikrein-related peptidase 8 is expressed in myocardium and induces
      cardiac hypertrophy.

PMID- 27125363
TI  - Improvement of BMD after Switching from Lopinavir/R Plus Two Nucleos(T)ide
      Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors to Lopinavir/R Plus Lamivudine: OLE-LIP
      Substudy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare 48-week changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and body fat
      distribution between patients continuing lopinavir/ritonavir and two NRTIs and
      those switching to lopinavir/ritonavir and lamivudine. METHODS: Substudy of a
      randomized, open-label, multicenter OLE study was carried out. Adult HIV-infected
      patients with <50 copies/mL for >=6 months were randomized (1:1) to continue
      lopinavir/ritonavir and two NRTIs or switching to lopinavir/ritonavir and
      lamivudine. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed at baseline and
      after 48 weeks to measure bone composition and body fat distribution in both the
      groups. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (dual-therapy, n = 23; triple-therapy, n =
      18) of 239, who received at least one dose of study medication, completed the
      study: median age, 42 years, 71% male, 73% Caucasian. At week 48, total BMD
      increased by 1.04% (95% CI, 0.06 to 2.01%) among patients switching to dual
      therapy, whereas no significant changes occurred in patients maintaining triple
      therapy. Dual-therapy and older age were independently associated with total BMD
      increase. Among patients discontinuing tenofovir-DF, a significant increase was
      seen in total BMD (1.43; 95% CI, -0.04 to 2.91) and total hip (1.33%; 95% CI,
      0.44 to 2.22%). A non-statistically significant decrease in femoral and spinal
      BMD was observed in patients who discontinued abacavir and in those continuing
      triple-therapy. Regarding fat distribution, no significant changes were seen in
      both the treatment groups. DISCUSSION: BMD increased following switching to
      lopinavir/ritonavir plus lamivudine in HIV-infected patients on suppressive
      triple-therapy with lopinavir/ritonavir and two NRTIs including tenofovir-DF.

PMID- 27125364
TI  - Fosamprenavir/ritonavir in patients with viral hepatitis coinfection: an
      observational multicohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Safety and tolerability evaluation of adapted dose regimens containing
      fosamprenavir/ritonavir (FPV/r) in HIV-infected subjects with viral hepatitis co
      infection. METHODS: A retrospective multicohort analysis was conducted. Subjects
      from three European cohorts who started FPV/r or lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) as a
      comparator contributed data to a centralized database. Subjects were divided into
      five groups by treatment regimen and level of hepatic impairment (aspartate
      aminotransferase [AST] platelet ratio index [APRI] score < or >=2). Multivariable
      Cox regression analyses controlling for demographic factors, baseline CD4 count,
      FIB-4 score, use of antiretroviral therapy, and laboratory markers (bilirubin and
      platelet count) were performed to identify factors independently associated with
      risk of developing adverse events or safety events (eg, drug discontinuation,
      alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation, hepatic decompensation/death). RESULTS:
      A total of 1096 patients contributed data to the study. Fosamprenavir/ritonavir
      (except in subjects with APRI >=2 receiving standard dose) was associated with a
      higher two-year risk of drug discontinuation compared with LPV/r. Restricting the
      analysis to discontinuations due to adverse events (AEs), only subjects who
      received the reduced dose were more likely to discontinue >=1 drug in the FPV/r
      regimen. There were no statistical differences in ALT elevation between groups.
      Incidence of hepatic decompensation events was similar among groups except for
      subjects who received non standard doses of FPV, though the number of events was
      small. CONCLUSIONS: Fosamprenavir/ritonavir discontinuation rate due to AEs or
      ALT elevation was similar across all European-approved FPV/r doses and to that of
      LPV/r subjects.  Although liver tolerated antiretrovirals, such as integrase
      inhibitor and entry inhibitor, the use of FPV/r is acceptable in HIV infected
      patients with viral hepatitis.

PMID- 27125365
TI  - Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs) Resistance Mutations in HIV-1
      Infected Turkish Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) is a new class of
      antiretroviral (ARV) drugs designed to block the action of the integrase viral
      enzyme, which is responsible for insertation of the HIV-1 genome into the host
      DNA. The aim of this study was to evaluate for the first time INSTI resistance
      mutations in Turkish patients. METHODS: This study was conducted in Turkey,
      between April 2013 and April 2015 using 169 HIV-1-infected patients (78 ARV naive
      patients and 91 ARV-experienced patients). Laboratory and clinical
      characteristics of ARV naive and ARV-experienced patients were as follows: gender
      (M/F): 71/7 and 80/11, median age: 38 and 38.4; median CD4(+) T-cell: 236 and 216
      cells/mm(3), median HIV-1 RNA: 4.95+E5 and 1.08E+6 copies/ml. Population-based
      seqeunces of the reverse transcriptase, protease, and integrase domains of the
      HIV-1 pol gene were used to detect HIV-1 drug resistance mutations. RESULT: INSTI
      resistance mutations were not found in recently diagnosed HIV-1-infected
      patients. However, ARV-experienced patients had major resistance mutations
      associated with raltegravir and elvitegravir; the following results were
      generated:F121Y, Y143R, Q148R and E157Q (6/91 - 6.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The
      prevalence of INSTI resistant mutations in ART-experienced patients suggested
      that resistance testing must be incorporated as an integral part of HIV
      management with INSTI therapies.

PMID- 27125367
TI  - A cross-sectional study to evaluate the association of hyperbilirubinaemia on
      markers of cardiovascular disease, neurocognitive function, bone mineral density
      and renal markers in HIV-1 infected subjects on protease inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ongoing inflammation in controlled HIV infection contributes to non
      AIDS comorbidities. High bilirubin appears to exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect
      in vivo. We therefore examined whether increased bilirubin in persons with HIV
      was associated with differences in markers of inflammation and cardiovascular,
      bone, renal disease, and neurocognitive (NC) impairment. METHODS: This cross
      sectional study examined inflammatory markers in individuals with stable HIV
      infection treated with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and a
      boosted protease inhibitor. Individuals recruited were those with a normal
      bilirubin (NBR; 0-17 MUmol/L) or high bilirubin (>2.5 * upper limit of normal).
      Demographic and anthropological data were recorded. Blood and urine samples were
      taken for analyses. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement, carotid intimal
      thickness (CIT), and calcaneal stiffness (CSI) were measured. Males were asked to
      answer a questionnaire about sexual function; NC testing was performed using
      CogState. RESULTS: 101 patients were screened, 78 enrolled (43 NBR and 35 HBR).
      Atazanavir use was significantly higher in HBR. Whilst a trend for lower CIT was
      seen in those with HBR, no significant differences were seen in PWV, bone
      markers, calculated cardiovascular risk (Framingham), or erectile dysfunction
      score. VCAM-1 levels were significantly lower in the HBR group. HBR was
      associated with lower LDL and triglyceride levels. NBR was associated with a
      calculated FRAX significantly lower than HBR although no associations were found
      after adjusting for tenofovir use. No difference in renal markers was observed.
      Component tests of NC testing revealed differences favouring HBR but overall
      composite scores were similar. DISCUSSION: High bilirubin in the context of
      boosted PI therapy was found not to be associated with differences in with the
      markers examined in this study. Some trends were noted and, on the basis of
      these, a larger, clinical end point study is warranted.

PMID- 27125366
TI  - Non-classical monocytes predict progression of carotid artery bifurcation intima
      media thickness in HIV-infected individuals on stable antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammation may contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) among
      antiretrovirally suppressed HIV-infected individuals. We assessed relationships
      of monocyte, CD8 T-cell activation and plasma biomarkers to changes in carotid
      artery intima-media thickness (CIMT). METHODS: Longitudinal study of HIV-infected
      subjects >=40 years and on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) >=3 months.
      Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were immunophenotyped by multiparameteric flow
      cytometry to quantify classical (CD14(++)CD16(-)), intermediate
      (CD14(++)CD16(+)), non-classical (CD14(low/+)CD16(++)) and transitional
      (CD14(+)CD16(-)) monocyte subsets and activated (CD38(+)HLA-DR(+)) CD8(+) T-cells
      at baseline. Plasma biomarkers were assessed by multiplex Luminex assay. High
      resolution B-mode ultrasounds of right carotid arteries were obtained. Changes in
      CIMT over two years at the right common carotid artery (CIMTCCA) and right
      bifurcation (CIMTBIF) were outcome variables. RESULTS: We studied 50 subjects:
      84% male, median age 49 (Q1, Q3; 46, 56) years, median CD4 count 461 (317, 578)
      cells/mm(3), and with HIV RNA <= 50 copies/mL in 84%. Change in CIMTBIF
      correlated with log values of baseline absolute count of non-classical monocytes
      (r = 0.37, p = 0.020), and with MCP-1 (r = 0.42, p = 0.0024) and TNF-alpha (r =
      0.30, p = 0.036) levels. In multivariable linear regression, only non-classical
      monocytes and MCP-1 predicted the change in CIMTBIF, independent of Framingham
      Risk Score and baseline CIMTBIF. No correlation was noted between CD8 T-cell
      activation and CIMTBIF change. Monocyte subsets, CD8 T-cell activation, and
      biomarker concentrations were not correlated with changes in CIMTCCA.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the role of non-classical monocytes and MCP-1
      in the progression of CIMTBIF in HIV-infected individuals on stable ART
      independent of traditional cardio-metabolic risk factors.

PMID- 27125368
TI  - Pooled influenza vaccine effectiveness estimates for Australia, 2012-2014.
AB  - Data were pooled from three Australian sentinel general practice influenza
      surveillance networks to estimate Australia-wide influenza vaccine coverage and
      effectiveness against community presentations for laboratory-confirmed influenza
      for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons. Patients presenting with influenza-like
      illness at participating GP practices were swabbed and tested for influenza. The
      vaccination odds of patients testing positive were compared with patients testing
      negative to estimate influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) by logistic regression,
      adjusting for age group, week of presentation and network. Pooling of data across
      Australia increased the sample size for estimation from a minimum of 684 to 3,683
      in 2012, from 314 to 2,042 in 2013 and from 497 to 3,074 in 2014. Overall VE was
      38% [95% confidence interval (CI) 24-49] in 2012, 60% (95% CI 45-70) in 2013 and
      44% (95% CI 31-55) in 2014. For A(H1N1)pdm09 VE was 54% (95% CI-28 to 83) in
      2012, 59% (95% CI 33-74) in 2013 and 55% (95% CI 39-67) in 2014. For A(H3N2), VE
      was 30% (95% CI 14-44) in 2012, 67% (95% CI 39-82) in 2013 and 26% (95% CI 1-45)
      in 2014. For influenza B, VE was stable across years at 56% (95% CI 37-70) in
      2012, 57% (95% CI 30-73) in 2013 and 54% (95% CI 21-73) in 2014. Overall VE
      against influenza was low in 2012 and 2014 when A(H3N2) was the dominant strain
      and the vaccine was poorly matched. In contrast, overall VE was higher in 2013
      when A(H1N1)pdm09 dominated and the vaccine was a better match. Pooling data can
      increase the sample available and enable more precise subtype- and age group
      specific estimates, but limitations remain.

PMID- 27125373
TI  - Documenting a long-term development model in the slums of Delhi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Achieving development outcomes requires the inclusion of marginalised
      populations that have the least opportunity to participate in and benefit from
      development. Slum dwellers often see little of the 'urban advantage', suffering
      more from infectious diseases, increasing food costs, poor access to education
      and health care, inadequate water and sanitation, and informal employment. A
      recent Cochrane Review of the impact of slum upgrading strategies found a dearth
      of unbiased studies, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. The Review
      calls for greater use of process data, and qualitative alongside quantitative
      methods of evaluation. India is a lower middle income nation with large gender
      disparities and around 65 million slum inhabitants. The Asha Community Health and
      Development Society, a non-governmental organisation based in Delhi, has
      delivered a multi-sectoral program across 71 slums since 1988. This article
      reports on a mixed-method study to document measureable health and social
      impacts, along with Asha's ethos and processes. METHODS: Several observational
      visits were made to 12 Asha slums where informal discussions were had with staff
      and residents (n = 50). Asha data records were analysed for change over time (and
      differences with greater Delhi) in selected indicators (maternal-child health,
      education, child sex ratio) using descriptive statistics. 34 semi-structured
      individual/small group interviews and 14 focus group discussions were held with
      staff, residents, volunteers, elected officials, civil servants, bankers,
      diplomats, school principals, slumlords and loan recipients (n = 147). RESULTS:
      Key indicators of health and social equity improved over time and compared
      favourably with those for greater Delhi. The Asha model emphasises rights,
      responsibilities, equity and non-violence. It employs strategies characterised by
      long-term involvement, systematic protocols and monitoring, development of civil
      society (especially women's and children's groups) to advocate for rights under
      the law, and links with foreign volunteers and fund-raisers. Stakeholders agreed
      that changes in community norms and living conditions were at least partly
      attributable to the Asha model. CONCLUSIONS: While lacking a control group or
      complete baseline data, evidence suggested substantial improvements in slum
      conditions and social equity. The Asha model offers some lessons for slum (and
      broader) development.

PMID- 27125374
TI  - Expert's comment concerning Grand Rounds case entitled "Management of an unusual
      sciatica" by A. Bourghli, A. Chaballout, I. Obeid, L. Boissiere, J.-M. Vital and
      G. Khoury (Eur Spine J; doi:10.1007/s00586-016-4446-z).

PMID- 27125375
TI  - The effect of incidental dural lesions on outcome after decompression surgery for
      lumbar spinal stenosis: results of a multi-center study with 800 patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Incidental durotomy is one of the most common complications in lumbar
      spine surgery. There are conflicting reports whether a dural lesion is associated
      with an inferior outcome after lumbar decompression. This study analyzed the
      effect of incidental durotomy in this specific group of patients (Dura+) and
      compared the results with the remaining cohort without dural laceration (Dura-).
      METHODS: This prospective multi-center study included 800 patients with lumbar
      spinal stenosis who underwent exclusive decompression surgery. All procedures
      were performed as part of a multi-center investigation at three highly
      specialized spine clinics. Outcome measures (ODI, EQ5D, VASback pain and VASleg
      pain) were obtained preoperatively as well as 3 and 12 months after surgery. The
      effect of an incidental durotomy on the clinical outcomes was analyzed
      statistically between the two cohorts. RESULTS: An intraoperative dura lesion was
      recorded in 6.5 % (n = 52/800) of all cases. Both cohorts (Dura+ and Dura-) did
      not reveal any differences regarding patient demographics, risk factors, or co
      morbidities at baseline. The length of the hospital stay was significantly longer
      for the Dura+ cohort (8.0 vs. 6.4 days; p < 0.01). After 12 months, the Dura-
      cohort demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in VASback pain in
      comparison to the Dura+ cohort (Delta21.4 vs. Delta7.2 points; p < 0.05). The
      differences for the remaining outcome measures were not statistically significant
      (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study reveal that an incidental
      durotomy was associated with a significant increase in the patient's length of
      stay, and risk for re-intervention for the treatment of persisting CSF leakage.
      In contrast to previous reports which have investigated the effects of incidental
      durotomies on the clinical outcome after lumbar decompression surgery, our data
      further suggest a possible inferior outcome in terms of low back pain improvement
      in the Dura+ cohort, which became clinically apparent at the 12-month follow-up
      period. Future studies should investigate whether a more pronounced decompression
      required for adequate exposure and repair of a dural laceration may, ultimately,
      result in increased segmental instability and in clinically undesirable low back
      pain.

PMID- 27125376
TI  - Spinal shape modulation in a porcine model by a highly flexible and extendable
      non-fusion implant system.
AB  - PURPOSE: In vivo evaluation of scoliosis treatment using a novel approach in
      which two posterior implants are implanted: XSLAT (eXtendable implant correcting
      Scoliosis in LAT bending) and XSTOR (eXtendable implant correcting Scoliosis in
      TORsion). The highly flexible and extendable implants use only small, but
      continuous lateral forces (XSLAT) and torques (XSTOR), thereby allowing growth
      and preventing fusion. METHODS: Since (idiopathic) scoliosis does not occur
      spontaneously in animals, the device was used to induce a spinal deformity rather
      than correct it. Six of each implants were tested for their ability to induce
      scoliotic deformations in 12 growing pigs. Each implant spanned six segments and
      was attached to three vertebrae using sliding anchors. Radiological and
      histological assessments were done throughout the 8-week study. RESULTS: In all
      animals, the intended deformation was accomplished. Average Cobb angles were 19
      degrees  for XSLAT and 6 degrees  for XSTOR. Average apical spinal torsion was 0
      degrees  for XSLAT and 9 degrees  for XSTOR. All instrumented segments remained
      mobile and showed 20 % growth. Moderate degeneration of the facet joints was
      observed and some debris was found in the surrounding tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The
      approach accomplished the intended spinal deformation while allowing growth and
      preventing fusion.

PMID- 27125377
TI  - Engagement of CD22 on B cells with the monoclonal antibody epratuzumab stimulates
      the phosphorylation of upstream inhibitory signals of the B cell receptor.
AB  - The binding of antigen to the B cell receptor (BCR) results in a cascade of
      signalling events that ultimately drive B cell activation. Uncontrolled B cell
      activation is regulated by negative feedback loops that involve inhibitory co
      receptors such as CD22 and CD32B that exert their functions following
      phosphorylation of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs (ITIMs). The
      CD22-targeted antibody epratuzumab has previously been shown to inhibit BCR
      driven signalling events, but its effects on ITIM phosphorylation of CD22 and
      CD32B have not been properly evaluated. The present study therefore employed both
      immunoprecipitation and flow cytometry approaches to elucidate the effects of
      epratuzumab on direct phosphorylation of key tyrosine (Tyr) residues on both
      these proteins, using both transformed B cell lines and primary human B cells.
      Epratuzumab induced the phosphorylation of Tyr(822) on CD22 and enhanced its co
      localisation with SHP-1. Additionally, in spite of high basal phosphorylation of
      other key ITIMs on CD22, in primary human B cells epratuzumab also enhanced
      phosphorylation of Tyr(807), a residue involved in the recruitment of Grb2. Such
      initiation events could explain the effects of epratuzumab on downstream
      signalling in B cells. Finally, we were able to demonstrate that epratuzumab
      stimulated the phosphorylation of Tyr(292) on the low affinity inhibitory Fc
      receptor CD32B which would further attenuate BCR-induced signalling. Together,
      these data demonstrate that engagement of CD22 with epratuzumab leads to the
      direct phosphorylation of key upstream inhibitory receptors of BCR signalling and
      may help to explain how this antibody modulates B cell function. 

PMID- 27125378
TI  - Change of teicoplanin loading dose requirement for incremental increases of
      systemic inflammatory response syndrome score in the setting of sepsis.
AB  - Background Target trough concentrations are recommended for teicoplanin (TEIC) to
      minimize its adverse effects and to maximize efficacy in sepsis caused by
      grampositive cocci, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      infection. However, optimal doses to attain proper trough values in patients with
      sepsis have not yet been well established for TEIC. Objective This study
      investigated whether the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score
      could predict the pharmacokinetics of TEIC in patients with sepsis. Setting This
      study was conducted at Fukuoka University Hospital in Japan. Methods We
      retrospectively reviewed the records of patients using TEIC between April 2012
      and March 2015. SIRS positive was defined as infection with a SIRS score >=2.
      Estimates of pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a Bayesian method.
      Creatinine clearance rates were estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula (eCcr).
      Main outcome measure Change of TEIC loading dose requirement for incremental
      increases of SIRS score. Results In total, 133 patients were enrolled: 50 non
      SIRS patients and 83 patients with SIRS. The TEIC plasma trough concentration was
      significantly lower in SIRS than non-SIRS patients (15.7 +/- 7.1 vs. 20.1 +/- 8.6
      MUg/mL; P < 0.01), although there was no significant difference in the loading
      dose administered. Moreover, SIRS scores were increasingly predictive of eCcr and
      TEIC clearance in a stepwise manner. To achieve the target trough concentration
      (15-30 MUg/mL), the optimal doses required in non-SIRS versus SIRS patients were
      12-24 versus 18-30 mg/kg/day, respectively, during the first 48 h. Conclusions
      These findings suggest that the pharmacokinetics of TEIC are altered in SIRS
      patients, who required higher doses than non-SIRS patients to achieve the target
      trough concentration. We suggest that the SIRS score can become a new modality to
      determine the initial TEIC loading dose. 

PMID- 27125379
TI  - [Feasibility and diagnostic value of hysterosonography performed in bleeding time
      in the exploration of abnormal uterine bleeding].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to evaluate the feasibility, safety and
      diagnostic value of hysterosonography performed in an emergency setting among
      patients consulting for active abnormal uterine bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      In this prospective study, we included 216 patients visiting our emergency
      department for abnormal uterine bleeding. All patients had a transvaginal
      ultrasound with doppler study and an hysterosonography. Secondly, the patients,
      in whom we diagnosed a suspected organic lesion, were addressed to an endoscopic
      or surgical procedure with pathological examination. Initially, we evaluated the
      feasibility and the safety of hysterosonography and secondly, we compared the two
      techniques (EEV and hysterosonography), sensitivity, specificity, LHR+and LHR-.
      RESULTS: The hysterosonography was performed in 98.1 % of patients and its
      realization has resulted in an additional period of 1.2minutes on average
      (extreme: 6-12) compared to ultrasound. The tolerance of the hysterosonographic
      examination was very good in 73.5 % of patients and good in 23.1 % of them. For
      the 167 patients who had been diagnosed with presumed organic lesions,
      pathological examination found an endometrial hyperplasia in 34.7 % of cases,
      polyps in 40.1 % of cases, sub-mucosal fibroids in 11.3 % of cases, endometrial
      cancer in 0.7 % of cases and other lesions in 13.2 % of cases. The diagnostic
      value of hysterosonography was superior to ultrasound in the detection of polyps
      (AUC: 0.894 vs 0.778, P=0.003) and fibromas (AUC: 1.000 vs 0.716, P=0.001) while
      the two methods showed no significant difference in the detection of hyperplasia.
      CONCLUSION: The purpose of our study was to focus on a particular context of use
      of the hysterosonography consisting on hemorrhagic period and on its realization
      in the emergency room. We were able to demonstrate that hysterosonography is
      compatible with the emergency situation as to its feasibility and its diagnostic
      value and that its realization would contribute to the sorting of patients to
      guide them immediately to a surgical or endoscopic procedure if necessary.

PMID- 27125380
TI  - [Safety profile of etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Nexplanon(r) and
      Implanon(r)) reported in France].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of adverse effects
      (AE) reported with etonogestrel contraceptive implant in France (Implanon(r) and
      Nexplanon(r)). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases of AE or unintended pregnancies
      reported to health authorities or to the firm were analyzed. RESULTS: During 10
      years, 5433 AE and 789 unintended pregnancies were reported. Only 388 (7 %) were
      serious. There were 1137 reports of difficulties to remove, failure to locate or
      migration, 430 of insertion difficulties and 203 of deformation or expulsion of
      the implant. Among other AE, the most common were 1694 gynecological AE, 524 skin
      reactions and 437 metabolic AE. Since the marketing of Nexplanon(r) which causes
      less deep insertions, the incidence of migrations, removal or insertion
      difficulties has decreased overall (0.92 vs. 1.31/1000 patients), particularly
      the incidence of removal difficulties, location failures or migrations (0.12 vs
      1.01/1000). The infrequent but serious AE were infectious complications at the
      implant site and pregnancies. When the circumstances of the pregnancy were known,
      the contraceptive failure was due to the apparent inefficiency of the implant
      (n=224), to a technique failure (n=203) or to a drug-drug interaction (n=59).
      CONCLUSION: This study confirms that AE of this implant are frequent but not
      serious, except for the pregnancies. The incidence of complications related to
      insertion decreased with Nexplanon(r). Among other preventable AE, unintended
      pregnancies due to a drug-drug interaction would require to be better known by
      the practitioner.

PMID- 27125381
TI  - [Impact of the external cephalic version on the obstetrical prognosis in a team
      with a high success rate of vaginal delivery in breech presentation].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyse the impact of external cephalic version (ECV) on caesarean
      section rate in a team with a high success rate of vaginal delivery in breech
      presentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective monocentric study including
      298 patients with a breech presentations between 33 and 35weeks of amenorrhea
      followed at our university hospital and delivered after 35weeks, between 1st
      January 2011 and 31st December 2013. Patients were divided into 2 groups: planned
      ECV (n=216 patients) versus no planned ECV (n=57 patients). RESULTS: Our rate of
      successful vaginal breech delivery over the period of the study was 61.1%. We
      performed 165 ECV, with a 21.8% success rate. The average term of the attempt of
      ECV was 36.7weeks of amenorrhea. The caesarean section rate was not significantly
      different in the planned ECV group, even after adjustment on age, parity and
      previous caesarean delivery (adjusted OR=1.67 [0.77-3.61]). Attempt of ECV did
      not reduce the number of breech presentation at delivery (61.1% versus 61.4%
      [P=0.55]). CONCLUSION: Planned ECV in our center with a high level of breech
      vaginal delivery did not significantly impact our cesarean section rate.

PMID- 27125382
TI  - Modulation of Staphylococcus aureus spreading by water.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is known to spread rapidly and form giant colonies on the
      surface of soft agar and animal tissues by a process called colony spreading. So
      far, the mechanisms underlying spreading remain poorly understood. This study
      investigated the spreading phenomenon by culturing S. aureus and its mutant
      derivatives on Tryptic Soy Agarose (TSA) medium. We found that S. aureus extracts
      water from the medium and floats on water at 2.5 h after inoculation, which could
      be observed using phase contrast microscopy. The floating of the bacteria on
      water could be verified by confocal microscopy using an S. aureus strain that
      constitutively expresses green fluorescence protein. This study also found that
      as the density of bacterial colony increases, a quorum sensing response is
      triggered, resulting in the synthesis of the biosurfactants, phenolic-soluble
      modulins (PSMs), which weakens water surface tension, causing water to flood the
      medium surface to allow the bacteria to spread rapidly. This study reveals a
      mechanism that explains how an organism lacking a flagellar motor is capable of
      spreading rapidly on a medium surface, which is important to the understanding of
      how S. aureus spreads in human tissues to cause infections.

PMID- 27125383
TI  - Patient Preferences for Topical Psoriasis Treatments are Diverse and Difficult to
      Predict.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Topicals are a mainstay in psoriasis vulgaris treatment and are
      used concomitantly even in patients receiving systemic therapy. Patient
      acceptance of topical treatment can impact adherence and, consequently, real-life
      effectiveness. This study aimed to identify patient preferences for topical
      treatment attributes and to evaluate patient acceptability of topical treatments.
      METHODS: This 5-day study evaluated three inactive presentations: fixed
      combination calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) ointment vehicle in
      a tube, Cal/BD gel vehicle in a bottle and Cal/BD gel vehicle in a new Applicator
      delivery system. Participants with psoriasis on >=2 locations were recruited,
      aiming for equal proportions in the categories: male/female; <40/>=40 years old;
      working/not working. Participants ranked a predefined 'wish list' of 13 topical
      treatment attributes, applied each product and evaluated them in a user survey,
      indicating how well the products delivered on 16 statements matching the 13
      attributes. Afterward, participants indicated preference by psoriasis plaque
      location. RESULTS: Patient preferences differed to the extent that the proportion
      rating an attribute of high importance was similar to the proportion rating the
      same attribute of low importance. All attributes received similar mean ranking
      scores. Analysis by demographic characteristics revealed preferences are not
      associated with gender, age or employment status. Participants did not perceive
      much difference between the gel and ointment, but expressed preferences for
      different presentations to treat different plaque locations. The gel Applicator
      was preferred for 8/14 locations and both gel presentations were strongly
      preferred for hairy scalp. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with psoriasis have diverse
      preferences, which cannot be predicted by demographics. Individual patient choice
      should be considered to increase the acceptability and a range of topical
      formulations should be available to support treatment adherence and improve
      clinical outcomes. FUNDING: LEO Pharma A/S, Ballerup, Denmark.

PMID- 27125384
TI  - The analysis of the market success of FDA approvals by probing top 100
      bestselling drugs.
AB  - Target-oriented drug discovery is the main research paradigm of contemporary drug
      discovery. In target-oriented approaches, we attempt to maximize in vitro drug
      potency by finding the optimal fit to the target. This can result in a higher
      molecular complexity, in particular, the higher molecular weight (MW) of the
      drugs. However, a comparison of the successful developments of pharmaceuticals
      with the general trends that can be observed in medicinal chemistry resulted in
      the conclusion that the so-called molecular obesity is an important reason for
      the attrition rate of drugs. When analyzing the list of top 100 drug bestsellers
      versus all of the FDA approvals, we discovered that on average lower-complexity
      (MW, ADMET score) drugs are winners of the top 100 list in terms of numbers but
      that, especially, up to some optimal MW value, a higher molecular complexity can
      pay off with higher incomes. This indicates that slim drugs are doing better but
      that fat drugs are bigger fishes to catch.

PMID- 27125385
TI  - Common SIRT1 variants modify the effect of abdominal adipose tissue on aging
      related lung function decline.
AB  - Lung function is an independent predictor of mortality and serves as an aging
      marker in never smokers. The protein sirtuin-1 of gene SIRT1 has profound anti
      inflammatory effects and regulates metabolic pathways. Its suggested longevity
      effects on lower organisms remain poorly studied in humans. In 1132 never smokers
      of the population-based SAPALDIA cohort, we investigated associations between
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs730821, rs10997868, rs10823116) of SIRT1
      and aging-related lung function decline over 11 years in terms of change in
      forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC),
      FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75 % of FVC (FEF25-75)
      using multiple linear regression models. Interactions between the SIRT1 SNPs and
      adiposity parameters (body mass index (BMI), its change and weight gain) were
      tested by including multiplicative interaction terms into the models. SIRT1
      polymorphisms exhibited no main effects, but modified the association between
      obesity measures and FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75 decline (p = 0.009-0.046). Per risk
      allele, FEV1/FVC decline was accelerated up to -0.5 % (95 % CI -1.0 to 0 %) and 
      0.7 % (-1.3 to -0.2 %) over interquartile range increases in BMI (2.4 kg/m(2)) or
      weight (6.5 kg), respectively. For FEF25-75 decline, corresponding estimates were
      -57 mL/s (-117 to 4 mL/s) and -76 mL/s (-1429 to -9 mL/s). Interactions were not
      present in participants with genetically lowered C-reactive protein
      concentrations. Genetic variation in SIRT1 might therefore affect lung function
      and human longevity by modifying subclinical inflammation arising from abdominal
      adipose tissue. 

PMID- 27125386
TI  - GsERF6, an ethylene-responsive factor from Glycine soja, mediates the regulation
      of plant bicarbonate tolerance in Arabidopsis.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: This is an original study focus on ERF gene response to alkaline
      stress. GsERF6 functions as transcription factor and significantly enhanced plant
      tolerance to bicarbonate (HCO 3 (-) ) in transgenic Arabidopsis . Alkaline stress
      is one of the most harmful, but little studied environmental factors, which
      negatively affects plant growth, development and yield. The cause of alkaline
      stress is mainly due to the damaging consequence of high concentration of the
      bicarbonate ion, high-pH, and osmotic shock to plants. The AP2/ERF family genes
      encode plant-specific transcription factors involved in diverse environmental
      stresses. However, little is known about their physiological functions,
      especially in alkaline stress responses. In this study, we functionally
      characterized a novel ERF subfamily gene, GsERF6 from alkaline-tolerant wild
      soybean (Glycine soja). In wild soybean, GsERF6 was rapidly induced by NaHCO3
      treatment, and its overexpression in Arabidopsis enhanced transgenic plant
      tolerance to NaHCO3 challenge. Interestingly, GsERF6 transgenic lines also
      displayed increased tolerance to KHCO3 treatment, but not to high pH stress,
      implicating that GsERF6 may participate specifically in bicarbonate stress
      responses. We also found that GsERF6 overexpression up-regulated the
      transcription levels of bicarbonate-stress-inducible genes such as NADP-ME, H (+)
      Ppase and H (+)-ATPase, as well as downstream stress-tolerant genes such as
      RD29A, COR47 and KINI. GsERF6 overexpression and NaHCO3 stress also altered the
      expression patterns of plant hormone synthesis and hormone-responsive genes.
      Conjointly, our results suggested that GsERF6 is a positive regulator of plant
      alkaline stress by increasing bicarbonate ionic resistance specifically,
      providing a new insight into the regulation of gene expression under alkaline
      conditions.

PMID- 27125387
TI  - Reactive oxygen species and hormone signaling cascades in endophytic bacterium
      induced essential oil accumulation in Atractylodes lancea.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: Pseudomonas fluorescens induces gibberellin and ethylene
      signaling via hydrogen peroxide in planta . Ethylene activates abscisic acid
      signaling. Hormones increase sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis gene expression and
      enzyme activity, inducing essential oil accumulation. Atractylodes lancea is a
      famous Chinese medicinal plant, whose main active components are essential oils.
      Wild A. lancea has become endangered due to habitat destruction and over
      exploitation. Although cultivation can ensure production of the medicinal
      material, the essential oil content in cultivated A. lancea is significantly
      lower than that in the wild herb. The application of microbes as elicitors has
      become an effective strategy to increase essential oil accumulation in cultivated
      A. lancea. Our previous study identified an endophytic bacterium, Pseudomonas
      fluorescens ALEB7B, which can increase essential oil accumulation in A. lancea
      more efficiently than other endophytes; however, the underlying mechanisms remain
      unknown (Physiol Plantarum 153:30-42, 2015; Appl Environ Microb 82:1577-1585,
      2016). This study demonstrates that P. fluorescens ALEB7B firstly induces
      hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) signaling in A. lancea, which then simultaneously
      activates gibberellin (GA) and ethylene (ET) signaling. Subsequently, ET
      activates abscisic acid (ABA) signaling. GA and ABA signaling increase expression
      of HMGR and DXR, which encode key enzymes involved in sesquiterpenoid
      biosynthesis, leading to increased levels of the corresponding enzymes and then
      an accumulation of essential oils. Specific reactive oxygen species and hormone
      signaling cascades induced by P. fluorescens ALEB7B may contribute to high
      efficiency essential oil accumulation in A. lancea. Illustrating the regulation
      mechanisms underlying P. fluorescens ALEB7B-induced essential oil accumulation
      not only provides the theoretical basis for the inducible synthesis of terpenoids
      in many medicinal plants, but also further reveals the complex and diverse
      interactions among different plants and their endophytes.

PMID- 27125388
TI  - Genetic analysis of a novel broad-spectrum powdery mildew resistance gene from
      the wheat-Agropyron cristatum introgression line Pubing 74.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: A novel broad-spectrum powdery mildew resistance gene PmPB74 was
      identified in wheat- Agropyron cristatum introgression line Pubing 74.
      Development of wheat cultivars with broad-spectrum, durable resistance to powdery
      mildew has been restricted by lack of superior genetic resources. In this study,
      a wheat-A. cristatum introgression line Pubing 74, originally selected from a
      wide cross between the common wheat cultivar Fukuhokomugi (Fukuho) and Agropyron
      cristatum (L.) Gaertn (2n = 4x = 28; genome PPPP), displayed resistance to
      powdery mildew at both the seedling and adult stages. The putative alien
      chromosomal fragment in Pubing 74 was below the detection limit of genomic in
      situ hybridization (GISH), but evidence for other non-GISH-detectable
      introgressions was provided by the presence of three STS markers specific to A.
      cristatum. Genetic analysis indicated that Pubing 74 carried a single dominant
      gene for powdery mildew resistance, temporarily designated PmPB74. Molecular
      mapping showed that PmPB74 was located on wheat chromosome arm 5DS, and flanked
      by markers Xcfd81 and HRM02 at genetic distances of 2.5 and 1.7 cM, respectively.
      Compared with other lines with powdery mildew resistance gene(s) on wheat
      chromosome arm 5DS, Pubing 74 was resistant to all 28 Blumeria graminis f. sp
      tritici (Bgt) isolates from different wheat-producing regions of northern China.
      Allelism tests indicated that PmPB74 was not allelic to PmPB3558 or Pm2. Our work
      showed that PmPB74 is a novel gene with broad resistance to powdery mildew, and
      hence will be helpful in broadening the genetic basis of powdery mildew
      resistance in wheat.

PMID- 27125389
TI  - Therapies to Reduce Blood Pressure Acutely.
AB  - Clinicians make frequent treatment decisions regarding acute blood pressure
      reduction for the critically ill. Key to the decision making process is a balance
      between reducing arterial wall stress and maintaining perfusion to vital organs.
      In this article, we review the physiological considerations underlying acute
      blood pressure management, including the concept of cerebral autoregulation and
      its adaptations to chronic hypertension. We then discuss available
      pharmacological interventions suited for reducing blood pressure acutely. We also
      discuss specific blood pressure targets in common critical illnesses and consider
      future directions in this therapeutic area.

PMID- 27125391
TI  - Intellectual developmental disorder in adult psychiatry: A 24-year register
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) may pre-dispose for mental
      health disorders. It is sometimes debated whether the needs of this group are
      adequately met in general psychiatry. However, little is known about patients
      with IDD in the psychiatric clinical setting-occurrence, clinical diagnoses, or
      service use. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the number of adult patients
      diagnosed with IDD in a psychiatric clinic, their psychiatric diagnoses, and
      their use of psychiatric services. METHODS: Individuals with registered IDD
      diagnoses were identified in a university hospital adult psychiatric clinic
      register comprising 67 384 patients. RESULTS: IDD had been diagnosed in 0.6% of
      the patients. Psychotic disorders were the most common co-existing psychiatric
      diagnoses (25.5%). In 21.8% no psychiatric diagnosis other than IDD was
      registered. More than 50% had been inpatients; 21% had been compulsorily
      admitted. Patients with IDD had required a mean of five hospital beds per day.
      CONCLUSIONS: The percentage, 0.6%, of IDD diagnoses was lower than estimates of
      the prevalence of IDD in the general population. This may reflect a lower need
      for psychiatric care, barriers to access services, or diagnostic over-shadowing.
      One fifth of the patients in this study had no psychiatric diagnosis beside IDD,
      which may be due to diagnostic difficulties, or other problems (e.g. somatic or
      behavioural disorders) leading to psychiatric contact. Since patients with IDD
      use the equivalent of five inpatient beds every year, it is suggested that it may
      be worthwhile to consider specialized psychiatry with expertise in IDD, even
      though this group is small.

PMID- 27125390
TI  - Pathogenesis of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: Are Fructose-Containing
      Sugars More Involved Than Other Dietary Calories?
AB  - There is increasing concern that sugar consumption may be linked to the
      development of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. There is indeed strong
      evidence that consumption of energy-dense sugary beverages and foods is
      associated with increased energy intake and body weight gain over time. It is
      further proposed that the fructose component of sugars may exert specific
      deleterious effects due to its propension to stimulate hepatic glucose production
      and de novo lipogenesis. Excess fructose and energy intake may be associated with
      visceral obesity, intrahepatic fat accumulation, and high fasting and
      postprandial blood triglyceride concentrations. Additional effects of fructose on
      blood uric acid and sympathetic nervous system activity have also been reported,
      but their link with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases remains hypothetical.
      There is growing evidence that fructose at physiologically consumed doses may
      exert important effects on kidney function. Whether this is related to the
      development of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases remains to be
      further assessed. 

PMID- 27125392
TI  - Ureteral Stent-Associated Pain: A Review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ureteral stent-related pain is a well-known side effect of stent
      placement. To date, there is a paucity of resources that address this topic.
      Herein, we present theories on stent pain pathophysiology, summarize available
      pain outcome data for different stent designs, and provide an overview of the
      management of stent pain, including preplacement modifiers, medical management,
      and other considerations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This narrative review focused
      primarily on articles indexed in the PubMed((r)), Google ScholarTM, and EMBASE
      databases. No formal search strategy was used and no meta-analysis of data was
      performed. RESULTS: Stent pain pathophysiology is multifactorial and likely a
      result of mucosal irritation along with retrograde reflux of urine. While there
      is a consensus on the lack of association between stent length, diameter, and
      stent-related flank pain, stents should be properly sized so as to prevent
      dislodgement. Insufficient data exist comparing stent materials and durometry.
      Multiple drug-eluting stents are in development and have demonstrated promising
      early results. Alpha-blockers have shown efficacious results and should be
      considered along with or in combination with anticholinergics and nonsteroidal
      anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of ureteral stent-related
      symptoms, with judicious consideration of their side effect profiles.
      Periureteral botulinum toxin A injections are a promising, novel treatment
      modality. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteral stent pain is common and multiple modalities have
      been studied and are in clinical use for its treatment. Care should be taken to
      avoid placement of stents if possible, with continual reassessment of indications
      to maintain stents in patients. Relative heterogeneity among studies and small
      sample sizes make creating specific evidence-based pain management
      recommendations challenging. Alpha-blockers, antimuscarinics, and NSAIDs are all
      generally well tolerated and effectively reduce symptoms, but patient-specific
      factors must be the paramount consideration when choosing monotherapy or
      combination therapy. Future studies are needed to better define ideal material
      characteristics and pharmacologic treatments.

PMID- 27125393
TI  - Is it safe to use minimally invasive surgery in the management of endometrial
      cancer?

PMID- 27125394
TI  - A challenge in the management of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PMID- 27125395
TI  - Effect of thyroid autoimmunity per se on assisted reproduction treatment
      outcomes: A meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Thyroid autoimmunity (TA) is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in
      women of reproductive age and is often accompanied by subclinical hypothyroidism
      (SCH). Both TA and SCH have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but
      their relative influence is unclear. Therefore, we carried out a meta-analysis to
      evaluate the sole effect of TA on pregnancy outcomes in euthyroid women
      undergoing assisted reproductive technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature
      searches were conducted on Pubmed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials
      Register Database from inception to May 2014. RESULTS: In euthyroid women whose
      SCH status is unknown, those with positive antithyroid antibodies (ATA) had a
      higher miscarriage rate [pooled relative risk (RR) = 1.638; 95% confidence
      interval (CI), 1.228-2.185] and a lower delivery rate (pooled RR = 0.856; 95% CI,
      0.759-0.965) than those with negative ATA. Clinical pregnancy rates were similar
      between groups. However, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and delivery
      rate were all comparable between ATA-positive and ATA-negative euthyroid women
      without SCH. CONCLUSION: TA per se does not impair assisted reproductive
      treatment outcomes in women without SCH.

PMID- 27125396
TI  - Factors related to deterioration of renal function after singleton delivery in
      pregnant women with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study is designed to evaluate which factors would relate to
      deterioration of renal function (DRF) after delivery in pregnant women with
      chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 156
      singleton pregnancies of 139 women with CKD at our institution from 2001 to 2010.
      DRF was defined as the shift of CKD stage into another more severe stage. The
      relevant variables were compared between women who had DRF (n = 39) and the
      controls (n = 117). RESULTS: The number of transplantation or dialysis cases
      after delivery was 5.8%. DRF occurred in 25% of the study patients. From a
      logistic regression model, the factors that influence DRF were the presence of
      glomerulonephritis [odds ratio (OR) 3.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18
      10.81], significant proteinuria prior to pregnancy (>=3 g/d or 3+ more dipstick;
      OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.14-10.33), and treatment with antiplatelet agents (OR 0.30, 95%
      CI 0.09-0.94). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis confirmed that
      the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 75 mL/min/1.73 m(2) or more
      before conception is not a risk factor for DRF after delivery (negative
      predictive value 0.788). CONCLUSION: This was the first report to reveal a clear
      cutoff value regarding DRF in pregnant woman with CKD. There is an almost 78%
      risk of developing DRF after delivery in patients showing eGFR of 75 mL/min/1.73
      m(2) or more before conception.

PMID- 27125397
TI  - Relationship between hypothyroidism and the incidence of gestational diabetes: A
      meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hypothyroidism disorders and gestational diabetes are among the most
      common endocrinopathies during pregnancy. We conducted a meta-analysis to
      investigate whether hypothyroidism in pregnancy is associated with gestational
      diabetes risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Published literature from PubMed and EMBASE
      were searched for eligible publications. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95%
      confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed- or random-effects model.
      RESULTS: Seven articles described the relationship between hypothyroidism and
      risk of gestational diabetes. This meta-analysis revealed that overt
      hypothyroidism was associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes (OR
      1.892, 95% CI 1.679-2.132, p < 0.001). The relative risk of gestational diabetes
      was also increased in subclinical hypothyroidism, with the OR of 1.558 (95% CI
      1.292-1.877, p < 0.001). There was no evidence of significant association between
      hypothyroxinemia and risk of gestational diabetes (OR 1.394, 95% CI 0.753-2.580,
      p = 0.291). The OR for all of the hypothyroidism was 1.749 (95% CI 1.586-1.928, p
      < 0.001), and an association was found. CONCLUSION: Results of this meta-analysis
      indicate that hypothyroidism may be a risk factor for gestational diabetes.

PMID- 27125398
TI  - Continuous transverse scanning of the fetal heart using a cross-sectional image
      database of common fetal congenital heart deformities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide an anatomical basis for continuous transverse scanning of
      the fetal heart by analyzing the typical cross-sectional characteristics of
      different types of congenital heart deformities (CHDs) using an anatomical image
      database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The database consisted of cross-sectional images
      obtained from 45 cases of common fetal CHDs, which were continuously displayed by
      the three-dimensional software Amira 5.3.1. The following anatomical parts were
      observed from the database of heart samples in a bottom-to-top manner: the
      coronary sinus, four chambers, left ventricular outflow tract, right ventricular
      outflow tract, and transverse ductal and aortic arches. The anatomical
      characteristics of these sections were analyzed and compared with the ultrasonic
      transverse views obtained from the same fetuses. RESULTS: During the display of
      the anatomical database of 45 cases of common fetal CHDs, the aforementioned
      typical cross sections were successively revealed, along with the corresponding
      pathological features. These sections also exhibited a very good correspondence
      with the ultrasonic transverse views of the same cases. CONCLUSION: The database
      of cross-sectional anatomical images of fetal CHDs provided an anatomical basis
      for continuous transverse scanning of the fetal heart.

PMID- 27125399
TI  - Effects of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha on the proliferation of
      porcine theca interna cells: Possible role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis
      of polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We studied the effects of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on the proliferation of porcine theca interna (TI) cells
      and further elucidated the roles of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the pathogenesis of
      polycystic ovary syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TI cells were treated with 10
      pg/mL, 100 pg/mL, and 1000 pg/mL IL-6 or TNF-alpha. TI cell proliferation was
      then examined by carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester labeling and
      flow cytometry. RESULTS: Cell proliferation was not significantly different in TI
      cells cultured in medium alone (control) or in the presence of IL-6. At 72 hours
      of treatment, the mean fluorescence intensity was significantly lower in TI cells
      treated with 100 pg/mL and 1000 pg/mL TNF-alpha than in the control (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: TNF-alpha, but not IL-6, was able to promote TI cell proliferation.
      Our results suggest that TNF-alpha might play a role in hyperandrogenism, cortex
      thickness, and the increased ovary volume observed in polycystic ovaries.

PMID- 27125400
TI  - Comparison of the laparoscopic versus conventional open method for surgical
      staging of endometrial carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although laparoscopic surgery is widely utilized in the treatment of
      endometrial cancer, its efficacy in staging the cancer is not well established.
      The aim of this study was to compare staging endometrial cancer with laparoscopic
      and conventional open methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2002 to June
      2012, 151 patients (70 treated by laparoscopy and 81 by laparotomy) diagnosed
      with endometrial cancer were enrolled. This was a retrospective cohort review of
      endometrial cancer surgically staged using laparoscopy or laparotomy in the
      Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital,
      Taipei, Taiwan. RESULTS: The two groups did not significantly differ in patient
      age, body mass index, previous obstetrical history, or amount of previous
      abdominal surgery. No differences between the surgical cohorts were observed in
      relation to cancer status, including stage, grade, myometrial invasion,
      lymphovascular space invasion, lymph node involvement, and recurrence rate. The
      laparoscopic approach had less intraoperative blood loss, longer operative time,
      lower uterine weight, number of removed lymph nodes, and shorter hospital stay.
      CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results showed that the laparoscopic method for
      staging endometrial cancer was technically feasible and efficient.

PMID- 27125401
TI  - Longitudinal parallel compression suture to control postopartum hemorrhage due to
      placenta previa and accrete.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of longitudinal parallel compression
      suture to control heavy postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in patients with placenta
      previa/accreta. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen women received a longitudinal
      parallel compression suture to stop life-threatening PPH due to placenta previa
      with or without accreta during cesarean section. The suture apposed the anterior
      and posterior walls of the lower uterine segment together using an absorbable
      thread A 70-mm round needle with a Number-1 absorbable thread was used. The point
      of needle entry was 1 cm above the upper margin of the cervix and 1 cm from the
      right lateral border of the lower segment of the anterior wall. The suture was
      threaded through the uterine cavity to the serosa of the posterior wall. Then, it
      was directed upward and threaded from the posterior to the anterior wall at ~1-2
      cm above the upper boundary of the lower uterine segment and 3-cm medial to the
      right margin of the uterus. Both ends of the suture were tied on the anterior
      aspect of uterus. The left side was sutured in the same way. RESULTS: The success
      rate of the procedure was 86.7% (13/15). Two of 15 cases were concurrently
      administered gauze packing and achieved satisfactory hemostasis. All patients
      resumed a normal menstrual flow, and no postoperative anatomical or physiological
      abnormalities related to the suture were observed. Three women achieved further
      pregnancies after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Longitudinal parallel compression
      suture is a safe, easy, effective, practical, and conservative surgical technique
      to stop intractable PPH from the lower uterine segment, particularly in women who
      have a cesarean scar and placenta previa/accreta.

PMID- 27125402
TI  - Is preoperative bowel preparation necessary for gynecological oncology surgery?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the necessity of preoperative bowel preparation for
      gynecological oncology surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent gynecological oncology
      surgery with simultaneous colon or rectal resection between April 2005 and
      September 2014 at the Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Patients were
      divided into two groups based on whether preoperative mechanical bowel
      preparation (MBP) was performed. Patient characteristics, including duration of
      antibiotic treatment, surgical procedures, and occurrence of surgical and
      nonsurgical complications, were compared. RESULTS: We enrolled 124 patients who
      underwent gynecological oncology surgery with simultaneous colon or rectal
      resection, of whom 76 received MBP and 48 did not receive mechanical bowel
      preparation. On comparison between the two groups, no significant differences
      were noted in the assessed patient characteristics, including mean age (p =
      0.61), Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (p = 0.9), American Society
      of Anesthesiologists grade (p = 0.9), body mass index (p = 0.8), and residual
      tumor size (p = 0.86). Furthermore, duration of antibiotic treatment (p = 0.97),
      surgical procedures (p = 0.99), and total hospital days (p = 0.75), were not
      different between groups. The risk of surgical (p = 0.78) or nonsurgical (p =
      1.0) complications was not significantly higher in the non-MBP group than in the
      MBP group. CONCLUSION: MBP provides no significant benefit during gynecological
      oncology surgery. Thus, preoperative MBP is not essential before gynecological
      oncology surgery and can be omitted.

PMID- 27125403
TI  - METCAM/MUC18 promoted tumorigenesis of human breast cancer SK-BR-3 cells in a
      dosage-specific manner.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Overexpression of METCAM/MUC18, an immunoglobulin-like cell-adhesion
      molecule, promotes tumorigenesis and progression of human breast cancer cells. We
      also observed an intriguing phenomenon that a high-expressing SK-BR-3 clone
      manifested a transient tumor suppression effect in vivo. The purpose of this
      study was to understand if this was caused by clonal variation, METCAM/MUC18
      dosage effect, or the number of cells injected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Several
      G418-resistant clones of SK-BR-3, expressing different levels of METCAM/MUC18,
      were obtained for testing effects of human METCAM/MUC18 on in vitro motility,
      invasiveness, and anchorage-independent colony formation (in vitro
      tumorigenicity) and in vivo tumorigenesis in female Balb/C athymic nude mice.
      Tumor sections were made for histology and immunohistochemistry analyses, and
      tumor lysates for Western blot analysis to determine the effects of human
      METCAM/MUC18 expression on levels of various downstream effectors. RESULTS:
      METCAM/MUC18 promoted in vitro motility, invasiveness, and in vitro
      tumorigenicity of SK-BR-3 cells in a dosage-specific manner. Overexpression of
      METCAM/MUC18 could promote in vivo tumorigenesis of SK-BR-3 cells even when one
      tenth of the previously used cell number (5 * 10(5)) was injected and in vivo
      tumorigenesis of SK-BR-3 cells was directly proportional to the dosage of the
      protein. The previously observed transient tumor suppression effect from the same
      clone was no longer observed. The downstream effector, such as phospho-AKT/AKT
      ratio, was elevated in the tumors. CONCLUSION: Transient suppression observed
      previously in the clone was caused by injection of a high cell number (2 * 10(6)
      5 * 10(6)). METCAM/MUC18 positively promotes tumorigenesis of SK-BR-3 cells by
      increasing the survival and proliferation pathway.

PMID- 27125405
TI  - Effects of a traditional Chinese medicine, Longdanxiegan formula granule, on Toll
      like receptor pathway in female guinea pigs with recurrent genital herpes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of
      Longdanxiegan formula granule (LDXGFG), a Chinese traditional medicine on Toll
      like receptor (TLR) pathway in recurrent genital herpes. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      An experimental recurrent genital herpes model was constructed using herpes
      guinea pig model. The effect of LDXGFG on expression levels of TLR pathway genes
      were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, the
      dendritic cells and Langerhans cells were isolated and the TLR pathway genes of
      these cells were assayed after LDXGFG treatment. RESULTS: The result suggested
      two different expression patterns of TLR pathway genes in genital herpes and
      recurrent genital herpes, including upregulated genes and downregulated genes.
      TLR1, TLR4, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, and TLR10 showed a significant decrease
      while, TLR2, TLR3, and TLR5 increased in genital herpes and recurrent genital
      herpes guinea pigs. Meanwhile, the downregulated genes in genital herpes and
      recurrent genital herpes were stimulated by LDXGFG. By contrast, the upregulated
      genes decreased significantly after LDXGFG treatment. In both dendritic cells and
      Langerhans cells, the TLR pathway genes exhibited same pattern: the LDXGFG
      corrected the abnormal expression of TLR pathway genes. CONCLUSION: The present
      results suggest that LDXGFG is an alternative, inexpensive, and lasting-effect
      medicine for herpes simplex virus 2 infection.

PMID- 27125404
TI  - Prognostic role of excision repair cross complementing-1 and topoisomerase-1
      expression in epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer
      worldwide and chemoresistance is one of the major causes of treatment failure. We
      investigated whether ERCC1, TAU, TOPO2A, TOPO1, P53, and C-MYC expression could
      be used as predictors for treatment outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Immunohistochemical staining was used to examine the expression of these
      biomarkers in resected tumor specimens from 38 patients treated in our institute.
      Clinicopathological data including demographics, staging, histological type,
      treatment response, expression of the biomarkers, and patient outcomes were
      analyzed. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 47.5 months (range, 10-135
      months) and the median overall survival was 56.0 months. Patients who did not
      have expression of ERCC1, and those who had expression of TOPO1 had significantly
      better overall survival. Cox regression analysis also confirmed that these two
      biomarkers were significant independent factors predicting survival (ERCC1,
      hazard ratio 5.51, 95% confidence interval: 2.02-14.00, p = 0.001; TOPO1, hazard
      ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.06-0.77, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: We
      concluded that poor overall survival was significantly associated with positive
      ERCC1 and negative TOPO1 expression. The results might be the consequence of
      chemoresistance to platinum and camptothecins, both of which are commonly used
      regimens in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27125406
TI  - The laparoscopic approach is more preferred among nurses for benign gynecologic
      conditions than among nonmedical working women: A nationwide study in Taiwan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of laparoscopy and laparotomy for hysterectomy in
      treating benign gynecological conditions in nurses and nonmedical working women.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationwide population-based study was conducted using
      data from inpatient expenditures of Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research
      Datasets between 2008 and 2011. All women undergoing total hysterectomies via
      laparoscopy and laparotomy between the ages of 20 years and 65 years were
      identified. A generalized equation estimation model was used to compare the
      differences in laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and total abdominal hysterectomy
      (TAH) between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 1226 nurses, and 36,624
      nonmedical working women, serving as controls, in the present study. The LH rate,
      as compared to the TAH rate, was significantly higher among nurses than among
      controls (56% vs. 52%, p = 0.006). A multivariate analysis indicated that nurses
      were significantly more likely to undergo LH (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.01-1.26) than TAH. Nurses were more often treated at medical centers
      or high-volume hospitals, and were more often treated by high-volume
      gynecologists. CONCLUSION: Compared to nonmedical working women, nurses are more
      likely to undergo LH rather than TAH. These differences may suggest the influence
      of medical knowledge and physician-patient interaction on the decision to undergo
      laparoscopy, in addition to patients' medical conditions.

PMID- 27125407
TI  - Dose-finding study of Leuplin depot for prevention of premature luteinizing
      hormone surge during controlled ovarian stimulation: a pilot study in
      intrauterine insemination treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The standard dose of depot gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist
      (GnRHa) may be too much to prevent premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in
      controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). The purpose of this study was to find out
      the minimal effective dose of Leuplin depot to prevent premature LH surge in
      patients undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From
      January 2006 to December 2007, unexplained infertile patients who were going to
      undergo IUI were recruited into the study. They were assigned sequentially to one
      of the following treatment groups. The first 50 patients received the 1/3-dose of
      Leuplin depot in the midluteal phase of the cycle preceding COS. If no premature
      LH surge occurred in the 50 patients, the study was continued with 1/4-dose of
      Leuplin depot in the subsequent 50 patients. Similarly, if no premature LH surge
      occurred with 1/4 dose, the study was continued with 1/5-dose of Leuplin depot in
      the following 50 patients. Ovarian stimulation was started with human menopausal
      gonadotropin (hMG) at 112.5 IU/d after downregulation, then IUI was performed 36
      hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. RESULTS: Premature LH
      surge was effectively prevented with 1/3-dose and 1/4-dose of Leuplin depot.
      Premature LH surge occurred in three of the 50 patients (6%) in the 1/5-dose
      group. The patients in the 1/4-dose group received a significantly lower amount
      of hMG and fewer days of COS, compared with the 1/3-dose group. CONCLUSION: The
      1/4 dose of Leuplin depot is the minimal effective dose to prevent premature LH
      surge. Further trial is worthwhile to compare the reducing dose Leuplin depot and
      daily low-dose leuprolide in in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs.

PMID- 27125408
TI  - Outcomes of anti-Mullerian hormone-tailored ovarian stimulation protocols in in
      vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles in women of advanced
      age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the outcomes of in vitro
      fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatments in women of
      advanced age (>40 years) using anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)-tailored ovarian
      stimulation protocols versus conventional protocols based on antral follicle
      count (AFC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 210 women who
      underwent IVF/ICSI cycles: 116 women underwent stimulation protocols that were
      tailored to their AMH levels, whereas 94 women received treatment using
      conventional stimulation protocols based on AFC as the ovarian reserve marker.
      RESULTS: The following parameters were significantly higher in the AMH-tailored
      group than in the conventional group: initial and total doses (IU) of recombinant
      follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) used for stimulation (514.2 +/- 137.9 vs.
      452.3 +/- 135.3, p = 0.001; 4713.8 +/- 1618.8 vs. 4047.2 +/- 1366.0, p = 0.007,
      respectively), ovum pick-up rate (OPU; 88.8% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.016), serum
      estradiol (E2) level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
      administration (1818.5 +/- 1422.4 vs. 1394.0 +/- 929.0 pg/mL, p = 0.028), number
      of oocytes retrieved (7.4 +/- 5.1 vs. 5.5 +/- 3.4, p = 0.007), number of embryos
      per case (4.2 +/- 3.2 vs. 3.3 +/- 2.5, p = 0.048), clinical pregnancy rates
      (22.4% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.008), implantation rates (13.1% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.001), and
      live birth rates per cycle (15.5% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.049). CONCLUSION:
      Individualized controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols tailored to
      patients' AMH levels may improve the pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and live
      birth rate in women of advanced age undergoing IVF/ICSI compared with those
      receiving conventional stimulation protocols.

PMID- 27125409
TI  - Assessing the quality of life of infertile Chinese women: a cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess QoL of infertile Chinese women and determine the specific
      factors adversely affecting QoL for improving the care and treatment compliance
      of infertile women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study
      on a randomized, demographically matched, controlled population of infertile
      married Chinese women to determine their demographic, menstrual, family stress,
      and infertility characteristics and then applied the World Health Organization
      QoL Instrument (WHOQOL-100) to determine which factors would be associated with
      significant QoL differences between infertile women and their demographically
      matched fertile controls. RESULTS: Infertile women showed lower QoL scores in the
      facets of spirituality/religion/personal beliefs, self-esteem, financial
      resources, and accessibility to and quality of health and social care, as well as
      increased pain and discomfort, while also experiencing positive QoL adjustments
      in terms of mobility, daily living activities, work capacity, sexual activity,
      freedom, physical safety, security, and transport. CONCLUSION: Married infertile
      Chinese women had significantly lower overall and comprehensive QoL scores, as
      well as higher anxiety scores, compared with fertile controls.

PMID- 27125410
TI  - Vitamin C is effective for the prevention and regression of endometriotic
      implants in an experimentally induced rat model of endometriosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease pathologically defined
      as the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. It is one
      of the most important diseases affecting women of reproductive age. The process
      of endometriotic implant growth is mediated by many complex interactions of
      immunologic, hormonal, genetic, and environmental mediators. Vitamin C (ascorbic
      acid), besides playing a role in preventing invasion and metastasis, is an
      antioxidant having anti-inflammatory and -angiogenic effects. In this study, we
      aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin C on the prevention and regression of
      endometriotic implants in a rat model of endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This was a prospective, comparative, experimental animal study. After
      endometriotic implants were induced simultaneously, rats were divided into three
      groups. Group A was given 500 mg/kg of intravenous vitamin C every 2 days,
      starting immediately after implantation (n = 11). All rats had a second operation
      21 days after the initial one and had the lesion volumes measured. Group B was
      given 500 mg/kg of intravenous vitamin C every 2 days, starting 21 days after
      this operation (n = 11). All rats were sacrificed 21 days after the third
      operation. Implant volume, weight measurements, and histopathological evaluation
      of the lesions were carried out. Group A received vitamin C throughout the study,
      while Group C (n = 11) was not given any medication. The findings in the three
      groups were compared. RESULTS: At the second laparotomy after the induction,
      Group A had the smallest implant volume with a statistically significant
      difference compared to Group B (p = 0.012). The end-of-study volumes of
      endometriotic implants of group B were significantly smaller than the first
      volumes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intravenous vitamin C treatment might have a
      suppressive effect on the prevention of endometriotic implant induction and
      regression of endometriotic implant volumes.

PMID- 27125412
TI  - Systematic review: What is the best first-line approach for cesarean section
      ectopic pregnancy?
AB  - This systematic review aims to analyze the case reports, case series, or clinical
      studies describing the women with cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy (CSEP), and
      thus, to determine the efficacy and safety of different primary treatment
      modalities in the management of CSEP. A thorough search of electronic databases
      showed that 274 articles on CSEP were published between January 1978 and April
      2014. Systemic methotrexate, uterine artery embolization, dilatation and
      curettage (D&C), hysterotomy, and hysteroscopy were the most frequently adopted
      first-line approaches. The success rates of systemic methotrexate, uterine artery
      embolization, hysteroscopy, D&C, and hysterotomy were 8.7%, 18.3%, 39.1%, 61.6%,
      and 92.1%, respectively. The hysterectomy rates were 3.6%, 1.1%, 0.0%, 7.3%, and
      1.7% in CSEP cases that were treated by systemic methotrexate, uterine artery
      embolization, hysteroscopy, D&C, and hysterotomy, respectively. The ability to
      achieve a subsequent term pregnancy is related to successful systemic
      methotrexate treatment (p = 0.001) or hysterotomy (p = 0.009). Future term
      pregnancy was significantly more frequent in the hysterotomy group (p = 0.001).
      Hysteroscopy and laparoscopic hysterotomy are safe and efficient surgical
      procedures that can be adopted as primary treatment modalities for CSEP. Uterine
      artery embolization should be reserved for cases with significant bleeding and/or
      a high suspicion index for arteriovenous malformation. Systemic methotrexate and
      D&C are not recommended as first-line approaches for CSEP, as these procedures
      are associated with high complication and hysterectomy rates. 

PMID- 27125411
TI  - Risk factor for first-incident hip fracture in Taiwanese postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The variation in hip fracture risk between countries is greater than
      10-fold. The present study aimed at identifying risk factors that resulted in the
      first occurrence of hip fracture in Taiwanese postmenopausal women. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A case-control study with a patient group of 50 postmenopausal women,
      who were admitted to Keelung Chang Gung Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan due to the
      first incident of accidental hip fracture, was used to examine potential risk
      factors, including bone mass. Fifty women without hip fracture, selected from
      those undergoing general health evaluation at the Gynecology Outpatient Clinic at
      Keelung Chang Gung Hospital, were used as the control group and were matched to
      the case patients according to age. Evaluation consisted of a questionnaire,
      interview to document risk factors, physical examination (to record body height
      and body weight), and examination [dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry used to
      measure bone mineral density (BMD) of the hip and spine]. RESULTS: The average
      age of participants of both groups was 79.6 years. Lower level of education,
      younger age at menopause, increased body height, weight-bearing exercise less
      than three times per week, and lower BMD were associated with first-incident hip
      fracture. Total hip BMD was a stronger predictor than the BMD of different sites.
      Participants in the control group had a significantly higher prevalence of
      chronic diseases and a history of cataracts or glaucoma compared with those in
      the patient group. CONCLUSION: While total hip BMD is the strongest predictor of
      hip fracture, increasing awareness of osteoporosis prevention by educating people
      about good lifestyle habits and how to maintain BMD is prioritized for preventing
      the first-incident hip fracture in Taiwanese women.

PMID- 27125413
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of a de novo 4.858
      Mb microdeletion in 15q14 associated with ACTC1 and MEIS2 haploinsufficiency and
      tetralogy of Fallot.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic
      characterization of a de novo 15q14 microdeletion associated with tetralogy of
      Fallot (TOF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was the first pregnancy of a 31-year
      old primigravid woman. The pregnancy was uneventful until 23 weeks of gestation
      when TOF was first noted. The woman underwent amniocentesis at 23 weeks of
      gestation. Conventional cytogenetic analysis was performed using cultured
      amniocytes and parental bloods. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH)
      was performed on uncultured amniocytes and parental bloods. Metaphase
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on cultured amniocytes.
      Quantitative fluorescent-polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) analysis was
      performed on placental tissue and parental bloods. RESULTS: Conventional
      cytogenetics on cultured amniocytes revealed a karyotype of 46,XY, aCGH on
      uncultured amniocytes revealed a de novo 4.858-Mb microdeletion in 15q14
      encompassing ACTC1 and MEIS2, and metaphase FISH analysis on cultured amniocytes
      confirmed a 15q14 microdeletion. Postnatal phenotype included facial dysmorphism.
      QF-PCR assays detected a paternal origin of the 15q14 microdeletion in the fetus.
      CONCLUSION: Fetuses with 15q14 microdeletion may present TOF on the second
      trimester ultrasound. aCGH and metaphase FISH are useful for rapid prenatal
      diagnosis of 15q14 microdeletion associated with TOF. A prenatal diagnosis of TOF
      should include a differential diagnosis of 15q14 microdeletion in addition to
      22q11.2 deletion syndrome and other microdeletion syndromes.

PMID- 27125414
TI  - Two girls with a de novo Xq rearrangement of paternal origin: t(X;9)(q24;q12) or
      rea(X)dup q.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We report on two rare Xq rearrangements, namely a t(X;9)(q24;q12)
      found in a mildly-affected girl (Patient 1) and a rea(X)dup q concomitant with a
      rob(14;21)mat in a Down syndrome girl (Patient 2). CASE REPORT: Both
      rearrangements were characterized by banding techniques [Giemsa (G), constitutive
      heterochromatin (C), and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) pulse], fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) assays, human androgen receptor (HUMAR) assays, and
      microarray analyses. Patient 1 had a t(X;9)(q24;q12)dn. Patient 2 had a de novo
      rea(X)(qter->q23 or q24::p11.2->qter) concomitant with an unbalanced
      rob(14;21)mat. X-Inactivation studies in metaphases and DNA revealed a fully
      skewed inactivation: the normal homolog was silenced in Patient 1 and the rea(X)
      in Patient 2. Both rearranged X chromosomes were of paternal descent. Microarray
      analyses revealed no imbalances in Patient 1 whereas loss of Xp (~52 Mb) and
      duplication of Xq (~44 Mb) and 21q were confirmed in Patient 2. CONCLUSION: Our
      observations further document the cytogenetic heterogeneity and predominant
      paternal origin of certain de novo X-chromosome rearrangements.

PMID- 27125415
TI  - Acute intermittent porphyria exacerbation following in vitro fertilization
      treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Assisted reproductive technology is commonly used for women with
      infertility. We report a case of acute intermittent porphyria associated with in
      vitro fertilization treatment. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old woman with tubal factor
      infertility presented to our clinic with persistent low abdominal pain and
      hyponatremia after transvaginal oocyte retrieval. During admission, she
      experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure attacked following by dark brown
      color urine. Urinary tests showed elevated porphobilinogen, 5-aminolevulinic
      acid, uroporphyrin, and coproporphyrin, confirming the diagnosis of acute
      intermittent porphyria. The patient's condition continued to improve after hemin
      treatment and rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Newly onset acute intermittent
      porphyria during the course of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro
      fertilization is a rare but possible complication. Acute intermittent porphyria
      should be taken into consideration for persisted unexplained abdominal pain and
      seriously alerted if accompanied with neurological symptoms. Special tests for
      acute intermittent porphyria should be taken into consideration for the
      differential diagnosis of lower abdominal pain after oocyte retrieval.

PMID- 27125416
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of low-level true
      mosaicism for trisomy 21 using uncultured amniocytes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We present a prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic
      characterization of low-level true mosaicism for trisomy 21 using uncultured
      amniocytes. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old woman presented with a borderline-positive
      result of noninvasive prenatal testing for trisomy 21. She underwent
      amniocentesis at 18 weeks of gestation, which revealed a karyotype of
      47,XY,+21(5)/46,XY(53). Repeat amniocentesis at 22 weeks of gestation revealed a
      karyotype of 47,XY,+21(6)/46,XY(26). Array comparative genomic hybridization
      (aCGH) analysis on uncultured amniocytes revealed mosaic levels of 10% to 15% for
      trisomy 21. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis on
      uncultured amniocytes revealed a mosaic level of 21.7% (28/129 cells) for trisomy
      21. Following genetic counseling and detailed ultrasound examination, the parents
      decided to continue the pregnancy. The pregnancy was carried to term, and a
      normal 3664-g male baby was delivered. The cord blood lymphocytes had a karyotype
      of 47,XY,+21(2)/46,XY(38). Postnatal interphase FISH analysis of urine detected
      no trisomy 21 in all 39/39 urinary cells. The neonate was phenotypically normal
      at age 7 months. CONCLUSION: Low-level true mosaicism for trisomy 21 can be
      associated with a favorable fetal outcome. aCGH and interphase FISH analyses on
      uncultured amniocytes are useful for rapid confirmation of low-level true
      mosaicism for trisomy 21 at repeated amniocentesis.

PMID- 27125418
TI  - Degenerative leiomyoma of the cervix: Atypical clinical presentation and an
      unusual finding.

PMID- 27125417
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of de novo partial
      monosomy 3p (3p26.3->pter) and partial trisomy 16q (16q23.1->qter).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present the prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic
      characterization of a de novo unbalanced reciprocal translocation. CASE REPORT: A
      37-year-old woman, G3P1, underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because
      of her advanced maternal age. Her husband was 38 years old. Amniocentesis
      revealed a derivative chromosome 3 with the deletion of terminal 3p and the
      addendum of an unknown extra chromosomal segment on the distal 3p. The parental
      karyotypes were normal. Prenatal ultrasound findings were unremarkable. Array
      comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis using cultured amniocytes
      revealed a 2.38-Mb deletion in 3p26.3 [arr 3p26.3 (1-2,380,760)*1] encompassing
      15 genes, which included 3 OMIM genes CHL1, CNTN6, and CNTN4, and a 13.17-Mb
      duplication in 16q23.1-q24.3 [arr 16q23.1q24.3 (76,999,082-90,170,596)*3]
      encompassing 207 genes, which included 81 OMIM genes. The pregnancy was
      subsequently terminated, and a malformed fetus was delivered with facial
      dysmorphism. Postnatal cord blood analysis revealed a karyotype of
      46,XY,der(3)t(3;16)(p26.3;q23.1)dn. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis by
      quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) on the DNAs extracted
      from the placenta and parental blood showed a paternal origin of the aberrant
      chromosome. CONCLUSION: The aCGH and QF-PCR analyses helped in delineating the
      genomic imbalance and parental origin of prenatally detected de novo unbalanced
      reciprocal translocation.

PMID- 27125419
TI  - Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovaries overexpressing vascular endothelial
      growth factor: two cases.

PMID- 27125421
TI  - Successful treatment with recombinant blood factor VIIa in severe postpartum
      hemorrhage-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation.

PMID- 27125420
TI  - Immunohistochemical study of ovarian psammocarcinoma: Report of a rare case.

PMID- 27125422
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis of low-level mosaicism for trisomy 2 associated with a
      favorable pregnancy outcome.

PMID- 27125423
TI  - Diagnostic value of three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound for postmenopausal
      bleeding compared with endometrial thickness.

PMID- 27125424
TI  - Diagnostic utility of three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound for
      postmenopausal bleeding compared with sonohysterography.

PMID- 27125425
TI  - Corrigendum to <LASP-1 induces proliferation, metastasis and cell cycle arrest at
      the G2/M phase in gallbladder cancer by down-regulating S100P via the PI3K/AKT
      pathway> <Cancer Lett. 372 (2016) 239-250>.

PMID- 27125426
TI  - Temporal plasticity in thermal-habitat selection of burbot Lota lota a diel
      migrating winter-specialist.
AB  - In this study, animal-borne telemetry with temperature sensors was coupled with
      extensive habitat temperature monitoring in a dimictic reservoir, to test the
      following hypotheses: behavioural thermoregulation occurs throughout the year and
      temperature selection varies on a diel and seasonal basis, in a winter-specialist
      diel-migrating fish. Burbot Lota lota demonstrated nightly behavioural
      thermoregulation throughout the year, with a large seasonal shift between
      selection for very cold temperatures (<2 degrees  C) optimal for reproduction
      during the spawning period and selection for warmer temperatures (12-14 degrees 
      C) optimal for hunting and feeding during non-reproductive periods. During
      daylight hours, while L. lota avoided habitats warmer than optimal for
      reproduction and feeding during the spawning and non-reproductive periods,
      respectively, active selection was limited to selection for 4-6 degrees  C
      habitat during the prespawning period. Although behavioural thermoregulation
      explained the night-time migration, behavioural thermoregulation only partially
      explained daytime behaviour, indicating that diel migration is best explained by
      a combination of factors. Thus, thermal-habitat selection was a good predictor of
      night-time habitat occupancy in a diel-migrating species. Together, these results
      show that thermal-habitat selection by fishes may be important throughout the
      year and a more seasonally plastic behaviour than previously recognized. 

PMID- 27125427
TI  - Absence of collagen XVIII in mice causes age-related insufficiency in retinal
      pigment epithelium proteostasis.
AB  - Collagen XVIII has the structural properties of both collagen and proteoglycan.
      It has been found at the basement membrane/stromal interface where it is thought
      to mediate their attachment. Endostatin, a proteolytic fragment from collagen
      XVIII C-terminal end has been reported to possess anti-angiogenic properties. Age
      related vision loss in collagen XVIII mutant mice has been accompanied with a
      pathological accumulation of deposits under the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).
      We have recently demonstrated that impaired proteasomal and autophagy clearance
      are associated with the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. This
      study examined the staining levels of proteasomal and autophagy markers in the
      RPE of different ages of the Col18a1 (-/-) mice. Eyes from 3, 6-7, 10-13 and 18
      months old mice were enucleated and embedded in paraffin according to the routine
      protocol. Sequential 5 MUm-thick parasagittal samples were immunostained for
      proteasome and autophagy markers ubiquitin (ub), SQSTM1/p62 and beclin-1. The
      levels of immunopositivity in the RPE cells were evaluated by confocal
      microscopy. Collagen XVIII knock-out mice had undergone age-related RPE
      degeneration accompanied by an accumulation of drusen-like deposits. Ub protein
      conjugate staining was prominent in both RPE cytoplasm and extracellular space
      whereas SQSTM1/p62 and beclin-1 stainings were clearly present in the basal part
      of RPE cell cytoplasm in the Col18a1 (-/-) mice. SQSTM1/p62 displayed mild
      extracellular space staining. Disturbed proteostasis regulated by collagen XVIII
      might be responsible for the RPE degeneration, increased protein aggregation,
      ultimately leading to choroidal neovascularization.

PMID- 27125428
TI  - Impact of a single universal guiding catheter on door-to-balloon time in primary
      transradial coronary intervention for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to determine reduction of door-to-balloon (D2B) time
      using a single universal guiding catheter (Ikari-Left catheter) in transradial
      approach. In this procedure, we can skip a total of five steps compared with a
      conventional procedure (two catheter insertions, two catheter removals, and one
      catheter engagement). Reducing total ischemic time is important to achieving a
      better outcome in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We retrospectively compared 30
      consecutive STEMI patients who underwent transradial primary PCI with a single
      guiding catheter (IL group) with 30 consecutive patients with conventional
      transradial primary PCI. Patients with cardiogenic shock, heart failure, or need
      for intra-aortic balloon pumping support before primary PCI were excluded.
      Baseline characteristics were not different between the two groups. The D2B time
      was significantly shorter in the IL group (55 +/- 16 vs. 63 +/- 17 min,
      respectively; p = 0.01). Puncture-to-balloon time was also significantly shorter
      in the IL group (15 +/- 11 min vs. 25 +/- 11 min, respectively; p = 0.001). The
      total number of diagnostic and guiding catheters was significantly less in IL
      group (1 (IQR 1-1) vs. 3 (IQR 3-3), respectively; p < 0.0001). Primary PCI with a
      single universal guiding catheter reduced D2B time by skipping several procedural
      steps, and reduced the total number of catheters needed. This technique could
      reduce patient mortality as well as total medical cost.

PMID- 27125429
TI  - Involving children in cooking activities: A potential strategy for directing food
      choices toward novel foods containing vegetables.
AB  - Involving children in cooking has been suggested as a strategy to improve dietary
      habits in childhood. Interventions in schools including cooking, gardening and
      tasting activities have showed promising results. Several cross-sectional surveys
      demonstrated associations between frequency of involvement in food preparation
      and better diet quality. However, experimental studies confirming the beneficial
      effect of cooking on food choices in children are missing from the literature.
      The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of involving children
      in cooking on their willingness to taste novel foods, food intake, liking and
      hunger. A between-subject experiment was conducted with 137 children between 7
      and 11 years old. 69 children (COOK group) participated in the preparation of
      three unfamiliar foods containing vegetables: apple/beetroot juice, zucchini
      tortilla sandwich and spinach cookies. 68 children (CONTROL group) participated,
      instead, in a creative workshop. Afterwards, the children were invited to choose,
      for an afternoon snack, between three familiar vs. unfamiliar foods: orange vs.
      apple/beetroot juice, potato vs. zucchini tortilla sandwich and chocolate vs.
      spinach cookie. The mean number of unfamiliar foods chosen per child was higher
      in the COOK vs. CONTROL group (P = 0.037). The overall willingness to taste the
      unfamiliar foods was also higher in the COOK group (P = 0.011). The liking for
      the whole afternoon snack (P = 0.034), for 2 of 3 unfamiliar foods and for 1 of 3
      familiar foods was higher in the COOK group (P < 0.05). We did not demonstrate
      any difference between the two groups in overall food intake and hunger/satiety
      scores. This study demonstrated that involving children in cooking can increase
      their willingness to taste novel foods and direct food choices towards foods
      containing vegetables.

PMID- 27125430
TI  - Negative stereotypes of the Scottish diet: A qualitative analysis of deep-fried
      Mars bar references in bestselling newspapers in Scotland, 2011-14.
AB  - The Scottish diet is associated in the UK media and popular discourse with
      unhealthy deep-fried foods. In addition to the stereotype's negative effects on
      perceptions of Scottish food, culture and people, there is evidence that the
      stereotype of the Scottish diet has negative effects on food behaviour and public
      health in Scotland, having been shown to encourage consumption of deep-fried
      foods and discourage positive dietary change. The most notorious deep-fried food
      associated with Scotland is the deep-fried Mars bar (DFMB), arguably invented in
      Stonehaven (near Aberdeen), and first reported in the Scottish and UK press in
      1995. This article reports findings from an analysis of newspaper references to
      the DFMB in the two highest selling newspapers in Scotland, the Scottish Sun and
      the Daily Record, between 2011 and 2014. A keyword search ("deep fried Mars bar")
      using the online media database Lexis Library generated 97 unique records, and
      the resulting dataset was analysed thematically and discursively. Analysis showed
      that both newspapers clearly associated the DFMB with Scotland. Further, both
      newspapers portrayed the DFMB and the broader "deep-fried" Scottish diet
      stereotype ambivalently (mixed positive and negative associations). However, the
      Daily Record actively criticised the DFMB stereotype much more often than did the
      Scottish Sun. These findings suggest that the Scottish population encounters
      different messages in the press about food and nutrition from people elsewhere in
      the UK, and that these messages vary depending on choice of media in Scotland.
      Given the known negative effects of the stereotype, differences in Scottish media
      discourse should be considered a potential factor in persistent health
      inequalities affecting Scotland. Educational efforts, and opening discussion with
      journalists and amongst the Scottish public, may be helpful.

PMID- 27125431
TI  - Acculturation and environmental factors influencing dietary behaviors and body
      mass index of Chinese students in the United States.
AB  - Focus groups (n = 7) were conducted with Chinese students (n = 43) studying in
      the USA to determine how acculturation and environmental factors influence
      dietary behavior and body mass index (BMI). This study used mixed methodology,
      collecting both qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (24-h dietary
      recalls, food adoption scores, degree of acculturation, and height and weight
      measures) data. Themes emerging from focus group discussions were: a) dietary and
      social acculturation, b) factors influencing food intake, c) cultural importance
      of food, and d) changes in weight and BMI status. Environmental, behavioral, and
      cultural factors appear to have impacted the eating behaviors of the students.
      Because of the nature of the study, self-reported heights and weights were used
      to calculate BMI while living in China and actual heights and weights were taken
      for each student at the focus group to calculate current BMI after living in the
      USA. The majority of Chinese students (69% males; 85% females) experienced weight
      gain, resulting in an increased BMI based on weight/height data and as reported
      in focus group discussions. As a result, if students continue to gain weight,
      they may be at higher risk of developing chronic diseases in the future. Further,
      implemented dietary change may be transferred to other family members if students
      return to China. Results suggest that nutrition education should be provided to
      incoming foreign students during their orientation.

PMID- 27125432
TI  - Feasibility of intermittent back-filtrate infusion hemodiafiltration to reduce
      intradialytic hypotension in patients with cardiovascular instability: a pilot
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is one of the major problems in
      performing safe hemodialysis (HD). As blood volume depletion by fluid removal is
      a major cause of hypotension, careful regulation of blood volume change is
      fundamental. This study examined the effect of intermittent back-filtrate
      infusion hemodiafiltration (I-HDF), which modifies infusion and ultrafiltration
      pattern. METHODS: Purified on-line quality dialysate was intermittently infused
      by back filtration through the dialysis membrane with a programmed dialysis
      machine. A bolus of 200 ml of dialysate was infused at 30 min intervals. The
      volume infused was offset by increasing the fluid removal over the next 30 min by
      an equivalent amount. Seventy-seven hypotension-prone patients with over 20-mmHg
      reduction of systolic blood pressure during dialysis or intervention-requirement
      of more than once a week were included in the crossover study of 4 weeks duration
      for each modality. In a total of 1632 sessions, the frequency of interventions,
      the blood pressure, and the pulse rate were documented. RESULTS: During I-HDF,
      interventions for symptomatic hypotension were reduced significantly from 4.5 to
      3.0 (per person-month, median) and intradialytic systolic blood pressure was 4
      mmHg higher on average. The heart rate was lower during I-HDF than HD in the
      later session. Older patients and those with greater interdialytic weight gain
      responded to I-HDF. CONCLUSIONS: I-HDF could reduce interventions for IDH. It is
      accompanied with the increased intradialytic blood pressure and the less
      tachycardia, suggesting less sympathetic stimulation occurs. Thus, I-HDF could be
      beneficial for some hypotension-prone patients. UMIN REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      000013816.

PMID- 27125433
TI  - Performance of the creatinine and cystatin C-based equations for estimation of
      GFR in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, creatinine- or cystatin C-based glomerular filtration rate
      (GFR) estimation equation has been recommended to assess GFR in CKD patients.
      However, it is still obscure whether those equations performed consistently
      outstandingly in Chinese population. METHODS: The equations were validated in a
      population totaling 632 participants (mean age 61.6 +/- 12.3 years). The
      estimated GFR (eGFR) calculated separately by six equations (C-MDRD, Ccys, Cscr
      cys, CKD-EPIscr, CKD-EPIcys, and CKD-EPIscr-cys equations) was compared with the
      reference GFR (rGFR) measured by the 99mTc-DTPA renal dynamic imaging method.
      Participants were divided into age and rGFR specific subgroups. RESULTS: CKD
      EPIscr-cys equation had a larger area under receiver operating characteristic
      curve (ROCAUC) and relative higher sensitivity (79.8 %) and specificity (93 %) to
      diagnose CKD. CKD-EPIscr-cys and CKD-EPIcys equations appeared to be more
      accurate with higher proportion of eGFR within 30 % of rGFR (P 30) value. Those
      two equations performed as well in older people as in the younger population. The
      CKD-EPIscr-cys equation acquired the highest P 30 (80.9 %) in subgroups with rGFR
      >=60 mL/min/1.73 m2, while the CKD-EPIcys equation yielded the best performance
      in the rGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroup. CONCLUSION: CKD-EPIscr-cys formula had
      better capability to accurately evaluate GFR in the participants CKD stages 1-2
      in Chinese ethnic. The application of the cystatin C-based equations may be the
      optimal one for patients of moderately to severely injured GFR. Considering the
      accuracy in the entire range of participants less ideally, the additional of the
      Chinese racial factor is assumed to be essential.

PMID- 27125435
TI  - Biodistribution of negatively charged iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) in mice
      and enhanced brain delivery using lysophosphatidic acid (LPA).
AB  - Effective treatment of brain disorders requires a focus on improving drug
      permeability across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Herein, we examined the
      pharmacokinetic properties of negatively charged iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs)
      and the capability of using lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) to transiently disrupt
      the tight junctions and allow IONPs to enter the brain. Under normal conditions,
      IONPs had a plasma half-life of six minutes, with the liver and spleen being the
      major organs of deposition. Treatment with LPA enhanced accumulation of IONPs in
      the brain and spleen (approximately 4-fold vs. control). LPA and IONP treated
      mice revealed no sign of peripheral immune cell infiltration in the brain and no
      significant activation of microglia or astrocytes. These studies show improved
      delivery efficiency of IONPs following LPA administration. Our findings suggest
      transient disruption of the BBB may be a safe and effective method for increasing
      IONP delivery to the brain.

PMID- 27125436
TI  - A modified method for harvesting thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps in a
      simple and time-saving approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the increasing popularity of perforator flaps in several fields
      of reconstructive surgery, there have been many attempts to develop safer and
      more efficient harvesting methods. In this article, we propose a modified method
      for harvesting the thoracodorsal perforator (TDAP) flap during lower extremity
      reconstruction, and compare it with the conventional method. METHODS: Between
      January 2011 and December 2013, 74 TDAP flaps were used in reconstruction of
      lower extremity defects. The flaps included a single musculocutaneous perforator,
      and one artery, and one vein anastomosis were included in the study. Using the
      modified method for flap harvest, a reliable perforator was found and a cuff of
      muscle was left around the perforator without intramuscular dissection. The
      patient group meeting the inclusion criteria of the study comprised 20 females
      and 54 males ranging from 12 to 93 years of age. The conventional dissection
      method for harvesting the TDAP flap was used in 47 patients, the modified method
      in 27 patients. Flap dimensions, donor site closure, pedicle lengths, total
      operating times, times from skin incision to initiation of microsurgery, and
      complications of the two harvesting methods were compared. RESULTS: When the
      modified method was used, total operating time was reduced from 311 to 272 min (P
      < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications
      related to the flap or the donor site between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The
      modified method of perforator dissection is relatively safe and straightforward.
      Using it significantly reduces the operating time. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc. Microsurgery 36:642-646, 2016.

PMID- 27125434
TI  - Curtain osteophytes are one of the risk factors for the poor outcome of
      rotational acetabular osteotomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) is one of the surgical procedures
      for painful dysplastic hips. Although several risk factors for poor outcome of
      RAO have been reported, the presence of a curtain osteophyte in the acetabulum
      has not been evaluated as a possible risk factor. This study aimed to analyze the
      risk factors affecting the outcome of RAO and to clarify whether curtain
      osteophytes are one of the risk factors. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 87
      hips in 78 patients with a mean age of 36 (range, 13-54) years. The mean follow
      up period was 8.3 (range, 2.1-19.5) years. The radiographic severity of
      osteoarthritis was classified into four stages: pre-arthrosis, initial stage,
      advanced stage, and terminal stage. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA)
      hip score was used for clinical evaluation. Poor outcome was defined as a hip
      with a JOA score < 80 points or terminal-stage osteoarthritis at final follow-up.
      Several factors were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: At final
      follow-up, ten hips had a JOA score < 80 and nine hips had progressed to terminal
      stage osteoarthritis. Since five hips had a JOA score < 80 as well as terminal
      stage osteoarthritis, a total of 14 hips were determined to have poor outcome. An
      additional ten years of age at surgery, pre-operative minimal joint space < 2 mm,
      presence of a curtain osteophyte, and fair/poor congruency in abduction were
      identified as significant risk factors for poor outcome of RAO. CONCLUSIONS: Hips
      with curtain osteophyte should be evaluated carefully before RAO.

PMID- 27125437
TI  - Stable and durable CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells at ambient conditions.
AB  - Degradation of metal-organic halide perovskites when exposed to ambient
      conditions is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed for commercial viability
      of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, a concept of encapsulating CH3NH3PbI3
      perovskite crystals with a multi-functional graphene-polyaniline (PANI) composite
      coating to protect the perovskite against degradation from moisture, oxygen and
      UV light is presented. Hole-conducting polymers containing 2D layered sheet
      materials are presented here as multi-functional materials with oxygen and
      moisture impermeability. Specific studies involving PANI and graphene composites
      as coatings for perovskite crystals exhibited resistance to moisture and oxygen
      under continued exposure to UV and visible light. Most importantly, no perovskite
      degradation was observed even after 96 h of exposure of the PSCs to extremely
      high humidity (99% relative humidity). Our observations and results on perovskite
      protection with graphene/conducting polymer composites open up opportunities for
      glove-box-free and atmospheric processing of PSCs. 

PMID- 27125438
TI  - Common finding of mild hyponatremia in children evaluated at the Emergency
      Department and its correlation with plasma C-reactive protein values.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the context of infectious diseases, mild hyponatremia is supposed
      to be originated by a transient secretion of vasopressin mediated by non-osmotic
      stimuli. This study provides data supporting the view that mild hyponatremia
      during acute illnesses is related to a systemic inflammatory condition. METHODS:
      A total of 328 consecutive children (aged 3 months to 17 years) underwent blood
      testing at the Pediatric Emergency Department over a 2-month period and were
      retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Hyponatremia was found in 98 patients, and in
      most of them it was a mild condition. A significant trend towards lower levels of
      plasmatic sodium, along with the increase of C-reactive protein, was observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: A significant relationship between plasmatic sodium levels and C
      reactive protein was found, apart from of the underlying disease.

PMID- 27125439
TI  - Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children from a hospital center of Northeast
      Romania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the common etiologies,
      clinical and biological patterns of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) in
      children from a hospital center in Northeast Romania. METHODS: This seven-year
      retrospective study was performed from 2007 to 2013 in St. Mary Children's
      Emergency Hospital, Jassy, Romania and included all children who referred to our
      center with UGIB exteriorized by hematemesis or melena. Endoscopy was performed
      under conscious sedation/general anesthesia after the informed consent was
      obtained. RESULTS: One hundred and three patients aged 1-18 years were included
      in this study. There were 57 males and 46 females with male to female ratio
      1.2:1; 43.69% presented with hematemesis, 31.07% had melena and 25.24% had both.
      The most common causes of UGIB were erosive gastritis (33.98%), followed by
      esophagitis (14.56%), duodenitis (11.65%), duodenal ulcer (10.68%), gastric ulcer
      (5.83%), esophageal varices (4.85%), Mallory-Weiss syndrome (1.94%); multiple
      etiologies counted for 16.50% cases. A certain bleeding source was found in
      34.95% cases, a possible one in 39.81% of the patients; the source could not be
      ascertained in 25.24% of cases. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
      consumption was documented in in 17.51% of patients. The incidence of H. pylori
      infection was 36.89%. CONCLUSIONS: The most common cause of of upper GI bleeding
      in our series was gastritis, followed by oesophagitis and duodenitis. Most of the
      patients presented with hematemesis; previous consumption of NSAIDs and H. pylori
      infection were associated with gastroduodenal ulceration and bleeding. Early
      endoscopy was associated with a higher detection rate of the bleeding source.

PMID- 27125440
TI  - Varicella-zoster virus: pathogenesis, incidence patterns and vaccination
      programs.
AB  - Varicella or chickenpox is a common and highly contagious exanthematic disease
      caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that during primary infection has the
      ability to establish latency. VZV reactivation, even decades after primary
      infection, causes herpes zoster. In healthy immunocompetent subjects, children in
      particular, varicella results in mild to moderate illness and for this reason,
      regardless its high morbidity, it is not considered a public health priority.
      Varicella still represents the most widespread vaccine preventable childhood
      infectious disease in industrialized countries; due to its relevant burden on
      healthcare resources several countries has introduced varicella vaccination into
      the recommended routine childhood national immunization schedule. Nowadays, live
      attenuated monovalent and combined MMRV vaccines are licensed worldwide. The use
      of several millions of doses has demonstrated the excellent safety and efficacy
      level of varicella vaccines as well as of combined MMRV vaccines. Universal
      vaccination adopted in many countries with a two-dose strategy has allowed to
      significantly reducing morbidity and mortality of this infectious disease.
      Anyway, an ample international debate is ongoing on the time range to be used
      between the two doses, and on the safety issues related to the use as first-dose
      of MMRV vaccine. Taking into account the availability of a zoster vaccine in
      subjects older than 50 years of age, it will be relevant to clarify if an impact
      on exogenous boosters and on the epidemiology of herpes zoster can occur after
      the adoption of extensive varicella immunization. 

PMID- 27125441
TI  - What about obesity-related iron deficiency as a new sign of child poverty in
      Italy in a time of economic recession?

PMID- 27125442
TI  - Kawasaki disease with unusual clinical course in a young infant: case report and
      perspective management suggestion.

PMID- 27125443
TI  - Use of biological hemostatic support TachoSil(r) for reoperation in pediatric
      cardiac surgery.

PMID- 27125444
TI  - Stomagenesis versus myogenesis: Parallels in intrinsic and extrinsic regulation
      of transcription factor mediated specialized cell-type differentiation in plants
      and animals.
AB  - Although the last common unicellular ancestor of plants and animals diverged
      several billion years ago, and while having developed unique developmental
      programs that facilitate differentiation and proliferation specific to plant and
      animal systems, there still exists a high degree of conservation in the logic
      regulating these developmental processes within these two seemingly diverse
      kingdoms. Stomatal differentiation in plants involves a series of orchestrated
      cell division events mediated by a family of closely related bHLH transcription
      factors (TFs) to create a pair of mature guard cells. These TFs are in turn
      regulated by a number of upstream signaling components that ultimately function
      to achieve lineage specific differentiation and organized tissue patterning on
      the plant epidermis. The logic involved in the specification of the myogenic
      differentiation program in animals is intriguingly similar to stomatal
      differentiation in plants: Closely-related myogenic bHLHs, known as MRFs
      (Myogenic Regulatory Factors) provide lineage specificity essential for cell-fate
      determination. These MRFs, similar to the bHLHs in plants, are regulated by
      several upstream signaling cascades that succinctly regulate each differentiation
      step, leading to the production of mature muscle fibers. This review aims at
      providing a perspective on the emerging parallels in the logic employed by key
      bHLH transcription factors and their upstream signaling components that function
      to precisely regulate key cell-state transition events in the stomatal as well as
      myogenic cell lineages. 

PMID- 27125445
TI  - Author Reply.

PMID- 27125446
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27125447
TI  - Single-use technology for solvent/detergent virus inactivation of industrial
      plasma products.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Virus inactivation of plasma products is conducted using stainless
      steel vessels. Single-use technology can offer significant benefits over
      stainless such as operational flexibility, reduced capital infrastructure costs,
      and increased efficiency by minimizing the time and validation requirements
      associated with hardware cleaning. This study qualifies a single-use bag system
      for solvent/detergent (S/D) virus inactivation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Human
      plasma and immunoglobulin test materials were S/D-treated in Mobius single-use
      bags using 1% tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP) with 1% Triton X-100 or 1% Tween 80 at
      31 degrees C for 4 to 6 hours to evaluate the impact on protein quality. Volatile
      and nonvolatile organic leachables from low-density polyethylene film (Pureflex
      film) used in 1-L-scale studies after exposure to S/D in phosphate-buffered
      saline were identified compared to controls in glass containers. Virus
      inactivation studies were performed with xenotropic murine leukemia virus (XMuLV)
      and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) to determine the kinetics of virus
      inactivation, measured using infectivity assays. RESULTS: S/D treatment in Mobius
      bags did not impact the protein content and profile of plasma and immunoglobulin,
      including proteolytic enzymes and thrombin generation. Cumulative leachable
      levels after exposure to S/D were 1.5 and 1.85 ppm when using 0.3% TnBP combined
      with 1% Tween 80 or 1% Triton X-100, respectively. Efficient inactivation of both
      XMuLV and BVDV was observed, with differences in the rate of inactivation
      dependent on both virus and S/D mixture. CONCLUSION: Effective S/D virus
      inactivation in single-use container technology is achievable. It does not alter
      plasma proteins and induces minimal release of leachables.

PMID- 27125448
TI  - Iatrogenic parasitic leiomyoma and leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata
      following uterine morcellation.
AB  - AIM: To assess the impact of morcellation on the spread of uterine leiomyoma.
      METHODS: Cases of parasitic leiomyoma involving prior laparoscopy were collected
      between 2012 and 2015 in a tertiary women's hospital in China. Their
      clinicopathological features and the associated reports were reviewed. RESULTS:
      All six patients with parasitic leiomyoma had laparoscopic myomectomy or
      hysterectomy with power morcellation 39-132 months previously. Patient 1 had
      widely disseminated tumors in the peritoneum and pelvis, in keeping with
      leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD). She received debulking of
      peritoneal tumors and lived with disease for 22 months. The implanting sites of
      the other parasitic tumors (patients 2-6) included the mesentery (n = 2),
      intestine (n = 1), pelvic parietal (n = 1), bladder (n = 1), and musculus rectus
      abdominis (n = 1). The diameter varied from 1 cm to 6 cm. The patients underwent
      abdominal subtotal hysterectomy, cervicectomy or tumor debulking and the
      postoperative course was unremarkable for a period of 2-32 months.
      Pathologically, these disseminated or parasitic leiomyomas did not show any
      evidence of malignancy. There were no morphological or immunohistochemical
      differences between the original tumor and the following seeding tumors. On
      literature review, 11 iatrogenic LPD have been reported after laparoscopic
      surgery for uterine leiomyoma. These cases may provide an alternative pathogenic
      mechanism for a distinct variant of LPD. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hysterectomy
      with tumor morcellation may increase the chance of tumor implantation and
      dissemination. Both clinicians and pathologists should be alert to this rare
      complication.

PMID- 27125449
TI  - Long term outcomes in 46, XX adult patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
      reared as males.
AB  - Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) owing to 21-hydroxylase
      deficiency and whose karyotype is 46, XX are usually assigned to the female
      gender. Reported herein are the long term outcomes in three patients with CAH
      whose karyotype is 46, XX and who were reared as males. A retrospective review of
      three CAH patients with a 46, XX karyotype who were reared as males was
      conducted. Gender assignment, clinical and biochemical data, pre and post
      genitoplasty genital examinations were reviewed. Gender identity was tested by an
      extensive questionnaire. Gender role, sexual preference, marital status and
      sexual satisfaction were evaluated by interview. The three patients were
      genotyped for the CYP21A2 gene confirming the diagnosis of CAH. Owing to genital
      virilization, cultural preferences for male gender and the lack of newborn
      screening programs the three patients reported herein were assigned to the male
      gender at birth before the diagnosis of CAH was established. In adulthood the
      patients remained significantly virilized. Thorough psychosexual assessments in
      adulthood revealed well established male gender identities compatible with their
      male gender assignments at birth. In all three patients, gender role and behavior
      were consistent with male gender identity including sexual intercourse with
      female partners. The three patients reported herein revealed that male gender
      assignment to CAH patients with a 46, XX karyotype may have a successful outcome
      providing there is strong parental support and expert endocrine care. No standard
      guidelines have been published for the gender assignment of CAH patients with a
      46, XX karyotype and genital ambiguity. More studies concerning gender assignment
      in CAH patients with a 46, XX karyotype reared as males are needed.

PMID- 27125450
TI  - Progesterone receptor in the prostate: A potential suppressor for benign
      prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.
AB  - Advanced prostate cancer undergoing androgen receptor pathway inhibition (ARPI)
      eventually progresses to castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), suggesting
      that (i) androgen receptor (AR) blockage is incomplete, and (ii) there are other
      critical molecular pathways contributing to prostate cancer (PCa) progression.
      Although most PCa occurs in the epithelium, prostate stroma is increasingly
      believed to play a crucial role in promoting tumorigenesis and facilitating tumor
      progression. In the stroma, sex steroid hormone receptors such as AR and estrogen
      receptor-alpha are implicated to have important functions, whereas the
      progesterone receptor (PR) remains largely under-investigated despite the high
      sequence and structural similarities between PR and AR. Stromal progesterone/PR
      signaling may play a critical role in PCa development and progression because not
      only progesterone is a critical precursor for de novo androgen steroidogenesis
      and an activator of mutant androgen receptors, but also PR functions in a ligand
      independent manner in various important pathways. In fact, recent progress in our
      understanding of stromal PR function suggests that this receptor may exert an
      inhibitory effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), reactive stroma
      development, and PCa progression. These early findings of stromal PR warrant
      further investigations as this receptor could be a potential biomarker and
      therapeutic target in PCa management.

PMID- 27125451
TI  - The impact of genetic steroid disorders on human fertility.
AB  - Human fertility requires an exquisitely complex orchestration of steroid hormone
      action to affect the necessary elements of reproduction, including
      folliculogenesis, endometrial advancement, ovulation, and implantation.
      Individuals affected by genetic steroid disorders often face substantial
      challenges to these crucial elements of fertility, in addition to the broader
      health implications of their diseases. In the following article, we review the
      impact of genetic steroid disorders on human reproduction, as well as the
      treatments, where available, aimed at circumventing such hurdles. Adrenal
      disorders will first be described, followed by rare gonadal steroid disorders.

PMID- 27125452
TI  - Biotransformation of the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists spironolactone
      and canrenone by human CYP11B1 and CYP11B2: Characterization of the products and
      their influence on mineralocorticoid receptor transactivation.
AB  - Spironolactone and its major metabolite canrenone are potent mineralocorticoid
      receptor antagonists and are, therefore, applied as drugs for the treatment of
      primary aldosteronism and essential hypertension. We report that both compounds
      can be converted by the purified adrenocortical cytochromes P450 CYP11B1 and
      CYP11B2, while no conversion of the selective mineralocorticoid receptor
      antagonist eplerenone was observed. As their natural function, CYP11B1 and
      CYP11B2 carry out the final steps in the biosynthesis of gluco- and
      mineralocorticoids. Dissociation constants for the new exogenous substrates were
      determined by a spectroscopic binding assay and demonstrated to be comparable to
      those of the natural substrates, 11-deoxycortisol and 11-deoxycorticosterone.
      Metabolites were produced at preparative scale with a CYP11B2-dependent
      Escherichia coli whole-cell system and purified by HPLC. Using NMR spectroscopy,
      the metabolites of spironolactone were identified as 11beta-OH-spironolactone, 18
      OH-spironolactone and 19-OH-spironolactone. Canrenone was converted to 11beta-OH
      canrenone, 18-OH-canrenone as well as to the CYP11B2-specific product 11beta,18
      diOH-canrenone. Therefore, a contribution of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 to the
      biotransformation of drugs should be taken into account and the metabolites
      should be tested for their potential toxic and pharmacological effects. A
      mineralocorticoid receptor transactivation assay in antagonist mode revealed
      11beta-OH-spironolactone as pharmaceutically active metabolite, whereas all other
      hydroxylation products negate the antagonist properties of spironolactone and
      canrenone. Thus, human CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 turned out to metabolize steroid-based
      drugs additionally to the liver-dependent biotransformation of drugs. Compared
      with the action of the parental drug, changed properties of the metabolites at
      the target site have been observed.

PMID- 27125453
TI  - Inflammatory cytokines induce caveolin-1/beta-catenin signalling in rat nucleus
      pulposus cell apoptosis through the p38 MAPK pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells is a major cause of
      intervertebral disc degeneration. To elucidate relationships between caveolin-1
      and cytokine-induced apoptosis, we investigated the role of caveolin-1 in
      cytokine-induced apoptosis in rat NP cells and the related signalling pathway.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat NP cells were treated with interleukin (IL)-1beta or
      tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and knockdown of caveolin-1 and beta
      catenin was achieved using specific siRNAs. Then, apoptotic level of rat NP cells
      and expression and activation of caveolin-1/beta-catenin signalling were assessed
      by flow cytometric analysis, qRT-PCR, western blotting and luciferase assays. The
      relationship between the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and
      caveolin-1 promoter activity was also determined by luciferase assays. RESULTS:
      IL-1beta and TNF-alpha induced apoptosis, upregulated caveolin-1 expression and
      activated Wnt/beta-catenin signalling in rat NP cells, while the induction effect
      of cytokines was reversed by caveolin-1 siRNA and beta-catenin siRNA. Promotion
      of rat NP cell apoptosis and nuclear translocation of beta-catenin induced by
      caveolin-1 overexpression were abolished by beta-catenin siRNA. Furthermore,
      pretreatment with a p38 MAPK inhibitor or dominant negative-p38, blocked cytokine
      dependent induction of caveolin-1/beta-catenin expression and activity.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed the role of p38/caveolin-1/beta-catenin in
      inflammatory cytokine-induced apoptosis in rat NP cells. Thus, controlling
      p38/caveolin-1/beta-catenin activity seemed to regulate IL-1beta- and TNF-alpha
      induced apoptosis in the NP during intervertebral disc degeneration.

PMID- 27125454
TI  - Infra-red photoresponse of mesoscopic NiO-based solar cells sensitized with PbS
      quantum dot.
AB  - Sensitized NiO based photocathode is a new field of investigation with increasing
      scientific interest in relation with the development of tandem dye-sensitized
      solar cells (photovoltaic) and dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthetic cells (solar
      fuel). We demonstrate herein that PbS quantum dots (QDs) represent promising
      inorganic sensitizers for NiO-based quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs).
      The solar cell sensitized with PbS quantum dot exhibits significantly higher
      photoconversion efficiency than solar cells sensitized with a classical and
      efficient molecular sensitizer (P1 dye = 4-(Bis-{4-[5-(2,2-dicyano-vinyl)
      thiophene-2-yl]-phenyl}-amino)-benzoic acid). Furthermore, the system features an
      IPCE (Incident Photon-to-Current Efficiency) spectrum that spreads into the infra
      red region, reaching operating wavelengths of 950 nm. The QDSSC
      photoelectrochemical device works with the complexes tris(4,4'-ditert-butyl-2,2'
      bipyridine)cobalt(III/II) redox mediators, underscoring the formation of a long
      lived charge-separated state. The electrochemical impedance spectrocopy
      measurements are consistent with a high packing of the QDs upon the NiO surface,
      the high density of which limits the access of the electrolyte and results in
      favorable light absorption cross-sections and a significant hole lifetime. These
      notable results highlight the potential of NiO-based photocathodes sensitized
      with quantum dots for accessing and exploiting the low-energy part of the solar
      spectrum in photovoltaic and photocatalysis applications.

PMID- 27125455
TI  - Development of a solidified self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SMEDDS)
      for atorvastatin calcium with improved dissolution and bioavailability.
AB  - To improve the dissolution and oral bioavailability (BA) of atorvastatin calcium
      (ATV), we previously introduced an optimized self-microemulsifying drug delivery
      system (SMEDDS) using Capmul((r)) MCM (oil), Tween((r)) 20 (surfactant), and
      tetraglycol (cosurfactant). In this study, various solid carriers were employed
      to develop a solidified SMEDDS (S-SMEDDS): mannitol (M) and lactose (L) as water
      soluble carriers, and Sylysia((r)) 350 (S) and Aerosil((r)) 200 (A) as water
      insoluble carriers. Maximum solidifying capacities (SCmax) of water-insoluble
      carriers were significantly greater than those of water-soluble carriers were.
      The resultant powders were free flowing with an angle of repose <40 degrees  and
      Carr's index 5-20%, regardless of the solid carrier types. S-SMEDDS with mannitol
      (S(M)-SMEDDS) or lactose (S(L)-SMEDDS) had a smaller droplet size and greater
      dissolution than S-SMEDDS with Sylysia((r)) 350 (S(S)-SMEDDS) or Aerosil((r)) 200
      (S(A)-SMEDDS). Following oral administration of various formulations to rats at a
      dose equivalent to 25mg/kg of ATV, plasma drug levels were measured by LC-MS/MS.
      The relative BAs (RBAs) of SMEDDS, S(M)-SMEDDS, and S(S)-SMEDDS were 345%, 216%,
      and 160%, respectively, compared to that of ATV suspension. Additionally, at a
      reduced dose of ATV equivalent to 5mg/kg, the RBAs of S(M)-SMEDDS and S(S)-SMEDDS
      compared to that of SMEDDS were 101% and 65%, respectively. These results suggest
      that S(M)-SEMDDS offers great potential for the development of solid dosage forms
      with improved oral absorption of drugs with poor water solubility. 

PMID- 27125456
TI  - Detection of O-propargyl-puromycin with SUMO and ubiquitin by click chemistry at
      PML-nuclear bodies during abortive proteasome activities.
AB  - The amino-nucleoside antibiotic, puromycin, acts by covalently linking to
      elongating polypeptide chains on ribosomes to generate prematurely terminated
      immature polypeptides. The trafficking of puromycin-conjugated (puromycylated)
      immature polypeptides within cell has, however, remained elusive. In this study,
      using O-propargyl-puromycin (OP-Puro), the distribution of puromycylated
      polypeptides was assessed in HeLa cells by click chemistry. Under standard
      culture conditions, OP-Puro signals were detected in the cytoplasm and nucleus
      with the highest concentrations in the nucleolus. Intriguingly, when proteasome
      activities were aborted using MG132, OP-Puro signals began to accumulate at
      promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) in addition to the nucleolus. We
      also found promiscuous association of OP-Puro signals with SUMO-2/3 and ubiquitin
      at PML-NBs, but not at the nucleolus, during abortive proteasome activities. This
      study reveals a previously unknown distribution of OP-Puro that argues for a
      nuclear function in regulating immature protein homeostasis.

PMID- 27125457
TI  - In vitro CRISPR-Cas9-mediated efficient Ad5 vector modification.
AB  - The CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system has been widely used in multiple cells and
      organisms. Here we developed a CRISPR-Cas9 based in vitro large DNA vector
      editing system, using the Ad5-based vector as an example. We demonstrate use of
      this system to generate targeted mutations, in-frame gene deletion, and gene
      replacement. This in vitro CRISPR editing system exhibits high efficiency and
      accuracy. We believe this system can be applied in a variety of experimental
      settings.

PMID- 27125458
TI  - Role of ATF5 in the invasive potential of diverse human cancer cell lines.
AB  - Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is a member of the ATF/cAMP response
      element-binding protein family. Our research group recently revealed that ATF5
      expression increases the invasiveness of human lung carcinoma cells. However, the
      effects of ATF5 on the invasive potential of other cancer cells lines remain
      unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role of ATF5 in the
      invasive activity of diverse human cancer cell lines. Invasiveness was assessed
      using Matrigel invasion assays. ATF5 knockdown resulted in decreased invasiveness
      in seven of eight cancer cell lines tested. These results suggest that ATF5
      promotes invasiveness in several cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the roles of
      ATF5 in the invasiveness were evaluated in three-dimensional (3D) culture
      conditions. In 3D collagen gel, HT-1080 and MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited high
      invasiveness, with spindle morphology and high invasion speed. In both cell
      lines, knockdown of ATF5 resulted in rounded morphology and decreased invasion
      speed. Next, we showed that ATF5 induced integrin-alpha2 and integrin-beta1
      expression and that the depletion of integrin-alpha2 or integrin-beta1 resulted
      in round morphology and decreased invasion speed. Our results suggest that ATF5
      promotes invasion by inducing the expression of integrin-alpha2 and integrin
      beta1 in several human cancer cell lines.

PMID- 27125459
TI  - Zinc fingers 1, 2, 5 and 6 of transcriptional regulator, PRDM4, are required for
      its nuclear localisation.
AB  - PRDM4 is a member of the PRDM family of transcriptional regulators which control
      various aspects of cellular differentiation and proliferation. PRDM proteins
      exert their biological functions both in the cytosol and the nucleus of cells.
      All PRDM proteins are characterised by the presence of two distinct structural
      motifs, the PR/SET domain and the zinc finger (ZF) motifs. We previously observed
      that deletion of all six zinc fingers found in PRDM4 leads to its accumulation in
      the cytosol, whereas overexpressed full length PRDM4 is found predominantly in
      the nucleus. Here, we investigated the requirements for single zinc fingers in
      the nuclear localisation of PRDM4. We demonstrate that ZF's 1, 2, 5 and 6
      contribute to the accumulation of PRDM4 in the nucleus. Their effect is additive
      as deleting either ZF1-2 or ZF 5-6 redistributes PRDM4 protein from being almost
      exclusively nuclear to cytosolic and nuclear. We investigated the potential
      mechanism of nuclear shuttling of PRDM4 via the importin alpha/beta-mediated
      pathway and find that PRDM4 nuclear targeting is independent of alpha/beta
      mediated nuclear import.

PMID- 27125460
TI  - ERRF is essential for Estrogen-Estrogen Receptor alpha signaling pathway in ER
      positive breast cancer cells.
AB  - Estrogen-Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERalpha) belongs to one of the most important
      signaling pathways controlling breast tissue development and progression of
      breast cancer. ERRF was recently identified as a candidate breast cancer
      associated protein and showed positive association with ERalpha status in
      clinical samples and cell lines. To further explore the relationship between ERRF
      and ERalpha, we studied whether ERRF plays any roles in estrogen-ERalpha pathway.
      Knockdown of ERRF in ER positive breast cancer cells T-47D and BT-474 reduced the
      level of p-AKT, p-MAPK, and phosphorylation of ERalpha at Ser 118 and Ser 167,
      and the transcriptional activity of ERalpha was inhibited as well. Further
      mechanism study proved ERRF to be an interacting partner of ERalpha. In total,
      these data revealed that ERRF is essential for the activity of E2-ERalpha
      pathway.

PMID- 27125462
TI  - Pancreatic proteome profiling of type 1 diabetic mouse: Differential expression
      of proteins involved in exocrine function, stress response, growth, apoptosis and
      metabolism.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the pancreatic
      beta-cells fail to produce insulin. In addition to such change in the endocrine
      function, the exocrine function of the pancreas is altered as well. To understand
      the molecular basis of the changes in both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic
      functions due to T1D, the proteome profile of the pancreas of control and
      diabetic mouse was compared using two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) and
      the differentially expressed proteins identified by electrospray ionization
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-LC-MS/MS). Among several
      hundred protein spots analyzed, the expression levels of 27 protein spots were
      found to be up-regulated while that of 16 protein spots were down-regulated due
      to T1D. We were able to identify 23 up-regulated and 9 down-regulated protein
      spots and classified them by bioinformatic analysis into different functional
      categories: (i) exocrine enzymes (or their precursors) involved in the metabolism
      of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates; (ii) chaperone/stress response; and (iii)
      growth, apoptosis, amino acid metabolism or energy metabolism. Several proteins
      were found to be present in multiple forms, possibly resulting from proteolysis
      and/or post-translational modifications. Succinate dehydrogenase [ubiquinone]
      flavoprotein subunit, which is the major catalytic subunit of succinate
      dehydrogenase (SDH), was found to be one of the proteins whose expression was
      increased in T1D mouse pancreata. Since altered expression of a protein can
      modify its functional activity, we tested and observed that the activity of SDH,
      a key metabolic enzyme, was increased in the T1D mouse pancreata as well. The
      potential role of the altered expression of different proteins in T1D associated
      pathology in mouse is discussed.

PMID- 27125461
TI  - Construction and myogenic differentiation of 3D myoblast tissues fabricated by
      fibronectin-gelatin nanofilm coating.
AB  - In this study, we used a recently developed approach of coating the cells with
      fibronectin-gelatin nanofilms to build 3D skeletal muscle tissue models. We
      constructed the microtissues from C2C12 myoblasts and subsequently differentiated
      them to form muscle-like tissue. The thickness of the constructs could be
      successfully controlled by altering the number of seeded cells. We were able to
      build up to ~76 MUm thick 3D constructs that formed multinucleated myotubes. We
      also found that Rho-kinase inhibitor Y27632 improved myotube formation in thick
      constructs. Our approach makes it possible to rapidly form 3D muscle tissues and
      is promising for the in vitro construction of physiologically relevant human
      skeletal muscle tissue models.

PMID- 27125463
TI  - Transvaginal cervical length measurement at 22- to 26-week pregnancy in
      prediction of preterm births in twin pregnancies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive role of transvaginal ultrasonographic
      measurement of cervical length (CL) at 22-26 weeks of gestation in determining
      preterm deliveries in twin pregnancies. METHODS: The study included 150 twin
      pregnancies. CL was measured by transvaginal ultrasonography at 22-26 weeks.
      Signs of preterm labor, ruptured membranes, vaginal bleeding, patients with
      systemic disease, and cervical incompetencies were excluded. The patients had
      monthly digital cervical examinations but no routine TVCL ultrasound
      examinations. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth at before 37
      weeks of gestation. RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of twin pregnancies delivered by
      cesarean section and 16% babies had a neonatal intensive care unit requisitioned.
      Ninety-two patients were delivered in smaller than 37 gestational weeks and the
      mean CL measurement (CLM) was <37.64 +/- 6.23 mm. According to the ROC curve
      analysis, CLM was found to be a discriminating parameter in patients. The area
      under the curve, cutoff values, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.794, 34.95,
      and 70-80%; respectively (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: In women with twin pregnancy,
      the risk of preterm birth can be evaluated using the ultrasonographic measurement
      of CL at 22-26 weeks of gestation.

PMID- 27125464
TI  - Associations between parent-child relationship quality and obesogenic risk in
      adolescence: a systematic review of recent literature.
AB  - Adolescence is a period of significant cognitive, social and physiological
      change, presenting unique risk factors for weight gain. Childhood obesity
      research has traditionally focused on the influence of parent-level factors on
      children's eating and weight status. Increasingly, emphasis is turning towards
      the reciprocal nature of the parent-child relationship and its influence on
      health behaviour. A systematic literature review was conducted to investigate the
      relationship between parent-child relationship quality (defined as the felt
      emotional bond between parent and child) and obesogenic risk (weight status,
      eating attitudes and behaviours, level of physical activity and sedentary
      behaviour) in adolescence; 26 papers were included in the review. The results
      neither support nor challenge an association between parent-child relationship
      quality and weight, with study design flaws and limited measurement of the parent
      child relationship precluding robust conclusions. The review does however
      suggests that several aspects of the parent-child relationship are important in
      understanding eating attitudes and behaviours, including the felt emotional bond
      between the parent and child, the child's perception of how much the parent cares
      for them and the mother's sensitivity towards the child. The need for further
      longitudinal research into the association between parent-child relationship
      quality and obesity risk across this developmental period is discussed.

PMID- 27125465
TI  - Emerging biological agents for hepatitis C.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: New direct-acting antiviral agents have changed the landscape of
      treatment of chronic HCV infection. Despite current treatments are well tolerated
      with a high rate of sustained virological response (SVR), some medical needs
      remain. Nowadays there are a large number of approved medications for the
      treatment of HCV infection; nevertheless, new studies are conducted to find new
      agents and new combinations. AREAS COVERED: A literature research of new
      antiviral compounds indicated for the treatment of HCV infection was achieved by
      an online search of medication undergoing development on Pubmed and
      clinicalTrials.gov clinical trials registry. We considered phase I/II studies and
      some randomized Phase III trials. EXPERT OPINION: More knowledge about impact of
      HCV eradication on disease progression and more confidence regarding drug-drug
      interaction are needed. Furthermore, each treatment should be individualized
      targeting the patients needs with the aim not only to obtain viral suppression
      but also to stop progression of liver disease and HCV related conditions, and to
      improve patient health status.

PMID- 27125466
TI  - Highly Active Titanocene Catalysts for Epoxide Hydrosilylation: Synthesis,
      Theory, Kinetics, EPR Spectroscopy.
AB  - A catalytic system for titanocene-catalyzed epoxide hydrosilylation is described.
      It features a straightforward preparation of titanocene hydrides that leads to a
      reaction with low catalyst loading, high yields, and high selectivity of radical
      reduction. The mechanism was studied by a suite of methods, including kinetic
      studies, EPR spectroscopy, and computational methods. An unusual resting state
      leads to the observation of an inverse rate order with respect to the epoxide.

PMID- 27125467
TI  - Hearing loss, coloboma and left ventricular enlargement in a boy with an
      interstitial 10q26 deletion.
AB  - Distal deletion of the long arm of chromosome 10 with breakpoints mapped at 10q26
      is a well-recognized contiguous genomic disorder. A wide spectrum of clinical
      findings is seen in affected individuals and the common clinical features include
      craniofacial dysmorphia, developmental delay, intellectual disability, hypotonia,
      cardiovascular defects, and urogenital malformations. We report herein on a male
      patient with a 5.5 Mb interstitial deletion of 10q26.11q2613 and compare his
      clinical presentation to previously reported cases. Apart from characteristic
      phenotypes seen in 10q26 deletion syndrome, he presents with colobomas and left
      ventricle enlargement. These are cardiovascular and ophthalmological findings
      that have not been described in prior cases. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27125468
TI  - Proteome analysis of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hA-MSCs) reveals
      impaired antioxidant ability, cytoskeleton and metabolic functionality in
      maternal obesity.
AB  - Maternal obesity increases the risk of obesity and/or obesity-related diseases in
      the offspring of animal models. The aim of this study was to identify metabolic
      dysfunctions that could represent an enhanced risk for human obesity or obesity
      related diseases in newborn or in adult life, similar to what occurs in animal
      models. To this aim, we studied the proteome of 12 obese (Ob-) and 6 non-obese
      (Co-) human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hA-MSCs) obtained from women at
      delivery by cesarean section (pre-pregnancy body mass index [mean +/- SD]: 42.7
      +/- 7.7 and 21.3 +/- 3.3 kg/m(2), respectively). The proteome, investigated by
      two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis/mass spectrometry,
      revealed 62 differently expressed proteins in Ob- vs Co-hA-MSCs (P < 0.05), nine
      of which were confirmed by western blotting. Bioinformatics analysis showed that
      these 62 proteins are involved in several statistically significant pathways (P <
      0.05), including the stress response, cytoskeleton and metabolic pathways.
      Oxidative stress was shown to be an early triggering factor of tissue fat
      accumulation and obesity-related disorders in the offspring of obese animal
      models. Our finding of a reduced stress response in Ob-hA-MSCs suggests that a
      similar mechanism could occur also in humans. Long-term follow-up studies of
      newborns of obese mothers are required to verify this hypothesis.

PMID- 27125470
TI  - Openness to experience shortens duration of untreated psychosis in Serbian
      clinical population.
AB  - AIM: To determine duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in patients with
      schizophrenia-spectrum disorders from Serbia and to analyse factors that
      potentially contribute to the treatment delay, with focus on personality traits.
      METHODS: Fifty seven patients (males 54.4%; age = 29.9 +/- 6.0 yrs; age at the
      illness onset = 24.9 +/- 5.1 yrs; IQ = 93.5 +/- 12.2) were included. The
      assessment consisted of Nottingham Onset Schedule (NOS), Premorbid Adjustment
      Scale (PAS) and NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R). We used Cox regression
      model to evaluate relationship between DUP and explanatory variables. RESULTS:
      Based on the most restrictive definition, the length of DUP in our sample was
      77.8 +/- 120.6 weeks (MED = 25.0 weeks). DUP was negatively associated with
      openness to experience (B = -0.804, P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: We report the first
      evidence of DUP in Serbia, emphasizing that the personality domains are likely to
      impact the use of mental health care in persons with psychosis.

PMID- 27125469
TI  - Congenital malformations and other reproductive losses in goats due to poisoning
      by Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) L.P. Queiroz (=Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul.).
AB  - In the semiarid region of Brazil, in areas with vegetation composed mainly of
      Poincianella pyramidalis, several cases of congenital malformation and
      reproductive losses were observed in goats and sheep from 2012 to 2014. To
      determine the teratogenic effect of P. pyramidalis, two groups of eight goats
      each were used. Goats from Group 1 received fresh P. pyramidalis, harvested
      daily, as the only roughage during the whole breeding and pregnancy period. Goats
      in Group 2 (control) received Cynodon dactylon (tifton) hay free choice.
      Ultrasound examination for pregnancy diagnosis was performed every 28 days. Four
      goats from Group 1 were pregnant on day 28 but not on day 56, suggesting
      embryonic death or abortion. Another goat from Group 1 died at day 70 of
      pregnancy, and the fetuses exhibited micrognathia. The other three goats bore six
      kids, three of which showed bone malformations in the limbs, spine, ribs,
      sternum, and head, including arthrogryposis, scoliosis and micrognathia. One kid
      also showed hypoplasia of the left pulmonary lobes. In the control group, all
      goats bore a total of 13 kids and none of them exhibited malformations. These
      results demonstrated that P. pyramidalis causes congenital malformations and
      other reproductive losses in goats. 

PMID- 27125471
TI  - Polyamine signal through gap junctions: A key regulator of proliferation and gap
      junction organization in mammalian tissues?
AB  - We propose that interaction rules derived from polyamine exchange in connected
      cells may explain the spatio-temporal organization of gap junctions observed
      during tissue regeneration and tumorigenesis. We also hypothesize that polyamine
      exchange can be considered as signal that allows cells to sense the proliferation
      status of their neighbors. Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) are
      indeed small aliphatic polycations that serve as fuels to sustain elevated
      proliferation rates of the order observed in cancer cells. Based on recent
      reports, we consider here that polyamines can be exchanged through gap junction
      channels between mammalian cells. Such intercellular exchange of polyamines has
      critical consequences on the local control of growth. In line with this
      hypothesis, the complex protein network that keeps polyamine levels finely tuned
      in mammalian cells can translate polyamine efflux or influx into integrated
      signals controlling transcription, translation, and cell communications.

PMID- 27125472
TI  - Tacrolimus successfully used to control refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis
      with polyangiitis complicated by invasive aspergillosis and chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - While several alternatives to cyclophosphamide have been proposed for refractory
      eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), therapeutic options are
      limited in patients with chronic infections. We report a case of refractory EGPA
      complicated by invasive aspergillosis and chronic hepatitis B. Although multiple
      immunosuppressants, including cyclophosphamide, were not effective, tacrolimus
      was used successfully to control disease without exacerbating concomitant
      infections in the long term. Tacrolimus could be an alternative choice in the
      treatment of EGPA, especially when aggressive immunosuppression is unfeasible.

PMID- 27125473
TI  - Drug resistance mutations after the first 12 months on antiretroviral therapy and
      determinants of virological failure in Rwanda.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) and determinants of
      virological failure in a large cohort of patients receiving first-line tenofovir
      based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens. METHODS: A nationwide retrospective
      cohort from 42 health facilities was assessed for virological failure and
      development of HIVDR mutations. Data were collected at ART initiation and at 12
      months of ART on patients with available HIV-1 viral load (VL) and ART adherence
      measurements. HIV resistance genotyping was performed on patients with VL >=1000
      copies/ml. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated
      with treatment failure. RESULTS: Of 828 patients, 66% were women, and the median
      age was 37 years. Of the 597 patients from whom blood samples were collected,
      86.9% were virologically suppressed, while 11.9% were not. Virological failure
      was strongly associated with age <25 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.4; 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 3.2-12.9), low adherence (aOR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.5-5.0)
      and baseline CD4 counts <200 cells/MUl (aOR 3.4; 95% CI: 1.9-6.2). Overall, 9.1%
      of all patients on ART had drug resistance mutations after 1 year of ART; 27% of
      the patients who failed treatment had no evidence of HIVDR mutations. HIVDR
      mutations were not observed in patients on the recommended second-line ART
      regimen in Rwanda. CONCLUSIONS: The last step of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target
      appears within grasp, with some viral failures still due to non-adherence.
      Nonetheless, youth and late initiators are at higher risk of virological failure.
      Youth-focused programmes could help prevent further drug HIVDR development.

PMID- 27125474
TI  - Falsely low immunoglobulin (Ig)G4 in routine analysis: how not to miss IgG4
      disease.
AB  - Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4 disease can have apparently 'normal' levels of IgG4 due to
      antigen excess conditions. IgG4 measurement therefore appears falsely low. UK
      National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UK NEQAS) data and other reports have
      suggested that this problem occurred despite pre-existing antigen excess
      detection steps. To determine the clinical relevance of the problem, we examined
      the prevalence and characteristics of prozoning in our laboratory and patient
      cohorts. We establish that the prevalence of raised IgG4 in routine IgG4 analysis
      is low (< 1%) using one of the two routine methods in use in the United Kingdom.
      We show that subsequent assay modification appears to have reduced the likelihood
      of misleading readings. However, the original version of the assay prozoned to
      low levels (below 0.64 g/l) in 41% of high IgG4 samples in our patients. This may
      explain the previous reports of low sensitivity of raised IgG4 for IgG4RD, and
      predictive values should be re-evaluated in this disease using modified prozone
      resistant protocols. All laboratories providing IgG4 measurements should verify
      that their assays are fit for the clinical quality requirement of detection
      raised IgG4 levels and must verify the upper limit of their reference ranges and
      freedom from prozoning.

PMID- 27125475
TI  - Flexible Inkjet-Printed Multielectrode Arrays for Neuromuscular Cartography.
AB  - Flexible Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) ( PEDOT: PSS)
      conductive-polymer multielectrode arrays (MEAs) are fabricated without etching or
      aggressive lift-off processes, only by additive solution processes. Inkjet
      printing technology has several advantages, such as a customized design and a
      rapid realization time, adaptability to different patients and to different
      applications. In particular, inkjet printing technology, as additive and
      "contactless" technology, can be easily inserted into various technological
      fabrication steps on different substrates at low cost. In vivo electrochemical
      impedance spectroscopy measurements show the time stability of such MEAs. An
      equivalent circuit model is established for such flexible cutaneous MEAs. It is
      shown that the charge transfer resistance remains the same, even two months after
      fabrication. Surface electromyography and electrocardiography measurements show
      that the PEDOT: PSS MEAs record electrophysiological activity signals that are
      comparable to those obtained with unitary Ag/AgCl commercial electrodes.
      Additionally, such MEAs offer parallel and simultaneous recordings on multiple
      locations at high surface density. It also proves its suitability to reconstruct
      an innervation zone map and opens new perspectives for a better control of
      amputee's myoelectric prostheses. The employment of additive technologies such as
      inkjet printing suggests that the integration of multifunctional sensors can
      improve the performances of ultraflexible brain-computer interfaces.

PMID- 27125476
TI  - Social determinants in the sexual health of adolescent Aboriginal Australians: a
      systematic review.
AB  - While research indicates that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents
      may be at increased risk of some sexually transmitted infections, there is
      limited information about factors that may place these young people at more risk
      of adverse sexual health than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Current research
      has tended to focus on surveillance-type data, but there is an increasing need to
      understand social determinants of sexual health risk. This systematic review
      assessed the evidence of social determinants impacting on Aboriginal and Torres
      Strait Islander adolescents' sexual health in Australia. Published, English
      language literature was searched across key databases from 2003 to 2015. Fourteen
      studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Findings suggest that social
      determinants such as access to healthcare, poverty, substance use, educational
      disadvantage, sociocultural context, gender inequalities, status and identity,
      and social disadvantage impacted on Indigenous adolescents' sexual behaviours and
      sexual health risk. Evidence from the literature included in the review suggests
      that peer education may be an acceptable and appropriate approach for addressing
      such issues. There remains a need for programmes and services to be community
      developed and community-led, thus ensuring cultural appropriateness and
      relevance. However, there is also a significant need for such programmes to be
      effectively and rigorously evaluated with data that goes beyond surveillance, and
      seeks to unpack how sexual norms are experienced by Indigenous adolescents,
      particularly outside of remote Australia - and how these experiences act as
      either risk or protective factors to good sexual health and positive social and
      emotional well-being.

PMID- 27125478
TI  - Genome Sequence of Kocuria palustris Strain CD07_3 Isolated from the Duodenal
      Mucosa of a Celiac Disease Patient.
AB  - We report here the 2.8-Mb genome of Kocuria palustris strain CD07_3 isolated from
      the duodenal mucosa of a celiac disease (CD) patient. The genome of the bacterium
      consists of specific virulence factor genes and antibiotic resistance genes that
      depict its pathogenic potential. 

PMID- 27125477
TI  - Tailoring the delivery of cancer diagnosis to adolescent and young adult patients
      displaying strong emotions: An observational study of two cases.
AB  - Delivering the bad news of a cancer diagnosis to adolescent and young adult (AYA)
      patients who display strong emotions is particularly challenging not the least
      because AYAs are at a vulnerable developmental stage. Due to the lack of research
      on how to personalize the delivery of bad news to AYA patients' emotions we
      report a case study of the communicative behavior of oncologists in two such
      consultations to describe the complexity of the phenomena at study. We audio
      recorded and transcribed consultations where oncologists delivered cancer
      diagnoses to nine AYAs aged 12-25 years. Two of these patients displayed
      particularly strong emotional behavior (anger, fear, and sadness) and were chosen
      as cases. An interpretative analysis in three steps was applied to investigate
      the oncologists' communicative behavior when delivering bad news. The focus was
      on how the oncologists responded to the strong but different emotional behaviors
      of the AYAs. We also related the oncologists' communicative behavior to elements
      from a widely used protocol for delivering bad news. We found that the
      oncologists applied five communication strategies: elicit patient perspective,
      provide information, respond to patient's expression of emotion (acknowledging
      and containing emotions), encourage commitment to treatment, and provide hope.
      The findings illustrate how oncologists' communicative behavior may be tailored
      to individual expressions of emotions in AYA cancer patients. 

PMID- 27125479
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Burkholderia cenocepacia Strain CEIB S5-2, a Methyl
      Parathion- and p-Nitrophenol-Degrading Bacterium, Isolated from Agricultural
      Soils in Morelos, Mexico.
AB  - Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that belongs to
      Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC). Burkholderia cenocepacia strain CEIB S5-2 was
      isolated from agricultural soils in Morelos, Mexico, and previously has shown its
      abilities for bioremediation. In this study, we report the draft genome sequence
      of Burkholderia cenocepacia strain CEIB S5-2. 

PMID- 27125480
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium brumae ATCC 51384.
AB  - Here, we report the draft genome sequence of Mycobacterium brumae type strain
      ATCC 51384. This is the first draft genome sequence of M. brumae, a
      nonpathogenic, rapidly growing, nonchromogenic mycobacterium, with
      immunotherapeutic capacities. 

PMID- 27125481
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of Microdochium bolleyi, a Dark Septate Fungal Endophyte of
      Beach Grass.
AB  - Here, we present the genome sequence of the dark septate fungal endophyte
      Microdochium bolleyi (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes, Xylariales). The assembled
      genome size was 38.84 Mbp and consisted of 173 scaffolds and 13,177 predicted
      genes. 

PMID- 27125482
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of Serratia rubidaea Isolated in China.
AB  - We report here the first complete genome of Serratia rubidaea, isolated from a
      patient in China. 

PMID- 27125483
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of UV-Resistant Campylobacter jejuni RM3194, Including
      an 81.08-Kilobase Plasmid.
AB  - Campylobacter jejuni strain RM3194 was originally isolated from a human with
      enteritis and contains a novel 81,079-bp plasmid. RM3194 has exhibited superior
      survival compared to other Campylobacter jejuni strains when challenged with UV
      light. The chromosome of RM3194 was determined to be 1,651,183 bp, with a G+C
      content of 30.5%. 

PMID- 27125484
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Isolated
      from a Dromedary Camel in Egypt.
AB  - We generated the near-full genome sequence of Middle East respiratory syndrome
      coronavirus (MERS-CoV) from a collected nasal sample of dromedary camel in Egypt.
      The newly characterized Egyptian strain has high similarity to the previously
      characterized Egyptian virus and both of viruses fell into a cluster distinct
      from other MERS-CoVs. 

PMID- 27125485
TI  - Draft Genome Sequence of "Paramesorhizobium deserti" A-3-ET, a Strain Highly
      Resistant to Diverse beta-Lactam Antibiotics.
AB  - Here, we report the draft genome sequence of "Paramesorhizobium deserti" A-3
      E(T), a strain isolated from the Taklimakan Desert of Xinjiang, China, which is
      resistant to multiple beta-lactam antibiotics and other antibiotics (kanamycin,
      erythromycin, streptomycin, etc.) as well. 

PMID- 27125486
TI  - High-Quality Draft Genomes from Thermus caliditerrae YIM 77777 and T.
      tengchongensis YIM 77401, Isolates from Tengchong, China.
AB  - The draft genomes of Thermus  tengchongensis YIM 77401 and T. caliditerrae YIM
      77777 are 2,562,314 and 2,218,114 bp and encode 2,726 and 2,305 predicted genes,
      respectively. Gene content and growth experiments demonstrate broad metabolic
      capacity, including starch hydrolysis, thiosulfate oxidation, arsenite oxidation,
      incomplete denitrification, and polysulfide reduction. 

PMID- 27125487
TI  - Full-Genome Sequences of Seven Fatal Enterovirus 71 Strains Isolated in Shenzhen,
      China, in 2014.
AB  - The whole-genome sequences of seven fatal enterovirus 71 (EV71) strains, isolated
      in southern China, in 2014, were determined. The complete genome sequences of
      these strains displayed close relationships to native EV71 strains and showed
      94.2% to 99.8% identity to each other. All of these strains were assigned to
      subgenotype C4a based on phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 gene. 

PMID- 27125488
TI  - Complete Genome Sequence of a Giant Sea Perch Iridovirus in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
AB  - We report here the complete genome sequence of a megalocytivirus strain, GSIV-K1,
      isolated from a farmed giant sea perch (Lates calcarifer) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
      GSIV-K1 causes mortality in farmed marine fish, including giant sea perch and
      groupers. The genome sequence is nearly identical to the genome of the orange
      spotted grouper iridovirus. 

PMID- 27125489
TI  - Carnosic acid alleviates chronic alcoholic liver injury by regulating the
      SIRT1/ChREBP and SIRT1/p66shc pathways in rats.
AB  - SCOPE: Carnosic acid (CA), which is extracted from rosemary, displays multiple
      pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CA on
      chronic alcoholic liver injury and to elucidate the related mechanisms. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: An in vivo rat model was established by feeding rats a liquid diet
      containing ethanol, and an in vitro model was created by treating HepG2 cells
      with 100 mM ethanol for 48 h. In the rat model of alcohol-induced liver injury,
      CA significantly decreased serum aminotransferase, triglyceride and total
      cholesterol levels. Additionally, CA inhibited oxidative stress, inflammation,
      and cell death. Interestingly, CA activated SIRT1, which was associated with the
      downregulation of lipoprotein carbohydrate response element-binding protein
      (ChREBP) and growth factor adapter protein (p66shc). In HepG2 cells, ethanol
      induced cell injury was associated with decreased SIRT1 and increased ChREBP and
      p66shc protein expression. These changes were reversed by CA but enhanced by a
      specific SIRT1 inhibitor, EX527. Moreover, the effects of CA on SIRT1, ChREBP,
      and p66shc were abolished by SIRT1 siRNA or EX527, indicating that CA decreased
      ChREBP and p66shc expression via SIRT1 activation. CONCLUSION: CA exerted
      protective effects against alcoholic liver injury by activating the SIRT1/ChREBP
      and SIRT1/p66shc pathways, which are related to the anti-steatosis, anti-oxidant,
      and anti-apoptosis effects.

PMID- 27125490
TI  - Incentivizing Organ Donor Registrations with Organ Allocation Priority.
AB  - How donor organs are allocated for transplant can affect their scarcity. In 2008,
      Israel's Parliament passed an Organ Transplantation Law granting priority on
      organ donor waiting lists to individuals who had previously registered as organ
      donors. Beginning in November 2010, public awareness campaigns advertised the
      priority policy to the public. Since April 2012, priority has been added to the
      routine medical criteria in organ allocation decisions. We evaluate the
      introduction of priority for registered organ donors using Israeli data on organ
      donor registration from 1992 to 2013. We find that registrations increased when
      information about the priority law was made widely available. We find an even
      larger increase in registration rates in the 2 months leading up to a program
      deadline, after which priority would only be granted with a 3-year delay. We also
      find that the registration rate responds positively to public awareness
      campaigns, to the ease of registration (i.e. allowing for registering online and
      by phone) and to an election drive that included placing registration
      opportunities in central voting locations. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 27125491
TI  - Modeling of Nitrous Oxide Production from Nitritation Reactors Treating Real
      Anaerobic Digestion Liquor.
AB  - In this work, a mathematical model including both ammonium oxidizing bacteria
      (AOB) and heterotrophic bacteria (HB) is constructed to predict N2O production
      from the nitritation systems receiving the real anaerobic digestion liquor. This
      is for the first time that N2O production from such systems was modeled
      considering both AOB and HB. The model was calibrated and validated using
      experimental data from both lab- and pilot-scale nitritation reactors. The model
      predictions matched the dynamic N2O, ammonium, nitrite and chemical oxygen demand
      data well, supporting the capability of the model. Modeling results indicated
      that HB are the dominant contributor to N2O production in the above systems with
      the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of 0.5-1.0 mg O2/L, accounting for
      approximately 75% of N2O production. The modeling results also suggested that the
      contribution of HB to N2O production decreased with the increasing DO
      concentrations, from 75% at DO = 0.5 mg O2/L to 25% at DO = 7.0 mg O2/L, with a
      corresponding increase of the AOB contribution (from 25% to 75%). Similar to HB,
      the total N2O production rate also decreased dramatically from 0.65 to 0.25 mg
      N/L/h when DO concentration increased from 0.5 to 7.0 mg O2/L.

PMID- 27125492
TI  - Assessing Quality of Life and Medical Care in Chronic Angina: An Internet Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angina is a clinical syndrome whose recognition relies heavily on
      self-report, so its identification can be challenging. Most data come from
      cohorts identified by physicians and nurses at the point of care; however,
      current widespread access to the Internet makes identification of community
      cohorts feasible and offers a complementary picture of angina. OBJECTIVE: To
      describe a population self-identified as experiencing chronic angina by use of an
      Internet survey. METHODS: Using email and an Internet portal, we invited
      individuals with a diagnosis of angina and recent symptoms to complete an
      Internet survey on treatment and quality of life (QOL). In total, 1147 surveys
      were received. The main analysis was further limited to those reporting a
      definite coronary heart disease (CHD) history (N=646, 56% of overall). RESULTS:
      Overall, about 15% reported daily angina and 40% weekly angina. Those with more
      frequent angina were younger, more often depressed, and reported a shorter time
      since diagnosis. They also had substantially worse treatment satisfaction,
      physical function, and overall QOL. Fewer than 40% were on >= 2 anti-anginals,
      even with daily angina. The subjects without a history of definite CHD had
      unexpectedly low use of antianginal and evidence-based medicines, suggesting
      either a lack of specificity in the use of self-reported angina to identify
      patients with CHD or lack of access to care. CONCLUSIONS: Use of inexpensive
      electronic tools can identify community-based angina cohorts for clinical
      research. Limitation to subjects with a definite history of CHD lends diagnostic
      face validity to the approach; however, other symptomatic individuals are also
      identified.

PMID- 27125494
TI  - Conformational distortion of alpha-phenylethyl amine in cryogenic matrices - a
      matrix isolation VCD study.
AB  - The chiral amine alpha-phenylethyl amine (PEA) was isolated in cryogenic matrices
      and investigated using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and infrared
      spectroscopy. The potential energy surface (PES) of PEA features five different
      conformers connected by relatively low conformational transition states. Based on
      the IR spectra, it could be confirmed that all conformational energy barriers are
      passed at a deposition temperature of 20 K, and that only the global minimum
      conformation of PEA is populated in both argon and nitrogen matrices. However,
      differences in the calculated and experimental VCD spectra indicate deviations
      from the minimum structure by perturbation of the phenyl ring as well as of the
      amine orientation. The degree of the perturbation is found to also depend on the
      choice of the host gas, which shows the subtle influence of the environment on
      the conformational distortion of PEA.

PMID- 27125493
TI  - Bat Hunting and Bat-Human Interactions in Bangladeshi Villages: Implications for
      Zoonotic Disease Transmission and Bat Conservation.
AB  - Bats are an important reservoir for emerging zoonotic pathogens. Close human-bat
      interactions, including the sharing of living spaces and hunting and butchering
      of bats for food and medicines, may lead to spillover of zoonotic disease into
      human populations. We used bat exposure and environmental data gathered from 207
      Bangladeshi villages to characterize bat exposures and hunting in Bangladesh.
      Eleven percent of households reported having a bat roost near their homes, 65%
      reported seeing bats flying over their households at dusk, and 31% reported
      seeing bats inside their compounds or courtyard areas. Twenty percent of
      households reported that members had at least daily exposure to bats. Bat hunting
      occurred in 49% of the villages surveyed and was more likely to occur in
      households that reported nearby bat roosts (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 2.3,
      95% CI 1.1-4.9) and villages located in north-west (aPR 7.5, 95% CI 2.5-23.0) and
      south-west (aPR 6.8, 95% CI 2.1-21.6) regions. Our results suggest high exposure
      to bats and widespread hunting throughout Bangladesh. This has implications for
      both zoonotic disease spillover and bat conservation.

PMID- 27125495
TI  - Monolayer Co3 O4 Inverse Opals as Multifunctional Sensors for Volatile Organic
      Compounds.
AB  - Monolayers of periodic porous Co3 O4 inverse opal (IO) thin films for gas-sensor
      applications were prepared by transferring cobalt-solution-dipped polystyrene
      (PS) monolayers onto sensor substrates and subsequent removal of the PS template
      by heat treatment. Monolayer Co3 O4 IO thin films having periodic pores (d~500
      nm) showed a high response of 112.9 to 5 ppm C2 H5 OH at 200  degrees C with low
      cross-responses to other interfering gases. Moreover, the selective detection of
      xylene and methyl benzenes (xylene+toluene) could be achieved simply by tuning
      the sensor temperature to 250 and 275  degrees C, respectively, so that multiple
      gases can be detected with a single chemiresistor. Unprecedentedly high ethanol
      response and temperature-modulated control of selectivity with respect to
      ethanol, xylene, and methyl benzenes were attributed to the highly chemiresistive
      IO nanoarchitecture and to the tuned catalytic promotion of different gas-sensing
      reactions, respectively. These well-ordered porous nanostructures could have
      potential in the field of high-performance gas sensors based on p-type oxide
      semiconductors.

PMID- 27125496
TI  - Novel method for the high-throughput production of phosphorylation site-specific
      monoclonal antibodies.
AB  - Threonine phosphorylation accounts for 10% of all phosphorylation sites compared
      with 0.05% for tyrosine and 90% for serine. Although monoclonal antibody
      generation for phospho-serine and -tyrosine proteins is progressing, there has
      been limited success regarding the production of monoclonal antibodies against
      phospho-threonine proteins. We developed a novel strategy for generating
      phosphorylation site-specific monoclonal antibodies by cloning immunoglobulin
      genes from single plasma cells that were fixed, intracellularly stained with
      fluorescently labeled peptides and sorted without causing RNA degradation. Our
      high-throughput fluorescence activated cell sorting-based strategy, which targets
      abundant intracellular immunoglobulin as a tag for fluorescently labeled
      antigens, greatly increases the sensitivity and specificity of antigen-specific
      plasma cell isolation, enabling the high-efficiency production of monoclonal
      antibodies with desired antigen specificity. This approach yielded yet
      undescribed guinea pig monoclonal antibodies against threonine 18-phosphorylated
      p53 and threonine 68-phosphorylated CHK2 with high affinity and specificity. Our
      method has the potential to allow the generation of monoclonal antibodies against
      a variety of phosphorylated proteins.

PMID- 27125497
TI  - Prevention of falls in older people living in the community.

PMID- 27125498
TI  - Fractionated irradiation-induced EMT-like phenotype conferred radioresistance in
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - The efficacy of radiotherapy, one major treatment modality for esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is severely attenuated by radioresistance.
      Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process that determines
      therapy response and tumor progression. However, whether EMT is induced by
      ionizing radiation and involved in tumor radioresistance has been less studied in
      ESCC. Using multiple fractionated irradiation, the radioresistant esophageal
      squamous cancer cell line KYSE-150R had been established from its parental cell
      line KYSE-150. We found KYSE-150R displayed a significant EMT phenotype with an
      elongated spindle shape and down-regulated epithelial marker E-cadherin and up
      regulated mesenchymal marker N-cadherin in comparison with KYSE-150. Furthermore,
      KYSE-150R also possessed some stemness-like properties characterized by density
      dependent growth promotion and strong capability for sphere formation and
      tumorigenesis in NOD-SCID mice. Mechanical studies have revealed that WISP1, a
      secreted matricellular protein, is highly expressed in KYSE-150R and mediates EMT
      associated radioresistance both in ESCC cells and in xenograft tumor models.
      Moreover, WISP1 has been demonstrated to be closely associated with the EMT
      phenotype observed in ESCC patients and to be an independent prognosis factor of
      ESCC patients treated with radiotherapy. Our study highlighted WISP1 as an
      attractive target to reverse EMT-associated radioresistance in ESCC and can be
      used as an independent prognostic factor of patients treated with radiotherapy. 

PMID- 27125499
TI  - Ambient temperature and FIT performance in the Emilia-Romagna colorectal cancer
      screening programme.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of ambient temperature on faecal immunochemical
      test (FIT) performance in the colorectal cancer screening programme of Emilia
      Romagna (Italy). METHODS: A population-based retrospective cohort study on data
      from 2005 to 2011. Positive rate, detection rate, and positive predictive value
      rate for cancers and adenomas, and incidence rate of interval cancers after
      negative tests were analysed using Poisson regression models. In addition to
      ambient temperature, gender, age, screening history, and Local Health Unit were
      also considered. RESULTS: In 1,521,819 tests analysed, the probability of a
      positive result decreased linearly with increasing temperature. Point estimates
      and 95% Confidence Intervals were estimated for six temperature classes (<5, 5 |
      10, 10 |-15, 15 |-20, 20|-25 and >=25C), and referred to the 5|-10C class. The
      positive rate ratio was significantly related to temperature increase: 0.99 (0.97
      1.02), 1, 0.98 (0.96-1.00), 0.96 (0.94-0.99), 0.93 (0.91-0.96), 0.92 (0.89-0.95).
      A linear trend was also evident for advanced adenoma detection rate ratio: 1.00
      (0.96-1.04), 1, 0.98 (0.93-1.02), 0.96 (0.92-1.00), 0.92 (0.88-0.96), 0.94 (0.88
      1.01). The effect was less linear, but still important, for cancer detection
      rates: 0.95 (0.85-1.06), 1, 1.00 (0.90-1.10), 0.94 (0.85-1.05), 0.81 (0.72-0.92),
      0.93 (0.80-1.09). No association or linear trend was found for positive
      predictive values or risk of interval cancer, despite an excess of +16% in the
      highest temperature class for interval cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Ambient temperatures
      can affect screening performance. Continued monitoring is needed to verify the
      effect of introducing FIT tubes with a new buffer, which should guarantee a
      higher stability of haemoglobin.

PMID- 27125500
TI  - Fatigue 2 months after myocardial infarction may indicate risk for persistent
      fatigue.

PMID- 27125501
TI  - Liver: Asprosin - new hormone involved in hepatic glucose release.

PMID- 27125503
TI  - Antiulcer and antiproliferative properties of spent brewer's yeast peptide
      extracts for incorporation into foods.
AB  - The main objective was to study the antiulcer and antiproliferative potential of
      yeast peptide extract for further incorporation into functional foods. Peptide
      concentrates were obtained by hydrolysis of spent brewer's yeast proteins
      followed by a filtration process. In order to prove the possible protection of
      gastric mucosa, an animal model with ulcerative lesions caused by oral
      administration of absolute ethanol was used. The peptide fraction <3 kDa was able
      to reduce gastric injuries to significant levels (p < 0.001) and the effective
      dose (DE50) was 816 mg per kg bw. The cytoprotective effect appears to depend on
      a prostaglandin-mediated mechanism and also on a nonspecific mechanism. The
      antiproliferative activity of the extract in nine different human tumoral cell
      lines was tested. The results exhibited a promising antiproliferative activity
      against the cell line K-562 (leukemia). The results suggest that a new peptide
      extract can be used to develop new value-added functional food products, although
      further studies are required. 

PMID- 27125502
TI  - Specific Delivery of MiRNA for High Efficient Inhibition of Prostate Cancer by
      RNA Nanotechnology.
AB  - Both siRNA and miRNA can serve as powerful gene-silencing reagents but their
      specific delivery to cancer cells in vivo without collateral damage to healthy
      cells remains challenging. We report here the application of RNA nanotechnology
      for specific and efficient delivery of anti-miRNA seed-targeting sequence to
      block the growth of prostate cancer in mouse models. Utilizing the
      thermodynamically ultra-stable three-way junction of the pRNA of phi29 DNA
      packaging motor, RNA nanoparticles were constructed by bottom-up self-assembly
      containing the anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) RNA aptamer as a
      targeting ligand and anti-miR17 or anti-miR21 as therapeutic modules. The 16 nm
      RNase-resistant and thermodynamically stable RNA nanoparticles remained intact
      after systemic injection in mice and strongly bound to tumors with little or no
      accumulation in healthy organs 8 hours postinjection, and subsequently repressed
      tumor growth at low doses with high efficiency.

PMID- 27125504
TI  - Efficacy of prothrombin complex concentrates for the emergency reversal of
      dabigatran-induced anticoagulation.
AB  - Dabigatran is effective in decreasing the risk of ischaemic stroke in patients
      with atrial fibrillation. However, like all anticoagulants, it is associated with
      a risk of bleeding. In cases of trauma or emergency surgery, emergency reversal
      of dabigatran-induced anticoagulation may be required. A specific reversal agent
      for dabigatran, idarucizumab, has been approved by the US Food and Drug
      Administration. Alternative reversal agents are available, such as prothrombin
      complex concentrates (PCCs) and activated PCCs (aPCCs). In this review we
      evaluate the role of PCCs and aPCCs in the reversal of dabigatran anticoagulation
      and consider which tests are appropriate for monitoring coagulation in this
      setting. Pre-clinical studies, small clinical studies and case reports indicate
      that PCCs and aPCCs may be able to reverse dabigatran-induced anticoagulation in
      a dose-dependent manner. However, dosing based on coagulation parameters can be
      difficult because available assays may not provide adequate sensitivity and
      specificity for measuring anticoagulation induced by dabigatran or the countering
      effects of PCCs/aPCCs. In addition, PCCs or aPCCs can potentially provoke
      thromboembolic complications. Despite these limitations and the fact that PCCs
      and aPCCs are not yet licensed for dabigatran reversal, their use appears to be
      warranted in patients with life-threatening haemorrhage if idarucizumab is not
      available. 

PMID- 27125505
TI  - LIX1 regulates YAP1 activity and controls the proliferation and differentiation
      of stomach mesenchymal progenitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smooth muscle cell (SMC) plasticity maintains the balance between
      differentiated SMCs and proliferative mesenchymal progenitors, crucial for
      muscular tissue homeostasis. Studies on the development of mesenchymal
      progenitors into SMCs have proven useful in identifying molecular mechanisms
      involved in digestive musculature plasticity in physiological and pathological
      conditions. RESULTS: Here, we show that Limb Expression 1 (LIX1) molecularly
      defines the population of mesenchymal progenitors in the developing stomach.
      Using in vivo functional approaches in the chick embryo, we demonstrate that LIX1
      is a key regulator of stomach SMC development. We show that LIX1 is required for
      stomach SMC determination to regulate the expression of the pro-proliferative
      gene YAP1 and mesenchymal cell proliferation. However, as stomach development
      proceeds, sustained LIX1 expression has a negative impact on further SMC
      differentiation and this is associated with a decrease in YAP1 activity.
      CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that expression of LIX1 must be tightly regulated to
      allow fine-tuning of the transcript levels and state of activation of the pro
      proliferative transcriptional coactivator YAP1 to regulate proliferation rates of
      stomach mesenchymal progenitors and their differentiation. Our data highlight
      dual roles for LIX1 and YAP1 and provide new insights into the regulation of cell
      density-dependent proliferation, which is essential for the development and
      homeostasis of organs.

PMID- 27125506
TI  - Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow.
AB  - Capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) can be a significant problem in
      adolescent overhead athletes. The cause is likely multifactorial secondary to
      repetitive stresses, biomechanical mismatch, and a tenuous vascular supply of the
      capitellum. Recent literature reveals that the prevalence is likely higher than
      previously thought. This, in conjunction with increased levels of athletic
      competition in children at younger ages, has fed the recent interest in this
      topic. The literature continues to show that non-operative treatment is still
      successful for stable lesions. Unstable lesions, therefore, have been the focus
      of the new literature regarding operative management and outcomes. The aim of
      this paper is to provide a summary of current literature and an up-to-date
      approach to the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of osteochondritis dissecans
      of the capitellum. 

PMID- 27125507
TI  - Traumatic insemination and female counter-adaptation in Strepsiptera (Insecta).
AB  - In a few insect groups, males pierce the female's integument with their penis
      during copulation to transfer sperm. This so-called traumatic insemination was
      previously confirmed for Strepsiptera but only in species with free-living
      females. The more derived endoparasitic groups (Stylopidia) were suggested to
      exhibit brood canal mating. Further, it was assumed that females mate once and
      that pheromone production ceases immediately thereafter. Here we examined Stylops
      ovinae to provide details of the mating behaviour within Stylopidia. By using
      MUCT imaging of Stylops in copula, we observed traumatic insemination and not, as
      previously suggested, brood canal mating. The penis is inserted in an
      invagination of the female cephalothorax and perforates its cuticle. Further we
      show that female Stylops are polyandrous and that males detect the mating status
      of the females. Compared to other strepsipterans the copulation is distinctly
      prolonged. This may reduce the competition between sperm of the first mating male
      with sperm from others. We describe a novel paragenital organ of Stylops females,
      the cephalothoracic invagination, which we suggest to reduce the cost of
      injuries. In contrast to previous interpretations we postulate that the original
      mode of traumatic insemination was maintained after the transition from free
      living to endoparasitic strepsipteran females.

PMID- 27125508
TI  - Blue sky and some shadows: new antibiotics and new superbugs : The ECCMID 2016 in
      Amsterdam.

PMID- 27125509
TI  - Erratum to: Spondyloenchondrodysplasia Due to Mutations in ACP5: A Comprehensive
      Survey.

PMID- 27125510
TI  - The detection of oesophageal varices using a novel, disposable, probe-based
      transnasal endoscope: a prospective diagnostic pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Screening for oesophageal varices (OV) using conventional
      oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (C-OGD) is invasive and requires costly monitoring,
      recovery, and decontamination facilities. We aimed to evaluate the technical
      feasibility, acceptability and accuracy of a novel, portable and disposable
      office-based transnasal endoscope (EG ScanTM ) compared to C-OGD as the reference
      standard. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study. Consecutive adult
      patients with cirrhosis were invited to participate. All subjects underwent the
      two procedures on the same day performed by two endoscopists in a blinded design.
      Patients completed preference and validated tolerability (10-point visual
      analogue scale (VAS)) questionnaires on day 0 and day 14 post procedures.
      RESULTS: Forty-five of 50 patients (90%) completed both interventions. Mean age
      was 59 years and OV prevalence was 49%. Patients reported higher preference
      (percentage) and better experience (mean VAS) with EG Scan compared to C-OGD on
      day 0 (76.5% vs. 23.5%, P < 0.001; 7.8 vs. 6.8, P = 0.058, respectively) and day
      14 (77.8% vs. 22.2%, P < 0.001; 7.0 vs. 5.5, P = 0.0013 respectively).
      Sensitivity and specificity of the EG Scan for the diagnosis of any size OV were
      0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60-0.95), and 0.78 (95% CI 0.56-0.93)
      respectively. Corresponding values for the diagnosis of clinically significant
      (medium/large) OV were 0.92 (95% CI 0.62-1.0), 0.97 (95% CI 0.84-1.0)
      respectively. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: EG Scan accuracy
      was higher for the diagnosis of medium/large OV compared to any size OV.
      Patients' preference and overall experience of the EG Scan was favourable
      compared to C-OGD 14 days after procedures.

PMID- 27125511
TI  - Fusiform dilatation of the internal carotid artery in childhood-onset
      craniopharyngioma: multicenter study on incidence and long-term outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fusiform dilatations of the internal carotid artery (FDCA) represent a
      vascular complication following surgery for suprasellar tumors in children.
      Incidence rate and long-term prognosis of FDCA in terms of survival rates,
      vascular complications, and quality of survival are unknown for patients with
      childhood-onset craniopharyngioma. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      results of 583 patients with childhood-onset craniopharyngioma, recruited from
      2001 to 2015 in the German Childhood Craniopharyngioma Registry, were reviewed
      for FDCA. Risk factors for FDCA and long-term outcome after FDCA were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Fourteen of 583 patients (2.4 %) developed FDCA based on reference
      assessment of MRI. FDCA occurred ipsilateral to the surgical approach and was not
      related to degree of resection, hypothalamic involvement, or irradiation. The
      median time interval between first detection of FDCA and initial surgery was 0.79
      years (range 0.01-5.56 years). During a median follow-up of 6.47 years (range 1.2
      21.9 years) after first detection of FDCA, no bleeding or cerebrovascular events
      were observed in any patient. Irradiation was not related to FDCA. Survival rates
      and functional capacity were similar in patients with and without FDCA.
      Clinically the FDCA was unapparent in all cases and not treated. CONCLUSION: FDCA
      is a rare complication related to surgical treatment of childhood-onset
      craniopharyngioma without major impact on prognosis and clinical course of the
      disease. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2000-NCT00258453;
      KRANIOPHARYNGEOM 2007-NCT01272622.

PMID- 27125512
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells accelerate intra
      aneurysmal tissue organization after treatment with SDF-1alpha-coated coils.
AB  - Recurrences of aneurysms remain the major drawback of detachable coils for the
      endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The aim of the present study is
      to develop new modified coils, coating the surface of platinum coils with silk
      fibroin (SF) consisting of stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha), and
      evaluate its acceleration of organization of cavities and reduction of lumen size
      in a rat aneurysm model. The morphological characteristics of SDF-1alpha-coated
      coils were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fifty experimental
      aneurysms were created and randomly divided into five groups: three groups were
      embolized with SDF-1alpha-coated coils (8 mm) and two of these groups need
      transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or endothelial progenitor cells
      (EPCs); one group was embolized with bare coils (8 mm) and another group severed
      as control. After coil implantation for 14 or 28 days, the coils were harvested
      and histological analysis was performed. SEM photographs showed that SF/SDF
      1alpha-coated coils have uniform size and a thin film compared with bare coils.
      In the group treated with SDF-1alpha-coated coils, tissue organization was
      accelerated and the proliferation of alpha-smooth muscle actin positive cells was
      promoted in the aneurysmal sac. Compared with unmodified coils, on day 28, tissue
      organization was significantly greater in the group treated with SDF-1alpha
      coated coils and MSC or EPC transplantation. These results suggest that SDF
      1alpha-coated coils with MSC or EPC transplantation may be beneficial in the
      aneurysm healing and endothelialization at the orifice of embolized aneurysm. 

PMID- 27125513
TI  - That's a good idea, but let's keep thinking! Can we prevent our initial ideas
      from being forgotten as a consequence of thinking of new ideas?
AB  - Four experiments examined participants' ability to remember their own ideas in a
      modified Alternative Uses Task. Participants were asked to generate uses for
      objects, and on half of the trials participants were then asked to think of more
      uses. Memory for the initial uses they generated was then tested via a cued
      recall task. Results demonstrated that participants forgot their initial uses as
      a consequence of thinking of new uses (referred to as the thinking-induced
      forgetting effect), and this effect persisted even when participants chose the
      subset of uses they thought were the most creative and to be remembered. The only
      scenario in which uses were protected from forgetting was when they were required
      to use their uses as hints for generating more ideas. Together, these findings
      demonstrate that one's own ideas are susceptible to forgetting when additional
      ideas must be generated, indicating that thinking is a modifier of memory despite
      one's motivation to preserve their ideas.

PMID- 27125515
TI  - [Comparing self-concept between groups, bias or differences?: Comments to
      Castillo et al.]

PMID- 27125516
TI  - Genetic diversity of coronaviruses in Miniopterus fuliginosus bats.
AB  - Coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Middle
      East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, pose significant public health threats.
      Bats have been suggested to act as natural reservoirs for both these viruses, and
      periodic monitoring of coronaviruses in bats may thus provide important clues
      about emergent infectious viruses. The Eastern bent-wing bat Miniopterus
      fuliginosus is distributed extensively throughout China. We therefore analyzed
      the genetic diversity of coronaviruses in samples of M. fuliginosus collected
      from nine Chinese provinces during 2011-2013. The only coronavirus genus found
      was Alphacoronavirus. We established six complete and five partial genomic
      sequences of alphacoronaviruses, which revealed that they could be divided into
      two distinct lineages, with close relationships to coronaviruses in Miniopterus
      magnater and Miniopterus pusillus. Recombination was confirmed by detecting
      putative breakpoints of Lineage 1 coronaviruses in M. fuliginosus and M. pusillus
      (Wu et al., 2015), which supported the results of topological and phylogenetic
      analyses. The established alphacoronavirus genome sequences showed high
      similarity to other alphacoronaviruses found in other Miniopterus species,
      suggesting that their transmission in different Miniopterus species may provide
      opportunities for recombination with different alphacoronaviruses. The genetic
      information for these novel alphacoronaviruses will improve our understanding of
      the evolution and genetic diversity of coronaviruses, with potentially important
      implications for the transmission of human diseases. 

PMID- 27125517
TI  - Transition metal-free generation of the acceptor/acceptor-carbene viaalpha
      elimination: synthesis of fluoroacetyl cyclopropanes.
AB  - An efficient transition metal-free approach for the generation of
      acceptor/acceptor-carbene followed by trapping with alkenes to provide
      fluoroacetyl cyclopropanes has been described. The resulting cyclopropanes could
      be further converted into the fluoromethyl dihydrofurans or fluorodihydropyrroles
      through ring-expansion processes. 

PMID- 27125514
TI  - The management of osteoporosis in children.
AB  - This article reviews the manifestations and risk factors associated with
      osteoporosis in childhood, the definition of osteoporosis and recommendations for
      monitoring and prevention. As well, this article discusses when a child should be
      considered a candidate for osteoporosis therapy, which agents should be
      prescribed, duration of therapy and side effects. There has been significant
      progress in our understanding of risk factors and the natural history of
      osteoporosis in children over the past number of years. This knowledge has
      fostered the development of logical approaches to the diagnosis, monitoring, and
      optimal timing of osteoporosis intervention in this setting. Current management
      strategies are predicated upon monitoring at-risk children to identify and then
      treat earlier rather than later signs of osteoporosis in those with limited
      potential for spontaneous recovery. On the other hand, trials addressing the
      prevention of the first-ever fracture are still needed for children who have both
      a high likelihood of developing fractures and less potential for recovery. This
      review focuses on the evidence that shapes the current approach to diagnosis,
      monitoring, and treatment of osteoporosis in childhood, with emphasis on the key
      pediatric-specific biological principles that are pivotal to the overall approach
      and on the main questions with which clinicians struggle on a daily basis. The
      scope of this article is to review the manifestations of and risk factors for
      primary and secondary osteoporosis in children, to discuss the definition of
      pediatric osteoporosis, and to summarize recommendations for monitoring and
      prevention of bone fragility. As well, this article reviews when a child is a
      candidate for osteoporosis therapy, which agents and doses should be prescribed,
      the duration of therapy, how the response to therapy is adjudicated, and the
      short- and long-term side effects. With this information, the bone health
      clinician will be poised to diagnose osteoporosis in children and to identify
      when children need osteoporosis therapy and the clinical outcomes that gauge
      efficacy and safety of treatment.

PMID- 27125518
TI  - PHACE syndrome is associated with intracranial cavernous malformations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: PHACE syndrome is a neurocutaneous disorder involving large facial
      hemangiomas in association with posterior fossa abnormalities, cerebral arterial
      anomalies, cardiac defects, and eye abnormalities. A recent consensus statement
      has delineated criteria necessary for the diagnosis of PHACE syndrome.
      Extracutaneous manifestations of PHACE syndrome predominately affect the
      cerebrovascular system. To date, there are no reports of cerebral cavernous
      malformations (CCMs) in children with PHACE syndrome. METHODS: We reviewed the
      charts of children admitted to the Children''s Hospital of Pittsburgh who met
      criteria for PHACE syndrome, and evaluated neuroimaging for cerebrovascular
      abnormalities, including the finding of CCMs. RESULTS: Six children met criteria
      for PHACE syndrome at our institution over a 10-year period. All children were
      female. All children had cerebrovascular abnormalities sufficient to meet major
      criteria for diagnosis. Four children (66.7 %) were found incidentally to have
      CCMs; all lesions measured less than 5 mm at the time of diagnosis and were
      asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: At present, CCMs are not listed among the diagnostic
      criteria for PHACE syndrome, and they have not previously been reported in
      association with PHACE syndrome. Hypoxic injury in utero may be the common
      denominator in the pathogenesis of many of the abnormalities already accepted in
      the criteria for PHACE syndrome and the formation of CCMs. In the setting of
      PHACE syndrome, we encourage clinicians to evaluate children for CCMs, which are
      readily apparent on the already-recommended screening MRIs.

PMID- 27125519
TI  - Variants in TNIP1, a regulator of the NF-kB pathway, found in two patients with
      neural tube defects.
AB  - PURPOSE: Neural tube defects (NTDs) occur in 1:1000 births. The etiology is
      complex, with the influence of environmental and genetic factors. Environmental
      factors, such as folate deficiency, diabetes, or hypoxia strongly contribute to
      the occurrence of NTD. Also, there is a strong genetic contribution to NTD, as
      highlighted by the number of genes so far identified in several different
      developmental pathways usually altered in NTD. Each gene identified so far
      accounts for a small percentage of all NTD cases, indicating a very high
      heterogeneity. METHODS: Exome sequencing was performed in seven sporadic patients
      with severe mielomeningocele. Novel coding variants shared by two or more
      patients were selected for further analysis. RESULTS: We identified in two
      unrelated patients two different variants in TNIP1, a gene not previously
      involved in NTD whose main role is downregulation of the NF-kB pathway. One
      variant, c.1089T>G (p.Phe363Leu), is de novo, whereas the c.1781C>T (p.Pro594Leu)
      is absent in the mother, but could not be tested in the father, as he was
      unavailable. The latter variant is a very rare variant in the ExAC database.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that TNIP1 is a new potential predisposing
      gene to spina bifida (SB) and its pathway needs to be investigated in human NTD
      in order to confirm its role and to plan appropriate counseling to families.

PMID- 27125520
TI  - Developmental considerations with regard to so-called absence of the leaflets of
      the arterial valves.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Absent arterial valve leaflets are rare anomalies. On the basis of
      our understanding of the normal development of the arterial valves, we draw
      inferences that might offer clues to their morphogenesis. METHODS: We describe
      the findings from four human fetal autopsies with so-called "absent" arterial
      valvar leaflets. We then make inferences relative to these finding on the basis
      of our current understanding of normal development, the latter obtained by
      analysis of episcopic data sets from a large series of mouse embryos. RESULTS:
      The fetuses had died between 12 and 15 weeks of gestation. In two cases, we found
      absence of the leaflets of the pulmonary valve, with patency of the arterial
      duct, but otherwise normal hearts. In a third case, there was absence of the
      leaflets of both arterial valves, along with a perimembranous ventricular septal
      defect and a "window-type" arterial duct. This fetus had a completely muscular
      subaortic infundibulum. The last fetus had a pulmonary dominant common arterial
      trunk, with absence of the truncal valvar leaflets, but again with a muscular
      subtruncal infundibulum. Findings from the analysis of the mouse embryos reveal
      that the arterial valvar leaflets are formed from the distal outflow cushions,
      but that the cushions have a separate function in septating the arterial roots
      and the proximal outflow tracts. CONCLUSIONS: When interpreting the fetal
      findings in the light of development, we conclude that there had been normal
      fusion of the major outflow cushions, but failure in excavation of their
      peripheral margins in three of the cases. In the fourth case, however, the
      cushions had not only failed to excavate but had also failed to separate the
      arterial roots.

PMID- 27125521
TI  - How well do ACPA discriminate and predict RA in the general population: a study
      based on 12 590 population-representative Swedish twins.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) are highly specific for
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the diagnostic accuracy of ACPA in the general
      population has not been thoroughly assessed. We aimed to assess the diagnostic
      accuracy of ACPA for RA in the general population and to further characterise the
      citrullinated peptide recognition pattern. METHODS: Serum samples from a large
      population-representative twin cohort consisting of 12 590 individuals were
      analysed for the presence of ACPA using anti-CCP2 ELISA. All ACPA-positive
      samples were further tested on ELISAs for four peptide-specific ACPA. RA cases
      were identified by linkage to the Swedish National Patient Register at inclusion
      and after a median follow-up of 37 months (IQR 31-49). RESULTS: 350 out of 12 590
      individuals had a positive anti-CCP2 test, measuring ACPA. Of these, 103 had an
      RA diagnosis at the time of blood donation and inclusion. During a median follow
      up of 3 years, an additional 21 of the remaining 247 ACPA-positive individuals
      developed RA. Overall, a positive anti-CCP2 test had a positive predictive value
      of 29% for prevalent RA at inclusion (negative predictive value of 99.6%). High
      titres (>3* cut-off) of anti-CCP2 increased the positive predictive value to 48%
      (negative predictive value of 99.5%). ACPA-positive individuals without RA had
      lower anti-CCP2 titres and fewer peptide-specific ACPA than ACPA-positive
      patients with RA and higher C reactive protein levels than ACPA-negative
      individuals without RA. CONCLUSION: Presence of ACPA and especially high titres
      of anti-CCP2 have a high diagnostic accuracy for an RA diagnosis in a population
      setting.

PMID- 27125522
TI  - High disease activity according to the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity
      Score is associated with accelerated radiographic spinal progression in patients
      with early axial spondyloarthritis: results from the GErman SPondyloarthritis
      Inception Cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to investigate the association between
      disease activity measured by the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score
      (ASDAS) and radiographic spinal progression in patients with early axial
      spondyloarthritis (axSpA). METHODS: Altogether, 178 patients with definite axSpA
      (100 with ankylosing spondylitis and 78 with non-radiographic axSpA) were
      included. Spinal radiographs (baseline and year 2) were assessed according to the
      modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) and for the presence
      of syndesmophytes. Clinical and lab data were collected at baseline and every 6
      months thereafter. Time-averaged (over 2 years) values of the C-reactive protein
      based ASDAS were calculated. RESULTS: There was a clear positive association
      between disease activity according to ASDAS and radiographic spinal progression.
      In the logistic regression analysis, mSASSS progression by >=2 points over 2
      years was significantly associated with the time-averaged ASDAS: unadjusted
      OR=1.64 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.62), adjusted (for presence of syndesmophytes at
      baseline, smoking status and intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
      OR=1.80 (95% CI 1.04 to 3.13). Syndesmophyte formation/progression demonstrated
      an even stronger association with the time-averaged ASDAS: unadjusted OR=2.62
      (95% CI 1.46 to 4.68), adjusted OR=2.45 (95% CI 1.26 to 4.77). CONCLUSIONS:
      Persisting high disease activity according to the ASDAS is associated with
      accelerated radiographic spinal progression in early axSpA.

PMID- 27125523
TI  - Genetic association of ankylosing spondylitis with TBX21 influences T-bet and pro
      inflammatory cytokine expression in humans and SKG mice as a model of
      spondyloarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a highly heritable immune-mediated
      arthropathy. Inflammation in AS is poorly understood. TBX21 encodes T-bet, a
      transcription factor, lying within a locus with genome-wide significant
      association with AS. T-bet is implicated in innate and adaptive immunity.
      However, the role of T-bet in AS pathogenesis is unclear. METHODS: We assessed
      the importance of T-bet in disease development and progression in peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells from 172 AS cases and 83 healthy controls carrying either
      risk or protective alleles of the peak AS-associated TBX21 single nucleotide
      polymorphism. Kinetics and localisation of T-bet expression in the SKG mouse
      model of spondyloarthropathy was examined, along with the impact of Tbx21
      knockout on arthritis development in SKG mice. RESULTS: Patients with AS had
      higher T-bet expression than healthy individuals, driven predominantly by natural
      killer and CD8+ T cells, with expression levels in CD8+ T cells completely
      distinguishing AS cases from healthy controls. T-bet expression was increased in
      AS cases carrying risk compared with protective alleles of rs11657479. In curdlan
      treated SKG mice, T-bet expression increased early after disease initiation and
      persisted throughout the course of disease. There was marked reduction in gut and
      peripheral joint inflammation, and less IFNgamma-producing and IL-17-producing
      CD8+ T cells, in Tbx21-/- compared with wild-type SKG mice. CONCLUSIONS: AS
      associated variants in TBX21 influence T-bet expression. T-bet+ innate and
      adaptive immune cells have altered IL-17 and IFNgamma, and early activation
      marker CD69 expression than T-bet cells. This indicates that T-bet is a major
      component of inflammatory pathways of spondyloarthropathy in humans and mice.

PMID- 27125525
TI  - Hematoma Changes During Clot Resolution After Experimental Intracerebral
      Hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hematoma clearance occurs in the days after intracerebral
      hemorrhage (ICH) and has not been well studied. In the current study, we examined
      changes in the hematoma in a piglet ICH model. The effect of deferoxamine on
      hematoma was also examined. METHODS: The ICH model was induced by an injection of
      autologous blood into the right frontal lobe of piglets. First, a natural time
      course of hematoma changes <=7 days was determined. Second, the effect of
      deferoxamine on hematoma changes was examined. Hemoglobin and membrane attack
      complex levels in the hematoma were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to examine CD47 (a
      regulator of erythrophagocytosis), CD163 (a hemoglobin scavenger receptor), and
      heme oxygenase-1 (a heme degradation enzyme) in the clot. RESULTS: After ICH,
      there was a reduction in red blood cell diameter within the clot with time. This
      was accompanied by membrane attack complex accumulation and decreased hemoglobin
      levels. Erythrophagocytosis occurred in the hematoma, and this was associated
      with reduced clot CD47 levels. Activated macrophages/microglia were CD163 and
      hemeoxygenase-1 positive, and these accumulated in the clot with time.
      Deferoxamine treatment attenuated the process of hematoma resolution by reducing
      member attack complex formation and inhibiting CD47 loss in the clot.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that membrane attack complex and
      erythrophagocytosis contribute to hematoma clearance after ICH, which can be
      altered by deferoxamine treatment.

PMID- 27125524
TI  - Targeting EZH2-mediated methylation of H3K27 inhibits proliferation and migration
      of Synovial Sarcoma in vitro.
AB  - Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma genetically defined by the
      fusion oncogene SS18-SSX. It is hypothesized that either SS18-SSX disrupts
      SWI/SNF complex inhibition of the polycomb complex 2 (PRC2) methyltransferase
      Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2), or that SS18-SSX is able to directly
      recruit PRC2 to aberrantly silence target genes. This is of potential therapeutic
      value as several EZH2 small molecule inhibitors are entering early phase clinical
      trials. In this study, we first confirmed EZH2 expression in the 76% of human
      synovial sarcoma samples. We subsequently investigated EZH2 as a therapeutic
      target in synovial sarcoma in vitro. Knockdown of EZH2 by shRNA or siRNA resulted
      in inhibition of cell growth and migration across a series of synovial sarcoma
      cell lines. The EZH2 selective small-molecule inhibitor EPZ005687 similarly
      suppressed cell proliferation and migration. These data support the hypothesis
      that targeting EZH2 may be a promising therapeutic strategy in the treatment of
      synovial sarcoma; clinical trials are initiating enrollment currently.

PMID- 27125526
TI  - Clinical Scales Do Not Reliably Identify Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With
      Large-Artery Occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: It remains debated whether clinical scores can help
      identify acute ischemic stroke patients with large-artery occlusion and hence
      improve triage in the era of thrombectomy. We aimed to determine the accuracy of
      published clinical scores to predict large-artery occlusion. METHODS: We assessed
      the performance of 13 clinical scores to predict large-artery occlusion in
      consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing clinical examination
      and magnetic resonance or computed tomographic angiography <=6 hours of symptom
      onset. When no cutoff was published, we used the cutoff maximizing the sum of
      sensitivity and specificity in our cohort. We also determined, for each score,
      the cutoff associated with a false-negative rate <=10%. RESULTS: Of 1004 patients
      (median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, 7; range, 0-40), 328
      (32.7%) had an occlusion of the internal carotid artery, M1 segment of the middle
      cerebral artery, or basilar artery. The highest accuracy (79%; 95% confidence
      interval, 77-82) was observed for National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score
      >=11 and Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation Scale score >=5. However, these
      cutoffs were associated with false-negative rates >25%. Cutoffs associated with
      an false-negative rate <=10% were 5, 1, and 0 for National Institute of Health
      Stroke Scale, Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation Scale, and Cincinnati
      Prehospital Stroke Severity Scale, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Using published
      cutoffs for triage would result in a loss of opportunity for >=20% of patients
      with large-artery occlusion who would be inappropriately sent to a center lacking
      neurointerventional facilities. Conversely, using cutoffs reducing the false
      negative rate to 10% would result in sending almost every patient to a
      comprehensive stroke center. Our findings, therefore, suggest that intracranial
      arterial imaging should be performed in all patients with acute ischemic stroke
      presenting within 6 hours of symptom onset.

PMID- 27125527
TI  - Female Sex, Time in Therapeutic Range, and Clinical Outcomes in Atrial
      Fibrillation Patients Taking Warfarin.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Female patients have higher risk for stroke than male
      patients in nonanticoagulated atrial fibrillation patients, but limited data are
      available on sex differences in stroke and bleeding outcomes among patients with
      anticoagulated atrial fibrillation on warfarin, especially in relation to quality
      of anticoagulation control, as reflected by the time in therapeutic range (TTR).
      METHODS: We investigated adverse outcomes in females (n=791) and males (n=1501)
      among 2292 patients with atrial fibrillation taking warfarin arm in the AMADEUS
      (Evaluating the Use of SR34006 Compared to Warfarin or Acenocoumarol in Patients
      With Atrial Fibrillation) trial. RESULTS: The combined end point of
      cardiovascular death and stroke/systemic embolism (SSE) was similar in females
      versus males. There was no sex differences in either cardiovascular death or SSE.
      Compared with males, females had a lower risk of major bleeding (hazard ratio,
      0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.87; P=0.02). No differences were seen in
      mortality and stroke outcomes between females and males either in the
      prespecified age subgroups or in relation to TTR categories. TTR was negatively
      correlated with any clinically relevant bleeding in both females (r=-0.86;
      P=0.03) and males (r=-0.94; P=0.005). On Cox regression, TTR (but not female sex)
      emerged as an independent predictor for combined cardiovascular death/SSE and
      clinically relevant bleeding events. CONCLUSION: Anticoagulated female patients
      with atrial fibrillation had a similar rate of cardiovascular death and SSE, but
      a lower risk of major bleeding, compared with males. TTR (but not female sex) was
      an independent predictor for combined cardiovascular death and SSE and clinically
      relevant bleeding events.

PMID- 27125528
TI  - Reducing Readmissions After Stroke With a Structured Nurse
      Practitioner/Registered Nurse Transitional Stroke Program.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our aim was to determine whether a standardized
      Transitional Stroke Clinic (TSC) led by nurse practitioners could reduce 30-day
      and 90-day readmissions for stroke or transient ischemic attack patients
      discharged home. METHODS: Phase I consisted of nurse practitioners calling only
      high-risk patients discharged home within 7 days and performing an office visit
      within 2 to 4 weeks of discharge. Phase II consisted of all patients discharged
      home receiving both a 2-day follow-up phone call by a registered nurse and a
      follow-up visit with a nurse practitioner within 7 to 14 days. Differences in
      process metrics and readmissions across the 2 phases and overall were assessed.
      Increasing complexity with multiple chronic conditions (diabetes mellitus,
      coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure) was represented in a
      continuous variable from 0 to 3. Multivariable logistic regression models for 30
      day and 90-day readmissions were performed with adjustment for National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and previous hospitalizations. RESULTS:
      From October 2012 through September 2015, 510 patients were enrolled. From phase
      I to II, a higher proportion of follow-up calls were made and days from discharge
      to TSC decreased. Patients readmitted within 30 days were less likely to show for
      TSC visits (60.85% versus 76.3%; P=0.021). Multivariable modeling showed that TSC
      visit was associated with a 48% reduction in 30-day readmission (odds ratio,
      0.518; 95% confidence interval, 0.272-0.986), whereas multiple chronic conditions
      and previous stroke/transient ischemic attack increased the risk. TSC visit did
      not impact 90-day readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation in a nurse practitioner
      led structured clinic is a model that may reduce readmissions at 30 days for
      stroke patients discharged home.

PMID- 27125529
TI  - Effects of solid-phase denitrification on the nitrate removal and bacterial
      community structure in recirculating aquaculture system.
AB  - A solid-phase denitrification (SPD) reactor packed with poly (3-hydroxybutyrate
      co-3-hydroxyvalerate) as a carbon source was incorporated into a recirculating
      aquaculture system (RAS) to remove accumulated nitrate. Bacterial community
      structures in different parts of the RAS, including biofilter unit, SPD reactor,
      and culture water, were analyzed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology. The
      data showed that nitrate levels decreased remarkably in the RAS connected with
      SPD reactor (RAS-DR). In contrast, nitrate levels increased continuously in the
      conventional RAS without SPD reactor (RAS-CK). Biofilter unit and culture water
      in RAS-DR developed lower species richness and higher bacterial community
      diversity than that in RAS-CK. The bacterial community structure of RAS was
      significantly affected by the SPD process and the changes included an increase in
      the proportion of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and a decrease in Nitrospira
      abundance in RAS-DR. Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum (56.9 %) and mainly
      consisted of Clostridium sensu stricto (48.3 %) in SPD reactor.

PMID- 27125530
TI  - Assessment of intraoperative pain during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS): An
      opportunity for improved patient care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraoperative pain during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has not
      been characterized. However, many patients report postoperative pain on the day
      of MMS. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine if patients experience pain during
      their MMS visit. METHODS: In phase I of this study, patients were asked to report
      intraoperative pain level using the verbal numerical rating scale (0-10) at
      discharge. In phase II, pain levels were assessed before each Mohs layer and at
      discharge, to determine whether pain was experienced throughout the day. RESULTS:
      Pain was reported at some point during the MMS day for 32.8% of patients (n =
      98). The mean pain number reported was 3.7 (range 1-8) out of 10. Pain was more
      commonly reported by patients who spent a longer time in the office, had 3 or
      more Mohs layers, and had a flap or graft repair. Patients most frequently
      reported pain with surgical sites of the periorbital area and nose. LIMITATIONS:
      Time between Mohs layers was not measured. There was nonstandardized use of
      intraoperative local anesthesia volume and oral pain medications. CONCLUSION:
      Some patients experience pain during MMS. However, the majority of patients
      report a low level of pain. Additional preventative measures could be considered
      in patients at higher risk.

PMID- 27125531
TI  - Utility of recorded guided imagery and relaxing music in reducing patient pain
      and anxiety, and surgeon anxiety, during cutaneous surgical procedures: A single
      blinded randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Guided imagery and music can reportedly reduce pain and anxiety
      during surgery, but no comparative study has been performed for cutaneous surgery
      to our knowledge. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether short-contact
      recorded guided imagery or relaxing music could reduce patient pain and anxiety,
      and surgeon anxiety, during cutaneous surgical procedures. METHODS: Subjects were
      adults undergoing excisional surgery for basal and squamous cell carcinoma.
      Randomization was to guided imagery (n = 50), relaxing music (n = 54), or control
      group (n = 51). Primary outcomes were pain and anxiety measured using visual
      analog scale and 6-item short-form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory,
      respectively. Secondary outcomes were anxiety of surgeons measured by the 6-item
      short-form of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and physical stress of patients
      conveyed by vital signs, respectively. RESULTS: There were no significant
      differences in subjects' pain, anxiety, blood pressure, and pulse rate across
      groups. In the recorded guided imagery and the relaxing music group, surgeon
      anxiety was significantly lower than in the control group. LIMITATIONS: Patients
      could not be blinded. CONCLUSION: Short-contact recorded guided imagery and
      relaxing music appear not to reduce patient pain and anxiety during excisional
      procedures under local anesthetic. However, surgeon anxiety may be reduced when
      patients are listening to such recordings.

PMID- 27125532
TI  - Overconfidence in Projecting Uncertain Spatial Trajectories.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand factors that influence the
      prediction of uncertain spatial trajectories (e.g., the future path of a
      hurricane or ship) and the role of human overconfidence in such prediction.
      BACKGROUND: Research has indicated that human prediction of uncertain
      trajectories is difficult and may well be subject to overconfidence in the
      accuracy of forecasts as is found in event prediction, a finding that indicates
      that humans insufficiently appreciate the contributions of variance in nature to
      their predictions. METHOD: In two experiments, our paradigm required participants
      to observe a starting point, a position at time T, and then make a prediction of
      the location of the trajectory at time NT. They experienced several trajectories
      from the same underlying model but perturbed by random variance in heading and
      speed. RESULTS: In Experiment 1A, people predicted linear paths well and were
      better in heading predictions than in speed predictions. However, participants
      greatly underestimated the variance in predicted location, indicating
      overconfidence. In Experiment 1B, the effect was replicated with frequencies
      rather than probabilities used in variance estimates. In Experiment 2, people
      predicted nonlinear trajectories poorly, and overconfidence was again observed.
      Overconfidence was reduced on the more difficult predictions. In both main
      experiments, those better at predicting the mean were not better at predicting
      the variance. CONCLUSIONS: Predicting the level of uncertainty in spatial
      trajectories is not well done and may involve qualitatively different abilities
      than prediction of the mean. APPLICATION: Improving real-world performance at
      prediction demands developing better understanding of variability, not just the
      average case. Biases in prediction of uncertainty may be addressed through
      debiasing training and/or visualization tools that could assist in more
      calibrated action planning.

PMID- 27125533
TI  - Ergonomics and Beyond: Understanding How Chemical and Heat Exposures and Physical
      Exertions at Work Affect Functional Ability, Injury, and Long-Term Health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To honor Tom Waters's work on emerging occupational health issues, we
      review the literature on physical along with chemical exposures and their impact
      on functional outcomes. BACKGROUND: Many occupations present the opportunity for
      exposure to multiple hazardous exposures, including both physical and chemical
      factors. However, little is known about how these different factors affect
      functional ability and injury. The goal of this review is to examine the
      relationships between these exposures, impairment of the neuromuscular and
      musculoskeletal systems, functional outcomes, and health problems with a focus on
      acute injury. METHOD: Literature was identified using online databases, including
      PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Google Scholar. References from included articles were
      searched for additional relevant articles. RESULTS: This review documented the
      limited existing literature that discussed cognitive impairment and functional
      disorders via neurotoxicity for physical exposures (heat and repetitive loading)
      and chemical exposures (pesticides, volatile organic compounds [VOCs], and heavy
      metals). CONCLUSION: This review supports that workers are exposed to physical
      and chemical exposures that are associated with negative health effects,
      including functional impairment and injury. Innovation in exposure assessment
      with respect to quantifying the joint exposure to these different exposures is
      especially needed for developing risk assessment models and, ultimately,
      preventive measures. APPLICATION: Along with physical exposures, chemical
      exposures need to be considered, alone and in combination, in assessing
      functional ability and occupationally related injuries.

PMID- 27125534
TI  - Risk factors for long-term outcome in photoselective vaporization of the
      prostate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to investigate long
      term risk factors for reintervention after photoselective vaporization of the
      prostate (PVP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 566 consecutive patients with
      benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) underwent PVP between February 2005 and April
      2011. Mean follow-up was 36.42 +/- 21.4 months. Perioperative parameters were
      evaluated, including surgery time, delivered energy, catheterization and duration
      of hospitalization, intraoperative and postoperative complications, as well as
      reintervention rates in manifest reobstruction. Follow-up comprised the
      International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life questionnaire (IPPS
      QoL), maximal flow rate (Qmax) and postvoiding residual volume (PVR). RESULTS:
      Mean operation time was 69.8 +/- 29.3 min. Mean catheterization and
      hospitalization times were 1.49 +/- 1.19 days and 2.67 +/- 2.19 days,
      respectively. There was ongoing oral anticoagulation for 20.1% of the patients (n
      = 114). The overall retreatment rate was 17.6% (101 out of 566 patients) after a
      mean time of 9.21 months (range 0-64 months). Of these, 88 patients (15.55%) had
      a reobstruction and 13 (2.3%) had urethral strictures. In multivariate analysis,
      age, prostate volume, total applied energy, specific laser energy usage,
      preoperative symptomatic (IPSS/QoL) and functional obstruction grade (Qmax/PVR)
      were not identified as risk factors for reintervention. A poor postoperative Qmax
      (< 15 ml/s) measured immediately after removal of the transurethral catheter was
      identified as a risk factor for undergoing a reintervention (p = 0.005).
      CONCLUSIONS: PVP is an effective method for BPH treatment, allowing for sustained
      long-term improvement of the voiding function. Poor immediate postoperative
      urinary flow after removal of the transurethral catheter (Qmax < 15 ml/s) is a
      significant risk factor for reintervention.

PMID- 27125536
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27125537
TI  - Reply by Authors.

PMID- 27125535
TI  - Effects of Early Post-Ischemic Reperfusion and tPA on Cerebrovascular Function
      and Nitrosative Stress in Female Rats.
AB  - Stroke is a major health issue in women. Our previous studies in male rats showed
      decreased myogenic tone in middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) after ischemia and
      reperfusion (I/R), while tone in parenchymal arterioles (PAs) was increased. This
      vascular response may aggravate stroke damage in males by limiting reperfusion;
      however, the effect in females is not known. The current study investigated the
      effect of I/R and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) on myogenic tone and
      reactivity of MCAs and PAs in female rats. Nitrosative stress by peroxynitrite
      and recruitment of inflammatory neutrophils to the microvasculature were also
      studied. Female rats were subjected to 2-h MCA filament occlusion (n = 16) or
      sham surgery (n = 17) and given tPA (1 mg/kg, i.v) or vehicle followed by 30-min
      reperfusion. Myogenic tone and reactivity were measured in isolated and
      pressurized MCAs and PAs from the same animals. Cerebrovascular F-actin, 3
      nitrotyrosine (3-NT, peroxynitrite marker), and intravascular neutrophils were
      quantified. Myogenic tone and constriction to the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor
      Nomega-nitro-L-arginine were decreased in MCAs but unchanged in PAs after I/R
      with no effect of tPA. F-actin and 3-NT expression were unaffected by I/R or tPA.
      Our study showed that MCAs from females, similar to what has been seen in males,
      are dilated after I/R and have decreased myogenic tone while tone in PAs was
      unchanged. Increased small vessel resistance may contribute to decreased
      reperfusion and worse outcome after stroke.

PMID- 27125538
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27125539
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27125541
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27125540
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27125542
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27125543
TI  - Reply by Authors.

PMID- 27125545
TI  - Inherent Directionality Determines Spatial Release from Masking at the Tympanum
      in a Vertebrate with Internally Coupled Ears.
AB  - In contrast to humans and other mammals, many animals have internally coupled
      ears that function as inherently directional pressure-gradient receivers. Two
      important but unanswered questions are to what extent and how do animals with
      such ears exploit spatial cues in the perceptual analysis of noisy and complex
      acoustic scenes? This study of Cope's gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
      investigated how the inherent directionality of internally coupled ears
      contributes to spatial release from masking. We used laser vibrometry and signal
      detection theory to determine the threshold signal-to-noise ratio at which the
      tympanum's response to vocalizations could be reliably detected in noise.
      Thresholds were determined as a function of signal location, noise location, and
      signal-noise separation. Vocalizations were broadcast from one of three azimuthal
      locations: frontal (0  degrees ), to the right (+90  degrees ), and to the left (
      90  degrees ). Masking noise was broadcast from each of 12 azimuthal angles
      around the frog (0 to 330  degrees , 30  degrees  separation). Variation in the
      position of the noise source resulted in, on average, 4 dB of spatial release
      from masking relative to co-located conditions. However, detection thresholds
      could be up to 9 dB lower in the "best ear for listening" compared to the other
      ear. The pattern and magnitude of spatial release from masking were well
      predicted by the tympanum's inherent directionality. We discuss how the magnitude
      of masking release observed in the tympanum's response to spatially separated
      signals and noise relates to that observed in previous behavioral and
      neurophysiological studies of frog hearing and communication.

PMID- 27125546
TI  - Noninvasive Shock Wave Treatment for Capsular Contractures After Breast
      Augmentation: A Rabbit Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture is the most common complication of breast
      augmentation. Although numerous procedures are intended to prevent capsular
      contracture, their efficacy does not satisfy surgeons or patients. In the present
      study, we used shock waves to develop innovative protocols to treat capsular
      contracture in rabbits. METHODS: We used shock waves to treat capsular
      contracture in a rabbit model. Six clinical parameters were evaluated to
      determine the treatment efficacy of shock waves on the pathological histology of
      capsular contracture. Dual-flip-angle T1-mapping magnetic resonance imaging was
      used to confirm the pathological findings. RESULTS: Among the parameters, myxoid
      change, vascular proliferation, and lymphoplasma cell infiltration around the
      capsule increased more after treatment than they did in a control group. Capsular
      thickness, inner thinner collagen layer, and capsule wall collagen deposition
      decreased after shock wave treatment; only the inner thinner collagen layer and
      capsule wall collagen deposition changed significantly. The MRI findings for both
      scar thickness and water content were consistent with pathological biology
      findings. CONCLUSION: This was the first pilot study and trial to treat capsular
      contractures using shock waves. We found that shock waves can cause changes in
      the structure or the composition of capsular contracture. We conclude that the
      treatment could decrease water content, loosen structure, decrease collagen
      deposition, and might alleviate scar formation from capsular contracture. We
      believe that the treatment could be a viable remedy for capsular contractures. NO
      LEVEL ASSIGNED: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to
      each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings,
      please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors
      www.springer.com/00266 .

PMID- 27125544
TI  - A high fat diet alters metabolic and bioenergetic function in the brain: A
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.
AB  - Diet-induced obesity and associated metabolic effects can lead to neurological
      dysfunction and increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and
      Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite these risks, the effects of a high-fat diet on
      the central nervous system are not well understood. To better understand the
      mechanisms underlying the effects of high fat consumption on brain regions
      affected by AD and PD, we used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS)
      to measure neurochemicals in the hippocampus and striatum of rats fed a high fat
      diet vs. normal low fat chow. We detected lower concentrations of total creatine
      (tCr) and a lower glutamate-to-glutamine ratio in the hippocampus of high fat
      rats. Additional effects observed in the hippocampus of high fat rats included
      higher N-acetylaspartylglutamic acid (NAAG), and lower myo-inositol (mIns) and
      serine (Ser) concentrations. Post-mortem tissue analyses revealed lower
      phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK) in the striatum but not in
      the hippocampus of high fat rats. Hippocampal pAMPK levels correlated
      significantly with tCr, aspartate (Asp), phosphoethanolamine (PE), and taurine
      (Tau), indicating beneficial effects of AMPK activation on brain metabolic and
      energetic function, membrane turnover, and edema. A negative correlation between
      pAMPK and glucose (Glc) indicates a detrimental effect of brain Glc on cellular
      energy response. Overall, these changes indicate alterations in neurotransmission
      and in metabolic and bioenergetic function in the hippocampus and in the striatum
      of rats fed a high fat diet.

PMID- 27125547
TI  - A Subset of TNBCs Exhibit 9p24 Amplifications and JAK2 Dependence.
AB  - JAK2 focal amplifications are associated with reduced survival and resistance to
      chemotherapy. 

PMID- 27125548
TI  - IDH1-Driven Reductive Carboxylation Supports Anchorage Independence.
AB  - Adaptation to anchorage-independent growth requires IDH1-mediated changes in
      citrate metabolism. 

PMID- 27125549
TI  - Anti-CCR5 Therapy Circumvents Immune Cell Exploitation by Tumors.
AB  - CCL5 produced by T cells at invasive margins of colorectal cancer metastases
      promotes tumor growth. 

PMID- 27125550
TI  - Chemotherapy Efficacy Is Dependent upon p53 Dynamics.
AB  - Drug-induced apoptosis occurs after cells reach a p53 threshold level, which
      increases over time. 

PMID- 27125551
TI  - KIR3DL1/HLA-B Interactions Modulate Response to Anti-GD2 Antibodies.
AB  - KIR3DL1 and HLA-B allele combinations predict response to anti-GD2 mAb in
      neuroblastoma. 

PMID- 27125553
TI  - Comment on: False economies in home-based parenteral antibiotic treatment: a
      health-economic case study of management of lower-limb cellulitis in Australia.

PMID- 27125552
TI  - Emergence of azole-resistant Candida parapsilosis causing bloodstream infection:
      results from laboratory-based sentinel surveillance in South Africa.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare Candida species distribution and antifungal susceptibility
      at South African public- and private-sector hospitals. METHODS: From February
      2009 through to August 2010, laboratory-based surveillance for candidaemia was
      undertaken at 11 public-sector hospitals and >85 private-sector hospitals across
      South Africa. A case was defined as a patient of any age admitted to a sentinel
      hospital with isolation of Candida species from blood culture. Viable isolates
      were identified and tested for antifungal susceptibility at a reference
      laboratory. Demographic and limited clinical data were abstracted from laboratory
      records. RESULTS: In total, 2172 cases of candidaemia were detected. Among
      patients with available data, almost two-thirds were critically ill (719/1138,
      63%). On multivariable analysis, neonates [adjusted OR (aOR), 2.2; 95% CI, 1.5
      3.1; P < 0.001] and patients diagnosed in Gauteng province (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3
      2.7; P < 0.001) or in the private sector (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.2; P = 0.008)
      were significantly more likely to be infected with Candida parapsilosis than any
      other Candida species. Of 531 C. parapsilosis isolates, only 199 (37%) were
      susceptible to fluconazole and voriconazole; 44% (123/282) of fluconazole
      resistant isolates were voriconazole cross-resistant. Factors associated with
      fluconazole non-susceptible C. parapsilosis infection on multivariable analysis
      included diagnosis in Gauteng province (aOR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.7-6.7; P < 0.001), an
      ICU (aOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5-3.6; P < 0.001) or the private sector (aOR, 2.2; 95%
      CI, 1.4-3.5; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The dominance of triazole non-susceptible
      C. parapsilosis limits the choice of antifungal agents for management of
      candidaemia among critically ill neonates, children and adults in resource
      limited South African hospitals.

PMID- 27125554
TI  - (1,3)-beta-d-Glucan-based antifungal treatment in critically ill adults at high
      risk of candidaemia: an observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of a strategy that uses serum (1,3)-beta-d
      glucan (BDG) results for antifungal treatment of ICU patients at high risk of
      invasive candidiasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult patients admitted to the ICU
      from January 2012 to June 2014 were included if they exhibited sepsis at the time
      of BDG testing and they met Candida score components >=3. A retrospective
      analysis of collected data was performed. RESULTS: In total, 198 patients were
      studied. Of 63 BDG-positive patients, 47 with candidaemia and 16 with probable
      Candida infection, all [31.8% (63/198)] received antifungal therapy. Of 135 BDG
      negative patients, 110 [55.5% (110/198)] did not receive antifungal therapy,
      whereas 25 [12.6% (25/198)] were initially treated. Overall, antifungal therapy
      was started in 88 cases (44.4%), mostly with echinocandins. Antifungals were
      discontinued in 14 of 25 patients, as negative BDG results became available, and
      in 16 BDG-false-positive patients for whom subsequent findings allowed
      candidaemia (and other forms of invasive candidiasis) to be ruled out.
      Candidaemia was diagnosed only in one patient who did not receive prior
      antifungal therapy. The median antifungal therapy duration in candidaemic
      patients differed significantly from that in non-candidaemic patients [14 (IQR, 6
      18) days versus 4 (IQR, 3-7) days; P < 0.001]. Using this approach, antifungal
      therapy was avoided in ~73% of potentially treatable patients and it was
      shortened in another ~20%. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the use of serum BDG
      results in the management of systemic antifungal drug prescription in septic
      patients. These findings need to be confirmed in additional studies.

PMID- 27125556
TI  - The atlas network: a "strategic ally" of the tobacco industry.
AB  - Amid growing academic and policy interest in the influence of think tanks in
      public policy processes, this article demonstrates the extent of tobacco industry
      partnerships with think tanks in the USA, and analyzes how collaborating with a
      network of think tanks facilitated tobacco industry influence in public health
      policy. Through analysis of documents from tobacco companies and think tanks, we
      demonstrate that the Atlas Economic Research Foundation, a network of 449 free
      market think tanks, acted as a strategic ally to the tobacco industry throughout
      the 1990s. Atlas headquarters, while receiving donations from the industry, also
      channeled funding from tobacco corporations to think tank actors to produce
      publications supportive of industry positions. Thirty-seven per cent of Atlas
      partner think tanks in the USA received funding from the tobacco industry; the
      majority of which were also listed as collaborators on public relations
      strategies or as allies in countering tobacco control efforts. By funding
      multiple think tanks, within a shared network, the industry was able to generate
      a conversation among independent policy experts, which reflected its position in
      tobacco control debates. This demonstrates a coherent strategy by the tobacco
      industry to work with Atlas to influence public health policies from multiple
      directions. There is a need for critical analysis of the influence of think tanks
      in tobacco control and other health policy sectors, as well as greater
      transparency of their funding and other links to vested interests. (c) 2016 The
      Authors The International Journal of Health Planning and Management Published by
      John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27125555
TI  - LN-1-255, a penicillanic acid sulfone able to inhibit the class D carbapenemase
      OXA-48.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Carbapenemases are the most important mechanism responsible for
      carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae. Among carbapenemases, OXA-48
      presents unique challenges as it is resistant to beta-lactam inhibitors. Here, we
      test the capacity of the compound LN-1-255, a 6-alkylidene-2'-substituted
      penicillanic acid sulfone, to inhibit the activity of the carbapenemase OXA-48.
      METHODS: The OXA-48 gene was cloned and expressed in Klebsiella pneumoniae and
      Escherichia coli in order to obtain MICs in the presence of inhibitors
      (clavulanic acid, tazobactam and sulbactam) and LN-1-255. OXA-48 was purified and
      steady-state kinetics was performed with LN-1-255 and tazobactam. The covalent
      binding mode of LN-1-255 with OXA-48 was studied by docking assays. RESULTS: Both
      OXA-48-producing clinical and transformant strains displayed increased
      susceptibility to carbapenem antibiotics in the presence of 4 mg/L LN-1-255 (2-32
      fold increased susceptibility) and 16 mg/L LN-1-255 (4-64-fold increased
      susceptibility). Kinetic assays demonstrated that LN-1-255 is able to inhibit OXA
      48 with an acylation efficiency (k2/K) of 10 +/- 1 * 10(4) M(-1) s(-1) and a slow
      deacylation rate (koff) of 7 +/- 1 * 10(-4) s(-1). IC50 was 3 nM for LN-1-255 and
      1.5 MUM for tazobactam. Lastly, kcat/kinact was 500-fold lower for LN-1-255 than
      for tazobactam. CONCLUSIONS: In these studies, carbapenem antibiotics used in
      combination with LN-1-255 are effective against the carbapenemase OXA-48, an
      important emerging mechanism of antibiotic resistance. This provides an incentive
      for further investigations to maximize the efficacy of penicillin sulfone
      inhibition of class D plasmid-carried Enterobacteriaceae carbapenemases.

PMID- 27125557
TI  - Ultrasound window-modulated compounding Nakagami imaging: Resolution improvement
      and computational acceleration for liver characterization.
AB  - Ultrasound Nakagami imaging is an attractive method for visualizing changes in
      envelope statistics. Window-modulated compounding (WMC) Nakagami imaging was
      reported to improve image smoothness. The sliding window technique is typically
      used for constructing ultrasound parametric and Nakagami images. Using a large
      window overlap ratio may improve the WMC Nakagami image resolution but reduces
      computational efficiency. Therefore, the objectives of this study include: (i)
      exploring the effects of the window overlap ratio on the resolution and
      smoothness of WMC Nakagami images; (ii) proposing a fast algorithm that is based
      on the convolution operator (FACO) to accelerate WMC Nakagami imaging. Computer
      simulations and preliminary clinical tests on liver fibrosis samples (n=48) were
      performed to validate the FACO-based WMC Nakagami imaging. The results
      demonstrated that the width of the autocorrelation function and the parameter
      distribution of the WMC Nakagami image reduce with the increase in the window
      overlap ratio. One-pixel shifting (i.e., sliding the window on the image data in
      steps of one pixel for parametric imaging) as the maximum overlap ratio
      significantly improves the WMC Nakagami image quality. Concurrently, the proposed
      FACO method combined with a computational platform that optimizes the matrix
      computation can accelerate WMC Nakagami imaging, allowing the detection of liver
      fibrosis-induced changes in envelope statistics. FACO-accelerated WMC Nakagami
      imaging is a new-generation Nakagami imaging technique with an improved image
      quality and fast computation.

PMID- 27125558
TI  - Anodic aluminum oxide-epoxy composite acoustic matching layers for ultrasonic
      transducer application.
AB  - The goal of this work is to demonstrate the application of anodic aluminum oxide
      (AAO) template as matching layer of ultrasonic transducer. Quarter-wavelength
      acoustic matching layer is known as a vital component in medical ultrasonic
      transducers to compensate the acoustic impedance mismatch between piezoelectric
      element and human body. The AAO matching layer is made of anodic aluminum oxide
      template filled with epoxy resin, i.e. AAO-epoxy 1-3 composite. Using this
      composite as the first matching layer, a ~12MHz ultrasonic transducer based on
      soft lead zirconate titanate piezoelectric ceramic is fabricated, and pulse-echo
      measurements show that the transducer exhibits very good performance with broad
      bandwidth of 68% (-6dB) and two-way insertion loss of -22.7dB. Wire phantom
      ultrasonic image is also used to evaluate the transducer's performance, and the
      results confirm the process feasibility and merit of AAO-epoxy composite as a new
      matching material for ultrasonic transducer application. This matching scheme
      provides a solution to address the problems existing in the conventional 0-3
      composite matching layer and suggests another useful application of AAO template.

PMID- 27125559
TI  - Gasoline identifier based on SH0 plate acoustic waves.
AB  - The present paper is devoted to the development of gasoline identifier based on
      zero order shear-horizontal (SH0) acoustic wave propagating in piezoelectric
      plate. It has been found that the permittivity of gasoline is increased when its
      octane number rises. The development of such identifier is experimentally
      demonstrated to be possible.

PMID- 27125560
TI  - Optimal working frequency of ultrasonic motors.
AB  - In this work, the existence of the optimal working frequency for ultrasonic
      motors (USMs) is theoretically and experimentally verified for the first time, at
      which working point the power dissipation of the motors arrives at its minimum
      value. The mathematical model of the mechanical quality factor is initially
      deduced to evaluate the loss level, because it shows an opposite tendency with
      losses. The derivative of the mechanical quality factor can be subsequently
      arrived at with the aid of the phenomenon model of the phase of the admittance.
      The theoretical derivation infers that the maximum value of the mechanical
      quality factor exists almost around the average value of the frequency of maximum
      conductance and the frequency of maximum resistance. Then the input power of the
      USM is measured under the constant velocity condition, which is supposed to
      counteract the loss; that is, the loss can be therefore evaluated experimentally.
      Measurements infer that the power dissipation of the motor reaches the minimum
      value around the calculated optimal working frequency. In other word, it is
      proven that the USM maintains an optimal working frequency from the loss
      reduction view point.

PMID- 27125561
TI  - Development of a shear-force scanning near-field cathodoluminescence microscope
      for characterization of nanostructures' optical properties.
AB  - An original scanning near-field cathodoluminescence microscope for nanostructure
      characterization has been developed and successfully tested. By using a bimorph
      piezoelectric stack both as actuator and detector, the developed setup
      constitutes a real improvement compared to previously reported SEM-based
      solutions. The technique combines a scanning probe and a scanning electron
      microscope in order to simultaneously offer near-field cathodoluminescence and
      topographic images of the sample. Share-force topography and cathodoluminescence
      measurements on GaN, SiC and ZnO nanostructures using the developed setup are
      presented showing a nanometric resolution in both topography and
      cathodoluminescence images with increased sensitivity compared to classical
      luminescence techniques.

PMID- 27125562
TI  - Current and future trends in antibiotic therapy of acute bacterial skin and skin
      structure infections.
AB  - In 2013 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued recommendations and
      guidance on developing drugs for treatment of skin infection using a new
      definition of acute bacterial skin and skin-structure infection (ABSSSI). The new
      classification includes cellulitis, erysipelas, major skin abscesses and wound
      infection with a considerable extension of skin involvement, clearly referring to
      a severe subset of skin infections. The main goal of the FDA was to better
      identify specific infections where the advantages of a new antibiotic could be
      precisely estimated through quantifiable parameters, such as improvement of the
      lesion size and of systemic signs of infection. Before the spread and diffusion
      of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in skin infections,
      antibiotic therapy was relatively straightforward. Using an empiric approach, a
      beta-lactam was the preferred therapy and cultures from patients were rarely
      obtained. With the emergence of MRSA in the community setting, initial ABSSSI
      management has been changed and readdressed. Dalbavancin, oritavancin and
      tedizolid are new drugs, approved or in development for ABSSSI treatment, that
      also proved to be efficient against MRSA. Dalbavancin and oritavancin have a long
      half-life and can be dosed less frequently. This in turn makes it possible to
      treat patients with ABSSSI in an outpatient setting, avoiding hospitalization or
      potentially allowing earlier discharge, without compromising efficacy. In
      conclusion, characteristics of long-acting antibiotics could represent an
      opportunity for the management of ABSSSI and could profoundly modify the
      management of these infections by reducing or in some cases eliminating both
      costs and risks of hospitalization. 

PMID- 27125563
TI  - Retooling institutional support infrastructure for clinical research.
AB  - Clinical research activities at academic medical centers are challenging to
      oversee. Without effective research administration, a continually evolving set of
      regulatory and institutional requirements can divert investigator and study team
      attention away from a focus on scientific gain, study conduct, and patient
      safety. However, even when the need for research administration is recognized,
      there can be struggles over what form it should take. Central research
      administration may be viewed negatively, with individual groups preferring to
      maintain autonomy over processes. Conversely, a proliferation of individualized
      approaches across an institution can create inefficiencies or invite risk. This
      article describes experiences establishing a unified research support office at
      the Duke University School of Medicine based on a framework of customer support.
      The Duke Office of Clinical Research was formed in 2012 with a vision that
      research administration at academic medical centers should help clinical
      investigators navigate the complex research environment and operationalize
      research ideas. The office provides an array of services that have received high
      satisfaction ratings. The authors describe the ongoing culture change necessary
      for success of the unified research support office. Lessons learned from
      implementation of the Duke Office of Clinical Research may serve as a model for
      other institutions undergoing a similar transition.

PMID- 27125564
TI  - Charged hydrophilic polymer brushes and their relevance for understanding marine
      biofouling.
AB  - The resistance of charged polymers to biofouling was investigated by subjecting
      cationic (PDMAEMA), anionic (PSPMA), neutral (PHEMA-co-PEG10MA), and zwitterionic
      (PSBMA) brushes to assays testing protein adsorption; attachment of the marine
      bacterium Cobetia marina; settlement and adhesion strength of zoospores of the
      green alga Ulva linza; settlement of barnacle (Balanus amphitrite and B.
      improvisus) cypris larvae; and field immersion tests. Several results go beyond
      the expected dependence on direct electrostatic attraction; PSPMA showed good
      resistance towards attachment of C. marina, low settlement and adhesion of U.
      linza zoospores, and significantly lower biofouling than on PHEMA-co-PEG10MA or
      PSBMA after a field test for one week. PDMAEMA showed potential as a contact
      active anti-algal coating due to its capacity to damage attached spores. However,
      after field testing for eight weeks, there were no significant differences in
      biofouling coverage among the surfaces. While charged polymers are unsuitable as
      antifouling coatings in the natural environment, they provide valuable insights
      into fouling processes, and are relevant for studies due to charging of nominally
      neutral surfaces.

PMID- 27125565
TI  - Transfusion management of factor V deficiency: three case reports and review of
      the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Factor V (FV) deficiency may be inherited as an autosomal recessive
      disease or acquired as a result of autoantibody formation, either spontaneously
      or secondary to exposure to bovine thrombin or medications. Congenital FV
      deficiency has traditionally been treated with plasma transfusions. However,
      recent evidence has suggested that platelet (PLT) transfusions may be a better
      alternative as FV stored within PLT alpha granules has greater procoagulant
      potential and is released locally at sites of vascular injury. We report three
      cases of FV deficiency, one congenital and two acquired, and emphasize the
      different management approaches. CASE REPORTS: Patient 1 was a 30-year-old man
      with congenital FV deficiency who presented with a trauma-induced hematoma of his
      lower extremity. He was treated with 5 PLT units over 48 hours. Patient 2 was a
      64-year-old woman who presented with an upper-extremity thrombus and was
      discovered to have a FV inhibitor, likely secondary to antibiotics. Patient 3 was
      a 75-year-old woman with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who presented with minor
      ecchymosis and was found to have a FV inhibitor secondary to either HCV or
      antibiotic exposure. Corticosteroids alone were able to eradicate the inhibitors
      in both patients with acquired inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: FV deficiency can present
      with a diverse range of symptoms. For bleeding patients, PLT transfusions should
      be the initial therapy. In patients with thrombosis, the risks and benefits of
      anticoagulation must be carefully assessed before treatment. For patients with
      minor bleeds, transfusions may be withheld, and elimination of the inhibitor
      should be the primary objective.

PMID- 27125566
TI  - Regulation of ecmF gene expression and genetic hierarchy among STATa, CudA, and
      MybC on several prestalk A-specific gene expressions in Dictyostelium.
AB  - STATa, a Dictyostelium homologue of metazoan signal transducer and activator of
      transcription, is important for the organizer function in the tip region of the
      migrating Dictyostelium slug. We previously showed that ecmF gene expression
      depends on STATa in prestalk A (pstA) cells, where STATa is activated. Deletion
      and site-directed mutagenesis analysis of the ecmF/lacZ fusion gene in wild-type
      and STATa null strains identified an imperfect inverted repeat sequence,
      ACAAATANTATTTGT, as a STATa-responsive element. An upstream sequence element was
      required for efficient expression in the rear region of pstA zone; an element
      downstream of the inverted repeat was necessary for sufficient prestalk
      expression during culmination. Band shift analyses using purified STATa protein
      detected no sequence-specific binding to those ecmF elements. The only verified
      upregulated target gene of STATa is cudA gene; CudA directly activates expL7 gene
      expression in prestalk cells. However, ecmF gene expression was almost unaffected
      in a cudA null mutant. Several previously reported putative STATa target genes
      were also expressed in cudA null mutant but were downregulated in STATa null
      mutant. Moreover, mybC, which encodes another transcription factor, belonged to
      this category, and ecmF expression was downregulated in a mybC null mutant. These
      findings demonstrate the existence of a genetic hierarchy for pstA-specific
      genes, which can be classified into two distinct STATa downstream pathways, CudA
      dependent and independent. The ecmF expression is indirectly upregulated by STATa
      in a CudA-independent activation manner but dependent on MybC, whose expression
      is positively regulated by STATa. 

PMID- 27125567
TI  - [Impact of the Pharmaceutical Copayment Reform on the Use of Antidiabetics,
      Antithrombotics and for Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease Agents, Spain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In 2012 it changed the Spanish legislation regulating the
      pharmaceutical copayment by the National Health System (NHS). The objective was
      to know if the Spanish pharmaceutical copayment reform in 2012 has affected drugs
      consumptions for chronic diseases such as antidiabetics, antithrombotics and
      agents against obstructive conditions of the respiratory tract. METHODS:
      Retrospective longitudinal observational study, using general segmented linear
      regression models for interrupted time series. The variables analyzed were the
      number of defined daily doses (DDDs) and the amount corresponding to public
      funding and not public funding from the (NHS) since September 2010 to August 2015
      (T=60). RESULTS: The estimated variation rate of DDDs is negative but decreasing
      for the three therapeutic subgroups at 6, 12, 24 and 38 months after the
      intervention: -0.1% for antidiabetics after 6 months and 0.3% after 38 months; 
      3.7% for antithrombotics after 6 months and -4.6% after 38 months; -2.7% for
      asthma and COPD drugs after 6 months and -1.3% after 38 months. A sustained and
      significant reduction in expenditure was estimated only in the subgroup of asthma
      and COPD drugs: -5.2% after 6 months, -7.0% after 12 months and after 24 months,
      and -6.2% after 38 months. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmaceutical copayment reform of
      2012 led to an immediate and significant reduction in the number of DDDs of all
      three therapeutic subgroups selected in this study. This level effect is not
      permanent, as it is accompanied by a change in the growth trend in the post
      intervention months, which has partly offset the effect on the level.

PMID- 27125568
TI  - Si-nanocrystal-based nanofluids for nanothermometry.
AB  - The measurement of local temperature in nanoscale volumes is becoming a
      technological frontier. Photoluminescent nanoparticles and nanocolloids are the
      natural choice for nanoscale temperature probes. However, the influence of a
      surrounding liquid on the cryogenic behavior of oxidized Si-nanocrystals (Si-NCs)
      has never been investigated. In this work, the photoluminescence (PL) of oxidized
      Si-NCs/alcohol based nanocolloids is measured as a function of the temperature
      and the molecule length of monohydric alcohols above their melting-freezing
      point. The results unveil a progressive blue shift on the emission peak which is
      dependent on the temperature as well as the dielectric properties of the
      surrounding liquid. Such an effect is analyzed in terms of thermal changes of the
      Si-NCs bandgap, quantum confinement and the polarization effects of the embedding
      medium; revealing an important role of the dielectric constant of the surrounding
      liquid. These results are relevant because they offer a general insight to the
      fundamental behavior of photoluminescent nanocolloids under a cooling process and
      moreover, enabling PL tuning based on the dielectric properties of the
      surrounding liquid. Hence, the variables required to engineer PL of nanofluids
      are properly identified for use as temperature sensors at the nanoscale. 

PMID- 27125569
TI  - Mechanistic studies of new oximes reactivators of human butyryl cholinesterase
      inhibited by cyclosarin and sarin.
AB  - Butyryl cholinesterase (BChE) has been seen as a key enzyme in the search for new
      strategies in the treatment of poisoning by organophosphates (OPs), since human
      BChE (HssBChE), complexed with the appropriate oxime, can be a suitable scavenger
      and deactivator for OPs in the blood stream. However, the efficacy of HssBChE is
      limited by its strict stoichiometric scavenging, slow reactivation, and
      propensity for aging. The improvement of the reactivation rate by new and more
      efficient oximes could contribute to mitigate this problem and increase the
      HssBChE efficiency as scavenger. Several oximes have been synthesized and tested
      with this goal, some with promising results, but the mechanistic aspects of the
      reactivation reaction are not fully understood yet. In order to better
      investigate this mechanism, docking and mixed quantum and molecular mechanics
      combined with principal components analysis were performed here to evaluate the
      capacity of reactivation and determine the preferred route for the reactivation
      reaction of two new oximes on HssBChE inhibited by the neurotoxic agents
      cyclosarin and sarin. Plots of potential energies were calculated and all the
      transition states of the reactional mechanism were determined. Our results showed
      a good correlation with experimental data and pointed to the most efficient oxime
      with both OPs. The protocol used could be a suitable tool for a preliminary
      evaluation of the HssBChE reactivation rates by new oximes.

PMID- 27125570
TI  - Exogenous cesarean scar pregnancies managed by suction curettage alone or in
      combination with other therapeutic procedures: A series of 33 cases and analysis
      of complication profile.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to review our exogenous cesarean scar pregnancy
      (CSP) cases that were managed through transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS)-guided
      suction curettage either alone or with a concomitant additional therapeutic
      modality. The study was carried out over a 6-year period and we compared clinical
      outcomes, success rates and complication profiles between the two therapeutic
      approaches. METHODS: A total of 33 exogenous CSP patients who were managed by
      suction curettage were extracted from the medical records. The patients were
      analyzed according to the intervention applied in the two groups as: TAUS-guided
      suction curettage alone (Group 1); and additional therapeutic tools, such as
      systemic or intracavitary administration of methotrexate and intracavitary
      ethanol instillation, in combination with suction curettage (Group 2). Basic
      demographic and clinical characteristics of women experiencing hemorrhagic
      complications and those who did not after the treatment were also compared.
      RESULTS: There were no cases of uterine perforation, hysterectomy or
      unresponsiveness to treatment in our analyzed CSP cases. Four patients, two in
      each group, required blood transfusion. Our success rate in the overall patient
      population was 87.8% (29/33). Fourteen out of 16 patients who were treated with
      TAUS-guided suction curettage alone, and 15 out of 17 patients who received other
      interventional treatment modalities preceding suction curettage revealed
      successful resolution of the CSP without any complication (P = 0.948). Clinical
      and demographic characteristics of women who experienced any hemorrhagic
      complication did not significantly differ from those who did not. CONCLUSION: In
      appropriate CSP cases, TAUS-guided suction curettage appears to be a reliable
      treatment option with acceptable success rates and similar complication profile
      to other therapeutic options.

PMID- 27125571
TI  - Heads Up: a pilot trial of a psychological intervention to improve nutrition in
      head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
AB  - Malnutrition in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients is common and associated with
      poorer radiotherapy outcomes including increased mortality. This pilot trial
      investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of a psychological intervention to
      improve nutritional status, depression and mortality in HNC patients undergoing
      radiotherapy. Fifty-nine intervention patients received motivational interviewing
      and cognitive behavioural therapy compared to 70 historical controls who received
      treatment as usual. Participants were assessed for nutrition, depression and
      mortality. There were no significant differences between groups in nutritional
      status, depression or mortality. Subgroup analyses among patients at greater
      nutritional risk (cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx) revealed a
      potentially clinically important reduction on the PG-SGA and lower mortality (31%
      of controls vs. 16% intervention; P = 0.03) in favour of the intervention
      condition. Potential benefits in nutritional status and in mortality in this
      pilot trial of a psychological intervention among HNC patients at high
      nutritional risk suggest that a larger randomised controlled trial is warranted.

PMID- 27125572
TI  - Real-time estimation of the hospitalization fatality risk of influenza
      A(H1N1)pdm09 in Hong Kong.
AB  - During the early stage of an epidemic, timely and reliable estimation of the
      severity of infections are important for predicting the impact that the influenza
      viruses will have in the population. We obtained age-specific deaths and
      hospitalizations for patients with laboratory-confirmed H1N1pdm09 infections from
      June 2009 to December 2009 in Hong Kong. We retrospectively obtained the real
      time estimates of the hospitalization fatality risk (HFR), using crude estimation
      or allowing for right-censoring for final status in some patients. Models
      accounting for right-censoring performed better than models without adjustments.
      The risk of deaths in hospitalized patients with confirmed H1N1pdm09 increased
      with age. Reliable estimates of the HFR could be obtained before the peak of the
      first wave of H1N1pdm09 in young and middle-aged adults but after the peak in the
      elderly. In the next influenza pandemic, timely estimation of the HFR will
      contribute to risk assessment and disease control.

PMID- 27125573
TI  - The treatment of HCV in patients with haemoglobinopathy in Kurdistan Region,
      Iraq: a single centre experience.
AB  - Various variables that might influence the rapid and sustained virological
      response to recombinant PEG-IFN-alpha-2a were explored in Iraqi HCV-infected
      patients with haemoglobinopathy. Forty-three patients were evaluated for the
      relationship between rapid virological response (RVR), IL-28B polymorphism, viral
      load, liver enzyme levels, blood group, ultrasound findings, or HCV genotype and
      the sustained virological response (SVR) achievement. The overall RVR was 55.81%
      while the overall SVR was 53.49%. SVR in patients that achieved RVR was 82.61% (P
      = 0.0004). A significant association was found between initial alanine
      transaminase levels and viral load with SVR achievement (P = 0.025) and (P =
      0.004), respectively. Thirty-two (74%) out of 43 of our samples were host
      genotyped at the IL-28B locus as CC, a significant association was found between
      CC group and SVR achievement (P = 0.04). Of our samples, 23/43 (53%) were typed
      as HCV genotype 4, 10/43 (23%) as genotype 1, 9/43 (20.9%) as genotype 3 and 1/43
      (2.3%) as genotype 2. A significant association was found between genotype 3 and
      SVR achievement (P = 0.006). Multivariate analysis showed that only RVR
      achievement independently associated with SVR in the Iraqi population (P = 0.00).
      These results can be used to classify the patients requiring the more expensive
      new direct-acting antiviral drugs.

PMID- 27125575
TI  - Evolving epidemiology of reported cryptosporidiosis cases in the United States,
      1995-2012.
AB  - Cryptosporidium is the leading aetiology of waterborne disease outbreaks in the
      United States. This report briefly describes the temporal and geographical
      distribution of US cryptosporidiosis cases and presents analyses of
      cryptosporidiosis case data reported in the United States for 1995-2012. The
      Cochran-Armitage test was used to assess changes in the proportions of cases by
      case status (confirmed vs. non-confirmed), sex, race, and ethnicity over the
      study period. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate rate
      ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for comparing rates across three
      time periods (1995-2004, 2005-2008, 2009-2012). The proportion of confirmed cases
      significantly decreased (P < 0.0001), and a crossover from male to female
      predominance in case-patients occurred (P < 0.0001). Overall, compared to 1995
      2004, rates were higher in 2005-2008 (RR 2.92, 95% CI 2.08-4.09) and 2009-2012
      (RR 2.66, 95% CI 1.90-3.73). However, rate changes from 2005-2008 to 2009-2012
      varied by age group (P interaction < 0.0001): 0-14 years (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42
      0.71), 15-44 years (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.82-1.19), 45-64 years (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.21
      1.79) and ?65 years (RR 2.18, 95% CI 1.46-3.25). The evolving epidemiology of
      cryptosporidiosis necessitates further identification of risk factors in
      population subgroups. Adding systematic molecular typing of Cryptosporidium
      specimens to US national cryptosporidiosis surveillance would help further
      identify risk factors and markedly expand understanding of cryptosporidiosis
      epidemiology in the United States.

PMID- 27125574
TI  - Patient-level analysis of incident vancomycin-resistant enterococci colonization
      and antibiotic days of therapy.
AB  - Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections are a public health threat
      associated with increased patient mortality and healthcare costs. Antibiotic
      usage, particularly cephalosporins, has been associated with VRE colonization and
      VRE bloodstream infections (VRE BSI). We examined the relationship between
      antimicrobial usage and incident VRE colonization at the individual patient
      level. Prospective, weekly surveillance was undertaken for incident VRE
      colonization defined by negative admission but positive surveillance swab in a
      medical intensive care unit over a 17-month period. Antimicrobial exposure was
      quantified as days of therapy (DOT)/1000 patient-days. Multiple logistic
      regression was used to analyse incident VRE colonization and antibiotic DOT,
      controlling for demographic and clinical covariates. Ninety-six percent
      (1398/1454) of admissions were swabbed within 24 h of intensive care unit (ICU)
      arrival and of the 380 patients in the ICU long enough for weekly surveillance,
      83 (22%) developed incident VRE colonization. Incident colonization was
      associated in bivariate analysis with male gender, more previous hospital
      admissions, longer previous hospital stay, and use of cefepime/ceftazidime,
      fluconazole, azithromycin, and metronidazole (P < 0.05). After controlling for
      demographic and clinical covariates, metronidazole was the only antibiotic
      independently associated with incident VRE colonization (odds ratio 2.0, 95%
      confidence interval 1.2-3.3, P < 0.009). Our findings suggest that risk of
      incident VRE colonization differs between individual antibiotic agents and
      support the possibility that antimicrobial stewardship may impact VRE
      colonization and infection.

PMID- 27125576
TI  - Cobalt-Nanocrystal-Assembled Hollow Nanoparticles for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen
      Generation from Neutral-pH Water.
AB  - Highly active and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation from neutral-pH
      water are highly desired, but very difficult to achieve. Herein we report a
      facile synthetic approach to cobalt nanocrystal assembled hollow nanoparticles
      (Co-HNP), which serve as an electrocatalyst for hydrogen generation from neutral
      pH water. An electrode composed of Co-HNP on a carbon cloth (CC) produces
      cathodic current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm(-2) at overpotentials of -85 mV
      and -237 mV, respectively. The Co-HNP/CC electrode retains its high activity
      after 20 h hydrogen generation at a high current density of 150 mA cm(-2) ,
      indicating the superior activity and stability of Co-HNP as electrocatalyst.

PMID- 27125577
TI  - The experience of patients admitted to hospital with acute low back pain: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - AIM: To understand the patient experience of being admitted to hospital with
      acute low back pain (LBP), with a view to developing suggestions for care and LBP
      management guidelines. METHOD: Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was
      adopted to examine semi-structured interviews from patients admitted to hospital
      with acute LBP. Sampling continued until thematic saturation was reached (n =
      14). Data were analyzed using the Framework Method, so that data from multiple
      participants could be systematically summarized, compared, and analyzed. RESULTS:
      Four themes were identified: pain and helplessness, desire for validation,
      interactions with healthcare teams, and a return to pre-morbid identity and
      roles. Patients' initial presentation to hospital was characterized by severe
      pain, disability and difficulty in communicating their illness experience.
      Patients expected doctors to investigate for an underlying cause of the back
      pain. To recover, they were required to navigate a system they did not
      understand, interacting with healthcare workers who seemed to operate
      independently rather than as a team. Patients viewed medical treatment as a means
      of returning to pre-morbid activities of daily living, roles and relationships.
      Using these themes, a model of the inpatient journey was developed. CONCLUSION:
      We have described new patient insights which highlight how the hospital
      environment adds unique challenges to managing acute LBP. Several suggestions for
      acute LBP management guidelines are made: developing lay summaries for patients,
      including methods for communicating the team structure and roles to patients, and
      ensuring all members of treating teams are educated to ensure guidelines are
      consistently implemented.

PMID- 27125578
TI  - Classification of infantile nystagmus waveforms.
AB  - Classification of infantile nystagmus waveforms is an important problem because
      the characteristic waveforms can be used to distinguish between infantile and
      acquired nystagmus. A clear description of the nystagmus is also a necessary
      first stage in understanding its origin. Currently infantile nystagmus waveforms
      are classified into at least 12 different types. In this study we analyse a
      database of nystagmus recordings in order to investigate if this classification
      can be simplified. Application of principal components analysis revealed that
      96.9% of the variance of the waveforms is described by a linear sum of two
      component waveforms. The components consist of sawtooth and pseudocycloid
      waveforms that account for 78.7% and 18.2% of the variance respectively for the
      most common single cycle waveforms. This simplified description of infantile
      nystagmus highlights the importance of identifying the origin of the jerk
      component and its synchronisation with the pseudocycloid component for the
      characterisation and treatment of the nystagmus.

PMID- 27125579
TI  - Physicians' experiences and views on the role of obstetric ultrasound in rural
      and urban Rwanda: a qualitative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore Rwandan physicians' experiences and views on the role of
      obstetric ultrasound in clinical management of pregnancy, and in situations where
      maternal and fetal health interests conflict. METHODS: Physicians (n = 19) in
      public and private health facilities in urban and rural Rwanda were interviewed
      in 2015 as part of the CROss-Country Ultrasound Study (CROCUS). Data were
      analysed qualitatively. RESULTS: Ultrasound was described as an important tool in
      maternity care. Availability and quality of equipment varied across sites, and
      considerable disparities in obstetric ultrasound utilisation between rural and
      urban areas were described. The physicians wanted more ultrasound training and
      saw the potential for midwives to perform basic scans. Information about fetal
      sex and well-being was described as women's main expectations of ultrasound.
      Although women's right to autonomy in pregnancy was supported in principle by
      participating physicians, fetal rights were sometimes seen as needing physician
      'protection'. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be increasing use and demand for
      obstetric ultrasound in Rwanda, particularly in urban areas. It seems important
      to monitor this development closely to secure wise and fair allocation of scarce
      obstetric expertise and resources and to prevent overuse or misuse of ultrasound.
      Raising awareness about the benefits of all aspects of antenatal care, including
      ultrasound may be an important step to improve pregnant women's uptake of
      services. Increased opportunities for formal ultrasound training, including the
      training of midwives to perform basic scans, seem warranted. Moreover, in
      parallel with the transition to more medico-technical maternity care, a dialogue
      about maternal rights to autonomy in pregnancy and childbirth is imperative.

PMID- 27125580
TI  - Pulmonary Artery Perforation After Chest Tube Insertion.

PMID- 27125581
TI  - Self-expanding y stent for the treatment of malignant tracheobronchial stenosis.
      Retrospective study.
AB  - Palliation of malignant tracheobronchial stenosis is challenging. Published
      experience with self-expanding Y-shaped stents is limited and it seems necessary
      to evaluate whether they improve clinical results with respect to alternative
      prostheses. We present a retrospective case series of 20 consecutive patients
      with malignant tracheobronchial stenosis that underwent placement of a single
      unit, Y-shaped covered metallic stent. Outcomes were: safety of the procedure,
      palliation of dyspnea, complications, and survival. All stents were safely and
      easily placed using a rigid tracheoscope within 24hours of admission. Dyspnea was
      effectively palliated in all patients, and no early or late adverse stent-related
      events were observed. Thirty-day mortality was 40%. Median survival was 12.2
      weeks. Placement of Y-shaped self-expanding stents is a safe and effective
      procedure for the palliation of malignant tracheobronchial stenosis, and is
      currently our stent of choice for this subgroup of patients.

PMID- 27125582
TI  - Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonay Disease and Other Combinations.

PMID- 27125583
TI  - Notes on Recurrence and Second Tumors in Lung Cancer.

PMID- 27125584
TI  - Gene expression changes in the tyrosine metabolic pathway regulate caste-specific
      cuticular pigmentation of termites.
AB  - In social insects, all castes have characteristic phenotypes suitable for their
      own tasks and to engage in social behavior. The acquisition of caste-specific
      phenotypes was a key event in the course of social insect evolution. However,
      understanding of the genetic basis and the developmental mechanisms that produce
      these phenotypes is still very limited. In particular, termites normally possess
      more than two castes with specific phenotypes (i.e. workers, soldiers, and
      reproductives), but proximate developmental mechanisms are far from being fully
      understood. In this study, we focused on the pigmentation of the cuticle as a
      model trait for caste-specific phenotypes, during the molts of each caste;
      workers, soldiers, presoldiers (intermediate stage of soldiers), and alates
      (primary reproductives) in Zootermopsis nevadensis. Expression patterns of
      cuticular tanning genes (members of the tyrosine metabolic pathway) were
      different among each molt, and high expression levels of several "key genes" were
      observed during each caste differentiation. For the differentiation of castes
      with well-tanned cuticles (i.e. soldiers and alates), all focal genes except DDC
      in the former were highly expressed. On the other hand, high expression levels of
      yellow and aaNAT were observed during worker and presoldier molts, respectively,
      but most other genes in the pathway were expressed at low levels. RNA
      interference (RNAi) of these key genes affected caste-specific cuticular
      pigmentation, leading to soldiers with yellowish-white heads and pigmented
      mandibular tips, presoldiers with partly pigmented head cuticles, and alates with
      the yellow head capsules. These results suggest that the pigmentation of caste
      specific cuticles is achieved by the regulation of gene expression in the
      tyrosine metabolic pathway.

PMID- 27125585
TI  - Ageing through an evolutionary, transdisciplinary, lens.

PMID- 27125586
TI  - Quantum hyperparallel algorithm for matrix multiplication.
AB  - Hyperentangled states, entangled states with more than one degree of freedom, are
      considered as promising resource in quantum computation. Here we present a
      hyperparallel quantum algorithm for matrix multiplication with time complexity
      O(N(2)), which is better than the best known classical algorithm. In our scheme,
      an N dimensional vector is mapped to the state of a single source, which is
      separated to N paths. With the assistance of hyperentangled states, the inner
      product of two vectors can be calculated with a time complexity independent of
      dimension N. Our algorithm shows that hyperparallel quantum computation may
      provide a useful tool in quantum machine learning and "big data" analysis.

PMID- 27125587
TI  - Role of Fusobacteria in the serrated pathway of colorectal carcinogenesis.
AB  - Fusobacteria are associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) and are amplified during
      colorectal carcinogenesis. Compared to the adenoma-carcinoma sequence of
      carcinogenesis, serrated neoplasm has distinct clinical features and a different
      molecular background. We aimed to compare the gut microbiome between tubular
      adenoma (TA) and sessile serrated adenoma/polyp (SSA/P). Patients with TA, SSA/P,
      or CRC were recruited. Three pieces of colorectal mucosal tissue were obtained
      from each patient by endoscopic biopsy. 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing and
      phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states
      (PICRUSt) were performed. Among 26 enrolled patients, 8, 10, and 8 had TA, SSA/P,
      and CRC, respectively. The relative abundance of Fusobacteria did not differ
      significantly between the TA and SSA/P groups (4.3% and 1.9%, P = 0.739) but was
      higher in the CRC group (33.8%) than in the TA or SSA/P group, respectively (TA
      vs. CRC, P = 0.002, false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.023; SSA/P vs. CRC, P < 0.001,
      FDR = 0.001). PICRUSt revealed that most functions in the TA metagenome were
      similar to those in the SSA/P metagenome. The gut microbiome, including relative
      abundance of Fusobacteria, did not differ between TA and SSA/P, suggesting that
      Fusobacteria may contribute to both the serrated pathway and the adenoma
      carcinoma sequence.

PMID- 27125588
TI  - Modulator effect of a polysaccharide-rich extract from Caesalpinia ferrea stem
      barks in rat cutaneous wound healing: Role of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, NO, TGF-beta.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In folk medicine stem barks of Caesalpinia ferrea
      (Caesalpinioideae) are used to treat enterocolitis, rheumatism and wounds and in
      experimental procedures, its aqueous extracts demonstrated antiulcer, anti
      inflammatory, analgesic, and healing effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: The healing
      mechanism of the polyssacharide-rich extract of C. ferrea stem barks (TPL-Cf) was
      investigated in a model of excisional cutaneous wound in Wistar rats. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Excisional wounds received topical treatment with TPL-Cf (0.025
      0.1%) during 21 days. Hypernociception, macroscopical, histological and
      immunohistochemical parameters were evaluated and analyzed by ANOVA, Bonferroni
      and Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by Dunn and Chi-Square tests. RESULTS: TPL-Cf
      (0.1%) reduced wound area and hypernociception, and increased wound contraction.
      TPL-Cf reduced leukocyte infiltration and vascular permeability, and stimulated
      fibroblasia, angiogenesis, well formed granulation tissue, collagen deposition
      and epithelial layer formation. TPL-Cf reduced TNF-alpha expression and the
      levels of PGE2 (73%-day 5), IL-1 (42%-day 2), MDA (38%-day 5), total protein (53%
      day 2; 73%-day 5) and MPO activity (53%-day 2), but increased the expression of i
      NOS (days 5 and 7), TGF-beta (day 5) and the levels of NO (3.6 fold-day 5).
      CONCLUSION: The polysaccharide-rich extract of C. ferra stem barks accelerates
      wound healing by the control of the inflammatory phase and attenuates
      hypernociception via modulation of inflammatory mediators (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta,
      NO, TGF-beta).

PMID- 27125589
TI  - The beneficial potential of polyphenol-enriched fraction from Erigerontis Herba
      on metabolic syndrome.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Erigerontis Herba is a Chinese herb that is
      traditionally used to treat cardiovascular disease. Recent literatures suggested
      that it could exert beneficial effects on various cardiovascular metabolic risk
      factors including hypertension and hyperlipidemia in order to exert its cardio
      protective effects. AIM: Erigerontis Herba contains a variety of flavonoids and
      polyphenols that are bioactive. The aim of the present study was to investigate
      the cardio-protective effects of the total polyphenols of Erigerontis Herba
      (EHP), particularly on the metabolic parameters which could contribute to
      metabolic syndrome including obesity, hepatic steatosis, hyperlipidemia and
      hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57Bl/6 metabolic syndrome mice model was
      used to determine the effects of EHP on metabolic syndrome. High-fat diet-induced
      metabolic syndrome in C57Bl/6 mice is an animal model which mimics human
      metabolic syndrome. The model is achieved by high-fat diet feeding to C57Bl/6
      mice for 8 weeks. In our study, the mice were divided into 3 groups and fed for 8
      weeks with: 1) normal chow (N); 2) high-fat diet (HF); or 3) high-fat diet
      supplemented with 2% EHP (HF+EHP). Various parameters such as body weight,
      adipose tissue weight and liver weight were measured. Liver and plasma lipid
      levels were also determined. In addition, the effect of EHP on vasodilation in
      Sprague Dawley rats was also determined using ex vivo aortic ring model. RESULTS:
      Various types of adipose tissues weights were significantly lowered in HF+EHP vs
      HF mice. Hepatic lipid levels were also significantly decreased by EHP vs HF. For
      plasma lipid (including TC and TG), EHP exerted no significant effects on plasma
      lipid levels. To understand the mechanisms as to how EHP regulated lipid
      metabolism via liver, various hepatic gene expressions were also measured using
      real-time PCR. The results showed that EHP regulated the expressions of
      Cyp7alpha1, CD36 and PPAR-gamma. EHP showed significant vasodilative effects in
      both intact aortas and endothelium-removed aortas. Further mechanistic studies
      indicated that EHP dilated aorta endothelium-dependently through nitric oxide
      synthase (NOS) pathway, and endothelium-independently through BKca, Kv and Kir
      channels. In addition to the vasodilative effects, EHP could also inhibit aorta
      contraction through Ca(2+) channel. CONCLUSIONS: EHP exerted promising effects on
      diet-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis in C57Bl/6 mice model. It also exerted
      significant vasodilative effect ex vivo, suggesting the potential of EHP to be
      developed as a dietary supplement for metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 27125591
TI  - Potent in vitro anti-proliferative, apoptotic and anti-oxidative activities of
      semi-purified Job's tears (Coix lachryma-jobi Linn.) extracts from different
      preparation methods on 5 human cancer cell lines.
AB  - ETHONOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCES: Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi Linn.) is
      commonly used as an herbal medicine. The low incidence of cancer has been
      observed in the area of China where regularly consume Job's tears. The effects of
      preparation methods of Job's tears on anti-cancer activities were investigated.
      Potent in vitro anti-proliferative, apoptotic and anti-oxidative activities of
      semi-purified Job's tears extracts from different preparation methods on 5 human
      cancer cell lines comparing with standards and commercial product were observed.
      AIM OF STUDY: To study the anti-proliferative, apoptotic and anti-oxidative
      activities of semi-purified Job's tear extracts from different preparation
      methods on 5 human cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The crude methanolic
      extracts of non-cooked, steamed and roasted Job's tears cultivars were prepared
      and further semi-purified by liquid-liquid extraction techniques. Both of crude
      and semi-purified extracts were tested for anti-proliferative, apoptotic
      induction, anti-oxidative activities and phytochemicals content. RESULTS: The
      highest yields of crude and-purified extracts were 4.60% and 1.46%, respectively.
      In crude extracts, the steamed whole Thai Black Loei Job's tears (W-TBL-S1)
      extract showed the highest anti-proliferative activity in mouth epidermal
      carcinoma cell (KB) at the IC50 of 43.61+/-0.76MUg/ml (0.005 folds of
      doxorubicin), whereas the roasted whole Laos White Loei Job's tears (W-LWL-R2)
      extract showed the highest apoptotic activity in cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa)
      at 21.52+/-1.50% (0.22 and 15.05 folds of doxorubicin and commercial product,
      respectively). After liquid-liquid extraction, almost all of the semi-purified
      extracts showed increases in anti-proliferative activity. Ethyl acetate fraction
      of the roasted whole Laos White Loei Job's tears (W-LWL-R2) showed the highest
      anti-proliferative activity in HeLa cell at the IC50 of 0.97+/-0.82MUg/ml (7.82
      and 45.39 folds of doxorubicin and crude extract, respectively) and apoptotic
      activity of 18.77+/-6.31% (0.19 folds of doxorubicin). The commercial product
      showed no anti-proliferative activity in all cell lines but induced apoptosis in
      HeLa cell at 1.43+/-0.34%. The butanol and hexane soluble fractions of the
      roasted whole of Laos White Loei Job's tears (W-LWL-R2) showed the highest free
      radical scavenging (SC50) and metal chelating activity (MC50) of 0.31+/-0.06mg/ml
      (0.64 folds of ascorbic acid) and 0.08+/-0.01mg/ml (6.37 folds of EDTA),
      respectively. All ethyl acetate fractions contain high content of carotenoid and
      tannin, whereas the hexane soluble fraction of the roasted hull of Laos Black
      Loei Job's tears (H-LBL-R1) showed the highest linoleic acid content of 8.09+/
      0.74% w/w. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated the potent anti-cancer
      activity of the semi-purified extracts from roasted Job's tears with high
      potential for further development to modern anti-cancer drug.

PMID- 27125590
TI  - Efficacy and short-term safety of topical Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) versus
      diclofenac for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled
      trial.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sambucus ebulus L. (S. ebulus) has had long
      standing application in Traditional Persian Medicine for joint pain and for a
      variety of bone and joint disorders. According to traditional use of S. ebulus
      and its relevant pharmacologic properties, this study was designed to evaluate
      the efficacy and short-term safety of topical use of S. ebulus in patients with
      knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Seventy nine patients with knee
      OA were randomly enrolled in 2 parallel arms of a pilot randomized, double-blind,
      active-controlled clinical trial. The patients were treated by topical S. ebulus
      gel or 1% diclofenac gel, three times a day, as much as a fingertip unit for 4
      weeks. Patients were assessed prior to enrollment and, then, 2 and 4 weeks
      subsequent to the intervention, in terms of scores of visual analogue scale (VAS)
      for self-grading of their knee joint pain, and according to 3 different domains
      of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC)
      questionnaire. Any observed adverse effects were also scrutinized. RESULTS: The
      mean values of WOMAC pain score, total WOMAC score and VAS score for pain of the
      S. ebulus group were significantly lower compared with the diclofenac group
      (P=0.004, P=0.04, and P<0.001, respectively). In addition, no serious adverse
      effect was reported. CONCLUSION: This pilot study showed that topical treatment
      with S. ebulus gel can be recommended for alleviating symptoms of patients with
      knee OA. However, longer trials involving larger samples size, are needed for
      achieving a comprehensive understanding about the efficacy and safety of S.
      ebulus in knee OA.

PMID- 27125592
TI  - Anti-inflammatory and toxicological evaluation of Moussonia deppeana (Schldl. &
      Cham) Hanst and Verbascoside as a main active metabolite.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Moussonia deppeana, known as Tlachichinole, is a
      Mexican medicinal plant used for treatment of inflammatory diseases, influenza,
      diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders and arthritis. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this
      paper the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities as well as the acute and
      sub-acute toxicological effects were evaluated for the ethanolic extract from
      aerial parts of M. deppeana, also its phytochemical analysis is described.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical analysis and compound isolation were
      performed with thin layer chromatography. The chemical identification of the main
      compound was performed by (1)H NMR (COSY, NOESY, HSQC and HMBC) spectra. In vitro
      antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content for the ethanolic extract and its
      primary fractions was determined by DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Acute and
      subacute toxicity tests were evaluated on Balb/C mice. Finally acute anti
      inflammatory evaluation was tested for a local (TPA) and systemic (carrageenan)
      murine model. RESULTS: The main compound isolated from the ethanolic extract of
      M. deppeana was Verbascoside, which was isolated from F3 and was identified by
      (1)H NMR and COSY data. Furthermore oleanolic and ursolic acids were isolated
      from primary fractions F1 and F2. Ethanolic extract showed IC50 = 6.71mg/mL for
      DPPH test and 664.12ug QE/mL for the total phenolic content. The LD50 value was
      >2g/kg by i.g. route in male and female mice. Sub-acute administration (28 days)
      of the ethanolic extract (1g/kg) did not cause lethality or alter any
      hematological and biochemical parameters, in addition, histological analysis of
      the major organs exhibited no structural changes. Anti-inflammatory activity of
      the ethanolic extract showed an ED50 = 1.5mg/ear and 450mg/kg for TPA and
      carrageenan test, respectively. Primary fractions generated moderate local and
      systemic anti-inflammatory activity. CONCLUSION: The ethanolic extract from the
      aerial parts of M. deppeana did not cause any lethality or adverse effect in
      either of the acute and sub-acute toxicity tests. This exhibited an important
      local and systemic anti-inflammatory activity and also moderate antioxidant
      capacity. Moreover, the primary fraction F2 was more active for the TPA model
      while the primary fraction F3 was most active in the carrageenan model in vivo.
      The main compound isolated from F3 was verbascoside; on the other hand also
      ursolic and oleanolic acids were isolated from F1 and F2.

PMID- 27125593
TI  - Atheroprotective effects of Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J. F. Macbr. in New
      Zealand rabbits fed with cholesterol-rich diet.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Although Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J. F.
      Macbr. is used in Brazilian folk medicine in the treatment of atherosclerosis and
      circulatory disorders, no study evaluating these effects has been conducted. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the possible hypolipemiant and antiatherogenic
      activity of the ethanol soluble fraction obtained from C. carthagenensis (ES-CC)
      in an experimental atherosclerosis model using New Zealand (NZ) rabbits
      undergoing cholesterol-rich diet (CRD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dyslipidemia and
      atherogenesis were induced by administration of standard commercial diet
      increased of 1% cholesterol (CRD) for 8 weeks. ES-CC was orally administered at
      doses of 10, 30 and 100mg/kg, once daily for four weeks, starting from the 4th
      week of CRD diet. Body weight measurements were weekly carried out from the
      beginning of experiments for 8 weeks. Serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total
      cholesterol (TC) and their fractions (LDL-C, VLDL-C and HDL-C) were measured at
      the beginning of experiments and at weeks four and eight. After euthanasia of
      rabbits, aorta segments (aortic arc, thoracic, abdominal and iliac segments) were
      macroscopically and microscopically evaluated and the intima and media layers of
      the arteries were measured. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of ES-CC and
      its influence on the functioning of hepatic antioxidant enzymes were also
      determined. RESULTS: CRD induced dyslipidemia and major structural changes in the
      aortic wall. In addition, an increase in lipid peroxidation and a reduction of
      hepatic glutathione and serum nitrite levels were observed. Treatment with ES-CC
      was able to prevent the increase in TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C levels and triglycerides
      and promoted an increase in HDL-C levels in NZ rabbits. These effects were
      accompanied by a significant reduction in oxidative stress and modulation of the
      catalase and superoxide dismutase function. Moreover, the intima and media layers
      of the arterial segments were significantly reduced by ES-CC treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that ES-CC reduces serum lipids and hepatic
      oxidative stress when orally administered to NZ rabbits. In addition, it was able
      to prevent the development of CRD-induced atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27125594
TI  - Complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients in Palestine
      with special reference to safety-related concerns.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The use of CAM including herbal medicine as the
      most preferred CAM modality, among cancer patients who are taking prescription
      medications has shown to be highly prevalent worldwide as well as in several
      Middle Eastern countries, with a high percentage of the patients do not disclose
      their CAM use to treating physician. AIM OF THE STUDY: The current study aimed to
      evaluate the patterns of CAM use among two cohorts of cancer patients in
      Palestine over a three-year period, and to identify socio-demographic factors
      that are associated with CAM use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Across-sectional survey
      of patients attending outpatient cancer clinics. The method was based on a semi
      structured questionnaire. In order to identify safety-related concerns associated
      with the products listed, a literature search was conducted using different
      databases (PubMed, Micromedex, AltMedDex, and the Natural Medicine Comprehensive
      Database). RESULTS: In 472 cancer patients including 372 of the 2011 cohort; and
      100 of the 2014 cohort, the overall prevalence of CAM use was 69.5%. CAM users
      were more likely to be <=65 years old, village resident, being in the midst of
      chemotherapy, to have high interest spiritual quest, and to have no other chronic
      diseases. A significant number of CAM users reported using herbal preparations
      (98.3%, and 89.6% in the two study cohorts, respectively). In the current study,
      a total of 40 plant taxa belonging to 23 botanical families were reported by >=3
      cancer patients in the two cohort groups. The top most commonly used plant in the
      2011 cohort group was Arum palaestinum (43.5%), while Ephedra foeminea emerged as
      the top most commonly utilized plant (from 0.0% in 2011 to 55.2% in the 2014
      cohort), mainly due to a recent publicizing and portraying of the plant in the
      local media as an effective cancer herbal remedy. Safety-related concerns were
      associated with 33 (82.5%) herbs, including herb-drug interactions with altered
      pharmacokinetics (8, 20% herbs), direct toxic effects (16, 40% herbs), and
      increased in vitro response of cancer cells to chemotherapy (30, 75% herbs).
      CONCLUSIONS: CAM use, especially herbal medicine in cancer is highly prevalent in
      Palestine. This study has demonstrated the role of the media on the emergence of
      new CAM herbal therapies among cancer patients in Palestine, and discussed its
      potential implications on patients and for oncologists who are treating them.
      Some of the most widely used herbal medicines by cancer patients in the present
      work are known to interact with conventional anticancer drugs. Hence, the
      disclosure of the use of herbal remedies by patients to health professionals with
      sufficient training in CAM use is important for the later in order to assess
      whether there are any possible herbal drug interactions and/or harmful drug
      reactions.

PMID- 27125597
TI  - Enhanced autophagy signaling in diabetic rats with ischemia-induced seizures.
AB  - Seizures are among the most common neurological sequelae of stroke, and ischemic
      insult in diabetes notably increases the incidence of seizures. Recent studies
      indicated that autophagy influences the outcome of stroke and involved in
      epileptogenesis. However, the association of autophagy and post-ischemic seizures
      in diabetes remains unclear. The present study aimed to reveal the involvement of
      autophagy in the seizures following cerebral ischemia in diabetes. Diabetes was
      induced in adult male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin
      (STZ). The diabetic rats were subjected to transient forebrain ischemia. The
      neuronal damage was assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Western blotting
      and immunohistochemistry were performed to investigate the alteration of
      autophagy marker microtubule-associated protein light chain 1B (LC3B). The
      results showed that all diabetic animals developed seizures after ischemia.
      However, no apparent cell death was observed in the hippocampus of seizure rats
      12h after the insult. The expression of LC3B was significantly enhanced in naive
      animals after ischemia and was further increased in diabetic animals after
      ischemia. Immunofluorescence double-labeling study indicated that LC3B was mainly
      increased in neurons. Our study demonstrated, for the first time, that autophagy
      activity is significantly increased in diabetic animals with ischemia-induced
      seizures. Further studies are needed to explore the role of autophagy in seizure
      generation after ischemia in diabetic conditions.

PMID- 27125596
TI  - Mutation of rnf213a by TALEN causes abnormal angiogenesis and circulation defects
      in zebrafish.
AB  - Moyamoya disease (MMD) is characterized by a stenosis at the terminal of the
      internal carotid artery and an abnormal vascular network at the base of the
      brain. RNF213 is a susceptibility gene for MMD in East Asians. The role of RNF213
      in the etiology of MMD remains unknown. Here we generated rnf213a mutant
      zebrafish using transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technique
      and described the characteristics of a zebrafish embryonic model of MMD. rnf213a
      mutant zebrafish developed abnormal angiogenesis in intersegmental vessels and
      cranial secondary vessels. Endothelial cells exhibited the defects in
      morphogenesis and formation of vascular tubes despite normal cell to cell
      contacts under electron microscope. Circulatory disorder was induced by abnormal
      sprouts in the trunk and head. Reduced circulation in the abnormal vessels was
      revealed by microangiography. No blood flow permeated across the vessels wall
      despite the extremely abnormal structure. rnf213a mutant showed lower erythrocyte
      velocity in dorsal aorta than that in wild-type siblings. In this study, we
      provided a promising in vivo model for MMD, and this model would aid to
      understand the function of rnf213a in angiogenesis.

PMID- 27125598
TI  - Intra-articular Injection of platelet-rich fibrin releasates in combination with
      bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of articular
      cartilage defects: An in vivo study in rabbits.
AB  - The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which can be differentiated into
      chondrocytes under specific conditions, has been proposed for the treatment of
      cartilage defects. Blood-derived platelet-rich fibrin releasate (PRFr), which is
      rich in growth factors and cytokines, may improve cartilage regeneration. In this
      study, the therapeutic effects of PRFr in combination with bone marrow-derived
      MSCs for articular cartilage regeneration were evaluated in a rabbit model.
      Critical osteochondral defects were surgically created in the femoral condyle of
      the rabbits, and 3 * 106 of MSCs, 0.8 mL of PRFr, or a combination of MSCs and
      PRFr were injected intra-articularly and one week after first administration. The
      animals were sacrificed 12 weeks postoperatively, and the regenerated cartilages
      were assessed by gross inspection and histological examination. No treatment
      related adverse events were noted in any of the rabbits. The size of the defect
      decreased and the volume of regenerated cartilage increased in the medial femoral
      condyles of the MSCs + PRFr group. Relative to the MSCs or PRFr group,
      histological examination demonstrated that the MSCs + PRFr group had thicker
      hyaline-like cartilaginous tissue with normal glycosaminoglycan production.
      Grading scores revealed that MSCs + PRFr injection had better matrix, cell
      distribution, and surface indices than other groups. The results showed that
      intra-articular injections of MSCs + PRFr into the knee can reduce cartilage
      defects by regenerating hyaline-like cartilage without adverse events. This
      approach may provide an alternative method of autologous chondrocyte implantation
      to repair cartilage defects with an unlimited source of cells and releasate. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1536
      1543, 2017.

PMID- 27125595
TI  - Pushing the threshold: How NMDAR antagonists induce homeostasis through protein
      synthesis to remedy depression.
AB  - Healthy neurons have an optimal operating range, coded globally by the frequency
      of action potentials or locally by calcium. The maintenance of this range is
      governed by homeostatic plasticity. Here, we discuss how new approaches to treat
      depression alter synaptic activity. These approaches induce the neuron to recruit
      homeostatic mechanisms to relieve depression. Homeostasis generally implies that
      the direction of activity necessary to restore the neuron's critical operating
      range is opposite in direction to its current activity pattern. Unconventional
      antidepressant therapies-deep brain stimulation and NMDAR antagonists-alter the
      neuron's "depressed" state by pushing the neuron's current activity in the same
      direction but to the extreme edge. These therapies rally the intrinsic drive of
      neurons in the opposite direction, thereby allowing the cell to return to
      baseline activity, form new synapses, and restore proper communication. In this
      review, we discuss seminal studies on protein synthesis dependent homeostatic
      plasticity and their contribution to our understanding of molecular mechanisms
      underlying the effectiveness of NMDAR antagonists as rapid antidepressants. Rapid
      antidepressant efficacy is likely to require a cascade of mRNA translational
      regulation. Emerging evidence suggests that changes in synaptic strength or
      intrinsic excitability converge on the same protein synthesis pathways, relieving
      depressive symptoms. Thus, we address the question: Are there multiple
      homeostatic mechanisms that induce the neuron and neuronal circuits to self
      correct to regulate mood in vivo? Targeting alternative ways to induce
      homeostatic protein synthesis may provide, faster, safer, and longer lasting
      antidepressants. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:RNA
      Metabolism in Disease.

PMID- 27125599
TI  - The IRIS (Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke) trial: A new perspective
      on pioglitazone.

PMID- 27125600
TI  - Sulfonated Polymerized Ionic Liquid Block Copolymers.
AB  - The successful synthesis of a new diblock copolymer, referred to as sulfonated
      polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) block copolymer, poly(SS-Li-b-AEBIm-TFSI), is
      reported, which contains both sulfonated blocks (sulfonated styrene: SS) and PIL
      blocks (1-[(2-acryloyloxy)ethyl]-3-butylimidazolium: AEBIm) with both mobile
      cations (lithium: Li(+) ) and mobile anions (bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide:
      TFSI(-) ). Synthesis consists of polymerization via reversible addition
      fragmentation chain transfer, followed by post-functionalization reactions to
      covalently attach the imidazolium cations and sulfonic acid anions to their
      respective blocks, followed by ion exchange metathesis resulting in mobile Li(+)
      cations and mobile TFSI(-) anions. Solid-state films containing 1 m Li-TFSI salt
      dissolved in ionic liquid result in an ion conductivity of >1.5 mS cm(-1) at 70 
      degrees C, where small-angle X-ray scattering data indicate a weakly ordered
      microphase-separated morphology. These results demonstrate a new ion-conducting
      block copolymer containing both mobile cations and mobile anions. 

PMID- 27125601
TI  - Multiple repeat caesarean deliveries: do they increase maternal and neonatal
      morbidity?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of the
      increased number of caesarean deliveries (CDs) in cases of multiple repeat
      caesarean deliveries (MRCDs) on maternal and neonatal morbidity. METHODS: MRCDs
      admitted to our hospital between January 2013 and September 2014 were analysed
      retrospectively. A total number of 1133 women were included in the study and were
      divided into 4 groups. Group 1: second CDs (n = 329); Group 2: third CDs (n =
      225); Group 3: fourth CDs (n = 447); Group 4: fifth CDs (n = 132). The clinical,
      demographic, intraoperative and postoperative data of the patients were
      registered upon the review of patient files. RESULTS: The differences among the
      groups were found to be statistically significant in terms of mean maternal age,
      gravida, APGAR (Activity, Pulse, Grimace, Appearance, Respiration) scores,
      hospital stay and operation time. In addition, the difference was also
      statistically significant for severe adhesion, bladder injury and premature
      birth. No statistically significant difference was observed among the groups with
      respect to placenta previa, placenta accreta, caesarean hysterectomy, uterine
      scar rupture. CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, MRCDs seem to increasing
      the maternal and neonatal morbidity even though they are not life-threatening.

PMID- 27125602
TI  - Surface-Driven Collagen Self-Assembly Affects Early Osteogenic Stem Cell
      Signaling.
AB  - This study reports how extracellular matrix (ECM) ligand self-assembly on
      biomaterial surfaces and the resulting nanoscale architecture can drive stem cell
      behavior. To isolate the biological effects of surface wettability on protein
      deposition, folding, and ligand activity, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based
      platform was developed and characterized with the ability to tune wettability of
      elastomeric substrates with otherwise equivalent topology, ligand loading, and
      mechanical properties. Using this platform, markedly different assembly of
      covalently bound type I collagen monomers was observed depending on wettability,
      with hydrophobic substrates yielding a relatively rough layer of collagen
      aggregates compared to a smooth collagen layer on more hydrophilic substrates.
      Cellular and molecular investigations with human bone marrow stromal cells
      revealed higher osteogenic differentiation and upregulation of focal adhesion
      related components on the resulting smooth collagen layer coated substrates. The
      initial collagen assembly driven by the PDMS surface directly affected
      alpha1beta1 integrin/discoidin domain receptor 1 signaling, activation of the
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen activated protein kinase pathway,
      and ultimately markers of osteogenic stem cell differentiation. We demonstrate
      for the first time that surface-driven ligand assembly on material surfaces, even
      on materials with otherwise identical starting topographies and mechanical
      properties, can dominate the biomaterial surface-driven cell response.

PMID- 27125603
TI  - Parenting and childhood obesity research: a quantitative content analysis of
      published research 2009-2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A quantitative content analysis of research on parenting and
      childhood obesity was conducted to describe the recent literature and to identify
      gaps to address in future research. METHODS: Studies were identified from
      multiple databases and screened according to an a priori defined protocol.
      Eligible studies included non-intervention studies, published in English (January
      2009-December 2015) that focused on parenting and childhood obesity and included
      parent participants. RESULTS: Studies eligible for inclusion (N = 667) focused on
      diet (57%), physical activity (23%) and sedentary behaviours (12%). The vast
      majority of studies used quantitative methods (80%) and a cross-sectional design
      (86%). Few studies focused exclusively on fathers (1%) or included non
      residential (1%), non-biological (4%), indigenous (1%), immigrant (7%),
      ethnic/racial minority (15%) or low-socioeconomic status (19%) parents.
      DISCUSSION: While results illustrate that parenting in the context of childhood
      obesity is a robust, global and multidisciplinary area of inquiry, it is also
      evident that the vast majority of studies are conducted among Caucasian, female,
      biological caregivers living in westernized countries. Expansion of study foci
      and design is recommended to capture a wider range of caregiver types and obesity
      related parenting constructs, improve the validity and generalizability of
      findings and inform the development of culture-specific childhood obesity
      prevention interventions and policies. (c) 2016 World Obesity.

PMID- 27125604
TI  - Determination of strychnine, brucine, strychnine N-oxide, and brucine N-oxide in
      plasma samples after the oral administration of processed semen strychni extract
      by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultrasound-assisted mixed cloud
      point extraction.
AB  - A sensitive and efficient mixed cloud point extraction combined with high
      performance liquid chromatography was developed for the simultaneous separation
      and determination of four alkaloids (strychnine, strychnine N-oxide, brucine, and
      brucine N-oxide) in plasma after the oral administration of processed semen
      strychni extract. Tergitol TMN-6 and cetyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide were chosen
      as the mixed surfactants, and ultrasound was employed to enhance the extraction
      efficiency. Some important parameters affecting the mixed cloud point extraction
      efficiency, such as the content of Tergitol TMN-6 and cetyl-trimethyl ammonium
      bromide, pH, salt effect, extraction temperature, and ultrasound time were
      studied and optimized. Under optimum conditions, the linear range of four
      alkaloids was from 1.0 to 1000 ng/mL. All correlation coefficients of the
      calibration curves were higher than 0.9993. The intraday and interday precision
      were below 8.65% and the limits of detection for the four alkaloids were less
      than 1.0 ng/mL (S/N = 3). 

PMID- 27125605
TI  - [Inequalities in premature mortality by indicators of material welfare in
      Navarre. Population monitoring study 2001-2008].
AB  - BACKGROUND: To show the inequalities in premature mortality according to
      indicators of material welfare in Navarre. METHODS: All citizens under 75 years
      of age living in Navarre in 2001 were monitored for seven years to determine
      their vital status. House size and number of household vehicles was used as the
      socioeconomic status indicator. The age-adjusted total mortality rate and
      mortality rate from cause-specific mortality were estimated by these indicators.
      RESULTS: The rate ratio for all causes of death in the lower categories depending
      on house size is 1.14 (IC 95%: 1.05-1.24) and 1.25 (IC 95%: 1.18-1.32) in women
      and men respectively and 1.46 (IC 95%: 1.36-1.57) and 1.97 (IC 95%: 1.89-2.05)
      depending on the number of vehicles. AIDS is the leading cause of death having a
      greater difference in mortality rates among people with lower and higher material
      welfare. Other causes of death with a high difference in mortality rates are
      digestive diseases and diabetes mellitus in women and digestive diseases and
      respiratory diseases in men. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate in the Navarre
      population shows an inverse gradient to material welfare,except for some cancer
      sites. This gradient is higher among men than among women.

PMID- 27125606
TI  - [Spanish adaptation and validation of the Perception of Restraint Use
      Questionnaire (PRUQ) on the use of physical restraints on the elderly].
AB  - BACKGROUND: To adapt and to validate in a Spanish population the Perception of
      Restraint Use Questionnaire (PRUQ), which assesses the importance that
      professionals give to the use of physical restraints when caring for older
      adults. METHODS: After a process of forward-back translation and linguistic
      adaptation, a Spanish version of the original questionnaire was obtained. A
      descriptive cross-sectional multicenter study was then carried out. Based on non
      probability sampling, 20 centers from three Spanish regions were selected; 830
      professionals agreed to participate. RESULTS: 15 of the 17 items of the original
      questionnaire were translated literally and two required minor modifications.All
      were considered acceptable by an expert panel(content validity index of 0.89); a
      pilot study confirmed the adequate feasibility of the questionnaire. The
      principal components analysis identified three dimensions that explained 66.2% of
      variance. The confirmatory factor analysis of this tridimensional model showed an
      acceptable fit [CFI = 0.936; RMSEA = 0.080], being factor loadings and factor
      correlations statistically significant (p<0.001). The internal consistency
      (Cronbach's alpha) for the total score was 0.92 and the test-retest reliability
      (ICCa) was 0.87 (95%CI: 0.78 to 0.92) over an interval of three weeks.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the PRUQ shows good psychometric
      characteristics and is adapted to the cultural context of this country. It may be
      considered a useful tool to assess in which situations professionals consider the
      use of physical restraints most necessary, helping to design training activities
      aimed at rationalizing its application.

PMID- 27125607
TI  - [Percutaneous coronary intervention in Navarre. Outcomes of a low volume centre].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)is currently a basic
      therapeutic option in patients with coronary artery disease. To carry this out
      specialists must be trained and accredited. It is known that the number of
      procedures performed each year influences results. We suggest that some low
      volume centres may also get good results. METHODS: Prospective analysis of
      clinical features and immediate results obtained in our centre following PCI
      performed between 2006 and 2012 and retrospective analysis of overall survival,
      outcome-free survival and restenosis in patients treated between 2006 and
      2009.The clinical features, acute and long-term events (complications,survival
      and mortality) of our group were compared with other published studies. RESULTS:
      In our centre the likelihood of complications ina PCI was 9% with an overall
      mortality of 2%. PCI mortality in stable coronary disease was 0.43% and in acute
      coronary syndrome 6.25%. Complications at the vascular access site was 1.44% and
      restenosis at nine months, inpatients undergoing PCI for the first time, was
      5.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Although a high interventionist volume has been shown to
      reduce the rate of complications and improve long-term evolution, some low volume
      interventional centres can obtain similar results to those of high volume
      interventional centres.

PMID- 27125608
TI  - [Characteristics and epidemiological changes for patients with urinary tract
      infection in the emergency department].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to determine both the prevalence of urinary
      tract infection (UTI) in the emergency department (ED) and the most relevant
      epidemiological changes in the last decade, as well as the profile and management
      of these patients. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional analysis at 49 Spanish ED
      during 12 months. All patients with infections and UTI diagnosis were included.
      All patients attended to in ED during the study were recorded as well. RESULTS:
      The study included 2,517 patients diagnosed with UTI, with a mean age of 55 (SD
      23) years, 64.6%of whom were women. These patients represent 22%of infections in
      the ED and 3.2% of all patients in the ED. Thirty-six per cent were over 70 years
      old. Fifty one point nine per cent had some underlying disease (16.5%diabetes
      mellitus) and 32.7% had some risk factors for multi-resistant strains of
      bacteria. Eight point three percent met sepsis criteria. Seventy-one point nine
      percent of patients were directly discharged from the ED. CONCLUSIONS: UTI are
      very common infections in ED, with important associated comorbidities, high mean
      ages and a predominance in women. With respect to a decade before UTI has
      increased its prevalence (3.2%vs 2.1%) and the patients have a greater age [55.5
      (SD 23) vs 52 (SD 22) years], more comorbidities (51.9% vs 40.6%) and clinical
      severity (8.3% vs 6.5%).

PMID- 27125609
TI  - [Factors associated with prehospital delay in men and women with acute coronary
      syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with prehospital delay in people who
      have had an acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: Using a survey we studied patients
      admitted due to acute coronary syndrome in the 33 Andalusian public hospitals,
      obtaining information about different types of variables: socio-demographic,
      contextual,clinical, perception, action, and transportation.Multivariate logistic
      regression models were applied to calculate the odds ratios for the delay.
      RESULTS: Of the 1,416 patients studied, more than half had a delay of more than
      an hour. This is associated to distance to the hospital and means of transport:
      when the event occurs in the same city,using the patient's own means of transport
      increases the delay, odds ratio = 1.51 (1.02 to 2.23); if the distance is 1 to 25
      kilometers from the hospital,there is no difference between the patient's own
      means of transport and an ambulance, odds ratio =1.41 and odds ratio =1.43
      respectively; and when the distance exceeds 25 kilometers transport by ambulance
      means more delay, odds ratio = 3.13 and odds ratio = 2.20 respectively. Also,
      typical symptoms reduce delay amongst men but increase amongst women. Also, not
      caring and waiting for the resolution of symptoms, seeking health care other than
      a hospital or emergency services, previous clinical history, being away from
      home, and having an income under 1,500 euros, all increase delay. Respiratory
      symptoms reduce delay. CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital delay times do not meet health
      recommendations. The physical and social environment,in addition to clinical,
      perceptual and attitudinal factors, are associated with this delay.

PMID- 27125610
TI  - [Chronic Salmonella typhimurium diarrhea in an immunocompetent patient].
AB  - Chronic diarrhea caused by infection in immunocompetent patients is an infrequent
      condition in developed countries, although certain pathogens,generally parasites
      (Giardia lamblia, Isospora belli,Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Strongyloides,
      Ameba,Trichuris and Schistosoma) and some bacteria (Aeromonas,Plesiomonas,
      Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile, Salmonella or Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis)can cause persistent diarrhea.We present the case of a patient who
      showed Salmonella typhimurium in his stool culture and recovered following
      treatment with levofloxacin for 7 days.

PMID- 27125611
TI  - Missed Chopart dislocation. The importance of being aware of midtarsal injuries.
AB  - Chopart (midtarsal) joint dislocations are relatively rare but potentially
      serious injuries. Their low prevalence and the possible absence of evident
      radiological findings cannot justify misdiagnosis because an adequate and correct
      treatment is required to achieve a proper clinical outcome.A midtarsal joint
      dislocation in a 19-year-old woman is described, in which diagnosis was performed
      at 8 weeks of evolution. An open reduction was performed by a double approach
      (medial and lateral) and a Kirschner wire joint stabilization. A tone-year of
      follow-up, loss of reduction was not observed and the patient was pain-free,
      although she referred to functional limitation when running.Besides describing
      the treatment of this particular injury, this study is aimed at increasing the
      level of clinical suspicion in order to avoid misdiagnosis such as occurred in
      our case.

PMID- 27125612
TI  - [Factors modulating food intake and energy expenditure prior to liver
      transplantation].
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a high prevalence of nutritional disorders in patients with
      liver cirrhosis (LC). This study was designed to assess the relationships between
      liver function, IFG-I/IGFBP-3, nutritional status, leptin, ghrelin and glucagon
      in 21 patients waiting for liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: We studied 21 men
      aged 56+/-2.1 years who were on the LT list. They were classified according to
      Child-Pugh(CP) score from low to high liver dysfunction in CPA (n=4),CPB (n=11)
      and CPC (n=6). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and body fat (%) was measured
      by air-displacement plethysmography. Resting energy expenditure (REE) and its
      variation over Harris-Benedict values (GER%) were assessed by indirect
      calorimetry. Fasting serum samples were taken to measure albumin, glucose,
      insulin, HbA1c, leptin, total ghrelin,glucagon, IGF-I and IGFBP3. RESULTS: There
      were no differences in fat % and leptin values in the three groups according to
      CP classification. The CPC group showed higher ghrelin values than CPA and
      CPB(p<0.05). All groups displayed high glucagon levels and GER%values superior to
      100%. Positive correlations were found between glucagon and GER% (r=0.56; p<0.01)
      and between glucagon and ghrelin values (r=0.66; p<0.01). IGF-I and IGFBP3 were
      low in all groups and showed a positive correlation with plasma albumin (r=0.52;
      p<0.05 and r=0.45; p<0.05 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These results show an
      increase in ghrelin plasma values in patients with severe liver dysfunction.
      Hyperglucagonemia was correlated with GER%, supporting a role of glucagon in the
      hypermetabolic state associated to LC,raising the possibility of becoming a
      therapeutic target. The measurement of IGF-I/IGFBP3 represents a good marker of
      liver function in patients with LC.

PMID- 27125613
TI  - [Unilateral vocal fold paralysis: quality of voice after speech therapy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: To describe demographic factors and voice quality parameters of
      patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) after a voice therapy
      protocol. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with a diagnosis of UVFP by video
      laryngoscopy were included. Voice therapy was applied to all patients during 15
      sessions that were structured in three progressive stages. The objective was to
      train patients in vocal techniques, phonic-breathing coordination,blow control,
      vocal exercises for glottic closure and vocal setting. Glottal closure, Voice
      Handicap Index-10 for perception of voice impairment and GRBAS scale were used
      before and after the speech therapy. RESULTS: The average age was 51 years (range
      20-80), 60%women. Surgery was the most frequent cause (72%), and 40% had a
      profession related to voice use. Median time from diagnosis to treatment was 5
      months (2-12). After voice therapy, 80% had complete glottal closure, previously
      this had been 34% (p<0.001), the score of VHI-10 decreased from 24.24 to 16.09
      points (p<0.001) and GRBAS values improved in all the qualities of voice
      (p<0.001).Only 8.5% of the patients required surgical intervention after
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Voice therapy is effective as first line therapy in
      patients with UVFP, reserving medialization with non-absorbable material or
      thyroplasty surgery for those with a poor outcome. However, it is necessary to
      reduce the time it takes the patient to reach the Voice Unit after laryngoscopic
      diagnosis.

PMID- 27125614
TI  - [Cholestasic toxic hepatitis due to clopidogrel in a patient with multiple
      conditions].
AB  - Clopidogrel is a thienopyridine-class antiplatelet drug commonly used in ischemic
      heart disease,cerebrovascular disease and peripheral artery disease.Liver
      toxicity due to this drug is very infrequent.We found 16 cases in the literature,
      and in only two of them liver biopsy was carried out. We report the case of a 78
      year old patient with multiple conditions affected by severe toxic cholestatic
      hepatitis due to clopidogrel and the results of the liver biopsy performed.
      Hepatitis was resolved after discontinuing the drug.Based on the characteristics
      of this case and other previously published cases, we review the characteristics
      of toxic hepatitis due to clopidogrel and its diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 27125615
TI  - [Autoimmune pancreatitis: a case report].
AB  - Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an infrequent pathology, although there is a
      growing incidence in Eastern countries, which might be due to a greater rate of
      detection. It can be associated with other auto immune pathologies and its
      association with IgG4-related systemic disease has been described.Its clinical
      presentation is varied and the normal treatment is medical, using corticoids.A
      diagnosed clinical case is described.

PMID- 27125616
TI  - [Value of plasma C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase levels in the
      diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in an emergency department].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal obstruction is one of the most frequent surgical
      emergencies. Its diagnosis is essentially based on clinical history, physical
      exploration and image tests. The aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic
      value of acute phase reactants in patients with benign versus malign intestinal
      obstruction. METHOD: Historical cohort study of 53 patients who underwent surgery
      because of intestinal obstruction and/or non-obstructive colorectal cancer. The
      patients were placed in three groups: group 1 (colorectal cancer with intestinal
      obstruction) (n=23), group 2 (benign intestinal obstruction)(n=10) and group 3
      (non-obstructive cancer of the colon)(n=20). We determined the initial plasma
      values of the C-reactive protein (CRP) and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)enzyme.
      RESULTS: CRP was quantitatively higher in patients with benign intestinal
      obstruction (group 2) (p=0.001), while LDH was quantitatively higher in group 1
      (patients with obstructive cancer). The plasma levels of LDH were significantly
      greater in the groups with intestinal obstruction (groups 1 and 2) than in
      patients without obstruction (p<0.001). Plasma levels of CRP above 11 mg/l and of
      LDH above 317 U/L showed an acceptable diagnostic value for differentiating
      patients with intestinal obstruction, with areas under the ROC curve of 80% (CI
      95% = 68-92%) and 86% (CI 95%= 75-96%)respectively. Their diagnostic value for
      differentiating benign or malign origin is lower, with areas under the ROC curve
      of 56% for levels of CRP > 24 ng/l (CI 95% = 30-82%) and 52% (CI 95% = 29-74%)
      for levels of LDH > 359 U/L. CONCLUSION: Determination of plasma concentrations
      of CRP can help in the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction and indicate its
      benign or malign origin in emergency services.

PMID- 27125617
TI  - [Body weight- independent variations in HDL-cholesterol following gastric
      bypass].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery has multiple beneficial effects on lipid profile in
      patients with morbid obesity. However, these changes can be attenuated by weight
      regain. This retrospective study was designed to assess the effects of gastric
      bypass(GBP) on different lipid fractions over a 6 year follow-up. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We studied 177 patients (135 women)with morbid obesity (BMI 44.2+0.4
      kg/m2) aged 42.4+0.9 years before and 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 months
      after laparoscopic proximal GBP. Anthropometry, body composition measurement (Bod
      Pod) and fasting blood samples were taken in all evaluations to measure total
      cholesterol (TC),LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C),
      triglycerides(TG), glucose and insulin. RESULTS: GPB was followed by a
      significant BMI reduction (nadir BMI at 18 m 28.3+0.4 kg/m2 p<0,001) and fat mass
      decrease(p<0,001). Maximal percentage of excess BMI lost was 84.1%and that of
      body fat was 87% 18 months after GBP. These numbers decreased to 65.6% and 38.3%
      (p<0,005 vs nadir) respectively 72 months after the operation, indicating both
      weight and fat mass regain. TG and LDL-C values decreased 30% with respect to
      preoperative levels, while HDL-C increased 97%over initial values. This HDL-C
      increase was progressive even over the weight regain phase. Both TC/HDL-C and
      TG/HDL-Cratios normalized after GBP and values were sustained over the weight
      regain period until the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the
      beneficial effects of GBP on all lipid fractions, which are maintained over 6
      years of follow-up. Globally, the rise in HDL-C seems to be independent of weight
      or fat mass changes, since it increases even over the weight regain phase, so
      contributing to a reduction in the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and to
      cardiovascular risk reduction.

PMID- 27125618
TI  - [Effect of antidiabetes treatment adjustment at discharge on 30-day outcomes of
      patients with diabetes mellitus presenting to an emergency department with
      hypoglycemia].
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine if antidiabetes treatment adjustment at discharge from
      an Emergency Department(ED) is associated with 30-day outcomes in patients with
      diabetes mellitus presenting to the ED with hypoglycemia. METHODS: Retrospective
      cohort observational study. Patients with diabetes mellitus presenting to the ED
      with hypoglycemia directly discharged from the ED between 2012-2014 were
      included. Primary outcome was a 30-day composite adverse event(mortality or
      revisiting). RESULTS: A total of 203 patients were included with a mean age of
      69.7 (SD 18.9), mainly type 2 diabetics.Hypoglycemia was the primary diagnosis in
      162(79%) of patients and antidiabetes treatment was adjusted at discharge in 98
      (48%) of cases. Non-adjustment of antidiabetes treatment at ED discharge was an
      independent factor associated with a 30-day adverse event (OR=2.8; CI 95%=1.34
      5.93; p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Non-adjustment of antidiabetes treatment at
      discharge in patients with diabetes mellitus presenting to the ED with
      hypoglycemia could be an independent factor of suffering a 30-day adverse event.

PMID- 27125619
TI  - [Quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases].
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the health-related quality of life in patients with
      Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as to evaluate differences
      according to sex, type of disease and other sociodemographic variables. METHOD:
      Cross sectional study of 100 outpatients in the Digestive Service of the Navarre
      Hospital Complex.A questionnaire with sociodemographic and clinical variables was
      used, as well as a version of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire-32
      adapted to Spanish, in order to measure quality of life. RESULTS: The average
      score of the questionnaire on quality of life was 166 points (D.T.=40.06) out of
      a maximum of 232. Statistically significant differences were found according to
      type of disease (p=0.005)and sex (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: People with Crohn
      disease or females perceive a worse quality of life related to health in
      comparison to patients with ulcerative colitis or men.

PMID- 27125620
TI  - [Assessment of the impact of pain on work productivity: validation of the Spanish
      WPAI:Pain questionnaire].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health measuring instruments are essential in daily clinical
      practice. However, a validation process is needed in order to certify the
      validity and reliability of it. The aim of our study is to validate a
      questionnaire to assess the consequences of pain in work productivity. METHODS:
      Based on the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire - General
      Health we have created a modified version called WPAI:Pain in order to be able to
      measure the consequences of pain in work productivity. The study was conducted
      following the usual guidelines of test validation, omitting face validity as
      WPAI:Pain is a modification of an existing questionnaire. Validity and
      reliability were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 577 questionnaires were obtained
      in 2 spanish university hospitals. The questionnaire's discriminating power was
      verified by Mann-Whitney test. Reliability tests were realized, Cronbach's alpha
      was 0.896 and Guttman split-half was 0.921. Stability was evaluated with a test
      retest which was significant. Construct validity was established by Pearson
      correlation comparing the results of the questionnaire with the pain visual
      analog scale, which was statistically significant for all values. CONCLUSIONS:
      The WPAI:Pain questionnaire is a valid instrument for measuring the consequences
      of pain in work productivity.It is currently the only one validated in
      Spanish.Major studies are needed in order to establish its universal validity.

PMID- 27125621
TI  - [How do primary care patients perceive information for involving themselves in
      self-care?].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Analyze if patients receive information from their GPs to engage in
      self-management (medication,physical exercise or diet). METHODS: A descriptive
      study in which 2,401 randomly selected, primary care patients were interviewed by
      telephone. A short scale of 6 questions was used to analyze if they received
      information for self-care. Statistics included analyzing differences according to
      age,sex, occurrence of security incidents, whether they regularly attended the
      physician's surgery and length of consultation time. RESULTS: A total of 2,350
      patients responded (97.9%response rate). A total of 1,253 (34.6%) of respondents
      obtained 5 or more points on the scale (percentile 50).Receiving information
      about foreseeable prognosis increased satisfaction (OR 11.2 (95% 8.3-15.3).
      Consultation time length (p<0.01), regularly visiting physicians(p<0.01), and not
      suffering an adverse event (p<0.01)were associated with higher scores on the
      scale. CONCLUSIONS: Patients report they receive directions for the proper
      management of medication at home, but claim that they receive less information to
      engage in healthy behaviors.

PMID- 27125622
TI  - Answers to Health Questions: Internet Search Results Versus Online Health
      Community Responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About 6 million people search for health information on the Internet
      each day in the United States. Both patients and caregivers search for
      information about prescribed courses of treatments, unanswered questions after a
      visit to their providers, or diet and exercise regimens. Past literature has
      indicated potential challenges around quality in health information available on
      the Internet. However, diverse information exists on the Internet-ranging from
      government-initiated webpages to personal blog pages. Yet we do not fully
      understand the strengths and weaknesses of different types of information
      available on the Internet. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to
      investigate the strengths and challenges of various types of health information
      available online and to suggest what information sources best fit various
      question types. METHODS: We collected questions posted to and the responses they
      received from an online diabetes community and classified them according to
      Rothwell's classification of question types (fact, policy, or value questions).
      We selected 60 questions (20 each of fact, policy, and value) and the replies the
      questions received from the community. We then searched for responses to the same
      questions using a search engine and recorded the RESULTS: Community responses
      answered more questions than did search results overall. Search results were most
      effective in answering value questions and least effective in answering policy
      questions. Community responses answered questions across question types at an
      equivalent rate, but most answered policy questions and the least answered fact
      questions. Value questions were most answered by community responses, but some of
      these answers provided by the community were incorrect. Fact question search
      results were the most clinically valid. CONCLUSIONS: The Internet is a prevalent
      source of health information for people. The information quality people encounter
      online can have a large impact on them. We present what kinds of questions people
      ask online and the advantages and disadvantages of various information sources in
      getting answers to those questions. This study contributes to addressing people's
      online health information needs.

PMID- 27125624
TI  - Gold nanoparticles in aqueous solutions: influence of size and pH on hydrogen
      dissociative adsorption and Au(iii) ion reduction.
AB  - The shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band of gold
      nanoparticles to shorter wavelengths upon saturation of the hydrosol with
      hydrogen is used as a tool to study the electrochemical processes on the particle
      surface. It is shown that dissociative adsorption of hydrogen takes place on the
      surface of a particle and results in the migration of a proton into the
      dispersion medium, while the electron remains on the nanoparticle, i.e., a
      hydrogen-like nanoelectrode is formed. It is shown that Au(iii) ions can be
      reduced on the gold nanoelectrodes. A thermodynamic scheme explaining the shift
      of the LSPR band is used to explain the peculiarities of the Au(iii) ion
      reduction. The reduction rate does not depend on the ion concentration and varies
      linearly with pH. The observed correlations are explained in terms of a simple
      model of electrochemical processes taking place on the nanoparticle as an
      electrode. It is shown that with an increase in the particle size, its capacity
      for dissociative adsorption of hydrogen decreases and the Au(iii) reduction slows
      down.

PMID- 27125623
TI  - Microstructured human fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix scaffold for
      vascular media fabrication.
AB  - In the clinical and pharmacological fields, there is a need for the production of
      tissue-engineered small-diameter blood vessels. We have demonstrated previously
      that the extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by fibroblasts can be used as a
      scaffold to support three-dimensional (3D) growth of another cell type. Thus, a
      resistant tissue-engineered vascular media can be produced when such scaffolds
      are used to culture smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The present study was designed to
      develop an anisotropic fibroblastic ECM sheet that could replicate the
      physiological architecture of blood vessels after being assembled into a small
      diameter vascular conduit. Anisotropic ECM scaffolds were produced using human
      dermal fibroblasts, grown on a microfabricated substrate with a specific
      topography, which led to cell alignment and unidirectional ECM assembly.
      Following their devitalization, the scaffolds were seeded with SMCs. These cells
      elongated and migrated in a single direction, following a specific angle relative
      to the direction of the aligned fibroblastic ECM. Their resultant ECM stained for
      collagen I and III and elastin, and the cells expressed SMC differentiation
      markers. Seven days after SMCs seeding, the sheets were rolled around a mandrel
      to form a tissue-engineered vascular media. The resulting anisotropic ECM and
      cell alignment induced an increase in the mechanical strength and vascular
      reactivity in the circumferential direction as compared to unaligned constructs.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27125625
TI  - Clinical severity of drug-induced hyponatremia: thiazides vs. psychotropics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics
      of patients with hyponatremia who received thiazide diuretics, psychotropic
      drugs, or both. METHODS: From 2007 to 2013, 266 patients were diagnosed with
      hyponatremia (P-Na < 135 mol/L) associated with thiazide diuretics (T),
      psychotropic drugs (P), or both (C). We compared clinical characteristics among
      the thiazide (T) group (n = 93), the psychotropic drug (P) group (n = 83), and
      the combination (C) group (n = 90). RESULTS: There were no differences in
      clinical characteristics except for correction time among the three groups. We
      evaluated the clinical severity among the three groups through initial serum
      sodium levels (mild: > 125 mmol/L, moderate: 120 - 125 mmol/L, severe: < 120
      mmol/L), patient symptoms (mild: general weakness, moderate: nausea or vomiting,
      severe: syncope or seizure). There were no significant differences in the
      incidence of severe hyponatremia on the basis of initial serum sodium levels
      (73.1% vs. 67.5% vs. 71.1%, p = 0.710) and symptoms (20.4% vs. 30.1% vs. 17.8%, p
      = 0.192) among groups. However, correction time was significantly longer in group
      C than in groups T or P (41.98 +/- 26.89 vs. 34.91 +/- 23.96 vs. 51.10 +/- 43.86
      mg/dL, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Although patients in group C did not have clinical
      features that were any more severe than those of the other two groups in terms of
      initial serum sodium levels and symptoms, correction time was significantly
      longer for group C than for groups T or P. Therefore, it is of utmost importance
      to closely monitor patients who receive a thiazide and psychotropic drug
      simultaneously.

PMID- 27125626
TI  - Late-onset adverse events after a single dose of rituximab in children with
      complicated steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rituximab (RTX) is regarded as a relatively safe and effective
      treatment for children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS). However,
      late-onset adverse events after RTX, including neutropenia,
      hypogammaglobulinemia, and increased risk of infections, have been rarely
      reported in this cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center
      retrospective analysis of adverse events during B-cell depletion periods after a
      single dose of RTX (375 mg/m2) in 60 patients with complicated SDNS (total 126
      doses). After RTX, maintenance therapy with cyclosporine (CsA) or mycophenolate
      mofetil (MMF) was continued, and prednisolone was discontinued within 6 months.
      To detect potential drug toxicity, clinical and laboratory parameters were
      measured before and 1 week after RTX infusion and every month thereafter during B
      cell depletion periods (at least 6 months). A single dose of RTX was added if NS
      relapsed despite maintenance therapy with MMF or CsA after the re-emergence of
      CD19+ B cells (> 1% of total lymphocytes) in the peripheral blood. RESULTS:
      Severe neutropenia (neutrophil count < 500/mm3) was identified in 3 patients and
      hypogammaglobulinemia (IgG levels < 500 mg/dL) in 9 patients. During B-cell
      depletion periods (median 5 months; range 1 - 20 months), 2 patients required
      hospitalization because of bacterial infections. However, no lifethreatening
      infections were identified in our cohort. CONCLUSION: Although neutropenia and
      hypogammaglobulinemia should be kept in mind as late-onset adverse events of RTX
      therapy in patients with complicated SDNS, severe infections during B-cell
      depletion periods are infrequent when our treatment strategies are implemented.

PMID- 27125627
TI  - Evaluation of estimated glomerular filtration rate and clinical variables in
      systemic sclerosis patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The most important renal complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is
      scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). Many patients demonstrate less severe renal
      complications, most likely associated with reduced renal blood flow and a
      consequent reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The mechanism of this
      slowly progressive form of chronic renal disease is unclear. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate GFR by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology
      Collaboration (CKD-EPI) and the 7-variable Modification of Diet and Renal Disease
      (MDRD) equations in SSc patients and to correlate estimated GFR (eGFR) with
      clinical variables of the disease. METHODS: 105 unselected and consecutive
      patients with SSc were enrolled. Serum creatinine was measured in all patients
      and GFR was estimated by 7-variable MDRD and CKD-EPI equations. Nailfold
      videocapillaroscopy was performed in all patients. RESULTS: The mean value of
      eGFR evaluated by both 7-variable MDRD and CKD-EPI was significantly different (p
      < 0.0001) in the three capillaroscopic groups and correlated negatively with the
      severity of capillaroscopic damage (early: 95 +/- 16 mL/min and 101 +/- 12
      mL/min, active: 86 +/- 25 mL/min and 95 +/- 17 mL/min, late: 76 +/- 21 mL/min and
      82 +/- 21 mL/min). The mean value of eGFR evaluated by 7-variable MDRD (97 +/- 23
      mL/min vs. 74 +/- 15 mL/min, p < 0.0001) and CKD-EPI< (0.83 +/- 0.20 mL/min vs.
      0.68 +/- 0.10 mL/min, p < 0.0001) was significantly higher in SSc patients
      without history of digital ulcers than in those with. CONCLUSION: We can conclude
      that in SSc patients without renal involvement, eGFR decreases with the
      progression of digital vascular damage.

PMID- 27125628
TI  - Influence of postmenopausal state, solar radiation, drugs and comorbidities on
      serum calcium and phosphate in 13,000 hospital admissions.
AB  - AIMS: Our goal was to determine the relative contributions of demographic
      variables, drugs, comorbidities, and weather conditions on serum calcium (Ca) and
      phosphate (Pi) in patients admitted to a tertiary referral center. METHODS: For
      12,667 consecutive patients admitted to the Kantonsspital St. Gallen, drug
      history on admission, age, sex, body weight, ICD-10 diagnoses, and laboratory
      data were extracted from electronic medical records. Weather parameters prior to
      hospital admission were also integrated in a regression analysis. RESULTS: Serum
      Ca was normally distributed with a median (interquartile range) of 2.3 (2.2/2.4)
      mmol/L. In contrast Pi showed a right tailed distribution of 1.0 (0.9/1.2)
      mmol/L. Ca was increased in postmenopausal women. Solar radiation prior to
      admission was associated both with higher Ca and higher Pi. Lower blood pressure
      was associated with lower Ca and higher Pi. In addition Ca increased by 0.017
      mmol/L per g/L increase of albumin (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum Ca and Pi at
      hospital admission are highly dependent on patient characteristics, drugs, and
      comorbidities. In particular, we found higher Ca in postmenopausal women. The
      commonly applied albumin correction formula of Payne (0.025 mmol/L Ca per g/L
      albumin) may overestimate the effect of albumin; we propose using 0.017 mmol/L Ca
      per g/L albumin or measurement of free (ionized) Ca.

PMID- 27125629
TI  - Calculated insulin resistance correlates with stone-forming urinary metabolic
      changes and greater stone burden in high-risk stone patients.
AB  - AIMS: Metabolic syndrome and diabetes are associated with nephrolithiasis.
      Proposed mechanisms of lithogenesis include insulin resistance causing low urine
      pH and hyperinsulinemia leading to hypercalciuria. Herein, we sought to determine
      whether insulin resistance was associated with differences in stone burden and
      lithogenic changes on 24-hour urine samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients
      that underwent comprehensive metabolic workup including 24-hour urine samples and
      fasting insulin levels were included. Insulin resistance was defined as a
      homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance value > 5 (HOMA-IR =
      (glucose*insulin)/405). Patients on active metabolic therapy were excluded or the
      24-hour urine sample predating treatment was utilized for analysis. Stone burden
      was determined by totaling the maximal diameter of all stones noted on CT.
      RESULTS: 18 of 30 patients (60.0%) had HOMA-IR > 5. Among patients with
      calculated insulin resistance, stone burden was greater (17.6 mm vs. 6.3 mm, p =
      0.002) and 24-hour urine samples revealed higher urine calcium (293 mg/d vs. 159
      mg/d, p = 0.02) and lower urine pH and citrate (454 mg/d vs. 639 mg/d, p = 0.04
      and 5.83 vs. 6.33, p = 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Previous studies have
      demonstrated a correlation between metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and
      nephrolithiasis. This report demonstrates a quantitative increase in stone burden
      among patients with calculated insulin resistance. The pathway for this greater
      stone burden may be related to the urinary metabolic changes noted among patients
      with insulin resistance. In the future, targeting reduction of fasting insulin
      levels may represent a key element of stone disease prevention.

PMID- 27125630
TI  - Understanding Palladium Acetate from a User Perspective.
AB  - The behavior of palladium acetate is reviewed with respect to its synthesis,
      characterization, structure (in both solution and solid state), and activation
      pathways. In addition, comparisons of catalytic activities between pure palladium
      acetate and two common byproducts, Pd3 (OAc)5 (NO2 ) and polymeric [Pd(OAc)2 ]n ,
      typically present in commercially available material are reviewed. Hence, this
      minireview serves as a concise guide for the users of palladium acetate from both
      academia and industry. 

PMID- 27125631
TI  - Neurodevelopmental delay among children under the age of three years at
      immunization clinics in Lagos State, Nigeria - Preliminary report.
AB  - Late diagnosis and interventions characterize childhood neurodevelopmental
      disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa. This has negatively impacted on the prognosis of
      the children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This study examined the
      prevalence and pattern of neurodevelopmental delays among children under the age
      of 3 years attending immunization clinics in Lagos State, Nigeria and also
      affords opportunity of early follow-up and interventions, which had been
      documented to improve prognosis. The study involved two stage assessments; which
      consisted of first phase screening of the children for neurodevelopmental delays
      in immunization clinics at primary healthcare centers Lagos State, Nigeria and
      second phase which consists of definitive clinical evaluation and follow-up
      interventions for children screened positive for neurodevelopmental delays.
      Twenty seven (0.9%) of a total of 3,011 children under the age of 3 years were
      screened positive for neurodevelopmental delays and subsequently undergoing
      clinical evaluation and follow-up interventions. Preliminary working diagnoses
      among these children include cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder trait,
      nutritional deficiency, Down syndrome and Non-specific neurodevelopmental delay
      with co-morbid seizure disorder accounting for 33.3%, 14.8%, 18.5%, 7.4% and
      25.9% respectively. This is a preliminary report that would be followed up with
      information on medium and long term intervention phase.

PMID- 27125633
TI  - Dementia: Declining dementia incidence in the UK.

PMID- 27125634
TI  - Parkinson disease: Insect screens for PD therapies - keep the flies in.

PMID- 27125635
TI  - Neural repair and rehabilitation: Man with quadriplegia uses brainwaves to
      control his forearm muscles.

PMID- 27125632
TI  - Advanced MRI and staging of multiple sclerosis lesions.
AB  - Over the past few decades, MRI-based visualization of demyelinated CNS lesions
      has become pivotal to the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple sclerosis (MS). In
      this Review, we outline current efforts to correlate imaging findings with the
      pathology of lesion development in MS, and the pitfalls that are being
      encountered in this research. Multimodal imaging at high and ultra-high magnetic
      field strengths is yielding biologically relevant insights into the
      pathophysiology of blood-brain barrier dynamics and both active and chronic
      inflammation, as well as mechanisms of lesion healing and remyelination. Here, we
      parallel the results in humans with advances in imaging of a primate model of MS 
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the common marmoset - in
      which demyelinated lesions resemble their human counterparts far more closely
      than do EAE lesions in the rodent. This approach holds promise for the
      identification of innovative biological markers, and for next-generation clinical
      trials that will focus more on tissue protection and repair.

PMID- 27125637
TI  - Minimally processed foods are more satiating and less hyperglycemic than ultra
      processed foods: a preliminary study with 98 ready-to-eat foods.
AB  - Beyond nutritional composition, food structure is increasingly recognized to play
      a role in food health potential, notably in satiety and glycemic responses. Food
      structure is also highly dependent on processing conditions. The hypothesis for
      this study is, based on a data set of 98 ready-to-eat foods, that the degree of
      food processing would correlate with the satiety index (SI) and glycemic
      response. Glycemic response was evaluated according to two indices: the glycemic
      index (GI) and a newly designed index, the glycemic glucose equivalent (GGE). The
      GGE indicates how a quantity of a certain food affects blood glucose levels by
      identifying the amount of food glucose that would have an effect equivalent to
      that of the food. Then, foods were clustered within three processing groups based
      on the international NOVA classification: (1) raw and minimally processed foods;
      (2) processed foods; and (3) ultra-processed foods. Ultra-processed foods are
      industrial formulations of substances extracted or derived from food and
      additives, typically with five or more and usually many (cheap) ingredients. The
      data were correlated by nonparametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient on
      quantitative data. The main results show strong correlations between GGE, SI and
      the degree of food processing, while GI is not correlated with the degree of
      processing. Thus, the more food is processed, the higher the glycemic response
      and the lower its satiety potential. The study suggests that complex, natural,
      minimally and/or processed foods should be encouraged for consumption rather than
      highly unstructured and ultra-processed foods when choosing weakly hyperglycemic
      and satiating foods. 

PMID- 27125636
TI  - Functionalization mediates heat transport in graphene nanoflakes.
AB  - The high thermal conductivity of graphene and few-layer graphene undergoes severe
      degradations through contact with the substrate. Here we show experimentally that
      the thermal management of a micro heater is substantially improved by introducing
      alternative heat-escaping channels into a graphene-based film bonded to
      functionalized graphene oxide through amino-silane molecules. Using a resistance
      temperature probe for in situ monitoring we demonstrate that the hotspot
      temperature was lowered by ~28  degrees C for a chip operating at 1,300 W cm(-2).
      Thermal resistance probed by pulsed photothermal reflectance measurements
      demonstrated an improved thermal coupling due to functionalization on the
      graphene-graphene oxide interface. Three functionalization molecules manifest
      distinct interfacial thermal transport behaviour, corroborating our atomistic
      calculations in unveiling the role of molecular chain length and functional
      groups. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the functionalization
      constrains the cross-plane phonon scattering, which in turn enhances in-plane
      heat conduction of the bonded graphene film by recovering the long flexural
      phonon lifetime.

PMID- 27125638
TI  - Children in care often refused mental health treatment, say MPs.

PMID- 27125640
TI  - The Appropriateness of Contrast Metric for Reaction Times.
AB  - We analyzed different contrast metrics to scale the stimulus strength for
      suprathreshold reaction times (RTs) when it is modulated along an achromatic
      channel (L + M) and both chromatic channels L/M and S/(L + M) considering
      increments and decrements along these axes. RTs were examined as a function of
      the Weber luminance contrast; spatial luminance ratio (SRL) and, in terms of
      threshold units. The results show that when there is only luminance decreasing or
      increasing, RTs cluster around a single RT/luminance contrast function regardless
      the stimulus sign and our results indicate that both SRL, Weber luminance
      contrast or threshold units, equate RT values. While, if the stimulus is
      modulated along an isoluminant plane, the appropriate contrast is Weber (RMS) or
      SRL for stimuli modulated along L/M axis and for stimuli modulated along S/L + M,
      showing an asymmetry between S-cone decrements and increments in L/M cone
      pathway. Threshold units are not appropriate, showing inconsistencies: The
      stimulus with chromatic direction equal to 90 degrees  appears as the most
      informative with a maximum gain. Even more so, the shared contrast gain grows as
      the size of the stimulus decreases.

PMID- 27125639
TI  - In vivo sensitivity of the embryonic and adult neural stem cell compartments to
      low-dose radiation.
AB  - The embryonic brain is radiation-sensitive, with cognitive deficits being
      observed after exposure to low radiation doses. Exposure of neonates to radiation
      can cause intracranial carcinogenesis. To gain insight into the basis underlying
      these outcomes, we examined the response of the embryonic, neonatal and adult
      brain to low-dose radiation, focusing on the neural stem cell compartments. This
      review summarizes our recent findings. At E13.5-14.5 the embryonic neocortex
      encompasses rapidly proliferating stem and progenitor cells. Exploiting mice with
      a hypomorphic mutation in DNA ligase IV (Lig4(Y288C) ), we found a high level of
      DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at E14.5, which we attribute to the rapid
      proliferation. We observed endogenous apoptosis in Lig4(Y288C) embryos and in WT
      embryos following exposure to low radiation doses. An examination of DSB levels
      and apoptosis in adult neural stem cell compartments, the subventricular zone
      (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ) revealed low DSB levels in Lig4(Y288C) mice,
      comparable with the levels in differentiated neuronal tissues. We conclude that
      the adult SVZ does not incur high levels of DNA breakage, but sensitively
      activates apoptosis; apoptosis was less sensitively activated in the SGZ, and
      differentiated neuronal tissues did not activate apoptosis. P5/P15 mice showed
      intermediate DSB levels, suggesting that DSBs generated in the embryo can be
      transmitted to neonates and undergo slow repair. Interestingly, this analysis
      revealed a stage of high endogenous apoptosis in the neonatal SVZ. Collectively,
      these studies reveal that the adult neural stem cell compartment, like the
      embryonic counterpart, can sensitively activate apoptosis. 

PMID- 27125641
TI  - The Selective Use of Combination Therapy in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel
      Disease Resistant to Anti-TNF: to Whom, How and How Long?

PMID- 27125642
TI  - Erratum to: The real cost of sequencing: scaling computation to keep pace with
      data generation.

PMID- 27125643
TI  - Improvement of surface ECG recording in adult zebrafish reveals that the value of
      this model exceeds our expectation.
AB  - The adult zebrafish has been used to model the electrocardiogram (ECG) for human
      cardiovascular studies. Nonetheless huge variations are observed among studies
      probably because of the lack of a reliable and reproducible recording method. In
      our study, an adult zebrafish surface ECG recording technique was improved using
      a multi-electrode method and by pre-opening the pericardial sac. A convenient ECG
      data analysis method without wavelet transform was also established.
      Intraperitoneal injection of KCl in zebrafish induced an arrhythmia similar to
      that of humans, and the arrhythmia was partially rescued by calcium gluconate.
      Amputation and cryoinjury of the zebrafish heart induced ST segment depression
      and affected QRS duration after injury. Only cryoinjury decelerated the heart
      rate. Different changes were also observed in the QT interval during heart
      regeneration in these two injury models. We also characterized the
      electrocardiophysiology of breakdance zebrafish mutant with a prolonged QT
      interval, that has not been well described in previous studies. Our study
      provided a reliable and reproducible means to record zebrafish ECG and analyse
      data. The detailed characterization of the cardiac electrophysiology of zebrafish
      and its mutant revealed that the potential of the zebrafish in modeling the human
      cardiovascular system exceeds expectations.

PMID- 27125644
TI  - The amyR-deletion strain of Aspergillus niger CICC2462 is a suitable host strain
      to express secreted protein with a low background.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger is widely exploited as an
      important expression host for industrial production. The glucoamylase high
      producing strain A. niger CICC2462 has been used as a host strain for the
      establishment of a secretion expression system. It expresses recombinant
      xylanase, mannase and asparaginase at a high level, but some high secretory
      background proteins in these recombinant strains still remain, such as alpha
      amylase and alpha-glucosidase; lead to a low-purity of fermentation products. The
      aim was to construct an A. niger host strain with a low background of protein
      secretion. RESULTS: The transcription factor amyR was deleted in A. niger
      CICC2462, and the results from enzyme activity assays and SDS-PAGE analysis
      showed that the glucoamylase and amylase activities of the ?amyR strains were
      significantly lower than those of the wild-type strain. High-throughput RNA
      sequencing and shotgun LC-MS/MS proteomic technology analysis demonstrated that
      the expression of amylolytic enzymes was decreased at both the transcriptional
      and translational levels in the ?amyR strain. Interestingly, the ?amyR strain
      growth rate better than the wild-type strain. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings clearly
      indicated that the ?amyR strain of A. niger CICC2462 can be used as a host strain
      with a low background of protein secretion.

PMID- 27125645
TI  - Manganese exposure disrupts SNARE protein complex-mediated vesicle fusion in
      primary cultured neurons.
AB  - Overexposure to manganese (Mn) has been known to disrupt neurotransmitter release
      in the brain. However, the underlying mechanisms of Mn exposure on
      neurotransmitter vesicle release are still unclear. The current study
      investigated whether the protein expression and their interaction of SNARE
      complex associated proteins were the media between Mn exposure and
      neurotransmitter vesicle fusion disorders. After the neurons were respectively
      exposed to Mn (0-200 MUM) for 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 h, there were different degrees of
      cell injury in neurons. According to the results, Mn exposures in subsequent
      experiments were restricted to concentrations of 100 MUM for 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 h.
      Mn was found to down-regulate the expression of SNAP-25 and up-regulate the
      expression of VAMP-2 in cultured neurons. Moreover, the interaction of Munc 18
      and Syntaxin increased significantly in response to Mn treatment for 18-24h, and
      the interaction of VAMP-2 and Synaptophysin increased first and then decreased.
      FM1-43-labeled synaptic vesicles also provided evidence that the treatment with
      Mn resulted in neurotransmitter vesicle fusion increasing first and then
      decreasing, which was consistent with the 80 kDa protein levels of SNARE
      complexes. The findings clearly demonstrated that Mn induced the disorders of
      neurotransmitter vesicle release via disturbing the protein expression and their
      interaction of SNARE complex associated proteins. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 705-716, 2017.

PMID- 27125646
TI  - A cohort study of the usefulness of primary prophylaxis in patients with severe
      haemophilia A.
AB  - Primary prophylaxis is a method of haemostatic management to prevent bleeding and
      arthropathy in patients with severe haemophilia. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the usefulness of primary prophylaxis in patients with severe
      haemophilia A. This study included 15 patients with haemophilia A who received
      primary prophylaxis at our institution for a minimum of 5 years. We evaluated the
      annualized bleeding ratio of joints or other sites, current joint function, and X
      ray images and MRI scans taken when patients were 6 years old. The range of
      patients' ages at the end of the study was 6.2-16.8 years, and at the start of
      primary prophylaxis it was 0.8-2.4 years. Factor VIII concentrates (25-40 units
      kg(-1) dose(-1)) were administered 3 times/week or every other day, according to
      the Swedish protocol. Mean joint and non-joint annualized bleeding ratios were
      0.49 +/- 0.5 and 1.54 +/- 1.69, respectively. At the final evaluation, all
      patients displayed a normal range of motion for both elbows, knees, and ankles.
      The radiography and MRI findings at the age of 6 were unremarkable in all
      patients. Overall, primary prophylaxis for patients with severe haemophilia A was
      performed safely, reduced the number of bleeding events, and prevented
      progression to arthropathy.

PMID- 27125647
TI  - Identification and Localization of Gold Nanoparticles in Potassium Ion Pores:
      Implications for Kir Blockade.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In our previous study, we found that negatively charged gold
      nanoparticles with spermidine have the potential of blocking inwardly rectifying
      potassium channels (Kir), both at the cellular and the tissue level. METHODS: For
      the purpose of the present study, we purified the cytoplasmic domain of the Kir
      3.1 receptor from Escherichia coli. Using single particles with surface coating
      by transmission electron microscopy, we identified the gold nanoparticles at the
      cytoplasmic side of the human Kir channel. RESULTS: Energy-dispersive X-ray
      spectroscopy showed the presence of the gold deposits in the cytoplasmic domain
      of the Kir receptor. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we could identify undecagold in
      the ion pore of the Kir3.1 channel in order to clarify its direct blocking effect
      in the Kir ion pore by undecagold.

PMID- 27125649
TI  - HOXB13 expression in metastatic prostate cancer.

PMID- 27125648
TI  - TOMATO AGAMOUS1 and ARLEQUIN/TOMATO AGAMOUS-LIKE1 MADS-box genes have redundant
      and divergent functions required for tomato reproductive development.
AB  - Within the tomato MADS-box gene family, TOMATO AGAMOUS1 (TAG1) and
      ARLEQUIN/TOMATO AGAMOUS LIKE1 (hereafter referred to as TAGL1) are, respectively,
      members of the euAG and PLE lineages of the AGAMOUS clade. They perform crucial
      functions specifying stamen and carpel development in the flower and controlling
      late fruit development. To gain insight into the roles of TAG1 and TAGL1 genes
      and to better understand their functional redundancy and diversification, we
      characterized single and double RNAi silencing lines of these genes and analyzed
      expression profiles of regulatory genes involved in reproductive development.
      Double RNAi lines did show cell abnormalities in stamens and carpels and produced
      extremely small fruit-like organs displaying some sepaloid features. Expression
      analyses indicated that TAG1 and TAGL1 act together to repress fourth whorl sepal
      development, most likely through the MACROCALYX gene. Results also proved that
      TAG1 and TAGL1 have diversified their functions in fruit development: while TAG1
      controls placenta and seed formation, TAGL1 participates in cuticle development
      and lignin biosynthesis inhibition. It is noteworthy that both TAG1 and double
      RNAi plants lacked seed development due to abnormalities in pollen formation.
      This seedless phenotype was not associated with changes in the expression of B
      class stamen identity genes Tomato MADS-box 6 and Tomato PISTILLATA observed in
      silencing lines, suggesting that other regulatory factors should participate in
      pollen formation. Taken together, results here reported support the idea that
      both redundant and divergent functions of TAG1 and TAGL1 genes are needed to
      control tomato reproductive development. 

PMID- 27125650
TI  - Electromyographic studies regarding denervation potentials in skeletal muscles at
      sites near and distant from the burn in rats.
AB  - Changes in membrane AChRs in skeletal muscles located near or distant from burn
      injury similar to denervated muscles may make electrodiagnostic features
      indistinguishable from true neuropathic changes. The aim of this study was to
      examine electrodiagnostic changes of muscles at sites local and distant from the
      burn after thermal injuries due to neuromuscular junction dysfunction. A total of
      40 adult male rats were randomly allocated to four groups. Rats in group 1
      received thermal burn injury over gastrocnemius muscle of one leg and sham burn
      on the other leg. A 20-25% and 30-35% surface body area burn and also 30-35%
      surface body area sham burn were produced at distant site from gastrocnemius
      muscle in group 2, 3 and 4, respectively. To explore any fibrillation potential,
      the rats underwent serial electromyographic studies of bilateral gastrocnemius
      muscles over 5 weeks after burn injury. There were no denervation potentials
      either in muscles at sites distant from 20-25% and 30-35% of total body surface
      area burns or in muscles beneath the burn. In the present study on rats, thermal
      burn injury could not make fibrillation potentials in the electrodiagnostic study
      of muscles located near and distant from the burn site. 

PMID- 27125651
TI  - H-NS binding to evpB and evpC and repressing T6SS expression in fish pathogen
      Edwardsiella piscicida.
AB  - Edwardsiella piscicida is an important causative agent of hemorrhagic septicemia
      in fish and infects both cultured and wild fish species. Type VI secretion system
      (T6SS) was proved to play important roles in pathogenesis of E. piscicida. In
      this study, it was demonstrated that the expression of T6SS genes evpB and evpC
      was under control of the global regulator H-NS in E. piscicida and the
      transcriptional level of evpB and evpC was significantly down-regulated by H-NS.
      Compared to the wild type, the transcriptional levels of evpB and evpC were up
      regulated in hns null mutant, while down-regulated in hns overexpression strain.
      The results of EMSA and DNase I footprinting revealed that H-NS protein directly
      bound to upstream region of evpC at multiple sites. A high-affinity motif with a
      9-nucleotide sequence 5'-ATATAAAAT-3' was defined for H-NS preferential
      recognition based on the feature of the binding sites. These results indicated
      that H-NS acted cooperatively to form extended nucleoprotein filaments on target
      DNA. Site-directed mutagenesis of H-NS further showed that R86 played an
      essential role in T6SS gene binding. These findings highlighted the mechanisms
      underlying the complex regulation network of T6SS by H-NS in E. piscicida. 

PMID- 27125652
TI  - Spongiimicrobium salis gen. nov., sp. nov., a bacterium of the family
      Flavobacteriaceae isolated from a marine sponge.
AB  - A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, pale-yellow pigmented, rod-shaped,
      chemoheterotrophic bacterium, designated A6F-11(T), was isolated from a marine
      sponge collected in Japan. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene
      sequence indicated that the novel marine strain was affiliated with the family
      Flavobacteriaceae of the phylum Bacteroidetes and that it shared the highest
      (92.9 %) sequence similarity with Arenibacter palladensis LMG 21972(T). The
      strain could be differentiated phenotypically from related members of the family
      Flavobacteriaceae. The major fatty acids of strain A6F-11(T) were iso-C15:1 G,
      iso-C15:0, C16:1 omega6c and/or C16:1 omega7c and iso-C17:0 3-OH. The polar lipid
      profile consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids and two
      unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 34.7 mol%, and the major respiratory
      quinone was menaquinone 6 (MK-6). From the distinct phylogenetic position and
      combination of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, the strain is considered
      to represent a novel taxon in the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name
      Spongiimicrobium salis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of S.
      salis gen. nov., sp. nov. is A6F-11(T) (= KCTC 42753(T) = NBRC 111401(T)). 

PMID- 27125654
TI  - Model of Prey-Predator Dynamics with Reflexive Spatial Behaviour of Species Based
      on Optimal Migration.
AB  - We consider the model of spatially distributed community consisting of two
      species with "predator-prey" interaction; each of the species occupies two
      stations. Transfer of individuals between the stations (migration) is not random,
      and migration stipulates the maximization of net reproduction of each species.
      The spatial distribution pattern is provided by discrete stations, and the
      dynamics runs in discrete time. For each time moment, firstly a redistribution of
      individuals between the stations is carried out to maximize the net reproduction,
      and then the reproduction takes place, with the upgraded abundances. Besides,
      three versions of the basic model are implemented where each species implements
      reflexive behaviour strategy to determine the optimal migration flow. It was
      found that reflexivity gives an advantage to the species realizing such strategy,
      for some specific sets of parameters. Nevertheless, the regular scanning of the
      parameters area shows that non-reflexive behaviour yields an advantage in the
      great majority of parameters combinations.

PMID- 27125653
TI  - Gastrointestinal Complications in Patients Who Undergo Radical Cystectomy with
      Enhanced Recovery Protocol.
AB  - Gastrointestinal (GI) complications are among the most common complications
      following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion. The most common is
      postoperative ileus, although its precise pathophysiology is not completely
      understood. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols include evidence
      based steps to optimize postoperative recovery and shorten hospital stay, mainly
      through expedited GI function recovery. They include avoiding bowel preparation
      and postoperative nasogastric tube, early feeding, non-narcotic pain management,
      and the use of cholinergic and mu-receptor opioid antagonists. We reviewed the
      literature in regard to GI complications using enhanced recovery protocols and
      share our institutional experience with over 300 patients. 

PMID- 27125655
TI  - On Determining if Tree-based Networks Contain Fixed Trees.
AB  - We address an open question of Francis and Steel about phylogenetic networks and
      trees. They give a polynomial time algorithm to decide if a phylogenetic network,
      N, is tree-based and pose the problem: given a fixed tree T and network N, is N
      based on T? We show that it is [Formula: see text]-hard to decide, by reduction
      from 3-Dimensional Matching (3DM) and further that the problem is fixed-parameter
      tractable.

PMID- 27125656
TI  - Dynamical Models of Task Organization in Social Insect Colonies.
AB  - The organizations of insect societies, such as division of labor, task
      allocation, collective regulation, mass action responses, have been considered as
      main reasons for the ecological success. In this article, we propose and study a
      general modeling framework that includes the following three features: (a) the
      average internal response threshold for each task (the internal factor); (b)
      social network communications that could lead to task switching (the
      environmental factor); and (c) dynamical changes of task demands (the external
      factor). Since workers in many social insect species exhibit age polyethism, we
      also extend our model to incorporate age polyethism in which worker task
      preferences change with age. We apply our general modeling framework to the cases
      of two task groups: the inside colony task versus the outside colony task. Our
      analytical study of the models provides important insights and predictions on the
      effects of colony size, social communication, and age-related task preferences on
      task allocation and division of labor in the adaptive dynamical environment. Our
      study implies that the smaller size colony invests its resource for the colony
      growth and allocates more workers in the risky tasks such as foraging while the
      larger colony shifts more workers to perform the safer tasks inside the colony.
      Social interactions among different task groups play an important role in shaping
      task allocation depending on the relative cost and demands of the tasks.

PMID- 27125658
TI  - Hybrid engineered materials with high water-collecting efficiency inspired by
      Namib Desert beetles.
AB  - Inspired by Namib Desert beetles, a hybrid superhydrophobic surface was
      fabricated, showing highly efficient fog harvesting with a water collection rate
      (WCR) of 1309.9 mg h(-1) cm(-2). And, the surface possessed an excellent
      robustness and self-cleaning property. 

PMID- 27125657
TI  - A Mathematical Model of Granule Cell Generation During Mouse Cerebellum
      Development.
AB  - Determining the cellular basis of brain growth is an important problem in
      developmental neurobiology. In the mammalian brain, the cerebellum is
      particularly amenable to studies of growth because it contains only a few cell
      types, including the granule cells, which are the most numerous neuronal subtype.
      Furthermore, in the mouse cerebellum granule cells are generated from granule
      cell precursors (gcps) in the external granule layer (EGL), from 1 day before
      birth until about 2 weeks of age. The complexity of the underlying cellular
      processes (multiple cell behaviors, three spatial dimensions, time-dependent
      changes) requires a quantitative framework to be fully understood. In this paper,
      a differential equation-based model is presented, which can be used to estimate
      temporal changes in granule cell numbers in the EGL. The model includes the
      proliferation of gcps and their differentiation into granule cells, as well as
      the process by which granule cells leave the EGL. Parameters describing these
      biological processes were derived from fitting the model to histological data.
      This mathematical model should be useful for understanding altered gcp and
      granule cell behaviors in mouse mutants with abnormal cerebellar development and
      cerebellar cancers.

PMID- 27125659
TI  - Silver containing hydrofiber dressing promotes wound healing in paediatric
      patients with partial thickness burns.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Burn injury is one of the most common reasons for admission in
      paediatric population. There is currently no international consensus on the best
      wound dressing material. Aquacel Ag, a new silver containing hydrofiber dressing
      material has been reported to produce good clinical results. Yet, only a limited
      number of studies exist in the paediatric population. This study aims to review
      our experience of burn management over the past 5 years and to evaluate the
      effectiveness of Aquacel Ag in the management of partial thickness burns.
      METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients admitted for burn injury between
      January 2010 and December 2014 was conducted. Patients' demographics, mechanism
      of injury, body surface areas involved, treatment applied, and clinical outcomes
      were analyzed. Patients with superficial injury, full thickness burns that
      required surgical debridement, burn area less than 2 % or more than 25 % of total
      body surface area, or incomplete clinical data were excluded from the comparative
      study. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients were identified. 114 (96 %) was due to
      domestic injury, of which 108 (91 %) was food-related. The most commonly affected
      areas were limbs (n = 89, 74.8 %), followed by trunk (n = 62, 74.8). 84 patients
      fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were recruited into the study. 31 patients
      received Aquacel Ag dressing and 53 patients received standard paraffin gauze
      dressing. The two groups showed no statistical difference in age, sex, percentage
      of total body surface area involved, and infection rate. Outcomes of patients
      treated with Aquacel Ag were compared with patients treated with standard
      dressing. The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter for the Aquacel Ag
      group (14.26 vs 23.45, p = 0.045). Aquacel Ag group required much less frequent
      dressing change (5.67 vs 20.59, p = 0.002). 5 patients in standard dressing group
      developed hypertrophic scar and required prolonged pressure garment, whereas only
      one hypertrophic scar was observed in the Aquacel Ag group. CONCLUSION: Aquacel
      Ag appears to promote early burn wound healing with less hypertrophic scar
      formation.

PMID- 27125660
TI  - Environmental enrichment as a potential intervention for heroin seeking.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heroin-related cues can trigger craving and relapse in addicts or
      heroin seeking in rats. In the present study we investigated whether
      environmental enrichment (EE) implemented after heroin exposure can reduce cue
      induced reinstatement of heroin seeking and expression of heroin conditioned
      place preference. METHODS: In Experiment 1, male Long Evans rats that already
      acquired a heroin self-administration habit, were housed in enriched or non
      enriched environments, underwent extinction training and later were tested for
      cue-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking. In Experiment 2, rats were
      conditioned with heroin in one compartment of a CPP apparatus and saline in the
      other, exposed to 30days of enrichment or no enrichment and were later tested for
      heroin CPP. RESULTS: The results showed that exposure to EE significantly reduced
      responding during the reinstatement test (Experiment 1) and prevented the
      expression of heroin CPP (Experiment 2). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that EE
      can be an effective behavioral approach to diminish the effects of conditioned
      cues on heroin seeking.

PMID- 27125662
TI  - Clinical significance of serum cortisol levels following surgery for congenital
      heart disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Use of hydrocortisone to treat refractory haemodynamic instability in
      patients recovering from surgery for congenital heart disease is common practice
      at many centres. We aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between
      total serum cortisol concentrations and haemodynamic response to this therapy.
      Material and methods We retrospectively reviewed patients <21 years who underwent
      cardiac surgery from 2011 to 2013, received hydrocortisone within 72 hours
      postoperatively, and had total serum cortisol measurements contemporaneous with
      its administration. Favourable responders were defined as patients in whom, at 24
      hours after hydrocortisone initiation, either (1) systolic blood pressure was
      increased or unchanged and vasoactive-inotrope score was decreased or (2)
      systolic blood pressure increased by ?10% of baseline and vasoactive-inotrope
      score was unchanged. Variables were compared using t-tests or Mann-Whitney U
      tests as appropriate. RESULTS: In total, 24 patients were reviewed, with a median
      age of 1.4 months and range of 0.1-232 months. Among them, 14 (58%) patients
      responded favourably to hydrocortisone. At 24 hours, the median change in
      vasoactive-inotrope score was -18% in favourable responders and +31% in those who
      did not respond favourably, p=0.001. The mean pre-hydrocortisone total serum
      cortisol in favourable responders was 17.4+/-10.9 ug/dl compared with 46.1+/-44.7
      ug/dl in those who did not respond favourably, p=0.03. CONCLUSION: Total serum
      cortisol obtained before initiation of hydrocortisone was significantly lower in
      patients who responded favourably to this therapy. Total serum cortisol may
      therefore be helpful in identifying children recovering from cardiac surgery who
      may or may not haemodynamically improve with hydrocortisone.

PMID- 27125661
TI  - E-cigarette advertising exposure and implicit attitudes among young adult non
      smokers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study tested whether exposure to e-cigarette advertising affects
      the subliminal-spontaneous or automatic-attitudes towards e-cigarettes as a more
      pleasant or safer alternative to cigarettes among non-smoking young adults.
      METHODS: 187 young adult (mean age=21.9; SD=4.1) current non-smokers who had
      never used an e-cigarette were randomly assigned to one of the 3 conditions that
      involved viewing magazine advertisements. Two of the 3 conditions were
      experimental conditions where thematically different [harm-reduction ("Health")
      vs. social enhancement ("Social") focused] e-cigarette ads were interspersed
      among ads of everyday objects. The third condition was the control condition in
      which participants viewed ads of everyday objects only. Participants provided
      data on explicit (e.g., harm perceptions) and implicit [e.g., Implicit
      Association Test (IAT), Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP)] measures after
      viewing the ads. RESULTS: Relative to the Control condition, participants in the
      Social condition showed 2.8 times higher odds of being open to using an e
      cigarette in the future. Participants in the Health condition showed
      significantly higher implicit attitudes towards e-cigarettes as a safer
      alternative to cigarettes than participants in the Control condition. E-cigarette
      stimuli elicited more positive spontaneous affective reactions among participants
      in the Social condition than participants in the Health condition. CONCLUSIONS: E
      cigarette ads may implicitly promote e-cigarettes as a reduced-harm cigarette
      alternative. Marketing of e-cigarette use as a way to enhance social life or self
      image may encourage non-smoking young adults to try e-cigarettes. Findings may
      inform regulations on e-cigarette marketing.

PMID- 27125663
TI  - Needle-array to Plate DBD Plasma Using Sine AC and Nanosecond Pulse Excitations
      for Purpose of Improving Indoor Air Quality.
AB  - In this study, needle-array to plate electrode configuration was employed to
      generate an atmospheric air diffuse discharge using both nanosecond pulse and
      sine AC voltage as excitation voltage for the purpose of improving indoor air
      quality. Different types of voltage sources and electrode configurations are
      employed to optimize electrical field distribution and improve discharge
      stability. Discharge images, electrical characteristics, optical emission
      spectra, and plasma gas temperatures in both sine AC discharge and nanosecond
      pulse discharge were compared and the discharge stability during long operating
      time were discussed. Compared with the discharge excited by sine AC voltage, the
      nanosecond pulsed discharge is more homogenous and stable, besides, the plasma
      gas temperature of nanosecond pulse discharge is much lower. Using packed-bed
      structure, where gamma- Al2O3 pellets are filled in the electrode gap, has
      obvious efficacy in the production of homogenous discharge. Furthermore, both
      sine AC discharge and nanosecond pulse discharge were used for removing
      formaldehyde from flowing air. It shows that nanosecond pulse discharge has a
      significant advantage in energy cost. And the main physiochemical processes for
      the generation of active species and the degradation of formaldehyde were
      discussed.

PMID- 27125664
TI  - Post-caesarean section surgical site infections at a Tanzanian tertiary hospital:
      a prospective observational study.
AB  - Few data are available on the determinants and characteristics of post-caesarean
      section (CS) surgical site infections (SSIs) in resource-limited settings. We
      conducted a prospective observational cohort study to evaluate the rates,
      determinants, and microbiological characteristics of post-CS SSI at the Dodoma
      Regional Referral Hospital (DRRH) Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department in
      Tanzania. Spanning a three-month period, all pregnant women who underwent CS were
      enrolled and followed up for 30 days. SSI following CS occurred in 224 (48%)
      women. Only 10 (2.1%) women received pre-incision antibiotic prophylaxis. Urgent
      intervention is needed to prevent and control infections and contain the rising
      rate of post-CS SSI at the DRRH. 

PMID- 27125665
TI  - Effects of chronic forced circadian desynchronization on body weight and
      metabolism in male mice.
AB  - Metabolic functions are synchronized by the circadian clock setting daily
      patterns of food intake, nutrient delivery, and behavioral activity. Here, we
      study the impact of chronic jet-lag (CJL) on metabolism, and test manipulations
      aimed to overcome potential alterations. We recorded weight gain in C57Bl/6 mice
      under chronic 6 h advances or delays of the light-dark cycle every 2 days (ChrA
      and ChrD, respectively). We have previously reported ChrA, but not ChrD, to
      induce forced desynchronization of locomotor activity rhythms in mice (Casiraghi
      et al. 2012). Body weight was rapidly increased under ChrA, with animals tripling
      the mean weight gain observed in controls by day 10, and doubling it by day 30
      (6% vs. 2%, and 15% vs. 7%, respectively). Significant increases in
      retroperitoneal and epidydimal adipose tissue masses (172% and 61%,
      respectively), adipocytes size (28%), and circulating triglycerides (39%) were
      also detected. Daily patterns of food and water intake were abolished under ChrA
      In contrast, ChrD had no effect on body weight. Wheel-running, housing of animals
      in groups, and restriction of food availability to hours of darkness prevented
      abnormal increase in body weight under ChrA Our findings suggest that the
      observed alterations under ChrA may arise either from a direct effect of
      circadian disruption on metabolism, from desynchronization between feeding and
      metabolic rhythms, or both. Direction of shifts, timing of feeding episodes, and
      other reinforcing signals deeply affect the outcome of metabolic function under
      CJL Such features should be taken into account in further studies of shift
      working schedules in humans. 

PMID- 27125666
TI  - TNF/Ang-II synergy is obligate for fibroinflammatory pathology, but not for
      changes in cardiorenal function.
AB  - Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) infusion is associated with the development of
      interstitial fibrosis in both heart and kidney as a result of chemokine-dependent
      uptake of monocytes and subsequent development of myeloid fibroblasts. This study
      emphasizes on the synergistic role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on the time
      course of Ang-II-induced fibrosis and inflammation in heart and kidney. In wild
      type (WT) hearts, Ang-II-induced fibrosis peaked within 1 week of infusion and
      remained stable over a 6-week period, while the myeloid fibroblasts disappeared;
      TNF receptor-1-knockout (TNFR1-KO) hearts did not develop a myeloid response or
      cardiac fibrosis during this time. WT hearts developed more accelerated cardiac
      hypertrophy and remodeling than TNFR1-KO In the kidney, 1-week Ang-II infusion
      did not evoke a fibrotic response; however, after 6 weeks, WT kidneys displayed
      modest but significant tubulointerstitial collagen deposition associated with the
      appearance of myeloid cells and profibrotic gene activation. Renal fibrosis was
      not seen in Ang-II-infused TNFR1-KO By contrast, while hypertension increased and
      cardiac function decreased more slowly in TNFR1-KO than WT, they were
      equivalently abnormal at 6 weeks. Similarly, serum markers for renal dysfunction
      were not different after 6 weeks. In conclusion, Ang-II infusion initiated
      fibroinflammatory responses with different time courses in heart and kidney, both
      requiring TNFR1 signaling, and both associated with monocyte-derived myeloid
      fibroblasts. TNFR1 deletion obviated the fibroinflammatory effects of Ang-II, but
      did not alter changes in blood pressure and cardiorenal function after 6 weeks.
      Thus, the synergy of TNF with Ang-II targets the fibroinflammatory component of
      Ang-II signaling. 

PMID- 27125667
TI  - The effect of temperature on proliferation and differentiation of chicken
      skeletal muscle satellite cells isolated from different muscle types.
AB  - Skeletal muscle satellite cells are a muscle stem cell population that mediate
      posthatch muscle growth and repair. Satellite cells respond differentially to
      environmental stimuli based upon their fiber-type of origin. The objective of
      this study was to determine how temperatures below and above the in vitro control
      of 38 degrees C affected the proliferation and differentiation of satellite cells
      isolated from the chicken anaerobic pectoralis major (p. major) or mixed fiber
      biceps femoris (b.femoris) muscles. The satellite cells isolated from the p.
      major muscle were more sensitive to both cold and hot temperatures compared to
      the b.femoris satellite cells during both proliferation and differentiation. The
      expressions of myogenic regulatory transcription factors were also different
      between satellite cells from different fiber types. MyoD expression, which
      partially regulates proliferation, was generally expressed at higher levels in p.
      major satellite cells compared to the b.femoris satellite cells from 33 to 43
      degrees C during proliferation and differentiation. Similarly, myogenin
      expression, which is required for differentiation, was also expressed at higher
      levels in p. major satellite cells in response to both cold and hot temperatures
      during proliferation and differentiation than b. femoris satellite cells. These
      data demonstrate that satellite cells from the anaerobic p. major muscle are more
      sensitive than satellite cells from the aerobic b. femoris muscle to both hot and
      cold thermal stress during myogenic proliferation and differentiation. 

PMID- 27125668
TI  - Germline RECQL mutations in high risk Chinese breast cancer patients.
AB  - Recently, RECQL was reported as a new breast cancer susceptibility gene. RECQL
      belongs to the RECQ DNA helicase family which unwinds double strand DNA and
      involved in the DNA replication stress response, telomere maintenance and DNA
      repair. RECQL deficient mice cells are prone to spontaneous chromosomal
      instability and aneuploidy, suggesting a tumor-suppressive role of RECQL in
      cancer. In this study, RECQL gene mutation screening was performed on 1110 breast
      cancer patients who were negative for BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53 and PTEN gene mutations
      and recruited from March 2007 to June 2015 in the Hong Kong Hereditary and High
      Risk Breast Cancer Program. Four different RECQL pathogenic mutations were
      identified in six of the 1110 (0.54 %) tested breast cancer patients. The
      identified mutations include one frame-shift deletion (c.974_977delAAGA), two
      splicing site mutations (c.394+1G>A, c.867+1G>T) and one nonsense mutation
      (c.796C>T, p.Gln266Ter). Two of the mutations (c.867+1G>T and p.Gln266Ter) were
      seen in more than one patients. This study provides the basis for existing of
      pathogenic RECQL mutations in Southern Chinese breast cancer patients. The
      significance of rare variants in RECQL gene in the estimation of breast cancer
      risk warranted further investigation in larger cohort of patients and in other
      ethnic groups.

PMID- 27125669
TI  - Phase II clinical study of eribulin monotherapy in Japanese patients with
      metastatic breast cancer who had well-defined taxane resistance.
AB  - No clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of eribulin monotherapy has been
      obtained by a prospective clinical study in patients with metastatic breast
      cancer (MBC) who had well-defined taxane resistance. The present Phase II,
      multicenter, single-arm, open-label study aimed to obtain the evidence. Japanese
      female patients, aged 33-74 years who had the metastasis of taxane-resistant and
      histopathologically confirmed breast cancer, received eribulin mesylate 1.4
      mg/m(2) (equivalent to eribulin 1.23 mg/m(2) [expressed as free base]) as a 2- to
      5-min intravenous infusion on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. The primary
      endpoint was the clinical benefit rate (CBR) [complete response (CR), partial
      response (PR), and long-term stable disease (LSD) >=24 weeks]. A total of 51
      patients underwent chemotherapy cycles (median 4; range 1-42 cycles). The CBR was
      39.2 % (CR 2.0 %; PR 23.5 %; and LSD 13.7 %), and the rate of progressive disease
      was 49.0 %. The median progression-free survival and the median overall survival
      were 3.6 months [95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.6-4.6 months] and 11.7 months
      (95 % CI 9.2-14.2 months), respectively. Grade 3 or greater adverse events were
      leukopenia (23.5 %), neutropenia (35.3 %), anemia (5.9 %), and febrile
      neutropenia (7.8 %). The incidences of grade 3 and 4 peripheral sensory
      neuropathy were 2.0 and 0 %, respectively. Eribulin showed a clinically
      manageable tolerability profile by dose adjustments or symptomatic treatment.
      Eribulin was effective and well tolerated in heavily pretreated patients with MBC
      who had well-defined taxane resistance, thus providing a potential therapeutic
      option in the clinical settings.

PMID- 27125670
TI  - Mst1 shuts off cytosolic antiviral defense through IRF3 phosphorylation.
AB  - Cytosolic RNA/DNA sensing elicits primary defense against viral pathogens.
      Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), a key signal mediator/transcriptional
      factor of the antiviral-sensing pathway, is indispensible for interferon
      production and antiviral defense. However, how the status of IRF3 activation is
      controlled remains elusive. Through a functional screen of the human kinome, we
      found that mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (Mst1), but not Mst2, profoundly
      inhibited cytosolic nucleic acid sensing. Mst1 associated with IRF3 and directly
      phosphorylated IRF3 at Thr75 and Thr253. This Mst1-mediated phosphorylation
      abolished activated IRF3 homodimerization, its occupancy on chromatin, and
      subsequent IRF3-mediated transcriptional responses. In addition, Mst1 also
      impeded virus-induced activation of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), further
      attenuating IRF3 activation. As a result, Mst1 depletion or ablation enabled an
      enhanced antiviral response and defense in cells and mice. Therefore, the
      identification of Mst1 as a novel physiological negative regulator of IRF3
      activation provides mechanistic insights into innate antiviral defense and
      potential antiviral prevention strategies.

PMID- 27125671
TI  - The pluripotency factor Nanog regulates pericentromeric heterochromatin
      organization in mouse embryonic stem cells.
AB  - An open and decondensed chromatin organization is a defining property of
      pluripotency. Several epigenetic regulators have been implicated in maintaining
      an open chromatin organization, but how these processes are connected to the
      pluripotency network is unknown. Here, we identified a new role for the
      transcription factor NANOG as a key regulator connecting the pluripotency network
      with constitutive heterochromatin organization in mouse embryonic stem cells.
      Deletion of Nanog leads to chromatin compaction and the remodeling of
      heterochromatin domains. Forced expression of NANOG in epiblast stem cells is
      sufficient to decompact chromatin. NANOG associates with satellite repeats within
      heterochromatin domains, contributing to an architecture characterized by highly
      dispersed chromatin fibers, low levels of H3K9me3, and high major satellite
      transcription, and the strong transactivation domain of NANOG is required for
      this organization. The heterochromatin-associated protein SALL1 is a direct
      cofactor for NANOG, and loss of Sall1 recapitulates the Nanog-null phenotype, but
      the loss of Sall1 can be circumvented through direct recruitment of the NANOG
      transactivation domain to major satellites. These results establish a direct
      connection between the pluripotency network and chromatin organization and
      emphasize that maintaining an open heterochromatin architecture is a highly
      regulated process in embryonic stem cells.

PMID- 27125673
TI  - Food-derived sensory cues modulate longevity via distinct neuroendocrine insulin
      like peptides.
AB  - Environmental fluctuations influence organismal aging by affecting various
      regulatory systems. One such system involves sensory neurons, which affect life
      span in many species. However, how sensory neurons coordinate organismal aging in
      response to changes in environmental signals remains elusive. Here, we found that
      a subset of sensory neurons shortens Caenorhabditis elegans' life span by
      differentially regulating the expression of a specific insulin-like peptide
      (ILP), INS-6. Notably, treatment with food-derived cues or optogenetic activation
      of sensory neurons significantly increases ins-6 expression and decreases life
      span. INS-6 in turn relays the longevity signals to nonneuronal tissues by
      decreasing the activity of the transcription factor DAF-16/FOXO. Together, our
      study delineates a mechanism through which environmental sensory cues regulate
      aging rates by modulating the activities of specific sensory neurons and ILPs.

PMID- 27125674
TI  - CD28 and PTPN22 are associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in
      Egyptians.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Limited data are available on the genetics of rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA) in Egyptians. Therefore, we investigated whether the confirmed genetic risk
      factors for RA in Europeans and/or Asians contribute to RA susceptibility in
      Egyptians. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A set of seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) in the vicinity of CD28, TNFAIP3, PTPN22, PADI4 and HLA-DRA were tested in
      a large multi-centric RA cohort in Egypt, consisting of 394 cases and 398 matched
      controls. Patients were stratified based on the positivity of either anti
      citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) or rheumatoid factor (RF). RESULTS:
      Significant association was evident for three SNPs in this cohort: the CD28
      (rs1980422) variant showed a strong association in the whole cohort (P=0.000119)
      and in seropositive subsets of the disease (PACPA+=0.004; PRF+=0.0005). Upon
      stratification, the PTPN22 (rs2476601) and TNFAIP3(rs5029939) variants showed
      association only with ACPA positive (PACPA+=0.00573) and negative (PACPA
      =0.00999) phenotypes, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that
      CD28(rs1980422) and PTPN22(rs2476601) contribute to RA-susceptibility in
      Egyptians. Failure to replicate the association of PADI4(rs2240340)/(PADI4_94) in
      Egyptian RA patients provides further support for the notion that genetic
      architecture of RA is different in multiple populations of European, Asian,
      African, and Middle Eastern ancestries. Further investigation using large-scale
      studies is thus needed to maximize the power of genetic association.

PMID- 27125672
TI  - Germline loss of PKM2 promotes metabolic distress and hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Alternative splicing of the Pkm gene product generates the PKM1 and PKM2 isoforms
      of pyruvate kinase (PK), and PKM2 expression is closely linked to embryogenesis,
      tissue regeneration, and cancer. To interrogate the functional requirement for
      PKM2 during development and tissue homeostasis, we generated germline PKM2-null
      mice (Pkm2(-/-)). Unexpectedly, despite being the primary isoform expressed in
      most wild-type adult tissues, we found that Pkm2(-/-) mice are viable and
      fertile. Thus, PKM2 is not required for embryonic or postnatal development. Loss
      of PKM2 leads to compensatory expression of PKM1 in the tissues that normally
      express PKM2. Strikingly, PKM2 loss leads to spontaneous development of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with high penetrance that is accompanied by
      progressive changes in systemic metabolism characterized by altered systemic
      glucose homeostasis, inflammation, and hepatic steatosis. Therefore, in addition
      to its role in cancer metabolism, PKM2 plays a role in controlling systemic
      metabolic homeostasis and inflammation, thereby preventing HCC by a non-cell
      autonomous mechanism.

PMID- 27125675
TI  - Curcumol Suppresses Breast Cancer Cell Metastasis by Inhibiting MMP-9 Via JNK1/2
      and Akt-Dependent NF-kappaB Signaling Pathways.
AB  - Curcumolhas been reported to possess antitumor activity. However, its effect and
      mechanisms against tumor metastasis are still unclear. This study is to
      investigate the inhibitory effect of curcumol on breast cancer cell metastasis
      and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that
      noncytotoxicity was caused by curcumol within 10 to 40 ug/mL in MDA-MB-231 and
      4T1 cells for 24 hours, whereas sustained treatment with curcumol for 14 days
      significantly suppressed the clonogenic activity of cells. Importantly, curcumol
      at noncytotoxic concentrations suppressed the migration ability of both MDA-MB
      231 and 4T1 cells. Moreover, curcumol suppressed the migration and invasion of
      MDA-MB-231 cells in the Boyden chamber migration and invasion assay and inhibited
      the adhesion of MDA-MB-231 cells onto the matrigel. Further investigations
      revealed that curcumol decreased the enzyme activity and protein expression of
      matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9) in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, curcumol
      inhibited the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2 and Akt (Ser473).
      Meanwhile, it also inhibited the nuclear translocation and transcriptional
      activity of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). Furthermore, JNK inhibitor
      SP600125 and Akt (Ser473) inhibitor LY294002 enhanced the inhibition of curcumol
      on NF-kappaB p65 nuclear translocation. Finally, supplementation with SP600125,
      LY294002, or NF-kappaB inhibitor Ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC)
      significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of curcumol on MMP-9 expression and
      cell migration, invasion, and adhesion in MDA-MB-231 cells. Our findings provide
      evidence for the suppression of breast cancer cell metastasis by curcumol and
      suggest that the inhibition of MMP-9 via JNK1/2 and Akt (Ser473)-dependent NF
      kappaB signaling pathways may be the underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 27125676
TI  - Influence of CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV deficiency on immunophenotypic changes
      during colitis development and resolution.
AB  - A lot of evidence for the importance of CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV (CD26/DPP
      IV) in immunoactivation has been reported; however, its involvement in colitis
      remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of
      CD26/DPP IV deficiency on immunophenotypic changes associated with dextran
      sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in wild-type (WT) and CD26-deficient mice.
      Development of clinical symptoms of colitis and animal health status parameters
      were assessed; the expression of the nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB p65 subunit was
      measured by quantitative real-time PCR, while cell characterization was
      determined by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining. DSS treatment
      induced loss of body weight and colon length shortening in both mouse strains. An
      increase of myeloperoxidase activity in CD26-deficient mice was more intensive
      than in WT mice, in spite of similar histopathological changes. Furthermore, a
      significant increase in the expression of NF-kappaB p65 subunit in the colon of
      CD26-deficient mice was determined. The percentage of splenic CD4(+) and CD8(+)
      cells in the acute phase of colitis was significantly decreased in WT mice, while
      in the same period, an increase in the percentage of splenic CD8(+) cells was
      present in CD26-deficient mice. Development of colitis was accompanied by a
      significant increase in the percentage of intrahepatic NKT cells in both mouse
      strains, but their percentage in spleen was increased only in CD26-deficient
      mice. CD26 deficiency was associated with a heightened response to DSS
      accompanied by increased expression of NF-kappaB p65 subunit and distinct changes
      in leukocyte trafficking. These results provide new insights into the role of
      CD26/DPP IV during the development of colitis. 

PMID- 27125678
TI  - On the vortex dynamics in fractal Fourier turbulence.
AB  - Incompressible, homogeneous and isotropic turbulence is studied by solving the
      Navier-Stokes equations on a reduced set of Fourier modes, belonging to a fractal
      set of dimension D . By tuning the fractal dimension parameter, we study the
      dynamical effects of Fourier decimation on the vortex stretching mechanism and on
      the statistics of the velocity and the velocity gradient tensor. In particular,
      we show that as we move from D = 3 to D ~ 2.8 , the statistics gradually turns
      into a purely Gaussian one. This result suggests that even a mild fractal mode
      reduction strongly depletes the stretching properties of the non-linear term of
      the Navier-Stokes equations and suppresses anomalous fluctuations. 

PMID- 27125677
TI  - Acidocalcisomes of eukaryotes.
AB  - Acidocalcisomes are organelles rich in polyphosphate and cations and acidified by
      proton pumps. Although they have also been described in prokaryotes they have
      been better characterized in unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes. Eukaryotic
      acidocalcisomes belong to the group of lysosome-related organelles. They have a
      variety of functions, from the storage of cations and phosphorus to calcium
      signaling, autophagy, osmoregulation, blood coagulation, and inflammation.
      Acidocalcisomes of several unicellular eukaryotes possess a variety of
      transporters, channels and pumps implying a large energetic requirement for their
      maintenance and suggesting other important functions waiting to be discovered.

PMID- 27125679
TI  - Numerical investigation of molecular nano-array in potential-energy profile for a
      single dsDNA.
AB  - A Rigorous numerical investigation on dsDNA translocation in quasi-2-dimensional
      nano-array filter is performed using Molecular Dynamics (MD) method. Various
      dsDNA molecules with different sizes are chosen in order to model Ogston sieving
      in a nano-array filter. The radius of gyration of dsDNA molecule is less than the
      characteristic length of the shallow region in nano-array. The dsDNA molecule is
      assumed to be in the 0.05M NaCl electrolyte. MD shows acceptable results for
      potential-energy profile for nano-array filter. According to the MD outcomes, the
      dsDNA electrophoretic mobility decreases almost linearly with dsDNA size and show
      the same trend as Ogston sieving for gel electrophoresis. In addition, different
      shapes for nano-array filter are studied for a unique dsDNA molecule. It is
      concluded that steeping the nano-array wall can cause the retardation of dsDNA
      translocation and decreases dsDNA electrophoretic mobility. 

PMID- 27125681
TI  - Advances in surgery for movement disorders.
AB  - Movement disorder surgery has evolved throughout history as our knowledge of
      motor circuits and ways in which to manipulate them have expanded. Today, the
      positive impact on patient quality of life for a growing number of movement
      disorders such as Parkinson's disease is now well accepted and confirmed through
      several decades of randomized, controlled trials. Nevertheless, residual motor
      symptoms after movement disorder surgery such as deep brain stimulation and lack
      of a definitive cure for these conditions demand that advances continue to push
      the boundaries of the field and maximize its therapeutic potential. Similarly,
      advances in related fields - wireless technology, artificial intelligence, stem
      cell and gene therapy, neuroimaging, nanoscience, and minimally invasive surgery 
      mean that movement disorder surgery stands at a crossroads to benefit from
      unique combinations of all these developments. In this minireview, we outline
      some of these developments as well as evidence supporting topics of recent
      discussion and controversy in our field. Moving forward, expectations remain high
      that these improvements will come to encompass an even broader range of patients
      who might benefit from this therapy and decrease the burden of disease associated
      with these conditions. (c) 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder
      Society.

PMID- 27125680
TI  - Postoperative Adverse Events Inconsistently Improved by the World Health
      Organization Surgical Safety Checklist: A Systematic Literature Review of 25
      Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) has
      been widely implemented in an effort to decrease surgical adverse events. METHOD:
      This systematic literature review examined the effects of the SSC on
      postoperative outcomes. The review included 25 studies: two randomised controlled
      trials, 13 prospective and ten retrospective cohort trials. A meta-analysis was
      not conducted as combining observational studies of heterogeneous quality may be
      highly biased. RESULTS: The quality of the studies was largely suboptimal; only
      four studies had a concurrent control group, many studies were underpowered to
      examine specific postoperative outcomes and teamwork-training initiatives were
      often combined with the implementation of the checklist, confounding the results.
      The effects of the checklist were largely inconsistent. Postoperative
      complications were examined in 20 studies; complication rates significantly
      decreased in ten and increased in one. Eighteen studies examined postoperative
      mortality. Rates significantly decreased in four and increased in one.
      Postoperative mortality rates were not significantly decreased in any studies in
      developed nations, whereas they were significantly decreased in 75 % of studies
      conducted in developing nations. CONCLUSIONS: The checklist may be associated
      with a decrease in surgical adverse events and this effect seems to be greater in
      developing nations. With the observed incongruence between specific postoperative
      outcomes and the overall poor study designs, it is possible that many of the
      positive changes associated with the use of the checklist were due to temporal
      changes, confounding factors and publication bias.

PMID- 27125682
TI  - Reaction pathway and oxidation mechanisms of dibutyl phthalate by persulfate
      activated with zero-valent iron.
AB  - This study investigated reaction pathway and oxidation mechanisms of dibutyl
      phthalate (DBP) by persulfate (PS) activated with zero-valent iron (ZVI). The DBP
      degradation was studied at three pH values (acidic, neutral and basic) in the
      presence of different organic scavengers. Using a chemical probe method, both
      sulfate radical (SO4(-)) and hydroxyl radical (.OH) were found to be primary
      oxidants at pH3.0 and pH7.0, respectively while .OH was the major specie to
      oxidize DBP at pH11.0. A similar result was found in an experiment of Electron
      Spin Resonance spin-trapping where in addition to OH, superoxide radical (O2(-))
      was detected at pH11.0. The transformation of degradation products including
      dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), phthalic anhydride, and
      acetophenone exhibited diverse variation during the reaction processes. The
      phthalic anhydride concentration appeared to be maximum at all pHs. Another
      eleven intermediate products were also found at pH3.0 by GC-MS and HPLC analysis,
      and their degradation mechanisms and pathways were proposed. It was suggested
      that dealkylation, hydroxylation, decarboxylation and hydrogen extraction were
      the dominant degradation mechanisms of DBP at pH3.0.

PMID- 27125683
TI  - The variability in iron speciation in size fractionated residual oil fly ash
      particulate matter (ROFA PM).
AB  - Ambient particulate matter (PM) containing iron can catalyze Fenton reaction
      leading to the production of reactive oxygen species in cells. It can also
      catalyze atmospheric redox reaction. These reactions are governed by the
      physicochemical characteristics of iron in ambient PM. As a surrogate for ambient
      PM, we prepared residual oil fly ash PM (ROFA PM) in a practical fire tube boiler
      firing residual oils with varying sulfur and ash contents. The ROFA particles
      were resolved into fine PM or PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameter (AD)<2.5MUm) and coarse
      PM or PM2.5+ (AD between 2.5MUm and 50MUm). The iron speciation in PM2.5+ was
      ascertained using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and leaching method while that in
      PM2.5 was reported earlier. The results of both studies are compared to get an
      insight into the variability in the iron speciation in different size fractions.
      The results show the predominance of ferric sulfate, with a minor spinal ferrite
      in both PM (i.e. ZnxNi1-xFe2O4 in PM2.5, ZnFe2O4 in PM2.5+). The iron solubility
      in ROFA PM depends on its speciation, mode of incorporation of iron into
      particle's carbonaceous matrix, the grade and composition of oils, and pH of the
      medium. The soluble fraction of iron in PM is critical in assessing its
      interaction with the biological systems and its toxic potential.

PMID- 27125684
TI  - Temporal variation in groundwater quality in the Permian Basin of Texas, a region
      of increasing unconventional oil and gas development.
AB  - The recent expansion of natural gas and oil extraction using unconventional oil
      and gas development (UD) practices such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic
      fracturing has raised questions about the potential for environmental impacts.
      Prior research has focused on evaluations of air and water quality in particular
      regions without explicitly considering temporal variation; thus, little is known
      about the potential effects of UD activity on the environment over longer periods
      of time. Here, we present an assessment of private well water quality in an area
      of increasing UD activity over a period of 13months. We analyzed samples from 42
      private water wells located in three contiguous counties on the Eastern Shelf of
      the Permian Basin in Texas. This area has experienced a rise in UD activity in
      the last few years, and we analyzed samples in four separate time points to
      assess variation in groundwater quality over time as UD activities increased. We
      monitored general water quality parameters as well as several compounds used in
      UD activities. We found that some constituents remained stable over time, but
      others experienced significant variation over the period of study. Notable
      findings include significant changes in total organic carbon and pH along with
      ephemeral detections of ethanol, bromide, and dichloromethane after the initial
      sampling phase. These data provide insight into the potentially transient nature
      of compounds associated with groundwater contamination in areas experiencing UD
      activity.

PMID- 27125686
TI  - Imbalanced presence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. multilocus sequence types in
      clinical manifestations of Lyme borreliosis.
AB  - In this study we used typing based on the eight multilocus sequence typing scheme
      housekeeping genes (MLST) and 5S-23S rDNA intergenic spacer (IGS) to explore the
      population structure of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato isolates from patients
      with Lyme borreliosis (LB) and to test the association between the B. burgdorferi
      s.l. sequence types (ST) and the clinical manifestations they cause in humans.
      Isolates of B. burgdorferi from 183 LB cases across Europe, with distinct
      clinical manifestations, and 257 Ixodes ricinus lysates from The Netherlands,
      were analyzed for this study alone. For completeness, we incorporated in our
      analysis also 335 European B. burgdorferi s.l. MLST profiles retrieved from
      literature. Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia bavariensis were associated with human
      cases of LB while Borrelia garinii, Borrelia lusitaniae and Borrelia valaisiana
      were associated with questing I. ricinus ticks. B. afzelii was associated with
      acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, while B. garinii and B. bavariensis were
      associated with neuroborreliosis. The samples in our study belonged to 251
      different STs, of which 94 are newly described, adding to the overall picture of
      the genetic diversity of Borrelia genospecies. The fraction of STs that were
      isolated from human samples was significantly higher for the genospecies that are
      known to be maintained in enzootic cycles by mammals (B. afzelii, B. bavariensis,
      and Borrelia spielmanii) than for genospecies that are maintained by birds (B.
      garinii and B. valaisiana) or lizards (B. lusitaniae). We found six multilocus
      sequence types that were significantly associated to clinical manifestations in
      humans and five IGS haplotypes that were associated with the human LB cases.
      While IGS could perform just as well as the housekeeping genes in the MLST scheme
      for predicting the infectivity of B. burgdorferi s.l., the advantage of MLST is
      that it can also capture the differential invasiveness of the various STs.

PMID- 27125685
TI  - Enhanced protection from fibrosis and inflammation in the combined absence of IL
      13 and IFN-gamma.
AB  - Persistent or dysregulated IL-13 responses are key drivers of fibrosis in
      multiple organ systems, and this identifies this cytokine as an important
      therapeutic target. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which IL-13 blockade leads to
      the amelioration of fibrosis remain unclear. Because IFN-gamma exhibits potent
      anti-fibrotic activity, and IL-4Ralpha signalling antagonizes IFN-gamma effector
      function, compensatory increases in IFN-gamma activity following IL-13/IL-4Ralpha
      blockade might contribute to the reduction in fibrosis. To investigate the role
      of IFN-gamma, we developed novel IL-13(-/-) /IFN-gamma(-/-) double cytokine
      deficient mice and examined disease progression in models of type 2-driven
      fibrosis. As predicted, we showed that fibrosis in the lung and liver are both
      highly dependent on IL-13. We also observed increased IFN-gamma production and
      inflammatory activity in the tissues of IL-13-deficient mice. Surprisingly,
      however, an even greater reduction in fibrosis was observed in IL-13/IFN-gamma
      double deficient mice, most notably in the livers of mice chronically infected
      with Schistosoma mansoni. The increased protection was associated with marked
      decreases in Tgfb1, Mmp12, and Timp1 mRNA expression in the tissues; reduced
      inflammation; and decreased expression of important pro-inflammatory mediators
      such as TNF-alpha. Experiments conducted with neutralizing monoclonal antibodies
      to IL-13 and IFN-gamma validated the findings with the genetically deficient
      mice. Together, these studies demonstrate that the reduction in fibrosis observed
      when IL-13 signalling is suppressed is not dependent on increased IFN-gamma
      activity. Instead, by reducing compensatory increases in type 1-associated
      inflammation, therapeutic strategies that block IFN-gamma and IL-13 activity
      simultaneously can confer greater protection from progressive fibrosis than IL-13
      blockade alone. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in
      the public domain in the USA.

PMID- 27125687
TI  - A new trilocus sequence-based multiplex-PCR to detect major Acinetobacter
      baumannii clones.
AB  - A collection of 163 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates detected in a large
      Brazilian hospital, was potentially related with the dissemination of four clonal
      complexes (CC): 113/79, 103/15, 109/1 and 110/25, defined by University of
      Oxford/Institut Pasteur multilocus sequence typing (MLST) schemes. The urge of a
      simple multiplex-PCR scheme to specify these clones has motivated the present
      study. The established trilocus sequence-based typing (3LST, for ompA, csuE and
      blaOXA-51-like genes) multiplex-PCR rapidly identifies international clones I
      (CC109/1), II (CC118/2) and III (CC187/3). Thus, the system detects only one
      (CC109/1) out of four main CC in Brazil. We aimed to develop an alternative
      multiplex-PCR scheme to detect these clones, known to be present additionally in
      Africa, Asia, Europe, USA and South America. MLST, performed in the present study
      to complement typing our whole collection of isolates, confirmed that all
      isolates belonged to the same four CC detected previously. When typed by 3LST
      based multiplex-PCR, only 12% of the 163 isolates were classified into groups. By
      comparative sequence analysis of ompA, csuE and blaOXA-51-like genes, a set of
      eight primers was designed for an alternative multiplex-PCR to distinguish the
      five CC 113/79, 103/15, 109/1, 110/25 and 118/2. Study isolates and one CC118/2
      isolate were blind-tested with the new alternative PCR scheme; all were correctly
      clustered in groups of the corresponding CC. The new multiplex-PCR, with the
      advantage of fitting in a single reaction, detects five leading A. baumannii
      clones and could help preventing the spread in healthcare settings.

PMID- 27125688
TI  - The synergy effect of daidzein and genistein isolated from Butea superba Roxb. on
      the reproductive system of male mice.
AB  - Butea superba Roxb. (BS) has been used in Thai men as an aphrodisiac, and prevent
      erectile dysfunction. Nevertheless, the active ingredients, dosages, have not
      been cleared. Hence, this study was to investigate the effect of compounds from
      the BS on the reproductive parameters of male mice. The results revealed that BS
      was extracted to afford biochanin A and genistein, which were first reported on
      BS, and daidzein. The mice were treated by daidzein and genistein alone and in
      combination. The results showed that the sperm number and motility, cholesterol
      and testosterone level of all isoflavones-treated groups were significantly
      higher than controls (p < 0.01). Obviously, daidzein plus genistein exhibited a
      synergistic effect, which is also the first report, and resulted in significantly
      displayed higher levels of these parameters compared to others. So, the
      synergistic activity of these isoflavones may be useful in improving libido,
      erectile capacity and assist infertility of poor spermatozoa in men.

PMID- 27125689
TI  - Sex differences in concordance rates between auditory event-related potentials
      and subjective sexual arousal.
AB  - Much research indicates men show a greater concordance between subjective and
      genital sexual arousal than do women. We investigated the relationship between
      subjective sexual arousal and brain activation in men and women. Subjective
      sexual arousal and auditory N1 and P3b ERP amplitudes were measured while 38
      participants viewed erotic and non-erotic films. Most notably, there was a
      significant correlation between N1 amplitude and sexual arousal in men; for
      women, there was a significant correlation between the P3b amplitude and sexual
      arousal. ERP amplitudes were inversely associated with reported arousal,
      suggesting that sexual arousal interferes with early tone processing for men, and
      with later tone processing for women. Lastly, for women, pornography/erotica
      consumption was negatively correlated with P3b amplitudes, suggesting that women
      who consume more pornography/erotica may also show greater attention to erotic
      films.

PMID- 27125690
TI  - Effects of alpha-tocopherol and freezing rates on the quality and heterologous in
      vitro fertilization capacity of stallion sperm after cryopreservation.
AB  - The effects of supplementation of alpha-tocopherol and different freezing rates
      (FRs) on the ability of stallion sperm to fertilize bovine oocytes with intact
      zona pellucida were investigated, in an attempt to develop a model to assess
      cryopreserved sperm function. Semen was obtained from four purebred Lusitano
      stallions (n = 4). Each ejaculate was subjected to cryopreservation with a
      commercial extender (Ghent, Minitub Iberia, Spain), without any supplementation
      (control) or supplemented with 2-mM alpha-tocopherol. The semen was exposed to
      two different FRs between 5  degrees C and -15  degrees C: slow (5  degrees
      C/min) and moderate (10  degrees C/min). After thawing, the viability (SYBR(r)-14
      and propidium iodide [PI]), mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1, 5,5',6,6'
      tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'tetraethylbenzimidazolyl carbocyanine iodine) and membrane
      lipid peroxidation (C11-BODIPY(581/591)) of each sample were determined by flow
      cytometry. Moreover, the heterologous IVF rate was measured to evaluate the
      fertilization capacity of postthaw semen in the four different treatments. For
      both extenders, the viability was higher for spermatozoa cooled slowly (39.40 +/-
      2.17 vs. 17.59 +/- 2.25-control; 31.96 +/- 2.19 vs. 11.46 +/- 1.34-Tocopherol; P
      < 0.05). The alpha-tocopherol extender improved (P < 0.05) postthaw lipid
      peroxidation (10.28 +/- 0.70 vs. 15.40 +/- 0.95-slow FR; 10.14 +/- 0.40 vs. 13.48
      +/- 0.34-moderate FR); however, it did not improve viability and mitochondrial
      membrane potential. Regarding the IVF rate, in the moderate FR, alpha-tocopherol
      supplementation reported a higher percentage of IVF (20.50 +/- 2.11; P < 0.05),
      comparing with the control (14.00 +/- 1.84). Regarding the slow FR, no
      significance differences were observed for percentage of IVF between the two
      extenders and the FRs. However, it seems that the alpha-tocopherol
      supplementation improved the IVF rate. In conclusion, this research reported that
      bovine oocytes intact zona pellucida can be used to evaluate the quality of
      postthaw stallion semen and alpha-tocopherol supplementation in the stallion
      freezing extender might exert a protective effect against oxidative damage during
      heterologous IVF. 

PMID- 27125692
TI  - Androgenetic development of X- and Y-chromosome bearing haploid rainbow trout
      embryos.
AB  - Haploid fish embryos are important in studies regarding role of the recessive
      traits during early ontogeny. In fish species with the male heterogamety,
      androgenetic haploid embryos might be also useful tool in studies concerning role
      of the sex chromosomes during an embryonic development. Morphologically
      differentiated X and Y chromosomes have been found in a limited number of fish
      species including rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum 1792). To evaluate
      role of the sex chromosomes during rainbow trout embryonic development, survival
      of the androgenetic haploids in the presence of X or Y sex chromosomes has been
      examined. Androgenetic haploid rainbow trout were produced by fertilization of X
      irradiated eggs with spermatozoa derived from the normal males (XY) and neomales,
      that is, sex-reversed females (XX) to produce X- and Y-bearing haploids, and all
      X-bearing haploids, respectively. Survival rates of the androgenetic progenies of
      normal males and neomales examined during embryogenesis and at hatching did not
      differ significantly. However, all haploids died within next few days after
      hatching. Cytogenetic analysis of the androgenetic embryos confirmed their
      haploid status. Moreover, apart from the intact paternal chromosomes, residues of
      the irradiated maternal chromosomes observed as chromosome fragments were
      identified in some of the haploids. Provided results suggested that rainbow trout
      X and Y chromosomes despite morphological and genetic differences are at the
      early stage of differentiation and still share genetic information responsible
      for the proper embryonic development. 

PMID- 27125691
TI  - Effect of heat stress on the survival and development of in vitro cultured bovine
      preantral follicles and on in vitro maturation of cumulus-oocyte complex.
AB  - The deleterious effect of heat stress (HS) on competence of oocytes from antral
      follicles is well recognized, but there is a lack of data regarding its impact on
      the viability and growth of preantral follicles. In this study, we used in vitro
      preantral follicle cultures to investigate the effects of HS on the following
      parameters: survival and development of primordial follicles after in vitro
      culture of ovarian fragments (experiment I); growth and antrum formation of
      isolated advanced secondary follicles (experiment II); and maturation rates after
      in vitro maturation (IVM) of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from antral
      follicles (>2-6 mm) grown in vivo (experiment III). Furthermore, the following
      end points were evaluated in all experiments: follicle/oocyte survival, reactive
      oxygen species (ROS), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) production, as well as
      mRNA expression for select genes related to stress (HSP70) and apoptosis (MCL1
      and BAX). In all experiments, HS consisted of exposing the structures (ovarian
      fragments, isolated preantral follicles and COCs) to 41  degrees C for 12 hours
      and then to 38.5  degrees C until the end of the culture (7 days for experiments
      I and II and 24 hours for experiment III). The temperature for the control group
      was held at 38.5  degrees C for the entire culture period. Heat stress increased
      (P < 0.05) the percentage of developing follicles (intermediate, primary, and
      secondary follicles) at 12 hours and increased levels of ROS at all evaluated
      time points (12, 24 hours, and D7), when compared to the control (experiment I).
      Heat stress did not affect (P > 0.05) any identified end points when preantral
      follicles were cultured in their isolated form (experiment II). However, in
      experiment III, HS decreased (P < 0.05) both the rates of metaphase II after 24
      hours and E2 production at 12 hours of IVM. Moreover, HS increased (P < 0.0001)
      levels of P4 after IVM and ROS production at every evaluated time point, compared
      with the control (12 and 24 hours). In conclusion, HS caused: (1) early
      activation of primordial follicles; (2) an increase in ROS production by early
      preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue and by COCs; (3) a short-term
      reduction of E2 production by COCs; and (4) an increase in P4 secretion from
      COCs. However, HS did not affect in vitro culture of advanced isolated secondary
      follicles. Experimental evidence indicates that preantral follicles are less
      sensitive to HS than COC. 

PMID- 27125693
TI  - The outcome of the first stages of pregnancy on mares' bloodstream thyroid
      hormones.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare in detail the total and free
      iodothyronines' pattern of mares from the first ovulation of the year over an
      extended period of 12 weeks. A total of 20 mares were used in the study. The
      mares were classified into two groups: mares mated at the ovulation (n = 10) used
      as observational group and mares unmated at the ovulation (n = 10) used as
      control group. Serum total and free triiodothyronine (T3, fT3) and thyroxine (T4,
      fT4) levels were measured in baseline conditions at the first ovulation of year
      and once a week until 12 weeks later. For the experimental group, the first week
      of postovulation mating was considered as the first week of gestation. One-way
      analysis of variance showed a significant effect of time over 12 weeks for T3 (F
      = 2.44; P = 0.007) in pregnant mares, with the higher levels at the seventh and
      12th weeks (P < 0.05) than baseline values, and for fT3 (F = 2.36; P = 0.009),
      with the higher levels at the 11th week (P < 0.05) than baseline values. Two-way
      analysis of variance showed a significant pregnancy effect compared with
      nonpregnancy stage for T3 (F = 15.82; P = 0.009), with the higher levels at the
      seventh and 12th weeks (P < 0.05) of pregnancy than that in nonpregnant values.
      Thus, it appears that, under similar environment, management and nutritional
      regime, the first trimester of pregnancy plays a dynamic role on the thyroid
      patterns by their anabolic activity; therefore, significant effects of time
      points on the T3 and fT3 concentrations probably may contribute to the control of
      early embryonic growth and development, before the onset of fetal thyroid
      activity. Considerable additional research, outwith the aim of this study, will
      be required to elucidate the mechanisms by which gestational age affects the
      physiological thyroid function in mares and/or fetus ratio in the first pregnancy
      stage. 

PMID- 27125694
TI  - Elevated serum amyloid A levels in cases of aborted equine fetuses due to fetal
      and placental infections.
AB  - Determination of fetal serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations in aborted fetuses
      can provide valuable information regarding the infectious and/or inflammatory
      process of abortion in horses. To investigate the relationship between fetal SAA
      levels and the infectious/inflammatory disease process in feto-placental tissues,
      a SAA ELISA was used to test heart serum samples of 89 equine fetuses that were
      necropsied and diagnosed in the following groups: a multiorgan disease process
      diagnosed with an identified microorganism (14 cases, group 1); only placentitis
      diagnosed with an identified microorganism (nine cases, group 2); only
      placentitis diagnosed with no microorganism identified (six cases, group 3); and
      no infectious or inflammatory disease process diagnosed (60 cases, group 4).
      Serum amyloid A concentrations in equine fetuses were elevated from 10.5 to >=40
      mg/L in 10 of 14 cases in group 1; and from less than 2.5 mg/L to greater than 40
      mg/L in seven of nine cases in group 2. In group 3, SAA concentrations were found
      to be less than 2.5 mg/L in five of six cases. In group 4, SAA concentrations
      were less than 2.5 mg/L in 55 cases, whereas in five cases SAA concentrations
      were elevated. Statistical significant differences were found between the
      concentrations of SAA in fetal horse blood and the presence of infectious and/or
      inflammatory disease process in the feto-placental tissues when a causative
      microorganism was identified. These results suggest that testing SAA
      concentrations in fetal heart blood may aid in further understanding the causes
      of abortions in horses. 

PMID- 27125695
TI  - Reproductive seasonality and sperm cryopreservation in the male tufted deer
      (Elaphodus cephalophus).
AB  - The tufted deer is a small deer, listed as near threatened on the International
      Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, and there is no information on the
      fundamental reproductive biology of this species. In this study, we report for
      the first time, characterization of male reproductive traits and cryopreservation
      of semen in this species. Males were subjected to electroejaculation during each
      season (autumn, winter, spring, and summer), and ejaculates were assessed for
      motility and quality traits. Fecal samples were collected 3 to 5 times weekly for
      2 years and analyzed for androgen metabolites using enzyme immunoassay.
      Ejaculates with greater than 70% motility were cryopreserved using Beltsville
      extender (BF5F) or Triladyl. Straws were thawed and assessed subjectively as well
      as swim-up processed to isolate motile spermatozoa for computer-assisted sperm
      analysis and acrosome integrity at hourly interval. Tufted deer male reproductive
      and semen traits peaked in autumn. Mean fecal androgen concentrations were
      highest in the summer compared with baseline values during rest of the year.
      Sperm motility and acrosome integrity were lower immediately after thawing in
      both cryodiluents compared with raw ejaculates. Motility characteristics after
      swim-up were higher in BF5F compared with Triladyl. Four hours after thawing,
      both percent sperm motility and progression decreased further and were similar
      between BF5F and Triladyl. However, the proportion of spermatozoa with intact
      acrosomal membranes was higher in BF5F than Triladyl. Results indicate that
      tufted deer exhibit seasonal variations in reproductive traits and that BF5F
      better preserves sperm motility and acrosomal integrity after cryopreservation
      compared with Triladyl. 

PMID- 27125697
TI  - Energy balance influences number of ovulations rather than embryo quality in the
      pig.
AB  - The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of feed restriction on
      ovulation rate and in vivo blastocyst development in gilts and sows. In the first
      experiment, gilts were feed restricted (1 vs. 2.5 times maintenance requirement)
      during the luteal and follicular phases before ovulation. In the second
      experiment, primiparous sows were feed restricted (ad lib vs. 60% thereof) during
      the last week of lactation before weaning. Gilts and sows were slaughtered at 5
      days after ovulation to determine ovulation rate and blastocyst development.
      Blastocysts were also differentially stained to determine the effect of feed
      restriction on total, trophectoderm, and inner cell mass cell numbers. In both
      experiments, feed restriction delayed ovulation and reduced the number of
      ovulations in gilts (14.8 +/- 1.3 vs. 12.0 +/- 0.2; P < 0.05) and in sows (19.9
      +/- 1.0 vs. 18.4 +/- 0.7). The number of blastocysts recovered on Day 5 was
      similarly reduced in gilts (12.0 +/- 1.7 vs. 9.1 +/- 1.1; P < 0.10) and in sows
      (15.9 +/- 1.5 vs. 14.7 +/- 1.0). However, feed restriction did not affect total,
      trophectoderm, or inner cell mass cell numbers in gilts or sows. In conclusion,
      the present study reported that energy balance influences ovulation rate and
      blastocyst number rather than blastocyst viability as measured by cell number. 

PMID- 27125696
TI  - Manipulation of reproductive performance of lactating buffaloes using melatonin
      and controlled internal drug release device treatment during out-of-breeding
      season under tropical conditions.
AB  - Twelve lactating Murrah buffalo, divided into control and treatment group of six
      animals each, were used to study the effect of melatonin and controlled internal
      drug release (CIDR) device treatment on the resumption of ovarian activity during
      out-of-breeding season (summer solstice). Treated group implanted with melatonin
      (18-mg melatonin/50-kg body weight) for 45 days and then animals of both groups
      received CIDR for 9 days. All animals received intramuscular 500 IU eCG, at day
      before CIDR removal, and 10-MUg GnRH at day after CIDR withdrawal. All animals
      were subjected to estrus detection daily. Blood samples in conjunction with
      transrectal ultrasonography were performed once a week to determine serum
      concentrations of melatonin, progesterone, and antioxidant enzyme activities, as
      well as to monitor the ovarian activity. Melatonin treatment resulted in an
      increase (P < 0.01) in the overall mean superoxide dismutase activity. Melatonin
      and CIDR increased the diameter of CL (P < 0.01) and plasma progesterone
      concentration (P < 0.05). In addition, melatonin and CIDR exhibited superior
      ability to maintain presence of CL at Day 21 and Day 30 after artificial
      insemination and achieved higher percentage of conception rate than control. In
      conclusion, the CIDR treatment preceded by melatonin improved the reproductive
      performance in lactating buffaloes during out-of-breeding season under tropical
      conditions. 

PMID- 27125698
TI  - Fertility of Holstein heifers after two doses of PGF2alpha in 5-day CO-Synch
      progesterone-based synchronization protocol.
AB  - The objective of the study was to determine the effect of three different
      PGF2alpha (PGF) treatments in the 5-day CO-Synch progesterone-based
      synchronization protocol on artificial insemination (AI) pregnancy rate (PR) in
      Holstein heifers in Turkey and the United States. We hypothesized that two doses
      of PGF administered concurrently or 6 hours apart would result in greater AI
      pregnancy compared with a single dose of PGF on Day 5 at controlled internal drug
      release (CIDR) removal. In Turkey, Holstein heifers (n = 450) from one farm in
      the province of Adana and another farm in the province of Bursa were included. In
      the US, Holstein heifers (n = 483) from two locations in the state of Idaho were
      included. Heifers within locations were randomly allocated to one of three
      protocol groups: 1PGF-received 25 mg IM of dinoprost at CIDR removal; 2Co-PGF
      received 50 mg IM of dinoprost at CIDR removal, and 2PGF-received 25 mg IM of
      dinoprost at CIDR removal and an additional 25 mg IM of dinoprost 6 hours later.
      All heifers received a CIDR (1.38 g of progesterone) and GnRH (10 MUg IM of
      Buserelin [Turkey] or gonadorelin hydrochloride [US]) on Day 0. The CIDRs were
      removed on Day 5, and each heifer was given PGF according to the assigned
      treatments. On Day 7, each heifer was given another dose of GnRH and concurrently
      inseminated at 56 hours after CIDR removal. Heifers in both experiments were
      examined for pregnancy status between 35 and 45 days after AI. Overall,
      controlling for age, the heifers in the 2PGF group had greater AI-PR (61.7%
      [192/311]) than heifers in 2Co-PGF (48.2% [149/309]; P < 0.001) or 1PGF (53.7%
      [168/313]; P < 0.05) groups. No difference was observed between 2Co-PGF and 1PGF
      groups (P > 0.1). In Turkey, the heifers in the 2PGF group had a greater AI-PR
      (60% [90/150]) than 2Co-PGF (45.3% (68/150); P < 0.01] group. No difference was
      observed between 2PGF and 1PGF (55.3% [83/150]) groups (P > 0.1). There was a
      trend for AI pregnancy between 1PGF and 2Co-PGF groups (P = 0.08). In the United
      States, the heifers in the 2PGF group had a greater AI-PR (63.4% [102/161]) than
      the heifers in 2PGF (50.9 [81/159]; P < 0.05) or 1PGF (52.1% [85/163]; P < 0.05)
      groups. Heifers that were 15- and 16-month old achieved greater AI-PR than 17-
      and 18-month-old heifers (59.2 [342/578] vs. 47.0% [168/355]; P < 0.01). In
      conclusion, administration of 2PGF at 6 hours apart on Day 5 at CIDR removal in a
      5-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol resulted in greater AI pregnancy. A greater number
      of 15- and 16-month-old heifers became pregnant compared with 17- and 18-month
      old heifers. 

PMID- 27125699
TI  - Maternal testosterone and reproductive outcome in a rat model of obesity.
AB  - Global sex differences in obesity rates are persistent, suggesting the
      involvement of sex steroids. In addition, adipose tissue is a metabolic site for
      steroidogenesis. Here, we compared female reproductive parameters in a rat model
      of obesity, with the same parameters in its lean control strain, and tested for
      an association with integrated measures of corticosterone and testosterone.
      Steroids were extracted and quantified from 17 Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty
      (OLETF; an animal model for obesity) and 13 Long Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO;
      the lean control strain) hair samples that were collected after weaning
      offspring. The obese OLETF mothers had higher hair testosterone levels than the
      control LETO strain. Overall, testosterone, but not corticosterone, predicted
      litter sex ratios. Younger mothers with large litters and older mothers with
      small litters tended to have the highest sex ratios (i.e., male-biased litters).
      In the lean LETO strain, but not in the obese OLETF, maternal testosterone was
      positively associated with litter size and number of male pups. Corticosterone
      did not differ between the two strains and was not associated with testosterone
      or with reproductive parameters. This study suggests that long-term circulating
      testosterone is associated with female reproduction in multiple ways. The
      possible trade-off between litter size and sex ratio may be mediated by
      testosterone and influenced by body fat and composition, which influence the
      individual's well-being. Exploring the multiple roles of testosterone in females
      may also help explain the complex relationship between obesity and reproduction. 

PMID- 27125700
TI  - Small-Bowel Obstruction Due to Obturator Hernia.

PMID- 27125701
TI  - Gastric Perineurioma.

PMID- 27125702
TI  - Isolated Duodenal Varices Without Cirrhosis.

PMID- 27125703
TI  - A Prolapsing Pile Revealing Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PMID- 27125704
TI  - Giardiasis and Nodular Lymphoid Hyperplasia of the Duodenum.

PMID- 27125705
TI  - Massive Left Pleural Effusion After Endoscopic Variceal Therapy.

PMID- 27125706
TI  - Granulomatous Cheilitis Associated With Crohn's Disease.

PMID- 27125707
TI  - Black Esophagus.

PMID- 27125709
TI  - Continuing Medical Education: April 2016.

PMID- 27125708
TI  - Management of Hemorrhagic Walled-Off Necrosis Using the Multiple Transluminal
      Gateway Technique.

PMID- 27125710
TI  - Continuing Medical Education Questions: April 2016.

PMID- 27125712
TI  - Continuing Medical Education Questions: April 2016.

PMID- 27125711
TI  - Continuing Medical Education: April 2016.

PMID- 27125713
TI  - Clinical Impact of Elevated Serum Triglycerides in Acute Pancreatitis: Validation
      from the Nationwide Epidemiological Survey in Japan.

PMID- 27125714
TI  - Association Between Diverticulosis and Colonic Neoplasia: A Meta-Analysis.

PMID- 27125715
TI  - Safety and Efficacy of Live Measles Vaccine Administered to a Crohn's Disease
      Patient Receiving Vedolizumab.

PMID- 27125716
TI  - Pitfalls of Treating Alcoholic Hepatitis: Recognizing Hemolytic Anemia in Zieve's
      Syndrome.

PMID- 27125717
TI  - Mesalamine Does Not Help Prevent Recurrent Acute Colonic Diverticulitis: Meta
      Analysis of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials.

PMID- 27125718
TI  - Triamcinolone Injection and Shielding with Polyglycolic Acid Sheets and Fibrin
      Glue for Postoperative Stricture Prevention after Esophageal Endoscopic
      Resection: A Pilot Study.

PMID- 27125720
TI  - Corrigendum: Long-Term Outcome of Endoscopic Resection vs. Surgery for Early
      Gastric Cancer: A Non-Inferiority-Matched Cohort Study.

PMID- 27125721
TI  - Corrigendum: Status of Competency-Based Medical Education in Endoscopy Training:
      A Nationwide Survey of US ACGME-Accredited Gastroenterology Training Programs.

PMID- 27125722
TI  - Thermal stability of a free nanotube from single-layer black phosphorus.
AB  - Similar to a carbon nanotube fabricated from a graphene sheet, a black phosphorus
      nanotube (BPNT) can also be theoretically produced by curling rectangular single
      layer black phosphorus (SLBP). In the present study, the effect of the thermal
      vibration of atoms on the failure of a BPNT is investigated using molecular
      dynamics simulations. Two types of double-shell BPNTs obtained by curling the
      SLBP along its armchair/pucker and zigzag directions respectively are involved in
      simulation. At finite temperature, a bond on the outer shell of the tube is under
      tension due to both the curvature of the tube and the serious thermal vibration
      of the atoms. As the length of a bond with such elongation approaches its
      critical value, i.e. 0.279 nm, or the smallest distance between two nonbonding
      phosphorus atoms is over 0.389 nm caused by a great variation of the bond angle,
      the tube fails quickly. The critical stable states of either an armchair or a
      zigzag BPNT at finite temperature are calculated and compared. To achieve a
      stable BPNT with high robustness, the tube should have a higher radius or should
      work at a lower temperature. Only when the BPNT has structural stability does it
      have the potential application as a nanowire in a future nano electro-mechanical
      system. 

PMID- 27125723
TI  - Influence of V54M mutation in giant muscle protein titin: a computational
      screening and molecular dynamics approach.
AB  - Recent genetic studies have revealed the impact of mutations in associated genes
      for cardiac sarcomere components leading to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The
      cardiac sarcomere is composed of thick and thin filaments and a giant muscle
      protein known as titin or connectin. Titin interacts with T-cap/telethonin in the
      Z-line region and plays a vital role in regulating sarcomere assembly. Initially,
      we screened all the variants associated with giant protein titin and analyzed
      their impact with the aid of pathogenicity and stability prediction methods. V54M
      mutation found in the hydrophobic core region of the protein associated with
      abnormal clinical phenotype leads to DCM was selected for further analysis. To
      address this issue, we mapped the deleterious mutant V54M, modeled the mutant
      protein complex, and deciphered the impact of mutation on binding with its
      partner telethonin in the titin crystal structure of PDB ID: 1YA5 with the aid of
      docking analysis. Furthermore, two run molecular dynamics simulation was
      initiated to understand the mechanistic action of V54M mutation in altering the
      protein structure, dynamics, and stability. According to the results obtained
      from the repeated 50 ns trajectory files, the overall effect of V54M mutation was
      destabilizing and transition of bend to coil in the secondary structure was
      observed. Furthermore, MMPBSA elucidated that V54M found in the Z-line region of
      titin decreases the binding affinity of titin to Z-line proteins T-cap/telethonin
      thereby hindering the protein-protein interaction.

PMID- 27125724
TI  - Two cases of Wolffian tumor with novel magnetic resonance imaging findings
      reflecting characteristic pathology.
AB  - A Wolffian tumor is a rare tumor arising from the remnants of the mesonephric
      duct. Herein, we report two cases. A 61-year-old woman presented with swollen
      left adnexa. On T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a 4.4 cm solid
      pelvic mass showed slightly high signal intensity, with a low-signal-intensity
      rim. Microscopically, cuboidal cells with bland nuclei were arranged in a dense
      tubular form. A 40-year-old woman complained of lower abdominal pain. On T2
      weighted MRI, a 6.0 cm solid mass with a low-signal-intensity rim was found. The
      pathology of the resected tumor was similar to that of case 1. Both cases were
      diagnosed as Wolffian tumor. The rims of the tumors in both cases were composed
      of eosinophilic spindle-shaped cells immunoreactive to alpha-smooth muscle actin
      and desmin, identical to the smooth muscle cells surrounding the mesonephric duct
      remnants. MRI findings reflecting smooth muscle rims might contribute to an
      accurate preoperative diagnosis of this rare tumor. 

PMID- 27125725
TI  - Multidisciplinary team for elucidation of any new mutation and how this approach
      can be useful to individualize any genetic result: the case of BRCA2
      c.631G>A/c.7008-2A>T genotype Response to: Nagy PL, Mansukhani M. The role of
      clinical genomic testing in diagnosis and discovery of pathogenic mutations.
      Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2015;15(9):1101-5.

PMID- 27125726
TI  - Synthesis and Characterization of Dirhenadehydro[12]annulenes.
AB  - The 12-membered-ring metallacycles [mer-Re{=CCH=C(R)C=C-}Cl(PMe2 Ph)3 )]2 (R=CMe3
      , 1-adamantyl), which are organometallic analogues of antiaromatic
      octadehydro[12]annulene, are prepared by heating the methyl carbyne complexes mer
      Re{=CCH=C(R)C=CH}(CH3 )Cl(PMe2 Ph)3 . An intermolecular sigma-bond metathesis
      between the Re-CH3 bond and the acetylenic C-H bond is proposed for their
      formation.

PMID- 27125727
TI  - Transitioning from acute to primary health care nursing: an integrative review of
      the literature.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This paper seeks to explore the transition experiences of
      acute care nurses entering employment in primary health care settings.
      BACKGROUND: Internationally the provision of care in primary health care settings
      is increasing. Nurses are moving from acute care settings to meet the growing
      demand for a primary health care workforce. While there is significant research
      relating to new graduate transition experiences, little is known about the
      transition experience from acute care into primary health care employment.
      DESIGN: An integrative review, guided by Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) approach,
      was undertaken. Following a systematic literature search eight studies met the
      inclusion criteria. METHODS: Papers which met the study criteria were identified
      and assessed against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Papers were then
      subjected to methodological quality appraisal. Thematic analysis was undertaken
      to identify key themes within the data. RESULTS: Eight papers met the selection
      criteria. All described nurses transitioning to either community or home nursing
      settings. Three themes were identified: (1) a conceptual understanding of
      transition, (2) role losses and gains and (3) barriers and enablers. CONCLUSION:
      There is a lack of research specifically exploring the transitioning of acute
      care nurses to primary health care settings. To better understand this process,
      and to support the growth of the primary health care workforce there is an urgent
      need for further well-designed research. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: There is
      an increasing demand for the employment of nurses in primary health care
      settings. To recruit experienced nurses it is logical that many nurses will
      transition into primary health care from employment in the acute sector. To
      optimise retention and enhance the transition experience of these nurses it is
      important to understand the transition experience.

PMID- 27125729
TI  - A variant allele of the Mediterranean-fever gene increases the severity of gout.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gout is a clinical syndrome that occurs as an inflammatory response
      to increased concentration of uric acid and monosodium urate crystals. Familial
      Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disease with autosomal
      recessive inheritance. The Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene is responsible for FMF
      and encodes pyrin that suppresses the inflammatory response. Most of the FMF
      related mutations have been identified in exon 2 (e.g., E148Q and R202Q) and exon
      10 (M680I, M694V, M694I and V726A) of the MEFV gene, and each missense mutation
      is known to increase production of interleukin-1, a proinflammatory cytokine. Our
      aim was to investigate effects of MEFV variant alleles on the manifestations of
      gout. METHODS: Seventy-one patients diagnosed with gout (age: 61.73 +/- 11.73
      years, F/M: 14/57) and 50 healthy subjects (age: 61.48 +/- 11.97, F/M: 10/40) as
      controls were included in this study. RESULTS: MEFV variant alleles were found in
      24 (33.8%) of the gout patients and in 13 (26%) of the control subjects; the
      difference was not statistically significant. In the gout patients with a MEFV
      variant allele, the interval between the first two attacks was shorter (P =
      0.014), and the platelet count was higher (P = 0.026), compared to the patients
      without a variant allele. In addition, the patients with a MEFV variant allele
      showed the higher incidence of tophus (8.5% vs. 1.4%) (P = 0.005) and the higher
      number of attacks per year (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: We propose that a variant
      allele of the MEFV gene may be responsible for the severity of gout.

PMID- 27125730
TI  - Poor adherence to staging guidelines for children with malignant ovarian tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Historically, surgical staging practices for pediatric malignant ovarian
      tumors mirrored adult guidelines. In 2004, the Children's Oncology Group (COG)
      developed guidelines specific to pediatric patients with ovarian germ cell
      tumors. We sought to characterize the operative management of pediatric ovarian
      lesions and adherence to COG surgical staging guidelines. METHODS: We conducted a
      single institution, retrospective study of pediatric patients who underwent
      surgical intervention for ovarian lesions between 1995 and 2012. The primary
      outcome was adherence to COG staging guidelines. RESULTS: Among 502 patients, 44
      (8.8%) had malignant ovarian tumors. Two patients (2/44, 4.5%) underwent correct
      surgical staging. Therefore, 95.5% (42/44) underwent incorrect surgical staging
      by omitting recommended maneuvers (surgical understaging) or performing
      clinically unnecessary surgical staging steps (surgical overstaging). Of the 42
      patients with incorrect surgical staging, 85.7% (36/42) were surgically
      overstaged and 76.2% (32/42) were surgically understaged. In the entire cohort,
      12 (27.3%) patients had complete staging procedures, including 10 surgically
      overstaged patients (10/12, 83.3%). Staging practices were not significantly
      different before and after the release of the 2004 COG guidelines. CONCLUSION:
      Incorrect surgical staging of pediatric ovarian malignancies is commonplace.
      These data stress the need for greater education among all surgeons caring for
      children with malignant ovarian tumors.

PMID- 27125731
TI  - Heart failure patients' future expectations and their association with disease
      severity, quality of life, depressive symptoms and clinical outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although treatment of heart failure (HF) patients has improved,
      prognosis still remains poor. Current HF Guidelines recommend communication about
      prognosis with all patients. Little is known about HF patients' awareness of
      their shortened life expectancy. AIM: To explore HF patients' future expectations
      and to examine whether these expectations are associated with disease severity,
      quality of life, depressive symptoms and clinical outcomes. METHOD: Patients
      randomised to the intervention groups of the COACH study, who were at the end of
      HF hospitalisation, were asked about their future expectations. Patients were
      divided into three groups: patients expecting improvement/stabilisation, patients
      expecting deterioration and those not knowing what to expect. Depressive symptoms
      were measured by CES-D and quality of life with the Ladder of Life and RAND-36.
      RESULTS: Six hundred and seventy eight patients (age 70 +/- 12; 41% female
      patients; LVEF 33% +/- 15) participated in the study. Most patients (56%, N =
      380) expected improvement or stabilisation, 8% (N = 55) expected deterioration
      and 21% (N = 144) did not know what to expect for the future. Patients who
      expected to deteriorate were significantly older, experienced a lower quality of
      life and more depressive symptoms compared with patients in the other two groups.
      They also had a higher mortality rate, both after 18 and 36 months, and had more
      HF admissions. No association with severity of the disease (NYHA-class, LVEF, BNP
      levels) was found. CONCLUSION: Many hospitalised HF patients are not aware of
      their poor prognosis. Depressive symptoms, poor quality of life, increased
      mortality and rehospitalisation were related to expected deterioration.
      Improvement of communication about prognosis with HF patients is needed in the
      future.

PMID- 27125732
TI  - Livedo racemosa and hemolytic uremic syndrome induced by gemcitabine.

PMID- 27125728
TI  - Polynucleotide kinase-phosphatase (PNKP) mutations and neurologic disease.
AB  - A variety of human neurologic diseases are caused by inherited defects in DNA
      repair. In many cases, these syndromes almost exclusively impact the nervous
      system, underscoring the critical requirement for genome stability in this
      tissue. A striking example of this is defective enzymatic activity of
      polynucleotide kinase-phosphatase (PNKP), leading to microcephaly or
      neurodegeneration. Notably, the broad neural impact of mutations in PNKP can
      result in markedly different disease entities, even when the inherited mutation
      is the same. For example microcephaly with seizures (MCSZ) results from various
      hypomorphic PNKP mutations, as does ataxia with oculomotor apraxia 4 (AOA4).
      Thus, other contributing factors influence the neural phenotype when PNKP is
      disabled. Here we consider the role for PNKP in maintaining brain function and
      how perturbation in its activity can account for the varied pathology of
      neurodegeneration or microcephaly present in MCSZ and AOA4 respectively.

PMID- 27125733
TI  - Liver-Specific Deletion of Integrin-Linked Kinase in Mice Attenuates
      Hepatotoxicity and Improves Liver Regeneration After Acetaminophen Overdose.
AB  - Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the major cause of acute liver failure in the
      US. Prompt liver regeneration is critical for recovery after APAP hepatotoxicity,
      but mechanisms remain elusive. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-mediated signaling via
      integrin-linked kinase (ILK) regulates liver regeneration after surgical
      resection. However, the role of ECM signaling via ILK in APAP toxicity and
      compensatory regeneration is unknown, which was investigated in this study using
      liver-specific ILK knockout (KO) mice. ILK KO and wild-type (WT) mice were
      treated with 300 mg/kg APAP, and injury and regeneration were studied at 6 and 24
      h after APAP treatment. ILK KO mice developed lower liver injury after APAP
      overdose, which was associated with decreased JNK activation (a key mediator of
      APAP toxicity). Further, higher glutathione levels after APAP treatment and lower
      APAP protein adducts levels, along with lower levels of CYP2E1, suggest decreased
      metabolic activation of APAP in ILK KO mice. Interestingly, despite lower injury,
      ILK KO mice had rapid and higher liver regeneration after APAP overdose
      accompanied with increased beta-catenin signaling. In conclusion, liver-specific
      deletion of ILK improved regeneration, attenuated toxicity after APAP overdose,
      and decreased metabolic activation of APAP. Our study also indicates that ILK
      mediated ECM signaling plays a role in the regulation of CYP2E1 and may affect
      toxicity of several centrilobular hepatotoxicants including APAP.

PMID- 27125734
TI  - Coarse-grained modeling of RNA 3D structure.
AB  - Functional RNA molecules depend on three-dimensional (3D) structures to carry out
      their tasks within the cell. Understanding how these molecules interact to carry
      out their biological roles requires a detailed knowledge of RNA 3D structure and
      dynamics as well as thermodynamics, which strongly governs the folding of RNA and
      RNA-RNA interactions as well as a host of other interactions within the cellular
      environment. Experimental determination of these properties is difficult, and
      various computational methods have been developed to model the folding of RNA 3D
      structures and their interactions with other molecules. However, computational
      methods also have their limitations, especially when the biological effects
      demand computation of the dynamics beyond a few hundred nanoseconds. For the
      researcher confronted with such challenges, a more amenable approach is to resort
      to coarse-grained modeling to reduce the number of data points and computational
      demand to a more tractable size, while sacrificing as little critical information
      as possible. This review presents an introduction to the topic of coarse-grained
      modeling of RNA 3D structures and dynamics, covering both high- and low
      resolution strategies. We discuss how physics-based approaches compare with
      knowledge based methods that rely on databases of information. In the course of
      this review, we discuss important aspects in the reasoning process behind
      building different models and the goals and pitfalls that can result.

PMID- 27125736
TI  - Klotho-Related Protein KLrP: Structure and Functions.
AB  - Klotho (KL) family proteins share one or two glycoside hydrolase (GH) motifs
      homologous to GH family 1. However, the biological significance of GH motifs in
      KL family proteins remains elusive. We describe here that KL-related protein
      (KLrP), which is composed of a single GH motif, is a cytosolic beta
      glucocerebrosidase (GCase, EC 3.2.1.145). We detected a neutral conduritol B
      epoxide (CBE)-insensitive glucosylceramide (GlcCer)-degrading activity in the
      cytosol fractions of human fibroblasts, rat brains, and zebrafish embryos. KL
      family proteins emerged as a potent candidate for the neutral GCase using a
      bioinformatics approach. Recombinant human KLrP, but not alpha-KL, beta-KL, or
      KLPH, exhibited GCase activity with a neutral pH optimum in the presence of CBE.
      We solved the crystal structures of KLrP and a KLrP mutant (E165Q) in complex
      with glucose, which indicate that KLrP forms a (beta/alpha)8TIM barrel structure
      with the double-displacement mechanism of the retaining beta-glycosidase.
      Furthermore, knockdown of endogenous KLrP in CHOP cells using small interfering
      RNA (siRNA) decreased the CBE-insensitive neutral GCase activity and increased
      the cellular levels of GlcCer, which suggests that KLrP is involved in a novel
      GlcCer catabolism pathway. A KLrP D106N mutant was discovered in patients with
      severe Gaucher disease; however, this mutation did not affect the GCase activity
      of KLrP.

PMID- 27125735
TI  - The RNA 3D Motif Atlas: Computational methods for extraction, organization and
      evaluation of RNA motifs.
AB  - RNA 3D motifs occupy places in structured RNA molecules that correspond to the
      hairpin, internal and multi-helix junction "loops" of their secondary structure
      representations. As many as 40% of the nucleotides of an RNA molecule can belong
      to these structural elements, which are distinct from the regular double helical
      regions formed by contiguous AU, GC, and GU Watson-Crick basepairs. With the
      large number of atomic- or near atomic-resolution 3D structures appearing in a
      steady stream in the PDB/NDB structure databases, the automated identification,
      extraction, comparison, clustering and visualization of these structural elements
      presents an opportunity to enhance RNA science. Three broad applications are: (1)
      identification of modular, autonomous structural units for RNA nanotechnology,
      nanobiology and synthetic biology applications; (2) bioinformatic analysis to
      improve RNA 3D structure prediction from sequence; and (3) creation of searchable
      databases for exploring the binding specificities, structural flexibility, and
      dynamics of these RNA elements. In this contribution, we review methods developed
      for computational extraction of hairpin and internal loop motifs from a non
      redundant set of high-quality RNA 3D structures. We provide a statistical summary
      of the extracted hairpin and internal loop motifs in the most recent version of
      the RNA 3D Motif Atlas. We also explore the reliability and accuracy of the
      extraction process by examining its performance in clustering recurrent motifs
      from homologous ribosomal RNA (rRNA) structures. We conclude with a summary of
      remaining challenges, especially with regard to extraction of multi-helix
      junction motifs.

PMID- 27125737
TI  - The FGF21 Receptor Signaling Complex: Klothobeta, FGFR1c, and Other Regulatory
      Interactions.
AB  - Scientific evidence is quickly growing that establishes FGF21 as a cytokine that
      signals both locally and systemically to induce metabolic effects. The focus of
      this chapter is the receptor/co-receptor signaling complex formed by endocrine
      FGF21. We provide an introduction to the major components of the complex
      including the Klotho family of co-receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptors
      (FGFRs), and the fibroblast growth factor ligands, placing each in the context of
      its own family members while emphasizing structural features that drive
      interaction. We subsequently focus specifically on FGF21 signaling through FGFR1c
      and KLB, describing what is known about each protein's structure and how this
      drives protein interaction and formation of the signaling complex at the plasma
      membrane. We subsequently explore the stoichiometry of FGFR1c and KLB at the
      plasma membrane before and after the addition of FGF21 ligand, comparing how
      unique features of the interaction could potentially affect signaling intensity.
      Finally, we discuss how formation of the signaling complex is potentially
      regulated by other regulatory interactions, including galectins, the
      extracellular matrix, and co-expression of FGFR5.

PMID- 27125739
TI  - Klotho and the Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Axis: Novel Insights
      into Complex Interactions.
AB  - The growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 axis is pivotal for
      many metabolic functions, including proper development and growth of bones,
      skeletal muscles, and adipose tissue. Defects in the axis' activity during
      childhood result in growth abnormalities, while increased secretion of GH from
      the pituitary results in acromegaly. In order to keep narrow physiologic
      concentration, GH and IGF-1 secretion and activity are tightly regulated by
      hypothalamic, pituitary, endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors. Klotho was
      first discovered as an aging-suppressor gene. Mice that do not express klotho die
      prematurely with multiple symptoms of aging, several of them are also
      characteristic of decreased GH/IGF-1 axis activity. Klotho is highly expressed in
      the brain, the kidney, and parathyroid and pituitary glands, but can also serve
      as a circulating hormone by its shedding, forming soluble klotho that can be
      detected in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. Several lines of evidence
      suggest an association between klotho levels and activity of the GH/IGF-1 axis:
      the GH-secreting cells in the anterior pituitary of klotho-deficient mice are
      hypotrophic; klotho levels are altered in subjects with pathologies of the GH/IGF
      1 axis; and accumulating data indicate that klotho is a direct regulator of GH
      secretion. Thus, klotho seems to be a new player in the intricate regulation of
      the GH/IGF-1 axis.

PMID- 27125738
TI  - Klotho-Dependent Cellular Transport Regulation.
AB  - Klotho is a transmembrane protein that in humans is encoded by the hKL gene. This
      protein is known to have aging suppressor effects and is predominantly expressed
      in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, parathyroid glands, and choroid
      plexus of the brain. The Klotho protein exists in both full-length membrane form
      and a soluble secreted form, which exerts numerous distinct functions. The
      extracellular domain of Klotho can be enzymatically cleaved off and released into
      the systemic circulation where it functions as beta-glucuronidase and a hormone.
      Soluble Klotho is a multifunction protein present in the biological fluids
      including blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid of mammals. Klotho deficiency
      leads to multiple organ failure accompanied by early appearance of multiple age
      related disorders and early death, whereas overexpression of Klotho results in
      the opposite effects. Klotho, an enzyme and hormone, has been reported to
      participate in the regulation of cellular transport processes across the plasma
      membrane either indirectly through inhibiting calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D3) formation
      or other mechanism, or by directly affecting transporter proteins, including ion
      channels, cellular carriers, and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. Accordingly, Klotho protein
      serves as a powerful regulator of cellular transport across the plasma membrane.
      Importantly, Klotho-dependent cellular transport regulation implies stimulatory
      or inhibitory effects. Klotho has been shown to play a key role in the regulation
      of multiple calcium and potassium ion channels, and various cellular carriers
      including the Na(+)-coupled cotransporters such as NaPi-IIa, NaPi-IIb, EAAT3, and
      EAAT4, CreaT1 as well as Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. These regulations are parts of the
      antiaging function of Klotho, which will be discussing throughout this chapter.
      Clearly, further experimental efforts are required to investigate the effect of
      Klotho on other transport proteins and underlying molecular mechanisms by which
      Klotho exerts its effect.

PMID- 27125740
TI  - Klotho Prevents Translocation of NFkappaB.
AB  - Klotho protein is a beta-glucuronidase capable of hydrolyzing steroid beta
      glucuronides. Two molecules are produced by the Klotho gene, a membrane bound
      form and a circulating form. This protein is recognized as an antiaging gene with
      pleiotropic functions. The activation of cellular systems is associated with the
      pathogenesis of several chronic and degenerative diseases associated with an
      inflammatory state. Inflammation is characterized by an activation of NFkappaB.
      Klotho suppresses nuclear factor NFkappaB activation and the subsequent
      transcription of proinflammatory genes. This review focuses on the current
      understanding of Klotho protein function and its relationship with NFkappaB
      regulation, emphasizing its potential involvement in the pathophysiologic
      process.

PMID- 27125741
TI  - The FGF23/KLOTHO Regulatory Network and Its Roles in Human Disorders.
AB  - The functions of Klotho (KL) are multifaceted and include the regulation of aging
      and mineral metabolism. It was originally identified as the gene responsible for
      premature aging-like symptoms in mice and was subsequently shown to function as a
      coreceptor in the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 signaling pathway. The
      discovery of KL as a partner for FGF23 led to significant advances in
      understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying phosphate and vitamin D
      metabolism, and simultaneously clarified the pathogenic roles of the FGF23
      signaling pathway in human diseases. These novel insights led to the development
      of new strategies to combat disorders associated with the dysregulated metabolism
      of phosphate and vitamin D, and clinical trials on the blockade of FGF23
      signaling in X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets are ongoing. Molecular and
      functional insights on KL and FGF23 have been discussed in this review and were
      extended to how dysregulation of the FGF23/KL axis causes human disorders
      associated with abnormal mineral metabolism.

PMID- 27125743
TI  - The Role of Alpha-Klotho as a Universal Tumor Suppressor.
AB  - The klotho gene is implicated in many physiological activities, among them aging,
      glucose metabolism, and phosphate and calcium metabolism. Many cellular
      activities of klotho were implicated in promoting these activities. Two of them,
      inhibition of the insulin-like growth factor-1 pathway and of the Wnt signaling
      pathway, are also major pathways associated with cancer development and
      progression. These discoveries prompted a surge of research aiming to elucidate
      the role of klotho in cancer. Studies show that klotho is universally silenced in
      a wide array of malignancies, including breast, pancreatic, ovarian, lung,
      colorectal, and melanoma, and that klotho's expression can serve as an invaluable
      prognostic marker. Epigenetic mechanisms, ie, promoter hypermethylation and
      histone deacetylation, are mainly associated with klotho's silencing; however,
      different micro-RNAs were also demonstrated to be involved in the process. The
      activity of klotho on cancer cells growth was also widely investigated, and
      accumulating data suggest that klotho forced expression or treatment with the
      soluble protein can inhibit cancer development and progression. Moreover, studies
      now aim to reveal the specific region in klotho protein that underlies this
      anticancer activity in order to develop efficient and safe klotho-based
      medications.

PMID- 27125742
TI  - MicroRNA-34a and Impaired FGF19/21 Signaling in Obesity.
AB  - The obesity epidemic and the urgent need for effective and safe drugs to treat
      obesity-related diseases have greatly increased research interest in the
      metabolic hormones, fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF19, FGF15 in mice), and
      FGF21. FGF19 and FGF21 function as endocrine hormones that play key roles in
      energy metabolism and counteract obesity. Importantly, in obese humans and lab
      animals, circulating FGF19 and FGF21 levels are elevated, and metabolic actions
      of these hormones are impaired but the underlying mechanisms remained unknown.
      Recent microRNA (miR) studies have revealed that aberrantly elevated miR-34a in
      obesity directly targets beta-Klotho, the obligate coreceptor for both FGF19 and
      FGF21, and attenuates metabolic signaling of these hormones. In this review, we
      will discuss recent findings in the miR and FGF19/21 fields, emphasizing the
      novel function of obesity-associated miR-34a in attenuation of FGF19/21 metabolic
      actions, and further discuss miRs, including miR-34a, as potential drug targets
      for obesity-related diseases.

PMID- 27125744
TI  - Klotho Is a Neuroprotective and Cognition-Enhancing Protein.
AB  - In this chapter, we will describe what has been learned about Klotho and its
      potential functions in the brain. Klotho is localized in the choroid plexus and,
      to a lesser extent, in hippocampal neurons. Cognitive decline is a common issue
      in human aging affecting over 50% of the population. This cognitive decline can
      also be seen in animal models such as the Rhesus monkey. A long-term study
      undertaken by our lab demonstrated that normal brain aging in rhesus monkeys and
      other animal models is associated with a significant downregulation of Klotho
      expression. This observation substantiates data from other laboratories that have
      reported that loss of Klotho accelerates the development of aging-like
      phenotypes, including cognitive deficits, whereas Klotho overexpression extends
      life span and enhances cognition in mice and humans. Klotho is a type 1
      transmembrane pleiotropic protein predominantly expressed in kidney and brain and
      shed by ADAM 10 and 17 into the blood and cerebral spinal fluid, respectively.
      While the renal functions of Klotho are well known, its roles in the brain remain
      to be fully elucidated. We recently demonstrated that Klotho protects hippocampal
      neurons from amyloid and glutamate toxicity via the activation of an antioxidant
      enzymatic system suggesting Klotho is a neuroprotective protein. Furthermore,
      Klotho is necessary for oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin integrity. Through
      its diverse roles in the brain, Klotho has become a new therapeutic target for
      neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and demyelinating diseases
      like multiple sclerosis. Discovery of small molecule Klotho enhancers may lead to
      novel treatments for these incurable disorders.

PMID- 27125745
TI  - Function and Change with Aging of alpha-Klotho in the Kidney.
AB  - The alpha-Klotho mouse is an animal model that prematurely shows phenotypes
      resembling human aging, such as osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, pulmonary
      emphysema, and kidney damage. Interestingly, these abnormalities are triggered by
      a deficiency of a single protein, alpha-Klotho. The kidney is an organ that
      highly expresses alpha-Klotho, suggesting that alpha-Klotho is important for
      kidney function. Recent studies suggest that alpha-Klotho is associated with
      phosphate, vitamin D, and calcium homeostasis. The calcium imbalance in alpha
      Klotho mice may induce calpain overactivation, leading to cell death and tissue
      destruction. alpha-Klotho is predicted to have glycosidase activity, capable of
      modifying the N-glycans of channels and transporters and regulating transmembrane
      movement of several ions, including calcium. Interestingly, N-glycan changes are
      observed in the kidney of alpha-Klotho mice and normal aged mice in association
      with decreased alpha-Klotho levels. These results imply that glycobiology and
      alpha-Klotho function are interesting targets for future studies.

PMID- 27125748
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27125747
TI  - Deficiency of Soluble alpha-Klotho as an Independent Cause of Uremic
      Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of mortality for patients with
      chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cardiac hypertrophy, occurring in up to 95%
      patients with CKD (also known as uremic cardiomyopathy), increases their risk for
      cardiovascular death. Many CKD-specific risk factors of uremic cardiomyopathy
      have been recognized, such as secondary hyperparathyroidism, indoxyl sulfate
      (IS)/p-cresyl, and vitamin D deficiency. However, several randomized controlled
      trials have recently shown that these risk factors have little impact on the
      mortality of CVD. Klotho is a type 1 membrane protein predominantly produced in
      the kidney, and CKD is known to be a Klotho-deficient state. Because of its
      important role in FGF23 and phosphate metabolism, Klotho is believed to affect
      cardiac growth and function indirectly through FGF23 and phosphate. Recent
      studies showed that soluble Klotho protects the heart against stress-induced
      cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting TRPC6 channel-mediated abnormal Ca(2+)
      signaling in the heart, and the decreased level of circulating soluble Klotho in
      CKD is an important cause of uremic cardiomyopathy independent of FGF23 and
      phosphate. These new evidence suggested that Klotho is an independent
      contributing factor for uremic cardiomyopathy and a possible new target for
      treatment of this disease.

PMID- 27125750
TI  - Isolation of bacterial strains able to metabolize lignin and lignin-related
      compounds.
AB  - In this study, we identified five strains isolated from soil and sediments able
      to degrade kraft lignin, aromatic dyes and lignin derivatives. Using 16S rRNA
      gene sequencing, the isolates were identified as Serratia sp. JHT01, Serratia
      liquefacien PT01, Pseudomonas chlororaphis PT02, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
      PT03 and Mesorhizobium sp. PT04. All the isolates showed significant growth on
      lignin with no water-extractable compounds. Synthetic aromatic dyes were used to
      assess the presence of oxidative enzymes. All the isolates were able to use the
      thiazine dye Methylene blue and the anthraquinone dye Remazol Brilliant Blue R as
      the sole carbon source. Guaiacol, veratryl alcohol and biphenyl were also
      mineralized by all the strains isolated. These results suggest they could be used
      for the treatment of aromatic pollutants and for the degradation of the
      lignocellulosic biomass. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The valorization
      of waste lignin and lignocellulosic biomass by biocatalysis opens up new
      possibilities for the production of value-added substituted aromatics, biofuel
      and for the treatment of aromatic pollutants. Bacteria with ligninolytic
      potential could be a source of novel enzymes for controlled lignin
      depolymerization. In this work, five soil bacteria were isolated and studied.
      Every isolate showed significant growth on lignin and was able to degrade several
      lignin monomers and ligninolytic indicator dyes. They could thus be a source of
      novel ligninolytic enzymes as well as candidates for a bacterial consortium for
      the delignification of lignocellulosic biomass.

PMID- 27125749
TI  - Polysaccharide-capped silver Nanoparticles inhibit biofilm formation and
      eliminate multi-drug-resistant bacteria by disrupting bacterial cytoskeleton with
      reduced cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells.
AB  - Development of effective anti-microbial therapeutics has been hindered by the
      emergence of bacterial strains with multi-drug resistance and biofilm formation
      capabilities. In this article, we report an efficient green synthesis of silver
      nanoparticle (AgNP) by in situ reduction and capping with a semi-synthetic
      polysaccharide-based biopolymer (carboxymethyl tamarind polysaccharide). The CMT
      capped AgNPs were characterized by UV, DLS, FE-SEM, EDX and HR-TEM. These AgNPs
      have average particle size of ~20-40 nm, and show long time stability, indicated
      by their unchanged SPR and Zeta-potential values. These AgNPs inhibit growth and
      biofilm formation of both Gram positive (B. subtilis) and Gram negative (E. coli
      and Salmonella typhimurium) bacterial strains even at concentrations much lower
      than the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints of antibiotics, but
      show reduced or no cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. These AgNPs alter
      expression and positioning of bacterial cytoskeletal proteins FtsZ and FtsA. CMT
      capped AgNPs can effectively block growth of several clinical isolates and MDR
      strains representing different genera and resistant towards multiple antibiotics
      belonging to different classes. We propose that the CMT-capped AgNPs can have
      potential bio-medical application against multi-drug-resistant microbes with
      minimal cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells.

PMID- 27125751
TI  - Patterns of Biologics Use Across Treatment Lines in Elderly (Age >65) Medicare
      Patients With Metastatic Colon Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We explored biologics receipt in metastatic colon cancer. METHODS: We
      used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data of 4,545 elderly
      patients diagnosed with incident metastatic colon cancer from 2003 to 2009,
      treated with chemotherapy and/or biologics, and followed up through 2010.
      RESULTS: A total of 2,504 (55%) patients received a biologics-containing regimen.
      Treatment with biologics fluctuated between 46% and 63% of first-line regimens
      and 67% and 73% of second-line regimens. Bevacizumab accounted for 95% of first
      line and 68% of second-line biologics use. Cetuximab accounted for 33% of second
      line and 48% of third-line use. Panitumumab accounted for 5% of second-line and
      27% of third-line use. The adjusted odds of biologics receipt decreased rapidly
      with age, resulting in a threefold difference between the youngest and the oldest
      study participants in the sample (odds ratio [OR] 0.35, p < .01). African
      Americans (OR 0.77, p = .03) and patients with Charlson Comorbidity Index of 1
      (OR 0.83, p = .02) or >1 (OR 0.75, p < .01) were considerably less likely to
      receive biologics therapy. Medicare state buy-in was associated with 2% lower
      odds of receiving biologics (OR 0.98, p = .04). CONCLUSION: After controlling for
      sociodemographic and clinical differences, age, race, comorbidities, and low
      income had a statistically significantly negative effect on the likelihood of
      receiving biologics among treated patients. Use of biologics varied over time,
      across the treatment continuum, and by chemotherapy regimen. Bevacizumab was most
      frequently used in both first- and second-line treatment. Cetuximab was the
      second most prescribed biologic. Panitumumab use was mostly limited to third-line
      treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is well-known that patients in the "real
      world" receive cancer treatments that do not reflect the strict treatment
      protocols of clinical trials. This is particularly true for complex and elderly
      patients with metastatic disease, who are frequently underrepresented in clinical
      trials. Although this article does not provide any additional evidence about the
      effectiveness of one treatment regimen or treatment sequence over another, it
      enhances our understanding of oncology practice outside of the clinical trial
      setting and provides useful information for future health services and health
      economics research in metastatic colon cancer.

PMID- 27125752
TI  - Systemic Therapy for Invasive Bladder Cancer: The Value Proposition.

PMID- 27125746
TI  - alphaKlotho and Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - Alpha-Klotho (alphaKlotho) protein is encoded by the gene, Klotho, and functions
      as a coreceptor for endocrine fibroblast growth factor-23. The extracellular
      domain of alphaKlotho is cleaved by secretases and released into the circulation
      where it is called soluble alphaKlotho. Soluble alphaKlotho in the circulation
      starts to decline in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 2 and urinary alphaKlotho
      in even earlier CKD stage 1. Therefore soluble alphaKlotho is an early and
      sensitive marker of decline in kidney function. Preclinical data from numerous
      animal experiments support alphaKlotho deficiency as a pathogenic factor for CKD
      progression and extrarenal CKD complications including cardiac and vascular
      disease, hyperparathyroidism, and disturbed mineral metabolism. alphaKlotho
      deficiency induces cell senescence and renders cells susceptible to apoptosis
      induced by a variety of cellular insults including oxidative stress. alphaKlotho
      deficiency also leads to defective autophagy and angiogenesis and promotes
      fibrosis in the kidney and heart. Most importantly, prevention of alphaKlotho
      decline, upregulation of endogenous alphaKlotho production, or direct
      supplementation of soluble alphaKlotho are all associated with attenuation of
      renal fibrosis, retardation of CKD progression, improvement of mineral
      metabolism, amelioration of cardiac function and morphometry, and alleviation of
      vascular calcification in CKD. Therefore in rodents, alphaKlotho is not only a
      diagnostic and prognostic marker for CKD but the enhancement of endogenous or
      supplement of exogenous alphaKlotho are promising therapeutic strategies to
      prevent, retard, and decrease the comorbidity burden of CKD.

PMID- 27125753
TI  - Early Recurrence After Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases: What Optimal
      Definition and What Predictive Factors?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal definition and
      elucidate the predictive factors of early recurrence after surgery for colorectal
      liver metastases (CRLM). METHODS: Among 987 patients who underwent curative
      surgery for CRLM from 1990 to 2012, 846 with a minimum follow-up period of 24
      months were eligible for this study. The minimum p value approach of survival
      after initial recurrence was used to determine the optimal cutoff for the
      definition of early recurrence. The predictive factors of early recurrence and
      prognostic factors of survival were analyzed. RESULTS: For 667 patients (79%) who
      developed recurrence, the optimal cutoff point of early recurrence was determined
      to be 8 months after surgery. The impact of early recurrence on survival was
      demonstrated mainly in patients who received preoperative chemotherapy. Among the
      691 patients who received preoperative chemotherapy, recurrence was observed in
      562 (81%), and survival in patients with early recurrence was significantly worse
      than in those with late recurrence (5-year survival 18.5% vs. 53.4%, p < .0001).
      Multivariate logistic analysis identified age <=57 years (p = .0022), >1
      chemotherapy line (p = .03), disease progression during last-line chemotherapy (p
      = .024), >3 tumors (p = .0014), and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 >60 U/mL (p =
      .0003) as independent predictors of early recurrence. Salvage surgery for
      recurrence significantly improved survival, even in patients with early
      recurrence. CONCLUSION: The optimal cutoff point of early recurrence was
      determined to be 8 months. The preoperative prediction of early recurrence is
      possible and crucial for designing effective perioperative chemotherapy regimens.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: In this study, the optimal cutoff point of early
      recurrence was determined to be 8 months after surgery based on the minimum p
      value approach, and its prognostic impact was demonstrated mainly in patients who
      received preoperative chemotherapy. Five factors, including age, number of
      preoperative chemotherapy lines, response to last-line chemotherapy, number of
      tumors, and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 concentrations, were identified as
      predictors of early recurrence. Salvage surgery for recurrence significantly
      improved survival, even in patients with early recurrence. For better selection
      of patients who could truly benefit from surgery and should also receive strong
      postoperative chemotherapy, the accurate preoperative prediction of early
      recurrence is crucial.

PMID- 27125754
TI  - A Validated Risk Score for Venous Thromboembolism Is Predictive of Cancer
      Progression and Mortality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retrospective studies have suggested an association between cancer
      associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) and patient survival. We evaluated a
      previously validated VTE Clinical Risk Score in also predicting early mortality
      and cancer progression. METHODS: A large, nationwide, prospective cohort study of
      adults with solid tumors or lymphoma initiating chemotherapy was conducted from
      2002 to 2006 at 115 U.S. practice sites. Survival and cancer progression were
      estimated by the method of Kaplan and Meier. Multivariate analysis was based on
      Cox regression analysis adjusted for major prognostic factors including VTE
      itself. RESULTS: Of 4,405 patients, 134 (3.0%) died and 330 (7.5%) experienced
      disease progression during the first 4 months of therapy (median follow-up 75
      days). Patients deemed high risk (n = 540, 12.3%) by the Clinical Risk Score had
      a 120-day mortality rate of 12.7% (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.00, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.4-6.3), and intermediate-risk patients (n = 2,665,
      60.5%) had a mortality rate of 5.9% (aHR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.4) compared with only
      1.4% for low-risk patients (n = 1,200, 27.2%). At 120 days of follow-up, cancer
      progression occurred in 27.2% of high-risk patients (aHR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.5) and
      16.4% of intermediate-risk patients (aHR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.7) compared with only
      8.5% of low-risk patients (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: The Clinical Risk Score,
      originally developed to predict the occurrence of VTE, is also predictive of
      early mortality and cancer progression during the first four cycles of outpatient
      chemotherapy, independent from other major prognostic factors including VTE
      itself. Ongoing and future studies will help determine the impact of VTE
      prophylaxis on survival. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The risk of venous
      thromboembolism (VTE) is increased in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. In
      this article, the authors demonstrate that a popular risk score for VTE in
      patients with cancer is also associated with the risk of early mortality in this
      setting. It is important that clinicians evaluate the risk of VTE in patients
      receiving cancer treatment and discuss the risk and associated symptoms of VTE
      with patients. Individuals at increased risk should be advised that VTE is a
      medical emergency and should be urgently diagnosed and appropriately treated to
      reduce the risk of serious and life-threatening complications.

PMID- 27125755
TI  - Cellulose and hemicellulose decomposition by forest soil bacteria proceeds by the
      action of structurally variable enzymatic systems.
AB  - Evidence shows that bacteria contribute actively to the decomposition of
      cellulose and hemicellulose in forest soil; however, their role in this process
      is still unclear. Here we performed the screening and identification of bacteria
      showing potential cellulolytic activity from litter and organic soil of a
      temperate oak forest. The genomes of three cellulolytic isolates previously
      described as abundant in this ecosystem were sequenced and their proteomes were
      characterized during the growth on plant biomass and on microcrystalline
      cellulose. Pedobacter and Mucilaginibacter showed complex enzymatic systems
      containing highly diverse carbohydrate-active enzymes for the degradation of
      cellulose and hemicellulose, which were functionally redundant for
      endoglucanases, beta-glucosidases, endoxylanases, beta-xylosidases, mannosidases
      and carbohydrate-binding modules. Luteibacter did not express any glycosyl
      hydrolases traditionally recognized as cellulases. Instead, cellulose
      decomposition was likely performed by an expressed GH23 family protein containing
      a cellulose-binding domain. Interestingly, the presence of plant lignocellulose
      as well as crystalline cellulose both trigger the production of a wide set of
      hydrolytic proteins including cellulases, hemicellulases and other glycosyl
      hydrolases. Our findings highlight the extensive and unexplored structural
      diversity of enzymatic systems in cellulolytic soil bacteria and indicate the
      roles of multiple abundant bacterial taxa in the decomposition of cellulose and
      other plant polysaccharides.

PMID- 27125756
TI  - Blood pressure strategies and goals in elderly patients with hypertension.
AB  - The growing number of elderly subjects with hypertension in western countries
      represents a demanding problem to find accurate blood pressure goals with an
      evidence base for such patients. Previously we did not have enough evidence, but
      more recently new evidence has accumulated based on data from the HYVET and the
      SPRINT studies. For most elderly hypertensives a blood pressure goal below
      150/90mmHg still seems reasonable, even if a lower goal could be defended based
      on the recent SPRINT study outcomes. However, the debate on the methodologies for
      blood pressure measurement in SPRINT is still ongoing and this is why we have to
      wait until a new recommendation is available. It should not be forgotten that
      many elderly patients are frail and will therefore not tolerate blood pressure
      lowering similar to other more fit elderly subjects. This is why an
      individualised treatment strategy has to be developed for this age group, not to
      deny the fit elderly the benefits of appropriate blood pressure control, but at
      the same time avoiding harm and adverse effects in the frail elderly patient.

PMID- 27125758
TI  - Relationship between cardiometabolic profile, vitamin D status and BsmI
      polymorphism of the VDR gene in non-institutionalized elderly subjects:
      Cardiometabolic profile, vitamin D status and BsmI polymorphism of the VDR gene
      in non-institutionalized elderly subjects.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the cardiometabolic
      profile, vitamin D status and BsmI polymorphism of the VDR gene in non
      institutionalized elderly subjects. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a
      random and representative sample of 142 elderly subjects selected by cluster and
      recruited from a municipal assistance program. Clinical, nutritional, biochemical
      and inflammatory profiles, oxidative stress and genotyping for the BsmI
      polymorphism were evaluated. Participants had mean age of 69.9 (7.0) years, BMI
      of 28.3 (4.4) kg/m(2) and 80.3% were women. The prevalence of a 25-hydroxyvitamin
      D [25(OH)D] status <75nmol/L was 40.8%. A vitamin D level<75nmol/L was found to
      be associated with gender and fish consumption. The INSUF/DEF group
      [25(OH)D<75nmol/L] showed higher fasting blood glucose MDA values when compared
      to the SUF group [25(OH)D>=75nmol/L]; this relationship was maintained only for
      women in the analysis by sex. The BsmI polymorphism showed allelic frequencies in
      the SUF group of B 49% and b 51% and in the INSUF/DEF group B 38% and b 62%. The
      frequency of bb homozygosity was significantly associated with lower serum total
      cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations compared to Bb, both in the
      general population and in the SUF group. Among individuals with bb, the INSUF/DEF
      group showed higher levels of triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol. Blood glucose
      levels and oxidative stress were increased in elderly subjects with
      25(OH)D<75nmol/L. The presence of the bb genotype with adequate vitamin D status
      resulted in lower total and LDL cholesterol, but the benefit was lost when
      vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency was present.

PMID- 27125757
TI  - Cardiac surgery as a stressor and the response of the vulnerable older adult.
AB  - In an aging population, recovery and restoration of function are critical to
      maintaining independence. Over the past 50years, there have been dramatic
      improvements made in cardiac surgery processes and outcomes that allow for
      procedures to be performed on an increasingly older population with the goal of
      improving function. Although improved function is possible, major surgical
      procedures are associated with substantial stress, which can severely impact
      outcomes. Past literature has identified that frail patients, who are vulnerable
      to the stress of surgery, are more likely to have postoperative major adverse
      cardiac and cerebrovascular events (OR 4.9, 95% confidence interval 1.6, 14.6).
      The objective of this manuscript is to examine preoperative frailty in
      biological, psychological, and social domains using cardiac surgery to induce
      stress. We systematically searched PubMed for keywords including "cardiac
      surgery, frailty, and aged" in addition to the biological, psychological, and
      social keywords. In the biological domain, we examine the association of
      physiological and physical vulnerabilities, as well as, the impact of
      comorbidities and inflammation on negative surgical outcomes. In the
      psychological domain, the impact of cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety
      as vulnerabilities were examined. In the social domain, social structure, coping,
      disparities, and addiction as vulnerabilities are described. Importantly, there
      is substantial overlap in the domains of vulnerability. While frailty research
      has largely focused on discrete physical vulnerability criteria, a broader
      definition of frailty demonstrates that vulnerabilities in biological,
      psychological, and social domains can limit recovery after the stress of cardiac
      surgery. Identification of vulnerability in these domains can allow better
      understanding of the risks of cardiac surgery and tailoring of interventions to
      improve outcomes.

PMID- 27125760
TI  - Mangiferin attenuates DSS colitis in mice: Molecular docking and in vivo
      approach.
AB  - Inflammation, oxidative stress and altered mucosal barrier permeability are
      potential etiopathological or triggering factors for inflammatory bowel disease
      (IBD). In this study, the therapeutic potential of Mangiferin was investigated in
      vivo in mouse model of colitis and also attempts were made to understand
      mechanistic insights of Mangiferin in IBD. In present study, colitis was induced
      by administration of 5% DSS for 11 days, followed by 3 days of DSS free period.
      On day 14, animals were sacrificed and colon tissues were taken for biochemical
      and histological analysis. Therapeutic treatment with Mangiferin after colitis
      induction (i.e. day 5) ameliorated symptoms of colitis (presence of blood in
      stools, body weight loss and diarrhea) as evidenced by reduced DAI score,
      attenuated the levels of catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO). It also decreased
      the colonic pro-inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha),
      interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) levels, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity
      and histopathological score. Molecular docking of Mangiferin against TNF-alpha
      and MMP-9 was evaluated using GLIDE software. Mangiferin demonstrated the glide
      score of -8.04 kcal/mol for TNF-alpha and -9.97 kcal/mol for MMP-9, which
      indicated its binding potential with TNF-alpha and MMP-9. In conclusion,
      Mangiferin reduces colonic damage in a murine model of colitis, alleviates the
      oxidative and inflammatory events partly through directly influencing the
      activity of TNF-alpha and MMP-9 and therefore might have therapeutic usefulness
      in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. 

PMID- 27125759
TI  - Gene-nutrient interaction markedly influences yeast chronological lifespan.
AB  - PURPOSE: Research into the genetic mechanisms of aging has expanded rapidly over
      the past two decades. This has in part been the result of the use of model
      organisms (particularly yeast, worms and flies) and high-throughput technologies,
      combined with a growing interest in aging research. Despite this progress,
      widespread consensus regarding the pathways that are fundamental to the
      modulation of cellular aging and lifespan for all organisms has been limited due
      to discrepancies between different studies. We have compared results from
      published genome-wide, chronological lifespan (CLS) screens of individual gene
      deletion strains in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in order to identify gene deletion
      strains with consistent influences on longevity as possible indicators of
      fundamental aging processes from this single-celled, eukaryotic model organism.
      METHODS: Three previous reports have described genetic modifiers of chronological
      aging in the budding yeast (S. cerevisiae) using the yeast gene deletion strain
      collection. We performed a comparison among the data sets using correlation and
      decile distribution analysis to describe concordance between screens and identify
      strains that consistently increased or decreased CLS. We used gene enrichment
      analysis in an effort to understand the biology underlying genes identified in
      multiple studies. We attempted to replicate the different experimental conditions
      employed by the screens to identify potential sources of variability in CLS worth
      further investigating. RESULTS: Among 3209 strains present in all three screens,
      nine deletions strains were in common in the longest-lived decile (2.80%) and
      thirteen were in common in the shortest-lived decile (4.05%) of all three
      screens. Similarly, pairwise overlap between screens was low. When the same
      comparison was extended to three deciles to include more mutants studied in
      common between the three screens, enrichment of cellular processes based on gene
      ontology analysis in the long-lived strains remained very limited. To test the
      hypothesis that different parental strain auxotrophic requirements or media
      formulations employed by the respective genome-wide screens might contribute to
      the lack of concordance, different CLS assay conditions were assessed in
      combination with strains having different ploidy and auxotrophic requirements
      (all relevant to differences in the way the three genome-wide CLS screens were
      performed). This limited but systematic analysis of CLS with respect to
      auxotrophy, ploidy, and media revealed several instances of gene-nutrient
      interaction. CONCLUSIONS: There is surprisingly little overlap between the
      results of three independently performed genome-wide screens of CLS in S.
      cerevisiae. However, differences in strain genetic background (ploidy and
      specific auxotrophic requirements) were present, as well as different media and
      experimental conditions (e.g., aeration and pooled vs. individual culturing),
      which, along with stochastic effects such as genetic drift or selection of
      secondary mutations that suppress the loss of function from gene deletion, could
      in theory account for some of the lack of consensus between results. Considering
      the lack of overlap in CLS phenotypes among the set of genes reported by all
      three screens, and the results of a CLS experiment that systematically tested
      (incorporating extensive controls) for interactions between variables existing
      between the screens, we propose that discrepancies can be reconciled through
      deeper understanding of the influence of cell intrinsic factors such as
      auxotrophic requirements ploidy status, extrinsic factors such as media
      composition and aeration, as well as interactions that may occur between them,
      for example as a result of different pooling vs. individually aging cultures.
      Such factors may have a more significant impact on CLS outcomes than previously
      realized. Future studies that systematically account for these contextual
      factors, and can thus clarify the interactions between genetic and nutrient
      factors that alter CLS phenotypes, should aid more complete understanding of the
      underlying biology so that genetic principles of CLS in yeast can be extrapolated
      to differential cellular aging observed in animal models.

PMID- 27125762
TI  - OCT-angiography for assessing risk of retinal pigment epithelium tear in patients
      with vascular retinal pigment epithelium detachment due to AMD.

PMID- 27125761
TI  - Oximes in organophosphate poisoning: 60 years of hope and despair.
AB  - The high number of annual fatalities following suicidal poisoning by
      organophosphorus (OP) pesticides and the recent homicidal use of the chemical
      warfare nerve agent sarin against civilian population in Syria underlines the
      continuous threat by these highly toxic agents. The need for an effective
      treatment of OP poisoning resulted in the implementation of a combination therapy
      with the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine and an oxime for the
      reactivation of OP-inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Since the invention of
      the first clinically used oxime pralidoxime (2-PAM) in the 1950s ongoing research
      attempted to identify more effective oximes. In fact, several thousand oximes
      were synthesized in the past six decades. These include charged and non-charged
      compounds, mono- and bispyridinium oximes, asymmetric oximes, oximes with
      different substitutes and more recently non-oxime reactivators. Multiple in vitro
      and in vivo studies investigated the potential of oximes to reactivate OP
      inhibited AChE and to reverse OP-induced cholinergic signs. Depending on the
      experimental model, the investigated species and the tested OP largely variable
      results were obtained by different laboratories. These findings and the
      inconsistent effectiveness of oximes in the treatment of OP-pesticide poisoned
      patients led to a continuous discussion on the value of oximes. In order to
      provide a forward-looking evaluation of the significance of oximes in OP
      poisoning multiple aspects, including intrinsic toxicity, in vitro reactivation
      potency, efficacy and pharmacokinetics, as well as the impact of the causative OP
      have to be considered. The different influencing factors in order to define the
      benefit and limitations of oximes in OP poisoning will be discussed.

PMID- 27125763
TI  - Environmental stress cracking performance of polyether and PDMS-based
      polyurethanes in an in vitro oxidation model.
AB  - Environmental stress cracking (ESC) was replicated in vitro on OptimTM (OPT)
      insulation, a polydimethylsiloxane-based polyurethane utilized clinically in
      cardiac leads, using a Zhao-type oxidation model. OPT performance was compared to
      that of two industry standard polyether urethanes: Pellethane(r) 80A (P80A), and
      Pellethane(r) 55D (P55D). Clinically relevant specimen configurations and strain
      states were utilized: low-voltage cardiac lead segments were held in a U-shape by
      placing them inside of vials. To study whether aging conditions impacted ESC
      formation, half of the samples were subjected to a pretreatment in human plasma
      for 7 days at 37 degrees C; all samples were then aged in oxidative solutions
      containing 0.9% NaCl, 20% H2 O2 , and either 0 or 0.1M CoCl2 , with or without
      glass wool for 72 days at 37 degrees C. Visual and SEM inspection revealed
      significant surface cracking consistent with ESC on all P80A and P55D samples.
      Sixteen of twenty P80A and 10/20 P55D samples also exhibited breaches. Seven of
      20 OPT samples exhibited shallow surface cracking consistent with ESC. ATR-FTIR
      confirmed surface changes consistent with oxidation for all materials. The number
      average molecular weight decreased an average of 31% for OPT, 86% for P80A, and
      56% for P55D samples. OPT outperformed P80A and P55D in this Zhao-type in vitro
      ESC model. An aging solution of 0.9% NaCl, 20% H2 O2 , and 0.1M CoCl2 , with
      glass wool provided the best combination of ESC replication and ease of use. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1544
      1558, 2017.

PMID- 27125764
TI  - CO2 -Breathing Induced Reversible Activation of Mechanophore within Microgels.
AB  - In this work, CO2 -breathing induced reversible activation of mechanophore within
      microgels is reported. The microgels are prepared through soap-free emulsion
      polymerization of CO2 -switchable monomer 2-(diethylamino)ethyl-methacrylate,
      using spiropyran (SP) based mechanophore MA-SP-MA as cross-linker. The microgels
      can be swollen by CO2 aeration. The swelling of microgels activates the SP
      mechanophore into merocyanine, causing distinguished color and fluorescence
      change. Moreover, these transitions are highly reversible, and the initial states
      of microgels can be easily recovered by "washing off" CO2 with N2 . The present
      contribution represents the first example of CO2 -breathing activation of
      mechanophore within microgels. 

PMID- 27125765
TI  - Multifunctional Polymeric Nanosystems for Dual-Targeted Combinatorial
      Chemo/Angiogenesis Therapy of Tumors.
AB  - Combination of antiangiogenesis and chemotherapy holds vast promise for effective
      inhibition of tumor proliferation and invasion. Herein, a multifunctional self
      assembled nanosystem consisting of amphiphilic c(RGDyK)-functionalized low
      molecular-weight heparin-gambogic acid conjugate (cRHG) is developed, using
      c(RGDyK) peptide as alphav beta3 integrin targeting moiety to realize a double
      targeted delivery to both tumor cells and angiogenic vasculature. cRHG with a
      markedly decreased anticoagulant activity can self-assemble into nanosized
      particles (around 150 nm). cRHG nanoparticles effectively inhibit vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-triggered tube-like formation of HUVEC and
      neovascularization of subcutaneous Matrigel plugs. More importantly, the
      targeting ability of cRHG nanoparticles is revealed by their efficient
      internalization by alphav beta3 integrin-positive cells (U87MG and HUVEC) in
      vitro and obvious accumulation of Cy7/cRHG in the tumor site with strong
      fluorescence signals in both cancer cells and neovasculature. Besides, cRHG
      maintains the in vitro cytotoxic activity of gambogic acid, while achieving the
      highest in vivo antitumor activity in U87MG mouse xenograft model and displaying
      better safety profile than free drugs solutions. Mechanistic investigations
      reveal the substantial inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha, VEGF, and
      CD31 expression by cRHG nanoparticles with remarkable down-regulation of VEGFR2
      phosphorylation. These results suggest that cRHG nanoparticles provide a
      versatile nanoplatform for efficacious combinatorial tumor therapy.

PMID- 27125767
TI  - Regulation of JAK/STAT signalling by SOCS in the myocardium.

PMID- 27125766
TI  - Pegylated interferon therapy during early pregnancy for hepatitis B infection:
      does it prevent vertical transmission?
AB  - In general, interferon (IFN) is avoided during pregnancy due to the possibility
      of fetal side effects. We, herein, reported two child-bearing women with chronic
      hepatitis B (HB) infection who used pegylated interferon alfa 2b (PEG IFNalpha
      2b) in first trimester unintentionally. We compared HB contracting rates of
      gestations in which IFN was used and not used. The cases are unique in that they
      could highlight the importance of IFN use in early gestation for preventing
      vertical transmission particularly if combined with antiviral therapy for the
      rest of pregnancy.

PMID- 27125768
TI  - Is there a relationship between obesity and tooth loss and edentulism? A
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - This study conducted a systematic review to assess the bi-directional association
      between tooth loss/edentulism and obesity. Electronic searches were performed in
      four different databases. Observational studies that tested associations between
      tooth loss/edentulism and obesity as either exposures or outcomes were included.
      Additionally, meta-analyses, funnel plots and sensitivity analyses were conducted
      to synthesize the evidence. A total of 549 articles were identified in the
      electronic database search. Out of which, 16 studies were included within the
      meta-analyses: 75% considered tooth loss/edentulism as exposure and obesity as
      outcome, whereas 25% alternatively considered obesity as exposure and tooth
      loss/edentulism as outcome. Pooled estimates showed that obese individuals had
      1.49 (95%CI 1.20-1.86) and 1.25 (95%CI 1.10-1.42) times higher odds of having any
      tooth loss and edentulism, respectively. Alternatively, when tooth loss or
      edentulism were considered as exposures, individuals with any tooth loss had 1.41
      (95%CI 1.11-1.79) times higher odds for obesity, while edentates had even higher
      odds (OR 1.60; 95%CI 1.29-2.00). The results indicate a bi-directional
      association between tooth loss and obesity. Considering that all selected studies
      were of cross-sectional study design limiting inferences on temporality,
      longitudinal prospective studies are required to test the causal relationship
      between tooth loss/edentulism and obesity or vice a versa. (c) 2016 World
      Obesity.

PMID- 27125769
TI  - Proteomics goes forensic: Detection and mapping of blood signatures in
      fingermarks.
AB  - A bottom up in situ proteomic method has been developed enabling the mapping of
      multiple blood signatures on the intact ridges of blood fingermarks by Matrix
      Assisted Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI). This method, at
      a proof of concept stage, builds upon recently published work demonstrating the
      opportunity to profile and identify multiple blood signatures in bloodstains via
      a bottom up proteomic approach. The present protocol addresses the limitation of
      the previously developed profiling method with respect to destructivity;
      destructivity should be avoided for evidence such as blood fingermarks, where the
      ridge detail must be preserved in order to provide the associative link between
      the biometric information and the events of bloodshed. Using a blood mark
      reference model, trypsin concentration and spraying conditions have been
      optimised within the technical constraints of the depositor eventually employed;
      the application of MALDI-MSI and Ion Mobility MS have enabled the detection,
      confirmation and visualisation of blood signatures directly onto the ridge
      pattern. These results are to be considered a first insight into a method
      eventually informing investigations (and judicial debates) of violent crimes in
      which the reliable and non-destructive detection and mapping of blood in
      fingermarks is paramount to reconstruct the events of bloodshed.

PMID- 27125770
TI  - LSD alters eyes-closed functional connectivity within the early visual cortex in
      a retinotopic fashion.
AB  - The question of how spatially organized activity in the visual cortex behaves
      during eyes-closed, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)-induced "psychedelic
      imagery" (e.g., visions of geometric patterns and more complex phenomena) has
      never been empirically addressed, although it has been proposed that under
      psychedelics, with eyes-closed, the brain may function "as if" there is visual
      input when there is none. In this work, resting-state functional connectivity
      (RSFC) data was analyzed from 10 healthy subjects under the influence of LSD and,
      separately, placebo. It was suspected that eyes-closed psychedelic imagery might
      involve transient local retinotopic activation, of the sort typically associated
      with visual stimulation. To test this, it was hypothesized that, under LSD,
      patches of the visual cortex with congruent retinotopic representations would
      show greater RSFC than incongruent patches. Using a retinotopic localizer
      performed during a nondrug baseline condition, nonadjacent patches of V1 and V3
      that represent the vertical or the horizontal meridians of the visual field were
      identified. Subsequently, RSFC between V1 and V3 was measured with respect to
      these a priori identified patches. Consistent with our prior hypothesis, the
      difference between RSFC of patches with congruent retinotopic specificity
      (horizontal-horizontal and vertical-vertical) and those with incongruent
      specificity (horizontal-vertical and vertical-horizontal) increased significantly
      under LSD relative to placebo, suggesting that activity within the visual cortex
      becomes more dependent on its intrinsic retinotopic organization in the drug
      condition. This result may indicate that under LSD, with eyes-closed, the early
      visual system behaves as if it were seeing spatially localized visual inputs. Hum
      Brain Mapp 37:3031-3040, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27125771
TI  - Feasibility of PRIME: A Cognitive Neuroscience-Informed Mobile App Intervention
      to Enhance Motivated Behavior and Improve Quality of Life in Recent Onset
      Schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in treating psychosis, schizophrenia remains a
      chronic and debilitating disorder that affects approximately 1% of the US
      population and costs society more than depression, dementia, and other medical
      illnesses across most of the lifespan. Improving functioning early in the course
      of illness could have significant implications for long-term outcome of
      individuals with schizophrenia. Yet, current gold-standard treatments do not lead
      to clinically meaningful improvements in outcome, partly due to the inherent
      challenges of treating a population with significant cognitive and motivational
      impairments. The rise of technology presents an opportunity to develop novel
      treatments that may circumvent the motivational and cognitive challenges observed
      in schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) to
      evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a Personalized Real
      Time Intervention for Motivation Enhancement (PRIME), a mobile app intervention
      designed to target reward-processing impairments, enhance motivation, and thereby
      improve quality of life in recent onset schizophrenia, and (2) evaluate the
      empirical benefits of using an iterative, user-centered design (UCD) process.
      METHODS: We conducted two design workshops with 15 key stakeholders, followed by
      a series of in-depth interviews in collaboration with IDEO, a design and
      innovation firm. The UCD approach ultimately resulted in the first iteration of
      PRIME, which was evaluated by 10 RO participants. Results from the Stage 1
      participants were then used to guide the next iteration that is currently being
      evaluated in an ongoing RCT. Participants in both phases were encouraged to use
      the app daily with a minimum frequency of 1/week over a 12-week period. RESULTS:
      The UCD process resulted in the following feature set: (1) delivery of text
      message (short message service, SMS)-based motivational coaching from trained
      therapists, (2) individualized goal setting in prognostically important
      psychosocial domains, (3) social networking via direct peer-to-peer messaging,
      and (4) community "moments feed" to capture and reinforce rewarding experiences
      and goal achievements. Users preferred an experience that highlighted several of
      the principles of self-determination theory, including the desire for more
      control of their future (autonomy and competence) and an approach that helps them
      improve existing relationships (relatedness). IDEO, also recommended an approach
      that was casual, friendly, and nonstigmatizing, which is in line with the
      recovery model of psychosis. After 12-weeks of using PRIME, participants used the
      app, on average, every other day, were actively engaged with its various features
      each time they logged in and retention and satisfaction was high (20/20, 100%
      retention, high satisfaction ratings). The iterative design process lead to a 2-
      to 3-fold increase in engagement from Stage 1 to Stage 2 in almost each aspect of
      the platform. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the neuroscience-informed
      mobile app, PRIME, is a feasible and acceptable intervention for young people
      with schizophrenia.

PMID- 27125772
TI  - Overuse of proton pump inhibitors for stress ulcer prophylaxis in Jordan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of inappropriate proton pump inhibitor
      (PPI) prescriptions during hospitalization for stress ulcer prophylaxis on the
      general medical ward in a tertiary Jordanian hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review was executed on 236 patient admissions prescribed any
      PPI in a tertiary Jordanian hospital. For each patient, a detailed range of
      demographic and clinical variables was recorded. Patient's clinical variables
      were clustered into major vs. minor criteria for using PPIs in stress ulcer
      prophylaxis according to the American society of health-system pharmacists'
      (ASHP) therapeutic guidelines on stress ulcer prophylaxis. RESULTS: The 236
      patients (51% females) had a mean age of 52 +/- 18.1 years. Approximately 56% of
      the patients were using PPIs before admission. All our patients started PPI use
      for stress ulcer prophylaxis. Of these, 86% were unnecessary and should be
      avoided since they do not have at least 1 major or 2 minor indications. Previous
      PPI use before admission or the presence of one risk factor for stress ulcer
      motivated initiation of therapy predominately. Recent gastrointestinal (GI)
      ulcer/bleeding (23%) and coagulopathy (8%) were the main major indications. High
      dose corticosteroid (24%) was the most frequent minor indication. CONCLUSIONS:
      The high frequency of inappropriate PPI prescriptions in stress ulcer prophylaxis
      for inpatients is a major issue in Jordan. Following the current recommended
      therapeutic guidelines of stress ulcer prophylaxis could minimize the overuse of
      PPIs in inpatient settings and thus decrease both the possible safety issues of
      PPIs and the economic burden on the health-care system.

PMID- 27125773
TI  - Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) - How much, how often, and when? A clinical
      pharmacological perspective.
AB  - The dose of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) commonly used in the prevention and
      treatment of arteriosclerotic angiopathies is equal to or less than 100 mg daily.
      This choice of dose is predominantly based on molecular-pharmacological findings
      showing an inhibition in synthesis of the prothrombotic thromboxane (TXB2) and an
      irreversible inhibition in blood platelet aggregation. However, an analysis of
      ASA dose-effect relationships for doses of 50 - 500 mg (PO and IV) shows that
      doses of ASA up to 100 mg daily produce only a small or moderate inhibition in
      collagen/epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation and have no significant effect
      on the important platelet factors, PF3 and PF4. Doses of ASA 300 - 500 mg, on the
      other hand, inhibit platelet aggregation almost completely and, in addition,
      produce a 50 - 70% inhibition in PF3 and PF4 lasting at least 24 hours. There is
      also evidence that doses of ASA above 100 mg daily markedly inhibit thromboxane
      synthesis for up to 24 hours and that doses of 500 mg daily produce a clinically
      relevant inhibition in platelet adhesion to vessel walls for up 72 hours and
      prevent procoagulatory shape changes for up to 12 hours. These findings suggest
      that a dose of >= 300 mg at intervals of 2 - 3 days would be more appropriate for
      primary and secondary prophylaxis of arteriosclerotic angiopathies and that the
      benefit-risk ratio would be greater because of the increased availability of
      mucoprotective prostaglandins, PGI2 (prostacyclin) and the gastroprotective,
      PGE2. Our viewpoint, predominantly based on findings with biomarkers, could serve
      as a basis for further randomized controlled studies. 

PMID- 27125774
TI  - Safety and effectiveness of antifungal prophylaxis in preventing fungal infection
      after liver transplantation: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fungal infections are widely recognized as a complication of liver
      transplantation, and their prevention and treatment are a challenge for
      clinicians. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial (RCT)-based meta
      analysis investigating the safety and effectiveness of antifungal prophylaxis in
      preventing fungal infection after liver transplantation. Studies published before
      December 2013 were searched for in several databases. Patients who underwent
      antifungal prophylaxis were included in the treatment group. Studies that met the
      inclusion criteria were included in this meta-analysis. Quality assessment, data
      extraction, and statistical analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 342
      articles was identified, and 7 eligible articles were included in the present
      study. The pooled estimate of the OR for all-cause mortality was 0.82 (95%
      confidence interval (CI): 0.51 - 1.30, p = 0.39). The pooled estimate of the OR
      of fungal infection-related mortality was 0.29 (95% CI: 0.11 - 0.75, p = 0.01),
      which was significantly different between the treatment and control groups. The
      pooled estimate of the OR of defined invasive fungal infection was 0.41 (95% CI:
      0.26 - 0.63, p < 0.001). The OR of adverse events was 1.20 (95% CI: 0.68 - 2.12,
      p = 0.53). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that antifungal prophylaxis
      could effectively reduce the risk of invasive fungal infections in patients who
      underwent liver transplantation. Overall mortality rate was not different with
      prophylaxis, according to current evidence. This needs to be further
      investigated.

PMID- 27125775
TI  - Treatment of depression in patients with cardiovascular diseases by German
      psychiatrists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and the type of antidepressant medication
      prescribed by German psychiatrists to patients with depression and cardiovascular
      diseases (CVD). METHODS: This study was a retrospective database analysis in
      Germany using the Disease Analyzer Database (IMS Health, Germany). The study
      population included 2,288 CVD patients between 40 and 90 years of age from 175
      psychiatric practices. The observation period was between 2004 and 2013. Follow
      up lasted up to 12 months and ended in April 2015. Also included were 2,288 non
      CVD controls matched (1 : 1) to CVD cases on the basis of age, gender, health
      insurance coverage, depression severity, and diagnosing physician. RESULTS: Mean
      age was 68.6 years. 46.2% of patients were men, and 5.9% had private health
      insurance coverage Mild, moderate, or severe depression was present in 18.7%,
      60.7%, and 20.6% of patients, respectively. Most patients had treatment within a
      year, many of them immediately after depression diagnosis. Patients with moderate
      and severe depression were more likely to receive treatment than patients with
      mild depression. There was no difference between CVD and non-CVD in the
      proportion of patients treated. Nonetheless, CVD patients received selective
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors / serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors
      (SSRIs/SNRIs) significantly more frequently. Conversely, patients without CVD
      were more often treated with TCA. CONCLUSION: There was no association between
      CVD and the initiation of depression treatment. Furthermore, CVD patients
      received SSRIs/SNRIs more frequently.

PMID- 27125776
TI  - Fabrication of chiral networks for a tri-substituted anthraquinone derivative
      using molecular self-assembly.
AB  - Chiral structures are recorded, with the adsorption of an achiral anthraquinone
      derivative and co-adsorption of achiral solvent on an achiral surface. Dimer,
      trimer and tetramer aggregations are observed while only the tetramer-dimer
      combination constructs the whole monolayer, and the formation mechanism is
      explained from the thermodynamic and kinetic viewpoints.

PMID- 27125777
TI  - Comparison of in vitro-cultivation of human mesenchymal stroma/stem cells derived
      from bone marrow and umbilical cord.
AB  - Cell-mediated therapy is currently considered as a novel approach for many human
      diseases. Potential uses range from topic applications with the regeneration of
      confined tissue areas to systemic applications. Stem cells including mesenchymal
      stroma/stem cells (MSCs) represent a highly attractive option. Their potential to
      cure or alleviate human diseases is investigated in a number of clinical trials.
      A wide variety of methods has been established in the past years for isolation,
      cultivation and characterization of human MSCs as expansion is presently deemed a
      prerequisite for clinical application with high numbers of cells carrying
      reproducible properties. MSCs have been retrieved from various tissues and used
      in a multitude of settings whereby numerous experimental protocols are available
      for expansion of MSCs in vitro. Accordingly, different isolation, culture and
      upscaling techniques contribute to the heterogeneity of MSC characteristics and
      the, sometimes, controversial results. Therefore, this review discusses and
      summarizes certain experimental conditions for MSC in vitro culture focusing on
      adult bone marrow-derived and neonatal umbilical cord-derived MSCs in order to
      enhance our understanding for MSC tissue sources and to stratify different
      procedures. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27125778
TI  - Base J represses genes at the end of polycistronic gene clusters in Leishmania
      major by promoting RNAP II termination.
AB  - The genomes of kinetoplastids are organized into polycistronic gene clusters that
      are flanked by the modified DNA base J. Previous work has established a role of
      base J in promoting RNA polymerase II termination in Leishmania spp. where the
      loss of J leads to termination defects and transcription into adjacent gene
      clusters. It remains unclear whether these termination defects affect gene
      expression and whether read through transcription is detrimental to cell growth,
      thus explaining the essential nature of J. We now demonstrate that reduction of
      base J at specific sites within polycistronic gene clusters in L. major leads to
      read through transcription and increased expression of downstream genes in the
      cluster. Interestingly, subsequent transcription into the opposing polycistronic
      gene cluster does not lead to downregulation of sense mRNAs. These findings
      indicate a conserved role for J regulating transcription termination and
      expression of genes within polycistronic gene clusters in trypanosomatids. In
      contrast to the expectations often attributed to opposing transcription, the
      essential nature of J in Leishmania spp. is related to its role in gene
      repression rather than preventing transcriptional interference resulting from
      read through and dual strand transcription.

PMID- 27125779
TI  - Modelling variable dropout in randomised controlled trials with longitudinal
      outcomes: application to the MAGNETIC study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical trials with longitudinally measured outcomes are often
      plagued by missing data due to patients withdrawing or dropping out from the
      trial before completing the measurement schedule. The reasons for dropout are
      sometimes clearly known and recorded during the trial, but in many instances
      these reasons are unknown or unclear. Often such reasons for dropout are non
      ignorable. However, the standard methods for analysing longitudinal outcome data
      assume that missingness is non-informative and ignore the reasons for dropout,
      which could result in a biased comparison between the treatment groups. METHODS:
      In this article, as a post hoc analysis, we explore the impact of informative
      dropout due to competing reasons on the evaluation of treatment effect in the
      MAGNETIC trial, the largest randomised placebo-controlled study to date comparing
      the addition of nebulised magnesium sulphate to standard treatment in acute
      severe asthma in children. We jointly model longitudinal outcome and informative
      dropout process to incorporate the information regarding the reasons for dropout
      by treatment group. RESULTS: The effect of nebulised magnesium sulphate compared
      with standard treatment is evaluated more accurately using a joint longitudinal
      competing risk model by taking account of such complexities. The corresponding
      estimates indicate that the rate of dropout due to good prognosis is about twice
      as high in the magnesium group compared with standard treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We
      emphasise the importance of identifying reasons for dropout and undertaking an
      appropriate statistical analysis accounting for such dropout. The joint modelling
      approach accounting for competing reasons for dropout is proposed as a general
      approach for evaluating the sensitivity of conclusions to assumptions regarding
      missing data in clinical trials with longitudinal outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      EudraCT number 2007-006227-12 . Registration date 18 Mar 2008.

PMID- 27125781
TI  - Global diabatic potential energy surfaces and quantum dynamical studies for the
      Li(2p) + H2(X(1)Sigma(+)g) -> LiH(X(1)Sigma(+)) + H reaction.
AB  - The global diabatic potential energy surfaces which are correlated with the
      ground state 1A' and the excited state 2A' of the Li(2p) + H2 reaction are
      presented in this study. The multi-reference configuration interaction method and
      large basis sets (aug-cc-pVQZ for H atom and cc-pwCVQZ for Li atom) were employed
      in the ab initio single-point energy calculations. The diabatic potential
      energies were generated by the diabatization scheme based on transition dipole
      moment operators. The neural network method was utilized to fit the matrix
      elements of the diabatic energy surfaces, and the root mean square errors were
      extremely small (3.69 meV for , 5.34 meV for and 5.06 meV for ). The
      topographical features of the diabatic potential energy surfaces were
      characterized and the surfaces were found to be sufficiently smooth for the
      dynamical calculation. The crossing seam of the conical intersections between the
      and surfaces were pinpointed. Based on this new analytical diabatic potential
      energy surfaces, time-dependent wave packet calculation were conducted to
      investigate the mechanism of the title reaction. At low collision energies, the
      product LiH molecule tends to forward scattering, while at high collision
      energies, the forward and backward scatterings exist simultaneously.

PMID- 27125780
TI  - A novel strategy for protein production using non-classical secretion pathway in
      Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis has been widely used as
      a cell factory for the production of proteins due to its generally regarded as
      safe (GRAS) nature and secretion capability. Of the known secretory pathways in
      B. subtilis, the majority of proteins are exported from the cytoplasm by Sec
      pathway, Tat pathway and ABC transporters, etc. However, the production of
      heterologous proteins by B. subtilis is unfortunately not that straight forward
      because of the bottlenecks in classical secretion pathways. The aim of this work
      is to explore a new method for protein production based on non-classical
      secretion pathway. RESULTS: One D-psicose 3-epimerase (RDPE) which converts D
      fructose into D-psicose from Ruminococcus sp. 5_1_39BFAA was successfully and
      substantially secreted into the extracellular milieu without the direction of
      signal peptide. Subsequently, we demonstrated that RDPE contained no native
      signal peptide, and the secretion of RDPE was not dependent on Sec or Tat pathway
      or due to cell lysis, which indicated that RDPE is a non-classically secreted
      protein. Then, we attempted to evaluate the possibility of using RDPE as a signal
      to export eighteen reporter proteins into the culture medium. Five of eleven
      homologous proteins, two of five heterologous proteins from other bacterium and
      two heterologous proteins of eukaryotic source were successfully secreted into
      the extracellular milieu at different secretion levels when they were fused to
      RDPE mediated by a flexible 21-bp linker to keep a distance between two single
      proteins. Furthermore, the secretion rates of two fusion proteins (RDPE-DnaK and
      RDPE-RFP) reached more than 50 %. In addition, most of the fusion proteins
      retained enzyme or biological activity of their corresponding target proteins,
      and all of the fusions still had the activity of RDPE. CONCLUSIONS: We found and
      identified a heterologous non-classically secreted protein RDPE, and showed that
      RDPE could direct proteins of various types into the culture medium, and thus non
      classical protein secretion pathway can be used as a novel secretion pathway for
      recombinant proteins. This novel strategy for recombinant protein production is
      helpful to make B. subtilis as a more ideal cell factory for protein production.

PMID- 27125782
TI  - Mode engineering for realistic quantum-enhanced interferometry.
AB  - Quantum metrology overcomes standard precision limits by exploiting collective
      quantum superpositions of physical systems used for sensing, with the prominent
      example of non-classical multiphoton states improving interferometric techniques.
      Practical quantum-enhanced interferometry is, however, vulnerable to
      imperfections such as partial distinguishability of interfering photons. Here we
      introduce a method where appropriate design of the modal structure of input
      photons can alleviate deleterious effects caused by another, experimentally
      inaccessible degree of freedom. This result is accompanied by a laboratory
      demonstration that a suitable choice of spatial modes combined with position
      resolved coincidence detection restores entanglement-enhanced precision in the
      full operating range of a realistic two-photon Mach-Zehnder interferometer,
      specifically around a point which otherwise does not even attain the shot-noise
      limit due to the presence of residual distinguishing information in the spectral
      degree of freedom. Our method highlights the potential of engineering multimode
      physical systems in metrologic applications. 

PMID- 27125784
TI  - Royal college told to stop taking money from infant formula milk firms.

PMID- 27125783
TI  - Reversal of the Detrimental Effects of Post-Stroke Social Isolation by Pair
      Housing is Mediated by Activation of BDNF-MAPK/ERK in Aged Mice.
AB  - Social isolation (SI) increases stroke-related mortality and morbidity in
      clinical populations. The detrimental effects of SI have been successfully
      modeled in the laboratory using young animals. Mechanistically, the negative
      effects of SI in young animals are primarily mediated by an enhanced inflammatory
      response to injury and a reduction in neurotrophic factors. However, the response
      to brain injury differs considerably in the aged. Given that SI is more prevalent
      in aged populations, we hypothesized that isolation, even when initiated after
      stroke, would delay recovery in aged mice. We found that aged isolated male mice
      had significantly increased infarct volume, neurological deficits, and serum IL-6
      levels three days after stroke compared to pair housed (PH) mice. Using RT(2)
      Profiler PCR Array and real-time quantitative PCR we found several important
      synaptic plasticity genes were differentially expressed in post-stroke SI mice.
      Furthermore, paired mice showed improved memory and neurobehavioral recovery four
      weeks after injury. Mechanistic and histological studies showed that the
      beneficial effects of pair housing are partially mediated by BDNF via downstream
      MAPK/ERK signaling and restoration of axonal basic myelin protein levels.

PMID- 27125785
TI  - The transcription factor p8 regulates autophagy during diapause embryo formation
      in Artemia parthenogenetica.
AB  - Autophagy is an essential homeostatic process by which cytoplasmic components,
      including macromolecules and organelles, are degraded by lysosome. Increasing
      evidence suggests that phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and
      target of rapamycin (TOR) play key roles in the regulation of autophagy. However,
      the regulation of autophagy in quiescent cells remains unclear, despite the fact
      that autophagy is known to be critical for normal development, regeneration, and
      degenerative diseases. Here, crustacean Artemia parthenogenetica was used as a
      model system because they produced and released encysted embryos that enter a
      state of obligate dormancy in cell quiescence to withstand various environmental
      threats. We observed that autophagy was increased before diapause stage but
      dropped to extremely low level in diapause cysts in Artemia. Western blot
      analyses indicated that the regulation of autophagy was AMPK/TOR independent
      during diapause embryo formation. Importantly, the level of p8 (Ar-p8), a stress
      inducible transcription cofactor, was elevated at the stage just before diapause
      and was absent in encysted embryos, indicating that Ar-p8 may regulate autophagy.
      The results of Ar-p8 knockdown revealed that Ar-p8 regulated autophagy during
      diapause formation in Artemia. Moreover, we observed that activating
      transcription factors 4 and 6 (ATF4 and ATF6) responded to Ar-p8-regulated
      autophagy, indicating that autophagy targeted endoplasmic reticulum (ER) during
      diapause formation in Artemia. Additionally, AMPK/TOR-independent autophagy was
      validated in human gastric cancer MKN45 cells overexpressing Ar-p8. The findings
      presented here may provide insights into the role of p8 in regulating autophagy
      in quiescent cells.

PMID- 27125787
TI  - Reslizumab: First Global Approval.
AB  - Reslizumab (Cinqair((r))) is a humanised monoclonal interleukin-5 (IL-5) antibody
      developed by Teva that has been approved in the USA for patients aged >=18 years
      as add-on maintenance treatment for severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype.
      IL-5 stimulates the production, activation and maturation of eosinophils and is
      therefore thought to play a role in the development of bronchial hyper
      responsiveness. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of
      reslizumab leading to this first approval for add-on maintenance treatment of
      severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype. 

PMID- 27125786
TI  - Response of heat shock protein genes of the oriental fruit moth under diapause
      and thermal stress reveals multiple patterns dependent on the nature of stress
      exposure.
AB  - Heat shock protein gene (Hsp) families are thought to be important in thermal
      adaptation, but their expression patterns under various thermal stresses have
      still been poorly characterized outside of model systems. We have therefore
      characterized Hsp genes and their stress responses in the oriental fruit moth
      (OFM), Grapholita molesta, a widespread global orchard pest, and compared
      patterns of expression in this species to that of other insects. Genes from four
      Hsp families showed variable expression levels among tissues and developmental
      stages. Members of the Hsp40, 70, and 90 families were highly expressed under
      short exposures to heat and cold. Expression of Hsp40, 70, and Hsc70 family
      members increased in OFM undergoing diapause, while Hsp90 was downregulated. We
      found that there was strong sequence conservation of members of large Hsp
      families (Hsp40, Hsp60, Hsp70, Hsc70) across taxa, but this was not always
      matched by conservation of expression patterns. When the large Hsps as well as
      small Hsps from OFM were compared under acute and ramping heat stress, two groups
      of sHsps expression patterns were apparent, depending on whether expression
      increased or decreased immediately after stress exposure. These results highlight
      potential differences in conservation of function as opposed to sequence in this
      gene family and also point to Hsp genes potentially useful as bioindicators of
      diapause and thermal stress in OFM.

PMID- 27125788
TI  - Asplatin enhances drug efficacy by altering the cellular response.
AB  - Aspirin, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug, has been shown to be effective for
      the prevention and remission of cancers (Science, 2012, 337(21) 1471-1473).
      Asplatin, a Pt(iv) prodrug of cisplatin with the ligation of aspirin (c,c,t
      [PtCl2(NH3)2(OH)(aspirin)]), demonstrates significantly higher cytotoxicity than
      cisplatin towards tumor cells and almost fully overcomes the drug resistance of
      cisplatin resistant cells. In this work, we have studied the molecular mechanism
      of asplatin by investigating the cellular response to this compound in order to
      understand the prominent inhibitory effect on the proliferation of cancer cells.
      The apoptosis analyses and the related gene expression measurements show that
      aspirin released from asplatin significantly modulates the cellular response to
      the platinum agent. Asplatin promotes the apoptosis via the BCL-2 associated
      mitochondrial pathway. The down-regulation of BCL-2 along with the up-regulation
      of BAX and BAK enhances the mitochondrial outer membrane permeability, resulting
      in the cytochrome c release from mitochondria into the cytosol. This event
      promotes the apoptosis by activation of caspase processing. Consequently, the
      ligation of aspirin significantly enhances the drug efficacy of the platinum
      complex in the low micromolar range. The alteration of the cellular response is
      probably responsible for the circumvention of the cisplatin resistance by
      asplatin. These results provide an insight into the mechanism of asplatin and
      provide information for designing new classic platinum drugs.

PMID- 27125789
TI  - Ca2 Al2 SiO7 :Ce3+ phosphors for mechanoluminescence dosimetry.
AB  - A series of Ce3+ ion single-doped Ca2 Al2 SiO7 phosphors was synthesized by a
      combustion-assisted method at an initiating temperature of 600  degrees C. The
      samples were annealed at 1100  degrees C for 3 h and their X-ray diffraction
      patterns confirmed a tetragonal structure. The phase structure, particle size,
      surface morphology and elemental analysis were analyzed using X-ray diffraction
      (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
      and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy techniques. Thermoluminescence
      (TL) intensity increased with increase in ultraviolet (UV) light exposure time up
      to 15 min. With further increase in the UV irradiation time the TL intensity
      decreases. The increase in TL intensity indicates that trap concentration
      increased with UV exposure time. A broad peak at 121  degrees C suggested the
      existence of a trapping level. The peak of mechanoluminescence (ML) intensity
      versus time curve increased linearly with increasing impact velocity of the
      moving piston. Mechanoluminescence intensity increased with increase in UV
      irradiation time up to 15 min. Under UV-irradiation excitation, the TL and ML
      emission spectra of Ca2 Al2 SiO7 :Ce3+ phosphor showed the characteristic
      emission of Ce3+ peaking at 400 nm (UV-violet) and originating from the Ce3+
      transitions of 5d-4f (2 F5/2 and 2 F7/2 ). The photoluminescence (PL) emission
      spectra for Ca2 Al2 SiO7 :Ce3+ were similar to the ML/TL emission spectra. The
      mechanism of ML excitation and the suitability of the Ca2 Al2 SiO7 :Ce3+ phosphor
      for radiation dosimetry are discussed. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27125790
TI  - Auto-oxidative hydroxysulfenylation of alkenes.
AB  - One-pot auto-oxidation mediated hydroxysulfenylation of electron-deficient and
      electron-rich olefins with phenthiols was explored. The method illustrates a
      selective and convenient synthesis of complex beta-hydroxysulfides using O2 as
      both the oxidant and the oxygen source under mild transition-metal-free
      conditions. The application of this new methodology to the gram-scale synthesis
      of anti-cancer drug bicalutamide has been accomplished in a two-step sequence
      with 71% overall yield. A plausible radical involved mechanism is proposed. 

PMID- 27125792
TI  - The role of neurosurgery in the treatment of chronic pain.

PMID- 27125793
TI  - Futility and utility.

PMID- 27125794
TI  - Improving quality in prostate cancer.

PMID- 27125795
TI  - Lost in translation: the gap between what we know and what we do about
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27125796
TI  - Tackling smoking, childhood obesity and back pain: it's not for want of trying.

PMID- 27125797
TI  - Forsaking cures for cancer: why are we discarding the tumour biospecimens of most
      patients?

PMID- 27125798
TI  - Surgical management of low back pain.

PMID- 27125799
TI  - Kitesurfing - playing with water or with fire?

PMID- 27125800
TI  - Ladder-related injuries in New South Wales.

PMID- 27125801
TI  - Increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes in Indigenous and non-Indigenous children
      in Western Australia, 1990-2012.

PMID- 27125803
TI  - Socio-demographic and structural barriers to being tested for chlamydia in
      general practice.

PMID- 27125804
TI  - Using opioids in general practice for chronic non-cancer pain: an overview of
      current evidence.
AB  - Chronic non-cancer pain (lasting more than 3 months) is highly prevalent in
      Australia (17% of males and 20% of females) and its optimal management is crucial
      to the health and wellbeing of the community. For 5% of the population, such pain
      interferes markedly with daily function. Part of the treatment for acute non
      cancer pain for many people will include opioid analgesics at least for days to
      weeks. However, as pain becomes chronic, evidence to support ongoing prescription
      of opioids is lacking. There is increasing pressure to ensure that prescribing
      opioid analgesics is minimised to reduce not only the risk of dependence and
      illicit diversion but also the potential harms associated with tolerance, side
      effects and complications. Frameworks for considering opioid prescribing include
      assessing suitability of the patient for opioids; initiating a trial of therapy;
      and monitoring long term use. There is limited evidence of the long term efficacy
      of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain, and documented clinical consequences
      beyond addiction include acceleration of loss of bone mineral density,
      hypogonadism and an association with increased risk of acute myocardial
      infarction. Careful clinical selection of patients can help optimise the evidence
      based use of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain: only treat pain that has been
      as well defined as possible when non-opioid therapies have not been effective;
      consider referral to specialist services for assessment if doses are above 100 mg
      oral morphine equivalent per 24 hours or the duration of therapy is longer than 4
      weeks; limit prescribing to only one practitioner; seek an agreement with the
      patient for the initiation and potential withdrawal of opioids if the therapeutic
      trial is not effective. 

PMID- 27125805
TI  - What is new in the surgical management and prevention of breast cancer?
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in Australian women. As most women
      now survive breast cancer, improving quality-of-life outcomes is increasingly
      important and major changes are occurring in breast surgery to meet this
      challenge. Use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy results in lower mastectomy rates,
      broader surgical options and less surgical morbidity. Oncoplastic breast surgery
      (OBS) facilitates less frequent need for mastectomy, better aesthetic outcomes
      and improved quality of life. Immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) improves
      quality of life and can be considered in a large proportion of women requiring
      mastectomy; however, Australia's rate of IBR is low compared with similar
      countries. Breast cancer risk reduction can be achieved with lifestyle
      modifications and, in women at high risk, chemoprevention with selective
      oestrogen receptor modulators or aromatase inhibitors. Bilateral prophylactic
      mastectomy is an option for BRCA gene mutation carriers or those women otherwise
      established to have a high level of risk. Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy
      (CPM) is increasingly performed at the time of initial breast cancer management,
      largely driven by patient preference. However, CPM does not improve survival and
      has similar rates of complications as therapeutic mastectomy. It should be
      cautiously considered, with full discussion of risks and benefits. Breast
      Surgeons of Australia and New Zealand (BreastSurgANZ) coordinates training of
      most new breast surgeons and is fostering a broader range of multidisciplinary
      oncology, OBS and IBR skills in its members. The BreastSurgANZ Quality Audit
      monitors the quality of care provided by members. Training breast surgeons now
      have access to a Graduate Certificate in Surgery (Breast Surgery) to broaden
      their knowledge base. 

PMID- 27125806
TI  - Acute pain management: scientific evidence, fourth edition, 2015.
AB  - This guideline summary describes the fourth edition of Acute pain management:
      scientific evidence, which was published by the Australian and New Zealand
      College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and its Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPMANZCA) in
      December 2015. The fourth edition summarises the best available evidence on acute
      pain management, following methods established over the preceding three editions.
      It provides additional information by scoring the quality of and reporting
      further details on randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses. The
      information is condensed into key messages that provide: concise statements on
      each topic, showing the highest level of evidence; and clinical practice points
      based on clinical experience or expert opinion. 

PMID- 27125807
TI  - What does "futility" mean? An empirical study of doctors' perceptions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate how doctors define and use the terms "futility" and
      "futile treatment" in end-of-life care. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: A
      qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 96 doctors from a range
      of specialties which treat adults at the end of life. Doctors were recruited from
      three large Brisbane teaching hospitals and were interviewed between May and July
      2013. RESULTS: Doctors' conceptions of futility focused on the quality and
      prospect of patient benefit. Aspects of benefit included physiological effect,
      weighing benefits and burdens, and quantity and quality of life. Quality and
      length of life were linked, but many doctors discussed instances in which benefit
      was determined by quality of life alone. Most described assessing the prospects
      of achieving patient benefit as a subjective exercise. Despite a broad conceptual
      consensus about what futility means, doctors noted variability in how the concept
      was applied in clinical decision making. More than half the doctors also
      identified treatment that is futile but nevertheless justified, such as short
      term treatment that supports the family of a dying person. CONCLUSIONS: There is
      an overwhelming preference for a qualitative approach to assessing futility,
      which inevitably involves variability in clinical decision making. Patient
      benefit is at the heart of doctors' definitions of futility. Determining patient
      benefit requires discussing with patients and their families their values and
      goals as well as the burdens and benefits of further treatment.

PMID- 27125808
TI  - Quality of care achievements of the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry-Victoria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse the performance of the quality of prostate cancer (CaP)
      care over a 5-year period with reference to three quality indicators (QIs)
      reported by the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry-Victoria (PCOR-Vic):QI-1:
      Alignment with the modified Prostate Cancer Research International Active
      Surveillance (PRIAS) protocol guideline;QI-2: Timeliness of CaP care for men with
      high risk and locally advanced disease;QI-3: Positive surgical margins (PSMs) for
      organ-confined pathological T2 disease. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Between
      1 January 2009 and 31 December 2013, 4708 men diagnosed with CaP who met the QI
      1, QI-2 or QI-3 inclusion criteria were recruited from Victorian
      hospitals.Outcome measures and statistical analysis: Trend analysis was conducted
      to monitor performance according to QI-1, QI-2 and QI-3. We used the
      autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to account for any
      inherent autocorrelation in the data when analysing the monthly incidence of each
      indicator. Differences in the annual figures for the indicators across years were
      also analysed by aggregating data by year and applying the ARIMA model. RESULTS
      AND LIMITATIONS: There was a downward trend over the 5 years in the percentage of
      men with low risk disease who underwent active treatment (45% to 34%; P = 0.024),
      an upward trend in the percentage of those with high risk and locally advanced
      disease who received active treatment within 12 months of diagnosis (88% to 93%;
      P = 0.181), and a decline in PSM rate in men with pathological T2 disease after
      radical prostatectomy (21% to 12%; P = 0.036). Limitations of the study include
      the fact that the improvement in the QIs was detected using PCOR-Vic as a single
      population, but there may be institutional variations in quality improvement.
      CONCLUSIONS: Over 2009-2013, the performance of the Victorian health system
      improved according to the three processes of care indicators reported by the PCOR
      Vic.

PMID- 27125809
TI  - Absolute risk of cardiovascular disease events, and blood pressure- and lipid
      lowering therapy in Australia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantify absolute cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and treatment
      in Australian adults. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional representative study
      of 9564 people aged 18 years or more who had participated in the 2011-12
      Australian National Health Measures Survey (response rate for those aged 45-74
      years: 46.5%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prior CVD was ascertained and 5-year
      absolute risk of a primary CVD event calculated (using the Australian National
      Vascular Disease Prevention Alliance algorithm; categories: low [< 10%], moderate
      [10-15%], and high [> 15%] risk) on the basis of data on medical history, risk
      factors and medications, derived from interviews, physical measurements, and
      blood and urine samples. RESULTS: Absolute CVD risk increased with age and was
      higher among men than women. Overall, 19.9% (95% CI, 18.5-21.3%) of Australians
      aged 45-74 years had a high absolute risk of a future CVD event (an estimated 1
      445 000 people): 8.7% (95% CI, 7.8-9.6%) had prior CVD (estimated 634 000 people)
      and 11.2% (95% CI, 10.2-12.2%) had high primary CVD risk (estimated 811 000
      people). A further 8.6% (95% CI, 7.4-9.8%, estimated 625 000) were at moderate
      primary CVD risk. Among those with prior CVD, 44.2% (95% CI, 36.8-51.6%) were
      receiving blood pressure- and lipid-lowering medications, 35.4% (95% CI, 27.8
      43.0%) were receiving only one of these, and 20.4% (95% CI, 13.9-26.9%) were
      receiving neither. Corresponding figures for high primary CVD risk were 24.3%
      (95% CI, 18.3-30.3%); 28.7% (95% CI, 22.7-34.7%); and 47.1% (95% CI, 39.9-54.3%).
      CONCLUSIONS: About one-fifth of the Australian population aged 45-74 years (about
      1.4 million individuals) were estimated to have a high absolute risk of a future
      CVD event. Most (estimated 970 000) were not receiving currently recommended
      combination blood pressure- and lipid-lowering therapy, indicating substantial
      potential for health gains by increasing routine assessment and treatment
      according to absolute CVD risk.

PMID- 27125811
TI  - The shame of things to come.

PMID- 27125812
TI  - Evolutionary constraints over microsatellite abundance in larger mammals as a
      potential mechanism against carcinogenic burden.
AB  - Larger organisms tend to live longer, have more potentially carcinogenic cells,
      and undergo more cell divisions. While one might intuitively expect cancer
      incidence to scale with body size, this assertion does not hold over the range of
      different mammals. Explaining this lack of correlation, so-called 'Peto's
      paradox' can likely increase our understanding of how cancer defense mechanisms
      are shaped by natural selection. Here, we study the occurrence of microsatellite
      in mammal genomes and observe that animals with expanded body size restrain the
      number of microsatellite. To take into account of higher mutation rate in the
      microsatellite region compared to that of genome, limiting the abundance of
      somatic mutations might explain how larger organisms could overcome the burden of
      cancer. These observations may serve as the basis to better understand how
      evolution has modeled protective mechanisms against cancer development.

PMID- 27125813
TI  - Twin pregnancy in a Fontan-palliated patient.
AB  - The Fontan connection, originally described in 1971, is used to provide
      palliation for patients with many forms of CHDs that cannot support a
      biventricular circulation. An increasing number of females who have undergone
      these connections in childhood are now surviving into adulthood and some are
      becoming pregnant. We report a case of a 29-year-old woman who presented with a
      twin pregnancy at 33 weeks of gestation. She had significant deterioration of her
      cardiovascular status before the twin babies were delivered by emergency
      caesarean section owing to associated obstetric complications. This report also
      highlights the various maternal and fetal complications occurring in pregnancy of
      Fontan-palliated patients and suggests the need for meticulous pre-conception
      counselling and strict perinatal care. 

PMID- 27125814
TI  - Western Pine Beetle Populations in Arizona and California Differ in the
      Composition of Their Aggregation Pheromones.
AB  - We compared pheromone production and response for populations of western pine
      beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte, from sites in northern Arizona and
      northern California. Volatiles were collected from individuals of both sexes that
      had mined as a pair in a Pinus ponderosa log for 1 d, and they were subsequently
      analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass-spectrometry. Principal component
      analysis of quantities of Dendroctonus pheromone components indicated strong site
      associated clustering of blend composition for females but not males. Much of the
      clustering in females evidently was due to differences in the production of endo-
      and exo-brevicomin, which occurred in average ratios of 0.1:1 and 19:1 for
      populations in the California and Arizona sites, respectively. In the California
      site, exo- was better than endo-brevicomin in enhancing trap catches of both
      sexes to lures containing the host-tree odor alpha-pinene and the male-produced
      aggregation pheromone component frontalin. In an identical test in the Arizona
      site, endo- was a better adjuvant than exo-brevicomin for male attraction,
      whereas females did not show a significant preference. At neither location were
      the isomers antagonistic to one another in activity. Thus, one aggregation
      pheromone has apparently diverged between these populations, concurrent with
      published evidence that D. brevicomis on either side of the Great Basin are
      genetically distinct and are possibly different species. Furthermore, production
      of and response to the isomers of brevicomin by flying Dendroctonus frontalis
      Zimmermann in the Arizona site were similar to those of sympatric D. brevicomis.
      This interspecific signal overlap is likely sustainable since joint species mass
      attacks may assist both species in overcoming host defenses, thereby increasing
      host availability. 

PMID- 27125815
TI  - The Evaluation of Magnesium Chloride within a Polyethylene Glycol Formulation in
      a Porcine Model of Acute Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - A porcine model of spinal cord injury (SCI) was used to evaluate the
      neuroprotective effects of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) within a polyethylene
      glycol (PEG) formulation, called "AC105" (Acorda Therapeutics Inc., Ardsley, NY).
      Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that AC105 would lead to greater tissue
      sparing at the injury site and improved behavioral outcome when delivered in a
      clinically realistic time window post-injury. Four hours after
      contusion/compression injury, Yucatan minipigs were randomized to receive a 30
      min intravenous infusion of AC105, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), or saline. Animals
      received 4 additional infusions of the same dose at 6-h intervals. Behavioral
      recovery was tested for 12 weeks using two-dimensional (2D) kinematics during
      weight-supported treadmill walking and the Porcine Injury Behavior Scale (PTIBS),
      a 10-point locomotion scale. Spinal cords were evaluated ex vivo by diffusion
      weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subjected to histological analysis.
      Treatment with AC105 or MgSO4 did not result in improvements in locomotor
      recovery on the PTIBS or in 2D kinematics on weight-supported treadmill walking.
      Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) showed severe loss of tissue integrity at the
      impact site, with decreased fractional anisotropy and increased mean diffusivity;
      this was not improved with AC105 or MgSO4 treatment. Histological analysis
      revealed no significant increase in gray or white matter sparing with AC105 or
      MgSO4 treatment. Finally, AC105 did not result in higher Mg2+ levels in CSF than
      with the use of standard MgSO4. In summary, when testing AC105 in a porcine model
      of SCI, we were unable to reproduce the promising therapeutic benefits observed
      previously in less-severe rodent models of SCI.

PMID- 27125816
TI  - Should I Use Lidocaine With Epinephrine in Digital Nerve Blocks?

PMID- 27125817
TI  - Pilot Study of Kano "Attractive Quality" Techniques to Identify Change in
      Emergency Department Patient Experience.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: We describe the use of the Kano Attractive Quality analytic tool
      to improve an identified patient experience gap in perceived compassion by
      emergency department (ED) providers. METHODS: In phase 1, point-of-service
      surveying assessed baseline patient perception of ED provider compassion. Phase 2
      deployed Kano surveys to predict the effect of 4 proposed interventions on
      patient perception. Finally, phase 3 compared patients receiving standard care
      versus the Kano-identified intervention to assess the actual effect on patient
      experience. RESULTS: In phase 1, 193 of 200 surveys (97%) were completed, showing
      a baseline median score of 4 out of 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 3 to 5), with
      top box percentage of 33% for patients' perception of receiving compassionate
      care. In phase 2, 158 of 180 surveys (88%) using Kano-formatted questions were
      completed, and the data predicted that increasing shared decisionmaking would
      cause the greatest improvement in the patient experience. Finally, in phase 3, 45
      of 49 surveys (92%) were returned and demonstrated a significant improvement in
      perceived concern and sensitivity, 5 (IQR 5 to 5) versus 4 (IQR 3 to 5) with a
      difference of 1 (95% CI 0.1-1.9) and a top box rating of 79% versus 35% with a
      difference of 44% (95% CI 12-66) by patients who received dedicated shared
      decisionmaking interventions versus those receiving standard of care. CONCLUSION:
      Kano analysis is likely predictive of change in patient experience. Kano methods
      may prove as useful in changing management of the health care industry as it has
      been in other industries.

PMID- 27125818
TI  - Clinical characteristics associated with the prescribing of SSRI medication in
      adolescents with major unipolar depression.
AB  - Unipolar major depressions (MD) emerge markedly during adolescence. National
      Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) UK recommends psychological
      therapies, with accompanying selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
      prescribed in severe cases only. Here, we seek to determine the extent and
      rationale of SSRI prescribing in adolescent MD before entering a randomised
      clinical trial. SSRI prescribing, together with their clinical characteristics
      was determined in 465 adolescent patients with MD prior to receiving a
      standardised psychological therapy as part of the Improving mood with
      psychoanalytic and cognitive therapies (IMPACT) clinical trial. Overall, 88 (19
      %) had been prescribed antidepressants prior to psychological treatment. The
      clinical correlates varied by gender: respectively, depression severity in boys
      and self-harming behaviours in girls. Prescribing also differed between clinical
      research centres. Medical practitioners consider severity of depression in boys
      as an indicator for antidepressant prescribing. Self-injury in girls appears to
      be utilised as a prescribing aid which is inconsistent with past and current
      revised UK NICE guidelines.

PMID- 27125819
TI  - The role of O2 as an electron acceptor alternative to CO2 in photosynthesis of
      the common marine angiosperm Zostera marina L.
AB  - This study investigates the role of O2 as an electron acceptor alternative to CO2
      in photosynthesis of the common marine angiosperm Zostera marina L. Electron
      transport rates (ETRs) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of Z. marina were
      measured under saturating irradiance in synthetic seawater containing 2.2 mM DIC
      and no DIC with different O2 levels (air-equilibrated levels, 3 % of air
      equilibrium and restored air-equilibrated levels). Lowering O2 did not affect ETR
      when DIC was provided, while it caused a decrease in ETR and an increase in NPQ
      in DIC-free media, indicating that O2 acted as an alternative electron acceptor
      under low DIC. The ETR and NPQ as a function of irradiance were subsequently
      assessed in synthetic seawater containing (1) 2.2 mM DIC, air-equilibrated O2;
      (2) saturating CO2, no O2; and (3) no DIC, air-equilibrated O2. These treatments
      were combined with glycolaldehyde pre-incubation. Glycolaldehyde caused a marked
      decrease in ETR in DIC-free medium, indicating significant electron flow
      supported by photorespiration. Combining glycolaldehyde with O2 depletion
      completely suppressed ETR suggesting the operation of the Mehler reaction, a
      possibility supported by the photosynthesis-dependent superoxide production.
      However, no notable effect of suppressing the Mehler reaction on NPQ was
      observed. It is concluded that during DIC-limiting conditions, such as those
      frequently occurring in the habitats of Z. marina, captured light energy exceeds
      what is utilised for the assimilation of available carbon, and photorespiration
      is a major alternative electron acceptor, while the contribution of the Mehler
      reaction is minor. 

PMID- 27125820
TI  - Expected and preferred retirement age in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the last 10 years the German pension system has undergone
      several reforms including the abandonment of early retirement policies and an
      increase in the statutory retirement age. Consequently, the average retirement
      age has increased and future retiree cohorts have adjusted the retirement
      expectations and preferences as to when they would like to retire. OBJECTIVE:
      This study was carried out to examine discrepancies between the expected and the
      preferred retirement age of older workers in Germany and to investigate how these
      discrepancies differ between groups of older workers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based
      on data from the survey "Employment after retirement", the expected and preferred
      retirement ages of 1500 workers aged 55 years and older were compared. Regression
      analyses were used to investigate the influence of educational level and
      professional position on deviances between the expected and preferred retirement
      ages. RESULTS: On average older workers would like to retire 1.75 years earlier
      than they actually expect to. The deviance is significantly larger for employees
      with a lower professional position, lower income and lower educational level.
      CONCLUSION: The discrepancy between expected and preferred retirement ages, in
      particular for older workers in vulnerable labor market positions, indicates a
      potential social inequality regarding the choice of retirement timing. This must
      be acknowledged when considering further reforms of the German pension system.

PMID- 27125821
TI  - Image quality and variability for routine diagnostic FDG-PET scans in a Japanese
      community hospital: current status and possibility of improvement.
AB  - PURPOSE: In Japan, commercially delivered FDG is manufactured in three batches
      per day at fixed constant activity and distributed in vials. Consequently, the
      amount of activity administered to the patient varies depending on the timing of
      injection. We evaluated a method for adjusting the scan time according to the
      body mass index (BMI) to obtain equivalent image quality for every patient.
      METHODS: We examined a total of 301 routine clinical oncology PET scans using
      commercially delivered FDG. The relation between the injected activity and the
      noise equivalent count per scan length (NECpatient) was evaluated as a marker of
      image quality; its association with BMI was also examined. RESULTS: The injected
      activity and NECpatient exhibited large variations (230.4 +/- 55.8 MBq and 19.9
      +/- 2.9 Mcounts/m). There was a weak correlation between the injected activity
      and NECpatient (r ~ 0.3) for thin patients (BMI < 21 kg/m(2)), but no correlation
      for patients with higher BMIs. However, a significant correlation was found
      between BMI and NECpatient (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In a community hospital
      using commercially delivered FDG, it is possible to reduce the variability of the
      NECpatient and obtain uniform image quality by changing the scan time as a
      function of patient BMI, even with uncontrollable injected activity.

PMID- 27125822
TI  - CORR Insights(r): Do Stemmed Tibial Components in Total Knee Arthroplasty Improve
      Outcomes in Patients With Obesity?

PMID- 27125823
TI  - Will My Tibial Fracture Heal? Predicting Nonunion at the Time of Definitive
      Fixation Based on Commonly Available Variables.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate prediction of tibial nonunions has eluded researchers.
      Reliably predicting tibial nonunions at the time of fixation could change
      management strategies and stimulate further research. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We
      asked (1) whether data from medical records, fracture characteristics, and
      radiographs obtained at the time of fixation would identify features predictive
      of tibial fracture nonunion; and (2) whether this information could be used to
      create a model to assess the chance of nonunion at the time of intramedullary
      (IM) nail fixation of the tibia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all tibial
      shaft fractures treated at our center from 2007 to 2014. We conducted a
      literature review and collected data on 35 factors theorized to contribute to
      delayed bone healing. Patients were followed to fracture healing or surgery for
      nonunion. Patients with planned prophylactic nonunion surgery were excluded
      because their nonunions were anticipated and our focus was on unanticipated
      nonunions. Our cohort consisted of 382 patients treated with IM nails for tibial
      shaft fractures (nonunion, 56; healed, 326). Bivariate and multivariate
      regression techniques and stepwise modeling approaches examined the relationship
      between variables available at definitive fixation. Factors were included in our
      model if they were identified as having a modest to large effect size (odds ratio
      > 2) at the p < 0.05 level. RESULTS: A multiple variable logistic regression
      model was developed, including seven factors (p < 0.05; odds ratio > 2.0). With
      these factors, we created the Nonunion Risk Determination (NURD) score. The NURD
      score assigns 5 points for flaps, 4 points for compartment syndrome, 3 points for
      chronic condition(s), 2 points for open fractures, 1 point for male gender, and 1
      point per grade of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status and
      percent cortical contact. One point each is subtracted for spiral fractures and
      for low-energy injuries, which were found to be predictive of union. A NURD score
      of 0 to 5 had a 2% chance of nonunion; 6 to 8, 22%; 9 to 11, 42%; and > 12, 61%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The proposed nonunion prediction model (NURDS) seems to have
      potential to allow clinicians to better determine which patients have a higher
      risk of nonunion. Future work should be directed at prospectively validating and
      enhancing this model. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

PMID- 27125824
TI  - Cortical grey matter content is associated with both age and bimanual
      performance, but is not observed to mediate age-related behavioural decline.
AB  - Declines in both cortical grey matter and bimanual coordination performance are
      evident in healthy ageing. However, the relationship between ageing, bimanual
      performance, and grey matter loss remains unclear, particularly across the whole
      adult lifespan. Therefore, participants (N = 93, range 20-80 years) performed a
      complex Bimanual Tracking Task, and structural brain images were obtained using
      magnetic resonance imaging. Analyses revealed that age correlated negatively with
      task performance. Voxel-based morphometry analysis revealed that age was
      associated with grey matter declines in task-relevant cortical areas and that
      grey matter in these areas was negatively associated with task performance.
      However, no evidence for a mediating effect of grey matter in age-related
      bimanual performance decline was observed. We propose a new hypothesis that
      functional compensation may account for the observed absence of mediation, which
      is in line with the observed pattern of increased inter-individual variance in
      performance with age.

PMID- 27125825
TI  - The long persistence of pyrrolizidine alkaloid-derived DNA adducts in vivo:
      kinetic study following single and multiple exposures in male ICR mice.
AB  - Pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-containing plants are widespread in the world and the
      most common poisonous plants affecting livestock, wildlife, and humans. Our
      previous studies demonstrated that PA-derived DNA adducts can potentially be a
      common biological biomarker of PA-induced liver tumor formation. In order to
      validate the use of these PA-derived DNA adducts as a biomarker, it is necessary
      to understand the basic kinetics of the PA-derived DNA adducts formed in vivo. In
      this study, we studied the dose-dependent response and kinetics of PA-derived DNA
      adduct formation and removal in male ICR mice orally administered with a single
      dose (40 mg/kg) or multiple doses (10 mg/kg/day) of retrorsine, a representative
      carcinogenic PA. In the single-dose exposure, the PA-derived DNA adducts
      exhibited dose-dependent linearity and persisted for up to 4 weeks. The removal
      of the adducts following a single-dose exposure to retrorsine was biphasic with
      half-lives of 9 h (t 1/2alpha) and 301 h (~12.5 days, t 1/2beta). In the 8-week
      multiple exposure study, a marked accumulation of PA-derived DNA adducts without
      attaining a steady state was observed. The removal of adducts after the multiple
      exposure also demonstrated a biphasic pattern but with much extended half-lives
      of 176 h (~7.33 days, t 1/2alpha) and 1736 h (~72.3 days, t 1/2beta). The
      lifetime of PA-derived DNA adducts was more than 8 weeks following the multiple
      dose treatment. The significant persistence of PA-derived DNA adducts in vivo
      supports their role in serving as a biomarker of PA exposure.

PMID- 27125826
TI  - The Metacaspase (Mca1p) Restricts O-glycosylation During Farnesol-induced
      Apoptosis in Candida albicans.
AB  - Protein glycolysation is an essential posttranslational modification in
      eukaryotic cells. In pathogenic yeasts, it is involved in a large number of
      biological processes, such as protein folding quality control, cell viability and
      host/pathogen relationships. A link between protein glycosylation and apoptosis
      was established by the analysis of the phenotypes of oligosaccharyltransferase
      mutants in budding yeast. However, little is known about the contribution of
      glycosylation modifications to the adaptive response to apoptosis inducers. The
      cysteine protease metacaspase Mca1p plays a key role in the apoptotic response in
      Candida albicans triggered by the quorum sensing molecule farnesol. We subjected
      wild-type and mca1-deletion strains to farnesol stress and then studied the early
      phase of apoptosis release in quantitative glycoproteomics and glycomics
      experiments on cell-free extracts essentially devoid of cell walls. We identified
      and characterized 62 new glycosylated peptides with their glycan composition: 17
      N-glycosylated, 45 O-glycosylated, and 81 additional sites of N-glycosylation.
      They were found to be involved in the control of protein folding, cell wall
      integrity and cell cycle regulation. We showed a general increase in the O
      glycosylation of proteins in the mca1 deletion strain after farnesol challenge.
      We identified 44 new putative protein substrates of the metacaspase in the
      glycoprotein fraction enriched on concanavalin A. Most of these substrates are
      involved in protein folding or protein resolubilization and in mitochondrial
      functions. We show here that key Mca1p substrates, such as Cdc48p or Ssb1p,
      involved in degrading misfolded glycoproteins and in the protein quality control
      system, are themselves differentially glycosylated. We found putative substrates,
      such as Bgl2p (validated by immunoblot), Srb1p or Ugp1p, that are involved in the
      biogenesis of glycans. Our findings highlight a new role of the metacaspase in
      amplifying cell death processes by affecting several critical protein quality
      control systems through the alteration of the protein glycosylation
      machinery.Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD003677.

PMID- 27125827
TI  - Uncovering a Dual Regulatory Role for Caspases During Endoplasmic Reticulum
      Stress-induced Cell Death.
AB  - Many diseases are associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which
      results from an accumulation of misfolded proteins. This triggers an adaptive
      response called the "unfolded protein response" (UPR), and prolonged exposure to
      ER stress leads to cell death. Caspases are reported to play a critical role in
      ER stress-induced cell death but the underlying mechanisms by which they exert
      their effect continue to remain elusive. To understand the role caspases play
      during ER stress, a systems level approach integrating analysis of the
      transcriptome, proteome, and proteolytic substrate profile was employed. This
      quantitative analysis revealed transcriptional profiles for most human genes,
      provided information on protein abundance for 4476 proteins, and identified 445
      caspase substrates. Based on these data sets many caspase substrates were shown
      to be downregulated at the protein level during ER stress suggesting caspase
      activity inhibits their cellular function. Additionally, RNA sequencing revealed
      a role for caspases in regulation of ER stress-induced transcriptional pathways
      and gene set enrichment analysis showed expression of multiple gene targets of
      essential transcription factors to be upregulated during ER stress upon
      inhibition of caspases. Furthermore, these transcription factors were degraded in
      a caspase-dependent manner during ER stress. These results indicate that caspases
      play a dual role in regulating the cellular response to ER stress through both
      post-translational and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Moreover, this
      study provides unique insight into progression of the unfolded protein response
      into cell death, which may help identify therapeutic strategies to treat ER
      stress-related diseases.

PMID- 27125828
TI  - Safety of transesophageal echocardiography during extracorporeal life support.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has significantly
      increased in critically ill patients refractory to medical management. ECLS
      requires systemic anticoagulation to avoid thromboembolic complications and
      superimposed coagulopathies are common. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is
      frequently employed to assess cannula position and cardiac function during
      extracorporeal therapy. The goal of this study was to assess whether TEE probe
      insertion and removal in systemically anticoagulated ECLS patients was safe
      compared to patients without ECLS and normal coagulation studies. METHODS: Eighty
      seven separate TEE examinations in 53 adult ECLS patients were analyzed. Detailed
      complication profiles were logged for each patient from initiation through
      discontinuation of ECLS. Routine coagulation testing was recorded within two
      hours prior to the TEE exams. Controls consisted of age- and gender-matched
      patients undergoing perioperative TEE without ECLS and normal coagulation (N=87).
      RESULTS: Overall TEE-associated morbidity in ECLS patients was 2.3% and consisted
      of minor oropharyngeal bleeding (2/87 TEE exams) exclusively. The patients
      presenting with oropharyngeal bleeding received heparin for anticoagulation and
      had two or more abnormal coagulation studies at the time of TEE. Seventy-nine
      percent of ECLS patients received intravenous heparin infusions, 6.8% argatroban
      and 3.4% epoprostenol. Ten-point-eight percent of patients were not
      anticoagulated at the time of TEE because of pre-existing bleeding complications
      and/or deranged plasmatic coagulation profiles. No major complications (e.g.,
      esophageal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, accidental extubation) were
      recorded in either group. CONCLUSIONS: TEE remained safe in critically ill
      patients under ECLS, despite systemic anticoagulation, during probe insertion,
      manipulation and removal. TEE-related complications pertained solely to
      oropharyngeal bleeding amenable to conservative management.

PMID- 27125829
TI  - Decreased maximum clot firmness in rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM(r)) is
      associated with bleeding during extracorporeal mechanical circulatory support.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to characterize the coagulation disturbances which may
      increase the risk of bleeding, thrombosis or death shortly after implantation of
      an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or ventricular assist (VAD) device.
      METHODS: Antithrombotic treatment was started in 23 VAD and 24 ECMO patients
      according to the hospital protocol. Additionally, conventional laboratory
      testing, rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM(r)) and platelet function analysis
      (Multiplate(r)) were performed at predetermined intervals. RESULTS: Four out of
      twenty-four (16.7%) of ECMO patients and 6/23 (26.1%) of VAD patients had severe
      bleeding after the procedure. When all the patients were analyzed together, low
      maximum clot firmness (MCF) in ExTEM and FibTEM analyses was associated with
      severe bleeding (p<0.05) and low MCF in FibTEM with 30-day mortality. Low
      platelet count and hematocrit levels were also associated with severe bleeding.
      When VAD and ECMO patients were separated into different groups, the association
      between ROTEM(r) parameters, bleeding and survival was found only in limited time
      points.Four patients with VAD had cerebral ischemia indicative of
      thromboembolism. However, this had no significant correlation with ROTEM(r) or
      Multiplate(r) parameters. CONCLUSION: Hypocoagulation shown by ROTEM(r) was
      associated with bleeding complications in patients with mechanical circulatory
      support. In contrast, hypercoagulation did not correlate with clinical
      thrombosis.

PMID- 27125832
TI  - Evaluation of Association Between Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Length and a
      Career in Academic Medicine.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to determine the association between gynecologic
      oncology fellowship training factors, including fellowship length, and a career
      in academic medicine. A survey was sent to all 980 gynecologic oncologists
      identified via the SGO membership directory. The survey questions focused on
      demographics, fellowship training, practice- type, and research involvement.
      Demographics of the study population and survey responses were reported using
      frequencies and percentages. Chi-squared tests were used to test for associations
      between selected survey responses and length of fellowship. The authors received
      410 (42 %) responses. Most respondents (60 %) graduated from a 3-year fellowship,
      while 27 and 13 % attended 2- and 4-year fellowships, respectively. Practice
      descriptions included academic/university (52 %), community/private practice (21
      %), private practice with academic appointment (20 %), and other (7 %). A
      majority (64 %) reported current involvement in research as a principal
      investigator (PI); however, 54 % reported spending 10 % or less of their time in
      research-related activities. Approximately half reported that their fellowship
      research experience contributed to their current practice. Graduates of 3- and 4
      year fellowships had similar rates of employment in academic/university settings
      (58 and 52 %, respectively). Graduates of 4-year fellowships were more likely to
      hold an advanced degree and 11 or more publications at completion of fellowship.
      A majority of graduates of a gynecologic oncology fellowship practice in an
      academic/university setting and are involved in research. Fellowship length does
      not correlate with a current academic medicine appointment. Graduates of 4-year
      fellowships are more likely to hold additional advanced degrees and more
      publications.

PMID- 27125830
TI  - Insulin/IGF and sex hormone axes in human endometrium and associations with
      endometrial cancer risk factors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Experimental and observational data link insulin, insulin-like growth
      factor (IGF), and estrogens to endometrial tumorigenesis. However, there are
      limited data regarding insulin/IGF and sex hormone axes protein and gene
      expression in normal endometrial tissues, and very few studies have examined the
      impact of endometrial cancer risk factors on endometrial tissue biology. METHODS:
      We evaluated endometrial tissues from 77 premenopausal and 30 postmenopausal
      women who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications and had provided
      epidemiological data. Endometrial tissue mRNA and protein levels were measured
      using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS:
      In postmenopausal women, we observed higher levels of phosphorylated IGF
      I/insulin receptor (pIGF1R/pIR) in diabetic versus non-diabetic women (p value
      =0.02), while women who reported regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use
      versus no use had higher levels of insulin and progesterone receptors (both p
      values <=0.03). We also noted differences in pIGF1R/pIR staining with OC use
      (postmenopausal women only), and the proportion of estrogen receptor-positive
      tissues varied by the number of live births and PTEN status (premenopausal only)
      (p values <=0.04). Compared to premenopausal proliferative phase women,
      postmenopausal women exhibited lower mRNA levels of IGF1, but higher IGFBP1 and
      IGFBP3 expression (all p values <=0.004), and higher protein levels of the
      receptors for estrogen, insulin, and IGF-I (all p values <=0.02). Conversely,
      pIGF1R/pIR levels were higher in premenopausal proliferative phase versus
      postmenopausal endometrium (p value =0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight
      links between endometrial cancer risk factors and mechanistic factors that may
      contribute to early events in the multistage process of endometrial
      carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27125831
TI  - A prospective study of oral contraceptive use and colorectal adenomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: The influence of reproductive factors on colorectal cancer, including
      oral contraceptive (OC) use, has been examined, but less research is available on
      OC use and adenomas. METHODS: Participants of the Nurses' Health Study who had a
      lower bowel endoscopy between 1986 (when endoscopies were first assessed) and
      2008 were included in this study. Multivariable logistic regression models for
      clustered data were used to estimate odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals
      [OR (95 % CIs)]. RESULTS: Among 73,058 participants, 51 % (n = 37,382) reported
      ever using OCs. Ever OC use was associated with a slight increase in non-advanced
      adenomas [OR 1.11, 95 % CI (1.02, 1.21)] but not with any other endpoints.
      Duration of OC use was not associated with adenomas, but longer times since last
      OC use were associated with increased odds of adenomas [e.g., compared to never
      use, 15+ years since last use: OR 1.17 (1.07, 1.27)]. Shorter times since last OC
      use were inversely associated [e.g., <=4 years since last use: OR 0.74 (0.65,
      0.84)]. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a modest borderline increase in risk of
      colorectal adenomas with any prior OC use. Additionally, more recent OC use may
      decrease risk, while exposure in the distant past may modestly increase risk of
      adenomas.

PMID- 27125833
TI  - The Role of Attitude Toward Own Aging for Fluid and Crystallized Functioning: 12
      Year Evidence From the ILSE Study.
AB  - Objectives: Aging attitudes have been shown to affect a variety of important
      developmental outcomes in old age, including memory. Extending previous research,
      the present study examined long-term effects of attitudes toward own aging
      (ATOA), relying on a broader range of cognitive abilities in later life. Method:
      Data came from the Interdisciplinary Longitudinal Study of Adult Development and
      Aging (ILSE), with three measurement waves (1993/1994, 1997/1998, and 2005/2006)
      covering a 12-year interval. Drawing on the older of two available birth cohorts
      (1930-1932; n = 500), we analyzed the relationship between ATOA and change in
      fluid versus crystallized abilities based on overall and gender-specific latent
      change score models, while controlling for education and objective health.
      Results: As expected, ATOA predicted change in fluid functioning-but not in
      crystallized performance-over 12 years. Gender-specific analyses revealed a
      stronger association between ATOA and decline in fluid abilities for men, even
      after controlling for health and education. Discussion: This study adds to the
      understanding of long-term implications of aging attitudes for cognitive decline
      trajectories and shows that negative aging attitudes are a risk factor for age
      vulnerable cognitive abilities, particularly among men. Further research is
      needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of observed relationships.

PMID- 27125834
TI  - Examining the Impact of Prior Criminal Justice History on 2-Year Recidivism
      Rates: A Comparison of Drug Court Participants and Program Referrals.
AB  - Drug courts seek to break the cycle of substance use and crime by providing a
      community-based intervention to individuals with criminal justice involvement and
      substance-related issues. This study examined recidivism over a 2-year follow-up
      period as well as factors associated with recidivism for a sample of drug court
      participants (i.e., graduates and terminators) and a non-equivalent comparison
      group (i.e., individuals referred/assessed for the program who did not enter). In
      the 2-year follow-up window, fewer drug court graduates had any convictions
      compared with program terminators and referrals; specifically, fewer drug court
      graduates had drug trafficking convictions compared with program terminators and
      referrals. Fewer graduates were arrested and incarcerated in jail and/or prison
      in the 2-year follow-up; furthermore, graduates had spent less time incarcerated
      compared with program terminators and referrals. Demographics (i.e., age, race,
      marital status) and prior criminal justice system involvement were associated
      with recidivism; however, these factors had differential impacts for the three
      groups (i.e., graduates, terminators, and referrals). Drug court shows promise as
      a community-based intervention that helps keep individuals out of the criminal
      justice system during a 2-year follow-up period.

PMID- 27125835
TI  - 26-week repeated oral dose toxicity study of UP446, a combination of defined
      extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu, in beagle dogs.
AB  - The needs for relatively safe botanical alternatives to relieve symptoms
      associated to arthritis have continued to grow in parallel with the ageing
      population. UP446, a standardized bioflavonoid composition from the roots of
      Scutellaria baicalensis and the heartwoods of Acacia catechu, has been used as
      over the counter joint care dietary supplements and a prescription medical food.
      Significant safety data have been documented in rodents and human for this
      composition. Here we evaluated the potential adverse effects of orally
      administered UP446 in beagle dogs following a 26-week repeated oral dose toxicity
      study. UP446 at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day were administered orally to
      beagle dogs for 26 weeks. A 4-week recovery group from the high dose (1000 mg/kg)
      and vehicle treated groups were included. No morbidity or mortality was observed
      for the duration of the study. No significant differences between groups in body
      weights, food consumption, ophthalmological examinations, electrocardiograms,
      urinalysis, hematology, clinical chemistry, organ weights, gross pathology and
      histopathology were documented. Emesis, loose feces and diarrhea were noted in
      both genders at the 1000 mg/kg treatment groups. These clinical signs were
      considered to be reversible as they were not evident in the recovery period. In
      conclusion, the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of UP446 was considered
      to be 500 mg/kg/day both in male and female beagle dogs. 

PMID- 27125838
TI  - Single-domain antibody based thermally stable electrochemical immunosensor.
AB  - Conventional monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies are sensitive to changes in
      environmental factors such as temperature, pH, humidity, etc. This limits the
      current cost-effective and portable electrochemical immunosensors in harsh
      environments. Using Ricin Chain-A, a naturally occurring toxin, as a model
      analyte we report fabrication of a thermally stable electrochemical immunosensor.
      Single-domain antibodies (sdAb) or nanobodies have been employed as recognition
      elements for direct detection of Ricin at temperatures great than 4 degrees C.
      Immunosensor fabricated using the conventional Ricin monoclonal and polyclonal
      antibodies have also been demonstrated for comparison. In the case of sdAb
      immunosensor, Ricin was detected in a linear range of 1log(fg/mL)-1log(MUg/mL)
      with a sensitivity of 0.07MUA/log(g/mL)/cm(2) using cyclic voltammetry. The
      fabricated miniaturized sensors have demonstrated higher shelf life and stability
      at temperatures up to 40 degrees C. Therefore these electrochemical sensors can
      be integrated as a part of a portable device for point-of-care immunosensing. 

PMID- 27125836
TI  - Technology in Parkinson's disease: Challenges and opportunities.
AB  - The miniaturization, sophistication, proliferation, and accessibility of
      technologies are enabling the capture of more and previously inaccessible
      phenomena in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, more information has not
      translated into a greater understanding of disease complexity to satisfy
      diagnostic and therapeutic needs. Challenges include noncompatible technology
      platforms, the need for wide-scale and long-term deployment of sensor technology
      (among vulnerable elderly patients in particular), and the gap between the "big
      data" acquired with sensitive measurement technologies and their limited clinical
      application. Major opportunities could be realized if new technologies are
      developed as part of open-source and/or open-hardware platforms that enable
      multichannel data capture sensitive to the broad range of motor and nonmotor
      problems that characterize PD and are adaptable into self-adjusting,
      individualized treatment delivery systems. The International Parkinson and
      Movement Disorders Society Task Force on Technology is entrusted to convene
      engineers, clinicians, researchers, and patients to promote the development of
      integrated measurement and closed-loop therapeutic systems with high patient
      adherence that also serve to (1) encourage the adoption of clinico
      pathophysiologic phenotyping and early detection of critical disease milestones,
      (2) enhance the tailoring of symptomatic therapy, (3) improve subgroup targeting
      of patients for future testing of disease-modifying treatments, and (4) identify
      objective biomarkers to improve the longitudinal tracking of impairments in
      clinical care and research. This article summarizes the work carried out by the
      task force toward identifying challenges and opportunities in the development of
      technologies with potential for improving the clinical management and the quality
      of life of individuals with PD. (c) 2016 International Parkinson and Movement
      Disorder Society.

PMID- 27125837
TI  - Interferon lambda polymorphisms associate with body iron indices and hepatic
      expression of interferon-responsive long non-coding RNA in chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within DNA region containing interferon
      lambda 3 (IFNL3) and IFNL4 genes are prognostic factors of treatment response in
      chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Iron overload, frequently diagnosed in CHC, is
      associated with unfavorable disease course and a risk of carcinogenesis. Its
      etiology and relationship with the immune response in CHC are not fully
      explained. Our aim was to determine whether IFNL polymorphisms in CHC patients
      associate with body iron indices, and whether they are linked with hepatic
      expression of genes involved in iron homeostasis and IFN signaling. For 192 CHC
      patients, four SNPs within IFNL3-IFNL4 region (rs12979860, rs368234815,
      rs8099917, rs12980275) were genotyped. In 185 liver biopsies, histopathological
      analyses were performed. Expression of five mRNAs and three long non-coding RNAs
      (lncRNAs) was determined with qRT-PCR in 105 liver samples. Rs12979860 TT or
      rs8099917 GG genotypes as well as markers of serum and hepatocyte iron overload
      associated with higher activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and liver
      steatosis. The presence of two minor alleles in any of the tested SNPs
      predisposed to abnormally high serum iron concentration and correlated with
      higher hepatic expression of lncRNA NRIR. On the other hand, homozygosity in any
      major allele associated with higher viral load. Patients bearing rs12979860 CC
      genotype had lower hepatic expression of hepcidin (HAMP; P = 0.03). HAMP mRNA
      level positively correlated with serum iron indices and degree of hepatocyte iron
      deposits. IFNL polymorphisms influence regulatory pathways of cellular response
      to IFN and affect body iron balance in chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

PMID- 27125839
TI  - An ultrasensitive fluorescence method suitable for quantitative analysis of mung
      bean nuclease and inhibitor screening in vitro and vivo.
AB  - Mung bean nuclease is a single stranded specific DNA and RNA endonuclease
      purified from mung bean sprouts. It yields 5'-phosphate terminated mono- and
      oligonucleotides. The activity level of this nuclease can act as a marker to
      monitor the developmental process of mung bean sprouts. In order to facilitate
      the activity and physiological analysis of this nuclease, we have developed a
      biosensing assay system based on the mung bean nuclease-induced single-stranded
      DNA scission and the affinity difference of graphene oxide for single-stranded
      DNA containing different numbers of bases. This end-point measurement method can
      detect mung bean nuclease in a range of 2*10(-4) to 4*10(-2) with a detection
      limit of 1*10(-4) unit/mL. In addition, we demonstrate the utility of the assay
      for screening chemical antibiotics and metal ions, resulting in the
      identification of several inhibitors of this enzyme in vitro. Furthermore, we
      firstly report that inhibiting mung bean nuclease by gentamycin sulfate and
      kanamycin in vivo can suppress mung bean sprouts growth. In summary, this method
      provides an alternative tool for the biochemical analysis for mung bean nuclease
      and indicates the feasibility of high-throughput screening specific inhibitors of
      this nuclease in vitro and in vivo. 

PMID- 27125840
TI  - Multiplexed lateral flow biosensors: Technological advances for radically
      improving point-of-care diagnoses.
AB  - Lateral flow biosensors are a leading technology in point-of-care diagnostics due
      to their simplicity, rapidness and low cost. Their primacy in this arena
      continues through technological breakthroughs such as multiplexing: the detection
      of more than one biomarker in a single assay. Multiplexing capacity is critical
      for improving diagnostic efficiency, enhancing the diagnostic precision for
      specific diseases and reducing diagnostic cost. Here we review, for the first
      time, the various types and strategies employed for creating multiplexed lateral
      flow biosensors. These are classified into four main categories in terms of
      specific application or multiplexing level, namely linear, parameter, spatial and
      conceptual. We describe the practical applications and implications for each
      approach and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Importantly,
      multiplexing is still subject to limitations of the traditional lateral flow
      biosensor, such as sensitivity and specificity. However, by pushing the
      limitations of the traditional medium into the multiplex arena, several
      technological breakthroughs are emerging with novel solutions that further expand
      the utility of lateral flow biosensing for point-of-care applications. 

PMID- 27125841
TI  - Using reciprocity for relating the simulation of transcranial current stimulation
      to the EEG forward problem.
AB  - To explore the relationship between transcranial current stimulation (tCS) and
      the electroencephalography (EEG) forward problem, we investigate and compare
      accuracy and efficiency of a reciprocal and a direct EEG forward approach for
      dipolar primary current sources both based on the finite element method (FEM),
      namely the adjoint approach (AA) and the partial integration approach in
      conjunction with a transfer matrix concept (PI). By analyzing numerical results,
      comparing to analytically derived EEG forward potentials and estimating
      computational complexity in spherical shell models, AA turns out to be
      essentially identical to PI. It is then proven that AA and PI are also
      algebraically identical even for general head models. This relation offers a
      direct link between the EEG forward problem and tCS. We then demonstrate how the
      quasi-analytical EEG forward solutions in sphere models can be used to validate
      the numerical accuracies of FEM-based tCS simulation approaches. These approaches
      differ with respect to the ease with which they can be employed for realistic
      head modeling based on MRI-derived segmentations. We show that while the accuracy
      of the most easy to realize approach based on regular hexahedral elements is
      already quite high, it can be significantly improved if a geometry-adaptation of
      the elements is employed in conjunction with an isoparametric FEM approach. While
      the latter approach does not involve any additional difficulties for the user, it
      reaches the high accuracies of surface-segmentation based tetrahedral FEM, which
      is considerably more difficult to implement and topologically less flexible in
      practice. Finally, in a highly realistic head volume conductor model and when
      compared to the regular alternative, the geometry-adapted hexahedral FEM is shown
      to result in significant changes in tCS current flow orientation and magnitude up
      to 45 degrees  and a factor of 1.66, respectively. 

PMID- 27125842
TI  - Glioma progression is mediated by an addiction to aberrant IGFBP2 expression and
      can be blocked using anti-IGFBP2 strategies.
AB  - Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) overexpression is common in
      high-grade glioma and is both a strong biomarker of aggressive behaviour and a
      well-documented prognostic factor. IGFBP2 is a member of the secreted IGFBP
      family that functions by interacting with circulating IGFs to modulate IGF
      mediated signalling. This traditional view of IGFBP2 activities has been
      challenged by the recognition of the diverse functions and cellular locations of
      members of the IGFBP family. IGFBP2 has been previously established as a driver
      of glioma progression to a higher grade. In this study, we sought to determine
      whether IGFBP2-overexpressing tumours are dependent on continued oncogene
      expression and whether IGFBP2 is a viable therapeutic target in glioma. We took
      advantage of the well-characterized RCAS/Ntv-a mouse model to create a
      doxycycline-inducible IGFBP2 model of glioma and demonstrated that the temporal
      expression of IGFBP2 has dramatic impacts on tumour progression and survival.
      Further, we demonstrated that IGFBP2-driven tumours are dependent on the
      continued expression of IGFBP2, as withdrawal of this oncogenic signal led to a
      significant decrease in tumour progression and prolonged survival. Inhibition of
      IGFBP2 also impaired tumour cell spread. To assess a therapeutically relevant
      inhibition strategy, we evaluated a neutralizing antibody against IGFBP2 and
      demonstrated that it impaired downstream IGFBP2-mediated oncogenic signalling
      pathways. The studies presented here indicate that IGFBP2 not only is a driver of
      glioma progression and a prognostic factor but is also required for tumour
      maintenance and thus represents a viable therapeutic target in the treatment of
      glioma. Copyright (c) 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
      Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27125843
TI  - Plasma soluble erythropoietin receptor is decreased during sleep in Andean
      highlanders with Chronic Mountain Sickness.
AB  - Excessive erythrocytosis (EE) is the main sign of Chronic Mountain Sickness
      (CMS), a highly prevalent syndrome in Andean highlanders. Low pulse O2 saturation
      (SpO2) during sleep and serum androgens have been suggested to contribute to EE
      in CMS patients. However, whether these factors have a significant impact on the
      erythropoietin (Epo) system leading to EE is still unclear. We have recently
      shown that morning soluble Epo receptor (sEpoR), an endogenous Epo antagonist, is
      decreased in CMS patients suggesting increased Epo availability (increased
      Epo/sEpoR). The present study aimed to characterize the nocturnal concentration
      profile of sEpoR and Epo and their relationship with SpO2, Hct, and serum
      testosterone in healthy highlanders (HH) and CMS patients. Epo and sEpoR
      concentrations were evaluated every 4 h (6 PM to 6 AM) and nighttime SpO2 was
      continuously monitored (10 PM to 6 AM) in 39 male participants (CMS, n = 23; HH,
      n = 16) aged 21-65 yr from Cerro de Pasco, Peru (4,340 m). CMS patients showed
      higher serum Epo concentrations throughout the night and lower sEpoR from 10 PM
      to 6 AM. Consequently, Epo/sEpoR was significantly higher in the CMS group at
      every time point. Mean sleep-time SpO2 was lower in CMS patients compared with
      HH, while the percentage of sleep time spent with SpO2 < 80% was higher. Multiple
      regression analysis showed mean sleep-time SpO2 and Epo/sEpoR as significant
      predictors of hematocrit corrected for potential confounders (age, body mass
      index, and testosterone). Testosterone levels were associated neither with Hct
      nor with erythropoietic factors. In conclusion, our results show sustained
      erythropoietic stimulus driven by the Epo system in CMS patients, further
      enhanced by a continuous exposure to accentuated nocturnal hypoxemia.

PMID- 27125844
TI  - beta1-Blockade increases maximal apnea duration in elite breath-hold divers.
AB  - We hypothesized that the cardioselective beta1-adrenoreceptor antagonist esmolol
      would improve maximal apnea duration in elite breath-hold divers. In elite
      national-level divers (n = 9), maximal apneas were performed in a randomized and
      counterbalanced order while receiving either iv esmolol (150 MUg.kg-1.min-1) or
      volume-matched saline (placebo). During apnea, heart rate (ECG), beat-by-beat
      blood pressure, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral
      resistance (TPR) were measured (finger photoplethysmography). Myocardial oxygen
      consumption (MVo2) was estimated from rate pressure product. Cerebral blood flow
      through the internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral arteries (VA) was assessed using
      Duplex ultrasound. Apnea duration improved in the esmolol trial when compared
      with placebo (356 +/- 57 vs. 323 +/- 61 s, P < 0.01) despite similar end-apnea
      peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation (71.8 +/- 10.3 vs. 74.9 +/- 9.5%, P = 0.10).
      The HR response to apnea was reduced by esmolol at 10-30% of apnea duration,
      whereas MAP was unaffected. Esmolol reduced SV (main effect, P < 0.05) and CO
      (main effect; P < 0.05) and increased TPR (main effect, P < 0.05) throughout
      apnea. Esmolol also reduced MVo2 throughout apnea (main effect, P < 0.05).
      Cerebral blood flow through the ICA and VA was unchanged by esmolol at baseline
      and the last 30 s of apnea; however, global cerebral blood flow was reduced in
      the esmolol trial at end-apnea (P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrate that, in
      elite breath-hold divers, apnea breakpoint is improved by beta1-blockade, likely
      owing to an improved total body oxygen sparring through increased centralization
      of blood volume (?TPR) and reduced MVo2NEW & NOTEWORTHY The governing bodies for
      international apnea competition, the Association Internationale pour le
      Developpment de l'Apnee and La Confederation Mondaile des Activites
      Subaquatiques, have banned the use of beta-blockers based on anecdotal reports
      that they improve apnea duration. Using a randomized placebo-controlled trial, we
      are the first to empirically confirm that beta-blockade improves apnea duration.
      This improvement in apnea duration coincided with a reduced myocardial oxygen
      consumption.

PMID- 27125845
TI  - Morphological dependency of cutaneous blood flow and sweating during compensable
      heat stress when heat-loss requirements are matched across participants.
AB  - Human heat loss is thought, in part, to be morphologically related. It was
      therefore hypothesized that when heat-loss requirements and body temperatures
      were matched, that the mass-specific surface area alone could significantly
      explain both cutaneous vascular and sudomotor responses during compensable
      exercise. These thermoeffector responses were examined in 36 men with widely
      varying mass-specific surface areas (range, 232.3-292.7 cm(2)/kg), but of similar
      age, aerobic fitness, and adiposity. Subjects completed two trials under
      compensable conditions (28.1 degrees C, 36.8% relative humidity), each involving
      rest (20 min) and steady-state cycling (45 min) at two matched metabolic heat
      production rates (light, ~135 W/m(2); moderate, ~200 W/m(2)). Following
      equivalent mean body temperature changes, forearm blood flow and vascular
      conductance (r = 0.63 and r = 0.65) shared significant, positive associations
      with the mass-specific surface area during light work (P < 0.05), explaining ~45%
      of the vasomotor variation. Conversely, during light and moderate work, whole
      body sweat rate, as well as local sweat rate and sudomotor sensitivity at three
      of four measured sites, revealed moderate, negative relationships with the mass
      specific surface area (correlation coefficient range -0.37 to -0.73, P < 0.05).
      Moreover, those relationships could uniquely account for between 10 and 53% of
      those sweating responses (P < 0.05). Therefore, both thermoeffector responses
      displayed a significant morphological dependency in the presence of equivalent
      thermoafferent drive. Indeed, up to half of the interindividual variation in
      these effector responses could now be explained through morphological differences
      and the first principles governing heat transfer.

PMID- 27125846
TI  - Blood flow responses to mild-intensity exercise in ectopic vs. orthotopic
      prostate tumors; dependence upon host tissue hemodynamics and vascular
      reactivity.
AB  - Given the critical role of tumor O2 delivery in patient prognosis and the rise in
      preclinical exercise oncology studies, we investigated tumor and host tissue
      blood flow at rest and during exercise as well as vascular reactivity using a rat
      prostate cancer model grown in two transplantation sites. In male COP/CrCrl rats,
      blood flow (via radiolabeled microspheres) to prostate tumors [R3327-MatLyLu
      cells injected in the left flank (ectopic) or ventral prostate (orthotopic)] and
      host tissue was measured at rest and during a bout of mild-intensity exercise.
      alpha-Adrenergic vasoconstriction to norepinephrine (NE: 10(-9) to 10(-4) M) was
      determined in arterioles perforating the tumors and host tissue. To determine
      host tissue exercise hyperemia in healthy tissue, a sham-operated group was
      included. Blood flow was lower at rest and during exercise in ectopic tumors and
      host tissue (subcutaneous adipose) vs. the orthotopic tumor and host tissue
      (prostate). During exercise, blood flow to the ectopic tumor significantly
      decreased by 25 +/- 5% (SE), whereas flow to the orthotopic tumor increased by
      181 +/- 30%. Maximal vasoconstriction to NE was not different between arterioles
      from either tumor location. However, there was a significantly higher peak
      vasoconstriction to NE in subcutaneous adipose arterioles (92 +/- 7%) vs.
      prostate arterioles (55 +/- 7%). Establishment of the tumor did not alter host
      tissue blood flow from either location at rest or during exercise. These data
      demonstrate that blood flow in tumors is dependent on host tissue hemodynamics
      and that the location of the tumor may critically affect how exercise impacts the
      tumor microenvironment and treatment outcomes.

PMID- 27125847
TI  - Parasternal intercostal and diaphragm function during sleep.
AB  - Action of the uppermost medial internal intercostal muscles-the parasternals
      during rapid eye movement (REM) is uncertain; no direct recordings exist of
      shortening of these muscles during sleep. Historically, motor inhibition of
      skeletal muscles during REM sleep is thought to cause global loss of chest wall
      muscle function, REM "atonia," with preservation of only diaphragm function.
      However, recent evidence during wakefulness shows parasternals as distinctive
      obligatory inspiratory muscles. Therefore we hypothesized that attenuation of
      chest wall function during sleep may spare the parasternals along with the
      diaphragm, as essential muscles of inspiration during REM. We studied seven
      canines, comparing costal and crural diaphragm and parasternal intercostal muscle
      function during wakefulness and non-REM (NREM) and REM sleep, during normal
      spontaneous sleep, continuously recording ventilation and simultaneous muscle
      electromyogram (EMG) and length from sonomicrometry microtransducers. Ventilation
      during sleep declined significantly from wakefulness. From wakefulness to NREM
      and REM, costal and crural tidal EMG increased, while parasternal tidal EMG was
      preserved unchanged. Costal and crural shortening per breath during NREM and REM
      did not change significantly from wakefulness. Concurrently, parasternal
      shortening decreased equally in both NREM and REM despite preservation of the
      parasternal EMG. We conclude that diaphragm and parasternals are not inhibited,
      and both remain active together as essential inspiratory muscles, during REM
      sleep. The lesser contraction of parasternal intercostals compared with diaphragm
      may be attributed to net changes in mechanics affecting the chest wall during
      sleep.

PMID- 27125848
TI  - The emergence of Applied Physiology within the discipline of Physiology.
AB  - Despite the availability and utilization of the physiology textbooks authored by
      Albrecht von Haller during the 18th century that heralded the modern age of
      physiology, not all physicians or physiologists were satisfied with its
      presentation, contents, or application to medicine. Initial reasons were
      fundamental disagreements between the "mechanists," represented by Boerhaave,
      Robinson, and von Haller, and the "vitalists," represented by the faculty and
      graduates of the Montpellier School of Medicine in France, notably, Bordeu and
      Barthez. Subsequently, objections originated from Europe, United Kingdom, and the
      United States in publications that focused not only on the teaching of physiology
      to medical and secondary students, but on the specific applications of the
      content of physiology to medicine, health, hygiene, pathology, and chronic
      diseases. At the turn of the 20th century, texts began to appear with applied
      physiology in their titles and in 1926, physician Samson Wright published a
      textbook entitled Applied Physiology that was intended for both medical students
      and the medical profession. Eleven years later, physicians Best and Taylor
      published The Physiological Basis of Medical Practice: A University of Toronto
      Texbook in Applied Physiology Although both sets of authors defined the
      connection between applied physiology and physiology, they failed to define the
      areas of physiology that were included within applied physiology. This was
      accomplished by the American Physiological Society (APS) Publications Committee
      in 1948 with the publication of the Journal of Appplied Physiology, that stated
      the word "applied" would broadly denote human physiology whereas the terms stress
      and environment would broadly include work, exercise, plus industrial, climatic
      and social factors. NIH established a study section (SS) devoted to applied
      physiology in 1964 which remained active until 2001 when it became amalgamated
      into other SSs. Before the end of the 20th century when departments were changing
      their titles to reflect a stronger science orientation, many established
      laboratories and offered degree programs devoted to Applied Physiology. We
      concluded that Applied Physiology has been an important contributor to the
      discipline of physiology while becoming an integral component of APS.

PMID- 27125849
TI  - Comparing anesthesia with isoflurane and fentanyl/fluanisone/midazolam in a rat
      model of cardiac arrest.
AB  - Only one in ten patients survives cardiac arrest (CA), underscoring the need to
      improve CA management. Isoflurane has shown cardio- and neuroprotective effects
      in animal models of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, the beneficial effect
      of isoflurane should be tested in an experimental CA model. We hypothesize that
      isoflurane anesthesia improves short-term outcome following resuscitation from CA
      compared with a subcutaneous fentanyl/fluanisone/midazolam anesthesia. Male
      Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to anesthesia with isoflurane (n = 11) or
      fentanyl/fluanisone/midazolam (n = 11). After 10 min of asphyxial CA, animals
      were resuscitated by mechanical chest compressions, ventilations, and epinephrine
      and observed for 30 min. Hemodynamics, including coronary perfusion pressure,
      systemic O2 consumption, and arterial blood gases, were recorded throughout the
      study. Plasma samples for endothelin-1 and cathecolamines were drawn before and
      after CA. Compared with fentanyl/fluanisone/midazolam anesthesia, isoflurane
      resulted in a shorter time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), less use
      of epinephrine, increased coronary perfusion pressure during cardiopulmonary
      resusitation, higher mean arterial pressure post-ROSC, increased plasma levels of
      endothelin-1, and decreased levels of epinephrine. The choice of anesthesia did
      not affect ROSC rate or systemic O2 consumption. Isoflurane reduces time to ROSC,
      increases coronary perfusion pressure, and improves hemodynamic function, all of
      which are important parameters in CA models.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The preconditioning
      effect of volatile anesthetics in studies of ischemia-reperfusion injury has been
      demonstrated in several studies. This study shows the importance of anesthesia in
      experimental cardiac arrest studies as isoflurane raised coronary perfusion
      pressure during resuscitation, reduced time to return of spontaneous circulation,
      and increased arterial blood pressure in the post-cardiac arrest period. These
      effects on key outcome measures in cardiac arrest research are important in the
      interpretation of results from animal studies.

PMID- 27125850
TI  - Different cyclical intermittent hypoxia severities have different effects on
      hippocampal microvasculature.
AB  - Recent studies have shown an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
      and cognitive impairment. This study was done to investigate whether varied
      levels of cyclical intermittent hypoxia (CIH) differentially affect the
      microvasculature in the hippocampus, operating as a mechanistic link between OSA
      and cognitive impairment. We exposed C57BL/6 mice to sham [continuous air,
      arterial O2 saturation (SaO2 ) 97%], severe CIH to inspired O2 fraction (FiO2 ) =
      0.10 (CIH10; SaO2 nadir of 61%), or very severe CIH to FiO2 = 0.05 (CIH5; SaO2
      nadir of 37%) for 12 h/day for 2 wk. We quantified capillary length using
      neurostereology techniques in the dorsal hippocampus and utilized quantitative
      PCR methods to measure changes in sets of genes related to angiogenesis and to
      metabolism. Next, we employed immunohistochemistry semiquantification algorithms
      to quantitate GLUT1 protein on endothelial cells within hippocampal capillaries.
      Capillary length differed among CIH severity groups (P = 0.013) and demonstrated
      a linear relationship with CIH severity (P = 0.002). There was a strong
      association between CIH severity and changes in mRNA for VEGFA (P < 0.0001). Less
      strong, but nominally significant associations with CIH severity were also
      observed for ANGPT2 (PANOVA = 0.065, PTREND = 0.040), VEGFR2 (PANOVA = 0.032,
      PTREND = 0.429), and TIE-2 (PANOVA = 0.006, PTREND = 0.010). We found that the
      CIH5 group had increased GLUT1 protein relative to sham (P = 0.006) and CIH10 (P
      = 0.001). There was variation in GLUT1 protein along the microvasculature in
      different hippocampal subregions. An effect of CIH5 on GLUT1 mRNA was seen
      (PANOVA = 0.042, PTREND = 0.012). Thus CIH affects the microvasculature in the
      hippocampus, but consequences depend on CIH severity.

PMID- 27125851
TI  - Two rare antioxidative prenylated terpenoids from loop-root Asiatic mangrove
      Rhizophora mucronata (Family Rhizophoraceae) and their activity against pro
      inflammatory cyclooxygenases and lipoxidase.
AB  - Two new biogenic prenylated terpenoids were isolated from the methanol extract of
      Rhizophora mucronata. The extended C20 sesquiterpenoid with prenylated guaiane
      framework was characterised as (4E, 8Z)-3, 3a, 6, 7-tetrahydro-3, 9-dimethyl-5-(6
      methylheptan-2-yl) cycloocta[b]furan-2-(9aH)-one (1). (35E)-1,2,3,5,6,6
      icosahydro-4,4,8b,10,14,17,20,20-octamethylpicen-3-yl-34,35-dimethyloct-31-enoate
      (2) represents the first example of naturally occurring C40 prenylated oleanane
      type triterpenoid, whereas one 4,5-dimethyloct-5-enoate side chain remains
      attached at C-3 position of the oleanane framework formed by the E-ring closure
      of C30 saccharide moiety. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using
      NMR and mass spectrometric analysis. Compound 1 was found to have significantly
      greater antioxidant activities (IC50 ~ 0.75 mg/mL) compared to 2 (IC50 > 0.80
      mg/mL). No significant differences in anti-cyclooxygenase-2 of these compounds
      were discernable (IC50 0.8 - 0.9 mg/mL), whilst compound 1 showed greater anti-5
      lipoxidase activities (IC50 ~ 0.8 mg/mL) those that of 2 (IC50 0.96 mg/mL).
      Bioactivities of the prenylated terpenoids were inversely proportional to
      lipophilic and bulk descriptors.

PMID- 27125852
TI  - Lysosomal cathepsins and their regulation in aging and neurodegeneration.
AB  - Lysosomes and lysosomal hydrolases, including the cathepsins, have been shown to
      change their properties with aging brain a long time ago, although their function
      was not really understood. The first biochemical and clinical studies were
      followed by a major expansion in the last 20 years with the development of animal
      disease models and new approaches leading to a major advancement of understanding
      of the role of physiological and degenerative processes in the brain at the
      molecular level. This includes the understanding of the major role of autophagy
      and the cathepsins in a number of diseases, including its critical role in the
      neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Similarly, cathepsins and some other lysosomal
      proteases were shown to have important roles in processing and/or degradation of
      several important neuronal proteins, thereby having either neuroprotective or
      harmful roles. In this review, we discuss lysosomal cathepsins and their
      regulation with the focus on cysteine cathepsins and their endogenous inhibitors,
      as well as their role in several neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27125854
TI  - The role of ions in the self-healing behavior of soft particle suspensions.
AB  - Impurities in crystals generally cause point defects and can even suppress
      crystallization. This general rule, however, does not apply to colloidal crystals
      formed by soft microgel particles [Iyer ASJ, Lyon LA (2009) Angew Chem Int Ed
      48:4562-4566], as, in this case, the larger particles are able to shrink and join
      the crystal formed by a majority of smaller particles. Using small-angle X-ray
      scattering, we find the limit in large-particle concentration for this
      spontaneous deswelling to persist. We rationalize our data in the context of
      those counterions that are bound to the microgel particles as a result of the
      electrostatic attraction exerted by the fixed charges residing on the particle
      periphery. These bound counterions do not contribute to the suspension osmotic
      pressure in dilute conditions, as they can be seen as internal degrees of freedom
      associated with each microgel particle. In contrast, at sufficiently high
      particle concentrations, the counterion cloud of each particle overlaps with that
      of its neighbors, allowing these ions to freely explore the space outside the
      particles. We confirm this scenario by directly measuring the osmotic pressure of
      the suspension. Because these counterions are then no longer bound, they create
      an osmotic pressure difference between the inside and outside of the microgels,
      which, if larger than the microgel bulk modulus, can cause deswelling, explaining
      why large, soft microgel particles feel the squeeze when suspended with a
      majority of smaller particles. We perform small-angle neutron scattering
      measurements to further confirm this remarkable behavior.

PMID- 27125853
TI  - The crucial impact of lysosomes in aging and longevity.
AB  - Lysosomes are the main catabolic organelles of a cell and play a pivotal role in
      a plethora of cellular processes, including responses to nutrient availability
      and composition, stress resistance, programmed cell death, plasma membrane
      repair, development, and cell differentiation. In line with this pleiotropic
      importance for cellular and organismal life and death, lysosomal dysfunction is
      associated with many age-related pathologies like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
      disease, as well as with a decline in lifespan. Conversely, targeting lysosomal
      functional capacity is emerging as a means to promote longevity. Here, we analyze
      the current knowledge on the prominent influence of lysosomes on aging-related
      processes, such as their executory and regulatory roles during general and
      selective macroautophagy, or their storage capacity for amino acids and ions. In
      addition, we review and discuss the roles of lysosomes as active players in the
      mechanisms underlying known lifespan-extending interventions like, for example,
      spermidine or rapamycin administration. In conclusion, this review aims at
      critically examining the nature and pliability of the different layers, in which
      lysosomes are involved as a control hub for aging and longevity.

PMID- 27125855
TI  - In vivo metabolic labeling of sialoglycans in the mouse brain by using a liposome
      assisted bioorthogonal reporter strategy.
AB  - Mammalian brains are highly enriched with sialoglycans, which have been
      implicated in brain development and disease progression. However, in vivo
      labeling and visualization of sialoglycans in the mouse brain remain a challenge
      because of the blood-brain barrier. Here we introduce a liposome-assisted
      bioorthogonal reporter (LABOR) strategy for shuttling 9-azido sialic acid
      (9AzSia), a sialic acid reporter, into the brain to metabolically label
      sialoglycoconjugates, including sialylated glycoproteins and glycolipids.
      Subsequent bioorthogonal conjugation of the incorporated 9AzSia with fluorescent
      probes via click chemistry enabled fluorescence imaging of brain sialoglycans in
      living animals and in brain sections. Newly synthesized sialoglycans were found
      to widely distribute on neuronal cell surfaces, in particular at synaptic sites.
      Furthermore, large-scale proteomic profiling identified 140 brain sialylated
      glycoproteins, including a wealth of synapse-associated proteins. Finally, by
      performing a pulse-chase experiment, we showed that dynamic sialylation is
      spatially regulated, and that turnover of sialoglycans in the hippocampus is
      significantly slower than that in other brain regions. The LABOR strategy
      provides a means to directly visualize and monitor the sialoglycan biosynthesis
      in the mouse brain and will facilitate elucidating the functional role of brain
      sialylation.

PMID- 27125856
TI  - The shapes of bird beaks are highly controlled by nondietary factors.
AB  - Bird beaks are textbook examples of ecological adaptation to diet, but their
      shapes are also controlled by genetic and developmental histories. To test the
      effects of these factors on the avian craniofacial skeleton, we conducted
      morphometric analyses on raptors, a polyphyletic group at the base of the
      landbird radiation. Despite common perception, we find that the beak is not an
      independently targeted module for selection. Instead, the beak and skull are
      highly integrated structures strongly regulated by size, with axes of shape
      change linked to the actions of recently identified regulatory genes. Together,
      size and integration account for almost 80% of the shape variation seen between
      different species to the exclusion of morphological dietary adaptation. Instead,
      birds of prey use size as a mechanism to modify their feeding ecology. The extent
      to which shape variation is confined to a few major axes may provide an advantage
      in that it facilitates rapid morphological evolution via changes in body size,
      but may also make raptors especially vulnerable when selection pressures act
      against these axes. The phylogenetic position of raptors suggests that this
      constraint is prevalent in all landbirds and that breaking the developmental
      correspondence between beak and braincase may be the key novelty in classic
      passerine adaptive radiations.

PMID- 27125857
TI  - Computational study of p53 regulation via the chemical master equation.
AB  - A stochastic model of cellular p53 regulation was established in Leenders, and
      Tuszynski (2013 Front. Oncol. 3 1-16) to study the interactions of p53 with MDM2
      proteins, where the stochastic analysis was done using a Monte Carlo approach. We
      revisit that model here using an alternative scheme, which is to directly solve
      the chemical master equation (CME) by an adaptive Krylov-based finite state
      projection method that combines the stochastic simulation algorithm with other
      computational strategies, namely Krylov approximation techniques to the matrix
      exponential, divide and conquer, and aggregation. We report numerical results
      that demonstrate the extend of tackling the CME with this combination of tools.

PMID- 27125858
TI  - Grimontia celer sp. nov., from sea water.
AB  - Strain 96-237T, a Gram-reaction-negative, curved- to spiral-shaped motile
      bacterium, isolated from coastal marine water, was found to be related to species
      of the genus Grimontia by 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison, sharing 98.3 %
      similarity to Grimontia marina CECT 8713Tand 98.8 % to 'Grimontiaindica' AK16.
      Phenotypic analysis revealed that strain 96-237T is slightly halophilic,
      mesophilic and facultatively anaerobic, fermenting d-glucose, d-ribose, d
      mannose, d-mannitol, maltose and sucrose. It was positive for oxidase and indole
      production and negative for arginine dihydrolase and lysine and ornithine
      decarboxylases. Its major fatty acids were C16 : 1omega7c/C16 : 1omega6c (SF3),
      C18 : 1omega7c and C16 : 0. Its DNA G+C content was 48.4 mol%. The strain was
      different at the species level from all other species of the genusGrimontia, with
      average nucleotide identity indices of 79.6 % to Grimontia. hollisae CECT 8713T,
      87.8 % to G. marina CECT 5069T and 89.1 % to 'G. indica' AK16 genomes. Thus, the
      strain represents a novel species for which we propose the name Grimontia celer
      and 96-237T (=CECT 9029T =KCTC 42960T =LMG 29238T) as the type strain. 

PMID- 27125859
TI  - FOXN1 recombinant protein enhances T-cell regeneration after hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation in mice.
AB  - A prolonged period of T-cell recovery is the major challenge in hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are the major
      component of the thymic microenvironment for T-cell generation. However, TECs
      undergo degeneration over time. FOXN1 plays a critical role in TEC development
      and is required to maintain adult TECs for thymopoiesis. To investigate the
      potential application of FOXN1, we have cloned and expressed recombinant FOXN1
      protein (rFOXN1) that was fused with cell-penetrating peptides. We show here that
      the rFOXN1 protein can translocate from the cell surface into the cytoplasm and
      nucleus. Administration of rFOXN1 into both congenic and allogeneic HSCT
      recipient mice increased the number of TECs, resulting in enhanced thymopoiesis
      that led to an increased number of functional T cells in the periphery. The
      increased number of TECs is due to the enhanced survival and proliferation of
      TECs. Our results suggest that rFOXN1 has the potential to be used in enhancing T
      cell regeneration in patients following HSCT.

PMID- 27125860
TI  - Long-Term Effect of Rifampicin-Based Anti-TB Regimen Coadministration on the
      Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Efavirenz and 8-Hydroxy-Efavirenz in Ethiopian
      Patients.
AB  - We compared the pharmacokinetic (PK) exposure parameters of efavirenz (EFV) and
      its major inactive metabolite, 8-hydroxy-efavirenz (8-OH-EFV), in an open-label,
      single-sequence, and parallel design of HIV-infected and tuberculosis (TB)-HIV
      coinfected Ethiopian patients in the HIV-TB Pharmagene study with 20 and 33
      patients, respectively. Both treatment groups underwent PK sampling following
      oral 600 mg EFV in week 16 of initiating EFV-based combination antiretroviral
      therapy. The TB-HIV-coinfected group repeated the PK sampling 8 weeks after
      stopping rifampin (RIF)-based anti-TB treatment. Between-treatment group analysis
      indicated no significant effect of RIF-based anti-TB cotreatment on PK exposure
      parameters of EFV, nor was there a significant effect after controlling for sex
      or CYP2B6 genotype. However, RIF-based therapy in TB-HIV-coinfected patients had
      significantly increased 8-OH-EFV PK exposure measures and metabolic ratio
      relative to HIV-only patients, AUC0-24 greater by 79%. The effect was more
      prominent in women and CYP2B6*6 carriers in within-sex and CYP2B6 genotype
      comparisons. Within-subject comparisons for AUC0-24 and Cmax when "on" and "off"
      RIF-based anti-TB cotreatment showed geometric mean ratios (90% confidence
      intervals) of 100.5% (98.7%-102.3%) and 100.2% (98.1%-102.4%), respectively, for
      EFV and 98.6% (95.5%-101.7%-) and 97.6% (92.2%-103.0%), respectively, for 8-OH
      EFV. We report no significant influence of RIF-based anti-TB cotherapy on the EFV
      PK exposure measures. The study also calls for caution related to higher exposure
      to 8-OH-EFV during simultaneous coadministration of EFV and RIF-based anti-TB
      regimens, which may be associated with neurotoxicity, particularly in female
      patients and CYP2B6*6 carriers.

PMID- 27125861
TI  - The map is not the territory: medical records and 21st century practice.
AB  - Documentation of care is at risk of overtaking the delivery of care in terms of
      time, clinician focus, and perceived importance. The medical record as currently
      used for documentation contributes to increased cognitive workload, strained
      clinician-patient relationships, and burnout. We posit that a near verbatim
      transcript of the clinical encounter is neither feasible nor desirable, and that
      attempts to produce this exact recording are harmful to patients, clinicians, and
      the health system. In this Viewpoint, we focus on the alternative constructions
      of the medical record to bring them back to their primary purpose-to aid
      cognition, communicate, create a succinct account of care, and support
      longitudinal comprehensive care-thereby to support the building of relationships
      and medical decision making while decreasing workload.

PMID- 27125862
TI  - Exploring the experiences of nurses and doctors involved in stroke care: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the current stroke care delivery arrangements in
      Greece and to explore nursing and medical staff knowledge, skills and attitudes,
      towards stroke care and management. BACKGROUND: Stroke care is diverse in the
      Greek public healthcare system and is delivered in a medical, neurology or a
      recently introduced, specialised unit. These settings are available alternatively
      under a central rota system. DESIGN: Descriptive qualitative investigation using
      semi-structured interviews. METHODS: A purposeful sample of 21 hospital staff
      were interviewed and verbatim data was transcribed for content analysis. Staff
      were selected from the various settings involved in stroke care; six medical and
      15 nursing staff (12 female) were interviewed. RESULTS: A number of themes
      emerged from the interview data and these include: (1) current facilities, (2)
      admission destination, (3) stroke nursing care, and (4) family involvement and
      continuing education needs. DISCUSSION: Innovation and development can occur,
      even in the face of adversity, due to the commitment, passion and insight of
      healthcare professionals to enhance stroke care to aspire to international
      standards. CONCLUSIONS: Greek stroke nurses can achieve their professional
      potential within the appropriate working environment. The Stroke Bay working
      ethos and environment enhances professional autonomy and scope of practice.
      RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: By exploring staff's knowledge and attitudes
      towards stroke care, nurses and healthcare professionals in general will gain a
      better understanding of their multiple clinical roles as stroke care providers by
      reflecting on their patients' needs.

PMID- 27125863
TI  - Analysis of pseudoprogression after corneal cross-linking in children with
      progressive keratoconus.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyse the long-term efficacy of corneal cross-linking (CXL) in
      children with keratoconus and to describe criteria for the detection of
      pseudoprogression. METHODS: Evaluation of retrospectively collected corneal
      topography (Placido system) and tomography (Scheimpflug system) results after CXL
      in children (age 18 or younger). Twenty-five patients (33 eyes) were included.
      Follow-up was assessed after 1, 2, 3 and 4 years. Progression was defined as an
      increase in maximal keratometry (Kmax) of at least one dioptre (D) in 1 year.
      RESULTS: For the entire group, mean Kmax prior to CXL was 55.3 +/- 7.3D and
      decreased significantly (p = 0.00001) after 1 year to 53.4 +/- 7.4D. In 23
      patients, the progression could be halted. Five cases of presumed progression
      were identified. One case showed marked steepening in Kmax 4 years after CXL, but
      the topographic parameters were unchanged. The tomography was repeated and showed
      that Kmax was stable. Two cases with limbal vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC)
      worsened both in corneal tomography and topography. After resolution of the
      limbal inflammation, the Kmax values returned to the values before the
      inflammation. We found two cases of true progression both of which had advanced
      keratoconus prior to CXL with a preoperative Kmax of 64.4, respectively, 75.1D.
      CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that CXL is effective in stabilizing keratoconus
      in children. True progression after CXL could only be verified in two of 33 eyes
      in a follow-up period of 37.5 months (SD +/- 10 months). Two different measuring
      methods can help to detect diagnostic discrepancies and prevent false
      conclusions. Moreover, limbal vernal changes can cause transient
      pseudoprogression, reversible upon sufficient treatment.

PMID- 27125864
TI  - Hydrogenation Reactions during Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
      Analysis of Polymer Samples Using Hydrogen Carrier Gas.
AB  - Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry of polymer samples is studied
      focusing on the effect of hydrogen (H2) carrier gas on chromatographic and
      spectral data. The pyrograms and the related mass spectra of high density
      polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene, and polystyrene (PS) serve to
      illustrate the differences between the species formed in H2 and the helium
      environment. Differences in the pyrograms and the spectra are generally thought
      to be a result of the hydrogenation reaction of the pyrolyzates. From the peak
      intensity changes in the pyrograms of HDPE and PS, hydrogenation of unsaturated
      pyrolyzates is concluded to occur when the pyrolysis is done in H2. Moreover,
      additional hydrogenation of the pyrolyzates occurs in the electron ionization
      source of a MS detector when H2 is used as a carrier gas. Finally, the
      applicability of mass spectral libraries to characterize pyrograms obtained in H2
      is illustrated using 24 polymers. The effect of the hydrogenation reaction on the
      library search results is found to be negligible for most polymer samples with
      polar and nonpolar monomer units.

PMID- 27125865
TI  - A. baumannii histone acetyl transferase Hpa2: optimization of homology modeling,
      analysis of protein-protein interaction and virtual screening.
AB  - In the current scenario, widespread multidrug resistivity in ESKAPE pathogens
      demands identification of novel drug targets to keep their infections at bay. For
      this purpose, we have identified a novel target Hpa2 of A. baumannii, a member of
      GNAT superfamily of HATs. But due to sequence identity of equal or less than 35%,
      the correct sequence alignment and construction of 3D monomeric and dimeric
      models of Hpa2 having optimal structural parameters is a troublesome task. To
      circumvent these problems, we have designed an easy and optimized protocol for
      Hpa2 monomer modeling, and for generation of dimeric Hpa2 model using data-driven
      protein-protein docking experiment. Improvement in the structural features of
      generated model is an onerous process and generally achieved by paying time and
      computational cost. Herein, it is achieved by reconciliation of FoldX commands
      which takes less time in execution. Evaluations performed to validate structural
      parameters and stability of monomeric and dimeric Hpa2 attests to its quality.
      Analysis of interfacial residues, energy terms and RMSD values indicated a clear
      correlation between experimental and theoretical interface properties of the
      dimers, corroborating to the regime used for Hpa2 dimer generation. Structural
      information from the refined models was used for virtual screening of substrate
      derived library and polyamines to achieve a new platform for developing A.
      baumannii inhibitory molecules. Molecules showing preferential binding at the
      dimer interface could be used as allosteric inhibitors. Binding of polyamines
      with model illustrated the same binding pattern as described experimentally in
      case of yeast Hpa2.

PMID- 27125866
TI  - NF-kappaB decoy polyplexes decrease P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance
      in colorectal cancer cells.
AB  - Multidrug resistance (MDR), a major cause for chemotherapy failure, has been
      linked to upregulation of ATP-dependent membrane efflux systems that limit
      intracellular accumulation of cytotoxic anticancer agents. P-glycoprotein (P-gp)
      encoded by the human ABCB1 gene was the first efflux transporter identified to
      contribute to MDR. ABCB1 gene expression is correlated with constitutive
      activation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in tumor cells. The objective of
      this research is to modulate P-gp activity in colon cancer cells using NF-kappaB
      decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) that are effectively delivered into the
      nucleus of colorectal cancer cells by self-assembling nonviral nanoparticles
      comprising the novel poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]-poly(N,N
      dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate) diblock copolymer (pHPMA-b-pDMAEMA). Ethidium
      bromide intercalation and gel retardation assays demonstrated high DNA
      condensation capacity of pHPMA-b-pDMAEMA. Nanoparticles prepared with and without
      decoy ODNs did not significantly compromise cellular safety at N/P ratios ?4.
      Transfection efficiency of pHPMA-b-pDMAEMA polyplexes (N/P=4) in Caco-2 cells was
      comparable to TurboFect transfection standard, resulting in a 98% reduction in P
      gp protein levels. As a pharmacodynamic consequence, intracellular accumulation
      of the P-gp substrate Rhodamine123 significantly increased by almost twofold. In
      conclusion, NF-kappaB ODN polyplexes fabricated with pHPMA-b-pDMAEMA polymer
      effectively reduced P-gp-mediated efflux activity in Caco-2 cells, suggesting
      successful interference with NF-kappaB-binding sites in the promoter region of
      the ABCB1 gene.

PMID- 27125867
TI  - "Halo effect" in trauma centers: does it extend to emergent colectomy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trauma centers (TCs) have been demonstrated to improve outcomes for
      some nontrauma surgical conditions, such as appendicitis, but it remains unclear
      if this extends to all emergency general surgery procedures. Using emergent
      colectomy in patients with diverticulitis as index condition, this study compared
      outcomes between TCs and nontrauma centers (NTCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (2006-2011) was queried for patients >=16
      y with diverticulitis who underwent emergency surgical intervention. Outcomes
      included mortality, total charges, and length of stay (LOS). Mortality in TC and
      NTC was compared using logistic regression, controlling for patient, procedure,
      and hospital-level characteristics. Adjusted total charges and LOS were analyzed
      using generalized linear models with gamma and Poisson distributions,
      respectively. RESULTS: A total of 25,396 patients were included, 5189 (20.4%)
      were treated at TC and 20,207 (79.6%) at NTC. Median age and sex distribution
      were similar. Unadjusted proportional in-hospital mortality did not differ
      between TC and NTC; median charges and LOS were greater in TC. After adjusting,
      the odds of mortality were significantly higher in TC (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.51; P = 0.003) as were mean charges and LOS (P <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The improved outcomes reported for other nontrauma
      conditions in TC were not observed for patients undergoing an emergent colectomy
      for diverticulitis after accounting for patient, procedure, and hospital-level
      characteristics. Future research is needed to assess differences in case mix
      between TC versus NTC and possible case-mix effects on outcomes to elucidate
      potential benefit of surgical care in a TC across the breadth of emergency
      general surgery conditions.

PMID- 27125868
TI  - Central nervous system involvement by myeloid sarcoma: a report of 12 cases and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is an extramedullary malignancy of myeloid origin. It can
      occur in any organ. Common sites are skin, bone, lymph nodes, and soft tissue.
      Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is very uncommon. We report 12 new
      pathology-confirmed cases of CNS MS with literature review. Median age was 42.5
      years (range: 0 - 84 years). Bone marrow involvement by hematologic neoplasia was
      co-incidental (n = 8) or occurred 8 - 51 months prior to CNS MS (n = 3). Abnormal
      radiological findings detected in all patients, included hemorrhagic (n = 5) or
      enhancing (n = 2) lesions, with multiple ring-enhancing dura-based masses in 1
      patient. Seven tumors had abnormal cytogenetics including: t(11; 19) (q23;
      p13.3), +8, inv (16), t(9; 22), t(8; 21), del(5q), and +21. One had a complex
      karyotype and 2 were cytogenetically normal. One MS had the JAK2V617F mutation.
      Treatment modalities included surgery for decompression (n = 2), radiotherapy (n
      = 2), chemotherapy (n = 6), and stem cell transplant (n = 2). Nine patients died
      days to 12 months post CNS MS diagnosis (median = 4 months). Two patients were
      alive without evidence of disease at 16 and 50 months following MS diagnosis and
      one was lost to follow-up. The clinical and imaging features for CMS MS overlap
      with those of intracranial hemorrhage and primary CNS tumors. It is therefore
      important to maintain a high index of suspicion and perform a biopsy whenever
      clinically appropriate. A meticulous workup is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis of
      other hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic neoplasms. Since CNS MS is potentially
      curable, timely recognition is paramount. 

PMID- 27125869
TI  - Granular cell astrocytoma: report of a case and review of the literature.
AB  - A 54-year-old man with no remarkable past medical history was referred to our
      hospital for the appearance of generalized tonic clonic seizures with loss of
      consciousness, preceded by phosphenes at the right eye. On magnetic resonance
      imaging, a contrast-enhanced tumor in the left occipital lobe with peripheral
      edema was noted. He underwent craniotomy, and the entire mass was removed.
      Microscopic examination revealed infiltrative atypical astrocytes (glial
      fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP, positive) with discrete borders and granular
      cytoplasm. Ki-67 labeling index was 40%. The tumor was diagnosed as a high-grade
      granular cell astrocytoma (GCA). Postoperative radiotherapy combined with
      temozolomide was administered. GCAs are aggressive lesions and should not to be
      confused with localized, benign granular cell tumors or with other non neoplastic
      granular cell changes in the central nervous system (CNS). GCAs are rare tumors.
      At this time, only 63 supratentorial/ hemispheric cases, including our case, have
      been reported in literature. 

PMID- 27125870
TI  - Synthesis of 2H-Azirines by Iridium-Catalyzed Decarboxylative Ring Contraction of
      Isoxazol-5(4H)-ones.
AB  - A phosphine-free iridium-catalyzed reaction of isoxazol-5(4H)-ones (isoxazolones)
      has been developed, and affords 2H-azirines through decarboxylation and ring
      contraction. This method provides an efficient and environmentally benign
      protocol which could replace the conventional approaches used to synthesize 2H
      azirines.

PMID- 27125871
TI  - Detection of Leishmania DNA in wild foxes and associated ticks in Patagonia,
      Argentina, 2000 km south of its known distribution area.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zoonotic Visceral Leishmaniasis (ZVL) is a vector-borne disease
      affecting humans and other mammals and caused by the protozoan parasite
      Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum (syn. L. chagasi), belonging to the L. donovani
      complex. The regions in Northern Argentina (above 32  degrees S) are its southern
      distribution limit in South America. RESULTS: We detected Leishmania sp. DNA
      (most likely belonging to the L. donovani complex) in 37.5% of 32 grey foxes
      (Pseudalopex griseus) captured in Argentinean Patagonia (48 degrees S and 50
      degrees S). Eleven monosexual pools of Amblyomma tigrinum ticks from eight
      different foxes (six grey foxes and two culpeo foxes P. culpaeus) were also
      positive. The southernmost known distribution limit for L. infantum, and the
      southernmost reported capture of a phlebotominae, had previously been 2000 and
      750 km north of our study area, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This finding is
      significant because it markedly extends the distribution area of leishmaniasis;
      supports the existence of a sylvatic cycle in the absence of dogs; and has
      implications in transmission, indicating that either sand fly distribution is
      broader than currently thought or non-sand fly Leishmania maintenance is
      possible. Additional molecular, parasitological, epidemiological and
      entomological studies are still needed.

PMID- 27125873
TI  - The temporal evolution of diffusional kurtosis imaging in an experimental middle
      cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI), as a non-Gaussian diffusion model,
      has been applied in human and animal studies of ischemic stroke. This study aimed
      to intensively characterize the temporal evolution of DKI-derived variables in an
      experimental middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, and to explore its
      potential application in ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven MCAO rats
      and ten control rats underwent DKI and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) scans, at
      different time points of 0.5, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 72h after operation respectively.
      The infarct area in DKI- and DWI-derived variables was compared among different
      time points, and between different groups [INFARCTION, MIRROR, CONTROL-R (right
      side of the control group, the same side as in the infarction group), CONTROL-L
      (left side of the control group)] using repeated measures analysis of variance
      (ANOVA). The percent changes from normal to that in ischemic tissues and
      histology were also evaluated. RESULTS: In the infarct region, from 0.5 to 72h,
      MK, K?, K? demonstrated irregular high signal, whereas relative homogeneous low
      signals were revealed by MD, D?, D? and ADC. Compared with the MIRROR and CONTROL
      R group, MK, K?, K? in the infarcted area increased aggressively which peaked at
      12h and gradually decreased; MD, D?, D? and ADC decreased gradually until 12h and
      then began to increase gradually; FA decreased rapidly from 0.5 to 72h. MD, D?
      and ADC were significantly different between Mirror and CONTROL-L group (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: DKI can provide more detailed information to describe ischemic
      lesion, and has great potential application in ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27125872
TI  - Prognostic performance of pre-treatment NLR and PLR in patients suffering from
      osteosarcoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammatory response markers have been proposed to predict the
      clinical outcomes in various cancers. The aim of this study was to explore the
      influence of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte
      ratio (PLR) on the prognosis of osteosarcoma. METHODS: Three hundred fifty-nine
      patients who underwent curative surgery for osteosarcoma were enrolled from 2005
      to 2010. NLR and PLR were calculated from peripheral blood cell counts taken at
      pre-treatment. Optimal cutoff values of NLR and PLR were determined on the basis
      of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. A predictive model was
      established to predict the clinical outcome for overall survival, and the
      predictive accuracy of this model was determined by concordance index (c-index).
      RESULTS: Our results showed that advanced stage and metastasis at diagnosis were
      significantly associated with the high NLR and PLR groups. NLR was an independent
      prognostic indicator for overall survival (HR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.35-2.41, P <
      0.001) and progression-free survival (HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.26-2.15, P < 0.001),
      except for PLR. The nomogram could perform well in the prediction of overall
      survival in patients with osteosarcoma (c-index 0.829). CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggest that both NLR and PLR can reflect clinical prognosis. NLR is more
      predictive of overall survival and progression-free survival than PLR.

PMID- 27125874
TI  - An automatic tooth preparation technique: A preliminary study.
AB  - The aim of this study is to validate the feasibility and accuracy of a new
      automatic tooth preparation technique in dental healthcare. An automatic tooth
      preparation robotic device with three-dimensional motion planning software was
      developed, which controlled an ultra-short pulse laser (USPL) beam (wavelength
      1,064 nm, pulse width 15 ps, output power 30 W, and repeat frequency rate 100
      kHz) to complete the tooth preparation process. A total of 15 freshly extracted
      human intact first molars were collected and fixed into a phantom head, and the
      target preparation shapes of these molars were designed using customised computer
      aided design (CAD) software. The accuracy of tooth preparation was evaluated
      using the Geomagic Studio and Imageware software, and the preparing time of each
      tooth was recorded. Compared with the target preparation shape, the average shape
      error of the 15 prepared molars was 0.05-0.17 mm, the preparation depth error of
      the occlusal surface was approximately 0.097 mm, and the error of the convergence
      angle was approximately 1.0 degrees . The average preparation time was 17
      minutes. These results validated the accuracy and feasibility of the automatic
      tooth preparation technique.

PMID- 27125875
TI  - Endothelial lipid phosphate phosphatase-3 deficiency that disrupts the
      endothelial barrier function is a modifier of cardiovascular development.
AB  - AIMS: Lipid phosphate phosphatase-3 (LPP3) is expressed at high levels in
      endothelial cells (ECs). Although LPP3 is known to hydrolyse the phosphate group
      from lysolipids such as spingosine-1-phosphate and its structural homologues, the
      function of Lpp3 in ECs is not completely understood. In this study, we
      investigated how tyrosine-protein kinase receptor (TEK or Tie2) promoter
      dependent deletion of Lpp3 alters EC activities. METHODS AND RESULTS: Lpp3(fl/fl)
      mice were crossed with the tg.Tie2(Cre) transgenic line. Vasculogenesis occurred
      normally in embryos with Tie2(Cre)-mediated deletion of Lpp3 (called Lpp3(ECKO)),
      but embryonic lethality occurred in two waves, the first wave between E8.5 and
      E10.5, while the second between E11.5 and E13.5. Lethality in Lpp3(ECKO) embryos
      after E11.5 was accompanied by vascular leakage and haemorrhage, which likely
      resulted in insufficient cardiovascular development. Analyses of haematoxylin-
      and eosin-stained heart sections from E11.5 Lpp3(ECKO) embryos showed
      insufficient heart growth associated with decreased trabeculation, reduced growth
      of the compact wall, and absence of cardiac cushions. Staining followed by
      microscopic analyses of Lpp3(ECKO) embryos revealed the presence of apoptotic
      ECs. Furthermore, Lpp3-deficient ECs showed decreased gene expression and protein
      levels of Cyclin-D1, VE-cadherin, Fibronectin, Klf2, and Klf4. To determine the
      underlying mechanisms of vascular leakage and barrier disruption, we performed
      knockdown and rescue experiments in cultured ECs. LPP3 knockdown decreased
      transendothelial electrical resistance and increased permeability. Re-expression
      of beta-catenin cDNA in LPP3-knockdown ECs partially restored the effect of the
      LPP3 loss, whereas re-expression of p120ctn cDNA did not. CONCLUSION: These
      findings demonstrate the essential roles of LPP3 in the maturation of EC barrier
      integrity and normal cardiovascular development.

PMID- 27125876
TI  - Long-term Functional, Urodynamic, and Metabolic Outcome of a Modified Orthotopic
      Neobladder Created With a Short Ileal Segment: Our 5-year Experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term functional, urodynamic, and metabolic outcomes
      of our modified neobladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study from
      January 2010 to October 2014, 42 consecutive male patients with bladder tumor
      underwent radical cystectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion with modified ileal
      neobladder using 25 cm ileal segment. During follow-up, functional outcome,
      urodynamic studies, metabolic parameters, and renal parameters were assessed at
      regular intervals. Complications were graded as early (<3 months) or late (>3
      months). RESULTS: There were no perioperative deaths. At a mean follow-up of 27.2
      months, good or satisfactory daytime and nighttime continence were achieved in
      100% and 93.8% of patients, respectively. Mean maximal bladder capacity was 588
      mL at 3 years. Mean resting pressure and voiding pressures were 20.1 cm H2O and
      34.6 cm H2O at 3 years, respectively. Good bladder compliance was achieved in all
      patients by 1 year. Mean maximum urine flow rate (Qmax) was 18.5 mL at 3 years.
      Postvoid residual volume was insignificant in all the patients and none of the
      patients were on clean intermittent self-catheterization. None of the patients
      developed severe metabolic acidosis. Vitamin B12 levels were within normal range
      in all patients. Early complications were seen in 12 patients (28.6%), whereas
      late complications were observed in 5 patients (12%). CONCLUSION: Our results
      demonstrate that our modified technique of using a short ileal segment to create
      a near-spherical, compliant, low-pressure reservoir provides an acceptable, safe,
      and functional alternative to the standard Hautmann neobladder.

PMID- 27125877
TI  - The tACE/Angiotensin (1-7)/Mas Axis Protects Against Testicular Ischemia
      Reperfusion Injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether exogenous angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7)
      administration can protect against the damaging consequences of testicular
      ischemia reperfusion (tIR) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen male Sprague
      Dawley rats were divided equally among the following 3 groups: sham, unilateral
      tIR injury (1 hour of ischemic treatment and 4 hours of reperfusion), and tIR +
      Ang-(1-7) (0.3 mg/kg). Testicular tissues obtained from the rats were evaluated
      for the expression of testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE), Ang-(1-7),
      and the Ang-(1-7)-specific receptor Mas by immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. Reduced spermatogenesis, induction of the caspase-8 pathway,
      and nitric oxide (NO) generation were assessed. The effects of tIR and Ang-(1-7)
      treatment on the PI3K/Akt antiapoptosis pathway were also investigated. RESULTS:
      Testicular morphological changes and reduced spermatogenesis associated with
      decreased expression of the tACE/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis were observed during tIR.
      These effects were also accompanied by increased activity of caspase-3 and -8,
      downregulation of the survivin and BAD transcripts, and decreased NO formation.
      During tIR, PTEN expression was increased, leading to inactivation of the
      PI3K/Akt pathway. Acute treatment with Ang-(1-7) prior to reperfusion attenuated
      the tIR-induced damage described above. CONCLUSION: Expression of the tACE/Ang-(1
      7)/Mas axis was downregulated during tIR. Administration of exogenous Ang-(1-7)
      prior to reperfusion rescued tACE and Mas expression and protected against germ
      cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Increased NO generation and activation of
      the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may have partially contributed to these effects.
      The tACE/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis likely plays a role in the maintenance of normal
      testis physiology and spermatogenesis.

PMID- 27125878
TI  - Risk Factors and Microbial Distribution of Urinary Tract Infections Following
      Radical Cystectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinicopathologic features associated with the risk of
      urinary tract infection (UTI) after radical cystectomy (RC), and determine the
      underlying organisms responsible for these events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      reviewed 1248 patients treated with RC for bladder cancer from 2000 to 2010 at
      Mayo Clinic. UTIs diagnosed within 90 days of surgery were recorded.
      Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the
      association of clinicopathologic features with postoperative UTI. RESULTS: UTI
      was diagnosed in 129 (10.3%) patients within 90 days of RC. Median time to UTI
      was 22.5 days (interquartile range 14,42). On multivariable analysis, factors
      associated with a significantly increased UTI risk were diabetes (odds ratio [OR]
      2.27; P < .001), receipt of a perioperative blood transfusion (OR 1.58; P = .03),
      continent urinary diversion (OR 2.17;P < .001), and development of a urine leak
      (OR 3.42;P < .001). Culture-specific infection data were available for 88 of the
      patients, with a total of 113 UTIs diagnosed among this cohort. Of these, 36.8%
      of UTIs were polymicrobial. Drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus
      were isolated in 45.0% and 12.8% of infections, respectively. Fungal elements
      were present in 27 (23.9%) cultures, and were the sole organism in 15 (13.3%). No
      significant differences in microbial distribution or timing of infections were
      detected between patients who underwent conduit vs continent diversion.
      CONCLUSION: We found that diabetes, perioperative blood transfusion, continent
      diversion, and urine leak were associated with UTI risk following RC. Multiple
      organisms, drug resistance, and fungal elements were commonly identified,
      supporting the use of initial broad-spectrum coverage, including consideration of
      antifungal therapy, upon diagnosis of UTI after RC.

PMID- 27125879
TI  - Evaluation of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Radiation-induced
      Hemorrhagic Cystitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in the
      treatment of postradiation hematuria (PRH) and to identify the predictive factors
      for a successful outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective
      study and included all patients with PRH treated with HBO in a university
      hospital center between January 2003 and December 2013. We studied the patients'
      clinical characteristics, radiotherapy indication, treatments preceding HBO, the
      grade of hematuria diagnosed based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse
      Events classification v 4.03 and the efficacy of HBO. The success of HBO was
      defined as the total or partial resolution of hematuria. RESULTS: We included 71
      patients with a median age of 72 (39-87) years. PRHs were severe (grade >=3) in
      50 (70.4%) of the cases. Radiotherapy was indicated in the treatment of prostate
      cancer in 61 (85.9%) patients. The median length of time between hematuria and
      HBO was 8 (1-154) months. Prior to HBO, 46 (64.8%) patients underwent
      electrocoagulation of the bladder. HBO sessions were compounded by 9 cases of
      barotraumatic otitis, 5 cases of transient visual disturbance, and 1 case of
      finger paresthesia. On average, 29 (3-50) sessions were carried out. Treatment
      was effective in 46 (64.8%) patients, 37 (52.1%) of whom were completely cured. A
      hematuria grade of less than 3 was a predictive factor in the successful
      treatment (P = .027). Median follow-up was 15 (1-132) months. CONCLUSION: HBO
      completely resolves PRH in 52.1% of cases. Prolonged patient follow-up is
      required to confirm the efficacy of this treatment.

PMID- 27125880
TI  - Simultaneous Bilateral Endoscopic Manipulation for Bilateral Renal Stones.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the first performance of simultaneous bilateral percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy carried out in tandem by 2 different
      surgeons in a patient with bilateral medium-sized renal calculi, describing step
      by-step details of the surgical technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 46-year-old
      man, affected with hyperparathyroidism, was diagnosed with asymptomatic bilateral
      medium-sized renal stones. An abdominal noncontrast computed tomography scan
      revealed a left single kidney stone with a maximum diameter of 16 mm and 2 right
      renal stones located in the pelvis and in the lower calyx, of 21 and 19 mm in
      maximum diameter, respectively. A bilateral simultaneous percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy on the right side and flexible ureteroscopy on the left side were
      therefore carried out. RESULTS: The total operative time was 80 minutes. No intra
      or postoperative complications were experienced. On postoperative day 1, the
      creatinine serum level was stable (0.7 mg/dL); he was discharged home 48 hours
      later. Ureteral stents were removed 7 days after the procedure. At 2 weeks follow
      up, an abdominal noncontrast computed tomography scan showed a stone-free status
      and no changes in renal function were detected. CONCLUSION: A simultaneous
      bilateral endoscopic manipulation is feasible and safe and it can be offered in
      the presence of medium-sized bilateral renal stones in high-volume centers by
      experienced surgeons.

PMID- 27125881
TI  - Splenunculus Masquerading as Prostate-specific Membrane Antigen-positive Lymph
      Node Metastasis in a Patient With Prostate-specific Antigen Relapse After Radical
      Prostatectomy.
AB  - A 45-year-old patient presented with prostate-specific antigen relapse after
      radical prostatectomy. Diagnostic workup revealed a (68)Ga-labeled prostate
      specific membrane antigen-targeted ligand tracer uptaking nodule that was
      initially interpreted as lymph node metastasis but eventually identified as a
      splenunculus by scintigraphy with (99m)Tc pertechnetate-labeled heat-altered
      erythrocytes. Awareness of this constellation may spare unnecessary diagnostic
      procedures and inappropriate treatment. 

PMID- 27125882
TI  - Dual energy computed tomography: a novel technique for diagnosis of gout.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of dual energy computed
      tomography (DECT) for diagnosing gout compared with a composite gold standard
      (CGS) comprising joint aspiration and/or American College of Rheumatology clinico
      radiographic criteria. METHODS: Ninety patients of suspected gout underwent
      radiography and DECT of bilateral feet and knees. Radiographs and non-contrast CT
      (NCCT) were assessed for morphological characteristics, following which DECT was
      used to identify urate deposits. RESULTS: With CGS as a reference (n = 90),
      sensitivity of radiographs was 15% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6-27%) while
      specificity was 100% (95% CI: 90-100%). Sensitivity of NCCT was 26% (95% CI: 15
      40%) while specificity was 97% (95% CI: 85-99%). Sensitivity of DECT was 82% (95%
      CI: 68-90%) while specificity was 89% (95% CI: 73-96%). Fifty-five patients
      underwent joint aspiration. Sensitivity and specificity of radiographs and NCCT
      with aspiration as a reference (n = 55) were not much different from that of CGS.
      However, DECT showed a higher sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 86-100%) and a lower
      specificity of 48% (95%CI: 28-68%) with aspiration alone. CONCLUSIONS: Dual
      energy computed tomography had higher sensitivity compared to conventional
      imaging with CGS as a reference; however, its specificity dropped with aspiration
      as a reference. It may be a useful adjunct for the diagnosis of gout, especially
      in the acute and inter-critical stage.

PMID- 27125883
TI  - Randomised clinical trial: mixed soluble/insoluble fibre vs. psyllium for chronic
      constipation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibre supplements are useful, but whether a plum-derived mixed fibre
      that contains both soluble and insoluble fibre improves constipation is unknown.
      AIM: To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of mixed soluble/insoluble
      fibre vs. psyllium in a randomized double-blind controlled trial. METHODS:
      Constipated patients (Rome III) received mixed fibre or psyllium, 5 g b.d., for 4
      weeks. Daily symptoms and stool habit were assessed using stool diary. Subjects
      with >=1 complete spontaneous bowel movement/week above baseline for >=2/4 weeks
      were considered responders. Secondary outcome measures included stool
      consistency, bowel satisfaction, straining, gas, bloating, taste, dissolvability
      and quality of life (QoL). RESULTS: Seventy-two subjects (mixed fibre = 40;
      psyllium = 32) were enrolled and two from psyllium group withdrew. The mean
      complete spontaneous bowel movement/week increased with both mixed fibre (P <
      0.0001) and psyllium (P = 0.0002) without group difference. There were 30 (75%)
      responders with mixed fibre and 24 (75%) with psyllium (P = 0.9). Stool
      consistency increased (P = 0.04), straining (P = 0.006) and bloating scores
      decreased (P = 0.02) without group differences. Significantly more patients
      reported improvement in flatulence (53% vs. 25%, P = 0.01) and felt that mixed
      fibre dissolved better (P = 0.02) compared to psyllium. QoL improved (P = 0.0125)
      with both treatments without group differences. CONCLUSIONS: Mixed fibre and
      psyllium were equally efficacious in improving constipation and QoL. Mixed fibre
      was more effective in relieving flatulence, bloating and dissolved better. Mixed
      fibre is effective and well tolerated.

PMID- 27125885
TI  - State-of-the-art housekeeping proteins for quantitative western blotting:
      Revisiting the first draft of the human proteome.
AB  - Western blotting (WB) analysis is the most popular and widely used methodology
      for protein detection and characterization over recent decades. In accordance
      with the advancement of the technologies for the acquisition of WB signals, a
      quantitative value is used to present the abundance of target proteins in a
      complex sample, thereby requiring the use of specific proteins as internal
      references that represent total proteins. Heretofore, proteins encoded by
      housekeeping genes such as GAPDH, beta-tubulin and beta-actin have been commonly
      used as loading controls without any hesitation because their mRNA expression
      levels tend to be high and constant in many different cells and tissues.
      Experimentally, however, some of the housekeeping reference proteins are often
      displayed with inconsistent expression levels in both homogeneous and
      heterogeneous tissues, and, in terms of mRNA levels, they have a weak correlation
      to the abundance of proteins. To estimate accurate, reliable, and reproducible
      protein quantifications, it is crucial to define appropriate reference controls.
      For this paper, we explored the recently released large-scale, human proteomic
      database ProteomicsDB including 16 857 liquid chromatography tandem-mass
      spectrometry data from 27 human tissues, and suggest 20 ubiquitously- and
      constitutively-expressed, putative internal-reference controls for the
      quantification of differential protein expressions. Intriguingly, the most
      commonly used, known housekeeping genes were entirely excluded in our newly
      defined candidates. Although the applications of the candidates under many
      different biological conditions and in other organisms are yet to be empirically
      verified, we propose reliable, potential loading controls for a WB analysis in
      this paper. 

PMID- 27125884
TI  - The growth determinants and transport properties of tunneling nanotube networks
      between B lymphocytes.
AB  - Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are long intercellular connecting structures providing
      a special transport route between two neighboring cells. To date TNTs have been
      reported in different cell types including immune cells such as T-, NK, dendritic
      cells, or macrophages. Here we report that mature, but not immature, B cells
      spontaneously form extensive TNT networks under conditions resembling the
      physiological environment. Live-cell fluorescence, structured illumination, and
      atomic force microscopic imaging provide new insights into the structure and
      dynamics of B cell TNTs. Importantly, the selective interaction of cell surface
      integrins with fibronectin or laminin extracellular matrix proteins proved to be
      essential for initiating TNT growth in B cells. These TNTs display diversity in
      length and thickness and contain not only F-actin, but their majority also
      contain microtubules, which were found, however, not essential for TNT formation.
      Furthermore, we demonstrate that Ca2+-dependent cortical actin dynamics exert a
      fundamental control over TNT growth-retraction equilibrium, suggesting that actin
      filaments form the TNT skeleton. Non-muscle myosin 2 motor activity was shown to
      provide a negative control limiting the uncontrolled outgrowth of membranous
      protrusions. Moreover, we also show that spontaneous growth of TNTs is either
      reduced or increased by B cell receptor- or LPS-mediated activation signals,
      respectively, thus supporting the critical role of cytoplasmic Ca2+ in regulation
      of TNT formation. Finally, we observed transport of various GM1/GM3+ vesicles,
      lysosomes, and mitochondria inside TNTs, as well as intercellular exchange of MHC
      II and B7-2 (CD86) molecules which may represent novel pathways of intercellular
      communication and immunoregulation.

PMID- 27125886
TI  - Survey of mental health nurses' attitudes towards risk assessment, risk
      assessment tools and positive risk.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Risk assessment and safety planning are a core
      aspect of the role of the mental health nurse. Conflicting views exist on the
      value of risk assessment tools. Few studies have examined mental health nurses'
      attitudes towards risk, including use of tools and the role of positive risk in
      recovery. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Mental health nurses view
      risk assessment as a core dimension of their role and not merely an exercise to
      fulfil organizational clinical safety and governance obligations. The majority of
      nurses hold positive attitudes towards therapeutic or positive risk, and consider
      creative risk taking as vital to people's recovery. The majority of nurses
      believe that risk assessment tools facilitate professional decision making,
      however, some are concerned that tools may negatively impact upon therapeutic
      relationships. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Ongoing education on the
      use of risk assessment tools is required to minimize views that their use is
      incompatible with therapeutic engagement, and to enable nurses to develop
      confidence to engage with positive risk and to allow service users make decisions
      and take responsibility. ABSTRACT: Introduction Risk assessment and safety
      planning are considered core components of the role of the mental health nurse;
      however, little is known about nurses' attitudes towards risk assessment, use of
      tools to assess risk or therapeutic risk taking. Aim This study aimed to explore
      mental health nurses' attitudes towards completing risk assessments, use of tools
      as an aid, and therapeutic or positive risk. Method An anonymous survey which
      included 13 attitudinal statements, rated on a five-point Likert scale, was
      completed by 381 mental health nurses working in adult services in Ireland.
      Findings Findings indicate strong support for the practice of risk assessment in
      mental health practice. The vast majority of nurses believe that risk assessment
      tools facilitate professional decision making; however, there is concern that the
      use of these tools may negatively impact upon therapeutic engagement with service
      users. The majority of participants have positive attitudes towards therapeutic
      risk, believing that service users have the right to take informed risks in the
      context of recovery-orientated care. Discussion The provision of education on the
      use of risk assessment tools within the context of engagement may help minimize
      views that the use of assessment tools are incompatible with therapeutic
      engagement.

PMID- 27125887
TI  - Mimicking Tissue Boundaries by Sharp Multiparameter Matrix Interfaces.
AB  - Engineering interfaces of distinct extracellular compartments mimicking native
      tissues are key for in-depth in vitro studies on developmental and disease
      processes in biology and medicine. Sharp interfaces of extracellular matrices are
      constructed based on fibrillar collagen I networks with a multiparameter control
      of topology, mechanics, and composition, and their distinct impact on triggering
      the directionality of cancer cell migration is demonstrated.

PMID- 27125888
TI  - Super Oxygen and Improved Water Vapor Barrier of Polypropylene Film with
      Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Nanocoatings.
AB  - Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) is widely used in packaging. Although its
      orientation increases mechanical strength and clarity, BOPP suffers from a high
      oxygen transmission rate (OTR). Multilayer thin films are deposited from water
      using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. Polyethylenimine (PEI) is combined with
      either poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or vermiculite (VMT) clay to impart high oxygen
      barrier. A 30-bilayer PEI/VMT nanocoating (226 nm thick) improves the OTR of 17.8
      MUm thick BOPP by more than 30X, rivaling most inorganic coatings. PEI/PAA
      multilayers achieve comparable barrier with only 12 bilayers due to greater
      thickness, but these films exhibit increased oxygen permeability at high
      humidity. The PEI/VMT coatings actually exhibit improved oxygen barrier at high
      humidity (and also improve moisture barrier by more than 40%). This high barrier
      BOPP meets the criteria for sensitive food and some electronics packaging
      applications. Additionally, this water-based coating technology is cost effective
      and provides an opportunity to produce high barrier polypropylene film on an
      industrial scale. 

PMID- 27125889
TI  - Sleep disturbances during pregnancy are associated with cesarean delivery and
      preterm birth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of sleep
      disturbances during pregnancy with cesarean delivery and preterm birth. METHODS:
      In this prospective study, 688 healthy women with singleton pregnancy were
      selected from three hospitals in Chengdu, China 2013-2014. Self-report
      questionnaires, including the sleep quantity and quality as well as exercise
      habits in a recent month were administered at 12-16, 24-28, and 32-36 weeks'
      gestation. Data on type of delivery, gestational age, and the neonates' weight
      were recorded after delivery. After controlling the potential confounders, a
      serial of multi-factor logistic regression models were performed to evaluate
      whether sleep quality and quantity were associated with cesarean delivery and
      preterm birth. RESULTS: There were 382 (55.5%) women who had cesarean deliveries
      and 32 (4.7%) who delivered preterm. Women with poor sleep quality during the
      first (OR: 1.87, 95% CI [1.02-3.43]), second (5.19 [2.25-11.97]), and third
      trimester (1.82 [1.18-2.80]) were at high risk of cesarean delivery. Women with
      poor sleep quality during the second (5.35 [2.10-13.63]) and third trimester
      (3.01 [1.26-7.19]) as well as short sleep time (<7 h) during the third trimester
      (4.67 [1.24-17.50]) were at high risk of preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep
      disturbances are associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery and
      preterm birth throughout pregnancy. Obstetric care providers should advise women
      with childbearing age to practice healthy sleep hygiene measures.

PMID- 27125890
TI  - Prescribing patterns, adherence and LDL-cholesterol response of type 2 diabetes
      patients initiating statin on low-dose versus standard-dose treatment: a
      descriptive study.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe and compare treatment modifications
      and discontinuation, adherence levels and response to treatment in patients with
      type 2 diabetes initiating on low-dose vs. standard-dose statin treatment.
      METHODS: A 2-year follow-up cohort study was performed using data from the
      Groningen Initiative to Analyse Type 2 Diabetes Treatment (GIANTT) database in
      patients with type 2 diabetes initiating statin treatment between January 2007
      and December 2012. First, we determined whether there were differences in
      treatment modifications and discontinuation after statin initiation between
      patients starting on a low-dose vs. standard-dose. Second, we looked at
      differences in adherence and LDL-cholesterol response after 2 years follow-up
      between these groups. RESULTS: Around 22% of patients initiated statin treatment
      on a dose lower than recommended. More than half of them remained on a low dose
      during a 2-year follow-up period, whereas less than 15% received a dose increase.
      Of the patients initiating on standard-dose, also more than half remained on the
      same treatment during this period, whereas 8% received a dose decrease without
      subsequent increase. Over 25% of patients starting on low-dose or standard-dose
      treatment discontinued treatment, often within the first 180 days after
      initiation or after a first treatment change. Patients on low-dose treatment had
      lower adherence levels and were less likely to have adequate LDL-cholesterol
      response compared with patients on standard-dose after 2 years follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: Current patterns of statin treatment in patients with type 2
      diabetes are suboptimal, with discontinuation, inadequate adherence levels and
      lack of treatment intensification seen in those who had inadequate LDL
      cholesterol response after 2 years of follow-up. Patients starting on low-dose
      had more treatment modifications, discontinuation and adherence problems as
      compared with those starting on standard-dose treatment, which calls for a closer
      look at the rationale of starting patients on low-dose statin treatment.

PMID- 27125891
TI  - Erratum: Increased resting state connectivity between ipsilesional motor cortex
      and contralesional premotor cortex after transcranial direct current stimulation
      with physical therapy.

PMID- 27125892
TI  - Levonorgestrel release rates over 5 years with the Liletta(r) 52-mg intrauterine
      system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the potential duration of action for Liletta(r), we
      conducted this study to estimate levonorgestrel (LNG) release rates over
      approximately 51/2years of product use. METHODS: Clinical sites in the U.S. Phase
      3 study of Liletta collected the LNG intrauterine systems (IUSs) from women who
      discontinued the study. We randomly selected samples within 90-day intervals
      after discontinuation of IUS use through 900days (approximately 2.5years) and 180
      day intervals for the remaining duration through 5.4years (1980days) to evaluate
      residual LNG content. We also performed an initial LNG content analysis using 10
      randomly selected samples from a single lot. We calculated the average ex vivo
      release rate using the residual LNG content over the duration of the analysis.
      RESULTS: We analyzed 64 samples within 90-day intervals (range 6-10 samples per
      interval) through 900days and 36 samples within 180-day intervals (6 samples per
      interval) for the remaining duration. The initial content analysis averaged
      52.0+/-1.8mg. We calculated an average initial release rate of 19.5mcg/day that
      decreased to 17.0, 14.8, 12.9, 11.3 and 9.8mcg/day after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5years,
      respectively. The 5-year average release rate is 14.7mcg/day. CONCLUSION: The
      estimated initial LNG release rate and gradual decay of the estimated release
      rate are consistent with the target design and function of the product. The
      calculated LNG content and release rate curves support the continued evaluation
      of Liletta as a contraceptive for 5 or more years of use. IMPLICATIONS STATEMENT:
      Liletta LNG content and release rates are comparable to published data for
      another LNG 52-mg IUS. The release rate at 5years is more than double the
      published release rate at 3years with an LNG 13.5-mg IUS, suggesting continued
      efficacy of Liletta beyond 5years.

PMID- 27125893
TI  - Exploring Canadian women's knowledge of and interest in mifepristone: results
      from a national qualitative study with abortion patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although Canada decriminalized abortion in 1988, significant
      disparities in access to services and an uneven geographic distribution of
      providers persists. Health Canada registered mifepristone, the gold standard of
      medication abortion, in July 2015. Our study explored Canadian women's knowledge
      of, interest in, and perspectives on mifepristone prior to registration. METHODS:
      From November 2012 through July 2015 we conducted in-depth interviews with 174
      Anglophone and Francophone women from Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Ontario,
      and Quebec about their abortion experiences and their opinions about medication
      abortion. We purposively recruited participants from different age cohorts and
      different regions within each study province to explore a range of perspectives.
      We analyzed these interviews for content and themes related to mifepristone using
      both deductive and inductive analytic techniques. RESULTS: The overwhelming
      majority of participants had no knowledge of mifepristone at the time of the
      interview. However, after providing a brief description of an evidence-based
      mifepristone/misoprostol regimen, more than half of the participants reported
      that they would have considered this method had it been available at the time of
      their abortion and most would have been comfortable receiving medication abortion
      care from a family physician or nurse practitioner. Most women supported the
      approval of mifepristone and felt Canadian women would benefit from having more
      options for early pregnancy termination. CONCLUSION: Although knowledge of
      mifepristone among recent abortion patients was low, considerable interest in
      medication abortion exists. Expanding awareness-raising efforts and supporting
      the approval of evidence-based regimens and provision of mifepristone appears
      warranted. IMPLICATIONS: The approval and introduction of mifepristone for early
      abortion in Canada promises to increase options and access. Creating tailored and
      culturally and contextually resonant messages about mifepristone is of high
      priority. Promoting evidence-based protocols and the inclusion of a full range of
      qualified professionals in service provision is also warranted.

PMID- 27125894
TI  - Four aspects of the scope and quality of family planning services in US publicly
      funded health centers: Results from a survey of health center administrators.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to describe aspects of the scope and quality of
      family planning services provided by US publicly funded health centers before the
      release of relevant federal recommendations. STUDY DESIGN: Using nationally
      representative survey data (N=1615), we describe four aspects of service
      delivery: family planning services provided, contraceptive methods provided
      onsite, written contraceptive counseling protocols and youth-friendly services.
      We created a count index for each issue and used multivariable ordered logistic
      regression to identify health center characteristics associated with scoring
      higher on each. RESULTS: Half of the sample received Title X funding and about a
      third each were a community health center or health department clinic. The vast
      majority reported frequently providing contraceptive services (89%) and STD
      services (87%) for women in the past 3 months. Service provision to males was
      substantially lower except for STD screening. A total of 63% and 48% of health
      centers provided hormonal IUDs and implants onsite in the past 3 months,
      respectively. Forty percent of health centers included all five recommended
      contraceptive counseling practices in written protocols. Of youth-friendly
      services, active promotion of confidential services was among the most commonly
      reported (83%); offering weekend/evening hours was among the least (42%). In
      multivariable analyses, receiving Title X funding, having larger volumes of
      family planning clients and being a Planned Parenthood clinic were associated
      with higher scores on most indices. CONCLUSION: Many services were consistent
      with the recommendations for providing quality family planning services, but
      there was room for improvement across domains and health centers types.
      IMPLICATIONS STATEMENT: As assessed in this paper, the scope and quality of these
      family planning services was relatively high, particularly among Planned
      Parenthood clinics and Title X-funded centers. However, results point to
      important areas for improvement. Future studies should assess change as
      implementation of recent family planning service recommendations continues.

PMID- 27125895
TI  - Dual Outcomes of Rosiglitazone Treatment on Fatty Liver.
AB  - In previous studies, it has been reported that rosiglitazone has opposing effects
      on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The purpose of the current study is to test
      the hypothesis that such opposing effects are related to different levels of
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) in the liver. Using
      a gene transfer approach and mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) as an animal model,
      we demonstrate that mice with low levels of PPAR-gamma expression in the liver
      are resistant to HFD-induced development of fatty liver when treated with
      rosiglitazone. Conversely, rosiglitazone treatment actually exacerbates liver
      steatosis in obese mice that have a higher level of PPAR-gamma. Mechanistic
      studies show that an elevated hepatic PPAR-gamma level is associated with an
      increased expression of genes responsible for lipid metabolism in the liver,
      particularly Cd36, Fabp4, and Mgat1. The concurrent transfer of these three genes
      into the mouse liver fully recapitulates the phenotypic change induced by the
      overexpression of PPAR-gamma. These results provide evidence in support of the
      importance of PPAR-gamma in the liver when rosiglitazone is considered for the
      treatment of fatty liver disease. Clinically, our results suggest the necessity
      of verifying PPAR-gamma levels in the liver when rosiglitazone is considered as a
      treatment option, and indicate that the direct use of rosiglitazone for treatment
      of nonalcoholic fatty liver may not be desirable when the patient's PPAR-gamma
      level in the liver is significantly elevated.

PMID- 27125897
TI  - The strike in numbers.

PMID- 27125896
TI  - Maternal fructose drives placental uric acid production leading to adverse fetal
      outcomes.
AB  - Maternal metabolic diseases increase offspring risk for low birth weight and
      cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. Excess fructose consumption may confer
      metabolic risks for both women and their offspring. However, the direct
      consequences of fructose intake per se are unknown. We assessed the impact of a
      maternal high-fructose diet on the fetal-placental unit in mice in the absence of
      metabolic syndrome and determined the association between maternal serum fructose
      and placental uric acid levels in humans. In mice, maternal fructose consumption
      led to placental inefficiency, fetal growth restriction, elevated fetal serum
      glucose and triglyceride levels. In the placenta, fructose induced de novo uric
      acid synthesis by activating the activities of the enzymes AMP deaminase and
      xanthine oxidase. Moreover, the placentas had increased lipids and altered
      expression of genes that control oxidative stress. Treatment of mothers with the
      xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol reduced placental uric acid levels,
      prevented placental inefficiency, and improved fetal weights and serum
      triglycerides. Finally, in 18 women delivering at term, maternal serum fructose
      levels significantly correlated with placental uric acid levels. These findings
      suggest that in mice, excess maternal fructose consumption impairs placental
      function via a xanthine oxidase/uric acid-dependent mechanism, and similar
      effects may occur in humans.

PMID- 27125898
TI  - A Model-Based Economic Evaluation of Biologic and Non-Biologic Options for the
      Treatment of Adults with Moderately-to-Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis after
      the Failure of Conventional Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the most common form of inflammatory bowel
      disease in the UK. Medical management aims to induce and maintain remission and
      to avoid complications and the necessity for surgical intervention. Colectomy
      removes the source of inflammation but is associated with morbidity and
      mortality. Newer anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha therapies may improve
      medical outcomes, albeit at an increased cost. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to
      assess the incremental cost effectiveness of infliximab, adalimumab and golimumab
      versus conventional therapy and surgery from a National Health Service (NHS) and
      Personal Social Services (PSS) perspective over a lifetime horizon. METHODS: A
      Markov model was developed with health states defined according to whether the
      patient is alive or dead, current treatments received, history of colectomy and
      level of disease control. Transition probabilities were derived from network meta
      analyses (NMAs) of trials of anti-TNF-alpha agents in the moderate-to-severe UC
      population. Health utilities, colectomy rates, surgical complications and
      resource use estimates were derived from literature. Unit costs were drawn from
      standard costing sources and literature and were valued at year 2013/2014 values.
      RESULTS: For patients in whom surgery is an option, colectomy is expected to
      dominate all medical treatment options. For patients in whom colectomy is not an
      option, infliximab and golimumab are expected to be ruled out due to dominance,
      whilst the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for adalimumab versus
      conventional treatment is expected to be approximately L50,278 per quality
      adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the NMAs, the ICERs for
      anti-TNF-alpha therapy versus conventional treatment or surgery are expected to
      be at best, in excess of L50,000 per QALY gained. The cost effectiveness of
      withdrawing biologic therapy upon remission and re-treating relapse is unknown.

PMID- 27125899
TI  - Erratum: IGHV1-69 polymorphism modulates anti-influenza antibody repertoires,
      correlates with IGHV utilization shifts and varies by ethnicity.

PMID- 27125900
TI  - The lag-phase during diauxic growth is a trade-off between fast adaptation and
      high growth rate.
AB  - Bi-phasic or diauxic growth is often observed when microbes are grown in a
      chemically defined medium containing two sugars (for example glucose and
      lactose). Typically, the two growth stages are separated by an often lengthy
      phase of arrested growth, the so-called lag-phase. Diauxic growth is usually
      interpreted as an adaptation to maximise population growth in multi-nutrient
      environments. However, the lag-phase implies a substantial loss of growth during
      the switch-over. It therefore remains unexplained why the lag-phase is adaptive.
      Here we show by means of a stochastic simulation model based on the bacterial PTS
      system that it is not possible to shorten the lag-phase without incurring a
      permanent growth-penalty. Mechanistically, this is due to the inherent and well
      established limitations of biological sensors to operate efficiently at a given
      resource cost. Hence, there is a trade-off between lost growth during the diauxic
      switch and the long-term growth potential of the cell. Using simulated evolution
      we predict that the lag-phase will evolve depending on the distribution of
      conditions experienced during adaptation. In environments where switching is less
      frequently required, the lag-phase will evolve to be longer whereas, in
      frequently changing environments, the lag-phase will evolve to be shorter.

PMID- 27125901
TI  - Dual electrospinning with sacrificial fibers for engineered porosity and
      enhancement of tissue ingrowth.
AB  - Porosity, pore size and pore interconnectivity are critical factors for cellular
      infiltration into electrospun scaffolds. This study utilized dual electrospinning
      with sacrificial fiber extraction to produce scaffolds with engineered porosity
      and mechanical properties. Subsequently, scaffolds were covalently grafted with
      heparin, a known anti-coagulant with growth-factor binding properties. We
      hypothesized that the tissue ingrowth would correlate positively with the
      porosity of the scaffolds. Pellethane(r) (PU) was spun simultaneously with
      poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO, subsequently extracted). Low, medium and high porosity
      scaffolds and heparinized versions of each were characterized and implanted in
      vivo for evaluation of cellular infiltration and inflammation subcutaneously in
      male Wistar rats (7,14 and 28 days, n = 6). Average pore-size for low (76 +/-
      0.2%), medium (83 +/- 0.5%) and high (90 +/- 1.0%) porosity scaffolds was 4.0 +/-
      2.3 um, 9.9 +/- 4.2 um and 11.1 +/- 5.5 um (p < 0.0001). Heparinization resulted
      in increased fiber diameter (3.6 +/- 1.1 um vs. 1.8 +/- 0.8 um, p < 0.0001) but
      influenced neither pore-size (p = 0.67) nor porosity (p = 0.27). Cellular
      infiltration for low, medium and high porosity scaffolds reached 33 +/- 7%, 77 +/
      20% and 98 +/- 1% of scaffold width, respectively, by day 28 of implantation (p
      < 0001); heparinization did not affect infiltration (p = 0.89). The ultimate
      tensile strength (UTS) and Young's modulus (Ey ) of the constructs increased
      linearly with increasing PU fiber fraction (UTS: r2  = 0.97, p < 0.0001, Ey : r2
      = 0.76, p < 0.0001) and heparinization resulted in decreased strength but
      increased stiffness compared to non-heparinized scaffolds. Increased PEO to PU
      fraction in the scaffold resulted in predictable losses to mechanical strength
      and improvements to cellular infiltration, which could make PEO to PU fraction a
      useful optimization parameter for small diameter vascular grafts. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1559-1572,
      2017.

PMID- 27125902
TI  - The incretin system ABCs in obesity and diabetes - novel therapeutic strategies
      for weight loss and beyond.
AB  - Incretins are gastrointestinal-derived hormones released in response to a meal
      playing a key role in the regulation of postprandial secretion of insulin
      (incretin effect) and glucagon by the pancreas. Both incretins, glucose-dependent
      insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), have several
      other actions by peripheral and central mechanisms. GLP-1 regulates body weight
      by inhibiting appetite and delaying gastric, emptying actions that are dependent
      on central nervous system GLP-1 receptor activation. Several other hormones and
      gut peptides, including leptin and ghrelin, interact with GLP-1 to modulate
      appetite. GLP-1 is rapidly degraded by the multifunctional enzyme dipeptidyl
      peptidase-4 (DPP-4). DPP-4 is involved in adipose tissue inflammation, which is
      associated with insulin resistance and diabetes progression, being a common
      pathophysiological mechanism in obesity-related complications. Furthermore, the
      incretin system appears to provide the basis for understanding the high weight
      loss efficacy of bariatric surgery, a widely used treatment for obesity, often in
      association with diabetes. The present review brings together new insights into
      obesity pathogenesis, integrating GLP-1 and DPP-4 in the complex interplay
      between obesity and inflammation, namely, in diabetic patients. This in turn will
      provide the basis for novel incretin-based therapeutic strategies for obesity and
      diabetes with promising benefits in addition to weight loss. (c) 2016 World
      Obesity.

PMID- 27125903
TI  - Tattoo-induced psoriasis: an umpteenth example of immunocompromised district.

PMID- 27125904
TI  - Neural correlates of spatial and nonspatial attention determined using
      intracranial electroencephalographic signals in humans.
AB  - Few studies have directly compared the neural correlates of spatial attention
      (i.e., attention to a particular location) and nonspatial attention (i.e.,
      attention to a feature in the visual scene) using well-controlled tasks. Here, we
      investigated the neural correlates of spatial and nonspatial attention in humans
      using intracranial electroencephalography. The topography and number of
      electrodes showing significant event-related desynchronization (ERD) or event
      related synchronization (ERS) in different frequency bands were studied in 13
      epileptic patients. Performance was not significantly different between the two
      conditions. In both conditions, ERD in the low-frequency bands and ERS in the
      high-frequency bands were present bilaterally in the parietal cortex (prominently
      on the right hemisphere) and frontal regions. In addition to these common
      changes, spatial attention involved right-lateralized activity that was maximal
      in the right superior parietal lobule (SPL), whereas nonspatial attention
      involved wider brain networks including the bilateral parietal, frontal, and
      temporal regions, but still had maximal activity in the right parietal lobe.
      Within the parietal lobe, spatial attention involved ERD or ERS in the right SPL,
      whereas nonspatial attention involved ERD or ERS in the right inferior parietal
      lobule. These findings reveal that common as well as different brain networks are
      engaged in spatial and nonspatial attention. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3041-3054, 2016.
      (c) 2016 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27125905
TI  - Cone of skin exists in rat: A "hypertrophic scarring free" animal.
AB  - Cone of skin is deemed to be related to hypertrophic scarring and absent in such
      traditionally "hypertrophic scarring and keloid free" animals as rat. The purpose
      of our study is to determine whether the cone of skin exists in rat. If it was,
      why it was ignored, and what was the meaning of it. The depilation of left dorsum
      of 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats was performed using a wax/rosin mixture. Skin
      samples were harvested on 0 d, 3 d, 9 d, 15 d, 21 d, 27 d, 33 d, and 39 d after
      depilation and stained by hematoxylin and eosin methods. Light microscopic
      observation of the dermis-fat interface was studied at 25* magnification. It was
      observed that, "dome" like fat tissue bulged up into the dermis from 3 d to 27 d
      and hair follicle bulged down into the "dome" like fat tissue from 15 d to 27 d
      and a "cone" like structure was seen. Cone of skin exists in rat in certain
      stages of hair follicle cycle, which is a valuable addition to the scientific
      literature and might be a challenge to the relation between cone of skin and
      hypertrophic scarring. Anat Rec, 299:1140-1144, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27125906
TI  - Microbiome sequencing: challenges and opportunities for molecular medicine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Since the discovery of Polymerase Chain Reaction and pioneering
      work on 16S ribosomal RNA genes in the 1980's, the use of molecular techniques to
      study microbial ecosystems and pathogenic microorganisms has been increasing
      exponentially. Because microbial communities inhabiting various body sites such
      as the skin or the intestine can influence our physiology, there has been a
      massive interest in studying their diversity, functions, and role in the
      development of acute and chronic diseases. AREA COVERED: In the present review,
      we gather knowledge on sequencing approaches to study microbial communities,
      especially human body microbiota, and give opinions on their potential and
      limitations, particularly with respect to clinical applications. Expert
      commentary: High-throughput sequencing delivered unprecedented views on complex
      microbial communities, but their popularization is accompanied by substantial
      technical hurdles that will need to be overcome for efficient implementation in
      routine clinical procedures.

PMID- 27125907
TI  - UV-induced epitaxial attachment of TiO2 nanocrystals in molecularly mediated 1D
      and 2D alignments.
AB  - Anatase TiO2 nanocrystals were crystallographically connected through UV-induced
      epitaxial attachments in 1D and 2D arrays with photocatalytic decomposition of
      the organic mediator. 

PMID- 27125908
TI  - The application of time decay characteristics of laser-induced fluorescence in
      the classification of vegetation.
AB  - In this study, the time decay of the chlorophyll fluorescence intensity (TDCFI)
      of vegetation was measured based on laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technology
      with a 355 nm laser serving as the excitation light source. The pseudo-color
      diagram of the TDCFI (PDTDCFIs) was proposed for use as a characteristic
      fingerprint for the analysis of various plant species based on variations in the
      fluorescence intensity over time. Compared with the steady-state fluorescence
      spectra, two-dimensional PDTDCFIs contained more spectral information, including
      variations in both the shape of the laser-induced fluorescence spectra and the
      relative intensity. The experimental results demonstrated that the PDTDCFIs of
      various plant species show distinct differences, and this was successfully
      applied in the classification of plant species. Therefore, the PDTDCFIs of plants
      could provide researchers with a more reliable and useful tool for the
      characterization of vegetation. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27125909
TI  - Ubiquinol-10 supplementation improves autonomic nervous function and cognitive
      function in chronic fatigue syndrome.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of oral ubiquinol-10
      supplementation in CFS patients using an open-label study and a randomized,
      double-blinded, placebo-controlled (RCT) study. Twenty patients with CFS were
      randomly enrolled in an 8-week open-label oral ubiquinol-10 (150 mg ubiquinol
      10/day) study. The patients and the attending physicians were not blinded to the
      supplementation. Forty-three patients with CFS were randomly assigned to receive
      either ubiquinol-10 (150 mg/day) or placebo every day for 12 weeks. The patients
      and the attending physicians were blinded to the supplementation, and a total of
      31 patients (N = 17 in the ubiquinol group and 14 in the placebo group) completed
      the study. The beneficial effects of ubiquinol-10 were observed in the open-label
      study we conducted prior to the RCT. The RCT results suggest that supplementation
      with ubiquinol-10 for 12 weeks is effective for improving several CFS symptoms.
      (c) 2016 BioFactors, 42(4):431-440, 2016. 

PMID- 27125910
TI  - Ultraflexible organic amplifier with biocompatible gel electrodes.
AB  - In vivo electronic monitoring systems are promising technology to obtain
      biosignals with high spatiotemporal resolution and sensitivity. Here we
      demonstrate the fabrication of a biocompatible highly conductive gel composite
      comprising multi-walled carbon nanotube-dispersed sheet with an aqueous hydrogel.
      This gel composite exhibits admittance of 100 mS cm(-2) and maintains high
      admittance even in a low-frequency range. On implantation into a living
      hypodermal tissue for 4 weeks, it showed a small foreign-body reaction compared
      with widely used metal electrodes. Capitalizing on the multi-functional gel
      composite, we fabricated an ultrathin and mechanically flexible organic active
      matrix amplifier on a 1.2-MUm-thick polyethylene-naphthalate film to amplify
      (amplification factor: ~200) weak biosignals. The composite was integrated to the
      amplifier to realize a direct lead epicardial electrocardiography that is easily
      spread over an uneven heart tissue.

PMID- 27125911
TI  - Factors Associated with HIV Status Disclosure in HIV-Infected Sub-Saharan
      Migrants Living in France and Successfully Treated with Antiretroviral Therapy:
      Results from the ANRS-VIHVO Study.
AB  - To estimate rates and identify correlates of HIV disclosure in migrants from sub
      Saharan Africa (SSA) successfully treated, a sub-analysis was conducted in HIV-1
      native SSA migrants, living in France with undetectable viral load on
      antiretroviral, included in the VIHVO adherence study. Logistic regression models
      assessed factors associated with HIV disclosure. Among 246 individuals (40 %
      male, median age 41), 79 % of those in a steady heterosexual partnership (n =
      167) had disclosed their status to their partner, 55 % of the total 246 to a
      relative, and 33 % to (an)other person(s). Disclosure to one's steady partner was
      associated with a follow-up duration since HIV diagnosis of more than 5 years, a
      higher literacy level, a better social context and marital status. Women were
      more likely to disclose their HIV status to relatives. Interventions targeting
      this population should be provided to improve disclosure which in turn ensures
      better social support, testing of the partner and lower rates of undiagnosed HIV.

PMID- 27125912
TI  - Influence of a 5-year serial infection control and antibiotic stewardship
      intervention on cardiac surgical site infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) complicate surgery, resulting in
      higher morbidity and mortality. Infection control bundles and antibiotic
      stewardship can be effective at reducing SSIs. The influence of long-term serial
      interventions is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this retrospective
      quasiexperimental study was to assess the influence of a 5-year serial infection
      control and antibiotic stewardship intervention on SSIs. METHODS: The
      multidisciplinary program actively implemented pre-, intra-, and postoperative
      strategies over a 5-year period from 2009-2014 for all patients undergoing
      coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), valve replacement, or both at a tertiary
      care public institution. Outcomes are compared with a 2-year preinterventions
      period (2007-2009) and 1-year postinterventions period (2014-2015). RESULTS: A
      total of 6,518 procedures were included. After interventions, the overall
      combined infection rate for CABG, CABG and valve, and valve procedures decreased
      by 66.3%, from 11.9%-4.0% (odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.49;
      P < .001). A significant decrease of >50% (P < .001) relative rate was observed
      in overall, sternum, leg, CABG, and combined CABG and valve infection rates when
      comparing pre- and postinterventions groups. The antibiotic stewardship
      intervention increased overall conformity to the internal surgical prophylaxis
      protocol by 46.8%, from 39.8%-86.6% (95% confidence interval, 41.0-52.4; P <
      .001). CONCLUSION: Long-term, serial comprehensive infection control and
      antibiotic stewardship interventions decrease overall SSIs in patients undergoing
      CABG and valve replacement procedures.

PMID- 27125913
TI  - Ventilator-associated complications: A study to evaluate the effectiveness of a
      planned teaching program for intensive care unit staff nurses-an Indian
      experience.
AB  - The role of nursing staff is important for both prevention and early diagnosis of
      complications associated with mechanical ventilation. The objective of our study
      was to assess the knowledge of nurses working in an intensive care unit for at
      least 6 months regarding ventilator-associated complications and its prevention.
      A quasiexperimental study was conducted using a questionnaire with 50 questions
      formulated by the panel of experts. A planned teaching program was developed
      based on related literature regarding ventilator-associated complications and its
      prevention and was presented to the staff nurses. The level of knowledge of the
      nursing staff was assessed before and after the workshop. Fifty nurses were
      included in the study. Among the staff nurses, 53.40% had average knowledge
      regarding ventilator-associated complications. Posttest, 77.20% of the total
      score was obtained for ventilator-associated complications. Regular training
      programs can be effective in improving the knowledge of nursing staff.

PMID- 27125914
TI  - Rate of colonization of health care workers by carbapenem-resistant
      Enterobacteriaceae in an endemic hospital: A prospective study.
AB  - The role of health care workers in transmission of carbapenem-resistant
      Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has not been evaluated thoroughly. We sought to
      determine the rate of fecal carriage of CRE among health care workers in our
      hospital, which is endemic for CRE (prevalence of 19 out of 800 beds and
      incidence of 128 out of 49,325 hospital admissions). We found no carriers among
      the 177 health care workers that participated in the study, suggesting that
      transmission does not occur through personnel gastrointestinal carriage of the
      bacteria.

PMID- 27125915
TI  - Reducing the underreporting of percutaneous exposure incidents: A single-center
      experience.
AB  - Although risk reduction strategies have been implemented throughout the world,
      underreporting of percutaneous exposure incidents (PEIs) is common among exposed
      health care workers. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence rate of
      reported PEIs before and after implementation of an intensified reporting
      management policy. The introduction of an intensified reporting system led to
      significantly increased reporting after a PEI has occurred. However, continuous
      education needs to be provided to improve awareness.

PMID- 27125916
TI  - Alterations of collagen-producing cells in human pituitary adenomas.
AB  - Extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential in tissue physiology and pathologic
      conditions such as tumorigenesis. ECM affects tumor cell behavior, proliferation,
      and metastasis. Pituitary adenomas vary in their clinical characteristics,
      including ECM deposition. However, the mechanism of desmoplasia in pituitary
      adenoma is not well understood. The present study focused on the principal
      component of ECM, collagen, and attempted to characterize collagen-producing
      cells in pituitary adenomas. Specimens of human pituitary adenomas and control
      pituitary were obtained during surgery. In situ hybridization for collagen I and
      III and immunohistochemistry for alpha-smooth muscle actin (a pericyte marker)
      and cytokeratin (an epithelial cell marker) were performed. The results showed
      that pericytes were the sole collagen-producing cells in control pituitary, while
      four types of collagen-producing cells were present in pituitary adenomas:
      pericytes, myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, and newly characterized "myoepithelial
      like cells". Azan staining showed that fibrous matrix deposition varied among
      pituitary adenomas and that the area of fibrosis was associated with the number
      and types of collagen-producing cells. These results suggest that changes in the
      number and type of collagen-producing cells influence ECM arrangement, which may
      in turn reflect pathologic characteristics in pituitary adenomas.

PMID- 27125917
TI  - Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease in China: Critical Community Size and Spatial
      Vaccination Strategies.
AB  - Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) constitutes a considerable burden for health
      care systems across China. Yet this burden displays important geographic
      heterogeneity that directly affects the local persistence and the dynamics of the
      disease, and thus the ability to control it through vaccination campaigns. Here,
      we use detailed geographic surveillance data and epidemic models to estimate the
      critical community size (CCS) of HFMD associated enterovirus serotypes CV-A16 and
      EV-A71 and we explore what spatial vaccination strategies may best reduce the
      burden of HFMD. We found CCS ranging from 336,979 (+/-225,866) to 722,372 (+/
      150,562) with the lowest estimates associated with EV-A71 in the southern region
      of China where multiple transmission seasons have previously been identified. Our
      results suggest the existence of a regional immigration-recolonization dynamic
      driven by urban centers. If EV-A71 vaccines doses are limited, these would be
      optimally deployed in highly populated urban centers and in high-prevalence
      areas. If HFMD vaccines are included in China's National Immunization Program in
      order to achieve high coverage rates (>85%), routine vaccination of newborns
      largely outperforms strategies in which the equivalent number of doses is equally
      divided between routine vaccination of newborns and pulse vaccination of the
      community at large.

PMID- 27125918
TI  - High Anger Expression is Associated with Reduced Cortisol Awakening Response and
      Health Complaints in Healthy Young Adults.
AB  - The extant evidence suggests a robust positive association between expression
      (anger expression-out) and suppression (anger expression-in) of anger and
      compromised health. Nevertheless, the underlying psychobiological mechanisms
      which explain these relationships are not well understood. This study examined
      whether anger expression would predict general health, cortisol awakening
      response (CAR) and evening cortisol levels in a community sample of 156 healthy
      young adults of both genders. Participants were distributed into two groups
      according to their anger expression scores: high and low anger expression (HAE
      and LAE, respectively). Findings indicated that those with HAE had worse self
      reported health (p = .02) and higher CAR than the LAE group (p = .04). Moreover,
      high levels of anger expression-out (p < .01) and -in (p < .01, for all)
      predicted a worse self-reported health in both groups. On the other hand, high
      anger expression-out was associated with flattened CAR but only in the HAE group
      (p < .01). This study reinforces the need to develop effective strategies to
      provide mechanisms to regulate anger expression by promoting personal growth and
      positive skills that enhance individuals' well-being and quality of life and, in
      turn, their own health. 

PMID- 27125919
TI  - Individualisation comes at a cost.

PMID- 27125920
TI  - Take your partners - dance fitness for the over-sixties.

PMID- 27125922
TI  - Unison issues warning on plans to replace bursaries with loans.

PMID- 27125923
TI  - Expert on dementia becomes professor emeritus.

PMID- 27125924
TI  - Health board and charity to provide hospice at home.

PMID- 27125925
TI  - Nurses use annual leave to fulfil CPD requirement.

PMID- 27125927
TI  - Gaps remain in end of life care services.

PMID- 27125926
TI  - Nurses urged to comment on draft multimorbidity guidance.

PMID- 27125931
TI  - The 'perfect' death.

PMID- 27125934
TI  - Recurrent stroke.

PMID- 27125935
TI  - Sleep patterns in care homes.

PMID- 27125936
TI  - Macular degeneration.

PMID- 27125937
TI  - Practice question.

PMID- 27125938
TI  - Comprehensive geriatric assessment of a patient with complex needs.
AB  - This is the third in a short series that presents case study examples of the
      application of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in different clinical
      settings. CGA is a holistic assessment model, which is designed to determine a
      frail older person's medical and mental health status, as well as functional,
      social and environmental issues. When undertaken by nurses, it can enable
      individualised care planning. The case study presented explores the application
      of CGA with an 89-year-old patient with complex health and social care needs. It
      demonstrates how a hospital admission was avoided and the patient's health
      outcomes improved, by using a nurse-led systematic approach to assessment and by
      careful consideration of CGA domains. 

PMID- 27125939
TI  - Patient safety and hydration in the care of older people.
AB  - Ensuring patients are adequately hydrated is a fundamental part of nursing care,
      however, it is clear from the literature that dehydration remains a significant
      problem in the NHS with implications for patient safety. The development of
      dehydration is often multifactorial and older age is an independent risk factor
      for the condition. However, the media often blame nursing staff for simply not
      giving patients enough to drink. This article discusses the scale of the problem
      in acute care settings and aims to raise awareness of the importance of hydration
      management and accurate documentation in nursing practice. It suggests that
      intentional hourly rounding may provide an opportunity for nurses to ensure older
      patients are prompted or assisted to take a drink. 

PMID- 27125940
TI  - Implementing digital skills training in care homes: a literature review.
AB  - This article is the first of a two-part series that informs and describes digital
      skills training using a dedicated console computer provided for staff and
      residents in a care home setting. This was part of a programme of culture change
      in a large care home with nursing in Glasgow, Scotland. The literature review
      shows that over the past decade there has been a gradual increase in the use of
      digital technology by staff and older people in community settings including care
      homes. Policy from the European Commission presents a persuasive argument for the
      advancement of technology-enabled care to counter the future impact of an
      increased number of people of advanced age on finite health and social care
      resources. The psychosocial and environmental issues that inhibit or enhance the
      acquisition of digital skills in care homes are considered and include the
      identification of exemplar schemes and the support involved. 

PMID- 27125941
TI  - Experiences of the advanced nurse practitioner role in acute care.
AB  - The aim of the service evaluation presented in this article was to explore the
      multidisciplinary team's (MDT) experiences and perception of the advanced nurse
      practitioner (ANP) role on an acute health care of the older person ward. A
      qualitative case study was carried out comprising semi-structured interviews with
      members of the MDT, exploring their experiences of the ANP role. An overarching
      theme of 'Is it a nurse? Is it a doctor? No, it's an ANP' emerged from the data,
      with three subthemes: the missing link; facilitating and leading holistic care;
      and safe, high quality care. The ANP role is valued by the MDT working with them
      and provides a unique skill set that has the potential to enhance care of older
      patients living with frailty. While there are challenges to its introduction, it
      is a role worth introducing to older people's wards. 

PMID- 27125942
TI  - Changing perceptions.

PMID- 27125943
TI  - The relationship between nutrition and frailty: Effects of protein intake,
      nutritional supplementation, vitamin D and exercise on muscle metabolism in the
      elderly. A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that predicts the onset of
      disability, morbidity and mortality in elderly people; it is a state of pre
      disability and is reversible. The aim of this review is to assess how nutrition
      influences both the risk of developing frailty and its treatment. DATA SOURCES:
      We searched two databases, PubMed and Web of Science. We included epidemiologic
      studies and clinical trials carried out on people aged over 65 years. We included
      32 studies with a total of over 50,000 participants. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      frailty is ranges from 15% among elderly people living in the community to 54%
      among those hospitalized. Furthermore, the prevalence of frailty is
      disproportionately high among elderly people who are malnourished. Malnutrition,
      which is very prevalent in geriatric populations, is one of the main risk factors
      for the onset of frailty. A good nutritional status and, wherever necessary,
      supplementation with macronutrients and micronutrients reduce the risk of
      developing frailty. Physical exercise has been shown to improve functional
      status, helps to prevent frailty and is an effective treatment to reverse it.
      Despite the relatively large number of studies included, this review has some
      limitations. Firstly, variability in the design of the studies and their
      different aims reduce their comparability. Secondly, several of the studies did
      not adequately define frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Poor nutritional status is associated
      with the onset of frailty. Screening and early diagnosis of malnutrition and
      frailty in elderly people will help to prevent the onset of disability. Effective
      treatment is based on correction of the macro- and micronutrient deficit and
      physical exercise.

PMID- 27125944
TI  - [Erratum to: Treatment of cardiovascular risk factors].

PMID- 27125945
TI  - [Current aspects of quality assurance].
AB  - The regulations for quality management in the rheumatology laboratory are
      demanding and on a qualitatively high level. They are the result of continuously
      more detailed quality requirements and their implementation. Not only the process
      of correctly measuring analytes but also aspects of preanalytics, postanalytics
      and interpretation of the results as well as validation of new test methods are
      becoming increasingly more important for the diagnostic process. 

PMID- 27125946
TI  - The evolution of left atrial appendage occlusion: EWOLUTION and the WATCHMAN in
      practice.

PMID- 27125947
TI  - Plasma ceramides predict cardiovascular death in patients with stable coronary
      artery disease and acute coronary syndromes beyond LDL-cholesterol.
AB  - AIMS: The aim was to study the prognostic value of plasma ceramides (Cer) as
      cardiovascular death (CV death) markers in three independent coronary artery
      disease (CAD) cohorts. METHODS AND RESULTS: Corogene study is a prospective
      Finnish cohort including stable CAD patients (n = 160). Multiple lipid biomarkers
      and C-reactive protein were measured in addition to plasma Cer(d18:1/16:0),
      Cer(d18:1/18:0), Cer(d18:1/24:0), and Cer(d18:1/24:1). Subsequently, the
      association between high-risk ceramides and CV mortality was investigated in the
      prospective Special Program University Medicine-Inflammation in Acute Coronary
      Syndromes (SPUM-ACS) cohort (n = 1637), conducted in four Swiss university
      hospitals. Finally, the results were validated in Bergen Coronary Angiography
      Cohort (BECAC), a prospective Norwegian cohort study of stable CAD patients.
      Ceramides, especially when used in ratios, were significantly associated with CV
      death in all studies, independent of other lipid markers and C-reactive protein.
      Adjusted odds ratios per standard deviation for the
      Cer(d18:1/16:0)/Cer(d18:1/24:0) ratio were 4.49 (95% CI, 2.24-8.98), 1.64 (1.29
      2.08), and 1.77 (1.41-2.23) in the Corogene, SPUM-ACS, and BECAC studies,
      respectively. The Cer(d18:1/16:0)/Cer(d18:1/24:0) ratio improved the predictive
      value of the GRACE score (net reclassification improvement, NRI = 0.17 and
      DeltaAUC = 0.09) in ACS and the predictive value of the Marschner score in stable
      CAD (NRI = 0.15 and DeltaAUC = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Distinct plasma ceramide
      ratios are significant predictors of CV death both in patients with stable CAD
      and ACS, over and above currently used lipid markers. This may improve the
      identification of high-risk patients in need of more aggressive therapeutic
      interventions.

PMID- 27125948
TI  - Myocardial blush and microvascular reperfusion following manual thrombectomy
      during percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction:
      insights from the TOTAL trial.
AB  - AIMS: Thrombectomy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for
      ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been thought to be an effective
      therapy to prevent distal embolization and improve microvascular perfusion. The
      TOTAL trial (N = 10 732), a randomized trial of routine manual thrombectomy vs.
      PCI alone in STEMI, showed no difference in the primary efficacy outcome. This
      angiographic sub-study was performed to determine if thrombectomy improved
      microvascular perfusion as measured by myocardial blush grade (MBG). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Of the 10 732 patients randomized, 1610 randomly selected angiograms
      were analysable by the angiographic core laboratory. Primary outcomes included
      MBG and post-PCI thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade.
      Secondary outcomes included distal embolization, PPCI complications, and each
      component of the complications. The primary end point of final myocardial blush
      (221 [28%] 0/1 for thrombectomy vs. 246 {30%} 0/1 for PCI alone group, P = 0.38)
      and TIMI flow (712 [90%] TIMI 3 for thrombectomy vs. 733 [89.5%] TIMI 3 for PCI
      alone arm, P = 0.73) was similar in the two groups. Thrombectomy was associated
      with a significantly reduced incidence of distal embolization compared with PCI
      alone (56 [7.1%] vs. 87 [10.7%], P = 0.01). In multivariable analysis, distal
      embolization was an independent predictor of mortality (HR 3.00, 95% CI 1.19
      7.58) while MBG was not (HR 2.73, 95% CI 0.94-5.3). CONCLUSIONS: Routine
      thrombectomy during PPCI did not result in improved MBG or post-PCI TIMI flow
      grade but did reduce distal embolization compared with PCI alone. Distal
      embolization and not blush grade is independently associated with mortality.

PMID- 27125949
TI  - Deficiency of the oxygen sensor prolyl hydroxylase 1 attenuates
      hypercholesterolaemia, atherosclerosis, and hyperglycaemia.
AB  - AIMS: Normalization of hypercholesterolaemia, inflammation, hyperglycaemia, and
      obesity are main desired targets to prevent cardiovascular clinical events. Here
      we present a novel regulator of cholesterol metabolism, which simultaneously
      impacts on glucose intolerance and inflammation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Mice
      deficient for oxygen sensor HIF-prolyl hydroxylase 1 (PHD1) were backcrossed onto
      an atherogenic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) knockout background and
      atherosclerosis was studied upon 8 weeks of western-type diet. PHD1-/-LDLR-/-
      mice presented a sharp reduction in VLDL and LDL plasma cholesterol levels. In
      line, atherosclerotic plaque development, as measured by plaque area, necrotic
      core expansion and plaque stage was hampered in PHD1-/-LDLR-/- mice.
      Mechanistically, cholesterol-lowering in PHD1 deficient mice was a result of
      enhanced cholesterol excretion from blood to intestines and ultimately faeces.
      Additionally, flow cytometry of whole blood of these mice revealed significantly
      reduced counts of leucocytes and particularly of Ly6Chigh pro-inflammatory
      monocytes. In addition, when studying PHD1-/- in diet-induced obesity (14 weeks
      high-fat diet) mice were less glucose intolerant when compared with WT littermate
      controls. CONCLUSION: Overall, PHD1 knockout mice display a metabolic phenotype
      that generally is deemed protective for cardiovascular disease. Future studies
      should focus on the efficacy, safety, and gender-specific effects of PHD1
      inhibition in humans, and unravel the molecular actors responsible for PHD1
      driven, likely intestinal, and regulation of cholesterol metabolism.

PMID- 27125950
TI  - Rheumatic multiple valve disease and severe asymptomatic arterial occlusion.

PMID- 27125951
TI  - Imaging atherosclerosis with positron emission tomography.
AB  - Positron emission tomography (PET) provides a non-invasive method to measure
      biological processes that are relevant to atherosclerosis, including arterial
      inflammation and calcification. The vast majority of studies imaging
      atherosclerosis with PET have utilized the tracer 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to
      better understand how inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis development,
      and to test the efficacy of therapeutic interventions aimed at reducing its
      progression. Additional tracers such as 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) provide
      additional avenues for characterizing atherosclerosis development. This review
      examines the emerging uses of PET arterial imaging as a marker of vascular
      inflammation and atherosclerosis, as a prognostic tool, and as a clinical
      research tool. In addition, we examine emerging methods that should advance
      arterial imaging with PET.

PMID- 27125952
TI  - Giant pericardial effusion: drain it all?

PMID- 27125954
TI  - Introduction to special section on response shift at the item level.

PMID- 27125955
TI  - Individualized quality of life of severely affected multiple sclerosis patients:
      practicability and value in comparison with standard inventories.
AB  - PURPOSE: Individualized quality of life (QoL) measures differ from traditional
      inventories in that QoL domains/weights are not predetermined, but identified by
      the individual. We assessed practicability of the Schedule for the Evaluation of
      Individual QoL-Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW) interview in severely affected
      multiple sclerosis (MS) patients; the key QoL dimensions identified; and the
      correlation of the SEIQoL-DW index score with standard patient-reported outcome
      measures (PROMs). METHODS: Participants were people with severe MS who performed
      the baseline visit of the PeNSAMI trial (ISRCTN73082124). The SEIQoL-DW was
      administered at the patient's home by a trained examiner. Patients then received
      the following PROMs: the Core-Palliative care Outcome Scale (Core-POS), the
      Palliative care Outcome Scale-Symptoms-MS (POS-S-MS), the European Quality of
      Life Five Dimensions-3L (EQ-5D-3L), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
      (HADS). RESULTS: Of 59 enrolled patients, 11 (19 %) did not receive the SEIQoL-DW
      (and the other PROMs) because of severe cognitive compromise or inability to
      communicate. SEIQoL-DW administration was completed and deemed valid in all 48
      cases (mean age 60 years, 58 % women, median Expanded Disability Status Scale
      score 8.5). Mean SEIQoL-DW index score was 59.1 (SD 25.5). The most commonly
      nominated SEIQoL-DW areas were family (94 % of the patients), relationships, and
      leisure activities (both 65 %). Core-POS and POS-S-MS contained 70 % of the
      SEIQoL-DW-nominated areas. Nevertheless, correlations between SEIQoL-DW index,
      Core-POS, and POS-S-MS (and the other PROMs) were negligible. CONCLUSIONS:
      Individualized QoL can be assessed in severely affected MS patients, providing
      information that is not tracked by the standard inventories Core-POS, POS-S-MS,
      EQ-5D-3L, and HADS.

PMID- 27125956
TI  - Surface-enhanced Raman scattering via entrapment of colloidal plasmonic
      nanocrystals by laser generated microbubbles on random gold nano-islands.
AB  - Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) typically requires hot-spots generated
      in nano-fabricated plasmonic structures. Here we report a highly versatile
      approach based on the use of random gold nano-island substrates (AuNIS). Hot
      spots are produced through the entrapment of colloidal plasmonic nano-crystals at
      the interface between AuNIS and a microbubble, which is generated from the
      localized plasmonic absorption of a focused laser beam. The entrapment strength
      is strongly dependent on the shape of the microbubble, which is in turn affected
      by the surface wetting characteristics of the AuNIS with respect to the solvent
      composition. The laser power intensity required to trigger microbubble-induced
      SERS is as low as 200 MUW MUm(-2). Experimental results indicate that the SERS
      limit of detection (LOD) for molecules of 4-MBA (with -SH bonds) is 10(-12) M,
      R6G or RhB (without -SH bonds) is 10(-7) M. The proposed strategy has potential
      applications in low-cost lab-on-chip devices for the label-free detection of
      chemical and biological molecules. 

PMID- 27125957
TI  - Ni(II)-Catalyzed C(sp(2))-H Alkynylation/Annulation with Terminal Alkynes under
      an Oxygen Atmosphere: A One-Pot Approach to 3-Methyleneisoindolin-1-one.
AB  - A nickel(II)-catalyzed alkynylation/annulation cascade via double C-H cleavage
      has been successfully achieved. This methodology adopted a removable N,O
      bidentate directing group with a broad range of amide substrates and terminal
      alkynes being well tolerated. The catalytic system allowed for atom-economical
      and environmentally benign one-pot construction of the corresponding 3
      methyleneisoindolin-1-one derivatives using O2 as the external oxidant.

PMID- 27125958
TI  - Clinical challenges with calcitonin-negative medullary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a relatively uncommon malignant
      tumor of the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid, which distinguishing feature
      is the production of calcitonin (CT). CT is a well-recognized tool in the
      diagnosis and the postsurgical follow-up of patients with MTC with a high
      sensitivity and specificity, and represents a powerful prognostic indicator.
      Usually, there is a direct correlation between tumor size and basal CT levels.
      However, few cases of CT-negative MTCs have been reported in literature and
      criteria for diagnosis and follow-up are still controversial. METHODS: We
      performed a brief review on CT-negative MTC and reported our experience on this
      rare condition, focusing on the clinical characteristics at presentation, the
      histological and immunostaining features, and the management. RESULTS: Fifteen
      cases of large, palpable, CT-negative MTCs have been reported in the literature
      so far; moreover, we reported four cases followed at our center. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although CT-negative MTC is rare, normal/low serum levels of CT and CEA cannot
      completely exclude the possibility of the diagnosis, when suspected. It is well
      accepted that early diagnosis is crucial, but there is still no consensus on the
      optimal postoperative surveillance strategy. The ultrasound evaluation of the
      cervical region, together with abdominal computerized tomography scan, chest X
      ray, and fluorine18-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (FDG
      PET/CT), would be recommended in the follow-up of such cases.

PMID- 27125959
TI  - Efficient Regioselective Synthesis of the Crotonyl Polydatin Prodrug by
      Thermomyces lanuginosus Lipase: a Kinetics Study in Eco-friendly 2
      Methyltetrahydrofuran.
AB  - Bio-based solvents have recently been discussed as sustainable green and
      promising alternatives to conventional organic media for enzymatic processes. In
      this paper, highly regioselective synthesis of the 6"-O-crotonyl-polydatin
      catalyzed by Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) in biomass-derived 2
      methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) was successfully performed for the first time.
      The results indicated that TLL lipase displayed significantly improved catalytic
      performance in 2-MeTHF than in other traditional solvents. Under the optimal
      conditions, the initial reaction rate, 6"-regioselectivity, and maximum substrate
      conversion were as high as 12.38 mM h(-1), 100 %, and 100 %, respectively.
      Moreover, further investigations on the operational stability, kinetic parameters
      like V max, K m, V max/K m, and E a revealed that 2-MeTHF exhibited excellent
      biocompatibility and rendered the greener process of the enzymatic acylation. 

PMID- 27125960
TI  - Comparative Analyses of the Relative Effects of Various Mutations in Major
      Histocompatibility Complex I-a Way to Predict Protein-Protein Interactions.
AB  - Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play pivotal roles in most of the biological
      processes. PPI dysfunctions are therefore associated with disease situations.
      Mutations often lead to PPI dysfunctions, but there are certain other types of
      mutations which do not cause any appreciable abnormalities. This second type of
      mutations is called polymorphic mutations. So far, there are many studies that
      deal with the identification of PPI sites, but clear-cut analyses of the
      involvements of mutations in PPI dysfunctions are few and far between. We
      therefore made an attempt to link the appearances of mutations and PPI
      disruptions. We used major histocompatibility complex as our reference protein
      complex. We analyzed the mutations leading to the disease amyloidosis and also
      the other mutations that do not lead to disease conditions. We computed various
      biophysical parameters like relative solvent accessibility to discriminate
      between the two different types of mutations. Our analyses for the first time
      came up with a plausible explanation for the effects of different types of
      mutations in disease development. Our future plans are to build tools to detect
      the effects of mutations in disease developments by disrupting the PPIs. 

PMID- 27125961
TI  - Claim of superiority of SGA in the treatment of aggressiveness in schizophrenia
      is not supported by data.

PMID- 27125962
TI  - A Simple Task Uncovers a Postdictive Illusion of Choice.
AB  - Do people know when, or whether, they have made a conscious choice? Here, we
      explore the possibility that choices can seem to occur before they are actually
      made. In two studies, participants were asked to quickly choose from a set of
      options before a randomly selected option was made salient. Even when they
      believed that they had made their decision prior to this event, participants were
      significantly more likely than chance to report choosing the salient option when
      this option was made salient soon after the perceived time of choice. Thus,
      without participants' awareness, a seemingly later event influenced choices that
      were experienced as occurring at an earlier time. These findings suggest that,
      like certain low-level perceptual experiences, the experience of choice is
      susceptible to "postdictive" influence and that people may systematically
      overestimate the role that consciousness plays in their chosen behavior.

PMID- 27125963
TI  - Prevalence of anxiety in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prevalence rates of anxiety disorders in Parkinson's disease (PD) vary
      widely, ranging from 6% up to 55%. The aim of this systematic review was to
      calculate the average point prevalence of anxiety disorders and clinically
      relevant anxiety symptoms in PD. METHODS: Using PubMed, we carried out a
      systematic literature search for studies reporting Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual-defined anxiety disorders or clinically relevant anxiety symptoms assessed
      by an anxiety rating scale. RESULTS: A total of 49 articles were included and
      assessed for quality, and 45 articles fulfilled the quality criteria. The average
      point prevalence of anxiety disorders in PD was 31%, with nonepisodic anxiety
      being more prevalent than episodic anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder was the
      most frequent in 14%, followed by social phobia (13.8%), anxiety not otherwise
      specified (13.3%), and specific phobia (13.0%). Panic disorder with or without
      phobia was present in 6.8% of PD patients. Of the patients, 31% fulfilled the
      criteria for current multiple anxiety disorders. Based on anxiety rating scale
      cutoff scores, clinically significant anxiety symptoms were present in a weighted
      average of 25.7%. CONCLUSION: This systematic review confirms that anxiety,
      although often unrecognized, is very common and highlights the need for efficient
      identification of anxiety in PD. (c) 2016 International Parkinson and Movement
      Disorder Society.

PMID- 27125964
TI  - Evaluation of the genotoxicity of Euterpe oleraceae Mart. (Arecaceae) fruit oil
      (acai), in mammalian cells in vivo.
AB  - E. oleracea is a tropical plant from the Amazon region, with its fruit used for
      food, and traditionally, as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
      hypocholesterolemic, for atherosclerotic disease, and has anticancer properties.
      The oil of the fruit has antidiarrheic, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive
      activities, but without genotoxicity evaluation. Therefore, the aim of this study
      was to evaluate the genotoxic potential of E. oleracea fruit oil (EOO), in rat
      cells. Male Wistar rats were treated with EOO by gavage at doses of 30, 100 and
      300 mg/kg, for 14 days, within a 24 h interval. The DNA damage in the leukocytes,
      liver, bone marrow and testicular cells, was assessed by the comet assay, and the
      clastogenic/aneugenic effects in the bone marrow cells, by the micronucleus test.
      Our phytochemicals characterization of the EOO showed the presence of vanillic,
      palmitic, gamma-linolenic, linoleic, oleic, cinnamic, caffeic, protocatechuic,
      ferulic, syringic acids, and flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol rutinoside as
      the main constituents. Both cytogenetic tests performed showed that EOO presented
      no significant genotoxic effects in the analyzed cells, at the three tested
      doses. These results indicate that, under our experimental conditions, E.
      oleracea fruit oil did not reveal genetic toxicity in rat cells. 

PMID- 27125965
TI  - Low awareness of risk factors among bladder cancer survivors: New evidence and a
      literature overview.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on urinary bladder cancer (UBC) patients' perceptions about
      causes of bladder cancer is limited, while this may be important knowledge for
      health prevention and education. We evaluated self-reported perceptions and
      beliefs about the causes of bladder cancer among UBC survivors in the
      Netherlands. METHODS: UBC survivors identified through the Netherlands Cancer
      Registry from 2007 to 2012 were invited to participate. Patients who consented
      were asked to fill out a questionnaire, including questions on lifestyle
      characteristics, occupational and medical history, and family history of cancer.
      The final question was 'You have been diagnosed with bladder cancer. Do you have
      any idea what may have been the cause of your cancer?'. RESULTS: Of the 1793 UBC
      survivors included, 366 (20%) reported a possible cause for their bladder cancer.
      The most frequently reported suspected causes were smoking (10%), occupational
      exposure (5%), and heredity (2%). Smoking, occupational exposure and heredity
      were mentioned only slightly more frequently by participants with these risk
      factors (11%, 8%, and 5%, respectively) compared to the total population.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most UBC survivors did not suspect any cause that might have
      contributed to the development of their cancer. Even among participants with
      established risk factors for bladder cancer, these risk factors were not commonly
      perceived. This finding probably reflects the superficial knowledge of risk
      factors for bladder cancer in the population and highlights the importance of
      effective education on cancer prevention.

PMID- 27125966
TI  - Epirubicin dose and sequential hormonal therapy-Mature results of the HMFEC
      randomised phase III trial in premenopausal patients with node positive early
      breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hormonal manipulation 5-Fluoro-uracil Epirubicin Cyclophosphamide
      (HMFEC) trial was developed at a time of uncertainty around the dose intensity of
      chemotherapy given to premenopausal patients with node positive breast cancer and
      to the benefits of tailored endocrine therapy in such patients. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: HMFEC was a multi-centre, phase III, open label, randomised controlled
      trial with a 2 * 2 factorial design. Eligible patients were premenopausal with
      node positive early breast cancer; significant cardiac disease or uncontrolled
      hypertension was exclusion criterion. Patients were allocated to receive either
      eight cycles of FE50C or FE75C (given 3 weekly) with or without hormone
      manipulation (HM; tamoxifen or luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH)
      agonists according to residual hormone levels at the end of chemotherapy)
      irrespective of ER status. The primary end-point was disease free survival (DFS).
      Principal analyses were by intention to treat (ITT); however, to reflect
      contemporary practice, subgroup analyses according to ER status were also
      conducted. The mature follow-up now available from this modest sized trial
      enables presentation of definitive results. RESULTS: Between 1992 and 2000 a
      total of 785 patients were randomised into the HMFEC trial (203 FE50C-HM, 191
      FE50C+HM, 198 FE75C-HM, 193 FE75C+HM). At a median follow-up of 7.4 years, 245
      DFS events have been reported (92 ER-, 153 ER+/unknown). The effects on DFS were
      not statistically significantly different according to epirubicin dose (hazard
      ratio [HR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63-1.06; p = 0.13 FE75C versus
      FE50C); however, FE75C appeared to induce more alopecia and neutropenia. No
      statistically significant evidence was observed to support an improvement in DFS
      in patients allocated HM either overall (HR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.68-1.13; p = 0.32)
      or in patients with ER+/unknown disease (HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.62-1.17; p = 0.32)
      although effect sizes are consistent with worthwhile clinical effects. Overall,
      there was no evidence of a difference in survival between any of the four
      treatment groups of the trial. CONCLUSION: Higher doses of epirubicin cause more
      adverse events in the absence of clear improvement in overall survival. Endocrine
      therapy with either tamoxifen or goserelin provided no significant added benefit
      to cytotoxic chemotherapy in this group of patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      ISRCTN98335268.

PMID- 27125967
TI  - Effects of Polyamidoamine Dendrimers on a 3-D Neurosphere System Using Human
      Neural Progenitor Cells.
AB  - The practical application of engineered nanomaterials or nanoparticles like
      polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers has been promoted in medical devices or
      industrial uses. The safety of PAMAM dendrimers needs to be assessed when used as
      a drug carrier to treat brain disease. However, the effects of PAMAM on the human
      nervous system remain unknown. In this study, human neural progenitor cells
      cultured as a 3D neurosphere model were used to study the effects of PAMAM
      dendrimers on the nervous system. Neurospheres were exposed to different G4-PAMAM
      dendrimers for 72 h at concentrations of 0.3, 1, 3, and 10 MUg/ml. The
      biodistribution was investigated using fluorescence-labeled PAMAM dendrimers, and
      gene expression was evaluated using microarray analysis followed by pathway and
      network analysis. Results showed that PAMAM dendrimer nanoparticles can penetrate
      into neurospheres via superficial cells on them. PAMAM-NH2 but not PAMAM-SC can
      inhibit neurosphere growth. A reduced number of MAP2-positive cells in flare
      regions were inhibited after 10 days of differentiation, indicating an inhibitory
      effect of PAMAM-NH2 on cell proliferation and neuronal migration. A microarray
      assay showed 32 dendrimer toxicity-related genes, with network analysis showing 3
      independent networks of the selected gene targets. Inducible immediate early gene
      early growth response gene 1 (Egr1), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3
      (IGFBP3), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI2), and adrenomedullin (ADM) were
      the key genes in each network, and the expression of these genes was
      significantly down regulated. These findings suggest that exposure of
      neurospheres to PAMAM-NH2 dendrimers affects cell proliferation and migration
      through pathways regulated by Egr1, IGFBP3, TFPI2, and ADM.

PMID- 27125968
TI  - Bisphenol A Impairs Mature Sperm Functions by a CatSper-Relevant Mechanism.
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, is widely used in the
      manufacture of daily necessities. Previous studies showed that BPA could impair
      spermatogenesis. However, its effects on mature spermatozoa are not well known.
      We aimed to investigate the in vivo and in vitro toxicity of BPA on mature mouse
      spermatozoa. Different doses of BPA (0, 10, 50, and 250 MUg.kg(-1).d(-1)) were
      administrated orally to C57BL/6 mice for 8 weeks. Subsequently, the sperm
      viability, motility, acrosome reaction (AR) ratio together with the
      expression/current levels of the sperm-specific Ca(2+ )channel (CatSper) and K(+
      )channel (KSper) were examined. These parameters were also evaluated after
      applying BPA directly to normal mouse sperm to appraise the toxicity of BPA to
      mature sperm in vitro Significant decreases in sperm motility and AR were found
      in BPA administrated mice, possibly resulting from a BPA caused CatSper down
      regulation which was supported by both western blot and patch clamping results.
      Moreover, direct application of BPA to spermatozoa inhibited CatSper transiently
      and also caused significant reductions in sperm total motility and AR ratio. In
      conclusion, both in vivo administration and in vitro application of BPA impair
      mature sperm functions by a CatSper-relevant mechanism.

PMID- 27125970
TI  - Sirtuin 3 Protects against Urban Particulate Matter-Induced Autophagy in Human
      Bronchial Epithelial Cells.
AB  - Urban particulate matter (urban PM) is a heterogeneous mixture of various types
      of particles originating from different sources. Exposure to high concentrations
      of urban PM leading to adverse health effects is evaluated by using in vitro
      cultures of human lung epithelial cells. However, the mechanism underlying the
      correlation between high concentrations of urban PM exposure and adverse health
      effects has not been fully elucidated; urban PM-induced oxidative stress is
      considered as an important mechanism of urban PM-mediated cytotoxicity. Sirtuin 3
      (SIRT3), a primary mitrochondrial deacetylase, controls cellular reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) production, and expression of antioxidant enzymes. In this study,
      we examined the role of SIRT3 in the regulation of urban PM-induced oxidative
      stress in normal primary human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpiCs). Cell
      viability showed a time- and concentration-dependent decrease when exposed to
      urban PM, which could indicate that the amount of lactate dehydrogenase released
      from the cell in response to urban PM is related to cell viability in HBEpiC. The
      effects of urban PM on morphological and biochemical markers of autophagy in
      HBEpiC were analyzed by electron microscopy and Western blotting. Overexpression
      of SIRT3 inhibited urban PM-induced ROS generation, while concomitantly
      increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes, and decreasing NF-kappaB
      activation and release of inflammation factors. Up-regulation of SIRT3
      significantly inhibited the expression of autophagy markers and autophagic
      vacuole formation. Our findings provide a valuable insight into the potential
      role of the SIRT3 enzyme in regulating urban PM-induced autophagy by mediating
      urban PM-induced oxidative stress, which may contribute to urban PM-induced
      impairment of airway epithelial cell function.

PMID- 27125969
TI  - Cardiac Non-myocyte Cells Show Enhanced Pharmacological Function Suggestive of
      Contractile Maturity in Stem Cell Derived Cardiomyocyte Microtissues.
AB  - The immature phenotype of stem cell derived cardiomyocytes is a significant
      barrier to their use in translational medicine and pre-clinical in vitro drug
      toxicity and pharmacological analysis. Here we have assessed the contribution of
      non-myocyte cells on the contractile function of co-cultured human embryonic stem
      cell derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) in spheroid microtissue format.
      Microtissues were formed using a scaffold free 96-well cell suspension method
      from hESC-CM cultured alone (CM microtissues) or in combination with human
      primary cardiac microvascular endothelial cells and cardiac fibroblasts (CMEF
      microtissues). Contractility was characterized with fluorescence and video-based
      edge detection. CMEF microtissues displayed greater Ca(2+ )transient amplitudes,
      enhanced spontaneous contraction rate and remarkably enhanced contractile
      function in response to both positive and negative inotropic drugs, suggesting a
      more mature contractile phenotype than CM microtissues. In addition, for several
      drugs the enhanced contractile response was not apparent when endothelial cell or
      fibroblasts from a non-cardiac tissue were used as the ancillary cells. Further
      evidence of maturity for CMEF microtissues was shown with increased expression of
      genes that encode proteins critical in cardiac Ca(2+ )handling (S100A1),
      sarcomere assembly (telethonin/TCAP) and beta-adrenergic receptor signalling. Our
      data shows that compared with single cell-type cardiomyocyte in vitro models,
      CMEF microtissues are superior at predicting the inotropic effects of drugs,
      demonstrating the critical contribution of cardiac non-myocyte cells in mediating
      functional cardiotoxicity.

PMID- 27125971
TI  - Translating evidence-based protocol of wound drain management for total joint
      arthroplasty into practice: A quasi-experimental study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although various drains have long been used in total joint
      replacement, evidence suggests inconsistent practice exists in the use of
      drainage systems including intermittently applying suction or free of drainage
      suction, and variations in the optimal timing for wound drain removal. A
      comprehensive systematic review of available evidence up to 2013 was conducted in
      a previous study and a protocol was adapted for clinical application according to
      the summary of the retrieved information (Tsang, 2015). AIMS: To determine if the
      protocol could reduce blood loss and blood transfusion after operation and to
      develop a record form so as to enhance communication of drainage record amongst
      surgeons and nurses. METHODS: A quasi-experimental time-series design was
      undertaken. In the conventional group, surgeons ordered free drainage if the
      drain output was more than 300 ml. The time of removal of the drain was based on
      their professional judgement. In the protocol group the method of drainage was
      dependant of the drainage output as was the timing of the removal of the drain. A
      standardized record form was developed to guide operating room and orthopaedic
      ward nurses to manage the drainage system. RESULTS: The drain was removed
      significantly earlier in the protocol group. Blood loss rate at the first hour of
      post-operation was extremely low in the protocol group due to clamping effect.
      Blood loss in volume during the first three hours in the protocol group was
      significantly lower than that in the conventional group. Only in 11.1% and 4% of
      cases was it necessary to clamp at the three and four hour post-operative hours.
      No clamping was required at the two and eight hour postoperative period. There
      was no significant difference in blood loss during the removal of the drain and
      during blood transfusion, which was required for patients upon removal of the
      drain in the two groups. CONCLUSION: This is the first clinical study to develop
      an evidence-based protocol to manage wound drain effectively in Hong Kong. Total
      blood loss and blood transfusions were not significantly different between the
      conventional and protocol groups. A standard documentation document is beneficial
      to enhance communication between doctors and nurses as well as to monitor and
      observe drainage effectively.

PMID- 27125972
TI  - Characterization of progressive metaplasia in the gastric corpus mucosa of
      Mongolian gerbils infected with Helicobacter pylori.
AB  - Spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) and intestinal metaplasia
      are considered neoplastic precursors of gastric adenocarcinoma in humans. Loss of
      parietal cells causes the development of SPEM in the gastric corpus and then
      chronic inflammation drives SPEM toward a more proliferative lineage. Mongolian
      gerbils infected with Helicobacter pylori develop chronic gastritis and
      metaplasia, mimicking aspects of human gastritis with H. pylori infection. We
      therefore examined metaplastic lineages in the gastric corpus mucosa of gerbils
      infected by H. pylori strain 7.13, which produces rapid onset of severe
      inflammation. Six weeks following H. pylori infection, Griffonia simplicifolia
      lectin II (GSII)-positive SPEM developed in the base of oxyntic glands in
      association with parietal cell loss and inflammation. In association with severe
      inflammation, SPEM glands evolved into aberrant phenotypes, including branched
      lesions, dilated lesions, and penetrating invasive glands. Mucin 4 (MUC4) was up
      regulated in SPEM and progressive SPEM. Clusterin was expressed in the tips of
      branched and dilated lesions and throughout regions of invasive glands.
      Intriguingly, clusterin-positive regions in these lesions expressed Ki67 and
      matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7). These same regions were also positive for
      expression of phospho-IkBalpha, suggestive of activated NFkB signalling. These
      findings suggest that clusterin-positive regions in progressive phenotypes of
      SPEM have invasive characteristics. Thus, H. pylori infection in gerbils induces
      SPEM, which then can progress to further aberrant and invasive metaplastic
      phenotypes. Copyright (c) 2016 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
      Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27125974
TI  - Aurora-A modulates MMP-2 expression via AKT/NF-kappaB pathway in esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma cells.
AB  - Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignancies.
      It is necessary to identify new markers for predicting tumor progression and
      therapeutic molecular targets. It has been reported that overexpressions of
      Aurora-A and matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP-2) may promote the malignant
      development of tumor. However, the relationship between Aurora-A and MMP-2
      expression in tumor patients has not been investigated. In addition, the
      underlying mechanisms that Aurora-A regulates MMP-2 expression are still not
      fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that Aurora-A and MMP-2 were
      overexpressed in ESCC tissues compared with paired normal adjacent tissues (P <
      0.0001). Overexpression of Aurora-A was associated with the lymph node metastasis
      of ESCC (P = 0.01). Significantly, Aurora-A protein expression was positively
      correlated with MMP-2 protein expression in ESCC tissues (r = 0.66, P < 0.0001)
      as well as in ESCC cell lines. The level of Aurora-A expression was also
      positively correlated with the invasion capability of ESCC cells. Furthermore,
      Aurora-A overexpression significantly increased ESCC cell invasion by the
      upregulation of MMP-2 expression. In addition, Aurora-A overexpression promoted
      nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, and Aurora-A-mediated MMP-2
      upregulation was abrogated by NF-kappaB inhibitor. Further analysis showed that
      activation of NF-kappaB was severely attenuated by AKT inhibitor in cells
      overexpressing Aurora-A. Taken together, these data indicate that Aurora-A
      overexpression upregulates MMP-2 expression through activating AKT/NF-kappaB
      signaling pathway in ESCC cells. These findings reveal that Aurora-A may be used
      as an important indicator for the judgment of malignant behavior of ESCC, and may
      be an attractive target for cancer therapy. 

PMID- 27125973
TI  - Evaluation of artemisinins for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Investigate antileukemic activity of artemisinins, artesunate (ART), and
      dihydroartemisinin (DHA), in combination with cytarabine, a key component of
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML) chemotherapy using in vitro and in vivo models.
      METHODS: Using ten human AML cell lines, we conducted a high-throughput screen to
      identify antimalarial agents with antileukemic activity. We evaluated effects of
      ART and DHA on cell viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, lysosomal integrity, and
      combination effects with cytarabine in cell lines and primary patient blasts. In
      vivo pharmacokinetic studies and efficacy of single-agent ART or combination with
      cytarabine were evaluated in three xenograft models. RESULTS: ART and DHA had the
      most potent activity in a panel of AML cell lines, with selectivity toward
      samples harboring MLL rearrangements and FLT3-ITD mutations. Combination of ART
      or DHA was synergistic with cytarabine. Single-dose ART (120 mg/kg) produced
      human equivalent exposures, but multiple dose daily administration required for
      in vivo efficacy was not tolerated. Combination treatment produced initial
      regression, but did not prolong survival in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacology
      of artemisinins is problematic and should be considered in designing AML
      treatment strategies with currently available agents. Artemisinins with improved
      pharmacokinetic properties may offer therapeutic benefit in combination with
      conventional therapeutic strategies in AML.

PMID- 27125975
TI  - CMTM3 presents a secreted form released via exosomes.

PMID- 27125976
TI  - Calcium-mediated regulation of recombinant hybrids of full-length Physarum myosin
      heavy chain with Physarum/scallop myosin light chains.
AB  - Physarum myosin is a Ca(2+)-binding protein and its activity is inhibited by
      Ca(2+) In the present study, to clarify the light chains (LCs) from the different
      species (Physarum and scallop) and to determine the specific Ca(2+)-regulated
      effects, we constructed hybrid myosins with a Physarum myosin heavy chain (Ph.HC)
      and Physarum and/or scallop myosin LCs, and examined Ca(2+)-mediated regulation
      of ATPases and motor activities. In these experiments, it was found that Ca(2+)
      inhibited motilities and ATPase activities of Physarum hybrid myosin with scallop
      regulatory light chain (ScRLC) and Physarum essential light chain (PhELC) but
      could not inhibit those of the Physarum hybrid myosin mutant Ph.HC/ScRLC/PhELC-3A
      which lacks Ca(2+)-binding ability, indicating that PhELC plays a critical role
      in Ca(2+)-mediated regulation of Physarum myosin. Furthermore, the effects of
      Ca(2+) on ATPase activities of Physarum myosin constructs are in the following
      order: Ph.HC/PhRLC/PhELC > Ph.HC/ScRLC/PhELC > Ph.HC/PhRLC/ScELC >
      Ph.HC/ScRLC/ScELC, suggesting that the presence of PhRLC and PhELC leads to the
      greatest Ca(2+) sensitivity of Physarum myosin. Although we did not observe the
      motilities of Physarum hybrid myosin Ph.HC/PhRLC/ScELC and Ph.HC/ScRLC/ScELC, our
      results suggest that Ca(2+)-binding to the PhELC may alter the flexibility of the
      regulatory domain and induce a 'closed' state, which may consequently prevent
      full activity and force generation. 

PMID- 27125977
TI  - Lipogenesis in myoblasts and its regulation of CTRP6 by AdipoR1/Erk/PPARgamma
      signaling pathway.
AB  - The induced lipogenesis and its regulation in C2C12 myoblasts remain largely
      unclear. Here, we found that the cocktail method could significantly induce
      lipogenesis through regulating lipid metabolic genes and Erk1/2 phosphorylation
      in myoblasts. Meanwhile, the expression and secretion of CTRP6 were increased
      during ectopic lipogenesis. Moreover, CTRP6 knockdown down-regulated the levels
      of lipogenic genes and phosphorylated Erk1/2 (p-Erk1/2) in the early lipogenic
      stage, whereas up-regulated p-Erk1/2 in the terminal differentiation.
      Interestingly, the effect of CTRP6 siRNA was attenuated by U0126 (a special p
      Erk1/2 inhibitor) in myoblasts. Furthermore, AdipoR1, not AdipoR2, was first
      identified as a receptor of CTRP6 during the process of mitotic clonal expansion.
      Collectively, we suggest that CTRP6 mediates the ectopic lipogenesis through
      AdipoR1/Erk/PPARgamma signaling pathway in myoblasts. Our findings will shed
      light on the novel biological function of CTRP6 during myoblast lipogenesis and
      provide a hopeful direction of improving meat quality of domestic animal by
      lipogenic regulation in skeletal muscle myoblasts. 

PMID- 27125978
TI  - Increased GSK-3beta expression in DRG microglia in response to sciatic nerve
      crush.

PMID- 27125980
TI  - Cell motility and ECM proteolysis regulate tumor growth and tumor relapse by
      altering the fraction of cancer stem cells and their spatial scattering.
AB  - Tumors consist of multiple cell sub-populations including cancer stem cells
      (CSCs), transiently amplifying cells and terminally differentiated cells (TDCs),
      with the CSC fraction dictating the aggressiveness of the tumor and drug
      sensitivity. In epithelial cancers, tumor growth is influenced greatly by
      properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), with cancer progression associated
      with an increase in ECM density. However, the extent to which increased ECM
      confinement induced by an increase in ECM density influences tumor growth and
      post treatment relapse dynamics remains incompletely understood. In this study,
      we use a cellular automata-based discrete modeling approach to study the
      collective influence of ECM density, cell motility and ECM proteolysis on tumor
      growth, tumor heterogeneity, and tumor relapse after drug treatment. We show that
      while increased confinement suppresses tumor growth and the spatial scattering of
      CSCs, this effect can be reversed when cells become more motile and
      proteolytically active. Our results further suggest that, in addition to the
      absolute number of CSCs, their spatial positioning also plays an important role
      in driving tumor growth. In a nutshell, our study suggests that, in confined
      environments, cell motility and ECM proteolysis are two key factors that regulate
      tumor growth and tumor relapse dynamics by altering the number and spatial
      distribution of CSCs.

PMID- 27125979
TI  - The course of lung inflation alters the central pattern of tracheobronchial cough
      in cat-The evidence for volume feedback during cough.
AB  - The effect of volume-related feedback and output airflow resistance on the cough
      motor pattern was studied in 17 pentobarbital anesthetized spontaneously
      breathing cats. Lung inflation during tracheobronchial cough was ventilator
      controlled and triggered by the diaphragm electromyographic (EMG) signal. Altered
      lung inflations during cough resulted in modified cough motor drive and temporal
      features of coughing. When tidal volume was delivered (via the ventilator) there
      was a significant increase in the inspiratory and expiratory cough drive
      (esophageal pressures and EMG amplitudes), inspiratory phase duration (CTI),
      total cough cycle duration, and the duration of all cough related EMGs (Tactive).
      When the cough volume was delivered (via the ventilator) during the first half of
      inspiratory period (at CTI/2-early over inflation), there was a significant
      reduction in the inspiratory and expiratory EMG amplitude, peak inspiratory
      esophageal pressure, CTI, and the overlap between inspiratory and expiratory EMG
      activity. Additionally, there was significant increase in the interval between
      the maximum inspiratory and expiratory EMG activity and the active portion of the
      expiratory phase (CTE1). Control inflations coughs and control coughs with
      additional expiratory resistance had increased maximum expiratory esophageal
      pressure and prolonged CTE1, the duration of cough abdominal activity, and
      Tactive. There was no significant difference in control coughing and/or control
      coughing when sham ventilation was employed. In conclusion, modified lung
      inflations during coughing and/or additional expiratory airflow resistance
      altered the spatio-temporal features of cough motor pattern via the volume
      related feedback mechanism similar to that in breathing.

PMID- 27125981
TI  - Umbilical cord blood transplantation is a suitable option for consolidation of
      acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3-ITD.

PMID- 27125983
TI  - Human plasmacytoid dentritic cells elicit a Type I Interferon response by sensing
      DNA via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
AB  - Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are a major source of type I interferon (IFN)
      and are important for host defense by sensing microbial DNA via TLR9. pDCs also
      play a critical role in the pathogenesis of IFN-driven autoimmune diseases. Yet,
      this autoimmune reaction is caused by the recognition of self-DNA and has been
      linked to TLR9-independent pathways. Increasing evidence suggests that the
      cytosolic DNA receptor cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) is a critical
      component in the detection of pathogens and contributes to autoimmune diseases.
      It has been shown that binding of DNA to cGAS results in the synthesis of cGAMP
      and the subsequent activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING)
      adaptor to induce IFNs. Our results show that the cGAS-STING pathway is expressed
      and activated in human pDCs by cytosolic DNA leading to a robust type I IFN
      response. Direct activation of STING by cyclic dinucleotides including cGAMP also
      activated pDCs and knockdown of STING abolished this IFN response. These results
      suggest that pDCs sense cytosolic DNA and cyclic dinucleotides via the cGAS-STING
      pathway and that targeting this pathway could be of therapeutic interest.

PMID- 27125982
TI  - Imatinib-induced long-term remission in a relapsed RCSD1-ABL1-positive acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia.

PMID- 27125984
TI  - Nickel on the market: a baseline survey of articles in 'prolonged contact' with
      skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In April 2014, the European Chemicals Agency defined the concept of
      'prolonged contact with skin' as used in the EU nickel restriction. OBJECTIVES:
      To establish a baseline of nickel-releasing items on the Swedish market
      conforming with the EU nickel restriction according to the definition of
      'prolonged contact' with the skin. METHODS: We performed a limited market survey
      in Stockholm, Sweden. Items with metallic parts that come into contact with the
      skin, except those explicitly mentioned in the legal text, were chosen. The
      dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test was used to evaluate nickel release. RESULTS: One
      hundred and forty-one items belonging to one of three categories - accessories,
      utensils for needlework, painting and writing (called utensils), and electronic
      devices - were tested in the study. Forty-four percent of all items were DMG test
      positive (releasing nickel), and 9% gave a doubtful DMG test result. CONCLUSIONS:
      The large proportion of nickel-releasing items in the present study shows clearly
      that broader parts of industry need to take action to prevent nickel allergy. The
      high proportion of DMG test-positive items indicates that there is still much
      work to be done to reduce the nickel exposure of the population.

PMID- 27125985
TI  - Mechanisms of lipid regulation and lipid gating in TRPC channels.
AB  - TRPC proteins form cation channels that integrate and relay cellular signals by
      mechanisms involving lipid recognition and lipid-dependent gating. The
      lipohilic/amphiphilic molecules that function as cellular activators or
      modulators of TRPC proteins span a wide range of chemical structures. In this
      context, cellular redox balance is likely linked to the lipid recognition/gating
      features of TRPC channels. Both classical ligand-protein interactions as well as
      indirect and promiscuous sensory mechanisms have been proposed. Some of the
      recognition processes are suggested to involve ancillary lipid-binding scaffolds
      or regulators as well as dynamic protein-protein interactions determined by
      bilayer architecture. A complex interplay of protein-protein and protein-lipid
      interactions is likely to govern the gating and/or plasma membrane recruitment of
      TRPC channels, thereby providing a distinguished platform for signal integration
      and coincident signal detection. Both the primary molecular event(s) of lipid
      recognition by TRPC channels as well as the transformation of these events into
      distinct gating movements is poorly understood at the molecular level, and it
      remains elusive whether lipid sensing in TRPCs is conferred to a distinct sensor
      domain. Recent structural information on the molecular action of lipophilic
      activators in distantly related members of the TRP superfamily encourages
      speculations on TRPC gating mechanisms involved in lipid recognition/gating. This
      review aims to provide an update on the current understanding of the lipid
      dependent control of TRPC channels with focus on the TRPC lipid sensing, signal
      integration hub and a short discussion of potential links to redox signaling.

PMID- 27125986
TI  - Paediatric International Nursing Study: using person-centred key performance
      indicators to benchmark children's services.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the Paediatric International Nursing Study was to
      explore the utility of key performance indicators in developing person-centred
      practice across a range of services provided to sick children. The objective
      addressed in this paper was evaluating the use of these indicators to benchmark
      services internationally. BACKGROUND: This study builds on primary research,
      which produced indicators that were considered novel both in terms of their
      positive orientation and use in generating data that privileges the patient
      voice. This study extends this research through wider testing on an international
      platform within paediatrics. DESIGN: The overall methodological approach was a
      realistic evaluation used to evaluate the implementation of the key performance
      indicators, which combined an integrated development and evaluation methodology.
      METHODS: The study involved children's wards/hospitals in Australia (six sites
      across three states) and Europe (seven sites across four countries). Qualitative
      and quantitative methods were used during the implementation process, however,
      this paper reports the quantitative data only, which used survey, observations
      and documentary review. RESULTS: The findings demonstrate the quality of care
      being delivered to children and their families across different international
      sites. The benchmarking does, however, highlight some differences between
      paediatric and general hospitals, and between the different key performance
      indicators across all the sites. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the use of the
      key performance indicators as a novel method to benchmark services
      internationally. Whilst the data collected across 20 paediatric sites suggest
      services are more similar than different, benchmarking illuminates variations
      that encourage a critical dialogue about what works and why. RELEVANCE TO
      CLINICAL PRACTICE: The transferability of the key performance indicators and
      measurement framework across different settings has significant implications for
      practice. The findings offer an approach to benchmarking and celebrating the
      successes within practice, while learning from partners across the globe in
      further developing person-centred cultures.

PMID- 27125987
TI  - Ensifer glycinis sp. nov., a rhizobial species associated with species of the
      genus Glycine.
AB  - Rhizobial strains from root nodules of Astragalus mongholicus and soybean
      (Glycine max) were characterized phylogenetically as members of the genus Ensifer
      (formerly named Sinorhizobium), based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons.
      Results based upon concatenated sequence analysis of three housekeeping genes
      (recA, atpD and glnII, <= 93.8 % similarities to known species) and average
      nucleotide identity (ANI) values of whole genome sequence comparisons (ranging
      from 89.6 % to 83.4 % to Ensifer fredii and Ensifer saheli, respectively)
      indicated the distinct positions of these novel strains within the genus Ensifer.
      Phylogeny of symbiotic genes (nodC and nifH) of three novel strains clustered
      them with rhizobial species Ensifer fredii and Ensifer sojae, both isolated from
      nodules of Glycine max. Cross-nodulation tests showed that the representative
      strain CCBAU 23380T could form root nodules with nitrogen fixation capability on
      Glycine soja, Albizia julibrissin, Vigna unguiculata and Cajanus cajan, but
      failed to nodulate Astragalus mongholicus, its original host legume. Strain CCBAU
      23380T formed inefficient nodules on G. max, and it did not contain 18 : 0, 18 :
      1omega7c 11-methyl or summed feature 1 fatty acids, which differed from other
      related strains. Failure to utilize malonic acid as a carbon source distinguished
      strain CCBAU 23380T from the type strains of related species. The genome size of
      CCBAU 23380T was 6.0 Mbp, comprising 5624 predicted genes with DNA G+C content of
      62.4 mol%. Based on the results above, a novel species, Ensifer glycinis sp.
      nov., is proposed, with CCBAU 23380T (=LMG 29231T =HAMBI 3645T) as the type
      strain. 

PMID- 27125988
TI  - What moral status should be accorded to those human beings who have profound
      intellectual disabilities? A reply to Curtis and Vehmas.
AB  - Curtis and Vehmas present an argument in support of full moral status for those
      with profound intellectual disabilities based on Moore's famous defence of a
      common-sense view of the nature and existence of the external world. According to
      them, the need for such an argument arises from the disturbing inferences that
      can, supposedly, be drawn from the standard Lockean philosophical theory of
      personhood. This paper develops and supports Curtis and Vehmas's central claim
      concerning this equality of moral status by suggesting a basis for rejecting
      Locke's position, based on reflections upon Wittgenstein's remarks about games
      and family resemblances. It also questions the validity of the disturbing
      inferences. It asserts that our moral duties towards and concerning people who
      have and people who do not have profound intellectual disability, human and non
      human animals, do not derive solely from their moral status. The existence,
      content and strength of our moral duties towards particular people can be
      grounded in conditions and circumstances that pertain to us rather than to them.

PMID- 27125989
TI  - Doubly distributing special obligations: what professional practice can learn
      from parenting.
AB  - A traditional ethic of medicine asserts that physicians have special obligations
      to individual patients with whom they have a clinical relationship. Contemporary
      trends in US healthcare financing like bundled payments seem to threaten
      traditional conceptions of special obligations of individual physicians to
      individual patients because their population-based focus sets a tone that seems
      to emphasise responsibilities for groups of patients by groups of physicians in
      an organisation. Prior to undertaking a cogent debate about the fate and
      normative weight of special obligations and a traditional ethic for contemporary
      healthcare, we need a deeper examination of what the traditional ethic of special
      obligations really means. Here we offer a conception of 'doubly distributed'
      special obligations. Physicians and similarly minded healing professionals
      abiding by a traditional ethic have always spread their devotion and attention
      across multiple patients and have shared responsibilities with physician and non
      physician colleagues in much the same way devoted parents have frequently
      distributed their special obligations across multiple children and across
      multiple parents. By taking up the extended analogy of parent we argue that
      doubly distributing special obligations need not contradict the possibility of
      special obligations in restructured collective forms of healthcare delivery and
      financing.

PMID- 27125990
TI  - Response to WHO.

PMID- 27125991
TI  - Accidental intralenticular dexamethasone intravitreal implant with the resolution
      of macular oedema in central retinal vein occlusion.

PMID- 27125992
TI  - The Relationship Between Parental Affective Temperament Traits and Disruptive
      Behavior Disorders Symptoms in Children With ADHD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship between parental affective
      temperaments and the oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder
      (CD) symptoms of children with ADHD. METHOD: The sample consisted of 542
      treatment-naive children with ADHD and their biological parents. Children were
      assessed via both parent- and teacher-rated behavioral disorder scales. Parental
      affective temperament and ADHD symptoms were measured by self-report inventories.
      The relationships between psychiatric variables were evaluated using structural
      equation modeling. RESULTS: According to parent-rated behavioral disorder scales,
      paternal cyclothymic and maternal irritable temperaments were associated with ODD
      scores, and maternal depressive temperament was associated with CD scores. In
      terms of teacher-rated behavioral disorder scales, maternal anxious temperament
      was associated with ODD scores, and paternal cyclothymic and maternal depressive
      temperaments were associated with CD scores. CONCLUSION: These results suggest
      that certain parental affective temperaments are related to an increase in
      symptoms of disruptive behavioral disorders in children with ADHD.

PMID- 27125993
TI  - The Association of Lifestyle Factors and ADHD in Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to examine whether children aged 7 to 11
      years with very well-characterized ADHD, recruited from the community, have a
      similar number of healthy lifestyle behaviors as compared with typically
      developing children from the same community. METHOD: Parents of children with (n
      = 184) and without (n = 104) ADHD completed a lifestyle questionnaire asking
      about water intake, sweetened beverage consumption, multivitamin/supplement use,
      reading, screen time, physical activity, and sleep. A lifestyle index was formed
      from these seven domains (0-7), and multivariable ordered logistic regression was
      used to examine the association of ADHD status and total healthy lifestyle
      behaviors. RESULTS: Children with ADHD were almost twice as likely to have fewer
      healthy behaviors, even after adjustment for age, sex, intelligence quotient
      (IQ), ADHD medication use, household income, and four comorbid psychiatric
      disorders (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval] = 1.95 [1.16, 3.30], p =
      .01). CONCLUSION: Future research is needed to assess the effects of a combined
      lifestyle intervention in this group.

PMID- 27125994
TI  - Criteria and Concurrent Validity of DIVA 2.0: A Semi-Structured Diagnostic
      Interview for Adult ADHD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess for the first time the criterion
      validity of the semi-structured Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults (DIVA
      2.0), and its concurrent validity in comparison with the Conners' Adult ADHD
      Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV (CAADID) and other ADHD severity scales,
      following the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM
      IV) criteria. METHOD: A transversal study was performed on 40 out-patients with
      ADHD to check the criteria and concurrent validity of the DIVA 2.0 compared with
      the CAADID. RESULTS: The DIVA 2.0 interview showed a diagnostic accuracy of 100%
      when compared with the diagnoses obtained with the CAADID interview. The
      concurrent validity demonstrated good correlations with three self-reported
      rating scales: the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS; r = .544, p < .0001), the ADHD
      Rating Scale (r = .720, p < .0001), and Sheehan's Dysfunction Inventory (r =
      .674, p < .0001). CONCLUSION: The DIVA 2.0 is a reliable tool for assessing and
      diagnosing Adult ADHD and is the only one that offers free online access for
      clinical and research purposes.

PMID- 27125997
TI  - Determination of Hydrocarbon Group-Type of Diesel Fuels by Gas Chromatography
      with Vacuum Ultraviolet Detection.
AB  - A GC-vacuum ultraviolet (UV) method to perform group-type separations of diesel
      range fuels was developed. The method relies on an ionic liquid column to
      separate diesel samples into saturates, mono-, di-, and polyaromatics by gas
      chromatography, with selective detection via vacuum UV absorption spectroscopy.
      Vacuum UV detection was necessary to solve a coelution between saturates and
      monoaromatics. The method was used to measure group-type composition of 10
      oilsands-derived Synfuel light diesel samples, 3 Syncrude light gas oils, and 1
      quality control sample. The gas chromatography (GC)-vacuum UV results for the
      Synfuel samples were similar (absolute % error of 0.8) to historical results from
      the supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) analysis. For the light gas oils,
      discrepancies were noted between SFC results and GC-vacuum UV results; however,
      these samples are known to be challenging to quantify by SFC-flame ionization
      detector (FID) due to incomplete resolution between the saturate/monoaromatic
      and/or monoaromatic/diaromatic group types when applied to samples heavier than
      diesel (i.e., having a larger fraction of higher molecular weight species). The
      quality control sample also performed well when comparing both methods (absolute
      % error of 0.2) and the results agreed within error for saturates, mono- and
      polyaromatics.

PMID- 27125995
TI  - Predicting the geographical distributions of the macaque hosts and mosquito
      vectors of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria in forested and non-forested areas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plasmodium knowlesi is a zoonotic pathogen, transmitted among
      macaques and to humans by anopheline mosquitoes. Information on P. knowlesi
      malaria is lacking in most regions so the first step to understand the
      geographical distribution of disease risk is to define the distributions of the
      reservoir and vector species. METHODS: We used macaque and mosquito species
      presence data, background data that captured sampling bias in the presence data,
      a boosted regression tree model and environmental datasets, including annual data
      for land classes, to predict the distributions of each vector and host species.
      We then compared the predicted distribution of each species with cover of each
      land class. RESULTS: Fine-scale distribution maps were generated for three
      macaque host species (Macaca fascicularis, M. nemestrina and M. leonina) and two
      mosquito vector complexes (the Dirus Complex and the Leucosphyrus Complex). The
      Leucosphyrus Complex was predicted to occur in areas with disturbed, but not
      intact, forest cover (> 60% tree cover) whereas the Dirus Complex was predicted
      to occur in areas with 10-100% tree cover as well as vegetation mosaics and
      cropland. Of the macaque species, M. nemestrina was mainly predicted to occur in
      forested areas whereas M. fascicularis was predicted to occur in vegetation
      mosaics, cropland, wetland and urban areas in addition to forested areas.
      CONCLUSIONS: The predicted M. fascicularis distribution encompassed a wide range
      of habitats where humans are found. This is of most significance in the northern
      part of its range where members of the Dirus Complex are the main P. knowlesi
      vectors because these mosquitoes were also predicted to occur in a wider range of
      habitats. Our results support the hypothesis that conversion of intact forest
      into disturbed forest (for example plantations or timber concessions), or the
      creation of vegetation mosaics, will increase the probability that members of the
      Leucosphyrus Complex occur at these locations, as well as bringing humans into
      these areas. An explicit analysis of disease risk itself using infection data is
      required to explore this further. The species distributions generated here can
      now be included in future analyses of P. knowlesi infection risk.

PMID- 27125996
TI  - Safety and feasibility of pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy
      (PIPAC) associated with systemic chemotherapy: an innovative approach to treat
      peritoneal carcinomatosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a new
      treatment that applies chemotherapeutic drugs into the peritoneal cavity as an
      aerosol under pressure. It improves local bioavailability of chemotherapeutic
      drugs as compared with conventional intraperitoneal chemotherapy. It has been
      proved to be safe and feasible if performed as an exclusive treatment in patients
      affected by peritoneal carcinomatosis. The first results in patients treated with
      PIPAC associated with systemic chemotherapy are presented. METHODS: Between June
      2015 and February 2016, 57 PIPAC applications with oxaliplatin or cisplatin +
      doxorubicin every 6 weeks at 37  degrees C and 12 mmHg for 30 min were performed.
      Forty PIPAC procedures performed in 14 patients were included in this study;
      thirteen patients were undergoing systemic chemotherapy with a wash-out interval
      of at least 2 weeks before and 1 week after each PIPAC. Safety, tolerability, and
      postoperative complications were assessed by collection of adverse events
      according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) 2.
      RESULTS: Forty PIPAC administrations were performed in 14 patients with no major
      perioperative complications. CTCAE grades 1 and 2 were observed after six and
      eight procedures, respectively, for abdominal pain and nausea. Renal and hepatic
      functions were not impaired; no cumulative renal toxicity was observed after
      repeated PIPAC procedures in association with systemic chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS:
      These preliminary data show that the association of PIPAC and systemic
      chemotherapy does not induce significant hepatic and renal toxicity. It allows
      inclusion of patients with extraperitoneal disease or at a high risk of
      developing it. Further studies are needed to assess whether this combination
      therapy could become part of the standard treatment for peritoneal
      carcinomatosis.

PMID- 27125998
TI  - Pumping Electron-Positron Pairs from a Well Potential.
AB  - In the presence of very deep well potential, electrons will spontaneously occupy
      the empty embedded bound states and electron-positron pairs are created by means
      of a non-perturbative tunneling process. In this work, by slowly oscillating the
      width or depth, the population transfer channels are opened and closed
      periodically. We find and clearly show that by the non-synchronous ejections of
      particles, the saturation of pair number in a static super-critical well can be
      broken, and electrons and positrons can be pumped inexhaustibly from vacuum with
      a constant production rate. In the adiabatic limit, final pair number after a
      single cycle has quantized values as a function of the upper boundary of the
      oscillating, and the critical upper boundaries indicate the diving points of the
      bound states.

PMID- 27125999
TI  - Drosha and Dicer: Slicers cut from the same cloth.
AB  - DROSHA and its partner DGCR8 form a heterotrimeric complex named Microprocessor,
      which is essential for microRNA biogenesis. A recent study by Kwon et al. in Cell
      reveals the structure of a DROSHA construct in complex with the C-terminal region
      of DGCR8, thereby unveiling the topology and interactions between components of
      the Microprocessor and insights into its 'ruler'-based cleavage activity and
      function. 

PMID- 27126001
TI  - Utilization of health-care services among immigrants recruited through non-profit
      organizations in southern Italy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study aims were focused on acquiring information about access to
      health-care services and to investigate the potential barriers affecting full
      access to health-care services. METHODS: The study population consisted of
      immigrants and refugees aged 18 or more living in Italy for at least 12 months
      recruited through non-profit organizations. RESULTS: 961 immigrants took part in
      the study, with a response rate of 98.9 %. Of the participants, 85 % had access
      to a general practitioner (GP) at least once, and 46.6 and 22.4 % mentioned a
      minimum one emergency visit and hospital stay, respectively. Diagnostic
      procedures and/or drug prescriptions (49.7 %), chronic disease control (15.8 %),
      and preventive interventions (13 %) were the most reported reasons for GP access.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study yielded current and broader insight into the model of
      health-care utilization among immigrants. The findings adds to our understanding
      of the third-sector organizations' role in facilitating immigrants' access to
      services offered by the Italian National Health Service, contributing to the
      extensive discussion on how to best manage migrant health care in Italy.

PMID- 27126000
TI  - Cdh1 regulates craniofacial development via APC-dependent ubiquitination and
      activation of Goosecoid.
AB  - Craniofacial anomalies (CFAs) characterized by birth defects of skull and facial
      bones are the most frequent congenital disease. Genomic analysis has identified
      multiple genes responsible for CFAs; however, the underlying genetic mechanisms
      for the majority of CFAs remain largely unclear. Our previous study revealed that
      the Wwp2 E3 ubiquitin ligase facilitates craniofacial development in part through
      inducing monoubiquitination and activation of the paired-like homeobox
      transcription factor, Goosecoid (Gsc). Here we report that Gsc is also
      ubiquitinated and activated by the APC(Cdh1) E3 ubiquitin ligase, leading to
      transcriptional activation of various Gsc target genes crucial for craniofacial
      development. Consistenly, neural crest-specific Cdh1-knockout mice display
      similar bone malformation as Wwp2-deficient mice in the craniofacial region,
      characterized by a domed skull, a short snout and a twisted nasal bone.
      Mechanistically, like Wwp2-deficient mice, mice with Cdh1 deficiency in neural
      crest cells exhibit reduced Gsc/Sox6 transcriptional activities. Simultaneous
      deletion of Cdh1 and Wwp2 results in a more severe craniofacial defect compared
      with single gene deletion, suggesting a synergistic augmentation of Gsc activity
      by these two E3 ubiquitin ligases. Hence, our study reveals a novel role for Cdh1
      in craniofacial development through promoting APC-dependent non-proteolytic
      ubiquitination and activation of Gsc.

PMID- 27126002
TI  - White matter microstructure from nonparametric axon diameter distribution
      mapping.
AB  - We report the development of a double diffusion encoding (DDE) MRI method to
      estimate and map the axon diameter distribution (ADD) within an imaging volume. A
      variety of biological processes, ranging from development to disease and trauma,
      may lead to changes in the ADD in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
      Unlike previously proposed methods, this ADD experimental design and estimation
      framework employs a more general, nonparametric approach, without a priori
      assumptions about the underlying form of the ADD, making it suitable to analyze
      abnormal tissue. In the current study, this framework was used on an ex vivo
      ferret spinal cord, while emphasizing the way in which the ADD can be weighted by
      either the number or the volume of the axons. The different weightings, which
      result in different spatial contrasts, were considered throughout this work. DDE
      data were analyzed to derive spatially resolved maps of average axon diameter,
      ADD variance, and extra-axonal volume fraction, along with a novel sub-micron
      restricted structures map. The morphological information contained in these maps
      was then used to segment white matter into distinct domains by using a proposed k
      means clustering algorithm with spatial contiguity and left-right symmetry
      constraints, resulting in identifiable white matter tracks. The method was
      validated by comparing histological measures to the estimated ADDs using a
      quantitative similarity metric, resulting in good agreement. With further
      acquisition acceleration and experimental parameters adjustments, this ADD
      estimation framework could be first used preclinically, and eventually
      clinically, enabling a wide range of neuroimaging applications for improved
      understanding of neurodegenerative pathologies and assessing microstructural
      changes resulting from trauma.

PMID- 27126004
TI  - Rare vulvar malignancies; incidence, treatment and survival in the Netherlands.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in incidence, treatment and survival of patients
      with basal cell carcinomas and melanomas of the vulva. Also to compare survival
      of vulvar and cutaneous melanoma patients. METHODS: All women with a vulvar
      malignancy between 1989 and 2012 were selected from the Dutch Cancer Registry
      (n=6436). Standardized incidence rates, estimated annual percentage change (EAPC)
      and 5-year relative survival rates were calculated for basal cell carcinomas
      (BCCs) and melanomas. Patients with vulvar melanomas were matched to women with
      cutaneous melanomas on period of diagnosis, age, Breslow thickness, tumour
      ulceration, lymph node status and distant metastases. Differences in survival
      were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log rank test. RESULTS: 489
      women were diagnosed with a BCC and 350 with a melanoma of the vulva. The EAPC in
      incidence for melanomas was 0.2% and 1.1% for BCCs. Eighty-six percent of
      patients with BCC underwent surgical treatment in 1989-2006 and 95% in 2005-2012.
      Forty-five percent with BCC and 79% with melanoma were treated in a referral
      centre. Five-year relative survival for BCCs was 100% and for melanomas survival
      increased from 37% (95%CI 28-47%) in 1989-1999 to 45% (95%CI: 37-54%) in 2000
      2012. Five years after diagnosis survival of women with vulvar melanoma was 15%
      lower compared to matched cutaneous melanoma patients (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: No
      trends in age-adjusted incidence have been observed but more patients with BCC
      received surgical treatment over time. Having had vulvar BCC did not affect life
      expectancy. Well-known prognostic factors explained most of the differences in
      survival between cutaneous and vulvar melanoma patients, however a difference of
      15% remained unexplained.

PMID- 27126003
TI  - A dual but asymmetric role of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex in response
      inhibition and switching from a non-salient to salient action.
AB  - Response inhibition and salience detection are among the most studied
      psychological constructs of cognitive control. Despite a growing body of work,
      how inhibition and salience processing interact and engage regional brain
      activations remains unclear. Here, we examined this issue in a stop signal task
      (SST), where a prepotent response needs to be inhibited to allow an alternative,
      less dominant response. Sixteen adult individuals performed two versions of the
      SST each with 25% (SST25) and 75% (SST75) of stop trials. We posited that greater
      regional activations to the infrequent trial type in each condition (i.e., to
      stop as compared to go trials in SST25 and to go as compared to stop trials in
      SST75) support salience detection. Further, successful inhibition in stop trials
      requires attention to the stop signal to trigger motor inhibition, and the stop
      signal reaction time (SSRT) has been used to index the efficiency of motor
      response inhibition. Therefore, greater regional activations to stop as compared
      to go success trials in association with the stop signal reaction time (SSRT)
      serve to expedite response inhibition. In support of an interactive role, the
      dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) increases activation to salience
      detection in both SST25 and SST75, but only mediates response inhibition in
      SST75. Thus, infrequency response in the dACC supports motor inhibition only when
      stopping has become a routine. In contrast, although the evidence is less robust,
      the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) increases activity to the infrequent
      stimulus and supports inhibition in both SST25 and SST75. These findings clarify
      a unique role of the dACC and add to the literature that distinguishes dACC and
      pre-SMA functions in cognitive control.

PMID- 27126005
TI  - Comparison of cytology, HPV DNA testing and HPV 16/18 genotyping alone or
      combined targeting to the more balanced methodology for cervical cancer
      screening.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to identify the most effective
      cervical cancer screening algorithm incorporating different combinations of
      cytology, HPV testing and genotyping. METHODS: Women 25-55years old recruited for
      the "HERMES" (HEllenic Real life Multicentric cErvical Screening) study were
      screened in terms of cytology and high-risk (hr) HPV testing with HPV 16/18
      genotyping. Women positive for cytology or/and hrHPV were referred for
      colposcopy, biopsy and treatment. Ten screening algorithms based on different
      combinations of cytology, HPV testing and HPV 16/18 genotyping were investigated
      in terms of diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Three clusters of algorithms were
      formed according to the balance between effectiveness and harm caused by
      screening. The cluster showing the best balance included two algorithms based on
      co-testing and two based on HPV primary screening with HPV 16/18 genotyping.
      Among these, hrHPV testing with HPV 16/18 genotyping and reflex cytology
      (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance - ASCUS threshold)
      presented the optimal combination of sensitivity (82.9%) and specificity relative
      to cytology alone (0.99) with 1.26 false positive rate relative to cytology
      alone. CONCLUSION: HPV testing with HPV 16/18 genotyping, referring HPV 16/18
      positive women directly to colposcopy, and hrHPV (non 16/18) positive women to
      reflex cytology (ASCUS threshold), as a triage method to colposcopy, reflects the
      best equilibrium between screening effectiveness and harm. Algorithms, based on
      cytology as initial screening method, on co-testing or HPV primary without
      genotyping, and on HPV primary with genotyping but without cytology triage, are
      not supported according to the present analysis.

PMID- 27126007
TI  - Multivariate Optimization of Rizatriptan Benzoate-Loaded Solid Lipid
      Nanoparticles for Brain Targeting and Migraine Management.
AB  - The present investigation aimed at development of brain-targeted rizatriptan
      benzoate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (RB-SLNs) by design of experiment, for
      improvement of its anti-migraine potential. Several formulation variables
      affecting the fabrication of RB-SLNs were screened using the Plackett-Burman
      design (PBD). The PBD results demonstrated lipid (Precirol(r) ATO 5)
      concentration, co-surfactant (Phospholipon(r) 90 H) concentration and temperature
      of lipid melt to be the critical variables, having a significant effect on the
      achievement of minimum particle size, maximum entrapment efficiency coupled with
      sustained drug release. The interactions between these formulation parameters and
      the variability between the batches were further explored employing the Box
      Behnken design (BBD). The BBD results were validated by fabricating the suggested
      optimized solution, which yielded 220.4 +/- 2.3 nm particle size with a
      sufficiently high entrapment efficiency of 71.8 +/- 1.9% and 45.9 +/- 2.7%
      cumulative drug release in 8 h. The optimized formulation was, thereafter,
      characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, wide angle XRD, thermal analysis and TEM
      imaging technique. The in vivo studies revealed the brain uptake potential of
      optimized RB-SLNs to be 18.43-folds higher with respect to the pure drug in its
      free form, post 2 h of oral drug administration. The significant anti-migraine
      efficacy of RB-SLNs was corroborated through the pharmacodynamic studies on adult
      male Swiss albino mice. The results hence explicate that RB-SLNs have distinctly
      improved brain target ability and offer an apt approach for the efficient
      therapeutic management of migraine.

PMID- 27126006
TI  - Preparation and Evaluations of Mangiferin-Loaded PLGA Scaffolds for Alveolar Bone
      Repair Treatment Under the Diabetic Condition.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to prepare and evaluate a sustained-release
      mangiferin scaffold for improving alveolar bone defect repair in diabetes.
      Mangiferin-loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds were prepared
      using a freeze-drying technique with ice particles as the porogen material. The
      produced scaffolds were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Drug
      content and drug release were detected using a spectrophotometer. Degradation
      behaviors were monitored as a measure of weight loss and examined using SEM.
      Then, the scaffolds were incubated with rat bone marrow stromal cells under the
      diabetic condition in vitro, and cell viability was assessed using an 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Afterward, the
      scaffolds were implanted into alveolar bone defects of diabetic rats, and bone
      repair was examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The fabricated
      scaffolds showed porous structures, with average pore size range from 111.35 to
      169.45 MUm. A higher PLGA concentration led to decreased average pore size. A
      lower PLGA concentration or a higher mangiferin concentration resulted in
      increased drug content. The prepared scaffolds released mangiferin in a sustained
      manner with relatively low initial burst during 10 weeks. Their degradation
      ratios gradually increased as degradation proceeded. The mangiferin-loaded
      scaffolds attenuated cell viability decrease under the diabetic condition in
      vitro. Moreover, they increased histological scorings of bone regeneration and
      improved delayed alveolar bone defect healing in diabetic rats. These results
      suggest that the produced mangiferin-loaded scaffolds may provide a potential
      approach in the treatment of impaired alveolar bone healing in diabetes.

PMID- 27126008
TI  - Development of Clotrimazole Multiple W/O/W Emulsions as Vehicles for Drug
      Delivery: Effects of Additives on Emulsion Stability.
AB  - Multiple emulsions have attracted considerable attention in recent years for
      application as potential delivery systems for different drugs. The aim of the
      present work is to design a new formulation containing clotrimazole (CLT) loaded
      into multiple emulsions by two-step emulsification method for transdermal
      delivery. Different ingredients and quantities like primary and secondary co
      emulsifiers and the nature of oily phase were assayed in order to optimize the
      best system for good. Resulting formulations were characterized in terms of
      droplet size, conductivity, pH, entrapment efficiency, rheological behavior, and
      stability under various storage conditions for 180 days. pH values of multiple
      emulsions containing CLT ranged from 7.04 +/- 0.03 to 6.23 +/- 0.04. Droplet size
      increased when increasing concentration of sorbitan stearate. The addition of
      polysorbate 80 resulted in significant decrease of oil droplet size comparing
      with those prepared without this. CLT entrapment efficiency ranged between 85.64%
      and 97.47%. All formulations exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow with some
      apparent thixotropic behavior. Cross and Herschel-Bulkley equations were the
      models that best fitted experimental data. In general, the addition of 1%
      polysorbate 80 resulted in a decrease of viscosity values. No signals of optical
      instability were observed, and physicochemical properties remained almost
      constant when samples were stored at room temperature after 180 days. On the
      contrary, samples stored at 40 degrees C exhibited pronounced increase in
      conductivity values 24 h after elaboration and some of them were unstable after
      180 days of storage. JMLP01 was proposed as an innovative and stable system to
      incorporate CLT as active pharmaceutical ingredient.

PMID- 27126009
TI  - Continuous monitoring of caspase-3 activation induced by propofol in developing
      mouse brain.
AB  - The neurotoxicity of anesthetics on the developing brain has drawn the attention
      of anesthesiologists. Several studies have shown that apoptosis is enhanced by
      exposure to anesthesia during brain development. Although apoptosis is a
      physiological developmental step occurring before the maturation of neural
      networks and the integration of brain function, pathological damage also involves
      apoptosis. Previous studies have shown that prolonged exposure to anesthetics
      causes apoptosis. Exactly when the apoptotic cascade starts in the brain remains
      uncertain. If it starts during the early stage of anesthesia, even short-term
      anesthesia could harm the brain. Therefore, apoptogenesis should be continuously
      monitored to elucidate when the apoptotic cascade is triggered by anesthesia.
      Here, we describe the development of a continuous monitoring system to detect
      caspase-3 activation using an in vivo model. Brain slices from postnatal days 0-4
      SCAT3 transgenic mice with a heterozygous genotype (n=20) were used for the
      monitoring of caspase-3 cleavage. SCAT3 is a fusion protein of ECFP and Venus
      connected by a caspase-3 cleavable peptide, DEVD. A specimen from the hippocampal
      CA1 sector was mounted on a confocal laser microscope and was continuously
      superfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid, propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol,
      1MUM or 10MUM), and dimethyl sulfoxide. Images were obtained every hour for five
      hours. A pixel analysis of the ECFP/Venus ratio images was performed using a
      histogram showing the number of pixels with each ratio. In the histogram of the
      ECFP/Venus ratio, an area with a ratio>1 indicated the number of pixels from
      caspase-3-activated CA1 neurons. We observed a shift in the histogram toward the
      right over time, indicating caspase-3 activation. This right-ward shift
      dramatically changed at five hours in the propofol 1MUM and 10MUM groups and was
      obviously different from that in the control group. Thus, real-time fluorescence
      energy transfer (FRET) imaging was capable of identifying the onset of apoptosis
      triggered by propofol in neonatal brain slices. This model may be a useful tool
      for monitoring apoptogenesis in the developing brain. 

PMID- 27126011
TI  - Prosecution of US psychologists who ran CIA torture program moves a step closer.

PMID- 27126012
TI  - My love-hate of Sci-Hub.

PMID- 27126010
TI  - Ethnic and Gender Differences in Help Seeking for Substance Disorders Among Black
      Americans.
AB  - This paper uses the National Survey of American Life (NSAL) to examine within
      group differences regarding help-seeking for substance disorders among a US
      sample of African American and Caribbean Black men and women. We examined ethnic
      and gender differences in the type of providers sought for substance disorder
      treatment, as well as reasons for avoiding treatment. Results indicate that
      overall, few ethnic differences exist; however, African Americans are more likely
      than Caribbean Blacks to seek help from human service professionals (including a
      religious or spiritual advisor) and from informal sources of treatment such as
      self-help groups. Black men with a substance disorder were more likely to see a
      psychiatrist than Black women. Findings regarding reasons for avoiding treatment
      suggest that there may be a need to provide better education about the utility of
      substance disorder treatment, even before problems reach a high level of
      severity.

PMID- 27126014
TI  - ANCIENT DNA. How Europe exported the Black Death.

PMID- 27126015
TI  - ARMS CONTROL. Critics complain as U.S. shops in Iran's nuclear bazaar.

PMID- 27126017
TI  - ASTRONOMY. Kepler enlists relativity to find planets.

PMID- 27126016
TI  - SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY. Saying no to harassment.

PMID- 27126018
TI  - INFECTIOUS DISEASE. Scandal clouds China's global vaccine ambitions.

PMID- 27126019
TI  - BRAIN DRAIN. Mexico struggles to woo expat genome jocks.

PMID- 27126021
TI  - The frustrated science student behind Sci-Hub.

PMID- 27126020
TI  - Who's downloading pirated papers? Everyone.

PMID- 27126022
TI  - PHYSICAL BIOLOGY. A fresh eye on nonequilibrium systems.

PMID- 27126023
TI  - CELL SIGNALING. Liquidity in immune cell signaling.

PMID- 27126024
TI  - NEUROSCIENCE. Ionic control of sleep and wakefulness.

PMID- 27126025
TI  - BIOCHEMISTRY. A bacterial oxidase like no other?

PMID- 27126026
TI  - SYNTHETIC FOLDAMERS. Light flips a membrane-embedded helix.

PMID- 27126027
TI  - INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND INNOVATION. The growing problem of patent trolling.

PMID- 27126028
TI  - Wolbachia mosquito control: Tested.

PMID- 27126029
TI  - Wolbachia mosquito control: Regulated.

PMID- 27126030
TI  - Comment on "Extended-resolution structured illumination imaging of endocytic and
      cytoskeletal dynamics".
AB  - Li et al (Research Articles, 28 August 2015, aab3500) purport to present
      solutions to long-standing challenges in live-cell microscopy, reporting
      relatively fast acquisition times in conjunction with improved image resolution.
      We question the methods' reliability to visualize specimen features at sub-100
      nanometer scales, because the mandatory mathematical processing of the recorded
      data leads to artifacts that are either difficult or impossible to disentangle
      from real features. We are also concerned about the chosen approach of
      subjectively comparing images from different super-resolution methods, as opposed
      to using quantitative measures. 

PMID- 27126031
TI  - Response to Comment on "Extended-resolution structured illumination imaging of
      endocytic and cytoskeletal dynamics".
AB  - Sahl et al in their Comment raise criticisms of our work that fall into three
      classes: image artifacts, resolution criteria, and comparative performance on
      live cells. We explore each of these in turn. 

PMID- 27126032
TI  - Online buzz: Bureaucracy or accountability?

PMID- 27126033
TI  - Manipulating the Microbiota.

PMID- 27126034
TI  - Cross-species comparisons of host genetic associations with the microbiome.
AB  - Recent studies in human populations and mouse models reveal notable congruences
      in gut microbial taxa whose abundances are partly regulated by host genotype.
      Host genes associating with these taxa are related to diet sensing, metabolism,
      and immunity. These broad patterns are further validated in similar studies of
      nonmammalian microbiomes. The next generation of genome-wide association studies
      will expand the size of the data sets and refine the microbial phenotypes to
      fully capture these intriguing signatures of host-microbiome coevolution. 

PMID- 27126035
TI  - Resurrecting the intestinal microbiota to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
AB  - The intestinal microbiota, which is composed of diverse populations of commensal
      bacterial species, provides resistance against colonization and invasion by
      pathogens. Antibiotic treatment can damage the intestinal microbiota and,
      paradoxically, increase susceptibility to infections. Reestablishing microbiota
      mediated colonization resistance after antibiotic treatment could markedly reduce
      infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Ongoing
      studies are identifying commensal bacterial species that can be developed into
      next-generation probiotics to reestablish or enhance colonization resistance.
      These live medicines are at various stages of discovery, testing, and production
      and are being subjected to existing regulatory gauntlets for eventual
      introduction into clinical practice. The development of next-generation
      probiotics to reestablish colonization resistance and eliminate potential
      pathogens from the gut is warranted and will reduce health care-associated
      infections caused by highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 

PMID- 27126037
TI  - Antibiotic use and its consequences for the normal microbiome.
AB  - Anti-infectives, including antibiotics, are essentially different from all other
      drugs; they not only affect the individual to whom they are given but also the
      entire community, through selection for resistance to their own action. Thus,
      their use resides at the intersection of personal and public health. Antibiotics
      can be likened to a four-edged sword against bacteria. The first two edges of the
      antibiotic sword were identified immediately after their discovery and deployment
      in that they not only benefit an individual in treating their infection but also
      benefit the community in preventing the spread of that infectious agent. The
      third edge was already recognized by Alexander Fleming in 1945 in his Nobel
      acceptance speech, which warned about the cost to the community of antibiotic
      resistance that would inevitably evolve and be selected for during clinical
      practice. We have seen this cost mount up, as resistance curtails or precludes
      the activities of some of our most effective drugs for clinically important
      infections. But the fourth edge of the antibiotic sword remained unappreciated
      until recently, i.e., the cost that an antibiotic exerts on an individual's own
      health via the collateral damage of the drug on bacteria that normally live on or
      in healthy humans: our microbiota. These organisms, their genes, metabolites, and
      interactions with one another, as well as with their host collectively, represent
      our microbiome. Our relationship with these symbiotic bacteria is especially
      important during the early years of life, when the adult microbiome has not yet
      formed. 

PMID- 27126036
TI  - How colonization by microbiota in early life shapes the immune system.
AB  - Microbial colonization of mucosal tissues during infancy plays an instrumental
      role in the development and education of the host mammalian immune system. These
      early-life events can have long-standing consequences: facilitating tolerance to
      environmental exposures or contributing to the development of disease in later
      life, including inflammatory bowel disease, allergy, and asthma. Recent studies
      have begun to define a critical period during early development in which
      disruption of optimal host-commensal interactions can lead to persistent and in
      some cases irreversible defects in the development and training of specific
      immune subsets. Here, we discuss the role of early-life education of the immune
      system during this "window of opportunity," when microbial colonization has a
      potentially critical impact on human health and disease. 

PMID- 27126038
TI  - Changes in the composition of brain interstitial ions control the sleep-wake
      cycle.
AB  - Wakefulness is driven by the widespread release of neuromodulators by the
      ascending arousal system. Yet, it is unclear how these substances orchestrate
      state-dependent, global changes in neuronal activity. Here, we show that
      neuromodulators induce increases in the extracellular K(+) concentration
      ([K(+)]e) in cortical slices electrically silenced by tetrodotoxin. In vivo,
      arousal was linked to AMPA receptor-independent elevations of [K(+)]e concomitant
      with decreases in [Ca(2+)]e, [Mg(2+)]e, [H(+)]e, and the extracellular volume.
      Opposite, natural sleep and anesthesia reduced [K(+)]e while increasing
      [Ca(2+)]e, [Mg(2+)]e, and [H(+)]e as well as the extracellular volume. Local
      cortical activity of sleeping mice could be readily converted to the
      stereotypical electroencephalography pattern of wakefulness by simply imposing a
      change in the extracellular ion composition. Thus, extracellular ions control the
      state-dependent patterns of neural activity. 

PMID- 27126039
TI  - Population-level analysis of gut microbiome variation.
AB  - Fecal microbiome variation in the average, healthy population has remained under
      investigated. Here, we analyzed two independent, extensively phenotyped cohorts:
      the Belgian Flemish Gut Flora Project (FGFP; discovery cohort; N = 1106) and the
      Dutch LifeLines-DEEP study (LLDeep; replication; N = 1135). Integration with
      global data sets (N combined = 3948) revealed a 14-genera core microbiota, but
      the 664 identified genera still underexplore total gut diversity. Sixty-nine
      clinical and questionnaire-based covariates were found associated to microbiota
      compositional variation with a 92% replication rate. Stool consistency showed the
      largest effect size, whereas medication explained largest total variance and
      interacted with other covariate-microbiota associations. Early-life events such
      as birth mode were not reflected in adult microbiota composition. Finally, we
      found that proposed disease marker genera associated to host covariates, urging
      inclusion of the latter in study design. 

PMID- 27126041
TI  - Kinetically controlled E-selective catalytic olefin metathesis.
AB  - A major shortcoming in olefin metathesis, a chemical process that is central to
      research in several branches of chemistry, is the lack of efficient methods that
      kinetically favor E isomers in the product distribution. Here we show that
      kinetically E-selective cross-metathesis reactions may be designed to generate
      thermodynamically disfavored alkenyl chlorides and fluorides in high yield and
      with exceptional stereoselectivity. With 1.0 to 5.0 mole % of a molybdenum-based
      catalyst, which may be delivered in the form of air- and moisture-stable paraffin
      pellets, reactions typically proceed to completion within 4 hours at ambient
      temperature. Many isomerically pure E-alkenyl chlorides, applicable to catalytic
      cross-coupling transformations and found in biologically active entities, thus
      become easily and directly accessible. Similarly, E-alkenyl fluorides can be
      synthesized from simpler compounds or more complex molecules. 

PMID- 27126042
TI  - Pressure-dependent isotopic composition of iron alloys.
AB  - Our current understanding of Earth's core formation is limited by the fact that
      this profound event is far removed from us physically and temporally. The
      composition of the iron metal in the core was a result of the conditions of its
      formation, which has important implications for our planet's geochemical
      evolution and physical history. We present experimental and theoretical evidence
      for the effect of pressure on iron isotopic composition, which we found to vary
      according to the alloy tested (FeO, FeH(x), or Fe3C versus pure Fe). These
      results suggest that hydrogen or carbon is not the major light-element component
      in the core. The pressure dependence of iron isotopic composition provides an
      independent constraint on Earth's core composition.

PMID- 27126040
TI  - Population-based metagenomics analysis reveals markers for gut microbiome
      composition and diversity.
AB  - Deep sequencing of the gut microbiomes of 1135 participants from a Dutch
      population-based cohort shows relations between the microbiome and 126 exogenous
      and intrinsic host factors, including 31 intrinsic factors, 12 diseases, 19 drug
      groups, 4 smoking categories, and 60 dietary factors. These factors collectively
      explain 18.7% of the variation seen in the interindividual distance of microbial
      composition. We could associate 110 factors to 125 species and observed that
      fecal chromogranin A (CgA), a protein secreted by enteroendocrine cells, was
      exclusively associated with 61 microbial species whose abundance collectively
      accounted for 53% of microbial composition. Low CgA concentrations were seen in
      individuals with a more diverse microbiome. These results are an important step
      toward a better understanding of environment-diet-microbe-host interactions. 

PMID- 27126043
TI  - Structure of a bd oxidase indicates similar mechanisms for membrane-integrated
      oxygen reductases.
AB  - The cytochrome bd oxidases are terminal oxidases that are present in bacteria and
      archaea. They reduce molecular oxygen (dioxygen) to water, avoiding the
      production of reactive oxygen species. In addition to their contribution to the
      proton motive force, they mediate viability under oxygen-related stress
      conditions and confer tolerance to nitric oxide, thus contributing to the
      virulence of pathogenic bacteria. Here we present the atomic structure of the bd
      oxidase from Geobacillus thermodenitrificans, revealing a pseudosymmetrical
      subunit fold. The arrangement and order of the heme cofactors support the
      conclusions from spectroscopic measurements that the cleavage of the dioxygen
      bond may be mechanistically similar to that in the heme-copper-containing
      oxidases, even though the structures are completely different. 

PMID- 27126044
TI  - Durable coexistence of donor and recipient strains after fecal microbiota
      transplantation.
AB  - Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown efficacy in treating recurrent
      Clostridium difficile infection and is increasingly being applied to other
      gastrointestinal disorders, yet the fate of native and introduced microbial
      strains remains largely unknown. To quantify the extent of donor microbiota
      colonization, we monitored strain populations in fecal samples from a recent FMT
      study on metabolic syndrome patients using single-nucleotide variants in
      metagenomes. We found extensive coexistence of donor and recipient strains,
      persisting 3 months after treatment. Colonization success was greater for
      conspecific strains than for new species, the latter falling within fluctuation
      levels observed in healthy individuals over a similar time frame. Furthermore,
      same-donor recipients displayed varying degrees of microbiota transfer,
      indicating individual patterns of microbiome resistance and donor-recipient
      compatibilities. 

PMID- 27126045
TI  - Slow waves, sharp waves, ripples, and REM in sleeping dragons.
AB  - Sleep has been described in animals ranging from worms to humans. Yet the
      electrophysiological characteristics of brain sleep, such as slow-wave (SW) and
      rapid eye movement (REM) activities, are thought to be restricted to mammals and
      birds. Recording from the brain of a lizard, the Australian dragon Pogona
      vitticeps, we identified SW and REM sleep patterns, thus pushing back the
      probable evolution of these dynamics at least to the emergence of amniotes. The
      SW and REM sleep patterns that we observed in lizards oscillated continuously for
      6 to 10 hours with a period of ~80 seconds. The networks controlling SW-REM
      antagonism in amniotes may thus originate from a common, ancient oscillator
      circuit. Lizard SW dynamics closely resemble those observed in rodent hippocampal
      CA1, yet they originate from a brain area, the dorsal ventricular ridge, that has
      no obvious hodological similarity with the mammalian hippocampus. 

PMID- 27126046
TI  - RNA splicing is a primary link between genetic variation and disease.
AB  - Noncoding variants play a central role in the genetics of complex traits, but we
      still lack a full understanding of the molecular pathways through which they act.
      We quantified the contribution of cis-acting genetic effects at all major stages
      of gene regulation from chromatin to proteins, in Yoruba lymphoblastoid cell
      lines (LCLs). About ~65% of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) have
      primary effects on chromatin, whereas the remaining eQTLs are enriched in
      transcribed regions. Using a novel method, we also detected 2893 splicing QTLs,
      most of which have little or no effect on gene-level expression. These splicing
      QTLs are major contributors to complex traits, roughly on a par with variants
      that affect gene expression levels. Our study provides a comprehensive view of
      the mechanisms linking genetic variation to variation in human gene regulation. 

PMID- 27126047
TI  - Broken detailed balance at mesoscopic scales in active biological systems.
AB  - Systems in thermodynamic equilibrium are not only characterized by time
      independent macroscopic properties, but also satisfy the principle of detailed
      balance in the transitions between microscopic configurations. Living systems
      function out of equilibrium and are characterized by directed fluxes through
      chemical states, which violate detailed balance at the molecular scale. Here we
      introduce a method to probe for broken detailed balance and demonstrate how such
      nonequilibrium dynamics are manifest at the mesosopic scale. The periodic beating
      of an isolated flagellum from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii exhibits probability flux
      in the phase space of shapes. With a model, we show how the breaking of detailed
      balance can also be quantified in stationary, nonequilibrium stochastic systems
      in the absence of periodic motion. We further demonstrate such broken detailed
      balance in the nonperiodic fluctuations of primary cilia of epithelial cells. Our
      analysis provides a general tool to identify nonequilibrium dynamics in cells and
      tissues. 

PMID- 27126048
TI  - The hidden perks of grad school.

PMID- 27126049
TI  - Erratum to: 'The orientation of transcription factor binding site motifs in gene
      promoter regions: does it matter?'.

PMID- 27126050
TI  - TD-DFT investigation of D-pi-A organic dyes with thiophene moieties as pi-spacers
      for use as sensitizers in DSSCs.
AB  - The geometrical, conformational, and electronic properties of a series of D-pi-A
      metal-free dyes designed for use as sensitizers in DSSCs were studied using DFT
      and TD-DFT methods. A substituted triphenylamine moiety was used as the donor
      group and 2-cyanoacrylic acid as the acceptor group in these dyes. They also
      contained conjugated bridging pi-linker groups containing two or more thiophene
      rings to enhance the intramolecular charge transfer. The B3LYP, M06-HF,
      omegaB97XD and CAM-B3LYP functionals were utilized in combination with the 6
      31G(d,p) basis set for the calculations. The dye solvation process was taken into
      account via the polarizable continuum model. To rationalize the relationships
      between dye structure and the photochemical properties of the dyes when used as
      sensitizers in DSSCs, the vertical excitation energies, the light-harvesting
      efficiencies, the free-energy changes during the process of injecting an electron
      into the surface of a TiO2 nanocrystalline semiconductor, and the open-circuit
      potentials were calculated for all of the dyes in the solvent THF using the above
      methods. The results of these computations are discussed and compared with the
      available corresponding experimental data. 

PMID- 27126051
TI  - Characterization of key triacylglycerol biosynthesis processes in rhodococci.
AB  - Oleaginous microorganisms have considerable potential for biofuel and commodity
      chemical production. Under nitrogen-limitation, Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 grown on
      benzoate, an analog of lignin depolymerization products, accumulated
      triacylglycerols (TAGs) to 55% of its dry weight during transition to stationary
      phase, with the predominant fatty acids being C16:0 and C17:0. Transcriptomic
      analyses of RHA1 grown under conditions of N-limitation and N-excess revealed
      1,826 dysregulated genes. Genes whose transcripts were more abundant under N
      limitation included those involved in ammonium assimilation, benzoate catabolism,
      fatty acid biosynthesis and the methylmalonyl-CoA pathway. Of the 16 atf genes
      potentially encoding diacylglycerol O-acyltransferases, atf8 transcripts were the
      most abundant during N-limitation (~50-fold more abundant than during N-excess).
      Consistent with Atf8 being a physiological determinant of TAG accumulation, a
      Deltaatf8 mutant accumulated 70% less TAG than wild-type RHA1 while atf8
      overexpression increased TAG accumulation 20%. Genes encoding type-2 phosphatidic
      acid phosphatases were not significantly expressed. By contrast, three genes
      potentially encoding phosphatases of the haloacid dehalogenase superfamily and
      that cluster with, or are fused with other Kennedy pathway genes were
      dysregulated. Overall, these findings advance our understanding of TAG metabolism
      in mycolic acid-containing bacteria and provide a framework to engineer strains
      for increased TAG production.

PMID- 27126052
TI  - High specificity of a novel Zika virus ELISA in European patients after exposure
      to different flaviviruses.
AB  - The current Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in the Americas caused an increase in
      diagnostic requests in European countries. Here we demonstrate high specificity
      of the Euroimmun anti-ZIKV IgG and IgM ELISA tests using putative cross-reacting
      sera of European patients with antibodies against tick-borne encephalitis virus,
      dengue virus, yellow fever virus and hepatitis C virus. This test may aid in
      counselling European travellers returning from regions where ZIKV is endemic. 

PMID- 27126053
TI  - Transfer of Electrophilic NH Using Convenient Sources of Ammonia: Direct
      Synthesis of NH Sulfoximines from Sulfoxides.
AB  - A new system for NH transfer is developed for the preparation of sulfoximines,
      which are emerging as valuable motifs for drug discovery. The protocol employs
      readily available sources of nitrogen without the requirement for either
      preactivation or for metal catalysts. Mixing ammonium salts with
      diacetoxyiodobenzene directly converts sulfoxides into sulfoximines. This report
      describes the first example of using of ammonia sources with diacetoxyiodobenzene
      to generate an electrophilic nitrogen center. Control and mechanistic studies
      suggest a short-lived electrophilic intermediate, which is likely to be PhINH or
      PhIN(+) .

PMID- 27126055
TI  - Is maternal smoking during pregnancy associated with an increased risk of
      congenital heart defects among offspring? A systematic review and meta-analysis
      of observational studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between maternal smoking during
      pregnancy and risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) among offspring. METHODS:
      PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies. The
      outcomes of interest included risk of any CHD and nine subtypes. We summarized
      study characteristics and used a random-effects model in meta-analysis, and a two
      stage dose-response model was utilized to assess the association between smoking
      consumption and risk. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by a chi-squared
      test of the Cochrane Q statistic and I-squared value. Publication bias was
      assessed by funnel plots and Egger's test, and trim and fill method was utilized
      when publication bias existed. RESULTS: Forty-three observational epidemiologic
      studies were included. The pooled risk ratio (RR) of any CHD was 1.11 (95% CI:
      1.04, 1.18), but it exhibited substantial statistical heterogeneity (p < 0.001,
      I2 = 69.0%). In sensitivity analysis, we observed significant associations for
      atrial septal defect (ASD) and marginally significant associations for septal
      defects (SPD). The two-stage dose-response analysis showed evidence to support
      that higher levels of tobacco smoke was associated with an increased risk of
      septal defects, particularly for ASD and VSD (ventricular septal defect).
      CONCLUSION: Our study presents evidence to support the cardiovascular teratogenic
      effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy, and their offspring may suffer from
      approximately a 10% relative increase in the risk of CHDs on average.

PMID- 27126054
TI  - Preoperative Sarcopenia Strongly Influences the Risk of Postoperative Pancreatic
      Fistula Formation After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a serious complication of
      pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Sarcopenia is a newly identified marker of frailty.
      We performed this study to assess whether preoperative sarcopenia has an impact
      on clinically relevant POPF formation. METHODS: A total of 266 consecutive
      patients who underwent a PD between 2010 and 2014 were enrolled in this
      retrospective study. Skeletal muscle mass was measured using preoperative
      computed tomography images. The impact of preoperative sarcopenia on clinically
      relevant POPF formation was analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.
      RESULTS: Of the 266 patients, 132 (49.6 %) were classified as having preoperative
      sarcopenia. The rate of clinically relevant POPF formation was significantly
      higher in the sarcopenia group (22.0 vs. 10.4 %; P = 0.011). A multivariate
      logistic regression analysis showed that sarcopenia (odds ratio, 2.869; P =
      0.007) was an independent risk factor for the development of clinically relevant
      POPF, along with a soft pancreas and a parenchymal thickness at the pancreatic
      resection site of >=8 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative sarcopenia was identified as
      a strong and independent risk factor for clinically relevant POPF formation after
      PD. Perioperative rehabilitation and nutrition therapy may contribute to the
      prevention of POPF formation and a safer PD.

PMID- 27126056
TI  - Non-linear Optical Responses of Low-Density Lipoprotein are Associated with
      Intima-Media Thickness of Carotid Artery in Athletes.
AB  - We investigated the association between the degree of oxidative modification of
      LDL particles by non-linear optical response of LDL (Z-scan technique) and the
      presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in different segments of the carotid
      artery. We recruited high-intensity athlete runners (n = 44) and controls (n =
      51) to participate in the study. The carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT),
      interleukin 10 (IL-10), TNF-alpha, and the non-linear optical responses of LDL
      particle (Z-scan) were assessed. In athletes, the mean cIMT differed between
      genders, with higher values observed in female athletes compared to male athletes
      (P < 0.05). Higher mean values for cIMT were seen in the right carotid arteries
      of female athletes as compared to female controls (P < 0.05). Higher levels of
      TNF-alpha and IL-10 were found in athletes (P < 0.05). Yet, DeltaGammapv
      (transmittance curve) of Z-scan in athletes was higher than in the non-athletes,
      indicating less oxidation in LDL particles of athletes (P < 0.05). There was an
      inverse association between the DeltaGammapv and cIMT in the right internal
      carotid segments (beta = -0.163, P < 0.05) in all subjects, and between the
      VO2max and the mean cIMT (beta = -0.003, P < 0.05) in male subjects. The present
      study shows that the Z-scan technique enabled to detect less oxidative
      modifications in LDL particles from athletes. This effect was associated with
      cIMT in a gender-dependent mode. 

PMID- 27126057
TI  - Systemic and spinal administration of FAAH, MAGL inhibitors and dual FAAH/MAGL
      inhibitors produce antipruritic effect in mice.
AB  - The increase of endocannabinoid tonus by inhibiting fatty acid amide hydrolase
      (FAAH) or monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) represents a promising therapeutic
      approach in a variety of disease to overcome serious central side effects of
      exocannabinoids. Recent studies reported that systemic administration of FAAH and
      MAGL inhibitors produce antipruritic action. Dual FAAH/MAGL inhibitors have also
      been described to get enhanced endocannabinoid therapeutic effect. In this study,
      we examined and compared dose-related antipruritic effects of systemic
      (intraperitoneal; ip) or intrathecal (it) administration of selective FAAH
      inhibitor PF-3845 (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, i.p.; 1, 5, and 10 ug, i.t.), MAGL
      inhibitor JZL184 (4, 20, and 40 mg/kg, i.p.; 1, 5, and 10 ug, i.t.) and dual
      FAAH/MAGL inhibitor JZL195 (2, 5, and 20 mg/kg, i.p.; 1, 5, and 10 ug, i.t.) on
      serotonin (5-HT)-induced scratching model. Serotonin (25 MUg) was injected
      intradermally in a volume of 50 MUl into the rostral part of skin on the back of
      male Balb-C mice. Both systemic or intrathecal administration of PF-3845, JZL184
      or JZL195 produced similar dose-dependent antipruritic effects. Our results
      suggest that endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes FAAH and MAGL are involved in
      pruritic process at spinal level. FAAH, MAGL or dual FAAH/MAGL inhibitors have
      promising antipruritic effects, at least, in part through spinal site of action. 

PMID- 27126058
TI  - Escape to the high canopy-thermal deficiency causes niche expansion in a forest
      floor ant.
AB  - The small formicoxenine ant Temnothorax saxonicus was known from about 40
      localities in Central Europe nesting in anorganic substrates on floor of
      xerothermous forests whereas investigations of 198 tree canopies in 19 forest
      sites of the same region provided no indication for arboreal nesting or foraging.
      We present the first evidence for canopy-nesting populations of T. saxonicus on
      old Quercus trees in 3 sites having maximum calibrated topsoil temperatures of
      17.9 +/- 0.3  degrees C which were significantly (P < 0.007) lower than 22.8 +/-
      2.0  degrees C measured in 5 sites with ground-nesting populations. The thermal
      deficit on forest floor inhibits brood development in ground nests and caused a
      moving to canopy were maximum calibrated temperatures of the, now wooden,
      substrates are at least 26.1  degrees C for the whole canopy and 30.8  degrees C
      in more sun-exposed spots. T. saxonicus competed here successfully with the
      obligatory canopy ants T. affinis and T. corticalis. The distributional data of
      this rope-climbing study support former results that highest nest densities of
      small arboreal ants occur in temperate climate over the entire canopy mantle of
      single trees situated in open land or in park-like environments but occur in the
      top of the canopy in tree stands with high degree of canopy closure.

PMID- 27126059
TI  - Effect of early treatment on physical function in daily management of rheumatoid
      arthritis: a 5-year longitudinal study of rheumatoid arthritis patients in the
      National Database of Rheumatic Diseases in Japan.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess 5-year changes in physical function
      and factors associated with improvement among patients with rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA) in daily clinical practice, focusing on the effect of treatments, including
      biologic agents, in the early stage of disease course. METHODS: The National
      Database of Rheumatic Diseases by iR-net in Japan (NinJa) was searched for
      patients with disease duration <= 2 years and modified health assessment
      questionnaire (mHAQ) > 0 between 2004 and 2007, so that 510 patients were
      included in the final analysis. Multivariate-logistic regression analyses were
      used to identify predictors of 5-year mHAQ disability score improvement. RESULTS:
      Median mHAQ score was 0.40 at baseline and decreased to a median 0.17 after 5
      years. Seventy-four percent of the patients were treated with methotrexate (MTX)
      and 25% with biologic agents, with early use of biologic agents (within 2 years
      of RA onset) increasing over time. Multivariate analyses identified higher
      baseline Disease Activity Score of 28 joints - C-reactive protein and early use
      of MTX (within 1 year of RA onset) and of biologic agents (within 2 years) as
      significantly associated with improved mHAQ; odds ratios of the early treatment
      were 1.83 (P = 0.01) for MTX and 2.23 (P = 0.04) for biologic agents,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Five-year mHAQ improved in early RA patients in the
      NinJa database. In daily clinical management of RA, likewise in clinical trials,
      early administration of MTX or biologic agents is able to improve physical
      function outcome.

PMID- 27126060
TI  - Sericin in the isolating solution improves the yield of islets isolated from the
      pancreas.
AB  - Approximately half of the transplantable pancreatic islet tissue is lost during
      isolation, including the digestion and purification steps. Modifying the
      isolation method could increase the yield. This would enable the one donor-one
      recipient concept and improve the therapeutic effects of islet transplantation.
      This study aims to improve islet transplantation by increasing the yield of
      islets from the pancreas, both the number of islets and their size. Therefore, we
      used a sericin-containing isolating solution. Rat pancreatic islets were isolated
      by collagenase digestion and hand picking. We refer to islets isolated with or
      without sericin in the isolation solution as the sericin and control group,
      respectively. Volume yield, endocrine function, and islet morphology were
      compared between the groups. Histological distribution of sericin was evaluated
      by immunofluorescence staining to examine its mechanism of action in pancreatic
      islets. The pancreatic islet yield in the sericin group was significantly higher
      than that in the control group. The endocrine function of islets in the sericin
      group was comparable to that of islets isolated by conventional methods. Sericin
      adhered to the surface of isolated pancreatic islets and colocalized with E
      cadherin, a cell membrane protein, which might explain the cytoprotective effects
      of sericin. The islet morphology tended to be better preserved in the sericin
      group. Sericin could prevent cytoarchitectural damage during the isolation and
      purification process, resulting in increased pancreatic islet yield. This
      suggests that sericin could contribute to islet therapy by enhancing the
      stability of islets.

PMID- 27126061
TI  - Aging affects postural tracking of complex visual motion cues.
AB  - Postural tracking of visual motion cues improves perception-action coupling in
      aging, yet the nature of the visual cues to be tracked is critical for the
      efficacy of such a paradigm. We investigated how well healthy older (72.45 +/-
      4.72 years) and young (22.98 +/- 2.9 years) adults can follow with their gaze and
      posture horizontally moving visual target cues of different degree of complexity.
      Participants tracked continuously for 120 s the motion of a visual target (dot)
      that oscillated in three different patterns: a simple periodic (simulated by a
      sine), a more complex (simulated by the Lorenz attractor that is deterministic
      displaying mathematical chaos) and an ultra-complex random (simulated by
      surrogating the Lorenz attractor) pattern. The degree of coupling between
      performance (posture and gaze) and the target motion was quantified in the
      spectral coherence, gain, phase and cross-approximate entropy (cross-ApEn)
      between signals. Sway-target coherence decreased as a function of target
      complexity and was lower for the older compared to the young participants when
      tracking the chaotic target. On the other hand, gaze-target coherence was not
      affected by either target complexity or age. Yet, a lower cross-ApEn value when
      tracking the chaotic stimulus motion revealed a more synchronous gaze-target
      relationship for both age groups. Results suggest limitations in online visuo
      motor processing of complex motion cues and a less efficient exploitation of the
      body sway dynamics with age. Complex visual motion cues may provide a suitable
      training stimulus to improve visuo-motor integration and restore sway variability
      in older adults.

PMID- 27126062
TI  - The effect of two cryopreservation methods on human sperm DNA damage.
AB  - Several methods are currently available for selection when conducting sperm
      cryopreservation, however, these methods might cause different degrees of damage
      on sperm DNA. The aim of the this study is to compare the effects of storage at 
      80  degrees C (in ultra-low temperature refrigerator) and at -196  degrees C (in
      liquid nitrogen) on sperm DNA damage, thus to provide a reference for choosing
      the right method according to different aims. We randomly collected 28 semen
      samples from college students of Chongqing city. The samples stored at -80 
      degrees C were neat semen samples and the samples stored at -196  degrees C were
      mixed with additional cryoprotectants. Each sample was subjected to two freezing
      thawing cycles, and the sperm DNA damage levels of fresh and thawed samples were
      measured by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) and sperm chromatin structure
      assay (SCSA). Both SCGE and SCSA assays showed cryopreservation induced
      significant damage to sperm DNA. However, storage at -196  degrees C lead to more
      severe damage to sperm DNA than storage at -80  degrees C measured by SCSA. Sperm
      DNA damage increased simultaneously with the higher frequency of freezing-thawing
      cycles. We concluded that storage of neat semen samples at -80  degrees C had
      milder damage to sperm DNA than storage at -196  degrees C mixed with
      cryoprotectants. To avoid additional sperm DNA damage, repeated freezing and
      thawing should be prevented.

PMID- 27126064
TI  - Ecological restoration alters microbial communities in mine tailings profiles.
AB  - Ecological restoration of mine tailings have impact on soil physiochemical
      properties and microbial communities. The surface soil has been a primary concern
      in the past decades, however it remains poorly understood about the adaptive
      response of microbial communities along the profile during ecological restoration
      of the tailings. In this study, microbial communities along a 60-cm profile were
      investigated in a mine tailing pond during ecological restoration of the bare
      waste tailings (BW) with two vegetated soils of Imperata cylindrica (IC) and
      Chrysopogon zizanioides (CZ) plants. Revegetation of both IC and CZ could retard
      soil degradation of mine tailing by stimulation of soil pH at 0-30 cm soils and
      altered the bacterial communities at 0-20 cm depths of the mine tailings.
      Significant differences existed in the relative abundance of the phyla
      Alphaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes and
      Nitrospira. Slight difference of bacterial communities were found at 30-60 cm
      depths of mine tailings. Abundance and activity analysis of nifH genes also
      explained the elevated soil nitrogen contents at the surface 0-20 cm of the
      vegetated soils. These results suggest that microbial succession occurred
      primarily at surface tailings and vegetation of pioneering plants might have
      promoted ecological restoration of mine tailings.

PMID- 27126063
TI  - Multiple Imputation based Clustering Validation (MIV) for Big Longitudinal Trial
      Data with Missing Values in eHealth.
AB  - Web-delivered trials are an important component in eHealth services. These
      trials, mostly behavior-based, generate big heterogeneous data that are
      longitudinal, high dimensional with missing values. Unsupervised learning methods
      have been widely applied in this area, however, validating the optimal number of
      clusters has been challenging. Built upon our multiple imputation (MI) based
      fuzzy clustering, MIfuzzy, we proposed a new multiple imputation based validation
      (MIV) framework and corresponding MIV algorithms for clustering big longitudinal
      eHealth data with missing values, more generally for fuzzy-logic based clustering
      methods. Specifically, we detect the optimal number of clusters by auto-searching
      and -synthesizing a suite of MI-based validation methods and indices, including
      conventional (bootstrap or cross-validation based) and emerging (modularity
      based) validation indices for general clustering methods as well as the specific
      one (Xie and Beni) for fuzzy clustering. The MIV performance was demonstrated on
      a big longitudinal dataset from a real web-delivered trial and using simulation.
      The results indicate MI-based Xie and Beni index for fuzzy-clustering are more
      appropriate for detecting the optimal number of clusters for such complex data.
      The MIV concept and algorithms could be easily adapted to different types of
      clustering that could process big incomplete longitudinal trial data in eHealth
      services. 

PMID- 27126065
TI  - Therapeutic Body Wraps in Swiss public adult acute inpatient wards. A
      retrospective descriptive cohort study.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Various expert opinions reported relational
      benefits and tranquilizing effects of therapeutic body wraps (TBW) in adults
      experiencing high anxiety in the context of psychosis. Yet, this tranquilizing
      effect was never investigated in larger samples and in the context of modern
      psychopharmacology. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This is the
      first study to establish descriptive statistics of this mind-body therapy in
      French-speaking Switzerland where TBWs are routinely used in two public
      psychiatric hospitals. It brings knowledge on patients nowadays treated with TBW.
      Moreover, it opens a new area of investigation on the potential of this nursing
      technique, which may contribute to reduce anxiolytic medication in severely ill
      patients. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: This study sheds light on a
      clinical practice in mental health nursing and upon nurses' specific contribution
      to psychiatric clinic. It investigates a potential for TBWs to reduce the use of
      anxiolytic medications by patients who agreed to have TBW as part of their
      treatment. It may help to inform the mental health nursing practice. ABSTRACT:
      Introduction Many patients suffering from serious mental illness experience
      severe anxiety and those with psychosis often report the feeling of their bodies
      falling apart. While it is believed that these patients benefit from therapeutic
      body wraps (TBWs), the use of this adjunct therapy has rarely been studied in
      adult patients. Aims The aim of this study was to obtain descriptive statistics
      on the clinical, social-demographic and institutional reality of TBW therapy in
      Swiss public adult inpatient wards. Methods Retrospective data related to a
      cohort of 172 adult inpatients were retrieved from records of two public
      hospitals. Correlations between TBW and the prescriptions of lorazepam were
      explored. Results TBWs were primarily used for patients diagnosed with either
      schizophrenia, schizotypal, delusional and other non-mood psychotic disorders or
      mood disorders. Patients had, on average, four psychiatric hospitalizations, and
      in 30% of the cases, TBWs were offered during the first hospitalization.
      Moreover, TBWs were mostly practiced by nurses. Body wraps were potentially
      associated with a reduction in both anxiolytic and neuroleptic drugs.
      Discussion/Implication for practice Based on our results, TBW might contribute to
      the clinical management of anxiety by nurses. The efficacy of TWB regarding
      anxiety has yet to be investigated in a randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 27126066
TI  - Comments on the recent article "Adverse events associated with acupuncture: a
      clinicopathologic review".

PMID- 27126067
TI  - Immunoglubolin dynamics and cancer prevalence in Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus
      harrisii).
AB  - Immunoglobulins such as IgG and IgM have been shown to induce anti-tumour
      cytotoxic activity. In the present study we therefore explore total serum IgG and
      IgM expression dynamics in 23 known-aged Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii)
      of which 9 where affected by Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). DFTD is clonally
      transmissible cancer that has caused massive declines in devil numbers. Our
      analyses revealed that IgM and IgG expression levels as well as IgM/IgG ratios
      decreased with increasing devil age. Neither age, sex, IgM nor IgG expression
      levels affected devil DFTD status in our analyses. However, devils with increased
      IgM relative to IgG expression levels had significantly lower DFTD prevalence.
      Our results therefore suggest that IgM/IgG ratios may play an important role in
      determining devil susceptibility to DFTD. We consequently propose that our
      findings warrant further studies to elucidate the underpinning(s) of devil
      IgM/IgG ratios and DFTD status.

PMID- 27126068
TI  - Drug delivery system of basic fibroblast growth factor using gelatin hydrogel for
      restoration of acute vocal fold scar.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There continue to be therapeutic challenges in the management of vocal
      fold scarring. We previously showed that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)
      injection has therapeutic potential for vocal fold scarring. However, the working
      time of bFGF is relatively short, and multiple injections were required in many
      cases to obtain the regenerative effect. An efficacious delivery system for bFGF
      has yet to be established. We designed a method of sustained drug delivery system
      (DDS) of bFGF by using a gelatin hydrogel. Hydrogel has been developed for
      targeted delivery and controlled release of bFGF. Hydrogel of the particle type
      is also injectable and commercially available. The current study aims to
      investigate the effects of a single injection of bFGF-DDS on acute vocal fold
      scarring using a canine model. METHODS: Vocal folds from eight beagles were
      unilaterally scarred by stripping the lamina propria. One month later, hydrogels
      (0.5ml) containing 10MUg of bFGF were injected into the scarred vocal folds of
      four beagles (FGF-hydrogel group). Saline (0.5ml) was injected into the other
      four beagles (sham group). Vibratory and histological examination of excised
      larynges was performed 5 months after treatment. Comparative analysis between the
      current data and our previous data with repeated injection of bFGF solution was
      also completed. RESULTS: Vibratory examination demonstrated significantly
      improved vibration in the bFGF hydrogel-treated group. Histological examination
      of the bFGF hydrogel group showed restoration of hyaluronic acid in the lamina
      propria as compared to sham. Comparison between the DDS system and our previous
      bFGF solution injection indicated better effects of the DDS system on vibratory
      amplitude. CONCLUSION: A single injection of bFGF hydrogel has regenerative
      effects on acute vocal fold scarring, which is at least similar to repeated
      injection of bFGF solution.

PMID- 27126069
TI  - GH indirectly enhances the regeneration of transgenic zebrafish fins through
      IGF2a and IGF2b.
AB  - The somatotropic axis, composed essentially of the growth hormone (GH) and
      insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), is the main regulator of somatic growth in
      vertebrates. However, these protein hormones are also involved in various other
      major physiological processes. Although the importance of IGFs in mechanisms
      involving tissue regeneration has already been established, little is known
      regarding the direct effects of GH in these processes. In this study, we used a
      transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) model, which overexpresses GH from the beta
      actin constitutive promoter. The regenerative ability of the caudal fin was
      assessed after repeated amputations, as well as the expression of genes related
      to the GH/IGF axis. The results revealed that GH overexpression increased the
      regenerated area of the caudal fin in transgenic fish after the second
      amputation. Transgenic fish also presented a decrease in gene expression of the
      GH receptor (ghrb), in opposition to the increased expression of the IGF1
      receptors (igf1ra and igf1rb). These results suggest that transgenic fish have a
      higher sensitivity to IGFs than to GH during fin regeneration. With respect to
      the different IGFs produced locally, a decrease in igf1a expression and a
      significant increase in both igf2a and igf2b expression was observed, suggesting
      that igf1a is not directly involved in fin regeneration. Overall, the results
      revealed that excess GH enhances fin regeneration in zebrafish through igf2a and
      igf2b expression, acting indirectly on this major physiological process.

PMID- 27126071
TI  - The effect of immunosuppressive molecules on T-cell metabolic reprogramming.
AB  - T lymphocytes undergo metabolic reprogramming to adapt to extracellular and
      intracellular cues. Specifically, T-cell metabolism results into ATP production,
      anabolism and catabolism pathways that not only support rapid cell growth and
      proliferation, but also differentiation and effector functions, recently referred
      as "immunometabolism". Quiescent naive T cells rely on oxidative phosphorylation
      whereas aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) occurs in activated T cells (effector
      CD4(+) and CD8(+)). The molecular mechanisms that sense metabolic status and
      influence T-cell function require metabolic checkpoints including sensors of
      metabolic signals and transducers (Myc, HIF-1alpha, AMPK and mTOR). These
      metabolic checkpoints represent a novel therapeutic strategy for immune
      modulation. Interestingly, many immunosuppressive drugs including mTOR inhibitors
      (rapamycin), calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, cyclosporine A) and inhibitors
      of de novo purine synthesis (6-mercaptopurine, mycophenolic acid and
      methotrexate) provide examples into how modulating these metabolic checkpoints
      can regulate T-cell activation, differentiation and function. In this Review we
      highlight emerging concepts about metabolic reprogramming in T-cell responses and
      we discuss the potential therapeutic interventions to influence T-cell fate and
      effector function. 

PMID- 27126072
TI  - Hepatosteatosis and estrogen increase apolipoprotein O production in the chicken.
AB  - Apolipoprotein O (ApoO) is a recently discovered plasma apolipoprotein that may
      also play a role in the mitochondrial inner membrane. Possibly due to this
      complexity, its physiological functions have not been elucidated yet. To gain
      insight from a non-mammalian experimental system, we have investigated the
      regulation of ApoO levels in an alternative, well-suited model for studies on
      lipid metabolism, the chicken. qPCR using specific primer pairs and Western blot
      analysis with our rabbit anti-chicken ApoO antiserum demonstrated ApoO in the
      liver of chickens fed a control or a fat-enriched diet, as well as in 2 chicken
      hepatoma cell lines, LMH cells and the estrogen-responsive LMH-2A cells, under
      conditions of lipid loading by incubation with BSA-complexed oleic acid. Induced
      triglyceride accumulation in both the liver and the hepatic cells was associated
      with significantly increased levels of ApoO mRNA and protein. Furthermore, upon
      treatment for 24 h with estrogen of the estrogen receptor-expressing LMH-2A
      cells, quantitative analysis of ApoO transcripts and Western blotting revealed
      increases of ApoO expression. Finally, upon a single administration of estrogen
      to roosters that leads to hyperlipidemia, higher hepatic levels of both ApoO
      transcript and protein were observed within 24 h. Based on these data, we propose
      that hepatic expression of ApoO is tightly linked not only to diet-induced
      hepatosteatosis, but also to increased lipoprotein-production induced by, e.g.,
      hormones. The findings support a role of ApoO as an effector of compromised
      mitochondrial function that likely accompanies the onset of non-alcoholic fatty
      liver disease. 

PMID- 27126073
TI  - EF-Tu from the enacyloxin producing Frateuria W-315 strain: Structure/activity
      relationship and antibiotic resistance.
AB  - In this report, we have demonstrated that the poly(U)-dependent poly(Phe)
      synthesis activity of elongator factor Tu (EF-Tu) from the enacyloxin producing
      strain Frateuria sp. W-315 is inhibited by the antibiotic similarly to that of
      Escherichia coli EF-Tu. The inhibitory effect of enacyloxin observed in a
      purified system was the same as that obtained with an S30 extract from E. coli or
      Frateuria sp. W-315, respectively, suggesting that antibiotic resistance of
      enacyloxin producing Frateuria sp. W-315 is not due neither to EF-Tu nor to other
      components of the translation machinery but to a still unknown mechanism. The EF
      Tu gene, as PCR amplified from Frateuria W-315 genomic DNA and sequenced
      represented an ORF of 1191 nucleotides corresponding to 396 amino acids. This
      protein is larger than the product of tufA from E. coli by only two amino acid
      residues. Alignment of the amino acid sequence of EF-Tu from E. coli with those
      of Frateuria and Ralstonia solanacearum indicates on average 80% identical amino
      acid residues and 9.7% conservative replacements between EF-Tu Frateuria and EF
      Tu E. coli, on one hand, and 97% identity and 1.7% conservative replacement
      between EF-Tu Frateuria and EF-Tu Ralstonia solanacearum, on the other hand.
      These strong primary structure similarities between EF-Tu from different origins
      are consistent with the fact that this factor is essential for the translation
      process in all kingdoms of life. Comparison of the effects of antibiotics on EF
      Tu Frateuria and EF-Tu E. coli revealed that enacyloxin, kirromycin and
      pulvomycin exert a stronger stimulation of the GDP dissociation rate on EF-Tu
      Frateuria, while the effects of the antibiotics on the GDP association rate were
      comparable for the two EF-Tu species. Different mutants of EF-Tu E. coli were
      constructed with the help of site directed mutagenesis by changing one or several
      residues of EF-Tu E. coli by the corresponding residues of EF-Tu Frateuria. The
      single A45K substitution did not modify the intrinsic GTPase activity of EF-Tu E.
      coli. In contrast, a 2-3 fold stimulation of the intrinsic GTPase activity was
      observed with the single A42E, F46Y, Q48E and the double F46Y/Q48E substitution.
      Finally, up to a 7 fold stimulation was observed with the quadruple substitution
      (mutant A42E/A45K/F46Y/Q48E. 

PMID- 27126070
TI  - What gastric cancer proteomic studies show about gastric carcinogenesis?
AB  - Gastric cancer is a complex, heterogeneous, and multistep disease. Over the past
      decades, several studies have aimed to determine the molecular factors that lead
      to gastric cancer development and progression. After completing the human genome
      sequencing, proteomic technologies have presented rapid progress. Differently
      from the relative static state of genome, the cell proteome is dynamic and
      changes in pathologic conditions. Proteomic approaches have been used to
      determine proteome profiles and identify differentially expressed proteins
      between groups of samples, such as neoplastic and nonneoplastic samples or
      between samples of different cancer subtypes or stages. Therefore, proteomic
      technologies are a useful tool toward improving the knowledge of gastric cancer
      molecular pathogenesis and the understanding of tumor heterogeneity. This review
      aimed to summarize the proteins or protein families that are frequently
      identified by using high-throughput screening methods and which thus may have a
      key role in gastric carcinogenesis. The increased knowledge of gastric
      carcinogenesis will clearly help in the development of new anticancer treatments.
      Although the studies are still in their infancy, the reviewed proteins may be
      useful for gastric cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and patient management. 

PMID- 27126074
TI  - Familial mutations in fibrinogen Aalpha (FGA) chain identified in renal
      amyloidosis increase in vitro amyloidogenicity of FGA fragment.
AB  - Amyloidoses are clinical disorders where deposition of beta-sheet rich, misfolded
      protein aggregates called amyloid occurs in vital organs like brain, kidney,
      liver or heart etc. Aggregation of several proteins such as immunoglobulin light
      chain, fibrinogen Aalpha chain (FGA) and lysozyme have been found to be
      associated with renal amyloidosis. Fibrinogen amyloidosis (AFib) is predominantly
      familial and is associated with the deposition of mutant FGA amyloid, primarily
      in kidneys. Over ten substitution and frame-shift mutations in FGA have been
      identified from AFib patients. Whether wild-type FGA is also involved in AFib is
      yet unknown. The affected tissues from AFib patients usually show ~10 kDA peptide
      from C-terminal 80 amino acid residues of mutant FGA. Notably, this region also
      encompasses all known disease-related mutations. Whether these point mutations
      increase the amyloidogenicity of FGA leading to disease progression, have not
      been studied yet. Here, we have investigated the role of two disease-related
      mutations in affecting amyloidogenic propensity of an FGA(496-581) fragment. We
      found that at physiological pH, the wild-type FGA(496-581) fragment remains
      monomeric, whereas its E540V mutant forms amyloid-like fibrils as observed by
      AFM. Also, FGA(496-581) harbouring another familial mutation, R554L, converts in
      vitro into globular, beta-sheet rich aggregates, showing amyloid-like properties.
      These findings suggest that familial mutations in FGA may have role in renal
      amyloidosis via enhanced amyloid formation. 

PMID- 27126075
TI  - An Injured Psittacosaurus (Dinosauria: Ceratopsia) From the Yixian Formation
      (Liaoning, China): Implications for Psittacosaurus Biology.
AB  - We describe a Psittacosaurus specimen from the Lujiatun beds of the Yixian
      Formation in Liaoning, China with an abnormality on its left fibula. Although a
      large number of Psittacosaurus specimens are known, only a single example of a
      pathologic Psittacosaurus has been previously noted. The specific pathology in
      the current specimen is believed to be a healed fibular fracture as assessed
      through a combination of gross morphology, microcomputed tomography (microCT),
      and histology data. The fracture can be identified using microCT, but the degree
      of remodeling and the stage of fracture repair are best determined
      histologically. The fracture callus is made up of radially oriented spokes of
      woven bone in a cartilage matrix and the original cortical bone prior to the
      fracture has been largely eroded. A transverse histologic section taken at the
      level of the fracture shows the displacement of the proximal and distal parts of
      the fibula. The Psittacosaurus appears to have survived the break considering the
      deposition of circumferential non-pathologic bone at the periosteal surface
      outside of the callus. The combination of gross morphological description,
      microCT data, and histologic data allowed for a full diagnosis of the
      abnormality. While some previous authors have preferred gross morphological
      description above other methods for assessing paleopathologies, it is evident
      based on this specimen that an amalgam of techniques provides greater clarity to
      paleopathology diagnoses. Although this Psittacosaurus lived in an environment
      with many predators, it was able to survive with a fracture on its hindlimb,
      which undoubtedly would have impacted its locomotion. Anat Rec, 299:897-906,
      2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27126076
TI  - Changes in Free Symptom Attributions in Hypochondriasis after Cognitive Therapy
      and Exposure Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive-behavioural therapy can change dysfunctional symptom
      attributions in patients with hypochondriasis. Past research has used forced
      choice answer formats, such as questionnaires, to assess these misattributions;
      however, with this approach, idiosyncratic attributions cannot be assessed. Free
      associations are an important complement to existing approaches that assess
      symptom attributions. AIMS: With this study, we contribute to the current
      literature by using an open-response instrument to investigate changes in freely
      associated attributions after exposure therapy (ET) and cognitive therapy (CT)
      compared with a wait list (WL). METHOD: The current study is a re-examination of
      a formerly published randomized controlled trial (Weck, Neng, Richtberg, Jakob
      and Stangier, 2015) that investigated the effectiveness of CT and ET. Seventy
      three patients with hypochondriasis were randomly assigned to CT, ET or a WL, and
      completed a 12-week treatment (or waiting period). Before and after the treatment
      or waiting period, patients completed an Attribution task in which they had to
      spontaneously attribute nine common bodily sensations to possible causes in an
      open-response format. RESULTS: Compared with the WL, both CT and ET reduced the
      frequency of somatic attributions regarding severe diseases (CT: Hedges's g =
      1.12; ET: Hedges's g = 1.03) and increased the frequency of normalizing
      attributions (CT: Hedges's g = 1.17; ET: Hedges's g = 1.24). Only CT changed the
      attributions regarding moderate diseases (Hedges's g = 0.69). Changes in somatic
      attributions regarding mild diseases and psychological attributions were not
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: Both CT and ET are effective for treating freely
      associated misattributions in patients with hypochondriasis. This study
      supplements research that used a forced-choice assessment.

PMID- 27126077
TI  - Single Female Breast Cancer Patients' Perspectives on Intimate Relationships.
AB  - This qualitative study examined how female breast cancer patients without
      partners conceptualized their relationship status. Qualitative data were
      collected from 20 participants who did not have partners during diagnosis and
      treatment. Phenomenology informed the methodology and thematic analysis. Breast
      cancer patients without partners discussed how they made meaning of their
      relationship status within the context of their cancer experience and barriers
      they faced dating post-diagnosis or treatment. Oncology care providers, public
      health professionals, and family scientists can use the study results to better
      understand the specific concerns and experiences of breast cancer patients
      without partners. Additional implications of these findings for patients,
      practice, and research are discussed.

PMID- 27126078
TI  - The effect of ethanol on hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in biopolyol produced by
      hydrothermal liquefaction of loblolly pine: (31)P-NMR and (19)F-NMR analysis.
AB  - The goal of this study was to investigate the role of ethanol and temperature on
      the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in biopolyol produced from hydrothermal
      liquefaction of loblolly pine (Pinus spp.) carried out at 250, 300, 350 and 390
      degrees C for 30min. Water and water/ethanol mixture (1/1, wt/wt) were used as
      liquefying solvent in the HTL experiments. HTL in water and water/ethanol is
      donated as W-HTL and W/E-HTL, respectively. It was found that 300 degrees C and
      water/ethanol solvent was the optimum liquefaction temperature and solvent,
      yielding up to 68.1wt.% bio-oil and 2.4wt.% solid residue. (31)P-NMR analysis
      showed that biopolyol produced by W-HTL was rich in phenolic OH while W/E-HTL
      produced more aliphatic OH rich biopolyols. Moreover, biopolyols with higher
      hydroxyl concentration were produced by W/E-HTL. Carbonyl groups were analyzed by
      (19)F-NMR, which showed that ethanol reduced the concentration of carbonyl
      groups. 

PMID- 27126079
TI  - Optimizing carbon efficiency of jet fuel range alkanes from cellulose co-fed with
      polyethylene via catalytically combined processes.
AB  - Enhanced carbon yields of renewable alkanes for jet fuels were obtained through
      the catalytic microwave-induced co-pyrolysis and hydrogenation process. The well
      promoted ZSM-5 catalyst had high selectivity toward C8-C16 aromatic hydrocarbons.
      The raw organics with improved carbon yield (~44%) were more principally lumped
      in the jet fuel range at the catalytic temperature of 375 degrees C with the LDPE
      to cellulose (representing waste plastics to lignocellulose) mass ratio of 0.75.
      It was also observed that the four species of raw organics from the catalytic
      microwave co-pyrolysis were almost completely converted into saturated
      hydrocarbons; the hydrogenation process was conducted in the n-heptane medium by
      using home-made Raney Ni catalyst under a low-severity condition. The overall
      carbon yield (with regards to co-reactants of cellulose and LDPE) of hydrogenated
      organics that mostly match jet fuels was sustainably enhanced to above 39%.
      Meanwhile, ~90% selectivity toward jet fuel range alkanes was attained. 

PMID- 27126080
TI  - Biocathodes reducing oxygen at high potential select biofilms dominated by
      Ectothiorhodospiraceae populations harboring a specific association of genes.
AB  - Biocathodes polarized at high potential are promising for enhancing Microbial
      Fuel Cell performances but the microbes and genes involved remain poorly
      documented. Here, two sets of five oxygen-reducing biocathodes were formed at two
      potentials (-0.4V and +0.1V vs. saturated calomel electrode) and analyzed
      combining electrochemical and metagenomic approaches. Slower start-up but higher
      current densities were observed at high potential and a distinctive peak
      increasing over time was recorded on cyclic voltamogramms, suggesting the growth
      of oxygen reducing microbes. 16S pyrotag sequencing showed the enrichment of two
      operational taxonomic units (OTUs) affiliated to Ectothiorodospiraceae on high
      potential electrodes with the best performances. Shotgun metagenome sequencing
      and a newly developed method for the identification of Taxon Specific Gene
      Annotations (TSGA) revealed Ectothiorhodospiraceae specific genes possibly
      involved in electron transfer and in autotrophic growth. These results give
      interesting insights into the genetic features underlying the selection of
      efficient oxygen reducing microbes on biocathodes. 

PMID- 27126081
TI  - Selective Estrogen Receptor beta Agonist LY500307 as a Novel Therapeutic Agent
      for Glioblastoma.
AB  - Glioblastomas (GBM), deadly brain tumors, have greater incidence in males than
      females. Epidemiological evidence supports a tumor suppressive role of estrogen;
      however, estrogen as a potential therapy for GBM is limited due to safety
      concerns. Since GBM express ERbeta, a second receptor for estrogen, targeting
      ERbeta with a selective agonist may be a potential novel GBM therapy. In the
      present study, we examined the therapeutic effect of the selective synthetic
      ERbeta agonist LY500307 using in vitro and in vivo GBM models. Treatment with
      LY500307 significantly reduced the proliferation of GBM cells with no activity on
      normal astrocytes in vitro. ERbeta agonists promoted apoptosis of GBM cells, and
      mechanistic studies using RNA sequencing revealed that LY500307 modulated several
      pathways related to apoptosis, cell cycle, and DNA damage response. Further,
      LY500307 sensitized GBM cells to several FDA-approved chemotherapeutic drugs
      including cisplatin, lomustine and temozolomide. LY500307 treatment significantly
      reduced the in vivo tumor growth and promoted apoptosis of GBM tumors in an
      orthotopic model and improved the overall survival of tumor-bearing mice in the
      GL26 syngeneic glioma model. Our results demonstrate that LY500307 has potential
      as a therapeutic agent for GBM.

PMID- 27126083
TI  - Molecular phylogeny of Cyclophyllidea (Cestoda: Eucestoda): an in-silico analysis
      based on mtCOI gene.
AB  - Order Cyclophyllidea (of cestode platyhelminths) has a rich diversity of
      parasites and includes many families and species that are known to cause serious
      medical condition in humans and domestic and wild animals. Despite various
      attempts to resolve phylogenetic relationships at the inter-family level,
      uncertainty remains. In order to add resolution to the existing phylogeny of the
      order, we generated partial mtCO1 sequences for some commonly occurring
      cyclophyllidean cestodes and combined them with available sequences from GenBank.
      Phylogeny was inferred taking a total 83 representative species spanning 8
      families using Bayesian analysis. The phylogenetic tree revealed Dilepididae as
      the most basal taxon and showed early divergence in the phylogenetic tree.
      Paruterinidae, Taeniidae and Anoplocephalidae showed non-monophyletic assemblage;
      our result suggests that the family Paruterinidae may represent a polyphyletic
      group. The diverse family Taeniidae appeared in two separate clades; while one of
      them included all the members of the genus Echinococcus and also Versteria, the
      representatives of the genera Taenia and Hydatigera clubbed in the other clade. A
      close affinity of Dipylidiidae with Taenia and Hydatigera was seen, whereas
      existence of a close relationship between Mesocestoididae and Echinococcus (of
      Taeniidae) is also demonstrated. The crown group comprised the families
      Anoplocephalidae, Davaineidae, Hymenolepididae and Mesocestoididae, and also all
      species of the genus Echinococcus and Versteria mustelae; monophyly of these
      families (excepting Anolplocephalidae) and the genus Echinococcus as well as its
      sister-taxon relation with V. mustelae is also confirmed. Furthermore, non
      monophyly of Anoplocephalidae is suggested to be correlated with divergence in
      the host selection. 

PMID- 27126084
TI  - Exploration of electron-vibrational interaction in the 5d states of Eu2+ ions in
      ABaPO4 (A = Li, Na, K and Rb) phosphors.
AB  - This work reports the theoretical analysis of the electron-vibrational
      interaction (EVI) in 4f-5d optical transitions of Eu2+ ions in ABaPO4 (A = Li,
      Na, K and Rb) systems. The EVI parameters were estimated from the recently
      reported room temperature photoluminescence results, by employing the spectrum
      fitting method. Parameters such as the Huang-Rhys factor, effective phonon
      energy, Stokes shift and zero-phonon line position were estimated and are
      reported here. The estimated EVI parameters were validated by modeling the
      emission band and establishing the agreement between the experimental and modeled
      emission bands. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27126085
TI  - Prior facility affects alopecia in adulthood for rhesus macaques.
AB  - Alopecia has proven to be a persistent problem for captive macaques; many cases
      continue to elude explanations and effective treatments. Although almost all
      captive populations exhibit alopecia rates higher than those seen in the wild,
      there also appear to be wide ranges in rates reported across primate facilities.
      In this study we looked at alopecia ratings for rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
      obtained from five primary suppliers and currently housed at the Washington
      National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC). There were significant differences in
      alopecia ratings based on prior facility, despite the fact that animals had left
      their prior facilities at least 10 months previously and 60% had left more than 2
      years previously. Possible explanations for the facility effect may include
      longer than anticipated time lines for alopecia amelioration, early experience
      effects, and genetic contributions. Our results should provide a cautionary note
      for those evaluating alopecia, treatments for alopecia, and the current
      environments of alopecic animals. It is possible that not all alopecia is caused,
      or can be ameliorated, by changes in the immediate environment. Am. J. Primatol.
      79:e22551, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27126082
TI  - The omic approach to parasitic trematode research-a review of techniques and
      developments within the past 5 years.
AB  - The evolution of technologies to explore parasite biology at a detailed level has
      made significant advances in recent years, particularly with the development of
      omic-based strategies. Whilst extensive efforts have been made in the past to
      develop therapeutic and prophylactic control strategies for trematode parasites,
      only the therapeutic anthelmintic approach can be regarded as usable in clinical
      practice. Currently, there is no commercialised prophylactic strategy (such as
      vaccination) for protection of the definitive host against any trematode
      parasite. Since 2010 in particular, the integration of omic technologies,
      including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and next-generation
      sequencing (NGS), has been increasingly reported in trematode-related studies.
      Both LC-MS and NGS facilitate a better understanding of the biology of trematodes
      and provide a promising route to identifying clinically important biological
      characteristics of parasitic trematodes. In this review, we focus on the
      application, advantages, and disadvantages of omic technologies (LC-MS and NGS)
      in trematode research within the past 5 years and explore the use and translation
      of the omic-based research results into practical tools to deal with infection. 

PMID- 27126086
TI  - Direct Mechanical Stimulation of Stem Cells: A Beating Electromechanically Active
      Scaffold for Cardiac Tissue Engineering.
AB  - The combination of stem cell therapy with a supportive scaffold is a promising
      approach to improving cardiac tissue engineering. Stem cell therapy can be used
      to repair nonfunctioning heart tissue and achieve myocardial regeneration, and
      scaffold materials can be utilized in order to successfully deliver and support
      stem cells in vivo. Current research describes passive scaffold materials; here
      an electroactive scaffold that provides electrical, mechanical, and topographical
      cues to induced human pluripotent stem cells (iPS) is presented. The poly(lactic
      co-glycolic acid) fiber scaffold coated with conductive polymer polypyrrole (PPy)
      is capable of delivering direct electrical and mechanical stimulation to the iPS.
      The electroactive scaffolds demonstrate no cytotoxic effects on the iPS as well
      as an increased expression of cardiac markers for both stimulated and
      unstimulated protocols. This study demonstrates the first application of PPy as a
      supportive electroactive material for iPS and the first development of a fiber
      scaffold capable of dynamic mechanical actuation.

PMID- 27126087
TI  - Effect of diet-induced weight loss on muscle strength in adults with overweight
      or obesity - a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
AB  - We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify how diet-induced
      weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity impacts on muscle strength.
      Twenty-seven publications, including 33 interventions, most of which were 8-24
      weeks in duration, were included. Meta-analysis of seven interventions measuring
      knee extensor strength by isokinetic dynamometry in 108 participants found a
      significant decrease following diet-induced weight loss (-9.0 [95% confidence
      interval: -13.8, -4.1] N/m, P < 0.001), representing a 7.5% decrease from
      baseline values. Meta-analysis of handgrip strength from 10 interventions in 231
      participants showed a non-significant decrease (-1.7 [-3.6, 0.1] kg, P = 0.070),
      with significant heterogeneity (I(2)  = 83.9%, P < 0.001). This heterogeneity may
      have been due to diet type, because there was a significant decrease in handgrip
      strength in seven interventions in 169 participants involving moderate energy
      restriction (-2.4 [-4.8, -0.0] kg, P = 0.046), representing a 4.6% decrease from
      baseline values, but not in three interventions in 62 participants involving very
      low-energy diet (-0.4 [-2.0, 1.2] kg, P = 0.610). Because of variability in
      methodology and muscles tested, no other data could be meta-analyzed, and
      qualitative assessment of the remaining interventions revealed mixed results.
      Despite varying methodologies, diets and small sample sizes, these findings
      suggest a potential adverse effect of diet-induced weight loss on muscle
      strength. While these findings should not act as a deterrent against weight loss,
      due to the known health benefits of losing excess weight, they call for
      strategies to combat strength loss - such as weight training and other exercises 
      during diet-induced weight loss. (c) 2016 World Obesity.

PMID- 27126089
TI  - Stand-alone and biorefinery pathways to produce hydrogen through gasification and
      dark fermentation using Pinus Patula.
AB  - New efforts in the search of alternative clean and renewable energy to replace
      the current energy precursors have been assessed in order to reduce emissions to
      the environment. Lignocellulosic Biomass (LB) can be used to produce bioenergy
      due to its high energy potential and availability. Different ways are proposed
      for the transformation of these residues into high added-value products.
      Thermochemical and biochemical technologies are the most interest concepts
      focusing on the use of biomass as source for energy production at positive net
      balances. This study presents the techno-economic, energy and environmental
      assessment of five scenarios for the hydrogen production through gasification and
      dark fermentation based on the biorefinery and stand-alone concepts. The results
      demonstrated that the production of hydrogen based on the concept of a
      biorefinery can improve the profitability, energy efficiency and reduce the
      emissions of the processes compared to that based on the stand-alone way. The
      selection of ethanol and electricity as valuable co-products of the biorefinery
      in the hydrogen production process confirmed that the process scale and products
      diversity makes possible a flexible and suitable process to produce hydrogen and
      other energy carriers from Pinus Patula.

PMID- 27126088
TI  - Fishing for ecosystem services.
AB  - Ecosystems are commonly exploited and manipulated to maximize certain human
      benefits. Such changes can degrade systems, leading to cascading negative effects
      that may be initially undetected, yet ultimately result in a reduction, or
      complete loss, of certain valuable ecosystem services. Ecosystem-based management
      is intended to maintain ecosystem quality and minimize the risk of irreversible
      change to natural assemblages of species and to ecosystem processes while
      obtaining and maintaining long-term socioeconomic benefits. We discuss policy
      decisions in fishery management related to commonly manipulated environments with
      a focus on influences to ecosystem services. By focusing on broader scales,
      managing for ecosystem services, and taking a more proactive approach, we expect
      sustainable, quality fisheries that are resilient to future disturbances. To that
      end, we contend that: (1) management always involves tradeoffs; (2) explicit
      management of fisheries for ecosystem services could facilitate a transition from
      reactive to proactive management; and (3) adaptive co-management is a process
      that could enhance management for ecosystem services. We propose adaptive co
      management with an ecosystem service framework where actions are implemented
      within ecosystem boundaries, rather than political boundaries, through strong
      interjurisdictional relationships.

PMID- 27126090
TI  - Meta-analysis reveals an association between signal transducer and activator of
      transcription-4 polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma risk.
AB  - AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer
      related mortality worldwide. Signal transducer and activator of transcription
      (STAT) proteins play a multitude of important functions in liver pathophysiology.
      Recent studies have indicated associations of rs7574865 single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) in the STAT4 gene with various autoimmune diseases. The
      association between STAT4 polymorphism and the risk of HCC has been analyzed in
      several studies, but results remain inconsistent. This study used a meta-analysis
      approach to comprehensively investigate the correlation between STAT4
      polymorphism and HCC risk based on previously published reports. METHODS: Studies
      were searched from the databases of PubMed, EMBase, Web of Science, and the
      Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure up to 31 December 2015. The meta
      analysis was carried out based on the statement of Preferred Reporting Items for
      Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. RESULTS: Eight published studies,
      consisting of 7503 HCC patients (cases) and 13 831 individuals without HCC
      (controls), were included in the present study. Meta-analysis of the included
      studies revealed that STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism contributed to the risk of HCC
      under all four genetic models, consisting of the allelic model (G vs. T: odds
      ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-1.30), the dominant effect
      model (GG + GT vs. TT: OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.26-1.84), the recessive effect model
      (GG vs. GT + TT: OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.21-1.50), and the co-dominant effect model
      (GG vs.. TT: OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.42-2.10) comparisons. No publication bias was
      indicated from either visualization of the funnel plot or Egger's test.
      CONCLUSION: A significantly increased risk of HCC associated with the rs7574865 G
      was found. The rs7574865 polymorphism might be used as one risk factor for HCC.

PMID- 27126092
TI  - Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome: an anaesthetic challenge?
AB  - Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, or hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), is
      an autosomal dominant vascular dysplasia characterised by mucocutaneous
      telangiectases and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Diagnosis is clinical and
      treatment is supportive. The authors demonstrate a safe anaesthetic approach for
      a patient with HHT. A 53-year-old woman with a left trochanteric fracture was
      scheduled for urgent orthopaedic surgery. She was diagnosed as having HHT and
      presented with recurrent epistaxis, telangiectases and gastrointestinal AVMs. She
      had undergone a nasal dermoseptoplasty 4 weeks earlier, with total nasal
      occlusion. Surgery was undertaken with a lumbar and sacral plexus block performed
      with neurostimulation. She was sedated and spontaneous ventilation was
      maintained. The procedure was completed without complications. Anaesthetic
      management of patients with HHT is a challenge. The patients should be carefully
      studied before surgery, to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. Regional
      anaesthesia may be a good alternative to general anaesthesia, but the use of
      neuroaxial techniques is still controversial. 

PMID- 27126091
TI  - Identification of bona-fide LRRK2 kinase substrates.

PMID- 27126093
TI  - Meckel's diverticulum in an adult: an obscure presentation of gastrointestinal
      bleeding.
AB  - A 17-year-old boy, with a background of haemophilia A, presented to hospital with
      an episode of brisk and painless per rectal (PR) bleeding. Initial investigation
      with gastroscopy and colonoscopy revealed no source of bleeding. Examination of
      the small bowel including MRI, CT angiogram and capsule endoscopy revealed no
      abnormalities. Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) from an antegrade position was
      attempted, with no abnormalities noted. The symptoms persisted and DBE was
      attempted again from a retrograde approach and a diverticulum was subsequently
      noted. Laparoscopic surgery was performed identifying a diverticulum as the
      source of bleeding, 110 cm from the ileocaecal valve, which is more proximal than
      is normally seen. Histological examination revealed a Meckel's diverticulum. The
      case described here, although more unusual in adults, demonstrates that complete
      visualisation of the small bowel remains challenging and that newer modalities of
      enteroscopy including DBE can help aid in the diagnosis of obscure
      gastrointestinal bleeding. 

PMID- 27126094
TI  - Prostate cancer: endogenous chemical castration.
AB  - We report treatment of intermediate risk prostate cancer in a patient with a
      brief period of androgen deprivation secondary to a pituitary adenoma. This was a
      patient with intermediate risk prostate cancer diagnosed in the setting of an
      elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The patient subsequently demonstrated a
      decline in PSA along with symptoms of hypogonadism and visual disturbance, and
      was consequently found to have a pituitary tumour. Trans-sphenoidal resection of
      the sellar mass was performed with normalisation of hormone profiles. The patient
      subsequently completed a course of radiation therapy for prostate cancer with PSA
      nadir to undetectable levels without evidence of biochemical recurrence at 7
      months follow-up. 

PMID- 27126095
TI  - Familial superior mesenteric artery syndrome.
AB  - Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) has an incidence of 0.1-0.3%. It is
      caused by a narrow angle between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery,
      resulting in the clamping of the third portion of the duodenum. It is more common
      in females (2:1), with no racial differences. It is also more frequent in
      patients under 30 years and may have a congenital or acquired aetiology. There is
      only one case of the familial form described in the medical literature. We
      present a case of a 20-year-old woman, with recurrent episodes of epigastric
      discomfort and vomiting since she was 10 years old. After clinical suspicion,
      diagnosis was achieved after digestive endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal transit
      and abdominal MR. The patient was kept under parenteral nutrition for 17 days
      before surgery. She was discharged 8 days after surgery and the postoperative
      course was uneventful. 

PMID- 27126096
TI  - Primary thyroid lymphoma presenting as dermatomyositis: a first case and review
      of the literature.
AB  - A 55-year-old woman presented with a 3-week history of weakness. On examination,
      she had a heliotrope rash, V-neck and shawl signs. There was symmetric proximal
      muscle weakness, and 2/5 strength in upper and lower extremities. Laboratory
      values showed CK 5836, CRP 14.9, erythrocyte sedimentation rate 49, lactate
      dehydrogenase 633, negative antinuclear antibodies and anti-Jo1 antibodies.
      Muscle biopsy and immunohistochemistry findings were consistent with
      dermatomyositis. Treatment with high-dose steroids, cyclophosphamide and
      intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was started, without improvement of symptoms.
      She was found to have cold agglutinins with a cold screen titre of 1:256,256.
      Work up for malignancy ensued. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography
      (PET-CT) showed increased uptake in the thyroid. Fine-needle thyroid biopsy with
      flow cytometry studies revealed atypical lymphocytes consistent with diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma. The patient underwent R-CHOP therapy, with remarkable
      improvement of her symptoms. Dermatomyositis associated with primary thyroid
      lymphoma has not been previously reported. This case reinforces the importance of
      cancer screening in dermatomyositis patients. 

PMID- 27126097
TI  - Resolution of the physical features of Cushing's syndrome in a patient with a
      cortisol secreting adrenocortical adenoma after unilateral adrenalectomy.

PMID- 27126098
TI  - Titer improvement and pilot-scale production of platensimycin from Streptomyces
      platensis SB12026.
AB  - Platensimycin (PTM) and platencin (PTN), isolated from several strains of
      Streptomyces platensis are potent antibiotics against multi-drug resistant
      bacteria. PTM was also shown to have antidiabetic and antisteatotic activities in
      mouse models. Through a novel genome-mining method, we have recently identified
      six PTM and PTN dual-producing strains, and generated several mutants with
      improved production of PTM or PTN by inactivating the pathway-specific
      transcriptional repressor gene ptmR1. Among them, S. platensis SB12026 gave the
      highest titer of 310 mg/L for PTM. In this study, we now report titer improvement
      by medium and fermentation optimization and pilot-scale production and isolation
      of PTM from SB12026. The fermentation medium optimization was achieved by
      manipulating the carbon and nitrogen sources, as well as the inorganic salts. The
      highest titer of 1560 mg/L PTM was obtained in 15-L fermentors, using a
      formulated medium mainly containing soluble starch, soybean flour,
      morpholinepropanesulfonic acid sodium salt and CaCO3. In addition, a polyamide
      chromatographic step was applied to facilitate the purification and 45.14 g of
      PTM was successfully obtained from a 60 L scale fermentation. These results would
      speed up the future development of PTM as human medicine.

PMID- 27126099
TI  - A Highly Stretchable Polymer that Can Be Thermally Healed at Mild Temperature.
AB  - Combining stretchability and self-healing properties in a man-made material is a
      challenging task. For an efficient self-healing material, weaker dynamic or
      reversible bonds should be presented as crosslinks so that they will first break
      upon damage and then reform after healing, which is not favorable when developing
      elastic materials. In this work, by incorporating dynamic Fe(III)-triazole
      coordination bonds into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) backbone, a highly elastic
      polymer is obtained that can be thermally healed at mild temperature. The as
      prepared polymer can be stretched to 3400% strain at low loading speed (1 mm min(
      1) ). When damaged, the polymer can be thermally healed at 60  degrees C for 20 h
      with a healing efficiency of over 90%. The good mechanical and healable
      properties of this polymer can be ascribed to the unique coordination bond
      strength and coordination conformation of Fe(III)-triazole coordination complex. 

PMID- 27126101
TI  - Gate-Tunable Spin Transport and Giant Electroresistance in Ferromagnetic Graphene
      Vertical Heterostructures.
AB  - Controlling tunneling properties through graphene vertical heterostructures
      provides advantages in achieving large conductance modulation which has been
      known as limitation in lateral graphene device structures. Despite of intensive
      research on graphene vertical heterosturctures for recent years, the potential of
      spintronics based on graphene vertical heterostructures remains relatively
      unexplored. Here, we present an analytical device model for graphene-based
      spintronics by using ferromagnetic graphene in vertical heterostructures. We
      consider a normal or ferroelectric insulator as a tunneling layer. The device
      concept yields a way of controlling spin transport through the vertical
      heterostructures, resulting in gate-tunable spin-switching phenomena. Also, we
      revealed that a 'giant' resistance emerges through a ferroelectric insulating
      layer owing to the anti-parallel configuration of ferromagnetic graphene layers
      by means of electric fields via gate and bias voltages. Our findings discover the
      prospect of manipulating the spin transport properties in vertical
      heterostructures without use of magnetic fields.

PMID- 27126102
TI  - Anxiolytic-like behavioural effects of head electroacupuncture in rats
      susceptible to stress.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the behavioural effects of head electroacupuncture (EA) using
      the Holtzman rat model, a genetic strain showing susceptibility to stress-evoked
      helplessness. METHODS: Putative anxiolytic and antidepressant behavioural effects
      of head EA were investigated using the light-dark and forced swim tests,
      respectively. The open field test was used to investigate motor activity. A total
      of 28 rats were used in two experiments, each with two groups (n=7 rats each).
      Rats were restrained and randomised to handling only (control) or 2Hz EA on the
      midline head anteriorly (at Yintang) and posteriorly (at GV20) for 3 days
      (experiment 1) or 4 days (experiment 2). RESULTS: One day of EA did not modify
      behaviour in any of the tests (p>0.1); however, 2 days of 2 Hz EA treatment to
      the head had anxiolytic-like effects, as indicated by an improvement in
      ambulatory time and average velocity in the light-dark test (experiment 2).
      Relative to the control group, the EA group demonstrated greater ambulatory time
      (37.0+/-3.7 vs 25.2+/-3.6 s, p<0.05) and lower average velocity (2.73+/-0.06 vs
      3.08+/-0.13 cm/s, p<0.05). However, EA treatment had no significant effects on
      the open field and forced swim tests in either experiment. CONCLUSIONS: Two days
      of EA treatment using 2 Hz pulsating electrical current at midline anterior and
      posterior acupuncture points on the head induces behavioural effects suggestive
      of anxiolysis.

PMID- 27126100
TI  - Transcriptional regulation of mast cell and basophil lineage commitment.
AB  - Basophils and mast cells have long been known to play critical roles in allergic
      disease and in immunity against parasitic infection. Accumulated evidence also
      supports that basophils and mast cells have important roles in immune
      regulations, host defense against bacteria and viruses, and autoimmune diseases.
      However, origin and molecular regulation of basophil and mast cell
      differentiation remain incompletely understood. In this review, we focus on
      recent advances in the understanding of origin and molecular regulation of mouse
      and human basophil and mast cell development. A more complete understanding of
      how basophils and mast cells develop at the molecular level will lead to
      development of interventions that are more effective in achieving long-term
      success.

PMID- 27126103
TI  - Simple graphs that guide combinatorial materials design.

PMID- 27126104
TI  - Topological features in crystal structures: a quotient graph assisted analysis of
      underlying nets and their embeddings.
AB  - Topological properties of crystal structures may be analysed at different levels,
      depending on the representation and the topology that has been assigned to the
      crystal. Considered here is the combinatorial or bond topology of the structure,
      which is independent of its realization in space. Periodic nets representing one
      dimensional complexes, or the associated graphs, characterize the skeleton of
      chemical bonds within the crystal. Since periodic nets can be faithfully
      represented by their labelled quotient graphs, it may be inferred that their
      topological features can be recovered by a direct analysis of the labelled
      quotient graph. Evidence is given for ring analysis and structure decomposition
      into building units and building networks. An algebraic treatment is developed
      for ring analysis and thoroughly applied to a description of coesite. Building
      units can be finite or infinite, corresponding to 1-, 2- or even 3-periodic
      subnets. The list of infinite units includes linear chains or sheets of corner-
      or edge-sharing polyhedra. Decomposing periodic nets into their building units
      relies on graph-theoretical methods classified as surgery techniques. The most
      relevant operations are edge subdivision, vertex identification, edge contraction
      and decoration. Instead, these operations can be performed on labelled quotient
      graphs, evidencing in almost a mechanical way the nature and connection mode of
      building units in the derived net. Various examples are discussed, ranging from
      finite building blocks to 3-periodic subnets. Among others, the structures of
      strontium oxychloride, spinel, lithiophilite and garnet are addressed.

PMID- 27126105
TI  - Theo Hahn (1928-2016).

PMID- 27126106
TI  - Aloysio Janner (1928-2016).

PMID- 27126107
TI  - Symmetry-adapted digital modeling I. Axial symmetric proteins.
AB  - Considered are axial symmetric proteins exemplified by the octameric
      mitochondrial creatine kinase, the Pyr RNA-binding attenuation protein, the D
      aminopeptidase and the cyclophilin A-cyclosporin complex, with tetragonal (422),
      trigonal (32), pentagonal (52) and pentagonal (52) point-group symmetry,
      respectively. One starts from the protein enclosing form, which is characterized
      by vertices at points of a lattice (the form lattice) whose dimension depends on
      the point group. This allows the indexing of Calpha's at extreme radial
      positions. The indexing is extended to additional residues on the basis of a
      finer lattice, the digital modeling lattice Lambda, which includes the form
      lattice as a sublattice. This leads to a coarse-grained description of the
      protein. In the crystallographic point-group case, the planar indices are
      obtained from a projection of atomic positions along the rotation axis, taken as
      the z axis. The planar indices of a Calpha are then those of the nearest
      projected lattice point. In the non-crystallographic case, low indices are an
      additional requirement. The coarse-grained bead follows from the condition
      imposed on the residues selected to have a z coordinate within a band of value
      delta above and below the height of lattice points. The choice of delta permits a
      variation of the coarse-grained bead model. For example, the value delta = 0.5
      leads to a fine-grained indexing of the full set of residues, whereas with delta
      = 0.25 one gets a coarse-grained model which includes only about half of these
      residues. Within this procedure, the indexing of the Calpha only depends on the
      choice of the digital modeling lattice and not on the value of delta. The
      characteristics which distinguish the present approach from other coarse-grained
      models of proteins on lattices are summarized at the end.

PMID- 27126109
TI  - Symmetry-adapted digital modeling III. Coarse-grained icosahedral viruses.
AB  - Considered is the coarse-grained modeling of icosahedral viruses in terms of a
      three-dimensional lattice (the digital modeling lattice) selected among the
      projected points in space of a six-dimensional icosahedral lattice. Backbone
      atomic positions (Calpha's for the residues of the capsid and phosphorus atoms P
      for the genome nucleotides) are then indexed by their nearest lattice point. This
      leads to a fine-grained lattice point characterization of the full viral chains
      in the backbone approximation (denoted as digital modeling). Coarse-grained
      models then follow by a proper selection of the indexed backbone positions, where
      for each chain one can choose the desired coarseness. This approach is applied to
      three viruses, the Satellite tobacco mosaic virus, the bacteriophage MS2 and the
      Pariacoto virus, on the basis of structural data from the Brookhaven Protein Data
      Bank. In each case the various stages of the procedure are illustrated for a
      given coarse-grained model and the corresponding indexed positions are listed.
      Alternative coarse-grained models have been derived and compared. Comments on
      related results and approaches, found among the very large set of publications in
      this field, conclude this article.

PMID- 27126108
TI  - Symmetry-adapted digital modeling II. The double-helix B-DNA.
AB  - The positions of phosphorus in B-DNA have the remarkable property of occurring
      (in axial projection) at well defined points in the three-dimensional space of a
      projected five-dimensional decagonal lattice, subdividing according to the golden
      mean ratio tau:1:tau [with tau = (1+?sqrt {5})/2] the edges of an enclosing
      decagon. The corresponding planar integral indices n1, n2, n3, n4 (which are
      lattice point coordinates) are extended to include the axial index n5 as well,
      defined for each P position of the double helix with respect to the single
      decagonal lattice LambdaP(aP, cP) with aP = 2.222 A and cP = 0.676 A. A finer
      decagonal lattice Lambda(a, c), with a = aP/6 and c = cP, together with a
      selection of lattice points for each nucleotide with a given indexed P position
      (so as to define a discrete set in three dimensions) permits the indexing of the
      atomic positions of the B-DNA d(AGTCAGTCAG) derived by M. J. P. van Dongen. This
      is done for both DNA strands and the single lattice Lambda. Considered first is
      the sugar-phosphate subsystem, and then each nucleobase guanine, adenine,
      cytosine and thymine. One gets in this way a digital modeling of d(AGTCAGTCAG) in
      a one-to-one correspondence between atomic and indexed positions and a maximal
      deviation of about 0.6 A (for the value of the lattice parameters given above).
      It is shown how to get a digital modeling of the B-DNA double helix for any given
      code. Finally, a short discussion indicates how this procedure can be extended to
      derive coarse-grained B-DNA models. An example is given with a reduction factor
      of about 2 in the number of atomic positions. A few remarks about the wider
      interest of this investigation and possible future developments conclude the
      paper.

PMID- 27126110
TI  - Formulation of dynamical theory of X-ray diffraction for perfect crystals in the
      Laue case using the Riemann surface.
AB  - The dynamical theory for perfect crystals in the Laue case was reformulated using
      the Riemann surface, as used in complex analysis. In the two-beam approximation,
      each branch of the dispersion surface is specified by one sheet of the Riemann
      surface. The characteristic features of the dispersion surface are analytically
      revealed using four parameters, which are the real and imaginary parts of two
      quantities specifying the degree of departure from the exact Bragg condition and
      the reflection strength. By representing these parameters on complex planes,
      these characteristics can be graphically depicted on the Riemann surface. In the
      conventional case, the absorption is small and the real part of the reflection
      strength is large, so the formulation is the same as the traditional analysis.
      However, when the real part of the reflection strength is small or zero, the two
      branches of the dispersion surface cross, and the dispersion relationship becomes
      similar to that of the Bragg case. This is because the geometrical relationships
      among the parameters are similar in both cases. The present analytical method is
      generally applicable, irrespective of the magnitudes of the parameters.
      Furthermore, the present method analytically revealed many characteristic
      features of the dispersion surface and will be quite instructive for further
      numerical calculations of rocking curves.

PMID- 27126111
TI  - Computer simulations of X-ray six-beam diffraction in a perfect silicon crystal.
      I.
AB  - This paper reports computer simulations of the transmitted-beam intensity
      distribution for the case of six-beam (000, 220, 242, 044, -224, -202)
      diffraction of X-rays in a perfect silicon crystal of thickness 1 mm. Both the
      plane-wave angular dependence and the six-beam section topographs, which are
      usually obtained in experiments with a restricted beam (two-dimensional slit),
      are calculated. The angular dependence is calculated in accordance with Ewald's
      theory. The section topographs are calculated from the angular dependence by
      means of the fast Fourier transformation procedure. This approach allows one to
      consider, for the first time, the transformation of the topograph's structure due
      to the two-dimensional slit sizes and the distance between the slit and the
      detector. The results are in good agreement with the results of other works and
      with the experimental data. This method of calculation does not require a
      supercomputer and it was performed on a standard laptop. A detailed explanation
      of the main features of the diffraction patterns at different distances between
      the slit and the detector is presented.

PMID- 27126112
TI  - Monoclinic sphere packings. I. Invariant, univariant and bivariant lattice
      complexes.
AB  - All homogeneous sphere packings were derived that refer to the two invariant, the
      four univariant and the three bivariant lattice complexes belonging to the
      monoclinic crystal system. In total, sphere packings of 29 types have been found.
      Only for five types is the maximal inherent symmetry of their sphere packings
      monoclinic whereas the inherent symmetry is orthorhombic for nine types,
      tetragonal for five types, hexagonal for six types and cubic for four types.

PMID- 27126113
TI  - On the group-theoretical approach to the study of interpenetrating nets.
AB  - Using group-subgroup and group-supergroup relations, a general theoretical
      framework is developed to describe and derive interpenetrating 3-periodic nets.
      The generation of interpenetration patterns is readily accomplished by
      replicating a single net with a supergroup G of its space group H under the
      condition that site symmetries of vertices and edges are the same in both H and
      G. It is shown that interpenetrating nets cannot be mapped onto each other by
      mirror reflections because otherwise edge crossings would necessarily occur in
      the embedding. For the same reason any other rotation or roto-inversion axes from
      G ? H are not allowed to intersect vertices or edges of the nets. This property
      significantly narrows the set of supergroups to be included in the derivation of
      interpenetrating nets. A procedure is described based on the automorphism group
      of a Hopf ring net [Alexandrov et al. (2012). Acta Cryst. A68, 484-493] to
      determine maximal symmetries compatible with interpenetration patterns. The
      proposed approach is illustrated by examples of twofold interpenetrated utp, dia
      and pcu nets, as well as multiple copies of enantiomorphic quartz (qtz) networks.
      Some applications to polycatenated 2-periodic layers are also discussed.

PMID- 27126114
TI  - Vertex-connectivity in periodic graphs and underlying nets of crystal structures.
AB  - Periodic nets used to describe the combinatorial topology of crystal structures
      have been required to be 3-connected by some authors. A graph is n-connected when
      deletion of less than n vertices does not disconnect it. n-Connected graphs are a
      fortiari n-coordinated but the converse is not true. This article presents an
      analysis of vertex-connectivity in periodic graphs characterized through their
      labelled quotient graph (LQG) and applied to a definition of underlying nets of
      crystal structures. It is shown that LQGs of p-periodic graphs (p >= 2) that are
      1-connected or 2-connected, but not 3-connected, are contractible in the sense
      that they display, respectively, singletons or pairs of vertices separating
      dangling or linker components with zero net voltage over every cycle. The
      contraction operation that substitutes vertices and edges, respectively, for
      dangling components and linkers yields a 3-connected graph with the same
      periodicity. 1-Periodic graphs can be analysed in the same way through their LQGs
      but the result may not be 3-connected. It is claimed that long-range topological
      properties of periodic graphs are respected by contraction so that contracted
      graphs can represent topological classes of crystal structures, be they rods,
      layers or three-dimensional frameworks.

PMID- 27126116
TI  - Multidimensional period doubling structures.
AB  - This paper develops the formalism necessary to generalize the period doubling
      sequence to arbitrary dimension by straightforward extension of the substitution
      and recursion rules. It is shown that the period doubling structures of arbitrary
      dimension are pure point diffractive. The symmetries of the structures are
      pointed out.

PMID- 27126115
TI  - The Scherrer equation and the dynamical theory of X-ray diffraction.
AB  - The Scherrer equation is a widely used tool to determine the crystallite size of
      polycrystalline samples. However, it is not clear if one can apply it to large
      crystallite sizes because its derivation is based on the kinematical theory of X
      ray diffraction. For large and perfect crystals, it is more appropriate to use
      the dynamical theory of X-ray diffraction. Because of the appearance of
      polycrystalline materials with a high degree of crystalline perfection and large
      sizes, it is the authors' belief that it is important to establish the
      crystallite size limit for which the Scherrer equation can be applied. In this
      work, the diffraction peak profiles are calculated using the dynamical theory of
      X-ray diffraction for several Bragg reflections and crystallite sizes for Si,
      LaB6 and CeO2. The full width at half-maximum is then extracted and the
      crystallite size is computed using the Scherrer equation. It is shown that for
      crystals with linear absorption coefficients below 2117.3 cm(-1) the Scherrer
      equation is valid for crystallites with sizes up to 600 nm. It is also shown that
      as the size increases only the peaks at higher 2theta angles give good results,
      and if one uses peaks with 2theta > 60 degrees  the limit for use of the Scherrer
      equation would go up to 1 um.

PMID- 27126117
TI  - Hydrogen-bond-reversal symmetry and its violation in ice nanotubes.
AB  - Recently, a new type of generalized symmetry of ice structures was introduced
      which takes into account the change of direction of all hydrogen bonds. The
      energy nonequivalence of pairs of configurations with opposite direction of all
      hydrogen bonds was established in the course of computer simulation of bilayer
      ice and other four-coordinated structures without 'dangling' hydrogen atoms. In
      this article, the results of detailed investigations of the violation of the
      hydrogen-bond-reversal symmetry in ice nanotubes consisting of stacked n-membered
      rings are presented. A comprehensive classification of all possible hydrogen
      bonding configurations and their division into two classes (antisymmetrical and
      non-antisymmetrical) are given. Attention is focused on the most stable
      configurations that have no longitudinally arranged water molecules. This
      restriction made the asymmetry very difficult to find. For example, it was
      established that the asymmetry (non-antisymmetrical configurations) in ice
      nanotubes with square, pentagonal and hexagonal cross sections appears only when
      the number of transverse rings in the unit cell is more than six. It is shown
      that this is related to the well known combinatorial problem of enumerating the
      symmetry-distinct necklaces of black and white beads. It was found that, among
      the ice nanotubes that had been considered, hydrogen-bond-reversal asymmetry is
      most conspicuous in wide nanotubes such as heptagonal and octagonal. In this case
      the asymmetry is observed for unit cells of any length. In order to verify the
      results of the symmetry analysis and to confirm the energy nonequivalence of some
      (non-antisymmetrical) configurations, approximate calculations of the binding
      energy have been performed using the package TINKER.

PMID- 27126118
TI  - Estimating the difference between structure-factor amplitudes using multivariate
      Bayesian inference.
AB  - In experimental research referencing two or more measurements to one another is a
      powerful tool to reduce the effect of systematic errors between different sets of
      measurements. The interesting quantity is usually derived from two measurements
      on the same sample under different conditions. While an elaborate experimental
      design is essential for improving the estimate, the data analysis should also
      maximally exploit the covariance between the measurements. In X-ray
      crystallography the difference between structure-factor amplitudes carries
      important information to solve experimental phasing problems or to determine time
      dependent structural changes in pump-probe experiments. Here a multivariate
      Bayesian method was used to analyse intensity measurement pairs to determine
      their underlying structure-factor amplitudes and their differences. The posterior
      distribution of the model parameter was approximated with a Markov chain Monte
      Carlo algorithm. The described merging method is shown to be especially
      advantageous when systematic and random errors result in recording negative
      intensity measurements.

PMID- 27126119
TI  - Report of the Executive Committee for 2014.
AB  - The report of the Executive Committee for 2014 is presented.

PMID- 27126122
TI  - Phytohabitans kaempferiae sp. nov., an endophytic actinomycete isolated from the
      leaf of Kaempferia larsenii.
AB  - A novel endophytic actinomycete, designated strain KK1-3T, which formed single
      spores and long chains of spores (more than 10 spores) was isolated from surface
      sterilized Kaempferia larsenii leaf collected from Ubon Ratchathani province,
      Thailand. The isolate contained l-lysine, meso-diaminopimelic acid and hydroxyl
      diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The whole-cell sugars
      included glucose, mannose, rhamnose, ribose, galactose and xylose. The
      characteristic phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine,
      phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol,
      phosphatidylinositol and phosphoglycolipids. The predominant menaquinones were MK
      10(H8), MK-10(H6) and MK-10(H4). The predominant cellular fatty acids were
      anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71 mol%.
      Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KK1-3T
      should be classified as representing a member of the genus Phytohabitans. The
      similarity values of sequences between this strain and those of the closely
      related species, Phytohabitans houttuyneae K11-0057T (99.0 %), Phytohabitans
      suffuscus K07-0523T (98.9 %), Phytohabitans flavus K09-0627T (98.6 %) and
      Phytohabitans rumicisK11-0047T (98.1 %) were observed. The DNA-DNA hybridization
      result and some physiological and biochemical properties indicated that KK1-3T
      could be readily distinguished from its closest phylogenetic relatives. On the
      basis of these phenotypic and genotypic data, this strain represents a novel
      species, for which the name Phytohabitans kaempferiae sp. nov. is proposed. The
      type strain is strain KK1-3T (=BCC 66360T =NBRC 110005T). 

PMID- 27126123
TI  - Active nano/microbilayer hemostatic agents for diabetic rat bleeding model.
AB  - Patients with diabetes mellitus have an increased cardiovascular risk due to the
      abnormality of hemostatic system components. Therefore, hemostasis is an
      important concept when considering that diabetics are under risk due to potential
      bleeding complications during surgical operation. The aim of our study was to
      examine the efficiency of a fabricated nano/microbilayer hemostatic dressing for
      bleeding control in diabetic patients. For this purpose, we prepared a
      nano/microbilayer hemostatic dressing that has a porous sublayer, including
      chitosan (CTS), bacterial cellulose (BC) as basement and active agents in
      coagulation cascade, such as vitamin K (Vit K), protamine sulfate (PS), and
      kaolin (Kao) as a filler and an upper layer consisting of silk fibroin (SF) or
      SF/phosphatidylcholine (PC) blend to achieve complete hemostasis in diabetic
      rats. Coagulative performances of the prepared hemostatic dressings were examined
      by the determination of bleeding time, blood loss, and mortality rate through
      diabetic rat femoral artery injury model. The percent of diabetic rat blood
      absorption was found to be 247 +/- 5% for gauze as opposed to 2214 +/- 56% for SF
      coated PS/BC/CTS. Vit K-reinforced within 138 s and SF-coated BC/CTS hemostatic
      dressings within 144 s showed a rapid coagulation time. In vivo coagulation
      studies demonstrated that hemostatic agent-reinforced BC/CTS hemostatic dressing,
      especially PS/BC/CTS showed a significant hemostatic plug formation. This study
      suggests that the high positive charge and porosity give to these hemostatic
      agents reinforced hemostatic dressings the ability to rapidly swell and to
      promote the accumulation of red blood cells and platelets through electrostatic
      interactions. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl
      Biomater, 105B: 1573-1585, 2017.

PMID- 27126124
TI  - Experience with silodosin in "real life" (SiRE study).

PMID- 27126125
TI  - Combined treatment of solifenacin and mirabegron, an alternative in patients with
      overactive bladder (BESIDE study).

PMID- 27126127
TI  - Iron-catalyzed domino indole fluorination/allenic aza-Claisen rearrangement.
AB  - The synthesis of 2-allenyl-2-substituted-3,3-difluoroindolines has been
      accomplished, taking advantage of the reaction between N-allenyl-indoles and
      Selectfluor under iron catalysis. 

PMID- 27126126
TI  - Therapeutic Ultrasound and Treadmill Training Suppress Peripheral Nerve Injury
      Induced Pain in Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although evidence suggests that therapeutic ultrasound (TU) in
      combination with treadmill training (TT) suppresses nerve injury-associated pain,
      the molecular mechanisms for this action are not clear. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of
      this research was to study the possible beneficial effects of TU and TT, alone
      and in combination, on 2 clinical indicators of neuropathic pain and correlate
      these findings with changes in inflammatory mediators within the spinal cord. Our
      experimental model used the well-known chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the
      rat sciatic nerve. DESIGN: This was an experimental study. METHODS: Each group
      contained 10 rats. Group 1 underwent only the CCI procedure. Group 2 underwent a
      sham operation where the sciatic nerve was exposed but not ligated. Group 3 had
      the sham operation followed by both TT and TU. Groups 4, 5, and 6 underwent the
      CCI procedure followed by TT alone, TU alone, and both the TT and TU
      interventions, respectively. Heat and mechanical sensitivity, interleukin-6 (IL
      6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)
      were evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with group 1 animals, TT or TU, or both,
      produced smaller decreases in mechanical withdrawal threshold and heat withdrawal
      latencies. The combination of TT and TU was more effective than either treatment
      alone. In addition, rats that received these treatments did not express the
      upregulation of IL-6 and Iba1 in their spinal cords on postoperative days 14 and
      28, as was found in the group 1 animals. LIMITATIONS: These experimental findings
      may not be generalizable to humans. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of TU and TT
      reduces neuropathic pain more than either modality alone. This beneficial effect
      appears related to downregulation of proinflammatory IL-6 and Iba1, while
      upregulating the anti-inflammatory IL-10.

PMID- 27126128
TI  - Development of a Sexual Health Screening Tool for Adolescent Emergency Department
      Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to develop a content-valid audio computer-assisted
      self-interview (ACASI) sexual health survey (SHS) that is understandable and
      acceptable to adolescents and can be feasibly implemented in a pediatric
      emergency department (ED) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk
      assessment. METHODS: Multistep iterative qualitative study utilizing a Delphi
      panel of key informants for survey development and content validity, cognitive
      interviews with end-users to evaluate understanding, and pilot testing with end
      users to evaluate acceptability and feasibility. RESULTS: We developed a 20-item
      questionnaire through an iterative modified Delphi process with experts in
      adolescent and pediatric emergency medicine. All items were assessed as
      understandable by >90% of adolescents during the cognitive interviews. All
      respondents found the SHS easy to use. A total of 76.5% preferred answering
      questions related to sexual health through the SHS compared to face-to-face
      interviews. Mean (+/-SD) length of survey completion was 17.5 (+/-6.7) minutes
      and 88.6% of participants found survey length to be "just right." With respect to
      feasibility testing, there was no statistically significant difference in median
      ED LOS between those who piloted the SHS and those who did not (230.0 minutes vs.
      219.0 minutes; p = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a content-valid ACASI for the
      identification of adolescents at risk for STIs that was understandable,
      acceptable, and easy to use by adolescent patients and feasible for
      implementation in the pediatric ED. Future planned steps include the evaluation
      of the SHS in providing clinical decision support for targeted STI screening in
      the ED.

PMID- 27126130
TI  - Correction: Antisense precision polymer micelles require less poly(ethylenimine)
      for efficient gene knockdown.
AB  - Correction for 'Antisense precision polymer micelles require less
      poly(ethylenimine) for efficient gene knockdown' by Johans J. Fakhoury, et al.,
      Nanoscale, 2015, 7, 20625-20634. 

PMID- 27126131
TI  - Biomarker-driven early lung cancer therapy: the future is now?

PMID- 27126129
TI  - Development of a deregulating microRNA panel for the detection of early relapse
      in postoperative colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer
      mortality worldwide and is associated with high recurrence and mortality, despite
      recent advancements in therapeutic strategies. MicroRNA (miR) deregulation is
      associated with CRC development and recurrence; therefore, miRs may be reliable
      biomarkers for detecting early relapse postoperatively. METHODS: In this study
      ten candidates were identified using miR arrays: miR-7, miR-31, miR-93, miR-141,
      miR-195, miR-375, miR-429, miR-494, miR-650, and let-7b. Substantial differences
      were observed in their expression levels between early relapsed (recurrences
      within 12 months after surgery) and non-early relapsed CRC patients. The
      validation study, including 50 early relapsed and 54 non-early relapsed patients,
      confirmed miR expression alterations in cancer tissue samples. RESULTS: Using a
      miR real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), we observed that
      expression levels of miR-93, miR-195, and let-7b were significantly decreased,
      whereas those of miR-7, miR-141 and miR-494 showed increases that were more
      significant in the CRC tissue samples from the early relapsed patients than in
      those from the non-early relapsed patients. Disease-free survival and overall
      survival were significantly worse in the high miR-7, miR-141, and miR-494
      expression subgroups and the low miR-93 and miR-195 expression subgroups (all P <
      0.05). A panel of 6 miRs (miR-7, miR-93, miR-195, miR-141, miR-494, and let-7b),
      at a cut-off value of 2 deregulated miRs, distinguished early relapsed CRC from
      non-early relapsed CRC, with a sensitivity of 76.6 % and a specificity of 71.4 %.
      By combining this 6-miRs panel with 6 clinicopathologic factors, at a cut-off
      value of 4, distinguished early relapsed CRC from non-early relapsed CRC, with a
      sensitivity of 89.4 % and a specificity of 88.9 %. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed
      that the developed miR panel has the potential to improve predicting early
      relapse in CRC patients.

PMID- 27126132
TI  - Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum in adults: long-term results in a prospective
      observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Since the end of the 1990s, the management of pectus excavatum has
      undergone major changes. The Nuss procedure (pectus bar) has been the method of
      choice for patients with pectus excavatum at Bern University Hospital for over a
      decade. The current study will describe our experiences, with a particular focus
      on long-term results in adults. METHODS: The prospective observational study
      began in autumn 2002. The Haller index was used to quantify pectus excavatum
      severity. Pulmonary function tests and cardiac examinations were performed
      preoperatively, and a standardized management for surgical techniques and for the
      pre- and postoperative treatments including long-term follow-up at 3, 12 and 36
      months after surgery was developed. Quality of life and satisfaction with the
      cosmetic result after the Nuss procedure were evaluated. RESULTS: Better or much
      better quality of life after the Nuss procedure was observed: n = 108 (88.4%) at
      3 months, n = 97 (89.0%) at 12 months and n = 87 (92.5%) at 36 months. Pain
      intensity decreased in the follow-up [pain score visual analogue scale (VAS) at 3
      months: median 1 (0-7), 12 months: median 1 (0-4), 36 months: median 0.8 (0-5)].
      After long-term observation, over 90% of patients described their quality of life
      after the operation as being better or much better. Satisfaction with the
      cosmetic results of the operation was also very high, with >90% of patients being
      satisfied. Only a very small group of patients suffered from pain in the long
      term follow-up. Complications were rare (14.7%) and could be treated in most
      cases without reoperation. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the Nuss
      procedure is safe and can be performed with excellent results in adults, both in
      the short term and in the long term. The improved quality of life and patients'
      satisfaction with cosmetic results remained high in the long-term follow-up, 10
      years after the surgical procedure.

PMID- 27126133
TI  - Long-term results of mitral repair in patients with severe left ventricular
      dysfunction and secondary mitral regurgitation: does the technique matter?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: An isolated undersized annuloplasty was used to treat mitral
      regurgitation (MR) secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) if the baseline
      coaptation depth (CD) was <1 cm. In the presence of significant tethering of the
      mitral leaflets (CD >=1 cm), the edge-to-edge (EE) technique was combined with
      annuloplasty to improve the durability of the repair. The long-term results of
      this approach are unknown and represent the objective of this study. METHODS: To
      obtain long-term outcome data, we included in the study population the first 105
      consecutive patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction
      29 +/- 6.6%) and secondary MR submitted to mitral valve repair. Forty patients
      underwent isolated undersized annuloplasty and 65 patients received the EE
      technique combined with annuloplasty. Preoperative and postoperative data were
      prospectively entered into a dedicated database. Clinical and echocardiographic
      follow-ups were performed in our institutional outpatient clinic. RESULTS: Follow
      up was 90% complete. The median follow-up time was 7.2 years (interquartile range
      4.3;10.4). The longest follow-up time was 16.5 years. A comparative analysis
      between the annuloplasty group and the EE group was performed. Baseline LV
      dimensions and function were slightly worse in the EE group, but only the
      severity of tethering was significantly more pronounced than in the annuloplasty
      group. Hospital mortality (3 vs 2.5%, P = 1.0) and 10-year overall survival (42
      +/- 6.7 vs 55 +/- 8.5%, P = 0.2) were not significantly different in the EE and
      annuloplasty group, respectively. Cumulative incidence functions of cardiac death
      were similar as well (at 10-years, 34.3 +/- 8.1 vs 37.9 +/- 6.4%, respectively, P
      = 0.4). At 10 years, cumulative incidence function of recurrence of MR >=3+ was
      lower in the EE patients (10.3 +/- 4.1 vs 30.8+/-8.0%, P = 0.01). Isolated
      annuloplasty [hazard ratio (HR) 4.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-16.1, P =
      0.01] and residual MR >1+ at hospital discharge (HR 5.25, 95% CI 2.00-13.8, P <
      0.001) were significantly related to the development of MR >=3. Failure of repair
      was associated with recurrence of New York Heart Association III or IV symptoms
      (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with end-stage DCM and secondary MR, the
      association of the EE technique to the undersized annuloplasty significantly
      decreases the rate of recurrent MR at long-term. This higher repair durability
      did not translate into a better long-term prognosis in this series.

PMID- 27126134
TI  - Expression of a functional oxygen-labile nitrogenase component in the
      mitochondrial matrix of aerobically grown yeast.
AB  - The extreme sensitivity of nitrogenase towards oxygen stands as a major barrier
      to engineer biological nitrogen fixation into cereal crops by direct nif gene
      transfer. Here, we use yeast as a model of eukaryotic cell and show that
      aerobically grown cells express active nitrogenase Fe protein when the NifH
      polypeptide is targeted to the mitochondrial matrix together with the NifM
      maturase. Co-expression of NifH and NifM with Nif-specific Fe-S cluster
      biosynthetic proteins NifU and NifS is not required for Fe protein activity,
      demonstrating NifH ability to incorporate endogenous mitochondrial Fe-S clusters.
      In contrast, expression of active Fe protein in the cytosol requires both anoxic
      growth conditions and co-expression of NifH and NifM with NifU and NifS. Our
      results show the convenience of using mitochondria to host nitrogenase
      components, thus providing instrumental technology for the grand challenge of
      engineering N2-fixing cereals. 

PMID- 27126135
TI  - The first meeting of the European Register of Cystic Echinococcosis (ERCE).
AB  - Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease endemic in southern
      and eastern European countries. The true prevalence of CE is difficult to
      estimate due to the high proportion of asymptomatic carriers who never seek
      medical attention and to the underreporting of diagnosed cases, factors which
      contribute to its neglected status. In an attempt to improve this situation, the
      European Register of Cystic Echinococcosis (ERCE), was launched in October 2014
      in the context of the HERACLES project. ERCE is a prospective, observational,
      multicentre register of patients with probable or confirmed CE. The first ERCE
      meeting was held in November 2015 at the Italian National Institute of Health
      (Istituto Superiore di Sanita, ISS) in Rome, to bring together CE experts
      currently involved in the Register activities, to share and discuss experiences,
      and future developments.Although the Register is still in its infancy, data
      collected at the time of writing this report, had outnumbered the total of
      national cases reported by the European endemic countries and published by the
      European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in 2015. This confirms the
      need for an improved reporting system of CE at the European level. The collection
      of standardized clinical data and samples is expected to support a more rational,
      stage-specific approach to clinical management, and to help public authorities
      harmonize reporting of CE. A better understanding of CE burden in Europe will
      encourage the planning and implementation of public health policies toward its
      control. 

PMID- 27126136
TI  - Treatment-related fractures after combined modality therapy for soft tissue
      sarcomas of the proximal lower extremity: Can the risk be mitigated?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of and risk
      factors associated with femur fracture after combined modality therapy for soft
      tissue sarcomas (STS) of the proximal lower extremity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We
      reviewed the records of 596 patients with STS of the proximal lower extremity
      consecutively treated with surgery and radiation therapy (RT) from 1966 to 2012.
      One hundred ninety-seven patients (33%) received 50 Gy to the entire femur
      circumference (n = 197, 33%); 265 patients (45%) received perioperative
      chemotherapy, and during surgery, 155 patients (26%) had bone exposure, whereas
      82 patients (14%) had the periosteum stripped. The Kaplan-Meier method was used
      to estimate actuarial outcome rates, and both Cox regression modeling and
      competing risk analyses using the method of Fine and Gray were performed.
      RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 110 months (range, 6-470 months). The
      actuarial 10-year local control and overall survival rates were 88% (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 84%-90%) and 62% (95% CI, 57%-66%). Twelve patients had
      pathologic fractures, which were associated with 50 Gy to the entire bone
      circumference (P < .001), bone exposure (P < .001), and periosteal stripping
      during surgery (P < .001) and use of perioperative chemotherapy (P = .04). Using
      a competing risk model, bone exposure (P = .001; sub-hazard ratio [SHR], 9.13;
      95% CI, 2.5-33.0), periosteal stripping (P < .001; SHR, 13.03; 95% CI, 4.0-43.0),
      and perioperative chemotherapy (P = .03; SHR, 4.03; 95% CI, 1.1-14.4) were
      significantly associated with fracture. The actuarial 10-year fracture rate was
      2% (95% CI, 1%-3%) when the 50-Gy isodose line encompassed the entire bone
      circumference without the other risk factors, whereas it increased to 37% (95%
      CI, 12%-45%) when all 4 treatment-related factors were present. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although femur fractures are rare, a component from each of the 3 therapeutic
      modalities contributes to the overall risk, and a multidisciplinary approach to
      mitigating fracture risk is needed. Although avoiding circumferential bone
      coverage with the 50-Gy isodose line may be a valuable dosimetric parameter, more
      rigorous dosimetric studies are required.

PMID- 27126137
TI  - Why should we invest in objective neuromuscular monitoring anyway?

PMID- 27126138
TI  - When perceptions defy reality: The relationships between depression and actual
      and perceived Facebook social support.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the relationship between depression and "offline" social
      support is well established, numerous questions surround the relationship between
      "online" social support and depression. We explored this issue by examining the
      social support dynamics that characterize the way individuals with varying levels
      of depression (Study 1) and SCID-diagnosed clinically depressed and non-depressed
      individuals (Study 2) interact with Facebook, the world's largest online social
      network. METHOD: Using a novel methodology, we examined how disclosing positive
      or negative information on Facebook influences the amount of social support
      depressed individuals (a) actually receive (based on actual social support
      transactions recorded on Facebook walls) and (b) think they receive (based on
      subjective assessments) from their Facebook network. RESULTS: Contrary to prior
      research indicating that depression correlates with less actual social support
      from "offline" networks, across both studies depression was positively correlated
      with social support from Facebook networks when participants disclosed negative
      information (p=.02 in Study 1 and p=.06 in Study 2). Yet, depression was
      negatively correlated with how much social support participants thought they
      received from their Facebook networks (p=.005 in Study 1 and p=.001 in Study 2).
      LIMITATIONS: The sample size was relatively small in Study 2, reflecting
      difficulties of recruiting individuals with Major Depressive Disorder.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that an asymmetry characterizes the
      relationship between depression and different types of Facebook social support
      and further identify perceptions of Facebook social support as a potential
      intervention target. (243 words; 250 max).

PMID- 27126139
TI  - Breastfeeding and postpartum depression: Assessing the influence of breastfeeding
      intention and other risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risk and protective factors for postpartum depression have been
      extensively studied, and in recent studies an association between breastfeeding
      and maternal mood has been reported. The present retrospective, cross-sectional
      study was conducted to evaluate the association between breastfeeding-related
      variables and postpartum depression (based on Edinburgh Postnatal Depression
      Scale threshold criteria) within the context of other known risk factors. METHOD:
      Breastfeeding information, demographic information, and scores on the Edinburgh
      Postnatal Depression Scale were examined from the Canadian Maternity Experience
      Survey. This survey contains data collected from 6421 Canadian mothers between
      October 2006 and January 2007, and 2848 women between five and seven months
      postpartum were included in the current analyses. RESULTS: In contrast to
      previous research, logistic regression analyses revealed that when considered
      within the context of other risk factors, breastfeeding attempt and duration were
      not associated with postpartum depression at five to seven months postpartum.
      Although a relationship between the prenatal intention to combination feed and
      postpartum depression was observed, these variables were no longer related once
      other potential risk factors were controlled for. Factors that were associated
      with postpartum depression included lower income, higher perceived stress, lower
      perceived social support, no history of depression, or no recent history of
      abuse. LIMITATIONS: A clinical diagnostic instrument was not used and variable
      selection was restricted to data collected as part of this survey. CONCLUSION:
      These findings suggest that the association between breastfeeding and postpartum
      depression reported by previous researchers may in fact be due to alternative
      risk factors.

PMID- 27126140
TI  - [Somatic treatments in psychiatry: A descriptive study of laboratory tests and
      systematic involvement in terms of overall care].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Somatic suffering concerns mental health in many ways, but numerous
      psychiatrists are still reluctant to take an interest in somatic care due to a
      supposed lack of expertise and an alteration of the psychotherapeutic link,
      whilst in parallel numerous fellow physicians are quite apprehensive about
      treating patients with mental disorders. OBJECTIVES: We have undertaken a
      targeted clinical audit regarding the somatic treatment of in-patients in a
      psychiatric unit to propose the implementation of measures of improvement.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our study focused on the identification and treatment of
      abnormal liver function tests, a subject that has been overlooked in the
      literature, yet from clinical experience the results are often abnormal in
      psychiatric unit in-patients. We analysed retrospectively over a period of two
      years the medical records of psychiatric unit in-patients with abnormal results
      for at least one of the following hepatic markers: aspartate-aminotransferase
      (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin. RESULTS: In total, 188 liver test results were
      abnormal, with an average of 1.7 per patient. The abnormal test results were in
      decreasing order: elevation in GGT (80 % of patients), elevation in transaminases
      (65.5 % for each), elevation in ALP (19.1 %) and elevation in bilirubin (7.27 %).
      Abnormal transaminase levels were lower than 10N, with a peak between 1N and 3N
      for ALT and a peak between 1N and 5N for AST. The elevation in GGT was between 1N
      and 34N, although 71.6 % of these values were below 5N. ALP was below 3N. The
      medical history was traced in 93.6 % of the records. A somatic clinical
      examination was only reported in 39 records (35.5 %) and was carried out by a
      hepato-gastroenterologist (HGE) in 30.8 % of cases, the establishment's emergency
      physician in 25.7 % of cases and the psychiatrists in 12.9 % of cases. Patients
      with abnormal liver function test results frequently underwent other biological
      and morphological examinations. A discharge letter was found in almost all cases.
      Abnormal liver function test results were indicated in less than 45 % of these
      discharge letters, whilst over half reported the establishment of a future
      treatment coordinated by the GP, in close collaboration with the
      gastroenterologist in at least half the cases. DISCUSSION: Our study was carried
      out in an open psychiatric unit in the heart of a general hospital that mainly
      receives patients suffering from thymus and anxiety disorders, addictive
      disorders, somatoform disorders, personality disorders and psycho-organic
      disorders. Patients suffering from schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders
      comprised less than 10 % of admissions. Our retrospective study of over 750
      hospital admissions over a period of two years found only 62.93 % of patients
      underwent liver function tests, which proved to be pathological in nearly 30 % of
      cases. Following a well-defined anamnesis, just over a third of patients
      underwent a physical examination whilst in hospital, more often a while after
      admission and not in the psychiatric unit. The consultation of fellow hospital
      physicians was limited even if the gastroenterologist was called upon in 30 % of
      cases. It was sometimes the treatment pathway or the fortuitous presence of co
      morbidities that enabled the anaesthetist or emergency physician to carry out
      this clinical examination. However, when this physical examination was scheduled,
      clinical hepatobiliary signs were discovered in 30 % of patients. CONCLUSION: An
      accurate, formalised reference database detailing the principles of the somatic
      treatment of psychiatric unit in-patients should be established. Our results
      indicate the necessity of a referring physician in each psychiatric department.

PMID- 27126141
TI  - [Interest of computer-based cognitive behavioral stress management. Feasability
      of the Seren@ctif program].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cognitive-behavioural stress management programs have been studied
      in many countries. Many reports have shown beyond a doubt their efficacy to
      reduce perceived stress, anxiety symptoms and to improve quality of life of
      patients. Considering the very large number of people who could benefit from such
      programs but are unable to reach them, self-help programs have been offered.
      First presented as books (bibliotherapy), these programs then became enriched by
      computing and digital supports. Regrettably, many of the programs of stress
      management based on the Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) both in face-to-face
      and on digital support have been little evaluated in France. To our knowledge,
      the Seren@ctif program is the first French language self-help program of stress
      management proposed on digital support. AIM OF THE STUDY: We led a feasibility
      study of this program on 10 patients responding to the diagnosis of adjustment
      disorder with anxiety according to the DSM IV criteria. METHODS: The program
      includes 5 weekly sessions that the patient follows in our unit from a web site.
      He benefits from minimal contact with a medical member of staff before and after
      every session. Right from the first session an USB key is supplied to the patient
      containing videos, audio files, self-help book portfolio in the form of an e
      guide, and log books with the exercises to be realized between each sessions of
      the 5 session program. The patient is encouraged to practice 20 minutes of
      exercises 5 or 6 days per week. The program's feasibility has been assessed in
      accordance with a standard satisfaction scale. Anxiety symptomatology has been
      quantified thanks to the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y-S).
      RESULTS: After the scheduled 5 weeks, good results were found in terms of
      acceptability and attractiveness. The average score to the satisfaction survey
      was at least equal to 4 out of 5 for each item. The mean score on the STAI-State
      decreased from 53,4 (SD: 8,29) to 44,2 (SD: 7,73) following the intervention.
      DISCUSSION: The Seren@ctif program may be useful within the framework of a
      psychoeducative approach. It could also be advised for people suffering from
      anxiety related to stress. Soon, the program will be tested on patients with
      usual care suffering from adjustment disorder with anxiety in order to precisely
      assess its benefits.

PMID- 27126142
TI  - [The shame cycle in obesity].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In Western countries obesity is currently a major public health
      issue. Part of a complex system, it should not be studied alone. Yet it is often
      seen only as the result of qualitatively and/or quantitatively deviant dietary
      intake and is seldom questioned as a symptom in the psychoanalytic sense, i.e. as
      a part of a package that makes sense. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: The purpose of
      this article is to highlight the importance of shame in the psyche of obese
      subjects as "subjective backup". The author questions the experience of shame in
      obese subjects as the cornerstone of this symptom in the psychoanalytic sense.
      METHODS: While reporting a clinical case, the author notes the occurrences of
      shame in the discourse of the patient. The subsequent analysis is presented based
      on the transferential and counter-transferential relationship. To carry out this
      study, the author drew on a device supporting catharsis. RESULTS: The author
      addresses successively: the complaint of obese subjects and the effect of shame,
      their shame as the alpha and omega of bulimic crises and lastly their body as a
      work of art by building a monstrosity. The author concludes with the social
      dimension of shame and how it is part of the symptom of body transformation in
      obese subjects. DISCUSSION: It appears that pathological shame reveals a
      difficulty to maintain a sense of existence. For this reason, it seems important
      to consider this effect and to establish a framework for the emergence of the
      latter in the consultations of patients with eating disorders. Under these
      conditions, the patient is able, on the pedestal of shame, to voice his shame of
      being and to support a subjectivity.

PMID- 27126143
TI  - [Validation of the French version of the "Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire
      Revised" (BAVQ-R)].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The BAVQ-R explores the beliefs and reactions that "voice hearers"
      have about their voices. Recently, the BAVQ-R was translated into French, but
      little is known regarding its validity and reliability. Thus, the aim of this
      study was to examine further the psychometric characteristics of the BAVQ-R
      French version. METHOD: Seventy-six adult outpatients participated in the study.
      In addition to the BAVQ-R, patients were administered a psychiatric symptoms
      severity interview, and self-esteem and quality of life questionnaires. Then, the
      BAVQ-R was again completed six weeks later after the seven sessions of brief
      group cognitive behavioral therapy: the Voices Group. RESULTS: The BAVQ-R was
      well accepted and was completed in less than 10minutes. All items presented floor
      and ceiling effects. For 15 items, item-total correlations were inferior to 0.30.
      Internal consistency was 0.83 for the global score, 0.83 for the malevolence,
      0.81 for the benevolence, 0.64 for the omnipotence, 0.82 for the resistance and
      0.77 for the engagement. The temporal stability was superior to 0.70, except for
      the omnipotence (0.65). Regarding, the construct validity, on the one hand
      malevolence, omnipotence and resistance were correlated (0.56<=r<=0.64; P<0.001)
      and on the other hand benevolence and engagement (r=0.62; P<0.001). Regarding
      convergent validity significant correlations were found between malevolence,
      omnipotence resistance and severity of anxio-depressive symptoms, negative self
      esteem (0.40<=r<=0.52; P<0.001). The BAVQ-R allows discriminating neither between
      psychotic and non-psychotic patients (Mann-Whitney, all P>0.05) nor between
      groups established on the basis of the voice sources (Kruskal-Wallis, all
      P>0.05). Moreover, the BAVQ-R does not seem to be sensitive to change: no
      difference was observed after Voices Group intervention (Mann-Whitney, all
      P>0.05). Sociodemographic variables are not related to BAVQ-R. DISCUSSION: The
      French version of the BAVQ-R has sufficiently adequate psychometric
      characteristics to be used in a clinical setting. However, floor and ceiling
      effects suggest a lack of sensitivity of the items. Psychometric characteristics
      of the BAVQ-R could be improved by selecting items and extending the Likert scale
      to score them.

PMID- 27126144
TI  - Breaking Narrative Ground: Innovative Methods for Rigorously Eliciting and
      Assessing Patient Narratives.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To design a methodology for rigorously eliciting narratives about
      patients' experiences with clinical care that is potentially useful for public
      reporting and quality improvement. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Two rounds of
      experimental data (N = 48 each) collected in 2013-2014, using a nationally
      representative Internet panel. STUDY DESIGN: Our study (1) articulates and
      operationalizes criteria for assessing narrative elicitation protocols; (2)
      establishes a "gold standard" for assessment of such protocols; and (3) creates
      and tests a protocol for narratives about outpatient treatment experiences. DATA
      COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: We randomized participants between telephone and
      web-based modalities and between protocols placed before and after a closed-ended
      survey. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Elicited narratives can be assessed relative to a
      gold standard using four criteria: (1) meaningfulness, (2) completeness, (3)
      whether the narrative accurately reflects the balance of positive and negative
      events, and (4) representativeness, which reflects the protocol's performance
      across respondent subgroups. We demonstrate that a five-question protocol that
      has been tested and refined yields three- to sixfold increases in completeness
      and four- to tenfold increases in meaningfulness, compared to a single open-ended
      question. It performs equally well for healthy and sick patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Narrative elicitation protocols suitable for inclusion in extant patient
      experience surveys can be designed and tested against objective performance
      criteria, thus advancing the science of public reporting.

PMID- 27126146
TI  - Build On an Unforgettable Year: Living Our Dream.

PMID- 27126147
TI  - National Commission on Hunger Report to Congress: A Behind-the-Scenes Look from a
      Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Member of the Commission.

PMID- 27126145
TI  - Mapping the small-world properties of brain networks in deception with functional
      near-infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - Deception is not a rare occurrence among human behaviors; however, the present
      brain mapping techniques are insufficient to reveal the neural mechanism of
      deception under spontaneous or controlled conditions. Interestingly, functional
      near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged as a highly promising neuroimaging
      technique that enables continuous and noninvasive monitoring of changes in blood
      oxygenation and blood volume in the human brain. In this study, fNIRS was used in
      combination with complex network theory to extract the attribute features of the
      functional brain networks underling deception in subjects exhibiting spontaneous
      or controlled behaviors. Our findings revealed that the small-world networks of
      the subjects engaged in spontaneous behaviors exhibited greater clustering
      coefficients, shorter average path lengths, greater average node degrees, and
      stronger randomness compared with those of subjects engaged in control behaviors.
      Consequently, we suggest that small-world network topology is capable of
      distinguishing well between spontaneous and controlled deceptions.

PMID- 27126148
TI  - Building a Connection between Senior Hunger and Health Outcomes.

PMID- 27126149
TI  - Tribal Epidemiology Centers and Native American Health.

PMID- 27126150
TI  - Nutrition Screening and Diagnosis with Early, Appropriate Interventions Are
      Critical Components of Cystic Fibrosis Management.

PMID- 27126151
TI  - Why, Oh Why, Are So Many Older Adults Not Drinking Enough Fluid?

PMID- 27126152
TI  - Diagnosing Malnutrition: Where Are We and Where Do We Need to Go?

PMID- 27126153
TI  - Validation of a Nutrition Screening Tool for Pediatric Patients with Cystic
      Fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In cystic fibrosis (CF), nutrition diagnosis is of critical relevance
      because the early identification of nutrition-related compromise enables early,
      adequate intervention and, consequently, influences patient prognosis. Up to now,
      there has not been a validated nutrition screening tool that takes into
      consideration clinical variables. OBJECTIVE: To validate a specific nutritional
      risk screening tool for patients with CF based on clinical variables,
      anthropometric parameters, and dietary intake. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. The
      nutrition screening tool was compared with a risk screening tool proposed by
      McDonald and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation criteria. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING:
      Patients aged 6 to 18 years, with a diagnosis of CF confirmed by two
      determinations of elevated chloride level in sweat (sweat test) and/or by
      identification of two CF-associated genetic mutations who were receiving follow
      up care through the outpatient clinic of a Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Center. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Earlier identification of nutritional risk in CF patients aged
      6 to 18 years when a new screening tool was applied. STATISTICAL ANALYSES
      PERFORMED: Agreement among the tested methods was assessed by means of the kappa
      coefficient for categorical variables. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy
      values were calculated. The significance level was set at 5% (P<0.05).
      Statistical analyses were carried out in PASW Statistics for Windows version 18.0
      (2009, SPSS Inc). RESULTS: Eighty-two patients (49% men, aged 6 to 18 years) were
      enrolled in the study. The agreement between the proposed screening tool and the
      tool for screening nutritional risk for CF by the McDonald method was good
      (kappa=0.804; P<0.001) and the sensitivity and specificity was 85% and 95%,
      respectively. Agreement with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation criteria was lower
      (kappa=0.418; P<0.001), and the sensitivity and specificity were both 72%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The proposed screening tool with defined clinical variables promotes
      earlier identification of nutritional risk in pediatric patients with CF.

PMID- 27126155
TI  - Nutritional Improvement Correlates with Recovery of Activities of Daily Living
      among Malnourished Elderly Stroke Patients in the Convalescent Stage: A Cross
      Sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether nutritional improvement correlates with functional recovery
      in convalescent stroke patients is unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted
      to examine the relationship between nutritional improvement and recovery of
      activities of daily living among malnourished elderly stroke patients in the
      convalescent stage. DESIGN: This study used a cross-sectional study design.
      PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: One hundred seventy-eight malnourished stroke patients aged
      65 years and older from convalescent rehabilitation wards in Japan between April
      2012 and December 2014 were included in the analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The
      participants were classified into three groups according to the Mini Nutritional
      Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) score at discharge (0 to 7 as no improvement, 8 to
      11 as lesser improvement, and 12 to 14 as greater improvement). The primary
      outcome was functional independence measure (FIM) efficiency (FIM gain/length of
      hospital stay). The secondary outcomes were FIM gain and discharge outcome.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: One-way analysis of variance, chi(2) test, and Kruskal
      Wallis test were performed for univariate analysis. Linear regression analysis
      was used to adjust for covariates such as age, sex, length of hospital stay, FIM
      (motor and cognitive) on admission, and lower-order items of MNA-SF. Binomial
      logistic analysis for discharge outcome (home/others) was performed to adjust for
      covariates such as age, sex, and FIM. RESULTS: Study participants included 85 men
      and 93 women with a mean age of 77 years. Based on MNA-SF, 16 were classified as
      no improvement, 113 as lesser improvement, and 49 as greater improvement. The
      median FIM efficiency and length of hospital stay were 0.27 points/day and 151.5
      days, respectively. The greater improvement group had significantly higher FIM
      efficiency than the other groups (P<0.001). Home discharge rate was also higher
      in the GI group (P=0.014). Linear regression analysis for FIM efficiency
      indicated that mobility, neuropsychological problems, and weight loss, which were
      lower-order items of MNA-SF at discharge, were independent explanatory variables
      (R(2)=0.373; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that nutritional
      improvement such as maintenance of body weight is associated with the efficient
      recovery of activities of daily living among malnourished elderly convalescent
      stroke patients.

PMID- 27126154
TI  - Elevated Serum Osmolality and Total Water Deficit Indicate Impaired Hydration
      Status in Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities Regardless of Low or High Body
      Mass Index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dehydration is typically associated with underweight and malnutrition
      in long-term care (LTC) settings. Evidence is lacking regarding the influence of
      the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity on risk factors, prevalence, and
      presentation of dehydration. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to objectively
      assess hydration status and the adequacy of total water intake, and determine
      relationships between hydration status, total water intake, and body mass index
      (BMI) in LTC residents. DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data was
      performed. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Baseline data from 247 subjects recruited
      from eight community-based LTC facilities participating in two randomized trials
      comparing nutrient and cost-efficacy of between-meal snacks vs oral nutrition
      supplements (ONS). MAIN OUTCOMES: Hydration status was assessed by serum
      osmolality concentration and total water intakes were quantified by weighed food,
      beverage, water, and ONS intake. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Simple and multiple linear
      regression methods were applied. RESULTS: Forty-nine (38.3%) subjects were
      dehydrated (>300 mOsm/kg) and another 39 (30.5%) had impending dehydration (295
      to 300 mOsm/kg). The variance in serum osmolality was significantly accounted for
      by blood urea nitrogen level, mental status score, and having diabetes
      (R(2)=0.46; P<0.001). Total water intake averaged 1,147.2+/-433.1 mL/day. Thus,
      96% to 100% of subjects did not meet estimated requirements, with a deficit range
      of 700 to 1,800 mL/day. The variance in total water intake was significantly
      accounted for by type of liquid beverages (thin vs thick), type of ONS, total
      energy intake, total activities of daily living dependence, sex, and BMI
      (R(2)=0.56; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Dehydration and inadequate total water intake
      is prevalent in LTC residents across all BMI categories. Type of liquid
      beverages, type of ONS, and type of between-meal snacks are factors that could be
      targeted for nutrition interventions designed to prevent or reverse dehydration.

PMID- 27126156
TI  - Implementation of Nutrition Support Guidelines May Affect Energy and Protein
      Intake in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critically ill children are at risk of developing malnutrition, and
      undernutrition is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: The study
      evaluated changes in the energy and protein intake before and after
      implementation of nutrition support (NS) guidelines for a pediatric critical care
      unit (PICU). DESIGN: This retrospective study documented energy and protein
      intake for the first 8 days of PICU stay. Basal metabolic rate and protein needs
      were estimated by Schofield and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral
      Nutrition Guidelines, respectively. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Three hundred thirty
      five children from August to December 2012 (pre-implementation) and 185 from
      October to December 2013 (post-implementation). INTERVENTION: Implementation of
      NS Guidelines. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in actual energy and protein intake
      in the post- compared with the pre-Implementation period. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
      PERFORMED: Unpaired t tests, Pearson's chi(2) (unadjusted analysis) were used.
      Logistic regressions were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence
      intervals for protein and energy intake, adjusted for age, sex, and Pediatric
      Risk of Mortality score. RESULTS: After the implementation of guidelines,
      significant improvements were seen during days 5 through 8 in energy intake among
      children 2 years of age and older, and in protein intake in both age groups
      (P<0.05). For the 8-day period, statistically or clinically significant
      improvements occurred in the cumulative protein deficit/kg/day, as follows:
      younger than 2-year-olds, -1.5+/-0.7 g/kg/day vs -1.3+/-0.8 g/kg/day, P=0.02; 2
      year-olds or older, -1.0+/-0.6 g/kg/day vs -0.7+/-0.8 g/kg/day, P=0.01; and for
      the energy deficit/kg/d in 2-year-olds and older, -17.2+/-13.6 kcal/kg/day vs 
      13.3+/-18.1 kcal/kg/day, unpaired t test, P=0.07, in the pre- vs post
      implementation period, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of NS
      guidelines was associated with improvements in total energy in 2-year-olds and
      older and protein in younger than 2 and 2 years and older children by days 5
      through 8, and protein deficits were significantly lower in the post- vs the pre
      implementation period. The implementation of NS guidelines may have had a
      positive effect on improving NS in critically ill children.

PMID- 27126157
TI  - Malnutrition Care: Preparing for the Next Level of Quality.

PMID- 27126158
TI  - Validation of the Academy/A.S.P.E.N. Malnutrition Clinical Characteristics.

PMID- 27126159
TI  - Implementing the Care Plan for Patients Diagnosed with Malnutrition-Why Do We
      Wait?

PMID- 27126160
TI  - Nutrition-Focused Physical Exam Hands-On Training Workshop.

PMID- 27126161
TI  - What Is Vitamin K2 and Does It Have an Impact on Bone Health?

PMID- 27126162
TI  - The relationship between sexual orientation and depression in a national
      population sample.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship
      between sexual orientation and depression in a nationally representative
      population to determine if sexual minorities report higher levels of depression
      than the remainder of the population. BACKGROUND: Depression is a highly
      prevalent and disabling chronic disorder worldwide. Prior research utilizing
      national population samples have reported that members of sexual minorities are
      at higher risk for depression when compared to heterosexual people. More recent
      studies have revealed differences in depression risk based on sexual orientation,
      sexual activity and sex. There have been significant shifts in societal attitudes
      towards sexual minorities in recent decades. Continuing research into predictors
      for reporting depression amongst sexual minorities is needed. METHODS: National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2005-2012 were used to identify
      sexual minority status based on declared sexual orientation and presence of same
      sex sexual activity. Complex samples logistic and multivariate regression models
      were used to predict depression adjusted for sexual orientation, sexual activity,
      age, sex, marital status, education, income, race/ethnicity, employment and
      health status. RESULTS: Sexual orientation was not a significant independent
      predictor of depressive symptoms overall. Gay men reported lower levels of
      depressive symptoms than heterosexual men. In the sex stratified analyses, men
      who reported having sex with men were five times more likely to report depressive
      symptomatology compared to men who reported opposite sex partners (2005-2008
      adjusted odds ratios: 5.00; 95% confidence interval: 1.44-17.38; 2009-2012
      adjusted odds ratios: 5.10; 95% confidence interval: 1.33-19.54) after
      controlling for sexual orientation. CONCLUSIONS: Results of our analyses indicate
      that homosexually experienced heterosexual men appear to be at highest risk for
      depression. Furthermore, reported physical health status was a significant
      independent predictor of depression in all models, suggesting a strong link
      between physical and mental health. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Health care
      providers should inquire about sexual orientation and sexual behaviour as part of
      a routine health history and be familiar with the unique health needs of sexual
      minorities to tailor clinical practice and foster safe, inclusive, health care
      environments.

PMID- 27126163
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27126164
TI  - Morphological Evaluation of Nonlabeled Cells to Detect Stimulation of Nerve
      Growth Factor Expression by Lyconadin B.
AB  - The success of drug development is greatly influenced by the efficiency of drug
      screening methods. Recently, phenotype-based screens have raised expectations,
      based on their proven record of identifying first-in-class drugs at a higher
      rate. Although fluorescence images are the data most commonly used in phenotype
      based cell-based assays, nonstained cellular images have the potential to provide
      new descriptive information about cellular responses. In this study, we applied
      morphology-based evaluation of nonlabeled microscopic images to a phenotype-based
      assay. As a study case, we attempted to increase the efficiency of a cell-based
      assay for chemical compounds that induce production of nerve growth factor (NGF),
      using lyconadin B as a model compound. Because the total synthesis of lyconadin B
      was accomplished very recently, there is no well-established cell-based assay
      scheme for further drug screening. The conventional cell-based assay for
      evaluating NGF induction requires two types of cells and a total of 5 days of
      cell culture. The complexity and length of this assay increase both the risk of
      screening errors and the cost of screening. Our findings show that analysis of
      cellular morphology enables evaluation of NGF induction by lyconadin B within
      only 9 h. 

PMID- 27126165
TI  - Development of chitosan nanoparticles coated with hyaluronic acid for topical
      ocular delivery of dexamethasone.
AB  - The present study involved design of dexamethasone-sodium phosphate (DEX) loaded
      mucoadhesive chitosan nanoparticles for topical ocular delivery to improve its
      precorneal retention and corneal permeability. The chitosan-sodium
      tripolyphosphate nanoparticle (CS-NPs) was developed through ionotropic-gelation
      technique. The developed CS-NPs were coated with hyaluronic-acid (HA) to make
      discrete, free-flowing NPs and to improve their mucoadhesive characteristics. The
      particle-size, zeta-potential and polydispersity-index were determined by Malvern
      Zetasizer. The average size of the CS-NPs ranged from 305.25+/-14.29nm (without
      HA-coating and before freeze-drying) to 400.57+/-15.23nm (HA-coated and after
      freeze-drying). Due to the polyanionic nature of HA, reversing of zeta-potentials
      from +32.55+/-4.15 to -33.74+/-3.45 was observed. Polydispersity-indices varied
      from 0.178+/-0.067 (before freeze-drying of HA-coated F2) to 0.427+/-0.028 (after
      freeze-drying of HA-coated F2). The encapsulation and loading capacity of around
      72.95% and 14.51% respectively were found in optimized CS-NPs. In simulated tear
      fluid 75.84% cumulative amount of released drug was detected and the in-vitro
      release results suggested the mechanism of drug release was Fickian-diffusion
      type. The clarity, pH, refractive index, surface tension and viscosity of the
      suspensions of DEX-CS-NPs were found promising for ocular use. Stability study on
      nanoparticles revealed no significant changes were observed in particle-size,
      encapsulation, drug release and physicochemical characteristics at 25 degrees C
      for 3-months storage. 

PMID- 27126166
TI  - Effects of rutin on the redox reactions of hemoglobin.
AB  - Flavonoids are widely used to attenuate oxidative damage in vitro and in vivo. In
      this study, we investigated the influence of rutin (quercetin-3
      rhamnosylglucoside) on hemoglobin (Hb)- dependent redox reactions, i.e. oxidative
      stability of Hb and its cytotoxic ferryl intermediate. It was found that rutin
      induced generation of H2O2, which in turn oxidized Hb rapidly. Meanwhile, rutin
      exhibited anti-oxidant effect by effectively reducing ferryl intermediate back to
      ferric Hb at physiological pH. In comparison with quercetin, rutin had stronger
      capability on reducing ferryl species while lesser pro-oxidant effect on H2O2
      generation, thus it exhibited more protective effect on H2O2-induced Hb
      oxidation. Circular dichroism spectrum showed no significant change in the
      secondary structure of Hb after flavonoid addition, while molecular docking
      revealed different binding modes of quercetin and rutin with Hb. These results
      might provide new insights into the potential nutritional and physiological
      implications of rutin and quercetin with redox active heme proteins regarding
      their ani- and pro-oxidant effects. 

PMID- 27126167
TI  - Self-assembling N-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-l-Phenylalanine hydrogel as novel
      drug carrier.
AB  - Supramolecular hydrogel as a novel drug carrier was prepared from N-(9
      Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) (Fmoc) modified l-phenylalanine. Its different
      properties like stability at different pH, temperature and rheology were
      evaluated in reference to salicylic acid (SA) as a model drug, entrapped in the
      supramolecular hydrogel network. The release behaviour of SA drug in
      supramolecular hydrogel was investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy. The influence of
      hydrogelator, pH values of the accepting media, temperature and concentration of
      SA drug on the release behaviour was investigated under static conditions. The
      results indicated that the release rate of SA in the supramolecular hydrogels was
      slightly retarded with an increase of the hydrogelator concentration. Also, the
      release rates of SA increased with an increase of temperature and its
      concentration. Furthermore, the release behaviour of SA was found to be different
      at various pH values in buffers. The study of the release kinetics indicated that
      the release behaviour of SA from the carrier was in accord with the Peppas model
      and the diffusion controlled mechanism involved in the Fickian model.

PMID- 27126168
TI  - Effect of residual sericin on the structural characteristics and properties of
      regenerated silk films.
AB  - Regenerated silk film has been increasingly attracting the research community's
      attention for biomedical applications due to its good biocompatibility and
      excellent cyto-compatibility. However, some limitations regarding its mechanical
      properties, such as brittleness, have restricted the use of silk films for
      industrial biomedical applications. In this study, regenerated silk films with
      different residual sericin content were prepared applying controlled degumming
      conditions to evaluate the effect of sericin content on the structure and
      properties of the films generated. When the residual sericin content increased to
      0.6%, crystallinity index and breaking strength of silk films were increased.
      Above this value, these parameters then decreased. A 1.5 fold increase of silk
      film elongation properties was obtained when incorporating 16% sericin.
      Regardless of sericin content, all regenerated silk films showed excellent cyto
      compatibility, comparable to the one obtained with tissue culture plates. 

PMID- 27126169
TI  - Superabsorbent hydrogels via graft polymerization of acrylic acid from chitosan
      cellulose hybrid and their potential in controlled release of soil nutrients.
AB  - Superabsorbent polymers fabricated via grafting polymerization of acrylic acid
      from chitosan (CTS) yields materials that suffer from poor mechanical strength.
      Hybridization of chitosan with cellulose (Cell) via chemical bonding using
      thiourea formaldehyde resin increases the flexibility of the produced hybrid
      (CTS/Cell). The hybridization process and post graft polymerization of acrylic
      acid was followed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Also, the obtained
      structures were homogeneous and exhibited uniform surface as could be shown from
      imaging with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thus, the polymers derived from
      the grafting of polyacrylic acid from (CTS/Cell) gave rise to much more
      mechanically robust structures ((CTS/Cell)-g-PAA) that bear wide range of pH
      response due to presence of chitosan and polyacrylic acid in one homogeneous
      entity. Additionally, the obtained structures possessed greater water absorbency
      390, 39.5g/g in distilled water and saline (0.9wt.% NaCl solution), respectively,
      and enhanced retention potential even at elevated temperatures as revealed by
      thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This could be explained by the high grafting
      efficiency (GE%), 86.4%, and grafting yield (GY%), 750%. The new superabsorbent
      polymers proved to be very efficient devices for controlled release of
      fertilizers into the soil which expands their use in agriculture and
      horticultural applications. 

PMID- 27126170
TI  - Effect of cellulose and lignin on disintegration, antimicrobial and antioxidant
      properties of PLA active films.
AB  - This study reports the effects on antimicrobial, antioxidant, migration and
      disintegrability activities of ternary nanocomposite films based on poly(lactic
      acid) incorporating two biobased nanofillers, (cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and
      lignin nanoparticles (LNP)), in two different amounts (1 and 3% wt.). Results
      from antimicrobial tests revealed a capacity to inhibit the Gram negative
      bacterial growth of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria and Xanthomonas
      arboricola pv. pruni along the time, offering innovative opportunities against
      dangerous bacterial plant pathogens. LNP proved to be highly efficient in
      antioxidation activity, based on the disappearance of the absorption band at
      517nm of the free radical, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) upon reduction by
      an antiradical compound; moreover the combination of LNP and CNC generates a
      synergistic positive effect in the antioxidation response of PLA ternary films.
      Furthermore, all the studied formulations showed a disintegrability value up to
      90% after 15days of incubation in composting conditions. Migration results showed
      that the films can be considered suitable for application in food packaging
      field. 

PMID- 27126171
TI  - Bio-scaffolds produced from irradiated squid pen and crab chitosan with
      hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate for bone-tissue engineering.
AB  - In this study, bio-scaffolds have been developed using irradiated chitosan from
      different sources - squid pen (RS) and crab shell (RC) - with hydroxyapatite/beta
      tricalcium phosphate (HA/beta-TCP) at a chitosan/HA/beta-TCP ratio of 50/30/20.
      The bio-scaffolds were prepared at two different freezing temperature (-20
      degrees C and -80 degrees C) followed by lyophilisation. To enhance the
      mechanical properties, the bio-scaffolds were cross-linked using sodium
      tripolyphosphate (TPP) followed by lyophilisation. The composition and morphology
      of the bio-scaffolds were characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM and MU-CT. The pore
      size of the porous scaffolds ranged from 90 to 220MUm and the scaffolds had 70
      80% porosity. The scaffolds had a water uptake ratio of more than 10, and a
      controlled biodegradation in the range of 30-40%. These results suggest that the
      physical and biological properties of chitosan-based bio-scaffolds can be a
      promising biomaterial for bone-tissue regeneration.

PMID- 27126172
TI  - Microbial production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and its copolymers: A review
      of recent advancements.
AB  - Traditional mineral oil based plastics are important commodity to enhance the
      comfort and quality of life but the accumulation of these plastics in the
      environment has become a major universal problem due to their low biodegradation.
      Solution to the plastic waste management includes incineration, recycling and
      landfill disposal methods. These processes are very time consuming and expensive.
      Biopolymers are important alternatives to the petroleum-based plastics due to
      environment friendly manufacturing processes, biodegradability and
      biocompatibility. Therefore use of novel biopolymers, such as polylactide,
      polysaccharides, aliphatic polyesters and polyhydroxyalkanoates is of interest.
      PHAs are biodegradable polyesters of hydroxyalkanoates (HA) produced from
      renewable resources by using microorganisms as intracellular carbon and energy
      storage compounds. Even though PHAs are promising candidate for biodegradable
      polymers, however, the production cost limit their application on an industrial
      scale. This article provides an overview of various substrates, microorganisms
      for the economical production of PHAs and its copolymers. Recent advances in PHAs
      to reduce the cost and to improve the performance of PHAs have also been
      discussed. 

PMID- 27126174
TI  - Half-dose photodynamic therapy for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy:
      Efficacy and safety outcomes in real world.
AB  - PURPOSE: To have an insight of the outcomes of half-dose photodynamic therapy
      (PDT) for patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in a real
      world population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective consecutive case
      series, one-centre study, with a 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS: The study
      took into account 15 eyes of 13 patients. All patients were male in gender and
      only 1 eye belonged to a non-caucasian. The sample mean age was 51,27+/-11,66
      (between 36 and 74 years); mean baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was
      0,40+/-0,25 logMAR and central macular thickness (CMT) was 411,40+/-88,44MUm. All
      patients had subretinal fluid (SRF) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)
      detachment involving the fovea. In a month time, BCVA and CMT had remarkable
      improvements with only one eye not gaining letters. At 6-month visit, 46,7% of
      the eyes were provided with additional treatment (intra-vitreal anti-VEGF or
      PDT). In the final visit no eye had worsened more than 5 letters and 53,3% had a
      BCVA improvement of at least 5 letters, with only 2 eyes remaining with RPE
      detachment and SRF. There was a steady regression in CMT throughout the follow
      up; 93,3% had CMT under 300MUm and CMT mean was 249,93+/-72,78MUm. There were no
      reported complications. CONCLUSION: These results support PDT as a valuable
      approach for therapeutic decisions on chronic CSC as well as the need of other
      add up treatments for a better final outcome. Further evaluations with longer
      follow-up's should be taken into consideration for safety issues.

PMID- 27126173
TI  - Combined deletion of Vhl, Trp53 and Kif3a causes cystic and neoplastic renal
      lesions.
AB  - The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumour suppressor gene is bi-allelically inactivated
      in the majority of cases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); however, Vhl
      knockout mouse models do not recapitulate human ccRCC, implying that additional
      mutations are required for tumour formation. Mutational inactivation of VHL
      sensitises renal epithelial cells to lose the primary cilium in response to other
      mutations or extracellular stimuli. Loss of cilia is believed to represent a
      second hit in VHL mutant cells that causes the development of cystic lesions
      that, in some cases, can progress to ccRCC. Supporting this idea, genetic
      ablation of the primary cilium by deletion of the kinesin family member 3A
      (Kif3a) gene cooperates with loss of Vhl to accelerate cyst formation in mouse
      kidneys. Additionally, aged Vhl/Trp53 double-mutant mice develop renal cysts and
      tumours at a relatively low incidence, suggesting that there is a genetic
      cooperation between VHL and TP53 mutation in the development of ccRCC. Here we
      generated renal epithelium-specific Kif3a/Trp53 and Vhl/Kif3a/Trp53 mutant mice
      to investigate whether primary cilium deletion would accelerate the development
      of cystic precursor lesions or cause their progression to ccRCC. Longitudinal
      microcomputed tomography (MUCT) imaging and histopathological analyses revealed
      an increased rate of cyst formation, increased proportion of cysts with
      proliferating cells, higher frequency of atypical cysts as well as the
      development of neoplasms in Vhl/Kif3a/Trp53 mutant kidneys compared to
      Kif3a/Trp53 or Vhl/Kif3a mutant kidneys. These findings demonstrate that primary
      cilium loss, in addition to Vhl and Trp53 losses, promotes the transition towards
      malignancy and provide further evidence that the primary cilium functions as a
      tumour suppressor organelle in the kidney. Copyright (c) 2016 Pathological
      Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27126175
TI  - Femtosecond laser intrastromal incisions as fiducial marks for alignment of toric
      IOLs.

PMID- 27126176
TI  - Accelerating and increasing nano-scaled pore formation on electrospun poly(3
      hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) fibers.
AB  - Porous fibers are advantageous for filtration systems, drug delivery systems, and
      in the field of tissue engineering, in comparison to their non-porous
      counterparts. In this study, we developed a facile technique including two steps
      to generate poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3- hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) porous fibers
      with a controllable pore size. An electrospinning technique was employed to
      obtain five types of PHBV/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-blended fibers (PHBV:PEO =
      9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, 5:5) with PEO as the porogen. PEO was leached out by
      simulated body fluid (SBF) and water, respectively. The pore morphology and
      calcium deposition of the resulting fibers were compared to those formed on film
      through the SEM-EDX analysis. It was revealed that pore size and number increased
      with increasing PEO percentage in the fiber or film. The pore size on the films
      (at micrometer scale) was much larger than that of nanofibers, which was in the
      range of 70-120 nm. The simultaneous removal of PEO and deposition of calcium
      phosphate through SBF buffer enhanced synergistically both the pore formation and
      mineral deposition. The different phase separation mechanisms explain the
      different pore morphologies in the film and the nanofibers. The cellular
      experimental results show that fibers with nanometer-scale pores and minerals can
      enhance the proliferation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

PMID- 27126177
TI  - Implementing healthier foodservice guidelines in hospital and federal worksite
      cafeterias: barriers, facilitators and keys to success.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthy foodservice guidelines are being implemented in worksites and
      healthcare facilities to increase access to healthy foods by employees and public
      populations. However, little is known about the barriers to and facilitators of
      implementation. The present study aimed to examine barriers to and facilitators
      of implementation of healthy foodservice guidelines in federal worksite and
      hospital cafeterias. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods approach, including a
      quantitative survey followed by a qualitative, in-depth interview, we examined:
      (i) barriers to and facilitators of implementation; (ii) behavioural design
      strategies used to promote healthier foods and beverages; and (iii) how
      implementation of healthy foodservice guidelines influenced costs and
      profitability. We used a purposive sample of five hospital and four federal
      worksite foodservice operators who recently implemented one of two foodservice
      guidelines: the United States Department of Health and Human Services/General
      Services Administration Health and Sustainability Guidelines ('Guidelines') in
      federal worksites or the Partnership for a Healthier America Hospital Healthier
      Food Initiative ('Initiative') in hospitals. Descriptive statistics were used to
      analyse quantitative survey data. Qualitative data were analysed using a
      deductive approach. RESULTS: Implementation facilitators included leadership
      support, adequate vendor selections and having dietitians assist with
      implementation. Implementation barriers included inadequate selections from
      vendors, customer complaints and additional expertise required for menu
      labelling. Behavioural design strategies used most frequently included icons
      denoting healthier options, marketing using social media and placement of
      healthier options in prime locations. CONCLUSIONS: Lessons learned can guide
      subsequent steps for future healthy foodservice guideline implementation in
      similar settings.

PMID- 27126180
TI  - Effect and mechanism of a High Gradient Magnetic Separation (HGMS) and
      Ultraviolet (UV) composite process on the inactivation of microbes in ballast
      water.
AB  - The patented technology of a High Gradient Magnetic Separation (HGMS)-Ultraviolet
      (UV) composite process was used to treat ballast water. Staphylococcus aureus (S.
      aureus) was selected as the reference bacteria. After treatment by the HGMS-UV
      process, the concentration of S. aureus on the log 10 scale was lower than 2 at
      different flow rates, S. aureus suffered the most serious damage, and K(+)
      leakage of the bacteria was 1.73mg/L higher than separate 60min UV irradiation
      (1.17mg/L) and HGMS (0.12mg/L) processes. These results demonstrated that the
      HGMS-UV composite process was an effective approach to treat ballast water.
      Further, the HGMS process had synergistic action on the subsequent UV irradiation
      process and accelerated cell membrane damage. Meanwhile, the results of
      superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of bacteria and DNA band analyses indicated
      that the inactivation mechanisms were different for HGMS and UV irradiation. 

PMID- 27126178
TI  - Small molecules that allosterically inhibit p21-activated kinase activity by
      binding to the regulatory p21-binding domain.
AB  - p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are key regulators of actin dynamics, cell
      proliferation and cell survival. Deregulation of PAK activity contributes to the
      pathogenesis of various human diseases, including cancer and neurological
      disorders. Using an ELISA-based screening protocol, we identified
      naphtho(hydro)quinone-based small molecules that allosterically inhibit PAK
      activity. These molecules interfere with the interactions between the p21-binding
      domain (PBD) of PAK1 and Rho GTPases by binding to the PBD. Importantly, they
      inhibit the activity of full-length PAKs and are selective for PAK1 and PAK3 in
      vitro and in living cells. These compounds may potentially be useful for
      determining the details of the PAK signaling pathway and may also be used as lead
      molecules in the development of more selective and potent PAK inhibitors. 

PMID- 27126179
TI  - Skin health and safety at work in Croatian hairdressing apprentices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risk of developing occupational skin disease (OSD) is high in
      hairdressers, but may differ between countries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety at
      work measures, and the prevalence and severity of skin symptoms and their impact
      on quality of life (QoL), among Croatian hairdressing apprentices. METHODS: Data
      on self-reported skin symptoms, safety measures and QoL were collected for 101
      final-year apprentices. The presence and severity of skin lesions were assessed
      with the Osnabrueck Hand Eczema Severity Index (OHSI). Transepidermal water loss
      (TEWL) was measured on the forearm and hand. RESULTS: Ninety-one percent of
      apprentices reported wearing gloves while dyeing hair, 45% while rinsing hair
      dyes, and 4% while washing hair. A history of skin symptoms was found in 35% of
      apprentices, and a history of dry hands in 37%. Skin changes were clinically
      observed in 40% of apprentices, most frequently erythema, infiltration, and
      desquamation. The OHSI score ranged from 0 to 6. Only washing hands >20 times per
      day was positively associated with TEWL. A history of skin symptoms negatively
      correlated with self-esteem, and social and mental functioning, and positively
      with anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the need for the
      continuation of efforts to establish effective primary preventive programmes for
      OSDs at national and EU levels.

PMID- 27126181
TI  - Algicidal and denitrification characterization of Acinetobacter sp. J25 against
      Microcystis aeruginosa and microbial community in eutrophic landscape water.
AB  - Acinetobacter sp. J25 exhibited good denitrification and high algicidal activity
      against toxic Microcystis aeruginosa. Response surface methodology (RSM)
      experiments showed that the maximum algicidal ratio occurred under the following
      conditions: temperature, 30.46 degrees C; M. aeruginosa density, 960,000cellsmL(
      1); and inoculum, 23.75% (v/v). Of these, inoculum produced the maximum effect.
      In the eutrophic landscape water experiment, 10% bacterial culture was infected
      with M. aeruginosa cells in the landscape water. After 24days, the removal ratios
      of nitrate and chlorophyll-a were high, 100% and 87.86%, respectively. The
      denitrification rate was approximately 0.118mgNO3(-)-N.L(-1).h(-1). Moreover, the
      high-throughput sequencing result showed that Acinetobacter sp. J25 was obviously
      beneficial for chlorophyll-a and nitrate removal performance in the eutrophic
      landscape water treatment. Therefore, strain J25 is promising for the
      simultaneous removal of chlorophyll-a and nitrate in the eutrophic landscape
      water treatment. 

PMID- 27126182
TI  - Pollutant levels in discarded fish species by Spanish trawlers operating in the
      Great Sole Bank and the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula.
AB  - Organic and inorganic pollutant levels were determined for the most discarded
      species from trawlers operating in Great Sole and Spanish coastal fishing
      grounds. Results for heavy metals indicated that Cd can reach values higher than
      legal limits for some species and tissues, while Hg and Pb concentrations are
      below established values. No significant variation was noticed with fishing
      grounds, but both season influences in the case of Pb and interspecies variation
      for Hg and Cd have been detected. Valorization recommendations could be therefore
      established according to the levels found in the different species. 

PMID- 27126183
TI  - Water flux management and phytoplankton communities in a Mediterranean coastal
      lagoon. Part II: Mixotrophy of dinoflagellates as an adaptive strategy?
AB  - Dinoflagellate proliferation is common in coastal waters, and trophic strategies
      are often advanced to explain the success of these organisms. The Biguglia lagoon
      is a Mediterranean brackish ecosystem where eutrophication has long been an
      issue, and where dominance of dinoflagellates has persisted for several years.
      Monthly monitoring of fluorescence-based properties of phytoplankton communities
      carried out in 2010 suggested that photosynthesis alone could not support the
      observed situation all year round. Contrasting food webs developed depending on
      the hydrological season, with a gradual shift from autotrophy to heterotrophy.
      Progressively, microphytoplankton assemblages became unequivocally dominated by a
      Prorocentrum minimum bloom, which exhibited very weak effective photosynthetic
      performance, whereas paradoxically its theoretical capacities remained fully
      operational. Different environmental hypotheses explaining this discrepancy were
      examined, but rejected. We conclude that P. minimum bloom persistence is
      sustained by mixotrophic strategies, with complex compromises between phototrophy
      and phagotrophy, as evidenced by fluorescence-based observations. 

PMID- 27126184
TI  - The Mouse-colored Tyrannulet (Phaeomyias murina) is a species complex that
      includes the Cocos Flycatcher (Nesotriccus ridgwayi), an island form that
      underwent a population bottleneck.
AB  - Simultaneous examination of evolutionary history in island forms and closely
      related mainland relatives can provide reciprocal insight into the evolution of
      island and mainland faunas. The Cocos Flycatcher (Nesotriccus ridgwayi) is a
      small tyrant flycatcher (Tyrannidae) endemic to Cocos Island, an oceanic island
      in the eastern Pacific Ocean. We first established its close relationship to the
      mainland species Mouse-colored Tyrannulet (Phaeomyias murina) using a phylogeny
      from genome-wide ultraconserved elements and exons. We then used mitochondrial
      DNA to explore the relationships between Nesotriccus and Phaeomyias populations
      from across its distribution in Central and South America. We found that
      Nesotriccus is nested within the Phaeomyias evolutionary tree, and that
      Phaeomyias represents a complex of at least four evolutionarily distinct species
      that differ in plumage, voice, and habitat association. Nesotriccus underwent a
      population bottleneck subsequent to its divergence from Central American and
      northern South American Phaeomyias populations in the middle Pleistocene. The 46
      UCE loci containing alleles that are fixed between the two species are widely
      distributed across the genome, which suggests that selective or neutral processes
      responsible for divergence have occurred genome-wide. Overall, our simultaneous
      examination of Phaeomyias and Nesotriccus revealed divergent levels of genetic
      diversity and evolutionary histories between island and mainland forms.

PMID- 27126185
TI  - Resolution of inter and intra-species relationships of the West Indian fruit fly
      Anastrepha obliqua.
AB  - The West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an
      economically important pest that inhabits areas of South and Central America,
      Mexico and the Caribbean with occasional infestations in the southern United
      States. We examine intra-specific relationships within A. obliqua as well as
      interspecific relationships to other Anastrepha species using a multi-locus data
      set comprising nine loci (seven nuclear, two mitochondrial) with 105 operational
      taxonomic units. The results based on a concatenated set of nuclear loci strongly
      support the monophyly of A. obliqua and most of the other species previously
      identified by morphology. A split between Peruvian A. obliqua samples and those
      from other locations was also identified. These results contrast with prior
      findings of relationships within A. obliqua based on mitochondrial data, as we
      found a marked discrepancy between nuclear and mitochondrial loci. These analyses
      suggest that introgression, particularly between A. obliqua and fraterculus
      species, may be one explanation for the discrepancy and the high mitochondrial
      diversity reported for A. obliqua could be the result of incomplete lineage
      sorting.

PMID- 27126186
TI  - Study of Gefitinib and Pemetrexed as First-Line Treatment in Patients with
      Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring EGFR Mutation.
AB  - To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination regimen of gefitinib and
      pemetrexed as first-line chemotherapy in advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Patients and methods Patients with advanced non
      squamous NSCLC harboring asensitive EGFR mutation were included in this study and
      randomly divided into gefitinib + placebo group and gefitinib + pemetrexed group.
      Pemetrexed or placebo was administered on day 1 at a dose of 500 mg/m(2), and
      gefitinib was sequentially administered on days 2 ~ 16. This treatment regimen
      was repeated every 3 weeks until disease progression. All investigators and
      participants were masked to treatment allocation. The overall response rate (ORR)
      and disease control rate (DCR) of gefitinib + pemetrexed group were higher than
      that of gefitinib + placebo group but only the difference of DCR between two
      groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The median progression-free
      survival (PFS) of gefitinib + placebo group and gefitinib + pemetrexed group were
      14.0 months vs. 18 months respectively and the difference was statistically
      significant (P < 0.05). The 2-year PFS rates of gefitinib + pemetrexed group
      (20.00 %) was higher than that of gefitinib + placebo group (8.89 %) and the
      difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The median overall survival
      (OS) of gefitinib + placebo group and gefitinib + pemetrexed group were 32.0
      months vs. 34 months respectively and the difference was not statistically
      significant (P > 0.05). The 3-year OS rates of gefitinib + pemetrexed group
      (44.44 %) was higher than that of gefitinib + placebo group (35.56 %) but the
      difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Major grade 3 or 4
      hematological toxicities included neutropenia, leukopenia and anemia. The main
      grade 3 or 4 non-hematological toxicities were infection, increased alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, fatigue,
      diarrhea and pneumonitis. The difference of toxicities between two groups was not
      statistically significant (P > 0.05). The combination regimen of gefitinib +
      pemetrexed used in this study showed a higher ORR and DCR, longer median PFS and
      acceptable toxicity. 

PMID- 27126187
TI  - Chemical composition and antifungal activity of Satureja hortensis L. essentiall
      oil against planktonic and biofilm growth of Candida albicans isolates from
      buccal lesions of HIV(+) individuals.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection of
      the oral cavity which usually occurs in the immunocompromised individuals.
      Candida albicans (C. albicans) is the most common species of yeast responsible
      for oral candidiasis. This study investigated the effects of Satureja hortensis
      L. essentiall oil (EO) on the planktonic, biofilm formation and mature biofilms
      of C. albicans isolates from buccal lesions of HIV(+) individuals. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: MTT reduction assay, broth micro-dilution method and scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) were employed to determine the effect of mentioned EO on the C.
      albicans planktonic and biofilm forms. GC-GC/MS was used to detect the major
      active compounds of EO. RESULTS: Thymol (45.9%), gamma-terpinen (16.71%),
      carvacrol (12.81%) and p-cymene (9.61%) were found as the most abundant
      constituents. MIC values ranged from 250 to 400 MUg/ml and MFC values ranged from
      350 to 500 MUg/ml. All C. albicans isolates formed biofilm on polystyrene plats
      but the quantity of biofilm mass (optical density) was different for the isolates
      ranging from 0.850 to 0.559 nm. The mean of biofilm formation by C. albicans
      isolates was reduced by 87.1 +/- 3.7%, 73.6 +/- 5.1%, 69.4 +/- 5.3% and 67 +/-
      4.2% at 4800, 3200, 2400 and 1600 MUg/ml, respectively. In sub-MIC concentration,
      SEM analysis revealed loosening of cells, deformity of three dimensional
      structures of biofilms and shrinkage in cell membranes of sessile cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the substantial anti-fungal activity showed by S.
      hortensis L. EO suggests exploitation of this oil as potential natural anti
      biofilm product to deal with the problem of buccal cavity lesion associated with
      C. albicans.

PMID- 27126189
TI  - Erratum to: Liver transcriptomic networks reveal main biological processes
      associated with feed efficiency in beef cattle.

PMID- 27126190
TI  - Isorecticular Synthesis of Dissectible Molecular Bamboo Tubes of Hexarhenium(I)
      Benzene-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexaolate Complexes.
AB  - A family of bamboo-like metal-organic nanotubes consisting of in situ synthesized
      macromolecular blocks (MB) is reported. The MBs are composed of six fac-(CO)3 Re
      cores, one benzene-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexaolate plate, and six pyridine-derivative
      pillar ligands, which have a doubly tri-legged geometry and can be mutually
      assembled, piece by piece. This entire system is characterized as a simple but
      precise supramolecular complexation of these macromolecular blocks and further
      introduces an archetypal approach to systematically constructing a tunable form
      of dissectible molecular bamboo tubes.

PMID- 27126188
TI  - The Ionotropic Receptors IR21a and IR25a mediate cool sensing in Drosophila.
AB  - Animals rely on highly sensitive thermoreceptors to seek out optimal
      temperatures, but the molecular mechanisms of thermosensing are not well
      understood. The Dorsal Organ Cool Cells (DOCCs) of the Drosophila larva are a set
      of exceptionally thermosensitive neurons critical for larval cool avoidance.
      Here, we show that DOCC cool-sensing is mediated by Ionotropic Receptors (IRs), a
      family of sensory receptors widely studied in invertebrate chemical sensing. We
      find that two IRs, IR21a and IR25a, are required to mediate DOCC responses to
      cooling and are required for cool avoidance behavior. Furthermore, we find that
      ectopic expression of IR21a can confer cool-responsiveness in an Ir25a-dependent
      manner, suggesting an instructive role for IR21a in thermosensing. Together,
      these data show that IR family receptors can function together to mediate
      thermosensation of exquisite sensitivity.

PMID- 27126192
TI  - Pulmonary nodules in a man with a history of bone marrow transplantation.

PMID- 27126193
TI  - Pathological changes in herniated organs: squamous metaplasia in an inguino
      scrotal bladder hernia.

PMID- 27126194
TI  - Liposomal butamben gel formulations: toxicity assays and topical anesthesia in an
      animal model.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity and the in vivo
      analgesic effect and local toxicity of the local anesthetic butamben (BTB)
      encapsulated in conventional or elastic liposomes incorporated in gel
      formulations. The results showed that both gel formulations of liposomal BTB
      reduced the cytotoxicity (p < 0.001; one-way ANOVA/Tukey's test) and increased
      the topical analgesic effect (p < 0.05; one-way ANOVA/Tukey's test) of butamben,
      compared to plain BTB gel. The gel formulations presented good rheological
      properties, and stability assays detected no differences in physicochemical
      stability up to 30 d after preparation. Moreover, histological assessment
      revealed no morphological changes in rat skin after application of any of the gel
      formulations tested.

PMID- 27126191
TI  - Potential pathways by which maternal second-hand smoke exposure during pregnancy
      causes full-term low birth weight.
AB  - It is well documented that maternal exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) during
      pregnancy causes low birth weight (LBW), but its mechanism remains unknown. This
      study explored the potential pathways. We enrolled 195 pregnant women who
      delivered full-term LBW newborns, and 195 who delivered full-term normal birth
      weight newborns as the controls. After controlling for maternal age, education
      level, family income, pre-pregnant body mass index, newborn gender and
      gestational age, logistic regression analysis revealed that LBW was significantly
      and positively associated with maternal exposure to SHS during pregnancy, lower
      placental weight, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, and that SHS exposure was significantly
      associated with lower placental weight, TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Structural
      equation modelling identified two plausible pathways by which maternal exposure
      to SHS during pregnancy might cause LBW. First, SHS exposure induced the
      elevation of TNF-alpha, which might directly increase the risk of LBW by
      transmission across the placenta. Second, SHS exposure first increased maternal
      secretion of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, which then triggered the secretion of VCAM
      1; both TNF-alpha and VCAM-1 were significantly associated with lower placental
      weight, thus increasing the risk of LBW. In conclusion, maternal exposure to SHS
      during pregnancy may lead to LBW through the potential pathways of maternal
      inflammation and lower placental weight.

PMID- 27126195
TI  - Does Bt maize expressing Cry1Ac protein have adverse effects on the parasitoid
      Macrocentrus cingulum (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)?
AB  - The potential effects of insect-resistant, genetically engineered (GE) crops on
      non-target organisms, especially on predators and parasitoids, must be evaluated
      before their commercial cultivation. The effects of GE maize that produces Cry1Ac
      toxin on the parasitoid Macrocentrus cingulum were assessed by direct bioassay
      and indirect bioassay. In the indirect bioassay, parasitism rate, cocoon weight
      and the number of M. cingulum progeny produced per host were significantly
      reduced when M. cingulum-parasitized Cry1Ac-susceptible Ostrinia furnacalis were
      fed a diet containing purified Cry1Ac; however, life-table parameters of M.
      cingulum were not adversely affected when the same assay was performed with
      Cry1Ac-resistant O. furnacalis. These results indicated that the detrimental
      effects detected with a Cry1Ac-susceptible host were mediated by poor host
      quality. In a direct bioassay, no difference in life-table parameters were
      detected when M. cingulum adults were directly fed a 20% honey solution with or
      without Cry1Ac; however, survival and longevity were significantly reduced when
      M. cingulum adults were fed a honey solution containing potassium arsenate, which
      was used as a positive control. The stability and bioactivity of Cry1Ac toxin in
      the food sources and Cry1Ac toxin uptake by the host insect and parasitoid were
      confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and sensitive-insect bioassays.
      Our results demonstrate that M. cingulum is not sensitive to Cry1Ac toxin at
      concentrations exceeding those encountered in Bacillus thuringiensis maize
      fields. This study also demonstrates the power of using resistant hosts when
      assessing the risk of genetically modified plants on non-target organisms and
      will be useful for assessing other non-target impacts.

PMID- 27126196
TI  - Effectiveness of integrative medicine therapy on coronary artery disease
      prognosis: A real-world study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of integrative medicine (IM) on patients
      with coronary artery disease (CAD) and investigate the prognostic factors of CAD
      in a real-world setting. METHODS: A total of 1,087 hospitalized patients with CAD
      from four hospitals in Beijing, China were consecutively selected between August
      2011 and February 2012. The patients were assigned to two groups based on the
      treatment: Chinese medicine (CM) plus conventional treatment, i.e., IM therapy
      (IM group); or conventional treatment alone (CT group). The endpoint was major
      adverse cardiac events [MACE; including cardiac death, myocardial infarction
      (MI), and revascularization]. RESULTS: A total of 1,040 patients finished the 2
      year follow-up. Of them, 49.4% (514/1,040) received IM therapy. During the 2-year
      follow-up, the total incidence of MACE was 11.3%. Most of the events involved
      revascularization (9.3%). Cardiac death/MI occurred in 3.0% of cases. For
      revascularization, logistic stepwise regression analysis revealed that age >= 65
      years [odds ratio (OR), 2.224], MI (OR, 2.561), diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.650),
      multi-vessel lesions (OR, 2.554), baseline high sensitivity C-reactive protein
      level >= 3 mg/L (OR, 1.678), and moderate or severe anxiety/depression (OR,
      1.849) were negative predictors (P<0.05); while anti-platelet agents (OR, 0.422),
      beta-blockers (OR, 0.626), statins (OR, 0.318), and IM therapy (OR, 0.583) were
      protective predictors (P<0.05). For cardiac death/MI, age >= 65 years (OR, 6.389)
      and heart failure (OR, 7.969) were negative predictors (P<0.05), while statin use
      (OR, 0.323) was a protective predictor (P<0.05) and IM therapy showed a benefifi
      cial tendency (OR, 0.587), although the difference was not statistically
      signififi cant (P=0.218). CONCLUSION: In a real-world setting, for patients with
      CAD, IM therapy was associated with a decreased incidence of revascularization
      and showed a potential benefifi t in reducing the incidence of cardiac death or
      MI.

PMID- 27126197
TI  - Self-assessment of skin tightness severity by scleroderma patients.
AB  - AIMS: Skin tightness progression determines the severity and mortality of
      systemic sclerosis (SSc). The modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) is a skin
      tightness assessment tool, albeit inter-physician variability is a limitation.
      Our objectives were to evaluate the correlation and agreement of skin tightness
      assessment between patient self-assessment and physician-assessment. METHODS: A
      descriptive study was conducted on the masked, self-assessments of mRSS (at week
      0, 4 and 12) by 23 Thai adult SSc patients seen at Srinagarind Hospital, KhonKaen
      University, between March 2014 and February 2015. Correlation between the
      physician and patient assessments was estimated using Pearson's. The intra-class
      correlation coefficient (ICC) and limit of agreement by Bland-Altman were
      determined. RESULTS: We included 23 SSc patients (female to male ratio being
      1.1:1). All had the diffuse cutaneous SSc subset. The skin thickness assessment
      correlation was moderate at baseline (Pearson's r = 0.68) and improved to a good
      correlation at week 4 and 12 (r = 0.78 and 0.86, respectively). The ICC showed
      good agreement (0.761) at week 0 and increased to excellent at week 4 (0.846) and
      12 (0.910). The patient self-assessment score was higher than the physician
      assessment, which slightly decreased over time: mean difference = 4.30 (95% LOA;
      9.54 to 18.14) at week 0, then 3.78 (95% LOA,-10.20 to 17.77) at week 4, and 3.16
      (95% LOA,-7.78 to 14.10) at week 12. CONCLUSION: The respective modified Rodnan
      skin score assessment by patient versus the physician was highly correlated with
      a high level of agreement. Validation of generalized patient self-assessment
      needs to be confirmed.

PMID- 27126198
TI  - Visfatin correlates with hot flashes in postmenopausal women with metabolic
      syndrome: effects of genistein.
AB  - During menopause, an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and
      central obesity seems to increase hot flashes (HFs). Visfatin is an inflammatory
      adipokine secreted by visceral fat. We investigated visfatin levels and its
      relationship with hot flash number and BMI, in postmenopausal women with MetS. We
      also evaluated the effect of genistein, an isoflavone effective in reducing HFs,
      on visfatin levels and HFs after 1 year of treatment. This was a randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Postmenopausal women with MetS were
      randomly assigned to receive placebo (n = 60) or 54 mg genistein (n = 60), daily
      for 1 year. As main outcome measures, hot flashes number and circulating visfatin
      levels were evaluated. Visfatin significantly correlated with BMI and HFs number
      in women with MetS at basal. After 6 and 12 months, our results indicate a strong
      correlation and a significant effect of genistein in reducing both HFs and
      visfatin in women with MetS. The present study suggests that visfatin plays a
      role in the vasomotor symptoms, at least in postmenopausal women with metabolic
      syndrome. Genistein may reduce HFs decreasing the circulating levels of this
      inflammatory adipokine.

PMID- 27126199
TI  - The LIM-homeodomain transcription factor Islet2a promotes angioblast migration.
AB  - Angioblasts of the developing vascular system require many signaling inputs to
      initiate their migration, proliferation and differentiation into endothelial
      cells. What is less studied is which intrinsic cell factors interpret these
      extrinsic signals. Here, we show the Lim homeodomain transcription factor islet2a
      (isl2a) is expressed in the lateral posterior mesoderm prior to angioblast
      migration. isl2a deficient angioblasts show disorganized migration to the midline
      to form axial vessels and fail to spread around the tailbud of the embryo. Isl2a
      morphants have fewer vein cells and decreased vein marker expression. We
      demonstrate that isl2a is required cell autonomously in angioblasts to promote
      their incorporation into the vein, and is permissive for vein identity. Knockout
      of isl2a results in decreased migration and proliferation of angioblasts during
      intersegmental artery growth. Since Notch signaling controls both artery-vein
      identity and tip-stalk cell formation, we explored the interaction of isl2a and
      Notch. We find that isl2a expression is negatively regulated by Notch activity,
      and that isl2a positively regulates flt4, a VEGF-C receptor repressed by Notch
      during angiogenesis. Thus Isl2a may act as an intermediate between Notch
      signaling and genetic programs controlling angioblast number and migration,
      placing it as a novel transcriptional regulator of early angiogenesis.

PMID- 27126200
TI  - Opening the 'black box' of performance-based financing in low- and lower middle
      income countries: a review of the literature.
AB  - Although performance-based financing (PBF) receives increasing attention in the
      literature, a lot remains unknown about the exact mechanisms triggered by PBF
      arrangements. This article aims to summarize current knowledge on how PBF works,
      set out what still needs to be investigated and formulate recommendations for
      researchers and policymakers from donor and recipient countries alike. Drawing on
      an extensive systematic literature review of peer-reviewed journals, we analysed
      35 relevant articles. To guide us through this variety of studies, point out
      relevant issues and structure findings, we use a comprehensive analytical
      framework based on eight dimensions. The review inter alia indicates that PBF is
      generally welcomed by the main actors (patients, health workers and health
      managers), yet what PBF actually entails is less straightforward. More research
      is needed on the exact mechanisms through which not only incentives but also
      ancillary components operate. This knowledge is essential if we really want to
      appreciate the effectiveness, desirability and appropriate format of PBF as one
      of the possible answers to the challenges in the health sector of low-and lower
      middle-income countries. A clear definition of the research constructs is a
      primordial starting point for such research. 

PMID- 27126201
TI  - Urbanization and human health in urban India: institutional analysis of water
      borne diseases in Ahmedabad.
AB  - Diseases are rapidly urbanizing. Ageing infrastructures, high levels of
      inequality, poor urban governance, rapidly growing economies and highly dense and
      mobile populations all create environments rife for water-borne diseases. This
      article analyzes the role of institutions as crosscutting entities among a myriad
      of factors that breed water-borne diseases in the city of Ahmedabad, India. It
      applies 'path dependency' and a 'rational choice' perspective to understand the
      factors facilitating the breeding of diseases. This study is based on household
      surveys of approximately 327 households in two case study wards and intermittent
      interviews with key informants over a period of 2 years. Principle component
      analysis is applied to reduce the data and convert a set of observations, which
      potentially correlate with each other, into components. Institutional analyses
      behind these components reveal the role of social actors in exploiting the deeply
      rooted inefficiencies affecting urban health. This has led to a vicious cycle;
      breaking this cycle requires understanding the political dynamics that underlie
      the exposure and prevalence of diseases to improve urban health. 

PMID- 27126202
TI  - Morgagni hernia presenting with massive pericardial effusion and ascites:
      prenatal management by thoraco-amniotic shunting and fetal endoscopic tracheal
      occlusion (FETO) and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Morgagni hernia presents a rare type of congenital diaphragmatic
      hernia (CDH, about 2-5 %) (Herman, J Perinatol 21:343-344, 2001), which is
      characterized by an anterior mainly right-sided defect of the diaphragm.
      Infrequently, this is combined with a herniation of the liver into the
      pericardial cavity (Ake, Prenat Diagn 11:719-724, 1991; Stevens, Pediatr Radiol
      26:791-793, 1996). This may cause massive pericardial effusion and subsequently
      lung hypoplasia (Pober et al., Congenital diaphragmatic hernia overview,
      University of Washington, Seattle, 2015; Ikeda, J Perinat Med 30:336-340, 2002;
      Hara, J Obstet Gynaecol Res 33:561-565, 2007). So far only few cases have been
      reported in fetal life. CASE: We report a case of Morgagni hernia with
      pericardiodiaphragmatic aplasia, complicated by two-compartment effusions
      (massive pericardial effusion and mild ascites), diagnosed in the second
      trimester. The case was successfully managed in utero with thoraco-amniotic
      shunting and late tracheal occlusion, followed by corrective surgery after birth.
      DISCUSSION: A review of the literature was performed, identifying 13 cases of
      prenatally diagnosed Morgagni hernia. The diagnosis was established by the
      sonographic findings of pericardial effusion und intrathoracic herniation of the
      liver. In only two cases a prenatal intervention was carried out. All neonates
      were operated postnatally with excellent final outcome.

PMID- 27126203
TI  - Feasibility of Cold Snare Polypectomy for Multiple Duodenal Adenomas in Patients
      with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Pilot Study.

PMID- 27126204
TI  - Partner Burden: A Common Entity in Celiac Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caregiver burden is documented in several chronic diseases, but it
      has not been investigated in celiac disease (CD). AIMS: We aim to quantify the
      burden to partners of CD patients and identify factors that affect the perceived
      burden. METHODS: We surveyed patients with biopsy-proven CD and their partners.
      Patients completed CD-specific questions, including the validated Celiac Symptom
      Index (CSI) survey. Partners completed the validated Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI)
      and questions regarding sexual and relationship satisfaction. Univariable and
      multivariable analyses were used to assess the association between demographics,
      CD characteristics, and partner burden. RESULTS: In total, 94 patient/partner
      pairs were studied. Fifteen patients (16 %) reported a CSI score associated with
      a poor quality of life, and 34 partners (37 %) reported a ZBI score corresponding
      to mild-to-moderate burden. Twenty-two partners (23 %) reported moderate-to-low
      overall relationship satisfaction, and 12 (14 %) reported moderate-to-low sexual
      satisfaction. The degree of partner burden was directly correlated with patient
      CSI score (r = 0.27; p = 0.008), and there were moderate-to-strong inverse
      relationships between partners' burden and relationship quality (r = -0.70; p <
      0.001) and sexual satisfaction (r = -0.42; p < 0.001). On multivariable logistic
      regression, predictors of mild-to-moderate partner burden were low partner
      relationship satisfaction (OR 17.06, 95 % CI 2.88-101.09, p = 0.002) and
      relationship duration >=10 years (OR 14.42, 95 % CI 1.69-123.84, p = 0.02).
      CONCLUSIONS: Partner burden is common in CD, with more than one-third of partners
      experiencing mild-to-moderate burden. Partner burden is directly correlated with
      patient symptom severity, and it increases with poorer sexual and relationship
      satisfaction. Healthcare providers should address relationship factors in their
      care of patients with CD.

PMID- 27126205
TI  - Timing of Last Preoperative Dose of Infliximab Does Not Increase Postoperative
      Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between preoperative use of infliximab and
      postoperative complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is
      a subject of continued debate. Results from studies examining an association
      between the timing of last preoperative dose of infliximab and postoperative
      complications remain inconsistent. AIMS: To assess whether timing of last dose of
      infliximab prior to surgery affects the rate of postoperative complications in
      patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. METHODS: Retrospective chart
      review of IBD patients who have undergone surgery while receiving therapy with
      infliximab was conducted. Forty-seven patients were included in the analysis.
      RESULTS: No significant association was found between timing of infliximab and
      the rate of postoperative complications. Age, gender, disease type, steroid use,
      preoperative status, surgery type, or surgeon type was not associated with
      increased rate of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Timing of last dose of
      infliximab does not affect the rate of postoperative complications in patients
      with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 27126206
TI  - Drug-induced liver injury associated with high-dose ceftriaxone: a retrospective
      cohort study adjusted for the propensity score.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ceftriaxone has been recognized as a well-tolerated drug; however, in
      some instances, liver dysfunction occurs after using high-dose ceftriaxone. We
      aimed to assess the incidence of liver injury due to high-dose ceftriaxone and to
      determine whether there is a dose-dependent risk of liver injury with this drug.
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized adult patients
      treated with ceftriaxone at a tertiary care hospital from January 2012 to October
      2013. We collected demographic and clinical data by reviewing their medical
      records. The incidence of liver injury based on biochemical criteria, defined as
      a primary outcome, was compared between patients treated with high-dose
      ceftriaxone (4 g/day) and those treated with a normal dose of ceftriaxone (2
      g/day) for >=5 consecutive days. A propensity score for the use of high-dose
      ceftriaxone was calculated from five factors. RESULTS: We identified 37 patients
      treated with high-dose ceftriaxone and 434 patients treated with a normal dose of
      ceftriaxone. Among these 471 patients, 15 patients (3.2 %) experienced liver
      injury, of whom six patients (6/37, 16.2 %) had received high-dose ceftriaxone
      and nine patients (9/434, 2.1 %) had received normal doses of ceftriaxone. In the
      multivariate analysis adjusted for the propensity score, high-dose ceftriaxone
      was independently associated with liver injury (odds ratio, 7.23; 95 % confidence
      interval, 2.01-26.0). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that high-dose
      ceftriaxone was associated with a significantly higher incidence of liver injury
      compared with the normal-dose regimen. Therefore, clinicians should carefully
      observe for signs of liver injury after high-dose ceftriaxone use.

PMID- 27126207
TI  - Solar pacing of storm surges, coastal flooding and agricultural losses in the
      Central Mediterranean.
AB  - Storm surges, leading to catastrophic coastal flooding, are amongst the most
      feared natural hazards due to the high population densities and economic
      importance of littoral areas. Using the Central Mediterranean Sea as a model
      system, we provide strong evidence for enhanced periods of storminess leading to
      coastal flooding during the last 4500 years. We show that long-term correlations
      can be drawn between storminess and solar activity, acting on cycles of around
      2200-yr and 230-yr. We also find that phases of increased storms and coastal
      flooding have impacted upon mid- to late Holocene agricultural activity on the
      Adriatic coast. Based on the general trend observed during the second half of the
      20(th) century, climate models are predicting a weakening of Mediterranean
      storminess. By contrast, our new data suggest that a decrease in solar activity
      will increase and intensify the risk of frequent flooding in coastal areas.

PMID- 27126208
TI  - Enhanced immunity and antiviral effects of an HBV DNA vaccine delivered by a DC
      targeting protein.
AB  - DNA vaccine targeting delivery to DC represents one effective strategy to improve
      the immunogenicity of the vaccine. In a previous study, we developed a novel DC
      targeting recombinant protein that can deliver plasmid DNA to DCs by an
      electrostatic coupling effect and can thus improve the uptake efficiency of DCs,
      improving the expression of plasmid DNA in DCs. In this study, we coupled the
      protein with the HBV DNA vaccine pSVK-HBVA and investigated whether the
      immunogenicity and antiviral ability of the vaccine can be improved in HBV
      transgenic mice. The results show that a stronger specific immune response can be
      induced in mice after immunization with the coupling vaccine. The HBV DNA copy
      number and circulating antigen HBsAg in the serum of HBV transgenic mice were
      significantly decreased. Therefore, this study has demonstrated that the DC
      targeting protein has the ability to improve the immunogenicity and the antiviral
      activity of the HBV DNA vaccine pSVK-HBVA. These findings indicate that this DC
      targeting protein can be a potential method for the delivery of DNA vaccines
      directly to DCs.

PMID- 27126209
TI  - Multipolar interference for non-reciprocal nonlinear generation.
AB  - We show that nonlinear multipolar interference allows achieving not only
      unidirectional, but also non-reciprocal nonlinear generation from a nanoelement,
      with the direction of the produced light decoupled from the direction of at least
      one of the excitation beams. Alternatively, it may allow inhibiting the specified
      nonlinear response in a nanoelement or in its periodic arrangement by reversing
      the direction of one of the pumps. These general phenomena exploit the fact that,
      contrary to the linear response case, nonlinear magneto-electric interference
      stems from a combination of additive and multiplicative processes and includes an
      interference between various terms within the electric and magnetic partial waves
      themselves. We demonstrate the introduced concept numerically using an example of
      a plasmonic dimer geometry with realistic material parameters.

PMID- 27126211
TI  - Microjets and coated wheels: versatile tools for exploring collisions and
      reactions at gas-liquid interfaces.
AB  - This tutorial review describes experimental aspects of two techniques for
      investigating collisions and reactions at the surfaces of liquids in vacuum.
      These gas-liquid scattering experiments provide insights into the dynamics of
      interfacial processes while minimizing interference from vapor-phase collisions.
      We begin with a historical survey and then compare attributes of the microjet and
      coated-wheel techniques, developed by Manfred Faubel and John Fenn, respectively,
      for studies of high- and low-vapor pressure liquids in vacuum. Our objective is
      to highlight the strengths and shortcomings of each technique and summarize
      lessons we have learned in using them for scattering and evaporation experiments.
      We conclude by describing recent microjet studies of energy transfer between O2
      and liquid hydrocarbons, HCl dissociation in salty water, and super-Maxwellian
      helium evaporation.

PMID- 27126210
TI  - Comparison of PTCH1, COX-2, p53, and Ki-67 protein expression in basal cell
      carcinomas of nodular and superficial subtypes arising on the head and trunk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is some evidence that basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) arising on
      different anatomic sites and developing to different histological subtypes differ
      in their pathophysiology. The expression of a number of proteins, including
      PTCH1, COX-2, p53, and Ki-67, is frequently altered in BCC development.
      OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether protein expression differs
      between BCCs at different anatomic sites and of different histological subtypes.
      METHODS: Expression of PTCH1, COX-2, p53, and Ki-67 proteins was compared
      between: (i) BCCs arising on the head (n = 55) and trunk (n = 53), and (ii)
      nodular (n = 52) and superficial (n = 43) BCCs. The intensity of
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining (low, moderate, strong, very strong) for
      PTCH1 and COX-2 proteins was measured and the proportions of p53- and Ki-67
      positive cells quantified. RESULTS: The proportion of cells expressing Ki-67 was
      higher in tumor tissue than in non-malignant epidermis, whereas the opposite was
      found for PTCH1. The IHC staining intensity for PTCH1 was substantially greater
      in truncal BCCs than in BCCs on the head (odds ratio [OR] 3.82, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.63-8.96). The intensity of staining for PTCH1 was greater for
      superficial than for nodular BCCs (OR 3.70, 95% CI 1.53-8.97), and superficial
      BCCs showed a higher proportion of Ki-67-positive cells (OR 5.57, 95% CI 1.66
      18.67). CONCLUSIONS: These differences suggest that the pathophysiology of BCC
      differs between lesions on the head and trunk and between nodular and superficial
      subtypes, perhaps indicating differences in their etiology.

PMID- 27126212
TI  - Classic Spotlight: Out of the Muk, the First Chromosomal Condensin.

PMID- 27126213
TI  - Classic Spotlight: Staying in Shape and Discovery of the mrdAB and mreBCD
      Operons.

PMID- 27126216
TI  - Ketogenic diet - A novel treatment for early epileptic encephalopathy due to PIGA
      deficiency.
AB  - We describe the presentation and workup of two brothers with early-onset
      epileptic encephalopathy who became seizure-free on a ketogenic diet. Extensive
      testing culminated in whole exome sequencing, which led to the diagnosis of
      phosphatidyl inositol glycan biosynthesis class A protein (PIGA) deficiency. This
      familial case highlights the importance of genetic testing for early-onset
      epileptic encephalopathies and underscores the potential value of a ketogenic
      diet in the treatment of this condition. 

PMID- 27126217
TI  - The clinical trajectory of patients with borderline personality disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The epidemiological data on the diagnostic course of patients with
      borderline personality disorder (BPD) is limited. We used a nationwide register
      to investigate the diagnostic stability and changes over time. METHOD: The Danish
      nationwide registers were used to follow all patients with a diagnosis of BPD and
      investigate their first-ever psychiatric diagnosis and their latest diagnosis in
      the time period of 1995-2012. From this, we found the diagnostic stability and
      described the diagnostic changes. RESULTS: A total of 10 786 patients diagnosed
      with BPD were identified. The prospective diagnostic stabilities were 37% for
      females and 25% for males, and retrospective stabilities were 20% for females and
      22% for males. More than 60% of patients received other diagnoses than BPD as
      their first-ever diagnosis. Stress-related (17%) and depressive disorders (14%)
      were most frequent as first-ever diagnosis. The latest diagnosis remained BPD in
      nearly half of females and one third of males, followed by schizophrenia, notably
      for those with longer follow-up and males. CONCLUSION: This study gives a
      detailed display of complicated clinical trajectories. The low diagnostic
      stabilities demonstrate a heterogenous patient group diagnosed with many other
      psychiatric diagnoses over time. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27126218
TI  - Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Adult Version in Patients with
      Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Conditions: Symptom Levels and Relationship to
      Emotional Distress.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study explored the level of self-and informant reported
      executive functioning in daily living using the Behavior Rating Inventory of
      Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) in a large sample comprising healthy
      adults and patient cohorts with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The
      relationship to neuropsychological test performance and self-reported emotional
      distress was explored, as well as the applicability of U.S. normative data.
      METHODS: Scores on the self- and informant reported BRIEF-A are presented, along
      with scores on standardized cognitive tests, and on rating scales of self
      reported emotional distress in a Norwegian healthy comparison group (n=115),
      patients with severe traumatic brain injury (n=125), focal frontal lobe damage
      (n=29), focal cerebellar lesion (n=24), Parkinson's disease (n=42), attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder (n=34), type II bipolar disorder (n=21), and
      borderline personality disorder (n=18). RESULTS: Strong associations were
      observed between the BRIEF-A and emotional distress in both the healthy group and
      in neurological groups, while no or weak relationships with IQ and performance
      based tests of executive function were seen. The relationship between BRIEF-A and
      emotional distress was weaker in the neuropsychiatric patient groups, despite
      high symptom load in both domains. Healthy participants tended to have BRIEF-A
      scores 1/2-3/4 SD below the U.S. normative mean of T score=50. CONCLUSIONS: The
      study demonstrates the need to interpret BRIEF-A results within a broad
      differential diagnostic context, where measures of psychological distress are
      included in addition to neuropsychological tests. Uncertainty about the
      appropriateness of U.S. normative data in non-U.S. countries adds to the need for
      interpretive caution. (JINS, 2016, 22, 682-694).

PMID- 27126219
TI  - Geniposide acutely stimulates insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells by
      regulating GLP-1 receptor/cAMP signaling and ion channels.
AB  - Geniposide, an iridoid glycoside, has antidiabetic effects. The present study
      aimed to evaluate whether geniposide has direct effects on insulin secretion from
      rat pancreatic islets. The results demonstrated that geniposide potentiated
      insulin secretion via activating the glucagon-like-1 receptor (GLP-1R) as well as
      the adenylyl cyclase (AC)/cAMP signaling pathway. Inhibition of protein kinase A
      (PKA) suppressed the insulinotropic effect of geniposide. Geniposide also
      inhibited voltage-dependent potassium (Kv) channels, and this effect could be
      attenuated by inhibition of GLP-1R or PKA. Current-clamp recording showed that
      geniposide prolonged action potential duration. These results collectively imply
      that inhibition of Kv channels is linked to geniposide-potentiated insulin
      secretion by acting downstream of the GLP-1R/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.
      Moreover, activation of Ca(2+) channels by geniposide was observed, indicating
      that the Ca(2+) channel is also an important player in the geniposide effects.
      Together, these findings provide new insight into the mechanism underlying
      geniposide-regulated insulin secretion.

PMID- 27126220
TI  - Constraints to Hamari sheep farming under range conditions in Darfur and Kordofan
      Regions of Western Sudan.
AB  - The study was conducted to identify the major production constraints of Hamari
      sheep in Darfur and Kordofan Regions of Western Sudan. A structured questionnaire
      was administered to 128 farmers in Darfur and Kordofan. Feed shortages,
      prevalence of diseases and parasites, and predation were more severe in Darfur
      than Kordofan (P < 0.05). Thefts were ranked higher by farmers using the
      sedentary system compared to those using semi-nomadic system (P < 0.05). Water
      shortage was ranked higher by farmers with small flocks, large flocks, semi
      nomadic and sedentary husbandry system in Kordofan than their counterparts in
      Darfur Region (P < 0.05). Farmers practising semi-nomadic husbandry system and
      sedentary system in Darfur region ranked diseases, parasites and predation higher
      than those practising semi-nomadic and sedentary system in Kordofan region (P <
      0.05). Feed shortage was ranked higher as a challenge by farmers practising semi
      nomadic system in Darfur Region than those practising semi-nomadic system in
      Kordofan Region (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that the severity of challenges
      facing Hamari sheep producers vary with flock size, region and production system
      used. 

PMID- 27126221
TI  - Growth performance, hematology, and meat quality characteristics of Mutton Merino
      lambs fed canola-based diets.
AB  - A 56-day feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of feeding canola
      meal (CM) on growth performance, hematology, and meat quality parameters of
      lambs. Twenty lambs with an average body weight of 23 +/- 2.64 kg were randomly
      assigned to five dietary treatments and fed in individual cages for 56 days. The
      soya bean meal (SBM) in the control ration was replaced with canola meal at 0
      (CM0), 25 (CM25), 50 (CM50), 75 (CM75), and 100 % (CM100) inclusion levels.
      Average daily weight gain (ADWG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were
      significantly higher in the CM25 and CM50, respectively. Feed conversion ratio
      (FCR) (3.09-3.41) and slaughter weight (SLW) (33.2-34.7 kg) were, however,
      similar among the treatment groups. Diet had no effect on carcass length (78.7
      83.7 cm) and ultimate meat pH (pHu) (5.70-5.81). Nevertheless, hot carcass weight
      (HCW) (16.5-18.7 kg) and cold carcass weight (CCW) (16.2-18.2 kg) were higher (P
      < 0.05) in the CM0 and CM50 treatment groups. The shear force measurements (1.67
      2.17 kg) differed (P < 0.05) across treatments. There was no dietary effect on
      the lightness (L*) (33.5-35.8), redness (a*) (11.35-12.7), and yellowness (b*)
      (13.4-14.8) of meat. In conclusion, CM can completely replace SBM in lamb diets
      without any negative effects on growth performance, general health, and meat
      quality of Mutton Merino lambs. 

PMID- 27126223
TI  - Mandibular Full-Arch Fixed Prostheses Supported on 4 Implants with Either Axial
      Or Tilted Distal Implants: A 3-Year Prospective Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This prospective study evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcome
      of distally cantilevered 4-implant-supported fixed mandibular prostheses (4
      ISFMP) with distal implants either in axial or distally tilted direction.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-one mandibulary edentulous patients received acrylic
      veneered 4-ISFMP with casted framework. Based on distal implant placement
      direction patients were assigned to 2 groups: 21 patients with four (2 anterior/2
      posterior) axial implants (axial-group I) and 20 patients with 2 anterior axial/2
      distal tilted implants (tilted-group II). Patients were prospectively followed
      for 3 years by annual examinations of implants and prosthetic survival rates
      including assessment for biological and mechanical complications. Additionally,
      peri-implant marginal bone resorption [MBR], pocket depth [PD], plaque index
      [PI], bleeding index [BI] and gingival index [GI], and calculus index [CI] were
      evaluated at each annual follow-up. RESULTS: 37/41 patients (19 axial-group I, 18
      tilted-group II) and 148/164 implants were followed at the 1-, 2-, and 3-year
      evaluation (dropout rate: 11.8%) presenting no implant and denture loss (100%
      survival). The overall, MBR at year 1, 2, and 3 was 1.11 +/- 0.4 mm, 1.26 +/-
      0.42 mm, and 1.40 +/- 0.41 mm, respectively, representing a significant (p <
      .001) continuing time depending annual reduction. MBR and PD did not differ
      between anterior and posterior regions in both groups or for anterior and
      posterior regions between the groups. PI and CI were significantly (p < .001)
      higher for implants in anterior regions than for posterior regions in both
      groups. Moreover, posterior implant regions showed significantly (p < .001)
      higher PI and CI for axial-group I than for tilted-group II over time. Biological
      and mechanical complications as well as GI and BI did not differ between the
      groups over a 3-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: For clinical implant and
      prosthesis outcome no statistical significant mean differences were noted for
      distally cantilevered 4-ISFMP supported by distal implants placed in tilted or
      axial direction.

PMID- 27126222
TI  - Integrated Droplet-Based Microextraction with ESI-MS for Removal of Matrix
      Interference in Single-Cell Analysis.
AB  - Integrating droplet-based microfluidics with mass spectrometry is essential to
      high-throughput and multiple analysis of single cells. Nevertheless, matrix
      effects such as the interference of culture medium and intracellular components
      influence the sensitivity and the accuracy of results in single-cell analysis. To
      resolve this problem, we developed a method that integrated droplet-based
      microextraction with single-cell mass spectrometry. Specific extraction solvent
      was used to selectively obtain intracellular components of interest and remove
      interference of other components. Using this method, UDP-Glc-NAc, GSH, GSSG, AMP,
      ADP and ATP were successfully detected in single MCF-7 cells. We also applied the
      method to study the change of unicellular metabolites in the biological process
      of dysfunctional oxidative phosphorylation. The method could not only realize
      matrix-free, selective and sensitive detection of metabolites in single cells,
      but also have the capability for reliable and high-throughput single-cell
      analysis.

PMID- 27126224
TI  - The vulnerability of family caregivers in relation to vulnerability as understood
      by nurses.
AB  - In Finland, the care of older persons is shifting from institutional care to
      family care. Research shows that family caregivers experience their situation
      much in the same way as professional nurses. The nurses' experiences have been
      studied in terms of vulnerability, and the same perspective could deepen our
      understanding of family caregivers' experiences. The aim of this study was to
      gain knowledge of the vulnerability of older caregivers taking care of an ageing
      family member. The research questions were as follows: How do family caregivers
      experience vulnerability? How do their experiences relate to vulnerability as
      understood by nurses? The study was done as a secondary analysis of focus group
      interviews on the experiences and daily life of older family caregivers. Four
      caregivers had taken part in monthly interviews during a period of 10 months. The
      interviews were analysed by deductive and inductive content analysis. The results
      showed that the caregivers saw caregiving as part of being human. They
      experienced a variety of feelings and moral agony and were harmed physically,
      mentally and socially. They showed courage, protected themselves and recognised
      that being a caregiver also was a source of maturing and developing. These
      results corresponded with the nurses' understanding of vulnerability. Shame, the
      experience of duty as a burden, worry and loneliness were themes that were found
      only among the family caregivers. The use of a matrix may have restricted the
      analysis, but using it in an unconstrained way allowed for new themes to be
      created. The results indicate a common humanness and vulnerability in
      professional and family caregiving. They also show that family caregivers need
      more support both from society and professionals.

PMID- 27126225
TI  - Nurse practitioner-mediated intervention for preoperative control of diabetes in
      elective surgery patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of nurse practitioner (NP) mediated
      interventions on diabetes control before elective surgery. DATA SOURCES: A
      program was initiated to improve preoperative diabetes control in patients with
      HbA1c > 8%. The intervention was initially mediated by a physician alone and
      subsequently changed to involve NPs. The goal of intervention was fasting blood
      glucose (BG) <200 mg/dL on the day of surgery (DOS). Data were collected before
      the program (control group), during physician-mediated intervention (phase 1),
      and during NP-mediated intervention (phase 2). CONCLUSIONS: There were 222
      patients in the control group, 226 in phase 1, and 160 in phase 2. Mean BG
      (mg/dL) on DOS was 171.4 +/- 66.5 in control group, 162.6 +/- 58.1 in phase 1,
      and 153.4 +/- 46.6 in phase 2 (p = NS for control vs. phase 1 and <0.01 for
      control vs. phase 2). More patients received an intervention in phase 2 (93%)
      than in phase 1 (75%). Among those receiving intervention, 87% achieved target BG
      in phase 2 and 82% in phase 1 (p = NS). Duration of diabetes, baseline HbA1c,
      time available before surgery, and diabetes intervention were independent
      predictors of achieving target BG. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: NP-mediated
      interventions increased access to care and resulted in lower BG levels and may be
      a good strategy for preoperative diabetes control.

PMID- 27126226
TI  - Coordination between growth, phenology and carbon storage in three coexisting
      deciduous tree species in a temperate forest.
AB  - In deciduous trees growing in temperate forests, bud break and growth in spring
      must rely on intrinsic carbon (C) reserves. Yet it is unclear whether growth and
      C storage occur simultaneously, and whether starch C in branches is sufficient
      for refoliation. To test in situ the relationships between growth, phenology and
      C utilization, we monitored stem growth, leaf phenology and stem and branch
      nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) dynamics in three deciduous species: Carpinus
      betulus L., Fagus sylvatica L. and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. To quantify the
      role of NSC in C investment into growth, a C balance approach was applied. Across
      the three species, >95% of branchlet starch was consumed during bud break,
      confirming the importance of C reserves for refoliation in spring. The C balance
      calculation showed that 90% of the C investment in foliage (7.0-10.5 kg tree(-1)
      and 5-17 times the C needed for annual stem growth) was explained by simultaneous
      branchlet starch degradation. Carbon reserves were recovered sooner than
      expected, after leaf expansion, in parallel with stem growth. Carpinus had
      earlier leaf phenology (by ~25 days) but delayed cambial growth (by ~15 days)
      than Fagus and Quercus, the result of a competitive strategy to flush early,
      while having lower NSC levels.

PMID- 27126227
TI  - Genetic variability and heritability of chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters in
      Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.).
AB  - Current knowledge of the genetic mechanisms underlying the inheritance of
      photosynthetic activity in forest trees is generally limited, yet it is essential
      both for various practical forestry purposes and for better understanding of
      broader evolutionary mechanisms. In this study, we investigated genetic variation
      underlying selected chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) parameters in structured
      populations of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) grown on two sites under non
      stress conditions. These parameters were derived from the OJIP part of the ChlF
      kinetics curve and characterize individual parts of primary photosynthetic
      processes associated, for example, with the exciton trapping by light-harvesting
      antennae, energy utilization in photosystem II (PSII) reaction centers (RCs) and
      its transfer further down the photosynthetic electron-transport chain. An
      additive relationship matrix was estimated based on pedigree reconstruction,
      utilizing a set of highly polymorphic single sequence repeat markers. Variance
      decomposition was conducted using the animal genetic evaluation mixed-linear
      model. The majority of ChlF parameters in the analyzed pine populations showed
      significant additive genetic variation. Statistically significant heritability
      estimates were obtained for most ChlF indices, with the exception of DI0/RC,
      phiD0 and phiP0 (Fv/Fm) parameters. Estimated heritabilities varied around the
      value of 0.15 with the maximal value of 0.23 in the ET0/RC parameter, which
      indicates electron-transport flux from QA to QB per PSII RC. No significant
      correlation was found between these indices and selected growth traits. Moreover,
      no genotype * environment interaction (G * E) was detected, i.e., no differences
      in genotypes' performance between sites. The absence of significant G * E in our
      study is interesting, given the relatively low heritability found for the
      majority of parameters analyzed. Therefore, we infer that polygenic variability
      of these indices is selectively neutral.

PMID- 27126229
TI  - Temporal and spatial patterns of internal and external stem CO2 fluxes in a sub
      Mediterranean oak.
AB  - To accurately estimate stem respiration (RS), measurements of both carbon dioxide
      (CO2) efflux to the atmosphere (EA) and internal CO2 flux through xylem (FT) are
      needed because xylem sap transports respired CO2 upward. However, reports of
      seasonal dynamics of FT and EA are scarce and no studies exist in Mediterranean
      species under drought stress conditions. Internal and external CO2 fluxes at
      three stem heights, together with radial stem growth, temperature, sap flow and
      shoot water potential, were measured in Quercus pyrenaica Willd. in four
      measurement campaigns during one growing season. Substantial daytime depressions
      in temperature-normalized EA were observed throughout the experiment, including
      prior to budburst, indicating that diel hysteresis between stem temperature and
      EA cannot be uniquely ascribed to diversion of CO2 in the transpiration stream.
      Low internal [CO2] (<0.5%) resulted in low contributions of FT to RS throughout
      the growing season, and RS was mainly explained by EA (>90%). Internal [CO2] was
      found to vary vertically along the stems. Seasonality in resistance to radial CO2
      diffusion was related to shoot water potential. The low internal [CO2] and FT
      observed in our study may result from the downregulation of xylem respiration in
      response to a legacy of coppicing as well as high radial diffusion of CO2 through
      cambium, phloem and bark tissues, which was related to low water content of
      stems. Long-term studies analyzing temporal and spatial variation in internal and
      external CO2 fluxes and their interactions are needed to mechanistically
      understand and model respiration of woody tissues.

PMID- 27126228
TI  - Gene expression analysis of disabled and re-induced isoprene emission by the
      tropical tree Ficus septica before and after cold ambient temperature exposure.
AB  - Isoprene is the most abundant type of nonmethane, biogenic volatile organic
      compound in the atmosphere, and it is produced mainly by terrestrial plants. The
      tropical tree species Ficus septica Burm. F. (Rosales: Moraceae) has been shown
      to cease isoprene emissions when exposed to temperatures of 12  degrees C or
      lower and to re-induce isoprene synthesis upon subsequent exposure to
      temperatures of 30  degrees C or higher for 24 h. To elucidate the regulation of
      genes underlying the disabling and then induction of isoprene emission during
      acclimatization to ambient temperature, we conducted gene expression analyses of
      F. septica plants under changing temperature using quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Transcription levels were
      analyzed for 17 genes that are involved in metabolic pathways potentially
      associated with isoprene biosynthesis, including isoprene synthase (ispS). The
      protein levels of ispS were also measured. Changes in transcription and protein
      levels of the ispS gene, but not in the other assessed genes, showed identical
      temporal patterns to isoprene emission capacity under the changing temperature
      regime. The ispS protein levels strongly and positively correlated with isoprene
      emission capacity (R(2) = 0.92). These results suggest that transcriptional
      regulation of ispS gave rise to the temporal variation in isoprene emission
      capacity in response to changing temperature.

PMID- 27126230
TI  - Predictive models for radial sap flux variation in coniferous, diffuse-porous and
      ring-porous temperate trees.
AB  - Accurately scaling sap flux observations to tree or stand levels requires
      accounting for variation in sap flux between wood types and by depth into the
      tree. However, existing models for radial variation in axial sap flux are rarely
      used because they are difficult to implement, there is uncertainty about their
      predictive ability and calibration measurements are often unavailable. Here we
      compare different models with a diverse sap flux data set to test the hypotheses
      that radial profiles differ by wood type and tree size. We show that radial
      variation in sap flux is dependent on wood type but independent of tree size for
      a range of temperate trees. The best-fitting model predicted out-of-sample sap
      flux observations and independent estimates of sapwood area with small errors,
      suggesting robustness in the new settings. We develop a method for predicting
      whole-tree water use with this model and include computer code for simple
      implementation in other studies.

PMID- 27126231
TI  - A systems BIOlogy Study to TAilored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure:
      rationale, design, and baseline characteristics of BIOSTAT-CHF.
AB  - AIMS: Despite major improvements in pharmacological and device treatments, heart
      failure remains a syndrome with high morbidity and mortality, poor quality of
      life, and high health-care costs. Given the extensive heterogeneity among
      patients with heart failure, substantial differences in the response to therapy
      can be expected. We hypothesize that individualized therapy is an essential next
      step to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure. METHODS: The BIOlogy
      Study to TAilored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure (BIOSTAT-CHF) included 2516
      patients with worsening signs and/or symptoms of heart failure from 11 European
      countries, who were considered to be on suboptimal medical treatment. Another
      1738 patients from Scotland were included in a validation cohort. Overall, both
      patient cohorts were well matched. The majority of patients were hospitalized for
      acute heart failure, and the remainder presented with worsening signs and/or
      symptoms of heart failure at outpatient clinics. Approximately half of the
      patients were in New York Heart Association class III, and 7% vs 34% of patients
      of the index vs validation cohort had heart failure with preserved ejection
      fraction. According to study design, all patients used diuretics, but owing to
      the inclusion criteria of both cohorts, patients were not on optimal, evidence
      based medical therapy. In the follow-up phase, uptitration to guideline
      recommended doses was encouraged. CONCLUSION: By using a novel systems biology
      approach, incorporating demographics, biomarkers, genome-wide analysis, and
      proteomics, a model that predicts response to therapy will be developed, which
      should be instrumental in developing alternative therapies for patients with
      suboptimal response to currently recommended therapies and thus further improve
      care for patients with heart failure.

PMID- 27126232
TI  - Glucocorticoids modify effects of TGF-beta1 on multidrug resistance in the fetal
      blood-brain barrier.
AB  - Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) increases P-glycoprotein (P-gp;
      encoded by Abcb1) activity in fetal brain endothelial cells (BECs). P-gp is
      important for fetal brain protection against xenobiotics including synthetic
      glucocorticoids (sGC). We hypothesized that antenatal sGC would modify P-gp
      responsiveness to TGF-beta1 in fetal BECs. Pregnant guinea pigs were treated with
      dexamethasone or vehicle (N = 5/group) on gestational day (GD) 48-49 and BECs
      derived on GD50. In BECs from control fetuses, TGF-beta1 increased Abcb1 mRNA and
      P-gp function, by approximately 5-fold and 55% respectively, as well as tight
      junction function. In contrast, TGF-beta1 had no effect on these parameters in
      BECs from sGC-exposed fetuses. Moreover, levels of TGF-beta1 responsive gene,
      Smad7, were increased 3-fold in BECs from control fetuses after TGF-beta1 but not
      in sGC-exposed fetuses. In conclusion, antenatal sGC alters responsiveness to TGF
      beta1 in fetal BECs. This study has identified novel mechanisms by which TGF
      beta1 and sGC modulate fetal brain protection against xenobiotics and other P-gp
      substrates.

PMID- 27126233
TI  - A Clinician's perspective on clinical exome sequencing.
AB  - Clinical exome sequencing has clearly improved our ability as clinicians to
      identify the cause of a wide variety of disorders. Prior to exome sequencing, a
      majority of patients with apparent syndromes never received a specific molecular
      genetic diagnosis despite extensive diagnostic odysseys. Even for those receiving
      an answer to the question of what caused their disorder, the diagnostic odyssey
      often spanned years to decades. Determining the particular genetic cause in an
      individual patient can be challenging due to inherent phenotypic and genetic
      heterogeneity of disease, technical limitations of testing or both. Blended
      phenotypes, due to multiple monogenic disorders in the same patient, are true
      dilemmas for traditional genetic evaluations, but are increasingly being
      diagnosed through clinical exome sequencing. New sequencing technologies have
      increased the proportion of patients receiving molecular diagnoses, while
      significantly shortening the time scale, providing multiple benefits for the
      health-care team, patient and family.

PMID- 27126234
TI  - Deciphering intratumor heterogeneity using cancer genome analysis.
AB  - Intratumor heterogeneity within individual cancer tissues underlies the numerous
      phenotypes of cancer. Tumor subclones ultimately affect therapeutic outcomes due
      to their distinct molecular features. Drug-resistant subclones are present at a
      low frequency in tissues at the time of biopsy, but can also arise as a result of
      acquired somatic mutations. A number of different approaches have been utilized
      to understand the nature of intratumor heterogeneity. Clonal analysis using whole
      exome or genome sequencing data can help monitor subclones in the context of
      tumor progression. Multiregional biopsies permit the molecular characterization
      of subclones within tumors. Deep sequencing has also provided researchers with
      the ability to measure the low allele fraction variant within a small number of
      cells. Ultimately, single-cell sequencing will enable the identification of every
      minor population within a tumor microenvironment. In the clinical context, the
      ability to identify and monitor the subclonal architecture of a tumor is valuable
      for the development of precise cancer therapeutic methods.

PMID- 27126236
TI  - Delivery of Liposomes with Different Sizes to Mice Brain after Sonication by
      Focused Ultrasound in the Presence of Microbubbles.
AB  - Imaging or therapeutic agents larger than the blood-brain barrier's (BBB)
      exclusion threshold of 400 Da could be delivered locally, non-invasively and
      reversibly by focused ultrasound (FUS) with circulating microbubbles. The size of
      agents is an important factor to the delivery outcome using this method.
      Liposomes are important drug carriers with controllable sizes in a range of
      nanometers. However, discrepancies among deliveries of intact liposomes with
      different sizes, especially those larger than 50 nm, across the BBB opened by FUS
      with microbubbles remain unexplored. In the present study, rhodamine-labeled long
      circulating pegylated liposomes with diameters of 55 nm, 120 nm and 200 nm were
      delivered to mice brains after BBB disruption by pulsed FUS with microbubbles.
      Four groups of peak rarefactional pressure and microbubble dosages were used:
      0.53 MPa with 0.1 MUL/g (group 1), 0.53 MPa with 0.5 MUL/g (group 2), 0.64 MPa
      with 0.1 MUL/g (group 3) and 0.64 MPa with 0.5 MUL/g (group 4). The delivery
      outcome was observed using fluorescence imaging of brain sections. It was found
      that the delivery of 55-nm liposomes showed higher success rates than 120-nm or
      200-nm liposomes from groups 1-3. The result indicated that it may be more
      difficult to deliver larger liposomes (>120 nm) passively than 55-nm liposomes
      after BBB opening by FUS with microbubbles. The relative fluorescence area of 55
      nm liposomes to the total area of the sonicated region was statistically larger
      than that of the 120-nm or 200-nm liposomes. Increasing peak rarefactional
      pressure amplitude or microbubble dose could induce more accumulation of
      liposomes in the brain using FUS with microbubbles. Moreover, the distribution
      pattern of delivered liposomes was heterogeneous and characterized by separated
      fluorescence spots with cloud-like periphery surrounding a bright center,
      indicating confined diffusion in the extracellular matrix after extravasation
      from the microvasculature. These findings are expected to provide useful
      information for developing FUS with microbubbles as an effective trans-BBB
      liposomal drug delivery strategy.

PMID- 27126235
TI  - Biological findings from the PheWAS catalog: focus on connective tissue-related
      disorders (pelvic floor dysfunction, abdominal hernia, varicose veins and
      hemorrhoids).
AB  - Pelvic floor dysfunction, specifically genital prolapse (GP) and stress urinary
      inconsistency (SUI) presumably co-occur with other connective tissue disorders
      such as hernia, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Observations on non-random
      coexistence of these disorders have never been summarized in a meta-analysis. The
      performed meta-analysis demonstrated that varicose veins and hernia are
      associated with GP. Disease connections on the molecular level may be partially
      based on shared genetic susceptibility. A unique opportunity to estimate shared
      genetic susceptibility to disorders is provided by a PheWAS (phenome-wide
      association study) designed to utilize GWAS data concurrently to many phenotypes.
      We searched the PheWAS Catalog, which includes the results of the PheWAS study
      with P value < 0.05, for genes associated with GP, SUI, abdominal hernia,
      varicose veins and hemorrhoids. We found pronounced signals for the associations
      of the SLC2A9 gene with SUI (P = 6.0e-05) and the MYH9 gene with varicose veins
      of lower extremity (P = 0.0001) and hemorrhoids (P = 0.0007). The comparison of
      the PheWAS Catalog and the NHGRI Catalog data revealed enrichment of genes
      associated with bone mineral density in GP and with activated partial
      thromboplastin time in varicose veins of lower extremity. In cross-phenotype
      associations, genes responsible for peripheral nerve functions seem to
      predominate. This study not only established novel biologically plausible
      associations that may warrant further studies but also exemplified an effective
      use of the PheWAS Catalog data.

PMID- 27126237
TI  - Left Ventricular Energy Loss Assessed by Vector Flow Mapping in Patients with
      Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess left ventricular (LV) energy loss (EL) using
      vector flow mapping in patients with prediabetes (pre-DM) and type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (DM). Thirty pre-DM patients, 51 DM patients, and 38 controls were
      studied by transthoracic echocardiography. EL-total, EL-base, EL-mid and EL-apex
      climaxed at different phases. Compared with controls, pre-DM and DM patients
      showed increased EL-total during slow ejection, isovolumic relaxation, rapid
      filling and slow filling (p < 0.05). Similarly, EL-base, EL-mid and EL-apex
      increased during certain phases. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed
      that the early transmitral valve blood flow velocity E, the late transmitral
      valve blood flow velocity A, the ratio of E/A, LV peak torsion, diastolic
      untwisting velocity, vortex circulation and area were independently associated
      with EL during different phases (all p < 0.05). Our study suggests that LV EL is
      increased during diastole and certain phases of systole in DM patients compared
      with controls. The changes in LV vortex and deformation mechanics were correlated
      with EL.

PMID- 27126238
TI  - Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Microwave Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in
      the Caudate Lobe.
AB  - Treatment for liver tumors in the caudate lobe is challenging because of their
      location and complex anatomy. This study was intended to evaluate the
      feasibility, efficacy and tolerability of ultrasound-guided percutaneous
      microwave (MW) ablation for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the
      caudate lobe. From December 2011 to May 2015, a total of 20 patients (mean age:
      62 +/- 11 y) with HCC in the caudate lobe were enrolled in this study. Patient
      characteristics and tumor features were analyzed. The epigastric approach,
      intercostal approach and the combination were used in 4, 14 and 2 patients,
      respectively. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) guidance and temperature
      monitoring were applied as ancillary techniques. Ethanol injection was performed
      for tumors adjacent to the inferior vena cava or hepatic hilum. Contrast images
      were performed to evaluate treatment response after ablation. Technical success,
      technique efficacy, local tumor progression and complications were documented.
      Technique efficacy was achieved in 18 patients (18/20, 90%). Two patients
      received (125)I brachytherapy as palliative therapy for residual tumors that
      could not be ablated technically after the first ablation. Technical success was
      achieved in 16 patients (16/20, 80%). In 2 patients, ablation was completed after
      two sessions. CEUS was applied in 5 patients and temperature monitoring in 2
      patients. Eight patients received an ethanol injection during ablation. Eleven
      patients achieved a minimum 5-mm safety margins. Local tumor progression was
      detected in 3 patients (16.7%, 3/18) during a median follow-up of 18.4 mo (range:
      3-45 mo). Tumors in these 3 patients were all larger than 2.0 cm. No major or
      minor complications were observed. In conclusion, ultrasound-guided percutaneous
      microwave ablation combined with CEUS, temperature monitoring, and ethanol
      injection is a tolerable and relatively effective treatment for HCC in the
      caudate lobe.

PMID- 27126239
TI  - The Effect of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Stimulation on Upper Limb
      Spasticity in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo
      Controlled Study.
AB  - The main purpose of this study was to determine the clinical,
      electrophysiological and thermal effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave
      (rESW) stimulation on upper limb muscles affected by spasticity in patients with
      chronic stroke. Patients included in the study were randomly assigned into the
      following two groups: 30 patients stimulated with active rESW (A); and 30
      patients stimulated with placebo rESW (B). All patients were analyzed using the
      Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) to test the spasticity levels of the elbow (E),
      radio carpal (RC) and fingers (FF) joints; surface electromyography (sEMG) was
      performed for the resting bioelectrical activity registration of the flexor carpi
      radialis (FCR) and flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscles; and infrared thermal
      imaging (IRT) was used to assess the temperature distributions of the carpal
      flexor muscles (CFM). All assessments were performed at baseline (t0),
      immediately after rESW (t1) as well as 1 and 24 h following its finalization (t2
      and t3). Patients treated with active rESW showed a statistically significant
      reduction in the MAS score for the RC joint at t1 and for the FF joints at t1, t2
      and t3 (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in sEMG activity was observed in the
      FCR and FCU muscles at t1, t2 and t3 (p < 0.05); significant increases in the
      mean and maximum values of the IRT detection was observed using inter-group
      comparisons in t2 and t3 (p < 0.05). No significant alterations were observed in
      patients after placebo rESW stimulation (p > 0.05). Applications of rESW
      demonstrating positive effects at reducing the level of spastic hypertonia of the
      upper limb muscles in patients with chronic stroke. ESW treatments should be
      considered as a potential anti-spastic effect to regulate vasculature.

PMID- 27126240
TI  - Frequency Dependence of Petechial Hemorrhage and Cardiomyocyte Injury Induced
      during Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography.
AB  - Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) for perfusion imaging can induce
      microscale bio-effects during intermittent high-Mechanical Index scans. The
      dependence of MCE-induced bio-effects on the ultrasonic frequency was examined in
      rats at 1.6, 2.5 and 3.5 MHz. Premature complexes were counted in the
      electrocardiogram, petechial hemorrhages with microvascular leakage on the heart
      surface were observed at the time of exposure, plasma troponin elevation was
      measured after 4 h and cardiomyocyte injury was detected at 24 h. Increasing
      response to exposure above an apparent threshold was observed for all endpoints
      at each frequency. The effects decreased with increasing ultrasonic frequency,
      and the thresholds increased. Linear regressions for frequency-dependent
      thresholds indicated coefficients and exponents of 0.6 and 1.07 for petechial
      hemorrhages, respectively, and 1.02 and 0.8 for cardiomyocyte death, compared
      with 1.9 and 0.5 (square root) for the guideline limit of the mechanical index.
      The results clarify the dependence of cardiac bio-effects on frequency, and
      should allow development of theoretical descriptions of the phenomena and
      improved safety guidance for MCE.

PMID- 27126242
TI  - Quantitative Study on the Effect of Abnormalities on Respiration-Induced Kidney
      Movement.
AB  - Respiration-induced movement of abdominal organs hampers the targeting accuracy
      of non-invasive surgical techniques such as focused ultrasound surgery and
      radiosurgery. Unaccounted organ movement can result in either under dosage or
      damage to intervening healthy tissues. The respiration-induced movement is known
      to be significantly large in kidneys; however, the impact of abnormalities such
      as tumors and cysts on kidney movement is poorly understood. In this study, we
      quantified the movement patterns of kidneys in 48 normal and 62 affected kidneys
      (43 calcified cysts, 11 angiomyolipomas, 4 renal cell carcinomas and 4 polycystic
      kidneys) using ultrasound and simultaneously tracked the respiratory movement
      patterns using a stereo camera system. The kidneys were localized from 2-D
      ultrasound sequences using a template matching technique. The average movements
      of the right and left kidneys were, respectively, 24.54 +/- 6.4 and 17.06 +/-
      3.66 mm in the superior-inferior and 13.62 +/- 3.71 and 9.80 +/- 3.32 mm in the
      transverse directions. Average movement in the superior-inferior direction of
      normal kidneys was greater than that of affected kidneys for both right (26.9 +/-
      5.1 vs. 22.6 +/- 3.3, p < 0.001) and left (17.8 +/- 2.5 vs. 16.1 +/- 4.2, p =
      0.01) kidneys. On the basis of spatial extent of abnormality, affected kidneys
      were categorized as category A (<10 mm in 26 patients), category B (10-20 mm in
      22 patients) and category C (>20 mm in 14 patients). Compared with normal
      patients, the extent of movement was significantly reduced in abnormal categories
      B (p < 0.001) and C (p < 0.001), but the change was not significant in category A
      (p = 0.04). Hysteresis plots of the kidneys revealed a maximum change of 12.3 mm.
      The movement patterns of the kidneys also closely correlated with the respiratory
      movement pattern (Pearson correlation = 0.89 [right] and 0.87 [left]). We expect
      that the movement pattern analyses and quantification carried out in this study
      would aid in developing movement adaptive surgical protocols for non-invasive
      treatment of kidney tumors/cancers.

PMID- 27126241
TI  - Correlation Between Sonographic and In Vivo Measurement of A1 Pulleys in Trigger
      Fingers.
AB  - The thickness of 210 A1 pulleys of 21 male and female healthy volunteers in two
      different age groups (20-35 y and 50-70 y) were measured by ultrasound. In a
      second group, the thickness of 15 diseased A1 pulleys and 15 A1 pulleys of the
      corresponding other hand of 10 patients with the clinical diagnosis of trigger
      finger were measured by ultrasound. During open trigger finger release, a strip
      of A1 pulley was excised and immediately measured using an electronic caliper.
      The average pulley thickness of healthy volunteers was 0.43-0.47 mm, compared to
      0.77-0.79 mm in patients with trigger finger. Based on the receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curve, a diagnostic cut-off value of the pulley thickness at
      0.62 mm was defined in order to differ a trigger finger from a healthy finger
      (sensitivity and specificity of 85%). The correlation between sonographic and
      effective intra-operative measurements of pulley thickness was linear and very
      strong (Pearson coefficient 0.86-0.90). In order to distinguish between healthy
      and diseased A1 pulleys, 0.62 mm is a simple value to use, which can be applied
      regardless of age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and height in adults.

PMID- 27126243
TI  - Computer-Assisted Hepatocellular Carcinoma Ablation Planning Based on 3-D
      Ultrasound Imaging.
AB  - To evaluate computer-assisted hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ablation planning
      based on 3-D ultrasound, 3-D ultrasound images of 60 HCC lesions from 58 patients
      were obtained and transferred to a research toolkit. Compared with virtual manual
      ablation planning (MAP), virtual computer-assisted ablation planning (CAP)
      consumed less time and needle insertion numbers and exhibited a higher rate of
      complete tumor coverage and lower rate of critical structure injury. In MAP,
      junior operators used less time, but had more critical structure injury than
      senior operators. For large lesions, CAP performed better than MAP. For lesions
      near critical structures, CAP resulted in better outcomes than MAP. Compared with
      MAP, CAP based on 3-D ultrasound imaging was more effective and achieved a higher
      rate of complete tumor coverage and a lower rate of critical structure injury; it
      is especially useful for junior operators and with large lesions, and lesions
      near critical structures.

PMID- 27126244
TI  - Histotripsy Liquefaction of Large Hematomas.
AB  - Intra- and extra-muscular hematomas result from repetitive injury as well as
      sharp and blunt limb trauma. The clinical consequences can be serious, including
      debilitating pain and functional deficit. There are currently no short-term
      treatment options for large hematomas, only lengthy conservative treatment. The
      goal of this work was to evaluate the feasibility of a high intensity focused
      ultrasound (HIFU)-based technique, termed histotripsy, for rapid (within a
      clinically relevant timeframe of 15-20 min) liquefaction of large volume (up to
      20 mL) extra-vascular hematomas for subsequent fine-needle aspiration.
      Experiments were performed using in vitro extravascular hematoma phantoms-fresh
      bovine blood poured into 50 mL molds and allowed to clot. The resulting phantoms
      were treated by boiling histotripsy (BH), cavitation histotripsy (CH) or a
      combination in a degassed water tank under ultrasound guidance. Two different
      transducers operating at 1 MHz and 1.5 MHz with f-number = 1 were used. The
      liquefied lysate was aspirated and analyzed by histology and sized in a Coulter
      Counter. The peak instantaneous power to achieve BH was lower than (at 1.5 MHz)
      or equal to (at 1 MHz) that which was required to initiate CH. Under the same
      exposure duration, BH-induced cavities were one and a half to two times larger
      than the CH-induced cavities, but the CH-induced cavities were more regularly
      shaped, facilitating easier aspiration. The lysates contained a small amount of
      debris larger than 70 MUm, and 99% of particulates were smaller than 10 MUm. A
      combination treatment of BH (for initial debulking) and CH (for liquefaction of
      small residual fragments) yielded 20 mL of lysate within 17.5 minutes of
      treatment and was found to be most optimal for liquefaction of large
      extravascular hematomas.

PMID- 27126245
TI  - Feasibility Study of Texture Analysis Using Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography to
      Predict Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules.
AB  - Textural analysis of ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) was evaluated to
      discriminate benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Sixteen papillary thyroid
      cancers and 89 benign hyperplastic nodules in 105 patients underwent SWE using
      four static pre-compression levels. Fifteen gray level co-occurrence matrix
      textural features and six absolute SWE indices were computed from SWE images.
      Diagnostic performances of each SWE index for malignancy were calculated and
      compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC),
      and optimal models were generated at each pre-compression level. The optimal
      model comprised two SWE textural features at the highest pre-compression level,
      which attained AUC, sensitivity and specificity of 0.973, 97.5% and 90.0%,
      respectively. By comparison, absolute SWE indices attained AUC of 0.709 as well
      as 18.8% sensitivity and 95.8% specificity. These preliminary results suggest SWE
      textural analysis can distinguish benign and malignant thyroid nodules and SWE
      spatial heterogeneity is greater in malignant nodules.

PMID- 27126246
TI  - MUL1-A new potential for a therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease a
      commentary on "MUL1 acts in parallel to the PINK1/parkin pathway in regulating
      mitofusin and compensates for loss of PINK1/parkin" by Yun and colleagues (eLife
      2014; 3: 1-26).

PMID- 27126247
TI  - Synthesis, Thermal Properties, and Thermoresponsive Behaviors of Cyclic Poly(2
      (dimethylamino)ethyl Methacrylate)s.
AB  - This study aims at physicochemical properties of thermo- and pH/CO2 -responsive
      cyclic homopolymers. Three examples of cyclic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl
      methacrylate)s (PDMAs) are synthesized by combining the reversible addition
      fragmentation chain transfer process and the Diels-Alder ring-closure reaction.
      After cyclization, the glass transition temperature significantly increases
      (DeltaTg = 51.8-59.7  degrees C) due to the different configurational entropy and
      end groups, and the maximum decomposition temperature to lose the pendent groups
      is drastically decreased from 309 to 278  degrees C. Effects of polymerization
      degree, polymer concentration, additive of NaCl, and pH/CO2 on lower critical
      solution temperature behaviors of PDMA aqueous solutions are investigated. The
      cloud points (Tc ) of ring PDMAs are usually higher than their linear precursors,
      and the DeltaTc values obtained under a fixed condition can reach up to 20.7 
      degrees C, revealing the crucial role of the topology effect. This study paves
      the way for unique properties and applications of smart cyclic polymers and their
      derivatives. 

PMID- 27126248
TI  - In vivo functional connectome of human brainstem nuclei of the ascending arousal,
      autonomic, and motor systems by high spatial resolution 7-Tesla fMRI.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to map the in vivo human functional connectivity of
      several brainstem nuclei with the rest of the brain by using seed-based
      correlation of ultra-high magnetic field functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI) data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the recently developed template of 11
      brainstem nuclei derived from multi-contrast structural MRI at 7 Tesla as seed
      regions to determine their connectivity to the rest of the brain. To achieve
      this, we used the increased contrast-to-noise ratio of 7-Tesla fMRI compared with
      3 Tesla and time-efficient simultaneous multi-slice imaging to cover the brain
      with high spatial resolution (1.1-mm isotropic nominal resolution) while
      maintaining a short repetition time (2.5 s). RESULTS: The delineated Pearson's
      correlation-based functional connectivity diagrams (connectomes) of 11 brainstem
      nuclei of the ascending arousal, motor, and autonomic systems from 12 controls
      are presented and discussed in the context of existing histology and animal work.
      CONCLUSION: Considering that the investigated brainstem nuclei play a crucial
      role in several vital functions, the delineated preliminary connectomes might
      prove useful for future in vivo research and clinical studies of human brainstem
      function and pathology, including disorders of consciousness, sleep disorders,
      autonomic disorders, Parkinson's disease, and other motor disorders.

PMID- 27126249
TI  - [Insulitis in type 1 diabetes].
AB  - Insulitis is considered to be the key morphological lesion of type 1 diabetes
      mellitus (T1DM) for which the diagnostic criteria were recently defined. From the
      immunophenotype of the lymphocytic infiltration, its frequency and extent during
      the course of T1DM and the presence of autoantibodies against beta cell proteins,
      it has been deduced that T1DM is a chronic autoimmune disease leading to gradual
      destruction of the insulin-producing cells of the islets of Langerhans in the
      pancreas, profound insulin deficiency and chronic hyperglycemia. This review
      article presents the morphological findings that support this hypothesis and
      addresses questions that need to be answered in order to further clarify the
      pathogenesis and to develop specific treatment options. 

PMID- 27126250
TI  - Quantitative blood flow velocity imaging using laser speckle flowmetry.
AB  - Laser speckle flowmetry suffers from a debated quantification of the inverse
      relation between decorrelation time (tauc) and blood flow velocity (V), i.e.
      1/tauc = alphaV. Using a modified microcirculation imager (integrated sidestream
      dark field - laser speckle contrast imaging [SDF-LSCI]), we experimentally
      investigate on the influence of the optical properties of scatterers on alpha in
      vitro and in vivo. We found a good agreement to theoretical predictions within
      certain limits for scatterer size and multiple scattering. We present a practical
      model-based scaling factor to correct for multiple scattering in microcirculatory
      vessels. Our results show that SDF-LSCI offers a quantitative measure of flow
      velocity in addition to vessel morphology, enabling the quantification of the
      clinically relevant blood flow, velocity and tissue perfusion.

PMID- 27126251
TI  - Descriptions of Anaerotaenia torta gen. nov., sp. nov. and Anaerocolumna
      cellulosilytica gen. nov., sp. nov. isolated from a methanogenic reactor of
      cattle waste and reclassification of Clostridium aminovalericum, Clostridium
      jejuense and Clostridium xylanovorans as Anaerocolumna species.
AB  - Strictly anaerobic bacterial strains (FH052T and SN021T) belonging to clostridial
      cluster XIVa were isolated from a methanogenic reactor. Cells of the two strains
      were Gram-stain-positive, slender or curved rods producing terminal spores. The
      strains were slightly alkaliphilic. They fermented various carbohydrates
      including xylan and produced acetate, ethanol and H2. Strain SN021T decomposed
      cellulose. The genomic DNA G+C contents were 47.2 mol% for strain FH052T and 38.1
      mol% for strain SN021T. The two strains had common cellular fatty acids such as
      C16 : 0, C16 : 0 dimethylacetal and C18 : 1omega7c dimethylacetal as major
      components. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the two strains was 94.3 %
      and they shared closely related species such as Clostridium jejuense, Clostridium
      xylanovorans and Clostridium aminovalericum (92.6-95.7 % sequence similarity).
      Phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses suggested that these two isolates should be
      assigned to novel genera other than the genus Clostridium, and thus the genera
      Anaerotaenia gen. nov. and Anaerocolumna gen. nov. in the family Lachnospiraceae
      were proposed to accommodate them as Anaerotaenia torta gen. nov., sp. nov. for
      strain FH052T (=JCM 30820T=DSM 100431T) and Anaerocolumna cellulosilytica gen.
      nov., sp. nov. for strain SN021T (=JCM 30819T=DSM 100423T). For the three related
      Clostridium species, Anaerocolumna aminovalerica DSM 1283T (=JCM 11016T=ATCC
      13725T) comb. nov., Anaerocolumna jejuensis HY-35-12T (=DSM 15929T=KCTC 5026T)
      comb. nov. and Anaerocolumna xylanovoransstrain HESP1T (=DSM 12503T=JCM 31057T)
      comb. nov. are proposed with emended descriptions of these species. 

PMID- 27126252
TI  - A New Method for Endoscopic Sampling of Submucosal Tissue in the Gastrointestinal
      Tract: A Comparison of the Biopsy Forceps and a New Drill Instrument.
AB  - Background Sampling of submucosal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract through a
      flexible endoscope is a well-recognized clinical problem. One technique often
      used is endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration, but it does not
      provide solid tissue biopsies with preserved architecture for histopathological
      evaluation. To obtain solid tissue biopsies from submucosal lesions, we have
      constructed a new endoscopic biopsy tool and compared it in a crossover study
      with the standard double cupped forceps. Methods Ten patients with endoscopically
      verified submucosal lesions were sampled. The endoscopist selected the position
      for the biopsies and used the instrument selected by randomization. After a
      biopsy was harvested, the endoscopist chose the next site for a biopsy and again
      used the instrument picked by randomization. A total of 6 biopsies, 3 with the
      forceps and 3 with the drill instrument, were collected in every patient. Results
      The drill instrument resulted in larger total size biopsies (mm2; Mann-Whitney U
      test, P = .048) and larger submucosal part (%) of the biopsies (Mann-Whitney U
      test, P = .003) than the forceps. Two patients were observed because of chest
      pain and suspicion of bleeding in 24 hours. No therapeutic measures were
      necessary to be taken. Conclusion The new drill instrument for flexible endoscopy
      can safely deliver submucosal tissue samples from submucosal lesions in the upper
      gastrointestinal tract.

PMID- 27126253
TI  - Alexandros Zaoussis, MD, PhD (1923-2005): An Orthopedic Surgeon and Historian and
      His Contribution to the Establishment of Hip Surgery.
AB  - The purpose of our study was to summarize all the knowledge concerning the
      innovative pioneer in the field of orthopedic surgery and especially hip
      replacement, Alexandros Zaoussis (1923-2005). He was a pioneer in hip
      replacement, and he contributed to several fields of orthopedic surgery with his
      clinical work and his international publications. He was also an eminent
      historian of World War II and of the Greek Resistance to the Nazi occupation in
      which he played a significant part. A thorough study of texts, medical books, and
      reports in the field of history of medicine, together with a review of the
      available literature in PubMed, was undertaken. He was an eminent clinical
      director of orthopedics who had significant contribution in teaching, practicing,
      and expanding the horizons of orthopedic surgery in the 20th century. A thorough
      review of medical texts, books, and publications in the Greek academic press was
      undertaken to summarize his contributions and his turbulent life to commemorate
      the 10th anniversary of his death. 

PMID- 27126254
TI  - Biocompatibility versus peritoneal mesothelial cells of polypropylene prostheses
      for hernia repair, coated with a thin silica/silver layer.
AB  - Hernias are generally repaired using synthetic prostheses. Infection may already
      be present or develop during implantation. Based on the increasing resistance to
      antibiotics, and the well-known antimicrobial properties of silver (Ag), the
      possibility of coating hernia prostheses with a nanostructured layer containing
      Ag was explored. Prostheses (Clear Mesh Composite [CMC]) made up of two
      polypropylene layers (macroporous light mesh and thin transparent film) were
      tested with human mesothelial cells from omentum biopsies. Mesotheliocytes
      modulate abdominal wall healing producing cytokines, growth factors, and adhesion
      molecules. Evaluating the growth of these cells on CMC or film alone showed that
      cell numbers on CMC increased over time, and were higher than those on film
      alone. Vimentin immunostaining confirmed the cells to be mesotheliocytes.
      Subsequently, the biocompatibility of mesh layer, coated or not with a thin layer
      of Ag/SiO2 -nanoclusters, was analyzed, showing no difference in absence or
      presence of Ag/SiO2 . Differently, TGF-beta2 production, involved in tissue
      repair and fibrosis, increased in the presence of Ag/SiO2 . Moreover, Ag/SiO2 
      coated mesh showed antibacterial properties. In conclusion, the mesh layer coated
      with Ag/SiO2 afforded cell growth, and showed antibacterial activity. Coating
      only the mesh layer did not decrease film transparency, and did not favor the
      formation of adhesions on the visceral side. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J
      Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1586-1593, 2017.

PMID- 27126261
TI  - Chlamydia trachomatis serovar G infection in a bisexual male with urethritis.
AB  - We report a case of Chlamydia trachomatis serovar G urogenital tract infection in
      a 33-year-old human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) seropositive Indian bisexual
      male. This case highlights the emergence of a new serovar in India. The patient
      was tested positive for C. trachomatis by both cryptic plasmid and omp A gene
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR). On further characterization using polymerase
      chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and omp A
      gene sequencing, the strain was found to be C. trachomatis serovar G. His spouse
      was also found to be infected with C. trachomatis serovar G. Phylogenetic
      analysis was performed on the clinical isolates obtained from both partners and
      were found to be identical to the isolates available in GenBank. The sexual
      network could not be traced further. Detection of a new genotype suggests
      importation of a new strain into the population probably by sexual contact with a
      person from a geographical area where the strain is common. Identifying
      circulating genotypes in the community can assist in developing strategies for
      improved sexually transmitted disease control. 

PMID- 27126264
TI  - [Rationale, design and methodology of physical attributes identification of the
      fear of falling syndrome (FISTAC study)].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to identify the physical determining
      factors of the Fear of Falling Syndrome (FoF) in older adults with a history of
      falls. METHODS: An observational study was conducted on 183 subjects older than
      64 years with a fall in the previous year, with data collected from the
      geriatrics outpatient clinic of the Complejo Hospitalario Universitario from
      Albacete, Spain. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data, as well as
      comorbidity, drugs usually taken, functional status, physical function, frailty,
      cognitive and affective status were collected. Muscle mass was measured using
      bioimpedancy meter (BIA), and densitometry (DXA), strength with digital hand-held
      JAMAR dynamometer and with a Leg-press machine, muscle potency with a T-Force
      instrument, gait variability with the Gait-Rite instrument, and postural
      stability with the Neurocom Balance Master posturograph were also determined. An
      analysis was performed to determine if the FoF is associated with physical
      impairments adjusted for the study covariates. RESULTS: The study included 140
      subjects with FoF, and 43 without it. The mean age was 78.4 years, and 147 were
      women. Posturography could be measured in 182 participants, DXA in 117, BIA in
      165, and muscle potency in 146. FoF was associated with female sex, frailty,
      depressed mood, social risk, muscle strength and power, physical function, number
      of drugs used, and orthostatic hypotension in the overall sample. After adjusting
      for sex, only frailty, depressed mood, and number of drugs remained associated.
      CONCLUSIONS: Rationale, design, and methods of the FISTAC study are presented.

PMID- 27126265
TI  - SPM-1 metallo-beta-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST277 in the UK.

PMID- 27126266
TI  - Impact of AP@LZ in the daily life of three persons with Alzheimer's disease: long
      term use and further exploration of its effectiveness.
AB  - AP@LZ is an electronic organiser that was designed to support the day-to-day
      activities of persons with Alzheimer's disease. To assess the potential of this
      technology, three participants (NI, JB, RD) were approached to take part in the
      study. They benefited from a structured cognitive intervention to learn how to
      operate AP@LZ; the intervention included the following learning stages:
      Acquisition, Application and Adaptation. Pre- and post-intervention measures were
      collected. NI, for whom a longitudinal study was conducted, still continued to
      use AP@LZ 24 months post-intervention. JB and RD also showed a gradual
      improvement in their performance throughout the intervention phase (sessions 1 to
      19 for JB: performance increased from 50 to 100%; sessions 1 to 25 for RD: from
      56 to 89%). The results of the use of AP@LZ in activities of daily living suggest
      that the application was beneficial for three persons with Alzheimer's disease
      whose profiles differed notably (age, cognitive and social profiles). Thus,
      results indicate that they were all able to learn how to operate AP@LZ's
      functions and to use them in their activities of daily living. Cognitive
      intervention appears to play an important role for the promotion of learning and
      adoption of such technology.

PMID- 27126267
TI  - Elevation of plasma-soluble HLA-G in childhood nephrotic syndrome is associated
      with IgE.
AB  - Background Nephrotic syndrome is related to immune system dysfunction. Soluble
      human leukocyte antigen-G has been suggested to have an immunomodulatory role.
      Additionally, human leukocyte antigen-G expression may be influenced by the 14
      base pair insertion/deletion polymorphism. However, this molecule has not been
      investigated in nephrotic syndrome. Methods Fifty-five children with nephrotic
      syndrome were enrolled: 24 primary nephrotic syndrome patients and 31 recurrent
      nephrotic syndrome patients. A group of 120 healthy subjects were included as
      reference controls. Additionally, 22 patients in nephrotic syndrome remission
      after treatments were also included. Both nephrotic syndrome patients and healthy
      subjects were genotyped for the 14-base pair insertion/deletion polymorphism.
      Plasma soluble human leukocyte antigen-G concentrations and serum immunoglobulin
      concentrations were determined. Results Nephrotic syndrome patients showed
      significantly higher levels of both soluble human leukocyte antigen-G and
      immunoglobulin E compared to normal controls. Nephrotic syndrome patients
      presented a higher frequency of the -14-base pair allele than did normal
      controls. Soluble human leukocyte antigen-G concentrations in remission patients
      were dramatically lower compared to in nephrotic syndrome patients. Moreover,
      soluble human leukocyte antigen-G and immunoglobulin E were moderately correlated
      in nephrotic syndrome patients. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that
      plasma soluble human leukocyte antigen-G concentrations were significantly
      elevated and that a relationship between serum total immunoglobulin E in
      nephrotic syndrome patients and the human leukocyte antigen-G -14-base pair
      allele may be a risk factor for nephrotic syndrome. These findings suggest that
      soluble human leukocyte antigen-G may be used as a monitoring marker for
      nephrotic syndrome patients' condition.

PMID- 27126268
TI  - Thyroxine replacement: a clinical endocrinologist's viewpoint.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism affects 2-5% of the general population. Patients with
      uncorrected disease suffer significant morbidity and have an increased risk of
      cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive impairment. Levothyroxine, the
      treatment of choice, is inexpensive, easy to administer and in most cases
      restores well-being while normalizing thyroid function. However, 30-50% of
      individuals on levothyroxine are either over-treated or under-treated and others
      remain dissatisfied with treatment despite achieving thyroid hormone
      concentrations within the laboratory reference interval. METHODS: This review is
      based on a systematic search of the literature for controlled trials, systematic
      reviews, guideline papers and cohort studies addressing best practice in thyroid
      hormone replacement. RESULTS: Recent decades have seen improvements in patient
      management strategies driven by a better appreciation of levothyroxine
      pharmacokinetics. However, aspects of therapy such as the optimal timing of
      medication, strategies to overcome treatment non-adherence and target thyroid
      stimulating hormone concentrations in pregnancy and in patients with
      differentiated thyroid cancer remain challenging. Furthermore, there is now a
      substantial body of literature on common genetic variations in the deiodinases
      and thyroid hormone transporters and their role in the local regulation of
      thyroid hormone delivery. The benefits of combination therapy with liothyronine
      and levothyroxine are uncertain, and while it is theoretically probable that
      subsets of genetically predisposed individuals will benefit from combination
      therapy the existing evidence is as yet limited. CONCLUSION: Despite the
      availability of thyroid hormone replacement for more than a century, there are
      still substantial challenges in practice and opportunities to improve treatment
      outcomes.

PMID- 27126271
TI  - Regioselective construction of diverse and multifunctionalized 2
      hydroxybenzophenones for sun protection by indium(iii)-catalyzed benzannulation.
AB  - Diverse and functionalized 2-hydroxybenzophenone derivatives were synthesized
      efficiently in good to excellent yield via the highly regioselective indium(iii)
      catalyzed [2+2+2] benzannulation of 3-formylchromones with beta-enamino esters or
      beta-enamino ketones. This benzannulation reaction proceeds via a domino
      Michael/retro-Michael/6pi-electrocyclization/deformylation reaction. In addition,
      2-hydroxybenzophenones were also prepared by the indium(iii)-catalyzed [4+2]
      benzannulation reaction between 3-substituted chromen-4-ones and beta-enamino
      esters or beta-enamino ketones. Furthermore, the effects of substituents and pi
      conjugation on the characteristics of the UV-Vis spectrum of synthesized 2
      hydroxybenzophenones were examined. Compound 10s exhibited higher sun protection
      activity than oxybenzone which is used in most popular sunscreens. 

PMID- 27126269
TI  - Serum microRNA-135a-5p as an auxiliary diagnostic biomarker for colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - Objective The purpose of this study was to explore serum miR-135a-5p expression
      in colorectal cancer and examine the potential usefulness of this molecule as a
      biomarker for diagnosis in colorectal cancer. Methods Serum samples were
      collected from 60 patients with primary colorectal cancer, 40 patients with
      colorectal polyps and 50 healthy controls. Serum miR-135a-5p expression levels
      were detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate
      antigen 199 concentrations were detected by MODULAR ANALYTICS E170. Results The
      relative expression level of serum miR-135a-5p in colorectal cancer patients,
      colorectal polyps patients and healthy controls was 2.451 (1.107, 4.413), 0.946
      (0.401, 1.942) and 0.949 (0.194, 1.415), respectively, indicating that it was
      significantly higher in colorectal cancer patients than that in the other two
      groups ( U = 351.0, 313.0, both P < 0.001). Additionally, it was significantly
      correlated with different degrees of tumour differentiation ( U = 215.0, P =
      0.029) and different tumour stages ( U = 202.0, P = 0.013). There was no
      significant correlation between the relative expression of serum miR-135a-5p and
      carcinoembryonic antigen ( r2 = 0.023, P = 0.293) or carbohydrate antigen 199 (
      r2 = 0.067, P = 0.068) in colorectal cancer patients. Compared with colorectal
      polyps group, AUCROC of serum miR-135a-5p in colorectal cancer group was 0.832
      with 95% CI 0.73-0.93; compared with healthy control group, AUCROC was 0.875 with
      95% CI 0.80-0.95. Conclusion Serum miR-135a-5p expression in colorectal cancer
      patients was higher than that in patients with colorectal polyps and healthy
      controls, suggesting that serum miR-135a-5p may prove to be an important
      biomarker for auxiliary diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27126270
TI  - Highly sensitive stool DNA testing of Fusobacterium nucleatum as a marker for
      detection of colorectal tumours in a Japanese population.
AB  - Background Accumulating evidence shows an over-abundance of Fusobacterium
      nucleatum in colorectal tumour tissues. Although stool DNA testing of
      Fusobacterium nucleatum might be a potential marker for the detection of
      colorectal tumours, the difficulty in detecting Fusobacterium nucleatum in stool
      by conventional methods prevented further explorations. Therefore, we developed a
      droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for detecting Fusobacterium
      nucleatum in stool and investigated its clinical utility in the management of
      colorectal tumours in a Japanese population. Methods Feces were collected from 60
      healthy subjects (control group) and from 11 patients with colorectal non
      advanced adenomas (non-advanced adenoma group), 19 patients with colorectal
      advanced adenoma/carcinoma in situ (advanced adenoma/carcinoma in situ (CIS)
      group) and 158 patients with colorectal cancer of stages I to IV (colorectal
      cancer group). Absolute copy numbers of Fusobacterium nucleatum were measured by
      droplet digital PCR. Results The median copy number of Fusobacterium nucleatum
      was 17.5 in the control group, 311 in the non-advanced adenoma group, 122 in the
      advanced adenoma/CIS group, and 317 in the colorectal cancer group. In comparison
      with that in the control group, the Fusobacterium nucleatum level was
      significantly higher in the non-advanced adenoma group, the advanced adenoma/CIS
      group and the colorectal cancer group. Conclusions This study illustrates the
      potential of stool DNA testing of Fusobacterium nucleatum by droplet digital PCR
      to detect individuals with colorectal tumours in a Japanese population.

PMID- 27126272
TI  - Establishing herd immunity against Ebola through vaccination.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In response to recent concern regarding Ebola outbreaks, this study
      aims to (1) determine the relationship between vaccination coverage and herd
      immunity, (2) determine the vaccination coverage necessary to establish herd
      immunity for previous Ebola viruses, and (3) recommend vaccination coverage
      thresholds for future Ebola viruses. METHODS: Herd immunity thresholds needed to
      block transmission of Ebola virus were determined using vaccine efficacy and
      number of secondary cases per infected case during an entire infectious period.
      RESULTS: In past Ebola outbreaks 42.2-63.0% of the population would need to be
      vaccinated in order to prevent transmission and outbreaks. Assuming 80% vaccine
      efficacy as reported by phase I clinical trials, 52.7-78.7% of the population
      would require vaccination coverage in order to establish herd immunity. In recent
      ring vaccination trials which considered the vaccine to be 100% effective after
      10 days, 42.2-63.0% of the population would need to be vaccinated. CONCLUSION:
      For future Ebola outbreaks, the spread of the virus can be prevented by
      vaccinating certain percentages of the population depending on vaccine efficacy
      and number of secondary cases per infected case.

PMID- 27126273
TI  - Design, synthesis, and in vitro evaluation of a fluorescently labeled
      irreversible inhibitor of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase
      (PKACalpha).
AB  - The design and development of irreversible kinase inhibitors is an expanding
      frontier of kinase drug discovery. The current approach to develop these
      inhibitors utilizes ATP-competitive inhibitor scaffolds to target non-catalytic
      cysteines in the kinase ATP-binding site. However, this approach is limited as
      not all kinases have a cysteine in the ATP-binding site that can be targeted. In
      this work, we report a complementary approach to developing irreversible kinase
      inhibitors that utilizes the substrate-binding site. Using the catalytic subunit
      of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKACalpha) as a model system, we have designed
      and synthesized an irreversible inhibitor based on the substrate-competitive
      inhibitor scaffold PKI(14-22) that covalently modifies non-catalytic Cys199 in
      the PKACalpha substrate-binding site. The new compound inhibits PKACalpha (IC50 =
      11.8 +/- 1.1 nM), is ~100-fold selective for PKACalpha in a kinase panel, and
      covalently labels the kinase as demonstrated by fluorescence, mass spectrometry,
      and kinetics experiments. This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing
      this new approach to develop irreversible inhibitors for any of the eighty-nine
      kinases that possess a similar non-catalytic cysteine in their substrate-binding
      sites. 

PMID- 27126274
TI  - Converging flow and anisotropy cause large-scale folding in Greenland's ice
      sheet.
AB  - The increasing catalogue of high-quality ice-penetrating radar data provides a
      unique insight in the internal layering architecture of the Greenland ice sheet.
      The stratigraphy, an indicator of past deformation, highlights irregularities in
      ice flow and reveals large perturbations without obvious links to bedrock shape.
      In this work, to establish a new conceptual model for the formation process, we
      analysed the radar data at the onset of the Petermann Glacier, North Greenland,
      and created a three-dimensional model of several distinct stratigraphic layers.
      We demonstrate that the dominant structures are cylindrical folds sub-parallel to
      the ice flow. By numerical modelling, we show that these folds can be formed by
      lateral compression of mechanically anisotropic ice, while a general viscosity
      contrast between layers would not lead to folding for the same boundary
      conditions. We conclude that the folds primarily form by converging flow as the
      mechanically anisotropic ice is channelled towards the glacier. 

PMID- 27126276
TI  - LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY LEADERS' PERSPECTIVES ON CHILD HEALTH AND
      MORTALITY AND INEQUITY ISSUES IN RURAL EASTERN INDONESIA.
AB  - Since 2001 a decentralization policy has increased the responsibility placed on
      local government for improving child health in Indonesia. This paper explores
      local government and community leaders' perspectives on child health in a rural
      district in Indonesia, using a qualitative approach. Focus group discussions were
      held in May 2013. The issues probed relate to health personnel skills and
      motivation, service availability, the influence of traditional beliefs, and
      health care and gender inequity. The participants identify weak leadership,
      inefficient health management and inadequate child health budgets as important
      issues. The lack of health staff in rural areas is seen as the reason for
      promoting the use of traditional birth attendants. Midwifery graduates and
      village midwives are perceived as lacking motivation to work in rural areas. Some
      local traditions are seen as detrimental to child health. Husbands provide little
      support to their wives. These results highlight the need for a harmonization and
      alignment of the efforts of local government agencies and local community leaders
      to address child health care and gender inequity issues.

PMID- 27126277
TI  - Personalized intensification of insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes - does a basal
      bolus regimen suit all patients?
AB  - Many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) require insulin therapy. If
      basal insulin fails to achieve glycemic control, insulin intensification is one
      possible treatment intensification strategy. We summarized clinical data from
      randomized clinical trials designed to compare the efficacy and safety of basal
      bolus and premixed insulin intensification regimens. We defined a between-group
      difference of >=0.3% in end-of-study glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) as clinically
      meaningful. A PubMed database search supplemented by author-identified papers
      yielded 15 trials which met selection criteria: randomized design, patients with
      T2DM receiving basal-bolus (bolus injection <=3 times/day) vs. premixed (<=3
      injections/day) insulin regimens, primary/major endpoint(s) HbA1c- and/or
      hypoglycemia-related, and trial duration >=12 weeks. Glycemic control improved
      with both basal-bolus and premixed insulin regimens with - in most cases -
      acceptable levels of weight gain and hypoglycemia. A clinically meaningful
      difference between regimens in glycemic control was recorded in only four
      comparisons, all of which favored basal-bolus therapy. The incidence of
      hypoglycemia was significantly different between regimens in only three
      comparisons, one of which favored premixed insulin and two basal-bolus therapy.
      Of the four trials that reported a significant difference between regimens in
      bodyweight change, two favored basal-bolus therapy and two favored premixed
      insulin. Thus, on a population level, neither basal-bolus therapy nor premixed
      insulin showed a consistent advantage in terms of glycemic control, hypoglycemic
      risk, or bodyweight gain. It is therefore recommended that clinicians should
      adopt an individualized approach to insulin intensification - taking into account
      the benefits and risks of each treatment approach and the attitude and
      preferences of each patient - in the knowledge that both basal-bolus and premixed
      regimens may be successful.

PMID- 27126279
TI  - Corrigendum to "Driver views on speed and enforcement" [Accid. Anal. Prev. 89
      (April) (2016) 9-21].

PMID- 27126275
TI  - Retinal glial responses to optic nerve crush are attenuated in Bax-deficient mice
      and modulated by purinergic signaling pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) soma death is a consequence of optic
      nerve damage, including in optic neuropathies like glaucoma. The activation of
      the innate immune network in the retina after nerve damage has been linked to RGC
      pathology. Since the eye is immune privileged, innate immune functions are the
      responsibility of the glia, specifically the microglia, astrocytes, and Muller
      cells that populate the retina. Glial activation, leading to the production of
      inflammatory cytokines, is a hallmark feature of retinal injury resulting from
      optic nerve damage and purported to elicit secondary degeneration of RGC somas.
      METHODS: A mouse model of optic nerve crush (ONC) was used to study retinal glial
      activation responses. RGC apoptosis was blocked using Bax-deficient mice. Glial
      activation responses were monitored by quantitative PCR and immunofluorescent
      labeling in retinal sections of activation markers. ATP signaling pathways were
      interrogated using P2X receptor agonists and antagonists and Pannexin 1 (Panx1)
      deficient mice with RGC-specific deletion. RESULTS: ONC induced activation of
      both macroglia and microglia in the retina, and both these responses were
      dramatically muted if RGC death was blocked by deletion of the Bax gene.
      Macroglial, but not microglial, activation was modulated by purinergic receptor
      activation. Release of ATP after optic nerve damage was not mediated by PANX1
      channels in RGCs. CONCLUSIONS: RGC death in response to ONC plays a principal
      stimulatory role in the retinal glial activation response.

PMID- 27126278
TI  - Distinct neuroplasticity processes are induced by different periods of acrobatic
      exercise training.
AB  - Short and long-term physical exercise induce physiological and structural changes
      in brain motor areas. The relationship between changes of structural and synaptic
      proteins in brain motor areas and acrobatic exercise is less understood. Our aim
      was to evaluate the expression of synapsin I (SYS), synaptophysin (SYP),
      microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), neurofilament (NF), and a marker for
      recent neuronal activity (Egr-1) in the motor cortex, striatum and cerebellum of
      adult rats subjected to acrobatic exercise (AE, for 1-4 weeks). We used adult
      Wistar rats, divided into 4 groups based on duration of acrobatic training,
      namely 1 week (AE1, n=15), 2 weeks (AE2, n=15), 4 weeks (AE4, n=15), and
      sedentary (SED, n=15). In AE groups, the rats covered 5 times a circuit that was
      composed of obstacles, three times a week. The protein levels were analyzed by
      immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The results revealed that short-term AE
      (AE1 and AE2) induced MAP2 decreases and NF, SYP and Egr-1 increases in the motor
      cortex; an increase of MAP2, SYS and SYP in the dorsolateral striatum, whereas
      the dorsomedial striatum showed increased NF, SYS, SYP and Egr-1. Granular
      cerebellar layer showed increased NF and Egr-1, with increased NF and SYP in the
      molecular layer. Long-term AE (AE4) promoted an increase of MAP2, SYP and Egr-1
      in motor cortex; MAP2, SYS and SYP in the dorsomedial striatum; and NF and Egr-1
      in the cerebellar granular layer. In conclusion, our data suggest that different
      durations of AE induce distinct plastic responses among distinct cortical and
      subcortical circuits.

PMID- 27126280
TI  - Bufexamac ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice by targeting LTA4H.
AB  - Neutrophils play an important role in the occurrence and development of acute
      lung injury (ALI). Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), a hydrolysis product of epoxide
      leukotriene A4 (LTA4) catalyzed by LTA4 hydrolase (LTA4H), is one of the most
      potent chemoattractants for neutrophil. Bufexamac is a drug widely used as an
      anti-inflammatory agent on the skin, however, the mechanism of action is still
      not fully understood. In this study, we found bufexamac was capable of
      specifically inhibiting LTA4H enzymatic activity and revealed the mode of
      interaction of bufexamac and LTA4H using X-ray crystallography. Moreover,
      bufexamac significantly prevented the production of LTB4 in neutrophil and
      inhibited the fMLP-induced neutrophil migration through inhibition of LTA4H.
      Finally, bufexamac significantly attenuated lung inflammation as reflected by
      reduced LTB4 levels and weakened neutrophil infiltration in bronchoalveolar
      lavage fluid from a lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI mouse model. In summary, our
      study indicates that bufexamac acts as an inhibitor of LTB4 biosynthesis and may
      have potential clinical applications for the treatment of ALI.

PMID- 27126281
TI  - User acceptance of observation and response charts with a track and trigger
      system: a multisite staff survey.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine user acceptance with a new format of charts for
      recording observations and as a prompt for responding to episodes of clinical
      deterioration in adult medical-surgical patients. BACKGROUND: Improving
      recognition and response to clinical deterioration remains a challenge for acute
      healthcare institutions globally. Five chart templates were developed in
      Australia, combining human factors design principles with a track and trigger
      system for escalation of care. Two chart templates were previously tested in
      simulations, but none had been evaluated in clinical practice. DESIGN:
      Prospective multisite survey of user acceptance of the charts in practice.
      METHODS: New observation and response charts were trialled in parallel with
      existing charts for 24 hours across 36 adult acute medical-surgical wards,
      covering 108 shifts, in five Australian states. Surveys were completed by 477
      staff respondents, with open-ended comments and narrative from short informal
      feedback groups providing elaboration and context of user experiences. RESULTS:
      Respondents were broadly supportive of the chart format and content for
      monitoring patients, and as a prompt for escalating care. Some concerns were
      noted for chart size and style, use of ranges to graph vital signs and with
      specific human factors design features. Information and training issues were
      identified to improve usability and adherence to chart guidelines and to support
      improved detection and response for patients with clinical deterioration.
      CONCLUSIONS: This initial evaluation demonstrated that the charts were perceived
      as appropriate for documenting observations and as a prompt to detect clinical
      deterioration. Further evaluation after some minor modifications to the chart is
      recommended. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Explicit training on the principles
      and rationale of human factors chart design, use of embedded change management
      strategies and addressing practical issues will improve authentic engagement,
      staff acceptance and adoption by all clinical users when implementing a similar
      observation and response chart into practice.

PMID- 27126282
TI  - Treating Hemodynamic Congestion Is the Key to Prevent Heart Failure
      Hospitalizations.

PMID- 27126283
TI  - Digoxin for Worsening Chronic Heart Failure: Underutilized and Underrated.

PMID- 27126284
TI  - The Search for a Crystal Ball to Predict Early Recovery From Peripartum
      Cardiomyopathy?

PMID- 27126285
TI  - What Is the Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients With Principal and
      Secondary Takotsubo Syndrome?

PMID- 27126286
TI  - Reply: What Is the Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients With Principal and
      Secondary Takotsubo Syndrome?

PMID- 27126287
TI  - Why do we love to hate ourselves?

PMID- 27126288
TI  - Erratum: Computerised prescribing for safer medication ordering: still a work in
      progress.

PMID- 27126289
TI  - Noradrenaline effects on social behaviour, intergroup relations, and moral
      decisions.
AB  - Recent research has begun to elucidate the neural basis of higher order social
      concepts, such as the mechanisms involved in intergroup relations, and moral
      judgments. Most theories have concentrated on higher order emotions, such as
      guilt, shame, or empathy, as core mechanisms. Accordingly, psychopharmacological
      and neurobiological studies have investigated the effects of manipulating
      serotonin or oxytocin activity on moral and social decisions and attitudes.
      However, recently it has been determined that changes in more basic emotions,
      such as fear and anger, might also have a significant role in social and moral
      cognition. This article summarizes psychopharmacological and fMRI research on the
      role of noradrenaline in higher order social cognition suggesting that indeed
      noradrenergic mediated affective changes might play key - and probably causal -
      role in certain social attitudes and moral judgments. Social judgments may also
      be directly influenced by numerous neurotransmitter manipulations but these
      effects could be mediated by modulation of basic emotions which appear to play an
      essential role in the formation of social concepts and moral behaviour.

PMID- 27126291
TI  - [Influence of hearing aids on monosyllabic test score and subjective everyday
      hearing].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pure tone and speech audiometry are essential methods for examining
      the indication for hearing aids, as well as for hearing aid evaluation.
      Additionally, the subjective benefit of hearing aids has to be evaluated with
      appropriate questionnaires. The aim of the present study was to investigate the
      correlation between speech audiometry data and the results of a simple and user
      friendly questionnaire, as well as to provide normative data for subjective
      benefit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 136 hearing aid users with bilateral
      sensorineural hearing loss were analyzed retrospectively. Pure tone thresholds
      and Freiburg monosyllabic speech perception in the binaural situation were
      measured at 65 dB in quiet and in noise (signal-to-noise ratio, SNR = +5 dB),
      with and without hearing aids. Additionally, subjective hearing in everyday life
      was recorded using the 12-item Oldenburg Inventory. RESULTS: Improvement of
      speech perception with hearing aids for the Freiburg monosyllabic test in quiet
      was 32.0 percentage points on average; in noise, there was an average improvement
      of 16.4 percentage points. There was a strong correlation between the results of
      pure tone and speech audiometry. With hearing aids, patients scored their
      everyday hearing using the Oldenburg Inventory on average 1.4 scale points better
      than without hearing aids. Results of the Oldenburg Inventory correlate with both
      pure tone and speech audiometry. CONCLUSION: Hearing aid evaluation should
      include both speech audiometry and systematic measurement of the subjective
      benefit using a suitable questionnaire. In combination, the Freiburg monosyllabic
      test and the Oldenburg Inventory allow for quick and comprehensive evaluation.

PMID- 27126292
TI  - [The vestibular craniovertebral joints].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The significance of cervical proprioception for human balance has
      thus far not been sufficiently elucidated. The aim of this study was to provoke
      selective cervico-vestibular stimulation using the trunk excursion test (TET) we
      ourselves constructed. This chair is designed to enable evaluation of cervico
      ocular reactions during isolated trunk excursion and possible effects of aging.
      METHODS: The previously used head excursion test (HET) was statistically compared
      to the TET. In both methods, 100 healthy subjects of two age groups (group(26):
      median age = 26 years, n = 50; group(50): median age = 50 years, n = 50) were
      randomized for comparison of similar neck-to-trunk-positions. RESULTS: HET
      enabled detection of significant nystagmus modulation in horizontal and vertical
      dimensions; whereas in pure cervical stimulation using the new TET, this was only
      evident in the horizontal dimension and only during trunk torsion. Comparison of
      the two methods confirmed significantly stronger nystagmus modulation through
      head excursion. In terms of the HET, group(50) showed significantly more vertical
      nystagmus activity than group(26). However, no significant difference was found
      between the groups in terms of their reactions to trunk excursion in the TET. In
      a group-specific comparison of the methods, group(26) showed a significant
      increase in horizontal nystagmus in head compared to trunk excursion, whereas
      group(50) generally displayed a significantly greater response to provocation by
      head excursion in HET. Analysis of the significant vertical nystagmus modulation
      produced with the TET method showed predominance of upbeat- (UBN) over downbeat
      nystagmus (DBN). Through head excursion with the HET, DBN was more frequently
      evoked in group(50) than in group(26). No significant age-dependent difference
      could be derived in UBN. CONCLUSION: The results of the pilot study indicate that
      head-to-trunk provocation is a suitable means of evaluating cervicotonic
      provocation nystagmus. Only by evaluation of adequate excursion limits and
      consistent analysis of patients with cervical deficiency can the effects of the
      method be further assessed.

PMID- 27126290
TI  - Alkaline ceramidase 1 is essential for mammalian skin homeostasis and regulating
      whole-body energy expenditure.
AB  - The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin that acts as a barrier to protect
      the body from the external environment and to control water and heat loss. This
      barrier function is established through the multistage differentiation of
      keratinocytes and the presence of bioactive sphingolipids such as ceramides, the
      levels of which are tightly regulated by a balance of ceramide synthase and
      ceramidase activities. Here we reveal the essential role of alkaline ceramidase 1
      (Acer1) in the skin. Acer1-deficient (Acer1(-/-) ) mice showed elevated levels of
      ceramide in the skin, aberrant hair shaft cuticle formation and cyclic alopecia.
      We demonstrate that Acer1 is specifically expressed in differentiated
      interfollicular epidermis, infundibulum and sebaceous glands and consequently
      Acer1(-/-) mice have significant alterations in infundibulum and sebaceous gland
      architecture. Acer1(-/-) skin also shows perturbed hair follicle stem cell
      compartments. These alterations result in Acer1(-/-) mice showing increased
      transepidermal water loss and a hypermetabolism phenotype with associated
      reduction of fat content with age. We conclude that Acer1 is indispensable for
      mammalian skin homeostasis and whole-body energy homeostasis. (c) 2016 The
      Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of
      Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

PMID- 27126294
TI  - Cardiovagal activity confers cardioprotection after myocardial infarction: recent
      advances.

PMID- 27126293
TI  - [S2e-guideline: "ENT-specific therapy of obstructive sleep apnea in adults" short
      version : Sleep Medicine Task Force of the German Society for
      Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery].
AB  - The present S2e-guideline is an update of the former S2e-guideline "treatment of
      obstructive sleep apnea in adults". The update was performed on behalf of the
      German Society for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery by its Sleep
      Medicine Task Force. The long version of the guideline is valid from 5.9.2015 to
      5.9.2020 and has been available (guideline No. 017-069) since November 2015 on
      the official AWMF website.The subsequently presented short version of the
      guideline summarizes the essentials in a legible way. For further information,
      please refer to the long version. 

PMID- 27126296
TI  - What we have learned about antenatal corticosteroid regimens.
AB  - Administration of antenatal corticosteroids has been standard of care for women
      between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation who are at risk for preterm delivery for
      more than 20 years longer in other parts of the world. Although the benefit of
      steroids in this population has been confirmed, there remain many questions
      including the frequency of dosing and whether it is possible to expand the
      gestational age criteria to women likely to deliver before 24 weeks or after 34
      weeks. The MFMU Network has played a major role in answering some of these
      questions.

PMID- 27126295
TI  - What we have learned about treating mild gestational diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse perinatal
      outcomes, with risks not only associated with more severe forms of GDM, but
      milder forms of GDM as well. Treatment of mild GDM with dietary intervention and
      insulin when necessary has proven to be effective in reducing the risks of
      several, but not all, adverse perinatal outcomes. Less is known about the long
      term benefits of mild GDM treatment. This article will review the benefits of
      mild GDM treatment, and related risk factors, on short-term and long-term
      maternal and neonatal/child outcomes, with an emphasis on research conducted by
      the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human
      Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network.

PMID- 27126297
TI  - Preoperative risk stratification for major complications following
      pancreaticoduodenectomy: Identification of high-risk patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains a major
      concern with high rates. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative risk
      factors and create a new risk score to predict major complications after PD.
      METHODS: Medical records of patients undergoing PD between 1993 and 2014 were
      retrospectively reviewed according to survival and surgical and non-surgical
      complications. A split-sample cross validation was conducted in which the
      original cohort was randomly selected to a modelling and a validation group at a
      ratio of 2:1. Univariate and multivariate analysis were carried out on the
      modelling set to identify preoperative risk factors, which were entered into a
      binary logistic regression model with stepwise backward elimination to develop
      the risk score model. Receiver operating curve analysis was implemented to judge
      the model's prediction ability. RESULTS: PD was performed in 405 patients. A
      total of 29.1% (118 patients) developed major complications. On multivariate
      analysis, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score and obesity as well
      as the presence of cardiovascular and pulmonary comorbidities were significant
      predictors for major complications. A risk score was derived from the regression
      model and successfully tested on the validation set (area under the curve =
      0.84). CONCLUSION: The risk score showed a high accuracy to predict major
      complications after PD based on preoperative parameters only. This simple and
      quick approach allows for individualized risk assessment and may improve
      preoperative counselling and patient selection for perioperative treatment
      strategies.

PMID- 27126298
TI  - Does strabismus surgery improve quality and mood, and what factors influence
      this?
AB  - AimsTo establish the impact of adult strabismus surgery on clinical and
      psychosocial well-being and determine who experiences the greatest benefit from
      surgery and how one could intervene to improve quality of life post
      surgery.MethodsA longitudinal study, with measurements taken pre-surgery and at 3
      and 6 months post-surgery. All participants completed the AS-20 a disease
      specific quality of life scale, along with measures of mood, strabismus and
      appearance-related beliefs and cognitions and perceived social support.
      Participants also underwent a full orthoptic assessment at their preoperative
      visit and again 3 months postoperatively. Clinical outcomes of surgery were
      classified as success, partial success or failure, using the largest angle of
      deviation, diplopia and requirement for further therapy.Results210 participants
      took part in the study. Strabismus surgery led to statistically significant
      improvements in psychosocial and functional quality of life. Those whose surgery
      was deemed a partial success did however experience a deterioration in quality of
      life. A combination of clinical variables, high expectations, and negative
      beliefs about the illness and appearance pre-surgery were significant predictors
      of change in quality of life from pre- to post-surgery.ConclusionsStrabismus
      surgery leads to significant improvements in quality of life up to 6 months
      postoperatively. There are however a group of patients who do not experience
      these benefits. A series of clinical and psychosocial factors have now been
      identified, which will enable clinicians to identify patients who may be
      vulnerable to poorer outcomes post-surgery and allow for the development of
      interventions to improve quality of life after surgery.

PMID- 27126299
TI  - Biocompatibility evaluation of dicalcium phosphate/calcium sulfate/poly (amino
      acid) composite for orthopedic tissue engineering in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - In vitro cytocompatibility of ternary biocomposite of dicalcium phosphate (DCP)
      and calcium sulfate (CS) containing 40 wt% poly (amino acid) (PAA) was evaluated
      using L929 fibroblasts and MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. Thereafter, the
      biocompatibility of biocomposite in vivo was investigated using an implantation
      in muscle and bone model. In vitro L929 and MG-63 cell culture experiments showed
      that the composite and PAA polymer were noncytotoxic and allowed cells to adhere
      and proliferate. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed that two kinds
      of cells maintained their phenotype on all of samples surfaces. Moreover, the
      DCP/CS/PAA composite showed higher cellular viability than that of PAA;
      meanwhile, the cell proliferation and ALP activity were much higher when DCP/CS
      had added into PAA. After implanted in muscle of rabbits for 12 weeks, the
      histological evaluation indicated that the composite exhibited excellent
      biocompatibility and no inflammatory responses were found. When implanted into
      bone defects of femoral condyle of rabbits, the composite was combined directly
      with the host bone tissue without fibrous capsule tissue, which shown good
      biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. Thus, this novel composite may have
      potential application in the clinical setting.

PMID- 27126300
TI  - Retinal characteristics during 1 year of insulin pump therapy in type 1 diabetes:
      a prospective, controlled, observational study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate changes in retinal metabolism, function, structure and
      morphology in relation to initiation of insulin pump therapy (continuous
      subcutaneous insulin infusion, CSII). METHODS: Visual acuity, retinopathy level,
      dark adaptation kinetics, retinal and subfoveal choroidal thickness, macular
      perfusion velocities, retinal vessel diameters and blood oxygen saturations were
      measured at baseline and after 1, 4, 16, 32 and 52 weeks in 31 patients with type
      1 diabetes who started CSII and 20 patients who continued multiple daily insulin
      injections (MDI). RESULTS: One year of CSII reduced haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ) by
      1.6% (17.8 mmol/mol) compared with 0.3% (3.1 mmol/mol) in the MDI group (p <
      0.0001). Central retinal thickness increased by 1.5% in the CSII group (within
      group p = 0.0098; between-group p = 0.063) without producing macular oedema. No
      detectable change was found in any other primary outcome measure. The proportion
      of patients with retinopathy worsening did not differ between groups. At
      baseline, longer disease duration was associated with higher retinal artery
      oxygen saturation (p = 0.014) and lower macular venous perfusion velocity (p =
      0.045). CONCLUSION: One year of CSII led to an HbA1c reduction relative to
      continued MDI and a small increase in retinal thickness but not to early
      retinopathy worsening or to changes in retinal vascular, structural or functional
      characteristics. Longer duration of type 1 diabetes appears to be associated with
      lower macular venous perfusion velocity and higher retinal artery oxygen
      saturation. The latter could potentially reflect cumulative glycaemia.

PMID- 27126301
TI  - 73-Year-Old Woman With Pruritus, Jaundice, and Altered Mental Status.

PMID- 27126302
TI  - Management of Psychotropic Drug-Induced DRESS Syndrome: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe cutaneous
      eruption that has been linked to several common drugs and drug categories,
      including antiepileptics, allopurinol, sulfonamides, and various antibiotics;
      however, because of a number of recent case reports linking psychotropic
      medications to this condition, DRESS is increasingly recognized among
      psychiatrists. We systematically reviewed all psychotropic drugs linked to DRESS
      syndrome, and this article summarizes the clinical management relevant to
      psychiatric professionals. A comprehensive search was performed using Ovid
      MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of
      Science, Scopus, and Litt's Drug Eruption and Reaction Database for articles
      published in English during the past 20 years (1996-2015) using the search terms
      (1) psychotropic drugs OR serotonin uptake inhibitors AND DRESS or (2)
      psychotropic drugs AND drug reaction (or rash) eosinophilia systemic syndrome,
      and all article abstracts were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria by 3
      reviewers. Two independent reviewers examined the full text of 163 articles, of
      which 96 (25 original articles, 12 review articles, 55 case reports, and 4
      letters to the editor) were included in the systematic review. We identified 1072
      cases of psychotropic drug-induced DRESS, with carbamazepine, lamotrigine,
      phenytoin, valproate, and phenobarbital being the most implicated drugs. Based on
      our review of the literature, we outline management principles that include
      prompt withdrawal of the causative drug, hospitalization, corticosteroid therapy,
      and novel treatments, including intravenous immunoglobulin, cyclophosphamide, and
      cyclosporine, for corticosteroid-resistant DRESS. Finally, we outline strategies
      for treating comorbid psychiatric illness after a DRESS reaction to the
      psychotropic medication.

PMID- 27126304
TI  - Functional neurotoxicity evaluation of noribogaine using video-EEG in cynomolgus
      monkeys.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Continuous video-electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring remains
      the gold standard for seizure liability assessments in preclinical drug safety
      assessments. EEG monitored by telemetry was used to assess the behavioral and EEG
      effects of noribogaine hydrochloride (noribogaine) in cynomolgus monkeys.
      Noribogaine is an iboga alkaloid being studied for the treatment of opioid
      dependence. METHODS: Six cynomolgus monkeys (3 per gender) were instrumented with
      EEG telemetry transmitters. Noribogaine was administered to each monkey at both
      doses (i.e., 160 and 320mg/kg, PO) with an interval between dosing of at least
      6days, and the resulting behavioral and EEG effects were evaluated. IV
      pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), served as a positive control for induced seizures.
      RESULTS: The administration of noribogaine at either of the doses evaluated was
      not associated with EEG evidence of seizure or with EEG signals known to be
      premonitory signs of increased seizure risk (e.g., sharp waves, unusual
      synchrony, shifts to high-frequency patterns). Noribogaine was associated with a
      mild reduction in activity levels, increased scratching, licking and chewing, and
      some degree of poor coordination and related clinical signs. A single monkey
      exhibited brief myoclonic movements that increased in frequency at the high dose,
      but which did not appear to generalize, cluster or to be linked with EEG
      abnormalities. Noribogaine was also associated with emesis and partial anorexia.
      In contrast, PTZ was associated with substantial pre-ictal EEG patterns including
      large amplitude, repetitive sharp waves leading to generalized seizures and to
      typical post-ictal EEG frequency attenuation. INTERPRETATION: EEG patterns were
      within normal limits following administration of noribogaine at doses up to
      320mg/kg with concurrent clinical signs that correlated with plasma exposures and
      resolved by the end of the monitoring period. PTZ was invariably associated with
      EEG paroxysmal activity leading to ictal EEG. In the current study, a noribogaine
      dose of 320mg/kg was considered to be the EEG no observed adverse effect level
      (NOAEL) in conscious freely moving cynomolgus monkeys.

PMID- 27126305
TI  - Self-Assembly of a Functional Triple Protein: Hemoglobin-Avidin-Hemoglobin via
      Biotin-Avidin Interactions.
AB  - Hypertension resulting from vasoconstriction in clinical trials of cross-linked
      tetrameric (alpha2beta2) human hemoglobins implicates the extravasation of the
      hemoglobins into endothelia where they scavenge nitric oxide (NO), which is the
      signal for relaxation of the surrounding smooth muscle. Thus, we sought an
      efficient route to create a larger species that avoids extravasation while
      maintaining the oxygenation function of hemoglobin. Selectively formed cysteine
      linked biotin conjugates of hemoglobin undergo self-assembly with avidin into a
      stable triple protein, hemoglobin-avidin-hemoglobin (HbAvHb), which binds and
      releases oxygen with moderate affinity and cooperativity. The triple protein is
      likely to be stabilized by interactions of each constituent hemoglobin (pI 6.9)
      with the oppositely charged avidin (pI 10.5) as well as the strong association of
      the biotin moieties on hemoglobin with avidin.

PMID- 27126303
TI  - Determinants of subjective well-being in people with psychosis referred for
      psychological therapy in South London.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Improving subjective well-being (SWB) for people with mental health
      problems is a United Kingdom national health priority and is increasingly
      important in justifying funding of mental health services. Aside from the
      economic advantages, maximizing SWB confers obvious individual and clinical
      benefits for people with severe mental illness, such as psychosis. Gaining a
      better understanding of well-being and its determinants will enable current
      evidence-based interventions to be targeted and refined appropriately. This study
      therefore sought to identify the cross-sectional correlates of SWB in an
      Improving Access to Psychological Therapies for people with Severe Mental Illness
      psychosis demonstration site, to inform a future longitudinal investigation.
      METHODS: Participants with a psychosis or bipolar spectrum diagnosis referred to
      the demonstration site (n = 410) rated SWB as part of their initial assessment
      before starting psychological therapy. Potential influencing factors including
      age, gender, ethnicity, employment status, illness duration, perceived social
      support, perceived coping, and psychotic symptoms (voices and beliefs) were also
      assessed. RESULTS: Regression analyses showed that unemployment (beta = -.16, p <
      .001), lack of social support (beta = -.20, p < .001), distressing beliefs (beta
      = -.12, p = .004), and poorer coping (beta = -.43, p < .001) were associated with
      reduced SWB, together accounting for 43% of the variance in well-being, F(5, 392)
      = 58.42, p < .001; mean SWB = 39.09, SD = 11.61. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides
      preliminary insights into the determinants of SWB in a large sample of people
      with psychosis. Improving employability, social interactions, coping strategies,
      and psychotic symptoms may improve SWB. Further longitudinal investigation will
      determine the potential value of preferentially targeting these areas in therapy
      to meet national requirements to prioritize well-being outcomes. PRACTITIONER
      POINTS: Average well-being in people with psychosis was lower than SWB previously
      reported for the general population. Unemployment, lack of social support, poorer
      coping, and distressing beliefs were all associated with lower levels of well
      being in people with psychosis. Psychological interventions targeting the
      positive symptoms of psychosis may impact on well-being. Greater focus on
      promoting social contact and inclusion and facilitating a return to employment
      may further improve well-being outcomes following psychological intervention. The
      cross-sectional design of the study does not allow for firm conclusions about the
      causal relationship between well-being and associated factors in psychosis. The
      study was carried out within a particular service context, and the findings need
      replicating before they can be considered to be generalizable outside this
      setting.

PMID- 27126306
TI  - Insights into the dN/dS ratio heterogeneity between brain specific genes and
      widely expressed genes in species of different complexity.
AB  - In mammals, it has long been suggested that brain-specific genes (BSGs) and
      widely expressed genes (WEGs) have seemingly lower dN/dS ratio than any other
      gene sets. However, to what extent these genes differ in their dN/dS ratio has
      still remained controversial. Here, we have revealed lower dN/dS ratio of BSGs
      than WEGs in human-mouse, human-orangutan, human-chimpanzee and mouse-rat
      orthologous pair. The significance level of dN/dS ratio difference indicates a
      trend of decreasing difference as complexity of compared pairs increases. Further
      studies with the human-mouse pair revealed that, removal of the duplicated genes
      from both the dataset has nullified this difference which dictates a vital role
      of duplicated genes in governing the selection pressure. Conclusively, higher
      paralog number, expression level, and longer regulatory region length of BSGs
      allow fewer nucleotide substitutions within them. Our results show for the first
      time to our knowledge lower dN/dS ratio of BSGs than WEGs.

PMID- 27126307
TI  - Allele-specific transcription factor binding in liver and cervix cells unveils
      many likely drivers of GWAS signals.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) point to regions with associated genetic
      variants but rarely to a specific gene and therefore detailed knowledge regarding
      the genes contributing to complex traits and diseases remains elusive. The
      functional role of GWAS-SNPs is also affected by linkage disequilibrium with many
      variants on the same haplotype and sometimes in the same regulatory element
      almost equally likely to mediate the effect. Using ChIP-seq data on many
      transcription factors, we pinpointed genetic variants in HepG2 and HeLa-S3 cell
      lines which show a genome-wide significant difference in binding between alleles.
      We identified a collection of 3713 candidate functional regulatory variants many
      of which are likely drivers of GWAS signals or genetic difference in expression.
      A recent study investigated many variants before finding the functional ones at
      the GALNT2 locus, which we found in our genome-wide screen in HepG2. This
      illustrates the efficiency of our approach.

PMID- 27126308
TI  - Executive Dysfunction in Female FMR1 Premutation Carriers.
AB  - There is now growing evidence of cognitive weakness in female premutation
      carriers (between 55 and 199 CGG repeats) of the fragile X mental retardation
      gene, including impairments associated with executive function. While an age
      related decline in assessments of executive function has been found for male
      premutation carriers, few studies have explored whether female carriers show a
      similar trajectory with age. A total of 20 female premutation carriers and 21 age
      and IQ-matched healthy controls completed a battery of tasks assessing executive
      function tasks, including the behavioural dyscontrol scale (BDS), symbol digit
      modalities test (SDMT), paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT), Haylings
      sentence completion test and the digit span task (forward and backward).
      Performance was compared between premutation carriers and healthy controls, and
      the association between task performance and age was also ascertained. Compared
      to controls, female premutation carriers had significant impairment on the BDS,
      SDMT, PASAT, and Haylings sentence completion task, all of which rely on quick,
      or timed, responses. Further analyses revealed no significant association between
      age and task performance for either premutation carriers or controls. This study
      demonstrates that a cohort of female premutation carriers have deficits on a
      range of tasks of executive function that require the rapid temporal resolution
      of responses. We propose that the understanding of the phenotype of premutation
      carriers will be advanced through use of such measures.

PMID- 27126309
TI  - Resistin, visfatin, leptin and omentin are differently related to hormonal and
      metabolic parameters in growth hormone-deficient children.
AB  - PURPOSE: The effect of growth hormone (GH) on adipose tissue and the role of
      adipokines in modulating metabolism are documented, but with discordant data. Our
      aim was to evaluate the impact of GH treatment on a series of selected adipokines
      known to have a metabolic role and poorly investigated in this setting. METHODS:
      This is a prospective study. Thirty-one prepubertal children (25 M, 6 F; aged 8.5
      +/- 1.6 years) with isolated GH deficiency treated with GH for at least 12 months
      and 30 matched controls were evaluated. Auxological and metabolic parameters,
      insulin sensitivity indexes, leptin, soluble leptin receptor, adiponectin,
      visfatin, resistin, omentin, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein and retinol
      binding protein-4 were evaluated before and after 12 months of treatment.
      RESULTS: At baseline, no significant difference in metabolic parameters was found
      between GHD children and controls, except for higher LDL cholesterol (p = 0.004)
      in the first group. At multivariate analysis, LDL cholesterol was independently
      associated with resistin (B 0.531; p = 0.002), while IGF-I was the only variable
      independently associated with visfatin (B 0.688; p < 0.001). After 12 months, a
      significant increase in fasting insulin (p = 0.008), Homa-IR (p = 0.007) and
      visfatin (p < 0.001) was found, with a concomitant decrease in LDL cholesterol (p
      = 0.015), QUICKI (p = 0.001), ISI Matsuda (p = 0.006), leptin (p = 0.015) and
      omentin (p = 0.003)]. At multivariate analysis, BMI was the only variable
      independently associated with leptin (B 0.485; p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: GH
      treatment modifies adipokine secretion and the perturbation of some adipokine
      levels could contribute to the clinical and metabolic changes observed during the
      follow-up.

PMID- 27126312
TI  - Editor's note.

PMID- 27126310
TI  - Prevalence of overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome and
      atypical cardiometabolic phenotypes in the adult Romanian population: PREDATORR
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objectives were to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity,
      abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS), and to evaluate the
      characteristics of the metabolically unhealthy lean (MUHL) and metabolically
      healthy overweight/obese (MHO) phenotypes in a Romanian population-based sample
      from the PREDATORR study. METHODS: PREDATORR was an epidemiological study with a
      stratified, cross-sectional, cluster random sampling design. Participants were
      classified into four cardiometabolic phenotypes based on the BMI, the cut-off
      value being 25 kg/m(2), and the presence of MetS (defined according to the
      Harmonization definition 2009): MUHL, MHO, metabolically healthy lean (MHL) and
      metabolically unhealthy overweight/obese (MUHO). RESULTS: Overall, 2681 subjects
      aged 20-79 years were included in the analysis. The overall age and sex-adjusted
      prevalence of obesity was 31.90 %, overweight was 34.7 %, abdominal obesity was
      73.90 % and MetS was 38.50 %. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of MHO
      phenotype was 31.60 %, while MUHL phenotype prevalence was 3.90 %. MUHL and MHO
      participants had a cardiometabolic profile, kidney function and CVD risk
      intermediary between MHL and MUHO. MUHL had higher odds of being associated with
      CVD risk (OR 5.8; p < 0.001), abdominal obesity, prediabetes, diabetes,
      hypertriglyceridemia and hypo-HDL cholesterolemia than MHL, while MHO phenotype
      was associated with hypo-HDL cholesterolemia (OR 3.1; p = 0.002), prediabetes (OR
      2.9; p < 0.001) and abdominal obesity. CONCLUSIONS: PREDATORR study showed a high
      prevalence of obesity/overweight, abdominal obesity and MetS in the adult
      Romanian population, and their association with kidney function and several
      cardiometabolic factors.

PMID- 27126311
TI  - Putting in vitro evidence into perspective.

PMID- 27126313
TI  - Terminology questioned.

PMID- 27126314
TI  - Rubber dam use.

PMID- 27126315
TI  - More on rubber dam use.

PMID- 27126316
TI  - Authors' response.

PMID- 27126317
TI  - Treat your team as professionals, and they will be.

PMID- 27126318
TI  - What should I do when a patient just wants antibiotics?

PMID- 27126319
TI  - Hanging by a thread, severe mitral regurgitation due to accessory left atrial
      cord.

PMID- 27126320
TI  - Rare cause of dyspnoea: pulmonary artery myxoma.

PMID- 27126321
TI  - Rapid progression of nodular calcification documented by intra-coronary imaging
      devices and histology.

PMID- 27126322
TI  - Controlled Generation of Singlet Oxygen in Living Cells with Tunable Ratios of
      the Photochromic Switch in Metal-Organic Frameworks.
AB  - Development of a photosensitizing system that can reversibly control the
      generation of singlet oxygen ((1) O2 ) is of great interest for photodynamic
      therapy (PDT). Recently several photosensitizer-photochromic-switch dyads were
      reported as a potential means of the (1) O2 control in PDT. However, the delivery
      of such a homogeneous molecular dyad as designed (e.g., optimal molar ratio) is
      extremely challenging in living systems. Herein we show a Zr-MOF nanoplatform,
      demonstrating energy transfer-based (1) O2 controlled PDT. Our strategy allows
      for tuning the ratios between photosensitizer and the switch molecule, enabling
      maximum control of (1) O2 generation. Meanwhile, the MOF provides proximal
      placement of the functional entities for efficient intermolecular energy
      transfer. As a result, the MOF nanoparticle formulation showed enhanced PDT
      efficacy with superior (1) O2 control compared to that of homogeneous molecular
      analogues.

PMID- 27126323
TI  - Lithium-induced neuroprotection in stroke involves increased miR-124 expression,
      reduced RE1-silencing transcription factor abundance and decreased protein
      deubiquitination by GSK3beta inhibition-independent pathways.
AB  - Lithium promotes acute poststroke neuronal survival, which includes mechanisms
      that are not limited to GSK3beta inhibition. However, whether lithium induces
      long-term neuroprotection and enhanced brain remodeling is unclear. Therefore,
      mice were exposed to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and lithium (1
      mg/kg bolus followed by 2 mg/kg/day over up to 7 days) was intraperitoneally
      administered starting 0-9 h after reperfusion onset. Delivery of lithium no later
      than 6 h reduced infarct volume on day 2 and decreased brain edema, leukocyte
      infiltration, and microglial activation, as shown by histochemistry and flow
      cytometry. Lithium-induced neuroprotection persisted throughout the observation
      period of 56 days and was associated with enhanced neurological recovery.
      Poststroke angioneurogenesis and axonal plasticity were also enhanced by lithium.
      On the molecular level, lithium increased miR-124 expression, reduced RE1
      silencing transcription factor abundance, and decreased protein deubiquitination
      in cultivated cortical neurons exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation and in
      brains of mice exposed to cerebral ischemia. Notably, this effect was not
      mimicked by pharmacological GSK3beta inhibition. This study for the first time
      provides efficacy data for lithium in the postacute ischemic phase, reporting a
      novel mechanism of action, i.e. increased miR-124 expression facilitating REST
      degradation by which lithium promotes postischemic neuroplasticity and
      angiogenesis.

PMID- 27126325
TI  - Coherence loss of partially mode-locked fibre laser.
AB  - Stochastically driven nonlinear processes limit the number of amplified modes in
      a natural system due to competitive mode interaction, which is accompanied by
      loss of coherence when increasing the complexity of the system. Specifically, we
      find that modulation instability, which exhibits great fluctuations when it
      spontaneously grows from noise in conservative systems, may possess a high degree
      of coherence in dissipative laser system with gain. Nonlinear mode interactions
      can be competitive or cooperative: adjusting the intracavity polarization state
      controls the process of loss of coherence. Single-shot spectra reveal that,
      first, the fibre laser redistributes its energy from the center wavelength mode
      into sidebands through parametric instabilities. Subsequently, longitudinal modes
      are populated via cascaded four-wave-mixing. Parametric frequency conversion
      populates longitudinal modes with a random distribution of position, intensity
      and polarization, resulting in partially (rather than highly) coherent pulses.
      These dynamics unveil a new route towards complex pattern formation in nonlinear
      laser systems, and they may be also beneficial for the understanding of
      supercontinuum, Kerr-combs phenomena, and optical rogue waves.

PMID- 27126326
TI  - Screening for depression in older people on acute medical wards: the validity of
      the Edinburgh Depression Scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: depression is common in people with poor physical health,
      particularly within the acute medical in-patient setting. Co-morbid depression
      contributes to poor outcomes, and screening for depression in acute medical in
      patients has been advocated. The Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) has been
      validated in a variety of general hospital patient groups, but not previously in
      older acute medical in-patients. METHODS: one hundred and eighteen patients aged
      65 and older on acute medical wards were assessed using a standardised diagnostic
      interview (Present State Examination-Schedules for Clinical Assessment in
      Neuropsychiatry) to identify depression according to ICD-10 criteria. They
      subsequently completed the EDS. The performance characteristics at a range of
      thresholds were compared, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis
      was performed. RESULTS: the optimal EDS cut-off for identifying ICD-10 depressive
      episode was 7/8, with a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 77%, positive
      predictive value of 52% and negative predictive value of 96%. The area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.91. CONCLUSION: the EDS was shown
      to be a useful instrument for detecting clinical depression in older people on
      acute medical wards in this study. Its performance was equivalent to other
      validated screening instruments in this population. Our findings add further
      weight to using the EDS as a screening instrument for depression in multiple
      general hospital settings.

PMID- 27126324
TI  - Ketamine modulation of the haemodynamic response to spreading depolarization in
      the gyrencephalic swine brain.
AB  - Spreading depolarization (SD) generates significant alterations in cerebral
      haemodynamics, which can have detrimental consequences on brain function and
      integrity. Ketamine has shown an important capacity to modulate SD; however, its
      impact on SD haemodynamic response is incompletely understood. We investigated
      the effect of two therapeutic ketamine dosages, a low-dose of 2 mg/kg/h and a
      high-dose of 4 mg/kg/h, on the haemodynamic response to SD in the gyrencephalic
      swine brain. Cerebral blood volume, pial arterial diameter and cerebral blood
      flow were assessed through intrinsic optical signal imaging and laser-Doppler
      flowmetry. Our findings indicate that frequent SDs caused a persistent increase
      in the baseline pial arterial diameter, which can lead to a diminished capacity
      to further dilate. Ketamine infused at a low-dose reduced the
      hyperemic/vasodilative response to SD; however, it did not alter the subsequent
      oligemic/vasoconstrictive response. This low-dose did not prevent the baseline
      diameter increase and the diminished dilative capacity. Only infusion of ketamine
      at a high-dose suppressed SD and the coupled haemodynamic response. Therefore,
      the haemodynamic response to SD can be modulated by continuous infusion of
      ketamine. However, its use in pathological models needs to be explored to
      corroborate its possible clinical benefit.

PMID- 27126327
TI  - Validation of the FNIH sarcopenia criteria and SOF frailty index as predictors of
      long-term mortality in ambulatory older men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: we aimed to evaluate the Foundation for the National Institutes of
      Health (FNIH) criteria for weakness and low muscle mass and the Study of
      Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) frailty index for prediction of long-term, all-cause
      mortality. DESIGN: community-based cohort study. SETTING: semi-rural community of
      Merelbeke (Belgium). SUBJECTS: ambulatory men aged 74 and more (n = 191).
      METHODS: weakness was defined on previously established criteria as low grip
      strength (<26 kg) or low grip strength-to-body mass index (BMI) ratio (<1.00).
      Low muscle mass (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) was categorised as low
      appendicular lean mass (ALM; predefined <19.75 kg) or low ALM-to-BMI ratio
      (predefined <0.789). Frailty status was assessed using the components of weight
      loss, inability to rise from a chair and poor energy (SOF index). Survival time
      was calculated as the number of months from assessment in 2000 until death or up
      to 15 years of follow-up. RESULTS: mean age of the participants was 78.4 +/- 3.5
      years. Combined weakness and low muscle mass was present in 3-8% of men,
      depending on the criteria applied. Pre-frailty and frailty were present in 30 and
      7% of men, respectively. After 15 years of follow-up, 165 men (86%) died. Both
      the presence of combined weakness and low ALM-to-BMI ratio (age-adjusted HR =
      2.50, 95% CI = 1.30-4.79) and the presence of SOF frailty (age-adjusted HR =
      2.64, 95% CI = 1.44-4.86) were associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: our
      findings confirm the predictive value for mortality of the non-distribution-based
      FNIH criteria and SOF index in older community-dwelling Belgian men.

PMID- 27126328
TI  - Social resources and cognitive ageing across 30 years: the Glostrup 1914 Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: to examine associations between social resources and cognitive ageing
      over 30 years. METHODS: participants in the Glostrup 1914 Cohort, a year of birth
      sample, completed a standardarised battery of cognitive ability tests every 10
      years from age 50 to 80, summarised as general cognitive ability. Participants
      also provided information concerning a range of social resources, including
      marital status and living arrangements from age 50, and from age 70, details
      regarding social support, social contact and loneliness. RESULTS: across the
      follow-up, participants were less likely to be married, falling from 85.0 to
      40.4% between ages 50 and 80, while the proportion of those living alone
      increased from 13.1 to 54.2%. In separate growth curve models, being married,
      living with others and not feeling lonely were all associated with higher
      cognitive ability level, while more telephone contact had a negative association.
      Marital status (at ages 50 and 60) and loneliness at age 70 were the only social
      resources associated with cognitive change; married individuals and those not
      feeling lonely experienced less cognitive decline. When the social resources
      showing significant associations were considered together (and accounting for
      sex, education and social class), loneliness was associated with lower cognitive
      ability level and greater cognitive decline, while married individuals
      experienced less decline. CONCLUSIONS: in a relatively large cohort followed for
      up to 30 years, marital status and loneliness were associated with cognitive
      ability or change. Interventions designed to reduce loneliness in older adults
      might be supported as one avenue to reduce cognitive ageing.

PMID- 27126329
TI  - Association of mobility limitations with incident disability among older adults:
      a population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: mobility-related limitations predict future disability; however, the
      extent to which individual and combined mobility tests may predict disability
      remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: to estimate the odds of developing disability in
      activities of daily living (ADL) according to limitations in walking speed,
      balance or both; and explore the role of chronic diseases and cognitive function.
      DESIGN: a prospective cohort study. SETTING: urban area of Stockholm, Sweden.
      SUBJECTS: one thousand nine hundred and seventy-one disability-free persons (age
      >=60 years, 63% women) from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care in
      Kungsholmen (SNAC-K), who underwent baseline examination in 2001-04 and follow-up
      assessments for 6 years. MEASUREMENTS: mobility limitation was defined as a one
      leg balance stand <5 s or walking speed <0.8 m/s. ADL disability was defined as
      the inability to complete one or more ADL: bathing, dressing, using the toilet,
      transferring and eating. RESULTS: during a total of 11,404 person-years (mean per
      person 5.8 years, SD 0.30) of follow-up, 119 (incidence 1.5/100 person-years)
      participants developed ADL disability. The demographic adjusted odds ratios (OR)
      (95% confidence intervals, CI) of incident ADL disability related to balance
      stand and walking speed limitations were 3.8 (2.3-6.3) and 8.4 (5.2-13.3),
      respectively. The associations remained statistically significant after
      controlling for number of chronic diseases and cognitive status. People with
      limitations in both balance and walking speed had an OR of 12.9 (95% CI 7.0-23.7)
      for incident disability compared with no limitation. CONCLUSION: balance and
      walking speed tests are simple clinical procedures that can indicate hierarchical
      risk of ADL dependence in older adults.

PMID- 27126331
TI  - Respiratory syncytial virus-associated hospitalizations over three consecutive
      seasons in children with congenital heart disease.
AB  - The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the burden of respiratory
      syncytial virus (RSV)-related hospitalizations in infants and children with
      congenital heart disease (CHD) over three consecutive RSV seasons.
      Retrospectively, all children with hemodynamically significant (HS-CHD) and not
      significant (HNS-CHD) CHD born between 2004 and 2008 at a tertiary care
      university hospital and identified by ICD-10 diagnoses were included. Data on RSV
      related hospitalizations over the first three years of life covering at least
      three RSV seasons (November-April) were analyzed. The overall incidence of RSV
      related hospitalization was 9.6 % (58/602), without a statistically significant
      difference between HS-CHD and HNS-CHD (7.3 % vs. 10.4 %; p = 0.258).
      Recommendation of palivizumab prophylaxis did not influence the RSV
      hospitalization rates between groups. Patients with HS-CHD and early surgery were
      significantly less often hospitalized due to RSV compared to those with delayed
      surgery (1.3 % vs. 14.3 %; p = 0.003). The median duration of hospitalization was
      8.5 days (HS-CHD: 14 vs. HNS-CHD: 7 days; p = 0.003). Thirteen patients (22.4 %)
      were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), for a median of 10 days. The
      median age at admission was 2 months, with a significant difference between HS
      CHD and HNS-CHD (6 vs. 2 months; p = 0.001). The majority (97 %) of RSV-related
      hospitalizations occurred before 12 months of age. Patients with HS-CHD had a
      significantly more severe course of RSV disease and were older at the time of
      hospitalization. Early surgery seemed to significantly reduce the risk of RSV
      hospitalization during the first RSV season.

PMID- 27126330
TI  - Is frailty associated with life-space mobility and perceived autonomy in
      participation outdoors? A longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: essential aspects of independence in community mobility among older
      people concern the control over where, when and how to participate (perceived
      autonomy), and actual mobility (life-space mobility; frequency, distance and need
      of assistance). We studied relationships between frailty and life-space mobility
      and perceived autonomy in participation outdoors among community-dwelling 75-90
      years old people. METHODS: longitudinal analyses of the 'Life-space mobility in
      old age' cohort study (n = 753). Life-space mobility (Life-Space Assessment,
      range 0-120) and perceived autonomy in participation outdoors (Impact on
      Participation and Autonomy subscale 'autonomy outdoors', range 0-20) were
      assessed at baseline and 2 years later. Baseline frailty indicators were
      unintentional weight loss (self-report), weakness (5 times chair rise),
      exhaustion (self-report), slowness (2.44 m walk) and low physical activity (self
      report). RESULTS: in total, 53% had no frailty, 43% pre-frailty (1-2 frailty
      indicators) and 4% frailty (>=3 indicators). Generalised estimation equation
      models showed that life-space mobility was lower among those with frailty and pre
      frailty compared with those without frailty and, in addition, declined at a
      faster pace. Perceived autonomy in participation outdoors was more restricted
      among those with frailty and pre-frailty compared with those without frailty, but
      the rate of decline did not differ. CONCLUSION: frailty was associated with more
      restricted life-space mobility and poorer perceived autonomy in the decision
      making concerning community mobility. Over the follow-up, frailty predicted a
      steeper decline in life-space mobility but not in perceived autonomy. Further
      study is warranted to determine whether compensation strategies or changes in the
      valuation of activities underlie this discrepancy.

PMID- 27126332
TI  - Detection and epidemiology of carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae in the
      Netherlands in 2013-2014.
AB  - Laboratory detection of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) is
      complicated. Screening with MIC values below clinical breakpoints followed by
      genotypic confirmation is recommended. We evaluated the application of
      recommended CPE screening and confirmation methods and provide an overview of CPE
      epidemiology in E. coli and K. pneumoniae in the Netherlands. Data on E. coli and
      K. pneumoniae isolates with elevated meropenem (>0.25 mg/L) and/or imipenem (>1
      mg/L) MIC values in 2013-2014 were selected from the Infectious Disease
      Surveillance Information System for Antibiotic Resistance. Laboratories were
      requested to provide additional results of any confirmatory testing performed.
      Confirmation of elevated carbapenem MIC values using gradient testing was
      performed in 59.8 % of eligible isolates. Confirmatory testing showed elevated
      MIC values in 8 % of E. coli and 32 % of K. pneumoniae isolates. The overall
      proportion of confirmed non-susceptible E. coli and K. pneumoniae was 0.01 % and
      0.16 %, respectively. Genotypic confirmation was performed in 61.0 % of isolates
      with confirmed elevated carbapenem MIC values. A carbapenemase gene was
      identified in 47 % of E. coli and 65 % of K. pneumoniae isolates. OXA-48, NDM and
      KPC were the most frequently found carbapenemase genes. The majority (62 %) of
      CPE isolates was detected through targeted screening. CPE are a rare finding in
      the Netherlands. Adherence to the national guideline is suboptimal and differs
      between laboratories, implying a risk of inadequate CPE detection. Since accurate
      identification of CPE is the first step in prevention of CPE spread, successful
      implementation of guidelines for testing and reporting of CPE is essential. 

PMID- 27126333
TI  - Vitamin D status and parathyroid hormone levels in relation to bone mineral
      density in apparently healthy Syrian adults.
AB  - Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in this study. More than half of the
      participants with vitamin D level less than 5 ng/mL had secondary
      hyperparathyroidism, which implicated a major bone health concern. After
      adjustment for potential predictors, parathyroid hormone (PTH) explained about 3
      % of the variance in total hip bone mineral density (BMD). PURPOSE: Bone mineral
      density (BMD) is known to be influenced by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and
      intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. The relationship between 25OHD and PTH
      with BMD has not been well documented in Syrian adults. We aimed to determine how
      differences in serum 25OHD and PTH levels impacted hip and lumbar spine BMD among
      apparently healthy Syrian adults. METHODS: 25OHD and PTH were measured in 156
      participants aged 18-53 years from Damascus and its surroundings. Lumbar spine
      and hip BMD measurements were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry using
      Hologic Discovery Wi densitometer. Multivariate regression models were used to
      investigate the relationships between 25OHD, PTH, and BMD. RESULTS: All
      participants, except one male, had 25OHD <30 ng/mL (<75 nmol/L), and 89.1 % of
      them had 25OHD levels less than 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L). Secondary
      hyperparathyroidism was significantly more prevalent in the lowest 25OHD quartile
      compared to that in the highest quartile (59 vs. 10.3 %, p < 0.0001). Mean bone
      mineral density at all sites in our participants was lower when compared to that
      of their Caucasian counterparts in Europe and North America. No significant
      correlation was found between 25OHD and BMD either at hip or at lumbar spine. In
      the multivariate analyses, after adjustment for potential predictors, PTH
      explained about 3 % of the variation in total hip BMD. CONCLUSIONS: Low BMD was
      relatively frequent at all measured sites. PTH, but not 25OHD, was a predictor
      for total hip BMD in a young population.

PMID- 27126334
TI  - Seven days in medicine: 20-26 April.

PMID- 27126335
TI  - Usefulness of radiologic examinations for diagnosing level VI lymph node
      metastasis in patients with laryngohypopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - The aim of this study was to estimate the usefulness of imaging modalities for
      diagnosing level VI lymph node metastasis in patients with laryngohypopharyngeal
      cancer. A retrospective review of 138 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of
      the larynx or hypopharynx who underwent central compartment neck dissection
      (CCND) was performed. Level VI metastasis occurred in 29 of 138 (21 %) patients.
      CT accuracy and sensitivity for level VI lymph node was 85.5 and 48.3 %,
      respectively. Respective values for MRI, US, and PET were 84.4 and 41.4 %, 87.7
      and 44.8 %, and 81.2 and 34.5 %. CT combined with US demonstrated the best result
      in sensitivity (51.7 %) and negative predictive value (NPV) (88.1 %) compared to
      those of other imaging techniques. CT combined with US could improve sensitivity
      and NPV compared to CT or US alone. Considering cost-effectiveness and the
      highest results in all parameters compared to those of other combinations of
      imaging techniques, CT combined with US could be the best preoperative imaging
      modalities for evaluating laryngohypopharyngeal cancer. However, these imaging
      techniques are not absolutely reliable methods for detecting occult metastasis in
      the level VI due to high false-negative rates. Elective CCND should be considered
      in indicated patients (>N2b, T4), even if physical examinations and the
      radiologic findings of level VI nodes are negative.

PMID- 27126336
TI  - Efficacy and tolerability of an ectoine mouth and throat spray compared with
      those of saline lozenges in the treatment of acute pharyngitis and/or laryngitis:
      a prospective, controlled, observational clinical trial.
AB  - The aim of this observational trial was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability
      of a mouth and throat spray containing ectoine in the treatment of acute
      pharyngitis and/or laryngitis. The outcome was compared with control treatment
      using saline lozenges. This study was designed as a prospective, controlled, non
      randomized, observational multicenter clinical trial and was conducted in
      Germany. The study population consisted of 95 patients. The decision for
      treatment with either spray or lozenges was based on the patients' preference for
      pharyngeal or oral application. Investigators assessed symptoms specific to acute
      pharyngitis/laryngitis and determined the pharyngitis symptom score. Both
      patients and investigators evaluated the tolerability and efficacy of the
      treatment applied. Treatment with the spray showed higher efficacy, 1.95 +/- 0.81
      versus 1.68 +/- 0.67 (investigators) and 1.97 +/- 0.88 versus 1.57 +/- 0.69
      (patients, p < 0.05). Treatment with the spray resulted in significantly greater
      reduction of cervical lymph node swelling (p < 0.05), ? spray = 0.44 +/- 0.62, ?
      lozenges = 0.21 +/- 0.62. The lozenges showed some advantage in relieving cough,
      ? lozenges = 0.62 +/- 0.94 versus ? spray = 0.44 +/- 0.85. Both patients and
      investigators rated the tolerability of both medical devices as "good" to "very
      good". Adverse events of mild to moderate severity were either possibly related
      or not related to the medical devices used. No serious adverse events occurred.
      Taken together, while the tolerability was consistent in both treatment groups,
      the ectoine-based spray showed superior efficacy in treating acute pharyngitis
      and/or laryngitis. 

PMID- 27126337
TI  - Objective quantification of the vocal fold vascular pattern: comparison of narrow
      band imaging and white light endoscopy.
AB  - No clinical standard procedure has yet been defined to quantify the vascular
      pattern of vocal folds. Subjective classification trials have shown a lot of
      promise. Narrow band imaging (NBI) as an endoscopic imaging tool is useful,
      because it shows the vascular structure clearer than white light endoscopy (WL)
      alone. Endoscopic images of 74 human vocal folds (NBI and WL) were semi
      automatically evaluated after image processing with respect to pixels of vessels
      and mucosa by the software MeVisLab. The ratios of vessel/mucosa pixels were
      compared. Using NBI, more vocal fold vessels are visible compared with WL alone
      (p = 0.000). There may be a difference between the right and left vocal folds due
      to the handedness of the examiner (p = 0.033) without any interaction between the
      method (NBI/WL) and the side (right/left) (p = 0.467). MeVisLab is a suitable
      tool for the objective quantification of the vessel/mucosa ratio for NBI and WL
      endoscopic images. NBI is an appropriate endoscopic tool for examination of
      diseases of vocal folds with changes in the vascular pattern. There is evidence
      that the handedness of the examiner may have an influence on the quality of the
      examination between the right and left vocal folds. 

PMID- 27126338
TI  - Erratum to: Witnessing the first sign of retinitis pigmentosa onset in the
      allegedly normal eye of a case of unilateral RP: a 30-year follow-up.

PMID- 27126339
TI  - Age-related change in fast adaptation mechanisms measured with the scotopic full
      field ERG.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify the response dynamics of fast adaptation mechanisms of the
      scotopic ERG in younger and older adults using full-field m-sequence flash
      stimulation. METHODS: Scotopic ERGs were measured for a series of flashes
      separated by 65 ms over a range of 260 ms in 16 younger (20-26, 22.2 +/- 2.1;
      range mean +/-1 SD) and 16 older (65-85, 71.2 +/- 7) observers without retinal
      pathology. A short-wavelength (lambda peak = 442 nm) LED was used for scotopic
      stimulation, and the flashes ranged from 0.0001 to 0.01 cd s m(-2). The complete
      binary kernel series was derived from the responses to the m-sequence flash
      stimulation, and the first- and second-order kernel responses were analyzed. The
      first-order kernel represented the response to a single, isolated flash, while
      the second-order kernels reflected the adapted flash responses that followed a
      single flash by one or more base intervals. B-wave amplitudes of the adapted
      flash responses were measured and plotted as a function of interstimulus interval
      to describe the recovery of the scotopic ERG. A linear function was fitted to the
      linear portion of the recovery curve, and the slope of the line was used to
      estimate the rate of fast adaptation recovery. RESULTS: The amplitudes of the
      isolated flash responses and rates of scotopic fast adaptation recovery were
      compared between the younger and older participants using a two-way ANOVA. The
      isolated flash responses and rates of recovery were found to be significantly
      lower in the older adults. However, there was no difference between the two age
      groups in response amplitude or recovery rate after correcting for age-related
      changes in the density of the ocular media. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      demonstrated that the rate of scotopic fast adaptation recovery of normal younger
      and older adults is similar when stimuli are equated for retinal illuminance.

PMID- 27126340
TI  - Assessment of macular function, structure and predictive value of pattern
      electroretinogram parameters for postoperative visual acuity in patients with
      idiopathic epimacular membrane.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate macular function and structure before and after epimacular
      membrane surgery and to estimate the usefulness of pattern ERG test parameters in
      predicting the postoperative visual acuity. METHODS: We evaluated 32 eyes of 32
      patients (mean age 70.8 +/- 6.7 years) before and 12 months after successful 25G
      pars plana vitrectomy with epimacular membrane removal and internal limiting
      membrane peeling. Distance best-corrected visual acuity (DBCVA-logMAR), foveal
      thickness (optical coherence tomography-OCT) and macular function [pattern
      electroretinogram-PERG (ISCEV standard): amplitudes (A) of P50- and N95-waves,
      implicit time (IT) of P50-wave] were assessed. To estimate the differences
      between the mean values of considered characteristics, the t test or Wilcoxon
      matched pair test was used. Correlation between preoperative data of PERG and
      preoperative and final DBCVA were investigated using Pearson correlation
      analysis. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to obtain a
      cutoff value allowing prediction of visual prognosis. We tried to obtain the P50
      and N95 amplitudes cutoff value in prediction of good visual outcome (DBCVA of
      0.3 or less). RESULTS: Twelve months after surgery, mean of DBCVA significantly
      increased in comparison with preoperative value (0.31 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.15;
      p < 0.001) and 23/32 eyes (72 %) achieved visual improvement of two and more
      Snellen lines. In OCT test, the significant reduction in foveal thickness mean
      (313.34 +/- 47.01 vs. 509.03 +/- 93.88 um; p < 0.001) was obtained. In PERG test,
      the significant increase in the mean amplitudes of P50- (AP50) and N95 (AN95)
      waves as well as significant decrease in the mean implicit time (IT) of P50-wave
      were achieved (AP50: 3.41 +/- 1.48 vs. 2.38 +/- 1.23 uV; p < 0.001; AN95: 5.46 +/
      1.72 vs. 3.75 +/- 1.48 uV; p < 0.001; IT P50: 55.00 +/- 3.60 vs. 56.75 +/- 5.78
      ms; p < 0.001). Twelve months postoperatively, DBCVA was significantly correlated
      with preoperative IT P50 (r = 0.39; p = 0.027), AP50 (r = -0.68; p < 0.001) and
      AN95 (r = -0.73; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Removal of idiopathic epimacular
      membranes with internal limiting membrane peeling not only provided increase in
      visual acuity and reduction in foveal thickness but also caused improvement of
      innermost retinal layer function in macular region. Pattern ERG test might be a
      valuable tool in predicting the postoperative visual acuity.

PMID- 27126341
TI  - 10% liquid human immunoglobulin (KIOVIG((r))) for immunomodulation in autoimmune
      disorders.
AB  - Intravenous immunoglobulins have been used to treat autoimmune disorders (ADs)
      for over 50 years. The etiologies of various ADs are not fully understood and
      although intravenous immunoglobulin treatment has proved its immunomodulatory
      properties, the roles of proposed mechanisms of action also remain a matter of
      speculation. A systemic search of the literature regarding KIOVIG((r)) (Baxalta
      US, Inc., MA, USA) use in clinical trials on patients with ADs and a detailed
      review of retrieved articles revealed eight relevant publications. These articles
      reported KIOVIG use in multifocal motor neuropathy, chronic inflammatory
      demyelinating polyneuropathy, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Kawasaki
      disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome and other autoimmune and neurologic disorders
      and showed that KIOVIG is an effective, safe and well-tolerated treatment in the
      studied populations. Nevertheless, further studies on larger patient cohorts are
      needed.

PMID- 27126342
TI  - Craniofacial CT findings of Gorham-Stout disease and generalized lymphatic
      anomaly.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to assess the craniofacial CT imaging
      features for differentiating between Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) and generalized
      lymphatic anomaly (GLA). METHODS: Seven patients with GSD and four patients with
      GLA were included in this study. All patients underwent CT examinations that
      encompassed the craniofacial bones. The presence, distribution, and type of
      craniofacial osteolysis were assessed. The clinical symptoms that were associated
      with craniofacial osteolysis were also reviewed. RESULTS: Craniofacial osteolysis
      including cranial osteolysis was seen in four of seven (57 %) patients with GSD
      and in three of four (75 %) patients with GLA. Facial osteolysis was seen in two
      (29 %) patients with GSD, but this was not observed in patients with GLA. Among
      patients with craniofacial osteolysis, those with GSD showed diffuse involvement,
      whereas those with GLA showed multifocal involvement. The craniofacial osteolysis
      of GSD could be classified into three patterns: medullary involvement, thinning
      bone, and disappearing bone. The clinical symptoms of craniofacial osteolysis
      were observed in all patients with GSD but were not present in patients with GLA.
      CONCLUSION: Craniofacial involvement was observed in both groups. The
      craniofacial osteolysis of GSD showed diffuse involvement with clinical symptoms,
      whereas that of GLA showed multifocal involvement without clinical symptoms.

PMID- 27126343
TI  - A Comprehensive Survey of Preclinical Microbiology Curricula Among US Medical
      Schools.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A strong foundational understanding of microbiology is crucial for
      the 21st century physician. Given recent major advances in medical microbiology,
      curricular changes will likely be needed. Before transforming curricula, we must
      first obtain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary medical student
      microbiology education. METHODS: We disseminated a 38-question survey to
      microbiology course directors and curriculum deans at 142 US medical schools
      accredited by the Liason Committee on Medical Education. Survey questions focused
      on course leadership, curricular structure, course content, and educator
      perceptions about microbiology education locally and nationally. RESULTS: One
      hundred and four (73%) of 142 schools completed the survey. Ninety-four (90%)
      schools identified a course director. Of these, 48% were led by microbiologists
      alone, 23% co-led by a microbiologist and a clinician, 20% by a clinician alone,
      and 8% by a laboratory medicine physician with or without a co-director. At 55
      (53%) schools, the curricula were organized in a single block or course and at 47
      (45%) it was integrated into other curricula. Areas of emerging importance, such
      as antimicrobial stewardship, global health, infection control, and the
      microbiome, were addressed at 66%, 65%, 64%, and 47% of institutions,
      respectively. Respondents reported the following concerns: challenges integrating
      microbiology into other courses, reduced total teaching hours, and difficulty
      balancing basic and clinical science topics. CONCLUSIONS: Preclinical
      microbiology course directors report significant challenges in meeting the needs
      of changing curriculum structure and content. Enhanced local collaboration
      between microbiologists and clinicians, as well as national collaboration among
      relevant societies to design best practices and support research, may be
      strategies for future success.

PMID- 27126344
TI  - Editorial Commentary: Recruiting the Next Generation of Infectious Diseases
      Physicians: How Do We Reignite the Passion?

PMID- 27126345
TI  - Factors Influencing Internal Medicine Resident Choice of Infectious Diseases or
      Other Specialties: A National Cross-sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Only 49% of infectious diseases (ID) fellowship programs were filled
      in 2015 through the national match, but little is known about internal medicine
      (IM) resident perceptions of ID and factors related to IM resident career choice.
      METHODS: We conducted 25 interviews and disseminated a Web-based survey to
      graduating IM residents in the United States utilizing a 2-stage sampling
      strategy. Participants were categorized into 3 groups based on interest in ID:
      (1) applied/intended to apply to ID; (2) interested in ID but did not apply; (3)
      never interested in ID. We conducted all analysis using poststratification
      adjustment weights with survey data analysis procedures. RESULTS: Of the 590
      participants, 42 (7%) selected category 1, 188 (32%) category 2, and 360 (61%)
      category 3. Most (65%) developed an interest in their ultimate career before
      residency. Of those interested in ID, >52% rated their ID medical school
      curriculum as very good and influential on their interest in ID. Ninety-one
      percent of category 2 participants felt mentorship was influential on career
      choice, although 43% identified an ID mentor. Category 2 chose salary as the most
      dissuading factor and the most likely intervention to increase ID interest.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this nationally representative sample of graduating IM residents,
      most develop an interest in their ultimate career before residency. Factors
      influencing this decision reside in both medical school and residency, which is
      consistent with career decision-making constructs. By identifying career
      determining factors and understanding how they fit into medical training
      frameworks, we can develop targeted initiatives to reinvigorate interest in ID.

PMID- 27126347
TI  - Sun HY, et al (Clin Infect Dis 2015; 60:36-44).

PMID- 27126348
TI  - Household food insecurity and child health.
AB  - Food insecurity, the lack of consistent access to sufficient quality and quantity
      of food, affects an estimated 800 million people around the world. Although
      household food insecurity is generally associated with poor child nutrition and
      health in the USA, we know less about household food insecurity and child health
      in developing countries. Particularly lacking is research assessing how
      associations between household food insecurity and children's health outcomes may
      differ by child age and among children beyond age 5 years in low-income settings.
      We use data from a population-based sample of households with children ages 3-11
      years (N = 431) in Leon, Nicaragua to consider how household food insecurity is
      associated with three measures of child health: illness, anaemia and low height
      for-age. Our results provide new evidence that even mild household food
      insecurity is detrimental to children's health; and that child age conditions the
      associations between household food insecurity and child health. We find that
      food insecurity is especially harmful to health during early childhood, but
      continues to have significant associations with health into middle childhood (up
      to ages 7-8 years). We discuss the potential implications of these results for
      future child health research and policies in low-income countries. (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27126349
TI  - An eruption of angiokeratomas in the setting of enoxaparin injections.

PMID- 27126346
TI  - Safe Reduction in CD4 Cell Count Monitoring in Stable, Virally Suppressed
      Patients With HIV Infection or HIV/Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that routine CD4 cell count monitoring in human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-monoinfected patients with suppressed viral loads
      and CD4 cell counts >300 cell/MUL could be reduced to annual. HIV/hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) coinfection is frequent, but evidence supporting similar reductions
      in CD4 cell count monitoring is lacking for this population. We determined
      whether CD4 cell count monitoring could be reduced in monoinfected and coinfected
      patients by estimating the probability of maintaining CD4 cell counts >=200
      cells/uL during continuous HIV suppression. METHODS: The PISCIS Cohort study
      included data from 14 539 patients aged >=16 years from 10 hospitals in Catalonia
      and 2 in the Balearic Islands (Spain) since January 1998. All patients who had at
      least one period of 6 months of continuous HIV suppression were included in this
      analysis. Cumulative probabilities with 95% confidence intervals were calculated
      using the Kaplan-Meier estimator stratified by the initial CD4 cell count at the
      period of continuous suppression initiation. RESULTS: A total of 8695 patients
      were included. CD4 cell counts fell to <200 cells/uL in 7.4% patients, and the
      proportion was lower in patients with an initial count >350 cells/uL (1.8%) and
      higher in those with an initial count of 200-249 cells/uL (23.1%). CD4 cell
      counts fell to <200 cells/uL in 5.7% of monoinfected and 11.1% of coinfected
      patients. Of monoinfected patients with an initial CD4 cell count of 300-349
      cells/uL, 95.6% maintained counts >=200 cells/uL. In the coinfected group with
      the same initial count, this rate was lower, but 97.6% of coinfected patients
      with initial counts >350 cells/uL maintained counts >=200 cells/uL. CONCLUSIONS:
      From our data, it can be inferred that CD4 cell count monitoring can be safely
      performed annually in HIV-monoinfected patients with CD4 cell counts >300
      cells/uL and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with counts >350 cells/uL.

PMID- 27126350
TI  - Micafungin as primary antifungal prophylaxis in patients presenting with acute
      myeloid leukemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy and safety of micafungin for prophylaxis of
      invasive fungal infections in patients undergoing induction chemotherapy for
      acute myeloid leukemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational single
      center study of 41 patients from the hematology department between May 2012 and
      April 2015. Micafungin was administered once daily from the first day of
      induction chemotherapy to the end of the neutropenic phase. RESULTS: Neither
      Candida nor Aspergillus infection was documented in our 41 patients from the
      first day of micafungin infusion to the end of the neutropenic phase. Patients
      were followed for three months after discontinuation of micafungin and none of
      them contracted an invasive fungal infection. Only one patient presented with
      grade III-IV hepatic and ionic toxicities. CONCLUSION: Micafungin is associated
      with a good safety profile and is an interesting option for preventing invasive
      fungal infections in the high-risk population of patients presenting with
      hematological disorders.

PMID- 27126351
TI  - [Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to meticillin in community
      acquired skin infections].

PMID- 27126352
TI  - PAX6: 25th anniversary and more to learn.
AB  - The DNA-binding transcription factor PAX6 was cloned 25 years ago by multiple
      teams pursuing identification of human and mouse eye disease causing genes,
      cloning vertebrate homologues of pattern-forming regulatory genes identified in
      Drosophila, or abundant eye-specific transcripts. Since its discovery in 1991,
      genetic, cellular, molecular and evolutionary studies on Pax6 mushroomed in the
      mid 1990s leading to the transformative thinking regarding the genetic program
      orchestrating both early and late stages of eye morphogenesis as well as the
      origin and evolution of diverse visual systems. Since Pax6 is also expressed
      outside of the eye, namely in the central nervous system and pancreas, a number
      of important insights into the development and function of these organs have been
      amassed. In most recent years, genome-wide technologies utilizing massively
      parallel DNA sequencing have begun to provide unbiased insights into the
      regulatory hierarchies of specification, determination and differentiation of
      ocular cells and neurogenesis in general. This review is focused on major
      advancements in studies on mammalian eye development driven by studies of Pax6
      genes in model organisms and future challenges to harness the technology-driven
      opportunities to reconstruct, step-by-step, the transition from naive ectoderm,
      neuroepithelium and periocular mesenchyme/neural crest cells into the three
      dimensional architecture of the eye.

PMID- 27126354
TI  - Ultrafast Band Engineering and Transient Spin Currents in Antiferromagnetic
      Oxides.
AB  - We report a dynamic structure and band engineering strategy with experimental
      protocols to induce indirect-to-direct band gap transitions and coherently
      oscillating pure spin-currents in three-dimensional antiferromagnets (AFM) using
      selective phononic excitations. In the Mott insulator LaTiO3, we show that a
      photo-induced nonequilibrium phonon mode amplitude destroys the spin and
      orbitally degenerate ground state, reduces the band gap by 160 meV and
      renormalizes the carrier masses. The time scale of this process is a few hundreds
      of femtoseconds. Then in the hole-doped correlated metallic titanate, we show how
      pure spin-currents can be achieved to yield spin-polarizations exceeding those
      observed in classic semiconductors. Last, we demonstrate the generality of the
      approach by applying it to the non-orbitally degenerate AFM CaMnO3. These results
      advance our understanding of electron-lattice interactions in structures out-of
      equilibrium and establish a rational framework for designing dynamic phases that
      may be exploited in ultrafast optoelectronic and optospintronic devices.

PMID- 27126353
TI  - Crystal growth and optical characteristics of beryllium-free polyphosphate,
      KLa(PO3)4, a possible deep-ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystal.
AB  - Deep-ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystals are of great importance as key
      materials in generating coherent light with wavelength below 200 nm through
      cascaded frequency conversion of solid-state lasers. However, the solely usable
      crystal in practice, KBe2BO3F2 (KBBF), is still commercially unavailable because
      of the high toxicity of beryllium-containing and the extreme difficulty of
      crystal growth. Here, we report the crystal growth and characteristics of an
      beryllium-free polyphosphate, KLa(PO3)4. Centimeter-sized single crystals have
      been easily obtained by the flux method and slow-cooling technique. The second
      harmonic generation efficiency of KLa(PO3)4 powder is 0.7 times that of KH2PO4;
      moreover, the KLa(PO3)4 crystal is phase-matchable. Remarkably, the KLa(PO3)4
      crystal exhibits an absorption edge of 162 nm, which is the shortest among phase
      matchable phosphates so far. These attributes make KLa(PO3)4 a possible deep
      ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystal. An analysis of the dipole moments of the
      polyhedra and theoretical calculations by density functional theory were made to
      elucidate the structure-properties relationships of KLa(PO3)4.

PMID- 27126355
TI  - Characterizing ceftriaxone-induced urolithiasis and its associated acute kidney
      injury: an animal study and Chinese clinical systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathophysiological process of ceftriaxone-induced
      urolithiasis and its associated acute kidney injury (AKI) based on an animal
      study and summarize the main clinical characteristics based on a Chinese clinical
      systematic review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly
      divided into five groups of six each according to different treatments including
      control; ceftriaxone; ceftriaxone with calcium; calcium; and ceftriaxone, calcium
      with citrate, respectively. The 24-h urine volume, serum creatinine (Scr) and
      blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured; kidney histological examination and
      stone analysis were performed. Systematic searches of the Chinese Knowledge
      Database were conducted for reports on ceftriaxone-induced urolithiasis and AKI.
      The eligibility of each full-text publication was accessed, and qualified data
      were extracted and reviewed. RESULTS: Kidney stones and a significantly low 24-h
      urine volume with increased high Scr and BUN levels were found in the group that
      received ceftriaxone combined with calcium. Citrate was able to inhibit these
      biochemical changes and stone formations. A total of 161 qualified patients were
      included in the Chinese clinical systematic review: The proportion of ceftriaxone
      induced urolithiasis was 21.1, 19.3, 19.3, 39.1 and 1.2 % for ages <3, 3-6, 7-17,
      18-60 and >60 years. 72.7 % developed acute kidney injury eventually. CONCLUSION:
      Ceftriaxone-induced urolithiasis was associated with a high risk of AKI. The
      pathophysiological process may be related to urinary obstruction and crystalline
      nephropathy. Citrate was able to inhibit stone formation and prevent further
      kidney injury.

PMID- 27126357
TI  - Hydrogen bond-assisted aggregation-induced emission and application in the
      detection of the Zn(ii) ion.
AB  - The compounds of 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxylic acid with K(+) (1) and Zn(2+) (2)
      were found to be AIE-active. The AIE behaviours could be attributed to the
      restriction of intramolecular rotation (RIR) and vibration (RIV) via hydrogen
      bonds, resulting in rigidity enhancement of the molecules. An AIE-based
      fluorescence turn on chemosensor for the Zn(ii) ion has been developed in aqueous
      media with high selectivity and sensitivity. 

PMID- 27126356
TI  - The effect of ambient temperature and humidity on interdialytic weight gains in
      end-stage renal disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) is both a measure of dietary compliance
      and a well-established predictor of future adverse outcomes in dialysis patients.
      The impact of environmental conditions on IDWG in end-stage renal disease is
      little studied to date. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed IDWG for 100
      consenting chronic end-stage renal disease patients undergoing thrice weekly in
      center hemodiafiltration under three different climatic conditions in a Central
      European city: Weekend_1 was humid (93 %) and warm (24  degrees C); Weekend_2 was
      dry (38 %) and hot (33  degrees C); and Weekend_3 was dry (30 %) and warm (24 
      degrees C). RESULTS: The cohort's mean age was 60.9 +/- 14.7 years, all were
      Eastern European, and 56 % were men. Residual urine output measured 100 [25-75 %
      quartiles: 0, 612] mL/day, single-pool Kt/V 1.4 +/- 0.25, and albumin 40.1 +/-
      3.9 g/L. Mean IDWGs measured as follows: Weekend_1 ("humid-warm"): 2973 +/- 1386
      mL; Weekend_2 ("dry-hot"): 2685 +/- 1368 mL and Weekend_3 ("dry-warm"): 2926 +/-
      1311 mL. Paired-samples testing for difference showed higher fluid gains on the
      humid-warm (239 mL; 95 % CI 21-458 mL; p = 0.032) and on the dry-warm weekends
      (222 mL; 95 % CI -8 to 453 mL, p = 0.059), when compared to the dry-hot weekend.
      Under the latter, dry-hot climatic condition, residual urine output lost its
      significance to impact IDWG during multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSION:
      While excess temperature may impact IDWG to a small degree, air humidity does
      not; the least weight gains occurred on the dry-hot weekend. However, the effects
      of both were minimal under continental summer conditions and are unlikely to
      explain large excesses of individual session-to-session variations.

PMID- 27126358
TI  - Major liver resection for recurrent hydatid cyst of the liver after suboptimal
      treatment.
AB  - Recurrent hydatid disease (HD) of the liver after a previous suboptimal invasive
      treatment is a clinical situation not well codified in terms of management and
      surgical treatment. Between June 2001 and July 2015, 1525 liver resection were
      performed at our unit, of whom 217 were with a laparoscopic and 20 with a robotic
      approach. The most common indications were hepatocellular carcinoma grown on a
      cirrhotic liver and colorectal metastasis. During the same period, we performed
      liver surgery for HD in 34 patients (21 females, 13 males). This retrospective
      study focused on the management and surgical treatment of three unusual cases of
      recurrent hydatid cyst. All patients had a course of perioperative albendazole.
      Thirty-four patients had a surgical treatment [open surgery in 30 (88 %) and
      laparoscopic in four (12 %)]. Surgical procedures were classified as radical
      resections in 33 patients [total cystopericystectomy (10), left lateral
      hepatectomy (5), left hepatectomy (2), right hepatectomy (7),
      segmentectomy/bisegmentectomy (9)]. One patient underwent subtotal pericystectomy
      as the cyst was close to a major vascular pedicle in a cirrhotic liver. Post
      operative complications of grade I-II occurred in 11 (32 %) patients, of grade
      III-IV in one (3 %). Three patients had HD recurrence after a previous suboptimal
      invasive treatment [PAIR (2), unroofing (1)] and all had to undergo a major liver
      resection for the complete removal of parasites. The HD first relapse rate for
      the whole surgical series was 3 %. The second relapse rate was 33 %. The overall
      survival rate was 100 %. Operations for recurrent HD of the liver represent a
      surgical challenge due to volume of the cyst, presence of adhesions related to
      previous invasive treatments and proximity to major vascular structures of the
      liver. In such instances, pericystectomy can be difficultly achieved making
      necessary a formal major liver resection. 

PMID- 27126359
TI  - Anti-Sm is associated with the early poor outcome of lupus nephritis.
AB  - AIM: We investigated whether anti-Smith (Sm) is associated with the outcome of
      kidney biopsy-proven lupus nephritis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed
      clinical, laboratory and histological results in 90 patients with kidney biopsy
      proven lupus nephritis. We defined persistent administration of
      immunosuppressants for more than 3 months after the kidney biopsy as early poor
      outcome of lupus nephritis. We compared baseline variables and delta values of
      lupus nephritis-related variables between patients with and without anti-Sm. The
      independent predictive values for early poor outcome were analyzed using logistic
      regression analysis. RESULTS: The median age was 32.0 years old, and 77 patients
      (85.5%) were women. Anti-Sm was found in 44 of 90 patients (48.8%). When we
      analyzed the differences in delta values of variables reflecting the kidney
      function or the early poor outcome between patients with and without anti-Sm, we
      found significant difference in the early poor outcome between the two groups
      (80.0% of patients having anti-Sm vs. 56.5% of those not having anti-Sm, P =
      0.022). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, along with age and Systemic
      Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, the presence of anti-Sm increased the
      potential of the early poor outcome of lupus nephritis (odds ratio 2.870, 95%
      confidence interval, 1.033, 7.976, P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that
      anti-Sm identified at kidney biopsy might have a predictive value for the early
      poor outcome of biopsy-proven lupus nephritis during the follow-up period.

PMID- 27126360
TI  - Prediction models for platinum-based chemotherapy response and toxicity in
      advanced NSCLC patients.
AB  - In this study, we aimed to establish a platinum-based chemotherapy response and
      toxicity prediction model in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      patients. 416 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 185 genes were genotyped,
      and their association with drug response and toxicity were estimated using
      logistic regression. Nine data mining techniques were employed to establish the
      prediction model; the sensitivity, specificity, overall accuracy and receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to assess the models' performance.
      Finally, selected models were validated in an independent cohort. The models
      established by naive Bayesian algorithm had the best performance. The response
      prediction model achieved a sensitivity of 0.90 and a specificity of 0.47 with
      the ROC area under curve (AUC) of 0.80. The overall toxicity prediction model
      achieved a sensitivity of 0.86 and a specificity of 0.46 with the ROC AUC of
      0.73. The hematological toxicity prediction model achieved a sensitivity of 0.89
      and a specificity of 0.39 with the ROC AUC of 0.76. The gastrointestinal toxicity
      prediction model achieved a sensitivity of 0.93 and a specificity of 0.35 with
      the ROC AUC of 0.80. In conclusion, we provided platinum-based chemotherapy
      response and toxicity prediction models for advanced NSCLC patients.

PMID- 27126361
TI  - ARK5 promotes doxorubicin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via epithelial
      mesenchymal transition.
AB  - AMP-activated protein kinase family member 5 (ARK5) overexpression has been
      reported in many human cancers, and ARK5 is associated with poor prognosis in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether ARK5 is involved in HCC
      chemoresistance is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of
      ARK5 in HCC chemoresistance and the underlying mechanism. In this study, we found
      that SNU387 and SNU449 HCC cell lines overexpressing ARK5 displayed low
      doxorubicin sensitivity compared to Huh7 and Hep3B HCC cell lines with ARK5 low
      expression. And knockdown of ARK5 increased the doxorubicin sensitivity in all
      HCC cell lines in the manner of inhibiting cell proliferation. Western blotting
      and immunofluorescence both showed that ARK5 knockdown upregulated E-cadherin and
      downregulated vimentin, which was consistent with the knockdown of TWIST,
      indicating ARK5 was involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
      Moreover, suppressing ARK5 by siRNA restored E-cadherin and vimentin expression
      induced by doxorubicin treatment or hypoxia culture. Our results indicated ARK5
      confers doxorubicin resistance in HCC via inducing EMT.

PMID- 27126363
TI  - Heritage, health and place: The legacies of local community-based heritage
      conservation on social wellbeing.
AB  - Geographies of health challenge researchers to attend to the positive effects of
      occupying, creating and using all kinds of spaces, including 'green space' and
      more recently 'blue space'. Attention to the spaces of community-based heritage
      conservation has largely gone unexplored within the health geography literature.
      This paper examines the personal motivations and impacts associated with people's
      growing interest in local heritage groups. It draws on questionnaires and
      interviews from a recent study with such groups and a conceptual mapping of their
      routes and flows. The findings reveal a rich array of positive benefits on the
      participants' social wellbeing with/in the community. These include personal
      enrichment, social learning, satisfaction from sharing the heritage products with
      others, and less anxiety about the present. These positive effects were tempered
      by needing to face and overcome challenging effects associated with running the
      projects thus opening up an extension to health-enabling spaces debates.

PMID- 27126362
TI  - Activation of AKT negatively regulates the pro-apoptotic function of death
      associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK3) in prostate cancer.
AB  - The activation of AKT governs many signaling pathways and promotes cell growth
      and inhibits apoptosis in human malignancies including prostate cancer (CaP).
      Here, we investigated the molecular association between AKT activation and the
      function of death-associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK3) in CaP. An inverse
      correlation of pAKT and DAPK3 expression was seen in a panel of CaP cell lines.
      Inhibition of AKT by wortmannin/LY294002 or overexpression of DAPK3 reverts the
      proliferative function of AKT in CaP cells. On the other hand, ectopic expression
      of AKT inhibited DAPK3 function and induced proliferation of CaP cells. In
      addition, AKT over-expressed tumors exhibit aggressive growth when compared to
      control vector in xenograft models. The immunohistochemistry results revealed a
      down-regulation of DAPK3 expression in AKT over-expressed tumors as compared to
      control tumors. Finally, we examined the expression pattern of AKT and DAPK3 in
      human CaP specimens - the expected gradual increase and nuclear localization of
      pAKT was seen in higher Gleason score samples versus benign hyperplasia (BPH). On
      the contrary, reduced expression of DAPK3 was seen in higher Gleason stages
      versus BPH. This suggests that inhibition of DAPK3 may be a contributing factor
      to the carcinogenesis of the prostate. Understanding the mechanism by which AKT
      negatively regulates DAPK3 function may suggest whether DAPK3 can be a
      therapeutic target for CaP.

PMID- 27126364
TI  - Systematic review of reviews of observational studies of school-level effects on
      sexual health, violence and substance use.
AB  - For three decades there have been reports that the quality of schools affects
      student health. The literature is diverse and reviews have addressed different
      aspects of how the school environment may affect health. This paper is the first
      to synthesise this evidence using a review of reviews focusing on substance-use,
      violence and sexual-health. Twelve databases were searched. Eleven included
      reviews were quality-assessed and synthesised narratively. There is strong
      evidence that schools' success in engaging students is associated with reduced
      substance use. There is little evidence that tobacco-control policies and school
      sexual-health clinics on their own are associated with better outcomes.

PMID- 27126365
TI  - Immune responses to hepatitis B immunization 10-18 years after primary
      vaccination: a population-based cohort study.
AB  - We evaluated the immune response to neonatal HBV immunization in children of
      infected parents 10-18 years after primary vaccination. Healthy individuals
      immunized with an infantile course of three doses of HBV vaccine were tested for
      persistence of anti-HB surface antibody (HBsAb). Those with an HBsAb level of <10
      IU/mL received a booster dose of the vaccine with subsequent doses to those
      without protective titres. HBsAb concentrations were determined 4 weeks after
      each dose of the booster vaccine. The data were analysed separately for three age
      groups: 10-11, 12-14 and 15-18 years old. A total of 541 healthy individuals were
      studied. The highest seroprotection rate of 48% was observed in the youngest
      vaccinees (10-11 years old). This declined to 26.5% in the oldest (15-18 years
      old) group (P = 0.008). The youngest vaccinees showed the highest rate of
      anamnestic immune responses (96%). However, 25% of oldest individuals failed to
      mount an anamnestic immune response in challenge with a booster dose of the
      vaccine (P = 0.005), suggesting waning immunity with increasing age. Age (OR:
      0.80; P = 0.01) and prebooster HBsAb levels (OR: 0.37; P = 0.01) identified
      responders to first booster doses of the vaccine by logistic regression analysis.
      The majority of high-risk vaccinees showed anamnestic immune response 10-11 years
      after primary immunization. However, we found a significant proportion (25%) of
      older individuals with no anamnetic response, which suggests a waning of immune
      memory. Detailed long-term follow-up studies are necessary to determine the risk
      of natural infection among these individuals before a booster schedule can be
      recommended.

PMID- 27126366
TI  - The fall and rise of the Icelandic Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus): a 50-year
      demographic study on a non-cyclic Arctic fox population.
AB  - In territorial species, observed density dependence is often manifest in lowered
      reproductive output at high population density where individuals have fewer
      resources or are forced to inhabit low-quality territories. The Arctic fox
      (Vulpes lagopus) in Iceland is territorial throughout the year and feeds mostly
      on birds, since lemmings are absent from the country. Thus, the population does
      not exhibit short-term population cycles that are evident in most of the species'
      geographical range. The population has, however, gone through a major long-term
      fluctuation in population size. Because of the stability in hunting effort and
      reliable hunting records since 1958, the total number of adult foxes killed
      annually can be used as an index of population size (N t ). An index of carrying
      capacity (K) from population growth data for five separate time blocks during
      1958-2007 revealed considerable variation in K and allowed a novel definition of
      population density in terms of K, or N t /K. Correlation analysis suggested that
      the reproductive rate was largely determined by the proportion of territorial
      foxes in the population. Variation in litter size and cub mortality was, on the
      other hand, related to climatic variation. Thus, Arctic foxes in Iceland engage
      in typical contest competition but can adapt their territory sizes in response to
      both temporal and spatial variation in carrying capacity, resulting in
      surprisingly little variation in litter size.

PMID- 27126367
TI  - Personal care assistants' experiences of caring for people on home mechanical
      ventilation.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to describe personal care assistants' (PCA)
      experiences of working with a ventilator-assisted person at home. METHODS: Data
      were collected from fifteen audiotaped semistructured interviews with PCAs
      supporting a child or adult using home mechanical ventilation (HMV). Thirteen
      women and two men participated; their working experience with HMV users ranged
      from one to 17 years (median 6 years). Data were subjected to qualitative content
      analysis in an inductive and interpretive manner. FINDINGS: Five categories
      emerged from the data: Being part of a complex work situation; Taking on a
      multidimensional responsibility; Caring carried out in someone's home; Creating
      boundaries in an environment with indistinct limits; and Being close to another's
      body and soul. CONCLUSIONS: The participants felt very close to the person they
      worked with, both physically and emotionally. They had a great responsibility and
      therefore a commensurate need for support, guidance and a well-functioning
      organisation around the HMV user. There is international consensus that advanced
      home care will continue to expand and personal care assistance is key in this
      development. We suggest that one way to move forward for PCAs working with HMV
      users is to create multiprofessional teams led by a key-person who coordinates
      the individual needs. More research is needed within this area from a broad
      perspective including the HMV-assisted persons, relatives, personal care
      assistants and management organisations.

PMID- 27126368
TI  - Using nanobiotechnology to increase the prevalence of epigenotyping assays in
      precision medicine.
AB  - Epigenetic silencing of genes that are important for DNA repair, cell cycle
      control, apoptosis, and cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix has
      been causally linked to several subtypes of cancer. Translating this knowledge of
      the implications of promoter methylation to wide and routine use in clinical
      pathology laboratories has been more challenging than the case of genetic
      analyses because epigenetic modifications do not change the underlying sequence
      of the affected nucleic acid, rendering polymerase chain reaction analysis alone
      uninformative. Two epigenotyping assays that detect promoter methylation are
      currently standard of care in treatment of two distinct tumor types in only a few
      top hospitals across the United States. Both rely on a harsh chemical step that
      degrades over 90% of tumor DNA samples, which are often available in limited
      quantities, and imparts the potential for false-negative or false-positive
      results if the reaction conditions are not exactly correct. Using nanotechnology
      and biotechnology to devise practical new analysis techniques that avoid the
      drawbacks of current techniques represents a powerful approach that is likely to
      significantly increase the clinical use of this class of biomarkers in the coming
      years. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1407. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1407 For
      further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 27126369
TI  - Isolation and characterization of circulating tumor cells using a novel workflow
      combining the CellSearch(r) system and the CellCelectorTM.
AB  - Circulating tumor cells (CTC) are rare cells which have left the primary tumor to
      enter the blood stream. Although only a small CTC subgroup is capable of
      extravasating, the presence of CTCs is associated with an increased risk of
      metastasis and a shorter overall survival. Understanding the heterogeneous CTC
      biology will optimize treatment decisions and will thereby improve patient
      outcome. For this, robust workflows for detection and isolation of CTCs are
      urgently required. Here, we present a workflow to characterize CTCs by combining
      the advantages of both the CellSearch(r) and the CellCelectorTM micromanipulation
      system. CTCs were isolated from CellSearch(r) cartridges using the CellCelectorTM
      system and were deposited into PCR tubes for subsequent molecular analysis (whole
      genome amplification (WGA) and massive parallel multigene sequencing). By a
      CellCelectorTM screen we reidentified 97% of CellSearch(r) SKBR-3 cells.
      Furthermore, we isolated 97% of CellSearch(r) -proven patient CTCs using the
      CellCelectorTM system. Therein, we found an almost perfect correlation of R2  =
      0.98 (Spearman's rho correlation, n = 20, p < 0.00001) between the CellSearch(r)
      CTC count (n = 271) and the CellCelectorTM detected CTCs (n = 252). Isolated CTCs
      were analyzed by WGA and massive parallel multigene sequencing. In total, single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be detected in 50 genes in seven CTCs, 12
      MCF-7, and 3 T47D cells, respectively. Taken together, CTC quantification via the
      CellCelectorTM system ensures a comprehensive detection of CTCs preidentified by
      the CellSearch(r) system. Moreover, the isolation of CTCs after CellSearch(r)
      using the CellCelectorTM system guarantees for CTC enrichment without any
      contaminants enabling subsequent high throughput genomic analyses on single cell
      level. (c) 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog.,
      33:125-132, 2017.

PMID- 27126370
TI  - Participation of the thalamic CM-Pf complex in movement performance in patients
      with dystonia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The centrum medianum- parafascicular complex of the human thalamus
      has a critical influence on cortical activity and significantly influences
      somatosensory function, arousal, and attention. In addition to its cortical
      connections, this region of the intralaminar thalamic nuclei is also connected to
      motor areas of the basal ganglia and the brain stem. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this
      study was to identify movement-related neurons in the centrum medianum
      parafascicular complex and analyze the changes in their activity during voluntary
      movements in patients with cervical dystonia. METHODS: Single-unit activity was
      recorded during the micro-electrode-guided surgical ablation procedures in
      patients with cervical dystonia. The neural responses and synchronous
      electromyographic signals of the neck and finger flexor muscles were
      simultaneously recorded. RESULTS: We found the following 3 types of movement
      sensitive neurons in the centrum medianum-parafascicular complex: neurons that
      responded selectively to voluntary hand movement (hand-only neurons), neurons
      that selectively responded to neck movements (neck-only neurons), neurons
      responding to both hand and neck movements (combined neurons). We discovered the
      following 3 patterns of movement-related changes in neural activity: an increase
      in the firing rate, a reduction in the bursting activity, and short-term
      oscillations and synchronization with neighboring neurons. The most pronounced
      and prolonged responses were observed during movements involving neck muscles as
      well as during involuntary dystonic movements. CONCLUSION: The centrum medianum
      parafascicular complex of the thalamus is a component of the subcortical network
      that participates in motor behavior and may be involved in the pathophysiology of
      cervical dystonia. (c) 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder
      Society.

PMID- 27126371
TI  - Immediate Implant Placement in Sockets with Asymptomatic Apical Periodontitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate if the presence of
      granulation tissue in asymptomatic apical periodontitis compromised immediate
      implant placement. METHODS: Patients requiring extraction of one tooth (maxillary
      and mandibular incisive, canine or premolar) with asymptomatic apical
      periodontitis, were recruited for this prospective study. They were randomly
      scheduled into two groups: in first group (A) including 30 teeth, reactive soft
      tissue was debrided before implant placement, and in second group (B) including
      30 teeth, reactive soft tissue was left in the apical lesion. Implants were
      positioned immediately after tooth extraction, and were loaded after 3 months in
      both groups. Cone beam computed tomography was performed before tooth extraction
      and at 1-year follow-up to evaluate the radiolucency around the root apex and the
      implant, bucco-lingual bone levels were also checked. RESULTS: Sixty patients
      were included in this study. Sixty implants were placed immediately after tooth
      extraction and, at 1-year follow-up, a survival rate of 100% was reported. After
      one year both groups showed absence of radiolucent zone at the apical region of
      implants. All fresh sockets presented a buccal-palatal bone reduction in both
      groups after one year, even if not statistically significant differences were
      found between baseline bone levels and within groups. CONCLUSIONS: Within the
      limitations of the present study, the immediate placement of implants into the
      extraction sockets with asymptomatic apical periodontitis, in presence of primary
      stability, did not lead to an increased rate of complications and rendered an
      equally favorable type of tissue integration.

PMID- 27126372
TI  - Nucleologenesis in Trypanosoma cruzi.
AB  - Nucleolar assembly is a cellular event that requires the synthesis and processing
      of ribosomal RNA, in addition to the participation of pre-nucleolar bodies (PNBs)
      at the end of mitosis. In mammals and plants, nucleolar biogenesis has been
      described in detail, but in unicellular eukaryotes it is a poorly understood
      process. In this study, we used light and electron microscopy cytochemical
      techniques to investigate the distribution of nucleolar components in the pathway
      of nucleolus rebuilding during closed cell division in epimastigotes of
      Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of American trypanosomiasis. Silver
      impregnation specific for nucleolar organizer regions and an
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid regressive procedure to preferentially stain
      ribonucleoprotein revealed the conservation and dispersion of nucleolar material
      throughout the nucleoplasm during cell division. Furthermore, at the end of
      mitosis, the argyrophilic proteins were concentrated in the nucleolar organizer
      region. Unexpectedly, accumulation of nucleolar material in the form of PNBs was
      not visualized. We suggest that formation of the nucleolus in epimastigotes of T.
      cruzi occurs by a process that does not require the concentration of nucleolar
      material within intermediate nuclear bodies such as mammalian and plant PNBs.

PMID- 27126373
TI  - Enantiomeric Lignans and Neolignans from Phyllanthus glaucus: Enantioseparation
      and Their Absolute Configurations.
AB  - Eight pairs of enantiomeric neolignans, norlignans, and sesquineolignans (1a/1b
      8a/8b), together with five known neolignans (9a/9b and 10-12), have been isolated
      from 70% acetone extract of the whole plants of Phyllanthus glaucus Wall.
      (Euphorbiaceae). The racemic or partial racemic mixtures were successfully
      separated by chiral HPLC using different types of chiral columns with various
      mobile phases. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive
      spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of 2a/2b were determined by
      computational analysis of their electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectrum, and
      the absolute configurations of other isolates were ascertained by comparing their
      experimental ECD spectra and optical rotation values with those of structure
      relevant compounds reported in literatures. Compounds 4a/4b featured unique
      sesquineolignan skeletons with a novel 7-4'-epoxy-8'-8''/7'-2'' scaffold,
      consisting of an aryltetrahydronaphthalene and a dihydrobenzofuran moiety. The
      planar structures of compounds 2, 3, 7, and 8 were documented previously;
      however, their absolute configurations were established for the first time in
      this study. The antioxidant activities of 1a/1b-8a/8b were evaluated using DPPH
      free radical scavenging assay, and the results demonstrated that compounds 1b and
      3b showed potent DPPH radical scavenging activities with IC50 values of 5.987 +/-
      1.212 and 9.641 +/- 0.865 MUg/mL, respectively.

PMID- 27126374
TI  - Abrogating the interplay between IGF2BP1, 2 and 3 and IGF1R by let-7i arrests
      hepatocellular carcinoma growth.
AB  - IGF2BP 1, 2 and 3 control the fate of many transcripts. Immunoprecipitation
      studies demonstrated the IGF2BPs to bind to IGF1R mRNA, and our laboratory has
      recently shown them to post-transcriptionally regulate IGF1R. This study sought
      to identify a microRNA regulating the IGF2BPs and consequently IGF1R. All three
      IGF2BPs were among the top-ranked predicted targets of let-7i. Let-7i was
      downregulated in HCC tissues, and transfection of HuH-7 with let-7i inhibited
      malignant cell behaviors and decreased IGF2BPs transcripts. Direct binding of let
      7i to IGF2BP2 and IGF2BP3 3'UTRs was confirmed, and the effect of let-7i caused a
      decrease in the IGF2BPs' target gene, the IGF1R. IGF1R mRNA was inversely
      correlated with let-7i in HCC tissues and was reduced upon let-7i transfection
      into HuH-7. Reporter assays validated IGF1R as a target of let-7i. Therefore, let
      7i may control HCC tumorigenesis by regulating IGF1R directly and indirectly by
      interrupting the interplay between IGF1R and the IGF2BPs.

PMID- 27126375
TI  - End-stage Renal Disease after Renal Surgery: Partial Nephrectomy is Protective,
      but to What Degree and Consequence?

PMID- 27126376
TI  - Re: Jeffrey C. Weinreb, Jelle O. Barentsz, Peter L. Choyke, et al. PI-RADS
      Prostate Imaging - Reporting and Data System: 2015, Version 2. Eur Urol
      2016;69:16-40: Is Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Really Necessary
      When Searching for Prostate Cancer?

PMID- 27126378
TI  - Pedicled adipofascial infraclavicular flap: Elevation technique and its use for
      maintaining neck contour and vessel coverage after radical and modified radical
      neck dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pedicled adipofascial infraclavicular flap (ICF) is based on the
      anterior perforator of the supraclavicular artery and supplies the
      fasciocutaneous tissue of the upper chest. This flap may be used to address neck
      contour defects and vessel coverage after radical and modified radical neck
      dissections (MRNDs). METHODS: We described the pedicled adipofascial ICF
      elevation technique and its use immediately after neck dissections in order to
      maintain soft tissue volume and vessel coverage. A video of the operation is
      provided. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated satisfactory neck contours with
      adequate volume replacement, great vessel coverage, and little donor-site
      morbidity. CONCLUSION: The pedicled adipofascial ICF is a technically
      straightforward operation with broad possible applications in head and neck
      surgery. It may be useful to provide vascularized soft-tissue coverage and
      maintain neck contour after neck dissections. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
      Head Neck 38: First-1582, 2016.

PMID- 27126377
TI  - Prognostic significance of endogenous erythropoietin in long-term outcome of
      patients with acute decompensated heart failure.
AB  - AIMS: Although previous reports suggest that an elevated endogenous
      erythropoietin (EPO) level is associated with worse clinical outcomes in chronic
      heart failure (HF) patients, the prognostic implication of EPO in patients with
      acute decompensated HF (ADHF) and underlying mechanisms of the high EPO level in
      severe HF patients who have a poor prognosis remain unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      We examined 539 consecutive ADHF patients with EPO measurement on admission from
      our registry. During a median follow-up period of 329 days, a higher EPO level on
      admission was independently associated with worse clinical outcomes [hazard ratio
      (HR) 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.48, P = 0.008], and haemoglobin
      level was the strongest determinant of EPO level (P < 0.001), whereas estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was not significant in multivariate regression
      analysis. In the anaemic subgroup of 318 patients, a higher EPO level than
      expected on the basis of their haemoglobin level was related to increased adverse
      events (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.05-2.49, P = 0.028). Moreover, estimated plasma volume
      excess rate was positively associated with EPO level (P = 0.003), and anaemic
      patients with a higher than expected EPO level tended to have a higher estimated
      plasma volume excess rate and plasma lactate level, and lower systemic oxygen
      saturation level with the preservation of the reticulocyte production index than
      those with a lower than expected EPO level. CONCLUSION: A high EPO level predicts
      long-term worse clinical outcomes in ADHF patients, independent of anaemia and
      impaired renal function. Anaemia and hypoxia due to severe congestion may
      synergistically contribute to a high EPO level in high-risk HF patients.

PMID- 27126379
TI  - Influence of zeolite shape and particle size on their capacity to adsorb uremic
      toxin as powders and as fillers in membranes.
AB  - Membranes with zeolites are promising for performing blood dialysis because
      zeolites can eliminate uremic toxins through molecular sieving. Although the size
      and the shape of zeolite particles can potentially influence the performance of
      the membranes with respect of creatinine uptake level, it is not clear what sizes
      and shapes lead to better performance. In this paper, we carry out experiments to
      answer this question. Spherical microparticle 840, spherical nanoparticle P-87
      and rod-like nanoparticle P-371 zeolites were chosen to be used in all the
      experiments. Their creatinine uptake levels were first measured as powders in
      creatinine solutions with different concentrations, volumes and adsorption times.
      Then, nanofibrous membranes with zeolites were electrospun and their ability to
      adsorb creatinine was measured and compared against their respective powders'
      creatinine uptake level. The experiment shows that the zeolites have similar
      creatinine uptake ability as powders. However, they have significantly different
      creatinine uptake ability after being incorporated inside the membranes.
      Spherical microparticle 840 in the membrane presented the best creatinine uptake
      ability, at 8957 ug g-1 , which was half of its powders'. On the other hand, P-87
      presented largely decreased, while P-371 presented even lower creatinine uptake
      ability in membranes when compared to respective powders'. The results shows that
      microparticle and sphere shaped particles perform better inside the membranes.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B:
      1594-1601, 2017.

PMID- 27126380
TI  - Microbial communities and arsenic biogeochemistry at the outflow of an alkaline
      sulfide-rich hot spring.
AB  - Alkaline sulfide-rich hot springs provide a unique environment for microbial
      community and arsenic (As) biogeochemistry. In this study, a representative
      alkaline sulfide-rich hot spring, Zimeiquan in the Tengchong geothermal area, was
      chosen to study arsenic geochemistry and microbial community using Illumina MiSeq
      sequencing. Over 0.26 million 16S rRNA sequence reads were obtained from 5-paired
      parallel water and sediment samples along the hot spring's outflow channel. High
      ratios of As(V)/AsSum (total combined arsenate and arsenite concentrations) (0.59
      0.78), coupled with high sulfide (up to 5.87 mg/L), were present in the hot
      spring's pools, which suggested As(III) oxidation occurred. Along the outflow
      channel, AsSum increased from 5.45 to 13.86 MUmol/L, and the combined sulfide and
      sulfate concentrations increased from 292.02 to 364.28 MUmol/L. These increases
      were primarily attributed to thioarsenic transformation. Temperature, sulfide, As
      and dissolved oxygen significantly shaped the microbial communities between not
      only the pools and downstream samples, but also water and sediment samples.
      Results implied that the upstream Thermocrinis was responsible for the
      transformation of thioarsenic to As(III) and the downstream Thermus contributed
      to derived As(III) oxidation. This study improves our understanding of
      microbially-mediated As transformation in alkaline sulfide-rich hot springs.

PMID- 27126381
TI  - Usefulness of basic renal function tests in decision-making in children with loss
      of renal parenchyma and/or dilation of the urinary tract.
AB  - Basic renal function tests such as maximum urine osmolality and urinary
      elimination of albumin and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase often reveal abnormalities in
      clinical cases involving hyperpressure in the urinary tract or loss of renal
      parenchyma. However, in all the available algorithms dedicated to the study of
      children with urinary tract infection or dilation, the benefit of using these
      functional parameters is not mentioned. In this review, we provide information
      about the practical usefulness of assessing the basic renal function parameters.
      From these data, we propose an algorithm that combines morphological and
      functional parameters to make a reasoned case for voiding cystourethrography. 

PMID- 27126382
TI  - A diagnostic method for herpes simplex keratitis by simultaneous measurement of
      viral DNA and virus-specific secretory IgA in tears: an evaluation.
AB  - PURPOSE: We performed simultaneous measurement of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA
      by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and of HSV-specific
      secretory IgA antibody (HSV-sIgA) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in
      tears obtained using Schirmer strips in order to investigate its diagnostic
      efficacy for herpes simplex keratitis (HSK). METHODS: A total of 59 affected eyes
      from 59 patients with clinically suspected HSK (HSK group) and 23 eyes from 23
      healthy volunteers (control group) were enrolled in this study. The HSK group was
      divided into five subgroups: dendritic/geographic keratitis, disciform keratitis,
      necrotizing keratitis, atypical keratitis, and others. The tear samples were
      taken using Schirmer strips to determine the HSV DNA and HSV-sIgA levels.
      RESULTS: The overall sensitivity and specificity were 55.8 and 100 % for HSV DNA
      and 49.2 and 82.6 % for HSV-sIgA. The HSV DNA levels in the disciform keratitis
      subgroup (median, 3.1 * 10(2) copies/sample) were significantly lower than those
      in the dendritic/geographic keratitis subgroup (median, 2.3 * 10(4)
      copies/sample) (P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney test). The HSV-sIgA levels in the
      disciform keratitis subgroup (median, 50.0 NU/ml) were significantly higher than
      those in the control group (median, 18.0 NU/ml) (P < 0.05, Steel test). The
      positive and negative predictive values obtained by simultaneous measurement of
      HSV DNA and sIgA were 90.9 and 61.3 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination
      of laboratory detection of HSV DNA by real-time PCR and of HSV-sIgA by ELISA
      using tear samples enables higher reliability in diagnosing the subgroups of HSK,
      although the HSV DNA value is relatively lower in disciform HSK than in
      dendritic/geographic HSK.

PMID- 27126383
TI  - The long life of an endocytic patch that misses AP-2.
AB  - Endocytosis is the process by which cells regulate extracellular fluid uptake and
      internalize molecules bound to their plasma membrane. This process requires the
      generation of protein-coated vesicles. In clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) the
      assembly polypeptide 2 (AP-2) adaptor facilitates rapid endocytosis of some
      plasma membrane receptors by mediating clathrin recruitment to the endocytic site
      and by connecting cargoes to the clathrin coat. While this adaptor is essential
      for early embryonic development in mammals, initial results suggested that it is
      dispensable for endocytosis in unicellular eukaryotes. The drastic effect of
      depleting AP-2 in metazoa and the mild effect of deleting AP-2 subunits in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae have prevented a detailed analysis of the dynamics of
      endocytic patches in the absence of this adaptor. Using live-cell imaging of
      Schizosaccharomyces pombe endocytic sites we have shown that eliminating AP-2
      perturbs the dynamics of endocytic patches beyond the moment of coat assembly.
      These perturbations affect the cell growth pattern and cell wall synthesis. Our
      results highlight the importance of using different model organisms to address
      the study of conserved aspects of CME.

PMID- 27126384
TI  - Phenotypic heterogeneity in a bacteriophage population only appears as stress
      induced mutagenesis.
AB  - Stress-induced mutagenesis has been studied in cancer cells, yeast, bacteria, and
      archaea, but not in viruses. In a recent publication, we present a bacteriophage
      model showing an apparent stress-induced mutagenesis. We show that the stress
      does not drive the mutagenesis, but only selects the fittest mutants. The
      mechanism underlying the observed phenomenon is a phenotypic heterogeneity that
      resembles persistence of the viral population. The new findings, the background
      for the ongoing debate on stress-induced mutagenesis, and the phenotypic
      heterogeneity underlying a novel phage infection strategy are discussed in this
      short manuscript.

PMID- 27126385
TI  - Summation effects in human learning: evidence from patterning discriminations in
      goal-tracking.
AB  - Participants in two human goal-tracking experiments were simultaneously trained
      with negative patterning (NP) and positive patterning (PP) discriminations (A+,
      B+, AB-, C-, D-, CD+). Both elemental and configural models of associative
      learning predict a PP advantage, such that NP is solved less readily than PP.
      However, elemental models like the unique cue approach additionally predict
      responding in AB- trials to be initially stronger than that in A+ and B+ trials
      due to summation of associative strength. Both experiments revealed a PP
      advantage and a strong summation effect in AB- trials in the first half of the
      experiments, irrespective of whether the same US was used for both
      discriminations (Experiment 1) or two different USs (Experiment 2). We discuss
      that the correct predictions of the unique cue approach are based on its
      assumptions of non-normalized and context-independent stimulus processing rather
      than elemental processing per se.

PMID- 27126386
TI  - Anoxybacillusgeothermalis sp. nov., a facultatively anaerobic, endospore-forming
      bacterium isolated from mineral deposits in a geothermal station.
AB  - A novel endospore-forming bacterium designated strain GSsed3T was isolated from
      deposits clogging aboveground filters from the geothermal power platform of
      Grobeta Schonebeck in northern Germany. The novel isolate was Gram-staining
      positive, facultatively anaerobic, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive.
      Optimum growth occurred at 60  degrees C, 0.5 % (w/v) NaCl and pH 7-8. Analysis
      of the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity indicated that strain GSsed3T belonged
      to the genus Anoxybacillus, and showed 99.8 % sequence similarity to
      Anoxybacillus rupiensis R270T, 98.2 % similarity to Anoxybacillus tepidamans GS5
      97T, 97.9 % similarity to Anoxybacillus voinovskiensis TH13T, 97.7 % similarity
      to Anoxybacillus caldiproteolyticus DSM 15730T and 97.6 % similarity to
      Anoxybacillus amylolyticus MR3CT. DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) indicated only 16 %
      relatedness to Anoxybacillus rupiensis DSM 17127T. Furthermore, DDH estimation
      based on genomes analysis indicated only 19.9 % overall nucleotide similarity to
      Anoxybacillus amylolyticus DSM 15939T. The major respiratory menaquinone was MK
      8. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine,
      phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unknown phosphoglycolipid and
      one unknown phospholipid. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0,
      iso-C17 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The peptidoglycan type was
      A1gamma meso-Dpm-direct. The genomic DNA G+C content of the strain was 46.9 mol%.
      The phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic characterization indicated that
      strain GSsed3T differs from related species of the genus. Therefore, strain
      GSsed3T is considered to be a representative of a novel species of the genus
      Anoxybacillus, for which the name Anoxybacillus geothermalis sp. nov. is
      proposed. The type strain of Anoxybacillus geothermalis is GSsed3T (=CCOS808T
      =ATCC BAA2555T). 

PMID- 27126387
TI  - Association between Type of Sedation and the Adverse Events Associated with
      Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: An Analysis of 5 Years' Data from a Tertiary Center
      in the USA.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The landscape of sedation for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic
      procedures and the nature of the procedures themselves have changed over the last
      decade. In this study, an attempt is made to analyze the frequency and etiology
      of all major adverse events associated with GI endoscopy. METHODS: All adverse
      events extracted from the electronic database and local registry were analyzed.
      Although the data analysis was retrospective, the adverse events themselves were
      documented prospectively. These events were evaluated after subdivision into
      propofol-based anesthesia and intravenous conscious sedation groups. RESULTS:
      Cardiorespiratory events, including cardiac arrest, were the most common adverse
      events during esophagogastroduodenoscopy, while bleeding was more frequent in
      patients undergoing colonoscopy. Pancreatitis was the most frequent adverse event
      in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The
      frequencies of most adverse events were significantly higher in patients
      anesthetized with propofol. Automatic regression modeling showed that the type of
      sedation, the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status
      classification, and the procedure type were some of the predictors of immediate
      life-threatening complications. CONCLUSIONS: Clearly, our regression modeling
      suggests a strong association between the type of sedation as well as various
      patient factors and the frequency of adverse events. The possible reasons for our
      results are the changing demographics, the worsening comorbidities of the patient
      population, and the increasing technical complexity of these procedures. Although
      extensive use of propofol has increased patient satisfaction and procedure
      acceptability, its use is also associated with more frequent adverse events.

PMID- 27126388
TI  - diskImageR: quantification of resistance and tolerance to antimicrobial drugs
      using disk diffusion assays.
AB  - Microbial pathogens represent an increasing threat to human health. Although many
      infections can be successfully treated and cleared, drug resistance is a
      widespread problem. The existence of subpopulations of 'tolerant' cells (where a
      fraction of the population is able to grow above the population resistance level)
      may increase the rate of treatment failure; yet, existing methods to measure
      subpopulation effects are cumbersome. Here we describe diskImageR, a
      computational pipeline that analyses photographs of disk diffusion assays to
      determine the degree of drug susceptibility [the radius of inhibition, (RAD)],
      and two aspects of subpopulation growth [the fraction of growth (FoG) within the
      zone of inhibition, (ZOI), and the rate of change in growth from no drug to
      inhibitory drug concentrations, (SLOPE)]. diskImageR was used to examine the
      response of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans to the antifungal drug
      fluconazole across different strain backgrounds and growth conditions. Disk
      diffusion assays performed under Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
      (CLSI) conditions led to more susceptibility and less tolerance than assays
      performed using rich medium conditions. We also used diskImageR to quantify the
      effects of three drugs in combination with fluconazole, finding that all three
      combinations affected tolerance, with the effect of one drug (doxycycline) being
      very strain dependent. The three drugs had different effects on susceptibility,
      with doxycycline generally having no effect, chloroquine generally increasing
      susceptibility and pyrvinium pamoate generally reducing susceptibility. The
      ability to simultaneously quantitate different aspects of microbial drug
      responses will facilitate the study of mechanisms of subpopulation responses in
      the presence of antimicrobial drugs.

PMID- 27126390
TI  - Samarocene oxide: from an undesired decomposition product to a new reagent.
AB  - Samarocene oxide [Cp*2Sm-O-SmCp*2] is mostly considered as an undesired
      decomposition product of the well-established but highly air-sensitive
      samarocene, [Cp*2Sm(thf)2]. [Cp*2Sm-O-SmCp*2] is often formed by accidental
      exposure of [Cp*2Sm(thf)2] to air or wet solvents. We show here that [Cp*2Sm-O
      SmCp*2] acts as a mild oxide base and thus is a valuable synthetic equivalent for
      "O(2-)". The reaction of [Cp*2Sm-O-SmCp*2] with the inorganic and organic
      anhydrides COS, CS2, SO2, SO3, Re2O7, and (PhC(O))2O at room temperature resulted
      in each case in an O(2-) insertion. The corresponding products were isolated as
      their samarium complexes. 

PMID- 27126389
TI  - Drug discovery in renin-angiotensin system intervention: past and future.
AB  - The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in the control of blood
      pressure in the body and the way this interacts with other systems is widely
      recognized. This has not always been the case and this review summarizes how our
      knowledge has evolved from the initial discovery of renin by Tigerstedt and
      Berman in 1898. This includes the identification of angiotensin in the 1950s to
      the proposed relationship between this system, hypertension and ultimately
      cardiovascular disease. While the RAS is far more complex than originally
      thought, much is now known about this system and the wide ranging effects of
      angiotensin in the body. This has enabled the development of therapies that
      target the various proteins in this pathway and hence are implicated in disease.
      The first of these treatments was the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
      (ACE-Is), followed by the angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and more recently
      the direct renin inhibitors (DRIs). Clinical outcome trials have shown these
      drugs to be effective, but as they act at contrasting points in the RAS, there
      are differences in their efficacy and safety profiles. RAS blockade is the
      foundation of modern combination therapy with a calcium channel blocker and/or a
      diuretic given to reduce blood pressure and limit the impact of RAS activation.
      Other options that complement these treatments may be available in the future and
      will offer more choice to clinicians. 

PMID- 27126391
TI  - White blood cell count correlates with mood symptom severity and specific mood
      symptoms in bipolar disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Immune alterations may play a role in bipolar disorder etiology;
      however, the relationship between overall immune system functioning and mood
      symptom severity is unknown. METHODS: The two comparative effectiveness trials,
      the Clinical and Health Outcomes Initiatives in Comparative Effectiveness for
      Bipolar Disorder Study (Bipolar CHOICE) and the Lithium Treatment Moderate-Dose
      Use Study (LiTMUS), were similar trials among patients with bipolar disorder. At
      study entry, white blood cell count and bipolar mood symptom severity (via
      Montgomery-Aasberg Depression Rating Scale and Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms
      Scale) were assessed. We performed analysis of variance and linear regression
      analyses to investigate relationships between deviations from median white blood
      cell and multinomial regression analysis between higher and lower white blood
      cell levels. All analyses were adjusted for age, gender, body mass index,
      smoking, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. RESULTS: Among 482 Bipolar
      CHOICE participants, for each 1.0 * 109/L white blood cell deviation, the overall
      Bipolar Inventory of Symptoms Scale severity increased significantly among men
      (coefficient = 2.13; 95% confidence interval = [0.46, -3.79]; p = 0.013), but not
      among women (coefficient = 0.87; 95% confidence interval = [-0.87, -2.61]; p =
      0.33). Interaction analyses showed a trend toward greater Bipolar Inventory of
      Symptoms Scale symptom severity among men (coefficient = 1.51; 95% confidence
      interval = [-0.81, -3.82]; p = 0.2). Among 283 LiTMUS participants, higher
      deviation from the median white blood cell showed a trend toward higher
      Montgomery-Aasberg Depression Rating Scale scores among men (coefficient = 1.33;
      95% confidence interval = [-0.22, -2.89]; p = 0.09), but not among women
      (coefficient = 0.34; 95% confidence interval = [-0.64, -1.32]; p = 0.50). When
      combining LiTMUS and Bipolar CHOICE, Montgomery-Aasberg Depression Rating Scale
      scores increased significantly among men (coefficient = 1.09; 95% confidence
      interval = [0.31, -1.87]; p = 0.006) for each 1.0 * 109/L white blood cell
      deviation, whereas we found a weak association among women (coefficient = 0.55;
      95% confidence interval = [-0.20, -1.29]; p = 0.14). Lower and higher white blood
      cell levels correlated with greater symptom severity and specific symptoms,
      varying according to gender. CONCLUSION: Deviations in an overall immune system
      marker, even within the normal white blood cell range, correlated with mood
      symptom severity in bipolar disorder, mostly among males. Studies are warranted
      investigating whether white blood cell count may predict response to mood
      stabilizing treatment.

PMID- 27126392
TI  - Dysphagia in Tongue Cancer Patients Before and After Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To define factors influencing postoperative aspiration in tongue cancer
      patients and to analyze the characteristics of dysphagia before and after
      surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 112 tongue cancer patients
      participated in this work. Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were performed in
      all patients before and after surgery. A Penetration-Aspiration Scale score of 3
      or greater was defined as an aspiration risk. Qualitative data were collected on
      a frame-by-frame basis from each videofluoroscopic swallowing study and analyzed.
      RESULTS: Smoking (58.14%, P < .01), tongue resection greater than 50% (38.71%, P
      < .05), and advanced tumor stage (49.18%, P < .01) were strong risk factors for
      aspiration. High incidences of inadequate tongue movement, delayed oral transit
      time, reduced hyoid bone elevation, poor aspiration or penetration, vallecula
      epiglottica, and residual material in the pyriform sinuses were evident after
      surgery (all P < .001). The Penetration-Aspiration Scale score was significantly
      higher after surgery than before surgery. The incidence of silent aspiration
      increased to 6.25% postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking, larger tongue
      resection, and advanced tumor stage were strong risk factors for postoperative
      aspiration and dysphagia complications in tongue cancer patients. The aspiration
      rate was higher after surgery. Further studies should focus on the prevention and
      early treatment of dysphagia, especially postoperative aspiration, in tongue
      cancer patients.

PMID- 27126393
TI  - Sildenafil, a cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, induces microglial
      modulation after focal ischemia in the neonatal mouse brain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perinatal ischemic stroke is the most frequent form of cerebral
      infarction in neonates; however, evidence-based treatments are currently lacking.
      We have previously demonstrated a beneficial effect of sildenafil citrate, a PDE
      5 inhibitor, on stroke lesion size in neonatal rat pups. The present study
      investigated the effects of sildenafil in a neonatal mouse stroke model on (1)
      hemodynamic changes and (2) regulation of astrocyte/microglia-mediated
      neuroinflammation. METHODS: Ischemia was induced in C57Bl/6 mice on postnatal (P)
      day 9 by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAo), and followed by
      either PBS or sildenafil intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections. Blood flow (BF)
      velocities were measured by ultrasound imaging with sequential Doppler recordings
      and laser speckle contrast imaging. Animals were euthanized, and brain tissues
      were obtained at 72 h or 8 days after pMCAo. Expression of M1- and M2-like
      microglia/macrophage markers were analyzed. RESULTS: Although sildenafil (10
      mg/kg) treatment potently increased cGMP concentrations, it did not influence
      early collateral recruitment nor did it reduce mean infarct volumes 72 h after
      pMCAo. Nevertheless, it provided a significant dose-dependent reduction of mean
      lesion extent 8 days after pMCAo. Suggesting a mechanism involving modulation of
      the inflammatory response, sildenafil significantly decreased microglial density
      at 72 h and 8 days after pMCAo. Gene expression profiles indicated that
      sildenafil treatment also modulates M1- (ptgs2, CD32 and CD86) and M2-like
      (CD206, Arg-1 and Lgals3) microglia/macrophages in the late phase after pMCAo.
      Accordingly, the number of COX-2(+) microglia/macrophages significantly increased
      in the penumbra at 72 h after pMCAo but was significantly decreased 8 days after
      ischemia in sildenafil-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings argue that anti
      inflammatory effects of sildenafil may provide protection against lesion
      extension in the late phase after pMCAo in neonatal mice. We propose that
      sildenafil treatment could represent a potential strategy for neonatal ischemic
      stroke treatment/recovery.

PMID- 27126395
TI  - Echocardiography: the transition from master of the craft to admiral of the
      fleet.

PMID- 27126394
TI  - Sexual activity and concerns in people with coronary heart disease from a
      population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sexual activity is a central component of intimate relationships, but
      sexual function may be impaired by coronary heart disease (CHD). There have been
      few representative population-based comparisons of sexual behaviour and concerns
      in people with and without CHD. We therefore investigated these issues in a large
      nationally representative sample of older people. METHODS: We analysed cross
      sectional data from 2979 men and 3711 women aged 50 and older from the English
      Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Sexual behaviour and concerns were assessed by
      validated self-completion questionnaire and analyses were weighted for non
      response. Covariates included age, partnerships status and comorbidities.
      RESULTS: There were 376 men and 279 women with CHD. Men with CHD were less likely
      to be sexually active (68.7% vs 80.0%, adjusted OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.81),
      thought less about sex (74.7% vs 81.9%, OR 0.72, CI 0.54 to 0.95), and reported
      more erectile difficulties (47.4% vs 38.1%, OR 1.46, CI 1.10 to 1.93) than men
      without CHD. Effects were more pronounced among those diagnosed within the past 4
      years. Women diagnosed <4 years ago were also less likely to be sexually active
      (35.4% vs 55.6%, OR 0.44, CI 0.23 to 0.84). There were few differences in
      concerns about sexual activity. Cardiovascular medication showed weak
      associations with erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association
      between CHD and sexual activity, particularly among men, but the impact of CHD is
      limited. More effective advice after diagnosis might reverse the reduction in
      sexual activity, leading to improved quality of life.

PMID- 27126397
TI  - Gender differences in coronary heart disease.

PMID- 27126396
TI  - Cardiovascular risk stratification in familial hypercholesterolaemia.
AB  - Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common autosomal-dominant disorder in
      most European countries. Patients with FH are characterised by a raised level of
      low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a high risk of premature coronary heart
      disease (CHD). Currently there is no consensus regarding the clinical utility to
      predict future coronary events or testing for the presence of subclinical
      atherosclerotic disease in asymptomatic patients with FH. Family screening of
      patients with FH as recommended by the UK National Institute of Health and Care
      Excellence guideline would result in finding many young individuals with a
      diagnosis of FH who are clinically asymptomatic. The traditional CHD risk scores,
      that is, the Framingham score, are insufficient in risk prediction in this group
      of young individuals. In addition, a better understanding of the genetic
      aetiology of the FH phenotype and CHD risk in monogenic FH and polygenic
      hypercholesterolaemia is needed. Non-invasive imaging methods such as carotid
      intima-media thickness measurement might produce more reliable information in
      finding high-risk patients with FH. The potential market authorisation of novel
      therapeutic agents such as PCSK9 monoclonal inhibitors makes it essential to have
      a better screening programme to prioritise the candidates for treatment with the
      most severe form of FH and at higher risk of coronary events. The utility of new
      imaging techniques and new cardiovascular biomarkers remains to be determined in
      prospective trials.

PMID- 27126398
TI  - PSYCHOTHERAPY VERSUS PHARMACOTHERAPY FOR POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: SYSTEMIC
      REVIEW AND META-ANALYSES TO DETERMINE FIRST-LINE TREATMENTS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for posttraumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) offer contradictory recommendations regarding use of medications
      or psychotherapy as first-line treatment. Direct head-to-head comparisons are
      lacking. METHODS: Systemic review of Medline, EMBASE, PILOTS, Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, and Global Health Library was conducted
      without language restrictions. Randomized clinical trials >=8 weeks in duration
      using structured clinical interview-based outcome measures, active-control
      conditions (e.g. supportive psychotherapy), and intent-to-treat analysis were
      selected for analyses. Independent review, data abstraction, and bias assessment
      were performed using standardized processes. Study outcomes were grouped around
      conventional follow-up time periods (3, 6, and 9 months). Combined effect sizes
      were computed using meta-analyses for medication versus control, medication pre
      /posttreatment, psychotherapy versus control, and psychotherapy pre
      /posttreatment. RESULTS: Effect sizes for trauma-focused psychotherapies (TFPs)
      versus active control conditions were greater than medications versus placebo and
      other psychotherapies versus active controls. TFPs resulted in greater sustained
      benefit over time than medications. Sertraline, venlafaxine, and nefazodone
      outperformed other medications, although potential for methodological biases were
      high. Improvement following paroxetine and fluoxetine treatment was small.
      Venlafaxine and stress inoculation training (SIT) demonstrated large initial
      effects that decreased over time. Bupropion, citalopram, divalproex, mirtazapine,
      tiagabine, and topiramate failed to differentiate from placebo. Aripiprazole,
      divalproex, guanfacine, and olanzapine failed to differentiate from placebo when
      combined with an antidepressant. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings support use of TFPs
      over nontrauma-focused psychotherapy or medication as first-line interventions.
      Second-line interventions include SIT, and potentially sertraline or venlafaxine,
      rather than entire classes of medication, such as SSRIs. Future revisions of CPGs
      should prioritize studies that utilize active controls over waitlist or treatment
      as-usual conditions. Direct head-to-head trials of TFPs versus sertraline or
      venlafaxine are needed.

PMID- 27126399
TI  - Effect of Inflammation on Fibrosis Staging Measured by Quantitative Elasticity
      Parameters in Rats With Immune Hepatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of inflammation on fibrosis staging
      measured by quantitative elasticity parameters in rats with immune hepatitis.
      METHODS: Fifty-two rats were injected with swine serum as a model group, whereas
      8 rats were injected with saline as a control group. Rats were randomly subjected
      to real-time tissue elastography biweekly. Tissue dispersion quantitative
      analysis was performed to obtain 12 quantitative elasticity parameters: relative
      mean value, standard deviation, blue area percentage, complexity, kurtosis,
      skewness, contrast, entropy, inverse difference moment, angular second moment,
      correlation, and liver fibrosis index. Subsequently, rats were euthanized, and
      liver specimens were taken for pathologic examination. The Kruskal-Wallis test
      was used for comparisons among groups. Spearman rank correlation analysis was
      used for correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used
      to optimize cutoff values and evaluate the diagnostic performance of the liver
      fibrosis index. RESULTS: Except for complexity, kurtosis, and correlation, the
      other 9 parameters had statistical differences (P < .05), and among these 9
      parameters, the liver fibrosis index had the strongest correlation with fibrosis
      staging (r = 0.809; P < .05). Except for kurtosis and correlation, the other 10
      parameters had statistical differences (P < .05), and among these 10 parameters,
      the liver fibrosis index had the highest correlation with inflammation grading
      (r= 0.766; P< .05). The fibrosis index cutoff values were 2.35 for stage S1 or
      higher (area under the curve [AUC], 0.940; sensitivity, 97.1%; specificity,
      73.3%), 2.99 for stage S2 or higher (AUC, 0.865; sensitivity, 78.6%; specificity,
      81.0%), 3.48 for stage S3 or higher (AUC, 0.924; sensitivity, 94.4%; specificity,
      87.1%), and 4.05 for stage S4 (AUC, 0.933; sensitivity, 87.5%; specificity,
      95.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Real-time elastography could be used to noninvasively
      evaluate fibrosis staging in rats with immune hepatitis. However, inflammation
      had an effect on the accuracy of this technique.

PMID- 27126400
TI  - Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography With a Saline-Air Device Is Equivalent to
      Hysterosalpingography Only in the Presence of Tubal Patency.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography with a saline-air
      device to hysterosalpingography for evaluating tubal patency. METHODS: Eighty
      women undergoing infertility evaluations were recruited for this prospective
      cohort study. All patients underwent both office-based hysterosalpingo-contrast
      sonography with a saline-air device and hysterosalpingography as the reference
      standard, and the fallopian tubes were individually assessed for tubal patency in
      each procedure. The Cohen kappa coefficient was used to assess agreement between
      each procedure, and the Student t test and chi(2) test were used to compare
      differences in time, pain, and procedural preference. RESULTS: In total, 75
      patients with 148 fallopian tubes were evaluated. Tubal patency on
      hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography with the saline-air device was noted in 85.8%
      (n = 127) of tubes compared to 92.5% (n = 137) on hysterosalpingography, with a
      positive predictive value of 95.2%. Tubal occlusion was noted in 21 tubes (14.2%)
      on hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography compared to 11 (7.4%) on
      hysterosalpingography, with a negative predictive value of 23.8% (24 of 28).
      Overall, hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography agreed with hysterosalpingography in
      126 of 148 fallopian tubes (85.1%; kappa = 0.47; P < .001). The procedural time
      and pain scores were significantly greater for hysterosalpingo-contrast
      sonography compared to hysterosalpingography. CONCLUSIONS: There was a
      significant degree of agreement between hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography with
      a saline-air device and hysterosalpingography when the fallopian tube was patent
      but not when it was occluded. In the absence of patency, further evaluations with
      hysterosalpingography may be indicated to avoid false-positive results. Although
      the procedure time and degree of pain appear to be greater, avoidance of
      radiation exposure by using hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography with a saline-air
      device may outweigh the drawbacks.

PMID- 27126401
TI  - Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return: Insights Into Prenatal Detection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review all cases of total anomalous pulmonary venous return
      (TAPVR) or partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) identified
      prenatally or postnatally at a single institution and to identify factors that
      may lead to a correct or missed diagnosis in both high- and low-risk fetuses on
      screening examinations. METHODS: Fetal images from 16 cases of prenatally or
      postnatally diagnosed T/PAPVR were retrospectively reviewed to analyze factors
      that influenced interpretations and diagnoses. RESULTS: Sixteen diagnoses of
      T/PAPVR were made, with a final number of 10 confirmed cases, 1 of which was
      PAPVR. Ten fetuses with a presumptive diagnosis of T/PAPVR before delivery were
      at an average gestational age of 24.7 weeks, with 5 cases diagnosed postnatally.
      None of the diagnoses of isolated TAPVR were made during a screening examination.
      Twelve of the pregnancies were complicated by complex cardiac defects, including
      6 with heterotaxy syndromes. Of the 5 abnormal cases identified in the postpartum
      period, 3 had isolated TAPVR. In the 3 patients with isolated defects, prenatal
      echocardiography was not performed; the anatomy scan interpretations were
      confounded by multiple factors. In retrospect, there was no obvious sonographic
      evidence of TAPVR in these patients; however, color flow Doppler imaging of the
      pulmonary veins was not performed on any of them. CONCLUSIONS: Although fetal
      echocardiography has improved the overall detection of TAPVR or PAPVR, this
      abnormality continues to elude prenatal diagnosis during screening in both low-
      and high-risk patients. We hypothesize that the use of color flow Doppler imaging
      in the 4-chamber view may assist in diagnosing TAPVR in screening low-risk
      patients, especially in those with difficult scans.

PMID- 27126402
TI  - Social isolation and brain development in the ant Camponotus floridanus.
AB  - Social interactions play a key role in the healthy development of social animals
      and are most pronounced in species with complex social networks. When developing
      offspring do not receive proper social interaction, they show developmental
      impairments. This effect is well documented in mammalian species but
      controversial in social insects. It has been hypothesized that the enlargement of
      the mushroom bodies, responsible for learning and memory, observed in social
      insects is needed for maintaining the large social networks and/or task
      allocation. This study examines the impact of social isolation on the development
      of mushroom bodies of the ant Camponotus floridanus. Ants raised in isolation
      were shown to exhibit impairment in the growth of the mushroom bodies as well as
      behavioral differences when compared to ants raised in social groups. These
      results indicate that social interaction is necessary for the proper development
      of C. floridanus mushroom bodies. 

PMID- 27126404
TI  - Trifluoroacetic acid catalyzed highly regioselective bromocyclization of styrene
      type carboxylic acid.
AB  - A trifluoroacetic acid catalyzed highly 6-endo regioselective bromocyclization of
      styrene-type carboxylic acid has been developed. The resulting 3,4
      dihydroisocoumarines are valuable building blocks in organic synthesis. 

PMID- 27126403
TI  - A glutathione S-transferase gene associated with antioxidant properties isolated
      from Apis cerana cerana.
AB  - Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are an important family of multifunctional
      enzymes in aerobic organisms. They play a crucial role in the detoxification of
      exogenous compounds, especially insecticides, and protection against oxidative
      stress. Most previous studies of GSTs in insects have largely focused on their
      role in insecticide resistance. Here, we isolated a theta class GST gene
      designated AccGSTT1 from Apis cerana cerana and aimed to explore its antioxidant
      and antibacterial attributes. Analyses of homology and phylogenetic relationships
      suggested that the predicted amino acid sequence of AccGSTT1 shares a high level
      of identity with the other hymenopteran GSTs and that it was conserved during
      evolution. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that AccGSTT1 is most highly
      expressed in adult stages and that the expression profile of this gene is
      significantly altered in response to various abiotic stresses. These results were
      confirmed using western blot analysis. Additionally, a disc diffusion assay
      showed that a recombinant AccGSTT1 protein may be roughly capable of inhibiting
      bacterial growth and that it reduces the resistance of Escherichia coli cells to
      multiple adverse stresses. Taken together, these data indicate that AccGSTT1 may
      play an important role in antioxidant processes under adverse stress conditions. 

PMID- 27126405
TI  - Pan-American marine coastal distribution of the acanthocephalan Profilicollis
      altmani based on morphometric and phylogenetic analyses of cystacanths from the
      mole crab Emerita brasiliensis.
AB  - Thorny-headed acanthocephalan worms of the genus Profilicollis are widely
      distributed in the oceans of the world and present complex life cycles with
      intermediate and definitive hosts. The genus is still poorly known, with an
      unstable taxonomy and, for most species, incompletely characterized geographical
      distributions. In this study, based on molecular and morphological evidence, we
      report that the species Profilicollis altmani is also distributed along the South
      American Atlantic coast, using the mole crab Emerita brasiliensis as an
      intermediate host. As such, our record shows that P. altmani has a Pan-American
      distribution where five species of Emerita are utilized as intermediate hosts.

PMID- 27126406
TI  - Perceived clinician-patient communication in the emergency department and
      subsequent post-traumatic stress symptoms in patients evaluated for acute
      coronary syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evaluation for a potentially life-threatening cardiac event in the
      emergency department (ED) is a stressful experience that can result in symptoms
      of post-traumatic stress disorder, which are associated with increased risk of
      morbidity and mortality in patients. No study has tested whether good clinician
      patient communication in the ED is associated with better psychological outcomes
      in these individuals and whether it can mitigate other risk factors for post
      traumatic stress symptoms (PSS) such as perception of life threat and
      vulnerability in the ED. METHODS: Data were analysed from 474 participants in the
      Reactions to Acute Care and Hospitalization (REACH) study, an observational
      cohort study of ED predictors of medical and psychological outcomes after
      evaluation for suspected acute coronary syndrome. Participants were recruited
      from November 2013 to January 2015 at a single-site academic medical centre (New
      York-Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center). Participants reported
      threat perceptions in the ED and provided information on their perceptions of
      clinician-patient communication using the Interpersonal Process of Care Survey.
      PSS were assessed using the Acute Stress Disorder Scale during follow-up.
      RESULTS: 474 subjects were enrolled in the study. Median length of follow-up was
      3 days after ED presentation, range 0-30 days, 80% within 8 days. Perceptions of
      good clinician-patient communication in the ED were associated with lower PSS,
      whereas increased threat perception was associated with higher PSS. A significant
      interaction between clinician-patient communication and threat perception on PSS
      suggested that patients with higher threat perception benefited most from good
      clinician-patient communication. CONCLUSION: Our study found an association
      between good clinician-patient communication in the ED during evaluation of
      potentially life-threatening cardiac events and decreased subsequent post
      traumatic stress reactions. This association is particularly marked for patients
      who perceive the greatest degree of life threat and vulnerability during
      evaluation.

PMID- 27126407
TI  - Boston Keratoprosthesis Outcomes in Severe Ocular Chemical Burns in Southern
      China: A Retrospective Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to report clinical outcomes
      (functional and anatomic) of Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro) after severe chemical
      burns in Southern China. METHODS: Nineteen patients (19 eyes) that sustained
      severe chemical injuries in Southern China were enrolled in this retrospective
      study in our hospital between May 2009 and June 2015. KPro implantation in these
      patients was performed by a single experienced surgeon (Jiaqi Chen). The
      parameters evaluated in this study included diagnosis, comorbidity, preoperative
      and postoperative visual acuity (VA), complications, KPro retention, histological
      and immunohistochemical results of retroprosthetic membrane (RPM) and mucous
      membrane over the optic cylinder. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 42.7
      +/- 11.3 years (range 29-62 years). All patients were male. Of the 19 included
      eyes, nine had acid burns, and 10 had alkali burns. Ten patients had previously
      undergone failed penetrating keratoplasty. The mean follow-up time was 41.3 +/-
      5.5 months (range 36-56 months). Preoperatively, the VA of the patients ranged
      from hand movement to light perception. Postoperatively, 17 patients (89.4%)
      achieved at least 20/200 once, and 7 patients (36.8%) achieved at least 20/200
      and maintained this acuity until the last follow-up. The initial KPro was
      retained in 14 (73.6%) eyes and successfully replaced in one eye. Postoperative
      complications included RPM in 10 eyes, glaucoma in 6 eyes, retinal detachment in
      2 eyes, corneal melting in 5 eyes, ischemic optic neuropathy in 1 eye, and
      overgrowth of the mucous membrane over the optical cylinder in 2 eyes. The
      histological and immunohistochemical results of the RPM showed granulomatous
      disorders and mucous membrane over the optic cylinder of conjunctival origin.
      CONCLUSION: KPro surgery can restore useful vision in patients suffering from
      severe chemical burns. However, postoperative VA declined with the development of
      complications, and ocular surface disorders caused by the chemical burns were
      associated with a greater incidence of KPro retention failure. The retention rate
      was comparable in patients using ipsilateral autologous corneal tissue with
      allograft corneal tissue. FUNDING: Science and Technology Foundation of Guangdong
      Province of China, Grant Number 2014A020212714.

PMID- 27126408
TI  - Low-level laser therapy in 3D cell culture model using gingival fibroblasts.
AB  - Besides extensive data about the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on
      different cell types, so far, these results were obtained from monolayer cell
      culture models, which have limitations in terms of cell morphology and phenotype
      expression. Therefore, for better in vitro evaluation of the effects of LLLT,
      this study was performed with a 3D cell culture model, where gingival fibroblasts
      were seeded in collagen matrix. Cells isolated from a healthy patient were seeded
      in wells of 24-well plates with culture medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10 %
      fetal bovine serum and collagen type I solution. After 5 days, a serum-free DMEM
      was added to the matrices with cells that were subjected or not to three
      consecutive irradiations of LLLT by means of the LaserTABLE diode device (780 nm,
      25 mW) at 0.5, 1.5, and 3 J/cm(2). Twenty-four hours after the last irradiation,
      cell viability and morphology as well as gene expression of growth factors were
      assessed. Histological evaluation of matrices demonstrated uniform distribution
      and morphology of gingival fibroblasts within the collagen matrix. LLLT at 3
      J/cm(2) increased gingival fibroblast viability. Enhanced gene expression of hCOL
      I and hEGF was observed for 0.5 J/cm(2), while no significant changes were
      detected for the other irradiation densities tested. In conclusion, LLLT promoted
      biostimulation of gingival fibroblasts seeded in a 3D cell culture model,
      demonstrating that this model can be applied for phototherapy studies and that
      LLLT could penetrate the collagen matrix to increase cell functions related to
      tissue repair. 

PMID- 27126409
TI  - Changes of oxygen status of hair cells for breast cancer presence.
AB  - The results of differences of wool oxygen status of healthy and cancer carrier
      mice with spontaneous cancer tumor are represented herein. The investigation was
      carried out by electronic microscopy and laser-flash photolysis. In the work, two
      types of breast tumors were researched. Small tumor (nearly 0.5 / 1 cm) was
      detected by palpation and was well encapsulated. Large tumor was operated when
      tumor had been disintegrated. It is shown that wool of healthy mouse has dense
      structure; external layer with large scales is pronounced. At the time, wool of
      mice with cancer tumor is thinner; external and internal layers are destroyed.
      Length of scales is shorter. There is difference even when tumor diameter is
      small. Oxygen concentration increases for cancer present, and it is related to
      reactive oxygen species rising within external layer. Reactive oxygen species
      have most distribution in general oxygen concentration in external cell layer. At
      the time, its increase in internal layer is insignificant. The obtained results
      can be used to improve optical techniques of biomedical diagnostics of cancer
      diseases. 

PMID- 27126410
TI  - CO2 laser surface treatment of failed dental implants for re-implantation: an
      animal study.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the success rate of failed implants
      re-implanted after surface treatment with CO2 laser. Despite the widespread use
      of dental implants, there are many incidents of failures. It is believed that
      lasers can be applied to decontaminate the implant surface without damaging the
      implant. Ten dental implants that had failed for various reasons other than
      fracture or surface abrasion were subjected to CO2 laser surface treatment and
      randomly placed in the maxillae of dogs. Three failed implants were also placed
      as the negative controls after irrigation with saline solution without laser
      surface treatment. The stability of the implants was evaluated by the use of the
      Periotest values (PTVs) on the first day after surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months
      post-operatively. The mean PTVs of treated implants increased at the first month
      interval, indicating a decrease in implant stability due to inflammation followed
      by healing of the tissue. At 3 and 6 months, the mean PTVs decreased compared to
      the 1-month interval (P < 0.05), indicating improved implant stability. The mean
      PTVs increased in the negative control group compared to baseline (P < 0.05).
      Independent t-test showed that the mean PTVs of treated implants were
      significantly lower than control group at 3 and 6 months after implant placement
      (P < 0.05). Based on the PTVs, re-implantation of failed implants in Jack Russell
      Terrier dogs after CO2 laser surface debridement is associated with a high
      success rate in terms of implant stability. 

PMID- 27126411
TI  - Efficacy of 694-nm fractional Q-switched ruby laser (QSRL) combined with
      sonophoresis on levorotatory vitamin C for treatment of melasma in Chinese
      patients.
AB  - Melasma is a common acquired and distressing pigmentary disorder presenting to
      dermatology clinics. It is notably difficult to cure and has a tendency to
      relapse. The efficacy of classical Q-switched laser in treatment of melasma
      remains controversial. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of
      694-nm fractional QSRL combined with sonophoresis on levorotatory vitamin C for
      the treatment of melasma patients. Twenty-six patients with melasma were
      enrolled. Each patient received four to six fractional QSRL treatments at pulse
      energies of 2.5 to 4 J/cm(2) combined with sonophoresis on levorotatory vitamin C
      at 2-week intervals. The severity and the area of melasma were assessed by two
      investigators using the melasma area and severity index (MASI). Side effects were
      documented. Mean MASI score decreased from 15.51 +/- 3.00 before treatment to
      10.02 +/- 4.39 3 months after the final treatment (P < 0.01). Side effects were
      few and transient. High-density coverage fractional QSRL combined with
      sonophoresis on levorotatory vitamin C is safe and effective for the treatment of
      melasma in Chinese patients. 

PMID- 27126413
TI  - Comments on "light-emitting diode therapy (ledt) before matches prevents increase
      in creatine kinase with a light dose response in volleyball players".

PMID- 27126412
TI  - Photodynamic inactivation of a multispecies biofilm using curcumin and LED light.
AB  - This study evaluated the potential of curcumin-mediated antimicrobial
      photodynamic inactivation (API) on multispecies biofilms of Candida albicans,
      Candida glabrata, and Streptococcus mutans of different ages. Acrylic samples (n
      = 480) were made with standardized rough surfaces and incubated with bacteria and
      yeast for 24 or 48 h. API was performed with curcumin (80, 100, 120 MUM) and LED
      light. Additional acrylic samples were treated with curcumin or LED light only.
      Positive control samples received neither light nor curcumin. After API, colony
      counts were quantified (CFU/mL), cell metabolism was determined by means of XTT
      assay, and the total biofilm biomass was evaluated using Crystal Violet (CV)
      staining assay and images were obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy
      (CLSM). The data were analyzed by nonparametric two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey
      tests (alpha < 0.05). For 24-h biofilm, API resulted in statistically significant
      difference (rho < 0.001) of viability of C. albicans compared with control (P-L-)
      for all Cur concentrations. For 48-h biofilm, API resulted in statistically
      significant difference (rho < 0.001) compared with control only when Cur at 120
      MUM was used. API promoted statistically significant difference (rho <= 0.001) in
      the viability of S. mutans and C. glabrata for all Cur concentrations in the two
      biofilm ages. In addition, API produced a statistically significant difference
      (rho < 0.001) of metabolic activity and of total biomass (rho < 0.001) of
      multispecies biofilms compared with control for all Cur concentrations. It can be
      concluded that both 24- and 48-h biofilms were susceptible to API mediated by
      Cur; however, 24-h biofilm was more sensitive than the 48-h biofilm. 

PMID- 27126415
TI  - Historical note on the untimely passing of George Ralph Mines.

PMID- 27126414
TI  - George Ralph Mines (1886-1914): the dawn of cardiac nonlinear dynamics.

PMID- 27126416
TI  - An 'alternans' way to quantify arrhythmogenic substrates.

PMID- 27126417
TI  - Erratum to: AIDS Panic in the Twenty-First Century: The Tenuous Legal Status of
      HIV-Positive Persons in America.

PMID- 27126418
TI  - Mastery and observance : These right words for control and compliance.

PMID- 27126419
TI  - Hypogammaglobulinemia associated with nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the
      intestine and pernicious anaemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the gastrointestinal tract, recurrent
      acute pulmonary infections and autoimmune disease are well-recognized
      complications of common variable immunodeficiency. AIM: We aimed to focus on
      clinical presentation and differential diagnosis of diffuse nodular lymphoid and
      hyperplasia of the gastrointestinal tract coexisting with hypogammaglobulinemia.
      CASE-REPORT: We report the case of nodular lymphoid hyperplasia associated with
      pernicious anaemia in a young man with hypogammaglobulinemia and a long history
      of pulmonary infections. CONCLUSION: The considerable point was a mismatch
      primary clinical diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis, due to prominent
      polyplike endoscopic appearance of the lesions throughout the digestive tract.

PMID- 27126420
TI  - A spindle cell myoepithelioma of parotid gland : a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myoepthelioma is a rare salivary gland tumor which is usually located
      in parotid gland and in minor salivary glands. CASE REPORT: We report a case of
      myoepithelioma arising in an accessory paritid gland in a 47-yearold woman who
      presented with a slowly expanding subcutaneous nodule on the left cheek, that was
      within the parotid gland at surgical resection . This tumor was composed of
      spindle cells. Immunophenotypical characterization demonstrated its myoepithelial
      nature. CONCLUSION: In the subcutaneous tissue, this unusual neoplasm may be
      confused with soft tissue tumors showing spindle cell features.

PMID- 27126421
TI  - Predictors of successful endoscopic colonic polypectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic polypectomy is the technique of choice for resection of
      colorectal polyps and has a major interest in the prevention of colorectal
      cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technique, results and
      tolerance of colonic polypectomy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study
      including 200 consecutive patients with colorectal polyps and who underwent
      therapeutic endoscopic polypectomy, performed at the endoscopy unit of the
      Military Hospital in Tunis, between december 2008 and december 2012. RESULTS:
      Hundred and forty men and 60 women were included. The average age was 58.5 +/-
      14.5 years. The polyp was unique in more than half of cases. The most frequent
      location was the sigmoid colon (30.5%). Approximately, 1/4 of the polyps was
      larger than 10 mm. According to the Paris endoscopic classification, 78% of
      polyps were sessile (Is). Seventy-two percent of polyps were adenomas. Twentyfive
      per cent of them contained a villous component, 40 % were advanced adenomas and
      3% malignant adenomas. Regarding polypectomy, 232 polyps (64%) were treated by
      the cold forceps, 68 polyps (18.5 %) by the diathermic snare and 63 (17.5 %) by a
      mucosal resection. Thirty-one percent of polypectomy were fragmented. The
      evaluation of the efficacy of treatment among adenomas and potentially malignant
      tumors, had identified 36% of treatment failure. The common independent
      predictive factor of fragmented resection and treatment failure were the size >=
      10 mm (p <10-3). Among a total of 363 polypectomies, 23 (6.3%) were complicated,
      by 11 procedural bleeding, 11 micro-perforations and 1 delayed hemorrhage. The
      common independent predictive factor of these complications was the size >= 10 mm
      (p <10-3). During following, there were 12 residual polyps (6%), 36 new polyps
      (18%) and 6 colorectal cancers (3%). The only independent predictive factor of an
      unfavorable course was the multiplicity of polyps. The colorectal polyps-free
      survival was 90.2% at 12 months and 88.4% at 24 months. CONCLUSION: The
      evaluation of colorectal polypectomy in our series had confirmed the
      effectiveness and the low morbidity of this practice. The polyp size was the only
      independent predictive factor of both treatment failure and complications.

PMID- 27126422
TI  - Orbital infections: review of 28 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Orbital infections (OI) are a serious disorder that may results in
      visual and systemic morbidity. AIM: To study epidemiologic data and outcome of OI
      in a tertiary eye care center. METHODS: Retrospective study of 28 patients (28
      eyes) with OI. All patients underwent detailed ophthalmic examination,
      otolaryngology examination, and cranio-orbital computed tomography scan. All
      patients received parenteral probabilistic antibiotic treatment then adapted
      depending on the sensitivity of antibiogram and clinical evolution, associated or
      not to corticosteroid treatment. The mean follow-up was 14 months. RESULTS: The
      mean age of our patients was 35.9 years. Fifteen patients (54%) were male. Of 28
      cases, retroseptal cellulitis was the most common, noted in 67.8% of cases.
      subperiosteal or orbital abscess was recorded in 28.6% of the cases. Sinusitis
      was the most common etiology, found in 39.3% of cases. Treatment was based on
      empirical broad spectrum systemic antibiotics in all cases. Surgical management
      was performed in 39.3% of cases. Bacteriological samples were obtained for 28.5%
      of patients, with Staphylococcus aureus the most frequently isolated pathogen (5
      cases; 62.5%). The evolution was favorable with complete resolution without
      sequelae in 92.8% of the cases and improvement of visual acuity in 82% of cases.
      Causes of poor visual outcome were corneal perforation, cataract and retinal
      detachment. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, OI affects children and young adults.
      Their prognosis is generally favorable provided rapid and appropriate management.

PMID- 27126423
TI  - Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: B12 Vitamin deficiency is common in adults (20% of general population
      of industrialized populations), especially in elderly patients (30-40%). The
      etiologies of Vitamin B12 deficiency have been dominated by the cobalamin
      syndrome nutrient and the Biermer disease, rarely by the intake or nutritional
      deficiency and bad absorptions. STUDY OBJECTIVE: Establish an etiology of vitamin
      B12 in a Tunisian population Methods: In a prospective study involving 100
      patients with macrocytic anemia, a comprehensive assessment has been carried out
      of: B12 vitamin and folate intake, homocysteine, immunological assessment
      (antibodies, intrinsic anti-factor and anti-gastric parietal cells), an
      endoscopic exploration, and a dietary nutritional survey. RESULTS: The mean age
      of patients was 53.6 +/- 17,6 years (13 - 88 years), the gender ratio
      (female/male) is 1.22. The clinical symptomatology shows a functional anemia
      syndrome in 89% of cases, a digestive syndrome in 88% of cases, and neurological
      disorders in 67% of cases. The intake of B12 vitamin was reduced (<180 pg/ml) in
      99 patients, associated with a hyperhomocysteinemia in 81.63% of cases.The
      intrinsic anti-factor antibodies were positives in 32 patients, and the antibody
      anti-gastric parietal cells in 85 patients. Gastric biopsy was performed in 54
      patients, showing a chronic atrophic gastritis of fundic localization in 44
      patients, antral in 5 patients and pan- gastric in 3 patients. The diagnosis of
      Biermer anemia was held in 75% of patients, that of FCS in 16% of patients, and a
      lack of intake in 8% of patients. The etiology was undetermined in 1% of cases.
      CONCLUSION: Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in the general population, its
      causes and origins are multiple, we list them in order of occurrence: Biermer
      disease, the FCS, and the intake deficiency in our population.

PMID- 27126424
TI  - Biliary atresia: experience of a nord africain center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive inflammatory destructive
      process of the bile ducts occurring in about one of every 20.000 live births. If
      left untreated, biliary atresia can lead to liver failure. AIM: This is the first
      study on biliary atresia from Africa. The Aim of our study is to describe the
      clinical and prognostic aspects of biliary atresia in a Tunisian medical centre,
      where integrated medico-surgical management of children with liver diseases is
      lacking and liver transplant is not available. METHODS: Patients who were
      diagnosed with BA and underwent portoenterostomy between January 1985 and
      December 2010 at a tertiary regional hospital in Tunisia were included in this
      analysis. RESULTS: 74 patients were diagnosed with BA. The patients included 34
      boys (45.9%) and 40 girls (54.1%). All patients received Kasai operation as the
      primary treatment and the median patient age at Kasai operation was 60 days
      (range 3-180 days). The median followup time for the patients was 72 months
      (range 2 months-23 years 6 months). Out of the 74 patients who received Kasai
      operation, 49 patients are being followed regularly in the outpatient clinic.
      Eight patients died immediately after Kasai operation by either hepatocellular
      decompensation or by cholangitis. Seventeen patients were lost to follow-up.
      Fifteen out of 49 patients who underwent portoenterostomy for BA are alive at
      median six years following Kasai intervention. Ten patients out of the 49 who are
      being followed regularly were Jaundice free. Two patients had portal
      hypertension. All these patients had survived. Five patients survived with signs
      of liver failure in four cases. Two of them had received a liver transplant
      abroad. Survival with the native liver was 6.7 % at 5 years with Kasai operation
      alone. CONCLUSION: BA still has a very severe prognosis in Tunisia Reducing the
      age at Kasai operation remains the most important target to reduce the need for
      LT in infancy and childhood. Centralised care will help to build surgical
      expertise.

PMID- 27126425
TI  - Evolution of the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the region of tunis from
      1996 at 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of intestinal parasitosis is very different according
      to countries. Therefore, it is always interesting to update the data in Tunisia
      to better direct control measures. AIM: The objectives of this survey were to
      estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the region of Tunis, to
      study their evolution and to establish various combinations of intestinal
      protozoa. METHODS: This is a retrospective study carried out over a period of 17
      years from 1996 at 2012 and which involved 20033 individuals. Each subject had
      one or more stool examination which included a direct microscopic examination and
      a concentration by modified Ritchie technique. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      intestinal parasitosis was 12.55%. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Giardia
      intestinalis accounted respectively a prevalence of 0.51% and 1.48%. Hymenolepis
      nana was the most predominant helminth with a prevalence rate of 0.53%, followed
      by Enterobius vermicularis (0.21%). Two cases of Hookworms and seven cases of
      Strongyloides stercoralis were diagnosed. Polyparasitism concerned 16.59% of
      infected individuals. Significant combinations occured mainly for amoeba in
      particular Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and Entamoeba coli (r=0.232). CONCLUSION:
      Our study confirms the decrease of the prevalence of giardiasis and amebiasis,
      whereas helminthiases with direct transmission remain frequent.

PMID- 27126426
TI  - Anthropometric profile of children and adolescents from diabetic pregnancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure in utero to maternal diabetes is a risk factor for obesity
      and type 2 diabetes. It may contribute to the current epidemic outbreak of these
      diseases. AIM: to evaluate the impact of the exposure to maternal diabetes on the
      anthropometric profile of the offspring. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was
      conducted in the department "A" of the National Institute of Nutrition. It
      involved 120 children and adolescents who were from 5 to 19 years old and
      recruited between October 2008 and November 2009. They were divided into two
      groups : * A first group of 80 children from diabetic mothers ; * A second
      control group of 40 children from non-diabetic pregnancies. They have had a
      clinical examination. Data about diabetic pregnancies were collected from the
      mothers'medical records. RESULTS: body mass index and waist circumference of
      children from both groups were comparable. In both groups, two thirds of children
      had a normal weight (62.5 % in the first group versus 65% in the control group).
      Obesity is more common in children exposed to maternal hyperglycemia (31.3%
      versus 25% in the control group), but the difference is not statistically
      significant. The majority of obese children (88%) are those from diabetic mothers
      with type 2 or gestational diabetes. CONCLUSION: our results underline the need
      for early screening for gestational diabetes and an optimal management of
      diabetic pregnancy to reduce the metabolic risk in the offspring.

PMID- 27126427
TI  - Benzylthiouracil induced ANCA associated glomerulonephritis in patients with
      graves' disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal complications in Graves' disease are rare and may be related
      either to the disease itself or secondary to antithyroid drugs. AIM: We report 6
      cases of renal damage in patients with Graves' disease treated with
      Benzylthiouracil collected over a period of 14 years. METHODS: There were 6 women
      with a mean age of 37.86 +/- 14.25 years. All patients developed renal vasculitis
      associated with ANCA. The signs were dominated by renal proteinuria and renal
      failure associated with hematuria in all cases. The lung involvement was the most
      common extrarenal manifestation occurred in 4 patients (alveolar hemorrhage in 2
      cases, lymphocytic alveolitis in 1 case and pleurisy in 1 case). The
      benzylthiouracil was discontinued in 3 patients still under treatment.
      Corticosteroid therapy was used alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide in
      all cases. Plasmapheresis sessions were made during the alveolar hemorrhage. A
      complete remission was obtained in one case and incomplete remission in 2 cases.
      The other 3 patients required chronic hemodialysis. One patient died of sepsis.
      CONCLUSION: The possibility of renal impairment in antithyroid drugs treated
      Graves' disease requires monitoring to detect urinary abnormalities in order to
      early initiate therapy and improve patient's outcome.

PMID- 27126428
TI  - Failure of in vitro fertilization: prognosis criteriae.
AB  - BACKGROUND: age, obesity and increased FSH serum level in women are prognosis
      criteriae associated with decreased fertility and adverse Assisted Reproductive
      Technologies (ART) outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of age, FSH and BMI
      on pregnancy rate in ICSI. METHODS: A retrospective and comparative study of 500
      women who underwent ICSI cycle during the study period from January 2004 to
      December 2005. Age, FSH and BMI were compared in two groups of patients: Those
      achieving a pregnancy: The "pregnancy+" group and those failing to have a
      pregnancy: The "pregnancy-"group. For each of previous parameters ROC curve and
      logistic regression study were performed. RESULTS: age was significantly lower in
      "pregnancy+" group (32,4+/-3,9 years vs 33,7+/-4,8 ans ; p=0,005). Analysis of
      ROC curve and logistic regression study show that for age, the most
      discriminative cut-off for predicting pregnancy is 38 years (Se=7,5%, Sp=75,6%)
      (AUC=0,572; p=0,02) (OR=2,1 ; LR+=6,7 ;IC[1 ;1,4] ; p0,009). FSH was
      significantly lower in "pregnancy+" group (5,5+/-1,8UI /L vs 6,2+/-3UI/L,
      p=0,003). Analysis of ROC curve and logistic regression study show that for FSH,
      the most discriminative cut-off for predicting pregnancy is 9UI/L (Se=3,7%,
      Sp=85.2%) (AUC=0,539 ; p=0,03) (OR=3,6; IC[1,4 ;9,3]; LR+ =10,1; p=0,003). BMI
      was also significantly lower in "pregnancy+" group (24,7+/- 3,6 kgm-2 vs 27,1+/
      4,5 kgm-2 ; p<10-3). The most discriminative cut-off for predicting pregnancy is
      25,4 kgm- 2 (Se=31,7%, Sp=33,3%) (AUC=0,663 ; p<10-3) (OR=4; IC[2,1 ;7,7]; LR+
      =19,38; p<10-3). CONCLUSION: age, FSH and BMI affect markedly the prognosis of
      ICSI. We found significantly lower Pregnancy rates in older women (> 38 years),
      in women with elevated FSH (> 9UI/L) or elevated BMI (> 25,4 kgm-2). Our results
      can be used when counseling and before including patients in an IVF program, to
      give them probability of success and weight loss required to optimize chances of
      pregnancy.

PMID- 27126429
TI  - Risk of mishaps during intrahospital transport of critically ill patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mishaps are common during transport and may have major impacts on
      patients. AIMS: The main objectives of our study are: first to determine the
      incidence of complications during intra hospital transports (IHT) of critically
      ill patients, and second, to determine their risk factors. METHODS: All intra
      hospital transports for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes of patients
      consecutively admitted in an 18-bed medical surgical intensive care unit in an
      university hospital, have been studied prospectively during a period of six
      months (September 1st 2012 to February 28th 2013). RESULTS: Of 184 transports
      observed (164 patients), 85 (46.2%) were associated with mishaps. Eighty two
      mishaps were patient-related (44.5%).Oxygen desaturation (30 cases), agitation
      (24 cases) and hemodynamic instability (15 cases) were predominantly. One case of
      cardiac arrest and 3 cases of accidental extubation were occurred during IHT.
      Seventy three systems-based mishaps were noted (39.6%). Emergency transports,
      mechanical ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) >= 6 cmH2O
      were independent risk factors for a higher rate of mishaps. In our study,
      complications did not statistically increase ventilator-associated pneumonia.
      CONCLUSION: This study confirms that IHT of critically-ill patients still
      involves considerable risks and mishaps incidence remains high.

PMID- 27126430
TI  - Evaluation of the anemic condition of type 2 diabetes cases of the city of
      Lubumbashi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many non- hormonal abnormalities can be observed in type 2 diabetes,
      including hematological disturbances and especially anemia. AIM: Determine
      biological characteristics of anemia in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This is a case
      control study conducted from June to August 2014 in Lubumbashi (Democratic
      Republic of Congo) where assays of serum hemoglobin (Hb) , measuring the mean
      corpuscular volume (MCV ) and the calculation of the rate hematocrit ( Hct ) were
      done in 30 people with type 2 diabetes (group I ) and in 30 other considered
      healthy with a normal rate of glucose ( group II). The results obtained were
      compared in the two groups and the level of significance was set at p <0.05.
      RESULTS: Seventeen patients with diabetes (57 %) had anemia, the mean age of
      patients was 55 +/- 8.1 years for men and 48 +/- 4.1 years in women. Hypo
      hemoglobin was found in 53 % of cases in male diabetics , reduced MCV in 47 % of
      cases and a filtration rate decrease glomerular in 33 % of cases. In the group of
      female diabetic patients, 60% of cases showed a hypo hemoglobin , MCV and
      decreased in 33 % of cases and a filtration rate decrease glomerular in 20 % of
      cases. In contrast, in the control groups of both sexes, the parameters studied
      rates remained in the standard. CONCLUSION: Anemia is often found in diabetic
      patients. Its etiology appears to be dominated by the presence of diabetic
      nephropathy, in which the kidneys are affected by hyperglycemia and
      erythropoietin is affected and not known to produce red blood cells. These
      anemias rarely require a blood transfusion and well conducted etiological
      treatment allows the correction of the anemia.

PMID- 27126431
TI  - A study of the relationship between eating disorders, stress level and selfesteem
      among medicine students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress of the higher studies leads to various disorders, especially
      eating ones. Such disorders, once present, may influence body image and self
      esteem of young students. AIM: to assess the prevalence of eating disorders among
      a group of Medicine students and to study its links with stress level and
      selfesteem. METHODS: It was a descriptive and analytic cross-sectional study,
      including 60 medicine students that were investigated during their revision for
      the final year exam. The participants had filled the perceived stress scale, the
      eating attitude test EAT-40 and The Rosenberg self-esteem scale. RESULTS: The
      eating disorders were found in 11% of the participants. Those had a low to a very
      low self-esteem in 40% of cases and a high perceived stress level in 36, 4% of
      cases. The eating disorders were significantlymore frequent among the female
      students (p=0, 03), the more sedentary (p=0,019), having a low to a very low self
      esteem (p=0,032) and a high perceived stress level (p=0,001). CONCLUSION: Our
      study shows that the prevalence of eating disorders is not negligible among
      medicine students. Their presence depends on certain personal aspects (physical
      activities, body image satisfaction) and contextual aspects (period of exams,
      stress). If existing, they would affect negatively the self-esteem, especially of
      the girls. These various results pave the way for a multidisciplinary approach to
      students particularly vulnerable to eating disorders.

PMID- 27126432
TI  - Transverse perineal approach in the treatment of "H" type recto vestibular
      fistula in children.

PMID- 27126433
TI  - Follicular thyroid carcinoma in patient followed for Graves' disease. An
      exceptional eventuality.

PMID- 27126434
TI  - Meningiomas of the lateral ventricle: a rare location.

PMID- 27126435
TI  - A colonic perforation revealing polyarteritis nodosa complicated by pulmonary
      aspergillosis. About a case.

PMID- 27126437
TI  - Severe hydatid pulmonary embolism: A case report.

PMID- 27126436
TI  - Verneuil's disease: a case report.

PMID- 27126438
TI  - Toxic heavy metals in sediments, seawater, and molluscs in the eastern and
      western coastal waters of Guangdong Province, South China.
AB  - Heavy metal concentrations and distribution were studied in sediments, seawater,
      and molluscs, and the possible heavy metal sources in the coastal waters of
      Guangdong Province, South China were discussed. The results showed that the
      concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cr in sediments in eastern coastal waters were
      generally higher than those in the western coastal waters. However,
      concentrations of most metals in seawater and molluscs in western waters were
      higher than in the eastern waters, which was tightly related to the local
      economics and urbanization development, especially, the different industrial
      structure in two regions. The main heavy metal sources were attributed to the
      industrial and agricultural effluent, domestic sewage, and even waste gas.
      Furthermore, heavy metal contamination assessment indicated that high
      contamination levels of Cd, Zn, and Pb occurred in sediments in local areas,
      especially in the bays and harbors. The metal accumulation levels by molluscs
      ranked following the order of Cd > Cu > As > Zn > Pb > Cr, and the ecological
      risks introduced by heavy metals in different areas were in the order of
      Zhanjiang > Yangmao > Shantou > Shanhui.

PMID- 27126439
TI  - Persistence of fipronil residues in Eucalyptus seedlings and its concentration in
      the insecticide solution after treatment in the nursery.
AB  - Eucalyptus seedlings are normally protected from underground termites (Isoptera:
      Termitidae) by immersing them in insecticide solutions. Fipronil (phenylpyrazole)
      is the most frequently used product to protect seedlings in the field for up to 6
      months after application. This is performed just prior to planting. However, the
      persistence of this product in seedlings that are treated and subjected to
      irrigation several days prior to planting has not yet been evaluated. This study
      aims to quantify the fipronil concentration in the substratum and roots of the
      seedlings treated and subjected to irrigation for up to 56 days prior to planting
      and to quantify this insecticide concentration in the solutions, without
      continuous stirring, for 120 min. The quantitative determination of fipronil in
      the seedlings and in the insecticide solution was done by high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) with an ultraviolet (UV) detector. It was found that
      irrigation up to 56 days, performed in the nurseries, did not decrease the
      fipronil concentration in the seedlings. The absence of stirring reduced the
      fipronil concentration in the insecticide solution, necessitating a
      homogenization system to maintain the recommended concentration of this product,
      to effectively treat the eucalyptus seedlings. The seedling treatment with
      fipronil can be conducted strictly in the nursery, reducing cost and
      environmental risks.

PMID- 27126441
TI  - A Slow-Growing Tumor on the Forehead.

PMID- 27126440
TI  - Factors associated with frailty in primary care: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frailty can be defined as a progressive loss of reserve and adaptive
      capacity associated with an overall deterioration in health that can result in
      disability, loss of independence, hospitalisation, extensive use of healthcare
      resources, admission to long-term care and death. Nevertheless, despite
      widespread use of the term, there is no agreement on the definition of frailty or
      an instrument to identify it in a straightforward way. The purpose of the current
      study was to explore which factors are associated with frailty-related adverse
      outcomes in elderly individuals and to propose a suitable tool for identifying
      such individuals, particularly in primary care settings. METHODS: A prospective
      open cohort study of community dwelling, independent individuals aged 75 or over,
      followed up for 2 years. The study was entirely conducted in a primary care
      setting. Study variables included independence status measured by Barthel's Index
      and the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, functional
      performance, assessed by Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Gait Speed (GS) tests and
      levels of polipharmacy, comorbidity and social support. Outcome variables were
      specific frailty-related adverse events, namely, loss of independence and death.
      RESULTS: Overall, 215 community-dwelling independent individuals initiated the
      study. Of these, 46 were lost to follow-up and 50 had frailty-related adverse
      events during the follow-up period. Individuals with adverse events during the
      study had poorer functional status at baseline. The multivariate model that best
      explained the occurrence of these events included the variables of age, presence
      of polipharmacy and the TUG time. The AUC (Area under the curve) of this model
      was 0.822. CONCLUSIONS: Given the simplicity of assessing the three derived
      factors and their combined discriminant power, the proposed model may be
      considered a suitable tool for identifying frail patients, i.e., people more
      likely to lose their independence or die within a relatively short time interval.

PMID- 27126442
TI  - Neuroenzymatic activity and physiological energetics in Manila clam, Ruditapes
      philippinarum, during short-term sublethal exposure to harmful alga, Heterocapsa
      circularisquama.
AB  - The harmful alga, Heterocapsa circularisquama, causes recurrent mortalities of
      bivalve molluscs in Japan, with demonstrated hemolysis and cytotoxicity in rabbit
      erythrocytes, HeLa cells, and bivalve tissues. Nonetheless, the effects of
      exposure to sublethal cell densities on the physiological energetics of bivalves
      have not been investigated, nor the potential involvement of neurotoxicity. In
      the present study, two sets of experiments were conducted with adult clams,
      Ruditapes philippinarum. In the first set, the clearance rate (CR), respiration
      rate (RR), absorption efficiency (AE), ingestion rate (IR), and absorption rate
      (AR) were examined in clams exposed to H. circularisquama to quantify the scope
      for growth (SFG) as an indicative of the bioenergetic status of clams (5, 50,
      2.5*10(2), and 5*10(2)cellsml(-1); under 15 degrees C and 20 degrees C). In the
      second set, the activity of the biomarker of neurotoxic exposure,
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE), was monitored following 3, 6, 24, and 48h of
      exposure (5, 50, 5*10(2), and 10(3)cellsml(-1), at 20 degrees C) in gills of R.
      philippinarum, and compared to that in Mediterranean mussels, Mytilus
      galloprovincialis; a species also affected by H. circualrisquama and in which
      AChE activity was more extensively studied. At 15 degrees C, CR, IR, and AR were
      decreased for exposures to 50-5*10(2) cells ml(-1) resulting in a significant
      decrease in the absorbed energy (A), and a significant decrease in SFG at
      5*10(2)cellsml(-1). At 20 degrees C, AE was null for exposures to 2.5*10(2) and
      5*10(2)cellsml(-1). RR was decreased at 2.5*10(2) and 5*10(2)cellsml(-1), CR, IR,
      and AR were decreased at 5-5*10(2)cellsml(-1), and the AE was null for 2.5*10(2)
      5*10(2)cellsml(-1) resulting in a significant decrease in the respired energy
      (R), but mainly in (A) especially at 2.5*10(2) and 5*10(2)cellsml(-1) decreasing
      the SFG over the entire range of cell density with negative values for 2.5*10(2)
      and 5*10(2)cellsml(-1). The activity of AChE in both clams and mussels was
      significantly reduced following 3-48h of exposure to 5-5*10(2)cellsml(-1).
      Reduction in the energy available for clams to grow and reproduce was induced
      mainly via decreased energy acquisition, and delayed and/or reduced functions of
      the digestive organs. In addition, this is the first report of decreased
      neuroenzymatic activity in two bivalve molluscs induced by exposure to H.
      circularisquama potentially via either neurotoxic compounds affecting the
      activity of gill cilia and/or gill muscles, and/or potentially via either
      neurotoxic compounds affecting the activity of gill cilia and/or gill muscles,
      and/or non-cholinergic affects associated with other functions; both resulting in
      decreased SFG. The relationship between the decreased AChE and decreased SFG
      should be corroborated in future research. 

PMID- 27126443
TI  - Trait-based modelling of bioaccumulation by freshwater benthic invertebrates.
AB  - Understanding the role of species traits in chemical exposure is crucial for
      bioaccumulation and toxicity assessment of chemicals. We measured and modelled
      bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Chironomus riparius,
      Hyalella azteca, Lumbriculus variegatus and Sphaerium corneum. We used a battery
      test procedure with multiple enclosures in one aquarium, which maximized
      uniformity of exposure for the different species, such that the remaining
      variability was due mostly to species traits. The relative importance of uptake
      from either pore water or sediment ingestion was manipulated by using 28 d aged
      standard OECD sediment with low (1%) and medium (5%) OM content and 13 months
      aged sediment with medium OM (5%) content. Survival was >=76% and wet weight
      increased for all species. Reproduction of H. azteca and weight gain of H. azteca
      and S. corneum were significantly higher in the medium OM aged sediments than in
      other sediments, perhaps due to a more developed microbial community (i.e.,
      increase in food resources). Biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) ranged
      from 3 to 114, depending on species and PCB congener, with C. riparius (3-10)<S.
      corneum (10-17)<=L. variegatus (7-61)<=H. Azteca (5-114), thus challenging the
      presumed value of 1-2 typically employed in ecological risk assessment schemes.
      BSAFs for freshwater taxonomic groups were compared with their marine
      counterparts and showed overlapping values. The dynamic bioaccumulation model
      with species-specific bioaccumulation parameters fitted well to the experimental
      data and showed that bioaccumulation parameters were depended on species traits.
      Enclosure-based battery tests and mechanistic BSAF models are expected to improve
      the quality of the exposure assessment in whole sediment toxicity tests. 

PMID- 27126444
TI  - A man with altered mental status and metabolic acidosis.

PMID- 27126445
TI  - Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Correlates of Mental Health Services Use among
      Pregnant Women with Depressive Symptoms.
AB  - Objectives To examine correlates of lifetime mental health services (MHS) use
      among pregnant women reporting prenatal depressive symptoms by race/ethnicity.
      Methods This cross-sectional population-based study included 81,910 pregnant
      women with prenatal depressive symptoms using data from the Florida Healthy Start
      prenatal screening program (2008-2012). Multivariable logistic regression was
      conducted to ascertain adjusted odds ratios and corresponding 95 % confidence
      intervals for racial/ethnic differences in the correlates of lifetime MHS use.
      Results Findings of this study revealed racial/ethnic differences in MHS use
      among women with prenatal depressive symptoms, the highest rates being among non
      Hispanic Whites and the lowest rates among Mexicans and other Hispanics. Most
      need for care factors, including illness, tobacco use, and physical or emotional
      abuse, consistently predicted MHS use across racial/ethnic groups after adjusting
      for covariates. Adjusted associations between predisposing and
      enabling/restricting factors and MHS use were different for different
      racial/ethnic groups. Conclusions Racial/ethnic differences in MHS use were
      found, with pregnant Hispanic women reporting prenatal depressive symptoms being
      the least likely to use MHS. Our study findings have significant public health
      implications for targeted intervention for pregnant women with prenatal
      depressive symptoms.

PMID- 27126446
TI  - Osteopontin Is Essential for Type I Collagen Secretion in Reparative Dentin.
AB  - Osteopontin (OPN) is a highly phosphorylated glycoprotein that is a prominent
      component of the mineralized extracellular matrix of bone. The secretion of OPN
      by immunocompetent cells plays a role in the differentiation of odontoblast-like
      cells during pulpal healing following tooth transplantation. This study aimed to
      clarify the role of OPN during reparative dentinogenesis. A groove-shaped cavity
      was prepared on the mesial surface of the upper first molars of wild-type (WT)
      and Opn knockout (KO) mice, and the samples were collected at intervals of 1 to
      14 d. The demineralized sections were processed for immunohistochemistry for
      Ki67, nestin, OPN, dentin sialoprotein (DSP), integrin alphavbeta3, and type I
      collagen; in situ hybridization for Opn, col1a1, and dentin sialophosphoprotein
      (Dspp); and apoptosis assay. For the loss and gain of function experiments, an in
      vitro culture assay for evaluating dentin-pulp complex regeneration was
      performed. On day 1 in WT mice, odontoblasts beneath the affected dentin lost
      nestin immunoreactivity. On day 3, the expression of Opn was recognized at the
      mesial dental pulp, and OPN was deposited along the predentin-dentin border.
      Nestin-positive newly differentiated odontoblast-like cells expressed both Dspp
      and col1a1 and showed positive immunoreactivity for integrin alphavbeta3, DSP,
      and type I collagen. Until day 14, reparative dentin formation continued next to
      the preexisting dentin at the mesial coronal pulp. In contrast, there was no
      reparative dentin in the Opn KO mice where nestin- and DSP-positive newly
      differentiated odontoblast-like cells lacked immunoreaction for type I collagen.
      The in vitro organ culture demonstrated that the administration of recombinant
      OPN rescued the type I collagen secretion by odontoblast-like cells in the Opn KO
      mice. The results suggested that the deposition of OPN at the calcification front
      is essential for the type I collagen secretion by newly differentiated
      odontoblast-like cells to form reparative dentin during pulpal healing following
      cavity preparation.

PMID- 27126447
TI  - SOCS-3 Regulates Alveolar Bone Loss in Experimental Periodontitis.
AB  - The host immune response plays a key role in bacteria-induced alveolar bone
      resorption. Endogenous control of the magnitude and duration of inflammatory
      signaling is considered an important determinant of the extent of periodontal
      pathology. Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are inhibitors of
      cytokine signaling pathways and may play a role in restraining periodontal
      inflammation. We hypothesized that SOCS-3 regulates alveolar bone loss in
      experimental periodontitis. Periodontal bone loss was induced in 16-wk-old
      myeloid-specific SOCS-3-knockout and wild-type (WT) C57Bl6-B.129 mice by oral
      inoculation 9 times with 10(9) colony-forming units of Porphyromonas gingivalis
      A7436 through an oral gavage model for periodontitis. Sham controls for both
      types of mice received vehicle without bacteria. The mice were euthanized 6 wk
      after the last oral inoculation. Increased bone loss was demonstrated in P.
      gingivalis-infected SOCS-3-knockout mice as compared with P. gingivalis-infected
      WT mice by direct morphologic measurements, micro-computed tomography analyses,
      and quantitative histology. Loss of SOCS-3 function resulted in an increased
      number of alveolar bone osteoclasts and increased RANKL expression after P.
      gingivalis infection. SOCS-3 deficiency in myeloid cells also promotes a higher
      P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response with higher
      secretion of IL-1beta, IL-6, and KC (IL-8) by peritoneal macrophages as compared
      with WT controls. Our data implicate SOCS-3 as a critical negative regulator of
      alveolar bone loss in periodontitis.

PMID- 27126449
TI  - Quantum Einstein-de Haas effect.
AB  - The classical Einstein-de Haas experiment demonstrates that a change of
      magnetization in a macroscopic magnetic object results in a mechanical rotation
      of this magnet. This experiment can therefore be considered as a macroscopic
      manifestation of the conservation of total angular momentum and energy of
      electronic spins. Since the conservation of angular momentum is a consequence of
      a system's rotational invariance, it is valid for an ensemble of spins in a
      macroscopic ferromaget as well as for single spins. Here we propose an
      experimental realization of an Einstein-de Haas experiment at the single-spin
      level based on a single-molecule magnet coupled to a nanomechanical resonator. We
      demonstrate that the spin associated with the single-molecule magnet is then
      subject to conservation of total angular momentum and energy, which results in a
      total suppression of the molecule's quantum tunnelling of magnetization. 

PMID- 27126448
TI  - Pulsed versus continuous mode fluoroscopy during PCNL: safety and effectiveness
      comparison in a case series study.
AB  - To compare the total fluoroscopy time (FT) based on the fluoroscopy mode used
      continuous vs. pulsed-in patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy
      (PCNL). The study cohort evaluated 111 patients who underwent PCNL by a single
      surgeon. Standard (continuous) fluoroscopy of 30 frames per second (fps) was used
      in the first 56 cases (SF group), while the next 55 consecutive cases were
      performed under pulsed fluoroscopy of two fps (PF group). The presence of
      surgeon's previous experience decreased the possible impact of the learning curve
      on the outcome. In both groups, using ultrasound in combination to fluoroscopy
      performed the renal access. The stone complexity was determined using Guy's stone
      score (GSS). Complications were evaluated using Clavien-Dindo classification.
      Median FT was significantly lower in PF group (76.8 s) compared to SF group
      (155.4 s) (p < 0.001). Stone-free rate was related to the Guy's stone score (GSS)
      classification reaching 100 % in GSS 1 cases in both groups. In GSS 2 cases the
      stone free rate was 87.5 % in SF group, while in PF group it was 92.3 %. Stone
      free rate in GSS 3 cases was 73.3 and 85.7 % in SF and PF groups, respectively.
      In cases of GSS 4 stone free rate was 52 % in SF group and 55.6 % in PF group,
      respectively. Presence of residual fragments and complications were comparable in
      both groups. Following ultrasound-guided puncture during PCNL, the use of pulsed
      fluoroscopy leads to significantly lower radiation exposure comparing to the use
      of continuous fluoroscopy. This advantage does not compromise the safety and
      efficacy of the procedure.

PMID- 27126450
TI  - Posterior parietal cortex of the rat: Architectural delineation and thalamic
      differentiation.
AB  - This study refines the characterization of the rat parietal cortical domain in
      terms of cyto- and chemoarchitecture as well as thalamic connectivity. We
      recognize three subdivisions of the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), which are
      architectonically distinct from the neighboring somatosensory and visual
      cortices. Furthermore, we show that the different parietal areas are differently
      connected with thalamic nuclei. The medial portion of PPC (mPPC) is connected
      primarily with the medial portion of the lateral posterior nucleus (LP), whereas
      the lateral portion (lPPC) connects with the posterior complex (Po). The more
      caudolateral part of PPC (PtP) also projects to Po but can be distinguished from
      lPPC based on architectonic criteria. The primary somatic and visual cortices,
      neighboring PPC, are preferentially connected with the primary ventral posterior
      and dorsolateral geniculate nuclei, respectively, and less with the associational
      Po and LP. Particularly the border between the secondary visual cortex and the
      PPC has been a matter of controversy, but here we show that, although PPC
      subareas are connected with Po and medial LP, the medial and lateral secondary
      visual cortices are connected with lateral LP and a portion of medial LP
      different from that connected with PPC. The resulting delineations and
      specifications of connectivity with thalamic nuclei together with upcoming
      studies of cortical connectivity will facilitate detailed studies on the role of
      the subdivisions of PPC in the rat as diverse, higher order associative cortical
      areas, comparable to those described in the primate.for J. Comp. Neurol. 524:3774
      3809, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27126451
TI  - Deep brain stimulation improves gait velocity in Parkinson's disease: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - In Parkinson's disease (PD), slow gait speed is significantly related to clinical
      ratings of disease severity, impaired performance of daily activities, as well as
      increased overall disability. Conducting a meta-analysis on gait speed is an
      objective and quantitative technique to summarize the effectiveness of DBS and to
      determine the effect sizes for future studies. We conducted a systematic review
      and meta-analysis that analyzed the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS)
      surgery on gait speed in patients with PD to gain fundamental insight into the
      nature of therapeutic effectiveness. A random effects model meta-analysis on 27
      studies revealed a significant overall standardized mean difference medium effect
      size equal to 0.60 (SE = 0.06; p < 0.0001; Z = 10.58). Based on our synthesis of
      the 27 studies, we determined the following: (1) a significant and medium effect
      size indicating DBS improves gait speed; (2) DBS improved gait speed regardless
      of whether the patients were tested in the on or off medication state; (3) both
      bilateral and unilateral DBS led to gait speed improvement; (4) the effects of
      DBS on gait speed in the data collection sessions after surgery (DBS on vs. off)
      were comparable with data collection before surgery (before surgery vs. DBS after
      surgery); and (5) when evaluating the effects of DBS and medication on gait speed
      suprathreshold doses were comparable to normal dosages of medication and DBS. The
      current analysis provides objective evidence that both unilateral and bilateral
      DBS provide a therapeutic benefit on gait speed in persons with PD. 

PMID- 27126452
TI  - Posterior fossa involvement in the diagnosis of adult-onset inherited
      leukoencephalopathies.
AB  - Adult-onset genetic leukoencephalopathies are increasingly recognized. They are
      heterogeneous groups of disorders that commonly have distinct pathologic
      mechanisms but they share the presence of supratentorial bilateral and symmetric
      white matter hyperintensities. Although these abnormalities are usually non
      specific, some specific MRI findings exist and sometimes help to distinguish
      these disorders. In this review, our aim is to describe posterior fossa
      abnormalities seen in the main adult-onset genetic leukoencephalopathies enabling
      clinicians to perform oriented genetic/metabolic screening.

PMID- 27126454
TI  - An anecdotal report by an Oxford basic neuroscientist: effects of acetyl-DL
      leucine on cognitive function and mobility in the elderly.

PMID- 27126455
TI  - Phenotypic spectrum of the m.8344A>G mutation.

PMID- 27126453
TI  - A novel clinical tool to classify facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
      phenotypes.
AB  - Based on the 7-year experience of the Italian Clinical Network for FSHD, we
      revised the FSHD clinical form to describe, in a harmonized manner, the
      phenotypic spectrum observed in FSHD. The new Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation
      Form (CCEF) defines various clinical categories by the combination of different
      features. The inter-rater reproducibility of the CCEF was assessed between two
      examiners using kappa statistics by evaluating 56 subjects carrying the molecular
      marker used for FSHD diagnosis. The CCEF classifies: (1) subjects presenting
      facial and scapular girdle muscle weakness typical of FSHD (category A,
      subcategories A1-A3), (2) subjects with muscle weakness limited to scapular
      girdle or facial muscles (category B subcategories B1, B2), (3)
      asymptomatic/healthy subjects (category C, subcategories C1, C2), (4) subjects
      with myopathic phenotype presenting clinical features not consistent with FSHD
      canonical phenotype (D, subcategories D1, D2). The inter-rater reliability study
      showed an excellent concordance of the final four CCEF categories with a kappa
      equal to 0.90; 95 % CI (0.71; 0.97). Absolute agreement was observed for
      categories C and D, an excellent agreement for categories A [kappa = 0.88; 95 %
      CI (0.75; 1.00)], and a good agreement for categories B [kappa = 0.79; 95 % CI
      (0.57; 1.00)]. The CCEF supports the harmonized phenotypic classification of
      patients and families. The categories outlined by the CCEF may assist diagnosis,
      genetic counseling and natural history studies. Furthermore, the CCEF categories
      could support selection of patients in randomized clinical trials. This precise
      categorization might also promote the search of genetic factor(s) contributing to
      the phenotypic spectrum of disease. 

PMID- 27126456
TI  - Associated and predictive factors of depressive symptoms in patients with
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Depression is one of the most common non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease
      (PD). A thorough understanding of factors associated with depressive
      symptomatology may facilitate early detection and guide future intervention
      strategies. The objective of the study was to determine associated and predictive
      factors of depression in patients with PD. Analyses were performed in data of the
      SCOPA-PROPARK cohort, a 5-year hospital-based longitudinal cohort of over 400 PD
      patients who have been examined annually. Linear mixed models using data of all
      patients were used to identify factors associated with longitudinal changes in
      Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores. A survival analysis using data of
      patients without depression at baseline was performed to identify risk factors
      for future depression (i.e. BDI >= 15). The proportion of patients with
      depression was approximately 20 % and remained stable during follow-up, with
      approximately half of cases showing a persistent course. Female gender, more
      severe disability, more severe motor fluctuations, autonomic and cognitive
      dysfunction, poorer nighttime sleep and daytime sleepiness were independently
      associated with higher BDI scores over time. Higher baseline BDI score, daytime
      sleepiness and a higher levodopa dosage were risk factors for future depression.
      Depression is common in PD, where it may follow a persistent or non-persistent
      course. Apart from motor fluctuations and levodopa dose, depressive symptoms in
      PD are mainly associated with factors of non-dopaminergic origin. This suggests
      that depression in PD is an inherent consequence of the progressive pathobiology
      of the disease, which may render its treatment with currently available treatment
      options difficult. 

PMID- 27126458
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27126457
TI  - Intraoperative MRI for deep brain stimulation lead placement in Parkinson's
      disease: 1 year motor and neuropsychological outcomes.
AB  - Traditional deep brain stimulation requires intraoperative neurophysiological
      confirmation of electrode placement. Recently, purely image guided methods are
      being evaluated as to their clinical efficacy in comparison to surgery using
      microelectrode recordings. We used the ClearPoint((r)) system to place electrodes
      in both the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus internus in patients with
      advanced Parkinson's disease. Off medication UPDRS scores were assessed before
      and 1 year after surgery as well as pre- and 1 year post-operative
      neuropsychological outcomes. Targeting precision was also assessed. Patients
      implanted in the subthalamic nucleus improved by 46.2 % in their UPDRS scores
      post-operatively (p = 0.03) whereas the globus pallidus group improved by 41 % (p
      = 0.06). There were no significant adverse neuropsychological outcomes in either
      group of patients. Mean radial error for the STN group was 1.2 +/- 0.7 mm and for
      the GPi group 0.8 mm +/- 0.3 mm. Image guided DBS using the ClearPoint((r))system
      has high targeting precision with robust clinical outcomes. Our data are in
      accord with recent studies using the same or similar technologies and provide a
      rationale for a large comparative study of image-guided versus microelectrode
      guided DBS. 

PMID- 27126459
TI  - Short inter-set rest blunts resistance exercise-induced increases in myofibrillar
      protein synthesis and intracellular signalling in young males.
AB  - What is the central question of this study? Does shorter rest between sets of
      resistance exercise promote a superior circulating hormonal and acute muscle
      anabolic response compared with longer rest periods? What is the main finding and
      its importance? We demonstrate that short rest (1 min) between sets of moderate
      intensity, high-volume resistance exercise blunts the acute muscle anabolic
      response compared with a longer rest period (5 min), despite a superior
      circulating hormonal milieu. These data have important implications for the
      development of training regimens to maximize muscle hypertrophy. Manipulating the
      rest-recovery interval between sets of resistance exercise may influence training
      induced muscle remodelling. The aim of this study was to determine the acute
      muscle anabolic response to resistance exercise performed with short or long
      inter-set rest intervals. In a study with a parallel-group design, 16 males
      completed four sets of bilateral leg-press and knee-extension exercise at 75% of
      one-repetition maximum to momentary muscular failure, followed by ingestion of 25
      g of whey protein. Resistance exercise sets were interspersed by 1 min (n = 8) or
      5 min of passive rest (n = 8). Muscle biopsies were obtained at rest, 0, 4, 24
      and 28 h postexercise during a primed continuous infusion of l-[ring-(13) C6
      ]phenylalanine to determine myofibrillar protein synthesis and intracellular
      signalling. We found that the rate of myofibrillar protein synthesis increased
      above resting values from 0 to 4 h postexercise with 1 (76%; P = 0.047) and 5 min
      inter-set rest (152%; P < 0.001) and was significantly greater in the 5 min inter
      set rest group (P = 0.001). Myofibrillar protein synthesis rates at 24-28 h
      postexercise remained elevated above resting values (P < 0.05) and were
      indistinguishable between groups. Postexercise p70S6K(Thr389) and
      rpS6(Ser240/244) phosphorylation were reduced with 1 compared with 5 min inter
      set rest, whereas phosphorylation of eEF2(Thr56) , TSC2(Thr1462) , AMPK(Thr172)
      and REDD1 protein were greater for 1 compared with 5 min inter-set rest. Serum
      testosterone was greater at 20-40 min postexercise and plasma lactate greater
      immediately postexercise for 1 versus 5 min inter-set rest. Resistance exercise
      with short (1 min) inter-set rest duration attenuated myofibrillar protein
      synthesis during the early postexercise recovery period compared with longer (5
      min) rest duration, potentially through compromised activation of intracellular
      signalling.

PMID- 27126460
TI  - Biodistribution and Radiation Dosimetry of [18F]Mefway in Humans.
AB  - PURPOSE: [18F]Mefway is a positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand for
      quantification of the brain serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor density. The purpose
      of this study was to evaluate the radiation safety of [18F]Mefway in humans.
      PROCEDURES: Six healthy volunteers (three males and three females) were whole
      body PET scanned for 114 min after injection of [18F]Mefway (226 +/- 35 MBq).
      Estimated radiation doses were determined by the OLINDA/EXM software. RESULTS:
      [18F]Mefway was safe and well tolerated by all subjects. Residence time ranges
      from 0 (gallbladder) to 0.822 h (urinary bladder wall). While the estimated
      radiation doses in the reproductive and blood-forming organs were below 13.35
      22.87 MUSv/MBq, radiation dose in the urinary bladder wall was 471 MUSv/MBq. The
      mean effective dose was 40.23 +/- 6.63 MUSv/MBq. CONCLUSION: For a typical single
      injection of 185 MBq (5 mCi), the dose will result in 87.1 mSv for the urinary
      bladder wall. To reduce radiation burden, the bladder voiding can be used before
      [18F]Mefway PET scan.

PMID- 27126462
TI  - Why Do So Many White Americans Oppose the Affordable Care Act?

PMID- 27126461
TI  - Identification and characterisation of the immune response properties of Lampetra
      japonica BLNK.
AB  - B cell linker protein (BLNK) is a central linker protein involved in B cell
      signal transduction in jawed vertebrates. In a previous study, we have reported
      the identification of a BLNK homolog named Lj-BLNK in lampreys. In this study, a
      336 bp cDNA fragment encoding the Lj-BLNK Src homology 2 (SH2) domain was cloned
      into the vector pET-28a(+) and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The
      recombinant fragment of Lj-BLNK (rLj-BLNK) was purifiedby His-Bind affinity
      chromatography, and polyclonal antibodies against rLj-BLNK were raised in male
      New Zealand rabbits. Fluorescenceactivated cell sorting (FACS) analysisrevealed
      that Lj-BLNK was expressed in approximately 48% of the lymphocyte-like cells of
      control lampreys, and a significant increase in Lj-BLNK expression was observed
      in lampreys stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Western blotting analysis
      showed that variable lymphocyte receptor B (VLRB) and Lj-BLNKwere distributed in
      the same immune-relevant tissues, and the levels of both were upregulated in
      supraneural myeloid bodies and lymphocyte-like cells after LPS stimulation.
      Immunofluorescence demonstrated that Lj-BLNK was localized in VLRB(+) lymphocyte
      like cells. These results indicate that the Lj-BLNK protein identified in
      lampreys might play an important role in the VLRB-mediated adaptive immune
      response.

PMID- 27126463
TI  - The Reply.

PMID- 27126464
TI  - Misconceptions on Interpretation of Risk Prediction Tools in Atrial Fibrillation.

PMID- 27126465
TI  - The Reply.

PMID- 27126466
TI  - Updated Meta-Analysis of Aspirin in Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.

PMID- 27126468
TI  - 64(TH) ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics.

PMID- 27126467
TI  - Stethoscope: A Still-Relevant Tool and Medical Companion.

PMID- 27126469
TI  - Reducing Spatial Heterogeneity of MALDI Samples with Marangoni Flows During
      Sample Preparation.
AB  - This work demonstrates a method to prepare homogeneous distributions of analytes
      to improve data reproducibility in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS). Natural-air drying processes normally result in
      unwanted heterogeneous spatial distributions of analytes in MALDI crystals and
      make quantitative analysis difficult. This study demonstrates that inducing
      Marangoni flows within drying droplets can significantly reduce the heterogeneity
      problem. The Marangoni flows are accelerated by changing substrate temperatures
      to create temperature gradients across droplets. Such hydrodynamic flows are
      analyzed semi-empirically. Using imaging mass spectrometry, changes of
      heterogeneity of molecules with the change of substrate temperature during drying
      processes are demonstrated. The observed heterogeneities of the biomolecules
      reduce as predicted Marangoni velocities increase. In comparison to conventional
      methods, drying droplets on a 5  degrees C substrate while keeping the
      surroundings at ambient conditions typically reduces the heterogeneity of
      biomolecular ions by 65%-80%. The observation suggests that decreasing substrate
      temperature during droplet drying processes is a simple and effective means to
      reduce analyte heterogeneity for quantitative applications. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 27126470
TI  - Charge Exchange Reaction in Dopant-Assisted Atmospheric Pressure Chemical
      Ionization and Atmospheric Pressure Photoionization.
AB  - The efficiencies of charge exchange reaction in dopant-assisted atmospheric
      pressure chemical ionization (DA-APCI) and dopant-assisted atmospheric pressure
      photoionization (DA-APPI) mass spectrometry (MS) were compared by flow injection
      analysis. Fourteen individual compounds and a commercial mixture of 16 polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons were chosen as model analytes to cover a wide range of
      polarities, gas-phase ionization energies, and proton affinities. Chlorobenzene
      was used as the dopant, and methanol/water (80/20) as the solvent. In both
      techniques, analytes formed the same ions (radical cations, protonated molecules,
      and/or fragments). However, in DA-APCI, the relative efficiency of charge
      exchange versus proton transfer was lower than in DA-APPI. This is suggested to
      be because in DA-APCI both dopant and solvent clusters can be ionized, and the
      formed reagent ions can react with the analytes via competing charge exchange and
      proton transfer reactions. In DA-APPI, on the other hand, the main reagents are
      dopant-derived radical cations, which favor ionization of analytes via charge
      exchange. The efficiency of charge exchange in both DA-APPI and DA-APCI was shown
      to depend heavily on the solvent flow rate, with best efficiency seen at lowest
      flow rates studied (0.05 and 0.1 mL/min). Both DA-APCI and DA-APPI showed the
      radical cation of chlorobenzene at 0.05-0.1 mL/min flow rate, but at increasing
      flow rate, the abundance of chlorobenzene M(+.) decreased and reagent ion
      populations deriving from different gas-phase chemistry were recorded. The
      formation of these reagent ions explains the decreasing ionization efficiency and
      the differences in charge exchange between the techniques. Graphical Abstract ?.

PMID- 27126471
TI  - Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of Methimazole by Chlorite in Slightly Acidic
      Media.
AB  - The kinetics and mechanism of the oxidation of methimazole (1-methyl-3H
      imidazole), MMI, by chlorite in mildly acidic environments were studied. It is a
      complex reaction that gives oligo-oscillations in chlorine dioxide concentrations
      in excess chlorite conditions. The stoichiometry is strictly 2:1, with the sulfur
      center being oxidized to sulfate and the organic moiety being hydrolyzed to
      several indeterminate species. In excess MMI conditions over chlorite, the
      sulfinic acid and sulfonic acid were observed as major intermediates. The
      sulfenic acid, which was observed in the electrochemical oxidation of MMI, was
      not observed with chlorite oxidations. Initial reduction of chlorite produced
      HOCl, an autocatalytic species in chlorite oxidations. HOCl rapidly reacts with
      chlorite to produce chlorine dioxide, which, in turn, reacts rapidly with MMI to
      produce more chlorite. The reaction of chlorine dioxide with MMI is competitive,
      in rate, with the chlorite-MMI and HOCl-ClO2(-) reactions. This explains the
      oligo-oscillations in ClO2 concentrations. 

PMID- 27126473
TI  - Expression and role of connexin-based gap junctions in pulmonary inflammatory
      diseases.
AB  - Connexins are transmembrane proteins that can generate intercellular
      communication channels known as gap junctions. They contribute to the direct
      movement of ions and larger cytoplasmic solutes between various cell types. In
      the lung, connexins participate in a variety of physiological functions, such as
      tissue homeostasis and host defence. In addition, emerging evidence supports a
      role for connexins in various pulmonary inflammatory diseases, such as asthma,
      pulmonary hypertension, acute lung injury, lung fibrosis or cystic fibrosis. In
      these diseases, the altered expression of connexins leads to disruption of normal
      intercellular communication pathways, thus contributing to various
      pathophysiological aspects, such as inflammation or tissue altered reactivity and
      remodeling. The present review describes connexin structure and organization in
      gap junctions. It focuses on connexins in the lung, including pulmonary bronchial
      and arterial beds, by looking at their expression, regulation and physiological
      functions. This work also addresses the issue of connexin expression alteration
      in various pulmonary inflammatory diseases and describes how targeting connexin
      based gap junctions with pharmacological tools, synthetic blocking peptides or
      genetic approaches, may open new therapeutic perspectives in the treatment of
      these diseases.

PMID- 27126474
TI  - The role of glutamine in Pseudomonas mediterranea in biotechnological processes.
AB  - In this work, in order to study the effect of glutamine as co-feeder on growth
      kinetics, biomass and PHA production in Pseudomonas mediterranea, different co
      metabolic strategies were employed. Unrelated (glycerol and glucose) and related
      (sodium octanoate) carbon sources both in presence and absence of glutamine have
      been tested. For each cultural condition, we (i) evaluated growth kinetics and
      measured the cell metabolic activity by MTT assay, (ii) monitored PHA production
      and (iii) estimated the expression of phaC1 and phaC2 genes through RT-PCR. Our
      results show that the use of glutamine as co-feeder in P. mediterranea led to an
      improvement of the specific growth rate and cell metabolic activity and enhanced
      the uptake of all the carbon sources assayed. Moreover, the use of glutamine
      reduced significantly the time required for PHA production and increased
      biopolymer yield, as consequence of an early activation of phaC1 and phaC2.

PMID- 27126472
TI  - MicroRNAs and drug-induced kidney injury.
AB  - Drug-induced kidney injury (DIKI) is a severe complication in hospitalized
      patients associated with higher probabilities of developing progressive chronic
      kidney disease or end-stage renal diseases. Furthermore, DIKI is a problem during
      preclinical and clinical phases of drug development leading to high rates of
      project terminations. Understanding the molecular perturbations caused by DIKI
      would pave the way for a new class of therapeutics to mitigate the damage. Yet,
      another approach to ameliorate DIKI is identifying sensitive and specific
      translational biomarkers that outperform the current diagnostic analytes like
      serum creatinine and facilitate early diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of
      non-coding RNAs, are increasingly being recognized to have a two-pronged approach
      toward DIKI management: 1) miRNAs have a regulatory role in gene expression and
      signaling pathways thereby making them novel interventional targets and 2) miRNAs
      enable diagnosis and prognosis of DIKI because of their stable presence in
      biofluids. In this review, apart from summarizing the literature on miRNAs in
      DIKI, we report small RNA sequencing results showing miRNA expression profiles at
      baseline in normal kidney samples from mice and humans. Additionally, we also
      compared the miRNA expression in biopsies of normal human kidneys to patients
      with acute tubular necrosis, and found 76 miRNAs significantly downregulated and
      47 miRNAs upregulated (FDR adjusted p<0.05, +/-2-fold change). In summary, we
      highlight the transformative potential of miRNAs in therapeutics and
      translational medicine with a focus on drug-induced kidney damage.

PMID- 27126475
TI  - Oxygen-independent FbFP: Fluorescent sentinel and oxygen sensor component in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans.
AB  - FMN-binding fluorescent proteins (FbFPs) outperform GFP and its derivatives
      because of their oxygen-independence, small size and rapid maturation. FbFPs have
      been used successfully as reliable reporters of gene expression in the cytoplasm
      of pro- and eukaryotes. Here we extend previous findings on the codon-adapted
      CaFbFP variant, which functions in the apathogenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      and the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. In both fungal species, CaFbFP
      could be targeted to the nucleus and the cell wall by endogenous signals (H2B
      /Aga2-fusions) demonstrating its use as a fluorescent beacon in these relevant
      cellular locations. Transformants of both fungal species producing a CaFbFP-YFP
      fusion (YFOS) showed variable energy transfer from CaFbFP to YFP (FRET) that
      depended in its extent on external O2 concentrations. Applications as fluorescent
      sentinel and oxygen biosensor expand the FbFP toolbox to study oxygen-independent
      cellular processes under hypoxia.

PMID- 27126476
TI  - Preparation of ultrafine poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid)
      biodegradable nanoparticles loaded with ibuprofen.
AB  - Ibuprofen-loaded polymeric particles with around 9.2 nm in mean diameter, as
      determined by electron microscopy, dispersed in an aqueous media containing up to
      12.8% solids were prepared by semicontinuous heterophase polymerization. The
      polymeric material is a (2/1 mol/mol) methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid
      copolymer similar to Eudragit S100, deemed safe for human consumption and used in
      the manufacturing of drug-loaded pills as well as micro- and nanoparticles. The
      loading efficiency was 100%, attaining around 10-12% in drug content. Release
      studies showed that the drug is released from the nanoparticles at a slower rate
      than that in the case of free IB. Given their size as well as the pH values
      required for their dissolution, it is believed that this type of particles could
      be used as a basis for preparing nanosystems loaded with a variety of drugs.

PMID- 27126477
TI  - Two C-C Family Chemokines, Eotaxin and RANTES, Are Novel Independent Plasma
      Biomarkers for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammation of the aortic wall is recognised as a key pathogenesis
      of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This study was undertaken to determine
      whether inflammatory cytokines could be used as biomarkers for the presence of
      AAA. METHODS AND RESULTS: Tissue profiles of 27 inflammatory cytokine were
      examined in AAA (n=14) and nonaneurysmal (n=14) aortic tissues. Three cytokines,
      regulated upon activation normally T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES),
      eotaxin, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 beta (MIP-1b), had increased
      expression in AAA, particularly within the adventitial layer of the aortic wall.
      Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) had reduced expression in all layers of the
      AAA wall. Examination of the circulating plasma profiles of AAA (n=442) and AAA
      free controls (n=970) suggested a (risk factor adjusted) AAA-association with
      eotaxin, RANTES, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). A plasma
      inflammatory cytokine score, calculated using these three markers, suggested a
      strong risk association with AAA (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 3.5-6.7; P<0.0001),
      independent of age, sex, history of ischemic heart disease, and smoking.
      CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to reports suggesting a distinct T helper 2-associated
      inflammatory profile in AAA, this current study suggests a more-generalized
      pattern of inflammation, albeit with some potentially distinct features,
      including elevated plasma eotaxin and decreased plasma RANTES. In combination
      with hsCRP, these markers may have potential utility as AAA biomarkers.

PMID- 27126479
TI  - NHS England should reconsider PrEP decision.

PMID- 27126480
TI  - Using PMTCT to raise overall health and development.

PMID- 27126478
TI  - Short-Term Exposure to Air Pollution and Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress: The
      Framingham Heart Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Short-term exposure to elevated air pollution has been associated
      with higher risk of acute cardiovascular diseases, with systemic oxidative stress
      induced by air pollution hypothesized as an important underlying mechanism.
      However, few community-based studies have assessed this association. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Two thousand thirty-five Framingham Offspring Cohort participants living
      within 50 km of the Harvard Boston Supersite who were not current smokers were
      included. We assessed circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress including blood
      myeloperoxidase at the seventh examination (1998-2001) and urinary creatinine
      indexed 8-epi-prostaglandin F2alpha (8-epi-PGF2alpha) at the seventh and eighth
      (2005-2008) examinations. We measured fine particulate matter (PM2.5), black
      carbon, sulfate, nitrogen oxides, and ozone at the Supersite and calculated 1-, 2
      , 3-, 5-, and 7-day moving averages of each pollutant. Measured myeloperoxidase
      and 8-epi-PGF2alpha were loge transformed. We used linear regression models and
      linear mixed-effects models with random intercepts for myeloperoxidase and
      indexed 8-epi-PGF2alpha, respectively. Models were adjusted for demographic
      variables, individual- and area-level measures of socioeconomic position,
      clinical and lifestyle factors, weather, and temporal trend. We found positive
      associations of PM2.5 and black carbon with myeloperoxidase across multiple
      moving averages. Additionally, 2- to 7-day moving averages of PM2.5 and sulfate
      were consistently positively associated with 8-epi-PGF2alpha. Stronger positive
      associations of black carbon and sulfate with myeloperoxidase were observed among
      participants with diabetes than in those without. CONCLUSIONS: Our community
      based investigation supports an association of select markers of ambient air
      pollution with circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress.

PMID- 27126481
TI  - Linkage to care: a step on the path, but not the destination.

PMID- 27126482
TI  - Is the UNAIDS target sufficient for HIV control in Botswana?

PMID- 27126483
TI  - Translating phylogeny into action for HIV surveillance.

PMID- 27126484
TI  - Cities central to HIV response for people who use drugs.

PMID- 27126485
TI  - PrEP adherence among trans women in Brazil-access needed for this key population.

PMID- 27126486
TI  - PrEP adherence among trans women in Brazil-access needed for this key population 
      Authors' reply.

PMID- 27126487
TI  - Integrated prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission services,
      antiretroviral therapy initiation, and maternal and infant retention in care in
      rural north-central Nigeria: a cluster-randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) and retention in care are essential for
      the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT). We aimed to assess
      the effect of a family-focused, integrated PMTCT care package. METHODS: In this
      parallel, cluster-randomised controlled trial, we pair-matched 12 primary and
      secondary level health-care facilities located in rural north-central Nigeria.
      Clinic pairs were randomly assigned to intervention or standard of care (control)
      by computer-generated sequence. HIV-infected women (and their infants) presenting
      for antenatal care or delivery were included if they had unknown HIV status at
      presentation (there was no age limit for the study, but the youngest participant
      was 16 years old); history of antiretroviral prophylaxis or treatment, but not
      receiving these at presentation; or known HIV status but had never received
      treatment. Standard of care included health information, opt-out HIV testing,
      infant feeding counselling, referral for CD4 cell counts and treatment, home
      based services, antiretroviral prophylaxis, and early infant diagnosis. The
      intervention package added task shifting, point-of-care CD4 testing, integrated
      mother and infant service provision, and male partner and community engagement.
      The primary outcomes were the proportion of eligible women who initiated ART and
      the proportion of women and their infants retained in care at 6 weeks and 12
      weeks post partum (assessed by generalised linear mixed effects model with random
      effects for matched clinic pairs). The trial is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01805752. FINDINGS: Between April 1, 2013, and
      March 31, 2014, we enrolled 369 eligible women (172 intervention, 197 control),
      similar across groups for marital status, duration of HIV diagnosis, and distance
      to facility. Median CD4 count was 424 cells per MUL (IQR 268-606) in the
      intervention group and 314 cells per MUL (245-406) in the control group
      (p<0.0001). Of the 369 women included in the study, 363 (98%) had WHO clinical
      stage 1 disease, 364 (99%) had high functional status, and 353 (96%) delivered
      vaginally. Mothers in the intervention group were more likely to initiate ART
      (166 [97%] vs 77 [39%]; adjusted relative risk 3.3, 95% CI 1.4-7.8). Mother and
      infant pairs in the intervention group were more likely to be retained in care at
      6 weeks (125 [83%] of 150 vs 15 [9%] of 170; adjusted relative risk 9.1, 5.2
      15.9) and 12 weeks (112 [75%] of 150 vs 11 [7%] of 168 pairs; 10.3, 5.4-19.7)
      post partum. INTERPRETATION: This integrated, family-focused PMTCT service
      package improved maternal ART initiation and mother and infant retention in care.
      An effective approach to improve the quality of PMTCT service delivery will
      positively affect global goals for the elimination of mother-to-child HIV
      transmission. FUNDING: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health
      and Human Development and US National Institutes of Health.

PMID- 27126488
TI  - Uptake of antiretroviral therapy and male circumcision after community-based HIV
      testing and strategies for linkage to care versus standard clinic referral: a
      multisite, open-label, randomised controlled trial in South Africa and Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Male circumcision decreases HIV acquisition by 60%, and
      antiretroviral therapy (ART) almost eliminates HIV transmission from HIV-positive
      people who are virally suppressed; however, coverage of these interventions has
      lagged behind targets. We aimed to assess whether community-based HIV testing
      with counsellor support and point-of-care CD4 cell count testing would increase
      uptake of ART and male circumcision. METHODS: We did this multisite, open-label,
      randomised controlled trial in six research-naive communities in rural South
      Africa and Uganda. Eligible HIV-positive participants (aged >=16 years) were
      randomly assigned (1:1:1) in a factorial design to receive lay counsellor clinic
      linkage facilitation, lay counsellor follow-up home visits, or standard-of-care
      clinic referral, and then (1:1) either point-of-care CD4 cell count testing or
      referral for CD4 testing. HIV-negative uncircumcised men (aged 16-49 years) who
      could receive secure mobile phone text messages were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to
      receive text message reminders, lay counsellor visits, or standard clinic
      referral. The study biostatistician generated the randomisation schedule via a
      computer-generated random number program with varying block sizes (multiples of
      six or three) stratified by country. Primary outcomes for HIV-positive people
      were obtaining a CD4 cell count, linkage to an HIV clinic, ART initiation, and
      viral suppression at 9 months, and for HIV-negative uncircumcised men were
      visiting a circumcision facility and uptake of male circumcision at 3 months. We
      assessed social harms as a safety outcome throughout the study. We did the
      primary analyses by intention to treat. This trial is registered with
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02038582. FINDINGS: Between June 6, 2013, and March
      11, 2015, 15 332 participants were tested. 2339 (15%) participants tested HIV
      positive, of whom 1325 (57%) were randomly assigned to receive lay counsellor
      clinic linkage facilitation (n=437), lay counsellor follow-up home visits
      (n=449), or standard clinic referral (n=439), and then point-of-care CD4 cell
      testing (n=206, n=220, and n=213, respectively) or referral for CD4 testing
      (n=231, n=229, and n=226, respectively). 12 993 (85%) participants tested HIV
      negative, of whom 750 (6%) uncircumcised men were randomly assigned to receive
      clinic referral (n=230), text message reminders (n=288), or lay counsellor follow
      up visits (n=232). 1218 (93%) of 1303 HIV-positive participants were linked to
      care, but only 488 (37%) participants initiated ART. Overall, 635 (50%) of 1272
      HIV-positive individuals achieved viral suppression at 9 months: 219 (52%) of 419
      participants in the clinic facilitation group, 202 (47%) of 431 participants in
      the lay counsellor follow-up group, and 214 (51%) of 422 participants in the
      clinic referral group, with no significant differences between groups (p=0.668
      for clinic facilitation and p=0.273 for lay counsellor follow-up vs clinic
      referral). 523 (72%) of 734 HIV-negative men visited a circumcision facility,
      with no difference between groups. 62 (28%) of 224 men were circumcised in the
      male circumcision clinic referral group compared with 137 (48%) of 284 men in the
      text message reminder group (relative risk 1.72, 95% CI 1.36-2.17; p<0.0001) and
      106 (47%) of 226 men in the lay counsellor follow-up group (1.67, 1.29-2.14;
      p=0.0001). No cases of study-related social harm were reported, including probing
      about partnership separation, unintended disclosure, gender-based violence, and
      stigma. INTERPRETATION: All the community-based strategies achieved high rates of
      linkage of HIV-positive people to HIV clinics, roughly a third of whom initiated
      ART, and of those more than 80% were virally suppressed at 9 months. Uptake of
      male circumcision was almost two-times higher in men who received text message
      reminders or lay counsellor visits than in those who received standard-of-care
      clinic referral. Clinic barriers to ART initiation should be addressed in future
      strategies to increase the proportion of HIV-positive people accessing treatment
      and achieving viral suppression. FUNDING: National Institute of Allergy and
      Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health.

PMID- 27126489
TI  - Botswana's progress toward achieving the 2020 UNAIDS 90-90-90 antiretroviral
      therapy and virological suppression goals: a population-based survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV programmes face challenges achieving high rates of HIV testing
      and treatment needed to optimise health and to reduce transmission. We used data
      from the Botswana Combination Prevention Project study survey to assess
      Botswana's progress toward achieving UNAIDS targets for 2020: 90% of all people
      living with HIV knowing their status, 90% of these receiving sustained
      antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 90% of those having virological suppression (90
      90-90). METHODS: A population-based sample of individuals was recruited and
      interviewed in 30 rural and periurban communities from Oct 30, 2013, to Nov 24,
      2015, as part of a large, ongoing community-randomised trial designed to assess
      the effect of a combination prevention package on HIV incidence. A random sample
      of about 20% of households in each community was selected. Consenting household
      residents aged 16-64 years who were Botswana citizens or spouses of citizens
      responded to a questionnaire and had blood drawn for HIV testing in the absence
      of documentation of positive HIV status. Viral load testing was done in all HIV
      infected participants, irrespective of treatment status. We used modified Poisson
      generalised estimating equations to obtain prevalence ratios, corresponding Huber
      robust SEs, and 95% Wald CIs to examine associations between individual
      sociodemographic factors and a binary outcome indicating achievement of the three
      individual and combined overall 90-90-90 targets. The study is registered at
      ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01965470. FINDINGS: 81% of enumerated eligible
      household members took part in the survey (10% refused and 9% were absent). Among
      12 610 participants surveyed, 3596 (29%) were infected with HIV, and 2995 (83.3%,
      95% CI 81.4-85.2) of these individuals already knew their HIV status. Among those
      who knew their HIV status, 2617 (87.4%, 95% CI 85.8-89.0) were receiving ART (95%
      of those eligible by national guidelines, and 73% of all infected people). Of the
      2609 individuals receiving ART with a viral load measurement, 2517 (96.5%, 95% CI
      96.0-97.0) had viral load of 400 copies per mL or less. Overall, 70.2% (95% CI
      67.5-73.0) of HIV-infected people had virological suppression, close to the
      UNAIDS target of 73%. INTERPRETATION: UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets are achievable even
      in resource-constrained settings with high HIV burden. FUNDING: US President's
      Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention.

PMID- 27126490
TI  - Near real-time monitoring of HIV transmission hotspots from routine HIV
      genotyping: an implementation case study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV evolves rapidly and therefore infections with similar genetic
      sequences are likely linked by recent transmission events. Clusters of related
      infections can represent subpopulations with high rates of transmission. We
      describe the implementation of an automated near real-time system to monitor and
      characterise HIV transmission hotspots in British Columbia, Canada. METHODS: In
      this implementation case study, we applied a monitoring system to the British
      Columbia drug treatment database, which holds more than 32 000 anonymised HIV
      genotypes for nearly 9000 residents of British Columbia living with HIV. On
      average, five to six new HIV genotypes are deposited in the database every day,
      which triggers an automated reanalysis of the entire database. We extracted
      clusters of five or more individuals with short phylogenetic distances between
      their respective HIV sequences. The system generated monthly reports of the
      growth and characteristics of clusters that were distributed to public health
      officers. FINDINGS: In June, 2014, the monitoring system detected the expansion
      of a cluster by 11 new cases during 3 months, including eight cases with
      transmitted drug resistance. This cluster generally comprised young men who have
      sex with men. The subsequent report precipitated an enhanced public health follow
      up to ensure linkage to care and treatment initiation in the affected
      subpopulation. Of the nine cases associated with this follow-up, all had already
      been linked to care and five cases had started treatment. Subsequent to the
      follow-up, three additional cases started treatment and most cases achieved
      suppressed viral loads. During the next 12 months, we detected 12 new cases in
      this cluster with reduction in the onward transmission of drug resistance.
      INTERPRETATION: Our findings show the first application of an automated
      phylogenetic system monitoring a clinical database to detect a recent HIV
      outbreak and support the ensuing public health response. By making secondary use
      of routinely collected HIV genotypes, this approach is cost-effective, attains
      near real-time monitoring of new cases, and can be implemented in all settings in
      which HIV genotyping is the standard of care. FUNDING: BC Centre for Excellence
      in HIV/AIDS, the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, the Genome Canada-CIHR
      Partnership in Genomics and Personalized Health, and the US National Institute on
      Drug Abuse.

PMID- 27126492
TI  - The long-term prognosis of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality for
      metabolically healthy obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolically healthy obese phenotype (MHO) refers to obese
      individuals with absence of metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidaemia,
      insulin resistance and hypertension. Many studies reported the long-term
      prognosis of MHO on diseases and mortality with inconsistent results. METHODS: We
      performed a meta-analysis to assess the risks of cardiovascular (CV) events and
      all-cause mortality for MHO individuals. Original prospective observational
      studies were searched in Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane library up
      to 30 September 2015. In this meta-analysis, the relative risk (RR) calculated on
      the basis of the incident number of disease events and deaths in participants and
      the corresponding multivariable-adjusted HR were both extracted to calculate
      pooled risk estimates. A random-effects model was used if there was heterogeneity
      among studies; otherwise, the fixed-effects model was used. RESULTS: 22
      prospective studies, involving 584 799 participants, were archived in the
      analyses. With metabolically healthy normal weight as the reference, the MHO
      phenotype was associated with a higher risk of CV events (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.27 to
      1.77; HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.84). However, MHO individuals were not associated
      with increased risk of all-cause mortality (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.66; HR
      1.07, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.25). CONCLUSIONS: The meta-analysis confirms a positive
      association between a metabolically healthy obese phenotype and the risk of CV
      events. However, higher risk for all-cause mortality is not evident in
      metabolically healthy obese individuals.

PMID- 27126493
TI  - Public health lessons for refugee reception: the example of Sidi Bulgayz.

PMID- 27126491
TI  - Transcriptional characteristics of different sized follicles in relation to
      embryo transferability: potential role of hepatocyte growth factor signalling.
AB  - STUDY HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that a better discrimination between follicles
      containing oocytes with high developmental competence and those containing
      oocytes with low competence, based on a combination of a follicle's size and
      transcriptomic signature, will provide a reliable method to predict embryonic
      outcome of IVF. STUDY FINDING: This study provides new insights on the impact of
      follicular size on oocyte quality as measured by embryonic development and
      demonstrates that medium follicles yield a better percentage of transferable
      embryos. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Although it is generally accepted that large
      ovarian follicles contain better eggs, other studies report that a better
      follicular size subdivision and a better characterization are needed. STUDY
      DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS: Individual follicles (n = 136), from a total
      of 33 women undergoing IVF, were aspirated and categorized on the basis of their
      follicular liquid volume (small, medium or large) and the embryonic outcome of
      the enclosed oocyte: poor or good development. Comprehensive gene expression
      analysis between cells from the different sized follicles was performed using
      microarrays and quantitative RT-PCR to find molecular markers associated with
      follicular maturity and oocyte developmental competence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE
      ROLE OF CHANCE: The analysis of embryonic outcome in relation to follicular size
      indicates that the medium-sized follicles category yielded more transferable
      embryos (35%) compared with the largest follicles (30%) (NS). Gene expression
      analysis revealed expression markers with significant (P < 0.05) discrimination
      between the poor development groups for all three follicle sizes, and good
      development medium-size follicles, including up-regulation of thrombomodulin,
      transforming growth factor, beta receptor II and chondrolecti, and those
      associated with hyaluronan synthesis, coagulation and hepatocyte growth factor
      signalling. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: These analyses were performed in a
      single cohort of patients coming from a single clinic and the biomarkers
      generated will require validation in different geographical and biological
      contexts to ensure their global applicability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE
      FINDINGS: Medium-size follicles seem to be the optimal size for a positive
      embryonic outcome and are associated with competence markers that may help in
      understanding the ideal differentiation status during late folliculogenesis.
      LARGE SCALE DATA: The data discussed in this publication have been deposited in
      The National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus
      database and are accessible through GEO Series accession number GSE52851. STUDY
      FUNDING AND COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was supported by Canadian Institutes
      of Health Research (CIHR) and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
      of Canada (NSERC) to M.A.S. There are no competing interests to declare.

PMID- 27126497
TI  - CORRIGENDUM: Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variant prevalence among the first
      10,000 patients referred for next-generation cancer panel testing.

PMID- 27126496
TI  - Live births, natural losses, and elective terminations with Down syndrome in
      Massachusetts.
AB  - PURPOSE: No studies to date have reported an estimated number of live births,
      elective terminations, and natural losses (miscarriages and stillbirths) for Down
      syndrome (DS) in Massachusetts (MA). These numbers would be helpful to estimate
      how many expectant parents of children with DS need support and the number of
      live-born children with DS who require services. METHODS: Combining robust data
      sets, including the Annual Reports of the MA Birth Defects Monitoring Program, we
      estimated the number of live births, elective terminations, and natural losses
      with Down syndrome from 1900 to 2010. RESULTS: The live birth prevalence for DS
      in MA for the most recent years for which data are available (2006-2010) was
      estimated at 12.4 per 10,000 live births, with a total of approximately 94 live
      births annually. During this period, an estimated 126 DS-related elective
      pregnancy terminations were performed in MA annually. As of 2008, the estimated
      rate at which live births with DS was reduced as a consequence of DS-related
      elective pregnancy terminations was 49%. CONCLUSION: The reduction of live births
      with DS is significantly higher in MA than in the rest of the United States as a
      whole. However, ethnic and racial differences in reduction rates were similar
      highest for Asians/Pacific Islanders, followed by non-Hispanic whites, non
      Hispanic blacks/Africans, and Hispanics.Genet Med 18 5, 459-466.

PMID- 27126498
TI  - Editorial: Valuing the knowledge of nursing: naming it and making it visible.

PMID- 27126499
TI  - Simulation of the inhibition of microbial sulfate reduction in a two-compartment
      upflow bioreactor subjected to molybdate injection.
AB  - Souring of oil fields during secondary oil recovery by water injection occurs
      mainly due to the action of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) adhered to the rock
      surface in the vicinity of injection wells. Upflow packed-bed bioreactors have
      been used in petroleum microbiology because of its similarity to the oil field
      near the injection wells or production. However, these reactors do not
      realistically describe the regions near the injection wells, which are
      characterized by the presence of a saturated zone and a void region close to the
      well. In this study, the hydrodynamics of the two-compartment packing-free/packed
      bed pilot bioreactor that mimics an oil reservoir was studied. The packed-free
      compartment was modeled using a continuous stirred tank model with mass exchange
      between active and stagnant zones, whereas the packed-bed compartment was modeled
      using a piston-dispersion-exchange model. The proposed model adequately
      represents the hydrodynamic of the packed-free/packed-bed bioreactor while the
      simulations provide important information about the characteristics of the
      residence time distribution (RTD) curves for different sets of model parameters.
      Simulations were performed to represent the control of the sulfate-reducing
      bacteria activity in the bioreactor with the use of molybdate in different
      scenarios. The simulations show that increased amounts of molybdate cause an
      effective inhibition of the souring sulfate-reducing bacteria activity. 

PMID- 27126500
TI  - Immobilized Kluyveromyces marxianus cells in carboxymethyl cellulose for
      production of ethanol from cheese whey: experimental and kinetic studies.
AB  - Cheese whey fermentation to ethanol using immobilized Kluyveromyces marxianus
      cells was investigated in batch and continuous operation. In batch fermentation,
      the yeast cells were immobilized in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) polymer and
      also synthesized graft copolymer of CMC with N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, denoted as
      CMC-g-PVP, and the efficiency of the two developed cell entrapped beads for
      lactose fermentation to ethanol was examined. The yeast cells immobilized in CMC
      g-PVP performed slightly better than CMC with ethanol production yields of 0.52
      and 0.49 g ethanol/g lactose, respectively. The effect of supplementation of
      cheese whey with lactose (42, 70, 100 and 150 g/l) on fermentative performance of
      K. marxianus immobilized in CMC beads was considered and the results were used
      for kinetic studies. The first order reaction model was suitable to describe the
      kinetics of substrate utilization and modified Gompertz model was quite
      successful to predict the ethanol production. For continuous ethanol
      fermentation, a packed-bed immobilized cell reactor (ICR) was operated at several
      hydraulic retention times; HRTs of 11, 15 and 30 h. At the HRT of 30 h, the
      ethanol production yield using CMC beads was 0.49 g/g which implies that 91.07 %
      of the theoretical yield was achieved. 

PMID- 27126501
TI  - Effect of nitrogen and/or oxygen concentration on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)
      accumulation by Halomonas boliviensis.
AB  - The behaviour of Halomonas boliviensis during growth in fed-batch culture under
      different kind of nutrient restrictions was examined. The metabolic switch
      between growth and accumulation phase is determined by the limitation in one or
      more essential nutrient for bacterial growth. The aim of this study was to test
      the effect of applying limitations of a essential nutrient, such as nitrogen, and
      the influence of different O2 concentrations on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)
      production during the accumulation phase. Single limitations of nitrogen and
      oxygen provoke PHB accumulations of 45 and 37 % (g g(-1)), respectively, while N
      limitation with low O2 supply causes the highest PHB accumulation of 73 %. The
      characterization of the PHB production with the strain H. boliviensis would allow
      a better optimization of the process and enrich the knowledge about the PHB
      production from strains different than Cupriavidus necator. 

PMID- 27126502
TI  - Characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances from sludge and biofilm in
      a simultaneous nitrification and denitrification system under high salinity
      stress.
AB  - The composition and distribution of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) both
      from suspended sludge and attached biofilm were investigated in a simultaneous
      nitrification and denitrification (SND) system with the increase of the salinity
      from 1.0 to 3.0 %. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and three
      dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy were
      used to examine proteins (PN), polysaccharides (PS) and humic substances (HS)
      present in EPS. High total nitrogen removal (above 83.9 %) via SND was obtained
      in the salinity range of 1.0-2.5 %. Total EPS in the sludge increased from 150.2
      to 200.6 mg/gVSS with the increase of salinity from 1.0 to 3.0 %, whereas the
      corresponding values in the biofilm achieved the maximum of 288.6 mg/g VSS at 2.0
      % salinity. Dominant composition of EPS was detected as HS in both sludge and
      biofilm, having the percentages of 50.6-68.6 and 41.1-69.9 % in total EPS,
      respectively. Both PN and PS contents in soluble EPS (S-EPS), loosely bound EPS
      (LB-EPS) and tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS) of sludge and biofilm increased with the
      increased salinity. The FTIR spectrum and 3D-EEM fluorescence spectroscopy of S
      EPS, LB-EPS and TB-EPS in the sludge and biofilm showed the changes of functional
      groups and conformations of the compositions in EPS with the increase of
      salinity. The results demonstrated that the characteristics of EPS varied from
      sludge to biofilm. The obtained results could provide a better understanding of
      the salinity effect on the EPS characteristics in a SND system. 

PMID- 27126503
TI  - Efficient Palladium-Assisted One-Pot Deprotection of (Acetamidomethyl)Cysteine
      Following Native Chemical Ligation and/or Desulfurization To Expedite Chemical
      Protein Synthesis.
AB  - The acetamidomethyl (Acm) moiety is a widely used cysteine protecting group for
      the chemical synthesis and semisynthesis of peptide and proteins. However, its
      removal is not straightforward and requires harsh reaction conditions and
      additional purification steps before and after the removal step, which extends
      the synthetic process and reduces the overall yield. To overcome these
      shortcomings, a method for rapid and efficient Acm removal using Pd(II) complexes
      in aqueous medium is reported. We show, for the first time, the assembly of three
      peptide fragments in a one-pot fashion by native chemical ligation where the Acm
      moiety was used to protect the N-terminal Cys of the middle fragment.
      Importantly, an efficient synthesis of the ubiquitin-like protein UBL-5, which
      contains two native Cys residues, was accomplished through the one-pot operation
      of three key steps, namely ligation, desulfurization, and Acm deprotection,
      highlighting the great utility of the new approach in protein synthesis.

PMID- 27126504
TI  - Early Pharmacodynamic Effects of Exenatide Once Weekly in Type 2 Diabetes Are
      Independent of Weight Loss: A Pooled Analysis of Patient-level Data.
AB  - PURPOSE: Exenatide once weekly, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP
      1RA), is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise for the treatment of adults
      with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Exenatide acts by binding to and activating
      glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, thereby stimulating glucose-dependent insulin
      secretion, suppressing glucose-dependent glucagon secretion, slowing gastric
      emptying, and increasing feelings of satiety. Gradual increases in drug level
      ("autotitration") after the initiation of a fixed exenatide 2-mg weekly dose
      achieve minimal effective (~50 pg/mL) and steady-state (~300 pg/mL)
      concentrations by 2 weeks and 6 to 8 weeks, respectively. The purpose of this
      study was to examine pharmacodynamic outcomes with exenatide once weekly and to
      determine whether changes are secondary to weight loss and thus delayed by the
      sequential nature of responses. METHODS: This post hoc analysis evaluated trials
      in the exenatide once-weekly development program. Outcomes included glycosylated
      hemoglobin (HbA1c), weight, fasting serum or plasma glucose (FG), lipids, and
      blood pressure (BP) at weeks 2, 4, and 24. Relationships between changes from
      baseline in these outcomes and changes in weight were examined. The effect of
      nausea and vomiting (adverse events characteristic of GLP-1RAs) on weight loss
      was also assessed. FINDINGS: Pooled data were analyzed from 12 trials in which
      2190 patients received exenatide once weekly. Patients had a mean HbA1c level of
      8.4% and weight of 87 kg at baseline. Exenatide once weekly produced significant
      improvements in HbA1c, FG, weight, and systolic BP at weeks 2 and 4, with
      continuous improvements through week 24. There were no clinically meaningful
      correlations between weight loss and improvements in pharmacodynamic outcomes at
      weeks 2, 4, or 24. Patients had significant reductions in weight at weeks 2, 4,
      and 24 regardless of whether they experienced nausea and/or vomiting during the
      study, although patients with at least 1 nausea/vomiting event had greater weight
      loss at week 24 than those who did not. IMPLICATIONS: Improvements in
      pharmacodynamic end points occurred early in treatment with exenatide once
      weekly, before steady-state plasma concentrations. These early effects did not
      seem to be secondary to weight loss and are likely the direct effects of
      exenatide.

PMID- 27126505
TI  - Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism, hypertension and risk of
      stroke: a prospective, nested case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. To
      date, limited prospective studies have examined the joint effects of the
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism,
      hyperhomocysteinemia and conventional vascular risk factors on risk of stroke and
      stroke death. METHODS: A total of 39 165 subjects from nine communities within
      Anqing, Anhui Province, China were prospectively followed from March 1995 to
      April 2005, with an average follow-up period of 6.2 years. None of the subjects
      had any history of vascular events at baseline. At follow-up, 251 incident stroke
      cases were identified. Using a nested, case-control study design, this analysis
      includes 106 cases with complete MTHFR C677T genotyping data and plasma samples.
      We selected 106 controls without vascular events matched for age, sex, community
      and years of plasma storage. Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) level was measured
      by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Hypertension was
      independently associated with incident stroke and stroke death after adjusting
      for important covariates including plasma log-transformed Hcy level. Relative to
      non-carriers of the MTHFR 677TT genotype with no hypertension, the adjusted odds
      ratio (95% confidence interval) of stroke and stroke death among hypertensive
      carriers of the MTHFR 677TT genotype was 10.6 (3.2 to 34.8), 5.8 (1.6 to 21.3),
      respectively. After excluding subjects with plasma Hcy above 20 MUmol/L, the
      relative odds for stroke, but not for stroke death, was more significantly
      pronounced (OR = 24.1, 95% CI: 2.3 to 246.1) among subjects with moderate plasma
      Hcy levels. However, there was no significant interactive effect between
      hypertensive status and the MTHFR C677T variant on the odds of the two outcomes
      as estimated by interaction models. CONCLUSIONS: Our major findings suggest that
      joint effects of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and hypertension are consistent in
      predicting a significantly high risk of stroke. In addition for moderate plasma
      levels of Hcy, the predicted effects on the risk for the primary end point of
      stroke were more pronounced. These results may help to modify current approaches
      to vascular disease prevention in Chinese hypertensive patients.

PMID- 27126506
TI  - Intramolecular Electron Transfer in the Bacterial Two-Domain Multicopper Oxidase
      mgLAC.
AB  - The kinetics of the intramolecular electron transfer process in mgLAC, a
      bacterial two-domain multicopper oxidase (MCO), were investigated by pulse
      radiolysis. The reaction is initiated by CO2(-) radicals produced in anaerobic,
      aqueous solutions of the enzyme by microsecond pulses of radiation. A sequence of
      pulses of CO2(-) radicals enables examination of the reductive half-cycle of the
      MCO catalysis. This is done by titrations of the Type 1 (T1) Cu(II) site and
      monitoring of the time course and amplitude of its reoxidation by internal
      electron transfer (ET) to the Type 3 site. Comparison of the internal ET kinetics
      observed for mgLAC with those of other MCOs studied by pulse radiolysis shows
      that they exhibit distinct reactivities. One main cause for the different
      reactivities is the broad range of T1 copper redox potentials, from the moderate
      potential of bacterial enzymes to the high potential of fungal laccases, and this
      possibly also reflects evolutionary quaternary structural adaptation of the MCO
      family to the wide range of reducing substrates that they oxidize while
      maintaining efficient reduction of the common substrate, molecular oxygen.

PMID- 27126507
TI  - Spider behaviors include oral sexual encounters.
AB  - Several clades of spiders whose females evolved giant sizes are known for extreme
      sexual behaviors such as sexual cannibalism, opportunistic mating, mate-binding,
      genital mutilation, plugging, and emasculation. However, these behaviors have
      only been tested in a handful of size dimorphic spiders. Here, we bring another
      lineage into the picture by reporting on sexual behavior of Darwin's bark spider,
      Caerostris darwini. This sexually size dimorphic Madagascan species is known for
      extreme web gigantism and for producing the world's toughest biomaterial. Our
      field and laboratory study uncovers a rich sexual repertoire that predictably
      involves cannibalism, genital mutilation, male preference for teneral females,
      and emasculation. Surprisingly, C. darwini males engage in oral sexual
      encounters, rarely reported outside mammals. Irrespective of female's age or
      mating status males salivate onto female genitalia pre-, during, and post
      copulation. While its adaptive significance is elusive, oral sexual contact in
      spiders may signal male quality or reduce sperm competition.

PMID- 27126508
TI  - A first-in-class and a fished out anticancer platinum compound: cis-[PtCl2(NH3)2]
      and cis-[PtI2(NH3)2] compared for their reactivity towards DNA model systems.
AB  - Contrary to what was believed for many years, cis-PtI2(NH3)2, the diiodido
      analogue of cisplatin, displays high in vitro antiproliferative activity toward a
      set of tumour cell lines, overcoming resistance to cisplatin in a platinum
      resistant cancer cell line. In the context of a general reappraisal of iodinated
      Pt(ii) derivatives, aiming at a more systematic evaluation of their chemical and
      biological profiles, here we report on the reactivity of cis-PtI2(NH3)2 with
      selected DNA model systems, in single, double strand or G-quadruplex form, using
      cisplatin as a control. A combined approach has been exploited in this study,
      including circular dichroism (CD), UV-visible spectroscopy and electrospray mass
      spectrometry (ESI-MS) analyses. The data reveal that cis-PtI2(NH3)2 shows an
      overall reactivity towards the investigated oligonucleotides significantly higher
      than cisplatin. 

PMID- 27126509
TI  - Alzheimer's disease and glaucoma: can glymphatic system dysfunction underlie
      their comorbidity?

PMID- 27126510
TI  - Twinkling artifact on color Doppler ultrasound: an advantage or a pitfall?
AB  - The twinkling artifact (TA) or color comet-tail artifact is characterized by a
      rapidly changing mixture of red and blue color Doppler signals. Even though many
      diseases and clinical conditions have been shown to produce this artifact, its
      source is not clearly understood yet. The TA may provide additional information
      to gray-scale ultrasound findings in several clinical situations. However, there
      may be pitfalls to keep in mind. We must first be aware of the TA to benefit from
      the advantages and avoid the pitfalls. In this review, we aim to give practicing
      radiologists an overview of the mechanisms and clinical applications of the TA by
      illustrating sample cases we have encountered. 

PMID- 27126511
TI  - Assessment of the WHO Stunting Framework using Ethiopia as a case study.
AB  - Poor linear growth in children <5 years old, or stunting, is a serious public
      health problem particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2013, the World Health
      Organization (WHO) released a conceptual framework on the Context, Causes and
      Consequences of Childhood Stunting (the 'WHO framework') that identifies specific
      and general factors associated with stunting. The framework is based upon a
      global review of data, and we have applied it to a country-level analysis where
      health and nutrition policies are made and public health and nutrition data are
      collected. We reviewed the literature related to sub-optimal linear growth,
      stunting and birth outcomes in Ethiopia as a case study. We found consistent
      associations between poor linear growth and indicators of birth size, recent
      illness (e.g. diarrhoea and fever), maternal height and education. Other factors
      listed as causes in the framework such as inflammation, exposure to mycotoxins
      and inadequate feeding during and after illness have not been examined in
      Ethiopia, and the existing literature suggests that these are clear data gaps.
      Some factors associated with poor linear growth in Ethiopia are missing in the
      framework, such as household characteristics (e.g. exposure to indoor smoke).
      Examination of the factors included in the WHO framework in a country setting
      helps identifying data gaps helping to target further data collection and
      research efforts. (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27126512
TI  - Bipolar radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules using a multiple
      overlapping shot technique in a 3-month follow-up.
AB  - Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the decrease of benign thyroid
      nodules after bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in a 3-month follow-up using
      a multiple overlapping shot technique ('MOST'). Methods A total of 18 patients
      with 20 symptomatic benign thyroid nodules (17 cold nodules, 3 hyperfunctioning
      nodules) were treated in one single session by bipolar RFA. Bipolar ablation was
      performed using MOST. The nodule volumes were measured prior to ablation and 3
      months after the procedure using ultrasound. The population consisted of either
      solid (>80% solid tissue within the volume of interest), complex, or cystic
      nodules (<20% solid tissue within the volume of interest). Results Bipolar RFA
      resulted in a highly significant (p < 0.0001) decrease of nodule volume (DeltaV),
      median 5.3 mL (range 0.13-43.1 mL), corresponding to a relative reduction in mean
      of 56 +/- 17.9%. Median initial volume was 8 mL (range 0.48-62 mL); 3 months
      after ablation a median volume of 2.3 mL (range 0.3-32 mL) was measured. Nodule
      growth >=50% occurred in 70% (14 nodules). At the follow-up no complications such
      as infections, persisting pain, nerve injuries or immunogen stimulation occurred.
      Patients with cold nodules (15) remained euthyroid, with hyperfunctioning nodules
      either euthyroid (2) or latent hypofunctional (1). Conclusion The use of bipolar
      RFA is an effective, safe and suitable thermoablative technique to treat benign
      thyroid nodules. Combined with the multiple overlapping shot technique it allows
      sufficient ablation.

PMID- 27126513
TI  - Corrigendum: Critical dependence of magnetostructural coupling and magnetocaloric
      effect on particle size in Mn-Fe-Ni-Ge compounds.

PMID- 27126514
TI  - Arginase-1 is expressed exclusively by infiltrating myeloid cells in CNS injury
      and disease.
AB  - Resident microglia and infiltrating myeloid cells play important roles in the
      onset, propagation, and resolution of inflammation in central nervous system
      (CNS) injury and disease. Identifying cell type-specific mechanisms will help to
      appropriately target interventions for tissue repair. Arginase-1 (Arg-1) is a
      well characterised modulator of tissue repair and its expression correlates with
      recovery after CNS injury. Here we assessed the cellular localisation of Arg-1 in
      two models of CNS damage. Using microglia specific antibodies, P2ry12 and Fc
      receptor-like S (FCRLS), we show the LysM-EGFP reporter mouse is an excellent
      model to distinguish infiltrating myeloid cells from resident microglia. We show
      that Arg-1 is expressed exclusively in infiltrating myeloid cells but not
      microglia in models of spinal cord injury (SCI) and experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE). Our in vitro studies suggest that factors in the CNS
      environment prevent expression of Arg-1 in microglia in vivo. This work suggests
      different functional roles for these cells in CNS injury and repair and shows
      that such repair pathways can be switched on in infiltrating myeloid cells in pro
      inflammatory environments. 

PMID- 27126516
TI  - The effect of Aloe vera gel on viability of dental pulp stem cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can play a prominent role in tissue
      regeneration. Aloe vera L. (Liliaceae) contains the polysaccharide of acemannan
      that was shown to be a trigger factor for cell proliferation, differentiation,
      mineralization, and dentin formation. AIM: This study sought to determine the
      viability of DPSCs in Aloe vera in comparison with Hank's balanced salt solution
      (HBSS). MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twelve rabbits underwent anesthesia, and their
      incisor teeth were extracted; the pulp tissue was removed, chopped, treated with
      collagenase and plated in culture flasks. DPSCs from passage 3 were cultured in
      24-well plates, and after 3 days, the culture media changed to 10, 25, 50, and
      100% concentrations of Aloe vera at intervals of 45 and 90 min and 3 and 6 h.
      Distilled water was used as negative and HBSS as positive control for comparison.
      The cell morphology, viability, population doubling time (PDT), and growth
      kinetics were evaluated. RT-PCR was carried out for characterization and
      karyotyping for chromosomal stability. RESULTS: Aloe vera showed a significant
      higher viability than HBSS (74.74%). The 50% Aloe vera showed higher viability
      (97.73%) than other concentrations. PDT in 50% concentration was 35.1 h and for
      HBSS was 49.5 h. DPSCs were spindle shaped and were positive for CD73 and
      negative for CD34 and CD45. Karyotyping was normal. CONCLUSIONS: Aloe vera as an
      inexpensive and available herb can improve survival of avulsed or broken teeth in
      emergency cases as a transfer media.

PMID- 27126518
TI  - Juvenile recruitment in loggerhead sea turtles linked to decadal changes in ocean
      circulation.
AB  - Given the threats of climate change, understanding the relationship of climate
      with long-term population dynamics is critical for wildlife conservation.
      Previous studies have linked decadal climate oscillations to indices of juvenile
      recruitment in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), but without a clear
      understanding of mechanisms. Here, we explore the underlying processes that may
      explain these relationships. Using the eddy-resolving Ocean General Circulation
      Model for the Earth Simulator, we generate hatch-year trajectories for loggerhead
      turtles emanating from Japan over six decades (1950-2010). We find that the
      proximity of the high-velocity Kuroshio Current to the primary nesting areas in
      southern Japan is remarkably stable and that hatchling dispersal to oceanic
      habitats itself does not vary on decadal timescales. However, we observe a shift
      in latitudes of trajectories, consistent with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation
      (PDO). In a negative PDO phase, the Kuroshio Extension Current (KEC) is strong
      and acts as a physical barrier to the northward transport of neonates. As a
      result, hatch-year trajectories remain mostly below 35 degrees N in the warm,
      unproductive region south of the Transition Zone Chlorophyll Front (TZCF). During
      a positive PDO phase, however, the KEC weakens facilitating the neonates to swim
      north of the TZCF into cooler and more productive waters. As a result, annual
      cohorts from negative PDO years may face a lack of resources, whereas cohorts
      from positive PDO years may find sufficient resources during their pivotal first
      year. These model outputs indicate that the ocean circulation dynamics, combined
      with navigational swimming behavior, may be a key factor in the observed decadal
      variability of sea turtle populations.

PMID- 27126517
TI  - The ectoparasitic mite Tropilaelaps mercedesae reduces western honey bee,
      Apismellifera, longevity and emergence weight, and promotes Deformed wing virus
      infections.
AB  - Historically an ectoparasite of the native Giant honey bee Apis dorsata, the mite
      Tropilaelaps mercedesae has switched hosts to the introduced western honey bee
      Apis mellifera throughout much of Asia. Few data regarding lethal and sub-lethal
      effects of T. mercedesae on A. mellifera exist, despite its similarity to the
      devastating mite Varroa destructor. Here we artificially infested worker brood of
      A. mellifera with T. mercedesae to investigate lethal (longevity) and sub-lethal
      (emergence weight, Deformed wing virus (DWV) levels and clinical symptoms of DWV)
      effects of the mite on its new host. The data show that T. mercedesae infestation
      significantly reduced host longevity and emergence weight, and promoted both DWV
      levels and associated clinical symptoms. Our results suggest that T. mercedesae
      is a potentially important parasite to the economically important A. mellifera
      honey bee.

PMID- 27126515
TI  - Magnaporthe oryzae Effector AVR-Pii Helps to Establish Compatibility by
      Inhibition of the Rice NADP-Malic Enzyme Resulting in Disruption of Oxidative
      Burst and Host Innate Immunity.
AB  - Plant disease resistance occurs as a hypersensitive response (HR) at the site of
      attempted pathogen invasion. This specific event is initiated in response to
      recognition of pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) and subsequent PAMP
      triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Both PTI and ETI
      mechanisms are tightly connected with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production
      and disease resistance that involves distinct biphasic ROS production as one of
      its pivotal plant immune responses. This unique oxidative burst is strongly
      dependent on the resistant cultivars because a monophasic ROS burst is a hallmark
      of the susceptible cultivars. However, the cause of the differential ROS burst
      remains unknown. In the study here, we revealed the plausible underlying
      mechanism of the differential ROS burst through functional understanding of the
      Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae) AVR effector, AVR-Pii. We performed yeast two
      hybrid (Y2H) screening using AVR-Pii as bait and isolated rice NADP-malic enzyme2
      (Os-NADP-ME2) as the rice target protein. To our surprise, deletion of the rice
      Os-NADP-ME2 gene in a resistant rice cultivar disrupted innate immunity against
      the rice blast fungus. Malic enzyme activity and inhibition studies demonstrated
      that AVR-Pii proteins specifically inhibit in vitro NADP-ME activity. Overall, we
      demonstrate that rice blast fungus, M. oryzae attenuates the host ROS burst via
      AVR-Pii-mediated inhibition of Os-NADP-ME2, which is indispensable in ROS
      metabolism for the innate immunity of rice. This characterization of the
      regulation of the host oxidative burst will help to elucidate how the products of
      AVR genes function associated with virulence of the pathogen. 

PMID- 27126520
TI  - Effects of cyclone-generated disturbance on a tropical reef foraminifera
      assemblage.
AB  - The sedimentary record, and associated micropalaeontological proxies, is one tool
      that has been employed to quantify a region's tropical cyclone history. Doing so
      has largely relied on the identification of allochthonous deposits (sediments and
      microfossils), sourced from deeper water and entrained by tropical cyclone waves
      and currents, in a shallow-water or terrestrial setting. In this study, we
      examine microfossil assemblages before and after a known tropical cyclone event
      (Cyclone Hamish) with the aim to better resolve the characteristics of this known
      signal. Our results identify no allochthonous material associated with Cyclone
      Hamish. Instead, using a swathe of statistical tools typical of ecological
      studies but rarely employed in the geosciences, we identify new, previously
      unidentified, signal types. These signals include a homogenising effect, with the
      level of differentiation between sample sites greatly reduced immediately
      following Cyclone Hamish, and discernible shifts in assemblage diversity. In the
      subsequent years following Hamish, the surface assemblage returns to its pre
      cyclone form, but results imply that it is unlikely the community ever reaches
      steady state.

PMID- 27126519
TI  - Persistent part-solid nodules with solid part of 5 mm or smaller: Can the 'follow
      up and surgical resection after interval growth' policy have a negative effect on
      patient prognosis?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether "follow-up and surgical resection after
      interval growth" can negatively influence recurrence or mortality in patients
      with persistent part-solid nodules (PSNs) with solid components <=5 mm. METHODS:
      One hundred twenty five surgically resected persistent PSNs with solid components
      <=5 mm in 125 individuals were evaluated. Of the 125 PSNs, 54 and 71 PSNs were
      categorized into interval growth and immediate surgery groups, respectively. Cox
      regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of "follow-up until
      interval growth" with recurrence and survival, adjusted for initial clinical and
      CT features. RESULTS: In the interval growth group, 30 patients showed increased
      nodule size, 10 increased solid parts, and the remaining 14 both patterns. Five
      patients showed clinical stage shifts (stage T1a, initially, to T1b after
      interval growth). Post-operative disease recurrence occurred in six individuals
      (interval growth group, n = 2/54; immediate surgery group, n = 4/71), and four
      individuals died (interval growth group, n = 1/54; immediate surgery group, n =
      3/71). There were no significant differences between these two groups in terms of
      recurrence-free survival (p = 0.451) and overall survival (p = 0.185).
      CONCLUSION: "Follow-up and surgical resection after interval growth" did not
      negatively influence the prognosis of patients with persistent PSNs with solid
      components <=5 mm. KEY POINTS: * Incidences of post-operative recurrence or death
      in patients with PSN are low. * "Follow-up until interval growth" of PSNs does
      not negatively influence disease recurrence. * There was no survival disadvantage
      related with "follow-up until interval growth" in PSNs.

PMID- 27126521
TI  - Comparison of parental estimate of developmental age with measured IQ in children
      with neurodevelopmental disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Formal IQ tests are an important part of the diagnostic and needs
      based assessment process for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. However,
      resources for such assessments are not always available. It has been suggested
      that parental estimates of their child's developmental age could serve as a proxy
      IQ when formal measures are unavailable. METHOD: Parental estimates of their
      child's developmental age were converted to a developmental quotient (DQ) in 197
      children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aged 4-9 years, and 108 children
      with ADHD and intellectual disability (ADHD + ID) aged 7-15 years. Formal IQ
      assessments were then conducted. Parents completed the Social Communication
      Questionnaire ((SCQ), a measure of autism symptomatology) and a demographic
      questionnaire. RESULTS: In the ASD sample, 58% of parent estimates were within 15
      points (i.e. one standard deviation) of the child's measured IQ score. Lower
      measured IQ and lower SCQ total score predicted higher parental accuracy. In the
      ADHD + ID sample, 74% of parental estimates were within 15 points of measured IQ.
      In this group, higher child IQ predicted greater parental accuracy. Parents in
      the ADHD + ID group were more likely to overestimate children's ability level
      than parents in the ASD group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the majority of
      parents of children with ADHD and ID were able to estimate their child's
      intellectual ability level with some accuracy. Parents of children with ASD were
      less accurate, but this may be because these parents were focussing more on
      children's level of adaptive functioning, which is known to be typically lower
      than cognitive ability in ASD.

PMID- 27126522
TI  - Emergency management for congenital tracheal stenosis with endoluminal stenting
      in pediatric intensive care units.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to share our experience in the
      management of congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) using self-expanding
      intraluminal stents in infants. METHODS: From January 2010 to August 2012, 31
      infants with CTS treated using stents by bronchoscope in pediatric intensive care
      units (PICUs) were recruited for this study. RESULTS: Among the 31 patients, 17
      were male and 14 were female with their ages ranging from 55 days to 22 months.
      CTS was associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) in 22 patients. There were
      no immediate stent-related airway complications. A significant and immediate
      improvement of respiratory obstruction following stent placement in all 31
      patients led to successful weaning from the breathing machine and extubation.
      Granulation tissue formation as a complication was observed in three (9.7%)
      patients, but all were successfully managed using cryotherapy. During follow up
      (up to 24 months), stents in 29 infants remained functional. In seven cases,
      stents were retrieved under bronchoscope (the same day to 10 months), and three
      cases required stent replacement (each of the three cases had the stent replaced
      three times). Nine infants died after stenting due to other causes and two
      infants abandoned treatment. CONCLUSION: Airway stenting may provide an important
      therapeutic option in infants with CTS.

PMID- 27126523
TI  - A monoclonal natural human IgM protects axons in the absence of remyelination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whereas demyelination underlies early neurological symptoms in
      multiple sclerosis (MS), axonal damage is considered critical for permanent
      chronic deficits. Intracerebral infection of susceptible mouse strains with
      Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) results in chronic induced
      demyelinating disease (TMEV-IDD) with progressive axonal loss and neurologic
      dysfunction similar to progressive forms of MS. We previously reported that
      treatment of chronic TMEV-IDD mice with a neurite outgrowth-promoting natural
      human antibody, HIgM12, improved brainstem NAA concentrations and preserved
      functional motor activity. In order to translate this antibody toward clinical
      trial, we generated a fully human recombinant form of HIgM12, rHIgM12, determined
      the optimal in vivo dose for functional improvement in TMEV-IDD, and evaluated
      the functional preservation of descending spinal cord axons by retrograde
      labeling. FINDINGS: SJL/J mice at 45 to 90 days post infection (dpi) were
      studied. A single intraperitoneal dose of 0.25 mg/kg of rHIgM12 per mouse is
      sufficient to preserve motor function in TMEV-IDD. The optimal dose was 10 mg/kg.
      rHIgM12 treatment protected the functional transport in spinal cord axons and led
      to 40 % more Fluoro-Gold-labeled brainstem neurons in retrograde transport
      studies. This suggests that axons are not only present but also functionally
      competent. rHIgM12-treated mice also contained more mid-thoracic (T6) spinal cord
      axons than controls. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that a fully human
      recombinant neurite outgrowth-promoting monoclonal IgM is therapeutic in a model
      of progressive MS using multiple reparative readouts. The minimum effective dose
      is similar to that of a remyelination-promoting monoclonal human IgM discovered
      by our group that is presently in clinical trials for MS.

PMID- 27126524
TI  - A Mendelian Randomization Study of Plasma Homocysteine and Multiple Myeloma.
AB  - Observational studies have demonstrated an association between elevated
      homocysteine (Hcy) level and risk of multiple myeloma (MM). However, it remains
      unclear whether this relationship is causal. We conducted a Mendelian
      randomization (MR) study to evaluate whether genetically increased Hcy level
      influences the risk of MM. We used the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase
      (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism as an instrumental variable, which affects the plasma
      Hcy levels. Estimate of its effect on plasma Hcy level was based on a recent
      genome-wide meta-analysis of 44,147 individuals, while estimate of its effect on
      MM risk was obtained through meta-analysis of case-control studies with 2,092
      cases and 4,954 controls. By combining these two estimates, we found that per one
      standard-deviation (SD) increase in natural log-transformed plasma Hcy levels
      conferred a 2.67-fold increase in risk for MM (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12
      6.38; P = 2.7 * 10(-2)). Our study suggests that elevated Hcy levels are causally
      associated with an increased risk of developing MM. Whether Hcy-lowering therapy
      can prevent MM merits further investigation in long-term randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs).

PMID- 27126525
TI  - Long-Term Post-Discharge Risks in Older Survivors of Myocardial Infarction With
      and Without Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) associated with acute
      myocardial infarction (MI) confers high in-hospital mortality; however, among
      those patients who survive, little is known regarding their post-discharge
      mortality and health care use rates. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to
      determine 1-year survival and readmission rates after hospital discharge of older
      MI survivors with and without OHCA. METHODS: Using linked Acute Coronary
      Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network Registry-Get With the Guidelines and
      Medicare data, this study analyzed 54,860 patients with MI who were older than 65
      years of age and who had been discharged alive from 545 U.S. hospitals between
      April 2011 and December 2012. Multivariable models examined the associations
      between MI-associated OHCA and 1-year post-discharge mortality or all-cause
      readmission rates. Patients discharged to hospice were excluded, given their
      known poor prognosis. RESULTS: Following hospital discharge, compared with older
      MI survivors without OHCA (n = 54,219), those with OHCA (n = 641, 1.2%) were more
      likely to be younger, male, and smokers, but less likely to have diabetes, heart
      failure, or prior revascularization. OHCA patients presented more often with ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction (63.2% vs. 29.6%) and cardiogenic shock
      (29.0% vs. 2.2%); however, among in-hospital MI survivors, OHCA was not
      associated with 1-year post-discharge mortality (unadjusted 13.8% vs. 15.8%, p =
      0.17, adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68 to
      1.15). In contrast, MI survivors with OHCA actually had lower unadjusted and
      adjusted risk of the composite outcome of 1-year mortality or all-cause
      readmission than patients without OHCA (44.0% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.03, adjusted HR:
      0.84; 95% CI: 0.72 to 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Among older patients with MI who
      survived to hospital discharge and were not discharged to hospice, those
      presenting with OHCA did not have higher 1-year mortality or health care use
      rates compared with those MI survivors without OHCA. These findings show that the
      early risk of adverse events in patients with OHCA does not persist after
      hospital discharge, and they support efforts to improve initial survival rates of
      older patients with MI and OHCA.

PMID- 27126526
TI  - Moving Further Upstream in the Prevention of Cardiac Arrest and its
      Complications.

PMID- 27126527
TI  - Prognostic Value of Plasma Soluble Corin in Patients With Acute Myocardial
      Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies in animal models and humans have shown that corin is
      critically involved in the regulation of salt-water balance, blood pressure, and
      cardiac function. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to investigate the
      prognostic value of plasma soluble corin in patients with acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI). METHODS: We enrolled 1,382 consecutive AMI patients in a
      prospective cohort study and explored the association of plasma corin with AMI
      outcomes using multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS: Patients
      with low corin levels were more likely to be female and to have histories of
      hypertension and heart failure (HF). Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated that
      patients with corin levels above the median had a lower incidence of major
      adverse cardiac events (MACE) and all-cause mortality compared with those whose
      corin levels were below the median. Multivariate Cox regression analysis
      suggested that log corin was an independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio [HR]:
      0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42 to 0.96; p = 0.029), together with age,
      previous histories of AMI, HF, and diabetes, Killip class, percutaneous coronary
      intervention, coronary artery bypass graft, beta-blocker use, and log N-terminal
      pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. The C-statistic and integrated discrimination
      improvement for MACE were improved significantly by the addition of corin to the
      reference model. Moreover, log corin was also found to be a significant predictor
      of death (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.97; p = 0.036) and HF hospitalization (HR:
      0.48; 95% CI: 0.23 to 0.90; p = 0.009) after adjustment for clinical variables
      and established biomarkers of adverse prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      demonstrates that corin is a valuable prognostic marker of MACE in patients with
      AMI, independent of established conventional risk factors.

PMID- 27126528
TI  - Corin Levels in Patients With Acute MI: Do We Need More Tools for Risk
      Stratification?

PMID- 27126529
TI  - Essential Role for Premature Senescence of Myofibroblasts in Myocardial Fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibrosis is a hallmark of many myocardial pathologies and contributes
      to distorted organ architecture and function. Recent studies have identified
      premature senescence as a regulatory mechanism of tissue fibrosis, but its
      relevance in the heart remains to be established. OBJECTIVES: This study
      investigated the role of premature senescence in myocardial fibrosis. METHODS:
      Murine models of cardiac diseases and human heart biopsies were analyzed for
      characteristics of premature senescence and fibrosis. Loss-of-function and gain
      of-function models of premature senescence were used to determine its
      pathophysiological role in myocardial fibrosis. RESULTS: Senescence markers
      p21(CIP1/WAF1), senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-beta-gal), and
      p16(INK4a) were increased 2-, 8-, and 20-fold (n = 5 to 7; p < 0.01),
      respectively, in perivascular fibrotic areas after transverse aortic constriction
      compared with sham-treated control subjects. Similar results were observed with
      cardiomyocyte-specific beta1-adrenoceptor transgenic mice and human heart
      biopsies. Senescent cells were positive for platelet-derived growth factor
      receptor-alpha, vimentin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin, specifying
      myofibroblasts as the predominant cell population undergoing premature senescence
      in the heart. Inactivation of the premature senescence program by genetic
      ablation of p53 and p16(INK4a) (Trp53(-/-)Cdkn2a(-/-) mice) resulted in
      aggravated fibrosis after transverse aortic constriction, when compared with wild
      type control subjects (49 +/- 4.9% vs. 33 +/- 2.7%; p < 0.01), and was associated
      with impaired cardiac function. Conversely, cardiac-specific expression of CCN1
      (CYR61), a potent inducer of premature senescence, by adeno-associated virus
      serotype 9 gene transfer, resulted in ~50% reduction of perivascular fibrosis
      after transverse aortic constriction, when compared with mock- or dominant
      negative CCN1-infected control subjects, and improved cardiac function.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data establish premature senescence of myofibroblasts as an
      essential antifibrotic mechanism and potential therapeutic target in myocardial
      fibrosis.

PMID- 27126530
TI  - Fibroblast Senescence as a Therapeutic Target of Myocardial Fibrosis: Beyond
      Spironolactone?

PMID- 27126532
TI  - Are Animal Models of Pulmonary Hypertension Relevant to the Clinical Disease?

PMID- 27126531
TI  - Intratracheal Gene Delivery of SERCA2a Ameliorates Chronic Post-Capillary
      Pulmonary Hypertension: A Large Animal Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pulmonary arterial
      remodeling that results in increased pulmonary vascular resistance, right
      ventricular (RV) failure, and premature death. Down-regulation of sarcoplasmic
      reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a) in the pulmonary vasculature leads to
      perturbations in calcium ion (Ca(2+)) homeostasis and transition of pulmonary
      artery smooth muscle cells to a proliferative phenotype. OBJECTIVES: We assessed
      the feasibility of sustained pulmonary vascular SERCA2a gene expression using
      aerosolized delivery of adeno-associated virus type 1 (AAV1) in a large animal
      model of chronic PH and evaluated the efficacy of gene transfer regarding
      progression of pulmonary vascular and RV remodeling. METHODS: A model of chronic
      post-capillary PH was created in Yorkshire swine by partial pulmonary vein
      banding. Development of chronic PH was confirmed hemodynamically, and animals
      were randomized to intratracheal administration of aerosolized AAV1 carrying the
      human SERCA2a gene (n = 10, AAV1.SERCA2a group) or saline (n = 10). Therapeutic
      efficacy was evaluated 2 months after gene delivery. RESULTS: Transduction
      efficacy after intratracheal delivery of AAV1 was confirmed by beta-galactosidase
      detection in the distal pulmonary vasculature. Treatment with aerosolized
      AAV1.SERCA2a prevented disease progression as evaluated by mean pulmonary artery
      pressure, vascular resistance, and limited vascular remodeling quantified by
      histology. Therapeutic efficacy was supported further by the preservation of RV
      ejection fraction (p = 0.014) and improvement of the RV end-diastolic pressure
      volume relationship in PH pigs treated with aerosolized AAV1.SERCA2a.
      CONCLUSIONS: Airway-based delivery of AAV vectors to the pulmonary arteries was
      feasible, efficient, and safe in a clinically relevant chronic PH model. Vascular
      SERCA2a overexpression resulted in beneficial effects on pulmonary arterial
      remodeling, with attendant improvements in pulmonary hemodynamics and RV
      performance, and might offer therapeutic benefit by modifying fundamental
      pathophysiology in pulmonary vascular diseases.

PMID- 27126534
TI  - Constrictive Pericarditis Versus Restrictive Cardiomyopathy?
AB  - About one-half of the patients with congestive heart failure have preserved left
      ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF). Although the etiology of HFpEF is most
      commonly related to long-standing hypertension and atherosclerosis, a significant
      number of suspected HFpEF patients have a restrictive cardiomyopathy or chronic
      pericardial disease. Recognizing these syndromes is important because early
      diagnosis may lead to instituting specific therapy that may prolong survival,
      improve quality of life, and/or recognize and treat an underlying systemic
      disorder. Advances in diagnostic imaging, biomarkers, and genetic testing today
      allow identification of the specific etiology in most cases. Novel
      pharmacological, immunologic, and surgical therapies are leading to improved
      quality of life and survival.

PMID- 27126535
TI  - Paying for Value: You Know it When You See it, or Do You?

PMID- 27126533
TI  - Inflammation as a Driver of Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling After Acute
      Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - Treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has improved significantly in
      recent years, but many patients have adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling, a
      maladaptive change associated with progressive heart failure. Although this
      change is usually associated with large infarcts, some patients with relatively
      small infarcts have adverse remodeling, whereas other patients with larger
      infarcts (who survive the first several days after AMI) do not. This paper
      reviews the relevant data supporting the hypothesis that individual differences
      in the intensity of the post-AMI inflammatory response, involving 1 or more
      inflammatory-modulating pathways, may contribute to adverse LV remodeling. It
      concludes by outlining how individual variations in the inflammatory response
      could provide important novel therapeutic targets and strategies.

PMID- 27126536
TI  - Educating the Next Generation of Peer Reviewers.

PMID- 27126537
TI  - Pre-Procedural 6-Min Walk Test as a Mortality Predictor in Patients Undergoing
      Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair.

PMID- 27126538
TI  - Added Value of Female-Specific Factors Beyond Traditional Predictors for Future
      Cardiovascular Disease.

PMID- 27126539
TI  - Arterial Coronary Bypass Grafting: Targeting the Interventricular Septum.

PMID- 27126540
TI  - Association Between Migraine Headache and Cardiac Syndrome X.

PMID- 27126541
TI  - Caveat Emptor: Antibiotics, Endocarditis, and Statistical Artifacts.

PMID- 27126542
TI  - Reply: Association Between Migraine Headache and Cardiac Syndrome X.

PMID- 27126543
TI  - Reply: Caveat Emptor: Antibiotics, Endocarditis, and Statistical Artifacts.

PMID- 27126544
TI  - Molecular mechanism of prion-like tau-induced neurodegeneration.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau and the disruption of
      microtubules are correlated with synaptic loss and pathology of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). Impaired cognitive function and pathology of AD is correlated with
      this lesion. This review looks at the mechanism of neurodegeneration, the prion
      like behavior of tau in its interaction with normal MAPs in correlation with tau
      hyperphosphorylation. METHODS: We reviewed our work in the field as well as
      current literature that pertains to tau phosphorylation and the biological
      effects. RESULTS: Hyperphosphorylation of tau in AD, in vitro, in cells, or in
      animal models converts this protein into a prion-like protein that is able to
      propagate the altered conformation. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that
      phosphorylation of tau is a critical event in neurodegeneration. The combination
      of phosphorylation sites can generate a gain of toxic function for tau. The
      mechanism of tau toxicity might involve not only the microtubule system but also
      interference with other cellular compartments such as the nucleus and the actin
      cytoskeleton.

PMID- 27126545
TI  - O-GlcNAcylation: A regulator of tau pathology and neurodegeneration.
AB  - O-GlcNAcylation is the posttranslational modification of intracellular proteins
      by O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc). The discovery of O-GlcNAc
      modification of tau and its impact on tau phosphorylation has attracted recent
      research interest in O-GlcNAc studies in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) field.
      Modification of proteins by O-GlcNAc occurs extensively in the brain. The
      expressions and activities of the enzymes catalyzing O-GlcNAc cycling are several
      fold higher in the brain than in the peripheral tissues. The O-GlcNAcylation
      levels of brain proteins including tau are decreased in AD brain, probably due to
      decreased brain glucose metabolism. The reduction of brain O-GlcNAcylation
      appears to mediate the molecular mechanism by which decreased brain glucose
      metabolism contributes to neurodegeneration. Studies on mouse models of
      tauopathies suggest a neuroprotective role of pharmacological elevation of brain
      O-GlcNAc, which could potentially be a promising approach for treating AD and
      other neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27126546
TI  - Net Blood Pressure Reduction Following 9 Months of Lifestyle and High-Intensity
      Interval Training Intervention in Individuals With Abdominal Obesity.
AB  - The authors aimed to study the impact of a combined 9-month lifestyle program
      (Mediterranean diet nutritional counselling, and high-intensity interval training
      twice a week) on blood pressure (BP) in individuals with abdominal obesity,
      taking into account the regression-to-the-mean phenomena. A total of 115
      participants (53+/-9 years; 84 women; waist circumference [WC]: 111+/-13 cm;
      systolic/diastolic BP [SBP/DBP]: 133+/-13/82+/-8 mm Hg; 13% diabetics; 12%
      smokers; and 30% taking antihypertensive therapy) were retrospectively analyzed
      before and after the program. After 9 months, we observed an improvement in
      weight (-5.2+/-5.6 kg) and WC (-6.3+/-6.0 cm), and an average SBP/DBP net
      decrease of -5.1+/-13.7/-2.8+/-8.7 mm Hg. These changes were not uniform: 67
      participants (58%) decreased their SBP by 2 mm Hg or more. The characteristics of
      responders included a higher baseline BP than nonresponders (SBP/DBP: 137.2+/
      13.7/83.1+/-7.3 mm Hg vs 127.0+/-10.3/80.0+/-7.3 mm Hg, P<.05) and a higher
      proportion of participants with a baseline BP >=130/85 mm Hg (81% vs 52%, P=.001)
      or with the metabolic syndrome (75% vs 54%, P=.02).

PMID- 27126547
TI  - Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Primer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), including
      lifestyle modifying strategies and pharmacological interventions. DATA SOURCES: A
      literature search of PubMed through March 2016 was conducted utilizing the
      keywords hepatic encephalopathy, ammonia, and cirrhosis All published articles
      evaluating treatments for HE were considered. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA
      EXTRACTION: Available English-language data from reviews, abstracts,
      presentations, and clinical trials of the treatment of HE in humans were
      reviewed; relevant clinical data were selected and included. DATA SYNTHESIS: HE
      is a prevalent complication of portal hypertension and cirrhosis that results in
      altered mental status and neuropsychiatric impairment. Although the pathogenesis
      has not been elucidated, numerous treatment options exist. This review will
      explore the role of dietary interventions and supplements, including use of zinc,
      acetyl-l-carnitine, and probiotics, in the management of HE. Additionally, the
      use of various ammonia-lowering agents will be evaluated. The nonabsorbable
      disaccharides represent first-line therapies for the management and prophylaxis
      of HE; rifaximin use has been demonstrated to be effective for both treatment and
      prophylaxis of HE symptoms, with use relegated to those patients who fail to
      respond to or tolerate the nonabsorbable disaccharides. In light of toxicities
      associated with the use of neomycin and metronidazole, recent guidelines
      recommend both as alternatives for the treatment of HE, with the use of
      vancomycin discouraged. CONCLUSION: Although numerous treatment options are
      available, management of HE remains a clinical challenge. Additional research is
      needed to explore the pathogenesis and better understand the role of
      pharmacotherapy in managing this condition.

PMID- 27126548
TI  - Successful treatment of large refractory pyoderma gangrenosum-like presentation
      of granulomatosis with polyangiitis by rituximab.

PMID- 27126549
TI  - The complex metabolism of trimethylamine in humans: endogenous and exogenous
      sources.
AB  - Trimethylamine (TMA) is a tertiary amine with a characteristic fishy odour. It is
      synthesised from dietary constituents, including choline, L-carnitine, betaine
      and lecithin by the action of microbial enzymes during both healthy and diseased
      conditions in humans. Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a disease typified by its
      association with the characteristic fishy odour because of decreased TMA
      metabolism and excessive TMA excretion. Besides TMAU, a number of other diseases
      are associated with abnormal levels of TMA, including renal disorders, cancer,
      obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders. Aside
      from its role in pathobiology, TMA is a precursor of trimethylamine-N-oxide that
      has been associated with an increased risk of athero-thrombogenesis.
      Additionally, TMA is a major air pollutant originating from vehicular exhaust,
      food waste and animal husbandry industry. The adverse effects of TMA need to be
      monitored given its ubiquitous presence in air and easy absorption through human
      skin. In this review, we highlight multifaceted attributes of TMA with an
      emphasis on its physiological, pathological and environmental impacts. We propose
      a clinical surveillance of human TMA levels that can fully assess its role as a
      potential marker of microbial dysbiosis-based diseases. 

PMID- 27126550
TI  - Human serum albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters act as an electron transfer
      bridge supporting specific electrocatalysis of bilirubin useful for biosensing
      applications.
AB  - Human serum albumin (HSA)-stabilized Au18 nanoclusters (AuNCs) were synthesized
      and chemically immobilized on an Indium tin oxide (ITO) plate. The assembly
      process was characterized by advanced electrochemical and spectroscopic
      techniques. The bare ITO electrode generated three irreversible oxidation peaks,
      whereas the HSA-AuNC-modified electrode produced a pair of redox peaks for
      bilirubin at a formal potential of 0.27V (vs. Ag/AgCl). However, the native HSA
      protein immobilized on the ITO electrode failed to produce any redox peak for
      bilirubin. The results indicate that the AuNCs present in HSA act as electron
      transfer bridge between bilirubin and the ITO plate. Docking studies of AuNC with
      HSA revealed that the best docked structure of the nanocluster is located around
      the vicinity of the bilirubin binding site, with an orientation that allows
      specific oxidation. When the HSA-AuNC-modified electrode was employed for the
      detection of bilirubin using chronoamperometry at 0.3V (vs. Ag/AgCl), a steady
      state current response against bilirubin in the range of 0.2MUM to 7MUM, with a
      sensitivity of 0.34MUAMUM(-1) and limit of detection of 86.32nM at S/N 3, was
      obtained. The bioelectrode was successfully applied to measure the bilirubin
      content in spiked serum samples. The results indicate the feasibility of using
      HSA-AuNC as a biorecognition element for the detection of serum bilirubin levels
      using an electrochemical technique. 

PMID- 27126551
TI  - Dendrimer-based nanocarriers: a versatile platform for drug delivery.
AB  - Advances in nanotechnology have had profound impacts on therapeutic delivery,
      leading to the development of nanomaterials engineered with large carrying
      capabilities and targeting functionalities. Among the nanomaterials, dendrimers
      have garnered particular attention from researchers owing to their well-defined
      structure, near-monodispersity, and ease of multifunctionalization. As
      hyperbranched, three-dimensional macromolecules, dendrimers can be engineered to
      target and deliver a wide range of therapeutic agents, including small molecules,
      peptides, and genes, reducing their systemic toxicities and enhancing efficacies.
      In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the commonly employed
      dendrimer-based nanocarrier designs, including dendrimer conjugates, Janus
      dendrimers, and linear-dendritic block copolymers. The discussion will progress
      through the basic synthetic strategies of dendrimer-based nanocarriers, followed
      by the potential clinical applications related to their unique structural
      properties. Finally, the major challenges that these nanocarriers are currently
      facing in their clinical translation and possible solutions to address these
      issues will be discussed, with the aim to provide researchers in the drug
      delivery field a good understanding of the potential utilities of dendrimer-based
      nanocarriers. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2017, 9:e1409. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1409
      For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 27126552
TI  - Toward intensifying design of experiments in upstream bioprocess development: An
      industrial Escherichia coli feasibility study.
AB  - In this study, step variations in temperature, pH, and carbon substrate feeding
      rate were performed within five high cell density Escherichia coli fermentations
      to assess whether intraexperiment step changes, can principally be used to
      exploit the process operation space in a design of experiment manner. A dynamic
      process modeling approach was adopted to determine parameter interactions. A
      bioreactor model was integrated with an artificial neural network that describes
      biomass and product formation rates as function of varied fed-batch fermentation
      conditions for heterologous protein production. A model reliability measure was
      introduced to assess in which process region the model can be expected to predict
      process states accurately. It was found that the model could accurately predict
      process states of multiple fermentations performed at fixed conditions within the
      determined validity domain. The results suggest that intraexperimental variations
      of process conditions could be used to reduce the number of experiments by a
      factor, which in limit would be equivalent to the number of intraexperimental
      variations per experiment. (c) 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers
      Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1343-1352, 2016.

PMID- 27126553
TI  - Effects of glucose-fructose versus glucose ingestion on stride characteristics
      during prolonged treadmill running.
AB  - Scarce research has examined the effects of carbohydrate composition on running
      stride characteristics. On two occasions, 14 males and 6 females completed a 120
      min sub-maximal run followed by a 4-mile time trial. Participants consumed
      glucose (GLU) or glucose-fructose (GLU-FRU) beverages supplying 1.3 g/min
      carbohydrate. Substrate use, psychological affect [Feeling Scale (FS)], and
      stride characteristics (stride frequency, stride length, and contact time) were
      assessed. Effects were expressed as Cohen's d (90% confidence limits [90% CL]).
      CLs for stride frequency differences at 53 min (90% CL = 0.04-0.21) and 113 min
      (90% CL = 0.02-0.24) did not cover 0, indicating a positive effect of GLU-FRU.
      However, effect sizes were small (d = 0.13) and likely-to-very-likely trivial.
      Energy expenditure differences at sub-maximal end were very likely trivial (d =
      0.08; 90% CL = 0.00-0.17), while FS ratings were possibly higher for GLU-FRU at
      50 (d = 0.19; 90% CL = -0.10-0.48) and 110 min (d = 0.16; 90% CL = -0.13-0.45).
      During the time trial, stride length was possibly higher with GLU-FRU (d = 0.13;
      90% CL = -0.08-0.33). Glucose-fructose co-ingestion has no significant effect on
      stride characteristics during constant-velocity running but may result in
      slightly higher stride length during self-paced running. 

PMID- 27126554
TI  - Characterizing Adults Receiving Primary Medical Care in New York City:
      Implications for Using Electronic Health Records for Chronic Disease
      Surveillance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Electronic health records (EHRs) from primary care providers can be
      used for chronic disease surveillance; however, EHR-based prevalence estimates
      may be biased toward people who seek care. This study sought to describe the
      characteristics of an in-care population and compare them with those of a not-in
      care population to inform interpretation of EHR data. METHODS: We used data from
      the 2013-2014 New York City Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NYC HANES),
      considered the gold standard for estimating disease prevalence, and the 2013
      Community Health Survey, and classified participants as in care or not in care,
      on the basis of their report of seeing a health care provider in the previous
      year. We used chi(2) tests to compare the distribution of demographic
      characteristics, health care coverage and access, and chronic conditions between
      the 2 populations. RESULTS: According to the Community Health Survey,
      approximately 4.1 million (71.7%) adults aged 20 or older had seen a health care
      provider in the previous year; according to NYC HANES, approximately 4.7 million
      (75.1%) had. In both surveys, the in-care population was more likely to be older,
      female, non-Hispanic, and insured compared with the not-in-care population. The
      in-care population from the NYC HANES also had a higher prevalence of diabetes
      (16.7% vs 6.9%; P < .001), hypercholesterolemia (35.7% vs 22.3%; P < .001), and
      hypertension (35.5% vs 26.4%; P < .001) than the not-in-care population.
      CONCLUSION: Systematic differences between in-care and not-in-care populations
      warrant caution in using primary care data to generalize to the population at
      large. Future efforts to use primary care data for chronic disease surveillance
      need to consider the intended purpose of data collected in these systems as well
      as the characteristics of the population using primary care.

PMID- 27126555
TI  - What Rural Women Want the Public Health Community to Know About Access to
      Healthful Food: A Qualitative Study, 2011.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Living in a rural food desert has been linked to poor dietary
      habits. Understanding community perspectives about available resources and
      feasible solutions may inform strategies to improve food access in rural food
      deserts. The objective of our study was to identify resources and solutions to
      the food access problems of women in rural, southernmost Illinois. METHODS:
      Fourteen focus groups with women (n = 110 participants) in 4 age groups were
      conducted in a 7-county region as part of a community assessment focused on
      women's health. We used content analysis with inductive and deductive approaches
      to explore food access barriers and facilitators. RESULTS: Similar to
      participants in previous studies, participants in our study reported insufficient
      local food sources, which they believe contributed to poor dietary habits, high
      food prices, and the need to travel for healthful food. Participants identified
      existing local activities and resources that help to increase access, such as
      home and community gardens, food pantries, and public transportation, as well as
      local solutions, such as improving nutrition education and public transportation
      options. CONCLUSION: Multilevel and collaborative strategies and policies are
      needed to address food access barriers in rural communities. At the individual
      level, education may help residents navigate geographic and economic barriers.
      Community solutions include collaborative strategies to increase availability of
      healthful foods through traditional and nontraditional food sources. Policy
      change is needed to promote local agriculture and distribution of privately grown
      food. Understanding needs and strengths in rural communities will ensure
      responsive and effective strategies to improve the rural food environment.

PMID- 27126556
TI  - Integration of Oral Health Into the Well-Child Visit at Federally Qualified
      Health Centers: Study of 6 Clinics, August 2014-March 2015.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Early childhood caries, the most common chronic childhood disease,
      affects primary dentition and can impair eating, sleeping, and school
      performance. The disease is most prevalent among vulnerable populations with
      limited access to pediatric dental services. These same children generally
      receive well-child care at federally qualified health centers. The objective of
      this study was to identify facilitators and barriers to the integration of oral
      health into pediatric primary care at health centers to improve problem
      recognition, delivery of preventive measures, and referral to a dentist. METHODS:
      We collected and analyzed background data and data from structured observations
      and 39 interviews with administrators and staff at 6 clinics in 2 states,
      Maryland and Massachusetts. RESULTS: Participants valued oral health across
      professional roles but cited limited time, lack of training and expertise, low
      caregiver literacy, and lack of shared medical and dental electronic records as
      barriers to cooperation. Facilitators included an upper-level administration with
      the vision to see the value of integration, designated team leaders, and
      champions. An administration's vision, not structural determinants, patient
      characteristics, or geographic location, predicted the level of integration.
      Interviewees generated multilevel recommendations to promote delivery of oral
      health preventive measures and services during a well-child visit. CONCLUSION:
      Poor oral health contributes to health care disparities. Barriers to integrating
      dental care into pediatric medical practice at health centers must be overcome to
      improve oral health for children living in poverty, with a disability, at a rural
      address, or any combination of these. Implementation will require adapting
      delivery systems to support multidisciplinary collaboration. Strategies suggested
      here may point the way to enhancing children's oral health.

PMID- 27126557
TI  - Glucocorticoid receptor mediated the propofol self-administration by dopamine D1
      receptor in nucleus accumbens.
AB  - Propofol, a widely used anesthetic, can cause addictive behaviors in both human
      and experimental animals. In the present study, we examined the involvement of
      glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling in the molecular process by which propofol
      may cause addiction. The propofol self-administration model was established by a
      fixed ratio 1 (FR1) schedule of reinforced dosing over successive 14days in rats.
      On day 15, the rats were treated with dexamethasone, a GR agonist (10-100MUg/kg),
      or RU486, a GR antagonist (10-100MUg/kg) at 1h prior to the last training. The
      animal behaviors were recorded automatically by the computer. The expression of
      dopamine D1 receptor in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) was examined by Western blot
      and the concentrations of plasma corticosterone were measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To further examine the specificity of GR in the
      process, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist, spironolactone, and
      dexamethasone plus MR agonist, aldosterone, were also tested. Administration of
      dexamethasone (100MUg/kg) or RU486 (?10mg/kg) significantly attenuated the rate
      of propofol maintained active nose-poke responses and infusions, which were
      accompanied by reductions in both plasma corticosterone level and the expression
      of D1 receptor in the NAc. Neither spironolactone alone nor dexamethasone
      combined with aldosterone affected the propofol-maintaining self-administrative
      behavior, indicating GR, but not MR, modulates the propofol reward in rats. In
      addition, neither the food-maintaining sucrose responses under FR1 schedule nor
      the locomotor activity was affected by any doses of dexamethasone or RU486
      tested. These findings provide evidence that GR signaling may play an important
      role in propofol reward.

PMID- 27126558
TI  - Inhibition of the pontine Kolliker-Fuse nucleus reduces genioglossal activity
      elicited by stimulation of the retrotrapezoid chemoreceptor neurons.
AB  - The Kolliker-Fuse (KF) region, located in the dorsolateral pons, projects to
      several brainstem areas involved in respiratory regulation, including the
      chemoreceptor neurons within the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). Several lines of
      evidence indicate that the pontine KF region plays an important role in the
      control of the upper airways for the maintenance of appropriate airflow to and
      from the lungs. Specifically, we hypothesized that the KF region is involved in
      mediating the response of the hypoglossal motor activity to central respiratory
      chemoreflex activation and to stimulation of the chemoreceptor neurons within the
      RTN region. To test this hypothesis, we combined immunohistochemistry and
      physiological experiments. We found that in the KF, the majority of biotinylated
      dextran amine (BDA)-labeled axonal varicosities contained detectable levels of
      vesicular glutamate transporter-2 (VGLUT2), but few contained glutamic acid
      decarboxylase-67 (GAD67). The majority of the RTN neurons that were FluorGold
      (FG)-immunoreactive (i.e., projected to the KF) contained hypercapnia-induced
      Fos, but did not express tyrosine hydroxylase. In urethane-anesthetized sino
      aortic denervated and vagotomized male Wistar rats, hypercapnia (10% CO2) or N
      methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) injection (0.1mM) in the RTN increased diaphragm
      (DiaEMG) and genioglossus muscle (GGEMG) activities and elicited abdominal
      (AbdEMG) activity. Bilateral injection of muscimol (GABA-A agonist; 2mM) into the
      KF region reduced the increase in DiaEMG and GGEMG produced by hypercapnia or
      NMDA into the RTN. Our data suggest that activation of chemoreceptor neurons in
      the RTN produces a significant increase in the genioglossus muscle activity and
      the excitatory pathway is dependent on the neurons located in the dorsolateral
      pontine KF region.

PMID- 27126560
TI  - We Wait Too Long to Refer Patients for Transplantation.
AB  - Late referral of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal
      disease (ESRD) for evaluation of kidney transplantation is common. Even though
      renal transplantation offers a clear survival benefit to patients with advanced
      CKD and ESRD and should be considered the renal replacement therapy of choice,
      numerous barriers to early renal transplant referral have been observed. Some of
      these barriers can be overcome by improving the communication between the
      referring providers and the transplant centers. Furthermore, providing more
      intensive education to both patients and referring providers with regard to the
      eligibility of CKD and ESRD patients for a transplant will likely result in
      higher referral rates. This in turn will lead to improved survival outcomes in
      this group of patients with otherwise significantly increased morbidity and
      mortality.

PMID- 27126559
TI  - Post-treatment with prolactin protects hippocampal CA1 neurons of the
      ovariectomized female rat against kainic acid-induced neurodegeneration.
AB  - Kainic acid (KA) is a glutamate agonist widely used in studies of
      neurodegeneration due to its ability to induce excitotoxic damage in the rodent
      brain. Previously, we reported that pre-treatment with prolactin (PRL) prevents
      the neuron loss induced by KA administration in CA1, CA3 and CA4 of the
      hippocampus of the female rat. Here, we investigated if PRL has a neuroprotective
      effect in the dorsal hippocampus when it is administered after KA. For this,
      100ng of KA or 0.9% saline was administered intracerebroventricularly (ICV) to
      ovariectomized female rats. One hour later, they received subcutaneous PRL
      (103MUg/day for 7days) or saline through an osmotic minipump. Also, to determine
      the hippocampal neurogenesis rate, the rats were administered bromodeoxyuridine
      along with the PRL treatment. Immunostaining for NeuN revealed that neuronal loss
      is lower in the CA1 of PRL-treated rats compared with the untreated group, but
      PRL did not confer any protection in the CA3 and CA4 subfields. Furthermore, PRL
      prevented the KA-induced cognitive deficit measured as a better performance in
      the novel object recognition test. The PRL treatment did not modify the
      neurogenesis rate. These data indicate that post-treatment with PRL confers
      differential neuroprotection against KA-induced neuronal loss in hippocampal
      subfield CA1, which correlates with a more mild cognitive deficit compared with
      the untreated control group.

PMID- 27126561
TI  - Validation of the Resilience Scale for Adolescents (READ) in Ireland: a multi
      group analysis.
AB  - Resilience is a process reflecting positive adaptation in the face of adversity.
      The Resilience Scale for Adolescence (READ) incorporates intrapersonal and
      interpersonal protective factors mapping onto the three salient domains of
      resilience, including individual, family and external environment. This study
      investigated the validity and reliability of the READ by means of factor
      analysis, multi-group analysis, inter-correlations and internal consistency
      measures. Participants were 6085 young people in Ireland aged 12-18 years.
      Participants completed the My World Survey - Second Level (MWS-SL), assessing
      risk and protective factors of mental health. Confirmatory factor analysis
      validated the original five-factor structure of the READ including Personal
      Competence, Social Competence, Structured Style, Family Cohesion, and Social
      Resources, chi2 (340) = 6146.02, p < 0.001, RMSEA = 0.056 (90% CI = 0.054-0.057),
      CFI = 0.97; GFI = 0.93. Measurement invariance indicated that the five-factor
      structure was similar across gender, school cycle and distress levels. Construct
      validity was evident, by correlating the five factors of the READ with various
      social, psychological and behavioural variables. The findings suggest that the
      READ is a valid measure to assess resilience factors among adolescents in
      Ireland, demonstrating its applicability in a different cultural context and with
      a wider age range of adolescents. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27126563
TI  - Comments to "Orthostatic tremor secondary to recreational use of solvents".

PMID- 27126564
TI  - Reply to "Orthostatic tremor secondary to recreational use of solvents".

PMID- 27126566
TI  - Idiopathic chronic hydrocephalus in adults.

PMID- 27126565
TI  - Late-onset meningeal lymphomatosis in mantle cell lymphoma controlled with
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 27126562
TI  - Somatic genomic alterations in retinoblastoma beyond RB1 are rare and limited to
      copy number changes.
AB  - Retinoblastoma is a rare childhood cancer initiated by RB1 mutation or MYCN
      amplification, while additional alterations may be required for tumor
      development. However, the view on single nucleotide variants is very limited. To
      better understand oncogenesis, we determined the genomic landscape of
      retinoblastoma. We performed exome sequencing of 71 retinoblastomas and matched
      blood DNA. Next, we determined the presence of single nucleotide variants, copy
      number alterations and viruses. Aside from RB1, recurrent gene mutations were
      very rare. Only a limited fraction of tumors showed BCOR (7/71, 10%) or CREBBP
      alterations (3/71, 4%). No evidence was found for the presence of viruses.
      Instead, specific somatic copy number alterations were more common, particularly
      in patients diagnosed at later age. Recurrent alterations of chromosomal arms
      often involved less than one copy, also in highly pure tumor samples, suggesting
      within-tumor heterogeneity. Our results show that retinoblastoma is among the
      least mutated cancers and signify the extreme sensitivity of the childhood retina
      for RB1 loss. We hypothesize that retinoblastomas arising later in retinal
      development benefit more from subclonal secondary alterations and therefore,
      these alterations are more selected for in these tumors. Targeted therapy based
      on these subclonal events might be insufficient for complete tumor control.

PMID- 27126567
TI  - A comparison of alpha coefficients in independent samples: A complementary study
      to EUROQUEST by Marhuenda et al.

PMID- 27126569
TI  - Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities of the tongue in patients
      with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PMID- 27126568
TI  - Health-related quality of life in caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Informal caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) have
      a poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). HRQOL is an increasingly common
      user-focused outcome measure. We have evaluated HRQOL longitudinally in
      caregivers of AD patients at baseline and at 12 months. METHODS: Ninety-seven
      patients diagnosed with AD according to the NINCDS-ADRDA (National Institute of
      Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, and Alzheimer's Disease and
      Related Disorders Association) and their 97 respective primary caregivers were
      included in the study. We analysed the following data at the baseline visit:
      sociodemographic data of both patients and carers, patients' clinical variables,
      and data related to the healthcare provided to patients by carers. HRQOL of
      caregivers was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire at baseline and 12 months
      later. RESULTS: At 12 months, primary caregivers scored lower in the 8 subscales
      of the SF-36 questionnaire; differences were statistically significant in all
      dimensions except for 'physical function' and 'social function'. Baseline scores
      in our sample were lower than those of the general population. 'Vitality' is the
      dimension that presented the lowest scores. CONCLUSION: HRQOL in caregivers of
      patients with Alzheimer's disease deteriorates over time and is poorer than that
      of the age- and sex-matched general population.

PMID- 27126570
TI  - A report of reliable differences in the profile of the ACE-III.

PMID- 27126571
TI  - Dermoscopy in the diagnosis of extradigital glomus tumors.

PMID- 27126572
TI  - Anesthetic management of a pediatric patient with pulmonary arteriovenous fistula
      undergoing liver transplantation - a case report.
AB  - For patients with HPS who require anesthesia for a procedure, HPV should be
      maintained to prevent worsening hypoxemia. Here, the case of a 9-yr-old girl who
      was scheduled for a living donor liver transplantation is presented. The patient
      suffered from end-stage liver disease with HPS due to biliary atresia, which
      contributed to the development of a diffuse pulmonary AVF. Consequently,
      anesthetic management of this patient involved two different types of pulmonary
      shunt. It is important to maintain HPV, not only to prevent worsening of the
      hypoxia caused by HPS but also to inhibit an increase in PVR that could cause an
      increase of shunt flow through the pathological fistula. A TIVA technique was
      performed, and a nitrous oxide inhaler was prepared in case of a possible
      increase in PVR during the reperfusion period. There were no adverse events
      during the operation. Thus, anesthesiologists should be aware of the
      pathophysiological status of HPS and its potential to progress to a pulmonary AVF
      in order to meticulously determine an anesthesia plan that accounts for the
      hypoxia and PVR that are associated with HPS.

PMID- 27126573
TI  - Risk factors associated with a decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate
      based on cystatin C levels in school-age children with extremely low birthweight.
AB  - AIM: A single centre retrospective cohort study was designed to investigate the
      estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in school-age children born with
      extremely low birthweight (ELBW) and to determine risk factors predictive of
      decreased eGFR. METHODS: We compared eGFR based on cystatin C (CysC-eGFR) between
      school-age children born with ELBW (ELBW group, n = 48; median gestational age:
      26.9 weeks; median birthweight: 792 g) and children born at term (control group,
      n = 48). The ELBW group was then further divided into a decreased CysC-eGFR
      subgroup (eGFR <90 mL/min per 1.73 m2 , n = 20) and a normal CysC-eGFR subgroup
      (n = 28), and perinatal background factors were compared. RESULTS: The ELBW group
      showed a significantly lower CysC-eGFR compared with the control group (P <
      0.001). Comparison between the decreased and normal CysC-eGFR subgroups in the
      ELBW group showed that children with lower birthweight, shorter gestational age,
      lower 5-min Apgar score, longer length of mechanical ventilation, lower weight
      gain in the first 11 weeks, chronic lung disease, and postnatal corticosteroid
      administration had significantly decreased CysC-eGFR. Multivariate logistic
      regression showed that a lower 5-min Apgar score was the only independent risk
      factor for decreased CysC-eGFR. CONCLUSIONS: CysC-eGFR might already be decreased
      at school age in children born with ELBW. Renal assessment in regular follow-up
      examinations is recommended.

PMID- 27126574
TI  - Albumin as a carrier for NO delivery: preparation, physicochemical
      characterization, and interaction with gold nanoparticles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous transmitter playing numerous
      physiological roles and characterized by a short half-life. Its binding to
      endogenous thiols increases its stability, facilitating its storage and
      transport. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nitrosated serum
      albumin (SA-SNO) and to provide a reference for its easy preparation for further
      use in in vitro studies. METHODS: Serum albumin (SA) was S-nitrosated by reacting
      with (i) NaNO2 in acidic medium; (ii) different low-molecular weight S
      nitrosothiols (RSNO) (S-nitrosocysteine (CysNO), S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), and
      S,S'-dinitrosobucillamine (Buc(NO)2)); and (iii) diethylamine NONOate (DEA/NO).
      SA-SNO was purified by size exclusion chromatography and the S-nitrosation site
      and the rate were studied by mass spectrometry and Griess-Saville assay,
      respectively. Then, SA-SNO was characterized by spectrofluorimetry, dynamic light
      scattering, and circular dichroism. Finally, SA-SNO reactivity with citrate
      stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNP-citrate) was investigated via determination
      of NO release. RESULTS: S-nitrosation rates of SA were 90.1 +/- 3.3, 76.8 +/-
      2.7, 80.3 +/- 3.2, 84.8 +/- 5.0, and 15.4 +/- 1.9% (n = 5), when SA was reacted
      with acidified NaNO2, CysNO, GSNO, Buc(NO)2, and DEA/NO, respectively. The
      physicochemical characterization indicated that the resulting product
      corresponded to a mono-S-nitrosothiol (on cysteine-34), and the conformational
      construction remained unchanged. Stability studies showed that the NO content was
      preserved over 1 week. AuNP-citrate reacted with SA-SNO with increase of its
      hydrodynamic diameter but preservation of SNO bond. CONCLUSIONS: SA-SNO prepared
      and stored under the reported conditions affords a well-defined reference
      suitable for in vitro studies.

PMID- 27126575
TI  - Eggs: good or bad?
AB  - Eggs have one of the lowest energy to nutrient density ratios of any food, and
      contain a quality of protein that is superior to beef steak and similar to dairy.
      From a nutritional perspective, this must qualify eggs as 'good'. The greater
      burden of proof has been to establish that eggs are not 'bad', by increasing
      awareness of the difference between dietary and blood cholesterol, and
      accumulating sufficient evidence to exonerate eggs from their associations with
      CVD and diabetes. After 60 years of research, a general consensus has now been
      reached that dietary cholesterol, chiefly from eggs, exerts a relatively small
      effect on serum LDL-cholesterol and CVD risk, in comparison with other diet and
      lifestyle factors. While dietary guidelines have been revised worldwide to
      reflect this view, associations between egg intake and the incidence of diabetes,
      and increased CVD risk in diabetes, prevail. These associations may be explained,
      in part, by residual confounding produced by other dietary components. The
      strength of evidence that links egg intake to increased CVD risk in diabetes is
      also complicated by variation in the response of serum LDL-cholesterol to eggs
      and dietary cholesterol in types 1 and 2 diabetes. On balance, the answer to the
      question as to whether eggs are 'bad', is probably 'no', but we do need to gain a
      better understanding of the effects of dietary cholesterol and its association
      with CVD risk in diabetes.

PMID- 27126576
TI  - Pair-eigenstates and mutual alignment of coupled molecular rotors in a magnetic
      field.
AB  - We examine the rotational states of a pair of polar (2)Sigma molecules subject to
      a uniform magnetic field. The electric dipole-dipole interaction between the
      molecules creates entangled pair-eigenstates of two types. In one type, the
      Zeeman interaction between the inherently paramagnetic molecules and the magnetic
      field destroys the entanglement of the pair-eigenstates, whereas in the other
      type it does not. The pair-eigenstates exhibit numerous intersections, which
      become avoided for pair-eigenstates comprised of individual states that meet the
      selection rules DeltaJi = 0, +/- 1, DeltaNi = 2n (n = 0, +/-1, +/-2,...), and
      DeltaMi = 0, +/- 1 imposed by the electric dipole-dipole operator. Here Ji, Ni
      and Mi are the total, rotational and projection angular momentum quantum numbers
      of molecules i = 1, 2 in the absence of the electric dipole-dipole interaction.
      We evaluate the mutual alignment of the pair-eigenstates and find it to be
      independent of the magnetic field, except for states that undergo avoided
      crossings, in which case the alignment of the interacting states is interchanged
      at the magnetic field corresponding to the crossing point. We present an analytic
      model which provides ready estimates of the pairwise alignment cosine that
      characterises the mutual alignment of the pair of coupled rotors.

PMID- 27126577
TI  - [Suicidal ideation of prisoners : Influence of duration of imprisonment,
      personality traits and disorders].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although in recent years many efforts have been made in suicide
      prevention, suicidal ideation in prison is still a major problem. The present
      study is part of a project being carried out in Saxony, Germany on the
      investigation and prevention of suicide in prisons. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to determine whether the duration of imprisonment, personality traits
      and personality disorders have an influence on the suicidal ideation of
      prisoners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study 113 volunteers among prisoners
      from 6 prisons in Saxony participated in a structured interview and filled out
      several questionnaires on sociodemographic details, personality using the
      personality style and disorder inventory (PSSI) and the assessment of DSM-IV
      personality disorders (ADP-IV) questionnaire as well as attitudes towards suicide
      using the questionnaire on stressful social experiences (FBS) and the Viennese
      instrument for suicidality on correctional institutions (VISCI). RESULTS:
      Significant correlations were found between personality traits and personality
      disorders and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. A positive correlation was
      also found between personality disorders and scores in the VISCI. High scores in
      the PSSI were correlated with all aspects of suicidal ideation; however, length
      of time spent in prison and total duration of imprisonment appeared to have
      little impact on suicide parameters and were only correlated with the self
      declared current suicidal ideation. DISCUSSION: Although there were some
      limitations, this study could confirm data in the literature that personality
      disorders are associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation in
      prisoners. The lack of association of suicidal thoughts as measured in this study
      with the total time spent in prison and duration of imprisonment is in
      contradiction to the results of other studies and warrants further investigation.

PMID- 27126578
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27126580
TI  - Change in Work-Time Control and Work-Home Interference Among Swedish Working Men
      and Women: Findings from the SLOSH Cohort Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim is to study the influence of change in work-time control (WTC)
      on work-home interference (WHI) while adjusting for other work-related factors,
      demographics, changes at work and WHI at baseline among women and men. An
      additional aim was to explore sex differences in the relation between change in
      WTC and WHI. METHODS: The study included working participants of the Swedish
      Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH) study of the third (2010) and
      fourth (2012) waves (n = 5440). Based on a seven-item index, four groups of WTC
      were formed: stable high (40 %), stable low (42 %), increasing (9 %), or
      decreasing (9 %) WTC over the 2 years. WHI was measured by four items and
      individuals were categorised in whether suffering or not suffering of WHI. Sex
      stratified logistic regression analyses with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were
      used to estimate the odds of experiencing WHI by change in WTC. RESULTS:
      Controlling for demographics and work-related factors, women with stable low (OR
      = 1.46; 95 % CI 1.14-1.88) and women and men with decreasing WTC (women OR =
      1.99; 95 % CI 1.38-2.85; men OR = 1.80; 95 % CI 1.18-2.73) had higher odds of WHI
      than those with a stable high WTC. Additionally, adjusting for changes at work
      and WHI at baseline did not alter the results substantially. Interaction analysis
      did not reveal any significant sex difference in the relation between WTC and
      WHI. CONCLUSIONS: For both women and men decreased and for women only, low
      control over working hours resulted in WHI also after adjusting for work-related
      factors and demographics.

PMID- 27126579
TI  - Ventromedial hypothalamic melanocortin receptor activation: regulation of
      activity energy expenditure and skeletal muscle thermogenesis.
AB  - KEY POINTS: The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and the central melanocortin
      system both play vital roles in regulating energy balance by modulating energy
      intake and utilization. Recent evidence suggests that activation of the VMH
      alters skeletal muscle metabolism. We show that intra-VMH melanocortin receptor
      activation increases energy expenditure and physical activity, switches fuel
      utilization to fats, and lowers work efficiency such that excess calories are
      dissipated by skeletal muscle as heat. We also show that intra-VMH melanocortin
      receptor activation increases sympathetic nervous system outflow to skeletal
      muscle. Intra-VMH melanocortin receptor activation also induced significant
      changes in the expression of mediators of energy expenditure in muscle. These
      results support the role of melanocortin receptors in the VMH in the modulation
      of skeletal muscle metabolism. ABSTRACT: The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and
      the brain melanocortin system both play vital roles in increasing energy
      expenditure (EE) and physical activity, decreasing appetite and modulating
      sympathetic nervous system (SNS) outflow. Because of recent evidence showing that
      VMH activation modulates skeletal muscle metabolism, we propose the existence of
      an axis between the VMH and skeletal muscle, modulated by brain melanocortins,
      modelled on the brain control of brown adipose tissue. Activation of melanocortin
      receptors in the VMH of rats using a non-specific agonist melanotan II (MTII),
      compared to vehicle, increased oxygen consumption and EE and decreased the
      respiratory exchange ratio. Intra-VMH MTII enhanced activity-related EE even when
      activity levels were held constant. MTII treatment increased gastrocnemius muscle
      heat dissipation during controlled activity, as well as in the home cage.
      Compared to vehicle-treated rats, rats with intra-VMH melanocortin receptor
      activation had higher skeletal muscle norepinephrine turnover, indicating an
      increased SNS drive to muscle. Lastly, intra-VMH MTII induced mRNA expression of
      muscle energetic mediators, whereas short-term changes at the protein level were
      primarily limited to phosphorylation events. These results support the hypothesis
      that melanocortin peptides act in the VMH to increase EE by lowering the economy
      of activity via the enhanced expression of mediators of EE in the periphery
      including skeletal muscle. The data are consistent with the role of melanocortins
      in the VMH in the modulation of skeletal muscle metabolism.

PMID- 27126581
TI  - Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonists for assisted reproductive technology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists can be used to
      prevent a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge during controlled ovarian
      hyperstimulation (COH) without the hypo-oestrogenic side-effects, flare-up, or
      long down-regulation period associated with agonists. The antagonists directly
      and rapidly inhibit gonadotrophin release within several hours through
      competitive binding to pituitary GnRH receptors. This property allows their use
      at any time during the follicular phase. Several different regimens have been
      described including multiple-dose fixed (0.25 mg daily from day six to seven of
      stimulation), multiple-dose flexible (0.25 mg daily when leading follicle is 14
      to 15 mm), and single-dose (single administration of 3 mg on day 7 to 8 of
      stimulation) protocols, with or without the addition of an oral contraceptive
      pill. Further, women receiving antagonists have been shown to have a lower
      incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Assuming comparable
      clinical outcomes for the antagonist and agonist protocols, these benefits would
      justify a change from the standard long agonist protocol to antagonist regimens.
      This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2001, and previously
      updated in 2006 and 2011. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of
      gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists compared with the standard
      long protocol of GnRH agonists for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in
      assisted conception cycles. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Menstrual
      Disorders and Subfertility Group Trials Register (searched from inception to May
      2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane
      Library, inception to 28 April 2015), Ovid MEDLINE (1966 to 28 April 2015),
      EMBASE (1980 to 28 April 2015), PsycINFO (1806 to 28 April 2015), CINAHL (to 28
      April 2015) and trial registers to 28 April 2015, and handsearched bibliographies
      of relevant publications and reviews, and abstracts of major scientific meetings,
      for example the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and
      American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). We contacted the authors of
      eligible studies for missing or unpublished data. The evidence is current to 28
      April 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: Two review authors independently screened the
      relevant citations for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different
      GnRH agonist versus GnRH antagonist protocols in women undergoing in vitro
      fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). DATA COLLECTION
      AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and
      risk of bias, and extracted the data. The primary review outcomes were live birth
      and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Other adverse effects (miscarriage
      and cycle cancellation) were secondary outcomes. We combined data to calculate
      pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical
      heterogeneity was assessed using the I(2) statistic. We assessed the overall
      quality of the evidence for each comparison using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS: We
      included 73 RCTs, with 12,212 participants, comparing GnRH antagonist to long
      course GnRH agonist protocols. The quality of the evidence was moderate:
      limitations were poor reporting of study methods.Live birthThere was no
      conclusive evidence of a difference in live birth rate between GnRH antagonist
      and long course GnRH agonist (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.23; 12 RCTs, n = 2303,
      I(2)= 27%, moderate quality evidence). The evidence suggested that if the chance
      of live birth following GnRH agonist is assumed to be 29%, the chance following
      GnRH antagonist would be between 25% and 33%.OHSSGnRH antagonist was associated
      with lower incidence of any grade of OHSS than GnRH agonist (OR 0.61, 95% C 0.51
      to 0.72; 36 RCTs, n = 7944, I(2) = 31%, moderate quality evidence). The evidence
      suggested that if the risk of OHSS following GnRH agonist is assumed to be 11%,
      the risk following GnRH antagonist would be between 6% and 9%.Other adverse
      effectsThere was no evidence of a difference in miscarriage rate per woman
      randomised between GnRH antagonist group and GnRH agonist group (OR 1.04, 95% CI
      0.82 to 1.30; 33 RCTs, n = 7022, I(2) = 0%, moderate quality evidence).With
      respect to cycle cancellation, GnRH antagonist was associated with a lower
      incidence of cycle cancellation due to high risk of OHSS (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.32 to
      0.69; 19 RCTs, n = 4256, I(2) = 0%). However cycle cancellation due to poor
      ovarian response was higher in women who received GnRH antagonist than those who
      were treated with GnRH agonist (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.65; 25 RCTs, n = 5230,
      I(2) = 68%; moderate quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate
      quality evidence that the use of GnRH antagonist compared with long-course GnRH
      agonist protocols is associated with a substantial reduction in OHSS without
      reducing the likelihood of achieving live birth.

PMID- 27126582
TI  - Core curriculum illustration: brain-subdural hemorrhage in non-accidental trauma.
AB  - This is the 19 installment of a series that will highlight one case per
      publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American
      Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to
      generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases
      online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study
      online at: http://www.aseronline.org/curriculum/toc.htm . 

PMID- 27126584
TI  - Da Vinci robot emergency undocking protocol.
AB  - The role of robot-assisted surgery across gynaecology is evolving with increasing
      numbers of procedures being undertaken with varying degrees of complexity. While
      the risk of conversion is low at approximately 1 %, the reasons for conversion
      are variable. These range from technical issues with the robot, surgical
      complications such as haemorrhage and anaesthetics issues such as an inability to
      ventilate the patient adequately. While many conversions to open or laparoscopic
      approach are not due to life-threatening indications, it is important that the
      theatre staff are aware of the indication and can perform an emergency undocking
      as effectively, efficiently and safely as possible when the need arises.
      Unfortunately, there is a paucity of the literature available outlining such
      protocols. For this reason, we developed an emergency undocking protocol clearly
      outlining the role of each theatre staff member and the need for clear concise
      communication. 

PMID- 27126583
TI  - Population-Scale Sequencing Data Enable Precise Estimates of Y-STR Mutation
      Rates.
AB  - Short tandem repeats (STRs) are mutation-prone loci that span nearly 1% of the
      human genome. Previous studies have estimated the mutation rates of highly
      polymorphic STRs by using capillary electrophoresis and pedigree-based designs.
      Although this work has provided insights into the mutational dynamics of highly
      mutable STRs, the mutation rates of most others remain unknown. Here, we
      harnessed whole-genome sequencing data to estimate the mutation rates of Y
      chromosome STRs (Y-STRs) with 2-6 bp repeat units that are accessible to Illumina
      sequencing. We genotyped 4,500 Y-STRs by using data from the 1000 Genomes Project
      and the Simons Genome Diversity Project. Next, we developed MUTEA, an algorithm
      that infers STR mutation rates from population-scale data by using a high
      resolution SNP-based phylogeny. After extensive intrinsic and extrinsic
      validations, we harnessed MUTEA to derive mutation-rate estimates for 702
      polymorphic STRs by tracing each locus over 222,000 meioses, resulting in the
      largest collection of Y-STR mutation rates to date. Using our estimates, we
      identified determinants of STR mutation rates and built a model to predict rates
      for STRs across the genome. These predictions indicate that the load of de novo
      STR mutations is at least 75 mutations per generation, rivaling the load of all
      other known variant types. Finally, we identified Y-STRs with potential
      applications in forensics and genetic genealogy, assessed the ability to
      differentiate between the Y chromosomes of father-son pairs, and imputed Y-STR
      genotypes.

PMID- 27126585
TI  - Molecular characterization of southern bluefin tuna myoglobin (Thunnus maccoyii).
AB  - The primary structure of southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii Mb has been
      elucidated by molecular cloning techniques. The cDNA of this tuna encoding Mb
      contained 776 nucleotides, with an open reading frame of 444 nucleotides encoding
      147 amino acids. The nucleotide sequence of the coding region was identical to
      those of other bluefin tunas (T. thynnus and T. orientalis), thus giving the same
      amino acid sequences. Based on the deduced amino acid sequence, bioinformatic
      analysis was performed including phylogenic tree, hydropathy plot and homology
      modeling. In order to investigate the autoxidation profiles, the isolation of Mb
      was performed from the dark muscle. The water soluble fraction was subjected to
      ammonium sulfate fractionation (60-90 % saturation) followed by preparative gel
      electrophoresis. Autoxidation profiles of Mb were delineated at pH 5.6, 6.5 and
      7.4 at temperature 37  degrees C. The autoxidation rate of tuna Mb was slightly
      higher than that of horse Mb at all pH examined. These results revealed that tuna
      myoglobin was unstable than that of horse Mb mainly at acidic pH. 

PMID- 27126586
TI  - Quantification of the antibody response to Propionibacterium acnes in a patient
      with prosthetic valve endocarditis: - a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The isolation of Propionibacterium acnes in blood cultures is often
      considered a contaminant. On rare occasions, P. acnes can cause severe
      infections, including endocarditis and intravascular prosthesis-associated
      infections. To evaluate the discrimination between a contaminant and a clinically
      relevant infection we used an Ouchterlony test system to quantify the antibody
      response to P. acnes in a patient with a proven P. acnes endocarditis. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We report on a 64-year-old Caucasian man who developed P. acnes
      endocarditis four years following a composite valve-graft conduit replacement of
      the aortic root. Bacterial growth in blood cultures was detected after an
      incubation period of 6 days. However, the antibody titer to P. acnes was 1:8 at
      the time of diagnosis and declined slowly thereafter over 21/2 years. The
      patient's response to the antibiotic treatment was excellent, and no surgical re
      intervention was necessary. CONCLUSION: The working hypothesis of infective
      endocarditis can be substantiated by serologic testing, which, if positive,
      provides one additional minor criterion. Moreover, quantification of the antibody
      response to P. acnes, though not specific, may assist in the differentiation
      between contaminants and an infection. This quantification may have implications
      for the patient management, e.g. indication for and choice of the antibiotic
      therapy.

PMID- 27126587
TI  - Clks 1, 2 and 4 prevent chromatin breakage by regulating the Aurora B-dependent
      abscission checkpoint.
AB  - When chromatin is trapped at the intercellular bridge, cells delay completion of
      cytokinesis (abscission) to prevent chromosome breakage. Here we show that
      inhibition of Cdc-like kinases (Clks) 1, 2 or 4 accelerates midbody resolution in
      normally segregating cells and correlates with premature abscission, chromatin
      breakage and generation of DNA damage in cytokinesis with trapped chromatin.
      Clk1, Clk2 and Clk4 localize to the midbody in an interdependent manner,
      associate with Aurora B kinase and are required for Aurora B-serine 331 (S331)
      phosphorylation and complete Aurora B activation in late cytokinesis.
      Phosphorylated Aurora B-S331 localizes to the midbody centre and is required for
      phosphorylation and optimal localization of the abscission protein Chmp4c. In
      addition, expression of phosphomimetic mutants Aurora B-S331E or Chmp4c-S210D
      delays midbody disassembly and prevents chromatin breakage in Clk-deficient
      cells. We propose that Clks 1, 2 and 4 impose the abscission checkpoint by
      phosphorylating Aurora B-S331 at the midbody. 

PMID- 27126588
TI  - Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii-Induced Arthritis with Encephalitic
      Dissemination in a Dog and Review of Published Literature.
AB  - This article describes the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemical
      findings associated with Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii in a 4-year-old
      female Boxer dog from Uberlandia, Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. Clinically,
      there was a swelling at the right metatarsal region and the hock joint with
      enlargement of regional lymph nodes. Radiographical evaluation revealed lysis of
      the tarsal bone; cytology demonstrated cryptococcal intralesional organisms at
      the swollen joint. Despite empirical antifungals therapeutic, the animal
      developed neurological cryptococcosis and died spontaneously. Significant
      pathological alterations included arthritis, lymphadenitis, and encephalitic
      cryptococcomas associated with numerous intralesional narrow-necked budding
      encapsulated yeasts. Immunohistochemistry utilising monoclonal antibodies that
      label C. neoformans sp. complex capsule, characterised the yeasts as C.
      neoformans var. grubii. Collectively, the pathological and immunohistochemical
      findings of this dog indicate that the intralesional organisms observed within
      the articular surface of the hock joint, lymph nodes, and the brain were C.
      neoformans var. grubii, confirming the participation of this fungal pathogen in
      the development of cryptococcal arthritis. In this case, the most likely
      pathogenesis was percutaneous inoculation with resultant abscess-like lesion,
      which resulted in the draining sinus, swelling of the right hind limb with
      progression to the articular disease. Thereafter, the fungal pathogen probably
      compromised the adjacent lymph nodes with subsequent haematogenous distribution
      to the brain, terminating with cryptococcal arthritis, lymphadenitis, and
      encephalitis. 

PMID- 27126589
TI  - Genome-wide identification of suitable zebrafish Danio rerio reference genes for
      normalization of gene expression data by RT-qPCR.
AB  - In this study, to systematically identify the most stably expressed genes for
      internal reference in zebrafish Danio rerio investigations, 37 D. rerio
      transcriptomic datasets (both RNA sequencing and microarray data) were collected
      from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database and unpublished data, and gene
      expression variations were analysed under three experimental conditions: tissue
      types, developmental stages and chemical treatments. Forty-four putative
      candidate genes were identified with the c.v. <0.2 from all datasets. Following
      clustering into different functional groups, 21 genes, in addition to four
      conventional housekeeping genes (eef1a1l1, b2m, hrpt1l and actb1), were selected
      from different functional groups for further quantitative real-time (qrt-)PCR
      validation using 25 RNA samples from different adult tissues, developmental
      stages and chemical treatments. The qrt-PCR data were then analysed using the
      statistical algorithm refFinder for gene expression stability. Several new
      candidate genes showed better expression stability than the conventional
      housekeeping genes in all three categories. It was found that sep15 and metap1
      were the top two stable genes for tissue types, ube2a and tmem50a the top two for
      different developmental stages, and rpl13a and rp1p0 the top two for chemical
      treatments. Thus, based on the extensive transcriptomic analyses and qrt-PCR
      validation, these new reference genes are recommended for normalization of D.
      rerio qrt-PCR data respectively for the three different experimental conditions. 

PMID- 27126590
TI  - Gut microbiota: an Indicator to Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gut microbiota is predicted to play a key role in manifestation of
      gastrointestinal tract cancers. The human gastrointestinal tract is a complex and
      abundant network of microbial community. Gut microbiota depicts the microbe
      population living in our intestine. Humans harbour more than 10(14) microbes in
      the gut, and the diversity and densities of the microbiota increase from stomach
      to colon. METHODS: The beneficial relationship between endogenous microbiota and
      the eukaryotic hosts helps in maintaining various metabolic activities of the
      body as well as temperature and pH balance. Studies using culturing methods have
      suggested that the oesophagus is either sterile or contains only a few transient
      microbes that originates from the oropharynx by swallowing or from the stomach by
      gastroesophageal reflux. However, metagenomics suggest that large numbers of
      uncultured organisms are harboured in the human gut. RESULTS: Observations
      suggest that research directed towards manipulation of the gut microbiota can be
      employed in prevention as well as treatment of these conditions. Well-designed,
      randomized, placebo-controlled human studies using probiotics and/or prebiotics
      are necessary to formulate the directions for prevention and therapy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Change in gut microbes in gastrointestinal (GI) tract may have major
      implication in gastric cancer, the fifth most occurring malignancy in the world.
      Affected population manifests multiple conditions and diseases, which majorly
      includes inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal malignancy.

PMID- 27126592
TI  - A neonate with dyspnoea.

PMID- 27126591
TI  - Benefit of Bevacizumab-Based Frontline Therapy in Patients with Metastatic
      Colorectal Cancer (mCRC): a Turkish Oncology Group Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several chemotherapy regimens using bevacizumab have been developed.
      Our goal was to investigate regimens that have demonstrated significant clinical
      activity in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Six hundred and sixty six patients with mCRC who received first-line
      chemotherapy combination with bevacizumab were studied. Fluoropyrimidine (F) plus
      irinotecan (I)-based (FI-bev), F plus oxaliplatin (O)-based (FO-bev), and F-based
      (F-bev) treatment regimens were compared with respect to progression-free
      survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The median PFS of FI-bev (n =
      414) was 10.9 months (95 % CI 10-11.8), of FO-bev (n = 211) was 9.4 months (95 %
      CI 8.3-10.4), and of F-bev (n = 41) was 9.5 months (95 % CI 5.9-13.1) (p =
      0.089). The median OS of FI-bev was 26.3 months (95 % CI 21.7-30.9), of FO-bev
      was 27 months (95 % CI 24.3-29.7), and of F-bev was 23.3 months (95 % CI 12.7
      33.9) (p = 0.102). In KRAS wild-type patients, the median PFS of FI-bev group was
      significantly longer than FO-bev group (10.5 vs. 9.1 months, p = 0.006). The FI
      bev group had better OS than FO-bev group with borderline significance (p =
      0.058). The FI-bev group had significantly longer OS than F-bev group. Patients
      who underwent metastasectomy or those with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
      performance status (ECOG-PS) <=1 had longer PFS and OS independent of the type of
      chemotherapy regimen. CONCLUSION: FI-bev may be the preferred frontline regimen
      for patients with KRAS wild-type mCRC. Metastasectomy and performance score were
      the strongest positive predictors of OS and PFS regardless of backbone
      chemotherapy regimen.

PMID- 27126593
TI  - Cardiac Contractility Modulation in a Model of Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: A
      Sheep Model.
AB  - The onset of right ventricular dysfunction in patients presenting with congenital
      heart disease is associated with a dismal long-term outcome and often represents
      a therapeutic dead end. Our study had several objectives: (1) to analyse the
      anatomical, functional, histological and cellular characteristics of an animal
      model of repaired tetralogy of Fallot with right ventricular dysfunction (2) to
      test the new electrical treatment known as cardiac contractility modulation in
      this animal model. Seven sheep underwent a first surgery at the age of three
      weeks aiming to mimic the characteristics of a repaired tetralogy of Fallot. Five
      controls were sham-operated. Experimental studies were performed 12 months after
      the initial operation. The hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and mitochondrial
      function studies were carried out before and after cardiac contractility
      modulation in closed- and open-chest conditions. In this animal model of right
      ventricular dysfunction, short-term cardiac contractility modulation was
      associated with a significant improvement in (a) right ventricular function, as
      evidenced by a significant increase in right ventricular dP/dt (p < 0.05) (b)
      left ventricular function evidenced by the increase in left ventricular dP/dt max
      (p < 0.05) (c) in mitochondrial function (p < 0.05). In this animal model of
      chronic right ventricular dysfunction, cardiac contractility modulation
      significantly improved acute cardiac hemodynamic and mitochondrial functions of
      both ventricles and may represent a promising option in patients with right heart
      failure. 

PMID- 27126594
TI  - Quantitative imaging of Rac1 activity in Dictyostelium cells with a fluorescently
      labelled GTPase-binding domain from DPAKa kinase.
AB  - Small Rho GTPases are major regulators of the actin cytoskeleton dynamics in
      eukaryotic cells. Sophisticated tools used to investigate their activity in
      living cells include probes based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer
      (FRET), bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and photoactivation. However,
      such methods are of limited use in quickly migrating cells due to a short time
      available for image acquisition leading to a low signal-to-noise ratio. Attempts
      to remedy this effect by increasing the intensity of illumination are restricted
      by photobleaching of probes and the cell photosensitivity. Here we present design
      and characterization of a new fluorescent probe that selectively binds to active
      form of Rac1 GTPases, and demonstrate its superior properties for imaging in
      highly motile Dictyostelium cells. The probe is based on the GTPase-binding
      domain (GBD) from DPAKa kinase and was selected on the basis of yeast two-hybrid
      screen, GST pull-down assay and FRET measurements by fluorescence lifetime
      imaging microscopy. DPAKa(GBD) probe binds specifically to GTP-bound Rac1 at the
      cell membrane and features a low cytoplasmic background. The main advantage of
      DPAKa(GBD) in comparison with similar probes is its finely graded intensity
      distribution along the entire plasma membrane, which enables quantitative
      measurements of the Rac1 activity in different parts of the membrane. Finally,
      expression of DPAKa(GBD) induces no adverse effects on cell growth, motility and
      cytokinesis. 

PMID- 27126595
TI  - Pheromone analogue efficacy in reducing cats' stress at the veterinary hospital:
      concerns about the design of a recent study.

PMID- 27126596
TI  - Modification of a commercial thromboelastography instrument to measure
      coagulation dynamics with three-dimensional biomaterials.
AB  - Three-dimensional synthetic constructs with complex geometries have immense
      potential for use in a multitude of blood-contacting applications. Understanding
      coagulation phenomena is arguably the most critical aspect for applications
      involving synthetic biomaterials; however, real-time evaluation of the clot
      formation while interfacing with these materials is difficult to achieve in a
      reproducible and robust manner. Here, work representing first steps toward
      addressing this deficit is presented, wherein modified consumables for a clinical
      instrument (a Thromboelastograph((r))) have been fabricated. Thromboelastography
      (TEG) measures viscoelastic properties throughout clot formation and therefore
      provides clinically relevant coagulation measurements in real time (i.e.,
      kinetics and strength of clot formation). Through our modification, TEG
      consumables can readily accommodate three-dimensional materials (e.g., those for
      regenerative tissue applications). The authors performed proof-of-concept
      experiments using polymer scaffolds with a range of surface properties and
      demonstrated that variations in surface properties resulted in differences in
      blood plasma coagulation dynamics. For example, the maximum rate of thrombus
      generation ranged from 22.2 +/- 2.2 (dyn/cm(2))/s for fluorocarbon coated
      scaffolds to 8.7 +/- 1.0 (dyn/cm(2))/s for nitrogen-containing scaffolds. Through
      this work, the ability to make real-time coagulation activity measurements during
      constant coagulation factor interface with biomedically relevant materials is
      demonstrated. 

PMID- 27126597
TI  - Biocompatible and target specific hydrophobically modified glycol chitosan
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
      Atherosclerosis is a major cause for cardiovascular diseases. Drugs that treat
      atherosclerosis usually act nonspecifically. To enhance drug delivery
      specificity, the authors developed a hydrophobically modified glycol chitosan
      (HGC) nanoparticle that can specifically target activated endothelial cells. The
      biocompatibility of these nanoparticles toward red blood cells and platelets was
      evaluated through hemolysis, platelet activation, platelet thrombogenicity, and
      platelet aggregation assays. The biocompatibility of these nanoparticles toward
      vascular endothelial cells was evaluated by their effects on endothelial cell
      growth, metabolic activity, and activation. The results demonstrated that HGC
      nanoparticles did not cause hemolysis, or affect platelet activation,
      thrombogenicity, and aggregation capability in vitro. The nanoparticles did not
      impair vascular endothelial cell growth or metabolic activities in vitro, and did
      not cause cell activation either. When conjugated with intercellular adhesion
      molecular 1 antibodies, HGC nanoparticles showed a significantly increased
      targeting specificity toward activated endothelial cells. These results suggested
      that HGC nanoparticles are likely compatible toward red blood cells, platelets,
      and endothelial cells, and they can be potentially used to identify activated
      endothelial cells at atherosclerotic lesion areas within the vasculature, and
      deliver therapeutic drugs.

PMID- 27126598
TI  - North American Thrombosis Forum, AF Action Initiative Consensus Document.
AB  - The North American Thrombosis Forum Atrial Fibrillation Action Initiative
      consensus document is a comprehensive yet practical briefing document focusing on
      stroke and bleeding risk assessment in patients with atrial fibrillation, as well
      as recommendations regarding anticoagulation options and management. Despite the
      breadth of clinical trial data and guideline recommendation updates, many
      clinicians continue to struggle to synthesize the disparate information
      available. This problem slows the uptake and utilization of updated risk
      prediction tools and adoption of new oral anticoagulants. This document serves as
      a practical and educational reference for the entire medical community involved
      in the care of patients with atrial fibrillation. 

PMID- 27126600
TI  - Load speed regulation in compliant mechanical transmission systems using feedback
      and feedforward control actions.
AB  - The problem of controlling the load speed of a mechanical transmission system
      consisting of a belt-pulley and gear-pair is considered. The system is modeled as
      two inertia (motor and load) connected by a compliant transmission. If the
      transmission is assumed to be rigid, then using either the motor or load speed
      feedback provides the same result. However, with transmission compliance, due to
      belts or long shafts, the stability characteristics and performance of the closed
      loop system are quite different when either motor or load speed feedback is
      employed. We investigate motor and load speed feedback schemes by utilizing the
      singular perturbation method. We propose and discuss a control scheme that
      utilizes both motor and load speed feedback, and design an adaptive feedforward
      action to reject load torque disturbances. The control algorithms are implemented
      on an experimental platform that is typically used in roll-to-roll manufacturing
      and results are shown and discussed. 

PMID- 27126601
TI  - Formal modeling and verification of fractional order linear systems.
AB  - This paper presents a formalization of a fractional order linear system in a
      higher-order logic (HOL) theorem proving system. Based on the formalization of
      the Grunwald-Letnikov (GL) definition, we formally specify and verify the linear
      and superposition properties of fractional order systems. The proof provides a
      rigor and solid underpinnings for verifying concrete fractional order linear
      control systems. Our implementation in HOL demonstrates the effectiveness of our
      approach in practical applications. 

PMID- 27126602
TI  - Microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography as a suitable tool for lipophilicity
      determination of acidic, neutral, and basic compounds.
AB  - In the present work, several MEEKC systems are studied to assess their
      suitability for lipophilicity determination of acidic, neutral, and basic
      compounds. Thus, several microemulsion compositions over a wide range of pH
      values (from 2.0 to 12.0), containing heptane, 1-butanol and different types and
      amounts of surfactant (SDS or sodium cholate: from 1.3 to 3.3%) are characterized
      using Abraham's solvation model. The addition of acetonitrile (up to 10%) is also
      studied, since it increases the resolution of the technique for the most
      lipophilic compounds. The system coefficients obtained are very similar to those
      of the 1-octanol/water, used as the reference lipophilicity index, allowing
      simple and linear correlations between the 1-octanol/water partition values (log
      Po/w ) and MEEKC mass distribution ratios (log kMEEKC ). Variations in the
      microemulsion composition (aqueous buffer, surfactant, concentration of ACN) did
      not significantly affect the similarity of the MEEKC systems to log Po/w
      partition.

PMID- 27126603
TI  - Probing molecular events associated with early development of thylakoid membranes
      by comparative proteomics and low temperature fluorescence.
AB  - A comparison of protein profiles between prolamellar bodies from dark-grown
      etioplasts and thylakoid membranes from de-etioplasts illuminated respectively
      for 1, 5 and 9h revealed 155 differentially expressed CBB-stained spots. Clear
      results showed that the nonphototransformable Pchlide627-632 was the dominant
      pigment form in the PLBs of rice etioplasts during plant development in dark and
      transformed slowly to chlorophyllide in rice etioplasts when exposed to light.
      The light-induced accumulation of ACC oxidase, which catalyzes the final step of
      ethylene synthesis using ACC as substrate, would facilitate chlorophyll synthesis
      by inducing PORa/b expression via ethylene signaling. It could be also suggested
      that cyclic electron transport might play an important role in generation of ATP
      for carbon fixation and photoprotection of photosystems from excessive light in
      prothylakoid. Furthermore, the overproduction of ClpC1, which targets proteins to
      the ClpPR core complex for degradation, was observed only in Stage 1, during
      which period PLBs disrupted and converted into prothylakoids, suggesting that
      ClpC1 was of particular importance for disassembly of PLBs of etioplasts when
      exposed to light. This study revealed the possible biochemical and physiological
      processes lead to the formation of functional thylakoid membranes. BIOLOGICAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we monitored the light-induced transformation of
      prolamellar bodies into thylakoid membranes, which is correlated to the
      biogenesis of photosynthetic apparatus involving a complex cascade of biochemical
      and structural events. Three stages of thylakoid development classified according
      to the thylakoid development status (Adam et al., 2011) were studied for
      biogenesis of photosynthetic apparatus: Stage 1, prothylakoids emerge from the
      disrupted PLBs; Stage 2, prothylakoids converted into primary thylakoids which
      were dispersed in the stroma; Stage 3, the continuous grana and stroma thylakoids
      are formed. The development stage-dependent changes in the proteomic profile of
      the thylakoids were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). This
      information was complemented with the steady-state 77K chlorophyll fluorescence
      of thylakoids at the corresponding development stage. Together, these analyses
      allowed us to further understand the molecular processes connected to the
      formation of functional thylakoid membranes.

PMID- 27126599
TI  - The role of lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in tumor metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metastasis is the main cause of mortality in cancer patients. Two
      major routes of cancer cell spread are currently being recognized: dissemination
      via blood vessels (hematogenous spread) and dissemination via the lymphatic
      system (lymphogenous spread). Here, our current knowledge on the role of both
      blood and lymphatic vessels in cancer cell metastasis is summarized. In addition,
      I will discuss why cancer cells select one or both of the two routes to
      disseminate and I will provide a short description of the passive and active
      models of intravasation. Finally, lymphatic vessel density (LVD), blood vessel
      density (BVD), interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) and tumor hypoxia, as well as
      regional lymph node metastasis and the recently discovered primo vascular system
      (PVS) will be highlighted as important factors influencing tumor cell motility
      and spread and, ultimately, clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphangiogenesis and
      angiogenesis are important phenomena involved in the spread of cancer cells and
      they are associated with a poor prognosis. It is anticipated that new discoveries
      and advancing knowledge on these phenomena will allow an improvement in the
      treatment of cancer patients.

PMID- 27126605
TI  - Nutritional mitigation of winter thermal stress in gilthead seabream: Associated
      metabolic pathways and potential indicators of nutritional state.
AB  - : A trial was carried out with gilthead seabream juveniles, aiming to investigate
      the ability of an enhanced dietary formulation (diet Winter Feed, WF, containing
      a higher proportion of marine-derived protein sources and supplemented in
      phospholipids, vitamin C, vitamin E and taurine) to assist fish in coping with
      winter thermal stress, compared to a low-cost commercial diet (diet CTRL). In
      order to identify the metabolic pathways affected by WF diet, a comparative two
      dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) analysis of fish liver
      proteome (pH 4-7) was undertaken at the end of winter. A total of 404 protein
      spots, out of 1637 detected, were differentially expressed between the two groups
      of fish. Mass spectrometry analysis of selected spots suggested that WF diet
      improved oxidative stress defense, reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress, enhanced
      metabolic flux through methionine cycle and phenylalanine/tyrosine catabolism,
      and induced higher aerobic metabolism and gluconeogenesis. Results support the
      notion that WF diet had a positive effect on fish nutritional state by partially
      counteracting the effect of thermal stress and underlined the sensitivity of
      proteome data for nutritional and metabolic profiling purposes. Intragroup
      variability and co-measured information were also used to pinpoint which proteins
      displayed a stronger relation with fish nutritional state. SIGNIFICANCE: Winter
      low water temperature is a critical factor for gilthead seabream farming in the
      Mediterranean region, leading to a reduction of feed intake, which often results
      in metabolic and immunological disorders and stagnation of growth performances.
      In a recent trial, we investigated the ability of an enhanced dietary formulation
      (diet WF) to assist gilthead seabream in coping with winter thermal stress,
      compared to a standard commercial diet (diet CTRL). Within this context, in the
      present work, we identified metabolic processes that are involved in the stress
      mitigating effect observed with diet WF, by undertaking a comparative analysis of
      fish liver proteome at the end of winter. This study brings information relative
      to biological processes that are involved in gilthead seabream winter thermal
      stress and shows that these can be mitigated through a nutritional strategy,
      assisting gilthead seabream to deal better with winter thermal conditions.
      Furthermore, the results show that proteomic information not only clearly
      distinguishes the two dietary groups from each other, but also captures
      heterogeneities that reflect intra-group differences in nutritional state. This
      was exploited in this work to refine the variable selection strategy so that
      protein spots displaying a stronger correlation with "nutritional state" could be
      identified as possible indicators of gilthead seabream metabolic and nutritional
      state. Finally, this study shows that gel-based proteomics seems to provide more
      reliable information than transmissive FT-IR spectroscopy, for the purposes of
      nutritional and metabolic profiling.

PMID- 27126604
TI  - Time course of lead induced proteomic changes in gill of the Antarctic limpet
      Nacella Concinna (Gastropoda: Patellidae).
AB  - : The effect of increasing levels of metals from anthropogenic sources on
      Antarctic invertebrates is poorly understood. Here we exposed limpets (Nacella
      concinna) to 0, 0.12 and 0.25 MUg L- 1 lead for 12, 24, 48 and 168 h. We
      subsequently quantified the changes in protein abundance from gill, using 2D gel
      electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. We identified several antioxidant
      proteins, including the metal binding Mn-superoxide dismutase and ferritin,
      increasing abundances early on. Chaperones involved in the redox-dependent
      maturation of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) showed higher abundance
      with lead at 48 h. Lead also increased the abundance of Zn-binding carbonic
      anhydrase at 12 h, suggesting a challenge to acid-base balance. Metabolic
      proteins increased abundance at 168 h, suggesting a greater ATP demand during
      prolonged exposure. Changes in abundance of the small G-protein cdc42, a
      signaling protein modifying cytoskeleton, increased early and subsequently
      reversed during prolonged exposure, possibly leading to the modification of thick
      filament structure and function. We hypothesize that the replacement of metals
      initially affected antioxidant proteins and increased the production of reactive
      oxygen species. This disrupted the redox-sensitive maturation of proteins in the
      ER and caused increased ATP demand later on, accompanied by changes in
      cytoskeleton. SIGNIFICANCE: Proteomic analysis of gill tissue in Antarctic
      limpets exposed to different concentrations of lead (Pb) over a 168 h time period
      showed that proteomic changes vary with time. These changes included an increase
      in the demand of scavenging reactive oxygen species, acid-base balance and a
      challenge to protein homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum early on and
      subsequently an increase in energy metabolism, cellular signaling, and
      cytoskeletal modifications. Based on this time course, we hypothesize that the
      main mode of action of lead is a replacement of metal-cofactors of key enzymes
      involved in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species and the regulation of acid
      base balance.

PMID- 27126606
TI  - A study of organic acid production in contrasts between two phosphate
      solubilizing fungi: Penicillium oxalicum and Aspergillus niger.
AB  - Phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSF) have huge potentials in enhancing release of
      phosphorus from fertilizer. Two PSF (NJDL-03 and NJDL-12) were isolated and
      identified as Penicillium oxalicum and Aspergillus niger respectively in this
      study. The quantification and identification of organic acids were performed by
      HPLC. Total concentrations of organic acids secreted by NJDL-03 and NJDL-12 are
      ~4000 and ~10,000 mg/L with pH values of 3.6 and 2.4 respectively after five-days
      culture. Oxalic acid dominates acidity in the medium due to its high
      concentration and high acidity constant. The two fungi were also cultured for
      five days with the initial pH values of the medium varied from 6.5 to 1.5. The
      biomass reached the maximum when the initial pH values are 4.5 for NJDL-03 and
      2.5 for NJDL-12. The organic acids for NJDL-12 reach the maximum at the initial
      pH = 5.5. However, the acids by NJDL-03 continue to decrease and proliferation of
      the fungus terminates at pH = 2.5. The citric acid production increases
      significantly for NJDL-12 at acidic environment, whereas formic and oxalic acids
      decrease sharply for both two fungi. This study shows that NJDL-12 has higher
      ability in acid production and has stronger adaptability to acidic environment
      than NJDL-03.

PMID- 27126608
TI  - Impact of a short exposure to levofloxacin on faecal densities and relative
      abundance of total and quinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.
AB  - Emergence of resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the intestinal microbiota during
      antibiotic treatment is well documented but its early dynamic is not. Here, we
      compared the densities of total Enterobacteriaceae and relative abundance (RA) of
      quinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (QRE) in the first stool passed by
      patients who had a short exposure to levofloxacin (levofloxacin, n=12) or not
      (control, n=8). Mean densities (SD) (log CFU/g stool) of total Enterobacteriaceae
      were lower in the levofloxacin group than in the control group-3.4 (1.6) versus
      6.7 (1.7), respectively, p <0.001. Conversely, mean RA (SD) of QRE was
      significantly higher in the levofloxacin group than in the control group-49.7%
      (23.4) versus 0.1% (3.2), respectively, p <0.05). In conclusion, even a short
      exposure to levofloxacin has a profound impact on the densities of total
      Enterobacteriaceae and the QRE-RA. 

PMID- 27126607
TI  - Diaphragm muscle sarcopenia in Fischer 344 and Brown Norway rats.
AB  - NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? Several rat models are
      commonly used to study the physiology of ageing (e.g. Fischer 344 and Brown
      Norway rats are recommended by the USA National Institute of Ageing). Diaphragm
      muscle sarcopenia (ageing-related muscle weakness and atrophy) remains
      incompletely described in these rat models. What is the main finding and its
      importance? Diaphragm muscle sarcopenia is present in both the Fischer 344 and
      Brown Norway rat strains, but appears more pronounced in Fischer 344 rats. The
      risk for respiratory diseases increases in adults >65 years of age, which may be
      attributable in part to ageing-related weakening and atrophy (i.e. sarcopenia) of
      the diaphragm muscle (DIAm). The mechanisms underlying DIAm sarcopenia remain
      unknown. Based on existing evidence, we hypothesized that sarcopenia is most
      evident in type IIx and/or IIb DIAm fibres, i.e. more fatigable motor units.
      Currently, the USA National Institute on Aging supports Fischer 344 (F344) and
      Brown Norway (BN) rat strains for ageing-related research, yet DIAm sarcopenia
      has not been evaluated comprehensively in either strain. Thus, the present study
      examined DIAm sarcopenia in older adult F344 (24 months old, 50% survival) and BN
      rats (32 months old, 50% survival), compared with young adult (6-month-old) F344
      and BN rats. Measurements of contractility, contractile protein concentration,
      fibre type distribution and fibre cross-sectional area were obtained from
      midcostal DIAm strips. Maximal specific force was reduced by ~24 and ~13% in
      older F344 and BN rats, respectively. Additionally, although the cross-sectional
      area of type I and IIa DIAm fibres was unchanged in both F344 and BN rats, the
      cross-sectional area of type IIx and/or IIb DIAm fibres was reduced by ~20 and
      ~15% in F344 and BN rats, respectively. Thus, although there was ageing-related
      DIAm weakness and atrophy, selective to type IIx and/or IIb DIAm fibres, in both
      F344 and BN rats, the sarcopenic phenotype was more pronounced in F344 rats.

PMID- 27126610
TI  - Electronic Structure Theory Study of the Microsolvated F(-)(H2O) + CH3I SN2
      Reaction.
AB  - The potential energy profile of microhydrated fluorine ion reaction with methyl
      iodine has been characterized by extensive electronic structure calculations.
      Both hydrogen-bonded F(-)(H2O)---HCH2I and ion-dipole F(-)(H2O)---CH3I complexes
      are formed for the reaction entrance and the PES in vicinity of these complexes
      is very flat, which may have important implications for the reaction dynamics.
      The water molecule remains on the fluorine side until the reactive system goes to
      the SN2 saddle point. It can easily move to the iodine side with little barrier,
      but in a nonsynchronous reaction path after the dynamical bottleneck to the
      reaction, which supports the previous prediction for microsolvated SN2 systems.
      The influence of solvating water molecule on the reaction mechanism is probed by
      comparing with the influence of the nonsolvated analogue and other microsolvated
      SN2 systems. Taking the CCSD(T) single-point calculations based on MP2-optimized
      geometries as benchmark, the DFT functionals B97-1 and B3LYP are found to better
      characterize the potential energy profile for the title reaction and are
      recommended as the preferred methods for the direct dynamics simulations to
      uncover the dynamic behaviors. 

PMID- 27126609
TI  - Emergence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      strains in the neonatal intensive care unit: an infection prevention and patient
      safety challenge.
AB  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections cause significant
      morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). We
      characterized the clinical and molecular epidemiology of MRSA strains colonizing
      NICU patients. Nasal MRSA isolates (n = 250, from 96 NICU patients) recovered
      through active surveillance from 2009 to 2014 were characterized with
      staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing and detection of mupA
      (marker of high-level mupirocin resistance) and qacA/B (marker associated with
      chlorhexidine resistance). Factors associated with community-associated (CA-) or
      healthcare-associated (HA-) MRSA were evaluated. The overall prevalence of MRSA
      nasal colonization was 3.9%. Of 96 neonates in our retrospective cohort, 60 (63%)
      were colonized with CA-MRSA strains and 35 (36%) were colonized with HA-MRSA
      strains. Patients colonized with HA-MRSA were more likely to develop MRSA
      infections than patients colonized with CA-MRSA (13/35, 37% versus 8/60, 13%; p
      0.007), although the interval from colonization to infection was shorter in CA
      MRSA-colonized infants (median 0 days, range -1 to 4 versus HA-MRSA-colonized
      infants, 7 days, -1 to 43; p 0.005). Maternal peripartum antibiotics were
      associated with CA-MRSA colonization (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.7; 95% CI 1.7
      45.0); intubation and surgical procedures were associated with HA-MRSA
      colonization (aOR 7.8; 95% CI 1.3-47.6 and aOR 6.0; 95% CI 1.4-24.4,
      respectively). Mupirocin- and chlorhexidine-resistant MRSA was isolated from four
      and eight patients, respectively; carriage of a mupirocin-resistant strain
      precluded decolonization. CA-MRSA strains are prominent in the NICU and
      associated with distinct risk factors. Given community reservoirs for MRSA
      acquisition and transmission, novel infection prevention strategies are needed. 

PMID- 27126612
TI  - Effect of Mating Status and Age on the Male Mate Choice and Mating Competency in
      the Common Bed Bug, Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae).
AB  - We investigated male mate choice and mating competency in the common bed bug,
      Cimex lectularius L., using video tracking for 10 min per experiment. In the male
      mate choice experiment, when a male was placed with two females of different
      mating status, males preferred to initiate copulation with the virgin female more
      quickly than with the mated female, and the mean total copulation duration with
      virgin females (38.0 +/- 3.0 s) was significantly longer than with mated females
      (14.6 +/- 3.0 s). When a male was placed with two females of different age, males
      initiated copulation more quickly with the old virgin female (29-34 d adult
      emergence) than with the young virgin one (<7 d adult emergence), and the mean
      total copulation duration with old virgin females (38.4 +/- 4.0 s) was
      significantly longer than with young virgin females (24.0 +/- 3.0 s). In the male
      mating competency experiment where a female was placed with two males of
      different mating status or age, the virgin males were more eager to mate than the
      mated males, and the old virgin males (29-34 d adult emergence) were more eager
      than the young virgin males (<7 d adult emergence), with eagerness measured by
      the percentage of first mate selected (first copulation occurred) and the total
      copulation duration by each group of males. Male mating competency is related to
      postmating duration (PMD); males mated 1 d earlier were significantly less likely
      to mate than virgin males. However, males mated 7 d earlier showed no significant
      difference in mating competency compared to virgin males. In conclusion, mate
      choice in C. lectularius is associated with both male and female mating status,
      age, and PMD.

PMID- 27126611
TI  - N-Heterocyclic Carbene Capture by Cytochrome P450 3A4.
AB  - Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is the dominant P450 enzyme involved in human drug
      metabolism, and its inhibition may result in adverse interactions or, conversely,
      favorably reduce the systemic elimination rates of poorly bioavailable drugs.
      Herein we describe a spectroscopic investigation of the interaction of CYP3A4
      with N-methylritonavir, an analog of ritonavir, widely used as a
      pharmacoenhancer. In contrast to ritonavir, the binding affinity of N
      methylritonavir for CYP3A4 is pH-dependent. At pH <7.4, the spectra are
      definitively type I, whereas at pH >=7.4 the spectra have split Soret bands,
      including a red-shifted component characteristic of a P450-carbene complex.
      Variable-pH UV-visible spectroscopy binding studies with molecular fragments
      narrows the source of this pH dependence to its N-methylthiazolium fragment. The
      C2 proton of this group is acidic, and variable-pH resonance Raman spectroscopy
      tentatively assigns it a pKa of 7.4. Hence, this fragment of N-methylritonavir is
      expected to be readily deprotonated under physiologic conditions to yield a
      thiazol-2-ylidene, which is an N-heterocyclic carbene that has high-affinity for
      and is presumed to be subsequently captured by the heme iron. This mechanism is
      supported by time-dependent density functional theory with an active site model
      that accurately reproduces distinguishing features of the experimental UV-visible
      spectra of N-methylritonavir bound to CYP3A4. Finally, density functional theory
      calculations support that this novel interaction is as strong as the tightest
      binding azaheterocycles found in P450 inhibitors and could offer new avenues for
      inhibitor development.

PMID- 27126615
TI  - Moving from awareness to action on preventing patient exposure to toxic
      environmental chemicals.

PMID- 27126614
TI  - A fuzzy-logic-based controller for methane production in anaerobic fixed-film
      reactors.
AB  - The main objective of this work was to develop a controller for biogas production
      in continuous anaerobic fixed-bed reactors, which used effluent total volatile
      fatty acids (VFA) concentration as control input in order to prevent process
      acidification at closed loop. To this aim, a fuzzy-logic-based control system was
      developed, tuned and validated in an anaerobic fixed-bed reactor at pilot scale
      that treated industrial winery wastewater. The proposed controller varied the
      flow rate of wastewater entering the system as a function of the gaseous outflow
      rate of methane and VFA concentration. Simulation results show that the proposed
      controller is capable to achieve great process stability even when operating at
      high VFA concentrations. Pilot results showed the potential of this control
      approach to maintain the process working properly under similar conditions to the
      ones expected at full-scale plants.

PMID- 27126616
TI  - August 2015 (vol. 213, no. 2, pages 188.e4, 188.e8, and 188.e10).

PMID- 27126613
TI  - A humanized monoclonal antibody neutralizes yellow fever virus strain 17D-204 in
      vitro but does not protect a mouse model from disease.
AB  - The yellow fever virus (YFV) vaccine 17D-204 is considered safe and effective,
      yet rare severe adverse events (SAEs), some resulting in death, have been
      documented following vaccination. Individuals exhibiting post-vaccinal SAEs are
      ideal candidates for antiviral monoclonal antibody (MAb) therapy; the time until
      appearance of clinical signs post-exposure is usually short and patients are
      quickly hospitalized. We previously developed a murine-human chimeric monoclonal
      antibody (cMAb), 2C9-cIgG, reactive with both virulent YFV and 17D-204, and
      demonstrated its ability to prevent and treat YF disease in both AG129 mouse and
      hamster models of infection. To counteract possible selection of 17D-204 variants
      that escape neutralization by treatment with a single MAb (2C9-cIgG), we
      developed a second cMAb, 864-cIgG, for use in combination with 2C9-cIgG in post
      vaccinal therapy. MAb 864-cIgG recognizes/neutralizes only YFV 17D-204 vaccine
      substrain and binds to domain III (DIII) of the viral envelope protein, which is
      different from the YFV type-specific binding site of 2C9-cIgG in DII. Although it
      neutralized 17D-204 in vitro, administration of 864-cIgG had no protective
      capacity in the interferon receptor-deficient AG129 mouse model of 17D-204
      infection. The data presented here show that although DIII-specific 864-cIgG
      neutralizes virus infectivity in vitro, it does not have the ability to abrogate
      disease in vivo. Therefore, combination of 864-cIgG with 2C9-cIgG for treatment
      of YF vaccination SAEs does not appear to provide an improvement on 2C9-cIgG
      therapy alone.

PMID- 27126617
TI  - Randomised controlled trial to evaluate a physiotherapy-led functional exercise
      programme after total hip replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: At present, there is an insufficient evidence base to evaluate the
      effectiveness of physiotherapy following total hip replacement (THR). This study
      evaluated the effectiveness of a physiotherapy-supervised functional exercise
      programme between 12 and 18 weeks following THR. These time-points coincide with
      increased functional demand in patients. DESIGN: Adequately powered assessor
      blinded randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Patients were recruited at a pre
      operative assessment clinic and randomised following surgery. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty
      three subjects were randomised to either the usual care group (control, n=31) or
      the functional exercise+usual care group (n=32). INTERVENTIONS: Patients in the
      functional exercise group attended a physiotherapy-supervised functional exercise
      class twice weekly from 12 to 18 weeks following THR. Patients in the control
      group followed the usual care protocol with no exercise intervention. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: The main outcome measurement tool was the Western Ontario
      and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, and the
      secondary outcomes included walking speed, hip abduction dynamometry, Short Form
      12 physical and mental health scores, and visual analogue pain scale score.
      RESULTS: At 18 weeks post surgery, WOMAC function and walking speed improved
      significantly more in the functional exercise group [mean difference -4.0, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) -7.0 to 1.0 (P<0.01); mean difference 21.9m, 95% CI 0.60
      to 43.3 (P<0.04)] than the control group, but there was no significant difference
      in hip abductor strength. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that patients who
      undertake a physiotherapy-led functional exercise programme between 12 and 18
      weeks after THR may gain significant functional improvement compared with
      patients receiving usual care. Clinical trial registration number NCT01683201.

PMID- 27126618
TI  - Risk of anastomotic leak after laparoscopic versus open colectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leak following colorectal surgery is associated with
      significant morbidity and mortality. With the widespread adoption of laparoscopy,
      data from initial clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of laparoscopic when
      compared to open surgery may not currently be generalizable. We assess the risk
      of anastomotic leak after laparoscopic versus open colorectal resection using a
      nationwide database with standardized definitions. METHODS: The 2012-2013 ACS
      NSQIP targeted colectomy data were queried for all elective colorectal
      resections. Characteristics were compared for those patients undergoing
      laparoscopic versus open operations. Univariable and multivariable analyses,
      followed by a propensity score-matched analysis, were performed to assess the
      impact of laparoscopy on the development of an anastomotic leak. RESULTS: Of
      23,568 patients, 3.4 % developed an anastomotic leak. Laparoscopic surgery was
      associated with a leak rate of 2.8 % (n = 425) and open surgery, 4.5 % (n = 378,
      p < 0.0001). Patients who developed a leak were more likely to die within 30 days
      of surgery (5.7 vs. 0.6 %, p < 0.0001). Patients who underwent laparoscopic
      surgery compared to open were younger (61 vs. 63 years, p = 0, p = 0.045) and
      with fewer comorbidities. On univariable analysis laparoscopic surgery was
      associated with reduced odds of developing an anastomotic leak (OR 0.60, p <
      0.0001), and this remained after adjusting for all significant preoperative and
      disease-related confounders (OR 0.69, 95 % CI 0.58-0.82). A propensity score
      matched analysis confirmed benefit of laparoscopic surgery over open surgery for
      anastomotic leak. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic colectomy is safe and associated with
      reduced odds of developing an anastomotic leak following colectomy when
      controlling for patient-, disease- and procedure-related factors.

PMID- 27126619
TI  - Endoscopic balloon dilation in the management of strictures in Crohn's disease: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis of non-randomized trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with strictures.
      Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) may prevent or delay the need for surgical
      resection. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy and
      safety of EBD in the management of Crohn's strictures. METHODS: A comprehensive
      search of MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from January 1980 to May 2015 was
      performed. The primary outcome measurements were surgical intervention rates and
      major adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies involving 1163 patients were
      included in the analysis. The median duration from the initial diagnosis of CD to
      the first EBD was 10.2-17.0 years. The majority of strictures (69 %) treated were
      anastomotic, while the remaining strictures were naive (primary). Surgical
      intervention rate over a median follow-up period of 15-70 months in the reported
      studies was 27 %. The surgical intervention rate after dilation of anastomotic
      strictures was 18 % versus 29 % for primary strictures. The risk ratio for the
      surgical requirement of anastomotic versus primary strictures was [0.88 (95 %
      confidence interval [CI] 0.59-1.32); p = 0.54]. Stricture length <4 cm was
      associated with a significantly decreased risk of surgical intervention [risk
      ratio = 0.48 (95 % CI 0.26-0.90); p = 0.02]. EBD resulted in major adverse events
      in 4 % of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: EBD appears to be a safe alternative for
      surgery in the management of Crohn's strictures. Stricture length <4 cm treated
      with EBD is associated with a significantly decreased risk of surgical
      intervention.

PMID- 27126620
TI  - The anatomical location of the pancreas is associated with the incidence of
      pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic gastrectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the major
      complications after laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG). We investigated the impact of
      the anatomical location of the pancreas, especially in relation to the
      suprapancreatic lymph nodes, on the incidence of POPF after LG. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the preoperative computed tomography (CT) images of 246
      patients who underwent LG with the suprapancreatic lymph node dissection between
      November 2008 and November 2015. The length between the levels of the pancreatic
      body surface and the root of the common hepatic artery (LPC) was measured on a CT
      image with an axial view. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve
      analysis was performed to determine the cutoff LPC value. A multivariate analysis
      was performed to determine the predictive factors for POPF. RESULTS: POPF
      occurred in 11 patients (4.5 %). The median LPC was significantly longer in the
      patients with POPF than in those without (26 mm vs. 21 mm, p = 0.026). The ROC
      curve analysis revealed that the optimal cutoff LPC value for predicting POPF was
      25 mm. The POPF rate was significantly higher in the long LPC group than in the
      short LPC group (10 vs. 1.3 %, p = 0.002). A multivariate analysis demonstrated
      that a long LPC (p = 0.018) and dissection of the lymph nodes along the distal
      splenic artery (p = 0.042) were independent predictors of POPF. The amylase level
      in the drainage fluid on postoperative day 1 was significantly higher in the long
      LPC group than in the short LPC group. CONCLUSIONS: The LPC is a simple and
      reliable predictor of POPF after LG. Surgeons should take the anatomical location
      of the pancreas into consideration when performing LG with suprapancreatic lymph
      node dissection.

PMID- 27126621
TI  - Single-stage management with combined tri-endoscopic approach for concomitant
      cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the value of a single stage
      with combined tri-endoscopic (duodenoscopy, laparoscopy and choledochoscopy)
      approach for patients with concomitant cholecystolithiasis and
      choledocholithiasis. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with combined gallbladder
      stones and common bile duct stones from February 2014 to April 2015 were
      randomized assigned to two groups: 29 patients underwent single-stage surgery
      with combined duodenoscope, laparoscope and choledochoscope (combined tri
      endoscopic group), and 29 patients underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy to remove
      common bile duct stones followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy several days
      later (control group). The success rate of complete stone removal, procedure
      related complication, hospital stay and the cost of hospitalization were compared
      between the two groups. RESULTS: Altogether, 53 patients (29 patients in combined
      tri-endoscopic group and 24 patients in control group) successfully underwent the
      surgery and ERCP procedure. Three patients in the control group developed post
      ERCP pancreatitis. One case of bile leaking and one case of residual stone were
      noted in the combined tri-endoscopic group. There were no significant differences
      between the two groups with regard to both complete stone removal [96.6 % (28/29)
      vs. 100 % (24/24)] and procedure-related complication rate [3.4 % (1/29) vs. 12.5
      % (3/24)] (p > 0.05). No open surgery was required in either group. There were
      significant differences between the two groups with regard to hospital stay (6.72
      +/- 1.3 days vs. 10.91 +/- 1.6 days, p < 0.01) and cost of hospitalization
      (15,724 +/- 1613 CNY vs. 19,829 +/- 2433 CNY, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The single
      stage combined tri-endoscopic approach for concomitant cholecystolithiasis and
      choledocholithiasis was just as safe and successful as the control group. In
      addition, it resulted in a shorter hospital stay and less cost.

PMID- 27126622
TI  - Outcome of bariatric surgery in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: our
      experience and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The beneficial effect of bariatric surgery (BS) in type 2 diabetes
      mellitus patients is well established. Conversely, little is known about the
      efficacy of BS in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients, despite the
      increasing prevalence of obesity in this population. METHODS: A retrospective
      review was carried out on a prospectively collected bariatric surgery registry of
      all patients undergoing BS at two university hospitals between 2010 and 2015.
      Patients with T1DM were identified, and detailed chart reviews were obtained.
      RESULTS: In this time period, we operated on thirteen patients with T1DM. Eight
      were female (61.5 %). Median age at time of surgery was 38 +/- 8.3 (range 28-53)
      years. The procedures performed were laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (n = 10) and
      laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 3). On median postoperative follow-up
      of 24 (range 2.5-51) months, mean body mass index significantly decreased from
      39.9 +/- 4.1 to 30.1 +/- 3.9 kg/m2 (P < 0.0001) and insulin requirements were
      significantly reduced from 83.7 +/- 40.4 to 45.7 +/- 33.1 U/day (P < 0.01).
      However, there was no significant change in glycemic control assessed by HbA1C (P
      = 0.2). During the first months following surgery, three patients (21.4 %)
      experienced diabetic ketoacidosis, and four patients (28.6 %) reported more
      frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery in morbidly
      obese T1DM patients is an effective method for weight loss, leading to a
      remarkable improvement in insulin requirements. Larger prospective studies are
      still needed to confirm these findings, assess long-term effects of BS and better
      delineate its risk-to-benefit ratio in this growing population of morbidly obese
      patients with T1DM.

PMID- 27126624
TI  - Laparoscopic redo hepaticojejunostomy for children with choledochal cysts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current study is to evaluate the long-term efficacy of
      laparoscopic redo hepaticojejunostomy (LRH) for children with cholecochal cysts
      (CDCs). METHODS: Between January 2006 and January 2016, 44 CDC children who had
      biliary re-obstructions after primary definitive surgeries successfully underwent
      LRH in our hospital. The hepatic arteries were repositioned behind Roux loop.
      Ductoplasties and wide hepaticojejunostomies were carried out. The operative
      time, postoperative recovery and complications were compared with our open redo
      hepaticojejunostomy (ORH, n = 16) between October 2001 and December 2005.
      RESULTS: There was no significant difference of age at surgery between two
      groups. Mean operative time in the LRH group was 2.32 h, which did not differ
      from 2.05 h in the ORH group (p = 0.11). Average postoperative hospital stay,
      resumption of full diet and duration of drainage in the LRH group were 5.47, 2.11
      and 3.22 days, respectively, significantly shorter than 7.37, 3.31 and 4.50 days
      in our ORH group (p < 0.001, respectively). Median follow-up period was 48 months
      (1-120 months) in the LRH group and 140 months (120-170 months) in the ORH group.
      No recurrent biliary obstruction, cholangitis, intrahepatic stone formation or
      carcinoma were detected in either group. No blood transfusion was required in the
      LRH group, while one patient in ORH group required 3-day hemostatic treatment and
      blood transfusion for postoperative bleeding. In the LRH group, one patient
      suffered from bile leak and spontaneously cured after 7-day drainage. Two
      patients in the ORH group developed wound dehiscence and required surgical
      repairs. Overall morbidities were 2.3 % (1/44) in LRH group and significantly
      <18.8 % (3/16) in ORH group (p < 0.05). Liver function parameters normalized in
      both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, LRH does not necessarily require
      open surgery. Long-term results of the LRH group were comparable or even superior
      to those of the ORH group.

PMID- 27126623
TI  - Stenosis rates after endoscopic submucosal dissection of large rectal tumors
      involving greater than three quarters of the luminal circumference.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive
      treatment option for large rectal tumors. There are limited data available on
      stenosis rates following ESD of large rectal lesions. We aimed to evaluate the
      stenosis rate following ESD of large rectal tumors with rectal mucosal defects
      greater than three quarters of the circumference. METHODS: We retrospectively
      identified patients who underwent rectal ESD between January 1998 and July 2014.
      Patients with rectal mucosal defects greater than three quarters the luminal
      circumference were included for analysis. Clinicopathologic characteristics,
      treatment outcomes and adverse events were assessed. Stenosis was defined as an
      inability to pass a pediatric colonoscope into the sigmoid colon. None of the
      patients underwent prophylactic balloon dilation. RESULTS: A total of 363
      patients with 370 rectal lesions were treated by ESD. Among these, 26 patients
      had 26 lesions with rectal mucosal defects greater than three quarters of the
      luminal circumference. Median tumor size (range) was 80 (47-150) mm. Four lesions
      (15 %) required between 90 and <100 % circumferential dissection, while complete
      circumferential ESD was performed in two lesions (8 %). Dissection extended to
      the anal canal in six patients. The median procedure time was 220 min. En bloc
      resection and curative resection were achieved in 88.5 and 65.4 %, respectively.
      Delayed bleeding rates and perforation rates were 7.7 and 0 %, respectively.
      During a median follow-up period of 9.8 (0-59) months, there were no patients
      with complaints of constipation or fecal incontinence. One patient (4.2 %) was
      noted to have rectal stenosis, but was clinically asymptomatic. Endoscopic
      balloon dilation was not required in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: Stenosis may
      rarely occur after ESD of large rectal lesions with rectal mucosal defects
      greater than three quarters of the circumference, even without prophylactic
      endoscopic balloon dilation.

PMID- 27126625
TI  - Application of clip traction in endoscopic submucosal dissection to the treatment
      of early esophageal carcinoma and precancerous lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: It is usually difficult to obtain a good view of the
      dissection plane during esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).
      Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of
      clip traction in ESD for the treatment of early esophageal carcinoma (EEC) or
      precancerous lesions. METHODS: This is a case-matched comparative study. We
      selected 100 EEC patients who had undergone ESD. Fifty cases underwent ESD
      without clip traction (non-clip group), and 50 cases underwent ESD with clip
      traction (clip group). The patient-related variables, dissection time, data
      regarding muscularis propria injury, etc. were statistically analyzed. RESULTS:
      ESD was successful in all cases without complication. There were no significant
      differences between the two groups with respect to age, gender, the longitudinal
      diameter of the lesions, etc. Wide visual field exposure of the submucosal tissue
      below the lesion was obtained by applying clip traction. The dissection time of
      ESD was shorter in the clip group than in the non-clip group [22.02 (6.77) min vs
      26.48 (12.56); P = 0.018] when the extent of lesion was less than half of the
      circumference of the esophagus; otherwise, there was no difference between the
      two groups (P = 0.252). Moreover, the muscularis propria injuries in the clip
      group were obviously less than the non-clip group (10 vs 30 %, P = 0.007).
      CONCLUSION: Clip traction can decrease the rate of muscularis propria injury and
      shorten the dissection time. It is recommended as a safe and effective auxiliary
      procedure for the treatment of esophageal ESD.

PMID- 27126626
TI  - Clinical outcomes and cost-benefit analysis comparing laparoscopic and robotic
      colorectal surgeries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The introduction of minimally invasive platforms for colorectal
      surgery-laparoscopy and more recently robotics-allows for smaller incisions,
      shortened hospital stay, less postoperative pain, and quicker return to normal
      activity. There exists a lack of evidence-based knowledge comparing the clinical
      outcomes and cost-benefit analysis of the different types of minimally invasive
      surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the short-term clinical
      outcomes and overall hospital costs between laparoscopic and robotic colorectal
      surgery. METHODS: After IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective chart review
      from 131 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery and 96 patients
      who underwent robotic colorectal surgery. Data analyzed included pertinent
      patient demographics, operative times (OR times), conversion rates, postoperative
      pathology, complications, length of hospital stay, 90-day readmission rates, 30
      day mortality, and overall hospital costs. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-seven
      patients were included-laparoscopic (N = 131) and robotic (N = 96) colorectal
      surgeries. Mean age of patients in the laparoscopic versus robotic cohort was
      70.9 vs 63.6 years, (p < 0.001). Around 62 % were operated on for malignant
      disease. Mean OR time was 113 min for laparoscopy and 109 min for robotics, p =
      0.59. Conversion rates were comparable. Mean length of hospital stay (6.6 vs 5.7
      days) and postoperative complications (3.2 vs 7 %) were comparable between the
      laparoscopic and robotic arms. Overall hospital charges were $114,853 for
      laparoscopy and $107,220 for robotics, and no significant difference was noted (p
      = 0.448, NS). CONCLUSION: Robotic colectomies were comparable to laparoscopic
      colectomies in terms of overall hospital charges and short-term clinical
      outcomes, including length of stay and conversion rates. Robotic surgery was
      favored for left-sided colectomy. With shorter learning curves and wider
      availability, robotic approach offers a safe and economically feasible minimally
      invasive platform for complex colorectal resections.

PMID- 27126627
TI  - First protein and peptide characterization of the tarsal adhesive secretions in
      the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, and the Madagascar hissing cockroach,
      Gromphadorhina portentosa.
AB  - Peptides and proteins have been largely neglected in the analysis of insect
      tarsal adhesives. After extraction of the protein fraction of the tarsal
      secretion of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, and Madagascar hissing
      cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa, we combined Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FTIR), sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
      (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
      (MALDI-TOF MS) analyses for protein mass detection. In both these insects, SDS
      PAGE analysis revealed several protein bands ranging from 8-190 kDa in both the
      tarsal secretion and the tibia control sample. Two (S. gregaria) and one (G.
      portentosa) protein bands exclusively occurred in the tarsal secretion and can be
      considered to belong to peptides and proteins specific to this secretion. MALDI
      TOF analyses revealed 83 different proteins/peptides of 1-7 kDa in S. gregaria,
      and 48 of 1-11 kDa in G. portentosa. 59 (S. gregaria) and 27 (G. portentosa)
      proteins exclusively occurred in the tarsal secretion. In G. portentosa, a
      characteristic series of signal peaks occurred in the range of c. 10-12 kDa, each
      peak being approximately 160 Da apart. Such a pattern is indicative of proteins
      modified by glycosylation. Our approach demonstrates that extensive sampling
      involving considerable time and manpower to sample the adhesive fluid directly
      from the tarsi opens up a perspective for extracting peptides and proteins in
      sufficient quantities. This makes them accessible to the field of proteomics and
      thus to elucidate their possible function in the adhesive process.

PMID- 27126629
TI  - Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine Position Statement
      Abstract: Transitional care.

PMID- 27126628
TI  - B-cell signaling in persistent polyclonal B lymphocytosis (PPBL).
AB  - Persistent polyclonal B lymphocytosis (PPBL) is a benign hematological disorder
      characterized by a selective expansion of circulating polyclonal marginal zone
      (MZ)-like B cells. Previous reports demonstrated that cases of PPBL showed poor
      activation, proliferation and survival of B cells in vitro, yet the underlying
      defect remains unknown. Here we report for the first time an attenuated
      activation of the canonical NF-kappaB (nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide
      gene enhancer in B cells) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase pathway after CD40 stimulation. This defect was
      selective, as alternative NF-kappaB signaling after CD40 stimulation and both B
      cell receptor- and Toll-like receptor 9-mediated activation remained unaffected.
      Reduced canonical NF-kappaB activation resulted in decreased IkappaBalpha and
      CD40 expression in resting cells. In PPBL patients, expression of Bcl-xL in MZ
      like B cells did not increase upon activation, consistent with the high apoptosis
      rates of PPBL-derived B cells that were observed in vitro. The B-cell phenotype
      of mice with selective knockouts of early components of the CD40 signaling
      pathway resembles PPBL, but sequencing corresponding genes in sorted MZ-like B
      cells of PPBL patients did not reveal relevant genetic alterations. Nevertheless,
      the frequently observed mutations in early signaling components of the NF-kappaB
      pathway in MZ lymphomas underline the relevance of our findings for the
      pathogenesis of PPBL.

PMID- 27126630
TI  - Association of Distance Traveled for Surgery with Short- and Long-Term Cancer
      Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The influence of distance traveled for treatment on short- and long
      term cancer outcomes is unclear. METHODS: Patients with colon, esophageal, liver,
      and pancreas cancer from 2003 to 2006 were identified from the National Cancer
      Data Base (NCDB). Distance traveled for surgical treatment was estimated using
      zip code centroids. Propensity scores were generated for probability of traveling
      farther for treatment. Mixed effects logistic regression for 90-day mortality and
      Cox regression for 5-year mortality were compared between patients treated
      regionally and those traveling from farther away. RESULTS: The mean distance
      traveled for all patients for surgical resection was 30.0 +/- 227 miles, with a
      median distance of 7.5 (interquartile range 14.4) miles. Patients who were aged
      >=80 years, on Medicaid, or African American were less likely to be in the fourth
      quartile of distance (Q4) traveled for surgery. Patients who were in Q4 had a
      lower risk-adjusted 90-day mortality compared to Q1 for colon [odds ratio (OR)
      0.89, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.82-0.96], liver (OR 0.49, 95 % CI 0.3
      0.78), and pancreatic (OR 0.74, 95 % CI 0.56-0.98) cancer. Similarly, patients in
      Q4 for all tumor types had a lower risk-adjusted 5-year mortality compared to
      patients in Q1; colon (hazard ratio (HR) 0.96, 95 % CI 0.93-0.99), esophagus (HR
      0.84, 95 % CI 0.75-0.94), liver (HR 0.75, 95 % CI 0.62-0.89), and pancreas (HR
      0.87, 95 % CI 0.80-0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Greater travel distance for surgical
      resection of gastrointestinal cancers is associated with lower 90-day and 5-year
      mortality outcomes. This distance bias has implications for regionalization and
      reporting of cancer outcomes.

PMID- 27126631
TI  - From Conventional Radiotracer Tc-99(m) with Blue Dye to Indocyanine Green
      Fluorescence: A Comparison of Methods Towards Optimization of Sentinel Lymph Node
      Mapping in Early Stage Cervical Cancer for a Laparoscopic Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The credibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is becoming
      increasingly more established in cervical cancer. We aimed to assess the
      sensitivity of SLN biopsy in terms of detection rate and bilateral mapping in
      women with cervical cancer by comparing technetium-99 radiocolloid (Tc-99(m)) and
      blue dye (BD) versus fluorescence mapping with indocyanine green (ICG). METHODS:
      Data of patients with cervical cancer stage 1A2 to 1B1 from 5 European
      institutions were retrospectively reviewed. All centers used a laparoscopic
      approach with the same intracervical dye injection. Detection rate and bilateral
      mapping of ICG were compared, respectively, with results obtained by standard Tc
      99(m) with BD. RESULTS: Overall, 76 (53 %) of 144 of women underwent preoperative
      SLN mapping with radiotracer and intraoperative BD, whereas 68 of (47 %) 144
      patients underwent mapping using intraoperative ICG. The detection rate of SLN
      mapping was 96 % and 100 % for Tc-99(m) with BD and ICG, respectively. Bilateral
      mapping was achieved in 98.5 % for ICG and 76.3 % for Tc-99(m) with BD; this
      difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The
      fluorescence SLN mapping with ICG achieved a significantly higher detection rate
      and bilateral mapping compared to standard radiocolloid and BD technique in women
      with early stage cervical cancer. Nodal staging with an intracervical injection
      of ICG is accurate, safe, and reproducible in patients with cervical cancer.
      Before replacing lymphadenectomy completely, the additional value of fluorescence
      SLN mapping on both perioperative morbidity and survival should be explored and
      confirmed by ongoing controlled trials.

PMID- 27126632
TI  - Role of neuroimaging in the diagnosis of hereditary cerebellar ataxias in
      childhood.
AB  - Hereditary ataxias are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders,
      characterized by cerebellar ataxia as the main clinical feature, and a large
      spectrum of neurological-associated symptoms and possible multi-organ affection.
      Image-based approaches to hereditary ataxias in childhood have already been
      proposed. The aim of this review is to yield the main reports of neuroimaging
      patterns and diagnostic algorithms and compare them with the results from our
      study of 23 young patients addressed for ataxia, with subsequent genetic or
      metabolic diagnosis. 

PMID- 27126633
TI  - Absolute and regional cerebral perfusion assessment feasibility in head-down
      position with arterial spin-labeling magnetic resonance. A preliminary report on
      healthy subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: Head-down (HD)-positioning, used in some stroke centers during early
      ischemic stroke management, is empirical but supported by some physiological
      findings. It has been shown by nonmagnetic resonance methods that this position
      can increase cerebral perfusion. This study aimed to investigate magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) ability to measure the response to head-down tilt (HDT)
      challenge in healthy volunteers. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was assessed with
      arterial spin labeling (ASL) in supine and HD (-15 degrees ) positions. METHODS:
      Cerebral perfusion was measured in supine and HD positions in seven healthy
      subjects at 1.5T with a large magnet bore (70cm) MRI device. 3D pseudocontinuous
      arterial spin-labeling (pCASL) sequences were acquired in both positions and
      cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps were reconstructed. Regions of interest were
      subcortical gray matter structures (accumbens nuclei, amygdala, caudate nucleus,
      hippocampus, pallidum, putamen and thalamus), whole cortical gray matter and
      whole white matter. RESULTS: White matter and subcortical gray matter structures'
      CBF, averaged over the volunteers' sample, remained stable from supine to HD
      position. Accumbens nuclei and cortical gray matter CBF decreased by 11.5%
      (P=0.013) and 11.4% (P=0.018) when head position was changed from flat to -15
      degrees . CONCLUSIONS: Regional CBF assessment, especially in HDT, is challenging
      with most perfusion techniques because of ionizing radiations, inherent
      limitations and logistical considerations. This preliminary report presents a
      noninvasive technique assessing regional and absolute cerebral blood flow changes
      in response to posture change. It can lead to further clinical investigations for
      a better understanding of cerebral perfusion.

PMID- 27126634
TI  - Structural and molecular myelination deficits occur prior to neuronal loss in the
      YAC128 and BACHD models of Huntington disease.
AB  - White matter (WM) atrophy is a significant feature of Huntington disease (HD),
      although its aetiology and early pathological manifestations remain poorly
      defined. In this study, we aimed to characterize WM-related features in the
      transgenic YAC128 and BACHD models of HD. Using diffusion tensor magnetic
      resonance imaging (DT-MRI), we demonstrate that microstructural WM abnormalities
      occur from an early age in YAC128 mice. Similarly, electron microscopy analysis
      of myelinated fibres of the corpus callosum indicated that myelin sheaths are
      thinner in YAC128 mice as early as 1.5 months of age, well before any neuronal
      loss can be detected. Transcript levels of myelin-related genes in striatal and
      cortical tissues were significantly lower in YAC128 mice from 2 weeks of age, and
      these findings were replicated in differentiated primary oligodendrocytes from
      YAC128 mice, suggesting a possible mechanistic explanation for the observed
      structural deficits. Concordant with these observations, we demonstrate reduced
      expression of myelin-related genes at 3 months of age and WM microstructural
      abnormalities using DT-MRI at 12 months of age in the BACHD rats. These findings
      indicate that WM deficits in HD are an early phenotype associated with cell
      intrinsic effects of mutant huntingtin on myelin-related transcripts in
      oligodendrocytes, and raise the possibility that WM abnormalities may be an early
      contributing factor to the pathogenesis of HD.

PMID- 27126636
TI  - CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutation of PHEX in rabbit recapitulates human X-linked
      hypophosphatemia (XLH).
AB  - X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common cause of inheritable rickets,
      with an incidence of 1/20 000 in humans. Inactivation or mutation of the gene
      PHEX, a phosphate-regulating endopeptidase, leads to hypophosphatemia and
      defective bone mineralization in XLH patients. Presently, there is no adequate
      animal model for safety assessments of physiotherapies and drug screening for XLH
      rickets. In this study, an XLH model was generated via PHEX gene knockout (KO)
      through coinjection of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats
      (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9)/sgRNA mRNA into rabbit zygotes. The typical
      phenotypes of growth retardation, hypophosphatemia, elevated serum FGF23 and bone
      mineralization were observed in the PHEX KO rabbits but not in normal controls.
      In summary, for the first time, we have successfully obtained PHEX KO rabbits and
      recapitulated human XLH using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. This novel XLH rabbit model
      could be utilized as a drug screening model for XLH prevention and preclinical
      therapy.

PMID- 27126635
TI  - Glucocerebrosidase modulates cognitive and motor activities in murine models of
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Mutations in GBA1, the gene encoding glucocerebrosidase, are associated with an
      enhanced risk of developing synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease (PD)
      and dementia with Lewy bodies. A higher prevalence and increased severity of
      motor and non-motor symptoms is observed in PD patients harboring mutant GBA1
      alleles, suggesting a link between the gene or gene product and disease
      development. Interestingly, PD patients without mutations in GBA1 also exhibit
      lower levels of glucocerebrosidase activity in the central nervous system (CNS),
      implicating this lysosomal enzyme in disease pathogenesis. Here, we investigated
      whether modulation of glucocerebrosidase activity in murine models of
      synucleinopathy (expressing wild type Gba1) affected alpha-synuclein accumulation
      and behavioral phenotypes. Partial inhibition of glucocerebrosidase activity in
      PrP-A53T-SNCA mice using the covalent inhibitor conduritol-B-epoxide induced a
      profound increase in soluble alpha-synuclein in the CNS and exacerbated cognitive
      and motor deficits. Conversely, augmenting glucocerebrosidase activity in the
      Thy1-SNCA mouse model of PD delayed the progression of synucleinopathy. Adeno
      associated virus-mediated expression of glucocerebrosidase in the Thy1-SNCA mouse
      striatum led to decrease in the levels of the proteinase K-resistant fraction of
      alpha-synuclein, amelioration of behavioral aberrations and protection from loss
      of striatal dopaminergic markers. These data indicate that increasing
      glucocerebrosidase activity can influence alpha-synuclein homeostasis, thereby
      reducing the progression of synucleinopathies. This study provides robust in vivo
      evidence that augmentation of CNS glucocerebrosidase activity is a potential
      therapeutic strategy for PD, regardless of the mutation status of GBA1.

PMID- 27126637
TI  - Early hypermethylation of hepatic Igfbp2 results in its reduced expression
      preceding fatty liver in mice.
AB  - Obesity and ectopic fat disposition are risk factors for metabolic disease.
      Recent data indicate that IGFBP2 expression in liver is epigenetically inhibited
      during hepatic steatosis. The aim of this study was to investigate if epigenetic
      de-regulation of hepatic Igfbp2 occurs already early in life and is associated
      with increased risk for diet-induced obesity (DIO) during adolescence. Male
      C57BL/6J mice received a high-fat diet. After 3 weeks on this diet (age of 6
      weeks), DIO-susceptible (responder, Resp) and DIO-resistant (non-responder,
      nResp) mice were identified by early weight gain. At the age of 6 weeks, Resp
      mice exhibited elevated blood glucose (p < 0.05), plasma insulin (p < 0.01), HOMA
      IR and leptin/adiponectin ratio, whereas liver triglycerides were identical but
      significantly increased (p < 0.01) in Resp mice at 20 weeks of age. Igfbp2
      expression was reduced in young Resp compared with nResp mice (p < 0.01), an
      effect that correlated with elevated DNA methylation of intronic CpG2605 (p <
      0.01). The epigenetic inhibition of Igfbp2 was stable over time and preceded DIO
      and hepatosteatosis in adult mice. In vitro studies demonstrated that selective
      methylation of CpG2605 significantly reduced reporter activity by ~85%,
      indicating that Igfbp2 expression is modulated by methylation. In human whole
      blood cells, methylation of IGFBP2 at the homologous CpG site was increased in
      obese men with impaired glucose tolerance. In conclusion, our data show that
      increased methylation of hepatic Igfbp2 during infancy predicts the development
      of fatty liver later in life and is linked to deterioration of glucose
      metabolism.

PMID- 27126639
TI  - Safety of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy in patients with a prior
      malignancy.
AB  - AIM: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether tumor necrosis factor
      inhibitor (TNFi) therapy is safe in patients with a recent history of cancer. The
      purpose of our study was to explore the influence of TNFi therapy on cancer
      related outcomes in patients who had undergone curative cancer treatment.
      METHODS: The medical records of 814 patients who received TNFi therapy at a
      single rheumatology clinic, between June 2005 and May 2014 were retrospectively
      reviewed. Among them, the data from patients having received anticancer treatment
      before starting TNFi therapy were collected and cancer-related outcomes were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty patients of 814 had a history of malignancy before
      initiating TNFi therapy. Over the duration of TNFi exposure (median, 54.0 months;
      interquartile range [IQR], 23.25-72.0 months), there was no recurrence of the
      previous cancer. In eight patients with early-stage cancer, TNFi therapy was
      initiated < 5 years after conclusion of previous anticancer treatments. Notably,
      over the duration of the ongoing treatment follow-up period (median, 33.5 months;
      IQR, 13.0-75.75 months), cancer recurrence was also not identified. CONCLUSION:
      TNFi therapy in patients with a history of an early-stage localized cancer may
      not be contraindicated, even if TNFi is initiated < 5 years from completion of
      curative cancer treatment.

PMID- 27126638
TI  - Increased expression of the frontotemporal dementia risk factor TMEM106B causes
      C9orf72-dependent alterations in lysosomes.
AB  - Frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 inclusions (FTLD-TDP) is an
      important cause of dementia in individuals under age 65. Common variants in the
      TMEM106B gene were previously discovered by genome-wide association to confer
      genetic risk for FTLD-TDP (p = 1 * 10-11, OR = 1.6). Furthermore, TMEM106B may
      act as a genetic modifier affecting age at onset and age at death in the
      Mendelian subgoup of FTLD-TDP due to expansions of the C9orf72 gene. Evidence
      suggests that TMEM106B variants increase risk for developing FTLD-TDP by
      increasing expression of Transmembrane Protein 106B (TMEM106B), a lysosomal
      protein. To further understand the functional role of TMEM106B in disease
      pathogenesis, we investigated the cell biological effects of increased TMEM106B
      expression. Here, we report that increased TMEM106B expression results in the
      appearance of a vacuolar phenotype in multiple cell types, including neurons.
      Concomitant with the development of this vacuolar phenotype, cells over
      expressing TMEM106B exhibit impaired lysosomal acidification and degradative
      function, as well as increased cytotoxicity. We further identify a potential
      lysosomal sorting motif for TMEM106B and demonstrate that abrogation of sorting
      to lysosomes rescues TMEM106B-induced defects. Finally, we show that TMEM106B
      induced defects are dependent on the presence of C9orf72, as knockdown of C9orf72
      also rescues these defects. In sum, our results suggest that TMEM106B exerts its
      effects on FTLD-TDP disease risk through alterations in lysosomal pathways.
      Furthermore, TMEM106B and C9orf72 may interact in FTLD-TDP pathophysiology.

PMID- 27126640
TI  - Genome-wide association study identifies loci and candidate genes for meat
      quality traits in Simmental beef cattle.
AB  - Improving meat quality is the best way to enhance profitability and strengthen
      competitiveness in beef industry. Identification of genetic variants that control
      beef quality traits can help breeders design optimal breeding programs to achieve
      this goal. We carried out a genome-wide association study for meat quality traits
      in 1141 Simmental cattle using the Illumina Bovine HD 770K SNP array to identify
      the candidate genes and genomic regions associated with meat quality traits for
      beef cattle, including fat color, meat color, marbling score, longissimus muscle
      area, and shear force. In our study, we identified twenty significant single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (p < 1.47 * 10(-6)) associated with these five
      meat quality traits. Notably, we observed several SNPs were in or near eleven
      genes which have been reported previously, including TMEM236, SORL1, TRDN,
      S100A10, AP2S1, KCTD16, LOC506594, DHX15, LAMA4, PREX1, and BRINP3. We identified
      a haplotype block on BTA13 containing five significant SNPs associated with fat
      color trait. We also found one of 19 SNPs was associated with multiple traits
      (shear force and longissimus muscle area) on BTA7. Our results offer valuable
      insights to further explore the potential mechanism of meat quality traits in
      Simmental beef cattle.

PMID- 27126641
TI  - Mouse genome-wide association study identifies polymorphisms on chromosomes 4,
      11, and 15 for age-related cardiac fibrosis.
AB  - Dystrophic cardiac calcinosis (DCC), also called epicardial and myocardial
      fibrosis and mineralization, has been detected in mice of a number of laboratory
      inbred strains, most commonly C3H/HeJ and DBA/2J. In previous mouse breeding
      studies between these DCC susceptible and the DCC-resistant strain C57BL/6J, 4
      genetic loci harboring genes involved in DCC inheritance were identified and
      subsequently termed Dyscalc loci 1 through 4. Here, we report susceptibility to
      cardiac fibrosis, a sub-phenotype of DCC, at 12 and 20 months of age and close to
      natural death in a survey of 28 inbred mouse strains. Eight strains showed
      cardiac fibrosis with highest frequency and severity in the moribund mice. Using
      genotype and phenotype information of the 28 investigated strains, we performed
      genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and identified the most significant
      associations on chromosome (Chr) 15 at 72 million base pairs (Mb) (P < 10(-13))
      and Chr 4 at 122 Mb (P < 10(-11)) and 134 Mb (P < 10(-7)). At the Chr 15 locus,
      Col22a1 and Kcnk9 were identified. Both have been reported to be morphologically
      and functionally important in the heart muscle. The strongest Chr 4 associations
      were located approximately 6 Mb away from the Dyscalc 2 quantitative trait locus
      peak within the boundaries of the Extl1 gene and in close proximity to the Trim63
      and Cap1 genes. In addition, a single-nucleotide polymorphism association was
      found on chromosome 11. This study provides evidence for more than the previously
      reported 4 genetic loci determining cardiac fibrosis and DCC. The study also
      highlights the power of GWAS in the mouse for dissecting complex genetic traits.

PMID- 27126643
TI  - Which endovenous ablation method does offer a better long-term technical success
      in the treatment of the incompetent great saphenous vein? Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review article was to evaluate the long-term technical
      success rates of the known endovenous ablation procedures in the treatment of the
      incompetence of the great saphenous vein. METHODS: A literature search was
      conducted in the PubMed-database until the 5 January 2016. All publications with
      four to five years follow-up were eligible. Meta-analysis was performed by the
      IVhet-model. RESULTS: Eight hundred and sixty-two unique publications were found;
      17 of them were appropriate for meta-analysis. Overall, 1420 limbs were included
      in the trial, 939 for endovenous laser ablation, 353 for radiofrequency ablation
      and 128 for ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. Overall, technical success
      rates were 84.8% for endovenous laser ablation, 88.7% for radiofrequency ablation
      and 32.8% for ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy. There were no significant
      differences between endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation and
      ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy regarding the great saphenous vein reopening
      (p = 0.66; OR: 0.22; 95% of CI: 0.08-0.62 for radiofrequency ablation vs.
      endovenous laser ablation; p = 0.96; OR: 0.11; 95% of CI: 0.06-0.20 for
      endovenous laser ablation vs. ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy; p = 0.93; OR:
      3.20; 95% of CI: 0.54-18.90 for ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy vs.
      radiofrequency ablation). CONCLUSION: Both endovenous laser ablation and
      radiofrequency ablation are efficient in great saphenous vein occlusion on the
      long term. Lacking long-conducted large trials, the efficacy and reliability of
      ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy to treat great saphenous vein-reflux is not
      affirmed.

PMID- 27126642
TI  - Global and local oscillatory entrainment of visual behavior across retinotopic
      space.
AB  - Ongoing brain oscillations (7-10 Hz) modulate visual perception; in particular,
      their precise phase can predict target perception. Here, we employ this phase
      dependence of perception in a psychophysical experiment to track spatial
      properties of entrained oscillations of visual perception across the visual
      field. Is this entrainment local, or a more global phenomenon? If the latter,
      does oscillatory phase synchronize over space, or vary with increasing distance
      from the oscillatory source? We presented a disc stimulus in the upper left
      quadrant, oscillating in luminance at different frequencies (individual alpha
      frequency (IAF), 5 Hz, and 15 Hz) to entrain an oscillation with specific
      frequency and spatial origin. Observers fixated centrally, while flash stimuli at
      perceptual threshold appeared at different positions and times with respect to
      the oscillating stimulus. IAF and 5 Hz luminance oscillations modulated detection
      performance at all tested positions, whereas at 15 Hz, the effect was weaker and
      less consistent. Furthermore, for IAF and 5 Hz entrainment, preferred phases for
      target detection differed significantly between spatial locations, suggesting
      "local" entrainment of detection performance next to the oscillatory source,
      whereas more distant target locations shared a "global" effect with a
      significantly different phase. This unexpected global component of entrainment is
      tentatively attributed to widespread connectivity from thalamic nuclei such as
      the pulvinar.

PMID- 27126644
TI  - Advances in Thrombosis and Hemostasis: An Introduction to the Compendium.

PMID- 27126645
TI  - Global Burden of Thrombosis: Epidemiologic Aspects.
AB  - Thromboembolic conditions were estimated to account for 1 in 4 deaths worldwide
      in 2010 and are the leading cause of mortality. Thromboembolic conditions are
      divided into arterial and venous thrombotic conditions. Ischemic heart disease
      and ischemic stroke comprise the major arterial thromboses and deep-vein
      thrombosis and pulmonary embolism comprise venous thromboembolism. Atrial
      fibrillation is a major risk factor for stroke and systemic arterial
      thromboembolism. Estimates of the global burden of disease were obtained from
      Global Burden of Disease Project reports, recent systematic reviews, and
      searching the published literature for recent studies reporting measures of
      incidence, burden, and disability-adjusted life-years. Estimates per 100 000 of
      the global incidence rate (IR) for each condition are ischemic heart disease,
      IR=1518.7; myocardial infarction, IR=139.3; ischemic stroke, IR=114.3; atrial
      fibrillation, IR=77.5 in males and 59.5 in females; and venous thromboembolism,
      IR=115 to 269. Mortality rates (MRs) for each condition are ischemic heart
      disease, MR=105.5; ischemic stroke, MR=42.3; atrial fibrillation, MR=1.7; and
      venous thromboembolism, MR=9.4 to 32.3. Global public awareness is substantially
      lower for pulmonary embolism (54%) and deep-vein thrombosis (44%) than heart
      attack (88%) and stroke (85%). Over time, the incidence and MRs of these
      conditions have improved in developed countries, but are increasing in developing
      countries. Public health efforts to measure disease burden and increase awareness
      of symptoms and risk factors need to improve, particularly in low- and middle
      income regions to address this leading cause of morbidity and mortality. 

PMID- 27126647
TI  - Animal Models of Thrombosis From Zebrafish to Nonhuman Primates: Use in the
      Elucidation of New Pathologic Pathways and the Development of Antithrombotic
      Drugs.
AB  - Thrombosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Animal models
      are used to understand the pathological pathways involved in thrombosis and to
      test the efficacy and safety of new antithrombotic drugs. In this review, we will
      first describe the central role a variety of animal models of thrombosis and
      hemostasis has played in the development of new antiplatelet and anticoagulant
      drugs. These include the widely used P2Y12 antagonists and the recently developed
      orally available anticoagulants that directly target factor Xa or thrombin. Next,
      we will describe the new players, such as polyphosphate, neutrophil extracellular
      traps, and microparticles, which have been shown to contribute to thrombosis in
      mouse models, particularly venous thrombosis models. Other mouse studies have
      demonstrated roles for the factor XIIa and factor XIa in thrombosis. This has
      spurred the development of strategies to reduce their levels or activities as a
      new approach for preventing thrombosis. Finally, we will discuss the emergence of
      zebrafish as a model to study thrombosis and its potential use in the discovery
      of novel factors involved in thrombosis and hemostasis. Animal models of
      thrombosis from zebrafish to nonhuman primates are vital in identifying
      pathological pathways of thrombosis that can be safely targeted with a minimal
      effect on hemostasis. Future studies should focus on understanding the different
      triggers of thrombosis and the best drugs to prevent each type of thrombotic
      event. 

PMID- 27126648
TI  - Platelet-Mediated Thrombosis: From Bench to Bedside.
AB  - The pivotal role that platelets play in thrombosis and resultant ischemic event
      occurrences in patients with high-risk coronary artery disease is well
      established. This role provides the fundamental basis for the current wide
      implementation of dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor
      inhibitor. The development of user friendly point-of-care methods to assess
      platelet reactivity to adenosine diphosphate has increased the frequency of
      platelet function testing in clinical practice. Recent large observational
      studies have established an independent relation between the results of point-of
      care platelet function testing and clinical event occurrence in patients
      undergoing coronary artery stenting. However, prospective, randomized trials have
      failed to demonstrate that personalized antiplatelet therapy based on point-of
      care assessment of platelet function is effective in reducing ischemic event
      occurrences. Important limitations were associated with these trials. In
      addition, the concept of a therapeutic window of P2Y12 receptor reactivity with
      an upper threshold associated with ischemic event occurrence and a lower
      threshold associated with bleeding has also been proposed. In the absence of
      strong prospective evidence to support personalized antiplatelet therapy,
      clinical decision making about antiplatelet therapy rests on the large body of
      observational data and the fundamental importance of platelet physiology in
      catastrophic event occurrence in patients with high-risk coronary artery disease.

PMID- 27126649
TI  - Cross Talk Pathways Between Coagulation and Inflammation.
AB  - Anatomic pathology studies performed over 150 years ago revealed that excessive
      activation of coagulation occurs in the setting of inflammation. However, it has
      taken over a century since these seminal observations were made to delineate the
      molecular mechanisms by which these systems interact and the extent to which they
      participate in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. There is, in fact,
      extensive cross talk between coagulation and inflammation, whereby activation of
      one system may amplify activation of the other, a situation that, if unopposed,
      may result in tissue damage or even multiorgan failure. Characterizing the common
      triggers and pathways are key for the strategic design of effective therapeutic
      interventions. In this review, we highlight some of the key molecular
      interactions, some of which are already showing promise as therapeutic targets
      for inflammatory and thrombotic disorders. 

PMID- 27126646
TI  - Systems Analysis of Thrombus Formation.
AB  - The systems analysis of thrombosis seeks to quantitatively predict blood function
      in a given vascular wall and hemodynamic context. Relevant to both venous and
      arterial thrombosis, a Blood Systems Biology approach should provide metrics for
      rate and molecular mechanisms of clot growth, thrombotic risk, pharmacological
      response, and utility of new therapeutic targets. As a rapidly created
      multicellular aggregate with a polymerized fibrin matrix, blood clots result from
      hundreds of unique reactions within and around platelets propagating in space and
      time under hemodynamic conditions. Coronary artery thrombosis is dominated by
      atherosclerotic plaque rupture, complex pulsatile flows through stenotic regions
      producing high wall shear stresses, and plaque-derived tissue factor driving
      thrombin production. In contrast, venous thrombosis is dominated by stasis or
      depressed flows, endothelial inflammation, white blood cell-derived tissue
      factor, and ample red blood cell incorporation. By imaging vessels, patient
      specific assessment using computational fluid dynamics provides an estimate of
      local hemodynamics and fractional flow reserve. High-dimensional ex vivo
      phenotyping of platelet and coagulation can now power multiscale computer
      simulations at the subcellular to cellular to whole vessel scale of heart attacks
      or strokes. In addition, an integrated systems biology approach can rank safety
      and efficacy metrics of various pharmacological interventions or clinical trial
      designs. 

PMID- 27126651
TI  - Evolving Treatments for Acute Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to review advances in stroke treatment in the
      hyperacute period. With recent evolutions of technology in the fields of imaging,
      thrombectomy devices, and emergency room workflow management, as well as
      improvement in statistical methods and study design, there have been ground
      breaking changes in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. We describe how
      stroke presents as a clinical syndrome and how imaging as the most important
      biomarker will help differentiate between stroke subtypes and treatment
      eligibility. The evolution of hyperacute treatment has led to the current
      standard of care: intravenous thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator
      and endovascular treatment for proximal vessel occlusion in the anterior cerebral
      circulation. All patients with acute ischemic stroke are in need of hyperacute
      secondary prevention because the risk of recurrence is highest closest to the
      index event. The dominant themes of modern stroke care are the use of
      neurovascular imaging and speed of diagnosis and treatment. 

PMID- 27126650
TI  - Evolving Treatments for Arterial and Venous Thrombosis: Role of the Direct Oral
      Anticoagulants.
AB  - The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) represent a major advance in oral
      anticoagulant therapy and have replaced the vitamin K antagonists as the
      preferred treatment for many indications. By simplifying long-term anticoagulant
      therapy and improving its safety, the DOACs have the potential to reduce the
      global burden of thrombosis. Postmarketing studies suggest that the favorable
      results achieved with DOACs in the randomized controlled trials can be readily
      translated into practice, but highlight the need for appropriate patient, drug
      and dose selection, and careful follow-up. Leveraging on their success to date,
      ongoing studies are assessing the utility of DOACs for the prevention of
      thrombosis in patients with embolic stroke of unknown source, heart failure,
      coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, antiphospholipid syndrome,
      and cancer. The purpose of this article is to (1) review the pharmacology of the
      DOACs, (2) describe the advantages of the DOACs over vitamin K antagonists, (3)
      summarize the experience with the DOACs in established indications, (4) highlight
      current challenges and limitations, (5) highlight potential new indications; and
      (6) identify future directions for anticoagulant therapy. 

PMID- 27126652
TI  - Gene Therapy for Coagulation Disorders.
AB  - Molecular genetic details of the human coagulation system were among the first
      successes of the genetic revolution in the 1980s. This information led to new
      molecular diagnostic strategies for inherited disorders of hemostasis and the
      development of recombinant clotting factors for the treatment of the common
      inherited bleeding disorders. A longer term goal of this knowledge has been the
      establishment of gene transfer to provide continuing access to missing or
      defective hemostatic proteins. Because of the relative infrequency of inherited
      coagulation factor disorders and the availability of safe and effective
      alternative means of management, the application of gene therapy for these
      conditions has been slow to realize clinical application. Nevertheless, the tools
      for effective and safe gene transfer are now much improved, and we have started
      to see examples of clinical gene therapy successes. Leading the way has been the
      use of adeno-associated virus-based strategies for factor IX gene transfer in
      hemophilia B. Several small phase 1/2 clinical studies using this approach have
      shown prolonged expression of therapeutically beneficial levels of factor IX.
      Nevertheless, before the application of gene therapy for coagulation disorders
      becomes widespread, several obstacles need to be overcome. Immunologic responses
      to the vector and transgenic protein need to be mitigated, and production
      strategies for clinical grade vectors require enhancements. There is little doubt
      that with the development of more efficient and facile strategies for genome
      editing and the application of other nucleic acid-based approaches to influence
      the coagulation system, the future of genetic therapies for hemostasis is bright.

PMID- 27126653
TI  - Rigenera protocol in the treatment of surgical wound dehiscence.
AB  - The effective management of post-operative wounds is important to prevent
      potential complications such as surgical-site infections and wound dehiscence.
      The purpose of this study was to treat wound dehiscence in elderly patients who
      were subjected to orthopaedic surgical interventions. The dehisced wounds were
      treated with autologous micro-grafts obtained using a promising CE-certified
      medical device called Rigeneracons. This instrument is a biological disruptor of
      human tissues able to specifically select progenitor cells that, as already
      reported in previous studies, maintain high cell viability but mainly have a high
      regenerative potential, allowing the repair of damaged tissues. Autologous micro
      grafts obtained by Rigeneracons are ready to use and can be applied alone or in
      combination with biological scaffolds directly on the injured area. We observed
      in our patients a complete remission of dehisced wounds, on average, after 30
      days from micro-grafts application and a total wound re-epithelialisation after 1
      year from the surgical intervention. In conclusion, although we reported only
      three patients, autologous micro-grafts can be considered a promising approach
      for the treatment of dehisced wounds, improving the wound-healing process and in
      general the patient's quality of life without using other dressings.

PMID- 27126654
TI  - Safety of Monopolar Electrocautery in Patients With Cochlear Implants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The outcomes of 2 patients with cochlear implants (CIs) who underwent
      adenotonsillectomy (AT) with inadvertent use of monopolar cautery are presented.
      The safety data regarding monopolar cautery use in CI recipients is also
      reviewed. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective case series of 2 CI recipients
      that underwent AT with monopolar cautery and literature review of electrocautery
      safety in the setting of CI. RESULTS: Two patients with CIs underwent AT with use
      of monopolar cautery inadvertently by surgeons that do not routinely perform
      cochlear implants as part of his or her clinical practice. Patient 1 was a 9-year
      old female who had AT for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after undergoing
      unilateral CI for profound congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) 8 years
      ago. Patient 2 was a 7-year-old female who underwent AT for OSA 4 months after
      undergoing unilateral CI for congenital SNHL. Both patients had no immediate
      signs of complications with their CI use postoperatively. Both patients
      demonstrated unchanged postoperative neural response telemetry and behavioral
      audiometric testing. Patient 1 continues to have no CI-related complications 3.5
      years after the procedure. Patient 2 has been followed for at least 3 months by
      audiometric testing and 10 months by otolaryngologist with no CI-related
      complications. CONCLUSION: Although animal and cadaveric studies suggest that
      monopolar cautery may be safely used in patients with cochlear implants, there
      have been no in vivo human studies that have evaluated the risk to the patient or
      implant. This is a report of a small, unintended experience with 2 patients, both
      of whom exhibit no complications or changes to CI function thus far.

PMID- 27126655
TI  - Ca(ii) and Ce(iii) homogeneous alginate hydrogels from the parent alginic acid
      precursor: a structural study.
AB  - Alginate hydrogels are suitable for the encapsulation of biomolecules and
      microorganisms for the building of bioactive materials. Several alternatives to
      the conventional alginate formulation are being studied for a broad range of
      biotechnological applications; among them the crosslinking of alginate by
      lanthanide cations, Ln(iii), envisages expanded biomedical applications. The
      performance of these functional materials is highly related to the microstructure
      of the alginate matrix, which in turn is affected by the conditions of synthesis.
      In particular, when a diffusing gradient of the crosslinking cation is involved,
      microstructure inhomogeneities are expected at the macroscopic level. Here we
      discuss the subtle differences in the microstructure, as assessed by SAXS (Small
      Angle X-ray Scattering), established in the direction of the gradient of
      diffusion of Ca(ii) or Ce(iii). 

PMID- 27126656
TI  - Corrigendum: Abnormal proplatelet formation and emperipolesis in cultured human
      megakaryocytes from gray platelet syndrome patients.

PMID- 27126657
TI  - Difference among shock-absorbing capabilities of mouthguard materials.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the shock absorption
      capability of commercial thermoforming mouthguard sheet materials. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Twelve commercial thermoforming mouthguard sheet materials were selected
      as test materials. The impact test was applied by a free-falling steel ball. When
      impact forces of approximately 660 N were applied on the commercial thermoforming
      mouthguard materials, the peak intensities were measured using the load cell
      sensor. The peak intensity and the time to peak intensity from the onset of the
      transmitted force were statistically analyzed using one-way anova and Tukey's
      honest significant difference post hoc test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Statistical
      analysis for the peak intensity and the time to peak intensity from the onset of
      the transmitted force revealed significant differences among the thirteen groups
      including the control. The peak intensity of the polystyrene-polyolefin copolymer
      based material was lower than the peak intensity of the EVA-, polyolefin-based
      material. Polyolefin-based materials had a tendency of a long duration to reach
      peak intensity from the onset of the transmitted force. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest that all of the commercially available mouthguard sheet materials had
      high shock-absorbing capabilities.

PMID- 27126658
TI  - MH17: the Malaysian experience.
AB  - A disaster is a natural or man-made (or technological) hazard resulting in an
      event of substantial extent causing significant physical damage or destruction,
      loss of life, or drastic change to the environment. It is a phenomenon that can
      cause damage to life and property and destroy the economic, social and cultural
      life of the people; and overwhelms the capacity of the community to cope with the
      event. The recent tragic aviation accidents in 2014 involving Malaysia Airlines
      flights MH370 and MH17 shocked the world in an unprecedented manner. This paper
      focuses on the Malaysian experience in the MH17 mission in Ukraine as well as the
      first ever international Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) operation for the
      Malaysian DVI team. The DVI operations in Hilversum, the Netherlands were well
      described in stages. The Netherlands' Landelijk Team Forensische Opsporing as the
      lead DVI team in Hilversum operated systematically, ensuring the success of the
      whole mission. This paper discusses the lessons learned by the Malaysian team on
      proper DVI structure, inter- and intra-agency cooperation, facilities planning
      and set up, logistics and health and safety aspects, as well as effective
      communication and collaboration with other international delegates. Several
      issues and challenges faced by the Malaysian team were also documented. In
      addition, the authors shared views, opinions and recommendations for a more
      comprehensive DVI operation in the future. 

PMID- 27126659
TI  - Detection of SYT-SSX mutant transcripts in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded
      sarcoma tissues using one-step reverse transcriptase real-time PCR.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare cancer and accounts for 5-10% of
      adult soft tissue sarcomas. Making an accurate diagnosis is difficult due to the
      overlapping histological features of SS with other types of sarcomas and the non
      specific immunohistochemistry profile findings. Molecular testing is thus
      considered necessary to confirm the diagnosis since more than 90% of SS cases
      carry the transcript of t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2). The purpose of this study is to
      diagnose SS at molecular level by testing for t(X;18) fusion-transcript
      expression through One-step reverse transcriptase real-time Polymerase Chain
      Reaction (PCR). METHOD: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 23
      cases of soft tissue sarcomas, which included 5 and 8 cases reported as SS as the
      primary diagnosis and differential diagnosis respectively, were retrieved from
      the Department of Pathology, Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital, Kuantan, Pahang. RNA
      was purified from the tissue block sections and then subjected to One-step
      reverse transcriptase real-time PCR using sequence specific hydrolysis probes for
      simultaneous detection of either SYT-SSX1 or SYT-SSX2 fusion transcript. RESULTS:
      Of the 23 cases, 4 cases were found to be positive for SYT-SSX fusion transcript
      in which 2 were diagnosed as SS whereas in the 2 other cases, SS was the
      differential diagnosis. Three cases were excluded due to failure of both
      amplification assays SYT-SSX and control beta-2-microglobulin. The remaining 16
      cases were negative for the fusion transcript. CONCLUSION: This study has shown
      that the application of One-Step reverse transcriptase real time PCR for the
      detection SYT-SSX transcript is feasible as an aid in confirming the diagnosis of
      synovial sarcoma.

PMID- 27126660
TI  - Phyllodes tumours of the breast: retrospective analysis of a University
      Hospital's experience.
AB  - Taking cognizance of the purported variation of phyllodes tumours in Asians
      compared with Western populations, this study looked at phyllodes tumours of the
      breast diagnosed at the Department of Pathology, University of Malaya Medical
      Centre over an 8-year period with regards to patient profiles, tumour parameters,
      treatment offered and outcome. Sixty-four new cases of phyllodes tumour were
      diagnosed during the period, however only 30 (21 benign, 4 borderline and 5
      malignant) finally qualified for entry into the study. These were followed-up for
      4-102 months (average = 41.7 months). Thirteen cases (8 benign, 3 borderline, 2
      malignant) were Chinese, 9 (all benign) Malay, 7 (4 benign, 1 borderline, 2
      malignant) Indian and 1 (malignant) Indonesian. Prevalence of benign versus
      combined borderline and malignant phyllodes showed a marginally significant
      difference (p=0.049) between the Malays and Chinese. Patients' ages ranged from
      21-70 years with a mean of 44.9 years with no significant difference in age
      between benign, borderline or malignant phyllodes tumours. Except for benign
      phyllodes tumours (mean size = 5.8 cm) being significantly smaller at
      presentation compared with borderline (mean size = 12.5 cm) and malignant (mean
      size = 15.8 cm) (p<0.05) tumours, history of previous pregnancy, breast feeding,
      hormonal contraception and tumour laterality did not differ between the three
      categories. Family history of breast cancer was noted in 2 cases of benign
      phyllodes. Local excision was performed in 17 benign, 2 borderline and 3
      malignant tumours and mastectomy in 4 benign, 2 borderline and 2 malignant
      tumours. Surgical clearance was not properly recorded in 10 benign phyllodes
      tumours. Six benign and all 4 borderline and 5 malignant tumours had clearances
      of <10 mm. Two benign tumours recurred locally at 15 and 49 months after local
      excision, however information regarding surgical clearance was not available in
      both cases. One patient with a malignant tumour developed a radiologically
      diagnosed lung nodule 26 months after mastectomy, was given a course of
      radiotherapy and remained well 8-months following identification of the lung
      nodule. 

PMID- 27126661
TI  - Assessment of pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally
      advanced breast cancer using the Miller-Payne system and TUNEL.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Responses to neoadjuvant (before surgery) chemotherapy in locally
      advanced breast cancer (LABC) consist of clinical and pathological responses.
      Evaluating chemotherapy response is essential to predict survival rate and guide
      future chemotherapy. Until now, the evaluation of pathological response mainly
      involves quantitative assessment and is often inconsistent with clinical
      response. We explored the evaluation of pathological responses by both
      quantitative and qualitative methods, i.e. by evaluating the cellularity of
      tumour cells and the percentage of apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross
      sectional analytical retrospective study was conducted on tissue of LABC
      diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 at the Department of Anatomical Pathology,
      Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital and
      Division of Surgical Oncology, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. Biopsy and resection
      specimens were compared to evaluate reduction in cellularity, which were
      subsequently categorized into stages of Miller-Payne (MP) classification. The
      resection specimens were stained with TUNEL and the percentage of apoptosis was
      calculated. Reduction in cellularity between biopsy and mastectomy specimens with
      TUNEL staining is evaluated as a modification of the MP method. RESULTS: We found
      no association between clinical responses with percentage of apoptosis, MP
      pathological responses and modified MP. There was a correlation between the dead
      cell evaluated by MP and by modified MP (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Modified MP
      increases the degree or grading of pathological responses, but it does not
      improve the correlation with clinical response.

PMID- 27126662
TI  - Correlation of p16INK4a immunoexpression and human papillomavirus (HPV) detected
      by in-situ hybridization in cervical squamous neoplasia.
AB  - Persistence and eventual integration of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) into the cervical
      cell is crucial to the progression of cervical neoplasia and it would be
      beneficial to morphologically identify this transformation in routine surgical
      pathology practice. Increased p16(INK4a) (p16) expression is a downstream event
      following HPV E7 binding to pRB. A study was conducted to assess the correlation
      between hrHPV detection using a commercial in-situ hybridization assay (Ventana
      INFORM HPV ISH) and p16 immunoexpression (CINtec Histology Kit) in cervical
      squamous intraepithelial lesions and squamous carcinoma. 27 formalin-fixed,
      paraffin-embedded cervical low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 21
      high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) and 51 squamous carcinoma
      (SCC) were interrogated. hrHPV was significantly more frequent in HSIL (76.2%)
      and SCC (88.2%) compared to LSIL(37.0%). p16 expression was similarly more
      frequent in HSIL (95.2%) and SCC (90.2%) compared to LSIL(3.7%). That the rates
      of hrHPV when compared with p16 expression were almost equivalent in HSIL and SCC
      while p16 was expressed in only 1 of the 10 LSIL with hrHPV, are expected
      considering the likelihood that transformation has occurred in HSIL and SCC but
      does not occur in majority of LSIL. 

PMID- 27126663
TI  - The effects of sildenafil on smoke induced lung inflammation in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sildenafil is a selective and potent inhibitor of cyclic guanosine
      monophosphate specific phosphodiesterase-5 and has anti-inflammatory effects. The
      aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of sildenafil on smoke-induced lung
      inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-nine Wistar-Albino rats were enrolled
      into 3 groups as control, smoker and sildenafil groups. Smoker and sildenafil
      groups were exposed to cigarette smoke for 2 hours per day for 8 weeks.
      Sildenafil 10 mg/kg/day was administered to the sildenafil group by nasogastric
      lavage after smoke exposure. The degree of lung inflammation was scored
      histopathologically for each group. RESULTS: The inf  lammation score was 7.25+/
      0.93 in the control group, 8.18+/-1.21 in the smoker group and 7.08+/-1.66 in the
      sildenafil group. There was a non-significant decrease of inflammation score in
      sildenafil group with respect to control or smoker groups. While there was no
      significant difference of oedema, hyperemia, hemorrhage and mononuclear cell
      infiltration scores among the groups, it was found that the thickness of
      interalveolar septum and alveolar distortion was decreased in sildenafil group.
      However this decrease was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study
      suggests that sildenafil might reduce smoke-induced inflammation in rat lungs.
      Future studies are needed in order to investigate the clinical effectiveness of
      this finding in smoking related lung diseases.

PMID- 27126664
TI  - Metastasis of extra-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma to the uterine cervix.
AB  - Secondary metastatic tumours of the uterine cervix are rare. There have been no
      reports of duodenal cancer metastasizing to the uterine cervix. Here we present a
      rare case of an extra-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma that has metastasized to
      the uterine cervix. The patient was a 71-year-old woman who had surgery for an
      extra-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma five years previously. Follow-up
      examination revealed a suspicious right ovarian mass and nodules in the cervix
      and posterior fornix of the vagina. Biopsies suggested squamous cell carcinoma in
      the cervix and adenocarcinoma in the fornix. Intraoperatively, the right ovary
      was enlarged and peritoneal disseminations were found in the pouch of Douglas and
      the sigmoid colon mesentery. Histopathology of the subsequent hysterectomy and
      bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy specimen revealed a cervical squamous cell
      carcinoma categorized as pT1b1. Adenocarcinoma infiltration into the ovaries,
      uterine cervix and vagina, with vascular involvement was detected.
      Immunohistochemistry revealed the tumour in the cervix and ovaries to be positive
      for CK7, MUC5AC and MUC6, and immunonegative for CK20, CDX2, Pax8, ER, MUC2 and
      CD10, similar to the original duodenal adenocarcinoma. This case illustrates the
      difficulty in making a preoperative diagnosis of metastatic adenocarcinoma in the
      uterine cervix with a coexisting primary cervical squamous cell carcinoma. The
      absence of atypia in cervical glandular cells and immunohistochemical profiling
      of the adenocarcinoma clusters helped to reach a final diagnosis. This is the
      first report of an extra-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma metastasis to the
      uterine cervix. 

PMID- 27126666
TI  - Diffuse large B cell lymphoma with chronic granulomatous inflammation.
AB  - Non-necrotic epithelioid granulomas have been reported in association with
      neoplasms including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. We report a case of diffuse
      large B cell lymphoma with chronic granulomatous inflammation to highlight
      awareness of obscure tumour cells within the granuloma, to avoid delay in
      diagnosis and management of lymphoma. A 39-year-old Malay lady with no past
      medical history, presented with a 2-month history of progressive worsening of
      difficulty in breathing, cough, low-grade fever, loss of weight and loss of
      appetite. Chest X-ray showed an anterior mediastinal mass and computed tomography
      (CT)-guided biopsy was reported as chronic granulomatous inflammation suggestive
      of tuberculosis. After 2 months of anti-TB treatment, her symptoms were not
      relieved. The patient underwent another CT-guided biopsy of the anterior
      mediastinal mass in another hospital and the histopathology revealed diffuse
      large B cell lymphoma. The patient was referred for treatment. On
      histopathological review, the first sample showed noncaseating granulomas
      engulfing tumour cells and large abnormal lymphoid cells which were CD20 positive
      and with high Ki-67 proliferative index. The patient was diagnosed with diffuse
      large B cell lymphoma stage IV B IPSS score 3. She underwent chemotherapy (R
      EPOCH) and responded well to treatment. 

PMID- 27126665
TI  - Heterotopic ossification in appendiceal mucinous neoplasms: clinicopathological
      characteristics of 3 cases.
AB  - Heterotopic bone formation is a very rare event in the gastrointestinal tract
      including in the appendix. Here we report three cases of heterotopic ossification
      in appendiceal mucinous neoplasms, one occurring in an appendiceal mucinous
      cystadenoma, another in a low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, and the third
      occurring in an appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma. The clinicopathologic
      characteristics of these three present cases and two previously reported cases
      are discussed in detail. The mechanism of heterotopic ossification in appendiceal
      mucinous neoplasm is still unclear, but mucin extravasation and subsequent
      calcification may be predisposing events. 

PMID- 27126667
TI  - Solitary fibrous tumour of the chest wall.
AB  - Extrapleural solitary fibrous tumours (SFTs) are rare tumours characterized by
      patternless spindle cells with haemangiopericytoma-like vascular spaces.
      Previously the tumours have been classified as haemangiopericytoma, an entity
      that is now considered obsolete. We report a case of extrapleural SFT arising in
      the soft tissue of the chest wall. The patient was a 31-year-old Malay lady
      presenting with a mobile swelling of the right chest wall for more than five
      years. During excision the tumour was noted to be well-circumscribed and
      yellowish in colour, giving an impression of lipoma. Microscopically, the tumour
      had patternless architecture, characterized by hypocellular and hypercellular
      areas. It was composed of uniform, spindle-shaped cells displaying oval nuclei,
      inconspicuous nucleoli, pale cytoplasm and indistinct cell borders. The mitotic
      count was 2 per 10 HPF. Branching, medium-sized thin-walled blood vessels in a
      haemangiopericytomatous growth pattern, some with hyalinised wall were
      identified. The neoplastic cells were immunoreactive to CD99 and CD34 and were
      non-immunoreactive to Desmin, Smooth Muscle Actin, S100 protein and EMA. We
      elucidate the challenges in diagnosing this tumour in this unusual location. 

PMID- 27126668
TI  - Thyroid metastasis of bladder transitional cell carcinoma.
AB  - The thyroid gland is a rare site for cancer metastasis. We report a 75-year-old
      man who was referred with a history of hematuria and generalized bone pain for
      the past few months. He had a past history of partial left lobe thyroidectomy for
      follicular adenoma. Subsequently he was referred for a thyroid mass and a
      subtotal thyroidectomy showed a poorly-differentiated carcinoma. On the latest
      admission, the patient underwent resection of a bladder tumour with malignant
      histology and an immunohistochemical profile of CK7+/CK20+/34 Beta E12+/CEA-/PSA
      . Re-examination of thyroid sections with immunohistochemical stains revealed the
      malignant cells to be CK7+/CK20+/34 Beta E12+/CEA-/TTF1-. The findings were
      compatible with metastasis of the bladder transitional cell carcinoma to the
      thyroid gland.Scans revealed multiple liver and bone metastases. The patient died
      2 months after the diagnosis. 

PMID- 27126669
TI  - Scientific misconduct encountered by APAME journals: insight?

PMID- 27126670
TI  - Response: Scientific misconduct encountered by APAME journals: insight?

PMID- 27126671
TI  - Symphysiotomy for obstructed labour: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obstructed labour is a major cause of maternal mortality. Caesarean
      section can be associated with risks, particularly in low- and middle-income
      countries, where it is not always readily available. Symphysiotomy can be an
      alternative treatment for obstructed labour and requires fewer resources.
      However, there is uncertainty about the safety and effectiveness of this
      procedure. OBJECTIVES: To compare symphysiotomy and caesarean section for
      obstructed labour. SEARCH STRATEGY: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, CINAHL,
      African Index Medicus, Reproductive Health Library and Science Citation Index
      (from inception to November 2015) without language restriction. SELECTION
      CRITERIA: Studies comparing symphysiotomy and caesarean section in all settings,
      with maternal and perinatal mortality as key outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Quality of the included studies was assessed using the STROBE checklist
      and the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Relative risks (RR) were pooled using the random
      effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I(2) tests. MAIN RESULTS: Seven
      studies (n = 1266 women), all of which were set in low- and middle-income
      countries (as per the World Bank definition) and compared symphysiotomy and
      caesarean section were identified. Meta-analyses showed no significant difference
      in maternal (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.13-1.76; P = 0.27) or perinatal (RR 1.12, 95% CI
      0.64-1.96; P = 0.69) mortality with symphysiotomy when compared with caesarean
      section. There was a reduction in infection (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.14-0.62) but an
      increase in fistulae (RR 4.19, 95% CI 1.07-16.39) and stress incontinence with
      symphysiotomy (RR 10.04, 95% CI 3.23-31.21). CONCLUSION: There was no difference
      in key outcomes of maternal and perinatal mortality with symphysiotomy when
      compared with caesarean section. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Symphysiotomy could be an
      alternative to caesarean section when resources are limited.

PMID- 27126672
TI  - [Clinical pharmacist influence at hospital to prevent overdosed prescription of
      acetaminophen].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The recommended daily dose of acetaminophen is limited to 60mg/kg/day
      with a maximum of 3g daily dose in adults weighing less than 50kg or in patients
      undergoing certain risk factors. This study aimed at assessing the fulfillment of
      those recommendations and the possible impact on the liver dysfunction at supra
      therapeutic doses of acetaminophen. METHODS: This study was performed one day in
      9 services. Patients characteristics, acetaminophen dose, daily dose
      administered, physiopathological aspects, markers of liver damage were collected.
      RESULTS: Among 542 prescriptions analyzed, 343 of them contained acetaminophen.
      The median age of patients studied was 81 years and one third weighed less than
      50kg. The main risk factor of supra-therapeutic prescriptions was the lack of
      dose acetaminophen based on weight with 14% patients concerned and this risk
      raised at 17% when the pathophysiological conditions were included. The presence
      of pharmacists in medicals departments was more effective than the use of
      informatics programs limiting the dose systematically to 3g/day, or a distant
      pharmaceutical validation from care services to reduce the risk of acetaminophen
      overdose. According to the statement of administrations, only 4 of 49 patients
      received doses above 60mg/kg/day with a low impact on liver function tests.
      CONCLUSION: The continuous presence in pharmaceutical care services was the most
      effective measure to ensure effective implementation of acetaminophen
      recommendations.

PMID- 27126673
TI  - [Erratum to: Prostate cancer in routine healthcare. Health-related quality of
      life after inpatient treatment].

PMID- 27126674
TI  - [Drug-free improvement of bone health and influence on bone metabolism via
      football training in men with prostatecancer undergoing androgen deprivation
      therapy].

PMID- 27126675
TI  - [Big surprise in the lesser pelvis].
AB  - A 17-year-old young man presented at our clinic with asymptomatic microhematuria.
      Ultrasonography and computer tomography found an intraperitoneal lesion of
      unknown dignity located on top of the bladder. Surgical exploration and
      histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a secondary pelvic spleen, a
      lien bipartitus.

PMID- 27126676
TI  - [Ruptured vascular adrenal cyst after being hit by a wave].
AB  - Endothelial cysts of the adrenal gland are a rare entity of adolescents. We here
      present the case of a 19-year-old woman, who developed right abdominal pain after
      trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor in the right adrenal gland with
      suspicious signs for malignancy. Histopathological examination revealed the
      diagnosis of an endothelial (vascular) adrenal cyst. In most cases, cysts of the
      adrenal gland remain clinically inapparent. In cases of clinically manifest
      symptoms, surgical intervention represents the standard for therapy. 

PMID- 27126677
TI  - [Comment on: Focal therapy for small renal masses. Observation, ablation or
      surgery].

PMID- 27126678
TI  - A hearing self-reported survey in people over 80 years of age in China by hearing
      handicap inventory for the elderly-complete version vs screening version.
AB  - CONCLUSION: HHIE-S can be a useful tool in investigating hearing loss among
      people over 80 years old, with the same validity as HHIE. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the effect of hearing loss on the quality-of-life in people over 80
      years of age in China, and to compare the results of the Chinese mandarin version
      Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) and its screening version (HHIE
      S). METHODS: Eighty-four people over 80 years participated in the study. Both
      HHIE and HHIE-S were completed, and the hearing handicap degrees were rated
      according to HHIE scores and HHIE-S scores, respectively. Results obtained by
      HHIE and HHIE-S were compared. Multi-factor analysis of variance was used to
      analyze the impact of eight factors on hearing handicap in the oldest old people
      over 80 years of age, including age, noise exposure, ear surgery, infection,
      ototoxic drugs use, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, and
      tumors. RESULTS: Both HHIE and HHIE-S revealed 48 subjects (57.1%) with no self
      perceived hearing problem, and 36 subjects (42.9%) with hearing handicap. No
      statistical difference was found between results of the functional hearing
      handicap rating by HHIE and HHIE-S (Chi-square = 1.532, p = 0.465). The HHIE and
      HHIE-S were in agreement with each other (kappa = 0.772, p < 0.001). All the
      eight factors had no significance on both HHIE and HHIE-S scores (p > 0.05),
      except noise exposure on S-score of HHIE-S (p = 0.032), and the R-squares of
      these factors were less than 5%.

PMID- 27126679
TI  - "Must do CPR??": strategies to cope with the new College of Physicians and
      Surgeons of Ontario policy on end-of-life care.
AB  - The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario recently released a new policy,
      Planning for and Providing Quality End-of-Life Care. The revised policy is more
      accurate in its consideration of the legal framework in which physicians practice
      and more reflective of ethical issues that arise in end-of-life (EOL) care. It
      also recognizes valid instances for not offering cardiopulmonary resuscitation
      (CPR). Nevertheless, the policy poses a significant ethical and legal dilemma
      i.e., if disputes over EOL care arise, then physicians must provide CPR even when
      resuscitation would fall outside this medical standard of care. While the policy
      applies in Ontario, it is likely to influence other physician colleges across
      Canada as they review their standards of practice. This paper explores the
      rationale for the mandated CPR, clarifies the policy's impact on the medical
      standard of care, and discusses strategies to improve EOL care within the policy.
      These strategies include understanding the help-hurt line, changing the language
      used when discussing cardiac arrest, clarifying care plans during the
      perioperative period, engaging the intensive care unit team early in goals-of
      care discussions, mentoring hospital staff to improve skills in goals-of-care
      discussions, avoiding use of the "slow code", and continuing to advocate for
      quality EOL care and a more responsive legal adjudication process. 

PMID- 27126681
TI  - Nano carriers for drug transport across the blood-brain barrier.
AB  - Effective therapy lies in achieving a therapeutic amount of drug to the proper
      site in the body and then maintaining the desired drug concentration for a
      sufficient time interval to be clinically effective for treatment. The blood
      brain barrier (BBB) hinders most drugs from entering the central nervous system
      (CNS) from the blood stream, leading to the difficulty of delivering drugs to the
      brain via the circulatory system for the treatment, diagnosis and prevention of
      brain diseases. Several brain drug delivery approaches have been developed, such
      as intracerebral and intracerebroventricular administration, intranasal delivery
      and blood-to-brain delivery, as a result of transient BBB disruption induced by
      biological, chemical or physical stimuli such as zonula occludens toxin,
      mannitol, magnetic heating and ultrasound, but these approaches showed
      disadvantages of being dangerous, high cost and unsuitability for most brain
      diseases and drugs. The strategy of vector-mediated blood-to-brain delivery,
      which involves improving BBB permeability of the drug-carrier conjugate, can
      minimize side effects, such as being submicrometre objects that behave as a whole
      unit in terms of their transport and properties, nanomaterials, are promising
      carrier vehicles for direct drug transport across the intact BBB as a result of
      their potential to enter the brain capillary endothelial cells by means of normal
      endocytosis and transcytosis due to their small size, as well as their
      possibility of being functionalized with multiple copies of the drug molecule of
      interest. This review provids a concise discussion of nano carriers for drug
      transport across the intact BBB, various forms of nanomaterials including
      inorganic/solid lipid/polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, quantum dots,
      nanogels, liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, polymersomes and exosomes are
      critically evaluated, their mechanisms for drug transport across the BBB are
      reviewed, and the future directions of this area are fully discussed.

PMID- 27126682
TI  - Intracranial hypotension: diagnosis by trial of Trendelenburg positioning and
      imaging.

PMID- 27126680
TI  - Tropomodulin isoforms utilize specific binding functions to modulate dendrite
      development.
AB  - Tropomodulins (Tmods) cap F-actin pointed ends and have altered expression in the
      brain in neurological diseases. The function of Tmods in neurons has been poorly
      studied and their role in neurological diseases is entirely unknown. In this
      article, we show that Tmod1 and Tmod2, but not Tmod3, are positive regulators of
      dendritic complexity and dendritic spine morphology. Tmod1 increases dendritic
      branching distal from the cell body and the number of filopodia/thin spines.
      Tmod2 increases dendritic branching proximal to the cell body and the number of
      mature dendritic spines. Tmods utilize two actin-binding sites and two
      tropomyosin (Tpm)-binding sites to cap F-actin. Overexpression of Tmods with
      disrupted Tpm-binding sites indicates that Tmod1 and Tmod2 differentially utilize
      their Tpm- and actin-binding sites to affect morphology. Disruption of Tmod1's
      Tpm-binding sites abolished the overexpression phenotype. In contrast,
      overexpression of the mutated Tmod2 caused the same phenotype as wild type
      overexpression. Proximity ligation assays indicate that the mutated Tmods are
      shuttled similarly to wild type Tmods. Our data begins to uncover the roles of
      Tmods in neural development and the mechanism by which Tmods alter neural
      morphology. These observations in combination with altered Tmod expression found
      in several neurological diseases also suggest that dysregulation of Tmod
      expression may be involved in the pathology of these diseases. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27126684
TI  - Electrostatics and depletion determine competition between 2D nematic and 3D
      bundled phases of rod-like DNA nanotubes.
AB  - Rod-like particles form solutions of technological and biological importance. In
      particular, biofilaments such as actin and microtubules are known to form a
      variety of phases, both in vivo and in vitro, whose appearance can be controlled
      by depletion, confinement, and electrostatic interactions. Here, we utilize DNA
      nanotubes to undertake a comprehensive study of the effects of those interactions
      on two particular rod-like phases: a 2D nematic phase consisting of aligned rods
      pressed against a glass surface, and a 3D bundled network phase. We
      experimentally measure the stability of these two phases over a range of
      depletant concentrations and ionic strengths, finding that the 2D phase is
      slightly more stable than the 3D phase. We formulate a quantitative model of
      phase stability based on consideration of pairwise rod-rod and rod-surface
      interactions; notably, we include a careful accounting of solution electrostatics
      interactions using an effective-charge strategy. The model is relatively simple
      and contains no free parameters, yet predicts phase boundaries in good agreement
      with the experiment. Our results indicate that electrostatic interactions, rather
      than depletion, are largely responsible for the enhanced stability of the 2D
      phase. This work provides insight into the polymorphism of rod-like solutions,
      indicating why certain phases appear, and providing a means (and a predictive
      model) for controlling those phases. 

PMID- 27126683
TI  - Controversies in venous thromboembolism: the unique case of isolated distal deep
      vein thrombosis.
AB  - Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents the third leading cause of cardiovascular
      mortality, and it is the main cause of preventable mortality in hospitalized
      patients. Among VTE, there is the unique case of isolated distal deep vein
      thrombosis (IDDVT), which still lacks an agreement in terms of optimal
      therapeutic strategy. Although most IDDVTs are self-limiting and associated with
      a very low risk of embolic complications, still not all IDDVTs can be safely
      identified as stable. Lack of strong scientific evidence, fear of thromboembolic
      complications, and risk of bleeding upon initiation of anticoagulant treatment
      result in very heterogeneous therapeutic strategies among physicians. Here, we
      provide a comprehensive review of the literature, highlight the many
      controversial issues regarding IDDVTs, and call for a consensus of experts aimed
      to shed new light on the gray areas of IDDVT management and therapy. 

PMID- 27126685
TI  - Emotion Knowledge and Attention Problems in Young Children: a Cross-Lagged Panel
      Study on the Direction of Effects.
AB  - Attention problems are likely to hinder children in acquiring knowledge of their
      own and others' emotions. Children with little knowledge of emotions tend to have
      difficulties with representing emotions, interpreting them, and sharing them, so
      that they are likely to spend more time in making sense of them and may thus
      appear to be inattentive. In order to disentangle the direction of effects
      between emotion knowledge and attention problems, 576 four- to- six-year-olds
      were interviewed at T1 and about 12 months later (T2) about their emotion
      knowledge. Their kindergarten teachers rated their attention problems, and their
      conduct problems at T1 and T2. A cross-lagged panel model indicates that
      children's emotion knowledge at T1 contributed to the explanation of their
      attention problems at T2, after language ability and attention problems at T1
      were controlled. The other cross-path from attention problems (T1) to emotion
      knowledge (T2) was not significant. Adding gender, behavioral self-regulation,
      working memory, conduct problems, or SES as alternative explanations by third
      variables did not alter this direction of effects. How emotion knowledge impinges
      on attention problems is discussed.

PMID- 27126686
TI  - Determining the psychometric properties of the Enhancing Decision-making
      Assessment in Midwifery (EDAM) measure in a cross cultural context.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ability to act on and justify clinical decisions as autonomous
      accountable midwifery practitioners, is encompassed within many international
      regulatory frameworks, yet decision-making within midwifery is poorly defined.
      Decision-making theories from medicine and nursing may have something to offer,
      but fail to take into consideration midwifery context and philosophy and the
      decisional autonomy of women. Using an underpinning qualitative methodology, a
      decision-making framework was developed, which identified Good Clinical Reasoning
      and Good Midwifery Practice as two conditions necessary to facilitate optimal
      midwifery decision-making during 2nd stage labour. This study aims to confirm the
      robustness of the framework and describe the development of Enhancing Decision
      making Assessment in Midwifery (EDAM) as a measurement tool through testing of
      its factor structure, validity and reliability. METHOD: A cross-sectional design
      for instrument development and a 2 (country; Australia/UK) x 2 (Decision-making;
      optimal/sub-optimal) between-subjects design for instrument evaluation using
      exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency and known
      groups validity. Two 'expert' maternity panels, based in Australia and the UK,
      comprising of 42 participants assessed 16 midwifery real care episode vignettes
      using the empirically derived 26 item framework. Each item was answered on a 5
      point likert scale based on the level of agreement to which the participant felt
      each item was present in each of the vignettes. Participants were then asked to
      rate the overall decision-making (optimal/sub-optimal). FINDINGS: Post factor
      analysis the framework was reduced to a 19 item EDAM measure, and confirmed as
      two distinct scales of 'Clinical Reasoning' (CR) and 'Midwifery Practice' (MP).
      The CR scale comprised of two subscales; 'the clinical reasoning process' and
      'integration and intervention'. The MP scale also comprised two subscales;
      women's relationship with the midwife' and 'general midwifery practice'.
      CONCLUSION: EDAM would generally appear to be a robust, valid and reliable
      psychometric instrument for measuring midwifery decision-making, which performs
      consistently across differing international contexts. The 'women's relationship
      with midwife' subscale marginally failed to meet the threshold for determining
      good instrument reliability, which may be due to its brevity. Further research
      using larger samples and in a wider international context to confirm the veracity
      of the instrument's measurement properties and its wider global utility, would be
      advantageous.

PMID- 27126687
TI  - Neuro-immune interactions in chemical-induced airway hyperreactivity.
AB  - Asthma may be induced by chemical sensitisers, via mechanisms that are still
      poorly understood. This type of asthma is characterised by airway hyperreactivity
      (AHR) and little airway inflammation. Since potent chemical sensitisers, such as
      toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI), are also sensory irritants, it is suggested that
      chemical-induced asthma relies on neuro-immune mechanisms.We investigated the
      involvement of transient receptor potential channels (TRP) A1 and V1, major
      chemosensors in the airways, and mast cells, known for their ability to
      communicate with sensory nerves, in chemical-induced AHR.In vitro intracellular
      calcium imaging and patch-clamp recordings in TRPA1- and TRPV1-expressing Chinese
      hamster ovarian cells showed that TDI activates murine TRPA1, but not TRPV1.
      Using an in vivo model, in which an airway challenge with TDI induces AHR in TDI
      sensitised C57Bl/6 mice, we demonstrated that AHR does not develop, despite
      successful sensitisation, in Trpa1 and Trpv1 knockout mice, and wild-type mice
      pretreated with a TRPA1 blocker or a substance P receptor antagonist. TDI-induced
      AHR was also abolished in mast cell deficient Kit(Wsh) (/Wsh) mice, and in wild
      type mice pretreated with the mast cell stabiliser ketotifen, without changes in
      immunological parameters.These data demonstrate that TRPA1, TRPV1 and mast cells
      play an indispensable role in the development of TDI-elicited AHR.

PMID- 27126688
TI  - Physical activity and exercise capacity in patients with moderate COPD
      exacerbations.
AB  - Little is known about changes in physical activity during moderate (out-patient
      managed) exacerbations.6-min walking distance (6MWD) was measured during 50
      exacerbations when the patients were stable, and at 3 and 7 days post
      exacerbation presentation. At similar time points, quadriceps maximum voluntary
      contraction (QMVC) was measured during 47 different exacerbations. Physical
      activity (SenseWear; Bodymedia Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA) was recorded over 2
      consecutive-week periods post-presentation.6MWD fell from a median 422 m when
      stable to 373 m on day 3 (p=0.001). Similarly, QMVC fell from 32.6 versus 29.7 kg
      (p=0.026). Falls in 6MWD were associated with a rise in C-reactive protein (r= 
      0.364; p=0.041) and increased Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy
      Fatigue (FACIT-F) (r= -0.44; p=0.013). Light physical activity was 2.18 h.day(-1)
      during the first week post-exacerbation and was less over week 2 (1.98 h.day(-1);
      p=0.009). Patients who had attended pulmonary rehabilitation had smaller changes
      in 6MWD than those who had not attended (-35.0 versus -114.9 m; p=0.013). Falls
      in physical activity were correlated with higher depression scores (rho= -0.51;
      p=0.006).These findings indicate that exercise capacity and muscle strength fall
      at exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who are treated
      at home and are free to maintain normal activity.

PMID- 27126689
TI  - Incidence and prevalence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in US adults 18-64
      years old.
AB  - We sought to present the epidemiology of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in
      adults 18-64 years old in the USA.From adults aged 18-64 years in a large
      administrative claims data in 2004-2010, patients with IPF were identified using
      diagnosis codes. We estimated annual incidence and cumulative prevalence of IPF
      over time, and examined potential risk factors for the IPF diagnosis.The annual
      cumulative prevalence increased steadily in the first few years (from 13.4 cases
      per 100 000 persons in 2005 to 18.2 cases in 2010 per 100 000 persons), which is
      likely due to a methodological reason, while the annual incidence of IPF
      decreased over time (from 7.9 cases per 100 000 person-years in 2005 to 5.8 cases
      in 2010 per 100 000 person-years). The overall decrease was mainly driven by a
      decreasing trend in the younger patients (aged 18-44 years), while the incidence
      in older patients remained stable. Consistent trends were observed in subgroups
      defined by previously published more restrictive algorithms for diagnosis. Older
      age and male sex were associated with a higher incidence of disease (p<0.05).In
      US adults younger than 65 years, we observed a decreasing incidence of IPF over
      time which may partially explain the plateau of cumulative prevalence in the last
      few years of our data.

PMID- 27126690
TI  - Somatic DICER1 mutations in adult-onset pulmonary blastoma.

PMID- 27126691
TI  - Forecasting US ivacaftor outcomes and cost in cystic fibrosis patients with the
      G551D mutation.
AB  - Ivacaftor, a breakthrough treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with the
      G551D genetic mutation, lacks long-term clinical and cost projections. This study
      forecasted outcomes and cost by comparing ivacaftor plus usual care versus usual
      care alone.A lifetime Markov model was conducted from a US payer perspective. The
      model consisted of five health states: 1) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)
      % pred >=70%, 2) 40%<= FEV1 % pred <70%, 3) FEV1 % pred <40%, 4) lung
      transplantation and 5) death. All inputs were extracted from published
      literature. Budget impact was also estimated. We estimated ivacaftor's
      improvement in outcomes compared with a non-CF referent population.Ivacaftor was
      associated with 18.25 (95% credible interval (CrI) 13.71-22.20) additional life
      years and 15.03 (95% CrI 11.13-18.73) additional quality-adjusted life-years
      (QALYs). Ivacaftor was associated with improvements in survival and QALYs
      equivalent to 68% and 56%, respectively, for the survival and QALY gaps between
      CF usual care and their non-CF peers. The incremental lifetime cost was $3 374
      584. The budget impact was $0.087 per member per month.Ivacaftor increased life
      years and QALYs in CF patients with the G551D mutation, and moved morbidity and
      mortality closer to that of their non-CF peers. Ivacaftor costs much more than
      usual care, but comes at a relatively limited budget impact.

PMID- 27126692
TI  - Pulmonary haemodynamics during recovery from maximum incremental cycling
      exercise.
AB  - Assessment of cardiac function during exercise can be technically demanding,
      making the recovery period a potentially attractive diagnostic window. However,
      the validity of this approach for exercise pulmonary haemodynamics has not been
      validated.The present study, therefore, evaluated directly measured pulmonary
      haemodynamics during 2-min recovery after maximum invasive cardiopulmonary
      exercise testing in patients evaluated for unexplained exertional intolerance.
      Based on peak exercise criteria, patients with exercise pulmonary hypertension
      (ePH; n=36), exercise pulmonary venous hypertension (ePVH; n=28) and age-matched
      controls (n=31) were analysed.By 2-min recovery, 83% (n=30) of ePH patients had a
      mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) <30 mmHg and 96% (n=27) of ePVH patients
      had a pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) <20 mmHg. Sensitivity of pulmonary
      hypertension-related haemodynamic measurements during recovery for ePH and ePVH
      diagnosis was <=25%. In ePVH, pulmonary vascular compliance (PVC) returned to its
      resting value by 1-min recovery, while in ePH, elevated pulmonary vascular
      resistance (PVR) and decreased PVC persisted throughout recovery.In conclusion,
      we observed that mPAP and PAWP decay quickly during recovery in ePH and ePVH,
      compromising the sensitivity of recovery haemodynamic measurements in diagnosing
      pulmonary hypertension. ePH and ePVH had different PVR and PVC recovery patterns,
      suggesting differences in the underlying pulmonary hypertension pathophysiology.

PMID- 27126693
TI  - Cigarette smoke-induced epithelial expression of WNT-5B: implications for COPD.
AB  - Wingless/integrase-1 (WNT) signalling is associated with lung inflammation and
      repair, but its role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis
      is unclear. We investigated whether cigarette smoke-induced dysregulation of WNT
      5B contributes to airway remodelling in COPD.We analysed WNT-5B protein
      expression in the lung tissue of COPD patients and (non)smoking controls, and
      investigated the effects of cigarette smoke exposure on WNT-5B expression in COPD
      and control-derived primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs). Additionally, we
      studied downstream effects of WNT-5B on remodelling related genes fibronectin,
      matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and SnaiI in BEAS-2B and air-liquid
      interface (ALI)-cultured PBECs.We observed that airway epithelial WNT-5B
      expression is significantly higher in lung tissue from COPD patients than
      controls. Cigarette smoke extract significantly increased mRNA expression of WNT
      5B in COPD, but not control-derived PBECs. Exogenously added WNT-5B augmented the
      expression of remodelling related genes in BEAS-2B cells, which was mediated by
      transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta/Smad3 signalling. In addition, WNT-5B
      upregulated the expression of these genes in ALI-cultured PBECs, particularly
      PBECs from COPD patients.Together, our results provide evidence that exaggerated
      WNT-5B expression upon cigarette smoke exposure in the bronchial epithelium of
      COPD patients leads to TGF-beta/Smad3-dependent expression of genes related to
      airway remodelling.

PMID- 27126694
TI  - Characteristics of effective self-management interventions in patients with COPD:
      individual patient data meta-analysis.
AB  - It is unknown whether heterogeneity in effects of self-management interventions
      in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be explained by
      differences in programme characteristics. This study aimed to identify which
      characteristics of COPD self-management interventions are most
      effective.Systematic search in electronic databases identified randomised trials
      on self-management interventions conducted between 1985 and 2013. Individual
      patient data were requested for meta-analysis by generalised mixed effects
      models.14 randomised trials were included (67% of eligible), representing 3282
      patients (75% of eligible). Univariable analyses showed favourable effects on
      some outcomes for more planned contacts and longer duration of interventions,
      interventions with peer contact, without log keeping, without problem solving,
      and without support allocation. After adjusting for other programme
      characteristics in multivariable analyses, only the effects of duration on all
      cause hospitalisation remained. Each month increase in intervention duration
      reduced risk of all-cause hospitalisation (time to event hazard ratios 0.98, 95%
      CI 0.97-0.99; risk ratio (RR) after 6 months follow-up 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-0.99; RR
      after 12 months follow-up 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.00).Our results showed that longer
      duration of self-management interventions conferred a reduction in all-cause
      hospitalisations in COPD patients. Other characteristics are not consistently
      associated with differential effects of self-management interventions across
      clinically relevant outcomes.

PMID- 27126695
TI  - Comparative Immunophenotypic Characteristics, Proliferative Features, and
      Osteogenic Differentiation of Stem Cells Isolated from Human Permanent and
      Deciduous Teeth with Bone Marrow.
AB  - To find out differences and similarities in phenotypic, proliferative, and trans
      differentiation properties of stem cells isolated from pulp of deciduous (SHEDs)
      and permanent (DPSCs) teeth with human bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), we
      examined the expression of mesenchymal and embryonic stem cell markers in
      relation to the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potentials of these
      cells. In this way, after isolating SHEDs, DPSCs, and BMSCs, cell proliferation
      was evaluated and population doubling time was calculated accordingly. Expression
      patterns of mesenchymal, hematopoietic, and embryonic stem cell markers were
      assessed followed by examining differentiation potential toward osseous tissue
      through alizarin red staining and qRT-PCR. Based on the results, the
      proliferation rates of SHEDs and DPSCs were significantly higher than that of
      BMSCs (P < 0.0001). High expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers and weak
      expression of hematopoietic markers were observed in all the three groups. The
      mean expression of OCT-4 was significantly higher in SHEDs and DPSCs (P = 0.028),
      while the expression of SSEA-4 was lower (P = 0.006) compared to BMSCs.
      Osteogenic differentiation potential of SHEDs was greater than DPSCs; however, it
      was lower than that of BMSCs. Conclusively, the distinctive immunophenotyping,
      proliferation rate, and differentiation pattern of SHEDs and DPSCs discriminate
      these cells from BMSCs. Furthermore, dissimilarity in differentiation potential
      is evidence implying that SHEDs might be more primitive stem cell population
      compared to DPSCs. 

PMID- 27126696
TI  - Enhanced Proteolytic Processing of Recombinant Human Coagulation Factor VIII B
      Domain Variants by Recombinant Furins.
AB  - Recombinant human factor VIII (rFVIII) is used in replacement therapy for
      hemophilia A. Current research efforts are focused on bioengineering rFVIII
      molecules to improve its secretion efficiency and stability, limiting factors for
      its efficient production. However, high expression yield in mammalian cells of
      these rFVIII variants is generally associated with limited proteolytic
      processing. Non-processed single-chain polypeptides constitute non-natural FVIII
      molecule configurations with unpredictable toxicity and/or antigenicity. Our main
      objective was to demonstrate the feasibility of promoting full-proteolytic
      processing of an rFVIII variant retaining a portion of the B-domain, converting
      it into the smallest natural activatable form of rFVIII, while keeping its main
      advantage, i.e., improved secretion efficiency. We generated and employed a CHO
      DG44 cell clone producing an rFVIII variant retaining a portion of the B-domain
      and the FVIII native cleavage site between Arg(1648) and Glu(1649). By
      bioengineering CHO-DG44 cells to express stably the recombinant human
      endoproteases PACE, PACE-SOL, PCSK5, PCSK6, or PCKS7, we were able to achieve
      complete intra- or extracellular proteolytic processing of this rFVIII variant.
      Additionally, our quantitative data indicated that removal of the B-domain
      segment by intracellular proteolytic processing does not interfere with this
      rFVIII variant secretion efficiency. This work also provides the first direct
      evidence of (1) intracellular cleavage at the Arg(1648) FVIII processing site
      promoted by wild-type PACE and PCSK7 and (2) proteolytic processing at the
      Arg(1648) FVIII processing site by PCSK6. 

PMID- 27126697
TI  - Narrow time window of metabolic changes associated with transition to overt heart
      failure in Tgaq*44 mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The timing and consequences of alternations in substrate utilization
      in heart failure (HF) and their relationship with structural changes remain
      unclear. This study aimed to analyze metabolic changes associated with transition
      to overt heart failure in transgenic mouse model of HF resulting from cardiac
      specific overexpression of constitutively active Galphaq*. METHODS: Structural
      changes quantified by morphometry, relative cardiac mRNA and protein expression
      of PPARalpha, FAT/CD36, CPT-1, GLUT-4 and glycolytic efficiency following
      administration of 1-(13)C glucose were investigated in 4-14-month-old Tgalphaq*44
      mice (TG), compared with age-matched FVB wild type mice (WT). RESULTS: Initial
      hypertrophy in TG (4-10-month of age) was featured by an accelerated glycolytic
      pathway that was not accompanied by structural changes in cardiomyocytes. In 10
      month-old TG, cardiomyocyte elongation and hypertrophic remodeling and increased
      glycolytic flux was accompanied by relatively low expression of FAT/CD36, CPT-1
      and PPARalpha. During the transition phase (12-month-old TG), a pronounced
      increase in PPARalpha with an increase in relative fatty acid (FA) flux was
      associated with anomalies of cardiomyocytes with accumulation of lipid droplets
      and glycogen as well as cell death. At the stage of overt heart failure (14-month
      old TG), an accelerated glycolytic pathway with a decline in FA oxidation was
      accompanied by further structural changes. CONCLUSION: Tgalphaq*44 mice display
      three distinct phases of metabolic/structural changes during hypertrophy and
      progression to HF, with relatively short period of increase in FA metabolism,
      highlighting a narrow metabolic changes associated with transition to overt heart
      failure in Tgaq*44 mice that have therapeutic significance.

PMID- 27126698
TI  - Effect of trans-chalcone on atheroma plaque formation, liver fibrosis and
      adiponectin gene expression in cholesterol-fed NMRI mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trans-chalcone is the precursor molecule to flavonoids and possesses
      antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the
      effects of trans-chalcone on atheroma plaque formation and the relevant
      biochemical parameters in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed NMRI mice. METHODS:
      Fifty male NMRI mice were divided into 5 groups (n=10 per group): control
      (received a normal diet); HCD (received an additional 2% cholesterol for 18
      weeks); sham (received a HCD for 12 weeks and were then shifted to a normal diet
      and trans-chalcone vehicle (sunflower oil) for 6 weeks), and two experimental
      groups (received a HCD for 12 weeks and were then shifted to a normal diet and
      either 12mg/kg or 24mg/kg trans-chalcone for 6 weeks). RESULTS: After 12 weeks,
      HCD-induced atheroma plaques were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining of
      aortic sections. At the end of experiment, the following factors had
      significantly increased in the HCD group: body weight, insulin resistance, and
      serum levels of triglycerides, total-cholesterol, glucose, insulin, leptin, liver
      enzymes (AST and ALT), malondialdehyde and direct bilirubin. The serum levels of
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, superoxide dismutase, and
      glutathione had considerably decreased. Histologic analysis of liver sections
      indicated hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. Treatment by both doses of trans
      chalcone, particularly the 24mg/kg dose, significantly attenuated these
      alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of trans-chalcone improved the
      consequences of atheroma plaque formation and liver fibrosis via increased
      expression of adiponectin, generation of higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, as
      well as modulation of serum leptin and lipid profiles.

PMID- 27126699
TI  - Noxious heat threshold temperature and pronociceptive effects of allyl
      isothiocyanate (mustard oil) in TRPV1 or TRPA1 gene-deleted mice.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the roles of TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels in baseline and allyl
      isothiocyanate (AITC)-evoked nociceptive responses by comparing wild-type and
      gene-deficient mice. MAIN METHODS: In contrast to conventional methods of
      thermonociception measuring reflex latencies, we used our novel methods to
      determine the noxious heat threshold. KEY FINDINGS: It was revealed that the heat
      threshold of the tail measured by an increasing-temperature water bath is
      significantly higher in TRPV1(-/-), but not TRPA1(-/-), mice compared to
      respective wild-types. There was no difference between the noxious heat
      thresholds of the hind paw as measured by an increasing-temperature hot plate in
      TRPV1(-/-), TRPA1(-/-) and the corresponding wild-type mice. The withdrawal
      latency of the tail from 0 degrees C water was prolonged in TRPA1(-/-), but not
      TRPV1(-/-), mice compared to respective wild-types. In wild-type animals, dipping
      the tail or paw into 1% AITC induced an 8-14 degrees C drop of the noxious heat
      threshold (heat allodynia) of both the tail and paw, and 40-50% drop of the
      mechanonociceptive threshold (mechanical allodynia) of the paw measured by
      dynamic plantar esthesiometry. These AITC-evoked responses were diminished in
      TRPV1(-/-), but not TRPA1(-/-), mice. Tail withdrawal latency to 1% AITC was
      significantly prolonged in both gene-deleted strains. SIGNIFICANCE: Different
      heat sensors determine the noxious heat threshold in distinct areas: a pivotal
      role for TRPV1 on the tail is contrasted with no involvement of either TRPV1 or
      TRPA1 on the hind paw. Noxious heat threshold measurement appears appropriate for
      preclinical screening of TRP channel ligands as novel analgesics.

PMID- 27126700
TI  - Comparison of complications between pediatric peripherally inserted central
      catheter placement techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is among the most
      common procedures performed in children in the hospital setting. PICC insertion
      can be simplified with the use of a sheathed needle as an alternative to the
      modified Seldinger technique. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate PICC
      placement for the technique used and the incidence of complications at a large
      pediatric tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed all PICC placements at a single institution over a 4-year period. We
      reviewed patient records for demographic data, PICC placement technique, catheter
      size and number of lumens, and the incidence of complications (i.e. multiple
      attempted puncture sites, phlebitis and vessel thrombosis). We analyzed
      complication rates between two placement techniques using a chi-square test.
      RESULTS: We identified 8,816 successful PICC placements, 4,749 (53.9%) in males
      and 4,067 (46.1%) in females. The average age of the patients for which a line
      was placed was 5.6 years (range 1 day to 45 years). A direct sheathed needle
      puncture technique was used in 8,362 (94.9%) placements and a modified Seldinger
      technique was used in 454 (5.1%). Complications occurred in 312 (3.7%) of direct
      sheathed needle puncture placements versus 17 (3.7%) of modified Seldinger
      placements (P = 0.99). Multiple puncture sites were required in 175 (2.1%)
      attempted direct sheathed needle puncture placements compared with 8 (1.7%)
      attempted modified Seldinger placements (P = 0.63). Phlebitis occurred in 94
      (1.1%) direct sheathed needle puncture lines versus 5 (1.1%) modified Seldinger
      placed lines (P = 0.96). Vessel thrombosis occurred in 43 (0.5%) direct sheathed
      needle puncture lines versus 4 (0.9%) modified Seldinger placed lines (P = 0.30).
      CONCLUSION: The direct peel-away sheathed needle vessel puncture technique and
      the modified Seldinger technique used to place PICC lines in children have
      similar complication rates.

PMID- 27126701
TI  - Prefrontal gray matter volume recovery in treatment-seeking cocaine-addicted
      individuals: a longitudinal study.
AB  - Deficits in prefrontal cortical (PFC) function have been consistently reported in
      individuals with cocaine use disorders (iCUD), and have separately been shown to
      improve with longer-term abstinence. However, it is less clear whether the PFC
      structural integrity possibly underlying these deficits is also modulated by
      sustained reduction in drug use in iCUD. Here, T1-weighted magnetic resonance
      imaging scans were acquired, and performance on a neuropsychological test battery
      was assessed, in 19 initially abstinent treatment-seeking iCUD, first at baseline
      and then after six months of significantly reduced or no drug use (follow-up). A
      comparison cohort of 12 healthy controls was also scanned twice with a similar
      inter-scan interval. The iCUD showed increased gray matter volume in the left
      inferior frontal gyrus and bilaterally in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex at
      follow-up compared to baseline; healthy controls, as expected, showed no changes
      over this same time period. The iCUD also showed improved decision making and
      cognitive flexibility, with the latter correlated significantly with the gray
      matter volume increases in the inferior frontal gyrus. Given its association with
      improved cognitive function, the longitudinal recovery in cortical gray matter
      volume, particularly in regions where structure and function are adversely
      affected by chronic drug use, reflects a quantifiable positive impact of
      significantly reduced drug use on cortical structural integrity.

PMID- 27126702
TI  - Evolutionary redesign of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) Toll-like receptor
      repertoire by gene losses and expansions.
AB  - Genome sequencing of the teleost Atlantic cod demonstrated loss of the Major
      Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II, an extreme gene expansion of MHC class
      I and gene expansions and losses in the innate pattern recognition receptor (PRR)
      family of Toll-like receptors (TLR). In a comparative genomic setting, using an
      improved version of the genome, we characterize PRRs in Atlantic cod with
      emphasis on TLRs demonstrating the loss of TLR1/6, TLR2 and TLR5 and expansion of
      TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, TLR22 and TLR25. We find that Atlantic cod TLR expansions are
      strongly influenced by diversifying selection likely to increase the detectable
      ligand repertoire through neo- and subfunctionalization. Using RNAseq we find
      that Atlantic cod TLRs display likely tissue or developmental stage-specific
      expression patterns. In a broader perspective, a comprehensive vertebrate TLR
      phylogeny reveals that the Atlantic cod TLR repertoire is extreme with regards to
      losses and expansions compared to other teleosts. In addition we identify a
      substantial shift in TLR repertoires following the evolutionary transition from
      an aquatic vertebrate (fish) to a terrestrial (tetrapod) life style.
      Collectively, our findings provide new insight into the function and evolution of
      TLRs in Atlantic cod as well as the evolutionary history of vertebrate innate
      immunity.

PMID- 27126703
TI  - Occupational exposure of cashiers to Bisphenol A via thermal paper: urinary
      biomonitoring study.
AB  - PURPOSE: As an essential component of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins,
      Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in numerous industrial and consumer products. BPA may
      cause adverse health effects because of its endocrine activity. General
      population exposure to this compound mainly through diet is well documented.
      Thermal paper was also identified as a source of BPA through dermal intake. In
      this study, we investigated whether frequent contact with thermal paper is
      associated with an increase in urinary BPA excretion. METHODS: We evaluated the
      exposure to BPA in cashiers and in non-occupationally exposed workers from
      several workplaces. Urinary BPA was quantified in free (unconjugated) and total
      (unconjugated plus conjugated) forms in 24-h and spot urine samples using LC
      MS/MS. BPA concentration in thermal paper was also measured from each workplace.
      In addition, participants provided information on job, food and drink, tobacco
      consumption and hands wash during the sampling period through a questionnaire.
      RESULTS: Urine samples were collected from 90 cashiers and 44 controls. Free and
      total BPA were detected in all samples. The median urinary total BPA
      concentration was 3.54 ug/L (2.89 ug/g creatinine) for controls and 8.92 ug/L
      (6.76 ug/g creatinine) for cashiers. For the free BPA, the median urinary
      concentration was 0.20 ug/L (0.21 ug/g creatinine) for controls and 0.28 ug/L
      (0.22 ug/g creatinine) for cashiers. Any correlation was found between the
      urinary concentration levels and the number of thermal receipts handled. Hand
      washes frequency, age, job length of service and tobacco consumption had also no
      effect on the BPA excretions. CONCLUSION: A significant increase in urinary total
      BPA concentration was observed for cashiers handling daily thermal paper
      receipts. However, no significant increase was observed in urinary free BPA
      concentration. These findings are particularly interesting for risk assessment
      since all available data on occupational exposure to BPA through thermal paper
      were obtained from models or from simulated experiments.

PMID- 27126705
TI  - Five minutes with . . . Sarah Wollaston MP.

PMID- 27126704
TI  - Multidimensional assessment of self-reported chemical intolerance and its impact
      on chemosensory effects during ammonia exposure.
AB  - PURPOSE: Healthy individuals differ in self-reported chemical intolerance (CI).
      It is unclear whether this inter-individual variability impacts well-being and
      performance in environmental and occupational settings with chemical exposures.
      So far, operational definitions and questionnaires of CI have either emphasized
      physical symptoms or affective/behavioral disruption. In contrast, this study
      focused on healthy individuals who reported strong CI which generalized to
      awareness, physiology, affect, and behavior. We investigated whether generalized
      self-reported CI is associated with hyper-reactivity and reduced cognitive
      functioning due to chemosensory-mediated distraction during ammonia exposure.
      METHODS: An online sample (N = 321) answered established CI questionnaires. Based
      on the convergent self-reports in these questionnaires, healthy women with
      generalized CI and healthy female control participants were selected (total N =
      26). Baseline characterization was performed using implicit association, lung and
      olfactory function tests, health-related self-reports, plasma inflammatory and
      metabolic markers. Performance in neurobehavioral tasks, perceptual ratings,
      nasal inflammatory, neuroendocrine, and autonomic nervous system reactivity were
      examined by means of a 75-min whole-body challenge to ammonia (stepwise increase:
      0-10 ppm). RESULTS: Correlational analyses confirmed the multidimensionality of
      CI. Participants with generalized self-reported CI exhibited better olfactory
      function and reported stronger pungency during the challenge than controls.
      Cognitive performance and physiological response to the challenge were comparable
      between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reports of CI are complex and not
      easily assessed by unidimensional questionnaires. While generalized self-reported
      CI is associated with altered chemosensory processing, it seems unlikely that it
      modulates health effects and cognitive functioning during chemical exposure.

PMID- 27126706
TI  - The role of choroidal thickness in diabetic retinopathy and obstructive sleep
      apnea syndrome.

PMID- 27126709
TI  - Impact of body composition changes on risk of all-cause mortality in older
      adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluates the relationship between body mass index (BMI), fat
      mass index (FMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) changes and mortality in persons
      >=65 years. METHODS: Adults >=65 years with at least two body composition
      measurements (BCM) between 1990 and 2011 were included. We excluded persons who
      died within one month of the second BCM and who had two single BCM in a one-month
      timeframe. Mortality data was retrieved until December 2012. For each person, we
      calculated the regression slopes for BMI, FMI and FFMI changes. Significant
      positive slopes were categorized as "gain", negative slopes as "loss" and the
      others as "maintenance". The impact of body composition changes was evaluated by
      Cox regression models while adjusting for sex, age, co-morbidities and body
      composition at the last measurement. RESULTS: We included 791 persons with 3049
      BCM. After adjustment for sex, and age and co-morbidities, a loss of FFMI, but
      not of FMI or BMI, increased the risk of mortality (HR 2.02, 95%CI 1.28-3.19).
      The prediction of mortality with FFMI loss remained significant when further
      adjusting for FMI loss and the last available body composition (HR 1.68, 95%CI
      1.04-2.70). CONCLUSIONS: FFMI loss is related to increased mortality in older
      persons.

PMID- 27126708
TI  - Personal distress and the influence of bystanders on responding to an emergency.
AB  - Spontaneous helping behavior during an emergency is influenced by the personality
      of the onlooker and by social situational factors such as the presence of
      bystanders. Here, we sought to determine the influences of sympathy, an other
      oriented response, and personal distress, a self-oriented response, on the effect
      of bystanders during an emergency. In four experiments, we investigated whether
      trait levels of sympathy and personal distress predicted responses to an
      emergency in the presence of bystanders by using behavioral measures and single
      pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. Sympathy and personal distress were
      expected to be associated with faster responses to an emergency without
      bystanders present, but only personal distress would predict slower responses to
      an emergency with bystanders present. The results of a cued reaction time task
      showed that people who reported higher levels of personal distress and sympathy
      responded faster to an emergency without bystanders (Exp. 1). In contrast to our
      predictions, perspective taking but not personal distress was associated with
      slower reaction times as the number of bystanders increased during an emergency
      (Exp. 2). However, the decrease in motor corticospinal excitability, a direct
      physiological measure of action preparation, with the increase in the number of
      bystanders was solely predicted by personal distress (Exp. 3). Incorporating
      cognitive load manipulations during the observation of an emergency suggested
      that personal distress is linked to an effect of bystanders on reflexive
      responding to an emergency (Exp. 4). Taken together, these results indicate that
      the presence of bystanders during an emergency reduces action preparation in
      people with a disposition to experience personal distress.

PMID- 27126710
TI  - Gastrointestinal tolerance and plasma status of carotenoids, EPA and DHA with a
      fiber-enriched tube feed in hospitalized patients initiated on tube nutrition:
      Randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: During the first days of tube feeding (TF) gastrointestinal
      (GI) complications are common and administration of sufficient nutrition is a
      challenge. Not all standard nutritionally complete formulas contain dietary
      fiber, fish oil or carotenoids, key dietary nutrients for health and wellbeing.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a fiber, fish oil and
      carotenoid enriched TF formula on diarrhea, constipation and nutrient
      bioavailability. METHODS: A multi-center randomized, double-blind, controlled,
      parallel trial compared the effects of a dietary fiber, fish oil and carotenoid
      enriched TF formula (test) with an isocaloric non-enriched formula (control) in
      51 patients requiring initiation of TF. Incidence of diarrhea and constipation
      (based on stool frequency and consistency) was recorded daily. Plasma status of
      EPA, DHA and carotenoids was measured after 7 days. RESULTS: The incidence of
      diarrhea was lower in patients receiving the test formula compared with the
      control group (19% vs. 48%, p = 0.034). EPA and DHA status (% of total plasma
      phospholipids) was higher after 7 days in test compared with control group (EPA:
      p = 0.002, DHA: p = 0.082). Plasma carotenoid levels were higher after 7 days in
      the test group compared with control group (lutein: p = 0.024, alpha-carotene: p
      = 0.005, lycopene: p = 0.020, beta-carotene: p = 0.054). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      suggests that the nutrient-enriched TF formula tested might have a positive
      effect on GI tolerance with less diarrhea incidence and significantly improved
      EPA, DHA and carotenoid plasma levels during the initiation of TF in hospitalized
      patients who are at risk of diarrhea and low nutrient status. CLINICAL TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at trialregister.nl; registration number
      2924.

PMID- 27126711
TI  - Management of acute intestinal failure: A position paper from the European
      Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) Special Interest Group.
AB  - Intestinal failure (IF) is the consequence of a reduction of gut function below
      the minimum necessary for the absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal
      tract. Types I and II comprise acute intestinal failure (AIF). Although its
      prevalence is relatively low, type II AIF is serious and requires specialist
      multidisciplinary care, often for prolonged periods before its resolution. The
      key aspects are: sepsis control, fluid and electrolyte resuscitation,
      optimization of nutritional status, wound care, appropriate surgery and active
      rehabilitation. The ESPEN Acute Intestinal Failure Special Interest Group (AIF
      SIG) has devised this position paper to provide a state-of-the-art overview of
      the management of type II AIF and to point out areas for future research.

PMID- 27126713
TI  - A Systematic Review of the Uptake and Adherence Rates to Supervised Exercise
      Programs in Patients with Intermittent Claudication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intermittent claudication (IC) is a common and debilitating symptom
      of peripheral arterial disease and is associated with a significant reduction in
      a sufferer's quality of life. Guidelines recommend a supervised exercise program
      (SEP) as the primary treatment option; however, anecdotally there is a low
      participation rate for exercise in this group of patients. We undertook a
      systematic review of the uptake and adherence rates to SEPs for individuals with
      IC. METHODS: The MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed databases were searched up to
      January 2015 for terms related to supervised exercise in peripheral arterial
      disease. The review had 3 aims: first, to establish the rates of uptake to SEPs,
      second, the rates of adherence to programs, and finally to determine the reasons
      reported for poor uptake and adherence. Separate inclusion and/or exclusion
      criteria were applied in selecting reports for each aim of the review. RESULTS:
      Only 23 of the 53 potentially eligible articles for uptake analysis identified on
      literature searches reported any details of screened patients (n = 7,517) with
      only 24.2% of patients subsequently recruited to SEPs. Forty-five percent of
      screen failures had no reason for exclusion reported. Sixty-seven articles with
      4,012 patients were included for analysis of SEP adherence. Overall, 75.1% of
      patients reportedly completed an SEP; however, only one article defined a minimal
      attendance required for SEP completion. Overall, 54.1% of incomplete adherence
      was due to patient withdrawal and no reason for incomplete adherence was reported
      for 16% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Reporting of SEP trials was poor with regard to
      the numbers of subjects screened and reasons for exclusions. Only approximately 1
      in 3 screened IC patients was suitable for and willing to undertake SEP. Levels
      of adherence to SEPs and definitions of satisfactory adherence were also lacking
      in most the current literature. Current clinical guidelines based on this
      evidence base may not be applicable to most IC patients and changes to SEPs may
      be needed to encourage and/or retain participants.

PMID- 27126712
TI  - Criterion validity of the visual estimation method for determining patients' meal
      intake in a community hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The accuracy of the visual estimation method is unknown, even
      though it is commonly used in hospitals to measure the dietary intake of
      patients. We aimed to compare the difference in the validity of visual estimation
      according to the raters' job categories and tray divisions, and to demonstrate
      associations between meal characteristics and validity of visual estimation in a
      usual clinical setting in a community hospital. METHODS: We collected patients'
      dietary intake data in usual clinical settings for each tray in 3 ways: visual
      estimation by nursing assistants, visual estimation by dietitians, and weighing
      by researchers (reference method). Dietitians estimated the dietary intake using
      2 divisions, namely, whole tray and food items. Then we compared the weights and
      visual estimation data to evaluate the validity of the visual estimation method.
      RESULTS: Mean nutrient consumption of target trays was significantly different
      when using the visual estimation of target trays than when using the weighed
      method (visual estimation by nursing assistants [589 +/- 168 kcal, 24.3 +/- 7.0
      g/tray, p < 0.01], dietitians' whole trays [561 +/- 171 kcal, 23.0 +/- 6.9
      g/tray, p < 0.05], food items [562 +/- 171 kcal/tray, p < 0.05], and dietitians'
      food items [23.4 +/- 7.3 g/tray, p = 0.63]). Spearman's correlations for both
      methods were very high for energy (rho = 0.91-0.98, p < 0.01) and protein intakes
      (rho = 0.88-0.96, p < 0.01), respectively. The limits of agreement in the Bland
      Altman plot for both dietary intake categories were -121 kcal to 147 kcal/tray
      and -6.4 g to 7.0 g/tray (nursing assistants, whole division), -122 kcal-106
      kcal/tray and -6.7 g to 5.5 g/tray (dietitians, whole divisions), and -82 kcal to
      66 kcal/tray and -4.3 g to 3.9 g/tray (dietitians, food items divisions). High
      intake rate of grains was significantly associated with decreased odds of a
      difference between two methods based on the nursing assistant's whole tray
      evaluation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-0.94) and
      the dietitians' whole tray (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.72-0.89) and food items
      evaluations (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.56-0.73), respectively. In addition, minced
      meals were also associated with a difference between two methods, for the nursing
      assistants' whole tray (OR: 3.53; 95% CI: 1.66-7.51) and dietitians' food items
      (OR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.37-6.22). CONCLUSIONS: Visual estimation by nursing
      assistants and dietitians correlated highly with the weighing method although the
      limits of agreement were wide. Nursing assistants and dietitians should pay
      attention to low consumption and modified texture meals when evaluating dietary
      intake using the visual estimation method.

PMID- 27126714
TI  - Influence of Clinically Relevant Mechanical Forces on Vascular Smooth Muscle
      Cells Under Chronic High Glucose: An In Vitro Dynamic Disease Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, we subjected vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to
      acute and chronic high glucose conditions under physiologically relevant levels
      of cyclic strain and low wall shear forces to compare phenotypic modulation and
      thus conceptualize a dynamic-disease test model which captures cellular response
      more accurately in comparison with static cultures. METHODS: P2-P6 rat aortic
      smooth muscle cells were seeded on type I collagen-coated silicone membranes and
      subjected to 0-7% cyclic strain at 1 Hz and 0.3 dynes/cm(2) shear stress from
      flow for 24 hr under acute (25 mM d-glucose, 84 hr) and chronic high glucose
      conditions (25 mM d-glucose, 3-4 weeks). Samples were analyzed for cell
      proliferation, percent apoptosis, cellular hypertrophy, and expression levels of
      smooth muscle contractile state-associated markers with 0.05 level of
      significance. RESULTS: Concomitant application of cyclic strain and flow shear
      resulted in an overall increase in proliferation of VSMCs under both acute and
      chronic high glucose conditions as compared with normal glucose control (P <
      0.0001). Application of both cyclic strain and cyclic strain shear resulted in a
      significant increase in percent apoptosis with chronic high glucose treatment in
      comparison with both normal glucose controls (P < 0.0001) and acute high glucose
      (P < 0.0001). Cellular hypertrophy as estimated by measuring cell area and aspect
      ratio revealed a significantly altered morphology due to concomitant loading
      under chronic high glucose conditions with significantly higher cell area (P <
      0.0001) and lower aspect ratio (P < 0.0001) indicative of a relatively rounded
      morphology as compared with normal glucose controls. Western blot analysis
      demonstrated reduced expression of SM alpha-actin (P < 0.0001), calponin (P <
      0.0001), and SM22alpha (P = 0.0008) for concomitant loading under chronic high
      glucose treatment as compared with normal glucose controls. CONCLUSIONS:
      Concomitant application of cyclic strain and low wall shear stress resulted in
      greater phenotypic modulation of VSMCs due to chronic high glucose treatment as
      compared with normal glucose controls, thus implicating cellular-response
      differences which may impact progression of in-stent restenosis in diabetic
      patients with poorly controlled hyperglycemia. Similarity of VSMC response from
      our study to existing preclinical models of diabetes and reports of altered
      phenotype of VSMCs isolated from diabetic patients substantiate the relevance of
      our dynamic disease test model.

PMID- 27126715
TI  - Blunt Abdominal Aortic Injury Associated with L2 Vertebral Fracture.
AB  - Blunt abdominal aortic injury (BAAI) is very rare. In general, BAAI occurs in
      high-energy accidents. Here, we present a case of BAAI in a low-energy accident.
      A 70-year-old female was injured after falling 3 m. Her vital signs were stable.
      She had lumbar fractures (L1, L2) and BAAI associated with a fragment of the
      fractured L2 vertebral body. On the fifth posttrauma day, we performed an
      operation because computed tomography showed a bone fragment of the lumbar
      fractures (L1, L2) threatening the abdominal aorta. The aortic injury site was
      transected, and the fragment of the L2 vertebral body was removed. Even in low
      energy accidents, BAAI should be considered. BAAI with stable vital signs can be
      electively treated. 

PMID- 27126717
TI  - Ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor with heterologous elements containing an
      unusual type of alpha-fetoprotein-producing cells.

PMID- 27126716
TI  - Systematic Literature Review on Evaluation and Management of Isolated Spontaneous
      Celiac Trunk Dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to perform a systematic literature
      review of isolated spontaneous celiac trunk dissection (ISCTD), to evaluate
      initial clinical and diagnostic aspects, treatment modalities, and outcomes.
      METHODS: A retrospective search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, and SciELO databases was
      performed, using the terms celiac artery dissection, celiac trunk dissection,
      hepatic artery dissection, splenic artery dissection, or left gastric artery
      dissection to identify instances of ISCTD. Patients with associated aortic and/or
      other visceral artery dissection were excluded. When available, the following
      information was collected from each case: gender, age, associated risk factor,
      symptoms, diagnostic method, treatment modality, and outcome. RESULTS: A total of
      60 publications were identified between 1987 and 2015, with 11 cases series and
      49 case reports, achieving a total of 169 patients identified with ISCTD. Such
      information was collected: 99 patients were male and 17 female, with an average
      age of 53.1 years and the most common symptom was abdominal pain. Diagnosis was
      mainly made with computed tomography. The most common associated conditions were
      hypertension and smoking in 31% and 23% of the cases, respectively. Conservative
      treatment was performed in 79% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The profile of patients
      with ISCTD is male, middle aged, and almost all suffer from abdominal pain.
      Initial conservative treatment seems adequate for most cases, but a few patients
      will require interventional treatment. Clinical and radiological long-term follow
      up is mandatory, owing to the risk of later progression to aneurysm.

PMID- 27126718
TI  - Nanoporous chalcogenides for adsorption and gas separation.
AB  - The adsorption and gas separation properties of amorphous porous chalcogenides
      such as GeS2 are investigated using statistical mechanics molecular simulation.
      Using a realistic molecular model of such amorphous adsorbents, we show that they
      can be used efficiently to separate different gases relevant to environmental and
      energy applications (H2, CO2, CH4, N2). In addition to shedding light on the
      microscopic adsorption mechanisms, we show that coadsorption in this novel class
      of porous materials can be described using the ideal adsorbed solution theory
      (IAST). Such a simple thermodynamic model, which allows avoiding complex
      coadsorption measurements, describes the adsorption of mixture from pure
      component adsorption isotherms. Our results, which are found to be in good
      agreement with available experimental data, paves the way for the design of gas
      separation membranes using the large family of porous chalcogenides.

PMID- 27126719
TI  - Population size, growth and movements of Anguilla australis in a small lake.
AB  - To study growth rates, movements and estimate population size of shortfin eels
      Anguilla australis in a small lake (2.5 ha) near Christchurch, New Zealand, 617
      A. australis were tagged with PIT tags. Tag retention was high (95%) and over the
      seven recapture events spread over 2 years, 55% of tagged A. australis were
      recaptured. Growth of recaptured A. australis averaged 13.1 mm year(-1) and
      declined slightly with increasing total length. Distance moved from original
      capture site increased with increasing time at large. Population estimates of A.
      australis > 400 mm (susceptible to capture by fyke net) from recaptures of
      individuals averaged 1451 A. australis, with a biomass of 170 kg ha(-1) . An
      average of 6.6% of the estimated total population matured as male silver A.
      australis each year. Results from radio-tracking of four A. australis gave an
      average nightly foraging area of 2780 m(2) , and there was no apparent preference
      for inshore movement (within 5-6 m of the shoreline) or offshore movement. Fyke
      net efficiency (total catch relative to the estimated total population available
      to each net) measured over four consecutive nights fishing was 88%. The lack of
      precision of the shoreline triangulation system used, +/-10 m, meant that the
      positional data were considered too coarse to be used in a proposed novel
      population estimation technique based on determining population size within
      foraging areas. 

PMID- 27126720
TI  - Is Montelukast Benefical in Children With Atopic Dermatitis?

PMID- 27126722
TI  - Update on the Management of Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease.
AB  - Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is an adult-onset upper and lower
      airway disease consisting of eosinophilic nasal polyps, asthma, and respiratory
      reactions to cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) inhibitors. Management includes guideline
      based treatment of asthma and sinus disease, avoidance of COX-1 inhibitors, and
      for some patients aspirin desensitization followed by high-dose aspirin therapy.
      Despite this, many patients have inadequately controlled symptoms and require
      multiple sinus surgeries. In this review, we discuss the current standard
      approaches to the management of AERD, and we introduce several therapeutics under
      development that may hold promise for the treatment of AERD. 

PMID- 27126721
TI  - Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis: A Perplexing Clinical Entity.
AB  - In susceptible individuals, inhalation of Aspergillus spores can affect the
      respiratory tract in many ways. These spores get trapped in the viscid sputum of
      asthmatic subjects which triggers a cascade of inflammatory reactions that can
      result in Aspergillus-induced asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
      (ABPA), and allergic Aspergillus sinusitis (AAS). An immunologically mediated
      disease, ABPA, occurs predominantly in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis
      (CF). A set of criteria, which is still evolving, is required for diagnosis.
      Imaging plays a compelling role in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease.
      Demonstration of central bronchiectasis with normal tapering bronchi is still
      considered pathognomonic in patients without CF. Elevated serum IgE levels and
      Aspergillus-specific IgE and/or IgG are also vital for the diagnosis. Mucoid
      impaction occurring in the paranasal sinuses results in AAS, which also requires
      a set of diagnostic criteria. Demonstration of fungal elements in sinus material
      is the hallmark of AAS. In spite of similar histopathologic features, co
      existence of ABPA and AAS is still uncommon. Oral corticosteroids continue to be
      the mainstay of management of allergic aspergillosis. Antifungal agents play an
      adjunctive role in ABPA as they help reduce the fungal load. Saprophytic
      colonization in cavitary ABPA may lead to aspergilloma formation, which could
      increase the severity of the disease. The presence of ABPA, AAS, and aspergilloma
      in the same patient has also been documented. All patients with Aspergillus
      sensitized asthma must be screened for ABPA, and AAS should always be looked for.

PMID- 27126723
TI  - A Double-Blind, Randomized, Crossover Study to Compare the Effectiveness of
      Montelukast on Atopic Dermatitis in Korean Children.
AB  - PURPOSE: Some studies report a role of leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of atopic
      dermatitis and suggest a rationale for the use of leukotriene receptor antagonist
      (LTRA) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. This study aimed to evaluate the
      treatment effectiveness of montelukast in children with atopic dermatitis.
      METHODS: Fifty-four children between the ages of 2 and 6 years with moderate to
      severe atopic dermatitis were enrolled. Group A received montelukast for 8 weeks,
      followed by a crossover to 8 weeks of placebo after a 2-week washout period.
      Group B reversed the administration according to a randomized, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled, crossover design. The SCORing atopic dermatitis (SCORAD)
      index, urinary leukotriene E4 (LTE4), and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN)
      were assessed at every visit. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (21 males) completed
      the study. Although the SCORAD index was decreased in both groups, there was no
      statistically significant difference between montelukast and placebo (-3.0+/-11.2
      vs -5.7+/-11.3, P=0.43). The level of urinary LTE4 was decreased after taking
      montelukast when compared to placebo, but there was no statistically significant
      difference (-65.9+/-556.2 vs 87.7+/-618.3, P=0.26). The changes in urinary EDN
      after taking montelukast and placebo had no significant difference (37.0+/
      1,008.6 vs -195.8+/-916.7, P=0.10). When analyzing SCORAD indices, urinary LTE4,
      and EDN, we could not prove the effectiveness of montelukast in the atopic, non
      atopic or high ECP (ECP >=15 MUg/L) subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: There was no
      statistically significant difference in clinical improvement or biomarkers
      between montelukast and placebo treatment. Therefore, conventional treatments
      with skin care and infection control might be more important strategies in the
      treatment of atopic dermatitis.

PMID- 27126724
TI  - No Concentration Decrease of House Dust Mite Allergens With Rising Altitude in
      Alpine Regions.
AB  - PURPOSE: Several studies over the past 4 decades have indicated a significant
      reduction in house dust mite (HDM) and HDM allergen concentration in areas higher
      than 1,500 m above sea level. These have served as basis of allergen avoidance
      therapies for HDM allergy and asthma. However, modern construction techniques
      used in the insulation, heating, and glazing of buildings as well as global
      warming have changed the environmental parameters for HDM living conditions. The
      present study revisits the paradigm of decreasing HDM allergen concentrations
      with increasing altitude in the alpine region of Germany and Austria. METHODS: A
      total of 122 dust samples from different abodes (hotels, privates and mountain
      huts) at different altitudes (400-2,600 m) were taken, and concentrations of HDM
      allergens were analyzed. Humidity and temperature conditions, and numerous indoor
      environmental parameters such as fine dust, type of flooring, age of building,
      and frequency of cleaning were determined. RESULTS: HDM allergen concentrations
      did not significantly change with increasing altitude or relative humidity. At
      the level of indoor parameters, correlations could be found for different
      flooring types and the concentration of HDM allergens. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast
      to the widespread view of the relationship between altitude and HDM allergen
      concentrations, clinically relevant concentrations of HDM allergens could be
      detected in high-lying alpine regions in Austria and Germany. These results
      indicate that improvement in conditions of asthmatic patients sensitized against
      HDMs during a stay at high altitude can no longer be ascribed to decreased levels
      of HDM allergens, instead, other mechanisms may trigger the beneficial effect.

PMID- 27126725
TI  - Omalizumab Improves Quality of Life and Asthma Control in Chinese Patients With
      Moderate to Severe Asthma: A Randomized Phase III Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Omalizumab is the preferred add-on therapy for patients with moderate-to
      severe persistent allergic asthma and has demonstrated efficacy and safety in
      various ethnicities. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of omalizumab
      in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma. METHODS: This
      randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, phase III study
      assessed lung function, quality of life, asthma control, and safety of omalizumab
      after 24-week therapy in Chinese patients (18-75 years of age). RESULTS: A total
      of 616 patients were randomized (1:1) to omalizumab or placebo. The primary
      endpoint, least squares mean treatment difference (LSM-TD) in morning peak
      expiratory flow (PEF) (omalizumab vs placebo), at Weeks >20-24 was 8.85 L/min
      (Full analysis set; P=0.062). Per-protocol analysis set showed significant
      improvements with LSM-TD of 11.53 L/min in mean mPEF at Weeks >20-24 (P=0.022).
      The FEV1 % predicted was significantly improved with omalizumab vs placebo from 8
      to 24 weeks (after 24-week treatment: LSM-TD=4.12%; P=0.001). At Week 24, a
      higher proportion of omalizumab-treated patients achieved clinically relevant
      improvements in standardized AQLQ (58.2% vs 39.3%; LSM=0.51 vs 0.10; P<0.001) and
      ACQ (49.5% vs 35.5%; LSM=-0.51 vs -0.34; P=0.002) scores vs placebo. Total and
      nighttime symptom scores reduced significantly with omalizumab vs placebo (LSM
      TD=-0.21, P=0.048 and -0.12, P=0.011, respectively). Although the study was not
      powered to study differences in exacerbation rates (P=0.097), exacerbations in
      winter months were less frequent in the omalizumab vs placebo group (2 vs 21).
      Adverse event and severe adverse event rates were comparable between omalizumab
      and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Omalizumab improves lung function, quality of life, and
      asthma control in Chinese patients with moderate-to-severe persistent allergic
      asthma and has a good safety profile.

PMID- 27126726
TI  - Detection of Allergen Specific Antibodies From Nasal Secretion of Allergic
      Rhinitis Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common and increasing disease in which
      Dermatophagoides (D.) farinae is one of the most common causative allergens. The
      aims of this study were to confirm the presence of locally produced antibodies to
      D. farinae in nasal secretions between nasal provocation test (NPT)-positive and 
      negative groups of AR patients, to evaluate their relationships with the levels
      of inflammatory mediators, and to determine adaptive and innate immune responses
      in nasal mucosa. METHODS: Sixty AR patients sensitive to house dust mites
      confirmed by skin prick test or serum specific IgE to D. farinae underwent NPT
      for D. farinae. Nasal packs were placed in both nasal cavities of the patients
      for 5 minutes to obtain nasal secretions after NPT. The levels of total IgE,
      specific IgE to D. farinae, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), and tryptase in
      nasal secretions were detected by using ImmunoCAP. The levels of specific IgE,
      IgA, and secretory IgA antibodies to D. farinae in nasal secretions were measured
      by using ELISA. The levels of IL-8, VEGF, IL-25, and IL-33 were also measured by
      using ELISA. RESULTS: High levels of total IgE, specific IgE, specific IgA, and
      secretory IgA to D. farinae, as well as inflammatory mediators, such as ECP, IL
      8, VEGF and tryptase, were detected in nasal secretions, although the differences
      were not statistically significant between the NPT-positive and NPT-negative
      groups. Levels of all immunoglobulins measured in this study significantly
      correlated with ECP, IL-8, and VEGF (P<0.05), but not with tryptase (P>0.05). IL
      33 and IL-25 were also detected, and IL-25 level significantly correlated with IL
      8 (r=0.625, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirmed the presence of
      locally produced specific antibodies, including D. farinae-specific IgE and IgA,
      in nasal secretions collected from D. farinae-sensitive AR patients in both the
      NPT-positive and NPT-negative groups, and close correlations were noted between
      antibodies and nasal inflammatory mediators, including such as ECP, IL-8 and
      VEGF, indicating that locally produced antibodies may be involved in the nasal
      inflammation of AR.

PMID- 27126728
TI  - Response to Nonallergenic Irritants in Children With Allergic and Nonallergic
      Rhinitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nonallergenic irritants can aggravate the symptoms of rhinitis. We
      investigated the clinical responses of children with allergic rhinitis (AR) and
      nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) to nonallergenic irritants, and identified factors
      associated with these responses. METHODS: Children with chronic rhinitis (n=208)
      were classified as having AR or NAR based on the presence of aeroallergen
      specific IgE. Healthy controls (n=24) were recruited for comparison. The Allergic
      Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines were used to classify
      patients, and their irritant score (0-21 points) and current symptom score (5-35
      points) were measured. Subjects with irritant scores >=3 and <3 were classified
      as having irritant and nonirritant rhinitis, respectively. RESULTS: The mean age
      of enrolled subjects was 6.8 years (range: 1.8-16.0 years). The AR and NAR groups
      had similar irritant scores (P=0.394) and proportions of subjects with irritant
      scores >=3 (P=0.105). Irritant score correlated positively with symptom score
      (P=0.005), and the proportion of subjects with irritant scores >=3 was greater in
      children with moderate-severe rhinitis than in those with mild rhinitis
      (P=0.046). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the presence of
      atopic eczema increased the risk for sensitivity to a nonallergenic irritant
      (aOR=2.928, 95% CI 1.567-5.473, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Response to a
      nonallergenic irritant was useful for gauging the severity of rhinitis, but not
      for differentiating AR from NAR. AR and NAR patients with atopic eczema may
      increase nasal sensitivity to nonallergenic irritants.

PMID- 27126727
TI  - Age-Related Changes in Immunological Factors and Their Relevance in Allergic
      Disease Development During Childhood.
AB  - PURPOSE: Allergic diseases are triggered by Th2-mediated immune reactions to
      allergens and orchestrated by various immunological factors, including immune
      cells and cytokines. Although many reports have suggested that childhood is the
      critical period in the onset of allergic diseases and aging leads to alter the
      susceptibility of an individual to allergic diseases, age-related changes in
      various immunological factors in healthy individuals as well as their difference
      between healthy and allergic children have not yet been established. METHODS: We
      investigated the ratio of Th1/Th2 cells and the levels of 22 allergy-related
      cytokines across all age groups in individuals who were classified as clinically
      non-atopic and healthy. We also examined their differences between healthy and
      allergic children to evaluate immunological changes induced by the development of
      allergic diseases during childhood. RESULTS: The Th1/Th2 ratio rose gradually
      during the growth period including childhood, reaching peak values in the
      twenties-thirties age group. Th1/Th2 ratios were significantly lower in allergic
      children than in healthy controls, whereas 14 of 22 cytokines were significantly
      higher in allergic children than in healthy controls. On the other hand, there
      were no differences in Th1/Th2 ratios and cytokines between healthy and allergic
      adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, age-related changes in Th1/Th2 ratios
      were found in normal controls across all age groups, and decreases in Th1/Th2
      ratio were observed with increasing of 14 cytokines in allergic children. The
      results of this study may be helpful as reference values for both monitoring
      immunological changes according to aging in healthy individuals and
      distinguishing between normal and allergic subjects in terms of immune cells and
      soluble factors.

PMID- 27126729
TI  - Characteristics of Anaphylaxis in 907 Chinese Patients Referred to a Tertiary
      Allergy Center: A Retrospective Study of 1,952 Episodes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Comprehensive evaluation of anaphylaxis in China is currently lacking.
      In this study, we characterized the clinical profiles, anaphylactic triggers, and
      emergency treatment in pediatric and adult patients. METHODS: Outpatients
      diagnosed with "anaphylaxis" or "severe allergic reactions" in the Department of
      Allergy, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1, 2000 to June 30,
      2014 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 1,952 episodes of
      anaphylaxis in 907 patients were analyzed (78% were adults and 22% were
      children). Foods are the most common cause (77%), followed by idiopathic
      etiologies (15%), medications (7%) and insects (0.6%). In food-induced
      anaphylaxis, 62% (13/21) of anaphylaxis in infants and young children (0-3 years
      of age) were triggered by milk, 59% (36/61) of anaphylaxis in children (4-9 years
      of age) were triggered by fruits/vegetables, while wheat was the cause of
      anaphylaxis in 20% (56/282) of teenagers (10-17 years of age) and 42% (429/1,016)
      in adults (18-50 years of age). Mugwort pollen sensitization was common in
      patients with anaphylaxis induced by spices, fruits/vegetables, legume/peanuts,
      and tree nuts/seeds, with the prevalence rates of 75%, 67%, 61%, and 51%,
      respectively. Thirty-six percent of drug-induced anaphylaxis was attributed to
      traditional Chinese Medicine. For patients receiving emergency care, only 25% of
      patients received epinephrine. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that
      anaphylaxis appeared to occur more often in adults than in infants and children,
      which were in contrast to those found in other countries. In particular, wheat
      allergens played a prominent role in triggering food-induced anaphylaxis,
      followed by fruits/vegetables. Traditional Chinese medicine was a cause of drug
      induced anaphylaxis. Furthermore, exercise was the most common factor aggravating
      anaphylaxis. Education regarding the more aggressive use of epinephrine in the
      emergency setting is clearly needed.

PMID- 27126730
TI  - House Dust Mite-Derived Chitin Enhances Th2 Cell Response to Inhaled Allergens,
      Mainly via a TNF-alpha-Dependent Pathway.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chitin is a potent adjuvant in the development of immune response to
      inhaled allergens in the airways. According to other studies, chitin is known as
      multi-faced adjuvants which can induce Th2 responses. Recently, we found that TNF
      alpha is a key mediator in the development of Th2 cell response to inhaled
      allergens. Here, we evaluated the immunologic mechanisms in the development of
      airway hypersensitivity to inhaled allergens, enhanced by house dust mite (HDM)
      derived chitin. METHODS: The role of TNF-alpha and TLRs was evaluated in an
      airway hypersensitivity mouse model induced by a sensitization with an allergen
      (ovalbumin, OVA) and HDM-derived chitin using mice with the null mutation of
      target genes. RESULTS: The present study showed that airway sensitization with
      HDM-derived chitin plus OVA enhanced OVA-induced airway inflammation v. OVA
      alone. This phenotype was associated with the increased expression of Th1, Th2,
      and Th17 cytokines and also with the enhanced production of OVA-specific IgE,
      IgG1, and IgG2a. As for T cell responses, OVA-specific Th2 cell response,
      enhanced by chitin, was abolished by the treatment of chitinase, whereas Th1 and
      Th17 cell responses enhanced by this treatment. Moreover, the null mutation of
      the TNF-alpha gene revealed similar effects as the chitinase treatment. In
      contrast, all the OVA-specific T cell responses, enhanced by chitin, were blocked
      by the absence of TLR2, but not of TLR1, TLR4, or TLR6. CONCLUSIONS: In
      conclusion, these data suggest that HDM-derived chitin may enhance airway
      hypersensitivity to inhaled allergens, via the TLR2-dependent pathway, and that
      chitin-induced TNF-alpha can be a key mediator in the development of Th2 cell
      response to inhaled allergens.

PMID- 27126731
TI  - Autologous Immunoglobulin Therapy in Patients With Severe Recalcitrant Atopic
      Dermatitis: Long-Term Changes of Clinical Severity and Laboratory Parameters.
AB  - This report evaluated long-term changes in clinical severity and laboratory
      parameters in 3 adult patients with severe recalcitrant atopic dermatitis (AD)
      who were treated with intramuscular injections of 50 mg of autologous
      immunoglobulin G (IgG) twice a week for 4 weeks (autologous immunoglobulin
      therapy, AIGT) and followed up for more than 2 years after the treatment. We
      observed the following 4 major findings in these 3 patients during the long-term
      follow-up after AIGT. (1) Two of the 3 patients showed a long-term clinical
      improvement for more than 36 weeks after AIGT with a maximum decrease in clinical
      severity score greater than 80% from baseline. (2) These 2 patients also showed
      long-term decreases in serum total IgE concentrations and peripheral blood
      eosinophil count for more than 36 weeks after AIGT with a maximum decrease in the
      two laboratory parameters of allergic inflammatory greater than 70% from
      baseline. (3) No significant side effect was observed during the 2 years of
      follow-up period after the AIGT in all 3 patients. (4) Serum levels of IgG anti
      idiotype antibodies to the F(ab')2 fragment of autologous IgG administered for
      the treatment were not significantly changed after AIGT in all 3 patients. These
      findings suggest that AIGT has long-term favorable effects on both clinical
      severity and laboratory parameters in selected patients with severe recalcitrant
      AD. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical usefulness and
      therapeutic mechanism of AIGT for AD. 

PMID- 27126732
TI  - New Allergic and Hypersensitivity Conditions Section in the International
      Classification of Diseases-11.
AB  - Allergy and hypersensitivity, originally perceived as rare and secondary
      disorders, are one of the fastest growing conditions worldwide, but not
      adequately tracked in international information systems, such as the
      International Classification of Diseases (ICD). Having allergic and
      hypersensitivity conditions classification able to capture conditions in health
      international information systems in a realistic manner is crucial to the
      identification of potential problems, and in a wider system, can identify
      contextually specific service deficiencies and provide the impetus for changes.
      Since 2013, an international collaboration of Allergy Academies has spent
      tremendous efforts to have a better and updated classification of allergies in
      the forthcoming International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11 version, by
      providing scientific and technical evidences for the need for changes. The
      following bilateral discussions with the representatives of the ICD-11 revision,
      a simplification process was carried out. The new parented "Allergic and
      hypersensitivity conditions" section has been built under the "Disorders of the
      Immune System" chapter through the international collaboration of Allergy
      Academies and upon ICD WHO representatives support. The classification of
      allergic and hypersensitivity conditions has been updated through the ICD-11
      revision and will allow the aggregation of reliable data to perform positive
      quality-improvements in health care systems worldwide. 

PMID- 27126733
TI  - Clinical characteristics of scleroderma overlap syndromes: comparisons with pure
      scleroderma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scleroderma with characteristics of other connective tissue diseases
      is called scleroderma overlap syndrome (SOV); the clinical features of which have
      yet to be investigated among Thai patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical
      differences between pure scleroderma and SOV. METHODS: A historical cohort study
      was conducted among patients with pure scleroderma versus those with SOV.
      Subjects were over 18 years of age and followed up at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon
      Kaen University, Thailand, between January 2006 and December 2011. RESULTS: Four
      hundred and three medical records were included (276 female vs. 127 male). SOV
      was found in 68 cases (16.9%): (i) scleroderma-polymyositis overlap (SOV-PM), the
      most common type of SOV (48 cases; 70.6%); (ii) scleroderma-systemic lupus
      erythematosus overlap (11 cases; 16.2%); and (iii) scleroderma-rheumatoid
      arthritis overlap (nine cases; 13.2%). Mean age at onset of non-systemic
      sclerosis symptoms was 46.9 +/- 11.8 years (range, 19.8-74.3).
      Characteristically, sufferers of SOV as against pure scleroderma were younger,
      had less frequent anti-topoisomerase I (ATA) and needed moderate- to high-dose
      steroid and immunosuppressant therapy during follow-up. SOV-PM presented the
      clinical features of scleroderma at onset and during follow-up looks like pure
      scleroderma having vasculopathy, severity of skin tightness, and
      gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary and renal involvement. Anti-Ro52 was the most
      common serology among sufferers of SOV (31.6%). ATA was associated with pure
      scleroderma patients (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: SOV rather than pure scleroderma
      presented in younger Thai scleroderma patients and SOV-PM was the most common
      subtype and its clinical features were similar to those of pure scleroderma. ATA
      was strongly associated with the latter.

PMID- 27126734
TI  - Assessing health literacy and oral health: preliminary results of a multi-site
      investigation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To introduce a multi-site assessment of oral health literacy and to
      describe preliminary analyses of the relationships between health literacy and
      selected oral health outcomes within the context of a comprehensive conceptual
      model. METHODS: Data for this analysis came from the Multi-Site Oral Health
      Literacy Research Study (MOHLRS), a federally funded investigation of health
      literacy and oral health. MOHLRS consisted of a broad survey, including several
      health literacy assessments, and measures of attitudes, knowledge, and other
      factors. The survey was administered to 922 initial care-seeking adult patients
      presenting to university-based dental clinics in California and Maryland. For
      this descriptive analysis, confidence filling out forms, word recognition, and
      reading comprehension comprised the health literacy assessments. Dental visits,
      oral health functioning, and dental self-efficacy were the outcomes. RESULTS:
      Overall, up to 21% of participants reported having difficulties with practical
      health literacy tasks. After controlling for sociodemographic confounders, no
      health literacy assessment was associated with dental visits or dental caries
      self-efficacy. However, confidence filling out forms and word recognition were
      each associated with oral health functioning and periodontal disease self
      efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis showed that dental school patients exhibit a
      range of health literacy abilities. It also revealed that the relationship
      between health literacy and oral health is not straightforward, depending on
      patient characteristics and the unique circumstances of the encounter. We
      anticipate future analyses of MOHLRS data will answer questions about the role
      that health literacy and various mediating factors play in explaining oral health
      disparities.

PMID- 27126735
TI  - Effect of team training on improving MRI study completion rates and no-show
      rates.
AB  - PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a high-cost imaging modality, and an
      optimized encounter ideally provides high-quality care, patient satisfaction, and
      capacity utilization. Our purpose was to assess the effectiveness of team
      training and its impact on patient show-up and completion rates for their MRI
      examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 97,712 patient visits from three
      tertiary academic medical centers over 1-year intervals were evaluated, totaling
      49,733 visits at baseline and 47,979 after training. Each center's MRI team
      received team training skill training including advanced communication and team
      training techniques training. This training included onsite instruction including
      case simulation with scenarios requiring appropriate behavioral and communicative
      interventions. Orientation and training also utilized customized online tools and
      proctoring. The study completion rate and patient show-up rate during consecutive
      year-long intervals before and after team training were compared to assess its
      effectiveness. Two-sided chi-square tests for proportions using were applied at a
      0.05 significance level. RESULTS: Despite differing no-show rates (5-22.2%) and
      study incompletion rates (0.7-3.7%) at the three academic centers, the combined
      patients' data showed significant (P < 0.0001) improvement in the patients' no
      show rates (combined decreases from 11.2% to 8.7%) and incompletion rates
      (combined decreases from 2.3% to 1.4%). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results
      suggest training of the imaging team can improve the no-show and incompletion
      rates of the MRI service, positively affecting throughput and utilization. Team
      training can be readily implemented and may help address the needs of the current
      cost-conscious and consumer-sensitive healthcare environment. J. MAGN. RESON.
      IMAGING 2016;44:1040-1047.

PMID- 27126739
TI  - We use Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy for Overdoses and Intoxications.
AB  - Extracorporeal modalities for the removal of drugs and toxins are indicated for
      the treatment of overdoses and intoxications. Well-established modalities include
      hemodialysis (HD), high-flux HD (HfD), and charcoal hemoperfusion (HP). Recently,
      there have been increasing reports on the use of continuous renal replacement
      therapy (CRRT), such as continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD), continuous
      veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) or CVVH combined with dialysis (CVVHDF). In the
      present article, we will discuss the various factors that determine the clearance
      of drugs and toxins and accordingly, we will propose that with few exceptions,
      CRRT does not have a role in the routine management of intoxications.

PMID- 27126738
TI  - Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Pathogenesis Differ in Krabbe Disease Variants.
AB  - Krabbe disease is a severe, fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by defects in
      the lysosomal enzyme galactocerebrosidase (GALC). The correct targeting of GALC
      to the lysosome is essential for the degradation of glycosphingolipids including
      the primary lipid component of myelin. Over 100 different mutations have been
      identified in GALC that cause Krabbe disease but the mechanisms by which they
      cause disease remain unclear. We have generated monoclonal antibodies against
      full-length human GALC and used these to monitor the trafficking and processing
      of GALC variants in cell-based assays and by immunofluorescence microscopy.
      Striking differences in the secretion, processing and endosomal targeting of GALC
      variants allows the classification of these into distinct categories. A subset of
      GALC variants are not secreted by cells, not proteolytically processed, and
      remain trapped in the ER; these are likely to cause disease due to protein
      misfolding and should be targeted for pharmacological chaperone therapies. Other
      GALC variants can be correctly secreted by cells and cause disease due to
      catalytic defects in the enzyme active site, inappropriate post-translational
      modification or a potential inability to bind essential cofactors. The
      classification of disease pathogenesis presented here provides a molecular
      framework for appropriate targeting of future Krabbe disease therapies.

PMID- 27126740
TI  - Divergence for residual feed intake of Holstein-Friesian cattle during growth did
      not affect production and reproduction during lactation.
AB  - Residual feed intake (RFI) is the difference between actual and predicted dry
      matter intake (DMI) of individual animals. Recent studies with Holstein-Friesian
      calves have identified an ~20% difference in RFI during growth (calf RFI) and
      these groups remained divergent in RFI during lactation. The objective of the
      experiment described here was to determine if cows selected for divergent RFI as
      calves differed in milk production, reproduction or in the profiles of BW and
      body condition score (BCS) change during lactation, when grazing pasture. The
      cows used in the experiment (n=126) had an RFI of -0.88 and +0.75 kg DM
      intake/day for growth as calves (efficient and inefficient calf RFI groups,
      respectively) and were intensively grazed at four stocking rates (SR) of 2.2,
      2.6, 3.1 and 3.6 cows/ha on self-contained farmlets, over 3 years. Each SR
      treatment had equal number of cows identified as low and high calf RFI, with 24,
      28, 34 and 40/11 ha farmlet. The cows divergent for calf RFI were randomly
      allocated to each SR. Although SR affected production, calf RFI group (low or
      high) did not affect milk production, reproduction, BW, BCS or changes in these
      parameters throughout lactation. The most efficient animals (low calf RFI) lost
      similar BW and BCS as the least efficient (high calf RFI) immediately post
      calving, and regained similar BW and BCS before their next calving. These results
      indicate that selection for RFI as calves to increase efficiency of feed
      utilisation did not negatively affect farm productivity variables (milk
      production, BCS, BW and reproduction) as adults when managed under an intensive
      pastoral grazing system.

PMID- 27126741
TI  - An automated tuberculosis screening strategy combining X-ray-based computer-aided
      detection and clinical information.
AB  - Lack of human resources and radiological interpretation expertise impair
      tuberculosis (TB) screening programmes in TB-endemic countries. Computer-aided
      detection (CAD) constitutes a viable alternative for chest radiograph (CXR)
      reading. However, no automated techniques that exploit the additional clinical
      information typically available during screening exist. To address this issue and
      optimally exploit this information, a machine learning-based combination
      framework is introduced. We have evaluated this framework on a database
      containing 392 patient records from suspected TB subjects prospectively recruited
      in Cape Town, South Africa. Each record comprised a CAD score, automatically
      computed from a CXR, and 12 clinical features. Comparisons with strategies
      relying on either CAD scores or clinical information alone were performed. Our
      results indicate that the combination framework outperforms the individual
      strategies in terms of the area under the receiving operating characteristic
      curve (0.84 versus 0.78 and 0.72), specificity at 95% sensitivity (49% versus 24%
      and 31%) and negative predictive value (98% versus 95% and 96%). Thus, it is
      believed that combining CAD and clinical information to estimate the risk of
      active disease is a promising tool for TB screening.

PMID- 27126742
TI  - Reliability of estimating active drag in swimming using the assisted towing
      method with fluctuating speed.
AB  - The reliability of active drag values was examined using a method that compared
      free swim speed with measurements taken by towing swimmers slightly faster than
      their maximum swim speed, while allowing their intra-stroke speed fluctuations.
      Twelve national age and open level swimmers were tested on two alternate days
      (Day 1 and Day 2). All participants completed four maximum swim speed, three
      passive drag and five active drag trials on each of the days. The reliability was
      determined using within-participant intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC)
      within each day and between the days. The ICCs for Day 1 and Day 2 were 0.82 and
      0.85, respectively, while the comparison of the mean active drag values between
      days was 0.93. The data showed that the assisted towing method (ATM) with
      fluctuating speed was only moderately reliable within a single test. However,
      this method was more reliable when using the average value of active drag from
      both days (ICC = 0.93). This study identified that the ATM method with
      fluctuating speed had moderate reliability within-participant trials on values in
      a single day but high reliability for the average active drag values across
      different days. 

PMID- 27126737
TI  - Neuropharmacology of N,N-dimethyltryptamine.
AB  - N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an indole alkaloid widely found in plants and
      animals. It is best known for producing brief and intense psychedelic effects
      when ingested. Increasing evidence suggests that endogenous DMT plays important
      roles for a number of processes in the periphery and central nervous system, and
      may act as a neurotransmitter. This paper reviews the current literature of both
      the recreational use of DMT and its potential roles as an endogenous
      neurotransmitter. Pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action in the periphery and
      central nervous system, clinical uses and adverse effects are also reviewed. DMT
      appears to have limited neurotoxicity and other adverse effects except for
      intense cardiovascular effects when administered intravenously in large doses.
      Because of its role in nervous system signaling, DMT may be a useful experimental
      tool in exploring how the brain works, and may also be a useful clinical tool for
      treatment of anxiety and psychosis.

PMID- 27126736
TI  - RhoA determines lineage fate of mesenchymal stem cells by modulating CTGF-VEGF
      complex in extracellular matrix.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) participate in the repair/remodelling of many
      tissues, where MSCs commit to different lineages dependent on the cues in the
      local microenvironment. Here we show that TGFbeta-activated RhoA/ROCK signalling
      functions as a molecular switch regarding the fate of MSCs in arterial
      repair/remodelling after injury. MSCs differentiate into myofibroblasts when
      RhoA/ROCK is turned on, endothelial cells when turned off. The former is
      pathophysiologic resulting in intimal hyperplasia, whereas the latter is
      physiological leading to endothelial repair. Further analysis revealed that MSC
      RhoA activation promotes formation of an extracellular matrix (ECM) complex
      consisting of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF). Inactivation of RhoA/ROCK in MSCs induces matrix
      metalloproteinase-3-mediated CTGF cleavage, resulting in VEGF release and MSC
      endothelial differentiation. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism by which cell
      ECM interactions determine stem cell lineage specificity and offer additional
      molecular targets to manipulate MSC-involved tissue repair/regeneration. 

PMID- 27126743
TI  - Pyoderma gangrenosum and necrotizing fasciitis-like opportunistic invasive
      cutaneous fungal infection.

PMID- 27126744
TI  - Intravenous magnesium sulfate for treating children with acute asthma in the
      emergency department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute asthma in children can be life-threatening and must be treated
      promptly in the emergency setting. Intravenous magnesium sulfate is recommended
      by various guidelines for cases of acute asthma that have not responded to first
      line treatment with bronchodilators and steroids. The treatment has recently been
      shown to reduce the need for hospital admission for adults compared with placebo,
      but it is unclear whether it is equally effective for children. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous magnesium sulfate (IV MgSO4) in
      children treated for acute asthma in the emergency department (ED). SEARCH
      METHODS: We identified studies by searching the Cochrane Airways Review Group
      Specialised Register up to 23 February 2016. We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov
      and reference lists of other reviews, and we contacted study authors to ask for
      additional information. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled
      trials of children treated in the ED for exacerbations of asthma if they compared
      any dose of IV MgSO4 with placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review
      authors screened the results of the search and independently extracted data from
      studies meeting the inclusion criteria. We resolved disagreements through
      discussion and contacted study authors in cases of missing data and other
      uncertainties relating to the studies.We analysed dichotomous data as odds ratios
      and continuous data as mean differences, both using fixed-effect models. We
      assessed each study for risk of bias and rated the quality of evidence for each
      outcome with GRADE and presented the results in a 'Summary of findings' table.
      There was insufficient evidence to conduct the planned subgroup analyses. MAIN
      RESULTS: Five studies (182 children) met the inclusion criteria, and four
      contributed data to at least one meta-analysis. The included studies were overall
      at low risk of bias, but our confidence in the evidence was generally low, mainly
      due to the small sample sizes. Treatment with IV MgSO4 reduced the odds of
      admission to hospital by 68% (odds ratio (OR) 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      0.14 to 0.74; children = 115; studies = 3; I(2) = 63%). This result was based on
      data from just three studies including 115 children. Meta-analysis for the
      secondary outcomes was extremely limited by paucity of data. We performed meta
      analysis for the outcome 'return to the emergency department within 48 hours',
      which showed a very imprecise effect estimate that was not statistically
      significant (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.02 to 10.30; children = 85; studies = 2; I(2) =
      0%). Side effects and adverse events were not consistently reported and meta
      analysis was not possible, however few side effects or adverse events were
      reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: IV MgSO4 may reduce the need for hospital
      admission in children presenting to the ED with moderate to severe exacerbations
      of asthma, but the evidence is extremely limited by the number and size of
      studies. Few side effects of the treatment were reported, but the data were
      extremely limited.

PMID- 27126746
TI  - Cardiotoxic heart failure in breast cancer survivors: a concept analysis.
AB  - AIM: To report an analysis of the concept of cardiotoxic heart failure in breast
      cancer survivors. BACKGROUND: Despite numerous studies describing cardiotoxic
      effects of breast cancer therapies, the literature lacks consistent terminology
      to describe cancer treatment-induced heart failure, defined by the authors as
      'cardiotoxic heart failure'. Breast cancer survivors who develop heart failure
      may not fit existing conceptual models. A concept analysis of cardiotoxic heart
      failure in breast cancer survivors is needed to integrate previous research
      findings and establish the scientific foundation for future intervention
      research. DESIGN: Concept analysis. DATA SOURCES: An integrative review (1999
      2014) was conducted to examine aetiologies and risk factors for heart failure in
      female breast cancer survivors. Databases searched were CINAHL, Cochrane Library,
      EmBase, Medline and Scopus. METHODS: Walker and Avant's method for concept
      analysis includes: select concept; determine purpose; identify uses; define
      attributes; identify model case; describe borderline, related and contrary cases;
      identify antecedents/consequences; define empirical referents. RESULTS: In the
      literature, substantial variation was noted in terminology for breast cancer
      treatment-induced cardiotoxicity. The authors define cardiotoxic heart failure in
      breast cancer survivors as chronic heart failure resulting from breast cancer
      treatment-induced cardiotoxicity among women without pre-existing heart failure
      diagnosis. No studies were found that described quality of life or tested
      interventions to preserve quality of life for this population. CONCLUSION:
      Prospective studies are needed to develop interventions for symptom management to
      improve quality of life in breast cancer survivors with heart failure. New
      conceptual paradigms may be needed to improve outcomes for this vulnerable
      population.

PMID- 27126745
TI  - The All-Data-Based Evolutionary Hypothesis of Ciliated Protists with a Revised
      Classification of the Phylum Ciliophora (Eukaryota, Alveolata).
AB  - The phylum Ciliophora plays important roles in a wide range of biological
      studies. However, the evolutionary relationships of many groups remain unclear
      due to a lack of sufficient molecular data. In this study, molecular dataset was
      expanded with representatives from 55 orders and all major lineages. The main
      findings are: (1) 14 classes were recovered including one new class, Protocruziea
      n. cl.; (2) in addition to the two main branches, Postciliodesmatophora and
      Intramacronucleata, a third branch, the Mesodiniea, is identified as being basal
      to the other two subphyla; (3) the newly defined order Discocephalida is revealed
      to be a sister clade to the euplotids, strongly suggesting the separation of
      discocephalids from the hypotrichs; (4) the separation of mobilids from the
      peritrichs is not supported; (5) Loxocephalida is basal to the main
      scuticociliate assemblage, whereas the thigmotrichs are placed within the order
      Pleuronematida; (6) the monophyly of classes Phyllopharyngea, Karyorelictea,
      Armophorea, Prostomatea, Plagiopylea, Colpodea and Heterotrichea are confirmed;
      (7) ambiguous genera Askenasia, CyclotrichiumParaspathidium and Plagiocampa show
      close affiliation to the well known plagiopyleans; (8) validity of the subclass
      Rhynchostomatia is supported, and (9) the systematic positions of Halteriida and
      Linconophoria remain unresolved and are thus regarded as incertae sedis within
      Spirotrichea.

PMID- 27126748
TI  - Mentorship and student support.

PMID- 27126747
TI  - Role of OCT-1 and partner proteins in T cell differentiation.
AB  - The understanding of CD4 T cell differentiation gives important insights into the
      control of immune responses against various pathogens and in autoimmune diseases.
      Naive CD4 T cells become effector T cells in response to antigen stimulation in
      combination with various environmental cytokine stimuli. Several transcription
      factors and cis-regulatory regions have been identified to regulate epigenetic
      processes on chromatin, to allow the production of proper effector cytokines
      during CD4 T cell differentiation. OCT-1 (Pou2f1) is well known as a widely
      expressed transcription factor in most tissues and cells. Although the importance
      of OCT-1 has been emphasized during development and differentiation, its detailed
      molecular underpinning and precise role are poorly understood. Recently, a series
      of studies have reported that OCT-1 plays a critical role in CD4 T cells through
      regulating gene expression during differentiation and mediating long-range
      chromosomal interactions. In this review, we will describe the role of OCT-1 in
      CD4 T cell differentiation and discuss how this factor orchestrates the fate and
      function of CD4 effector T cells. 

PMID- 27126749
TI  - An unhealthy alliance.

PMID- 27126751
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27126750
TI  - Diagnosis, treatment and management of epidermolysis bullosa.
AB  - Epidermis bullosa is a genetically inherited disease in which painful blistering
      of the skin or mucous membranes occurs after minor trauma. It is a lifelong
      problem. The diagnosis should be confirmed by a specialist, preferably at a
      specialist unit where a treatment plan and follow-up arrangements for
      professionals and families can be put in place. Nurses will be involved in
      frequent dressings of wounds, after extra analgesia, and may need to be alert to
      any need for further specialist referral, especially in the case of complications
      such as infection, deformities, gastrointestinal strictures and possible skin
      cancers. Genetic counselling should also be offered to families, especially when
      considering the possible risks to future pregnancies. 

PMID- 27126752
TI  - A real-world evidence study evaluating a treatment for nappy rash.
AB  - This retrospective open study evaluating the efficacy of Sudocrem Antiseptic
      Healing Cream (SAHC) in infantile nappy rash (NR) was based on real-world
      evidence collected using an online questionnaire that included Likert scales.
      Participants who had used SAHC in the past (n=2159) were recruited via social
      media and email. A total of 1818 respondents who had treated NR in the previous 6
      months were asked to take part in the study. Over 50% of respondents saw an
      improvement in NR on the same day that treatment was started, and within 3 days
      94.5% of respondents reported an improvement in NR. Of 1804 subjects who answered
      the question, 72.5% indicated that the NR had completely healed within 3 days of
      starting treatment and by the fifth day, 94.7% said that the NR had completely
      healed. A total of 71% of 1793 respondents said that an episode of NR had either
      no or minimal impact disrupting their normal lives, but 29% reported a noticeable
      impact, even though evidence suggests that mild to moderate nappy rash can be
      treated quickly. Based on this real-world retrospective study, the evidence
      suggests SAHC is rapidly effective, reduces signs and symptoms of inflammation,
      and heals NR. 

PMID- 27126753
TI  - Managing pressure ulcers and moisture lesions with new hydrocolloid technology.
AB  - In efforts to reduce the number of avoidable pressure ulcers in a large trust, a
      number of initiatives have taken place to increase staff awareness about the
      importance of preventing and treating pressure ulcers and moisture lesions. New
      documentation, the use of the 'Think Pink' folders and a social media campaign
      have all proved successful in seeing the number of avoidable pressure ulcers
      reported within the trust reduce. As part of this initiative an evaluation took
      place of a new hydrocolloid dressing. This proved effective at reducing healing
      times, reducing dressing spend and facilitating regular inspection of the
      affected areas. 

PMID- 27126755
TI  - Will nursing shortages threaten the integrity and functioning of the NHS?

PMID- 27126754
TI  - The role of nurses and dietitians in managing paediatric coeliac disease.
AB  - Coeliac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated genetic condition elicited by the
      ingestion of gluten, leading to proximal small bowel enteropathy. It affects
      around 1% of the population, although only a small proportion of cases are
      actually diagnosed. It is a multisystem disorder presenting with both
      gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations such as diarrhoea, abdominal
      pain, constipation, vomiting, iron deficiency anaemia, faltering growth, dental
      enamel defects, short stature, liver disease, arthropathy and recurrent aphthous
      ulcers. Nurses, working in different clinical settings, are best placed for early
      recognition and diagnosis of CD in children. Suspicion of CD should lead to
      immunoglobulin A (IgA)-based anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody screening
      tests and a diagnosis confirmed by an intestinal biopsy. Modification of European
      (ESPGHAN) guidelines now enables CD to be diagnosed without a small-bowel biopsy
      in a select group of symptomatic children. A gluten-free diet should preferably
      be started by paediatric dietitians. Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is
      essential to maintain good health and to prevent long-term complications. A case
      study demonstrating some of the challenges that may be faced in children with CD
      in clinical practice is described. Specialist nurse-led CD clinics are gaining
      popularity and have been found to be equally effective in providing continuity of
      quality care. 

PMID- 27126756
TI  - Patient safety perspectives from other countries: reflecting on reporting.

PMID- 27126757
TI  - Dementia care in hospitals: interprofessional education.

PMID- 27126758
TI  - Reporting from ward to board.

PMID- 27126759
TI  - Indications for peripheral, midline and central catheters: summary of the MAGIC
      recommendations.
AB  - Patients admitted to acute care frequently require intravenous access to
      effectively deliver medications and prescribed treatment. For patients with
      difficult intravenous access, those requiring multiple attempts, those who are
      obese, or have diabetes or other chronic conditions, determining the vascular
      access device (VAD) with the lowest risk that best meets the needs of the
      treatment plan can be confusing. Selection of a VAD should be based on specific
      indications for that device. In the clinical setting, requests for central venous
      access devices are frequently precipitated simply by failure to establish
      peripheral access. Selection of the most appropriate VAD is necessary to avoid
      the potentially serious complications of infection and/or thrombosis. An
      international panel of experts convened to establish a guide for indications and
      appropriate usage for VADs. This publication summarises the work and
      recommendations of the panel for the Michigan Appropriateness Guide for
      Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC). 

PMID- 27126760
TI  - Port protectors in clinical practice: an audit.
AB  - This article discusses the effect on compliance and incidence of vascular access
      device (VAD)-related bacteraemia following the introduction of a passive
      disinfection device (Curos(r)) for 6 months in four areas at one hospital trust.
      The hospital's infection prevention and control team replaced the 'active'
      disinfection using a disinfection wipe with 'scrub the hub'. Disinfection wipes
      used for needle-free devices were removed from all four trial areas and Curos was
      incorporated into the aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT((r))) protocols for the
      trial wards. Staff training was provided before and during the study, and audits
      of staff compliance with Curos placement were undertaken monthly. A benchmarking
      audit of 'scrub the hub' techniques was conducted 1 month before audit began. The
      results of the audit showed VAD-related bacteraemia rates reduced by 69% from 26
      cases (confirmed through review of blood culture laboratory data and source
      identified by consultant microbiologists) before the study, to 8 when staff
      compliance with Curos placement onto VADs was 80% or more.

PMID- 27126761
TI  - Consider the patient's voice.

PMID- 27126762
TI  - The importance of adequate CVC securement to prevent infection.

PMID- 27126763
TI  - Proactive PICC placement: evaluating the patient experience.
AB  - AIM: to evaluate patient experience following the proactive placement of a
      peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). METHOD: all patients with a PICC
      in situ who had attended the chemotherapy day unit over a period of 15 weeks were
      invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire. Questions related to:
      information giving, the degree of pain on insertion and any complications
      experienced by the patient while the device was in situ. There was also space to
      allow for free-text comments after each question. RESULTS: the majority of
      patients felt they received enough information and that the procedure was fully
      explained. Pain on insertion was largely reported as being minimal, with the few
      patients who did report the procedure as painful also reporting there being
      difficulty with the insertion. Complication rates were low, the main complication
      reported was mechanical owing to difficulty with blood withdrawal. CONCLUSION:
      irrespective of how uncomfortable the patient found the procedure, the majority
      of patients would recommend proactive PICC insertion to other patients as 'it
      made the whole process much easier'.

PMID- 27126764
TI  - Contribution of dermal-derived mesenchymal cells during liver repair in two
      different experimental models.
AB  - Progressive liver disease is a major health issue for which no effective
      treatment is available, leading to cirrhosis and orthotopic liver
      transplantation. However, the lack of availability of donor organs and other
      adverse factors including rejection limit its extensive clinical application.
      Cell-based therapy using mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) may represent an
      attractive therapeutic option. Dermal-derived mesenchymal cells (DMCs) are
      attractive as one of the abundant sources from which to isolate mesenchymal cells
      for therapeutic applications and can be easily accessed with minimal harm to the
      donor. In this study, we used two different animal models to investigate
      potential therapeutic effect of DMCs transplantation in liver injury. We found
      that DMCs administration alleviated liver fibrosis and restored the liver
      function in fibrotic mice induced by CCl4. Furthermore, in an acute irradiation
      induced damage model, a unique population of DMCs could engraft into the liver
      tissue for a long period, exhibiting the phenotype of both mesenchymal cells and
      macrophage cells, and improve the survival of mice exposed to 8 Gy lethally total
      body irradiation. These discoveries provide important evidence that DMCs therapy
      has a beneficial effect on liver injury, and provide new insight into liver
      injury therapy depending on the alternative cells.

PMID- 27126766
TI  - [Living donor liver transplantation for the treatment complicated hepatic cystic
      echinococcosis: first case report from China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the first clinical experience of living donor liver
      transplantation(LDLT) in patient with complicated hepatic cystic echinococcosis
      in China. METHODS: First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University
      successfully implemented LDLT in the treatment of one patient with complicated
      hepatic cystic echinococcosis after four times liver surgery and secondary
      congestive cirrhosis on May 9, 2015. The clinical data of the patient has been
      retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: LDLT procedure was successfully performed in a
      patient with four previous liver intervention due to his recurrence. The patient
      was lack of right lobe, while with significant hypertrophy in left lobe. The
      reoccurred lesion compressed the retrohepatic vena cava, left hepatic vein,
      portal vein, that led to the stricture of retrohepatic vena cava, left hepatic
      vein orifice. The phlebography displayed remarkable stricture in retrohepatic
      vena cava and rich collateral circulation by which the venous blood flow back to
      the right atrium via paravertebral vein. The orifice of left hepatic vein shaped
      as hair-like so that the stenting was impossibly. After the multi-disciplinary
      team discussion, the liver transplantation was proposed, while the
      autotransplantation was considered as first line option, and with the backup of
      living related donor. The laparotomy showed the hugely enlarged liver with
      nodular changes. The frozen section was tested twice and showed as spotty
      necrosis with pseudo-lobe formation. Although the enlarged left lobe about 2 000
      g weight, the liver colored as grey with cotton-like texture, the plan for
      autotransplantation was abandoned regarding the high risk for post-operative
      liver failure. Therefore, LDLT was performed. The donor was her brother who
      donated right lobe with 685 g weight. The operation time was 1 005 min with
      anhepatic time 335 min. Total of 12 units red blood cell suspension was
      transfused. The coagulating function was back to normal in 3 days after
      operation. The patient was discharged at 30 days after operation, while the
      routine blood test and biochemical markers had back to normal levels. The patient
      had taken tacrolimus and methylprednisolone with normal life. The liver functions
      of transplanted liver were normal in 90 days after surgery. The patient was able
      to self-activity and regular outpatient follow-up. CONCLUSION: Hepatic CE is an
      infectious disease, and liver transplantation could be the last choice for
      complicated case, especially in combination with severe complications, like Budd
      Chiari syndrome.

PMID- 27126765
TI  - 'Crisis' and 'everyday' initiators: A qualitative study of coercion and agency in
      the context of methadone maintenance treatment initiation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Patient attrition is common among people enrolled in
      methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs and most pronounced during the
      first year of treatment. However, the experiences of patients initiating MMT have
      been overlooked in the literature. This study explores experiences of MMT
      initiation among MMT patients, focusing on contextual influences on MMT
      initiation and perceptions of MMT and their subsequent influence on treatment
      retention. DESIGN AND METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were
      conducted with 39 MMT patients in Vancouver, Canada. Individuals reporting
      enrolment in MMT were recruited from within two ongoing cohort studies comprised
      of people who use drugs. Interview transcripts were analysed using an inductive
      and iterative approach. RESULTS: Two groups of MMT initiators were identified:
      (i) 'crisis initiators' prescribed methadone following critical transition
      events, such as incarceration or pregnancy; and (ii) 'everyday initiators'
      enrolled in MMT as part of routine healthcare utilisation. While most 'crisis
      initiators' and some 'everyday initiators' described experiencing coercion during
      MMT initiation, 'crisis initiators' were further subjected to the coercive
      leveraging of their vulnerability to motivate 'consent' for MMT. 'Crisis
      initiators' developed negative views towards MMT and were more likely to
      discontinue treatment. Long-standing patient-provider relationships and open
      dialogue were associated with more positive views regarding MMT, regardless of
      the circumstances of initiation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Findings underscore
      the need for clear and effective communication regarding treatment regimens and
      expectations during MMT initiation. Furthermore, training in trauma-informed care
      may help reduce perceptions of coercion and rates of early treatment termination.
      [Damon W, Small W, Anderson S, Maher L, Wood E, Kerr T, McNeil R. Crisis' and
      'everyday' initiators: A qualitative study of coercion and agency in the context
      of methadone maintenance treatment initiation. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:253-260].

PMID- 27126767
TI  - Long-term functional outcome after traumatic lumbosacral dissociation. A
      retrospective case series of 13 patients.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. INTRODUCTION: Traumatic lumbosacral
      dissociation (TLSD) is a rare subgroup of sacral fractures caused by high-energy
      trauma in healthy adults. There are no accepted treatment algorithms for these
      injuries. Neurologic deficits and pain are commonly associated with these
      injuries, however, little is known about the long-term functional outcome in
      patients with TLSD. The objective of this study was to assess long-term
      functional outcome in patients with traumatic lumbosacral dissociation (TLSD)
      injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with TLSD were retrospectively
      identified and followed with clinical and radiological examination mean 7.7 (3
      12) years after the injury. Five were treated operatively, and eight non
      operatively. Sensorimotor impairments in the lower extremities were classified
      according to ASIA. Urinary function was assessed with uroflowmetry, and bowel-
      and sexual functions were assessed using a structured interview. Pain was
      assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and patient-reported health with SF
      36. CT images were scrutinized for non-union and kyphotic angulation across the
      fracture. RESULTS: Eleven patients had neurologic deficits corresponding to L5
      and sacral roots. Urinary dysfunction was observed in nine, and bowel dysfunction
      in three patients. Eight patients reported problems associated with sexual
      activities, with pain during intercourse and erectile dysfunction being the most
      common problems. Twelve patients reported pain in the lumbosacral area, in
      combination with radiating pain in the majority. The overall patient-reported
      health (SF-36) was significantly lower than the normal population. All sacral
      fractures were united as seen on CT. Sacral kyphotic angulation was present in
      11, which had increased in three patients comparing with the initial radiographs.
      CONCLUSION: In this long-term follow-up, functional impairments, pain, and poor
      patient-reported health were common findings among patients with TLSD. High rates
      of neurologic, urinary and sexual dysfunctions were reported. Extended follow-up
      several years after the injury with a special focus on urogenital dysfunctions
      and pain management may be beneficial to these patients.

PMID- 27126768
TI  - Zone 2 sacral fractures managed with partially-threaded screws result in low risk
      of neurologic injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zone 2 sacral fractures account for 34% of sacral fractures with
      reported neurological deficit in 21-28% of patients. The purpose of this study
      was to examine the risk factors for neurological injury in zone 2 sacral
      fractures. The authors hypothesized that partially thread iliosacral screws did
      not increase incidence of neurologic injury. METHODS: A retrospective review of
      consecutive patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center with zone 2 sacral
      fractures requiring surgery from September 2010 to September 2014 was performed.
      Patients were excluded if no neurologic exam was available after surgery.
      Fractures were classified according to Denis and presence/absence of comminution
      through the neural foramen was noted. Fixation schema was recorded (sacral screws
      or open reduction and internal fixation with posterior tension plate). Any change
      in post-operative neurological exam was documented as well as exam at last clinic
      encounter. RESULTS: 90 patients met inclusion criteria, with zone 2 fractures and
      post-operative neurological exam. No patient with an intact pre-operative
      neurologic exam had a neurological deficit after surgery. 86 patients (95.6%)
      were neurologically intact at their last follow-up examination. Four patients
      (4.4%) had a neurological deficit at final follow-up, all of them had
      neurological deficit prior to surgery. 81 patients were treated with partially
      threaded screws of which 1 (1.2%) had neurological deficit at final follow-up.
      Fifty-seven fractures (63.3%) were simple fractures and 33 fractures (36.7%) were
      comminuted. All four patients with neurological deficit had comminuted fractures.
      The association between neurologic deficit in zone 2 sacral fracture and fracture
      comminution was found to be statistically significant (p-value=0.016). No
      nonunion was observed in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The use of partially threaded
      screws for zone 2 sacral fractures is associated with low risk for neurologic
      injury, suggesting that compression through the fracture does not cause
      iatrogenic nerve damage. The low rate of sacral nonunion can be attributed to
      compression induced by the use of partially threaded compression screws. There is
      a strong association between zone 2 comminution and neurologic injury.

PMID- 27126769
TI  - Cutaneous mucormycosis secondary to penetrative trauma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mucormycosis is a rare but serious sequelae of penetrating trauma
      [1-5]. In spite of aggressive management, mortality remains high due to
      dissemination of infection. We completed a review of literature to determine the
      most optimal treatment of cutaneous mucormycosis which occurs secondary to
      penetrating trauma. METHODS: We completed a review regarding the management of
      mucormycosis in trauma patients. We selected a total of 36 reports, of which 18
      were case-based, for review. RESULTS: Surgical debridement is a primary predictor
      of improved outcomes in the treatment of mucormycosis [3,6,7]. Anti-fungal
      therapy, especially lipid soluble formulation of Amphotericin B, is helpful as an
      adjunct or when surgical debridement has been maximally achieved. Further
      research is needed to fully evaluate the impact of topical dressings; negative
      pressure wound therapy is helpful. CONCLUSION: An aggressive and early surgical
      approach, even at the expense of disfigurement, is necessary to reduce mortality
      in the setting of cutaneous mucormycosis that results from penetrating trauma
      [4,8,9]. Anti-fungal therapy and negative pressure wound therapy are formidable
      adjuncts.

PMID- 27126770
TI  - Evaluation of Criteria to Detect Masked Hypertension.
AB  - The prevalence of masked hypertension (out-of-clinic daytime systolic/diastolic
      blood pressure (SBP/DBP) >=135/85 mm Hg on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
      [ABPM] among adults with clinic SBP/DBP <140/90 mm Hg) is high. It is unclear who
      should be screened for masked hypertension. The authors derived a clinic blood
      pressure (CBP) index to identify populations for masked hypertension screening.
      Index cut points corresponding to 75% to 99% sensitivity and prehypertension were
      evaluated as ABPM testing criterion. In a derivation cohort (n=695), the index
      was clinic SBP+1.3*clinic DBP. In an external validation cohort (n=675), the
      sensitivity for masked hypertension using an index >=190 mm Hg and >=217 mm Hg
      and prehypertension status was 98.5%, 71.5%, and 82.5%, respectively. Using
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (n=11,778), the authors
      estimated that these thresholds would refer 118.6, 44.4, and 59.3 million US
      adults, respectively, to ABPM screening for masked hypertension. In conclusion,
      the CBP index provides a useful approach to identify candidates for masked
      hypertension screening using ABPM.

PMID- 27126771
TI  - Relationship between weight loss and parameters of skeletal muscle function in
      patients with advanced cancer and fatigue.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the influence of significant weight loss on
      parameters of skeletal muscle function in a population of advanced cancer
      patients with fatigue. METHODS: A cross-sectional and comparative study was
      designed between two arms of advanced cancer patients with fatigue (fatigue
      numeral scale (FNS) >=4). A arm (n = 27) with >=5 % weight loss in the last 6
      months, and B arm (n = 22) without weight loss. Muscle strength was examined by
      hand grip technique and measurements of body composition by bioimpedance analysis
      (BIA), values of hemoglobin, albumin, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), c-reactive
      protein (CRP), urine creatinine, and FNS. These variables were compared between
      both groups and correlated within each group. RESULTS: here were no differences
      concerning parameters of muscle strength between both arms. A arm had values of
      CRP >=10 ug/dl in 77 % compared with 38.5 % of B arm (p = 0.004). A arm showed a
      higher percentage of body cell mass (%BCM) than B arm (p = 0.005). The A arm also
      showed a lower percentage of fat mass (%FM) (p = 0.014) when compared to the B
      arm. FNS was higher in A arm (median 7 vs 5; p = 0.047). All the variables of
      muscle strength had a significant positive correlation. In A arm, BCM had a
      negative significant correlation with CRP (p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      study, significant weight loss and high CRP did not have influence on parameters
      of skeletal muscular function. We consider that further studies should be
      necessary, preferably with longitudinal designs to evaluate these findings.

PMID- 27126772
TI  - Health care experiences of long-term survivors of adolescent and young adult
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evaluate health care access and experiences with care among long-term
      survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer relative to a comparison
      group in the USA. METHODS: The 2008 to 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys
      identified 1163 survivors of cancer, diagnosed ages 15-39, current ages 20-64,
      who were at least 5 years after diagnosis. A comparison group without cancer was
      matched using age, sex, and other characteristics. Primary outcomes included
      having >=1 visit to doctor's office/clinic in the previous year and perceived
      health care quality (0 = worst to 10 = best; categorized as low (0-4),
      intermediate (5-7), and high (8-10)). Other experience-related outcomes (e.g.,
      having adequate time with providers and providers show respect) were also
      evaluated. Bivariate analyses compared these outcomes between survivors and the
      comparison group. Multivariable logistic regressions identified survivor-level
      factors associated with health care visits and quality. RESULTS: Survivors had
      >=1 visit more often (82.1 vs. 75.8 %, p = 0.005) yet rated their health care
      quality lower (low or intermediate 30.7 vs. 23.6 %, p < 0.001) than the
      comparison group. Fewer survivors reported always having enough time with
      providers (41.7 vs. 54.6 %, p < 0.001) and that providers always show respect
      (57.5 vs. 67.7 %, p = 0.002). Uninsured survivors were less likely to have >=1
      visit (odds ratio (OR) = 0.26, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.17-0.40, p <
      0.001) and rated their health care quality lower (OR = 0.25, 95 % CI 0.13-0.48, p
      < 0.001) than privately insured. Many other factors were associated with visits
      and quality. CONCLUSION: Survivors of AYA cancer reported more health care visits
      but worse health care experiences than individuals without cancer. Targeted
      interventions that may improve survivors' experiences with health care should be
      evaluated.

PMID- 27126773
TI  - Bacteriophages with potential to inactivate Salmonella Typhimurium: Use of single
      phage suspensions and phage cocktails.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the dynamics of three previously isolated
      bacteriophages (or phages) individually (phSE-1, phSE-2 and phSE-5) or combined
      in cocktails of two or three phages (phSE-1/phSE-2, phSE-1/phSE-5, phSE-2/phSE-5
      and phSE-1/phSE-2/phSE-5) to control Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
      (Salmonella Typhimurium) in order to evaluate their potential application during
      depuration. Phages were assigned to the family Siphoviridae and revealed
      identical restriction digest profiles, although they showed a different phage
      adsorption, host range, burst size, explosion time and survival in seawater. The
      three phages were effective against S. Typhimurium (reduction of ~2.0 log CFU/mL
      after 4h treatment). The use of cocktails was not significantly more effective
      than the use of single phages. A big fraction of the remained bacteria are phage
      resistant mutants (frequency of phage-resistant mutants 9.19*10(-5)-5.11*10(-4))
      but phage- resistant bacterial mutants was lower for the cocktail phages than for
      the single phage suspensions and the phage phSE-1 presented the highest rate of
      resistance and phage phSE-5 the lowest one. The spectral changes of S.
      Typhimurium resistant and phage-sensitive cells were compared and revealed
      relevant differences for peaks associated to amide I (1620cm(-1)) and amide II
      (1515cm(-1)) from proteins and from carbohydrates and phosphates region (1080
      1000cm(-1)). Despite the similar efficiency of individual phages, the development
      of lower resistance indicates that phage cocktails might be the most promising
      choice to be used during the bivalve depuration to control the transmission of
      salmonellosis.

PMID- 27126774
TI  - Antiviral activity of luteolin against Japanese encephalitis virus.
AB  - Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a member of family Flaviviridae, is a
      neurotropic flavivirus that causes Japanese encephalitis (JE). JEV is one of the
      most important causative agents of viral encephalitis in humans, and this disease
      leads to high fatality rates. Although effective vaccines are available, no
      effective antiviral therapy for JE has been developed. Hence, identifying
      effective antiviral agents against JEV infection is important. In this study, we
      found that luteolin was an antiviral bioflavonoid with potent antiviral activity
      against JEV replication in A549 cells with IC50=4.56MUg/mL. Luteolin also showed
      extracellular virucidal activity on JEV. With a time-of-drug addition assay
      revealing that JEV replication was inhibited by luteolin after the entry stage.
      Overall, our results suggested that luteolin can be used to develop an antiviral
      drug against JEV.

PMID- 27126777
TI  - Bioengineered vascular constructs as living models for in vitro cardiovascular
      research.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases represent the most common cause of morbidity and
      mortality worldwide. In this review, we explore the potential of bioengineered
      vascular constructs as living models for in vitro cardiovascular research to
      advance the current knowledge of pathophysiological processes and support the
      development of clinical therapies. Bioengineered vascular constructs capable of
      recapitulating the cellular and mechanical environment of native vessels
      represent a valuable platform to study cellular interactions and signaling
      cascades, test drugs and medical devices under (patho)physiological conditions,
      with the additional potential benefit of reducing the number of animals required
      for preclinical testing.

PMID- 27126776
TI  - Two- and Three-Dimensional All-Carbon Nanomaterial Assemblies for Tissue
      Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.
AB  - Carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene have gained
      significant interest in the fields of materials science, electronics and
      biomedicine due to their interesting physiochemical properties. Typically these
      carbon nanomaterials have been dispersed in polymeric matrices at low
      concentrations to improve the functional properties of nanocomposites employed as
      two-dimensional (2D) substrates or three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds for
      tissue engineering applications. There has been a growing interest in the
      assembly of these nanomaterials into 2D and 3D architectures without the use of
      polymeric matrices, surfactants or binders. In this article, we review recent
      advances in the development of 2D or 3D all-carbon assemblies using carbon
      nanotubes or graphene as nanoscale building-block biomaterials for tissue
      engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

PMID- 27126778
TI  - Current attempts to implement siRNA-based RNAi in leukemia models.
AB  - Leukemias arise from genetic alterations in normal hematopoietic stem or
      progenitor cells, leading to abnormal blood population with transformed cells.
      With the advent of RNAi and its pharmacological mediator siRNA, it has become
      possible to downregulate specific drivers causing leukemias. In this review, we
      present unique aspects of RNAi-mediated therapy and delivery technologies. Recent
      updates on molecular targets and delivery systems are discussed emanating from in
      vitro cell models and preclinical animal models. We conclude with a view on the
      future of RNAi in leukemia therapy, emphasizing possible measures to achieve
      higher efficacy and improved safety.

PMID- 27126779
TI  - Design and use questionnaires for research in medical education.

PMID- 27126780
TI  - Understanding the systemic nature of cities to improve health and climate change
      mitigation.
AB  - Understanding cities comprehensively as systems is a costly challenge and is
      typically not feasible for policy makers. Nevertheless, focusing on some key
      systemic characteristics of cities can give useful insights for policy to advance
      health and well-being outcomes. Moreover, if we take a coevolutionary systems
      view of cities, some conventional assumptions about the nature of urban
      development (e.g. the growth in private vehicle use with income) may not stand
      up. We illustrate this by examining the coevolution of urban transport and land
      use systems, and institutional change, giving examples of policy implications. At
      a high level, our concern derives from the need to better understand the dynamics
      of urban change, and its implications for health and well-being. At a practical
      level, we see opportunities to use stylised findings about urban systems to
      underpin policy experiments. While it is now not uncommon to view cities as
      systems, policy makers appear to have made little use so far of a systems
      approach to inform choice of policies with consequences for health and well
      being. System insights can be applied to intelligently anticipate change - for
      example, as cities are subjected to increasing natural system reactions to
      climate change, they must find ways to mitigate and adapt to it. Secondly,
      systems insights around policy cobenefits are vital for better informing
      horizontal policy integration. Lastly, an implication of system complexity is
      that rather than seeking detailed, 'full' knowledge about urban issues and
      policies, cities would be well advised to engage in policy experimentation to
      address increasingly urgent health and climate change issues.

PMID- 27126775
TI  - 3D Bioprinting for Tissue and Organ Fabrication.
AB  - The field of regenerative medicine has progressed tremendously over the past few
      decades in its ability to fabricate functional tissue substitutes. Conventional
      approaches based on scaffolding and microengineering are limited in their
      capacity of producing tissue constructs with precise biomimetic properties. Three
      dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology, on the other hand, promises to bridge
      the divergence between artificially engineered tissue constructs and native
      tissues. In a sense, 3D bioprinting offers unprecedented versatility to co
      deliver cells and biomaterials with precise control over their compositions,
      spatial distributions, and architectural accuracy, therefore achieving detailed
      or even personalized recapitulation of the fine shape, structure, and
      architecture of target tissues and organs. Here we briefly describe recent
      progresses of 3D bioprinting technology and associated bioinks suitable for the
      printing process. We then focus on the applications of this technology in
      fabrication of biomimetic constructs of several representative tissues and
      organs, including blood vessel, heart, liver, and cartilage. We finally conclude
      with future challenges in 3D bioprinting as well as potential solutions for
      further development.

PMID- 27126781
TI  - Using GRADE to respond to health questions with different levels of urgency.
AB  - Increasing interest exists in applying the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,
      Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to environmental health evidence.
      While ideally applied to evidence synthesized in systematic reviews and
      corresponding summary tables, such as evidence profiles, GRADE's correct
      application requires that "the evidence that was assessed and the methods that
      were used to identify and appraise that evidence should be clearly described." In
      this article, we suggest that GRADE could be applied to evidence assembled from
      narrative reviews, modelled (indirect) evidence, or evidence assembled as part of
      a rapid response, if the underlying judgments about the certainty in this
      evidence are based on the relevant GRADE domains and provided transparently.
      Health questions that require assessing the certainty in a body of evidence to
      provide trustworthy answers may range from hours, to days or weeks, to a few
      months to scenarios that allow assessing evidence without short-term time
      pressures. Time frames of emergent, urgent or rapid evidence assessments will
      often require relying on existing summaries or rapidly compiling the available
      evidence and making assessments. Even without available full systematic reviews,
      expressing the certainty in the evidence can provide useful guidance for users of
      the evidence and those who evaluate certainty in effects. The ratings also help
      clarifying disagreement between organizations tackling similar questions about
      the evidence. Using the structured GRADE domains, narrative or other summaries of
      the evidence can be presented transparently.

PMID- 27126783
TI  - Transcriptomic plasticity in brown adipose tissue contributes to an enhanced
      capacity for nonshivering thermogenesis in deer mice.
AB  - For small mammals living at high altitude, aerobic heat generation
      (thermogenesis) is essential for survival during prolonged periods of cold, but
      is severely impaired under conditions of hypobaric hypoxia. Recent studies in
      deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) reveal adaptive enhancement of thermogenesis
      in high- compared to low-altitude populations under hypoxic cold stress, an
      enhancement that is attributable to modifications in the aerobic metabolism of
      muscles used in shivering. However, because small mammals rely heavily on
      nonshivering mechanisms for cold acclimatization, we tested for evidence of
      adaptive divergence in nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) under hypoxia. To do so,
      we measured NST and characterized transcriptional profiles of brown adipose
      tissue (BAT) in high- and low-altitude deer mice that were (i) wild-caught and
      acclimatized to their native altitude, and (ii) born and reared under common
      garden conditions at low elevation. We found that NST performance under hypoxia
      is enhanced in wild-caught, high-altitude deer mice, a difference that is
      associated with increased expression of coregulated genes that influence several
      physiological traits. These traits include vascularization and O2 supply to BAT,
      brown adipocyte proliferation and the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation
      from ATP synthesis in the generation of heat. Our results suggest that
      acclimatization to hypoxic cold stress is facilitated by enhancement of
      nonshivering heat production, which is driven by regulatory plasticity in a suite
      of genes that influence intersecting physiological pathways.

PMID- 27126782
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase 11 protects from diabesity and promotes metabolic
      switch.
AB  - MMP11 overexpression is a bad prognostic factor in various human carcinomas.
      Interestingly, this proteinase is not expressed in malignant cells themselves but
      is secreted by adjacent non-malignant mesenchymal/stromal cells, such as cancer
      associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and adipocytes (CAAs), which favors cancer cell
      survival and progression. As MMP11 negatively regulates adipogenesis in vitro, we
      hypothesized that it may play a role in whole body metabolism and energy
      homeostasis. We used an in vivo gain- (Mmp11-Tg mice) and loss- (Mmp11-/- mice)
      of-function approach to address the systemic function of MMP11. Strikingly, MMP11
      overexpression protects against type 2 diabetes while Mmp11-/- mice exhibit
      hallmarks of metabolic syndrome. Moreover, Mmp11-Tg mice were protected from diet
      induced obesity and display mitochondrial dysfunction, due to oxidative stress,
      and metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. This
      Warburg-like effect observed in adipose tissues might provide a rationale for the
      deleterious impact of CAA-secreted MMP11, favouring tumor progression. MMP11
      overexpression also leads to increased circulating IGF1 levels and the activation
      of the IGF1/AKT/FOXO1 cascade, an important metabolic signalling pathway. Our
      data reveal a major role for MMP11 in controlling energy metabolism, and provide
      new clues for understanding the relationship between metabolism, cancer
      progression and patient outcome.

PMID- 27126784
TI  - Lack of tumor necrosis factor alpha gene polymorphism -857c/t (rs1799724)
      association in Pakistani rheumatoid arthritis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common systemic autoimmune disease,
      influenced greatly by the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor- alpha
      (TNF-alpha). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in regulatory regions of the
      TNF-alpha gene play a significant role in disease development and pathogenesis.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the association of TNF-alpha -857C/T
      (rs1799724) SNP with RA activity or severity in our Pakistani study group.
      METHODS: The study included 134 (116 women, 18 men) patients with RA and 134
      ethnically matched healthy controls (108 women, 26 men). Each patient's disease
      activity was measured by Disease Activity Score of 28 joints. The genotypes were
      determined in all included individuals following allele-specific polymerase chain
      reaction along with the prerequisite internal amplification controls. Statistical
      analysis including chi-square/Fischer exact test and one-way analysis of
      variance; nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was employed using Graphpad Prism 6
      software for association study. RESULTS: The prevalence of TNF-alpha -857C/T
      (rs1799724) polymorphism was not differentially distributed between RA patients
      and controls in either allele frequency, with odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.9661
      (0.6714-1.390) and P-value of 0.8527, or genotype frequency with chi2 of 0.5015
      and P-value of 0.7782. Moreover, no correlation was found when genotype frequency
      distribution was analyzed with disease severity (P = 0.6321 and Kruskal-Wallis
      statistics of 1.098). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated -857C/T (rs1799724)
      polymorphism may not have influenced RA susceptibility in our study group.
      However, investigations of genetic variability influence on disease outcome in
      large prospective cohorts are required, so the complicated interconnection of
      genetic and environmental elements can be emulated for better understanding.

PMID- 27126785
TI  - Application-Dedicated Selection of Filters (ADSF) using covariance maximization
      and orthogonal projection.
AB  - Visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) spectra are generated by the combination of
      numerous low resolution features. Spectral variables are thus highly correlated,
      which can cause problems for selecting the most appropriate ones for a given
      application. Some decomposition bases such as Fourier or wavelet generally help
      highlighting spectral features that are important, but are by nature constraint
      to have both positive and negative components. Thus, in addition to complicating
      the selected features interpretability, it impedes their use for application
      dedicated sensors. In this paper we have proposed a new method for feature
      selection: Application-Dedicated Selection of Filters (ADSF). This method relaxes
      the shape constraint by enabling the selection of any type of user defined custom
      features. By considering only relevant features, based on the underlying nature
      of the data, high regularization of the final model can be obtained, even in the
      small sample size context often encountered in spectroscopic applications. For
      larger scale deployment of application-dedicated sensors, these predefined
      feature constraints can lead to application specific optical filters, e.g.,
      lowpass, highpass, bandpass or bandstop filters with positive only coefficients.
      In a similar fashion to Partial Least Squares, ADSF successively selects features
      using covariance maximization and deflates their influences using orthogonal
      projection in order to optimally tune the selection to the data with limited
      redundancy. ADSF is well suited for spectroscopic data as it can deal with large
      numbers of highly correlated variables in supervised learning, even with many
      correlated responses.

PMID- 27126786
TI  - Glycan characterization of biopharmaceuticals: Updates and perspectives.
AB  - Therapeutic proteins are rapidly becoming the most promising class of
      pharmaceuticals on the market due to their successful treatment of a vast array
      of serious diseases, such as cancers and immune disorders. Therapeutic proteins
      are produced using recombinant DNA technology. More than 60% of therapeutic
      proteins are posttranslationally modified following biosynthesis by the addition
      of N- or O-linked glycans. Glycosylation is the most common posttranslational
      modifications of proteins. However, it is also the most demanding and complex
      posttranslational modification from the analytical point of view. Moreover,
      research has shown that glycosylation significantly impacts stability, half-life,
      mechanism of action and safety of a therapeutic protein. Considering the
      exponential growth of biotherapeutics, this present review of the literature
      (2009-2015) focuses on the characterization of protein glycosylation, which has
      witnessed an improvement in methodology. Furthermore, it discusses current issues
      in the fields of production and characterization of therapeutic proteins. This
      review also highlights the problem of non-standard requirements for the approval
      of biosimilars with regard to their glycosylation and discusses recent
      developments and perspectives for improved glycan characterization.

PMID- 27126787
TI  - Fusion strategies for selecting multiple tuning parameters for multivariate
      calibration and other penalty based processes: A model updating application for
      pharmaceutical analysis.
AB  - New multivariate calibration methods and other processes are being developed that
      require selection of multiple tuning parameter (penalty) values to form the final
      model. With one or more tuning parameters, using only one measure of model
      quality to select final tuning parameter values is not sufficient. Optimization
      of several model quality measures is challenging. Thus, three fusion ranking
      methods are investigated for simultaneous assessment of multiple measures of
      model quality for selecting tuning parameter values. One is a supervised learning
      fusion rule named sum of ranking differences (SRD). The other two are non
      supervised learning processes based on the sum and median operations. The effect
      of the number of models evaluated on the three fusion rules are also evaluated
      using three procedures. One procedure uses all models from all possible
      combinations of the tuning parameters. To reduce the number of models evaluated,
      an iterative process (only applicable to SRD) is applied and thresholding a model
      quality measure before applying the fusion rules is also used. A near infrared
      pharmaceutical data set requiring model updating is used to evaluate the three
      fusion rules. In this case, calibration of the primary conditions is for the
      active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of tablets produced in a laboratory. The
      secondary conditions for calibration updating is for tablets produced in the full
      batch setting. Two model updating processes requiring selection of two unique
      tuning parameter values are studied. One is based on Tikhonov regularization (TR)
      and the other is a variation of partial least squares (PLS). The three fusion
      methods are shown to provide equivalent and acceptable results allowing automatic
      selection of the tuning parameter values. Best tuning parameter values are
      selected when model quality measures used with the fusion rules are for the small
      secondary sample set used to form the updated models. In this model updating
      situation, evaluation of all possible models, thresholding, and iterative SRD
      performed equivalently for the three fusion rules with TR and PLS performed
      worse. While the application is model updating, the fusion processes are
      applicable to other situations requiring selection of multiple tuning parameter
      values.

PMID- 27126788
TI  - Quantitative generalized ratiometric fluorescence spectroscopy for turbid media
      based on probe encapsulated by biologically localized embedding.
AB  - PEBBLE (probe encapsulated by biologically localized embedding) nanosensor
      encapsulating an intensity-based fluorescence indicator and an inert reference
      fluorescence dye inside the pores of stable matrix can be used as a generalized
      wavelength-ratiometric probe. However, the lack of an efficient quantitative
      model render the choices of inert reference dyes and intensity-based fluorescence
      indicators used in PEBBLEs based generalized wavelength-ratiometric probes rather
      limited. In this contribution, an extended quantitative fluorescence model was
      derived specifically for generalized wavelength-ratiometric probes based on
      PEBBLE technique (QFMGRP) with a view to simplify the design of PEBBLEs and hence
      further extend their application potentials. The effectiveness of QFMGRP has been
      tested on the quantitative determination of free Ca(2+) in both simulated and
      real turbid media using a Ca(2+) sensitive PEBBLE nanosensor encapsulating Rhod-2
      and eosin B inside the micropores of stable polyacrylamide matrix. Experimental
      results demonstrated that QFMGRP could realize precise and accurate
      quantification of free Ca(2+) in turbid samples, even though there is serious
      overlapping between the fluorescence excitation peaks of eosin B and Ca(2+) bound
      Rhod-2. The average relative predictive error value of QFMGRP for the test
      simulated turbid samples was 5.9%, about 2-4 times lower than the corresponding
      values of partial least squares calibration model and the empirical ratiometric
      model based on the ratio of fluorescence intensities at the excitation peaks of
      Ca(2+) bound Rhod-2 and eosin B. The recovery rates of QFMGRP for the real and
      spiked turbid samples varied from 93.1% to 101%, comparable to the corresponding
      results of atomic absorption spectrometry.

PMID- 27126789
TI  - Simultaneous quantitative profiling of 20 isoprostanoids from omega-3 and omega-6
      polyunsaturated fatty acids by LC-MS/MS in various biological samples.
AB  - Isoprostanoids are a group of non-enzymatic oxygenated metabolites of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids. It belongs to oxylipins group, which are important
      lipid mediators in biological processes, such as tissue repair, blood clotting,
      blood vessel permeability, inflammation and immunity regulation. Recently,
      isoprostanoids from eicosapentaenoic, docosahexaenoic, adrenic and alpha
      linolenic namely F3-isoprostanes, F4-neuroprostanes, F2-dihomo-isoprostanes and
      F1-phytoprostanes, respectively have attracted attention because of their
      putative contribution to health. Since isoprostanoids are derived from different
      substrate of PUFAs and can have similar or opposing biological consequences, a
      total isoprostanoids profile is essential to understand the overall effect in the
      testing model. However, the concentration of most isoprostanoids range from
      picogram to nanogram, therefore a sensitive method to quantify 20 isoprostanoids
      simultaneously was formulated and measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The lipid portion from various biological samples was
      extracted prior to LC-MS/MS evaluation. For all the isoprostanoids LOD and LOQ,
      and the method was validated on plasma samples for matrix effect, yield of
      extraction and reproducibility were determined. The methodology was further
      tested for the isoprostanoids profiles in brain and liver of LDLR(-/-) mice with
      and without docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation. Our analysis showed
      similar levels of total F2-isoprostanes and F4-neuroprostanes in the liver and
      brain of non-supplemented LDLR(-/-) mice. The distribution of different F2
      isoprostane isomers varied between tissues but not for F4-neuroprostanes which
      were predominated by the 4(RS)-4-F4t-neuroprostane isomer. DHA supplementation to
      LDLR(-/-) mice concomitantly increased total F4-neuroprostanes levels compared to
      F2-isoprostanes but this effect was more pronounced in the liver than brain.

PMID- 27126790
TI  - Fluorescent turn-off/on bioassay for hemoglobin based on dual-emission carbon
      nanodots-graphene oxide system with multi-detection strategies.
AB  - As two members of the carbon materials family, carbon nanodots (CNDs) and
      graphene oxide (GO) possess many excellent optical properties resulting in a wide
      range of applications. In this work, the fluorescence of resultant dual-emission
      carbon nanodots (DECNDs) could be quenched by GO. In the presence of hemoglobin
      (Hb), the fluorescence would recover resulting from two interactions: one was the
      direct stacking effect of Hb on GO; the other one was that Hb could cover the
      surfaces of DECNDs; both of them would prevent the fluorescence quenching of
      DECNDs by GO. In the light of this mechanism, a novel fluorescent turn-off/on
      method has been developed for the detection of Hb based on DECNDs-GO system. By
      virtue of the dual emissions of these CNDs, it is noteworthy that both a single
      emission and ratiometric of dual emissions can be used to establish linear
      relationships of Hb: 0.05-300 nM (lambdaem = 386 nm), 5-500 nM (lambdaem = 530
      nm), and 50-500 nM (I530/I410), with the corresponding limit of detection (LOD)
      as low as 20 pM, 2 nM and 20 nM, respectively. This present system is highly
      selective toward Hb over other proteins and this reliable method has been
      successfully applied for the detection of Hb in whole blood samples.

PMID- 27126791
TI  - Simultaneous forward and reverse ABO blood group typing using a paper-based
      device and barcode-like interpretation.
AB  - A new platform of a paper-based analytical device (PAD) for simultaneous forward
      and reverse ABO blood group typing has been reported. This platform can overcome
      the discrepancy results as influenced by the individual haematocrit. The test and
      the control of non-haemagglutination on each channel were performed in parallel.
      The PAD was fabricated by printing six parallel channels with wax onto Whatman
      No. 4 filter paper. An LF1 blood separation membrane was used for the separation
      of plasma from whole blood for reverse grouping. The blood group was identified
      by haemagglutination of the corresponding antigen-antibody. For forward grouping,
      Anti-A, -B and -A,B were treated on the test line of PAD, and inactivated Anti-A,
      -B and -A,B were immobilized on the control line. For reverse grouping, 30%
      standard A-cells, B- and O- were added to the test channel after plasma
      separation, and O-cells were used as a control. Then, 0.9% normal saline (NSS)
      containing 1% Tween-20 was bi-functionally used for dilution of the blood sample
      and elution of the non-agglutinated RBCs within the channels. The distance of
      agglutinated RBCs in each test line was compared with the distance of non
      agglutinated RBCs in the parallel control line. The forward and reverse patterns
      of blood groups A, B, AB and O were a barcode-like chart in which the results can
      be visually analysed. The PAD has excellent reproducibility when 10 replications
      of the A, B, AB or O blood groups were performed. The results of both forward and
      reverse grouping were highly correlated with conventional methods compared with
      the slide method and tube method, respectively (n = 76). Thus, this ABO typing
      PAD holds great potential for future applications in blood typing point-of-care
      testing.

PMID- 27126792
TI  - A ratiometric fluorescent probe based on boron dipyrromethene and rhodamine
      Forster resonance energy transfer platform for hypochlorous acid and its
      application in living cells.
AB  - We have developed a ratiometric fluorescent probe BRT based on boron
      dipyrromethene (BODIPY) and rhodamine-thiohydrazide Forster resonance energy
      transfer (FRET) platform for sensing hypochlorous acid (HOCl) with high
      selectivity and sensitivity. The probe can detect HOCl in 15 s with the detection
      limit of 38 nM. Upon mixing with HOCl the fluorescence colour of probe BRT
      changed from green to orange. Moreover, probe BRT was applied to successfully
      monitor HOCl in living RAW 264.7 cells.

PMID- 27126793
TI  - High-performance liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of cyclic beta
      aminohydroxamic acids on zwitterionic chiral stationary phases based on Cinchona
      alkaloids.
AB  - Cyclic beta-aminohydroxamic acid enantiomer pairs were stereoselectively
      separated by high-performance liquid chromatography on the recently developed
      Cinchona alkaloid-based zwitterionic chiral stationary phases Chiralpak
      ZWIX(+)TM, ZWIX(-)TM, ZWIX(+A) and ZWIX(-A). The results of variation of the
      applied chromatographic conditions, such as the bulk solvent composition, the
      concentrations and ratio of the acid and base additives, the presence of water as
      mobile phase additive and the counter-ion concentration furnished a better
      understanding of the retention mechanism. A thermodynamic study in the
      temperature range 5-50  degrees C revealed enthalpy-controlled
      enantiodiscrimination in all cases. The structure-selectivity relationships
      clearly indicated the importance of the strereochemistry of the functional
      groups. From an enantiorecognition aspect, the diexo position of the functional
      groups always proved more favorable than the diendo position. The elution
      sequence was determined in all cases and was found to reversed when ZWIX(+)TM was
      changed to ZWIX(-)TM or ZWIX(+A) to ZWIX(-A).

PMID- 27126794
TI  - Subepidermal moisture (SEM) and bioimpedance: a literature review of a novel
      method for early detection of pressure-induced tissue damage (pressure ulcers).
AB  - Current detection of pressure ulcers relies on visual and tactile changes at the
      skin surface, but physiological changes below the skin precede surface changes
      and have a significant impact on tissue health. Inflammatory and
      apoptotic/necrotic changes in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin, such
      as changes in interstitial fluid (also known as subepidermal moisture (SEM)), may
      precede surface changes by 3-10 days. Those same epidermal and subepidermal
      changes result in changes in the electrical properties (bioimpedance) of the
      tissue, thereby presenting an objective, non-invasive method for assessing tissue
      damage. Clinical studies of bioimpedance for the detection of pressure ulcers
      have demonstrated that changes in bioimpedance correlate with increasing severity
      of pressure ulcer stages. Studies have also demonstrated that at anatomical
      locations with pressure ulcers, bioimpedance varies with distance from the centre
      of the pressure ulcers. The SEM Scanner, a handheld medical device, offers an
      objective and reliable method for the assessment of local bioimpedance, and
      therefore, assessment of tissue damage before signs become visible to the unaided
      eye. This literature review summarises pressure ulcer pathophysiology, principles
      of bioimpedance and clinical research using bioimpedance technology to assess
      pressure ulcers.

PMID- 27126795
TI  - Effects of down-regulating ornithine decarboxylase upon putrescine-associated
      metabolism and growth in Nicotiana tabacum L.
AB  - Transgenic plants of Nicotiana tabacum L. homozygous for an RNAi construct
      designed to silence ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) had significantly lower
      concentrations of nicotine and nornicotine, but significantly higher
      concentrations of anatabine, compared with vector-only controls. Silencing of ODC
      also led to significantly reduced concentrations of polyamines (putrescine,
      spermidine and spermine), tyramine and phenolamides (caffeoylputrescine and
      dicaffeoylspermidine) with concomitant increases in concentrations of amino acids
      ornithine, arginine, aspartate, glutamate and glutamine. Root transcript levels
      of S-adenosyl methionine decarboxylase, S-adenosyl methionine synthase and
      spermidine synthase (polyamine synthesis enzymes) were reduced compared with
      vector controls, whilst transcript levels of arginine decarboxylase (putrescine
      synthesis), putrescine methyltransferase (nicotine production) and multi-drug and
      toxic compound extrusion (alkaloid transport) proteins were elevated. In
      contrast, expression of two other key proteins required for alkaloid synthesis,
      quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (nicotinic acid production) and a PIP
      family oxidoreductase (nicotinic acid condensation reactions), were diminished in
      roots of odc-RNAi plants relative to vector-only controls. Transcriptional and
      biochemical differences associated with polyamine and alkaloid metabolism were
      exacerbated in odc-RNAi plants in response to different forms of shoot damage. In
      general, apex removal had a greater effect than leaf wounding alone, with a
      combination of these injury treatments producing synergistic responses in some
      cases. Reduced expression of ODC appeared to have negative effects upon plant
      growth and vigour with some leaves of odc-RNAi lines being brittle and bleached
      compared with vector-only controls. Together, results of this study demonstrate
      that ornithine decarboxylase has important roles in facilitating both primary and
      secondary metabolism in Nicotiana.

PMID- 27126796
TI  - Mitogen-activated protein kinase 4-like carrying an MEY motif instead of a TXY
      motif is involved in ozone tolerance and regulation of stomatal closure in
      tobacco.
AB  - The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs/MPKs) are important factors in the
      regulation of signal transduction in response to biotic and abiotic stresses.
      Previously, we characterized a MAPK from tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum MPK4
      (NtMPK4). Here, we found a highly homologous gene, NtMPK4-like (NtMPK4L), in
      tobacco as well as other species in Solanaceae and Gramineae. Deduced amino acid
      sequences of their translation products carried MEY motifs instead of conserved
      TXY motifs of the MAPK family. We isolated the full length NtMPK4L gene and
      examined the physiological functions of NtMPK4L. We revealed that NtMPK4L was
      activated by wounding, like NtMPK4. However, a constitutively active salicylic
      acid-induced protein kinase kinase (SIPKK(EE)), which phosphorylates NtMPK4, did
      not phosphorylate NtMPK4L. Moreover, a tyrosine residue in the MEY motif was not
      involved in NtMPK4L activation. We also found that NtMPK4L-silenced plants showed
      rapid transpiration caused by remarkably open stomata. In addition, NtMPK4L
      silenced plants completely lost the ability to close stomata upon ozone treatment
      and were highly sensitive to ozone, suggesting that this atypical MAPK plays a
      role in ozone tolerance through stomatal regulation.

PMID- 27126797
TI  - [Intraoperative OCT in ophthalmic microsurgery].
AB  - Recent improvements in technology have enabled integration of SD-OCT into the
      optical path of an operating microscope. Here we present an overview of possible
      applications of iOCT (intraoperative optical coherence tomography) for retinal,
      glaucoma and corneal surgery. iOCT-based imaging can not only improve safety and
      quality of the surgery but also the learning curve of the surgeon. The ability to
      visualize barely visible or transparent structures with iOCT has achieved a
      significant added value intraoperatively, particularly in macular surgery,
      trabeculectomy and lamellar keratoplasty. Further, systematic assessment is
      warranted to define the usefulness of the iOCT more precisely. 

PMID- 27126798
TI  - Assertion Practices and Beliefs Among Nurses and Physicians on an Inpatient
      Pediatric Medical Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Teamwork and communication are critical elements of safe and
      effective patient care. Standardized communication tools have been implemented in
      many health care organizations, but little is known about attitudes and
      perceptions of assertion, the willingness to "speak up," by nurses and physicians
      at an academic pediatric institution. METHODS: We conducted 6 focus groups with
      nurses, residents, and attending physicians using a standardized semistructured
      focus group guide to promote discussion. Focus groups were recorded and
      transcribed, and results were analyzed by 2 independent reviewers to identify
      thematic content. RESULTS: Three themes emerged: (1) interpersonal factors, (2)
      organizational factors, and (3) complexity of care environment. Subthemes were
      the roles of hierarchy, relationships, and communication and personality style;
      the value of using standardized communication tools such as SBAR (Situation,
      Background, Assessment, Recommendation), direct face-to-face communication, and
      geographic and technology factors; and the need for coordinated communication and
      agreement across care team members about the care plans. Nurses reported reliance
      on peers for decision-making, on when and how to assert on behalf of patient
      care. Nurses and residents experienced barriers to assertion from concerns of
      relationships and their position within professional hierarchies. Attending
      physicians were supportive of being asserted to by any care team provider.
      CONCLUSIONS: Interpersonal relationships, power dynamics, and organizational
      factors impact care team providers' willingness to assert in the inpatient
      setting. Standardized communication tools are effective. Further development and
      implementation of communication models that support experience, peer reliance,
      and direct face-to-face communication are warranted to improve assertion
      communication in the inpatient setting

PMID- 27126799
TI  - Supramolecular exo-functionalized palladium cages: fluorescent properties and
      biological activity.
AB  - Metallosupramolecular systems are promising new tools for pharmaceutical
      applications. Thus, novel self-assembled Pd(ii) coordination cages were
      synthesized which were exo-functionalized with naphthalene or anthracene groups
      with the aim to image their fate in cells. The cages were also investigated for
      their anticancer properties in human lung and ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro.
      While the observed cytotoxic effects hold promise and the cages resulted to be
      more effective than cisplatin in both cell lines, fluorescence emission
      properties were scarce. Therefore, using TD-DFT calculations, fluorescence
      quenching observed in the naphthalene-based system could be ascribed to a lower
      probability of a HOMO-LUMO excitation and an emission wavelength outside the
      visible region. Overall, the reported Pd2L4 cages provide new insights into the
      chemical-physical properties of this family of supramolecular coordination
      complexes whose understanding is necessary to achieve their applications in
      various fields. 

PMID- 27126800
TI  - In vivo assembly of DNA-fragments in the moss, Physcomitrella patens.
AB  - Direct assembly of multiple linear DNA fragments via homologous recombination, a
      phenomenon known as in vivo assembly or transformation associated recombination,
      is used in biotechnology to assemble DNA constructs ranging in size from a few
      kilobases to full synthetic microbial genomes. It has also enabled the complete
      replacement of eukaryotic chromosomes with heterologous DNA. The moss
      Physcomitrella patens, a non-vascular and spore producing land plant (Bryophyte),
      has a well-established capacity for homologous recombination. Here, we
      demonstrate the in vivo assembly of multiple DNA fragments in P. patens with
      three examples of effective genome editing: we (i) efficiently deleted a genomic
      locus for diterpenoid metabolism yielding a biosynthetic knockout, (ii)
      introduced a salt inducible promoter, and (iii) re-routed endogenous metabolism
      into the formation of amorphadiene, a precursor of high-value therapeutics. These
      proof-of-principle experiments pave the way for more complex and increasingly
      flexible approaches for large-scale metabolic engineering in plant biotechnology.

PMID- 27126801
TI  - Effect of laser photobiomodulation on the periodontal repair process of replanted
      teeth.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Tooth replantation is the optimal treatment in cases of avulsion.
      However, its success is limited due to the occurrence of external root
      resorption. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of laser
      photobiomodulation (LPBM) at lambda808 nm and lambda660 nm and of storage media
      on the periodontal repair process of replanted teeth in rats. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Sixty maxillary right incisors were extracted from sixty Wistar rats and
      randomly assigned to six groups (n = 10). Groups consisted of 10 teeth stored in
      paper napkins (PN), whole milk (WM), and soy milk (SM), for 45 min; and PNL, WML
      and SML, in which teeth were stored in the same storage media, but the root
      surface and the alveolus were treated with LPBM at lambda808 nm before
      replantation, and the buccal and palatal mucosa of the alveolus were treated with
      LPBM at lambda660 nm after replantation. Five rats from each group were
      euthanized after 15 or 30 days. The right hemimaxilla including the replanted
      incisor was removed and processed for histomorphometric analysis to assess root
      resorption areas, replacement root resorption, perimeter with ankylosis and
      periodontal repair, and areas of type I and III collagen deposition, using the
      ImageJ 1.50b software. Data were analyzed statistically by anova followed by
      Tukey's multiple comparison test (alpha = 5%). RESULTS: WM and SM showed smaller
      root resorption areas and higher collagen deposition in both experimental
      periods, and SM showed the largest perimeter of periodontal repair. LPBM reduced
      the occurrence of root resorption only in the PNL group, both at 15 and 30 days,
      and increased the perimeter of periodontal repair in all groups at 30 days. There
      was higher collagen deposition in the irradiated groups regardless of the
      experimental period. CONCLUSIONS: The LPBM protocol at lambda808 nm and lambda660
      nm as well as whole milk and soy milk favored the periodontal repair process of
      replanted teeth in rats.

PMID- 27126802
TI  - Mental models of a water management system in a green building.
AB  - This intergroup case study compared users' mental models with an expert design
      model of a water management system in a green building. The system incorporates a
      constructed wetland component and a rainwater collection pond that together
      recycle water for re-use in the building and its surroundings. The sample
      consisted of five building occupants and the cleaner (6 users) and two experts
      who were involved with the design of the water management system. Users' mental
      model descriptions and the experts' design model were derived from in-depth
      interviews combined with self-constructed (and verified) diagrams. Findings from
      the study suggest that there is considerable variability in the user mental
      models that could impact the efficient functioning of the water management
      system. Recommendations for improvements are discussed. 

PMID- 27126803
TI  - Serum amyloid A links endotoxaemia to weight gain and insulin resistance in mice.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Pre-adipocytes and adipocytes are responsive to the acute phase
      protein serum amyloid A (SAA). The combined effects triggered by SAA encompass an
      increase in pre-adipocyte proliferation, an induction of TNF-alpha and IL-6
      release and a decrease in glucose uptake in mature adipocytes, strongly
      supporting a role for SAA in obesity and related comorbidities. This study
      addressed whether SAA depletion modulates weight gain and insulin resistance
      induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS: Male Swiss Webster mice were fed an
      HFD for 10 weeks under an SAA-targeted antisense oligonucleotide (ASOSAA)
      treatment in order to evaluate the role of SAA in weight gain. RESULTS: With
      ASOSAA treatment, mice receiving an HFD did not differ in energy intake when
      compared with their controls, but were prevented from gaining weight and
      developing insulin resistance. The phenotype was characterised by a lack of
      adipose tissue expansion, with low accumulation of epididymal, retroperitoneal
      and subcutaneous fat content and decreased inflammatory markers, such as SAA3 and
      toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 expression, as well as macrophage infiltration into
      the adipose tissue. Furthermore, a metabolic status similar to chow-fed mice
      counterparts could be observed, with equivalent levels of leptin, adiponectin,
      IGF-I, SAA, fasting glucose and insulin, and remarkable improvement in glucose
      and insulin tolerance test profiles. Surprisingly, the expected HFD-induced
      metabolic endotoxaemia was also prevented by the ASOSAA treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: This study provides further evidence of the role of
      SAA in weight gain and insulin resistance. Moreover, we also suggest that beyond
      its proliferative and inflammatory effects, SAA is part of the lipopolysaccharide
      signalling pathway that links inflammation to obesity and insulin resistance.

PMID- 27126804
TI  - Positively charged residues within the MYO19 MyMOMA domain are essential for
      proper localization of MYO19 to the mitochondrial outer membrane.
AB  - Myosins are well characterized molecular motors essential for intracellular
      transport. MYO19 copurifies with mitochondria, and can be released from
      mitochondrial membranes by high pH buffer, suggesting that positively-charged
      residues participate in interactions between MYO19 and mitochondria. The MYO19
      specific mitochondria outer membrane association (MyMOMA) domain contains
      approximately 150 amino acids with a pI approximately 9 and is sufficient for
      localization to the mitochondrial outer membrane. The minimal sequence and
      specific residues involved in mitochondrial binding have not been identified. To
      address this, we generated GFP-MyMOMA truncations, establishing the boundaries
      for truncations based on sequence homology. We identified an 83-amino acid
      minimal binding region enriched with basic residues (pI ~ 10.5). We sequentially
      replaced basic residues in this region with alanine, identifying residues R882
      and K883 as essential for mitochondrial localization. Constructs containing the
      RK882-883AA mutation primarily localized with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). To
      determine if ER-associated mutant MyMOMA domain and mitochondria-associated wild
      type MyMOMA display differences in kinetics of membrane interaction, we paired
      FRAP analysis with permeabilization activated reduction in fluorescence (PARF)
      analysis. Mitochondria-bound and ER-bound MYO19 constructs displayed slow
      dissociation from their target membrane when assayed by PARF; both constructs
      displayed exchange within their respective organelle networks. However, ER-bound
      mutant MYO19 displayed more rapid exchange within the ER network than did
      mitochondria-bound MYO19. Taken together these data indicate that the MyMOMA
      domain contains strong membrane-binding activity, and membrane targeting is
      mediated by a specific, basic region of the MYO19 tail with slow dissociation
      kinetics appropriate for its role(s) in mitochondrial network dynamics. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27126807
TI  - Mitochondrial Function, Biology, and Role in Disease: A Scientific Statement From
      the American Heart Association.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is a major leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the
      United States and elsewhere. Alterations in mitochondrial function are
      increasingly being recognized as a contributing factor in myocardial infarction
      and in patients presenting with cardiomyopathy. Recent understanding of the
      complex interaction of the mitochondria in regulating metabolism and cell death
      can provide novel insight and therapeutic targets. The purpose of this statement
      is to better define the potential role of mitochondria in the genesis of
      cardiovascular disease such as ischemia and heart failure. To accomplish this, we
      will define the key mitochondrial processes that play a role in cardiovascular
      disease that are potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions. This is
      an exciting time in mitochondrial research. The past decade has provided novel
      insight into the role of mitochondria function and their importance in complex
      diseases. This statement will define the key roles that mitochondria play in
      cardiovascular physiology and disease and provide insight into how mitochondrial
      defects can contribute to cardiovascular disease; it will also discuss potential
      biomarkers of mitochondrial disease and suggest potential novel therapeutic
      approaches. 

PMID- 27126809
TI  - The 'triradiate bump': a novel radiographic sign that may confound assessment of
      acetabular retroversion.
AB  - PURPOSE: The triradiate cartilage transiently projects medially within the pelvic
      brim around the time of triradiate closure, mimicking the ischial spine sign. The
      purpose of this study was to characterize this newly identified radiographic sign
      using a longitudinal radiographic study. METHODS: We identified 72 subjects from
      a longitudinal radiographic study of healthy adolescents, each with at least four
      consecutive, annual anterior-posterior radiographs of the left hip, including
      physeal closure. Images were reviewed to identify the presence of the triradiate
      bump, the year it was most prominent, and the number of years relative to
      triradiate closure after which it had completely remodeled. RESULTS: The
      transient medial projection of the triradiate cartilage (triradiate bump) was
      identified in 26/40 (65 %) females and 22/32 (69 %) males (p = 0.74). The medial
      projection of the triradiate cartilage was most prominent at 10.8 +/- 0.8 years
      of age in females and 12.6 +/- 0.7 years of age in males (p < 0.001). The
      triradiate cartilage projected medially a mean of 4.7 +/- 0.8 or 5.1 +/- 1.4 mm
      for females and males, respectively (p = 0.29), but remodeled completely in all
      cases around triradiate closure. CONCLUSIONS: The transient medial projection of
      the triradiate cartilage within the pelvic brim, the 'triradiate bump sign', is a
      common radiographic finding in healthy adolescents around the time of closure of
      the triradiate cartilage that may mimic the ischial spine sign. These two signs
      can be distinguished as the projection of the ischial spine is located more
      inferiorly within the pelvic brim and the triradiate bump has a horizontal limb
      of radiolucency extending to its medial border.

PMID- 27126805
TI  - DNA Damage in Major Psychiatric Diseases.
AB  - Human cells are exposed to exogenous insults and continuous production of
      different metabolites. These insults and unwanted metabolic products might
      interfere with the stability of genomic DNA. Recently, many studies have
      demonstrated that different psychiatric disorders show substantially high levels
      of oxidative DNA damage in the brain accompanied with morphological and
      functional alterations. It reveals that damaged genomic DNA may contribute to the
      pathophysiology of these mental illnesses. In this article, we review the roles
      of oxidative damage and reduced antioxidant ability in some vastly studied
      psychiatric disorders and emphasize the inclusion of treatment options involving
      DNA repair. In addition, while most currently used antidepressants are based on
      the manipulation of the neurotransmitter regulation in managing different mental
      abnormalities, they are able to prevent or reverse neurotoxin-induced DNA damage.
      Therefore, it may be plausible to target on genomic DNA alterations for
      psychiatric therapies, which is of pivotal importance for future antipsychiatric
      drug development.

PMID- 27126808
TI  - Deletion of Interleukin-6 Attenuates Pressure Overload-Induced Left Ventricular
      Hypertrophy and Dysfunction.
AB  - RATIONALE: The role of interleukin (IL)-6 in the pathogenesis of cardiac myocyte
      hypertrophy remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To conclusively determine whether
      IL-6 signaling is essential for the development of pressure overload-induced left
      ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and to elucidate the underlying molecular pathways.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Wild-type and IL-6 knockout (IL-6(-/-)) mice underwent sham
      surgery or transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce pressure overload.
      Serial echocardiograms and terminal hemodynamic studies revealed attenuated LV
      hypertrophy and superior preservation of LV function in IL-6(-/-) mice after TAC.
      The extents of LV remodeling, fibrosis, and apoptosis were reduced in IL-6(-/-)
      hearts after TAC. Transcriptional and protein assays of myocardial tissue
      identified Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and signal
      transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation as important
      underlying mechanisms during cardiac hypertrophy induced by TAC. The involvement
      of these pathways in myocyte hypertrophy was verified in isolated cardiac
      myocytes from wild-type and IL-6(-/-) mice exposed to prohypertrophy agents.
      Furthermore, overexpression of CaMKII in H9c2 cells increased STAT3
      phosphorylation, and exposure of H9c2 cells to IL-6 resulted in STAT3 activation
      that was attenuated by CaMKII inhibition. Together, these results identify the
      importance of CaMKII-dependent activation of STAT3 during cardiac myocyte
      hypertrophy via IL-6 signaling. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic deletion of IL-6 attenuates
      TAC-induced LV hypertrophy and dysfunction, indicating a critical role played by
      IL-6 in the pathogenesis of LV hypertrophy in response to pressure overload.
      CaMKII plays an important role in IL-6-induced STAT3 activation and consequent
      cardiac myocyte hypertrophy. These findings may have significant therapeutic
      implications for LV hypertrophy and failure in patients with hypertension.

PMID- 27126811
TI  - Gender is inevitable: Gender-based violence is avoidable.

PMID- 27126810
TI  - Factors influencing the nuclear targeting ability of nuclear localization
      signals.
AB  - A nuclear localization signal (NLS) is a short amino acid sequence derived from
      eukaryotic nuclear proteins and viral proteins. Many NLS peptides can efficiently
      mediate the intranucleus transport of cargo molecules, so they have been widely
      used for non-viral gene transfer and shown potential ability to improve nuclear
      delivery of DNA. In order to maximally utilize NLS peptides to enhance gene
      transfer, several factors such as methods of incorporating NLS peptide, type and
      property of NLS peptide, number of NLS peptide, and spacer between NLS peptide
      and DNA should be considered. This review article summarizes how these factors
      influence the ability of NLS peptides in enhancing non-viral gene delivery and
      aids in defining the requirements for successful NLS-enhanced transfection.

PMID- 27126806
TI  - Neuroprotective Effect of the Novel Compound ITH33/IQM9.21 Against Oxidative
      Stress and Na(+) and Ca(2+) Overload in Motor Neuron-like NSC-34 Cells.
AB  - Alternatives for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are scarce
      and controversial. The etiology of neuronal vulnerability in ALS is being studied
      in motor neuron-like NSC-34 cells to determine the underlying mechanisms leading
      to selective loss of motor neurons. One such mechanism is associated with
      mitochondrial oxidative stress, Ca(2+) overload, and low expression of Ca(2+)
      buffering proteins. Therefore, in order to elicit neuronal death in ALS, NSC-34
      cells were exposed to the following cytotoxic agents: (1) a mixture of oligomycin
      10 uM and rotenone 30 uM (O/R), or (2) phenylarsine oxide 1 uM (PAO) (to mimic
      excess free radical production during mitochondrial dysfunction), and (3)
      veratridine 100 uM (VTD) (to induce overload of Na(+) and Ca(2+) and to alter
      distribution of Ca(2+)-buffering proteins [parvalbumin and calbindin-D28k]).
      Thus, the aim of the study was to test the novel neuroprotective compound
      ITH33/IQM9.21 (ITH33) and to compare it with riluzole on in vitro models of
      neurotoxicity. Cell viability measured with MTT showed that only ITH33 protected
      against O/R at 3 MUM and PAO at 10 MUM, but not riluzole. ITH33 and riluzole were
      neuroprotective against VTD, blocked the maximum peak and the number of [Ca(2+)]c
      oscillations per cell, and restored the effect on parvalbumin. However, only
      riluzole reversed the effect on calbindin-D28k levels. Therefore, ITH33 was
      neuroprotective against oxidative stress and Na(+)/Ca(2+) overload, both of which
      are involved in ALS.

PMID- 27126812
TI  - The Lower Limb Functional Index - A reliable and valid functional outcome
      assessment in burns.
AB  - Lower limb injuries account for up to 40% of all burns in Western Australia and
      affect physical function. Lower limb specific functional assessments are
      available to monitor recovery, yet no scale has been assessed for use in burns.
      The Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI) which is validated in musculoskeletal
      patients was investigated for applicability in burn. Reliability was assessed
      using Cronbach's alpha, principal components analysis and Rasch analysis.
      Validity was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient with quality of
      life assessments (BSHS-B & SF-36) and physical assessments (TUG & ankle ROM).
      Regression analysis was performed with burn severity measures, time of recovery
      and location of the burn. The LLFI-10 was applied 1368 times on 739 patients at
      regular time points. It was internally consistent (alpha>0.8) and unidimensional.
      Associations were demonstrated with the BSHS-B and SF-36 (rho=-0.56 to -0.72,
      p<0.001), TUG (rho=0.41, p<0.001) and ankle ROM (rho=-0.31 to -0.35, p<0.001).
      The LLFI-10 also showed associations (p<0.001) with time since injury (rho=
      0.29), age (rho=0.12) and TBSA (rho=0.12). The LLFI-10 is a reliable and valid
      tool to assess function in lower limb burns. This study supports the use of the
      LLFI-10 as part of a battery of assessment for lower limb burn recovery. 

PMID- 27126813
TI  - The role of silver sulphadiazine in the conservative treatment of partial
      thickness burn wounds: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For more than 40 years, silver sulphadiazine 1% (SSD) is considered
      as standard therapy for the conservative treatment of burn wounds. However, in
      the last 10 years, substantial disadvantages of SSD have been reported in the
      literature and probably as a result of this, several new dressings for burn
      wounds have been developed and put on the market. The objective of this
      systematic review is to evaluate the available evidence on SSD in the
      conservative treatment of burns, specifically in comparison with the newer burn
      dressings that are increasingly being used nowadays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      search filter was composed to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the
      MEDLINE database. Only RCTs studying the effect of conservative treatment on
      burns were selected. At least one of the two comparative groups was treated with
      SSD. Each included article was analysed and relevant data (baseline parameters,
      interventions, outcomes and methodological parameters) were registered using
      Microsoft Office Excel 2007. RESULTS: Many dressings showed superior healing
      properties compared to SSD, but no dressing was able to show a clear benefit over
      SSD regarding infection. The number of dressing changes, pain and patient's
      satisfaction are more favourable in the newer dressings, especially with solid
      and biological dressings. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review
      clearly demonstrate that a faster wound healing is obtained with the newly
      developed burn dressings. Additionally, these new dressings tend to be more
      comfortable for the patients and easier to use for care givers. The minor
      differences in antibacterial activity between SSD and the new products did not
      seem to have any influence on the rate of wound healing. Since rapid wound
      closure is essential to obtain an optimal functional and aesthetic outcome, it
      can be concluded from the results of this systemic review that the standard use
      of SSD in the conservative treatment of burn wounds can no longer be supported.

PMID- 27126815
TI  - The epidemiology of geriatric burns in Iran: A national burn registry-based
      study.
AB  - Defining the epidemiology and outcome of geriatric burn patients is critical for
      specialized burn centers, health-care workers, and governments. Better resource
      use and effective guidelines are some of the advantages of studies focusing on
      this aspect. The outcome of these patients serves as an objective criterion for
      quality control, research, and preventive programs. We used data from the burn
      registry program in our country. For 2 years, >28,700 burn patients were
      recorded, 1721 of whom were admitted. Among them, 187 patients were >=55 years
      old. Sixty-nine percent of patients were male and 31% female, with a male to
      female ratio of 2.22:1. The mean+/-standard deviation (SD) of age was 63.4+/-8.1.
      The cause of burns was flame (58.2%) and scalds (20.3%). Most of the burns were
      sustained at home. The mean duration of hospital stay was 19.5 days (range 3-59
      days). The mean (SD) of the total body surface area (TBSA) was 20.3% (8.4%). The
      median hospital stay (length of stay (LOS)) was 11 days (SD=14). The increase in
      TBSA was related to a longer LOS (p<0.02). Burn wound infection developed in
      44.3% of patients. The presence of inhalation injury was significantly related to
      mortality (p<0.001). Among the patients, 9% recovered completely, 74.9% recovered
      partially (requiring further treatment), 1% underwent amputation, and 12.8% died.
      The lack of insurance coverage did not affect the survival of our geriatric burn
      patients. However, being alone or single, ignition of clothing, cause of burn,
      comorbid illnesses, complications following the burn, TBSA, age, and sepsis were
      positively correlated with mortality. The mean cost of treatment for each patient
      was about $7450. 

PMID- 27126814
TI  - Treatment of cervical contractures utilising a closed platysmotomy like approach:
      Case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Contractures to the cervical region as a result of burns has the capacity to
      cause restrictions in range of movement, function of the lower face, cervical
      spine distortion and poor aesthetic outcomes that remain a surgical challenge.
      Consequently, physical and aesthetic deformities as a result of cervical
      contractures are reported to cause depression having implications for patients'
      quality of life and psychosocial wellbeing. At the time this research was
      conducted, there were no case reports describing a closed platysmotomy approach
      in burn patients. In this article, we review the literature surrounding closed
      platysmotomies and present what we believe to be the first reported case in the
      treatment of cervical contractures utilising a closed platysmotomy approach in a
      burns patient. A closed platysmotomy approach for the treatment of cervical
      contractures is a less invasive technique. Further investigation is warranted to
      determine the feasibility of this reconstructive approach in the area of burn
      scar management. 

PMID- 27126816
TI  - Overlapping Phenotypes in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Coordination
      Disorder: A Cross-Syndrome Comparison of Motor and Social Skills.
AB  - Motor and social difficulties are often found in children with an autism spectrum
      disorder (ASD) and with developmental coordination disorder (DCD), to varying
      degrees. This study investigated the extent of overlap of these problems in
      children aged 7-10 years who had a diagnosis of either ASD or DCD, compared to
      typically-developing controls. Children completed motor and face processing
      assessments. Parents completed questionnaires concerning their child's early
      motor and current motor and social skills. There was considerable overlap between
      the ASD and DCD groups on the motor and social assessments, with both groups more
      impaired than controls. Furthermore, motor skill predicted social functioning for
      both groups. Future research should consider the relationships between core
      symptoms and their consequences in other domains.

PMID- 27126818
TI  - In the Eye of the Beholder: Rapid Visual Perception of Real-Life Scenes by Young
      Adults with and Without ASD.
AB  - Typically developing (TD) adults are able to extract global information from
      natural images and to categorize them within a single glance. This study aimed at
      extending these findings to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using
      a free description open-encoding paradigm. Participants were asked to freely
      describe what they saw when looking at briefly presented real-life photographs.
      Our results show subtle but consistent group-level differences. More
      specifically, individuals with ASD spontaneously reported the presence of people
      in the display less frequently than TD participants, and they grasped the gist of
      the scene less well. These findings argue for a less efficient rapid feedforward
      processing of global semantic aspects and a less spontaneous interpretation of
      socially salient information in ASD.

PMID- 27126817
TI  - Externalizing and Internalizing Symptoms Moderate Longitudinal Patterns of Facial
      Emotion Recognition in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - Facial emotion recognition (FER) is thought to be a key deficit domain in autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the extant literature is based solely on cross
      sectional studies; thus, little is known about even short-term intra-individual
      dynamics of FER in ASD over time. The present study sought to examine
      trajectories of FER in ASD youth over 18 weeks of repeated measurement, and
      evaluate the effects of internalizing and externalizing symptoms on these
      trajectories. Hierarchical Linear Modeling analyses revealed that FER errors
      decreased over time, even for particularly difficult stimuli. Moreover, FER
      improvement was enhanced by internalizing symptoms but attenuated by
      externalizing symptoms. Implications for models of FER development, reciprocal
      relations between FER and comorbidity, and intervention design and planning are
      discussed.

PMID- 27126820
TI  - Mokken analysis of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales in acute inpatient and
      community samples.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The structure and scoring of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales
      (HoNOS) has been open to debate. Most studies have relied on factor analytic
      approaches to investigate HoNOS structure. Our aim is to investigate HoNOS using
      methods from item response theory. METHODS: Completed HoNOS forms from patients
      receiving mental health treatment in the community and also inpatients were
      subjected to Mokken analysis, which is a non-parametric form of item response
      theory. Confirmatory factor analysis was then used to investigate these scales.
      RESULTS: Two scales with the same items were found in both samples; however, the
      inpatient sample scored higher on both scales. The first scale contained three
      items (10, 11, 12) from the social scale, and the other was related to depression
      (2, 7, 8). Confirmatory factor analysis showed that a two scale structure had
      better fit statistics than other suggested structures. CONCLUSIONS: HoNOS might
      best be conceived as two scales measuring aspects of social adjustment and
      depression.

PMID- 27126819
TI  - Presser - the forgotten story.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Regina v Presser [1958] VR 45, is the most seminal case regarding
      fitness to plead for accused persons in Australia and New Zealand. It is not
      widely understood that Presser was a 14-year-old boy with intellectual
      disability. We aim to describe a clearer narrative regarding Edward John Presser.
      METHOD: Review of attainable newspaper reports framed within an historical
      context of fitness and relevant case law. RESULTS: Presser's narrative is
      described in greater detail than previously understood by clinicians and lawyers.
      Ramifications for fitness assessment are discussed including doli incapax and
      human rights considerations. CONCLUSIONS: The Presser criteria are widely
      applied; however, the case involved a 14-year-old boy with intellectual
      disability. Greater awareness of Presser's narrative assists clinicians providing
      expert evidence regarding fitness to plead for adolescents and persons with
      intellectual disability.

PMID- 27126821
TI  - Transarterial chemoembolization versus transarterial radioembolization in
      hepatocellular carcinoma: optimization of selecting treatment modality.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of intermediate stage consists of diverse tumor
      and patient factors in terms of tumor number, size and liver function resulting
      in various outcomes given by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).
      Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using radioactive isotope, beta-ray
      emitting Yttrium-90 with a short half-life and penetration depth, is an emerging
      intra-arterial brachytherapy characterized by potent anti-cancer effect given by
      radiation but minimal embolic effect. Although there is lack of study directly
      comparing the efficacy and safety between TACE and TARE in patients with
      unresectable HCC, several retrospective or small-scaled studies suggest that
      overall efficacy indicated by overall survival and time to progression is similar
      between two modalities and TARE has a superiority in the safety including
      postembolization syndrome, hospitalization days and outpatient-based therapy. In
      advanced HCC with portal vein (PV) invasion, TACE is not consistently recommended
      due to risk of hepatic decompensation or failure after procedure. On the
      contrary, available data suggest that TARE might be a promising treatment option
      in HCC with PV thrombosis if patient's liver function is preserved and the level
      of PV invasion is less than main trunk. Ongoing trials comparing TARE and
      sorafenib in advanced HCC would elucidate the role of this locoregional therapy.
      The need of a multidisciplinary team, complex steps of procedure and high cost of
      TARE are the hurdles to widespread recommendation of this therapy in intermediate
      or advanced HCC. The optimization of selection between TACE and TARE might be
      dependent on availability, experience, tumor factors and patient factors.

PMID- 27126822
TI  - G1 Domain of Versican Regulates Hyaluronan Organization and the Phenotype of
      Cultured Human Dermal Fibroblasts.
AB  - Variants of versican have wide-ranging effects on cell and tissue phenotype,
      impacting proliferation, adhesion, pericellular matrix composition, and
      elastogenesis. The G1 domain of versican, which contains two Link modules that
      bind to hyaluronan (HA), may be central to these effects. Recombinant human G1
      (rhG1) with an N-terminal 8 amino acid histidine (His) tag, produced in Nicotiana
      benthamiana, was applied to cultures of dermal fibroblasts, and effects on
      proliferation and pericellular HA organization determined. rhG1 located to
      individual strands of cell surface HA which aggregated into structures resembling
      HA cables. On both individual and aggregated strands, the spacing of attached
      rhG1 was similar (~120 nm), suggesting interaction between rhG1 molecules.
      Endogenous V0/V1, present on HA between attached rhG1, did not prevent cable
      formation, while treatment with V0/V1 alone, which also bound to HA, did not
      induce cables. A single treatment with rhG1 suppressed cell proliferation for an
      extended period. Treating cells for 4 weeks with rhG1 resulted in condensed
      layers of elongated, differentiated alpha actin-positive fibroblasts, with rhG1
      localized to cell surfaces, and a compact extracellular matrix including both
      collagen and elastin. These results demonstrate that the G1 domain of versican
      can regulate the organization of pericellular HA and affect phenotype.

PMID- 27126824
TI  - A Proteoglycan-Like Molecule Offers Insights Into Ground Substance Changes During
      Holothurian Intestinal Regeneration.
AB  - Extracellular matrix remodeling is an essential component of regenerative
      processes in metazoans. Among these animals, holothurians (sea cucumbers) are
      distinguished by their great regenerative capacities. We have previously shown
      that fibrous collagen as well as other fibrous components disappear from the
      connective tissue (CT) early during intestinal regeneration, and later return as
      the organ primordia form. We now report on changes of the nonfibrous component of
      the CT. We have used Alcian Blue staining and an antibody, Proteoglycan Like-1
      (PGL-1), that recognizes a proteoglycan-like antigen to identify the presence of
      proteoglycans in normal and regenerating intestines. Our results show that early
      in regeneration, the ground substance resembles that of the mesentery, the
      structure from where the new intestine originates. As regeneration proceeds,
      Alcian Blue staining and PGL-1 labeling reorganize, so that by 4 weeks the normal
      intestinal CT pattern is achieved. Together with our previous findings, the data
      suggest that CT components that might be detrimental to regeneration disappear
      early on, while those that might be beneficial to regeneration, such as
      proteoglycans, are present throughout the regenerative process.

PMID- 27126823
TI  - Subepithelial Accumulation of Versican in a Cockroach Antigen-Induced Murine
      Model of Allergic Asthma.
AB  - The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important contributor to the asthmatic
      phenotype. Recent studies investigating airway inflammation have demonstrated an
      association between hyaluronan (HA) accumulation and inflammatory cell
      infiltration of the airways. The ECM proteoglycan versican interacts with HA and
      is important in the recruitment and activation of leukocytes during inflammation.
      We investigated the role of versican in the pathogenesis of asthmatic airway
      inflammation. Using cockroach antigen (CRA)-sensitized murine models of allergic
      asthma, we demonstrate increased subepithelial versican in the airways of CRA
      treated mice that parallels subepithelial increases in HA and leukocyte
      infiltration. During the acute phase, CRA-treated mice displayed increased gene
      expression of the four major versican isoforms, as well as increased expression
      of HA synthases. Furthermore, in a murine model that examines both acute and
      chronic CRA exposure, versican staining peaked 8 days following CRA challenge and
      preceded subepithelial leukocyte infiltration. We also assessed versican and HA
      expression in differentiated primary human airway epithelial cells from asthmatic
      and healthy children. Increases in the expression of versican isoforms and HA
      synthases in these epithelial cells were similar to those of the murine model.
      These data indicate an important role for versican in the establishment of airway
      inflammation in asthma.

PMID- 27126826
TI  - The contribution of sleep quality and quantity to public health and work ability.

PMID- 27126825
TI  - Post-Irradiated Human Submandibular Glands Display High Collagen Deposition,
      Disorganized Cell Junctions, and an Increased Number of Adipocytes.
AB  - Salivary glands are vital for maintaining oral health. Head and neck radiation
      therapy is one of the most common causes of salivary gland hypofunction. Little
      is known about the structural changes that occur in salivary glands after
      radiation therapy. The aim of this study is to understand the structural changes
      that occur in post-irradiated human (submandibular gland [SMG]) as compared with
      untreated ones. We determined changes in epithelial polarity, presence of
      collagen deposition, and alteration in adipose tissue. We used formalin-fixed
      paraffin-embedded human SMG from two female subjects exposed to head and neck
      irradiation. We utilized hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's Trichrome
      staining. The immunostained tissue sections were examined using confocal
      microscopy. The number and size of adipocytes per tissue section were calculated
      using ImageJ, Prism, and SPSS software. Post-irradiated human SMG displayed high
      collagen deposition, disorganized cell junctions, and an increased number of
      adipocytes as compared with non-irradiated controls. These findings are important
      to improve our understanding of the individual risk and variation in radiation
      related salivary gland dysfunction.

PMID- 27126827
TI  - Management of multiple sclerosis and the integration of related specialty
      pharmacy programs within health systems.
AB  - PURPOSE: The management of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the integration of related
      specialty pharmacy programs within health systems are discussed. SUMMARY: MS is a
      progressive immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system.
      Current treatment strategies include the use of disease-modifying therapies
      (DMTs) that have various degrees of efficacy and tolerability. These DMTs also
      differ with respect to frequency and route of administration, which can
      significantly impact patient compliance and ultimately their response to therapy.
      The introduction of oral and injectable DMTs requiring less-frequent injections
      and having better adverse-effect profiles may help patients improve adherence to
      therapy; however, access to these therapies is often restricted due to both their
      high cost and limited distribution. These DMTs include fingolimod, teriflunomide,
      dimethyl fumarate, and pegylated interferon beta-1a. All others, with the
      exception of fingolimod, have limited distribution. Pharmacists in health-system
      pharmacy programs can play a significant role in assisting patients with MS
      manage their disease efficiently and safely by educating them about their
      therapies, ensuring compliance with the associated risk evaluation and mitigation
      strategy (REMS) program, and helping them access these therapies in a timely
      manner. CONCLUSION: MS is a progressive neurologic disorder that requires
      lifelong treatment with DMTs. Good compliance, compliance with the associated
      REMS program, and timely access to these drugs may positively influence patient
      care and outcomes and provide an opportunity for the health-system pharmacists to
      have a active role in caring for these patients.

PMID- 27126828
TI  - Specialty pharmacy services for patients receiving oral medications for solid
      tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Currently available oral oncology therapies are reviewed, and specialty
      pharmacy services for patients receiving these drugs are described. SUMMARY:
      Market introductions of new oral oncology drugs have increased substantially over
      the past decade, and 25-30% of all oncology agents in development are oral
      medications. Oral agents for treatment of breast cancer include capecitabine,
      lafatinib, and palbociclib. Several oral agents are used in treating patients
      with lung cancer driven by mutations of genes coding for anaplastic lymphoma
      kinase (ALK) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); currently available
      agents include the ALK inhibitors certinib and crizotinib and the EGFR inhibitors
      afatinib, erlotinib, and gefitinib. Four oral targeted therapies are used in the
      treatment of melanoma associated with the B-Raf proto-oncogene, BRAF:
      cobimetinib, dabrafenib, trametinib, and vemurafenib. Oral agents for treatment
      of prostate cancer include abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide. Oral agents for
      treatment of renal cell carcinoma include axitinib, everolimus, pazopanib,
      sorafenib, and sunitinib. Specialty pharmacy services for patients receiving oral
      oncology agents can include (1) providing patient counseling and education on
      adverse effects and self-management strategies, (2) processing prior
      authorization requests and helping patients navigate copayment assistance
      programs, and (3) monitoring for medication toxicities and recommending dose
      adjustments as appropriate. CONCLUSION: Many oral oncology medications have been
      introduced over the past 10-15 years, with many others in clinical development.
      Due to the complexity of initiating and monitoring patients receiving these oral
      therapies, specialty pharmacy services are an essential component of many
      patients' cancer care.

PMID- 27126829
TI  - Implementation of a patient-focused specialty pharmacy program in an academic
      healthcare system.
AB  - PURPOSE: The development and implementation of a systemwide specialty pharmacy
      program in an academic healthcare system are described. SUMMARY: Although the
      system's pharmacy department had developed specialty pharmacy services for
      patients with certain conditions, it was necessary to expand and standardize
      those services to meet the needs of all specialty clinics because (1) many of the
      clinics had experienced an increased volume of prior-authorization requests due
      to the introduction of new specialty drugs, (2) the dispensing pharmacies were
      operating at maximum capacity due to the previous decentralization of specialty
      pharmacy operations, and (3) payers had sent notice that they would require
      accreditation of the specialty pharmacy program as a condition of participation
      in their specialty pharmacy networks. To ensure standardization of services and
      successful preparation for increasing numbers of specialty prescriptions, all
      specialty pharmacy services were centralized to the healthcare system's Pharmacy
      Ambulatory Clinical Care Center (PAC(3)). PAC(3) centralized the prior
      authorization process to selected specialty clinics. A call center was developed
      at PAC(3) to provide centralized specialty pharmacy services, including 24-7
      patient support, a medication adherence program, home delivery service, and
      patient education. The program resulted in a 137% increase in specialty pharmacy
      revenues over a two-year period. PAC(3) processed 1860 prior-authorization cases
      and enrolled approximately 700 new patients in the specialty pharmacy program
      within nine months. CONCLUSION: A specialty pharmacy program was established
      along with operational and infrastructure improvements, resulting in increased
      revenue, systemwide services, and a fully accredited specialty pharmacy.

PMID- 27126830
TI  - Benefits of developing a collaborative, outcomes-based specialty pharmacy
      program.
AB  - PURPOSE: The benefits of developing a collaborative, outcomes-based specialty
      pharmacy program are described. SUMMARY: With the implementation of risk-based
      payment models and the rapid growth of specialty pharmacy spend, opportunities
      exist to establish collaborative and outcomes-focused specialty pharmacy
      contracts and related programs with regional third-party payers. University of
      Wisconsin (UW) Health and Unity Health Plans Insurance Corporation have
      established a contract that sets standards for patient management, pharmacist
      training and education, electronic medical record documentation, and prescription
      fulfillment for patients receiving specialty pharmaceuticals. Reporting on
      metrics of compliance, persistence, and outcomes relative to published benchmarks
      is required annually. While the contract defines patients by the traditional
      metric of specialty medication use and includes reimbursement for dispensing
      activities, it differentiates itself by establishing core services and
      longitudinal practice expectations for patient care rather than focusing on
      reimbursement for prescription fulfillment. While it focuses on specialty
      pharmacy practice, the contract provides an ancillary benefit to all patients
      using UW Health pharmacies by elevating ambulatory care pharmacy practice
      standards and improving the patient care process. CONCLUSION: The collaborative
      development of practice standards, service requirements, and patient management
      protocols offers the rapid elevation of specialty pharmacy services, which
      provides significant differentiation within the highly competitive specialty
      pharmacy and third-party payer marketplaces.

PMID- 27126831
TI  - Integration of outpatient infectious diseases clinic pharmacy services and
      specialty pharmacy services for patients with HIV infection.
AB  - PURPOSE: The integration of specialty pharmacy services and existing outpatient
      clinical pharmacy services within an infectious diseases (ID) clinic to optimize
      the care of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is
      described. SUMMARY: The management of HIV-infected patients is a highly
      specialized area of practice, often requiring use of complex medication regimens
      for reduction of HIV-associated morbidity and mortality prophylaxis and treatment
      of opportunistic infections, and prevention of HIV transmission. To maximize the
      effectiveness and safety of treatment with antiretroviral agents and associated
      pharmacotherapies, an interdisciplinary team is often involved in patient care.
      At Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine (NM), the outpatient ID clinic has long
      worked with an interdisciplinary care team including physicians, clinical
      pharmacists, nurses, and social workers to care for patients with HIV infection.
      In April 2014, specialty pharmacy services for patients with HIV infection were
      added to the NM ID clinic's care model to help maintain continuity of care and
      enhance patient follow-up. The care model includes well-defined roles for
      clinical pharmacists, pharmacy residents and students on rotation, and licensed
      pharmacy technicians. Specialty pharmacy services, including medication
      education, prescription fulfillment, assistance with medication access (e.g.,
      navigation of financial assistance programs, completion of prior-authorization
      requests), and treatment monitoring, allow for closed-loop medication management
      of the HIV-infected patient population. CONCLUSION: Integration of specialty
      pharmacy services with the interdisciplinary care provided in the outpatient NM
      ID clinic has enhanced continuity of care for patients with HIV infection in
      terms of prescription filling, medication counseling, and adherence monitoring.

PMID- 27126832
TI  - Genotype 1 hepatitis C virus and the pharmacist's role in treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: The treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 has changed rapidly
      with recently approved direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens. The role of the
      pharmacist in the management of HCV therapy has increased. SUMMARY: Chronic HCV
      infection is the main cause of end-stage liver disease and the primary reason for
      liver transplantation, liver-related death, and hepatocellular carcinoma in the
      United States. The recent approval of several DAAs has led to improved
      tolerability, sustained virological response (SVR) rates, and shorter treatment
      durations compared with treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Most
      HCV cases can be treated with the currently available regimens, and expected SVR
      rates exceed 90%. Several fixed-dose and pangenotypic antiviral regimens are
      currently in various phases of clinical trials. Pharmacists are well equipped to
      assist the medical team and patients with comprehensive management of HCV
      treatment. Pharmacists in various settings can play an instrumental role in
      access to HCV medications, selection of HCV treatment, detection of drug-drug
      interactions, and education of patients about potential adverse effects and the
      importance of adherence and laboratory test monitoring during HCV treatment.
      However, the high cost of HCV treatment poses challenges for ubiquitous
      treatment. CONCLUSION: Available DAA regimens have improved HCV treatment
      outcomes and are selected based on efficacy, potential drug interactions, and the
      patient's ability to obtain medication coverage. Each of these factors provides
      an opportunity for pharmacist involvement in HCV management.

PMID- 27126833
TI  - The role of specialty pharmacy drugs in the management of inflammatory diseases.
AB  - PURPOSE: Specialty drugs used in patients with inflammatory disease states are
      reviewed, with a focus on the pharmacist's roles in facilitating medication
      procurement and in the clinical management of affected patients. SUMMARY:
      Pharmacists in the ambulatory care and community settings are strategically
      placed to be actively involved in specialty drug procurement and clinical
      management of patients with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,
      plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and ankylosing
      spondylitis. Specialty medications used in the treatment of these diseases
      include anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
      (DMARDs), non-TNF DMARDs, and interleukin inhibitors. Pharmacist involvement in
      drug procurement in this area includes navigating insurance barriers and helping
      patients address high out-of-pocket costs; clinical management activities can
      include ensuring appropriate baseline screening and vaccine administration,
      providing drug-specific patient education, and performing routine follow-up and
      assessment. Patient education is the single biggest area where pharmacists can
      have a direct impact on overall clinical management of patients receiving
      specialty drugs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. These patients need
      to be educated about dosing, administration, storage and disposal, common and
      rare adverse effects, adverse-effect management strategies, expectations of drug
      effect, and considerations for unique circumstances such as illness and planned
      surgery. CONCLUSION: Specialty drugs represent one of the fastest-growing sectors
      of pharmacy spending, with inflammatory disease therapies at the forefront. As
      pharmacists are accessible healthcare practitioners, their responsibilities
      should include financial and clinical management of patients with inflammatory
      diseases who are receiving specialty drugs.

PMID- 27126834
TI  - Specialty pharmacy in the limelight.

PMID- 27126835
TI  - Specialty pharmacy for hematologic malignancies.
AB  - PURPOSE: The oral oncology medications used in the treatment of chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non
      Hodgkin's lymphoma are reviewed, and the specialty pharmacy services at three
      large academic medical centers are described. SUMMARY: More than one dozen oral
      oncology medications are being used for hematologic malignancies and afford
      patients increased convenience and the potential to improve their quality of
      life. These agents include ibrutinib, idelalisib, imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib,
      bosutinib, ponatinib, thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, panobinostat,
      ixazomib, and vorinostat. Despite the benefits of an autonomous-driven patient
      care plan, these high-risk, high-cost treatments are not without their
      challenges. Oral oncology medications are associated with significant barriers to
      adherence, including low health literacy, patient forgetfulness, complex
      administration instructions, troublesome adverse effects, and high copayments.
      Many outpatient cancer center pharmacies associated with large academic medical
      centers are now applying for specialty pharmacy designation. This affords the
      onsite dispensing pharmacy access to once-limited oral oncology medications that
      can be dispensed to clinic patients. In addition, the specialty pharmacy services
      offered within these cancer centers bridge an important gap in patient care and
      improve the care provided to oncology patients. CONCLUSION: As oral oncology
      agents continue to be approved by FDA, oncology treatment teams must establish a
      comprehensive plan for their management. Because of their pharmacologic
      expertise, access to patients' medical records, and unique position within
      ambulatory care oncology teams, pharmacists can play an important role in patient
      education, laboratory monitoring, medication adherence, and cost saving.

PMID- 27126837
TI  - Restraint related deaths and excited delirium syndrome in Ontario (2004-2011).
AB  - Restraint related death in individuals in excited delirium syndrome (ExDS) is a
      rare event that has been the subject of controversies for more than 3 decades.
      The purpose of this retrospective study was to retrieve data on all restraint
      related deaths (RRD) that occurred in Ontario during an 8-year period and compare
      them with an earlier study on RRD in ExDS covering the period 1988-1995 in
      Ontario. The Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario website was consulted under
      verdicts and recommendations. The Canadian Legal Information Institute website
      was used to consult verdict explanations and coroner's summary of evidence.
      During the period 2004-2011, RRD occurred in 14 individuals in ExDS, a 33%
      reduction. Psychiatric illness as a cause of ExDS decreased from 57% to 14%.
      Cocaine was the cause of ExDS in 11 (79%) individuals. The number of RRD
      following a violent encounter in cocaine-induced ExDS (8) was identical in the 2
      periods. RRD occurred in 6 individuals without ExDS following a violent
      encounter. Final restraint position preceding cardiorespiratory arrest was
      available in 36% of individuals with ExDS and 83% of individuals without ExDS. In
      both groups, cardiorespiratory arrests could be classified as immediate or
      delayed. All 4 individuals without ExDS who had immediate cardiorespiratory
      arrests were restrained in the prone position. Delayed cardiorespiratory arrest
      occurred in the non-prone position in both groups. Although many hypotheses may
      be put forward to explain changes in the epidemiology of RRD in ExDS in Ontario,
      multiple warnings and recommendations from coroners' inquests cannot be ignored.
      There is probably not a unique pathophysiological pathway leading to
      cardiorespiratory arrest in RRD. The death rate in RRD in ExDS is so low that
      drawing any conclusions based on statistical studies or on isolated case report
      could be hazardous. 

PMID- 27126836
TI  - Deterministic assembly processes govern bacterial community structure in the
      Fynbos, South Africa.
AB  - The Mediterranean Fynbos vegetation of South Africa is well known for its high
      levels of diversity, endemism, and the existence of very distinct plant
      communities on different soil types. Studies have documented the broad taxonomic
      classification and diversity patterns of soil microbial diversity, but none has
      focused on the community assembly processes. We hypothesised that bacterial
      phylogenetic community structure in the Fynbos is highly governed by
      deterministic processes. We sampled soils in four Fynbos vegetation types and
      examined bacterial communities using Illumina HiSeq platform with the 16S rRNA
      gene marker. UniFrac analysis showed that the community clustered strongly by
      vegetation type, suggesting a history of evolutionary specialisation in relation
      to habitats or plant communities. The standardised beta mean nearest taxon
      distance (ses. beta NTD) index showed no association with vegetation type.
      However, the overall phylogenetic signal indicates that distantly related OTUs do
      tend to co-occur. Both NTI (nearest taxon index) and ses. beta NTD deviated
      significantly from null models, indicating that deterministic processes were
      important in the assembly of bacterial communities. Furthermore, ses. beta NTD
      was significantly higher than that of null expectations, indicating that co
      occurrence of related bacterial lineages (over-dispersion in phylogenetic beta
      diversity) is determined by the differences in environmental conditions among the
      sites, even though the co-occurrence pattern did not correlate with any measured
      environmental parameter, except for a weak correlation with soil texture. We
      suggest that in the Fynbos, there are frequent shifts of niches by bacterial
      lineages, which then become constrained and evolutionary conserved in their new
      environments. Overall, this study sheds light on the relative roles of both
      deterministic and neutral processes in governing bacterial communities in the
      Fynbos. It seems that deterministic processes play a major role in assembling the
      bacterial community, with neutral processes playing a more minor role.

PMID- 27126838
TI  - The problem of police-related cardiac arrest.
AB  - The term "positional asphyxia" was originally used to describe the situation in
      which the upper airways becomes compromised by sharp angulation of the head or
      neck, or where the chest wall is splinted and the diaphragm is prevented from
      moving because of an unusual position of the body. The term was redefined in the
      early 1980s to describe sudden death during physical restraint of an individual
      who is in a prone position. A large percent of reported victims were overweight
      males. Most were in early middle age and manifesting psychotic behavior at the
      time of death. Most were reported to have unremarkable autopsies, save for the
      finding, in many cases, of cocaine or methamphetamine (more recently synthetic
      cannabinoids and cathinones as well). As no cause of death was apparent (other
      than non-specific signs such as pulmonary edema), it became common practice to
      attribute death to force exerted on the decedent's back. When experimental
      studies with human volunteers disproved this notion, the term "restraint
      asphyxia" was substituted for positional asphyxia, but with nearly the exact same
      meaning. No experimental study has ever determined the actual amount of force
      necessary to cause asphyxia by force applied to the back (although the range of
      required static force is known), nor the duration for which it must be applied.
      This review discusses the epidemiology and the evidence for and against the
      theory of "restraint/positional" asphyxia. It also considers alternative theories
      of causation, including the findings of studies suggesting that cardiac
      channelopathies/cardiomyopathies may explain many cases of ARD. 

PMID- 27126839
TI  - A checklist of beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera) on pig carcasses in the suburban
      area of southwestern China: A preliminary study and its forensic relevance.
AB  - Examining the succession pattern of carrion insects on vertebrate carcasses is
      widely accepted as an effective method to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI)
      of decayed bodies. Investigation of the community of sarcosaprophagous insects,
      especially flies and beetles, is the foundation of the succession pattern study.
      This study aimed to investigate the sarcosaprophagous beetles succession on
      animal carcasses in the suburban area of southwestern China and to establish a
      basic catalog for forensic application. The present study was conducted in 2013
      in a mountain in Chongqing municipality with modified Schoenly traps. Carcasses
      of miniature pig were used to simulate human bodies. For most carcasses, five
      decomposition stages were observed. A total of 2108 adult coleopterans belonging
      to at least 61 species and 18 families were collected in the study, and most of
      the specimens occurred at the advanced decay stage. Omosita colon (Linnaeus,
      1758), Necrodes nigricornis (Harold, 1875), Necrobia ruficollis (Fabricius, 1775)
      and Neosilusa ceylonica (Kraatz, 1857) were the dominant species. 

PMID- 27126840
TI  - Modulation of linguistic prediction by TDCS of the right lateral cerebellum.
AB  - It has been postulated recently that the cerebellum contributes the same
      prediction and learning functions to linguistic processing as it does towards
      motor control. For example, repetitive TMS over posterior-lateral cerebellum
      caused a significant loss in predictive language processing, as assessed by the
      latency of saccades to target items of spoken sentences, using the Visual World
      task. We aimed to assess the polarity-specific effects of cerebellar TDCS,
      hypothesising that cathodal TDCS should impair linguistic prediction, and anodal
      TDCS facilitate it. Our design also tested whether TDCS modulated associative
      learning in this task. A between groups (sham, anodal, cathodal) design was used,
      with concurrent stimulation during performance of a manual variation of the
      Visual World paradigm, and with assessment of latency reduction over repeated
      presentations of the spoken sentences. Mixed model ANOVA was used to analyse
      change in response latency. Cathodal TDCS decreased participants' response time
      advantage for the predictable sentence items without change for non-predictable
      items, consistent with the previous TMS results. Furthermore, anodal stimulation
      enhanced the response time advantage for the predictable items, again without
      change in latencies for non-predictive items. We found a clear practice-based
      effect over 4 blocks. However, this difference was not significantly modulated by
      either anodal or cathodal stimulation. Our results therefore support the
      hypothesis that cerebellum contributes to predictive language processing,
      mirroring its predictive role in motor control, but we do not yet have evidence
      that the learning process was affected by cerebellar TDCS.

PMID- 27126841
TI  - Dynamic emotion perception and prior expectancy.
AB  - Social interactions require the ability to rapidly perceive emotion from various
      incoming dynamic, multisensory cues. Prior expectations reduce incoming emotional
      information and direct attention to cues that are aligned with what is expected.
      Studies to date have investigated the prior expectancy effect using static
      emotional images, despite the fact that dynamic stimuli would represent greater
      ecological validity. The objective of the study was to create a novel functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm to examine the influence of prior
      expectations on naturalistic emotion perception. For this purpose, we developed a
      dynamic emotion perception task, which consisted of audio-visual videos that
      carry emotional information congruent or incongruent with prior expectations. The
      results show that emotional congruency was associated with activity in prefrontal
      regions, amygdala, and putamen, whereas emotional incongruency was associated
      with activity in temporoparietal junction and mid-cingulate gyrus. Supported by
      the behavioural results, our findings suggest that prior expectations are
      reinforced after repeated experience and learning, whereas unexpected emotions
      may rely on fast change detection processes. The results from the current study
      are compatible with the notion that the ability to automatically detect
      unexpected changes in complex dynamic environments allows for adaptive behaviours
      in potentially advantageous or threatening situations.

PMID- 27126843
TI  - Here/In This Issue and There/Abstract Thinking: Criminologists: Friends in the
      Wasteland.

PMID- 27126844
TI  - Decreasing Ambiguity in Child Protection.

PMID- 27126842
TI  - Differential behavioral and molecular alterations upon protracted abstinence from
      cocaine versus morphine, nicotine, THC and alcohol.
AB  - Unified theories of addiction are challenged by differing drug-seeking behaviors
      and neurobiological adaptations across drug classes, particularly for narcotics
      and psychostimulants. We previously showed that protracted abstinence to opiates
      leads to despair behavior and social withdrawal in mice, and we identified a
      transcriptional signature in the extended amygdala that was also present in
      animals abstinent from nicotine, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and alcohol.
      Here we examined whether protracted abstinence to these four drugs would also
      share common behavioral features, and eventually differ from abstinence to the
      prototypic psychostimulant cocaine. We found similar reduced social recognition,
      increased motor stereotypies and increased anxiety with relevant c-fos response
      alterations in morphine, nicotine, THC and alcohol abstinent mice. Protracted
      abstinence to cocaine, however, led to strikingly distinct, mostly opposing
      adaptations at all levels, including behavioral responses, neuronal activation
      and gene expression. Together, these data further document the existence of
      common hallmarks for protracted abstinence to opiates, nicotine, THC and alcohol
      that develop within motivation/emotion brain circuits. In our model, however,
      these do not apply to cocaine, supporting the notion of unique mechanisms in
      psychostimulant abuse.

PMID- 27126845
TI  - Developmental Effects of Prenatal Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Exposure
      in Perspective: Are We Comparing Apples to Apples?

PMID- 27126846
TI  - The Beginning of the End? Deploying Rigorous Research in Real-World Settings to
      Reduce Stigma.

PMID- 27126847
TI  - Measuring Access to Care: An Innovative, Practical, and Partnered Approach.

PMID- 27126848
TI  - Psychiatry and Pediatrics: New Necessary Directions to Better Treat Adolescents.

PMID- 27126850
TI  - Breastfeeding and Childhood IQ: The Mediating Role of Gray Matter Volume.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A substantial body of literature has established the positive effect
      of breastfeeding on child developmental outcomes. There is increasing consensus
      that breastfed children have higher IQs after accounting for key variables,
      including maternal education, IQ, and socioeconomic status. Cross-sectional
      investigations of the effects of breastfeeding on structural brain development
      suggest that breastfed infants have larger whole brain, cortical, and white
      matter volumes. To date, few studies have related these measures of brain
      structure to IQ in breastfed versus nonbreastfed children in a longitudinal
      sample. METHOD: Data were derived from the Preschool Depression Study (PDS), a
      prospective longitudinal study in which children and caregivers were assessed
      annually for 8 waves over 11 years. A subset completed neuroimaging between the
      ages of 9.5 and 14.11 years. A total of 148 individuals had breastfeeding data at
      baseline and complete data on all variables of interest, including IQ and
      structural neuroimaging. General linear models and process mediation models were
      used. RESULTS: Breastfed children had significantly higher IQ scores and larger
      whole brain, total gray matter, total cortical gray matter, and subcortical gray
      matter volumes compared with the nonbreastfed group in models that covaried for
      key variables. Subcortical gray matter volume significantly mediated the
      association between breastfeeding and children's IQ scores. CONCLUSION: The study
      findings suggest that the effects of breastfeeding on child IQ are mediated
      through subcortical gray volume. This effect and putative mechanism is of public
      health significance and further supports the importance of breastfeeding in
      mental health promotion.

PMID- 27126849
TI  - Gestational Exposure to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Offspring
      Psychiatric Disorders: A National Register-Based Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of gestational exposure to selective
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on offspring neurodevelopment. METHOD: This
      is a cohort study using national register data in Finland between the years 1996
      and 2010. Pregnant women and their offspring were categorized into 4 groups: SSRI
      exposed (n = 15,729); exposed to psychiatric disorder, no antidepressants (n =
      9,651); exposed to SSRIs only before pregnancy (n = 7,980); and unexposed to
      antidepressants and psychiatric disorders (n = 31,394). We investigated the
      cumulative incidence of offspring diagnoses of depression, anxiety, autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for
      the 4 groups from birth to 14 years, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: The
      cumulative incidence of depression among offspring exposed prenatally to SSRIs
      was 8.2% (95% CI = 3.1-13.3%) by age 14.9 years, compared with 1.9% (95% CI = 0.9
      2.9%) in the psychiatric disorder, no medication group (adjusted hazard ratio
      [HR] = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.12-2.82; p = .02) and to 2.8% (95% CI = 1.4-4.3%) in the
      SSRI discontinued group (HR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.14-2.97; p = .01). Rates of
      anxiety, ASD, and ADHD diagnoses were comparable to rates in offspring of mothers
      with a psychiatric disorder but no medication during pregnancy. Comparing SSRI
      exposed to unexposed individuals, the HRs were significantly elevated for each
      outcome. CONCLUSION: Prenatal SSRI exposure was associated with increased rates
      of depression diagnoses in early adolescence but not with ASD or ADHD. Until
      confirmed, these findings must be balanced against the substantial adverse
      consequences of untreated maternal depression.

PMID- 27126852
TI  - Impact of a Mental Health Curriculum on Knowledge and Stigma Among High School
      Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based mental health
      literacy intervention for adolescents on knowledge and stigma. METHOD: A total of
      24 high schools and 534 students in the regional area of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
      participated in this randomized controlled trial. Schools were randomly assigned
      to either the curriculum or control condition. The curriculum was integrated into
      the province's grade 11 and 12 "Healthy Living" courses and was delivered by
      teachers. Changes in mental health knowledge and stigma were measured using pre-
      and posttest questionnaires. Descriptive analyses were conducted to provide
      sample characteristics, and multilevel modeling was used to examine study
      outcomes. RESULTS: For the curriculum condition, there was a significant change
      in stigma scores over time (p = .001), with positive attitudes toward mental
      illness increasing from pre to post. There was also a significant change in
      knowledge scores over time (p < .001), with knowledge scores increasing from pre
      to post. No significant changes in knowledge or stigma were found for
      participants in the control condition. A meaningful relationship was found
      whereby increases in knowledge significantly predicted increases in positive
      attitudes toward mental health (p < .001). CONCLUSION: This is the first large
      randomized controlled trial to demonstrate the effectiveness in mental health
      literacy of an integrated, manualized mental health educational resource for high
      school students on knowledge and stigma. Findings also support the applicability
      by teachers and suggest the potential for broad-based implementation of the
      educational curriculum in high schools. Replication and further studies are
      warranted. Clinical trial registration information-Impact of a Mental Health
      Curriculum for High School Students on Knowledge and Stigma;
      http://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT02561780.

PMID- 27126851
TI  - A Prospective Cohort Study of Influences on Externalizing Behaviors Across
      Childhood: Results From a Nurse Home Visiting Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated genetic and environmental influences on
      behavior in a cohort of 600 children followed prenatally to 18 years. METHOD: A
      randomized controlled trial of prenatal/infancy nurse home visits (NHV) was
      conducted in 600 predominantly African American mothers and their firstborn
      children from Memphis, TN. Mothers were assessed in pregnancy for mental health
      (MH), self-efficacy, and mastery. Mothers reported longitudinally on smoking and
      alcohol/drug use. The functional polymorphisms SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR, FKBP5 rs1360780
      and DRD2/ANKK1 rs1800497 were genotyped together with 186 ancestry informative
      markers. Composite externalizing disorders (ED) continuous total scores from the
      mother-report Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist were included as dependent
      variables in regression analyses for time points 2, 6, 12, and 18 years. RESULTS:
      Behaviors at younger ages strongly predicted later behaviors (p < .0001).
      Children whose mothers had high self-efficacy and had received NHV were better
      behaved at age 2 years. Poorer maternal MH adversely influenced ED up to 12
      years, but at age 18 years, maternal mastery exerted a strong, positive effect (p
      = .0001). Maternal smoking was associated with worse ED at 6 and 18 years. Main
      and interactive effects of genetic polymorphisms varied across childhood: FKBP5
      rs1360780 up to age 6, 5-HTTLPR from 6 to 12, and DRD2/ANKK1 rs1800497 from 2 to
      18 years. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that maternal MH and resilience measured
      in pregnancy have long-lasting effects on child behavior. Maternal smoking across
      childhood and genetic factors also play a role. NHV had a positive effect on
      early behavior. Our findings have implications for prevention of pathological
      behaviors in adulthood. Clinical trial registration information-Age-17 Follow-Up
      of Home Visiting Intervention; http://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT00708695.

PMID- 27126853
TI  - Access to Care for Youth in a State Mental Health System: A Simulated Patient
      Approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine access to psychiatric care for adolescents with depression
      in outpatient specialty clinics within a state mental health system, using a
      simulated patient approach. METHOD: Trained callers posed as the mother of a 14
      year-old girl with depression, following a script. A stratified random sample (n
      = 264) of 340 state-licensed outpatient mental health clinics that serve youth
      was selected. Clinics were randomly assigned to season and insurance condition.
      We examined whether access varied by season, clinic characteristics, and caller
      insurance type. Weighted logistic and linear mixed effects regression models were
      fitted to examine associations with appointment availability and wait times.
      RESULTS: Among clinics at which a treatment appointment could be scheduled,
      appointment availability differed by season. Clinics that had participated in
      state-sponsored trainings targeting access were more available. Wait times for
      treatment appointments varied by season and region. Wait times in New York City
      were shorter than in some other regions. Although callers were 4.1 times more
      likely to be able to schedule a psychiatry appointment in the spring, wait times
      for psychiatry appointments were significantly longer in the spring than in the
      summer (49.9 vs. 36.7 days). Wait times for therapy appointments were
      significantly shorter in community than in hospital clinics (19.1 days vs. 35.3
      days). CONCLUSION: Access to psychiatric care for youth with depression was found
      to be variable in a state system. State-sponsored trainings on strategies to
      reduce wait times appear to improve care access. The simulated patient approach
      has promise for monitoring the impact of health care policy reforms on care
      quality measures.

PMID- 27126854
TI  - Developmental Trajectories of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors From Adolescence
      Through Adulthood.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the patterns among individuals in the long-term
      course of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). The objective of this study was
      to identify developmental trajectories of STBs from adolescence through young
      adulthood, as well as risk and protective covariates, and nonsuicidal outcomes
      associated with these trajectories. METHOD: A total of 180 adolescents (ages 12
      18 years at recruitment) were repeatedly assessed over an average of 13.6 years
      (2,273 assessments) since their psychiatric hospitalization. Trajectories were
      based on ratings of STBs at each assessment. Covariates included psychiatric risk
      factors (proportion of time in episodes of psychiatric disorders, hopelessness,
      trait anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression in adulthood, sexual and physical
      abuse, parental history of suicidal behavior), protective factors (survival and
      coping beliefs, social support in adulthood, parenthood), and nonsuicidal
      outcomes (social adjustment and functional impairment in adulthood, school drop
      out, incarcerations). RESULTS: Using a Bayesian group-based trajectory model, 4
      trajectories of STBs were identified: an increasing risk class (11%); a highest
      overall risk class (12%); a decreasing risk class (33%); and a low risk class
      (44%). The 4 classes were associated with distinct patterns of correlates in risk
      and protective factors and nonsuicidal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Adolescents and
      young adults have heterogeneous developmental trajectories of STBs. These
      trajectories and their covariates may inform strategies for predicting STBs and
      targeting interventions for individuals at risk for suicidal behavior.

PMID- 27126855
TI  - Point Prevalence of Co-Occurring Behavioral Health Conditions and Associated
      Chronic Disease Burden Among Adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the point prevalence of behavioral health conditions (BHCs)
      and co-occurring chronic medical conditions among adolescents in an integrated
      health system. METHOD: The sample consisted of adolescents in an integrated
      health care system diagnosed with at least 1 of the 5 most prevalent BHCs in 2014
      (n = 30,643), and patients without a BHC matched on age, sex, and medical home
      facility (n = 30,643). Electronic health record data was used to identify all
      adolescents aged 11 to 18 years with at least 1 BHC diagnosis on their diagnosis
      list, which included current and pre-existing diagnoses from an outpatient
      (including psychiatry and chemical dependency specialty treatment), inpatient, or
      emergency department visit at a Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC)
      facility between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2014. The odds of having
      general medical conditions and specific chronic diseases were compared between
      adolescents with and without BHCs. RESULTS: Among adolescents with at least 1 BHC
      in 2014, the 5 most common BHCs were: depressive disorders (42%), anxiety
      disorders (40%), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHDs; 37%),
      substance use disorders (SUDs; 10%), and bipolar spectrum disorders (8%).
      Overall, patients with a BHC did not have higher odds of any medical comorbidity
      compared with non-BHC patients. However, compared to individuals without BHCs,
      adolescents with depression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.08-1.26), anxiety
      (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.20-1.41), and substance use (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.05
      1.49) disorders had significantly higher odds of any medical comorbidities;
      individuals with ADHD and bipolar disorder did not differ from patients without
      BHCs. CONCLUSION: BHCs were common and were associated with a disproportionately
      higher burden of chronic medical disease among adolescents in a large, private
      health care delivery system. As comorbidity can lead to elevated symptom burden,
      functional impairment, and treatment complexity, the study findings call for
      implementation of effective collaborative models of care for these patients.

PMID- 27126857
TI  - Guiding Lights.

PMID- 27126858
TI  - Erratum: Tumour angiogenesis as a chemo-mechanical surface instability.

PMID- 27126856
TI  - Weight Gain and Metabolic Consequences of Risperidone in Young Children With
      Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examine weight gain and metabolic consequences of risperidone
      monotherapy in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD: This was a
      24-week, multisite, randomized trial of risperidone only versus risperidone plus
      parent training in 124 children (mean age 6.9 +/- 2.35 years; 105 boys and 19
      girls) with ASD and serious behavioral problems. We monitored height, weight,
      waist circumference, and adverse effects during the trial. Fasting blood samples
      were obtained before treatment and at week 16. RESULTS: In 97 children with a
      mean of 22.9 +/- 2.8 weeks of risperidone exposure, there was a 5.4 +/- 3.4 kg
      weight gain over 24 weeks (p < .0001); waist circumference increased from 60.7 +/
      10.4 cm to 66.8 +/- 11.3 cm (p < .0001). At baseline, 59 of 97 children (60.8%)
      were classified as having normal weight; by week 24, only 25 of 85 (29.4%)
      remained in that group. Growth curve analysis showed a significant change in body
      mass index (BMI) z scores from pretreatment to week 24 (p < .0001). This effect
      was significantly greater for children with reported increased appetite in the
      first 8 weeks. From before treatment to week 16, there were significant increases
      in glucose (p = .02), hemoglobin A1c (p = .01), insulin (p <.0001), homeostatic
      model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; p < .001), alanine aminotransferase
      (p = .01), and leptin (p < .0001). Adiponectin declined (p = .003). At baseline,
      7 children met conventional criteria for metabolic syndrome; by week 16, 12
      additional children were so classified. CONCLUSION: Rapid weight gain with
      risperidone treatment may promote the cascade of biochemical indices associated
      with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Appetite, weight, waist
      circumference, liver function tests, blood lipids, and glucose warrant
      monitoring. Clinical trial registration information-Drug and Behavioral Therapy
      for Children With Pervasive Developmental Disorders; http://clinicaltrials.gov/;
      NCT00080145.

PMID- 27126860
TI  - Acceptability of Partner Violence in 51 Societies: The Role of Sexism and
      Attitudes Toward Violence in Social Relationships.
AB  - Sexist attitudes have been claimed to play an important role in acceptability of
      intimate partner violence (IPV). Empirical evidence suggests that sexist
      individuals are also more accepting of violence in social relationships than non
      sexist individuals. Results from multilevel regression models of data from 72,730
      respondents of 51 countries around the world showed that (a) both sexism and
      acceptability of general violence in social relationships were positively related
      to acceptability of IPV and (b) the highest levels of acceptability of IPV were
      found among those sexist individuals who also present positive attitudes toward
      the use of violence in social relationships.

PMID- 27126859
TI  - Oxygenation, local muscle oxygen consumption and joint specific power in cycling:
      the effect of cadence at a constant external work rate.
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study investigates the effect of cadence on joint specific
      power and oxygenation and local muscle oxygen consumption in the vastus lateralis
      and vastus medialis in addition to the relationship between joint specific power
      and local muscle oxygen consumption (mVO2). METHODS: Seventeen recreationally
      active cyclists performed 6 stages of constant load cycling using cadences of 60,
      70, 80, 90, 100 and 110 rpm. Joint specific power was calculated using inverse
      dynamics and mVO2 and oxygenation were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy.
      RESULTS: Increasing cadence led to increased knee joint power and decreased hip
      joint power while the ankle joint was unaffected. Increasing cadence also led to
      an increased deoxygenation in both the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis.
      Vastus lateralis mVO2 increased when cadence was increased. No effect of cadence
      was found for vastus medialis mVO2. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a
      different effect of cadence on the mVO2 of the vastus lateralis and vastus
      medialis. The combined mVO2 of the vastus lateralis and medialis showed a linear
      increase with increasing knee joint specific power, demonstrating that the
      muscles combined related to power generated over the joint.

PMID- 27126861
TI  - Domestic Violence Shelters' Efforts to Prevent Teen Dating Violence: A National
      Survey.
AB  - This research note reports data from a national survey of 213 domestic violence
      shelters regarding their teen dating violence (TDV) prevention efforts. More than
      half of the shelters reported that they provide TDV programing to at least 1/2 of
      the high schools in their communities; about 1/3 of shelters provide TDV
      programming to parents. Approximately 85% of shelters reported that they use or
      adapt a TDV curriculum. Shelters use information booths and Internet-based
      activities most often to increase public awareness, and they work through
      coalitions to advocate for TDV prevention efforts. This study is a first step
      toward documenting shelters' TDV prevention work.

PMID- 27126862
TI  - Household Financial Management and Women's Experiences of Intimate Partner
      Violence in the Philippines: A Study Using Propensity Score Methods.
AB  - This study explores the causal impact of independent management of household
      finances upon women's experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the
      Philippines. Propensity score matching is used to generate a casual estimate of
      the impact of women's roles as household financial managers on their experiences
      of IPV. Findings demonstrate that managing household finances independently
      significantly increased the severity of IPV women experienced from their partners
      compared with women who managed finances jointly with partners. Findings
      reinforce the importance of explicit attention to intrahousehold power dynamics
      and gender norms in the implementation of microfinance interventions intended to
      empower women.

PMID- 27126864
TI  - Prescribing sodium oxybate for narcolepsy.

PMID- 27126863
TI  - Genomes of parasitic nematodes (Meloidogyne hapla, Meloidogyne incognita, Ascaris
      suum and Brugia malayi) have a reduced complement of small RNA interference
      pathway genes: knockdown can reduce host infectivity of M. incognita.
AB  - The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) as an endogenous mechanism of gene
      regulation in a range of eukaryotes has resulted in its extensive use as a tool
      for functional genomic studies. It is important to study the mechanisms which
      underlie this phenomenon in different organisms, and in particular to understand
      details of the effectors that modulate its effectiveness. The aim of this study
      was to identify and compare genomic sequences encoding genes involved in the RNAi
      pathway of four parasitic nematodes: the plant parasites Meloidogyne hapla and
      Meloidogyne incognita and the animal parasites Ascaris suum and Brugia malayi
      because full genomic sequences were available-in relation to those of the model
      nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The data generated was then used to identify
      some potential targets for control of the root knot nematode, M. incognita. Of
      the 84 RNAi pathway genes of C. elegans used as model in this study, there was a
      42-53 % reduction in the number of effectors in the parasitic nematodes
      indicating substantial differences in the pathway between species. A gene each
      from six functional groups of the RNAi pathway of M. incognita was downregulated
      using in vitro RNAi, and depending on the gene (drh-3, tsn-1, rrf-1, xrn-2, mut-2
      and alg-1), subsequent plant infection was reduced by up to 44 % and knockdown of
      some genes (i.e. drh-3, mut-2) also resulted in abnormal nematode development.
      The information generated here will contribute to defining targets for more
      robust nematode control using the RNAi technology. 

PMID- 27126865
TI  - Impacts of nutrients and pesticides from small- and large-scale agriculture on
      the water quality of Lake Ziway, Ethiopia.
AB  - The area around Lake Ziway in Ethiopia is going through a major agricultural
      transformation with both small-scale farmers and large horticultural companies
      using pesticides and fertilisers at an increased rate. To be able to understand
      how this influences the water quality of Lake Ziway, water quality data was
      gathered to study the dynamics of pesticide concentrations and physicochemical
      parameters for the years from 2009 to 2015. Results indicate that for some
      physicochemical parameters, including pH, potassium and iron, over 50 % of the
      values were above the maximum permissible limit of the Ethiopian standard for
      drinking water. The fungicide spiroxamine poses a high chronic risk when the
      water is used for drinking water, while the estimated intake of diazinon was
      approximately 50 % of the acceptable daily intake. Higher-tier risk assessment
      indicated that the fungicide spiroxamine poses a high acute risk to aquatic
      organisms, while possible acute risks were indicated for the insecticides
      deltamethrin and endosulfan. Longer-term monitoring needs to be established to
      show the water quality changes across time and space, and the current study can
      be used as a baseline measurement for further research in the area as well as an
      example for other surface water systems in Ethiopia and Africa.

PMID- 27126866
TI  - Thermal dechlorination of heavily PCB-contaminated soils from a sealed site of
      PCB-containing electrical equipment.
AB  - A large amount of soils are contaminated by leakage of polychlorinated biphenyls
      (PCBs) from sealed-up PCB-containing electrical equipment in China. Thermal
      dechlorination of soils contaminated with PCBs at a level of 108 mg g(-1) and
      PCB77 (3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl) as a model isomer in conjunction with
      calcium oxide was investigated in this study. The PCB dechlorination rate
      improved with increased temperature and time. The highest dechlorination rate was
      85.3 %, and temperature was the main influencing factor. Pentachlorobiphenyl and
      tetrachlorobiphenyl in soils decreased or disappeared in response to treatment at
      350 and 400  degrees C for 4 h, while monochlorinated biphenyl and biphenyl were
      detected after the reaction, indicating the presence of a
      dechlorination/hydrogenation pathway. Discrepancy in chlorine balance was
      observed after low-temperature thermal dechlorination. The species of
      dechlorination products were identified as amorphous carbon containing a
      crystalline graphite plane structure and a carbonyl group-containing polymerized
      product, demonstrating the existence of a dechlorination/polymerization pathway.
      The yield of amorphous carbon and high-molecular-weight intermediates increased
      with heating time. The results showed that the discrepancy in chlorine balance
      was because of the generation of polymerized products and undetected
      intermediates. 

PMID- 27126867
TI  - How do PDMS-coated stir bars used as passive samplers integrate concentration
      peaks of pesticides in freshwater?
AB  - Passive samplers are theoretically capable of integrating variations of
      concentrations of micropollutants in freshwater and providing accurate average
      values. However, this property is rarely verified and quantified experimentally.
      In this study, we investigated, in controlled conditions, how the
      polydimethylsiloxane-coated stir bars (passive Twisters) can integrate
      fluctuating concentrations of 20 moderately hydrophilic to hydrophobic pesticides
      (2.18 < Log K ow < 5.51). In the first two experiments, we studied the pesticide
      accumulation in the passive Twisters during high concentration peaks of various
      durations in tap water. We then followed their elimination from the passive
      Twisters placed in non-contaminated water (experiment no. 1) or in water spiked
      at low concentrations (experiment no. 2) for 1 week. In the third experiment, we
      assessed the accuracy of the time-weighted average concentrations (TWAC) obtained
      from the passive Twisters exposed for 4 days to several concentration variation
      scenarios. We observed little to no elimination of hydrophobic pesticides from
      the passive Twisters placed in non-contaminated water and additional accumulation
      when placed in water spiked at low concentrations. Moreover, passive Twisters
      allowed determining accurate TWAC (accuracy, determined by TWAC-average measured
      concentrations ratios, ranged from 82 to 127 %) for the pesticides with Log K ow
      higher than 4.2. In contrast, fast and large elimination was observed for the
      pesticides with Log K ow lower than 4.2 and poorer TWAC accuracy (ranging from 32
      to 123 %) was obtained.

PMID- 27126870
TI  - Simplified continuous simulation model for investigating effects of controlled
      drainage on long-term soil moisture dynamics with a shallow groundwater table.
AB  - Accurate modeling of soil water content is required for a reasonable prediction
      of crop yield and of agrochemical leaching in the field. However, complex
      mathematical models faced the difficult-to-calibrate parameters and the distinct
      knowledge between the developers and users. In this study, a deterministic model
      is presented and is used to investigate the effects of controlled drainage on
      soil moisture dynamics in a shallow groundwater area. This simplified one
      dimensional model is formulated to simulate soil moisture in the field on a daily
      basis and takes into account only the vertical hydrological processes. A linear
      assumption is proposed and is used to calculate the capillary rise from the
      groundwater. The pipe drainage volume is calculated by using a steady-state
      approximation method and the leakage rate is calculated as a function of soil
      moisture. The model is successfully calibrated by using field experiment data
      from four different pipe drainage treatments with several field observations. The
      model was validated by comparing the simulations with observed soil water content
      during the experimental seasons. The comparison results demonstrated the
      robustness and effectiveness of the model in the prediction of average soil
      moisture values. The input data required to run the model are widely available
      and can be measured easily in the field. It is observed that controlled drainage
      results in lower groundwater contribution to the root zone and lower depth of
      percolation to the groundwater, thus helping in the maintenance of a low level of
      soil salinity in the root zone. 

PMID- 27126868
TI  - Leaf-based physiological, metabolic, and ultrastructural changes in cultivated
      cotton cultivars under cadmium stress mediated by glutathione.
AB  - Cadmium (Cd) pollution is present in the world over especially in the
      industrialized parts of the world. To reduce Cd accumulation in various crops
      especially food crops, alleviating agents such as reduced glutathione (GSH) can
      be applied, which are capable either to exclude or to sequester Cd contamination.
      This study investigated the leaf-based spatial distribution of physiological,
      metabolic, and microstructural changes in two cotton cultivars (Coker 312 and TM
      1) under GSH-mediated Cd stress using single levels of Cd (50 MUM) and GSH (50
      MUM) both separately and in mix along with control. Results showed that GSH
      revived the morphology and physiology of both cotton cultivars alone or in mix
      with Cd. Cd uptake was enhanced in all segments of leaf and whole leaf upon the
      addition of GSH. GSH alleviated Cd-induced reduction in the photosynthetic
      pigment compositions and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters. Mean data of
      biomarkers (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium (TTC), total soluble protein (TSP),
      malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) revealed the adverse effects of
      Cd stress on leaf segments of both cultivars, which were revived by GSH. The
      oxidative metabolism induced by Cd stress was profoundly influenced by exogenous
      GSH application. The microstructural alterations were mainly confined to
      chloroplastic regions of leaves under Cd-stressed conditions, which were greatly
      revived upon the GSH addition. As a whole, Cd stress greatly affected TM-1 as
      compared to Coker 312. These results suggest a positive role of GSH in
      alleviating Cd-mediated changes in different leaf sections of cotton cultivars. 

PMID- 27126869
TI  - Cryptosporidium and cryptosporidiosis: the African perspective.
AB  - The present overview discusses the findings of cryptosporidiosis research
      conducted in Africa and highlights the currently available information on
      Cryptosporidium epidemiology, genetic diversity, and distribution on the African
      continent, particularly among vulnerable populations, including children. It also
      emphasizes the burden of cryptosporidiosis, which is underestimated due to the
      presence of many silent asymptomatic carriers.Cryptosporidiosis is recognized as
      one of the leading causes of childhood diarrhea in African countries. It has
      dramatic adverse effects on child growth and development and causes increased
      mortality on a continent where HIV, poverty, and lack of sanitation and
      infrastructure increase the risk of cryptosporidial waterborne infection. 

PMID- 27126871
TI  - Impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the bacterial communities of
      biological activated carbon filter intended for drinking water treatment.
AB  - Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are inevitably present in the aquatic
      environment owing to their increasing production and use. However, knowledge of
      the potential effects of TiO2 NPs on the treatment of drinking water is scarce.
      Herein, the effects of two types of anatase TiO2 NPs (TP1, 25 nm; TP2, 100 nm) on
      the bacterial community in a biological activated carbon (BAC) filter were
      investigated via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) analysis, ATP
      quantification, and 454 pyrosequencing analysis. Both TP1 and TP2 significantly
      inhibited the bacterial ATP level (p < 0.01) and induced a decrease in the
      abundance of bacterial 16S rDNA gene copies at doses of 0.1 and 100 mg L(-1).
      Simultaneously, the diversity and evenness of the bacterial communities were
      considerably reduced. The relative abundances of bacteria annotated to OTUs from
      Nitrospira class and Betaproteobacteria class decreased upon TiO2 NP treatment,
      whereas those of Bacilli class and Gammaproteobacteria class increased. TiO2 NP
      size showed a greater effect on the bacterial composition than did the dose based
      on Bray-Curtis distances. These findings identified negative effects of TiO2 NPs
      on the bacterial community in the BAC filter. Given the fact that BAC filters are
      used widely in drinking water treatment plants, these results suggested a
      potential threat by TiO2 NP to drinking water treatment system. 

PMID- 27126872
TI  - Natural radioactivity and radiological hazard assessment of Egyptian oil ashes.
AB  - Oil fly and boiler ash samples were collected from the four major Egyptian power
      plants in order to determine their natural radioactivity. Secular equilibrium
      between (238)U and (232)Th and their decay products is significantly disturbed in
      oil ash samples. The (226)Ra/(238)U ratios were between 440 and 1993 with an
      average value of 801, indicating that the concentrations of daughters (226)Ra
      were very high compared to the parent (238)U in the oil ash samples. While, the
      average ratios for (210)Pb/(226)Ra in most samples were 1.19 +/- 0.05, indicating
      a secular equilibrium in the (226)Ra-(210)Pb sub series. The natural
      radioactivity due to (238)U and (232)Th was found to be negligible. While the
      activity concentrations of (226)Ra ranged from 3205 to 12,320 Bq kg(-1) with an
      average value of 9284 Bq kg(-1), (210)Pb ranged from 5960 to 13,930 Bq kg(-1)
      with an average value of 11,513 Bq kg(-1). The results are compared with the
      reported data from other countries. The average value of radium equivalent
      activity was 9308 +/- 2729 Bq kg(-1), while the external and internal hazard
      indexes were found to be 25 +/- 7 and 50 +/- 15, respectively. All the studied
      radiological parameters were higher than the recommended limit by the IAEA in all
      ash samples. 

PMID- 27126873
TI  - Compensatory effects of pointing and predictive cueing on age-related declines in
      visuospatial working memory.
AB  - In this study, we investigated whether the visuospatial working memory
      performance of young and older adults would improve if they used a multimodal as
      compared with a unimodal encoding strategy, and whether or not visual cues would
      add to this effect. In Experiment 1, participants were presented with trials
      consisting of an array of squares and an array of circles. They were instructed
      to point at one type of figure (multimodal encoding strategy) and only to observe
      the other (unimodal encoding strategy). After each trial, an immediate location
      recognition test of one of the two arrays followed. In Experiment 2, the same
      task was used, but a cue was provided, either before or after the encoding phase,
      indicating which of the two arrays would be tested. Our results showed that a
      multimodal, as compared with a unimodal, encoding strategy improved visuospatial
      working memory performance in both young and older adults (Exp. 1), and that
      adding visual cues to the multimodal but not to the unimodal encoding strategy
      improved older adults' performance up to the level of young adults (Exp. 2). In
      both age groups, cueing after encoding led to higher performance in the
      multimodal than in the unimodal condition when the second array was tested.
      However, cueing before encoding led to higher performance in the multimodal than
      in the unimodal condition when the first array of the figure sequence was tested.
      These results suggest that pointing together with predictive cueing can have
      beneficial effects on visuospatial working memory, which is especially important
      for older adults.

PMID- 27126874
TI  - Inducing mental set constrains procedural flexibility and conceptual
      understanding in mathematics.
AB  - An important goal in mathematics is to flexibly use and apply multiple, efficient
      procedures to solve problems and to understand why these procedures work. One
      factor that may limit individuals' ability to notice and flexibly apply
      strategies is the mental set induced by the problem context. Undergraduate (N =
      41, Experiment 1) and fifth- and sixth-grade students (N = 87, Experiment 2)
      solved mathematical equivalence problems in one of two set-inducing conditions.
      Participants in the complex-first condition solved problems without a repeated
      addend on both sides of the equal sign (e.g., 7 + 5 + 9 = 3 + _), which required
      multistep strategies. Then these students solved problems with a repeated addend
      (e.g., 7 + 5 + 9 = 7 + _), for which a shortcut strategy could be readily used
      (i.e., adding 5 + 9). Participants in the shortcut-first condition solved the
      same problem set but began with the shortcut problems. Consistent with laboratory
      studies of mental set, participants in the complex-first condition were less
      likely to use the more efficient shortcut strategy when possible. In addition,
      these participants were less likely to demonstrate procedural flexibility and
      conceptual understanding on a subsequent assessment of mathematical equivalence
      knowledge. These findings suggest that certain problem-solving contexts can help
      or hinder both flexibility in strategy use and deeper conceptual thinking about
      the problems.

PMID- 27126876
TI  - The role of electromagnetic fields in neurological disorders.

PMID- 27126877
TI  - Invasive hydatidiform mole of the lung with an implantation site intermediate
      trophoblast: Report of a case supporting the pathways of trophoblast
      differentiation.

PMID- 27126875
TI  - Sustainability of school-located influenza vaccination programs in Florida.
AB  - BACKGROUND: School-located influenza vaccination (SLIV) programs are a promising
      strategy for increasing vaccination coverage among schoolchildren. However,
      questions of economic sustainability have dampened enthusiasm for this approach
      in the United States. We evaluated SLIV sustainability of a health department
      led, county-wide SLIV program in Alachua County, Florida. Based on Alachua's
      outcome data, we modeled the sustainability of SLIV programs statewide using two
      different implementation costs and at different vaccination rates, reimbursement
      amount, and Vaccines for Children (VFC) coverage. METHODS: Mass vaccination
      clinics were conducted at 69 Alachua County schools in 2013 using VFC (for
      Medicaid and uninsured children) and non-VFC vaccines. Claims were processed
      after each clinic and submitted to insurance providers for reimbursement ($5
      Medicaid and $47.04 from private insurers). We collected programmatic
      expenditures and volunteer hours to calculate fixed and variable costs for two
      different implementation costs (with or without in-kind costs included). We
      project program sustainability for Florida using publicly available county
      specific student populations and health insurance enrollment data. RESULTS:
      Approximately 42% (n=12,853) of pre-kindergarten - 12th grade students
      participated in the SLIV program in Alachua. Of the 13,815 doses provided, 58%
      (8042) were non-VFC vaccine. Total implementation cost was $14.95/dose or
      $7.93/dose if "in-kind" costs were not included. The program generated a net
      surplus of $24,221, despite losing $4.68 on every VFC dose provided to Medicaid
      and uninsured children. With volunteers, 99% of Florida counties would be
      sustainable at a 50% vaccination rate and average reimbursement amount of $3.25
      VFC and $37 non-VFC. Without volunteers, 69% of counties would be sustainable at
      50% vaccination rate if all VFC recipients were on Medicaid and its reimbursement
      increased from $5 to $10 (amount private practices receive). CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Key factors that contributed to the sustainability and success of an
      SLIV program are: targeting privately insured children and reducing
      administration cost through volunteers. Counties with a high proportion of VFC
      eligible children may not be sustainable without subsidies at $5 Medicaid
      reimbursement.

PMID- 27126878
TI  - A symbiotic view of the origin of life at hydrothermal impact crater-lakes.
AB  - Submarine hydrothermal vents are generally considered as the likely habitats for
      the origin and evolution of early life on Earth. The theory suffers from the
      'concentration problem' of cosmic and terrestrial biomolecules because of the
      vastness of the Eoarchean global ocean. An attractive alternative site would be
      highly sequestered, small, hydrothermal crater-lakes that might have cradled life
      on early Earth. A new symbiotic model for the origin of life at hydrothermal
      crater-lakes is proposed here. Meteoritic impacts on the Eoarchean crust at the
      tail end of the Heavy Bombardment period might have played important roles in the
      origin of life. Impacts and collisions that created hydrothermal crater lakes on
      the Eoarchean crust inadvertently became the perfect crucibles for prebiotic
      chemistry with building blocks of life, which ultimately led to the first
      organisms by prebiotic synthesis. In this scenario, life arose through four
      hierarchical stages of increasing molecular complexity in multiple niches of
      crater basins. In the cosmic stage (>=4.6 Ga), the building blocks of life had
      their beginnings in the interstellar space during the explosion of a nearby star.
      Both comets and carbonaceous chondrites delivered building blocks of life and ice
      to early Earth, which were accumulated in hydrothermal impact crater-lakes. In
      the geologic stage (~4 Ga), crater basins contained an assortment of cosmic and
      terrestrial organic compounds, powered by hydrothermal, solar, tidal, and
      chemical energies, which drove the prebiotic synthesis. At the water surface,
      self-assembled primitive lipid membranes floated as a thick oil slick. Archean
      Greenstone belts in Greenland, Australia, and South Africa possibly represent the
      relics of these Archean craters, where the oldest fossils of thermophilic life
      (~3.5 Ga) have been detected. In the chemical stage, monomers such as nucleotides
      and amino acids were selected from random assemblies of the prebiotic soup; they
      were polymerized at pores of mineral surfaces with the coevolution of RNA and
      protein molecules to form the 'RNA/protein world'. Lipid membranes randomly
      encapsulated these RNA and protein molecules to initiate a molecular symbiosis in
      a 'RNA/protein/lipid world' that led to hierarchical emergence of several cell
      components: plasma membranes, ribosomes, coding RNA and proteins, DNA, and
      finally protocells with a primitive genetic code. In the biological stage, the
      emergence of the first cells capable of reproduction, heredity, variation, and
      Darwinian evolution is the key breakthrough in the origin of life. RNA virus and
      prions may represent the evolutionary relics of the RNA/protein world that
      survived as parasites for billions of years. Although the proposed endosymbiotic
      model is speculative it has intrinsic heuristic value. Future experiments on
      encapsulated RNA virus and prions have the potential to create a synthetic cell
      that may confirm a coherent narrative of this hierarchical evolutionary sequence.

PMID- 27126879
TI  - Spawning behaviour of Allis shad Alosa alosa: new insights based on imaging sonar
      data.
AB  - Spawning behaviour of Alosa alosa was observed by high resolution imaging sonar.
      Detected clouds of sexual products and micro bubbles served as a potential
      indicator of spawning activity. Peak spawning time was between 0130 and 0200
      hours at night. Increasing detections over three consecutive nights were
      consistent with sounds of mating events (bulls) assessed in hearing surveys in
      parallel to the hydro acoustic detection. In 70% of the analysed mating events
      there were no additional A. alosa joining the event whilst 70% of the mating
      events showed one or two A. alosa leaving the cloud. In 31% of the analysed
      mating events, however, three or more A. alosa were leaving the clouds,
      indicating that matings are not restricted to a pair. Imaging sonar is suitable
      for monitoring spawning activity and behaviour of anadromous clupeids in their
      spawning habitats. 

PMID- 27126880
TI  - Serotonin as a New Therapeutic Target for Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity.
AB  - Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) is a monoamine that has various functions
      in both neuronal and non-neuronal systems. In the central nervous system, 5-HT
      regulates mood and feeding behaviors as a neurotransmitter. Thus, there have been
      many trials aimed at increasing the activity of 5-HT in the central nervous
      system, and some of the developed methods are already used in the clinical
      setting as anti-obesity drugs. Unfortunately, some drugs were withdrawn due to
      the development of unwanted peripheral side effects, such as valvular heart
      disease and pulmonary hypertension. Recent studies revealed that peripheral 5-HT
      plays an important role in metabolic regulation in peripheral tissues, where it
      suppresses adaptive thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. Inhibition of 5-HT
      synthesis reduced the weight gain and improved the metabolic dysfunction in a
      diet-induced obesity mouse model. Genome-wide association studies also revealed
      genetic associations between the serotonergic system and obesity. Several genetic
      polymorphisms in tryptophan hydroxylase and 5-HT receptors were shown to have
      strong associations with obesity. These results support the clinical significance
      of the peripheral serotonergic system as a therapeutic target for obesity and
      diabetes. 

PMID- 27126882
TI  - Potential of OneTouch Diabetes Management Software System in Real Field for
      Korean Type 2 Diabetes Patients.

PMID- 27126881
TI  - An Update on the Effect of Incretin-Based Therapies on beta-Cell Function and
      Mass.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial disease with a complex and
      progressive pathogenesis. The two primary mechanisms of T2DM pathogenesis are
      pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Pancreatic beta-cell
      dysfunction is recognized to be a prerequisite for the development of T2DM.
      Therapeutic modalities that improve beta-cell function are considered critical to
      T2DM management; however, blood glucose control remains a challenge for many
      patients due to suboptimal treatment efficacy and the progressive nature of T2DM.
      Incretin-based therapies are now the most frequently prescribed antidiabetic
      drugs in Korea. Incretin-based therapies are a favorable class of drugs due to
      their ability to reduce blood glucose by targeting the incretin hormone system
      and, most notably, their potential to improve pancreatic beta-cell function. This
      review outlines the current understanding of the incretin hormone system in T2DM
      and summarizes recent updates on the effect of incretin-based therapies on beta
      cell function and beta-cell mass in animals and humans. 

PMID- 27126883
TI  - Clinical Evaluation of OneTouch Diabetes Management Software System in Patients
      with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: OneTouch Diabetes Management Software (OTDMS) is an efficient way to
      track and monitor the blood glucose level. It is possible to download data from
      the OneTouch Ultra via the meter's data port, and to transform the numbers of the
      blood glucose level into a graph, a chart, or statistics. The objectives of this
      study were to evaluate whether the use of OTDMS in consultation hours would
      improve patients' knowledge of diabetes mellitus (DM), compliance, satisfaction
      with doctor and medical treatment, doctor-patient reliability, and glucose
      control. METHODS: All patients were randomized into either the OTDMS group using
      OneTouch Ultra or the control groups not using it. Both groups had conventional
      DM education and only the OTDMS group used data from OTDMS as explanation
      materials during consultation hours. At enrollment and after 6 months, we
      performed a questionnaire survey consisting of the diabetes knowledge test, items
      for compliance of treatment, patient's satisfaction, doctor-patient reliability,
      and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). RESULTS: We analyzed 6-month follow-up data
      from 92 patients (OTDMS 42 vs. control 50). Both groups showed significant
      improvements in HbA1c, diabetes knowledge, compliance, reliability, and
      satisfaction after 6 months. However, there were no significant differences
      between OTDMS and control groups overall. Only "weekly frequency of checking
      blood glucose level" of compliance and "trying to follow doctor's order" of
      reliability showed better results in the OTDMS group. CONCLUSION: Using the OTDMS
      system for explanation during consultation hours seems to be more helpful to
      improve patient's compliance and reliability, especially for checking blood
      glucose level and trying to follow the doctor's order.

PMID- 27126884
TI  - Hyperglycemia Is Associated with Impaired Muscle Quality in Older Men with
      Diabetes: The Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to investigate the influence of hyperglycemia on
      muscle quality in older men with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This was a subsidiary
      study of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Health and Aging. Among 326 older men
      consenting to tests of body composition and muscle strength, 269 men were
      ultimately analyzed after the exclusion because of stroke (n=30) and uncertainty
      about the diagnosis of diabetes (n=27). Body composition was measured using dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography. Muscle strength for knee
      extension was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Muscle quality was
      assessed from the ratio of leg strength to the entire corresponding leg muscle
      mass. RESULTS: The muscle mass, strength, and quality in patients with type 2
      diabetes did not differ significantly from controls. However, when patients with
      diabetes were subdivided according to their glycemic control status, patients
      with a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of >=8.5% showed significantly
      decreased leg muscle quality by multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 4.510;
      P=0.045) after adjustment for age, body mass index, smoking amount, alcohol
      consumption, physical activity, and duration of diabetes. Physical performance
      status was also impaired in subjects with an HbA1c of >=8.5%. CONCLUSION: Poor
      glycemic control in these older patients with diabetes was associated with
      significant risk of decreased muscle quality and performance status. Glycemic
      control with an HbA1c of <8.5% might be needed to reduce the risk of adverse
      skeletal and functional outcomes in this population.

PMID- 27126885
TI  - Importance of Lean Muscle Maintenance to Improve Insulin Resistance by Body
      Weight Reduction in Female Patients with Obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has recently been suggested that skeletal muscle has an important
      role in insulin resistance in obesity, in addition to exercise tolerance and the
      fat index. The aim of this study was to identify body composition factors that
      contribute to improvement of insulin resistance in female patients with obesity
      who reduce body weight. METHODS: We studied 92 female obese patients (age 40.9+/
      10.4 years, body mass index 33.2+/-4.6 kg/m2) who reduced body weight by >=5%
      after an intervention program including diet, exercise therapy, and cognitive
      behavioral therapy. Before and after the intervention, body composition was
      evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to examine changes in skeletal
      muscle mass. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was
      measured as an index of insulin resistance. Cardiopulmonary exercise was also
      performed by all patients. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in body
      weight (-10.3%+/-4.5%), exercise tolerance (anaerobic threshold oxygen uptake
      9.1%+/-18.4%, peak oxygen uptake 11.0%+/-14.2%), and HOMA-IR (-20.2%+/-38.3%).
      Regarding body composition, there were significant decreases in total body fat (
      19.3%+/-9.6%), total fat-free mass (-2.7%+/-4.3%), and % body fat (-10.1%+/
      7.5%), whereas % skeletal muscle significantly increased (8.9%+/-7.2%). In
      stepwise multiple linear regression analysis with change in HOMA-IR as the
      dependent variable, the change in % skeletal muscle was identified as an
      independent predictor (beta=-0.280, R2=0.068, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Improvement of
      insulin resistance in female obese patients requires maintenance of skeletal
      muscle mass.

PMID- 27126886
TI  - The Effect of Glycemic Status on Kidney Stone Disease in Patients with
      Prediabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While the evidence supporting a positive association between diabetes
      mellitus and kidney stone disease (KSD) is solid, studies examining the
      association between impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and KSD show inconsistent
      results. Currently, there are no studies examining the relationship between
      impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and KSD. The objective of this study is to
      investigate the effects of different glycemic statuses on KSD. The results may
      help to motivate patients with diabetes to conform to treatment regimens.
      METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study of a population that underwent
      health check-ups between January 2000 and August 2009 at the Health Evaluation
      Center of National Cheng Kung University Hospital. A total of 14,186 subjects
      were enrolled. The following categories of glycemic status were used according to
      the criteria of the 2009 American Diabetes Association: normal glucose tolerance,
      isolated IGT, isolated IFG, combined IFG/IGT, and diabetes. The existence of KSD
      was evaluated using renal ultrasonography, and the presence of any hyperechoic
      structures causing acoustic shadowing was considered to be indicative of KSD.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of KSD was 7.4% (712/9,621), 9.3% (163/1,755), 10.8%
      (78/719), 12.0% (66/548), and 11.3% (174/1,543) in subjects with NGT, isolated
      IGT, isolated IFG, combined IFG/IGT, and diabetes, respectively. Isolated IFG,
      combined IFG/IGT, and diabetes were associated with KSD after adjusting for other
      clinical variables, but isolated IGT was not. Age (41 to 64 years vs. <=40 years,
      >=65 years vs. <=40 years), male gender, hypertension, and hyperuricemia were
      also independently associated with KSD. CONCLUSION: Isolated IFG, combined
      IFG/IGT, and diabetes, but not isolated IGT, were associated with a higher risk
      of KSD.

PMID- 27126887
TI  - Glycosylated Hemoglobin Threshold for Predicting Diabetes and Prediabetes from
      the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
AB  - We aimed to estimate the threshold level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) for
      the fasting plasma glucose of 100 and 126 mg/dL in the Korean adult population,
      using the 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of
      4,481 participants over 19 years of age without diabetic medications and
      conditions to influence the interpretation of HbA1c levels, such as anemia, renal
      insufficiency, liver cirrhosis, and cancers, were analyzed. A point-wise area
      under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to estimate the
      optimal HbA1c cutoff value. A HbA1c threshold of 6.35% was optimal for predicting
      diabetes with a sensitivity of 86.9% and a specificity of 99.1%. Furthermore, the
      threshold of HbA1c was 5.65% for prediabetes, with a sensitivity of 69.3% and a
      specificity of 71%. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the HbA1c
      cutoff point for diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes in the Korean population. 

PMID- 27126888
TI  - Letter: The Association of Serum Cystatin C with Glycosylated Hemoglobin in
      Korean Adults (Diabetes Metab J 2016;40:62-9).

PMID- 27126889
TI  - Response: The Association of Serum Cystatin C with Glycosylated Hemoglobin in
      Korean Adults (Diabetes Metab J 2016;40:62-9).

PMID- 27126890
TI  - An approach to holistically assess (dairy) farm eco-efficiency by combining Life
      Cycle Analysis with Data Envelopment Analysis models and methodologies.
AB  - Eco-efficiency is a useful guide to dairy farm sustainability analysis aimed at
      increasing output (physical or value added) and minimizing environmental impacts
      (EIs). Widely used partial eco-efficiency ratios (EIs per some functional unit,
      e.g. kg milk) can be problematic because (i) substitution possibilities between
      EIs are ignored, (ii) multiple ratios can complicate decision making and (iii)
      EIs are not usually associated with just the functional unit in the ratio's
      denominator. The objective of this study was to demonstrate a 'global' eco
      efficiency modelling framework dealing with issues (i) to (iii) by combining Life
      Cycle Analysis (LCA) data and the multiple-input, multiple-output production
      efficiency method Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). With DEA each dairy farm's
      outputs and LCA-derived EIs are aggregated into a single, relative, bounded,
      dimensionless eco-efficiency score, thus overcoming issues (i) to (iii). A
      novelty of this study is that a model providing a number of additional desirable
      properties was employed, known as the Range Adjusted Measure (RAM) of
      inefficiency. These properties altogether make RAM advantageous over other DEA
      models and are as follows. First, RAM is able to simultaneously minimize EIs and
      maximize outputs. Second, it indicates which EIs and/or outputs contribute the
      most to a farm's eco-inefficiency. Third it can be used to rank farms in terms of
      eco-efficiency scores. Thus, non-parametric rank tests can be employed to test
      for significant differences in terms of eco-efficiency score ranks between
      different farm groups. An additional DEA methodology was employed to 'correct'
      the farms' eco-efficiency scores for inefficiencies attributed to managerial
      factors. By removing managerial inefficiencies it was possible to detect
      differences in eco-efficiency between farms solely attributed to uncontrollable
      factors such as region. Such analysis is lacking in previous dairy studies
      combining LCA with DEA. RAM and the 'corrective' methodology were demonstrated
      with LCA data from French specialized dairy farms grouped by region (West France,
      Continental France) and feeding strategy (regardless of region). Mean eco
      efficiency score ranks were significantly higher for farms with 30% maize in the
      total forage area before correcting for managerial inefficiencies. Mean eco
      efficiency score ranks were higher for West than Continental farms, but
      significantly higher only after correcting for managerial inefficiencies. These
      results helped identify the eco-efficiency potential of each region and feeding
      strategy and could therefore aid advisors and policy makers at farm or
      region/sector level. The proposed framework helped better measure and understand
      (dairy) farm eco-efficiency, both within and between different farm groups.

PMID- 27126891
TI  - Gyration and Permittivity of Ethylenediammonium Sulfate Crystals.
AB  - Ethylenediammonium sulfate (EDS) crystals were grown from aqueous solution and
      cleaved into thin (100-500 micron) plates. The 422 point group of EDS was
      confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The constitutive relations of EDS crystals were
      determined through generalized ellipsometry with an instrument that uses four
      photoelastic modulators (4PEM). The optical rotation at 500 nm, for example, was
      + 22.9 degrees /mm along the optic axis and - 12.1 degrees /mm perpendicular to
      the optic axis for the P41 21 2 crystals. Enantiomorphous twins frequently form
      across the (001) plane. Mirrored halves must be separated by cleavage in advance
      of optical measurements. Chirality 28:460-465, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27126892
TI  - Synovial chondromatosis involving multiple joints in rheumatoid arthritis: A case
      report review of the literature.

PMID- 27126893
TI  - Predictors of soft-tissue complications and deep infection in allograft
      reconstruction of the proximal tibia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Reconstruction of the proximal tibia after wide
      resection of malignant tumors in the pediatric population is very challenging.
      Advocates of allograft reconstruction argue as advantages bone preservation,
      biological reconstruction that facilitates reattachment of the extensor mechanism
      and other soft-tissue structures, delay of metallic prosthesis use and
      preservation of the distal femoral growth plate. However, complications are
      significant, infection being very common. METHODS: Under IRB-approved protocol,
      32 patients (17 males, 15 females), 13 years old in average (2-20), who underwent
      33 allograft reconstructions of the proximal tibia, were evaluated for the
      occurrence of soft-tissue complications and/or deep infection (infection
      affecting the allograft). Potential predictors of soft-tissue complications and
      deep infection, categorized as pre- and perioperative variables, were analyzed in
      relation to the risk for developing a soft-tissue complication or a deep
      infection. RESULTS: The prevalence of soft-tissue complications was 48% (16/33).
      However, we were not able to identify any significant predictors. The prevalence
      of deep (allograft) infection was 15% (5/33). Multivariate logistic regression
      determined higher BMI at the index surgical procedure and lower pre-operative WBC
      to be independent predictors of deep infection. For each unit of increase in BMI,
      the odds of deep infection increased by 40% (OR = 1.40; CI = 1.07-3.06; P <
      0.05). For each one unit (1,000) of increase in the pre-operative white cell
      count, the odds of deep infection decreased by 70% (OR = 0.30; 95%CI = 0.01-0.89;
      P < 0.05). Four of the five deep infections were in patients with soft-tissue
      complications, mainly wound dehiscence. However, wound dehiscence or soft-tissue
      complications were not predictive of deep infection. CONCLUSION: Soft-tissue
      complications are prevalent in allograft reconstruction of the proximal tibia.
      Prevention is important as these may progress to deep infection. Careful
      attention to nutritional (BMI) and immunological status may help in patient
      selection for allograft reconstruction. If allograft reconstruction is opted for,
      efforts should focus on optimization of these factors as they proved to be
      independent predictors of subsequent deep infection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:811
      817. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27126895
TI  - The kinematic differences between off-spin and leg-spin bowling in cricket.
AB  - Spin bowling is generally coached using a standard technical framework, but this
      practice has not been based upon a comparative biomechanical analysis of leg-spin
      and off-spin bowling. This study analysed the three-dimensional (3D) kinematics
      of 23 off-spin and 20 leg-spin bowlers using a Cortex motion analysis system to
      identify how aspects of the respective techniques differed. A multivariate ANOVA
      found that certain data tended to validate some of the stated differences in the
      coaching literature. Off-spin bowlers had a significantly shorter stride length
      (p = 0.006) and spin rate (p = 0.001), but a greater release height than leg
      spinners (p = 0.007). In addition, a number of other kinematic differences were
      identified that were not previously documented in coaching literature. These
      included a larger rear knee flexion (p = 0.007), faster approach speed (p <
      0.001), and flexing elbow action during the arm acceleration compared with an
      extension action used by most of the off-spin bowlers. Off-spin and leg-spin
      bowlers also deviated from the standard coaching model for the shoulder
      alignment, front knee angle at release, and forearm mechanics. This study
      suggests that off-spin and leg-spin are distinct bowling techniques, supporting
      the development of two different coaching models in spin bowling. 

PMID- 27126894
TI  - Herpesvirus Entry into Host Cells Mediated by Endosomal Low pH.
AB  - Herpesviral pathogenesis stems from infection of multiple cell types including
      the site of latency and cells that support lytic replication. Herpesviruses
      utilize distinct cellular pathways, including low pH endocytic pathways, to enter
      different pathophysiologically relevant target cells. This review details the
      impact of the mildly acidic milieu of endosomes on the entry of herpesviruses,
      with particular emphasis on herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). Epithelial cells, the
      portal of primary HSV-1 infection, support entry via low pH endocytosis
      mechanisms. Mildly acidic pH triggers reversible conformational changes in the
      HSV-1 class III fusion protein glycoprotein B (gB). In vitro treatment of herpes
      simplex virions with a similar pH range inactivates infectivity, likely by
      prematurely activating the viral entry machinery in the absence of a target
      membrane. How a given herpesvirus mediates both low pH and pH-independent entry
      events is a key unresolved question.

PMID- 27126897
TI  - Chemical diversity and antiviral potential in the pantropical Diospyros genus.
AB  - A screening using a dengue replicon virus-cell-based assay was performed on 3563
      ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts from different parts of 1500 plants. The screening
      led to the selection of species from the genus Diospyros (Ebenaceae), among which
      25 species distributed in tropical areas showed significant inhibitory activity
      on dengue virus replication. A metabolic analysis was conducted from the UPLC
      HRMS profiles of 33 biologically active and inactive plant extracts, and their
      metabolic proximity is presented in the form of a dendrogram. The results of the
      study showed that chemical similarity is not related to plant species or organ.
      Overall, metabolomic profiling allowed us to define large groups of extracts,
      comprising both active and inactive ones. Closely related profiles from active
      extracts might indicate that the common major components of these extracts were
      responsible for the antiviral activity, while the comparison of chemically
      similar active and inactive extracts, will permit to find compounds of interest.
      Eventually, the phytochemical investigation of Diospyros glans bark EtOAc extract
      afforded usnic acid and 7 known ursane- and lupane-type triterpenoids, among
      which 5 were found significantly active against dengue virus replication. The
      inhibitory potency of these compounds was also evaluated on a DENV-NS5 RNA
      dependant RNA polymerase assay. 

PMID- 27126896
TI  - Asparagine promotes cancer cell proliferation through use as an amino acid
      exchange factor.
AB  - Cellular amino acid uptake is critical for mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) activation and
      cell proliferation. However, the regulation of amino acid uptake is not well
      understood. Here we describe a role for asparagine as an amino acid exchange
      factor: intracellular asparagine exchanges with extracellular amino acids.
      Through asparagine synthetase knockdown and altering of media asparagine
      concentrations, we show that intracellular asparagine levels regulate uptake of
      amino acids, especially serine, arginine and histidine. Through its exchange
      factor role, asparagine regulates mTORC1 activity and protein synthesis. In
      addition, we show that asparagine regulation of serine uptake influences serine
      metabolism and nucleotide synthesis, suggesting that asparagine is involved in
      coordinating protein and nucleotide synthesis. Finally, we show that maintenance
      of intracellular asparagine levels is critical for cancer cell growth.
      Collectively, our results indicate that asparagine is an important regulator of
      cancer cell amino acid homeostasis, anabolic metabolism and proliferation. 

PMID- 27126898
TI  - Optimal combination of FLAIR and T2-weighted MRI for improved lesion contrast in
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Postacquisition combination of three-dimensional T2-weighted (T2w) and
      fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images can improve the visualization
      of brain lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, an optimal way to combine
      these images has not been described so far. The main objective of this study is
      to investigate an optimal combination of T2w and FLAIR to improve the conspicuity
      of MS lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined the parameters for a
      generalized multiplicative image combination which maximize the contrast-to-noise
      ratio (CNR) between lesions and normal-appearing brain tissue through simulations
      and verified experimentally. MRI data from 11 MS patients acquired at 3 Tesla
      were retrospectively analyzed using the proposed approach and compared with
      conventional FLAIR, and to images obtained by direct multiplication of T2w and
      FLAIR (FLAIR2 ). Image quality was assessed by region-of-interest analysis. In
      addition, to evaluate the degree of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) suppression, CSF-to
      gray matter (CSF/GM) ratio was calculated. Reduction in global image contrast was
      assessed by computing the reduction in the contrast of mid-level intensity
      values. RESULTS: An optimal combination was found to be the third order
      expression: FLAIR3 = FLAIR1.55 * T2w1.45 . Compared with FLAIR, the lesion CNR
      was significantly increased by 1.9* (P < 0.005) and 2.5* (P < 0.001) using FLAIR2
      and FLAIR3 , respectively. CSF/GM ratio was increased by 1.7* in FLAIR2 (P <
      0.001) compared with FLAIR, while it was reduced to 0.7* on FLAIR3 (P < 0.05).
      The mid-intensity contrast was preserved on FLAIR2 (P = 0.2), and decreased by
      29% on FLAIR3 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results show that the optimized
      combination of FLAIR and T2w can improve MS lesion conspicuity. J. Magn. Reson.
      Imaging 2016;44:1293-1300.

PMID- 27126899
TI  - Effect of carotid endarterectomy on brain damage markers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a recommended treatment in the
      prevention of ischemic stroke. However, this procedure may cause neurological
      complications caused by cerebrovascular damage. While YKL-40 is a proinflammatory
      protein, neurofilament light polypeptide (NEFL) and brain lipid-binding protein
      (FABP7) are structural components of the brain. The aim of the study was to
      investigate YKL-40, NEFL, and FABP7 in the serum of patients undergoing CEA.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 25 participants who underwent CEA due
      to internal carotid artery stenosis. Blood samples were taken from each patient
      at three different intervals: prior to the surgery, 12 h after the surgery, and
      48 h after the surgery. Serum levels of these brain damage markers were measured
      by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The study showed that the
      serum YKL-40 level was significantly increased 48 h after CEA when compared to
      the level prior to surgery and also when compared to levels 12 h after surgery.
      There were no statistically significant differences in serum NEFL and FABP7
      levels between all three recorded measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Data from our study
      showed that CEA affects serum YKL-40 but not NEFL and FABP7 levels. This
      implicates that YKL-40 may be a valuable serum marker of brain damage after CEA.
      However, the observed change in serum YKL-40 level in patients after CEA does not
      necessarily warrant a change in recommendations concerning the use of this
      treatment in patients with high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis.

PMID- 27126900
TI  - Single-wall carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide-based saturable absorbers for low
      phase noise mode-locked fiber lasers.
AB  - Low phase noise mode-locked fiber laser finds important applications in
      telecommunication, ultrafast sciences, material science, and biology, etc. In
      this paper, two types of carbon nano-materials, i.e. single-wall carbon nanotube
      (SWNT) and graphene oxide (GO), are investigated as efficient saturable absorbers
      (SAs) to achieve low phase noise mode-locked fiber lasers. Various properties of
      these wall-paper SAs, such as saturable intensity, optical absorption and degree
      of purity, are found to be key factors determining the performance of the
      ultrafast pulses. Reduced-noise femtosecond fiber lasers based on such carbon
      based SAs are experimentally demonstrated, for which the phase noise has been
      reduced by more than 10 dB for SWNT SAs and 8 dB for GO SAs at 10 kHz. To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation on the relationship
      between different carbon material based SAs and the phase noise of mode-locked
      lasers. This work paves the way to generate high-quality low phase noise
      ultrashort pulses in passively mode-locked fiber lasers.

PMID- 27126902
TI  - Myiasis caused by Dermatobia hominis: countries with increased risk for travelers
      going to neotropic areas.
AB  - Here, we review the human botfly (Dermatobia hominis), which belongs to a group
      of Diptera generically known as "myiasis-causing flies," characterized by the
      ability of their larvae to develop in animal flesh. In addition to its medical
      and economic importance, there is an academic interest in this botfly because of
      its peculiar biology, particularly because a phoretic diptera is needed to
      complete the life cycle. The larvae penetrate the host's skin, causing furuncle
      like lesions that are pruritic, painful, and resemble subcutaneous nodules,
      producing irreversible perforations in the skin. Although D. hominis is
      distributed from Mexico to Argentina, a review performed by our working group
      from 1999 to 2015 determined that the countries with the highest infection rates
      in travelers are Belize, Bolivia, and Brazil. Interestingly, infected men show a
      higher variation in the distribution of the lesions than in women. Many treatment
      schemes have been suggested, including the application of highly dense liquids to
      the lesion to cause anoxia in the D. hominis larvae. We showed, for the first
      time, a Bayesian inference between D. hominis and other myiasis-causing flies.
      The flies grouped into two main clusters according to their capacity to produce
      facultative and obligatory myiasis, and D. hominis was phylogenetically close to
      Cuterebra spp. 

PMID- 27126903
TI  - Reducible self-assembling cationic polypeptide-based micelles mediate co-delivery
      of doxorubicin and microRNA-34a for androgen-independent prostate cancer therapy.
AB  - The co-delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs and microRNAs (miR) represents a
      promising strategy for tumor therapy due to the synergistic effect achieved. In
      the present study, hydrophobic doxorubicin (DOX) and negatively charged miR-34a
      were simultaneously delivered via a reducible self-assembling disulfide cross
      linked stearyl-peptide-based micellar system (SHRss) using poly(l-arginine)
      poly(l-histidine)-stearoyl as the copolymer building unit. The nanoscale SHRss
      micelles exhibited a low critical micelle concentration (CMC) with positive
      surface charge. In addition, the present micellar system facilitated the escape
      of miR-34a from the endosome and release of DOX into the cell nucleus, leading to
      the downregulation of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) expression and
      inhibition of DU145 and PC3 androgen-independent prostate cancer cell
      proliferation. In addition, DOX and miR-34a, delivered by SHRss micelles,
      passively targeted tumor tissue. Furthermore, a synergistic anti-proliferative
      effect was observed compared with DOX or miR-34a treatment alone in vivo. Our
      results demonstrate that the SHRss micelles developed in the present study
      represent a promising approach for combined delivery of gene agents and
      hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer therapy.

PMID- 27126901
TI  - ETS transcription factors in embryonic vascular development.
AB  - At least thirteen ETS-domain transcription factors are expressed during embryonic
      hematopoietic or vascular development and potentially function in the formation
      and maintenance of the embryonic vasculature or blood lineages. This review
      summarizes our current understanding of the specific roles played by ETS factors
      in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis and the implications of functional
      redundancies between them.

PMID- 27126904
TI  - Stable polyanhydride synthesized from sebacic acid and ricinoleic acid.
AB  - Poly(anhydride) are unstable and prone to hydrolytic degradation and
      depolymerisation via anhydride interchange. They are stored at -20 degrees C,
      packed under inert atmosphere until use. We synthesized a new poly(anhydride)
      from ricinoleic (RA) and sebacic (SA) acid with alternating ester-anhydride
      structure that is stable at 25 degrees C for over 18months. The copolymer is also
      stable in chloroform solution and under gamma-irradiation. The polymer hydrolyses
      through anhydride cleavage lasting ~7days to form oligoesters, which are stable
      for >30days. The release of gentamycin from the synthesized alternate polymer
      matrix is sustained compared to the random copolymer.

PMID- 27126906
TI  - A scoping review of geographic information systems in maternal health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Geographic information systems (GIS) are increasingly recognized
      tools in maternal health. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of GIS in maternal
      health and to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities. SEARCH STRATEGY:
      Keywords broadly related to maternal health and GIS were used to search for
      academic articles and gray literature. SELECTION CRITERIA: Reviewed articles
      focused on maternal health, with GIS used as part of the methods. DATA COLLECTION
      AND ANALYSIS: Peer reviewed articles (n=40) and gray literature sources (n=30)
      were reviewed. MAIN RESULTS: Two main themes emerged: modeling access to maternal
      services and identifying risks associated with maternal outcomes. Knowledge gaps
      included a need to rethink spatial access to maternal care in low- and middle
      income settings, and a need for more explicit use of GIS to account for the
      geographical variation in the effect of risk factors on adverse maternal
      outcomes. Limited evidence existed to suggest that use of GIS had influenced
      maternal health policy. Instead, application of GIS to maternal health was
      largely influenced by policy priorities in global maternal health. CONCLUSIONS:
      Investigation of the role of GIS in contributing to future policy directions is
      warranted, particularly for elucidating determinants of global maternal health.

PMID- 27126905
TI  - Effects of postpartum mobile phone-based education on maternal and infant health
      in Ecuador.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a mobile phone-based intervention on
      postnatal maternal health behavior and maternal and infant health in a middle
      income country. METHODS: A prospective evaluation enrolled consecutive postpartum
      women at two public hospitals in Quito, Ecuador, between June and August 2012.
      Inclusion criteria were live birth, no neonatal intensive care admission, and
      Spanish speaking. Intervention and control groups were assigned via random number
      generation. The intervention included a telephone-delivered educational session
      and phone/text access to a nurse for 30days after delivery. Maternal and infant
      health indicators were recorded at delivery and 3months after delivery via chart
      review and written/telephone-administered survey. RESULTS: Overall, 102 women
      were assigned to the intervention group and 76 to the control group. At 3months,
      intervention participants were more likely to attend the infant's postnatal check
      up (P=0.022) and to breastfeed exclusively (P=0.005), and less likely to feed
      formula (P=0.016). They used more effective forms of contraception (more implants
      P=0.023; fewer condoms P=0.036) and reported fewer infant illnesses (P=0.010).
      There were no differences in maternal acute illness or check-up attendance.
      CONCLUSION: Mobile phone-based postnatal patient education is a promising
      strategy for improving breastfeeding, contraceptive use, and infant health in low
      resource settings; different strategies are needed to influence postpartum
      maternal health behavior.

PMID- 27126907
TI  - Incorporating uterine artery embolization in the treatment of cesarean scar
      pregnancy following diagnostic ultrasonography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate combining uterine artery embolization (UAE) with other
      treatments for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). METHODS: A retrospective study
      included patients attending the First affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong
      University, China, between March 1, 2009 and March 31, 2014, who were diagnosed
      with CSP. Patients were classified by ultrasonography as having endogenous CSP
      (CSP type I [CSP-I]) or exogenous CSP (CSP type II [CSP-II]). Patient outcomes
      were compared between patients who underwent treatment that included or excluded
      UAE. Patient records were reviewed and patients were interviewed by telephone to
      report on recovery following treatment. RESULTS: In total, 52 patients met the
      inclusion criteria. In patients with CSP-I, the blood loss, length of hospital
      stay, and time before restoration of normal beta human chorionic gonadotropin
      levels were significantly higher in patients who were treated with methotrexate
      combined with dilatation and curettage compared with those treated with UAE
      combined with dilatation and curettage (P<0.05). In patients with CSP-II, blood
      loss was lower in patients treated with UAE combined with excision compared with
      excision alone (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Incorporating UAE in the treatment of CSP-I
      and CSP-II was safe; CSP should be properly classified to select the appropriate
      treatment.

PMID- 27126908
TI  - Web-based instrument to assess skills in visual inspection of the cervix among
      healthcare providers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate a web-based instrument for assessing healthcare providers'
      skills in visual inspection with acetic acid or Lugol iodine (VIA/VILI) for the
      diagnosis and management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. METHODS: An
      observational cross-sectional study enrolled healthcare providers in a web-based
      assessment of VIA/VILI skills between August and November 2014. Participants
      participated in a four-module training course, followed by a multiple-choice test
      with 70 questions based on cervical photographs of HPV-positive women
      participating in cervical screening. Logistic regression was used to identify
      relationships between independent variables and success on the test. RESULTS:
      Overall, 255 participants completed the test and 99 (38.8%) passed. No
      correlation was found between age or sex and test performance. Compared with
      other healthcare workers, physicians (odds ratio [OR] 1.91, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.01-3.63; P=0.048), and participants with more colposcopy
      experience (OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.91-6.85; P<0.001) and postgraduate VIA/VILI
      training (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.16-3.29; P=0.012) were more likely to pass the test.
      Participants who repeated the test (31/255 [12.2%]) were five times more likely
      to succeed on their second repeat (OR 5.89, 95% CI 1.46-23.73; P=0.013).
      CONCLUSION: Web-based training for VIA/VILI is feasible and can identify
      healthcare workers who are proficient in this technique.

PMID- 27126909
TI  - Intrapetrous Internal Carotid Artery: Evaluation of Exposure, Mobilization and
      Surgical Maneuvers Feasibility from a Retrosigmoid Approach in a Cadaveric Model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide a quantification of the exposure of the vertical and
      horizontal segments of the intrapetrous carotid artery (IPCA) and to evaluate the
      possibilities of its mobilization and of performing surgical maneuvers on it
      using the retrosigmoid approach. METHODS: Twelve surgical dissections were
      performed bilaterally on 6 fresh cadavers. Predissection computed tomography (CT)
      scans with bone fiducials for intraoperative navigation were acquired. A
      retrosigmoid craniectomy was performed. The inframeatal space was drilled, the
      horizontal (HoIPCA) and vertical (VeIPCA) segments of the IPCA were exposed, and
      their measurements were recorded. The carotid canal was enlarged, the artery was
      carefully detached from the bone, and a vessel loop was inserted in order to
      mobilize its horizontal segment. Afterwards we performed different surgical
      maneuvers: We inflated a 5-French Fogarty balloon to compress the IPCA and
      repaired a 7-mm arteriotomy with a running suture. Specimens underwent a new CT
      scan to evaluate the amount of bone removal and the integrity of the inner ear
      structures. RESULTS: The HoIPCA and VeIPCA were exposed and anatomically
      preserved in all specimens without injuring the surrounding neurovascular
      structures. The HoIPCA presented an average length of 24.89 mm (range: 19.41
      31.47 mm), and the VeIPCA presented an average length of 10.07 mm (range: 8.92
      11.58 mm). The possibility of IPCA mobilization and the feasibility of performing
      surgical maneuvers were demonstrated. Postdissection CT scan showed the
      preservation of inner ear structures. CONCLUSION: Exposure and mobilization of
      the IPCA using a retrosigmoid approach are feasible and could represent a viable
      option for the possibility of reaching a total resection of selected skull base
      tumors, even when involvement of the carotid canal is present.

PMID- 27126911
TI  - Pure Intrasellar Meningioma Mimicking Pituitary Macroadenoma: Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Intrasellar meningioma originating from the sellar floor is extremely rare and is
      often indistinguishable from pituitary macroadenoma, both clinically and
      radiologically. Here, we report a case involving a 68-year-old patient with
      intrasellar meningioma possibly originating from the sellar floor and present a
      brief review of all previous cases reported in the English literature. 

PMID- 27126910
TI  - Syringomyelia Caused by Traumatic Intracranial Hypotension: Case Report and
      Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Syringomyelia due to intracranial hypotension is rarely described. As
      a consequence, intracranial hypotension is less recognized as a potential cause
      of syringomyelia or mistaken with Chiari type 1 malformation. The pathogeny is
      poorly understood, and we lack diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this
      particular setting. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe a 45-year-old patient who
      developed syringomyelia after about 10 years of undiagnosed intracranial
      hypotension caused by traumatic C6 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Surgical
      closing of the leak was required to treat intracranial hypotension after failure
      of conservative measures and blind epidural patches. It led to a marked
      improvement of cerebral and spinal signs. We discuss the pathogeny of
      syringomyelia caused by intracranial hypotension and highlight a mechanical
      theory of hyperpressure against the cervical spine due to blockage of CSF flow by
      descent of cerebellar tonsils at the foramen magnum level. We describe
      discriminating clinical and radiologic signs to differentiate intracranial
      hypotension from Chiari type 1 malformation and discuss mechanisms and causality
      relating trauma and intracranial hypotension. CONCLUSIONS: Syringomyelia can be a
      consequence of long-term progression of intracranial hypotension, which must be
      differentiated from Chiari type 1 malformation. In our case, resolution was
      achieved by detecting and closing the CSF leak causing the intracranial
      hypotension. Reports of similar cases are necessary to understand the origin of
      CSF leak in traumatic intracranial hypotension and assess the best therapeutic
      strategy.

PMID- 27126912
TI  - Genotypic Prediction of Co-receptor Tropism of HIV-1 Subtypes A and C.
AB  - Antiretroviral treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus type-1 (HIV-1)
      infections with CCR5-antagonists requires the co-receptor usage prediction of
      viral strains. Currently available tools are mostly designed based on subtype B
      strains and thus are in general not applicable to non-B subtypes. However, HIV-1
      infections caused by subtype B only account for approximately 11% of infections
      worldwide. We evaluated the performance of several sequence-based algorithms for
      co-receptor usage prediction employed on subtype A V3 sequences including
      circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and subtype C strains. We further analysed
      sequence profiles of gp120 regions of subtype A, B and C to explore functional
      relationships to entry phenotypes. Our analyses clearly demonstrate that state-of
      the-art algorithms are not useful for predicting co-receptor tropism of subtype A
      and its CRFs. Sequence profile analysis of gp120 revealed molecular variability
      in subtype A viruses. Especially, the V2 loop region could be associated with co
      receptor tropism, which might indicate a unique pattern that determines co
      receptor tropism in subtype A strains compared to subtype B and C strains. Thus,
      our study demonstrates that there is a need for the development of novel
      algorithms facilitating tropism prediction of HIV-1 subtype A to improve
      effective antiretroviral treatment in patients.

PMID- 27126913
TI  - Torso, a Drosophila receptor tyrosine kinase, plays a novel role in the larval
      fat body in regulating insulin signaling and body growth.
AB  - Torso is a receptor tyrosine kinase whose localized activation at the termini of
      the Drosophila embryo is mediated by its ligand, Trunk. Recent studies have
      unveiled a second function of Torso in the larval prothoracic gland (PG) as the
      receptor for the prothoracicotropic hormone, which triggers pupariation. As such,
      inhibition of Torso in the PG prolongs the larval growth period, thereby
      increasing the final pupa size. Here, we report that Torso also acts in the
      larval fat body, regulating body size in a manner opposite from that of Torso in
      PG. We confirmed the expression of torso mRNA in the larval fat body and its
      reduction by RNA interference (RNAi). Fat body-specific knockdown of torso, by
      either of the two independent RNAi transgenes, significantly decreased the final
      pupal size. We found that torso knockdown suppresses insulin/target of rapamycin
      (TOR) signaling in the fat body, as confirmed by repression of Akt and S6K.
      Notably, the decrease in insulin/TOR signaling and decrease of pupal size induced
      by the knockdown of torso were rescued by the expression of a constitutively
      active form of the insulin receptor or by the knockdown of FOXO. Our study
      revealed a novel role for Torso in the fat body with respect to regulation of
      insulin/TOR signaling and body size. This finding exemplifies the contrasting
      effects of the same gene expressed in two different organs on organismal
      physiology.

PMID- 27126914
TI  - Synthesis and preliminary characterization of radioiodinated benzofuran-3-yl
      (indol-3-yl)maleimide derivatives as potential SPECT imaging probes for the
      detection of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) in the brain.
AB  - We report on the synthesis and preliminary characterization of two radioiodinated
      benzofuran-3-yl-(indol-3-yl)maleimides, 3-(benzofuran-3-yl)-4-(5-[(125) I]iodo-1
      methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione ([(125) I]5), and 3-(5-[(125) I]iodo-1
      methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-4-(6-methoxybenzofuran-3-yl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione ([(125)
      I]6), as the first potential SPECT imaging probes targeting glycogen synthase
      kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta). In this study, we used (125) I as a surrogate of (123)
      I because of its ease of use. The radioiodinated ligands were prepared from the
      corresponding tributyltin precursors through an iododestannylation reaction using
      hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant with a radiochemical yield of 10-30%. In vitro
      binding experiments suggested that both compounds show high affinity for GSK
      3beta at a level similar to a known GSK-3beta inhibitor. Biodistribution studies
      with normal mice revealed that the radioiodinated compounds display sufficient
      uptake into (1.8%ID/g at 10 min postinjection) and clearance from the brain
      (1.0%ID/g at 60 min postinjection). These preliminary results suggest that the
      further optimization of radioiodinated benzofuran-3-yl-(indol-3-yl)maleimide
      derivatives may facilitate the development of clinically useful SPECT imaging
      probes for the in vivo detection of GSK-3beta.

PMID- 27126915
TI  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces phosphatidyltris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane and
      derivatives when grown in Tris-buffered medium.
AB  - For optimal growth of a microorganism, the pH of the culture medium should be set
      at an optimum value. For that reason, growth media require buffering agents. We
      show in this study that, when grown in a medium supplemented with
      tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris), Pseudomonas aeruginosa is able to use
      this organic compound to produce new phospholipids. We thus pointed out that
      phosphatidyltris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane as well as
      diphosphatidyltris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane was detected in membrane lipid
      extracts of bacteria grown in Tris-buffered medium. Moreover, the amounts of
      lysoglycerophospholipids in the lipidome of P. aeruginosa grown in Tris-buffered
      medium increased leading to the presence of lysophosphatidylglycerol and
      lysophosphatidyltris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane as well as other lysophospholipid
      derivatives. Finally, we investigated the effect of the presence of these
      exogenous phospholipids on the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to some
      antibiotics. We observed a decrease of the minimal inhibitory concentrations of
      different antibiotic families, i.e., fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, beta
      lactams and polymyxins, proving the importance of the buffer choice for growth
      medium and its impact on the lipidome. 

PMID- 27126916
TI  - Frederik Ruysch (1638-1731): Historical perspective and contemporary analysis of
      his teratological legacy.
AB  - The Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) in Saint
      Petersburg is the oldest museum in Russia. It keeps the remains of the anatomical
      collection of the world-famous 17th century Dutch anatomist Frederik Ruysch. This
      unique collection was bought and shipped in 1717 by Czar Peter the Great, and
      presently still comprises more than 900 specimens, a modest number of which
      concerns specimens with congenital anomalies. We searched for teratological clues
      in the existing collection and in all his descriptions and correspondence
      regarding specimens and cases he encountered during his career as doctor
      anatomiae and chief instructor of the surgeons and midwives in Amsterdam. A total
      of 63 teratological specimens and case descriptions were identified in this
      legacy, including some exceedingly rare anomalies. As it turns out, Ruysch was
      the first to describe several of the conditions we encountered, including
      intracranial teratoma, enchondromatosis, and Majewski syndrome. Although his
      comments pose an interesting view on how congenital anomalies were scientifically
      perceived in early 18th century Europe, Ruysch mostly refrained from explaining
      the causes of the conditions he encountered. Instead, he dedicated himself to
      careful descriptions of his specimens. Almost 300 years after his demise,
      Ruysch's legacy still impresses and inspires both scientists and lay men. (c)
      2016 The Authors. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A Published by Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27126917
TI  - Genome-wide association analysis of actigraphic sleep phenotypes in the LIFE
      Adult Study.
AB  - The genetic basis of sleep is still poorly understood. Despite the moderate to
      high heritability of sleep-related phenotypes, known genetic variants explain
      only a small proportion of the phenotypical variance. However, most previous
      studies were based solely upon self-report measures. The present study aimed to
      conduct the first genome-wide association (GWA) of actigraphic sleep phenotypes.
      The analyses included 956 middle- to older-aged subjects (40-79 years) from the
      LIFE Adult Study. The SenseWear Pro 3 Armband was used to collect 11 actigraphic
      parameters of night- and daytime sleep and three parameters of rest (lying down).
      The parameters comprised measures of sleep timing, quantity and quality. A total
      of 7 141 204 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analysed after
      imputation and quality control. We identified several variants below the
      significance threshold of P <= 5* 10-8 (not corrected for analysis of multiple
      traits). The most significant was a hit near UFL1 associated with sleep
      efficiency on weekdays (P = 1.39 * 10-8 ). Further SNPs were close to
      significance, including an association between sleep latency and a variant in
      CSNK2A1 (P = 8.20 * 10-8 ), a gene known to be involved in the regulation of
      circadian rhythm. In summary, our GWAS identified novel candidate genes with
      biological plausibility being promising candidates for replication and further
      follow-up studies.

PMID- 27126919
TI  - Infectious diseases in the Tuscan detention setting: data from the Health Agency
      of Tuscany.

PMID- 27126918
TI  - Different effects of arginine vasopressin on high-mobility group box 1 expression
      in astrocytes isolated from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats and
      congenic SHRpch1_18 rats.
AB  - Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP/Izm) develop severe
      hypertension and astrocytic oedema following ischaemic stimulation. During
      ischaemic stress high-mobility group box 1 (Hmgb1) expression in astrocytes is
      induced, and subsequently potentiates deterioration of the brain due to ischaemic
      injury, which manifests as both cerebral inflammation and astrocytic oedema.
      Arginine vasopressin (AVP) induces brain injury and increases astrocytic
      swelling. After stroke, Hmgb1 and peroxiredoxin (Prx) are released at different
      times and activate macrophages in the brain via Toll-like receptors (Tlr2s). The
      purpose of this study was to examine whether AVP and/or hypoxia and reoxygenation
      (H/R) contribute to Hmgb1 regulation following ischaemic stroke. Thus, Hmgb1,
      Prx2 and Tlr2 expression levels in astrocytes isolated from Wistar Kyoto rats
      (WKY/Izm), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR/Izm), SHRSP/Izm and congenic rat
      strain SHRpch1_18 treated with AVP and/or H/R were compared. Gene and protein
      expression levels were determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR, and Western blot. mRNA
      expression of Hmgb1, Prx2 and Tlr2 induced by AVP was dose-dependent, and Hmgb1
      and Prx2 expression was higher in SHR/Izm, SHRSP/Izm and SHRch1_18 than in
      WKY/Izm. Tlr2 expression with AVP was reduced in SHR/Izm compared to WKY/Izm. In
      SHRpch1_18, Hmgb1 expression increased after AVP plus H/R. AVP-modulated
      expression of Hmgb1 protein was reduced by the addition of the antioxidant N
      acetylcysteine (NAC). These results suggest that oxidative stress by AVP enhanced
      expression of Hmgb1, Prx2 and Tlr2 in astrocytes. We hypothesize that regulation
      of Hmgb1 by AVP during H/R might be related to induction of inflammation and
      stroke in SHRSP/Izm and SHRpch1_18 rats.

PMID- 27126920
TI  - Aggregation process of paramagnetic particles in fluid in the magnetic field.
AB  - Magnetic targeting is a promising therapeutic strategy for localizing
      systemically delivered magnetic responsive drugs or cells to target tissue, but
      excessive aggregation of magnetic particles could result in vascular
      embolization. To analyze the reason for embolization, the attractive process of
      magnetic particles in magnetic field (MF) was studied in this paper by analyzing
      the form of the aggregated paramagnetic particles while the particle suspension
      flowed through a tube, which served as a model of blood vessels. The effects of
      magnetic flux density and fluid velocity on the formation of aggregated
      paramagnetic particles were investigated. The number of large aggregated clusters
      dramatically increased with increment in the magnetic flux density and decreased
      with increment in the fluid velocity. The analysis of accumulative process
      demonstrates the MF around initially attracted particles was focused, which
      induced the formation of clusters and increased the possibility of embolism.
      Bioelectromagnetics. 37:323-330, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27126921
TI  - Phenylbutazone induces expression of MBNL1 and suppresses formation of MBNL1-CUG
      RNA foci in a mouse model of myotonic dystrophy.
AB  - Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is caused by abnormal expansion of CTG repeats in
      the 3' untranslated region of the DMPK gene. Expanded CTG repeats are transcribed
      into RNA and make an aggregate with a splicing regulator, MBNL1, in the nucleus,
      which is called the nuclear foci. The nuclear foci sequestrates and downregulates
      availability of MBNL1. Symptomatic treatments are available for DM1, but no
      rational therapy is available. In this study, we found that a nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drug (NSAID), phenylbutazone (PBZ), upregulated the expression of
      MBNL1 in C2C12 myoblasts as well as in the HSA(LR) mouse model for DM1. In the
      DM1 mice model, PBZ ameliorated aberrant splicing of Clcn1, Nfix, and Rpn2. PBZ
      increased expression of skeletal muscle chloride channel, decreased abnormal
      central nuclei of muscle fibers, and improved wheel-running activity in HSA(LR)
      mice. We found that the effect of PBZ was conferred by two distinct mechanisms.
      First, PBZ suppressed methylation of an enhancer region in Mbnl1 intron 1, and
      enhanced transcription of Mbnl1 mRNA. Second, PBZ attenuated binding of MBNL1 to
      abnormally expanded CUG repeats in cellulo and in vitro. Our studies suggest that
      PBZ is a potent therapeutic agent for DM1 that upregulates availability of MBNL1.

PMID- 27126923
TI  - Comparison of heart rate variability and classic autonomic testing for detection
      of cardiac autonomic dysfunction in patients with fibromyalgia.
AB  - AIM: Cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CAD) is frequently found in patients with
      fibromyalgia (FM). Thus, we evaluated whether heart rate variability (HRV) is
      superior to the Ewing tests in detecting CAD in FM patients. METHODS: We studied
      35 females with FM and 25 age-matched healthy females. In Ewing tests, results
      were added to yield an overall score. An abnormal result on deep breathing, the
      Valsalva maneuver, or orthostatic standing was counted as 1 point. A change in
      systolic blood pressure (SBP) of > 10 mmHg while standing counted as 1 point, and
      a change of > 20 mmHg as 2 points. A score of 0 was regarded as no CAD, a score
      of >= 2 as severe CAD and a score of 1 as mild CAD. HRV was measured in two ways:
      by R-R intervals (time-domain analysis) and by spectral analysis of a series of
      successive R-R intervals (frequency-domain analysis). RESULTS: FM patients had
      significantly lower expiratory/inspiratory (E/I) ratios, lower Valsalva ratios
      and higher SBP values than healthy controls (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.01,
      respectively). In the frequency domain, very low-frequency and low-frequency
      bands were also lower in FM patients than controls (both P < 0.05). Based on the
      discriminant analysis of the Ewing tests, 54.4% of cases were correctly
      classified. The addition of HRV parameters did not improve the reclassification.
      CONCLUSION: HRV does not improve detection of CAD in FM patients over classic
      autonomic testing.

PMID- 27126922
TI  - Permeabilization activated reduction in fluorescence: A novel method to measure
      kinetics of protein interactions with intracellular structures.
AB  - Understanding kinetic information is fundamental in understanding biological
      function. Advanced imaging technologies have fostered the development of kinetic
      analyses in cells. We have developed Permeabilization Activated Reduction in
      Fluorescence (PARF) analysis for determination of apparent t1/2 and immobile
      fraction, describing the dissociation of a protein of interest from intracellular
      structures. To create conditions where dissociation events are observable, cells
      expressing a fluorescently-tagged protein are permeabilized with digitonin,
      diluting the unbound protein into the extracellular media. As the media volume is
      much larger than the cytosolic volume, the concentration of the unbound pool
      decreases drastically, shifting the system out of equilibrium, favoring
      dissociation events. Loss of bound protein is observed as loss of fluorescence
      from intracellular structures and can be fit to an exponential decay. We compared
      PARF dissociation kinetics with previously published equilibrium kinetics as
      determined by FRAP. PARF dissociation rates agreed with the equilibrium-based
      FRAP analysis predictions of the magnitude of those rates. When used to
      investigate binding kinetics of a panel of cytoskeletal proteins, PARF analysis
      revealed that filament stabilization resulted in slower fluorescence loss.
      Additionally, commonly used "general" F-actin labels display differences in
      kinetic properties, suggesting that not all fluorescently-tagged actin labels
      interact with the actin network in the same way. We also observed differential
      dissociation kinetics for GFP-VASP depending on which cellular structure was
      being labeled. These results demonstrate that PARF analysis of non-equilibrium
      systems reveals kinetic information without the infrastructure investment
      required for other quantitative approaches such as FRAP, photoactivation, or in
      vitro reconstitution assays. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27126925
TI  - On the Lived Experience of Sex Offenders' Therapists: Their Perceptions of
      Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Consequences and Patterns of Coping.
AB  - In the last two decades, there has been a growing understanding that the
      therapeutic encounter with sex offenders takes a cost and has consequences on
      therapists. Despite the increasing research on the consequences of treating sex
      offenders, these studies in fact, have merely described the consequences, without
      providing an outlook for how therapists cope with them. The study presented in
      this article was part of a larger qualitative research project conducted among
      social workers, using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Emphasis is placed on
      therapists' perceptions of the intrapersonal and interpersonal consequences they
      experience from treating sex offenders, as well as the strategies they use to
      cope with these consequences. The study's central findings concern the
      therapists' perception of the intrapersonal consequences, which included two
      levels: primary responses and cumulative responses, and their perception of the
      interpersonal consequences that included their parenting relationships, intimate
      relationships, their attitude toward others (strangers and acquaintances), loss
      of their quality of life, and further positive consequences. The findings
      indicated a sequence and integrated use of the strategies to cope with the
      consequences. The results are discussed in light of the theoretical framework of
      Lazarus and Folkman's stress and coping theory. The limitations of the study as
      well as its implications for future research are discussed.

PMID- 27126924
TI  - Psychometrically Informed Approach to Integration of Multiple Informant Ratings
      in Adult ADHD in a Community-Recruited Sample.
AB  - Although Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth edition
      requires that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are
      apparent across settings, assessed by multiple informants, there remains no
      standardized approach to integration of multiple sources in adult ADHD diagnosis.
      The goal of the study was to evaluate informant effects on adult ADHD symptom
      ratings. Participants were 406 adults, ages 18 to 37, and identified second
      reporters, recruited from the community, and completing a comprehensive
      diagnostic and cognitive assessment, including a clinician-administered
      diagnostic interview and self- and other-report questionnaires of ADHD symptoms.
      Structural equation modeling indicated good fit for a trifactor model of ADHD,
      including general ADHD, specific inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, and
      self- and other-perspective factors. Yet there were a number of symptoms on the
      specific hyperactive-impulsive and self-factors that exhibited nonsignificant
      loadings. Significant differential item functioning across self-ratings and
      informant ratings was also noted. The external validation indices of laboratory
      executive function and diagnostic team-rated impairment was significantly
      correlated with the specific inattentive factor. While executive function was
      marginally significantly correlated with the other perspective factor, impairment
      was associated with the self-perspective factor. Overall, inattentive symptoms
      may be more sensitive measures of adult ADHD, and other and self-ratings may
      provide different information in relation to external criteria.

PMID- 27126926
TI  - The influence of ethnicity on diagnosis of cancer.

PMID- 27126928
TI  - Pars Plana Vitrectomy Alone for the Management of Pseudophakic Rhegmatogenous
      Retinal Detachment with Only Inferior Breaks.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the surgical results of primary pseudophakic rhegmatogenous
      retinal detachment (RRD) with only inferior retinal breaks (IRBs) repaired by
      pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone and complete drainage of subretinal fluid.
      DESIGN: Prospective, interventional cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 147
      consecutive pseudophakic eyes of 147 patients with primary RRD with causative
      inferior breaks. METHODS: All eyes underwent PPV alone and complete drainage of
      subretinal fluid, with air, 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), or 12%
      perfluoropropane (C3F8) as tamponade and with no face-down position in the
      postoperative period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative primary and final
      anatomic outcome, visual acuity, and complications. RESULTS: The patient
      population consisted of 44 women (30%) and 103 men (70%) with a mean age of
      60.8+/-12.9 years. The mean follow-up period was 24.9+/-19.4 months. The mean
      number of quadrants affected was 2.4 (range, 1-4). A single break was present in
      90 cases (61.2%), and 2 to 4 breaks were present in 57 cases (38.8%). The macula
      was found to be detached in 118 cases (80.3%) and attached in 29 cases (19.7%)
      intraoperatively. Of 152 breaks located between 5 and 7 clock-hours, 124 breaks
      (81.6%) were located outside the limits of the gas bubble on the first or third
      day postoperatively. Initial reattachment was achieved in 139 cases (94.5%; 95%
      confidence interval, 89.5-97.6). Final reattachment was achieved in 147 cases
      (100%). Two cases (1.3%) redetached because of new or missed retinal breaks. Six
      cases (4.1%) redetached because of incomplete retinal adhesion of the treated
      break(s). Mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.11+/-0.59
      logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). The mean final
      postoperative BCVA was 0.42+/-0.33 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: Pars plana vitrectomy
      alone with complete drainage of subretinal fluid achieves a high reattachment
      rate in the management of primary pseudophakic RRD due to IRBs.

PMID- 27126929
TI  - Incidence of Intraocular Pressure Elevation and Glaucoma after Lamellar versus
      Full-Thickness Penetrating Keratoplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the cumulated incidence of glaucoma after penetrating
      keratoplasty (PK), anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK), and endothelial
      keratoplasty (EK). DESIGN: Cohort study. Data were recorded prospectively and
      analyzed retrospectively. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1657 consecutive eyes of 1657
      patients undergoing corneal transplantation between 1992 and 2013. METHODS:
      Penetrating keratoplasty (date range, 1992-2013), ALK (date range, 2002-2013),
      and Descemet's stripping automated EK (date range, 2006-2013). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma treatments, and
      glaucoma-related loss of vision (loss of central visual function resulting in
      absence of light perception or light perception limited to the temporal visual
      field). Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze risk factors
      for glaucoma after keratoplasty. RESULTS: The 10-year cumulated incidence of
      elevated IOP and elevated IOP requiring treatment was 46.5% and 38.7%,
      respectively. In multivariate analysis, 4 variables were significantly associated
      with a higher incidence of elevated IOP requiring treatment after keratoplasty:
      preoperative glaucoma or IOP >20 mmHg (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.56; P <
      0.001), penetrating keratoplasty (PK) (adjusted HR, 1.12 vs. ALK and 1.10 vs. EK;
      P < 0.001), postoperative lens status (adjusted HR vs. phakic eyes: 1.15 for
      posterior chamber intraocular lens, 1.43 for anterior chamber intraocular lens
      [IOL], 2.83 for aphakic eyes; P < 0.001), and IOL exchange or removal during
      surgery (adjusted HR, 1.48; P < 0.001). Recipient age, preoperative diagnosis,
      filtering surgery before keratoplasty, vitrectomy associated with keratoplasty,
      and filtering surgery associated with keratoplasty were significantly associated
      with a higher incidence of elevated IOP requiring treatment after keratoplasty in
      univariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis. The 10-year probability of
      loss of vision related to glaucoma was 1.0% after EK, 2.1% after ALK, and 3.6%
      after PK (P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of elevation of IOP after
      keratoplasty and development of glaucoma are significantly decreased with ALK and
      EK compared with PK. We believe this is due to diminished surgery-induced damage
      to the anterior chamber angle and trabecular meshwork, and reduced postoperative
      use of steroids.

PMID- 27126931
TI  - [IFN-gamma stimulates the release of cathepsin S in mouse mast cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) on cathepsin
      S (CTSS) expressed by P815 mouse mast cells and mouse bone marrow-derived mast
      cells (BMMCs). METHODS: IFN-gamma of 10, 25 and 50 ng/mL were respectively used
      to stimulate P815 cells and mouse BMMCs. Real-time PCR and ELISA were applied to
      detect mRNA and protein levels of CTSS in P815 cells and BMMCs. 25 ng/mL IFN
      gamma was used to treat P815 cells for 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 and 72 hours and mouse
      BMMCs for 12, 24 and 48 hours; the above mentioned detection steps were then
      repeated. RESULTS: IFN-gamma induced P815 cells and BMMCs to express CTSS on the
      mRNA and protein levels in the time- and dose-dependent manners. CONCLUSION: IFN
      gamma could stimulate mast cells to release CTSS.

PMID- 27126932
TI  - [Dexamethason suppresses the activation of rat microglia induced by glutamic
      acid].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on the microglia
      activation induced by glutamic acid (GLU) in rats. METHODS: We isolated and
      cultured the microglia from the spinal cord of SD infant rats in vitro. The cell
      purity was tested by immunofluorescence technique. The cells were then randomly
      divided into 5 groups: Dulbecco' s phosphate buffered saline treatment (DPBS
      group); GLU treatment (GLU group); DEX pretreatment and then GLU stimulation;
      simultaneous treatment of DEX and GLU; GLU stimulation followed by DEX treatment.
      Finally, immunofluorescence technique was used to investigate the expressions of
      glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and CD11b/c protein. RESULTS: Compared with the DPBS
      group, GLU group presented the increased expression of CD11b/c protein, the
      shorten length of cell processes as well as cell shape turning round.
      Furthermore, compared with the GLU group, the CD11b/c protein expression
      significantly decreased in the group treated simultaneously with DEX and GLU and
      the group treated with DEX after GLU stimulation. However, the expression was not
      different between the GLU group and the group treated with DEX and then
      stimulated by GLU. CONCLUSION: DEX could inhibit microglia activation induced by
      GLU, while DEX pretreatment have no such an effect on microglia.

PMID- 27126930
TI  - Prognostic implications of baseline anaemia and changes in haemoglobin
      concentrations with amphotericin B therapy for cryptococcal meningitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Anaemia represents a common toxicity with amphotericin B-based
      induction therapy in HIV-infected persons with cryptococcal meningitis. We sought
      to examine the impact of amphotericin-related anaemia on survival. METHODS: We
      used data from Ugandan and South African trial participants to characterize the
      variation of haemoglobin concentrations from diagnosis to 12 weeks post
      diagnosis. Anaemia severity was classified based on the haemoglobin concentration
      at cryptococcal meningitis diagnosis, and nadir haemoglobin values during
      amphotericin induction. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate 2-
      and 10-week mortality risk. We also estimated 10-week mortality risk among
      participants with nadir haemoglobin < 8.5 g/dL during amphotericin induction and
      who survived >= 2 weeks post-enrolment. RESULTS: The median haemoglobin
      concentration at meningitis diagnosis was 11.5 g/dL [interquartile range (IQR)
      9.7-13 g/dL; n = 311] with a mean decline of 4.2 g/dL [95% confidence interval
      (CI) -4.6 to -3.8; P < 0.001; n = 148] from diagnosis to nadir value among
      participants with baseline haemoglobin >= 8.5 g/dL. The median haemoglobin
      concentration was 8.1 g/dL (IQR 6.5-9.5 g/dL) at 2 weeks, increasing to 9.4 g/dL
      (IQR 8.2-10.9 g/dL) by 4 weeks and continuing to increase to 12 weeks. Among
      participants with haemoglobin < 8.5 g/dL at diagnosis, mortality risk was
      elevated at 2 weeks [hazard ratio (HR) 2.7; 95% CI 1.5-4.9; P < 0.01] and 10
      weeks (HR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1-2.2; P = 0.03), relative to those with haemoglobin >=
      8.5 g/dL. New-onset anaemia occurring with amphotericin therapy did not have a
      statistically significant association with 10-week mortality (HR 2.0; 95% CI 0.5
      9.1; P = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Amphotericin induced significant haemoglobin
      declines, which were mostly transient and did not impact 10-week mortality.
      Individuals with moderate to life-threatening anaemia at baseline had a higher
      mortality risk at 2 and 10 weeks post-enrolment.

PMID- 27126933
TI  - [Overexpression of IL-8 promotes migration of BT549 breast cancer cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To construct a recombinant adenovirus vector containing IL-8 gene and
      observe its effect on the proliferation, cell cycle and migration of BT549 breast
      cancer cells. METHODS: IL-8 gene was amplified by PCR using the cDNA from 143B
      bone sarcoma cells and inserted into shuttle plasmid pAdTrack-TO4. The
      recombinant shuttle plasmid pAdTrack-TO4-IL-8 was digested by PmeI and then
      transformed to AdEasier competent cells. The obtained recombinant adenovirus
      plasmid pAdIL-8 was digested by PacI, and then transfected to HEK293 cells for
      package and amplification by Lipofectamine(TM) 2000. The titer was tested by
      dilution assay. The expression of IL-8 mRNA and protein in BT549 cells was
      detected by reverse transcription PCR and ELISA, respectively. Effect of IL-8
      overexpression on proliferation, cell cycle and migration in BT549 cells was
      respectively investigated by MTT assay, flow cytometry and wound-healing test.
      RESULTS: PCR and DNA sequence analysis verified the recombinant shuttle plasmid
      pAdTrack-TO4-IL-8. Restriction enzymes PacI confirmed the recombinant adenovirus
      plasmid pAdIL-8. IL-8 was overexpressed in BT549 cells after AdIL-8 infection.
      Overexpression of IL-8 promoted BT549 cell migration and arrested the cell cycle
      in the S phase, but it made no significant difference in the proliferation of
      BT549 cells. CONCLUSION: IL-8 overexpression can promote migration of BT549
      breast cancer cells.

PMID- 27126934
TI  - [IL-33 promotes airway remodeling in a mouse model of asthma via ERK1/2 signaling
      pathway].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of IL-33 in asthmatic airway remodeling. METHODS:
      Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group, an
      ovalbumin (OVA) group, and an anti-IL-33 antibody combined with OVA group. The
      airway remodeling features in mice were observed by HE staining. In addition, the
      expressions of IL-33, alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), and type 1 collagen
      (Col1) in the airway of mice were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western
      blotting. Finally, Western blotting was used to determine the activation of
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and mitogen- and stress
      activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1) in the lungs of mice. In vitro, human lung
      fibroblasts (HLF-1) were pretreated with the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 or the MSK1
      inhibitor H89 respectively, and then treated with the human recombinant IL-33
      (rIL-33). Then real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to test
      the expressions of alpha-SMA and Col1. Immunofluorescence cytochemistry and
      Western blotting were also used to observe the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and MSK1
      in HLF-1 cells. RESULTS: The pre-treatment with the ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 or
      anti-IL-33 antibody significantly abolished the OVA-induced airway remodeling,
      increased expressions of IL-33, alpha-SMA, Col1, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2
      and MSK1 in the airway of mice. In vitro, the increased expressions of alpha-SMA
      and Col1 and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and MSK1 induced by rIL-33 in HLF-1
      cells were markedly inhibited by the pre-treatment with U0126 or H89. CONCLUSION:
      IL-33 promotes airway remodeling in asthmatic mice via the ERK1/2-MSK1 signaling
      pathway.

PMID- 27126935
TI  - [The combination of dasatinib and gefitinib enhances the killing effect of
      gefitinib on HCC827 lung cancer cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying that dasatinib
      enhances the killing effect of gefitinib on HCC827 lung cancer cells. METHODS:
      HCC827 cells and gefitinib-resistant HCC827GR cells were treated with 0, 100,
      500, 1000 nmol/L gefitinib alone or in combination with 1000 nmol/L dasatinib.
      The proliferation of HCC827 cells and HCC827GR cells was detected by MTT assay,
      the activity of caspase 3 was tested by spectrophotometry, and the protein
      phosphorylation levels of Src and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were
      examined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Src phosphorylation level was obviously
      enhanced in HCC827GR cells. Dasatinib significantly inhibited Src
      phosphorylation, promoted the cell proliferation and the expression of caspase 3.
      The combination of gefitinib and dasatinib had the stronger killing effect than
      gefitinib alone did. CONCLUSION: The combination of dasatinib and gefitinib can
      enhance the inhibition on the expression of Src protein and the killing effect of
      gefitinib on HCC827 lung cancer cells.

PMID- 27126936
TI  - [Stable expression of human anti-IL-33 scFv-IgG1Fc fusion protein in CHO k1
      cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To construct two different eukaryotic expression vectors of human anti
      interleukin 33 (IL-33) single-chain antibody fragment (scFv-Fc) to transfect
      Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) k1 cells and select the stably and high-level
      expressed cell lines to improve the expression level of the fusion protein.
      METHODS: The previously constructed recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1/SP-scFv-Fc was
      digested to obtain SP-scFv-Fc fragments, and the fragments were inserted into the
      plasmid PMH3(EN) to construct recombinant plasmid PMH3(EN)/SP-scFv-Fc. The
      plasmids PMH3(EN)/SP-scFv-Fc and pcDNA3.1/SP-scFv-Fc were separately transfected
      into CHO k1 cells. The transcription and translation level of the SP-scFv-Fc were
      detected by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blotting,
      respectively. The stably and high-level expressed cell lines were screened by Dot
      blotting. The expression level and binding activity of the expressed scFv-Fc were
      measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The recombinant plasmid PMH3(EN)/SP-scFv-Fc was
      successfully constructed and the size of the inserted SP-scFv-Fc was about 1560
      bp. The RT-PCR results showed that the SP-scFv-Fc was successfully transfected
      into CHO k1 cells. The scFv-Fc proteins could be secreted into the cultural
      supernatant and specifically bind to human IL-33 and anti human IgG1 Fc antibody.
      The expression level of scFv-Fc in plasmid PMH3(EN) was higher than that in
      plasmid pcDNA3.1. After four rounds of screening, the stably and high-level
      expressed cell strains were obtained. The expression level of the scFv-Fc was
      about 10 mg/L. The competitive ELISA results showed that the expressed scFv-Fc
      fusion proteins could inhibit the binding of IL-33 to ST2. CONCLUSION: The anti
      IL-33 scFv-Fc proteins were highly expressed in CHO k1 cells.

PMID- 27126937
TI  - [Dexamethasone increases the expression of reversion-inducing cysteine-rich
      protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) in lung tissues of bronchial asthmatic mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of reversion-inducing cysteine-rich
      protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) in the lung tissues of bronchial asthmatic mice
      and the effect of dexamethasone treatment on its expression. METHODS: Thirty
      BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three equal groups: a control group, an
      asthmatic group and a dexamethasone-treated group. The asthmatic mouse models
      were established by intraperitoneal injection and inhalation with ovalbumin
      (OVA). The number of eosinophils (EOS) and lymphocytes (Lym) in bronchoalveolar
      lavage fluid (BALF) were counted. HE staining was used to observe airway
      inflammation and remodeling. The mRNA and protein expression of RECK were
      determined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS:
      Compared with the control group and the dexamethasone-treated group, the total
      cell number and EOS number in the BALF of the asthma group significantly
      increased. The expression of RECK mRNA in the asthmatic group was significantly
      lower than that in the control group and the dexamethasone-treated group.
      Immunohistochemistry showed that RECK was mainly expressed in the airway
      epithelial cells and inflammatory cells. RECK protein expression was highest in
      the control group and lowest in the asthmatic group. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone
      can increase the expression of RECK in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice.

PMID- 27126938
TI  - [Downregulation of proteinase activated receptor 4 inhibits migration of SW620
      human colorectal cancer cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the human colorectal cancer cell model SW620/PAR4D with
      inducible suppression of proteinase activated receptor 4 (PAR4) expression, and
      investigate the role PAR4 plays in the proliferation and migration of cancer
      cells. METHODS: A human colorectal cancer cell line with tetracycline-inducible
      expression regulatory system, namely SW620/Tet-on, was established; inducible
      expression lentiviral vector with artificial microRNA targeting PAR4, pLVX-Tight
      Puro-PAR4-miR, was constructed and transfected into SW620/Tet-on to make an
      inducible PAR4-suppressed cell model SW620/PAR4D. Western blotting was used to
      confirm the suppression of PAR4 expression after the doxycycline (DOX) treatment.
      CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate the impact of suppressed PAR4 expression on cell
      proliferation, and wound-healing assay was used to analyze the migration of the
      cells. RESULTS: The SW620/PAR4D cell model was established successfully.
      Suppression of PAR4 expression by DOX treatment had no significant impact on the
      growth/proliferation of SW620/PAR4D cells, but markedly inhibited the cell
      migration. CONCLUSION: Suppression of PAR4 expression has no significant effect
      on the proliferation of SW620 cells, but can inhibit the migration of the cells.

PMID- 27126939
TI  - [Increased apoptosis and down-regulation of RhoA in HepG2 cells infected by
      Listeria monocytogenes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the apoptosis of HepG2 cells infected by Listeria
      monocytogenes EGD strain (Lm-EGD) as well as Rho family small GTPases RhoA
      expression. METHODS: HepG2 cells were infected with Lm-EGD (MOI=10 and MOI=100)
      and collected 1 hour and 20 hours after infection. After harvesting, the
      apoptosis of HepG2 cells was determined by flow cytometry combined with annexin V
      FITC/PI assay. RhoA and caspase 3 mRNAs were analyzed by reverse-transcription
      PCR. The caspase 3 activity was detected by colorimetric assay. And Western
      blotting was used to detect RhoA expression in HepG2 cells. RESULTS: Lm invasion
      promoted HepG2 cell apoptosis and down-regulated RhoA mRNA and protein
      expression. Additionally, caspase 3 expression was up-regulated following Lm
      infection. CONCLUSION: Lm infection could promote host cell apoptosis and down
      regulate RhoA expression.

PMID- 27126940
TI  - [Cannabinoid WIN55, 212-2 inhibits proliferation, invasion and migration of human
      SMMC-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of WIN55, 212-2 (WIN) on the proliferation,
      invasion and migration of SMMC-7721 hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its
      underlying mechanisms. METHODS: SMMC-7721 cells were treated with (0, 1, 5, 10,
      20) MUmol/L WIN, and cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay. The
      morphological changes of the cells were observed under a fluorescence microscope
      with Hoechst33258 staining. Cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry
      combined with annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The expression levels of apoptosis
      related proteins P53, P21, Bcl-2 and Bax, and the phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT) and
      phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) were analyzed by
      Western blotting. Transwell(TM) invasion assay was used to detect cell invasion
      ability. Would healing assay was performed to test cell migration ability. The
      expression level of matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP-14) was evaluated by Western
      blotting. RESULTS: WIN inhibited the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells and induced
      cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. After treatment with WIN, the cell
      nucleus concentrated and broken, indicating obvious cell apoptosis. Western
      blotting exhibited an up-regulation in the protein expression of P53, P21 and
      Bax. And the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was repressed. The expression levels of
      AKT, p-AKT and p-ERK were down-regulated, whereas the expression of total ERK was
      not obviously changed. Compared with control group, there was a significant
      inhibition of cell invasion and migration abilities when SMMC-7721 cells were
      treated with WIN. The expression level of MMP-14 decreased as well. CONCLUSION:
      WIN can inhibit the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells and induce cell apoptosis.
      The mechanism is associated with the activation of P53 and the inhibition of AKT,
      p-AKT and p-ERK. WIN can inhibit the invasion and migration of SMMC-7721 cells
      through down-regulating the protein expression of MMP-14.

PMID- 27126941
TI  - [Inhibitory effects of pseudolaric acid B on inflammatory response and M1
      phenotype polarization in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of pseudolaric acid B (PLAB) on the
      inflammatory response and M1 phenotype polarization in RAW264.7 cells induced by
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the related mechanisms. METHODS: The inflammatory
      model in vitro was made using RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS, and then was
      treated with 0.5 MUmol/L PLAB and 1 MUmol/L GW9662, a peroxisome proliferators
      activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) antagonist. The cell cycle was tested by
      flow cytometry. The mRNA expressions of PPARgamma and M1 phenotype markers
      interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were
      measured by real-time PCR. The expression levels of signal molecules involved in
      nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signal pathway were detected by Western
      blotting. RESULTS: PLAB markedly decreased the expressions of IL-1beta and TNF
      alpha mRNAs induced by LPS and increased PPARgamma mRNA level. Moreover, the
      expressions of NF-kappaB p65, pNF-kappaB p65, IKKalpha, IKKbeta, pIKKalpha/beta,
      IkappaBalpha and pIkappaBalpha decreased in PLAB-treated cells. Meanwhile,
      RAW264.7 cells were arrested in G0 and G2 phase after the treatment with PLAB.
      However, the effects of PLAB on RAW264.7 cells could be reversed by GW9662
      obviously. CONCLUSION: PLAB could inhibit the inflammatory response and M1
      phenotype polarization in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS via modulating cell cycle
      and NF-kappaB/PPARgamma signal pathway.

PMID- 27126942
TI  - [Sonic hedgehog (SHH) promotes the proliferation of synovial fibroblasts of rats
      with collagen-induced arthritis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sonic hedgehog (SHH) on the proliferation
      of synovial fibroblasts (SFs). METHODS: The serum samples were collected from 30
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, 30 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
      patients, 30 ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and 30 healthy subjects. The
      concentrations of serum SHH were detected by ELISA. Collagen induced arthritis
      (CIA) were developed by type 2 collagen in Sprague-Dawley rats. The SFs were
      isolated from knee synovial tissues of CIA rats, and then identified by the
      detection of vimentin by immunofluorescence technique. Before and 72 hours after
      blocking SHH-glioma-associated oncogene 1 (Gli-1) signaling pathway with GANT61,
      the expression level of SHH in SFs was detected by Western blotting, and the
      proliferation of SFs was examined with CCK-8 assay. RESULTS: The level of serum
      SHH in the RA patients was remarkably higher than that in the SLE, AS patients
      and the healthy controls. In the CIA rats, the expression of SHH in SFs in vitro
      was higher than that in the healthy control rats. After 72-hour treatment of
      GANT61 to block SHH-Gli-1 signaling pathway, the expression level of SHH protein
      in SFs from CIA rats was reduced, and meanwhile the proliferation of the SFs was
      inhibited. CONCLUSION: SHH plays an important role in the proliferation of SFs
      and could be used as a potential therapeutic target for RA.

PMID- 27126943
TI  - [Identification of serological antigens in excretory-secretory antigens of
      Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To isolate and identify serological antigens in the excretory
      secretory antigens of Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae by the combination of co
      immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometric technology. METHODS: The serum IgG of
      New Zealand rabbits infected with Trichinella spiralis was isolated by ammonium
      sulfate precipitation. Muscle larvaes were isolated from the infected muscle, and
      then purified and cultured to collect excretory-secretory antigens. Serological
      antigens in excretory-secretory antigens were isolated by co-immunoprecipitation
      and SDS-PAGE, and analyzed by Western blotting. Moreover, the protein bands in
      New Zealand rabbit sera infected with Trichinella spiralis were identified by
      mass spectrometric technology. RESULTS: Indirect ELISA showed that the titer of
      serum antibody of New Zealand rabbits infected with Trichinella spiralis was
      1:6400. The rabbit serum IgG was effectively isolated by ammonium sulfate
      precipitation. A total of four clear protein bands of the excretory-secretory
      antigens of Trichinella spiralis were obtained by electrophoresis. Among them,
      three clear protein bands with relative molecular mass (Mr) being 40 kDa, 50 kDa
      and 83 kDa were recognized by the rabbit sera infected with Trichinella spiralis
      but not recognized by the normal rabbit sera. The obtained four protein molecules
      were confirmed as serine protease, specific serine protease of muscle larvae, 43
      kDa secreted glycoprotein and 53 kDa excretory-secretory antigen. CONCLUSION:
      Four proteins were obtained from the excretory-secretory antigens of Trichinella
      spiralis muscle larvae by combination of co-immunoprecipitation and mass
      spectrometric technique analysis, which provided new sources and insights for the
      diagnosis and vaccine candidates of Trichinellosis.

PMID- 27126944
TI  - [Preparation of human soluble FcepsilonR1alpha and detection of serum
      FcepsilonR1alpha antibodies in patients with allergic rhinitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To induce the expression of human soluble Fc epsilon receptor I alpha
      (sFcepsilonR1alpha) in a prokaryotic expression vector, purify the recombinant
      human sFcepsilonR1alpha protein, detect its binding affinity for human serum IgE
      antibodies and detect the levels of sFcepsilonR1alpha, sFcepsilonR1alpha-IgE and
      FcepsilonR1alpha antibodies. METHODS: The FcepsilonR1alpha extracellular region
      gene was amplified using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and was expressed
      in a prokaryotic expression vector pET-sFcepsilonR1alpha using recombinant DNA
      technology under optimal conditions. The human sFcepsilonR1alpha protein was
      purified using iminodiacetic acid (IDA) His binding resin and identified using
      Western blotting. The affinity between the recombinant human sFcepsilonR1alpha
      and serum IgE antibodies and the levels of total sFcepsilonR1alpha,
      sFcepsilonR1alpha-IgE and FcepsilonR1alpha antibodies were measured using ELISA.
      RESULTS: The amplified gene corresponding to the extracellular region
      FcepsilonR1alpha was approximately 600 bp. PCR, double enzyme digestion and
      sequencing confirmed the correct sequence of the expression vector pET
      sFcepsilonR1alpha. After human sFcepsilonR1alpha protein was induced in the
      expression vector pET-FcepsilonR1alpha and purified, Western blotting showed that
      its relative molecular mass (Mr) was approximately 42,000. ELISA revealed that
      the human sFcepsilonR1alpha bound with a high affinity to serum IgE, and the
      lower levels of total sFcepsilonR1alpha and sFcepsilonR1alpha-IgE and higher
      levels of serum anti-FcepsilonR1alpha antibodies in the patients with allergic
      rhinitis than in the normal subjects. CONCLUSION: We successfully synthesized
      human sFcepsilonR1alpha which had a strong binding affinity for human serum IgE.
      The higher levels of serum anti-FcepsilonR1alpha antibodies in the patients with
      allergic rhinitis than the normal subjects.

PMID- 27126945
TI  - [Down-regulation of receptor-tyrosine-kinase-like orphan receptor 1 suppresses
      cell growth and enhances apoptosis in human colorectal carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of receptor-tyrosine-kinase-like orphan
      receptor 1 (ROR1) and its role in cell growth in human colorectal carcinoma
      (CRC). METHODS: Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry
      (IHC) were used to detect the expression of ROR1 in CRC (n=60) and matched tumor
      adjacent tissues. The relationship between the expression of ROR1 and clinical
      features was analyzed by Pearson chi-square test. siRNA was used to down-regulate
      the expression of ROR1 in SW480 cells in vitro. The qRT-PCR and Western blotting
      were performed to confirm the down-regulation of ROR1 expression. The effects of
      down-regulated ROR1 on cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by MTT
      assay and flow cytometry combined with annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively.
      RESULTS: Both the mRNA and protein expression of ROR1 were significantly up
      regulated in CRC tissues than in tumor-adjacent tissues, and the expression of
      ROR1 was positively correlated with tumor size (>=5 cm), lymphatic metastasis and
      TNM stage (III and IV). siRNA could significantly down-regulate the expression of
      ROR1 in SW480 cells, then suppressed proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in
      SW480 cells. CONCLUSION: The expression of ROR1 was significantly higher in CRC
      tissues than in tumor-adjacent tissues. Down-regulation of ROR1 could play an
      anti-cancer role through inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in CRC.

PMID- 27126946
TI  - [TLR9 expression is positively correlated with the levels of CD38, HLA-DR and
      CD95 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in chronic HBV infected patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the expression of TLR9 and the
      levels of CD38, HLA-DR and CD95 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of
      chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients. METHODS: 70 chronic HBV
      infected patients and 12 healthy donors were enrolled in this study, and density
      gradient centrifugation was used to isolate PBMCs from peripheral blood with EDTA
      for anticoagulation. Flow cytometry was used to detect the levels of TLR9, CD38,
      HLA-DR and CD95 on PBMCs. RESULTS: Compared to the healthy donors, chronic HBV
      infected patients with low viral load or high viral load had significantly higher
      levels of TLR9, HLA-DR and CD95 on PMBCs. Furthermore, the co-expression rates of
      TLR9 and CD38, HLA-DR, CD95 on PBMCs were obviously higher than those of the
      healthy donors. Correlation analysis showed that the expression of TLR9 was
      positively correlated with CD38 (r=0.345), HLA-DR (r=0.334), CD95 (r=0.227) on
      PBMCs in the patients with chronic HBV infection. CONCLUSION: The expression of
      TLR9 increased and was positively associated with CD38, HLA-DR and CD95 on PBMCs
      during chronic HBV infection.

PMID- 27126947
TI  - [Changes of Tim-3 and PD-1 on peripheral blood monocyte subsets in patients with
      chronic hepatitis C].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution of peripheral blood monocyte subsets
      of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and observe the expression of negative
      regulators T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (Tim-3) and programmed cell
      death-1 (PD-1) on the monocyte subsets. METHODS: Flow cytometry was employed to
      determine the distribution of three monocyte subsets as well as Tim-3 and PD-1
      expression on the three monocyte subsets. Their correlations with the clinical
      parameters were analyzed by Spearman test. RESULTS: Compared with healthy
      controls, an increased distribution of CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes, especially
      CD14(++)CD16(+) monocyte subset, was observed in CHC patients. Tim-3 expression
      was significantly elevated on CD14(++)CD16(-) and CD14(+)CD16(++) subsets in CHC
      patients. Obviously increased PD-1 expression was found mainly on CD14(++)CD16(-)
      and CD14(++)CD16(+) subsets. There were no significant correlations between
      monocyte subsets, PD-1, Tim-3 and the clinical parameters. CONCLUSION: The levels
      Tim-3 and PD-1 are different in three monocyte subsets.

PMID- 27126948
TI  - [Changes and clinical significance of innate-like lymphocyte subsets in
      peripheral blood of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the percentages and correlations of innate-like
      lymphocyte subsets, alphabetaT cells and B2 cells in peripheral blood of patients
      with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and normal individuals. METHODS: A total
      of 16 healthy controls, 5 NSCLC first-visit patients and 15 NSCLC stable-state
      patients were included to take the peripheral blood samples. Flow cytometry was
      performed to detect the percentages of invariant natural killer T (iNKT),
      gammadeltaT, B1, alphabetaT and B2 cell subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes.
      RESULTS: The percentage of iNKT cells in the stable-state patients was
      significantly lower than that of the healthy people and first-visit patients. In
      addition, the percentage of alphabetaT cells in the stable-state patients was
      significantly higher than that of the healthy people. The fist-visit patients had
      a markedly higher percentage of gammadeltaT cells than the stable-state patients,
      but a significantly lower percentage of B1 cells than the healthy people. There
      was an obviously positive correlation between iNKT cells and gammadeltaT cells in
      the stable-state patients. We also found a significantly positive correlation
      between B1 cells and B2 cells in both stable-state patients and healthy people.
      CONCLUSION: The percentages of innate-like lymphocyte subsets in patients with
      NSCLC are in disequilibrium.

PMID- 27126949
TI  - [Preparation of monoclonal antibodies against His-tag and epitope analysis of
      cross antigens].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of His-tag on recombinant proteins in
      vaccination, immunization and pathogenesis. METHODS: Multiple mouse monoclonal
      antibodies (mAb) against His-tag were prepared. The biological and immunoreactive
      characteristics of these mAbs and their cross-reactivity with the normal human
      tissues were investigated by ELISA, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry
      (IHC), respectively. RESULTS: The binding activity of these anti-His mAbs was
      associated with the steric configuration of the his-tagged antigen. In addition,
      most of these mAbs reacted with human hemoglobin and some normal human tissues.
      CONCLUSION: Anti-His antibodies could be elicited by His-tagged recombinant
      proteins in vivo experiments. Moreover, the functional studies of the His-tagged
      recombinant proteins might be affected by the reactions of anti-His6 antibodies
      with human hemoglobin and normal human tissues.

PMID- 27126950
TI  - [Preparation and identification of the polyclonal antibody against mouse IL
      23p19].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prepare the polyclonal antibody against mouse interleukine-23 p19
      (IL-23p19). METHODS: The murine full-length IL-23p19 gene was subcloned into
      pET16 expression vector to construct the recombinant plasmid pET-16b-IL-23p19.
      The plasmid was transformed into E. coli BL 21 (DE3) and IL-23p19 protein
      expression was induced by IPTG and identified with SDS-PAGE analysis and Western
      blotting. After purified by Ni(+) affinity column chromatography, the IL-23p19
      protein was used as the antigen to immunize New Zealand rabbit to prepare the
      antiserum. The polyclonal antibody against the mouse IL-23p19 was isolated from
      antiserum by affinity chromatography. Antibody titer was detected by ELISA.
      Antibody specificity was evaluated by Western blotting. RESULTS: The pET-16b-IL
      23p19 recombinant plasmid was successfully constructed and the IL-23p19 protein
      was effectively expressed in E. coli BL 21 (DE3). The antibody was successfully
      prepared by immunizing New Zealand rabbit with the IL-23p19 protein four times.
      ELISA showed that the titer of the anti-mouse IL-23p19 polyclonal antibody was
      about 1:256,000. Western blotting confirmed that anti-mouse IL-23p19 polyclonal
      antibody could specifically recognize the IL-23p19 protein. CONCLUSION: We have
      successfully prepared the anti-IL-23p19 polyclonal antibody with the high titer
      and specificity.

PMID- 27126951
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated type B aortic dissection.
AB  - A type B dissection involves the aorta distal to the subclavian artery, and
      accounts for 25-40% of aortic dissections. Approximately 75% of these are
      uncomplicated with no malperfusion or ischemia. Multiple consensus statements
      recommend thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) as the treatment of choice
      for acute complicated type B aortic dissections, while uncomplicated type B
      dissections are traditionally treated with medical management alone, including
      strict blood pressure control, as open repairs have a prohibitively high
      morbidity of up to 31%. However, with medical treatment alone, the morbidity,
      including aneurysm degeneration of the affected segment, is 30%, and mortality is
      10% over 5 years. For both chronic and acute uncomplicated type B aortic
      dissections, emerging evidence supports the use of both best medical therapy and
      TEVAR. This paper reviews the current diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated
      type B aortic dissections.

PMID- 27126952
TI  - Nucleation pathway and kinetics of phase-separating active Brownian particles.
AB  - Suspensions of purely repulsive but self-propelled Brownian particles might
      undergo phase separation, a phenomenon that strongly resembles the phase
      separation of passive particles with attractions. Here we employ computer
      simulations to study the nucleation kinetics and the microscopic pathway active
      Brownian disks take in two dimensions when quenched from the homogeneous
      suspension to propulsion speeds beyond the binodal. We find the same qualitative
      behavior for the nucleation rate as a function of density as for a passive
      suspension undergoing liquid-vapor separation, suggesting that the scenario of an
      effective free energy also extends to the kinetics of phase separation. We study
      the transition in more detail through a committor analysis and find that
      transition states are best described by a combination of cluster size and the
      radial polarization of particles in the cluster. 

PMID- 27126953
TI  - Metformin attenuates graft-versus-host disease via restricting mammalian target
      of rapamycin/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and promoting
      adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-autophagy for the balance
      between T helper 17 and Tregs.
AB  - Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), caused by donor T cell-mediated injury
      to host tissues, is a problem in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. The
      transition from naive to effector T cells is accompanied by shift in metabolism
      main pathway; from glucose oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis.
      Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine
      kinase that is a metabolic sensor that helps maintain cellular energy
      homeostasis. Although AMPK activation can exert anti-inflammatory properties by
      negatively regulating pro-inflammatory mediators, its role as a therapeutic
      potential of graft-versus-host disease development remains unclear. In this
      study, we found that the intraperitoneal administration of metformin, which
      activates AMPK signaling significantly, ameliorated the clinical severity of
      aGHVD and lethality. This was associated with reductions in type I T helper (Th1)
      and Th17 and rises in Th2 and regulatory T (Treg) cell. The enhanced signal
      transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation noted during the
      development of aGVHD was reduced by metformin treatment. Furthermore, metformin
      treated Th17 cells became converted into Treg cells via enhanced autophagy. The
      reduction in mortality associated with metformin treatment was associated with
      inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin/signal transducer and activator
      of transcription 3 pathway. These results suggest that metformin might be of
      significant use in the treatment of patients with aGVHD.

PMID- 27126954
TI  - Long-term Outcomes after Truncus Arteriosus Repair: A Single-center Experience
      for More than 40 Years.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze long-term survival and functional
      outcomes after truncus arteriosus repair in a single institution with more than
      40 years of follow-up. METHODS: Medical records were analyzed retrospectively in
      52 patients who underwent the Rastelli procedure for truncus arteriosus repair
      between 1974 and 2002. Thirty-five patients survived the initial repair. The
      median age at the initial operation was 2.8 months (range, 0.1-123 months) and
      the body weight was 3.9 kg (range, 1.6 to 15.0 kg). RESULTS: The median age at
      follow-up was 23.6 years (range, 12.4 to 44.5 years). The median follow-up
      duration was 23.4 years (range, 12.3 to 40.7 years). The actuarial survival rate
      was 97% at 10 years and 93% at both 20 years and 40 years after the initial
      operation. At follow-up, most patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA)
      functional classes I (73%) and II (24%). Thirty-six percent of patients had full
      time jobs, 40% were students, and 21% were unemployed. Most patients (97%) had
      undergone conduit reoperations. Freedom from reoperation for right ventricular
      (RV) outflow and pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis was 59% at 5 years, 28% at 10
      years, and 3% at 20 years after the initial operation. Freedom from catheter
      interventions for RV outflow and PA stenosis was 59% at 5 years, 47% at 10 years,
      and 38% at 20 years after the initial operation. Freedom from truncal valve
      replacement was 88% at 5 years, 85% at 10 years, and 70% at 20 years after the
      initial operation. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-center retrospective study, with
      long-term follow-up after repair of truncus arteriosus, long-term survival and
      functional outcomes were acceptable, despite the requirement for reoperation and
      multiple catheter interventions for RV outflow and PA stenosis in almost all
      patients, and the frequent requirement for late truncal valve operations.

PMID- 27126955
TI  - MicroRNA-127-5p regulates osteopontin expression and osteopontin-mediated
      proliferation of human chondrocytes.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the specific microRNA (miRNA) that
      regulates expression of osteopontin (OPN) in osteoarthritis (OA). The potential
      regulatory miRNAs for OPN messenger RNA (mRNA) were predicted by miRNA prediction
      programs. Among eight potential regulatory miRNAs, miR-220b, miR-513a-3p and miR
      548n increased, while miR-181a, miR-181b, miR-181c, miR-181d and miR-127-5p
      decreased in OA patients. miRNA-127-5p mimics suppressed OPN production as well
      as the activity of a reporter construct containing the 3'-UTR of human OPN mRNA.
      In addition, mutation of miR-127-5p binding site in the 3'-UTR of OPN mRNA
      abolished miR-127-5p-mediated repression of reporter activity. Conversely,
      treatment with miR-127-5p inhibitor increased reporter activity and OPN
      production. Interestingly, miR-127-5p inhibited proliferation of chondrocytes
      through OPN. In conclusion, miRNA-127-5p is an important regulator of OPN in
      human chondrocytes and may contribute to the development of OA.

PMID- 27126956
TI  - Why women with previous caesarean and eligible for a trial of labour have an
      elective repeat caesarean delivery? A national study in France.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the characteristics of women and maternity units
      associated with elective repeat caesarean delivery (ERCD) in women eligible for
      trial of labour after caesarean (TOLAC). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING:
      France. POPULATION AND SAMPLE: Using data from the 2010 French National Perinatal
      Survey, a representative sample of births in France (n = 14 681 women), we
      studied two groups of women with prior caesarean section: (i) women eligible for
      TOLAC according to guidelines (n = 1179) and (ii) a subgroup of these women
      without any medical characteristics that might indicate ERCD (n = 575). METHODS:
      Associations were analysed by multilevel logistic regression. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS: Among the 1584 women with a previous
      caesarean, 1179 (74.4%) were eligible for TOLAC according to guidelines (group
      1); 490 (41.6%) had ERCD. Risk of ERCD increased with increasing maternal age and
      body mass index, pre-existing condition and suspected macrosomia and decreased
      with previous vaginal deliveries. Among the unit characteristics, private status
      (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4.1) and low level of care (aOR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.5])
      were independently associated with a higher risk of ERCD after adjustment on
      patient/pregnancy characteristics. The variability of ERCD rate between hospitals
      was mainly (78%) explained by the status and level of care, and not (0%) by
      patient/pregnancy characteristics. Associations with unit characteristics were
      similar for group 2. CONCLUSION: For women eligible for TOLAC, the rate of ERCD
      is high and not in agreement with guidelines. Some characteristics of women are
      associated with ERCD, but the main determinants are at the unit level, which
      suggests that non-medical reasons are involved in the decision process. TWEETABLE
      ABSTRACT: Elective repeat caesarean in women eligible for trial of labour mainly
      depends on maternity unit characteristics.

PMID- 27126957
TI  - Beneficial effects of Bifidobacterium lactis on lipid profile and cytokines in
      patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized trial. Effects of probiotics on
      metabolic syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Human studies have shown the beneficial effects of probiotic
      microorganisms on the parameters of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and other
      cardiovascular risks, but to our knowledge the effect of Bifidobacterium lactis
      has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of
      consumption of milk containing the probiotic B. lactis HN019 on the classical
      parameters of MetS and other related cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: Fifty
      one patients with MetS were selected and divided into a control group (n = 25)
      and a probiotic group (n = 26). The probiotic group consumed fermented milk with
      probiotics over the course of 45 d. The effects of B. lactis on lipid profile,
      glucose metabolism, and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      and interleukin-6) were assessed in blood samples of the individuals at the
      baseline and after 45 d. RESULTS: Daily ingestion of 80 mL fermented milk with
      2.72 * 10(10) colony-forming units of B. lactis HN019 showed significant
      reduction in body mass index (P = 0.017), total cholesterol (P = 0.009), and low
      density lipoprotein (P = 0.008) compared with baseline and control group values.
      Furthermore, a significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P = 0.033)
      and interleukin-6 (P = 0.044) proinflammatory cytokines was observed. CONCLUSION:
      These data showed potential effects of B. lactis HN019 in reducing obesity, blood
      lipids, and some inflammatory markers, which may reduce cardiovascular risk in
      patients with MetS.

PMID- 27126958
TI  - Guanidinoacetic acid increases skeletal muscle creatine stores in healthy men.

PMID- 27126959
TI  - Non suicidal self injury resulting in dental trauma in an adolescent.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Non-suicidal self injury may be a possible etiologic factor for
      dental trauma in adolescents. The aim of this case report is to present a case of
      non-suicidal self injury resulting in dental trauma in a 16 year old adolescent
      boy. CASE REPORT: This report illustrates a case of non-suicidal self injury in a
      16 year old healthy boy with resultant trauma to the maxillary central incisors
      and the left lateral incisor (teeth 11, 21, and 22). Three tests were applied;
      Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of IntelligenceTM (WASI), Inventory of Statements
      about Self Injury (ISAS), and UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS); to assess the
      patient's intellectual and behavioral functioning. Dental treatment was rendered
      in the form of composite restorations on teeth 11, 21, and 22. RESULTS AND
      DISCUSSION: The patient had a general intelligence quotient (IQ) of 92 (SD =
      10.9), verbal score of 86.6 (SD = 14.6), and performance IQ of 93.4 (SD = 23.66)
      which implied that the intelligence levels were well within the normal range. The
      patient demonstrated self hitting behavior and predominantly intrapersonal
      functions of his NSSI on testing with the ISAS scale and elevated urgency scores
      on the UPPS scale. The total UPPS score was 115.9 and urgency score was 35.9.
      NSSI was an outlet for negative emotions and to release self directed anger. This
      resulted in dental trauma to teeth 11, 21, and 22. CONCLUSION: NSSI may be an
      etiologic or risk factor for dental trauma in intellectually normal adolescents
      as seen in the present case. Self hitting, intrapersonal factors or self directed
      factors and impulsivity are more likely to predispose an adolescent toward
      performance of such behavior.

PMID- 27126960
TI  - Resveratrol attenuates oxidative stress in mitochondrial Complex I deficiency:
      Involvement of SIRT3.
AB  - The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Complex I (CI) deficiencies are
      understood only partially which severely limits the treatment of this common,
      devastating, mitochondrial disorder. Recently, we have shown that resveratrol
      (RSV), a natural polyphenol, has beneficial effects on CI deficiency of nuclear
      origin. Here, we demonstrate that RSV is able to correct the biochemical defect
      in oxygen consumption in five of thirteen CI-deficient patient cell lines. Other
      beneficial effects of RSV include a decrease of total intracellular ROS and the
      up-regulation of the expression of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2)
      protein, a key antioxidant defense enzyme. The molecular mechanisms leading to
      the up-regulation of SOD2 protein expression by RSV require the estrogen receptor
      (ER) and the estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRalpha). Although RSV increases
      the level of SOD2 protein in patients' fibroblasts, the enzyme activity is not
      increased, in contrast to normal fibroblasts. This led us to hypothesize that
      SOD2 enzyme activity is regulated post-translationally. This regulation involves
      SIRT3, a mitochondrial NAD(+)-dependent deacetylase and is critically dependent
      on NAD(+) levels. Taken together, our data show that the metabolic effects of RSV
      combined with its antioxidant capacities makes RSV particularly interesting as a
      candidate molecule for the therapy of CI deficiencies.

PMID- 27126961
TI  - Morphological and Molecular Identification of Anagrus 'atomus' Group
      (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) Individuals from Different Geographic Areas and Plant
      Hosts in Europe.
AB  - Morphological identification and molecular study on the COI gene were
      simultaneously conducted on Anagrus Haliday 'atomus' group individuals collected
      in the field in Italy or supplied from a UK biofactory. Females were
      morphologically identified as A. atomus L. and A. parvus Soyka sensu Viggiani
      (=A. ustulatus sensu Chiappini). Alignment of COI gene sequences from this study
      permitted recognition of a total of 34 haplotypes. Phylogenetic and network
      analyses of molecular data not only confirmed that A. atomus is a species
      distinct from A. parvus, but also suggested that two species may be included
      within morphologically identified A. parvus. Different geographical distribution
      and frequency of haplotypes were also evidenced. For males considered in this
      study, morphometric analyses revealed a character that could be useful to
      discriminate A. atomus from A. parvus Both species were found in vineyards and
      surrounding vegetation, confirming the potential role of spontaneous vegetation
      as a source of parasitoids for leafhopper control in vineyards.

PMID- 27126962
TI  - Selaginella and the Satyr: Euptychia westwoodi (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)
      Oviposition Preference and Larval Performance.
AB  - Members of the plant genus Selaginella (de Beauvois 1805) have few known insect
      herbivores even though they are considered by some to be 'living fossils', with
      extant taxa virtually indistinguishable from 300 Mya fossils. Butterflies are
      well-known herbivores, and the satyrs are among the most speciose of them despite
      having radiated ~ 35 Mya ago. Nearly all satyrs feed on grass or sedges, but
      members of the Neotropical genus Euptychia Hubner 1818 feed on Selaginella;
      little is known about the degree to which this butterfly favors this ancient
      plant over those that its close relatives utilize. To advance our knowledge of
      Euptychia natural history, we conducted a series of experiments to examine
      oviposition preference and growth rates across a series of potential host plants
      on a Euptychia westwoodi population in Costa Rica. We found that Euptychia
      westwoodi Butler 1867 exhibit a strong preference to oviposit on Selaginella
      eurynota over the sympatric Selaginella arthritica, though they perform equally
      well as larvae on both plants. We did not observe oviposition on a sympatric
      grass that is commonly consumed by close relatives of E. westwoodi, and when
      larvae were offered the grass they refused to eat. These results suggest that E.
      westwoodi in Costa Rica exhibit a strong preference for Selaginella and may have
      lost the ability to feed on a locally abundant grass commonly used by other
      Satyrinae.

PMID- 27126964
TI  - Lyophilized artificial diet for rearing the Neotropical Euschistus heros
      (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).
AB  - An artificial diet to mass-rear Euschistus heros (F. 1798) (Hemiptera:
      Pentatomidae) was developed in the laboratory. Biological studies were conducted
      under controlled conditions of temperature (25 +/- 2  degrees C), RH: 60 +/- 10%,
      and photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h. Out of 13 diets tested, 2 diets (D9 and D11)
      were the most suitable. The artificial diets selected had the same composition
      (green beans, peanuts, sucrose, water, Nipagin, and sorbic acid) except for
      different antimicrobial agents (D11 has tetracycline, and D9 doesn't). The 68%
      viability for the egg-adult period of insects reared on these lyophilized
      artificial diets (LAD) was almost twice as high as the 38% viability obtained
      with the natural diet. Although adults reared on LAD weighed 17% less than those
      reared on the natural diet, mean fecundity was higher than on the natural diet
      (282 eggs/female), reaching 430 eggs/female. The net reproductive rate (Ro)
      increased over the generations for the diets with lyophilized material and
      antimicrobial agents. The opposite occurred with the diet of lyophilized material
      without antimicrobial agents, showing that the insects either adapted or
      degenerated through generations. Lyophilized diets supported the production of E.
      heros through at least 10 generations, with no degeneration.

PMID- 27126963
TI  - Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and
      Expression Profiles of Mitochondrial-Encoded Genes in Early and Late Embryos.
AB  - The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the bollworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie),
      was assembled using paired-end nucleotide sequence reads generated with a next
      generation sequencing platform. Assembly resulted in a mitogenome of 15,348 bp
      with greater than 17,000-fold average coverage. Organization of the H. zea
      mitogenome (gene order and orientation) was identical to other known lepidopteran
      mitogenome sequences. Compared with Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) mitogenome,
      there were a few differences in the lengths of gaps between genes, but the
      lengths of nucleotide overlaps were essentially conserved between the two
      species. Nucleotide composition of the H. zea mitochondrial genome was very
      similar to those of the related species H. armigera and Helicoverpa punctigera
      Wallengren. Mapping of RNA-Seq reads obtained from 2-h eggs and 48-h embryos to
      protein coding genes (PCG) revealed that all H. zea PCGs were processed as single
      mature gene transcripts except for the bicistronic atp8 + atp6 transcript. A tRNA
      like sequence predicted to form a hammer-head-like secondary structure that may
      play a role in transcription start and mitogenome replication was identified
      within the control region of the H. zea mitogenome. Similar structures were also
      found within the control regions of several other lepidopteran species.
      Expression analysis revealed significant differences in levels of expression of
      PCGs within each developmental stage, but the pattern of variation was similar in
      both developmental stages analyzed in this study. Mapping of RNA-Seq reads to PCG
      transcripts also identified transcription termination and polyadenylation sites
      that differed from the sites described in other lepidopteran species.

PMID- 27126965
TI  - {NiLn} (Ln = Gd, Dy) rod-like nano-sized heteronuclear coordination clusters with
      a double carbonate bridge skeleton and remarkable MCE behaviour.
AB  - The newly obtained complexes [NiLn(Piv)16(teaH)6(OCH3)2(CO3)2(H2O)2] Ln = Gd, Dy,
      show a remarkable MU5-carbonate bridged octanuclear planar {Ni4Ln4} core further
      capped with embedded {Ni3Ln} cubane motifs to afford a rod shaped nano-sized
      molecule of about 1.2 * 2.8 nm. Unusual MCE behaviour has been found due to
      multiple low lying excited states arising from competing ferromagnetic and anti
      ferromagnetic Ni-Ni and Ni-Ln exchange interactions. 

PMID- 27126966
TI  - The effect of textural complexity of solid foods on satiation.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that food texture affects satiation by influencing
      the eating rate, bite size and oral transit time. However, investigations into
      the direct effect of texture on satiation are limited. The objective of the
      current study was to investigate the effect of textural complexity on satiation,
      independent of oral processing time and energy density. A preload-test meal
      design was used in this study; model foods with three levels of textural
      complexity (low, medium and high) were consumed as preload foods followed by a
      two-course ad libitum meal. This study was a randomized cross-over trial with 38
      subjects. The results clearly showed that food with greater textural complexity
      led to significantly lower food intake overall. The first course of the meal and
      total food intake was significantly reduced (p<0.05) although food intake at the
      second course did not differ between groups. Despite the differing total intake,
      all subjects rated to have the same sense of satiety after three hours post-trial
      and the time taken to the next eating occasion did not differ between different
      preload conditions. Increased textural complexity in food enhances satiation and
      may potentially impact on satiety however this needs to be further confirmed in
      future studies. The findings suggest that foods with more complex textures can be
      a helpful tool in reducing the short-term food intake and enhancing the satiation
      response.

PMID- 27126967
TI  - Association of eating three meals irregularly with changes in BMI and weight
      among young Japanese men and women: A 2-year follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological longitudinal investigations of the association between
      not eating three meals regularly and changes in BMI and weight are scarce. The
      aim of this study was to investigate whether or not regularly eating three meals
      was associated with changes in BMI and weight in young Japanese men and women.
      METHODS: Study participants were 1241 men and 897 women aged 19.0+/-1.2 and
      18.8+/-0.8years, respectively, who underwent health checkups at a university in
      Japan in 2001 as the baseline and subsequently in 2003. Weight and height were
      measured at baseline and 2years later. Whether an individual ate three meals
      regularly was determined by a self-report questionnaire in 2001. RESULTS: During
      the 2-year follow-up, the BMI gain was 0.347 for men and 0.067 for women. In the
      logistic regression analysis, for men, eating three meals irregularly was
      significantly associated with a 4% BMI gain (OR 1.60, CI 1.11-2.30), 6% BMI gain
      (OR 1.72, CI 1.12-2.63), 4kg weight gain (OR 2.01, CI 1.29-3.13), 6kg weight gain
      (OR 1.86, CI 1.02-3.37), and incidence of obesity (BMI ? 25)(OR 2.96, CI 1.22
      7.17). For women, eating three meals irregularly was significantly associated
      with a 4% BMI loss (OR 1.99, CI 1.01-3.94), 6% BMI loss (OR 2.79, CI 1.29-6.03),
      4kg weight loss (OR 3.85, CI 1.62-9.12), 6kg weight loss (OR 7.65, CI 2.06
      28.46), and the incidence of underweight (OR 3.95, CI 1.32-11.89). CONCLUSIONS:
      The current results suggested that eating three meals irregularly was associated
      with subsequent BMI and weight gains for men and subsequent BMI and weight losses
      for women; both groups were around 20years of age. Self-reported eating behavior
      in this study might be used to screen and evaluate young Japanese men and women
      at high risk for changes in BMI and weight in a practical clinical setting.

PMID- 27126968
TI  - Circuit organization of sugar reinforcement.
AB  - Sugar's potent reinforcing properties arise from the complex interplay between
      gustatory and nutritive signals. This commentary addresses a unique
      organizational aspect of the neuronal circuitry that mediates sugar reinforcement
      in both Drosophila and rodents. Specifically, current evidence supports a general
      circuit model where separate populations of dopaminergic neurons encode the
      gustatory and nutritive values of sugar. This arrangement allows animals to
      prioritize energy seeking over taste quality, and implies that specialized
      subpopulations of dopamine-containing neurons form a class of evolutionary
      conserved chemo- and nutrient-sensors.

PMID- 27126970
TI  - Anaerobic training in hypoxia: A new approach to stimulate the rating of effort
      perception.
AB  - This study compared subjective effort perception with objective physiological
      measures during high-intensive intermittent exercise performed in normoxia,
      moderate hypoxia (FiO2: 16.5%) and severe hypoxia (FiO2: 13.5%). Sixteen
      physically active subjects performed an equal training session on three different
      days. Training consisted of 6 "all-out" series of continuous jumps lasting for
      15s each. Average power output during the jumps was similar in all three
      conditions (~3200W). Greater hypoxemia was observed in hypoxia as compared to
      normoxia. Likewise, a significantly higher value in perceived effort was observed
      after hypoxia training as compared to normoxia training (p<0.05). Whereas blood
      lactate concentrations immediately after training were not different between
      normoxia and hypoxia, creatine kinase increased in moderate (p=0.02) and severe
      (p<0.01) hypoxia compared to normoxia 24h after the training. Perceived fatigue
      was also significantly elevated 24h after hypoxic exercise only. Heart rate
      variability pre and 24h after exercise showed a tendency to sympathetic
      predominance in severe hypoxia as compared to moderate hypoxia and normoxia. In
      conclusion, a single session of anaerobic exercise can be executed at the same
      intensity in moderate/severe hypoxia as in normoxia. This type of hypoxic
      training may be considered as a method potentially to improve the ability
      tolerating discomfort and consequently also exercise performance.

PMID- 27126969
TI  - The food-insecurity obesity paradox: A resource scarcity hypothesis.
AB  - Food insecurity is paradoxically associated with obesity in the United States.
      Current hypotheses to explain this phenomenon are descriptive regarding the low
      food security population's dietary and physical activity habits, but are not
      mechanistic. Herein it is proposed that a resource scarcity hypothesis may
      explain this paradox, such that fattening is a physiologically regulated response
      to threatened food supply that occurs specifically in low social status
      individuals. Evidence that this may be occurring, the implications for addressing
      the food insecurity-obesity paradox, and future areas of research, are reviewed
      and discussed.

PMID- 27126971
TI  - Clomiphene citrate before and after withdrawal bleeding for induction of
      ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Randomized cross-over trial.
AB  - AIM: To compare the ovarian response to early versus late clomiphene citrate (CC)
      in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This cross-over
      randomized controlled clinical trial included 90 infertile amenorrheic women with
      PCOS. After inducing withdrawal bleeding, patients were randomly divided into two
      equal groups to receive ovulation induction with CC 100 mg/day for 5 days. Group
      I started treatment the next day after finishing medroxyprogesterone acetate
      course for a menstrual cycle, and after a washout period of another menstrual
      cycle, the treatment was shifted to start on day 2 of withdrawal bleeding. Group
      II received a reversed protocol: late then early treatment. Women were followed
      up on transvaginal ultrasonography to monitor follicular growth, endometrial
      thickness and evidence of ovulation. Human chorionic gonadotropin 10 000 IU was
      given i.m. to trigger ovulation when at least one mature follicle measured >=18
      mm at day 14. RESULTS: In all cases, early induction protocol resulted in
      significantly higher proportion of ovulating patients, thicker endometrium and
      higher number of follicles 14-17 mm in diameter, >= 18 mm in diameter and total
      number of follicles (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: In women with
      PCOS, early initiation of CC before withdrawal bleeding or during the last days
      of the luteal phase can achieve a better ovulatory response.

PMID- 27126972
TI  - Dual roles of DNA repair enzymes in RNA biology/post-transcriptional control.
AB  - Despite consistent research into the molecular principles of the DNA damage
      repair pathway for almost two decades, it has only recently been found that RNA
      metabolism is very tightly related to this pathway, and the two ancient
      biochemical mechanisms act in alliance to maintain cellular genomic integrity.
      The close links between these pathways are well exemplified by examining the base
      excision repair pathway, which is now well known for dual roles of many of its
      members in DNA repair and RNA surveillance, including APE1, SMUG1, and PARP1.
      With additional links between these pathways steadily emerging, this review aims
      to provide a summary of the emerging roles for DNA repair proteins in the post
      transcriptional regulation of RNAs. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:604-619. doi:
      10.1002/wrna.1353 For further resources related to this article, please visit the
      WIREs website.

PMID- 27126973
TI  - Temperature and collision energy effects on dissociation of hydrochloric acid on
      water surfaces.
AB  - Collisions of HCl at the air-water interface modelled by a 72 molecule water slab
      are studied for a range of various impact energies and temperatures using ab
      initio molecular dynamics with density functional theory. A range of short
      timescale events can follow the collision, from direct scattering to
      nondissociative trapping on the surface. In most cases, HCl dissociation occurs
      within a few picoseconds, followed by the formation of a solvent-separated ion
      pair, or rarely, the reformation of HCl. With increasing impact energy and/or
      system temperature, dissociation occurs more rapidly, with Cl(-) tending to
      diffuse deeper into the slab. At temperatures corresponding to the frozen water
      regime, dissociation is seen only once out of the five thermal collisions, but
      with the addition of a total of 4kT or more of kinetic energy to HCl, it occurs
      in all our trajectories within a few ps.

PMID- 27126974
TI  - Evaluation of the correlation between type 1 diabetes and cognitive function in
      children and adolescents, and comparison of this correlation with structural
      changes in the central nervous system: a study protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) affects nearly 15 million children
      worldwide and failure to achieve and maintain good glycaemic control in this
      group can lead to diabetes-related complications. Children with T1DM can
      experience impairment in cognitive function such as memory, attention and
      executive function. This study is designed to evaluate the correlation between
      diabetes and cognitive dysfunction as well as to clarify whether this correlation
      can be linked to neurological structural changes in 6-11-year-old children with
      diabetes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: 310 eligible children with diabetes will be
      divided into two groups based on glycaemic control according to their HbA1c
      index. The control group will include 150 children aged 6-11 without diabetes.
      The following parameters will be measured and investigated: duration of the
      disease since diagnosis, required daily insulin dose, frequency of insulin
      administration, hospital admissions due to diabetes, hypoglycaemic episodes
      during the last year, and episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. The following
      components of cognitive function will be evaluated: memory, attention, executive
      function, decision-making and academic performance. Cognitive function and
      subsequent subtests will be assessed using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test
      Automated Battery (CANTAB) tools. Brain structural indices such as intracranial
      vault (ICV), as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), ventricle, hippocampus, total
      intracranial, total brain, grey matter and white matter volume will be measured
      using MRI. ANOVA, correlational tests (Spearman) and regression models will be
      used to evaluate the hypothesis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study is approved
      by the ethics committee of the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute
      (EMRI) of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) under reference number
      00300. Our findings are to be published in a peer-reviewed journal and
      disseminated both electronically and in print.

PMID- 27126975
TI  - Effect of FTY720 (fingolimod) on graft survival in renal transplant recipients: a
      systematic review protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown that FTY720 has inconsistent effects in kidney
      transplant recipients. Several review articles on FTY720 have been published, but
      most have focused on the mechanism of action of FTY720. Therefore, this review
      aims to evaluate and determine the beneficial and harmful effects of FTY720
      therapy in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We electronically
      searched the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Sciences, EMBASE,
      Cochrane databases and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials. Any
      clinical, randomised controlled trials relating to FTY720 for treating kidney
      transplant recipients were included without publication status or language
      restriction. Study selection, data extraction and assessment of study quality
      were performed independently by two researchers. Data were synthesised by either
      the fixed effects or the random effects model according to a heterogeneity test.
      If the extracted data were suitable for meta-analysis, STATA software was used to
      combine the relative risks for dichotomous outcomes, and the mean differences for
      continuous outcomes with 95% CIs were measured. Death, loss of function and
      incidence of acute kidney rejection were assessed as the primary outcomes. Renal
      graft function, malignancy, delayed graft function and infection were evaluated
      as secondary outcomes. ETHICS/DISSEMINATION: This review does not require formal
      ethics approval because the data are not individualised. The resulting review
      article will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42015024648.

PMID- 27126976
TI  - Impact of previous open renal surgery on the outcomes of subsequent percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to systematically compare the perioperative
      outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients with or without previous
      ipsilateral open renal surgery (POS). DESIGN: Systematic searches of the PubMed,
      Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were used to identify relevant
      studies, and, following literature screening and data extraction, a meta-analysis
      was performed. RESULTS: 17 retrospective cohort studies involving 4833 procedures
      (4784 patients) were included. No statistically significant differences were
      observed between patients with or without POS in terms of supracostal access;
      single/multiple tracts; metal dilator need; time required to access the
      collecting system; fluoroscopic duration; demand for analgesics; hospital stay;
      final stone-free rate; and risk of developing certain complications (eg, fever,
      haemorrhage, haemo/hydro/pneumothorax, blood transfusion, urinary tract infection
      and sepsis) as well as regarding the risk of total complications. Patients with
      POS, however, had a greater drop in haemoglobin (weighted mean difference (WMD),
      1.78 g/L; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.47; p<0.00001) and higher risk of bleeding that
      required angiographic embolisation (relative risk (RR), 3.73; 95% CI 1.36 to
      10.21; p=0.01). In addition, patients with POS also had a lower initial stone
      free rate (RR, 0.96; 95% CI 0.92 to 0.99; p=0.007) and more secondary treatment
      (RR, 1.61; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.37; p=0.02). Sensitivity analysis produced comparable
      results except for differences in operative time and initial stone-free rate,
      which did, however, prove to be statistically insignificant (p=0.16 and 0.69,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence suggests that percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy in patients with POS is associated with a significantly greater
      drop in haemoglobin, higher risk of requiring angiographic embolisation and
      auxiliary procedures, potentially longer operative time, and lower initial stone
      free rate than percutaneous nephrolithotomy in patients without POS.

PMID- 27126977
TI  - Primary care-led survivorship care for patients with colon cancer and the use of
      eHealth: a qualitative study on perspectives of general practitioners.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of general
      practitioners (GPs) regarding their current and future role in survivorship care
      of patients with colon cancer, and to assess their perspectives on patients' self
      management capacities and the value of the eHealth application Oncokompas(2.0)
      used by patients. SETTING: GPs from the central part of the Netherlands were
      interviewed at their location of preference. PARTICIPANTS: 20 GPs participated
      (10 men, 10 women, age range 34-65 years, median age 49.5 years). The median
      years of experience as a GP was 14.5 years (range 3-34 years). RESULTS: GPs
      indicated attempting to keep in contact with patients after colon cancer
      treatment and mentioned being aware of symptoms of recurrent disease. Most
      participants would have liked to be more involved and expected to be able to
      provide survivorship care of colon cancer. Requirements mentioned were agreements
      with secondary care and a protocol. GPs considered Oncokompas(2.0), which
      stimulates patients to structure their own survivorship care, as a useful
      additional tool for a specific group of patients (ie, young and highly-educated
      patients). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the perspectives of the GPs, survivorship care
      of colon cancer in primary care is deemed feasible and the use of an eHealth
      application such as Oncokompas(2.0) is expected to benefit specific groups of
      patients after colon cancer treatment.

PMID- 27126978
TI  - Marking sutures to orientate specimens of basal cell carcinoma: do they really
      make a difference?
AB  - Traditionally, marking sutures have been used to orientate specimens of non
      melanomatous skin cancers, and they provide an identifiable point as a reference
      for monitoring and further treatment. For histopathological purposes, the
      orientated specimen is marked with different inks, which enables measurement to
      the nearest lateral and deep margins, and if invaded, guides further excision. We
      retrospectively analysed 688 specimens of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) from the
      head and neck from two separate years: 2010 and 2012. Marking sutures were used
      in 663 (96%) cases. There were 21 invaded margins (3%), 17 (81%) at the lateral
      margin and 4 (19%) at the deep margin. Of the 17 with invaded lateral margins, 10
      were from the nose, and the remaining 7 from other sites including the ear (n=2),
      and neck, forehead, temple, eyelid, and cheek (n=1 each). Of the 663 marked
      specimens, the marking stitch was useful in only one patient who needed another
      operation (0.2%). We suggest that routine orientation of BCC, even from high risk
      areas, is not necessary. If the operating surgeon questions the size of the
      margin when a lesion is ill-defined or of a high-risk histological subtype, then
      excision with monitored en-face margins should be considered with traditional
      Mohs surgery or a reliable modified version. 

PMID- 27126979
TI  - Response to letter Re: Extensive oral mucosal hyperkeratosis caused by over-the
      counter long lasting snoring relief agent.

PMID- 27126981
TI  - How Extreme Temperatures Impact Organisms and the Evolution of their Thermal
      Tolerance.
AB  - SynopsisUnderstanding the biological impacts of extreme temperatures requires
      translating meteorological estimates into organismal responses, but that
      translation is complex. In general, the physiological stress induced by a given
      thermal extreme should increase with the extreme's magnitude and duration, though
      acclimation may buffer that stress. However, organisms can differ strikingly in
      their exposure to and tolerance of a given extreme temperatures. Moreover, their
      sensitivity to extremes can vary during ontogeny, across seasons, and among
      species; and that sensitivity and its variation should be subject to selection.
      We use a simple quantitative genetic model and demonstrate that thermal extremes
      even when at low frequency-can substantially influence the evolution of thermal
      sensitivity, particularly when the extremes cause mortality or persistent
      physiological injury, or when organisms are unable to use behavior to buffer
      exposure to extremes. Thermal extremes can drive organisms in temperate and
      tropical sites to have similar thermal tolerances despite major differences in
      mean temperatures. Indeed, the model correctly predicts that Australian
      Drosophila should have shallower latitudinal gradients in thermal tolerance than
      would be expected based only on gradients in mean conditions. Predicting
      responses to climate change requires understanding not only how past selection to
      tolerate thermal extremes has helped establish existing geographic gradients in
      thermal tolerances, but also how increasing the incidence of thermal extremes
      will alter geographic gradients in the future.

PMID- 27126980
TI  - Polypeptide-Based Gold Nanoshells for Photothermal Therapy.
AB  - Targeted killing of cancer cells by engineered nanoparticles holds great promise
      for noninvasive photothermal therapy applications. We present the design and
      generation of a novel class of gold nanoshells with cores composed of self
      assembled block copolypeptide vesicles with photothermal properties.
      Specifically, poly(L-lysine)60- block-poly(L-leucine)20 (K60L20) block
      copolypeptide vesicles coated with a thin layer of gold demonstrate enhanced
      absorption of light due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the near-infrared
      range. We show that the polypeptide-based K60L20 gold nanoshells have low
      toxicity in the absence of laser exposure, significant heat generation upon
      exposure to near-infrared light, and, as a result, localized cytotoxicity within
      the region of laser irradiation in vitro. To gain a better understanding of our
      gold nanoshells in the context of photothermal therapy, we developed a
      comprehensive mathematical model for heat transfer and experimentally validated
      this model by predicting the temperature as a function of time and position in
      our experimental setup. This model can be used to predict which parameters of our
      gold nanoshells can be manipulated to improve heat generation for tumor
      destruction. To our knowledge, our results represent the first ever use of block
      copolypeptide vesicles as the core material of gold nanoshells.

PMID- 27126982
TI  - Predicting the Dispersal Potential of an Invasive Polychaete Pest along a Complex
      Coastal Biome.
AB  - Boccardia proboscidea is a recently introduced polychaete in South Africa where
      it is a notorious pest of commercially reared abalone. Populations were
      originally restricted to abalone farms but a recent exodus into the wild at some
      localities has raised conservation concerns due to the species' invasive status
      in other parts of the world. Here, we assessed the dispersal potential of B.
      proboscidea by using a population genetic and oceanographic modeling approach.
      Since the worm is in its incipient stages of a potential invasion, we used the
      closely related Polydora hoplura as a proxy due its similar reproductive strategy
      and its status as a pest of commercially reared oysters in the country.
      Populations of P. hoplura were sampled from seven different localities and a
      section of the mtDNA gene, Cyt b and the intron ATPSa was amplified. A high
      resolution model of the coastal waters around southern Africa was constructed
      using the Regional Ocean Modeling System. Larvae were represented by passive
      drifters that were deployed at specific points along the coast and dispersal was
      quantified after a 12-month integration period. Our results showed discordance
      between the genetic and modeling data. There was low genetic structure (Phi =
      0.04 for both markers) and no geographic patterning of mtDNA and nDNA haplotypes.
      However, the dispersal model found limited connectivity around Cape Point-a major
      phylogeographic barrier on the southern African coast. This discordance was
      attributed to anthropogenic movement of larvae and adult worms due to vectors
      such as aquaculture and shipping. As such, we hypothesized that cryptic dispersal
      could be overestimating genetic connectivity. Though wild populations of B.
      proboscidea could become isolated due to the Cape Point barrier, anthropogenic
      movement may play the critical role in facilitating the dispersal and spread of
      this species on the southern African coast.

PMID- 27126983
TI  - Identification of locally available structural material as co-substrate for
      organic waste composting in Tamil Nadu, India.
AB  - Owing to the lack in structural strength while composting certain kinds of
      organic wastes, 11 co-substrates were tested that are generally locally available
      in rural areas of northern Tamil Nadu, India. In addition to the classical
      composting parameters such as carbon/nitrogen ratio, moisture content, dry matter
      and organic dry matter, a compression test was conducted to evaluate the
      structural strength and the suitability as bulking agent for composting
      processes. Additionally, with respect to the climatic conditions in India, the
      water holding capacity was also evaluated. 

PMID- 27126984
TI  - Nyquist and Bode stability criteria to assess changes in dynamic knee stability
      in healthy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed individuals during
      walking.
AB  - Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most frequently injured
      knee ligaments. Despite reconstruction, many individuals report difficulty
      returning to high level activities that require greater dynamic stability. Since
      few methods have been tested to assess dynamic stability post ACL reconstruction
      (ACLR), the purpose of this study was to evaluate between and within dynamic knee
      stability in control and ACLR individuals using Nyquist and Bode stability
      criteria. Sixteen control and sixteen post ACLR individuals performed a walking
      protocol. Nyquist and Bode stability criteria were implemented to classify and
      quantify individual step-to-step sagittal plane dynamic knee stability from the
      gait waveforms at initial contact, 15% and 30% of stance based on the resulting
      gain and phase margins. An ANOVA compared differences in phase margins between
      the control and ACLR limbs and found that the ACLR limbs were overall
      significantly more unstable than the non-reconstructed and control limbs
      (p=0.001). The results indicated that the ACLR individuals who exhibited stable
      steps adopted a more compensatory strategy aimed to stabilize the knee. These
      methods of evaluating dynamic knee stability may help clinicians to assess
      dynamic knee stability progression throughout rehabilitation and help assess
      return-to-sport with minimal risk to the individual.

PMID- 27126985
TI  - A parametric study of mucociliary transport by numerical simulations of 3D non
      homogeneous mucus.
AB  - Mucociliary clearance is the natural flow of the mucus which covers and protects
      the lung from the outer world. Pathologies, like cystic fibrosis, highly change
      the biological parameters of the mucus flow leading to stagnation situations and
      pathogens proliferation. As the lung exhibits a complex dyadic structure, in-vivo
      experimental study of mucociliary clearance is almost impossible and numerical
      simulations can bring important knowledge about this biological flow. This paper
      brings a detailed study of the biological parameters influence on the mucociliary
      clearance, in particular for pathological situations such as cystic fibrosis.
      Using recent suitable numerical methods, a non-homogeneous mucus flow (including
      non-linearities) can be simulated efficiently in 3D, allowing the identification
      of the meaningful parameters involved in this biological flow. Among these
      parameters, it is shown that the mucus viscosity, the stiffness transition
      between pericilliary fluid and mucus, the pericilliary fluid height as well as
      both cilia length and beating frequency have a great influence on the mucociliary
      transport.

PMID- 27126986
TI  - Longitudinal measurements of postnatal rat brain mechanical properties in-vivo.
AB  - Information on pediatric brain tissue mechanical properties and, more
      pertinently, how they change during postnatal development remains scarce despite
      its importance to investigate mechanisms of neural injury. The aim of this study
      is to determine whether brain mechanical properties change in-vivo during early
      postnatal development in a rat model. Rat brain viscoelastic properties were
      measured longitudinally in ten healthy Sprague Dawley rats at five different time
      points from postnatal week one to week six using magnetic resonance elastography
      at 800Hz. Myelination and cell density were assessed histologically at the same
      time points to understand how the underlying tissue microstructure may be
      associated with changes in mechanical properties at different brain regions.
      Longitudinal changes in each variable were assessed using a generalized linear
      model with pairwise comparisons of means between weeks. The brain shear modulus
      in the cortical gray matter at postnatal week one was 6.3+/-0.4kPa, and increased
      significantly from week one to week two (pairwise comparison, p<0.01), remained
      stable from week two to week four and decreased significantly by week six
      (pairwise comparison, p<0.001). In the deep gray matter, brain tissue stiffness
      at postnatal week one was 6.1+/-2.0kPa, and increased significantly from one to
      week four (pairwise comparison, p<0.05) before decreasing significantly by week
      six (pairwise comparison, p<0.001). Stiffness changes were not directly
      correlated to histological observations. These data suggest that brain tissue
      shear modulus initially increases during a period equivalent to early childhood,
      and then decreases during a period equivalent to adolescence.

PMID- 27126987
TI  - Mate vocal recognition in the Scopoli's shearwater Calonectris diomedea: do
      females and males share the same acoustic code?
AB  - Vocal recognition is an important process allowing partners' reunion in most
      seabirds. Although the acoustic basis of this recognition has been explored in
      several species, only a few studies have experimentally tested the acoustic
      coding-decoding strategy used for mate identification. Here, we investigated mate
      recognition in the Scopoli's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) by conducting
      playbacks of calls with modified acoustic features. We showed that females and
      males in a seabird species with a moderate vocal dimorphism are likely to share
      the same coding-decoding rule for vocal mate identification. Specifically, a
      disruption of call temporal structure prevented mate recognition in both sexes,
      in line with the parameters previously identified as supporting an individual
      signature. Modifications of spectral cues and envelope structure also impaired
      recognition, but at a lesser extent: almost half of the tested males and females
      were still able to recognise their partner. It is likely that this equal ability
      of female and male Scopoli's shearwaters to vocally recognise their partner could
      be found in other seabirds. 

PMID- 27126988
TI  - Reliability, Validity, and Usability of Data Extraction Programs for Single-Case
      Research Designs.
AB  - Single-case experimental designs (SCEDs) have been increasingly used in recent
      years to inform the development and validation of effective interventions in the
      behavioral sciences. An important aspect of this work has been the extension of
      meta-analytic and other statistical innovations to SCED data. Standard practice
      within SCED methods is to display data graphically, which requires subsequent
      users to extract the data, either manually or using data extraction programs.
      Previous research has examined issues of reliability and validity of data
      extraction programs in the past, but typically at an aggregate level. Little is
      known, however, about the coding of individual data points. We focused on four
      different software programs that can be used for this purpose (i.e., Ungraph,
      DataThief, WebPlotDigitizer, and XYit), and examined the reliability of numeric
      coding, the validity compared with real data, and overall program usability. This
      study indicates that the reliability and validity of the retrieved data are
      independent of the specific software program, but are dependent on the individual
      single-case study graphs. Differences were found in program usability in terms of
      user friendliness, data retrieval time, and license costs. Ungraph and
      WebPlotDigitizer received the highest usability scores. DataThief was perceived
      as unacceptable and the time needed to retrieve the data was double that of the
      other three programs. WebPlotDigitizer was the only program free to use. As a
      consequence, WebPlotDigitizer turned out to be the best option in terms of
      usability, time to retrieve the data, and costs, although the usability scores of
      Ungraph were also strong.

PMID- 27126990
TI  - Adverse events associated with acupuncture: A clinicopathologic review. Authors'
      reply.

PMID- 27126991
TI  - TAS-102 for Treatment of Advanced Colorectal Cancers That Are No Longer
      Responding to Other Therapies.
AB  - TAS-102 is a novel oral formulation of trifluridine (TFT) and tipiracil
      hydrochloride (TPI), a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor. TFT was originally
      synthesized in the 1960s and is a nucleoside analogue that impedes DNA synthesis
      by inhibition of thymidylate synthase. TFT's main mechanism of action, however,
      seems to be its incorporation into DNA, which distinguishes TFT from current well
      known antimetabolites like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The rapid degradation of TFT
      brought initial clinical development to a halt, but TFT reentered clinical trials
      when addition of a TPI was found to improve the bioavailability of TFT. The
      combined TFT-TPI formulation was tested in patients with treatment-refractory
      metastatic colorectal cancer in the randomized phase III RECOURSE study. Compared
      with placebo, TAS-102 was associated with an overall survival (OS) and
      progression-free survival (PFS) benefit and a 32% reduction in risk of death
      [median OS, 7.1 (95% CI, 6.5-7.8) vs. 5.3 months (95% CI, 4.6-6.0); median PFS,
      2.0 (95% CI, 1.9-2.1) vs. 1.7 months (95% CI, 1.7-1.8); HR for death, 0.68 (95%
      CI, 0.58-0.81, P < 0.001)]. Based on the results of this pivotal trial and
      supported by results from an earlier phase II study, TAS-102 recently gained FDA
      approval. This article reviews the development of TAS-102 and its therapeutic
      value for the proposed indication. Clin Cancer Res; 22(12); 2835-9. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27126989
TI  - A Genetic Screen Identifies a Critical Role for the WDR81-WDR91 Complex in the
      Trafficking and Degradation of Tetherin.
AB  - Tetherin (BST2/CD317) is a viral restriction factor that anchors enveloped
      viruses to host cells and limits viral spread. The HIV-1 Vpu accessory protein
      counteracts tetherin by decreasing its cell surface expression and targeting it
      for ubiquitin-dependent endolysosomal degradation. Although the Vpu-mediated
      downregulation of tetherin has been extensively studied, the molecular details
      are not completely elucidated. We therefore used a forward genetic screen in
      human haploid KBM7 cells to identify novel genes required for tetherin
      trafficking. Our screen identified WDR81 as a novel gene required for tetherin
      trafficking and degradation in both the presence and absence of Vpu. WDR81 is a
      BEACH-domain containing protein that is also required for the degradation of EGF
      stimulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and functions in a complex
      with the WDR91 protein. In the absence of WDR81 the endolysosomal compartment
      appears swollen, with enlarged early and late endosomes and reduced delivery of
      endocytosed dextran to cathepsin-active lysosomes. Our data suggest a role for
      the WDR81-WDR91 complex in the fusion of endolysosomal compartments and the
      absence of WDR81 leads to impaired receptor trafficking and degradation.

PMID- 27126992
TI  - Development and Clinical Validation of a Blood Test Based on 29-Gene Expression
      for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: A blood test for early detection of colorectal cancer is a valuable tool
      for testing asymptomatic individuals and reducing colorectal cancer-related
      mortality. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a novel blood
      test able to differentiate patients with colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps
      (AP) from individuals with a negative colonoscopy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A case
      control, multicenter clinical study was designed to collect blood samples from
      patients referred for colonoscopy or surgery. Predictive algorithms were
      developed on 75 controls, 61 large AP (LAP) >=1 cm, and 45 colorectal cancer
      cases and independently validated on 74 controls, 42 LAP, and 52 colorectal
      cancer cases (23 stages I-II) as well as on 245 cases including other colorectal
      findings and diseases other than colorectal cancer. The test is based on a 29
      gene panel expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells alone or in
      combination with established plasma tumor markers. RESULTS: The 29-gene algorithm
      detected colorectal cancer and LAP with a sensitivity of 79.5% and 55.4%,
      respectively, with 90.0% specificity. Combination with the protein tumor markers
      carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CYFRA21-2 resulted in a specificity increase
      (92.2%) with a sensitivity for colorectal cancer and LAP detection of 78.1% and
      52.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We report the validation of a novel blood test,
      Colox(r), for the detection of colorectal cancer and LAP based on a 29-gene panel
      and the CEA and CYFRA21-1 plasma biomarkers. The performance and convenience of
      this routine blood test provide physicians a useful tool to test average-risk
      individuals unwilling to undergo upfront colonoscopy. Clin Cancer Res; 22(18);
      4604-11. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27126993
TI  - Transforming Growth Factor-beta Limits Secretion of Lumican by Activated Stellate
      Cells within Primary Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is lethal cancer whose primary
      tumor is characterized by dense composition of cancer cells, stromal cells, and
      extracellular matrix (ECM) composed largely of collagen. Within the PDAC tumor
      microenvironment, activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) are the dominant
      stromal cell type and responsible for collagen deposition. Lumican is a secreted
      proteoglycan that regulates collagen fibril assembly. We have previously
      identified that the presence of lumican in the ECM surrounding PDAC cells is
      associated with improved patient outcome after multimodal therapy and surgical
      removal of localized PDAC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Lumican expression in PDAC from
      27 patients was determined by IHC and quantitatively analyzed for colocalization
      with PSCs. In vitro studies examined the molecular mechanisms of lumican
      transcription and secretion from PSCs (HPSCs and HPaSteC), and cell adhesion and
      migration assays examined the effect of lumican on PSCs in a collagen-rich
      environment. RESULTS: Here we identify PSCs as a significant source of
      extracellular lumican production through quantitative IHC analysis. We
      demonstrate that the cytokine, TGF-beta, negatively regulates lumican gene
      transcription within HPSCs through its canonical signaling pathway and binding of
      SMAD4 to novel SBEs identified within the promoter region. In addition, we found
      that the ability of HPSCs to produce and secrete extracellular lumican
      significantly enhances HPSCs adhesion and mobility on collagen. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results demonstrate that activated pancreatic stellate cells within PDAC secrete
      lumican under the negative control of TGF-beta; once secreted, the extracellular
      lumican enhances stellate cell adhesion and mobility in a collagen-rich
      environment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(19); 4934-46. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27126994
TI  - A Phase Ib Study of Alpelisib (BYL719), a PI3Kalpha-Specific Inhibitor, with
      Letrozole in ER+/HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Alpelisib, a selective oral inhibitor of the class I PI3K catalytic
      subunit p110alpha, has shown synergistic antitumor activity with endocrine
      therapy against ER+/PIK3CA-mutated breast cancer cells. This phase Ib study
      evaluated alpelisib plus letrozole's safety, tolerability, and preliminary
      activity in patients with metastatic ER+ breast cancer refractory to endocrine
      therapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Twenty-six patients received letrozole and
      alpelisib daily. Outcomes were assessed by standard solid-tumor phase I methods.
      Tumor blocks were collected for DNA extraction and next-generation sequencing.
      RESULTS: Alpelisib's maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) in combination with letrozole
      was 300 mg/d. Common drug-related adverse events included hyperglycemia, nausea,
      fatigue, diarrhea, and rash with dose-limiting toxicity occurring at 350 mg/d of
      alpelisib. The clinical benefit rate (lack of progression >=6 months) was 35%
      (44% in patients with PIK3CA-mutated and 20% in PIK3CA wild-type tumors; 95% CI,
      17%-56%), including five objective responses. Of eight patients remaining on
      treatment >=12 months, six had tumors with a PIK3CA mutation. Among evaluable
      tumors, those with FGFR1/2 amplification and KRAS and TP53 mutations did not
      derive clinical benefit. Overexpression of FGFR1 in ER+/PIK3CA mutant breast
      cancer cells attenuated the response to alpelisib in vitro CONCLUSIONS: The
      combination of letrozole and alpelisib was safe, with reversible toxicities.
      Clinical activity was observed independently of PIK3CA mutation status, although
      clinical benefit was seen in a higher proportion of patients with PIK3CA-mutated
      tumors. Phase II and III trials of alpelisib and endocrine therapy in patients
      with ER+ breast cancer are ongoing. Clin Cancer Res; 23(1); 26-34. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27126995
TI  - SIRPalpha-Antibody Fusion Proteins Selectively Bind and Eliminate Dual Antigen
      Expressing Tumor Cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: CD47 is highly expressed on a variety of tumor cells. The interaction of
      CD47 with signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPalpha), a protein on phagocytic
      cells, transmits a "don't eat me" signal that negatively regulates phagocytosis.
      CD47-SIRPalpha antagonists enable phagocytosis by disrupting the inhibitory
      signal and can synergize with Fc-mediated pro-phagocytic signals for potent
      elimination of tumor cells. A potential limitation of therapeutic CD47-SIRPalpha
      antagonists is that expression of CD47 on normal cells may create sites of
      toxicity or an "antigen sink." To overcome these limitations and address
      selective tumor targeting, we developed SIRPabodies to improve the therapeutic
      benefits of CD47-SIRPalpha blockade specifically toward tumor. EXPERIMENTAL
      DESIGN: SIRPabodies were generated by grafting the wild-type SIRPalpha either to
      the N-terminus or to the C-terminus of the heavy chain of rituximab. Selective
      tumor binding was tested using CFSE-labeled human primary CLL cells in the
      presence of 20-fold excess of human RBCs. NSG mice were transplanted with Raji
      luciferase cells and were assigned to controls versus SIRPabody treatment.
      Cynomolgus nonhuman primates were administered a single intravenous infusion of
      SIRPabody at 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg. RESULTS: SIRPabodies selectively bound to dual
      antigen-expressing tumor cells in the presence of a large antigen sink. SIRPabody
      reduced tumor burden and extended survival in mouse xenograft lymphoma models.
      SIRPabody caused no significant toxicity in nonhuman primates. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings establish SIRPabodies as a promising approach to deliver the therapeutic
      benefit of CD47-SIRPalpha blockade specifically toward tumor cells. SIRPabodies
      may be applied to additional cancer types by grafting SIRPalpha onto other tumor
      specific therapeutic antibodies. Clin Cancer Res; 22(20); 5109-19. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27126997
TI  - Associations of Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness,
      and Body Fat Content With Pain Conditions in Children: The Physical Activity and
      Nutrition in Children Study.
AB  - We investigated the cross-sectional associations of sedentary behavior, physical
      activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body fat content with pain conditions in
      prepubertal children. The participants were a population sample of 439 children
      aged 6 to 8 years. Sedentary behavior, physical activity, and pain conditions
      were assessed using questionnaires, cardiorespiratory fitness using maximal cycle
      ergometer test, and body fat percentage using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
      The associations of sedentary behavior, physical activity, cardiorespiratory
      fitness, and body fat percentage with the risk of pain conditions were analyzed
      using multivariate logistic regression. Children in the highest sex-specific
      third of sedentary behavior had 1.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-3.17; P
      = .007 for trend across thirds) times higher odds of any pain than children in
      the lowest third. Children in the highest sex-specific third of cardiorespiratory
      fitness had 46% (odds ratio [OR] = .54; 95% CI, .32-.91; P = .019) lower odds of
      any pain and 50% (OR = .50; 95% CI, .28-.87; P = .015) lower odds of headache
      than children in the lowest third. Children in the highest sex-specific third of
      body fat percentage had 44% (OR = .56; 95% CI, .34-.93; P = .023) lower odds of
      any pain, 49% (OR = .51; 95% CI, .30-.86; P = .011) lower risk of multiple pain,
      and 48% (OR = .52; 95% CI, .31-.86; P = .010) lower odds of lower limb pain than
      children in the lowest third. Physical activity was not associated with pain
      conditions. These findings suggest that prepubertal children with high levels of
      sedentary behavior, low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, and low body fat
      content have increased likelihood of various pain conditions. This information
      could be used to develop strategies to prevent chronic pain in childhood.
      PERSPECTIVE: Our findings suggest that low cardiorespiratory fitness, high levels
      of sedentary behavior, and low body fat content are associated with increased
      likelihood of various pain conditions among prepubertal children. This
      information could be used to develop strategies to prevent chronic pain in
      childhood.

PMID- 27126998
TI  - Whole-body MR neurography: Prospective feasibility study in polyneuropathy and
      Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of whole-body magnetic resonance neurography
      (WBMRN) in polyneuropathy for technical feasibility, distribution of nerve
      abnormalities, and differentiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty WBMRN
      examinations were performed on a 3T scanner over 2 years. Patient demographics
      including history of hereditary and acquired neuropathy were recorded. The images
      were evaluated by two independent readers with nerve imaging experience for
      quality. The nerve signal and size alterations were measured in the brachial
      plexus, lumbosacral plexus, and femoral and sciatic nerves; diffusion tensor
      imaging parameters (fractional anisotropy [FA] and apparent diffusion coefficient
      [ADC]) were determined in plexuses, and tractography was performed. Nonparametric
      Wilcoxon rank sum test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and
      intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were obtained. RESULTS: Excellent
      image quality was obtained for the majority of lumbosacral (LS) plexus (18/20)
      and 50% of brachial plexus (10/20) regions. Qualitatively among cases, the nerve
      hyperintensity and/or thickening involved the brachial plexus (11/11), LS plexus
      (7/11), and both plexuses (7/11), with most nerve thickenings observed in Charcot
      Marie-Tooth disease type 1. The nerve signal intensity alterations were
      significantly different for both brachial (P < 0.05) and LS (P < 0.05) plexuses
      in cases versus controls. The femoral and sciatic nerve size alterations were
      different (P < 0.05), while signal intensity differences were not significant (P
      = 0.1-0.97). Transverse dimensions of C8 (4 mm), L5 (6.2 mm) and S1 (5.1 mm)
      nerve roots, and sciatic nerves (10.2 mm) were the most accurate diagnostic
      performance measures in distinguishing cases from controls. CONCLUSION: WBMRN is
      feasible for use in the clinical practice for the identification and potential
      characterization of polyneuropathy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1513-1521.

PMID- 27126996
TI  - A Synthetic Cell-Penetrating Dominant-Negative ATF5 Peptide Exerts Anticancer
      Activity against a Broad Spectrum of Treatment-Resistant Cancers.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite significant progress in cancer research, many tumor entities
      still have an unfavorable prognosis. Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is
      upregulated in various malignancies and promotes apoptotic resistance. We
      evaluated the efficacy and mechanisms of the first described synthetic cell
      penetrating inhibitor of ATF5 function, CP-d/n-ATF5-S1. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN:
      Preclinical drug testing was performed in various treatment-resistant cancer
      cells and in vivo xenograft models. RESULTS: CP-d/n-ATF5-S1 reduced the
      transcript levels of several known direct ATF5 targets. It depleted endogenous
      ATF5 and induced apoptosis across a broad panel of treatment-refractory cancer
      cell lines, sparing non-neoplastic cells. CP-d/n-ATF5-S1 promoted tumor cell
      apoptotic susceptibility in part by reducing expression of the deubiquitinase
      Usp9X and led to diminished levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members Mcl-1
      and Bcl-2. In line with this, CP-d/n-ATF5-S1 synergistically enhanced tumor cell
      apoptosis induced by the BH3-mimetic ABT263 and the death ligand TRAIL. In vivo,
      CP-d/n-ATF5-S1 attenuated tumor growth as a single compound in glioblastoma,
      melanoma, prostate cancer, and triple receptor-negative breast cancer xenograft
      models. Finally, the combination treatment of CP-d/n-ATF5-S1 and ABT263
      significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo more efficiently than each reagent on
      its own. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the idea that CP-d/n-ATF5-S1, administered
      as a single reagent or in combination with other drugs, holds promise as an
      innovative, safe, and efficient antineoplastic agent against treatment-resistant
      cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 22(18); 4698-711. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27126999
TI  - Effects of long term treatment with high doses of odanacatib on bone mass, bone
      strength, and remodeling/modeling in newly ovariectomized monkeys.
AB  - The objectives here were to evaluate the effects of odanacatib (ODN) at doses
      exceeding the clinical exposure on biomechanical properties of lumbar vertebrae
      (LV), hip and central femur (CF), and compare ODN to alendronate (ALN) on bone
      remodeling/modeling in ovariectomized (OVX) monkeys. Ten days post-surgery,
      animals were treated with vehicle (VEH), ODN-L (2mg/kg/day, p.o.), ODN-H
      (8/4mg/kg/day), or ALN (30MUg/kg/week, s.c.) for 20months. An intact group was
      also included. ODN-L provided systemic exposures of 1.8-fold of clinical
      exposure. ODN-H started at 20-fold for 5.5months, and then reduced to 7.8-fold of
      clinical exposure, compared to ALN at approximated clinical exposure. From cross
      sectional analyses, LV density and peak load in ODN at both doses or ALN were not
      different from VEH or Intact. However, cortical thickness of femoral neck (FN)
      and CF in ODN were higher (21-34%, p<0.05) than VEH, due to smaller endocortical
      (Ec) perimeter of FN (10-11%; p<0.05) and CF (9-12%; ODN-L, p<0.05), and larger
      CF periosteal (Ps) perimeter (2-12%; ODN-H, p<0.001) versus VEH. ODN groups also
      showed slightly higher cortical porosity and Ps non-lamellar bone in CF. ODN-H
      treatment resulted in higher CF peak load (p<0.05) versus VEH. For all bone sites
      analyzed, a positive, linear relationship (r(2)=0.46-0.69, p<0.0001) of peak load
      to density or structural parameters was demonstrated. No treatment-related
      differences in the derived intrinsic strength properties were evidenced as
      compared between groups. ALN reduced all remodeling surfaces without affecting Ps
      modeling. Trabecular and intracortical remodeling were reduced in ODN groups,
      similar to ALN. Ec mineralizing surface in ODN-H trended to be lower than VEH by
      month 20, but Ec bone formation indices in ODN groups generally were not
      different from VEH. Ps modeling in ODN groups was significantly higher than other
      treatment groups. This study overall demonstrated the bone safety profile of ODN
      and its unique mechanism on cortical bone supporting the clinical application for
      osteoporosis treatment.

PMID- 27127001
TI  - Tractography at 3T MRI of Corpus Callosum Tracts Crossing White Matter
      Hyperintensities.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The impact of white matter hyperintensities on the
      diffusion characteristics of crossing tracts is unclear. This study used
      quantitative tractography at 3T MR imaging to compare, in the same individuals,
      the diffusion characteristics of corpus callosum tracts that crossed white matter
      hyperintensities with the diffusion characteristics of corpus callosum tracts
      that did not pass through white matter hyperintensities. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Brain T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery-weighted and diffusion tensor 3T MR
      imaging scans were acquired in 24 individuals with white matter hyperintensities.
      Tractography data were generated by the Fiber Assignment by Continuous Tracking
      method. White matter hyperintensities and corpus callosum tracts were manually
      segmented. In the corpus callosum, the fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity,
      and mean diffusivity of tracts crossing white matter hyperintensities were
      compared with the fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, and mean diffusivity
      of tracts that did not cross white matter hyperintensities. The cingulum, long
      association fibers, corticospinal/bulbar tracts, and thalamic projection fibers
      were included for comparison. RESULTS: Within the corpus callosum, tracts that
      crossed white matter hyperintensities had decreased fractional anisotropy
      compared with tracts that did not pass through white matter hyperintensities (P =
      .002). Within the cingulum, tracts that crossed white matter hyperintensities had
      increased radial diffusivity compared with tracts that did not pass through white
      matter hyperintensities (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: In the corpus callosum and
      cingulum, tracts had worse diffusion characteristics when they crossed white
      matter hyperintensities. These results support a role for white matter
      hyperintensities in the disruption of crossing tracts.

PMID- 27127000
TI  - Overexpression of trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 as an independent marker for
      a poor prognosis and as a potential therapeutic target in epithelial ovarian
      carcinoma.
AB  - Most patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are diagnosed at an advanced
      stage, and therapeutic options for these patients are limited. The identification
      of suitable biomarkers could be helpful for patients with EOC, who might benefit
      from targeted therapies even in advanced stages of the disease. Trophoblast cell
      surface antigen 2 (TROP2) is highly expressed in various human malignant tumours;
      however, this has not been demonstrated clearly in EOC. In this study, we further
      evaluated whether TROP2 is a promising marker for EOC, and thus also a potential
      target for EOC immunotherapy. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction
      (qPCR) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis were employed to
      determine TROP2 mRNA and protein expression in both human EOC and normal ovarian
      cell lines. Additionally, TROP2 protein expression was measured by
      immunohistochemistry in 128 EOC tissue samples, 21 normal ovarian tissues and 18
      normal fallopian tubes. The correlations between TROP2 protein expression and
      patients' clinicopathological features were investigated, and survival outcomes
      were analysed. TROP2 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated significantly in
      EOC cell lines compared with normal cell lines. The protein of TROP2 was
      expressed in the majority of EOC tissue samples (90.6%) and overexpressed in 75
      (58.6%) of the 128 tumour samples. TROP2 overexpression was correlated with
      relevant clinicopathological characteristics and was associated with
      significantly shortened overall survival and disease-free survival. Furthermore,
      TROP2 was an independent prognostic marker for EOCs as analysed by Cox
      regression. TROP2 was a potential biomarker for targeted therapy in patients with
      TROP2-overexpressing EOC.

PMID- 27127003
TI  - Uremic Encephalopathy: MR Imaging Findings and Clinical Correlation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Uremic encephalopathy is a metabolic disorder in patients
      with renal failure. The purpose of this study was to describe the MR imaging
      findings of uremic encephalopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study
      retrospectively reviewed MR imaging findings in 10 patients with clinically
      proved uremic encephalopathy between May 2005 and December 2014. Parameters
      evaluated were lesion location and appearance; MR signal intensity of the lesions
      on T1WI, T2WI, and T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images; the presence or
      absence of restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted images and apparent
      diffusion coefficient maps; and the reversibility of documented signal-intensity
      abnormalities on follow-up MR imaging. RESULTS: MR imaging abnormalities
      accompanying marked elevation of serum creatinine (range, 4.3-11.7 mg/dL) were
      evident in the 10 patients. Nine patients had a history of chronic renal failure
      with expansile bilateral basal ganglia lesions, and 1 patient with acute renal
      failure had reversible largely cortical lesions. Two of 6 patients with available
      arterial blood gas results had metabolic acidosis. All basal ganglia lesions
      showed expansile high signal intensity (lentiform fork sign) on T2WI. Varied
      levels of restricted diffusion and a range of signal intensities on DWI were
      evident and were not correlated with serum Cr levels. All cortical lesions
      demonstrated high signal intensity on T2WI. Four patients with follow-up MR
      imaging after hemodialysis showed complete resolution of all lesions.
      CONCLUSIONS: The lentiform fork sign is reliable in the early diagnosis of uremic
      encephalopathy, regardless of the presence of metabolic acidosis. Cytotoxic edema
      and/or vasogenic edema on DWI/ADC maps may be associated with uremic
      encephalopathy.

PMID- 27127002
TI  - Application of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Imaging in Global Cerebral Edema.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Blood-brain barrier permeability is not routinely
      evaluated in the clinical setting. Global cerebral edema occurs after SAH and is
      associated with BBB disruption. Detection of global cerebral edema using current
      imaging techniques is challenging. Our purpose was to apply blood-brain barrier
      permeability imaging in patients with global cerebral edema by using extended CT
      perfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with SAH underwent CTP in the early
      phase after aneurysmal rupture (days 0-3) and were classified as having global
      cerebral edema or nonglobal cerebral edema using established noncontrast CT
      criteria. CTP data were postprocessed into blood-brain barrier permeability
      quantitative maps of PS (permeability surface-area product), K(trans) (volume
      transfer constant from blood plasma to extravascular extracellular space), Kep
      (washout rate constant of the contrast agent from extravascular extracellular
      space to intravascular space), VE (extravascular extracellular space volume per
      unit of tissue volume), VP (plasmatic volume per unit of tissue volume), and F
      (plasma flow) by using Olea Sphere software. Mean values were compared using t
      tests. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included in the analysis. Kep (1.32
      versus 1.52, P < .0001), K(trans) (0.15 versus 0.19, P < .0001), VP (0.51 versus
      0.57, P = .0007), and F (1176 versus 1329, P = .0001) were decreased in global
      cerebral edema compared with nonglobal cerebral edema while VE (0.81 versus 0.39,
      P < .0001) was increased. CONCLUSIONS: Extended CTP was used to evaluate blood
      brain barrier permeability in patients with SAH with and without global cerebral
      edema. Kep is an important indicator of altered blood-brain barrier permeability
      in patients with decreased blood flow, as Kep is flow-independent. Further study
      of blood-brain barrier permeability is needed to improve diagnosis and monitoring
      of global cerebral edema.

PMID- 27127004
TI  - Intervention versus Aggressive Medical Therapy for Cognition in Severe
      Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Asymptomatic carotid stenosis of >=70% increases the
      incidence of microembolism and/or chronic hypoperfusion, which may consequently
      impair neurocognition and brain connections. We sought controlled evidence for
      any cognitive benefit of aggressive medical therapy and combined carotid
      revascularization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with asymptomatic, unilateral,
      ?70% stenosis of the extracranial ICA chose either aggressive medical therapy
      alone or in combination with carotid artery stent placement in this nonrandomized
      controlled study. They were examined with a battery of neuropsychological tests,
      structural MR imaging, DTI, and resting-state fMRI before and 3 months after
      treatment. RESULTS: Forty patients were included with 15 in the medical group and
      25 in the stent-placement group. Among them, 13 and 21 in the respective groups
      completed neuroimaging follow-up. The baseline characteristics and the changes in
      cognitive performance during 3 months showed no differences between treatment
      groups. Nevertheless, compared with the medical group, the stent-placement group
      showed subjective dizziness alleviation (P = .045) and a small increase in
      fractional anisotropy at the splenium of the corpus callosum and the posterior
      periventricular white matter ipsilateral to carotid artery stent placement.
      Moreover, only the stent-placement group showed interval improvement in immediate
      memory and visuospatial performance, which was accompanied by an increase of
      functional connectivity at the insular cortex of the dorsal attention network and
      the medial prefrontal cortex of the default mode network. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      aggressive medical therapy alone and combined carotid revascularization in ?70%
      asymptomatic carotid stenosis similarly preserved cognition during 3-month follow
      up, though the latter had the potential for dizziness alleviation and cognitive
      and connectivity enhancement.

PMID- 27127005
TI  - MR Imaging of the Pituitary Gland and Postsphenoid Ossification in Fetal
      Specimens.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A thorough knowledge of fetal growth and development is
      key to understanding both the normal and abnormal fetal MR imaging findings. We
      investigated the size and signal intensity of the normal pituitary gland and the
      intrasphenoidal ossification around the Rathke pouch in formalin-fixed fetuses on
      MR imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two fetuses with undamaged brains were
      included in this study (mean age, 19.93 weeks; age range, 12-31 weeks). Visual
      inspection of the pituitary and ossification around the Rathke pouch in the
      sphenoid bone or the postsphenoid ossification was conducted. The extent of
      pituitary and postsphenoid ossification, pituitary/pons signal ratio, and
      postsphenoidal ossification/sphenoid bone signal ratio was compared according to
      gestational age. RESULTS: The pituitary gland was identified as a hyperintense
      intrasellar structure in all cases, and postsphenoid ossification was identified
      as an intrasphenoidal hyperintense area in 27 of the 32 cases (84%). The mean
      pituitary/pons signal ratio was 1.13 +/- 0.18 and correlated weakly with
      gestational age (R(2) = 0.243), while the mean postsphenoid ossification/sphenoid
      bone signal ratio was 2.14 +/- 0.56 and did not show any increase with
      gestational age (R(2) = 0.05). No apparent change in the size of pituitary
      hyperintensity was seen with gestational age (R(2) = 0.001). Postsphenoid
      ossification showed an increase in size with gestational age (R(2) = 0.307).
      CONCLUSIONS: The fetal pituitary gland was hyperintense on T1-weighted images and
      the pituitary/pons ratio and extent of postsphenoid ossification correlated
      weakly with gestational age.

PMID- 27127006
TI  - Response Assessment in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology: Implementation and Expansion of
      the RANO Criteria in a Randomized Phase II Trial of Pediatric Patients with Newly
      Diagnosed High-Grade Gliomas.
AB  - Determination of tumor response to treatment in neuro-oncology is challenging,
      particularly when antiangiogenic agents are considered. Nontumoral factors (eg,
      blood-brain barrier disruption, edema, and necrosis) can alter contrast
      enhancement independent of true tumor response/progression. Furthermore, gliomas
      are often infiltrative, with nonenhancing components. In adults, the Response
      Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria attempted to address these issues.
      No such guidelines exist yet for children. The ongoing randomized phase II trial,
      A Study of Avastin (bevacizumab) in Combination With Temolozomide (TMZ) and
      Radiotherapy in Paediatric and Adolescent Patients With High-Grade Glioma
      (HERBY), will establish the efficacy and safety of the antiangiogenic agent
      bevacizumab for the first-line treatment of newly diagnosed high-grade glioma in
      children (n = 121 patients, enrollment complete). The primary end point is event
      free survival (tumor progression/recurrence by central review, second primary
      malignancy, or death). Determination of progression or response is based on
      predefined clinical and radiographic criteria, modeled on the RANO criteria and
      supported by expert pseudoprogression review and the use of standardized imaging
      protocols. The HERBY trial will also compare conventional MR imaging (T1-weighted
      and T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences) with conventional MR
      imaging plus diffusion/perfusion imaging for response assessment. It is
      anticipated that HERBY will provide new insights into antiangiogenic-treated
      pediatric brain tumors. HERBY will also investigate the practicality of obtaining
      adequate quality diffusion/perfusion scans in a trial setting, and the
      feasibility of implementing standard imaging protocols across multiple sites. To
      date, 61/73 (83.6%) patients with available data have completed diffusion
      weighted imaging (uptake of other nonconventional techniques has been limited).
      Harmonization of imaging protocols and techniques may improve the robustness of
      pediatric neuro-oncology studies and aid future trial comparability.

PMID- 27127007
TI  - Shwachman-Diamond syndrome presenting with early ichthyosis, associated dermal
      and epidermal intracellular lipid droplets, hypoglycemia, and later distinctive
      clinical SDS phenotype.
AB  - Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a recessive ribosomopathy, characterized by
      bone marrow failure and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (ePI) often associated
      with neurodevelopmental and skeletal abnormalities. The aim of this report is to
      describe a SDS patient with early ichthyosis associated with dermal and epidermal
      intracellular lipid droplets (iLDs), hypoglycemia and later a distinctive
      clinical SDS phenotype. At 3 months of age, she had ichthyosis, growth
      retardation, and failure to thrive. She had not cytopenia. Ultrasonography (US)
      showed pancreatic diffuse high echogenicity. Subsequently fasting hypoketotic
      hypoglycemia occurred without permanent hepatomegaly or hyperlipidemia.
      Continuous gavage feeding was followed by clinical improvement including
      ichthyosis and hypoglycemia. After 14 months of age, she developed persistent
      neutropenia and ePI consistent with SDS. The ichthyotic skin biopsy, performed at
      5 months of age, disclosed iLDs in all epidermal layers, in melanocytes, eccrine
      sweat glands, Schwann cells and dermal fibroblasts. These iLDs were reminiscent
      of those described in Dorfman-Chanarin syndrome (DCS) or Wolman's disease. Both
      LIPA and CGI-58 analysis did not revealed pathogenic mutation. By sequencing
      SBDS, a compound heterozygous for a previously reported gene mutation (c.258 +
      2T>C) and a novel mutation (c.284T>G) were found. Defective SBDS may
      hypothetically interfere as in DCS, with neutral lipid metabolism and play a role
      in the SDS phenotype such as ichthyosis with dermal and epidermal iLDs and
      hypoglycemia. This interference with neutral lipid metabolism must most likely
      occur in the cytoplasm compartment as in DCS and not in the lysosomal compartment
      as in Wolman's disease. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27127008
TI  - The population benefit of radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer: Local control
      and survival estimates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The population benefit of radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer (GC)
      if evidence-based guidelines were routinely followed is not known. This study's
      aim was to address this. METHODS: Decision trees were utilised to estimate
      benefit. Radiotherapy alone (RT) benefit was the absolute proportional benefit of
      radiotherapy over no radiotherapy for radical indications, and over surgery alone
      for adjuvant indications. Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) benefit was the absolute
      incremental benefit of concurrent chemotherapy and RT over RT alone. Citation
      databases were systematically queried for the highest level of evidence defining
      5-year Local Control (LC), and 2-year and 5-year Overall Survival (OS) benefit.
      Meta-analysis was performed if there were multiple sources of the same evidence
      level. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed.
      FINDINGS: Guidelines supported 22 radiotherapy indications, of which 8 were for
      CRT. 21% of all GC had an adjuvant or curative radiotherapy indication. The
      absolute estimated population-based 5-year LC and OS benefits of RT, if all
      patients were treated according to guidelines, were: endometrial cancer LC 5.7%
      (95% CI (3.5%,8.2%)), OS 2.3% (1.2%,3.4%), ovarian cancer (nil), vulval cancer LC
      10.0% (1.6%,18.2%), OS 8.5% (0.5%,15.9%). Combined with prior estimates for
      cervical cancer, RT benefits for all GC were LC 9.0% (7.8%,10.3%), OS 4.6%
      (3.8%,5.4%). The incremental benefit of CRT for all GC was LC 0.7% (0.4%,0.9%),
      OS 0.5% (0.2%,0.8%). Benefits were distinct from the contribution of other
      modalities. The model was robust in sensitivity analysis. Most radiotherapy
      benefit was irreplaceable by other modalities. INTERPRETATION: Radiotherapy
      provides important and irreplaceable LC and OS benefits for GC when optimally
      utilised. The population model provided a robust means for estimating this
      benefit.

PMID- 27127009
TI  - Moving Word Learning to a Novel Space: A Dynamic Systems View of Referent
      Selection and Retention.
AB  - Theories of cognitive development must address both the issue of how children
      bring their knowledge to bear on behavior in-the-moment, and how knowledge
      changes over time. We argue that seeking answers to these questions requires an
      appreciation of the dynamic nature of the developing system in its full,
      reciprocal complexity. We illustrate this dynamic complexity with results from
      two lines of research on early word learning. The first demonstrates how the
      child's active engagement with objects and people supports referent selection via
      memories for what objects were previously seen in a cued location. The second set
      of results highlights changes in the role of novelty and attentional processes in
      referent selection and retention as children's knowledge of words and objects
      grows. Together this work suggests that understanding systems for perception,
      action, attention, and memory, and their complex interaction, is critical to
      understand word learning. We review recent literature that highlights the complex
      interactions between these processes in cognitive development and point to
      critical issues for future work.

PMID- 27127010
TI  - Nutritional strategies to improve the lipid composition of meat, with emphasis on
      Thailand and Asia.
AB  - This article reviews opportunities for enriching the lipids of meat with n-3
      fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), both considered beneficial to
      human health. Special focus is put on feeds available and research carried out in
      Thailand. A differentiated consideration concerning the value of different n-3
      fatty acids and isomers of CLAs is necessary. In ruminants, it is difficult to
      enrich the meat with n-3 fatty acids due to the extensive ruminal
      biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids, but several possibilities to enhance
      the proportion of the most desired CLA isomer, rumenic acid, exist. By contrast,
      pork and poultry meat can be easily enriched with n-3 fatty acids. With purified
      CLA sources, CLAs also can be enhanced, but it is difficult to achieve this
      exclusively for rumenic acid. An interesting approach might consist in
      supplementing the CLA precursor vaccenic acid instead. Possible constraints for
      meat quality and in the fatty acid levels achieved are outlined. 

PMID- 27127011
TI  - Re: "using data sources beyond PubMed has a modest impact on the results of
      systematic reviews of therapeutic interventions".

PMID- 27127012
TI  - Iodine excretion in school children in Copenhagen.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Studies of dietary habits show a high iodine intake in children in
      Denmark. Iodine excretion in children has not previously been assessed. Iodine
      excretion in adults is below the recommended threshold, and it is therefore being
      discussed to increase the fortification level. The main objective of this study
      was to assess iodine excretion in children living in Copenhagen to establish
      whether a moderate increase in iodine fortification would lead to excess iodine
      intake in this group. METHODS: Children in first and fifth grade were recruited
      through schools in Copenhagen. In total, 244 children de-ivered a urine sample.
      Urine samples were analysed for iodine and creatinine, and the results were
      expressed as urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and as estimated 24-h iodine
      excretion. Iodine excretion in children was also compared with that of adults
      living in the same area, investigated in a prior study. RESULTS: The median UIC
      was within the recommended level; 145 (range: 116-201) ug/l for boys and 128
      (range: 87-184) ug/l for girls, and was lower in fifth grade students than in
      first grade students. Estimated 24-h iodine excretion was higher in boys than in
      girls, but did not differ according to grade. The UIC was higher in children than
      in adults from the same area. CONCLUSIONS: The iodine excretion among
      schoolchildren in Copenhagen, an area with a relatively high iodine content in
      tap water, was within the recommended range as assessed by the UIC. An increased
      iodine fortification will not have negative consequences for this group. FUNDING:
      The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not
      relevant.

PMID- 27127013
TI  - Familial hypercholesterolaemia reduces the quality of life of patients not
      reaching treatment targets.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is the most common monogenic
      disorder associated with premature cardiovascular disease. If untreated, life
      expectancy in heterozygous FH patients is shortened by 20-30 years compared with
      the general population. Nevertheless, treatment goals are only met in
      approximately 50% of patients. This comparative study examined the quality of
      life (QoL) impact of FH in patients who had and had not reached the target of
      treatment. METHODS: Two qualitative focus group interviews were carried out with
      a total of ten FH patients. A semi-structured interview guide included questions
      identified in a preceding literature study. The data were analysed using a
      medical anthropological approach. RESULTS: While having FH did not have much
      impact on well-treated patients' QoL, patients who had not reached the treatment
      target had markedly more concerns. They had experienced severe side-effects and
      worried about their own and their relatives' health. They were concerned about
      the long-term impact of not being effectively treated including the risk that
      coronary heart disease could cause their premature death or disability and
      inability to care for their children, in particular. The women had issues with
      stigma and self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The QoL impact of FH is related to
      treatment efficacy. These findings need to be addressed in the management of FH
      patients. Particular attention should be paid to those who are not presently
      reaching the target of treatment. FUNDING: The study was funded by a research
      grant from Amgen. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

PMID- 27127014
TI  - Tonsillotomy in children with sleep-disordered breathing is safe and results in
      high parent satisfaction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sleep-disordered breathing in children is often associated with
      tonsillar hypertrophy. For many years, total tonsillectomy (TE) was the treatment
      of choice, but performing an intracapsular tonsillotomy (TT) is becoming
      increasingly widespread. In this Danish study, we have investigated the long-term
      results on efficacy and parent satisfaction after TT performed on children.
      METHODS: This was a retrospective study based on a questionnaire that was sent to
      the parents of 335 children who underwent TT due to sleep-related obstructive
      symptoms. RESULTS: A total of seven children had unilateral re-TT due to
      tonsillar regrowth, leaving a total of 342 operations performed. The response
      rate was 71% and the median follow-up was 90 months. None of the patients in this
      study ex-perienced post-operative bleeding requiring medical assistance. A total
      of 97% of parents reported total or partial relief of all symptoms, whereas 3%
      experienced no effect of treatment on preoperative symptoms. A total of 5% of the
      children later underwent tonsillectomy after their primary TT. The majority of
      parents (89%) would choose the operation again in a similar situation.
      CONCLUSIONS: TT has previously been shown to have a lower morbidity and risk of
      post-operative bleeding and a better recovery than TE. In this study, we found it
      to be a long-term efficient and safe treatment for children with obstructive
      symptoms during sleep and it was associated with a high degree of parent
      satisfaction. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This was a retrospective study.

PMID- 27127015
TI  - Large discrepancies in otomycosis treatment in private ear, nose, and throat
      clinics in Denmark.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the external ear canal that can
      involve the middle ear in case of tympanic membrane perforation and also extend
      to the auricle. Fungi cause 7-15% of external otitis. Diagnosing otomycosis is
      often based entirely on non-specific clinical signs and symptoms. A multitude of
      antifungal drugs are available. Some are ototoxic in animals, a few are proven
      safe, but the ototoxicity of many drugs remains unknown. The aim of this study
      was to describe how otomycosis was diagnosed and treated by private ear, nose,
      and throat (ENT) consultants in Denmark and to investigate if the patient's
      immune status and the presence of a tympanic membrane perforation affected the
      chosen treatment modality. METHOD: A questionnaire on the treatment of otomycosis
      was sent to 147 private ENT consultants. RESULTS: In total, 103 (70%) responded.
      95% performed intensive aural cleaning using an otomicroscope. The initial
      diagnosis was based on symptoms as only 20% required to see fungal hypha. 42%
      sent material for culture and sensitivity (C + S) before starting treatment and
      92% sent for C + S if treatment failed. 89% used a variety of topical antifungal
      drugs as the first line of medical treatment. Antiseptics were used in 5%. The
      presence of a tympanic membrane perforation did not alter the treatment modality.
      Only 13% treated immunocompromised patients differently. CONCLUSION: The initial
      diagnosis was based on non-specific symptoms and there were large discrepancies
      in the chosen antifungal treatment. Topical antifungal drugs were preferred.
      Additional research is needed. FUNDING: Department of Otorhinolaryngolgy and
      Maxillofacial Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Koge, Denmark. The Danish
      Association of Research-interested Otorhinolaryngology Consultants: Kim Werther,
      Peter Tingsgaard, Mads Stougaard, Steen Telmer, Henrik Moller, Liviu Guldfred.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: No trial registration was necessary as the questionnaire was
      anonymous and contained no patient data.

PMID- 27127016
TI  - Non-physician delivered intravitreal injection service is feasible and safe - a
      systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Non-physicians such as nurses are trained to give injections into
      the vitreous body of the eye to meet the increasing demand for intravitreal
      therapy with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors against common eye
      diseases, e.g. age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. We
      systematically reviewed the existing literature to provide an overview of the
      experiences in this transformational process. METHODS: We searched for literature
      on 22 September 2015 using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL and the
      Web of Science. Eligible studies had to address any outcome based on non
      physician delivered intravitreal therapy regardless of the study design. Being
      non-physician was defined as the injecting personnel not being a physician, but
      no further restrictions were made. RESULTS: Five studies were included with a
      total of 31,303 injections having been performed by 16 nurses. The studies found
      that having nurses perform the intravitreal injections produced to a short-term
      capacity improvement and liberated physicians for other clinical work. Training
      was provided through courses and direct supervision. The rates of endophthalmitis
      were 0-0.400/00, which is comparable to reported rates when the intravitreal
      therapy is given by physicians. CONCLUSION: Non-physician delivered intravitreal
      therapy seems feasible and safe.

PMID- 27127017
TI  - The CYTONOX trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In Denmark, it is estimated that 3-5% of children are obese.
      Obesity is associated with pathophysiological alterations that may lead to
      alterations in the pharmacokinetics of drugs. In adults, obesity was found to
      influence important drug-metabolising enzyme pathways. The impact of obesity
      related alterations on drug metabolism and its consequences for drug dosing
      remains largely unknown in both children and adults. An altered drug metabolism
      may contribute significantly to therapeutic failure or toxicity. The aim of this
      trial is to investigate the in vivo activity of CYP3A4, CYP2E1 and CYP1A2
      substrates in obese versus non-obese children. METHODS: The CYTONOX trial is an
      open-label explorative pharmacokinetic trial. We intend to include 50 obese and
      50 non-obese children. The primary end points are: in vivo clearance of CYP3A4,
      CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 substrates, which will be defined by using well-tested probes;
      midazolam, chlorzoxazone and caffeine. Each of the probes will be administered as
      a single dose. Subsequently, blood and urine samples will be collected at pre
      specified times. CONCLUSION: The aim of the CYTONOX trial is to investigate the
      in vivo activity of CYP3A4, CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 in obese and non-obese children.
      The results are expected to be used in the future as a basis for drug dosing
      recommendations in obese children. FUNDING: The study was funded by the Danish
      Regions' "Medicinpuljen". The funder had no role in study design, data collection
      and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: EudraCT: 2014-004554-34.

PMID- 27127018
TI  - Adjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer.
AB  - With long-term follow-up, the DBCG 77B trial demonstrates that oral single-agent
      cyclophosphamide significantly reduces the risk of recurrence and mortality as
      compared with no systemic therapy in pre-menopausal patients with high-risk early
      breast cancer. DBCG 77B is the only randomised trial assessing single-agent
      cyclophosphamide; and a second comparison suggests that its benefits are
      comparable to what may be achieved by classic CMF. The lack of benefits from
      adding methotrexate and fluorouracil to cyclophosphamide paved the way for
      combining cyclophosphamide with anthracyclines and later taxanes. DBCG 89D showed
      an incremental benefit in DFS and OS from substituting methotrexate with
      epirubicin. The advantage of anthracycline-containing three-drug combinations
      over CMF was confirmed by others and in the individual-patient EBCTCG meta
      analysis, while standard AC or EC for four cycles not was superior to classic
      CMF. A further reduction in breast cancer mortality appeared in the EBCTCG meta
      analysis from the addition of a taxane to a standard AC, while the substitution
      of cycles or drugs with a taxane was not associated with a reduction in
      mortality. No apparent benefit was observed in an early analysis of the DBCG 82C
      evaluating the addition of CMF to tamoxifen in post-menopausal high-risk breast
      cancer patients. Apart from menopausal status, the two trials had identical
      selection criteria, and the differences in outcome warranted a long-term follow
      up of the 82C trial. After ten years of follow-up, CMF in the DBCG 82C was
      associated with a significant improvement in DFS; but even with 24 years of
      follow-up, mortality was not significantly improved. The diversity in outcome
      from the 77C and the 82B trials triggered further studies. The 77B trial used
      classic CMF with oral cyclophospamide, while a four-weekly intravenous CMF
      regimen was used in the 82B and C trials, and a three-weekly CMF regimen was used
      in the succeeding 89B and D trials. The outcome following these CMF regimens has
      not been compared within the context of a randomised trial. Shifting from the
      77B's classic CMF regimen to the 82B four-weekly IV regimen or the 89B three
      weekly IV regimen was associated with a 30% increased risk of a DFS event in a
      multivariate analysis of a population-based cohort study. Furthermore, the four
      weekly regimen used in 82B was associated with a 40% increase in mortality. The
      strengths of the design include identical selection criteria, uniform and
      prospective registration of treatment, tumour and patient characteristics.
      Caution is still required due to the non-experimental design of the comparison.
      Another finding was a substantial difference in the risk of amenorrhoea; and
      while 15% of patients aged 40 or younger in 77B had regular menses throughout
      chemotherapy, the corresponding percentage was 37 in 82B and 47 in 89B. The DBCG
      in collaboration with a Swedish and a Dutch centre participating in the DBCG
      trial 89B compared CMF with ovarian ablation in premenopausal high-risk breast
      cancer patients with ER-positive tumours. No significant differences were found
      in DFS or OS in the preplanned analysis, suggesting that the benefits of CMF may,
      at least in part, be explained by ovarian suppression in premenopausal patients
      with ER-positive tumours. However, these results are not clinically useful by
      themselves as other chemotherapy regimens have been more efficacious, and
      knowledge is still lacking regarding the benefits from adding ovarian suppression
      to chemotherapy plus tamoxifen. The results from the DBCG 77B and 82C are in
      accordance with other large adjuvant trials and the EBCTCG meta-analyses. The
      benefits obtained with any individual anticancer drug are largely determined by
      the cancer (somatic) genome; and by being a molecular target of anthracyclines,
      TOP2A aberrations could obviously be associated with cancer drug benefits. In the
      DBCG 89D, a significant heterogeneity was observed between a beneficial effect on
      DFS and OS of epirubicin and the presence of TOP2A, but not the presence of HER2
      aberrations. The results obtained in the 89D trial regarding TOP2A have been
      reproduced by others, but not consistently. However, a recent individual-patient
      pooled analysis of five adjuvant trials demonstrated that patients with either
      TOP2A or centromere 17 aberrations, but not with HER2 amplification, benefit from
      anthracycline-containing adjuvant chemotherapy. Anthracyclins have additional
      distinct biological mechanisms; and results from the DBCG 89D suggested that
      tumours with normal TOP2A were only non-responsive to anthracyclines if they were
      TIMP1 immunoreactive. The DBCG READ trial (N = 2,015) prospectively included
      patients without TOP2A-aberrated breast cancers, and its results are awaited for
      prospective confirmation of the results from the DBCG 89D and the individual
      patient pooled analysis. Adjuvant chemotherapy substantially reduces the risk of
      recurrence and mortality of breast cancer, but is also associated with
      significant toxicity. However, according to a large cohort study from DBCG,
      chemotherapy can safely be withheld in one fourth of postmenopausal patients who
      will be without excess mortality following sufficient adjuvant endocrine therapy
      for ER positive breast cancer. A prognostic standard mortality rate index (PSI)
      was constructed using regression coefficients obtained in a multivariate
      fractional polynomials model, and most accurately identified those who could be
      spared chemotherapy. In addition to age, tumour size, nodal status, histological
      type and malignancy grade, the PSI also includes ER level addressed as a
      continuous variable in the MFP model. In the MFP model, absence of LVI was
      sufficient to counteract the impact of other risk factors, while that could not
      be achieved with a categorical multivariate model in a prior study. An evaluation
      of whether the addition of results from a molecular assay may improve the
      clinical utility of the PSI is on-going, but when used alone evidence from such
      assays has been insufficient. 

PMID- 27127019
TI  - Effect of metabolic gases and water vapor, perfluorocarbon emulsions, and nitric
      oxide on tissue bubbles during decompression sickness.
AB  - In aviation and diving, fast decrease in ambient pressure, such as during
      accidental loss of cabin pressure or when a diver decompresses too fast to sea
      level, may cause nitrogen (N2) bubble formation in blood and tissue resulting in
      decompression sickness (DCS). Conventional treatment of DCS is oxygen (O2)
      breathing combined with recompression.  However, bubble kinetic models suggest,
      that metabolic gases, i.e. O2 and carbon dioxide (CO2), and water vapor
      contribute significantly to DCS bubble volume and growth at hypobaric altitude
      exposures. Further, perfluorocarbon emulsions (PFC) and nitric oxide (NO) donors
      have, on an experimental basis, demonstrated therapeutic properties both as
      treatment and prophylactic intervention against DCS. The effect was ascribed to
      solubility of respiratory gases in PFC, plausible NO elicited nuclei demise
      and/or N2 washout through enhanced blood flow rate. Accordingly, by means of
      monitoring injected bubbles in exposed adipose tissue or measurements of spinal
      evoked potentials (SEPs) in anaesthetized rats, the aim of this study was to: 1)
      evaluate the contribution of metabolic gases and water vapor to bubble volume at
      different barometrical altitude exposures, 2) clarify the O2 contribution and N2
      solubility from bubbles during administration of PFC at normo- and hypobaric
      conditions and, 3) test the effect of different NO donors on SEPs during DCS upon
      a hyperbaric air dive and, to study the influence of  NO on tissue bubbles at
      high altitude exposures. The results support the bubble kinetic models and
      indicate that metabolic gases and water vapor contribute significantly to bubble
      volume at 25 kPa (~10,376 m above sea level) and constitute a threshold for
      bubble stabilization or decay at the interval of 47-36 kPa (~6,036 and ~7,920 m
      above sea level). The effect of the metabolic gases and water vapor seemed to
      compromise the therapeutic properties of both PFC and NO at altitude, while PFC
      significantly increased bubble disappearance rate at sea level following a
      hyperbaric airdive. We found no protective effect of NO donors during DCS from
      diving. On the contrary, there was a tendency towards a poorer outcome when
      decompression was combined with NO donor administration. This observation is
      seemingly contradictive to recent publications and may be explained by the
      multifactorial effect of NO in combination with a fast decompression profile,
      speeding up the N2 release from tissues and thereby aggravating the DCS symptoms.

PMID- 27127020
TI  - Preoperative airway assessment - experience gained from a multicentre cluster
      randomised trial and the Danish Anaesthesia Database.
AB  - Difficulties with airway management in relation to general anaesthesia have been
      a challenge for the anaesthesiologist since the birth of anaesthesia. Massive
      landmark improvements have been made and general anaesthesia is now regarded as a
      safe procedure. However, rare, difficult airway management still occurs and it
      prompts increased risk of morbidity and mortality - especially when not
      anticipated. Several preoperative risk factors for airway difficulties have been
      identified, yet none have convincing diagnostic accuracy as stand alone tests.
      Combining several risk factors increase the predictive value of the test and
      multivariable risk models have been developed. The Simplified Airway Risk Index
      (SARI) is a predictive model developed for anticipation of a difficult direct
      laryngoscopy. However, neither the diagnostic accuracy of the SARI nor of any
      other model has been tested prospectively and compared with existing practice for
      airway assessment in a randomised trial setting. The first objective of this
      thesis was to quantify the proportion of unanticipated difficult intubation and
      difficult mask ventilation in Denmark. The second objective was to design a
      cluster randomised trial, using state of the art methodology, in order to test
      the clinical impact of using the SARI for preoperative airway assessment compared
      with a clinical judgement based on usual practice for airway assessment. Finally,
      to test if implementation of the SARI would reduce the proportion of
      unanticipated difficult intubation compared with usual care for airway
      assessment. This thesis is based on data from the Danish Anaesthesia Database
      (DAD). Paper 1 presents an observational cohort study on 188,064 patients who
      underwent tracheal intubation from 2008 to 2011. Data on the anaesthesiologists'
      preoperative anticipations of airway difficulties was compared with actual airway
      management conditions, thus enabling an estimation of the proportion of
      unanticipated difficulties with intubation and mask ventilation. Papers 2 and 3
      outline the methodology and the pre-trial calculations and considerations leading
      to the DIFFICAIR trial described in Paper 4. The trial was designed to randomise
      anaesthesia department to either thorough education in, and subsequent use of the
      SARI for preoperative airway assessment or to continue usual care. Registration
      of the SARI in DAD was made mandatory in SARI departments and impossible in usual
      care departments. Conditions regarding anticipation of difficulties and actual
      airway managements were recorded as for Paper 1. DAD data made it possible to
      estimate an appropriate sample size, considering the between cluster variation,
      and to construct a stratification variable based on 2011 baseline values of the
      primary outcome used in the DIFFICAIR trial. Paper 1 revealed that 1.86% of all
      patients who were intubated, but not planned for advanced intubation techniques
      (e.g. video laryngoscopy), were unanticipated difficult to intubate. However, 75
      to 93% of all difficult intubations were unanticipated. Furthermore, 94% of all
      difficult mask ventilations were unanticipated. In Paper 4, 59,514 patients were
      included in the primary analyses. The proportion of unanticipated difficult
      intubations was 2.38% (696/29,209) in SARI departments and 2.39% (723/30,305) in
      usual care departments. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.03 (95% CI: 0.77-1.38), p =
      0.84. No significant differences were detected in other adjusted outcome measures
      and neither a 58% increase in patients anticipated to have intubation
      difficulties nor an 84% increase in patients scheduled for advanced intubation
      techniques in SARI departments reached statistical significance, p = 0.29 and p =
      0.06 respectively. The papers constituting this thesis demonstrate that at high
      proportion of airway management difficulties are unanticipated. In a cluster
      randomised trial it was not possible to reduce the proportion of unanticipated
      difficult intubation in daily clinical practice by implementing a systematic
      approach for airway assessment compared with usual care. However, implementation
      of the SARI may increase the anticipation of intubation difficulties and it may
      change practice towards advanced intubation techniques. This thesis underlines
      the continued challenge anaesthesiologists face in predicting airway management
      related difficulties. 

PMID- 27127021
TI  - Ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death during myocardial infarction.
AB  - In this PhD thesis, we report that VF is still a common complication of STEMI,
      with an incidence of 11.6% in the population of Danish STEMI patients who survive
      to reach the hospital. In this STEMI population, we identified several risk
      factors associated with VF independent of MI. We identified and confirmed
      findings from several previous studies and found several risk factors, such as
      younger age, a family history of sudden death, a TIMI flow grade of 0, the
      absence of angina, anterior infarction (i.e., VF before PPCI), and inferior
      infarction (i.e., VF during PPCI) that were associated with VF in a Danish
      cohort. Furthermore, a history of atrial fibrillation and alcohol intake were
      identified as novel risk factors for VF. To the best of our knowledge, this study
      contains data on the largest VF cohort with the longest reported follow-up
      published; we found that VF mortality is significantly higher within the first 30
      days for patients who experience VF before and during PPCI compared with STEMI
      patients without VF. However, the long-term mortality rates of the three groups
      are the same. Importantly, our results contradict the previous understanding that
      VF during PPCI is "benign"; the mortality rate within the first 30 days was as
      high for patients with VF during PPCI as the mortality rate of patients with VF
      before PPCI. Finally, although it is difficult to draw clinical implications from
      a descriptive study, due to the comprehensiveness of Danish death certificates,
      we reported a high incidence of cardiac symptoms and contact with healthcare
      professionals based on cardiac symptoms in young SCD patients who died due to
      CAD, although death was not avoided. 

PMID- 27127022
TI  - Relevant aspects in the surface properties in titanium dental implants for the
      cellular viability.
AB  - Roughness and topographical features are the most relevant of the surface
      properties for a dental implant for its osseointegration. For that reason, we
      studied the four surfaces more used in titanium dental implants: machined,
      sandblasted, acid etching and sandblasted plus acid etching. The roughness and
      wettability (contact angle and surface free energy) was studied by means 3D
      interferometric microscope and sessile drop method. Normal human gingival
      fibroblasts (HGF) were obtained from small oral mucosa biopsies and were used for
      cell cultures. To analyze cell integrity, we first quantified the total amount of
      DNA and LDH released from dead cells to the culture medium. Then, LIVE/DEAD assay
      was used as a combined method assessing cell integrity and metabolism. All
      experiments were carried out on each cell type cultured on each Ti material for
      24h, 48h and 72h. To evaluate the in vivo cell adhesion capability of each Ti
      surface, the four types of discs were grafted subcutaneously in 5 Wistar rats.
      Sandblasted surfaces were significantly rougher than acid etching and machined.
      Wettability and surface free energy decrease when the roughness increases in sand
      blasted samples. This fact favors the protein adsorption. The DNA released by
      cells cultured on the four Ti surfaces did not differ from that of positive
      control cells (p>0.05). The number of cells per area was significantly lower
      (p<0.05) in the sand-blasted surface than in the machined and surface for both
      cell types (7+/-2 cells for HGF and 10+/-5 cells for SAOS-2). The surface of the
      machined-type discs grafted in vivo had a very small area occupied by cells
      and/or connective tissue (3.5%), whereas 36.6% of the sandblasted plus acid
      etching surface, 75.9% of sandblasted discs and 59.6% of acid etching discs was
      covered with cells and connective tissue. Cells cultured on rougher surfaces
      tended to exhibit attributes of more differentiated osteoblasts than cells
      cultured on smoother surfaces. These surface properties justify that the
      sandblasted implants is able to significantly increase bone contact and bone
      growth with very good osseointegration results in vivo. 

PMID- 27127023
TI  - Graphene oxide decorated electrospun gelatin nanofibers: Fabrication, properties
      and applications.
AB  - Gelatin nanofiber fabricated by electrospinning process is found to mimic the
      complex structural and functional properties of natural extracellular matrix for
      tissue regeneration. In order to improve the physico-chemical and biological
      properties of the nanofibers, graphene oxide is incorporated in the gelatin to
      form graphene oxide decorated gelatin nanofibers. The current research effort is
      focussed on the fabrication and evaluation of physico-chemical and biological
      properties of graphene oxide-gelatin composite nanofibers. The presence of
      graphene oxide in the nanofibers was established by transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM). We report the effect of incorporation of graphene oxide on the
      mechanical, thermal and biological performance of the gelatin nanofibers. The
      tensile strength of gelatin nanofibers was increased from 8.29+/-0.53MPa to 21+/
      2.03MPa after the incorporation of GO. In order to improve the water resistance
      of nanofibers, natural based cross-linking agent, namely, dextran aldehyde was
      employed. The cross-linked composite nanofibers showed further increase in the
      tensile strength up to 56.4+/-2.03MPa. Graphene oxide incorporated gelatin
      nanofibers are evaluated for bacterial activity against gram positive
      (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and cyto
      compatibility using mouse fibroblast cells (L-929 cells). The results indicate
      that the graphene oxide incorporated gelatin nanofibers do not prevent bacterial
      growth, nevertheless support the L-929 cell adhesion and proliferation. 

PMID- 27127024
TI  - Magnetic silica hybrids modified with guanidine containing co-polymers for drug
      delivery applications.
AB  - Guanidine containing co-polymers grafted onto silica nanoparticles to form core
      shell structure were prepared by sol-gel method in the presence of gamma-Fe2O3
      nanoparticles. The morphological features for uncoated and coated silica
      particles have been characterized with scanning electron microscopy. The results
      show that the polymer coated silicas exhibit spherical morphology with rough
      polymeric surface covered by gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The grafting amount of
      guanidine containing co-polymers evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis was in
      the range from 17 to 30%. Then, the drug loading properties and cumulative
      release of silica hybrids modified with guanidine containing co-polymers were
      evaluated using molsidomine as a model drug. It was shown that after polymer
      grafting the loading content of molsidomine could reach up to 3.42+/-0.21 and
      2.34+/-0.14mg/g respectively. The maximum drug release of molsidomine is achieved
      at pH1.6 (approximately 71-75% release at 37 degrees C), whereas at pH7.4 drug
      release is lower (50.4-59.6% release at 37 degrees C). These results have an
      important implication that our magneto-controlled silica hybrids modified with
      guanidine containing co-polymers are promising as drug carriers with controlled
      behaviour under influence of magnetic field. 

PMID- 27127025
TI  - "Off-the-shelf" microfluidic devices for the production of liposomes for drug
      delivery.
AB  - An "off-the-shelf" microfluidic chip approach, utilizing lowcost, commercially
      available components, for liposome production, is presented. Microfluidic devices
      with different geometries have been conveniently designed and assembled, allowing
      the production of narrowly dispersed unilamellar and very reproducible liposomes.
      The presented results indicate that off-the-shelf microfluidic devices can hold
      great promises for the efficient preparation of different lipid based colloidal
      systems for biomedical applications. 

PMID- 27127026
TI  - Modification of the protein corona-nanoparticle complex by physiological factors.
AB  - Nanoparticle (NP) effects in a biological system are driven through the formation
      and structure of the protein corona-NP complex, which is dynamic by nature and
      dependent upon factors from both the local environment and NP physicochemical
      parameters. To date, considerable data has been gathered regarding the structure
      and behavior of the protein corona in blood, plasma, and traditional cell culture
      medium. However, there exists a knowledge gap pertaining to the protein corona in
      additional biological fluids and following incubation in a dynamic environment.
      Using 13nm gold NPs (AuNPs), functionalized with either polyethylene glycol or
      tannic acid, we demonstrated that both particle characteristics and the
      associated protein corona were altered when exposed to artificial physiological
      fluids and under dynamic flow. Furthermore, the magnitude of observed behavioral
      shifts were dependent upon AuNP surface chemistry. Lastly, we revealed that
      exposure to interstitial fluid produced protein corona modifications, reshaping
      of the nano-cellular interface, modified AuNP dosimetry, and induction of
      previously unseen cytotoxicity. This study highlights the need to elucidate both
      NP and protein corona behavior in biologically representative environments in an
      effort to increase accurate interpretation of data and transfer of this knowledge
      to efficacy, behavior, and safety of nano-based applications. 

PMID- 27127027
TI  - Alginate/PEG based microcarriers with cleavable crosslinkage for expansion and
      non-invasive harvest of human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Porous microcarriers are increasingly used to expand and harvest stem cells.
      Generally, the cells are harvested via proteolytic enzyme treatment, which always
      leads to damages to stem cells. To address this disadvantage, a series of
      alginate/PEG (AL/PEG) semi-interpenetrating network microcarriers are prepared in
      this study. In this AL/PEG system, the chemically cross-linked alginate networks
      are formed via the reaction between carboxylic acid group of alginate and di
      terminated amine groups of cystamine. PEG is introduced to modulate the
      degradation of microcarriers, which does not participate in this cross-linked
      reaction, while it interpenetrates in alginate network via physical interactions.
      In addition, chitosan are coated on the surface of AL/PEG to improve the
      mechanical strength via the electrostatic interactions. Biocompatible fibronectin
      are also coated on these microcarriers to modulate the biological behaviors of
      cells seeded in microcarriers. Results suggest that the size of AL/PEG
      microcarriers can be modulated via adjusting the contents and molecular weight of
      PEG. Moreover, the microcarriers are designed to be degraded with cleavage of
      disulfide crosslinkage. By changing the type and concentration of reductant, the
      ratio of AL to PEG, and the magnitude of chitosan coating, the degradation
      ability of AL/PEG microcarriers can be well controlled. In addition, AL/PEG
      microcarriers can support the attachment and proliferation of human umbilical
      cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs). More importantly, the expanded
      hUCB-MSCs can be detached from microcarriers after addition of reductant, which
      indeed reduce the cell damage caused by proteolytic enzyme treatment. Therefore,
      it is convinced that AL/PEG based microcarriers will be a promising candidate for
      large-scale expansion of hUCB-MSCs. 

PMID- 27127028
TI  - Development of sensitive amperometric hydrogen peroxide sensor using a
      CuNPs/MB/MWCNT-C60-Cs-IL nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode.
AB  - A sensitive hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor was constructed based on copper
      nanoparticles/methylene blue/multiwall carbon nanotubes-fullerene-chitosan-ionic
      liquid (CuNPs/MB/MWCNTs-C60-Cs-IL) nanocomposites. The MB/MWCNTs-C60-Cs-IL and
      CuNPs were modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by the physical adsorption and
      electrodeposition of copper nitrate solution, respectively. The physical
      morphology and chemical composition of the surface of modified electrode was
      investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray
      spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The electrochemical properties of
      CuNPs/MB/MWCNTs-C60-Cs-IL/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and
      amperometry techniques and the sensor exhibited remarkably strong
      electrocatalytic activities toward the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. The peak
      currents possess a linear relationship with the concentration of H2O2 in the
      range of 0.2MUM to 2.0mM, and the detection limit is 55.0nM (S/N=3). In addition,
      the modified electrode was used to determine H2O2 concentration in human blood
      serum sample with satisfactory results. 

PMID- 27127029
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of polycaprolactone urethane hollow fiber
      membranes as small diameter vascular grafts.
AB  - The design of bioresorbable synthetic small diameter (<6mm) vascular grafts
      (SDVGs) capable of sustaining long-term patency and endothelialization is a
      daunting challenge in vascular tissue engineering. Here, we synthesized a family
      of biocompatible and biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) urethane macromers to
      fabricate hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) as SDVG candidates, and characterized
      their mechanical properties, degradability, hemocompatibility, and endothelial
      development. The HFMs had smooth surfaces and porous internal structures. Their
      tensile stiffness ranged from 0.09 to 0.11N/mm and their maximum tensile force
      from 0.86 to 1.03N, with minimum failure strains of approximately 130%.
      Permeability varied from 1 to 14*10(-6)cm/s, burst pressures from 1158 to
      1468mmHg, and compliance from 0.52 to 1.48%/100mmHg. The suture retention forces
      ranged from 0.55 to 0.81N. HFMs had slow degradation profiles, with 15 to 30%
      degradation after 8weeks. Human endothelial cells proliferated well on the HFMs,
      creating stable cell layer coverage. Hemocompatibility studies demonstrated low
      hemolysis (<2%), platelet activation, and protein adsorption. There were no
      significant differences in the hemocompatibility of HFMs in the absence and
      presence of endothelial layers. These encouraging results suggest great promise
      of our newly developed materials and biodegradable elastomeric HFMs as SDVG
      candidates. 

PMID- 27127031
TI  - Design and development of anisotropic inorganic/polystyrene nanocomposites by
      surface modification of zinc oxide nanoparticles.
AB  - Anisotropic yolk/shell or Janus inorganic/polystyrene nanocomposites were
      prepared by combining miniemulsion polymerization and sol-gel reaction. The
      morphologies of the anisotropic composites were found to be greatly influenced by
      surface modification of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle seeds. Two different types
      of the oleic acid modified ZnO nanoparticles (OA-ZnO) were prepared by post
      treatment of commercial ZnO powder and homemade OA-ZnO nanoparticles. The
      morphologies and properties of the nanocomposites were investigated by
      transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and
      energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was found that both post-treated
      OA-ZnO and in-situ prepared OA-ZnO nanoparticles resulted in the yolk-shell and
      Janus structure nanocomposites, but with varied size and morphology. These
      nanocomposites showed stable and strong fluorescence by introducing quantum dots
      as the co-seeds. The fluorescent anisotropic nanocomposites were decorated
      separately with surface carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. These composites with
      unique anisotropic properties will have high potential in biomedical
      applications, particularly in bio-detection. 

PMID- 27127030
TI  - PDMS-SiO2-TiO2-CaO hybrid materials - Cytocompatibility and nanoscale surface
      features.
AB  - Two PDMS-SiO2-TiO2-CaO porous hybrid materials were prepared using the same base
      composition, precursors, and solvents, but following two different sol-gel
      procedures, based on the authors' previous works where for the first time, in
      this hybrid system, calcium acetate was used as calcium source. The two different
      procedures resulted in monolithic materials with different structures,
      microstructures, and surface wettability. Even though both are highly hydrophobic
      (contact angles of 127.2 degrees  and 150.6 degrees ), and present different
      filling regimes due to different surface topographies, they have demonstrated to
      be cytocompatible when tested with human osteoblastic cells, against the accepted
      idea that high-hydrophobic surfaces are not suitable to cell adhesion and
      proliferation. At the nanoscale, the existence of hydrophilic silica domains
      containing calcium, where water molecules are physisorbed, is assumed to support
      this capability, as discussed. 

PMID- 27127032
TI  - Galvanic deposition and characterization of brushite/hydroxyapatite coatings on
      316L stainless steel.
AB  - In this work, brushite and brushite/hydroxyapatite (BS, CaHPO4.H2O; HA,
      Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) coatings were deposited on 316L stainless steel (316LSS) from a
      solution containing Ca(NO3)2.4H2O and NH4H2PO4 by a displacement reaction based
      on a galvanic contact, where zinc acts as sacrificial anode. Driving force for
      the cementation reaction arises from the difference in the electrochemical
      standard potentials of two different metallic materials (316LSS and Zn) immersed
      in an electrolyte, so forming a galvanic contact leading to the deposition of
      BS/HA on nobler metal. We found that temperature and deposition time affect
      coating features (morphology, structure, and composition). Deposits were
      characterized by means of several techniques. The morphology was investigated by
      scanning electron microscopy, the elemental composition was obtained by X-ray
      energy dispersive spectroscopy, whilst the structure was identified by Raman
      spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. BS was deposited at all investigated
      temperatures covering the 316LSS surface. At low and moderate temperature, BS
      coatings were compact, uniform and with good crystalline degree. On BS layers, HA
      crystals were obtained at 50 degrees C for all deposition times, while at 25
      degrees C, its presence was revealed only after long deposition time.
      Electrochemical studies show remarkable improvement in corrosion resistance. 

PMID- 27127033
TI  - Functionally graded polymeric materials: A brif review of current fabrication
      methods and introduction of a novel fabrication method.
AB  - The present work reviews the current fabrication methods of the functionally
      graded polymeric material (FGPM) and introduces a novel fabrication method that
      is versatile in applications as compared to those of existing used methods. For
      the first time electrophoresis was used to control the distribution of the
      tetracycline hydrochloride (TC) in a film made of polylactic acid (PLA), aiming
      to induce antimicrobial effect on the film prepared. The elemental analysis on
      the film surface showed that by employing electrophoresis force, higher amount of
      TC was detected near the top surface of the film. Results also showed that the
      FGPM samples with higher percentage of the TC on the film surface were highly
      effective to minimize the growth of Escherichia coli. These findings are useful
      and important to improve dispersion quality of the particles in the composite
      material and further enhance its antibacterial property. 

PMID- 27127034
TI  - Gentamicin-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles for the prevention
      of maxillofacial and orthopedic implant infections.
AB  - Trauma and orthopedic surgery can cause infections as any open surgical
      procedures. Such complications occur in only1 to 5% of the cases, but the
      treatment is rather complicated due to bacterial biofilm formation and limited
      drug access to the site of infection upon systemic administration. An interesting
      strategy to overcome this type of complications is to prevent bacterial
      proliferation and biofilm formation via the local and controlled release of
      antibiotic drugs from the implant itself. Obviously, the incorporation of the
      drug into the implant should not affect the latter's biological and mechanical
      properties. In this context, we optimized the preparation process for gentamicin
      loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles, which can be
      incorporated in the macropores of calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes.
      Microparticles were prepared using a double emulsion solvent
      extraction/evaporation technique. The processing parameters were optimized in
      order to provide an average microparticle size of about 60MUm, allowing for
      incorporation inside the macropores (100MUm) of the hydroxyapatite scaffold.
      Gentamicin-loaded PLGA microparticles showed a sustained release for 25-30days
      and a rapid antibacterial activity due to a burst effect, the extent of which was
      controlled by the initial loading of the microparticles. SEM pictures revealed a
      highly porous microparticle structure, which can help to reduce the micro
      environmental pH drop and autocatalytic effects. The biological evaluation showed
      the cytocompatibility and non-hemolytic property of the microparticles, and the
      antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus under the given conditions. 

PMID- 27127035
TI  - Comparative study on in vivo response of porous calcium carbonate composite
      ceramic and biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic.
AB  - In a previous study, robust calcium carbonate composite ceramics (CC/PG) were
      prepared by using phosphate-based glass (PG) as an additive, which showed good
      cell response. In the present study the in vivo response of porous CC/PG was
      compared to that of porous biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics (BCP), using a
      rabbit femoral critical-size grafting model. The materials degradation and bone
      formation processes were evaluated by general observation, X-ray radiography,
      micro-computed tomography, and histological examination. The results demonstrated
      excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity, and progressive degradation of
      CC/PG and BCP. Although the in vitro degradation rate of CC/PG was distinctly
      faster than that of BCP, at 4week post-implantation, the bone generation and
      material degradation of CC/PG were less than those of BCP. Nevertheless, at
      postoperative week 8, the increment of bone formation and material degradation of
      CC/PG was pronouncedly larger than that of BCP. These results show that CC/PG is
      a potential resorbable bone graft aside from the traditional synthetic ones. 

PMID- 27127036
TI  - Antitumor drug effect of betulinic acid mediated by polyethylene glycol modified
      liposomes.
AB  - Betulinic acid (BA), as a natural pentacyclic lupine-type triterpene, principally
      derives from bark of white birch, due to its potent pharmacological properties
      and low side-effect, which has been demonstrated a prominent efficiency on cancer
      therapy. However, the poor solubility and low bioavailability limit its
      pharmaceutical effect. Herein, we reported the rapid efficient synthesis of the
      polyethylene glycol modified (PEGylated) BA liposomes using ethanol injection
      technique for the first time. In the study, hydrophobic BA was encapsulated in
      the lipid bilayer of liposomes, meanwhile hydrophilic PEG layer covered the
      surface of liposomes. The mean diameter of PEGylated BA liposomes was 142nm,
      which can effectively accumulate in the tumor tissues. In vitro drug release
      study showed that the PEGylated BA liposomes had a better sustained drug release
      effect than BA liposomes. The PEGylated BA liposomes also exhibited a better
      tumor inhibitory effect compared with those of free BA or BA liposomes in vitro
      and in vivo experiments. Therefore, the PEGylated BA liposomes could serve as a
      better alternative for the cancer therapy in future. 

PMID- 27127037
TI  - A hydrazone Schiff base single crystal (E)-Methyl N(')-(3,4,5
      trimethoxybenzylidene) hydrazine carboxylate: Physicochemical, in vitro
      investigation of antimicrobial activities and molecular docking with DNA gyrase
      protein.
AB  - Hydrazone Schiff bases have been widely explored for their antimicrobial,
      anticancer, anticonvulsant properties. The aim of the present work is to
      investigate the spectroscopic, electrochemical, thermal properties, in vitro
      study of antimicrobial activity and molecular docking studies of the MBHC
      compound. Slow evaporation solution growth technique was used to grow the single
      crystal of the MBHC compound. Single crystal X-ray diffraction, FTIR and FT-Raman
      spectroscopic studies are performed and confirmed the grown MBHC compound. UV-Vis
      spectroscopy and electrochemical studies deduced the absorption region and HOMO
      LUMO band gap value of the compound. Resazurin reduction assay method was
      utilized to perform antibacterial and antifungal studies which resulted in lesser
      effectiveness of the MBHC compound compared to the erythromycin and fluconazole
      tablets. Molecular docking of the MBHC compound with the DNA gyrase protein
      exhibited the good binding affinity with energy of -43.196kcal/mol and docking
      score of -6.266 and having good interaction with aminoacids - ASP81 and ARG84. 

PMID- 27127038
TI  - Sustained release of aspirin and vitamin C from titanium nanotubes: An
      experimental and stimulation study.
AB  - Anodization is a promising method to change the topography and wettability of
      titanium (Ti) implant. The formed TiO2 nanotubes (TiNTs) arrays could enhance the
      biological properties of Ti implants. In this study, to investigate the
      possibility of TiNTs arrays on a Ti implant surface as nano-reservoirs for small
      molecular drugs when using in orthopedic and dental prosthesis, TiNTs on a Ti
      implant surface were prepared. Then, aspirin and/or vitamin C were loaded into
      TiNTs as model drugs. Meanwhile, low molecular weight polylactic acid (PLA,
      Mw=3000) was synthesized and loaded alternately along with aspirin or vitamin C.
      The release rates of aspirin and vitamin C with/or without PLA loading were
      investigated by using a UV-Vis spectrometer. The results showed that when loading
      without PLA, drugs released quickly with presence of burst release. However, when
      loading with PLA, the cumulative release duration of aspirin and vitamin C was
      prolonged to over 240h. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and dissipative
      particle dynamics (DPD) simulation results proved that when loading with PLA, PLA
      molecules aggregated gradually and formed clusters or micelles in these
      nanotubes. Meanwhile, drug molecules were captured and distributed inside the PLA
      matrix, which retarding the release of drugs. Only when PLA micelles degrade
      gradually in body fluid, drugs could be released slowly from nanotubes. These
      knowledge laid ground basis for the following biological experiments. 

PMID- 27127039
TI  - Novel meloxicam releasing electrospun polymer/ceramic reinforced biodegradable
      membranes for periodontal regeneration applications.
AB  - Periodontal disease is associated with the destruction of periodontal tissues,
      along with other disorders/problems including inflammation of tissues and severe
      pain. This paper reports the synthesis of meloxicam (MX) immobilized
      biodegradable chitosan (CS)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/hydroxyapatite (HA) based
      electrospun (e-spun) fibers and films. Electrospinning was employed to produce
      drug loaded fibrous mats, whereas films were generated by solvent casting method.
      In-vitro drug release from materials containing varying concentrations of MX
      revealed that the scaffolds containing higher amount of drug showed comparatively
      faster release. During initial first few hours fast release was noted from
      membranes and films; however after around 5h sustained release was achieved. The
      hydrogels showed good swelling property, which is highly desired for soft tissue
      engineered implants. To investigate the biocompatibility of our synthesized
      materials, VERO cells (epithelial cells) were selected and cell culture results
      showed that these all materials were non-cytotoxic and also these cells were very
      well proliferated on these synthesized scaffolds. These properties along with the
      anti-inflammatory potential of our fabricated materials suggest their effective
      utilization in periodontital treatments. 

PMID- 27127040
TI  - Development of novel wound care systems based on nanosilver nanohydrogels of
      polymethacrylic acid with Aloe vera and curcumin.
AB  - This study is aimed at the development of a composite material for wound dressing
      containing nanosilver nanohydrogels (nSnH) along with Aloe vera and curcumin that
      promote antimicrobial nature, wound healing and infection control. Nanosliver
      nanohydrogels were synthesized by nanoemulsion polymerization of methacrylic acid
      (MAA) followed by subsequent crosslinking and silver reduction under irradiation.
      Both the polymerization and irradiation time had significant influence on the
      nanoparticle shape, size and its formation. Polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene
      oxide/carboxymethyl cellulose matrix was used as gel system to blend with nSnH,
      A. vera, curcumin and coat it on the hydrolysed PET fabric to develop
      antimicrobial dressings. The cumulative release of silver from the dressing was
      found to be ~42% of the total loading after 48h. The antimicrobial activity of
      the dressings was studied against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia
      coli. In vivo wound healing studies were carried out over a period of 16d on full
      thickness skin wounds created on Swiss albino mice. Fast healing was observed in
      Gel/nSnH/Aloe treated wounds with minimum scarring, as compared to other groups.
      The histological studies showed A. vera based dressings to be the most optimum
      one. These results suggest that nSnH along with A. vera based dressing material
      could be promising candidates for wound dressings. 

PMID- 27127041
TI  - Hydrothermal synthesis of highly luminescent blue-emitting ZnSe(S) quantum dots
      exhibiting low toxicity.
AB  - Highly luminescent quantum dots (QDs) that emit in the visible spectrum are of
      interest to a number of imaging technologies, not least that of biological
      samples. One issue that hinders the application of luminescent markers in biology
      is the potential toxicity of the fluorophore. Here we show that hydrothermally
      synthesized ZnSe(S) QDs have low cytotoxicity to both human colorectal carcinoma
      cells (HCT-116) and human skin fibroblast cells (WS1). The QDs exhibited a high
      degree of crystallinity, with a strong blue photoluminescence at up to 29%
      quantum yield relative to 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) without post
      synthetic UV-irradiation. Confocal microscopy images obtained of HCT-116 cells
      after incubation with the QDs highlighted the stability of the particles in cell
      media. Cytotoxicity studies showed that both HCT-116 and WS1 cells retain 100%
      viability after treatment with the QDs at concentrations up to 0.5g/L, which
      makes them of potential use in biological imaging applications. 

PMID- 27127042
TI  - Mimicked cartilage scaffolds of silk fibroin/hyaluronic acid with stem cells for
      osteoarthritis surgery: Morphological, mechanical, and physical clues.
AB  - Osteoarthritis is a critical disease that comes from degeneration of cartilage
      tissue. In severe cases surgery is generally required. Tissue engineering using
      scaffolds with stem cell transplantation is an attractive approach and a
      challenge for orthopedic surgery. For sample preparation, silk fibroin
      (SF)/hyaluronic acid (HA) scaffolds in different ratios of SF/HA (w/w) (i.e.,
      100:0, 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30) were formed by freeze-drying. The morphological,
      mechanical, and physical clues were considered in this research. The
      morphological structure of the scaffolds was observed by scanning electron
      microscope. The mechanical and physical properties of the scaffolds were analyzed
      by compressive and swelling ratio testing, respectively. For the cell
      experiments, scaffolds were seeded and cultured with human umbilical cord-derived
      mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs). The cultured scaffolds were tested for cell
      viability, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression. The SF with
      HA scaffolds showed regular porous structures. Those scaffolds had a soft and
      elastic characteristic with a high swelling ratio and water uptake. The SF/HA
      scaffolds showed a spheroid structure of the cells in the porous structure
      particularly in the SF80 and SF70 scaffolds. Cells could express Col2a, Agg, and
      Sox9 which are markers for chondrogenesis. It could be deduced that SF/HA
      scaffolds showed significant clues for suitability in cartilage tissue
      engineering and in surgery for osteoarthritis. 

PMID- 27127043
TI  - Flower like Bi structures on Pt surface facilitating effective cholesterol
      biosensing.
AB  - This work demonstrates effective biosensing of cholesterol with the help of an
      efficient inorganic H2O2 transducer based on Pt-Bi combined with the organic
      enzyme platform. It could be shown that the Bi (bismuth) adatoms modified Pt
      (platinum) surface displays enhanced catalytic oxidation of H2O2 at neutral pH
      and the catalytic oxidation of H2O2 occurs at a lower potential of 0.25V vs NCE
      (normal calomel electrode). The sensing platform is highly sensitive and shows
      linear response towards [H2O2] in the absence of any redox mediator or enzyme.
      The H2O2 sensing platform, further modified with cholesterol oxidase led to
      cholesterol biosensing with a sensitivity of 3.41MUAmM(-1)cm(-2). The apparent
      Michaelis-Menten constant (Km(app)) was calculated to be 0.43mM which indicates
      high binding affinity with the substrate. The cholesterol biosensor does not
      suffer from the interferences due to other common electroactive species and is
      highly stable. 

PMID- 27127044
TI  - Jellyfish collagen and alginate: Combined marine materials for superior
      chondrogenesis of hMSC.
AB  - Marine, hybrid constructs of porous scaffolds from fibrillized jellyfish collagen
      and alginate hydrogel are mimicking both of the main tissue components of
      cartilage, thus being a promising approach for chondrogenic differentiation of
      human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). Investigating their potential for articular
      cartilage repair, the present study examined scaffolds being either infiltrated
      with an alginate-cell-suspension (ACS) or seeded with hMSC and embedded in
      alginate after cell adhesion (EAS). Hybrid constructs with 2*10(5) and
      4.5*10(5)hMSC/scaffold were compared to hMSC encapsulated in pure alginate discs,
      both chondrogenically stimulated for 21days. Typical round, chondrocyte-like
      morphology was observed in pure alginate gels and ACS scaffolds, while cells in
      EAS were elongated and tightly attached to the collagen pores. Col 2 gene
      expression was comparable in all scaffold types examined. However, the Col 2/Col
      1 ratio was higher for pure alginate discs and ACS scaffolds compared to EAS. In
      contrast, cells in EAS scaffolds displayed higher gene expression of Sox 9, Col
      11 and ACAN compared to ACS and pure alginate. Secretion of sulfated
      glycosaminoglycans (sGAG) was comparable for ACS and EAS scaffolds. In conclusion
      hybrid constructs of jellyfish collagen and alginate support hMSC chondrogenic
      differentiation and provide more stable and constructs compared to pure
      hydrogels. 

PMID- 27127045
TI  - Potential use of SERS-assisted theranostic strategy based on Fe3O4/Au
      cluster/shell nanocomposites for bio-detection, MRI, and magnetic hyperthermia.
AB  - A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-assisted theranostic strategy was
      designed based on a synthesized multifunctional Fe3O4/Au cluster/shell
      nanocomposite. This theranostic strategy was used for free prostate specific
      antigen (free-PSA) detection, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic
      hyperthermia. The lowest protein concentration detected was 1ngmL(-1), and the
      limit of detection (LOD) of the calculated PSA was 0.75ngmL(-1). Then, MRI was
      carried out to visualize the tumor cell. Lastly, magnetic hyperthermia was
      employed and revealed a favorable killing effect for the tumor cells. Thus, this
      SERS-assisted strategy based on a Fe3O4/Au cluster/shell nanocomposite showed
      great advantages in theranostic treatment. 

PMID- 27127046
TI  - A dual-targeting drug co-delivery system for tumor chemo- and gene combined
      therapy.
AB  - Regulation of gene expression using p53 is a promising strategy for treatment of
      numerous cancers, and chemotherapeutic drug dichloroacetate (DCA) induces
      apoptosis and growth inhibition in tumor, without apparent toxicity in normal
      tissues. Combining DCA and p53 gene could be an effective way to treat tumors.
      The progress towards broad applications of DCA/p53 combination requires the
      development of safe and efficient vectors that target to specific cells. In this
      study, we developed a DSPE-PEG-AA (1,2-distearoryl-sn-glycero-3
      phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethyleneglycol-2000)] ammonium salt-anisamide)
      modified reconstituted high-density lipoprotein-based DCA/p53-loaded
      nanoparticles (DSPE-PEG-AA/rHDL/DCA-PEI/p53 complexes), which was fabricated as a
      drug/gene dual-targeting co-delivery system for potential cancer therapy. Here,
      DCA-PEI was utilized to effectively condense the p53 plasmid, to incorporate the
      plasmid into rHDL and to act as an antitumor drug to inhibit tumor cell growth.
      The DSPE-PEG-AA/rHDL/DCA-PEI/p53 complexes exhibited desirable and homogenous
      particle size, neutral surface charge and low cytotoxicity for normal cells in
      vitro. The results of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and flow
      cytometry confirmed that the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and sigma
      receptor mediated dual-targeting function of the complexes inducing efficient
      cytoplasmic drug delivery and gene transfection in human lung adenocarcinoma cell
      line A549. And in vivo investigation on nude mice bearing A549 tumor xenografts
      revealed that DSPE-PEG-AA/rHDL/DCA-PEI/p53 complexes possessed specific tumor
      targeting and strong antitumor activity. The work described here demonstrated
      that the DSPE-PEG-AA/rHDL/DCA-PEI/p53 complexes might offer a promising tool for
      effective cancer therapy. 

PMID- 27127047
TI  - Study of hMSC proliferation and differentiation on Mg and Mg-Sr containing
      biphasic beta-tricalcium phosphate and amorphous calcium phosphate ceramics.
AB  - Biphasic mixtures of either Mg(2+) or combined Mg(2+) and Sr(2+) cation
      substituted beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and amorphous calcium phosphate
      (ACP) were prepared using a low temperature chemical phosphatizing and hydrolysis
      reaction approach. Scaffolds prepared using the cation substituted calcium
      phosphates were capable of supporting similar levels of human mesenchymal stem
      cell proliferation in comparison to commercially available beta-TCP. The
      concentrations of Mg(2+), Sr(2+), and PO4(3-) released from these scaffolds were
      also within the ranges desired from previous reports to support both hMSC
      proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Interestingly, hMSCs cultured
      directly on scaffolds prepared with only Mg(2+) substituted beta-TCP were capable
      of supporting statistically significantly increased alkaline phosphatase
      activity, osteopontin, and osteoprotegerin expression in comparison to all
      compositions containing both Mg(2+) and Sr(2+), and commercially available beta
      TCP. hMSCs cultured in the presence of scaffold extracts also exhibited similar
      trends in the expression of osteogenic markers as was observed during direct
      culture. Therefore, it was concluded that the enhanced differentiation observed
      was due to the release of bioactive ions rather than the surface microstructure.
      The role of these ions on transforming growth factor-beta and bone morphogenic
      protein signaling was also evaluated using a PCR array. It was concluded that the
      release of these ions may support enhanced differentiation through SMAD dependent
      TGF-beta and BMP signaling. 

PMID- 27127048
TI  - Light-activated polymethylmethacrylate nanofibers with antibacterial activity.
AB  - The creation of an antibacterial material with triggerable properties enables us
      to avoid the overuse or misuse of antibacterial substances and, thus, prevent the
      emergence of resistant bacterial strains. As a potential light-activated
      antibacterial material, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanofibers doped with
      silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) were prepared by
      electrospinning. TPP was chosen as an effectively reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      producer. Antibacterial tests on Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) and
      Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) showed the excellent light-triggerable
      antibacterial activity of the doped materials. Upon light irradiation at the
      wavelength corresponding to the TPP absorption peak (405nm), antibacterial
      activity dramatically increased, mostly due to the release of AgNPs from the
      polymer matrix. Furthermore, under prolonged light irradiation, the
      AgNPs/TPP/PMMA nanofibers, displayed enhanced longevity and photothermal
      stability. Thus, our results suggest that the proposed material is a promising
      option for the photodynamic inactivation of bacteria. 

PMID- 27127049
TI  - Construction of a fucoidan/laminin functional multilayer to direction vascular
      cell fate and promotion hemocompatibility.
AB  - Surface biofunctional modification of cardiovascular stents is a versatile
      approach to reduce the adverse effects after implantation. In this work, a novel
      multifunctional coating was fabricated by coimmobilization of the sulfated
      polysaccharide of brown algae fucoidan and laminin to biomimic the vascular
      intimal conditions in order to support rapid endothelialization, prevent
      restenosis and improve hemocompatibility. The surface properties of the coating
      such as hydrophilicity, bonding density of biomolecules and stability were
      evaluated and optimized. According to the biocompatibility tests, the
      fucoidan/laminin multilayer coated surface displayed less platelet adhesion with
      favorable anticoagulant property. In addition, the fucoidan/laminin complex
      showed function to selectively regulate vascular cells growth behavior. The
      proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs) on the fucoidan/laminin biofunctional
      coating was significantly promoted. For the smooth muscle cells (SMCs),
      inhibitory effects on cell adhesion and proliferation were observed. In
      conclusion, the fucoidan/laminin biofunctional coating was successfully
      fabricated with desirable anticoagulant and endothelialization properties which
      show a promising application in the vascular devices such as vascular stents or
      grafts surface modification. 

PMID- 27127050
TI  - A novel biosensor based on the direct electrochemistry of horseradish peroxidase
      immobilized in the three-dimensional flower-like Bi2WO6 microspheres.
AB  - Three-dimensional flower-like Bi2WO6 microspheres (3D-Bi2WO6 MSs) have been
      synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method. The morphology and structure of
      3D-Bi2WO6 MSs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray
      diffraction (XRD). The 3D-Bi2WO6 MSs subsequently were used to immobilize
      horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and fabricate a mediator-free biosensor for the
      detection of H2O2. Spectroscopic and electrochemical results reveal that 3D
      Bi2WO6 MSs constitute an excellent immobilization matrix with biocompatibility
      for enzymes. Meanwhile, due to unique morphology of the flower-like microspheres,
      the direct electron transfer of HRP is facilitated and the prepared biosensors
      display good performances for the detection of H2O2 with a wide linear range,
      including two linear sections: 0.5-100MUM (R(2)=0.9983) and 100-250MUM
      (R(2)=0.9981), as well as an extremely low method detection limit of 0.18MUM. 

PMID- 27127051
TI  - Phyto-mediated nanostructured carriers based on dual vegetable actives involved
      in the prevention of cellular damage.
AB  - The growing scientific interest in exploitation of vegetable bioactives has
      raised a number of questions regarding their imminent presence in pharmaceutical
      formulations. This study intends to demonstrate that a dual combination between
      vegetable oil (e.g. thistle oil, safflower oil, sea buckthorn oil) and a carrot
      extract represents an optimal approach to formulate safe carrier systems that
      manifest cell regeneration effect and promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
      activity. Inclusion of both natural actives into lipid carriers imparted a strong
      negative charge on the nanocarrier surface (up to -45mV) and displayed average
      sizes of 70nm to 140nm. The entrapment efficiency of carrot extract into
      nanostructured carriers ranged between 78.3 and 88.3%. The in vitro release study
      has demonstrated that the entrapment of the extract represents a viable way for
      an equilibrated release of carotenoids. Besides the excellent antioxidant
      properties (e.g. scavenging up to 98% of the free oxygen radicals), the results
      of cellular integrity (e.g. cell viability of 133%) recommend these nanocarriers
      based on dual carrot extract-bioactive oil as a promising trend for the treatment
      of certain disorders in which oxidative stress plays a prominent role. In
      addition, the lipid nanocarriers based on safflower oil and sea buckthorn oil
      demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect on LPS induced THP-1 macrophages, by
      inhibiting the secretion of two pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. 

PMID- 27127052
TI  - Effects of surface friction treatment on the in vitro release of constituent
      metals from the biomedical Co-29Cr-6Mo-0.16N alloy.
AB  - Due to the ignorance by many researchers on the influence of starting
      microstructure on the metal release of biomedical materials in human body after
      implant, in this study, the effect of surface friction treatment on the in vitro
      release of the constituent elements of the biomedical Co-29Cr-6Mo-0.16N (CCM)
      alloy is investigated for the first time by immersion test in lactic acid
      solution combined with electron backscatter diffraction, transmission electron
      microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively
      coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-EOS). The results indicate that
      friction treatment on the as-annealed CCM alloy sample surface leads to a planar
      strain-induced martensitic transformation (SIMT) on sample surface; this greatly
      accelerates the release of all the constituent elements and, in particular, that
      of Co as indicated by the ICP-EOS analysis. This increase can be ascribed to a
      localized deformation that occurred over the entire sample surface, with the
      dislocation density being high within the SIMTed phase and low in the alloy
      matrix. 

PMID- 27127053
TI  - Cytocompatible cellulose hydrogels containing trace lignin.
AB  - Sugarcane bagasse was used as a cellulose resource to prepare transparent and
      flexible cellulose hydrogel films. On the purification process from bagasse to
      cellulose, the effect of lignin residues in the cellulose was examined for the
      properties and cytocompatibility of the resultant hydrogel films. The cellulose
      was dissolved in lithium chloride/N,N-dimethylacetamide solution and converted to
      hydrogel films by phase inversion. In the purification process, sodium hydroxide
      (NaOH) treatment time was changed from 1 to 12h. This resulted in cellulose
      hydrogel films having small amounts of lignin from 1.62 to 0.68%. The remaining
      lignin greatly affected hydrogel properties. Water content of the hydrogel films
      was increased from 1153 to 1525% with a decrease of lignin content. Moreover,
      lower lignin content caused weakening of tensile strength from 0.80 to
      0.43N/mm(2) and elongation from 45.2 to 26.5%. Also, similar tendency was
      observed in viscoelastic behavior of the cellulose hydrogel films. Evidence was
      shown that the lignin residue was effective for the high strength of the hydrogel
      films. In addition, scanning probe microscopy in the morphological observation
      was suggested that the trace lignin in the cellulose hydrogel affected the
      cellulose fiber aggregation in the hydrogel network. The trace of lignin in the
      hydrogels also influenced fibroblast cell culture on the hydrogel films. The
      hydrogel film containing 1.68% lignin showed better fibroblast compatibility as
      compared to cell culture polystyrene dish used as reference. 

PMID- 27127054
TI  - Strong attachment of circadian pacemaker neurons on modified ultrananocrystalline
      diamond surfaces.
AB  - Diamond is a promising material for a number of bio-applications, including the
      fabrication of platforms for attachment and investigation of neurons and of
      neuroprostheses, such as retinal implants. In the current work
      ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films were deposited by microwave plasma
      chemical vapor deposition, modified by UV/O3 treatment or NH3 plasma, and
      comprehensively characterized with respect to their bulk and surface properties,
      such as crystallinity, topography, composition and chemical bonding nature. The
      interactions of insect circadian pacemaker neurons with UNCD surfaces with H-, O-
      and NH2-terminations were investigated with respect to cell density and
      viability. The fast and strong attachment achieved without application of
      adhesion proteins allowed for advantageous modification of dispersion protocols
      for the preparation of primary cell cultures. Centrifugation steps, which are
      employed for pelletizing dispersed cells to separate them from dispersing
      enzymes, easily damage neurons. Now centrifugation can be avoided since dispersed
      neurons quickly and strongly attach to the UNCD surfaces. Enzyme solutions can be
      easily washed off without losing many of the dispersed cells. No adverse effects
      on the cell viability and physiological responses were observed as revealed by
      calcium imaging. Furthermore, the enhanced attachment of the neurons, especially
      on the modified UNCD surfaces, was especially advantageous for the
      immunocytochemical procedures with the cell cultures. The cell losses during
      washing steps were significantly reduced by one order of magnitude in comparison
      to controls. In addition, the integration of a titanium grid structure under the
      UNCD films allowed for individual assignment of physiologically characterized
      neurons to immunocytochemically stained cells. Thus, employing UNCD surfaces free
      of foreign proteins improves cell culture protocols and immunocytochemistry with
      cultured cells. The fast and strong attachment of neurons was attributed to a
      favorable combination of topography, surface chemistry and wettability. 

PMID- 27127055
TI  - Development of silane grafted ZnO core shell nanoparticles loaded diglycidyl
      epoxy nanocomposites film for antimicrobial applications.
AB  - In this article a series of epoxy nanocomposites film were developed using amine
      functionalized (ZnO-APTES) core shell nanoparticles as the dispersed phase and a
      commercially available epoxy resin as the matrix phase. The functional group of
      the samples was characterized using FT-IR spectra. The most prominent peaks of
      epoxy resin were found in bare epoxy and in all the functionalized ZnO dispersed
      epoxy nanocomposites (ZnO-APTES-DGEBA). The XRD analysis of all the samples
      exhibits considerable shift in 2theta, intensity and d-spacing values but the
      best and optimum concentration is found to be 3% ZnO-APTES core shell
      nanoparticles loaded epoxy nanocomposites supported by FT-IR results. From TGA
      measurements, 100wt% residue is obtained in bare ZnO nanoparticles whereas in ZnO
      core shell nanoparticles grafted DGEBA residue percentages are 37, 41, 45, 46 and
      52% for 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7% ZnO-APTES-DGEBA respectively, which is confirmed with
      ICP-OES analysis. From antimicrobial activity test, it was notable that
      antimicrobial activity of 7% ZnO-APTES core shell nanoparticles loaded epoxy
      nanocomposite film has best inhibition zone effect against all pathogens under
      study. 

PMID- 27127056
TI  - Synergistic radical scavenging potency of curcumin-in-beta-cyclodextrin-in
      nanomagnetoliposomes.
AB  - Curcumin is a highly potent nutraceutical associated with various health
      benefits. However, its hydrophobic nature affects its bioavailability and
      bioactivity, and limits nutraceutical applications. Drug-in-cyclodextrin-in
      liposome has the ability to mask the hydrophobic nature of drug and achieve
      better encapsulation. Also, encapsulating iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) within
      liposomes endow additional beneficial functionalities of IONPs. In the present
      study, curcumin-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (IC) and IONPs were co
      encapsulated within liposomes (curcumin-in-beta-cyclodextrin-in
      nanomagnetoliposomes) to achieve the synergistic antioxidant potential of
      curcumin and IONPs. IC of curcumin-beta-cyclodextrin was prepared by a simple
      rapid method and successful inclusion was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Mean diameter of IONPs
      was found to be 180nm and X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the formation of
      hematite nanoparticles. Band gap energy calculated using absorption spectra was
      2.25eV, which falls in close proximity with the theoretically calculated values
      of hematite. Mean diameter of curcumin-in-beta-cyclodextrin-in
      nanomagnetoliposomes was 67nm and encapsulation efficiency of curcumin was found
      to be 71%. Further, the co-encapsulated particles possessed significantly low
      IC50 value (64.7791MUg/ml, p<0.01) compared to conventional curcumin liposome and
      IONPs, indicating its synergistically enhanced radical scavenging property. 

PMID- 27127057
TI  - Design, preparation and characterization of cyclic RGDfK peptide modified
      poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactic acid) micelle for targeted delivery.
AB  - Molecular targeted cancer therapy is a promising strategy to overcome the lack of
      specificity of anticancer drug. While the binding of c(RGDfK) (cyclic Arginine
      Glycine-Aspartic acid-Phenylalanine-Lysine) to alphavbeta3 over-expressed on
      tumor cell has been validated, the underlying interaction remains poorly
      understood. In this work, docking calculation was applied to investigate the
      interactions between c(RGDfK)/c(RGDfK)-PEG and alphavbeta3. The calculated
      results indicated that c(RGDfK) interacted with alphavbeta3 mainly by
      electrostatic interaction, stabilization interaction, and hydrophobic
      interaction. Conjugation of PEG chain to the c(RGDfK) weakened the binding
      affinity of c(RGDfK) to alphavbeta3. Accordingly, docetaxel(DTX)-loaded target
      micelles (c(RGDfK)-PEG-PLA/PEG-PLA/DTX) were designed, characterized and
      evaluated using HeLa cells. In vitro release studies demonstrated both target and
      non-target micelles displayed almost the same profiles, which best fit in Ritger
      Peppas model. Cellular uptake and MTT studies revealed that the target micelles
      with the presence of c(RGDfK) were more efficiently taken up by HeLa cells and
      significantly improved the cytotoxicity compared to that of non-target micelles.
      Cell inhibition rate of target micelles was improved by 20% after 24h. Our
      findings suggest that target micelles may be a potential anticancer drug delivery
      system in the treatment of integrin alphavbeta3 over-expressed on tumor cell. 

PMID- 27127058
TI  - Development and pharmacological evaluation of in vitro nanocarriers composed of
      lamellar silicates containing copaiba oil-resin for treatment of endometriosis.
AB  - In this work, newly developed nanocomposites based upon lamellar silicates are
      evaluated to determine their potential in controlling endometriosis. The
      preparation of the new nanocarriers is detailed, properties characterized and in
      vitro pharmacological evaluation performed. The nanocomposites in this study were
      obtained from the reaction of copaiba oil-resin (COPA) with the polymer
      polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30). COPA was selected due to its antiinflammatory
      and anticancer activities along with the organophilic derivatives of sodium
      montmorillonite, Viscogel B8, S7 and S4. The results indicated that it was
      feasible to obtain a good yield of a COPA nanocomposite using a simple process.
      Intercalation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential
      scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vitro release experiments demonstrated that COPA
      was released from the nanocomposite in a delayed fashion. Whereas, in vitro
      pharmacological studies showed a reduction in viability and proliferation of
      endometriotic cell cultures upon COPA nanocomposite treatment, suggesting that
      the system developed here can be a promising alternative therapy for the oral
      treatment of endometriosis. 

PMID- 27127059
TI  - Spray-dried Eudragit(r) L100 microparticles containing ferulic acid: Formulation,
      in vitro cytoprotection and in vivo anti-platelet effect.
AB  - This paper aimed to obtain new spray-dried microparticles containing ferulic acid
      (FA) prepared by using a methacrylic polymer (Eudragit(r) L100). Microparticles
      were intended for oral use in order to provide a controlled release, and improved
      in vitro and in vivo biological effects. FA-loaded Eudragit(r) L100
      microparticles were obtained by spray-drying. Physicochemical properties, in
      vitro cell-based effects, and in vivo platelet aggregation were investigated. FA
      loaded Eudragit(r) L100 microparticles were successfully prepared by spray
      drying. Formulations showed suitable encapsulation efficiency, i.e. close to
      100%. Microparticles were of spherical and almost-spherical shape with a smooth
      surface and a mean diameter between 2 and 3MUm. Fourier-transformed infrared
      spectra demonstrated no chemical bond between FA and polymer. X-ray diffraction
      and differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicated that microencapsulation
      led to drug amorphization. FA-loaded microparticles showed a slower dissolution
      rate than pure drug. The chosen formulation demonstrated higher in vitro
      cytoprotection, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential and also
      improved in vivo anti-platelet effect. These results support an experimental
      basis for the use of FA spray-dried microparticles as a feasible oral drug
      delivery carrier for the controlled release of FA and improved cytoprotective and
      anti-platelet effects. 

PMID- 27127060
TI  - Nasal inserts containing ondansetron hydrochloride based on Chitosan-gellan gum
      polyelectrolyte complex: In vitro-in vivo studies.
AB  - The aim of this study was the production of ondansetron hydrochloride loaded
      lyophilized insert for nasal delivery. The nasal insert was prepared by the
      lyophilisation technique using Chitosan-gellan gum polyelectrolyte complex as the
      polymer matrix. The ondansetron loaded inserts were evaluated with respect to
      water uptake, bioadhesion, drug release kinetic study, ex vivo permeation study,
      and in vivo study. Lyophilised nasal inserts were characterized by differential
      scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction study.
      Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the porous sponge like structure of
      inserts whereas release kinetic model revealed that drug release followed non
      fickian case II diffusion. The nasal delivery showed improved bioavailability as
      compared to oral delivery. In conclusion, the ondansetron containing nasal
      inserts based on Chitosan-gellan gum complex with potential muco-adhesive
      potential is suitable for nasal delivery. 

PMID- 27127062
TI  - Fabrication and biocompatibility of poly(l-lactic acid) and chitosan composite
      scaffolds with hierarchical microstructures.
AB  - The scaffold microstructure is crucial to reconstruct tissue normal functions. In
      this article, poly(l-lactic acid) and chitosan fiber (PLLA/CTSF) composite
      scaffolds with hierarchical microstructures both in fiber and pore sizes were
      successfully fabricated by combining thermal induced phase separation and salt
      leaching techniques. The composite scaffolds consisted of a nanofibrous PLLA
      matrix with diameter of 50-500nm, and chitosan fibers with diameter of about
      20MUm were homogenously distributed in the PLLA matrix as a microsized
      reinforcer. The composite scaffolds also had high porosity (>94%) and
      hierarchical pore size, which were consisted of both micropores (50nm-10MUm) and
      macropores (50-300MUm). By tailoring the microstructure and chemical composition,
      the mechanical property, pH buffer and protein adsorption capacity of the
      composite scaffold were improved significantly compared with those of PLLA
      scaffold. Cell culture results also revealed that the PLLA/CTSF composite
      scaffolds supported MG-63 osteoblast proliferation and penetration. 

PMID- 27127061
TI  - Effects of silica sol on the microstructure and mechanical properties of CaSiO3
      bioceramics.
AB  - CaSiO3 ceramics were fabricated with silica sol addition by pressureless
      sintering. The effects of silica sol on phase composition, microstructure and
      mechanical properties of CaSiO3 ceramics were investigated. The silica sol
      additive was found to be effective in speeding up pore elimination, improving the
      grain growth, decreasing the sintering temperature and shortening the sintering
      time. When the amount of SiO2 was 5wt%, a flexural strength of 186.2MPa was
      achieved with an open porosity of 3.9%. The main crystal phase was beta-CaSiO3
      below sintering temperature of 1150 degrees C. 

PMID- 27127063
TI  - Novel self-assembled pH-responsive biomimetic nanocarriers for drug delivery.
AB  - Novel pH-responsive biodegradable biomimetic nanocarriers were prepared by the
      self-assembly of N-acetyl-l-histidine-phosphorylcholine-chitosan conjugate
      (NAcHis-PCCs), which was synthesized via Atherton-Todd reaction to couple
      biomembrane-like phosphorylcholine (PC) groups, and N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole
      (CDI) coupling reaction to link pH-responsive N-acetyl-l-histidine (NAcHis)
      moieties to chitosan. In vitro biological assay revealed that NAcHis-PCCs
      nanoparticles had excellent biocompatibility to avoid adverse biological response
      mainly owing to their biomimetic PC shell, and DLS results confirmed their pH
      responsive behavior in acidic aqueous solution (pH<=6.0). Quercetin (QUE), an
      anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and potential anti-tumor hydrophobic drug, was
      effectively loaded in NAcHis-PCCs nanocarriers and showed a pH-triggered release
      behavior with the enhanced QUE release at acidic pH5.5 compared to neutral pH7.4.
      The results indicated that pH-responsive biomimetic NAcHis-PCCs nanocarriers
      might have great potential for site-specific delivery to pathological acidic
      microenvironment avoiding unfavorable biological response. 

PMID- 27127064
TI  - Electrochemical sensor for bisphenol A based on ionic liquid functionalized Zn-Al
      layered double hydroxide modified electrode.
AB  - The plate-like Zn-Al layered double hydroxide modified with 1-aminopropyl-3
      methylimidzaolium tetrafluoroborate (named as ILs-LDH) was synthesized by
      coprecipitation method. Several techniques confirmed the layered structure of ILs
      LDH with a disk-like morphology. A novel electrochemical sensor based on ILs-LDH
      modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) was developed for bisphenol A (BPA)
      determination. Experimental factors including modified content, pH, scan rate,
      accumulation time and potential had been carefully optimized. ILs-LDH/GCE
      performed the excellent electro-oxidation ability toward BPA with the more
      negative oxidation overpotential and larger peak current than bare GCE or
      LDH/GCE. Differential pulse voltammetry determination of BPA afforded a wider
      linear range from 0.02 to 3MUM with the detection limit of 4.6nM (S/N=3). The
      fabricated sensor demonstrated an acceptable reproducibility, good stability and
      high sensitivity. The proposed method was successfully used to detect BPA in real
      water samples with satisfactory recovery ranging from 94.9% to 102.0%. 

PMID- 27127065
TI  - Glass-ceramic coated Mg-Ca alloys for biomedical implant applications.
AB  - Biodegradable metals and alloys are promising candidates for biomedical bone
      implant applications. However, due to the high rate of their biodegradation in
      human body environment, they should be coated with less reactive materials, such,
      for example, as bioactive glasses or glass-ceramics. Fort this scope, RKKP
      composition glass-ceramic coatings have been deposited on Mg-Ca(1.4wt%) alloy
      substrates by Pulsed Laser Deposition method, and their properties have been
      characterized by a number of techniques. The prepared coatings consist of
      hydroxyapatite and wollastonite phases, having composition close to that of the
      bulk target material used for depositions. The 100MUm thick films are
      characterized by dense, compact and rough morphology. They are composed of a
      glassy matrix with various size (from micro- to nano-) granular inclusions. The
      average surface roughness is about 295+/-30nm due to the contribution of
      micrometric aggregates, while the roughness of the fine-texture particulates is
      approximately 47+/-4nm. The results of the electrochemical corrosion evaluation
      tests evidence that the RKKP coating improves the corrosion resistance of the Mg
      Ca (1.4wt%) alloy in Simulated Body Fluid. 

PMID- 27127066
TI  - Osteogenic activity of cyclodextrin-encapsulated doxycycline in a calcium
      phosphate PCL and PLGA composite.
AB  - Composites of biodegradable polymers and calcium phosphate are bioactive and
      flexible, and have been proposed for use in tissue engineering and bone
      regeneration. When associated with the broad-spectrum antibiotic doxycycline
      (DOX), they could favor antimicrobial action and enhance the action of osteogenic
      composites. Composites of polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)
      (PLGA), and a bioceramic of biphasic calcium phosphate Osteosynt(r) (BCP) were
      loaded with DOX encapsulated in beta-cyclodextrin (betaCD) and were evaluated for
      effects on osteoblastic cell cultures. The DOX/betaCD composite was prepared with
      a double mixing method. Osteoblast viability was assessed with methyl tetrazolium
      (MTT) assays after 1day, 7day, and 14days of composite exposure; alkaline
      phosphatase (AP) activity and collagen production were evaluated after 7days and
      14days, and mineral nodule formation after 14days. Composite structures were
      evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Osteoblasts exposed to the
      composite containing 25MUg/mL DOX/betaCD had increased cell proliferation
      (p<0.05) compared to control osteoblast cultures at all experimental time points,
      reaching a maximum in the second week. AP activity and collagen secretion levels
      were also elevated in osteoblasts exposed to the DOX/betaCD composite (p<0.05 vs.
      controls) and reached a maximum after 14days. These results were corroborated by
      Von Kossa test results, which showed strong formation of mineralization nodules
      during the same time period. SEM of the composite material revealed a surface
      topography with pore sizes suitable for growing osteoblasts. Together, these
      results suggest that osteoblasts are viable, proliferative, and osteogenic in the
      presence of a DOX/betaCD-containing BCP ceramic composite. 

PMID- 27127067
TI  - Formation of different gold nanostructures by silk nanofibrils.
AB  - Metal nanostructures that have unique size- and shape-dependent electronic,
      optical and chemical properties gain more and more attention in modern science
      and technology. In this article, we show the possibility that we are able to
      obtain different gold nanostructures simply with the help of silk nanofibrils. We
      demonstrate that only by varying the pH of the reaction solution, we get gold
      nanoparticles, nano-icosahedrons, nanocubes, and even microplates. Particularly,
      we develop a practical method for the preparation of gold microplates in acid
      condition in the presence of silk nanofibrils, which is impossible by using other
      forms of silk protein. We attribute the role of silk nanofibrils in the formation
      of gold nanostructure to their reduction ability from several specific amino acid
      residues, and the suitable structural anisotropic features to sustain the crystal
      growth after the reduction process. Although the main purpose of this article is
      to demonstrate that silk nanofibrils are able to mediate the formation of
      different gold nanostructure, we show the potential applications of these
      resulting gold nanostructures, such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)
      and photothermal transformation effect, as same as those produced by other
      methods. In conclusion, we present in this communication a facile and green
      synthesis route to prepare various gold nanostructures with silk nanofibrils by
      simply varying pH in the reaction system, which has remarkable advantages in
      future biomedical applications. 

PMID- 27127068
TI  - Preparation and characterization of naproxen-loaded electrospun thermoplastic
      polyurethane nanofibers as a drug delivery system.
AB  - The design and production of drug-loaded nanofiber based materials produced by
      electrospinning is of interest for use in innovative drug delivery systems. In
      the present study, ultra-fine fiber mats of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
      containing naproxen (NAP) were successfully prepared by electrospinning from 8
      and 10% (w/w) TPU solutions. The amount of NAP in the solutions was 10 and 20%
      based on the weight of TPU. The collection period of the drug-loaded electrospun
      TPU fibers was 5, 10 and 20h, and they were characterized by FTIR, DSC and TGA
      analysis. The morphology of the NAP-loaded electrospun TPU fiber mats was smooth,
      and the average diameters of these fibers varied between 523.66 and 723.50nm. The
      release characteristics of these fiber mats were determined by the total
      immersion method in the phosphate buffer solution at 37 degrees C. It was
      observed that the collection period in terms of the mat thickness played a major
      role in the release rate of NAP from the electrospun TPU mats. 

PMID- 27127069
TI  - Ultra-sensitive determination of epinephrine based on TiO2-Au nanoclusters
      supported on reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotube hybrid nanocomposites.
AB  - A highly efficient and sensitive electrochemical sensor for EP based on reduced
      graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotube hybrid nanocomposites loaded TiO2-Au
      nano-clusters modified glassy carbon electrode was developed. The surface nature
      and morphology of the nanocomposite film and the electrochemical properties of
      the sensor were characterized by Raman spectra, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD),
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectra (EDX),
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), electrochemical impedance
      spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively. Carbon
      nanomaterials were widely used in sensing due to its large electroactive surface
      area, fast electron transport and strong adsorption capacity. Meanwhile, TiO2-Au
      nano-clusters could accelerate the electron transfer, increase reactive site and
      extend electrochemical response window. The nanocomposite film could greatly
      enhance the response sensitivity and decrease the overpotential. The resulting
      sensor showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity toward EP. Under the optimum
      conditions (i.e. pH6.0, 0.1M PBS, preconcentration for 110s), Differential pulse
      voltammetry was employed to detect ultra-trace amounts of EP. The result of a
      wide linear range of 1.0-300nM and limited of detection 0.34nM (S/N=3) were
      obtained. The constructed sensor exhibited excellent accuracy and precision, the
      relative standard deviation (RSD) was less than 5%. The nanocomposite film sensor
      was successfully used to accurately detect the content of EP in practical
      samples, and the recoveries for the standards added are 97%-105%. 

PMID- 27127070
TI  - A solvent induced crystallisation method to imbue bioactive ingredients of neem
      oil into the compact structure of poly (ethylene terephthalate) polyester.
AB  - Neem oil, a natural antibacterial agent from neem tree (Azadarichtaindica) has
      been used to impart antibacterial activity to polyester fabrics. Solvent induced
      polymer modification method was used and that facilitated the easy entry of neem
      molecules into the compact structure of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
      polyester. The polyester fabric was treated with trichloroacetic acid-methylene
      chloride (TCAMC) solvent system at room temperature prior to treatment with neem
      oil. The concentration of TCAMC and the treatment time were optimised. XRD and
      SEM results showed that the TCAMC treatment causes polymer modification and
      morphological changes in the PET polyester. Antibacterial activity of TCAMC pre
      treated and neem-oil-treated polyester fabric was tested using AATCC qualitative
      and quantitative methods. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms were
      used to determine the antimicrobial activity. It was observed that the treated
      fabric registers substantial antimicrobial activity against both the
      Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and the Escherichia coli (Gram-negative)
      and the effect increases with the increase in concentration of TCAMC treatment.
      The antibacterial effect remains substantial even after 25 launderings. A kinetic
      growth study involving the effect of antibacterial activity at various incubation
      times was carried out. 

PMID- 27127071
TI  - Adding functionality with additive manufacturing: Fabrication of titanium-based
      antibiotic eluting implants.
AB  - Additive manufacturing technologies have been utilised in healthcare to create
      patient-specific implants. This study demonstrates the potential to add new
      implant functionality by further exploiting the design flexibility of these
      technologies. Selective laser melting was used to manufacture titanium-based (Ti
      6Al-4V) implants containing a reservoir. Pore channels, connecting the implant
      surface to the reservoir, were incorporated to facilitate antibiotic delivery. An
      injectable brushite, calcium phosphate cement, was formulated as a carrier
      vehicle for gentamicin. Incorporation of the antibiotic significantly (p=0.01)
      improved the compressive strength (5.8+/-0.7MPa) of the cement compared to non
      antibiotic samples. The controlled release of gentamicin sulphate from the
      calcium phosphate cement injected into the implant reservoir was demonstrated in
      short term elution studies using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Orientation of
      the implant pore channels were shown, using micro-computed tomography, to impact
      design reproducibility and the back-pressure generated during cement injection
      which ultimately altered porosity. The amount of antibiotic released from all
      implant designs over a 6hour period (<28% of the total amount) were found to
      exceed the minimum inhibitory concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus (16MUg/mL)
      and Staphylococcus epidermidis (1MUg/mL); two bacterial species commonly
      associated with periprosthetic infections. Antibacterial efficacy was confirmed
      against both bacterial cultures using an agar diffusion assay. Interestingly,
      pore channel orientation was shown to influence the directionality of inhibition
      zones. Promisingly, this work demonstrates the potential to additively
      manufacture a titanium-based antibiotic eluting implant, which is an attractive
      alternative to current treatment strategies of periprosthetic infections. 

PMID- 27127072
TI  - Fabrication and characterization of novel nano-biocomposite scaffold of chitosan
      gelatin-alginate-hydroxyapatite for bone tissue engineering.
AB  - A novel nano-biocomposite scaffold was fabricated in bead form by applying simple
      foaming method, using a combination of natural polymers-chitosan, gelatin,
      alginate and a bioceramic-nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp). This approach of combining
      nHAp with natural polymers to fabricate the composite scaffold, can provide good
      mechanical strength and biological property mimicking natural bone. Environmental
      scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) images of the nano-biocomposite scaffold
      revealed the presence of interconnected pores, mostly spread over the whole
      surface of the scaffold. The nHAp particulates have covered the surface of the
      composite matrix and made the surface of the scaffold rougher. The scaffold has a
      porosity of 82% with a mean pore size of 112+/-19.0MUm. Swelling and degradation
      studies of the scaffold showed that the scaffold possesses excellent properties
      of hydrophilicity and biodegradability. Short term mechanical testing of the
      scaffold does not reveal any rupturing after agitation under physiological
      conditions, which is an indicative of good mechanical stability of the scaffold.
      In vitro cell culture studies by seeding osteoblast cells over the composite
      scaffold showed good cell viability, proliferation rate, adhesion and maintenance
      of osteoblastic phenotype as indicated by MTT assay, ESEM of cell-scaffold
      construct, histological staining and gene expression studies, respectively. Thus,
      it could be stated that the nano-biocomposite scaffold of chitosan-gelatin
      alginate-nHAp has the paramount importance for applications in bone tissue
      engineering in future regenerative therapies. 

PMID- 27127073
TI  - Fabrication of chitosan-g-poly(acrylamide)/CuS nanocomposite for controlled drug
      delivery and antibacterial activity.
AB  - In present study, we reported the synthesis of chitosan-g-poly(acrylamide)/CuS
      (CPA/CS) nanocomposite for controlled delivery of ofloxacin. The CPA/CS
      nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy
      (FTIR), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) analysis. From the FTIR spectra, the various groups present in
      CPA/CS nanocomposite were monitored. The homogeneity, morphology and
      crystallinity of the CPA/CS nanocomposite were ascertained from SEM/EDX and XRD
      data, respectively. The kinetics of ofloxacin drug delivery was investigated at
      different pH. The drug released studies were investigated at different pH (2.2,
      7.4 and 9.4) and time intervals (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16h). The drug release
      behavior depends upon the pH of medium and the nature of matrix. The maximum drug
      loading efficiency of 85% was recorded for CPA/CS. The maximum drug release of
      76% was observed at 2.2. pH after 18h onto CPA/CS. Nanocomposites were also
      tested for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria. About 97%
      killing of E. coli was observed after 24h. 

PMID- 27127074
TI  - Understanding compressive deformation behavior of porous Ti using finite element
      analysis.
AB  - In the present study, porous commercially pure (CP) Ti samples with different
      volume fraction of porosities were fabricated using a commercial additive
      manufacturing technique namely laser engineered net shaping (LENSTM). Mechanical
      behavior of solid and porous samples was evaluated at room temperature under
      quasi-static compressive loading. Fracture surfaces of the failed samples were
      analyzed to determine the failure modes. Finite Element (FE) analysis using
      representative volume element (RVE) model and micro-computed tomography (CT)
      based model have been performed to understand the deformation behavior of laser
      deposited solid and porous CP-Ti samples. In vitro cell culture on laser
      processed porous CP-Ti surfaces showed normal cell proliferation with time, and
      confirmed non-toxic nature of these samples. 

PMID- 27127075
TI  - Functional assessment of the ex vivo vocal folds through biomechanical testing: A
      review.
AB  - The human vocal folds are complex structures made up of distinct layers that vary
      in cellular and extracellular composition. The mechanical properties of vocal
      fold tissue are fundamental to the study of both the acoustics and biomechanics
      of voice production. To date, quantitative methods have been applied to
      characterize the vocal fold tissue in both normal and pathologic conditions. This
      review describes, summarizes, and discusses the most commonly employed methods
      for vocal fold biomechanical testing. Force-elongation, torsional parallel plate
      rheometry, simple-shear parallel plate rheometry, linear skin rheometry, and
      indentation are the most frequently employed biomechanical tests for vocal fold
      tissues and each provide material properties data that can be used to compare
      native tissue to diseased or treated tissue. Force-elongation testing is
      clinically useful, as it allows for functional unit testing, while rheometry
      provides physiologically relevant shear data, and nanoindentation permits
      micrometer scale testing across different areas of the vocal fold as well as
      whole organ testing. Thoughtful selection of the testing technique during
      experimental design to evaluate a hypothesis is critical to optimize
      biomechanical testing of vocal fold tissues. 

PMID- 27127076
TI  - Corrigendum to "Surface modification of Ni-Ti alloys for stent application after
      magnetoelectropolishing" [Mater. Sci. Eng. C 50 (2015) 37-44].

PMID- 27127077
TI  - Lymphoid hyperplasia of the orbit and ocular adnexa: A clinical pathologic
      review.
AB  - Lymphoid hyperplasia (LH) is a benign lymphoproliferative disorder that, in a
      minority of cases, may be associated with concurrent or metachronous non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma. LH cases are further subdivided into "reactive" and "atypical"
      categories based on the presence or absence of unequivocal malignant features.
      With improving molecular diagnostic technologies, "reactive" LH is by far the
      most common category of LH, with atypical LH accounting for only a small minority
      of specimens. Similarly, lesions previously diagnosed as LH are now being revised
      as low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma or diagnosed as newly described benign
      conditions such as IgG4-related disease. Additional differential diagnoses
      include specific and nonspecific orbital inflammations, infiltrative processes,
      and depositions. Hence, there are emerging changes in the patterns and
      proportions of entities that fall within the spectrum of lymphoproliferative
      disorders of the orbit and ocular adnexa. Reactive LH and low-grade malignant
      lymphoproliferative disorders in the orbit and ocular adnexa are clinically and
      radiologically indistinguishable from each other, requiring tissue biopsy in all
      cases. The prognosis of ocular adnexal LH is generally favorable, but the small
      risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma mandates follow-up for at least 5 years. We
      summarize the current state of knowledge on LH occurring in the orbit and ocular
      adnexa.

PMID- 27127079
TI  - FSA rethinks Campylobacter in chickens survey.

PMID- 27127080
TI  - New strategy to raise welfare standards in rescue and rehoming shelters.

PMID- 27127078
TI  - Use of lipidomics to investigate sebum dysfunction in juvenile acne.
AB  - Acne is a multifactorial skin disorder frequently observed during adolescence
      with different grades of severity. Multiple factors centering on sebum secretion
      are implicated in acne pathogenesis. Despite the recognized role of sebum, its
      compositional complexity and limited analytical approaches have hampered
      investigation of alterations specifically associated with acne. To examine the
      profiles of lipid distribution in acne sebum, 61 adolescents (29 males and 32
      females) were enrolled in this study. Seventeen subjects presented no apparent
      clinical signs of acne. The 44 affected individuals were clinically classified as
      mild (13 individuals), moderate (19 individuals), and severe (12 individuals)
      acne. Sebum was sampled from the forehead with Sebutape(TM) adhesive patches.
      Profiles of neutral lipids were acquired with rapid-resolution reversed
      phase/HPLC-TOF/MS in positive ion mode. Univariate and multivariate statistical
      analyses led to the identification of lipid species with significantly different
      levels between healthy and acne sebum. The majority of differentiating lipid
      species were diacylglycerols (DGs), followed by fatty acyls, sterols, and
      prenols. Overall, the data indicated an association between the clinical grading
      of acne and sebaceous lipid fingerprints and highlighted DGs as more abundant in
      sebum from adolescents affected with acne.

PMID- 27127081
TI  - Website to help pig producers record data on antibiotic use.

PMID- 27127082
TI  - Grants awarded to support small animal research in Africa.

PMID- 27127083
TI  - Peer calls for continued funding for equine research and education.

PMID- 27127084
TI  - Volunteer vets complete 100th charitable equine castration.

PMID- 27127085
TI  - A voice for vets on World Veterinary Day.

PMID- 27127086
TI  - EU membership - benefits for animal health and welfare.
AB  - Elizabeth Truss, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
      explains why she believes being a member of the European Union benefits animal
      health and welfare, agriculture and the veterinary profession. 

PMID- 27127087
TI  - Who is responsible for developing experienced vets?
AB  - Reports from practice suggest an apparent shortage of experienced vets. A debate
      at this year's BSAVA congress explored what was meant by 'experienced vet' and
      who should be responsible for helping new graduates gain the necessary
      experience. Kathryn Clark reports. 

PMID- 27127088
TI  - Career pathways for new graduates: exploring the options.
AB  - Most veterinary professionals will work in primary care practice at some point in
      their career, but what other options are available? Laura Honey reports on a
      series of sessions in the student stream at this year's BSAVA congress, which
      examined some of the other career paths a vet might take. 

PMID- 27127089
TI  - Industry as a career option.

PMID- 27127090
TI  - Awards recognise dedication to animal welfare.

PMID- 27127091
TI  - Interventions in wild animal health.
AB  - Alexandra Thomas of the Institute of Zoology at the Zoological Society of London
      reports on the first field course to be held as part of an online masters degree
      in conservation medicine awarded by the University of Edinburgh. 

PMID- 27127092
TI  - Disease surveillance in England and Wales, April 2016.
AB  - Current and emerging issuesHighlights from the scanning surveillance
      networkUpdate on international disease threatsHighlights from the Veterinary Risk
      GroupDisease risks at turnout in cattle These are among matters discussed in the
      Animal and Plant Health Agency's (APHA's) April disease surveillance report. 

PMID- 27127093
TI  - Cattle: disease risks at turnout.
AB  - This article is prepared by the Cattle Expert Group and is intended to highlight
      seasonal issues related to turnout. The Cattle Expert Group is a virtual network
      of veterinary surveillance expertise in Great Britain, led by APHA. It is one of
      six Species Expert Groups that form part of the APHA Surveillance Intelligence
      Unit, which identifies and characterises potential New and Re-emerging Threats
      (NRTs) and other risks to livestock and wildlife in Great Britain. These are then
      considered by the Veterinary Risk Group for appropriate mitigation. 

PMID- 27127094
TI  - Mastitis management: increasing the uptake of veterinary advice.

PMID- 27127095
TI  - Risk to animals from oak processionary moth caterpillars.

PMID- 27127096
TI  - Feminisation: thinking beyond gender stereotypes.

PMID- 27127098
TI  - Early detection of pain in cats.

PMID- 27127097
TI  - Addressing vectorborne diseases.

PMID- 27127099
TI  - Driven by a passion for people and their pets (and dancing).
AB  - Paula Bailey thought she might enter academia after gaining clinical experience.
      However, a period of travelling and locum work confirmed her enjoyment of
      practice life. 

PMID- 27127100
TI  - In beta-actin knockouts, epigenetic reprogramming and rDNA transcription
      inactivation lead to growth and proliferation defects.
AB  - Actin and nuclear myosin 1 (NM1) are regulators of transcription and chromatin
      organization. Using a genome-wide approach, we report here that beta-actin binds
      intergenic and genic regions across the mammalian genome, associated with both
      protein-coding and rRNA genes. Within the rDNA, the distribution of beta-actin
      correlated with NM1 and the other subunits of the B-WICH complex, WSTF and SNF2h.
      In beta-actin(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), we found that rRNA
      synthesis levels decreased concomitantly with drops in RNA polymerase I (Pol I)
      and NM1 occupancies across the rRNA gene. Reintroduction of wild-type beta-actin,
      in contrast to mutated forms with polymerization defects, efficiently rescued
      rRNA synthesis underscoring the direct role for a polymerization-competent form
      of beta-actin in Pol I transcription. The rRNA synthesis defects in the beta
      actin(-/-) MEFs are a consequence of epigenetic reprogramming with up-regulation
      of the repressive mark H3K4me1 (monomethylation of lys4 on histone H3) and
      enhanced chromatin compaction at promoter-proximal enhancer (T0 sequence), which
      disturb binding of the transcription factor TTF1. We propose a novel genome-wide
      mechanism where the polymerase-associated beta-actin synergizes with NM1 to
      coordinate permissive chromatin with Pol I transcription, cell growth, and
      proliferation.-Almuzzaini, B., Sarshad, A. A. , Rahmanto, A. S., Hansson, M. L.,
      Von Euler, A., Sangfelt, O., Visa, N., Farrants, A.-K. O., Percipalle, P. In beta
      actin knockouts, epigenetic reprogramming and rDNA transcription inactivation
      lead to growth and proliferation defects.

PMID- 27127101
TI  - Pigment epithelium-derived factor restoration increases bone mass and improves
      bone plasticity in a model of osteogenesis imperfecta type VI via Wnt3a blockade.
AB  - Null mutations in for pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), the protein
      product of the SERPINF1 gene, are the cause of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type
      VI. The PEDF-knockout (KO) mouse captures crucial elements of the human disease,
      including diminished bone mineralization and propensity to fracture. Our group
      and others have demonstrated that PEDF directs human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)
      commitment to the osteoblast lineage and modulates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, a
      major regulator of bone development; however, the ability of PEDF to restore bone
      mass in a mouse model of OI type VI has not been determined. In this study, PEDF
      delivery increased trabecular bone volume/total volume by 52% in 6-mo-old PEDF-KO
      mice but not in wild-type mice. In young (19-d-old) PEDF-KO mice, PEDF
      restoration increased bone volume fraction by 35% and enhanced biomechanical
      parameters of bone plasticity. A Wnt-green fluorescent protein reporter
      demonstrated dynamic changes in Wnt/beta-catenin signaling characterized by early
      activation and marked suppression during terminal differentiation of hMSCs.
      Continuous Wnt3a exposure impeded mineralization of hMSCs, whereas the
      combination of Wnt3a and PEDF potentiated mineralization. Interrogation of the
      PEDF sequence identified a conserved motif found in other Wnt modulators, such as
      the dickkopf proteins. Mutation of a single amino acid on a 34-mer PEDF peptide
      increased mineralization of hMSC cultures compared with the native peptide
      sequence. These results indicate that PEDF counters Wnt signaling to allow for
      osteoblast differentiation and provides a mechanistic insight into how the PEDF
      null state results in OI type VI.-Belinsky, G. S., Sreekumar, B., Andrejecsk, J.
      W., Saltzman, W. M., Gong, J., Herzog, R. I., Lin, S., Horsley, V., Carpenter, T.
      O., Chung, C. Pigment epithelium-derived factor restoration increases bone mass
      and improves bone plasticity in a model of osteogenesis imperfecta type VI via
      Wnt3a blockade.

PMID- 27127103
TI  - Single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic wedge resection: novel approaches in
      different genders.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To discuss the feasibility, safety and superiority of novel
      approaches in single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic wedge resection in
      different genders. METHODS: The clinical data of patients who underwent
      thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection were analysed. A total of 197 consecutive
      male patients from January 2012 to December 2014, and 72 female patients from
      June 2013 to December 2014 were included retrospectively. Of the males, 65
      received a transareolar single-port procedure (TASP Group) and 132 received a
      standard two-port procedure (Standard Group A). Among the females, 18 were
      treated with a subxiphoid single-port procedure (SXSP Group), and 54 were treated
      with the standard procedure (Standard Group B). The general clinical materials
      and surgical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients underwent total
      thoracoscopic wedge resection successfully, and no severe complications were
      observed. In men, there were no significant differences in operation time, blood
      loss, postoperative drainage amount, chest drainage duration, postoperative
      hospital stay or pain score on the first postoperative day (P = 0.827; 0.423;
      0.174; 0.440; 0.115; 0.159, respectively). The pain scores of the TASP Group on
      the day before and after removal of the chest tube were lower (P = 0.006; 0.023,
      respectively) than those of Standard Group A, and the incision-associated
      paraesthesia in the third and sixth month after operation was reduced (P = 0.041;
      0.026, respectively). The incision satisfaction degree was significantly improved
      in the TASP Group (P = 0.001). In women, there were no significant differences in
      blood loss, drainage amount, chest drainage duration or postoperative hospital
      stay (P = 0.680; 0.757; 0.651; 0.608, respectively). The operation time of the
      SXSP Group was longer (P = 0.000), and the pain scores on the first postoperative
      day and the days before and after removal were all significantly lower (P =
      0.000; 0.000; 0.000, respectively) than those of the Standard Group B.
      Furthermore, the incision paraesthesia 3 and 6 months after surgery was greatly
      reduced (P = 0.001; 0.001, respectively), although the patients were not very
      satisfied with the cosmetic results (P = 0.577). CONCLUSIONS: In single-port
      thoracoscopic pulmonary wedge resection, we performed 'individualized' procedures
      based on gender, namely, the transareolar approach in males and the subxiphoid
      approach in females. These procedures were considered feasible and safe, and
      showed superiority in reducing postoperative pain. However, the cosmetic results
      of the subxiphoid approach require further improvement.

PMID- 27127102
TI  - Gender difference in the response to valsartan/amlodipine single-pill combination
      in essential hypertension (China Status II): An observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The China STATUS II is a prospective, multicentre, open-label, post
      marketing, observational study including Chinese adults (aged ? 18 years) with
      essential hypertension who were prescribed once-daily valsartan/amlodipine
      (Val/Aml 80/5 mg) single-pill combination. In order to examine gender differences
      in treatment response to Val/Aml, we further analysed data from the China STATUS
      II study. METHODS: A total of 11,312 patients (6456 (57%) men and 4856 (43%)
      women) received the Val/Aml treatment for 8 weeks. After the treatment, we
      compared the proportion of patients not achieving the target systolic blood
      pressure (SBP: < 140 mm Hg) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP: < 90 mm Hg) in
      different age groups (by Fisher exact probability test) and estimated the changes
      in blood pressure (BP) according to age and gender, using a mixed model. RESULTS:
      At enrolment, mean SBP was higher in the female versus the male patients (160.0
      +/- 12.71 versus 159.3 +/- 12.31 mm Hg; p = 0.003), whereas the mean DBP was
      higher in the male versus the female patients (96.4 +/- 10.65 versus 94.5 +/-
      10.72 mm Hg; p < 0.001). The overall proportion of women not achieving the target
      BP was less than that of men (57.41% versus 59.59%; p < 0.05) at 4 weeks and
      (22.22% versus 23.78%; p < 0.05) at 8 weeks after the Val/Aml treatment. Among
      both men and women, the proportion of patients not achieving the target SBP
      increased with age; however, the proportion not achieving the target DBP
      decreased with age. The mixed-model analysis showed that the changes in SBP were
      closely related to gender, indicating that the SBP-lowering effect after Val/Aml
      treatment might be better in women. In addition, the changes in DBP were closely
      related to age. CONCLUSIONS: Gender might be a factor for consideration in the
      decision-making process of individualised antihypertensive therapy, in the
      future.

PMID- 27127104
TI  - Putative role of 5-HT2B receptors in migraine pathophysiology.
AB  - Objective In this review we attempt to characterize the acute and chronic role of
      5-HT2B receptors with regard to meningeal nociception in animal experiments and
      clinical data targeting migraine therapy. Background Migraine is a common
      disabling neurovascular primary headache disease, the pathomechanism of which is
      still unclear. Serotonin (5-HT) and its receptors might play an important role in
      some aspects of migraine pathogenesis. The ability of the unselective 5-HT2B
      receptor agonist m-chlorophenylpiperazine to induce migraine attacks in migraine
      sufferers, the high affinity of prophylactic antimigraine drugs to this receptor
      and its expression in migraine-relevant structures like the dura mater argue for
      a role of 5-HT2B receptors in the pathogenesis of migraine attacks. Methods For
      this review, the relevant databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE(r), Cochrane Library
      and EMBASE, respectively, were searched to December 2015 using the keywords
      "migraine, 5-HT2, trigeminal, neurogenic inflammation, nitric oxide, nitroxyl,
      vasodilatation, plasma protein extravasation" and combinations thereof.
      Conclusion Our literature review suggests an important role of 5-HT2B receptor
      activation in meningeal nociception and the generation of migraine pain.

PMID- 27127105
TI  - PARP Inhibitors in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: State of Art and Perspectives of
      Clinical Research.
AB  - Homologous recombination (HR) and base excision repair (BER) are two of the major
      DNA-repair pathways. The proteins encoded by breast-related cancer antigen (BRCA)
      and poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerases (PARP) are involved in HR and
      BER, respectively. Tumors with HR deficiency, including those in BRCA mutation
      carriers, are sensitive to BER blockade via PARP inhibitors. These represent
      novel therapeutic tools for HR-deficient ovarian cancer, able to improve
      progression-free survival of women with recurrent, platinum-sensitive disease in
      response to recent platinum-based chemotherapy. More research is needed to
      assesses whether inhibitors of PARP have any role as maintenance treatment after
      first-line chemotherapy and as palliative treatment of platinum-resistant
      disease. Germline BRCA testing should be offered to all patients with ovarian
      cancer, regardless of age and family history. HR deficiency has been observed not
      only in germline BRCA mutation carriers, but also in patients with somatic
      mutations or epigenetic silencing of BRCA, and with loss of function of other
      genes. Half of all high-grade ovarian carcinomas are HR-deficient, and additional
      biological and clinical investigations are strongly warranted to identify
      patients with this subset of tumors. 

PMID- 27127106
TI  - Methods to Increase Future Liver Remnant Volume in Patients with Primarily
      Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases: Current State and Future Perspectives.
AB  - Radical liver resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLMs) is the only
      potentially curative treatment. But primary resectability of CLMs ranges from 15%
      to 20%. Insufficient future liver remnant volume (FLRV) is the main cause of
      primary unresectability of CLMs. Currently, there are several methods that can
      optimize FLRV and permit radical resection of CLMs. The basic methods include two
      stage liver resection, portal vein embolization (PVE) and portal vein ligation.
      These methods have very low morbidity and mortality rate. Their disadvantage is
      the relatively long interval for increase of FLRV, with danger of tumour growth,
      and also the significant number of patients in whom optimal FLRV increase does
      not occur. For this reason, two other methods were developed - associating liver
      partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) and PVE with
      application of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The advantage of ALPPS is the
      very rapid increase of FLRV, but the method is burdened by higher morbidity and
      mortality. PVE with HSC application is not associated with complications, it has
      a faster increase of FLRV compared to PVE and two-staged liver resection, but the
      role of autologous HSCs in carcinogenesis is not yet clear. All the methods offer
      secondary resectability for patients with primarily inoperable CLMs, with long
      term survival comparable to primary CLM resections. The optimal choice of
      specific method must be made on a strictly individual basis for the given
      patient, and depends on the decision of the multidisciplinary team. 

PMID- 27127107
TI  - The NFkappaB Signaling Pathway in Papillomavirus-induced Lesions: Friend or Foe?
AB  - Papillomaviruses induce a range of benign and malignant lesions in their hosts,
      including cervical cancer, that is associated with high-risk human papillomavirus
      (HPV) types. The nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells
      (NFkappaB) plays a pivotal role in HPV-infected cells, and its expression and
      activity are modulated by several viral oncoproteins. NFkappaB modulation seems
      to first facilitate viral persistence and immune evasion, and later to drive
      tumour progression, but the many conflicting results and the complexity of its
      signaling networks require great prudence while interpreting the role of NFkappaB
      in papillomaviral lesions. Accordingly, the pharmacological targeting of the
      NFkappaB pathway in HPV-induced lesions is a complex and currently unmet
      challenge. This review deals with recent findings concerning NFkappaB activation
      in HPV-infected cells, its role in viral persistence, cell transformation and
      tumour progression, and with current efforts to target this pathway for cancer
      prevention and therapy. 

PMID- 27127108
TI  - Sphingosine Kinase Inhibitors as Maintenance Therapy of Glioblastoma After
      Ceramide-Induced Response.
AB  - Ceramide and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are sphingolipid metabolites with
      important signaling functions. Ceramides promote apoptosis, whereas S1P favors
      proliferation, angiogenesis and cell survival. The balance between these opposing
      signaling functions is referred to as the sphingolipid rheostat. A shift in this
      balance toward S1P is seen in glioblastoma (GBM) and other cancers, and results
      in tumor cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy. Sphingosine kinase (SK),
      the enzyme responsible for transforming sphingosine into S1P, plays the critical
      role in modulating the balance between S1P and ceramides. Chemotherapeutic agents
      or radiation therapy may induce short-term responses in GBM patients by
      increasing ceramide levels. However, we believe that the enzyme SK may cause the
      increased ceramide to be metabolized to S1P, restoring the abnormally high S1P to
      ceramide balance, and that this may be part of the reason for the near-100%
      recurrence rate of GBM. The use of maintenance therapy with an SK inhibitor, in
      patients with GBM who have tumor reduction or stable disease after therapy,
      should be investigated. 

PMID- 27127109
TI  - Unique Boron Carbide Nanoparticle Nanobio Interface: Effects on Protein-RNA
      Interactions and 3-D Spheroid Metastatic Phenotype.
AB  - AIM: The effect of boron carbide (B4C) nanoparticles (NP) on protein-RNA
      complexes and metastatic phenotype of 3-D tumor spheroids was investigated.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Characterization was performed by transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM), zeta potential (ZP), 2-dimensional fluorescence difference
      spectroscopy (2-D FDS), gel electrophoresis, MTT, haemolysis and 3-D tumor
      spheroid assays. RESULTS: TEM showed NP were homogenous (<=50 nm) and spherical
      in shape. Zeta potential (zeta) of NP (-43.3) shifted upon protein:RNA
      interaction (+26.9). Protein:RNA complex interaction with NP was confirmed by 2-D
      FDS, demonstrating excitation/emission blue shift and lowered fluorescence
      intensity, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), where presence of B4C
      ablated visualization of the complex. B4C NP cytotoxicity was less than zinc
      oxide by MTT assay, protected haemolysis and effected 3-D tumor spheroid
      metastatic phenotype. CONCLUSION: Nanobio interface of B4C nanoparticles is
      unique and its anticancer potential may be mediated by altering protein and RNA
      interactions.

PMID- 27127110
TI  - A Novel 1,2-Dihydroquinoline Anticancer Agent and Its Delivery to Tumor Cells
      Using Cationic Liposomes.
AB  - AIM: We screened nine 1,2-dihydro-quinolines using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2
      yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity assay in HepG2 and SMMC
      cells and identified ethyl-2-cyano-2-(2- (methoxycarbonyl)allyl)quinoline-1(2H)
      carboxylate (compound 5) as a potential anticancer agent. In order to further
      develop its anticancer therapeutic potential, we incorporated this agent into
      cationic liposomes for delivery to tumor cells. The characteristics of liposomes,
      their cytotoxicity and cellular uptake by tumor cells were investigated. We
      demonstrated that cationic 1,2-dioleoyl-3- trimethyl-ammonium-propane containing
      liposomes (cLips) loaded with compound 5 has superior antitumor activity compared
      to neutral liposomes. These data suggest cLip-compound 5 to be a promising agent
      that warrants further evaluation.

PMID- 27127111
TI  - Imaging Nuclear-Cytoplasmic Dynamics in Primary and Metastatic Colon Cancer in
      Nude Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colon cancer frequently results in metastasis to the liver, where it
      becomes the main cause of death. However, the cell cycle in primary tumors and
      metastases is poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a mouse
      model of liver metastasis using the human colon cancer cell line HCT-116, which
      expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the nucleus and red fluorescent
      protein (RFP) in the cytoplasm (HCT-116-GFP-RFP). HCT-116 GFP-RFP cells were
      injected into the spleen of nu/nu nude mice. RESULTS: HCT-116-GFP-RFP cells
      subsequently formed primary tumors in the spleen, as well as metastatic colonies
      in the liver and retroperitoneum by 28 days after cell transplantation. Using an
      Olympus FV1000 confocal microscope, it was possible to clearly image mitosis of
      the dual-colored colon cancer cells in the primary tumor as well as liver and
      other metastases. Multi-nucleate cancer cells, in addition to mono-nucleate
      cancer cells and their mitosis, were observed in the primary tumor and
      metastasis. Multi-nucleate HCT-116-GFP-RFP cells were also observed after culture
      of the primary and metastatic tumors. A similar ratio of mono-nucleate, multi
      nucleate, and mitotic cells grew from the primary and metastatic tumors in
      culture, suggesting similarity of the nuclear-cytoplasmic dynamics of primary and
      metastatic cancer cells, further emphasizing the stochastic nature of metastasis.
      CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate a similar heterogeneity of nuclear
      cytoplasmic dynamics within primary tumors and metastases, which may be an
      important factor in the stochastic nature of metastasis.

PMID- 27127112
TI  - Survival After Surgical Treatment of Lung Cancer Arising in the Population
      Exposed to Illegal Dumping of Toxic Waste in the Land of Fires ('Terra dei
      Fuochi') of Southern Italy.
AB  - AIM: Terra dei Fuochi (TdF), the so-called 'Land of Fires' in Southern Italy, is
      an agricultural territory characterized by illegal dumping of toxic waste known
      to occur since the 1980s. It is unknown whether prognosis of patients developing
      cancer and living in that area may differ compared to those living in areas not
      exposed to this specific type of pollution. We retrospectively analyzed the 5
      year survival rates of patients originating from the TdF diagnosed with lung
      cancer compared to patients from other areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients
      consecutively operated on for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between November
      2004 and April 2013 at the Division of Thoracic Surgery of the National Cancer
      Institute of Naples were eligible. The study outcome was overall survival (OS).
      In addition, the TdF and non-TdF groups were compared through propensity score
      matching (PSM). RESULTS: Overall, 439 patients with resectable NSCLC were
      operated on, 123 (28%) from the TdF and 316 (72%) from other referral centers of
      our catchment area. There were 301 males and 138 females; the median age of the
      entire surgical population was 65 years (range=25-83) years. Apart from a
      different prevalence of hypertension and underweight patients, preoperative
      factors were evenly distributed between the two groups. At univariate analysis,
      OS was not different between the TdF and non TdF group (median 72 and 68 months,
      respectively; p=0.75 log-rank test). Multivariable analysis confirmed that living
      in the TdF area had no prognostic impact (hazard ratio=1.05; 95% confidence
      interval=0.70-1.57; p=0.78) on OS. PSM confirmed no statistically significant
      difference of OS (hazard ratio=1.01, 95% confidence interval=0.67-1.52; p=0.93).
      CONCLUSION: Following surgery for lung cancer, TdF and non-TdF surgical
      candidates had similar long-term survival. Originating from the TdF does not seem
      to be associated with worse outcomes after surgical treatment of patients with
      lung cancer.

PMID- 27127113
TI  - Orthotopic Implantation of Intact Tumor Tissue Leads to Metastasis of OCUM-2MD3
      Human Gastric Cancer in Nude Mice Visualized in Real Time by Intravital
      Fluorescence Imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Orthotopic (literally "correct place") implantation of cancer in
      nude mice has long been known to be superior to subcutaneous transplantation
      because the orthotopic tumor can metastasize. We reported previously on surgical
      orthotopic implantation (SOI) of gastric cancer tissue in nude mice resulting in
      the formation of metastases in 100% of the mice with extensive primary growth to
      the regional lymph nodes, liver, and lung. In contrast, when cell suspensions
      were used to inject gastric cancer cells orthotopically, metastases occurred in
      only 6.7% of the mice with local tumor formation, emphasizing the importance of
      orthotopically implanting intact tissue to allow full expression of metastatic
      potential. However, the different behavior of tumors implanted orthotopically by
      the two methods has not been visualized in real time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OCUM
      2MD3 human gastric cancer cells labeled with the fluorescent protein Azami-Green
      were implanted orthotopically as cells or tissue in nude mice. RESULTS:
      Orthotopic implantation of cells resulted in local spread on the stomach. In
      contrast, SOI of tumor tissue of OCUM-2MD3 resulted in vessel spread of the Azami
      Green-expressing cancer cells. Metastasis was also observed in the left lobe of
      the liver after SOI. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the physiological
      importance of intact cancer tissue for orthotopic implantation in order for
      tumors to properly grow and express their metastatic potential.

PMID- 27127114
TI  - Normal Oral Keratinocytes and Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma Cells Induce an
      Innate Response of Fibroblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor stroma is similar to the connective tissue of chronic
      inflammation. The extracellular matrix of tumors is formed by cancer-associated
      fibroblasts that also modulate the inflammatory response. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      We studied the ability of oral keratinocytes (NOK) and oral squamous cell
      carcinoma cells (SCC) to induce an innate immune response in fibroblasts. Co
      cultures with fibroblasts in collagen gels and keratinocytes in inserts were
      used. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) was used as an indicator of an innate immune response.
      RESULTS: SCC and NOK up-regulated fibroblast mRNA expression and protein release
      of PTX3. mRNA levels were more pronounced in cultures with malignant cells. The
      induction of PTX3 was abrogated by an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist
      CONCLUSION: Keratinocytes have the capacity to induce an interleukin-1-dependent
      innate immune response by fibroblasts in vitro. This could be important for
      subsequent fibroblast modulation of the inflammatory reaction in non-malignant
      and malignant disease processes.

PMID- 27127115
TI  - Increased Copy Number of the Gene Encoding SF3B4 Indicates Poor Prognosis in
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Defects in alternative splicing contribute to carcinogenesis,
      cancer progression and chemoresistance. The spliceosome pathway, including SF3B4,
      a component of spliceosomal complex is suggested to play a role in progression of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the clinical relevance of SF3B4 in HCC
      remains unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: SF3B4 expression was evaluated by real
      time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 72 HCC samples and non
      cancerous liver samples. The relationship between the DNA copy number and SF3B4
      expression levels was investigated using TCGA datasets. RESULTS: SF3B4 expression
      was significantly higher in cancerous than in non-cancerous tissues and
      positively correlated with SF3B4 DNA copy number. High SF3B4 expression is
      significantly associated with intrahepatic metastasis and poor prognosis. These
      results were consistent with data from the public datasets. CONCLUSION:
      Overexpression of SF3B4, that is due to DNA copy number increase, is suggested to
      play a role in progression of HCC.

PMID- 27127116
TI  - Vitamin D Pathway Gene Polymorphisms and Keratinocyte Cancers: A Nested Case
      Control Study and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The vitamin D endocrine system is implicated in skin carcinogenesis
      and polymorphisms in genes associated with the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene may
      alter the risk of keratinocyte cancers (basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous
      cell carcinoma (SCC)). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a nested case-control study of
      1,124 adults, we investigated associations between polymorphisms in VDR-related
      pathways and incident keratinocyte cancers during 11 years of follow-up using
      adjusted multivariate regression analysis. We also performed a meta-analysis of
      rs2228570, rs7975232, rs1544410 and rs739837 polymorphisms. RESULTS: A total of
      286 BCCs and 161 SCCs were newly-diagnosed during follow-up. Participants with
      rs2228570 and rs927650 recessive genotypes had a decreased risk of SCC (odds
      ratio (OR)=0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.17-0.68; OR=0.48, CI=0.27-0.84,
      respectively). Meta-analysis showed a lower SCC risk in rs1544410 recessive
      genotypes (summary OR (SOR)=0.74, CI=0.53-0.94), while rs7975232 and rs739837
      recessive genotypes were associated with a decreased BCC risk (SOR=0.74, CI=0.56
      0.98; SOR=0.65, CI=0.43-0.88). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis indicated that
      vitamin D receptor polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of keratinocyte
      cancers.

PMID- 27127117
TI  - Expression of Activin During and After Chemotherapy in Peripheral Blood of
      Patients with Primary Breast Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Activins are dimeric glycoproteins that play a significant role
      in reproduction and in endocrine-active tumors. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the potential correlation between the concentration of activins (activin
      A, activin B, and activin AB) in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for
      breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The serum concentration of activins in 30
      patients receiving chemotherapy within the German SUCCESS A study was analyzed
      using different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays at three time points: After
      primary surgery, but before chemotherapy; 4 weeks after the end of chemotherapy;
      and 2 years after chemotherapy during recurrence-free follow-up. RESULTS: The
      activin concentration decreased in all patients after chemotherapy. Premenopausal
      patients had significantly lower concentrations of activin AB during follow-up
      than postmenopausal women (p=0.037). Thirteen out of 16 premenopausal patients
      developed chemotherapy-related amenorrhea (CRA) but did not significantly differ
      in their activin concentrations compared to the other premenopausal women. A
      positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2/neu status was associated with
      a significant reduction of activin AB concentration (p=0.02), and trastuzumab
      treatment correlated with significantly decreased activin A concentration
      (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: Serial measurements of activin A concentration might be
      used for monitoring trastuzumab treatment. A sudden increase of activin
      concentration could be an early indicator of disease recurrence.

PMID- 27127118
TI  - Synthetic Terrein Inhibits Progression of Head and Neck Cancer by Suppressing
      Angiogenin Production.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Head and neck cancers are the fifth most common cancer type
      worldwide, affecting more than half a million patients annually. Development of
      effective therapeutic drugs is, therefore, required for this type of disease.
      This study assessed the effects of synthetic terrein on head and neck cancer.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Synthetic terrein was prepared by using the modified
      Altenhach's procedure. The effect of synthetic terrein on cell proliferation of
      head and neck cancer cells and HUVECs was assessed. Angiogenin secretion and
      ribosome biogenesis were examined by ELISA and silver staining of the nucleolar
      organizer region. A mouse xenograft model was prepared by inoculating mice with
      suspensions of cells of the human head and neck cancer cell line OSC-19
      subcutaneously into the dorsal region of each mouse. Ki-67, CD31 and angiogenin
      expression in xenografted tumors was examined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS:
      Synthetic terrein inhibited the growth of various head and neck cancer cells. In
      addition, an in vivo experiment revealed that synthetic terrein inhibited a
      xenograft tumor growth in athymic mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed
      that expression of Ki-67, CD31 and ANG was down-regulated in synthetic terrein
      treated tumors, compared to controls. Synthetic terrein suppressed the ANG
      secretion and ribosome biogenesis in cancer cells, and cell proliferation in
      vascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSION: The mechanism underlying the anti-tumor
      effects of synthetic terrein against head and neck cancer consists of the
      inhibition of both tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis via the suppression
      of ANG production.

PMID- 27127119
TI  - Absence of Canonical WNT Signaling in Adult Renal Cell Tumors of Embryonal
      Origin.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The canonical beta-catenin pathway is involved in the development
      of Wilms' tumor, but its role in adult renal cell tumors (RCT) of embryonal
      origin is not yet known. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We sequenced the catenin beta 1
      (CTNNB1) gene in papillary RCTs, applied the TOPflash/FOPflash reporter plasmid
      system on cell lines, and examined the beta-catenin protein expression by
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The absence of mutations in CTNNB1 and low
      TOPflash/FOPflash ratio in tumor cell lines indicated the absence of active
      Wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT) signaling in RCTs. The weakly
      cytoplasmic tending towards membranous expression of beta-catenin in RCT is
      analogous to cellular differentiation in the embryonal kidney rather than
      tumorigenic activation of WNT signaling. CONCLUSION: The localization of beta
      catenin in papillary RCT, metanephric adenoma and mucinous tubular and spindle
      cell carcinoma corresponds to that of emerging tubules of kidney at distinct
      stage of maturation, indicating their embryonal origin.

PMID- 27127120
TI  - Prediction of Early Recurrence After Curative Resection of Colorectal Liver
      Metastasis and Subsequent S-1 Chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: S-1, an oral 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based medicine that combines
      tegafur, gimeracil and oteracil potassium is commonly used as an adjuvant
      chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We enrolled 53 patients who underwent curative resection for colorectal
      cancer and liver metastasis (synchronous, n=24; metachronous, n=29). The
      subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy with oral S-1 administration was initiated
      within 56 days after liver resection. Recurrence was evaluated by imaging
      studies, that were performed during the first year after liver resection. Of the
      53 patients, 25 who did not recur within 1 year were defined as being in the no
      recurrence (NREC) group and the remaining 18 patients were defined as being in
      the early-recurrence (EREC) group. There were no significant differences in gene
      expression profiling for drug resistance and metabolism between the NREC group
      and the EREC group. RESULTS: In synchronous liver metastasis, there was no
      significant difference in early recurrence between serum carcinoembryonic antigen
      (CEA) <=5 ng/ml and serum CEA >5 ng/ml (8/24 vs. 16/24, respectively). In
      metachronous liver metastasis, the early recurrence rate was significantly higher
      in patients with CEA >5 ng/ml compared to patients with CEA <=5 ng/ml (15/29 vs.
      14/29, p=0.05). The expression of cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) and ATP-binding
      cassette, sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1) were significantly lower in the EREC
      group (6/15) compared to the NREC group (9/15) in colorectal cancer with
      metachronous liver metastasis and with serum CEA >5 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: Although
      the exact reason for down-regulation of these genes in the group with poor
      prognosis is unknown, the information obtained in this study may be useful in
      clinical practice for colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27127121
TI  - Prognostic Factors in an Exercised Model of Chemically-induced Mammary Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and Ki-67 are strong prognostic
      and predictive markers in woman breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the
      immunoexpression of prognostic factor markers ERalpha, Ki-67 proliferation index
      (Ki-67 PI) and the mitotic activity index (MAI) in mammary tumors induced by 1
      methyl-1-nitrosourea (MNU) in female Sprague-Dawley rats submitted to lifelong
      exercise training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty female rats were injected with
      MNU and randomly divided into two groups: sedentary and exercised. RESULTS: All
      neoplasms from both groups were ERalpha-positive with an H-score >=20.
      Statistically significant differences were not found in the ERalpha H-score, Ki
      67 PI and MAI between groups. The absolute value of ERalpha H-score was higher in
      the exercised group, while the Ki-67 PI and MAI were higher in the sedentary
      group. CONCLUSION: Tumors from the exercised group were less proliferative and
      more differentiated, suggesting that long-term exercise training had positive
      effects on mammary carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27127122
TI  - Connexin 43 Expression in Primary Colorectal Carcinomas in Patients with Stage
      III and IV Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Protein connexin 43 (Cx43), a part of intercellular gap
      junctions, is frequently down-regulated in tumors. The aim of the study was to
      compare Cx43 expression in primary colorectal tumors of patients with stage III
      and IV disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical expression of Cx43 was
      analyzed in 50 colorectal adenocarcinomas from surgically-treated patients of
      stage pT3N1-2 without metastases (M0) and 50 specimens of the same pTN stage from
      patients with synchronous liver metastases (M1). Association of Cx43 expression
      with clinicopathological factors and tumor site was also analyzed. RESULTS: There
      was no significant difference in Cx43 expression between M0 and M1 tumor
      specimens (p=0.817), as well as in Cx43 expression between colonic and rectal
      tumors (p=0.116), respectively. Stromal expression of Cx43 was higher in M1 than
      in M0 tumors (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Stromal Cx43 expression is possible indicator
      of metastatic potential of colorectal adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27127123
TI  - Nuclear Accumulation of Heat-shock Protein 90 Is Associated with Poor Survival
      and Metastasis in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone that
      stabilizes many client proteins in normal and cancer cells, and approximately 3%
      of intracellular HSP90 is located in the nucleus. HSP90 is also targeted for the
      treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to
      elucidate the clinical role of nuclear HSP90 levels in tissues from patients with
      NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nuclear and total HSP90 levels were assessed using
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression showed that the
      total HSP90 level was independently positively associated with age (p=0.041) and
      tumor histology of squamous type (p=0.007). By contrast, nuclear HSP90 level was
      independently positively associated with higher performance score (p=0.011), ever
      smoking history (p=0.006) and presence of lymph node (p=0.036) or distant
      (p<0.001) metastasis, but not age or tumor histology. The level of nuclear HSP90,
      but not total HSP90, was negatively correlated with patient survival time
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Nuclear accumulation of HSP90 might be a predictor of
      metastasis and survival in patients with NSCLC.

PMID- 27127124
TI  - The Role of IL-10 Promoter Polymorphisms in Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 3% of all
      cancer-related mortalities worldwide and the risk factors for the development of
      RCC have not yet been fully elucidated. Mounting proteomic evidence suggests that
      inflammatory process plays a role in RCC etiology and interleukin-10 (IL-10) is
      an important immunosuppressive cytokine. However, little is known on the
      contribution of IL-10 genotypes to RCC. This study aimed at evaluating the
      contribution of IL-10 promoter A-1082G (rs1800896), T-819C (rs3021097), A-592C
      (rs1800872) genetic polymorphisms to the risk of RCC in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Associations of the three IL-10 polymorphic genotypes with the risk of
      RCC were examined among 92 RCC patients and 580 age- and gender-matched cancer
      free controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length
      polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology. RESULTS: The pilot results showed that the
      percentages of TT and TC for IL-10 T-819C genotypes were significantly higher in
      the RCC patient group than those in the healthy control group. The CC genotype
      carriers were of lower risk for RCC (odds ratio (OR)=0.33, 95% confidence
      interval (CI)=0.12-0.93, p=0.0369). There is no difference in the distribution of
      A-1082G or A-592C genotype between the RCC and control groups. CONCLUSION: The CC
      genotype of IL-10 T-819C genotype may have a protective effect on RCC risk in
      Taiwan. Further investigation with larger sample size in addition to genotype
      phenotype correlation and intracellular mechanisms are our future work.

PMID- 27127125
TI  - Reoxygenation Reverses Hypoxia-related Radioresistance in Head and Neck Cancer
      Cell Lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is characterized by epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression and radiotherapy (RT) resistance. Cancer
      cells are able to survive and proliferate in hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia can be
      transiently interrupted by phases of reoxygenation. This work aimed to analyze
      the reoxygenation effect on proliferation in response to radiation in HNC cells.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: HNC cell lines CAL33 and CAL166 were subjected to an 8-Gy
      radiation dose in hypoxia and/or after reoxygenation. Cell proliferation and
      molecular factors involved in response to treatments were studied. RESULTS:
      Cytotoxicity test confirmed radioresistance in hypoxia and highlighted that
      reoxygenation before RT restores sensitivity in both cell lines. Our results
      showed a similar proliferation inhibition effect and EGFR modulation but a
      different cell death mechanism in the two cell lines after treatment. CONCLUSION:
      Reoxygenation before RT rescued radiosensitivity in HNC cells.

PMID- 27127126
TI  - Impact of Apparent Antagonism of Estrogen Receptor beta by Fulvestrant on
      Anticancer Activity of 2-Methoxyestradiol.
AB  - Osteosarcoma is one of the most malignant bone tumors of childhood and
      adolescence. Interestingly, the presence of estrogen receptors alpha and beta has
      been reported in human bone cells, including osteosarcoma. Thus, inhibitors of
      estrogens such as fulvestrant, are considered candidates for novel endocrine
      therapy in treatment of osteosarcoma. Another anticancer agent that seems to be
      very effective in treatment of osteosarcoma is a derivative of 17beta-estradiol,
      2-methoxyestradiol. The aim of this study was to determine the anticancer
      activities of pure anti-estrogen, fulvestrant and combined treatment of
      fulvestrant and 2-methoxyestradiol towards highly metastatic osteosarcoma 143B
      cells. 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay was
      used in order to determine the antiproliferative potential of the compounds, and
      western blotting for estrogen receptors alpha and beta. Flow cytometry was used
      in order to determine induction of cell death, cell-cycle arrest, mitochondrial
      depolarization, and DNA damage. Herein, we showed that fulvestrant has anticancer
      activity only at high concentrations. We were able to find and expression of
      estrogen receptor beta, while we did not detect estrogen receptor alpha in
      osteosarcoma 143B cells. Moreover, fulvestrant down-regulated the expression of
      estrogen receptor beta, and this effect was reversed by 2-methoxyestradiol. Thus,
      the obtained data suggest that 2-methoxyestradiol may exert part of its
      anticancer activity through modulation of expression of estrogen receptor beta. 

PMID- 27127127
TI  - Low Molecular Weight Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Slow Isoform Knockdown in MDA
      MB-435 Cells Decreases RAW 264.7 Osteoclastic Differentiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: During the bone metastatic process, tumor cells and bone cells
      drive a vicious cycle stimulating growth and activity of each other. We here
      address how low molecular weight protein tyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTP) could be
      involved in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We targeted LMW-PTP by siRNA and
      evaluated the effect of various soluble factors released to the culture medium by
      the MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cell line, in RAW 264.7 osteoclastogenesis. RESULTS:
      We showed that these soluble factors did not change RAW 264.7 osteoclastogenic
      potential. The knockdown of the LMW-PTP slow isoform decreased osteoclastogenesis
      of RAW 264.7, showing less active Src. The knockdown of LMW-PTP and its slow
      isoform decreased the release of IL-8 but not IL-6 in MDA-MB-435. CONCLUSION: The
      LMW-PTP slow isoform can be an important protein in bone metastatic disease, with
      a fundamental role in the interplay between tumor cells and osteoclasts, through
      the regulation of Src activity and IL-8 secretion.

PMID- 27127128
TI  - 3-Bromopyruvic Acid Inhibits Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle and Glutaminolysis in HepG2
      Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: 3-bromopyruvate (3BrPA) is an antitumor agent able to inhibit
      aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, therefore inducing cell death.
      However, cancer cells are also highly dependent of glutaminolysis and
      tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) regarding survival and 3BrPA action in these
      metabolic routes is poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of 3BrPA
      was characterized in mice liver and kidney mitochondria, as well as in human
      HepG2 cells. RESULTS: Low concentration of 3-BrPA significantly affected both
      glutaminolysis and TCA cycle functions, through inhibition of isocitrate
      dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase.
      Additionally, 3-BrPA treatment significantly decreased the reduced status of
      thiol groups in HepG2 cells without proportional increase of oxidizing groups,
      suggesting that these chemical groups are the target of alkylation reactions
      induced by 3-BrPA. CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates, for the first time, the
      effect of 3-BrPA in glutaminolysis and TCA cycle. Our results suggest that the
      combined action of 3-BrPA in glutaminolysis, TCA and glycolysis, inhibiting steps
      downstream of the glucose and glutamine metabolism, has an antitumor effect.

PMID- 27127129
TI  - PIK3CA Mutations Detected in Patients with Central Nervous System Metastases of
      Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) the phosphatidylinositol-4,5
      bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) gene mutations have been
      reported in fewer than 5% of primary tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed
      PIK3CA gene mutations in 145 tissue samples from central nervous system (CNS)
      metastases of NSCLC using three polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques: high
      resolution melting-PCR (HRM-PCR), allele-specific-quantitative PCR (ASP-qPCR) and
      TaqMan PCR. RESULTS: HRM analysis allowed us to select three PIK3CA-positive
      specimens (2.1% of the studied group) and ASP-qPCR techniques identified them as
      one E542K and two H1047R substitutions, which were confirmed by TaqMan probes.
      The PIK3CA mutations were indicated only in males (3% of all males). One of the
      patients was reported to be a non-smoker with adenocarcinoma (AC; 2.5% of the AC
      group), however, the other two patients were smokers with squamous cell carcinoma
      (SCC; 3.4% of SCC group). CONCLUSION: This is the first report of the presence of
      PIK3CA gene mutation in CNS-metastatic lesions of NSCLC worldwide that could
      broaden therapeutic choices in such patients.

PMID- 27127130
TI  - Altered Expression of Imprinted Genes in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and
      Neck.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genomic imprinting is associated with many human diseases, including
      various types of cancers, however, no studies on gene imprinting are related to
      squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) directly. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this study, the expression of a panel of 15 imprinted genes in
      cancerous and non-cancerous tissues from 73 patients with SCCHN were
      investigated. RESULTS: Altered expression of carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4); protein
      phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 9A (PPP1R9A); H19, imprinted maternally
      expressed transcript (non-protein coding) (H19); paternally expressed gene 3
      antisense RNA 1 (PEG3-AS1); retrotransposon-like 1 (RTL1), insulin-like growth
      factor 2 (IGF2); solute carrier family 22 member 3 (SLC22A3); and gamma
      aminobutyric acid type A receptor beta3 subunit (GABRB3) was observed. Down
      regulation of PPP1R9A (p<0.05) and GABRB3 (p<0.05) was correlated with more
      advanced cancer stages. Down-regulation of PEG3-AS1 (p<0.05) and GABRB3 (p<0.01)
      was correlated with lymph node metastasis. Poor survival was related to higher
      expression of CPA4 (p<0.01) and lower expression of PEG3-AS1 (p<0.05) and IGF2
      (p<0.05). Chemotherapy was also found to have an impact on the expression of
      imprinted genes. CONCLUSION: Loss of imprinting is involved in tumorigenesis of
      SCCHN.

PMID- 27127131
TI  - Euphorbia Species-derived Diterpenes and Coumarins as Multidrug Resistance
      Modulators in Human Colon Carcinoma Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, many new potent multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal agents
      have been discovered, among them lathyrane and jatrophane diterpenes isolated
      from various Euphorbia species. In the present study, the cytotoxicity, P
      glycoprotein inhibition activity, and MDR reversal potency of six diterpenes and
      two coumarins from two Euphorbia species were studied in human colon carcinoma
      LoVo cells, and doxorubicin-resistant, LoVo/Dx cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Cytotoxicity of the studied compounds (alone and in combination with doxorubicin)
      was investigated. Inhibition of P-glycoprotein transport activity was monitored
      by flow cytometry. Changes in intracellular doxorubicin accumulation were
      observed by means of fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Latilagascene B was
      demonstrated to be an effective P-glycoprotein inhibitor, able to increase
      doxorubicin accumulation in resistant cells, however not able to restore
      doxorubicin cytotoxicity in LoVo/Dx cells. CONCLUSION: The structure of
      latilagascene B seems to be an interesting candidate for further synthesis of new
      derivatives of reduced cytotoxicity and high anti-MDR potency.

PMID- 27127132
TI  - The Diagnostic Value of Alcohol Dehydrogenase Isoenzymes and Aldehyde
      Dehydrogenase Measurement Sera of Cervical Cancer Patients.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate a potential role of alcohol
      dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) as tumor markers for
      cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 43 women
      with cervical cancer. Isoenzymes class III, IV of ADH and total ADH activity were
      measured in the sera by the photometric method and class I, II ADH and ALDH
      activity by the fluorometric method. RESULTS: The total activity of ADH and ADH I
      was significantly higher in the serum of patients with cervical cancer than in
      control groups. The diagnostic sensitivity for ADH I was 61,76%, specificity
      65,7%, PPV and NPV were 70 and 62,16% respectively. AUC for ADH I was 0,654 and
      for total ADH 0,618. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a potential role of ADH I as
      a marker for cervical cancer.

PMID- 27127133
TI  - Syndecan-1, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Markers (E-cadherin/beta-catenin)
      and Neoangiogenesis-related Proteins (PCAM-1 and Endoglin) in Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - The Syndecan-1 protein plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, cell adhesion,
      cell migration and angiogenesis and, at the same time, its co-expression with E
      cadherin is regulated during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In
      colorectal cancer (CRC), the expression of syndecan-1, E-cadherin/beta-catenin
      complex is frequently disturbed. Angiogenesis is critical for the growth and
      metastatic spread of tumors. In the present study, we focused on the expression
      of these biological molecules and their prognostic significance in human CRC.
      Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded surgical specimens from 69 patients with CRC
      were immunostained for syndecan-1, E-cadherin, beta-catenin, endoglin (CD105) and
      CD31 (platelet cell adhesion molecule (PCAM-1)). A significant association was
      found between syndecan-1 with E-cadherin (p<0.0001), as well with beta-catenin
      (p<0.0001). High beta-catenin expression appeared to reduce the risk of poor
      outcome. Endoglin microvascular density (MVD) count was correlated significantly
      with Dukes' stage (p<0.0001), vessel invasion (p<0.0001), lymph node metastasis
      (p=0.039), liver metastasis (p<0.0001), recurrence of disease (p=0.010) and poor
      survival rate (p<0.0001). Endoglin tumor epithelial cell expression was
      associated with E-cadherin, beta-catenin and syndecan-1 (p=0.001, p=0.068 and
      p=0.005, respectively). In conclusion, changes in the pattern of expression of
      syndecan-1, EMT markers, E-cadherin/beta-catenin, in association with endoglin
      (CD105), may be involved in tumor progression and prognosis of CRC patients.
      Further studies are needed to clarify the interaction between these proteins and
      tumor initiation and progression. 

PMID- 27127134
TI  - Induction of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress via Reactive Oxygen Species Mediated by
      Luteolin in Melanoma Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate whether luteolin, a flavonoid,
      induces apoptosis in human melanoma cells via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate the effects of luteolin in human melanoma
      cells, the anti-proliferation, apoptosis, ER stress induction and reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) generation were evaluated using MTT, Hoechst 33342, ER-tracker Blue
      White DPX and DCF-DA staining assays, respectively. RESULTS: Luteolin inhibited
      cell proliferation and increased apoptotic body formation. Luteolin induced ER
      stress, as shown by ER staining and mitochondrial Ca(2+) overloading. Luteolin
      increased expression of the ER stress-related proteins; protein kinase RNA-like
      ER kinase, phospho eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2alpha, activating
      transcription factor (ATF) 6, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein
      (CHOP), and cleaved caspase 12. Furthermore, luteolin increased the level of
      intracellular ROS, leading to ROS-mediated apoptosis and ER stress. However, N
      acetyl cysteine, a ROS scavenger, decreased ROS levels, apoptosis, and ER stress
      induced by luteolin treatment. In addition, knockdown of CHOP and ATF6 by small
      interfering RNA inhibited luteolin-induced cell death. CONCLUSION: Luteolin
      induces apoptosis by ER stress via increasing ROS levels.

PMID- 27127135
TI  - The Involvement of PDGF-B/PDGFRbeta Axis in the Resistance to Antiangiogenic and
      Antivascular Therapy in Renal Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Studies developed in the field of platelet-derived growth
      factors/platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFs/PDGFRs) inhibition have
      focused on the therapeutic effects on tumor cells, neglecting their potential
      effects on tumor blood vessels. We herein propose a differential and critic
      assessment of platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) and platelet-derived
      growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRbeta) in renal cell carcinoma, correlated with
      the four main vascular patterns previously reported by our team. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: PDGF-B and PDGFRbeta were evaluated on 50 archival paraffin embedded
      specimens related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its inhibitory
      isoform VEGF165b and vascular patterns. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Our results
      support the involvement of VEGF165b in the phosphorylation of PDGFRbeta with an
      inhibitory effect on endothelial proliferation and migration. The simultaneous
      action of PDGF-B/PDGFRbeta and VEGF165b on the same type of receptor may explain
      the resistance to antiangiogenic therapy, which depends on the degree of
      modulation of PDGFRbeta phosphorylation.

PMID- 27127136
TI  - Elimination of Cigarette Smoke-derived Acetaldehyde in Saliva by Slow-release L
      Cysteine Lozenge Is a Potential New Method to Assist Smoking Cessation. A
      Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Harmans are condensation products of acetaldehyde and biogenic
      amines in saliva. Like other monoamine oxidase inhibitors, harmans help maintain
      behavioral sensitization to nicotine and mediate the addictive potential of
      cigarette smoke-derived acetaldehyde. The aim of this study was to test the
      hypothesis that effective elimination of acetaldehyde in saliva by slow-release L
      cysteine (AcetiumTM lozenge; Biohit Oyj, Helsinki, Finland) blocks the formation
      of harmans and eliminates acetaldehyde-enhanced nicotine addiction in smokers.
      STUDY DESIGN: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial comparing
      Acetium lozenges and placebo in smoking intervention was undertaken. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A cohort of 423 cigarette smokers were randomly allocated to
      intervention (n=212) and placebo arms (n=211). Smoking-related data were recorded
      by questionnaires, together with nicotine dependence testing by Fagerstrom scale.
      The participants used a smoking diary to record the daily number of cigarettes,
      test lozenges and sensations of smoking. The data were analyzed separately for
      point prevalence of abstinence and prolonged abstinence endpoints. RESULTS:
      Altogether, 110 study participants completed the trial per protocol, 234 had
      minor violations, and the rest (n=79) were lost to follow-up. During the 6-month
      trial, 65 participants quit smoking; 38 (17.9%) in the intervention arm and 27
      (12.8%) in the placebo arm [odds ratio (OR)=1.48; 95% confidence intervals
      (CI)=0.87-2.54; p=0.143]. Success in the per protocol group was better (42.9% vs.
      31.1%, respectively; OR=1.65, 95% CI=0.75-3.62; p=0.205) than in the modified
      intention-to-treat group: 13.5% vs. 7.4% (p=0.128). CONCLUSION: If the efficacy
      of Acetium lozenge can be confirmed in an adequately powered study, this new
      approach would represent a major breakthrough in smoking quit intervention
      because slow-release L-cysteine is non-toxic with no side-effects or limitations
      of use.

PMID- 27127137
TI  - A Prospective Observational Study of Adoptive Immunotherapy for Cancer Using
      Zoledronate-Activated Killer (ZAK) Cells - An Analysis for Patients with
      Incurable Pancreatic Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Adoptive immunotherapy (AIT) using autologous zoledronate
      activated killer (ZAK) cells has been performed for developing a novel modality
      of cancer treatment. In this study, data series from incurable pancreatic cancer
      were analyzed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were treated with AIT using
      intravenous administration of ZAK cells every 3 to 4 weeks in combination with
      standard chemotherapy and possible clinical benefits were examined. RESULTS:
      Seventy-five patients were treated. A median overall survival (OS) time of 6.7
      months was achieved for all patients and 13.1 months for those treated 5 times or
      more, that increased to 14.6 and 18.3 months, respectively, when the previous
      treatment period of chemotherapy alone was included in the analysis. The disease
      control rate was 58.5 %. Multivariate regression analysis showed a significant
      positive correlation between the survival and baseline value of lymphocyte
      percentage in white blood cell counts (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: The data suggest
      that AIT using ZAK cells in combination with chemotherapy is safe and feasible
      and may be effective in prolonging survival for patients with incurable
      pancreatic cancer. The lymphocyte percentage at baseline may be a good biomarker
      for predicting the survival benefit of ZAK cell AIT.

PMID- 27127138
TI  - Lymphocytic Oesophagitis Preliminary Ultrastructural Observations.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Lymphocytic oesophagitis (LyE) is a newly described entity
      characterized by a high number of intraepithelial lymphocytes/ high power field
      (>=40 CD3+IELs/HPF) in the oesophageal epithelium. The aim of the study was to
      investigate possible ultrastructural changes taking place in LyE at the
      transmission electron microscopic (TEM) level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oesopageal
      biopsies from seven patients were investigated: four were consecutive patients
      with LyE, one with reflux oesopagitis, one with eosinophilic oesopagitis (EoE)
      and one with histologically normal squamous epithelium. RESULTS: In LyE, marked
      intercellular oedema (spongiosis) and a gamut of regressive changes were found in
      squamous cells, ranging from cytoplasmic oedema and vacuolization, to total cell
      disintegration. IELs also showed regressive changes ranging from ballooned,
      oedematous cytoplasm to signs of intracytoplasmatic disintegration. CONCLUSION:
      Besides hampered cell nutrition conveyed by spongiosis, putative noxious
      molecules contained in the intercellular spongiotic oedema might account for the
      dramatic TEM alterations found in LyE. The present findings provide, for the
      first time, "inside information" on the ultrastructural alterations taking place
      in LyE, both in squamous cells and in IELs.

PMID- 27127139
TI  - Adenocarcinoma of the Oesophagus and Oesophagogastric Junction: Analysis of
      Incidence and Risk Factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Conflicting data exist on the changes in the incidence of
      oesophageal (EAC) and oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EGJAC). In
      addition, risk factors of the disease are only partly known. The aim of the study
      was to evaluate the incidence of EAC and EGJAC in Finland as well as risk factors
      of these cancers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The complete number of new EAC and EGJAC
      cases between January 1980 and December 2007 in Finland was provided by the
      Finnish Cancer Registry. All treated EAC and EGJAC patients in the Pirkanmaa
      Hospital District between January 1980 and December 2007 were included in the
      study. RESULTS: The incidence of EAC increased significantly in Finland.
      Barrett's oesophagus (BE) was associated with the risk of EAC and cholecystectomy
      with the risk of EGJAC. CONCLUSION: A significant increase in EAC was found in
      Finland over the course of nearly 30 years, indicating that the increase in EAC
      in Finland is existent in the long term. BE was associated with the risk of EAC
      and cholecystectomy with the risk of EGJAC.

PMID- 27127140
TI  - Genome-based Mutational Analysis by Next Generation Sequencing in Patients with
      Malignant Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Malignant mesothelioma is a rare malignancy with limited
      therapeutic options. Exome-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques may
      direct the future of molecular targeting and improve systemic therapies for
      patients with mesothelioma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with NGS
      testing were selected, with a total of 236 somatic cancer-related mutations
      analyzed. Descriptive and Kaplan-Meier statistics were applied. RESULTS: The
      median age was 65 years (range=27-73 years); 4 (36%) patients were females. Seven
      (64%) and four patients (36%) had pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma,
      respectively. Detectable mutations were found in 86% of the pleural and 50% of
      the peritoneal mesothelioma patients (overall, 73% of patients). The families of
      BAP1 (36%), CDKNA2A/B (27%) and NF2 (27%) represented the most frequently mutated
      genes. The median overall survival for all patients was 20.8 months, with 1- and
      2-year survival rates of 91% and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Genomic
      alterations as potential therapeutic targets were found by NGS. These findings
      will help in the development of new screening tools and targeting therapies, and
      in turn impact the standard-of-care and potentially lengthen disease control and
      survival periods in the future.

PMID- 27127141
TI  - Tail of Superficial Myxofibrosarcoma and Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma
      After Preoperative Radiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Superficial myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) and undifferentiated
      pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) are highly associated with infiltrative growth (tail
      sign) and local recurrence, but the impact of preoperative radiotherapy is
      uncertain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight consecutive superficial MFS and 10
      superficial UPS cases treated with preoperative radiotherapy and surgery were
      reviewed. Pathological response, surgical margin and magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) were retrospectively evaluated. Oncological events were reported in a
      descriptive form. RESULTS: Pathologically, nearly-complete response was observed
      in six UPS cases. Tail sign was pathologically detected in 13 cases, eight of
      which remained viable. Among the eight cases with viable tail, three cases,
      including two with positive margin, locally recurred. No major discrepancy was
      observed between tail length on pre-treatment T1-weighted post-contrast, fat
      saturated MRI and pathological tail length. CONCLUSION: Tail of superficial MFS
      and UPS can retain viability even after radiotherapy and cause local recurrence
      unless they respond to radiotherapy well. Wider resection including the tail on
      MRI is recommended.

PMID- 27127142
TI  - Relationship Between Hematogenous Tumor Cell Dissemination and Cellular Immunity
      in DCIS Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: By definition, tumor cells do not pass the epithelial basement
      membrane in pre-invasive lesions. However, recently, it was shown that
      hematogenous tumor cell dissemination already takes place in patients with ductal
      carcinoma in situ (DCIS), giving disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in the bone
      marrow the opportunity to interact with the peripheral immune system. We,
      therefore, investigated the relationship between DTCs and the peripheral innate
      and adaptive immune system of DCIS patients, as immunosurveillance might also be
      impaired in pre-invasive lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the
      peripheral immune status of 115 DCIS patients by flow cytometry. Results were
      correlated with presence of DTCs, that were detected in the bone marrow by
      immunocytochemistry (pan-cytokeratin antibody A45-B/B3) using the automated
      cellular imaging system (ACIS) according to the international society of
      hematotherapy and graft engineering (ISHAGE) evaluation criteria. Apoptotic DTCs
      were characterized by positive M30 staining and cytomorphological criteria.
      RESULTS: In contrast to breast cancer, we found no significant correlation
      between appearance of DTCs and quantitative distribution of T-cell sub
      populations, B and NK-cells neither in the bone marrow nor in the peripheral
      blood. Moreover, DTCs did not affect the expression of important immunomodulatory
      antigens for functional integrity of specific immune response such as, TCR-zeta,
      CD28 or CD95. Interestingly, 39% of DTCs were positive for M30 expression and
      showed cytomorphological signs of apoptosis. CONCLUSION: In contrast to breast
      cancer, DTCs of DCIS seem to be less immunogenic, which might result in a
      diverging way to evade immunosurveillance.

PMID- 27127143
TI  - Endometrial Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Hematometra with Underlying Thickened
      Endometrial Lining in a Postmenopausal Woman - A Case Report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although most postmenopausal women diagnosed with endometrial cancer
      usually present with vaginal bleeding, when complete cervical stenosis is
      present, this sign may be missing. In these cases, the patient usually complaints
      for pelvic or abdominal pain while the transvaginal ultrasonography might reveal
      the presence of an intrauterine fluid collection in association with a thickened
      endometrial lining. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 65-year-old patient who
      presented with association of pelvic pain, enlarged uterine cavity with an
      underlying hematometra and an irregular, thickened endometrium who was submitted
      to surgery for total histerectomy, bilateral adnexectomy, pelvic and para-aortic
      lymph node dissection. CONCLUSION: Histopathological studies revealed the
      presence of a well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma. At three years of
      follow-up, the patient is free of any recurrent disease.

PMID- 27127144
TI  - Weekly Multi-agent Chemotherapy (CMF-b) for Advanced Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Advanced unresectable and metastatic non-melanoma skin cancers
      (NMSC) are rare, but often arise in elderly patients. When surgery or irradiation
      are no longer feasible, chemotherapy is often precluded by the patient's age and
      comorbidities. Whether low-dose multi-agent chemotherapy could be an alternative
      for this vulnerable population in an outpatient setting was the issue examined in
      this retrospective analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with
      advanced unresectable or metastatic NMSC received weekly multi-agent chemotherapy
      with carboplatin at an area under the curve of 2 or 40 mg total dose of
      cisplatin, with 15 IU total dose of bleomycin, 40 mg total dose of methotrexate,
      and 500 mg total dose of 5-fluorouracil (CMF-b) until best response, toxicity, or
      progression of their disease. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were treated as
      outpatients; two were hospitalized. Twenty-three patients were previously treated
      with surgery or radiotherapy. The median age was 68 years (range=44-100 years).
      The median number of cycles was 6 (range=1 to 17). The overall response rate was
      61.5% (seven complete remissions, nine partial remissions) for the entire cohort
      and 63.6% (two complete remissions and five partial remissions) for patients >80
      years. The median duration of response was 6.1 months (range=1.6-63 months).
      Responses longer than 6 months were obtained in 11/26 (42.3%) of the entire
      cohort and in 4/11 (36.3%) patients >80 years. Symptom improvement was observed
      in 17 patients (65.3%). Toxicity was acceptable, with grade 3 renal failure (n=1)
      and grade 3 or 4 myelotoxicity (n=2). CONCLUSION: CMF-b is a safe, weekly low
      dose multi-agent regimen that offers palliation for vulnerable patients with
      NMSC.

PMID- 27127145
TI  - Interaction Between Beta-Catenin and EGFR Expression by Immunohistochemistry
      Identifies Prognostic Subgroups in Early High-risk Triple-negative Breast Cancer.
AB  - Wnt and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway abnormalities and de
      stabilization of cell adhesion are all important aspects of the pathogenesis of
      triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Herein we investigated how the expression
      of related protein markers may affect the outcome of patients bearing TNBC
      treated in the adjuvant setting. Immunohistochemistry for beta-catenin, Myc (Wnt
      pathway), E-cadherin, P-cadherin (cell-adhesion), EGFR and cytokeratin 5 (CK5)
      (identification of basal-like tumors) was carried out in 364 centrally confirmed
      TNBCs. Survival analysis was performed with Cox-regression models according to
      dichotomized continuous protein expression data and marker interactions. In 352
      evaluable tumors, 81.5% were basal-like TNBC. E-cadherin and P-cadherin were
      positively associated, with co-expression being present in 68% of tumors.
      Individual markers did not affect patient outcome. However, a statistically
      significant interaction was shown such that low expression of beta-catenin in the
      cell membrane, defined as expression below the median of the H-score
      distribution, was associated with unfavourable disease-free survival among tumors
      that expressed EGFR, but not in the absence of EGFR expression (interaction
      p=0.0085). The interaction persisted after correcting for clinicopathological
      variables. A considerable number of TNBC co-expresses E-cadherin and P-cadherin,
      while membranous localization of beta-catenin may predict patient outcome in an
      EGFR-dependent manner. This novel interaction seems worthy for validating with
      regards to its biological and clinical relevance. 

PMID- 27127146
TI  - SOX18 Expression in Non-melanoma Skin Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: SRY-related HMG box protein 18 (SOX18) is a transcription factor
      involved in a range of physiological processes, including differentiation of
      endothelial cells during new vessel formation. Numerous studies are being
      conducted to determine its role in carcinogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty
      five cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 61 cases of basal cell carcinoma
      (BCC), 15 cases of actinic keratosis (AK) and 15 normal skin (NS) cases were
      examined in the study. Expression of SOX18 was investigated with
      immunohistochemistry and light optic microscopy. The obtained results were
      subjected to statistical analysis including available clinicopathological data.
      RESULTS: Nuclear expression of SOX18 was shown in vascular endothelial cells,
      basal layer cells of NS epidermis, as well as in AK, BCC and SCC cancer cells.
      Expression of SOX18 in SCC, BCC and AK cells was significantly higher than in NS
      (p<0.01, p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). Additionally, higher expression of
      SOX18 in BCC than in SCC cells (p<0.001) was observed. CONCLUSION: SOX18 may play
      a role in the development of BCC and SCC. Further studies with the use of
      additional markers tested at the mRNA and protein level are necessary for better
      explanation of SOX18 function in cancer transformation.

PMID- 27127147
TI  - Is the Isolated Pericardial Fat Pad Sufficient to Cover the Bronchial Stump and
      Separate the Pulmonary Artery in Order to Prevent Bronchopleural Fistula in
      Patients with Lung Cancer?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of a bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is the most serious
      postoperative complication of thoracic surgery. All surgical techniques that have
      been reported as preventive measures against BPF have disadvantages. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We herein introduce a new technique (Yatsuhashi method) for covering the
      bronchial stump after right lower lobectomy using isolated pericardial fat tissue
      (PFT). Between 2012 and 2015, 878 consecutive patients with lung disease
      underwent surgery at our Institution. Among these patients, 26 underwent right
      lower lobectomy. Their clinical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify
      the presence of residual fat, in patients in whom the traditional pedicle method
      was applied and in those in whom an isolated PFT method was applied. The data on
      the characteristics, surgical details, and perioperative outcomes were analyzed.
      RESULTS: There were no cases of BPF and the 90-day mortality rate was 0%. The
      mean period of time from the day of surgery until the computed tomographic
      examination was 207 days. There were no significant differences in the age,
      gender, clinical stage, pathological stage, the presence of comorbidities or
      complications, the duration until computed tomography, nor the presence of
      residual fat between the patients in whom the isolated PFT (n=17) and the
      standard pedicle (n=9) methods were applied. Furthermore, no postoperative
      complications due to the use of isolated PFT itself were observed in the patients
      who were treated using this method. The existence of residual isolated PFT was
      also confirmed in five out of six cases who underwent surgical treatment with the
      novel Yatsuhashi method. CONCLUSION: The simple technique using PFT for covering
      the bronchial stump after right lower lobectomy was satisfactorily effective and
      was not associated with any complications.

PMID- 27127148
TI  - Accurate Diagnosis of Aortic Invasion in Patients with Lung Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The information regarding the optimal treatment of locally advanced
      lung tumor for achieving a cure remains limited. This is particularly true for an
      accurate diagnosis of tumor invasion of adjacent structures, especially the
      aorta. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2014 and January 2016, 505 consecutive
      patients with chest disease underwent surgery at our Institution. Among these
      patients, five (1.0%) with lung tumor were strongly suspected of having aortic
      invasion. Their clinical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify
      factors to accurately diagnose aortic invasion in patients with lung cancer. The
      data on patient characteristics including modern-era clinical imaging, surgical
      details, and perioperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: The study population
      comprised of four males and one female. The histological types were non-small
      cell carcinoma lung cancer in four cases and metastatic carcinoma from renal cell
      carcinoma in one. No cases were determined to be negative by both computed
      tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. However, an intraoperative assessment
      showed the resectability of lesions without invasion in all cases. CONCLUSION:
      The diagnosis of aortic invasion may be overestimated, although aortic invasion
      is considered an absolute contraindication to surgical management with radical
      intent. Physicians should pay attention to the possibility of aortic invasion,
      even if the angle in contact with the tumor indicates a wide field of view, in
      order to provide a chance for a cure.

PMID- 27127149
TI  - ZKSCAN3 Facilitates Liver Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer Associated with CEA
      expressing Tumor.
AB  - AIM: Zinc finger with KRAB and SCAN domain 3 (ZKSCAN3) is overexpressed in
      invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and regulates the expression of several
      genes favoring tumor progression, including vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) and integrin beta4. We evaluated the association of ZKSCAN3 and colorectal
      cancer liver metastasis (CLM) to determine whether it is related to invasive
      signaling pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ratios of expression by primary
      tumor to normal tissue and metastatic tumor to normal tissue were compared
      between ZKSCAN3-overexpressing and underexpressing primary tumor groups. RESULTS:
      In terms of CLM, the ZKSCAN3 overexpression was positively correlated with
      carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), VEGF, and AKT expression. The protein-expression
      analysis showed that ZKSCAN-specific siRNA knockdown reduced CEA expression in
      LoVo and LS174T CRC cells. Matrigel invasion by ZKSCAN3-overexpressing HCT116
      cells was increased when examined on CEA-coated filters compared with phosphate
      buffered saline-treated controls. Additionally, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)
      expression was greater in cells with reference allele (GG) than substitution
      allele (CC) for ZKSCAN3 rs733743 (p=0.032). ZKSCAN3 protein expression of the
      high serum CEA group was increased in hepatic metastatic tissue compared with the
      primary tumor tissue, while in the group with normal serum CEA it decreased or
      was similar. Reference ZKSCAN3 alleles were correlated with male dominance, a
      family history of malignancy, high serum CEA concentration and stage IV CRC in
      450 patients with sporadic CRC. In conclusion, ZKSCAN3 appears to promote
      colorectal tumor progression and invasion. ZKSCAN3 may facilitate hepatic
      metastasis of CRC associated with CEA particularly in cases with CEA-producing
      tumor.

PMID- 27127150
TI  - Surgical Results of Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma:
      a Multi-institutional Retrospective Study of 174 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a major complication
      after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and the prognosis of patients with pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) after PD is poor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multi
      institutional retrospective study was performed in 174 patients who underwent PD
      for PDAC from 2007 to 2012. The details of clinical data were examined, and risk
      factors for POPF and poor prognostic factors after PD were identified. RESULTS:
      POPF occured in 26 patients (15%), and 18 patients (10%) were diagnosed as Grade
      B/C POPF. The independent risk factors for Grade B/C POPF were body mass index
      (BMI) >=25 (Odds Ratio [OR]=21.1, p=0.006) and absence of post-operative enteral
      nutrition (EN) (OR=10.2, p=0.04). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survivals of
      patients with PDAC after PD were 76%, 35%, and 18%, respectively. R1/2 operation
      was identified as the only independent poor prognostic factor (Hazard Ratio=3.66;
      p=0.0002). CONCLUSION: Patients with BMI >=25 should be closely monitored for
      POPF after PD. Post-operative EN might help prevent POPF. Performing R0 resection
      is an important goal for ensuring patient survival after PD for PDAC.

PMID- 27127151
TI  - Salvage High-dose-rate Interstitial Brachytherapy for Pelvic Recurrent Cervical
      Carcinoma After Hysterectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to report the clinical results of salvage
      high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy (HDR-ISBT) for patients with cervical
      cancer with pelvic recurrence after hysterectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: When
      there was no indication for total pelvic extenteration (TPE) and the tumor depth
      was more than 5 mm of invasion in the paracolpium, salvage HDR-ISBT was applied.
      RESULTS: A total of 26 patients were included in this study. The median number of
      fractions and dose per fraction of HDR-ISBT were 5 (range=3-20 fractions) and 6
      Gy (range=2.5-6 Gy), respectively. Three-year local control, progression-free
      survival, and overall survival were 51.1%, 34.4% and 57.1%, respectively.
      Combination of external-beam radiation therapy, clinical target volume D90
      greater than 65 Gy, and dose per fraction greater than 5 Gy were associated with
      favorable local control. CONCLUSION: For patients with recurrent cervical cancer
      post hysterectomy who are not candidates for TPE, salvage HDR-ISBT is a possible
      curative treatment modality.

PMID- 27127152
TI  - Wire-guided Localization in Non-palpable Breast Cancer: Results from Monocentric
      Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is considered the gold-standard
      treatment for early breast cancer. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy or
      stereotactic biopsy of a breast lesion allows preoperative histological
      diagnosis. Various techniques have been proposed for identifying non-palpable
      breast tumors, but the most popular method is the wire-guided localization (WGL)
      technique. The aim of this study was to propose an alternative technique for
      optimizing the WGL procedure, facilitating breast surgery and reducing
      complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study on 40
      patients with a single non-palpable breast lesion. For the preoperative
      localization of mammary lesions, patients were divided randomly into two groups:
      20 patients underwent conventional WGL technique and 20 underwent 'optimized'
      personalized technique. RESULTS: In the group treated with the optimized
      technique, dislocation of the wire occurred in only 2/20 cases, whereas in those
      with the conventional technique, dislocation occurred in 9/20 cases (p=0.03). In
      5/20 cases of the conventional WGL technique, the wire was accidentally cut by
      the surgeon, whereas no similar complications were observed in the group that
      underwent the optimized technique (p=0.047). Re-excision of the surgical margins
      was necessary in 6/20 cases with the conventional technique, while re-excision
      was not required for any case using the optimized technique (p=0.02). CONCLUSION:
      The proposed optimized technique ensures good esthetic results, enabling the
      surgeon to identify the lesion and perform oncoplastic breast surgery, and allows
      surgical time to be reduced.

PMID- 27127153
TI  - Ifosfamide and Etoposide Chemotherapy in the Treatment of Recurrent/Refractory
      Rhabdomyosarcoma in Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No standard chemotherapy for adults with recurrent/refractory
      rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) has yet been established. The present study aimed to
      assess the effect of ifosfamide and etoposide (IE) chemotherapy on previously
      treated RMS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adults with recurrent/refractory RMS were
      treated with ifosfamide (1,800 g/m(2)/day), etoposide (100 mg/m(2)/day) and mesna
      (1,080 mg/m(2)/day) for 5 days. The effect and toxicity were evaluated by chart
      review. RESULTS: Fifteen patients, with a median age of 33 years (range=25-67
      years), were treated with IE chemotherapy. A median of six cycles of chemotherapy
      were administered and an objective response was obtained in eight patients. The
      median progression-free survival was 5.2 months (95% confidence interval=2.3-6.7
      months) and overall survival was 14.4 months (95% confidence interval=4.6-28.3
      months). Toxicity greater than grade 3 was as follows: neutropenia in all
      patients, anemia in seven, thrombocytopenia in seven and febrile neutropenia in
      eight. CONCLUSION: IE chemotherapy could be an alternative optional treatment
      method in adults with recurrent/refractory RMS.

PMID- 27127154
TI  - Increase in Gene Expression of TYMP, DPYD and HIF1A Are Associated with Response
      to Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy Including S-1 or UFT for Rectal Cancer.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to identify biomarkers capable of predicting
      response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) including S-1 or UFT for rectal
      cancer using biopsy specimens obtained before CRT (Pre-samples) and 7 days after
      the start of CRT (Day-7 samples). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative CRT
      including S-1 or UFT was performed in 82 patients with locally advanced rectal
      cancer. The expression levels of 18 genes related to 5-fluorouracil, folate, and
      radiation in the Pre-samples and the Day-7 samples were evaluated using reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. RESULTS: The gene
      expression levels of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha subunit (HIF1A),
      dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) and thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP) were
      found significantly increased in Day-7 samples compared to Pre-samples in
      responders, but not in non-responders. CONCLUSION: Increases in gene expression
      levels of TYMP, DPYD, and HIF1A in tumor tissues at 7 days after the start of CRT
      may be useful for predicting the efficacy of CRT including S-1 or UFT.

PMID- 27127155
TI  - Risk Factors and Time to Occurrence of Genitourinary Toxicity After External Beam
      Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer.
AB  - AIM: To retrospectively investigate the risk factors and time to occurrence of
      genitourinary (GU) toxicity after radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 320 patients. The radiotherapy planning
      target volume encompassed the prostate with a 1-cm margin in the transverse plane
      and a 1-cm margin (Group A) or a 1.5-cm margin (Group B) in the longitudinal
      plane. Incidence rates, risk factors and time to occurrence of GU toxicity were
      evaluated. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 38.2 months, the rate of late
      grade 2-3 GU toxicity was 5.9% and the median interval was 18.3 months. The wider
      longitudinal margin was the single significant independent factor. The 2-year
      cumulative incidence rates of late grade >=2 GU toxicity were 2.8% and 7.5% in
      Group A and B patients. CONCLUSION: A wider radiotherapy margin increased the
      risk of GU toxicity and led to earlier occurrence.

PMID- 27127156
TI  - Urinary 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Concentrations as a Potential Tumor Marker for
      Colorectal Cancer Screening and Recurrence.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Tumor biomarkers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and
      cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), are used to screen and monitor tumor recurrence in
      patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is used in
      photodynamic diagnosis and therapy. Porphyrins produced by tumor cells are
      excreted in the urine after 5-ALA administration. In this study, we evaluated the
      use of porphyrins as novel tumor markers in urine samples from patients with CRC.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Porphyrin metabolite concentrations were measured in urine
      samples of 33 patients with CRC, 16 patients with benign disease and 8 healthy
      adults, after 5-ALA administration. RESULTS: The porphyrin metabolite
      concentrations were significantly increased in the CRC group compared to the
      control group, while in CRC patients, the porphyrin metabolite concentrations in
      urine were significantly decreased after surgery. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest that the measurement of porphyrin metabolites in urine may potentially
      serve as a new screening and recurrence marker for CRC.

PMID- 27127157
TI  - Frequency of Acentric Fragments Are Associated with Cancer Risk in Subjects
      Exposed to Ionizing Radiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Biomonitoring is currently applied in the estimation of health
      risks after overexposure to ionizing radiation (IR). The aim of this study was to
      compare the association of dicentric chromosomes and acentric fragments (AF) with
      cancer risk in subjects exposed to IR, as well as in control subjects. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The study was performed on 3,574 subjects (2,030 subjects exposed to
      IR and 1,544 control subjects). The mean follow-up period was 8 years. RESULTS:
      In subjects reporting exposure to IR, the presence of AFs and dicentric
      chromosomes was associated with a significant increase in cancer risk, hazard
      ratio (HR)=1.78 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01-3.13) and HR=1.73 (95% CI=1.03
      2.90), respectively. CONCLUSION: AFs are associated with cancer risk and have a
      similar sensitivity to dicentric chromosomes in subjects exposed to IR. Because
      automated AF scoring can be easily introduced using fast flow cytometry combined
      with the pan-centromere staining, this biomarker may hold promise as a potential
      sensitive biomarker of exposure to IR and cancer risk.

PMID- 27127158
TI  - Change in Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Is Associated with Outcome of Patients with
      Advanced-stage NSCLC Treated with Erlotinib.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) has been reported as a prognostic
      biomarker in malignant diseases. However, little is known on the dynamics of
      serum LDH levels during systemic treatment. We focused on the association of
      changes in serum LDH with outcome of patients with advanced-stage non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with erlotinib. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical data
      of 309 patients were analyzed. Serum samples were collected within one week
      before initiation and after one month of treatment. RESULTS: The change in serum
      LDH during the first month of erlotinib treatment was independently associated
      with disease control rate (p=0.006), progression-free survival (PFS) (p=0.010)
      and overall survival (OS) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: LDH is a commonly used serum
      biomarker, that is cheap and easy to detect. The results of our study suggest
      that the change in LDH serum level during the first month is a surrogate marker
      on the efficacy of erlotinib in patients with advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27127159
TI  - Combining the Glasgow Prognostic Score and Serum Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 Level
      Improves the Ability to Predict Early Recurrence in Resected Pancreatic Cancer
      Patients Receiving Adjuvant Gemcitabine.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to confirm the predictive/prognostic value of the
      preadjuvant Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) and carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9
      level in pancreatic cancer patients receiving adjuvant gemcitabine (GEM) after
      surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 67 resected pancreatic cancer patients,
      treated with adjuvant GEM, were included. The GPS and CA19-9 level were
      calculated prior to administration of adjuvant therapy and were found to
      correlate with the outcomes and rate of early recurrence. RESULTS: An elevated
      preadjuvant GPS or CA19-9 level was significantly associated with a shorter
      overall survival (OS) (p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively). Either an elevated GPS
      or CA19-9 level predicted early recurrence and the combined use of these two
      factors improved the ability to predict early recurrence, with a specificity and
      accuracy up to 0.958 and 0.821, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both an elevated
      preadjuvant GPS and CA19-9 level, when used alone, are significant predictors of
      poor outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients receiving adjuvant GEM. The combined
      use of these parameters improves the ability to predict early recurrence in such
      patients.

PMID- 27127160
TI  - Symptomatic Radiation Pneumonitis After Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation
      Using Three-dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy.
AB  - AIM: To examine the relationship between symptomatic radiation pneumonitis and
      lung dose-volume parameters for patients receiving accelerated partial breast
      irradiation (APBI) using three dimensional-conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prescribed radiation dose was 30 Gy in 5 fractions over
      10 days. Toxicity was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for
      Adverse Events (version 4.0). RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were enrolled from
      August 2010 to October 2013 and the median follow-up time was 30 months (range=18
      46 months). Three patients (5%) developed grade 2 symptomatic radiation
      pneumonitis after 3D-CRT APBI. Among 16 patients with ILV10Gy (% ipsilateral lung
      receiving >=10 Gy) of 10% or higher, three patients (19%) developed symptomatic
      radiation pneumonitis. This trend was not observed in any of the patients with
      ILV10Gy less than 10% (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: High ILV10Gy might be associated
      with symptomatic radiation pneumonitis after 3D-CRT APBI.

PMID- 27127161
TI  - Prognostic Factors for Gastric Cancer with Cancer Cells in the Peritoneal Cavity.
AB  - AIM: To identify the prognostic factors for gastric cancer with positive
      peritoneal cytology (CY1) or peritoneal metastasis (P1). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological and survival data of 78 patients who
      had undergone gastrectomy and/or S-1 based chemotherapy for CY1 or P1 gastric
      cancer. RESULTS: The median overall survival (OS) did not differ significantly
      between patients with CY1P0, CY0P1 and CY1P1 disease (24, 17 vs. 14 months,
      respectively). Among 12 clinicopathological factors, clinical N3 (odds ratio
      [OR]=2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.22-4.00; p=0.01) and gastrectomy not
      performed (OR=1.80; 95% CI=1.29-2.51; p<0.01) were significant independent
      prognostic factors. The median OS significantly differed between patients who had
      undergone gastrectomy plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone (22 vs. 10
      months, respectively; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Gastrectomy and perioperative
      chemotherapy may both be indicated in CY1 or P1 gastric cancer patients with
      clinical N0-2.

PMID- 27127162
TI  - Importance of Chemotherapy and Radiation Dose After Microscopically Incomplete
      Resection of Stage III/IV Head and Neck Cancer.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the importance of chemotherapy and radiation dose after R1
      resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the head-and-neck (SCCHN). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: One hundred and twenty-two patients receiving radiotherapy alone or with
      concurrent chemotherapy [cisplatin or cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (5-FU)] were
      retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis, chemotherapy was
      significantly associated with improved locoregional control (p=0.048). Three-year
      locoregional control rates were 61% for those treated without chemotherapy, 83%
      for those treated with cisplatin and 77% for those treated with cisplatin/5-FU.
      Radiation doses of 66 and 70 Gy were non-significantly superior to 60-64 Gy
      (p=0.18). On multivariate analysis, chemotherapy showed a trend for improving
      survival (p=0.055). Three-year OS rates were 51% for those without chemotherapy,
      65% for those treated with cisplatin and 57% for those treated with cisplatin/5
      FU. Radiation doses of 66 Gy (3-year survival=61%) and 70 Gy (70%) were superior
      to 60-64 Gy (25%) (p=0.021). CONCLUSION: Concurrent chemotherapy and a radiation
      dose of 66 Gy resulted in better outcomes. Cisplatin and cisplatin/5-FU were
      similarly effective. Radiation doses >66 Gy appear not to be necessary.

PMID- 27127163
TI  - Impact of Recombinant Human Soluble Thrombomodulin for Disseminated Intravascular
      Coagulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early treatment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) can
      be associated with improved early outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the
      effectiveness of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM) administration in
      patients with peritonitis-induced DIC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We treated 39
      patients with DIC or pre-DIC caused by peritonitis at the Department of Surgery
      and Science, Kyushu University, and related facilities between January and
      December 2013. RESULTS: Patients surviving to 28 days after DIC treatment had
      significantly better platelet counts, DIC scores, and sequential organ failure
      assessment scores at 7 days than did those who died earlier than 28 days.
      Patients receiving rTM had significantly better overall survival rates at 28 days
      and the results of multivariate analysis showed that rTM administration for DIC
      treatment was a prognostic indicator of 28-day survival in patients with
      peritonitis. CONCLUSION: rTM administration for the treatment of DIC or pre-DIC
      complicated by peritonitis had acceptable early outcomes.

PMID- 27127164
TI  - The Surgical Apgar Score Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients with
      Pancreatic Cancer Undergoing Pancreatoduodenectomy Followed by Adjuvant
      Chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the impact of the surgical Apgar score (SAS) on
      survival in patients with pancreatic cancer and recurrence after curative surgery
      followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 103
      patients who underwent curative surgery for pancreatic cancer between 2005 and
      2014. Patients with a SAS of 0-4 were classified into the low SAS group, while
      those with a SAS of 5-10 were classified into the high SAS group. The risk
      factors for overall (OS) and recurrence-free (RFS) survival were identified.
      RESULTS: The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 23.0% and 14.4%,
      respectively, in the low-SAS group and 32.3% and 21.4%, respectively, in the high
      SAS group, which was a statistically significant difference (p=0.039). The RFS
      rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 13.1% and 13.1%, respectively, in the
      low-SAS group and 21.4% and 19.2%, respectively, in the high-SAS group, which was
      a marginally significant difference (p=0.100). Multivariate analysis demonstrated
      that the SAS was a significant independent risk factor for OS and a marginally
      significant risk factor for RFS. CONCLUSION: The SAS was a risk factor for OS in
      patients who underwent curative surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy for
      pancreatic cancer. The surgical procedure, perioperative care and surgical
      strategy should be carefully planned to improve survival.

PMID- 27127165
TI  - Initial Report of Phase II Study on Bi-weekly SOX plus Cetuximab Treatment for
      Wild-type K-RAS Advanced and Recurrent Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - AIM: This prospective study was designed to evaluate the tolerability and the
      efficacy of bi-weekly SOX (S-1 and oxaliplatin)+cetuximab as first-line
      chemotherapy for wild-type K-RAS metastatic colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We studied patients with previously untreated, unresectable, advanced or
      recurrent colorectal cancer who were treated in our hospital between October 2010
      and March 2013. Their performance status (PS) was 0 to 1. Cetuximab was combined
      with S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX+cetuximab). S-1 was given orally at a dose of 40
      mg/m(2) (40-60 mg, calculated according to body surface area) twice daily after
      meals for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week rest (course 1). Oxaliplatin (85 mg/m(2))
      was given on days 1 and 15 of each course. Cetuximab was administered on days 1
      (400 mg/m(2)), 8 (250 mg/m(2)) and 15 (500 mg/m(2)) of course 1, followed by
      every 2 weeks (500 mg/m(2)) thereafter. RESULTS: The study group comprised of 18
      patients. The mean age was 61 (range=32-72) years, the male:female ratio was 10:8
      and the PS was 0 in 12 patients and 1 in 6 patients. The median number of
      administered courses was 6 (range=2-12). The treatment response was complete
      response (CR) in 2 and partial response (PR) in 10 (response rate=67% (12/18
      patients)). The minimum number of treatment courses until a PR was 2, indicating
      an early response. Liver resection was performed in 4 patients (22.2%). The
      incidence of any adverse events (Grade 3/4) was 28% (5/18), including skin
      disorder (16.7%) as dry skin, cutaneous pruritus, contusion and paronychia, as
      well as peripheral sensory neuropathy (11.1%). The any-grade events of skin
      disorders and peripheral sensory neuropathy were mostly observed in all patients.
      These events were controllable by preventive skin care and by withdrawal and dose
      reduction, respectively. Death due to adverse events was not observed. Adverse
      events did not require the withdrawal of this regimen. CONCLUSION: Based on the
      18 patients studied, combined therapy with SOX+cetuximab was free of serious
      adverse events and could be safely administered by reducing the dose or
      temporarily suspending treatment, as required. These regimens seem to be
      promising for conversion therapy (4 out of 18 patients) because of good outcomes
      and an early response.

PMID- 27127166
TI  - Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer Including Risk-adapted Boost:
      Update on Tolerance and Efficacy of an Accelerated START A Regime.
AB  - AIM: To present an update of a prospective study evaluating an accelerated
      hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) schedule of the START A trial
      plus hypofractionated boost in breast cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One
      hundred and forty consecutive patients >=55 years were included in this study.
      Patients received postoperative WBI with 13*3.2 Gy to 41.6 Gy plus a boost of 3.0
      Gy/fraction to 9-12 Gy applied in <3.5 weeks, depending on the resection margin.
      Prospectively planned follow-up (FU) visits, including objective and subjective
      assessment of treatment tolerance, were performed at 0 and 8 weeks, as well as
      one, two, four or more years following radiotherapy (RT). RESULTS: The 3-year
      rates of local control, nodal control, disease-free and overall survival were
      99%, 100%, 96% and 91%, respectively. Cosmetic outcome was very good with 99%
      (n=110/111), 98% (n=99/101) and 100% (n=59/59) of the patients being satisfied or
      very satisfied one, two and four years after RT, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Acceleration of the START A regime with 41.6 Gy WBI plus additional boost of 9-12
      Gy remained effective and well-tolerated.

PMID- 27127167
TI  - Prognostic Factors After Definitive Radio(Chemo)Therapy of Locally Advanced Head
      and Neck Cancer.
AB  - AIM: To identify predictors of locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival
      (OS) after definitive radio(chemo)therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head
      and neck (SCCHN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-five patients
      were evaluated; 261 patients received radiochemotherapy with 30-40 mg/m(2) of
      cisplatin weekly, three courses of cisplatin 100 mg/m(2), two courses of
      cisplatin 5x20 mg/m(2) or two courses of cisplatin 5*20 mg/m(2)plus 5
      fluorouracil. Ten characteristics were analyzed: Pre-radiotherapy hemoglobin, T
      /N-category, Karnofsky performance-score (KPS), gender, age, chemotherapy type,
      tumor site, grading and radiation dose. RESULTS: On multivariate analyses,
      hemoglobin 12-14 g/dl (p=0.040), lower T-category (p=0.010), lower N-category
      (p=0.042) and female gender (p=0.006) were predictive of LRC. Hemoglobin >12 g/dl
      (p=0.020), lower N-category (p<0.001), KPS >=80 (p<0.001), female gender
      (p=0.024) and cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) or 5*20 mg/m(2) (p<0.001) were predictors of
      improved OS. CONCLUSION: Predictors of LRC and OS were identified that can
      improve personalization of treatment. Since chemotherapy type was associated with
      OS, studies comparing different regimens are warranted.

PMID- 27127168
TI  - Immunohistochemical Characterization of Histone Deacetylase as a Potential
      Prognostic Marker and Therapeutic Target in Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma.
AB  - AIM: Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is a rare tumor with limited treatment
      options. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is a potential therapeutic target in ESS
      showing a good rate of response in laboratory studies. In this study we
      investigated the expression of HDAC enzymes in 41 ESS patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Immunohistochemical expression of HDACs was analyzed by tissue
      microarrays. RESULTS: Strong positive immunoreactivity was observed in 32
      (78.0%), 23 (56.1%), 8 (19.5%), 36 (87.8%), 7 (17.1%), 30 (73.2%), 31 (75.6%),
      and 33 (80.5%) for HDACs 1-8, respectively. Although not statistically
      significant, HDAC 1, 4, 6, 7, and 8 exhibited a high frequency of strong
      immunoreactivity linked to a lower 10-year DFS (100.0% vs. 81.3%, p=0.202; 100.0%
      vs. 83.3%, p=0.393; 90.9% vs. 83.3%, p=0.579; 90.0% vs. 83.9%; and 100.0% vs.
      81.8%, p=0.207; respectively). CONCLUSION: HDACs 1, 4, 6, 7, and 8, that showed
      an especially high frequency of strong immunoreactivity, may represent potential
      therapeutic targets for ESS.

PMID- 27127169
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 27127170
TI  - Complications in multiple gestation pregnancy: A cross-sectional study of ten
      maternal-fetal medicine centers in China.
AB  - Complications in women with multiple gestation pregnancy have not been studied in
      China. We aimed to establish a database of women with multiple gestation
      pregnancy and investigate the complications related to multiple pregnancy. We
      conducted a cross-sectional study that included 3246 women with multiple
      gestation pregnancy and who had multiple live-birth deliveries; the women were
      registered at ten maternal-fetal medicine centers in China in 2013. All
      participants completed a detailed questionnaire that included basic demographic
      information, history of gestation and abnormal fetal development, risk factors
      during pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes. Overall, 1553 (47.8%) women experienced
      pregnancy complications; these women were more likely to have lower height and
      less education than women who did not experience complications. However, women
      who experienced complications had a higher twin birth rate and were more likely
      to have received regular antenatal care and assisted reproductive technology than
      women without complications (P < 0.05). Notably, preterm birth was a primary
      complication in multiple pregnancy (n = 960). In conclusion, pregnancy
      complications, especially preterm birth, were relatively common in women with
      multiple gestation pregnancy. The findings from this cross-sectional study in
      China may be used as a foundation for investigating risk factors for
      complications in women with multiple gestation pregnancy in the future. 

PMID- 27127171
TI  - A Toll-like receptor 2 agonist-fused antigen enhanced antitumor immunity by
      increasing antigen presentation and the CD8 memory T cells population.
AB  - The induction of long-lived effector CD8+ T cells is key to the development of
      efficient cancer vaccines. In this study, we demonstrated that a Toll-like
      receptor 2 (TLR2) agonist-fused antigen increased antigen presentation via TLR2
      signaling and induced effector memory-like CD8+ T cells against cancer after
      immunization. The N-terminus of ovalbumin (OVA) was biologically fused with a
      bacterial lipid moiety TLR2 agonist to produce a recombinant lipidated ovalbumin
      (rlipo-OVA). We demonstrated that rlipo-OVA activated bone marrow-derived
      dendritic cells (BM-DCs) maturation and increased antigen presentation by major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I via TLR2. After immunization, rlipo-OVA
      skewed the immune response towards T helper (Th) 1 and induced OVA-specific
      cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Moreover, immunization with rlipo-OVA
      induced higher numbers of effector memory (CD44+CD62L-) CD8+ T cells compared
      with recombinant ovalbumin (rOVA) alone or rOVA mixed with the TLR2 agonist
      Pam3CSK4. Accordingly, the CD27+CD43+ effector memory CD8+ T cells expressed high
      levels of the long-lived CD127 marker. The administration of rlipo-OVA could
      inhibit tumor growth, but the anti-tumor effects were lost after the depletion of
      CD8 or CD127 cells in vivo. These findings suggested that the TLR2 agonist-fused
      antigen induced long-lived memory CD8+ T cells for efficient cancer therapy. 

PMID- 27127172
TI  - Integrin signaling via FAK-Src controls cytokinetic abscission by decelerating
      PLK1 degradation and subsequent recruitment of CEP55 at the midbody.
AB  - Adhesion to extracellular matrix is required for cell cycle progression through
      the G1 phase and for the completion of cytokinesis in normal adherent cells.
      Cancer cells acquire the ability to proliferate anchorage-independently, a
      characteristic feature of malignantly transformed cells. However, the molecular
      mechanisms underlying this escape of the normal control mechanisms remain
      unclear. The current study aimed to identify adhesion-induced reactions
      regulating the cytokinesis of non-transformed human fibroblasts.The adhesion
      dependent control of cytokinesis was found to occur at a late stage close to the
      abscission, during which the endosomal sorting complex required for transport
      (ESCRT) severs the thin intercellular bridge connecting two nascent daughter
      cells. CEP55, a key protein involved in the abscission process, was localized at
      the midbody in both adherent and non-adherent fibroblasts, but it was unable to
      efficiently recruit ALIX, TSG101, and consequently the ESCRT-III subunit CHMP4B
      was missing in the non-adherent cells. PLK1, a kinase that prevents premature
      recruitment of CEP55 to the midbody, disappeared from this site more rapidly in
      the non-adherent cells. A FAK-Src signaling pathway downstream of integrin
      mediated cell adhesion was found to decelerate both PLK1 degradation and CEP55
      accumulation at the midbody. These data identify the regulation of PLK1 and CEP55
      as steps where integrins exert control over the cytokinetic abscission. 

PMID- 27127173
TI  - Cytoplasmic, full length and novel cleaved variant, TBLR1 reduces apoptosis in
      prostate cancer under androgen deprivation.
AB  - TBLR1/TBL1XR1, a core component of the nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR)
      complex critical for the regulation of multiple nuclear receptors, is a
      transcriptional coactivator of androgen receptor (AR) and functions as a tumor
      suppressor when expressed in the nucleus in prostate. Subcellular localization of
      a protein is critical for its function, and although TBLR1, as a transcriptional
      cofactor, has been primarily viewed as a nuclear protein, many cells also express
      variable levels of cytoplasmic TBLR1 and its cytoplasmic specific functions have
      not been studied. Prostate cancer (PCa) cells express moderately higher level of
      cytoplasmic TBLR1 compared to benign prostate cells. When comparing androgen
      dependent (AD) to androgen-independent (AI) PCa, AI cells contain very high
      levels of TBLR1 cytoplasmic expression and low levels of nuclear expression.
      Overexpression of cytoplasmic TBLR1 in AD cells inhibits apoptosis induced by
      androgen deprivation therapy, either in an androgen free condition or in the
      presence of bicalutamide. Additionally, we identified a cytoplasmic specific
      isoform of TBLR1 (cvTBLR1) approximately 5 kDa lower in molecular weight, that is
      expressed at higher levels in AI PCa cells. By immunoprecipitation, we purified
      cvTBLR1 and using mass spectrometry analysis combined with N-terminal TMPP
      labeling and Edman degradation, we identified the cleavage site of cvTBLR1 at
      amino acid 89, truncating the first 88 amino acids of the N-terminus of the full
      length protein. Functionally, cvTBLR1 expressed in the cytoplasm reduced
      apoptosis in PCa cells and promoted growth, migration, and invasion. Finally, we
      identified a nuclear export signal sequence for TBLR1 cellular localization by
      deletion and site-directed mutagenesis. The roles of TBLR1 and cvTBLR1 provide
      novel insights into the mechanism of castration resistance and new strategies for
      PCa therapy.

PMID- 27127174
TI  - Focal adhesion kinase and paxillin promote migration and adhesion to fibronectin
      by swine skeletal muscle satellite cells.
AB  - The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathway contributes to the cell
      migration and adhesion that is critical for wound healing and regeneration of
      damaged muscle, but its function in skeletal muscle satellite cells (SCs) is less
      clear. We compared the migration and adhesion of SCs derived from two species of
      pig (Lantang and Landrace) in vitro, and explored how FAK signaling modulates the
      two processes. The results showed that Lantang SCs had greater ability to migrate
      and adhere to fibronection (P < 0.05) than Landrace SCs. Compared to Landrace
      SCs, Lantang SCs expressed many more focal adhesion (FA) sites, which were
      indicated by the presence of p-paxillin (Tyr118), and exhibited less F-actin
      reorganization 24 h after seeding onto fibronectin. Levels of p-FAK (Tyr397) and
      p-paxillin (Tyr118) were greater (P < 0.05) in Lantang SCs than Landrace SCs
      after migration for 24 h. Similarly, Lantang SCs showed much higher levels of p
      FAK (Tyr397), p-paxillin (Tyr118) and p-Akt (Ser473) than Landrace SCs 2 h after
      adhesion. Treatment with the FAK inhibitor PF-573228 (5 or 10 MUmol/L) inhibited
      Lantang SC migration and adhesion to fibronectin (P < 0.05), decreased levels of
      p-paxillin (Tyr118) and p-Akt (Ser473) (P < 0.05), and suppressed the formation
      of FA sites on migrating SCs. Thus FAK appears to play a key role in the
      regulation of SC migration and adhesion necessary for muscle regeneration. 

PMID- 27127175
TI  - Monocarboxylate transporter 1 contributes to growth factor-induced tumor cell
      migration independent of transporter activity.
AB  - Tumor progression to metastatic disease contributes to the vast majority of
      incurable cancer. Understanding the processes leading to advanced stage cancer is
      important for the development of future therapeutic strategies. Here, we
      establish a connection between tumor cell migration, a prerequisite to
      metastasis, and monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1). MCT1 transporter activity
      is known to regulate aspects of tumor progression and, as such, is a clinically
      relevant target for treating cancer. Knockdown of MCT1 expression caused
      decreased hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced as well as epidermal growth
      factor (EGF)-induced tumor cell scattering and wound healing. Western blot
      analysis suggested that MCT1 knockdown (KD) hinders signaling through the HGF
      receptor (c-Met) but not the EGF receptor. Exogenous, membrane-permeable MCT1
      substrates were not able to rescue motility in MCT1 KD cells, nor was
      pharmacologic inhibition of MCT1 able to recapitulate decreased cell motility as
      seen with MCT1 KD cells, indicating transporter activity of MCT1 was dispensable
      for EGF- and HGF-induced motility. These results indicate MCT1 expression,
      independent of transporter activity, is required for growth factor-induced tumor
      cell motility. The findings presented herein suggest a novel function for MCT1 in
      tumor progression independent of its role as a monocarboxylate transporter. 

PMID- 27127176
TI  - Tumour-associated circulating microparticles: A novel liquid biopsy tool for
      screening and therapy monitoring of colorectal carcinoma and other epithelial
      neoplasia.
AB  - Up to date, novel tools for low-cost, minimal invasive cancer surveillance,
      cancer screening and treatment monitoring are in urgent need. Physicians consider
      the so-called liquid biopsy as a possible future tool successfully achieving
      these ultimate goals. Here, we aimed to identify circulating tumour-associated
      MPs (taMPs) that could aid in diagnosing minimal-invasively the presence and
      follow up treatment in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), colorectal
      carcinoma (CRC) and pancreas carcinoma (PaCa). Tumour-associated MPs (taMPs) were
      quantified after isolation by centrifugation followed by flow cytometry analysis
      from the serum of cancer patients with CRC (n = 52), NSCLC (n = 40) and PaCa (n =
      11). Healthy subjects (n = 55) or patients with struma nodosa (thyroid nodules)
      (n = 43) served as negative controls. In all three types of tumour entities, the
      presence of tumour was associated with an increase of circulating EpCAM+ and
      EpCAM+CD147+ taMPs. The presence of CD147+EpCAM+ taMPs were specific to tumour
      bearing patients thus allowing the specific distinction of malignancies from
      patients with thyroid nodules. Increased level of EpCAM single positive MPs were,
      in turn, also detected in patients with thyroid nodules. Importantly,
      EpCAM+CD147+ taMPs correlated with the measured tumour-volume in CRC patients.
      EpCAM+ taMPs decreased at 7 days after curative R0 tumour resection suggesting a
      close dependence with tumour presence. AUROC values (up to 0.85 and 0.90),
      sensitivity/specificity scores, and positive/negative predictive values indicated
      a high diagnostic accuracy of EpCAM+CD147+ taMPs. Taken together, EpCAM+CD147+
      double positive taMPs could potentially serve as novel promising clinical
      parameter for cancer screening, diagnosis, surveillance and therapy monitoring. 

PMID- 27127177
TI  - Ninjurin1 inhibits colitis-mediated colon cancer development and growth by
      suppression of macrophage infiltration through repression of FAK signaling.
AB  - Macrophage infiltration promotes tumorigenesis. However, the macrophage
      infiltration regulatory molecules have not been fully determined. Nerve injury
      induced protein 1 (ninjurin1) is a homophilic cell surface adhesion molecule that
      plays an important role in cell migration and attachment. Although ninjurin1 is
      believed to play a role in several malignancies, it is unclear whether ninjurin1
      expression contributes to cancer progression. We used transgenic mice (tg mice)
      that overexpressed ninjurin1 on macrophages. We subjected ninjurin1 tg mice to a
      well-known mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer in which animals are
      treated with azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). After AOM and
      DSS treatment, ninjurin1 tg mice developed fewer and smaller tumors compared with
      wild-type (wt) mice. Ninjurin1 tg mice also showed reduced infiltration of
      macrophages and suppressed angiogenesis in the tumor mass. We therefore explored
      whether ninjurin1 decreases macrophage migration into the tumor sites. After
      adoptive transfer to tumor-bearing recipients, wild type and ninjurin1 tg mice's
      peritoneal macrophages were freshly isolated and labeled with carboxyfluorescein
      succinimidyl ester (CFSE). As expected, compared with that of wt type
      macrophages, tumor infiltration of ninjurin1-overexpressing macrophages was
      significantly decreased. We also found that ninjurin1 overexpression suppressed
      FAK activity. In addition, knockdown of ninjurin1 enhanced FAK activity and
      migration activity of RAW264.7 cells. Ninjurin1 overexpression on macrophage
      inhibits tumor growth by suppression of macrophage infiltration through
      repression of FAK signaling. Ninjurin1 is a key regulator molecule for macrophage
      migration and Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) mediated tumorigenesis in vivo. 

PMID- 27127178
TI  - Long-term vemurafenib treatment drives inhibitor resistance through a spontaneous
      KRAS G12D mutation in a BRAF V600E papillary thyroid carcinoma model.
AB  - The BRAF V600E mutation is commonly observed in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC)
      and predominantly activates the MAPK pathway. Presence of BRAF V600E predicts
      increasing risk of recurrence and higher mortality rate, and treatment options
      for such patients are limited. Vemurafenib, a BRAF V600E inhibitor, is initially
      effective, but cells inevitably develop alternative mechanisms of pathway
      activation. Mechanisms of primary resistance have been described in short-term
      cultures of PTC cells; however, mechanisms of acquired resistance have not. In
      the present study, we investigated possible adaptive mechanisms of BRAF V600E
      inhibitor resistance in KTC1 thyroid cancer cells following long-term vemurafenib
      exposure. We found that a subpopulation of KTC1 cells acquired resistance to
      vemurafenib following 5 months of treatment with the inhibitor. Resistance
      coincided with the spontaneous acquisition of a KRAS G12D activating mutation.
      Increases in activated AKT, ERK1/2, and EGFR were observed in these cells. In
      addition, the resistant cells were less sensitive to combinations of vemurafenib
      and MEK1 inhibitor or AKT inhibitor. These results support the KRAS G12D mutation
      as a genetic mechanism of spontaneously acquired secondary BRAF inhibitor
      resistance in BRAF V600E thyroid cancer cells. 

PMID- 27127179
TI  - Genetic association of deleted in colorectal carcinoma variants with breast
      cancer risk: A case-control study.
AB  - Deleted in colorectal carcinoma (DCC), a netrin-1 dependence receptor, is
      correlated with cell progression, migration, and adhesion. Evidence indicated
      that DCC was frequently down-regulated in many cancers. However, the association
      of DCC with breast cancer remains uncertain. We conducted a case-control study to
      investigate the impact of three DCC gene variants (rs2229080, rs7504990, and
      rs4078288) on breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese women. This study included
      560 breast cancer patients and 583 age-matched healthy controls from Northwest
      China. The three gene variants were genotyped via Sequenom MassARRAY. Odds ratios
      (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to evaluate the
      associations. We found that individuals with the rs2229080 C/G, C/C, and C/G-CC
      genotypes had a higher breast cancer risk, and the minor allele C was associated
      with increased breast cancer risk in an allele model. We observed a significantly
      decreased breast cancer risk with the rs7504990 C/T, T/T, and C/T-T/T genotypes,
      and the minor allele T was protective against breast cancer in an allele model.
      In addition, rs2229080 was associated with the axillary lymph node (LN)
      metastasis status. An age-stratified analysis revealed an association between
      rs2229080 and reduced breast cancer risk among older patients (>= 49 years).
      Furthermore, the haplotype analysis showed that the
      Crs2229080Crs7504990Ars4078288 haplotype was associated with a decreased breast
      cancer risk. However, the results indicated a lack of association between
      rs4078288 and breast cancer risk. These findings affirmed that rs2229080 and
      rs7504990 polymorphisms in DCC might be related with breast cancer susceptibility
      in Chinese women. 

PMID- 27127180
TI  - Bone marrow fibrosis in myelodysplastic syndromes: a prospective evaluation
      including mutational analysis.
AB  - The biological and molecular events that underlie bone marrow fibrosis in
      patients with myelodysplastic syndromes are poorly understood, and its prognostic
      role in the era of the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R)
      is not yet fully determined. We have evaluated the clinical and biological events
      that underlie bone marrow fibrotic changes, as well as its prognostic role, in a
      well-characterized prospective patient cohort (n=77) of primary MDS patients. The
      degree of marrow fibrosis was linked to parameters of erythropoietic failure,
      marrow cellularity, p53 protein accumulation, WT1 gene expression, and serum
      levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10, but not to other covariates including the IPSS-R
      score. The presence of bone marrow fibrosis grade 2 or higher was associated with
      the presence of mutations in cohesin complex genes (31.5% vs. 5.4%, p=0.006). By
      contrast, mutations in CALR, JAK2, PDGFRA, PDGFRB,and TP53 were very rare.
      Survival analysis showed that marrow fibrosis grade 2 or higher was a relevant
      significant predictor for of overall survival, and independent of age,
      performance status, and IPSS-R score in multivariate analysis. 

PMID- 27127181
TI  - Glucocorticoid impairs cell-cell communication by autophagy-mediated degradation
      of connexin 43 in osteocytes.
AB  - Osteocytes comprising over 90% of the bone cell population are highly susceptible
      to the adverse effects of glucocorticoids (GC) administration. Here we observed
      that Dexamethasone (Dex) induces a robust cytoskeleton rearrangement and
      decreases Cx43 protein expression in osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells. Using a Dmp1Cre
      mT/mG osteocyte ex vivo culture system, we found significant shortening of
      dendritic processes in primary osteocytes following Dex administration. Loss of
      dendritic processes is a consequence of reduced Cx43 connectivity upon Dex
      induced autophagy in both RFP-GFP-LC3B transfected MLO-Y4 cells and primary
      calvarial osteocytes from LC3GFP transgenic mice. Upon the induction of autophagy
      by Dex, Cx43 was internalized into autophagosome/autolysosomes and degraded by
      autophagy. The degradation was attenuated following lysosomal inhibition using
      chloroquine (CLQ) and suppression of autophagy by Atg5 silencing. Inhibition Akt
      mTORC1 signaling by Dex induces autophagy subsequently resulting in Cx43
      degradation.Activation of Akt phosphorylation by IGF-1 attenuated Dex induced
      autophagy and degradation of Cx43. Together, we demonstrated that GC impair
      osteocyte cell-cell connectivity via autophagy mediated degradation of Cx43
      through inhibition of the Akt-mTORC1 signaling. This may account for the
      deleterious effect of GC-induced bone loss. 

PMID- 27127182
TI  - The Promise-and Pitfalls-of Computerized Provider Alerts for Laboratory Test
      Ordering.

PMID- 27127183
TI  - High-Sensitivity Sandwich ELISA for Plasma NT-proUcn2: Plasma Concentrations and
      Relationship to Mortality in Heart Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) has powerful hemodynamic, renal, and neurohormonal
      actions and likely participates in normal circulatory homeostasis and the
      compensatory response to heart failure (HF). A validated assay for endogenous
      circulating Ucn2 would facilitate investigations into Ucn2 physiology and
      elucidate its derangement and potential as a biomarker in heart disease. METHOD:
      We developed a chemiluminescence-based sandwich ELISA to measure plasma N
      terminal (NT)-proUcn2 in non-HF patients (control; n = 160) and HF patients with
      reduced (HFREF; n = 134) and preserved (HFPEF; n = 121) left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF). RESULTS: The ELISA had a limit of detection of 8.47 ng/L (1.52
      pmol/L) and working range of 23.8-572 ng/L. Intra- and interassay CV and total
      error were 4.8, 16.2, and 17.7%, respectively. The median (interquartile range)
      plasma NT-proUcn2 concentration in controls was 112 (86-132) ng/L. HFREF, HFPEF,
      and all HF plasma concentrations were significantly increased [117 (98-141) ng/L,
      P = 0.0007; 119 (93-136) ng/L, P = 0.0376, and 119 (97-140) ng/L, P = 0.001]
      compared with controls but did not differ significantly between HFREF and HFPEF.
      NT-proUcn2 was modestly related to age (r = 0.264, P = 0.001) and cardiac
      troponin T (r = 0.258, P = 0.001) but not N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic
      peptide, body mass index, LVEF, or estimated glomerular filtration rate. On
      multivariate analysis, plasma NT-proUcn2 was independently and inversely related
      to 2-year mortality in HF. CONCLUSIONS: The validated ELISA measured human NT
      proUcn2 in plasma and showed modest but significant increases in HF patients
      compared with controls. In HF, the unusual inverse relationship between plasma NT
      proUcn2 and 2-year mortality portends potential prognostic value but requires
      further corroboration.

PMID- 27127184
TI  - Study of mitochondrial respiratory defects on reprogramming to human induced
      pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Reprogramming of somatic cells into a pluripotent state is known to be
      accompanied by extensive restructuring of mitochondria and switch in metabolic
      requirements. Here we utilized Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) as a
      mitochondrial disease model to study the effects of homoplasmic mtDNA mutations
      and subsequent oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) defects in reprogramming. We
      obtained fibroblasts from a total of 6 LHON patients and control subjects, and
      showed a significant defect in complex I respiration in LHON fibroblasts by high
      resolution respiratory analysis. Using episomal vector reprogramming, our results
      indicated that human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) generation is feasible
      in LHON fibroblasts. In particular, LHON-specific OXPHOS defects in fibroblasts
      only caused a mild reduction and did not significantly affect reprogramming
      efficiency, suggesting that hiPSC reprogramming can tolerate a certain degree of
      OXPHOS defects. Our results highlighted the induction of genes involved in
      mitochondrial biogenesis (TFAM, NRF1), mitochondrial fusion (MFN1, MFN2) and
      glycine production (GCAT) during reprogramming. However, LHON-associated OXPHOS
      defects did not alter the kinetics or expression levels of these genes during
      reprogramming. Together, our study provides new insights into the effects of
      mtDNA mutation and OXPHOS defects in reprogramming and genes associated with
      various aspects of mitochondrial biology.

PMID- 27127185
TI  - Acute kidney injury and outcome following aortic valve replacement for aortic
      stenosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Most studies on acute kidney injury (AKI) following open-heart
      surgery have focused on short-term outcome following coronary artery bypass
      grafting. We reviewed the incidence, risk factors and outcome, including long
      term survival, of AKI after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in a population-based
      cohort. METHODS: A retrospective review of 365 patients who underwent AVR for
      aortic stenosis during 2002-2011 was made. AKI was defined according to the RIFLE
      criteria. All patients requiring dialysis were followed up in a centralized
      registry. Risk factors for AKI were analysed with univariable and multivariable
      analysis, and survival was graphically presented with the Kaplan-Meier method.
      RESULTS: The rate of AKI was 82/365 (22.5%); 40, 28 and 14 patients belonging to
      the Risk, Injury and Failure groups, respectively. Preoperatively, 37 (45.1%) AKI
      patients had reduced kidney function. Transfusion of red blood cells, obesity and
      prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time were independent risk factors for AKI.
      Acute postoperative dialysis was required in 15 patients (4.1%), and 1 patient
      developed dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease. Major postoperative
      complications were more common in the AKI group (65 vs 22%, P < 0.001). The 30
      day mortality rate in the AKI group was 18%, as opposed to 2% in the non-AKI
      group (P < 0.001), with a 5-year survival rate of 66 vs 87%, respectively (P <
      0.001). In multivariable analysis AKI was an independent predictor of operative
      mortality [odds ratio = 5.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.99-18.91] but not
      of long-term survival (hazard ratio = 1.44, 95% CI = 0.86-2.42). CONCLUSIONS:
      More than 1 in 5 patients (22.5%) who underwent AVR developed AKI
      postoperatively. AKI was associated with higher morbidity and was an independent
      predictor of operative mortality. However, AKI was not a determinant of long-term
      survival.

PMID- 27127186
TI  - The challenge of consent in clinical genome-wide testing.
AB  - Genome-wide testing methods include array comparative genomic hybridisation
      (aCGH), multiple gene panels, whole exome sequencing (WE) and whole genome
      sequencing (WGS). Here we introduce some of the key ethical and social
      considerations relating to informed consent for the testing of children,
      particularly the management of incidental findings and variants of unknown
      significance.

PMID- 27127187
TI  - Overcoming Barriers in Kidney Health-Forging a Platform for Innovation.
AB  - Innovation in kidney diseases is not commensurate with the effect of these
      diseases on human health and mortality or innovation in other key therapeutic
      areas. A primary cause of the dearth in innovation is that kidney diseases
      disproportionately affect a demographic that is largely disenfranchised, lacking
      sufficient advocacy, public attention, and funding. A secondary and likely
      consequent cause is that the existing infrastructure supporting nephrology
      research pales in comparison with those for other internal medicine specialties,
      especially cardiology and oncology. Citing such inequities, however, is not
      enough. Changing the status quo will require a coordinated effort to identify and
      redress the existing deficits. Specifically, these deficits relate to the need to
      further develop and improve the following: understanding of the disease
      mechanisms and pathophysiology, patient engagement and activism, clinical trial
      infrastructure, and investigational clinical trial designs as well as coordinated
      efforts among critical stakeholders. This paper identifies potential solutions to
      these barriers, some of which are already underway through the Kidney Health
      Initiative. The Kidney Health Initiative is unique and will serve as a current
      and future platform from which to overcome these barriers to innovation in
      nephrology.

PMID- 27127189
TI  - Housebound versus nonhousebound patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and
      chronic fatigue syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine individuals with myalgic
      encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome who are confined to their homes
      due to severe symptomatology. The existing literature fails to address
      differences between this group, and less severe, nonhousebound patient
      populations. METHODS: Participants completed the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire, a
      measure of myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome symptomology,
      and the SF-36, a measure of health impact on physical/mental functioning. ANOVAs
      and, where appropriate, MANCOVAS were used to compare housebound and
      nonhousebound patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue
      syndrome across areas of functioning, symptomatology, and illness onset
      characteristics. RESULTS: Findings indicated that the housebound group
      represented one quarter of the sample, and were significantly more impaired with
      regards to physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning,
      fatigue, postexertional malaise, sleep, pain, neurocognitive, autonomic,
      neuroendocrine, and immune functioning compared to individuals who were not
      housebound. DISCUSSION: Findings indicated that housebound patients have more
      impairment on functional and symptom outcomes compared to those who were not
      housebound. Understanding the differences between housebound and not housebound
      groups holds implications for physicians and researchers as they develop
      interventions intended for patients who are most severely affected by this
      chronic illness.

PMID- 27127188
TI  - Sex Differences in Renal Proximal Tubular Cell Homeostasis.
AB  - Studies in human patients and animals have revealed sex-specific differences in
      susceptibility to renal diseases. Because actions of female sex hormones on
      normal renal tissue might protect against damage, we searched for potential
      influences of the female hormone cycle on basic renal functions by studying
      excretion of urinary marker proteins in healthy human probands. We collected
      second morning spot urine samples of unmedicated naturally ovulating women,
      postmenopausal women, and men daily and determined urinary excretion of the renal
      tubular enzymes fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glutathione-S-transferase-alpha
      Additionally, we quantified urinary excretion of blood plasma proteins alpha1
      microglobulin, albumin, and IgG. Naturally cycling women showed prominent peaks
      in the temporal pattern of urinary fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glutathione-S
      transferase-alpha release exclusively within 7 days after ovulation or onset of
      menses. In contrast, postmenopausal women and men showed consistently low levels
      of urinary fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase excretion over comparable periods. We did
      not detect changes in urinary alpha1-microglobulin, albumin, or IgG excretion.
      Results of this study indicate that proximal tubular tissue architecture,
      representing a nonreproductive organ-derived epithelium, undergoes periodical
      adaptations phased by the female reproductive hormone cycle. The temporally
      delimited higher rate of enzymuria in ovulating women might be a sign of
      recurring increases of tubular cell turnover that potentially provide enhanced
      repair capacity and thus, higher resistance to renal damage.

PMID- 27127190
TI  - Use of Prucalopride for Chronic Constipation: A Systematic Review and Meta
      analysis of Published Randomized, Controlled Trials.
AB  - This article highlights the role of prucalopride in the management of chronic
      constipation based upon the principles of meta-analysis using data reported in
      the published randomized, controlled trials. Sixteen randomized, controlled
      trials on 3943 patients reported the effectiveness of prucalopride in patients
      with chronic constipation. Prucalopride successfully increased the frequency of
      spontaneous bowel movements per week in all variable doses of 1 mg (standardized
      mean difference [SMD], 0.42 [95% CI, 0.18-0.66; P = 0.006]), 2 mg (SMD, 0.34 [95%
      CI, 0.11-0.56; P = 0.003]), and 4 mg (SMD, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.22-0.44; P =
      0.00001]). The risks of adverse events or side effects such as headache,
      abdominal cramps, excessive flatulence, dizziness, diarrhea, and rash were higher
      (odds ratio, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.27 to -2.27; P = 0.0004]) in prucalopride group.
      Prucalopride is clinically a beneficial pharmacotherapy for chronic constipation
      and its routine use may be considered in patients with chronic simple laxative
      resistant constipation. 

PMID- 27127191
TI  - T-cell adoptive immunotherapy using tumor-infiltrating T cells and genetically
      engineered TCR-T cells.
AB  - Immunotherapy has received the expectation that it should contribute to the
      therapy of cancer patients for >100 years. At long last, recent clinical trials
      of immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapy with
      genetically engineered T cells have reported their remarkable efficacies.
      Nowadays, it is expected that T-cell adoptive immunotherapy can not only control
      tumor progression but even cure cancer in some patients. Conversely, severe
      adverse events associated with efficacy have frequently been reported in clinical
      trials, suggesting that the assessment and control of safety will be
      indispensable in the future development of the therapy. New approaches in T-cell
      adoptive immunotherapy such as reduction of adverse events, targeting of new
      antigens or utilization of allogeneic cells will open a new gate for less harmful
      and more effective immunological treatment of cancer patients.

PMID- 27127192
TI  - The performance of bioinspired valveless piezoelectric micropump with respect to
      viscosity change.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of the serial connection of two pumping
      chambers on transport of liquid with increased viscosity. A serially connected
      valveless piezoelectric micropump was fabricated inspired by the liquid-feeding
      strategy of a female mosquito drinking liquid with a wide range of viscosities,
      from nectar to blood. The performance of the micropump was investigated by
      varying the viscosity of working liquid. Results showed that the optimal phase
      difference between the two chambers was 180 degrees  out-of-phase for all
      viscosity conditions. The two chambers operating at 180 degrees  out-of-phase
      exhibited higher pumping performance compared with the sum of each single chamber
      solely actuated, when viscosity increased. The flow patterns in the micropump
      showed that the rectification efficiency improved with the increase in viscosity.
      Results indicated that the serially connected valveless piezoelectric micropump
      is more robust to the increase of viscosity than a single-chamber piezoelectric
      micropump. This study would be helpful in the design of microfluidic devices for
      transporting liquids with a wide range of viscosities. 

PMID- 27127193
TI  - Testosterone Replacement Therapy: New Data on Efficacy and Cardiovascular Safety.

PMID- 27127194
TI  - A dynamic ultrasonic emitter inspired by horseshoe bat noseleaves.
AB  - The emission of biosonar pulses in horseshoe bats (family Rhinolophidae) differs
      from technical sonar in that it has dynamic features at the interface to the free
      field. When the horseshoe bats emit their biosonar pulses through the nostrils,
      the walls of a horn-shaped baffle (anterior leaf) are in motion while diffracting
      the outgoing ultrasonic wave packets. Here, biomimetic reproductions of the
      dynamic emission shapes of horseshoe bats have been studied for their ability to
      impose time-variant signatures onto the outgoing pulses. It was found that an
      elliptical sound outlet with rotating baffles that were attached along the
      direction of the major axis can be well suited for this purpose. Most
      importantly, concave baffle shapes were found to produce strongly time-dependent
      devices characteristics that could reach a root-mean-square-difference between
      beampatterns of almost 6 dB within a rotation angle of 10 degrees . In contrast
      to this, a straight baffle shape needs to be rotated over 60 degrees  for a
      similar result. When continuously rotated in synchrony with the emitted pulses,
      the concave biomimetic baffles produced time-variant device characteristics that
      depended jointly on direction, frequency, and time. Since such device properties
      are so easily produced, it appears well worthwhile to explore their use in
      engineering. 

PMID- 27127195
TI  - Natural decay process affects the abundance and community structure of Bacteria
      and Archaea in Picea abies logs.
AB  - Prokaryotes colonize decaying wood and contribute to the degradation process, but
      the dynamics of prokaryotic communities during wood decay is still poorly
      understood. We studied the abundance and community composition of Bacteria and
      Archaea inhabiting naturally decaying Picea abies logs and tested the hypothesis
      that the variations in archaeal and bacterial abundances and community
      composition are coupled with environmental parameters related to the decay
      process. The data set comprises >500 logs at different decay stages from five
      geographical locations in south and central Finland. The results show that
      Bacteria and Archaea are an integral and dynamic component of decaying wood
      biota. The abundances of bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes increase as wood
      decay progresses. Changes in bacterial community composition are clearly linked
      to the loss of density of wood, while specific fungal-bacterial interactions may
      also affect the distribution of bacterial taxa in decaying wood. Thaumarchaeota
      were prominent members of the archaeal populations colonizing decaying wood,
      providing further evidence of the versatility and cosmopolitan nature of this
      phylum in the environment. The composition and dynamics of the prokaryotic
      community suggest that they are an active component of biota that are involved in
      processing substrates in decaying wood material.

PMID- 27127196
TI  - Selective isolation of potentially phosphate-mobilizing, biosurfactant-producing
      and biodegradative bacteria associated with a sub-Arctic, terricolous lichen,
      Peltigera membranacea.
AB  - Lichens are the symbiotic association of fungi and a photosynthetic partner.
      However, non-phototrophic bacteria are also present and thought to comprise an
      essential part of the lichen symbiosis, although their roles in the symbiosis are
      still poorly understood. In this study, we isolated and characterized 110 non
      phototrophic bacterial lichen associates from thalli of the terricolous lichen
      Peltigera membranacea The biodegradative and other nutrient-scavenging properties
      studied among selected isolates were phosphate mobilization, biosurfactant
      production and degradation of napthalene and several biopolymers, suggesting
      organic and inorganic nutrient scavenging as roles for bacteria in the lichen
      symbiotic association. Identification by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing
      revealed that the isolates comprised 18 genera within the Proteobacteria,
      Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, many with high similarities with
      bacteria typically associated with the plant and rhizosphere environments, could
      suggest that plants may be important sources of terricolous lichen-associated
      bacteria, or vice versa. 

PMID- 27127197
TI  - Molecular exploration of fecal microbiome in quinoa-supplemented obese mice.
AB  - Diet affects gut microorganisms and dietary interventions can help treat obesity
      and overweight. Our aim was to investigate the effect of quinoa supplementation
      on fecal microbial ecology of obese diabetic mice. Obese db/db mice were fed
      commercial diets with and without quinoa supplementation for eight weeks; non
      obese mice consuming non-supplemented diet served as lean-control. Fecal
      bacterial communities were analyzed using marker gene sequencing of 16S rRNA
      genes. Over 300 000 good-quality sequences were studied and assigned to 5774
      different bacterial species (Operational Taxonomic Units at 97% similarity).
      Significant differences in bacterial abundances were found among the treatment
      groups, including some associated specifically with quinoa consumption. Analysis
      of weighted UniFrac distances revealed a distinctive clustering of lean microbial
      communities independently from obese-control and quinoa-supplemented mice
      (Analysis of Similarities, P < 0.01). Predicted functional profiles showed
      significant differences in 38 metabolic functions but most were due to a
      difference between lean samples compared to both obese-control and quinoa. Quinoa
      supplementation was associated with lower butyrate and succinic acid
      concentrations in cecum that were not necessarily more similar to those
      concentrations in lean mice. This study provides insight into the complex
      interactions between nutritional supplements and the gut microbiota thus
      informing future molecular analysis of the health benefits.

PMID- 27127198
TI  - Variation in coastal Antarctic microbial community composition at sub-mesoscale:
      spatial distance or environmental filtering?
AB  - Spatial environmental heterogeneity influences diversity of organisms at
      different scales. Environmental filtering suggests that local environmental
      conditions provide habitat-specific scenarios for niche requirements, ultimately
      determining the composition of local communities. In this work, we analyze the
      spatial variation of microbial communities across environmental gradients of sea
      surface temperature, salinity and photosynthetically active radiation and spatial
      distance in Fildes Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. We hypothesize that
      environmental filters are the main control of the spatial variation of these
      communities. Thus, strong relationships between community composition and
      environmental variation and weak relationships between community composition and
      spatial distance are expected. Combining physical characterization of the water
      column, cell counts by flow cytometry, small ribosomal subunit genes
      fingerprinting and next generation sequencing, we contrast the abundance and
      composition of photosynthetic eukaryotes and heterotrophic bacterial local
      communities at a submesoscale. Our results indicate that the strength of the
      environmental controls differed markedly between eukaryotes and bacterial
      communities. Whereas eukaryotic photosynthetic assemblages responded weakly to
      environmental variability, bacteria respond promptly to fine-scale environmental
      changes in this polar marine system.

PMID- 27127199
TI  - Toward cell-inspired materials that feel: measurements and modeling of
      mechanotransduction in droplet-based, multi-membrane arrays.
AB  - The droplet interface bilayer (DIB) was recently used to show that a 5 nm thick
      lipid membrane placed near a vibrating synthetic hair could transduce hair motion
      into electrical current. Herein, we study for the first time mechanoelectrical
      transduction of hair motion using multi-membrane DIB arrays formed with more than
      2 droplets connected in series, and we introduce a transduction model to
      investigate how airflow across the hair generates current in a membrane-based
      hair cell. Measurements of sensing currents across every membrane in serial
      chains of up to 5 connected droplets demonstrate that perturbation of a single
      hair creates vibrations that propagate across several droplets, allowing for
      membranes that are not directly attached to the hair to still transduce its
      motion. Membranes positioned closest to the hair generate the largest currents,
      while those farther away produce less current due to energy loss from fluid
      damping. Inserting multiple hairs of different lengths into different droplets in
      the array yields sensing currents that exhibit multiple characteristic
      frequencies in addition to location specific current intensities, features that
      can be used to spatially localize mechanical perturbations. We also develop a
      transduction model that provides an order-of-magnitude approximation of the
      sensing current generated by a membrane in response to airflow across the hair.
      This model provides physical insights into how membrane-based materials can be
      used for sensing mechanical stimuli--just like nature does.

PMID- 27127200
TI  - Caregiving demands and caregivers' psychological outcomes: the mediating role of
      perceived injustice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study hypothesized that higher caregiving demands are related to
      higher perceived injustice. Furthermore, this study investigated the mediating
      role of perceived injustice in the link between caregiving demands and
      caregivers' psychological well-being. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design. SETTING:
      The Pain Centre of the university medical centre. SUBJECTS: Participants were 184
      family caregivers of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. MAIN MEASURES:
      Participants completed questionnaires that assessed caregiving demands (i.e. The
      Dutch Objective Burden Inventory), perceived injustice (i.e. The Injustice
      Experience Questionnaire), how much they considered different sources responsible
      for the injustice they experienced (i.e. A newly developed inventory), perceived
      burden (i.e. The Zarit Burden Interview), distress (i.e. The Depression, Anxiety,
      and Stress Scale), and anger (i.e. The Hostility subscale of the Symptom
      Checklist-90-Revised). RESULTS: The findings showed that caregiving demands are
      significantly related to perceived injustice in family caregivers (r = .44; P <
      .001). Only a small group of family caregivers considered the patient or
      themselves responsible, but more than half of the caregivers considered
      healthcare providers at least somewhat responsible for the unjust situation.
      Finally, perceived injustice mediated the association between caregiving demands
      and burden (b = .11, CI: .04-.23) and distress (b = .05, CI: .006-.12), but not
      anger (b = .008, CI: -.01-.06). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that perceived
      injustice plays an important role in the well-being of family caregivers and
      caregivers' well-being may be improved by changing their perceptions about their
      caregiving tasks and their condition.

PMID- 27127201
TI  - Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Mediate Lysophosphatidylcholine-Induced
      Endothelial Cell Activation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hyperlipidemia-induced endothelial cell (EC) activation is considered
      as an initial event responsible for monocyte recruitment in atherogenesis.
      However, it remains poorly defined what is the mechanism underlying
      hyperlipidemia-induced EC activation. Here, we tested a novel hypothesis that
      mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) serve as signaling mediators for EC
      activation in early atherosclerosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Metabolomics and
      transcriptomics analyses revealed that several lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)
      species, such as 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1, and their processing enzymes, including
      Pla2g7 and Pla2g4c, were significantly induced in the aortas of apolipoprotein E
      knockout mice during early atherosclerosis. Using electron spin resonance and
      flow cytometry, we found that LPC 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1 induced mtROS in primary
      human aortic ECs, independently of the activities of nicotinamide adenine
      dinucleotide phosphate oxidase. Mechanistically, using confocal microscopy and
      Seahorse XF mitochondrial analyzer, we showed that LPC induced mtROS via unique
      calcium entry-mediated increase of proton leak and mitochondrial O2 reduction. In
      addition, we found that mtROS contributed to LPC-induced EC activation by
      regulating nuclear binding of activator protein-1 and inducing intercellular
      adhesion molecule-1 gene expression in vitro. Furthermore, we showed that mtROS
      inhibitor MitoTEMPO suppressed EC activation and aortic monocyte recruitment in
      apolipoprotein E knockout mice using intravital microscopy and flow cytometry
      methods. CONCLUSIONS: ATP synthesis-uncoupled, but proton leak-coupled, mtROS
      increase mediates LPC-induced EC activation during early atherosclerosis. These
      results indicate that mitochondrial antioxidants are promising therapies for
      vascular inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 27127202
TI  - Micro-RNA-126 Reduces the Blood Thrombogenicity in Diabetes Mellitus via
      Targeting of Tissue Factor.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus involves vascular inflammatory processes and is a
      main contributor to cardiovascular mortality. Notably, heightened levels of
      circulating tissue factor (TF) account for the increased thrombogenicity and put
      those patients at risk for thromboembolic events. Here, we sought to investigate
      the role of micro-RNA (miR)-driven TF expression and thrombogenicity in diabetes
      mellitus. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Plasma samples of patients with diabetes mellitus
      were analyzed for TF protein and activity as well as miR-126 expression before
      and after optimization of the antidiabetic treatment. We found low miR-126 levels
      to be associated with markedly increased TF protein and TF-mediated
      thrombogenicity. Reduced miR-126 expression was accompanied by increased vascular
      inflammation as evident from the levels of vascular adhesion molecule-1 and
      fibrinogen, as well as leukocyte counts. With optimization of the antidiabetic
      treatment miR-126 levels increased and thrombogenicity was reduced. Using a
      luciferase reporter system, we demonstrated miR-126 to directly bind to the F3-3'
      untranslated region, thereby reducing TF expression both on mRNA and on protein
      levels in human microvascular endothelial cells as well as TF mRNA and activity
      in monocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating miR-126 exhibits antithrombotic properties
      via regulating post-transcriptional TF expression, thereby impacting the
      hemostatic balance of the vasculature in diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 27127203
TI  - Rare Genetic Variants and High-Density Lipoprotein: Marching to a Different Drum.

PMID- 27127204
TI  - Neonatal outcomes of waterbirth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In 2015, 9% of babies born in the UK were delivered underwater.
      Waterbirth is increasing in popularity, despite uncertainty regarding its safety
      for neonates. This systematic review and meta-analysis appraises the existing
      evidence for neonatal outcomes following waterbirth. METHODS: A structured
      electronic database search was performed with no language restrictions. All
      comparative studies which reported neonatal outcomes following waterbirth, and
      that were published since 1995, were included. Quality appraisal was performed
      using a modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme scoring system. The primary
      outcome was neonatal mortality. Data for each neonatal outcome were tabulated and
      analysed. Meta-analysis was performed for comparable studies which reported
      sufficient data. RESULTS: The majority of the 29 included studies were small,
      with limited follow-up and methodological flaws. They were mostly conducted in
      Europe and high-income countries. Reporting of data was heterogeneous. No
      significant difference in neonatal mortality, neonatal intensive care
      unit/special care baby unit admission rate, Apgar scores, umbilical cord gases or
      infection rates was found between babies delivered into water and on land.
      CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis did not identify definitive
      evidence that waterbirth causes harm to neonates compared with land birth.
      However, there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that there are no
      additional risks or benefits for neonates when comparing waterbirth and
      conventional delivery on land.

PMID- 27127205
TI  - What is new in the European and UK neonatal resuscitation guidance?

PMID- 27127206
TI  - Impacts of somatic mutations on gene expression: an association perspective.
AB  - Assessing the functional impacts of somatic mutations in cancer genomes is
      critical for both identifying driver mutations and developing molecular targeted
      therapies. Currently, it remains a fundamental challenge to distinguish the
      patterns through which mutations execute their biological effects and to infer
      biological mechanisms underlying these patterns. To this end, we systematically
      studied the association between somatic mutations in protein-coding regions and
      expression profiles, which represents an indirect measurement of impacts. We
      defined mutation features (mutation type, cluster and status) and built linear
      regression models to assess mutation associations with mRNA expression and
      protein expression. Our results presented a comprehensive landscape of the
      associations between mutation features and expression profile in multiple cancer
      types, including 62 genes showing mutation type associated expression changes, 21
      genes showing mutation cluster associations and 51 genes showing mutation status
      associations. We revealed four characteristics of the patterns that mutations
      impact on expression. First, we showed that mutation type (truncation versus
      amino acid-altering mutations) was the most important determinant of expression
      levels. Second, we detected mutation clusters in well-studied oncogenes that were
      associated with gene expression. Third, we found both similarities and
      differences in association patterns existed within and across cancer types.
      Fourth, although many of the observed associations stay stable at both mRNA and
      protein expression levels, there are also novel associations uniquely observed at
      the protein level, which warrant future investigation. Taken together, our
      findings provided implications for cancer driver gene prioritization and insights
      into the functional consequences of somatic mutations.

PMID- 27127207
TI  - Using Large Diabetes Databases for Research.
AB  - There are an increasing number of clinical, administrative and trial databases
      that can be used for research. These are particularly valuable if there are
      opportunities for linkage to other databases. This paper describes examples of
      the use of large diabetes databases for research. It reviews the advantages and
      disadvantages of using large diabetes databases for research and suggests
      solutions for some challenges. Large, high-quality databases offer potential
      sources of information for research at relatively low cost. Fundamental issues
      for using databases for research are the completeness of capture of cases within
      the population and time period of interest and accuracy of the diagnosis of
      diabetes and outcomes of interest. The extent to which people included in the
      database are representative should be considered if the database is not
      population based and there is the intention to extrapolate findings to the wider
      diabetes population. Information on key variables such as date of diagnosis or
      duration of diabetes may not be available at all, may be inaccurate or may
      contain a large amount of missing data. Information on key confounding factors is
      rarely available for the nondiabetic or general population limiting comparisons
      with the population of people with diabetes. However comparisons that allow for
      differences in distribution of important demographic factors may be feasible
      using data for the whole population or a matched cohort study design. In summary,
      diabetes databases can be used to address important research questions.
      Understanding the strengths and limitations of this approach is crucial to
      interpret the findings appropriately.

PMID- 27127208
TI  - CALCULATION OF GAMMA SPECTRA IN A PLASTIC SCINTILLATOR FOR ENERGY CALIBRATIONAND
      DOSE COMPUTATION.
AB  - Plastic scintillation detectors have practical advantages in the field of
      dosimetry. Energy calibration of measured gamma spectra is important for dose
      computation, but it is not simple in the plastic scintillators because of their
      different characteristics and a finite resolution. In this study, the gamma
      spectra in a polystyrene scintillator were calculated for the energy calibration
      and dose computation. Based on the relationship between the energy resolution and
      estimated energy broadening effect in the calculated spectra, the gamma spectra
      were simply calculated without many iterations. The calculated spectra were in
      agreement with the calculation by an existing method and measurements. 

PMID- 27127209
TI  - INDIVIDUALISED CALCULATION OF TISSUE IMPARTED ENERGY IN BREAST TOMOSYNTHESIS.
AB  - The imparted energy to the glandular tissue in the breast (glandular imparted
      energy, GIE) is proposed for an improved assessment of the individual radiation
      induced risk resulting from X-ray breast imaging. GIE is computed from an
      estimation of the quantity and localisation of glandular tissue in the breast.
      After a digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) acquisition, the volumetric glandular
      content (volumetric breast density, VBD) is computed from the central X-ray
      projection. The glandular tissue distribution is determined by labelling the DBT
      voxels to ensure the conservation of the VBD. Finally, the GIE is calculated by
      Monte Carlo computation on the resulting tissue-labelled DBT volume. For
      verification, the method was applied to 10 breast-shaped digital phantoms made of
      different glandular spheres in an adipose background, and to a digital
      anthropomorphic phantom. Results were compared to direct GIE computations on the
      phantoms considered as 'ground-truth'. The major limitations in accuracy are
      those of DBT, in particular the limited z-resolution. However, for most phantoms,
      the results can be considered as acceptable. 

PMID- 27127210
TI  - OPTIMISATION IN X-RAY AND MOLECULAR IMAGING 2015.

PMID- 27127211
TI  - THE MAYAK WORKER DOSIMETRY SYSTEM (MWDS 2013): A RE-ANALYSIS OF USTUR CASE 0269
      TO DETERMINE WHETHER PLUTONIUM BINDS TO THE LUNGS.
AB  - Radionuclides in ionic form can become chemically bound in the airways of the
      lungs following dissolution of inhaled particulates in lung fluid. The presence
      of long-term binding can greatly increase lung doses from inhaled plutonium,
      particularly if it occurs in the bronchial and bronchiolar regions. However, the
      only published evidence that plutonium binding occurs in humans comes from an
      analysis of the autopsy and bioassay data of United States Transuranium and
      Uranium Registries Case 0269, a plutonium worker who experienced a very high (58
      kBq) acute inhalation of plutonium nitrate. This analysis suggested a bound
      fraction of around 8 %, inferred from an unexpectedly low ratio of estimated
      total thoracic lymph node activity:total lung activity, at the time of death.
      However, there are some limitations with this study, the most significant being
      that measurements of the regional distribution of plutonium activity in the
      lungs, which provide more direct evidence of binding, were not available when the
      analysis was performed. The present work describes the analysis of new data,
      which includes measurements of plutonium activity in the alveolar-interstitial
      (AI) region, bronchial (BB) and bronchiolar (bb) regions, and extra-thoracic (ET)
      regions, at the time of death. A Bayesian approach is used that accounts for
      uncertainties in model parameter values, including particle transport clearance,
      which were not considered in the original analysis. The results indicate that a
      long-term bound fraction between 0.4 and 0.7 % is required to explain this data,
      largely because plutonium activity is present in the extra-thoracic (ET2),
      bronchial and bronchiolar airways at the time of death.

PMID- 27127212
TI  - Understanding lichenicolous heterobasidiomycetes: new taxa and reproductive
      innovations in Tremella s.l.
AB  - Four new lichenicolous Tremella species are described and characterized
      morphologically and molecularly. Tremella celata grows on Ramalina fraxinea,
      inducing the formation of inconspicuous galls, and having hyphae with incomplete
      clamps. Tremella endosporogena develops intrahymenially in the apothecia of
      Lecanora carpinea, having single-celled basidia and clampless hyphae. Tremella
      diederichiana is the name proposed for a species micromorphologically close to T.
      christiansenii but inducing the formation of small, pale galls on the thallus and
      apothecia of Lecidea aff. erythrophaea Tremella variae grows on Lecanora varia
      thallus, instead of on the apothecia, as do the other known Tremella species
      parasitizing Lecanora s.l. Phylogenetic relationships and host specificity of
      these species are investigated and compared with other taxa that show
      morphological resemblances, phylogenetic affinities or similar hosts. The
      formation of mitotic conidia inside old basidia (endospores), which is a poorly
      known reproductive strategy in the Basidiomycota, is also a distinctive character
      of Tremella endosporogena A discussion on the reproductive role and systematic
      implications of endospores is included. 

PMID- 27127213
TI  - Cultural and cytological characterization of Dacryopinax primogenitus, a new
      species in the Dacrymycetes with a fully sequenced genome.
AB  - A Dacryopinax species that was cultured in Costa Rica and fruited in the
      laboratory provided DNA for the first sequenced genome for the Dacrymycetes. Here
      we characterize the isolate morphologically and cytologically and name it D.
      primogenitus Molecular sequences from the nuclear large subunit gene and internal
      transcribed spacer indicated that it is closely related to the South American D.
      indacocheae with which it agrees structurally. Both species form conidia on the
      basidiocarp, and D primogenitus also forms them on the mycelium. Unlike previous
      reports for the Dacrymycetales postmeiotic nuclear division results in
      uninucleate basidiospores and six residual nuclei in the basidium after
      basidiospore discharge. Ultrastructural analysis shows the characteristic septal
      pore apparatus for the class and endogenous origin of the epibasidia/sterigmata,
      which may be a common occurrence in Dacrymycetes and the early diverging orders
      of its sister class, the Agaricomycetes. 

PMID- 27127214
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27127217
TI  - Vascular Targeted Radioimmunotherapy for the Treatment of Glioblastoma.
AB  - : Glioblastoma is characterized by an aggressive and aberrant vascular network
      that promotes tumor progression and hinders effective treatment; the median
      survival is 16 mo despite standard-of-care therapies. There is a need to improve
      therapeutic options for this disease. We hypothesized that antibody targeting of
      the vascular endothelium of glioblastoma with cytotoxic short-range, high-energy
      alpha-particles would be an effective therapeutic approach. METHODS: E4G10, an
      antibody directed at an epitope of monomeric vascular endothelium cadherin that
      is expressed in tumor neovasculature and on endothelial progenitor cells in the
      bone marrow, was labeled with alpha-particle-emitting 225Ac. Pharmacokinetic
      studies investigated the tissue distribution and blood clearance of the 225Ac
      E4G10 radioimmunoconstruct in a transgenic Nestin-tumor virus A (Ntva) mouse
      model of high-grade glioblastoma. Histologic analysis was used to demonstrate
      local therapeutic effects in treated brain tumor sections. Radioimmunotherapy
      with 225Ac-E4G10 was performed in Ntva mice to assess overall survival alone and
      in combination with temozolomide, the standard-of-care chemotherapeutic agent.
      RESULTS: 225Ac-E4G10 was found to accumulate in tissues expressing the target
      antigen. Antivascular alpha-particle therapy of glioblastoma in the transgenic
      Ntva model resulted in significantly improved survival compared with controls and
      potent control of tumor growth. Adding the chemotherapeutic temozolomide to the
      treatment increased survival to 30 d (vs. 9 d for vehicle-treated animals).
      Histologic analyses showed a remodeled glioblastoma vascular microenvironment.
      CONCLUSION: Targeted alpha-particle antivascular therapy is shown for the first
      time to be effective in increasing overall survival in a solid tumor in a
      clinically relevant transgenic glioblastoma mouse model.

PMID- 27127218
TI  - Approaches to Improve the Pharmacokinetics of Radiolabeled Glucagon-Like Peptide
      1 Receptor Ligands Using Antagonistic Tracers.
AB  - The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors are important biomarkers for
      imaging pancreatic beta-cell mass and detection of benign insulinomas. Using GLP
      1 receptor antagonists, we aimed to eliminate the insulin-related side effects
      reported for all GLP-1 receptor agonists. Additionally, using a nonresidualizing
      tracer, (125)I-Bolton-Hunter-Exendin(9-39)NH2 ((125)I-BH-Ex(9-39)NH2), we aimed
      to reduce the high kidney uptake, enabling a better detection of insulinomas in
      the tail and head of the pancreas. METHODS: The affinity and biodistribution of
      Ex(9-39)NH2-based antagonists, modified with DOTA or NODAGA chelators at
      positions Lys(27) and Lys(40) and labeled with (68)Ga and (125)I-BH-Ex(9-39)NH2,
      were compared with the reference GLP-1 receptor agonist [Nle(14),Lys(40)(Ahx-DOTA
      (68)Ga)NH2]Ex-4. The inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) values were
      determined using autoradiography on human tissues with (125)I-GLP-1(7-36)NH2 as a
      radioligand. Pharmacokinetics and PET imaging were studied in nude mice bearing
      rat Ins-1E tumors. RESULTS: Conjugation of DOTA and NODAGA chelators at positions
      Lys(27) and Lys(40) of Ex(9-39)NH2 resulted in a distinct loss of affinity toward
      GLP-1 receptor in vitro. Among the studied antagonists, [Lys(40)(NODAGA
      (nat)Ga)NH2]Ex(9-39) showed the lowest IC50 value (46.7 +/- 16.3 nM). The
      reference agonist [Nle(14),Lys(40)(Ahx-DOTA)NH2]Ex-4 demonstrated the highest
      affinity (IC50 = 0.9 +/- 0.3 nM). Biodistribution of [Nle(14),Lys(40)(Ahx-DOTA
      (68)Ga)NH2]Ex-4 at 1 h after injection demonstrated 40.2 +/- 8.2 percentage
      injected activity per gram (%IA/g) uptake in Ins-1E tumor, 12.5 +/- 2.2 %IA/g in
      the pancreas, and 235.8 +/- 17.0 %IA/g in the kidney, with tumor-to-blood and
      tumor-to-kidney ratios of 100.52 and 0.17, respectively. Biodistribution of
      [Lys(40)(NODAGA-(68)Ga)NH2]Ex(9-39) showed only 2.2 +/- 0.2 %IA/g uptake in Ins
      1E tumor, 1.0 +/- 0.1 %IA/g in the pancreas, and 78.4 +/- 8.5 %IA/g in the kidney
      at 1 h after injection, with tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-kidney ratios of 7.33
      and 0.03, respectively. In contrast, (125)I-BH-Ex(9-39)NH2 showed tumor uptake
      (42.5 +/- 8.1 %IA/g) comparable to the agonist and 28.8 +/- 5.1 %IA/g in the
      pancreas at 1 h after injection. As we hypothesized, the kidney uptake of (125)I
      BH-Ex(9-39)NH2 was low, only 12.1 +/- 1.4 %IA/g at 1 h after injection. The tumor
      to-kidney ratio of (125)I-BH-Ex(9-39)NH2 was improved 20-fold. CONCLUSION: Our
      results suggest that iodinated Ex(9-39)NH2 may be a promising tracer for imaging
      GLP-1 receptor expression in vivo. Because of the 20-fold improved tumor-to
      kidney ratio (125)I-BH-Ex(9-39)NH2 may offer higher sensitivity in the detection
      of insulinomas and imaging of beta-cell mass in diabetic patients. Further
      studies with (124)I-BH-Ex(9-39)NH2 are warranted.

PMID- 27127219
TI  - Automatic Extraction of Myocardial Mass and Volume Using Parametric Images from
      Dynamic Nongated PET.
AB  - Dynamic cardiac PET is used to quantify molecular processes in vivo. However,
      measurements of left ventricular (LV) mass and volume require electrocardiogram
      gated PET data. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of measuring
      LV geometry using nongated dynamic cardiac PET. METHODS: Thirty-five patients
      with aortic-valve stenosis and 10 healthy controls underwent a 27-min (11)C
      acetate PET/CT scan and cardiac MRI (CMR). The controls were scanned twice to
      assess repeatability. Parametric images of uptake rate K1 and the blood pool were
      generated from nongated dynamic data. Using software-based structure recognition,
      the LV wall was automatically segmented from K1 images to derive functional
      assessments of LV mass (mLV) and wall thickness. End-systolic and end-diastolic
      volumes were calculated using blood pool images and applied to obtain stroke
      volume and LV ejection fraction (LVEF). PET measurements were compared with CMR.
      RESULTS: High, linear correlations were found for LV mass (r = 0.95), end
      systolic volume (r = 0.93), and end-diastolic volume (r = 0.90), and slightly
      lower correlations were found for stroke volume (r = 0.74), LVEF (r = 0.81), and
      thickness (r = 0.78). Bland-Altman analyses showed significant differences for
      mLV and thickness only and an overestimation for LVEF at lower values. Intra- and
      interobserver correlations were greater than 0.95 for all PET measurements. PET
      repeatability accuracy in the controls was comparable to CMR. CONCLUSION: LV mass
      and volume are accurately and automatically generated from dynamic (11)C-acetate
      PET without electrocardiogram gating. This method can be incorporated in a
      standard routine without any additional workload and can, in theory, be extended
      to other PET tracers.

PMID- 27127220
TI  - Left Ventricular Function Assessment Using 2 Different Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride
      Cameras Compared with a gamma-Camera with Cardiofocal Collimators: Dynamic
      Cardiac Phantom Study and Clinical Validation.
AB  - This study compared two SPECT cameras with cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detectors
      to a conventional Anger camera with cardiofocal collimators for the assessment of
      left ventricular (LV) function in a phantom and patients. METHODS: A gated
      dynamic cardiac phantom was used. Eighteen acquisitions were processed on each
      CZT camera and the conventional camera. The total number of counts within a
      myocardial volume of interest varied from 0.25 kcts to 1.5 Mcts. Ejection
      fraction was set to 33%, 45%, or 60%. Volume, LV ejection fraction (LVEF),
      regional wall thickening, and motion (17-segment model) were assessed. One
      hundred twenty patients with a low pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease
      and normal findings on stress perfusion SPECT were retrospectively analyzed to
      provide the reference limits for end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume
      (ESV), ejection fraction, and regional function for each camera model. RESULTS:
      In the phantom study, for each ejection fraction value, volume was higher for the
      CZT cameras than for the conventional camera, resulting in a decreased but more
      accurate LVEF (all P < 0.001). In clinical data, body-surface-indexed EDV and ESV
      (mL/m(2)) were higher for one of the CZT cameras (Discovery NM 530c) than for the
      other (D-SPECT) or the conventional camera (respectively, 40.5 +/- 9.2, 37 +/-
      7.9, and 35.8 +/- 6.8 for EDV [P < 0.001] and 12.5 +/- 5.3, 9.4 +/- 4.2, and 8.3
      +/- 4.4 for ESV [P < 0.001]), resulting in a significantly decreased LVEF: 70.3%
      +/- 9.1% vs. 75.2% +/- 8.1% vs. 77.8% +/- 9.3%, respectively (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: The new CZT cameras yielded global LV function results different from
      those yielded by the conventional camera. LV volume was higher for the Discovery
      NM 530c than for the D-SPECT or the conventional camera, leading to decreased
      LVEF in healthy subjects. These differences should be considered in clinical
      practice and warrant the collection of a specific reference database.

PMID- 27127222
TI  - Evaluation of a Fluorescent and Radiolabeled Hybrid Somatostatin Analog In Vitro
      and in Mice Bearing H69 Neuroendocrine Xenografts.
AB  - In the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), complete surgical removal of
      malignancy is generally desirable, because it offers curative results.
      Preoperative guidance with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs, commonly used for
      NET diagnosis and preoperative planning, is limited by its low resolution, with
      the risk that tumor margins and small metastases will be incompletely resected
      with subsequent recurrence. A single hybrid probe combining radiotracer and
      optical dye would enable high-resolution optical guidance, also during surgery.
      In the current study, the hybrid labeled somatostatin analog Cy5-DTPA-Tyr(3)
      octreotate (DTPA is diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) was synthesized and
      evaluated for its ability to specifically trace NET cells in vitro and in an
      animal model. The performance of the hybrid tracer was compared with that of
      octreotate with only radiolabel or only optical label. METHODS: The binding
      affinity and internalization capacity of Cy5-DTPA-Tyr(3)-octreotate were assessed
      in vitro. Biodistribution profiles and both nuclear and optical in vivo imaging
      of Cy5-(111)In -DTPA-Tyr(3)-octreotate were performed in NET-bearing mice and
      compared with the performance of (111)In-DTPA-Tyr(3)-octreotate. RESULTS: In
      vitro studies showed a low receptor affinity and internalization rate for Cy5
      DTPA-Tyr(3)-octreotate. The dissociation constant value was 387.7 +/- 97.9 nM for
      Cy5-DTPA-Tyr(3)-octreotate, whereas it was 120.5 +/- 18.1 nM for DTPA-Tyr(3)
      octreotate. Similarly, receptor-mediated internalization reduced from 33.76% +/-
      1.22% applied dose for DTPA-Tyr(3)-octreotate to 1.32% +/- 0.02% applied dose for
      Cy5-DTPA-Tyr(3)-octreotate. In contrast, in vivo and ex vivo studies revealed
      similar tumor uptake values of Cy5-(111)In-DTPA-Tyr(3)-octreotate and (111)In 
      DTPA-Tyr(3)-octreotate (6.93 +/- 2.08 and 5.16 +/- 1.27, respectively). All
      organs except the kidneys showed low background radioactivity, with especially
      low activities in the liver, and high tumor-to-tissue ratios were achieved-both
      favorable for the tracer's toxicity profile. Hybrid imaging in mice confirmed
      that the nuclear and fluorescence signals colocalized. CONCLUSION: The
      correlation between findings with the optical and the nuclear probes underlines
      the potential of combining SPECT imaging with fluorescence guidance and shows the
      promise of this novel hybrid peptide for preoperative and intraoperative imaging
      of NET.

PMID- 27127223
TI  - Molecular Imaging of Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and the fifth leading
      cause of cancer-related death in women. Over the past decade, medical imaging has
      played an increasingly valuable role in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment
      planning of the disease. In this "Focus on Molecular Imaging" review, we seek to
      provide a brief yet informative survey of the current state of the molecular
      imaging of ovarian cancer. The article is divided into sections according to
      modality, covering recent advances in the MR, PET, SPECT, ultrasound, and optical
      imaging of ovarian cancer. Although primary emphasis is given to clinical
      studies, preclinical investigations that are particularly innovative and
      promising are discussed as well. Ultimately, we are hopeful that the combination
      of technologic innovations, novel imaging probes, and further integration of
      imaging into clinical protocols will lead to significant improvements in the
      survival rate for ovarian cancer. 

PMID- 27127224
TI  - Anatomic or Functional Evaluation as an Initial Test for Stable Coronary Artery
      Disease: A Propensity Score Analysis.
AB  - Little data are available to compare the clinical implications of coronary
      angiography (CAG) or myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) as an initial evaluation
      for stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: From national health insurance
      claims data in South Korea, patients aged 18 y or older without a known history
      of CAD, who underwent CAG or MPI for the diagnosis of stable CAD between 2009 and
      2013, were enrolled. Patients were divided into CAG (n = 117,134) and MPI (n =
      19,932) groups. The primary endpoint, defined as a composite of all-cause death
      and myocardial infarction, was compared by a propensity score analysis between
      the 2 groups. RESULTS: There was a significant increase (39%) in the annual rate
      of CAG from 23,985 in 2009-2010 to 33,373 in 2012-2013. However, a substantial
      reduction (41%) in the annual MPI rate was also noted from 6,389 in 2009-2010 to
      3,790 in 2012-2013. During the follow-up period (median, 2.4 y; interquartile
      range, 1.5-3.5), coronary revascularization was more frequently performed in the
      CAG group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] of CAG, 24.15; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 19.66-29.68; P < 0.001). However, the incidence of the primary endpoint was
      significantly higher in the CAG group (aHR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.17-1.36; P < 0.001).
      The individual endpoints of death (aHR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.25; P = 0.001) and
      myocardial infarction (aHR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.60-2.36; P < 0.001) were also higher
      in the CAG group. CONCLUSION: As an initial diagnostic test in patients with
      stable CAD, MPI is associated with a better clinical outcomes than CAG.

PMID- 27127225
TI  - Imaging Reveals the Connection Between Spontaneous Coronary Plaque Ruptures,
      Atherothrombosis, and Myocardial Infarctions in HypoE/SRBI-/- Mice.
AB  - The hyperlipidemic mouse model HypoE/SRBI(-/-) has been shown to develop
      occlusive coronary atherosclerosis followed by myocardial infarctions and
      premature deaths in response to high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HFC). However,
      the causal connection between myocardial infarctions and atherosclerotic plaque
      rupture events in the coronary arteries has not been investigated so far. The
      objective of this study was to assess whether diet-induced coronary plaque
      ruptures trigger atherothrombotic occlusions, resulting in myocardial infarctions
      in HFC-fed HypoE/SRBI(-/-) mice. METHODS: HypoE/SRBI(-/-) mice were characterized
      with respect to the individual dynamics of myocardial infarctions and features of
      infarct-related coronary atherosclerosis by serial noninvasive molecular and
      functional imaging, histopathology, and a pharmaceutical intervention. Detailed
      histologic analysis of whole mouse hearts was performed when spontaneously
      occurring acute myocardial infarctions were diagnosed by imaging. RESULTS: Using
      the imaging-triggered approach, we discovered thrombi in 32 (10.8%) of all 296
      atherosclerotic coronary plaques in 14 HFC-fed HypoE/SRBI(-/-) mice. These
      thrombi typically were found in arteries presenting with inflammatory plaque
      phenotypes. Acetylsalicylic acid treatment did not attenuate the development of
      atherosclerotic coronary plaques but profoundly reduced the incidence of
      premature deaths, the number of thrombi (7 in 249 plaques), and also the degree
      of inflammation in the culprit lesions. CONCLUSION: HFC-induced ruptures of
      coronary plaques trigger atherothrombosis, vessel occlusions, myocardial
      infarctions, and sudden death in these mice. Thus, the HypoE/SRBI(-/-) mouse
      model mimics major features of human coronary heart disease and might therefore
      be a valuable model for the investigation of molecular and cellular parameters
      driving plaque rupture-related events and the development of new interventional
      approaches.

PMID- 27127226
TI  - How to Achieve Approval of Radiolabeled-PSMA Diagnostic and Therapeutic Agents.

PMID- 27127227
TI  - Response Assessment Criteria and Their Applications in Lymphoma: Part 1.
AB  - The effectiveness of cancer therapy, both in individual patients and across
      populations, requires a systematic and reproducible method for evaluating
      response to treatment. Early efforts to meet this need resulted in the creation
      of numerous guidelines for quantifying posttherapy changes in disease extent,
      both anatomically and metabolically. Over the past few years, criteria for
      disease response classification have been developed for specific cancer
      histologies. To date, the spectrum of disease broadly referred to as lymphoma is
      perhaps the most common for which disease response classification is used. This
      review article provides an overview of the existing response assessment criteria
      for lymphoma and highlights their respective methodologies and validities.
      Concerns over the technical complexity and arbitrary thresholds of many of these
      criteria, which have impeded the long-standing endeavor of standardizing response
      assessment, are also discussed.

PMID- 27127228
TI  - Social conformity is due to biased stimulus processing: electrophysiological and
      diffusion analyses.
AB  - Hundreds of studies have found that humans' decisions are strongly influenced by
      the opinions of others, even when making simple perceptual decisions. In this
      study, we aimed to clarify whether this effect can be explained by social
      influence biasing (early) perceptual processes. We employed stimulus evoked
      potentials, lateralized readiness potentials (LRPs) and a diffusion model
      analysis of reaction time data to uncover the neurocognitive processes underlying
      social conformity in perceptual decision-making. The diffusion model analysis
      showed that social conformity was due to a biased uptake of stimulus information
      and accompanied by more careful stimulus processing. As indicated by larger N1
      amplitudes, social influence increased early attentional resources for stimulus
      identification and discrimination. Furthermore, LRP analyses revealed that
      stimulus processing was biased even in cases of non-conformity. In conclusion,
      our results suggest that the opinion of others can cause individuals to
      selectively process stimulus information supporting this opinion, thereby
      inducing social conformity. This effect is present even when individuals do not
      blindly follow the majority but rather carefully process stimulus information.

PMID- 27127229
TI  - The EZH1-SUZ12 complex positively regulates the transcription of NF-kappaB target
      genes through interaction with UXT.
AB  - Unlike other members of the polycomb group protein family, EZH1 has been shown to
      positively associate with active transcription on a genome-wide scale. However,
      the underlying mechanism for this behavior still remains elusive. Here, we report
      that EZH1 physically interacts with UXT, a small chaperon-like transcription co
      activator. UXT specifically interacts with EZH1 and SUZ12, but not EED. Similar
      to upon knockdown of UXT, knockdown of EZH1 or SUZ12 through RNA interference in
      the cell impairs the transcriptional activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB
      target genes induced by TNFalpha. EZH1 deficiency also increases TNFalpha-induced
      cell death. Interestingly, chromatin immunoprecipitation and the following next
      generation sequencing analysis show that H3K27 mono-, di- and tri-methylation on
      NF-kappaB target genes are not affected in EZH1- or UXT-deficient cells. EZH1
      also does not affect the translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB (also
      known as RELA) from the cytosol to the nucleus. Instead, EZH1 and SUZ12 regulate
      the recruitment of p65 and RNA Pol II to target genes. Taken together, our study
      shows that EZH1 and SUZ12 act as positive regulators for NF-kappaB signaling and
      demonstrates that EZH1, SUZ12 and UXT work synergistically to regulate pathway
      activation in the nucleus.

PMID- 27127230
TI  - Citation classics in neurointerventional research: a bibliometric analysis of the
      100 most cited articles.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The number of citations that an article has received can
      be used to evaluate its impact on the scientific community. This study aimed to
      identify the 100 most cited articles in the field of neurointervention and to
      analyze their characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected the 669
      journals that were considered potentially to publish neurointervention articles
      based on the database of Journal Citation Reports. Using the Web of Science
      citation search tool, we identified the 100 most cited articles relevant to
      neurointervention within the selected journals. Each article was evaluated for
      several characteristics including publication year, journal, journal category,
      impact factor, number of citations, number of citations per year, authorship,
      department, institution, country, type of article, and topic. RESULTS: The number
      of citations for the top 100 articles ranged from 1912 to 170 (mean 363.4) and
      citations per year ranged from 271.0 to 4.1 (mean 40.0). The majority of articles
      were published in clinical neurology journals (63%), were published in 2000-2009
      (39%), originated in the USA (45%), were original articles (95%), and dealt with
      endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysm (42%). The Department of Radiology,
      University of California School of Medicine (n=12) was the leading institution
      and Vinuela F (n=11) was the most prolific author. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      presents a detailed list and analysis of the 100 most cited articles in the field
      of neurointervention and provides a historical perspective on the scientific
      progress in this field.

PMID- 27127231
TI  - Novel methodology to replicate clot analogs with diverse composition in acute
      ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Translational research on clot composition may be advanced by the use
      of clot analogs for the preclinical evaluation of mechanical thrombectomy
      devices. This work describes a novel set of clot analogs to represent a diverse
      range of fibrin and red blood cell (RBC) compositions for use in acute ischemic
      stroke (AIS) occlusion models. METHOD: Fresh whole blood obtained from ovine
      species was used to create seven different clot analog types. Five replicates
      were formed for each clot type. Varying amounts of whole blood constituents were
      mixed with thrombotic factors to create clots of varying compositions. Following
      histological processing, five sections from each clot were stained with H&E and
      Martius Scarlet Blue. Fibrin, RBC and white blood cell compositions were
      quantified. RESULTS: Histological examination demonstrated that the clot types
      had a distinct RBC and fibrin composition. No significant difference in
      composition was shown between replicates (p>0.05), indicating that the method of
      clot formation was reproducible. Percentage fibrin composition of the clot types
      was 1%, 8%, 31%, 38%, 64%, 79%, and 100%. A significant difference in fibrin and
      RBC composition between clot types was observed (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Seven
      different clot types were developed to replicate common AIS thrombi. These clot
      analogs may be beneficial for the preclinical evaluation of endovascular
      therapies, and may be applied to interventional technique training.

PMID- 27127232
TI  - Reducing the Density and Number of Tobacco Retailers: Policy Solutions and Legal
      Issues.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Because higher density of tobacco retailers is associated with
      greater tobacco use, U.S. communities seek ways to reduce the density and number
      of tobacco retailers. This approach can reduce the concentration of tobacco
      retailers in poorer communities, limit youth exposure to tobacco advertising, and
      prevent misleading associations between tobacco and health messaging. METHODS:
      Communities can reduce the density and number of tobacco retailers by imposing
      minimum distance requirements between existing retailers, capping the number of
      retailers in a given geographic area, establishing a maximum number of retailers
      proportional to population size, and prohibiting sales at certain types of
      establishments, such as pharmacies, or within a certain distance of locations
      serving youth. Local governments use direct regulation, licensing, or zoning laws
      to enact these changes. We analyze each approach under U.S. constitutional law to
      assist communities in selecting and implementing one or more of these methods.
      There are few published legal opinions that address these strategies in the
      context of tobacco control. But potential constitutional challenges include
      violations of the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment, which protects property
      owners from onerous government regulations, and under the Fourteenth Amendment's
      Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses, which protect business owners from
      arbitrary or unreasonable regulations that do not further a legitimate government
      interest. CONCLUSION: Because there is an evidentiary basis linking the density
      of tobacco retailers to smoking rates in a community, courts are likely to reject
      constitutional challenges to carefully crafted laws that reduce the number of
      tobacco retailers. IMPLICATIONS: Our review of the relevant constitutional issues
      confirms that local governments have the authority to utilize laws and policies
      to reduce the density and number of tobacco retailers in their communities, given
      existing public health data. The analysis guides policy makers in crafting laws
      that comply with constitutional requirements by outlining the most important
      procedures and evidentiary justifications to use in development, implementation,
      and enforcement. This perspective also highlights the importance of reviewing
      state constitutions, statutes, and municipal codes and getting local input from
      attorneys and community stakeholders to assess the likely success of some methods
      over others.

PMID- 27127233
TI  - Occupational activity across adult life and its association with grip strength.

PMID- 27127235
TI  - Extracellular electron transfer systems fuel cellulose oxidative degradation.
AB  - Ninety percent of lignocellulose-degrading fungi contain genes encoding lytic
      polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs). These enzymes catalyze the initial
      oxidative cleavage of recalcitrant polysaccharides after activation by an
      electron donor. Understanding the source of electrons is fundamental to fungal
      physiology and will also help with the exploitation of LPMOs for biomass
      processing. Using genome data and biochemical methods, we characterized and
      compared different extracellular electron sources for LPMOs: cellobiose
      dehydrogenase, phenols procured from plant biomass or produced by fungi, and
      glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductases that regenerate LPMO-reducing diphenols.
      Our data demonstrate that all three of these electron transfer systems are
      functional and that their relative importance during cellulose degradation
      depends on fungal lifestyle. The availability of extracellular electron donors is
      required to activate fungal oxidative attack on polysaccharides. 

PMID- 27127234
TI  - Topoisomerase 1 inhibition suppresses inflammatory genes and protects from death
      by inflammation.
AB  - The host innate immune response is the first line of defense against pathogens
      and is orchestrated by the concerted expression of genes induced by microbial
      stimuli. Deregulated expression of these genes is linked to the initiation and
      progression of diseases associated with exacerbated inflammation. We identified
      topoisomerase 1 (Top1) as a positive regulator of RNA polymerase II
      transcriptional activity at pathogen-induced genes. Depletion or chemical
      inhibition of Top1 suppresses the host response against influenza and Ebola
      viruses as well as bacterial products. Therapeutic pharmacological inhibition of
      Top1 protected mice from death in experimental models of lethal inflammation. Our
      results indicate that Top1 inhibition could be used as therapy against life
      threatening infections characterized by an acutely exacerbated immune response. 

PMID- 27127236
TI  - NAD+ repletion improves mitochondrial and stem cell function and enhances life
      span in mice.
AB  - Adult stem cells (SCs) are essential for tissue maintenance and regeneration yet
      are susceptible to senescence during aging. We demonstrate the importance of the
      amount of the oxidized form of cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      (NAD(+)) and its effect on mitochondrial activity as a pivotal switch to modulate
      muscle SC (MuSC) senescence. Treatment with the NAD(+) precursor nicotinamide
      riboside (NR) induced the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and synthesis
      of prohibitin proteins, and this rejuvenated MuSCs in aged mice. NR also
      prevented MuSC senescence in the mdx (C57BL/10ScSn-Dmd(mdx)/J) mouse model of
      muscular dystrophy. We furthermore demonstrate that NR delays senescence of
      neural SCs and melanocyte SCs and increases mouse life span. Strategies that
      conserve cellular NAD(+) may reprogram dysfunctional SCs and improve life span in
      mammals. 

PMID- 27127237
TI  - Native functionality in triple catalytic cross-coupling: sp3 C-H bonds as latent
      nucleophiles.
AB  - The use of sp(3) C-H bonds--which are ubiquitous in organic molecules--as latent
      nucleophile equivalents for transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions
      has the potential to substantially streamline synthetic efforts in organic
      chemistry while bypassing substrate activation steps. Through the combination of
      photoredox-mediated hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and nickel catalysis, we have
      developed a highly selective and general C-H arylation protocol that activates a
      wide array of C-H bonds as native functional handles for cross-coupling. This
      mild approach takes advantage of a tunable HAT catalyst that exhibits predictable
      reactivity patterns based on enthalpic and bond polarity considerations to
      selectively functionalize alpha-amino and alpha-oxy sp(3) C-H bonds in both
      cyclic and acyclic systems.

PMID- 27127238
TI  - Large optical nonlinearity of indium tin oxide in its epsilon-near-zero region.
AB  - Nonlinear optical phenomena are crucial for a broad range of applications, such
      as microscopy, all-optical data processing, and quantum information. However,
      materials usually exhibit a weak optical nonlinearity even under intense coherent
      illumination. We report that indium tin oxide can acquire an ultrafast and large
      intensity-dependent refractive index in the region of the spectrum where the real
      part of its permittivity vanishes. We observe a change in the real part of the
      refractive index of 0.72 +/- 0.025, corresponding to 170% of the linear
      refractive index. This change in refractive index is reversible with a recovery
      time of about 360 femtoseconds. Our results offer the possibility of designing
      material structures with large ultrafast nonlinearity for applications in
      nanophotonics. 

PMID- 27127240
TI  - Greg Miller.

PMID- 27127242
TI  - Commentary.

PMID- 27127239
TI  - Conversion of human fibroblasts into functional cardiomyocytes by small
      molecules.
AB  - Reprogramming somatic fibroblasts into alternative lineages would provide a
      promising source of cells for regenerative therapy. However, transdifferentiating
      human cells into specific homogeneous, functional cell types is challenging. Here
      we show that cardiomyocyte-like cells can be generated by treating human
      fibroblasts with a combination of nine compounds that we term 9C. The chemically
      induced cardiomyocyte-like cells uniformly contracted and resembled human
      cardiomyocytes in their transcriptome, epigenetic, and electrophysiological
      properties. 9C treatment of human fibroblasts resulted in a more open-chromatin
      conformation at key heart developmental genes, enabling their promoters and
      enhancers to bind effectors of major cardiogenic signals. When transplanted into
      infarcted mouse hearts, 9C-treated fibroblasts were efficiently converted to
      chemically induced cardiomyocyte-like cells. This pharmacological approach to
      lineage-specific reprogramming may have many important therapeutic implications
      after further optimization to generate mature cardiac cells. 

PMID- 27127241
TI  - A Girl with Bone Sclerosis and Fracture.

PMID- 27127243
TI  - Commentary.

PMID- 27127246
TI  - Chronically Hypocalcemic Patient with Hypercalcemia.

PMID- 27127245
TI  - Now You See It, Now You Don't: Unidentified Plasma Amino Acid Peak.

PMID- 27127244
TI  - Optimization and Standardization of Circulating MicroRNA Detection for Clinical
      Application: The miR-Test Case.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in the blood has
      been recently exploited for the development of minimally invasive tests for the
      early detection of cancer. Nevertheless, the clinical transferability of such
      tests is uncertain due to still-insufficient standardization and optimization of
      methods to detect circulating miRNAs in the clinical setting. METHODS: We
      performed a series of tests to optimize the quantification of serum miRNAs that
      compose the miR-Test, a signature for lung cancer early detection, and
      systematically analyzed variables that could affect the performance of the test.
      We took advantage of a large-scale (>1000 samples) validation study of the miR
      Test that we recently published, to evaluate, in clinical samples, the effects of
      analytical and preanalytical variables on the quantification of circulating
      miRNAs and the clinical output of the signature (risk score). RESULTS: We
      developed a streamlined and standardized pipeline for the processing of clinical
      serum samples that allows the isolation and analysis of circulating miRNAs by
      quantitative reverse-transcription PCR, with a throughput compatible with
      screening trials. The major source of analytical variation came from RNA
      isolation from serum, which could be corrected by use of external (spike-in) or
      endogenous miRNAs as a reference for normalization. We also introduced standard
      operating procedures and QC steps to check for unspecific fluctuations that arise
      from the lack of standardized criteria in the collection or handling of the
      samples (preanalytical factors). CONCLUSIONS: We propose our methodology as a
      reference for the development of clinical-grade blood tests on the basis of miRNA
      detection.

PMID- 27127247
TI  - Push-button Phlebotomy.

PMID- 27127248
TI  - The Comfort of Pattern Recognition.

PMID- 27127249
TI  - Rationalism, Science, and Freedom of Speech: Voltaire.

PMID- 27127250
TI  - David Mechanic: Professional Zombie Hunter.
AB  - Within the fields of medicine and sociology, the descriptor "profession" (along
      with its brethren: profession, professionalization, and professionalism) has had
      a rich etymological history, with terms taking on different meanings at different
      times-sometimes trespassing into shibboleth and jargon. This etymological journey
      has co-evolved with the career of David Mechanic to whom this issue of the
      Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law is devoted. We exploit a provocative
      metaphor applied to Mechanic's work on the challenges facing medicine as a
      profession as a playful exegesis on what we call "profession" to excavate an
      ensconced and encrusted domain of health jargon operating at the tensive
      interface of society and modern medical work.

PMID- 27127251
TI  - Bringing the Social Sciences to Health Policy: An Appreciation of David Mechanic.
AB  - David Mechanic has been a pioneering leader in the social and behavioral sciences
      of health, health services, and health and mental health policy for more than
      fifty years. One of David's most distinctive qualities has been his vision in
      identifying trends and defining new research areas and perspectives in health
      care policy. His early work on how methods of physician payment by capitation and
      fee-for-service in England and the United States affected physicians' responses
      to patients and patient care addressed present challenges and many ongoing
      studies of payment mechanisms. His papers on rationing of health care established
      a framework for examining alternative allocation mechanisms and just decision
      making. Influential papers dealt with risk selection, policy challenges in
      managed care, reducing racial disparities, trust relationships between patients,
      doctors, and the public and health institutions, and the predicaments of health
      reform. Focusing on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, David explored
      its opportunities and challenges especially in providing comprehensive and
      effective behavioral health services. A hallmark of his work has been his
      redirecting our attention to the most severely ill and those in greatest need.
      Less visible is the leadership and institution building endeavors and the many
      honors David has received.

PMID- 27127252
TI  - Medicaid Long-Term Care: State Variation and the Intergovernmental Lobby.
AB  - Medicaid is vastly more important than Medicare or private insurance in funding
      long-term care (LTC). However, states vary tremendously in their commitment to
      Medicaid LTC. This article advances knowledge of the origins, nature, and
      implications of this variation. After examining the degree of variation in state
      spending on Medicaid LTC, we show how federal policy has over the past fifty
      years steadily increased state discretion to shape these services. This
      decentralization largely reflects the potency of the intergovernmental lobby
      governors and other state officials-in influencing federal policy. While fueling
      state variation, the intergovernmental lobby has also provided valuable political
      support that has helped Medicaid grow and resist retrenchment. After considering
      policy options that could mitigate Medicaid LTC inequities rooted in state
      differences, we assess how the catalytic forces that have fueled growth in
      Medicaid LTC may be insufficient to protect the program from future erosion.

PMID- 27127253
TI  - Reform of the Individual Insurance Market in New Jersey: Lessons for the
      Affordable Care Act.
AB  - The individual health insurance market has played a small but important role in
      providing coverage to those without access to group insurance or public programs.
      With implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the individual market has
      attained a more prominent role. However, achieving accessible and affordable
      coverage in this market is a long-standing challenge, in large part due to the
      threat of adverse risk selection. New Jersey pursued comprehensive reforms
      beginning in the 1990s to achieve a stable, accessible, and affordable individual
      market. We review how adverse risk selection can pose a challenge to achieving
      such objectives in the individual health insurance market. We follow this
      discussion by describing the experience of New Jersey through three rounds of
      legislative reform and through the first year of the implementation of the ACA
      coverage provisions. While the New Jersey reforms did not require individuals to
      purchase coverage, its experiences with direct and indirect market subsidies and
      regulations guiding plan design, issuance, and rating have important implications
      for how the ACA may achieve its coverage goals in the absence of the
      controversial individual purchase mandate.

PMID- 27127254
TI  - Incomplete Markets and Imperfect Institutions: Some Challenges Posed by Trust for
      Contemporary Health Care and Health Policy.
AB  - As contemporary health policy promotes evidence-based practices using targeted
      incentives, policy makers may lose track of vital aspects of care that are
      difficult to measure. For more than a half century, scholars have recognized that
      these latter aspects play a crucial role in high-quality care and equitable
      health system performance but depend on the potentially frail reed of providers'
      trustworthiness: that is, their commitment to facets and outcomes of care not
      easily assessed by external parties. More recently, early experience with pay for
      performance in health settings suggests that enhancing financial rewards for the
      measurable undermines providers' commitment to the unmeasurable, degrading the
      trustworthiness of their practices. Reformers have looked to revised professional
      norms or reorganized practice arrangements to bolster the intrinsic motivations
      required for trustworthiness. We suggest here that these responses are likely to
      prove inadequate. We propose that they be complemented by a renewed policy-making
      commitment to nonprofit ownership among health care providers, insurers, and
      integrated delivery systems. We identify some of the concerns raised in the past
      with ownership-based policies and propose a set of responses. If these are
      pursued in combination, they hold the promise of a sustainable ownership-based
      policy reform for the United States.

PMID- 27127255
TI  - The Troubled History of Psychiatry's Quest for Specificity.
AB  - Over the course of the nineteenth century, medical disciplines replaced holistic
      conceptions of body and mind with specific diagnoses that were unrelated to the
      qualities and circumstances of the individuals who harbored them. Despite
      periodic attempts from the late nineteenth through the mid-twentieth centuries to
      implement diagnostic systems based on the principle of specificity, psychiatric
      diagnoses remained undifferentiated, overlapping, and capacious. The need for
      medical legitimacy, compatibility with a biomedical model, and conditions that
      third parties would reimburse led psychiatry to replace the psychodynamically
      oriented DSM-I and DSM-II with the radically empiricist DSM-III in 1980. This
      manual emphasized explicit measurement, symptom-based entities, and homogeneous
      categories that were compatible with the specific disorders embraced in the rest
      of medicine. Yet the diagnostic system that the DSM-III launched was incongruent
      with the underlying nature of the continuous, fluid, and intersecting conditions
      with which psychiatry deals. The widespread institutionalization of the specific
      diagnostic system in psychiatric practice, however, prevented any thoroughgoing
      revisions when the DSM-5 was published in 2013. The result is an impasse between
      psychiatry's classificatory system and the need for scientific progress in
      understanding the causes of and treatments for mental disorders.

PMID- 27127256
TI  - Regulating and Paying for Hospice and Palliative Care: Reflections on the
      Medicare Hospice Benefit.
AB  - Hospice began as a social movement outside of mainstream medicine with the goal
      of helping those dying alone and in unbearable pain in health care institutions.
      The National Hospice Study, undertaken to test whether hospice improved dying
      cancer patients' quality of life while saving Medicare money, found hospice care
      achieved comparable outcomes to traditional cancer care and was less costly as
      long as hospice lengths of stay were not too long. In 1982, before study results
      were final, Congress created a Medicare hospice benefit under a capitated per
      diem payment system restricting further treatment. In 1986 the benefit was
      extended to beneficiaries living in nursing homes. This change resulted in longer
      average lengths of stay, explosive growth in the number of hospices, particularly
      of the for-profit variety, and increases in total Medicare expenditures on
      hospice care. An increasingly high proportion of beneficiaries receive hospice
      care. However, over 30 percent are served fewer than seven days before they die,
      while very long stays are also increasingly common. These and other factors raise
      quality concerns about hospice being disconnected from the rest of the health
      care system. We offer suggestions regarding how hospice could be better
      integrated into the broader health care delivery system.

PMID- 27127257
TI  - Using the Courts to Shape Medicaid Policy: Olmstead v. L.C. by Zimring and Its
      Community Integration Legacy.
AB  - In Olmstead v. L.C. by Zimring, the United States Supreme Court addressed the
      relationship between the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark in US
      civil rights law, and the Medicaid program. Olmstead holds that qualified
      individuals with disabilities who are protected by the ADA have the right to
      receive publicly funded services in community-integrated treatment settings and
      that medically unnecessary institutionalization violates the ADA. But the Court
      had to wrestle with the extent to which the ADA requires state Medicaid programs
      to make deep and structural reforms in how long-term care services are organized,
      financed, and delivered. From a strictly legal perspective, Olmstead's impact has
      been limited by the fact that the ADA does not require fundamental alterations in
      public programs. Despite this fact, Olmstead remains a watershed decision in US
      disability law that has helped spur transformational changes in how Medicaid
      addresses community-based long-term care.

PMID- 27127258
TI  - Stigma as an Unrecognized Determinant of Population Health: Research and Policy
      Implications.
AB  - Stigma processes play an underrecognized role in the distribution of life
      chances, influencing health through the production of disadvantage and the
      induction of stress. Policies enact stigma processes, mitigate them, or ignore
      them. If each of these two statements is correct, the intersection of stigma and
      policy demands our attention. We propose a change of perspective from an approach
      that considers one stigmatized status and one outcome at a time to a perspective
      that considers the full range of stigmatized statuses and outcomes so as to
      reveal stigma's full impact. Concerning the second statement, literature
      addressing "structural stigma" provides compelling evidence that policy enacts
      stigma and harms health in some circumstances and mitigates stigma and improves
      health in others. In addition to the effects of active policies, we also bring
      attention to policy inattention-doing nothing. A core feature of stigma is a
      discounting-a mattering less-that allows and even fosters policy inattention
      toward the concerns of stigmatized groups. We end by engaging David Mechanic and
      Linda H. Aiken's ideas concerning how social science influences policy by
      changing how people think about problems and hope that our consideration of
      stigma and policy might ultimately have such a consequence.

PMID- 27127259
TI  - Opportunities and Challenges for Payment Reform: Observations from Massachusetts.
AB  - Policy makers and private health plans are expanding their efforts to implement
      new payment models that will encourage providers to improve quality and deliver
      health care more efficiently. Over the past five years, payment reforms have
      progressed faster in Massachusetts than in any other state. The reasons include a
      major effort by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to implement global
      payment, the presence of large integrated systems willing to take on financial
      risk, and a supportive state policy environment. By 2014, thirty-seven percent of
      Massachusetts's residents enrolled in health plans were covered under risk-based
      payment models tied to global budgets. But the expansion of payment reform in
      Massachusetts slowed between 2012 and 2015 because some commercial enrollment
      shifted from risk-based health maintenance organization products to fee-for
      service preferred provider organization (PPO) plans, and the state Medicaid
      program fell short of its payment reform goals. Provider groups will not fully
      commit to population-based clinical models if they believe it will result in
      large reductions in fee-for-service revenue. The use of alternative payment
      models will accelerate in 2016 when Blue Cross begins implementing PPO payment
      reforms, but it is unknown how quickly other payers will follow. Massachusetts's
      experience illustrates the complexity of payment reform in pluralistic health
      care markets and the need for complementary efforts by public and private
      stakeholders.

PMID- 27127261
TI  - Implementing the Affordable Care Act: The Promise and Limits of Health Care
      Reform.
AB  - The Obama administration has confronted a formidable array of obstacles in
      implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA has overcome those obstacles
      to substantially expand access to health insurance, though significant problems
      with its approach have emerged. What does the ACA's performance to date tell us
      about the possibilities and limits of health care reform in the United States? I
      identify key challenges in ACA implementation-the inherently disruptive nature of
      reform, partisan polarization, the limits of "near universal" coverage,
      complexity, and divided public opinion-and analyze how these issues have shaped
      its evolution. The article concludes by exploring the political and policy
      challenges that lie ahead for the ACA.

PMID- 27127262
TI  - Partisanship, Dysfunction, and Racial Fears: The New Normal in Health Care
      Policy?
AB  - Partisan politics snarled both the passage and the implementation of the
      Affordable Care Act (ACA). This essay examines partisanship's effects on health
      policy and asks whether the ACA experience was an exception or the new political
      normal. Partisanship itself has been essential for American democracy, but
      American institutions were not designed to handle its current form-ideologically
      pure, racially sorted, closely matched parties playing by "Gingrich rules" before
      a partisan media. The new partisanship injects three far-reaching changes into
      national health policy: an unprecedented lack of closure, a decline in the
      traditional political arts of compromise and bargaining, and a failure to define
      and debate alternative health policies. We can get a better sense of how far
      partisanship reaches by turning to state health policies. The highly charged
      national debate has migrated into some of the states; others retain the
      traditional politics of compromise and problem solving. There are preliminary
      indications that the difference lies in the dynamics of race and ethnicity.

PMID- 27127263
TI  - Economics and the Transformation of the Mental Health System.
AB  - Mental illnesses provide a difficult set of challenges to American health and
      social institutions. Those challenges have been a continuous concern of David
      Mechanic's over the course of his career. In this article we trace the
      development of modern economic and organizational structures that drive the
      delivery of mental health care in the early part of the twenty-first century. We
      show how the nature of mental disorders themselves and the treatment for
      addressing those illnesses pose fundamental difficulties to health care
      organizational and financing structures. We analyze the factors that have caused
      the dramatic changes in how American society has addressed mental illnesses over
      the past fifty years. Specifically, we note the central influence that mainstream
      health, income support, and disability programs have had in shaping mental health
      care. We argue that the interaction of the unique features of mental illnesses
      and changes in mainstream health and social policy led mental health care to
      evolve so differently from general medical care.

PMID- 27127264
TI  - The Rise of Primary Care Physicians in the Provision of US Mental Health Care.
AB  - Primary care physicians have assumed an increasingly important role in US
      outpatient mental health care. They are providing an increasing volume of
      outpatient mental health services, prescribing a growing number and variety of
      psychotropic medications, and treating patients with a broader array of mental
      health conditions. These trends, which run counter to a general trend toward
      specialization and subspecialization within US health care, place new strains on
      the clinical competencies of primary care physicians. They also underscore the
      importance of implementing more effective models of collaboration between primary
      care physicians and mental health specialists. Several elements of the Affordable
      Care Act provide options for financing and organizing the delivery of integrated
      general medical and behavioral services. Such integrated services have the
      potential to improve access and quality of outpatient mental health care for a
      range of psychiatric disorders. Because people with severe and persisting mental
      disorders commonly require a higher-level medical expertise than is readily
      available within primary care as well as a complex array of social services,
      separate specialized mental health will likely continue to play a vitally
      important role in caring for this population.

PMID- 27127265
TI  - Evolving Concepts of Patient-Centered Care and the Assessment of Patient Care
      Experiences: Optimism and Opposition.
AB  - In his seminal work on health care quality, Avedis Donabedian noted that patient
      satisfaction was a key indicator of health care quality, and in the 1970s and
      1980s a great deal of research explored the determinants of patient satisfaction.
      Subsequently, attention shifted toward assessing care experiences, and there is
      now a large body of evidence related to the reliability and validity of survey
      based assessments of care. As the use of such surveys has increased, so too have
      concerns about the validity and uses of such surveys. The available research,
      however, indicates that such surveys are reliable, valid, correlated across
      individuals and settings with other quality indicators, and predictive of better
      outcomes. Patient experiences are now routinely measured, and substantial effort
      is being devoted to providing high-quality patient-centered care. Providing
      patient-centered care need not divert resources away from other quality
      improvement efforts. Improving the infrastructure supporting certain aspects of
      care may have broad effects because system changes can influence multiple
      outcomes. Thus, rather than detract from general quality improvement efforts,
      making changes that facilitate patient-centered care may lead to broader
      improvements. There is good reason to be optimistic that our health care system
      will increasingly be "patient centered."

PMID- 27127266
TI  - Social Determinants and Disparities in Health: Their Crucifixion, Resurrection,
      and Ultimate Triumph(?) in Health Policy.
AB  - David Mechanic has been a principal founder of modern sociological and social
      science approaches to health, especially in relation to health policy. These
      approaches have since the 1950s and 1960s resurrected ideas that had currency in
      the mid-nineteenth century but seemed crucified, dead, and buried by the rise of
      modern biomedicine from the mid-nineteenth century through the mid-twentieth
      century. Problems and lacunae in purely biomedical approaches to health in the
      later twentieth century, along with developments of new biopsychosocial
      approaches to health, have spawned a return toward ideas of Rudolf Virchow and
      mid-nineteenth-century social medicine that social determinants and disparities
      are major drivers of population health. Since individual health and population
      health constitute the major determinants of health care utilization and
      expenditures, social determinants and disparities in health are arguably the
      foundation of a new "demand-side" health policy that can resolve America's
      paradoxical health policy crisis of spending increasingly more than any nation on
      health care and insurance yet achieving increasingly worsening health outcomes
      relative to virtually all developed countries and some developing ones as well,
      something that current "supply-side" health policy, including Obamacare, cannot
      do, important as it is for expanding access to health insurance and care.

PMID- 27127267
TI  - Needed Interventions to Reduce Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Health.
AB  - Large racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status (SES) differences in health persist
      in the United States. Eliminating these health disparities is a public health
      challenge of our time. This article addresses what is needed for social and
      behavioral interventions to be successful. We draw on important insights for
      reducing social inequalities in health that David Mechanic articulated more than
      a decade ago in his article "Disadvantage, Inequality, and Social Policy." We
      begin by outlining the challenge that interventions that have the potential to
      improve health at the population level can widen social inequalities in health.
      Next, given that there are racial differences in SES at every level of SES, we
      review research on race/ethnicity-related aspects of social experience that can
      contribute to racial inequalities in SES and health. We then explore what is
      needed for social and behavioral interventions to be successful in addressing
      disparities and consider the significance of race/ethnicity in designing and
      developing good policies to address this added dimension of inequality. We
      conclude that there is a pressing need to develop a scientific research agenda to
      identify how to build and sustain the political will needed to create policy to
      eliminate racial/ethnic health disparities.

PMID- 27127268
TI  - Dachsous1b cadherin regulates actin and microtubule cytoskeleton during early
      zebrafish embryogenesis.

PMID- 27127269
TI  - Fault Lines.

PMID- 27127270
TI  - Child health care: adequate training for all UK GPs is long overdue.

PMID- 27127271
TI  - Preoperative blood pressure measurement: what should GPs be doing?

PMID- 27127272
TI  - Day surgery: implications for general practice.

PMID- 27127273
TI  - Front door surgeons: the rise of consultant-delivered acute surgical care.

PMID- 27127274
TI  - Understanding and managing dental and orofacial pain in general practice.

PMID- 27127275
TI  - After Achilles.

PMID- 27127276
TI  - Fishing.

PMID- 27127277
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27127278
TI  - Viewpoint: Healthcare professional education: its role in influencing career
      choices in primary care.

PMID- 27127279
TI  - Sitting is the new smoking: where do we stand?

PMID- 27127280
TI  - General practice in meltdown.

PMID- 27127281
TI  - The GP waiting room under examination.

PMID- 27127282
TI  - Yonder: Self-harm, repeat prescribing, deprescribing, and worry.

PMID- 27127283
TI  - Maurice Wood: an appreciation.

PMID- 27127284
TI  - Exhibition: Health and the Body: the Ingram Collection at the RCGP: A Medical
      Story in the Home of General Practice.

PMID- 27127285
TI  - Postcards from India.

PMID- 27127286
TI  - Poetry: Sonnet on pain.

PMID- 27127287
TI  - BJGP Library: The Code of The Woosters: A Perfect Escape.

PMID- 27127288
TI  - Home and away.

PMID- 27127289
TI  - Good practice in shared care for inflammatory arthritis.

PMID- 27127290
TI  - The Roundhouse: an alternative model for primary care.

PMID- 27127291
TI  - Data and performance: can education and health learn from each other?

PMID- 27127292
TI  - Atomic data: James Mackenzie Lecture 2015.

PMID- 27127293
TI  - Glaucoma: the patient's perspective.

PMID- 27127295
TI  - Swimming in H2O: two parts heart + one part obsession.

PMID- 27127294
TI  - Revisiting the continuum model of tendon pathology: what is its merit in clinical
      practice and research?
AB  - The pathogenesis of tendinopathy and the primary biological change in the tendon
      that precipitates pathology have generated several pathoaetiological models in
      the literature. The continuum model of tendon pathology, proposed in 2009,
      synthesised clinical and laboratory-based research to guide treatment choices for
      the clinical presentations of tendinopathy. While the continuum has been cited
      extensively in the literature, its clinical utility has yet to be fully
      elucidated. The continuum model proposed a model for staging tendinopathy based
      on the changes and distribution of disorganisation within the tendon. However,
      classifying tendinopathy based on structure in what is primarily a pain condition
      has been challenged. The interplay between structure, pain and function is not
      yet fully understood, which has partly contributed to the complex clinical
      picture of tendinopathy. Here we revisit and assess the merit of the continuum
      model in the context of new evidence. We (1) summarise new evidence in
      tendinopathy research in the context of the continuum, (2) discuss tendon pain
      and the relevance of a model based on structure and (3) describe relevant
      clinical elements (pain, function and structure) to begin to build a better
      understanding of the condition. Our goal is that the continuum model may help
      guide targeted treatments and improved patient outcomes. 

PMID- 27127297
TI  - Mannick JA, Lochte HL Jr, Ashley CA, Thomas ED, Ferrebee JW. Autografts of bone
      marrow in dogs after lethal total-body radiation. Blood. 1960;15(2):255-266.

PMID- 27127296
TI  - Exercise and pregnancy in recreational and elite athletes: 2016 evidence summary
      from the IOC expert group meeting, Lausanne. Part 1-exercise in women planning
      pregnancy and those who are pregnant.

PMID- 27127298
TI  - Glucocorticoid selection for pediatric ALL.

PMID- 27127299
TI  - HLH susceptibility: genetic lesions add up.

PMID- 27127300
TI  - Not all subclones matter in CLL.

PMID- 27127301
TI  - Pathogenic role of B-cell receptor signaling and canonical NF-kappaB activation
      in mantle cell lymphoma.
AB  - To interrogate signaling pathways activated in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in
      vivo, we contrasted gene expression profiles of 55 tumor samples isolated from
      blood and lymph nodes from 43 previously untreated patients with active disease.
      In addition to lymph nodes, MCL often involves blood, bone marrow, and spleen and
      is incurable for most patients. Recently, the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK)
      inhibitor ibrutinib demonstrated important clinical activity in MCL. However, the
      role of specific signaling pathways in the lymphomagenesis of MCL and the
      biologic basis for ibrutinib sensitivity of these tumors are unknown. Here, we
      demonstrate activation of B-cell receptor (BCR) and canonical NF-kappaB signaling
      specifically in MCL cells in the lymph node. Quantification of BCR signaling
      strength, reflected in the expression of BCR regulated genes, identified a subset
      of patients with inferior survival after cytotoxic therapy. Tumor proliferation
      was highest in the lymph node and correlated with the degree of BCR activation. A
      subset of leukemic tumors showed active BCR and NF-kappaB signaling apparently
      independent of microenvironmental support. In one of these samples, we identified
      a novel somatic mutation in RELA (E39Q). This sample was resistant to ibrutinib
      mediated inhibition of NF-kappaB and apoptosis. In addition, we identified germ
      line variants in genes encoding regulators of the BCR and NF-kappaB pathway
      previously implicated in lymphomagenesis. In conclusion, BCR signaling, activated
      in the lymph node microenvironment in vivo, appears to promote tumor
      proliferation and survival and may explain the sensitivity of this lymphoma to
      BTK inhibitors.

PMID- 27127304
TI  - Supplements such as fish oils improve antidepressant effectiveness, review finds.

PMID- 27127302
TI  - Protease-activated receptors in hemostasis.
AB  - Protease signaling in cells elicits multiple physiologically important responses
      via protease-activated receptors (PARs). There are 4 members of this family of G
      protein-coupled receptors (PAR1-4). PARs are activated by proteolysis of the N
      terminus to reveal a tethered ligand. The rate-limiting step of PAR signaling is
      determined by the efficiency of proteolysis of the N terminus, which is regulated
      by allosteric binding sites, cofactors, membrane localization, and receptor
      dimerization. This ultimately controls the initiation of PAR signaling. In
      addition, these factors also control the cellular response by directing signaling
      toward G-protein or beta-arrestin pathways. PAR1 signaling on endothelial cells
      is controlled by the activating protease and heterodimerization with PAR2 or
      PAR3. As a consequence, the genetic and epigenetic control of PARs and their
      cofactors in physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions have the potential to
      influence cellular behavior. Recent studies have uncovered polymorphisms that
      result in PAR4 sequence variants with altered reactivity that interact to
      influence platelet response. This further demonstrates how interactions within
      the plasma membrane can control the physiological output. Understanding the
      structural rearrangement following PAR activation and how PARs are allosterically
      controlled within the plasma membrane will determine how best to target this
      family of receptors therapeutically. The purpose of this article is to review how
      signaling from PARs is influenced by alternative cleavage sites and the physical
      interactions within the membrane. Going forward, it will be important to relate
      the altered signaling to the molecular arrangement of PARs in the cell membrane
      and to determine how these may be influenced genetically.

PMID- 27127305
TI  - The Growing Gap in Life Expectancy: Using the Future Elderly Model to Estimate
      Implications for Social Security and Medicare.

PMID- 27127303
TI  - APRIL and BCMA promote human multiple myeloma growth and immunosuppression in the
      bone marrow microenvironment.
AB  - Here we show that overexpression or activation of B-cell maturation antigen
      (BCMA) by its ligand, a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), promotes human
      multiple myeloma (MM) progression in vivo. BCMA downregulation strongly decreases
      viability and MM colony formation; conversely, BCMA overexpression augments MM
      cell growth and survival via induction of protein kinase B (AKT), MAPK, and
      nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB signaling cascades. Importantly, BCMA promotes in vivo
      growth of xenografted MM cells harboring p53 mutation in mice. BCMA
      overexpressing tumors exhibit significantly increased CD31/microvessel density
      and vascular endothelial growth factor compared with paired control tumors. These
      tumors also express increased transcripts crucial for osteoclast activation,
      adhesion, and angiogenesis/metastasis, as well as genes mediating immune
      inhibition including programmed death ligand 1, transforming growth factor beta,
      and interleukin 10. These target genes are consistently induced by paracrine
      APRIL binding to BCMA on MM cells, which is blocked by an antagonistic anti-APRIL
      monoclonal antibody hAPRIL01A (01A). 01A is cytotoxic against MM cells even in
      the presence of protective bone marrow (BM) myeloid cells including osteoclasts,
      macrophages, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. 01A further decreases APRIL
      induced adhesion and migration of MM cells via blockade of canonical and
      noncanonical NF-kappaB pathways. Moreover, 01A prevents in vivo MM cell growth
      within implanted human bone chips in SCID mice. Finally, the effect of 01A on MM
      cell viability is enhanced by lenalidomide and bortezomib. Taken together, these
      data delineate new molecular mechanisms of in vivo MM growth and
      immunosuppression critically dependent on BCMA and APRIL in the BM
      microenvironment, further supporting targeting this prominent pathway in MM.

PMID- 27127306
TI  - Long-range electrothermal fluid motion in microfluidic systems.
AB  - AC electrothermal flow (ACEF) is the fluid motion created as a result of Joule
      heating induced temperature gradients. ACEF is capable of performing major
      microfluidic operations, such as pumping, mixing, concentration, separation and
      assay enhancement, and is effective in biological samples with a wide range of
      electrical conductivity. Here, we report long-range fluid motion induced by ACEF,
      which creates centimeter-scale vortices. The long-range fluid motion displays a
      strong voltage dependence and is suppressed in microchannels with a
      characteristic length below ~300 MUm. An extended computational model of ACEF,
      which considers the effects of the density gradient and temperature-dependent
      parameters, is developed and compared experimentally by particle image
      velocimetry. The model captures the essence of ACEF in a wide range of channel
      dimensions and operating conditions. The combined experimental and computational
      study reveals the essential roles of buoyancy, temperature rise, and associated
      changes in material properties in the formation of the long-range fluid motion.
      Our results provide critical information for the design and modeling of ACEF
      based microfluidic systems toward various bioanalytical applications.

PMID- 27127307
TI  - A Fast Experimental Scanner for Proton CT: Technical Performance and First
      Experience with Phantom Scans.
AB  - We report on the design, fabrication, and first tests of a tomographic scanner
      developed for proton computed tomography (pCT) of head-sized objects. After
      extensive preclinical testing, pCT is intended to be employed in support of
      proton therapy treatment planning and pre-treatment verification in patients
      undergoing particle-beam therapy. The scanner consists of two silicon-strip
      telescopes that track individual protons before and after the phantom, and a
      novel multistage scintillation detector that measures a combination of the
      residual energy and range of the proton, from which we derive the water
      equivalent path length (WEPL) of the protons in the scanned object. The set of
      WEPL values and the associated paths of protons passing through the object over a
      360 degrees  angular scan are processed by an iterative, parallelizable
      reconstruction algorithm that runs on modern GP-GPU hardware. In order to assess
      the performance of the scanner, we have performed tests with 200 MeV protons from
      the synchrotron of the Loma Linda University Medical Center and the IBA cyclotron
      of the Northwestern Medicine Chicago Proton Center. Our first objective was
      calibration of the instrument, including tracker channel maps and alignment as
      well as the WEPL calibration. Then we performed the first CT scans on a series of
      phantoms. The very high sustained rate of data acquisition, exceeding one million
      protons per second, allowed a full 360 degrees  scan to be completed in less than
      10 minutes, and reconstruction of a CATPHAN 404 phantom verified accurate
      reconstruction of the proton relative stopping power in a variety of materials.

PMID- 27127308
TI  - The Mechanisms of Alcohol Control.
AB  - A substantial economics literature documents that tighter alcohol controls reduce
      alcohol-related harms, but far less is known about mechanisms. We use the
      universe of Canadian mortality records to document that Canada's Minimum Legal
      Drinking Age (MLDA) significantly reduces mortality rates of young men but has
      much smaller effects on women. Using drinking data that are far more detailed
      than in prior work, we document that the MLDA substantially reduces 'extreme'
      drinking among men but not women. Our results suggest that alcohol control
      efforts targeting young adults should focus on reducing extreme drinking
      behavior.

PMID- 27127309
TI  - Attachment Security in Three-Year-Olds who Entered Substitute Care in Infancy.
AB  - This study assessed relations among number of out-of-home placement changes, time
      in caregivers' care, caregiver type (i.e., foster parent, adoptive parent,
      kinship relation, and biological parent), child gender, and caregiver-child
      Emotional Availability (EA) as predictive of child attachment security when
      children were 3 years old in a sample of 104 caregivers and children. Children
      entered court-ordered care by six months of age. On average, children at the age
      of three spent 30 months with their caregivers, and nearly half of them were
      adopted by that time. Child attachment was assessed using the Attachment Q-set
      (Waters & Deane, 1985), and caregiver-child EA was assessed using the EA Scales,
      4th edition (Biringen, 2008). Sixty-six percent of children at age 3 showed
      secure attachments with caregivers, and EA subscale scores were also relatively
      high on average. The study predictor variables of EA Caregiver Sensitivity, Child
      Responsiveness, and Child Involvement predicted attachment security, with girls
      more likely to be securely attached to their substitute caregivers at age three
      than boys. Study limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

PMID- 27127310
TI  - Potential for measurement of the distribution of DNA folds in complex
      environments using Correlated X-ray Scattering.
AB  - In vivo chromosomal behavior is dictated by the organization of genomic DNA at
      length scales ranging from nanometers to microns. At these disparate scales, the
      DNA conformation is influenced by a range of proteins that package, twist and
      disentangle the DNA double helix, leading to a complex hierarchical structure
      that remains undetermined. Thus, there is a critical need for methods of
      structural characterization of DNA that can accommodate complex environmental
      conditions over biologically relevant length scales. Based on multiscale
      molecular simulations, we report on the possibility of measuring supercoiling in
      complex environments using angular correlations of scattered X-rays resulting
      from X-ray free electron laser (xFEL) experiments. We recently demonstrated the
      observation of structural detail for solutions of randomly oriented metallic
      nanoparticles [D. Mendez et al., Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B360 (2014) 20130315].
      Here, we argue, based on simulations, that correlated X-ray scattering (CXS) has
      the potential for measuring the distribution of DNA folds in complex
      environments, on the scale of a few persistence lengths.

PMID- 27127311
TI  - The revised guidelines of the Medical Council of India for academic promotions:
      Need for a rethink.

PMID- 27127312
TI  - Contemplation on marking scheme for Type X multiple choice questions, and an
      illustration of a practically applicable scheme.
AB  - Ever since its inception 100 years back, multiple choice items have been widely
      used as a method of assessment. It has certain inherent limitations such as
      inability to test higher cognitive skills, element of guesswork while answering,
      and issues related with marking schemes. Various marking schemes have been
      proposed in the past but they are not balanced, skewed, and complex, which are
      based on mathematical calculations which are typically not within the grasp of
      medical personnel. Type X questions has many advantages being easy to construct,
      can test multiple concepts/application/facets of a topic, cognitive skill of
      various level of hierarchy can be tested, and unlike Type K items, they are free
      from complicated coding. In spite of these advantages, they are not in common use
      due to complicated marking schemes. This is the reason we explored the aspects of
      methods of evaluation of multiple correct options multiple choice questions and
      came up with the simple, practically applicable, nonstringent but logical scoring
      system for the same. The rationale of the illustrated marking scheme is that it
      takes into consideration the distracter recognition ability of the examinee
      rather than relying on the ability only to select the correct response. Thus,
      examinee's true knowledge is tested, and he is rewarded accordingly for selecting
      a correct answer and omitting a distracter. The scheme also penalizes for not
      recognizing a distracter thus controlling guessing behavior. It is emphasized
      that if the illustrated scoring scheme is adopted, then Type X questions would
      come in common practice. 

PMID- 27127313
TI  - Carrot (Daucus carota L.): Nephroprotective against gentamicin-induced
      nephrotoxicity in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Daucus carota L.(DC) commonly known as carrot, folkorically used as
      ethnomedicine to treat nephrosis and other urinary disorders. Hence, the present
      study was aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effects of ethanolic root
      extract of DC against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in Albino Wistar rats.
      METHODS: Nephrotoxicity in rats was induced by intraperitoneal administration of
      gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day) for 8 days. Rats of either sex were divided into four
      groups (n = 6). Group 1 served as control that received normal saline (i.p.)
      whereas Group 2 (GM) was treated with gentamicin which served as gentamicin
      intoxicated group. Group 3-4 (DC200, DC 400) were pretreated with DC at doses of
      200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (p.o.), respectively, 1 h before the gentamicin
      intoxication. Following treatment, the nephroprotective effects of DC were
      evaluated by using serum levels of urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid,
      and creatinine levels; change in body weight and wet kidney weight along with the
      histological observations among the experimental groups. RESULTS: Gentamicin
      intoxication induced elevated serum urea, BUN, uric acid, and creatinine levels
      which was found to be significantly (P < 0.01) decreased in a dose-dependent
      manner in groups received DC which was also evidenced by the histological
      observations. CONCLUSION: DC showed a significant nephroprotective effect in a
      dose-dependent manner by ameliorating the gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and
      thus authenticates its ethnomedicinal use.

PMID- 27127314
TI  - Halometasone monohydrate (0.05%) in occupational contact dermatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The impact of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is often
      underestimated because of underreporting, and its management is also inadequate,
      especially in developing countries. Topical corticosteroids have remained the
      first line treatment but till date, there is no study on efficacy and safety of
      halometasone in OCD, and there is a paucity of data on its comparative efficacy
      in allergic and irritant variety. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and
      safety of halometasone in OCD and to compare its effect in allergic and irritant
      types of OCD. METHODS: The present study is a prospective, interventional, single
      arm clinical study conducted on 150 patients of OCD. Detailed history and
      clinical examination was done at baseline, and all enrolled patients underwent
      patch test with the Indian Standard Battery of allergens. Eczema severity was
      assessed by the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scale, SCORing Atopic
      Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, and patient-oriented eczema measure (POEM). Change in
      quality of life was assessed by using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
      After baseline assessments, they were prescribed halometasone 0.05% ointment and
      were followed up after 4 weeks, and efficacy variables were evaluated. RESULTS:
      At follow-up, 19 patients were lost, and data of 131 patients were analyzed.
      After 4 weeks of halometasone therapy, there was statistically significant (P <
      0.001) improvement in SCORAD index, IGA, POEM, and DLQI. Considering improvement
      in IGA as treatment success criteria, treatment was found to be successful in
      87.8%. Subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in effect of
      halometasone in allergic and irritant OCD. CONCLUSIONS: Halometasone is
      efficacious with a good safety profile in patients with OCD, and there is no
      significant difference in efficacy of the drug in allergic and irritant OCD.

PMID- 27127315
TI  - A randomized, comparative, open-label study of efficacy and tolerability of
      alfuzosin, tamsulosin and silodosin in benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common and progressive
      disease affecting elderly males, often associated with lower urinary tract
      symptoms (LUTS). alpha1-blockers are the mainstay in symptomatic therapy of BPH.
      Because of their greater uroselectivity and minimal hemodynamic effects,
      alfuzosin, tamsulosin, and silodosin are generally preferred. The aim of this
      study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of alfuzosin, tamsulosin, and
      silodosin in patients with BPH and LUTS. METHODS: Ninety subjects with BPH and
      LUTS were randomized into three groups of thirty in each, to receive alfuzosin
      sustained release (SR) 10 mg, tamsulosin 0.4 mg, or silodosin 8 mg for 12 weeks.
      The primary outcome measure was a change in the International Prostate Symptom
      Score (IPSS), and the secondary outcome measures were changes in individual
      subjective symptom scores, quality of life score (QLS), and peak flow rate (Qmax)
      from baseline. The treatment response was monitored at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks.
      RESULTS: IPSS improved by 88.18%, 72.12%, and 82.23% in alfuzosin SR, tamsulosin
      and silodosin groups (P < 0.001) at 12 weeks. Improvement in QLS was >75% in all
      the three groups (P < 0.001). A significant improvement in Qmax was seen with
      alfuzosin and tamsulosin (P = 0.025 and P < 0.001) but not with silodosin (P =
      0.153). However, the intergroup differences in IPSS, QLS, and Qmax were not
      significant. Ejaculatory dysfunction was more common with silodosin and corrected
      QT (QTc) prolongation occurred only with alfuzosin (two subjects) and tamsulosin
      (three subjects). CONCLUSION: Alfuzosin, tamsulosin, and silodosin showed similar
      efficacy in improvement of LUTS secondary to BPH, with good tolerability,
      acceptability, and minimum hemodynamic adverse effects. Alfuzosin, tamsulosin,
      and silodosin are comparable in efficacy in symptomatic management of BPH. The
      occurrence of QTc prolongation in three subjects with tamsulosin in the present
      study is an unexpected adverse event as there are no reports of QTc prolongation
      with tamsulosin in any of the previous studies.

PMID- 27127316
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extracts of spent Pleurotus ostreatus
      substrates in mouse ears treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the application of spent Pleurotus ostreatus substrates,
      enriched or not with medicinal herbs, as a source of anti-inflammatory compounds.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: P. ostreatus was cultivated on five different substrates:
      Barley straw (BS) and BS combined 80:20 with medicinal herbs (Chenopodium
      ambrosioides L. [BS/CA], Rosmarinus officinalis L. [BS/RO], Litsea glaucescens
      Kunth [BS/LG], and Tagetes lucida Cav. [BS/TL]). The anti-inflammatory activity
      of aqueous extracts of spent mushroom substrates (SMSs) (4 mg/ear) was studied
      using an acute inflammation model in the mouse ear induced with 2.5 MUg/ear 12-O
      tetradecanoylphorbol13-acetate (TPA). RESULTS: Groups treated with BS/CA, BS/RO,
      and BS/LG aqueous extracts exhibited the best anti-inflammatory activity (94.0%
      +/- 5.5%, 92.9% +/- 0.6%, and 90.4% +/- 5.0% inhibition of auricular edema [IAO],
      respectively), and these effects were significantly different (P < 0.05) from
      that of the positive control indomethacin (0.5 mg/ear). BS/TL and BS were also
      able to reduce TPA-induced inflammation but to a lesser extent (70.0% +/- 6.7%
      and 43.5% +/- 6.6% IAO, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Spent P. ostreatus substrate
      of BS possesses a slight anti-inflammatory effect. The addition of CA L. to
      mushroom substrate showed a slightly synergistic effect while RO L. had an
      additive effect. In addition, LG Kunth and TL Cav. enhanced the anti-inflammatory
      effect of SMS. However, to determine whether there is a synergistic or additive
      effect, it is necessary to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of each
      medicinal herb.

PMID- 27127317
TI  - Effect of ethanol extract of an ayurvedic preparation (Pathyadya Churna) on
      arthritis in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the anti-arthritic activity of Pathyadya Churna ethanol
      extract (PCE) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Formaldehyde (2% v/v) or complete
      Freund's adjuvant (CFA 0.l mL) was injected in the left hind paw of male Wistar
      rats to develop arthritis. These rats were treated with three doses (135, 270,
      and 540 mg/kg) of PCE and one dose (10 mg/kg) of indomethacin. Anti-arthritic
      activity of the extract was assessed by noting paw volumes, rheumatoid factor
      (RF), blood parameters, and histological changes. RESULTS: PCE treatment reduced
      paw swelling in arthritis caused by both formaldehyde and CFA. In CFA-treated
      rats, a significant decrease (P < 0.001) was seen in hemoglobin (13.92 g/dL to
      9.97 g/dL), red blood cell count (7.32 million/mm(3) to 6.58 million/mm(3)), and
      packed cell volume (44.04% to 30.56%). There were also significant (P < 0.001)
      elevations in white blood cell count (8220/-11,420/mm(3)), platelets (2.46-4.15
      lakhs/mL), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (3.76-8.03/60 min), RF (7.17-26.77
      IU/mL), triglycerides (71.69-96.60 mg/dL), total cholesterol (96.85-145.05
      mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein (53.11-109.60 mg/dL), and very low-density
      lipoprotein (14.34-19.32 mg/dL). In CFA-induced arthritic rats, high-density
      lipoprotein decreased significantly (29.40 mg/dL to 16.13 mg/dL). Marked changes
      were noted in the histology of ankles. Treatment with PCE significantly reversed
      all these hematological and histological changes in a dose-dependent manner.
      CONCLUSIONS: PCE has a significant anti-arthritic activity in rats and is free
      from toxic effects.

PMID- 27127318
TI  - A novel method of extraction of bamboo seed oil (Bambusa bambos Druce) and its
      promising effect on metabolic symptoms of experimentally induced polycystic
      ovarian disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential effect of bamboo seed oil in decreasing the
      major metabolic symptoms associated with letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian
      disease using female rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new method of microwave
      assisted extraction was developed. Female rats were grouped into four with six
      animals each. All rats were daily administered with letrozole (1 mg/kg b.wt.) for
      21 days except control, and during this period, changes in estrous cycle were
      observed. After letrozole treatment, Group 2 was considered negative control,
      Groups 3 and 4 were treated orally with bamboo oil, 0.5 ml/kg b.wt. and 1 ml/kg
      b.wt., respectively, for 3 weeks (five consecutive estrus cycles). Various
      parameters such as estrus cycle, blood sugar level, lipid profile, and weights of
      reproductive system were determined. The characteristics of cystic ovaries were
      evaluated by histopathological studies. RESULTS: The isolated bamboo oil restored
      estrus cyclicity showed hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. 1 ml/kg b.wt. of
      bamboo oil showed a marked glucose reduction from 254.04 +/- 2.08 to 92.6 +/-
      1.63, and levels of total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride
      were reduced from 186.45 +/- 2.28, 30.07 +/- 2.36, 100.36 +/- 2.35 to 152.14 +/-
      2.63, 25.94 +/- 1.66, 93.32 +/- 1.09, respectively. Histopathological results
      showed the presence of ovulation and recovery from cystic ovaries. CONCLUSION: A
      novel and promising drug was isolated in the treatment and maintenance of various
      metabolic symptoms associated with polycystic ovary disease.

PMID- 27127319
TI  - Enhanced therapeutic efficacy and amelioration of cisplatin-induced
      nephrotoxicity by quercetin in 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine-induced colon cancer in
      rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of quercetin treatment in combination of cisplatin (CP)
      induced nephrotoxicity as well on 1,2-dimethyl hydrazine (DMH)-induced colon
      cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, animals are exposed to DMH
      hydrochloride to induce colon cancer. In these groups, nephrotoxicity was
      assessed with the help of blood urea nitrogen, urea, and creatinine. The
      antitumor activity of quercetin and CP assessed with the help of number of
      aberrant crypts and foci formation. Tumor size in different treatment group
      determined with the help of vernier caliper. RESULTS: CP is one of the most
      widely used antineoplastic drugs against colon cancer, but it has a major dose
      limiting drawbacks of causing nephrotoxicity. Therefore, there is a need for a
      novel therapeutic regimen which will reduce the nephrotoxicity and enhance the
      anticancer activity of CP. The protective effect of quercetin on CP-induced
      nephrotoxicity is well-known. Moreover, quercetin is proven to have antitumor
      activity in colon cancer. Keeping all the facts in view, this study was conceived
      to evaluate the role of quercetin on therapeutic efficacy and nephrotoxicity of
      CP in DMH-induced colon cancer in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Treatment of
      quercetin with CP (7.5 mg/kg) prevents the CP-induced nephrotoxicity along with
      enhance the anticancer activity confirmed by the reduction of aberrant crypt foci
      number. Treatment of CP and quercetin alone leads to significant increase in the
      anticancer activity as compared to control colon tumor rats. CONCLUSION: In DMH
      induced colon cancer model, combination of quercetin and CP ameliorates CP
      induced nephrotoxicity as well as enhanced antitumor activity.

PMID- 27127320
TI  - Immunomodulatory activity of mefenamic acid in mice models of cell-mediated and
      humoral immunity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previously, different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
      have been evaluated for their potential immunomodulatory activities. Mefenamic
      acid is a well-known NSAID and is used in the treatment of musculoskeletal
      disorders, inflammation, fever, and pain. To the best of our knowledge, promising
      data regarding the immunomodulatory activity of mefenamic acid is scarce. Current
      study investigates the immunomodulatory activity of mefenamic acid in different
      models of cell-mediated and humoral immunity. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Immunomodulatory effects on cell-mediated immunity were evaluated using
      dinitrochlorobenzene-induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and
      cyclophosphamide-induce myelosuppression assays. While effects on humoral
      immunity were evaluated using hemagglutination assay and mice lethality test.
      RESULTS: Hematological analysis showed that mefenamic acid significantly reduced
      white blood cell count, red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin content,
      lymphocytes levels, and neutrophils levels in healthy mice as compared with
      control, suggesting the immunosuppressive activity of mefenamic acid. Treatment
      with mefenamic acid also significantly reduced all the hematological parameters
      in cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenic mice, as compared with positive control
      group. We found that treatment with mefenamic acid significantly suppressed DTH
      after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h, as compared with positive control group. Mefenamic
      acid treated groups showed a significant reduction in antibody titer against
      sheep RBCs as compared to control group, similar to the effect of
      cyclophosphamide. We also found increased mice lethality rate in mefenamic acid
      treated groups, as compared with positive control group. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      provided basic information of immunosuppression of mefenamic acid on both cell
      mediated and humoral immunity.

PMID- 27127321
TI  - Apoptotic activity and anti-Toxoplasma effects of artemether on the tachyzoites
      and experimental infected Vero and J774 cell lines by Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Drugs used for toxoplasmosis have limited efficacy and also severe
      side effects. A new drug with good efficacy and limited side effects is need of
      the hour. We studied the effects of artemether on Toxoplasma gondii in vitro
      conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Artemether (methyl-ether-qinghaosu) was tested
      for tachyzoites, J774, and Vero cell lines infected by T. gondii. For evaluating
      the effect of drugs on Vero cells infected with T. gondii, we designed two
      separate experiments; in the first experiment, the Vero cells were infected with
      tachyzoites and then treated with artemether; while in the second one, the
      tachyzoites were exposed to artemether and then Vero cells were infected with
      treated tachyzoites. For evaluating the apoptotic effect of artemether on
      tachyzoites and infected J774 macrophages cell line with T. gondii, we used flow
      cytometry method. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) was evaluated by intracellular
      replication of tachyzoites in Vero cells. RESULTS: IC50 for infected Vero cells
      with tachyzoites was determined as 49.13 MUg/ml. In pretreated tachyzoites with
      artemether before entering into Vero cells, IC50 was calculated as 13.15 MUg/ml.
      In both experiments, artemether showed a higher inhibitory effect than
      sulfadiazine (positive control). Artemether even at the highest concentrations
      only showed low cytotoxicity on Vero and J774 cell lines. Apoptosis in
      tachyzoites rise with an increasing concentration of artemether. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings indicate that artemether is effective to control the tachyzoites of T.
      gondii in vitro and maybe a good alternative drug for toxoplasmosis.

PMID- 27127322
TI  - Bedaquiline versus placebo for management of multiple drug-resistant
      tuberculosis: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is associated with
      significant morbidity and mortality. Bedaquiline is the first drug approved for
      treating MDR-TB. OBJECTIVES: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis
      to summarize the totality of all available evidence on the efficacy of
      bedaquiline for the management of MDR-TB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the
      following PubMed and Cochrane Registry of Clinical Trials. Randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) with a parallel design comparing bedaquiline versus any treatment
      for the management of MDR-TB in adults were eligible for inclusion. Data were
      pooled under a random effects model. RESULTS: Two trials published as three
      manuscripts with a total of 207 patients were included. As per the Cochrane risk
      of bias tool, majority of parameter were labeled as high or unclear risk of bias.
      Bedaquiline compared with placebo was associated with a statistically significant
      decrease in time to conversion of positive sputum culture to negative at 8 and 24
      weeks with a significant increase in mortality on long-term follow-up. There was
      no difference in completion rates between bedaquiline and placebo. CONCLUSION:
      Bedaquiline is an effective treatment modality for MDR-TB but needs to be
      balanced against significant mortality. Future Phase 3 RCTs are needed to make a
      conclusive recommendation.

PMID- 27127323
TI  - Use of methimazole and risk of acute pancreatitis: A case-control study in
      Taiwan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Some cases of acute pancreatitis have been reported to be associated
      with use of methimazole. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      relationship between use of methimazole and risk of acute pancreatitis on the
      basis of a systematic analysis. METHODS: This was a population-based case-control
      study analyzing the database of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program.
      There were 5764 individuals aged 20-84 years with a first attack of acute
      pancreatitis from 1998 to 2011 as the cases and 23,056 randomly selected sex- and
      age-matched individuals without acute pancreatitis as the controls. Use of
      methimazole was categorized as "never use" and "ever use." We estimated the
      relative risk of acute pancreatitis associated with the use of methimazole by
      calculating the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a
      multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: After adjustment for
      confounding factors, the OR of acute pancreatitis was 0.91 in individuals with
      ever use of methimazole, when compared with individuals with never use of
      methimazole (95% CI, 0.60-1.38). Unlike methimazole use, alcohol-related disease,
      biliary stone, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
      diabetes mellitus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hypertriglyceridemia were
      factors significantly associated with acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      does not detect a substantial association between the use of methimazole and risk
      of acute pancreatitis on the basis of systematic analysis. There appears to be a
      discrepancy between case reports and our systematic analysis about the
      association between the use of methimazole and risk of acute pancreatitis.

PMID- 27127324
TI  - The effect of 5-aminosalicylic acid on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) contributes to the development acute renal
      failure. Oxygen free radicals are involved in the pathophysiology of IR injury
      (IRI). This study was designed to investigate the effects of 5-aminosalicylic
      acid (5-ASA), which is known antioxidant agent, in IR-induced renal injury in
      rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar albino rats were unilaterally
      nephrectomized and subjected to 45 min of renal pedicle occlusion followed by 24
      h of reperfusion. 5-ASA (300 mg/kg, i.p) was administered prior to ischemia.
      After 24 h reperfusion, urine and blood samples were collected for the
      determination of creatinine (Cr) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, and renal samples
      were taken for the histological evaluation. RESULTS: Treatment with 5-ASA
      significantly decreased serum Cr and NO levels, also significantly increased
      urinary Cr level and decreased histopathological changes induced by IR.
      CONCLUSION: Treatment with 5-ASA had a beneficial effect on renal IRI. These
      results may indicate that 5-ASA exerts nephroprotective effects in renal IRI.

PMID- 27127325
TI  - Azithromycin buccal patch in treatment of chronic periodontitis.
AB  - AIM: This study aims to explore the clinical, microbiological, and biochemical
      impact of azithromycin (AZM) buccal patch in chronic generalized patients as a
      monotherapy as well as an adjunct to nonsurgical therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      A parallel design was used forty periodontitis patients were randomly allocated
      into five groups, namely Group 1 scaling root planing (SRP) alone, Group 2 (SRP +
      AZM patch group), Group 3 (SRP + AZM tablet group), Group 4 (AZM patch
      monotherapy), and Group 5 (AZM tablet as monotherapy). Plaque index, gingival
      bleeding index, modified gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical
      attachment level (CAL) were assessed at baseline and 21 and 90 days. Subgingival
      pooled plaque sample was collected to assess periodontopathogens like
      Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia (Pi) by anaerobic culture
      method. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) was also evaluated at baseline
      and 21 days. Periodontal maintenance was performed in Group 1 until 90(th) day,
      and clinical parameter was assessed at the end of 90(th) day. RESULTS: SRP + AZM
      tablets showed greater reduction in clinical parameters (P < 0.05) AZM as
      monotherapy did not offer clinical benefits over SRP. Baseline data were compared
      at the end, i.e., 90(th) day a significant reduction in plaque scores, gingival
      bleeding, and PPD was observed however no significant gain in the clinical
      attachment was observed. CONCLUSION: The monotherapy resulted in no improvement
      of periodontal parameters, microbial parameters, and TNF-alpha level. It is safe
      to use AZM + SRP as a mode of nonsurgical treatment in periodontitis patients.

PMID- 27127326
TI  - The effect of methanolic extract of Buchanania lanzan Spreng seeds on
      hematological indices.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was carried out to investigate the
      effects of methanolic extract of Buchanania lanzan Spreng seeds on hematological
      indices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen male albino Wistar rats were divided
      into three groups, six in each. Group I animals received distilled water, Group
      II and III were treated with an oral dose of 1000 mg oil/kg and 2000 mg oil/kg of
      extract, respectively, for 7 days. At the end of the study, blood was collected
      and evaluated for packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and
      red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts. RESULTS: There was a
      significant dose-dependent increase in the hematological indices such as PCV, Hb,
      RBC, and WBC count in the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement of PCV,
      Hb, and RBC values is an indication of the anti-anemic effect which may be due to
      the stimulation of RBC production in bone marrow. Further, stimulated production
      of WBC could be as a result of possible stimulus of the immune system. Hence,
      this study confirms that the extract of B. lanzan could be useful for the
      treatment of anemia.

PMID- 27127327
TI  - Ranitidine-induced perioperative anaphylaxis: A rare occurrence and successful
      management.
AB  - Perioperative anaphylaxis is a rare and catastrophic event. Anaphylaxis during
      perioperative period changes the entire management plan for the patient. Since a
      large number of drugs are administered to the patient during the short span of
      time, it becomes difficult to identify the culprit drug. This has an impact on
      the management of the patients who have to undergo surgery. Ranitidine is
      considered a safe drug used in perioperative period; however, rarely it can lead
      to perioperative anaphylaxis. We present one such case of ranitidine-induced
      perioperative anaphylaxis which was successfully managed by early diagnosis and
      avoidance of drug. 

PMID- 27127328
TI  - On the Fallacy of Quantitative Segmentation for T1-Weighted MRI.
AB  - T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) generates contrasts with primary
      sensitivity to local T1 properties (with lesser T2 and PD contributions). The
      observed signal intensity is determined by these local properties and the
      sequence parameters of the acquisition. In common practice, a range of acceptable
      parameters is used to ensure "similar" contrast across scanners used for any
      particular study (e.g., the ADNI standard MPRAGE). However, different studies may
      use different ranges of parameters and report the derived data as simply "T1
      weighted". Physics and imaging authors pay strong heed to the specifics of the
      imaging sequences, but image processing authors have historically been more lax.
      Herein, we consider three T1-weighted sequences acquired the same underlying
      protocol (MPRAGE) and vendor (Philips), but "normal study-to-study variation" in
      parameters. We show that the gray matter/white matter/cerebrospinal fluid
      contrast is subtly but systemically different between these images and yields
      systemically different measurements of brain volume. The problem derives from the
      visually apparent boundary shifts, which would also be seen by a human rater. We
      present and evaluate two solutions to produce consistent segmentation results
      across imaging protocols. First, we propose to acquire multiple sequences on a
      subset of the data and use the multi-modal imaging as atlases to segment target
      images any of the available sequences. Second (if additional imaging is not
      available), we propose to synthesize atlases of the target imaging sequence and
      use the synthesized atlases in place of atlas imaging data. Both approaches
      significantly improve consistency of target labeling.

PMID- 27127329
TI  - Evaluation of Body-Wise and Organ-Wise Registrations For Abdominal Organs.
AB  - Identifying cross-sectional and longitudinal correspondence in the abdomen on
      computed tomography (CT) scans is necessary for quantitatively tracking change
      and understanding population characteristics, yet abdominal image registration is
      a challenging problem. The key difficulty in solving this problem is huge
      variations in organ dimensions and shapes across subjects. The current standard
      registration method uses the global or body-wise registration technique, which is
      based on the global topology for alignment. This method (although producing
      decent results) has substantial influence of outliers, thus leaving room for
      significant improvement. Here, we study a new image registration approach using
      local (organ-wise registration) by first creating organ-specific bounding boxes
      and then using these regions of interest (ROIs) for aligning references to
      target. Based on Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), Mean Surface Distance (MSD)
      and Hausdorff Distance (HD), the organ-wise approach is demonstrated to have
      significantly better results by minimizing the distorting effects of organ
      variations. This paper compares exclusively the two registration methods by
      providing novel quantitative and qualitative comparison data and is a subset of
      the more comprehensive problem of improving the multi-atlas segmentation by using
      organ normalization.

PMID- 27127330
TI  - Structural Functional Associations of the Orbit in Thyroid Eye Disease: Kalman
      Filters to Track Extraocular Rectal Muscles.
AB  - Pathologies of the optic nerve and orbit impact millions of Americans and
      quantitative assessment of the orbital structures on 3-D imaging would provide
      objective markers to enhance diagnostic accuracy, improve timely intervention and
      eventually preserve visual function. Recent studies have shown that the multi
      atlas methodology is suitable for identifying orbital structures, but challenges
      arise in the identification of the individual extraocular rectus muscles that
      control eye movement. This is increasingly problematic in diseased eyes, where
      these muscles often appear to fuse at the back of the orbit (at the resolution of
      clinical computed tomography imaging) due to inflammation or crowding. We propose
      the use of Kalman filters to track the muscles in three-dimensions to refine
      multi-atlas segmentation and resolve ambiguity due to imaging resolution, noise,
      and artifacts. The purpose of our study is to investigate a method of
      automatically generating orbital metrics from CT imaging and demonstrate the
      utility of the approach by correlating structural metrics of the eye orbit with
      clinical data and visual function measures in subjects with thyroid eye disease.
      The pilot study demonstrates that automatically calculated orbital metrics are
      strongly correlated with several clinical characteristics. Moreover, the
      superior, inferior, medial and lateral rectus muscles obtained using Kalman
      filters are each correlated with different categories of functional deficit.
      These findings serve as foundation for further investigation in the use of CT
      imaging in the study, analysis and diagnosis of ocular diseases, specifically
      thyroid eye disease.

PMID- 27127331
TI  - A Bayesian Framework for Early Risk Prediction in Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - Early detection of risk is critical in determining the course of treatment in
      traumatic brain injury (TBI). Computed tomography (CT) acquired at admission has
      shown latent prognostic value in prior studies; however, no robust clinical risk
      predictions have been achieved based on the imaging data in large-scale TBI
      analysis. The major challenge lies in the lack of consistent and complete medical
      records for patients, and an inherent bias associated with the limited number of
      patients samples with high-risk outcomes in available TBI datasets. Herein, we
      propose a Bayesian framework with mutual information-based forward feature
      selection to handle this type of data. Using multi-atlas segmentation, 154 image
      based features (capturing intensity, volume and texture) were computed over 22
      ROIs in 1791 CT scans. These features were combined with 14 clinical parameters
      and converted into risk likelihood scores using Bayes modeling. We explore the
      prediction power of the image features versus the clinical measures for various
      risk outcomes. The imaging data alone were more predictive of outcomes than the
      clinical data (including Marshall CT classification) for discharge disposition
      with an area under the curve of 0.81 vs. 0.67, but less predictive than clinical
      data for discharge Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score with an area under the curve of
      0.65 vs. 0.85. However, in both cases, combining imaging and clinical data
      increased the combined area under the curve with 0.86 for discharge disposition
      and 0.88 for discharge GCS score. In conclusion, CT data have meaningful
      prognostic value for TBI patients beyond what is captured in clinical measures
      and the Marshall CT classification.

PMID- 27127332
TI  - Combining Multi-atlas Segmentation with Brain Surface Estimation.
AB  - Whole brain segmentation (with comprehensive cortical and subcortical labels) and
      cortical surface reconstruction are two essential techniques for investigating
      the human brain. The two tasks are typically conducted independently, however,
      which leads to spatial inconsistencies and hinders further integrated cortical
      analyses. To obtain self-consistent whole brain segmentations and surfaces,
      FreeSurfer segregates the subcortical and cortical segmentations before and after
      the cortical surface reconstruction. However, this "segmentation to surface to
      parcellation" strategy has shown limitations in various situations. In this work,
      we propose a novel "multi-atlas segmentation to surface" method called Multi
      atlas CRUISE (MaCRUISE), which achieves self-consistent whole brain segmentations
      and cortical surfaces by combining multi-atlas segmentation with the cortical
      reconstruction method CRUISE. To our knowledge, this is the first work that
      achieves the reliability of state-of-the-art multi-atlas segmentation and
      labeling methods together with accurate and consistent cortical surface
      reconstruction. Compared with previous methods, MaCRUISE has three features: (1)
      MaCRUISE obtains 132 cortical/subcortical labels simultaneously from a single
      multi-atlas segmentation before reconstructing volume consistent surfaces; (2)
      Fuzzy tissue memberships are combined with multi-atlas segmentations to address
      partial volume effects; (3) MaCRUISE reconstructs topologically consistent
      cortical surfaces by using the sulci locations from multi-atlas segmentation. Two
      data sets, one consisting of five subjects with expertly traced landmarks and the
      other consisting of 100 volumes from elderly subjects are used for validation.
      Compared with CRUISE, MaCRUISE achieves self-consistent whole brain segmentation
      and cortical reconstruction without compromising on surface accuracy. MaCRUISE is
      comparably accurate to FreeSurfer while achieving greater robustness across an
      elderly population.

PMID- 27127333
TI  - Whole Abdominal Wall Segmentation using Augmented Active Shape Models (AASM) with
      Multi-Atlas Label Fusion and Level Set.
AB  - The abdominal wall is an important structure differentiating subcutaneous and
      visceral compartments and intimately involved with maintaining abdominal
      structure. Segmentation of the whole abdominal wall on routinely acquired
      computed tomography (CT) scans remains challenging due to variations and
      complexities of the wall and surrounding tissues. In this study, we propose a
      slice-wise augmented active shape model (AASM) approach to robustly segment both
      the outer and inner surfaces of the abdominal wall. Multi-atlas label fusion
      (MALF) and level set (LS) techniques are integrated into the traditional ASM
      framework. The AASM approach globally optimizes the landmark updates in the
      presence of complicated underlying local anatomical contexts. The proposed
      approach was validated on 184 axial slices of 20 CT scans. The Hausdorff distance
      against the manual segmentation was significantly reduced using proposed approach
      compared to that using ASM, MALF, and LS individually. Our segmentation of the
      whole abdominal wall enables the subcutaneous and visceral fat measurement, with
      high correlation to the measurement derived from manual segmentation. This study
      presents the first generic algorithm that combines ASM, MALF, and LS, and
      demonstrates practical application for automatically capturing visceral and
      subcutaneous fat volumes.

PMID- 27127335
TI  - Performance Management of High Performance Computing for Medical Image Processing
      in Amazon Web Services.
AB  - Adopting high performance cloud computing for medical image processing is a
      popular trend given the pressing needs of large studies. Amazon Web Services
      (AWS) provide reliable, on-demand, and inexpensive cloud computing services. Our
      research objective is to implement an affordable, scalable and easy-to-use AWS
      framework for the Java Image Science Toolkit (JIST). JIST is a plugin for Medical
      Image Processing, Analysis, and Visualization (MIPAV) that provides a graphical
      pipeline implementation allowing users to quickly test and develop pipelines.
      JIST is DRMAA-compliant allowing it to run on portable batch system grids.
      However, as new processing methods are implemented and developed, memory may
      often be a bottleneck for not only lab computers, but also possibly some local
      grids. Integrating JIST with the AWS cloud alleviates these possible restrictions
      and does not require users to have deep knowledge of programming in Java.
      Workflow definition/management and cloud configurations are two key challenges in
      this research. Using a simple unified control panel, users have the ability to
      set the numbers of nodes and select from a variety of pre-configured AWS EC2
      nodes with different numbers of processors and memory storage. Intuitively, we
      configured Amazon S3 storage to be mounted by pay-for-use Amazon EC2 instances.
      Hence, S3 storage is recognized as a shared cloud resource. The Amazon EC2
      instances provide pre-installs of all necessary packages to run JIST. This work
      presents an implementation that facilitates the integration of JIST with AWS. We
      describe the theoretical cost/benefit formulae to decide between local serial
      execution versus cloud computing and apply this analysis to an empirical
      diffusion tensor imaging pipeline.

PMID- 27127334
TI  - Improving Cerebellar Segmentation with Statistical Fusion.
AB  - The cerebellum is a somatotopically organized central component of the central
      nervous system well known to be involved with motor coordination and increasingly
      recognized roles in cognition and planning. Recent work in multi-atlas labeling
      has created methods that offer the potential for fully automated 3-D parcellation
      of the cerebellar lobules and vermis (which are organizationally equivalent to
      cortical gray matter areas). This work explores the trade offs of using different
      statistical fusion techniques and post hoc optimizations in two datasets with
      distinct imaging protocols. We offer a novel fusion technique by extending the
      ideas of the Selective and Iterative Method for Performance Level Estimation
      (SIMPLE) to a patch-based performance model. We demonstrate the effectiveness of
      our algorithm, Non-Local SIMPLE, for segmentation of a mixed population of
      healthy subjects and patients with severe cerebellar anatomy. Under the first
      imaging protocol, we show that Non-Local SIMPLE outperforms previous gold
      standard segmentation techniques. In the second imaging protocol, we show that
      Non-Local SIMPLE outperforms previous gold standard techniques but is
      outperformed by a non-locally weighted vote with the deeper population of atlases
      available. This work advances the state of the art in open source cerebellar
      segmentation algorithms and offers the opportunity for routinely including
      cerebellar segmentation in magnetic resonance imaging studies that acquire whole
      brain T1-weighted volumes with approximately 1 mm isotropic resolution.

PMID- 27127336
TI  - Farm-level prevalence and risk factors for detection of hepatitis E virus,
      porcine enteric calicivirus, and rotavirus in Canadian finisher pigs.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus (HEV), norovirus (NoV), and rotavirus (RV) are all hypothesized
      to infect humans zoonotically via exposure through swine and pork. Our study
      objectives were to estimate Canadian farm-level prevalence of HEV, NoV
      [specifically porcine enteric calicivirus (PEC)], and RV in finisher pigs, and to
      study risk factors for farm level viral detection. Farms were recruited using the
      Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS)
      and FoodNet Canada on-farm sampling platforms. Six pooled groups of fecal samples
      were collected from participating farms, and a questionnaire capturing farm
      management and biosecurity practices was completed. Samples were assayed using
      validated real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We modeled predictors for
      farm level viral RNA detection using logistic and exact logistic regression.
      Seventy-two herds were sampled: 51 CIPARS herds (15 sampled twice) and 21 FoodNet
      Canada herds (one sampled twice). Hepatitis E virus was detected in 30/88 farms
      [34.1% (95% CI 25.0%, 44.5%)]; PEC in 18 [20.5% (95% CI: 13.4%, 30.0%)], and RV
      in 6 farms [6.8% (95% CI: 3.2%, 14.1%)]. Farm-level prevalence of viruses varied
      with province and sampling platform. Requiring shower-in and providing boots for
      visitors were significant predictors (P < 0.05) in single fixed effect mixed
      logistic regression analysis for detection of HEV and PEC, respectively. In
      contrast, all RV positive farms provided boots and coveralls, and 5 of 6 farms
      required shower-in. We hypothesized that these biosecurity measures delayed the
      mean age of RV infection, resulting in an association with RV detection in
      finishers. Obtaining feeder pigs from multiple sources was consistently
      associated with greater odds of detecting each virus. 

PMID- 27127337
TI  - Genetic diversity of Streptococcus suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs in Brazil.
AB  - Streptococcus suis is an emerging zoonotic pathogen that causes septicemia,
      meningitis, arthritis, and pneumonia in swine and humans. The present study aimed
      to characterize the genetic diversity of S. suis serotype 2 isolated from pigs
      showing signs of illness in Brazil using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE),
      single-enzyme amplified fragment length polymorphism (SE-AFLP), and profiling of
      virulence-associated markers. A total of 110 isolates were studied, 62.7% of
      which were isolated from the central nervous system and 19.1% from the
      respiratory tract. Eight genotypes were obtained from the combination of
      virulence genes, with 43.6% and 5.5% frequencies for the mrp (+) /epf (+) /sly
      (+) and mrp (-) /epf (-) /sly (-) genotypes, respectively. The presence of
      isolates with epf gene variation with higher molecular weight also appears to be
      a characteristic of Brazilian S. suis serotype 2. The PFGE and SE-AFLP were able
      to type all isolates and, although they presented a slight tendency to cluster
      according to state and year of isolation, it was also evident the grouping of
      different herds in the same PFGE subtype and the existence of isolates originated
      from the same herd classified into distinct subtypes. No further correlation
      between the isolation sites and mrp/epf/sly genotypes was observed. 

PMID- 27127338
TI  - Comparison of 2 commercial single-dose Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccines and
      porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccines on pigs
      dually infected with M. hyopneumoniae and PRRSV.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of 2 different commercial
      Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccines and porcine reproductive and respiratory
      syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccines in regard to growth performance, microbiological
      and immunological analyses, and pathological observation from wean to finish (175
      d of age). Pigs were administered M. hyopneumoniae and PRRSV vaccines at 7 and 21
      d of age, respectively, or both at 21 d old and then challenged with both M.
      hyopneumoniae and PRRSV at 49 d old. Significant (P < 0.05) differences were
      observed between the 2 vaccinated challenged groups in average daily weight gain,
      nasal shedding of M. hyopneumoniae, M. hyopneumoniae-specific interferon-gamma
      secreting cells, and macroscopic and microscopic lung lesions. Induction of
      interleukin-10 following PRRSV vaccination does not interfere with the immune
      responses induced by M. hyopneumoniae vaccine. The present study demonstrated
      that the single-dose vaccination regimen for M. hyopneumoniae and PRRSV vaccine
      is efficacious for controlling coinfection with M. hyopneumoniae and PRRSV based
      on clinical, microbiological, immunological, and pathological evaluation. 

PMID- 27127339
TI  - Safety and early onset of immunity with a novel European porcine reproductive and
      respiratory syndrome virus vaccine in young piglets.
AB  - Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can be difficult to
      manage in commercial settings. A novel type I PRRSV vaccinal strain (94881) was
      evaluated for safety and efficacy/onset of immunity (OOI) in piglets. In 2
      experiments, groups of piglets were vaccinated intramuscularly (IM) at
      approximately 14 d of age with a maximum-range commercial dose, an overdose, or a
      placebo in experiment 1 and either a minimum-range commercial dose or a placebo
      in experiment 2. The piglets in experiment 1 were evaluated for local and
      systemic reactions from days -2 through 14 after vaccination. The piglets in
      experiment 2 were challenged with a virulent heterologous type I PRRSV isolate 14
      d after vaccination and observed once daily for general health from days -1
      through 12 after vaccination and once daily for clinical signs associated with
      challenge from days 13 through 24 after vaccination. The average daily weight
      gain (ADWG) and the results of serologic and viremia testing were evaluated in
      experiments 1 and 2. Lung lesion scores and results of testing for PRRSV in lung
      tissue were evaluated in experiment 2. In experiment 1 the vaccine was shown to
      be safe, as there were no relevant differences between the vaccinated piglets and
      the piglets given a placebo. In experiment 2 the vaccine's efficacy, with an OOI
      of 14 d after vaccination, was established, as the vaccinated and challenged
      piglets exhibited significantly lower lung lesion scores, viremia, viral load in
      lung tissue, and total clinical sign scores, along with a significantly greater
      ADWG, compared with the placebo-vaccinated and challenged piglets. 

PMID- 27127340
TI  - Development of a double-monoclonal antibody sandwich ELISA: Tool for chicken
      interferon-gamma detection ex vivo.
AB  - The aim of the present work was to develop reagents to set up a chicken
      interferon-gamma (ChIFN-gamma) assay. Four monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific
      for ChIFN-gamma were generated to establish sandwich ELISA based on 2 different
      mAbs. To improve the detection sensitivity of ChIFN-gamma, a double-monoclonal
      antibody sandwich ELISA was developed using mAb 3E5 as capture antibody and
      biotinylated mAb 3E3 as a detection reagent. The results revealed that this ELISA
      has high sensitivity, allowing for the detection of 125 to 500 pg/mL of
      recombinant ChIFN-gamma, and also has an excellent capacity for detecting native
      ChIFN-gamma. This ELISA was then used to detect ChIFN-gamma level in chickens
      immunized with a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine, the immunized chicken
      splenocytes were stimulated by NDV F protein as recall antigen. From our results,
      it appears that the sensitivity range of this sandwich ELISA test is adequate to
      measure the ex vivo release of ChIFN-gamma. 

PMID- 27127341
TI  - Effects of ketamine and lidocaine in combination on the sevoflurane minimum
      alveolar concentration in alpacas.
AB  - This study investigated the effects of ketamine and lidocaine in combination on
      the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane (MACSEVO) in alpacas. Eight
      healthy, intact male, adult alpacas were studied on 2 separate occasions.
      Anesthesia was induced with SEVO, and baseline MAC (MACB) determination began 45
      min after induction. After MACB determination, alpacas were randomly given either
      an intravenous (IV) loading dose (LD) and infusion of saline or a loading dose
      [ketamine = 0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW); lidocaine = 2 mg/kg BW] and an infusion
      of ketamine (25 MUg/kg BW per minute) in combination with lidocaine (50 MUg/kg BW
      per minute), and MACSEVO was re-determined (MACT). Quality of recovery, time-to
      extubation, and time-to-standing, were also evaluated. Mean MACB was 1.88% +/-
      0.13% and 1.89% +/- 0.14% for the saline and ketamine + lidocaine groups,
      respectively. Ketamine and lidocaine administration decreased (P < 0.05) MACB by
      57% and mean MACT was 0.83% +/- 0.10%. Saline administration did not change MACB.
      Time to determine MACB and MACT was not significantly different between the
      treatments. The quality of recovery, time-to-extubation, and time-to-standing,
      were not different between groups. The infusion of ketamine combined with
      lidocaine significantly decreased MACSEVO by 57% and did not adversely affect
      time-to-standing or quality of recovery. 

PMID- 27127342
TI  - Breed- and age-related differences in canine mammary tumors.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that does not express
      the genes for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human
      epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2). It is an important and clinically
      relevant condition as it has a poor prognosis and is difficult to treat. Basal
      like triple-negative cancer is highly prevalent in both African-Americans and
      adolescents. We therefore examined whether such a cancer likewise occurs in
      specific breeds and age groups in dogs, focusing on basal-like triple-negative
      cancer in particular. In this study, 181 samples from dogs with malignant mammary
      carcinoma from the 5 most common breeds and 2 age groups in Korea were analyzed.
      Histological classification and molecular subtyping, including assessment of
      immunohistochemical findings, were carried out. Twenty-five of 28 (89.3%) triple
      negative carcinomas were identified as basal-like triple-negative carcinomas.
      Analysis of associations of classified factors revealed that the shih tzu breed
      (9/25, 36.0%) and advanced-age (19/25, 76.0%) groups were characterized by higher
      prevalence of basal-like triple-negative tumors with diverse histological types
      and of a higher grade. These results suggest that breed- and age-related
      differences can be identified in canine mammary carcinoma and, notably, in the
      shih tzu breed and at older ages. Further investigation of these distinguishing
      characteristics of the shih tzu breed is warranted. 

PMID- 27127343
TI  - The effects of intravenous alfaxalone with and without premedication on
      intraocular pressure in healthy dogs.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of intravenous
      alfaxalone with and without premedication on intraocular pressure (IOP) in
      healthy dogs. Thirty-three dogs were randomized to receive 1 of 3 treatments:
      acepromazine [0.03 mg/kg body weight (BW)] with butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg BW)
      intramuscularly (IM), followed by intravenous (IV) alfaxalone (1.5 mg/kg BW);
      dexmedetomidine (0.002 mg/kg BW) with hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg BW) IM, followed
      by alfaxalone (1 mg/kg BW) IV; and saline 0.9% (0.02 mL/kg BW) IM, followed by
      alfaxalone (3 mg/kg BW) IV. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at baseline,
      15 min, and 30 min after premedication, after pre-oxygenation, after
      administration of alfaxalone, and after intubation. After induction and after
      intubation, the IOP was significantly increased in all groups compared to
      baseline. While premedication with acepromazine/butorphanol or
      dexmedetomidine/hydromorphone did not cause a significant increase in IOP, the
      risk of vomiting and the associated peak in IOP after
      dexmedetomidine/hydromorphone should be considered when selecting an anesthetic
      protocol for dogs with poor tolerance for transient increases in IOP. 

PMID- 27127344
TI  - Evaluation of the effect of 4 types of knots on the mechanical properties of 4
      types of suture material used in small animal practice.
AB  - The influence of the type of material used, knot configuration, and use of an
      additional throw on the tensile force at failure, the elongation, and the mode of
      failure of different configurations of linear sutures and knotted suture loops
      was evaluated in this in-vitro mechanical study. We hypothesized that all types
      of knots would significantly influence the initial force and elongation of suture
      materials and would influence the force and elongation at which the knotted loops
      break, but not their mode of failure. A total of 432 samples of 4 types of size 3
      0 suture material (polydioxanone, polyglecaprone 25, polyglactin 910, and nylon),
      representing 9 configurations, were tested in a tensiometer. The configurations
      were 1 linear suture without a knot and the following loops: square (SQ) knot;
      surgeon's (SU) knot; granny (GR) knot; and sliding half-hitch (SHH) knot using
      either 4 and 5 or 3 and 4 throws, depending on the material. For polydioxanone,
      SQ and SU knots did not decrease the initial force at failure of the suture.
      Granny (GR) and SHH knots decreased the tensile force at failure and elongation
      by premature failure of the loop. For polyglecaprone 25, all knots decreased the
      initial force at failure of the suture, with SHH being weaker than the other
      knots. For coated polyglactin 910, all knots decreased the initial force at
      failure of the suture and slippage increased significantly compared with the
      other 3 sutures. The use of SQ knots with 3 throws did not result in a safe knot.
      For nylon, knots did not alter the original mechanics of the suture. In
      conclusion, all knots and types of suture material do not necessarily have the
      same effect on the initial tensile force at failure of suture materials. 

PMID- 27127345
TI  - Active surveillance of Anaplasma marginale in populations of arthropod vectors
      (Acari: Ixodidae; Diptera: Tabanidae) during and after an outbreak of bovine
      anaplasmosis in southern Manitoba, Canada.
AB  - Bovine anaplasmosis is the disease caused by the bacterium Anaplasma marginale.
      It can cause production loss and death in cattle and bison. This was a reportable
      disease in Canada until April 2014. Before then, infected herds were quarantined
      and culled, removing infected animals. In North America, A. marginale is
      biologically vectored by hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae), Dermacentor variabilis and
      D. andersoni. Biting flies, particularly horse flies (Diptera: Tabanidae), can
      also act as mechanical vectors. An outbreak of bovine anaplasmosis, consisting of
      14 herds, was detected in southern Manitoba in 2008. This outbreak lasted
      multiple rounds of testing and culling before eradication in 2011, suggesting
      local maintenance of the pathogen was occurring. We applied novel approaches to
      examine the vector ecology of this disease in this region. We did not detect A.
      marginale by screening of 2056 D. variabilis (2011 and 2012) and 520 horse flies
      (2011) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 

PMID- 27127346
TI  - Effects of Low-Dose and Long-Term Treatment with Erythromycin on Interleukin-17
      and Interleukin-23 in Peripheral Blood and Induced Sputum in Patients with Stable
      Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of low-dose and long-term treatment with
      erythromycin on IL-17 and IL-23, in peripheral blood and induced sputum, in
      patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS:
      Patients were randomly divided into placebo-treated group, group A (12 months of
      additive treatment with erythromycin, N = 18), and group B (6 months of additive
      treatment with erythromycin followed by 6 months of follow-up, N = 18).
      Inflammatory cells in induced sputum, pulmonary function, and the 6-minute walk
      distance (6MWD) were analyzed. Concentrations of IL-17 and IL-23 in peripheral
      blood and sputum were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS:
      After treatment, sputum and peripheral blood concentrations of IL-17 and IL-23
      significantly decreased in groups A and B compared with placebo-treated group.
      There were no significant differences after erythromycin withdrawal at months 9
      and 12 in group B compared with placebo-treated group. An increase in 6MWD was
      observed after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Erythromycin was beneficial and reduced
      airway inflammation in COPD patients. Underlying mechanisms may involve
      inhibition of IL-17 and IL-23 mediated airway inflammation. COPD patients treated
      with erythromycin for 6 months experienced improved exercise capacity. Finally,
      treatment for 12 months may be more effective than treatment for 6 months.

PMID- 27127348
TI  - Patient-reported outcomes: The next step?

PMID- 27127347
TI  - Associations of Trauma Severity with Mean Platelet Volume and Levels of Systemic
      Inflammatory Markers (IL1beta, IL6, TNFalpha, and CRP).
AB  - We investigated the associations of injury severity scores (ISSs) with the mean
      platelet volume, the serum levels of two interleukins (IL1beta and IL6), and the
      serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) and C-reactive protein
      (CRP). We sought to identify biochemical parameters that could be used as
      components of a new biochemical parameter-based ISS system. The levels of CRP,
      TNFalpha, IL1beta, and IL6 differed significantly (all p values < 0.05) between
      severely injured patients and controls. The mean platelet volume (MPV) did not
      correlate with the ISSs (p > 0.05). The TNFalpha and IL6 levels were useful for
      determining the severity of injury, and the CRP level was elevated in all trauma
      patients but did not correlate with the ISS. The IL1beta level was higher in the
      study group but did not increase as the ISS increased. IL6 and TNFalpha levels
      were higher in the study group and increased as the ISS increased. We found no
      significant difference between the trauma group and healthy individuals in terms
      of MPV values. IL6 and TNFalpha levels can be used to assess trauma severity.
      However, neither the MPV nor the CRP or IL1beta level is useful for this purpose.

PMID- 27127349
TI  - Do we need new patient reported measures to evaluate lower urinary tract
      dysfunction?

PMID- 27127350
TI  - Reconstructive surgery for hypospadias: A systematic review of long-term patient
      satisfaction with cosmetic outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Research on long-term results of hypospadias has focused on
      surgical techniques and functional outcomes, and it is only recently that patient
      satisfaction with appearance and psychosocial outcomes have been considered. The
      aim of this study was to provide an evidence-based systematic review of
      adolescent and adult patient perceptions of cosmetic outcomes following childhood
      surgery for hypospadias. METHODS: A systematic review was performed in accordance
      with the PRISMA and PICO guidelines, and studies assessed using the Oxford Centre
      for Evidence-Based Medicine system. MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE, and CINAHL
      databases were searched from 1974 to 2014 for clinical studies containing patient
      perceptions of appearance, deformity, and social embarrassment following
      hypospadias surgery. RESULTS: A total of 495 publications were retrieved, of
      which 28 met the inclusion criteria. Due to study design/outcome measure,
      heterogeneity data were synthesized narratively. Results indicate (i) patient
      perceptions of penile size do not differ greatly from the norm; (ii) perceptions
      of appearance findings are inconsistent, partially due to improving surgical
      techniques; (iii) patients who are approaching, or have reached, sexual maturity
      hold more negative perceptions and are more critical about the cosmetic outcomes
      of surgery than their prepubertal counterparts; (iv) patients report high levels
      of perceptions of deformity and social embarrassment; and (v) there is a lack of
      data using validated measurement tools assessing long-term patient perceptions of
      cosmetic outcomes, particularly with patients who have reached genital maturity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Protocols for clinical postpuberty follow-up and methodologically
      sound studies, using validated assessment tools, are required for the accurate
      assessment of cosmetic and psychological outcomes of hypospadias surgery.

PMID- 27127351
TI  - Demography and disease characteristics of prostate cancer in India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence of prostate cancer has shown significant variation
      across the globe. Though the prevalence and characteristics of this disease have
      been extensively studied in many countries, data regarding the true incidence of
      prostate cancer in India is limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE publications
      from 1990 to 2014 were searched and reviewed and compiled to assess the
      demographic profile of prostate cancer in India and characteristics unique to
      this disease in India. RESULTS: The limited data available on prostate cancer
      showed significant differences in incidence, precipitating factors, and disease
      characteristics of prostate cancer in India. CONCLUSIONS: Since India would be
      having more number of cases of prostate cancer than most others in the years to
      come, adequate population-based data regarding the demography and disease
      characteristics of this disease are of paramount importance in this country.

PMID- 27127353
TI  - Analysis of outcome following robotic assisted radical prostatectomy for patients
      with high risk prostate cancer as per D'Amico classification.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prognosis of prostate cancer depends on the risk stratification.
      D'Amico classification, the most commonly used risk stratification method is
      based on three factors, i.e., prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason grade and
      clinical stage. The impact of presence of multiple risk factors on prognosis
      after radical prostatectomy has not been studied in Indian patients. We analyzed
      the outcome of patients with high-risk disease undergoing robotic-assisted
      radical prostatectomy (RARP), as per D'Amico classification. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Our study is a review of the data of all patients with high-risk
      prostate cancer who underwent RARP between July 2010 and January 2015.
      Preoperative, perioperative and outcome data were analyzed for patients with high
      risk disease as per D'Amico classification. RESULTS: Of 227 patients who
      underwent RARP, 90 (39.6%) were in the high-risk group. PSA > 20 ng/ml was the
      most common risk factor, present in 50 (55.6%) patients. All three risk factors
      were present in 3 patients, and single risk factor was present in 65 patients.
      Nine (10%) patients had lymphnode involvement, 18 (20%) had positive margin, and
      38 (41.1%) had extraprostatic extension (EPE). Among these adverse outcomes, only
      EPE showed significant association with multiplicity of risk factors. At 12
      months, 27.8% had biochemical recurrence (BCR). 92% of patients were continent at
      12 months. CONCLUSION: About 92% of patients with high-risk disease were
      continent at 12 months, whereas less than one-third of the patients had BCR. EPE
      was the only outcome associated with multiplicity of risk factors. Adjuvant
      treatment is not required in two-thirds of patients.

PMID- 27127352
TI  - Extended lymph node dissection in robotic radical prostatectomy: Current status.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The role and extent of extended pelvic lymph node dissection
      (ePLND) during radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer patients remains
      unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PubMed literature search was performed for
      studies reporting on treatment regimens and outcomes in patients with prostate
      cancer treated by RP and extended lymph node dissection between 1999 and 2013.
      RESULTS: Studies have shown that RP can improve progression-free and overall
      survival in patients with lymph node-positive prostate cancer. While this finding
      requires further validation, it does allow urologists to question the former
      treatment paradigm of aborting surgery when lymph node invasion from prostate
      cancer occurred, especially in patients with limited lymph node tumor
      infiltration. Studies show that intermediate- and high-risk patients should
      undergo ePLND up to the common iliac arteries in order to improve nodal staging.
      CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from the literature suggests that RP with ePLND improves
      survival in lymph node-positive prostate cancer. While studies have shown
      promising results, further improvements and understanding of the surgical
      technique and post-operative treatment are required to improve treatment for
      prostate cancer patients with lymph node involvement.

PMID- 27127354
TI  - Selective indication for check cystogram before catheter removal following robot
      assisted radical prostatectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: With the improvement in anastomotic technique, it is rare to find
      anastomotic site leak after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). It may
      not always be necessary to do regular check cystogram before catheter removal. We
      evaluated our 230 consecutive RARP patients and their cystograms to determine the
      indications for selective use of cystogram before catheter removal. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We reviewed our prospectively collected RARP database of 230 consecutive
      patients. Cystography was performed at low pressure by gravity instillation of
      diluted contrast through the catheter. Patients were observed under fluoroscopy
      in lateral oblique position for any contrast leak at the site of anastomosis. All
      patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months, and the longest follow-up was 5
      years. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients (90%) underwent catheter removal on
      postoperative day 7. Nine patients (3.9%) had extravasation on initial cystogram.
      Two patients with leak had a history of transurethral resection of prostate
      (TURP) and seven other had bladder neck reconstruction for wide bladder neck.
      Three patients with minimal leak did not require catheter replacement. In rest of
      the 6 patient with leak, continued catheter drainage was done. No significant
      difference in the intraoperative variables, blood loss, duration of drain, length
      of hospital stay, and continence outcomes was noted between the patients with
      leak compared to rest of the patients. None of the patient needed any
      procedure/intervention related to the surgery and none developed bladder neck
      stenosis. CONCLUSION: In usual circumstances, catheter removal can be done safely
      on a postoperative day 7 without routine cystography. Selective use of check
      cystogram can be done in the case where bladder neck reconstruction is performed
      or those had a prior TURP and a wide bladder neck.

PMID- 27127355
TI  - Is surgeon intuition equivalent to models of operative complexity in determining
      the surgical approach for nephron sparing surgery?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The choice of approach for partial nephrectomy often depends on
      surgical complexity. We aimed to determine if surgeon intuition was equivalent to
      markers of operative complexity, such as RENAL nephrometry and Mayo adhesive
      probability (MAP) score, in determining the surgical approach for partial
      nephrectomy (PN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 119 masses
      removed for suspected renal cell carcinoma from January 2012 to September 2014 by
      a single surgeon who intuitively chose treatment with one of three surgical
      approaches: Open PN (OPN), robotic-assisted transperitoneal PN (RATPN), or
      robotic-assisted retroperitoneal PN (RARPN). Clinicodemographic characteristics,
      pathological features, and postoperative outcomes were compared for each
      approach. Logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of
      open surgical resection, our primary endpoint. RESULTS: Fifty-four tumors (45%)
      were resected via OPN, 40 (34%) via RATPN, and 25 (21%) via RARPN. OPN was
      performed in patients with more comorbidities (P = 0.02), lower baseline renal
      function (P < 0.01), more solitary kidneys (P < 0.01), and more multifocal
      disease (P < 0.01). Patients undergoing OPN had higher median nephrometry scores
      compared to RATPN and RARPN patients (8 vs. 7 vs. 7, respectively; P = 0.03), but
      MAP scores were no different among all three groups (P = 0.36). On multivariate
      analysis, higher nephrometry scores (odds ratio: 1.41, 95% confidence interval:
      1.10-1.81; P = 0.007) were independently associated with open surgical resection.
      Nephrometry score was predictive of OPN (area under curve = 0.64, P = 0.01) with
      a score of 6.5 having the highest sensitivity and specificity (76% and 42%,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RENAL nephrometry score was associated with surgical
      approach intuitively chosen by an experienced surgeon, but the presence of
      adherent perinephric fat did not correlate with decision-making.

PMID- 27127356
TI  - Ultra-mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A minimally-invasive option for
      percutaneous stone removal.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has witnessed rapid
      advancements, the latest being ultra-mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (UMP),
      which makes the use of 11-13F sheaths as compared to 24-30F sizes used in
      conventional PCNL. This miniaturization aims to reduce morbidity and improve
      patient outcomes. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of UMP and report our
      ourtcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 120 patients underwent UMP from July
      2012 to March 2014. These patients had a single unilateral renal stone measuring
      between 8 and 20 mm. All patients underwent UMP using a 3F nephroscope, 7.5F
      inner sheath, and 11F or 13F outer metallic cannula, which served as the Amplatz
      sheath. Stone fragmentation and clearance were achieved with holmium laser. No
      nephrostomy or stent was used routinely. RESULTS: Complete stone fragmentation
      was achieved in 114 out of 120 patients (95%) using UMP; whereas the remaining 6
      were converted into mini-PCNL using a 12.5F nephroscope and 15F Amplatz sheath.
      The mean operative time was 39.7 +/- 15.4 min, and the mean postoperative
      hospital stay was 22.3 +/- 2.2 h. Postoperatively, 6 (5%) patients had residual
      fragments measuring <=4 mm. At the 2 weeks follow-up, the stone-free status was
      >99% (119/120). There were no significant postoperative complications.
      CONCLUSION: This study shows UMP to be an effective and safe procedure for
      managing stones up to 20 mm. This procedure offers an attractive alternative to
      shock wave lithotripsy and retrograde intrarenal surgery for managing small
      stones.

PMID- 27127357
TI  - Plateau pattern of detrusor contraction: A surrogate indicator of presence of
      external sphincter dysfunction during micturitional phase of urodynamic study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dysfunctional voiding results from a disturbance in the
      coordination between sphincter relaxation and detrusor contraction. Video
      urodynamic studies with electromyography (EMG) are used for diagnosis but have
      limitations of availability and interpretation. We identified a plateau type
      voiding detrusor pressure tracing pattern in these patients with a potential of
      helping diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urodynamic data and tracings of adult
      patients having been diagnosed with external urethral sphincter dysfunction
      (EUSD) were retrospectively analyzed. The urodynamic studies comprised of
      pressure flow studies, micturitional urethral pressure profilometry, and voiding
      cystourethrogram (VCUG). Diagnosis of EUSD was based on the presence of
      intermittent or continuous narrowing in the region of EUS on VCUG along with a
      urethral-vesical pressure gradient of >20 cm H2O in males and >5 cm H2O in
      females. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients (14 men and 11 women) with a mean age
      36.6 +/- 16.5 years, presented with lower urinary tract symptoms (international
      prostate symptom score 18 +/- 5) and were diagnosed with EUSD on
      urodynamics/cystourethrography. The cause of EUSD was neurogenic DESD in four,
      dysfunctional voiding in 20 and voluntary pelvic floor squeeze in one. Resting
      maximum urethral closure pressure at EUS was 142.2 +/- 38.3 cmH2O in both sexes.
      Three patients had detrusor overactivity. EMG activity during voiding was high in
      10 patients, low in three, inconclusive in seven, and not performed in three. A
      plateau type pattern of detrusor contraction was observed in all the patients.
      This was qualitatively different from the roughly bell-shaped curve of detrusor
      contraction in men with prostatic obstruction (n = 14) and women with stress
      urinary incontinence (n = 11). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with EUSD have a
      characteristic plateau pattern of detrusor contraction on urodynamics which can
      be used as a surrogate for urodynamic diagnosis of nonrelaxing EUSD.

PMID- 27127359
TI  - Molecular cystoscopy: Micro-RNAs could be a marker for identifying genotypic
      changes for transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Normal-looking mucosa may harbor genetic changes preceding a
      visible tumor. This study was aimed at exploring the role of the quantitative
      expression of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) in bladder cancer tissue in comparison with
      normal mucosa and healthy controls (HCs) as a molecular marker. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Between October 2011 to December 2012, tissue from the bladder tumor of
      21 patients (cases tumor, CT), normal mucosa (case control, CC) of the same
      patients (n-21) and normal bladder mucosa from 10 HCs were obtained. miRNAs of
      angiogenesis, endothelial mesenchymal transition and apoptosis were quantified
      using stem-loop RT Taq Man polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was
      performed using the Chi square and independent sample T tests by using SPSS
      version 16. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients and controls were 55.41 +/-
      11.03 and 52.14 +/- 13.04 years. miR-21, miR-205, miR-126, miR-10b and miR-200a
      were highly expressed in CT (P < 0.027, <0.048, <0.025, <0.029 and < 0.005) as
      compared with HC. Expression of miR-21 and miR-129 were both correlated with
      grade and stage (P = 0.001 and < 0.009, respectively) and the level of expression
      was different in the same grade of non-muscle invasive tumors. The fold change of
      miR129, miR205 and miR200a was significantly higher in the normal-looking mucosa
      of bladder tumor patients than the HC (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Expression of
      miR129, miR205 and miR200a in the normal-looking mucosa of bladder cancer
      patients was significantly higher than the normal mucosa of a HC. This may help
      in predicting recurrence and formulating the follow-up strategy.

PMID- 27127358
TI  - Management of venous hypertension following arteriovenous fistula creation for
      hemodialysis access.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Venous hypertension (VH) is a distressing complication following
      the creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The aim of management is to relieve
      edema with preservation of AVF. Extensive edema increases surgical morbidity with
      the loss of hemodialysis access. We present our experience in management of VH.
      METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 37 patients with VH managed
      between July 2005 to May 2014. Patient demographics, evaluation, and procedures
      performed were noted. A successful outcome of management with surgical ligation
      (SL), angioembolization (AE), balloon dilatation (BD) or endovascular stent (EVS)
      was defined by immediate disappearance of thrill and murmur with resolution of
      edema in the next 48-72 h, no demonstrable flow during check angiogram and
      resolution of edema with preservation of AVF respectively. RESULTS: All 8 distal
      AVF had peripheral venous stenosis and were managed with SL in 7 and BD in one
      patient. In 29 proximal AVF, central and peripheral venous stenosis was present
      in 16 and 13 patients respectively. SL, AE, BD, and BD with EVS were done in 18,
      5, 4, and 3 patients, respectively. All patients had a successful outcome. SL was
      associated with wound related complications in 11 (29.73 %) patients. A total of
      7 AVF were salvaged. One had restenosis after BD and was managed with AE. BD,
      EVS, and AE had no associated morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Management of central and
      peripheral venous stenosis with VH should be individualized and in selected cases
      it seems preferable to secure a new access in another limb and close the native
      AVF in edematous limb for better overall outcome.

PMID- 27127360
TI  - Successful management of renal mucormycosis with antifungal therapy and drainage.
AB  - We report a case of isolated extensive renal mucormycosis in an immunocompetent
      adult, who was successfully managed conservatively without surgical debridement.
      To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case where antifungal therapy
      alone was sufficient even with such an extensive involvement. 

PMID- 27127362
TI  - Instrument malfunction during robotic surgery: A case report.
AB  - Robotic assistance is the new dimension of minimally invasive surgery. Despite
      being the state-of-the-art technology, newer technical problems still occur
      during robotic surgeries which are not addressed in the trouble shooting manual.
      We report one such problem being encountered with the tip cover accessory of
      monopolar scissors. In the current report, we discuss the technical fault and its
      correction. We feel that this problem needs to be registered into the trouble
      shooting manual to prevent such incidents in future. 

PMID- 27127361
TI  - Urethral duplication with unusual cause of bladder outlet obstruction.
AB  - A 12-year-old boy presented with poor flow and recurrent urinary tract infections
      following hypospadias repair at the age of 3 years. The evaluation revealed
      urethral duplication with a hypoplastic dorsal urethra and patent ventral
      urethra. He also had duplication of the bladder neck, and on voiding
      cystourethrogram the ventral bladder neck appeared hypoplastic and compressed by
      the dorsal bladder neck during voiding. The possibility of functional obstruction
      of the ventral urethra by the occluded dorsal urethra was suspected, and he
      underwent a successful urethro-urethrostomy. 

PMID- 27127363
TI  - Adrenocortical carcinoma with inferior vena cava thrombus: Renal preserving
      surgery.
AB  - Adrenocortical carcinoma with tumor thrombus extending via an adrenal vein into
      the inferior vena cava is uncommon. We describe a left side kidney-preserving
      surgery in such a patient where, after transection of the main renal vein at the
      point of insertion of the adrenal vein, the left kidney was being drained by
      lumbar and gonadal veins. 

PMID- 27127364
TI  - Pseudoaneurysm secondary to transvesical prostatectomy.
AB  - Pseudoaneurysms associated with the internal pudendal artery is rare and may
      occur as a complication of prostatic surgery or or pelvic trauma. We present
      images of the first case in literature of an isolated pseudoaneurysm secondary to
      transvesical prostatic adenomectomy, which was successfully treated by
      transarterial coil embolization. This complication can be difficult to diagnose,
      manage, and cause significant postoperative bleeding. Management requires as a
      multidisciplinary approach. 

PMID- 27127365
TI  - Steroid-responsive IgG4-related disease with isolated prostatic involvement: An
      unusual presentation with elevated serum PSA.
AB  - Autoimmune prostatitis is known to occur as a part of multisystem fibro
      inflammatory disorder known as IgG4 related disease (IgG4 RD). The usual
      presentation is with symptoms of gastro-intestinal disease with prostatic
      involvement presenting as lower urinary tract symptoms. The disease responds to
      corticosteroids. We report an asymptomatic young man who was diagnosed to have
      IgG4 related prostatitis on TRUS-guided prostate biopsy done for elevated serum
      PSA, in the absence of any other systemic involvement. The treatment with steroid
      resulted in normalization of S PSA levels. 

PMID- 27127366
TI  - Peri-incisional catheters through open surgical wound in converted nephrectomies:
      A novel modification of transverse abdominis plane block.

PMID- 27127367
TI  - Bird's Nest View from a Dermatologist's Eye.
AB  - Plica neuropathica also known as "birds nest" is irreversible matting of hair
      seen in otherwise healthy individuals and is usually associated with use of
      ionic/herbal soaps, shampoos, parasitic infestations, psychiatric alterations, or
      neglect. Anagen effluvium is a known side effect of many immunosuppressive drugs.
      Rarely matting of hair has been reported following azathioprine. We report plica
      neuropathica in two chronically ill patients on immunosuppressive drugs, that is,
      azathioprine and methotrexate along with a review of literature of its
      etiological factors and pathogenesis. 

PMID- 27127368
TI  - Trichoscopy: The Best Auxiliary Tool in the Evaluation of Nevus Sebaceous.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nevus sebaceous (NS) presents as alopecia and yellowish
      discoloration during infantile stage. In adult stage, lesions become verrucous.
      Importantly, various appendageal tumors such as trichoblastoma,
      syringocystadenoma papilliferum and basal cell carcinoma develop during this
      stage. Hence it is very important to follow the course of NS for early detection
      of neoplasms. Trichoscopy, being in vivo diagnostic technique, can be utilized in
      this condition. as it demonstrates specific trichoscopic patterns. Patterns of NS
      on trichoscopy are evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study was conducted in SN
      Medical College, Bagalkot. It is a case series study. Ten patients with NS were
      studied using polarised dermoscopy. All NS lesions were subjected to
      histopathology for confirmation of diagnosis. Correlation of histopathological
      changes and trichoscopic patterns was done. Data were tabulated in Microsoft
      excel sheet. The results are presented in proportions and percentages. RESULTS:
      Total of 10 patients including 6males and 4 females were present in the study.
      The mean age was 20years. Two patients were with childhood stage and 8 patients
      were with adulthood stage of NS. Trichoscopy showed 'cobble stone pattern' in 20%
      and 'cerebriform pattern' in 80% of patients. Histopathological features showed
      numerous and hyperplastic sebaceous glands with primordial hair follicles which
      were consistent with NS in all the patients. CONCLUSION: Trichoscopy helps in the
      diagnosis of NS with specific patterns. Yellowish globules in the cobblestone
      pattern and cerebriform patterns are specific to childhood and adult stages of NS
      respectively. Hence, trichoscopy is good, non-invasive diagnostic technique in
      NS. Authors strongly recommend regular trichoscopic examination of NS.

PMID- 27127369
TI  - Factors Associated with Premature Hair Graying in a Young Indian Population.
AB  - CONTEXT: Although the primary cause of premature hair graying (PHG) is considered
      to be genetic, certain environmental factors also play a role. Trace element
      deficiencies such as Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, and calcium may also be associated
      with PHG. However, India-specific data are relatively sparse. AIMS: The present
      study aimed at identifying factors associated with PHG in Indian patients.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A case-control study was conducted at a trichology clinic in
      Bengaluru between October 2013 and April 2014 with a total of 37 cases of PHG and
      37 age- and gender-matched controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100
      subjects were investigated for various parameters such as hemoglobin, serum
      ferritin, zinc, copper, calcium, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D after obtaining
      informed consent. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test was used to compare
      proportions between groups. Means were compared between groups using Student's t
      test. RESULTS: Serum ferritin levels were lower in patients with PHG as compared
      to the control group and the differences were statistically significant (P <
      0.001). Furthermore, as compared to the controls, patients with PHG had lower
      serum Vitamin B12 levels (P < 0.001). Individuals with PHG had significantly
      lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as compared to the
      control group (P < 0.001). Significant proportions of patients with PHG had a
      sedentary lifestyle and admitted to having irregular eating habits. CONCLUSION:
      PHG is associated with low serum ferritin, Vitamin B12, and HDL-C levels in
      Indian patients aged <25 years. However, studies with large sample sizes may be
      required to conclusively define these putative associations.

PMID- 27127370
TI  - Liquid Nitrogen Cryotherapy in Recalcitrant Alopecia Areata: A Study of 11
      Patients.
AB  - CONTEXT: Recalcitrant alopecia areata (AA) is not uncommon in clinical practice.
      In certain patients, treatment failures are known with almost every conventional
      therapy either singly or in combination. AIMS: To study the efficacy of liquid
      nitrogen (LN) cryotherapy in patients with recalcitrant AA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      We present series of eleven patients of recalcitrant AA, who consulted us after
      getting no response to various modalities of treatment for 6 months. We treated
      them with LN cryotherapy every 2 weeks till significant hair regrowth or maximum
      five sittings (at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks) whichever was earlier. Inclusion and
      exclusion criteria were applied. Each patient was counseled and a written consent
      was taken. Every session consisted of dual freeze and thaw cycles of 15 s each
      with a cryo unit spray. Two months of follow-up after last treatment was done to
      observe sustained re-growth of hair. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The clinical
      response was evaluated by using regrowth scale at 4(th), 8(th), and 16(th) week.
      RESULTS: 11 patients were recruited, one patient dropped due to inability to
      attend follow-ups. Remaining ten patients completed the treatment and follow-up.
      Out of 10 patients, five patients (50%) showed an excellent response, three (30%)
      had a satisfactory response, one (10%) had a fair response, and one patient (10%)
      had a poor response. No serious adverse effects were seen. Sustained hair
      regrowth was seen in 80% of patients at the 16(th) week. CONCLUSIONS: LN
      cryotherapy may be worth trying treatment in the management of recalcitrant AA.

PMID- 27127371
TI  - Trichostasis Spinulosa: An Unusual Diagnosis Presenting as a Double Lower Eyelid.
AB  - Trichostasis spinulosa (TS) is a relatively common but underdiagnosed disorder of
      the pilosebaceous follicles in which there is follicular hyperkeratosis of a
      dilated hair follicle with retention of telogen hairs. Clinical presentation of
      this disorder can be confused with comedogenic acne, keratosis pilaris, eruptive
      vellus hair cysts, and Favre-Racouchot syndrome. A case of a nonpruritic variant
      of TS in a 16-year-old boy is reported because of its unusual location as well as
      presentation in the lower eyelid, giving an appearance of a double eyelid.
      Although TS is common, it is mostly under diagnosed and henceforth underreported
      hair follicular disorder. The differential diagnosis of this disorder should be
      always kept in mind even if it presents in unusual location to avoid unnecessary
      application of various therapeutic modalities. 

PMID- 27127372
TI  - Whisker Hair (Acquired Progressive Kinking of the Hair): An Indication for
      Finasteride 1 mg?
AB  - Acquired progressive kinking of the hair (APKH) and whisker hair are relatively
      rare conditions. To our knowledge, fewer than 25 cases have been reported in the
      English literature. We present the case of a 23-year-old man whose hair on the
      parietal and occipital areas changed and turned curlier and shorter. Patients
      suffering from APKH have higher risk of developing androgenetic alopecia and
      therefore finasteride 1 mg daily is proposed as an adequate treatment for these
      patients. 

PMID- 27127373
TI  - Dermatitis Artefacta Presenting with Localized Alopecia of Right Eyebrow and
      Scalp.
AB  - Dermatitis artefacta (DA) and trichotemnomania are self-inflicted dermatoses
      often preceded by psychosocial stressful events. A 38-year-old female presented
      with sudden loss of hair in the right frontal area along with discoloration and
      edema of skin. On examination, there was complete loss of hair involving the
      right frontal area and the lateral half of right eyebrow with skin over that area
      appearing scalded, edematous, bruised, and discolored. After a detailed medical
      and psychological evaluation, a clinical diagnosis of DA with trichotemnomania
      was made. A tactful multidisciplinary approach is essential in managing such
      patients as outright referral to a psychiatrist could be counterproductive. 

PMID- 27127374
TI  - A Rare Association of Pili Multigemini and Rolled Hairs in a Young Female.
AB  - Pili multigemini and circle hairs (CHs) both are hair shaft deformities. Being
      asymptomatic and benign they are often under-reported in medical science. Till
      now, literature showed the involvement of only males. CHs are seen in obese
      individuals with sedentary lifestyle and pili multigemini is seen in adults over
      beard and children over scalp. Cosmetic concern in a young female with
      asymptomatic hyperpigmented papular lesions brought her to dermatology clinic.
      Apart from histopathology, dermatoscopy is a noninvasive technique that can be
      utilized for the evaluation of various hair disorders, especially like this. 

PMID- 27127375
TI  - Report of a Rare Case of Alopecia Areata Coexisting with Trichotillomania.
AB  - Alopecia areata (AA) is a common dermatological disease characterized by patchy
      areas of nonscarring alopecia. Trichotillomania (TT) is an expression of
      obsessive-compulsive disorder defined by the urge to pull out his/her hair. We
      describe a case of AA coexisting with TT. A 6-year-old male child presented with
      a localized patch of hair loss in the occipital area of 2 years duration.
      Dermoscopy revealed numerous exclamation mark hairs along with signs of
      scratching and bleeding. A detailed medical anamnesis and thorough examination of
      the child during the consultation put in evidence TT. 

PMID- 27127376
TI  - Concentric Polycyclic Regrowth Pattern in Alopecia Areata.
AB  - Alopecia areata (AA) is a common form of autoimmune nonscarring hair loss of
      scalp and/or body. Atypical hair regrowth in AA is considered a rare phenomenon.
      It includes atypical pattern of hair growth (sudden graying, perinevoid alopecia,
      Renbok phenomenon, castling phenomenon, and concentric or targetoid regrowth) and
      atypical dark color hair regrowth. We report a case of AA that resulted in a
      concentric targetoid hair regrowth and discuss the possible related theories
      regarding the significance of this phenomenon. 

PMID- 27127377
TI  - Interdigital Pilonidal Sinus, Report of Two Cases.
AB  - Hairdresser's disease is an occupational acquired interdigital pilonidal sinus
      (IPS) of especially male barbers. Here, two cases of IPSs are reported. Both
      cases underwent surgical excision and primary closure. Six months follow-up
      period did not present any complications or recurrence. Caused by repeated
      implantation of foreign hair to the interdigital web space, IPS is preventable,
      but once acquired treated with surgical excision and primary closure or with a
      skin flap for postoperative comfort. 

PMID- 27127378
TI  - Clinical and Dermoscopic Study of Pseudofolliculitis of the Beard Area.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pseudofolliculitis of the beard area is a very common dermatological
      problem in our geographical region. This could be partly because of the racial
      predilection as a large percentage of the population has curly hair and also may
      be due to local cultural customs, unlike the west do not encourage daily shaving
      of facial hair. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to mainly study the dermoscopic features of
      cases presenting with pseudofolliculitis. Secondary objectives included
      evaluating clinical patterns and possible etiological factors. METHODS: Twenty
      four consecutive male patients presenting to a University Health Center with a
      clinical diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis involving beard area were included in
      the study. Patient history with regards to shaving habits, patient hair type,
      morphological patterns of the skin lesions, and dermoscopic findings were
      recorded. RESULTS: Majority of the patients had "curly" hair. Most of the
      patients had a usual shaving frequency of 2 or less per week. All the patients
      who were using razors mentioned that they tended to stretch the skin while
      shaving. The most common dermoscopic findings included - "Handle bar" sign
      showing curved hair attached to the skin on both ends, white areas indicate
      fibrosis and scaling, underlying linear bluish pigmentation (indicating the
      buried hair shaft), and linear vessels with occasional areas of hemorrhage.
      CONCLUSION: Dermoscopy can be a useful adjunct for diagnosis and patient
      counseling in pseudofolliculitis. Stretching the skin while using razors and
      growing the facial hair to a point where it has the length to curve might be
      important risk factors in the development of pseudofolliculitis. LIMITATIONS: The
      lack of histopathological correlation is the main limitation in our study.

PMID- 27127379
TI  - Giant Pilomatricoma of the arm: A diagnostic challenge for cytopathologist.

PMID- 27127380
TI  - Polarized Versus Nonpolarized Dermoscopy for Hair and Scalp Evaluation.

PMID- 27127381
TI  - Plica Polonica After Use of Shampoo.

PMID- 27127382
TI  - Two Episodes of Simultaneous Identical Alopecia Areata in Identical Twins.

PMID- 27127383
TI  - Anterolateral Leg Alopecia.

PMID- 27127384
TI  - Congenital Triangular Alopecia: The 127(th) Case.

PMID- 27127385
TI  - Concurrence of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Alopecia Areata: A Rare
      Association.

PMID- 27127386
TI  - Carvajal Syndrome.

PMID- 27127387
TI  - Abuse of topical corticosteroids in India: Concerns and the way forward.

PMID- 27127389
TI  - Variability in plasma concentration of cefotaxime in critically ill patients in
      an Intensive Care Unit of India and its pharmacodynamic outcome: A nonrandomized,
      prospective, open-label, analytical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cefotaxime is a widely utilized cephalosporin in most intensive care
      units of India. However, no data are available about its
      pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic variability in critically ill patients of the
      Indian population. AIM: To investigate the variability in the plasma
      concentration and pharmacodynamic profile of intermittent dosing of cefotaxime in
      critically ill patients, according to their locus of infection and causative
      organism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cefotaxime levels were determined using high
      performance liquid chromatography by grouping patients according to their locus
      of infection as hepatobiliary, renal, pulmonary, and others. Patients with
      cefotaxime concentration below the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and 5
      times below the MIC for the isolated organism were determined. RESULTS: The
      difference in the plasma cefotaxime concentration between the hepatobiliary and
      the nonhepatobiliary groups was significant at 1 h (P = 0.02) following drug
      dosing, while the difference was significant between the renal and nonrenal group
      at 1 h (P = 0.001), 4 h (P = 0.009), and 8 h (P = 0.02) after drug dosing. The
      pulmonary group showed significantly (P < 0.05) lower plasma cefotaxime levels
      than the nonpulmonary group at all-time points. The cefotaxime levels were below
      the MIC and below 5 times the MIC for the isolated organism in 16.67% and 43.33%
      of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The concentration of cefotaxime
      differs according to the locus of an infection in critically ill patients. Use of
      another class of antibiotic or shifting to continuous dosing of cefotaxime, for
      organisms having MIC values above 1 mg/L, is advisable due to the fear of
      resistance.

PMID- 27127390
TI  - Inhibition of astrocyte activation is involved in the prevention of postoperative
      latent pain sensitization by ketamine and gabapentin in mice.

PMID- 27127388
TI  - Asenapine modulates nitric oxide release and calcium movements in
      cardiomyoblasts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of asenapine on nitric oxide (NO) release and
      Ca(2+) transients in H9C2 cell line, which were either subjected to peroxidation
      or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: H9C2 were treated with asenapine alone or in
      presence of intracellular kinase blockers, serotoninergic and dopaminergic
      antagonists, and voltage Ca(2+) channels inhibitors. Experiments were also
      performed in H9C2 treated with hydrogen peroxide. NO release and intracellular
      Ca(2+) were measured through specific probes. RESULTS: In H9C2, asenapine
      differently modulated NO release and Ca(2+) movements depending on peroxidative
      condition. The Ca(2+) pool mobilized by asenapine mainly originated from the
      extracellular space and was slightly affected by thapsigargin. Moreover, the
      effects of asenapine were reduced or prevented by kinases blockers, dopaminergic
      and serotoninergic receptors inhibitors, and voltage Ca(2+) channels blockers.
      CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our findings, we can conclude that asenapine by
      interacting with its specific receptors, exerts dual effects on NO release and
      Ca(2+) homeostasis in H9C2; this would be of particular clinical relevance when
      considering their role in cardiac function modulation.

PMID- 27127391
TI  - Effect of flumazenil on memory retrieval determined by trial-to-criteria
      inhibitory avoidance method in mice.

PMID- 27127392
TI  - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs causing local inflammation of tissue at the
      site of injection.

PMID- 27127393
TI  - Incidence of metabolic syndrome in breast cancer survivors on adjuvant hormonal
      therapy.

PMID- 27127394
TI  - Evaluation of inter-rater agreement between three causality assessment methods
      used in pharmacovigilance.

PMID- 27127395
TI  - "Ping-pong gaze" secondary to monoamine oxidase inhibitor overdose.
AB  - An infrequent manifestation of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) toxicity is
      "ping-pong gaze" (PPG). We describe the case of a 26-year-old female who was
      found unresponsive after taking 40 tablets of phenelzine. On presentation to the
      hospital, her eyes were moving in characteristic "ping pong" fashion. After 6
      hours her gaze terminated. The following day her neurologic exam was benign and
      she had no long-term sequelae. While the etiology of PPG is unknown, it is most
      often seen with irreversible structural brain damage. However, a detailed
      literature review revealed that previous cases of MAOI toxicity where the patient
      survived have all had complete neurologic recovery. 

PMID- 27127396
TI  - Tamoxifen-induced hypertriglyceridemia causing acute pancreatitis.
AB  - Tamoxifen has both antagonistic and agonistic tissue-specific actions. It can
      have a paradoxical estrogenic effect on lipid metabolism resulting in elevated
      triglyceride and chylomicron levels. This can cause life-threatening
      complications like acute pancreatitis. To our knowledge, very few cases of
      tamoxifen-induced pancreatitis have been reported in the literature. We report a
      case of severe hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis following tamoxifen
      use. A 50-year-old diabetic lady was on tamoxifen (20mg/day) hormonal therapy for
      breast cancer. Within 3 months of starting therapy, she developed
      hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis. Laboratory values include: Serum
      amylase 778 IU/L, total cholesterol 785 mg/dL, triglycerides 4568 mg/dL and high
      density lipoproteins (HDL) 12 mg/dL. Tamoxifen was substituted with letrozole and
      atorvastatin started. There was a prompt reversal of the adverse effects. Effects
      on lipid profile must be considered while initiating tamoxifen in predisposed
      individuals as the consequences are life threatening. 

PMID- 27127397
TI  - Pioglitazone-induced congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema in a patient
      with preserved ejection fraction.
AB  - Pioglitazone-induced heart failure is known in patients with underlying heart
      disease, but is not well documented in patients with normal left ventricular
      function. Pioglitazone has been very popular as it is an insulin sensitizer and
      insulin resistance is prevalent among Indians. Fluid retention exacerbates pre
      existing heart failure or precipitates heart failure in a patient with underlying
      left ventricular dysfunction. However, pathogenesis of heart failure in a patient
      with normal left ventricular function is not known. Probably it is due to dose
      related effect on pulmonary endothelial permeability, rather than alterations in
      left ventricular mass or ejection fraction. We report a patient who developed
      congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema with normal left ventricular
      function within 1 year of starting pioglitazone therapy. We have to be careful in
      monitoring all possible side effects during followup when patients are on
      pioglitazone therapy. 

PMID- 27127398
TI  - Acute compartment syndrome of hand resulting from radiographic contrast iohexol
      extravasation.
AB  - Intravenous (IV) administration of iodinated contrast agents (ICAs) is frequently
      employed for image enhancement while performing radiographic studies such as
      computed tomography and angiography. Complications related to IV administration
      of ICAs such as immediate hypersensitivity reactions and nephrotoxicity are well
      known. However, severe skin and soft tissue injuries and acute compartment
      syndrome resulting from contrast extravasation are rare. This is especially so
      with small volume extravasation of a low osmolar, nonionic ICA such as iohexol.
      Here, we report a 63-year-old woman who developed acute compartment syndrome of
      left hand following iohexol extravasation and had swelling, blistering, cutaneous
      and soft tissue necrosis. She underwent fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome
      of hand and later surgical debridement of necrotic skin and soft tissues was
      carried out. Clinical pharmacology of ICAs, extravasation injuries following
      their IV administration, their management and measures to reduce them are
      discussed in brief. 

PMID- 27127399
TI  - Exercise-induced urticaria, cholinergic urticaria, and Kounis syndrome.

PMID- 27127400
TI  - A closer look at the World Health Organization's prescribing indicators.
AB  - This communication focuses on the World Health Organization's prescribing
      indicators. It describes the methods for computing the indicators and highlights
      their applicability as well as limitations in evaluating the patterns of
      medicines usage. 

PMID- 27127401
TI  - Maternal Lopinavir/Ritonavir Is Associated with Fewer Adverse Events in Infants
      than Nelfinavir or Atazanavir.
AB  - Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is successfully used for prevention of
      perinatal HIV transmission. To investigate safety, we compared adverse events
      (AE) among infants exposed to different maternal cART regimens. We reviewed 158
      HIV-uninfected infants born between 1997 and 2009, using logistic regression to
      model grade >=1 AE and grade >=3 AE as a function of maternal cART and
      confounding variables (preterm, C-section, illicit drug use, race, ethnicity,
      infant antiretrovirals, and maternal viremia). Frequently used cART regimens
      included zidovudine (63%), lamivudine (80%), ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (37%),
      nelfinavir (26%), and atazanavir (10%). At birth, anemia occurred in 13/140
      infants (9%), neutropenia in 27/107 (25%), thrombocytopenia in 5/133 (4%), and
      liver enzyme elevation in 21/130 (16%). Corresponding rates of AE at 4 weeks were
      59/141 (42%), 54/130 (42%), 3/137 (2%), and 3/104 (3%), respectively. Serious AE
      (grade >= 3) exceeded 2% only for neutropenia (13% at birth; 9% at 4 weeks).
      Compared with infants exposed to maternal lopinavir/ritonavir, infants exposed to
      nelfinavir and atazanavir had a 5-fold and 4-fold higher incidence of AE at
      birth, respectively. In conclusion, hematologic and hepatic AE were frequent, but
      rarely serious. In this predominantly protease inhibitor-treated population,
      lopinavir/ritonavir was associated with the lowest rate of infant AE. 

PMID- 27127402
TI  - Evolutionary Genomics.

PMID- 27127404
TI  - Data Requirements for Model-Based Cancer Prognosis Prediction.
AB  - Cancer prognosis prediction is typically carried out without integrating
      scientific knowledge available on genomic pathways, the effect of drugs on cell
      dynamics, or modeling mutations in the population. Recent work addresses some of
      these problems by formulating an uncertainty class of Boolean regulatory models
      for abnormal gene regulation, assigning prognosis scores to each network based on
      intervention outcomes, and partitioning networks in the uncertainty class into
      prognosis classes based on these scores. For a new patient, the probability
      distribution of the prognosis class was evaluated using optimal Bayesian
      classification, given patient data. It was assumed that (1) disease is the result
      of several mutations of a known healthy network and that these mutations and
      their probability distribution in the population are known and (2) only a single
      snapshot of the patient's gene activity profile is observed. It was shown that,
      even in ideal settings where cancer in the population and the effect of a drug
      are fully modeled, a single static measurement is typically not sufficient. Here,
      we study what measurements are sufficient to predict prognosis. In particular, we
      relax assumption (1) by addressing how population data may be used to estimate
      network probabilities, and extend assumption (2) to include static and time
      series measurements of both population and patient data. Furthermore, we extend
      the prediction of prognosis classes to optimal Bayesian regression of prognosis
      metrics. Even when time-series data is preferable to infer a stochastic dynamical
      network, we show that static data can be superior for prognosis prediction when
      constrained to small samples. Furthermore, although population data is helpful,
      performance is not sensitive to inaccuracies in the estimated network
      probabilities. 

PMID- 27127403
TI  - Human Dispersal Out of Africa: A Lasting Debate.
AB  - Unraveling the first migrations of anatomically modern humans out of Africa has
      invoked great interest among researchers from a wide range of disciplines.
      Available fossil, archeological, and climatic data offer many hypotheses, and as
      such genetics, with the advent of genome-wide genotyping and sequencing
      techniques and an increase in the availability of ancient samples, offers another
      important tool for testing theories relating to our own history. In this review,
      we report the ongoing debates regarding how and when our ancestors left Africa,
      how many waves of dispersal there were and what geographical routes were taken.
      We explore the validity of each, using current genetic literature coupled with
      some of the key archeological findings. 

PMID- 27127406
TI  - Use of Metatranscriptomics in Microbiome Research.
AB  - The human intestinal microbiome is a microbial ecosystem that expresses as many
      as 100 times more genes than the human host, thereby constituting an important
      component of the human holobiome, which contributes to multiple health and
      disease processes. As most commensal species are difficult or impossible to
      culture, genomic characterization of microbiome composition and function, under
      various environmental conditions, comprises a central tool in understanding its
      roles in health and disease. The first decade of microbiome research was mainly
      characterized by usage of DNA sequencing-based 16S rDNA and shotgun metagenome
      sequencing, allowing for the elucidation of microbial composition and genome
      structure. Technological advances in RNA-seq have recently provided us with an
      ability to gain insight into the genes that are actively expressed in complex
      bacterial communities, enabling the elucidation of the functional changes that
      dictate the microbiome functions at given contexts, its interactions with the
      host, and functional alterations that accompany the conversion of a healthy
      microbiome toward a disease-driving configuration. Here, we highlight some of the
      key metatranscriptomics strategies that are implemented to determine microbiota
      gene expression and its regulation and discuss the advantages and potential
      challenges associated with these approaches. 

PMID- 27127405
TI  - Risk of Infectious Complications in Hemato-Oncological Patients Treated with
      Kinase Inhibitors.
AB  - Infectious complications are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients
      with hemato-oncological diseases. Although disease-related immunosuppression
      represents one factor, aggressive treatment regimens, such as chemotherapy, stem
      cell transplantation, or antibody treatment, account for a large proportion of
      infectious side effects. With the advent of targeted therapies affecting specific
      kinases in malignant diseases, the outcome of patients has further improved.
      Nonetheless, dependent on the specific pathway targeted or off-target activity of
      the kinase inhibitor, therapy-associated infectious complications may occur. We
      review the most common and approved kinase inhibitors targeting a variety of
      hemato-oncological malignancies for their immunosuppressive potential and
      evaluate their risk of infectious side effects based on preclinical evidence and
      clinical data in order to raise awareness of the potential risks involved. 

PMID- 27127407
TI  - A Randomized Pilot Study of Inositol in Association with Betaine and Boswellia in
      the Management of Mastalgia and Benign Breast Lump in Premenopausal Women.
AB  - Benign mammary lumps and mastalgia are the most common breast disorders; yet,
      there is no clear-cut consensus about the best strategy for their treatment. We
      hypothesized that a combination, including boswellic acid, betaine, and
      myoinositol, would be beneficial in breast disorders by exerting a pleiotropic
      effect on multiple pathways. Indeed, myoinositol has already been proven to
      modulate some factors involved in the genesis of breast diseases, such as
      fibrosis and metabolic and endocrine cues. In our study, 76 women were randomly
      assigned to either the experimental or the placebo arm. After six months of
      treatment, statistically significant differences between the two groups were
      recorded for pain relief (56% vs 17%) and breast density reduction (60% vs 9%).
      Furthermore, benign breast mass dimension showed a reduction in the experimental
      group (40% vs 16%). The combination of boswellic acid, betaine, and myoinositol
      has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of breast pain and
      radiologically and histologically confirmed benign breast mass and in the
      reduction of breast density, one of the pivotal risk factors for the development
      of breast cancer, without any side effects. 

PMID- 27127408
TI  - Breast Cancer in the Bahamas in 2009-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women in
      the Bahamas, which consists of many islands. This is the first attempt to
      identify which island has the highest occurrence of breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this study was to describe the sociodemographical and spatial features of
      breast cancer in the Bahamas in 2009-2011. METHODS: A review of the medical
      records of all women with a confirmed diagnosis of breast cancer during the
      period January 1, 2009-December 31, 2011, was undertaken. Data were first
      obtained from the National Oncology Board of the Bahamas and validated by a
      review of the medical records. The patient address was geocoded and mapped using
      ArcGIS 10.0 Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) to satellite images
      obtained from The Nature Conservancy in the Bahamas. RESULTS: We recruited 270
      patients who satisfied the entry criteria. The cumulative incidences of breast
      cancer for the years 2009-2011 were 51.4, 45.4, and 51.4, respectively. Breast
      cancer occurred most often in women of African origin with a mean age at
      diagnosis of 56.6 +/- 13.8 years. Ductal carcinoma was the most common
      histological type observed with most cancers occurring in Grade II or higher and
      presenting as late stage (>= Stage II). Surgery was the preferred method of
      treatment with modified radical mastectomy being the procedure of choice. Spatial
      distribution of cases across the Bahamas revealed one cluster, which is present
      on the island of New Providence. Further analysis of New Providence showed a
      consistently skewed kernel density in the central and eastern regions, compared
      with a scattered distribution in the southern and western regions. CONCLUSION:
      The island of New Providence had the highest occurrence of breast cancer among
      all the islands of the Bahamas. The increasing incidence of breast cancer in
      young women is likely to impose a significant burden on the future of Bahamian
      health care.

PMID- 27127409
TI  - Distribution of Acanthamoeba Genotypes Isolated from Recreational and Therapeutic
      Geothermal Water Sources in Southwestern Iran.
AB  - A comprehensive survey was conducted along 10 km of geothermal rivers in
      southwestern Iran. A total of 40 water samples were tested for the presence of
      Acanthamoeba spp., and genotypes were determined by targeting the diagnostic
      fragment 3 region of the 18S rRNA gene. The pathogenic potential of all positive
      isolates was also identified using tolerance ability test. High occurrences of
      Acanthamoeba (50%) were detected in the sampling areas. Based on sequencing
      analysis, isolates belonging to T4 (93.7%) and T2 (6.25%) genotypes were
      reported. Thermo- and osmotolerance tests revealed that five strains are highly
      pathogenic. Since every collection site of this study was associated with high
      human activity, posting of warning signs, monitoring of recreational water
      sources, and awareness of high-risk people are of utmost importance. To the best
      of our knowledge, the present research is the first to report T2 genotype from
      geothermal water sources in Iran. 

PMID- 27127411
TI  - Effects of Feeding Garlic and Juniper Berry Essential Oils on Milk Fatty Acid
      Composition of Dairy Cows.
AB  - Essential oils (EOs) from plant extracts have been reported to have an
      antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Several
      of the gram-positive bacteria are involved in ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty
      acids (FAs), thus suggesting that feeding EOs could lower biohydrogenation of FA
      because of a decrease in the number of bacteria involved in that process. As a
      result, milk FA profiles are expected to be modified. In addition, monensin was
      approved as an antibiotic to be fed in dairy cattle, and it was reported that
      dairy cows supplemented with monensin produced milk containing higher
      concentration of 18:1 t10 and 18:1 t11. The objective of this study was to
      evaluate the effects of two EOs (garlic and juniper berry oils) and monensin on
      FA profiles of milk fat. Four ruminally fistulated Holstein dairy cows were used
      in a 4 * 4 Latin square experiment. Cows were fed for ad libitum intake a total
      mixed ration without supplementation (control), or supplemented with monensin
      (330 mg/head per day), garlic oil (5 g/head per day), or juniper berry oil (2
      g/head per day). The FA composition of saturated, monounsaturated, or
      polyunsaturated was not affected by supplementation of EO and monensin. However,
      proportion of conjugated linoleic acid trans 10, cis 12 (CLA t10, c12) was higher
      (P < 0.05) for cows fed EO or monensin than for control cows. Supplementation of
      monensin increased (P < 0.05) the proportion of total trans FA compared with the
      control. These results indicate that supplementation of the dairy cow diet with
      garlic or juniper berry EO or monensin had the potential to increase the
      proportion of CLA t10, c12 in milk fat with minimal overall effects on FA of milk
      fat. The results also confirm the increase of 18:1 t10 in milk fat by feeding
      monensin to dairy cows. 

PMID- 27127412
TI  - Biomarkers For Colon Cancer.

PMID- 27127410
TI  - Relating Anaerobic Digestion Microbial Community and Process Function.
AB  - Anaerobic digestion (AD) involves a consortium of microorganisms that convert
      substrates into biogas containing methane for renewable energy. The technology
      has suffered from the perception of being periodically unstable due to limited
      understanding of the relationship between microbial community structure and
      function. The emphasis of this review is to describe microbial communities in
      digesters and quantitative and qualitative relationships between community
      structure and digester function. Progress has been made in the past few decades
      to identify key microorganisms influencing AD. Yet, more work is required to
      realize robust, quantitative relationships between microbial community structure
      and functions such as methane production rate and resilience after perturbations.
      Other promising areas of research for improved AD may include methods to
      increase/control (1) hydrolysis rate, (2) direct interspecies electron transfer
      to methanogens, (3) community structure-function relationships of methanogens,
      (4) methanogenesis via acetate oxidation, and (5) bioaugmentation to study
      community-activity relationships or improve engineered bioprocesses. 

PMID- 27127413
TI  - Benign Sphenoid Wing Meningioma Presenting with an Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
      - A Case Report.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY OBJECT: We report an unusual case of a benign lateral
      sphenoid wing meningioma that presented with, and was masked by, an acute
      intracerebral hemorrhage. CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old woman was admitted after
      sudden onset of coma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed an intracerebral
      hemorrhage, without any underlying vascular pathology on CT angiography. During
      the surgery, we found a lateral sphenoid wing meningioma with intratumoral
      bleeding that extended into the surrounding brain parenchyma. RESULTS: We removed
      the hematoma and resected the tumor completely in the same session. The
      histopathological classification of the tumor was a WHO grade I meningothelial
      meningioma. The patient recovered very well after surgery, without significant
      neurological sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Having reviewed the relevant references from
      the medical literature, we consider this event as an extremely rare presentation
      of a benign sphenoid wing meningioma in a patient without any predisposing
      medical factors. The possible mechanisms of bleeding from this tumor type are
      discussed.

PMID- 27127414
TI  - Lung-On-A-Chip Technologies for Disease Modeling and Drug Development.
AB  - Animal and two-dimensional cell culture models have had a profound impact on not
      only lung research but also medical research at large, despite inherent flaws and
      differences when compared with in vivo and clinical observations. Three
      dimensional (3D) tissue models are a natural progression and extension of
      existing techniques that seek to plug the gaps and mitigate the drawbacks of two
      dimensional and animal technologies. In this review, we describe the transition
      of historic models to contemporary 3D cell and organoid models, the varieties of
      current 3D cell and tissue culture modalities, the common methods for imaging
      these models, and finally, the applications of these models and imaging
      techniques to lung research. 

PMID- 27127415
TI  - Prediction of Peaks of Seasonal Influenza in Military Health-Care Data.
AB  - Influenza is a highly contagious disease that causes seasonal epidemics with
      significant morbidity and mortality. The ability to predict influenza peak
      several weeks in advance would allow for timely preventive public health planning
      and interventions to be used to mitigate these outbreaks. Because influenza may
      also impact the operational readiness of active duty personnel, the US military
      places a high priority on surveillance and preparedness for seasonal outbreaks. A
      method for creating models for predicting peak influenza visits per total health
      care visits (ie, activity) weeks in advance has been developed using advanced
      data mining techniques on disparate epidemiological and environmental data. The
      model results are presented and compared with those of other popular data mining
      classifiers. By rigorously testing the model on data not used in its development,
      it is shown that this technique can predict the week of highest influenza
      activity for a specific region with overall better accuracy than other methods
      examined in this article. 

PMID- 27127416
TI  - Predictors of English Health Literacy among U.S. Hispanic Immigrants: The
      importance of language, bilingualism and sociolinguistic environment.
AB  - In the United States, data confirm that Spanish-speaking immigrants are
      particularly affected by the negative health outcomes associated with low health
      literacy. Although the literature points to variables such as age, educational
      background and language, only a few studies have investigated the factors that
      may influence health literacy in this group. Similarly, the role that
      bilingualism and/or multilingualism play in health literacy assessment continues
      to be an issue in need of further research. The purpose of this study was to
      examine the predictors of English health literacy among adult Hispanic immigrants
      whose self-reported primary language is Spanish, but who live and function in a
      bilingual community. It also explored issues related to the language of the
      instrument. An analysis of data collected through a randomized controlled study
      was conducted. Results identified English proficiency as the strongest predictor
      of health literacy (p < 0.001). The results further point to the importance of
      primary and secondary language in the assessment of heath literacy level. This
      study raises many questions in need of further investigation to clarify how
      language proficiency and sociolinguistic environment affect health literacy in
      language minority adults; proposes language approaches that may be more
      appropriate for measuring health literacy in these populations; and recommends
      further place-based research to determine whether the connection between language
      proficiency and health is generalizable to border communities.

PMID- 27127417
TI  - Effectiveness of needle/syringe programmes and opiate substitution therapy in
      preventing HCV transmission among people who inject drugs.
AB  - : This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are
      as follows: To assess the impact of needle/syringe programmes with and without
      opiate substitution therapy (OST) on the incidence of HCV infection among people
      who inject drugs (PWID).To assess the effect of OST alone on the incidence of HCV
      infection among PWID. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: How effective are needle/syringe
      programmes (NSP) with and without the use of OST for reducing HCV incidence among
      PWID?How effective is OST alone for reducing HCV incidence among PWID?How does
      the effect of NSP and OST vary according to duration of treatment (i.e. for NSPs
      weekly attendance versus monthly)?How does the effect of NSP vary according to
      the type of service (fixed site versus mobile; high coverage versus low
      coverage)?How does the effect of OST vary according to the dosage of OST, type of
      substitution used and adherence to treatment?

PMID- 27127418
TI  - Manoeuvring along the edge of breathlessness: an ethnographic case study of two
      nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There appears to be divergence between nurses' and patients'
      perceptions of dyspnoea onset and on how help should be given. This may affect
      how nurses understand and assess their patients' anxiety and the severity of
      dyspnoea, potentially diminishing their chances of relieving patients' dyspnoea.
      The aim of this study was to explore nurse-patient interaction in situations
      where patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are experiencing acute
      or worsened dyspnoea in a hospital setting. METHODS: An ethnographic study using
      participant observation of two nurses' interactions with six patients, followed
      by qualitative in-depth interviews with the nurses. Data were analysed in three
      steps. First, they were coded for identification of preliminary themes. Second,
      data were regrouped into preliminary themes for focused analysis which led to
      formulation of themes and subthemes. Third, hermeneutical principles were used as
      all data were interpreted from the viewpoint of each theme. RESULTS: Three themes
      were identified: Manoeuvring along the edge; Dyspnoea within the pattern; and
      Dyspnoea outside the pattern. They were encompassed by the main finding:
      Manoeuvring along the edge of breathlessness. The nurses attempted to navigate
      between implicit and explicit care approaches and to create a sphere for
      relieving or avoiding further worsening of dyspnoea. Depending on the identified
      pattern for a particular dyspnoeic episode, nurses attributed different
      significance to the dyspnoea. CONCLUSIONS: Interacting in dyspnoeic situations
      places nurses in a dilemma: an implicit approach risk, deriving from exclusion of
      patients and performing hesitantly; or an explicit negotiation risk, where
      patients are exhausted and removed from focusing and breathing. The dilemma
      weakens nurses' opportunities to relieve or avoid a worsening of the dyspnoea.
      Likewise, the divergence between nurses' and patients' assessment of dyspnoea as
      within or outside the pattern appears to jeopardize the efficiency of care. Our
      findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges of respiratory
      nursing care in general, and the challenges of relieving in-patients' dyspnoea in
      particular.

PMID- 27127419
TI  - Improving the usefulness of US mortality data: new methods for reclassification
      of underlying cause of death.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mortality data are affected by miscertification of the medical cause
      of death deaths and changes to cause of death classification systems. We present
      both mappings of ICD9 and ICD10 to a unified list of causes, and a new
      statistical model for reducing the impact of misclassification of cause of death.
      METHODS: We propose a Bayesian mixed-effects multinomial logistic model that can
      be run on individual record level death certificates to reclassify "garbage
      coded" deaths onto causes that are more meaningful for public health purposes.
      The model uses information on the contributing causes of death and demographic
      characteristics of each decedent to make informed predictions of the underlying
      cause of death. We apply our method to death certificate data in the US from 1979
      to 2011, creating more directly comparable series of cause-specific mortality for
      25 major causes of death. RESULTS: We find that many death certificates coded to
      garbage codes contain other information that provides strong clues about the
      valid underlying cause of death. In particular, a plausible underlying cause
      often appears in the contributing causes of death, implying that it may be
      incorrect ordering of the causal chain and not missed cause assignment that leads
      to many garbage-coded deaths. We present an example that redistributes 48 % of
      heart failure deaths to other cardiovascular diseases, 25 % to ischemic heart
      disease, and 15 % to chronic respiratory diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Our methods take
      advantage of more detailed micro-level data than is typically considered in
      garbage code redistribution algorithms, making it a useful tool in circumstances
      in which detailed death certificate data needs to be aggregated for public health
      purposes. We find that this method gives different redistribution results than
      commonly used methods that only consider population-level proportions.

PMID- 27127421
TI  - Texas Heart Institute Medal and the Ray C. Fish Award for Scientific Achievement
      in Cardiovascular Diseases.

PMID- 27127420
TI  - Endothelial Mesenchymal Transition: Comparative Analysis of Different Induction
      Methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endothelial-Mesenchymal-Transition (EndMT) plays an essential role in
      cardiovascular development, and recently became an attractive therapeutic target
      based on evidence supporting its involvement in fibrosis and cancer. Important
      questions that remain to be answered are related to the molecular mechanisms that
      control EndMT in different organs and distinct pathological conditions. The lack
      of a detailed protocol for induction of EndMT and the assumption that TGF-beta
      isoforms play similar roles on different types of endothelial cells, limit
      progress in the field. The aim of this study was to compare the induction of
      EndMT by TGF-beta isoforms in endothelial cells of different sources, and define
      a detailed protocol for EndMT assessment in vitro. RESULTS: We compared the dose
      dependent effect of TGF-beta isoforms, under normoxia and hypoxia, on the
      induction of EndMT in human coronary and pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Our
      results suggest that endothelial cells undergo spontaneous EndMT with time in
      culture under the conditions tested. The extent of EndMT induction by TGF-beta
      was dependent on the dose and endothelial cell type. Furthermore, the potential
      of TGF-beta to induce EndMT was reduced under hypoxia relative to normoxia.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our work suggests that the response of endothelial cells to TGF-beta
      is intrinsic to the dose, cell type and environment. Optimization of induction
      conditions may be essential, as pathways triggering EndMT may vary during
      development and pathological conditions. Therefore, caution is needed regarding
      indiscriminate use of TGF-beta to induce EndMT for mechanistic studies.

PMID- 27127422
TI  - A Life-Saving Cancer: More on the Double Whammy.

PMID- 27127423
TI  - Surviving a Double Whammy.

PMID- 27127424
TI  - Effect of Elective Bentall Procedure on Left Ventricular Systolic Function and
      Functional Status: Long-Term Follow-Up in 90 patients.
AB  - Because there are so few data on the long-term effects on left ventricular
      systolic function and functional status in patients who electively undergo
      Bentall procedures, we established a retrospective study group of 90 consecutive
      patients. This group consisted of 71 male and 19 female patients (mean age, 54 +/
      10 yr) who had undergone the Bentall procedure to correct aortic valve disease
      and aneurysm of the ascending aorta, from 1997 through 2003 in a single tertiary
      care center. We monitored these patients for a mean period of 117 +/- 41 months
      for death, left ventricular ejection fraction and volume indices, and functional
      capacity as determined by New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. There were no
      operative deaths. The survival rate was 73.3% during follow-up. There were 10
      cardiac and 13 noncardiac deaths, and 1 death of unknown cause. Echocardiography
      was performed before the index procedure and again after 117 +/- 41 months. In
      surviving patients, statistically significant improvement in left ventricular
      ejection fraction, in comparison with preoperative values (0.49 +/- 0.11 vs 0.41
      +/- 0.11; P <0.0001), was noted at follow-up. Similarly, we observed
      statistically significant reductions in left ventricular end-systolic (39.24 +/-
      28.7 vs 48.77 +/- 28.62 mL/m(2)) and end-diastolic volumes (54.63 +/- 6.97 vs
      59.17 +/- 8.92 mL/m(2); both P <0.0001). Most patients (53/66 [80.3%]) progressed
      from a higher to a lower NYHA class during the follow-up period. The Bentall
      procedure significantly improved long-term left ventricular systolic function and
      functional status in surviving patients who underwent operation on a nonemergency
      basis. 

PMID- 27127425
TI  - Biventricular Myocardial Performance Is Impaired in Proportion to Severity of
      Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular
      morbidity and death. Little information is available regarding the relationship
      between the severity of OSA and myocardial performance in OSA patients who have
      normal ejection fractions. We prospectively investigated this relationship, using
      the tissue-Doppler myocardial performance index (TD-MPI). We conducted overnight,
      full-laboratory polysomnographic examinations of 116 patients, and calculated the
      left and right ventricular TD-MPIs. Patients were classified into 3 groups in
      accordance with their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) levels: AHImild (>=5 to <15),
      AHImoderate (>=15 to <30), and AHIsevere (>=30). Left and right ventricular TD
      MPI values were higher in the AHIsevere group than in the AHImild and AHImoderate
      groups (all P <0.05). In addition, right ventricular TD-MPI values in the
      AHImoderate group were higher than those in the AHImild group (P <0.05). Right
      ventricular TD-MPI was significantly associated with AHI (beta=0.468, P <0.001),
      left ventricular TD-MPI, and right ventricular early-to-late filling velocities
      (E/A ratio) in multiple linear regression analysis. On the other hand, left
      ventricular TD-MPI was significantly associated with right ventricular TD-MPI and
      left ventricular E/A ratio (both P <0.05). Our results show that OSA severity,
      determined by means of AHI, is independently associated with impaired right and
      left ventricular function as indicated by TD-MPI in patients who have OSA and
      normal ejection fractions. 

PMID- 27127426
TI  - Biodegradable-Polymer Biolimus-Eluting Stents versus Durable-Polymer Everolimus
      Eluting Stents at One-Year Follow-Up: A Registry-Based Cohort Study.
AB  - We compared outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention patients who received
      biodegradable-polymer biolimus-eluting stents with those who received durable
      polymer everolimus-eluting stents. At Tehran Heart Center, we performed a
      retrospective analysis of the data from January 2007 through December 2011 on
      3,270 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease who underwent
      percutaneous coronary intervention with the biodegradable-polymer biolimus
      eluting stent or the durable-polymer everolimus-eluting stent. We excluded
      patients with histories of coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous
      coronary intervention, acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, or the
      implantation of 2 different stent types. Patients were monitored for 12 months.
      The primary endpoint was a major adverse cardiac event, defined as a composite of
      death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and target-vessel and target-lesion
      revascularization. Durable-polymer everolimus-eluting stents were implanted in
      2,648 (81%) and biodegradable-polymer biolimus-eluting stents in 622 (19%) of the
      study population. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups (2.7%
      vs 2.7%; P=0.984) in the incidence of major adverse cardiac events. The
      cumulative adjusted probability of major adverse cardiac events in the
      biodegradable-polymer biolimus-eluting stent group did not differ from that of
      such events in the durable-polymer everolimus-eluting stent group (hazard
      ratio=0.768; 95% confidence interval, 0.421-1.44; P=0.388). We conclude that in
      our patients the biodegradable-polymer biolimus-eluting stent was as effective
      and safe, during the 12-month follow-up period, as was the durable-polymer
      everolimus-eluting stent. 

PMID- 27127427
TI  - Longitudinal Changes in Vascular Risk Markers and Mortality Rates among a Latino
      Population with Hypertension.
AB  - Vascular markers such as pulse-wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness
      (CIMT) might improve the prediction of incident cardiovascular disease beyond
      traditional risk factors. These vascular markers have not been well characterized
      in minority populations and might be more useful than inflammatory biomarkers. We
      conducted a prospective, longitudinal cohort study among hypertensive patients in
      an urban safety-net hospital. We evaluated inflammatory biomarkers, arterial
      pulse-wave velocity, and carotid intima-media thickness at baseline, 1 year, and
      2 years. The primary outcome variable was CIMT. Generalized linear mixed-effects
      models were used to evaluate associations between CIMT and predictive variables
      accounting for the correlation of multiple measurements within subjects over
      time. For our secondary outcome, we used administrative and National Death Index
      data to determine all-cause death, and univariate relationships were evaluated.
      Among 175 subjects, 117 were Latino (67%) and 117 were female (67%). Pulse-wave
      velocity and CIMT regressed over time (both P <0.001) and were highly correlated
      (P <0.001). Only pulse-wave velocity (P=0.002) and total cholesterol (P=0.03)
      were associated with CIMT in time-varying covariate analysis. At a median follow
      up period of 80 months, 17 of 175 subjects had died (10%). Higher baseline CIMT
      and pulse-wave velocity were associated with increased mortality rates (both P
      <0.01). No serum inflammatory marker was significantly correlated with
      longitudinal changes in CIMT or death. In conclusion, both arterial stiffness and
      preclinical carotid atherosclerosis were associated with increased mortality
      rates and might be useful risk-stratification markers among this minority
      population. 

PMID- 27127428
TI  - Retrograde Transcatheter Closure of Mitral Paravalvular Leak through a Mechanical
      Aortic Valve Prosthesis: 2 Successful Cases.
AB  - The presence of a mechanical aortic valve prosthesis has been considered a
      contraindication to retrograde percutaneous closure of mitral paravalvular leaks,
      because passing a catheter through the mechanical aortic valve can affect the
      function of a mechanical valve and thereby lead to severe hemodynamic
      deterioration. We report what we believe are the first 2 cases of retrograde
      transcatheter closure of mitral paravalvular leaks through a mechanical aortic
      valve prosthesis without transseptal or transapical puncture. Our experience
      shows that retrograde transcatheter closure of mitral paravalvular leaks in this
      manner can be an optional approach for transcatheter closure of such leaks,
      especially when a transapical or transseptal puncture approach is not feasible.
      This technique might also be applied to other transcatheter procedures in which
      there is a need to pass a catheter through a mechanical aortic valve prosthesis. 

PMID- 27127429
TI  - Advancing a Guiding Catheter Across a Mechanical Aortic Valve.

PMID- 27127430
TI  - Left Brachiocephalic Vein Cannulation in Bicaval Venous Drainage Is Safe,
      Effective, and Technically Advantageous.
AB  - Direct cannulation of both venae cavae (bicaval venous cannulation) is the gold
      standard for right atrial isolation in intracavitary surgery, but there has been
      no consensus about an alternative site. Therefore, we studied an alternative
      method for bicaval venous drainage in which the left brachiocephalic vein (LBCV)
      is cannulated instead of the superior vena cava. From 2012 through 2014, we
      performed routine LBCV cannulation in 150 consecutive patients as part of bicaval
      venous drainage before right atrial isolation. We prospectively collected
      demographic information, operative data, total pump and LBCV cannula flows with
      their respective calculated and indexed rates, central venous pressures, and
      perioperative complications. All patients survived surgery. There were no adverse
      technical outcomes or functional deficits associated with the technique. The mean
      indexed LBCV cannula flow was 1,520 +/- 216 mL/min/m(2), representing an LBCV
      cannula-to-calculated pump-flow ratio of 64%. The mean central venous pressure
      during right atrial isolation was 3.7 +/- 1.9 mmHg. Cannulation of the LBCV is
      intrinsically a safe and reproducible procedure with proven hemodynamic adequacy.
      Its versatility can be an asset to surgical techniques and perfusion methods.
      Furthermore, the hemodynamic results in our series promise alternative
      intrathoracic and extracardiac cannulation sites for mini-extracorporeal
      circulation, on-pump beating-heart procedures, and short-term circulatory assist
      device implementation. 

PMID- 27127431
TI  - Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma: Single-Institution Experience with 14 Surgical
      Patients.
AB  - In general, treatment for symptomatic and asymptomatic cardiac papillary
      fibroelastoma is surgical resection-particularly of left-sided lesions, because
      of the risk of systemic embolization. However, few institutions have enough
      experience with these tumors to validate this approach. We present our
      institutional experience with papillary fibroelastoma and discuss our current
      approach. We searched our institution's cardiac tumor database, identified all
      patients diagnosed with cardiac papillary fibroelastoma from 1992 through 2014,
      and recorded the clinical and pathologic characteristics of each case. We found
      14 patients (mean age, 60.5 +/- 12.3 yr) who had 18 lesions. Eleven patients
      (79%) were symptomatic; however, we could not always definitively associate their
      symptoms with a cardiac tumor. Most lesions were solitary and <=1.5 cm in
      diameter; half involved the left side of the heart. All 18 lesions were
      surgically excised. There were no operative or 30-day deaths, and no patient
      needed valve replacement postoperatively. There was one late death; at one year,
      another 3 patients were lost to follow-up, and the others were alive without
      tumor recurrence. Because of the embolic risk inherent to intracardiac masses and
      our relatively good postoperative outcomes, we recommend the surgical resection
      of all left-sided papillary fibroelastomas in surgical candidates, and we discuss
      with patients the advisability of resecting right-sided lesions. 

PMID- 27127432
TI  - Recurrent Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Related to Recurrent Thyrotoxicosis.
AB  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or transient left ventricular apical ballooning
      syndrome, is characterized by acute left ventricular dysfunction caused by
      transient wall-motion abnormalities of the left ventricular apex and mid
      ventricle in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Recurrent
      episodes are rare but have been reported, and several cases of takotsubo
      cardiomyopathy have been described in the presence of hyperthyroidism. We report
      the case of a 55-year-old woman who had recurrent takotsubo cardiomyopathy,
      documented by repeat coronary angiography and evaluations of left ventricular
      function, in the presence of recurrent hyperthyroidism related to Graves disease.
      After both episodes, the patient's left ventricular function returned to normal
      when her thyroid function normalized. These findings suggest a possible role of
      thyroid-hormone excess in the pathophysiology of some patients who have takotsubo
      cardiomyopathy. 

PMID- 27127433
TI  - Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: Establishing Diagnosis and Causes through Prospective
      Testing.

PMID- 27127435
TI  - Bacterial Endocarditis Caused by Lactobacillus acidophilus Leading to Rupture of
      Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm.
AB  - Lactobacillus acidophilus rarely causes bacterial endocarditis, because it
      usually resides in the mucosa of the vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and
      oropharynx. Moreover, sinus of Valsalva aneurysms are rare cardiac anomalies,
      either acquired or congenital. We present the case of a middle-aged man whose
      bacterial endocarditis, caused by Lactobacillus acidophilus, led to an aneurysmal
      rupture of the sinus of Valsalva into the right ventricular outflow tract. The
      patient underwent successful surgical repair, despite numerous complications and
      sequelae. 

PMID- 27127434
TI  - Normal Pregnancy and Birth Despite Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm: Another
      Case for the Record.
AB  - Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare cardiac abnormality. Ruptured sinus of
      Valsalva aneurysms in pregnancy are of course rarer still. We present a case in
      which an aneurysm ruptured into the right ventricular outflow tract during
      pregnancy. In 2012, a 26-year-old Chinese woman, in the 18th week of pregnancy
      and with no apparent evidence of cardiac problems, was diagnosed with
      atrioventricular septal defects and a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm that had
      ruptured into her right ventricular outflow tract. After an uncomplicated full
      term pregnancy, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy by cesarean section. Fifty
      days postpartum, the patient underwent surgical repair of the ruptured aneurysm
      and other cardiac defects. Her surgical outcome was good. As of May 2013, the
      patient and her baby were healthy. Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in
      pregnancy can be asymptomatic, and women with such a rupture can have a normal
      full-term pregnancy and give birth to healthy babies. Cesarean section is
      preferable for pregnant women with ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm because
      the hemodynamic changes associated with labor can aggravate the aneurysm.
      Surgical repair should be performed as soon as the patient's condition allows. 

PMID- 27127436
TI  - Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Endocarditis in Association with Enterococcus durans.
AB  - Enterococci are common organisms associated with endocarditis, but infection by
      Enterococcus durans is very rare. To our knowledge, only 3 cases have been
      reported in the medical literature, and all 3 have involved native valves. Here
      we publish the first reported case (to our knowledge) of E. durans endocarditis
      in association with a bioprosthetic aortic valve. After the organism and its
      antibiotic susceptibility were identified, the 74-year-old male patient was
      treated successfully with teicoplanin and gentamicin, over a course of 6 weeks. 

PMID- 27127437
TI  - Getting to a Man's Heart through His Colon.
AB  - A 69-year-old man presented with a progressively enlarging pulsatile mass in the
      left side of his chest. Because of a history of an ischemic cardiomyopathy, he
      had been randomized in 2003 to undergo coronary artery bypass grafting with a Dor
      procedure, as part of the Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH)
      trial. Our patient's imaging studies, including a thoracic computed tomogram and
      transthoracic echocardiogram, were now of concern for left ventricular
      pseudoaneurysm. He was taken immediately for surgical exploration. Purulent
      material, with empyema, extended from the anterior chest wall through the chest
      cavity into the mediastinum, with communication into the pericardial space.
      Notably, there was no compromise of the left ventricular cavity, and there was no
      pseudoaneurysm. The chest was copiously irrigated before closure. The epicardial
      patch placed 10 years earlier in the STICH trial was not thought to be the nidus
      of the abscess and was therefore not removed. Three months later, the patient
      presented again, this time with hemorrhagic shock and bleeding from his left
      anterior thoracotomy site, which we then re-entered. He was found to have a left
      ventricular pseudoaneurysm with disruption of the ventricular apex. The
      epicardial felt-and-Dacron patch, placed 10 years previously during his Dor
      procedure, was found to be infected with Clostridium difficile and was removed.
      The left ventricular apex was repaired. Whereas C. difficile bacteremia is rare,
      the seeding of prosthetic cardiac material with delayed presentation, as in this
      case, is extraordinarily uncommon. 

PMID- 27127438
TI  - Stepwise Progression of Right-to-Left Atrial Shunting through a Combination of
      Patent Foramen Ovale and Tricuspid Regurgitation.
AB  - Patent foramen ovale is a common clinical finding that generally becomes a
      concern in the presence of transient ischemic attack or stroke. Rarely, patent
      foramen ovale is associated with hypoxemia in the presence of substantial right
      to-left atrial shunting. We present the case of an 86-year-old woman with a
      pacemaker, who was initially asymptomatic notwithstanding a patent foramen ovale.
      Over 1.5 years, her symptoms progressed in a stepwise fashion, in the setting of
      progressive pacemaker-associated tricuspid regurgitation. Ultimately, the
      patient's symptoms and her hypoxemia resolved after percutaneous closure of her
      patent foramen ovale with use of a 25-mm "Cribriform" occluder device. This case
      highlights the fact that clinically significant right-to-left shunting requires
      an anatomic lesion, such as patent foramen ovale, together with elevated right
      atrial pressure, which in this case was contributed by severe tricuspid
      regurgitation. 

PMID- 27127439
TI  - Right Atrial Tumor Resection and Reconstruction with Use of an Acellular Porcine
      Bladder Membrane.
AB  - Malignant cardiac tumors typically have a grave prognosis; their resection with
      negative margins is optimal. We present the case of a 21-year-old woman in whom
      we surgically resected a primary cardiac sarcoma and reconstructed the right
      atrium with use of a porcine urinary bladder membrane-the MatriStem((r)) Surgical
      Matrix PSMX. The patient recovered uneventfully. Six months postoperatively, the
      right atrial wall had retained its integrity. In addition to our patient's case,
      we discuss the benefits of using the MatriStem membrane in cardiac
      reconstruction. 

PMID- 27127440
TI  - Rapid Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Overcomes Fulminant Myocarditis Induced
      by 5-Fluorouracil.
AB  - Fulminant myocarditis is a rare but potentially life-threatening illness caused
      by 5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity. Data supporting the use of extracorporeal
      membrane oxygenation for the treatment of fulminant myocarditis are limited. A 49
      year-old, previously healthy white man, recently diagnosed with anal squamous
      cell carcinoma, developed severe chest pain hours after completing his first 96
      hour intravenous 5-fluorouracil treatment. Over a period of 3 days from onset of
      symptoms, the patient developed cardiogenic shock secondary to fulminant
      myocarditis induced by 5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity. This required emergency
      initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The patient's systolic
      function recovered by day 5, and on the 17th day he was discharged in
      hemodynamically stable condition, without symptoms of heart failure. This case
      shows the importance of prompt recognition of cardiogenic shock secondary to 5
      fluorouracil-induced myocarditis and how the immediate initiation of
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can restore adequate tissue perfusion,
      leading to myocardial recovery and ultimately the survival of the patient. 

PMID- 27127441
TI  - No Electromagnetic Interference Occurred in a Patient with a HeartMate II Left
      Ventricular Assist System and a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter
      Defibrillator.
AB  - The use of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators is a novel option
      for preventing arrhythmia-mediated cardiac death in patients who are at risk of
      endovascular-device infection or in whom venous access is difficult. However, the
      potential for electromagnetic interference between subcutaneous defibrillators
      and left ventricular assist devices is largely unknown. We report the case of a
      24-year-old man in whom we observed no electromagnetic interference between a
      subcutaneous implanted cardioverter-defibrillator and a HeartMate II Left
      Ventricular Assist System, at 3 different pump speeds. To our knowledge, this is
      the first report of such findings in this circumstance. 

PMID- 27127442
TI  - Valve Replacement with a Sutureless Aortic Prosthesis in a Patient with
      Concomitant Mitral Valve Disease and Severe Aortic Root Calcification.
AB  - Aortic valve replacement with concomitant mitral valve surgery in the presence of
      severe aortic root calcification is technically difficult, with long
      cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times. We performed sutureless
      aortic valve replacement and mitral valve annuloplasty in a 68-year-old man who
      had severe aortic stenosis and moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation.
      Intraoperatively, we found severe calcification of the aortic root. We approached
      the aortic valve through a transverse aortotomy, performed in a higher position
      than usual, and we replaced the valve with a Sorin Perceval S sutureless
      prosthesis. In addition, we performed mitral annuloplasty with use of an open
      rigid ring. The aortic cross-clamp time was 63 minutes, and the cardiopulmonary
      bypass time was 83 minutes. No paravalvular leakage of the aortic prosthesis was
      detected 30 days postoperatively. Our case shows that the Perceval S sutureless
      bioprosthesis can be safely implanted in patients with aortic root calcification,
      even when mitral valve disease needs surgical correction. 

PMID- 27127444
TI  - Evaluation of Suspected Device Malfunction on ECG.

PMID- 27127443
TI  - Heavy Lifting Causing Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection with Anterior
      Myocardial Infarction in a 54-Year-Old Woman.
AB  - Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in association with strenuous exercise and
      weightlifting is rather sparsely described in the medical literature. Diagnosis
      and treatment of this rare condition is a challenge, but prompt recognition and
      appropriate early choice of angioplasty or surgery can lead to a good outcome. We
      report the case of a postmenopausal 54-year-old woman who presented with anterior
      myocardial infarction caused by spontaneous dissection of the left anterior
      descending coronary artery after she had lifted a heavy weight while gardening.
      The patient was treated successfully by means of angioplasty and the implantation
      of 3 drug-eluting stents. In addition to presenting the patient's case, we review
      the topical medical literature. 

PMID- 27127445
TI  - Percutaneous Left Main Coronary Artery Intervention in a Case of Dextrocardia.

PMID- 27127446
TI  - Straight Back Syndrome Masquerading as a Mass, with Near-Syncope.

PMID- 27127447
TI  - Giant Aortopulmonary Collateral Artery in an Adult with Bronchiectasis.

PMID- 27127448
TI  - Erratum: Pacing on the T Wave: PAVB, Not PVAB.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 94 in vol. 43, PMID: 27047297.].

PMID- 27127450
TI  - Peruvian Maca (Lepidium peruvianum): (II) Phytochemical Profiles of Four Prime
      Maca Phenotypes Grown in Two Geographically-Distant Locations.
AB  - Peruvian Maca crops (Lepidium peruvianum), grown in two geographically-distant
      cultivation sites located at similar altitudes in the highlands of the Peruvian
      Andes (Junin at 4,200 m a.s.l. and Ancash 4,150 m a.s.l.), were used in the
      study. Four prime Maca phenotypes, distinguished by hypocotyl colours labelled as
      "Yellow", "Purple", "Red" and "Black" were selected to determine distribution in
      levels and corresponding ratios between individual Glucosinolates
      (Glucotropaeolin and m-methylglucotropaeolin) in an attempt to identify four
      Peruvian Maca phenotypes from analyses of powdered hypocotyls. There were highly
      significant differences (P<0.01) in hypocotyl weight/size of four Maca phenotypes
      harvested in two locations. The Junin crop represented a mostly "large" class
      (13.3 g) with "small" size hypocotyls (7.2 g), while a "small" class was
      predominant in Ancash (3.5 g). Powdered Yellow Maca showed significantly higher
      (P<0.001) microbial contamination than the other three, with Black Maca being the
      least infected. Only minor, statistically-confirmed differences were detected in
      nutritive characteristics between the four Maca phenotypes grown in Junin,
      however highly significant differences (P<0.01) in Glucosinolates existed between
      the Red and Black Maca grown in Junin and Ancash. Irrespective of the cultivation
      location, Red phenotypes showed the highest content of Total Glucosinolates,
      followed by Black and Purple, with the Yellow phenotype showing consistently
      lower levels. Highly significant P<0.01) differences determined in ratios of
      individual Glucosinolates between four Maca phenotypes grown in two locations,
      confirms an earlier assumption that sums of individual Glucosinolates, their
      ratios and profiles, may be feasible to explore in analytically identifying
      individual Maca phenotypes in pulverised marketed Maca products. 

PMID- 27127449
TI  - Genetic Variation of Fatty Acid Oxidation and Obesity, A Literature Review.
AB  - Modulation of fat metabolism is an important component of the etiology of obesity
      as well as individual response to weight loss program. The influence of lipolysis
      process had receives many attentions in recent decades. Compared to that, fatty
      acid oxidation which occurred after lipolysis seems to be less exposed. There are
      limited publications on how fatty acid oxidation influences predisposition to
      obesity, especially the importance of genetic variations of fatty acid oxidation
      proteins on development of obesity. The aim of this review is to provide recent
      knowledge on how polymorphism of genes related fatty acid oxidation is obtained.
      Studies in human as well as animal model showed that disturbance of genes related
      fatty acid oxidation process gave impact on body weight and risks to obesity.
      Several polymorphisms on CD36, CPT, ACS and FABP had been shown to be related to
      obesity either by regulating enzymatic activity or directly influence fatty acid
      oxidation process. 

PMID- 27127451
TI  - Involvement of Nitric Oxide on Calcium Mobilization and Arachidonic Acid Pathway
      Activation during Platelet Aggregation with different aggregating agonists.
AB  - Platelet aggregation by different aggregating agonists is essential in the normal
      blood coagulation process, the excess of which caused acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS). In all cases, the activation of arachidonic acid by cycloxygenase was
      needed for the synthesis of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) but the mechanism of
      arachidonic acid release in platelets remains obscure. Studies were conducted to
      determine the role of nitric oxide (NO), if any, on the release of arachidonic
      acid in platelets. The cytosolic Ca(2+) was visualized and quantitated by
      fluorescent spectroscopy by using QUIN-2. NO was measured by methemoglobin
      method. Arachidonic acid was determined by HPLC. TXA2 was measured as
      ThromboxaneB2 (TXB2) by ELISA. Treatment of platelets in platelet-rich plasma
      (PRP) with different aggregating agents resulted in the inhibition of nitric
      oxide synthase (NOS) which inhibited the production of NO synthesis and increased
      TXA2 synthesis. Furthermore, the treatment of washed PRP with different platelet
      aggregating agents resulted in the increase of [Ca(2+)] in nM ranges. In
      contrast, the pre-treatment of washed PRP with aspirin increased platelet NO
      level and inhibited the Ca(2+) mobilization and TXA2 synthesis. These results
      indicated that the aggregation of platelets by different aggregating agonists was
      caused by the cytosolic Ca(2+) mobilization due to the inhibition of NOS. 

PMID- 27127452
TI  - Unhappiness with the Fetal Gender is associated with Depression in Adult Pregnant
      Women Attending Prenatal Care in a Public Hospital in Durango, Mexico.
AB  - Depression during pregnancy has been scantily studied in Mexican women. We aimed
      to determine the prevalence and correlates of depression in adult pregnant women
      attending a public hospital in the northern Mexican city of Durango, Mexico.
      Through a cross-sectional study design, we assessed depression in 270 adult
      pregnant women attended for prenatal care in a public hospital using a validated
      Mexican version of the Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale in pregnancy and
      further confirmation by a psychiatric evaluation using the DSM-IV criteria for
      depression. Prevalence association with socio-demographic, clinical and
      psychosocial characteristics of the pregnant women was also investigated. Of the
      270 pregnant women studied, 101 (37.4%) had EPDS scores equal to or higher than
      nine. Depression was confirmed in 56 (20.7%) women. Of them, 42 suffered from
      minor depression and 14 from major depression. Multivariate analysis of socio
      demographic, clinical and psychosocial characteristics of the women showed that
      depression was associated with depression before pregnancy (OR = 3.36; 95% CI:
      1.20-9.40; P=0.02), anxiety during pregnancy (OR = 9.38; 95% CI: 1.87-46.96;
      P=0.006), smoking (OR = 25.05; 95% CI: 1.77-353.07; P=0.01), unhappy with the
      fetal sex (OR = 8.53; 95% CI: 2.46-29.48; P<0.001), and unintended pregnancy (OR
      = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.07-7.86; P=0.03). Results indicate that about one fifth of the
      pregnant women studied had confirmed depression. This is the first report of an
      association of prenatal depression with unhappiness with the fetal sex. Factors
      associated with prenatal depression found in this study may help for the optimal
      design of preventive measures against prenatal depression. 

PMID- 27127453
TI  - Total Body Capacitance for Estimating Human Basal Metabolic Rate in an Egyptian
      Population.
AB  - Determining basal metabolic rate (BMR) is important for estimating total energy
      needs in the human being yet, concerns have been raised regarding the suitability
      of sex-specific equations based on age and weight for its calculation on an
      individual or population basis. It has been shown that body cell mass (BCM) is
      the body compartment responsible for BMR. The objectives of this study were to
      investigate the relationship between total body capacitance (TBC), which is
      considered as an expression for BCM, and BMR and to develop a formula for
      calculating BMR in comparison with widely used equations. Fifty healthy
      nonsmoking male volunteers [mean age (+/- SD): 24.93 +/- 4.15 year and body mass
      index (BMI): 25.63 +/- 3.59 kg/m(2)] and an equal number of healthy nonsmoking
      females matched for age and BMI were recruited for the study. TBC and BMR were
      measured for all participants using octopolar bioelectric impedance analysis and
      indirect calorimetry techniques, respectively. A significant regressing equation
      based on the covariates: sex, weight, and TBC for estimating BMR was derived
      (R=0.96, SEE=48.59 kcal, and P<0.0001), which will be useful for nutritional and
      health status assessment for both individuals and populations. 

PMID- 27127455
TI  - Health and Health Care of Medicare Beneficiaries in 2030.
AB  - On Medicare's 50th anniversary, we use the Future Elderly Model (FEM) - a
      microsimulation model of health and economic outcomes for older Americans - to
      generate a snapshot of changing Medicare demographics and spending between 2010
      and 2030. During this period, the baby boomers, who began turning 65 and aging
      into Medicare in 2011, will drive Medicare demographic changes, swelling the
      estimated US population aged 65 or older from 39.7 million to 67.0 million. Among
      the risks for Medicare sustainability, the size of the elderly population in the
      future likely will have the highest impact on spending but is easiest to
      forecast. Population health and the proportion of the future elderly with
      disabilities are more uncertain, though tools such as the FEM can provide
      reasonable forecasts to guide policymakers. Finally, medical technology
      breakthroughs and their effect on longevity are most uncertain and perhaps
      riskiest. Policymakers will need to keep these risks in mind if Medicare is to be
      sustained for another 50 years. Policymakers may also want to monitor the equity
      of Medicare financing amid signs that the program's progressivity is declining,
      resulting in higher-income people benefiting relatively more from Medicare than
      lower-income people.

PMID- 27127454
TI  - Effects of Increased Psychiatric Treatment Contact and Acculturation on the
      Causal Beliefs of Chinese Immigrant Relatives of Individuals with Psychosis.
AB  - Encounters with Western psychiatric treatment and acculturation may influence
      causal beliefs of psychiatric illness endorsed by Chinese immigrant relatives,
      thus affecting help-seeking. We examined causal beliefs held by forty-six Chinese
      immigrant relatives and found that greater acculturation was associated with an
      increased number of causal beliefs. Further, as Western psychiatric treatment and
      acculturation increased, causal models expanded to incorporate
      biological/physical causes. However, frequency of Chinese immigrant relatives'
      endorsing spiritual beliefs did not appear to change with acculturation.
      Clinicians might thus account for spiritual beliefs in treatment even after
      acculturation increases and biological causal models proliferate.

PMID- 27127456
TI  - Hair Mercury Levels Detection in Fishermen from Sicily (Italy) by ICP-MS Method
      after Microwave-Assisted Digestion.
AB  - A number of ninety-six hair samples from Sicilian fishermen were examined for
      total mercury detection by an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP
      MS) method. The mercury levels obtained were compared with mercury levels of 96
      hair samples from a control group, in order to assess potential exposure to heavy
      metals of Sicilian fishermen due to fish consumption and closeness to industrial
      activities. Furthermore, the mercury levels obtained from hair samples were
      sorted by sampling area in order to verify the possible risks linked to the
      different locations. The overall mean concentration in the hair of the population
      of fishermen was 6.45 +/- 7.03 MUg g(-1), with a highest value in a fisherman of
      Sciacca (16.48 MUg g(-1)). Hair mercury concentration in fishermen group was
      significantly higher than in control group (p < 0.01). There was no significant
      difference in hair total mercury concentrations between sampling areas (p >
      0.05). The results of this study indicate a greater risk of exposure to mercury
      in Sicilian fishermen, in comparison to the control population, due to the high
      consumption of fish and the close relationship with sources of exposure (ports,
      dumps, etc.). 

PMID- 27127457
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinases in neural development: a phylogenetically diverse
      perspective.
AB  - The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent
      endopeptidases originally characterized as secreted proteases responsible for
      degrading extracellular matrix proteins. Their canonical role in matrix
      remodelling is of significant importance in neural development and regeneration,
      but emerging roles for MMPs, especially in signal transduction pathways, are also
      of obvious importance in a neural context. Misregulation of MMP activity is a
      hallmark of many neuropathologies, and members of every branch of the MMP family
      have been implicated in aspects of neural development and disease. However, while
      extraordinary research efforts have been made to elucidate the molecular
      mechanisms involving MMPs, methodological constraints and complexities of the
      research models have impeded progress. Here we discuss the current state of our
      understanding of the roles of MMPs in neural development using recent examples
      and advocate a phylogenetically diverse approach to MMP research as a means to
      both circumvent the challenges associated with specific model organisms, and to
      provide a broader evolutionary context from which to synthesize an understanding
      of the underlying biology. 

PMID- 27127458
TI  - Deconstructing brain-derived neurotrophic factor actions in adult brain circuits
      to bridge an existing informational gap in neuro-cell biology.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in
      neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, and in preventing
      neurodegeneration. Despite decades of investigations into downstream signaling
      cascades and changes in cellular processes, the mechanisms of how BDNF reshapes
      circuits in vivo remain unclear. This informational gap partly arises from the
      fact that the bulk of studies into the molecular actions of BDNF have been
      performed in dissociated neuronal cultures, while the majority of studies on
      synaptic plasticity, learning and memory were performed in acute brain slices or
      in vivo. A recent study by Bowling-Bhattacharya et al., measured the proteomic
      changes in acute adult hippocampal slices following treatment and reported
      changes in proteins of neuronal and non-neuronal origin that may in concert
      modulate synaptic release and secretion in the slice. In this paper, we place
      these findings into the context of existing literature and discuss how they
      impact our understanding of how BDNF can reshape the brain. 

PMID- 27127459
TI  - Acute development of collateral circulation and therapeutic prospects in ischemic
      stroke.
AB  - In acute ischemic stroke, collateral circulation plays an important role in
      maintaining blood flow to the tissue that is at risk of progressing into
      ischemia, and in increasing the successful recanalization rate without
      hemorrhagic transformation. We have reported that well-developed collateral
      circulation is associated with smaller infarct volume and better long-term
      neurological outcome, and it disappears promptly once the effective
      recanalization is achieved. Contrary to the belief that collateral vessels
      develop over time in chronic stenotic condition, there exists a phenomenon that
      collateral circulation develops immediately in acute stenosis or occlusion of the
      arteries and it seems to be triggered by fluid shear stress, which occurs between
      the territories of stenotic/occluded arteries and those fed by surrounding intact
      arteries. We believe that this acute development of collateral circulation is a
      target of novel therapeutics in ischemic stroke and refer our recent attempt in
      enhancing collateral circulation by modulating sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor
      1, which is a known shear-stress mechanosensing protein. 

PMID- 27127461
TI  - Microscale tissue-engineered models: overcoming barriers to adoption for neural
      regeneration research.

PMID- 27127462
TI  - Can we protect the brain via preconditioning? Role of microRNAs in
      neuroprotection.

PMID- 27127463
TI  - 76nt RNAs are transported axonally into regenerating axons and growth cones. What
      are they doing there?

PMID- 27127464
TI  - Recent advances and future directions in preclinical research of arginine
      vasopressin (AVP) receptor blocker conivaptan in the context of stroke.

PMID- 27127465
TI  - The role of the unfolded protein response in myelination.

PMID- 27127466
TI  - Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): a biochemical Swiss Army knife in neuroinflammation and
      neuroprotection?

PMID- 27127460
TI  - Novel nervous and multi-system regenerative therapeutic strategies for diabetes
      mellitus with mTOR.
AB  - Throughout the globe, diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing in incidence with
      limited therapies presently available to prevent or resolve the significant
      complications of this disorder. DM impacts multiple organs and affects all
      components of the central and peripheral nervous systems that can range from
      dementia to diabetic neuropathy. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a
      promising agent for the development of novel regenerative strategies for the
      treatment of DM. mTOR and its related signaling pathways impact multiple
      metabolic parameters that include cellular metabolic homeostasis, insulin
      resistance, insulin secretion, stem cell proliferation and differentiation,
      pancreatic beta-cell function, and programmed cell death with apoptosis and
      autophagy. mTOR is central element for the protein complexes mTOR Complex 1
      (mTORC1) and mTOR Complex 2 (mTORC2) and is a critical component for a number of
      signaling pathways that involve phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-K), protein
      kinase B (Akt), AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), silent mating type
      information regulation 2 homolog 1 (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (SIRT1), Wnt1
      inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1), and growth factors. As a result,
      mTOR represents an exciting target to offer new clinical avenues for the
      treatment of DM and the complications of this disease. Future studies directed to
      elucidate the delicate balance mTOR holds over cellular metabolism and the impact
      of its broad signaling pathways should foster the translation of these targets
      into effective clinical regimens for DM. 

PMID- 27127467
TI  - Inhibition of the AMPK/nNOS pathway for neuroprotection in stroke.

PMID- 27127468
TI  - Intranasal insulin neuroprotection in ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27127469
TI  - Estrogen/Huntingtin: a novel pathway involved in neuroprotection.

PMID- 27127470
TI  - Glial plasticity after hexahydrobenzene exposure.

PMID- 27127471
TI  - An open-label pilot study with high-dose thiamine in Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 27127472
TI  - Enzymatic remodeling of heparan sulfate: a therapeutic strategy for systemic and
      localized amyloidoses?

PMID- 27127474
TI  - ApoE2 and Alzheimer's disease: time to take a closer look.

PMID- 27127473
TI  - Multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: some similarities
      in two distinct diseases.

PMID- 27127475
TI  - Ischemia and reperfusion injury of the spinal cord: experimental strategies to
      examine postischemic paraplegia.

PMID- 27127476
TI  - Drosophila neuronal injury model allows for temporal dissection of
      neurodegenerative events.

PMID- 27127477
TI  - Contribution of purinergic receptors to spinal cord injury repair: stem cell
      based neuroregeneration.

PMID- 27127478
TI  - Vasopressor administration in spinal cord injury: should we apply a universal
      standard to all injury patterns?

PMID- 27127479
TI  - Peripheral nerve regeneration monitoring using multilayer microchannel scaffolds.

PMID- 27127480
TI  - Neuroinflammation in glaucoma: soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha and the
      connection with excitotoxic damage.

PMID- 27127481
TI  - GIT1 enhances neurite outgrowth by stimulating microtubule assembly.
AB  - GIT1, a G-protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting protein, has been reported
      to be involved in neurite outgrowth. However, the neurobiological functions of
      the protein remain unclear. In this study, we found that GIT1 was highly
      expressed in the nervous system, and its expression was maintained throughout all
      stages of neuritogenesis in the brain. In primary cultured mouse hippocampal
      neurons from GIT1 knockout mice, there was a significant reduction in total
      neurite length per neuron, as well as in the average length of axon-like
      structures, which could not be prevented by nerve growth factor treatment.
      Overexpression of GIT1 significantly promoted axon growth and fully rescued the
      axon outgrowth defect in the primary hippocampal neuron cultures from GIT1
      knockout mice. The GIT1 N terminal region, including the ADP ribosylation factor
      GTPase activating protein domain, the ankyrin domains and the Spa2 homology
      domain, were sufficient to enhance axonal extension. Importantly, GIT1 bound to
      many tubulin proteins and microtubule-associated proteins, and it accelerated
      microtubule assembly in vitro. Collectively, our findings suggest that GIT1
      promotes neurite outgrowth, at least partially by stimulating microtubule
      assembly. This study provides new insight into the cellular and molecular
      pathogenesis of GIT1-associated neurological diseases. 

PMID- 27127482
TI  - Buyanghuanwu decoction promotes angiogenesis after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion
      injury: mechanisms of brain tissue repair.
AB  - Buyanghuanwu decoction has been shown to protect against cerebral
      ischemia/reperfusion injury, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In
      this study, rats were intragastrically given Buyanghuanwu decoction, 15 mL/kg,
      for 3 days. A rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was established
      by middle cerebral artery occlusion. In rats administered Buyanghuanwu decoction,
      infarct volume was reduced, serum vascular endothelial growth factor and integrin
      alphavbeta3 levels were increased, and brain tissue vascular endothelial growth
      factor and CD34 expression levels were increased compared with untreated animals.
      These effects of Buyanghuanwu decoction were partially suppressed by an
      angiogenesis inhibitor (administered through the lateral ventricle for 7
      consecutive days). These data suggest that Buyanghuanwu decoction promotes
      angiogenesis, improves cerebral circulation, and enhances brain tissue repair
      after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. 

PMID- 27127483
TI  - Radix Ilicis Pubescentis total flavonoids ameliorates neuronal damage and reduces
      lesion extent in a mouse model of transient ischemic attack.
AB  - Flavonoids are a major component in the traditional Chinese medicine Radix Ilicis
      Pubescentis. Previous studies have shown that the administration of Radix Ilicis
      Pubescentis total flavonoids is protective in cerebral ischemia. However, to our
      knowledge, no studies have examined whether the total flavonoids extracted from
      Radix Ilicis Pubescentis prevent or ameliorate neuronal damage following
      transient ischemic attacks. Therefore, Radix Ilicis Pubescentis total flavonoids
      question and the potential underlying mechanisms. Thus, beginning 3 days before
      the induction of a mouse model of transient ischemic attack using tert-butyl
      hydroperoxide injections, mice were intragastrically administered 0.3, 0.15, or
      0.075 g/kg of Radix Ilicis Pubescentis total flavonoids daily for 10 days. The
      results of spectrophotometric analyses demonstrated that Radix Ilicis Pubescentis
      total flavonoids enhanced oxygen free radical scavenging and reduced pathological
      alterations in the brain. Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that Radix
      Ilicis Pubescentis total flavonoids reduced hippocampal neuronal damage and
      cerebral vascular injury in this mouse model of transient ischemic attack. These
      results suggest that the antioxidant effects of Radix Ilicis Pubescentis total
      flavonoids alleviate the damage to brain tissue caused by transient ischemic
      attack. 

PMID- 27127484
TI  - BACE1 in the retina: a sensitive biomarker for monitoring early pathological
      changes in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Because of a lack of sensitive biomarkers, the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) cannot be made prior to symptom manifestation. Therefore, it is crucial to
      identify novel biomarkers for the presymptomatic diagnosis of AD. While brain
      lesions are a major feature of AD, retinal pathological changes also occur in
      patients. In this study, we investigated the temporal changes in beta-site APP
      cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression in the retina and brain to determine whether
      it could serve as a suitable biomarker for early monitoring of AD. APP/PS-1
      transgenic mice, 3, 6 and 8 months of age, were used as an experimental group,
      and age-matched C57/BL6 wild-type mice served as the control group. In the Morris
      water maze test, there were no significant differences in escape latency or in
      the number of crossings in the target area among mice of different ages. Compared
      with wild-type mice, no changes in learning or memory abilities were detected in
      transgenic mice at 3 months of age. However, compared with wild-type mice, the
      escape latency was significantly increased in transgenic mice at 6 months,
      starting on day 3, and at 8 months, starting on day 2, during Morris water maze
      training. In addition, the number of crossings of the target area was
      significantly decreased in transgenic mice. The learning and memory abilities of
      transgenic mice were further worsened at 8 months of age. Immunohistochemical
      staining revealed no BACE1 plaques in wild-type mice at 3, 6 or 8 months or in
      transgenic mice at 3 months, but they were clearly found in the entorhinal
      cortex, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of transgenic mice at 6 and 8 months.
      BACE1 expression was not detected in the retina of wild-type mice at 3 months,
      but weak BACE1 expression was detected in the ganglion cell layer, inner
      plexiform layer and outer plexiform layer at 6 and 8 months. In transgenic mice,
      BACE1 expression in the ganglion cell layer was increased at 3 months, and BACE1
      expression in the ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer and outer plexiform
      layer was significantly increased at 6 and 8 months, compared with age-matched
      wild-type mice. Taken together, these results indicate that changes in BACE1
      expression appear earlier in the retina than in the brain and precede behavioral
      deficits. Our findings suggest that abnormal expression of BACE1 in the retina is
      an early pathological change in APP/PS-1 transgenic mice, and that BACE1 might
      have potential as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of AD in humans. 

PMID- 27127486
TI  - Neuroprotection against vascular dementia after acupuncture combined with
      donepezil hydrochloride: P300 event related potential.
AB  - Acupuncture can be used to treat various nervous system diseases. Here, 168
      vascular dementia patients were orally administered donepezil hydrochloride alone
      (5 mg/day, once a day for 56 days), or combined with acupuncture at Shenting
      (DU24), Tianzhu (BL10), Sishencong (Extra), Yintang (Extra), Renzhong (DU26),
      Neiguan (PC6), Shenmen (HT7), Fengchi (GB20), Wangu (GB12) and Baihui (DU20)
      (once a day for 56 days). Compared with donepezil hydrochloride alone, P300 event
      related potential latency was shorter with an increased amplitude in patients
      treated with donepezil hydrochloride and acupuncture. Mini-Mental State
      Examination score was also higher. Moreover, these differences in P300 latency
      were identified within different infarcted regions in patients treated with
      donepezil hydrochloride and acupuncture. These findings indicate that acupuncture
      combined with donepezil hydrochloride noticeably improves cognitive function in
      patients with vascular dementia, and exerts neuroprotective effects against
      vascular dementia. 

PMID- 27127485
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of tetrandrine against vascular dementia.
AB  - Tetrandrine is one of the major active ingredients in Menispermaceae Stephania
      tetrandra S. Moore, and has specific therapeutic effects in ischemic
      cerebrovascular disease. Its use in vascular dementia has not been studied fully.
      Here, we investigated whether tetrandrine would improve behavioral and cellular
      impairments in a two-vessel occlusion rat model of chronic vascular dementia.
      Eight weeks after model establishment, rats were injected intraperitoneally with
      10 or 30 mg/kg tetrandrine every other day for 4 weeks. Behavioral assessment in
      the Morris water maze showed that model rats had longer escape latencies in
      training trials, and spent less time swimming in the target quadrant in probe
      trials, than sham-operated rats. However, rats that had received tetrandrine
      showed shorter escape latencies and longer target quadrant swimming time than
      untreated model rats. Hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining revealed less neuronal
      necrosis and pathological damage, and more living cells, in the hippocampus of
      rats treated with tetrandrine than in untreated model rats. Western blot assay
      showed that interleukin-1beta expression, and phosphorylation of the N-methyl-D
      aspartate 2B receptor at tyrosine 1472, were lower in model rats that received
      tetrandrine than in those that did not. The present findings suggest that
      tetrandrine may be neuroprotective in chronic vascular dementia by reducing
      interleukin-1beta expression, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B phosphorylation at
      tyrosine 1472, and neuronal necrosis. 

PMID- 27127487
TI  - "Warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture alters acetylcholine receptor
      expression in the neuromuscular junction of rats with experimental autoimmune
      myasthenia gravis.
AB  - Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies have been shown
      to form against the nicotinic acetylcholine nicotinic postsynaptic receptors
      located at the neuromuscular junction. "Warming yang and invigorating qi"
      acupuncture treatment has been shown to reduce serum inflammatory cytokine
      expression and increase transforming growth factor beta expression in rats with
      experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis. However, few studies have addressed
      the effects of this type of acupuncture on the acetylcholine receptors at the
      neuromuscular junction. Here, we used confocal laser scanning microscopy to
      examine the area and density of immunoreactivity for an antibody to the nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction in the phrenic nerve of rats
      with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis following "warming yang and
      invigorating qi" acupuncture therapy. Needles were inserted at acupressure points
      Shousanli (LI10), Zusanli (ST36), Pishu (BL20), and Shenshu (BL23) once daily for
      7 consecutive days. The treatment was repeated after 1 day of rest. We found that
      area and the integrated optical density of the immunoreactivity for the
      acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction of the phrenic nerve was
      significantly increased following acupuncture treatment. This outcome of the
      acupuncture therapy was similar to that of the cholinesterase inhibitor
      pyridostigmine bromide. These findings suggest that "warming yang and
      invigorating qi" acupuncture treatment increases acetylcholine receptor
      expression at the neuromuscular junction in a rat model of autoimmune myasthenia
      gravis. 

PMID- 27127488
TI  - Macular thickness as a predictor of loss of visual sensitivity in ethambutol
      induced optic neuropathy.
AB  - Ethambutol is a common cause of drug-related optic neuropathy. Prediction of the
      onset of ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy and consequent drug withdrawal may
      be an effective method to stop visual loss. Previous studies have shown that
      structural injury to the optic nerve occurred earlier than the damage to visual
      function. Therefore, we decided to detect structural biomarkers marking visual
      field loss in early stage ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy. The thickness of
      peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, macular thickness and visual sensitivity
      loss would be observed in 11 ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy patients (22
      eyes) using optical coherence tomography. Twenty-four healthy age- and sex
      matched participants (48 eyes) were used as controls. Results demonstrated that
      the temporal peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and average
      macular thickness were thinner in patients with ethambutol-induced optic
      neuropathy compared with healthy controls. The average macular thickness was
      strongly positively correlated with central visual sensitivity loss (r (2)
      =0.878, P=0.000). These findings suggest that optical coherence tomography can be
      used to efficiently screen patients. Macular thickness loss could be a potential
      factor for predicting the onset of ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy. 

PMID- 27127489
TI  - Imipramine protects retinal ganglion cells from oxidative stress through the
      tyrosine kinase receptor B signaling pathway.
AB  - Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration is irreversible in glaucoma and tyrosine
      kinase receptor B (TrkB)-associated signaling pathways have been implicated in
      the process. In this study, we attempted to examine whether imipramine, a
      tricyclic antidepressant, may protect hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced RGC
      degeneration through the activation of the TrkB pathway in RGC-5 cell lines. RGC
      5 cell lines were pre-treated with imipramine 30 minutes before exposure to H2O2.
      Western blot assay showed that in H2O2 -damaged RGC-5 cells, imipramine activated
      TrkB pathways through extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase/TrkB
      phosphorylation. TUNEL staining assay also demonstrated that imipramine
      ameliorated H2O2 -induced apoptosis in RGC-5 cells. Finally, TrkB-IgG
      intervention was able to reverse the protective effect of imipramine on H2O2 
      induced RGC-5 apoptosis. Imipramine therefore protects RGCs from oxidative stress
      induced apoptosis through the TrkB signaling pathway. 

PMID- 27127490
TI  - Characteristics of mRNA dynamic expression related to spinal cord
      ischemia/reperfusion injury: a transcriptomics study.
AB  - Following spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury, an endogenous damage system is
      immediately activated and participates in a cascade reaction. It is difficult to
      interpret dynamic changes in these pathways, but the examination of the
      transcriptome may provide some information. The transcriptome reflects highly
      dynamic genomic and genetic information and can be seen as a precursor for the
      proteome. We used DNA microarrays to measure the expression levels of dynamic
      evolution-related mRNA after spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats. The
      abdominal aorta was blocked with a vascular clamp for 90 minutes and underwent
      reperfusion for 24 and 48 hours. The simple ischemia group and sham group served
      as controls. After rats had regained consciousness, hindlimbs showed varying
      degrees of functional impairment, and gradually improved with prolonged
      reperfusion in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury groups. Hematoxylin-eosin
      staining demonstrated that neuronal injury and tissue edema were most severe in
      the 24-hour reperfusion group, and mitigated in the 48-hour reperfusion group.
      There were 8,242 differentially expressed mRNAs obtained by Multi-Class Dif in
      the simple ischemia group, 24-hour and 48-hour reperfusion groups. Sixteen mRNA
      dynamic expression patterns were obtained by Serial Test Cluster. Of them, five
      patterns were significant. In the No. 28 pattern, all differential genes were
      detected in the 24-hour reperfusion group, and their expressions showed a trend
      in up-regulation. No. 11 pattern showed a decreasing trend in mRNA whereas No. 40
      pattern showed an increasing trend in mRNA from ischemia to 48 hours of
      reperfusion, and peaked at 48 hours. In the No. 25 and No. 27 patterns,
      differential expression appeared only in the 24-hour and 48-hour reperfusion
      groups. Among the five mRNA dynamic expression patterns, No. 11 and No. 40
      patterns could distinguish normal spinal cord from pathological tissue. No. 25
      and No. 27 patterns could distinguish simple ischemia from ischemia/reperfusion.
      No. 28 pattern could analyze the need for inducing reperfusion injury. The study
      of specific pathways and functions for different dynamic patterns can provide a
      theoretical basis for clinical differential diagnosis and treatment of spinal
      cord ischemia/reperfusion injury. 

PMID- 27127491
TI  - Salvianolic acid B protects the myelin sheath around injured spinal cord axons.
AB  - Salvianolic acid B, an active pharmaceutical compound present in Salvia
      miltiorrhiza, exerts a neuroprotective effect in animal models of brain and
      spinal cord injury. Salvianolic acid B can promote recovery of neurological
      function; however, its protective effect on the myelin sheath after spinal cord
      injury remains poorly understood. Thus, in this study, in vitro tests showed that
      salvianolic acid B contributed to oligodendrocyte precursor cell differentiation,
      and the most effective dose was 20 MUg/mL. For in vivo investigation, rats with
      spinal cord injury were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg/kg salvianolic acid
      B for 8 weeks. The amount of myelin sheath and the number of regenerating axons
      increased, neurological function recovered, and caspase-3 expression was
      decreased in the spinal cord of salvianolic acid B-treated animals compared with
      untreated control rats. These results indicate that salvianolic acid B can
      protect axons and the myelin sheath, and can promote the recovery of neurological
      function. Its mechanism of action is likely to be associated with inhibiting
      apoptosis and promoting the differentiation and maturation of oligodendrocyte
      precursor cells. 

PMID- 27127492
TI  - Substance P combined with epidermal stem cells promotes wound healing and nerve
      regeneration in diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Exogenous substance P accelerates wound healing in diabetes, but the mechanism
      remains poorly understood. Here, we established a rat model by intraperitoneally
      injecting streptozotocin. Four wounds (1.8 cm diameter) were drilled using a self
      made punch onto the back, bilateral to the vertebral column, and then treated
      using amniotic membrane with epidermal stem cells and/or substance P around and
      in the middle of the wounds. With the combined treatment the wound-healing rate
      was 100% at 14 days. With prolonged time, type I collagen content gradually
      increased, yet type III collagen content gradually diminished. Abundant protein
      gene product 9.5- and substance P-immunoreactive nerve fibers regenerated.
      Partial nerve fiber endings extended to the epidermis. The therapeutic effects of
      combined substance P and epidermal stem cells were better than with amniotic
      membrane and either factor alone. Our results suggest that the combination of
      substance P and epidermal stem cells effectively contributes to nerve
      regeneration and wound healing in diabetic rats. 

PMID- 27127493
TI  - Altered microRNA expression profiles in a rat model of spina bifida.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are dynamically regulated during neurodevelopment, yet few
      reports have examined their role in spina bifida. In this study, we used an
      established fetal rat model of spina bifida induced by intragastrically
      administering olive oil-containing all-trans retinoic acid to dams on day 10 of
      pregnancy. Dams that received intragastric administration of all-trans retinoic
      acid-free olive oil served as controls. The miRNA expression profile in the
      amniotic fluid of rats at 20 days of pregnancy was analyzed using an miRNA
      microarray assay. Compared with that in control fetuses, the expression of miRNA
      9, miRNA-124a, and miRNA-138 was significantly decreased (> 2-fold), whereas the
      expression of miRNA-134 was significantly increased (> 4-fold) in the amniotic
      fluid of rats with fetuses modeling spina bifida. These results were validated
      using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.
      Hierarchical clustering analysis of the microarray data showed that these
      differentially expressed miRNAs could distinguish fetuses modeling spina bifida
      from control fetuses. Our bioinformatics analysis suggested that these
      differentially expressed miRNAs were associated with many cytological pathways,
      including a nervous system development signaling pathway. These findings indicate
      that further studies are warranted examining the role of miRNAs through their
      regulation of a variety of cell functional pathways in the pathogenesis of spina
      bifida. Such studies may provide novel targets for the early diagnosis and
      treatment of spina bifida. 

PMID- 27127494
TI  - Verapamil inhibits scar formation after peripheral nerve repair in vivo.
AB  - The calcium channel blocker, verapamil, has been shown to reduce scar formation
      by inhibiting fibroblast adhesion and proliferation in vitro. It was not clear
      whether topical application of verapamil after surgical repair of the nerve in
      vivo could inhibit the formation of excessive scar tissue. In this study, the
      right sciatic nerve of adult Sprague-Dawley rats was transected and sutured with
      No. 10-0 suture. The stoma was wrapped with gelfoam soaked with verapamil
      solution for 4 weeks. Compared with the control group (stoma wrapped with gelfoam
      soaked with physiological saline), the verapamil application inhibited the
      secretion of extracellular matrix from fibroblasts in vivo, suppressed type I and
      III collagen secretion and increased the total number of axons and the number of
      myelinated axons. These findings suggest that verapamil could reduce the
      formation of scar tissue and promote axon growth after peripheral nerve repair. 

PMID- 27127495
TI  - Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein enhances the vascularization of acellular
      nerves.
AB  - Vascularization of acellular nerves has been shown to contribute to nerve
      bridging. In this study, we used a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect model in rats to
      determine whether cartilage oligomeric matrix protein enhances the
      vascularization of injured acellular nerves. The rat nerve defects were treated
      with acellular nerve grafting (control group) alone or acellular nerve grafting
      combined with intraperitoneal injection of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein
      (experimental group). As shown through two-dimensional imaging, the vessels began
      to invade into the acellular nerve graft from both anastomotic ends at day 7 post
      operation, and gradually covered the entire graft at day 21. The vascular
      density, vascular area, and the velocity of revascularization in the experimental
      group were all higher than those in the control group. These results indicate
      that cartilage oligomeric matrix protein enhances the vascularization of
      acellular nerves. 

PMID- 27127496
TI  - Recovery of an injured corticospinal tract during the early stage of
      rehabilitation following pontine infarction.

PMID- 27127497
TI  - Appropriate Contrast Enhancement Measures for Brain and Breast Cancer Images.
AB  - Medical imaging systems often produce images that require enhancement, such as
      improving the image contrast as they are poor in contrast. Therefore, they must
      be enhanced before they are examined by medical professionals. This is necessary
      for proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment. We do have various enhancement
      algorithms which enhance the medical images to different extents. We also have
      various quantitative metrics or measures which evaluate the quality of an image.
      This paper suggests the most appropriate measures for two of the medical images,
      namely, brain cancer images and breast cancer images. 

PMID- 27127498
TI  - Intelligent Flow Friction Estimation.
AB  - Nowadays, the Colebrook equation is used as a mostly accepted relation for the
      calculation of fluid flow friction factor. However, the Colebrook equation is
      implicit with respect to the friction factor (lambda). In the present study, a
      noniterative approach using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was developed to
      calculate the friction factor. To configure the ANN model, the input parameters
      of the Reynolds Number (Re) and the relative roughness of pipe (epsilon/D) were
      transformed to logarithmic scales. The 90,000 sets of data were fed to the ANN
      model involving three layers: input, hidden, and output layers with, 2, 50, and 1
      neurons, respectively. This configuration was capable of predicting the values of
      friction factor in the Colebrook equation for any given values of the Reynolds
      number (Re) and the relative roughness (epsilon/D) ranging between 5000 and 10(8)
      and between 10(-7) and 0.1, respectively. The proposed ANN demonstrates the
      relative error up to 0.07% which had the high accuracy compared with the vast
      majority of the precise explicit approximations of the Colebrook equation. 

PMID- 27127499
TI  - Development of a Prediction Model Based on RBF Neural Network for Sheet Metal
      Fixture Locating Layout Design and Optimization.
AB  - Fixture plays an important part in constraining excessive sheet metal part
      deformation at machining, assembly, and measuring stages during the whole
      manufacturing process. However, it is still a difficult and nontrivial task to
      design and optimize sheet metal fixture locating layout at present because there
      is always no direct and explicit expression describing sheet metal fixture
      locating layout and responding deformation. To that end, an RBF neural network
      prediction model is proposed in this paper to assist design and optimization of
      sheet metal fixture locating layout. The RBF neural network model is constructed
      by training data set selected by uniform sampling and finite element simulation
      analysis. Finally, a case study is conducted to verify the proposed method. 

PMID- 27127500
TI  - A Genetic Algorithm and Fuzzy Logic Approach for Video Shot Boundary Detection.
AB  - This paper proposed a shot boundary detection approach using Genetic Algorithm
      and Fuzzy Logic. In this, the membership functions of the fuzzy system are
      calculated using Genetic Algorithm by taking preobserved actual values for shot
      boundaries. The classification of the types of shot transitions is done by the
      fuzzy system. Experimental results show that the accuracy of the shot boundary
      detection increases with the increase in iterations or generations of the GA
      optimization process. The proposed system is compared to latest techniques and
      yields better result in terms of F1score parameter. 

PMID- 27127501
TI  - Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Using Upper Gastrointestinal Tract for the
      Treatment of Refractory or Severe Complicated Clostridium difficile Infection in
      Elderly Patients in Poor Medical Condition: The First Study in an Asian Country.
AB  - Background and Aims. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a highly effective
      treatment option for refractory Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). FMT may be
      challenging in patients with a low performance status, because of their poor
      medical condition. The aims of this study were to describe our experience
      treating patients in poor medical condition with refractory or severe complicated
      CDI using FMT via the upper GI tract route. Methods. This study was a
      retrospective review of seven elderly patients with refractory or severe
      complicated CDI and a poor medical condition who were treated with FMT through
      the upper GI tract route from May 2012 through August 2013. The outcomes studied
      included the cure rate of CDI and adverse events. Results. Of these seven
      patients who received FMT via the upper GI tract route, all patients were cured.
      During the 11-month follow-up period, CDI recurrence was observed in two
      patients; rescue FMT was performed in these patients, which led to a full cure.
      Vomiting was observed in two patients. Conclusions. FMT via the upper
      gastrointestinal tract route may be effective for the treatment of refractory or
      severe complicated CDI in patients with a low performance status. Physicians
      should be aware of adverse events, especially vomiting. 

PMID- 27127502
TI  - Effectiveness of Magnifying Narrow-Band Imaging Endoscopy for Differential
      Diagnosis between the High-Risk Mixed-Type and Low-Risk Simple-Type of Low-Grade,
      Well-Differentiated Gastric Tubular Adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Backgrounds. Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (NBI-ME) is useful for
      diagnosing differentiated early gastric cancer (D-EGC). D-EGC is classified as
      high- or low-grade based on its glandular architectural and cytological atypia.
      Low-grade, well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma (LG-tub1) mixed with high
      grade tub1 (HG-tub1) and/or other histological types (M-LG-tub1) may indicate a
      primitive high-risk malignant lesion compared to histologically simple-type LG
      tub1 (S-LG-tub1). Because LG-tub1 is occasionally difficult to diagnose due to
      its unclear demarcation under conventional white light endoscopy, early precise
      diagnoses are important. Methods. We compared NBI-ME and postendoscopic
      submucosal dissection histological findings for 30 S-LG-tub1 and 15 M-LG-tub1
      lesions. We classified the NBI-ME findings of S-LG-tub1 (and not D-EGC) into four
      patterns. The differential diagnosis between M-LG-tub1 and S-LG-tub1 depended on
      the presence of more than one of these patterns without or with other patterns
      (referred to as "limited-to-four-pattern [LFP] sign-positive" and "sign
      negative", resp.). Result. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and
      negative predictive values, and intraobserver and interobserver agreement, using
      the "LFP sign" for the differential diagnosis between M-LG-tub1 and S-LG-tub1,
      were 87.9%, 91.7%, 88.9%, 96.7%, 73.3%, and k = 0.842 and k = 0.737,
      respectively. Conclusion. NBI-ME may be useful in differentiating between high
      risk M-LG-tub1 and low-risk S-LG-tub1. 

PMID- 27127503
TI  - Genetic Abnormalities in Biliary Brush Samples for Distinguishing
      Cholangiocarcinoma from Benign Strictures in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.
AB  - Background. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory liver
      disease and is strongly associated with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). The lack of
      efficient diagnostic methods for CCA is a major problem. Testing for genetic
      abnormalities may increase the diagnostic value of cytology. Methods. We assessed
      genetic abnormalities for CDKN2A, TP53, ERBB2, 20q, MYC, and chromosomes 7 and 17
      and measures of genetic clonal diversity in brush samples from 29 PSC patients
      with benign biliary strictures and 12 patients with sporadic CCA or PSC
      associated CCA. Diagnostic performance of cytology alone and in combination with
      genetic markers was evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, and area under the
      curve analysis. Results. The presence of MYC gain and CDKN2A loss as well as a
      higher clonal diversity was significantly associated with malignancy. MYC gain
      increased the sensitivity of cytology from 50% to 83%. However, the specificity
      decreased from 97% to 76%. The diagnostic accuracy of the best performing
      measures of clonal diversity was similar to the combination of cytology and MYC.
      Adding CDKN2A loss to the panel had no additional benefit. Conclusion. Evaluation
      of MYC abnormalities and measures of clonal diversity in brush cytology specimens
      may be of clinical value in distinguishing CCA from benign biliary strictures in
      PSC. 

PMID- 27127504
TI  - Bone Mineral Density in the Noninstitutionalized Elderly: Influence of
      Sociodemographic and Anthropometric Factors.
AB  - Objective. Analysis of bone mineral density (BMD) in the elderly and its
      associated factors according to sex. Methods. A cross-sectional study is
      presented herein, with a random sample of 132 noninstitutionalized elderly
      people. Individuals who did not use diuretics were excluded. BMD was obtained
      from examination of total body densitometry and its association with
      sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, anthropometric, and body composition was
      verified. Results. Mean BMD for men was 1.17 +/- 0.12 g/cm(2) and for women was
      1.04 +/- 0.11 g/cm(2). Higher education was associated with higher BMD values in
      men (p < 0.05). There was a reduction in BMD in the age group 75-79 years of age
      in women and over 80 years of age in men (p < 0.05). Underweight was associated
      with significantly low BMD for both sexes (p < 0.01), while normal weight was
      associated with low BMD in women (p < 0.001). Discussion. The elderly with low
      schooling and in older age groups are more probable to also present low BMD.
      Lower levels of body mass index also indicated towards low BMD. 

PMID- 27127505
TI  - Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry to Identify Drug Resistant Staphylococcal
      Isolates from Nonhospital Environments in Brunei Darussalam.
AB  - Drug resistant bacteria have been a growing threat to the community and hospitals
      due to the misuse of antibiotics by humans, industrialization, and lack of novel
      antimicrobials currently available. Little is known about the prevalence of drug
      resistant bacteria in nonhealthcare environments in Brunei Darussalam and about
      how antibiotic resistant genes are transferred within these environments. Human
      contact points from different types of environments in Brunei Darussalam, varying
      from urban to jungle settings, were swabbed and cultured onto selective media to
      isolate staphylococci bacteria before performing antimicrobial susceptibility
      testing on the isolates. The identity of the isolates was determined using MALDI
      TOF mass spectrometry (MS). Staphylococci isolates resistant to oxacillin were
      further tested for their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). PCR analysis of
      the mecA gene, a gene that confers resistance to oxacillin, is done to determine
      the level of resistance to oxacillin. Ten different staphylococcal species were
      identified by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. Out of the 36 staphylococci isolates, 24
      were resistant to multiple antibiotics including two isolates which were
      oxacillin resistant. Some staphylococci isolates had similar antibiotic
      resistance profiles to other staphylococci isolates of different species in the
      same location. This work provides the first-ever evidence of drug resistant
      staphylococci in the nonhospital environment in Brunei Darussalam. 

PMID- 27127506
TI  - Robust Feature Selection from Microarray Data Based on Cooperative Game Theory
      and Qualitative Mutual Information.
AB  - High dimensionality of microarray data sets may lead to low efficiency and
      overfitting. In this paper, a multiphase cooperative game theoretic feature
      selection approach is proposed for microarray data classification. In the first
      phase, due to high dimension of microarray data sets, the features are reduced
      using one of the two filter-based feature selection methods, namely, mutual
      information and Fisher ratio. In the second phase, Shapley index is used to
      evaluate the power of each feature. The main innovation of the proposed approach
      is to employ Qualitative Mutual Information (QMI) for this purpose. The idea of
      Qualitative Mutual Information causes the selected features to have more
      stability and this stability helps to deal with the problem of data imbalance and
      scarcity. In the third phase, a forward selection scheme is applied which uses a
      scoring function to weight each feature. The performance of the proposed method
      is compared with other popular feature selection algorithms such as Fisher ratio,
      minimum redundancy maximum relevance, and previous works on cooperative game
      based feature selection. The average classification accuracy on eleven microarray
      data sets shows that the proposed method improves both average accuracy and
      average stability compared to other approaches. 

PMID- 27127507
TI  - A Study on Central Lymph Node Metastasis in 543 cN0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
      Patients.
AB  - Background. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with central lymph node metastases
      (CLNMs) is common. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence
      and risk factors of lymph node metastasis patients with PTC. Patients and
      Methods. Between January 2013 and February 2015, a retrospective study of 543
      patients with PTC undergoing hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy with
      routine central lymph node dissection (CLND) was analyzed. Clinicopathologic risk
      factors for CLNM were studied using univariate and multivariate analysis by SPSS
      22.0 software. Results. The incidence of CLNMs in PTC patients was 38.1%
      (207/543). In the multivariate analysis, male gender (p < 0.001, OR: 1.984), age
      <45 years (p < 0.001, OR: 1.934), bilaterality (p = 0.006, OR: 1.585), tumor size
      >=0.25 cm (p = 0.001, OR: 7.655), and external extension (p = 0.001, OR: 7.579)
      were independent risk factors of CLNMs. Furthermore, in PTC patients with tumor
      size <0.25 cm, all 7 males and 21 patients with unilaterality were not found to
      have CLNMs. Conclusions. CLNMs are prevalent in the PTC patients with the
      following risk factors: male gender, age <45 years, bilaterality, tumor size
      >=0.25 cm, and external extension. PTC patients with tumor size <0.25 cm, male
      patients, and patients with unilateral lesion could be considered safe from
      CLNMs. 

PMID- 27127508
TI  - Extending the Impact of RAC1b Overexpression to Follicular Thyroid Carcinomas.
AB  - RAC1b is a hyperactive variant of the small GTPase RAC1 known to be a relevant
      molecular player in different cancers. Previous studies from our group lead to
      the evidence that its overexpression in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is
      associated with an unfavorable prognosis. In the present study, we intended to
      extend the analysis of RAC1b expression to thyroid follicular neoplasms and to
      seek for clinical correlations. RAC1b expression levels were determined by RT
      qPCR in thyroid follicular tumor samples comprising 23 follicular thyroid
      carcinomas (FTCs) and 33 follicular thyroid adenomas (FTAs). RAC1b was found to
      be overexpressed in 33% of carcinomas while no RAC1b overexpression was
      documented among follicular adenomas. Patients with a diagnosis of FTC were
      divided into two groups based on longitudinal evolution and final outcome. RAC1b
      overexpression was significantly associated with both the presence of distant
      metastases (P = 0.01) and poorer clinical outcome (P = 0.01) suggesting that,
      similarly to that previously found in PTCs, RAC1b overexpression in FTCs is also
      associated with worse outcomes. Furthermore, the absence of RAC1b overexpression
      in follicular adenomas hints its potential as a molecular marker likely to
      contribute, in conjunction with other putative markers, to the preoperative
      differential diagnosis of thyroid follicular lesions. 

PMID- 27127509
TI  - Maternal High-Fat Diet during Pregnancy and Lactation Influences Obestatin and
      Ghrelin Concentrations in Milk and Plasma of Wistar Rat Dams and Their Offspring.
AB  - The study aims to establish the effect of a maternal high-fat diet on obestatin
      concentration, total ghrelin, and ghrelin/obestatin ratio during pregnancy and
      lactation of Wistar rats and their offspring in the first 21 days of life. On the
      mating day, females were randomly allocated and fed either a high-fat diet (30%
      of fat; HF) or breeding diet (5% fat; BD) till the 21st day of lactation.
      Hormones were analyzed in the blood plasma and milk of rat dams as well as in the
      blood plasma of their offspring. HF resulted in a significant decrease in
      obestatin level on the 14th day of lactation and elevation on the 21st day.
      Plasma obestatin in HFD offspring was significantly higher than in BD ones. HF
      diet did not significantly affect dam plasma ghrelin until the 21st day of
      lactation. The ghrelin concentrations in milk after both diets were significantly
      lower than in blood plasma. Milk ghrelin in HF dams was significantly higher than
      in the BD ones. Plasma ghrelin from HF offspring was significantly higher than
      that from BD dams. Our results demonstrate that a maternal HF diet during
      pregnancy and lactation influences ghrelin and obestatin level in both dams and
      their offspring. 

PMID- 27127510
TI  - Computer-Assisted Technique for Surgical Tooth Extraction.
AB  - Introduction. Surgical tooth extraction is a common procedure in dentistry.
      However, numerous extraction cases show a high level of difficulty in practice.
      This difficulty is usually related to inadequate visualization, improper
      instrumentation, or other factors related to the targeted tooth (e.g., ankyloses
      or presence of bony undercut). Methods. In this work, the author presents a new
      technique for surgical tooth extraction based on 3D imaging, computer planning,
      and a new concept of computer-assisted manufacturing. Results. The outcome of
      this work is a surgical guide made by 3D printing of plastics and CNC of metals
      (hybrid outcome). In addition, the conventional surgical cutting tools (surgical
      burs) are modified with a number of stoppers adjusted to avoid any excessive
      drilling that could harm bone or other vital structures. Conclusion. The present
      outcome could provide a minimally invasive technique to overcome the routine
      complications facing dental surgeons in surgical extraction procedures. 

PMID- 27127511
TI  - Direct Analysis of Low-Volatile Molecular Marker Extract from Airborne
      Particulate Matter Using Sensitivity Correction Method.
AB  - Molecular marker analysis of environmental samples often requires time consuming
      preseparation steps. Here, analysis of low-volatile nonpolar molecular markers (5
      6 ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs, hopanoids, and n-alkanes)
      without the preseparation procedure is presented. Analysis of artificial sample
      extracts was directly conducted by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
      After every sample injection, a standard mixture was also analyzed to make a
      correction on the variation of instrumental sensitivity caused by the unfavorable
      matrix contained in the extract. The method was further validated for the PAHs
      using the NIST standard reference materials (SRMs) and then applied to airborne
      particulate matter samples. Tests with the SRMs showed that overall our
      methodology was validated with the uncertainty of ~30%. The measurement results
      of airborne particulate matter (PM) filter samples showed a strong correlation
      between the PAHs, implying the contributions from the same emission source.
      Analysis of size-segregated PM filter samples showed that their size
      distributions were found to be in the PM smaller than 0.4 MUm aerodynamic
      diameter. The observations were consistent with our expectation of their possible
      sources. Thus, the method was found to be useful for molecular marker studies. 

PMID- 27127512
TI  - Measurement of Circulating 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D: Comparison of an Automated
      Method with a Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method.
AB  - Background. The clinical relevance of circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
      (1,25(OH)2D) is probably underappreciated, but variations in the measurement of
      this difficult analyte between different methods limit comparison of results.
      Methods. In 129 clinical samples, we compared a new automated assay with a
      commercially available liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
      kit. Results. Median (interquartile range) 1,25(OH)2D concentrations with the
      automated assay and the LC-MS/MS method were 26.6 pg/mL (18.5-39.0 pg/mL) and
      23.6 pg/mL (16.1-31.3 pg/mL), respectively (P = 0.001). Using the method-specific
      cut-offs for deficient 1,25(OH)2D levels (<20 pg/mL for the automated assay and
      <17 pg/mL for the LC-MS/MS method), the percentage of patients classified as
      1,25(OH)2D deficient was 28.7% and 27.1%, respectively. However, concordance
      between the two methods for deficient levels was only 62% and the concordance
      correlation coefficient was poor (0.534). The regression equation resulted in an
      intercept of -1.99 (95% CI: -7.33-1.31) and a slope of 1.27 (95% CI: 1.04-1.52)
      for the automated assay. The mean bias with respect to the mean of the two
      methods was -3.8 (1.96 SD: -28.3-20.8) pg/mL for the LC-MS/MS method minus the
      automated assay. Conclusions. The two methods show only modest correlation and
      further standardization is required to improve reliability and comparability of
      1,25(OH)2D test procedures. 

PMID- 27127513
TI  - Preparation Methods for Improving PEEK's Bioactivity for Orthopedic and Dental
      Application: A Review.
AB  - There is an increased interest in the use of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) for
      orthopedic and dental implant applications due to its elastic modulus close to
      that of bone, biocompatibility, and its radiolucent properties. However, PEEK is
      still categorized as bioinert due to its low integration with surrounding
      tissues. Many studies have reported on methods to increase the bioactivity of
      PEEK, but there is still one-preparation method for preparing bioactive PEEK
      implant where the produced implant with desirable mechanical and bioactivity
      properties is required. The aim of this review is to present the progress of the
      preparation methods for improvement of the bioactivity of PEEK and to discuss the
      strengths and weaknesses of the existing methods. 

PMID- 27127514
TI  - The Diagnostic Value of Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Phenotype in Patients with
      Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis.
AB  - The deficiency of alpha-1 protease inhibitor, or alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT),
      predisposes to chronic lung diseases and extrapulmonary pathology. Besides
      classical manifestations, such as pulmonary emphysema and liver disease, alpha-1
      antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) is also known to be associated with granulomatosis
      with polyangiitis (GPA or Wegener's granulomatosis). The aim of our study was to
      evaluate the frequency of allelic isoforms of A1AT and their clinical
      significance among GPA patients. Detailed clinical information, including
      Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), incidence of lung involvement, anti
      proteinase 3 (PR3) antibodies concentrations, and other laboratory data were
      collected in 38 GPA patients. We also studied serum samples obtained from 46
      healthy donors. In all collected samples A1AT phenotyping by isoelectrofocusing
      (IEF) and turbidimetric A1AT measurement were performed. Abnormal A1AT variants
      were found in 18.4% (7/38) of cases: 1 ZZ, 4 MZ, 2 MF, and only 1 MZ in control
      group (2%). The mean A1AT concentration in samples with atypical A1AT phenotypes
      was significantly lower (P = 0.0038) than in normal A1AT phenotype. We found that
      patients with abnormal A1AT phenotypes had significantly higher vasculitis
      activity (BVAS) as well as anti-PR3 antibodies concentration. We conclude that
      A1AT deficiency should be considered in all patients with GPA. 

PMID- 27127515
TI  - Encephalopathy Associated with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Potentially
      Reversible Condition.
AB  - Autoimmune thyroid disease may occasionally associate with unspecific
      neurological symptoms, which are more commonly insidious, include cognitive or
      behavioural symptoms, and may associate with tremor, myoclonus, or ataxia. We
      report a 61-year-old female patient who presented with chronic headache,
      insidious mood, and cognitive disturbance which evolved in a few months to
      dementia associated with exuberant limb myoclonus. Diagnostic workup revealed
      high anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody titers and an inflammatory CSF profile, and
      it was negative for other possible etiologies. Treatment with steroids induced
      significant improvement. The diagnosis of encephalopathy associated with
      autoimmune thyroid disease is still controversial given the fact that the
      clinical presentation and diagnostic workup are unspecific, the pathophysiology
      is still undetermined, and the diagnosis is mostly of exclusion. No direct
      correlation is found between anti-thyroid antibody titers and clinical
      presentation, and it is currently speculated that other still unrecognized
      antibodies may be responsible for this clinical entity. It is extremely important
      to recognize this entity because it is potentially treatable with
      immunotherapies. It is also increasingly recognized that clinical improvement
      with first-line treatment with steroids may be absent or incomplete, and other
      immunotherapies as immunosuppressants, intravenous immunoglobulin, or plasma
      exchange must be attempted in the clinical suspicion of EEAT. 

PMID- 27127517
TI  - XPC Promotes Pluripotency of Human Dental Pulp Cells through Regulation of Oct
      4/Sox2/c-Myc.
AB  - Introduction. Xeroderma pigmentosum group C (XPC), essential component of
      multisubunit stem cell coactivator complex (SCC), functions as the critical
      factor modulating pluripotency and genome integrity through interaction with Oct
      4/Sox2. However, its specific role in regulating pluripotency and multilineage
      differentiation of human dental pulp cells (DPCs) remains unknown. Methods. To
      elucidate the functional role XPC played in pluripotency and multilineage
      differentiation of DPCs, expressions of XPC in DPCs with long-term culture were
      examined by real-time PCR and western blot. DPCs were transfected with lentiviral
      mediated human XPC gene; then transfection rate was investigated by real-time PCR
      and western blot. Cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation, senescence, multilineage
      differentiation, and expression of Oct-4/Sox2/c-Myc in transfected DPCs were
      examined. Results. XPC, Oct-4, Sox2, and c-Myc were downregulated at P7 compared
      with P3 in DPCs with long-term culture. XPC genes were upregulated in DPCs at P2
      after transfection and maintained high expression level at P3 and P7. Cell
      proliferation, PI value, and telomerase activity were enhanced, whereas apoptosis
      was suppressed in transfected DPCs. Oct-4/Sox2/c-Myc were significantly
      upregulated, and multilineage differentiation in DPCs with XPC overexpression was
      enhanced after transfection. Conclusions. XPC plays an essential role in the
      modulation of pluripotency and multilineage differentiation of DPCs through
      regulation of Oct-4/Sox2/c-Myc. 

PMID- 27127516
TI  - Harnessing the Angiogenic Potential of Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for Vascular
      Regeneration.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to display important regenerative
      properties through the secretion of proangiogenic factors. Recent evidence
      pointed at the key role played by exosomes released from MSCs in this paracrine
      mechanism. Exosomes are key mediators of intercellular communication and contain
      a cargo that includes a modifiable content of microRNA (miRNA), mRNA, and
      proteins. Since the biogenesis of the MSCs-derived exosomes is regulated by the
      cross talk between MSCs and their niche, the content of the exosomes and
      consequently their biological function are dependent on the cell of origin and
      the physiologic or pathologic status of their microenvironment. Recent
      preclinical studies revealed that MSCs-derived exosomes have a critical
      implication in the angiogenic process since the use of exosomes-depleted
      conditioned medium impaired the MSCs angiogenesis response. In this review, we
      discuss the current knowledge related to the angiogenic potential of MSCs
      exosomes and methods to enhance their biological activities for improved vascular
      regeneration. The current gain of insight in exosomes studies highlights the
      power of combining cell based therapies and their secreted products in
      therapeutic angiogenesis. 

PMID- 27127518
TI  - Organotypic Cultures as a Model to Study Adult Neurogenesis in CNS Disorders.
AB  - Neural regeneration resides in certain specific regions of adult CNS. Adult
      neurogenesis occurs throughout life, especially from the subgranular zone of
      hippocampus and the subventricular zone, and can be modulated in physiological
      and pathological conditions. Numerous techniques and animal models have been
      developed to demonstrate and observe neural regeneration but, in order to study
      the molecular and cellular mechanisms and to characterize multiple types of cell
      populations involved in the activation of neurogenesis and gliogenesis,
      investigators have to turn to in vitro models. Organotypic cultures best
      recapitulate the 3D organization of the CNS and can be explored taking advantage
      of many techniques. Here, we review the use of organotypic cultures as a reliable
      and well defined method to study the mechanisms of neurogenesis under normal and
      pathological conditions. As an example, we will focus on the possibilities these
      cultures offer to study the pathophysiology of diseases like Alzheimer disease,
      Parkinson's disease, and cerebral ischemia. 

PMID- 27127519
TI  - Magnetic Nanoparticles for Targeting and Imaging of Stem Cells in Myocardial
      Infarction.
AB  - Stem cell therapy has broad applications in regenerative medicine and
      increasingly within cardiovascular disease. Stem cells have emerged as a leading
      therapeutic option for many diseases and have broad applications in regenerative
      medicine. Injuries to the heart are often permanent due to the limited
      proliferation and self-healing capability of cardiomyocytes; as such, stem cell
      therapy has become increasingly important in the treatment of cardiovascular
      diseases. Despite extensive efforts to optimize cardiac stem cell therapy,
      challenges remain in the delivery and monitoring of cells injected into the
      myocardium. Other fields have successively used nanoscience and nanotechnology
      for a multitude of biomedical applications, including drug delivery, targeted
      imaging, hyperthermia, and tissue repair. In particular, superparamagnetic iron
      oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been widely employed for molecular and cellular
      imaging. In this mini-review, we focus on the application of superparamagnetic
      iron oxide nanoparticles in targeting and monitoring of stem cells for the
      treatment of myocardial infarctions. 

PMID- 27127520
TI  - Human Liver Stem Cells Suppress T-Cell Proliferation, NK Activity, and Dendritic
      Cell Differentiation.
AB  - Human liver stem cells (HLSCs) are a mesenchymal stromal cell-like population
      resident in the adult liver. Preclinical studies indicate that HLSCs could be a
      good candidate for cell therapy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
      immunogenicity and the immunomodulatory properties of HLSCs on T-lymphocytes,
      natural killer cells (NKs), and dendritic cells (DCs) in allogeneic experimental
      settings. We found that HLSCs inhibited T-cell proliferation by a mechanism
      independent of cell contact and dependent on the release of prostaglandin E2
      (PGE2) and on indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity. When compared with
      mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), HLSCs were more efficient in inhibiting T-cell
      proliferation. At variance with MSCs, HLSCs did not elicit NK degranulation.
      Moreover, HLSCs inhibited NK degranulation against K562, a NK-sensitive target,
      by a mechanism dependent on HLA-G release. When tested on DC generation from
      monocytes, HLSCs were found to impair DC differentiation and DCs ability to
      induce T-cell proliferation through PGE2. This study shows that HLSCs have
      immunomodulatory properties similar to MSCs, but, at variance with MSCs, they do
      not elicit a NK response. 

PMID- 27127521
TI  - Leukemia Stem Cell-Released Microvesicles Promote the Survival and Migration of
      Myeloid Leukemia Cells and These Effects Can Be Inhibited by MicroRNA34a
      Overexpression.
AB  - Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) play the major role in relapse of acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML). Recent evidence indicates that microvesicles (MVs) released from
      cancer stem cells can promote tumor growth and invasion. In this study, we
      investigated whether LSCs-released MVs (LMVs) can regulate the malignance of AML
      cells and whether overexpression of tumor suppressive microRNA (miR), miR34a, is
      able to interrupt this process. LSCs were transfected with miRNA control
      (miRCtrl) or miR34a mimic for producing LMVs, respectively, defined as
      LMVs(miRCtrl) and LMVs(miR34a). The effect of miR34a transfection on LSC
      proliferation and the effects of LMVs(miRCtrl) or LMVs(miR34a) on the
      proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of AML cells (after LSC depletion) were
      determined. The levels of miR34a targets, caspase-3 and T cell immunoglobulin
      mucin-3 (Tim-3), were analyzed. Results showed that (1) LMVs(miRCtrl) promoted
      proliferation and migration and inhibited apoptosis of AML cells, which were
      associated with miR34a deficit; (2) transfection of miR34a mimic inhibited LSC
      proliferation and increased miR34a level in LMVs(miR34a); (3) LMVs(miR34a)
      produced opposite effects as compared with LMVs(miRCtrl), which were associated
      with the changes of caspase-3 and Tim-3 levels. In summary, LMVs support AML cell
      malignance and modulating miR34a could offer a new approach for the management of
      AML. 

PMID- 27127522
TI  - Molecular Characterization of Leptospira spp. in Environmental Samples from North
      Eastern Malaysia Revealed a Pathogenic Strain, Leptospira alstonii.
AB  - The presence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in the environment poses threats to
      human health. The aim of this study was to detect and characterize Leptospira
      spp. from environmental samples. A total of 144 samples comprised of 72 soil and
      72 water samples were collected from markets and recreational areas in a north
      eastern state in Malaysia. Samples were cultured on Ellinghausen and McCullough
      modified by Johnson and Harris media. Leptospires were positive in 22.9% (n = 33)
      of the isolates. Based on partial sequences of 16S rRNA, a pathogenic leptospire,
      Leptospira alstonii (n = 1/33), was identified in 3% of the isolates followed by
      intermediate leptospire (L. wolffii, n = 1/33, and L. licerasiae, n = 7/33) and
      nonpathogenic leptospire, L. meyeri (n = 22/33) in 24.2% and 66.7%, respectively.
      This study demonstrates the presence of a clinically significant pathogenic L.
      alstonii in the environments which could pose health risks to the occupants and
      visitors. 

PMID- 27127523
TI  - Evaluation of circulating vascular endothelial growth factor and its soluble
      receptors in patients suffering from persistent allergic rhinitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overexpression and enhanced release of vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) have been detected in various types of allergic inflammation,
      including asthma. AIM: To further evaluate the pattern of systemic release of
      VEGF in atopic allergy, free circulating VEGF was measured in patients with
      persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR). METHODS: The concentrations of VEGF and its
      soluble receptors (sVEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2) in plasma were measured in patients with
      PAR sensitized to house dust mites and the healthy subjects. RESULTS: No
      significant differences were found between PAR patients and healthy subjects with
      respect to plasma levels of VEGF and its receptors. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that
      free circulating VEGF may not be elevated in PAR patients. Moreover, on the basis
      of the present study as well as the earlier ones, it appears likely that systemic
      release of VEGF varies among patients with distinct clinical manifestation of
      atopy; may depend on severity/activity and the extent of inflammatory response.

PMID- 27127524
TI  - IgE serum concentration against airborne fungi in children with respiratory
      allergies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate total and specific E immunoglobulin (IgE) antibody
      concentrations in underage subjects with respiratory allergic diseases. METHODS:
      This study was a transversal-type study in 100 underage subjects between 4 and 14
      years old, with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis. Total and specific IgE were
      quantified for airborne fungi in the city of Sao Luis, Maranhao, Brazil. Five
      distinct regions-North, South, Center, East and West-were selected so fungi could
      be collected monthly for 1 year. Twenty genera were identified. Aspergillus,
      Penicillium, Fusarium and Neurospora were selected for the preparation of
      sensitizing antigens from ELISA dishes. IgE total concentrations were estimated
      using the same method. RESULTS: IgE total serum concentration was increased in 97
      % of the atopic subjects: 75 % of the subjects presented increased IgE anti
      Aspergillus concentrations, 87 % presented IgE anti-Penicillium, 45 % presented
      IgE anti-Fusarium, and 46 % presented IgE anti-Neurospora. CONCLUSIONS: Atopic
      subjects presented simultaneous IgE total and specific elevations for the tested
      fungi, possibly due to polysensitization caused by the presence of fungi in all
      of the areas all year. However, determining the clinical significance of the
      results was not yet possible because most of the data were isolated variables.

PMID- 27127525
TI  - Cytokine patterns in nasal secretion of non-atopic patients distinguish between
      chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Being one of the most common nasal diseases, chronic rhinosinusitis
      (CRS) is subdivided into CRS with nasal polyps (NP) and CRS without nasal polyps
      (CRSsNP). CRSsNP presents itself with a TH1 milieu and neutrophil infiltration,
      while NP is characterised by a mixed TH1/TH2 profile and an influx of
      predominantly eosinophils, plasma cells and mast cells. For the purpose of
      discovering disease-specific cytokine profiles, the present study compares levels
      of mediators and cytokines in nasal secretions between CRSsNP, NP, and healthy
      controls. METHODS: The study included 45 participants suffering from NP, 48
      suffering from CRSsNP and 48 healthy controls. Allergic rhinitis constituted an
      exclusion criterion. Nasal secretions, sampled using the cotton wool method, were
      analysed for IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IL-8, GM-CSF, G-CSF, IFN
      gamma, MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, eotaxin, and RANTES, and for ECP and
      tryptase, using Bio-Plex Cytokine assay or ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: Elevated
      levels of IL-5, IL-17, G-CSF, MCP-1, MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, ECP, and tryptase, as
      well as decreased levels of IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, and IFN-gamma were detected in
      NP. CRSsNP presented increased levels of RANTES and MIP-1beta while IL-13 was
      decreased. No differences between the three groups were found for IL-4, IL-8, GM
      CSF, and eotaxin. CONCLUSIONS: The present work suggests a disequilibrium of TH1
      and TH2, together with a down-regulation of regulatory T lymphocytes and up
      regulated TH17 in NP. Moreover, elevated levels of diverse mediators represent
      the activation of various inflammatory cells in this disease entity. The
      inflammation in CRSsNP, however, is only weakly depicted in nasal secretions.
      Therefore, cytokines in nasal secretions may provide helpful information for
      differential diagnosis.

PMID- 27127526
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of skin-prick testing for allergic rhinitis: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is the most common form of allergy worldwide. The
      accuracy of skin testing for allergic rhinitis is still debated. Our primary
      objective was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of skin-prick testing for
      allergic rhinitis using the nasal provocation as the reference standard. We also
      evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of intradermal testing as a secondary
      objective. METHODS: We searched EBM Reviews from 2005 to March 2015; Embase from
      1980 to March 2015; and Ovid MEDLINE(R) from 1946 to until March 2015. We
      included any study with at least 10 subjects including children. We excluded non
      English studies. We performed data extraction and quality assessment using the
      QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: We meta-analysed seven studies assessing the accuracy of
      skin-prick testing using the bivariate random-effects model, including a total of
      430 patients. The pooled estimate for sensitivity and specificity for skin-prick
      testing was 85 and 77 % respectively. We did not pool results for intradermal
      testing due to few number of studies (n = 4), each with very small sample size.
      Of these, two evaluated the accuracy of intradermal testing in confirming skin
      prick testing results, with sensitivity ranging from 27 to 50 % and specificity
      ranging from 60 to 100 %. The other two evaluated the accuracy of intradermal
      testing as a stand-alone test for diagnosing allergic rhinitis with sensitivity
      ranging from 60 to 79 % and specificity ranging from 68 to 69 %. CONCLUSIONS:
      Findings from this review suggest that skin-prick testing is accurate in
      discriminating subjects with or without allergic rhinitis.

PMID- 27127527
TI  - Multisystem reactions during egg oral food challenges may be associated with less
      severe reactions on initial presentation.
AB  - In this study, we assessed whether multisystem reactions to egg and extensively
      heated (EH) egg during OFCs were associated with a history of multisystem
      reactions. Records of children, who underwent OFC to egg or EH egg over a five
      year period were reviewed. Of the 120 challenges, 26 (21.67 %) failed, with 38.4
      % (10/26) having multisystem reactions. Of the 13 who had multisystem reactions
      on initial presentation, only two (15.4 %) had a similar OFC outcome. Eighty
      percent (8/10) of those who had a multisystem OFC reaction had a less severe
      initial presentation. Initial and OFC multisystem reactions were not associated
      with each other. 

PMID- 27127528
TI  - Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicine as an Adjunctive Therapy on in-Hospital
      Mortality in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - Objective. We aimed to systematically assess the efficacy of Chinese herbal
      medicine (CHM) as an adjunctive therapy on in-hospital mortality in patients with
      acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods. We did a systematic review of articles
      published in any language up until Jun 23, 2015, by searching PubMed, Embase, the
      Cochrane Library, CBM, and CNKI. We included all RCTs that compared outcomes of
      patients with AKI taking CHM plus Western treatment (WT) with those taking WT
      alone. We applied Cochrane risk-of-bias tool to assess the methodological quality
      of the included trials. Results. Of 832 citations, 15 studies involving 966
      patients met inclusion criteria. The methodological quality was assessed with
      unclear risk of bias. In the primary outcome of meta-analysis, pooled outcome of
      in-hospital mortality showed that patients randomly assigned to CHM treatment
      group were associated with low risk of in-hospital mortality compared with those
      randomly assigned to WT alone (RR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.71; P = 0.001).
      Conclusions. CHM as an adjunctive therapy is associated with a decreased risk of
      in-hospital mortality compared with WT in patients with AKI. Further studies with
      high quality and large sample size are needed to verify our conclusions. 

PMID- 27127529
TI  - Predicting Outcome in Comatose Patients: The Role of EEG Reactivity to
      Quantifiable Electrical Stimuli.
AB  - Objective. To test the value of quantifiable electrical stimuli as a reliable
      method to assess electroencephalogram reactivity (EEG-R) for the early
      prognostication of outcome in comatose patients. Methods. EEG was recorded in
      consecutive adults in coma after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or stroke.
      EEG-R to standard electrical stimuli was tested. Each patient received a 3-month
      follow-up by the Glasgow-Pittsburgh cerebral performance categories (CPC) or
      modified Rankin scale (mRS) score. Results. Twenty-two patients met the inclusion
      criteria. In the CPR group, 6 of 7 patients with EEG-R had good outcomes
      (positive predictive value (PPV), 85.7%) and 4 of 5 patients without EEG-R had
      poor outcomes (negative predictive value (NPV), 80%). The sensitivity and
      specificity were 85.7% and 80%, respectively. In the stroke group, 6 of 7
      patients with EEG-R had good outcomes (PPV, 85.7%); all of the 3 patients without
      EEG-R had poor outcomes (NPV, 100%). The sensitivity and specificity were 100%
      and 75%, respectively. Of all patients, the presence of EEG-R showed 92.3%
      sensitivity, 77.7% specificity, 85.7% PPV, and 87.5% NPV. Conclusion. EEG-R to
      quantifiable electrical stimuli might be a good positive predictive factor for
      the prognosis of outcome in comatose patients after CPR or stroke. 

PMID- 27127530
TI  - The Clinical Effect of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A
      Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - Purpose. This study aims to determine the clinical efficacy of acupuncture
      therapy in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Methods. A systematic
      literature search was conducted in five databases including PubMed, EMBASE,
      CENTRAL, Wanfang, and CNKI to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the
      effect of acupuncture therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Meta-analysis was
      conducted using the RevMan version 5.3 software. Results. Six RCTs involving 362
      subjects were included in our study. Compared with control groups, manual
      acupuncture (MA) was more effective in the improvement of apnea/hypopnea index
      (AHI), apnea index, hypopnea index, and mean SaO2. Electroacupuncture (EA) was
      better in improving the AHI and apnea index when compared with control treatment,
      but no statistically significant differences in hypopnea index and mean SaO2 were
      found. In the comparison of MA and nasal continuous positive airway pressure, the
      results favored MA in the improvement of AHI; there was no statistical difference
      in the improvement in mean SaO2. No adverse events associated with acupuncture
      therapy were documented. Conclusion. Compared to control groups, both MA and EA
      were more effective in improving AHI and mean SaO2. In addition, MA could further
      improve apnea index and hypopnea index compared to control. 

PMID- 27127531
TI  - Retracted: Sagunja-Tang Improves Lipid Related Disease in a Postmenopausal Rat
      Model and HepG2 Cells.
AB  - [This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2015/321407.]. 

PMID- 27127534
TI  - The Virtual Screening of the Drug Protein with a Few Crystal Structures Based on
      the Adaboost-SVM.
AB  - Using the theory of machine learning to assist the virtual screening (VS) has
      been an effective plan. However, the quality of the training set may reduce
      because of mixing with the wrong docking poses and it will affect the screening
      efficiencies. To solve this problem, we present a method using the ensemble
      learning to improve the support vector machine to process the generated protein
      ligand interaction fingerprint (IFP). By combining multiple classifiers, ensemble
      learning is able to avoid the limitations of the single classifier's performance
      and obtain better generalization. According to the research of virtual screening
      experiment with SRC and Cathepsin K as the target, the results show that the
      ensemble learning method can effectively reduce the error because the sample
      quality is not high and improve the effect of the whole virtual screening
      process. 

PMID- 27127535
TI  - Fluid Structural Analysis of Urine Flow in a Stented Ureter.
AB  - Many urologists are currently studying new designs of ureteral stents to improve
      the quality of their operations and the subsequent recovery of the patient. In
      order to help during this design process, many computational models have been
      developed to simulate the behaviour of different biological tissues and provide a
      realistic computational environment to evaluate the stents. However, due to the
      high complexity of the involved tissues, they usually introduce simplifications
      to make these models less computationally demanding. In this study, the
      interaction between urine flow and a double-J stented ureter with a simplified
      geometry has been analysed. The Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) of urine and
      the ureteral wall was studied using three models for the solid domain: Mooney
      Rivlin, Yeoh, and Ogden. The ureter was assumed to be quasi-incompressible and
      isotropic. Data obtained in previous studies from ex vivo and in vivo mechanical
      characterization of different ureters were used to fit the mentioned models. The
      results show that the interaction between the stented ureter and urine is
      negligible. Therefore, we can conclude that this type of models does not need to
      include the FSI and could be solved quite accurately assuming that the ureter is
      a rigid body and, thus, using the more simple Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
      approach. 

PMID- 27127532
TI  - What happens to cardiovascular system behind the undetectable level of HIV
      viremia?
AB  - Despite the combined antiretroviral therapy has improved the length and quality
      of life of HIV infected patients, the survival of these patients is always
      decreased compared with the general population. This is the consequence of non
      infectious illnesses including cardio vascular diseases. In fact large studies
      have indicated an increased risk of coronary atherosclerotic disease, myocardial
      infarction even in HIV patients on cART. In HIV infected patients several factors
      may contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular problems: life-style,
      metabolic parameters, genetic predisposition, viral factors, immune activation,
      chronic inflammation and side effects of antiretroviral therapy. The same factors
      may also contribute to complicate the clinical management of these patients.
      Therefore, treatment of these non-infectious illnesses in HIV infected population
      is an emerging challenge for physicians. The purpose of this review is to focus
      on the new insights in non AIDS-related cardiovascular diseases in patients with
      suppressed HIV viremia. 

PMID- 27127533
TI  - Role of BAF60a/BAF60c in chromatin remodeling and hepatic lipid metabolism.
AB  - The switching defective/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) complexes play an
      important role in hepatic lipid metabolism regulating both transcriptional
      activation and repression. BAF60a is a core subunit of the SWI/SNF chromatin
      remodeling complexes that activates the transcription of fatty acid oxidation
      genes during fasting/glucagon. BAF60c, another subunit of SWI/SNF complexes, is
      recruited to form the lipoBAF complex that activates lipogenic genes, promoting
      lipogenesis and increasing the triglyceride level in response to feeding/insulin.
      Interestingly, hepatocytes located in the periportal and perivenous zones of the
      liver display a remarkable heterogeneity in the activity of various enzymes,
      metabolic functions and gene expression. Especially, fatty-acid oxidation was
      shown to be mostly periportal, whereas lipogenesis was mostly perivenous.
      Therefore, the present review highlights the role of of SWI/SNF regulating lipid
      metabolism under nutritional and hormonal control, which may be associated with
      hepatocyte heterogeneity. 

PMID- 27127536
TI  - Automatic Liver Segmentation on Volumetric CT Images Using Supervoxel-Based Graph
      Cuts.
AB  - Accurate segmentation of liver from abdominal CT scans is critical for computer
      assisted diagnosis and therapy. Despite many years of research, automatic liver
      segmentation remains a challenging task. In this paper, a novel method was
      proposed for automatic delineation of liver on CT volume images using supervoxel
      based graph cuts. To extract the liver volume of interest (VOI), the region of
      abdomen was firstly determined based on maximum intensity projection (MIP) and
      thresholding methods. Then, the patient-specific liver VOI was extracted from the
      region of abdomen by using a histogram-based adaptive thresholding method and
      morphological operations. The supervoxels of the liver VOI were generated using
      the simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC) method. The foreground/background
      seeds for graph cuts were generated on the largest liver slice, and the graph
      cuts algorithm was applied to the VOI supervoxels. Thirty abdominal CT images
      were used to evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
      Experimental results show that the proposed method can detect the liver
      accurately with significant reduction of processing time, especially when dealing
      with diseased liver cases. 

PMID- 27127537
TI  - The role of conviction in personal disease risk perceptions: What can we learn
      from research on attitude strength?
AB  - Perceived risk for disease is included as a predictor of intentions and behavior
      in many health behavior theories. However, perceived risk is not always a strong
      predictor of intentions and behaviors. One reason may be suboptimal
      conceptualization and measurement of risk perceptions; in particular, research
      may not capture the conviction and certainty with which a risk perception is
      held. The rich and independent literature on attitudes might be leveraged to
      explore whether conviction is an important moderator of the effects of risk
      perceptions on intentions and behavior. Attitudes are more predictive of
      intentions when they are high in multiple aspects of attitude strength, including
      attitude certainty and being more accessible and stable over time. Working from
      the assumption that risk perceptions have a similar structure and function to
      attitudes, we consider whether factors known to strengthen the attitude-behavior
      correspondence might also strengthen the risk perception-behavior correspondence.
      Although by strict definition risk perceptions are not evaluations (a critical
      component of attitudes), the predictive validity of risk perceptions may be
      increased by attention to one's "conviction" or certainty of perceived risk. We
      also review recent strategies designed to improve risk perception measurement,
      including affective and experiential assessments of perceived risk and the
      importance of allowing people to indicate that they "don't know" their disease
      risk. The aim of this paper is to connect two disparate literatures-attitudes and
      persuasion in social psychology with risk perceptions in health psychology and
      decision science-in an attempt to stimulate more work on characteristics and
      proper measurement of risk perceptions.

PMID- 27127538
TI  - Regioselectivity of the alkylation of S-substituted 1,2,4-triazoles with
      dihaloalkanes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 1,2,4-Triazole3-thiones are good scaffolds for preparation of new
      lead compounds. Their derivatives attracted the attention of chemists due to
      their wide spectrum of biological activities. Alkylsulfanyl-1,2,4-triazoles have
      three nucleophilic sites (nitrogens) ready for reaction with electrophiles.
      Herein, new regioselective isomers were synthesized by the reaction of
      benzylsulfanyl-1,2,4-triazole with various dihaloalkanes. Regioselectivity was
      determined by X-ray crystallography and NMR. RESULTS: Coupling of 3-benzylsufanyl
      5-(1H-indolyl)-1,2,4-triazole with dibromomethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,3
      dibromopropane and di(bromomethyl)quinoxaline was investigated in the presence of
      potassium carbonate in acetone. In the case of dibromomethane three different
      bis(triazolyl)methane isomers (-N (1)-CH2-N (1)-4, -N (1)-CH2-N (2)-5, -N (2)-CH2
      N (2)-6) were formed in which the two bromide atoms were replaced by two triazole
      moieties. Among these isomers the reaction was regioselective towards the -N (1)
      CH2-N (2)-5 isomer due to the steric effect. In the case of 1,3-dibromopropane
      two compounds were obtained due to the alkylation at N(2) to give 2-(3
      bromopropyl)-triazole 8 and alkylation at N(1) was followed by cyclization at the
      indole nitrogen to form a condensed indolo-triazolo-diazepine 10. Upon alkylation
      of 3-benzylsufanyl-5-(1H-indolyl)-1,2,4-triazole with di(bromomethyl)quinoxaline,
      two bis(triazolyl-methyl)quinoxaline isomers were separated and characterized as
      (-N (1)-CH2-N (1)-) 11 and (-N (2)-CH2-N (2)-) 12. Single-crystal X-ray
      diffraction assisted the elucidation and confirmation of the structures of the
      isomers. An AM1 theoretical study explained the regioselectivity of the
      alkylation. CONCLUSIONS: On reacting S-protected 1,2,4-triazoles with various
      alkylating agents, only N(1) and N(2) attack the electrophilic carbons. N(2)
      alkylated isomers are preferentially formed. Graphical abstract.

PMID- 27127539
TI  - Energy-efficient biomass processing with pulsed electric fields for bioeconomy
      and sustainable development.
AB  - Fossil resources-free sustainable development can be achieved through a
      transition to bioeconomy, an economy based on sustainable biomass-derived food,
      feed, chemicals, materials, and fuels. However, the transition to bioeconomy
      requires development of new energy-efficient technologies and processes to
      manipulate biomass feed stocks and their conversion into useful products, a
      collective term for which is biorefinery. One of the technological platforms that
      will enable various pathways of biomass conversion is based on pulsed electric
      fields applications (PEF). Energy efficiency of PEF treatment is achieved by
      specific increase of cell membrane permeability, a phenomenon known as membrane
      electroporation. Here, we review the opportunities that PEF and electroporation
      provide for the development of sustainable biorefineries. We describe the use of
      PEF treatment in biomass engineering, drying, deconstruction, extraction of
      phytochemicals, improvement of fermentations, and biogas production. These
      applications show the potential of PEF and consequent membrane electroporation to
      enable the bioeconomy and sustainable development. 

PMID- 27127540
TI  - Visual programming for next-generation sequencing data analytics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-throughput or next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have
      become an established and affordable experimental framework in biological and
      medical sciences for all basic and translational research. Processing and
      analyzing NGS data is challenging. NGS data are big, heterogeneous, sparse, and
      error prone. Although a plethora of tools for NGS data analysis has emerged in
      the past decade, (i) software development is still lagging behind data generation
      capabilities, and (ii) there is a 'cultural' gap between the end user and the
      developer. TEXT: Generic software template libraries specifically developed for
      NGS can help in dealing with the former problem, whilst coupling template
      libraries with visual programming may help with the latter. Here we scrutinize
      the state-of-the-art low-level software libraries implemented specifically for
      NGS and graphical tools for NGS analytics. An ideal developing environment for
      NGS should be modular (with a native library interface), scalable in
      computational methods (i.e. serial, multithread, distributed), transparent
      (platform-independent), interoperable (with external software interface), and
      usable (via an intuitive graphical user interface). These characteristics should
      facilitate both the run of standardized NGS pipelines and the development of new
      workflows based on technological advancements or users' needs. We discuss in
      detail the potential of a computational framework blending generic template
      programming and visual programming that addresses all of the current limitations.
      CONCLUSION: In the long term, a proper, well-developed (although not necessarily
      unique) software framework will bridge the current gap between data generation
      and hypothesis testing. This will eventually facilitate the development of novel
      diagnostic tools embedded in routine healthcare.

PMID- 27127541
TI  - The relationship between foot posture, body mass, age and ankle, lower-limb and
      whole-body flexibility in healthy children aged 7 to 15 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The complex relationship between foot posture, flexibility, body mass
      and age in children is not well understood. The objectives of this post hoc
      analysis were to explore the relationships between foot posture, flexibility,
      body mass in children aged seven to 15 years. METHODS: Thirty healthy,
      asymptomatic children (20 girls, 10 boys) aged 7 to 15 years with a mean age (SD)
      of 10.7 (2.3) years, were recruited through the Auckland University of Technology
      (AUT) Podiatry Clinic, Auckland, New Zealand. Clinical data were collected by a
      podiatrist with 20 years' experience and included: height and weight (for Body
      Mass Index), Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI), Beighton score, Lower Limb Assessment
      Scale score (LLAS); and ankle lunge angle. For this post hoc analysis, Pearson's
      test and Spearman's rho were used to explore relationships between variables.
      Statistical significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Data for each of the 30
      participants for each variable were included in analyses, which returned the
      following statistically significant results: higher FPI was associated moderately
      with higher Beighton score (r = 0.44, p = 0.01); greater lunge angle was
      associated moderately with higher Beighton (r = 0.40, p = 0.02) and LLAS (r =
      0.42, p = 0.02) scores; older age was associated strongly with higher BMI (r =
      0.52, p = <0.01) and moderately with lower Beighton (r = -0.41, p = 0.024) and
      LLAS (r = -0.40, p = 0.03) scores; and higher Beighton score was associated
      strongly with higher LLAS (r = 0.85, p = <0.01). There was no difference in foot
      posture between girls and boys (p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of
      healthy, asymptomatic children age 7 to 15 years, children with a more pronated
      foot type exhibited greater lower limb and whole-body flexibility, but not
      greater ankle joint flexibility. There was strong agreement between lower-limb
      and whole-body flexibility. This study highlights the importance of assessing the
      paediatric flat foot in the context of a developing body.

PMID- 27127542
TI  - Establishing an analytic pipeline for genome-wide DNA methylation.
AB  - The need for research investigating DNA methylation (DNAm) in clinical studies
      has increased, leading to the evolution of new analytic methods to improve
      accuracy and reproducibility of the interpretation of results from these studies.
      The purpose of this article is to provide clinical researchers with a summary of
      the major data processing steps routinely applied in clinical studies
      investigating genome-wide DNAm using the Illumina HumanMethylation 450K BeadChip.
      In most studies, the primary goal of employing DNAm analysis is to identify
      differential methylation at CpG sites among phenotypic groups. Experimental
      design considerations are crucial at the onset to minimize bias from factors
      related to sample processing and avoid confounding experimental variables with
      non-biological batch effects. Although there are currently no de facto standard
      methods for analyzing these data, we review the major steps in processing DNAm
      data recommended by several research studies. We describe several variations
      available for clinical researchers to process, analyze, and interpret DNAm data.
      These insights are applicable to most types of genome-wide DNAm array platforms
      and will be applicable for the next generation of DNAm array technologies (e.g.,
      the 850K array). Selection of the DNAm analytic pipeline followed by
      investigators should be guided by the research question and supported by recently
      published methods.

PMID- 27127543
TI  - The European Paediatric Mycology Network (EPMyN): Towards a Better Understanding
      and Management of Fungal Infections in Children.
AB  - The European Paediatric Mycology Network (EPMyN) was launched in 2014 to create a
      European platform for research and education in the field of paediatric mycology.
      The EPMyN aims to address the lack of paediatric specific evidence and knowledge
      needed to (1) improve the management and outcome of invasive fungal infections in
      children and neonates and to (2) enhance and develop paediatric antifungal
      stewardship programmes.

PMID- 27127544
TI  - Role of Myeloperoxidase in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. Patients with
      CKD have a number of disorders in the organism, and the presence of oxidative
      stress and systemic inflammation in these patients is the subject of numerous
      studies. Chronic inflammation joined with oxidative stress contributes to the
      development of numerous complications: accelerated atherosclerosis process and
      cardiovascular disease, emergence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, development of
      malnutrition, anaemia, hyperparathyroidism, and so forth, affecting the prognosis
      and quality of life of patients with CKD. In this review we presented the
      potential role of the myeloperoxidase enzyme in the production of
      reactive/chlorinating intermediates and their role in oxidative damage to
      biomolecules in the body of patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage
      renal disease. In addition, we discussed the role of modified lipoprotein
      particles under the influence of prooxidant MPO intermediates in the development
      of endothelial changes and cardiovascular complications in renal failure. 

PMID- 27127545
TI  - Cross Talk Mechanism among EMT, ROS, and Histone Acetylation in Phorbol Ester
      Treated Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells.
AB  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in the progression
      of cancer, and some transcription factors including Slug and Snail are known to
      be involved in EMT processes. It has been well established that the excess
      production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and epigenetics such as DNA
      methylation and histone modifications participate in carcinogenesis; however, the
      cross talk mechanism among EMT, ROS, and epigenetics remains unclear. In the
      present study, we demonstrated that the treatment of human breast cancer MCF-7
      cells with phorbol ester (TPA), a protein kinase C activator, significantly
      induced cell proliferation and migration, and these were accompanied by the
      significant induction of Slug expression. Moreover, the TPA-elicited induction of
      Slug expression was regulated by histone H3 acetylation and NADPH oxidase (NOX) 2
      derived ROS signaling, indicating that ROS and histone acetylation are involved
      in TPA-elicited EMT processes. We herein determined the cross talk mechanism
      among EMT, ROS, and histone acetylation, and our results provide an insight into
      the progression of cancer metastasis. 

PMID- 27127547
TI  - Oxidative Stress in Children with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.
AB  - The pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) has not been fully
      understood; nevertheless, significant progress has been achieved in recent years.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) in the pathogenesis of CSU. Sixty-two children with CSU and 41
      healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. An extensive evaluation of
      demographic and clinical features was done, and serum oxidative stress was
      evaluated by plasma total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS)
      measurements. The median value of plasma TOS was found to be 10.49 MUmol H2O2
      equiv./L (interquartile range, 7.29-17.65) in CSU patients and 7.68 MUmol H2O2
      equiv./L (5.95-10.39) in the control group. The difference between the groups was
      statistically significant (p = 0.003). Likewise, the median plasma TAS level in
      the CSU group was decreased significantly compared to that of the control group
      (2.64 [2.30-2.74] versus 2.76 [2.65-2.86] mmol Trolox equiv./L, resp., p =
      0,001). Our results indicated that plasma oxidative stress is increased in
      children with CSU when compared to healthy subjects, and plasma oxidative stress
      markers are positively correlated with disease activity. 

PMID- 27127546
TI  - ROS-Mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Brain, Heart, Kidney, and Testis
      Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.
AB  - Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) causes a reduction in arterial blood supply to
      tissues, followed by the restoration of perfusion and consequent reoxygenation.
      The reestablishment of blood flow triggers further damage to the ischemic tissue
      through reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, interference with cellular
      ion homeostasis, and inflammatory responses to cell death. In normal conditions,
      ROS mediate important beneficial responses. When their production is prolonged or
      elevated, harmful events are observed with peculiar cellular changes. In
      particular, during I/R, ROS stimulate tissue inflammation and induce NLRP3
      inflammasome activation. The mechanisms underlying the activation of NLRP3 are
      several and not completely elucidated. It was recently shown that NLRP3 might
      sense directly the presence of ROS produced by normal or malfunctioning
      mitochondria or indirectly by other activators of NLRP3. Aim of the present
      review is to describe the current knowledge on the role of NLRP3 in some organs
      (brain, heart, kidney, and testis) after I/R injury, with particular regard to
      the role played by ROS in its activation. Furthermore, as no specific therapy for
      the prevention or treatment of the high mortality and morbidity associated with
      I/R is available, the state of the art of the development of novel therapeutic
      approaches is illustrated. 

PMID- 27127548
TI  - The Combination of alpha-Tocopheryl Succinate and Sodium Selenite on Breast
      Cancer: A Merit or a Demerit?
AB  - alpha-Tocopheryl succinate (alpha-TOS), a mitochondria-targeting agent, induces
      apoptosis in malignant cells in vitro and in vivo. Selenite is a nutritional
      supplement that has been shown to stimulate apoptosis in cancer cells. This study
      was designed to investigate the cytotoxic effect of combined treatment of alpha
      TOS and sodium selenite (SSe) in vitro and in vivo and to explore their effect on
      apoptosis and autophagy in breast cancer. The type of interaction between alpha
      TOS and SSe was evaluated and levels of oxidative stress and apoptotic and
      autophagic markers were determined. SSe alone showed varying degrees of
      cytotoxicity on all the tested cell lines. Its combination with alpha-TOS was
      antagonistic in vitro in MCF7 and in vivo in mice bearing Ehrlich tumor compared
      to alpha-TOS-treated one. Combination of TOS with 2 MUM of SSe increased the
      level of glutathione without changes in antiapoptotic markers Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 at
      16 and 48 hrs. SSe decreased caspase 3 activity and protein level of caspases 7
      and 9, while it increased autophagic markers beclin-1 and LC3B protein levels of
      MCF7 cells treated with alpha-TOS. In conclusion, SSe antagonizes alpha-TOS
      induced apoptosis via inhibition of oxidative stress and promoting prosurvival
      machinery of autophagy. 

PMID- 27127549
TI  - Antioxidant Effects of Sheep Whey Protein on Endothelial Cells.
AB  - Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) may cause endothelial
      dysfunction and consequently vascular disease. In the present study, the possible
      protective effects of sheep whey protein (SWP) from tert-butyl hydroperoxide-
      (tBHP-) induced oxidative stress in endothelial cells (EA.hy926) were assessed
      using oxidative stress biomarkers. These oxidative stress biomarkers were
      glutathione (GSH) and ROS levels determined by flow cytometry. Moreover,
      thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (CARB), and
      oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were determined spectrophotometrically. The results
      showed that SWP at 0.78, 1.56, 3.12, and 6.24 mg of protein mL(-1) increased GSH
      up to 141%, while it decreased GSSG to 46.7%, ROS to 58.5%, TBARS to 52.5%, and
      CARB to 49.0%. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated for the first time
      that SWP protected endothelial cells from oxidative stress. Thus, SWP may be used
      for developing food supplements or biofunctional foods to attenuate vascular
      disturbances associated with oxidative stress. 

PMID- 27127550
TI  - Phytochemical Composition, Antifungal and Antioxidant Activity of Duguetia
      furfuracea A. St.-Hill.
AB  - Background. Duguetia furfuracea is popular plant used in popular medicine.
      Hypothesis/Purpose. This claim evaluated the phytochemical composition of the
      hydroethanolic extract (HEDF), fractions of Duguetia furfuracea, and antioxidant
      and antifungal activity. Methods. The chemical profile was carried out by HPLC
      DAD. The total phenolic contents and flavonoid components were determined by
      Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride reaction. The antioxidant activity was
      measured by scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and
      ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) methods. The antifungal activity was
      determined by microdilution assay. RESULTS: HPLC analysis revealed caffeic acid
      and rutin as major compounds (HEDF), caffeic acid and quercitrin (Mt-OH
      fraction), and quercitrin and isoquercitrin (Ac-OEt fraction). The highest levels
      of phenols and total flavonoids were found for Ac-OEt fraction, and the crude
      extract showed higher in vitro antioxidant potential. The antifungal activity
      showed synergic effect with fluconazole and EHDF against C. krusei, fluconazole
      and Mt-OH against C. krusei and C. tropicalis, and Ac-OE and fluconazole against
      C. albicans. Conclusion. The highest levels of phenols and total flavonoids were
      marked with antioxidant effect. This is the first report of bioactivity of the
      synergic effect of HEDF and fractions. More studies would be required to better
      clarify its mechanism of synergic action.

PMID- 27127551
TI  - Bayesian Estimation and Testing in Random Effects Meta-analysis of Rare Binary
      Adverse Events.
AB  - Meta-analysis has been widely applied to rare adverse event data because it is
      very difficult to reliably detect the effect of a treatment on such events in an
      individual clinical study. However, it is known that standard meta-analysis
      methods are often biased, especially when the background incidence rate is very
      low. A recent work by Bhaumik et al. (2012) proposed new moment-based approaches
      under a natural random effects model, to improve estimation and testing of the
      treatment effect and the between-study heterogeneity parameter. It has been
      demonstrated that for rare binary events, their methods have superior performance
      to commonly-used meta-analysis methods. However, their comparison does not
      include any Bayesian methods, although Bayesian approaches are a natural and
      attractive choice under the random-effects model. In this paper, we study a
      Bayesian hierarchical approach to estimation and testing in meta-analysis of rare
      binary events using the random effects model in Bhaumik et al. (2012). We develop
      Bayesian estimators of the treatment effect and the heterogeneity parameter, as
      well as hypothesis testing methods based on Bayesian model selection procedures.
      We compare them with the existing methods through simulation. A data example is
      provided to illustrate the Bayesian approach as well.

PMID- 27127552
TI  - Dr. Basel Ramlawi Guides Special Issue on Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery for
      the Methodist Debakey Cardiovascular Journal.

PMID- 27127553
TI  - William L. Winters, Jr., MD and Miguel Quinones, MD, Announce the Transition of
      Editorship of the Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal.

PMID- 27127554
TI  - The Era of Catheter-Based and Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery.

PMID- 27127555
TI  - Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular Surgery: Incisions and Approaches.
AB  - Throughout the modern era of cardiac surgery, most operations have been performed
      via median sternotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass. This paradigm is changing,
      however, as cardiovascular surgery is increasingly adopting minimally invasive
      techniques. Advances in patient evaluation, instrumentation, and operative
      technique have allowed surgeons to perform a wide variety of complex operations
      through smaller incisions and, in some cases, without cardiopulmonary bypass.
      With patients desiring less invasive operations and the literature supporting
      decreased blood loss, shorter hospital length of stay, improved postoperative
      pain, and better cosmesis, minimally invasive cardiac surgery should be widely
      practiced. Here, we review the incisions and approaches currently used in
      minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery. 

PMID- 27127556
TI  - Cannulation Strategies and Pitfalls in Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery.
AB  - For any given cardiac surgery, there are two invasive components: the surgical
      approach and the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. The standard approach for
      cardiac surgery is the median sternotomy, which offers unrestricted access to the
      thoracic organs-the heart, lung, and major vessels. However, it carries a long
      list of potential complications such as wound infection, brachial plexus palsies,
      respiratory dysfunction, and an unpleasant-looking scar. The cardiopulmonary
      bypass component also carries potential complications such as end-organ
      dysfunction, coagulopathy, hemodilution, bleeding, and blood transfusion
      requirement. Furthermore, the aortic manipulation during cannulation and cross
      clamping increases the risk of dissection, arterial embolization, and stroke.
      Minimally invasive cardiac surgery is an iconic event in the history of
      cardiothoracic medicine and has become a widely adapted approach as it minimizes
      many of the inconvenient side effects associated with the median sternotomy and
      bypass circuit placement. This type of surgery requires the use of novel
      perfusion strategies, especially in patients who hold the highest potential for
      postoperative morbidity. Cannulation techniques are a fundamental element in
      minimally invasive cardiac surgery, and there are numerous cannulation procedures
      for each type of minimally invasive operation. In this review, we will highlight
      the strategies and pitfalls associated with a minimally invasive cannulation. 

PMID- 27127557
TI  - Minimally Invasive Multivessel Coronary Surgery and Hybrid Coronary
      Revascularization: Can We Routinely Achieve Less Invasive Coronary Surgery?
AB  - Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the gold standard in managing severe
      coronary artery disease. However, it is associated with prolonged recovery and
      potential complications, in part due to the invasiveness of the procedure. Less
      invasive CABG techniques attempt to improve the quality and quantity of life in
      the same way as surgical revascularization but with fewer complications.
      Minimally invasive coronary surgery (MICS) through a small thoracotomy allows for
      complete revascularization with good results in graft patency. Perioperative
      mortality is low, and there is decreased need for blood transfusion, lower
      surgical site infection rates, and an earlier return to full physical function.
      Hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR) attempts to combine the advantages of
      coronary artery bypass grafting with those of percutaneous coronary intervention.
      Several studies have shown that HCR provides better short-term outcomes with
      regard to decreased ventilation and ICU time, reduced need for blood transfusion,
      and shortened hospital stay. However, the rates for major adverse cardiovascular
      events and mortality are comparable to conventional CABG, except for patients
      with a high SYNTAX score who displayed increased mortality rates. There is also
      strong evidence of a higher need for repeat revascularization with HCR compared
      to CABG. Overall, MICS and HCR appear to be viable alternatives to conventional
      CABG, offering a less invasive approach to coronary revascularization, which may
      be especially beneficial to high-risk patients. This article discusses approaches
      that deliver the advantages of minimally invasive surgical revascularization that
      can be adapted by surgeons with minimal investment with regards to training and
      infrastructure. 

PMID- 27127558
TI  - Mitral Valve Surgery: Current Minimally Invasive and Transcatheter Options.
AB  - The mitral valve is a highly complex structure, the competency and function of
      which relies on the harmonious action of its component parts. Minimally invasive
      cardiac surgery (MICS) for mitral valve repair or replacement (MVR/r) has been
      performed successfully with incremental improvements in techniques over the past
      decade. These minimally invasive procedures, while attractive to patients and
      referring physicians, should meet the same high bar for optimal clinical outcomes
      and long-term durability of valve repair as traditional sternotomy procedures.
      The majority of MICS MVR/r procedures are performed via a right minithoracotomy
      approach with direct or camera-assisted visualization, with a minority of centers
      performing robotic MVR/r. Outcomes with MICS MVR/r have been shown to have
      similar morbidity and mortality rates as traditional sternotomy MV procedures but
      with the advantage of reduced transfusions, postoperative atrial fibrillation,
      and time to recovery. More recently, transcatheter mitral valve repair and
      replacement (TMVR/r) has become a reality. Percutaneous MV repair technology is
      currently FDA approved for patients with nonsurgical high-risk degenerative
      mitral regurgitation. Other TMVR/r technology is at various levels of preclinical
      and clinical investigation, although these devices are proving to be more
      challenging compared to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) due to the
      significantly more complex mitral anatomy and the greater heterogeneity of mitral
      disease requiring treatment. In this article, we review current techniques for
      MICS MVR/r and upcoming catheter-based therapies for the mitral valve. 

PMID- 27127559
TI  - Aortic Valve Surgery: Minimally Invasive Options.
AB  - Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery has not been adopted by a significant
      proportion of cardiac surgeons despite proven benefits. This may be related to a
      high learning curve and technical issues requiring retraining. In this review, we
      discuss the data for minimally invasive aortic valve surgery and describe our
      operative technique for both ministernotomy and anterior thoracotomy approaches.
      We also discuss the advent of novel sutureless valves and how these techniques
      compare to available transcatheter aortic valve procedures. 

PMID- 27127560
TI  - Advances in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.
AB  - Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is becoming widely used for the
      treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis in patients with high surgical
      risk. Data from The PARTNER Trial (Placement of AoRtic TraNscathetER Valves) and
      the Medtronic CoreValve(r) U.S. Pivotal Investigational Device Exemption trial
      indicate that survival for extreme-risk patients is superior to best medical
      therapy and equivalent or superior to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR),
      although long-term durability remains unknown. Paravalvular leak remains higher
      in TAVR than SAVR, as does permanent pacemaker implantation in self-expanding
      valves. New-generation valves are addressing these issues, especially for
      paravalvular leak. There is strong evidence that TAVR is appropriate for both
      extreme-risk and high-risk patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, and
      the continued development of new valves are making implantation more reliable.
      This review discusses the studies supporting the use of TAVR and explores current
      advances in the field. 

PMID- 27127561
TI  - Minimally Invasive Atrial Fibrillation Surgery: Hybrid Approach.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation is a challenging pathologic process. There continues to be a
      great need for the development of a reproducible, durable cure when medical
      management has failed. An effective, minimally invasive, sternal-sparing
      intervention without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass is a promising treatment
      approach. In this article, we describe a hybrid technique being refined at our
      center that combines a thoracoscopic epicardial surgical approach with an
      endocardial catheter-based procedure. We also discuss our results and review the
      literature describing this unique treatment approach. 

PMID- 27127562
TI  - Minimally Invasive Techniques for Total Aortic Arch Reconstruction.
AB  - The cumulative experience with endovascular aortic repair in the descending
      thoracic and infrarenal aorta has led to increased interest in endovascular
      aortic arch reconstruction. Open total arch replacement is a robust operation
      that can be performed with excellent results. However, it requires
      cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest and, therefore, may not be
      tolerated by all patients. Minimally invasive techniques have been considered as
      an alternative and include hybrid arch debranching, parallel stent graft
      deployment in the chimney and snorkel configurations, and complete endovascular
      branched reconstruction with multi-branched devices. This review discusses the
      evolving use of endovascular techniques in the management of aortic arch
      pathology and considers their relevance in an era of safe and durable open aortic
      arch reconstruction. 

PMID- 27127564
TI  - Case Report: Chronic Recurrent Unilateral Pulmonary Infection: Result of
      Congenital Unilateral Agenesis of Pulmonary Artery.
AB  - Unilateral agenesis of the pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a rare congenital anomaly.
      This report describes a 52-year-old female who gave a long history of chronic,
      recurrent, left-sided pulmonary infections related to UAPA. For many years, she
      was managed medically but the infection continued to recur. She eventually
      underwent left pneumonectomy and made a good recovery. 

PMID- 27127563
TI  - Case Report: Delayed Type A Aortic Dissection Following Complete Debranching of
      the Aortic Arch and Stent Graft Placement.
AB  - Treatment options for aortic arch disease in high-risk patients includes supra
      aortic debranching and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Acute
      ascending aortic dissection is a concerning complication of this approach and has
      been reported to occur in a retrograde fashion. We report a case of a 60-year-old
      gentleman who had undergone thoracic endovascular aortic repair with debranching
      and presented 31 months later with acute isolated ascending aortic dissection.
      The patient underwent successful total replacement of the ascending aorta with a
      30-mm gelwave Valsalva(TM) graft using cardiopulmonary bypass. 

PMID- 27127566
TI  - Museum Image: Three Birds on a Wire.

PMID- 27127567
TI  - Museum Image: Transcatheter Closure and Reintervention on an Expanding Post
      Myocardial Infarction Ventricular Septal Rupture.

PMID- 27127565
TI  - Case Report: A Rare Case of Left Atrial Hemangioma: Surgical Resection and
      Reconstruction.
AB  - Hemangioma of the heart presenting as a primary cardiac tumor is extremely rare,
      accounting for approximately 2% of all primary resected heart tumors. Only a few
      cases of cardiac hemangiomas have been reported to arise from the left atrial
      wall. In this case report we share our experience in the diagnosis and surgical
      resection of a large (9 * 7 cm) left atrial hemangioma and reconstruction of the
      heart using porcine urinary bladder membrane. 

PMID- 27127568
TI  - Editorial: Hard to Catch: A Most Memorable Atlantic Salmon.

PMID- 27127569
TI  - Points To Remember: The Skin in the Cardiovascular Patient.

PMID- 27127570
TI  - Poet's Pen: To Be Or Not To Be?

PMID- 27127571
TI  - Dr. Phil's Art Corner: Crystal Flower and Found in the Desert.

PMID- 27127572
TI  - Primary Hyperparathyroidism Misdiagnosed as Giant Cell Bone Tumor of Maxillary
      Sinus: A Case Report.
AB  - Primary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder recognized by hyperfunction
      of parathyroid gland, which can result in persistent bone absorption and brown
      tumor. Facial involvement of brown tumor is rare and usually involves the
      mandible. Giant cell tumor ( GCT) is an expansile osteolytic bone tumor which is
      very similar in clinical, radiological and histological features to brown tumor.
      Herein, we present a 35-year-old woman with an 11-month history of gradually
      swelling of the right maxilla and buccal spaces began during pregnancy two years
      ago. No other clinical or laboratory problems were detected. Postpartum CT scan
      demonstrated a lytic expansile multi-septated mass lesion containing enhancing
      areas, which initially described as GCT of the right maxillary sinus following
      surgery. Four months later, gradual progressive swelling of the bed of tumor was
      recurred and revised pathological slices were compatible with GCT. Regarding
      patient recent paresthesia, repeated laboratory tests were performed. Finally,
      according to laboratory results (elevation of serum calcium and parathyroid
      hormone), ultrasonographic findings and radioisotope scan (Sestamibi), probable
      parathyroid mass and brown tumor of maxilla was diagnosed. Pathology confirmed
      hyperplasia of right inferior parathyroid gland. Our case was thought-provoking
      due to its interesting clinical presentation and unusual presentation of brown
      tumor in parathyroid hyperplasia. 

PMID- 27127573
TI  - Nodular Fasciitis of the Breast.
AB  - Nodular fasciitis of the breast is a rare benign pathology of soft tissue that is
      a consequence of fibroblastic hyperplasia within breast. It can mimic breast
      cancer clinically, radiologically, and histopathologically. A-43 year-old female
      with a painless mass within upper-lateral quadrant of her left breast complained
      of rapid and progressive growth during previous few days. No evidence of nipple
      discharge or sensation of pain was expressed. The mass was tender to palpation,
      but the size was too tiny to detect. The definitive diagnosis was established
      with sonography, which detected a hypoechogenic lesion, 10 mm in diameter. The
      excisional biopsy delivered a tissue composed of fusiform fibroblastic cells with
      bright ellipsoid-like nuclei and elevated nucleolus. Mitotic formations were also
      obvious. Low cellular and high cellular zones with hyaline fibrosis and
      erythrocyte accumulation existed, as well as a light lymphocytic infiltration.
      All of these features, in addition to adipocytic accumulation within the margins
      of this lesion, suggested a definitive diagnosis of Nodular fasciitis. The
      diagnosis of nodular fasciitis is difficult and often is indiscriminable from
      breast cancer, so paying close attention to this matter is critical. 

PMID- 27127574
TI  - Defining the Collateral Flow of Posterior Tibial Artery and Dorsalis Pedis Artery
      in Ischemic Foot Disease: Is It a Preventing Factor for Ischemia?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critical limb ischemia, a worldwide prevalent morbidity cause, is
      mostly secondary to vascular insufficiency due to atherosclerosis. The disease
      presents with intermittent claudication, which can progress to critical limb
      ischemia requiring amputation. Research has emphasized that the quality or
      existence of the pedal arch have a direct effect on wound healing and, therefore,
      on limb salvage, through the mechanism of collateral vascularization to the
      ischemic regions. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the existence and, if
      present, grade of retrograde blood flow from plantar arch to dorsal foot artery
      (dorsalis pedis artery, DPA). The correlation between clinical symptoms and
      presence of collateral flow were also investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Study
      group consisted of 34 cases, which included patient group (n = 17, all male, mean
      age: 68 years) and control group (n = 17, all male, mean age: 66 years). After
      physical examination and lower extremity Doppler examination, spectral morphology
      of DPA flow was recorded, before and during manual compression of posterior
      tibial artery (PTA), for a period of 5 seconds. At the end, findings of Doppler
      ultrasound, computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography and,
      physical examination finding and symptomatology were gathered and analyzed.
      RESULTS: In the patient group, 31 lower limb arteries, of total of 17 cases, were
      included. After compression maneuver, DPA in 11 cases (six right, five left)
      showed retrograde filling from plantar arch. This retrograde flow support was
      triphasic in three cases, biphasic in five cases, and monophasic in three cases.
      In other DPAs of these 20 limbs, PTA based retrograde collateral flow was not
      determined. In nine of these 20 limbs, with no or diminished retrograde filling,
      symptoms were worse than in other cases. Contrarily, only two of 11 limbs, with
      retrograde collaterals, have claudication during walking. CONCLUSION: In cases
      with critical atherosclerotic disease of anterior tibial artery, PTA-based
      biphasic or triphasic retrograde collateral flow prevents ischemia, whereas
      monophasic support or no retrograde flow remains incapable.

PMID- 27127575
TI  - Correlating Whole-Body Bone Mineral Densitometry Measurements to Those From Local
      Anatomical Sites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Using the same cutoff points for whole-body measurements as for site
      specific measurements will result in underestimation of osteoporosis. OBJECTIVES:
      We assessed the correlation between densitometry measurements for the whole body
      with those for the femur, lumbar spine, and forearm to evaluate the possibility
      of replacing site-specific values with whole-body measurements. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated all patients referred to a
      single rheumatology clinic for bone mineral density measurements from 2009 to
      2010. All patients who had bone mineral density measurements taken from the hip,
      lumbar spine, forearm, and whole body were enrolled in the study. Standard bone
      mineral density measurements were performed using a dual energy X-ray
      absorptiometry device (Hologic Delphi A; Hologic, Bedford, MA, USA). Bone mineral
      density, Z-score, and T-score were measured for all patients and all body
      regions. RESULTS: The mean age of the 152 participating patients was 56.7 +/-
      12.6 years, and 97.4% were female. Pearson correlation coefficients of the whole
      body bone mineral density values compared with site-specific values in patients
      over age 50 were 0.66 - 0.75. Using T-score cutoff points of -1 and -2.5 for
      osteopenia and osteoporosis, whole-body measurements underestimated the
      percentage of abnormal patients compared with the site-specific measurements (all
      P < 0.001). Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the whole
      body bone mineral density showed respective areas under the curve of 0.96 and
      0.84 for the diagnosis of abnormal hip bone mineral density and osteoporosis.
      CONCLUSION: Using the same cutoff points for whole-body measurements as for site
      specific measurements will result in overestimation or especially underestimation
      of osteopenia and osteoporosis diagnosis. Choosing new and appropriate cutoff
      points for whole-body densitometric measurements when we want to substitutes this
      assessment instead of site specific measurements seems mandatory and will
      decrease the rate of false diagnoses of densitometric deficiencies in these
      anatomical sites.

PMID- 27127576
TI  - Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Occlusion Complicated with Biliary
      Fistula Successfully Treated with a Stent Graft: A Case Report.
AB  - A 43-year-old man with liver cirrhosis received transjugular intrahepatic
      portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for the treatment of recurrent variceal bleeding and
      F3 esophageal varices. During routine follow up liver ultrasound examination, six
      months after the implantation, TIPS occlusion was suspected and TIPS revision was
      performed. During the revision, moderate to severe stenosis at the hepatic venous
      segment of the tract and a total occlusion at the parenchymal segment of TIPS
      tract near the portal vein with biliary-TIPS fistula were identified with a clear
      visualization of the common bile duct. After the successful TIPS revision with
      the placement of an additional stent-graft, the biliary fistula and common bile
      duct were no more delineated. We herein report a rare case with an obvious
      visualization of biliary-TIPS fistula associated with obstruction of TIPS shunt
      on the tractogram and recanalization with an additional stent-graft. 

PMID- 27127577
TI  - Application of Analytical Hierarchy Process Approach for Service Quality
      Evaluation in Radiology Departments: A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiology department as a service provider organization requires
      realization of quality concept concerning service provisioning knowledge,
      satisfaction and all issues relating to the customer as well as quality assurance
      and improvement issues. At present, radiology departments in hospitals are
      regarded as income generating units and they should continuously seek performance
      improvement so that they can survive in the changing and competitive environment
      of the health care sector. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to propose a
      method for ranking of radiology departments in selected hospitals of Tehran city
      using analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and quality evaluation of their
      service in 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was an applied and cross
      sectional study, carried out in radiology departments of 6 Tehran educational
      hospitals in 2015. The hospitals were selected using non-probability and
      purposeful method. Data gathering was performed using customized joint commission
      international (JCI) standards. Expert Choice 10.0 software was used for data
      analysis. AHP method was used for prioritization. RESULTS: "Management and
      empowerment of human resources'' (weight = 0.465) and "requirements and
      facilities" (weight = 0.139) were of highest and lowest significance respectively
      in the overall ranking of the hospitals. MS (weight = 0.316), MD (weight =
      0.259), AT (weight = 0.14), TS (weight = 0.108), MO (weight = 0.095), and LH
      (0.082) achieved the first to sixth rankings respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of
      AHP method can be promising for fostering the evaluation method and subsequently
      promotion of the efficiency and effectiveness of the radiology departments. The
      present model can fill in the gap in the accreditation system of the country's
      hospitals in respect with ranking and comparing them considering the significance
      and value of each individual criteria and standard. Accordingly, it can predict
      an integration of qualitative and quantitative criteria involved and thereby take
      a decisive step towards further efficiency and effectiveness of the health care
      evaluation systems.

PMID- 27127578
TI  - Diffusion Weighted Imaging, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, and T2* Mapping of Lumbar
      Intervertebral Disc in Young Healthy Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could provide
      excellent detection of morphological changes in the diagnosis of lumbar disc
      degeneration (LDD), it has some difficulties in discriminating minimal changes
      associated with early LDD before morphological or clinical alterations.
      Therefore, newer MRI techniques have emerged for investigation of early LDD.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to use diffusion weighted imaging (DWI),
      diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and T2* mapping to detect lumbar discs in healthy
      young adults, to evaluate if they could depict the microstructural changes of
      early LDD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional
      anisotropy (FA), and T2* images of the lumbar discs were obtained for 40
      asymptomatic young subjects (19 males and 21 females; mean age of 24.3 years),
      using DWI, DTI and T2* mapping with a 1.5-T MRI scanner. ADC, FA, and T2* values
      were measured to compare five regions of interest (ROI) selected in each nucleus
      pulposus (NP) of the images. RESULTS: The ADC, FA, and T2* values were different
      (P < 0.05) among different ROIs within the same disc or among corresponding ROIs
      in different level discs. While the average values of ADC increased regularly
      with the lowering of the anatomical location (P < 0.05), the average FA and T2*
      values also associated with the anatomic locations, showed an increase in L4-L5
      and L5-S1 discs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ADC, FA, and T2* values may
      quantitatively reflect the microstructural characteristics of NP, therefore they
      could be used to detect the minimal changes of early LDD.

PMID- 27127579
TI  - Significance of Additional Non-Mass Enhancement in Patients with Breast Cancer on
      Preoperative 3T Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI of the Breast.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In preoperative assessment of breast cancer, MRI has been shown to
      identify more additional breast lesions than are detectable using conventional
      imaging techniques. The characterization of additional lesions is more important
      than detection for optimal surgical treatment. Additional breast lesions can be
      included in focus, mass, and non-mass enhancement (NME) on MRI. According to the
      fifth edition of the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS(r)), which
      includes several changes in the NME descriptors, few studies to date have
      evaluated NME in preoperative assessment of breast cancer. OBJECTIVES: We
      investigated the diagnostic accuracy of BI-RADS descriptors in predicting
      malignancy for additional NME lesions detected on preoperative 3T dynamic
      contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2012, 88 patients were
      enrolled in our study, all with NME lesions other than the index cancer on
      preoperative 3T DCE-MRI and all with accompanying histopathologic examination.
      The MRI findings were analyzed according to the BI-RADS MRI lexicon. We evaluated
      the size, distribution, internal enhancement pattern, and location of NME lesions
      relative to the index cancer (i.e., same quadrant, different quadrant, or
      contralateral breast). RESULTS: On histopathologic analysis of the 88 NME
      lesions, 73 (83%) were malignant and 15 (17%) were benign. Lesion size did not
      differ significantly between malignant and benign lesions (P = 0.410). Malignancy
      was more frequent in linear (P = 0.005) and segmental (P = 0.011) distributions,
      and benignancy was more frequent in focal (P = 0.004) and regional (P < 0.001)
      NME lesions. The highest positive predictive value (PPV) for malignancy occurred
      in segmental (96.8%), linear (95.1%), clustered ring (100%), and clumped (92.0%)
      enhancement. Asymmetry demonstrated a high positive predictive value of 85.9%.
      The frequency of malignancy was higher for NME lesions located in the same
      quadrant with the index cancer (P = 0.006), and benignancy was higher in the
      contralateral breast (P = 0.015). On multivariate analysis, linear (P = 0.001)
      and segmental (P = 0.005) distributions were significant predictors of
      malignancy. CONCLUSION: The possibility of malignancy is strongly indicated when
      additional NME lesions show linear or segmental enhancement on preoperative 3T
      DCE-MRI in patients with recently diagnosed breast cancer.

PMID- 27127580
TI  - Primary Nasopharyngeal Tuberculosis Combined with Tuberculous Otomastoiditis and
      Facial Nerve Palsy.
AB  - Primary nasopharyngeal tuberculosis (TB) without pulmonary involvement is rare,
      even in endemic areas. Herein, we present a rare complication of primary
      nasopharyngeal TB accompanied with tuberculous otomastoiditis (TOM) and
      ipsilateral facial nerve palsy, in a 24-year-old female patient, with computed
      tomography and magnetic resonance imagery findings. 

PMID- 27127581
TI  - Predicting Factors for Successful Maturation of Autogenous Haemodialysis Fistulas
      After Salvage Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in Diabetic Nephropathy: A
      Study on Follow-Up Doppler Ultrasonography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maturation failure of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (aAVF) has
      been increasing after surgical procedures and the salvage percutaneous
      transluminal angioplasty (sPTA) for immature aAVF has been identified as an
      effective treatment modality. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify
      factors predicting successful aAVF maturation and to determine positive technical
      aspects of sPTA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical
      records and radiological images of 59 patients who had undergone sPTA for non
      maturing aAVFs. We analysed images from pre-surgical mapping Doppler
      ultrasonography, angiography, and angioplasty and follow-up Doppler
      ultrasonography performed within two weeks after sPTA. We assessed the following
      factors, for their ability to predict successful aAVF maturation: 1) patient
      factors (age; sex; co-morbidities; and aAVF age, side and type); 2) vessel
      factors (cephalic vein diameter and depth, presence of accessory veins, and pre-
      and postoperative radial artery disease); 3) lesion factors (stenosis number,
      location and severity); and 4) technical factors (presence of residual stenosis
      and anatomic success ratio (ASR) on follow-up Doppler ultrasonography). RESULTS:
      The technical and clinical success rates were both 94.9% (56/59); the mean ASR
      was 0.84. An ASR of >= 0.7 and no significant residual stenosis (< 30%) (both P <
      0.001) on two-week follow-up Doppler ultrasonography predicted successful aAVF
      maturation. CONCLUSION: For more precise prediction of successful aAVF maturation
      after sPTA, short-term follow-up Doppler ultrasonography (< 2 weeks) was useful.
      If the ASR was < 0.7 or if residual stenosis was >= 30%, immediate repeat sPTA is
      recommended.

PMID- 27127582
TI  - Additional Value of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging to Evaluate Prognostic Factors of
      Breast Cancer: Correlation with the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with diverse prognoses. The
      main prognostic determinants are lymph node status, tumor size, histological
      grade, and biological factors, such as hormone receptors, human epidermal growth
      factor receptor 2 (HER2), Ki-67 protein levels, and p53 expression. Diffusion
      weighted imaging (DWI) can be used to measure the apparent diffusion coefficient
      (ADC) that provides information related to tumor cellularity and the integrity of
      the cell membranes. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether
      ADC measurements could provide information on the prognostic factors of breast
      cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 71 women with invasive breast cancer,
      treated consecutively, who underwent preoperative breast MRIs with DWI at 3.0
      Tesla and subsequent surgery, were prospectively included in this study. Each DWI
      was acquired with b values of 0 and 1000 s/mm(2). The mean ADC values of the
      lesions were measured, including the entire lesion on the three largest sections.
      We performed histopathological analyses for the tumor size, lymph node status,
      histological grade, hormone receptors, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
      (HER2), Ki-67, p53, and molecular subtypes. The associations with the ADC values
      and prognostic factors of breast cancer were evaluated using the independent
      samples t test and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: A low ADC
      value was associated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01) and with high Ki-67
      protein levels (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in the ADC
      values among the histological grade (P = 0.48), molecular subtype (P = 0.51),
      tumor size (P = 0.46), and p53 protein level (P = 0.62). CONCLUSION: The pre
      operative use of the 3.0 Tesla DWI could provide information about the lymph node
      status and tumor proliferation for breast cancer patients, and could help
      determine the optimal treatment plan.

PMID- 27127583
TI  - Comparison of Conventional Versus Spiral Computed Tomography with Three
      Dimensional Reconstruction in Chronic Otitis Media with Ossicular Chain
      Destruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic otitis media (COM) can be treated with tympanoplasty with or
      without mastoidectomy. In patients who have undergone middle ear surgery, three
      dimensional spiral computed tomography (CT) scan plays an important role in
      optimizing surgical planning. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to compare the
      findings of three-dimensional reconstructed spiral and conventional CT scan of
      ossicular chain study in patients with COM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients
      enrolled in the study underwent plane and three dimensional CT scan (PHILIPS-MX
      8000). Ossicles changes, mastoid cavity, tympanic cavity, and presence of
      cholesteatoma were evaluated. Results of the two methods were then compared and
      interpreted by a radiologist, recorded in questionnaires, and analyzed. Logistic
      regression test and Kappa coefficient of agreement were used for statistical
      analyses. RESULTS: Sixty two ears with COM were found in physical examination. A
      significant difference was observed between the findings of the two methods in
      ossicle erosion (11.3% in conventional CT vs. 37.1% in spiral CT, P = 0.0001),
      decrease of mastoid air cells (82.3% in conventional CT vs. 93.5% in spiral CT, P
      = 0.001), and tympanic cavity opacity (12.9% in conventional CT vs. 40.3% in
      spiral CT, P=0.0001). No significant difference was observed between the findings
      of the two methods in ossicle destruction (6.5% conventional CT vs. 56.4% in
      spiral CT, P = 0.125), and presence of cholesteatoma (3.2% in conventional CT vs.
      42% in spiral CT, P = 0.172). In this study, spiral CT scan demonstrated ossicle
      dislocation in 9.6%, decrease of mastoid air cells in 4.8%, and decrease of
      volume in the tympanic cavity in 1.6%; whereas, none of these findings were
      reported in the patients' conventional CT scans. CONCLUSION: Spiral-CT scan is
      superior to conventional CT in the diagnosis of lesions in COM before operation.
      It can be used for detailed evaluation of ossicular chain in such patients.

PMID- 27127584
TI  - Bacterial Otitis Externa in Patients Attending an ENT Clinic in Babol, North of
      Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute otitis externa, an inflammatory condition of the external
      auditory canal, is a common clinical problem in general medicine. OBJECTIVES:
      This study aimed to determine the etiology of otitis externa in patients from the
      Mazandaran province, north of Iran, which has a humid climate, as humidity can
      affect the prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This
      cross-sectional study involved 116 patients with otitis externa. Two sets of
      samples were collected from their ears; one set was used for slide preparations,
      and the other for microbial culturing. After culturing, the microorganisms were
      identified by conventional methods. RESULTS: Patients between 35 and 44 years of
      age were most frequently affected (25.00%) by otitis externa (average age, 43.87
      +/- 18.08 years). Moreover, women (54.31%) were more frequently affected than men
      (45.69%). Upon direct investigation, Gram-positive bacilli were the most commonly
      identified microorganisms (22.41%). Furthermore, Bacillus spp. and coagulase
      negative staphylococci (22.41% and 19.83%, respectively), were the organisms most
      frequently identified from cultures of otitis externa samples. CONCLUSIONS:
      Direct examination and culture showed that a mixed infection of fungi and
      bacteria is the most common cause of otitis externa. The present study revealed
      that Bacilli spp. were the most abundant bacteria isolated from patients with
      otitis externa. Thus, it is recommended that both organisms should be considered
      as etiologic agents in protocols for treatment of otitis externa.

PMID- 27127585
TI  - Comparative Effect of Recombinant Shiga Toxin in Induction of Pro- and Anti
      Apoptotic Markers and Inflammatory Cytokines in Epithelial and Monocytic Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shiga toxins (Stxs, also referred to as verotoxins) are a family of
      bacterial protein toxins generated by Stx producing-Escherichia coli (STEC), such
      as E. coli serotype O157:H7. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate
      the effect of recombinant and native Shiga toxin (Stx) in induction of pro- and
      anti-apoptosis factors and stimulation of immune response to HeLa and THP-1
      cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The HeLa and THP-1 cells were used to study the
      effect of native and recombinant Shiga toxin. For this purpose, 10(6) cells were
      cultured overnight in six-well plates and different concentrations of Stx were
      added to each well. The cells were then collected after 24 hours of incubation.
      Total RNA and protein was extracted. Firstly, the total RNA was used in reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of interleukin
      (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, B-cell lymphoma
      (Bcl)-2 and Bcl-xl transcript. Protein expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic
      factors was also confirmed by western blot analysis. RESULTS: The IL-1alpha and
      IL-8 were increased by recombinant and native Stx. Interleukin-1beta was detected
      in THP-1, while TNF-alpha was detected HeLa cells. Furthermore, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl
      expression was observed in HeLa cells. However, expression of Bak was reduced by
      recombinant Stx and native toxin at the protein level, while Bcl-xl expression
      was increased. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that toxins induce inflammatory
      responses, particularly through expression of chemokine. Recombinant Stx and
      native toxin induced apoptosis by balancing between different pro- and anti
      apoptotic Bcl-2 family-factors in epithelial cells. In this study, for the first
      time, recombinant and native Stx induction of apoptotic factors and stimulation
      of immune response to HeLa and THP-1 cells were compared.

PMID- 27127586
TI  - Pathotypic and Phylogenetic Study of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli and
      Uropathogenic E. coli Using Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute diarrheal disease and urinary tract infection are leading
      causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in the developing world.
      Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) has been identified as a major etiologic
      agent of diarrhea worldwide, and urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by
      uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is one of the most common bacterial
      infections among human beings. Quick and precise detection of these bacteria help
      provide more effective intervention and management of infection. OBJECTIVES: In
      this study we present a precise and sensitive typing and phylogenetic study of
      UPEC and DEC using multiplex PCR in order to simplify and improve the
      intervention and management of diarrheal and UT infections. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In total, 100 urinary tract infection samples (UTI) and 200 specimens
      from children with diarrhea, which had been diagnosed with E. coli as the
      underlying agent by differential diagnosis using MacConkey's agar and biochemical
      study, were submitted for molecular detection. Pathotyping of E. coli pathotypes
      causing urinary tract infection and diarrhea were examined using a two set
      multiplex PCR, targeting six specific genes. Phylogenetic typing was done by
      targeting three genes, including ChuA, YjaA and TspE4C2. RESULTS: Overall, 88% of
      DEC and 54% of UTI isolates were positive for one or more of the six genes
      encoding virulence factors. Prevalence of the genes encoding virulence factors
      for DEC were 62%, 25%, 24%, 13%, 7% and 5% for ST (ETEC), LT (ETEC), aggR
      (EAggEC), daaD (DAEC), invE (EIEC) and eae (EPEC), respectively; whereas, the
      prevalence rates for the UTI samples were 23%, 14%, 6%, 6% and 4% for aggR
      (EAggEC), LT (ETEC), daaD (DAEC), invE (EIEC) and ST (ETEC), respectively. No
      coding virulence factors were detected for eae (EPEC). Group B2 was the most
      prevalent phylogroup and ST was the most frequently detected pathotype in all
      phylogroups. CONCLUSIONS: ETEC and EAggEC were the most detected E. coli among
      stool and UTI samples, emphasizing the need to dedicate more health care
      attention to this group. In addition, our phylogenetic study may be helpful in
      figuring out the infection origin and for epidemiological studies. Nonetheless,
      more research studies with larger sample sizes are suggested for confirming our
      results.

PMID- 27127587
TI  - In Vitro Susceptibility and Trailing Growth Effect of Clinical Isolates of
      Candida Species to Azole Drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergence of resistance to respective antifungal drugs is a primary
      concern for the treatment of candidiasis. Hence, determining antifungal
      susceptibility of the isolated yeasts is of special importance for effective
      therapy. For this purpose, the clinical laboratory standard institute (CLSI) has
      introduced a broth microdilution method to determine minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC). However, the so-called "Trailing effect" phenomenon might
      sometimes pose ambiguity in the interpretation of the results. OBJECTIVES: The
      present study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of clinical isolates
      of Candida against azoles and the frequency of the Trailing effect. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 193 Candida isolates were prospectively collected and
      identified through the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length
      polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Using a broth microdilution test, according to
      the guidelines of CLSI M27-A3, antifungal susceptibilities of the isolated yeasts
      against Fluconazole (FLU), Itraconazole (ITR), Ketoconazole (KET) and
      Voriconazole (VOR) were assessed. Moreover, trailing growth was determined when a
      susceptible MIC was incubated for 24 hours, and turned into a resistant one after
      48 hours of incubation. RESULTS: Among the tested antifungal drugs in this study,
      the highest rate of resistance was observed against ITR (28.5%) followed by VOR
      (26.4%), FLU (20.8%) and KET (1.5%). The trailing effect was induced in 27
      isolates (14.0%) by VOR, in 26 isolates (13.5%) by ITR, in 24 isolates (12.4%) by
      FLU, and in 19 isolates (9.8%) by KET. CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring of antifungal
      susceptibilities of Candida species isolated from clinical sources is highly
      recommended for the efficient management of patients. Moreover, the trailing
      effect should be taken into consideration once the interpretation of the results
      is intended.

PMID- 27127588
TI  - Detection of Toxoplasma gondii in Diabetic Patients Using the Nested PCR Assay
      via RE and B1 Genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite
      that exists worldwide. Various techniques have been developed for T. gondii
      detection. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the detection of T. gondii in
      diabetic patients with RE and B1 genes and the comparison of these two genes for
      diagnosis using the nested-PCR assay method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: DNA samples
      from 205 diabetic patients who had been referred to the diabetes center of Ali
      Asghar hospital in Zahedan, Iran, were collected and analyzed using the nested
      PCR assay method. Toxoplasma antibody data gathered using the enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method from a previous study was used to group
      patients. The data were analyzed using SPSS 18. The chi-square test was used for
      comparison. RESULTS: Of the diabetic patients selected, the following results
      were obtained: 53 (IgG+, IgM+); 20 (IgG-, IgM+); 72 (IgG+, IgM-); and 60 (IgG-,
      IgM-). The nested-PCR detected the following: in the acute group, 21/53 (39.63%),
      30/53 (56.60%) (IgM+, IgG+); in the chronic group, 40/72 (55.56%), 51/72
      (70.83%), (IgG+, IgM-); in the false positive group, 18/20 (90%), 17/20 (85%)
      (IgM+, IgG-); and sero-negative samples of 38/60 (63.33%) and 60/ 41 (77.35%) for
      RE and B1 genes, respectively. The prevalence of toxoplasmosis showed positive in
      patients with diabetes in the B1 gene 139 (67.8%) and RE gene 117 (57.1%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that the B1 gene, more so than the RE gene,
      showed positive samples and can be used to detect toxoplasmosis, although the B1
      gene, in comparison to the RE gene, did not show any superiority of molecular
      diagnosing capability. Results also showed that toxoplasma molecular detection
      methods can be used instead of routine serological detection methods in a
      clinical laboratory testing.

PMID- 27127589
TI  - In Silico Analysis of the cadF Gene and Development of a Duplex Polymerase Chain
      Reaction for Species-Specific Identification of Campylobacter jejuni and
      Campylobacter coli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Campylobacteriosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by
      Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli. The cadF gene is considered as a genus-specific
      gene while other genes are mainly used for discrimination at the species level.
      OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the cadF gene and to develop a duplex PCR
      assay for simultaneous detection of C. coli and C. jejuni, the two commonly
      encountered species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In silico analysis of the cadF gene
      was carried out by several software and available online tools. A duplex PCR
      optimized with specific primers was used for detection and differentiation of
      both species. To evaluate specificity and sensitivity of the test, a panel of
      different Campylobacter spp. together with several intestinal bacterial pathogens
      was tested. The limit of detection (LOD) of method was determined using serial
      dilutions of standard genomes. RESULTS: The analysis of the full size cadF gene
      indicated variations in this gene, which can be used to differentiate C. jejuni
      and C. coli. The duplex PCR designed in this study showed that it could
      simultaneously detect and differentiate both C. jejuni and C. coli with product
      sizes of 737 bp and 461 bp, respectively. This assay, with 100% specificity and
      sensitivity, had a limit of detection (LOD) of about 14 and 0.7 ug/mL for C.
      jejuni and C. coli, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In silico analysis of the cadF
      full-gene showed variations between the two species that can be used as a
      molecular target for differentiating C. jejuni and C. coli in a single-step
      duplex-PCR assay with high specificity and sensitivity.

PMID- 27127590
TI  - Detection of 23SrRNA Mutations Strongly Related to Clarithromycin Resistance in
      Helicobacter pylori Strains Isolated From Patients in the North of Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is curved Gram negative and microaerophilic
      bacilli that have infected half of the world's population. It is recognized as
      the causative agent of duodenal ulcer, gastritis peptic ulcer, mucosa-associated
      lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and is associated with gastric adenocarcinoma.
      Resistance to clarithromycin is related to point mutations in 23SrRNA gene on nt
      2143 and 2144, when A turns to G, and A2143G is the most important type. These
      mutations lead to reduced affinity of antibiotics to their ribosomal target and
      are considered as the main cause of treatment failure. OBJECTIVES: The aim of
      this study was to determine the frequency of A2143G point mutation in 23SrRNA of
      H. pylori strains isolated from gastric biopsies of patients in Rasht, north of
      Iran, by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR
      RFLP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive study was performed on 89 H. pylori
      strains, which were isolated from gastric biopsies of patients with gastric
      disorders such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcer, non-ulcer dyspepsia
      and gastric adenocarcinoma. Isolated strains were tested for clarithromycin
      resistance using as breakpoint a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of >= 1
      mg/L by the E-test. The presence of H. pylori DNA was confirmed by amplifying the
      ureC (glmM) gene by PCR. Also, point mutation on 23SrRNA gene (A2142G and A2143G)
      was detected by PCR-RFLP using MboII and BsaI restriction endonucleases in all
      extracted DNA. RESULTS: Of the 89 H. pylori isolates, eighty-four were
      susceptible to clarithromycin, while five (5.6%) were resistant. All DNA samples
      of resistant strains, which were treated with BsaI had A2143G mutation. There was
      no point mutation in the sensitive strains of H. pylori. Also, we detected no
      mutation on nt A2142G of resistant strains. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study,
      the frequency of clarithromycin resistance was lower than the other studies
      conducted in Iran. Resistance frequency in samples isolated from gastric ulcer
      was higher than other gastric disorders. Women and patients aged more than 60
      years old showed the most resistance frequency in this study. All resistant
      strains had the A2143G genotype.

PMID- 27127591
TI  - Survey of the Antibiofilm and Antimicrobial Effects of Zingiber officinale (in
      Vitro Study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Candidiasis is one of the most prevalent and important opportunistic
      fungal infections of the oral cavity caused by Candida yeast species like Candida
      albicans, C. glabrata, and C. krusei. In addition, several bacteria can cause
      oral infections. The inhibition of microbial biofilm is the best way to prevent
      oral infections. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the
      antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-biofilm properties of ginger (Zingiber
      officinale) extract against Candida species and some bacterial pathogens and the
      extract's effects on biofilm formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ginger ethanolic
      extract as a potential mouthwash was used to evaluate its effect against fungi
      and bacteria using the microdilution method, and biofilm was evaluated using the
      crystal violet staining method and dead/alive staining. MTT assay was used to
      evaluate the possible cytotoxicity effects of the extract. RESULTS: The minimum
      inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ginger extract for evaluated strains were 40,
      40, 20, 20, 20, 20, 10, and 5 mg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli,
      Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus, Acinetobacter
      baumannii, C. albicans, and C. krusei, respectively. Ginger extract successfully
      inhibited biofilm formation by A. baumannii, B. cereus, C. krusei, and C.
      albicans. MTT assay revealed no significant reduction in cell viability after 24
      hours. The minimum inhibitory biofilm concentrations (MIBCs) of ginger extract
      for fungi strains (C. krusei and C. albicans) were greater than those of
      fluconazole and nystatin (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present
      study indicate that ginger extract has good antifungal and antibiofilm formation
      by fungi against C. albicans and C. Krusei. Concentrations between 0.625 mg/mL
      and 5 mg/mL had the highest antibiofilm and antifungal effects. Perhaps, the use
      of herbal extracts such as ginger represents a new era for antimicrobial therapy
      after developing antibiotic resistance in microbes.

PMID- 27127592
TI  - Molecular Characterization of Streptococcus agalactiae Isolates From Pregnant and
      Non-Pregnant Women at Yazd University Hospital, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococcus, GBS) that colonize
      the vaginas of pregnant women may occasionally cause neonatal infections. It is
      one of the most common causes of sepsis and meningitis in neonates and of
      invasive diseases in pregnant women. It can also cause infectious disease among
      immunocompromised individuals. The distribution of capsular serotypes and
      genotypes varies over time and by geographic era. The serotyping and genotyping
      data of GBS in Iranian pregnant and non-pregnant women seems very limited.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the GBS molecular capsular
      serotype and genotype distribution of pregnant and non-pregnant carrier women at
      Yazd university hospital, in Iran.. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional
      study, a total of 100 GBS strains isolated from 237 pregnant and 413 non-pregnant
      women were investigated for molecular capsular serotypes and surface protein
      genes using the multiplex PCR assay. The Chi-square method was used for
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: Out of 650 samples, 100 (15.4%) were identified as
      GBS, with a predominance of capsular serotypes III (50%) [III-1 (49), III-3 (1)],
      followed by II (25%), Ia (12%), V (11%), and Ib (2%), which was similar with
      another study conducted in Tehran, Iran, but they had no serotype Ia in their
      report. The surface protein antigen genes distribution was rib (53%), epsilon
      (38%), alp2/3 (6%), and alpha-c (3%). CONCLUSIONS: The determination of serotype
      and surface proteins of GBS strains distribution would be relevant for the future
      possible formulation of a GBS vaccine.

PMID- 27127593
TI  - Serum Levels of Soluble CD26, A Novel Prognostic Marker for Hepatitis E
      Infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Even without treatment, most acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infected
      patients resolve HEV but sometimes the disease leads to acute liver failure,
      chronic infection, or extrahepatic symptoms. The mechanisms of HEV pathogenesis
      appear to be substantially immune mediated. However, the immune responses to HEV
      are not precisely identified. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the
      Th1/Th2 ratio by investigating serum soluble markers from Th1 and Th2 cells in
      acute HEV infected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case-control study
      included 35 acute HEV infected patients and 35 age and gender matched anti-HEV
      negative healthy controls. The serum levels of Interferon (IFN)-gamma, IL-4,
      soluble CD26 (sCD26) and sCD30 were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay. RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference in IFN-gamma and
      sCD26 (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.001) yet not IL-4 and sCD30 (P = 0.354 and P = 0.159)
      between acute HEV patients and controls, respectively. There was a positive
      direct correlation between serum levels of sCD26 and IFN-gamma in acute HEV
      patients (r = 0.64, P = 0.001). In addition, the ratio of sCD26/sCD30 in the
      acute HEV group was more than two folds higher than in the HEV negative controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: Acute HEV infection shows a pattern of Th1-type immune response, and
      the direct significant positive correlation between the serum level of sCD26 and
      IFN-gamma in acute HEV infected patients, suggests that the trend of sCD26 levels
      is a valuable marker for predicting hepatic inflammation in hepatitis E.

PMID- 27127594
TI  - The Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Among Prisoners in Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are
      among the most important health issues in Turkey. Human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) infections are less frequently observed in the country. The individuals who
      had blood transfusions, patients undergoing hemodialysis, and intravenous drug
      addicted individuals, people who had tattoos/piercings, communal living
      environments, contamination of a family member, and prisoners are the main risk
      groups. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to discuss the prevalence and the
      genotypes of hepatitis and HIV infections among a specific group, namely
      individuals incarcerated in prisons. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two-hundred and sixty
      six prisoners sentenced for crimes such as robbery, sexual assault, assault
      substance abuse or selling drugs in the Kahramanmaras closed prison were
      recruited for the study. Demographic data and the presence of hepatitis B,
      hepatitis C and HIV were investigated in the study subjects. RESULTS: Out of the
      266 cases included in the study, 89.5% were male, 10.5% were female and the mean
      age was 31.21 +/- 8.99 years. Risk factors were detected in 27.4% of the
      subjects. Out of the 73 subjects, among whom the risk factors were detected,
      20.3% had intravenous substance use, 3.8% had a history of operation/transfusion,
      1.9% had a history of indentation and 1.5% had unprotected sexual contact. The
      rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity was 2.6%, the ratio of
      anti-HBs positive subjects was 35.0% and immunity was achieved with vaccination
      in 43% of the subjects. Anti-HCV was positive in 17.7% of the prisoners and the
      genotype 3 and genotype 1 were 68.1% (n = 32) and 2.1% (n = 1), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Continued substance abuse among most of the drug addicted
      individuals in prisons, common use of injection materials, tattoos and other
      circumstances that cause blood contact increase the risk of blood-borne
      infections.

PMID- 27127595
TI  - Plasma Levels of IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-17 in HIV-Positive Patients With
      Oral Candidiasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cell-mediated immunity (CMI) by CD4 + Th (T helper)-type cells is the
      predominant host defense mechanism against Oral Candidiasis (OC) in HIV-infected
      individuals. Weakened CMI and depletion of CD4 + T cells are the main factor
      contributing to the output of OC in HIV-positive individuals. The cytokines
      produced by Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells play a role in mediating an increased
      susceptibility to OC during HIV infection. OBJECTIVES: The present study
      investigated plasma concentration of IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-17 in HIV-1
      patients suffering from OC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 98 samples in four
      groups (HIV-positive and HIV-negative persons with and without OC) were obtained
      from the oral cavities and cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and CHROMagar.
      Also blood samples were obtained to assess plasma level of IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-6
      and IL-17 using ELISA technique. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant
      difference in the plasma concentration of IFN-gamma, IL-6 and IL-17 but not about
      IL-4. Our findings suggest a significant interaction between fungal infection and
      HIV on expression of assessed cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal infection and HIV
      alone and together could seriously alter immune system function as assessed by
      measuring the levels of the plasma cytokines. Therefore, these results provide
      important new information relative to the putative immune-based factors
      associated with resistance and/or susceptibility to OC in HIV-positive persons.

PMID- 27127596
TI  - Molecular Epidemiological Survey of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Two Highly Endemic
      Metropolises of Iran, Application of FTA Cards for DNA Extraction From Giemsa
      Stained Slides.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PCR has been used for confirmation of leishmaniasis in
      epidemiological studies, but complexity of DNA extraction and PCR approach has
      confined its routine use in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: In this study,
      recent epidemiological situation of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in two hyper
      endemic metropolises of Shiraz and Isfahan in Iran was studied using DNA
      extraction by commercial FTA cards and kinetoplastid DNA (kDNA)-PCR amplification
      for detection/identification of Leishmania directly from stained skin scraping
      imprints. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty four and 30 samples were collected from
      clinically diagnosed CL patients referred to clinical laboratories of
      leishmaniasis control centers in Isfahan and Shiraz cities, respectively. The
      samples were examined by direct microscopy and then scrapings of the stained
      smears were applied to FTA cards and used directly as DNA source in a nested-PCR
      to amplify kDNA to detect and identify Leishmania species. RESULTS: Fifty four of
      84 (64.2%) slides obtained from patients had positive results microscopically,
      while 79/84 (94%) of slides had positive results by FTA card-nested-PCR. PCR and
      microscopy showed a sensitivity of 96.4% and 64.2% and specificity of 100% and
      100%, respectively. Interestingly, Leishmania major as causative agent of
      zoonotic CL was identified in 100% and 90.7% of CL cases from Isfahan and Shiraz
      cities, respectively, but L. tropica was detected from only 9.3% of cases from
      Shiraz city. All cases from central regions of Shiraz were L. tropica and no CL
      case was found in Isfahan central areas. CONCLUSIONS: Filter paper-based DNA
      extraction can facilitate routine use of PCR for diagnosis of CL in research and
      diagnostic laboratories in Iran and countries with similar conditions.
      Epidemiologic changes including dominancy of L. major in suburbs of Shiraz and
      Isfahan metropolises where anthroponotic CL caused by L. tropica had been
      established, showed necessity of precise studies on CL epidemiology in old urban
      and newly added districts in the suburbs.

PMID- 27127598
TI  - The Stop-Bang Questionnaire as a Screening Tool for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
      Induced Hypertension in Asian Population.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common public health issue. If left untreated,
      OSA may cause a large health economic burden from cardiovascular complications
      particularly stroke. The diagnosis of OSA can be made by polysomnography, but its
      availability is limited in the developing countries in Asia. STOP-BANG
      questionnaire is a good screening tool but may need some adjustment for Asian
      population. STOP-BANG stands for: Snoring history, Tired during the day, Observed
      stop breathing while sleep, High blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) more than
      35 kg/m(2), Age more than 50 years, Neck circumference more than 40 cm and male
      Gender. We compared clinical features in STOP-BANG questionnaire between 42 OSA
      induced hypertension patients and 82 healthy control subjects in the Faculty of
      Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. The best cutoff point for the BMI and
      the neck circumference were 24.5 kg/m(2) and 36 cm, respectively. The sensitivity
      and specificity of the BMI cutoff point were 97.2% and 91.40, while those of the
      neck circumference were 94.7% and 82.9%. In conclusion, the appropriate cutoff
      points of BMI and neck circumference for Thai STOP-BANG questionnaire were 25
      kg/m(2) and 36 cm. 

PMID- 27127599
TI  - Revisiting the Term Neuroprotection in Chronic and Degenerative Diseases.
AB  - Thanks to the development of several new researches, the lifetime presented a
      significant increase, even so, we still have many obstacles to overcome - among
      them, manage and get responses regarding neurodegenerative diseases. Where we are
      in the understanding of neuroprotection? Do we really have protective therapies
      for diseases considered degeneratives such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and
      its variants, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and many others?
      Neuroprotection is defined by many researches as interactions and interventions
      that can slow down or even inhibit the progression of neuronal degeneration
      process. We make some considerations on this neuroprotective effect. 

PMID- 27127600
TI  - Metronidazole-Induced Cerebellar Toxicity.
AB  - Metronidazole is a very common antibacterial and antiprotozoal with wide usage
      across the globe, including the least developed countries. It is generally well
      tolerated with a low incidence of serious side-effects. Neurological toxicity is
      fairly common with this drug, however majority of these are peripheral neuropathy
      with very few cases of central nervous toxicity reported. We report the imaging
      findings in two patients with cerebellar dysfunction after Metronidazole usage.
      Signal changes in the dentate and red nucleus were seen on magnetic resonance
      imaging in these patients. Most of the cases reported in literature reported
      similar findings, suggesting high predilection for the dentate nucleus in
      metronidazole induced encephalopathy. 

PMID- 27127597
TI  - Time Perception Mechanisms at Central Nervous System.
AB  - The five senses have specific ways to receive environmental information and lead
      to central nervous system. The perception of time is the sum of stimuli
      associated with cognitive processes and environmental changes. Thus, the
      perception of time requires a complex neural mechanism and may be changed by
      emotional state, level of attention, memory and diseases. Despite this knowledge,
      the neural mechanisms of time perception are not yet fully understood. The
      objective is to relate the mechanisms involved the neurofunctional aspects,
      theories, executive functions and pathologies that contribute the understanding
      of temporal perception. Articles form 1980 to 2015 were searched by using the key
      themes: neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, theories, time cells, memory,
      schizophrenia, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and
      Parkinson's disease combined with the term perception of time. We evaluated 158
      articles within the inclusion criteria for the purpose of the study. We conclude
      that research about the holdings of the frontal cortex, parietal, basal ganglia,
      cerebellum and hippocampus have provided advances in the understanding of the
      regions related to the perception of time. In neurological and psychiatric
      disorders, the understanding of time depends on the severity of the diseases and
      the type of tasks. 

PMID- 27127601
TI  - Central Neurogenic Hyperventilation Related to Post-Hypoxic Thalamic Lesion in a
      Child.
AB  - Central neurogenic hyperventilation (CNH) is a rare clinical condition, whose
      mechanism is still unclear. Here, we report a 3-year-old male patient, who had
      bilateral thalamic, putaminal and globus pallideal infarction resulted in CNH
      without brainstem involvement. This case may illustrate a possible role for the
      thalamus in regulating ventilation. 

PMID- 27127602
TI  - Artery reopening is required for the neurorestorative effects of angiotensin
      modulation after experimental stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood flow restoration with fibrinolysis and thrombectomy is
      recommended to limit injury in stroke patients with proximal artery occlusion.
      Angiotensin receptor blockers have been shown to be neuroprotective in models of
      permanent and temporary occlusion, but the benefits on expression of trophic
      factors have been seen only when the artery is reopened. It is possible that
      early artery opening with endovascular intervention may increase the likelihood
      of identifying an effective combination therapy for patients. METHODS:
      Normotensive male Wistar rats were subjected to mechanical middle cerebral artery
      occlusion (either temporary or permanent), followed by randomization to receive
      candesartan (0.3 mg/kg IV) or saline. Functional outcome, infarct size, and
      biochemical changes were assessed 24 h after ischemia induction. RESULTS: Lack of
      reperfusion blunted candesartan induced neuroprotection (p < 0.05) and reduced
      the improvement of functional outcome (p < 0.05). With reperfusion, candesartan
      increased mature BDNF expression in the contralateral hemisphere (p < 0.05) and
      activated prosurvival (Akt-GSK3-beta) signaling (p < 0.05). Without reperfusion,
      candesartan significantly reduced VEGF expression and MMP activation and
      increased NOGO A expression, creating an environment hostile to recovery.
      CONCLUSION: Candesartan induced pro-recovery effects are dependent on the
      presence of reperfusion.

PMID- 27127603
TI  - Active learning for ontological event extraction incorporating named entity
      recognition and unknown word handling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biomedical text mining may target various kinds of valuable
      information embedded in the literature, but a critical obstacle to the extension
      of the mining targets is the cost of manual construction of labeled data, which
      are required for state-of-the-art supervised learning systems. Active learning is
      to choose the most informative documents for the supervised learning in order to
      reduce the amount of required manual annotations. Previous works of active
      learning, however, focused on the tasks of entity recognition and protein-protein
      interactions, but not on event extraction tasks for multiple event types. They
      also did not consider the evidence of event participants, which might be a clue
      for the presence of events in unlabeled documents. Moreover, the confidence
      scores of events produced by event extraction systems are not reliable for
      ranking documents in terms of informativity for supervised learning. We here
      propose a novel committee-based active learning method that supports multi-event
      extraction tasks and employs a new statistical method for informativity
      estimation instead of using the confidence scores from event extraction systems.
      METHODS: Our method is based on a committee of two systems as follows: We first
      employ an event extraction system to filter potential false negatives among
      unlabeled documents, from which the system does not extract any event. We then
      develop a statistical method to rank the potential false negatives of unlabeled
      documents 1) by using a language model that measures the probabilities of the
      expression of multiple events in documents and 2) by using a named entity
      recognition system that locates the named entities that can be event arguments
      (e.g. proteins). The proposed method further deals with unknown words in test
      data by using word similarity measures. We also apply our active learning method
      for the task of named entity recognition. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We evaluate the
      proposed method against the BioNLP Shared Tasks datasets, and show that our
      method can achieve better performance than such previous methods as entropy and
      Gibbs error based methods and a conventional committee-based method. We also show
      that the incorporation of named entity recognition into the active learning for
      event extraction and the unknown word handling further improve the active
      learning method. In addition, the adaptation of the active learning method into
      named entity recognition tasks also improves the document selection for manual
      annotation of named entities.

PMID- 27127604
TI  - Use of the gamma probe to identify multigland disease in primary
      hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine threshold gamma probe counts to
      distinguish single adenoma (SA) from multigland disease (MGD) during radioguided
      parathyroidectomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 1656 patients was
      performed. Ex vivo counts of the first excised gland were taken and recorded as a
      percentage of background counts. RESULTS: 69.4% of MGD patients had counts below
      the 50% threshold. The 50% threshold correctly grouped 72.8% of our cohort.
      Counts of more than 100% were accurate for grouping SA, with only 6.8% of
      patients with counts more than 100% having MGD. CONCLUSIONS: The gamma probe can
      aid surgeons in deciding to continue neck exploration if MGD is suspected or wait
      for labs to confirm cure if SA is suspected.

PMID- 27127605
TI  - Zoledronic acid in metastatic osteosarcoma: encouraging progression free survival
      in four consecutive patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zoledronic acid (ZA) is a third-generation bisphosphonate in
      widespread clinical use to reduce pain and skeletal events in patients from a
      variety of malignancies with bone metastases. Pre-clinical studies indicate that
      ZA inhibits osteosarcoma through direct anti-proliferative effects, immune
      activation and anti-angiogenic activity. METHODS: The purpose of this study was
      to evaluate the antitumor efficacy of ZA at standard dose until progression in
      patients with stage IV osteosarcoma lacking a standard of care treatment option
      proven to influence survival. Researchers retrospectively reviewed medical
      records of all patients at our institution with high-grade osteosarcoma presumed
      to be incurable due to metastases progressive after primary combination
      chemotherapy who received single agent ZA in an effort to delay progression.
      RESULTS: In our four-patient cohort following initiation of ZA, the median
      progression-free survival was 19 months, and median overall survival was 56+
      months. Two of four patients have remained progression-free since starting ZA.
      The other two initially progressed after 18-20 months on ZA followed by
      metastasectomy of lung or dural metastases and further stability for over a year
      following resumption of ZA. After a 20-month progression-free interval on ZA
      alone, one patient had partial response following addition of pazopanib to ZA
      that likely contributed to long term disease control. The four patients
      experienced no significant toxicities despite protracted dosing of ZA for up to 5
      years, and none have required chemotherapy since beginning ZA. CONCLUSIONS:
      Single agent ZA was associated with encouraging progression-free survival in four
      consecutive patients with metastatic osteosarcoma. Prospective trials of single
      agent ZA are warranted as protracted maintenance therapy in surgically incurable
      osteosarcoma relapsed or refractory to first line combination chemotherapy with
      radiographically measurable metastases.

PMID- 27127606
TI  - Dietary intake and risk of asthma in children and adults: protocol for a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diet has been proposed to modulate the risk of asthma in children and
      adults. An increasing body of epidemiological studies have been published in the
      last year investigating the association between dietary intake and asthma. As
      part of the Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline Task Force on 'Lifestyle
      Interventions in Allergy and Asthma' funded by the European Academy of Allergy
      and Clinical Immunology, we will use a systematic approach to review the evidence
      from published scientific literature on dietary intake and asthma in children and
      adults. METHODS: This systematic review will be carried out following the PRISMA
      guidelines. The protocol has been published in PROSPERO (CRD42016036078). We will
      review the evidence from epidemiological studies in children (from the age of 2
      years) and adults and dietary intake of foods and nutrients. DISCUSSION: The
      findings from this review will be used as a reference to inform guideline
      recommendations.

PMID- 27127607
TI  - Assessing the geographic scale of genetic population management with
      microsatellites and introns in the clam Ruditapes decussatus.
AB  - The clam Ruditapes decussatus is commercially important in southwestern Europe,
      suffering from population decline and hybridization with exotic Manila clam (R.
      philippinarum). Previous studies with intronic markers showed a genetic
      subdivision of the species in three races (Atlantic, West Mediterranean, and
      Adriatic-Aegean). However, detailed population genetic studies to help management
      of the main production areas in the southwest of Europe are missing. We have
      analyzed eight Atlantic and two Mediterranean populations from the Spanish coasts
      using 14 microsatellites and six intronic markers. Microsatellites confirmed the
      Atlantic and West Mediterranean races detected with introns and showed that
      genetic variability was higher in Mediterranean than in Atlantic populations.
      Both marker types showed that genetic differentiation of Atlantic populations was
      low and indicated that populations could be managed at the regional level in the
      case of Cantabrian and Gulf of Cadiz areas, but not in the case of Rias Baixas
      and the Mediterranean. This study shows the interest of including different types
      of markers in studies of genetic population structure of marine organisms. 

PMID- 27127608
TI  - Winners and losers: tropical forest tree seedling survival across a West African
      forest-savanna transition.
AB  - Forest encroachment into savanna is occurring at an unprecedented rate across
      tropical Africa, leading to a loss of valuable savanna habitat. One of the first
      stages of forest encroachment is the establishment of tree seedlings at the
      forest-savanna transition. This study examines the demographic bottleneck in the
      seedlings of five species of tropical forest pioneer trees in a forest-savanna
      transition zone in West Africa. Five species of tropical pioneer forest tree
      seedlings were planted in savanna, mixed/transition, and forest vegetation types
      and grown for 12 months, during which time fire occurred in the area. We examined
      seedling survival rates, height, and stem diameter before and after fire; and
      seedling biomass and starch allocation patterns after fire. Seedling survival
      rates were significantly affected by fire, drought, and vegetation type.
      Seedlings that preferentially allocated more resources to increasing root and
      leaf starch (starch storage helps recovery from fire) survived better in savanna
      environments (frequently burnt), while seedlings that allocated more resources to
      growth and resource-capture traits (height, the number of leaves, stem diameter,
      specific leaf area, specific root length, root-to-shoot ratio) survived better in
      mixed/transition and forest environments. Larger (taller with a greater stem
      diameter) seedlings survived burning better than smaller seedlings. However,
      larger seedlings survived better than smaller ones even in the absence of fire.
      Bombax buonopozense was the forest species that survived best in the savanna
      environment, likely as a result of increased access to light allowing greater
      investment in belowground starch storage capacity and therefore a greater ability
      to cope with fire. SYNTHESIS: Forest pioneer tree species survived best through
      fire and drought in the savanna compared to the other two vegetation types. This
      was likely a result of the open-canopied savanna providing greater access to
      light, thereby releasing seedlings from light limitation and enabling them to
      make and store more starch. Fire can be used as a management tool for controlling
      forest encroachment into savanna as it significantly affects seedling survival.
      However, if rainfall increases as a result of global change factors, encroachment
      may be more difficult to control as seedling survival ostensibly increases when
      the pressure of drought is lifted. We propose B. buonopozense as an indicator
      species for forest encroachment into savanna in West African forest-savanna
      transitions.

PMID- 27127609
TI  - Intrasexual competition underlies sexual selection on male breeding coloration in
      the orangethroat darter, Etheostoma spectabile.
AB  - Elaborate, sexually dimorphic traits are widely thought to evolve under sexual
      selection through female preference, male-male competition, or both. The
      orangethroat darter (Etheostoma spectabile) is a sexually dichromatic fish in
      which females exhibit no preferences for male size or coloration. We tested
      whether these traits affect individual reproductive success in E. spectabile when
      multiple males are allowed to freely compete for a female. The quality and
      quantity of male coloration were associated with greater success in maintaining
      access to the female and in spawning as the primary male (first male to
      participate). On the other hand, sneaking behavior showed little correlation with
      coloration. Male breeding coloration in E. spectabile may therefore demonstrate
      how intrasexual competition can be a predominant factor underlying the evolution
      of male ornaments.

PMID- 27127610
TI  - Seasonal phenotype-specific transcriptional reprogramming during metamorphosis in
      the European map butterfly Araschnia levana.
AB  - The European map butterfly (Araschnia levana) is a classic example of seasonal
      polyphenism because the spring and summer imagoes display two distinct
      morphological phenotypes. The light regime and temperature during larval and
      prepupal development determine whether or not the pupae commit to diapause and
      overwintering and thus whether spring or summer imagoes emerge. We used
      suppression subtractive hybridization to experimentally screen for genes that are
      differentially expressed in prepupae committed either to accelerated
      metamorphosis and egg production or diapause and overwintering. The range and
      ontology of the differentially expressed genes in prepupae developing from larvae
      exposed either to long-day (LD) or short-day (SD) conditions revealed fundamental
      differences. The SD prepupae preferentially expressed genes related to cuticle
      formation and immunity, reflecting the formation of a robust pupal exoskeleton
      and the upregulation of antimicrobial peptides as preparations for overwintering.
      One protein preferentially expressed in SD prepupae has a counterpart in Bombyx
      mori that functions as a diapause duration clock. The differentially expressed
      genes in LD prepupae included several members of the dusky and osiris families.
      We also observed the strong induction of different yellow-like genes under SD and
      LD conditions which suggest a role in the developmental choice between seasonal
      phenotypes. Our transcriptomic data will facilitate the more detailed analysis of
      molecular mechanisms underlying seasonal polyphenism.

PMID- 27127611
TI  - Is my study system good enough? A case study for identifying maternal effects.
AB  - In this paper, we demonstrate how simulation studies can be used to answer
      questions about identifiability and consequences of omitting effects from a
      model. The methodology is presented through a case study where identifiability of
      genetic and/or individual (environmental) maternal effects is explored. Our study
      system is a wild house sparrow (Passer domesticus) population with known
      pedigree. We fit pedigree-based (generalized) linear mixed models (animal
      models), with and without additive genetic and individual maternal effects, and
      use deviance information criterion (DIC) for choosing between these models.
      Pedigree and R-code for simulations are available. For this study system, the
      simulation studies show that only large maternal effects can be identified. The
      genetic maternal effect (and similar for individual maternal effect) has to be at
      least half of the total genetic variance to be identified. The consequences of
      omitting a maternal effect when it is present are explored. Our results indicate
      that the total (genetic and individual) variance are accounted for. When an
      individual (environmental) maternal effect is omitted from the model, this only
      influences the estimated (direct) individual (environmental) variance. When a
      genetic maternal effect is omitted from the model, both (direct) genetic and
      (direct) individual variance estimates are overestimated.

PMID- 27127612
TI  - Transcriptome response to temperature stress in the wolf spider Pardosa
      pseudoannulata (Araneae: Lycosidae).
AB  - The wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata is a dominant predator in paddy ecosystem
      and an important biological control agent of rice pests. Temperature represents a
      primary factor influencing its biology and behavior, although the underlying
      molecular mechanisms remain unknown. To understand the response of P.
      pseudoannulata to temperature stress, we performed comparative transcriptome
      analyses of spider adults exposed to 10 degrees C and 40 degrees C for 12 h. We
      obtained 67,725 assembled unigenes, 21,765 of which were annotated in P.
      pseudoannulata transcriptome libraries, and identified 905 and 834 genes
      significantly up- or down-regulated by temperature stress. Functional
      categorization revealed the differential regulation of transcription, signal
      transduction, and metabolism processes. Calcium signaling pathway and metabolic
      pathway involving respiratory chain components played important roles in adapting
      to low temperature, whereas at high temperature, oxidative phosphorylation and
      amino acid metabolism were critical. Differentially expressed ribosomal protein
      genes contributed to temperature stress adaptation, and heat shock genes were
      significantly up-regulated. This study represents the first report of
      transcriptome identification related to the Araneae species in response to
      temperature stress. These results will greatly facilitate our understanding of
      the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of spiders in response to
      temperature stress.

PMID- 27127614
TI  - Signaling mechanism by the Staphylococcus aureus two-component system LytSR: role
      of acetyl phosphate in bypassing the cell membrane electrical potential sensor
      LytS.
AB  - The two-component system LytSR has been linked to the signal transduction of cell
      membrane electrical potential perturbation and is involved in the adaptation of
      Staphylococcus aureus to cationic antimicrobial peptides. It consists of a
      membrane-bound histidine kinase, LytS, which belongs to the family of multiple
      transmembrane-spanning domains receptors, and a response regulator, LytR, which
      belongs to the novel family of non-helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain proteins.
      LytR regulates the expression of cidABC and lrgAB operons, the gene products of
      which are involved in programmed cell death and lysis. In vivo studies have
      demonstrated involvement of two overlapping regulatory networks in regulating the
      lrgAB operon, both depending on LytR. One regulatory network responds to glucose
      metabolism and the other responds to changes in the cell membrane potential.
      Herein, we show that LytS has autokinase activity and can catalyze a fast
      phosphotransfer reaction, with 50% of its phosphoryl group lost within 1 minute
      of incubation with LytR. LytS has also phosphatase activity. Notably, LytR
      undergoes phosphorylation by acetyl phosphate at a rate that is 2-fold faster
      than the phosphorylation by LytS. This observation is significant in lieu of the
      in vivo observations that regulation of the lrgAB operon is LytR-dependent in the
      presence of excess glucose in the medium. The latter condition does not lead to
      perturbation of the cell membrane potential but rather to the accumulation of
      acetate in the cell. Our, study provides for the first time the molecular basis
      for regulation of lrgAB in a LytR-dependent manner under conditions that do not
      involve sensing by LytS. 

PMID- 27127613
TI  - Directional genetic differentiation and relative migration.
AB  - Understanding the population structure and patterns of gene flow within species
      is of fundamental importance to the study of evolution. In the fields of
      population and evolutionary genetics, measures of genetic differentiation are
      commonly used to gather this information. One potential caveat is that these
      measures assume gene flow to be symmetric. However, asymmetric gene flow is
      common in nature, especially in systems driven by physical processes such as wind
      or water currents. As information about levels of asymmetric gene flow among
      populations is essential for the correct interpretation of the distribution of
      contemporary genetic diversity within species, this should not be overlooked. To
      obtain information on asymmetric migration patterns from genetic data, complex
      models based on maximum-likelihood or Bayesian approaches generally need to be
      employed, often at great computational cost. Here, a new simpler and more
      efficient approach for understanding gene flow patterns is presented. This
      approach allows the estimation of directional components of genetic divergence
      between pairs of populations at low computational effort, using any of the
      classical or modern measures of genetic differentiation. These directional
      measures of genetic differentiation can further be used to calculate directional
      relative migration and to detect asymmetries in gene flow patterns. This can be
      done in a user-friendly web application called divMigrate-online introduced in
      this study. Using simulated data sets with known gene flow regimes, we
      demonstrate that the method is capable of resolving complex migration patterns
      under a range of study designs.

PMID- 27127615
TI  - CRE: a cost effective and rapid approach for PCR-mediated concatenation of KRAS
      and EGFR exons.
AB  - Molecular diagnostics has changed the way lung cancer patients are treated
      worldwide. Of several different testing methods available, PCR followed by
      directed sequencing and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) are the
      two most commonly used diagnostic methods worldwide to detect mutations at  KRAS
      exon 2 and  EGFR kinase domain exons 18-21 in lung cancer. Compared to ARMS, the
      PCR followed by directed sequencing approach is relatively inexpensive but more
      cumbersome to perform. Moreover, with a limiting amount of genomic DNA from
      clinical formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens or fine biopsies of
      lung tumors, multiple rounds of PCR and sequencing reactions often get
      challenging. Here, we report a novel and cost-effective single multiplex-PCR
      based method, CRE (for  Co-amplification of five  K RAS and  E GFR exons),
      followed by concatenation of the PCR product as a single linear fragment for
      direct sequencing. CRE is a robust protocol that can be adapted for routine use
      in clinical diagnostics with reduced variability, cost and turnaround time
      requiring a minimal amount of template DNA extracted from FFPE or fresh frozen
      tumor samples. As a proof of principle, CRE is able to detect the activating 
      EGFR L858R and T790M  EGFR mutations in lung cancer cell line and primary tumors.

PMID- 27127616
TI  - Possible identification of CENP-C in fish and the presence of the CENP-C motif in
      M18BP1 of vertebrates.
AB  - The centromeric protein CENP-C is a base component of the kinetochore. This
      protein, along with CENP-A has been shown to adaptively evolve in a number of
      animal and plant species. In order to determine if CENP-C also evolves in fish
      species, I attempted to retrieve fish CENP-C sequences from GenBank. No Teleostei
      CENP-C sequences were found either by name or by BLASTP searches with the
      vertebrate CENP-C motif sequence. A number of putative Teleostei protein
      sequences were identified in GenBank that have homology to the C-terminal cupin
      domain of vertebrate CENP-C. These proteins only have partial homology to the
      CENP-C motif, but evidence is presented that makes it likely that these fish
      proteins are orthologs of CENP-C. Interestingly, it was also discovered that the
      CENP-C motif sequence is also mostly present in M18BP1 proteins of fish and some
      other vertebrates but not in mammals. This finding may have implications for CENP
      C and M18BP1 assembly in centromeric regions of different vertebrate taxa. 

PMID- 27127617
TI  - Associations between chlorophyll a and various microcystin-LR health advisory
      concentrations.
AB  - Cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cHABs) are associated with a wide range of
      adverse health effects that stem mostly from the presence of cyanotoxins. To help
      protect against these impacts, several health advisory levels have been set for
      some toxins. In particular, one of the more common toxins, microcystin-LR, has
      several advisory levels set for drinking water and recreational use. However,
      compared to other water quality measures, field measurements of microcystin-LR
      are not commonly available due to cost and advanced understanding required to
      interpret results. Addressing these issues will take time and resources. Thus,
      there is utility in finding indicators of microcystin-LR that are already widely
      available, can be estimated quickly and in situ, and used as a first defense
      against high concentrations of microcystin-LR. Chlorophyll a is commonly
      measured, can be estimated in situ, and has been shown to be positively
      associated with microcystin-LR. In this paper, we use this association to provide
      estimates of chlorophyll a concentrations that are indicative of a higher
      probability of exceeding select health advisory concentrations for microcystin
      LR. Using the 2007 National Lakes Assessment and a conditional probability
      approach, we identify chlorophyll a concentrations that are more likely than not
      to be associated with an exceedance of a microcystin-LR health advisory level. We
      look at the recent US EPA health advisories for drinking water as well as the
      World Health Organization levels for drinking water and recreational use and
      identify a range of chlorophyll a thresholds. A 50% chance of exceeding one of
      the microcystin-LR advisory concentrations of 0.3, 1, 1.6, and 2 g/L is
      associated with chlorophyll a concentration thresholds of 23.4, 67.0, 83.5, and
      105.8, respectively. When managing for these various microcystin-LR levels,
      exceeding these reported chlorophyll a concentrations should be a trigger for
      further testing and possible management action. 

PMID- 27127618
TI  - A divide-and-conquer strategy in tumor sampling enhances detection of intratumor
      heterogeneity in routine pathology: A modeling approach in clear cell renal cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) is an inherent process in cancer development which
      follows for most of the cases a branched pattern of evolution, with different
      cell clones evolving independently in space and time across different areas of
      the same tumor. The determination of ITH (in both spatial and temporal domains)
      is nowadays critical to enhance patient treatment and prognosis. Clear cell renal
      cell carcinoma (CCRCC) provides a good example of ITH. Sometimes the tumor is too
      big to be totally analyzed for ITH detection and pathologists decide which parts
      must be sampled for the analysis. For such a purpose, pathologists follow
      internationally accepted protocols. In light of the latest findings, however,
      current sampling protocols seem to be insufficient for detecting ITH with
      significant reliability. The arrival of new targeted therapies, some of them
      providing promising alternatives to improve patient survival, pushes the
      pathologist to obtain a truly representative sampling of tumor diversity in
      routine practice. How large this sampling must be and how this must be performed
      are unanswered questions so far.  Here we present a very simple method for tumor
      sampling that enhances ITH detection without increasing costs. This method
      follows a divide-and-conquer (DAC) strategy, that is, rather than sampling a
      small number of large-size tumor-pieces as the routine protocol (RP) advises, we
      suggest sampling many small-size pieces along the tumor. We performed a
      computational modeling approach to show that the usefulness of the DAC strategy
      is twofold: first, we show that DAC outperforms RP with similar laboratory costs,
      and second, DAC is capable of performing similar to total tumor sampling (TTS)
      but, very remarkably, at a much lower cost. We thus provide new light to push
      forward a shift in the paradigm about how pathologists should sample tumors for
      achieving efficient ITH detection. 

PMID- 27127619
TI  - Innovations and best practice in undergraduate education.
AB  - University-based scientists hold the collective responsibility for educating the
      next generation of citizens, scientists and voters, but the degree to which they
      are individually trained and rewarded for this pursuit is variable. This
      F1000Research channel has its origin in a Society for Experimental Biology
      Conference held in Prague, 2015 and brings together researchers who excel at
      undergraduate education or the scholarship of teaching and learning to discuss
      challenges and best practices in contemporary higher science education. 

PMID- 27127620
TI  - Activity-relevant similarity values for fingerprints and implications for
      similarity searching.
AB  - A largely unsolved problem in chemoinformatics is the issue of how calculated
      compound similarity relates to activity similarity, which is central to many
      applications. In general, activity relationships are predicted from calculated
      similarity values. However, there is no solid scientific foundation to bridge
      between calculated molecular and observed activity similarity. Accordingly, the
      success rate of identifying new active compounds by similarity searching is
      limited. Although various attempts have been made to establish relationships
      between calculated fingerprint similarity values and biological activities, none
      of these has yielded generally applicable rules for similarity searching. In this
      study, we have addressed the question of molecular versus activity similarity in
      a more fundamental way. First, we have evaluated if activity-relevant similarity
      value ranges could in principle be identified for standard fingerprints and
      distinguished from similarity resulting from random compound comparisons. Then,
      we have analyzed if activity-relevant similarity values could be used to guide
      typical similarity search calculations aiming to identify active compounds in
      databases. It was found that activity-relevant similarity values can be
      identified as a characteristic feature of fingerprints. However, it was also
      shown that such values cannot be reliably used as thresholds for practical
      similarity search calculations. In addition, the analysis presented herein helped
      to rationalize differences in fingerprint search performance. 

PMID- 27127621
TI  - Advances in understanding - genetic basis of intellectual disability.
AB  - Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disorder characterized
      by a congenital limitation in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. It
      often co-occurs with other mental conditions like attention deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder and autism spectrum disorder, and can be part of a malformation syndrome
      that affects other organs. Considering the heterogeneity of its causes
      (environmental and genetic), its frequency worldwide varies greatly. This review
      focuses on known genes underlying (syndromic and non-syndromic) intellectual
      disability, it provides a succinct analysis of their Gene Ontology, and it
      suggests the use of transcriptional profiling for the prioritization of candidate
      genes. 

PMID- 27127622
TI  - Advances in multimodality molecular imaging of bone structure and function.
AB  - The skeleton is important to the body as a source of minerals and blood cells and
      provides a structural framework for strength, mobility and the protection of
      organs. Bone diseases and disorders can have deteriorating effects on the
      skeleton, but the biological processes underlying anatomical changes in bone
      diseases occurring in vivo are not well understood, mostly due to the lack of
      appropriate analysis techniques. Therefore, there is ongoing research in the
      development of novel in vivo imaging techniques and molecular markers that might
      help to gain more knowledge of these pathological pathways in animal models and
      patients. This perspective provides an overview of the latest developments in
      molecular imaging applied to bone. It emphasizes that multimodality imaging, the
      combination of multiple imaging techniques encompassing different image
      modalities, enhances the interpretability of data, and is imperative for the
      understanding of the biological processes and the associated changes in bone
      structure and function relationships in vivo. 

PMID- 27127624
TI  - The pre-metastatic niche: is metastasis random?
AB  - The metastasis of solid tumours is a vastly complex, dynamic and systemic process
      involving both primary tumour cells as well as a wide array of stromal and
      vascular cells. The recruitment and activation of host cells by tumours at both
      the primary and metastatic sites is crucial for successful metastatic
      dissemination highlighting the systemic nature of disease progression. The
      appropriation of distant metastatic sites by primary tumours and the generation
      of so-called pre-metastatic niches have gained much interest in the last decade
      complementing the century old 'seed and soil' hypothesis. The idea that tumours
      are capable of pre-defining future sites of metastasis is both exciting and
      terrifying as we try to understand the dynamic networks associated with solid
      tumour metastasis. Exactly how a tumour cell can alter the distant metastatic
      microenvironment is of great importance and will unlock novel strategies for
      successfully targeting these processes. 

PMID- 27127623
TI  - Genetic aspects of skeletal muscle strength and mass with relevance to
      sarcopenia.
AB  - Skeletal muscle is a highly heritable quantitative trait, with heritability
      estimates ranging 30-85% for muscle strength and 50-80% for lean mass. That
      strong genetic contribution indicates the possibility of using genetic
      information to individualize treatments for sarcopenia or even aid in prevention
      strategies through the use of genetic screening prior to the functional
      limitations. Though these possibilities provide the rationale for genetic studies
      of skeletal muscle traits, few genes have been identified that appear to
      contribute to variation in either skeletal muscle strength or mass phenotypes,
      and sarcopenia per se is remarkably understudied as a trait in this regard. This
      review examines the heritability of skeletal muscle traits, findings of linkage
      and genome-wide association analyses and impact of specific genes and gene
      sequence variants on these traits as relevant to sarcopenia. Despite considerable
      work in the area, the genetic underpinnings of skeletal muscle traits remain
      largely unknown and the genetic aspects of sarcopenia are even less clear. Large
      scale longitudinal clinical studies relying on advanced genome-wide association
      and other techniques are needed to provide further insights into the genes and
      gene variants that contribute to skeletal muscle strength and mass, and
      ultimately to susceptibility to sarcopenia. 

PMID- 27127625
TI  - Sclerosing bone disorders: a lot of knowns but still some unknowns.
AB  - In the last decade, many advances have been made in understanding how osteoclasts
      and osteoblasts work and communicate by elucidation of the molecular genetic
      causes of many rare bone dysplasias. The relationship between the clinical
      findings and the molecular defects underlying these aberrant bone phenotypes has
      given new insights into the molecular machinery of the different bone cell types,
      and into how they act and interact to regulate bone mass. The study of sclerosing
      bone dysplasias caused by a disturbance of the balance between bone formation and
      bone resorption has had an especially high impact. Furthermore, it has also
      become clear that genetic variation within several of the identified genes
      contributes to the risk to develop osteoporosis and that in some cases the
      metabolic pathways involved provide interesting targets for the development of
      novel treatments for osteoporosis. In this review, some of the sclerosing bone
      diseases are discussed, focusing on the underlying mechanisms and the broader
      implications of the insights gained. 

PMID- 27127626
TI  - Sustainable employability for older workers: an explorative survey of belgian
      companies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) is
      developing an online e-guide, which will provide tips and practical information
      for each EU country (in their national language(s)) on ageing and occupational
      health and safety. The e-guide will be launched in 2016 as part of the EU-OSHA
      campaign on Healthy Workplaces for all ages. The e-guide will present evidence,
      tools and practical examples of how companies can take action and effectively
      promote sustainable employability. METHODS: As part of the development of the e
      guide, a cross-sectional study was conducted to survey Belgian employers in April
      2015 to determine their specific needs concerning older workers' occupational
      health and safety issues. Researchers from Milieu Ltd. (Brussels, Belgium), the
      consultancy company coordinating the e-guide project, and Mensura Occupational
      Health Services (Brussels, Belgium) developed a 13-item questionnaire. The survey
      addressed the needs and importance given to sustainable employability of older
      workers in Belgian companies and evaluated corporate knowledge regarding relevant
      national policies. The questionnaire was distributed electronically to the
      management of 22,084 private-sector companies affiliated with Mensura. RESULTS:
      Ten percent (n = 2133) of recipients opened the e-mail, and 37 % (n = 790) of
      these completed the questionnaire. In 89 % of the responding companies,
      sustainable employability of workers aged >=55 years plays an important role; 70
      % have no active sustainable employability policy/initiative; 18 % experience
      difficulties promoting sustainable employability; and 86 % indicate no need for
      support to promote sustainable employability. Respondents noted the following
      health complaints among workers aged >=55 years: work-related health problems (31
      %), stress (26 %), work agreements/type of work (17 %), work/life balance (15 %),
      and career development and/or training (9 %). Topics concerning health and well
      being of workers aged >=55 years requiring the most attention include motivation
      (30 %) and adaptation of the workplace to their health requirements (26 %).
      CONCLUSIONS: The e-guide should raise further awareness among employers about the
      importance of implementing an active sustainable employability policy to prolong
      working life in a healthy and productive way. The e-guide should also include
      tools to address work-related health problems and stress, motivation, and
      adaptation of the workplace to the health requirements of workers aged >=55
      years.

PMID- 27127627
TI  - Likelihood of mechanistic roles for dopaminergic, serotonergic and glutamatergic
      receptors in tardive dyskinesia: A comparison of genetic variants in two
      independent patient populations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: An established theory for the pathogenesis of tardive dyskinesia is
      disturbed dopaminergic receptor sensitivity and/or dopaminergic intracellular
      signaling. We examined associations between genetic variants of neurotransmitter
      receptors and tardive dyskinesia. METHODS: We assessed tardive dyskinesia in
      Caucasian psychiatric inpatients from Siberia (N = 431) and a long-stay
      population from the Netherlands (N = 168). These patients were genotyped for 43
      tag single nucleotide polymorphisms in five neurotransmitter receptor genes, and
      the results for the two populations were compared. RESULTS: Several significant
      associations with tardive dyskinesia were identified, but only GRIN2A (rs1345423)
      was found in both patient populations. This lack of agreement was probably due to
      the small effect size of the associations, the multiple testing and the small
      sample size of the Dutch patient population. After reviewing the literature, we
      propose that the constitutive stimulatory activity of serotonergic type 2
      receptors may be relevant. CONCLUSIONS: Inactivity of the serotonergic, type 2C
      receptor or blockade of these receptors by atypical antipsychotic drugs may
      decrease the vulnerability to develop tardive dyskinesia.

PMID- 27127628
TI  - Validity of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale in a sample
      of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Optimal depression screening necessitates measurement tools that are
      valid across varied populations and in the presence of comorbidities. METHODS:
      This study assessed the test properties of two versions of the Center for
      Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale against psychiatric diagnoses established
      by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview among a clinical sample of
      US Veterans deployed during Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New
      Dawn. Participants (N = 359) recruited from two Department of Veterans Affairs
      hospitals completed a clinical interview, structured diagnostic interview, and
      self-reported measures. RESULTS: Based on diagnostic interview and the Diagnostic
      and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition criteria, 29.5% of the
      sample met diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder and 26.5% met
      diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. Both Center for
      Epidemiologic Studies Depression-20 and Center for Epidemiologic Studies
      Depression-10 scales performed well and almost identically against the Mini
      International Neuropsychiatric Interview-major depressive disorder in identifying
      Veterans with major depressive disorder (Center for Epidemiologic Studies
      Depression-20 area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve 91%; Center
      for Epidemiologic Studies Depression-10 area under the ROC curve 90%). Overall,
      higher cut points for the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scales
      performed better in correctly identifying true positives and true negatives for
      major depressive disorder (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression-20 cut
      point 18+ sensitivity 92% specificity 72%; Center for Epidemiologic Studies
      Depression-10 cut point 10+ sensitivity 92% specificity 69%). CONCLUSIONS: The
      specificity of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scales was poor
      among Veterans with co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (13% and 16%).
      Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder who have a positive depression
      screen should have a more thorough assessment of mental health symptoms and
      comorbidities, rather than immediate diagnosis of and treatment for depression.

PMID- 27127629
TI  - The effects of distress and the dimensions of coping strategies on physicians'
      satisfaction with competence.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to (1) articulate the dimensions of
      Coping strategies used by physicians, and (2) determine whether Coping strategies
      alleviated Distress and enhanced Satisfaction with Competence. METHODS:
      Comprehensive questionnaires on factors associated with Satisfaction with
      Competence were sent to a stratified sample of 5300 physicians across Canada. The
      response rate was 57% with negligible bias. Factor analysis was used to
      articulate the dimensions of Coping strategies. The classic Baron and Kenny
      regression series was used to establish whether Coping mediates the effects of
      Distress on Satisfaction with Competence. Years in Practice, Self-Reported
      Health, and Duties of Physicians were control factors. RESULTS: A reliable 15
      item measure of Coping was confirmed (alpha = .76) with four reasonably reliable
      dimensions: Collegiality (alpha = .80), Attitude (alpha = .63), Managing Work
      (alpha = .60), and Self-Care (alpha = .62). Physicians reported a mean
      Satisfaction with Competence of (M = 4.26 out of 6.0, standard deviation (SD) =
      0.64) with General practitioners reporting slightly lower levels of Satisfaction
      with Competence than average. Conversely, chronic disease, clinical, and
      procedural specialists reported higher levels of Satisfaction with Competence.
      The mean Distress level for all physicians was (M = 3.66 out of 7.0, SD = 0.93).
      The highest levels of distress were reported by emergency physicians, general
      practitioners, and surgeons. Clinical specialists, anesthesiologists, and
      psychiatrists reported the lowest levels of distress. Physicians reported (M =
      4.48 out of 7.0, SD = 0.78) as the mean level of Coping ability with clinical
      specialists and general practitioners reporting lower than average abilities to
      cope. Laboratory and chronic care specialists reported greater than average
      coping abilities. Regression analyses established Coping as a mediator of
      Distress which predicted physicians' Satisfaction with Competence. CONCLUSION:
      Four groups of coping strategies were significant in relieving the pressures of
      work: (1) Collegiality, (2) Self-Care, (3) Managing Work, and (4) Positive
      Attitude.

PMID- 27127630
TI  - Enhanced User-Control of Small Molecule Drug Release from a Poly(ethylene glycol)
      Hydrogel via Azobenzene/Cyclodextrin Complex Tethers.
AB  - We present a versatile and facile method to enhance user-control of small
      molecule drug release from a poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel using the
      host/guest complex formed between an azobenzene derivative guest and a beta
      cyclodextrin host. A model drug is formed from a short peptide containing a
      fluorophore and an azobenzene functional group on one terminus. Upon irradiation
      with UV light, azobenzene isomerization leads to decreased complex formation and
      an on-demand acceleratation of the release rate of an entrapped model drug.

PMID- 27127631
TI  - Ratiometric mechanosensitive fluorescent dyes: Design and applications.
AB  - Fluorescent molecules, with their almost instantaneous response to external
      influences and relatively low-cost measurement instrumentation, have been
      attractive analytical tools and biosensors for centuries. More recently, advanced
      chemical synthesis and targeted design have accelerated the development of
      fluorescent probes. This article focuses on dyes with segmental mobility (known
      as fluorescent molecular rotors) that act as mechanosensors, which are known for
      their relationship of emission quantum yield with microviscosity. Fluorescence
      lifetime is directly related to quantum yield, but steady-state emission
      intensity is not. To remove confounding factors with steady-state
      instrumentation, dual-band emission dyes can be used, and molecular rotors have
      been developed that either have intrinsic dual emission or that have a non
      sensitive reference unit to provide a calibration emission band. We report on
      theory, chemical structure, applications and targeted design of several classes
      of dual-emission molecular rotors.

PMID- 27127632
TI  - Change of serum prealbumin levels and serum protein markers between egg white
      powder and casein protein additives in standard enteral feeding formulas in
      critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protein deficiency is a major problem in critically ill patients. Egg
      white powder recently became a standard additive for protein supplementation in
      our unit. However, clinical data are not available to support egg white powder
      supplementation compared to standard protein casein supplementation. This study
      aimed to determine the change of serum prealbumin (PAB) levels of egg white
      powder compared to casein additive in standard enteral feeding in critically ill
      patients with respiratory failure. METHODS: A prospective double-blind,
      randomized, non-inferiority study was conducted in patients with acute
      respiratory failure in the medical intensive care unit and respiratory care unit.
      These patients randomly received 1500 kcal/day of enteral nutrition support with
      40 g/day of protein additives by either egg white protein powder or casein
      protein for 7 days. The serum PAB and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were
      measured on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Repeated-measures ANOVA determined the group
      effects displayed by serum PAB and CRP levels. p values <0.05 were considered
      statistically significant. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were in two groups: 17
      in the casein protein group and 17 in the egg white powder group. The clinical
      characteristics, baseline nutritional status, and biochemistries were not
      significantly different between the groups. No statistically significant
      differences were seen in the serum PAB and serum CRP levels between the two
      groups. The average mean +/- SEM difference of serum PAB level between the groups
      was 2.3 +/- 2.5 mg% (p = 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: The levels of PAB between the egg
      white protein additive and casein protein additive were not significantly
      different and less than the non-inferior margin. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Thai
      Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20160126002.

PMID- 27127633
TI  - Kinetics of Langerhans cell chimerism in the skin of dogs following 2 Gy TBI
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Langerhans cells (LC) are bone marrow-derived cells in the skin. The
      LC donor/recipient chimerism is assumed to influence the incidence and severity
      of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (HSCT). In nonmyeloablative (NM) HSCT the appearance of acute GVHD is delayed
      when compared with myeloablative conditioning. Therefore, we examined the
      development of LC chimerism in a NM canine HSCT model. METHODS: 2 Gy conditioned
      dogs received bone marrow from dog leukocyte antigen identical littermates. Skin
      biopsies were obtained pre- and post-transplant. LC isolation was performed by
      immunomagnetic separation and chimerism analysis by PCR analyzing variable-number
      of-tandem-repeat markers with subsequent capillary electrophoresis. RESULTS: All
      dogs engrafted. Compared to peripheral blood chimerism the development of LC
      chimerism was delayed (earliest at day +56). None of the dogs achieved complete
      donor LC chimerism, although two dogs manifested a 100 % donor chimerism in
      peripheral blood at days +91 and +77. Of interest, one dog remained LC chimeric
      despite loss of donor chimerism in the peripheral blood cells. CONCLUSION: Our
      study indicates that LC donor chimerism correlates with chimerism development in
      the peripheral blood but occurs delayed following NM-HSCT.

PMID- 27127634
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of optimal P2Y12 blockade in dual
      antiplatelet therapy for patients with diabetes with acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of acute coronary
      syndromes (ACS) and their mortality and morbidity outcomes are significantly
      worse following ACS events, independent of other comorbidities. This systematic
      review sought to establish the optimum management strategy with focus on P2Y12
      blockade in patients with diabetes with ACS. METHODS: MEDLINE (1946 to present)
      and EMBASE (1974 to present) databases, abstracts from major cardiology
      conferences and previously published systematic reviews were searched to June
      2014. Relevant randomised control trials with clinical outcomes for P2Y12
      inhibitors in adult patients with diabetes with ACS were scrutinised
      independently by 2 authors with applicable data was extracted for primary
      composite end point of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI) and
      stroke; enabling calculation of relative risks with 95% CI with subsequent direct
      and indirect comparison. RESULTS: Four studies studied clopidogrel in patients
      with diabetes, with two (3122 patients) having primary outcome data showing
      superiority of clopidogrel against placebo with RR0.84 (95% CI 0.72-0.99).
      Irrespective of management strategy, the newer agents prasugrel (2 studies) and
      ticagrelor (1 study) had a lower primary event rate compared with clopidogrel; RR
      0.80 (95% CI 0.66 to 0.97) and RR 0.89 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.02), respectively. When
      ticagrelor was indirectly compared with prasugrel, there was a trend to an
      improved primary outcome with prasugrel (RR 1.11 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.31))
      particularly in those managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (RR
      1.23 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.59)). Prasugrel demonstrated a statistical superiority
      with prevention of further MI with RR 1.48 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.97). This was not at
      the expense of increased major thrombolysis in MI (TIMI) bleeding rates RR 0.94
      (95% CI 0.59 to 1.51). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows the addition of a
      P2Y12 inhibitor is superior to placebo, with a trend favouring the use of
      prasugrel in patients with diabetes with ACS, particularly those undergoing PCI.

PMID- 27127635
TI  - Prehospital and in-hospital use of healthcare resources in patients surviving
      acute coronary syndromes: an analysis of the EPICOR registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report is to provide insight into real-world
      healthcare resource use (HCRU) during the critical management of patients
      surviving acute coronary syndromes (ACS), using data from EPICOR (long-tErm
      follow-up of antithrombotic management Patterns In acute CORonary syndrome
      patients) (NCT01171404). METHODS: EPICOR was a prospective, multinational,
      observational study that enrolled 10 568 ACS survivors from 555 hospitals in 20
      countries in Europe and Latin America, between September 2010 and March 2011.
      HCRU was evaluated in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) or non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS), with or without a history of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). Multivariable analysis was performed to determine
      factors that affected resource use. RESULTS: Before hospitalisation, more
      patients with STEMI than with NSTE-ACS had their first ECG (44.1% vs 36.4%,
      p<0.0001) and received antithrombotic medication (26.6% vs 15.2%, p<0.0001).
      Patients with NSTE-ACS with prior CVD were less likely than those without to be
      catheterised (73.1% vs 82.8%, p<0.0001). More patients with STEMI than with NSTE
      ACS had percutaneous coronary intervention (77.1% vs 54.9%, p<0.0001), but fewer
      underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (1.2% vs 3.7%, p<0.0001). Multivariable
      analysis showed that resource use, including length of hospital stay and coronary
      revascularisation, was significantly influenced by multiple factors, including
      ACS type, site characteristics and region (all p<=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      large-scale, real-life study, findings were generally in line with clinical
      logic, although site characteristics and region still significantly affected
      resource use. Moreover, and unexpectedly, resource use tended to be slightly
      higher in patients without a history of CVD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      NCT01171404 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

PMID- 27127636
TI  - Dynamic cycling in atrial size and flow during obstructive apnoea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is strongly associated with
      cardiovascular disease. However, acute cardiovascular effects of repetitive
      airway obstruction are poorly understood. While past research used a sustained
      Mueller manoeuver to simulate OSA we employed a series of gasping efforts to
      better simulate true obstructive apnoeas. This report describes acute changes in
      cardiac anatomy and flow related to sudden changes in intrathoracic pressure.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: 26 healthy, normal weight participants performed 5-6 gasping
      efforts (target intrathoracic pressure -40 mm Hg) while undergoing Doppler
      echocardiography. 14 participants had sufficient echocardiographic images to
      allow comparison of atrial areas during the manoeuver with baseline measurements.
      Mitral and tricuspid E-wave and A-wave velocities postmanoeuver were compared
      with baseline in all participants. Average atrial areas changed little during the
      manoeuver, but variance in both atrial areas was significantly greater than
      baseline. Further, an inverse relationship was noted with left atrial collapse
      and right atrial enlargement at onset of inspiratory effort. Significant inverse
      changes were noted in Doppler flow when comparing the first beat postmanoeuver
      (pMM1) with baseline. Mitral E-wave velocity increased 9.1 cm/s while tricuspid E
      wave velocity decreased 7.0 cm/s; by the eighth beat postmanoeuver (pMM8) values
      were not different from baseline. Mitral and tricuspid A-wave velocities were not
      different from baseline at pMM1, but both were significantly higher by pMM8.
      CONCLUSIONS: Repetitive obstructive apnoeas produce dynamic, inverse changes in
      atrial size and Doppler flow across the atrioventricular valves. These
      observations have important implications for understanding the pathophysiology of
      OSA.

PMID- 27127637
TI  - Risk factors and therapeutic coverage at 6 years in patients with previous
      myocardial infarction: the CASTUO study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the degree of risk factor control, the clinical symptoms
      and the therapeutic management of patients with a history of previous myocardial
      infarction. METHODS: Cross-sectional study at 6 years of a first episode of acute
      myocardial infarction between 2000 and 2009, admitted at a hospital in the region
      of Extremadura (Spain). Of 2177 patients with this diagnosis, 1365 remained alive
      and therefore were included in the study. RESULTS: We conducted a person-to
      person survey in 666 (48.8%) individuals and telephone survey in 437 (31.9%)
      individuals. The former are analysed. 130 were female (19.5%). The mean age was
      67.4 years and the median time since the event was 5.8 (IQR 3.6-8.2) years.
      Active smokers made up 13.8%, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was >=70
      mg/dL: 82%, blood pressure >=140/90 mm Hg (>=140/85 in diabetics): 49.8%, fasting
      glucose >=126 mg/dL: 26%, heart rate 50-59 bpm: 60.7%, and obesity: 45.9%.
      Patients reported presenting angina comprised 22.4% and those with dyspnoea,
      29.3%. Drug coverage was: 88.0% antiplatelet drugs, 86.5% statins, 75.6% beta
      blockers and 65.8% blockers of the renin-angiotensin system. Patients receiving
      all four types of drugs made up 41.9%, with only 3.0% having jointly controlled
      cholesterol, blood pressure, heart rate and glycaemia. CONCLUSIONS: LDL
      cholesterol, heart rate and blood pressure were risk factors with less control.
      More than 1/5 of patients had angina and more than 1/4, dyspnoea. Risk factor
      control and the clinical condition were far from optimal, as was drug coverage,
      although to a lesser degree.

PMID- 27127638
TI  - Subclinical cardiopulmonary dysfunction in stage 3 chronic kidney disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Reduced exercise capacity is well documented in end-stage chronic
      kidney disease (CKD), preceded by changes in cardiac morphology in CKD stage 3.
      However, it is unknown whether subclinical cardiopulmonary dysfunction occurs in
      CKD stage 3 independently of heart failure. METHODS: Prospective observational
      cross-sectional study of exercise capacity assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise
      testing in 993 preoperative patients. Primary outcome was peak oxygen consumption
      (VO2peak). Anaerobic threshold (AT), oxygen pulse and exercise-evoked measures of
      autonomic function were analysed, controlling for CKD stage 3, age, gender,
      diabetes mellitus and hypertension. RESULTS: CKD stage 3 was present in 93/993
      (9.97%) patients. Diabetes mellitus (RR 2.49 (95% CI 1.59 to 3.89); p<0.001), and
      hypertension (RR 3.20 (95% CI 2.04 to 5.03); p<0.001)) were more common in CKD
      stage 3. Cardiac failure (RR 0.83 (95% CI 0.30 to 2.24); p=0.70) and ischaemic
      heart disease (RR 1.40 (95% CI 0.97 to 2.02); p=0.09) were not more common in CKD
      stage 3. Patients with CKD stage 3 had lower predicted VO2peak (mean difference:
      6% (95% CI 1% to 11%); p=0.02), lower peak heart rate (mean difference:9 bpm (95%
      CI 3 to 14); p=0.03)), lower AT (mean difference: 1.1 mL/min/kg (95% CI 0.4 to
      1.7); p<0.001) and impaired heart rate recovery (mean difference: 4 bpm (95% CI 1
      to 7); p<0.001)). CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical cardiopulmonary dysfunction in CKD
      stage 3 is common. This study suggests that maladaptive cardiovascular/autonomic
      dysfunction may be established in CKD stage 3, preceding pathophysiology reported
      in end-stage CKD.

PMID- 27127639
TI  - Exercise training characteristics in cardiac rehabilitation programmes: a cross
      sectional survey of Australian practice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Exercise training is a core component of cardiac rehabilitation
      (CR), however, little information exists regarding the specific exercise
      interventions currently provided for coronary heart disease in Australian
      practice. We aimed to analyse the current status of exercise-based CR services
      across Australia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Australian sites
      offering exercise-based CR were identified from publically available directories.
      All sites were invited by email to participate in an online Survey Monkey
      questionnaire between October 2014 and March 2015, with reminders via email and
      phone follow-up. Questions investigated the demographics and format of individual
      programmes, as well as specific exercise training characteristics. RESULTS: 297
      eligible programmes were identified, with an 82% response rate. Most sites (82%)
      were based at hospital or outpatient centres, with home (15%), community (18%) or
      gym-based options (5%) less common. While CR was most often offered in a
      comprehensive format (72% of sites), the level of exercise intervention varied
      greatly among programmes. Most frequently, exercise was prescribed 1-2 times per
      week for 60 min over 7 weeks. Almost one-quarter (24%) had a sole practitioner
      supervising exercise, although the majority used a nurse/physiotherapist
      combination. Low to moderate exercise intensities were used in 60% of programmes,
      however, higher intensity prescriptions were not uncommon. Few sites (<6%) made
      use of technology, such as mobile phones or the internet, to deliver or support
      exercise training. CONCLUSIONS: While advances have been made towards providing
      flexible and accessible exercise-based CR, much of Australia's service remains
      within traditional models of care. A continuing focus on service improvement and
      evidence-based care should, therefore, be considered a core aim of those
      providing exercise for CR in order to improve health service delivery and
      optimise outcomes for patients.

PMID- 27127640
TI  - Wolf in sheep's clothing: a case of carcinoma erysipeloides.
AB  - Cutaneous metastases of the breast carcinomas can present clinically as nodules,
      plaques and tumors (most commonly as nodules) as well as 'erysipelas-like'
      lesions are known as 'carcinoma erysipeloides'. We want to share our experience
      in diagnosing a middle-aged lady with carcinoma erysipeloides secondary to breast
      carcinoma and her management as this is commonly misdiagnosed as cellulitis or
      scleroderma in general practice. Unfortunately, the patient had presented to us
      at a late stage with wide-spread metastasis, and as such, chemotherapy was the
      only available option. She expired after her third cycle of chemotherapy. 

PMID- 27127641
TI  - Atypical presentation of atypical mycobacteria in atypical diabetes.
AB  - A 45-year-old, non-obese male presented with low-grade, remittent fever and a
      fluctuant swelling over the posterior aspect of his lower left flank. Laboratory
      tests revealed leukocytosis, raised ESR, hyperglycemia and raised HbA1C levels.
      Light microscopy of Ziehl-Neelsen-stained pus sample revealed numerous acid-fast
      bacilli. After 72 h of incubating aspirated pus in Lowenstein-Jensen media, non
      pigmented, cream-colored colonies were observed, suggestive of rapid-growing
      atypical forms of mycobacteria. Polymerase chain reaction of isolated bacteria
      identified Mycobacterium chelonae as causative organism. Abdominal skiagram
      revealed extensive pancreatic intraductal calcifications suggestive of
      fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes and lumbar vertebral body destruction with
      evidence of paravertebral abscess. The patient was prescribed a split-mixed
      insulin regimen, clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin with complete resolution of the
      subcutaneous abscess at 6 months. Diabetic patients are prone to infections.
      Mycobacteria, especially atypical ones, involving the spine and subcutaneous
      tissues have rarely been reported. 

PMID- 27127643
TI  - Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Food Handlers in Northwest
      Iran.
AB  - Parasitic diseases are among the most important infectious diseases and pose
      health problems in many countries, most especially in developing countries.
      Workers at food centers could transmit parasitic infections in the absence of
      sanitation. This is a descriptive study conducted to determine the prevalence of
      intestinal parasitic infections in food clerks in the city of Tabriz in 2014.
      Data was recorded in the offices of the health center for all food handlers who
      were referred to the laboratory for demographic and stool tests to receive the
      health card. Parasitic infection was observed in 172 cases (3.73%) of 4612
      samples. A total of 156 positive samples (90.69%) were related to protozoa and 16
      (9.3%) were related to helminthes. Most of the parasitic infections were related
      to Giardia and Entamoeba coli and the lowest infection was related to H. nana.
      Also, there was a significant relationship between level of education and
      parasitic infection rate (P = 0.0044). But there was no significant difference
      between the type of infection and amount of intestinal parasites. The results
      show that the prevalence of intestinal parasites, especially pathogenic protozoa,
      is common in some food handlers. Therefore, more sanitary controls are required
      and increasing of education will play a crucial role in improving the health of
      these people. 

PMID- 27127642
TI  - Emergence of host-adapted Salmonella Enteritidis through rapid evolution in an
      immunocompromised host.
AB  - Host adaptation is a key factor contributing to the emergence of new bacterial,
      viral and parasitic pathogens. Many pathogens are considered promiscuous because
      they cause disease across a range of host species, while others are host-adapted,
      infecting particular hosts1. Host adaptation can potentially progress to host
      restriction where the pathogen is strictly limited to a single host species and
      is frequently associated with more severe symptoms. Host-adapted and host
      restricted bacterial clades evolve from within a broader host-promiscuous species
      and sometimes target different niches within their specialist hosts, such as
      adapting from a mucosal to a systemic lifestyle. Genome degradation, marked by
      gene inactivation and deletion, is a key feature of host adaptation, although the
      triggers initiating genome degradation are not well understood. Here, we show
      that a chronic systemic non-typhoidal Salmonella infection in an
      immunocompromised human patient resulted in genome degradation targeting genes
      that are expendable for a systemic lifestyle. We present a genome-based
      investigation of a recurrent blood-borne Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis
      (S. Enteritidis) infection covering 15 years in an interleukin (IL)-12 beta-1
      receptor-deficient individual that developed into an asymptomatic chronic
      infection. The infecting S. Enteritidis harbored a mutation in the mismatch
      repair gene mutS that accelerated the genomic mutation rate. Phylogenetic
      analysis and phenotyping of multiple patient isolates provides evidence for a
      remarkable level of within-host evolution that parallels genome changes present
      in successful host-restricted bacterial pathogens but never before observed on
      this timescale. Our analysis identifies common pathways of host adaptation and
      demonstrates the role that immunocompromised individuals can play in this
      process.

PMID- 27127644
TI  - Comparison of Transcanalicular Multidiode Laser Dacryocystorhinostomy with and
      without Silicon Tube Intubation.
AB  - Aim. To compare the surgical outcomes of surgery with and without bicanalicular
      silicon tube intubation for the treatment of patients who have primary
      uncomplicated nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Methods. This retrospective study is
      comprised of 113 patients with uncomplicated primary nasolacrimal duct
      obstruction. There were 2 groups in the study: Group 1 (n = 58) patients
      underwent transcanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy surgery with
      bicanalicular silicon tube intubation and Group 2 (n = 55) patients underwent
      transcanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy surgery without bicanalicular
      silicon tube intubation. The follow-up period was 18.42 +/- 2.8 months for Group
      1 and 18.8 +/- 2.1 months for Group 2. Results. Success was defined by irrigation
      of the lacrimal system without regurgitation and by the absence of epiphora.
      Success rates were 84.4% for Group 1 and 63.6% for Group 2 (P = 0.011).
      Statistically a significant difference was found between the two groups.
      Conclusion. The results of the study showed that transcanalicular diode laser
      dacryocystorhinostomy surgery with bicanalicular silicon tube intubation was more
      successful than the other method of surgery. Consequently, the application of
      silicone tube intubation in transcanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy
      surgery is recommended. 

PMID- 27127645
TI  - In Vivo Imaging of Intraocular Fluidics in Vitrectomized Swine Eyes Using a
      Digital Fluoroscopy System.
AB  - Purpose. To describe the characteristics of intraocular fluidics during cataract
      surgery in swine eyes with prior vitrectomy. Methods. We prepared three groups of
      enucleated swine eyes (nonvitrectomized, core, and totally vitrectomized).
      Irrigation and aspiration were performed (2.7 mm conventional sleeved
      phacosystem) using a balanced saline solution mixed with a water-soluble
      radiopaque contrast medium at 1 : 1 ratio. We imaged the eyes using a digital
      fluoroscopy system (DFS) during phacoemulsification and compared the
      characteristics of the intraocular fluid dynamics between the groups. Results.
      The anterior chamber depth (ACD) after the commencement of irrigation differed
      between groups (2.25 +/- 0.06 mm; 2.33 +/- 0.06 mm; 3.17 +/- 0.11 mm), as well as
      the height of the fluid flowing from the anterior chamber into the posterior
      cavity that was identified by lifting up the iris to correct the infusion
      deviation syndrome (0.00 +/- 0.00 mm; 0.41 +/- 0.04 mm; 2.19 +/- 0.35 mm).
      Conclusions. DFS demonstrated differences in fluid dynamics during
      phacoemulsification in swine eyes with or without prior vitrectomy. In completely
      vitrectomized eyes, the large ACD, which developed during phacoemulsification,
      could be reduced by lifting the iris and allowing the fluid to shift to the
      posterior cavity. Recognizing the differences in fluidics of vitrectomized eyes
      as compared to those of the nonvitrectomized eyes may reduce the frequency of
      intraoperative complications. 

PMID- 27127647
TI  - Magnitude of Anemia and Hematological Predictors among Children under 12 Years in
      Odisha, India.
AB  - Background. Anemia is a wide spread public health problem in India which affects
      children. The present study evaluates the prevalence of anemia and status of
      various hematological parameters among children of Khurda district, Odisha.
      Method. A total of 313 children aged 0-12 years were enrolled for the study which
      included preschool (0-5 years) and school aged (6-12 years) groups. Hematological
      indicators were measured by standard procedures, which include red blood cell
      (RBC) indicators, white blood cell (WBC) indicators, and plasma ferritin.
      Results. Mean hemoglobin (Hb) of the study population was 10.43 +/- 3.33 g/dL and
      prevalence of anemia was 62%. In this population, boys had a lower mean Hb value
      than that of the girls. All grades of anemia were higher among school age
      children than preschool children. Mean plasma ferritin was found to be higher in
      school age boys than their counterpart girls. The mean level of WBC count was
      found to be higher among preschool age boys than among the school age boys (p =
      0.025). Conclusion. The prevalence of anemia was higher with concomitant acute
      infection among study population, which is a matter of concern. Since the
      hematological parameters are interrelated with each other as well as with the age
      and gender, relevant intervention strategy and constant monitoring are needed
      while providing public health nutrition programs to eradicate anemia. 

PMID- 27127646
TI  - Prevalence of Hypertension and Determination of Its Risk Factors in Rural Delhi.
AB  - Introduction. Hypertension is an important public health challenge in both
      economically developing and developed countries. It is one of the risk factors
      for cardiovascular mortality. Data is available on hypertension in urban
      population but few studies are reported in rural areas. Materials and Methods. It
      was a community based cross-sectional study conducted in two rural areas in Delhi
      among 1005 subjects selected using systematic random sampling method. WHO STEPS
      approach was used to collect data. Blood pressure, body mass index, and blood
      sugar were measured. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Odds of
      hypertension among subjects with risk factors were calculated. p value less than
      0.05 was considered significant. Results. The prevalence of hypertension was
      14.1% among study subjects. Hypertension was significantly higher in individuals
      more than 35 years than those less than 35 years. Hypertension was significantly
      higher in those who take alcohol and in subjects with raised total cholesterol
      level but in multivariate analysis only age, education, and cholesterol levels
      were independently associated with hypertension. Conclusion. There is significant
      burden of hypertension in rural areas in Delhi. Age, education, and cholesterol
      levels were independent risk factors of hypertension. 

PMID- 27127648
TI  - Applicability of Pulse Pressure Variation during Unstable Hemodynamic Events in
      the Intensive Care Unit: A Five-Day Prospective Multicenter Study.
AB  - Pulse pressure variation can predict fluid responsiveness in strict applicability
      conditions. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical applicability
      of pulse pressure variation during episodes of patient hemodynamic instability in
      the intensive care unit. We conducted a five-day, seven-center prospective study
      that included patients presenting with an unstable hemodynamic event. The six
      predefined inclusion criteria for pulse pressure variation applicability were as
      follows: mechanical ventilation, tidal volume >7 mL/kg, sinus rhythm, no
      spontaneous breath, heart rate/respiratory rate ratio >3.6, absence of right
      ventricular dysfunction, or severe valvulopathy. Seventy-three patients presented
      at least one unstable hemodynamic event, with a total of 163 unstable hemodynamic
      events. The six predefined criteria for the applicability of pulse pressure
      variation were completely present in only 7% of these. This data indicates that
      PPV should only be used alongside a strong understanding of the relevant
      physiology and applicability criteria. Although these exclusion criteria appear
      to be profound, they likely represent an absolute contraindication of use for
      only a minority of critical care patients. 

PMID- 27127649
TI  - Open versus Laparoscopic Surgery: Does the Surgical Technique Influence Pain
      Outcome? Results from an International Registry.
AB  - Postoperative pain management relevant for specific surgical procedures is
      debated. The importance of evaluating pain with consideration given to type of
      surgery and the patient's perspective has been emphasized. In this prospective
      cohort study, we analysed outcome data from 607 patients in the international
      PAIN OUT registry for assessment and comparison of postoperative pain outcome
      within the 24 first hours after laparoscopic and open colonic surgery. Patients
      from the laparoscopic group scored minimum pain at a higher level than the open
      group (P = 0.012). Apart from minimum pain, no other significant differences in
      patient reported outcomes were observed. Maximum pain scores >3 were reported
      from 77% (laparoscopic) and 68% (open) patients (mean >= 5 in both groups). Pain
      interference with mobilization was reported by 87-93% of patients. Both groups
      scored high levels of patient satisfaction. In the open group, a higher frequency
      of patients received a combination of general and regional anaesthesia, which had
      an impact of the minimum pain score. Our results from registry data indicate that
      surgical technique does not influence the quality of postoperative pain
      management during the first postoperative day if adequate analgesia is given. 

PMID- 27127651
TI  - Benzyl-1,2,4-triazoles as CB 1 Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands: Preparation and In
      Vitro Pharmacological Evaluation.
AB  - In a previous study, we have identified 3-alkyl-1,5-diaryl-1H-1,2,4-triazoles to
      be a novel class of cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) antagonists. In order to
      expand the number of cannabinoid ligands with a central 1,2,4-triazole scaffold,
      we have synthesized a novel series of 1-benzyl-1H-1,2,4-triazoles, and some of
      them were evaluated by CB1R radioligand binding assays. Compound 12a showed the
      most interesting pharmacological properties, possessing a CB1R affinity in the
      nanomolar range. 

PMID- 27127650
TI  - Tolerability of Nasal Delivery of Humidified and Warmed Air at Different
      Temperatures: A Randomised Double-Blind Pilot Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Delivery of warmed, humidified air via nasal high flow therapy could
      potentially reduce replication of temperature-sensitive viruses in the upper
      respiratory tract. This study investigates whether nasal high flow therapy is
      well tolerated by healthy adults at 37 degrees C and 41 degrees C. METHODS: In
      this randomised, double-blind, controlled crossover pilot trial, nasal high flow
      therapy was used to deliver humidified air at 35 L/min, at either 37 degrees C or
      41 degrees C, for three one-hour sessions of use over one day. The alternative
      was delivered at least 14 days later. Ten healthy, nonsmoking adults were asked,
      via questionnaire after each day's use, whether they would use nasal high flow
      therapy while being unwell with a cold or flu if it was demonstrated to improve
      symptoms. RESULTS: All participants completed both interventions. Eighty percent
      responded "yes" to future use of nasal high flow therapy, for both 37 degrees C
      and 41 degrees C. There was no significant change from baseline in saccharin
      times following either intervention or in the following morning. CONCLUSIONS:
      Delivering humidified air via nasal high flow therapy at both 37 degrees C and 41
      degrees C is well tolerated by healthy adults. This supports investigation into
      the potential use of nasal high flow therapy as treatment in viral upper
      respiratory tract infections. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with
      ACTRN12614000183684 (tolerability study of nasal delivery of humidified & warmed
      air).

PMID- 27127652
TI  - Potential Antioxidant Activity of New Tetracyclic and Pentacyclic Nonlinear
      Phenothiazine Derivatives.
AB  - The global increase in oxidative stress related diseases such as cancer,
      cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases caused by overwhelming level of free
      radicals in the body has encouraged the search for new antioxidant agents. Based
      on the ability of newly synthesized phenothiazine derivatives (6-chloro-11
      azabenzo[a]phenothiazine-5-one and 6-[4-bromophenyl]-10-methyl-11
      azabenzo[a]phenothiazine-5-one) to oxidize H2O2, a known free radical to
      sulfoxide, this study assessed the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity. The
      synthesized phenothiazine derivatives exhibited reducing power potential to
      convert Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) and high ability to scavenge H2O2 free radical in vitro.
      These activities were comparable to ascorbic acid, a standard antioxidant. The
      catalase activity significantly increased (p < 0.05) in groups 1 and 2 animals
      that received the phenothiazine derivatives compared to the controls (groups 3
      and 4) suggesting the ability of the phenothiazine derivatives to scavenge H2O2
      in vivo. The malondialdehyde level in groups 1 and 2 animals was lower than that
      in group 3 that received the reference compound (ascorbic acid) and group 4 that
      received the solvent suggesting the ability of the phenothiazine derivatives to
      prevent lipid membrane damage. AST and bilirubin levels were higher in group 2
      animals which received 6-[4-bromophenyl]-10-methyl-11-azabenzo[a]phenothiazine-5
      one compared to group 3, the positive control. The results suggest that
      phenothiazine derivatives, especially 6-chloro-11-azabenzo[a]phenothiazine-5-one,
      possess antioxidant activity though 6-[4-bromophenyl]-10-methyl-11
      azabenzo[a]phenothiazine-5-one was slightly toxic. This activity may be due to
      the presence of electron donors such as sulfur as well as the richness of
      hydrogen in the additional benzene rings for substitution. Further study is
      needed to identify tolerable doses for possible therapeutic purposes. 

PMID- 27127653
TI  - Estimating HIV Incidence during Pregnancy and Knowledge of Prevention of Mother
      to-Child Transmission with an Ad Hoc Analysis of Potential Cofactors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We determined the incidence of HIV seroconversion during the second
      and third trimesters of pregnancy and ad hoc potential cofactors associated with
      HIV seroconversion after having an HIV-negative result antenatally. We also
      studied knowledge of PMTCT among pregnant women in seven health facilities in
      Fako Division, South West Region, Cameroon. METHOD: During the period between
      September 12 and December 4, 2011, we recruited a cohort of 477 HIV-negative
      pregnant women by cluster sampling. Data collection was with a pretested
      interviewer-administered questionnaire. Sociodemographic information, knowledge
      of PMTCT, and methods of HIV prevention were obtained from the study population
      and we did Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) for HIV. RESULTS: The
      incidence rate of HIV seroconversion during pregnancy was 6.8/100 woman-years.
      Ninety percent of the participants did not use condoms throughout pregnancy but
      had a good knowledge of PMTCT of HIV. Only 31.9% of participants knew their HIV
      status before the booking visit and 33% did not know the HIV status of their
      partners. CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of HIV seroconversion in the Fako
      Division, Cameroon, was 6.8/100 woman-years. No risk factors associated with HIV
      seroconversion were identified among the study participants because of lack of
      power to do so.

PMID- 27127654
TI  - Use of the Vocera Communications Badge Improves Public Safety Response Times.
AB  - Objectives. Violence in the Emergency Department (ED) has been a long-standing
      issue complicated by deficiencies in staff training, ease of weapons access, and
      response availability of public safety officers. The Vocera Badge is being used
      by our staff to request public safety assistance in lieu of a formal phone call
      to the University Police Communications Center. We sought to learn if use of this
      technology improved officer response times to the ED. Methods. Mean response
      times were reviewed and descriptive statistics analyzed to determine if the use
      of the Vocera Badge improved public safety officer response times to the ED.
      Results. Average response times improved from an average of 3.2 minutes (SD =
      0.456) in the 6 months before the use of the communication badges to an average
      of 1.02 minutes (SD = 0.319) in the 6 months after use began. Conclusions. The
      use of the Vocera Badge seemed to decrease response times of public safety
      officers to our ED compared with the traditional method of calling a dispatch
      center to request assistance. 

PMID- 27127655
TI  - The Efficacy of Umbelliferone, Arbutin, and N-Acetylcysteine to Prevent Microbial
      Colonization and Biofilm Development on Urinary Catheter Surface: Results from a
      Preliminary Study.
AB  - We evaluated, in a preliminary study, the efficacy of umbelliferone, arbutin, and
      N-acetylcysteine to inhibit biofilm formation on urinary catheter. We used 20
      urinary catheters: 5 catheters were incubated with Enterococcus faecalis (control
      group); 5 catheters were incubated with E. faecalis in presence of umbelliferone
      (150 mg), arbutin (60 mg), and N-acetylcysteine (150 mg) (group 1); 5 catheters
      were incubated with E. faecalis in presence of umbelliferone (150 mg), arbutin
      (60 mg), and N-acetylcysteine (400 mg) (group 2); and 5 catheters were incubated
      with E. faecalis in presence of umbelliferone (300 mg), arbutin (60 mg), and N
      acetylcysteine (150 mg) (group 3). After 72 hours, planktonic microbial growth
      and microorganisms on catheter surface were assessed. In the control group, we
      found a planktonic load of >=10(5) CFU/mL in the inoculation medium and retrieved
      3.69 * 10(6) CFU/cm from the sessile cells adherent to the catheter surface. A
      significantly lower amount in planktonic (p < 0.001) and sessile (p = 0.004)
      bacterial load was found in group 3, showing <100 CFU/mL and 0.12 * 10(6) CFU/cm
      in the incubation medium and on the catheter surface, respectively. In groups 1
      and 2, 1.67 * 10(6) CFU/cm and 1.77 * 10(6) CFU/cm were found on catheter
      surface. Our results document that umbelliferone, arbutin, and N-acetylcysteine
      are able to reduce E. faecalis biofilm development on the surface of urinary
      catheters. 

PMID- 27127656
TI  - Molecular Mechanisms of Dendritic Spine Development and Plasticity.

PMID- 27127657
TI  - Seizure-Induced Regulations of Amyloid-beta, STEP61, and STEP61 Substrates
      Involved in Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by
      progressive cognitive decline. Pathologic accumulation of soluble amyloid-beta
      (Abeta) oligomers impairs synaptic plasticity and causes epileptic seizures, both
      of which contribute to cognitive dysfunction in AD. However, whether seizures
      could regulate Abeta-induced synaptic weakening remains unclear. Here we show
      that a single episode of electroconvulsive seizures (ECS) increased protein
      expression of membrane-associated STriatal-Enriched protein tyrosine Phosphatase
      (STEP61) and decreased tyrosine-phosphorylation of its substrates N-methyl D
      aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit GluN2B and extracellular signal regulated
      kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in the rat hippocampus at 2 days following a single ECS.
      Interestingly, a significant decrease in ERK1/2 expression and an increase in APP
      and Abeta levels were observed at 3-4 days following a single ECS when STEP61
      level returned to the baseline. Given that pathologic levels of Abeta increase
      STEP61 activity and STEP61-mediated dephosphorylation of GluN2B and ERK1/2 leads
      to NMDAR internalization and ERK1/2 inactivation, we propose that upregulation of
      STEP61 and downregulation of GluN2B and ERK1/2 phosphorylation mediate
      compensatory weakening of synaptic strength in response to acute enhancement of
      hippocampal network activity, whereas delayed decrease in ERK1/2 expression and
      increase in APP and Abeta expression may contribute to the maintenance of this
      synaptic weakening. 

PMID- 27127659
TI  - Promoting Motor Cortical Plasticity with Acute Aerobic Exercise: A Role for
      Cerebellar Circuits.
AB  - Acute aerobic exercise facilitated long-term potentiation-like plasticity in the
      human primary motor cortex (M1). Here, we investigated the effect of acute
      aerobic exercise on cerebellar circuits, and their potential contribution to
      altered M1 plasticity in healthy individuals (age: 24.8 +/- 4.1 years). In
      Experiment   1, acute aerobic exercise reduced cerebellar inhibition (CBI) (n =
      10, p = 0.01), elicited by dual-coil paired-pulse transcranial magnetic
      stimulation. In Experiment   2, we evaluated the facilitatory effects of aerobic
      exercise on responses to paired associative stimulation, delivered with a 25 ms
      (PAS25) or 21 ms (PAS21) interstimulus interval (n = 16 per group). Increased M1
      excitability evoked by PAS25, but not PAS21, relies on trans-cerebellar sensory
      pathways. The magnitude of the aerobic exercise effect on PAS response was not
      significantly different between PAS protocols (interaction effect: p = 0.30);
      however, planned comparisons indicated that, relative to a period of rest, acute
      aerobic exercise enhanced the excitatory response to PAS25 (p = 0.02), but not
      PAS21 (p = 0.30). Thus, the results of these planned comparisons indirectly
      provide modest evidence that modulation of cerebellar circuits may contribute to
      exercise-induced increases in M1 plasticity. The findings have implications for
      developing aerobic exercise strategies to "prime" M1 plasticity for enhanced
      motor skill learning in applied settings. 

PMID- 27127661
TI  - Severe Sepsis Associated with Lemierre's Syndrome: A Rare but Life-Threatening
      Disease.
AB  - Background. The incidence of Lemierre's syndrome has increased in the past
      decade. This posttonsillitis complication may be life threatening. Case
      Presentation. A 19-year-old patient was admitted to Surgical Intensive Care Unit
      of a French University Hospital for high fever, low blood pressure, and
      haemoptysis following a sore throat episode. Blood analysis revealed a
      thrombopenia, an acute renal failure, and an elevated lactate serum.
      Fusobacterium necrophorum was found in blood cultures. Computed tomography of the
      neck and lungs confirmed the diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome: pleural effusions,
      bilateral lung infiltrates, and an internal jugular vein thrombosis. Fluid
      administration and antibiotic treatment were quickly initiated. Patient left the
      unit four days after his admission without any organ dysfunction. Conclusion.
      Lemierre's syndrome may lead to multiorgan dysfunction and should be rapidly
      identified. 

PMID- 27127660
TI  - Spontaneous, Postpartum Coronary Artery Dissection and Cardiogenic Shock with
      Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Assisted Recovery in a 30-Year-Old Patient.
AB  - Coronary artery dissection is an infrequent cause of acute coronary syndrome in
      the general population. There is, however, a greater incidence of spontaneous
      coronary artery dissection (SCAD) in young women, especially in the peripartum
      period. However, the majority of cases have favorable outcomes with medical
      management or percutaneous coronary intervention; coronary artery bypass grafting
      (CABG) and transplantation are utilized in severe cases. This case is a one of a
      30-year-old postpartum female with multivessel SCAD requiring CABG with
      subsequent biventricular failure and inability to wean from bypass. We believe
      this is the first reported case in which venoarterial extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was used in the management of biventricular heart failure
      in a postpartum patient with SCAD. 

PMID- 27127662
TI  - Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis of Gougerot-Carteaud on Black Skin: Two
      Observations.
AB  - Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis of Goujerot-Carteaud is a rare and
      benign skin disease characterized by flat papules taking a reticulated
      appearance. It is a skin disease of unknown etiology and nosology that is always
      discussed. This disease preferentially involves the chest and interscapular
      regions. It is a condition probably underdiagnosed in black skin because it
      generally simulates a pigmented tinea versicolor. This pathology withstands
      antifungal treatment but has a particular sensitivity to cyclines thus
      constituting a distinguishing criterion, useful for diagnosis which should be
      evoked in front of these reticulated confluent papules. 

PMID- 27127663
TI  - Marked Improvement in Refractory TTP Directly after H. pylori Eradication
      Therapy.
AB  - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening disorder
      involving thrombotic microangiopathy and is characterized by increased platelet
      aggregation throughout the body. Acquired TTP can be triggered by a variety of
      conditions including infections. We hereby describe a case report of an 81-year
      old female presenting to the internal medicine department with TTP and active
      chronic gastritis, positive for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) on biopsy. The
      TTP was highly resistant to medical therapy; however the patient underwent
      complete resolution of her TTP following H. pylori eradication. We conclude that
      acquired TTP may be triggered by H. pylori infection and that treating the
      underlying infection may play a role in improving TTP's outcome in some patients,
      especially when disease is refractory to medical therapy. 

PMID- 27127664
TI  - Complete Remission of Acute Myeloid Leukemia following Cisplatin Based Concurrent
      Therapy with Radiation for Squamous Cell Laryngeal Cancer.
AB  - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a myeloid disorder with several established
      treatment regimens depending on patient and leukemic factors. Cisplatin is known
      to have strong leukemogenic potential and is rarely used even as salvage therapy
      in relapsed or refractory AML. We present a patient simultaneously diagnosed with
      AML and squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, who was found to be in complete
      remission from AML following treatment with cisplatin based chemoradiotherapy for
      his laryngeal cancer. 

PMID- 27127658
TI  - Regulation of the Postsynaptic Compartment of Excitatory Synapses by the Actin
      Cytoskeleton in Health and Its Disruption in Disease.
AB  - Disruption of synaptic function at excitatory synapses is one of the earliest
      pathological changes seen in wide range of neurological diseases. The proper
      control of the segregation of neurotransmitter receptors at these synapses is
      directly correlated with the intact regulation of the postsynaptic cytoskeleton.
      In this review, we are discussing key factors that regulate the structure and
      dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton, the major cytoskeletal building block that
      supports the postsynaptic compartment. Special attention is given to the complex
      interplay of actin-associated proteins that are found in the synaptic
      specialization. We then discuss our current understanding of how disruption of
      these cytoskeletal elements may contribute to the pathological events observed in
      the nervous system under disease conditions with a particular focus on
      Alzheimer's disease pathology. 

PMID- 27127665
TI  - Acute Pyelonephritis with Bacteremia Caused by Enterococcus hirae: A Rare
      Infection in Humans.
AB  - Enterococci are one of the usual residents of the microflora in humans. In the
      last decade this genus has been reported as the third most common cause of
      bacteremia. We present the case of a 78-year-old female who was admitted to the
      emergency room because of nausea, lipothymia, and weakness. She was diagnosed
      with a pyelonephritis with bacteremia, with the isolation in blood and urine
      cultures of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus hirae. This last microorganism is a
      rarely isolated pathogen in humans. Currently it is estimated to represent 1-3%
      of all enterococcal species isolated in clinical practice. 

PMID- 27127666
TI  - Reversible Fluindione-Induced Chronic Interstitial Nephritis.
AB  - Fluindione is well known to induce acute drug-induced interstitial nephritis
      (IN). Most cases occurred soon after the onset of treatment. We report a unique
      case of severe subacute fluindione-induced IN diagnosed 2 years after the
      treatment was begun. Renal function dramatically improved after fluindione
      withdrawal and steroid therapy. 

PMID- 27127667
TI  - Primary Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Melanoma in the Lower Thoracic Spine.
AB  - Background Context. Up to date, only four cases of primary intradural
      extramedullary spinal cord melanoma (PIEM) have been reported. No previous
      reports have described a case of PIEM located in the lower thoracic spine with
      long-term follow-up. Purpose. Demonstrating an unusual, extremely rare case of
      melanoma manifestation. Study Design. CASE REPORT: Methods. We report a case of a
      57-year-old female suffering from increasing lower extremity pain, left-sided
      paresis, and paraesthesia due to spinal cord compression caused by PIEM in the
      lower thoracic spine. Results. Extensive investigation excluded other possible
      primary melanoma sites and metastases. For spinal cord decompression, the tumor
      at level T12 was resected, yet incompletely. Adjuvant radiotherapy was
      administered two weeks after surgery. The patient was recurrence-free at 104
      weeks after radiotherapy but presents with unchanged neurological symptoms.
      Conclusion. Primary intradural extramedullary melanoma (PIEM) is extremely rare
      and its clinical course is unpredictable.

PMID- 27127668
TI  - Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Polished Tapered Cemented Stem in Hereditary
      Multiple Exostosis.
AB  - A 61-year-old Japanese man underwent right total hip arthroplasty for hereditary
      multiple exostosis. At first presentation, he had suffered from coxalgia for a
      long time. On radiographic images, there was a gigantic femoral head, increased
      shaft angle, and large diameter of the femoral neck. He had also developed
      coxarthrosis and severe pain of the hip joint. The transformation of the proximal
      femur bone causes difficulty in setting a cementless total hip prosthesis.
      Therefore, total hip arthroplasty using a cemented polished tapered stem was
      performed via a direct lateral approach. Using a cemented polished tapered stem
      allowed us to deal with the femoral bone transformation and bone substance
      defectiveness due to exostosis and also minimized the invasiveness of the
      operation. 

PMID- 27127669
TI  - An Undescribed Monteggia Type 3 Equivalent Lesion: Lateral Dislocation of Radial
      Head with Both-Bone Forearm Fracture.
AB  - Monteggia fractures are accepted as hard-to-recognize and easy-to-handle
      fractures. Adequate radiographic investigations and clinical examinations are
      necessities. This case holds unique features involving diagnosis and treatment.
      In this case, the radial head was dislocated laterally while both bones were
      fractured in the proximal diaphysis, being the first to be mentioned in the
      literature. Closed reduction of the ulna is the preferred method of handling and
      almost always results in reduction of the radial head. Literature obligates ulnar
      reduction as a preliminary to reduce and stabilize the radial head. Closed
      reduction reduced the ulna but the radial head was not reduced. Hence an
      intramedullary K-wire was used to reduce the radial head and a long arm cast was
      used to stabilize the reduction. The operation was successful and follow-up
      showed no complications. 

PMID- 27127670
TI  - Laryngeal Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Presenting with Neck Mass in an Adult
      Woman.
AB  - Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a very rare condition that commonly
      affects the head and neck region. There are very few cases of isolated laryngeal
      involvement by LCH, mostly reported in pediatric patients. Here, we report a case
      of laryngeal LCH in a 62-year-old woman presenting with a neck mass several weeks
      ago. The clinical and histopathological findings are reported with a brief
      discussion about the disease. 

PMID- 27127671
TI  - Impact of Heart Transplantation on Cheyne-Stokes Respiration in a Child.
AB  - Sleep disordered breathing is well described in adults with heart failure but not
      in pediatric population. We describe a 13-year-old Caucasian male with severe
      heart failure related to dilated cardiomyopathy who demonstrated polysomnographic
      features of Cheyne-Stokes respiration, which completely resolved following
      cardiac transplantation. Cheyne-Stokes respiration in children with advanced
      heart failure and its resolution after heart transplant can be observed similar
      to adults. 

PMID- 27127672
TI  - Splenorenal Manifestations of Bartonella henselae Infection in a Pediatric
      Patient.
AB  - Bartonella henselae is a bacterium which can cause a wide range of clinical
      manifestations, ranging from fever of unknown origin to a potentially fatal
      endocarditis. We report a case of Bartonella henselae infection in a pediatric
      aged patient following a scratch from a kitten. The patient initially presented
      with a prolonged fever of unknown origin which was unresponsive to antibiotic
      treatment. The patient was hospitalized with worsening fevers and night sweat.
      Subsequent ultrasound imaging demonstrated multiple hypoechoic foci within the
      spleen. A contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis was also obtained which
      showed hypoattenuating lesions in the spleen and bilateral kidneys. Bartonella
      henselae IgG and IgM titers were positive, consistent with an acute Bartonella
      henselae infection. The patient was discharged with a course of oral rifampin and
      trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and all symptoms had resolved following two weeks
      of therapy. 

PMID- 27127673
TI  - Hyperintense Acute Reperfusion Marker on FLAIR in a Patient with Transient
      Ischemic Attack.
AB  - The hyperintense acute reperfusion marker (HARM) has initially been described in
      acute ischemic stroke. The phenomenon is caused by blood-brain barrier disruption
      following acute reperfusion and consecutive delayed gadolinium enhancement in the
      subarachnoid space on fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. Here we
      report the case of an 80-year-old man who presented with transient paresis and
      sensory loss in the right arm. Initial routine stroke MRI including diffusion-
      and perfusion-weighted imaging demonstrated no acute pathology. Follow-up MRI
      after three hours demonstrated subarachnoid gadolinium enhancement in the left
      middle cerebral artery territory consistent with HARM that completely resolved on
      follow-up MRI three days later. This case illustrates that even in transient
      ischemic attack patients disturbances of the blood-brain barrier may be present
      which significantly exceed the extent of acute ischemic lesions on diffusion
      weighted imaging. Inclusion of FLAIR images with delayed acquisition after
      intravenous contrast agent application in MRI stroke protocols might facilitate
      the diagnosis of a recent acute ischemic stroke. 

PMID- 27127674
TI  - Novel Desorber for Online Drilling Mud Gas Logging.
AB  - This work presents the construction solution and experimental results of a novel
      desorber for online drilling mud gas logging. The traditional desorbers use
      mechanical mixing of the liquid to stimulate transfer of hydrocarbons to the
      gaseous phase that is further analyzed. The presented approach is based on
      transfer of hydrocarbons from the liquid to the gas bubbles flowing through it
      and further gas analysis. The desorber was checked for gas logging from four
      different drilling muds collected from Polish boreholes. The results of
      optimization studies are also presented in this study. The comparison of the
      novel desorber with a commercial one reveals strong advantages of the novel one.
      It is characterized by much better hydrocarbons recovery efficiency and allows
      reaching lower limits of detection of the whole analytical system. The presented
      desorber seems to be very attractive alternative over widely used mechanical
      desorbers. 

PMID- 27127676
TI  - The Antibacterial Activity of Chitosan Products Blended with Monoterpenes and
      Their Biofilms against Plant Pathogenic Bacteria.
AB  - This study focuses on the biological activities of eleven chitosan products with
      a viscosity-average molecular weight ranging from 22 to 846 kDa in combination
      with the most active monoterpenes (geraniol and thymol), out of 10 tested,
      against four plant pathogenic bacteria, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Erwinia
      carotovora, Corynebacterium fascians, and Pseudomonas solanacearum. The
      antibacterial activity was evaluated in vitro by the agar dilution technique as a
      minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) that was found to be dependent on the type
      of the microorganism tested. The most active product of chitosan was used for
      biofilm production enriched with geraniol and thymol (0.1 and 0.5%) and the films
      were also evaluated against the tested bacteria. The biological bioactivities
      summarized here may provide novel insights into the functions of chitosan and
      some monoterpenes and potentially allow their use for food protection from
      microbial attack. 

PMID- 27127675
TI  - The Three Paralogous MicroRNA Clusters in Development and Disease, miR-17-92, miR
      106a-363, and miR-106b-25.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) form a class of noncoding RNA genes whose products are small
      single-stranded RNAs that are involved in the regulation of translation and
      degradation of mRNAs. There is a fine balance between deregulation of normal
      developmental programs and tumor genesis. An increasing body of evidence suggests
      that altered expression of miRNAs is entailed in the pathogenesis of human
      cancers. Studies in mouse and human cells have identified the miR-17-92 cluster
      as a potential oncogene. The miR-17-92 cluster is often amplified or
      overexpressed in human cancers and has recently emerged as the prototypical
      oncogenic polycistron miRNA. The functional analysis of miR-17-92 is intricate by
      the existence of two paralogues: miR-106a-363 and miR-106b-25. During early
      evolution of vertebrates, it is likely that the three clusters commenced via a
      series of duplication and deletion occurrences. As miR-106a-363 and miR-106b-25
      contain miRNAs that are very similar, and in some cases identical, to those
      encoded by miR-17-92, it is feasible that they regulate a similar set of genes
      and have overlapping functions. Further understanding of these three clusters and
      their functions will increase our knowledge about cancer progression. The present
      review discusses the characteristics and functions of these three miRNA clusters.

PMID- 27127677
TI  - Exploring the Barriers of Home Care Services in Iran: A Qualitative Study.
AB  - With increasing chronic diseases, the use of home care is rising in the world.
      Home care in Iran has many challenges and to improve that, we should identify the
      challenges and barriers of home care. The aim of this study was to identify and
      explore the barriers of home care in Iran. This is a qualitative study with
      content analysis approach that was conducted in Iran in 2015. Fourteen key
      informants comprising health policymakers, faculty members, nurses, and
      physicians as well as patients and families engaged in home care purposefully
      participated in this study. Data was obtained using face-to-face semistructured
      interviews. A focus group discussion was also used to complete the findings.
      Graneheim and Lundman's approach was used for analysis of data and Lincoln and
      Guba's criteria were used to confirm the trustworthiness of study's findings. The
      data were divided into three main categories and eight subcategories. Main
      categories included treatment-based approach in the healthcare system, cultural
      dimensions, and the lack of adequate infrastructure. A position for home care in
      the healthcare system, considering cultural dimensions in Iranian society and
      providing an appropriate infrastructure, can be beneficial to improve the
      situation of home care services in Iran. 

PMID- 27127678
TI  - Bubaline Cholecyst Derived Extracellular Matrix for Reconstruction of Full
      Thickness Skin Wounds in Rats.
AB  - An acellular cholecyst derived extracellular matrix (b-CEM) of bubaline origin
      was prepared using anionic biological detergent. Healing potential of b-CEM was
      compared with commercially available collagen sheet (b-CS) and open wound (C) in
      full thickness skin wounds in rats. Thirty-six clinically healthy adult Sprague
      Dawley rats of either sex were randomly divided into three equal groups. Under
      general anesthesia, a full thickness skin wound (20 * 20 mm(2)) was created on
      the dorsum of each rat. The defect in group I was kept as open wound and was
      taken as control. In group II, the defect was repaired with commercially
      available collagen sheet (b-CS). In group III, the defect was repaired with
      cholecyst derived extracellular matrix of bovine origin (b-CEM). Planimetry,
      wound contracture, and immunological and histological observations were carried
      out to evaluate healing process. Significantly (P < 0.05) increased wound
      contraction was observed in b-CEM (III) as compared to control (I) and b-CS (II)
      on day 21. Histologically, improved epithelization, neovascularization,
      fibroplasia, and best arranged collagen fibers were observed in b-CEM (III) as
      early as on postimplantation day 21. These findings indicate that b-CEM have
      potential for biomedical applications for full thickness skin wound repair in
      rats. 

PMID- 27127681
TI  - Review of the Trifolium amabile Complex in Peru, with the Description of a New
      Species.
AB  - Here, we describe Trifolium absconditum sp. nov., a new species of the T. amabile
      complex from South America. It differs from other Peruvian Trifolia of the
      complex by having smaller stipules, leaves, inflorescences, and floral pieces. A
      key for Peruvian species of the complex is presented, and typifications for them
      are made when necessary and material is available in Peruvian herbaria. Thus, the
      number of Peruvian species in the complex is elevated to three: T. amabile, T.
      absconditum, and a resurrected T. peruvianum. Finally, it is suggested that Chile
      must be excluded from the distribution of this complex. 

PMID- 27127680
TI  - Calcium Alginate and Calcium Alginate-Chitosan Beads Containing Celecoxib
      Solubilized in a Self-Emulsifying Phase.
AB  - In this work alginate and alginate-chitosan beads containing celecoxib
      solubilized into a self-emulsifying phase were developed in order to obtain a
      drug delivery system for oral administration, able to delay the drug release in
      acidic environment and to promote it in the intestinal compartment. The rationale
      of this work was linked to the desire to improve celecoxib therapeutic
      effectiveness reducing its gastric adverse effects and to favor its use in the
      prophylaxis of colon cancer and as adjuvant in the therapy of familial polyposis.
      The systems were prepared by ionotropic gelation using needles with different
      diameters (400 and 600 MUm). Morphology, particle size, swelling behavior, and in
      vitro drug release performance of the beads in aqueous media with different pH
      were investigated. The experimental results demonstrated that the presence of
      chitosan in the formulation caused an increase of the mechanical resistance of
      the bead structure and, as a consequence, a limitation of the bead swelling
      ability and a decrease of the drug release rate at neutral pH. Alginate-chitosan
      beads could be a good tool to guarantee a celecoxib colon delivery. 

PMID- 27127679
TI  - Acupuncture Anxiolytic Effects on Physiological and Psychological Assessments for
      a Clinical Trial.
AB  - In a randomized controlled trial we examined the effect of acupuncture on anxiety
      of the adolescent football players prior to the competition using psychological
      and physiological markers. A total of 45 athletes were equally allocated to
      either acupuncture group, sham group, or wait-list control group. Thereafter, all
      participants were asked to complete an anxiety questionnaire before and after the
      intervention. Their heart rate and skin conductance were also examined before and
      after the intervention. The results of ANOVA on posttest scores showed that
      acupuncture had a significant effect on cognitive anxiety (p = 0.001) and somatic
      anxiety (p < 0.001) but not on self-confidence (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the
      results showed that acupuncture significantly decreased the skin conductance in
      acupuncture group compared to sham group (p = 0.006) and wait-list control group
      (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results suggested that acupuncture has the
      capacity to decrease cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety prior to competition
      in adolescent athletes, while this was accompanied by significant physiological
      changes. This trial is registered with IRCT138904074264N1 (IRCT is a Primary
      Registry in the WHO Registry Network). 

PMID- 27127682
TI  - An Overview of Seasonal Changes in Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defence
      Parameters in Some Invertebrate and Vertebrate Species.
AB  - Antioxidant defence system, a highly conserved biochemical mechanism, protects
      organisms from harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a by-product of
      metabolism. Both invertebrates and vertebrates are unable to modify environmental
      physical factors such as photoperiod, temperature, salinity, humidity, oxygen
      content, and food availability as per their requirement. Therefore, they have
      evolved mechanisms to modulate their metabolic pathways to cope their physiology
      with changing environmental challenges for survival. Antioxidant defences are one
      of such biochemical mechanisms. At low concentration, ROS regulates several
      physiological processes, whereas at higher concentration they are toxic to
      organisms because they impair cellular functions by oxidizing biomolecules.
      Seasonal changes in antioxidant defences make species able to maintain their
      correct ROS titre to take various physiological functions such as hibernation,
      aestivation, migration, and reproduction against changing environmental physical
      parameters. In this paper, we have compiled information available in the
      literature on seasonal variation in antioxidant defence system in various species
      of invertebrates and vertebrates. The primary objective was to understand the
      relationship between varied biological phenomena seen in different animal species
      and conserved antioxidant defence system with respect to seasons. 

PMID- 27127683
TI  - A Simple HPLC-UV Method for the Determination of Glutathione in PC-12 Cells.
AB  - A highly sensitive and simple HPLC-UV method was developed and validated for the
      assay of glutathione (GSH) in PC-12 cells. Glutathione is a major intracellular
      antioxidant having multiple biological effects, best known for its cytoprotective
      effects against cell damage from reactive oxygen species and toxic reactive
      metabolites and regulating the cellular redox homeostasis. Due to its own
      sulfhydryl (SH) group, GSH readily reacts with Ellman's reagent to form a stable
      dimer which allows for quantitative estimation of GSH in biological systems by UV
      detection. The separation was achieved using a C8 column with a mobile phase
      consisting of phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 2.5 (mobile phase A) and
      acetonitrile (mobile phase B), running in a segmented gradient manner at a flow
      rate of 0.8 mL/min, and UV detection was performed at 280 nm. The developed HPLC
      UV method was validated with respect to precision, accuracy, robustness, and
      linearity within a range of 1-20 MUg/mL. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of
      quantification (LOQ) were 0.05 and 0.1 MUg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the
      method shows the applicability for monitoring the oxidative stress in PC-12
      cells. 

PMID- 27127684
TI  - Concurrent Training Decreases Cortisol but Not Zinc Concentrations: Effects of
      Distinct Exercise Protocols.
AB  - Objectives. To investigate the effects of distinct concurrent training (CT)
      protocols on zinc and cortisol concentrations and test the correlation between
      these blood variables. Methods. Samples of serum zinc and cortisol were assessed
      from 10 male subjects (27.1 +/- 4.8 years old; BMI 25.38 +/- 0.09) before and
      immediately after each study session: control (CS = no exercises), concurrent
      training 1 (CT1 = indoor cycling + strength training), and concurrent training 2
      (CT2 = strength training + indoor cycle) with five days of interval between each.
      Results. There were no significant changes in zinc concentrations after the CS
      (Delta% = 8.45; p = 0.07), CT1 (Delta% = 4.77; p = 0.49), and CT2 (Delta% = 
      2.90; p = 0.12) sessions. Cortisol levels showed significant decrease after CS
      (Delta% = -6.02; p = 0.00), CT1 (Delta% = -26.32; p = 0.02), and CT2 (Delta% = 
      33.57; p = 0.05) sessions. There was a significant correlation between the
      variables only at CS (zinc post versus cortisol pre: r = 0.82 and cortisol post:
      r = 0.82). Conclusions. CT decreases cortisol concentrations regardless of the
      sequence performed. No changes were found in zinc concentrations after the study
      sessions. The reduction in serum cortisol concentrations appear to occur by a
      mechanism independent of the zinc status. 

PMID- 27127685
TI  - Posttraining Epinephrine Reverses Memory Deficits Produced by Traumatic Brain
      Injury in Rats.
AB  - The aim of this research is to evaluate whether posttraining systemic epinephrine
      is able to improve object recognition memory in rats with memory deficits
      produced by traumatic brain injury. Forty-nine two-month-old naive male Wistar
      rats were submitted to surgical procedures to induce traumatic brain injury (TBI)
      or were sham-operated. Rats were trained in an object recognition task and,
      immediately after training, received an intraperitoneal injection of distilled
      water (Sham-Veh and TBI-Veh group) or 0.01 mg/kg epinephrine (TBI-Epi group) or
      no injection (TBI-0 and Sham-0 groups). Retention was tested 3 h and 24 h after
      acquisition. The results showed that brain injury produced severe memory deficits
      and that posttraining administration of epinephrine was able to reverse them.
      Systemic administration of distilled water also had an enhancing effect, but of a
      lower magnitude. These data indicate that posttraining epinephrine and, to a
      lesser extent, vehicle injection reduce memory deficits associated with TBI,
      probably through induction of a low-to-moderate emotional arousal. 

PMID- 27127687
TI  - Leaving Bethesda.

PMID- 27127686
TI  - Oral Feeding of Probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis: Colonic Morphological Changes
      in Rat Model of TNBS-Induced Colitis.
AB  - Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown
      etiology. It has been proposed that modifying the bacterial flora in intestine
      with probiotics may decrease the inflammatory process and prevent relapses in UC.
      We investigated the possible protective and therapeutic effects of a single
      strand of probiotic, Bifidobacterium infantis (BI), on colonic inflammation, in
      rats with regular feedings. Two groups of Lewis rats were prepared (n = 8). The
      first group was the control, sham-fed group (n = 4). The other group was the
      experimental BI-fed group (n = 4). Colitis was induced in both groups by
      intrarectal administration of TNBS under light anesthesia. The sham-fed colitis
      induced groups received a daily oral gavage feeding of 1.0 mL distilled water,
      whereas the B. infantis-fed group received 0.205 g of B. infantis dissolved in
      1.0 mL distilled water daily. The change in body weight and food and water intake
      was recorded over the course of each study and analyzed. The rats were euthanized
      and tissues from the descending colon were harvested and analyzed microscopically
      and histologically. Results of our study indicated significant reduction in
      inflammation, mucosal damage, and preservation of goblet cells, as compared to
      the control animals. Modulation of gastrointestinal (GI) flora suggests a
      promising field in developing strategies for prevention and treatment of
      inflammatory bowel diseases by dietary modifications. 

PMID- 27127688
TI  - Retrospective long-term analysis of bone level changes after horizontal alveolar
      crest reconstruction with autologous bone grafts harvested from the posterior
      region of the mandible.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term success of
      horizontal alveolar crest augmentation of the retromolar region of the mandible
      with particulated bone, as well as factors affecting subsequent peri-implant bone
      loss. METHODS: A total of 109 patients (68 female, 41 male) suffering from
      alveolar ridge deficiencies of the maxilla and mandible were included in this
      study. All patients were treated with particulated retromolar bone grafts from
      the mandible prior to the insertion of endosseous dental implants. Mesial and
      distal peri-implant crestal bone changes were assessed at six time points.
      Several parameters, including implant survival and the influence of age, gender,
      localisation of the implant, diameter, covering procedures, and time points of
      implant placement, were analysed to identify associations with bone level changes
      using the Mann-Whitney U-test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's rank-order
      correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 164 dental implants were placed in
      the maxilla (n=97) and in the mandible (n=67). The mean observation period was
      105.26+/-21.58 months after implantation. The overall survival rate was 97.6%
      after 10 years. Overall, peri-implant bone loss was highest during the first
      year, but decreased over time. The mean amount of bone loss after 10 years was
      2.47 mm mesially and 2.50 mm distally. Bone loss was significantly influenced by
      implant type and primary stability. CONCLUSIONS: The use of particulated
      autologous retromolar bone grafts is a reliable technique for the horizontal
      reconstruction of local alveolar ridge deficiencies. Our results demonstrate that
      implants placed in augmented bone demonstrated similar bone level changes
      compared to implants inserted in non-augmented regions.

PMID- 27127689
TI  - Assessment of MMP-1, MMP-8 and TIMP-2 in experimental periodontitis treated with
      kaempferol.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a dietary
      flavonoid, kaempferol, which has been shown to possess antiallergic, anti
      inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant activities on the periodontium by
      histomorphometric analysis and on gingival tissue matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP
      1), MMP-8, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) by biochemical
      analysis of rats after experimental periodontitis induction. METHODS: Sixty
      Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of ten rats each, and silk
      ligatures were placed around the cervical area of the mandibular first molars for
      15 days, except in the healthy control rats. In the experimental periodontitis
      groups, systemic kaempferol (10 mg/kg/2d) and saline were administered by oral
      gavage at two different periods (with and without the presence of dental biofilm)
      to all rats except for the ten non-medicated rats. Alveolar bone area, alveolar
      bone level, and attachment level were determined by histomorphometric analysis,
      and gingival tissue levels of MMP-1, MMP-8, and TIMP-2 were detected by
      biochemical analysis. RESULTS: Significantly greater bone area and significantly
      less alveolar bone and attachment loss were observed in the kaempferol
      application groups compared to the control groups (P<0.05). In addition, gingival
      tissue MMP-1 and -8 levels were significantly lower in the kaempferol application
      groups compared to the control groups and the periodontitis group (P<0.001).
      There were no statistically significant differences in TIMP-2 levels between the
      kaempferol and saline application groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Kaempferol
      application may be useful in decreasing alveolar bone resorption, attachment
      loss, and MMP-1 and -8 production in experimental periodontitis.

PMID- 27127690
TI  - Three-dimensional finite element analysis of unilateral mastication in
      malocclusion cases using cone-beam computed tomography and a motion capture
      system.
AB  - PURPOSE: Stress distribution and mandible distortion during lateral movements are
      known to be closely linked to bruxism, dental implant placement, and
      temporomandibular joint disorder. The present study was performed to determine
      stress distribution and distortion patterns of the mandible during lateral
      movements in Class I, II, and III relationships. METHODS: Five Korean volunteers
      (one normal, two Class II, and two Class III occlusion cases) were selected.
      Finite element (FE) modeling was performed using information from cone-beam
      computed tomographic (CBCT) scans of the subjects' skulls, scanned images of
      dental casts, and incisor movement captured by an optical motion-capture system.
      RESULTS: In the Class I and II cases, maximum stress load occurred at the condyle
      of the balancing side, but, in the Class III cases, the maximum stress was loaded
      on the condyle of the working side. Maximum distortion was observed on the menton
      at the midline in every case, regardless of loading force. The distortion was
      greatest in Class III cases and smallest in Class II cases. CONCLUSIONS: The
      stress distribution along and accompanying distortion of a mandible seems to be
      affected by the anteroposterior position of the mandible. Additionally, 3-D
      modeling of the craniofacial skeleton using CBCT and an optical laser scanner and
      reproduction of mandibular movement by way of the optical motion-capture
      technique used in this study are reliable techniques for investigating the
      masticatory system.

PMID- 27127691
TI  - Characteristics of the molar surface after removal of cervical enamel
      projections: comparison of three different rotating instruments.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare tooth surface
      characteristics in extracted human molars after cervical enamel projections
      (CEPs) were removed with the use of three rotating instruments. METHODS: We
      classified 60 extracted molars due to periodontal lesion with CEPs into grade I,
      II, or III, according to the Masters and Hoskins' criteria. Each group contained
      20 specimens. Three rotating instruments were used to remove the CEPs: a
      piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler, a periodontal bur, and a diamond bur. Tooth
      surface characteristics before and after removal of the projections were then
      evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We analyzed the
      characteristics of the tooth surfaces with respect to roughness and whether the
      enamel projections had been completely removed. RESULTS: In SEM images, surfaces
      treated with the diamond bur were smoothest, but this instrument caused
      considerable harm to tooth structures near the CEPs. The piezoelectric ultrasonic
      scaler group produced the roughest surface but caused less harm to the tooth
      structure near the furcation. In general, the surfaces treated with the
      periodontal bur were smoother than those treated with the ultrasonic scaler, and
      the periodontal bur did not invade adjacent tooth structures. CONCLUSIONS: For
      removal of grade II CEPs, the most effective instrument was the diamond bur.
      However, in removing grade III projections, the diamond bur can destroy both
      adjacent tooth structures and the periodontal apparatus. In such cases, careful
      use of the periodontal bur may be an appropriate substitute.

PMID- 27127693
TI  - Rescue of a periodontally compromised tooth by non-surgical treatment: a case
      report.
AB  - PURPOSE: This article describes a case of the successful non-surgical management
      of a periodontally compromised maxillary premolar. METHODS: A combination
      therapy, including root planing, occlusal adjustment, and tooth splinting, was
      applied. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed during the 16
      month follow-up period. RESULTS: All periodontal parameters were improved. There
      were dramatic decreases (3-6 mm) in the probing pocket depth, tooth mobility, and
      marginal bone loss. Interestingly, gradual resolution of the periapical
      radiolucency and alveolar bone regeneration were observed in the radiographs, and
      the periodontal condition was maintained during the follow-up period.
      CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, these results demonstrate the
      importance of natural tooth preservation through proper periodontal treatment and
      occlusal adjustment of the periodontally compromised tooth, which is typically
      targeted for tooth extraction and dental implantation.

PMID- 27127692
TI  - The relationship between dental implant stability and trabecular bone structure
      using cone-beam computed tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between
      primary implant stability as measured by impact response frequency and the
      structural parameters of trabecular bone using cone-beam computed
      tomography(CBCT), excluding the effect of cortical bone thickness. METHODS: We
      measured the impact response of a dental implant placed into swine bone specimens
      composed of only trabecular bone without the cortical bone layer using an
      inductive sensor. The peak frequency of the impact response spectrum was
      determined as an implant stability criterion (SPF). The 3D microstructural
      parameters were calculated from CT images of the bone specimens obtained using
      both micro-CT and CBCT. RESULTS: SPF had significant positive correlations with
      trabecular bone structural parameters (BV/TV, BV, BS, BSD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, FD, and
      BS/BV) (P<0.01) while SPF demonstrated significant negative correlations with
      other microstructural parameters (Tb.Sp, Tb.Pf, and SMI) using micro-CT and CBCT
      (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There was an increase in implant stability prediction by
      combining BV/TV and SMI in the stepwise forward regression analysis. Bone with
      high volume density and low surface density shows high implant stability. Well
      connected thick bone with small marrow spaces also shows high implant stability.
      The combination of bone density and architectural parameters measured using CBCT
      can predict the implant stability more accurately than the density alone in
      clinical diagnoses.

PMID- 27127694
TI  - Programming for physicians: A free online course.
AB  - This article is an introduction for clinical readers into programming and
      computational thinking using the programming language Python. Exercises can be
      done completely online without any need for installation of software.
      Participants will be taught the fundamentals of programming, which are
      necessarily independent of the sort of application (stand-alone, web, mobile,
      engineering, and statistical/machine learning) that is to be developed afterward.

PMID- 27127695
TI  - The double massa intermedia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To describe the rare finding of a double massa intermedia (MI).
      Typically, the MI (interthalamic adhesion) is a single bridge of gray matter
      connecting the medial surfaces of the thalami. METHODS: Twelve formalin- and
      alcohol-fixed human third ventricles were examined from superior to inferior by
      fiber dissection technique under *6 to *40 magnifications and with the endoscope.
      RESULTS: In all hemispheres, the anterior and posterior commissure were defined.
      The MI, which bridges the medial surfaces of the thalami, was defined in all
      hemispheres. In one hemisphere, there was a second bridge between the thalami,
      located posteroinferior to the common MI. Endoscopic view confirmed that there
      was a second MI in this specimen. The MI usually traverses the third ventricle
      posterior to the foramen of Monro and connects the paired thalami. The MI is an
      important landmark during endoscopic and microscopic surgeries of the third
      ventricle. Although a double MI is very rare, surgeons should be aware of the
      possibility in their surgical planning. CONCLUSION: The surgeon should be aware
      of the possibility of a double MI to avoid confusion during third ventricle
      surgery.

PMID- 27127696
TI  - A rare case of solitary brain Langerhans cell histiocytosis with intratumoral
      hemorrhage in a patient affected by Turner syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease involving
      clonal proliferation of cells with characteristics similar to bone marrow-derived
      Langerhans cells. The case of a young woman, affected by Turner syndrome and a
      solitary intraparenchymal LCH associated with an osteolytic lesion of the
      overlying skull, is presented. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient, with an insidious
      history of headache and a growing soft mass in the left frontal region, presented
      with a sudden generalized tonic-clonic epileptic seizure. Neuroradiological
      investigations showed an osteolytic lesion of the left frontal bone and an
      underlying brain lesion associated with recent signs of bleeding. The patient was
      operated on with a complete removal of the lesion. The postoperative course was
      uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical, neuroradiological, and intraoperative
      findings are presented, along with a review of the literature. Although rare, LCH
      should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a scalp lesion occurs
      with a progressive growing.

PMID- 27127697
TI  - Pathological correlation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging features in a classical
      case of lipomatous meningioma.

PMID- 27127699
TI  - Bioethics - Part 2: Is it compassion, personal autonomy, or ulterior utilitarian
      motives at heart?

PMID- 27127698
TI  - Are there a guidelines for implantable spinal cord stimulator therapy in patients
      using chronic anticoagulation therapy? - A review of decision-making in the high
      risk patient.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulators (SCSs) are gaining increasing indications and
      utility in an expanding variety of clinical conditions. Complications and initial
      expenses have historically prevented the early use of SCS therapy despite ongoing
      efforts to educate and promote its utilization. At present, there exists no
      literature evidence of SCS implantation in a chronically anticoagulated patient,
      and neuromodulation manufacturers are conspicuously silent in providing warnings
      or recommendations in the face of anticoagulant use chronically. It would appear
      as through these issues demand scrutiny and industry as well as neuromodulation
      society advocacy and support in terms of the provision of coherent guidelines on
      how to proceed. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 79-year-old male returned to the
      neurosurgical clinic with persistent low back pain and leg heaviness due to
      adjacent level degenerative spondylosis and severe thoracic spinal stenosis. The
      patient had a notable history of multiple comorbidities along with atrial
      fibrillation requiring chronic anticoagulation. On initial presentation, he was
      educated with three choice of conservative medical therapy, intrathecal drug
      delivery system implantation, or additional lumbar decompression laminectomy with
      instrumented fusion of T10-L3 and a palliative surgical lead SCS implantation.
      DESCRIPTION: A 79-year-old male returned to the neurosurgical clinic with
      persistent low back pain and leg heaviness due to adjacent level degenerative
      spondylosis and severe thoracic spinal stenosis. The patient had a notable
      history of multiple comorbidities along with atrial fibrillation requiring
      chronic anticoagulation. On initial presentation, he was educated with three
      choice of conservative medical therapy, intrathecal drug delivery system
      implantation, or additional lumbar decompression laminectomy with instrumented
      fusion of T10-L3 and a palliative surgical lead SCS implantation. CONCLUSION: Our
      literature search did not reveal any evidence of SCS therapy among patients with
      chronic anticoagulation. This case illustrated a complicated clinical case
      scenario wherein a percutaneous SCS implantation would normally be
      contraindicated due to severe thoracic spinal stenosis and chronic
      anticoagulation which could lead to possible paralysis or even a lethal
      consequences associated with the possible formation of a thoracic epidural
      hematoma.

PMID- 27127700
TI  - Epidemiology of the neural tube defects in Kashmir Valley.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the most common congenital
      malformations affecting the brain and spinal cord and have a multifactorial
      etiology. Genetic and environmental factors have been found to cause these
      defects, both individually and in combination. METHODS: A 2-year hospital-based
      prospective study was carried out from November 2013 to October 2015 to determine
      the incidence, types, demographics, risk factors, and other associated anamolies
      relevant to NTDs in Kashmir Valley. A detailed history of the mother was taken
      along with detailed clinical examination of neonate including measurement of head
      circumference and checking the status of fontanella, whether lax/full/bulging/or
      tense, type of NTD. Investigations that were done included were X-ray skull:
      Anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral, X-ray spine: AP and lateral, ultrasonography
      abdomen, magnetic resonance imaging: Spine and brain. RESULTS: The total number
      of babies with NTD's was 125 with an overall incidence of 0.503. Kupwara district
      was having the highest incidence (1.047) and Srinagar district the lowest
      incidence of NTD's (0.197). Majority of NTD's (116 cases, 92.8%) were found in
      the rural areas. Among the different types of NTD's, spina bifida had an
      incidence of 0.342 (85 cases, 68%) and anencephaly had an incidence of 0.113 (28
      cases, 22.4%). There was a slight preponderance of females over males with NTD's.
      There were 70 females (56%) and 55 males (44%), respectively, with a male: female
      ratio of 0.8:1. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rates of NTDs is very high for Kashmir
      Valley. Geographical distribution of NTDs at this place confirms a relationship
      between the socioeconomic status, educational status, maternal too young or
      advanced age, and environmental factors for the development of a NTD. The results
      of this study point to the importance establishing a health policy to prevent NTD
      in Kashmir Valley.

PMID- 27127701
TI  - Effect of a hypercholesterolemia as a starting factor on spinal degeneration in
      rabbits and role of Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol).
AB  - BACKGROUND: To identify the role of the hypercholesterolemia as a starting factor
      in discovertebral degeneration that ultimately causes lower back pain, and
      investigate the role of Vitamin E in this process. METHODS: The rabbits (n = 32)
      were divided into two broad experimental groups: A control group, and a
      hypercholesterolemia group, namely cholesterol, and cholesterol plus Vitamin E
      groups and they were fed sequentially for 4 or 8 weeks. Serum cholesterol and
      Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) levels were determined; vascular tissue was prepared
      for histopathological analyses and vertebra was decalcified for the study.
      RESULTS: Cholesterol diet group resulted approximately 44-fold of increase plasma
      cholesterol levels over the 4-week control values. Additional supplementation
      with Vitamin E group induced a plasma cholesterol level increase of only 37-fold
      as compared to the control group. In the cholesterol groups, light microscope
      examination revealed atherosclerotic plaque in major arteries. However, in the
      cholesterol plus Vitamin E treatment groups, no lipid accumulation or foam cell
      formation was visible in the abdominal aorta and vertebral segmental artery. In
      histopathological examination, we found degenerative changes in the
      discovertebral unit in cholesterol treated groups. CONCLUSION:
      Hypercholesterolemia causes fat accumulation in the disc endplate and vertebral
      body that causes blood supply disturbances which might be a starting factor of
      discovertebral degeneration. This event was not reversed by the elimination of
      cholesterol from the diet. Vitamin E supplementation was not effective in
      reducing fat accumulation in vertebral bone marrow. As a result, we conclude that
      degeneration of the discovertebral unit is not related to atherosclerotic changes
      in the major blood vessels.

PMID- 27127702
TI  - Apoplectic presentation of a cauda equina paraganglioma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cauda equina paragangliomas (CEPs) are rare spinal tumors that are
      mostly misdiagnosed preoperatively as ependymomas or schwannomas on magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI). Clinically, they usually present with the gradual onset
      of back pain and radiculopathy rather than an acute cauda equina syndrome. CASE
      DESCRIPTION: A 36-year-old female presented with an acute flaccid
      paraparesis/cauda equina syndrome. Based upon MRI studies, the predominant
      differential diagnoses included ependymoma or schwannoma. The intraoperative
      findings revealed an acute intralesional hemorrhage or apoplexy, responsible for
      the acute clinical deterioration. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC)
      revealed that the tumor was a paraganglioma. CONCLUSION: CEPs commonly present
      with mild symptoms and signs rather than the acute-onset of a flaccid
      paraparesis/cauda equina syndrome as seen in this case. Here, the authors review
      the radiological and histopathological characteristics of CEP and emphasize the
      role of IHC in differentiating "CEP" from the more common ependymomas.

PMID- 27127703
TI  - The role of surgery for treatment of low back pain: insights from the randomized
      controlled Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trials.
AB  - Low back pain (LBP) is a common medical problem with high morbidity and
      healthcare costs. The optimal management strategy, including the role of surgical
      intervention, remains controversial. The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trials
      were randomized controlled studies conducted to assess the effectiveness of
      surgery for three of the most common conditions implicated in LBP: Intervertebral
      disc herniation, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis. Despite
      challenges in data interpretation related to patient cross over, these studies
      support the efficacy of surgery as treatment for these three common conditions. 

PMID- 27127705
TI  - Empirical antitubercular therapy even in endemic area should be started with
      caution: Missed case of calvarial epidermoid presenting with discharging sinus.

PMID- 27127704
TI  - Bilateral internal auditory canal gangliogliomas mimicking neurofibromatosis Type
      II.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gangliogliomas are rare low grade, typically well-differentiated,
      tumors that are composed of mature ganglion cells and neoplastic glial cells.
      These tumors can appear at virtually any location along the neuroaxis but
      classically occur in the temporal lobe of young patients. In a small number of
      cases, gangliogliomas have presented as masses in the brainstem or involving
      cranial nerves. With the exception of vestibular schwannomas, bilateral tumors in
      the region of the internal auditory canal (IAC) or cerebellopontine angle (CPA)
      are exceedingly rare. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of a 58-year-old male
      who presented with hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. Initial magnetic
      resonance imaging revealed bilateral nonenhancing IAC/CPA tumors. Based on this
      finding, a presumptive diagnosis of neurofibromatosis Type II was made, which was
      initially managed conservatively with close observation. He returned for follow
      up with worsening vertigo and tinnitus, thus prompting the decision to proceed
      with surgical resection of the symptomatic mass. Intriguingly, pathological study
      demonstrated a WHO Grade I ganglioglioma. DESCRIPTION: We report a case of a 58
      year-old male who presented with hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. Initial
      magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral nonenhancing IAC/CPA tumors. Based
      on this finding, a presumptive diagnosis of neurofibromatosis Type II was made,
      which was initially managed conservatively with close observation. He returned
      for follow-up with worsening vertigo and tinnitus, thus prompting the decision to
      proceed with surgical resection of the symptomatic mass. Intriguingly,
      pathological study demonstrated a WHO Grade I ganglioglioma. CONCLUSION: This is
      the first reported case of bilateral IAC/CPA gangliogliomas. When evaluating
      bilateral IAC/CPA lesions with unusual imaging characteristics, ganglioglioma
      should be included in the differential diagnosis.

PMID- 27127706
TI  - Spontaneous leaking craniopharyngioma causing preoperative chemical meningitis.

PMID- 27127707
TI  - Retraction: Solid hemangioblastoma in the cerebellopontine angle: Importance of
      external carotid blood supply with regard to the probable site of origin and
      preoperative embolization.
AB  - [This retracts the article on p. S1 in vol. 7, PMID: 26862451.]. 

PMID- 27127708
TI  - [Microvascular decompression in hemifacial spasm: 13 cases report and review of
      the literature].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the results of 13 patients with
      facial hemispasm, treated with microvascular decompression. METHODS: Between June
      2005 and May 2014, 13 patients with facial hemispasm were operated, underwent
      microvascular decompression. The age, sex, duration of symptoms before surgery,
      and surgical finds, were all evaluated. In addition, postoperative results were
      also analyzed. RESULTS: Seven patients were women and 6 were men. The average age
      of the patients was 53 years. The average time between onset of symptoms and
      surgery ranged from 3 to 9 years. In all cases the facial hemispasm was typical,
      one with concomitant trigeminal neuralgia, observed in all neurovascular
      compression intraoperative. In decreasing order of frequency, the cause of
      compression was anterior inferior cerebellar artery, posterior inferior
      cerebellar artery, dolicomega basilar artery and dolicomega vertebral artery. The
      average time of postoperative follow-up after the surgery was 24 months. Complete
      relief from spasm occurred in 62%; 30% disappearance after 3 weeks-2 months (8%
      partial) and in 8% had no improvement. Regarding postoperative complications: 3
      patients had facial paresis II-III in House-Brackman scale and 1 patient
      presented CSF leak. None of the patients in the serie had hearing loss or
      deafness. CONCLUSION: The microvascular decompression for facial hemispasm is a
      safe an effective procedure, which allows complete resolution of the disease in
      most cases.

PMID- 27127709
TI  - Middle cerebral artery fusiform aneurysm presented with stroke and delayed
      subarachnoid hemorrhage trapping, thrombectomy, and bypass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke is a well-described but less frequent consequence of
      ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms. To date, the optimal form of
      treatment for patients with a thrombosed cerebral aneurysm has not yet been well
      defined. CASE DESCRIPTION: Here, we report a case of a 68-year-old female patient
      presenting with cerebral stroke. Five days poststroke multislice computed
      tomography (MSCT) and MSCT angiography were performed for the evaluation of
      clinical deterioration, showing a left M2 middle cerebral artery (MCA)
      bifurcation aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Having in mind the high
      mortality and morbidity rates after a re-rupture, as well as the digital
      subtraction angiography features of the aneurysm, urgent surgery was performed
      consisting of aneurysm trapping and superficial temporal artery (STA) to M3 MCA
      segment end-to-side anastomosis. The surgery and early postoperative period
      proceeded uneventfully and the patient gradually recovered from the previously
      diagnosed expressive dysphasia and cranial and extremity motor deficit.
      CONCLUSION: Our case describes a complex aneurysm treatment that consisted of
      aneurysm trapping, thrombus removal and an STA-M3 MCA branch bypass creation for
      the protection of the patent M3 insular MCA branch and prevention of further
      ischemia. This procedure rewarded us with an excellent clinical result.

PMID- 27127710
TI  - Giant pseudoaneurysm originated from distal middle cerebral artery dissection
      treated by trapping under sensitive evoked potential and motor evoked potential
      monitoring: Case report and discussion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dissecting giant pseudoaneurysm of the middle cerebral artery (MCA)
      is a rare lesion often presenting challenges to neurosurgical teams dealing with
      this specific pathology. Giant pseudoaneurysm originating from a dissecting
      distal segment of the MCA treated with aneurysm trapping under motor and
      sensitive evoked potential monitoring with a successful outcome is presented in
      the article followed by a brief discussion on the subject. CASE DESCRIPTION: A
      case of a previously healthy young female patient admitted at the emergency room
      of Santa Paula Hospital with a history of a sudden headache and syncope,
      dysphasia, and Grade 4 right hemiparesis due to a large brain hemorrhage
      secondary to a 25 mm ruptured pseudoaneurysm originated from a distal left MCA
      dissecting segment is described. Because the patient risked neurological
      worsening, aneurysm was treated with parent and efferent vessel trapping
      technique and no changes on the sensitive and motor evoked potential (MEP) from
      baseline informed on this decision. Hemorrhage was completely drained after
      aneurysm was secured. CONCLUSION: Neurophysiological sensitive and MEP
      monitoring, on this specific case was a valuable tool and informed on the
      decision of trapping of this large vascular lesion.

PMID- 27127711
TI  - Middle meningeal arteriovenous fistulas: A rare and potentially high-risk dural
      arteriovenous fistula.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Middle meningeal arteriovenous fistulas (MMAVFs) are rare lesions
      with a poorly established natural history. We report our experience with patients
      with MMAVFs who presented with intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: We reviewed our
      prospectively maintained endovascular database for patients with MMAVFs, who were
      treated by embolization during a 15-year period. Hospital and outpatient medical
      records and imaging studies were reviewed. RESULTS: Nine patients with MMAVFs,
      who presented with intracranial hemorrhage, underwent embolization (mean age 60.3
      years, range 21-76; four male and five female). Four patients presented after
      trauma and five after spontaneous hemorrhage. All nine patients were
      angiographically cured after embolization of the fistula with liquid embolic
      agents (n = 8) or coils (n = 1). There were no procedure-related complications.
      CONCLUSION: MMAVFs represent a rarely reported class of vascular lesions. They
      are typically associated with trauma, but also develop spontaneously, and may be
      associated with intracranial hemorrhage, which warrants classification of these
      lesions as high risk. Endovascular treatment is safe and effective and should be
      considered for these patients, particularly for those who have lesions with
      intracranial venous drainage.

PMID- 27127712
TI  - Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula as a cause for symptomatic superficial
      siderosis: A report of two cases and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Superficial siderosis (SS) is the occult deposition of hemosiderin
      within the cerebral cortex due to repeat microhemorrhages within the central
      nervous system. The collection of hemosiderin within the pia and superficial
      cortical surface can lead to injury to the nervous tissue. The most common
      presentation is occult sensorineural hearing loss although many patients have
      been misdiagnosed with diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis before being diagnosed with SS. Only one case report exists in
      the literature describing an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) as
      the putative cause for SS. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe two cases of SS caused
      by a dAVF. Both patients had a supratentorial, cortical lesion supplied by the
      middle meningeal artery with venous drainage into the superior sagittal sinus. In
      both patients, symptoms improved after endovascular embolization. The similar
      anatomic relationship of both dAVFs reported presents an interesting question
      about the pathogenesis of SS. Similar to the pathologic changes seen in the
      formation of intracranial arterial aneurysms; it would be possible that changes
      in the blood vessel lining and wall might predispose a patient to chronic,
      microhemorrhage resulting in SS. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the second and third
      cases of a dAVF as the cause of SS, and the first cases of successful treatment
      of SS-associated dAVF with endovascular embolization. As noninvasive imaging
      techniques become more sensitive and easily obtained, one must consider their
      limitations in detecting occult intracranial vascular malformations such as dAVF
      as a possible etiology for SS.

PMID- 27127713
TI  - Arteriovenous malformations of the corpus callosum: Pooled analysis and
      systematic review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the corpus callosum (CC) are
      rare entities. We performed a systematic review of the available literature to
      better define the natural history, patient characteristics, and treatment options
      for these lesions. METHODS: A MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Library
      search were performed for studies published through June 2015. Data from all
      eligible studies were used to examine epidemiology, natural history, clinical
      features, treatment strategies, and outcomes of patients with CC-AVMs. A
      systematic review and pooled analysis of the literature were performed. RESULTS:
      Our search yielded 37 reports and 230 patients. Mean age at presentation was 26.8
      years (+/-13.12 years). AVMs were most commonly located in the splenium (43%),
      followed by the body (31%), and then the genu (23%) of the CC. A Spetzler-Martin
      grade of III was the most common (37%). One hundred eighty-seven (81.3%) patients
      presented with hemorrhage, 91 (40%) underwent microsurgical excision, and 87
      (38%) underwent endovascular embolization. Radiosurgery was performed on 57 (25%)
      patients. Complete obliteration of the AVM was achieved in 102 (48.1%) patients
      and approximately twice as often when microsurgery was performed alone or in
      combination with other treatment modalities (94% vs. 49%; P < 0.001). Mean
      modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at presentation was 1.54 and mean mRS at last follow
      up was 1.31. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.35).
      CONCLUSION: We present an analysis of the pooled data in the form of a systematic
      review focusing on management of CC-AVMs. This review aims to provide a valuable
      tool to aid in decision making when dealing with this particular subtype of AVM.

PMID- 27127714
TI  - Radical surgical treatment for recurrent giant fusiform thrombosed vertebral
      artery aneurysm previously coiled.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fusiform aneurysms are rare (<1%) and the underlying pathophysiology
      is not well known. Endovascular coiling is the standard of treatment; however, a
      surgical procedure with vascular reconstruction by excluding the pathological
      segment of the vessel and restoring the blood flow, seems to be the most
      effective and definitive treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a patient who
      presented a fusiform vertebral artery aneurysm previously coiled which developed
      a giant enlargement and a new contralateral fusiform aneurysm. Hemodynamic
      changes resulting in the formation of contralateral aneurysm might be the result
      of aneurysm occlusion without revascularization. In addition, continued blood
      flow to the aneurysmal wall through the vasa vasorum might result in aneurysm
      recanalization or regrowth. In order to account for these possible sources of
      complications, we performed a vascular reconstruction with high and low flow
      bypasses after trapping the aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesize that, in this
      and similar cases, surgical vascular reconstruction should be the first and
      definitive treatment under experienced cerebrovascular surgeons.

PMID- 27127715
TI  - Long-term drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy associated with a mixed
      ganglioglioma and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor in an elderly patient.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mixed ganglioglioma and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET)
      is an extremely rare neuropathological diagnosis. The sparse number of patients
      described are children or young adults with long-term drug-resistant epilepsy.
      CASE DESCRIPTION: We report on a rare case of this tumor in a 61-year-old patient
      with an epilepsy duration of almost 60 years. This patient received an epilepsy
      surgery work-up with the intention to cure his drug-resistant epilepsy by
      performing a complete lesionectomy. The available literature on these mixed
      tumors is reviewed. CONCLUSION: A contrast-enhancing mixed ganglioglioma and DNET
      can mimic a malignant tumor and appears not only in children and young adults,
      but also in the elderly patients with chronic epilepsy. A long-lasting epilepsy,
      in this case almost 60 years, can be completely cured by a complete lesionectomy.

PMID- 27127716
TI  - A spontaneous superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm possibly related to
      atherosclerosis: Case report and review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spontaneous superficial temporal artery (STA) pseudoaneurysms are
      very rare; only four cases, including ours, have been reported to date.
      Therefore, the cause of them has not been studied. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 57-year
      old woman was admitted to our hospital with a pulsatile mass in the left
      preauricular region. Her medical history included hypertension, dyslipidemia, and
      angina pectoris. She denied a history of head injury or minor head trauma. Three
      dimensional computed tomography angiography showed a well-enhanced saccular
      aneurysm on the main trunk of the STA. To prevent rupture it was removed
      surgically. The histological diagnosis was pseudoaneurysm with atherosclerosis.
      By the 2(nd) postoperative day, she had completely recovered and was discharged
      home. There has been no relapse. CONCLUSIONS: As all four documented patients
      were at high risk for atherosclerosis, we posit that a causal factor was
      weakening of the arterial wall due to atherosclerosis and chronic pressure on the
      STA from anatomical structures. Here, we present histological evidence to support
      this hypothesis.

PMID- 27127717
TI  - Histological Appearance of Placental Solomonization in the Treatment of Twin-Twin
      Transfusion Syndrome.
AB  - Background Placental laser equatorialization or "solomonization" during treatment
      for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is associated with improved pregnancy
      outcomes. Concern exists, however, about the extent of placental injury caused by
      the technique, and of its ability to create "dichorionization," or complete
      separation of the fetal vascular circuits. Case Study A "solomonized" placenta
      was histologically examined for depth of cell damage. Solomonization produces
      complete devascularization of the chorionic plate, but has minimal effect on the
      underlying villi. The median depth of the effect was 2,823 um, or < 3 mm.
      Conclusion Solomonization produces complete devascularization of the chorionic
      plate, but has little effect on the underlying villi. "Dichorionization" is
      therefore not achieved. Ongoing surveillance of treated pregnancies is warranted.

PMID- 27127718
TI  - Physical Activity Volumes during Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
      of Observational Studies Assessing the Association with Infant's Birth Weight.
AB  - Objective This study aims to examine the association between different maternal
      physical activity exposures during pregnancy and infant's birth weight, body
      composition, and risk of inadequate weight. Methods Two reviewers (M.B. and
      J.L.G.) identified observational studies reporting total or leisure time activity
      during pregnancy and birth weight outcomes. Pooled analyses were performed to
      summarize the risk associated with high or moderate volumes of physical activity
      on birth weight. Results A total of 54 studies among 4,080 reported the
      association between physical activity and birth weight (37 studies) or risks of
      small or large birth weight. The association between physical activity and birth
      weight was evaluated by physical activity levels (low, moderate, or high).
      Despite heterogeneity, pooled results (23 studies) suggested that moderate levels
      of activity are associated with an increased birth weight (mean difference: 61.5
      g, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.6, 106.5, 15 studies), while high levels were
      associated with lower birth weight (mean difference: -69.9 g, 95% CI: -114.8, 
      25.0, 15 studies). Data were insufficient to provide robust estimates for other
      outcomes. Conclusions The results of observational studies suggest an inverted u
      shaped association between physical activity and birth weight, despite
      methodological variability. These results could help refining physical activity
      guidelines for pregnancy and provide guidance for future research. 

PMID- 27127720
TI  - Ipsilateral Hemichorea-hemiballism in a Case of Postoperative Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ipsilateral hemiballismus refers to the rare occurrence of
      hemiballism developing on the same side of a brain lesion. CASE REPORT: We
      describe a rare case of postoperative ipsilateral hemiballism in a patient who
      underwent pituitary adenoma resection and experienced a right internal cerebral
      artery territory infarct. We review the literature on hemichorea hemiballismus
      (HCHB) and explore various mechanisms for its occurrence. DISCUSSION: Only three
      cases of ipsilateral hemiballism have been described, and the exact
      pathophysiology remains unknown. A dominant left hemisphere with corpus callosal
      connections to the right basal ganglia is the most probable explanation for this
      unusual event.

PMID- 27127719
TI  - Daily Self-Weighing to Control Body Weight in Adults: A Critical Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - The objective of this study is to review the history of daily self-weighing for
      weight control, discuss the possibility that self-weighing may cause adverse
      psychological symptoms, and propose mechanisms that explain how self-weighing
      facilitates weight control. A systematic forward (citation) tracking approach has
      been employed in this study. In the early literature, experimental tests did not
      demonstrate a benefit of adding daily self-weighing to traditional behavioral
      modification for weight loss. More recent studies have shown that daily self
      weighing combined with personalized electronic feedback can produce and sustain
      weight loss with and without a traditional weight loss program. Daily self
      weighing appears to be effective in preventing age-related weight gain. Apart
      from these experimental findings, there is considerable agreement that the
      frequency of self-weighing correlates with success in losing weight and
      sustaining the weight loss. The early literature suggested frequent self-weighing
      may be associated with negative psychological effects. However, more recent
      experimental trials do not substantiate such a causal relationship. In
      conclusion, daily self-weighing may be a useful strategy for certain adults to
      prevent weight gain, lose weight, or prevent weight regain after loss. More
      research is needed to better understand the role of different types of feedback,
      who benefits most from self-weighing, and at what frequency.

PMID- 27127721
TI  - PLA2G6 Mutations Related to Distinct Phenotypes: A New Case with Early-onset
      Parkinsonism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN) is a recessive
      neurodegenerative disorder characterized by three distinct phenotypes: infantile
      neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD), atypical neuroaxonal dystrophy (atypical NAD), and
      PLA2G6-related dystonia-parkinsonism. METHODS: A consanguineous index case from
      Turkey was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinsonism at the Istanbul Faculty of
      Medicine. She and her unaffected brother were subjected to whole-genome
      sequencing. RESULTS: In this report, we describe a 33-year-old index case with
      parental consanguinity and early-onset Parkinsonism. Whole-genome sequencing of
      this individual revealed that a homozygous p.R747W mutation in PLA2G6 segregates
      with the disease in this family. DISCUSSION: This result supports the importance
      of prioritizing this gene in mutational analysis of autosomal recessive
      Parkinsonism, and confirms the clinical heterogeneity of PLAN.

PMID- 27127722
TI  - Post-mortem Findings in Huntington's Deep Brain Stimulation: A Moving Target Due
      to Atrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been shown to be effective for
      Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and primary dystonia. However, mixed
      results have been reported in Huntington's disease (HD). CASE REPORT: A single
      case of HD DBS was identified from the University of Florida DBS Brain Tissue
      Network. The clinical presentation, evolution, surgical planning, DBS parameters,
      clinical outcomes, and brain pathological changes are summarized. DISCUSSION:
      This case of HD DBS revealed that chorea may improve and be sustained. Minimal
      histopathological changes were noted around the DBS leads. Severe atrophy due to
      HD likely changed the DBS lead position relative to the internal capsule.

PMID- 27127723
TI  - GPER expressed on microglia mediates the anti-inflammatory effect of estradiol in
      ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stroke could lead to serious morbidity, of which ischemic stroke
      counts for majority of the cases. Inflammation plays an important role in the
      pathogenesis of ischemic stroke, thus drugs targeting inflammation could be
      potentially neuroprotective. Estradiol was shown to be neuroprotective as well as
      anti-inflammatory in animal models of ischemic stroke with unclear mechanism. We
      hypothesize that the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect of estradiol is
      mediated by the estradiol receptor G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER)
      expressed on microglia. METHODS: We have generated the rat global cerebral
      ischemic model and the primary microglia culture to study the neuroprotective and
      anti-inflammatory effect of estradiol. We have further used pharmacological
      methods and siRNA knockdown approach to study the underlying mechanism. RESULTS:
      We found that estradiol reduced the level of proinflammatory cytokines including
      IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, both in vivo and in vitro. We also found that the
      specific GPER agonist G1 could reduce the level of IL-1beta (P = 0 P = 0.0017,
      one-way ANOVA and post hoc test) and TNF-alpha (P < 0.0001) in the primary
      microglia culture. Moreover, the specific GPER antagonist G15 was able to abolish
      the anti-inflammatory effect of estradiol. Estradiol failed to reduce the level
      of IL-1beta (P = 0.4973, unpaired Student's t-test) and TNF-alpha (P = 0.1627)
      when GPER was knocked down. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies have suggested that GPER
      expressed on microglia mediated the anti-inflammatory effect of estradiol after
      ischemic stroke. Our studies could potentially help to develop more specific
      drugs to manage inflammation postischemic stroke.

PMID- 27127724
TI  - Correlation of thyroid dysfunction and cognitive impairments induced by
      subcortical ischemic vascular disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and subcortical
      ischemic vascular disease (SIVD)-induced cognitive impairments still remains
      elusive. METHODS: Cognitive performances were examined in 215 participants,
      including 54 healthy participants, 52 SIVD patients with no dementia (SIVDND), 55
      patients with mild cognitive impairment (SVMCI), and 54 patients with vascular
      dementia (VD). Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total triiodothyronine
      (TT3), free triiodothyronine (FT3), total thyroxine (TT4) and free thyroxine
      (FT4), thyroglobulin antibody (TGA), and antithyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO
      Abs) were quantified by radioimmunoassay or ELISA. RESULTS: A close correlation
      between thyroid status and cognitive dysfunction in SIVD was observed. Serum TT3
      and FT3 levels decreased, whereas serum TSH level increased, with the decline in
      cognitive functions. Furthermore, TT3 levels showed a positive correlation,
      whereas TSH level showed a negative correlation, with the Mini-Mental State
      Examination (MMSE) scores. Our results suggested that thyroid function was
      associated with cognitive impairments induced by SIVD. Also, thyroid function and
      thyroid hormone level could be a risk factor in the development of SIVD. Serum
      TT3 and TSH levels might also be used as biomarkers for cognitive dysfunction.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings might contribute to a more accurate clinical
      diagnosis and differentiation among normal controls, SIVDND, SVMCI, and VD
      patients, in order to develop appropriate intervention approaches for SIVD
      therapeutic treatment.

PMID- 27127725
TI  - A systematic classification of megakaryocytic dysplasia and its impact on
      prognosis for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dys-megakaryopoiesis is defined as >=10 % of dysplastic
      megakaryocytes in bone marrow smears by the World Health Organization. However,
      concordance rates for dysplastic megakaryocytes between different observers is
      low and, consequently, evaluation of dysmegakaryopoiesis is also often
      discordant. RESULTS: We performed CD41 immune staining and proposed a systematic
      classification of dys-megakaryopoiesis on bone marrow films: (1) micro
      megakaryocytes (<12 um); (2) micro-megakaryocytes (12-40 um) with 1 nucleus; (3)
      micro-megakaryocytes (12-40 um) with 2 nuclei; (4) micro-megakaryocytes (12-40
      um) with multiple (more than 2) nuclei; (5) dysplastic megakaryocytes (>=40 um)
      with 1 nucleus; (6) dysplastic megakaryocytes (>=40 um) with 2 nuclei; and (7)
      dysplastic megakaryocytes (>=40 um) with multiple (more than 2) nuclei. Further,
      we evaluated the prognostic impact of micro-megakaryocytes and dysplastic mono
      nucleated megakaryocytes on MDS patients. The best discriminator cut-off point
      for each group was determined by the minimal P value approach. In multivariate
      analyses micro-megakaryocytes >=25 % and dysplastic mono-nucleated megakaryocytes
      >=30 % were independent adverse prognostic factors (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.58 [95
      % confidence interval [CI], 1.11, 2.23]; P = 0.010 and 1.53 [1.09, 2.16]; P =
      0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest integration of micro-megakaryocytes and
      dysplastic mono-nucleated megakaryocytes improve predictive accuracy of the
      international prognostic scoring system-revised (IPSS-R) scoring system.

PMID- 27127726
TI  - Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer: a case
      report and systematic review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) is a
      recently recognized B cell lymphoproliferative disorder that is driven by latent
      EBV infection and causes discrete ulcerations in the oropharynx, gastrointestinal
      tract, and skin. Local attenuation of immunosurveillance associated with
      iatrogenic immunosuppressant use, primary immunodeficiency, or age-associated
      immunosenescence has been implicated as a predisposing factor. This disorder is
      likely under reported, as it was only first defined in 2010 and shares
      histological features with other B-cell proliferative neoplasms. The first case
      series that described EBVMCU suggested that EBVMCU is generally self-limited and
      is likely to resolve without treatment. Since that publication, additional cases
      have been reported that describe a more heterogeneous clinical course, often
      requiring aggressive therapy. We now systematically review all published cases of
      EBVMCU and detail a case of aggressive and progressive EBVMCU, including
      diagnostic and management challenges, as well as successful treatment with
      radiation therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A forty-nine year old woman presented with
      painful and debilitating multifocal oral EBVMCU that initially responded to four
      weekly doses of rituximab. Her disease relapsed within 3 months and continued to
      progress and cause significant morbidity. She was successfully treated with local
      external beam radiation therapy of 30 Gy in 15 fractions, with duration of
      response of at least 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that although many
      patients with EBVMCU experience a self-limited course, for others EBVMCU can be a
      debilitating, persistent disorder that requires aggressive therapy to prevent
      disease progression. CD20- and CD30-directed antibody therapy, local radiation
      therapy, local surgical excision, systemic chemotherapy, and a combination of
      these therapies have all been successfully used to treat EBVMCU with high rates
      of durable clinical remission. As EBVMCU is not currently included in the 2008
      WHO classification of lymphoproliferative disorders and no evidence-based
      guidelines or expert opinions have been proposed to guide therapy, this case
      report and systematic review provides a foundation on which to guide therapeutic
      decisions.

PMID- 27127727
TI  - Mitochondrial STAT3 and reactive oxygen species: A fulcrum of adipogenesis?
AB  - The balance between cellular lineages can be controlled by reactive oxygen
      species (ROS). Cellular differentiation into adipocytes is highly dependent on
      the production of ROS to initiate the process through activation of multiple
      interlinked factors that stimulate mitotic clonal expansion and cellular
      maturation. The signal transducer and activator of transcription family of
      signaling proteins have accepted roles in adipogenesis and associated
      lipogenesis. Non-canonical mitochondrial localization of STAT3 and other members
      of the STAT family however opens up new avenues for investigation of its role in
      the aforementioned processes. Following recent observations of differences in
      mitochondrially localized serine 727 phosphorylated STAT3 (mtSTAT3-pS727) in
      preadipocytes and adipocytes, here, we hypothesize and speculate further on the
      role of mitochondrial STAT3 in adipogenesis. 

PMID- 27127729
TI  - Promoting Tobacco Cessation in a Community-Based Women's Health Centre.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This report assesses the impact of a series of education sessions
      delivered to office staff on the delivery of smoking cessation services among
      patients seeking care at a community-based women's health center. METHODS: A
      quasi-experimental design was used to examine the delivery of smoking cessation
      services to patients in a medical office before and after office staff attended a
      series of 3 educational sessions intended to increase their knowledge and self
      efficacy to address cessation. Delivery of smoking cessation services was
      documented through a systematic review of medical records using a structured
      abstraction form. RESULTS: While nearly all smokers (93%) were asked about
      smoking status at their last office visit, few smokers at baseline or follow-up
      were assessed for interest in setting a quit date or offered pharmacotherapy.
      Referrals to the smokers quit line increased from <1% at baseline to 8% at follow
      up (p<0.001) and "any assistance" also showed a modest but significant increase
      (<1% baseline, 9% follow-up, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This evaluation failed to
      identify clinical meaningful changes in the delivery of smoking cessation
      services in this women's health office before and after completion of a series of
      educational interventions for office staff. It is anticipated that the
      implementation of patient centered medical homes, and EMR systems, will help to
      enhance the delivery of smoking cessation services to women seeking medical care.

PMID- 27127728
TI  - LIF signal in mouse embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Since the establishment of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) in the 1980s, a
      number of important notions on the self-renewal of pluripotent stem cells in
      vitro have been found. In serum containing conventional culture, an exogenous
      cytokine, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), is absolutely essential for the
      maintenance of pluripotency. In contrast, in serum-free culture with simultaneous
      inhibition of Map-kinase and Gsk3 (so called 2i-culture), LIF is no longer
      required. However, recent findings also suggest that LIF may have a role not
      covered by the 2i for the maintenance of naive pluripotency. These suggest that
      LIF functions for the maintenance of naive pluripotency in a context dependent
      manner. We summarize how LIF-signal pathway is converged to maintain the naive
      state of pluripotency. 

PMID- 27127730
TI  - Investigating Progression in Substance Use Initiation Using a Discrete-Time
      Multiple Event Process Survival Mixture (MEPSUM) Approach.
AB  - The order and timing of substance initiation has significant implications for
      later problematic patterns of use. Despite the need to study initiation from a
      multivariate framework, survival analytic methods typically cannot accommodate
      more than two substances in one model. The Discrete-Time Multiple Event Process
      Survival Mixture (MEPSUM; Dean, Bauer, & Shanahan, 2014) model represents an
      advance by incorporating more than two outcomes and enabling establishment of
      latent classes within a multivariate hazard distribution. Employing a MEPSUM
      approach, we evaluated patterns of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis initiation in
      the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N=18,923). We
      found four classes that differed in their ages and ordering of peak initiation
      risk. Demographics, externalizing psychopathology, and personality significantly
      predicted class membership. Sex differences in the association between
      delinquency and initiation patterns also emerged. Findings support the utility of
      the MEPSUM approach in elucidating developmental pathways underlying clinically
      relevant phenomena.

PMID- 27127731
TI  - Social Validity Assessment of Training Methods to Improve Treatment Integrity of
      Special Education Service Providers.
AB  - We report the results of a social validity assessment that was administered to
      special education service providers (N = 44) to document the acceptability and
      effectiveness ratings of several treatment integrity training methods. The
      participants judged performance feedback as the most likely method to improve
      their treatment integrity, followed by avoidance (negative reinforcement) of
      supervision meetings, online training, and financial incentive. Performance
      feedback was also rank-ordered as most effective among the four training methods.
      We discuss the merits of social validity assessment in designing programs for
      enhancing treatment integrity among practitioners within educational and clinical
      settings. 

PMID- 27127733
TI  - Pharmacogenetics: A hope for difficult to treat chronic pain patients.

PMID- 27127732
TI  - Exosomal Protein Deficiencies: How Abnormal RNA Metabolism Results in Childhood
      Onset Neurological Diseases.
AB  - Defects of RNA metabolism have been increasingly identified in various forms of
      inherited neurological diseases. Recently, abnormal RNA degradation due to
      mutations in human exosome subunit genes has been shown to cause complex
      childhood onset neurological presentations including spinal muscular atrophy,
      pontocerebellar hypoplasia and myelination deficiencies. This paper summarizes
      our current knowledge about the exosome in human neurological disease and
      provides some important insights into potential disease mechanisms.

PMID- 27127735
TI  - Human papillomavirus-associated cancers: A growing global problem.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is linked with several cancers such as
      cancer cervix, vagina, vulva, head and neck, anal, and penile carcinomas.
      Although there is a proven association of HPV with these cancers, questions
      regarding HPV testing, vaccination, and treatment of HPV-related cancers continue
      to remain unanswered. The present article provides an overview of the HPV
      associated cancers. 

PMID- 27127734
TI  - Endocrine dysfunction and recurrent spontaneous abortion: An overview.
AB  - Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a fetus before it is viable, occurring at
      a rate of 15-20%. Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) or habitual miscarriage is
      defined as repeated occurrence of 3 or more miscarriages before 20(th) week of
      gestation accounting for the most common complication of early pregnancy in
      humans. Various etiological factors responsible for recurrent miscarriage are
      anatomical, genetical, endocrinological, immunological, and infectious. The
      endocrinological abnormalities may be polycystic ovarian syndrome,
      hyperprolactinemia, luteal phase defect, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, or
      hyperandrogenism contributing to recurrent pregnancy loss. In the present
      article, the role of endocrinological disorders in patients with RSA has been
      reviewed. The article search was done using electronic databases, Google
      scholarly articles, and PubMed based on different key words. We have further
      combined the searches and made grouping as per various endocrine abnormalities,
      which might be responsible to cause spontaneous loss of fetus. 

PMID- 27127736
TI  - Initial outcome following invasive cardiac electrophysiologic studies and
      radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac electrophysiologic study and radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
      have become an established mode of treatment for patients with refractory
      arrhythmias. These procedures are carried out regularly at the cardiac
      catheterization laboratory of Madras Medical Mission India. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience with cardiac
      electrophysiologic studies (EPS) and RFA catheter of atrial fibrillation (AF).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study carried out in the Cardiac
      Electrophysiology Department of the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Madras
      Medical Mission, India. All cases diagnosed to have AF following cardiac EPS
      between January 2010 and April 2014 was selected for the study. The records,
      which were obtained from the Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinical Research Office
      of Madras Medical Mission, were reviewed. Forty-nine cases were chosen for
      analysis, using SPSS statistical software version 15. RESULTS: There were 49
      patients, 23 males and 26 females. The mean age was 57.53 years. Commonly
      associated diseases were diabetes mellitus 8 (16.3%), hypertension 18 (36.7%),
      and coronary heart disease 14 (28.5%). The ventricular rate was rapid most cases
      (91.2%). AF was diagnosed as being paroxysmal in 40 (81.6%), persistent in 5
      (10.2%), chronic in 3 (6.1%), and lone in 1 (2.0%). Ablation was carried out in
      28 (57.1%), the success rate being 90% for pulmonary vein isolation, and 90.9%
      for atrioventricular node ablation. Complication rate was 2.04%. CONCLUSIONS:
      Treatment of AF by RFA is highly effective and safe.

PMID- 27127737
TI  - Aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum improves hematological parameters in
      alloxan-induced diabetic rats via its antioxidant properties.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the effects of Ocimum
      gratissimum (OG) on hematological parameters and oxidative stress in diabetic
      rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five male rats (150-200 g) were randomly
      grouped into five as control, normal + OG, diabetic untreated, diabetic + OG, and
      diabetic + glibenclamide groups. Diabetes was induced by 100 mg/kg of alloxan
      monohydrate in the diabetic untreated and diabetic + OG groups followed by
      treatment with distilled water and 400 mg/kg OG, respectively, whereas control,
      normal + OG, and diabetic + glibenclamide groups were treated with distilled
      water, 400 mg/kg OG, and 5 mg/kg glibenclamide, respectively. Body weight and
      fasting blood glucose level were monitored weekly. After 28 days of treatments,
      under anesthesia induced by 50 mg/kg sodium thiopental i.p., blood samples were
      obtained for hematological analysis, malondialdehyde (MDA) level determination,
      and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Data were compared using analysis of
      variance and Student's t-test. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the
      fasting blood glucose of the diabetic + OG animals compared to the diabetic
      untreated and the initial reduction in weight observed in this group was reversed
      at the end of the experiments. Packed cell volume, red blood cell count, and
      hemoglobin concentration were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the diabetic
      + OG when compared with the untreated group. The MDA concentration was
      significantly lowered (P < 0.01) in the diabetic + OG group when compared with
      diabetic untreated while SOD activity was significantly reduced in the diabetic
      untreated group. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that OG reverses anemia secondary
      to alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in rats probably via its antioxidant
      activity.

PMID- 27127738
TI  - Role of radiological-assisted cytology in intra-abdominal lesions: A 3 years'
      experience in a tertiary care center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) with assistance of radiological tools
      such as ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) is an effective and
      safe technique for diagnosing intra-abdominal neoplastic and nonneoplastic
      lesions. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (1) To assess the utility of image-guided cytology
      in the diagnosis of intra-abdominal lesions. (2) To categorize various intra
      abdominal lesions according to their site of occurrence and study their
      cytomorphological features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was
      conducted in the Department of Pathology between January 2012 and January 2015. A
      total of 174 cases with intra-abdominal lesions were included in the study.
      RESULTS: In our study, diagnostic yield was 84.5%. The mean age was found to be
      52 years with M: F ratio 1.1:1. We found that 92 (52.87%) cases were in
      hepatobiliary region, 33 (18.96%) in adnexa, 13 (7.47%) in pancreatic-ampullary
      region, 14 (8.04%) in unknown abdominal lumps, 8 (4.6%) in lymph nodes, 6 (3.4%)
      in renal, 5 (2.87%) in retroperitoneum, 2 (1.1%) in omental nodules, and 1 (0.5%)
      in splenic mass. Of total 174 cases, 106 (61%) cases were malignant, 10 (5.7%)
      benign, 16 (9.1%) inflammatory, 27 (15.5%) inadequate, and 15 (8.7%) suspicious
      for malignancy. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound and CT-guided FNA cytology had a
      significant role in diagnosis of palpable and nonpalpable intra-abdominal
      lesions. Being a relatively quick and safe method, it also avoids invasive
      diagnostic procedures.

PMID- 27127739
TI  - Contribution of various lipid profile parameters in determining creatine kinase
      MB levels in unstable angina patients.
AB  - CONTEXT: In India, the correlation of severity of minor myocardial damage with
      dyslipidemia has rarely been studied in patients of unstable angina (UA).
      Dyslipidemia is proven to be a major risk factor for developing acute coronary
      syndrome (ACS) but still there is doubt about the type of lipoproteins involved
      in causing minor myocardial damage occurring in UA patients of ACS. AIMS: The aim
      of our study was to find out the contribution of various types of lipoproteins to
      predict the severity of minor myocardial damage occurring in the patients of UA.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Correlation design was used for the study. A single group of
      individuals was selected. Data were collected on dependent variable creatine
      kinase-MB (CK-MB) and independent variables (lipid profile parameters). SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: The study comprised fifty patients admitted in cardiac care unit
      with typical history of UA with electrocardiogram showing no ST-segment
      elevation. The severity of myocardial damage was assessed from on admission CK-MB
      levels. The lipid profile was estimated from fasting blood samples of all the
      patients. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: For the purpose of the study, Pearson
      correlation and multiple linear regression analysis methods were applied.
      RESULTS: The triacylglycerol (TAG), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), total
      cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (TC/HDL) showed significant positive
      correlation whereas HDL was negatively correlating with CK-MB levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: The TAG, VLDL, and TC/HDL were found to be significantly affecting
      the severity of myocardial damage in the patients of UA.

PMID- 27127740
TI  - Effect of dill tablet (Anethum graveolens L) on antioxidant status and
      biochemical factors on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage on rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) has been
      presented as an experimental model for research in hepatoprotective effects of
      natural product. A commercial medicine prepared from Anethum graveolens L (dill)
      is being used as dill tablet (DT) as a hypolipidemic agent. This experiment aimed
      to investigate the protective effect of DT against hepatic damage. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6) as
      following for a 10 days experiments. (1) Normal animals; (2) normal animals +CCl4
      1 ml/kg (1:1 of CCl4 in olive oil, by gastric tube); (3) CCl4 treated animals
      +100 mg DT/kg; (4) CCl4 treated animals +300 mg DT/kg. After 10 days of
      treatment, biochemical factors were measured; also antioxidant tests such as
      thiol group, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and
      catalase (CAT) activity in the liver samples were carried out. RESULTS: In dill
      treated animals, a significant decrease in liver enzymes lactate dehydrogenase,
      alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma
      glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, as well as triglyceride,
      total cholesterol (P < 0.05) were observed. Total protein and albumin
      concentrations were significantly increased in dill treated groups (P < 0.05).
      Furthermore, treatment with dill declined liver cholesterol, triglyceride, MDA,
      and increased TAC and CAT activity compared with untreated group (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Dill displayed a potential hepatoprotective effect against CCl4
      induced liver damage based on both biochemical markers and antioxidant status.

PMID- 27127741
TI  - Clinical significance of nonspecificity of antiphospholipid antibodies in
      recurrent abortions and unexplained infertility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antiphospholipid antibodies (APLA) are acquired autoantibodies
      directed to phospholipids which are associated with slow progressive thrombosis
      and infarction of placenta. Infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss may occur
      because of impaired trophoblast function, placental infarction, and abnormal
      blood clotting. AIM: To evaluate APLA (IgG and IgM) in cases of infertility and
      recurrent abortions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study comprising 70
      subjects was carried out. Fifty cases of unexplained infertility and recurrent
      abortions (25 each) constituted the study group. Twenty healthy multipara females
      of same reproductive age group constituted the control group. Venous blood
      samples were collected, and serum was analyzed for two types of APLA (IgG and
      IgM) by ELISA method. RESULTS: The mean IgM and IgG levels in recurrent abortions
      group were 8.10 MPL-U/ml and 6.17 GPL-U/ml, respectively whereas in control
      group, the levels were 4.67 MPL-U/ml and 4.53 GPL-U/ml, respectively. The
      difference was statistically nonsignificant. The mean IgM and IgG levels in
      unexplained infertility group were 7.30 MPL-U/ml and 6.12 GPL-U/ml, respectively
      whereas in control group, the levels were 4.67 MPL-U/ml and 4.53 GPL-U/ml,
      respectively. Again the difference was statistically nonsignificant. CONCLUSIONS:
      The present study concludes that there is no significance of raised APLA in cases
      of infertility and recurrent abortions.

PMID- 27127742
TI  - Segregation of blood inventory: A key driver for optimum blood stock management
      in a resource-poor setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood inventory management entails maintaining a delicate balance
      between guaranteeing blood availability and minimizing wastage. The study was
      conducted to identify and analyze various factors of wastage which can provide
      insight to ideal inventory management, thus help in formulating policies and
      improve efficiency of blood transfusion services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. To determine various causes of
      wastage, a retrospective analysis was done over 6 months and preventive
      strategies adopted. Issuable stock index (ISI) and wastage as percentage of issue
      (WAPI) were used to compare the effect on blood inventory before and after
      adoption of strategies. The average number of times each ABO group and Rh type
      was crossmatched before final transfusion was calculated and compared for
      randomly selected units over the first 6 months of 2012 and 2013. RESULTS:
      Outdating was found to be the largest cause, and decrease in discarding rate was
      observed after adoption of strategies. Mean ISI for different study periods was
      comparable. However, significant decrease (P = 0.015) was observed for WAPI and
      WAPI with respect to outdating. Significant decrease in average number of times a
      unit was crossmatched before final transfusion for all positive blood groups and
      O-negative blood group was observed over corresponding first 6 months of 2012 and
      2013. CONCLUSION: Division of inventory into two parts, enlistment of soon to
      outdate blood components, and reduction of holding of blood units to minimum
      period for elective surgery patients are simple measures which can minimize
      wastage.

PMID- 27127743
TI  - Comparison of injuries due to lethal weapons during and after civil strife in Sri
      Lanka: A medico-legal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: "Injuries due to lethal weapons" has emerged as a subject of
      public discussion in Sri Lanka. This study was conducted to describe the nature
      and characteristics of injuries due to lethal weapons during civil strife and to
      compare those with injuries after civil strife. METHODS: A cross-sectional study
      was conducted on patients reported with injuries caused by lethal weapons from
      2004 to 2014. Periods before and after May 19, 2009 were considered as during and
      after civil strife periods, respectively. A total of 21,210 medico-legal
      examination forms were studied. RESULTS: There were 358 (1.7%) injuries caused by
      lethal weapons. Of them, 41% (n = 148) were during and 59% (n = 210) were after
      the civil strife. During civil strife, 63% occurred during daytime (P < 0.05).
      Types of lethal weapons that caused injuries were sharp weapons (n = 282),
      explosives (n = 49), and firearms (n = 27). Of them, 32% of during and 01% of
      after civil strife were explosive injuries (P < 0.01). Regarding severity, 73% of
      during and 57% of after civil strife injuries were severe (P < 0.05). During
      civil strife, 34% injuries were in lower limbs (P < 0.01) and after civil strife,
      37% were in upper limbs (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of many
      similarities indicated that both groups learnt their basis in a society that
      breeds violence. During civil strife, more injuries occurred during daytime, to
      lower limbs by explosive weapons and after the civil strife during nighttime, to
      upper limbs by nonexplosive weapons. Nonexplosive lethal weapon use after civil
      strife needs further investigation to develop evidence-based interventions.

PMID- 27127744
TI  - Effectiveness of discharge-planning on physical quality of life of patients with
      ischemic heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: One of the goals of health care team is to improve the
      quality of life of patients during and after hospitalization period. Therefore,
      this study aimed to examine the effect of performing discharge planning on
      ischemic heart disease patient's physical quality of life. METHODS: This quasi
      experimental study was performed on 74 ischemic heart disease patients which
      randomly allocated to discharge-planning group (n = 37) and usual care group (n =
      37). The discharge-planning included the patients' educational needs, self-care
      instructions for patients, and caregivers. This program was performed through
      supporting patients during hospitalization and after discharge. The physical
      aspect of quality of life was assessed by standard questionnaire Short Form 36
      and the data were analyzed through Mann-Whitney, independent t-test, variance
      analysis, Friedman and Wilcoxon. RESULTS: There was no significant difference
      between intervention and control groups in physical aspects of the quality of
      life before intervention (P = 0.423) while two groups were significantly
      different after intervention (P = 0.000) and quality of life of patients in the
      case group improved significantly. CONCLUSION: Applying the discharge-planning
      program as an effective, efficient, cost-effective, and noninvasive intervention
      on physical aspects of the quality of ischemic heart disease patients' lives is
      useful and helpful. Hence, it is recommended to use this program to promote and
      improve the quality of ischemic heart disease patients' lives.

PMID- 27127745
TI  - Uterine lipoleiomyoma: A case report of a rare entity.
AB  - Lipomatous tumors of the uterus are rare neoplasms which can be divided into
      three broad groups - pure, mixed, and the exceedingly rare malignant liposarcoma.
      Lipoleiomyoma is a rare benign variant of leiomyoma with an incidence ranging
      between 0.03% and 0.2%. These tumors are usually seen in obese postmenopausal
      women and are usually asymptomatic but may also present with typical leiomyoma
      symptoms. The most common site of occurrence is the uterine corpus. Imaging plays
      an important role with magnetic resonance imaging being the modality of choice as
      it delineates the fat component better. The pathogenesis of this lesion is poorly
      understood. Histology shows a characteristic pattern with an encapsulated lesion
      with an admixture of smooth muscle cells, lobules of adipocytes and fibrous
      tissue. Prognosis is excellent. We report a case of lipoleiomyoma in an elderly,
      obese postmenopausal woman, who presented with abdominal discomfort and discuss
      the important differential diagnosis. 

PMID- 27127746
TI  - A fatal case of menthol poisoning.
AB  - Menthol is a monocyclic terpene alcohol, which is present naturally in peppermint
      and can be synthesized artificially as well. Generally, it is considered as very
      safe and has wide usage in medicine and food. There are case reports of toxicity
      due to excessive consumption of menthol, but a fatal intoxication has never been
      reported in the medical literature. We present a case of fatal menthol
      intoxication in a worker, who accidently got exposed when he was working in a
      peppermint factory. Emergency physicians must keep in mind this extremely rare
      manifestation of menthol poisoning. All necessary precaution should be taken to
      reduce its intake or exposure, as it has no specific antidote. Early recognition
      and supportive treatment of this poisoning is the key for a successful outcome. 

PMID- 27127747
TI  - A pure primary transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary: A rare case report with
      literature review.
AB  - Primary transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the ovary is a rare and recently
      recognized subtype of ovarian surface epithelial-stromal cancer. Pure forms of
      the TCC ovary account for only 1% of surface epithelial carcinomas. The clinical
      presentation is indistinguishable from other types of ovarian cancers. They have
      a favorable response to chemotherapy than other surface epithelial cancers. We
      report a case of 55-year-old woman who presented with a hard mass in the abdomen.
      Computed tomography-diagnosed it as a carcinoma of the ovary. Tumor was
      immunoreactive with Wilms' tumor protein-1 and nonreactive with cytokeratin 7
      (CK7) and CK20. Histopathology diagnosis of primary TCC of the ovary was made.
      These tumors are needed to be differentiated from metastatic TCC from other sites
      and undifferentiated carcinomas of ovaries. Clinical features and
      immunohistochemistry are helpful. Surgical resection is the primary therapeutic
      approach followed by standardized chemotherapy. 

PMID- 27127748
TI  - Periocular basal cell carcinoma in a young school teacher.
AB  - A 34-year-old female patient presented with a nodular mass near the right lateral
      canthus since 1 year. The mass was nodular, pigmented with irregular surface and
      had a very well-defined margins. A wide excisional biopsy was done for the same.
      Histopathology reported a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin. BCC is very
      rare in young females and also the site of occurrence in this case was unusual.
      The mass was excised with a safety margin of 3 mm to ensure complete removal. 

PMID- 27127749
TI  - Malignant chondroblastoma of extraskeletal origin.
AB  - Chondroblastoma is a rare benign neoplasm of cartilaginous origin. It typically
      arises in the epiphysis of a long bone. They occur mostly in the second decade of
      life and is more common in males. Extraskeletal origin of chondroblastoma is a
      rarity and virulent behavior by its local aggressive nature or metastasis is
      reported in very few cases. We hereby, present a case of chondroblastoma in the
      left popliteal fossa first of its kind in a 62-year-old female, primary tumor
      extraskeletal in origin which turned locally aggressive and eventually
      metastasized to lungs. The patient is now on palliative therapy. 

PMID- 27127750
TI  - Comparison of esthetics perception and satisfaction of facial profile among male
      adolescents and adults with different profiles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate esthetics perception and satisfaction of the facial
      profile among Iranian male adolescents and adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      cross-sectional study, male subjects referred to Orthodontic Department of
      Mashhad Dental School were enrolled (n = 84) and were divided into two groups:
      Adolescents (n = 39), and adults (n = 45). They were also assigned to straight,
      convex, or concave profile groups based on the facial profile angle (G-Sn-Pog').
      An ideal silhouette of the lower facial profile was designed in Adobe(r)
      Photoshop(r) CS2 software (Kansas, USA). Then, eight other silhouettes
      representing different relations of the maxilla and mandible were constructed.
      Patients were asked to use numbers 1-10 to rank the facial profiles in the order
      of the attractiveness, and choose a silhouette that best closely resembled their
      own profile. Moreover, using a questionnaire patients were asked to rank their
      satisfaction with their profile, and asked to assign a number (1-5) to each
      question as follows; one represented the least satisfaction, while five reflected
      the highest satisfaction. RESULTS: Adult and adolescent subjects with straight
      (adults: 12.0 +/- 1.9, adolescents: 12.8 +/- 1.05) and concave (adults: 10.0 +/-
      2.14, adolescents: 10.0 +/- 2.08) profile showed the highest and the least
      satisfaction with their own profile, respectively. Both adult and adolescent
      group selected "retrognathic maxilla, prognathic mandible" as the least
      attractive profile. Overall, "straight" and "bimaxillary dentoalveolar retrusion"
      were chosen as the most attractive silhouettes in adolescent and adults,
      respectively. In comparison to a professional opinion (clinician ranking), 42.9%
      of adolescents and 22% of adults were able to correctly diagnose their own
      profiles type. CONCLUSION: Most of the male adolescents and especially adults
      diagnosis of their own profile differed with a professional assessment.

PMID- 27127751
TI  - Comparative evaluation of pentraxin 3 levels in GCF during canine retraction with
      active tieback and NiTi coil spring: An in vivo study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the levels of pentraxin 3 (PTX-3) in gingival crevicular
      fluid (GCF) in patients undergoing orthodontic canine retraction with active
      tieback and nickel titanium (NiTi) coil spring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen
      patients of the age group 15-25 years with first premolar extraction undergoing
      canine retraction were selected. One month after placement of 0.019" * 0.025"
      stainless steel wire, canine retraction was started with active tieback (150 g
      force) on upper right quadrant and NiTi coil spring (150 g force) on upper left
      quadrant. GCF samples were collected 1 h before commencement of canine retraction
      and thereafter at intervals of 1 h, 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks after application
      of force. The collected GCF was eluted from the microcapillary pipette in 100 MUl
      phosphate-buffered saline (pH 5-7.2). The samples were analyzed for PTX-3 levels
      by the ELISA technique. RESULTS: The mean levels of PTX-3 at 1 h before canine
      retraction (baseline) was 1.30 +/- 0.22 ng/ml and at 1 h 1.66 +/- 0.33 ng/ml, 1
      day 2.65 +/- 0.09 ng/ml, 1 week 1.96 +/- 0.15 ng/ml, and 2 weeks 1.37 +/- 0.18
      ng/ml in active tieback group. The mean levels of PTX-3 at 1 h before canine
      retraction was 1.32 +/- 0.30 ng/ml, and at 1 h 1.71 +/- 0.39 ng/ml, 1 day 2.78 +/
      0.12 ng/ml, 1 week 2.52 +/- 0.18 ng/ml, and 2 weeks 2.12 +/- 0.17 ng/ml in NiTi
      coil spring group. A significant difference of P < 0.001 was found in PTX-3
      levels in GCF during canine retraction between active tieback and NiTi coil
      spring at 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: The results showed that PTX-3
      levels increased from 1 h after application of orthodontic force and reached peak
      at 1 day, followed by a gradual decrease at 1 week and 2 weeks in both active tie
      back and NiTi coil spring groups.

PMID- 27127752
TI  - The Facial Aesthetic index: An additional tool for assessing treatment need.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Facial Aesthetics, a major consideration in orthodontic diagnosis and
      treatment planning, may not be judged correctly and completely by simply
      analyzing dental occlusion or osseous structures. Despite this importance, there
      is no index to guarantee availability of treatment or prioritize patients based
      on their soft tissue treatment needs. Individuals having well-aligned teeth but
      unaesthetic convex profiles do not get included for treatment as per current
      malocclusion indices. The aim of this investigation is to develop an aesthetic
      index based on facial profiles which could be used as an additional tool with
      malocclusion indices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chart showing typical facial
      profile changes due to underlying malocclusions was generated by soft tissue
      manipulations of standardized profile photographs of a well-balanced male and
      female face. A panel of 62 orthodontists judged the profile photographs of 100
      patients with different soft tissue patterns for assessing profile variations and
      treatment need. The index was later tested in a cross-section of school
      population. Statistical analysis was done using "irr" package of R environment
      version 2.15.1. RESULTS: The index exhibited very good reliability in determining
      profile variations (Fleiss kappa 0.866, P < 0.001), excellent reproducibility
      (kappa 0.9078), high sensitivity, and specificity (95.7%). Testing in population
      yielded excellent agreement among orthodontists (kappa 0.9286). CONCLUSIONS: A
      new Facial Aesthetic index, based on patient's soft tissue profile requirements
      is proposed, which can complement existing indices to ensure treatment to those
      in need.

PMID- 27127753
TI  - Stress distributions of a bracket type orthodontic miniscrew and the surrounding
      bone under moment loadings: Three-dimensional finite element analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of moments and the combination of forces and
      moments on the mechanical properties of a bracket type miniscrew, resembling
      engagement of a rectangular wire by three-dimensional (3D) finite element study.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: By solid work software (Dassaunlt systems solid works,
      concord, Mass), a 3D miniscrew model of 6, 8, 10 mm lengths was designed and
      inserted in the osseous block, consisted of the cortical, and cancellous bones.
      The stress distributions, maximum stresses, and deflections of the miniscrew were
      evaluated for all parts using ANSYS (Work Bench, 2014). RESULTS: As the
      magnitudes of the load increased from 100 to 200, 400 and 800 grf-mm, the peak of
      stresses in the 6 mm long miniscrew were increased from 7.7 to 61.5 Mpa. The
      maximum values of Von Mises in the cancellous bone were tremendously lower in
      comparison to the cortical bone by one hundredth. As the length of the miniscrew
      in contact with the bone was increased, the amounts and patterns of stress
      distribution in the cortical bone and the miniscrew did not change significantly.
      CONCLUSIONS: As the moment magnitude increased, the pick stresses increased
      linearly. The existence of cancellous bone was not significantly responsible for
      the stress distribution. The pattern of stress distribution did not change by the
      length of the miniscrew.

PMID- 27127754
TI  - The effect of dietary pigmentation on the esthetic appearance of clear
      orthodontic elastomeric modules.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the stain resistance of three types of clear elastomeric
      modules exposed to several common dietary substances through the assessment of
      the perception of a group of dentists to discoloration using visual analog scale
      (VAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Elastomeric modules from Unitek (AU), Ormco (OR),
      and dentaurum (DE) were immersed in the following food substances: Coffee, black
      tea, chocolate, energy drink, ketchup, and Coca-Cola for 72 h. VAS was used to
      reflect the module staining severity. RESULTS: Significant difference was found
      among the three types of modules examined in this study. OR modules showed the
      least mean staining ratings by the examiners. There was no statistical difference
      in the staining properties between AU and DE modules. Coffee and tea showed
      higher staining potential as compared to all staining media. Furthermore, there
      was no difference in the staining characteristics of coffee and black tea.
      CONCLUSIONS: Coffee and tea are strong staining media that should be avoided by
      patients who opted to have esthetic appliances for their orthodontic treatment.
      Elastomeric modules manufactured by AU showed higher staining optical properties
      as compared to the other two companies, which could be related to the
      manufacturing processing of these modules.

PMID- 27127755
TI  - Surgical orthodontic correction of mandibular laterognathism.
AB  - This case report describes the successful treatment of a patient with mandibular
      laterognathism and associated facial asymmetry with combined surgical orthodontic
      approach. After 7 months of presurgical orthodontic treatment, intraoral vertical
      ramus osteotomy, and straightening genioplasty were performed as two step
      surgeries to reposition the deviated mandible and chin, respectively. The total
      active treatment period was 14 months. After surgical orthodontic treatment,
      significant improvement in occlusion, masticatory function, and facial appearance
      was discernible. Posttreatment records at 3 years showed stable results with good
      occlusion. 

PMID- 27127756
TI  - Increased cerebellar activation after repetitive transcranial magnetic
      stimulation over the primary motor cortex in patients with multiple system
      atrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous review reported that the high-frequency repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the primary motor area (M1) of
      Parkinson's disease (PD) patients could alleviate their symptoms. This study
      aimed to investigate the effect of rTMS over the left M1 of patients with
      multiple system atrophy (MSA). METHODS: Fifteen MSA patients were randomly
      assigned to receive a 10-session real (EP: group of experimental patients; n=7)
      or sham (CP: group of control patients; n=8) rTMS stimulation over two weeks. The
      overall experimental procedure consisted of two functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) sessions, before and after a 10-session rTMS treatment. A complex
      self-paced sequential tapping task was performed during fMRI scanning. In
      addition, 18 age and gender matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Subjects
      from the HC group did not receive any rTMS treatment and they underwent fMRI
      examination only once. The primary end point was the motor score change of the
      Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS-II) measured before and
      after the 5th and 10th session. Task-related activation was also compared among
      groups. RESULTS: After active rTMS treatment, only patients of EP group
      significant improvement in UMSARS-II score. Compared to HC, MSA patients showed
      significant activation over similar brain areas except for the cerebellum.
      Increased activation was obtained in the bilateral cerebellum after rTMS
      treatment in the EP group. On the contrary, no increased activation was
      identified in the CP group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight rTMS over M1
      induced motor improvement in MSA patients that may be associated with increased
      activation in the cerebellum.

PMID- 27127757
TI  - Toward precision medicine in neurological diseases.
AB  - Technological development has paved the way for accelerated genomic discovery and
      is bringing precision medicine into view. The goal of precision medicine is to
      deliver optimally targeted and timed interventions tailored to an individual's
      molecular drivers of disease. Neurological diseases are promisingly suited models
      for precision medicine because of the rapidly expanding genetic knowledge base,
      phenotypic classification, the development of biomarkers and the potential
      modifying treatments. Moving forward, it is crucial that through these integrated
      research platforms to provide analysis both for accurate personal genome analysis
      and gene and drug discovery. Here we describe our vision of how precision
      medicine can bring greater clarity to the clinical and biological complexity of
      neurological diseases. 

PMID- 27127758
TI  - Migraine in the era of precision medicine.
AB  - Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder in the neurologic clinics whose
      mechanisms have been explored for several years. The aura has been considered to
      be attributed to cortical spreading depression (CSD) and dysfunction of the
      trigeminovascular system is the key factor that has been considered in the
      pathogenesis of migraine pain. Moreover, three genes (CACNA1A, ATP1A2, and SCN1A)
      have come from studies performed in individuals with familial hemiplegic migraine
      (FHM), a monogenic form of migraine with aura. Therapies targeting on the
      neuropeptids and genes may be helpful in the precision medicine of migraineurs. 5
      hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor agonists and calcitonin gene-related peptide
      (CGRP) receptor antagonists have demonstrated efficacy in the acute specific
      treatment of migraine attacks. Therefore, ongoing and future efforts to find new
      vulnerabilities of migraine, unravel the complexity of drug therapy, and perform
      biomarker-driven clinical trials are necessary to improve outcomes for patients
      with migraine. 

PMID- 27127761
TI  - Association study of the PLXNA4 gene with the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Plexin-A 4 (PLXNA4) gene has recently been recognized as a
      functional candidate gene of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). The single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs13232207 of PLXNA4 gene has been reported to be
      associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Japanese cohorts. We sought to
      clarify whether this novel locus gains the same effect in northern Han Chinese.
      METHODS: To investigate the relationship between SNP rs13232207 and AD sufferers,
      a case-control study of unrelated individuals was conducted with a total sample
      size of 2,318 subjects (978 cases and 1,340 age and gender matched healthy
      controls) in a Northern Han Chinese population. SPSS 22.0 was applied for the
      statistical process. RESULTS: No significant difference in polymorphic
      distribution of rs13232207 was observed on LOAD risk independently under dominant
      (P=0.057), additive (P=0.233) or recessive model (P=0.392). In terms of
      interaction with apolipoprotein E (APOE), there is also no positive interaction
      in dominant (P=0.438), additive (P=0.055) or recessive model (P=0.095).
      CONCLUSIONS: Replication of association between the PLXNA4 rs13232207 and AD in a
      Han ethnic group indicates that this link is not the result of chance.

PMID- 27127760
TI  - Toward precision medicine in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - In Western societies, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of
      dementia and the sixth leading cause of death. In recent years, the concept of
      precision medicine, an approach for disease prevention and treatment that is
      personalized to an individual's specific pattern of genetic variability,
      environment and lifestyle factors, has emerged. While for some diseases, in
      particular select cancers and a few monogenetic disorders such as cystic
      fibrosis, significant advances in precision medicine have been made over the past
      years, for most other diseases precision medicine is only in its beginning. To
      advance the application of precision medicine to a wider spectrum of disorders,
      governments around the world are starting to launch Precision Medicine
      Initiatives, major efforts to generate the extensive scientific knowledge needed
      to integrate the model of precision medicine into every day clinical practice. In
      this article we summarize the state of precision medicine in AD, review major
      obstacles in its development, and discuss its benefits in this highly prevalent,
      clinically and pathologically complex disease. 

PMID- 27127759
TI  - Precision medicine in myasthenia graves: begin from the data precision.
AB  - Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a prototypic autoimmune disease with overt clinical and
      immunological heterogeneity. The data of MG is far from individually precise now,
      partially due to the rarity and heterogeneity of this disease. In this review, we
      provide the basic insights of MG data precision, including onset age, presenting
      symptoms, generalization, thymus status, pathogenic autoantibodies, muscle
      involvement, severity and response to treatment based on references and our
      previous studies. Subgroups and quantitative traits of MG are discussed in the
      sense of data precision. The role of disease registries and scientific bases of
      precise analysis are also discussed to ensure better collection and analysis of
      MG data. 

PMID- 27127762
TI  - Diffusion tensor imaging study in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle disorder
      associated with an intellectual deficit which is non-progressive. The aim of this
      study was to investigate brain microstructural changes in DMD and to explore the
      relationship between such changes and cognitive impairment. METHODS: All
      participants (12 DMD patients, 14 age-matched healthy boys), intelligence
      quotients (IQs) [both full (FIQ) and verbal (VIQ)] were evaluated using the
      Wechsler intelligence scale for children China revised (WISC-CR) edition, and
      brain gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) changes were mapped using diffusion
      tensor imaging (DTI) with fractional anisotropy (FA). The differences between
      groups were analyzed using the t-test and the association of cognition with
      neuroimaging parameters was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient.
      RESULTS: Compared to the normal controls, the DMD group had lower FIQ (82.0+/
      15.39 vs. 120.21+/-16.06) and significantly lower splenium of corpus callosum
      (CC) FA values (P<0.05). Splenium of CC FA was positively correlated with VIQ
      (r=0.588, P=0.044). CONCLUSIONS: There were microstructural changes of splenium
      of CC in DMD patients, which was associated with cognitive impairment.

PMID- 27127764
TI  - Model building strategy for logistic regression: purposeful selection.
AB  - Logistic regression is one of the most commonly used models to account for
      confounders in medical literature. The article introduces how to perform
      purposeful selection model building strategy with R. I stress on the use of
      likelihood ratio test to see whether deleting a variable will have significant
      impact on model fit. A deleted variable should also be checked for whether it is
      an important adjustment of remaining covariates. Interaction should be checked to
      disentangle complex relationship between covariates and their synergistic effect
      on response variable. Model should be checked for the goodness-of-fit (GOF). In
      other words, how the fitted model reflects the real data. Hosmer-Lemeshow GOF
      test is the most widely used for logistic regression model. 

PMID- 27127763
TI  - Predictive value of BRCA1 expression on the efficacy of chemotherapy based on
      anti-microtubule agents: a pooled analysis across different malignancies and
      agents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) expression has been
      suggested as a predictor in anti-neoplastic treatment with anti-microtubule
      agents. However, the existing evidence is conflicting. Consulting the literature,
      we sought to examine the true impact of BRCA1 expression on the efficacy of anti
      microtubule agents. METHODS: Medline by PubMed and Embase databases were searched
      for eligible studies. The primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR)
      and progression free survival (PFS). Additional subgroup analyses stratified for
      detection methods, regimen, and patient origin were also performed. RESULTS: A
      total of 13 relevant studies involving a total of 1,490 cases were enrolled.
      Involved agents included paclitaxel, docetaxel and vinorelbine; Malignancies
      included non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal carcinoma,
      ovarian carcinoma, malignant pleural mesothelioma, breast cancer, and small cell
      lung cancer. Through meta-analyses, we observed a potentially greater ORR in the
      population with high BRCA1 expression vs. low BRCA1 expression (OR 1.63, 95% CI:
      0.92 to 2.88, P=0.09) but the heterogeneity is severe (P=0.01; I(2)=61%). Similar
      results were observed in PFS (high vs. low expression, HR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.75 to
      1.15, P=0.49; heterogeneity, P<0.01, I(2)=75%). After stratification by testing
      methods, a significantly higher ORR in the population with high BRCA1 expression
      was shown in the subgroup using mRNA as a quantitative method (OR 2.90, 95% CI:
      1.92 to 4.39, P<0.01; I(2)=0) whereas the difference in the subgroup using
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) was not significant (OR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.10,
      P=0.10; I(2)=0). Stratification by regimen (platinum-based vs. non platinum
      based) and patient origin (Asian vs. Caucasian) did not reduce the heterogeneity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the predictive value of BRCA1 expression on the anti
      microtubule chemotherapy remained uncertain based on overall results, our
      exploratory analyses suggested that detection using mRNA might be a preferred
      technique, however, further validation is required to substantiate our findings.

PMID- 27127765
TI  - Long-term survival with repeated resections of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma
      in a non-cirrhotic liver: case report and brief review of the literature.
AB  - A healthy and asymptomatic 55-year-old woman underwent a complete (R0) non
      anatomical resection of an incidentally detected solitary hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) in a non-cirrhotic liver. Six years following the initial R0 non
      anatomical resection, intrahepatic recurrence was diagnosed and the patient
      underwent a second R0 non-anatomical resection. At 12.5 years following the
      initial resection, a further intrahepatic recurrence was diagnosed, which was
      once again completely resected by left lateral hepatectomy. This represents one
      of the longest reported periods between initial resection and HCC recurrence,
      following repeated R0 resections in the absence of cirrhosis. The appropriate
      surveillance period and genetic testing protocol for such cases remains to be
      established. 

PMID- 27127767
TI  - Pathology analysis of a rare case of diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis.
AB  - Diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis (DPL) is a rare lymphatic disorder
      characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of lymphatic vessels. Histologically
      benign, however, it can lead to death because of its progression. In this paper,
      we would like to present an unusual case of diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis
      involving a 28-year-old young female who was suffered chest pain and polypnea for
      one year, and also a lot of chylous effusion in left chest. Lymphoma and
      lymphangitic metastasis was the primary diagnosis in other hospitals. However,
      histologic sections of pleural biopsy revealed diffuse pleural lymphatic
      proliferation characteristic of DPL, wherein the histologic findings can be
      subtle and could be overlooked as nonspecific reactive changes or misdiagnosed as
      an idiopathic interstitial lung disease. Recognition of the characteristic
      lymphangitic distribution of abnormally dilated or reduplicated lymphatic spaces
      is the key to the correct diagnosis. 

PMID- 27127766
TI  - Primary small bowel melanomas: fact or myth?
AB  - Small bowel melanoma (SBM) is a rare entity, which often evades diagnosis and
      therefore presents late. Its origin, whether arising primarily or metastatically
      from an unidentified or regressed primary cutaneous melanoma, remains debatable.
      In this report, we present a rare case of primary SBM and review the current
      literature. A 60-year-old man presented with melena and microcytic anemia. A
      series of investigations including abdominal ultrasonography (US), esophago
      gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy were normal. Abdominal computed
      tomography revealed no specific pathology. Subsequent capsule endoscopy
      identified a jejunal mass, which was confirmed on laparotomy, was resected, and
      histologically diagnosed as melanoma. Extensive postoperative clinical
      examination revealed no cutaneous lesions. This report discusses gastrointestinal
      (GI) malignant melanoma, and examines the evidence both for and against the
      existence of true primary vs. metastatic disease. Furthermore, this case
      highlights the capabilities of capsule endoscopy in identifying an extremely rare
      GI tumor, which evaded other diagnostic modalities. Finally, the origins and
      pathophysiology of this rare cancer are evaluated, with the aim of promoting
      early diagnosis and treatment, and therefore improving current poor outcomes. 

PMID- 27127768
TI  - The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors proposal for sharing
      clinical trial data and the possible implications for the peer review process.

PMID- 27127769
TI  - Urolift: a new chapter in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) therapy.

PMID- 27127770
TI  - The effect of time interval on esophagectomy after neoadjuvant treatment.
AB  - "Esophagectomy timing after neoadjuvant therapy for distal esophageal
      adenocarcinoma" published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery (doi:
      10.1016/j.athoracsur.2015.09.044) states that 30- and 90-day mortality after
      esophagectomy for adenocarcinoma in patients with neoadjuvant chemoradiation, is
      significantly higher in patients with a postradiation interval of 9 weeks or
      more. The authors suggest that a "wait and see" approach after neoadjuvant
      therapy for esophageal adenocarcinoma may not be safe. 

PMID- 27127771
TI  - Radiation therapy and the abscopal effect: a concept comes of age.

PMID- 27127772
TI  - What is new for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections?
AB  - After the publication in 2011 of latest guidelines of the Centers for Disease
      Control and Prevention (CDC) for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream
      infections (CRBSI) some interesting findings have been published in that field.
      There has been published that skin disinfection with chlorhexidine alcohol
      reduced the risk of CRBSI compared to skin disinfection with povidone iodine
      alcohol, that the implementation of quality improvement interventions reduced the
      incidence of CRBSI, that the use of chlorhexidine impregnated dressing compared
      to standard dressings reduced the risk of CRBSI and catheter related cost in an
      health economic model, and that the use of antimicrobial/antiseptic impregnated
      catheters reduced the incidence of CRBSI and catheter related cost in clinical
      studies. 

PMID- 27127773
TI  - Perspective on malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 27127774
TI  - Choice of crystalloids in sepsis: a conundrum waiting to be solved.

PMID- 27127775
TI  - TGFbeta signaling: a friend or a foe to hepatic fibrosis and tumorigenesis.

PMID- 27127776
TI  - The epidemiology of urinary incontinence: a case still open.
AB  - Urinary incontinence (UI) is a widespread and well-known disorder affecting
      millions of women all over the world with impressive and probably still
      underestimated rebounds on personal and social wellbeing. Unfortunately, the
      available studies on the epidemiology of female UI have used different
      definitions of UI, obtaining data not homogeneous. In a very recently published
      article, Bedretdinova et al. have demonstrated that UI definitions and sampling
      strategies both influence estimates of UI prevalence among women. The ICIQ-UI-SF
      questionnaire appears to be appropriate for estimating national prevalence in
      representative samples. 

PMID- 27127777
TI  - Looking forward lung metastasectomy-do we need a staging system for lung
      metastases?

PMID- 27127778
TI  - When doctors meet with AlphaGo: potential application of machine learning to
      clinical medicine.

PMID- 27127779
TI  - Roots and Tuber Crops as Functional Foods: A Review on Phytochemical Constituents
      and Their Potential Health Benefits.
AB  - Starchy roots and tuber crops play a pivotal role in the human diet. There are
      number of roots and tubers which make an extensive biodiversity even within the
      same geographical location. Thus, they add variety to the diet in addition to
      offering numerous desirable nutritional and health benefits such as
      antioxidative, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, antimicrobial, and
      immunomodulatory activities. A number of bioactive constituents such as phenolic
      compounds, saponins, bioactive proteins, glycoalkaloids, and phytic acids are
      responsible for the observed effects. Many starchy tuber crops, except the common
      potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cassava, are not yet fully explored for their
      nutritional and health benefits. In Asian countries, some edible tubers are also
      used as traditional medicinal. A variety of foods can be prepared using tubers
      and they may also be used in industrial applications. Processing may affect the
      bioactivities of constituent compounds. Tubers have an immense potential as
      functional foods and nutraceutical ingredients to be explored in disease risk
      reduction and wellness. 

PMID- 27127781
TI  - Retracted: The Immune System in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Potential New
      Immunotherapeutic Strategies.
AB  - [This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2015/731469.].

PMID- 27127780
TI  - Curcumin Downregulates Phosphate Carrier and Protects against Doxorubicin Induced
      Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis.
AB  - Aim. To explore the effects of curcumin on phosphate carrier (PiC) and its role
      in protection against doxorubicin induced myocyte toxicity. Methods. Using H9c2
      cell line, the cardiotoxic effect of doxorubicin and its mitigation by curcumin
      were studied. H9c2 cells were cultured with doxorubicin and/or curcumin at
      various concentrations. Analysis for apoptosis of H9c2 was done using flow
      cytometry. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to record the fluorescence
      intensity ratios and to determine the mitochondrial permeability transition pore
      (MPTP) opening state. Oxidative stress was measured using glutathione level,
      superoxide dismutase activities, and malondialdehyde content. The effect of
      doxorubicin and curcumin on PiC gene expression was measured by real-time PCR.
      Results. Curcumin decreased mRNA of PiC and was partly protective against
      oxidative stress, loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and apoptosis
      induced by doxorubicin. Interestingly, the effect was not clearly dose dependent
      and the concentration of 12 mg/L was more efficient than 15 and 10 mg/L.
      Conclusion. Curcumin downregulates PiC and partly protects against doxorubicin
      induced oxidative stress and myocyte apoptosis. 

PMID- 27127782
TI  - Comparison of Imaging Characteristics of (124)I PET for Determination of Optimal
      Energy Window on the Siemens Inveon PET.
AB  - Purpose. (124)I has a half-life of 4.2 days, which makes it suitable for imaging
      over several days over its uptake and washout phases. However, it has a low
      positron branching ratio (23%), because of prompt gamma coincidence due to high
      energy gamma-photons (602 to 1,691 keV), which are emitted in cascade with
      positrons. Methods. In this study, we investigated the optimal PET energy window
      for (124)I PET based on image characteristics of reconstructed PET. Image
      characteristics such as nonuniformities, recovery coefficients (RCs), and the
      spillover ratios (SORs) of (124)I were measured as described in NEMA NU 4-2008
      standards. Results. The maximum and minimum prompt gamma coincidence fraction
      (PGF) were 33% and 2% in 350~800 and 400~590 keV, respectively. The difference
      between best and worst uniformity in the various energy windows was less than 1%.
      The lowest SORs of (124)I were obtained at 350~750 keV in nonradioactive water
      compartment. Conclusion. Optimal energy window should be determined based on
      image characteristics. Our developed correction method would be useful for the
      correction of high-energy prompt gamma photon in (124)I PET. In terms of the
      image quality of (124)I PET, our findings indicate that an energy window of
      350~750 keV would be optimal. 

PMID- 27127783
TI  - Navigated Transtubular Extraforaminal Decompression of the L5 Nerve Root at the
      Lumbosacral Junction: Clinical Data, Radiographic Features, and Outcome Analysis.
AB  - Purpose. Extraforaminal decompression of the L5 nerve root remains a challenge
      due to anatomic constraints, severe level-degeneration, and variable anatomy. The
      purpose of this study is to introduce the use of navigation for transmuscular
      transtubular decompression at the L5/S1 level and report on radiological features
      and clinical outcome. Methods. Ten patients who underwent a navigation-assisted
      extraforaminal decompression of the L5 nerve root were retrospectively analyzed.
      Results. Six patients had an extraforaminal herniated disc and four had a
      foraminal stenosis. The distance between the L5 transverse process and the para
      articular notch of the sacrum was 12.1 mm in patients with a herniated disc and
      8.1 mm in those with a foraminal stenosis. One patient had an early recurrence
      and another developed dysesthesia that resolved after 3 months. There was a
      significant improvement from preoperative to postoperative NRS with the results
      being sustainable at follow-up. ODI was also significantly improved after
      surgery. According to the Macnab grading scale, excellent or good outcomes were
      obtained in 8 patients and fair ones in 2. Conclusions. The navigated
      transmuscular transtubular approach to the lumbosacral junction allows for
      optimal placement of the retractor and excellent orientation particularly for
      foraminal stenosis or in cases of complex anatomy. 

PMID- 27127784
TI  - Identification of a Large SLC25A13 Deletion via Sophisticated Molecular Analyses
      Using Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in an Infant with Neonatal Intrahepatic
      Cholestasis Caused by Citrin Deficiency (NICCD): A Clinical and Molecular Study.
AB  - Background. Neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD)
      is a Mendelian disorder arising from biallelic SLC25A13 mutations, and SLC25A13
      genetic analysis was indispensable for its definite diagnosis. However,
      conventional SLC25A13 analysis could not detect all mutations, especially obscure
      large insertions/deletions. This paper aimed to explore the obscure SLC25A13
      mutation in an NICCD infant. Methods. Genomic DNA was extracted to screen for 4
      high-frequency SLC25A13 mutations, and then all 18 exons and their flanking
      sequences were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Subsequently, cDNA cloning, SNP
      analyses, and semiquantitative PCR were performed to identify the obscure
      mutation. Results. A maternally inherited mutation IVS16ins3kb was screened out,
      and then cDNA cloning unveiled paternally inherited alternative splicing variants
      (ASVs) featuring exon 5 skipping. Ultimately, a large deletion c.329
      1687_c.468+3865del5692bp, which has never been described in any other references,
      was identified via intensive study on the genomic DNA around exon 5 of SLC25A13
      gene. Conclusions. An NICCD patient was definitely diagnosed as a compound
      heterozygote of IVS16ins3kb and c.329-1687_c.468+3865del5692bp. The large
      deletion enriched the SLC25A13 mutation spectrum, and its identification
      supported the concept that cDNA cloning analysis, along with other molecular
      tools such as semiquantitative PCR, could provide valuable clues, facilitating
      the identification of obscure SLC25A13 deletions. 

PMID- 27127785
TI  - Hemispheric Coherence in ASD with and without Comorbid ADHD and Anxiety.
AB  - There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that altered brain connectivity
      may be a defining feature of disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD),
      anxiety, and ADHD. This study investigated whether resting state functional
      connectivity, measured by 128-channel EEG oscillation coherence, differs between
      developmental disorders. Analyses were conducted separately on groups with and
      without comorbid conditions. Analyses revealed increased coherence across central
      electrodes over the primary motor cortex and decreased coherence in the frontal
      lobe networks in those with ASD compared to neurotypical controls. There was
      increased coherence in occipital lobe networks in the ADHD group compared to
      other groups. Symptoms of generalised anxiety were positively correlated with
      both frontal-occipital intrahemispheric (alpha only) coherence and occipital
      interhemispheric coherence (alpha, approaching theta band). The patterns of
      coherence in the ASD pure group were different when comorbid conditions were
      included in the analyses, suggesting that aberrant coherence in the frontal and
      central areas of the brain is specifically associated with ASD. Our findings
      support the idea that comorbid conditions are additive, rather than being
      symptoms of the same disorder. 

PMID- 27127786
TI  - Estrogen Modulates Expression of Tight Junction Proteins in Rat Vagina.
AB  - Background. The objectives of this study were to investigate the localization of
      tight junctions and the modulation of zonula occludens- (ZO-) 1, occludin and
      claudin-1 expression by estrogen in castrated female rat vagina. Female Sprague
      Dawley rats (230-240 g, n = 45) were divided into three groups and subjected to a
      sham operation (control group, n = 15), bilateral ovariectomy (Ovx group, n =
      15), or bilateral ovariectomy followed by daily subcutaneous injection of 17beta
      estradiol (50 MUg/kg/day, Ovx + Est group, n = 15). The cellular localization and
      expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 were determined in each group by
      immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results. Expression of ZO-1 was diffuse in
      all groups, with the highest intensity in the superficial epithelium in the
      control group. Occludin was localized in the intermediate and basal epithelium.
      Claudin-1 was most intense in the superficial layer of the vaginal epithelium in
      the control group. Expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 was significantly
      decreased after ovariectomy and was restored to the level of the control after
      estrogen replacement. Conclusions. Tight junctions are distinctly localized in
      rat vagina, and estrogen modulates the expression of tight junctions. Further
      researches are needed to clarify the functional role of tight junctions in
      vaginal lubrication. 

PMID- 27127787
TI  - Inhibitor of DNA Binding 1 Is Induced during Kidney Ischemia-Reperfusion and Is
      Critical for the Induction of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1alpha.
AB  - In this study, rat models of acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by renal ischemia
      reperfusion (I/R) and HK-2 cell models of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) were
      established to investigate the expression of inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (ID1) in
      AKI, and the regulation relationship between ID1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1
      alpha (HIF-1alpha). Through western blot, quantitative real-time PCR,
      immunohistochemistry, and other experiment methods, the induction of ID1 after
      renal I/R in vivo was observed, which was expressed mainly in renal tubular
      epithelial cells (TECs). ID1 expression was upregulated in in vitro H/R models at
      both the protein and mRNA levels. Via RNAi, it was found that ID1 induction was
      inhibited with silencing of HIF-1alpha. Moreover, the suppression of ID1 mRNA
      expression could lead to decreased expression and transcription of HIF-1alpha
      during hypoxia and reoxygenation. In addition, it was demonstrated that both ID1
      and HIF-1alpha can regulate the transcription of twist. This study demonstrated
      that ID1 is induced in renal TECs during I/R and can regulate the transcription
      and expression of HIF-1alpha. 

PMID- 27127789
TI  - 27.12 MHz Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Cutaneous Lesions.
AB  - As surgical and/or ablative modalities, radiofrequency (RF) has been known to
      produce good clinical outcomes in dermatology. Recently, 27.12 MHz RF has been
      introduced and has several advantages over conventional 4 or 6 MHz in terms of
      the precise ablation and lesser pain perception. We aimed to evaluate the
      clinical efficacy and safety of 27.12 MHz RF for the treatment of benign
      cutaneous lesions. Twenty female patient subjects were enrolled. Digital
      photography and a USB microscope camera were used to monitor the clinical results
      before one session of treatment with 27.12 MHz RF and after 1 and 3 weeks.
      Treated lesions included telangiectasias, cherry and spider angiomas, skin tags,
      seborrheic keratoses, lentigo, milium, dilated pore, acne, piercing hole, and one
      case of neurofibroma. For vascular lesions, clinical results were excellent for
      33.3%, good for 44.4%, moderate for 11.1%, and poor for 11.1%. For nonvascular
      lesions (epidermal lesions and other benign cutaneous lesions), clinical results
      were excellent for 48.3%, good for 45.2%, moderate for 3.2%, and poor for 3.2%.
      No serious adverse events were observed. Mild adverse events reported were slight
      erythema, scale, and crust. The 27.12 MHz RF treatment of benign vascular and
      nonvascular lesions appears safe and effective after 3 weeks of follow-up. 

PMID- 27127788
TI  - Sociodemographic Correlates of Tobacco Consumption in Rural Gujarat, India.
AB  - Background. The purpose of this study was to examine occupation-, education-, and
      gender-specific patterns of tobacco use and knowledge of its health effects among
      23,953 rural Asian Indians >=18 years in Gujarat. Methodology. A statewide,
      community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in 26 districts of Gujarat
      (December 2010-May 2015), using face-to-face interviews by trained community
      health workers called SEVAKS. Results. Mean age was 39.8 +/- 15.2 years. Eighteen
      percent of respondents used tobacco in various forms. Tobacco consumption was
      significantly higher among males (32%), 18-34 years' age group (35%), those who
      were self-employed (72%), and those with elementary education (40%). The
      prevalence was 11 times higher among males than females (95% CI = 9.78, 13.13).
      Adjusted ORs for tobacco use showed strong gradient by age and educational level;
      consumption was lower among the illiterates and higher for older participants
      (>=55 years). Tobacco consumption also varied by occupation; that is, those who
      were self-employed and employed for wages were more likely to use tobacco than
      those who were unemployed. Knowledge of health effects of tobacco lowered the
      odds of consumption by 30-40%. Conclusions. Effective educational programs should
      be tailored by gender, to improve knowledge of health risks and dispel myths on
      perceived benefits of tobacco. 

PMID- 27127790
TI  - Incidence and Predictors of Catheterization-Related Cerebral Infarction on
      Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
AB  - Introduction. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and risk factors
      of catheterization-related CI in the contemporary era, using diffusion-weighted
      magnetic resonance imaging. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive 84
      patients who underwent MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) after 2.81 +/- 2.4 days
      (mean +/- SD) of catheterization via aortic arch. We categorized the patients by
      the presence or absence of acute CI determined by diffusion-weighted MRI and
      analyzed the incidence and predictors. Results. Of 84 patients that underwent MRI
      after catheterization, acute CI was determined in 27 (32.1%) patients. In
      univariate analysis, dyslipidemia, age, coronary artery disease, antiplatelet
      agents, number of catheters used, urgent settings, and interventional procedures
      were significantly different. Multivariate analysis revealed dyslipidemia (odds
      ratio [OR], 4.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41-16.03; p = 0.01), higher age
      (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.007-1.19; p = 0.03), and the number of catheters used (OR,
      2.21; 95% CI, 1.21-4.36; p = 0.01) as independent predictors of the incidence of
      catheterization-related acute CI. Conclusions. Dyslipidemia, higher age, and
      number of catheters used were independent predictors for acute CI after
      catheterization. These findings imply that managing dyslipidemia and
      comprehensive planning to minimize the numbers of catheters are important. 

PMID- 27127791
TI  - Automatic Tissue Differentiation Based on Confocal Endomicroscopic Images for
      Intraoperative Guidance in Neurosurgery.
AB  - Diagnosis of tumor and definition of tumor borders intraoperatively using fast
      histopathology is often not sufficiently informative primarily due to tissue
      architecture alteration during sample preparation step. Confocal laser microscopy
      (CLE) provides microscopic information of tissue in real-time on cellular and
      subcellular levels, where tissue characterization is possible. One major
      challenge is to categorize these images reliably during the surgery as quickly as
      possible. To address this, we propose an automated tissue differentiation
      algorithm based on the machine learning concept. During a training phase, a large
      number of image frames with known tissue types are analyzed and the most
      discriminant image-based signatures for various tissue types are identified.
      During the procedure, the algorithm uses the learnt image features to assign a
      proper tissue type to the acquired image frame. We have verified this method on
      the example of two types of brain tumors: glioblastoma and meningioma. The
      algorithm was trained using 117 image sequences containing over 27 thousand
      images captured from more than 20 patients. We achieved an average cross
      validation accuracy of better than 83%. We believe this algorithm could be a
      useful component to an intraoperative pathology system for guiding the resection
      procedure based on cellular level information. 

PMID- 27127792
TI  - Cardiovascular Function in Intensive Care Medicine or Homo Mensura Est.

PMID- 27127796
TI  - Dendritic Cells in Tolerance and Immunity against Pathogens.

PMID- 27127793
TI  - Advances of Targeted Therapy in Treatment of Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal
      Cancer.
AB  - Despite being one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide, prognosis
      of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) was poor. Development and introduction of
      biologic agents in treatment of patients with metastatic CRC have brought
      improved outcomes. Monoclonal antibodies directing epidermal growth factor
      receptors and vascular endothelial growth factor are main biologic agents
      currently used in treatment of metastatic CRC. Encouraged by results from many
      clinical trials demonstrating efficacy of those monoclonal antibodies, the
      combination therapy with those targeted agents and conventional chemotherapeutic
      agents has been established as the standard therapy for patients with metastatic
      CRC. However, emergency of resistance to those target agents has limited the
      efficacy of treatment, and strategies to overcome the resistance are now being
      investigated by newly developed biological techniques clarifying how to acquire
      resistance. Here, we introduce mechanisms of action of the biologic agents
      currently used for treatment of metastatic CRC and several landmark historical
      clinical studies which have changed the main stream of treatment. The mechanism
      of resistance to those agents, one of serious problems in treatment metastatic
      CRC, and ongoing clinical trials to overcome the limitations and improve
      treatment outcomes will also be presented in this review. 

PMID- 27127794
TI  - Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Intractable Pulmonary
      Insufficiency: Practical Issues and Future Directions.
AB  - Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO) is a highly invasive
      method for organ support that is gaining in popularity due to recent technical
      advances and its successful application in the recent H1N1 epidemic. Although
      running a vv-ECMO program is potentially feasible for many hospitals, there are
      many theoretical concepts and practical issues that merit attention and require
      expertise. In this review, we focus on indications for vv-ECMO, components of the
      circuit, and management of patients on vv-ECMO. Concepts regarding oxygenation
      and decarboxylation and how they can be influenced are discussed. Day-to-day
      management, weaning, and most frequent complications are covered in light of the
      recent literature. 

PMID- 27127795
TI  - Central Administration of Galanin Receptor 1 Agonist Boosted Insulin Sensitivity
      in Adipose Cells of Diabetic Rats.
AB  - Our previous studies testified the beneficial effect of central galanin on
      insulin sensitivity of type 2 diabetic rats. The aim of the study was further to
      investigate whether central M617, a galanin receptor 1 agonist, can benefit
      insulin sensitivity. The effects of intracerebroventricular administration of
      M617 on insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling were evaluated in adipose
      tissues of type 2 diabetic rats. The results showed that central injection of
      M617 significantly increased plasma adiponectin contents, glucose infusion rates
      in hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp tests, GLUT4 mRNA expression levels, GLUT4
      contents in plasma membranes, and total cell membranes of the adipose cells but
      reduced the plasma C-reactive protein concentration in nondiabetic and diabetic
      rats. The ratios of GLUT4 contents were higher in plasma membranes to total cell
      membranes in both nondiabetic and diabetic M617 groups than each control. In
      addition, the central administration of M617 enhanced the ratios of pAkt/Akt and
      pAS160/AS160, but not phosphorylative cAMP response element-binding protein
      (pCREB)/CREB in the adipose cells of nondiabetic and diabetic rats. These results
      suggest that excitation of central galanin receptor 1 facilitates insulin
      sensitivity via activation of the Akt/AS160 signaling pathway in the fat cells of
      type 2 diabetic rats.

PMID- 27127797
TI  - The Italian Catquest-9SF cataract questionnaire: translation, validation and
      application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To validate the Catquest-9SF questionnaire in Italian, assess the
      change in visual disability with cataract surgery and determine the correlation
      between pre-operative Catquest-9SF scores and Lens Opacities Classification
      System (LOCS) III cataract grading. METHODS: Prospective, questionnaire
      validation study. The Catquest-9SF questionnaire was forward and back translated
      and completed by 209 Italian patients before and three months following cataract
      surgery. Rasch analysis was used to assess its psychometric properties. RESULTS:
      The Italian Catquest-9SF demonstrated ordered response categories,
      unidimensionality (item fit statistics range: 0.73-1.34), adequate person
      separation (2.04), and no differential item functioning. Mistargeting was evident
      with a mean difference in item difficulty and person ability of 2.04 logits but
      improved with inclusion of pre-operative data only. There was a statistically
      significant (Friedman tests, p < 0.001) median improvement in visual disability
      of 1.92, 3.57, 1.44 and 2.94 logits in patients undergoing first eye surgery with
      and without ocular comorbidity, and second eye surgery with and without ocular
      comorbidity respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in
      the improvements among the four groups (Kruskal-Wallis H test, X (2) (3) = 5.445,
      p = 0.142). There was no correlation between Catquest-9SF scores and nuclear
      opalescence (r s = 0.049, p = 0.478), nuclear colour (r s = 0.008, p = 0.909),
      cortical (r s = 0.066, p = 0.341), and posterior subcapsular components (r s =
      0.048, p = 0.494). CONCLUSIONS: The Italian Catquest-9SF demonstrated good
      psychometric properties and is suitable for use in Italian speaking patients.
      There were similar improvements in visual disability in patients undergoing first
      or second eye surgery, with or without ocular comorbidity. There was no
      correlation between pre-operative Catquest-9SF scores and LOCS III cataract
      grading.

PMID- 27127798
TI  - CFTR activator increases intestinal fluid secretion and normalizes stool output
      in a mouse model of constipation.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Constipation is a common clinical problem that negatively
      impacts quality of life and is associated with significant health care costs.
      Activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) chloride channel
      is the primary pathway that drives fluid secretion in the intestine, which
      maintains lubrication of luminal contents. We hypothesized that direct activation
      of CFTR would cause fluid secretion and reverse the excessive dehydration of
      stool found in constipation. METHODS: A cell-based high-throughput screen was
      done for 120,000 drug-like, synthetic small molecules. Active compounds were
      characterized for mechanism of action and one lead compound was tested in a
      loperamide-induced constipation model in mice. RESULTS: Several classes of novel
      CFTR activators were identified, one of which, the phenylquinoxalinone CFTRact
      J027, fully activated CFTR chloride conductance with EC50 ~ 200 nM, without
      causing elevation of cytoplasmic cAMP. Orally administered CFTRact-J027
      normalized stool output and water content in a loperamide-induced mouse model of
      constipation with ED50 ~0.5 mg/kg; CFTRact-J027 was without effect in cystic
      fibrosis mice lacking functional CFTR. Short-circuit current, fluid secretion and
      motility measurements in mouse intestine indicated a pro-secretory action of
      CFTRact-J027 without direct stimulation of intestinal motility. Oral
      administration of 10 mg/kg CFTRact-J027 showed minimal bioavailability, rapid
      hepatic metabolism and blood levels <200 nM, and without apparent toxicity after
      chronic administration. CONCLUSIONS: CFTRact-J027 or alternative small-molecule
      CFTR-targeted activators may be efficacious for the treatment of constipation.

PMID- 27127799
TI  - Effect of Opioid on Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis.
AB  - During the past decade, the study of the mechanisms and functional implications
      of adult neurogenesis has significantly progressed. Many studies focus on the
      factors that regulate proliferation and fate determination of adult neural
      stem/progenitor cells, including addictive drugs such as opioid. Here, we review
      the most recent works on opiate drugs' effect on different developmental stages
      of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms.
      We conclude that opiate drugs in general cause a loss of newly born neural
      progenitors in the subgranular zone of dentate gyrus, by either modulating
      proliferation or interfering with differentiation and maturation. We also discuss
      the consequent impact of regulation of adult neurogenesis in animal's opioid
      addiction behavior. We further look into the future directions in studying the
      convergence between the adult neurogenesis field and opioid addiction field,
      since the adult-born granular cells were shown to play a role in neuroplasticity
      and may help to reduce the vulnerability to drug craving and relapse. 

PMID- 27127801
TI  - Perturbational Blowup Solutions to the Two-Component Dullin-Gottwald-Holm System.
AB  - We construct a family of nonradially symmetric exact solutions for the two
      component DGH system by the perturbational method. Depending on the parameters,
      the class of solutions includes both blowup type and global existence type. 

PMID- 27127800
TI  - Variability Assessment of Aromatic and Fine Rice Germplasm in Bangladesh Based on
      Quantitative Traits.
AB  - The study was conducted to investigate genetic variability among 113 aromatic and
      fine local rice genotypes of which five were exotic in origin. The test genotypes
      were evaluated for 19 growth traits, yield components, and yield. All the
      quantitative traits varied significantly among the test genotypes. High
      heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for flag leaf area,
      secondary branches per panicle, filled grains per panicle, grain length, grain
      breadth, grain length breadth ratio, and 1000 grain weight. Such findings
      suggested preponderance of additive gene action in gene expression for these
      characters. Grain yield was significantly and positively correlated with days to
      flowering, days to maturity, panicle length, filled grains per panicle, and 1000
      grain weight. According to D (2) cluster analysis, 113 test genotypes formed 10
      clusters. Selection of parents from the clusters V and X followed by
      hybridization would possibly result in desirable heterosis for the development of
      heterotic rice hybrids. Finally, molecular characterizations of the studied
      germplasm are required for high resolution QTL mapping and validating the
      presence of candidate genes responsible for valuable characters. 

PMID- 27127802
TI  - Multiagent Systems Based Modeling and Implementation of Dynamic Energy Management
      of Smart Microgrid Using MACSimJX.
AB  - The objective of this paper is implementation of multiagent system (MAS) for the
      advanced distributed energy management and demand side management of a solar
      microgrid. Initially, Java agent development environment (JADE) frame work is
      used to implement MAS based dynamic energy management of solar microgrid. Due to
      unstable nature of MATLAB, when dealing with multithreading environment, MAS
      operating in JADE is linked with the MATLAB using a middle ware called Multiagent
      Control Using Simulink with Jade Extension (MACSimJX). MACSimJX allows the solar
      microgrid components designed with MATLAB to be controlled by the corresponding
      agents of MAS. The microgrid environment variables are captured through sensors
      and given to agents through MATLAB/Simulink and after the agent operations in
      JADE, the results are given to the actuators through MATLAB for the
      implementation of dynamic operation in solar microgrid. MAS operating in JADE
      maximizes operational efficiency of solar microgrid by decentralized approach and
      increase in runtime efficiency due to JADE. Autonomous demand side management is
      implemented for optimizing the power exchange between main grid and microgrid
      with intermittent nature of solar power, randomness of load, and variation of
      noncritical load and grid price. These dynamics are considered for every time
      step and complex environment simulation is designed to emulate the distributed
      microgrid operations and evaluate the impact of agent operations. 

PMID- 27127803
TI  - Telomerase Inhibition by Everolimus Suppresses Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation
      and Neointima Formation Through Epigenetic Gene Silencing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study sought to investigate the mechanisms underlying the
      mitogenic function of telomerase and to test the hypothesis that everolimus,
      commonly used on drug-eluting stents, suppresses smooth muscle cells (SMC)
      proliferation by targeting telomerase. BACKGROUND: Proliferation of SMC during
      neointima formation is prevented by drug-eluting stents. Although the replicative
      capacity of mammalian cells is enhanced by telomerase expression, the
      contribution of telomerase to the proliferative response underlying neointima
      formation and its potential role as a pharmacological target remain to be
      investigated. METHODS: We first employed constitutive expression of telomerase
      reverse transcriptase (TERT) in cell systems to study transcriptional mechanisms
      by which telomerase activates a mitogenic program. Second, overexpression of
      telomerase in mice provided a model to study the role of telomerase as a drug
      target for the antiproliferative efficacy of everolimus. RESULTS: Inhibition of
      neointima formation by everolimus is lost in mice overexpressing TERT, indicating
      that repression of telomerase confers the antiproliferative efficacy of
      everolimus. Everolimus reduces TERT expression in SMC through an Ets-1-dependent
      inhibition of promoter activation. The inhibition of TERT-dependent SMC
      proliferation by everolimus occurred in the absence of telomere shortening but
      rather as a result of a G1->S phase arrest. Although everolimus failed to inhibit
      phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein as the gatekeeper of S-phase entry,
      it potently repressed downstream target genes. Using chromatin
      immunoprecipitation assays, we finally demonstrate that TERT induces E2F binding
      to S-phase gene promoters and supports histone acetylation, effects that are
      inhibited by everolimus and mediate its antiproliferative activity. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results characterize telomerase as a previously unrecognized target for the
      antiproliferative activity of everolimus. Our studies further identify a novel
      mitogenic pathway in SMC, which depends on the epigenetic activation of S-phase
      gene promoters by TERT.

PMID- 27127804
TI  - Force-Based Puncture Detection and Active Position Holding for Assisted Retinal
      Vein Cannulation.
AB  - Retinal vein cannulation is a demanding procedure proposed to treat retinal vein
      occlusion by direct therapeutic agent delivery methods. Challenges in identifying
      the moment of venous puncture, achieving cannulation and maintaining cannulation
      during drug delivery currently limit the feasibility of the procedure. In this
      study, we respond to these problems with an assistive system combining a handheld
      micromanipulator, Micron, with a force-sensing microneedle. The integrated system
      senses the instant of vein puncture based on measured forces and the position of
      the needle tip. The system actively holds the cannulation device securely in the
      vein following cannulation and during drug delivery. Preliminary testing of the
      system in a dry phantom, stretched vinyl membranes, demonstrates a significant
      improvement in the total time the needle could be maintained stably inside of the
      vein. This was especially evident in smaller veins and is attributed to decreased
      movement of the positioned cannula following venous cannulation.

PMID- 27127805
TI  - Visualization Techniques for the Developing Chicken Heart.
AB  - We present a geometric surface parameterization algorithm and several
      visualization techniques adapted to the problem of understanding the 4D
      peristaltic-like motion of the outflow tract (OFT) in an embryonic chick heart.
      We illustrated the techniques using data from hearts under normal conditions
      (four embryos), and hearts in which blood flow conditions are altered through OFT
      banding (four embryos). The overall goal is to create quantitative measures of
      the temporal heart-shape change both within a single subject and between multiple
      subjects. These measures will help elucidate how altering hemodynamic conditions
      changes the shape and motion of the OFT walls, which in turn influence the
      stresses and strains on the developing heart, causing it to develop differently.
      We take advantage of the tubular shape and periodic motion of the OFT to produce
      successively lower dimensional visualizations and quantifications of the cardiac
      motion.

PMID- 27127807
TI  - Simultaneous characterization of protein-material and cell-protein interactions
      using dynamic QCM-D analysis on SAM surfaces.
AB  - Understanding the interactions among materials, proteins and cells is critical
      for the development of novel biomaterials, and establishing a highly sensitive
      and quantitative method to standardize these interactions is desired. In this
      study, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) combined with
      microscopy was utilized to quantitatively monitor the entirety of the cell
      adhesion processes, starting from the protein adsorption, on various self
      assembled monolayer (SAM) surfaces. Although the resulting cell adhesion
      morphologies were similar on most of the surfaces, the dynamic QCM-D signal
      patterns were unique on each surface, suggesting different forms of material
      protein-cell interactions. The viscoelasticity and the density of the surface
      adsorbed fibronectin (FN), as well as the relative exposure of the cell adhesive
      arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motifs, were correlated to the different
      cell adhesion dynamics and mechanics. Some surfaces exhibited complicated
      behaviors alluding to the detachment/rearrangement of surface proteins or highly
      sparse but bioactive proteins that promote a slow adhesion process. This study
      underscores the potential use of the QCM-D signal pattern as a rule of thumb for
      delineating different protein-material and cell-protein interactions, and offers
      a rapid in vitro platform for the dynamic evaluation of protein and cell
      behaviors on novel biomaterials. 

PMID- 27127806
TI  - Fast and single-step immunoassay based on fluorescence quenching within a square
      glass capillary immobilizing graphene oxide-antibody conjugate and fluorescently
      labelled antibody.
AB  - A single-step, easy-to-use, and fast capillary-type immunoassay device composed
      of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating containing two kinds of antibody-reagents,
      including an antibody-graphene oxide conjugate and fluorescently labelled
      antibody, was developed in this study. The working principle involved the
      spontaneous dissolution of the PEG coating, diffusion of reagents, and subsequent
      immunoreaction, triggered by the capillary action-mediated introduction of a
      sample solution. In a sample solution containing the target antigen, two types of
      antibody reagents form a sandwich-type antigen-antibody complex and fluorescence
      quenching takes place via fluorescence resonance energy transfer between the
      labelled fluorescent molecules and graphene oxide. Antigen concentration can be
      measured based on the decrease in fluorescence intensity. An antigen
      concentration-dependent response was obtained for the model target protein sample
      (human IgG, 0.2-10 MUg mL(-1)). The present method can shorten the reaction time
      to within 1 min (approximately 40 s), while conventional methods using the same
      reagents require reaction times of approximately 20 min because of the large
      reaction scale. The proposed method is one of the fastest immunoassays ever
      reported. Finally, the present device was used to measure human IgG in diluted
      serum samples to demonstrate that this method can be used for fast medical
      diagnosis. 

PMID- 27127809
TI  - Energy-conserving coarse-graining of complex molecules.
AB  - Coarse-graining (CG) of complex molecules is a method to reach time scales that
      would be impossible to access through brute force molecular simulations. In this
      paper, we formulate a coarse-grained model for complex molecules using first
      principles caculations that ensures energy conservation. Each molecule is
      described in a coarse way by a thermal blob characterized by the position and
      momentum of the center of mass of the molecule, together with its internal energy
      as an additional degree of freedom. This level of description gives rise to an
      entropy-based framework instead of the usual one based on the configurational
      free energy (i.e. potential of mean force). The resulting dynamic equations,
      which account for an appropriate description of heat transfer at the coarse
      grained level, have the structure of the dissipative particle dynamics with
      energy conservation (DPDE) model but with a clear microscopic underpinning. Under
      suitable approximations, we provide explicit microscopic expressions for each
      component (entropy, mean force, friction and conductivity coefficients) appearing
      in the coarse-grained model. These quantities can be computed directly using MD
      simulations. The proposed non-isothermal coarse-grained model is
      thermodynamically consistent and opens up a first principles CG strategy for the
      study of energy transport issues that are not accessible using current isothermal
      models. 

PMID- 27127808
TI  - Stacking of purines in water: the role of dipolar interactions in caffeine.
AB  - During the last few decades it has been ascertained that base stacking is one of
      the major contributions stabilizing nucleic acid conformations. However, the
      understanding of the nature of the interactions involved in the stacking process
      remains under debate and it is a subject of theoretical and experimental studies.
      Structural similarity between purine bases (guanine and adenine) in DNA and the
      caffeine molecule makes caffeine an excellent model for the purine bases. The
      present study clearly shows that dipolar interactions play a fundamental role in
      determining stacking of purine molecules in solution. In order to reach this
      achievement, polarized ultraviolet Raman resonant scattering experiments have
      been carried out on caffeine aqueous solutions as a function of concentration and
      temperature. The investigation pointed out at the aggregation and solvation
      properties, particularly at elevated temperatures. Kubo-Anderson theory was used
      as a framework to investigate the non-coincidence effect (NCE) occurring in the
      totally symmetric breathing modes of the purine rings, and in the bending modes
      of the methyl groups of caffeine. The NCE concentration dependence shows that
      caffeine aggregation at 80  degrees C occurs by planar stacking of the
      hydrophobic faces. The data clearly indicate that dipolar interactions determine
      the reorientational motion of the molecules in solution and are the driving force
      for the stacking of caffeine. In parallel, the observed dephasing times imply a
      change in caffeine interactions as a function of temperature and concentration. A
      decrease, at low water content, of the dephasing time for the ring breathing
      vibration mode indicates that self-association alters the solvation structure
      that is detectable at low concentration. These results are in agreement with
      simulation predictions and serve as an important validation of the models used in
      those calculations.

PMID- 27127810
TI  - Strong electrochemiluminescent interactions between carbon nitride nanosheet
      reduced graphene oxide nanohybrids and folic acid, and ultrasensitive sensing for
      folic acid.
AB  - Graphite-like carbon nitride nanosheets (g-C3N4 NSs) have recently emerged as
      electrochemiluminescent (ECL) nanomaterials and have attracted more and more
      attention due to their excellent ECL properties and promising applications in ECL
      sensing. However, the ECL study of g-C3N4 NSs is still in the early stages. Many
      studies are required to reveal the exact ECL mechanisms of g-C3N4 NSs and thus
      boost their sensing applications. In this paper, we have investigated ECL
      interactions between folic acid (FA) and a g-C3N4 NS/S2O8(2-) ECL system at a g
      C3N4 NS-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanohybrid/glassy carbon electrode in
      aqueous solutions. Compared with bare g-C3N4 NSs, the nanohybrids of g-C3N4 NS
      rGO give a much stable ECL emission due to the prevention of over electrochemical
      reduction of g-C3N4 by rGO. The stable ECL emission from the g-C3N4 NS-rGO/S2O8(2
      ) ECL system can be strongly quenched by FA, even in a very low concentration (pM
      levels). The ECL quenching mechanisms are investigated and discussed in detail.
      Based on the strong interactions between FA and g-C3N4 NSs, a novel, sensitive,
      stable and selective ECL sensor has been constructed for the detection of FA,
      with a wide linear response range from 0.1 to 90 nM, and an excellent detection
      limit (62 pM). This work not only further clarifies ECL mechanisms of g-C3N4 NSs,
      but also suggests a promising application of the newly emerging ECL nanomaterial.

PMID- 27127811
TI  - Fc-fusion mimetics.
AB  - The Fc-fusion mimetic RpR 2[combining low line] was prepared by disulfide
      bridging conjugation using PEG in the place of the Fc. RpR 2[combining low line]
      displayed higher affinity for VEGF than aflibercept. This is caused primarily by
      a slower dissociation rate, which can prolong a drug at its site of action. RpRs
      have considerable potential for development as stable, organ specific
      therapeutics. 

PMID- 27127812
TI  - Dendrimer mediated clustering of bacteria: improved aggregation and evaluation of
      bacterial response and viability.
AB  - Here, we evaluate how cationic gallic acid-triethylene glycol (GATG) dendrimers
      interact with bacteria and their potential to develop new antimicrobials. We
      demonstrate that GATG dendrimers functionalised with primary amines in their
      periphery can induce the formation of clusters in Vibrio harveyi, an
      opportunistic marine pathogen, in a generation dependent manner. Moreover, these
      cationic GATG dendrimers demonstrate an improved ability to induce cluster
      formation when compared to poly(N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide)
      [p(DMAPMAm)], a cationic linear polymer previously shown to cluster bacteria.
      Viability of the bacteria within the formed clusters and evaluation of quorum
      sensing controlled phenotypes (i.e. light production in V. harveyi) suggest that
      GATG dendrimers may be activating microbial responses by maintaining a high
      concentration of quorum sensing signals inside the clusters while increasing
      permeability of the microbial outer membranes. Thus, the reported GATG dendrimers
      constitute a valuable platform for the development of novel antimicrobial
      materials that can target microbial viability and/or virulence. 

PMID- 27127813
TI  - Cancer: Authenticate new xenograft models.

PMID- 27127814
TI  - Legal aids: Science primers in the courtroom.

PMID- 27127815
TI  - Biodiversity assessments: IPBES reaches out to social scientists.

PMID- 27127817
TI  - Archaeology: A different take on Indus evidence.

PMID- 27127816
TI  - Open hardware: Self-built labware stimulates creativity.

PMID- 27127818
TI  - Geoffrey Eglinton   (1927-2016).

PMID- 27127819
TI  - Ecology: Change is in the air.

PMID- 27127820
TI  - Climate science: Misconceptions of global catastrophe.

PMID- 27127821
TI  - Recent improvement and projected worsening of weather in the United States.
AB  - As climate change unfolds, weather systems in the United States have been
      shifting in patterns that vary across regions and seasons. Climate science
      research typically assesses these changes by examining individual weather
      indicators, such as temperature or precipitation, in isolation, and averaging
      their values across the spatial surface. As a result, little is known about
      population exposure to changes in weather and how people experience and evaluate
      these changes considered together. Here we show that in the United States from
      1974 to 2013, the weather conditions experienced by the vast majority of the
      population improved. Using previous research on how weather affects local
      population growth to develop an index of people's weather preferences, we find
      that 80% of Americans live in counties that are experiencing more pleasant
      weather than they did four decades ago. Virtually all Americans are now
      experiencing the much milder winters that they typically prefer, and these mild
      winters have not been offset by markedly more uncomfortable summers or other
      negative changes. Climate change models predict that this trend is temporary,
      however, because US summers will eventually warm more than winters. Under a
      scenario in which greenhouse gas emissions proceed at an unabated rate
      (Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5), we estimate that 88% of the US public
      will experience weather at the end of the century that is less preferable than
      weather in the recent past. Our results have implications for the public's
      understanding of the climate change problem, which is shaped in part by
      experiences with local weather. Whereas weather patterns in recent decades have
      served as a poor source of motivation for Americans to demand a policy response
      to climate change, public concern may rise once people's everyday experiences of
      climate change effects start to become less pleasant.

PMID- 27127822
TI  - Reply from the Author.

PMID- 27127823
TI  - Reply from the Author.

PMID- 27127824
TI  - Non-profit work: Take my advice.

PMID- 27127825
TI  - Human African trypanosomiasis diagnosis by peripheral blood smear review in a
      Spanish traveler.

PMID- 27127826
TI  - Systemic AL amyloidosis associated with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia: an unusual
      presenting complication.

PMID- 27127827
TI  - South Carolina Children's Hospital Collaborative.

PMID- 27127828
TI  - The Department of Social Services.

PMID- 27127829
TI  - From the Physicians Foundation: Latest Physicians Foundation White Paper Examines
      ACA Roll-Out, Offers Perspective on Critical Issues.

PMID- 27127830
TI  - Formulation and Stability of Solutions.
AB  - Ready-to-use solutions are the most preferable and most common dosage forms for
      injectable and topical ophthalmic products. Drugs formulated as solution almost
      always have chemical and physical stability challenges as well as solubility
      limitations and the need to prevent inadvertent microbial contamination issues.
      This article, which takes us through a discussion of optimizing the physical
      stability of solutions, represents the first of a series of articles discussing
      how these challenges and issues are addressed.

PMID- 27127831
TI  - In Situ Observation of Hematite Nanoparticle Aggregates Using Liquid Cell
      Transmission Electron Microscopy.
AB  - Aggregation of nanoparticles impacts their reactivity, stability, transport, and
      fate in aqueous environments, but limited methods are available to characterize
      structural features and movement of aggregates in liquid. Here, liquid cell
      transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) was utilized to directly observe the
      size, morphology, and motion of aggregates that were composed of 9 and 36 nm
      hematite nanoparticles, respectively, in water or NaCl solution. When mass
      concentrations were same, the aggregates of 9 nm nanoparticles were statistically
      more compact and slightly larger than those of 36 nm nanoparticles. Aggregates in
      both samples were typically nonspherical. Increasing ionic strength resulted in
      larger aggregates, and also enhanced the stability of aggregates under electron
      beam irradiation. In water, small aggregates moved randomly and approached
      repeatedly to large aggregates before final attachment. In NaCl solution, small
      aggregates moved directly toward large aggregates and attached to the latter
      quickly. This observation provided a direct confirmation of the DLVO theory that
      the energy barrier to aggregation is higher in water than in salt solutions. This
      study not only presented the influences of particle size and ionic strength on
      aggregation state, but also demonstrated that LCTEM is a promising method to link
      aggregation state to dynamic processes of nanoparticles.

PMID- 27127832
TI  - Reply: The Use of Autologous Fat Grafting for Treatment of Scar Tissue and Scar
      Related Conditions: A Systematic Review.

PMID- 27127833
TI  - National Institutes of Health Funding in Plastic Surgery: A Crisis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decreasing funding rates and increasing competition for National
      Institutes of Health research grants have prompted diverse interventions in
      various fields of biomedicine. Currently, the state of National Institutes of
      Health funding for plastic surgery research is poorly understood. The purpose of
      this study was to describe the portfolio of National Institutes of Health grants
      in academic plastic surgery. METHODS: Plastic surgery faculty at integrated and
      independent programs were queried individually in the National Institutes of
      Health RePORTER database for grants awarded in 2014. Funding totals, mechanisms,
      and institutes were calculated. Abstracts were categorized by research type and
      field of interest. Characteristics of National Institutes of Health-funded
      principal investigators were elucidated. RESULTS: Eight hundred sixty-one
      academic plastic surgeons at 94 programs were queried, and only 18 investigators
      (2.1 percent) were funded at 12 programs (12.8 percent). National Institutes of
      Health-funded investigators were predominately male (72 percent), fellowship
      trained (61 percent), and aged 49.3 +/- 7.8 years. A total of 20 awards amounted
      to $6,916,886, with an average award of $345,844 +/- $222,909. Costs were
      primarily awarded through the R01 mechanism (77.2 percent). The top three
      National Institutes of Health institutes awarded 72.9 percent of the entire
      portfolio. Funding supported clinical (41.1 percent), translational (36.9
      percent), and basic science (22.0 percent) research. Craniofacial (20.5 percent),
      hand (18.7 percent), and breast (16.2 percent) had the greatest funding.
      CONCLUSIONS: Few programs and faculty drive the National Institutes of Health
      portfolio of plastic surgery research. These data suggest a tenuous funding
      situation that may be susceptible to future spending cuts. Future research is
      needed to identify barriers to National Institutes of Health funding procurement
      in academic plastic surgery.

PMID- 27127834
TI  - Allergan Style 410 Implants for Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective Study in
      Efficacy, Safety, and Symmetry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Implant-based breast reconstruction is performed with both saline and
      silicone. In 2001, a study was conducted in which a novel implant made of highly
      cohesive silicone gel in anatomical shape was used. It differs from others
      because it holds its anatomical shape and forces tissue to conform to the
      implant. METHODS: Two hundred twelve consecutive patients who underwent
      reconstruction with Allergan 410 cohesive gel anatomical implants were enrolled
      prospectively over a 12-year period. Complications and satisfaction rates were
      recorded. RESULTS: Average age of the patients was 48.5 years and average body
      mass index was 24.1 kg/m. Bilateral reconstruction was performed in 83 percent of
      patients. Long-term follow-up was achieved in all patients and averaged 3.3 years
      (range, 0.5 to 10.2 years). The overall complication rate was 19.8 percent; most
      were minor complications, such as rippling (9.4 percent) and asymmetry (4.2
      percent). Major complications included infection (2.4 percent), malposition (1.4
      percent), capsular contracture (0.9 percent), seroma (0.5 percent), extrusion
      (0.5 percent), and implant rupture (0.5 percent). The rate of implant-related
      reoperation, excluding cancer recurrence, was 9.0 percent, consisting of implant
      replacement (5.7 percent), implant removal (1.9 percent), and implant
      repositioning (1.4 percent). Patient satisfaction averaged 4.83 (range, 2 to 5)
      on a five-point scale. Surgeon satisfaction averaged 4.9 (range, 2 to 5).
      CONCLUSIONS: Allergan 410 cohesive gel anatomical implants have a favorable risk
      profile in reconstruction, with excellent patient and surgeon satisfaction. This
      novel implant allows for a paradigm shift in implant-based breast reconstruction.
      Surgeons can now use an implant to help shape the final contour of the breast
      mound rather than rely on mastectomy flaps and suture techniques to create
      aesthetic contours needed to create an attractive breast reconstruction. CLINICAL
      QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 27127835
TI  - Comparison of Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra Contoured Cohesive Gel Breast
      Implants: A Single Surgeon's 10-Year Experience.

PMID- 27127837
TI  - Cell-in-Shell Hybrids: Chemical Nanoencapsulation of Individual Cells.
AB  - Nature has developed a fascinating strategy of cryptobiosis ("secret life") for
      counteracting the stressful, and often lethal, environmental conditions that
      fluctuate sporadically over time. For example, certain bacteria sporulate to
      transform from a metabolically active, vegetative state to an ametabolic
      endospore state. The bacterial endospores, encased within tough biomolecular
      shells, withstand the extremes of harmful stressors, such as radiation,
      desiccation, and malnutrition, for extended periods of time and return to a
      vegetative state by breaking their protective shells apart when their environment
      becomes hospitable for living. Certain ciliates and even higher organisms, for
      example, tardigrades, and others are also found to adopt a cryptobiotic strategy
      for survival. A common feature of cryptobiosis is the structural presence of
      tough sheaths on cellular structures. However, most cells and cellular assemblies
      are not "spore-forming" and are vulnerable to the outside threats. In particular,
      mammalian cells, enclosed with labile lipid bilayers, are highly susceptible to
      in vitro conditions in the laboratory and daily life settings, making
      manipulation and preservation difficult outside of specialized conditions. The
      instability of living cells has been a main bottleneck to the advanced
      development of cell-based applications, such as cell therapy and cell-based
      sensors. A judicious question arises: can cellular tolerance against harmful
      stresses be enhanced by simply forming cell-in-shell hybrid structures?
      Experimental results suggest that the answer is yes. A micrometer-sized "Iron
      Man" can be generated by chemically forming an ultrathin (<100 nm) but durable
      shell on a "non-spore-forming" cell. Since the report on silica nanoencapsulation
      of yeast cells, in which cytoprotective yeast-in-silica hybrids were formed,
      several synthetic strategies have been developed to encapsulate individual cells
      in a cytocompatible fashion, mimicking the cryptobiotic cell-in-shell structures
      found in nature, for example, bacterial endospores. Bioinspired silicification
      and phenolics-based coatings are, so far, the main approaches to the formation of
      cytoprotective cell-in-shell hybrids, because they ensure cell viability during
      encapsulations and also generate durable nanoshells on cell surfaces. The
      resulting cell-in-shell hybrids extrinsically possess enhanced resistance to
      external aggressors, and more intriguingly, the encapsulation alters their
      metabolic activity, exemplified by retarded or suppressed cell cycle progression.
      In addition, recent developments in the field have further advanced the synthetic
      tools available to the stage of chemical sporulation and germination of mammalian
      cells, where cytoprotective shells are formed on labile mammalian cells and
      broken apart on demand. For example, individual HeLa cells are coated with a
      metal-organic complex of ferric ion and tannic acid, and cellular adherence and
      proliferation are controlled by the programmed shell formation and degradation.
      Based on these demonstrations, the (degradable) cell-in-shell hybrids are
      anticipated to find their applications in various biomedical and
      bionanotechnological areas, such as cytotherapeutics, high-throughput screening,
      sensors, and biocatalysis, as well as providing a versatile research platform for
      single-cell biology.

PMID- 27127836
TI  - Distraction Osteogenesis for Surgical Treatment of Craniosynostosis: A Systematic
      Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distraction osteogenesis has been proposed as an alternative to
      cranial remodeling surgery for craniosynostosis, but technique descriptions and
      outcome analyses are limited to small case series. This review summarizes
      operative characteristics and outcomes of distraction osteogenesis and presents
      data comparing distraction osteogenesis to cranial remodeling surgery. METHODS: A
      systematic review of the literature was undertaken. Descriptive analysis,
      operative technical data, outcomes, or postoperative complications of distraction
      osteogenesis for craniosynostosis were included. RESULTS: A total of 1325
      citations were reviewed, yielding 53 articles and 880 children who underwent
      distraction osteogenesis for craniosynostosis. Distraction plates were used in
      754 patients (86 percent), whereas springs were used for the remaining 126
      patients (14 percent). Standard and spring distraction osteogenesis was reported
      to successfully treat the primary condition 98 percent of the time. Suboptimal
      results were reported in 11 patients (1.3 percent), and minor complications were
      reported in 19.5 percent of cases (n = 172).Major complications were rare,
      occurring in 3.5 percent of cases (n = 31), and included two reported deaths.
      Absolute operative times and blood loss were marginally greater for cranial
      remodeling surgery cases, but the differences were not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: Distraction osteogenesis is an effective cranial vault remodeling
      technique for treating craniosynostosis. No statistical differences were found
      with respect to operative time, blood loss, need for transfusion, or intensive
      care unit resources compared with cranial remodeling surgery. Outcome studies
      with longer follow-up periods specifically investigating cost, relapse, and
      reoperation rates are necessary to effectively compare this treatment modality as
      an alternative to cranial remodeling surgery. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 27127838
TI  - Detection of human adenoviruses in organic fresh produce using molecular and cell
      culture-based methods.
AB  - The consumption of organic fresh produce has increased in recent years due to
      consumer demand for healthy foods without chemical additives. However, the number
      of foodborne outbreaks associated with fresh produce has also increased.
      Contamination of food with enteric viruses is a major concern because the viruses
      have a low infectious dose and high persistence in the environment. Human
      adenovirus (HAdV) has been proposed as a good marker of faecal contamination.
      Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the plaque
      assay (PA), real time PCR (qPCR) and integrated cell culture-RT-qPCR (ICC-RT
      qPCR) for the recovery of HAdV from artificially and naturally contaminated fresh
      produce. Organic lettuce, strawberries and green onions were selected because
      these fresh products are frequently associated with foodborne outbreaks. The
      virus extraction efficiencies from artificially contaminated samples varied from
      2.8% to 32.8% depending on the food matrix and the quantification method used.
      Although the HAdV recoveries determined by qPCR were higher than those determined
      by PA and ICC-RT-qPCR, PA was defined as the most reproducible method. The qPCR
      assays were more sensitive than the PA and ICC-RT-qPCR assays; however, this
      technique alone did not provide information about the viability of the pathogen.
      ICC-RT-qPCR was more sensitive than PA for detecting infectious particles in
      fresh produce samples. HAdV genome copies were detected in 93.3% of the analysed
      naturally contaminated samples, attesting to the common faecal contamination of
      the fresh produce tested. However, only 33.3% of the total samples were positive
      for infectious HAdV particles based on ICC-RT-qPCR. In conclusion, this study
      reported that HAdV can be an efficient viral marker for fresh produce
      contamination. Good detection of infectious HAdV was obtained with the ICC-RT
      qPCR and PA assays. Thus, we suggest that the ICC-RT-qPCR and PA assays should be
      considered when quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) studies are
      required and to establish reliable food safety guidelines. 

PMID- 27127839
TI  - Predicting outgrowth and inactivation of Clostridium perfringens in meat products
      during low temperature long time heat treatment.
AB  - With low temperature long time (LTLT) cooking it can take hours for meat to reach
      a final core temperature above 53 degrees C and germination followed by growth of
      Clostridium perfringens is a concern. Available and new growth data in meats
      including 154 lag times (tlag), 224 maximum specific growth rates (MUmax) and 25
      maximum population densities (Nmax) were used to developed a model to predict
      growth of C. perfringens during the coming-up time of LTLT cooking. New data were
      generate in 26 challenge tests with chicken (pH6.8) and pork (pH5.6) at two
      different slowly increasing temperature (SIT) profiles (10 degrees C to 53
      degrees C) followed by 53 degrees C in up to 30h in total. Three inoculum types
      were studied including vegetative cells, non-heated spores and heat activated (75
      degrees C, 20min) spores of C. perfringens strain 790-94. Concentrations of
      vegetative cells in chicken increased 2 to 3logCFU/g during the SIT profiles.
      Similar results were found for non-heated and heated spores in chicken, whereas
      in pork C. perfringens 790-94 increased less than 1logCFU/g. At 53 degrees C C.
      perfringens 790-94 was log-linearly inactivated. Observed and predicted
      concentrations of C. perfringens, at the time when 53 degrees C (log(N53)) was
      reached, were used to evaluate the new growth model and three available
      predictive models previously published for C. perfringens growth during cooling
      rather than during SIT profiles. Model performance was evaluated by using mean
      deviation (MD), mean absolute deviation (MAD) and the acceptable simulation zone
      (ASZ) approach with a zone of +/-0.5logCFU/g. The new model showed best
      performance with MD=0.27logCFU/g, MAD=0.66logCFU/g and ASZ=67%. The two growth
      models that performed best, were used together with a log-linear inactivation
      model and D53-values from the present study to simulate the behaviour of C.
      perfringens under the fast and slow SIT profiles investigated in the present
      study. Observed and predicted concentrations were compared using a new fail-safe
      acceptable zone (FSAZ) method. FSAZ was defined as the predicted concentration of
      C. perfringens plus 0.5logCFU/g. If at least 85% of the observed log-counts were
      below the FSAZ, the model was considered fail-safe. The two models showed similar
      performance but none of them performed satisfactorily for all conditions. It is
      recommended to use the models without a lag phase until more precise lag time
      models become available. 

PMID- 27127840
TI  - Effect of environmental factors on Fusarium population and associated
      trichothecenes in wheat grain grown in Jiangsu province, China.
AB  - The present study was performed to identify prevailing Fusarium species and the
      environmental factors affecting their frequencies and the contamination of grain
      with major mycotoxins in Jiangsu province. The precipitation levels were 184.2mm,
      156.4mm, and 245.8mm in the years 2013-2015, respectively, and the temperature
      fluctuated by an average of 10.6+/-7.2 degrees C in 2013, 10.9+/-7.2 degrees C in
      2014, and 10.6+/-6.3 degrees C in 2015. Co-occurrence of deoxynivalenol (DON), 3
      acetyldeoxynivalenol (3ADON), and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15ADON) were observed
      in wheat. The average concentrations of DON were 879.3+/-1127.8, 627.8+/-640.5,
      and 1628.6+/-2,168.0MUg/kg in 2013-2015, respectively. The average concentrations
      of 3ADON were 43.5+/-59.0, 71.2+/-102.5, and 33.5+/-111.9MUg/kg in 2013-2015,
      respectively. We found that the average concentration of DON in wheat was
      positively correlated with precipitation (r=0.998, p<0.01), and 3ADON was
      negatively correlated with precipitation (r=-0.887, p<0.05). However, there was
      no correlation between precipitation and 15ADON or nivalenol (NIV). The
      differences in temperature were not as significant as the differences in rainfall
      amount over a short time period. Therefore, there were no correlations between
      temperature and the concentrations of trichothecenes, excluding 3ADON (r=0.996,
      p<0.01). Our data indicated that Fusarium asiaticum is the primary pathogenic
      fungus prevalent in the Fusarium head blight disease nursery. The trichothecene
      chemotype composition differed between Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto (s.
      str.) and F. asiaticum isolates. The 3ADON chemotype was found only among strains
      of F. asiaticum. The NIV chemotype was not observed among strains of F.
      graminearum, while the 15ADON chemotype represented 100% of the F. graminearum
      strains collected. The results of this study indicated no correlations between
      environmental conditions and the species or genetic chemotype composition of
      pathogens in Jiangsu province in 2013-2015. 

PMID- 27127841
TI  - A Phase II Study of the Combination of Bevacizumab, Pertuzumab, and Octreotide
      LAR for Patients with Advanced Neuroendocrine Cancers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of bevacizumab, pertuzumab, and
      octreotide depot for advanced neuroendocrine tumors. METHODS: Patients received
      bevacizumab 15 mg/kg and pertuzumab 420 mg IV q21 days with octreotide depot 30
      mg IM q28 days. RESULTS: Toxicities in 43 patients included diarrhea (63%),
      fatigue (63%), hypertension (44%), and nausea (44%). Reversible G3 hypertension
      (26%) and LVEF decline (9%) occurred. 7/43 patients achieved objective response
      (typical carcinoid, 5; pancreatic NET, 2). Median PFS and OS were 6.5 and 26.4
      months, respectively. DISCUSSION: Bevacizumab, pertuzumab, and octreotide depot
      was well-tolerated with a 16% ORR. Results in the well-differentiated carcinoid
      tumors are thought provoking.

PMID- 27127842
TI  - Instrument-Free Synthesizable Fabrication of Label-Free Optical Biosensing Paper
      Strips for the Early Detection of Infectious Keratoconjunctivitides.
AB  - We introduce a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-functionalized, gold
      nanoparticle (GNP)-deposited paper strip capable of label-free biofluid sensing
      for the early detection of infectious eye diseases. The GNP biosensing paper
      strip was fabricated by the direct synthesis and deposition of GNPs on wax
      divided hydrophilic areas of a permeable porous substrate through a facile, power
      free synthesizable, and highly reproducible successive ionic layer absorption and
      reaction (SILAR) technique. To maximize localized surface plasmon resonance
      generated SERS activity, the concentration of the reactive solution and number of
      SILAR cycles were optimized by controlling the size and gap distance of GNPs and
      verified by computational modeling with geometrical hypotheses of Gaussian
      estimated metallic nanoparticles. The responses of our SERS-functionalized GNP
      paper strip to Raman intensities exhibited an enhancement factor of 7.8 * 10(8),
      high reproducibility (relative standard deviation of 7.5%), and 1 pM 2
      naphthalenethiol highly sensitive detection limit with a correlation coefficient
      of 0.99, achieved by optimized SILAR conditions including a 10/10 mM/mM
      HAuCl4/NaBH4 concentration and six SILAR cycles. The SERS-functionalized GNP
      paper is supported by a multivariate statistics-preprocessed machine learning
      judged bioclassification system to provide excellent label-free chemical
      structure sensitivity for identifying infectious keratoconjunctivitis. The power
      free synthesizable fabrication, label-free, rapid analysis, and high sensitivity
      feature of the SILAR-fabricated SERS-functionalized GNP biosensing paper strip
      makes it an excellent alternative in point-of-care applications for the early
      detection of various infectious diseases.

PMID- 27127843
TI  - DNA methylation profiling in different phases of temporomandibular joint
      osteoarthritis in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a complex disease
      with strong genetic and epigenetic components in its pathogenesis. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate DNA methylation in mandibular head cartilage in
      different phases of experimentally-induced TMJOA in rats. DESIGN: DNA methylation
      was evaluated using microarrays in the mandibular head cartilage of early,
      intermediate and late stage experimentally-induced TMJOA, and of the normal age
      matched control groups. Genes with differentially methylated CpG sites were
      analyzed to reveal the over-represented gene ontologies and pathways at different
      stages, and were compared with published expression profiles to assess their
      overlappings. The DNA methylation patterns of the target genes were validated by
      methylated DNA immunoprecipitation qPCR in additional independent cartilage
      samples and mRNA levels were analyzed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: We observed 9489
      differentially methylated regions between the TMJOA and controls. A total of 440
      consistently altered genes were revealed in all three stages; most (80%) were
      hypomethylated and many were associated with cell cycle regulation. We also
      detected different DNA methylation changes in early and late stage TMJOA
      (Rearly=0.68, Rlate=0.47), while the differences between age-matched healthy
      cartilage were subtle. Strong inverse changes between methylation status and mRNA
      levels were confirmed in Adamts5, Chad, Cldn11 and Tnf. CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      reveals dynamic DNA methylation patterns during the progression of TMJOA, with a
      different host of genes and pathways. The changes of cartilage DNA methylation
      patterns might contribute to understand the etiologic mechanisms of TMJOA
      epigenetically.

PMID- 27127845
TI  - Appearance of trustworthiness: an implicit source of bias in judgments of
      patients' pain.

PMID- 27127844
TI  - N-Linked Glycosylation Is Required for Vacuolar H+ -ATPase (V-ATPase) a4 Subunit
      Stability, Assembly, and Cell Surface Expression.
AB  - The a subunit is the largest of 14 different subunits that make up the V-ATPase
      complex. In mammalian species this membrane protein has four paralogous isoforms,
      a1-a4. Clinically, a subunit isoforms are implicated in diverse diseases;
      however, little is known about their structure and function. The subunit has
      conserved, predicted N-glycosylation sites, and the a3 isoform has been directly
      shown to be N-glycosylated. Here we ask if human a4 (ATP6V0A4) is N-glycosylated
      at the predicted site, Asn489. We transfected HEK 293 cells, using the pCDNA3.1
      expression-vector system, to express cDNA constructs of epitope-tagged human a4
      subunit, with or without mutations to eliminate the putative glycosylation site.
      Glycosylation was characterized also by treatment with endoglycosidases;
      expression and localization were assessed by immunoblotting and
      immunofluorescence. Endoglycosidase-treated wild type (WT) a4 showed increased
      relative mobility on immunoblots, compared with untreated WT a4. This relative
      mobility was identical to that of unglycosylated mutant a4N489D , demonstrating
      that the a4 subunit is glycosylated. Cycloheximide pulse-chase experiments showed
      that the unglycosylated subunit degraded at a higher rate than the N-glycosylated
      form. Unglycosylated a4 was degraded mostly in the proteasomal pathway, but also,
      in part, through the lysosomal pathway. Immunofluorescence colocalization data
      showed that unglycosylated a4 was mostly retained in the ER, and that plasma
      membrane trafficking was defective. Co-immunoprecipitation studies suggested that
      a4N489D does not assemble with the V-ATPase V1 domain. Taken together, these data
      show that N-glycosylation plays a crucial role in a4 stability, and in V-ATPase
      assembly and trafficking to the plasma membrane. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2757
      2768, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27127846
TI  - Nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor expression in clinical pain disorders and
      functional effects in cultured neurons.
AB  - The nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor (NOP), activated by its endogenous
      peptide ligand nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), exerts several effects including
      modulation of pain signalling. We have examined, for the first time, the tissue
      distribution of the NOP receptor in clinical visceral and somatic pain disorders
      by immunohistochemistry and assessed functional effects of NOP and MU-opioid
      receptor activation in cultured human and rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons.
      Quantification of NOP-positive nerve fibres within the bladder suburothelium
      revealed a remarkable several-fold increase in detrusor overactivity (P < 0.0001)
      and painful bladder syndrome patient specimens (P = 0.0014) compared with
      controls. In postmortem control human DRG, 75% to 80% of small/medium neurons
      (<=50 MUm diameter) in the lumbar (somatic) and sacral (visceral) DRG were
      positive for NOP, and fewer large neurons; avulsion-injured cervical human DRG
      neurons showed similar numbers. NOP immunoreactivity was significantly decreased
      in injured peripheral nerves (P = 0.0004), and also in painful neuromas (P =
      0.025). Calcium-imaging studies in cultured rat DRG neurons demonstrated dose
      dependent inhibition of capsaicin responses in the presence of N/OFQ, with an
      IC50 of 8.6 pM. In cultured human DRG neurons, 32% inhibition of capsaicin
      responses was observed in the presence of 1 pM N/OFQ (P < 0.001). The maximum
      inhibition of capsaicin responses was greater with N/OFQ than MU-opioid receptor
      agonist DAMGO. Our findings highlight the potential of NOP agonists, particularly
      in urinary bladder overactivity and pain syndromes. The regulation of NOP
      expression in visceral and somatic sensory neurons by target-derived neurotrophic
      factors deserves further study, and the efficacy of NOP selective agonists in
      clinical trials.

PMID- 27127847
TI  - Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor use is not associated with elevated risk of
      severe joint pain in patients with type 2 diabetes: a population-based cohort
      study.
AB  - This is the first large longitudinal cohort study to investigate the putative
      association of severe joint pain (SJP) with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor
      (DPP4i) use in patients with type 2 diabetes. The propensity score-matched
      population-based cohort study was performed between 2009 and 2013 in a group of
      type 2 diabetes patients with stable metformin use. In total, 4743 patients with
      type 2 diabetes used a DPP4i as the second-line antidiabetic drug (ie, DPP4i
      users), and the same number of matched non-DPP4i users was selected. The 2 study
      groups were followed up until SJP diagnosis (International Classification of
      Diseases, Ninth Reversion, Clinical Modification code 719.4), health insurance
      policy termination, or the end of 2013. The incidence rate of SJP was estimated
      under the Poisson assumption. Multiple Cox proportional hazard model was used to
      estimate the covariate-adjusted hazard ratio and 95% CI of SJP in association
      with DPP4i use. Over a maximum follow-up of 5 years, 679 DPP4i users and 767 non
      DPP4i users were newly diagnosed with SJP, representing incidence rates of 47.20
      and 50.66 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Cox proportional hazard model
      indicated that DPP4i use slightly but nonsignificantly reduced the risk of SJP
      (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.92 [95% CI: 0.83-1.02]). Such null results were also
      observed among all age and sex stratifications and in a sensitivity analysis
      using all nonspecific arthropathies as the study endpoint. This study provides no
      support for the putative risk of SJP related to DPP4i use in type 2 diabetes
      patients during a maximum follow-up of 5 years.

PMID- 27127848
TI  - Presence of Fusarium Species and Other Toxigenic Fungi in Malting Barley and
      Multi-Mycotoxin Analysis by Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass
      Spectrometry.
AB  - A study was carried out on 43 malting barley samples collected in 2013 across the
      Umbria region (central Italy) to determine the incidence of the principal
      mycotoxigenic fungal genera, to identify the Fusarium species isolated from the
      grains, and to detect the presence of 34 fungal secondary metabolites by liquid
      chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. The multimycotoxin-method
      development involved the evaluation of both a two-step solvent and QuEChERS
      protocol for metabolite extraction. The former protocol was selected because of
      better accuracy, which was evaluated on the basis of spike-recovery experiments.
      The most frequently isolated fungal species belonged to the genera Alternaria and
      Fusarium. The predominant Fusarium species was F. avenaceum, followed by F.
      graminearum. HT-2 toxin was the most frequently detected mycotoxin, followed by
      enniatin B, enniatin B1, T-2 toxin, and nivalenol. As a consequence of the
      observed mixed fungal infections, mycotoxin co-occurrence was also detected. A
      combination of mycological and mycotoxin analyses allowed the ability to obtain
      comprehensive information about the presence of mycotoxigenic fungi and their
      contaminants in malting barley cultivated in a specific geographic area. 

PMID- 27127849
TI  - Quantum Mode Selectivity of Plasmon-Induced Water Splitting on Gold
      Nanoparticles.
AB  - Plasmon induced water splitting is a promising research area with the potential
      for efficient conversion of solar to chemical energy, yet its atomic mechanism is
      not well understood. Here, ultrafast electron-nuclear dynamics of water splitting
      on gold nanoparticles upon exposure to femtosecond laser pulses was directly
      simulated using real time time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT).
      Strong correlation between laser intensity, hot electron transfer, and reaction
      rates has been identified. The rate of water splitting is dependent not only on
      respective optical absorption strength, but also on the quantum oscillation mode
      of plasmonic excitation. Odd modes are more efficient than even modes, owing to
      faster decaying into hot electrons whose energy matches well the antibonding
      orbital of water. This finding suggests photocatalytic activity can be
      manipulated by adjusting the energy level of plasmon-induced hot carriers,
      through altering the cluster size and laser parameter, to better overlap
      adsorbate unoccupied level in plasmon-assisted photochemistry.

PMID- 27127850
TI  - Strategies for improving C4 photosynthesis.
AB  - Recent activities to improve photosynthetic performance in crop plants has
      focused mainly on C3 photosynthesis where there are clear identified targets such
      as improving Rubisco kinetics, installation of a CO2 concentrating mechanism and
      alleviating limitations in chloroplast electron transport. Here we address
      strategies to improve photosynthetic performance in C4 plants, which utilize a
      CO2 concentrating mechanism, having evolved a complex blend of anatomy and
      biochemistry to achieve this. While the limitations to photosynthetic flux are
      not as well studied in C4 plants, work in transgenic Flaveria bidentis, a
      transformable model C4 dicot, and recent transcriptional analysis of leaves from
      diverse C4 plants, provides several gene candidates for improvement of carbon
      metabolism (such as pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase, phosphoenolpyruvate
      carboxylase and Rubisco) and for access of CO2 to phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase
      in the mesophyll cells (such as carbonic anhydrase and CO2 porins). Chloroplast
      electron transport in C4 plants is shared between the two cell types, providing
      opportunities not only to alleviate limitations to flux through intersystem
      electron transport by targeting nuclear encoded proteins in the cytochrome (Cyt)
      b6/f complex, but in better sharing the harvesting of light energy between
      mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts. Gene candidates for improvement of C4
      photosynthesis could be utilized either through transgenic approaches or via
      mining natural allelic variation in sequenced populations of crop species.

PMID- 27127851
TI  - Healthcare Managers' Perceptions of Patient Perpetrated Aggression and Prevention
      Strategies: A Cross Sectional Survey.
AB  - Patient or client aggression towards staff is a risk in healthcare. Healthcare
      takes place in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community, and Aged
      Care facilities. A minimal amount is known regarding the existence of safety and
      training measures available throughout the broad range of hospital and community
      healthcare services. A web-based survey of the type and frequency of violence
      experienced by healthcare staff was sent to unit managers working in mental
      health and older peoples' services of District Health Boards, Non-Governmental
      Organisations, and Aged Care facilities across New Zealand. One hundred and forty
      one managers responded to the survey with a response rate of 79.21%. Managers
      reported high rates of verbal aggression and assaults against staff within their
      services. A total of 60% of respondents stated that an increase in assaults
      against staff was due to an increase in violent events and 43.1% related this to
      increased staff awareness and reporting of violent events to management.
      Communication skills and de-escalation training were provided across
      approximately 95% of organisations. The availability of safety measures including
      panic buttons, personal alarms, use of security personnel, and police assistance
      were more widely available and accessible within hospital settings and the
      community sector was found to mostly rely on police for assistance when violence
      occurs. The perception of violence is high in healthcare. Prevention and
      management training is provided in public hospital and aged care setting but not
      so much in NGOs. All areas of healthcare provision could benefit from increased
      evidence based aggression prevention programmes. 

PMID- 27127875
TI  - Spinal intramedullary hamartoma with acute presentation in a 13-month old infant:
      case report.
AB  - True hamartomas of the spinal cord are very rare, and although several have been
      reported in the literature, there are few detailed radiological and pathological
      descriptions of the condition. There is also considerable overlap with other
      entities, the most common being spinal cord teratomas. The authors report the
      case of a 13-month-old child with a supragluteal sacral dimple who presented with
      acute neurological deterioration. MRI of the spine revealed a big intramedullary
      lesion with heterogeneous signal intensity. A near-total resection was performed,
      and histopathological examination demonstrated findings consistent with a spinal
      cord hamartoma. The authors believe that careful preoperative evaluation and
      rigorous pathological examination are mandatory to establish diagnosis and direct
      further management of cases in which such a lesion is suspected. 

PMID- 27127876
TI  - Kelvin probe force microscopy of DNA-capped nanoparticles for single-nucleotide
      polymorphism detection.
AB  - Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) is a robust toolkit for profiling the
      surface potential (SP) of biomolecular interactions between DNAs and/or proteins
      at the single molecule level. However, it has often suffered from background
      noise and low throughput due to instrumental or environmental constraints, which
      is regarded as limiting KPFM applications for detection of minute changes in the
      molecular structures such as single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Here, we show
      KPFM imaging of DNA-capped nanoparticles (DCNP) that enables SNP detection of the
      BRCA1 gene owing to sterically well-adjusted DNA-DNA interactions that take place
      within the confined spaces of DCNP. The average SP values of DCNP interacting
      with BRCA1 SNP were found to be lower than the DCNP reacting with normal (non
      mutant) BRCA1 gene. We also demonstrate that SP characteristics of DCNP with
      different substrates (e.g., Au, Si, SiO2, and Fe) provide us with a chance to
      attenuate or augment the SP signal of DCNP without additional enhancement of
      instrumentation capabilities. 

PMID- 27127877
TI  - Chromatin dysregulation by mutant p53.

PMID- 27127878
TI  - FXR agonists enhance the sensitivity of biliary tract cancer cells to cisplatin
      via SHP dependent inhibition of Bcl-xL expression.
AB  - Chemoresistance is common in patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC) including
      gallbladder cancer (GBC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC). Therefore, it is necessary
      to identify effective chemotherapeutic agents for BTC. In the present study, we
      for the first time tested the effect of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists
      GW4064 and CDCA (chenodeoxycholic acid) in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) on
      increasing the chemosensitivity in BTC. Our results show that co-treatment of
      CDDP with FXR agonists remarkably enhance chemosensitivity of BTC cells.
      Mechanistically, we found that activation of FXR induced expression of small
      heterodimer partner (SHP), which in turn inhibited signal transducer and
      activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation and resulted in down
      regulation of Bcl-xL expression in BTC cells, leading to increased susceptibility
      to CDDP. Moreover, the experiments on tumor-bearing mice showed that GW4064/CDDP
      co-treatment inhibited the tumor growth in vivo by up-regulating SHP expression
      and down-regulating STAT3 phosphorylation. These results suggest CDDP in
      combination with FXR agonists could be a potential new therapeutic strategy for
      BTC. 

PMID- 27127880
TI  - FOXO3a promotes gastric cancer cell migration and invasion through the induction
      of cathepsin L.
AB  - Forkhead box O3A (FOXO3a) is an important transcription factor involved in
      various human cancers. However, the role of FOXO3a in regulating the invasion and
      metastasis of gastric cancer cells has not been clarified. Here, we report that
      FOXO3a overexpression promoted migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells by
      upregulating cathepsin L. FOXO3a knockdown suppressed migration and invasion and
      also downregulated cathepsin L expression in gastric cancer cells. Silencing
      cathepsin L in these cells suppressed FOXO3a overexpression-induced cell
      migration and invasion. Mechanistic studies revealed that FOXO3a increased
      cathepsin L promoter activation, and cathepsin L overexpression repressed E
      cadherin expression, causing gastric cancer cells to undergo epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our data reveal a previously unexplored function of
      FOXO3a in gastric cancer invasion by regulating proteins involved in
      extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and EMT. We suggest that FOXO3a may be of
      prognostic value and a potential therapeutic target in blocking tumor metastasis.

PMID- 27127879
TI  - S100A4 drives non-small cell lung cancer invasion, associates with poor
      prognosis, and is effectively targeted by the FDA-approved anti-helminthic agent
      niclosamide.
AB  - S100A4 (metastasin-1), a metastasis-associated protein and marker of the
      epithelial to mesenchymal transition, contributes to several hallmarks of cancer
      and has been implicated in the progression of several types of cancer. However,
      the impacts of S100A4 signaling in lung cancer progression and its potential use
      as a target for therapy in lung cancer have not been properly explored. Using
      established lung cancer cell lines, we demonstrate that S100A4 knockdown reduces
      cell proliferation, invasion and three-dimensional invasive growth, while
      overexpression of S100A4 increases invasive potential. In patient-derived
      tissues, S100A4 is preferentially elevated in lung adenocarcinoma. This elevation
      is associated with lymphovascular invasion and decreased overall survival. In
      addition, depletion of S100A4 by shRNA inhibits NF-kappaB activity and decreases
      TNFalpha-induced MMP9 expression. Furthermore, inhibition of the NF-kappaB/MMP9
      axis decreases lung carcinoma invasive potential. Niclosamide, a reported
      inhibitor of S100A4, blocks expression and function of S100A4 with a reduction in
      proliferation, invasion and NF-kappaB-mediated MMP9 expression. Collectively,
      this study highlights the importance of the S100A4/NF-kappaB/MMP9 axis in lung
      cancer invasion and provides a rationale for targeting S100A4 to combat lung
      cancer. 

PMID- 27127881
TI  - Risk prediction for early-onset gastric carcinoma: a case-control study of
      polygenic gastric cancer in Han Chinese with hereditary background.
AB  - Recent genomewide studies have identified several germline variations associated
      with gastric cancer. The aim of the present study was to identify, in a Chinese
      Han population, the individual and combined effects of those single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) that increase the risk of early-onset gastric cancer. We
      conducted a case-control study comprising 116 patients with gastric cancer as
      well as 102 sex- and age-matched controls and confirmed that the SNPs MUC1 (mucin
      1) rs9841504 and ZBTB20 (zinc finger and BTB domain containing 20) rs4072037 were
      associated with an increased gastric cancer risk. Of the 116 patients diagnosed
      with cancer, 65 had at least 1 direct lineal relative with carcinoma of the
      digestive system or breast/ovarian cancer. These 65 had another 4 SNPs associated
      with gastric cancer susceptibility: PSCA (prostate stem cell antigen) rs2294008,
      PLCE1 (phospholipase C epsilon 1) rs2274223, PTGER4/PRKAA1 (prostaglandin E
      receptor 4/ protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 1) rs13361707,
      and TYMS (thymidylate synthetase) rs2790. However, each of these low-penetrance
      susceptibility polymorphisms alone is not considered influential enough to
      predict the absolute risk of early-onset gastric cancer. Thus we decided to study
      different combinations of polygenes as they affected for our population. Those
      subjects with both the risk alleles MUC1 rs9841504 and ZBTB20 rs4072037 had a
      greater than 3-fold increased risk of gastric cancer. Also those with a
      hereditary background including the risk alleles PLCE1 rs2274223 and
      PTGER4/PRKAA1 rs13361707 were 3 times more susceptible to cardia cancer than
      those without. These findings show that the study of combined polymorphisms,
      instead of single low-penetrance variations in susceptibility, may lead to a high
      risk classification for a specific population. 

PMID- 27127882
TI  - Copy number variations in urine cell free DNA as biomarkers in advanced prostate
      cancer.
AB  - Genetic profiling of urine cell free DNA (cfDNA) has not been evaluated in
      advanced prostate cancer. We performed whole genome sequencing of urine cfDNAs to
      identify tumor-associated copy number variations in urine before and after
      initiating androgen deprivation therapy in HSPC stage and docetaxel chemotherapy
      in CRPC stage. A log2 ratio-based copy number analysis detected common genomic
      abnormalities in prostate cancer including AR amplification in 5/10 CRPC
      patients. Other abnormalities identified included TMPRSS2-ERG fusion, PTEN gene
      deletion, NOTCH1 locus amplification along with genomic amplifications at 8q24.3,
      9q34.3, 11p15.5 and 14q11.2, and deletions at 4q35.2, 5q31.3, 7q36.3, 12q24.33,
      and 16p11.2. By comparing copy number between pre- and post-treatment, we found
      significant copy number changes in 34 genomic loci. To estimate the somatic tumor
      DNA fraction in urine cfDNAs, we developed a Urine Genomic Abnormality (UGA)
      score algorithm that summed the top ten most significant segments with copy
      number changes. The UGA scores correlated with tumor burden and the change in UGA
      score after stage-specific therapies reflected disease progression status and
      overall survival. The study demonstrates the potential clinical utility of urine
      cfDNAs in predicting treatment response and monitoring disease progression.

PMID- 27127883
TI  - Similar cisplatin sensitivity of HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC cell lines.
AB  - Patients with HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) show
      better survival rates than those with HPV-negative HNSCC. While an enhanced
      radiosensitivity of HPV-positive tumors is clearly evident from single modality
      treatment, cisplatin is never administered as monotherapy and therefore its
      contribution to the enhanced cure rates of HPV-positive HNSCC is not known. Both
      cisplatin and radiotherapy can cause severe irreversible side effects and
      therefore various clinical studies are currently testing deintensified regimes
      for patients with HPV-positive HNSCC. One strategy is to omit cisplatin-based
      chemotherapy or replace it by less toxic treatments but the risk assessment of
      these approaches remains difficult. In this study we have compared the cytotoxic
      effects of cisplatin in a panel of HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC cell lines
      alone and when combined with radiation.While cisplatin-treated HPV-positive
      strains showed a slightly stronger inhibition of proliferation, there was no
      difference regarding colony formation. Cellular responses to the drug, namely
      cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and gammaH2AX-induction did not differ between
      the two entities but assessment of cisplatin-DNA-adducts suggests differences
      regarding the mechanisms that determine cisplatin sensitivity. Combining
      cisplatin with radiation, we generally observed an additive but only in a
      minority of strains from both entities a clear synergistic effect on colony
      formation. In summary, HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC cells were equally
      sensitive to cisplatin. Therefore replacing cisplatin may be feasible but the
      substituting agent should be of similar efficacy in order not to jeopardize the
      high cure rates for HPV-positive HNSCC.

PMID- 27127884
TI  - Augmentation of response to nab-paclitaxel by inhibition of insulin-like growth
      factor (IGF) signaling in preclinical pancreatic cancer models.
AB  - Nab-paclitaxel has recently shown greater efficacy in pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Insulin like growth factor (IGF) signaling proteins are
      frequently overexpressed in PDAC and correlate with aggressive tumor phenotype
      and poor prognosis. We evaluated the improvement in nab-paclitaxel response by
      addition of BMS-754807, a small molecule inhibitor of IGF-1R/IR signaling, in
      preclinical PDAC models. In subcutaneous xenografts using AsPC-1 cells, average
      net tumor growth in different therapy groups was 248.3 mm3 in controls, 42.4 mm3
      after nab-paclitaxel (p = 0.002), 93.3 mm3 after BMS-754807 (p = 0.01) and 1.9
      mm3 after nab-paclitaxel plus BMS-754807 (p = 0.0002). In subcutaneous xenografts
      using Panc-1 cells, average net tumor growth in different therapy groups was:
      294.3 mm3 in controls, 23.1 mm3 after nab-paclitaxel (p = 0.002), 118.2 mm3 after
      BMS-754807 (p = 0.02) and -87.4 mm3 (tumor regression) after nab-paclitaxel plus
      BMS-754807 (p = 0.0001). In peritoneal dissemination model using AsPC-1 cells,
      median animal survival was increased compared to controls (21 days) after therapy
      with nab-paclitaxel (40 days, a 90% increase, p = 0.002), BMS-754807 (27 days, a
      29% increase, p = 0.01) and nab-paclitaxel plus BMS-754807 (47 days, a 124%
      increase, p = 0.005), respectively. Decrease in proliferation and increase in
      apoptosis by nab-paclitaxel and BMS-754807 therapy correlated with their in vivo
      antitumor activity. In vitro analysis revealed that the addition of IC25 dose of
      BMS-754807 decreased the nab-paclitaxel IC50 of PDAC cell lines. BMS-754807
      therapy decreased phospho-IGF-1R/IR and phospho-AKT expression, and increased
      cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP-1. These results support the potential of BMS
      754807 in combination with nab-paclitaxel as an effective targeting option for
      pancreatic cancer therapy.

PMID- 27127885
TI  - GCGene: a gene resource for gastric cancer with literature evidence.
AB  - Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer and third leading cause of
      cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its lethality primarily stems from a lack of
      detection strategies for early stages of GC and a lack of noninvasive detection
      strategies for advanced stages. The development of early diagnostic biomarkers
      largely depends on understanding the biological pathways and regulatory
      mechanisms associated with putative GC genes. Unfortunately, the GC-implicated
      genes that have been identified thus far are scattered among thousands of
      published studies, and no systematic summary is available, which hinders the
      development of a large-scale genetic screen. To provide a publically accessible
      resource tool to meet this need, we constructed a literature-based database
      GCGene (Gastric Cancer Gene database) with comprehensive annotations supported by
      a user-friendly website. In the current release, we have collected 1,815 unique
      human genes including 1,678 protein-coding and 137 non-coding genes curated from
      extensive examination of 3,142 PubMed abstracts. The resulting database has a
      convenient web-based interface to facilitate both textual and sequence-based
      searches. All curated genes in GCGene are downloadable for advanced
      bioinformatics data mining. Gene prioritization was performed to rank the
      relative relevance of these genes in GC development. The 100 top-ranked genes are
      highly mutated according to the cohort of published studies we reviewed. By
      conducting a network analysis of these top-ranked GC-associated genes in the
      human interactome, we were able to identify strong links between 8 highly
      connected genes with low expression and patient survival time. GCGene is freely
      available to academic users at http://gcgene.bioinfo-minzhao.org/. 

PMID- 27127887
TI  - Prognostic significance of cancer family history for patients with gastric
      cancer: a single center experience from China.
AB  - Family history of cancer is a risk factor for gastric cancer. In this study, we
      investigated the prognoses of gastric cancer patients with family history of
      cancer. A total of 1805 gastric cancer patients who underwent curative
      gastrectomy from 2000 to 2008 were evaluated. The clinicopathologic parameters
      and prognoses of gastric cancer patients with a positive family history (PFH) of
      cancer were compared with those with a negative family history (NFH). Of 1805
      patients, 382 (21.2%) patients had a positive family history of cancer. Positive
      family history of cancer correlated with younger age, more frequent alcohol and
      tobacco use, worse differentiation, smaller tumor size, and more frequent tumor
      location in the lower 1/3 of the stomach. The prognoses of patients with a
      positive family history of cancer were better than that of patients with a
      negative family history. Family history of cancer independently correlated with
      better prognosis after curative gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients.

PMID- 27127886
TI  - Protein kinase D-dependent CXCR4 down-regulation upon BCR triggering is linked to
      lymphadenopathy in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
AB  - In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), infiltration of lymph nodes by leukemic
      cells is observed in patients with progressive disease and adverse outcome. We
      have previously demonstrated that B-cell receptor (BCR) engagement resulted in
      CXCR4 down-regulation in CLL cells, correlating with a shorter progression-free
      survival in patients. In this study, we show a simultaneous down-regulation of
      CXCR4, CXCR5 and CD62L upon BCR triggering. While concomitant CXCR4 and CXCR5
      down-regulation involves PKDs, CD62L release relies on PKC activation. BCR
      engagement induces PI3K-delta-dependent phosphorylation of PKD2 and 3, which in
      turn phosphorylate CXCR4 Ser324/325. Moreover, upon BCR triggering, PKD
      phosphorylation levels correlate with the extent of membrane CXCR4 decrease.
      Inhibition of PKD activity restores membrane expression of CXCR4 and migration
      towards CXCL12 in BCR-responsive cells in vitro. In terms of pathophysiology, BCR
      dependent CXCR4 down-regulation is observed in leukemic cells from patients with
      enlarged lymph nodes, irrespective of their IGHV mutational status. Taken
      together, our results demonstrate that PKD-mediated CXCR4 internalization induced
      by BCR engagement in B-CLL is associated with lymph node enlargement and suggest
      PKD as a potential druggable target for CLL therapeutics.

PMID- 27127889
TI  - Current-induced changes of migration energy barriers in graphene and carbon
      nanotubes.
AB  - An electron current can move atoms in a nanoscale device with important
      consequences for the device operation and breakdown. We perform first principles
      calculations aimed at evaluating the possibility of changing the energy barriers
      for atom migration in carbon-based systems. In particular, we consider the
      migration of adatoms and defects in graphene and carbon nanotubes. Although the
      current-induced forces are large for both the systems, in graphene the force
      component along the migration path is small and therefore the barrier height is
      little affected by the current flow. In contrast, the same barrier is
      significantly reduced in carbon nanotubes as the current increases. Our work also
      provides a real-system numerical demonstration that current-induced forces within
      density functional theory are non-conservative. 

PMID- 27127890
TI  - Short-Term Water Deficit Changes Cuticular Sterol Profile in the Eggplant
      (Solanum melongena).
AB  - Crop irrigation uses a majority of a total world water supply, at the same time
      displaying low efficiency. As the expected, future water requirements are higher
      than the current ones; there is a risk of a growing deficit of water for the
      agricultural use. Hence, there is an arising need for better understanding the
      effects of water deprivation on the crop plants. Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
      is a vegetable crop cultivated in arid and semi-arid parts of the world. Because
      of its high water demands, the eggplant is a convenient model organism for
      studies concerning the effects of water deficit on the plant growth. The
      objective of the study was to determine the impact of short-term water deficit on
      eggplant leaf cuticular waxes and total sterols. Water deprivation did not affect
      the amount and composition of aliphatic components of cuticular waxes.
      Significant decrease in the total cuticular sterols and the increase in cuticular
      cholesterol were observed as an effect of water deficit. In contrast, some of the
      free internal sterols were more abundant in water-deprived plants. The possible
      importance of these observations, including increased biosynthesis of defensive
      compounds and the need to maintain the cell membrane stability, was discussed. 

PMID- 27127888
TI  - Functional networks of aging markers in the glomeruli of IgA nephropathy: a new
      therapeutic opportunity.
AB  - IgA nephropathy(IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease in China.
      Primary infections always occur before IgAN. However, the pathology of IgAN is
      still unclear. Previously we found that LL37, a protein secreted by senescent
      cells, was specific for the progression of IgAN, and also played a role in the
      neutrophil function. So we hypothesized that the infiltration of neutrophils,
      inflammation factors, and aging markers , which were modulated by functional
      networks, induced the immune response and renal injury. RNA-Sequencing (RNA-seq)
      can be used to study the whole transcriptome and detect splicing variants that
      are expressed in a specific cell type or tissue. We separate glomerulus from the
      renal biopsy tissues. After RNA extraction, the sequences were analyzed with
      Illumina HiSeq 2000/2500. 381 genes with differential expression between the IgAN
      patients and the healthy controls were identified. Only PLAU, JUN, and FOS were
      related to DNA damage, telomere dysfunction-induced aging markers, neutrophil
      function and IgA nephropathy. The networks showed the possibility of these genes
      being connected. We conclude that DNA damage and telomere dysfunction could play
      important roles in IgA nephropathy. In addition, neutrophils are also important
      factors in this disease. The networks of these markers showed the mechanism
      pathways that are involved in the duration of the occurrence and progression of
      IgA nephropathy and might be a new therapeutic opportunity for disease treatment.

PMID- 27127892
TI  - Social choice functions: A tool for ranking variables involved in action plans
      against road noise.
AB  - Traffic noise is gaining importance in planning and operation of roads in
      developing countries, and particularly in Europe and Latin America. Many
      variables with different degrees of importance influence the perception of noise
      from roads. Thus, the problem of prioritizing road stretches for action against
      such noise is an important issue in environmental noise management. For example,
      it can be addressed using multicriteria methods. However, these methodologies
      require criteria or suitable variables to be ranked according to their relative
      importance. In the present study, for this ranking, a list of nine variables
      involved in the decision-making process (called "road stretch priority
      variables") was presented in the form of questionnaires to high-level experts
      from Andalusia, southern Spain. These experts ranked the variables by relevance.
      Using the same data, seven social choice functions (Plurality, Raynaud, Kemeny
      Young, Copeland, Simpson, Schulze, and Borda) were used in order to rank the
      variables. The results indicate that the most important variables were those that
      take into account the parameters of greatest exposure for the citizens, followed
      by variables related to the intensity of the problem analyzed. The results show
      that a combination of the use of social choice functions on aggregated
      information from expert panels can provide a consensus for ranking priority
      variables related to road stretches. 

PMID- 27127891
TI  - Association Between CHRNA3 and CHRNA5 Nicotine Receptor Subunit Gene Variants and
      Nicotine Dependence in an Isolated Populationof Kashubians in Poland.
AB  - BACKGROUND Genome-wide and allelic association studies have shown the
      contribution of CHRNA5-A3-B4 nicotinic receptor subunit gene cluster within
      chromosome 15 to nicotine dependence (ND). While an association between several
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at that locus and smoking quantity
      (cigarettes per day; CPD) has been well recognized, there are some
      inconsistencies in demonstrating the influence of these SNPs on other ND
      phenotypes. This uncertainty motivated us to examine the association of 3
      selected SNPs (CHRNA3 rs1051730, rs6495308, and CHRNA5 rs55853898) with ND in an
      isolated population of Kashubians from Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study
      sample consisted of 788 current daily smokers. ND was assessed by CPD, the
      Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), its brief version - Heavy Smoking
      Index (HSI), and time to first cigarette after waking (TTF). The correlation
      between studied SNPs and dichotomized values of ND measures was assessed in the
      regression analysis. Bonferroni corrected p-value of 0.017 was set for a type 1
      error. RESULTS We found a robust association between risk allele A of rs1051730
      and CPD >10 (odds ratio (OR)=1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-2.59,
      p=0.004), and a weak association, which did not survive correction for multiple
      testing, with FTND 34. No associations between studied SNPs and HSI or TTF were
      demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm that rs1051730 influences ND
      phenotype, as defined by CPD. 

PMID- 27127893
TI  - Occurrence and removal of antibiotics in ecological and conventional wastewater
      treatment processes: A field study.
AB  - The occurrence and removal of 19 antibiotics (including four macrolides, eight
      sulfonamides, three fluoroquinolones, three tetracyclines, and trimethoprim) were
      investigated in two ecological (constructed wetland (CW) and stabilization pond
      (SP)) and two conventional wastewater treatment processes (activated sludge (AS)
      and micro-power biofilm (MP)) in a county of eastern China. All target
      antibiotics were detected in the influent and effluent samples with detection
      frequencies of >90%. Clarithromycin, ofloxacin, roxithromycin and erythromycin
      H2O were the dominant antibiotics with maximum concentrations reaching up to
      6524, 5411, 964 and 957 ng/L, respectively; while the concentrations of tiamulin,
      sulfamerazine, sulfathiazole, sulfamethazine, sulfamethizole and sulfisoxazole
      were below 10 ng/L. Although the mean effluent concentrations of target
      antibiotics were obviously lower than the influent ones (except ciprofloxacin),
      their removals were usually incomplete. Principal component analysis showed that
      the AS and CW outperformed the MP and SP processes and the AS performed better
      than the CW process in terms of antibiotics removal. Both the AS and CW processes
      exhibited higher removal efficiencies in summer than in winter, indicating
      biological degradation could play an important role in antibiotics removal.
      Because of the incomplete removal, the total concentration of detected
      antibiotics increased in the mixing and downstream sections of a local river
      receiving the effluent from a typical wastewater treatment facility practicing AS
      process. Nowadays, ecological wastewater treatment processes are being rapidly
      planned and constructed in rural areas of China; however, the discharge of
      residual antibiotics to the aquatic environment may highlight a necessity for
      optimizing or upgrading their design and operation. 

PMID- 27127894
TI  - Texture based classification of the severity of mitral regurgitation.
AB  - Clinically, the severity of valvular regurgitation is assessed by manual tracing
      of the regurgitant jet in the respective chambers. This work presents a computer
      aided diagnostic (CAD) system for the assessment of the severity of mitral
      regurgitation (MR) based on image processing that does not require the
      intervention of the radiologist or clinician. Eight different texture feature
      sets from the regurgitant area (selected through an arbitrary criterion) have
      been used in the present approach. First order statistics have been used
      initially, however, observing their limitations, the other texture features such
      as spatial gray level difference matrix, gray level difference statistics,
      neighborhood gray tone difference matrix, statistical feature matrix, Laws'
      textures energy measure, fractal dimension texture analysis and Fourier power
      spectrum have additionally been used. For the classification task a supervised
      classifier i.e., support vector machine has been used in the present approach.
      The classification accuracy has been improved significantly by using these
      texture features in combination, in comparison to when fed individually as input
      to the classifier. The classification accuracy of 95.65+/-1.09, 95.65+/-1.09 and
      95.36+/-1.13 has been obtained in apical two chamber, apical four chamber and
      parasternal long axis views, respectively. Therefore, the results of this paper
      indicate that the proposed CAD system may effectively assist the radiologists in
      establishing (confirming) the MR stages, namely, mild, moderate and severe.

PMID- 27127895
TI  - A flexible data-driven comorbidity feature extraction framework.
AB  - Disease and symptom diagnostic codes are a valuable resource for classifying and
      predicting patient outcomes. In this paper, we propose a novel methodology for
      utilizing disease diagnostic information in a predictive machine learning
      framework. Our methodology relies on a novel, clustering-based feature extraction
      framework using disease diagnostic information. To reduce the data
      dimensionality, we identify disease clusters using co-occurrence statistics. We
      optimize the number of generated clusters in the training set and then utilize
      these clusters as features to predict patient severity of condition and patient
      readmission risk. We build our clustering and feature extraction algorithm using
      the 2012 National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project
      (HCUP) which contains 7 million hospital discharge records and ICD-9-CM codes.
      The proposed framework is tested on Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Electronic
      Health Records (EHR) from 3041 Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) patients and the
      UCI 130-US diabetes dataset that includes admissions from 69,980 diabetic
      patients. We compare our cluster-based feature set with the commonly used
      comorbidity frameworks including Charlson's index, Elixhauser's comorbidities and
      their variations. The proposed approach was shown to have significant gains
      between 10.7-22.1% in predictive accuracy for CHF severity of condition
      prediction and 4.65-5.75% in diabetes readmission prediction.

PMID- 27127896
TI  - Fullerene-Assisted Photoinduced Charge Transfer of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
      through a Flavin Helix.
AB  - One of the greatest challenges with single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)
      photovoltaics and nanostructured devices is maintaining the nanotubes in their
      pristine state (i.e., devoid of aggregation and inhomogeneous doping) so that
      their unique spectroscopic and transport characteristics are preserved. To this
      effect, we report on the synthesis and self-assembly of a C60-functionalized
      flavin (FC60), composed of PCBM and isoalloxazine moieties attached on either
      ends of a linear, C-12 aliphatic spacer. Small amounts of FC60 (up to 3 molar %)
      were shown to coassembly with an organic soluble derivative of flavin (FC12)
      around SWNTs and impart effective dispersion and individualization. A key
      annealing step was necessary to perfect the isoalloxazine helix and expel the C60
      moiety away from the nanotubes. Steady-state and transient absorption
      spectroscopy illustrate that 1% or higher incorporation of FC60 allows for an
      effective photoinduced charge transfer quenching of the encased SWNTs through the
      seamless helical encase. This is enabled via the direct pi-pi overlap between the
      graphene sidewalls, isoalloxazine helix, and the C60 cage that facilitates SWNT
      exciton dissociation and electron transfer to the PCBM moiety. Atomistic
      molecular simulations indicate that the stability of the complex originates from
      enhanced van der Waals interactions of the flexible spacer wrapped around the
      fullerene that brings the C60 in pi-pi overlap with the isoalloxazine helix. The
      remarkable spectral purity (in terms of narrow E(S)ii line widths) for the
      resulting ground-state complex signals a new class of highly organized
      supramolecular nanotube architecture with profound importance for advanced
      nanostructured devices.

PMID- 27127897
TI  - Reply: High Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in Children With Cancer in India is not
      Related to Transfusions or Hospital Admissions.

PMID- 27127898
TI  - From one to two: the effect of women and the economy on China's One Child Policy.

PMID- 27127899
TI  - BFS Annual Meeting 2016.

PMID- 27127900
TI  - Society Pages for March 2016 issue.

PMID- 27127901
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27127902
TI  - Retinal Neovascularisation in Susac Syndrome: A Rare Complication.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case of Susac syndrome with ocular complications in the
      chronic stage of the disease. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 37-year-old male
      patient of Indian origin presented with painless blurring of vision in the right
      eye. Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed vitreous hemorrhage in the right eye
      and NVE in both eyes well-documented angiographically. Old medical records
      revealed a previous attack of bilateral BRAO as a complete triad of Susac
      syndrome 10 years before, with an uncomplicated clinical course. Panretinal
      photocoagulation helped in stabilization of the condition. CONCLUSION: Ocular
      neovascularisation like NVE with vitreous hemorrhage can be a late manifestation
      of occlusive arteriolitis in Susac syndrome.

PMID- 27127903
TI  - Burnout Syndrome Among Medical Students at One University in Serbia: Validity and
      Reliability of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey.
AB  - The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) contains 15 items that
      evaluate the following burnout dimensions: Emotional Exhaustion, Cynicism, and
      Academic Efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dimensionality
      of the MBI-SS on a sample of Serbian medical students (N = 760). The overall
      Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the MBI-SS questionnaire was 0.757, while the
      Cronbach's alpha coefficients for Emotional Exhaustion, Cynicism, and Academic
      Efficacy were 0.869, 0.856, and 0.852, respectively. Principal Component Analysis
      with Oblimin rotation indicated 3 main components that explained 64.9% variance.
      The confirmatory factor analysis revealed good fit indices (chi2/df = 575.74/87,
      RMSEA = 0.086 (90% Confidence Interval for RMSEA = 0.079 to 0.092), CFI = 0.949,
      NNFI = 0.939, IFI = 0.949, GFI = 0.904) of the MBI-SS scale. The Serbian version
      of MBI-SS represents a valid and reliable instrument in the Serbian sample of
      medical students.

PMID- 27127904
TI  - In vivo induction of neutrophil chemotaxis by secretory aspartyl proteinases of
      Candida albicans.
AB  - Secretory aspartyl proteinases (Saps) of Candida albicans are key virulence
      traits which cause inflammasome-dependent, aseptic inflammation in a mouse model
      of vaginitis. In this paper, neutrophil migration in response to Sap2, Sap6 and
      chemo-attractive products released from Sap-treated vaginal epithelium was
      measured in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Our results show that Sap2 and Sap6
      induce neutrophil migration and production of potent chemoattractive chemokines
      such as IL-8 and MIP-2 by vaginal epithelial cells. Our data suggest that at
      least part of MIP-2 production depends upon IL-1beta activity. The vaginal fluid
      of Candida-infected mice contained a heat-labile inhibitor of neutrophil
      candidacidal activity that was absent from the vaginal fluid of Sap-treated mice.
      Overall, our data provide additional information on the capacity of C. albicans
      Saps to cause aseptic vaginal inflammation and highlight the potential role of
      some chemokines released from vaginal epithelial cells in this phenomenon.

PMID- 27127906
TI  - Mixed Electronic and Ionic Conductor-Coated Cathode Material for High-Voltage
      Lithium Ion Battery.
AB  - A lithium ionic conductor, Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP), is introduced as a
      coating material on the surface of Mg-doped LiCoO2 to improve electrochemical
      performances for high-voltage (4.5 V) lithium ion batteries. Structure,
      morphology, elemental distribution, and electrical properties of the materials
      are thoroughly characterized by SEM, TEM, EELS, EDS, and C-AFM. The coating layer
      is electrically conductive with the aid of Mg ions which are used as a dopant for
      the active materials; therefore, this mixed electronic ionic conductor strongly
      enhances the electrochemical performances of initial capacity, cycling property,
      and rate capability. The LATP coating layer also demonstrates very promising
      applicability for 4.4 V prismatic full cells with graphite anode, which
      correspond to the 4.5 V half-cells with lithium anode. The 2900 mA h full cells
      show 85% of capacity retention after 500 cycles and more than 60% after 700
      cycles.

PMID- 27127907
TI  - Intramolecular Hydrogen-Bonding Effects on the Fluorescence of PRODAN
      Derivatives.
AB  - The effects of intramolecular hydrogen-bonding on the fluorescence behavior of
      three derivatives of 6-propionyl-2-dimethylaminonaphthalene are reported. The H
      bonding effects are revealed through comparisons with corresponding reference
      compounds in which the H-bond-donating hydroxyl groups are replaced with methoxy
      groups. In toluene, intramolecular H bonding gives rise to a dramatic increase in
      the fluorescence intensity but only a slight red shift in the position. This
      behavior is attributed to decreased efficiency in intersystem crossing due to an
      increase in the energy of the n -> pi* triplet state. The intramolecular H bond
      does not induce quenching in acetonitrile; however, in the presence of a very
      small concentration of methanol, a dual intramolecular, intermolecular H-bonding
      arrangement does lead to partial quenching as revealed by preferential solvation
      studies. 

PMID- 27127905
TI  - Combination of bendamustine and rituximab as front-line therapy for patients with
      chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: multicenter, retrospective clinical practice
      experience with 279 cases outside of controlled clinical trials.
AB  - Recently, encouraging results in terms of safety and efficacy have been obtained
      using bendamustine-rituximab (BR) in untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
      (CLL) patients enrolled in a phase II study. Here, we report a retrospective
      international multicenter study of CLL patients treated with BR as front-line
      therapy. The cohort included 279 patients with progressive CLL from 33 centers
      (29 Italian, 3 Israeli and 1 German) who received at least 1 cycle of BR as first
      line treatment during the 2008-2014 period. The primary objective of this study
      was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BR administered as front-line therapy,
      outside of controlled clinical trials. Median age was 70 years (range, 43-86
      years); 62.4% were males and 35.8% had Binet stage C. Forty-two patients (15.2%)
      were unfit (cumulative illness rating scale [CIRS] score >=7), and 140 (50.2%)
      had creatinine clearance <=70 ml/min. Fluorescent in situ hybridisation analysis,
      available for 192 cases, showed that 21 (10.9%) had del11q and 18 (9.4%) del17p.
      The overall response rate (ORR) was 86.4%, with a complete remission rate of 28%.
      Patients with del17p had an ORR of 66.7%. After median follow-up of 24 months,
      the 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 69.9%; CIRS >=7, immunoglobulin
      heavy-chain variable-region (IGHV) unmutated status, del17p and BR dose intensity
      <80% were independently associated with shorter PFS. Grade III or IV neutropenia,
      thrombocytopenia, and anaemia were observed in 25.9%, 15.4%, and 15.1% of
      patients, respectively. Twenty-four patients (8.6%) had severe infections. BR is
      also an effective and safe regimen for untreated CLL patients, outside of
      controlled clinical trials.

PMID- 27127908
TI  - Adsorption behavior and mechanism of perfluorooctane sulfonate on nanosized
      inorganic oxides.
AB  - Adsorption of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on manufactured nanoparticles
      (NPs) is critical for understanding their transport and fate in aquatic
      environments. In this study, the adsorption behavior of PFOS on nanosized Al2O3,
      Fe2O3, SiO2 and TiO2 was examined in terms of adsorption isotherms and influences
      of pH, ionic strength and heavy metallic cations. The nano-oxides had much higher
      adsorption capacities than bulk particles due to higher surface hydroxyl density.
      PFOS adsorption showed strong pH dependence due to different species of surface
      hydroxyl groups on nano-oxides. Besides electrostatic interaction, sulfonic group
      of PFOS possibly formed hydrogen bonds on the surface of nano-oxides. Because of
      the bridging effect in the co-adsorption process, the coexisting PFOS and heavy
      metallic cations greatly enhanced their adsorption onto the nano-oxides.
      Comparative adsorption of different perfluorinated sulfonates indicated the
      possible formation of bilayer PFOS adsorption on the nano-oxides, leading to the
      enhanced Cu(II) adsorption on the sulfonic groups of PFOS on the surfaces through
      electrostatic interaction. 

PMID- 27127910
TI  - Circulatory effect of TCS-80, a new imidazoline compound, in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Synthesis and hypotensive properties of centrally acting imidazoline
      agents: 1-[(imidazolidin-2-yl)imino]-1H-indazole (Marsanidine) and 7-chloro-1
      [(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl]-1H-indazole (TCS-80) were tested in rats.
      We have recently synthesized two novel Marsanidine analogues which decrease blood
      pressure and heart rate in rats: 1-[(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl]-1H
      indole (TCS-54), and 7-chloro-1-[(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)methyl]-1H-indole
      (TCS-213). Among all these analogues, compound TCS-80 exhibits the highest
      affinity to I1-imidazoline receptors and the lowest alpha2/I1 selectivity ratio.
      The observed cardiovascular effects of the compounds might be mediated through
      alpha2-adrenergic and I1-imidazoline receptors and subsequent decrease of the
      symphathetic nerve activity. The present studies were performed to determine
      whether alpha2-adrenergic and/or I1-imidazoline receptors are involved in the
      decrease of blood pressure and heart rate induced by Marsanidine, TCS-54, TCS-80,
      and TCS-213 in rats. METHODS: Anesthetized rats were infused iv with the tested
      compounds and selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, RX821002, or nonselective
      alpha2-adrenergic/I1-imidazoline receptor antagonist, Efaroxan. The mean arterial
      blood pressure and heart rate were monitored directly and continuously throughout
      the experiment. RESULTS: Efaroxan inhibited the hypotensive effect of TCS-80
      stronger than RX821002. The degree of inhibition of the hypotensive effect of the
      remaining compounds was similar for both antagonists. The presence of Efaroxan
      and RX821002 diminished the heart rate decrease induced by all compounds
      administration, though the influence on the maximal chronotropic effect was
      attenuated significantly in the TCS-80 and TCS-213 treated animals only.
      CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that hypotensive and negative chronotropic
      activities of all tested compounds are mediated by both the alpha2-adrenergic and
      I1-imidazoline receptors. Moreover, the circulatory effect of TCS-80 might be
      mediated to relatively higher degree by the I1-imidazoline receptors than by the
      alpha2-adrenergic ones.

PMID- 27127911
TI  - l-NAME differential effects on diazepam and flunitrazepam responses of rats in
      the object recognition test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to better understand possible
      interaction(s) between a non-selective nitric oxide inhibitor: N(G)-nitro-l
      arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) and benzodiazepines (BZs) in recognition memory.
      METHODS: The study was carried out on adult male albino Wistar rats. A novel
      object recognition (NOR) task was used to evaluate memory process. RESULTS:
      Combined administration of l-NAME (50mg/kg, ip) with a threshold dose of DZ
      (0.25mg/kg) induced amnesic effects in rats, participating in the NOR test. On
      the other hand, following a combined administration of l-NAME (100mg/kg, ip) with
      flunitrazepam (FNZ; 0.1mg/kg), it was found out that l-NAME inhibited the amnesic
      effects of FNZ on rats in the NOR test. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest
      that suppressed NO synthesis may lead to a facilitation of DZ-induced memory
      impairment but surprisingly may prevent amnesic effect after FNZ in rats,
      submitted to NOR task.

PMID- 27127909
TI  - Cortical Bone Morphological and Trabecular Bone Microarchitectural Changes in the
      Mandible and Femoral Neck of Ovariectomized Rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study used microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) to evaluate the
      effects of ovariectomy on the trabecular bone microarchitecture and cortical bone
      morphology in the femoral neck and mandible of female rats. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Twelve female Wister rats were divided into two groups: the control and
      ovariectomized groups. The rats in the ovariectomized group received ovariectomy
      at 8 weeks of age; all the rats were sacrificed at 20 weeks of age, and their
      mandibles and femurs were removed and scanned using micro-CT. Four
      microstructural trabecular bone parameters were measured for the region below the
      first mandibular molar and the femoral neck region: bone volume fraction (BV/TV),
      trabecular thickness (TbTh), trabecular separation (TbSp), and trabecular number
      (TbN). In addition, four cortical bone parameters were measured for the femoral
      neck region: total cross-sectional area (TtAr), cortical area (CtAr), cortical
      bone area fraction (CtAr/TtAr), and cortical thickness (CtTh). The CtTh at the
      masseteric ridge was used to assess the cortical bone morphology in the mandible.
      The trabecular bone microarchitecture and cortical bone morphology in the femoral
      necks and mandibles of the control group were compared with those of the
      ovariectomized group. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation (rs) was conducted to
      analyze the correlation between the osteoporosis conditions of the mandible and
      femoral neck. RESULTS: Regarding the trabecular bone microarchitectural
      parameters, the BV/TV of the trabecular bone microarchitecture in the femoral
      necks of the control group (61.199+/-11.288%, median +/- interquartile range) was
      significantly greater than that of the ovariectomized group (40.329+/-5.153%).
      Similarly, the BV/TV of the trabecular bone microarchitecture in the mandibles of
      the control group (51.704+/-6.253%) was significantly greater than that of the
      ovariectomized group (38.486+/-9.111%). Furthermore, the TbSp of the femoral
      necks in the ovariectomized group (0.185+/-0.066 mm) was significantly greater
      than that in the control group (0.130+/-0.026mm). Similarly, the TbSp of the
      mandibles in the ovariectomized group (0.322+/-0.047mm) was significantly greater
      than that in the control group (0.285+/-0.041mm). However, the TbTh and TbN
      trends for the mandibles and femoral necks were inconsistent between the control
      and ovariectomized groups. Regarding the cortical bone morphology parameters, the
      TtAr of the femoral necks in the ovariectomized group was significantly smaller
      than that in the control group. There was no significant difference in the TtAr,
      CtAr, or CtTh of the femoral necks between the control and ovariectomized groups,
      and no significant difference in the CtTh of the mandibles between the control
      and ovariectomized groups. Moreover, the BV/TV and TbSp of the mandibles were
      highly correlated with those of the femurs (rs = 0.874 and rs = 0.755 for BV/TV
      and TbSp, respectively). Nevertheless, the TbTh, TbN, and CtTh of the mandibles
      were not correlated with those of the femoral necks. CONCLUSION: After the rats
      were ovariectomized, osteoporosis of the trabecular bone microarchitecture
      occurred in their femurs and mandibles; however, ovariectomy did not influence
      the cortical bone morphology. In addition, the parametric values of the
      trabecular bone microarchitecture in the femoral necks were highly correlated
      with those of the trabecular bone microarchitecture in the mandibles.

PMID- 27127912
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of paracetamol in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive, irreversible disease
      causing damage of the gland. Abdominal pains are a typical symptom of
      pancreatitis both in the chronic and acute form. Paracetamol is one of analgesics
      used for treating mild or moderate pain. Functional and anatomical changes in the
      gastrointestinal tract caused by pancreatitis may influence on the
      pharmacokinetics of administered drugs. METHODS: In the present study we analysed
      the pharmacokinetics of paracetamol after oral and intravenous administration to
      patients with CP. The patients were allocated to one of the two groups of the
      drug under study: I iv, intravenous administration of paracetamol 1000mg (n=17;
      mean [SD] age, 46.18 [13.78] years; and BMI, 22.03 [2.62]kg/m(2)) and II po, oral
      administration of paracetamol 1000mg (n=17; mean [SD] age, 48.29 [10.08] years;
      and BMI, 22.50 [2.92]kg/m(2). The plasma concentrations of paracetamol and its
      metabolite (glucuronide) were measured with the validated high-pressure liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) method with ultraviolet (UV) detection. RESULTS: The main
      pharmacokinetic parameters for paracetamol after iv and po administration to
      patients with CP were as follows: Cmax, 19.00 [4.50] and Cmax, 9.26 [3.35]MUg/ml;
      AUC0-t, 42.37 [13.92] and 36.68 [11.7]MUg*h/mL, respectively. After iv and po
      administration the AUC ratio between the metabolite (glucuronide) and paracetamol
      was enhanced. CONCLUSIONS: The research findings revealed that patients with
      chronic pancreatitis had lower concentrations of paracetamol. Therefore, it may
      be necessary to apply additional analgesic therapy. Moreover, we observed
      enhanced glucuronidation in our patients.

PMID- 27127913
TI  - A Single-Center 10-Year Experience with Pasireotide in Cushing's Disease:
      Patients' Characteristics and Outcome.
AB  - Pasireotide is the first pituitary-directed drug approved for treating patients
      with Cushing's disease (CD). Our 10-year experience with pasireotide in CD is
      reported here. Twenty patients with de novo, persistent, or recurrent CD after
      pituitary surgery were treated with pasireotide from December 2003 to December
      2014. Twelve patients were treated with pasireotide in randomized trials and 8
      patients with pasireotide sc (Signifor((r)); Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland) in
      clinical practice. The mean treatment duration was 20.5 months (median 9 months;
      range, 3-72 months). Urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels mean percentage change
      (+/- SD) at last follow-up was-40.4% (+/- 35.1; range, 2-92%; median reduction
      33.3%) with a normalization rate of 50% (10/20). Ten patients achieved sustained
      normalized late night salivary cortisol (LNSC) levels during treatment. LNSC
      normalization was associated with UFC normalization in 7/10 patients. Serum
      cortisol and plasma ACTH significantly decreased from baseline to last follow-up.
      Body weight decrease and blood pressure improvement during pasireotide treatment
      were independent from UFC response. Glucose profile worsening was observed in all
      patients except one. The frequency of diabetes mellitus increased from 40% (8/20)
      at baseline to 85% (17/20) at last follow-up requiring initiation of medical
      treatment only in 44% of patients. Pasireotide treatment was associated with
      sustained biochemical and clinical benefit in about 60% of CD patients. Glucose
      profile alteration is a frequent complication of pasireotide treatment; however,
      it seems to be easy to manage with diet and lifestyle intervention in almost half
      of the patients. 

PMID- 27127915
TI  - Global and regional lung function in cystic fibrosis measured by electrical
      impedance tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) delivers information about
      global and regional ventilation. Linearity of EIT during tidal breathing is
      known. We investigated the feasibility of EIT during lung function tests in
      pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and healthy controls. METHODS:
      Eleven CF patients and 11 age-matched controls underwent spirometry and
      simultaneous EIT. Global EIT results were scaled to spirometric forced vital
      capacity (FVC). Subsequently, global and regional "EIT-spirometry" was calculated
      and correlated with clinical findings, radiology, and lung function results
      before and after bronchospasmolysis (BSL). RESULTS: Spirometry and global EIT
      results correlated essentially (r2  = 0.71-1.0, P < 0.001). While lung function
      results were comparable for both groups, EIT demonstrated inhomogeneous
      ventilation and individual changes after BSL. CONCLUSIONS: EIT changes during
      forced expiration correlate with lung function parameters, clinical findings, and
      radiology. Regional analysis of EIT illustrates regional lung function and
      visualizes individual therapeutic effects. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1191-1199.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27127916
TI  - Probing Exciton Diffusion and Dissociation in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube-C(60)
      Heterojunctions.
AB  - The efficiency of thin-film organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices relies heavily
      upon the transport of excitons to type-II heterojunction interfaces, where there
      is sufficient driving force for exciton dissociation and ultimately the formation
      of charge carriers. Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are
      strong near-infrared absorbers that form type-II heterojunctions with fullerenes
      such as C60. Although the efficiencies of SWCNT-fullerene OPV devices have
      climbed over the past few years, questions remain regarding the fundamental
      factors that currently limit their performance. In this study, we determine the
      exciton diffusion length in the C60 layer of SWCNT-C60 bilayer active layers
      using femtosecond transient absorption measurements. We demonstrate that hole
      transfer from photoexcited C60 molecules to SWCNTs can be tracked by the growth
      of narrow spectroscopic signatures of holes in the SWCNT "reporter layer". In
      bilayers with thick C60 layers, the SWCNT charge-related signatures display a
      slow rise over hundreds of picoseconds, reflecting exciton diffusion through the
      C60 layer to the interface. A model based on exciton diffusion with a Beer
      Lambert excitation profile, as well as Monte Carlo simulations, gives the best
      fit to the data as a function of C60 layer thickness using an exciton diffusion
      length of approximately 5 nm.

PMID- 27127918
TI  - Dementia after Cardiac Surgery: Is It the Procedure or the Patient?

PMID- 27127917
TI  - Pharmacometabolomics in Early-Phase Clinical Development.

PMID- 27127919
TI  - Prevalence of Dementia 7.5 Years after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is well described
      after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, a major concern has been that
      a progressive decline in cognition will ultimately lead to dementia. Since
      dementia interferes with the ability to carry out daily functions, the impact has
      far greater ramifications than cognitive decline defined purely by a decreased
      ability to perform on a battery of neurocognitive tests. The authors hypothesized
      that early cognitive impairment measured as baseline cognitive impairment is
      associated with an increased risk of long-term dementia. METHODS: The authors
      conducted a prospective longitudinal study on 326 patients aged 55 yr and older
      at the time of undergoing CABG surgery. Dementia was classified by expert opinion
      on review of performance on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale and several other
      assessment tasks. Patients were also assessed for POCD at 3 and 12 months and at
      7.5 yr using a battery of neuropsychologic tests and classified using the
      reliable change index. Associations were assessed using univariable analysis.
      RESULTS: At 7.5 yr after CABG surgery, the prevalence of dementia was 36 of 117
      patients (30.8%; 95% CI, 23 to 40). POCD was detected in 62 of 189 patients
      (32.8%; 95% CI, 26 to 40). Due to incomplete assessments, the majority (113
      patients), but not all, were assessed for both dementia and POCD. Fourteen of 32
      (44%) patients with dementia were also classified as having POCD. Preexisting
      cognitive impairment and peripheral vascular disease were both associated with
      dementia 7.5 yr after CABG surgery. POCD at both 3 (odds ratio, 3.06; 95% CI,
      1.39 to 9.30) and 12 months (odds ratio, 4.74; 95% CI, 1.63 to 13.77) was
      associated with an increased risk of mortality by 7.5 yr. CONCLUSIONS: The
      prevalence of dementia at 7.5 yr after CABG surgery is greatly increased compared
      to population prevalence. Impaired cognition before surgery or the presence of
      cardiovascular disease may contribute to the high prevalence.

PMID- 27127920
TI  - Faecal bacterial composition in dairy cows shedding Mycobacterium avium subsp.
      paratuberculosis in faeces in comparison with nonshedding cows.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine possible differences in the faecal
      microbiota of dairy cows infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp.
      paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in comparison with noninfected cows from the
      same herds. Faecal samples from cows in 4 herds were tested for M. avium subsp.
      paratuberculosis by real-time PCR, and faecal bacterial populations were analysed
      by 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The most notable differences between
      shedding and nonshedding cows were an increase in the genus Psychrobacter and a
      decrease in the genera Oscillospira, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium in cows
      infected with M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis. The present study is the first to
      report the faecal microbial composition in dairy cows infected with M. avium
      subsp. paratuberculosis. 

PMID- 27127921
TI  - Transcriptome analysis of bovine oocytes from distinct follicle sizes: Insights
      from correlation network analysis.
AB  - Follicle size is recognized as a predictor of the potential for the enclosed
      oocyte to yield an embryo following in vitro maturation and in vitro
      fertilization. Oocytes from larger follicles are more likely to reach the
      blastocyst stage than those from smaller follicles. A growing oocyte accumulates
      all the transcripts needed to ensure development until the maternal embryonic
      transition, and this accumulation must be completed before the period of
      transcriptional arrest. Accordingly, the transcriptomes of bovine germinal
      vesicle-stage oocytes collected from follicles of increasing sizes (<3, 3-5, >5
      8, and >8 mm) were evaluated, using the EmbryoGENE bovine transcriptomic platform
      (custom Agilent 4 * 44 K), to better understand transcriptional modulation in the
      oocyte as the follicle becomes larger. Microarray analyses revealed very few
      differences between oocytes from small follicles (<3 vs. 3-5 mm), whereas an
      important number of differences were detected at the mRNA level between oocytes
      from larger follicles. Weighted gene correlation network analysis allowed for the
      identification of several hub genes involved in crucial functions such as
      transcriptional regulation (TAF2), chromatin remodeling (PPP1CB), energy
      production (SLC25A31), as well as transport of key molecules within the cell
      (NAGPA, CYHR1, and SLC3A12). The results presented here thus reinforce the
      hypothesis that developmental competence acquisition cannot be seen as a simple
      one-step process, especially in regards to the modulation of mRNA. Mol. Reprod.
      Dev. 83: 558-569, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27127922
TI  - Mechanistic Aspects of the Palladium-Catalyzed Isomerization of Allenic Sulfones
      to 1-Arylsulfonyl 1,3-Dienes.
AB  - When an allenic sulfone is treated under palladium catalysis in the presence of a
      weak acid, isomerization to a 1-arylsulfonyl 1,3-diene occurs. Investigations of
      the mechanistic aspects of this isomerization were performed, leading to the
      mechanism proposed herein. Some further studies of reaction parameters are
      reported.

PMID- 27127923
TI  - Electrokinetic treatment of an agricultural soil contaminated with heavy metals.
AB  - The high organic matter content in agricultural soils tends to complex and retain
      contaminants such as heavy metals. Electrokinetic remediation was tested in an
      agricultural soil contaminated with Co(+2), Zn(+2), Cd(+2), Cu(+2), Cr(VI),
      Pb(+2) and Hg(+2). The unenhanced electrokinetic treatment was not able to remove
      heavy metals from the soil due to the formation of precipitates in the alkaline
      environment in the soil section close to the cathode. Moreover, the interaction
      between metals and organic matter probably limited metal transportation under the
      effect of the electric field. Citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
      (EDTA) were used in the catholyte as complexing agents in order to enhance the
      extractability and removal of heavy metals from soil. These complexing agents
      formed negatively charged complexes that migrated towards the anode. The acid
      front electrogenerated at the anode favored the dissolution of heavy metals that
      were transported towards the cathode. The combined effect of the soil pH and the
      complexing agents resulted in the accumulation of heavy metals in the center of
      the soil specimen. 

PMID- 27127924
TI  - Evaluation of Glaucoma Progression in Large-Scale Clinical Data: The Japanese
      Archive of Multicentral Databases in Glaucoma (JAMDIG).
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a large-scale real clinical database of glaucoma (Japanese
      Archive of Multicentral Databases in Glaucoma: JAMDIG) and to investigate the
      effect of treatment. METHODS: The study included a total of 1348 eyes of 805
      primary open-angle glaucoma patients with 10 visual fields (VFs) measured with 24
      2 or 30-2 Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) records in
      10 institutes in Japan. Those with 10 reliable VFs were further identified (638
      eyes of 417 patients). Mean total deviation (mTD) of the 52 test points in the 24
      2 HFA VF was calculated, and the relationship between mTD progression rate and
      seven variables (age, mTD of baseline VF, average IOP, standard deviation (SD) of
      IOP, previous argon/selective laser trabeculoplasties (ALT/SLT), previous
      trabeculectomy, and previous trabeculotomy) was analyzed. RESULTS: The mTD in the
      initial VF was -6.9 +/- 6.2 dB and the mTD progression rate was -0.26 +/- 0.46
      dB/year. Mean IOP during the follow-up period was 13.5 +/- 2.2 mm Hg. Age and SD
      of IOP were related to mTD progression rate. However, in eyes with average IOP
      below 15 and also 13 mm Hg, only age and baseline VF mTD were related to mTD
      progression rate. CONCLUSIONS: Age and the degree of VF damage were related to
      future progression. Average IOP was not related to the progression rate; however,
      fluctuation of IOP was associated with faster progression, although this was not
      the case when average IOP was below 15 mm Hg.

PMID- 27127925
TI  - Analysis of Peripapillary Atrophy in Relation to Macular Geographic Atrophy in
      Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence,
      configuration, and progression of peripapillary atrophy (PPA) relative to macular
      geographic atrophy (GA) in AMD. METHODS: Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
      images of 413 eyes of 413 patients with GA secondary to AMD (median age, 77.0
      years) were evaluated for the presence and configuration of PPA at baseline. In
      addition, the progression of PPA and the regression of the shortest linear
      dimension between PPA and GA ("buffer zone") were assessed in 164 eyes that had
      completed 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, PPA was present in 357
      (86.4%) of 413 eyes, of which 330 eyes (79.9%) were classified as nonconfluent
      and 27 eyes (6.5%) as confluent PPA. At month 12, eight eyes had transformed from
      nonconfluent to confluent PPA. The median buffer zone at baseline was
      significantly smaller in these latter eyes than in eyes where the PPA remained
      nonconfluent (168.46 vs. 1451.64 MUm; P < 0.001). The mean regression rate of the
      buffer zone was 163.0 MUm/y (interquartile range, 77.2-281.3). CONCLUSIONS:
      Peripapillary atrophy is highly prevalent in eyes with GA due to AMD. Assessment
      of the buffer zone in eyes with nonconfluent PPA at baseline may be helpful to
      identify subjects at risk for the progression to confluent PPA. In future
      interventional clinical trials, it may be useful to exclude any eyes both with
      confluent PPA at baseline and at risk for development of confluent PPA over time
      to improve the accuracy of GA lesion size quantification and its enlargement over
      time.

PMID- 27127926
TI  - Semiautomatic Segmentation of Rim Area Focal Hyperautofluorescence Predicts
      Progression of Geographic Atrophy Due to Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop image analysis software usable by nonexpert graders to
      segment geographic atrophy (GA) from dry AMD and to quantify rim area focal
      hyperautofluorescence (RAFH) surrounding GA on fundus autofluorescence (FAF)
      images. To compare the GA progression predictions based on RAFH with those of a
      validated qualitative classification system. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of
      serial FAF images from 49 eyes of 30 subjects with GA was performed using MATLAB
      based software (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA). Correlation between RAFH and
      progression of GA was analyzed using Spearman correlation. Comparisons of lesion
      growth rate between RAFH tertiles used generalized estimating equations and
      Kruskal-Wallis testing. Interobserver variability in lesion size, growth rate and
      RAFH were compared between two expert and one nonexpert grader using Bland-Altman
      statistics. RESULTS: Rim area focal hyperautofluorescence was positively
      correlated with GA progression rate (rho = 0.49, P < 0.001). Subjects in the
      middle or highest RAFH tertile were at greater risk of progression (P = 0.005 and
      P = 0.001, respectively). Mean difference in RAFH was 0.012 between expert and 
      0.005 to 0.017 between expert and nonexperts. Mean difference in lesion size
      (mm2) was 0.11 between expert and -0.29 to 0.41 between expert and nonexperts.
      Mean difference in lesion growth rate (mm2/mo) was 0.0098 between expert and 
      0.027 to 0.037 between expert and nonexperts. Risk stratification based on RAFH
      tertile was 96% identical across all graders. CONCLUSIONS: Our semiautomated
      image analysis software facilitates stratification of progression risk based on
      RAFH and enabled a nonexpert grader with minimal training to obtain results
      comparable to expert graders. Predictions based on RAFH were similar to those of
      a validated qualitative classification system.

PMID- 27127927
TI  - Cataract-Related Visual Impairment Corrected by Cataract Surgery and 10-Year
      Mortality: The Liwan Eye Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess 10-year mortality in people who had undergone cataract surgery
      with no residual visual impairment (VI) and those who had persistent VI due to
      cataract using a population-based cohort. METHODS: The Liwan Eye Study is a 10
      year longitudinal study commenced in 2003. According to the World Health
      Organization, presenting VI was defined as visual acuity less than 20/63 in the
      better-seeing eye. History of cataract surgery was defined as cataract surgery
      performed on either eye. Information on the date of surgery was recorded. Dates
      of death occurring between baseline and April 30, 2014 were obtained from the
      National Death Index data. Information on socioeconomic factors was obtained from
      questionnaire interviews. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to
      assess the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Fifty
      nine participants had undergone cataract surgery without residual VI and 67
      participants had persistent cataract-related VI. The 10-year mortality rate for
      participants who had undergone cataract surgery without residual VI was
      statistically significant lower than that in participants who had VI due to
      cataract based on log-rank test (32.2% vs. 64.2%; P = 0.002). This finding
      remained significant in the unadjusted Cox proportional hazards model (HR, 0.43;
      95% CI, 0.25-0.74; P = 0.002). After adjusting for age, sex, history of diabetes,
      and hypertension, body mass index (BMI), education level, and personal income,
      participants with cataract surgery and no residual VI did not have a higher
      chance of survival than participants with persistent VI due to cataract (HR,
      0.56; 95% CI, 0.26-1.20; P = 0.136). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract-related VI corrected
      by cataract surgery was not associated with better survival after adjusting for a
      number of possible confounders. Given our sample size is relatively small and
      limited power, further studies with larger sample are needed.

PMID- 27127928
TI  - Increased Levels of Dickkopf 3 in the Aqueous Humor of Patients With Diabetic
      Macular Edema.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate associations between diabetic macular edema (DME) and
      levels of the Wnt modulator Dickkopf 3 (DKK-3) in the aqueous humor (AH) of
      patients with DME and to analyze the clinical implications of this association.
      METHODS: Forty-four eyes of 39 patients with DME and 27 eyes of 27 controls were
      studied. Aqueous humor DKK-3 levels were measured by ELISA before the first
      intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB). Visual acuity assessments and
      spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed before and 3
      months after the first IVB. DKK-3 expression in high glucose-treated human Muller
      cells was examined by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Concentration of
      secreted DKK-3 in conditioned medium from human Muller cell cultures were
      analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS: ELISA showed increased DKK-3 levels in the eyes of
      DME patients compared with control subjects (median 207.86 ng/mL, range, 66.75
      499.64 vs. 94.94 ng/mL, 33.34-164.45 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Based on multivariate
      analyses, elevated DKK-3 levels were associated with increased inner nuclear
      layer (INL) volume on SD-OCT before IVB. Western blot and immunofluorescence
      analyses showed higher DKK-3 expression in high glucose-treated Muller cells than
      in control cells, with DKK-3 secretion also being increased. CONCLUSIONS: DKK-3
      expression was elevated in the AH of DME patients and in high glucose-treated
      human Muller cells. The observation of increased DKK-3 expression levels in the
      AH of DME patients with prominent edema in the INL suggests that the area of INL
      thickening might correlate with the area of reactive responses by Muller cells in
      these patients.

PMID- 27127929
TI  - Objective Evaluation of Functionality of Filtering Bleb Based on Polarization
      Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: The fibrosis score is a new diagnostic score that we have developed to
      evaluate the function of bleb structures after glaucoma filtration surgery using
      polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT). This study aims to
      assess the efficacy of the fibrosis score in discriminating nonfunctional from
      the functional blebs. METHODS: A total of 20 patients who had undergone glaucoma
      filtration surgery were imaged at different time periods after surgery using PS
      OCT. Birefringence tomography of blebs was obtained from PS-OCT, and the fibrosis
      score was computed for each patient. The fibrosis score is defined as the area of
      occupation of high birefringence area in the conjunctiva. The blebs were
      classified as functional or nonfunctional according to the IOP and the
      application of medication. The power of the fibrosis score to discriminate
      nonfunctional blebs from functional blebs was evaluated. RESULTS: The difference
      in the mean fibrosis score between the functional and nonfunctional bleb group
      was statistically significant. The fibrosis score showed good ability to
      discriminate nonfunctional from functional blebs. The area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve was 0.82. The best combination of the sensitivity
      and specificity was 67% and 100%, respectively, for classifying nonfunctional
      cases. CONCLUSIONS: The fibrosis score showed a high ability to discriminate
      nonfunctional from functional blebs. Polarization-sensitive OCT is a noninvasive
      technique that provides not only the fibrosis score but also standard structural
      tomography. It can be a comprehensive tool for longitudinal evaluation after
      filtration surgery for glaucoma.

PMID- 27127930
TI  - Progressive Loss of Retinal Ganglion Cells and Axons in Nonoptic Neuritis Eyes in
      Multiple Sclerosis: A Longitudinal Optical Coherence Tomography Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the rate of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer and retinal
      nerve fiber layer (RNFL) changes in nonoptic neuritis (NON) eyes of relapsing
      remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, and to find a specific imaging
      parameter useful for identifying disease progression. METHODS: Forty-five
      consecutive RRMS patients and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were
      enrolled. All patients were followed up for 3 years with annual optical coherence
      tomography (OCT) scans, which included a peripapillary ring scan protocol for
      RNFL analysis and a macular radial star-like scan to obtain RGC/inner plexiform
      layer (IPL) thickness measures. Healthy controls were scanned twice, 3 years
      apart. RESULTS: Retinal ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer and temporal RNFL
      (tRNFL) demonstrated highly significant thinning (P < 0.01), but all nasal
      segments and global RNFL (gRNFL) were not significantly different from normal
      controls. While receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis showed no
      advantage of RGC/IPL over tRNFL in cross-sectional detection of thinning, cut-off
      point based of fifth percentile in healthy controls demonstrated higher rate of
      abnormality for RGC/IPL. There was a significant progressive loss of RGC/IPL and
      tRNFL during the follow-up period. The largest thickness reduction was observed
      in tRNFL. ROC analysis demonstrated that tRNFL provided better
      sensitivity/specificity for detecting change over time than RGC/IPL (area under
      the curve [AUC] 0.78 vs. 0.52), which was confirmed by higher detection rate when
      95th percentile of progression in healthy controls was used as a cut-off.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed significant thinning of RGC/IPL and tRNFL in
      NON eyes of RRMS patients. Progressive losses were more apparent on tRNFL, while
      RGC/IPL showed less change over the follow-up period.

PMID- 27127931
TI  - Optical Coherence Tomography: A Potential Noninvasive Follow-up Tool in Multiple
      Sclerosis.

PMID- 27127932
TI  - UV-A Irradiation Activates Nrf2-Regulated Antioxidant Defense and Induces
      p53/Caspase3-Dependent Apoptosis in Corneal Endothelial Cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine whether Nrf2-regulated antioxidant defense and p53 are
      activated in human corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs) by environmental levels of
      ultraviolet A (UV-A), a known stimulator of oxidative stress. METHODS:
      Immortalized human CEnCs (HCEnCi) were exposed to UV-A fluences of 2.5, 5, 10, or
      25 J/cm2, then allowed to recover for 3 to 24 hours. Control HCEnCi did not
      receive UV-A. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using H2DCFDA. Cell
      cytotoxicity was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Levels of
      Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, p53, and caspase3 were detected by immunnoblotting or real
      time PCR. Activated caspase3 was measured by immunoblotting and a fluorescence
      assay. RESULTS: Exposure of HCEnCi to 5, 10, and 25 J/cm2 UV-A increased ROS
      levels compared with controls. Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 mRNA increased 1.7- to 3.2
      fold at 3 and 6 hours after irradiation with 2.5 and 5 J/cm2 UV-A. At 6 hours
      post irradiation, UV-A (5 J/cm2) enhanced nuclear Nrf2 translocation. At 24 hours
      post treatment, UV-A (5, 10, and 25 J/cm2) produced a 1.8- to 2.8-fold increase
      in phospho-p53 and a 2.6- to 6.0-fold increase in activated caspase3 compared
      with controls, resulting in 20% to 42% cell death. CONCLUSIONS: Lower fluences of
      UV-A induce Nrf2-regulated antioxidant defense and higher fluences activate p53
      and caspase3, indicating that even near-environmental levels of UV-A may affect
      normal CEnCs. This data suggest that UV-A may especially damage cells deficient
      in antioxidant defense, and thus may be involved in the etiology of Fuchs'
      endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).

PMID- 27127933
TI  - Characterization of Rat Meibomian Gland Ion and Fluid Transport.
AB  - PURPOSE: We establish novel primary rat meibomian gland (MG) cell culture systems
      and explore the ion transport activities of the rat MG. METHODS: Freshly excised
      rat MG tissues were characterized as follows: (1) mRNA expression of selected
      epithelial ion channels/transporters were measured by RT-PCR, (2) localization of
      epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) mRNAs was performed by in situ hybridization,
      and (3) protein expression and localization of betaENaC, the Na+/K+/Cl-
      cotransporter (NKCC), and the Na+/K+ ATPase were evaluated by immunofluorescence.
      Primary isolated rat MG cells were cocultured with 3T3 feeder cells and a Rho
      associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (Y-27632) for expansion. Passaged rat MG cells
      were cultured as planar sheets under air-liquid interface (ALI) conditions for
      gene expression and electrophysiologic studies. Passaged rat MG cells also were
      cultured in matrigel matrices to form spheroids, which were examined
      ultrastructurally by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and functionally
      using swelling assays. RESULTS: Expression of multiple ion channel/transporter
      genes was detected in rat MG tissues. beta-ENaC mRNA and protein were localized
      more to MG peripheral acinar cells than central acinar cells or ductular
      epithelial cells. Electrophysiologic studies of rat MG cell planar cultures
      demonstrated functional sodium, chloride, and potassium channels, and
      cotransporters activities. Transmission electron microscopic analyses of rat MG
      spheroids revealed highly differentiated MG cells with abundant lysosomal
      lamellar bodies. Rat MG spheroids culture-based measurements demonstrated active
      volume regulation by ion channels. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the
      presence and function of ion channels and volume transport by rat MG. Two novel
      primary MG cell culture models that may be useful for MG research were
      established.

PMID- 27127935
TI  - Interactive high-quality visualization of color volume datasets using GPU-based
      refinements of segmentation data.
AB  - Data sets containing colored anatomical images of the human body, such as Visible
      Human or Visible Korean, show realistic internal organ structures. However,
      imperfect segmentations of these color images, which are typically generated
      manually or semi-automatically, produces poor-quality rendering results. We
      propose an interactive high-quality visualization method using GPU-based
      refinements to aid in the study of anatomical structures. In order to represent
      the boundaries of a region-of-interest (ROI) smoothly, we apply Gaussian
      filtering to the opacity values of the color volume. Morphological grayscale
      erosion operations are performed to reduce the region size, which is expanded by
      Gaussian filtering. Pseudo-coloring and color blending are also applied to the
      color volume in order to give more informative rendering results. We implement
      these operations on GPUs to speed up the refinements. As a result, our method
      delivered high-quality result images with smooth boundaries and provided
      considerably faster refinements. The speed of these refinements is sufficient to
      be used with interactive renderings as the ROI changes, especially compared to
      CPU-based methods. Moreover, the pseudo-coloring methods used presented
      anatomical structures clearly.

PMID- 27127936
TI  - Analysis of esophageal cancer cell lines exposed to X-ray based on
      radiosensitivity influence by tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
AB  - Assess the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in enhancing the
      radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer cell line in vitro. Three esophageal cancer
      cell line cells were exposed to X-ray with or without TNF-alpha treatment. MTT
      assay was used to evaluate the cell growth curve, and flow cytometry was
      performed to assess the cell apoptosis. The radiosensitizing effects of TNF-alpha
      were detected by cell colony formation assay. Western blotting was applied to
      observe the expression of NF-kappaB and caspase-3 protein in the exposed cells.
      Our results indicated that cellular inhibition rate increased over time, the
      strongest is combined group (P < 0.05). Western blotting showed that the decline
      expression of NF-kappaB protein was stated between only rhTNF-alpha and only X
      ray radiation group and the maximum degree was manifested in combined group.
      Caspase-3 protein content expression just works opposite. Three kinds of cells in
      the NF-kappaB protein were similar without rhTNF-alpha. Then SEG1 NF-kappaB
      protein content was reduced more than other two kinds. We concluded that the
      cells treated with TNF-alpha showed significantly suppressed cell proliferation,
      increasing the cell apoptosis, and caspase-3 protein expression after X-ray
      exposure. TNF-alpha can enhance the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer to
      enhancing the effect of the former.

PMID- 27127937
TI  - Disparities in Retinoblastoma Presentation, Treatment, and Outcomes in Developed
      and Less-Developed Countries.
AB  - Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common intraocular malignancy in children. In the
      past century, RB survival rates in developed countries (DCs) have improved from
      <5% to as high as 99%. In contrast, in less developed countries (LDCs) where the
      tumor burden is greatest, survival rates remain poor, with some countries
      reporting survival rates as low as 0-5%. In addition, there are disparities
      between DCs and LDCs in RB presentation, treatment modalities, and prognosis.
      These disparities are due to many underlying causes, including delays in
      diagnosis, access to medical care, patient and physician familiarity with the
      disease, availability and cost of treatment, and patient acceptance of
      enucleation. It is our belief that attempts to extend the improvements in
      prognosis achieved in DCs to various LDCs must be culturally sensitive and
      tailored to each country's specific challenges, and thus, a "one-size-fits-all"
      approach to improving patient outcomes in LDCs is unlikely to work well. We
      discuss several culturally sensitive approaches that have been successfully
      implemented in various LDCs, including those that make use of telemedicine and
      "twinning" with centers of excellence around the world. 

PMID- 27127939
TI  - Insights from the Adsorption of Halide Ions on Graphene Materials.
AB  - Graphene has recently found applications in a wide range of fields. Density
      functional calculations show that halide ions can be adsorbed on pristine
      graphene, but only F(-) has an appreciable binding energy (-97.0 kJ mol(-1) ).
      Graphene materials, which are mainly electron donors, can be made strong electron
      acceptors by edge functionalization with F atoms. The binding strengths of halide
      ions are greatly enhanced by edge functionalization and show direct
      proportionality with the degree of functionalization Theta and increased charge
      transfer. In contrast, the adsorption strengths of metal ions on pristine
      graphene are clearly superior to those of halide ions but decline substantially
      with increasing degree of edge functionalization, and for Theta=100 %, the
      binding energies of -95.7, -44.8, and -25.9 kJ mol(-1) that are calculated for
      Li(+) , Na(+) , and K(+) , respectively, are obviously inferior to that of F(-) (
      186.3 kJ mol(-1) ). Thus, the electronic properties of graphene are fundamentally
      regulated by edge functionalization, and the preferential adsorption of certain
      metal ions or anions can be facilely realized by choice of an appropriate degree
      of functionalization. Adsorbed metal ions and anions behave differently on
      gradual addition of water molecules, and their binding strengths remain
      substantial when graphene materials are in the pristine and highly edge
      functionalized states, respectively. 

PMID- 27127938
TI  - Dietary patterns and the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus,
      cardiovascular diseases, asthma, and neurodegenerative diseases.
AB  - Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in the development chronic diseases;
      however the full complexity of this relationship is not yet understood. Dietary
      pattern investigation, which reflects the complexity of dietary intake, has
      emerged as an alternative and complementary approach for examining the
      association between diet and chronic diseases. Literature on this association has
      largely focused on individual nutrients, with conflicting outcomes, but
      individuals consume a combination of foods from many groups that form dietary
      patterns. Our objective was to systematically review the current findings on the
      effects of dietary patterns on chronic diseases. In this review, we describe and
      discuss the relationships between dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean,
      the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, Prudent, Seventh-day Adventists, and
      Western, with risk of obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases,
      asthma, and neurodegenearive diseases. Evidence is increasing from both
      observational and clinical studies that plant-based dietary patterns, which are
      rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are valuable in preventing various
      chronic diseases, whereas a diet high in red and processed meat, refined grains
      and added sugar seems to increase said risk. Dietary pattern analysis might be
      especially valuable to the development and evaluation of food-based dietary
      guidelines.

PMID- 27127934
TI  - Antioxidant Treatment Limits Neuroinflammation in Experimental Glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Besides primary neurotoxicity, oxidative stress may compromise the glial
      immune regulation and shift the immune homeostasis toward neurodegenerative
      inflammation in glaucoma. We tested this hypothesis through the analysis of
      neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative outcomes in mouse glaucoma using two
      experimental paradigms of decreased or increased oxidative stress. METHODS: The
      first experimental paradigm tested the effects of Tempol, a multifunctional
      antioxidant, given through osmotic mini-pumps for drug delivery by constant
      infusion. Following a 6-week treatment period after microbead/viscoelastic
      injection-induced ocular hypertension, retina and optic nerve samples were
      analyzed for markers of oxidative stress and cytokine profiles using specific
      bioassays. We also analyzed a redox-sensitive transcriptional regulator of
      neuroinflammation, namely NF-kappaB. The second paradigm included a similar
      analysis of the effects of overloaded oxidative stress on retina and optic nerve
      inflammation in mice knockout for a major antioxidant enzyme (SOD1(-/-)).
      RESULTS: Increased antioxidant capacity and decreased protein carbonyls and HNE
      adducts with Tempol treatment verified the drug delivery and biological function.
      Among a range of cytokines measured, proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1,
      IL-2, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha, exhibited more than 2-fold decreased titers in
      Tempol-treated ocular hypertensive eyes. Antioxidant treatment also resulted in a
      prominent decrease in NF-kappaB activation in the ocular hypertensive retina and
      optic nerve. Although pharmacological treatment limiting the oxidative stress
      resulted in decreased neuroinflammation, ocular hypertension-induced
      neuroinflammatory responses were increased in SOD1(-/-) mice with defective
      antioxidant response. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the oxidative stress
      related mechanisms of neuroinflammation and the potential of antioxidant
      treatment as an immunomodulation strategy for neuroprotection in glaucoma.

PMID- 27127940
TI  - Mild and Copper-Free Stereoselective Cyanation of gem-Difluoroalkenes by Using
      Benzyl Nitrile as a Cyanating Reagent.
AB  - A novel copper-free highly stereoselective cyanation of gem-difluoroalkenes by
      using benzyl nitrile as a cyanating reagent with the assistance of tBuOLi under
      air atmosphere at room temperature was developed. A variety of versatile
      fluorinated alkenyl nitriles were obtained. The proposed mechanism involved the C
      H bond oxidation, C-CN bond cleavage, and then nucleophilic vinylic substitution
      (SN V). 

PMID- 27127941
TI  - Fish and chips: Curious to know what those little white spots might be on your
      next fish?

PMID- 27127943
TI  - Editorial: Climate Science: An Invitation for Physicists.

PMID- 27127944
TI  - No Fine Theorem for Macrorealism: Limitations of the Leggett-Garg Inequality.
AB  - Tests of local realism and macrorealism have historically been discussed in very
      similar terms: Leggett-Garg inequalities follow Bell inequalities as necessary
      conditions for classical behavior. Here, we compare the probability polytopes
      spanned by all measurable probability distributions for both scenarios and show
      that their structure differs strongly between spatially and temporally separated
      measurements. We arrive at the conclusion that, in contrast to tests of local
      realism where Bell inequalities form a necessary and sufficient set of
      conditions, no set of inequalities can ever be necessary and sufficient for a
      macrorealistic description. Fine's famous proof that Bell inequalities are
      necessary and sufficient for the existence of a local realistic model, therefore,
      cannot be transferred to macrorealism. A recently proposed condition, no
      signaling in time, fulfills this criterion, and we show why it is better suited
      for future experimental tests and theoretical studies of macrorealism. Our work
      thereby identifies a major difference between the mathematical structures of
      local realism and macrorealism.

PMID- 27127945
TI  - Hardware-Efficient and Fully Autonomous Quantum Error Correction in
      Superconducting Circuits.
AB  - Superconducting qubits are among the most promising platforms for building a
      quantum computer. However, individual qubit coherence times are not far past the
      scalability threshold for quantum error correction, meaning that millions of
      physical devices would be required to construct a useful quantum computer.
      Consequently, further increases in coherence time are very desirable. In this
      Letter, we blueprint a simple circuit consisting of two transmon qubits and two
      additional lossy qubits or resonators, which is passively protected against all
      single-qubit quantum error channels through a combination of continuous driving
      and engineered dissipation. Photon losses are rapidly corrected through two
      photon drive fields implemented with driven superconducting quantum interference
      device couplings, and dephasing from random potential fluctuations is heavily
      suppressed by the drive fields used to implement the multiqubit Hamiltonian.
      Comparing our theoretical model to published noise estimates from recent
      experiments on flux and transmon qubits, we find that logical state coherence
      could be improved by a factor of 40 or more compared to the individual qubit
      T_{1} and T_{2} using this technique. We thus demonstrate that there is
      substantial headroom for improving the coherence of modern superconducting qubits
      with a fairly modest increase in device complexity.

PMID- 27127946
TI  - Robustness of Coherence: An Operational and Observable Measure of Quantum
      Coherence.
AB  - Quantifying coherence is an essential endeavor for both quantum foundations and
      quantum technologies. Here, the robustness of coherence is defined and proven to
      be a full monotone in the context of the recently introduced resource theories of
      quantum coherence. The measure is shown to be observable, as it can be recast as
      the expectation value of a coherence witness operator for any quantum state. The
      robustness of coherence is evaluated analytically on relevant classes of states,
      and an efficient semidefinite program that computes it on general states is
      given. An operational interpretation is finally provided: the robustness of
      coherence quantifies the advantage enabled by a quantum state in a phase
      discrimination task.

PMID- 27127947
TI  - Qubit Noise Spectroscopy for Non-Gaussian Dephasing Environments.
AB  - We introduce open-loop quantum control protocols for characterizing the spectral
      properties of non-Gaussian noise, applicable to both classical and quantum
      dephasing environments. By engineering a multidimensional frequency comb via
      repetition of suitably designed pulse sequences, the desired high-order spectra
      may be related to observable properties of the qubit probe. We prove that access
      to a high time resolution is key to achieving spectral reconstruction over an
      extended bandwidth, overcoming the limitations of existing schemes. Non-Gaussian
      spectroscopy is demonstrated for a classical noise model describing quadratic
      dephasing at an optimal point, as well as a quantum spin-boson model out of
      equilibrium. In both cases, we obtain spectral reconstructions that accurately
      predict the qubit dynamics in the non-Gaussian regime.

PMID- 27127948
TI  - Distribution of Quantum Coherence in Multipartite Systems.
AB  - The distribution of coherence in multipartite systems is examined. We use a new
      coherence measure with entropic nature and metric properties, based on the
      quantum Jensen-Shannon divergence. The metric property allows for the coherence
      to be decomposed into various contributions, which arise from local and intrinsic
      coherences. We find that there are trade-off relations between the various
      contributions of coherence, as a function of parameters of the quantum state. In
      bipartite systems the coherence resides on individual sites or is distributed
      among the sites, which contribute in a complementary way. In more complex
      systems, the characteristics of the coherence can display more subtle changes
      with respect to the parameters of the quantum state. In the case of the XXZ
      Heisenberg model, the coherence changes from a monogamous to a polygamous nature.
      This allows us to define the shareability of coherence, leading to monogamy
      relations for coherence.

PMID- 27127949
TI  - Gatemon Benchmarking and Two-Qubit Operations.
AB  - Recent experiments have demonstrated superconducting transmon qubits with
      semiconductor nanowire Josephson junctions. These hybrid gatemon qubits utilize
      field effect tunability characteristic of semiconductors to allow complete qubit
      control using gate voltages, potentially a technological advantage over
      conventional flux-controlled transmons. Here, we present experiments with a two
      qubit gatemon circuit. We characterize qubit coherence and stability and use
      randomized benchmarking to demonstrate single-qubit gate errors below 0.7% for
      all gates, including voltage-controlled Z rotations. We show coherent capacitive
      coupling between two gatemons and coherent swap operations. Finally, we perform a
      two-qubit controlled-phase gate with an estimated fidelity of 91%, demonstrating
      the potential of gatemon qubits for building scalable quantum processors.

PMID- 27127950
TI  - Testing the Equivalence Principle and Lorentz Invariance with PeV Neutrinos from
      Blazar Flares.
AB  - It was recently proposed that a giant flare of the blazar PKS B1424-418 at
      redshift z=1.522 is in association with a PeV-energy neutrino event detected by
      IceCube. Based on this association we here suggest that the flight time
      difference between the PeV neutrino and gamma-ray photons from blazar flares can
      be used to constrain the violations of equivalence principle and the Lorentz
      invariance for neutrinos. From the calculated Shapiro delay due to clusters or
      superclusters in the nearby universe, we find that violation of the equivalence
      principle for neutrinos and photons is constrained to an accuracy of at least
      10^{-5}, which is 2 orders of magnitude tighter than the constraint placed by MeV
      neutrinos from supernova 1987A. Lorentz invariance violation (LIV) arises in
      various quantum-gravity theories, which predicts an energy-dependent velocity of
      propagation in vacuum for particles. We find that the association of the PeV
      neutrino with the gamma-ray outburst set limits on the energy scale of possible
      LIV to >0.01E_{pl} for linear LIV models and >6*10^{-8}E_{pl} for quadratic order
      LIV models, where E_{pl} is the Planck energy scale. These are the most stringent
      constraints on neutrino LIV for subluminal neutrinos.

PMID- 27127951
TI  - Circular Polarizations of Gravitational Waves from Core-Collapse Supernovae: A
      Clear Indication of Rapid Rotation.
AB  - We propose to employ the circular polarization of gravitational waves emitted by
      core-collapse supernovae as an unequivocal indication of rapid rotation deep in
      their cores just prior to collapse. It has been demonstrated by three dimensional
      simulations that nonaxisymmetric accretion flows may develop spontaneously via
      hydrodynamical instabilities in the postbounce cores. It is not surprising, then,
      that the gravitational waves emitted by such fluid motions are circularly
      polarized. We show, in this Letter, that a network of the second generation
      detectors of gravitational waves worldwide may be able to detect such
      polarizations up to the opposite side of the Galaxy as long as the rotation
      period of the core is shorter than a few seconds prior to collapse.

PMID- 27127952
TI  - White Dwarf Critical Tests for Modified Gravity.
AB  - Scalar-tensor theories of gravity can lead to modifications of the gravitational
      force inside astrophysical objects. We exhibit that compact stars such as white
      dwarfs provide a unique setup to test beyond Horndeski theories of G^{3} type. We
      obtain stringent and independent constraints on the parameter Upsilon
      characterizing the deviations from Newtonian gravity using the mass-radius
      relation, the Chandrasekhar mass limit, and the maximal rotational frequency of
      white dwarfs. We find that white dwarfs impose stronger constraints on Upsilon
      than red and brown dwarfs.

PMID- 27127953
TI  - Interstellar ^{60}Fe on the Surface of the Moon.
AB  - A dying massive star ends in a supernova explosion ejecting a large fraction of
      its mass into the interstellar medium. If this happens nearby, part of the ejecta
      might end on Solar System bodies and, in fact, radioactive ^{60}Fe has been
      detected on the Pacific ocean floor in about 2 Ma old layers. Here, we report on
      the detection of this isotope also in lunar samples, originating presumably from
      the same event. The concentration of the cosmic ray produced isotope ^{53}Mn,
      measured in the same samples, proves the supernova origin of the ^{60}Fe. From
      the ^{60}Fe concentrations found we deduce a reliable value for the local
      interstellar fluence in the range of 1*10^{8}  at/cm^{2}. Thus, we obtain
      constraints on the recent and nearby supernova(e).

PMID- 27127955
TI  - Quantum Gravitational Force Between Polarizable Objects.
AB  - Since general relativity is a consistent low energy effective field theory, it is
      possible to compute quantum corrections to classical forces. Here we compute a
      quantum correction to the gravitational potential between a pair of polarizable
      objects. We study two distant bodies and compute a quantum force from their
      induced quadrupole moments due to two-graviton exchange. The effect is in close
      analogy to the Casimir-Polder and London-van der Waals forces between a pair of
      atoms from their induced dipole moments due to two photon exchange. The new
      effect is computed from the shift in vacuum energy of metric fluctuations due to
      the polarizability of the objects. We compute the potential energy at arbitrary
      distances compared to the wavelengths in the system, including the far and near
      regimes. In the far distance, or retarded, regime, the potential energy takes on
      a particularly simple form: V(r)=-3987hcG^{2}alpha_{1S}alpha_{2S}/(4pir^{11}),
      where alpha_{1S}, alpha_{2S} are the static gravitational quadrupole
      polarizabilities of each object. We provide estimates of this effect.

PMID- 27127957
TI  - Footprints of New Strong Dynamics via Anomaly and the 750 GeV Diphoton.
AB  - The chiral anomaly provides smoking-gun evidence of a new confining gauge theory.
      Motivated by a reported event excess in a diphoton invariant mass distribution at
      the LHC, we discuss a scenario that a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone (PNG) boson of a new
      QCD-like theory is produced by gluon fusion and decays into a pair of the
      standard model gauge bosons. Despite the strong dynamics, the production cross
      section and the decay widths are determined by an anomaly matching condition. The
      excess can be explained by the PNG boson with mass of around 750 GeV. The model
      also predicts exotic hadrons such as a color-octet scalar and baryons. Some of
      them are within the reach of the LHC experiment.

PMID- 27127956
TI  - Probing the Dark Sector with Dark Matter Bound States.
AB  - A model of the dark sector where O(few  GeV) mass dark matter particles chi
      couple to a lighter dark force mediator V, m_{V}?m_{chi}, is motivated by the
      recently discovered mismatch between simulated and observed shapes of galactic
      halos. Such models, in general, provide a challenge for direct detection efforts
      and collider searches. We show that for a large range of coupling constants and
      masses, the production and decay of the bound states of chi, such as 0^{-+} and
      1^{--} states, eta_{D} and Upsilon_{D}, is an important search channel. We show
      that e^{+}e^{-}->eta_{D}+V or Upsilon_{D}+gamma production at B factories for
      alpha_{D}>0.1 is sufficiently strong to result in multiple pairs of charged
      leptons and pions via eta_{D}->2V->2(l^{+}l^{-}) and Upsilon_{D}->3V->3(l^{+}l^{
      }) (l=e,MU,pi). The absence of such final states in the existing searches
      performed at BABAR and Belle sets new constraints on the parameter space of the
      model. We also show that a search for multiple bremsstrahlung of dark force
      mediators, e^{+}e^{-}->chichi[over -]+nV, resulting in missing energy and
      multiple leptons, will further improve the sensitivity to self-interacting dark
      matter.

PMID- 27127958
TI  - Pseudoscalar Decaying Only via Loops as an Explanation for the 750 GeV Diphoton
      Excess.
AB  - We construct a weakly coupled renormalizable model to explain the 750 GeV
      diphoton excess. The 750 GeV resonance [denoted as X(750)] is interpreted as a
      pseudoscalar coming from a complex singlet. The model also naturally provides a
      dark matter candidate. One of the most attractive feature of the model is that
      decays of X(750) are all loop induced, so the diphoton rate is not diluted by
      unwanted tree level branching fractions. Relevant Yukawa interactions need not be
      tuned to the near-nonperturbative region to explain the rate. The model is highly
      predictive, including the pseudoscalar nature of X(750) and two nearly mass
      degenerate exotic quarks carrying electric charge 5/3 and 2/3, respectively. Rich
      phenomenology is expectedf with respect to collider searches, flavor physics, and
      dark matter detection, if X(750) can be pinned down by future LHC experiments.

PMID- 27127959
TI  - 750 GeV Diphoton Excess from the Goldstino Superpartner.
AB  - We interpret the diphoton excess recently reported by the ATLAS and CMS
      Collaborations as a new resonance arising from the sgoldstino scalar, which is
      the superpartner of the Goldstone mode of spontaneous supersymmetry breaking, the
      goldstino. The sgoldstino is produced at the LHC via gluon fusion and decays to
      photons, with interaction strengths proportional to the corresponding gaugino
      masses over the supersymmetry breaking scale. Fitting the excess, while evading
      bounds from searches in the dijet, Zgamma, ZZ, and WW final states, selects the
      supersymmetry breaking scale to be a few TeV and particular ranges for the
      gaugino masses. The two real scalars, corresponding to the CP-even and CP-odd
      parts of the complex sgoldstino, both have narrow widths, but their masses can be
      split of the order of 10-30 GeV by electroweak mixing corrections, which could
      account for the preference of a wider resonance width in the current low
      statistics data. In the parameter space under consideration, tree level F-term
      contributions to the Higgs mass arise, in addition to the standard D-term
      contribution proportional to the Z-boson mass, which can significantly enhance
      the tree level Higgs mass.

PMID- 27127960
TI  - 750 GeV Diphoton Excess May Not Imply a 750 GeV Resonance.
AB  - We discuss nonstandard interpretations of the 750 GeV diphoton excess recently
      reported by the ATLAS and CMS Collaborations which do not involve a new,
      relatively broad resonance with a mass near 750 GeV. Instead, we consider the
      sequential cascade decay of a much heavier, possibly quite narrow, resonance into
      two photons along with one or more additional particles. The resulting diphoton
      invariant mass signal is generically rather broad, as suggested by the data. We
      examine three specific event topologies-the "antler," the "sandwich," and the two
      step cascade decay-and show that they all can provide a good fit to the observed
      published data. In each case, we delineate the preferred mass parameter space
      selected by the best fit. In spite of the presence of extra particles in the
      final state, the measured diphoton p_{T} spectrum is moderate due to its
      anticorrelation with the diphoton invariant mass. We comment on the future
      prospects of discriminating with higher statistics between our scenarios, as well
      as from more conventional interpretations.

PMID- 27127954
TI  - Resolving the Extragalactic gamma-Ray Background above 50 GeV with the Fermi
      Large Area Telescope.
AB  - The Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) Collaboration has recently released a
      catalog of 360 sources detected above 50 GeV (2FHL). This catalog was obtained
      using 80 months of data re-processed with Pass 8, the newest event-level
      analysis, which significantly improves the acceptance and angular resolution of
      the instrument. Most of the 2FHL sources at high Galactic latitude are blazars.
      Using detailed Monte Carlo simulations, we measure, for the first time, the
      source count distribution, dN/dS, of extragalactic gamma-ray sources at E>50  GeV
      and find that it is compatible with a Euclidean distribution down to the lowest
      measured source flux in the 2FHL (~8*10^{-12}  ph cm^{-2} s^{-1}). We employ a
      one-point photon fluctuation analysis to constrain the behavior of dN/dS below
      the source detection threshold. Overall, the source count distribution is
      constrained over three decades in flux and found compatible with a broken power
      law with a break flux, S_{b}, in the range [8*10^{-12},1.5*10^{-11}]  ph cm^{-2}
      s^{-1} and power-law indices below and above the break of alpha_{2}?[1.60,1.75]
      and alpha_{1}=2.49+/-0.12, respectively. Integration of dN/dS shows that point
      sources account for at least 86_{-14}^{+16}% of the total extragalactic gamma-ray
      background. The simple form of the derived source count distribution is
      consistent with a single population (i.e., blazars) dominating the source counts
      to the minimum flux explored by this analysis. We estimate the density of sources
      detectable in blind surveys that will be performed in the coming years by the
      Cherenkov Telescope Array.

PMID- 27127962
TI  - Z-Boson Production in Association with a Jet at Next-To-Next-To-Leading Order in
      Perturbative QCD.
AB  - We present the first complete calculation of Z-boson production in association
      with a jet in hadronic collisions through next-to-next-to-leading order in
      perturbative QCD. Our computation uses the recently proposed N-jettiness
      subtraction scheme to regulate the infrared divergences that appear in the real
      emission contributions. We present phenomenological results for 13 TeV proton
      proton collisions with fully realistic fiducial cuts on the final-state
      particles. The remaining theoretical uncertainties after the inclusion of our
      calculations are at the percent level, making the Z+jet channel ready for
      precision studies at the LHC run II.

PMID- 27127963
TI  - Static Response of Neutron Matter.
AB  - We generalize the problem of strongly interacting neutron matter by adding a
      periodic external modulation. This allows us to study from first principles a
      neutron system that is extended and inhomogeneous, with connections to the
      physics of both neutron-star crusts and neutron-rich nuclei. We carry out fully
      nonperturbative microscopic quantum Monte Carlo calculations of the energy of
      neutron matter at different densities, as well as different strengths and
      periodicities of the external potential. In order to remove systematic errors, we
      examine finite-size effects and the impact of the wave function ansatz. We also
      make contact with energy-density functional theories of nuclei and disentangle
      isovector gradient contributions from bulk properties. Finally, we calculate the
      static density-density linear response function of neutron matter and compare it
      with the response of other physical systems.

PMID- 27127964
TI  - Pairing Nambu-Goldstone Modes within Nuclear Density Functional Theory.
AB  - We show that the Nambu-Goldstone formalism of the broken gauge symmetry in the
      presence of the T=1 pairing condensate offers a quantitative description of the
      binding-energy differences of open-shell superfluid nuclei. We conclude that the
      pairing-rotational moments of inertia are excellent pairing indicators, which are
      free from ambiguities attributed to odd-mass systems. We offer a new, unified
      interpretation of the binding-energy differences traditionally viewed in the
      shell model picture as signatures of the valence nucleon properties. We present
      the first systematic analysis of the off-diagonal pairing-rotational moments of
      inertia and demonstrate the mixing of the neutron and proton pairing-rotational
      modes in the ground states of even-even nuclei. Finally, we discuss the
      importance of mass measurements of neutron-rich nuclei for constraining the
      pairing energy density functional.

PMID- 27127965
TI  - Stark Interference of Electric and Magnetic Dipole Transitions in the A-X Band of
      OH.
AB  - An experimental method is demonstrated that allows determination of the ratio
      between the electric (E1) and magnetic (M1) transition dipole moments in the A-X
      band of OH, including their relative sign. Although the transition strengths
      differ by more than 3 orders of magnitude, the measured M1-to-E1 ratio agrees
      with the ratio of the ab initio calculated values to within 3%. The relative sign
      is found to be negative, also in agreement with theory.

PMID- 27127966
TI  - Supercooling of Atoms in an Optical Resonator.
AB  - We investigate laser cooling of an ensemble of atoms in an optical cavity. We
      demonstrate that when atomic dipoles are synchronized in the regime of steady
      state superradiance, the motion of the atoms may be subject to a giant frictional
      force leading to potentially very low temperatures. The ultimate temperature
      limits are determined by a modified atomic linewidth, which can be orders of
      magnitude smaller than the cavity linewidth. The cooling rate is enhanced by the
      superradiant emission into the cavity mode allowing reasonable cooling rates even
      for dipolar transitions with ultranarrow linewidth.

PMID- 27127967
TI  - Recurrent Delocalization and Quasiequilibration of Photons in Coupled Systems in
      Circuit Quantum Electrodynamics.
AB  - We explore the photon population dynamics in two coupled circuit QED systems. For
      a sufficiently weak intercavity photon hopping, as the photon-cavity coupling
      increases, the dynamics undergoes double transitions first from a delocalized to
      a localized phase and then from the localized to another delocalized phase. The
      latter delocalized phase is distinguished from the former one; instead of
      oscillating between the two cavities, the photons rapidly quasiequilibrate over
      the two cavities. These intriguing features are attributed to an interplay
      between two qualitatively distinctive nonlinear behaviors of the circuit QED
      systems in the utrastrong coupling regime, whose distinction has been widely
      overlooked.

PMID- 27127968
TI  - Quasimomentum-Space Image for Ultrafast Melting of Silicon.
AB  - By exciting electron-hole pairs that survive for picoseconds strong femtosecond
      lasers may transiently influence the bonding properties of semiconductors,
      causing structure changes, in particular, ultrafast melting. In order to
      determine the energy flow during this process in silicon we performed ab initio
      molecular dynamics simulations and an analysis in quasimomentum space. We found
      that energy flows very differently as a function of increasing excitation
      density, namely, mainly through long wavelength, L-point, or X-point lattice
      vibrations, respectively.

PMID- 27127969
TI  - Intrinsic Negative Mass from Nonlinearity.
AB  - We propose and provide experimental evidence of a mechanism able to support
      negative intrinsic effective mass. The idea is to use a shape-sensitive
      nonlinearity to change the sign of the mass in the leading linear propagation
      equation. Intrinsic negative-mass dynamics is reported for light beams in a
      ferroelectric crystal substrate, where the diffusive photorefractive nonlinearity
      leads to a negative-mass Schrodinger equation. The signature of inverted dynamics
      is the observation of beams repelled from strongly guiding integrated waveguides
      irrespective of wavelength and intensity and suggests shape-sensitive
      nonlinearity as a basic mechanism leading to intrinsic negative mass.

PMID- 27127970
TI  - Scaling Behavior for Ionic Transport and its Fluctuations in Individual Carbon
      Nanotubes.
AB  - In this Letter, we perform an experimental study of ionic transport and current
      fluctuations inside individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The conductance exhibits
      a power law behavior at low salinity, with an exponent close to 1/3 versus the
      salt concentration in this regime. This behavior is rationalized in terms of a
      salinity dependent surface charge, which is accounted for on the basis of a model
      for hydroxide adsorption at the (hydrophobic) carbon surface. This is in contrast
      to boron nitride nanotubes which exhibit a constant surface conductance. Further,
      we measure the low frequency noise of the ionic current in CNTs and show that the
      amplitude of the noise scales with the surface charge, with data collapsing on a
      master curve for the various studied CNTs at a given pH.

PMID- 27127971
TI  - Rayleigh-Taylor Instability in Elastoplastic Solids: A Local Catastrophic
      Process.
AB  - We show that the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in elastoplastic solids takes the
      form of local perturbations penetrating the material independently of the
      interface size, in contrast with the theory for simple elastic materials. Then,
      even just beyond the stable domain, the instability abruptly develops as bursts
      rapidly moving through the other medium. We show that this is due to the
      resistance to penetration of a finger which is minimal for a specific finger size
      and drops to a much lower value beyond a small depth (a few millimeters).

PMID- 27127972
TI  - Generation of Superponderomotive Electrons in Multipicosecond Interactions of
      Kilojoule Laser Beams with Solid-Density Plasmas.
AB  - The interaction of a multipicosecond, kilojoule laser pulse with a surface of a
      solid target has been shown to produce electrons with energies far beyond the
      free-electron ponderomotive limit m_{e}c^{2}a_{0}^{2}/2. Particle-in-cell
      simulations indicate that an increase in the pulse duration from 1 to 10 ps leads
      to the formation of a low-density shelf (about 10% of the critical density). The
      shelf extends over 100  MUm toward the vacuum side, with a nonstationary
      potential barrier forming in that area. Electrons reflected from the barrier gain
      superponderomotive energy from the potential. Some electrons experience an even
      greater energy gain due to ponderomotive acceleration when their "dephasing rate"
      R=gamma-p_{x}/m_{e}c drops well below unity, thus increasing acceleration by a
      factor of 1/R. Both 1D and 2D simulations indicate that these mechanisms are
      responsible for the generation of extensive thermal distributions with T_{e}>10 
      MeV and a high-energy cutoff of hundreds of MeV.

PMID- 27127973
TI  - Two-Plasmon Decay Mitigation in Direct-Drive Inertial-Confinement-Fusion
      Experiments Using Multilayer Targets.
AB  - Multilayer direct-drive inertial-confinement-fusion targets are shown to
      significantly reduce two-plasmon decay (TPD) driven hot-electron production while
      maintaining high hydrodynamic efficiency. Implosion experiments on the OMEGA
      laser used targets with silicon layered between an inner beryllium and outer
      silicon-doped plastic ablator. A factor-of-5 reduction in hot-electron generation
      (>50  keV) was observed in the multilayer targets relative to pure CH targets.
      Three-dimensional simulations of the TPD-driven hot-electron production using a
      laser-plasma interaction code (lpse) that includes nonlinear and kinetic effects
      show good agreement with the measurements. The simulations suggest that the
      reduction in hot-electron production observed in the multilayer targets is
      primarily caused by increased electron-ion collisional damping.

PMID- 27127961
TI  - First Measurement of Electron Neutrino Appearance in NOvA.
AB  - We report results from the first search for nu_{MU}->nu_{e} transitions by the
      NOvA experiment. In an exposure equivalent to 2.74*10^{20} protons on target in
      the upgraded NuMI beam at Fermilab, we observe 6 events in the Far Detector,
      compared to a background expectation of 0.99+/-0.11(syst) events based on the
      Near Detector measurement. A secondary analysis observes 11 events with a
      background of 1.07+/-0.14(syst). The 3.3sigma excess of events observed in the
      primary analysis disfavors 0.1pi<delta_{CP}<0.5pi in the inverted mass hierarchy
      at the 90% C.L.

PMID- 27127974
TI  - Quantum Kibble-Zurek Mechanism in a Spin-1 Bose-Einstein Condensate.
AB  - The dynamics of a quantum phase transition are explored using slow quenches from
      the polar to the broken-axisymmetry phases in a small spin-1 ferromagnetic Bose
      Einstein condensate. Measurements of the evolution of the spin populations reveal
      a power-law scaling of the temporal onset of excitations versus quench speed as
      predicted from quantum extensions of the Kibble-Zurek mechanism. The satisfactory
      agreement of the measured scaling exponent with the analytical theory and
      numerical simulations provides experimental confirmation of the quantum Kibble
      Zurek model.

PMID- 27127975
TI  - Few-Body Precursor of the Higgs Mode in a Fermi Gas.
AB  - We demonstrate that an undamped few-body precursor of the Higgs mode can be
      investigated in a harmonically trapped Fermi gas. Using exact diagonalization,
      the lowest monopole mode frequency is shown to depend nonmonotonically on the
      interaction strength, having a minimum in a crossover region. The minimum deepens
      with increasing particle number, reflecting that the mode is the few-body
      analogue of a many-body Higgs mode in the superfluid phase, which has a vanishing
      frequency at the quantum phase transition point to the normal phase. We show that
      this mode mainly consists of coherent excitations of time-reversed pairs, and
      that it can be selectively excited by modulating the interaction strength, using,
      for instance, a Feshbach resonance in cold atomic gases.

PMID- 27127976
TI  - Pressure-Resistant Intermediate Valence in the Kondo Insulator SmB_{6}.
AB  - Resonant x-ray emission spectroscopy was used to determine the pressure
      dependence of the f-electron occupancy in the Kondo insulator SmB_{6}. Applied
      pressure reduces the f occupancy, but surprisingly, the material maintains a
      significant divalent character up to a pressure of at least 35 GPa. Thus, the
      closure of the resistive activation energy gap and onset of magnetic order are
      not driven by stabilization of an integer valent state. Over the entire pressure
      range, the material maintains a remarkably stable intermediate valence that can
      in principle support a nontrivial band structure.

PMID- 27127977
TI  - Unified Theory of PT and CP Invariant Topological Metals and Nodal
      Superconductors.
AB  - As PT and CP symmetries are fundamental in physics, we establish a unified
      topological theory of PT and CP invariant metals and nodal superconductors, based
      on the mathematically rigorous KO theory. Representative models are constructed
      for all nontrivial topological cases in dimensions d=1, 2, and 3, with their
      exotic physical meanings being elucidated in detail. Intriguingly, it is found
      that the topological charges of Fermi surfaces in the bulk determine an exotic
      direction-dependent distribution of topological subgap modes on the boundaries.
      Furthermore, by constructing an exact bulk-boundary correspondence, we show that
      the topological Fermi points of the PT and CP invariant classes can appear as
      gapless modes on the boundary of topological insulators with a certain type of
      anisotropic crystalline symmetry.

PMID- 27127978
TI  - Spontaneous Polarization and Bulk Photovoltaic Effect Driven by Polar
      Discontinuity in LaFeO_{3}/SrTiO_{3} Heterojunctions.
AB  - Structurally coherent and chemically abrupt interfaces formed between polar and
      nonpolar perovskite oxides provide an ideal platform for examining the purely
      electronic reconstruction known as the polar catastrophe and the emergence of
      mobile or bound charges at the interface. The appearance of mobile charges
      induced by the polar catastrophe is already established in the
      LaAlO_{3}/SrTiO_{3} heterojunctions. Although not experimentally verified, the
      polar catastrophe can also lead to the emergence of spontaneous polarization. We
      report that thin films of originally nonpolar LaFeO_{3} grown on SrTiO_{3} are
      converted to polar as a consequence of the polar catastrophe. The induced
      spontaneous polarization evokes photovoltaic properties distinct from
      conventional p-n junctions, such as a switching of the photocurrent direction by
      changing the interfacial atomic sequence. The control of the bulk polarization by
      engineering the interface demonstrated here will expand the possibilities for
      designing and realizing new polar materials with photovoltaic functions.

PMID- 27127979
TI  - Current Correlations from a Mesoscopic Anyon Collider.
AB  - Fermions and bosons are fundamental realizations of exchange statistics, which
      governs the probability for two particles being close to each other spatially.
      Anyons in the fractional quantum Hall effect are an example for exchange
      statistics intermediate between bosons and fermions. We analyze a mesoscopic
      setup in which two dilute beams of anyons collide with each other, and relate the
      correlations of current fluctuations to the probability of particles excluding
      each other spatially. While current correlations for fermions vanish, negative
      correlations for anyons are a clear signature of a reduced spatial exclusion as
      compared to fermions.

PMID- 27127980
TI  - Macroscopic Degeneracy of Zero-Mode Rotating Surface States in 3D Dirac and Weyl
      Semimetals under Radiation.
AB  - We investigate the development of novel surface states when 3D Dirac or Weyl
      semimetals are placed under circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation. We
      find that the hybridization between inverted Floquet bands opens, in general, a
      gap, which closes at so-called exceptional points found for complex values of the
      momentum. This corresponds to the appearance of midgap surface states in the form
      of evanescent waves decaying from the surface exposed to the radiation. We
      observe a phenomenon reminiscent of Landau quantization by which the midgap
      surface states get a large degeneracy proportional to the radiation flux
      traversing the surface of the semimetal. We show that all of these surface states
      carry angular current, leading to an angular modulation of their charge that
      rotates with the same frequency of the radiation, which should manifest in the
      observation of a macroscopic chiral current in the irradiated surface.

PMID- 27127981
TI  - Observation of Double-Dome Superconductivity in Potassium-Doped FeSe Thin Films.
AB  - We report on the emergence of two disconnected superconducting domes in alkali
      metal potassium- (K-)doped FeSe ultrathin films grown on graphitized SiC(0001).
      The superconductivity exhibits hypersensitivity to K dosage in the lower-T_{c}
      dome, whereas in the heavily electron-doped higher-T_{c} dome it becomes
      spatially homogeneous and robust against disorder, supportive of a conventional
      Cooper-pairing mechanism. Furthermore, the heavily K-doped multilayer FeSe films
      all reveal a large superconducting gap of ~14  meV, irrespective of film
      thickness, verifying the higher-T_{c} superconductivity only in the topmost FeSe
      layer. The unusual finding of a double-dome superconducting phase is a step
      towards the mechanistic understanding of superconductivity in FeSe-derived
      superconductors.

PMID- 27127983
TI  - Universality and Scaling in a Charge Two-Channel Kondo Device.
AB  - We study a charge two-channel Kondo model, demonstrating that recent experiments
      [Z. Iftikhar et al, Nature (London) 526, 233 (2015)] realize an essentially
      perfect quantum simulation-not just of its universal physics, but also
      nonuniversal effects away from the scaling limit. Numerical renormalization group
      (RG) calculations yield conductance line shapes encoding RG flow to a critical
      point involving a free Majorana fermion. By mimicking the experimental protocol,
      the experimental curve is reproduced quantitatively over 9 orders of magnitude,
      although we show that far greater bandwidth/temperature separation is required to
      obtain the universal result. Fermi liquid instabilities are also studied: In
      particular, our exact analytic results for nonlinear conductance provide
      predictions away from thermal equilibrium, in the regime of existing experiments.

PMID- 27127982
TI  - Magnetic Ground States of the Rare-Earth Tripod Kagome Lattice
      Mg_{2}RE_{3}Sb_{3}O_{14} (RE=Gd,Dy,Er).
AB  - We present the structural and magnetic properties of a new compound family,
      Mg_{2}RE_{3}Sb_{3}O_{14} (RE=Gd,Dy,Er), with a hitherto unstudied frustrating
      lattice, the "tripod kagome" structure. Susceptibility (ac, dc) and specific heat
      exhibit features that are understood within a simple Luttinger-Tisza-type theory.
      For RE=Gd, we found long-ranged order (LRO) at 1.65 K, which is consistent with a
      120 degrees  structure, demonstrating the importance of diople interactions for
      this 2D Heisenberg system. For RE=Dy, LRO at 0.37 K is related to the "kagome
      spin ice" physics for a 2D system. This result shows that the tripod kagome
      structure accelerates the transition to LRO predicted for the related pyrochlore
      systems. For RE=Er, two transitions, at 80 mK and 2.1 K are observed, suggesting
      the importance of quantum fluctuations for this putative XY system.

PMID- 27127984
TI  - Magnetism, Spin Texture, and In-Gap States: Atomic Specialization at the Surface
      of Oxygen-Deficient SrTiO_{3}.
AB  - Motivated by recent spin- and angular-resolved photoemission (SARPES)
      measurements of the two-dimensional electronic states confined near the (001)
      surface of oxygen-deficient SrTiO_{3}, we explore their spin structure by means
      of ab initio density functional theory (DFT) calculations of slabs. Relativistic
      nonmagnetic DFT calculations display Rashba-like spin winding with a splitting of
      a few meV and when surface magnetism on the Ti ions is included, bands become
      spin-split with an energy difference ~100  meV at the Gamma point, consistent
      with SARPES findings. While magnetism tends to suppress the effects of the
      relativistic Rashba interaction, signatures of it are still clearly visible in
      terms of complex spin textures. Furthermore, we observe an atomic specialization
      phenomenon, namely, two types of electronic contributions: one is from Ti atoms
      neighboring the oxygen vacancies that acquire rather large magnetic moments and
      mostly create in-gap states; another comes from the partly polarized t_{2g}
      itinerant electrons of Ti atoms lying further away from the oxygen vacancy, which
      form the two-dimensional electron system and are responsible for the Rashba spin
      winding and the spin splitting at the Fermi surface.

PMID- 27127985
TI  - Strong Quantum Coherence between Fermi Liquid Mahan Excitons.
AB  - In modulation doped quantum wells, the excitons are formed as a result of the
      interactions of the charged holes with the electrons at the Fermi edge in the
      conduction band, leading to the so-called "Mahan excitons." The binding energy of
      Mahan excitons is expected to be greatly reduced and any quantum coherence
      destroyed as a result of the screening and electron-electron interactions.
      Surprisingly, we observe strong quantum coherence between the heavy hole and
      light hole excitons. Such correlations are revealed by the dominating cross
      diagonal peaks in both one-quantum and two-quantum two-dimensional Fourier
      transform spectra. Theoretical simulations based on the optical Bloch equations
      where many-body effects are included phenomenologically reproduce well the
      experimental spectra. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations
      provide insight into the underlying physics and attribute the observed strong
      quantum coherence to a significantly reduced screening length and collective
      excitations of the many-electron system.

PMID- 27127986
TI  - Cluster Morphology-Polymer Dynamics Correlations in Sulfonated Polystyrene Melts:
      Computational Study.
AB  - Reaching exceptionally long times up to 500 ns in equilibrium and nonequilibrium
      molecular dynamics simulations studies, we have attained a fundamental molecular
      understanding of the correlation of ionomer clusters structure and multiscale
      dynamics, providing new insight into one critical, long-standing challenge in
      ionic polymer physics. The cluster structure in melts of sulfonated polystyrene
      with Na^{+} and Mg^{2+} counterions are resolved and correlated with the dynamics
      on multiple length and time scales extracted from measurements of the dynamic
      structure factor and shear rheology. We find that as the morphology of the ionic
      clusters changes from ladderlike for Na^{+} to disordered structures for Mg^{2+},
      the dynamic structure factor is affected on the length scale corresponding to the
      ionic clusters. Rheology studies show that the viscosity for Mg^{2+} melts is
      higher than for Na^{+} ones for all shear rates, which is well correlated with
      the larger ionic clusters' size for the Mg^{2+} melts.

PMID- 27127987
TI  - Homologous Pairing between Long DNA Double Helices.
AB  - Molecular recognition between two double stranded (ds) DNA with homologous
      sequences may not seem compatible with the B-DNA structure because the sequence
      information is hidden when it is used for joining the two strands. Nevertheless,
      it has to be invoked to account for various biological data. Using quantum
      chemistry, molecular mechanics, and hints from recent genetics experiments, I
      show here that direct recognition between homologous dsDNA is possible through
      the formation of short quadruplexes due to direct complementary hydrogen bonding
      of major-groove surfaces in parallel alignment. The constraints imposed by the
      predicted structures of the recognition units determine the mechanism of
      complexation between long dsDNA. This mechanism and concomitant predictions agree
      with the available experimental data and shed light upon the sequence effects and
      the possible involvement of topoisomerase II in the recognition.

PMID- 27127988
TI  - Comment on "Thermodynamic Efficiency of Pumped Heat Electricity Storage".

PMID- 27127989
TI  - Comment on "In-depth Plasma-Wave Heating of Dense Plasma Irradiated by Short
      Laser Pulses".

PMID- 27127990
TI  - Sherlock et al. Reply.

PMID- 27127991
TI  - Erratum: Pressure-Induced Mott Transition Followed by a 24-K Superconducting
      Phase in BaFe_{2}S_{3} [Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 246402 (2015)].
AB  - This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.115.246402.

PMID- 27127992
TI  - Functional role of striatal A2A, D2, and mGlu5 receptor interactions in
      regulating striatopallidal GABA neuronal transmission.
AB  - In this study, the functional role of individual striatal receptors for adenosine
      (A2AR), dopamine (D2R), and the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu5R in
      regulating rat basal ganglia activity was characterized in vivo using dual-probe
      microdialysis in freely moving rats. In particular, intrastriatal perfusion with
      the D2R agonist quinpirole (10 MUM, 60 min) decreased ipsilateral pallidal GABA
      and glutamate levels, whereas intrastriatal CGS21680 (A2AR agonist; 1 MUM, 60
      min) was ineffective on either pallidal GABA and glutamate levels or the
      quinpirole-induced effects. Intrastriatal perfusion with the mGlu5R agonist (RS)
      2-chloro-5-hydroxyphenylglycine (600 MUM, 60 min), by itself ineffective on
      pallidal GABA and glutamate levels, partially counteracted the effects of
      quinpirole. When combined with CGS21680 (1 MUM, 60 min), (RS)-2-chloro-5
      hydroxyphenylglycine (CHPG; 600 MUM, 60 min) fully counteracted the quinpirole
      (10 MUM, 60 min)-induced reduction in ipsilateral pallidal GABA and glutamate
      levels. These effects were fully counteracted by local perfusion with the mGlu5R
      antagonist MPEP (300 MUM) or the A2AR antagonist ZM 241385 (100 nM). These
      results suggest that A2ARs and mGlu5Rs interact synergistically in modulating the
      D2R-mediated control of striatopallidal GABA neurons. Using dual-probe
      microdialysis, we characterized the functional role of striatal adenosine A2A
      receptor (A2AR), dopamine D2 receptor (D2R), and metabotropic glutamate receptor
      5 (mGluR5) interactions in regulating rat basal ganglia activity. The results
      suggest the possible usefulness of using an A2AR antagonist and mGluR5 antagonist
      combination in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to increase the inhibitory D2
      signaling on striatopallidal GABA neurons.

PMID- 27127994
TI  - Bayesian Spatiotemporal Pattern and Eco-climatological Drivers of Striped Skunk
      Rabies in the North Central Plains.
AB  - Striped skunks are one of the most important terrestrial reservoirs of rabies
      virus in North America, and yet the prevalence of rabies among this host is only
      passively monitored and the disease among this host remains largely unmanaged.
      Oral vaccination campaigns have not efficiently targeted striped skunks, while
      periodic spillovers of striped skunk variant viruses to other animals, including
      some domestic animals, are routinely recorded. In this study we evaluated the
      spatial and spatio-temporal patterns of infection status among striped skunk
      cases submitted for rabies testing in the North Central Plains of US in a
      Bayesian hierarchical framework, and also evaluated potential eco-climatological
      drivers of such patterns. Two Bayesian hierarchical models were fitted to point
      referenced striped skunk rabies cases [n = 656 (negative), and n = 310
      (positive)] received at a leading rabies diagnostic facility between the years
      2007-2013. The first model included only spatial and temporal terms and a second
      covariate model included additional covariates representing eco-climatic
      conditions within a 4 km(2) home-range area for striped skunks. The better
      performing covariate model indicated the presence of significant spatial and
      temporal trends in the dataset and identified higher amounts of land covered by
      low-intensity developed areas [Odds ratio (OR) = 3.41; 95% Bayesian Credible
      Intervals (CrI) = 2.08, 3.85], higher level of patch fragmentation (OR = 1.70;
      95% CrI = 1.25, 2.89), and diurnal temperature range (OR = 0.54; 95% CrI = 0.27,
      0.91) to be important drivers of striped skunk rabies incidence in the study
      area. Model validation statistics indicated satisfactory performance for both
      models; however, the covariate model fared better. The findings of this study are
      important in the context of rabies management among striped skunks in North
      America, and the relevance of physical and climatological factors as risk factors
      for skunk to human rabies transmission and the space-time patterns of striped
      skunk rabies are discussed.

PMID- 27127993
TI  - Tetrahydro-2-naphthyl and 2-Indanyl Triazolopyrimidines Targeting Plasmodium
      falciparum Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase Display Potent and Selective Antimalarial
      Activity.
AB  - Malaria persists as one of the most devastating global infectious diseases. The
      pyrimidine biosynthetic enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) has been
      identified as a new malaria drug target, and a triazolopyrimidine-based DHODH
      inhibitor 1 (DSM265) is in clinical development. We sought to identify compounds
      with higher potency against Plasmodium DHODH while showing greater selectivity
      toward animal DHODHs. Herein we describe a series of novel triazolopyrimidines
      wherein the p-SF5-aniline was replaced with substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2
      naphthyl or 2-indanyl amines. These compounds showed strong species selectivity,
      and several highly potent tetrahydro-2-naphthyl derivatives were identified.
      Compounds with halogen substitutions displayed sustained plasma levels after oral
      dosing in rodents leading to efficacy in the P. falciparum SCID mouse malaria
      model. These data suggest that tetrahydro-2-naphthyl derivatives have the
      potential to be efficacious for the treatment of malaria, but due to higher
      metabolic clearance than 1, they most likely would need to be part of a multidose
      regimen.

PMID- 27127996
TI  - Computational design of protein self-assembly.
AB  - Protein self-assembly is extensively used in nature to build functional
      biomolecules and provides a general approach to design molecular complexes with
      many intriguing applications. Although computational design of protein-protein
      interfaces remains difficult, much progress has recently been made in de novo
      design of protein assemblies with cyclic, helical, cubic, internal and lattice
      symmetries. Here, we discuss some of the underlying biophysical principles of
      self-assembly that influence the design problem and highlight methodological
      advances that have made self-assembly design a fruitful area of protein design.

PMID- 27127995
TI  - Associations between lower urinary tract dysfunction and health-related quality
      of life in children with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - AIM: Little is known about the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children
      with lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We
      investigated LUTD and other possible predictors of impaired HRQoL in children
      with conservatively treated moderate-to-severe CKD or with a kidney transplant.
      METHODS: All 64 children with CKD or a kidney transplant treated at Karolinska
      University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, between June 2011 and December 2012 were
      approached and 59 children aged 8-18 were enrolled in the study. Lower urinary
      tract function was evaluated with voiding history, frequency and volume chart,
      uroflowmetry and postvoid ultrasound measurements. Self-reported HRQoL was
      assessed with validated generic instruments. RESULTS: The HRQoL of the study
      cohort was as good as the general paediatric population, apart from the physical
      and psychological well-being dimensions, and was no different to children with
      other chronic conditions. Urinary incontinence, but not LUTD in general, was
      associated with impaired HRQoL, as was having a kidney transplant and being
      female in some dimensions. CONCLUSION: LUTD was common in children with CKD or a
      kidney transplant but did not affect their general HRQoL. Predictors of impaired
      HRQoL included incontinence, having had a kidney transplant and being female.

PMID- 27127997
TI  - Aspartame - Is there new information?

PMID- 27127998
TI  - The pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of inhaled
      fluticasone furoate and vilanterol administered alone or simultaneously as
      fluticasone furoate/vilanterol.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the potential for systemic pharmacokinetic (PK) and
      pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions between inhaled fluticasone furoate (FF) and
      vilanterol (VI) when delivered simultaneously via the ELLIPTATM dry powder
      inhaler (DPI). METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover
      study. Healthy subjects (n = 16) received single doses of FF (800 mcg), VI (100
      mcg), FF/VI (800/100 mcg), and placebo. Endpoints measured were systemic PD (FF:
      serum cortisol; VI: heart rate), FF and VI plasma PK (0-48 hours), pharyngometry,
      inhalation and breath hold profiles and safety assessments. RESULTS: Treatment
      differences [90% confidence interval (CI)] in weighted mean serum cortisol (0-24
      hours) were 12.3% [4.4, 20.9] (FF/VI vs. FF) and for maximum heart rate (0-4
      hours) were -1.2 bpm [-4.6, 2.1] (FF/VI vs. VI). When delivered simultaneously,
      FF and VI systemic exposures were slightly lower (<20%) versus delivery of either
      agent alone (although this was not a formal bioequivalence study). In vitro
      simulation of selected inhalation profiles and modeling supported the PK and PD
      findings. FF/VI, FF and VI were well tolerated with an AE incidence comparable to
      placebo. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest there was a slight PK interaction and
      no PD interactions of concern between inhaled FF and VI when delivered
      simultaneously via the ELLIPTA DPI in healthy subjects.

PMID- 27127999
TI  - Effect of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, on C
      peptide kinetics.
AB  - Canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, improves indices of
      beta-cell function estimated based on circulating C-peptide and glucose
      concentrations (e.g., Homeostasis Model Assessment [HOMA2-%B], meal tolerance
      test-based indices). However, use of these beta-cell function indices assumes C
      peptide kinetics are not altered by canagliflozin. This 2-period crossover study
      assessed the effect of a single canagliflozin 300-mg dose on C-peptide kinetics
      in 10 healthy participants. Two hours after receiving canagliflozin or placebo,
      participants received intravenous somatostatin infusion to suppress endogenous C
      peptide secretion and 1 hour later received a bolus injection of synthetic human
      C-peptide 150 ug. Serum C-peptide was measured over 3 hours and urinary glucose
      and C-peptide excretion were measured. C-peptide kinetic parameters, including
      total clearance (CLtotal ) and renal clearance (CLrenal ), were calculated. Serum
      C-peptide profiles were similar following canagliflozin or placebo treatment. C
      peptide CLtotal was slightly lower with canagliflozin versus placebo (mean (SD)
      of 190 (37) vs. 197 (30) mL/min; canagliflozin/placebo ratio [90% CI] = 96.1%
      [93.0%; 99.3%]). Other kinetic parameters, including CLrenal , were generally
      similar between treatments. Results indicate canagliflozin 300 mg does not
      meaningfully alter C-peptide clearance or other kinetic parameters; therefore, C
      peptide-based measurements of insulin secretion are appropriate for assessing
      beta-cell function in canagliflozin-treated participants.

PMID- 27128000
TI  - Systemic exposure to benzoic acid and hippuric acid following topical application
      of clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 3% fixed-dose combination gel in Japanese
      patients with acne vulgaris.
AB  - Clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 3% fixed-dose combination gel (CLDM/BPO3%) is a
      topical product for the treatment of acne vulgaris. In this study, plasma and
      urine concentrations of benzoic acid (BA) and hippuric acid (HA) were analyzed to
      estimate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of BPO after application of CLDM/BPO3% twice
      daily for 7 days in Japanese patients with acne vulgaris. Seven-day repeated
      application of CLDM/BPO3% appears to be safe in this patient population.
      Concentrations of plasma and urine BA were below the limit of quantification
      before and after repeated application in most of the 12 adult male patients. Mean
      difference in Cmax and AUC0-last for plasma HA indicated increased exposures
      after repeated application, but with wide 90% confidence intervals. Mean Ae0-12
      for urine HA was similar before and after repeated application. Repeated
      application of CLDM/BPO3% is thus unlikely to result in accumulation of BA and
      HA. The study suggests negligible systemic exposure to BPO metabolites from
      CLDM/BPO3% after 7-day repeated application in male patients with acne vulgaris.

PMID- 27128001
TI  - The effects of CYP3A4 induction and inhibition on the pharmacokinetics of
      alisporivir in humans.
AB  - In vitro data suggest that alisporivir is a substrate and inhibitor of CYP3A4 and
      P-gp. Hence, the potential for drug-drug interactions when alisporivir is co
      administered with CYP3A4 and/or P-gp inhibitors such as ketoconazole,
      azithromycin and CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampin were evaluated in three
      separate clinical studies. Co-administration with ketoconazole (a strong CYP3A4
      inhibitor) increased the Cmax , AUC and terminal elimination half-life of
      alisporivir by approximately two-, eight- ,and threefold, respectively. Co
      administration with azithromycin (a putative weak CYP3A4 inhibitor and substrate)
      had no impact on the Cmax and AUC of alisporivir. Rifampin (a CYP3A4 inducer)
      caused an approximate 90% reduction in alisporivir Cmax and AUC and a fourfold
      reduction in alisporivir terminal elimination half-life. Alisporivir as an
      inhibitor of CYP3A4 caused a 39% increase in azithromycin exposure. The results
      from these studies establish alisporivir as a sensitive CYP3A4 substrate in vivo.
      Consequently, co-administered potent CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers are likely to
      cause clinically significant changes in the exposure to alisporivir.

PMID- 27128002
TI  - Effect of CYP2C19 polymorphism on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin in healthy
      Taiwanese subjects.
AB  - CYP2C19 contributes to N-desmethyl rosuvastatin formation in "in vitro" models.
      Approximately 80% of Taiwanese are CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers (EMs,
      CYP2C19*1/*1, *1/*2, or *1/*3). We studied the potential effect of CYP2C19
      genotypes on rosuvastatin pharmacokinetics in healthy Taiwanese subjects
      following single and multiple daily oral doses of rosuvastatin calcium (20 mg).
      Geometric mean ratios for poor metabolizers (PMs): EMs for rosuvastatin were
      0.974 and 0.872 for area under the curve and maximum plasma concentration on day
      1 (1.01 and 0.965 on day 17) and for N-desmethyl rosuvastatin, 1.21 and 1.07 on
      day 1 (1.14 and 1.09 on day 17), respectively. Changes of lipid profiles from
      baseline to day 18 for PMs and EMs were -52.4% and -53.3% (low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol), and -34.2% and -30.0% (total cholesterol),
      respectively. Rosuvastatin was generally well-tolerated by both PMs and EMs.
      These results suggest that CYP2C19 polymorphism does not affect rosuvastatin
      pharmacokinetics in healthy Taiwanese in a clinically meaningful way.

PMID- 27128003
TI  - Vorapaxar, an oral PAR-1 receptor antagonist, does not affect the
      pharmacokinetics of rosiglitazone.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential effects of vorapaxar on the pharmacokinetics
      and safety of rosiglitazone. METHODS: This was an open-label, two-period, two
      treatment, fixed-sequence study in 18 healthy subjects. On Day 1, Period 1,
      subjects received a single dose of rosiglitazone 8 mg. In Period 2, subjects
      received vorapaxar 40 mg on Day 1, vorapaxar 7.5 mg once-daily on Days 2-7, and a
      single dose of rosiglitazone 8 mg on Day 7. Rosiglitazone and N
      desmethylrosiglitazone pharmacokinetics were assessed alone (Period 1) and after
      coadministration with vorapaxar (Period 2). Vorapaxar and its M20 metabolite
      pharmacokinetics were assessed on Day 7, Period 2. Safety and tolerability were
      assessed throughout the study. RESULTS: Coadministration of rosiglitazone with
      vorapaxar had no effect on rosiglitazone or N-desmethylrosiglitazone
      pharmacokinetics. The ratio of geometric means (GMR) and 90% confidence intervals
      (CI) of the coadministration versus monotherapy for Cmax (GMR 95; 90% CI 88, 103)
      and AUC0-24 h (GMR 103; 90% CI 98, 108) were within the 80-125% bioequivalence
      criteria. The metabolite-to-parent exposure ratio with and without vorapaxar was
      unaltered. Coadministration of vorapaxar with rosiglitazone was generally well
      tolerated. CONCLUSION: Coadministration of vorapaxar with rosiglitazone or drugs
      metabolized via CYP2C8 is unlikely to cause a significant pharmacokinetic
      interaction.

PMID- 27128004
TI  - Impact on abiraterone pharmacokinetics and safety: Open-label drug-drug
      interaction studies with ketoconazole and rifampicin.
AB  - We evaluated the impact of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, ketoconazole, and a strong
      inducer, rifampicin, on the pharmacokinetic (PK) exposure of abiraterone in two
      studies in healthy men. All subjects received 1,000 mg of abiraterone acetate on
      Days 1 and 14. Study A subjects (n = 20) received 400 mg ketoconazole on Days 11
      16. Study B subjects (n = 19) received 600 mg rifampicin on Days 8-13. Serial PK
      sampling was done on Days 1 and 14. Study A: When given with ketoconazole,
      abiraterone exposure increased by 9% for maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) and
      15% for area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to time of the last
      quantifiable concentration (AUClast ) and AUC from time 0 to infinity
      (AUCinfinity ) compared to abiraterone acetate alone. Study B: When given with
      rifampicin, abiraterone exposure was reduced to 45% for Cmax and AUCinfinity and
      to 42% for AUClast compared to abiraterone acetate alone. Ketoconazole had no
      clinically meaningful impact on abiraterone exposure. Rifampicin decreased
      abiraterone exposure by half. Hence, strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided or
      used with careful evaluation of clinical efficacy when administered with
      abiraterone acetate.

PMID- 27128005
TI  - A randomized, open-label 3-way crossover study to investigate the relative
      bioavailability and bioequivalence of crushed sildenafil 20 mg tablets mixed with
      apple sauce, extemporaneously prepared suspension (EP), and intact sildenafil 20
      mg tablets in healthy volunteers under fasting conditions.
AB  - The relative bioavailability and bioequivalence of 20-mg doses of a pediatric
      formulation of sildenafil extemporaneous preparation suspension (EP; 10 mg/mL),
      the sildenafil 20-mg intact tablet and the crushed sildenafil 20-mg tablet mixed
      with apple sauce were assessed in a single-dose, randomized, open-label, 3-way
      crossover study with 18 healthy adult volunteers. Blood samples were collected at
      predefined times and analyzed for sildenafil plasma concentrations. Natural log
      transformed sildenafil pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax , AUClast , and AUCinf )
      were used to estimate relative bioavailability and construct 90% confidence
      intervals (CI) using a mixed-effects model. Bioequivalence was concluded among
      the three formulations with one exception, in which the EP suspension showed a
      15% decrease in Cmax with a lower 90% CI of 76% compared with the intact tablet.
      The 15% decrease in sildenafil Cmax is not considered to be clinically relevant.
      Therefore, the EP suspension is considered to be an appropriate pediatric
      formulation. All 3 formulations were well tolerated in healthy adult volunteers.

PMID- 27128006
TI  - The Augmented Cognitive Mediation Model: Examining Antecedents of Factual and
      Structural Breast Cancer Knowledge Among Singaporean Women.
AB  - As knowledge acquisition is an important component of health communication
      research, this study examines factors associated with Singaporean women's breast
      cancer knowledge using an augmented cognitive mediation model. We conducted a
      nationally representative study that surveyed 802 women between the ages of 30
      and 70 using random-digit dialing. The results supported the augmented cognitive
      mediation model, which proposes the inclusion of risk perception as a motivator
      of health information seeking and structural knowledge as an additional knowledge
      dimension. There was adequate support for the hypothesized paths in the model.
      Risk perception was positively associated with attention to newspaper,
      television, Internet, and interpersonal communication. Attention to the three
      media channels was associated with interpersonal communication, but only
      newspaper and television attention were associated with elaboration.
      Interpersonal communication was positively associated with structural knowledge,
      whereas elaboration was associated with both factual and structural knowledge.
      Differential indirect effects between media attention and knowledge dimensions
      via interpersonal communication and elaboration were found. Theoretical and
      practical implications are discussed.

PMID- 27128023
TI  - Association of serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels and cerebral
      microbleeds in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The association between the presence of cerebral
      microbleeds (CMBs) and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in
      patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) was investigated. METHODS: Consecutive AD
      patients who underwent magnetic resonance examination with susceptibility
      weighted imaging (SWI) were prospectively examined. The presence of CMBs on SWI
      was independently interpreted. The number and location of microbleeds were
      assessed. Demographics including age, sex and risk factors were obtained. Serum
      VEGF levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Of
      the 146 AD patients included, 47 (32.2%) patients had CMBs on SWI. The CMBs were
      most commonly located in strictly lobar locations (29/47, 61.7%). The mean VEGF
      levels were higher in the patients with CMBs than in those without (336.72 +/-
      15.18 vs. 192.37 +/- 11.34 pg/ml). Multivariate logistic regression analyses
      showed that, for each 10 pg/ml increase of VEGF levels, there was a significant
      increase in the presence of CMBs after adjusting for age and sex, and after
      additional adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, silent lacunar infarction
      and white matter hyperintensity in patients with AD (odds ratio 2.37; 95%
      confidence interval 1.53-4.02, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Serum VEGF levels are
      associated with the presence of CMBs in patients with AD.

PMID- 27128024
TI  - A diatom-based biological condition gradient (BCG) approach for assessing
      impairment and developing nutrient criteria for streams.
AB  - Over-enrichment leading to excess algal growth is a major problem in rivers and
      streams. Regulations to protect streams typically incorporate nutrient criteria,
      concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen that should not be exceeded in order to
      protect biological communities. A major challenge has been to develop an approach
      for both categorizing streams based on their biological conditions and
      determining scientifically defensible nutrient criteria to protect the biotic
      integrity of streams in those categories. To address this challenge, we applied
      the Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) approach to stream diatom assemblages to
      develop a system for categorizing sites by level of impairment, and then examined
      the related nutrient concentrations to identify potential nutrient criteria. The
      six levels of the BCG represent a range of ecological conditions from natural (1)
      to highly disturbed (6). A group of diatom experts developed a set of rules and a
      model to assign sites to these levels based on their diatom assemblages. To
      identify potential numeric nutrient criteria, we explored the relation of
      assigned BCG levels to nutrient concentrations, other anthropogenic stressors,
      and possible confounding variables using data for stream sites in New Jersey
      (n=42) and in surrounding Mid-Atlantic states, USA (n=1443). In both data sets,
      BCG levels correlated most strongly with total phosphorus and the percentage of
      forest in the watershed, but were independent of pH. We applied Threshold
      Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) to determine change-points in the diatom
      assemblages along the BCG gradient. In both data sets, statistically significant
      diatom changes occurred between BCG levels 3 and 4. Sites with BCG levels 1 to 3
      were dominated by species that grow attached to surfaces, while sites with BCG
      scores of 4 and above were characterized by motile diatoms. The diatom change
      point corresponded with a total phosphorus concentration of about 50MUg/L.

PMID- 27128026
TI  - Nail Length in the Management of Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur.
AB  - Intramedullary devices are used increasingly to treat intertrochanteric femur
      fractures, especially those with unstable patterns. In spite of the considerable
      use of nails in the management of these fractures, opinions differ about the
      correct length of intramedullary nail. Long nails were developed to address the
      risk of diaphyseal fracture associated with earlier short nail designs and to
      extend the indications for use to include diaphyseal and subtrochanteric
      fractures. Several recent studies, however, have found no differences between
      modern short nails and long nails with regard to union and complication rates. In
      the absence of existing guidelines, the treating surgeon's preference and
      fracture characteristics continue to influence the decision of whether to use
      short nails or long nails. The surgeon needs to consider the fracture
      configuration and related factors, including whether osteoporosis is present and
      the cost and risk of revision surgery, when selecting the appropriate nail
      length. 

PMID- 27128027
TI  - Ultrasonography-guided de Quervain Injection: Accuracy and Anatomic
      Considerations in a Cadaver Model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Confirmation of pertinent anatomy and accurate needle placement for
      de Quervain injection may improve outcomes and limit complications. We evaluated
      the accuracy of the first extensor compartment in regard to the following: (1)
      anatomic assessment, (2) needle placement without imaging guidance, and (3)
      ultrasonography-guided injection with priority for the extensor pollicis brevis
      subcompartment. METHODS: Anatomic assessment and ultrasonography-guided first
      extensor compartment injection was completed in 50 cadaver specimens. Initial
      needle placement was done without the guidance of ultrasonography; its final
      position was evaluated with ultrasonography. Then, using ultrasonography, 1 mL of
      India ink was injected into the extensor pollicis brevis compartment. Open
      evaluation confirmed pertinent anatomy and injection accuracy. RESULTS: A
      subcompartment of the first extensor compartment was identified in 27 of 50
      wrists; 18 of 27 compartments were complete and 9 of 27 were incomplete, with
      ultrasonographic evaluation having an accuracy rate of 94%. Accurate needle
      placement occurred in 26 of 50 wrists (52%) when ultrasonography was not used,
      but only 2 of 27 needles (7%) were located within the extensor pollicis brevis
      subcompartment. Ultrasonography-guided injection was 100% accurate (50 out of 50)
      and extensor pollicis brevis injection was 96% accurate (26 of 27) when two
      compartments were present. Minimal extravasation was identified in 6 of 50 wrists
      (12%). DISCUSSION: Ultrasonography-guided de Quervain injection improves
      injection accuracy through the visualization of compartmental anatomy and needle
      placement and may improve clinical outcomes by minimizing complications
      associated with extra-compartmental injection.

PMID- 27128025
TI  - Extracellular nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, a new cancer metabokine.
AB  - In this review, we focus on the secreted form of nicotinamide
      phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT); extracellular NAMPT (eNAMPT), also known as
      pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor or visfatin. Although intracellular NAMPT is a
      key enzyme in controlling NAD metabolism, eNAMPT has been reported to function as
      a cytokine, with many roles in physiology and pathology. Circulating eNAMPT has
      been associated with several metabolic and inflammatory disorders, including
      cancer. Because cytokines produced in the tumour micro-environment play an
      important role in cancer pathogenesis, in part by reprogramming cellular
      metabolism, future improvements in cancer immunotherapy will require a better
      understanding of the crosstalk between cytokine action and tumour biology. In
      this review, the knowledge of eNAMPT in cancer will be discussed, focusing on its
      immunometabolic function as a metabokine, its secretion, its mechanism of action
      and possible roles in the cancer micro-environment.

PMID- 27128028
TI  - Acute Impact of Hourly Ambient Air Pollution on Preterm Birth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preterm birth is a major perinatal health problem, but factors
      leading to it are still not completely understood. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to
      identify the relation between acute increase in ambient air pollution in a few
      hours before onset of labor and the risk of preterm birth. METHODS: We collected
      registered birth outcome data and hourly ambient air pollution measurements
      during 2009-2013 in Brisbane, Australia. Using a time-stratified case-crossover
      design and conditional logistic regression models with natural cubic splines, we
      assessed the shape of air pollution-preterm birth curve, after controlling for
      potential confounders. We also examined the effect modification of other factors.
      RESULTS: The association between air pollution [nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur
      dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO)] and preterm birth was nonlinear.
      Threshold concentrations for the mean of 0-24 hr NO2, 24-48 hr SO2, and 24-48 hr
      CO before onset of labor were 7.6 parts per billion (ppb), 3.8 ppb, and 162.5
      ppb, respectively. Increases in air pollution concentrations above thresholds
      were associated with increased risks of preterm birth. The odds ratios of preterm
      birth at the 95th percentile of NO2, SO2, and CO against the thresholds were 1.17
      (95% CI: 1.08, 1.27), 1.01 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.04), and 1.18 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.32),
      respectively. The associations were modified by demographic factors, such as
      maternal smoking and socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION: Acute increases in ambient
      air pollution concentrations above certain levels before onset of labor may
      stimulate preterm birth. CITATION: Li S, Guo Y, Williams G. 2016. Acute impact of
      hourly ambient air pollution on preterm birth. Environ Health Perspect 124:1623
      1629; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP200.

PMID- 27128029
TI  - Pre-Hypertension among Young Adults (20-30 Years) in Coastal Villages of Udupi
      District in Southern India: An Alarming Scenario.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: According to Joint National Committee-7 (JNC-7) guidelines, a
      systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 120 to 139 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure
      (DBP) of 80 to 89 mm Hg is considered as pre-hypertension. Existing evidence
      suggest that the cardiovascular morbidities are increasing among pre-hypertensive
      individuals compared to normal. OBJECTIVE: To assess the magnitude and factors
      associated with pre-hypertension among young adults (20-30 years) in coastal
      villages of Udupi Taluk (an area of land with a city or town that serves as its
      administrative centre and usually a number of villages), Udupi District,
      Karnataka state, India. DESIGN: Community based cross sectional study. SETTING: 6
      (out of total 14) coastal villages of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka state, India.
      SAMPLE: 1,152 young adults (age group: 20-30 years) selected by stratified random
      sampling in 6 coastal villages of Udupi Taluk, Karnataka state, India. METHOD: A
      semi structured pre-tested questionnaire was used to elicit the details on socio
      demographic variables, dietary habits, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical
      activity, family history of hypertension and stress levels. Anthropometric
      measurements and blood pressure were recorded according to standard protocols.
      Serum cholesterol was measured in a sub sample of the study population.
      Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify the independent
      correlates of pre-hypertension among young adults (20-30 years). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Prevalence, Odds ratio (OR) and adjusted (adj) OR for pre-hypertension
      among young adults (20-30 years). RESULTS: The prevalence of pre-hypertension in
      the study population was 45.2% (95%CI: 42.4-48). Multivariate logistic regression
      analysis revealed that age group of 25-30 years (adj OR: 4.25, 95% CI: 2.99
      6.05), white collared (adj OR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.08-4.85) and skilled occupation
      (adj OR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.64-6.42), students (adj OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.22-4.95),
      using refined cooking oil (adj OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29-0.95), extra salt in meals
      (adj OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.52-3.99), salty food items (adj OR: 6.99, 95% CI: 3.63
      13.48), pre-obese (adj OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.03-2.67) and obese (adj OR: 9.16, 95%
      CI: 2.54, 36.4) were the significant correlates of pre-hypertension. CONCLUSION:
      In the study population, prevalence of pre-hypertension among young adults (20-30
      years) was high (45.2%). Biological (age 25-30 years, pre-obesity and obesity)
      and behavioral (sedentary occupation, intake of extra salt in meals/salty food
      and not using refined cooking oil) factors were associated with pre-hypertension.
      Study emphasizes the need of community based screening of pre-hypertension under
      National Rural Health Mission. It also provides apt information for the evidence
      based designing of interventions for lifestyle modifications among high risk
      young adults in the study area.

PMID- 27128030
TI  - Maternal Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Lengthening of the
      Umbilical Cord: Indirect Evidence of Increased Foetal Activity-A Retrospective
      Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antenatal depression affects up to 19% of pregnant women. Some of
      these women are also in need of antidepressant treatment. Nevertheless, the
      impact of maternal antidepressant treatment and prenatal depression on the course
      of pregnancy, foetal development and delivery outcomes is not fully understood.
      METHODS: We analysed data from 24 818 women who gave birth at Kuopio University
      Hospital between 2002-2012. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate
      associations between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
      during pregnancy and the progression of pregnancy, development of the foetus and
      delivery outcomes. RESULTS: Altogether, 369 (1.5%) women used SSRIs. A regression
      model adjusted for age, overweight, nulliparity, prior termination, miscarriages,
      smoking, maternal alcohol consumption, chronic illness and polyhydramnion showed
      that pregnant women exposed to SSRI medication had significantly lower Apgar
      scores at 1 minute (p < 0.0001) and 5 minutes (p < 0.0001) and more admissions to
      the neonatal intensive care unit (p < 0.0001) than unexposed pregnant women. In
      addition, exposed newborns had longer umbilical cords (p < 0.0001) than non
      exposed newborns. CONCLUSION: In addition to the previously known associates with
      maternal SSRI exposure, such as lowered Apgar scores, SSRI exposure appeared to
      be associated with increased umbilical cord length. The observation related to
      increased umbilical cord length may be explained by an SSRI-induced increase in
      the movements of the developing foetus.

PMID- 27128031
TI  - De Novo Transcriptome Analysis of Two Seahorse Species (Hippocampus erectus and
      H. mohnikei) and the Development of Molecular Markers for Population Genetics.
AB  - Seahorse conservation has been performed utilizing various strategies for many
      decades, and the deeper understanding of genomic information is necessary to more
      efficiently protect the germplasm resources of seahorse species. However, little
      genetic information about seahorses currently exists in the public databases. In
      this study, high-throughput RNA sequencing for two seahorse species, Hippocampus
      erectus and H. mohnikei, was carried out, and de novo assembly generated 37,506
      unigenes for H. erectus and 36,113 unigenes for H. mohnikei. Among them, 17,338
      (46.23%) unigenes for H. erectus and 17,900 (49.57%) for H. mohnikei were
      successfully annotated based on the information available from the public
      databases. Through comparing the unigenes of two seahorse species, 7,802
      candidate orthologous genes were identified and 5,268 genes among them could be
      annotated. In addition, gene ontology analysis of two species was similarly
      performed on biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions.
      Twenty-four and twenty-one unigenes in H. erectus and H. mohnikei were annotated
      in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids pathways, and both seahorses
      lacked the Delta12 and Delta15 desaturases. Total of 8,992 and 9,116 SSR loci
      were obtained from H. erectus and H. mohnikei unigenes, respectively. Dozens of
      SSR were developed and then applied to assess the population genetic diversity,
      as well as cross-amplified in a related species, H. trimaculatus. The HO and HE
      values of the tested populations for H. erectus, H. mohnikei, and H. trimaculatus
      were medium. These resources would facilitate the conservation of the species
      through a better understanding of the genomics and comparative genome analysis
      within the Hippocampus genus.

PMID- 27128033
TI  - PT phase control in circular multi-core fibers.
AB  - We consider light dynamics in a circular multi-core fiber with balanced gain and
      loss core distribution, and show that transition from unbroken to broken PT
      phases can be conveniently controlled by geometric twist of the fiber. The twist
      introduces Peierls phases in the coupling constants and, thus, acts as an
      artificial gauge field. As an application, we discuss twist-induced tuning of
      optical transmission in a six-core fiber with one lossy core. 

PMID- 27128032
TI  - Summed Probability Distribution of 14C Dates Suggests Regional Divergences in the
      Population Dynamics of the Jomon Period in Eastern Japan.
AB  - Recent advances in the use of summed probability distribution (SPD) of calibrated
      14C dates have opened new possibilities for studying prehistoric demography. The
      degree of correlation between climate change and population dynamics can now be
      accurately quantified, and divergences in the demographic history of distinct
      geographic areas can be statistically assessed. Here we contribute to this
      research agenda by reconstructing the prehistoric population change of Jomon
      hunter-gatherers between 7,000 and 3,000 cal BP. We collected 1,433 14C dates
      from three different regions in Eastern Japan (Kanto, Aomori and Hokkaido) and
      established that the observed fluctuations in the SPDs were statistically
      significant. We also introduced a new non-parametric permutation test for
      comparing multiple sets of SPDs that highlights point of divergences in the
      population history of different geographic regions. Our analyses indicate a
      general rise-and-fall pattern shared by the three regions but also some key
      regional differences during the 6th millennium cal BP. The results confirm some
      of the patterns suggested by previous archaeological studies based on house and
      site counts but offer statistical significance and an absolute chronological
      framework that will enable future studies aiming to establish potential
      correlation with climatic changes.

PMID- 27128034
TI  - Miniature and cooled hyperspectral camera for outdoor surveillance applications
      in the mid-infrared.
AB  - We present the design and the realization of a compact and robust imaging
      spectrometer in the mid-infrared spectral range. This camera combines a small
      static Fourier transform birefringent interferometer and a cooled miniaturized
      infrared camera in order to build a robust and compact instrument that can be
      embedded in an unmanned aerial vehicle for hyperspectral imaging applications.
      This instrument has been tested during a gas detection measurement campaign.
      First results are presented. 

PMID- 27128035
TI  - Highly efficient phase-sensitive parametric gain in periodically poled
      LiNbO<sub>3</sub> ridge waveguide.
AB  - We have developed a periodically poled LiNbO<sub>3</sub> (PPLN) ridge waveguide
      device and experimentally demonstrated a phase-sensitive optical parametric
      amplification. The highly efficient net phase-sensitive parametric gain of +18.6 
      dB is obtained in a cascaded second harmonic generation and difference frequency
      generation configuration. The phase-sensitive gain is greater by +5.8  dB in
      comparison with the phase-insensitive gain. We successfully confirmed the phase
      sensitive amplification with a high gain in the PPLN ridge waveguide. 

PMID- 27128036
TI  - Fiber-wireless integrated mobile backhaul network based on a hybrid millimeter
      wave and free-space-optics architecture with an adaptive diversity combining
      technique.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel fiber-wireless integrated
      mobile backhaul network based on a hybrid millimeter-wave (MMW) and free-space
      optics (FSO) architecture using an adaptive combining technique. Both 60 GHz MMW
      and FSO links are demonstrated and fully integrated with optical fibers in a
      scalable and cost-effective backhaul system setup. Joint signal processing with
      an adaptive diversity combining technique (ADCT) is utilized at the receiver side
      based on a maximum ratio combining algorithm. Mobile backhaul transportation of 4
      Gb/s 16 quadrature amplitude modulation frequency-division multiplexing (QAM
      OFDM) data is experimentally demonstrated and tested under various weather
      conditions synthesized in the lab. Performance improvement in terms of reduced
      error vector magnitude (EVM) and enhanced link reliability are validated under
      fog, rain, and turbulence conditions. 

PMID- 27128037
TI  - Broadband on-chip near-infrared spectroscopy based on a plasmonic grating filter
      array.
AB  - We demonstrate an ultra-compact, broadband on-chip near-infrared (NIR)
      spectroscopy system based on a narrow-band plasmonic filter array. The entire
      filter array, consisting of 28 individual subwavelength metallic gratings, was
      monolithically integrated in a thin gold film on a quartz substrate, covering a
      270 nm spectra from 1510 nm to 1780 nm. In order to achieve a high spectral
      resolution, extremely narrow slits are created for the gratings with a polymer
      waveguide layer on top, generating narrow-band guided-mode resonances through
      coupling with the surface-plasmon resonances of the metallic gratings.
      Experimental results show that the transmission bands of the filter array have
      full width at half-maximum of only 7 nm-13 nm, which is sufficient for NIR
      spectroscopy. The NIR absorption spectroscopy of xylene using the on-chip
      plasmonic filter array matches very well with the results from conventional
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which proves the great potential for NIR
      sensing applications. 

PMID- 27128038
TI  - Systematic approach for designing zero-DGD coupled multi-core optical fibers.
AB  - An analytical method is presented for designing N-coupled multi-core fibers with
      zero differential group delay. This approach effectively reduces the problem to a
      system of N-1 algebraic equations involving the associated coupling coefficients
      and propagation constants, as obtained from coupled mode theory. Once the
      parameters of one of the cores are specified, the roots of the resulting N-1
      equations can be used to determine the characteristics of the remaining waveguide
      elements. Using this technique, a number of pertinent geometrical configurations
      are investigated to minimize intermodal dispersion. 

PMID- 27128039
TI  - On-demand single-photon sources via quantum blockade and applications in decoy
      state quantum key distribution.
AB  - Quantum blockades as a nonlinear quantum optical process have been well studied
      in recent years. Using the quantum trajectory method, we calculate and discuss
      the output photon number distributions of a single-photon blockade process in a
      Kerr nonlinear dissipative resonator, revealing that the probability of the
      single-photon state can be optimized. Then we show through numerical simulations
      that such a quasi-single-photon source can drastically raise the key rate in the
      decoy-state quantum key distribution. 

PMID- 27128041
TI  - Reverse engineering approach to focus shaping.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate an inverse design for the complete
      shaping of the optical focal field with the prescribed distribution of intensity,
      phase, and polarization. The input field that yields the desired focal field is
      obtained through a fast noniterative calculation procedure, in which the focal
      field is configured at will and then back-propagates to the input plane. The
      experiments have verified that all parameters of the focal field can be
      controlled simultaneously and independently. Furthermore, using this inverse
      design, we generate in focal region a kind of "perfect polarization vortex" field
      that has a shape independent of the topological charge of vortex. This target
      oriented scheme holds the potential for applications requiring a complex focal
      field. 

PMID- 27128040
TI  - En face speckle reduction in optical coherence microscopy by frequency
      compounding.
AB  - We report the use of frequency compounding to significantly reduce speckle noise
      in optical coherence microscopy, more specifically on the en face images. This
      method relies on the fact that the speckle patterns recorded from different
      wavelengths simultaneously are independent; hence their summation yields
      significant reduction in noise, with only a single acquisition. The results of
      our experiments with microbeads show that the narrow confocal parameter, due to a
      high numerical aperture objective, restricts the axial resolution loss that would
      otherwise theoretically broaden linearly with the number of optical frequency
      bands used. This speckle reduction scheme preserves the lateral resolution since
      it is performed on individual A-scans. Finally, we apply this technique to images
      of fixed human brain tissue, showing significant improvements in contrast-to
      noise ratio with only moderate loss of axial resolution, in an effort to improve
      automatic three-dimensional detection of cells and fibers in the cortex. 

PMID- 27128042
TI  - Probing scattering resonances of Vogel's spirals with the Green's matrix spectral
      method.
AB  - Using the rigorous Green's function spectral method, we systematically
      investigate the scattering resonances of different types of Vogel spiral arrays
      of point-like scatterers. By computing the distributions of eigenvalues of the
      Green's matrix and the corresponding eigenvectors, we obtain important physical
      information on the spatial nature of the optical modes, their lifetimes and
      spatial patterns, at small computational cost and for large-scale systems.
      Finally, we show that this method can be extended to the study of three
      dimensional Vogel aperiodic metamaterials and aperiodic photonic structures that
      may exhibit a richer spectrum of localized resonances of direct relevance to the
      engineering of novel optical light sources and sensing devices. 

PMID- 27128043
TI  - Optical frequency comb generator based on a monolithically integrated passive
      mode-locked ring laser with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
AB  - We report the demonstration of an optical-frequency comb generator based on a
      monolithically integrated ring laser fabricated in a multiproject wafer run in an
      active/passive integration process in a generic foundry using standardized
      building blocks. The device is based on a passive mode-locked ring laser
      architecture, which includes a Mach-Zehnder interferometer to flatten the
      spectral shape of the comb output. This structure allows monolithic integration
      with other optical components, such as optical filters for wavelength selection,
      or dual wavelength lasers for their stabilization. The results show a -10  dB
      span of the optical comb of 8.7 nm (1.08 THz), with comb spacing of 10.16 GHz. We
      also obtain a flatness of 44 lines within a 1.8 dB power variation. 

PMID- 27128044
TI  - Achieving an ultra-uniform diffraction pattern of stray light with metallic
      meshes by using ring and sub-ring arrays.
AB  - We provide theoretical and experimental evidence that introducing metallic rings
      and sub-rings in mesh unit cells significantly decreases the high-order
      diffraction energy. Moreover, rotating the sub-rings results in increased
      uniformity in the diffraction distribution without affecting the transmittance.
      Experiments show that the triangular ring mesh with rotated sub-rings exhibits a
      normalized visible transmittance greater than 95% as well as an ultra-uniform
      diffraction pattern of stray light, whose maximal normalized high-order
      diffraction energy is lower than 0.0167%. This kind of metallic mesh will be
      favorable in transparent electromagnetic interference shielding devices and touch
      screens. 

PMID- 27128045
TI  - Femtosecond solid-state laser based on a few-layered black phosphorus saturable
      absorber.
AB  - In this Letter, a high-quality, few-layered black phosphorus (BP) saturable
      absorber (SA) was fabricated successfully, and a femtosecond solid-state laser
      modulated by BP-SA was experimentally demonstrated for the first time, to the
      best of our knowledge. Pulses as short as 272 fs were achieved with an average
      output power of 0.82 W, corresponding to the pulse energy of 6.48 nJ and peak
      power of 23.8 MW. So far, these represent the shortest pulse duration and highest
      output power ever obtained with a BP-based mode-locked solid-state laser. The
      results indicate the promising potential of few-layered BP-SA for applications in
      solid-state femtosecond mode-locked lasers. 

PMID- 27128046
TI  - Continuous wave external-cavity quantum cascade laser-based high-resolution
      cavity ring-down spectrometer for ultrasensitive trace gas detection.
AB  - A high-resolution cavity ring-down spectroscopic (CRDS) system based on a
      continuous wave (cw) mode-hop-free (MHF) external-cavity quantum cascade laser
      (EC-QCL) operating at lambda~5.2  MUm has been developed for ultrasensitive
      detection of nitric oxide (NO). We report the performance of the high-resolution
      EC-QCL based cw-CRDS instrument by measuring the rotationally resolved Lambda
      doublet e and f components of the P(7.5) line in the fundamental band of NO at
      1850.169  cm<sup>-1</sup> and 1850.179  cm<sup>-1</sup>. A noise-equivalent
      absorption coefficient of 1.01*10<sup>-9</sup>  cm<sup>-1</sup>  Hz<sup>
      1/2</sup> was achieved based on an empty cavity ring-down time of
      tau<sub>0</sub>=5.6  MUs and standard deviation of 0.11% with averaging of six
      ring-down time determinations. The CRDS sensor demonstrates the advantages of
      measuring parts per billion NO concentrations in N<sub>2</sub>, as well as in
      human breath samples with ultrahigh sensitivity and specificity. The CRDS system
      could also be generalized to measure simultaneously many other trace molecular
      species within the broad tuning range of cw EC-QCL, as well as for studying the
      rotationally resolved hyperfine structures. 

PMID- 27128047
TI  - All-optical optoacoustic microscope based on wideband pulse interferometry.
AB  - Optical and optoacoustic (photoacoustic) microscopy have been recently joined in
      hybrid implementations that resolve extended tissue contrast compared to each
      modality alone. Nevertheless, the application of the hybrid technique is limited
      by the requirement to combine an optical objective with ultrasound detection
      collecting signal from the same micro-volume. We present an all-optical
      optoacoustic microscope based on a pi-phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating (pi-FBG)
      with coherence-restored pulsed interferometry (CRPI) used as the interrogation
      method. The sensor offers an ultra-small footprint and achieved higher
      sensitivity over piezoelectric transducers of similar size. We characterize the
      spectral bandwidth of the ultrasound detector and interrogate the imaging
      performance on phantoms and tissues. We show the first optoacoustic images of
      biological specimen recorded with pi-FBG sensors. We discuss the potential uses
      of pi-FBG sensors based on CRPI. 

PMID- 27128048
TI  - Narrowband multispectral liquid crystal tunable filter.
AB  - Multispectral tunable filters with high performance are desirable components in
      various biomedical and industrial applications. In this Letter, we present a new
      narrowband multispectral tunable filter with high throughput over a wide dynamic
      range. It is composed from a wideband large dynamic range liquid crystal tunable
      filter combined with a multiple narrowbands spectral filter made of two stacks of
      photonic crystals and cavity layer in between. The filter tunes between nine
      spectral bands covering the range 450-1000 nm with bandwidth <10  nm and
      throughput >80%. 

PMID- 27128049
TI  - Broadband robustly single-mode hollow-core PCF by resonant filtering of higher
      order modes.
AB  - We report a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber that is engineered so as to
      strongly suppress higher-order modes, i.e., to provide robust LP<sub>01</sub>
      single-mode guidance in all the wavelength ranges where the fiber guides with low
      loss. Encircling the core is a single ring of nontouching glass elements whose
      modes are tailored to ensure resonant phase-matched coupling to higher-order core
      modes. We show that the resulting modal filtering effect depends on only one
      dimensionless shape parameter, akin to the well-known d/Lambda parameter for
      endlessly single-mode solid-core PCF. Fabricated fibers show higher-order mode
      losses some ~100 higher than for the LP<sub>01</sub> mode, with LP<sub>01</sub>
      losses <0.2  dB/m in the near-infrared and a spectral flatness ~1  dB over a >110
      THz bandwidth. 

PMID- 27128050
TI  - Broadband visible-light absorber via hybridization of propagating surface
      plasmon.
AB  - We demonstrate a broadband visible-light absorber based on excitation of multiple
      propagating surface plasmon (PSP) resonances. The simple structure is constructed
      of continuous gold/silica multi-layers covered by a one-dimensional gold grating.
      The broadening of bandwidth arises from the inter-layer hybridization and
      spectral superposition of PSPs, which is predicted with the analytical coupled
      oscillator model and validated using the RCWA simulation. The average absorption
      increases with the number of gold/silica pairs and exceeds 95% over the whole
      visible spectrum when only five pairs are included. Moreover, results show that
      the absorption can be further enhanced by grading the thickness of silica layers.
      The presented design might enable promising applications in the fields of
      photovoltaic cells and thermal emitters, owing to its advantages of wideband,
      near-unity absorption and simple fabrication simultaneously. 

PMID- 27128051
TI  - Performance evaluation of analog signal transmission in an integrated optical
      vortex emitter to 3.6-km few-mode fiber system.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate and evaluate the performance of an analog signal
      transmission system with photonic integrated optical vortex emitter and 3.6-km
      few-mode fiber (FMF) link using orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes. The
      fabricated photonic integrated device is capable of emitting vector optical
      vortices carrying well-defined and quantized OAM modes with topological charge l=
      2 and 2. After propagating through 3.6-km FMF, we measure and assess the spurious
      free dynamic range of the second-order harmonic distortion. Moreover, we study
      the impact of nonlinearity-induced resonance wavelength shift of the optical
      vortex emitter on the analog link performance as increasing the input optical
      power. 

PMID- 27128052
TI  - Lensless, ultra-wideband fiber optic rotary joint for biomedical applications.
AB  - The demands of optical fiber-based biomedical applications can, in many cases,
      outstrip the capabilities of lens-based commercially available fiber optic rotary
      joints. In some circumstances, it is necessary to use very broad spectral
      bandwidths (near UV to short-wave IR) and specialized optical fibers, such as
      double-clad fiber, and have the capacity to accommodate high rotational
      velocities. The broad spectrum, stretching down into the UV, presents two
      problems: (1) adequate chromatic correction in the lenses across the entire
      bandwidth and (2) strong UV absorption by the fluids used to lubricate the rotary
      joint. To accommodate these types of applications, we have developed an ultra
      wideband lensless fiber optic rotary joint based on the principle that when two
      optical fibers are coaligned and placed in contact (or very close), the optical
      losses at the junction are very low. The advances demonstrated here enable
      excellent performance (<0.2  dB insertion loss), even down into the UV and
      spanning a wavelength range of at least 355-1360 nm with single-mode, multimode,
      and double-clad fibers. We also demonstrate excellent performance, ~0.38  dB
      insertion loss, at rotational velocities up to 8800 rpm (146 Hz). To the best of
      our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of this type of rotary joint
      capable of such a wide bandwidth and high rotational velocities. 

PMID- 27128053
TI  - Pump-probe spectrometer for measuring x-ray induced strain.
AB  - A hard x-ray pump-probe spectrometer using a multi-crystal Bragg reflector is
      demonstrated at a third generation synchrotron source. This device derives both
      broadband pump and monochromatic probe pulses directly from a single intense,
      broadband x-ray pulse centered at 8.767 keV. We present a proof-of-concept
      experiment which directly measures x-ray induced crystalline lattice strain. 

PMID- 27128054
TI  - In vivo thickness dynamics measurement of tear film lipid and aqueous layers with
      optical coherence tomography and maximum-likelihood estimation.
AB  - Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ophthalmic condition that is characterized by
      tear film instability and leads to ocular surface discomfort and visual
      disturbance. Advancements in the understanding and management of this condition
      have been limited by our ability to study the tear film secondary to its thin
      structure and dynamic nature. Here, we report a technique to simultaneously
      estimate the thickness of both the lipid and aqueous layers of the tear film in
      vivo using optical coherence tomography and maximum-likelihood estimation. After
      a blink, the lipid layer was rapidly thickened at an average rate of 10  nm/s
      over the first 2.5 s before stabilizing, whereas the aqueous layer continued
      thinning at an average rate of 0.29  MUm/s of the 10 s blink cycle. Further
      development of this tear film imaging technique may allow for the elucidation of
      events that trigger tear film instability in DED. 

PMID- 27128055
TI  - Optical design of a 4-off-axis-unit Cassegrain ultra-high concentrator
      photovoltaics module with a central receiver.
AB  - Ultra-high concentrator photovoltaics (UHCPV), with concentrations higher than
      1000 suns, have been pointed out by different authors as having great potential
      for being a cost-effective PV technology. This Letter presents a UHCPV Cassegrain
      based optical design in which the sunrays are concentrated and sent from four
      different and independent paraboloid-hyperboloid pairs optical units onto a
      single central receiver. The optical design proposed has the main advantage of
      the achievement of ultra-high concentration ratios using relative small mirrors
      with similar performance values of efficiency, acceptance angle, and irradiance
      uniformity to other designs. 

PMID- 27128056
TI  - Concentric ring phosphor geometry on the luminous efficiency of white-light
      emitting diodes with excellent color rendering property.
AB  - This study presents a novel remote phosphor design involving a concentric ring
      remote phosphor layer in which green and red phosphors are separated. The green
      and red phosphor rings were separately illuminated by blue light emitted from the
      light-emitting diode (LED), causing low reabsorption in phosphor-converted LEDs
      (pcLEDs) using green and red phosphors. The experimental results revealed that
      the pcLEDs with green and red phosphors showed high color rendering, indicating
      that the LEDs are suitable for certain medical applications and architectural
      lighting. Moreover, for given green/red phosphor ratio and weights of the green
      and red phosphors, the output power and luminous flux of the pcLED with a
      concentric ring remote phosphor layer were greater than those of the pcLED with a
      mixed remote phosphor layer. The reduction in the reabsorption of green emission
      by red phosphor in pcLED with a concentric ring remote phosphor layer was
      responsible for the high luminous flux and indicated a high correlated color
      temperature of pcLED. 

PMID- 27128057
TI  - Wideband-frequency tunable optoelectronic oscillator based on injection locking
      to an electronic oscillator.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate a wideband-frequency tunable optoelectronic
      oscillator (OEO) based on injection locking of the OEO to a tunable electronic
      oscillator. The OEO cavity does not contain a narrowband filter and its frequency
      can be tuned over a broad bandwidth of 1 GHz. The injection locking is based on
      minimizing the injected power by adjusting the frequency of one of the OEO cavity
      modes to be approximately equal to the frequency of the injected signal. The
      phase noise that is obtained in the injection-locked OEO is similar to that
      obtained in a long-cavity self-sustained OEO. Although the cavity length of the
      OEO was long, the spurious modes were suppressed due to the injection locking
      without the need to use a narrowband filter. The spurious level was significantly
      below that obtained in a self-sustained OEO after inserting a narrowband
      electronic filter with a Q-factor of 720 into the cavity. 

PMID- 27128058
TI  - Modulation of electromagnetic fields by a depolarizer of random polarizer array.
AB  - The statistical properties of the electric fields with random changes of the
      polarization state in space generated by a depolarizer are investigated on the
      basis of the coherence matrix. The depolarizer is a polarizer array composed of a
      multitude of contiguous square cells of polarizers with randomly distributed
      polarization angles, where the incident fields experience a random polarization
      modulation after passing through the depolarizer. The propagation of the
      modulated electric fields through any quadratic optical system is examined within
      the framework of the complex ABCD matrix to show how the degree of coherence and
      the degree of polarization change on propagation. 

PMID- 27128059
TI  - Relativistic effects in imaging of light in flight with arbitrary paths.
AB  - Direct observation of light in flight is enabled by recent avalanche photodiode
      arrays, which have the capability for time-correlated single photon counting. In
      contrast to classical imaging, imaging of light in flight depends on the relative
      sensor position, which is studied in detail by measurement and analysis of light
      pulses propagating at different angles. The time differences of arrival are
      analyzed to determine the propagation angle and distance of arbitrary light
      paths. Further analysis of the apparent velocity shows that light pulses can
      appear to travel at superluminal or subluminal apparent velocities. 

PMID- 27128060
TI  - Doppler-free approach to optical pumping dynamics in the 6S<sub>1/2</sub>
      5D<sub>5/2</sub> electric quadrupole transition of cesium vapor.
AB  - The 6S<sub>1/2</sub>-5D<sub>5/2</sub> electric quadrupole transition is
      investigated in cesium vapor at room temperature via nonlinear Doppler-free 6P-6S
      5D three-level spectroscopy. Frequency-resolved studies of individual E2
      hyperfine lines allow one to analyze the optical pumping dynamics, polarization
      selection rules, and line intensities. It opens the way to studies of transfer of
      light orbital angular momentum to atoms and the influence of metamaterials on E2
      line spectra. 

PMID- 27128061
TI  - Flexible terahertz wire grid polarizer with high extinction ratio and low loss.
AB  - An aluminum-based terahertz (THz) wire grid polarizer is theoretically
      investigated and experimentally demonstrated on a subwavelength thin flexible and
      conformal foil of the cyclo-olefin Zeonor polymer. THz time-domain spectroscopy
      characterization, performed on both flat and curved configurations, reveals a
      high extinction ratio between 40 and 45 dB in the 0.3-1 THz range and in excess
      of 30 dB up to 2.5 THz. The insertion losses are lower than 1 dB and are almost
      exclusively due to moderate Fabry-Perot reflections, which vanish at targeted
      frequencies. The polarizer can be easily fabricated with low-cost techniques such
      as roll-to-roll and/or large-area electronics processes and promises to open the
      way for a new class of flexible and conformal THz devices. 

PMID- 27128062
TI  - Three-dimensional resolution and contrast-enhanced confocal microscopy with array
      detection.
AB  - What we believe is a novel method for improving confocal microscopy's resolution
      and contrast in 3D space is proposed. Based on a conventional confocal microscopy
      setup, we use an array detector composed of 32 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) to
      replace one point-detector, where the location offset of each PMT caused a
      different effective point spread function (PSF). By applying array detection and
      the fluorescence emission difference method of an image with a solid PSF and
      another with a donut-shaped PSF, we can enhance lateral resolution about 27% in
      real time with only one scan, and improve the axial resolving ability by about
      22% simultaneously. Experimental results of both fluorescent beads and living
      cells are presented to verify the applicability and effectiveness of our method. 

PMID- 27128063
TI  - Femtosecond inscription of phase-shifted gratings by overlaid fiber Bragg
      gratings.
AB  - Two slightly shifted gratings are inscribed, one over the other, in an SMF fiber
      with a femtosecond laser and a phase mask. The transmission spectrum of the
      complex structure is similar to that of a phase-shifted grating; yet, the
      fabrication process is fast and simple compared to standard methods. High-quality
      semi-phase-shifted gratings with -24  dB transmission loss and <100  pm
      transmission bandwidth are presented. Their application as highly narrow micro
      resonators and notch filters seems feasible. 

PMID- 27128064
TI  - Single-shot thermometry and OH detection via femtosecond fully resonant
      electronically enhanced CARS (FREE-CARS).
AB  - Femtosecond time-resolved, fully resonant electronically enhanced coherent anti
      Stokes Raman scattering (FREE-CARS) spectroscopy, incorporating a two-color
      excitation scheme, is used to demonstrate selective and sensitive gas-phase
      detection of the hydroxyl (OH) radical in a reacting flow. Spectral resolution of
      the emitted FREE-CARS signal allows simultaneous detection of temperature and
      relative OH mole fraction under single-laser-shot conditions in a laminar
      ethylene-air flame. By comparison to previously reported OH concentration and
      temperature measurements, we demonstrate excellent single-shot temperature
      accuracies (~2% deviation from adiabatic flame temperature) and precisions (~2%
      standard deviation), with simultaneous relative OH concentration measurements
      that demonstrate high detection sensitivity (100-300 ppm). 

PMID- 27128065
TI  - In situ observation of the Yb<sup>2+</sup> emission in the radiodarkening process
      of Yb-doped optical preform.
AB  - This Letter relates the clear evidence of Yb<sup>2+</sup> formation under 2.5 MeV
      electron irradiation in optical fiber preforms showing a darkening of the core.
      We thus detected by in situ photoluminescence measurements the green emission of
      divalent Yb<sup>2+</sup> under the 355 nm excitation. Moreover, we showed the
      existence of two types of Yb<sup>2+</sup> ion species with different stabilities.
      We demonstrated that the radiodarkening mechanism is based on a pair association
      of Yb<sup>2+</sup> with aluminum oxygen hole center point defects. 

PMID- 27128067
TI  - High power single-frequency and frequency-doubled laser with active compensation
      for the thermal lens effect of terbium gallium garnet crystal.
AB  - The thermal lens effect of terbium gallium garnet (TGG) crystal in a high power
      single-frequency laser severely limits the output power and the beam quality of
      the laser. By inserting a potassium dideuterium phosphate (DKDP) slice with
      negative thermo-optical coefficient into the laser resonator, the harmful
      influence of the thermal lens effect of the TGG crystal can be effectively
      mitigated. Using this method, the stable range of the laser is broadened, the
      bistability phenomenon of the laser during the process of changing the pump power
      is completely eliminated, the highest output power of an all-solid-state
      continuous-wave intracavity-frequency-doubling single-frequency laser at 532 nm
      is enhanced to 30.2 W, and the beam quality of the laser is significantly
      improved. 

PMID- 27128066
TI  - Broadband multimode fiber spectrometer.
AB  - A general-purpose all-fiber spectrometer is demonstrated to overcome the trade
      off between spectral resolution and bandwidth. By integrating a wavelength
      division multiplexer with five multimode optical fibers, we have achieved 100 nm
      bandwidth with 0.03 nm resolution at wavelength 1500 nm. An efficient algorithm
      is developed to reconstruct the spectrum from the speckle pattern produced by
      interference of guided modes in the multimode fibers. Such an algorithm enables a
      rapid, accurate reconstruction of both sparse and dense spectra in the presence
      of noise. 

PMID- 27128068
TI  - Active capture and stabilization of temporal solitons in microresonators.
AB  - Soliton mode locking and femtosecond pulse generation have recently been
      demonstrated in high-Q optical microcavities and provide a new way to miniaturize
      frequency comb systems, as well as create integrated comb systems on a chip.
      However, triggering the mode-locking process is complicated by a well-known
      thermal hysteresis that can destabilize the solitons. Moreover, on a longer time
      scale, thermal drifting of the cavity resonant frequency relative to the pumping
      frequency causes loss of mode locking. In this Letter, an active feedback method
      is used both to capture specific soliton states and to stabilize the states
      indefinitely. The capture and stabilization method provides a reliable way to
      overcome thermal effects during soliton formation and to excite a desired number
      of circulating cavity solitons. It is also used to demonstrate a low pumping
      power of 22 mW for generation of microwave-repetition-rate solitons on a chip. 

PMID- 27128070
TI  - Comparison of ordered and disordered silicon nanowire arrays: experimental
      evidence of photonic crystal modes.
AB  - We experimentally compared the reflectance between ordered and disordered silicon
      nanowires to observe the evidence of photonic crystal modes. For similar
      diameters, the resonance peaks for the ordered nanowires at a spacing of 400 nm
      was at a shorter wavelength than the disordered nanowires, consistent to the
      excitation of photonic crystal modes. Furthermore, the resonant wavelength didn't
      shift while changing the density of the disordered nanowires, whereas there was a
      significant shift observed in the ordered ones. At an ordered spacing of 800 nm,
      the resonance wavelength approached that of the disordered structures, indicating
      that the ordered structures were starting to behave like individual waveguides.
      To our knowledge, this is the first direct experimental observation of photonic
      crystal modes in vertical periodic silicon nanowire arrays. 

PMID- 27128069
TI  - Receiver bandwidth effects on complex modulation and detection using directly
      modulated lasers.
AB  - Directly modulated lasers (DMLs) have long been employed for short- and medium
      reach optical communications due to their low cost. Recently, a new modulation
      scheme called complex modulated DMLs has been demonstrated showing a significant
      optical signal to noise ratio sensitivity enhancement compared with the
      traditional intensity-only detection scheme. However, chirp-induced optical
      spectrum broadening is inevitable in complex modulated systems, which may imply a
      need for high-bandwidth receivers. In this Letter, we study the impact of
      receiver bandwidth effects on the performance of complex modulation and coherent
      detection systems based on DMLs. We experimentally demonstrate that such systems
      exhibit a reasonable tolerance for the reduced receiver bandwidth. For 10 Gbaud 4
      level pulse amplitude modulation signals, the required electrical bandwidth is as
      low as 8.5 and 7.5 GHz for 7% and 20% forward error correction, respectively.
      Therefore, it is feasible to realize DML-based complex modulated systems using
      cost-effective receivers with narrow bandwidth. 

PMID- 27128071
TI  - Saturable absorption in one-dimensional Sb<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub> nanowires in
      the visible to near-infrared region.
AB  - One-dimensional (1D) free-standing nanowires are particularly important for
      carrier confinement in two dimensions, which provides a platform to explore the
      nonlinear optical phenomena at the nanoscale. In this Letter, we demonstrate
      saturable absorption in the resonant and above-bandgap excitations of both ns and
      fs pulses in 1D crystalline Sb<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub> nanowires prepared by
      the facile hydrothermal method. Impressively, the average length of the nanowires
      extends to a few micrometers with a high aspect ratio of 300. The excited-state
      to ground-state absorption cross-section ratio in Sb<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>
      nanowires is ~0.23, which suggests that they can be utilized as passive mode
      lockers. 

PMID- 27128072
TI  - Ultra-broadband and low-loss 3  dB optical power splitter based on adiabatic
      tapered silicon waveguides.
AB  - A broadband, low-loss and polarization-insensitive 3 dB optical power splitter
      based on adiabatic tapered silicon waveguides is proposed and investigated. 3D
      FDTD simulation results show that the splitter achieves an output transmission
      efficiency of nearly 50% over an ultra-broad wavelength range from 1200 to 1700
      nm. The device is fabricated, and experimental results show that the splitter
      exhibits a low excess loss of <0.19  dB for the TE polarization and <0.14  dB for
      the TM polarization over the entire measured wavelength range from 1530 to 1600
      nm, while having an adiabatic taper length of only 5 MUm. In addition, the
      measured power uniformity of the cascaded 1*8 splitter is only 0.47 dB, and 0.17
      dB for the TE and TM polarizations, respectively. With the advantages of low
      loss, broad bandwidth, and compact size, the proposed splitter is a promising
      element for large-scale silicon integrated photonic circuits. 

PMID- 27128073
TI  - Fiber-optic vectorial magnetic-field gradiometry by a spatiotemporal differential
      optical detection of magnetic resonance in nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond.
AB  - Highly sensitive room-temperature vectorial magnetic-field gradiometry is
      demonstrated using optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) in fiber-coupled
      nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. With a bulk NV-diamond magnetometer
      coupled to a pair of optical fibers integrated with a microwave transmission
      line, the differential ODMR measurements are implemented in both space and time,
      with magnetic-field gradient measurements supplemented with differential ODMR
      signal detection in the time domain, allowing efficient noise cancellation and
      providing a sensitivity of magnetogradiometry at the level of 10<sup>-7</sup> 
      nT/(nmHz<sup>1/2</sup>). 

PMID- 27128074
TI  - All-optical thermal microscopy of laser-excited waveguides.
AB  - We report on a unique combination of high-resolution confocal microscopy and
      ratiometric luminescence thermometry to obtain thermal images of 800 nm pumped
      ultrafast laser-inscribed waveguides in a Nd:YAG crystal. Thermal images evidence
      a strong localization of thermal load in the waveguide active volume. Comparison
      between experimental data and numerical simulations reveals that ultrafast laser
      inscribed damage tracks in Nd:YAG crystals behave both as low-index and low
      thermal conductivity barriers. 

PMID- 27128075
TI  - Spectral symmetry of Fano resonances in a waveguide coupled to a microcavity.
AB  - We investigate the symmetry of transmission spectra in a photonic crystal (PhC)
      waveguide with a side-coupled cavity and a partially transmitting element (PTE).
      We demonstrate, through numerical calculations, that by varying the cavity-PTE
      distance the spectra vary from being asymmetric with the minimum blueshifted
      relative to the maximum, to being symmetric (Lorentzian), to being asymmetric
      with the minimum redshifted relative to the maximum. For cavity-PTE distances
      larger than five PhC lattice constants, we show that the transmission spectrum is
      accurately described as the transmission spectrum of a Fabry-Perot etalon with a
      single propagating Bloch mode and that the symmetry of the transmission spectrum
      correlates with the Fabry-Perot round-trip phase. 

PMID- 27128076
TI  - Deep transmission of Laguerre-Gaussian vortex beams through turbid scattering
      media.
AB  - Light scattering and transmission of Gaussian (G) and Laguerre-Gaussian (LG)
      vortex beams with different orbital angular momentum (L) in various turbid media
      were investigated. Transmittance was measured with varied ratios of sample
      thickness (z) to scattering mean free path (l<sub>s</sub>) of turbid media,
      z/l<sub>s</sub>. In the ballistic region, the LG and G beams were found to have
      no significant difference on transmittance, while in the diffusive region, the LG
      beams showed a higher received signal than the G beams, and the LG beams with
      higher L values showed a higher received signal than those with lower L values.
      The transition points from ballistic to diffusive regions for different
      scattering media were determined. This newly observed transmittance difference of
      LG and G beams may be used for deep target detection in turbid media through LG
      beam imaging. 

PMID- 27128077
TI  - Photonic jet subwavelength etching using a shaped optical fiber tip.
AB  - We demonstrate that photonic jets (PJs) can be obtained in the vicinity of a
      shaped optical fiber and that they can be used to achieve subwavelength etchings.
      Only 10% of the power of a 30 W, 100 ns, near-infrared (1064 nm) Nd:YAG laser,
      commonly used for industrial laser processing, has been required. Etchings on a
      silicon wafer with a lateral feature size close to half-laser wavelength have
      been achieved using a shaped-tip optical fiber. This breakthrough has been
      carried out in ambient air by using a multimode 100/140 MUm silica fiber with a
      shaped tip that generates a concentrated beam at their vicinity, a phenomenon
      referred to as a PJ, obtained for the first time without using microspheres. PJ
      achieved with a fiber tip, easier to manipulate, opens far-reaching benefits for
      all PJ applications. The roles of parameters such as laser fluence, tip shape,
      and mode excitation are discussed. A good correlation has been observed between
      the computed PJ intensity distribution and the etched marks' sizes. 

PMID- 27128078
TI  - Stimulated fluorescence quenching in nitrogen-vacancy centers of diamond:
      temperature effects.
AB  - Laser-induced fluorescence quenching in nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond
      is studied simultaneously with in situ measurements of the heating-induced shift
      of the electron spin resonance of NV centers in the presence of a microwave
      field. These experiments reveal a strong correlation between fluorescence
      suppression in NV centers and the rise of the local temperature inside the
      diamond crystal. This finding sheds light on quantum pathways behind stimulated
      fluorescence quenching in NV centers of diamond and may imply significant
      limitations on the applications of this effect as a method of superresolving
      imaging in biological systems. 

PMID- 27128079
TI  - D4sigma curves described analytically through propagation analysis of transverse
      irradiance moments.
AB  - The far-field changes in the beam width of an intense light beam propagating
      inside optical materials are investigated aiming the measurement of the nonlinear
      properties of the samples. The beam width is characterized in this Letter in
      terms of the transverse irradiance moments (TIMs) that allow an accurate
      description of the beam interaction and propagation. TIMs are rigorously related
      to the paraxial beam propagation parameters, and it is also possible to consider
      elliptical and astigmatic beams. Experimental data with very good signal-to-noise
      ratio were obtained for the reference materials carbon disulfide and fused
      quartz. 

PMID- 27128080
TI  - Plasmonic "nano-fingers on nanowires" as SERS substrates.
AB  - A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on plasmonics-active
      metallic nano-finger arrays grown on arrays of triangular-shaped metal-coated
      silicon nanowire arrays is proposed. Finite-difference time-domain modeling is
      employed to numerically calculate the effect of the inter-finger gap and the
      growth angle of the nano-fingers on the magnitude of SERS enhancement and the
      plasmon resonance wavelength. Additionally, the polarization dependence of the
      SERS signals from these novel substrates has been studied. A protocol for the
      fabrication of the proposed SERS substrate is also discussed. 

PMID- 27128081
TI  - 100  J-level nanosecond pulsed diode pumped solid state laser.
AB  - We report on the successful demonstration of a 100 J-level, diode pumped solid
      state laser based on cryogenic gas cooled, multi-slab ceramic Yb:YAG amplifier
      technology. When operated at 175 K, the system delivered a pulse energy of 107 J
      at a 1 Hz repetition rate and 10 ns pulse duration, pumped by 506 J of diode
      energy at 940 nm, corresponding to an optical-to-optical efficiency of 21%. To
      the best of our knowledge, this represents the highest energy obtained from a
      nanosecond pulsed diode pumped solid state laser. This demonstration confirms the
      energy scalability of the diode pumped optical laser for experiments laser
      architecture. 

PMID- 27128082
TI  - Dispersion regions overlapping for bulk and surface polaritons in a magnetic
      semiconductor superlattice.
AB  - Extraordinary dispersion features of both bulk and surface polaritons in a finely
      stratified magnetic-semiconductor structure which is influenced by an external
      static magnetic field in the Voigt geometry are discussed in this Letter. It is
      shown that the conditions for total overlapping dispersion regions for the
      simultaneous existence of bulk and surface polaritons can be reached, providing a
      conscious choice for the constitutive parameters and material fractions for both
      magnetic and semiconductor subsystems. 

PMID- 27128083
TI  - Spatiotemporal light bullets and supercontinuum generation in beta-BBO crystal
      with competing quadratic and cubic nonlinearities.
AB  - We experimentally study filamentation and supercontinuum generation in a
      birefringent medium [beta-barium borate (beta-BBO) crystal] pumped by intense 90
      fs, 1.8 MUm laser pulses whose carrier wavelength falls in the range of anomalous
      group velocity dispersion of the crystal. We demonstrate that the competition
      between the intrinsic cubic and cascaded-quadratic nonlinearities may serve as a
      useful tool for controlling the self-action effects via phase matching condition.
      In particular, we found that spectral superbroadening of the ordinary
      polarization is linked to three-dimensional self-focusing and formation of self
      compressed spatiotemporal light bullets that could be accessed within a certain
      range of either positive or negative phase mismatch. In the extraordinary
      polarization, we detect giant spectral shifts of the second harmonic radiation,
      which are attributed to a light bullet-induced self-phase matching. 

PMID- 27128084
TI  - High sensitivity refractive index sensor based on simple diffraction from phase
      grating.
AB  - We present a technique for refractive index sensing using a phase grating
      structure. A grating under normal incidence can be designed such that the first
      order diffracted light travels at a diffraction angle of 90 degrees  with respect
      to the zeroth order. The diffracted light, which is along the direction of
      periodicity, can further be diffracted from the grating and interfere with the
      zeroth-order light. Under this condition, the pi phase difference that arises
      between the two interfering beams results in a transmission dip. We can tune this
      dip wavelength for senor applications, based on the grating equation. This Letter
      presents both simulation and experimental data that show good agreement with each
      other. 

PMID- 27128085
TI  - Single-shot polarimetry imaging of multicore fiber.
AB  - We report an experimental test of single-shot polarimetry applied to the problem
      of real-time monitoring of the output polarization states in each core within a
      multicore fiber bundle. The technique uses a stress-engineered optical element,
      together with an analyzer, and provides a point spread function whose shape
      unambiguously reveals the polarization state of a point source. We implement this
      technique to monitor, simultaneously and in real time, the output polarization
      states of up to 180 single-mode fiber cores in both conventional and polarization
      maintaining fiber bundles. We demonstrate also that the technique can be used to
      fully characterize the polarization properties of each individual fiber core,
      including eigen-polarization states, phase delay, and diattenuation. 

PMID- 27128086
TI  - Superconcentration of light: circumventing the classical limit to achievable
      irradiance.
AB  - Concentration of light is limited by a fundamental physical principle, which
      ensures that etendue, the product of area and solid angle, can never decrease in
      an optical system. In microscopy, many superresolving methods, which can overcome
      the classical resolution limit, have recently emerged. We propose, and
      demonstrate experimentally, that it is also possible to circumvent the classical
      light concentration limit. Actually, most superresolution methods exhibit a
      common drawback: with respect to the total number of emitted photons, they are
      less efficient than standard widefield microscopy. Most methods "shave"' the
      point spread function (PSF) by discarding the disturbing signal from its edge. We
      show, that in contrast to PSF-shaving, methods related to reassignment microscopy
      (image scanning microscopy, optical photon reassignment, rescan confocal, instant
      structured illumination microscopy) concentrate all detected photons in their
      superresolving images and thereby increase the detected signal per sample area
      compared to widefield microsopy. We term this behavior superconcentration, as it
      breaks the classical light concentration limit. 

PMID- 27128087
TI  - In-line polarization rotator based on the quantum-optical analogy.
AB  - An in-line polarization rotator (PR) is proposed based on the quantum-optical
      analogy (QOA). The proposed PR possesses an auxiliary E7 liquid crystal (LC)
      waveguide in the vicinity of the single-mode fiber (SMF) core. Because of the
      matched core size, the PR demonstrates good compatibility with the established
      backbone networks which are composed of conventional SMFs. With optimized
      parameters for the auxiliary waveguide, the PR offers a near 100% polarization
      conversion efficiency at the 1550 nm band with a bandwidth of ~30  nm, a length
      of ~4625.9  MUm with a large tolerance of ~550  MUm, and a tolerance of the input
      light polarization angle and rotation angle of the E7 LC of ~pi/30 and ~pi/36 
      rad, respectively. The performance was verified by the full-vector finite-element
      method. The proposed PR can be easily fabricated based on the existing photonics
      crystal fiber manufacturing process, making it a potentially inexpensive device
      for applications in modern communication systems. Moreover, the QOA, compared
      with the previous supermode-theory design method, allows a designer to consider
      several waveguides separately. Therefore, various unique characteristics can be
      met simultaneously which is consistent with the trend of modern fiber design. 

PMID- 27128088
TI  - Mid-infrared supercontinuum generation spanning 2.0 to 15.1  MUm in a
      chalcogenide step-index fiber.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate mid-infrared (MIR) supercontinuum (SC) generation
      spanning ~2.0 to 15.1 MUm in a 3 cm-long chalcogenide step-index fiber. The pump
      source is generated by the difference frequency generation with a pulse width of
      ~170  fs, a repetition rate of ~1000  Hz, and a wavelength range tunable from 2.4
      to 11 MUm. To the best of our knowledge, this is the broadest MIR SC generation
      observed so far in optical fibers. It facilitates fiber-based applications in
      sensing, medical, and biological imaging areas. 

PMID- 27128089
TI  - Time-domain Vander-Lugt filters for in-fiber complex (amplitude and phase)
      optical pulse shaping.
AB  - The time-domain counterpart of spatial Vander-Lugt filters is proposed for the
      first time, to the best of our knowledge. The concept enables reshaping an
      ultrashort optical pulse into a desired complex (amplitude and phase) arbitrary
      temporal pulse waveform using a setup configuration similar to that of previously
      demonstrated fiber-optic time-domain pulse-intensity shapers, i.e., using a
      single temporal amplitude modulator between two opposite-dispersive all-fiber
      media. The proposal is experimentally validated through reconfigurable generation
      of two complex-valued pulse shapes, namely, a 60 ps asymmetrical triangular pulse
      with controlled parabolic phase and a 4-symbol 16-QAM picosecond pulse code
      sequence. 

PMID- 27128090
TI  - Terahertz wave generation from spontaneously formed nanostructures in silver
      nanoparticle ink.
AB  - We demonstrate terahertz pulse generation from silver nanoparticle ink,
      originally developed for printed electronics, under irradiation by femtosecond
      laser pulses. Using metal nanoparticle ink, metallic nanostructures can be easily
      made in a large area without lithographic techniques. Terahertz pulses were
      emitted from the baked ink, having spontaneously formed nanostructures of ~100 
      nm. From the results of the baking temperature dependence and the polarization
      measurement, the terahertz generation is attributed to the nonlinear polarization
      induced by the enhanced local fields around these nanostructures. This study
      paves the way for the future development of terahertz emitters which have
      resonances in both the near-infrared light and the terahertz wave, by combining
      micrometer-scale structures drawn by an inkjet printer and nanometer-scale
      structures formed during the baking process. 

PMID- 27128091
TI  - Experimental verification of optical models of graphene with multimode slab
      waveguides.
AB  - We compare three optical models of graphene, namely, the interface model, the
      isotropic model, and the anisotropic model, and verify them experimentally with
      two multimode slab waveguide samples operating at the wavelengths of 632.8 and
      1536 nm. By comparing the calculated graphene-induced losses and the measurement
      data, we confirm that the interface model and the anisotropic model give correct
      results for both the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic modes,
      while the isotropic model gives correct results only for the TE modes. With the
      experimental data, we also quantitatively verify the widely used expression for
      the surface conductivity of graphene in the optical regime. Our findings clarify
      the issue of modeling graphene in the analysis of graphene-incorporated
      waveguides and offer deeper insight into the optical properties of graphene for
      waveguide applications. 

PMID- 27128092
TI  - Interrogating the Plasmodium Sporozoite Surface: Identification of Surface
      Exposed Proteins and Demonstration of Glycosylation on CSP and TRAP by Mass
      Spectrometry-Based Proteomics.
AB  - Malaria parasite infection is initiated by the mosquito-transmitted sporozoite
      stage, a highly motile invasive cell that targets hepatocytes in the liver for
      infection. A promising approach to developing a malaria vaccine is the use of
      proteins located on the sporozoite surface as antigens to elicit humoral immune
      responses that prevent the establishment of infection. Very little of the P.
      falciparum genome has been considered as potential vaccine targets, and candidate
      vaccines have been almost exclusively based on single antigens, generating the
      need for novel target identification. The most advanced malaria vaccine to date,
      RTS,S, a subunit vaccine consisting of a portion of the major surface protein
      circumsporozoite protein (CSP), conferred limited protection in Phase III trials,
      falling short of community-established vaccine efficacy goals. In striking
      contrast to the limited protection seen in current vaccine trials, sterilizing
      immunity can be achieved by immunization with radiation-attenuated sporozoites,
      suggesting that more potent protection may be achievable with a multivalent
      protein vaccine. Here, we provide the most comprehensive analysis to date of
      proteins located on the surface of or secreted by Plasmodium falciparum salivary
      gland sporozoites. We used chemical labeling to isolate surface-exposed proteins
      on sporozoites and identified these proteins by mass spectrometry. We validated
      several of these targets and also provide evidence that components of the inner
      membrane complex are in fact surface-exposed and accessible to antibodies in live
      sporozoites. Finally, our mass spectrometry data provide the first direct
      evidence that the Plasmodium surface proteins CSP and TRAP are glycosylated in
      sporozoites, a finding that could impact the selection of vaccine antigens.

PMID- 27128093
TI  - Predicting Crashes Using Traffic Offences. A Meta-Analysis that Examines
      Potential Bias between Self-Report and Archival Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traffic offences have been considered an important predictor of crash
      involvement, and have often been used as a proxy safety variable for crashes.
      However the association between crashes and offences has never been meta-analysed
      and the population effect size never established. Research is yet to determine
      the extent to which this relationship may be spuriously inflated through
      systematic measurement error, with obvious implications for researchers
      endeavouring to accurately identify salient factors predictive of crashes.
      METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Studies yielding a correlation between
      crashes and traffic offences were collated and a meta-analysis of 144 effects
      drawn from 99 road safety studies conducted. Potential impact of factors such as
      age, time period, crash and offence rates, crash severity and data type, sourced
      from either self-report surveys or archival records, were considered and
      discussed. After weighting for sample size, an average correlation of r = .18 was
      observed over the mean time period of 3.2 years. Evidence emerged suggesting the
      strength of this correlation is decreasing over time. Stronger correlations
      between crashes and offences were generally found in studies involving younger
      drivers. Consistent with common method variance effects, a within country
      analysis found stronger effect sizes in self-reported data even controlling for
      crash mean. SIGNIFICANCE: The effectiveness of traffic offences as a proxy for
      crashes may be limited. Inclusion of elements such as independently validated
      crash and offence histories or accurate measures of exposure to the road would
      facilitate a better understanding of the factors that influence crash
      involvement.

PMID- 27128095
TI  - Immune Defense in Upper Airways: A Single-Cell Study of Pathogen-Specific
      Plasmablasts and Their Migratory Potentials in Acute Sinusitis and Tonsillitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the high frequency of upper respiratory tract (URT)
      infections and use of the nasal mucosa as route for vaccination, the local immune
      mechanism and dissemination of effector lymphocytes from the URT have been
      insufficiently characterized. To devise a single-cell approach for studying the
      mucosal immune response in the URT, we explored URT-originating B effector
      lymphocytes in the circulation of patients with one of two common respiratory
      infections, acute sinusitis or tonsillitis. METHODS: Patients with acute
      sinusitis (n = 13) or tonsillitis (n = 11) were investigated by ELISPOT for
      circulating pathogen-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) of IgA, IgG and IgM
      isotypes approximately one week after the onset of symptoms. These cells'
      potential to home into tissues was explored by assessing their expression of
      tissue-specific homing receptors alpha4beta7, L-selectin, and cutaneous
      lymphocyte antigen (CLA). RESULTS: Pathogen-specific ASCs were detected in the
      circulation of all patients, with a geometric mean of 115 (95% CI 46-282) /106
      PBMC in sinusitis, and 48 (27-88) in tonsillitis. These responses were mainly
      dominated by IgG. In sinusitis alpha4beta7 integrin was expressed by 24% of the
      ASCs, L-selectin by 82%, and CLA by 21%. The proportions for tonsillitis were
      15%, 80%, and 23%, respectively. Healthy individuals had no ASCs. CONCLUSIONS:
      URT infections-acute sinusitis and tonsillitis-both elicited a response of
      circulating pathogen-specific plasmablasts. The magnitude of the response was
      greater in sinusitis than tonsillitis, but the homing receptor profiles were
      similar. Human nasopharynx-associated lymphoid structures were found to
      disseminate immune effector cells with a distinct homing profile.

PMID- 27128096
TI  - Automated Planar Tracking the Waving Bodies of Multiple Zebrafish Swimming in
      Shallow Water.
AB  - Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is one of the most widely used model organisms in
      collective behavior research. Multi-object tracking with high speed camera is
      currently the most feasible way to accurately measure their motion states for
      quantitative study of their collective behavior. However, due to difficulties
      such as their similar appearance, complex body deformation and frequent
      occlusions, it is a big challenge for an automated system to be able to reliably
      track the body geometry of each individual fish. To accomplish this task, we
      propose a novel fish body model that uses a chain of rectangles to represent fish
      body. Then in detection stage, the point of maximum curvature along fish boundary
      is detected and set as fish nose point. Afterwards, in tracking stage, we firstly
      apply Kalman filter to track fish head, then use rectangle chain fitting to fit
      fish body, which at the same time further judge the head tracking results and
      remove the incorrect ones. At last, a tracklets relinking stage further solves
      trajectory fragmentation due to occlusion. Experiment results show that the
      proposed tracking system can track a group of zebrafish with their body geometry
      accurately even when occlusion occurs from time to time.

PMID- 27128094
TI  - Descriptive Epidemiology of Somatising Tendency: Findings from the CUPID Study.
AB  - Somatising tendency, defined as a predisposition to worry about common somatic
      symptoms, is importantly associated with various aspects of health and health
      related behaviour, including musculoskeletal pain and associated disability. To
      explore its epidemiological characteristics, and how it can be specified most
      efficiently, we analysed data from an international longitudinal study. A
      baseline questionnaire, which included questions from the Brief Symptom Inventory
      about seven common symptoms, was completed by 12,072 participants aged 20-59 from
      46 occupational groups in 18 countries (response rate 70%). The seven symptoms
      were all mutually associated (odds ratios for pairwise associations 3.4 to 9.3),
      and each contributed to a measure of somatising tendency that exhibited an
      exposure-response relationship both with multi-site pain (prevalence rate ratios
      up to six), and also with sickness absence for non-musculoskeletal reasons. In
      most participants, the level of somatising tendency was little changed when
      reassessed after a mean interval of 14 months (75% having a change of 0 or 1 in
      their symptom count), although the specific symptoms reported at follow-up often
      differed from those at baseline. Somatising tendency was more common in women
      than men, especially at older ages, and varied markedly across the 46
      occupational groups studied, with higher rates in South and Central America. It
      was weakly associated with smoking, but not with level of education. Our study
      supports the use of questions from the Brief Symptom Inventory as a method for
      measuring somatising tendency, and suggests that in adults of working age, it is
      a fairly stable trait.

PMID- 27128098
TI  - Using Singlet Oxygen to Synthesize Natural Products and Drugs.
AB  - This Review describes singlet oxygen ((1)O2) in the organic synthesis of targets
      on possible (1)O2 biosynthetic routes. The visible-light sensitized production of
      (1)O2 is not only useful for synthesis; it is extremely common in nature. This
      Review is intended to draw a logical link between flow and batch reactions-a
      combination that leads to the current state of (1)O2 in synthesis.

PMID- 27128097
TI  - Local Cellular Immune Responses and Pathogenesis of Buruli Ulcer Lesions in the
      Experimental Mycobacterium Ulcerans Pig Infection Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Buruli ulcer is a neglected tropical disease of the skin that is
      caused by infection with Mycobacterium ulcerans. We recently established an
      experimental pig (Sus scrofa) infection model for Buruli ulcer to investigate
      host-pathogen interactions, the efficacy of candidate vaccines and of new
      treatment options. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we have used the model to
      study pathogenesis and early host-pathogen interactions in the affected porcine
      skin upon infection with mycolactone-producing and non-producing M. ulcerans
      strains. Histopathological analyses of nodular lesions in the porcine skin
      revealed that six weeks after infection with wild-type M. ulcerans bacteria
      extracellular acid fast bacilli were surrounded by distinct layers of
      neutrophils, macrophages and lymphocytes. Upon ulceration, the necrotic tissue
      containing the major bacterial burden was sloughing off, leading to the loss of
      most of the mycobacteria. Compared to wild-type M. ulcerans bacteria, toxin
      deficient mutants caused an increased granulomatous cellular infiltration without
      massive tissue necrosis, and only smaller clusters of acid fast bacilli.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: In summary, the present study shows that the
      pathogenesis and early immune response to M. ulcerans infection in the pig is
      very well reflecting BU disease in humans, making the pig infection model an
      excellent tool for the profiling of new therapeutic and prophylactic
      interventions.

PMID- 27128099
TI  - Critical Conditions for Adsorption of Calcium Ions onto Dipolar Lipid Membranes.
AB  - Dipolar lipid membranes may adsorb multivalent ions. The binding constant depends
      on the type of lipid and ions. In this paper, we focus on the adsorption of
      calcium ions onto 1,2-dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC) membrane. Using small
      angle-X-ray scattering we found that at ambient room temperature ca. 0.6 mM CaCl2
      is a critical concentration at which calcium ions adsorbed to 30 mg/mL (ca. 48
      mM) DLPC membrane. We then determined the structure of the lamellar phases formed
      at CaCl2 concentrations below and above the critical concentration and
      characterized the effect of temperature and incubation time on the adsorption
      process. Our findings suggest that calcium adsorption to DLPC membranes requires
      an initial nucleation phase. 

PMID- 27128100
TI  - Photoinduced Hydrodefluorination Mechanisms of Perfluorooctanoic Acid by the
      SiC/Graphene Catalyst.
AB  - Cleavage of the strong carbon-fluorine bonds is critical for elimination of
      perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from the environment. In this work, we investigated
      the decomposition of PFOA with the SiC/graphene catalyst under UV light
      irradiation. The decomposition rate constant (k) with SiC/graphene was 0.096 h(
      1), 2.2 times higher than that with commercial nano-TiO2. Surface fluorination on
      SiC/graphene was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), revealing
      the conversions of Si-H bonds into Si-F bonds. A different route was found to
      generate the reactive Si-H bonds on SiC/graphene, substituting for silylium
      (R3Si(+)) to activate C-F bonds. During the activation process, photogenerated
      electrons on SiC transfer rapidly to perfluoroalkyl groups by the medium of
      graphene, further reducing the electron cloud density of C-F bonds to promote the
      activation. The hydrogen-containing hydrodefluorination intermediates including
      (CF3(CF2)2CFH, CF3(CF2)3CH2, CF3(CF2)4CH2, and CF3(CF2)4CFHCOOH) were detected to
      verify the hydrodefluorination process. The photoinduced hydrodefluorination
      mechanisms of PFOA can be consequently inferred as follows: (1) fluorine atoms in
      perfluoroalkyl groups were replaced by hydrogen atoms due to the nucleophilic
      substitution reaction via the Si-H/C-F redistribution, and (2) generation of CH2
      carbene from the hydrogen-containing perfluoroalkyl groups and the C-C bonds
      scission by the Photo-Kolbe decarboxylation reaction under UV light excitation.
      This photoinduced hydrodefluorination provides insight into the photocatalytic
      decomposition of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in an aqueous environment.

PMID- 27128101
TI  - Kinetics of Forming Aldehydes in Frying Oils and Their Distribution in French
      Fries Revealed by LC-MS-Based Chemometrics.
AB  - In this study, the kinetics of aldehyde formation in heated frying oils was
      characterized by 2-hydrazinoquinoline derivatization, liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and
      hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The aldehydes contributing to time-dependent
      separation of heated soybean oil (HSO) in a PCA model were grouped by the HCA
      into three clusters (A1, A2, and B) on the basis of their kinetics and fatty acid
      precursors. The increases of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and the A2-to-B ratio in
      HSO were well-correlated with the duration of thermal stress. Chemometric and
      quantitative analysis of three frying oils (soybean, corn, and canola oils) and
      French fry extracts further supported the associations between aldehyde profiles
      and fatty acid precursors and also revealed that the concentrations of pentanal,
      hexanal, acrolein, and the A2-to-B ratio in French fry extracts were more
      comparable to their values in the frying oils than other unsaturated aldehydes.
      All of these results suggest the roles of specific aldehydes or aldehyde clusters
      as novel markers of the lipid oxidation status for frying oils or fried foods. 

PMID- 27128102
TI  - Biothiol Xenon MRI Sensor Based on Thiol-Addition Reaction.
AB  - Biothiols such as cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH) play
      an important role in regulating the vital functions of living organisms.
      Knowledge of their biodistribution in real-time could help diagnose a variety of
      conditions. However, existing methods of biothiol detection are invasive and
      require assays. Herein we report a molecular biosensor for biothiol detection
      using the nuclear spin resonance of (129)Xe. The (129)Xe biosensor consists of a
      cryptophane cage encapsulating a xenon atom and an acrylate group. The latter
      serves as a reactive site to covalently bond biothiols through a thiol-addition
      reaction. The biosensor enables discrimination of Cys from Hcy and GSH through
      the chemical shift and average reaction rate. This biosensor can be detected at a
      concentration of 10 MUM in a single scan and it has been applied to detect
      biothiols in bovine serum solution. Our results indicate that this biosensor is a
      promising tool for the real-time imaging of biothiol distributions.

PMID- 27128103
TI  - Emergence of HCV resistance-associated variants in patients failing sofosbuvir
      based regimens: an observational cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Real-life effectiveness data of new hepatitis C direct-acting
      antivirals are now required. The present study aims to assess the rate of
      sustained viral response (SVR) and virological failure (VF) in patients infected
      with chronic HCV treated with sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimens in routine medical
      practice. METHODS: This observational study included a total of 106 patients
      infected with HCV genotypes (G)1-4, who initiated SOF-based regimens in 2014.
      Viral load was followed at baseline, week (W)2, W4, W12 (or W24) and W12 post
      treatment. For all VFs, resistance-associated variants (RAVs) were determined at
      baseline and failure by sequencing of NS5A, NS5B and/or NS3 genes, using the
      Sanger method. RESULTS: SVR rate was 85% for the whole cohort, 91% for the
      patients who underwent the full treatment course. The distribution of HCV
      genotypes was as follows: G1 n=66 (1a=33, 1b=29; 62%), G2 n=8 (8%), G3a n=20
      (19%) and G4 n=12 (11%). The main regimens used were SOF+daclatasvir (37%),
      SOF+ribavirin (33%), SOF+simeprevir (26%) and SOF+ledipasvir (3%). Twenty-five
      (23%) patients were HIV-coinfected and 1 was HBV-coinfected. Seventy (65%)
      patients had a prior treatment experience. All VF were relapses (n=9): 3 G1a, 1
      G2, 4 G3a and 1 G4, and mutations conferring resistance to NS5A inhibitors were
      found but none for NS5B polymerase inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: In a real-life
      context, the rate of SVR in DAA-treated HCV-infected patients is close to
      clinical Phase III trial results. RAVs emerged for all patients treated by the
      anti-NS5A daclatasvir, and persisted several weeks after the end of treatment.

PMID- 27128104
TI  - There is no association between TNF-alpha gene polymorphisms and the risk of
      coronary artery heart disease: a meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery heart disease (CAD) is a group of complex diseases,
      including coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac
      death. CAD is also widely accepted as a chronic inflammatory disease. Studies
      show that pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is involved in
      the CAD pathological pathway and is a reliable predictor of cardiovascular
      disease. However, the association between TNF-alpha polymorphisms and CAD risk is
      still unclear. In this meta-analysis, we investigated the relationship between
      TNF-alpha polymorphisms and CAD risk. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: From EMBASE, Web of
      science, EBSCO, PubMed and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)
      databases 7525 articles were selected in our study. A meta-analysis on the
      associations between the T-1031C, C-857T and C-863A polymorphisms and CAD risk
      was carried out by comparing five genetic models. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: In this
      systematic review 14 studies from six English articles and 1 Chinese article were
      analyzed. The pooled population included 16,774 subjects (8351 cases and 8423
      controls). Our results showed that three polymorphisms (T-1031C, C-857T and C
      863A) have no association with CAD risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that
      T-1031C, C-857T and C-863A polymorphisms are not associated with CAD risk.

PMID- 27128105
TI  - Drug-coated balloons are replacing the need for nitinol stents in the superficial
      femoral artery.
AB  - Amassed evidence from several randomized controlled trials and high quality meta
      analyses clearly support the primary use of paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCB) in
      the superficial femoral artery over traditional plain balloon angioplasty or
      primary bare nitinol stenting with significantly lower vascular restenosis, less
      need for repeat procedures, improved quality of life and potential cost savings
      for the healthcare system. Stents may be reserved for bail-out in case of a
      suboptimal dilatation result, and for selected more complex lesions, or in case
      of critical limb ischemia in order to eliminate vessel recoil and maximize
      immediate hemodynamic gain. Debulking atherectomy remains unproven, but holds a
      lot of promise in particular in combination with PCBs, in order to improve
      compliance of the vessel wall by plaque removal, allow for a better angioplasty
      result and optimize drug transfer and bioavailability. The present overview
      summarizes and discusses current evidence about femoropopliteal PCB angioplasty
      compared to the historical standard of plain old balloon angioplasty and bare
      nitinol stents. Available evidence is appraised in the context of clinically
      meaningful results, relevant unresolved issues are highlighted, and future trends
      are discussed. 

PMID- 27128106
TI  - A Practical Guide for Predicting the Stereochemistry of Bifunctional Phosphoric
      Acid Catalyzed Reactions of Imines.
AB  - Chiral phosphoric acids have become powerful catalysts for the stereocontrolled
      synthesis of a diverse array of organic compounds. Since the initial report, the
      development of phosphoric acids as catalysts has been rapid, demonstrating the
      tremendous generality of this catalyst system and advancing the use of phosphoric
      acids to catalyze a broad range of asymmetric transformations ranging from
      Mannich reactions to hydrogenations through complementary modes of activation.
      These powerful applications have been developed without a clear mechanistic
      understanding of the reasons for the high level of stereocontrol. This Account
      describes investigations into the mechanism of the phosphoric acid catalyzed
      addition of nucleophiles to imines, focusing on binaphthol-based systems. In many
      cases, the hydroxyl phosphoric acid can form a hydrogen bond to the imine while
      the P?O interacts with the nucleophile. The single catalyst, therefore, activates
      both the electrophile and the nucleophile, while holding both in the chiral
      pocket created by the binaphthol and constrained by substituents at the 3 and 3'
      positions. Detailed geometric and energetic information about the transition
      states can be gained from calculations using ONIOM methods that combine the
      advantages of DFT with some of the speed of force fields. These high-level
      calculations give a quantitative account of the selectivity in many cases, but
      require substantial computational resources. A simple qualitative model is a
      useful complement to this complex quantitative model. We summarize our
      calculations into a working model that can readily be sketched by hand and used
      to work out the likely sense of selectivity for each reaction. The steric demands
      of the different parts of the reactants determine how they fit into the chiral
      cavity and which of the competing pathways is favored. The preferred pathway can
      be found by considering the size of the substituents on the nitrogen and carbon
      atoms of the imine electrophile, and the position of the nucleophilic site on the
      nucleophile in relation to the hydrogen-bond which holds it in the catalyst
      active site. We present a guide to defining the pathway in operation allowing the
      fast and easy prediction of the stereochemical outcome and provide an overview of
      the breadth of reactions that can be explained by these models including the
      latest examples.

PMID- 27128107
TI  - Comparative Safety, Efficiency, and Nursing Preference Among 3 Methods for
      Intravenous Push Medication Preparation: A Randomized Crossover Simulation Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare total time for drug preparation,
      associated errors, and nurses' preferences among 3 different intravenous (IV)
      push medication methods. RESEARCH DESIGN: A randomized crossover simulation
      design was used to compare total time for drug preparation and incidence of
      medication preparation errors between BD Simplist (BDS), Carpuject (CJ), and
      traditional vial-and-syringe process (TVSP). Three medication preparation areas
      were created to mimic a hospital setting. Twenty-four critical care nurses were
      asked to prepare an IV dose of diphenhydramine, ketorolac, and morphine in random
      order using BDS, CJ, and TVSP, also in random order. Total time for the
      preparation of each drug was measured. Medication preparation errors were noted.
      At the start of the study, nurses were surveyed about their stress levels
      regarding aspects of IV push medications. At completion, nurses were asked to
      rank order from the most to the least preferred administration method. RESULTS:
      Mean time in seconds for drug preparation was significantly shorter (P < 0.004)
      with BDS (28.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 23.3-34.2) and CJ (28.3; 95% CI,
      23.1-33.5) compared with TSVP (65.8; 95% CI, 57.7-73.9). The time difference
      between BDS and CJ was not statistically significant. Medication preparation
      errors were significantly reduced with BDS compared with both CJ and TVSP (1.4%
      versus 77.8% versus 73.6%; P < 0.001). The BDS was ranked by nurses as the most
      preferred method. CONCLUSIONS: The BD Simplist system for IV push medications may
      offer nurses an opportunity to reduce steps and reduce errors during medication
      preparation.This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the
      Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC
      ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is
      properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially.

PMID- 27128108
TI  - Central nervous system neuroinflammatory disorders in Asian/Pacific regions.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The discovery of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies with high
      specificity for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) has induced
      tremendous changes in the approach and management of central nervous system (CNS)
      neuroinflammatory disorders. Owing to the increasing availability of the AQP4
      antibody assay and evolution of diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis and
      NMOSD, recent studies have reevaluated CNS neuroinflammatory disorders. This
      review describes recent advances in the understanding of CNS neuroinflammatory
      disorders in Asian/Pacific regions. RECENT FINDINGS: Although multiple sclerosis
      prevalence is lower in Asian countries than in Western countries, the overall
      clinical features of multiple sclerosis are comparable between these countries.
      Hospital-based studies have reported that the frequency of NMOSD is higher in
      Asian populations (22-42%) than in white populations (2-26%). Despite
      improvements in the AQP4 antibody assay, AQP4 antibodies are not detected in
      certain patients with NMOSD. Recently, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)
      antibodies have been identified in AQP4 antibody-negative patients with the NMOSD
      phenotype, and the clinical features differ slightly between MOG antibody
      positive patients and AQP4 antibody-positive patients. SUMMARY: The understanding
      of CNS neuroinflammatory disorders in Asian/Pacific regions continues to evolve
      owing to the discovery of new biological markers and recognition of broader
      clinical phenotypes.

PMID- 27128110
TI  - Depression Phenotype, Inflammation, and the Brain: Implications for Future
      Research.
AB  - Inflammation is implicated in the etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD).
      Human neuroimaging techniques are increasingly used to characterize the neural
      circuitry mediating actions of inflammation on mood, motivation, and cognition
      and its relationship to MDD. In this issue of Psychosomatic Medicine, Byrne and
      colleagues report the first systematic review of these studies. The systematic
      review provides a much-needed synthesis of current research findings and
      highlights the role of cortical and subcortical brain structure and function. In
      this accompanying commentary, we highlight further points of particular relevance
      to future studies, including the potential advantages of functional phenotype
      models rather than the emphasis on mutually exclusive diagnostic categories in
      describing MDD and other psychiatric disorders. Novel imaging techniques will
      further enhance possibilities to clarify the link between inflammation and
      depression. New research challenges are described regarding the relationships
      between behavioral phenotype, brain structure and function, and peripheral
      inflammation.

PMID- 27128112
TI  - Verification Testing to Confirm VO2max in Altitude-Residing, Endurance-Trained
      Runners.
AB  - We sought to explore the utility of the verification trial to confirm individual
      attainment of 'true' VO2max in altitude-residing, endurance-trained runners
      during treadmill exercise. 24 elite endurance-trained men and women runners
      (age=21.5+/-3.3 yr, ht=174.8+/-9.3 cm, body mass=60.5+/-6.7 kg, PR 800 m 127.5+/
      13.1 s) completed a graded exercise test (GXT) trial (VO2max=60.0+/-5.8 mL.kg(
      1).min(-1)), and returned 20 min after incremental exercise to complete a
      verification trial (VO2max=59.6+/-5.7 mL.kg(-1).min(-1)) of constant load,
      supramaximal exercise. The incidence of 'true' VO2max confirmation using the
      verification trial was 24/24 (100%) with all participants revealing differences
      in VO2max<=3% (the technical error of our equipment) between the GXT and
      verification trials. These findings support use of the verification trial to
      confirm VO2max attainment in altitude-residing, endurance-trained runners. 

PMID- 27128111
TI  - Identification of a Binding Site for Unsaturated Fatty Acids in the Orphan
      Nuclear Receptor Nurr1.
AB  - Nurr1/NR4A2 is an orphan nuclear receptor, and currently there are no known
      natural ligands that bind Nurr1. A recent metabolomics study identified
      unsaturated fatty acids, including arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid
      (DHA), that interact with the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of a related orphan
      receptor, Nur77/NR4A1. However, the binding location and whether these ligands
      bind other NR4A receptors were not defined. Here, we show that unsaturated fatty
      acids also interact with the Nurr1 LBD, and solution NMR spectroscopy reveals the
      binding epitope of DHA at its putative ligand-binding pocket. Biochemical assays
      reveal that DHA-bound Nurr1 interacts with high affinity with a peptide derived
      from PIASgamma, a protein that interacts with Nurr1 in cellular extracts, and DHA
      also affects cellular Nurr1 transactivation. This work is the first structural
      report of a natural ligand binding to a canonical NR4A ligand-binding pocket and
      indicates a natural ligand can bind and affect Nurr1 function.

PMID- 27128113
TI  - Accurate Structure Prediction and Conformational Analysis of Cyclic Peptides with
      Residue-Specific Force Fields.
AB  - Cyclic peptides (CPs) are promising candidates for drugs, chemical biology tools,
      and self-assembling nanomaterials. However, the development of reliable and
      accurate computational methods for their structure prediction has been
      challenging. Here, 20 all-trans CPs of 5-12 residues selected from Cambridge
      Structure Database have been simulated using replica-exchange molecular dynamics
      with four different force fields. Our recently developed residue-specific force
      fields RSFF1 and RSFF2 can correctly identify the crystal-like conformations of
      more than half CPs as the most populated conformation. The RSFF2 performs the
      best, which consistently predicts the crystal structures of 17 out of 20 CPs with
      rmsd < 1.1 A. We also compared the backbone (phi, psi) sampling of residues in
      CPs with those in short linear peptides and in globular proteins. In general,
      unlike linear peptides, CPs have local conformational free energies and entropies
      quite similar to globular proteins.

PMID- 27128140
TI  - Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors Among US Adults With and Without Jail Experience:
      Implications for Health Promotion.
AB  - Contact with correctional facilities adversely affects midlife health status and
      contributes to health disparities in the United States. Sexual health of
      correctional populations has become a focus for public health research and health
      promotion programs. Relying on the Health Belief Model, most research has focused
      almost exclusively on case studies of inmates' disease risk, perceptions of
      disease susceptibility, and condom use. There is a dearth of research on
      attitudes and behaviors beyond disease risk perceptions and condom use,
      particularly within a nationally representative sample of adults. Utilizing
      social cognitive theory, theory of reasoned action, and related theories, this
      study examines four alternative sexual attitudes and behaviors among a nationally
      representative sample of adults with and without jail experience. Results show
      that jail experience is associated with attitudes concerning sexual exclusivity
      and intimacy, as well as group sex participation and number of partners. Results
      also demonstrate that alcohol consumption is strongly associated with jail
      experience and all four outcomes. Findings offer implications for health
      promotion within correctional populations. Community-based programs focused on
      correctional populations could be a fruitful line of public health practice, and
      programs should take into account social contexts, broad attitudes, and risk
      factors such as substance abuse.

PMID- 27128141
TI  - Considering the Contemporary Issues and Unresolved Challenges Facing Therapeutic
      Communities for Clients with Alcohol and Substance Abuse.
AB  - Alcohol and substance abuse remain significant public health problems in many
      parts of the occidental world. Some facilities that provide treatment for such
      abuse often refer to themselves as "Therapeutic Communities" (TCs). However,
      fundamental compositional differences in TCs present unresolved issues and as
      such, create significant implications for research, practice, education, and
      substance/alcohol care policy. Accordingly, this paper examines the heterogeneity
      and efficacy of TCs; the treatment approaches of harm reduction and abstinence;
      the training of TC staff and workers; and the recommended length of stay for
      individuals seeking recovery.

PMID- 27128142
TI  - Budget Impact Analysis of Veterans Affairs Medical Foster Homes versus Community
      Living Centers.
AB  - The objectives were to determine whether and by what amounts the US Department of
      Veterans Affairs (VA) use of Medical Foster Homes (MFH) rather than Community
      Living Centers (CLC) reduced budget impacts to the VA. This was a retrospective,
      matched, case-control study of veterans residing in MFH or CLC in the VA health
      care system from 2008 to 2012. Administrative data sets, nearest neighbor
      matching, generalized linear models, and a secondary analysis were used to
      capture and analyze budget impacts by veterans who used MFH or CLC exclusively in
      2008-2012. Controls of 1483 veterans in CLC were matched to 203 cases of veterans
      in MFH. Use of MFH instead of CLC reduced budget impacts to the VA by at least
      $2645 per veteran per month. A secondary analysis of the data using different
      matching criteria and statistical methods produced similar results, demonstrating
      the robustness of the estimates of budget impact. When the average out-of-pocket
      payments made by MFH residents, not made by CLC residents, were included in the
      analysis, the net reduction of budget impact ranged from $145 to $2814 per
      veteran per month or a savings of $1740 to $33,768 per veteran per year. Even
      though outpatient costs of MFH are higher, much of the reduced budget impact of
      MFH use arises from lower inpatient or hospital costs. Reduced budget impacts on
      the VA system indicate that expansion of the MFH program may be cost-effective.
      Implications for further research are suggested.

PMID- 27128143
TI  - Refractory Hypoxemia and Use of Rescue Strategies. A U.S. National Survey of
      Adult Intensivists.
AB  - RATIONALE: The management of severe and refractory hypoxemia in critically ill
      adult patients is practice based. Variability across individual practitioners and
      institutions is not well documented. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a nationwide survey
      of critical care physicians in the United States regarding accepted definitions
      and management strategies for severe and refractory hypoxemia. METHODS: A web
      based survey was distributed to a stratified random sample of adult intensivists
      listed in the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile. The survey was
      generated by using a mixed-methods approach. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In
      the survey, 4,865 e-mails were sent and 791 (16.3%) were opened. Among those who
      opened the e-mail message, 50% (n = 396) responded, representing 8.1% of total
      surveys sent. Seventy-two percent stated that their institutions lacked a
      protocol for identification and management of severe or refractory hypoxemia in
      the setting of acute respiratory failure. While the majority of respondents used
      low-Vt ventilation (81%), high positive end-expiratory pressure (86%),
      recruitment maneuvers (89%), and either bolus or infusion neuromuscular blockade
      (94%), there was marked variability in the use of specific rescue strategies as
      tier 1 or 2 interventions: prone position (27.8% vs. 47.8%, respectively),
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (2.3% vs. 51.2%, respectively), airway
      pressure release ventilation (49% vs. 34.5%, respectively), inhaled vasodilators
      (30.1% vs. 40%, respectively), and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (7.8%
      vs. 40%, respectively). The variability was partly explained by providers'
      expertise with particular rescue strategies (77.7%), advance directives (70.1%),
      the training of allied health staff (62.3%), and institutional availability
      (53.8%). CONCLUSIONS: U.S. adult critical care physicians predominantly employ
      lung-protective ventilation for severe hypoxemia. A wide variation in other
      rescue strategies is noted, which is partly explained by user expertise and
      availability. Less than 30% institutions have formal protocols for management of
      refractory hypoxemia.

PMID- 27128144
TI  - Vagal Modulation of the Inflammatory Response in Sepsis.
AB  - The vagus nerve can sense peripheral inflammation and transmit action potentials
      from the periphery to the brainstem. Vagal afferent signaling is integrated in
      the brainstem, and efferent vagus nerves carry outbound signals that terminate in
      spleen and other organs. Stimulation of efferent vagus nerve leads to the release
      of acetylcholine in these organs. In turn, acetylcholine interacts with members
      of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) family, particularly with the
      alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7nAChR), which is expressed by
      macrophages and other cytokine-producing cells. Ultimately, the production of
      proinflammatory cytokines is markedly inhibited. This neuroimmune communication
      is termed "the inflammatory reflex". The uncontrolled inflammation as a result
      from sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure, and even death. Experimental data
      show that regulation of the inflammatory reflex appears to be a useful
      interventional strategy for septic response. Herein, we review recent advances in
      the understanding of the inflammatory reflex and discuss potential therapeutics
      that vagal modulation of the immune system for the treatment of severe sepsis and
      septic shock.

PMID- 27128147
TI  - Teaching Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy to Surgical Residents.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is the surgical treatment for various
      adrenal diseases. The procedure is a common surgical practice for urologists and
      general surgeons and requires fundamental laparoscopic skills, nowadays common in
      the surgical education of residents in these practices. The aim of this study is
      to assess whether laparoscopic adrenalectomy differs in outcome between certified
      and trained surgeons and surgical residents and whether the learning curve
      changes the endpoint of the surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort
      retrospective study, including all adult patients who underwent laparoscopic
      adrenalectomy between June 2008 and June 2014, was conducted. Patients'
      demographic, clinical, and surgical data were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS:
      Fifty-three patients were included in the database (21 men, 32 women) with a mean
      age of 54 years (range 17-77). The cause for surgery was most commonly a benign
      adrenal tumor (27 patients, 50.9%) followed by large nonfunctioning adrenal
      tumors (16 patients, 30.1%), and adrenal cancer (8 patients, 15%). Eighteen
      patients (33.9%) were operated by residents (4-6 years into the residency) and 35
      patients by a certified senior surgeon (66.1%). Left-sided adrenalectomy was
      preferred to right-sided adrenalectomy for resident tutoring (P = .03). Overall,
      intraoperative complications were seen in 6 patients (11.3%) and postoperative
      complications were seen in 9 patients (16.9%). There were no differences in
      operation time (P = .36), intraoperative complications (P = .76), postoperative
      complications (P = .96), and length of stay (P = .34) between the patients
      operated by senior residents and certified surgeons. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic
      adrenalectomy is a complex surgical procedure that should be a part of the
      surgical training of surgery residents, as it is safe in guided hands.

PMID- 27128146
TI  - SOX9 and the many facets of its regulation in the chondrocyte lineage.
AB  - SOX9 is a pivotal transcription factor in developing and adult cartilage. Its
      gene is expressed from the multipotent skeletal progenitor stage and is active
      throughout chondrocyte differentiation. While it is repressed in hypertrophic
      chondrocytes in cartilage growth plates, it remains expressed throughout life in
      permanent chondrocytes of healthy articular cartilage. SOX9 is required for
      chondrogenesis: it secures chondrocyte lineage commitment, promotes cell
      survival, and transcriptionally activates the genes for many cartilage-specific
      structural components and regulatory factors. Since heterozygous mutations within
      and around SOX9 were shown to cause the severe skeletal malformation syndrome
      called campomelic dysplasia, researchers around the world have worked assiduously
      to decipher the many facets of SOX9 actions and regulation in chondrogenesis. The
      more we learn, the more we realize the complexity of the molecular networks in
      which SOX9 fulfills its functions and is regulated at the levels of its gene,
      RNA, and protein, and the more we measure the many gaps remaining in knowledge.
      At the same time, new technologies keep giving us more means to push further the
      frontiers of knowledge. Research efforts must be pursued to fill these gaps and
      to better understand and treat many types of cartilage diseases in which SOX9 has
      or could have a critical role. These diseases include chondrodysplasias and
      cartilage degeneration diseases, namely osteoarthritis, a prevalent and still
      incurable joint disease. We here review the current state of knowledge of SOX9
      actions and regulation in the chondrocyte lineage, and propose new directions for
      future fundamental and translational research projects.

PMID- 27128148
TI  - Vertical Muscle Transposition with Augmentation for Treatment of Exotropia Caused
      by Iatrogenic Lost Medial Rectus Muscle.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of vertical muscle transposition with
      augmentation in cases of exotropia caused by iatrogenic lost medial rectus
      muscle. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 5 cases of lost medial rectus
      with exotropia and marked limitation of adduction that underwent surgery. All
      cases had a history of strabismus surgery on the medial rectus and failed attempt
      at retrieval of the lost muscle. RESULTS: Five patients fulfilled the criteria.
      Full tendon vertical muscle transposition with augmentation sutures was done for
      all cases. Surgery led to a significant reduction of the angle of exotropia
      25.8+/-13.6 ?D (P=0.027) and improvement in adduction of 7.5+/-3.8 degrees
      (P=0.034). There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated vertical muscle
      transposition with augmentation is a useful option to improve the exotropia and
      adduction deficit in patients with iatrogenic lost medial rectus muscle.

PMID- 27128149
TI  - Investigation of the effectiveness of nutrient release from sludge foam after
      hybrid pretreatment processes by IR analysis and EDX Quantification.
AB  - One of the problems in wastewater treatment technologies is the formation of
      foam/scum. It is thought that filamentous microorganisms are responsible for foam
      formation and foam elimination/destruction can be carried out by various methods,
      among which disintegration is included. Hybrid disintegration (chemical
      decomposition and hydrodynamic cavitation) of foam microorganisms results in the
      transfer of phosphates, ammonium nitrogen, magnesium and potassium from the foam
      solids into the liquid phase. Application of both methods as a hybrid
      pretreatment process caused an increase in the concentration of phosphates of
      about 650 mg [Formula: see text] L(-1) and ammonium nitrogen of about 30 mg
      [Formula: see text] L(-1). The concentration of Mg(2+) and K(+) in the solution
      increased from 6.8 and 26.1 mg Mg(2+) L(-1) to 32.2 and 82.2 mg K(+) L(-1),
      respectively. The presence of nutrients and metal cations in the solid phase of
      foam was acknowledged by EDX Quantification. The confirmation of physico-chemical
      changes and release of cellular matter as a result of cellular lysis (hybrid
      disintegration) was done by infrared analysis. It was demonstrated that the
      disintegration of foam permits the removal of a part of nutrients in the form of
      struvite. 

PMID- 27128150
TI  - Nerve growth factor enhances the CRE-dependent transcriptional activity activated
      by nobiletin in PC12 cells.
AB  - Prevention and treatment of Alzheimer disease are urgent problems for elderly
      people in developed countries. We previously reported that nobiletin, a poly
      methoxylated flavone from the citrus peel, improved the symptoms in various types
      of animal models of memory loss and activated the cAMP responsive element (CRE)
      dependent transcription in PC12 cells. Nobiletin activated the
      cAMP/PKA/MEK/Erk/MAPK signaling pathway without using the TrkA signaling
      activated by nerve growth factor (NGF). Here, we examined the effect of
      combination of nobiletin and NGF on the CRE-dependent transcription in PC12
      cells. Although NGF alone had little effect on the CRE-dependent transcription,
      NGF markedly enhanced the CRE-dependent transcription induced by nobiletin. The
      NGF-induced enhancement was neutralized by a TrkA antagonist, K252a. This effect
      of NGF was effective on the early signaling event elicited by nobiletin. These
      results suggested that there was crosstalk between NGF and nobiletin signaling in
      activating the CRE-dependent transcription in PC12 cells. 

PMID- 27128152
TI  - Degradation of aqueous methylene blue using an external loop airlift
      sonophotoreactor: Statistical analysis and optimization.
AB  - Degradation and mineralization of aqueous methylene blue (MB) are investigated in
      a bench scale external loop airlift sonophotoreactor. A central composite design
      along with response surface methodology is employed to model and optimize the
      sonophotolytic process. A quadratic empirical expression between responses and
      independent variables (pH and initial concentrations of H2O2 and MB) is derived.
      The efficiencies of the system for the MB degradation after 10, 15, and 30 min,
      and total organic carbon reduction after 150 min are considered as responses. The
      analysis of variance performed high values for the coefficient of determination
      R(2) and adjusted R(2) for all four responses. Optimum values of process
      variables for the maximum degradation and mineralization efficiency are pH 6.6
      and initial concentrations of H2O2 and MB are 1,280 and 10.56 mg/L, respectively.
      With optimal operating conditions, 99.93% and 55.32% MB removal (after 10 min)
      and TOC reduction (after 150 min) are achieved, respectively. Artificial neural
      networks are also used to model the experimental data. The respirometric study is
      conducted to compare the biodegradability of untreated and sonophotolytically pre
      treated MB solutions at different reaction times. Pre-treated solutions at 180,
      240, and 300 min performed higher biodegradability compared to those of untreated
      MB solutions. 

PMID- 27128151
TI  - Chromophoric Nucleoside Analogues: Synthesis and Characterization of 6
      Aminouracil-Based Nucleodyes.
AB  - Nucleodyes, visibly colored chromophoric nucleoside analogues, are reported.
      Design criteria are outlined and the syntheses of cytidine and uridine azo dye
      analogues derived from 6-aminouracil are described. Structural analysis shows
      that the nucleodyes are sound structural analogues of their native nucleoside
      counterparts, and photophysical studies demonstrate that the nucleodyes are
      sensitive to microenvironmental changes. Quantum chemical calculations are
      presented as a valuable complementary tool for the design of strongly absorbing
      nucleodyes, which overlap with the emission of known fluorophores. Forster
      critical distance (R0) calculations determine that the nucleodyes make good FRET
      pairs with both 2-aminopurine (2AP) and pyrrolocytosine (PyC). Additionally,
      unique tautomerization features exhibited by 5-(4-nitrophenylazo)-6-oxocytidine
      (8) are visualized by an extraordinary crystal structure.

PMID- 27128154
TI  - The vicious cycle of vitamin a deficiency: A review.
AB  - Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a serious and widespread public health problem and
      the leading cause of preventable blindness in young children. It is also
      associated with increased rates of death from severe infections, especially in
      developing countries. Over the past 35 years, researchers have examined the
      numerous activities of vitamin A in different tissues of the human body. VAD can
      lead to a series of ocular symptoms, anemia, and weak resistance to infection,
      which can increase the severity of infectious diseases and the risk of death.
      Cell development, vision, growth, and normal metabolism are among the vital
      processes that are insufficiently supported in the presence of VAD. VAD leads to
      impaired tissue function especially during the developmental periods of infancy,
      childhood, pregnancy, and lactation. We describe a multidirectional model of VAD
      that demonstrates how VAD can have progressive, negative effects on vital
      processes of the human body throughout the life cycle. This model starts with
      impaired intake and its link to decreased absorption and digestion and includes
      outcomes such as malnutrition, inflammation, and improper growth processes,
      including possible mechanisms. Together, these clinical and biochemical
      manifestations contribute to the vicious cycle of VAD.

PMID- 27128153
TI  - Disparities in Uveal Melanoma: Patient Characteristics.
AB  - Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults. Despite
      excellent rates of local control, half of all patients with uveal melanoma
      ultimately go on to develop fatal metastatic disease. This review focuses on
      disparities and differences in the underlying characteristics of the patients,
      and how these patient characteristics impact the development of metastasis and
      subsequent patient survival. Specifically, we detail disparities in epidemiology
      and risk factors as they relate to the development of primary uveal melanoma, to
      the development of metastasis, and to patient survival following metastasis. 

PMID- 27128155
TI  - Structure of a Precursor to the Blue Components Produced in the Blue
      Discoloration in Japanese Radish (Raphanus sativus) Roots.
AB  - The internal blue discoloration in Japanese radish (Raphanus sativus L.) roots
      has been reported to be a physiological phenomenon after harvest and poses a
      significant problem for farmers. To avoid this discoloration, the fundamental
      development of new radish cultivars that do not undergo discoloration and/or
      improved cultivation methods is required. Elucidating the chemical mechanism
      leading to this discoloration could help overcome these difficulties. To
      determine the mechanism underlying this discoloration, this study was designed to
      probe the structure of a precursor to the blue components generated during the
      discoloration process. Soaking fresh roots in aqueous H2O2 resulted in rapid blue
      discoloration, similar to the natural discoloration. Using a H2O2-based blue
      discoloration assay, the precursor was extracted and isolated from the fresh
      roots and identified as the glucosinolate, 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, via
      spectroscopy and chemical synthesis.

PMID- 27128156
TI  - Comparison of Extracellular Matrix Membrane and Connective Tissue Graft for Root
      Coverage in Class I/II Gingival Recession Defects: A Split Mouth Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of extracellular
      matrix membrane (DynaMatrix(r)) in obtaining root coverage and compare it to the
      connective tissue graft for the treatment of Miller's Class I or Class II
      recession defects. METHODS: Ten patients with a mean age of 31.2 years with
      bilateral Miller's Class I or Class II recession defects in the upper premolars
      were recruited. Each patient contributed two defects that were randomly treated
      by coronally advanced fl ap with connective tissue graft (CAF+CTG) and by
      coronally advanced flap underlaid with extracellular membrane (DynaMatrix(r);
      CAF+DM). All the clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, three months and
      six months after surgery and data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The
      results of this study demonstrated that both the procedures were effective and
      predictable in root coverage procedures. However, no statistically signifi cant
      differences in gingival recession reduction were noted between extra cellular
      membrane and gold standard connective tissue graft. CONCLUSION: Within the limits
      of this clinical study, the use of extracellular membrane (DynaMatrix(r)) may
      represent an acceptable alternative to the connective tissue graft for treating
      gingival recession.

PMID- 27128157
TI  - To Splint or Not to Splint: The Current Status of Periodontal Splinting.
AB  - Loss of tooth-supporting structures results in tooth mobility. Increased tooth
      mobility adversely affects function, aesthetics, and the patient's comfort.
      Splints are used to over-come all these problems. When faced with the dilemma of
      how to manage periodontally compromised teeth, splinting of mobile teeth to
      stronger adjacent teeth is a viable option. This prolongs the life expectancy of
      loose teeth, gives stability for the periodontium to reattach, and improves
      comfort, function and aesthetics. Although splinting has been used since ancient
      times, it has been a topic of controversy because of its ill effects on oral
      health, including poor oral hygiene and adverse effects on supporting teeth.
      There have been considerable advancements in the materials used for splinting,
      resulting in fewer ill effects. This article is intended to provide the
      clinicians with an updated overview of splinting, types and classification of
      splints, with their indications, contraindications,rationale and effects on oral
      health. 

PMID- 27128158
TI  - Effectiveness of Three Desensitizing Dentifrices on Cervical Dentin
      Hypersensitivity: A Pilot Clinical Trial.
AB  - AIM: Cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH) is defined as an acute pain of short
      duration that occurs in dentin exposed to the oral environment. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the effi cacy of three desensitizing toothpastes
      (Sensodyne(r) Rapid-Relief, Colgate(r) Sensitive Pro-Relief, Nano P(r)) for
      immediate and intermediate-term relief of CDH, when compared with a control
      toothpaste (Cocorico(r)). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients were enrolled in
      this clinical study. One hundred thirty-eight hypersensitive teeth were
      randomized into four groups according to the com- position of the desensitizing
      toothpaste tested: Group I) strontium acetate and calcium carbonate; II) calcium
      carbonate and arginine 8%; III) calcium phosphate nanoparticles; and IV) a
      control toothpaste. A split mouth design was used for one application each of the
      desensitizing dentifrices. Assessment of CDH was done by evaporative and cold
      stimuli at baseline, immediately, 24 hours and 30 days after the treatment.
      RESULTS: The toothpastes presented similar effectiveness and statistically
      significant improvement in 30 days compared to baseline. Group III showed
      statistically significant relief for cervical dentin hypersensitivity immediately
      after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The only toothpaste that presented immediate
      relief effect was the paste containing calcium phosphate nanoparticles in the
      form of hydroxyapatite.

PMID- 27128159
TI  - Examining How Media Literacy and Personality Factors Predict Skepticism Toward
      Alcohol Advertising.
AB  - To examine the potential effectiveness of media literacy education in the context
      of well-established personality factors, a survey of 472 young adults, focused on
      the issue of alcohol marketing messages, examined how individual differences in
      personality associate with constructs representing aspects of media literacy. The
      results showed that need for cognition predicted social expectancies and wishful
      identification with media portrayals in alcohol advertising only through critical
      thinking about media sources and media content, which are foci of media literacy
      education. Need for affect did not associate with increased or diminished levels
      of critical thinking. Critical thinking about sources and messages affected
      skepticism, represented by expectancies through wishful identification,
      consistent with the message interpretation process model. The results support the
      view that critical thinking about media sources is an important precursor to
      critical thinking about media messages. The results also suggest that critical
      thinking about media (i.e., media literacy) reflects more than personality
      characteristics and can affect wishful identification with role models observed
      in media, which appears to be a key influence on decision making. This adds
      support to the view that media literacy education can improve decision making
      across personality types regarding alcohol use by decreasing the potential
      influence of alcohol marketing messages.

PMID- 27128160
TI  - Primary non-functioning neuroendocrine tumor of the extrahepatic bile duct.
AB  - In contrast to the primary biliary carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma, other tumors
      derived from the bile duct are difficult to diagnose preoperatively, mainly
      because of its low incidence and difficult diagnostic process. However, since
      cholangiocarcinomas account for about 80% of all primary biliary tumors, it is
      important to think about other options despite their low frequency when a patient
      presents with abnormal characteristics. We present a case of a primary
      neuroendocrine tumor of the bile duct, and a review of the literature on this
      rare disease.

PMID- 27128161
TI  - Single-center experience with sirolimus therapy for vascular malformations.
AB  - Vascular malformations (VMs) are described as congenital malformations of the
      vasculature derived from capillaries, veins, lymphatic vessels, arteries, or a
      combination of these vessels. They can cause significant morbidity resulting from
      soft tissue hypertrophy-related disfiguration, bony abnormalities, and even organ
      compromise. They are usually treated with various interventional procedures to
      achieve local control; however, the chance of success decreases as the anatomical
      distribution of the malformation widens. Unfortunately, medical treatment options
      have been quite limited in these patients. Sirolimus is an antiangiogenetic and
      antiproliferative pharmacologic agent that has been used for the management of VM
      in the last decade. We report 6 pediatric patients (4 with capillary
      lymphaticovenous malformations, 1 with lymphaticovenous malformation, and 1 with
      venous malformation) seen at our clinic within the last 2 years with lesions
      covering wide anatomical areas. After the patients had unsuccessfully undergone
      various treatments at various centers, they were treated at our facility with
      peroral sirolimus. The mean duration of treatment was 13 months, but in 3
      patients, tapered dosing continues. Five patients achieved partial responses. The
      response to sirolimus treatment increased as the lymphatic component of the VM
      increased. All patients tolerated sirolimus well; side effects were acceptable.
      Sirolimus is a safe and effective medical treatment for widely distributed VMs
      with significant lymphatic components and no further local treatment option. 

PMID- 27128162
TI  - Complex Topics in Knee Dislocations.

PMID- 27128163
TI  - The Interaction between Vector Life History and Short Vector Life in Vector-Borne
      Disease Transmission and Control.
AB  - Epidemiological modelling has a vital role to play in policy planning and
      prediction for the control of vectors, and hence the subsequent control of vector
      borne diseases. To decide between competing policies requires models that can
      generate accurate predictions, which in turn requires accurate knowledge of
      vector natural histories. Here we highlight the importance of the distribution of
      times between life-history events, using short-lived midge species as an example.
      In particular we focus on the distribution of the extrinsic incubation period
      (EIP) which determines the time between infection and becoming infectious, and
      the distribution of the length of the gonotrophic cycle which determines the time
      between successful bites. We show how different assumptions for these periods can
      radically change the basic reproductive ratio (R0) of an infection and
      additionally the impact of vector control on the infection. These findings
      highlight the need for detailed entomological data, based on laboratory
      experiments and field data, to correctly construct the next-generation of policy
      informing models.

PMID- 27128164
TI  - Microwave-enhanced pyrolysis of natural algae from water blooms.
AB  - Microwave-enhanced pyrolysis (MEP) of natural algae under different reaction
      conditions was carried out. The optimal conditions for bio-oil production were
      the following: algae particle size of 20-5 mesh, microwave power of 600W, and 10%
      of activated carbon as microwave absorber and catalyst. The maximum liquid yield
      obtained under N2, 10% H2/Ar, and CO2 atmosphere was 49.1%, 51.7%, and 54.3%
      respectively. The energy yield of bio-products was 216.7%, 236.9% and 208.7%
      respectively. More long chain fatty acids were converted into hydrocarbons by
      hydrodeoxygenation under 10% H2/Ar atmosphere assisted by microwave over
      activated carbon containing small amounts of metals. Under CO2 atmosphere,
      carboxylic acids (66.6%) were the main products in bio-oil because the existence
      of CO2 vastly inhibited the decarboxylation. The MEP of algae was quick and
      efficient for bio-oil production, which provided a way to not only ameliorate the
      environment but also obtain fuel or chemicals at the same time. 

PMID- 27128165
TI  - Deciphering the roles of multiple additives in organocatalyzed Michael additions.
AB  - The synergistic effects of multiple additives (water and acetic acid) on the
      asymmetric Michael addition of acetone to nitrostyrene catalyzed by primary amine
      thioureas (PAT) were precisely determined. Acetic acid facilitates hydrolysis of
      the imine intermediates, thus leading to catalytic behavior, and minimizes the
      formation of the double addition side product. In contrast, water slows down the
      reaction but minimizes catalyst deactivation, eventually leading to higher final
      yields. 

PMID- 27128166
TI  - Neurodevelopmental Deceleration by Urban Fine Particles from Different Emission
      Sources: A Longitudinal Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A few studies have reported associations between traffic-related air
      pollution exposure at schools and cognitive development. The role of PM
      components or sources other than traffic on cognitive development has been little
      explored. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to explore the role of PM sources in school air on
      cognitive development. METHODS: A cohort of 2,618 schoolchildren (average age,
      8.5 years) belonging to 39 schools in Barcelona (Spain) was followed up for a
      year. Children completed computerized tests assessing working memory, superior
      working memory, and inattentiveness during four visits. Particulate matter <= 2.5
      MUm (PM2.5) was measured during two 1-week campaigns in each school, both
      outdoors and in the classroom. Source apportionment resulted in nine sources:
      mineral, organic/textile/chalk, traffic, secondary sulfate and organics,
      secondary nitrate, road dust, metallurgy, sea spray, and heavy oil combustion.
      Differences in cognitive growth trajectories were assessed with mixed models with
      age-by-source interaction terms. RESULTS: An interquartile range increase in
      indoor traffic-related PM2.5 was associated with reductions in cognitive growth
      equivalent to 22% (95% CI: 2%, 42%) of the annual change in working memory, 30%
      (95% CI: 6%, 54%) of the annual change in superior working memory, and 11% (95%
      CI: 0%, 22%) of the annual change in the inattentiveness scale. None of the other
      PM2.5 sources was associated with adverse effects on cognitive development.
      CONCLUSIONS: Traffic was the only source of fine particles associated with a
      reduction in cognitive development. Reducing air pollution from traffic at
      primary schools may result in beneficial effects on cognition. CITATION: Basagana
      X, Esnaola M, Rivas I, Amato F, Alvarez-Pedrerol M, Forns J, Lopez-Vicente M,
      Pujol J, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Querol X, Sunyer J. 2016. Neurodevelopmental
      deceleration by urban fine particles from different emission sources: a
      longitudinal observational study. Environ Health Perspect 124:1630-1636;
      http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP209.

PMID- 27128167
TI  - Highly Hybridizable Spherical Nucleic Acids by Tandem Glutathione Treatment and
      Polythymine Spacing.
AB  - Gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-templated spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) have been
      demonstrated as an important functional material in bionanotechnology.
      Fabrication of SNAs having high hybridization capacity to their complementary
      sequences is critical to ensure their applicability in areas such as antisense
      gene therapy and cellular sensing. The traditional salt-aging procedure is
      effective but tedious, requiring 1-3 days to complete. The rapid low-pH assisted
      protocol is efficient, but causes concerns related to nonspecific DNA adsorption
      to the AuNP core. To address these issues, we systematically compared the SNAs
      prepared by these two methods (salt-aging method and low-pH protocol). In terms
      of the number of complementary DNA that each SNA can bind and the average binding
      affinity of each thiolated DNA probe to its complementary strand, both methods
      yielded comparable hybridizability, although higher loading capacity was
      witnessed with SNAs made using the low-pH method. Additionally, it was found that
      nonspecific DNA binding could be eliminated almost completely by a simple
      glutathione (GSH) treatment of SNAs. Compared to conventional methods using toxic
      mercapto-hexanol or alkanethiols to remove nonspecific DNA adsorption, GSH is
      mild, cost-effective, and technically easy to use. In addition, GSH-passivated
      SNAs minimize the toxicity concerns related to AuNP-induced GSH depletion and
      therefore offer a more biocompatible alternative to previously reported SNAs.
      Moreover, rational design of probe sequences through inclusion of a polythymine
      spacer into the DNA sequences resulted in enhanced DNA loading capacity and
      stability against salt-induced aggregation. This work provides not only efficient
      and simple technical solutions to the issue of nonspecific DNA adsorption, but
      also new insights into the hybridizability of SNAs.

PMID- 27128168
TI  - Ultrathin and ultrasmooth Au films as transparent electrodes in ITO-free organic
      light-emitting devices.
AB  - An ultrathin, ultrasmooth and flexible Au film as an alternative of the indium
      tin oxide (ITO) electrode in organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) has been
      reported. The 7 nm Au film shows excellent surface morphology, optical and
      electronic characteristics including a root-mean-square roughness of 0.35 nm, a
      high transparency of 72% at 550 nm, and a sheet resistance of 23.75 Omega sq(-1).
      These features arise from the surface modification of the glass substrate by
      using a SU-8 film, which fixes metal atoms via chemical bond interactions between
      Au and SU-8 film to suppress the island growth mode. A 17% enhancement in current
      efficiency has been obtained from the OLEDs based on the ultrathin Au electrodes
      compared to that of the devices with the ITO electrodes. The OLEDs with the
      ultrathin Au/SU-8 anodes exhibit high flexibility and mechanical robustness. 

PMID- 27128169
TI  - Photooxidation of the Antimicrobial, Nonribosomal Peptide Bacitracin A by Singlet
      Oxygen under Environmentally Relevant Conditions.
AB  - Bacitracin is a mixture of nonribosomal peptides (NRPs) that is extensively used
      as an antibiotic in both human and veterinary medicine. Despite its widespread
      use over the past six decades, very few studies have addressed the environmental
      fate of bacitracin and zinc-bacitracin complexes. In this study, the
      photochemical transformation of bacitracin components (i.e., cyclic
      dodecapeptides) in the aquatic environment was investigated. A high resolution
      mass spectrometry (HRMS)-based approach enabled monitoring of the photochemical
      degradation kinetics of individual bacitracin components, investigation of the
      relative contribution of reactive oxygen species (e.g., singlet oxygen, (1)O2) in
      dissolved organic matter-sensitized photoreactions, and identification of
      oxidative modifications in bacitracin photoproducts. The results of this study
      support the hypothesis that indirect photochemical oxidation of the histidine
      (His) residue by (1)O2 is a major degradation pathway for bacitracin A, the most
      potent congener of the mixture. Furthermore, the photooxidation rate of
      bacitracin A with (1)O2 decreased upon bacitracin A coordination with Zn(2+),
      demonstrating that the photochemistry of metal-bound His is different from that
      of metal-free His. Overall, these results provide insight into the fate of
      bacitracin components in the aquatic environment and highlight the potential of
      utilizing this HRMS-based methodology to study transformations of other
      environmentally relevant NRPs.

PMID- 27128170
TI  - Observing others stay or switch - How social prediction errors are integrated
      into reward reversal learning.
AB  - Reward properties of stimuli can undergo sudden changes, and the detection of
      these 'reversals' is often made difficult by the probabilistic nature of
      rewards/punishments. Here we tested whether and how humans use social information
      (someone else's choices) to overcome uncertainty during reversal learning. We
      show a substantial social influence during reversal learning, which was modulated
      by the type of observed behavior. Participants frequently followed observed
      conservative choices (no switches after punishment) made by the (fictitious)
      other player but ignored impulsive choices (switches), even though the experiment
      was set up so that both types of response behavior would be similarly
      beneficial/detrimental (Study 1). Computational modeling showed that participants
      integrated the observed choices as a 'social prediction error' instead of
      ignoring or blindly following the other player. Modeling also confirmed higher
      learning rates for 'conservative' versus 'impulsive' social prediction errors.
      Importantly, this 'conservative bias' was boosted by interpersonal similarity,
      which in conjunction with the lack of effects observed in a non-social control
      experiment (Study 2) confirmed its social nature. A third study suggested that
      relative weighting of observed impulsive responses increased with increased
      volatility (frequency of reversals). Finally, simulations showed that in the
      present paradigm integrating social and reward information was not necessarily
      more adaptive to maximize earnings than learning from reward alone. Moreover,
      integrating social information increased accuracy only when conservative and
      impulsive choices were weighted similarly during learning. These findings suggest
      that to guide decisions in choice contexts that involve reward reversals humans
      utilize social cues conforming with their preconceptions more strongly than cues
      conflicting with them, especially when the other is similar.

PMID- 27128171
TI  - Are there any additional mechanisms for haemolysis in HELLP syndrome?
AB  - HELLP syndrome is a microangiopathy that leads to severe maternal complications.
      The objective of this study was to identify any additional mechanisms that could
      have contributed to HELLP syndrome-induced haemolysis. This is a pilot,
      prospective and observational study that lasted 9months. All patients with HELLP
      syndrome treated at academic tertiary care women hospital accepted to
      participate. Sixteen patients were included. In ten patients (63%), schizocytes
      were detected following a blood smear test. Six patients (38%) were diagnosed
      with a partial expression deficiency of proteins regulating the complement system
      (CD 55 or CD 59). In nine patients (56%), an activation of the complement
      classical pathway was detected. In two patients (13%), an ADAMTS 13 activity
      below 30% was detected. Three patients (19%) were diagnosed with a folate
      deficiency and one (6%) with an antiphospholipid syndrome. All patients developed
      maternal or fetal morbidity including nine (56%) an acute kidney injury. All
      patients but one had at least one additional mechanism that could contribute to
      haemolysis, besides a simple physical injury. Larger studies should be promoted
      to understand haemolysis in HELLP syndrome. 

PMID- 27128172
TI  - Is psychotherapy effective for reducing suicide attempt and non-suicidal self
      injury rates? Meta-analysis and meta-regression of literature data.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of psychotherapy interventions for reducing
      suicidal attempts (SA) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). METHODS: Meta
      analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing psychotherapy
      interventions and treatment as usual (TAU; including also enhanced usual care,
      psychotropic treatment alone, cognitive remediation, short-term problem-oriented
      approach, supportive relationship treatment, community treatment by non
      behavioral psychotherapy experts, emergency care enhanced by provider education,
      no treatment) for SA/NSSI. RCTs were extracted from MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and
      Cochrane Library and analyzed using the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager
      Software and Comprehensive Meta-analysis. RESULTS: In the 32 included RCTs, 4114
      patients were randomly assigned to receive psychotherapy (n = 2106) or TAU (n =
      2008). Patients who received psychotherapy were less likely to attempt suicide
      during the follow-up. The pooled risk difference for SA was -0.08 (95% confidence
      intervals = -0.04 to -0.11). The absolute risk reduction was 6.59%
      (psychotherapy: 9.12%; TAU: 15.71%), yielding an estimated number needed to treat
      of 15. Sensitivity analyses showed that psychotherapy was effective for SA mainly
      in adults, outpatients, patients with borderline personality disorder, previously
      and non-previously suicidal patients (heterogeneous variable that included past
      history of SA, NSSI, deliberate self-harm, imminent suicidal risk or suicidal
      ideation), long- and short-term therapies, TAU only as a control condition, and
      mentalization-based treatment (MBT). No evidence of efficacy was found for NSSI,
      with the exception of MBT. Between-study heterogeneity and publication bias were
      detected. In the presence of publication bias, the Duval and Tweedie's "trim and
      fill" method was applied. CONCLUSION: Psychotherapy seems to be effective for SA
      treatment. However, trials with lower risk of bias, more homogeneous outcome
      measures and longer follow-up are needed.

PMID- 27128173
TI  - Design, synthesis and apoptosis inducing effect of novel (Z)-3-(3'-methoxy-4'-(2
      amino-2-oxoethoxy)-benzylidene)indolin-2-ones as potential antitumour agents.
AB  - A series of new (Z)-3-(3'-methoxy-4'-(2-amino-2-oxoethoxy)benzylidene)indolin-2
      one derivatives has been synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity
      against selected human cancer cell lines of prostate (PC-3 and DU-145), breast
      (BT-549 and MDA-MB-231) and non-tumorigenic prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1).
      Among the tested, one of the compounds 4p exhibited potent cytotoxicity
      selectively on prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3 and DU-145; IC50: 1.89 +/- 0.6
      and 1.94 +/- 0.2 MUM, respectively). Further experiments were conducted with 4p
      on PC-3 cancer cells to study the mechanisms of growth inhibition and apoptosis
      inducing effect. Treatment of PC-3 cells with test compound 4p resulted in
      inhibition of cell migration through disorganization of F-actin protein. The flow
      cytometry analysis results showed that the compound arrested PC-3 cancer cells in
      the G2/M phase of cell cycle in a dose dependent manner. Hoechst staining and
      annexin-V binding assay revealed that the compound 4p inhibited tumor cell
      proliferation through induction of apoptosis. Western blot studies demonstrated
      that the compound 4p treatment led to activation of caspase-3, increased
      expression of pro-apoptotic Bax and significantly decreased expression of anti
      apoptotic Bcl-2 in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. In addition, the
      mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim) was also affected and the levels of
      intracellular Ca(2+) were raised. 

PMID- 27128174
TI  - Semi-synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of PEGylated pentacyclic
      triterpenes.
AB  - Several PEGylated derivatives of oleanolic and maslinic acids have been semi
      synthesized, attaching one acid-PEG reagent to the hydroxyl group/s at C-2 or C
      2/C-3 of the A rings of these natural triterpenes, and also to their
      corresponding C-28 benzyl derivatives. Several monomeric and dimeric PEGylated
      compounds have also been produced by linking one diamine-PEG reagent to the
      carboxyl group at C-28 of the same natural triterpenes and also to their
      corresponding C-2 or C-2/C-3 acetylated derivatives. The cytotoxic effects of 12
      triterpenic PEGylated derivatives in three cancer-cell lines (B16F10, HT29, and
      Hep G2) have been assayed. The best results have been achieved by the PEGylated
      amine derivative of oleanolic acid, with IC50 concentrations between 0.22 and
      3.78 MUM, being between 28- and 963-fold more effective than its natural
      precursor. The percentages of apoptosis induction have also been determined for
      the five PEGylated derivatives with the lowest cytotoxicity data. All five
      compounds showed apoptotic effects on the treated cells, with a total apoptosis
      rate of 99% in the B16F10 cells, 80% in the Hep G2 cells, and 51% in the HT29
      cells. We have also studied the changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential
      (MMP) to elucidate the possible mechanism involved in the apoptotic responses
      (intrinsic or extrinsic). Finally, to verify the results found in the cytometry
      assays, we have used fluorescence microscopy techniques to determine changes in
      the cell morphology. These PEGylated derivatives of natural triterpenoids, which
      can induce apoptosis at very low concentrations in different tumour lines, may
      represent new effective therapeutic drugs against these diseases. 

PMID- 27128175
TI  - 4-(1,2-diarylbut-1-en-1-yl)isobutyranilide derivatives as inhibitors of
      topoisomerase II.
AB  - The synthesis and biological evaluation of a new library of 4-(1,2-diarylbut-1-en
      1-yl)isobutyranilides is described. The new compounds were found to be cytotoxic
      in the micromolar range in two human tumor cell lines, MCF-7 (mammary gland
      adenocarcinoma) and HeLa (cervix adenocarcinoma) and two human ovarian cancer
      cell lines (A2780 and OVCAR5). Detailed studies on the most active compound 6g
      show that it was able to induce apoptosis and suggest topoisomerase II as a
      possible intracellular target. The relevance of the interaction of the most
      active compound with topoisomerase II is demonstrated and supported by docking
      studies. 

PMID- 27128176
TI  - Design, synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of short-chain C12
      sphinganine and its 1,2,3-triazole analogs as potential antimicrobial and anti
      biofilm agents.
AB  - A conceptual synthetic approach of short-chain C12-sphinganine 1 and a small
      library of its 1,2,3-triazole analogs 2(a-f) has been accomplished using the
      commercially available and inexpensive 10-undecenoic acid as a starting material.
      Miyashita's C-2 selective endo mode azidolysis and Huisgen click reaction was
      employed for the synthesis of the designed analogs. Based on biological
      evaluation studies of all the synthesized compounds, it was observed that,
      (2S,3R)-2-(4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)dodecan-1,3-diol (2b)
      exhibited promising antimicrobial and antifungal activities. Furthermore,
      compound 2b was able to inhibit the biofilm formation of Candida albicans MTCC
      227, Micrococcus luteus MTCC 2470 and Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96 with IC50
      values of 1.9, 2.1 and 2.9 MUg/mL, respectively. Compound 2b increased the levels
      of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C. albicans MTCC 227. 

PMID- 27128177
TI  - Simple avarone mimetics as selective agents against multidrug resistant cancer
      cells.
AB  - In this work, synthesis of alkylamino and aralkylamino derivatives of
      sesquiterpene quinone avarone and its model compound tert-butylquinone was
      described. For all obtained derivatives biological activity was studied.
      Cytotoxic activity of the synthesized derivatives towards multidrug resistant MDR
      human non-small cell lung carcinoma NCI-H460/R cells, their sensitive counterpart
      NCI-H460 and human normal keratinocytes (HaCaT) as well as detection of cell
      death superoxide anion generation were investigated. Antimicrobial activity
      towards Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and fungal cultures was
      determined. The results showed that strong cytotoxic activity toward cancer cells
      was improved with simple avarone mimetics. Some derivatives were selective
      towards MDR cancer cells. The most active derivatives induced apoptosis in both
      cancer cell lines, but not in normal cells. Superoxide production was induced by
      2,6-disubstituted compounds in MDR cancer cells and not by less active 2,5
      disubstituted compounds and was accompanied by the collapse of the mitochondrial
      transmembrane potential. Two tert-butylquinone derivatives were particularly
      selective towards MDR cancer cells. Some tert-butylquinone derivatives exhibited
      a strong antimicrobial activity. 

PMID- 27128178
TI  - 1'-Homonucleosides and their structural analogues: A review.
AB  - Nucleoside analogues belong to an important class of antiviral and anticancer
      drugs. Insertion of a methylene fragment between the anomeric carbon and
      pyrimidine or purine bases transforms nucleosides into 1'-homonucleosides. When
      compared with nucleosides this modification lengthens the separation between HO
      C5' of pentofuranoside fragments and nitrogen (N1 or N9) atoms of nucleobases,
      lowers the steric and electronic interactions between nucleobases and sugar
      rings, introduces greater flexibility around a CH2-Base bond and thus allows for
      more rotational freedom, and since the anomeric effect no longer operates any
      sugar or pseudosugar moiety exists in its unique conformation and experiences
      specific conformational mobility and hydrolysis of the C1'-CH2Base bond by
      cellular enzymes is no longer feasible. This review covers 1'-homonucleosides
      with a tetrahydrofuran ring and its nitrogen and sulfur analogues as well as
      those containing a cyclopentane moiety as a sugar replacer. Achievements in
      syntheses of sugar or pseudosugar scaffolds are of primary interest since
      pathways to install nucleobases are well recognized. Whenever possible, the
      biological activity, mostly antiviral and antitumor but sometimes as inhibitors
      of specific enzymes, will be presented and discussed to help identify structural
      features responsible for the particular mode of action and thus possible
      therapeutic significance. 

PMID- 27128179
TI  - Synthesis, radiolabeling and evaluation of novel amine guanidine derivatives as
      potential positron emission tomography tracers for the ion channel of the N
      methyl-d-aspartate receptor.
AB  - The N-Methyl-d-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is involved in many neurological and
      psychiatric disorders including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. The aim of
      this study was to develop a positron emission tomography (PET) ligand to assess
      the bio-availability of the NMDAR ion channel in vivo. A series of tri-N
      substituted diarylguanidines was synthesized and their in vitro binding
      affinities for the NMDAR ion channel assessed in rat forebrain membrane
      fractions. Compounds 21, 23 and 26 were radiolabeled with either carbon-11 or
      fluorine-18 and ex vivo biodistribution and metabolite studies were performed in
      Wistar rats. Biodistribution studies showed high uptake especially in prefrontal
      cortex and lowest uptake in cerebellum. Pre-treatment with MK-801, however, did
      not decrease uptake of the radiolabeled ligands. In addition, all three ligands
      showed fast metabolism. 

PMID- 27128180
TI  - Design, synthesis and antiproliferative activity of novel 5-nitropyrimidine-2,4
      diamine derivatives bearing alkyl acetate moiety.
AB  - In order to discover new anticancer drug leads, a series of novel alkylamino
      pyrimidine derivatives were designed and synthesized based on our previous work
      via a ring-opening strategy. Biological evaluation with four human cancer cell
      lines (MDA-MB-231, A549, HepG2, and MCF-7) showed that most of these compounds
      possessed moderate to potent antiproliferative activities. The most promising
      compound 7w displayed a three-fold improvement compared with commercial
      anticancer drug fluorouracil in inhibiting HepG2 cell proliferation with IC50
      value of 10.37 MUM. Moreover, flow-activated cell sorting analysis suggested that
      compound 7w mainly arrested HepG2 cells in G2/M stage. Hence, it could serve as a
      promising lead for the design of novel anticancer small-molecule drugs. 

PMID- 27128181
TI  - Discovery of pyrido[3,4-g]quinazoline derivatives as CMGC family protein kinase
      inhibitors: Design, synthesis, inhibitory potency and X-ray co-crystal structure.
AB  - The design and synthesis of new pyrido[3,4-g]quinazoline derivatives is described
      as well as their protein kinase inhibitory potencies toward five CMGC family
      members (CDK5, CK1, GSK3, CLK1 and DYRK1A). The interest for this original
      tricyclic heteroaromatic scaffold as modulators of CLK1/DYRK1A activity was
      validated by nanomolar potencies (compounds 12 and 13). CLK1 co-crystal
      structures with two inhibitors revealed the binding mode of these compounds
      within the ATP-binding pocket. 

PMID- 27128182
TI  - Potent anticholinesterasic and neuroprotective pyranotacrines as inhibitors of
      beta-amyloid aggregation, oxidative stress and tau-phosphorylation for
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Herein we describe the synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of thirteen
      new, racemic, diversely functionalized 2-chloroquinolin-3-yl substituted
      PyranoTacrines (PTs) as multipotent tacrine analogues for Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) therapy. Among these compounds, 1-(5-amino-4-(2-chloro-7-methoxyquinolin-3
      yl)-2-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-4H-pyrano [2,3-b]quinolin-3-yl)ethanone (9) and
      ethyl 5-amino-4-(2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)-2-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-4H-pyrano[2,3
      b]quinoline-3-carboxylate (4) were found to be non-neurotoxic agents in human
      neuroblastoma SHSY5Y cells. Compounds 9 (IC50 = 0.47 +/- 0.13 MUM) and 4 (IC50 =
      0.48 +/- 0.05 MUM) are potent, mixed-type (9: Ki = 0.0142 +/- 0.003 MUM), and
      selective EeAChE inhibitors, binding at the both catalytic and peripheral anionic
      site of the enzyme. Compounds 9 and 4 are neuroprotective agents at low MUM
      concentrations upon decreased viability of SHSY5Y cells induced by oxidative
      stress, and stimulators of GSK3beta-dependent tau phosphorylation. In addition,
      molecules 9 and 4 effectively counteract Abeta-aggregation on exposure to Abeta1
      40, as well as Abeta1-40 aggregation-dependent tau-oligomerization and
      phosphorylation in (396)Ser, which could be ascribed to the anti-aggregating
      properties shown in vitro. Thus, a new family of tacrine analogues, whose potent
      AChEI activity is linked to both their Abeta-aggregating and tau-phosphorylation
      inhibitory capacities, has been discovered for the potential treatment of AD. 

PMID- 27128183
TI  - Novel double prodrugs of the iron chelator N,N'-bis(2
      hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (HBED): Synthesis,
      characterization, and investigation of activation by chemical hydrolysis and
      oxidation.
AB  - The development of iron chelators suitable for the chronic treatment of diseases
      where iron accumulation and subsequent oxidative stress are implicated in disease
      pathogenesis is an active area of research. The clinical use of the strong
      chelator N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (HBED) and
      its alkyl ester prodrugs has been hindered by poor oral bioavailability and lack
      of conversion to the parent chelator, respectively. Here, we present novel double
      prodrugs of HBED that have the carboxylate and phenolate donors of HBED masked
      with carboxylate esters and boronic acids/esters, respectively. These double
      prodrugs were successfully synthesized as free bases (7a-f) or as dimesylate
      salts (8a-c,e), and were characterized by (1)H, (13)C, and (11)B NMR; MP; MS; and
      elemental analysis. The crystal structure of 8a was solved. Three of the double
      prodrugs (8a-c) were selected for further investigation into their abilities to
      convert to HBED by stepwise hydrolysis and H2O2 oxidation. The serial hydrolysis
      of the pinacol and methyl esters of N,N'-bis(2-boronic acid pinacol ester
      benzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid methyl ester dimesylate (8a) was
      verified by LC-MS. The macro half-lives for the hydrolyses of 8a-c, measured by
      UV, ranged from 3.8 to 26.3 h at 37  degrees C in pH 7.5 phosphate buffer
      containing 50% MeOH. 9, the product of hydrolysis of 8a-c and the intermediate in
      the conversion pathway, showed little-to-no affinity for iron or copper in UV
      competition experiments. 9 underwent a serial oxidative deboronation by H2O2 in N
      methylmorpholine buffer to generate HBED (k = 10.3 M(-1) min(-1)). The
      requirement of this second step, oxidation, before conversion to the active
      chelator is complete may confer site specificity when only localized iron
      chelation is needed. Overall, these results provide proof of principle for the
      activation of the double prodrugs by chemical hydrolysis and H2O2 oxidation, and
      merit further investigation into the protective capabilities of the prodrugs
      against H2O2-induced cell death. 

PMID- 27128185
TI  - Catalytic Control of Typical Particulate Matters and Volatile Organic Compounds
      Emissions from Simulated Biomass Burning.
AB  - Emissions of particulate matters (PMs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from
      open burning of biomass often cause severe air pollution; a viable approach is to
      allow biomass to burn in a furnace to collectively control these emissions, but
      practical control technologies for this purpose are lacking. Here, we report a
      hollandite manganese oxide (HMO) catalyst that can efficiently control both
      typical PMs and VOCs emissions from biomass burning. The results reveal that
      typical alkali-rich PMs such as KCl particles are disintegrated and the K(+) ions
      are trapped in the HMO "single-walled" tunnels with a great trapping capacity.
      The K(+)-trapping HMO increases the electron density of the lattice oxygen and
      the redox ability, thus promoting the combustion of soot PMs and the oxidation of
      typical VOCs such as aldehydes and acetylates. This could pave a way to control
      emissions from biomass burning concomitant with its utilization for energy or
      heat generation.

PMID- 27128184
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of PSMA/hepsin-targeted
      heterobivalent ligands.
AB  - Cell surface biomarkers such as prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and
      hepsin have received considerable attention as targets for imaging prostate
      cancer (PCa) due to their high cell surface expression in such tumors and easy
      access for imaging probes. Novel amidine-containing indole analogs (13-21) as
      hepsin inhibitors were designed and synthesized. These compounds showed in vitro
      inhibitory activity against hepsin with IC50 values from 5.9 to 70 MUM. Based on
      the SAR of amidine-derived analogs, the novel heterobivalent compound 30,
      targeting both hepsin and PSMA, was synthesized by linking compound 18 with Lys
      urea-Glu, the key scaffold for the specific binding to PSMA, followed by the
      conjugation of the optical dye SulfoCy7. Compound 30 exhibited inhibitory
      activities against PSMA and hepsin, with IC50 values of 28 nM and 2.8 MUM,
      respectively. In vitro cell uptake and preliminary in vivo optical imaging
      studies of 30 showed selective binding and retention in both PSMA and hepsin high
      expressing PC3/ML-PSMA-HPN cells as compared with low-expressing PC3/ML cells. 

PMID- 27128186
TI  - Endogenized viral sequences in mammals.
AB  - Reverse-transcribed RNA molecules compose a significant portion of the human
      genome. Many of these RNA molecules were retrovirus genomes either infecting
      germline cells or having done so in a previous generation but retaining
      transcriptional activity. This mechanism itself accounts for a quarter of the
      genomic sequence information of mammals for which there is data. We understand
      relatively little about the causes and consequences of retroviral endogenization.
      This review highlights functions ascribed to sequences of viral origin
      endogenized into mammalian genomes and suggests some of the most pressing
      questions raised by these observations.

PMID- 27128187
TI  - Are you my symbiont? Microbial polymorphic toxins and antimicrobial compounds as
      honest signals of beneficial symbiotic defensive traits.
AB  - In defensive symbioses where microbes benefit their host by killing competitors,
      predators or parasites, natural selection should favor the transmission of
      microbes with the most beneficial defensive traits. During the initiation of
      symbiosis, the host's ability to accurately pre-assess a symbiont's beneficial
      traits would be a selective advantage. We propose that one mechanism by which a
      host could recognize and select a beneficial partner would be if the latter
      displayed an honest signal of its defensive or other symbiotic capabilities. As
      one example, we suggest that polymorphic toxins and their surface receptors,
      which are involved in inter-microbial competition and predator killing
      activities, can be honest signals that facilitate partner choice in defensive
      symbioses.

PMID- 27128188
TI  - Strong Hydrogen Bonded Molecular Interactions between Atmospheric Diamines and
      Sulfuric Acid.
AB  - We investigate the molecular interaction between methyl-substituted N,N,N',N'
      ethylenediamines, propane-1,3-diamine, butane-1,4-diamine, and sulfuric acid
      using computational methods. Molecular structure of the diamines and their dimer
      clusters with sulfuric acid is studied using three density functional theory
      methods (PW91, M06-2X, and omegaB97X-D) with the 6-31++G(d,p) basis set. A high
      level explicitly correlated CCSD(T)-F12a/VDZ-F12 method is used to obtain
      accurate binding energies. The reaction Gibbs free energies are evaluated and
      compared with values for reactions involving ammonia and atmospherically relevant
      monoamines (methylamine, dimethylamine, and trimethylamine). We find that the
      complex formation between sulfuric acid and the studied diamines provides similar
      or more favorable reaction free energies than dimethylamine. Diamines that
      contain one or more secondary amino groups are found to stabilize sulfuric acid
      complexes more efficiently. Elongating the carbon backbone from ethylenediamine
      to propane-1,3-diamine or butane-1,4-diamine further stabilizes the complex
      formation with sulfuric acid by up to 4.3 kcal/mol. Dimethyl-substituted butane
      1,4-diamine yields a staggering formation free energy of -19.1 kcal/mol for the
      clustering with sulfuric acid, indicating that such diamines could potentially be
      a key species in the initial step in the formation of new particles. For studying
      larger clusters consisting of a diamine molecule with up to four sulfuric acid
      molecules, we benchmark and utilize a domain local pair natural orbital coupled
      cluster (DLPNO-CCSD(T)) method. We find that a single diamine is capable of
      efficiently stabilizing sulfuric acid clusters with up to four acid molecules,
      whereas monoamines such as dimethylamine are capable of stabilizing at most 2-3
      sulfuric acid molecules. 

PMID- 27128189
TI  - Potential for polyhydroxyalkanoate production on German or European municipal
      waste water treatment plants.
AB  - Biopolymers, which are made of renewable raw materials and/or biodegradable
      residual materials present a possible alternative to common plastic. A potential
      analysis, based on experimental results in laboratory scale and detailed data
      from German waste water treatment plants, showed that the theoretically possible
      production of biopolymers in Germany amounts to more than 20% of the 2015
      worldwide biopolymer production. In addition a profound estimation regarding all
      European Union member states showed that theoretically about 115% of the actual
      worldwide biopolymer production could be produced on European waste water
      treatment plants. With an upgraded biopolymer production and a theoretically
      reachable biopolymer proportion of around 60% of the cell dry weight a total of
      1,794,656tPHAa or approximately 236% of today's biopolymer production could be
      produced on waste water treatment plants in the European Union, using primary
      sludge as raw material only. 

PMID- 27128190
TI  - Nitrogen removal characteristics of indigenous aerobic denitrifiers and changes
      in the microbial community of a reservoir enclosure system via in situ oxygen
      enhancement using water lifting and aeration technology.
AB  - Indigenous aerobic denitrifiers of a reservoir system were enhanced in situ by
      water lifting and aeration technology. Nitrogen removal characteristics and
      changes in the bacterial community were investigated. Results from a 30-day
      experiment showed that the TN in the enhanced water system decreased from 1.08
      2.02 to 0.75-0.91mg/L and that TN removal rates varied between 21.74% and 52.54%
      without nitrite accumulation, and TN removal rate of surface sediments reached
      41.37+/-1.55%. The densities of aerobic denitrifiers in the enhanced system
      increased. Furthermore, the enhanced system showed a clear inhibition of Fe, Mn,
      and P performances. Community analysis using Miseq showed that diversity was
      higher in the in situ oxygen enhanced system than in the control system. In
      addition, the microbial composition was significantly different between systems.
      It can be concluded that in situ enhancement of indigenous aerobic denitrifiers
      is very effective in removing nitrogen from water reservoir systems. 

PMID- 27128191
TI  - High-titer lactic acid production by Lactobacillus pentosus FL0421 from corn
      stover using fed-batch simultaneous saccharification and fermentation.
AB  - Because the cost of refined sugar substrate and limit of worldwide food
      availability, lignocellulosic materials are attractive for use in lactic acid
      (LA) production. In this study, we found Lactobacillus pentosus strain FL0421
      produced LA with high yields (0.52-0.82g/g stover) from five NaOH-pretreated and
      washed agro stovers through simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF).
      We developed a fed-batch SSF process at 37 degrees C and pH 6.0 using the
      cellulase of 30FPU/g stover and 10g/L yeast extract in a 5-L bioreactor to
      produce LA from 14% (w/w) NaOH-pretreated and washed corn stover under non
      sterile condition. The LA-titer, yield and productivity reached 92.30g/L, 0.66g/g
      stover and 1.92g/L/h, respectively; and acetic acid titer and yield reached
      34.27g/L and 0.24g/g stover. This study presented a feasible process for LA
      production from agro stovers and provided a candidate strain for genetic
      engineering for high-titer and -yield lignocellulosic LA production. 

PMID- 27128192
TI  - Comparative study of emerging micropollutants removal by aerobic activated sludge
      of large laboratory-scale membrane bioreactors and sequencing batch reactors
      under low-temperature conditions.
AB  - Four emerging micropollutants ibuprofen, diclofenac, estrone (E1) and 17alpha
      ethinylestradiol (EE2) were studied in large laboratory-scale wastewater
      treatment plants (WWTPs) with high nitrifying activity. Activated sludge (AS)
      with sludge retention times (SRTs) of 12days and 14days in sequencing batch
      reactors (SBRs) and 30days, 60days and 90days in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) were
      examined at 8 degrees C and 12 degrees C. Concentrations of pharmaceuticals and
      their main metabolites were analysed in liquid phase and solid phase of AS by
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A remarkable amount of
      contaminants were detected in solids of AS, meaning the accumulation of
      micropollutants in bacterial cells. The biodegradation rate constants (Kbiol)
      were affected by SRT and temperature. MBR with a 90-day SRT showed the best
      results of removal. Conventional SBR process was inefficient at 8 degrees C
      showing Kbiol values lower than 0.5lgSS(-1)d(-1) for studied micropollutants. 

PMID- 27128193
TI  - Influence of nitrogen depletion in the growth of N. oleoabundans on the release
      of cellular components after beadmilling.
AB  - Cell disruption by bead milling of Neochloris oleoabundans grown under nitrogen
      repleted (NR) and nitrogen depleted (ND) conditions was evaluated based on the
      release of biochemicals and biomass to the supernatant. Additionally, energy
      consumption for cell disruption was calculated per kg of released component. Bead
      milling of NR cells resulted on average in 34% (w/w) release of biochemicals into
      the supernatant, with a similar composition as the untreated microalgal biomass.
      With ND cells, the release was higher and more selective, i.e. 57%, 59%, 68% and
      56% (w/w) of respectively biomass, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids whereof
      92%, 57% and 46% (w/w) respectively of phospho-, glyco- and neutral lipids. 

PMID- 27128194
TI  - High selective delignification using oxidative ionic liquid pretreatment at mild
      conditions for efficient enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose.
AB  - Herein, the oxidative ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment for overcoming recalcitrance
      of lignocellulose with selective delignification was investigated, and the
      subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis was evaluated. IL pretreatment incorporating
      oxygen delignification could enhance lignin extraction with high selectivity at
      low carbohydrate loss. The dual-action of oxidative decomposition and dissolution
      by 1-butyl-3-methlimidazolium chloride (BmimCl) on biomass were synergistically
      acted, accounting for efficient recalcitrance removal. In addition, the mild
      oxidative IL treatment only slightly converted crystalline cellulose into
      amorphous structure, and the extensive extraction of the amorphous lignin and
      carbohydrate resulted to the expose of cellulose with high susceptibility.
      Correspondingly, the enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated lignocellulose was
      greatly enhanced. The oxidative IL treatment at mild conditions, collaborating
      BmimCl treatment with oxygen delignification is a promising and effective system
      for overcoming the robust structure of lignocellulose. 

PMID- 27128195
TI  - A quantitative kinetic model for the fast and isothermal hydrothermal
      liquefaction of Nannochloropsis sp.
AB  - Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a technology for converting algal biomass into
      biocrude oil and high-value products. To elucidate the underlying kinetics for
      this process, we conducted isothermal and non-isothermal reactions over a broad
      range of holding times (10s-60min), temperatures (100-400 degrees C), and average
      heating rates (110-350 degrees Cmin(-1)). Biocrude reached high yields (?37wt%)
      within 2min for heat-source set-point temperatures of 350 degrees C or higher. We
      developed a microalgal HTL kinetic model valid from 10s to 60min, including
      significantly shorter timescales (10s-10min) than any previous model. The model
      predicts that up to 46wt% biocrude yields are achievable at 400 degrees C and
      1min, reaffirming the utility of short holding times and "fast" HTL. We highlight
      potential trade-offs between maximizing biocrude quantity and facilitating
      aqueous phase recovery, which may improve biocrude quality. 

PMID- 27128196
TI  - Anaerobic co-digestion of cyanide containing cassava pulp with pig manure.
AB  - Anaerobic co-digestion of cyanide-containing cassava pulp with pig manure was
      evaluated using laboratory scale mesophilic digester. The digester was operated
      in a semi-continuous mode with the mixed feedstock having C/N ratio of 35:1.
      Digester startup was accomplished in 60days with loading of 0.5-1kgVS/m(3)d.
      Subsequently, the loading to digester was increased step-wise from 2 to
      9kgVS/m(3)d. Digester performance was stable at loading between 2 and 6kgVS/m(3)d
      with an average volatile solid removal and methane yield of 82% and
      0.38m(3)/kgVSadded, respectively. However, beyond loading of 7kgVS/m(3)d,
      solubilization of particulate matter did not take place efficiently. Cyanide
      present in cassava pulp was successfully degraded indicating that anaerobic
      sludge in the digester was well acclimatized to cyanide. The results show that
      cassava pulp can be successfully digested anaerobically with pig manure as co
      substrate without any inhibitory effect of cyanide present in the cassava pulp. 

PMID- 27128197
TI  - Identification and Characterization of a New Pecan [Carya illinoinensis
      (Wangenh.) K. Koch] Allergen, Car i 2.
AB  - The 7S vicilin and 11S legumin seed storage globulins belong to the cupin protein
      superfamily and are major food allergens in many foods from the "big eight" food
      allergen groups. Here, for the first time, pecan vicilin was found to be a food
      allergen. Western blot experiments revealed that 30% of 27 sera used in this
      study and 24% of the sera from 25 patients with double-blind, placebo controlled
      clinical pecan allergy contained IgE antibodies specific to pecan vicilin. This
      allergen consists of a low-complexity region at its N-terminal and a structured
      domain at the C-terminal that contains two cupin motifs and forms homotrimers.
      The crystal structure of recombinant pecan vicilin was determined. The refined
      structure gave R/Rfree values of 0.218/0.262 for all data to 2.65 A. There were
      two trimeric biological units in the crystallographic asymmetric unit. Pecan
      vicilin is also a copper protein. These data may facilitate the understanding of
      the nutritional value and the allergenicity relevance of the copper binding
      property of seed storage proteins in tree nuts. 

PMID- 27128198
TI  - Doped ionic liquid crystals as effective weakly alignment media for polar
      solutes.
AB  - The ionic liquid crystal 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate slightly
      doped with water is presented as a promising NMR alignment medium for the
      measurement of residual dipolar couplings for polar molecules dissolved therein.

PMID- 27128199
TI  - Acceptability of lopinavir/r pellets (minitabs), tablets and syrups in HIV
      infected children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lopinavir/ritonavir 'pellets' were recently tentatively approved for
      licensing. We describe their acceptability for infants and children up to 48
      weeks. METHODS: CHAPAS-2 was a randomized, two-period crossover trial comparing
      syrup and pellets in HIV-infected infants (n=19, group A, aged 3-<12 months) and
      children (n=26, group B, 1-<4 years) and tablets and pellets in older children
      (n=32, group C, 4-<13 years) from two clinics ('JCRC', 'PIDC') in Uganda. At week
      8, all groups chose which formulation to continue. Acceptability data were
      collected at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 and 48. RESULTS: For groups A and B overall, the
      proportion preferring pellets increased between week 0 and week 12 and decreased
      at week 48 (group A 37%, 72%, 44%; group B 12%, 64% and 36%, respectively),
      although there were marked differences between clinics. For group C, pellets were
      progressively less preferred to tablets over time: 41%, 19% and 13% at weeks 0,
      12 and 48, respectively. During follow-up unpleasant taste was similarly reported
      among young children taking pellets and syrups (37%/43% group A; 29%/26% group
      B), whereas among older children, pellets tasted worse than tablets (40%/2%). No
      participants reported problems with storage/transportation for pellets (0%/0%)
      unlike syrups (23%/13%). CONCLUSIONS: For children <4 years, pellets were more
      acceptable at week 12 but not week 48. Clinic differences could reflect bias
      among health-care workers for different formulations. Pellets taste similar to
      syrup, are easier to store and transport than syrup and represent an alternative
      formulation for young children unable to swallow tablets; improvements in taste
      and support for health-care workers may help sustain acceptability.

PMID- 27128200
TI  - Computational Approach to Diarylprolinol-Silyl Ethers in Aminocatalysis.
AB  - Asymmetric organocatalysis has witnessed a remarkable development since its "re
      birth" in the beginning of the millenium. In this rapidly growing field,
      computational investigations have proven to be an important contribution for the
      elucidation of mechanisms and rationalizations of the stereochemical outcomes of
      many of the reaction concepts developed. The improved understanding of
      mechanistic details has facilitated the further advancement of the field. The
      diarylprolinol-silyl ethers have since their introduction been one of the most
      applied catalysts in asymmetric aminocatalysis due to their robustness and
      generality. Although aminocatalytic methods at first glance appear to follow
      relatively simple mechanistic principles, more comprehensive computational
      studies have shown that this notion in some cases is deceiving and that more
      complex pathways might be operating. In this Account, the application of density
      functional theory (DFT) and other computational methods on systems catalyzed by
      the diarylprolinol-silyl ethers is described. It will be illustrated how
      computational investigations have shed light on the structure and reactivity of
      important intermediates in aminocatalysis, such as enamines and iminium ions
      formed from aldehydes and alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, respectively. Enamine
      and iminium ion catalysis can be classified as HOMO-raising and LUMO-lowering
      activation modes. In these systems, the exclusive reactivity through one of the
      possible intermediates is often a requisite for achieving high stereoselectivity;
      therefore, the appreciation of subtle energy differences has been vital for the
      efficient development of new stereoselective reactions. The diarylprolinol-silyl
      ethers have also allowed for novel activation modes for unsaturated aldehydes,
      which have opened up avenues for the development of new remote functionalization
      reactions of poly-unsaturated carbonyl compounds via di-, tri-, and tetraenamine
      intermediates and vinylogous iminium ions. Computational studies have played a
      pivotal role in the elucidation of the regioselectivities observed for such
      systems because these pose a challenge due to the presence of multiple reactive
      sites in these intermediates. Charge distribution and pi-orbital coefficient
      calculations have been applied to explain the observed regioselectivity of the
      given reactions. The calculation of more elaborate energetic pathways has allowed
      for in silico identification of high-energy intermediates, such as zwitterions,
      and transition-state structures, which have also provided information on the
      driving force controlling the reaction course and outcome.

PMID- 27128201
TI  - Carbon monoxide improves neuronal differentiation and yield by increasing the
      functioning and number of mitochondria.
AB  - The process of cell differentiation goes hand-in-hand with metabolic adaptations,
      which are needed to provide energy and new metabolites. Carbon monoxide (CO) is
      an endogenous cytoprotective molecule able to inhibit cell death and improve
      mitochondrial metabolism. Neuronal differentiation processes were studied using
      the NT2 cell line, which is derived from human testicular embryonic
      teratocarcinoma and differentiates into post-mitotic neurons upon retinoic acid
      treatment. CO-releasing molecule A1 (CORM-A1) was used do deliver CO into cell
      culture. CO treatment improved NT2 neuronal differentiation and yield, since
      there were more neurons and the total cell number increased following the
      differentiation process. CO supplementation enhanced the mitochondrial population
      in post-mitotic neurons derived from NT2 cells, as indicated by an increase in
      mitochondrial DNA. CO treatment during neuronal differentiation increased the
      extent of the classical metabolic change that occurs during neuronal
      differentiation, from glycolytic to more oxidative metabolism, by decreasing the
      ratio of lactate production and glucose consumption. The expression of pyruvate
      and lactate dehydrogenases was higher, indicating an augmented oxidative
      metabolism. Moreover, these findings were corroborated by an increased percentage
      of (13) C incorporation from [U-(13) C]glucose into the tricarboxylic acid cycle
      metabolites malate and citrate, and also glutamate and aspartate in CO-treated
      cells. Finally, under low levels of oxygen (5%), which enhances glycolytic
      metabolism, some of the enhancing effects of CO on mitochondria were not
      observed. In conclusion, our data show that CO improves neuronal and
      mitochondrial yield by stimulation of tricarboxylic acid cycle activity, and thus
      oxidative metabolism of NT2 cells during the process of neuronal differentiation.
      The process of cell differentiation is coupled with metabolic adaptations. Carbon
      monoxide (CO) is an endogenous cytoprotective gasotransmitter able to prevent
      cell death and improve mitochondrial metabolism. Herein CO supplementation
      improved neuronal differentiation yield, by enhancing mitochondrial population
      and promoting the classical metabolic change that occurs during neuronal
      differentiation, from glycolytic to oxidative metabolism.

PMID- 27128202
TI  - Endophytic Actinobacteria from the Brazilian Medicinal Plant Lychnophora
      ericoides Mart. and the Biological Potential of Their Secondary Metabolites.
AB  - Endophytic actinobacteria from the Brazilian medicinal plant Lychnophora
      ericoides were isolated for the first time, and the biological potential of their
      secondary metabolites was evaluated. A phylogenic analysis of isolated
      actinobacteria was accomplished with 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the
      predominance of the genus Streptomyces was observed. All strains were cultured on
      solid rice medium, and ethanol extracts were evaluated with antimicrobial and
      cytotoxic assays against cancer cell lines. As a result, 92% of the extracts
      showed a high or moderate activity against at least one pathogenic microbial
      strain or cancer cell line. Based on the biological and chemical analyses of
      crude extracts, three endophytic strains were selected for further investigation
      of their chemical profiles. Sixteen compounds were isolated, and 3-hydroxy-4
      methoxybenzamide (9) and 2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-4(1H)-quinazolinone (15) are
      reported as natural products for the first time in this study. The biological
      activity of the pure compounds was also assessed. Compound 15 displayed potent
      cytotoxic activity against all four tested cancer cell lines. Nocardamine (2) was
      only moderately active against two cancer cell lines but showed strong activity
      against Trypanosoma cruzi. Our results show that endophytic actinobacteria from
      L. ericoides are a promising source of bioactive compounds. 

PMID- 27128204
TI  - Surface Nanostructures Composed of Thiolated Cyclodextrin/Au and Fe Species: Gas-
      and Liquid-Phase Preparation.
AB  - Supramolecular surface nanostructures have application potential as functional
      devices. The complex combination of thiolated cyclodextrin, chemisorbed on an Au
      surface (Au-S-CD), with deposited Fe species is studied by secondary ion mass
      spectrometry. The Fe species are prepared by pulsed laser ablation in water and
      thermal effusion in vacuum. Using laser ablation in water, the solution of Fe
      species is dropped on Au-S-CD, where mass peaks at 1227 m/z, 1243 m/z, and 1260
      m/z are observed and assigned to C42 H68 O34 SNa-Fe(+) , C42 H68 O34 SK-Fe(+)
      together with C42 H68 O34 SNa-FeO(+) , and C42 H68 O34 SK-FeO(+) , respectively.
      On the other hand, laser ablation directly linked to the Au-S-CD surface results
      in desorption of CD-S. Thermal effusion, even with a cooled surface, was negative
      with respect to the complex observation. Laser ablation results in the formation
      of a supramolecular host-guest complex of the form Au-S-CD-Fe, and in the
      formation of an adduct of the form Au-S-CD-FeO. 

PMID- 27128203
TI  - Mitogen-inducible gene-6 partly mediates the inhibitory effects of prenatal
      dexamethasone exposure on endochondral ossification in long bones of fetal rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prenatal exposure to dexamethasone slows down fetal
      linear growth and bone mineralization but the regulatory mechanism remains
      unknown. Here we assessed how dexamethasone regulates bone development in the
      fetus. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Dexamethasone (1 mg.kg(-1) .day(-1) ) was injected
      subcutaneously every morning in pregnant rats from gestational day (GD)9 to GD20.
      Fetal femurs and tibias were harvested at GD20 for histological and gene
      expression analysis. Femurs of 12-week-old female offspring were harvested for
      microCT (MUCT) measurement. Primary chondrocytes were treated with dexamethasone
      (10, 50, 250 and 1000 nM). KEY RESULTS: Prenatal dexamethasone exposure resulted
      in accumulation of hypertrophic chondrocytes and delayed formation of the primary
      ossification centre in fetal long bone. The retardation was accompanied by
      reduced maturation of hypertrophic chondrocytes, decreased osteoclast number and
      down-regulated expression of osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein in long bone. In
      addition, the mitogen-inducible gene-6 (Mig6) and osteoprotegerin (OPG)
      expression were stimulated, and the receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand
      (RANKL) expression was repressed. Moreover, dexamethasone activated OPG and
      repressed RANKL expression in both primary chondrocytes and primary osteoblasts,
      and the knockdown of Mig6 abolished the effect of dexamethasone on OPG
      expression. Further, MUCT measurement showed loss of bone mass in femur of 12
      week-old offspring with prenatal dexamethasone exposure. CONCLUSIONS AND
      IMPLICATIONS: Prenatal dexamethasone exposure delays endochondral ossification by
      suppressing chondrocyte maturation and osteoclast differentiation, which may be
      partly mediated by Mig6 activation in bone. Bone development retardation in the
      fetus may be associated with reduced bone mass in later life.

PMID- 27128205
TI  - Caution to use bronchoscopic CO2 cryotherapy for foreign body removal in
      children.

PMID- 27128206
TI  - Specific and Non-specific Clinical Presentations in the Year Before the Diagnosis
      of Childhood Leukaemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Clinical presentations of childhood leukaemia have been reported in
      case-only studies. The timing when these presentations start to occur prior to
      diagnosis is less clear. METHODS: In this nested case-control study, 1,025 and
      334 children with lymphoid and myeloid leukaemia, respectively, were matched
      (1:30) to population-based controls by sex, region and year of birth. An index
      date was assigned for each control when the matched case was diagnosed.
      Healthcare access records of cases and controls in the year before the index date
      were extracted. RESULTS: Children with lymphoid leukaemia started to visit
      doctors more often at least 2 months before leukaemia diagnosis (P < 0.05).
      Various presentations were recorded in these visits: rates of haematological
      presentations, musculoskeletal presentations, and injuries started to increase
      significantly at least 3 months before diagnosis; rates of respiratory,
      gastrointestinal and urinary tract presentations did not increase significantly
      until the last month. The findings for myeloid lymphoma were less clear, but
      children appeared to visit doctors more often at least 4 months before diagnosis,
      and the rate of haematological presentations also started to increase at least 4
      months before leukaemia diagnosis. Although haematological presentations were
      most strongly associated with undiagnosed leukaemia (odds ratio > 290 in the last
      month), the majority (>96%) of children with haematological presentations did not
      have leukaemia if they had not been diagnosed in their first visit. CONCLUSIONS:
      We described a clinical picture in the year before leukaemia diagnosis. These
      findings revealed ongoing difficulties in early diagnosis of childhood leukaemia
      in healthcare settings.

PMID- 27128208
TI  - Placebo Effect or Not: Yoga Therapy in Children With Functional Abdominal Pain.

PMID- 27128207
TI  - Patients With Celiac Disease Reported Higher Consumption of Added Sugar and Total
      Fat Than Healthy Individuals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to compare the dietary pattern between
      subjects with celiac disease (CD) (cases) and subjects without (healthy controls)
      CD. METHODS: A case-control design study was conducted. A total of 98 subjects
      with CD (age 10-23 years) were matched by age, sex, and body mass index with 98
      nonceliac participants. A nonconsecutive 3-day food record was completed to
      assess energy, nutrient, and food intake and evaluate the participant's adherence
      to recommendations. Differences in energy, nutrients, food consumption, and
      compliance with general recommendations between cases and control groups were
      assessed by Student t test. Pearson chi-squared test was used to compare
      categorical variables. Sociodemographic, personal, and family history data were
      collected. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the cases with CD reported a
      significantly higher consumption of added sugar (P < 0.001) and total fat (P <
      0.017). Mean fiber consumption was below the nutritional recommendations in both
      groups. Participants with CD consumed significantly lower amounts of foods rich
      in starch (P < 0.001) and higher amounts of foods rich in protein such as meat,
      fish, and eggs (P = 0.007). Subjects with CD showed a significantly lower
      percentage of adherence to recommendations for folic acid (53.2 vs 70.5; P <
      0.001), calcium (49.0 vs 56.3; P = 0.025), iron (57.4 vs 78.0; P < 0.001), and
      magnesium (50.0 vs 63.9; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The subjects with CD showed a
      more unbalanced diet than controls in terms of added sugars, total fat, and
      micronutrient consumption.

PMID- 27128209
TI  - Subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recurrent aphtous stomatitis (RAS) is an inflammatory oral mucosal
      disease. It has been known that inflammatory cascade plays important role in the
      atherosclerotic process. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship
      between subclinical atherosclerotic findings and a systemic inflammatory disease,
      RAS. METHODS: In total, 32 patients with RAS were matched with 30 control
      subjects on the basis of age, sex, and major cardiovascular risk factors.
      Laboratory parameters including lipid profiles were determined for patients and
      controls. B-mode ultrasonography was used to assess carotid extra-medial
      thickness (cEMT) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). RESULTS: Both cEMT
      and cIMT in the RAS group were significantly higher than in the control group (P
      = 0.002 and 0.013, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation
      between cIMT and cEMT (r = 0.381, P = 0.034). cIMT was positively correlated with
      age, triglyceride levels, and systolic blood pressure, while cEMT was positively
      correlated with age in patients with RAS. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is
      the first reported study to evaluate cEMT and cIMT in patients with RAS. This
      study presents morphological evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients
      with RAS. Further studies investigating the relationship between atherosclerosis
      and RAS are needed.

PMID- 27128211
TI  - A soft benzodiazepine.

PMID- 27128210
TI  - Edaravone protects against cobalt chloride-induced dysfunctions in apoptosis and
      invasion in trophoblast cells.
AB  - This study was performed to investigate the effects of edaravone on hypoxia
      induced trophoblast cell proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. The trophoblast
      cell line HTR-8 (H8) was treated with cobalt chloride (CoCl2 ) with or without a
      1-hr edaravone pretreatment, followed by assessment of intracellular reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) levels, cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and
      invasion. Metrics of apoptosis included measurement of cysteine-aspartic acid
      protease 3 (CASP3) activity as well as BAX and BCL2 expression. Migration and
      invasion phenotypes were complemented with expression analysis of matrix
      metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) at
      the transcript and protein levels. CoCl2 inhibited the proliferation of H8 cells,
      promoted apoptosis, and up-regulated CASP3 activation and BAX expression while
      inhibiting BCL2 expression. CoCl2 treatment also reduced the invasiveness of H8
      cells by inhibiting MMP2 activity. Edaravone significantly increased H8 cell
      proliferation; inhibited apoptosis by down-regulating CASP3 activation and BAX
      production while promoting BCL2 stability; and ameliorated the migration and
      invasion phenotypes associated with CoCl2 treatment. These results suggest that
      edaravone may rescue hypoxia-induced abnormalities in H8 cell proliferation,
      apoptosis, and invasion, thereby protecting the trophoblast lineage against
      hypoxia. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 576-587, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27128212
TI  - Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single oral doses of tofacitinib, a
      Janus kinase inhibitor, in healthy volunteers.
AB  - Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor. This randomized, double-blind,
      parallel-group, placebo-controlled study was the first evaluation of tofacitinib
      in humans. The objectives were to characterize the safety and tolerability,
      pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics of escalating single tofacitinib
      doses in healthy subjects. Tofacitinib (0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30, 60, and 100 mg)
      or placebo was administered as oral powder for constitution. For each dose, 7-9
      subjects were randomized to tofacitinib and 3-5 subjects to placebo. Ninety-five
      males and females (age range 19-45) completed the study. Forty-nine treatment
      emergent all-causality adverse events (AEs) were observed; nausea and headache
      were the most frequently reported. Tofacitinib PK was characterized by rapid
      absorption (time to peak serum concentration [Tmax ] 0.5-1 hour), rapid
      elimination (mean terminal half-lives 2.3-3.1 hours), and dose-proportional
      systemic exposures (peak serum concentration [Cmax ] and area under the serum
      concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity [AUC0-infinity ]). No
      appreciable correlation was observed between tofacitinib dose and lymphocyte
      subset counts. Single-dose tofacitinib up to 100 mg in healthy subjects had a
      safety profile of mostly mild AEs, and no deaths, serious AEs, severe AEs or
      discontinuations due to AEs.

PMID- 27128213
TI  - PARP activity in peripheral blood lymphocytes as a predictive biomarker for PARP
      inhibition in tumor tissues - A population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic
      analysis of rucaparib.
AB  - PURPOSE: Rucaparib is a potent Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP) inhibitor
      currently under clinical development. The objectives of this analysis were to
      establish population PK and PK/PD models for rucaparib, and to evaluate the
      predictability of PARP activity in PBL for PARP activity in tumor tissues.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Rucaparib concentrations and PARP activity in human PBLs and
      tumor issues were obtained from 32 patients with solid tumors in a Phase 1 First
      in-Patient study. Simulations were conducted to evaluate different dosing
      regimens. RESULTS: A 3-compartment PK model best described the PK of rucaparib.
      An Emax model best described the exposure and PARP inhibition relationship. The
      maximum PARP inhibition (Imax) achieved in PBLs and in tumors were 90.9% and
      90.0% of the baseline PARP activity, and the IC50 values were 1.05 ng/mL and 1.10
      ng/mL, respectively. PAR polymer baseline value was found to be a covariate of
      Emin. CONCLUSION: Population PK and PK/PD models have been established to
      describe population PK of rucaparib and the relationship between rucaparib plasma
      concentration and PARP inhibition in both PBLs and tumor issues. Results from
      this trial indicated that PARP inhibition in PBLs can be used as a substitute for
      PARP inhibition in melanoma tumor tissues.

PMID- 27128214
TI  - A comparative pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of FSK0808 versus
      reference filgrastim after repeated subcutaneous administration in healthy
      Japanese men.
AB  - FSK0808, a biosimilar of filgrastim, is a recombinant human granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor developed by Fuji Pharmaceuticals and Mochida Pharmaceutical
      Co., Ltd. We conducted a double-blind, randomized, crossover study in healthy
      Japanese men, comparing the number of CD34-positive cells (CD34(+) cells) after
      repeated subcutaneous administration of either FSK0808 or the reference
      filgrastim (Gran((r)) ). As primary endpoints, we compared the maximum number of
      CD34(+) cells (CD34(+)  Cmax ) and the time to reach CD34(+) Cmax (CD34(+) tmax
      ). As secondary endpoints, we compared the area under the curve for the number of
      CD34(+) cells over time at the 410 hours time point (CD34(+) AUC0-410 ), the
      parameters used to calculate the pharmacodynamic index of the absolute neutrophil
      count, and the pharmacokinetic parameters. Regarding the CD34(+) Cmax and the
      CD34(+) AUC0-410 values, the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the differences
      between the mean values for each drug was within the range of log(0.8)-log(1.25).
      With respect to the differences in the median values between drugs, the ratio
      against the reference filgrastim median value in the 95% CI was within the range
      of +/- 0.2 for the CD34(+) tmax value. From these results, we considered that
      these drugs display equivalent pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties.

PMID- 27128215
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of single and repeat doses of icatibant.
AB  - PURPOSE: Icatibant is a bradykinin-2 receptor antagonist approved to treat acute
      hereditary angioedema attacks in adults. To-date, no thorough investigation of
      the clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of icatibant and its primary
      metabolites has been reported. Here we present the PK results of two phase I
      clinical studies of icatibant in healthy human volunteers. METHODS: Single- and
      multiple-dose plasma pharmacokinetics of icatibant were characterized in healthy
      volunteers. Icatibant concentration-time profiles and PK parameters were derived
      after a single 30- or 90-mg dose or three 30-mg doses given at 6-hour intervals.
      RESULTS: Maximal plasma concentrations for the 30-mg (979 +/- 262 ng/mL) and 90
      mg doses (2,719 +/- 666 ng/mL) were achieved at <1 hour postdose. The total
      plasma icatibant exposure for the 30- and 90-mg doses was 2,191 +/- 565 and 6,736
      +/- 1,230 h . ng/mL, respectively, with elimination half-life values of 1.48 +/-
      0.35 and 2.00 +/- 0.57 hours, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Single 30- and 90-mg
      subcutaneous administration of icatibant exhibited dose-proportional PK with no
      appreciable accumulation upon repeated 30-mg doses administered at 6-hour
      intervals.

PMID- 27128216
TI  - Pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction study of ranolazine and metformin in
      subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Ranolazine and metformin may be frequently co-administered in subjects with
      chronic angina and co-morbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The potential for a
      drug-drug interaction was explored in two phase 1 clinical studies in subjects
      with T2DM to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of metformin 1000 mg BID
      when administered with ranolazine 1000 mg BID (Study 1, N = 28) or ranolazine 500
      mg BID (Study 2, N = 25) as compared to metformin alone. Co-administration of
      ranolazine 1000 mg BID with metformin 1000 mg BID resulted in 1.53- and 1.79-fold
      increases in steady-state metformin Cmax and AUCtau , respectively; co
      administration of ranolazine 500 mg BID with metformin 1000 mg BID resulted in
      1.22- and 1.37-fold increases in steady-state metformin Cmax and AUCtau ,
      respectively. Co-administration of ranolazine and metformin was well tolerated in
      these T2DM subjects, with no serious adverse events or drug-related adverse
      events leading to discontinuation. The most common adverse events were nausea,
      diarrhea, and dizziness. These findings are consistent with a dose-related
      interaction between ranolazine and metformin, and suggest that a dose adjustment
      of metformin may not be required with ranolazine 500 mg BID; whereas, the
      metformin dose should not exceed 1700 mg of total daily dose when using
      ranolazine 1000 mg BID.

PMID- 27128217
TI  - Effects of ketoconazole or rifampin on the pharmacokinetics of tivozanib
      hydrochloride, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor.
AB  - The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway is associated with the
      promotion of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival necessary
      for angiogenesis. VEGF and its three receptor isoforms are often overexpressed in
      many human solid tumors. Tivozanib is a potent, selective inhibitor of VEGF
      receptors 1, 2, and 3, with a long half-life. The purpose of these studies was to
      evaluate the effect of ketoconazole, a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4, and rifampin,
      a potent inducer of CYP3A4, on the pharmacokinetics of tivozanib. Two phase I,
      open-label, 2-period, single-sequence studies evaluated the effect of steady
      state ketoconazole (NCT01363778) or rifampin (NCT01363804) on the pharmacokinetic
      profile, safety, and tolerability of a single oral 1.5-mg dose of tivozanib.
      Tivozanib was well tolerated in both studies. Steady-state ketoconazole did not
      cause a clinically significant change in the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of
      tivozanib; therefore, dosing of tivozanib with a CYP3A4 pathway inhibitor should
      not cause a clinically significant change in serum tivozanib levels. However,
      coadministration of tivozanib with rifampin caused a significant decrease in the
      area under the curve from 0 to infinity and half-life and an increase in
      clearance of tivozanib, which suggest increased clearance via the enhanced CYP3A4
      mediated metabolism of tivozanib.

PMID- 27128218
TI  - The effects of the nonselective benzodiazepine lorazepam and the alpha2 /alpha3
      subunit-selective GABAA receptor modulators AZD7325 and AZD6280 on plasma
      prolactin levels.
AB  - Compounds with selectivity for GABAA receptor subtypes may differ significantly
      from nonselective benzodiazepines in their dopaminergic effects in vivo. To
      explore the exact role of the GABAA receptor subtypes in the regulation of
      prolactin secretion and the differential effects of selective and nonselective
      GABA receptor modulators, the effects of the nonselective benzodiazepine
      lorazepam, as well as two novel alpha2 /alpha3 subunit-selective GABAA receptor
      modulators AZD7325 and AZD6280, on prolactin levels were measured in healthy male
      volunteers. Following administration of lorazepam at 2 mg doses and AZD6280 at 10
      mg and 40 mg doses, prolactin levels increased significantly compared with
      placebo (difference 42.0%, 19.8%, and 32.8%, respectively), suggesting that the
      alpha2 and/or alpha3 receptor subtypes are involved in GABAergic modulation of
      prolactin secretion, although possible roles of the alpha1 and alpha5 receptor
      subtypes are not excluded. The increases in prolactin levels after administration
      of AZD7325 at 2 mg and 10 mg doses (difference 7.6% and 10.5%, respectively) did
      not reach statistical significance, suggesting that doses of AZD7325 or intrinsic
      efficacy at the alpha2 and alpha3 receptor subtypes may have been too low.

PMID- 27128219
TI  - Angiogenesis and Inflammation Crosstalk in Diabetic Retinopathy.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most prevalent microvascular
      complications of diabetes and one of the most frequent causes of blindness in
      active age. Etiopathogenesis behind this important complication is related to
      several biochemical, hemodynamic and endocrine mechanisms with a preponderant
      initial role assumed by polyol pathways, increment of growth factors,
      accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGE), activation of protein
      kinase C (PKC), activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS),
      and leukostasis. Chronic and sustained hyperglycemia works as a trigger to the
      early alterations that culminate in vascular dysfunction. Hypoxia also plays an
      essential role in disease progression with promotion of neovascularization and
      vascular dystrophies with vitreous hemorrhages induction. Thus, the accumulation
      of fluids and protein exudates in ocular cavities leads to an opacity
      augmentation of the cornea that associated to neurodegeneration results in vision
      loss, being this a devastating characteristic of the disease final stage. During
      disease progression, inflammatory molecules are produced and angiogenesis occur.
      Furthermore, VEGF is overexpressed by the maintained hyperglycemic environment
      and up-regulated by tissue hypoxia. Also pro-inflammatory mediators regulated by
      cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 beta (IL
      1beta), and growth factors leads to the progression of these processes,
      culminating in vasopermeability (diabetes macular edema) and/or pathological
      angiogenesis (proliferative diabetic retinopathy). It was found a mutual
      contribution between inflammation and angiogenesis along the process. J. Cell.
      Biochem. 117: 2443-2453, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27128221
TI  - Uniform Plasmonic Response of Colloidal Ag Patchy Particles Prepared by Swinging
      Oblique Angle Deposition.
AB  - The plasmonic property of Ag patchy particles fabricated using a colloid
      monolayer and oblique angle deposition shows significant variations due to the
      multidomain nature of the monolayer. A swinging oblique angle deposition method
      is proposed to create uniform patchy particles. Both numerical calculations and
      experiment show that when the swinging angle is larger than 90 degrees , the
      resulting plasmonic patchy particles have similar morphology and demonstrate
      uniform optical response that does not depend on the monolayer domain
      orientation. These uniform patchy plasmonic particles have great potential for
      plasmonic-based applications.

PMID- 27128220
TI  - Hand-held computers can help to distract children undergoing painful venipuncture
      procedures.
AB  - AIM: Needle-related procedures can be painful for children, and distraction
      provides ideal pain relief in blood-drawing centres. This study assessed the
      effectiveness of playing a computer game during venipuncture, compared with low
      tech distraction by a nurse. METHODS: We conducted this prospective, randomised
      controlled trial at the blood-drawing centre of a tertiary-level children's
      hospital in Italy. Half of the 200 children played Angry Birds on a hand-held
      computer while the other half were distracted by a second, specifically trained
      nurse who sang to them, read a book, blew bubbles or played with puppets. Pain
      was measured using a faces pain scale for children aged 4-7 years and a numeric
      scale for children aged 8-13 years. RESULTS: The 200 children had a median age of
      eight years. Children reported significant pain in 16 cases (16%) in the hand
      held computer distraction group and in 15 cases (15%) in the nurse-led low-tech
      distraction group (p = 0.85). The procedural success rate at the first attempt
      was not different in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Playing a game on a hand-held
      computer meant that only one in six children reported pain during venipuncture,
      but it was not superior to being distracted by nurses.

PMID- 27128223
TI  - The ketoconazole legacy.

PMID- 27128222
TI  - Gold-Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and
      Photophysical/Chiroptical Properties of Aza[10]helicenes.
AB  - The enantioselective synthesis of an aza[10]helicene, possessing two pyridone
      units, has been achieved by the gold-catalyzed intramolecular quadruple
      hydroarylation of a tetrayne. This aza[10]helicene was successfully converted
      into a fully aromatic aza[10]helicene, possessing two pyridine units. Structure
      photophysical and chiroptical properties relationship in a series of azahelicene
      isomers has also been disclosed. 

PMID- 27128224
TI  - Lack of tyramine pressor response effect with oral CX157: A specific reversible
      MAOI.
AB  - This Phase 1, single-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-period study
      assessed cardiovascular safety of CX157, a specific Reversible Inhibitor of
      Monoamine Oxidase A (RIMA), following the oral administration of tyramine. In
      Period 1, the sensitivity of each subject to orally administered tyramine was
      established by determining the dose of tyramine that elevates SBP >=30 mmHg on
      >=3 consecutive occasions (i.e., TYR303 ). Twelve subjects qualified for
      randomization in Period 2 during which an oral CX157 Modified Release Tablet (125
      mg [N = 10]) or placebo (N = 2) were administered twice per day for 6 days to
      reach steady state. In Period 3, CX157 and placebo were administered with oral
      tyramine in fed state with daily increases in the tyramine dose of 20, 40, and 80
      mg in an attempt to achieve the TYR303 . CX157 Modified Release Tablet, 125 mg
      administered twice per day (250 mg daily dose), was not associated with a
      tyramine reaction (i.e., TYR303 ). It is generally agreed that a high tyramine
      meal would contain up to 40 mg of dietary tyramine. These data obtained with
      CX157 provide an adequate margin of safety with respect to tyramine interaction
      and suggest that future studies can be conducted without the need for dietary
      tyramine restrictions. 

PMID- 27128225
TI  - Comparison study of plasma coenzyme Q10 levels in healthy subjects supplemented
      with ubiquinol versus ubiquinone.
AB  - The bioavailability of the reduced form of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) was compared
      to oxidized coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) with identical soft gel capsule excipients
      by measuring steady state plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 ) levels in 12 healthy
      volunteers. After baseline levels of ubiquinol, ubiquinone, total CoQ10 , alpha
      tocopherol, and total cholesterol were obtained, follow-up lab work was performed
      after 4 weeks of 200 mg/day of ubiquinone, after 4 weeks washout, and after 4
      weeks of 200 mg/day of ubiquinol. Plasma total CoQ10 increased from 0.9 to 2.5
      ug/mL (P < 0.001) after 4 weeks of ubiquinone and increased from 0.9 to 4.3 ug/mL
      (P < 0.001) after 4 weeks of ubiquinol. Total CoQ10 /cholesterol ratio increased
      from 0.2 to 0.7 umol/mmol after 4 weeks of ubiquinone and increased from 0.2 to
      1.2 umol/mmol after 4 weeks of ubiquinol. Both the increase in plasma CoQ10 and
      the increase in CoQ10 /cholesterol ratio were significantly better after
      ubiquinol (P < 0.005 and P < 0.001, respectively) than after ubiquinone
      indicating superior bioavailability. Plasma ubiquinol/total CoQ10 ratio increased
      from baseline during ubiquinol supplementation (P < 0.005) and remained unchanged
      after ubiquinone supplementation. No side effects were noted in this study. 

PMID- 27128226
TI  - Effect of the thrombin receptor antagonist (PAR-1) vorapaxar on QT/QTc interval
      in healthy volunteers: A randomized, placebo- and positive-controlled, parallel
      group trial.
AB  - In a randomized, double-blind (vorapaxar and placebo), placebo- and positive
      controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) parallel group study, the effect of single-dose
      vorapaxar 120 mg on QT/QTc interval was assessed in 120 adults 18-50 years.
      Twelve-lead digital ECGs were obtained in triplicate using Mortara H12+ Holter
      monitors at 9 timepoints over 24 hours. If the largest upper bound of the 95% one
      sided CI for the mean difference in QTcF between vorapaxar and placebo was <10
      milliseconds, vorapaxar was considered to have no potential for QT/QTc
      prolongation of regulatory concern. Vorapaxar was well-tolerated. The lower bound
      of the 95% CI for the difference in QTcF between moxifloxacin and placebo was >5
      milliseconds, confirming study sensitivity. Vorapaxar had no significant effect
      on QTcF. At all timepoints the upper 95% CI for the mean difference between
      placebo and vorapaxar was <=3.8 milliseconds (mean difference <=1.0
      milliseconds). Vorapaxar does not prolong the QT/QTc interval in healthy
      subjects. 

PMID- 27128227
TI  - A randomized, double-blind, multiple-dose, placebo-controlled, dose escalation
      study with a 3-cohort parallel group design to investigate the tolerability and
      pharmacokinetics of albaconazole in healthy subjects.
AB  - Albaconazole is a triazole antifungal agent discovered at Palau Pharma SA
      (Barcelona, Spain) and currently being developed for the treatment of fungal
      infections of the nails. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase
      1 study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and effects on
      electrocardiogram parameters of albaconazole administered orally at escalating
      supratherapeutic doses. Healthy subjects received 400 mg albaconazole every 24,
      12, or 8 hours for 5 days. Albaconazole was absorbed rapidly (2.5-22.5 hours)
      after oral administration, reaching a maximal mean peak plasma concentration of
      11,993.3 ng/mL (standard deviation [SD], 2,413.85 ng/mL) after 5 days of dosing
      every 8 hours. Systemic exposure of albaconazole increased proportionally with
      dose frequency. Albaconazole was safe and well tolerated at all doses
      administered. No significant changes in ECG intervals or morphology were
      observed. In none of the three dosing groups was the slope of a study-specific
      correction for QT interval (QTcSS) on log plasma concentration statistically
      different from 0. The results of this study were to be used to inform the design
      of a thorough QT study using supratherapeutic doses. A dose regimen of 400 mg,
      every 8 hours for 5 days appears suitable for this purpose. 

PMID- 27128228
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of orally administered ruxolitinib
      (INCB018424 phosphate) in renal and hepatic impairment patients.
AB  - Hepatic and renal impairment studies were conducted with ruxolitinib, a JAK1&2
      inhibitor that is cleared predominantly by metabolism. Both studies were open
      label, single-dose studies. Ruxolitinib area under the curve (AUC) was increased
      by 87%, 28%, and 65%, respectively, in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe
      hepatic impairment compared to healthy subjects with no correlation between
      exposure of ruxolitinib and the degree of hepatic impairment. The
      pharmacodynamics (PD) data were consistent with ruxolitinib pharmacokinetics
      (PK). The renal impairment study showed a surprising finding. While there was no
      change in ruxolitinib PK with varying degrees of renal impairment, the PD showed
      increasing pharmacological activity with increased severity of renal impairment.
      Analysis of the metabolite exposures revealed that active metabolites contributed
      to the observed incremental increase in PD activity. The recovery of ruxolitinib
      in dialysate was negligible. The starting dose of ruxolitinib in subjects with
      any hepatic impairment or moderate or severe renal impairment should be decreased
      to 10 mg twice daily (BID) if their platelet counts are between 100 * 10(9) /L
      and 150 * 10(9) /L. Subjects on dialysis should initiate dosing with a single
      dose of 15 or 20 mg, based on platelet counts, with dosing only on the days of
      dialysis. 

PMID- 27128229
TI  - Caspofungin exposure-response relationships in adult patients with mucosal or
      invasive candidiasis.
AB  - Caspofungin is an echinocandin antifungal agent administered once daily as an
      intravenous infusion. Relationships between caspofungin exposure and clinical
      efficacy and safety were investigated. End-of-infusion (CEOI ) and trough (C24
      hours ) concentrations were obtained in 218 patients with mucosal (i.e.,
      esophageal and/or oropharyngeal) candidiasis (MC) receiving caspofungin 35, 50,
      or 70 mg/day and 278 patients with invasive candidiasis (IC) receiving 50, 100,
      or 150 mg/day. Area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-24 hours )
      was obtained in a subset of MC patients (n = 99). Odds ratios were estimated for
      the association between log-transformed PK and efficacy response and the
      occurrence of common adverse events. No pharmacokinetic or hybrid parameter
      (ratio of AUC:MIC, CEOI :MIC, C24 hours :MIC) was significantly correlated with
      overall treatment outcome in either MC or IC, although this patient population
      may exhibit confounding factors which masked a potential
      pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship. An exploratory evaluation of MC
      identified significant pharmacokinetic correlations with endoscopic response, but
      not symptom response. Statistically significant associations were identified for
      IC patients with C. parapsilosis infections. Occurrence of clinical adverse
      events and/or laboratory abnormalities did not appear to be increased by higher
      caspofungin plasma concentrations. Caspofungin concentrations achieved with 50
      mg/day are generally within the therapeutic window for the treatment of
      candidiasis. 

PMID- 27128230
TI  - The effect of rifampin on the pharmacokinetics of sirolimus in healthy
      volunteers.
AB  - Sirolimus, metabolized primarily by intestinal and hepatic CYP3A4, is a substrate
      for P-glycoprotein. CYP3A4 inducers would be expected to decrease sirolimus
      exposure. This open-label, nonrandomized study investigated effects of CYP3A4
      induction, by rifampin, on sirolimus pharmacokinetics. Healthy volunteers
      received sirolimus 20 mg on day 1. After washout period, multiple 600-mg rifampin
      doses were administered daily for 14 days. On day 9, one 20-mg sirolimus dose was
      administered after an overnight fast (>=10 hours). Whole blood samples for
      sirolimus collected for 144 hours after each dose were analyzed by liquid
      chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters, assessed
      using noncompartmental methods, were compared using analysis of variance.
      Geometric mean ratios of Cmax and AUCinf were 29% (90% CI: 26, 32%) and 18% (90%
      CI: 16, 21%), respectively, with rifampin co-administration versus sirolimus
      alone. Corresponding decreases in Cmax and AUC were 71% and 82%, respectively,
      which would likely cause trough concentrations to fall below the recommended
      therapeutic range. Mean CL/F increased approximately fivefold with rifampin
      versus sirolimus alone. Co-administering sirolimus and potent CYP3A inducers is
      not recommended. If co-administration is necessary, dose adjustment and
      concentration monitoring should be conducted. 

PMID- 27128231
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and absolute bioavailability of mepolizumab following
      administration at subcutaneous and intramuscular sites.
AB  - This study characterized the pharmacokinetics (PK) of mepolizumab, after a single
      intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SC), or intramuscular (IM) dose in healthy adults
      and determined the absolute bioavailability of SC and IM mepolizumab delivered at
      different anatomical regions. Sixty healthy subjects were randomly assigned to
      receive a single dose of either mepolizumab 250 mg by IV, SC injection (upper
      arm, abdomen, or thigh); or IM injection (thigh). Following IV administration,
      the mean maximum observed plasma mepolizumab concentration (Cmax ) and the mean
      area under the concentration versus time curves from time zero to infinity (AUC(0
      infinity) ) were 109 +/- 17 ug/mL and 1,557 +/- 250 ug d/mL, respectively. After
      SC administration, the mean (+/-SD) values of Cmax and AUC(0-infinity) were 34.1
      38.2 +/- 7.3-12.1 ug/mL and 1,110-1,238 +/- 228-372 ug d/mL, respectively.
      Following IM administration, the mean values of Cmax and AUC(0-infinity) were
      46.9 +/- 10.6 ug/mL and 1,395 +/- 348 ug d/mL. The median terminal half-life was
      similar for SC, IM and IV administration (17.9-20.4, 19.2, and 18.5 days,
      respectively). The overall mean bioavailability of SC mepolizumab was 64-75%, and
      absorption was relatively similar for the three SC injection sites. Mepolizumab
      250 mg was generally well tolerated in this study. These results support
      flexibility in the SC injection site for mepolizumab. 

PMID- 27128232
TI  - Population pharmacokinetics and safety of AZD1446, a neuronal nicotinic receptor
      agonist, administered in healthy volunteers.
AB  - AZD1446 is a highly selective agonist of central alpha4beta2 and alpha2beta2
      neuronal nicotinic receptors. The compound has been shown to improve cognition in
      preclinical studies and thus has potential for treatment of cognitive disorders,
      including Alzheimer's disease (AD). This report presents the pharmacokinetics of
      AZD1446 based on a pooled population pharmacokinetic analysis of five studies in
      Caucasian and Japanese healthy volunteers. The model described the inter
      individual and inter-occasion variability as well as identified the impact of
      covariates such as age and ethnicity on the parameters. Single doses of AZD1446
      ranged between 0.5 and 350 mg and the multiple-dose regimens ranged between 10
      and 100 mg four times daily. The maximum duration was 4 weeks. AZD1446 exhibited
      modest variability in CL/F. Compared with Caucasian subjects, Japanese subjects
      had approximately 25% higher rate of absorption and higher renal clearance as
      well as volume of distribution, resulting in a similar half-life. Compared with
      elderly subjects, young subjects had approximately 25% lower rate of absorption.
      Due to lower creatinine clearance, renal clearance was lower in elderly subjects.
      AZD1446 was safe and well tolerated, with nausea, headache and dizziness as the
      most frequently reported adverse events. 

PMID- 27128233
TI  - Evaluation of the effect of fluconazole and ketoconazole on the pharmacokinetics
      of tofacitinib in healthy adult subjects.
AB  - Tofacitinib is a novel, oral JAK inhibitor that is being investigated as a
      targeted immunomodulator. Tofacitinib is predominantly metabolized by cytochrome
      P450 (CYP) 3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C19. Two Phase 1, randomized, open
      label, single sequence studies in 24 healthy subjects (12 per study)
      characterized the effects of fluconazole (moderate CYP3A4/potent CYP2C19
      inhibitor) and ketoconazole (potent CYP3A4 inhibitor) on tofacitinib
      pharmacokinetics. In the fluconazole study, subjects received a single
      tofacitinib 30 mg dose. After 72 hours, subjects received fluconazole 400 mg,
      followed by 200 mg once daily (QD; days 2-7) plus tofacitinib 30 mg on day 5. In
      the ketoconazole study, a single tofacitinib 10 mg dose was administered. After
      24 hours, subjects received ketoconazole (400 mg QD; days 1-3) plus tofacitinib
      10 mg on day 3. Treatment comparisons were made using mixed-effect models.
      Tofacitinib area under the curve and maximal plasma concentration increased by
      79% and 27%, respectively, with fluconazole co-administration and by 103% and
      16%, respectively, with ketoconazole co-administration. Tofacitinib half-life
      increased by approximately 1 hour during co-administration with fluconazole or
      ketoconazole. Co-administration of moderate to potent CYP3A4 inhibitors is likely
      to increase the systemic exposure of tofacitinib and thus may warrant dosage
      adjustments or restrictions.

PMID- 27128234
TI  - Bilateral aldosterone suppression and its resolution in adrenal vein sampling of
      patients with primary aldosteronism: analysis of data from the WAVES-J study.
AB  - CONTEXT: In adrenal vein sampling (AVS) for patients with primary aldosteronism,
      the contralateral ratio of aldosterone/cortisol (A/C) between the nondominant
      adrenal vein and the inferior vena cava is one of the best criteria for
      determining lateralized aldosterone secretion. Despite successful cannulation in
      some patients, the A/C ratios in the adrenal veins are bilaterally lower than
      that in the inferior vena cava (bilateral aldosterone suppression; BAS).
      OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of BAS in AVS and how to resolve this
      condition. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study involving nine referral
      centres. PATIENTS: Four hundred and ninety-one patients who were confirmed as
      having primary aldosteronism and had an AVS between January 2006 and December
      2013. MEASUREMENTS: The prevalence of BAS before and after ACTH stimulation was
      compared. In addition, we investigated other methods for overcoming BAS. RESULTS:
      In 304 patients with successful AVS before ACTH stimulation, BAS was observed in
      29 (9.5%). BAS was resolved after ACTH stimulation in 22 patients. In 276
      patients with successful AVS both before and after ACTH stimulation, the
      frequency of BAS was significantly reduced after ACTH (8.7% vs 2.5%, P < 0.01).
      In a few patients, BAS was also resolved by adding a sampling point at the common
      trunk of the left adrenal vein and by an alternative drainage vein from the
      adrenal tumour. CONCLUSIONS: BAS sometimes occurs in AVS without ACTH
      stimulation. ACTH stimulation significantly reduces BAS with a single AVS
      procedure.

PMID- 27128235
TI  - Three-Dimensional Rejuvenation of the Decolletage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Photodamaged skin of the chest is characterized by skin laxity,
      lines/wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, erythema, tactile roughness, atrophy, and
      telangiectasias. METHODS: A MEDLINE search was performed on combination
      treatments in chest rejuvenation, and the results are summarized. Practical
      applications for these combinations of procedures are discussed. RESULTS: Reports
      of injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), hyaluronic acid (HA), and chemical
      peels, along with lasers and light therapies such as intense pulsed light (IPL),
      vascular lasers, photodynamic therapy (PDT), nonablative fractionated lasers
      (NAFLs), ablative fractionated lasers (AFLs), and microfocused ultrasound (MFU)
      have been reported for chest rejuvenation. Few articles were discovered
      pertaining to combination therapy. The authors review their approaches to
      combination therapy. CONCLUSION: Multiple options exist alone or in combination
      for minimally invasive rejuvenation of the skin of the chest including PLLA, HA,
      chemical peels, IPL, vascular lasers, PDT, NAFL, AFL, and MFU. Little was found
      in the literature pertaining to the safety and efficacy of combining such
      procedures and devices. The authors' experience in clinical practice is that
      combination, same day chest rejuvenation techniques can be performed safely. A
      combination approach often produces the most optimal outcome for the patient
      seeking chest rejuvenation.

PMID- 27128236
TI  - Hand Rejuvenation Using a Combination Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hand rejuvenation has been recognized to play a key role in
      complementing and restoring an overall youthful look. OBJECTIVE: Aging hands
      present specific characteristics that require a carefully designed combinational
      treatment for a successful clinical outcome from a practitioner's and patient's
      perspective. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A Medline search was performed on hand
      rejuvenation from 1990 to 2015, and results are summarized. The authors' personal
      experiences with specific technologies are discussed. RESULTS: Review of
      available clinical studies revealed successful rejuvenation of the epidermis and
      dermis of the hands with topicals, chemical peels, intense pulsed light, and
      laser energy devices. Reports of sclerotherapy and laser veins ablation for
      dorsal hand veins were identified. Several studies on hand volume restoration
      with injectable volumetric fillers such as hyaluronic acid, calcium
      hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, autologous fat transfer including the
      authors' personal experience with them are described. CONCLUSION: A plethora of
      noninvasive treatment options for hand rejuvenation have been thoroughly studied
      as monotherapy, but there is insufficient number of studies evaluating the best
      combination of therapies for this indication. It is likely that their strategic
      combination and sequence of application by a trained clinician will ensure a
      favorable outcome in addressing patient concerns.

PMID- 27128237
TI  - Rejuvenation of the Aging Arm: Multimodal Combination Therapy for Optimal
      Results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aging arm is characterized by increased dyspigmentation, a
      proliferation of ectactic blood vessels, excessive adiposity, excessive skin
      laxity, and actinic keratosis. A variety of laser, energy, and surgical
      techniques can be used to improve these features. OBJECTIVE: The objective of
      this article is to describe the treatment modalities that have proven efficacious
      in rejuvenating the aging arm and combination therapies that have the potential
      to optimize patient outcomes while maintaining safety and tolerability. METHODS:
      A Medline search was performed on nonsurgical aesthetic combination treatments
      because it relates to arm rejuvenation, and results are summarized. Practical
      applications for these combination treatments are also discussed. RESULTS:
      Although there is significant evidence supporting the effective use of
      nonsurgical treatments for arm rejuvenation, little in the literature was found
      on the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures and devices. However, in
      the authors' clinical experience, combining arm rejuvenation techniques can be
      done safely and often result in optimal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Arm rejuvenation
      can be safely and effectively achieved with combination nonsurgical aesthetic
      treatments.

PMID- 27128238
TI  - Combination Therapy for Rejuvenation of the Outer Thigh and Buttock: A Review and
      Our Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combination therapies are becoming more popular as a multifaceted
      approach to treating common aesthetic conditions. OBJECTIVE: Often, the use of
      multiple techniques and modalities can lead to improved outcomes; however, there
      is a lack of current evidence on the use of combination therapies in the
      literature. METHODS AND MATERIALS: With the recent expansion of minimally and
      noninvasive options for treatment of the outer thigh and buttock, it is important
      to understand how these techniques can be used together while avoiding increased
      risk. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This review of current available therapeutic
      options for treatment of the outer thigh and buttock emphasizes current available
      literature and author experiences.

PMID- 27128239
TI  - Leg Rejuvenation: A Combination Approach: A Review and Our Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients increasingly seek to enhance the appearance of their legs.
      Elimination of unwanted leg veins, reduction of epidermal photo-aging changes
      such as solar lentigines and keratoses, tightening of skin laxity and reduction
      of adipose tissue are among the most commonly requested goals. Many patients
      require a combination approach to address their concerns. It is important for
      dermatologists to be aware of the multitude of procedures that can be performed,
      often in combination, to rejuvenate the leg. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      review article was to discuss procedures for improving the appearance of the leg
      and to share the authors experience, especially in the combination approach to
      leg rejuvenation. METHODS: A literature search was performed to investigate
      cosmetic procedures being performed on the leg, with an emphasis on controlled or
      randomized studies. In addition, the authors contributed their personal
      experience. RESULTS: Our discussion of the literature review highlights the
      treatments for leg veins, unwanted fat, cellulite, and photodamage of the legs
      that are most supported in peer-reviewed publications. CONCLUSION: A synergistic,
      combination approach to leg rejuvenation works best. This includes the use of
      injectable agents, energy-based devices, and more invasive surgical procedures.

PMID- 27128240
TI  - Acne Scar Treatment: A Multimodality Approach Tailored to Scar Type.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acne scarring can be classified into atrophic icepick, boxcar, and
      rolling scars in addition to keloidal and hypertrophic scars. Additionally, these
      scars can be erythematous, hyperpigmented, and/or hypopigmented. Each scar type
      has a different structural cause warranting a customized approach. Many cosmetic
      options exist to address these changes individually, but little literature exists
      about the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures and devices. METHODS:
      A Medline search was performed on combination treatments because it relates to
      facial acne scarring, and results are summarized. Practical applications for
      these combinations of procedures are also discussed. RESULTS: Studies examining
      the efficacy and safety of ablative, nonablative, fractionated, and
      nonfractionated lasers, dermabrasion, chemical peels, needling, subcision,
      radiofrequency, stem cell therapy, fat transplantation, platelet-rich plasma, and
      hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for acne scars were found. The authors review
      their experience in combining these techniques. CONCLUSION: Review of the
      literature revealed multiple single options for facial acne scarring treatment
      with minimal evidence in the literature found on the safety and efficacy of
      combining such procedures and devices. The authors' experience is that combining
      acne scar treatment techniques can be performed safely and synergistically with
      optimal patient outcomes.

PMID- 27128241
TI  - A Combination Approach to Surgical Scars.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scar formation from surgical procedures is an unavoidable risk.
      Despite measures taken by both the surgeon and patient during the perioperative
      and postoperative periods to maximize cosmesis, some patients will wish to pursue
      surgical or laser scar revision. OBJECTIVE: The authors propose a treatment
      algorithm to assist in approaching surgical scar revision with combination
      treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PubMed search was performed on various
      surgical scar revision techniques. The authors augment these findings with their
      own personal experiences. RESULTS: Reports of surgical excision, intralesional
      corticosteroid injection, intralesional 5-fluorouracil injection, pulse dye laser
      treatment, nonablative fractional laser resurfacing, ablative fractional laser
      resurfacing, and microneedling and fractional needle radiofrequency, used in
      isolation or combination, were found. The authors also provide clinical
      photographs documenting improvement in appearance of surgical scars using these
      treatments. CONCLUSION: Surgical scars are best treated with a combination
      approach to address various features of the scar. The authors propose a treatment
      algorithm with multiple treatment options and how to combine them safely and
      effectively.

PMID- 27128242
TI  - Photodynamic Therapy for Cutaneous Photoaging: A Combination Approach.

PMID- 27128243
TI  - Tempering Patient Expectations and Working With Budgetary Constraints When It
      Comes to a Single Versus a Multimodal Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This article is a review of the literature and the authors'
      experience in managing patients seeking facial and nonfacial rejuvenation
      procedures with budgetary constraints. OBJECTIVE: To provide readers with an
      approach to the cosmetic patient with financial limitations. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: This article is written from a review of the literature and the
      authors' experience. RESULTS: The readers should learn how to better manage a
      patient with financial limitations seeking cosmetic procedures. CONCLUSION:
      Because patients seeking cosmetic procedures are often faced with budgetary
      constraints, it is important for the cosmetic physician to educate patients about
      available treatment options and their costs. Giving patients realistic
      expectations and tailoring treatment plans to the patient's primary goals and
      financial limitations can help maximize overall patient satisfaction.

PMID- 27128244
TI  - Combination Therapies: A Personal Perspective on the Practice Building Benefits.

PMID- 27128245
TI  - Combining Microfocused Ultrasound With Botulinum Toxin and Temporary and Semi
      Permanent Dermal Fillers: Safety and Current Use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A microfocused ultrasound system with visualization (MFU-V) is
      currently indicated for use as a noninvasive dermatological aesthetic treatment
      to lift the eyebrows, lax submental and neck tissue, and improve lines and
      wrinkles of the decollete. OBJECTIVE: To determine the existence of any safety
      signals when combining MFU-V with botulinum toxin-A and/or semipermanent and
      temporary dermal fillers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was
      performed using subjects who received aesthetic treatments including
      incobotulinumtoxinA injection, cohesive polydensified matrix hyaluronic acid (CPM
      HA) dermal fillers, and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) dermal fillers within 6
      months of treatment with MFU-V in the same or different anatomic areas. RESULTS:
      All subjects (N = 101; 96 female; 25-70 year old) received MFU-V, 18% received
      incobotulinumtoxinA injections, and 81% were treated with CPM HA and/or CaHA
      fillers. Seven adverse events (7%) were reported: bruising/purpura (n = 4),
      swelling (n = 1), paresthesia (n = 1), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreak (n
      = 1). Only the HSV outbreak was considered to be related to combined treatments.
      CONCLUSION: Although limited by relatively few subjects, the results of the
      present study suggest that the safety profile of MFU-V combined with other
      aesthetic products is consistent with the safety profiles of the individual
      treatments.

PMID- 27128246
TI  - A Comprehensive Approach to Multimodal Facial Aesthetic Treatment: Injection
      Techniques and Treatment Characteristics From the HARMONY Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The HARMONY study is the first clinical trial to assess the impact of
      a global approach to facial rejuvenation with several minimally invasive
      modalities, using patient-reported outcome measures. OBJECTIVE: Provide details
      of this treatment approach and describe investigators' experiences and
      recommendations based on this study. METHODS: This multicenter, 4-month study
      evaluated subject satisfaction with and psychological impact of combined
      treatment with VYC-20L (Juvederm Voluma XC), HYC-24L (Juvederm Ultra XC), HYC
      24L+ (Juvederm Ultra Plus XC), onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), and bimatoprost 0.3%
      ophthalmic solution (Latisse). Treatment-naive adults with moderate-to-severe
      facial lines and folds and eyelash hypotrichosis received on-label, staged
      treatment with fillers. Bimatoprost was self-administered once daily for 17 weeks
      from day 1. OnabotulinumtoxinA was administered for glabellar lines, crow's feet
      lines, or both at month 3. RESULTS: Overall, 100 subjects received bimatoprost
      for eyelash hypotrichosis, 96 received onabotulinumtoxinA for glabellar lines
      and/or crow's feet lines, and 96 received VYC-20L for midface volume deficit.
      From 17 to 96 subjects received HYC-24L and/or HYC-24L+ for nasolabial folds,
      oral commissures, marionette lines, perioral lines, or radial cheek lines.
      Injections of filler generally progressed from cranial to caudal, with midface
      injected first. Investigator-reported factors that may have contributed to the
      potential benefits of this approach include the critical role of the midface in
      facial aesthetics, use of lower volumes of filler in individual facial areas, and
      anesthetic effects. CONCLUSION: The investigators' perspectives and experience
      with the injection pattern, sequencing, volumes, and techniques may provide
      valuable guidance for a multimodal approach to facial aesthetic treatment.

PMID- 27128247
TI  - Single Modality Approach to Rejuvenate the Aging Face and Body: A Thing of the
      Past?

PMID- 27128248
TI  - Rejuvenation of the Upper Face and Periocular Region: Combining Neuromodulator,
      Facial Filler, Laser, Light, and Energy-Based Therapies for Optimal Results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The upper face and periocular region is a complex and dynamic part of
      the face. Successful rejuvenation requires a combination of minimally invasive
      modalities to fill dents and hollows, resurface rhytides, improve pigmentation,
      and smooth the mimetic muscles of the face without masking facial expression.
      METHODS: Using review of the literature and clinical experience, the authors
      discuss our strategy for combining botulinum toxin, facial filler, ablative
      laser, intense pulsed light, microfocused ultrasound, and microneedle fractional
      radiofrequency to treat aesthetic problems of the upper face including brow
      ptosis, temple volume loss, A-frame deformity of the superior sulcus, and
      superficial and deep rhytides. RESULTS: With attention to safety recommendations,
      injectable, light, laser, and energy-based treatments can be safely combined in
      experienced hands to provide enhanced outcomes in the rejuvenation of the upper
      face. CONCLUSION: Providing multiple treatments in 1 session improves patient
      satisfaction by producing greater improvements in a shorter amount of time and
      with less overall downtime than would be necessary with multiple office visits.

PMID- 27128249
TI  - Combination Therapy in Midfacial Rejuvenation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Facial aging in the midface reflects cumulative results of multiple
      intrinsic and extrinsic factors over time. Midfacial rejuvenation procedures can
      make a positive impact on facial attractiveness and patient satisfaction.
      OBJECTIVE: To review evidence and clinical experience using combination
      treatments for midfacial rejuvenation to achieve optimal outcomes. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This article provides a review of published scientific evidence
      supporting the use of combination therapy in midfacial rejuvenation. In addition,
      the authors share their cumulative clinical experience and best practices for
      combination treatments in the midface. RESULTS: Clinical experience and evidence
      shows that combining multiple aesthetic therapies targeting multiple aspects of
      the aging process provides optimal results, with greater overall efficacy and a
      higher level of patient satisfaction.

PMID- 27128250
TI  - A Multimodal Approach to Rejuvenation of the Lower Face.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Facial aging is multifactorial, including changes in all the
      anatomical layers of the face including bone, fat, connective tissues and skin.
      METHODS: An evaluation of the multifactorial causation of facial aging pointed to
      the need for a multifactorial approach to restoration and rejuvenation of the
      aging human face. RESULTS: The varied aetiologies of the expressions of facial
      aging require more interventions than a unipolar approach. Combinations of
      neuromodulators, three and two-dimensional fillers and energy based devices were
      discussed. Surgical interventions were also discussed but were not addressed in
      this paper. CONCLUSIONS: A multimodal approach to lower facial rejuvenation and
      restoration is discussed as the most effective and appropriate method to achieve
      noninvasive aesthetic treatment success.

PMID- 27128251
TI  - Neck Rejuvenation Using a Combination Approach: Our Experience and a Review of
      the Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aging of the neck is characterized by changes that include skin
      dyspigmentation, laxity, rhytides, loss of the mandibular contour, widening of
      the cervicomental angle, accumulation of submental fat, volume loss and
      prominence of the platysmal bands. Many cosmetic options exist to address these
      changes individually, but little literature exists about the safety and efficacy
      of combining such procedures and devices. OBJECTIVE: To review the existing
      literature and the authors' experience in safely and effectively combining
      aesthetic rejuvenation modalities for the neck. METHODS: A Medline search was
      performed on combination treatments for neck rejuvenation, and results are
      summarized. Practical applications for combining these procedures are discussed.
      RESULTS: Studies examining the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light,
      ablative fractional lasers, nonablative fractional lasers, microfocused
      ultrasound with visualization, thermistor-controlled subsurface monopolar
      radiofrequency, cryolipolysis, ATX-101, liposuction, laser lipolysis,
      neuromodulators, and hyaluronic acid dermal fillers in the neck were found. The
      authors review their experience in combining these techniques. CONCLUSION: Review
      of the literature revealed options for non- and minimally-invasive rejuvenation
      of the skin and volume restoration of the neck, but little literature was found
      on the safety and efficacy of combining such procedures. The authors' experience
      in clinical practice is that many neck rejuvenation techniques can be combined
      safely. A combination approach often produces the most optimal outcome for the
      patient seeking neck rejuvenation.

PMID- 27128252
TI  - Stabilizing the CH2 Domain of an Antibody by Engineering in an Enhanced Aromatic
      Sequon.
AB  - Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) exhibiting highly selective binding to a protein
      target constitute a large and growing proportion of the therapeutics market.
      Aggregation of mAbs results in the loss of their therapeutic efficacy and can
      result in deleterious immune responses. The CH2 domain comprising part of the Fc
      portion of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is typically the least stable domain in IgG
      type antibodies and therefore influences their aggregation propensity. We
      stabilized the CH2 domain by engineering an enhanced aromatic sequon (EAS) into
      the N-glycosylated C'E loop and observed a 4.8  degrees C increase in the melting
      temperature of the purified IgG1 Fc fragment. This EAS-stabilized CH2 domain also
      conferred enhanced stability against thermal and low pH induced aggregation in
      the context of a full-length monoclonal IgG1 antibody. The crystal structure of
      the EAS-stabilized (Q295F/Y296A) IgG1 Fc fragment confirms the design principle,
      i.e., the importance of the GlcNAc1*F295 interaction, and surprisingly reveals
      that the core fucose attached to GlcNAc1 also engages in an interaction with
      F295. Inhibition of core fucosylation confirms the contribution of the fucose-Phe
      interaction to the stabilization. The Q295F/Y296A mutations also modulate the
      binding affinity of the full-length antibody to Fc receptors by decreasing the
      binding to low affinity Fc gamma receptors (FcgammaRIIa, FcgammaRIIIa, and
      FcgammaRIIIb), while maintaining wild-type binding affinity to FcRn and
      FcgammaRI. Our results demonstrate that engineering an EAS into the N
      glycosylated reverse turn on the C'E loop leads to stabilizing N-glycan-protein
      interactions in antibodies and that this modification modulates antibody-Fc
      receptor binding.

PMID- 27128253
TI  - Identification of Serum miR-146a and miR-155 as Novel Noninvasive Complementary
      Biomarkers for Ankylosing Spondylitis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective serum microRNAs study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate
      differentially expressed serum microRNAs (miRNAs) between ankylosing spondylitis
      (AS) patients and controls, and to evaluate the potential of miRNAs as biomarkers
      for AS. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is an urgent need to explore novel
      biomarkers with more high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of AS,
      especially for early-stage AS. Recently, the discovery of miRNAs has paved a new
      avenue for the diagnosis of cancers and other diseases, However, the global serum
      miRNAs pattern in AS patients has never been determined. METHODS: An initial
      screening of miRNA expression by Solexa sequencing was performed using serum
      samples pooled from 10 AS patients and 10 controls, respectively. Subsequently,
      differential expression was validated using hydrolysis probe-based stem-loop
      quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
      Furthermore, AS patients were divided into group A (kyphosis <70 degrees ) and
      group B (kyphosis >=70 degrees ). Disease activity and functional status were
      evaluated by Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the
      Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), respectively. The areas
      under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves of identified miRNAs
      were analyzed. RESULTS: Nineteen serum miRNAs were differentially expressed in AS
      patients compared with controls. After qRT-PCR confirmation, miR-146a and miR-155
      were significantly upregulated in AS patients. The areas under the ROC curves
      using miR-146a and miR-155 were 0.917 and 0.964, respectively. Importantly, the
      miR-155 expression level in group B was significantly higher than that in group
      A. In addition, significant correlation was observed between miR-155 expression
      level and BASDAI (r = 0.5, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Detection of serum miRNAs (miR
      146a and miR-155) may serve as novel complementary biomarkers for AS. Moreover,
      the expression level of miR-155 is suggested to be associated with disease
      activity and the severity of thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to AS. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: NA.

PMID- 27128254
TI  - A Cross-sectional Study of Chest Kinematics and VO2 in Children With Adolescent
      Idiopathic Scoliosis During Steady-state Walking.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      identify the differences in oxygen consumption in children with adolescent
      idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and age-matched control subjects using traditional
      methods and chest kinematics. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: AIS is a disorder
      affecting 2 to 3% of children between the ages of 10 and 16 and accounts for up
      to 85% of all scoliosis cases. The spinal deformities and subsequent rib
      conformational changes associated with AIS can have a significant deleterious
      effect on the oxygen consumption for children with mild to severe scoliosis.
      Previous studies found that the oxygen consumption in children with AIS was
      significantly more than that of peers and during walking require more energy than
      typically developing children. METHODS: Thirty children (four male, 26 female),
      11.7 to 18.7 years of age, were enrolled: 15 adolescent children diagnosed with
      mild to moderate AIS (mean cobb angle 36.2 degrees) and 15 matched adolescents.
      Oxygen consumption during steady-state treadmill walking was measured using a
      traditional methods and simultaneous kinematic analysis of the chest wall.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the volume of oxygen consumed
      in any of the phases of treadmill walking (resting, exercise, and recovery) or in
      breath per minute ventilation and tidal volume between control subjects and
      children with scoliosis (P > 0.05). Significant differences were found between
      assessment methods, with the kinematic analysis overestimating the average tidal
      volume while walking (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with mild to moderate AIS
      and typically developing children do not demonstrate oxygen consumption
      differences when walking at a steady state on a treadmill. However, kinematic
      analysis of the chest wall tends to overestimate the tidal volume when walking.
      An offset equation is required for some variables when using kinematic data to
      assess oxygen consumption in children who would otherwise not comply with
      traditional oxygen consumption testing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27128255
TI  - Does Greater Body Mass Index Increase the Risk for Revision Procedures Following
      a Single-Level Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy?
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained surgical
      registry. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and
      the risk for undergoing a revision procedure following a single-level minimally
      invasive (MIS) lumbar discectomy (LD). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Studies
      conflict as to whether greater BMI contributes to recurrent herniation and the
      need for revision procedures following LD. Patients and surgeons would benefit
      from knowing whether greater BMI is a risk factor to guide the decision whether
      to pursue an operative versus non-operative treatment. METHODS: Patients
      undergoing a single-level MIS LD were retrospectively identified in our
      institution's prospectively maintained surgical registry. BMI was categorized as
      normal weight (<25 kg/m), overweight (25-30 kg/m), obese (30-40 kg/m), or
      morbidly obese (>=40 kg/m). Multivariate analysis was used to test for
      association with undergoing a revision procedure during the first 2 postoperative
      years. The model was demographics, comorbidities, and operative level. RESULTS: A
      total of 226 patients were identified. Of these, 56 (24.8%) were normal weight,
      80 (35.4%) were overweight, 66 (29.2%) were obese, and 24 (10.6%) were morbidly
      obese. A total of 23 patients (10.2%) underwent a revision procedure in the first
      2 postoperative years. The 2-year risk for revision procedure was 1.8% for normal
      weight patients, 12.5% for overweight patients, 9.1% for obese patients, and
      25.0% for morbidly obese patients. In the multivariate-adjusted analysis model,
      BMI category was independently associated with undergoing a revision procedure (P
      = 0.038). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that greater BMI is an independent
      risk factor for undergoing a revision procedure following a LD. These findings
      conflict with recent studies that have found no difference between obese and non
      obese patients in regards to risk for recurrent herniation and/or revision
      procedures. Patients with greater BMI undergoing LD should be informed they could
      have an elevated risk for revision procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27128256
TI  - The Effect of Patient Race on Extent of Functional Improvement After Cervical
      Spine Surgery.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A longitudinal cohort study. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we set out
      to assess the association between racial differences and health outcomes after
      anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:
      Although racial disparities in the use of surgical procedures are well
      established, relationships between race and patient-reported outcomes measures
      after ACDF have not been previously assessed. METHODS: Sixty adult patients
      (black patients: 28, white patients: 32) undergoing ACDF at Duke University
      Medical Center were included in this study. Enrollment criteria included
      available demographic, surgical, and clinical outcome data. All patients had
      prospectively collected patient-reported outcomes measures and a minimum 1-year
      follow-up. Patients completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Short-Form 12 (SF
      12), and Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) before surgery, and then at 3, 6, and 12
      months after surgery. Clinical outcomes and complication rates were compared
      between both patient cohorts. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar
      between both cohorts. The median [interquartile range] number of levels fused was
      similar between both patient cohorts 2 [1-2], P = 0.41. There was no significant
      difference between cohorts in the incidence of nerve root injury (P = 0.99) or
      incidental durotomy (P = 0.31). At 3 months postoperatively, both cohorts
      demonstrated similar improvement in VAS-neck pain (P = 0.75), NDI (P = 0.31), SF
      12 physical component score (PCS) (P = 0.82), and SF-12 mental component score
      (MCS) (P = 0.43). These results were durable through 1 year. At 1 year, both the
      black and white patients demonstrated similar improvement from baseline in NDI (P
      = 0.36), VAS neck pain (P = 0.35), SF-12 PCS (P = 0.18), and SF-12 MCS (P =
      0.56). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that at 1 year, there were no substantial
      differences in between races in patient-reported outcomes measures after ACDF.
      Both black and white patients expressed similar improvement from baseline in all
      outcomes metrics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27128257
TI  - Pia Mater Significantly Contributes to Spinal Cord Intraparenchymal Pressure in a
      Simulated Model of Edema.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Intraparenchymal pressure (IPP) measurements in an in vitro
      cadaveric model of CNS edema. OBJECTIVE: To assess the contribution of pia mater
      to IPP and the effect of piotomy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Multicenter
      randomized control trials have shown that decompression with durotomy/duroplasty
      significantly decreases intracranial pressure (ICP). There is a paucity of
      evidence regarding the effectiveness of decompression of the spinal cord by
      piotomy. METHODS: The supratentorial brain and spinal cord were removed from six
      fresh cadavers. Dura and arachnoid mater were removed. ICP monitors were placed
      bilaterally in the frontal and parietal lobes, and centrally in the cervical and
      thoracic spinal cord. To simulate edema, specimens were submerged in hypotonic
      solution. IPP was recorded for 5 days. A complete dorsal midline piotomy was
      performed on the spinal cord and resulting IPP was recorded. RESULTS: Brain and
      spinal cord both increased in weight. IPP significantly increased in both brain
      and spinal cord. The IPP increase within the spinal cord was substantially
      greater (averages: all four lobes = 4.0 mm Hg; cervical = 73.7 mm Hg; thoracic =
      49.3 mm Hg). After piotomy, cervical and thoracic spinal cord IPP decreased
      immediately (avg. postpiotomy IPP = 9.7 and 10.3, respectively). CONCLUSION:
      There were differential effects on brain and spinal cord IPP. Brain IPP increased
      only slightly, possibly because of the absence of the cranium and dura mater. In
      contrast, spinal cord IPP increased substantially even in the absence of the
      laminae, dura, and arachnoid mater. Piotomy immediately and dramatically reduced
      spinal cord IPP. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that spinal cord
      IPP is primarily dependent on constraints imposed by the pia mater. Conversely,
      in the absence of the cranium and dura mater, the sulci may permit the pia
      invested brain to better accommodate edema without significant increases in IPP.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID- 27128258
TI  - Retropharyngeal Steroids and Dysphagia Following Multilevel Anterior Cervical
      Surgery.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to determine the effect of retropharyngeal steroids on postoperative
      dysphagia scores and clinical outcomes following multilevel anterior cervical
      discectomy and fusion (ACDF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Dysphagia is a well
      known complication following ACDF surgery and increased rates of dysphagia are
      seen with increased levels of surgery. Retropharyngeal steroids have been shown
      to decrease painful swallowing and prevertebral soft tissue (PSTS) swelling in 1-
      and 2-level anterior cervical surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review of 44
      patients undergoing multilevel (2-, 3-, 4-level) ACDF. Twenty-two patients who
      received retropharyngeal steroids (methylprednisone) placed on a collagen sponge
      at the time of surgery were compared with a matched cohort of controls who did
      not receive local steroids. Postoperative day 1 and 6-week radiographs were
      analyzed for differences in PSTS. Clinical outcomes were measured pre
      operatively, 6 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively utilizing the Neck Disability
      Index (NDI), the Bazaz-Yoo Dysphagia Scoring System, and Eat Assessment Tool (EAT
      10). RESULTS: Significant improvement in dysphagia scores were seen utilizing
      both outcome measures. Bazaz-Yoo scores were significantly better at both 6 weeks
      and 3 months in patients receiving local steroids compared with controls (P =
      0.008 and P = 0.022, respectively). EAT-10 showed similar improvement of the
      steroid group versus control at 6 weeks and 3 months (P = 0.067 and P = 0.012,
      respectively). A trend toward decreased PSTS was found with locally delivered
      steroids on initial postoperative radiographs (P = 0.07), but was no longer
      evident at 6 weeks. NDI, although improved from pre-operative scores, failed to
      demonstrate significant differences between groups. No differences in length of
      stay or complications were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: The use of
      retropharyngeal steroids resulted in decreased rates of dysphagia following
      multilevel ACDF. Locally delivered methylprednisone did not result in increased
      rates of short-term postoperative complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27128259
TI  - Cardiac Emboli Documented by Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiogram During
      Administration of a Topical Hemostatic Agent Prior to Pedicle Subtraction
      Osteotomy.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This is a case report. OBJECTIVE: Describe the occurrence of
      cardiac emboli recorded on transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) after the
      injection of a topical hemostatic agent into a vertebra prior to performing a
      pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Hemostasis
      during spinal surgery is critical for adequate visualization and to reduce the
      risk of perioperative complications. Adult spinal deformity surgery can involve
      performing PSOs which are useful in cases of fixed spinal deformities and are
      associated with increased blood loss secondary to epidural and cancellous
      bleeding. Prior to performing a PSO, a topical hemostatic agent can be injected
      into the vertebra through the pedicle screw pilot holes in an attempt to decrease
      cancellous bleeding. Injected hemostatic agents can pressurize the vertebral body
      similar to cementation in vertebroplasty and during fracture reaming and
      prosthetic implantation in the femur. Patients with cardiac defects such as
      patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect may be more prone to systemic
      embolic events resulting in morbidity or mortality. METHODS: We injected a
      topical hemostatic matrix agent through the pedicle screw pilot holes into the L1
      vertebral body prior to performing a PSO while simultaneously recording with TEE.
      RESULTS: The TEE recorded large visible emboli traveling through the heart into
      the pulmonary vasculature. The patient remained stable throughout the remainder
      of the case and a postoperative spiral computed tomography (CT) scan was negative
      for filling defects. The patient had an uneventful hospital course. CONCLUSION:
      Questions remain about the exact consistency of these emboli, when they are most
      likely to occur, how much cardiopulmonary insult can be tolerated without
      resulting in complications, or how to prevent their occurrence. Patients
      undergoing spinal surgery with the plan to inject hemostatic matrix agents into
      the vertebral body may benefit from a preoperative TEE to reduce the risk of
      complications associated with embolic events, especially in patients with
      undiagnosed patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

PMID- 27128260
TI  - Message from the WSRM 2015 Organizing Chairman.

PMID- 27128261
TI  - Bipedicled Preexpanded Forehead Flaps for Simultaneous Reconstruction of Total
      Nasal and Upper Lip Subunits: A Novel Approach to Complex Facial Resurfacing.
AB  - Background Reconstruction of the central facial subunits is a complex and
      challenging task. In cases in which both the nasal and upper lip subunits are
      involved, a technique that can reconstruct both aesthetic units with tissue of
      similar color and texture from a single donor site will be ideal. In this article
      we present our experience with the bipedicled preexpanded forehead flap for
      simultaneous nasal and upper lip resurfacing. Patients and Methods Between
      January 2012 and January 2015 we used this technique in the simultaneous
      reconstruction of total nasal and upper lip subunits in five patients. All cases
      were for burns scar resurfacing. Results Good aesthetic results were achieved in
      each of our five cases to date and no complications were encountered. All donor
      sites closed primarily with aesthetically pleasing well-concealed linear scars.
      In all cases small modifications such as philtral shaping and further flap
      thinning were performed under local anesthesia between 6 and 12 months
      postoperatively Conclusion The preexpanded forehead flap provides an unparalleled
      color and texture match when it comes to facial resurfacing. When both total
      nasal and upper lip resurfacings are required, it is possible to achieve this in
      a single sitting from a single donor site by using a bipedicled preexpanded
      forehead flap. 

PMID- 27128290
TI  - Connectivism: A knowledge learning theory for the digital age?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The emergence of the internet, particularly Web 2.0 has provided
      access to the views and opinions of a wide range of individuals opening up
      opportunities for new forms of communication and knowledge formation. Previous
      ways of navigating and filtering available information are likely to prove
      ineffective in these new contexts. Connectivism is one of the most prominent of
      the network learning theories which have been developed for e-learning
      environments. It is beginning to be recognized by medical educators. This article
      aims to examine connectivism and its potential application. CONTENT: The
      conceptual framework and application of connectivism are presented along with an
      outline of the main criticisms. Its potential application in medical education is
      then considered. CONCLUSIONS: While connectivism provides a useful lens through
      which teaching and learning using digital technologies can be better understood
      and managed, further development and testing is required. There is unlikely to be
      a single theory that will explain learning in technological enabled networks.
      Educators have an important role to play in online network learning.

PMID- 27128262
TI  - All-Atom Molecular Dynamics of Virus Capsids as Drug Targets.
AB  - Virus capsids are protein shells that package the viral genome. Although their
      morphology and biological functions can vary markedly, capsids often play
      critical roles in regulating viral infection pathways. A detailed knowledge of
      virus capsids, including their dynamic structure, interactions with cellular
      factors, and the specific roles that they play in the replication cycle, is
      imperative for the development of antiviral therapeutics. The following
      Perspective introduces an emerging area of computational biology that focuses on
      the dynamics of virus capsids and capsid-protein assemblies, with particular
      emphasis on the effects of small-molecule drug binding on capsid structure,
      stability, and allosteric pathways. When performed at chemical detail, molecular
      dynamics simulations can reveal subtle changes in virus capsids induced by drug
      molecules a fraction of their size. Here, the current challenges of performing
      all-atom capsid-drug simulations are discussed, along with an outlook on the
      applicability of virus capsid simulations to reveal novel drug targets.

PMID- 27128291
TI  - Unlocking the wasting enigma: Highlights from the 8th Cachexia Conference.
AB  - This article highlights pre-clinical and clinical studies into the field of
      wasting disorders that were presented at the 8th Cachexia Conference held in
      Paris, France December 2015. This year some interesting results of clinical
      trials and different new therapeutic targets were shown. This article presents
      the biological and clinical significance of different markers and new drugs for
      the treatment of skeletal muscle wasting. Effective treatments of cachexia and
      wasting disorders are urgently needed in order to improve the patients' quality
      of life and their survival. 

PMID- 27128292
TI  - Rapid Identification of Signature Moments to Improve Engagement in Population
      Health Programs.

PMID- 27128293
TI  - Immunohistochemistry for NF2, LATS1/2, and YAP/TAZ Fails to Separate Benign From
      Malignant Mesothelial Proliferations.

PMID- 27128294
TI  - Eltrombopag: Investigation of Previously Reported Serum Discoloration and
      Negative Interference on a Total Bilirubin Diazo Method.

PMID- 27128295
TI  - You're On Social Media! So Now What?

PMID- 27128296
TI  - The 14th Spring Seminar of the Korean Pathologists Association of North America.

PMID- 27128297
TI  - Practical Points in Gastric Pathology.
AB  - CONTEXT: -The diagnosis of gastric epithelial lesions is difficult in clinical
      practice, even with the recent developments and advances in endoscopic
      modalities, owing to the diverse morphologic features of the lesions, lack of
      standardized diagnostic criteria, and the high intraobserver and interobserver
      variabilities in the nonneoplastic (regenerative)-neoplastic spectrum. OBJECTIVE:
      -To provide an overview of the current concepts and unresolved issues surrounding
      the diagnosis of diseases in the nonneoplastic-neoplastic spectrum, and to
      discuss some noteworthy properties and histologic features of gastric epithelial
      lesions. DATA SOURCES: -A comprehensive assessment of the medical literature on
      gastric epithelial lesions was performed; we also interjected our own experiences
      into the discussion. Sources included original studies, review articles, and
      textbooks related to the field. CONCLUSIONS: -Our literature review revealed that
      clear cell changes and micropapillary carcinoma components in gastric carcinomas
      are associated with poor clinical outcomes and should hence be included in
      pathologic reports. Moreover, we suggest a stepwise biopsy-endoscopic resection
      modality for the diagnosis of borderline neoplasia-nonneoplasia cases.

PMID- 27128298
TI  - Molecular Subtypes of Colorectal Cancer and Their Clinicopathologic Features,
      With an Emphasis on the Serrated Neoplasia Pathway.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease entity with 3 molecular
      carcinogenesis pathways and 2 morphologic multistep pathways. Right-sided colon
      cancers and left-sided colon and rectal cancers exhibit differences in their
      incidence rates according to geographic region, age, and sex. A linear tendency
      toward increasing frequencies of microsatellite instability-high or CpG island
      methylator phenotype-high cancers in subsites along the bowel from the rectum to
      the cecum or the ascending colon accounts for the differences in tumor phenotypes
      associated with these subsites. The molecular subtypes of colorectal cancers
      exhibit different responses to adjuvant therapy, which might be responsible for
      differences in subtype-specific survival. OBJECTIVES: -To review the
      clinicopathologic and molecular features of the molecular subtypes of colorectal
      cancer generated by combined CpG island methylator phenotype and microsatellite
      statuses, to integrate these features with the most recent findings in the
      context of the prognostic implications of molecular subtypes, and to emphasize
      the necessity of developing molecular markers that enable the identification of
      adenocarcinomas involving the serrated neoplasia pathway. DATA SOURCES: -Based on
      the authors' own experimental data and a review of the pertinent literature.
      CONCLUSIONS: -Because colorectal cancers arise from 2 different morphologic
      multistep carcinogenesis pathways with varying contributions from 3 different
      molecular carcinogenesis pathways, colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous and
      complex disease. Thus, molecular subtyping of colorectal cancers is an important
      approach to characterizing their heterogeneity with respect to not only prognosis
      and therapeutic response but also biology and natural history.

PMID- 27128299
TI  - Clinical Aspects of Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review for
      Pathologists.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease manifests with different clinical
      phenotypes showing varying behavior and risk for neoplasia. The clinical
      questions that are posed to pathologists differ depending on phase of the disease
      and the clinical circumstances. Understanding the clinical aspects of the dynamic
      disease process will enhance the role of pathology in optimizing the care of
      patients with inflammatory bowel disease. OBJECTIVE: -To review clinical and
      surgical aspects of inflammatory bowel disease that are relevant to practicing
      pathologists. DATA SOURCES: -The literature was reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: -Diagnosis
      and management of inflammatory bowel disease require an integrated evaluation of
      clinical, endoscopic, radiologic, and pathologic features. Therefore, close
      interaction between clinicians and pathologists is crucial. Having this team
      approach improves understanding of the pertinent clinical and surgical aspects of
      the disease and assists in the recognition of unusual presentation of variants,
      as well as mimics of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease, by pathologists.

PMID- 27128300
TI  - Tumoral Versus Flat Intraepithelial Neoplasia of Pancreatobiliary Tract,
      Gallbladder, and Ampulla of Vater.
AB  - CONTEXT: -The identification of a precursor lesion is important to understanding
      the histopathologic and genetic alterations in carcinogenesis. There are a
      plethora of terminologies that describe precursor lesions of the pancreatobiliary
      tract, ampulla of Vater, and gallbladder. The current terminologies for precursor
      lesions may make it difficult to understand the tumor biology. Here, we propose
      the concept of tumoral and flat intraepithelial neoplasia to improve our
      understanding of precursor lesions of many epithelial organs, including the
      pancreatobiliary tract, ampulla of Vater, and gallbladder. OBJECTIVE: -To
      understand the dichotomous pattern of tumoral and flat intraepithelial neoplasia
      in carcinogenesis of pancreatobiliary tract, ampulla of Vater, and gallbladder.
      DATA SOURCES: -Review of relevant literatures indexed in PubMed. CONCLUSIONS: 
      Tumoral intraepithelial neoplasia presents as an intraluminal or intraductal,
      mass-forming, polypoid lesion or a macroscopic, visible, cystic lesion without
      intracystic papillae. Microscopically, tumoral intraepithelial neoplasia shows
      various proportions of papillary and tubular architecture, often with a mixed
      pattern, such as papillary, tubular, and papillary-tubular. The malignant
      potential depends on the degree of dysplasia and the cell phenotype of the
      epithelium. Flat intraepithelial neoplasia presents as a flat or superficial,
      spreading, mucosal lesion that is frequently accompanied by an invasive
      carcinoma. Tumoral and flat intraepithelial neoplasias are not homogeneous
      entities and may exhibit histopathologic spectrum changes and different genetic
      profiles. Although intraepithelial neoplasia showed a dichotomous pattern in the
      tumoral versus flat types, they can coexist. Tumoral and flat intraepithelial
      neoplasia can be interpreted as part of a spectrum of changes in the
      carcinogenesis pathway of each organ.

PMID- 27128301
TI  - Recent Updates on Neuroendocrine Tumors From the Gastrointestinal and
      Pancreatobiliary Tracts.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Gastrointestinal (GI) and pancreatobiliary tracts contain a variety of
      neuroendocrine cells that constitute a diffuse endocrine system. Neuroendocrine
      tumors (NETs) from these organs are heterogeneous tumors with diverse clinical
      behaviors. Recent improvements in the understanding of NETs from the GI and
      pancreatobiliary tracts have led to more-refined definitions of the
      clinicopathologic characteristics of these tumors. Under the 2010 World Health
      Organization classification scheme, NETs are classified as grade (G) 1 NETs, G2
      NETs, neuroendocrine carcinomas, and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas.
      Histologic grades are dependent on mitotic counts and the Ki-67 labeling index.
      Several new issues arose after implementation of the 2010 World Health
      Organization classification scheme, such as issues with well-differentiated NETs
      with G3 Ki-67 labeling index and the evaluation of mitotic counts and Ki-67
      labeling. Hereditary syndromes, including multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
      syndrome, von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, neurofibromatosis 1, and tuberous
      sclerosis, are related to NETs of the GI and pancreatobiliary tracts. Several
      prognostic markers of GI and pancreatobiliary tract NETs have been introduced,
      but many of them require further validation. OBJECTIVE: -To understand
      clinicopathologic characteristics of NETs from the GI and pancreatobiliary
      tracts. DATA SOURCES: -PubMed (US National Library of Medicine) reports were
      reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: -In this review, we briefly summarize recent developments
      and issues related to NETs of the GI and pancreatobiliary tracts.

PMID- 27128302
TI  - Precision Medicine in Gastrointestinal Pathology.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Precision medicine is the promise of individualized therapy and
      management of patients based on their personal biology. There are now multiple
      global initiatives to perform whole-genome sequencing on millions of individuals.
      In the United States, an early program was the Million Veteran Program, and a
      more recent proposal in 2015 by the president of the United States is the
      Precision Medicine Initiative. To implement precision medicine in routine
      oncology care, genetic variants present in tumors need to be matched with
      effective clinical therapeutics. When we focus on the current state of precision
      medicine for gastrointestinal malignancies, it becomes apparent that there is a
      mixed history of success and failure. OBJECTIVE: -To present the current state of
      precision medicine using gastrointestinal oncology as a model. We will present
      currently available targeted therapeutics, promising new findings in clinical
      genomic oncology, remaining quality issues in genomic testing, and emerging
      oncology clinical trial designs. DATA SOURCES: -Review of the literature
      including clinical genomic studies on gastrointestinal malignancies, clinical
      oncology trials on therapeutics targeted to molecular alterations, and emerging
      clinical oncology study designs. CONCLUSIONS: -Translating our ability to
      sequence thousands of genes into meaningful improvements in patient survival will
      be the challenge for the next decade.

PMID- 27128303
TI  - Jejunoileal Neuroendocrine Tumors Complicated by Intestinal Ischemic Necrosis Are
      Associated With Worse Overall Survival.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Jejunoileal neuroendocrine tumors (JINETs) are slow-growing, malignant
      tumors that are often associated with protracted survival, despite their frequent
      presentation at an advanced stage. A subset of JINETs is complicated by
      intestinal ischemic necrosis (IIN), which leads to their initial clinical
      presentation. OBJECTIVE: -To assess the effect of IIN on overall survival in
      patients with JINETs. DESIGN: -Ten JINETs with IIN during a 14-year period and a
      control group of 52 JINETs without IIN were identified retrospectively. The
      hematoxylin-eosin slides and gross descriptions were reviewed, and pathologic
      features were assessed. Overall survival was compared between the 2 groups using
      the Kaplan Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: -At 1 year
      postresection, only 40% (4 of 10) of the patients with IIN were alive, whereas
      94% (49 of 52) of those without IIN were alive (P < .001). Patients with IIN were
      significantly older than those without IIN (median, 83 years versus 65.5 years, P
      = .001). By univariate Cox proportional hazards regression, IIN was associated
      with a 4.30-fold increased risk of death (95% confidence interval 1.75-10.56; P =
      .001). When controlling for age, advanced stage (stage III or IV), tumor grade,
      and synchronous carcinoma in a multivariate analysis, IIN showed a trend toward
      prognostic significance (2.31-fold increased risk of death; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.85-6.27; P = .10). CONCLUSIONS: -The pathologic identification of
      tumor-associated IIN portends a worse overall survival among patients with
      JINETs.

PMID- 27128304
TI  - Traceability Assessment and Performance Evaluation of Results for Measurement of
      Abbott Clinical Chemistry Assays on 4 Chemistry Analyzers.
AB  - CONTEXT: -The traceability of clinical results to internationally recognized and
      accepted reference materials and reference measurement procedures has become
      increasingly important. Therefore, the establishment of traceability has become a
      mandatory requirement for all in vitro diagnostics devices. OBJECTIVES: -To
      evaluate the traceability of the Abbott Architect c8000 system (Abbott
      Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois), consisting of calibrators and reagents,
      across 4 different chemistry analyzers, and to evaluate its general performance
      on the Toshiba 2000FR NEO (Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation, Otawara-shi,
      Tochigi-ken, Japan). DESIGN: -For assessment of traceability, secondary reference
      materials were evaluated 5 times, and then bias was calculated. Precision,
      linearity, and carryover were determined according to the guidelines of the
      Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (Wayne, Pennsylvania). RESULTS: -The
      biases from 4 different analyzers ranged from -2.33% to 2.70% on the Toshiba
      2000FR NEO, -2.33% to 5.12% on the Roche Hitachi 7600 (Roche Diagnostics
      International, Basel, Switzerland), -0.93% to 2.87% on the Roche Modular, and 
      2.16% to 2.86% on the Abbott Architect c16000. The total coefficients of variance
      of all analytes were less than 5%. The coefficients of determination (R(2)) were
      more than 0.9900. The carryover rate ranged from -0.54% to 0.17%. CONCLUSIONS: 
      Abbott clinical chemistry assays met the performance criteria based on desirable
      biological variation for precision, bias, and total error. They also showed
      excellent linearity and carryover. Therefore, these clinical chemistry assays
      were found to be accurate and reliable and are readily applicable on the various
      platforms used in this study.

PMID- 27128305
TI  - Liposclerosing Myxofibrous Tumor: A Review.
AB  - Liposclerosing myxofibrous tumor is a benign fibro-osseous lesion, with distinct
      radiographic and clinical features and diverse histologic patterns. This lesion
      occurs in the fourth decade of life, with equal male and female incidence. Most
      lesions are discovered incidentally, but patients can present with bone pain or
      fracture. Liposclerosing myxofibrous tumor exhibits a very strong predilection
      for the proximal femur with characteristic radiographic findings, often providing
      an initial clue to diagnosis. Microscopically, this tumor is characterized by a
      variety of patterns, including myxofibrous tissue, fibrous dysplasia-like
      features, and ischemic ossification. It can be mistaken for many other fibro
      osseous lesions; therefore, this unique lesion should be included in the
      differential diagnosis of fibro-osseous lesions, particularly in this location.
      Patients with this lesion are generally successfully treated by curettage and
      bone graft and have a favorable prognosis. A small risk of malignant
      transformation has been suggested to be associated with these lesions. This
      necessitates the need for follow-up monitoring of this entity. In this review, we
      discuss current knowledge of this lesion and its clinical relevance. 

PMID- 27128306
TI  - Radiation-Associated Angiosarcoma of the Breast: Clinical and Pathologic
      Features.
AB  - Breast angiosarcoma is an unusual malignancy accounting for approximately 1% of
      soft tissue sarcomas. It can occur as a primary form without a known precursor or
      as a secondary form associated with radiotherapy. Adjuvant radiotherapy has a
      significant role in preventing local recurrence in women treated with
      conservation therapy for early stage breast carcinoma or multicentric tumors.
      Postradiation angiosarcoma usually affects the dermis of the breast within the
      radiation field and may occasionally develop in the breast parenchyma. Compared
      with the latency of other radiation-associated sarcomas, the latency for breast
      radiation-associated angiosarcoma is relatively short with a median of 6 years.
      The risk of developing secondary angiosarcoma does not outweigh the benefit of
      treatment; therefore, radiation therapy continues to be a mainstay modality in
      the treatment of breast cancer patients. Early detection is essential because
      angiosarcomas are associated with a poor prognosis. Wide surgical resection is
      the standard treatment for these tumors. 

PMID- 27128307
TI  - Men's depression and suicide literacy: a nationally representative Canadian
      survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Male suicide prevention strategies include diagnosis and effective
      management of men's depression. Fundamental to suicide prevention efforts is
      public awareness, which in turn, is influenced by literacy levels about men's
      depression and suicide. AIM: The aim of this study is to examine sex differences
      in mental health literacy with respect to men's depression and suicide among a
      cohort of Canadian respondents. METHODS: About 901 English-speaking Canadian men
      and women completed online survey questionnaires to evaluate mental health
      literacy levels using 10-item D-Lit and 8-item LOSS questionnaires, which assess
      factual knowledge concerning men's depression and suicide. Statistical tests (Chi
      square, z-test) were used to identify significant differences between sex sub
      groups at 95% confidence. RESULTS: Overall, respondents correctly identified 67%
      of questions measuring literacy levels about male depression. Respondents' male
      suicide literacy was significantly poorer at 53.7%. Misperceptions were
      especially evident in terms of differentiating men's depressive symptoms from
      other mental illnesses, estimating prevalence and identifying factors linked to
      male suicide. Significant sex differences highlighted that females had higher
      literacy levels than men in regard to male depression. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing
      gender sensitive and specific programs to target and advance literacy levels
      about men's depression may be key to ultimately reducing depression and suicide
      among men in Canada.

PMID- 27128308
TI  - Sesamin inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and extracellular matrix
      catabolism in rat intervertebral disc.
AB  - Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration contributes to most spinal degenerative
      diseases, while treatment inhibiting IVD degeneration is still in the
      experimental stage. Sesamin, a bioactive component extracted from sesame, has
      been reported to exert chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we
      analyzed the anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic effects of sesamin on rat IVD
      in vitro and ex vivo. Results show that sesamin significantly inhibits the
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of catabolic enzymes (MMP-1, MMP-3,
      MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, ADAMTS-5) and inflammation factors (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, iNOS,
      NO, COX-2, PGE2) in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. It is also proven that
      migration of macrophages induced by LPS can be inhibited by treatment with
      sesamin. Organ culture experiments demonstrate that sesamin protects the IVD from
      LPS-induced depletion of the extracellular matrix ex vivo. Moreover, sesamin
      suppresses LPS-induced activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      pathway through inhibiting phosphorylation of JNK, the common downstream
      signaling pathway of LPS and IL-1beta, which may be the potential mechanism of
      the effects of sesamin. In light of our results, sesamin protects the IVD from
      inflammation and extracellular matrix catabolism, presenting positive prospects
      in the treatment of IVD degenerative diseases.

PMID- 27128309
TI  - DNA Barcoding of the Endangered Aquilaria (Thymelaeaceae) and Its Application in
      Species Authentication of Agarwood Products Traded in the Market.
AB  - The identification of Aquilaria species from their resinous non-wood product, the
      agarwood, is challenging as conventional techniques alone are unable to ascertain
      the species origin. Aquilaria is a highly protected species due to the excessive
      exploitation of its precious agarwood. Here, we applied the DNA barcoding
      technique to generate barcode sequences for Aquilaria species and later applied
      the barcodes to identify the source species of agarwood found in the market. We
      developed a reference DNA barcode library using eight candidate barcode loci
      (matK, rbcL, rpoB, rpoC1, psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF, ITS, and ITS2) amplified from 24
      leaf accessions of seven Aquilaria species obtained from living trees. Our
      results indicated that all single barcodes can be easily amplified and sequenced
      with the selected primers. The combination of trnL-trnF+ITS and trnL-trnF+ITS2
      yielded the greatest species resolution using the least number of loci
      combination, while matK+trnL-trnF+ITS showed potential in detecting the
      geographical origins of Aquilaria species. We propose trnL-trnF+ITS2 as the best
      candidate barcode for Aquilaria as ITS2 has a shorter sequence length compared to
      ITS, which eases PCR amplification especially when using degraded DNA samples
      such as those extracted from processed agarwood products. A blind test conducted
      on eight agarwood samples in different forms using the proposed barcode
      combination proved successful in their identification up to the species level.
      Such potential of DNA barcoding in identifying the source species of agarwood
      will contribute to the international timber trade control, by providing an
      effective method for species identification and product authentication.

PMID- 27128310
TI  - Enhancement of Chemotactic Cell Aggregation by Haptotactic Cell-To-Cell
      Interaction.
AB  - The crawling of biological cell is a complex phenomenon involving various
      biochemical and mechanical processes. Some of these processes are intrinsic to
      individual cells, while others pertain to cell-to-cell interactions and to their
      responses to extrinsically imposed cues. Here, we report an interesting
      aggregation dynamics of mathematical model cells, when they perform chemotaxis in
      response to an externally imposed global chemical gradient while they influence
      each other through a haptotaxis-mediated social interaction, which confers
      intriguing trail patterns. In the absence of the cell-to-cell interaction, the
      equilibrium population density profile fits well to that of a simple Keller-Segal
      population dynamic model, in which a chemotactic current density [Formula: see
      text] competes with a normal diffusive current density [Formula: see text], where
      p and rho refer to the concentration of chemoattractant and population density,
      respectively. We find that the cell-to-cell interaction confers a far more
      compact aggregation resulting in a much higher peak equilibrium cell density. The
      mathematical model system is applicable to many biological systems such as
      swarming microglia and neutrophils or accumulating ants towards a localized food
      source.

PMID- 27128311
TI  - Recovery of Urinary Functions After Laparoscopic Total Mesorectal Excision for T4
      Rectal Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative urinary dysfunction after total mesorectal excision
      (TME) is lessened by preservation of the autonomic nerves, but in T4 rectal
      tumors such injury often cannot be prevented. This retrospective study evaluated
      the recovery of urinary function of patients with injury to a single pelvic
      autonomic nerve subsequent to laparoscopic TME, relative to patients without
      nerve damage. METHODS: Patients with T4 rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic
      TME were divided according to the presence of a single pelvic autonomic nerve
      injury (37 cases) or no injury to autonomic nerves (54 cases; control). Urinary
      function was evaluated before surgery and at 1 and 6 months after surgery based
      on catheter indwelling time, urodynamics, International Prostate Symptom Score
      (IPSS; men only), and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) score (women).
      RESULTS: One month after surgery in the injured and control groups, the
      postoperative catheter indwelling time was 6.2 +/- 2.0 and 1.9 +/- 1.2 days,
      respectively; the maximal urinary flow rates were 16.6 +/- 5.8 and 19.7 +/- 5.5
      mL/s; the voided volumes were 181.6 +/- 65.9 and 211.7 +/- 63.2 mL; and the
      residual volumes were 15.0 +/- 8.5 and 10.8 +/- 8.0 mL. However, at the 6-month
      follow-up, all urodynamic parameters of the two groups were statistically similar
      and indicated recovery, and the IPSS and UDI-6 scores were also not statistically
      different. CONCLUSION: Damage to a single pelvic autonomic nerve during
      laparoscopic TME does not lead to long-term urinary dysfunction.

PMID- 27128312
TI  - Predicting Dengue Fever Outbreaks in French Guiana Using Climate Indicators.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dengue fever epidemic dynamics are driven by complex interactions
      between hosts, vectors and viruses. Associations between climate and dengue have
      been studied around the world, but the results have shown that the impact of the
      climate can vary widely from one study site to another. In French Guiana, climate
      based models are not available to assist in developing an early warning system.
      This study aims to evaluate the potential of using oceanic and atmospheric
      conditions to help predict dengue fever outbreaks in French Guiana.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Lagged correlations and composite analyses were
      performed to identify the climatic conditions that characterized a typical
      epidemic year and to define the best indices for predicting dengue fever
      outbreaks during the period 1991-2013. A logistic regression was then performed
      to build a forecast model. We demonstrate that a model based on summer Equatorial
      Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures and Azores High sea-level pressure had
      predictive value and was able to predict 80% of the outbreaks while incorrectly
      predicting only 15% of the non-epidemic years. Predictions for 2014-2015 were
      consistent with the observed non-epidemic conditions, and an outbreak in early
      2016 was predicted. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicate that
      outbreak resurgence can be modeled using a simple combination of climate
      indicators. This might be useful for anticipating public health actions to
      mitigate the effects of major outbreaks, particularly in areas where resources
      are limited and medical infrastructures are generally insufficient.

PMID- 27128313
TI  - A Protein Domain and Family Based Approach to Rare Variant Association Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has become common practice to analyse large scale sequencing data
      with statistical approaches based around the aggregation of rare variants within
      the same gene. We applied a novel approach to rare variant analysis by collapsing
      variants together using protein domain and family coordinates, regarded to be a
      more discrete definition of a biologically functional unit. METHODS: Using Pfam
      definitions, we collapsed rare variants (Minor Allele Frequency <= 1%) together
      in three different ways 1) variants within single genomic regions which map to
      individual protein domains 2) variants within two individual protein domain
      regions which are predicted to be responsible for a protein-protein interaction
      3) all variants within combined regions from multiple genes responsible for
      coding the same protein domain (i.e. protein families). A conventional collapsing
      analysis using gene coordinates was also undertaken for comparison. We used UK10K
      sequence data and investigated associations between regions of variants and lipid
      traits using the sequence kernel association test (SKAT). RESULTS: We observed no
      strong evidence of association between regions of variants based on Pfam domain
      definitions and lipid traits. Quantile-Quantile plots illustrated that the
      overall distributions of p-values from the protein domain analyses were
      comparable to that of a conventional gene-based approach. Deviations from this
      distribution suggested that collapsing by either protein domain or gene
      definitions may be favourable depending on the trait analysed. CONCLUSION: We
      have collapsed rare variants together using protein domain and family coordinates
      to present an alternative approach over collapsing across conventionally used
      gene-based regions. Although no strong evidence of association was detected in
      these analyses, future studies may still find value in adopting these approaches
      to detect previously unidentified association signals.

PMID- 27128314
TI  - The Holstein Friesian Lethal Haplotype 5 (HH5) Results from a Complete Deletion
      of TBF1M and Cholesterol Deficiency (CDH) from an ERV-(LTR) Insertion into the
      Coding Region of APOB.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the availability of massive SNP data for several economically
      important cattle breeds, haplotype tests have been performed to identify unknown
      recessive disorders. A number of so-called lethal haplotypes, have been uncovered
      in Holstein Friesian cattle and, for at least seven of these, the causative
      mutations have been identified in candidate genes. However, several lethal
      haplotypes still remain elusive. Here we report the molecular genetic causes of
      lethal haplotype 5 (HH5) and cholesterol deficiency (CDH). A targeted enrichment
      for the known genomic regions, followed by massive parallel sequencing was used
      to interrogate for causative mutations in a case/control approach. METHODS:
      Targeted enrichment for the known genomic regions, followed by massive parallel
      sequencing was used in a case/control approach. PCRs for the causing mutations
      were developed and compared to routine imputing in 2,100 (HH5) and 3,100 (CDH)
      cattle. RESULTS: HH5 is caused by a deletion of 138kbp, spanning position
      93,233kb to 93,371kb on chromosome 9 (BTA9), harboring only dimethyl-adenosine
      transferase 1 (TFB1M). The deletion breakpoints are flanked by bovine long
      interspersed nuclear elements Bov-B (upstream) and L1ME3 (downstream), suggesting
      a homologous recombination/deletion event. TFB1M di-methylates adenine residues
      in the hairpin loop at the 3'-end of mitochondrial 12S rRNA, being essential for
      synthesis and function of the small ribosomal subunit of mitochondria. Homozygous
      TFB1M-/- mice reportedly exhibit embryonal lethality with developmental defects.
      A 2.8% allelic frequency was determined for the German HF population. CDH results
      from a 1.3kbp insertion of an endogenous retrovirus (ERV2-1-LTR_BT) into exon 5
      of the APOB gene at BTA11:77,959kb. The insertion is flanked by 6bp target site
      duplications as described for insertions mediated by retroviral integrases. A
      premature stop codon in the open reading frame of APOB is generated, resulting in
      a truncation of the protein to a length of only <140 amino acids. Such early
      truncations have been shown to cause an inability of chylomicron excretion from
      intestinal cells, resulting in malabsorption of cholesterol. The allelic
      frequency of this mutation in the German HF population was 6.7%, which is
      substantially higher than reported so far. Compared to PCR assays inferring the
      genetic variants directly, the routine imputing used so far showed a diagnostic
      sensitivity of as low as 91% (HH5) and 88% (CDH), with a high specificity for
      both (>=99.7%). CONCLUSION: With the availability of direct genetic tests it will
      now be possible to more effectively reduce the carrier frequency and ultimately
      eliminate the disorders from the HF populations. Beside this, the fact that
      repetitive genomic elements (RE) are involved in both diseases, underline the
      evolutionary importance of RE, which can be detrimental as here, but also
      advantageous over generations.

PMID- 27128315
TI  - Dendrimers Target the Ischemic Lesion in Rodent and Primate Models of
      Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Polyamidoamine dendrimer nanoparticles (~ 4 nanometers) are inert
      polymers that can be linked to biologically active compounds. These dendrimers
      selectively target and accumulate in inflammatory cells upon systemic
      administration. Dendrimer-linked compounds enable sustained release of
      therapeutic compounds directly at the site of damage. The purpose of this study
      was to determine if dendrimers can be used to target the optic nerve (ON)
      ischemic lesion in our rodent and nonhuman primate models of nonarteritic
      anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a disease affecting >10,000
      individuals in the US annually, and for which there currently is no effective
      treatment. METHODS: NAION was induced in male Long-Evans rats (rNAION) and in one
      adult male rhesus monkey (pNAION) using previously described procedures.
      Dendrimers were covalently linked to near-infrared cyanine-5 fluorescent dye (D
      Cy5) and injected both intravitreally and systemically (in the rats) or just
      systemically (in the monkey) to evaluate D-Cy5 tissue accumulation in the eye and
      optic nerve following induction of NAION. RESULTS: Following NAION induction, Cy
      5 dendrimers selectively accumulated in astrocytes and circulating macrophages.
      Systemic dendrimer administration provided the best penetration of the ON lesion
      site when injected shortly after induction. Systemic administration 1 day post
      induction in the pNAION model gave localization similar to that seen in the rats.
      CONCLUSIONS: Dendrimers selectively target the ischemic ON lesion after induction
      of both rNAION and pNAION. Systemic nanoparticle-linked therapeutics thus may
      provide a powerful, targeted and safe approach to NAION treatment by providing
      sustained and focused treatment of the cells directly affected by ischemia.

PMID- 27128316
TI  - Symptoms and Immune Markers in Plasmodium/Dengue Virus Co-infection Compared with
      Mono-infection with Either in Peru.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria and dengue are two of the most common vector-borne diseases
      in the world, but co-infection is rarely described, and immunologic comparisons
      of co-infection with mono-infection are lacking. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: We collected symptom histories and blood specimens from subjects in a
      febrile illness surveillance study conducted in Iquitos and Puerto Maldonado,
      Peru, between 2002-2011. Nineteen symptoms and 18 immune markers at presentation
      were compared among those with co-infection with Plasmodium/dengue virus (DENV),
      Plasmodium mono-infection, and DENV mono-infection. Seventeen subjects were
      identified as having Plasmodium/DENV co-infection and were retrospectively
      matched with 51 DENV mono-infected and 44 Plasmodium mono-infected subjects.
      Those with Plasmodium mono-infection had higher levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL
      12, IL-13, IL-17A, IFN-gamma, and MIP1-alpha/CCL3 compared with DENV mono
      infection or co-infection; those with Plasmodium mono-infection had more cough
      than those with DENV mono-infection. Subjects with DENV mono-infection had higher
      levels of TGF-beta1 and more myalgia than those with Plasmodium mono-infection.
      No symptom was more common and no immune marker level was higher in the co
      infected group, which had similar findings to the DENV mono-infected subjects.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Compared with mono-infection with either pathogen,
      Plasmodium/DENV co-infection was not associated with worse disease and resembled
      DENV mono-infection in both symptom frequency and immune marker level.

PMID- 27128317
TI  - Incorporating Non-Coding Annotations into Rare Variant Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The success of collapsing methods which investigate the combined
      effect of rare variants on complex traits has so far been limited. The manner in
      which variants within a gene are selected prior to analysis has a crucial impact
      on this success, which has resulted in analyses conventionally filtering variants
      according to their consequence. This study investigates whether an alternative
      approach to filtering, using annotations from recently developed bioinformatics
      tools, can aid these types of analyses in comparison to conventional approaches.
      METHODS & RESULTS: We conducted a candidate gene analysis using the UK10K
      sequence and lipids data, filtering according to functional annotations using the
      resource CADD (Combined Annotation-Dependent Depletion) and contrasting results
      with 'nonsynonymous' and 'loss of function' consequence analyses. Using CADD
      allowed the inclusion of potentially deleterious intronic variants, which was not
      possible when filtering by consequence. Overall, different filtering approaches
      provided similar evidence of association, although filtering according to CADD
      identified evidence of association between ANGPTL4 and High Density Lipoproteins
      (P = 0.02, N = 3,210) which was not observed in the other analyses. We also
      undertook genome-wide analyses to determine how filtering in this manner compared
      to conventional approaches for gene regions. Results suggested that filtering by
      annotations according to CADD, as well as other tools known as FATHMM-MKL and
      DANN, identified association signals not detected when filtering by variant
      consequence and vice versa. CONCLUSION: Incorporating variant annotations from
      non-coding bioinformatics tools should prove to be a valuable asset for rare
      variant analyses in the future. Filtering by variant consequence is only possible
      in coding regions of the genome, whereas utilising non-coding bioinformatics
      annotations provides an opportunity to discover unknown causal variants in non
      coding regions as well. This should allow studies to uncover a greater number of
      causal variants for complex traits and help elucidate their functional role in
      disease.

PMID- 27128318
TI  - Misperceiving Bullshit as Profound Is Associated with Favorable Views of Cruz,
      Rubio, Trump and Conservatism.
AB  - The present research investigates the associations between holding favorable
      views of potential Democratic or Republican candidates for the US presidency 2016
      and seeing profoundness in bullshit statements. In this contribution, bullshit is
      used as a technical term which is defined as communicative expression that lacks
      content, logic, or truth from the perspective of natural science. We used the
      Bullshit Receptivity scale (BSR) to measure seeing profoundness in bullshit
      statements. The BSR scale contains statements that have a correct syntactic
      structure and seem to be sound and meaningful on first reading but are actually
      vacuous. Participants (N = 196; obtained via Amazon Mechanical Turk) rated the
      profoundness of bullshit statements (using the BSR) and provided favorability
      ratings of three Democratic (Hillary Clinton, Martin O'Malley, and Bernie
      Sanders) and three Republican candidates for US president (Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio,
      and Donald Trump). Participants also completed a measure of political
      liberalism/conservatism. Results revealed that favorable views of all three
      Republican candidates were positively related to judging bullshit statements as
      profound. The smallest correlation was found for Donald Trump. Although we
      observe a positive association between bullshit and support for the three
      Democrat candidates, this relationship is both substantively small and
      statistically insignificant. The general measure of political
      liberalism/conservatism was also related to judging bullshit statements as
      profound in that individuals who were more politically conservative had a higher
      tendency to see profoundness in bullshit statements. Of note, these results were
      not due to a general tendency among conservatives to see profoundness in
      everything: Favorable views of Republican candidates and conservatism were not
      significantly related to profoundness ratings of mundane statements. In contrast,
      this was the case for Hillary Clinton and Martin O'Malley. Overall, small-to
      medium sized correlations were found, indicating that far from all conservatives
      see profoundness in bullshit statements.

PMID- 27128319
TI  - The Ontology for Biomedical Investigations.
AB  - The Ontology for Biomedical Investigations (OBI) is an ontology that provides
      terms with precisely defined meanings to describe all aspects of how
      investigations in the biological and medical domains are conducted. OBI re-uses
      ontologies that provide a representation of biomedical knowledge from the Open
      Biological and Biomedical Ontologies (OBO) project and adds the ability to
      describe how this knowledge was derived. We here describe the state of OBI and
      several applications that are using it, such as adding semantic expressivity to
      existing databases, building data entry forms, and enabling interoperability
      between knowledge resources. OBI covers all phases of the investigation process,
      such as planning, execution and reporting. It represents information and material
      entities that participate in these processes, as well as roles and functions.
      Prior to OBI, it was not possible to use a single internally consistent resource
      that could be applied to multiple types of experiments for these applications.
      OBI has made this possible by creating terms for entities involved in biological
      and medical investigations and by importing parts of other biomedical ontologies
      such as GO, Chemical Entities of Biological Interest (ChEBI) and Phenotype
      Attribute and Trait Ontology (PATO) without altering their meaning. OBI is being
      used in a wide range of projects covering genomics, multi-omics, immunology, and
      catalogs of services. OBI has also spawned other ontologies (Information Artifact
      Ontology) and methods for importing parts of ontologies (Minimum information to
      reference an external ontology term (MIREOT)). The OBI project is an open cross
      disciplinary collaborative effort, encompassing multiple research communities
      from around the globe. To date, OBI has created 2366 classes and 40 relations
      along with textual and formal definitions. The OBI Consortium maintains a web
      resource (http://obi-ontology.org) providing details on the people, policies, and
      issues being addressed in association with OBI. The current release of OBI is
      available at http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/obi.owl.

PMID- 27128321
TI  - Variability of Fusion Vergence Measurements in Heterophoria.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to compare fusional vergence measurements
      between orthophoria, esophoria, and exophoria, and to determine the strength of
      correlations between fusional convergence and divergence and angle of deviation.
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cross-sectional study was performed in children with
      best-corrected visual acuity of 0.0 LogMAR in either eye, compensated
      heterophoria within 10 prism diopters (PD), full ocular rotations, presence of
      fusional vergence, and stereopsis (60 seconds of arc or better). Fusional
      amplitudes were compared between orthophoric and heterophoric children. The
      fusion reserve ratio was determined as compensating vergence divided by
      alternating cover test. RESULTS: Five hundred and thirty children (7.66+/-1.20
      years) were recruited to this study. The most common heterophoria was exophoria
      (n=181, 34.2% for near; n=20, 3.8% for distance). Exophoric children had
      significant lower mean positive fusional vergences (exophoria-orthophoria:
      P=0.003; exophoria-esophoria: P=0.035) for near (19.54+/-5.23 base-out) compared
      with children with orthophoria (20.48+/-4.83 base-out) and esophoria (22.27+/
      5.60 base-out). Smaller convergence fusion amplitudes were associated with larger
      angles of deviation at near (rs=-0.115; P=0.008) and lower fusion reserve ratios
      were associated with larger angles of deviation at distance (rs=-0.848; P<0.001)
      and at near (rs=-0.770; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Exophoric children have reduced
      convergence break points when compared with orthophoric and esophoric children.
      Vergence measurements, taking into consideration the baseline heterophoria, give
      important information about the ability of the patient to increase their vergence
      demand and maintain ocular alignment.

PMID- 27128320
TI  - Glucocorticoids Suppress Mitochondrial Oxidant Production via Upregulation of
      Uncoupling Protein 2 in Hyperglycemic Endothelial Cells.
AB  - Diabetic complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in
      diabetic patients. Elevated blood glucose contributes to the development of
      endothelial and vascular dysfunction, and, consequently, to diabetic micro- and
      macrovascular complications, because it increases the mitochondrial proton
      gradient and mitochondrial oxidant production. Therapeutic approaches designed to
      counteract glucose-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production
      in the vasculature are expected to show efficacy against all diabetic
      complications, but direct pharmacological targeting (scavenging) of mitochondrial
      oxidants remains challenging due to the high reactivity of some of these oxidant
      species. In a recent study, we have conducted a medium-throughput cell-based
      screening of a focused library of well-annotated pharmacologically active
      compounds and identified glucocorticoids as inhibitors of mitochondrial
      superoxide production in microvascular endothelial cells exposed to elevated
      extracellular glucose. The goal of the current study was to investigate the
      mechanism of glucocorticoids' action. Our findings show that glucocorticoids
      induce the expression of the mitochondrial UCP2 protein and decrease the
      mitochondrial potential. UCP2 silencing prevents the protective effect of the
      glucocorticoids on ROS production. UCP2 induction also increases the oxygen
      consumption and the "proton leak" in microvascular endothelial cells.
      Furthermore, glutamine supplementation augments the effect of glucocorticoids via
      further enhancing the expression of UCP2 at the translational level. We conclude
      that UCP2 induction represents a novel experimental therapeutic intervention in
      diabetic vascular complications. While direct repurposing of glucocorticoids may
      not be possible for the therapy of diabetic complications due to their
      significant side effects that develop during chronic administration, the UCP2
      pathway may be therapeutically targetable by other, glucocorticoid-independent
      pharmacological means.

PMID- 27128322
TI  - Toxicity testing and drug screening using iPSC-derived hepatocytes,
      cardiomyocytes, and neural cells.
AB  - Unexpected toxicity in areas such as cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and
      neurotoxicity is a serious complication of clinical therapy and one of the key
      causes for failure of promising drug candidates in development. Animal studies
      have been widely used for toxicology research to provide preclinical security
      evaluation of various therapeutic agents under development. Species differences
      in drug penetration of the blood-brain barrier, drug metabolism, and related
      toxicity contribute to failure of drug trials from animal models to human. The
      existing system for drug discovery has relied on immortalized cell lines, animal
      models of human disease, and clinical trials in humans. Moreover, drug candidates
      that are passed as being safe in the preclinical stage often show toxic effects
      during the clinical stage. Only around 16% drugs are approved for human use.
      Research on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) promises to enhance drug
      discovery and development by providing simple, reproducible, and economically
      effective tools for drug toxicity screening under development and, on the other
      hand, for studying the disease mechanism and pathways. In this review, we provide
      an overview of basic information about iPSCs, and discuss efforts aimed at the
      use of iPSC-derived hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, and neural cells in drug
      discovery and toxicity testing. 

PMID- 27128323
TI  - Perceived speed in peripheral vision can go up or down.
AB  - We measured the perceived speed and contrast of patterns in peripheral vision
      relative to foveal patterns for a range of eccentricities at both mesopic and
      photopic levels. The results indicate that perceived speed varies with
      eccentricity, speed, and luminance. At high (photopic) luminance, patterns appear
      slower when viewed peripherally rather than foveally, but at low (mesopic)
      luminance fast-moving patterns can appear faster when viewed peripherally. When
      perceived contrast is equated, perceived speed reduces as a function of
      eccentricity in a speed-independent manner. Peripheral stimuli appear faster or
      slower than foveal stimuli depending upon luminance-an image parameter known to
      influence the gain of magno and parvocellular cells. We conclude that speed
      encoding in the periphery is consistent with a ratio-type speed code that is
      weighted by ganglion cell density. 

PMID- 27128324
TI  - Networks extending across dorsal and ventral visual pathways correlate with
      trajectory perception.
AB  - Despite its apparent importance in understanding the visual environment, neural
      mechanisms underlying perception of motion trajectories have been investigated
      less thoroughly compared with those of various other aspects of visual motion. In
      the present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment, we focused
      on a recently reported visual illusion called the wriggling motion trajectory
      illusion (WMTI), which consists of dots that are actually moving straight and yet
      at the same time induce perception of curved trajectories. The use of this
      illusion enabled us to bypass confounding associations between trajectories and
      various other local motion features. Thus, the aim of the present study was to
      locate the brain areas that allow for differentiation between qualitatively
      distinct motion trajectories, such as straight or curved. At the same time, we
      also aimed to obtain further insights into the mechanisms of the illusion. Areas
      whose activation correlated with perceived wriggling trajectories were scattered
      across the dorsal and ventral visual pathways, including the superior parietal
      lobule (SPL) and fusiform. These patterns of activity indicate that motion
      information is integrated into trajectories in the ventral visual pathway in a
      similar manner to the integration of spatially continuous orientations into
      static contours. The present result is also in line with a previously suggested
      hypothetical mechanism of the illusion, which involves visual grouping. 

PMID- 27128325
TI  - A Scalable Synthesis of the Difluoromethyl-allo-threonyl Hydroxamate-Based LpxC
      Inhibitor LPC-058.
AB  - The difluoromethyl-allo-threonyl hydroxamate-based compound LPC-058 is a potent
      inhibitor of UDP-3-O-(R-3-hydroxymyristoyl)-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase
      (LpxC) in Gram-negative bacteria. A scalable synthesis of this compound is
      described. The key step in the synthetic sequence is a transition metal/base
      catalyzed aldol reaction of methyl isocyanoacetate and difluoroacetone, giving
      rise to 4-(methoxycarbonyl)-5,5-disubstituted 2-oxazoline. A simple NMR-based
      determination of enantiomeric purity is also described.

PMID- 27128326
TI  - Glaucoma Disparities in the Hispanic Population.
AB  - The Hispanic population is the United States' largest minority and one of the
      fastest growing as well. In the next 30 to 40 years, the proportion of open-angle
      glaucoma patients represented by Hispanics is expected to dramatically rise. Here
      we examine the unique considerations and challenges of glaucoma care in this
      population, from demographics to risk factors to treatments and outcomes.
      Currently, access to care and the under-diagnosis of glaucoma in this population
      are significant issues that look only to grow in significance as the glaucoma
      burden continues to grow. Additionally, utilization of medical and surgical
      therapy remains lower in Hispanics than in many other ethnic groups.
      Understanding and proactively addressing the unique challenges in the screening
      and treatment of Hispanics will be of utmost importance to providing effective
      care to this population. 

PMID- 27128327
TI  - Dietary protein oxidation: A silent threat to human health?
AB  - Protein oxidation has become a topic of great scientific interest in the field of
      food science and nutrition. Food proteins are known to be preferential targets of
      radical species, and protein oxidation has relevant consequences on protein
      functionality and food quality. Current trends in this field call attention to
      the nutritional and health dimensions of oxidized foods. Both lipid and protein
      oxidation products are accumulated in food during processing and storage and also
      upon food intake during the subsequent digestion phases. The gastrointestinal
      tract and internal organs are exposed to the cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of
      these species. While the molecular basis of the pathogenesis of particular
      dietary lipid oxidation products is well known, the impact of dietary oxidized
      proteins on human health has been largely ignored. The well-established
      association between in vivo protein oxidation and aging and age-related diseases
      urges scientists to investigate the contribution of dietary protein oxidation to
      particular pathological conditions. Recent reports indicate the involvement of
      dietary protein oxidation species on particular health disorders, which
      emphasizes the link between dietary and in vivo protein oxidation.

PMID- 27128328
TI  - Corrigendum: Efficient design, accurate fabrication and effective
      characterization of plasmonic quasicrystalline arrays of nano-spherical
      particles.

PMID- 27128329
TI  - High time to unpack the 'how' and 'why' of adherence interventions.

PMID- 27128330
TI  - Treatment of vitiligo with antiretroviral therapy in a child with HIV infection.

PMID- 27128331
TI  - Role of antibiotics in reducing childhood mortality in resource-poor settings.

PMID- 27128332
TI  - Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-induced Fanconi's syndrome during HIV postexposure
      prophylaxis.

PMID- 27128333
TI  - Early experience of dolutegravir pharmacokinetics in pregnancy: high maternal
      levels and significant foetal exposure with twice-daily dosing.

PMID- 27128334
TI  - Helm's Alee: Setting a New Course.

PMID- 27128335
TI  - Interview: Dr. Thomas Noguchi.

PMID- 27128336
TI  - Can Law Save Medicine?

PMID- 27128337
TI  - Prehospital Resuscitation Decisions in Cases of Traumatic Cardiopulmonary Arrest:
      Assessing the Risk of Legal Liability & the Impact of TOR Guidelines.

PMID- 27128338
TI  - Treading Lightly: Why The FDA Should Use Its New Authority To Regulate Electronic
      Cigarettes Sparingly.

PMID- 27128339
TI  - Continued Overreliance On Involuntary Commitment: The Need For A Less Restrictive
      Alternative.

PMID- 27128340
TI  - Could Low Birth Weight be Associated with Cardiovascular Disease in Adolescence?
AB  - Purpose Previous studies have shown that low birth weight (LBW) is associated
      with cardiovascular risk in late adulthood. Recent studies in adolescents suggest
      that modifiable factors may have greater influence on increased cardiovascular
      risk. This study aims to investigate the association between LBW and changes in
      anthropometric and biochemical risk factors during adolescence in a population
      with low average socioeconomic status. Methods In a retrospective double cohort,
      data of birth weight were extracted from hospital records of children born on the
      same day between 1992 and 2002. According to the World Health Organization, we
      classified the children as having LBW or normal birth weight. A total of 172
      subjects among children, adolescents and adults were researched. We measured
      anthropometric and clinical data, lipid profile and glucose after an overnight
      fasting. The low and normal weight groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U,
      Fischer exact, Chi-square (chi2) and Student's t tests. Results Pregnant women
      with preeclampsia delivered more newborns with LBW (p < 0.001). Anthropometric
      and clinical parameters were similar between groups. No differences were found in
      the family history of cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.1), family incomes (p = 0.8)
      and maternal school education (p = 0.8) between groups. Conclusion In this study,
      LBW did not increase cardiovascular disease risk factors in adolescents. We
      observed absence of association between low birth weight and poor health outcomes
      among adolescents with low socioeconomic status from an urban city in the
      Brazilian northeast. 

PMID- 27128341
TI  - Poverty and Supplemental Security Income: Can DBPs Take a More Active Role?

PMID- 27128343
TI  - Acute colonic complications in a patient with Chagas disease.
AB  - We present the case of a young bolivian woman who suffered two acute and
      impressive colonic complications due to a Chagasic megacolon.

PMID- 27128344
TI  - Quorum-Sensing Synchronization of Synthetic Toggle Switches: A Design Based on
      Monotone Dynamical Systems Theory.
AB  - Synthetic constructs in biotechnology, biocomputing, and modern gene therapy
      interventions are often based on plasmids or transfected circuits which implement
      some form of "on-off" switch. For example, the expression of a protein used for
      therapeutic purposes might be triggered by the recognition of a specific
      combination of inducers (e.g., antigens), and memory of this event should be
      maintained across a cell population until a specific stimulus commands a
      coordinated shut-off. The robustness of such a design is hampered by molecular
      ("intrinsic") or environmental ("extrinsic") noise, which may lead to spontaneous
      changes of state in a subset of the population and is reflected in the bimodality
      of protein expression, as measured for example using flow cytometry. In this
      context, a "majority-vote" correction circuit, which brings deviant cells back
      into the required state, is highly desirable, and quorum-sensing has been
      suggested as a way for cells to broadcast their states to the population as a
      whole so as to facilitate consensus. In this paper, we propose what we believe is
      the first such a design that has mathematically guaranteed properties of
      stability and auto-correction under certain conditions. Our approach is guided by
      concepts and theory from the field of "monotone" dynamical systems developed by
      M. Hirsch, H. Smith, and others. We benchmark our design by comparing it to an
      existing design which has been the subject of experimental and theoretical
      studies, illustrating its superiority in stability and self-correction of
      synchronization errors. Our stability analysis, based on dynamical systems
      theory, guarantees global convergence to steady states, ruling out unpredictable
      ("chaotic") behaviors and even sustained oscillations in the limit of
      convergence. These results are valid no matter what are the values of parameters,
      and are based only on the wiring diagram. The theory is complemented by extensive
      computational bifurcation analysis, performed for a biochemically-detailed and
      biologically-relevant model that we developed. Another novel feature of our
      approach is that our theorems on exponential stability of steady states for
      homogeneous or mixed populations are valid independently of the number N of cells
      in the population, which is usually very large (N ? 1) and unknown. We prove that
      the exponential stability depends on relative proportions of each type of state
      only. While monotone systems theory has been used previously for systems biology
      analysis, the current work illustrates its power for synthetic biology design,
      and thus has wider significance well beyond the application to the important
      problem of coordination of toggle switches.

PMID- 27128345
TI  - Small-pore driven high capacitance in a hierarchical carbon via carbonization of
      Ni-MOF-74 at low temperatures.
AB  - A hierarchical porous carbon prepared via direct carbonization of Ni-MOF-74
      loaded with furfuryl alcohol at 450  degrees C displays high specific capacitance
      in comparison with other MOF-derived carbons as a result of the formation of
      micropores smaller than 1 nm. 

PMID- 27128346
TI  - Efficient Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrobenzene by Defect-Engineered TiO2-x
      Single Crystals.
AB  - TiO2 is a typical semiconductor and has been extensively used as an effective
      photocatalyst for environmental pollution control. But it could not be used as an
      electrochemical reductive catalyst because of its low electric conductivity and
      electrocatalytic activity. In this work, however, we demonstrate that TiO2 can
      act as an excellent cathodic electrocatalyst when its crystal shape, exposed
      facet and oxygen-stoichiometry are finely tailored by the local geometric and
      electronic structures. The defect-engineered TiO2-x single crystals dominantly
      exposed by high-energy {001} facets exhibits a high cathodic activity and great
      stability for electrochemical reduction of nitrobenzene, a typical refractory
      pollutant with high toxicity in environment. The single crystalline structure,
      the high-energy {001} facet and the defective oxygen vacancy of the defect
      engineered TiO2-x single crystals are found to be mainly responsible for their
      cathodic superiority. With the findings in this work, a more practical non-Pd
      cathodic electrocatalyst could be prepared and applied for electrocatalytic
      reduction of refractory pollutants in water and wastewater, and extend the
      promising applications of TiO2 in the fields of environmental science.

PMID- 27128347
TI  - Exposure to Fine Particulate Air Pollution Causes Vascular Insulin Resistance by
      Inducing Pulmonary Oxidative Stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to ambient air fine
      particulate matter (PM2.5) increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and
      cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects of PM2.5
      remain unclear. OBJECTIVES: We tested the hypothesis that PM2.5 exposure
      decreases vascular insulin sensitivity by inducing pulmonary oxidative stress.
      METHODS: Mice fed control (10-13% kcal fat) and high-fat (60% kcal fat, HFD)
      diets, treated with 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPOL) or
      mice overexpressing lung-specific extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) were
      exposed to HEPA-filtered air or to concentrated PM2.5 (CAP) for 9 or 30 days, and
      changes in systemic and organ-specific insulin sensitivity and inflammation were
      measured. RESULTS: In control diet-fed mice, exposure to CAP for 30 days
      decreased insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in lung, heart, and aorta but
      not in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and liver and did not affect adiposity or
      systemic glucose tolerance. In HFD-fed mice, 30-day CAP exposure suppressed
      insulin-stimulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation in
      skeletal muscle and increased adipose tissue inflammation and systemic glucose
      intolerance. In control diet-fed mice, a 9-day CAP exposure was sufficient to
      suppress insulin-stimulated Akt and eNOS phosphorylation and to decrease
      IkappaBalpha (inhibitor of the transcription factor NF-kappaB levels in the
      aorta. Treatment with the antioxidant TEMPOL or lung-specific overexpression of
      ecSOD prevented CAP-induced vascular insulin resistance and inflammation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Short-term exposure to PM2.5 induces vascular insulin resistance and
      inflammation triggered by a mechanism involving pulmonary oxidative stress.
      Suppression of vascular insulin signaling by PM2.5 may accelerate the progression
      to systemic insulin resistance, particularly in the context of diet-induced
      obesity. Citation: Haberzettl P, O'Toole TE, Bhatnagar A, Conklin DJ. 2016.
      Exposure to fine particulate air pollution causes vascular insulin resistance by
      inducing pulmonary oxidative stress. Environ Health Perspect 124:1830-1839;
      http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP212.

PMID- 27128348
TI  - Earth Abundant Iron-Rich N-Doped Graphene Based Spacer and Cavity Materials for
      Surface Plasmon-Coupled Emission Enhancements.
AB  - We demonstrate for the first time the use of Fe-based nanoparticles on N-doped
      graphene as spacer and cavity materials and study their plasmonic effect on the
      spontaneous emission of a radiating dipole. Fe-C-MF was produced by pyrolizing
      FeOOH and melamine formaldehyde precursor on graphene, while Fe-C-PH was produced
      by pyrolizing the Fe-phenanthroline complex on graphene. The use of the Fe-C-MF
      composite consisting of Fe-rich crystalline phases supported on N-doped graphene
      presented a spacer material with 116-fold fluorescence enhancements. On the other
      hand, the Fe-C-PH/Ag based cavity resulted in an 82-fold enhancement in Surface
      Plasmon-Coupled Emission (SPCE), with high directionality and polarization of
      Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) emission owing to Casimir and Purcell effects. The use of a
      mobile phone as a cost-effective fluorescence detection device in the present
      work opens up a flexible perspective for the study of different nanomaterials as
      tunable substrates in cavity mode and spacer applications.

PMID- 27128349
TI  - Evolution of coreceptor utilization to escape CCR5 antagonist therapy.
AB  - The HIV-1 envelope interacts with coreceptors CCR5 and CXCR4 in a dynamic, multi
      step process, its molecular details not clearly delineated. Use of CCR5
      antagonists results in tropism shift and therapeutic failure. Here we describe a
      novel approach using full-length patient-derived gp160 quasispecies libraries
      cloned into HIV-1 molecular clones, their separation based on phenotypic tropism
      in vitro, and deep sequencing of the resultant variants for structure-function
      analyses. Analysis of functionally validated envelope sequences from patients who
      failed CCR5 antagonist therapy revealed determinants strongly associated with
      coreceptor specificity, especially at the gp120-gp41 and gp41-gp41 interaction
      surfaces that invite future research on the roles of subunit interaction and
      envelope trimer stability in coreceptor usage. This study identifies important
      structure-function relationships in HIV-1 envelope, and demonstrates proof of
      concept for a new integrated analysis method that facilitates laboratory
      discovery of resistant mutants to aid in development of other therapeutic agents.

PMID- 27128350
TI  - Structural basis for the dimerization and substrate recognition specificity of
      porcine epidemic diarrhea virus 3C-like protease.
AB  - Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), a member of the genus Alphacoronavirus,
      has caused significant damage to the Asian and American pork industries.
      Coronavirus 3C-like protease (3CL(pro)), which is involved in the processing of
      viral polyproteins for viral replication, is an appealing antiviral drug target.
      Here, we present the crystal structures of PEDV 3CL(pro) and a molecular complex
      between an inactive PEDV 3CL(pro) variant C144A bound to a peptide substrate.
      Structural characterization, mutagenesis and biochemical analysis reveal the
      substrate-binding pockets and the residues that comprise the active site of PEDV
      3CL(pro). The dimerization of PEDV 3CL(pro) is similar to that of other
      Alphacoronavirus 3CL(pro)s but has several differences from that of SARS-CoV
      3CL(pro) from the genus Betacoronavirus. Furthermore, the non-conserved motifs in
      the pockets cause different cleavage of substrate between PEDV and SARS-CoV
      3CL(pro)s, which may provide new insights into the recognition of substrates by
      3CL(pro)s in various coronavirus genera.

PMID- 27128352
TI  - Microbial hitchhikers on marine plastic debris: Human exposure risks at bathing
      waters and beach environments.
AB  - Marine plastic debris is well characterized in terms of its ability to negatively
      impact terrestrial and marine environments, endanger coastal wildlife, and
      interfere with navigation, tourism and commercial fisheries. However, the impacts
      of potentially harmful microorganisms and pathogens colonising plastic litter are
      not well understood. The hard surface of plastics provides an ideal environment
      for opportunistic microbial colonisers to form biofilms and might offer a
      protective niche capable of supporting a diversity of different microorganisms,
      known as the "Plastisphere". This biotope could act as an important vector for
      the persistence and spread of pathogens, faecal indicator organisms (FIOs) and
      harmful algal bloom species (HABs) across beach and bathing environments. This
      review will focus on the existent knowledge and research gaps, and identify the
      possible consequences of plastic-associated microbes on human health, the spread
      of infectious diseases and bathing water quality. 

PMID- 27128351
TI  - Viral genome imaging of hepatitis C virus to probe heterogeneous viral infection
      and responses to antiviral therapies.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive single-stranded RNA virus of enormous
      global health importance, with direct-acting antiviral therapies replacing an
      immunostimulatory interferon-based regimen. The dynamics of HCV positive and
      negative-strand viral RNAs (vRNAs) under antiviral perturbations have not been
      studied at the single-cell level, leaving a gap in our understanding of antiviral
      kinetics and host-virus interactions. Here, we demonstrate quantitative imaging
      of HCV genomes in multiple infection models, and multiplexing of positive and
      negative strand vRNAs and host antiviral RNAs. We capture the varying kinetics
      with which antiviral drugs with different mechanisms of action clear HCV
      infection, finding the NS5A inhibitor daclatasvir to induce a rapid decline in
      negative-strand viral RNAs. We also find that the induction of host antiviral
      genes upon interferon treatment is positively correlated with viral load in
      single cells. This study adds smFISH to the toolbox available for analyzing the
      treatment of RNA virus infections.

PMID- 27128353
TI  - Bioresorbable vascular scaffold in patients with complex coronary artery disease.
AB  - The advent of fully bioresorbable stent technology is heralded as breakthrough
      technology in the current era of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).
      Bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) have the potential to introduce a paradigm shift in
      interventional cardiology, representing an anatomical and functional "vascular
      restoration" therapy instead of an artificial stiff tube encased by persistent
      metallic foreign body. Among BRS, the everolimus-eluting scaffold (ABSORB, Abbott
      Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) has been the most extensively investigated in
      clinical studies. The use of ABSORB in the treatment of relatively simple lesions
      appears to provide a similar degree of safety and efficacy compared with metallic
      drug-eluting stent (DES) treated under randomized trials conditions, but patients
      treated in real-world practice are far more complex than those included in
      randomized trials. Therefore, several ABSORB all-comers registries dealing with
      real world conditions are being performed. Their currently available results are
      summarized in the present overview. 

PMID- 27128354
TI  - Frequent detection of HCV RNA and HCVcoreAg in stool of patients with chronic
      hepatitis C.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: HCV is transmitted mainly by parenteral routes.
      However, unprotected anal intercourse has also been identified as a risk factor
      for HCV infection. HCV RNA can be detected in blood, saliva, and bile, but the
      presence of HCV in stool has not been investigated yet. STUDY DESIGN: Therefore,
      stool samples of 98 patients were collected prospectively. Specific HCV primers
      were used to identify samples positive for HCV RNA. HCV RNA-positive samples were
      tested for HCVcoreAg with the Architect HCVAg assay (Abbott). Presence of occult
      blood was investigated by the hemoCARE guajak test. Viral stability and
      infectivity of recombinant HCV particles was investigated in vitro by incubation
      of genotype 2a chimeric virus Jc1 with bile and stool suspensions. RESULTS: HCV
      RNA could be detected in 68 out of 98 stool samples from patients with chronic
      hepatitis C and 16 samples also tested positive for HCVcoreAg. Presence of HCV
      RNA in stool was more frequent in male than in female and in patients with low
      platelet counts but was not associated with the detection of occult blood. Stool
      suspensions and to a lesser extent bile reduced the in vitro infectivity of
      genotype 2a chimeric Jc1 virus even though infection of Huh7 cells was not
      completely abrogated. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study shows for the first
      time that HCV can frequently be detected in stool samples of chronically infected
      patients irrespective of occult bleeding. We suggest that stool can be a
      potential source for HCV infection and thus unprotected anal intercourse should
      be avoided.

PMID- 27128355
TI  - Confirmed Zika virus infection in a Belgian traveler returning from Guatemala,
      and the diagnostic challenges of imported cases into Europe.
AB  - We report the first laboratory-confirmed Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in a Belgian
      traveler after a three week holiday in Guatemala, December 2015. This case along
      with other imported cases into Europe emphases once again the need for accurate
      diagnostic tools for this rapidly emerging virus. The challenge is to diagnose
      patients in the acute phase, which appears short, as serological testing is
      complicated by cross-reactivity, vaccination status and scarce availability of
      specific ZIKV tests.

PMID- 27128356
TI  - Mechanism, synthesis and modification of nano zerovalent iron in water treatment.
AB  - Owing to its strong reducing ability, high reaction activity, excellent
      adsorption properties, good mobility and relatively low cost, nano zerovalent
      iron (nZVI) is an extremely promising nanomaterial for use in water treatment. In
      this paper, the working mechanisms of nZVI in the degradation of various
      contaminants in water are outlined and discussed. Synthesis methods and their
      respective advantages and disadvantages are discussed in detail. Furthermore, a
      variety of modification methods which have been developed to improve the mobility
      and stability of nZVI as well as to facilitate the separation of nZVI from
      degraded systems are also summarized and discussed. Numerous studies indicate
      that nZVI has considerable potential to become an efficient, versatile and
      practical approach for large-scale water treatment. 

PMID- 27128357
TI  - The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral
      Analysis System of Psychotherapy added to Treatment as Usual on suicidal ideation
      in chronic depression: Results of a randomized-clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suicidal ideation (SI) is common in chronic depression, but only
      limited evidence exists for the assumption that psychological treatments for
      depression are effective for reducing SI. METHODS: In the present study, the
      effects of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT; group version) plus
      treatment-as-usual (TAU: individual treatment by either a psychiatrist or a
      licensed psychotherapist, including medication when indicated) and Cognitive
      Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP; group version) plus TAU on SI
      was compared to TAU alone in a prospective, bi-center, randomized controlled
      trial. The sample consisted of 106 outpatients with chronic depression. RESULTS:
      Multivariate regression analyses revealed different results, depending on whether
      SI was assessed via self-report (Beck Depression Inventory suicide item) or via
      clinician rating (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale suicide item). Whereas
      significant reduction of SI emerged when assessed via clinician rating in the
      MBCT and CBASP group, but not in the TAU group while controlling for changes in
      depression, there was no significant effect of treatment on SI when assessed via
      self-report. LIMITATIONS: SI was measured with only two single items.
      CONCLUSIONS: Because all effects were of small to medium size and were
      independent of effects from other depression symptoms, the present results
      warrant the application of such psychotherapeutical treatment strategies like
      MBCT and CBASP for SI in patients with chronic depression.

PMID- 27128358
TI  - Psychoeducation in bipolar disorder with a SIMPLe smartphone application:
      Feasibility, acceptability and satisfaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During the last fifteen years, the possibility of delivering
      psychoeducation programs through Internet-based platforms have been explored.
      Studies evaluating those programs have shown good to acceptable retention rates.
      In this context, we developed a smartphone application (SIMPLe) collecting
      information about mood symptoms and offering personalized psychoeducation
      messages. The main aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility,
      acceptability and satisfaction of the smartphone application. METHODS: The study
      was conducted from March to August 2015. Participation in the study was proposed
      to a consecutive sample of adult patients attending an outpatient mental health
      clinic. Sociodemographic data, clinical and functional assessments alongside
      smartphone ownership and uses were collected at baseline and at 3 months' follow
      up. A 5 item Likert-scale satisfaction questionnaire was also employed. RESULTS:
      51 participants were initially enrolled in the study, 36 (74%) remained actively
      using the application after 3 months. The whole sample interacted with the
      application a mean of 77 days (SD=26.2). During these days they completed 88% of
      the daily tests. Over 86% of the participants agreed that the experience using
      the application was satisfactory. LIMITATIONS: The diversity of smartphones
      operating systems led to a moderate, although representative, sample number.
      Additionally, the subjective data reporting, narrow time frame of use and
      stability of the patients could have affected the results. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results confirm that this particular intervention is feasible and represent a
      satisfactory and acceptable instrument for the self-management of bipolar
      disorder as an add-on to the usual treatment but future clinical trials must
      still probe its efficacy.

PMID- 27128359
TI  - Differential endorsement of suicidal ideation and attempt in bipolar versus
      unipolar depression: a testlet response theory analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Published data concerning differences in suicide risk across the mood
      disorders spectrum remain mixed. The current study used testlet response theory
      methods to evaluate differences in the endorsement of suicidal ideation and
      attempt in an epidemiological sample of individuals with bipolar and unipolar
      depression. METHOD: Participants with lifetime history of bipolar I (n=1154),
      bipolar II (n=494), and unipolar (n=5695) depression were drawn from the National
      Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, which included 4
      structured queries concerning suicidal ideation/attempt. We estimated
      differential item functioning between groups with a 2-pl parametric item response
      model. RESULTS: Endorsement of suicide items increased as a function of
      underlying depression severity. Equating for severity, endorsement of suicidal
      ideation and attempt was generally more frequent in bipolar versus unipolar
      depression, and in bipolar I versus bipolar II depression. Yet findings were not
      consistent across all suicide items, and differences were small in magnitude.
      LIMITATIONS: The NESARC relied upon lifetime endorsement of suicide items, and
      suicide risk was only evaluated within the context of a major depressive episode.
      Thus, this study could not evaluate endorsement of suicide items within the
      context of (hypo)manic or mixed states. CONCLUSION: Although there were some
      group differences, patterns of item endorsement were more similar than different.
      These data support a transdiagnostic model of suicide that emphasizes underlying
      depression severity over mood disorder class.

PMID- 27128360
TI  - Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms add risk to circadian rhythm
      sleep problems in depression and anxiety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comorbid ADHD symptoms may partly account for circadian rhythm
      disturbances in depression and anxiety disorders. METHODS: Self-reported sleep
      characteristics of 2090 participants in the Netherlands Study of Depression and
      Anxiety were assessed using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. We defined 3
      groups: healthy controls (HC), persons with lifetime depression and/or anxiety
      disorders (LDA), and those with both LDA and high ADHD symptoms (LDA+ADHD), using
      the Conner's Adult ADHD Rating Scale. RESULTS: Sleep characteristics were least
      favorable in the LDA+ADHD group. Important group differences between LDA+ADHD,
      LDA and HC were found for extremely late chronotype (12% vs. 5% vs. 3%; p<.001),
      sleep duration <6h (15% vs. 5% vs. 4%; p<.001), and for an indication of the
      Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome (DSPS; 16% vs. 8% vs. 5%; p<.001). After adjustment
      for covariates, including depression and anxiety, presence of ADHD symptoms
      increased the odds ratio for late chronotype (OR=2.6; p=.003), indication of DSPS
      (OR=2.4; p=.002), and sleep duration <6h (OR=2.7; p=.007). LIMITATIONS: ADHD
      conceptually overlaps with symptom presentation of depression and anxiety. We
      used a cross-sectional study design, and used self reported sleep
      characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: High ADHD symptoms were associated with an
      increased rate of circadian rhythm sleep disturbances in an already at-risk
      population of people with depression and/or anxiety disorders. Circadian rhythm
      sleep disorders, as often seen in ADHD are not entirely due to any comorbid
      depression and/or anxiety disorder. Adequate treatment of such sleep problems is
      needed and may prevent serious health conditions in the long term.

PMID- 27128361
TI  - Electronic Structure and Thermochemical Parameters of the Silicon-Doped Boron
      Clusters BnSi, with n = 8-14, and Their Anions.
AB  - We performed a systematic investigation on silicon-doped boron clusters BnSi (n =
      8-14) in both neutral and anionic states using quantum chemical methods.
      Thermochemical properties of the lowest-lying isomers of BnSi(0/-) clusters such
      as total atomization energies, heats of formation at 0 and 298 K, average binding
      energies, dissociation energies, etc. were evaluated by using the composite G4
      method. The growth pattern for BnSi(0/-) with n = 8-14 is established as follows:
      (i) BnSi(0/-) clusters tend to be constructed by substituting B atom by Si-atom
      or adding one Si-impurity into the parent Bn clusters with n to be even number,
      and (ii) Si favors an external position of the Bn frameworks. Our theoretical
      results reveal that B8Si, B9Si(-), B10Si and B13Si(-) are systems with enhanced
      stability due to having high average binding energies, second-order difference in
      energies and dissociation energies. Especially, by analyzing the MOs, ELF, and
      ring current maps, the enhanced stability of B8Si can be rationalized in terms of
      a triple aromaticity. 

PMID- 27128362
TI  - Textile Functionalization and Its Effects on the Release of Silver Nanoparticles
      into Artificial Sweat.
AB  - This study addresses the release of total silver (Ag) and silver nanoparticles
      (Ag-NPs) from textiles into artificial sweat, particularly considering the
      functionalization technology used in textile finishing. Migration experiments
      were conducted for four commercially available textiles and for six laboratory
      prepared textiles. Two among these lab-prepared textiles represent materials in
      which Ag-NPs were embedded within the textile fibers (composites), whereas the
      other lab-prepared textiles contain Ag particles on the respective fiber surfaces
      (coatings). The results indicate a smaller release of total Ag from composites in
      comparison to surface-coated textiles. The particulate fraction determined within
      the artificial sweat was negligible for most textiles, meaning that the majority
      of the released Ag is present as dissolved Ag. It is also relevant to note that
      nanotextiles do not release more particulate Ag than conventional Ag textiles.
      The results rather indicate that the functionalization type is the most important
      parameter affecting the migration. Furthermore, after measuring different Ag-NP
      types in their pristine form with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in
      the single particle mode, there is evidence that particle modifications, like
      surface coating, may also influence the dissolution behavior of the Ag-NPs in the
      sweat solutions. These factors are important when discussing the likelihood of
      consumer exposure.

PMID- 27128363
TI  - Polymeric Framboidal Nanoparticles Loaded with a Carbon Monoxide Donor via
      Phenylboronic Acid-Catechol Complexation.
AB  - Carbon monoxide (CO) is an essential gaseous signaling molecule in the human
      body. Toward the controlled delivery of CO to the target tissues or cells,
      nanomaterial-based CO donors have attracted growing attention. Here, we present
      CO-releasing polymeric nanoparticles (CONPs) prepared by simple mixing of
      phenylboronic acid-containing framboidal nanoparticles with the catechol-bearing
      CO-donor Ru(CO)3Cl(L-DOPA) via phenylboronic acid-catechol complexation. The
      CONPs release CO in response to cysteine and suppress the production of the pro
      inflammatory mediators interleukin 6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) in
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages. This CONP platform may
      show promise in therapeutic applications of CO.

PMID- 27128364
TI  - Characterization of the binding of an anticancer drug, lapatinib to human serum
      albumin.
AB  - Interaction of a promising anticancer drug, lapatinib (LAP) with the major
      transport protein in human blood circulation, human serum albumin (HSA) was
      investigated using fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy as well
      as molecular docking analysis. LAP-HSA complex formation was evident from the
      involvement of static quenching mechanism, as revealed by the fluorescence
      quenching data analysis. The binding constant, Ka value in the range of 1.49
      1.01*10(5)M(-1), obtained at three different temperatures was suggestive of the
      intermediate binding affinity between LAP and HSA. Thermodynamic analysis of the
      binding data (?H=-9.75kJmol(-1) and ?S=+65.21Jmol(-1)K(-1)) suggested involvement
      of both hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding in LAP-HSA interaction,
      which were in line with the molecular docking results. LAP binding to HSA led to
      the secondary and the tertiary structural alterations in the protein as evident
      from the far-UV and the near-UV CD spectral analysis, respectively.
      Microenvironmental perturbation around Trp and Tyr residues in HSA upon LAP
      binding was confirmed from the three-dimensional fluorescence spectral results.
      LAP binding to HSA improved the thermal stability of the protein. LAP was found
      to bind preferentially to the site III in subdomain IB on HSA, as probed by the
      competitive drug displacement results and supported by the molecular docking
      results. The effect of metal ions on the binding constant between LAP and HSA was
      also investigated and the results showed a decrease in the binding constant in
      the presence of these metal ions. 

PMID- 27128365
TI  - Low-Temperature Oxidation-Free Selective Laser Sintering of Cu Nanoparticle Paste
      on a Polymer Substrate for the Flexible Touch Panel Applications.
AB  - Copper nanomaterials suffer from severe oxidation problem despite the huge cost
      effectiveness. The effect of two different processes for conventional tube
      furnace heating and selective laser sintering on copper nanoparticle paste is
      compared in the aspects of chemical, electrical and surface morphology. The
      thermal behavior of the copper thin films by furnace and laser is compared by
      SEM, XRD, FT-IR, and XPS analysis. The selective laser sintering process ensures
      low annealing temperature, fast processing speed with remarkable oxidation
      suppression even in air environment while conventional tube furnace heating
      experiences moderate oxidation even in Ar environment. Moreover, the laser
      sintered copper nanoparticle thin film shows good electrical property and reduced
      oxidation than conventional thermal heating process. Consequently, the proposed
      selective laser sintering process can be compatible with plastic substrate for
      copper based flexible electronics applications.

PMID- 27128366
TI  - Characterization of Grain Quality and Starch Fine Structure of Two Japonica Rice
      (Oryza Sativa) Cultivars with Good Sensory Properties at Different Temperatures
      during the Filling Stage.
AB  - Temperature during the growing season is a critical factor affecting grain
      quality. High temperatures at grain filling affect kernel development, resulting
      in reduced yield, increased chalkiness, reduced amylose content, and poor milling
      quality. Here, we investigated the grain quality and starch structure of two
      japonica rice cultivars with good sensory properties grown at different
      temperatures during the filling stage under natural field conditions. Compared to
      those grown under normal conditions, rice grains grown under hot conditions
      showed significantly reduced eating and cooking qualities, including a higher
      percentage of grains with chalkiness, lower protein and amylose contents, and
      higher pasting properties. Under hot conditions, rice starch contained reduced
      long-chain amylose (MW 10(7.1) to 10(7.4)) and significantly fewer short-chain
      amylopectin (DP 5-12) but more intermediate- (DP 13-34) and long- (DP 45-60)
      chain amylopectin than under normal conditions, as well as higher crystallinity
      and gelatinization properties. 

PMID- 27128367
TI  - Intracerebroventricular Infusion of Angiotensin-(1-7) Ameliorates Cognitive
      Impairment and Memory Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - This work was performed to test our hypothesis that angiotensin-(1-7) can
      ameliorate cognitive impairment and cerebrovascular reactivity in 5XFAD mice, a
      useful model of Alzheimer's disease. 5XFAD mice received intracerebroventricular
      infusion of (1) vehicle, (2) angiotensin-(1-7), or (3) angiotensin-(1-7)+A779, a
      specific Mas receptor antagonist, for 4 weeks. Angiotensin-(1-7), through Mas
      receptor, significantly ameliorated cognitive impairment in 5XFAD mice. As
      estimated by acetazolamide-induced increase in cerebral blood flow, angiotensin
      (1-7), through Mas receptor, enhanced cerebrovascular reactivity in 5XFAD mice.
      In conclusion, angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis improves cognitive function
      and cerebrovascular function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27128368
TI  - Attitudes and Perceptions of Research in Aging and Dementia in an Urban Minority
      Population.
AB  - In dementia trials, minority participation is low. We assessed attitudes toward
      research in a community based urban poor minority sample of elderly adults
      attending senior center talks using the 7-item Research Attitudes Questionnaire
      (RAQ). Presentations on cognitive aging were given at senior centers, and 123
      attendees completed the RAQ-7. On trust and safety questions, a significant
      minority (42-48%) responded neutrally or negatively. Encouragingly, on questions
      concerning the importance of research, 72-81% answered positively. More work can
      be done to capitalize on these findings to engage and foster trust, and this can
      be a focus of outreach.

PMID- 27128369
TI  - The Role of Physical Fitness in the Neurocognitive Performance of Task Switching
      in Older Persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
AB  - Although elderly people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) have been
      found to show impaired behavioral performance in task switching, no research has
      yet explored the electrophysiological mechanisms and the potential correlation
      between physical fitness and neurocognitive (i.e., behavioral and
      electrophysiological) performance in aMCI. The present study was thus aimed to
      examine whether there are differences in electrophysiological (i.e., event
      related potential) performance between aMCI participants and controls when
      performing a task-switching paradigm, and to investigate the role of physical
      fitness in the relationship between neurocognitive performance and aMCI. Sixty
      participants were classified into aMCI (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups, and
      performed a task-switching paradigm with concomitant electrophysiological
      recording, as well as underwent senior functional physical fitness tests. The
      aMCI group showed comparable scores on most parts of the physical fitness tests,
      but reduced lower body flexibility and VO2max as compared to the control group.
      When performing the task-switching paradigm, the aMCI group showed slower
      reaction times in the heterogeneous condition and larger global switching costs,
      although no significant difference was observed in accuracy rates between the two
      groups. In addition, the aMCI group showed significantly prolonged P3 latencies
      in the homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions, and a smaller P3 amplitude only
      in the heterogeneous condition. The level of cardiorespiratory fitness was
      significantly correlated with P3 amplitude in the aMCI group, particularly in the
      heterogeneous condition of the task-switching paradigm. These results show that
      the aMCI group exhibited abnormalities in their neurocognitive performance when
      performing the task-switching paradigm and such a deficit was likely associated
      with reduced cardiorespiratory fitness, which was shown to be the important
      predictor of neurocognitive performance.

PMID- 27128370
TI  - Altered Energy Metabolism Pathways in the Posterior Cingulate in Young Adult
      Apolipoprotein E E4 Carriers.
AB  - The APOE gene, encoding apolipoprotein E, is the primary genetic risk factor for
      late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Apolipoprotein E E4 allele (APOE4) carriers
      have alterations in brain structure and function (as measured by brain imaging)
      even as young adults. Examination of this population is valuable in further
      identifying details of these functional changes and their association with
      vulnerability to AD decades later. Previous work demonstrates functional declines
      in mitochondrial activity in the posterior cingulate cortex, a key region in the
      default mode network, which appears to be strongly associated with functional
      changes relevant to AD risk. Here, we demonstrate alterations in the pathways
      underlying glucose, ketone, and mitochondrial energy metabolism. Young adult
      APOE4 carriers displayed upregulation of specific glucose (GLUT1 & GLUT3) and
      monocarboxylate (MCT2) transporters, the glucose metabolism enzyme hexokinase,
      the SCOT & AACS enzymes involved in ketone metabolism, and complexes I, II, and
      IV of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. The monocarboxylate transporter
      (MCT4) was found to be downregulated in APOE4 carriers. These data suggest that
      widespread dysregulation of energy metabolism in this at-risk population, even
      decades before possible disease onset. Therefore, these findings support the idea
      that alterations in brain energy metabolism may contribute significantly to the
      risk that APOE4 confers for AD.

PMID- 27128371
TI  - Memory Impairment at Initial Clinical Presentation in Posterior Cortical Atrophy.
AB  - Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is characterized by core visuospatial and
      visuoperceptual deficits, and predominant atrophy in the parieto-occipital
      cortex. The most common underlying pathology is Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      Existing diagnostic criteria suggest that episodic memory is relatively
      preserved. The aim of this study was to examine memory performance at initial
      clinical presentation in PCA, compared to early-onset AD patients (EOAD). 15 PCA
      patients and 32 EOAD patients, and 34 healthy controls were entered into the
      study. Patients were tested on the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-R),
      consisting of subscales in memory and visuospatial skills. PCA and EOAD patients
      were significantly impaired compared to controls on the ACE total score (p <
      0.001), visuospatial skills (p < 0.001), and memory (p < 0.001). Consistent with
      the salient diagnostic deficits, PCA patients were significantly more impaired on
      visuospatial skills compared to EOAD patients (p < 0.001). However, there was no
      significant difference between patient groups in memory. Further analysis of
      learning, recall, and recognition components of the memory subscale showed that
      EOAD and PCA patients were significantly impaired compared to controls on all
      three components (p < 0.001), however, there was no significant difference
      between EOAD and PCA patients. The results of this study show that memory is
      impaired in the majority of PCA patients at clinical presentation. The findings
      suggest that memory impairment must be considered in assessment and management of
      PCA. Further study into memory in PCA is warranted, since the ACE-R is a brief
      screening tool and is likely to underestimate the presence of memory impairment.

PMID- 27128372
TI  - Novel Mutation (Gly212Val) in the PS2 Gene Associated with Early-Onset Familial
      Alzheimer's Disease.
AB  - Mutations in the presenilin 2 gene (PS2) are an extremely rare cause of early
      onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (AD), accounting for only 5% of
      these families. These cases represent a particular model of AD, and the scarcity
      of reports on their clinical phenotypes makes them of great interest. We report a
      family with early-onset autosomal dominant AD in four members, where the two
      living siblings were found to carry the novel PS2 mutation Gly212Val (exon 7,
      transmembrane domain IV) with highly predicted pathogenicity. Age at onset ranged
      from 60 to 65 years and three of the cases died between ages 74 and 76 years.
      Clinical phenotype was quite homogeneous among affected members of the family,
      and overall features, including cognitive decline, tau/p-tau and amyloid-beta
      cerebrospinal fluid markers, neuroimaging, and neuropathology were consistent
      with typical AD. Lewy bodies were present but restricted to the amygdala.

PMID- 27128373
TI  - Alzheimer's Disease Risk Genes and Lipid Regulators.
AB  - Brain lipid homeostasis plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and
      other neurodegenerative disorders. Aggregation of amyloid-beta peptide is one of
      the major events in AD. The complex interplay between lipids and amyloid-beta
      accumulation has been intensively investigated. The proportions of lipid
      components including phospholipids, sphingolipids, and cholesterol are roughly
      similar across different brain regions under physiological conditions. However,
      disruption of brain lipid homeostasis has been described in AD and implicated in
      disease pathogenesis. Moreover, studies suggest that analysis of lipid
      composition in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid could improve our understanding of
      the disease development and progression, which could potentially serve as disease
      biomarkers and prognostic indicators for AD therapies. Here, we summarize the
      functional roles of AD risk genes and lipid regulators that modulate brain lipid
      homeostasis including different lipid species, lipid complexes, and lipid
      transporters, particularly their effects on amyloid processing, clearance, and
      aggregation, as well as neuro-toxicities that contribute to AD pathogenesis.

PMID- 27128374
TI  - Perfusion Neuroimaging Abnormalities Alone Distinguish National Football League
      Players from a Healthy Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: National Football League (NFL) players are exposed to multiple head
      collisions during their careers. Increasing awareness of the adverse long-term
      effects of repetitive head trauma has raised substantial concern among players,
      medical professionals, and the general public. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether
      low perfusion in specific brain regions on neuroimaging can accurately separate
      professional football players from healthy controls. METHOD: A cohort of retired
      and current NFL players (n = 161) were recruited in a longitudinal study starting
      in 2009 with ongoing interval follow up. A healthy control group (n = 124) was
      separately recruited for comparison. Assessments included medical examinations,
      neuropsychological tests, and perfusion neuroimaging with single photon emission
      computed tomography (SPECT). Perfusion estimates of each scan were quantified
      using a standard atlas. We hypothesized that hypoperfusion particularly in the
      orbital frontal, anterior cingulate, anterior temporal, hippocampal, amygdala,
      insular, caudate, superior/mid occipital, and cerebellar sub-regions alone would
      reliably separate controls from NFL players. Cerebral perfusion differences were
      calculated using a one-way ANOVA and diagnostic separation was determined with
      discriminant and automatic linear regression predictive models. RESULTS: NFL
      players showed lower cerebral perfusion on average (p < 0.01) in 36 brain
      regions. The discriminant analysis subsequently distinguished NFL players from
      controls with 90% sensitivity, 86% specificity, and 94% accuracy (95% CI 95-99).
      Automatic linear modeling achieved similar results. Inclusion of age and clinical
      co-morbidities did not improve diagnostic classification. CONCLUSION: Specific
      brain regions commonly damaged in traumatic brain injury show abnormally low
      perfusion on SPECT in professional NFL players. These same regions alone can
      distinguish this group from healthy subjects with high diagnostic accuracy. This
      study carries implications for the neurological safety of NFL players.

PMID- 27128375
TI  - Resistance to root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp. in woody plants.
AB  - I. 42 II. 43 III. 44 IV. 47 V. 49 VI. 50 VII. 50 VIII. 50 IX. 52 52 References 52
      SUMMARY: Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) Meloidogyne spp. cause major damage to
      cultivated woody plants. Among them, Prunus, grapevine and coffee are the crops
      most infested by worldwide polyphagous species and species with a more limited
      distribution and/or narrower host range. The identification and characterization
      of natural sources of resistance are important steps to develop RKN control
      strategies. In woody crops, resistant rootstocks genetically different from the
      scion of agronomical interest may be engineered. We describe herein the
      interactions between RKNs and different woody crops, and highlight the plant
      species in which resistance and corresponding resistance (R) genes have been
      discovered. Even though grapevine and, to a lesser extent, coffee have a history
      of rootstock selection for RKN resistance, few cases of resistance have been
      documented. By contrast, in Prunus, R genes with different spectra have been
      mapped in plums, peach and almond and can be pyramided for durable resistance in
      interspecific rootstocks. We particularly discuss here the Ma Toll/interleukin-1
      receptor-like-nucleotide binding-leucine-rich repeat gene from Myrobalan plum,
      one of the longest plant R genes cloned to date, due to its unique biological and
      structural properties. RKN R genes in Prunus will enable us to carry out
      molecular studies aimed at improving our knowledge of plant immunity in woody
      plants.

PMID- 27128377
TI  - Taking a close look at electrosensing.
AB  - The brain of the brown ghost knifefish, which uses electric fields to "see",
      processes electrical signals in a way that is similar to how our brains interpret
      visual and auditory signals. 

PMID- 27128376
TI  - Neural correlations enable invariant coding and perception of natural stimuli in
      weakly electric fish.
AB  - Neural representations of behaviorally relevant stimulus features displaying
      invariance with respect to different contexts are essential for perception.
      However, the mechanisms mediating their emergence and subsequent refinement
      remain poorly understood in general. Here, we demonstrate that correlated neural
      activity allows for the emergence of an invariant representation of natural
      communication stimuli that is further refined across successive stages of
      processing in the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus. Importantly,
      different patterns of input resulting from the same natural communication
      stimulus occurring in different contexts all gave rise to similar behavioral
      responses. Our results thus reveal how a generic neural circuit performs an
      elegant computation that mediates the emergence and refinement of an invariant
      neural representation of natural stimuli that most likely constitutes a neural
      correlate of perception.

PMID- 27128378
TI  - Chirality-Selective Photoluminescence Enhancement of ssDNA-Wrapped Single-Walled
      Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Gold Nanoparticles.
AB  - In this work, a convenient method to enhance the photoluminescence (PL) of single
      walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in aqueous solutions is provided. Dispersing by
      single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and modifying with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), about
      tenfold PL enhancement of the SWNTs is observed. More importantly, the selective
      PL enhancement is achieved for some particular chiralities of interest over all
      other chiralities, by using certain specific ssDNA sequences that are reported to
      recognize these particular chiralities. By forming AuNP-DNA-SWNT nanohybrids,
      ssDNA serves as superior molecular spacers that on one hand protect SWNT from
      direct contacting with AuNP and causing PL quench, and on the other hand attract
      the AuNP in close proximity to the SWNT to enhance its PL. This PL enhancement
      method can be utilized for the PL analysis of SWNTs in aqueous solutions, for
      biomedical imaging, and may serve as a prescreening method for the recognition
      and separation of single chirality SWNTs by ssDNA. 

PMID- 27128379
TI  - Functional modulation of glycine receptors by the alkaloid gelsemine.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Gelsemine is one of the principal alkaloids produced by
      the Gelsemium genus of plants belonging to the Loganiaceae family. The extracts
      of these plants have been used for many years, for a variety of medicinal
      purposes. Coincidentally, recent studies have shown that gelsemine exerts
      anxiolytic and analgesic effects on behavioural models. Several lines of evidence
      have suggested that these beneficial actions were dependent on glycine receptors,
      which are inhibitory neurotransmitter-gated ion channels of the CNS. However, it
      is currently unknown whether gelsemine can directly modulate the function of
      glycine receptors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We examined the functional effects of
      gelsemine on glycine receptors expressed in transfected HEK293 cells and in
      cultured spinal neurons by electrophysiological techniques. KEY RESULTS:
      Gelsemine directly modulated recombinant and native glycine receptors and exerted
      conformation-specific and subunit-selective effects. Gelsemine modulation was
      voltage-independent and was associated with differential changes in the apparent
      affinity for glycine and in the open probability of the ion channel. In addition,
      the alkaloid preferentially targeted glycine receptors in spinal neurons and
      showed only minor effects on GABAA and AMPA receptors. Furthermore, gelsemine
      significantly diminished the frequency of glycinergic and glutamatergic synaptic
      events without altering the amplitude. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our results
      provide a pharmacological basis to explain, at least in part, the glycine
      receptor-dependent, beneficial and toxic effects of gelsemine in animals and
      humans. In addition, the pharmacological profile of gelsemine may open new
      approaches to the development of subunit-selective modulators of glycine
      receptors.

PMID- 27128380
TI  - Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer in a Blue Fluorescence Chromophore
      Induces Dual Emission.
AB  - Compared with green fluorescence protein (GFP) chromophores, the recently
      synthesized blue fluorescence protein (BFP) chromophore variant presents
      intriguing photochemical properties, for example, dual fluorescence emission,
      enhanced fluorescence quantum yield, and ultra-slow excited-state intramolecular
      proton transfer (ESIPT; J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 2014, 5, 92); however, its
      photochemical mechanism is still elusive. Herein we have employed the CASSCF and
      CASPT2 methods to study the mechanistic photochemistry of a truncated BFP
      chromophore variant in the S0 and S1 states. Based on the optimized minima,
      conical intersections, and minimum-energy paths (ESIPT, photoisomerization, and
      deactivation), we have found that the system has two competitive S1 relaxation
      pathways from the Franck-Condon point of the BFP chromophore variant. One is the
      ESIPT path to generate an S1 tautomer that exhibits a large Stokes shift in
      experiments. The generated S1 tautomer can further evolve toward the nearby S1
      /S0 conical intersection and then jumps down to the S0 state. The other is the
      photoisomerization path along the rotation of the central double bond. Along this
      path, the S1 system runs into an S1 /S0 conical intersection region and
      eventually hops to the S0 state. The two energetically allowed S1 excited-state
      deactivation pathways are responsible for the in-part loss of fluorescence
      quantum yield. The considerable S1 ESIPT barrier and the sizable barriers that
      separate the S1 tautomers from the S1 /S0 conical intersections make these two
      tautomers establish a kinetic equilibrium in the S1 state, which thus results in
      dual fluorescence emission. 

PMID- 27128381
TI  - Short-length ligamentum arteriosum as a cause of congenital narrowing of the left
      main stem bronchus.
AB  - An entity that has received little attention as cause or recurrent respiratory
      disorder is the narrowing of the left main stem bronchus. When not associated
      with congenital heart disorders, this condition has been ascribed to primary
      localized malacia of the bronchial cartilages or to the anterior displacement of
      the descending aorta in front to the adjacent vertebral bodies. Four girls were
      evaluated for recurrent/chronic respiratory symptoms. A pulsatile extrinsic
      compression on the posterior bronchial wall of the left main stem bronchus was
      detected, pressed between the descending aorta, posteriorly, and the left
      pulmonary artery, anteriorly. The two arteries were closely linked together by a
      short-length ligamentum that was resected, allowing the mobilization of the aorta
      with posterior aortopexy, stabilizing the space created between the pulmonary
      artery and the descending aorta. The reduced compression on the left main
      bronchus resulted in the enlargement of its caliber and in a marked improvement
      of the respiratory symptoms. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1356-1361. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27128382
TI  - Expanding Substrate Promiscuity by Engineering a Novel Adenylating-Methylating
      NRPS Bifunctional Enzyme.
AB  - Nonribosomal peptides synthetases (NRPSs), which are multifunctional mega-enzymes
      producing many biologically active metabolites, are ideal targets for enzyme
      engineering. NRPS adenylation domains play a critical role in
      selecting/activating the amino acids to be transferred to downstream NRPS domains
      in the biosynthesis of natural products. Both monofunctional and bifunctional A
      domains interrupted with an auxiliary domain are found in nature. Here, we show
      that a bifunctional interrupted A domain can be uninterrupted by deleting its
      methyltransferase auxiliary domain portion to make an active monofunctional
      enzyme. We also demonstrate that a portion of an auxiliary domain with almost no
      sequence identity to the original auxiliary domain can be insert into naturally
      interrupted A domain to develop a new active bifunctional A domain with increased
      substrate profile. This work shows promise for the creation of new interrupted A
      domains in engineered NRPS enzymes.

PMID- 27128383
TI  - Sequestration-Mediated Downregulation of de Novo Purine Biosynthesis by AMPK.
AB  - Dynamic partitioning of de novo purine biosynthetic enzymes into multienzyme
      compartments, purinosomes, has been associated with increased flux of de novo
      purine biosynthesis in human cells. However, we do not know of a mechanism by
      which de novo purine biosynthesis would be downregulated in cells. We have
      investigated the functional role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the
      regulation of de novo purine biosynthesis because of its regulatory action on
      lipid and carbohydrate biosynthetic pathways. Using pharmacological AMPK
      activators, we have monitored subcellular localizations of six pathway enzymes
      tagged with green fluorescent proteins under time-lapse fluorescence single-cell
      microscopy. We revealed that only one out of six pathway enzymes,
      formylglycinamidine ribonucleotide synthase (FGAMS), formed spatially distinct
      cytoplasmic granules after treatment with AMPK activators, indicating the
      formation of single-enzyme self-assemblies. In addition, subsequent biophysical
      studies using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching showed that the
      diffusion kinetics of FGAMS were slower when it localized inside the self
      assemblies than within the purinosomes. Importantly, high-performance liquid
      chromatographic studies revealed that the formation of AMPK-promoted FGAMS self
      assembly caused the reduction of purine metabolites in HeLa cells, indicating the
      downregulation of de novo purine biosynthesis. Collectively, we demonstrate here
      that the spatial sequestration of FGAMS by AMPK is a mechanism by which de novo
      purine biosynthesis is downregulated in human cells.

PMID- 27128384
TI  - Oxidative stress response of the aquatic macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata exposed
      to TiO2 nanoparticles.
AB  - The present study investigated the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles
      (TiO2 -NPs) on the oxidative stress response in Hydrilla verticillata.
      Macrophytes were exposed to different concentrations of TiO2 -NPs (0 mg/L, 0.01
      mg/L, 0.1 mg/L, 1 mg/L, and 10 mg/L) for 24 h, based on currently predicted
      levels of nano-TiO2 in surface waters. In addition, TiO2 -NPs with varying
      crystalline status were used to assess the potential influence of crystalline
      phases on oxidative stress responses. The level of hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ),
      reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG), and activities of the
      antioxidative enzymes peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase
      (GR) were measured and compared with a bulk counterpart. Although POD was not
      considered to be active, the results imply an activation of the enzymatic defense
      system, because increased CAT and GR activities were observed. Exposure to bulk
      TiO2 revealed lower enzyme activities at all exposure concentrations, suggesting
      a nano-specific influence on the antioxidative defense mechanisms in H.
      verticillata. Moreover, all TiO2 -NP concentrations resulted in a decreased
      GSH/GSSG ratio, indicating high GSH-dependent metabolic activity to protect
      against the destructive effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during
      nano-TiO2 exposure. As the level of H2 O2 was solely elevated after exposure to
      10 mg/L of P25, it appears plausible that the adaptive metabolic mechanisms of H.
      verticillata are able to cope with environmentally relevant concentrations of
      TiO2 -NPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2859-2866. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27128385
TI  - Novel Compound Heterozygous RTEL1 Gene Mutations in a Patient With Hoyeraal
      Hreidarsson Syndrome.

PMID- 27128386
TI  - Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 4 Antagonizes Osteoblast Differentiation Through
      Dishevelled.
AB  - The canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway plays a pivotal role and is
      essentially required for the osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. In
      this study, we found ubiquitin-specific peptidase 4 (USP4) to strongly inhibit
      the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling by removing Lysine-63 linked poly-ubiquitin chain
      from Dishevelled (Dvl). Ectopic expression of USP4 promoted beta-catenin poly
      ubiquitination and thus inhibited Wnt-induced accumulation of cytosolic beta
      catenin and counteracted Wnt-induced transcriptional activity. Moreover, USP4
      knockdown or USP4 knockout led to an increase in the active beta-catenin levels
      and in activation of Wnt/beta-catenin-induced transcription. Functional studies
      in C2C12 myoblasts and KS483 osteoprogenitor cells showed that ectopic expression
      of USP4 resulted in impaired activation of endogenous Wnt3a-induced genes and
      decreased osteoblast differentiation and mineralization, whereas USP4 depletion
      showed the opposite effect. These results identify USP4 as a novel regulator of
      Dvl in Wnt/beta-catenin signal and show its involvement in Wnt3a-induced
      osteoblast differentiation. (c) 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral
      Research.

PMID- 27128387
TI  - The Influence of Race on Short-term Outcomes After Laminectomy and/or Fusion
      Spine Surgery.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected clinical
      data. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of race on
      outcomes in patients undergoing elective laminectomy and/or fusion spine surgery.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Studies that have looked at the effect of race on
      spine surgery outcomes have failed to take into account baseline risk factors
      that may influence peri-operative outcomes. METHODS: We identified 48,493 adult
      patients who underwent elective spine surgery consisting of elective laminectomy
      and/or fusion, from 2006 to 2012, at hospitals participating in the American
      College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP), a
      prospectively collected, national clinical database with established
      reproducibility and validity. Pre- and intraoperative characteristics and 30-day
      outcomes were stratified by race. We used propensity scores to match African
      American and Caucasian patients on all pre- and intraoperative factors, including
      by principal diagnosis leading to surgery as well as surgery performed. We used
      regular and conditional logistic regression to predict the effect of race on
      adverse postoperative outcomes in the full sample and matched sample. RESULTS:
      Caucasians comprised 82% of our sample. We found no differences in the incidence
      of pre- and intraoperative factors when comparing Caucasian patients with all
      minority patients, and only minimal increased odds for prolonged length of length
      of hospitalization (LOS) and discharge with continued care. However, African
      American patients, who comprised 39% of our minority sample, had more
      preoperative comorbidities than Caucasian patients. Even after eliminating all
      differences between pre- and intraoperative factors between Caucasian and African
      American patients, African-American patients continued to have LOS that was, on
      average, one day longer than Caucasian patients. African-American patients also
      had higher odds for major complications [odds ratio (OR) = 1.3; 95% confidence
      interval (95% CI) 1.1-1.6], and to be discharged requiring continued care (OR =
      2.3; 95% CI 1.8-2.8). CONCLUSION: African-American race is independently
      associated with prolonged LOS, major complications, and a need to be discharged
      with continued care in patients undergoing elective spine surgery. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27128388
TI  - Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Treatment for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to
      evaluate the effectiveness of different types of surgery compared with different
      types of nonsurgical interventions in adults with symptomatic lumbar spinal
      stenosis (LSS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: LSS is a debilitating condition
      associated with degeneration of the spine with aging. People with LSS experience
      a range of symptoms, including back pain, leg pain, numbness and tingling in the
      legs, and reduced physical function. Main treatment options are surgery, physical
      therapy, exercise, braces, and injections into the spine. METHODS: We searched
      the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      five other databases, and two trials registries up to February 2015, reference
      lists, and conference proceedings related to treatment of the spine. Randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) compared surgical versus nonoperative treatments in
      participants with LSS.Outcomes included quality of life, disability, function,
      pain, complication rates, and side effects. RESULTS: From the 12,966 citations
      screened, we included five RCTs (643 participants).Three studies compared spine
      surgery versus various types of nonsurgical treatment. It is difficult to draw
      conclusions from these studies because nonsurgical treatments were inadequately
      described. One study that compared surgery versus bracing and exercise found no
      differences in pain. Another study compared surgery versus spinal injections and
      found better physical function with injections, and better pain relief with
      surgery at six weeks. Still another trial compared surgery with an implanted
      device versus nonsurgical care. This study reported favorable outcomes of surgery
      for symptoms and physical function. CONCLUSION: We cannot conclude on the basis
      of this review whether surgical or nonsurgical treatment is better for
      individuals with LSS. Nevertheless, we can report on the high rate of effects
      reported in three of five surgical groups, ranging from 10% to 24%. No side
      effects were reported for any of the conservative treatment options. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: 1.

PMID- 27128389
TI  - Results of Revision Surgery for Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Following Posterior
      Segmental Instrumentation: Minimum 2-Year Postrevision Follow-Up.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was
      to evaluate radiographic and patient-reported outcomes at minimum 2 years after
      revision surgery for proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), correlating these
      results with PJK etiology. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There are no studies
      detailing the results of revision surgery for PJK following posterior segmental
      instrumentation. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients treated with revision
      surgery after PJK above posterior fusions (25 women/7 men, average age at surgery
      60.6 yrs) were reviewed for radiographic and patient-reported outcomes (mean
      follow-up, 4.5 yrs; range, 2-10 yrs). Patients were subdivided into fracture (F)
      and nonfracture (NF) groups on the basis of PJK etiology. RESULTS: Radiographic
      severity of PJK improved significantly with revision surgery and was maintained
      at ultimate follow-up (P < 0.001). However, initial sagittal vertical axis (SVA)
      correction was not maintained through ultimate follow-up (P = 0.04). There were
      significant postrevision improvements in mean Oswestry scores (P < 0.001) and SRS
      total scores (P < 0.001) in all patients. In patients with pelvic incidence
      lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch < 11 degrees , final PJK measurement was smaller
      than in patients with mismatch >=11 degrees  (9.4 degrees  vs. 19.8 degrees , P =
      0.009). Six patients (19%) developed new postrevision PJK, with two (6%)
      requiring additional surgery. Patients who sustained PJK through a fracture had
      greater improvements in Oswestry (P = 0.004), total SRS (P = 0.04), pain (P <
      0.001), and satisfaction (P = 0.05) scores, although the fracture patients had
      less maintained SVA correction (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Revision surgery for PJK
      following posterior instrumentation achieved acceptable radiographic and clinical
      outcomes at minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients with PI-LL mismatch <11 degrees 
      experienced more ultimate PJK correction than patients with mismatch >=11 degrees
      . Although the NF group experienced more sustained correction of sagittal
      balance, the F group reported greater improvements in patient-reported outcomes.
      Ultimate clinical outcomes after revision surgery for PJK were similar between
      patients with and without compression fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27128390
TI  - Motor Control Exercise for Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Cochrane Review.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to
      evaluate the effectiveness of motor control exercise (MCE) in patients with
      nonspecific low back pain (LBP). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: MCE is a common form
      of exercise used for managing LBP. MCE focuses on the activation of the deep
      trunk muscles and targets the restoration of control and coordination of these
      muscles, progressing to more complex and functional tasks integrating the
      activation of deep and global trunk muscles. METHODS: We conducted electronic
      searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, five other databases, and two trials
      registers from their inception up to April 2015. Two independent review authors
      screened the search results, assessed risk of bias, and extracted the data. A
      third reviewer resolved any disagreement. We included randomized controlled
      trials comparing MCE with no treatment, another treatment, or as a supplement to
      other interventions in patients with nonspecific LBP. Primary outcomes were pain
      intensity and disability. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Back and
      Neck (CBN) Review Group 12-item criteria. We combined results in a meta-analysis
      expressed as mean difference and 95% confidence interval. We assessed the overall
      quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: We included 32 trials
      (n = 2628). Most included trials had a low risk of bias. For acute LBP, low to
      moderate quality evidence indicates no clinically important differences between
      MCE and spinal manipulative therapy or other forms of exercise. There is very low
      quality evidence that the addition of MCE to medical management does not provide
      clinically important improvements. For recurrence at one year, there is very low
      quality evidence that MCE and medical management decrease the risk of recurrence.
      For chronic LBP, there is low to moderate quality evidence that MCE is effective
      for reducing pain compared with minimal intervention. There is low to high
      quality evidence that MCE is not clinically more effective than other exercises
      or manual therapy. There is very low to low quality evidence that MCE is
      clinically more effective than exercise and electrophysical agents (EPAs) or
      telerehabilitation for pain and disability. CONCLUSION: MCE is probably more
      effective than a minimal intervention for reducing pain, but probably does not
      have an important effect on disability, in patients with chronic LBP. There was
      no clinically important difference between MCE and other forms of exercises or
      manual therapy for acute and chronic LBP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1.

PMID- 27128391
TI  - Efficacy of Diffusion Tensor Imaging Indices in Assessing Postoperative Neural
      Recovery in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to analyze the efficacy of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) anisotropy
      indices in predicting the postoperative recovery in cervical spondylotic
      myelopathy (CSM) patients and to describe postoperative changes in the DTI
      indices based on neurological recovery after surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:
      Surgical results of CSM are unpredictable and cannot be estimated based on
      preoperative MRI. DTI indices were found to have good sensitivity to detect
      changes in CSM, but their efficacy in predicting postoperative recovery and
      postoperative changes in DTI indices has not been studied before. METHODS: Thirty
      five patients who underwent surgical decompression for cervical spondylotic
      myelopathy underwent DTI evaluation preoperatively and postoperatively at 12
      months. DTI indices-fractional anisotropy, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC),
      relative anisotropy, volume ratio, and eigen vectors (E1, E2, and E3)-were
      obtained and clinical evaluations were made preoperatively and 12 months
      postoperatively. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were available for final follow-up
      at 12 months. Twenty patients showed improvement by at least 1 Nurick grade, five
      maintained the preoperative Nurick grade status and one patient was noted to have
      deterioration by 1 grade. The preoperative DTI values could not predict
      neurological recovery patterns postoperatively. Although conventional MRI showed
      adequate decompression in all patients irrespective of the clinical outcome, DTI
      indices showed variable results. There were significant improvements in
      postoperative DTI indices for ADC (P = 0.002), E1 (P < 0.001), and E2 (P = 0.012)
      values in patients who showed neurological recovery at 12 months. Postoperative
      DTI indices for coefficients ADC, E1, and E2 in neurologically static/worsened
      individuals remained unchanged or insignificant (P = 0.05) CONCLUSION.: The DTI
      indices were sensitive enough to indicate postoperative neurological recovery
      observed following surgery. Preoperative DTI evaluation could not predict
      postoperative recovery for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27128393
TI  - Behavior-Related Factors Associated With Low Back Pain in the US Adult
      Population.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This study is based on data from the 2009-2012 National Health
      Interview Survey (NHIS) of the civilian population of the United States. The NHIS
      focuses on a number of health conditions, including low back pain. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of this study is to explore behavior-related factors associated with
      low back pain in the US adult population, including leisure-time physical
      activity, alcohol use, tobacco use, sleep duration, and obesity. SUMMARY OF
      BACKGROUND DATA: Low back pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal health disorder
      with profound impact on individuals, business, and society. Addressing behavior
      related factors holds the potential to reduce the burden of low back pain on a
      societal basis. METHODS: To account for the complex sampling design of the NHIS,
      the Taylor linearized variance estimation methods were used to conduct weighted
      descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses in exploring
      the relationships between low back pain and a set of behavior-related risk
      factors. RESULTS: This study shows associations between self-reported lower back
      pain and reported leisure-time physical inactivity, current or former smoking,
      current or former alcohol drinking, short sleep duration, and obesity.
      CONCLUSION: This study identified a number of behavior-related factors that
      appear to have a significant relationship with low back pain. Public health
      policy makers and clinicians should consider these factors to reduce the burden
      of low back pain. This study supports the need for longitudinal study design in
      future research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

PMID- 27128394
TI  - Ipsilateral obturator type of hip dislocation with fracture shaft femur in a
      child: a case report and literature review.
AB  - The incidence of traumatic hip dislocations in children is rising in this fast
      developing world along with increasing numbers of high-velocity road traffic
      accidents. Anterior dislocation of the hip has a lower incidence compared with
      posterior dislocation of the hip. We encountered a rare case of the obturator
      type of anteriorly dislocated hip associated with ipsilateral fracture of the
      shaft femur in an 11-year-old child. This is a highly unusual injury combination
      and the mechanism of injury is obscure. Only two similar cases have been reported
      in the English literature to date. Closed reduction of the hip using a hitherto
      undescribed technique and an intramedullary interlocking nail was performed in
      this case. At 6 months of follow-up, the fracture shaft femur has united and the
      child is bearing full weight on the limb. 

PMID- 27128395
TI  - Probing Molecular Interactions of Asphaltenes in Heptol Using a Surface Forces
      Apparatus: Implications on Stability of Water-in-Oil Emulsions.
AB  - The behaviors and molecular interactions of asphaltenes are related to many
      challenging issues in oil production. In this study, the molecular interaction
      mechanism of asphaltenes in Heptol solvents of varying toluene/n-heptane ratio
      were directly measured using a surface forces apparatus (SFA). The results showed
      that the interactions between asphaltene surfaces gradually changed from pure
      repulsion to weak adhesion as the weight ratio of toluene (omega) in Heptol
      decreased from omega = 1 to 0. The measured repulsion was mainly due to the
      steric interactions between swelling asphaltene molecules and/aggregates. The
      micropipet technique was applied to test the stability of two water-in-oil
      emulsion droplets attached to glass pipettes. A computer-controlled 4-roll mill
      fluidic device was also built in-house to investigate the interaction of free
      suspending water-in-oil emulsions under dynamic flow conditions. Both micropipet
      and 4-roll mill fluidic tests demonstrate that asphaltenes adsorbed at oil/water
      interfaces play a critical role in stabilizing the emulsion drops, in agreement
      with the repulsion measured between asphaltene surfaces in toluene using SFA, and
      that interfacial sliding or shearing is generally required to destabilize the
      protective interfacial apshaltene layers which facilitates the coalescence of
      emulsion drops. Our results provide insights into the fundamental understanding
      of molecular interaction mechanisms of asphaltenes in organic solvents and
      stabilization/destabilization behaviors of water-in-oil emulsions with
      asphaltenes.

PMID- 27128396
TI  - [Tonsillectomy for PANDAS?].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with
      streptococcal infections (PANDAS) is a disease attributed to children with
      obsessive compulsive or tic disorders associated with streptococcal infections.
      Because otolaryngologists evaluate a large number of pediatric patients with
      recurrent streptococcal infections, tonsillectomy (TE) is a common option of
      therapy. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of tonsillectomy in
      patients presenting with a verified PANDAS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A PubMed
      research was performed using search terms "tonsillectomy" and "PANDAS", "OCD",
      "compulsive", "pediatric autoimmune", "Chorea" and "Tic" limited by publication
      date January 1, 1995 to July 31, 2015. Reviews without patients were not included
      in the review. RESULTS: Nine papers matched our search terms, including 6 case
      reports with 8 patients and 3 case series. Most case reports were in favor for
      TE, but this was by far not supported by the findings in the case series. The
      follow-up ranged form 2-36 months (case reports) and 24-36 months (case series).
      CONCLUSIONS: establishing the diagnosis of PANDAS is complicated by underlying co
      morbidities in the field of neurology-psychiatry and the lack of a reliable
      biomarker. The positive outcome after TE as reported in case studies may be
      influenced by the postoperative medication and is not supported by the results of
      large-scale studies. In the light of the considerable postoperative morbidity and
      unavoidable mortality rate it appears wise to indicate TE only in clinical
      studies with standardized inclusion criteria.

PMID- 27128397
TI  - [Evidence-Based and Evidence-lacking Therapies of Nasal Obstruction and
      Rhinosinusitis].
AB  - Therapeutic decisions in otorhinolaryngology are based on clinical experience,
      surgical skills and scientific evidence. Lately, evidence-based therapies have
      gained increased attention and importance due to their potential to improve
      individual patients treatments and their potential to at the same time reduce
      treatment costs. In clinical practice it is almost impossible to stay ahead of
      the increasing masses of literature and on the other hand to critically assess
      the presented data. A solid scientific and statistical knowledge as well as a
      significant amount of spare time are required to detect systematic bias and other
      errors in study designs, also with respect to assessing whether a study should be
      part of an individual therapeutic decision or not. Meta-analyses, reviews and
      clinical guidelines are therefore of increasing importance for evidence-based
      therapy in clinical practice.This review is an update of the availability of
      external evidence for the treatment of nasal obstruction and rhinosinusitis. It
      becomes evident that both groups of diseases differ significantly in the
      availability of external evidence. Furthermore, it becomes obvious that surgical
      treatment options are usually based on evidence of significantly lower quality
      than medical treatment options. 

PMID- 27128398
TI  - [Gaps of Evidence in ENT-Surgery - a Qualitative Survey].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As in other disciplines, the burgeoning knowledge in ENT medicine
      long ago surpassed our ability to adequately absorb it and maintain a proper
      overview. This can give rise to actual or assumed knowledge gaps that can impede
      the progress of the discipline and evidence-based treatment of patients. Clinics
      and medical practices also hold to traditional doctrines that shape day-to-day
      medicine, without these schools being challenged based on evidence. METHODS:
      Between February and June 2015, 160 ENT clinics, including 34 university
      hospitals, and 2,670 ENT practices took part in a two-arm online survey on
      existing or perceived evidentiary gaps in ENT medicine using a previously
      development questionnaire. The survey used for half the participants was open in
      form; the other half were given a closed survey with systematics of the field for
      orientation. The survey was augmented with additional data such as the number of
      publications and focus areas in the clinics and the age and type of practice of
      the established physicians. RESULTS: The return rate from the clinics was 39.7%;
      the return rate of the closed surveys was 29.3%. Of the physicians in medical
      practice, 14.6% responded to the closed and 18.6% to the open survey. There were
      no major differences between the two forms of survey. Otological and oncological
      issues comprised approximately 30% of the list of answers from clinics.
      Corresponding questions were formulated regarding the current diagnostic and
      therapeutic problems, such as with stage-related tumor treatment or implantable
      hearing aids. Diagnostic procedures, e.g., special new procedures in audiology
      and vestibulogy, dominated the surveys from the practices. However clinics and
      practices alike cited marginal areas of the discipline that are of daily
      relevance. DISCUSSION: The cited knowledge gaps then needed to be verified or
      refuted and clarified based on research of the literature as to whether the
      existing evidence actually reached healthcare providers in the form of
      guidelines, publications, conferences or continuing training for application in
      daily practice. Other steps would include prioritizing future research, evidence
      mapping, deciding on further systematic reviews, and targeted studies in
      conjunction with procuring third-party funding and in cooperation with patient
      associations. The knowledge thus gained should ultimately be transferred in
      improved form for application in daily clinical practice. Ten questions of key
      importance each needed to be formulated for the hospitals and practices.

PMID- 27128399
TI  - [Evidence and Evidence Gaps in the Treatment of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and
      Otitis Media].
AB  - Evidence-based medicine is an approach to medical treatment intended to optimise
      patient-oriented decision-making on the basis of empirically proven
      effectiveness. For this purpose, a classification system has been established to
      categorise studies - and hence therapy options - in respect of associated
      evidence according to defined criteria. The Eustachian tube connects the
      nasopharynx with the middle ear cavity. Its key function is to ensure middle ear
      ventilation. Compromised ventilation results in inflammatory middle ear
      disorders. Numerous evidence-based therapy options are available for the
      treatment of impaired middle ear ventilation and otitis media, the main
      therapeutic approach being antibiotic treatment. More recent procedures such as
      balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube have also shown initial success but must
      undergo further evaluation with regard to evidence. There is, as yet, no evidence
      for some of the other long-established procedures.Owing to a multitude of
      variables, the classification of evidence levels for various treatment approaches
      calls for highly diversified assessment. Numerous evidence-based studies are
      therefore necessary in order to evaluate the evidence pertaining to existing and
      future therapy solutions for impaired middle ear ventilation and otitis media. If
      this need is addressed, a wealth of implications can be expected for therapeutic
      approaches in the years to come. 

PMID- 27128400
TI  - [Evidence and Lack of Evidence in the Treatment of Tinnitus].
AB  - A broad variety of therapeutic regimen is proposed, introduced and sold against
      tinnitus, but most of these approaches lack scientific validation and evidence.
      Up to date a causal, tinnitus eliminating therapy is not available. Most probably
      this will not be possible at all, as the mechanism of tinnitus generation are
      multiple and include peripheral as well as central or cortical reactions. Like in
      fashion and design however, therapeutic medical interventions against tinnitus
      come in waves again and again over the last decades, without being able to prove
      lasting and scientifically evident effects.This review presents, discusses and
      assesses almost all available therapies regarding their evidence. Evidence should
      include besides external evidence through publications and available data also
      internal evidence, e.g. including experience of the therapist and needs of the
      patients.Almost all interventions that try to influence the inner ear or the
      auditory cortex either pharmaceutically or by direct stimulation or modulation do
      not reach evidence. However, there are procedures that have proven to be
      effective and show at least certain degrees of evidence with proven strength of
      effect. These are habituation therapies and psychotherapeutic interventions like
      cognitive behavioural therapy, especially when they are combined with concrete
      measures to improve auditory perception like hearing-aids, cochlear implants or
      hearing-therapy. 

PMID- 27128401
TI  - [Evidence-Based Review of Laryngeal Cancer Surgery].
AB  - Surgical treatment of laryngeal cancer has been established for decades. In
      addition to total laryngectomy, which was first performed in 1873, a large number
      of organ preservation surgical techniques, like open partial laryngectomy,
      transoral laser microsurgery and transoral robotic surgery, have been developed.
      Studies on laryngeal cancer surgery are mainly retrospective case series and
      cohort studies. The evolution of chemoradiation protocols and their analysis in
      prospective randomized trials have led to an increasing acceptance of non
      surgical treatment procedures. In addition to an improvement of prognosis, in
      recent years the preservation of function and maintenance of life quality after
      primary therapy of laryngeal cancer has increasingly become the focus of therapy
      planning. Significant late toxicity after chemoradiation has been identified as
      an important issue. This leads to a reassessment of surgical concepts and
      initiation of studies on laryngeal cancer surgery which was additionally
      stimulated by the advent of transoral robotic surgery in the U.S.. Improving the
      evidence base in laryngeal cancer surgery by successful establishment of surgical
      trials should be the future goal. 

PMID- 27128402
TI  - [Strong and Deficient Evidence in Drug-Treated, Non-Tumorous Diseases in ENT].
AB  - While many high quality studies are available for the specific immunotherapy of
      the allergic rhinitis and limited for the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
      induced angioedema available, the evidence is very low for Meniere's disease or
      for the medicinal treatment of post-surgery laryngeal edema. This paper discusses
      the study data and evidence of the respective diseases. 

PMID- 27128403
TI  - [Implementation of Study Results in Guidelines and Adherence to Guidelines in
      Clinical Practice].
AB  - Guidelines were introduced in hospital and practice-based otorhinolaryngology in
      the 1990s, and have been undergoing further development ever since. There are
      currently 20 guidelines on file at the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology,
      Head and Neck Surgery. The Society has cooperated in a further 34 guidelines. The
      quality of the guidelines has been continually improved by concrete
      specifications put forward by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies
      in Germany [Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen
      Fachgesellschaften e.V.]. Since increasing digitalisation has made access to
      scientific publications quicker and more simple, relevant study results can be
      incorporated in guidelines more easily today than in the analogue world. S2e and
      S3 guidelines must be based on a formal literature search with subsequent
      evaluation of the evidence. The consensus procedure for S2k guidelines is also
      regulated. However, the implementation of guidelines in routine medical practice
      must still be considered inadequate, and there is still a considerable need for
      improvement in adherence to these guidelines. 

PMID- 27128404
TI  - [Evidence-based Indications for Tonsillectomy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the most significant clinical trials, demonstrating the
      efficacy of tonsillectomy (TE) for recurrent throat infection in severely
      affected children, was published in 1984. This systematic review was undertaken
      to compile various indications for TE as suggested in the literature after 1984
      and to stratify the papers according to the current concept of Evidence-based
      Medicine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic Medline research was performed using
      the key word "tonsillectomy" in combination with different filters such as
      "systematic reviews", "meta-analysis", "English", "German" and "from 1984/01/01
      to 2015/05/31". Further research was performed in the Cochrane Database of
      Systematic Reviews, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Guidelines International
      Network and BMJ Clinical Evidence using the same key word. Finally, data from the
      "Trip Database" were researched for "tonsillectomy" and "indication" and "from:
      1984 to: 2015" in combination with either "systematic review" or "meta-analysis"
      or "metaanalysis. RESULTS: A total of 237 papers were retrieved but only 57
      matched our inclusion criteria covering the following topics: peritonsillar
      abscess (3), guidelines (5), otitis media with effusion (5), psoriasis (3), PFAPA
      Syndrome (6), evidence-based indications (5), renal diseases (7), sleep-related
      breathing disorders (11), and tonsillitis/pharyngitis (12), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: 1) The literature suggests, that TE is not indicated to treat otitis
      media with effusion. 2) It has been shown, that the PFAPA-syndrome is self
      limiting and responds well to steroid administration, at least in a considerable
      amount of children. The indication for TE therefore appears to be imbalanced but
      further research is required to clarify the value of surgery. 3)
      Abscesstonsillectomy as a routine is not justified and indicated only for cases
      not responding to other measures of treatment, evident complications, or with a
      significant history of tonsillitis. In particular, interval-tonsillectomy is not
      justified as a routine. 4) TE, with or without adenoidectomy, is efficacious to
      resolve sleep-related breathing disorders resulting from (adeno)tonsillar
      hypertrophy in children. However, the benefit is reduced by co-morbidities, such
      as obesity, and further research required to identify prognostic factors for this
      subgroup of patients. Further research is indicated to clarify selection criteria
      not only for this subpopulation that may benefit from less invasive procedures
      such as tonsillotomy in the long-term. 5) Further trials are also indicated to
      evaluate the efficacy of TE on the clinical course in children with psoriasis
      guttata as well as on psoriasis vulgaris in adults, not responding to first-line
      therapy. 6) Conflicting results were reported concerning the role of TE in the
      concert to treat Ig-A nephropathy, mandating further clinical research. 7) Most
      importantly, randomized-controlled clinical trials with an adequate long-term
      follow-up are desirable to clarify the benefit of TE in patients with recurrent
      episodes of tonsillitis, with or without pharyngitis. Factors like age,
      spontaneous healing rate and postoperative quality of life have to be included
      when comparing TE with antibiotic therapy.

PMID- 27128405
TI  - [Evidence and Evidence Gaps - an Introduction].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treating patients requires the inclusion of existing evidence in any
      health care decision, to be able to choose the best diagnosis or treatment
      measure or to make valid prognosis statements for a particular patient in
      consideration of the physician's own expertise.The basis are clinical trials, the
      results of which are ideally gathered in systematic reviews, rated, summarized
      and published. In addition to the GCP (Good Clinical Practice)-compliant
      planning, conducting and analysis of clinical studies it is essential, that all
      study results are made publicly available, in order to avoid publication bias.
      This includes the public registration of planned and discontinued trials.
      HISTORY: In the last 25 years, the evidence-based medicine (EbM) has increasingly
      found its way into clinical practice and research. Here EbM is closely associated
      with the names Archibald Cochrane and David Sackett. In Germany, both the German
      Cochrane Centre (DCZ) and the network of evidence-based medicine (DNEbM) were
      established approximately 15 years ago. In the international Cochrane
      Collaboration clinicians and other scientists like statisticians
      interdisciplinary work side by side to develop the methods of evidence-based
      medicine and to address the topics of evidence generation and processing as well
      as the transfer of knowledge. Challenge: Existing evidence primarily serves
      doctors to support their decision-making, but is also the basis for providing
      scientific proof for a health care intervention's benefit to patients and
      ultimately payers/health insurances. The closure of existing evidence gaps
      requires substantial human and financial resources, a complex organizational
      structure and can only succeed with the involvement of clinical and
      methodological expertise and specific knowledge in the field of clinical
      research. In addition, the knowledge must be transferred into practice, using
      journals, guidelines, conferences, databases, information portals with processed
      evidence and not least the medical education of students.One problem is the
      wealth of information, so that in clinical practice there may be gaps in
      knowledge of actual evidence. Usually it still takes several years until new
      knowledge is fully implemented in daily practice. OBJECTIVES: The German Society
      of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (DGHNOKHC) and the German professional
      association of otolaryngologists (BVHNO) have a vested interest in supporting
      their members in the generation, processing and dissemination of evidence, and to
      foster the transfer of knowledge into practice. This includes the areas of
      diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention as well as drug therapies or the
      application of medical devices or surgical procedures. Crucial is the regular
      determination of existing evidence gaps, including in the area of already
      established procedures, which must be followed by a prioritization of research
      questions and subsequent conduct of clinical research. Only with combined efforts
      even large trials can be performed, to test therapies and diagnostics for
      example, also after approval under everyday conditions. Methods, Results and
      Vision: The executive committees of DGHNOKHC and BVHNO have together founded the
      German Clinical Trials Unit for Ear, Nose and Throat medicine, Head and Neck
      Surgery (DSZ-HNO) to assist their members in the identification of evidence gaps
      and the planning and conduct of systematic reviews and clinical trials. The first
      projects have been started, including a BMBF(German Ministry for education and
      research)-funded clinical trial for the treatment of sudden hearing loss and a
      survey to detect evidence gaps in Otolaryngology. It seems both reasonable and
      feasible to provide a structure such as a jointly-run study center for doctors in
      hospitals and medical practices to assist in clinical research and to anchor the
      principles of evidence-based medicine in daily life.

PMID- 27128406
TI  - [Tonsil Surgery in Germany: Rates, Numbers and Trends].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tonsillectomy rates vary considerably among different states, regions
      and times. This study was undertaken to identify the prevalence of "chronic"
      tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess, hyperplasia of the tonsils with and without
      adenoids in absolute and relative numbers in an 80m people nation. Moreover, the
      number and rates of different surgical procedures to resolve either "chronic"
      tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess or upper airway obstruction due to
      (adeno)tonsillar hyperplasia over several years was evaluated in this study
      (tonsillectomy, adenotonsillectomy, tonsillotomy , abscess tonsillectomy,
      transoral incision and drainage). Finally, the post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage rate
      was determined and analyzed in relation to age and gender.. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Calculations were based on data as published by the Federal Institute of
      Statistics or on request, if needed. The latest data were provided for 2013..
      RESULTS: The total number of the aforementioned diseases (stratified by ICD-10)
      decreased from 142.574 (in 2000) to 87.624 in 2013 (38.5 %). Tonsillectomy, with
      or without adenoidectomy, was performed in a total of 833.896 patients between
      2006 and 2013 in Germany. The yearly number decreased continually from 120.993 in
      2006 to 84.332 procedures in 2013 (30.3 %). The most significant decrease was
      registered in patients younger than 20 years of age for this time period: 70.92
      per 10.000 in 2010 to 58.68 per 10.000 in 2013. If all age groups were included,
      the rate decreased from 13.34 per 10.000 to 10.90 per 10.000. In contrast, an
      increasing number of tonsillotomies was performed between 2007 (4.659 procedures)
      and 2013 (11.493). The cumulated number of procedures was 59.049. A constant
      number of 15.000 cases with peritonsillar abscess were diagnosed per year in
      Germany (19 patients per 100.000). The prevalence increased significantly at an
      age of 15 years and there was a preponderance of female patients below that age.
      Compared to transoral incision and drainage, a 2.8-fold greater number of abscess
      tonsillectomies were performed annually. Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage was
      experienced by 5.98% of all patients after 245.721 procedures in 2010 and 2013
      (all indications, except tonsillotomy). Bleeding complications had occurred less
      frequently in female patients (5.06 % vs. 7.02 %). Finally, a considerable
      increase of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in patients older than 10 years of age
      was registered in male patients only. CONCLUSIONS: chronic tonsillitis was less
      frequently diagnosed and surgically treated in terms of tonsillectomy (with or
      without adenoidectomy), particularly in female patients. In contrast, the number
      of tonsillotomies increased continullay, particularly in male patients.
      Peritonsillar abscess was diagnosed and surgically treated in a constant number
      of patients in the yearly comparison. Most of these patients were scheduled for
      abscess tonsillectomy, and only a 2.8-fold smaller number for transoral incision
      and drainage. Independent from the indication for surgery, post-tonsillectomy
      hemorrhage was clearly associated with male gender and age (>10 years). The study
      reveals a dramatic change mandating further surveillance by insurance companies
      and authorities in the national health system of an 80m people nation..

PMID- 27128407
TI  - A Monolithically Integrated Gallium Nitride Nanowire/Silicon Solar Cell
      Photocathode for Selective Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Methane.
AB  - A gallium nitride nanowire/silicon solar cell photocathode for the photoreduction
      of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) is demonstrated. Such a monolithically integrated
      nanowire/solar cell photocathode offers several unique advantages, including the
      absorption of a large part of the solar spectrum and highly efficient carrier
      extraction. With the incorporation of copper as the co-catalyst, the devices
      exhibit a Faradaic efficiency of about 19 % for the 8e(-) photoreduction to CH4
      at -1.4 V vs Ag/AgCl, a value that is more than thirty times higher than that for
      the 2e(-) reduced CO (ca. 0.6 %). 

PMID- 27128409
TI  - Meldonium (Mildronate): A Performance-Enhancing Drug?

PMID- 27128408
TI  - PDGFRbeta Is a Novel Marker of Stromal Activation in Oral Squamous Cell
      Carcinomas.
AB  - Carcinoma associated fibroblasts (CAFs) form the main constituents of tumor
      stroma and play an important role in tumor growth and invasion. The presence of
      CAFs is a strong predictor of poor prognosis of head and neck squamous cell
      carcinoma. Despite significant progress in determining the role of CAFs in tumor
      progression, the mechanisms contributing to their activation remain poorly
      characterized, in part due to fibroblast heterogeneity and the scarcity of
      reliable fibroblast surface markers. To search for such markers in oral squamous
      cell carcinoma (OSCC), we applied a novel approach that uses RNA-sequencing data
      derived from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). Specifically, our strategy allowed
      for an unbiased identification of genes whose expression was closely associated
      with a set of bona fide stroma-specific transcripts, namely the interstitial
      collagens COL1A1, COL1A2, and COL3A1. Among the top hits were genes involved in
      cellular matrix remodeling and tumor invasion and migration, including platelet
      derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRbeta), which was found to be the
      highest-ranking receptor protein genome-wide. Similar analyses performed on ten
      additional TCGA cancer datasets revealed that other tumor types shared CAF
      markers with OSCC, including PDGFRbeta, which was found to significantly
      correlate with the reference collagen expression in ten of the 11 cancer types
      tested. Subsequent immunostaining of OSCC specimens demonstrated that PDGFRbeta
      was abundantly expressed in stromal fibroblasts of all tested cases (12/12),
      while it was absent in tumor cells, with greater specificity than other known
      markers such as alpha smooth muscle actin or podoplanin (3/11). Overall, this
      study identified PDGFRbeta as a novel marker of stromal activation in OSCC, and
      further characterized a list of promising candidate CAF markers that may be
      relevant to other carcinomas. Our novel approach provides for a fast and accurate
      method to identify CAF markers without the need for large-scale immunostaining
      experiments.

PMID- 27128410
TI  - pK(a) of a Proton-Conducting Water Chain in Photosystem II.
AB  - Recent high-resolution crystal structures of the water-oxidizing enzyme
      photosystem II (PSII) show that O4 of the catalytic Mn4CaO5 cluster forms an H
      bond with a water molecule W539, which belongs to a chain of water molecules (O4
      water chain). Oxidation of Mn4CaO5 to S1 resulted in elongation of the O-H bonds
      and decrease in pKa(O-H/O(-)) in the [O4-H...OW539-H...OW538-H...OW393] region
      along the O4-water chain. In S1, removal of all water molecules from the O4-water
      chain, except W539, resulted in a significant pKa upshift at O4; this suggests
      that the proton-conducting water chain serves as a conducting media for protons
      and significantly decreases the donor pKa, leading to a downhill proton transfer.
      The absence of a corresponding proton-conducting channel is disadvantageous for
      release of protons from the proton-releasing site, as in the case of O5 that has
      no H-bond partner.

PMID- 27128431
TI  - Processing of AtBAG6 triggers autophagy and fungal resistance.
AB  - The Bcl-2-associated athanogene (BAG) family is an evolutionarily conserved,
      multifunctional group of cytoprotective co-chaperones. Using structural
      bioinformatic approaches we identified 7 homologs of the Arabidopsis BAG family.
      Evaluating knockouts in Arabidopsis of individual BAG family members, we noted
      that Arabidopsis BAG6 (AtBAG6) knockout lines exhibited a pronounced enhancement
      of susceptibility to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Moreover,
      we identified a single predicted caspase-1 site that was cleaved by an aspartyl
      protease (AtAPCB1). Finally, we showed AtBAG6 forms a complex with AtAPCB1 via
      coupling to a C2 GRAM domain protein (AtBAGP1). This complex and its activation
      is necessary for triggering pathogen mediated autophagic cell death and host
      resistance.

PMID- 27128433
TI  - The influence of and change in procedural justice on self-rated health
      trajectories: Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Procedural justice perceptions are shown to be associated with minor
      psychiatric disorders, long sickness absence spells, and poor self-rated health,
      but previous studies have rarely considered how changes in procedural justice
      influence changes in health. METHODS: Data from four consecutive biennial waves
      of the Swedish Longitudinal Survey of Health (SLOSH) (N=5854) were used to
      examine trajectories of self-rated health. Adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic
      position, and marital status, we studied the predictive power of change in
      procedural justice perceptions using individual growth curve models within a
      multilevel framework. RESULTS: The results show that self-rated health
      trajectories slowly decline over time. The rate of change was influenced by age
      and sex, with older people and women showing a slower rate. After adjusting for
      age, sex, socioeconomic position, and marital status, procedural justice was
      significantly associated with self-rated health. Also, improvements in procedural
      justice were associated with improvements in self-rated health. Additionally, a
      reverse relationship with and change in self-rated health predicting procedural
      justice was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the idea that procedural
      justice at work is a crucial aspect of the psychosocial work environment and that
      changes towards more procedural justice could influence self-rated health
      positively. The reciprocal association of procedural justice and self-rated
      health warrants further research.

PMID- 27128434
TI  - Preventing Complications from High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy when Treating Mobile
      Tongue Cancer via the Application of a Modular Lead-Lined Spacer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To point out the advantages and drawbacks of high-dose rate
      brachytherapy in the treatment of mobile tongue cancer and indicate the clinical
      importance of modular lead-lined spacers when applying this technique to
      patients. METHODS: First, all basic steps to construct the modular spacer are
      shown. Second, we simulate and evaluate the dose rate reduction for a wide range
      of spacer configurations. RESULTS: With increasing distance to the source
      absorbed doses dropped considerably. Significantly more shielding was obtained
      when lead was added to the spacer and this effect was most pronounced on shorter
      (i.e. more clinically relevant) distances to the source. CONCLUSIONS: The modular
      spacer represents an important addition to the planning and treatment stages of
      mobile tongue cancer using HDR-ISBT.

PMID- 27128435
TI  - Elastin Fiber Accumulation in Liver Correlates with the Development of
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The fibrosis stage, which is evaluated by the distribution
      pattern of collagen fibers, is a major predictor for the development of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for patients with hepatitis C. Meanwhile, the role
      of elastin fibers has not yet been elucidated. The present study was conducted to
      determine the significance of quantifying both collagen and elastin fibers.
      METHODS: We enrolled 189 consecutive patients with hepatitis C and advanced
      fibrosis. Using Elastica van Gieson-stained whole-slide images of pretreatment
      liver biopsies, collagen and elastin fibers were evaluated pixel by pixel (0.46
      MUm/pixel) using an automated computational method. Consequently, fiber amount
      and cumulative incidences of HCC within 3 years were analyzed. RESULTS: There was
      a significant correlation between collagen and elastin fibers, whereas variation
      in elastin fiber was greater than in collagen fiber. Both collagen fiber (p =
      0.008) and elastin fiber (p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with F stage.
      In total, 30 patients developed HCC during follow-up. Patients who have higher
      elastin fiber (p = 0.002) in addition to higher collagen fiber (p = 0.05) showed
      significantly higher incidences of HCC. With regard to elastin fiber, this
      difference remained significant in F3 patients. Furthermore, for patients with a
      higher collagen fiber amount, higher elastin was a significant predictor for HCC
      development (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Computational analysis is a novel technique
      for quantification of fibers with the added value of conventional staging.
      Elastin fiber is a predictor for the development of HCC independently of collagen
      fiber and F stage.

PMID- 27128436
TI  - Baicalein Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation and the Quorum Sensing
      System In Vitro.
AB  - Biofilm formed by Staphylococcus aureus significantly enhances antibiotic
      resistance by inhibiting the penetration of antibiotics, resulting in an
      increasingly serious situation. This study aimed to assess whether baicalein can
      prevent Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation and whether it may have
      synergistic bactericidal effects with antibiotics in vitro. To do this, we used a
      clinically isolated strain of Staphylococcus aureus 17546 (t037) for biofilm
      formation. Virulence factors were detected following treatment with baicalein,
      and the molecular mechanism of its antibiofilm activity was studied. Plate
      counting, crystal violet staining, and fluorescence microscopy revealed that 32
      MUg/mL and 64 MUg/mL baicalein clearly inhibited 3- and 7-day biofilm formation
      in vitro. Moreover, colony forming unit count, confocal laser scanning
      microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy showed that vancomycin (VCM) and
      baicalein generally enhanced destruction of biofilms, while VCM alone did not.
      Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses
      (RTQ-PCR) confirmed that baicalein treatment reduced staphylococcal enterotoxin A
      (SEA) and alpha-hemolysin (hla) levels. Most strikingly, real-time qualitative
      polymerase chain reaction data demonstrated that 32 MUg/mL and 64 MUg/mL
      baicalein downregulated the quorum-sensing system regulators agrA, RNAIII, and
      sarA, and gene expression of ica, but 16 MUg/mL baicalein had no effect. In
      summary, baicalein inhibited Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation, destroyed
      biofilms, increased the permeability of vancomycin, reduced the production of
      staphylococcal enterotoxin A and alpha-hemolysin, and inhibited the quorum
      sensing system. These results support baicalein as a novel drug candidate and an
      effective treatment strategy for Staphylococcus aureus biofilm-associated
      infections.

PMID- 27128437
TI  - A Plasmodium Promiscuous T Cell Epitope Delivered within the Ad5 Hexon Protein
      Enhances the Protective Efficacy of a Protein Based Malaria Vaccine.
AB  - A malaria vaccine is a public health priority. In order to produce an effective
      vaccine, a multistage approach targeting both the blood and the liver stage
      infection is desirable. The vaccine candidates also need to induce balanced
      immune responses including antibodies, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Protein-based
      subunit vaccines like RTS,S are able to induce strong antibody response but poor
      cellular reactivity. Adenoviral vectors have been effective inducing protective
      CD8+ T cell responses in several models including malaria; nonetheless this
      vaccine platform exhibits a limited induction of humoral immune responses. Two
      approaches have been used to improve the humoral immunogenicity of recombinant
      adenovirus vectors, the use of heterologous prime-boost regimens with recombinant
      proteins or the genetic modification of the hypervariable regions (HVR) of the
      capsid protein hexon to express B cell epitopes of interest. In this study, we
      describe the development of capsid modified Ad5 vectors that express a
      promiscuous Plasmodium yoelii T helper epitope denominated PyT53 within the hexon
      HVR2 region. Several regimens were tested in mice to determine the relevance of
      the hexon modification in enhancing protective immune responses induced by the
      previously described protein-based multi-stage experimental vaccine PyCMP. A
      heterologous prime-boost immunization regime that combines a hexon modified
      vector with transgenic expression of PyCMP followed by protein immunizations
      resulted in the induction of robust antibody and cellular immune responses in
      comparison to a similar regimen that includes a vector with unmodified hexon.
      These differences in immunogenicity translated into a better protective efficacy
      against both the hepatic and red blood cell stages of P. yoelii. To our
      knowledge, this is the first time that a hexon modification is used to deliver a
      promiscuous T cell epitope. Our data support the use of such modification to
      enhance the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of adenoviral based malaria
      vaccines.

PMID- 27128438
TI  - The Associations of Psychological Stress with Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms
      among Chinese Bladder and Renal Cancer Patients: The Mediating Role of
      Resilience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and their
      associated factors in bladder and renal cancer patients are not well evaluated in
      China. Given the growing attention to positive psychological constructs in the
      field of oncology, it is necessary to explore the effects of these constructs on
      depressive and anxiety symptoms. This study aims to explore the associations of
      psychological stress with depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese bladder
      and renal cancer patients and the mediating role of resilience in these
      relationships. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the First
      Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University in Liaoning province. 327 bladder
      cancer patients and 268 renal cancer patients completed questionnaires on
      demographic variables, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale,
      Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Resilience Scale-14, and Perceived Stress Scale
      10 during the period from July 2013 to July 2014. Hierarchical linear regression
      analyses were performed to explore the mediating role of resilience. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was 78.0% and 71.3% in bladder
      cancer patients, and 77.6% and 68.3% in renal cancer patients. Psychological
      stress was positively related to depressive and anxiety symptoms, while
      resilience was negatively related to these symptoms. Resilience partially
      mediated the relations of psychological stress with depressive and anxiety
      symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms
      among Chinese bladder and renal cancer patients should receive more attention
      from medical institutions and government agencies. In addition to reducing
      depressive and anxiety symptoms, resilience development should be included in
      depression and anxiety prevention and treatment strategies in China.

PMID- 27128439
TI  - Disparate response of articular- and auricular-derived chondrocytes to oxygen
      tension.
AB  - PURPOSE/AIM: To determine the effect of reduced (5%) oxygen tension on
      chondrogenesis of auricular-derived chondrocytes. Currently, many cell and tissue
      culture experiments are performed at 20% oxygen with 5% carbon dioxide. Few cells
      in the body are subjected to this supra-physiological oxygen tension.
      Chondrocytes and their mesenchymal progenitors are widely reported to have
      greater chondrogenic expression when cultured at low, more physiological, oxygen
      tension (1-7%). Although generally accepted, there is still some controversy, and
      different culture methods, species, and outcome metrics cloud the field. These
      results are, however, articular chondrocyte biased and have not been reported for
      auricular-derived chondrocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Auricular and articular
      chondrocytes were isolated from skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits,
      expanded in culture and differentiated in high density cultures with serum-free
      chondrogenic media. Cartilage tissue derived from aggregate cultures or from the
      tissue engineered sheets were assessed for biomechanical, glycosaminoglycan,
      collagen, collagen cross-links, and lysyl oxidase activity and expression.
      RESULTS: Our studies show increased proliferation rates for both auricular and
      articular chondrocytes at low (5%) O2 versus standard (20%) O2. In our scaffold
      free chondrogenic cultures, low O2 was found to increase articular chondrocyte
      accumulation of glycosaminoglycan, but not cross-linked type II collagen, or
      total collagen. Conversely, auricular chondrocytes accumulated less
      glycosaminoglycan, cross-linked type II collagen and total collagen under low
      oxygen tension. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the dramatic difference in
      response to low O2 of chondrocytes isolated from different anatomical sites. Low
      O2 is beneficial for articular-derived chondrogenesis but detrimental for
      auricular-derived chondrogenesis.

PMID- 27128440
TI  - Comprehensive Transcriptome Analysis of Sex-Biased Expressed Genes Reveals
      Discrete Biological and Physiological Features of Male and Female Schistosoma
      japonicum.
AB  - Schistosomiasis is a chronic and debilitating disease caused by blood flukes
      (digenetic trematodes) of the genus Schistosoma. Schistosomes are sexually
      dimorphic and exhibit dramatic morphological changes during a complex lifecycle
      which requires subtle gene regulatory mechanisms to fulfil these complex
      biological processes. In the current study, a 41,982 features custom DNA
      microarray, which represents the most comprehensive probe coverage for any
      schistosome transcriptome study, was designed based on public domain and local
      databases to explore differential gene expression in S. japonicum. We found that
      approximately 1/10 of the total annotated genes in the S. japonicum genome are
      differentially expressed between adult males and females. In general, genes
      associated with the cytoskeleton, and motor and neuronal activities were readily
      expressed in male adult worms, whereas genes involved in amino acid metabolism,
      nucleotide biosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, glycosylation, cell cycle processes,
      DNA synthesis and genome fidelity and stability were enriched in females.
      Further, miRNAs target sites within these gene sets were predicted, which
      provides a scenario whereby the miRNAs potentially regulate these sex-biased
      expressed genes. The study significantly expands the expressional and regulatory
      characteristics of gender-biased expressed genes in schistosomes with high
      accuracy. The data provide a better appreciation of the biological and
      physiological features of male and female schistosome parasites, which may lead
      to novel vaccine targets and the development of new therapeutic interventions. 

PMID- 27128441
TI  - Manipulating the Prion Protein Gene Sequence and Expression Levels with
      CRISPR/Cas9.
AB  - The mammalian prion protein (PrP, encoded by Prnp) is most infamous for its
      central role in prion diseases, invariably fatal neurodegenerative diseases
      affecting humans, food animals, and animals in the wild. However, PrP is also
      hypothesized to be an important receptor for toxic protein conformers in
      Alzheimer's disease, and is associated with other clinically relevant processes
      such as cancer and stroke. Thus, key insights into important clinical areas, as
      well as into understanding PrP functions in normal physiology, can be obtained
      from studying transgenic mouse models and cell culture systems. However, the Prnp
      locus is difficult to manipulate by homologous recombination, making
      modifications of the endogenous locus rarely attempted. Fortunately in recent
      years genome engineering technologies, like TALENs or CRISPR/Cas9 (CC9), have
      brought exceptional new possibilities for manipulating Prnp. Herein, we present
      our observations made during systematic experiments with the CC9 system targeting
      the endogenous mouse Prnp locus, to either modify sequences or to boost PrP
      expression using CC9-based synergistic activation mediators (SAMs). It is our
      hope that this information will aid and encourage researchers to implement gene
      targeting techniques into their research program.

PMID- 27128442
TI  - The N-Terminus of the Floral Arabidopsis TGA Transcription Factor PERIANTHIA
      Mediates Redox-Sensitive DNA-Binding.
AB  - The Arabidopsis TGA transcription factor (TF) PERIANTHIA (PAN) regulates the
      formation of the floral organ primordia as revealed by the pan mutant forming an
      abnormal pentamerous arrangement of the outer three floral whorls. The
      Arabidopsis TGA bZIP TF family comprises 10 members, of which PAN and TGA9/10
      control flower developmental processes and TGA1/2/5/6 participate in stress
      responses. For the TGA1 protein it was shown that several cysteines can be redox
      dependently modified. TGA proteins interact in the nucleus with land plant
      specific glutaredoxins, which may alter their activities posttranslationally.
      Here, we investigated the DNA-binding of PAN to the AAGAAT motif under different
      redox-conditions. The AAGAAT motif is localized in the second intron of the
      floral homeotic regulator AGAMOUS (AG), which controls stamen and carpel
      development as well as floral determinacy. Whereas PAN protein binds to this
      regulatory cis-element under reducing conditions, the interaction is strongly
      reduced under oxidizing conditions in EMSA studies. The redox-sensitive DNA
      binding is mediated via a special PAN N-terminus, which is not present in other
      Arabidopsis TGA TFs and comprises five cysteines. Two N-terminal PAN cysteines,
      Cys68 and Cys87, were shown to form a disulfide bridge and Cys340, localized in a
      C-terminal putative transactivation domain, can be S-glutathionylated.
      Comparative land plant analyses revealed that the AAGAAT motif exists in asterid
      and rosid plant species. TGA TFs with N-terminal extensions of variable length
      were identified in all analyzed seed plants. However, a PAN-like N-terminus
      exists only in the rosids and exclusively Brassicaceae homologs comprise four to
      five of the PAN N-terminal cysteines. Redox-dependent modifications of TGA
      cysteines are known to regulate the activity of stress-related TGA TFs. Here, we
      show that the N-terminal PAN cysteines participate in a redox-dependent control
      of the PAN interaction with a highly conserved regulatory AG cis-element,
      emphasizing the importance of redox-modifications in the regulation of flower
      developmental processes.

PMID- 27128443
TI  - Patterns of Song across Natural and Anthropogenic Soundscapes Suggest That White
      Crowned Sparrows Minimize Acoustic Masking and Maximize Signal Content.
AB  - Soundscapes pose both evolutionarily recent and long-standing sources of
      selection on acoustic communication. We currently know more about the impact of
      evolutionarily recent human-generated noise on communication than we do about how
      natural sounds such as pounding surf have shaped communication signals over
      evolutionary time. Based on signal detection theory, we hypothesized that
      acoustic phenotypes will vary with both anthropogenic and natural background
      noise levels and that similar mechanisms of cultural evolution and/or behavioral
      flexibility may underlie this variation. We studied song characteristics of white
      crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttalli) across a noise gradient that
      includes both anthropogenic and natural sources of noise in San Francisco and
      Marin counties, California, USA. Both anthropogenic and natural soundscapes
      contain high amplitude low frequency noise (traffic or surf, respectively), so we
      predicted that birds would produce songs with higher minimum frequencies in areas
      with higher amplitude background noise to avoid auditory masking. We also
      anticipated that song minimum frequencies would be higher than the projected
      lower frequency limit of hearing based on site-specific masking profiles.
      Background noise was a strong predictor of song minimum frequency, both within a
      local noise gradient of three urban sites with the same song dialect and cultural
      evolutionary history, and across the regional noise gradient, which encompasses
      11 urban and rural sites, several dialects, and several anthropogenic and natural
      sources of noise. Among rural sites alone, background noise tended to predict
      song minimum frequency, indicating that urban sites were not solely responsible
      for driving the regional pattern. These findings support the hypothesis that
      songs vary with local and regional soundscapes regardless of the source of noise.
      Song minimum frequency from five core study sites was also higher than the lower
      frequency limit of hearing at each site, further supporting the hypothesis that
      songs vary to transmit through noise in local soundscapes. Minimum frequencies
      leveled off at noisier sites, suggesting that minimum frequencies are constrained
      to an upper limit, possibly to retain the information content of wider
      bandwidths. We found evidence that site noise was a better predictor of song
      minimum frequency than territory noise in both anthropogenic and natural
      soundscapes, suggesting that cultural evolution rather than immediate behavioral
      flexibility is responsible for local song variation. Taken together, these
      results indicate that soundscapes shape song phenotype across both evolutionarily
      recent and long-standing soundscapes.

PMID- 27128444
TI  - Treatment Success in Trypanosoma cruzi Infection Is Predicted by Early Changes in
      Serially Monitored Parasite-Specific T and B Cell Responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chagas disease is the highest impact parasitic disease in Latin
      America. We have proposed that changes in Trypanosoma cruzi-specific immune
      responses might serve as surrogate indicators of treatment success. Herein, we
      addressed in a long-term follow-up study whether cure achieved after treatment
      can be predicted by changes in non-conventional indexes of anti-parasite
      serological and T cell activities. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: T. cruzi
      specific T cell responses, as measured by interferon-gamma ELISPOT and T. cruzi
      specific antibodies assessed by ELISA, hemagglutination and immunofluorescence
      tests as well as by a multiplex assay incorporating 14 recombinant T. cruzi
      proteins were measured in 33 patients at 48-150 months post-benznidazole
      treatment. Cure - as assessed by conventional serological tests - was associated
      with an early decline in T. cruzi-specific IFN-gamma-producing T cells and in
      antibody titers measured by the multiplex serological assay. Changes in the
      functional status and potential of T. cruzi-specific T cells, indicative of
      reduced antigen stimulation, provided further evidence of parasitological cure
      following benznidazole treatment. Patients showing a significant reduction in T.
      cruzi-specific antibodies had higher pre-therapy levels of T. cruzi-specific IFN
      gamma- producing T cells compared to those with unaltered humoral responses post
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Monitoring of appropriate immunological
      responses can provide earlier and robust measures of treatment success in T.
      cruzi infection.

PMID- 27128445
TI  - Assessment of Glioma Response to Radiotherapy Using Multiple MRI Biomarkers with
      Manual and Semiautomated Segmentation Algorithms.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Multimodality magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can
      provide complementary information in the assessment of brain tumors. We aimed to
      segment tumor in amide proton transfer-weighted (APTw) images and to investigate
      multiparametric MRI biomarkers for the assessment of glioma response to
      radiotherapy. For tumor extraction, we evaluated a semiautomated segmentation
      method based on region of interest (ROI) results by comparing it with the manual
      segmentation method. METHODS: Thirteen nude rats injected with U87 tumor cells
      were irradiated by an 8-Gy radiation dose. All MRI scans were performed on a 4.7
      T animal scanner preradiation, and at day 1, day 4, and day 8 postradiation. Two
      experts performed manual and semiautomated methods to extract tumor ROIs on APTw
      images. Multimodality MRI signals of the tumors, including structural (T2 and T1
      ), functional (apparent diffusion coefficient and blood flow), and molecular
      (APTw and magnetization transfer ratio or MTR), were calculated and compared
      quantitatively. RESULTS: The semiautomated method provided more reliable tumor
      extraction results on APTw images than the manual segmentation, in less time. A
      considerable increase in the ADC intensities of the tumor was observed during the
      postradiation. A steady decrease in the blood flow values and in the APTw signal
      intensities were found after radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The semiautomated method
      of tumor extraction showed greater efficiency and stability than the manual
      method. Apparent diffusion coefficient, blood flow, and APTw are all useful
      biomarkers in assessing glioma response to radiotherapy.

PMID- 27128447
TI  - Whipple's disease under the vision of capsule endoscopy.
AB  - We read with great interest the paper by Martinez-Sanchez et al. entitled
      Diagnostico atipico mediante capsula endoscopica: enfermedad de Whipple and we
      support their conclusions. 

PMID- 27128446
TI  - An Arabidopsis SUMO E3 Ligase, SIZ1, Negatively Regulates Photomorphogenesis by
      Promoting COP1 Activity.
AB  - COP1 (CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1), a ubiquitin E3 ligase, is a central
      negative regulator of photomorphogenesis. However, how COP1 activity is regulated
      by post-translational modifications remains largely unknown. Here we show that
      SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) modification enhances COP1 activity. Loss-of
      function siz1 mutant seedlings exhibit a weak constitutive photomorphogenic
      phenotype. SIZ1 physically interacts with COP1 and mediates the sumoylation of
      COP1. A K193R substitution in COP1 blocks its SUMO modification and reduces COP1
      activity in vitro and in planta. Consistently, COP1 activity is reduced in siz1
      and the level of HY5, a COP1 target protein, is increased in siz1. Sumoylated
      COP1 may exhibits higher transubiquitination activity than does non-sumoylated
      COP1, but SIZ1-mediated SUMO modification does not affect COP1 dimerization, COP1
      HY5 interaction, and nuclear accumulation of COP1. Interestingly, prolonged light
      exposure reduces the sumoylation level of COP1, and COP1 mediates the
      ubiquitination and degradation of SIZ1. These regulatory mechanisms may maintain
      the homeostasis of COP1 activity, ensuing proper photomorphogenic development in
      changing light environment. Our genetic and biochemical studies identify a
      function for SIZ1 in photomorphogenesis and reveal a novel SUMO-regulated
      ubiquitin ligase, COP1, in plants.

PMID- 27128448
TI  - Understanding Very Old Age: Looking Back and Thinking Forward.
AB  - Understanding human development among the oldest old is a sequential building
      process taking into account building-block data, theories, and models from
      childhood, adulthood, and old age toward a new territory of oldest-old survivors
      who have lived way beyond the average life-span. A central question is whether
      the oldest-old survivors have developed specific survival techniques and/or
      protective environments that nurture survival. Or are the oldest old statistical
      outliers who by happenstance continue to survive further into old age? This
      commentary provides a historical framework on the papers in this series that
      describe challenges confronted by the oldest-old survivors in order to advance
      our understanding of survival of the oldest old. A clear understanding of the
      contributors to longevity could guide public policies toward well-being and life
      satisfaction among our oldest-old citizens. 

PMID- 27128449
TI  - The Association between Dust Storms and Daily Non-Accidental Mortality in the
      United States, 1993-2005.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of dust storms on human health has been studied in the
      context of Asian, Saharan, Arabian, and Australian storms, but there has been no
      recent population-level epidemiological research on the dust storms in North
      America. The relevance of dust storms to public health is likely to increase as
      extreme weather events are predicted to become more frequent with anticipated
      changes in climate through the 21st century. OBJECTIVES: We examined the
      association between dust storms and county-level non-accidental mortality in the
      United States from 1993 through 2005. METHODS: Dust storm incidence data,
      including date and approximate location, are taken from the U.S. National Weather
      Service storm database. County-level mortality data for the years 1993-2005 were
      acquired from the National Center for Health Statistics. Distributed lag
      conditional logistic regression models under a time-stratified case-crossover
      design were used to study the relationship between dust storms and daily
      mortality counts over the whole United States and in Arizona and California
      specifically. End points included total non-accidental mortality and three
      mortality subgroups (cardiovascular, respiratory, and other non-accidental).
      RESULTS: We estimated that for the United States as a whole, total non-accidental
      mortality increased by 7.4% (95% CI: 1.6, 13.5; p = 0.011) and 6.7% (95% CI: 1.1,
      12.6; p = 0.018) at 2- and 3-day lags, respectively, and by an average of 2.7%
      (95% CI: 0.4, 5.1; p = 0.023) over lags 0-5 compared with referent days.
      Significant associations with non-accidental mortality were estimated for
      California (lag 2 and 0-5 day) and Arizona (lag 3), for cardiovascular mortality
      in the United States (lag 2) and Arizona (lag 3), and for other non-accidental
      mortality in California (lags 1-3 and 0-5). CONCLUSIONS: Dust storms are
      associated with increases in lagged non-accidental and cardiovascular mortality.
      Citation: Crooks JL, Cascio WE, Percy MS, Reyes J, Neas LM, Hilborn ED. 2016. The
      association between dust storms and daily non-accidental mortality in the United
      States, 1993-2005. Environ Health Perspect 124:1735-1743;
      http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP216.

PMID- 27128450
TI  - Regiocontrolled Synthesis of gamma-Hydroxybutenolides via Singlet Oxygen-Mediated
      Oxidation of 2-Thiophenyl Furans.
AB  - Photooxygenation of 2-thiophenyl-substituted furans in ethanol leads to the
      rapid, regiocontrolled, and quantitative synthesis of gamma-hydroxybutenolides.
      The carbonyl group in butenolide holds the position of thiophenyl moiety in
      reacting furans. Decomposition of the initially formed [4 + 2] endoperoxide into
      products through a radical chain mechanism is proposed, as the fate of thiophenyl
      moiety is its transformation into ethyl phenylsulfenate (PhS-OEt) and
      diphenyldisulfide. Under the reaction conditions, the sulfenate is fast oxidized
      into the corresponding sulfinate.

PMID- 27128451
TI  - Red meat, diseases, and healthy alternatives: A critical review.
AB  - Meat is an important food for human nutrition, by especially providing high
      quality protein and also some essential micronutrients, in front iron, zinc, and
      vitamin B12. However, a high intake of red and processed meat is associated with
      an increased risk for diseases, especially type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer,
      as several epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have shown. This review
      summarizes meta-analyses of publications studying the association between red and
      processed meat intake and type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, colorectal
      and other cancers, and all-cause mortality. Various potential mechanisms involved
      in the increased disease risk are discussed. Furthermore, the beneficial effects
      of healthy alternatives for meat, like fish, nuts, vegetables and fruits, pulses
      and legumes, whole grains, and dairy products are reviewed by including selected
      papers and recent meta-analyses.

PMID- 27128452
TI  - High-throughput screening (HTS) for the identification of novel antiviral
      scaffolds.

PMID- 27128453
TI  - A single and multiple dose study to investigate the pharmacokinetics of a
      prolonged release formulation of ropinirole in healthy Chinese subjects.
AB  - An open-label, single, and 7-day multiple dose study was conducted to investigate
      the pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of a prolonged release formulation
      of ropinirole 2 mg in healthy Chinese male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) subjects.
      After single doses, median tmax was 8 hours and mean t12 was 5.26 hours. After 7
      days dosing, median tmax was 6 hours (t12 not determined). Systemic exposure, AUC
      and Cmax , following multiple and single dosing was similar (mean AUC(0-tau) (h
      ng/mL): 23.84 vs. AUC(0-infinity) : 22.13; Cmax (ng/mL) 1.48 vs. 1.21,
      respectively). Systemic exposure was higher in females than males following
      single doses (mean AUC(0-24) (h ng/mL): 21.45 vs. 15.48; P = 0.009; Cmax (ng/mL):
      1.40 vs. 0.99; P = 0.014, respectively), but similar at steady state (mean AUC(0
      tau) (h ng/mL): 24.96 vs. 22.62; Cmax (ng/mL): 1.56 vs. 1.39, respectively).
      Estimated accumulation ratio was 1.29 (90% CI: 1.11, 1.51). Ropinirole did not
      display time-dependent pharmacokinetics (estimated steady state ratio: 1.09; 90%
      CI: 0.93, 1.27). The most common adverse events included dizziness and oral
      ulcer. In conclusion, Chinese subjects displayed predictable absorption, exposure
      and elimination following the prolonged release formulation of ropinirole 2 mg.
      The safety findings are consistent with the previously established safety profile
      for ropinirole. 

PMID- 27128454
TI  - A pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety study of intravenous
      cyclophosphamide with an oral casopitant antiemetic regimen in cancer patients.
AB  - Casopitant is a potent and selective neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist formerly
      under development for a number of indications, including the treatment of
      chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. This study was an open-label,
      randomized, multi-center, two-period crossover casopitant-cyclophosphamide
      interaction study. Subjects were cancer patients receiving cyclophosphamide based
      chemotherapy. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of 3-day,
      repeat-dose, 150 mg oral casopitant on the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety,
      tolerability, and pharmacodynamics (white blood cell count) of single-dose IV
      cyclophosphamide. PK data from 14 evaluable subjects showed the geometric least
      squares mean ratios (90% CI) for cyclophosphamide and the metabolite 4
      hydroxycyclophosphamide AUC (with:without casopitant) were 1.03 (0.975, 1.09) and
      0.948 (0.835, 1.08), respectively. Administration of casopitant was well
      tolerated and did not impact the safety profile of the treatment regimen.
      Casopitant did not affect the expected bone marrow toxicity of cyclophosphamide.
      Co-administration of 150 mg oral casopitant with single-dose IV cyclophosphamide
      did not appear to result in a clinically relevant change in cyclophosphamide or 4
      hydroxycyclophosphamide exposure or safety. 

PMID- 27128455
TI  - Effect of food and gemfibrozil on the pharmacokinetics of the novel prolyl
      hydroxylase inhibitor GSK1278863.
AB  - Anemia, a frequent complication of chronic kidney disease, is most commonly
      treated with recombinant human erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Oral
      administration of GSK1278863, a prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, results in the
      accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha, and stimulates erythropoiesis by
      triggering the pathways involved in innate hypoxia. In vitro biotransformation
      data indicate that GSK1278863 is primarily metabolized by CYP2C8. This study
      assessed the pharmacokinetics of single-dose (100 mg) GSK1278863 administered
      alone, or co-administered with a high-fat/high-calorie meal or steady-state
      gemfibrozil (a strong CYP2C8 and OATP1B1 inhibitor). Co-administration of single
      dose 100 mg GSK1278863 with a high-fat/high-calorie meal did not significantly
      affect the plasma exposure of GSK1278863 or its 6 predominant metabolites. Co
      administration of GSK1278863 with steady-state gemfibrozil resulted in an 18.6
      fold increase in the area under the curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC(0
      infinity) ) of GSK1278863. Additionally, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax )
      and terminal elimination half-life increased 3.92- and 3.70-fold, respectively.
      The appearance of metabolites was delayed, and their Cmax and AUC(0-infinity)
      were reduced by at least 90% and 62%, respectively. These findings indicate that
      GSK1278863 can be safely administered without regard to food. Until further
      studies with weaker CYP2C8 inhibitors are conducted, co-administration of
      GSK1278863 with CYP2C8 inhibitors should be avoided. 

PMID- 27128456
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and comparative bioavailability of domperidone suspension and
      tablet formulations in healthy adult subjects.
AB  - Domperidone is a dopamine antagonist with a unique gastroprokinetic and
      antiemetic properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetics
      (PKs) and comparative bioavailability of suspension (reference) and tablet (test)
      formulations of domperidone. In vivo study was established according to a single
      center, randomized, single-dose, laboratory-blinded, two way, cross-over study
      with a washout period of 1 week. Under fasting conditions, 26 healthy Egyptian
      male volunteers were randomly allocated to receive a single oral dose of either
      20 mL domperidone or two tablets (each contains 10 mg domperidone) of marketed
      suspension and tablet formulations. Plasma samples were obtained over a 24-hour
      interval and analyzed for domperidone by reversed phase liquid chromatography
      with fluorescence detection. The 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of log
      transformed values of Cmax , AUC0-t , and AUCt-infinity of the two treatments
      were within the acceptable range (0.8-1.25) for bioequivalence. From PK
      perspectives, in this small study in healthy Egyptian adult male volunteers, a
      single 20 mg dose of the tablet formulation was bioequivalent to a single 20 mg
      dose of the suspension formulation based on the US FDA's regulatory definition.
      No adverse events occurred or were reported during the study and both
      formulations were well tolerated. 

PMID- 27128457
TI  - Bioavailability of valsartan oral dosage forms.
AB  - The oral bioavailability of valsartan from extemporaneous suspension and solution
      formulations were evaluated relative to tablet formulation in two separate open
      label, randomized crossover studies in healthy adults. In both studies, the
      plasma concentrations of valsartan after oral administration were analyzed using
      validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods, and
      the corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using
      noncompartmental analysis. The peak plasma concentration (Cmax ) and area under
      the concentration time-curves (AUC(0-infinity) ) of valsartan from the
      extemporaneous suspension were higher by 1.93- and 1.56-fold, respectively,
      relative to the tablet formulation (P < .001). The Cmax and AUC(0-infinity) of
      valsartan from the oral solution were higher by 2.21- and 1.74-fold,
      respectively, relative to the tablet formulation (P < .001). These results
      indicate that both rate and extent of absorption of valsartan are higher in the
      two liquid dosage forms (extemporaneous suspension and solution formulations)
      relative to the solid oral dosage form (tablet formulation). 

PMID- 27128458
TI  - In vitro dissolution and in vivo bioequivalence evaluation of two brands of
      trimetazidine tablets.
AB  - Trimetazidine is an effective anti-anginal agent and anti-ischaemic effect. The
      objective of this study was to assess the in vitro dissolution and to evaluate
      the bioavailability of two brands of trimetazidine dihydrochloride tablets. Prior
      to the in vivo PKs study, an in vitro comparative dissolution test was performed
      for 2 oral brands of trimetazidine dihydrochloride tablets (20 mg). In vivo PKs
      study was evaluated in 24 healthy male volunteers after a single dose oral
      administration in an open, randomized, two-way crossover study with a washout
      period of 1 week. After an overnight fast, human volunteers were randomly
      allocated to receive a single dose of either test or reference product. Blood
      samples were collected over a 24-hour period following drug administration and
      plasma was analyzed for trimetazidine concentrations using a validated high
      performance liquid chromatography assay method. The PK parameters Cmax , AUC0-t ,
      AUC0-infinity , tmax , and t1/2 were determined from plasma concentration-time
      profiles. The 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of log transformed values of
      Cmax , AUC0-t , and AUCt-infinity of the test product over those of reference
      were within the acceptable range (0.8-1.25) for bioequivalence. As a result, the
      2 trimetazidine formulations are considered bioequivalent and thus could be
      prescribed interchangeably in the medical practice based on its PK effect and
      biopharmaceutical performance. 

PMID- 27128459
TI  - Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of fluticasone
      furoate, a novel inhaled corticosteroid, in children aged 5-11 years with
      persistent asthma: A randomized trial.
AB  - This multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way
      crossover study characterized the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and
      pharmacodynamics of fluticasone furoate (FF) in children (5-11 years) with
      persistent asthma. Twenty-seven children received inhaled FF 100 ug or placebo
      via the ELLIPTATM dry powder inhaler once daily for 14 days, with a >=7 day
      washout period. Adverse events (AEs) were reported by eight (31%) and four (16%)
      subjects during FF 100 ug and placebo treatment, respectively. Headache was
      reported by three subjects during FF 100 ug treatment and by no subjects during
      placebo treatment, all other AEs were reported by only one subject on either
      treatment; there were no serious AEs. Following repeat dosing, the arithmetic
      mean (SD) FF Cmax was 26.71 pg/mL (9.16) at 31 minutes post-dose. Arithmetic mean
      (SD) FF AUC(0-t) was 121.44 pg h/mL (83.04). Arithmetic mean values for weighted
      mean (SD) serum cortisol (0-12 hours) on day 14 were 56.49 (16.51) and 67.57
      (20.66) ng/mL for FF 100 ug and placebo, respectively. No clinically significant
      effect of FF on serum cortisol levels was observed. FF was well tolerated.
      Pharmacokinetic profiles were well defined and did not differ between age groups
      in the study population, and no clinically significant suppression of serum
      cortisol was observed. 

PMID- 27128460
TI  - Effect of moxidectin on CYP3A4 activity as evaluated by oral midazolam
      pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects.
AB  - In order to evaluate the potential for CYP3A4 induction by moxidectin, midazolam
      pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were compared before and after moxidectin
      administration. Healthy subjects received a single 8 mg dose of moxidectin and 3
      single 7.5 mg doses of midazolam 3 days before, and 7 and 89 days after the
      moxidectin. Blood samples were taken for 24 hours to measure midazolam and
      metabolites in plasma, and for 89 days to measure moxidectin in plasma after dose
      administration. Noncompartmental PK analyses were performed for each analyte.
      Analysis of variance was performed on log-transformed midazolam parameters with
      treatment day as a fixed effect. Adverse events were recorded and laboratory
      tests, physical examinations, pulse oximetry monitoring, vital sign measurement,
      and electrocardiograms performed. Thirty-nine subjects were enrolled in the
      study; PK data were available for 37 subjects. Moxidectin PK parameters were
      similar to previous studies. There were no significant changes in PK for
      midazolam or its metabolites 7 or 89 days after moxidectin administration.
      Adverse events were generally mild and there were no relevant changes in safety
      assessments. Thus, 8 mg moxidectin does not induce CYP3A4 activity and other
      CYP3A4 substrates are unlikely to be affected by moxidectin co-administration. 

PMID- 27128461
TI  - The effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of tivozanib hydrochloride.
AB  - Tivozanib hydrochloride (tivozanib) is a potent, selective tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3, with a
      long half-life. This Phase I study evaluated the effect of food on tivozanib
      pharmacokinetics (PK). A single oral dose of tivozanib was administered to
      healthy subjects in a fasted/fed and a fed/fasted state. Thirty subjects
      enrolled; 29 completed the study. Maximum concentration (Cmax ) in the fed state
      was lower than in the fasted state (geometric means, 14.1 and 18.1 ng/mL). The
      geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) (fed/fasted states) for Cmax was
      77.5% (72.9-82.4%), indicating a food effect on Cmax . There was no difference in
      tivozanib area under the curve to infinity (AUC0-infinity ) between states
      (geometric means, 2,377 and 2,198 ng h/mL). Geometric mean ratios also indicated
      no food effect on tivozanib AUC0-infinity . Other PK parameters were similar
      between states. The most commonly reported adverse events affected the
      gastrointestinal system and were mild in intensity. There were no clinically
      significant changes in other safety measures. In conclusion, food does not have
      an impact on the AUC0-infinity of tivozanib but does decrease Cmax approximately
      23%, suggesting that this agent can be dosed with or without food. 

PMID- 27128462
TI  - Orlistat improves psychomotor performance in humans.

PMID- 27128463
TI  - Neural evidence of motivational conflict between social values.
AB  - Motivational interdependence is an organizing principle in Schwartz's circumplex
      model of social values, which has received abundant cross-cultural support. We
      used fMRI to test whether motivational relations between social values predict
      different brain responses in a situation of choice between values. We
      hypothesized that differences in brain responses would become evident when the
      more important value had to be selected in pairs of congruent (e.g., wealth and
      success) as opposed to incongruent (e.g., curiosity and stability) values as they
      are described in Schwartz's model, because the former serve mutually facilitating
      motives, whereas the latter serve mutually inhibiting motives. Consistent with
      the model, choosing between congruent values led to longer response times and
      more activation in conflict-related brain regions (e.g., the supplementary motor
      area, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) than selecting between incongruent values.
      These results provide novel neural evidence supporting the circumplex model's
      predictions about motivational interdependence between social values. In
      particular, our results show that the neural networks underlying social values
      are organized in a way that allows activation patterns related to motivational
      similarity between congruent values to be dissociated from those related to
      incongruent values.

PMID- 27128464
TI  - Identification and Severity Determination of Wheat Stripe Rust and Wheat Leaf
      Rust Based on Hyperspectral Data Acquired Using a Black-Paper-Based Measuring
      Method.
AB  - It is important to implement detection and assessment of plant diseases based on
      remotely sensed data for disease monitoring and control. Hyperspectral data of
      healthy leaves, leaves in incubation period and leaves in diseased period of
      wheat stripe rust and wheat leaf rust were collected under in-field conditions
      using a black-paper-based measuring method developed in this study. After data
      preprocessing, the models to identify the diseases were built using distinguished
      partial least squares (DPLS) and support vector machine (SVM), and the disease
      severity inversion models of stripe rust and the disease severity inversion
      models of leaf rust were built using quantitative partial least squares (QPLS)
      and support vector regression (SVR). All the models were validated by using leave
      one-out cross validation and external validation. The diseases could be
      discriminated using both distinguished partial least squares and support vector
      machine with the accuracies of more than 99%. For each wheat rust, disease
      severity levels were accurately retrieved using both the optimal QPLS models and
      the optimal SVR models with the coefficients of determination (R2) of more than
      0.90 and the root mean square errors (RMSE) of less than 0.15. The results
      demonstrated that identification and severity evaluation of stripe rust and leaf
      rust at the leaf level could be implemented based on the hyperspectral data
      acquired using the developed method. A scientific basis was provided for
      implementing disease monitoring by using aerial and space remote sensing
      technologies.

PMID- 27128465
TI  - The Path to Thioredoxin and Redox Regulation in Chloroplasts.
AB  - After a brief discussion of my graduate work at Duke University, I describe a
      series of investigations on redox proteins at the University of California,
      Berkeley. Starting with ferredoxin from fermentative bacteria, the Berkeley
      research fostered experiments that uncovered a pathway for fixing CO2 in
      bacterial photosynthesis. The carbon work, in turn, opened new vistas, including
      the discovery that thioredoxin functions universally in regulating the Calvin
      Benson cycle in oxygenic photosynthesis. These experiments, which took place over
      a 50-year period, led to the formulation of a set of biological principles and
      set the stage for research demonstrating a role for redox in the regulation of
      previously unrecognized processes extending far beyond photosynthesis.

PMID- 27128466
TI  - Endocytosis and Endosomal Trafficking in Plants.
AB  - Endocytosis and endosomal trafficking are essential processes in cells that
      control the dynamics and turnover of plasma membrane proteins, such as receptors,
      transporters, and cell wall biosynthetic enzymes. Plasma membrane proteins
      (cargo) are internalized by endocytosis through clathrin-dependent or clathrin
      independent mechanism and delivered to early endosomes. From the endosomes, cargo
      proteins are recycled back to the plasma membrane via different pathways, which
      rely on small GTPases and the retromer complex. Proteins that are targeted for
      degradation through ubiquitination are sorted into endosomal vesicles by the
      ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) machinery for
      degradation in the vacuole. Endocytic and endosomal trafficking regulates many
      cellular, developmental, and physiological processes, including cellular
      polarization, hormone transport, metal ion homeostasis, cytokinesis, pathogen
      responses, and development. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms that
      mediate the recognition and sorting of endocytic and endosomal cargos, the
      vesiculation processes that mediate their trafficking, and their connection to
      cellular and physiological responses in plants.

PMID- 27128467
TI  - Toxic Heavy Metal and Metalloid Accumulation in Crop Plants and Foods.
AB  - Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury are toxic elements that are almost
      ubiquitously present at low levels in the environment because of anthropogenic
      influences. Dietary intake of plant-derived food represents a major fraction of
      potentially health-threatening human exposure, especially to arsenic and cadmium.
      In the interest of better food safety, it is important to reduce toxic element
      accumulation in crops. A molecular understanding of the pathways responsible for
      this accumulation can enable the development of crop varieties with strongly
      reduced concentrations of toxic elements in their edible parts. Such
      understanding is rapidly progressing for arsenic and cadmium but is in its
      infancy for lead and mercury. Basic discoveries have been made in Arabidopsis,
      rice, and other models, and most advances in crops have been made in rice.
      Proteins mediating the uptake of arsenic and cadmium have been identified, and
      the speciation and biotransformations of arsenic are now understood. Factors
      controlling the efficiency of root-to-shoot translocation and the partitioning of
      toxic elements through the rice node have also been identified.

PMID- 27128468
TI  - Mapping Transcriptional Networks in Plants: Data-Driven Discovery of Novel
      Biological Mechanisms.
AB  - In plants, systems biology approaches have led to the generation of a variety of
      large data sets. Many of these data are created to elucidate gene expression
      profiles and their corresponding transcriptional regulatory mechanisms across a
      range of tissue types, organs, and environmental conditions. In an effort to map
      the complexity of this transcriptional regulatory control, several types of
      experimental assays have been used to map transcriptional regulatory networks. In
      this review, we discuss how these methods can be best used to identify novel
      biological mechanisms by focusing on the appropriate biological context.
      Translating network biology back to gene function in the plant, however, remains
      a challenge. We emphasize the need for validation and insight into the underlying
      biological processes to successfully exploit systems approaches in an effort to
      determine the emergent properties revealed by network analyses.

PMID- 27128469
TI  - The Haustorium, a Specialized Invasive Organ in Parasitic Plants.
AB  - Parasitic plants thrive by infecting other plants. Flowering plants evolved
      parasitism independently at least 12 times, in all cases developing a unique
      multicellular organ called the haustorium that forms upon detection of haustorium
      inducing factors derived from the host plant. This organ penetrates into the host
      stem or root and connects to its vasculature, allowing exchange of materials such
      as water, nutrients, proteins, nucleotides, pathogens, and retrotransposons
      between the host and the parasite. In this review, we focus on the formation and
      function of the haustorium in parasitic plants, with a specific emphasis on
      recent advances in molecular studies of root parasites in the Orobanchaceae and
      stem parasites in the Convolvulaceae.

PMID- 27128470
TI  - Up-regulation of KIF14 is a predictor of poor survival and a novel prognostic
      biomarker of chemoresistance to paclitaxel treatment in cervical cancer.
AB  - Kinesin family member 14 (KIF14) is a member of kinesin family proteins which
      have been found to be dysregulated in various cancer types. However, the
      expression of KIF14 and its potential prognostic significance have not been
      investigated in cervical cancer. Real-time PCR was performed to assess the
      expression levels of KIF14 in 47 pairs of cervical cancer tissues and their
      matched normal tissues from patients who had not been exposed to chemotherapy as
      well as tissue samples from 57 cervical cancer patients who are sensitive to
      paclitaxel treatment and 53 patients who are resistant. The association between
      KIF14 expression levels in tissue and clinicopathological features or
      chemosensitivity was examined. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards
      model were applied to assess the correlation between KIF14 expression levels and
      overall survival (OS) of cervical cancer patients. KIF14 expression levels were
      significantly increased in cervical cancer tissues compared with matched non
      cancerous tissues and it was higher in tissues of patients who are chemoresistant
      compared with those who are chemosensitive. KIF14 expression was positively
      associated with high tumour stage (P=0.0044), lymph node metastasis (P=0.0034)
      and chemoresistance (P<0.0001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high KIF14
      expression levels predicted poor survival in patients with (P=0.0024) or without
      (P=0.0028) paclitaxel treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that KIF14 was an
      independent prognostic factor for OS. Our study suggests that KIF14 may serve as
      a predictor of poor survival and a novel prognostic biomarker of chemoresistance
      to paclitaxel treatment in cervical cancer. 

PMID- 27128472
TI  - The Detection of Small-Fiber Neuropathies in Burning Mouth Syndrome and
      Iatrogenic Lingual Nerve Injuries: Use of Quantitative Sensory Testing.
AB  - AIMS: To assess thermal pain perception in patients with burning mouth syndrome
      (BMS) and lingual nerve injury (LNI) by using a quantitative sensory testing
      (QST) protocol. METHODS: QST was used to assess cool, warm, cold pain, and heat
      pain thresholds in healthy control subjects (n = 17) and in patients with BMS (n
      = 22) and LNI (n = 47). Capsaicin (10 MUg/mL) and ethyl chloride-evoked
      hypersensitivities at the anterior two-thirds of the tongue were measured using a
      visual analog scale. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel with descriptive
      statistics, scatter graphs, and two-tailed Student t tests with 95% confidence
      interval and 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Patients with BMS significantly
      reported the most pain at rest (P < .001) and capsaicin hypersensitivity (P <
      .01). Despite this increased sensitivity to capsaicin and significantly lower
      warm threshold than the control subjects (P < .05), these patients did not show
      heat pain hyperalgesia. There was increased sensitivity to ethyl chloride and
      cold pain hyperalgesia in patients with BMS (P < .05) compared with reduced or no
      sensation of cold or heat pain in patients with LNI. CONCLUSIONS: This study has
      demonstrated that the assessment of capsaicin and ethyl chloride-evoked
      sensitivities as well as the use of QST to assess thermosensitivity are useful
      approaches for detecting hyperalgesia or hypoalgesia to heat and cold in patients
      with BMS and LNI.

PMID- 27128471
TI  - Coronary Artery-Bypass-Graft Surgery Increases the Plasma Concentration of
      Exosomes Carrying a Cargo of Cardiac MicroRNAs: An Example of Exosome Trafficking
      Out of the Human Heart with Potential for Cardiac Biomarker Discovery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Exosome nanoparticles carry a composite cargo, including microRNAs
      (miRs). Cultured cardiovascular cells release miR-containing exosomes. The
      exosomal trafficking of miRNAs from the heart is largely unexplored. Working on
      clinical samples from coronary-artery by-pass graft (CABG) surgery, we
      investigated if: 1) exosomes containing cardiac miRs and hence putatively
      released by cardiac cells increase in the circulation after surgery; 2)
      circulating exosomes and exosomal cardiac miRs correlate with cardiac troponin
      (cTn), the current "gold standard" surrogate biomarker of myocardial damage.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: The concentration of exosome-sized nanoparticles was
      determined in serial plasma samples. Cardiac-expressed (miR-1, miR-24, miR
      133a/b, miR-208a/b, miR-210), non-cardiovascular (miR-122) and quality control
      miRs were measured in whole plasma and in plasma exosomes. Linear regression
      analyses were employed to establish the extent to which the circulating
      individual miRs, exosomes and exosomal cardiac miR correlated with cTn-I. Cardiac
      expressed miRs and the nanoparticle number increased in the plasma on completion
      of surgery for up to 48 hours. The exosomal concentration of cardiac miRs also
      increased after CABG. Cardiac miRs in the whole plasma did not correlate
      significantly with cTn-I. By contrast cTn-I was positively correlated with the
      plasma exosome level and the exosomal cardiac miRs. CONCLUSIONS: The plasma
      concentrations of exosomes and their cargo of cardiac miRs increased in patients
      undergoing CABG and were positively correlated with hs-cTnI. These data provide
      evidence that CABG induces the trafficking of exosomes from the heart to the
      peripheral circulation. Future studies are necessary to investigate the potential
      of circulating exosomes as clinical biomarkers in cardiac patients.

PMID- 27128473
TI  - Satisfaction with Life in Orofacial Pain Disorders: Associations and Theoretical
      Implications.
AB  - AIMS: To test if patients with masticatory myofascial pain, local myalgia,
      centrally mediated myalgia, disc displacement, capsulitis/synovitis, or
      continuous neuropathic pain differed in self-reported satisfaction with life. The
      study also tested if satisfaction with life was similarly predicted by measures
      of physical, emotional, and social functioning across disorders. METHODS:
      Satisfaction with life, fatigue, affective distress, social support, and pain
      data were extracted from the medical records of 343 patients seeking treatment
      for chronic orofacial pain. Patients were grouped by primary diagnosis assigned
      following their initial appointment. Satisfaction with life was compared between
      disorders, with and without pain intensity entered as a covariate. Disorder
      specific linear regression models using physical, emotional, and social
      predictors of satisfaction with life were computed. RESULTS: Patients with
      centrally mediated myalgia reported significantly lower satisfaction with life
      than did patients with any of the other five disorders. Inclusion of pain
      intensity as a covariate weakened but did not eliminate the effect. Satisfaction
      with life was predicted by measures of physical, emotional, and social
      functioning, but these associations were not consistent across disorders.
      CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that reduced satisfaction with life in patients with
      centrally mediated myalgia is not due only to pain intensity. There may be other
      factors that predispose people to both reduced satisfaction with life and
      centrally mediated myalgia. Furthermore, the results suggest that satisfaction
      with life is differentially influenced by physical, emotional, and social
      functioning in different orofacial pain disorders.

PMID- 27128474
TI  - Self-Report of Waking-State Oral Parafunctional Behaviors in the Natural
      Environment.
AB  - AIMS: To determine if retrospective self-report of oral parafunctional behaviors
      potentially relevant to pain conditions is valid, by comparing oral
      parafunctional behaviors via a self-report instrument (Oral Behaviors Checklist
      [OBC]) with in-field reports of oral parafunction. METHODS: Individuals with a
      range of oral parafunctional behaviors, as identified by the OBC, were recruited,
      and 22 completed the field study. Using the Ecological Momentary Assessment
      paradigm, each subject was randomly prompted about eight times per day, for a
      target of 7 days, via portable handheld computer to report current behaviors
      among 11 queried items. Before and after the field study, a paper version of the
      OBC was administered. Separately, 74 individuals participated in a test-retest
      study of the paper OBC. Analyses included regression, correlation, intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC) and area under the receiving operating curve (AUC).
      RESULTS: Pre- and postfield study administration of the OBC exhibited substantial
      reliability (ICC = 0.65), indicating no reactivity during the intervening in
      field data collection. Reliability across in-field days was low, indicating high
      variability in which behavior occurred on which day. Nonobservable behaviors were
      reported more frequently than observable behaviors. Self-report via OBC was
      linear with in-field data collection methods (R2 values ranged from 0.1 to 0.7;
      most values were within 0.3 to 0.4). The predictive value of the self-report
      total score was AUC (0.88) relative to the in-field study score. Separate test
      retest reliability of the OBC was almost perfect (ICC = 0.88). CONCLUSIONS: The
      OBC is a reliable and valid way to predict behaviors in the natural environment
      and will be useful for further pain research.

PMID- 27128475
TI  - Is the Nociceptive Blink Reflex Associated with Psychological Factors in Healthy
      Participants?
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the possible association between the nociceptive blink reflex
      (nBR) and various pain-related psychological measures: the Anxiety Sensitivity
      Index-3 (ASI-3), the Fear of Pain Questionnaire III (FPQ-III), the Pain Vigilance
      and Awareness Questionnaire (PVAQ), the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS),
      the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the Situational Pain Catastrophizing
      Scale (S-PCS). METHODS: The nBR was evaluated in 21 healthy participants. It was
      elicited by a nociceptive-specific electrode placed over the entry zone of the
      right supraorbital nerve, infraorbital nerve, and mental nerve, as well as the
      left infraorbital nerve. The outcomes were (1) nBR measurements: (a) individual
      electrical sensory threshold (I0) and pain threshold (IP); (b) root mean square
      (RMS), area under the curve (AUC), and onset latencies of R2 responses; (c)
      stimulus-evoked pain on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale (NRS); and (2) the ASI-3,
      the FPQ-III, the PVAQ, the SSAS, the PCS, and the S-PCS. Pearson correlation
      coefficient was used to evaluate the association between the means of nBR
      measurements from all sites and the questionnaires The significance level was set
      up after a Bonferroni correction (adjusted alpha = .8%). RESULTS: There was no
      correlation for any pair of variables at the adjusted significance level (P >
      .008). There was only a single significant correlation at the standard
      significance level (P < .05), where the pain intensity (NRS) at 50% of IP
      presented a positive and small to moderate correlation with the PCS (r = 0.43, P
      = .04). CONCLUSION: It appears that the nBR and its associated psychophysical
      measures are not associated with psychological factors in healthy participants.

PMID- 27128476
TI  - Treatment Seeking and Self-Constructed Explanations of Pain and Pain Management
      Strategies Among Adolescents with Temporomandibular Disorder Pain.
AB  - AIMS: To explore adolescents' explanations of their temporomandibular disorder
      (TMD) pain, their pain management strategies for TMD pain, and their treatment
      seeking behavior. METHODS: One-on-one interviews were conducted with 21
      adolescents aged 15 to 19 years who had TMD pain and followed a semistructured
      interview guide. Subjects were strategically selected from patients referred to
      an orofacial pain clinic. All participants had been examined and received a pain
      diagnosis based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. The interviews
      focused on the adolescents' experiences of TMD pain, their strategies for
      handling pain, and how they seek care. The interviews were recorded, transcribed
      verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative manifest content analysis. RESULTS:
      Qualitative manifest content analysis revealed two categories: (1) self
      constructed explanations, with three subcategories (situation-based explanatory
      model, physical/biologic model, and psychological explanatory model); and (2)
      pain management strategies, with four subcategories (social support, treatment,
      relaxation/rest, and psychological strategies). Adolescents used physical
      activities and psychological and pharmacologic treatment to manage pain. Reasons
      for seeking treatment were to be cured, to obtain an explanation for their pain,
      and because their symptoms bother others. CONCLUSION: Adolescents living with TMD
      pain develop self-constructed explanations and pain management strategies. With
      access to these descriptions, dentists can be better prepared to have a dialogue
      with their adolescent patients about their own explanations of pain, the nature
      of pain, and in which situations the pain appears. Dentists can also explore
      adolescent patients' pain management strategies and perhaps also suggest new
      treatment strategies at an earlier stage.

PMID- 27128477
TI  - Relationship Between Orthodontics and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Prospective
      Study.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the possible relationship between the orthodontic treatment
      of Class II malocclusion and the development of temporomandibular disorders
      (TMD). METHODS: A total of 40 patients was evaluated at four time points: the day
      before the start of treatment employing bilateral Class II elastics (baseline),
      as well as at 24 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after the start of treatment. The
      development of TMD pain complaints in the orofacial region and changes in the
      range of mouth opening were assessed at these times. Shapiro-Wilk, McNemar, and
      Friedman tests with 5% significance level were used to analyze the data. RESULTS:
      The treatment produced pain of a transitory, moderate intensity, but there was no
      significant change from baseline after 1 month. There were no restrictions in the
      range of jaw motion or any evidence of limitations in mouth opening. CONCLUSION:
      Orthodontic treatment with bilateral Class II elastics does not cause significant
      orofacial pain or undesirable changes in the range of mouth opening. Furthermore,
      this modality of orthodontic treatment was not responsible for inducing TMD.

PMID- 27128478
TI  - Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Impact on Quality of Life of Migraine in a
      Community in Northeast China.
AB  - AIMS: To validate the Chinese version of the Identification of Migraine screener
      (ID-Migraine), assess migraine prevalence, identify potential associated factors,
      and assess the impact of migraine on quality of life in a community in Harbin, PR
      China. METHODS: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the
      Songbei district of Harbin. After excluding the people who did not usually reside
      in the community, 2,588 adults were invited to participate in the study. Eligible
      participants underwent a physical examination before completing a questionnaire
      addressing demographics, medical history, and other features. Additionally, the
      ID-Migraine was validated by using International Classification of Headache
      Disorders-3 criteria, with 94 participants screening positive and 100
      participants screening negative for migraine as diagnosed through a telephone
      interview. The diagnostic accuracy of ID-Migraine was evaluated by sensitivity
      and specificity, and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to
      determine the association between migraine and associated factors. RESULTS: A
      total of 1,143 subjects completed the questionnaire (response rate 44.2%). The
      prevalence of migraine was 8.9%, with a male to female prevalence ratio of 1:3.30
      (3.7% versus 12.2%; P < .001). The sensitivity (90.6%; 95% confidence interval
      [CI] = 75.0% to 97.9%) and specificity (71.4%; 95% CI = 60.0% to 81.2%) of the ID
      Migraine were satisfactory. Multivariate logistic regression analyses suggested
      female sex, depression, coronary heart disease (CHD), chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD), ischemic stroke (IS), and hypertension were positively
      associated with migraine, whereas age and education level were negatively
      associated with migraine. Migraine was shown to significantly impact quality of
      life. CONCLUSION: Migraine is a highly prevalent disease that can significantly
      affect quality of life. Age, sex, education level, depression, CHD, COPD, IS, and
      hypertension were all associated with migraine.

PMID- 27128479
TI  - Association Between Chlamydia pneumoniae and Migraine: A Study from a Tertiary
      Center in India.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the association between circulating Chlamydia pneumoniae (C
      pneumoniae) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody and migraine in Indian patients.
      METHODS: A total of 300 migraine patients and 150 age-matched and sex-matched
      controls were recruited from the Department of Neurology at Yashoda Hospital in
      Hyderabad, India, during the study period between August 2011 and July 2013. All
      patients and controls were assessed for the presence of the C pneumoniae IgG
      antibody and also C-reactive protein (CRP) as well as for depression, which was
      assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). RESULTS: Of the patients
      with migraine, 69% were female and the mean age +/- standard deviation (SD) was
      45.8 +/- 4.8 years (range 18 to 62 years). The C pneumoniae IgG antibody was
      present in 151 of the patients (50.3%; P < .0001), CRP in 180 (60%; P < .0001),
      depression in 270 (90%; P < .0001), and history of sleep disturbances in 70
      (23.3%; P < .0001); all measurements were significantly higher in migraine
      patients compared with controls. After adjustment for multiple logistic
      regression analyses, C pneumoniae IgG antibody positivity (odds ratio [OR] 2.6;
      95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3 to 3.7), CRP positivity (OR 6.2; 95% CI = 3.3
      to 11.6), mild depression (OR 16.9; 95% CI = 6.5 to 39.4), and history of sleep
      disturbance (OR 2.1; 95% CI = 1.1 to 3.1) were independently associated with
      migraine. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the presence of C pneumoniae IgG
      antibody was independently associated with migraine in Indian patients.

PMID- 27128480
TI  - Achieved Competencies and Satisfaction in Temporomandibular Disorders and
      Orofacial Pain Education.
AB  - AIMS: To assess dental students' achieved competencies and perceived satisfaction
      with their temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain education and to
      compare these with the results of their final examination in TMD and orofacial
      pain. METHODS: Dental students from two consecutive classes (2011/2012 and
      2012/2013) at the Department of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function at the dental
      school in Malmo, Sweden completed two self-evaluations, one at the beginning of
      semester seven and one at the end of semester eight. The questionnaire that they
      were given concerned achieved competencies and satisfaction with education in TMD
      and orofacial pain. Items focused on anatomy, physiology, and clinical training.
      Students estimated their competence and satisfaction on a numeric rating scale
      and described their idea of treating TMD and orofacial pain patients on a verbal
      rating scale. Outcome variables were tested with paired samples t test for
      differences over time and independent samples t test for between-class
      comparisons; both were adjusted for multiple testing with Bonferroni correction.
      RESULTS: Significant improvement in all items was observed for achieved
      competencies and satisfaction in both classes between semester seven and semester
      eight (P < .05). No differences in competencies or satisfaction occurred between
      classes at the end of the clinical course in semester eight (P > .05).
      CONCLUSION: This study has shown that expansion in undergraduate TMD and
      orofacial pain education at the dental school in Malmo has allowed all students
      to develop the same level of competence, independent of prior experience. The
      study also pointed out that continuous evaluation and enhancement of TMD and
      orofacial pain education in undergraduate dental education is beneficial.

PMID- 27128481
TI  - Comparison of Three Techniques for Swine Temporomandibular Joint Space Injection.
AB  - AIMS: To compare the feasibility and accuracy of three injection techniques for
      entering the superior joint space of the swine temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
      METHODS: Nine swine were used for this study, in which 500 MUL of colored dye was
      injected into both TMJs of each swine. Three injection techniques were used: the
      posterior injection (PI), the anterosuperior injection (ASI), and the lateral
      injection (LI) techniques. Each injection technique was performed on six TMJs.
      Swine were sacrificed immediately after injection and the swine head was
      dissected in order to observe the dye distribution. Injection was considered
      successful if no dye could be observed outside the superior joint space. RESULTS:
      The PI technique was successful in all six TMJs (success rate: 100%), the LI
      technique in three out of six TMJs (success rate: 50%), and the ASI technique in
      two out of six TMJs (success rate: 33%); the differences were statistically
      significant (chi-square test, P < .05). CONCLUSION: The PI technique was more
      accurate than the LI or ASI techniques in accessing the swine superior TMJ space.

PMID- 27128482
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Psychiatric Sequelae of Migraine in Saudi Patients.

PMID- 27128483
TI  - Competence Classification of Cumulus and Granulosa Cell Transcriptome in Embryos
      Matched by Morphology and Female Age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: By focussing on differences in the mural granulosa cell (MGC) and
      cumulus cell (CC) transcriptomes from follicles resulting in competent (live
      birth) and non-competent (no pregnancy) oocytes the study aims on defining a
      competence classifier expression profile in the two cellular compartments.
      DESIGN: A case-control study. SETTING: University based facilities for clinical
      services and research. PATIENTS: MGC and CC samples from 60 women undergoing IVF
      treatment following the long GnRH-agonist protocol were collected. Samples from
      16 oocytes where live birth was achieved and 16 age- and embryo morphology
      matched incompetent oocytes were included in the study. METHODS: MGC and CC were
      isolated immediately after oocyte retrieval. From the 16 competent and non
      competent follicles, mRNA was extracted and expression profile generated on the
      Human Gene 1.0 ST Affymetrix array. Live birth prediction analysis using machine
      learning algorithms (support vector machines) with performance estimation by
      leave-one-out cross validation and independent validation on an external data
      set. RESULTS: We defined a signature of 30 genes expressed in CC predictive of
      live birth. This live birth prediction model had an accuracy of 81%, a
      sensitivity of 0.83, a specificity of 0.80, a positive predictive value of 0.77,
      and a negative predictive value of 0.86. Receiver operating characteristic
      analysis found an area under the curve of 0.86, significantly greater than random
      chance. When applied on 3 external data sets with the end-point outcome measure
      of blastocyst formation, the signature resulted in 62%, 75% and 88% accuracy,
      respectively. The genes in the classifier are primarily connected to apoptosis
      and involvement in formation of extracellular matrix. We were not able to define
      a robust MGC classifier signature that could classify live birth with accuracy
      above random chance level. CONCLUSION: We have developed a cumulus cell
      classifier, which showed a promising performance on external data. This suggests
      that the gene signature at least partly include genes that relates to competence
      in the developing blastocyst.

PMID- 27128484
TI  - mTOR Inhibition Attenuates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Suppressing
      T Cell Proliferation and Balancing TH1/TH17/Treg Profile.
AB  - It has been established that mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have
      anti-inflammatory effects in models of experimental colitis. However, the
      underlying mechanism is largely unknown. In this research, we investigate the
      anti-inflammatory effects of AZD8055, a potent mTOR inhibitor, on T cell response
      in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, a commonly used animal
      model of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Severity of colitis is evaluated by
      changing of body weight, bloody stool, fecal consistency, histology evaluation
      and cytokine expression. We find that AZD8055 treatment attenuates DSS-induced
      body weight loss, colon length shortening and pathological damage of the colon.
      And AZD8055 treatment decreases colonic expression of genes encoding the pro
      inflammatory cytokines interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-1beta,IL-6 and
      tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-a and increases colonic expression of anti
      inflammatory cytokines IL-10. We show that AZD8055 treatment decreases the
      percentages of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in spleen, lymph nodes and
      peripheral blood of mice. We also find that AZD8055 treatment significantly
      reduces the number of T helper 1(TH1) cells and TH17 cells and increases
      regulatory T (Treg) cells in the lamina propria and mesenteric lymph nodes.
      Furthermore, we demonstrates that AZD8055 suppresses the proliferation of CD4+
      and CD8+ T cells and the differentiation of TH1/TH17 cells and expands Treg cells
      in vitro. The results suggest that, in experimental colitis, AZD8055 exerts anti
      inflammatory effect by regulating T helper cell polarization and proliferation.

PMID- 27128485
TI  - Sexual Health in Male and Female Iraq and Afghanistan U. S. War Veterans With and
      Without PTSD: Findings From the VALOR Cohort.
AB  - We sought to determine whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was
      associated with sexual health in returned warzone-deployed veterans from the
      recent Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. We studied 1,581 males and females from
      the Veterans After-Discharge Longitudinal Registry, a gender-balanced U.S.
      Department of Veterans Affairs registry of health care-seeking veterans with and
      without PTSD. Approximately one quarter (25.1%) of males (n = 198) and 12.7% of
      females (n = 101) had a sexual dysfunction diagnosis and/or prescription
      treatment for sexual dysfunction. Both genders were more likely to have a sexual
      dysfunction diagnosis and/or prescription treatment if they had PTSD compared
      with those without PTSD (male: 27.3% vs. 21.1%, p = .054; female: 14.9% vs. 9.4%,
      p = .022). Among the 1,557 subjects analyzed here, males with PTSD had similar
      levels of sexual activity compared to those without PTSD (71.2% vs. 75.4%, p =
      .22), whereas females with PTSD were less likely to be sexually active compared
      to females without PTSD (58.7% vs. 72.1%, p < .001). Participants with PTSD were
      also less likely to report sex-life satisfaction (male: 27.6% vs. 46.0%, p <
      .001; female: 23.0% vs. 45.7%, p < .001) compared with those without PTSD.
      Although PTSD was not associated with sexual dysfunction after adjusting for
      confounding factors, it was significantly negatively associated with sex-life
      satisfaction in female veterans with a prevalence ratio of .71, 95% confidence
      interval [.57, .90].

PMID- 27128486
TI  - Nicotinate-Curcumin Impedes Foam Cell Formation from THP-1 Cells through
      Restoring Autophagy Flux.
AB  - Our previous studies have indicated that a novel curcumin derivate nicotinate
      curcumin (NC) has beneficial effects on the prevention of atherosclerosis, but
      the precise mechanisms are not fully understood. Given that autophagy regulates
      lipid metabolism, the present study was designed to investigate whether NC
      decreases foam cell formation through restoring autophagy flux in oxidized low
      density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-treated THP-1 cells. Our results showed that ox-LDL
      (100 MUg/ml) was accumulated in THP-1 cells and impaired autophagy flux. Ox-LDL
      induced impairment of autophagy was enhanced by treatment with the autophagy
      inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) and rescued by the autophagy inducer rapamycin. The
      aggregation of ox-LDL was increased by CQ, but decreased by rapamycin. In
      addition, colocalization of lipid droplets with LC3-II was remarkably reduced in
      ox-LDL group. In contrast, NC (10 MUM) rescued the impaired autophagy flux by
      significantly increasing level of LC3-II, the number of autophagolysosomes, and
      the degradation of p62 in ox-LDL-treated THP-1 cells. Inhibition of the PI3K-Akt
      mTOR signaling was required for NC-rescued autophagy flux. Notably, our results
      showed that NC remarkably promoted the colocalization of lipid droplets with
      autophagolysosomes, increased efflux of cholesterol, and reduced ox-LDL
      accumulation in THP-1 cells. However, treatment with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or CQ
      reduced the protective effects of NC on lipid accumulation. Collectively, the
      findings suggest that NC decreases lipid accumulation in THP-1 cells through
      restoring autophagy flux, and further implicate that NC may be a potential
      therapeutic reagent to reverse atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27128487
TI  - The Largest Known Survival Analysis of Patients with Brain Metastasis from
      Thyroid Cancer Based on Prognostic Groups.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical features and prognostic factors associated with
      the survival of patients with a very rare occurrence of brain metastasis (BM)
      from differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 37
      patients with DTC who were diagnosed with BM between 1995 and 2014 were included.
      We reviewed the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and image
      findings of BM. Factors associated with survival were evaluated, and the patients
      were divided into three prognostic groups (Groups A, B, and C) for comparative
      analysis. RESULTS: The median age at BM was 63 years, and the median time from
      initial thyroid cancer diagnosis to BM was 3.8 years. The median survival and the
      1-year actuarial survival rate after BM were 8.8 months and 47%, respectively.
      According to univariate and multivariate analyses, four good prognostic factors
      (GPFs) were identified including age <= 60 years, PS <= ECOG 2, <= 3 BM sites,
      and without extracranial metastasis prior to BM. Three prognostic groups were
      designed based on age and number of remaining GPFs: patients <= 60 years of age
      with at least 2 GPFs (Group A) had the most favorable prognosis with a median
      survival of 32.8 months; patients <= 60 years of age with fewer than 2 GPFs and
      those > 60 years of age with at least 2 GPFs (Group B) had an intermediate
      prognosis with a median survival of 9.4 months; and patients > 60 years of age
      with fewer than 2 GPFs (Group C) had the least favorable prognosis with a median
      survival of 1.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: The survival of patients with BM form DTC
      differed among the prognostic groups based on the total number of good prognostic
      factors.

PMID- 27128488
TI  - Granulocyte transfusions for treating infections in people with neutropenia or
      neutrophil dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite modern antimicrobials and supportive therapy bacterial and
      fungal infections are still major complications in people with prolonged disease
      related or treatment-related neutropenia. Transfusions of granulocytes have a
      long history of usage in clinical practice to support and treat severe infection
      in high-risk groups of patients with neutropenia or neutrophil dysfunction.
      However, there is considerable current variability in therapeutic granulocyte
      transfusion practice, and uncertainty about the beneficial effect of transfusions
      given as an adjunct to antibiotics on mortality. This is an update of a Cochrane
      review first published in 2005. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness and
      safety of granulocyte transfusions compared to no granulocyte transfusions as
      adjuncts to antimicrobials for treating infections in people with neutropenia or
      disorders of neutrophil function aimed at reducing mortality and other adverse
      outcomes related to infection. SEARCH METHODS: We searched for randomised
      controlled trials (RCTs) in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library 2016, Issue 2). MEDLINE (from 1946), Embase (from
      1974), CINAHL (from 1937), the Transfusion Evidence Library (from 1980) and
      ongoing trial databases to 11 February 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA: RCTs comparing
      people with neutropenia or disorders of neutrophil dysfunction receiving
      granulocyte transfusions to treat infection with a control group receiving no
      granulocyte transfusions. Neonates are the subject of another Cochrane review and
      were excluded from this review. There was no restriction by outcomes examined,
      language or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard
      methodological procedures expected by the Cochrane Collaboration. MAIN RESULTS:
      We identified 10 trials that met the inclusion criteria with a total of 587
      participants. We also identified another ongoing trial. These trials were
      conducted between 1975 and 2015. None of the studies included people with
      neutrophil dysfunction. The studies differed in the type of infections they
      included. Six studies included both children and adults, however data were not
      reported separately for children and adults. The two newest studies gave
      granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to donors; both were stopped early
      due to lack of recruitment. Three studies re-randomised participants and
      therefore quantitative analysis was unable to be performed.Overall the quality of
      the evidence was very low to low across different outcomes according to GRADE
      methodology. This was due to many of the studies being at high risk of bias, and
      many of the outcomes being imprecise.There may be no difference in all-cause
      mortality over 30 days between participants receiving therapeutic granulocyte
      transfusions and those that did not (six studies; 321 participants; RR 0.75, 95%
      CI 0.54 to 1.04; very low-quality evidence). There were no differences between
      the granulocyte dose subgroups (< 1 x 10(10) per day versus >= 1 x 10(10) per
      day) (test for subgroup differences P = 0.39). There was a difference in all
      cause mortality between the studies based on the age of the study (published
      before 2000 versus published 2000 or later) (test for subgroup differences P =
      0.03). There was no difference in all-cause mortality between participants
      receiving granulocyte transfusions and those that did not in the newest study
      (one study; 111 participants; RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.73, low-quality
      evidence). There may be a reduction in all-cause mortality in participants
      receiving granulocyte transfusions compared to those that did not in studies
      published before the year 2000 (five studies; 210 participants; RR 0.53, 95% CI
      0.33 to 0.85; low-quality evidence).There may be no difference in clinical
      reversal of concurrent infection between participants receiving therapeutic
      granulocyte transfusions and those that did not (five studies; 286 participants;
      RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.19; low-quality evidence).There is insufficient
      evidence to determine whether there is a difference in pulmonary serious adverse
      events (1 study; 24 participants; RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.88; very low-quality
      evidence).None of the studies reported number of days on therapeutic antibiotics,
      number of adverse events requiring discontinuation of treatment, or quality of
      life.Six studies reported their funding sources and all were funded by
      governments or charities. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In people who are neutropenic due
      to myelosuppressive chemotherapy or a haematopoietic stem cell transplant, there
      is insufficient evidence to determine whether granulocyte transfusions affect all
      cause mortality. To be able to detect a decrease in all-cause mortality from 35%
      to 30% would require a study containing at least 2748 participants (80% power, 5%
      significance). There is low-grade evidence that therapeutic granulocyte
      transfusions may not increase the number of participants with clinical resolution
      of an infection.

PMID- 27128489
TI  - Correction: Environmental Mapping of Paracoccidioides spp. in Brazil Reveals New
      Clues into Genetic Diversity, Biogeography and Wild Host Association.

PMID- 27128490
TI  - Segmental Isotope Labelling of an Individual Bromodomain of a Tandem Domain BRD4
      Using Sortase A.
AB  - Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family of proteins are one of the major
      readers of epigenetic marks and an important target class in oncology and other
      disease areas. The importance of the BET family of proteins is manifested by the
      explosion in the number of inhibitors against these targets that have
      successfully entered clinical trials. One important BET family member is
      bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4). Structural and biophysical studies of
      BRD4 are complicated by its tertiary-structure consisting of two bromodomains
      connected by a flexible inter-domain linker of approximately 180 amino acids. A
      detailed understanding of the interplay of these bromodomains will be key to
      rational drug design in BRD4, yet there are no reported three-dimensional
      structures of the multi-domain BRD4 and NMR studies of the tandem domain are
      hampered by the size of the protein. Here, we present a method for rapid Sortase
      A-mediated segmental labelling of the individual bromodomains of BRD4 that
      provides a powerful strategy that will enable NMR studies of ligand-bromodomain
      interactions with atomic detail. In our labelling strategy, we have used U
      [2H,15N]-isotope labelling on the C-terminal bromodomain with selective
      introduction of 13CH3 methyl groups on Ile (delta1), Val and Leu, whereas the N
      terminal bromodomain remained unlabelled. This labelling scheme resulted in
      significantly simplified NMR spectra and will allow for high-resolution
      interaction, structure and dynamics studies in the presence of ligands.

PMID- 27128491
TI  - The Use of Multiplicity Corrections, Order Statistics and Generalized Family-Wise
      Statistics with Application to Genome-Wide Studies.
AB  - The most important decision faced by large-scale studies, such as those presently
      encountered in human genetics, is to distinguish between those tests that are
      true positives from those that are not. In the context of genetics, this entails
      the determination of genetic markers that actually underlie medically-relevant
      phenotypes from a vast number of makers typically interrogated in genome-wide
      studies. A critical part of these decisions relies on the appropriate statistical
      assessment of data obtained from tests across numerous markers. Several methods
      have been developed to aid with such analyses, with family-wise approaches, such
      as the Bonferroni and Dunn-Sidak corrections, being popular. Conditions that
      motivate the use of family-wise corrections are explored. Although simple to
      implement, one major limitation of these approaches is that they assume that p
      values are i.i.d. uniformly distributed under the null hypothesis. However,
      several factors may violate this assumption in genome-wide studies including
      effects from confounding by population stratification, the presence of related
      individuals, the correlational structure among genetic markers, and the use of
      limiting distributions for test statistics. Even after adjustment for such
      effects, the distribution of p-values can substantially depart from a uniform
      distribution under the null hypothesis. In this work, I present a decision theory
      for the use of family-wise corrections for multiplicity and a generalization of
      the Dunn-Sidak correction that relaxes the assumption of uniformly-distributed
      null p-values. The independence assumption is also relaxed and handled through
      calculating the effective number of independent tests. I also explicitly show the
      relationship between order statistics and family-wise correction procedures. This
      generalization may be applicable to multiplicity problems outside of genomics.

PMID- 27128492
TI  - Psychiatric comorbidity and severity of dependence on substance users: how it
      impacts on their health-related quality of life?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of psychiatric
      comorbidity and severity of dependence on health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
      METHODS: One hundred and ninety-eight substance use disorder (SUD) patients were
      recruited from an outpatient center that provides treatment for SUD. The
      International Personality Disorder Examination Screening Questionnaire (IPDE-SQ),
      Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Substance Dependence
      Severity Scale (SDSS) and Health-Related Quality of Life for Drug Abusers test
      (HRQoLDA test) were administered. RESULTS: Patients with psychiatric comorbidity
      evaluated their HRQoL more negatively than patients without psychiatric
      comorbidity. An analysis of the relationship between severity of dependence and
      HRQoL scores indicated significant correlations among alcohol-, cocaine-, heroin-
      and cannabis-dependent patients. According to multivariate analyses, anxiety
      disorders, mood disorders, severity of dependence on alcohol, cannabis, cocaine,
      paranoid, borderline and avoidant personality disorders (PDs) were observed to
      have a major impact on HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: SUD (severity of dependence on
      alcohol, cannabis and cocaine) and other mental disorders (anxiety disorders;
      mood disorders; paranoid, borderline and avoidant PDs) are involved in the
      deterioration of the SUD patients' HRQoL. This study demonstrates the need for
      integrated treatment for SUD patients. Treating only a part of the problem
      (whether SUD or other mental disorders are present) is insufficient for improving
      quality of life.

PMID- 27128493
TI  - High Throughput Screening Identifies Novel Lead Compounds with Activity against
      Larval, Juvenile and Adult Schistosoma mansoni.
AB  - An estimated 600 million people are affected by the helminth disease
      schistosomiasis caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma. There is currently
      only one drug recommended for treating schistosomiasis, praziquantel (PZQ), which
      is effective against adult worms but not against the juvenile stage. In an
      attempt to identify improved drugs for treating the disease, we have carried out
      high throughput screening of a number of small molecule libraries with the aim of
      identifying lead compounds with balanced activity against all life stages of
      Schistosoma. A total of almost 300,000 compounds were screened using a high
      throughput assay based on motility of worm larvae and image analysis of assay
      plates. Hits were screened against juvenile and adult worms to identify broadly
      active compounds and against a mammalian cell line to assess cytotoxicity. A
      number of compounds were identified as promising leads for further chemical
      optimization. 

PMID- 27128494
TI  - Ophthalmic Disparities in Transgender Patients.
AB  - Transgender individuals experience unique challenges with regards to
      discrimination and access to health care. Further, their unique health-care needs
      and challenges lead to greater rates of morbidity. This article seeks to review
      the unique biology of transgender patients and the effects of cross-sex hormone
      therapy on ophthalmic and non-ophthalmic pathology. Attention is given to topics
      in neuro-ophthalmology, oculoplastics, and retinal disease. 

PMID- 27128495
TI  - Asymptomatic bronchial aspiration of capsule endoscope: a significant
      complication.
AB  - Capsule endoscopy is a safe and well-tolerated procedure allowing the direct, non
      invasive mucosal investigation of the small bowel. There are, however, few
      limitations. 

PMID- 27128497
TI  - Corrigendum: 8-Oxoguanine accumulation in mitochondrial DNA causes mitochondrial
      dysfunction and impairs neuritogenesis in cultured adult mouse cortical neurons
      under oxidative conditions.

PMID- 27128496
TI  - Comparison of the analgesic effect of patient-controlled oxycodone and fentanyl
      for pain management in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.
AB  - Oxycodone is a MU-opioid receptor agonist and is generally indicated for the
      relief of moderate to severe pain. The aim of this study was to compare the
      analgesic efficacy of patient-controlled oxycodone and fentanyl for postoperative
      pain in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Patients scheduled to undergo
      elective colorectal surgery (n=82) were allocated to receive oxycodone (n=41,
      concentration of 1 mg/mL) or fentanyl (n=41, concentration of 15 MUg/mL) for
      postoperative pain management. After the operation, pain using a numerical rating
      scale (NRS), delivery to demand ratio, infused dose of patient-controlled
      analgesia (PCA), side effects, and sedation levels were evaluated. Median (25%
      75%) cumulative PCA dose of oxycodone group at 48 hours (66.9, 58.4-83.7 mL) was
      significantly less than that of fentanyl group (80.0, 63.4-103.3 mL, P=.037). Six
      hours after surgery, the mean (SD) NRS scores of the oxycodone and fentanyl
      groups were 6.2 (2.4) and 6.8 (1.9), respectively (P=.216). The mean
      equianalgesic potency ratio of oxycodone to fentanyl was 55:1. The groups did not
      differ in postoperative nausea, vomiting, and level of sedation. Patient
      controlled oxycodone provides similar effects for pain relief compared to patient
      controlled fentanyl in spite of less cumulative PCA dose. Based on these results,
      oxycodone can be a useful alternative to fentanyl for PCA in patients after
      colorectal surgery.

PMID- 27128498
TI  - Drosophila melanogaster as a suitable in vivo model to determine potential side
      effects of nanomaterials: A review.
AB  - Despite being a relatively new field, nanoscience has been in the forefront among
      many scientific areas. Nanoparticle materials (NM) present interesting
      physicochemical characteristics not necessarily found in their bulky forms, and
      alterations in their size or coating markedly modify their physical, chemical,
      and biological properties. Due to these novel properties there is a general trend
      to exploit these NM in several fields of science, particularly in medicine and
      industry. The increased presence of NM in the environment warrants evaluation of
      potential harmful effects in order to protect both environment and human exposed
      populations. Although in vitro approaches are commonly used to determine
      potential adverse effects of NM, in vivo studies generate data expected to be
      more relevant for risk assessment. As an in vivo model Drosophila melanogaster
      was previously found to possess reliable utility in determining the biological
      effects of NM, and thus its usage increased markedly over the last few years. The
      aims of this review are to present a comprehensive overview of all apparent
      studies carried out with NM and Drosophila, to attain a clear and comprehensive
      picture of the potential risk of NM exposure to health, and to demonstrate the
      advantages of using Drosophila in nanotoxicological investigations. 

PMID- 27128499
TI  - Variability in Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography over 4 Weeks by Age.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify variation in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography
      (SD-OCT) measures of total retinal thickness (top of inner limiting membrane to
      top of retinal pigment epithelium, RPE) and RPE thickness measures over a 4-week
      period and by age. METHODS: A total of 76 volunteers aged 40-85 years were seen
      at three visits over 4 weeks. Two Topcon SD-OCT scans were taken at each visit.
      Following grid re-centration, total retinal and RPE thickness were determined in
      nine subfields. Multilevel modeling was used to quantify variance between scans
      and by age. RESULTS: In the central circle, mean total retinal thickness was
      237.9 um (standard deviation, SD, 23.5 um) and RPE thickness was 46.0 um (SD 5.3
      um). Intraclass correlation coefficient in the central circle was 0.988 for total
      retinal thickness and 0.714 for RPE thickness. Pairwise measures taken within 4
      weeks were strongly correlated (p > 0.95). Within-subject variation of total
      retinal thickness increased significantly with age. Subjects in the oldest age
      group had significantly increased among- and within-subject variability in
      measures of RPE thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Correlation between retinal thickness
      measures was very high (>0.95) over a period of 4 weeks with small changes likely
      due to variation in measurement. Increasing variability in total retinal and RPE
      thickness measures with age suggest that the use of more and/or higher quality
      images to calculate mean thickness to reduce variability may benefit the study of
      these measures in older persons. This may also impact sample size calculations
      for future studies of SD-OCT measures in older adults.

PMID- 27128500
TI  - Cu Nanoparticles Inlaid Mesoporous Carbon Aerogels as a High Performance
      Desulfurizer.
AB  - In the present study, to insert the Cu nanoparticles (NPs) into mesoporous carbon
      aerogels and first applied it to remove H2S efficiently. This desulfurizer was
      made based on the dimensional policy by inserting the Cu NPs on mesoporous carbon
      aerogels to overcome the sintering problem and improve the activity, which has
      potential performance at high-temperature catalysis. The obtained desulfurizer
      was employed for H2S removal at middle temperature conditions (optimal H2S
      adsorption at 550  degrees C). We explored the optimum doping amount of CuOx,
      optimum temperature conditions, and the influence of textural parameters of
      carbon aerogels. The desulfurizers were characterized by means of field-emission
      scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), N2-adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2
      TPR), and Raman spectra techniques. The results confirmed that the presence of H2
      was unfavorable for sulfidation and obviously shortened the breakthrough time.
      However, the existence of CO had little impact on the desulfurization and sulfur
      capacity. In a nutshell, this work could provide a new synthetic route to prepare
      Cu NPs deep into the lattice of carbon aerogels structure of desulfurizers and
      understand the desulfurization mechanism.

PMID- 27128501
TI  - Dynamic Assembly of Magnetic Colloidal Vortices.
AB  - Magnetic colloids in external time-dependent fields are subject to complex
      induced many-body interactions governing their self-assembly into a variety of
      equilibrium and out-of-equilibrium structures such as chains, networks, suspended
      membranes, and colloidal foams. Here, we report experiments, simulations, and
      theory probing the dynamic assembly of superparamagnetic colloids in precessing
      external magnetic fields. Within a range of field frequencies, we observe dynamic
      large-scale structures such as ordered phases composed of precessing chains,
      ribbons, and rotating fluidic vortices. We show that the structure formation is
      inherently coupled to the buildup of torque, which originates from internal
      relaxation of induced dipoles and from transient correlations among the particles
      as a result of short-lived chain formation. We discuss in detail the physical
      properties of the vortex phase and demonstrate its potential in particle-coating
      applications.

PMID- 27128502
TI  - Regulation of Gag- and Env-Specific CD8+ T Cell Responses in ART-Naive HIV
      Infected Patients: Potential Implications for Individualized Immunotherapy.
AB  - Strategies to develop a functional cure for HIV infection will likely require
      boosting of effector T cell responses to eliminate reactivated, latently infected
      cells. We have recently explored an assay for assessing antigen-specific
      regulation of T cell proliferation, which was related to clinical progression in
      untreated patients and to vaccine efficacy in two trials of therapeutic Gag-based
      vaccines. We here expand the same assay to further investigate regulation
      mediated by various inhibitory pathways. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from
      26 asymptomatic HIV-infected, antiretroviral therapy-naive patients were
      stimulated with Gag and Env overlapping peptide panels for 5 days. Monoclonal
      antibodies (mAbs) blocking inhibitory mediators interleukin (IL) 10, transforming
      growth factor (TGF) beta, programmed death ligand (PD-L) 1 and herpes virus entry
      mediator (HVEM) were added to parallel cultures. Functional T cell regulation
      (FTR) was defined as the difference in proliferation between stimulated cultures
      with and without blocking mAbs. FTR was detected in 54% of patients. Blockade of
      IL-10/PD-L1 and IL10/TGF-beta detected all cases with Gag- and Env-associated
      FTR, respectively. In accordance with previous findings, isolated Env FTR was
      associated with higher plasma HIV RNA and lower CD4 counts, while patients with
      both Gag and Env FTR also had higher Gag- and Env-specific proliferative CD8+ T
      cell responses. There was no association between FTR and frequencies of activated
      regulatory T cells. In conclusion, we observed substantial heterogeneity in FTR
      between patients, inhibitory pathways and HIV antigens. FTR may help to
      individualize immunomodulation and warrants further assessment in clinical
      immunotherapy trials.

PMID- 27128503
TI  - A Novel Model of Intravital Platelet Imaging Using CD41-ZsGreen1 Transgenic Rats.
AB  - Platelets play pivotal roles in both hemostasis and thrombosis. Although models
      of intravital platelet imaging are available for thrombosis studies in mice, few
      are available for rat studies. The present effort aimed to generate fluorescent
      platelets in rats and assess their dynamics in a rat model of arterial injury. We
      generated CD41-ZsGreen1 transgenic rats, in which green fluorescence protein
      ZsGreen1 was expressed specifically in megakaryocytes and thus platelets. The
      transgenic rats exhibited normal hematological and biochemical values with the
      exception of body weight and erythroid parameters, which were slightly lower than
      those of wild-type rats. Platelet aggregation, induced by 20 MUM ADP and 10
      MUg/ml collagen, and blood clotting times were not significantly different
      between transgenic and wild-type rats. Saphenous arteries of transgenic rats were
      injured with 10% FeCl3, and the formation of fluorescent thrombi was evaluated
      using confocal microscopy. FeCl3 caused time-dependent increases in the mean
      fluorescence intensity of injured arteries of vehicle-treated rats. Prasugrel (3
      mg/kg, p.o.), administered 2 h before FeCl3, significantly inhibited fluorescence
      compared with vehicle-treated rats (4.5 +/- 0.4 vs. 14.9 +/- 2.4 arbitrary
      fluorescence units at 30 min, respectively, n = 8, P = 0.0037). These data
      indicate that CD41-ZsGreen1 transgenic rats represent a useful model for
      intravital imaging of platelet-mediated thrombus formation and the evaluation of
      antithrombotic agents.

PMID- 27128504
TI  - The impact of Toxoplasma gondii on the mammalian genome.
AB  - Nobody doubts that infections have imposed specialisations on the mammalian
      genome. However sufficient information is usually missing to attribute a specific
      genomic modification to pressure from a specific pathogen. Recent studies on
      mechanisms of mammalian resistance against the ubiquitous protozoan parasite,
      Toxoplasma gondii, have shown that the small rodents presumed to be largely
      responsible for transmission of the parasite to its definitive host, the domestic
      cat, possess distinctive recognition proteins, and interferon-inducible effector
      proteins (IRG proteins) that limit the potential virulence of the parasite. The
      phylogenetic association of the recognition proteins, TLR11 and TLR12, with T.
      gondii resistance is weak, but there is evidence for reciprocal polymorphism
      between parasite virulence proteins and host IRG proteins that strongly suggests
      current or recent coevolution.

PMID- 27128505
TI  - Depressing Antidepressant: Fluoxetine Affects Serotonin Neurons Causing Adverse
      Reproductive Responses in Daphnia magna.
AB  - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used antidepressants.
      As endocrine disruptive contaminants in the environment, SSRIs affect
      reproduction in aquatic organisms. In the water flea Daphnia magna, SSRIs
      increase offspring production in a food ration-dependent manner. At limiting food
      conditions, females exposed to SSRIs produce more but smaller offspring, which is
      a maladaptive life-history strategy. We asked whether increased serotonin levels
      in newly identified serotonin-neurons in the Daphnia brain mediate these effects.
      We provide strong evidence that exogenous SSRI fluoxetine selectively increases
      serotonin-immunoreactivity in identified brain neurons under limiting food
      conditions thereby leading to maladaptive offspring production. Fluoxetine
      increases serotonin-immunoreactivity at low food conditions to similar maximal
      levels as observed under high food conditions and concomitantly enhances
      offspring production. Sublethal amounts of the neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine
      known to specifically ablate serotonin-neurons markedly decrease serotonin
      immunoreactivity and offspring production, strongly supporting the effect to be
      serotonin-specific by reversing the reproductive phenotype attained under
      fluoxetine. Thus, SSRIs impair serotonin-regulation of reproductive investment in
      a planktonic key organism causing inappropriately increased reproduction with
      potentially severe ecological impact.

PMID- 27128506
TI  - Trace metals in resuspended fraction of settled bus dust and assessment of non
      occupational exposure.
AB  - Trace metals (TMs) within urban public transportation systems have rarely been
      studied and information on related health risks is scant. This study measured TM
      (arsenic, chromium, cadmium, nickel, zinc, copper and lead) concentrations in
      resuspended fractions of settled bus dust in Harbin, China, and estimated the
      exposure and health risks. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for
      commuters was estimated for TM exposures. The average concentration of total TMs
      was 559MUg/g (ranges from 312 to 787) among 45 bus routes in Harbin. The hazard
      quotient of three selected commuter groups increased in the following order:
      teenagers<children<adults. Pb had the highest hazard index among six non
      carcinogenic risk TMs. The ILCR for passengers was estimated for TM exposure and
      was shown to be acceptable (1.00E-07-1.00E-05); the sequence of ILCR assessments
      followed this ascending trend: ingestion>dermal contact>inhalation. 

PMID- 27128507
TI  - Coronary Stent Artifact Reduction with an Edge-Enhancing Reconstruction Kernel -
      A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study with 256-Slice CT.
AB  - PURPOSE: Metallic artifacts can result in an artificial thickening of the
      coronary stent wall which can significantly impair computed tomography (CT)
      imaging in patients with coronary stents. The objective of this study is to
      assess in vivo visualization of coronary stent wall and lumen with an edge
      enhancing CT reconstruction kernel, as compared to a standard kernel. METHODS:
      This is a prospective cross-sectional study involving the assessment of 71
      coronary stents (24 patients), with blinded observers. After 256-slice CT
      angiography, image reconstruction was done with medium-smooth and edge-enhancing
      kernels. Stent wall thickness was measured with both orthogonal and circumference
      methods, averaging thickness from diameter and circumference measurements,
      respectively. Image quality was assessed quantitatively using objective
      parameters (noise, signal to noise (SNR) and contrast to noise (CNR) ratios), as
      well as visually using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Stent wall thickness was
      decreased with the edge-enhancing kernel in comparison to the standard kernel,
      either with the orthogonal (0.97 +/- 0.02 versus 1.09 +/- 0.03 mm, respectively;
      p<0.001) or the circumference method (1.13 +/- 0.02 versus 1.21 +/- 0.02 mm,
      respectively; p = 0.001). The edge-enhancing kernel generated less overestimation
      from nominal thickness compared to the standard kernel, both with the orthogonal
      (0.89 +/- 0.19 versus 1.00 +/- 0.26 mm, respectively; p<0.001) and the
      circumference (1.06 +/- 0.26 versus 1.13 +/- 0.31 mm, respectively; p = 0.005)
      methods. The edge-enhancing kernel was associated with lower SNR and CNR, as well
      as higher background noise (all p < 0.001), in comparison to the medium-smooth
      kernel. Stent visual scores were higher with the edge-enhancing kernel (p<0.001).
      CONCLUSION: In vivo 256-slice CT assessment of coronary stents shows that the
      edge-enhancing CT reconstruction kernel generates thinner stent walls, less
      overestimation from nominal thickness, and better image quality scores than the
      standard kernel.

PMID- 27128508
TI  - Prognostic impact of epigenetic classification in chronic lymphocytic leukemia:
      The case of subset #2.
AB  - Based on the methylation status of 5 single CpG sites, a novel epigenetic
      classification of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was recently proposed,
      classifying CLL patients into 3 clinico-biological subgroups with different
      outcome, termed memory like CLL (m-CLL), naive like CLL (n-CLL), and a third
      intermediate CLL subgroup (i-CLL). While m-CLL and n-CLL patients at large
      corresponded to patients carrying mutated and unmutated IGHV genes, respectively,
      limited information exists regarding the less defined i-CLL group. Using
      pyrosequencing, we investigated the prognostic impact of the proposed 5 CpG
      signature in a well-characterized CLL cohort (135 cases), including IGHV-mutated
      and unmutated patients as well as clinically aggressive stereotyped subset #2
      patients. Overall, we confirmed the signature's association with established
      prognostic markers. Moreover, in the presence of the IGHV mutational status, the
      epigenetic signature remained independently associated with both time-to-first
      treatment and overall survival in multivariate analyses. As a prime finding, we
      observed that subset #2 patients were predominantly classified as i-CLL, probably
      reflecting their borderline IGHV mutational status (97-99% germline identity),
      though having a similarly poor prognosis as n-CLL patients. In summary, we
      validated the epigenetic classifier as an independent factor in CLL
      prognostication and provide further evidence that subset #2 is a member of the i
      CLL group, hence supporting the existence of a third, intermediate epigenetic
      subgroup. 

PMID- 27128509
TI  - Dystonic Gait Developing After Elective, Unremarkable Hip Surgery.

PMID- 27128510
TI  - Cost and Selection of Ophthalmic Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Agents.
AB  - Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs - ranibizumab,
      aflibercept, and off-label bevacizumab - are vital to the treatment of common
      retinal diseases, including exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD),
      diabetic macular edema (DME), and macular edema (ME) associated with retinal vein
      occlusion (RVO). Given the high prevalence of AMD and retinal vascular diseases,
      anti-VEGF agents represent a large cost burden to the United States (US)
      healthcare system. Although ranibizumab and aflibercept are 30-fold more
      expensive per injection than bevacizumab, the two more costly medications are
      commonly used in the US, even though all three have been shown to be effective
      and safe for treatment of these retinal diseases. We investigated the
      availability and content of professional ophthalmic guidelines on cost
      consideration in the selection of anti-VEGF agents. We found that current
      professional guidelines were limited in availability and lacked specific guidance
      on cost-based anti-VEGF drug selection. This represents a missed opportunity to
      encourage the practice of value-based medicine. [Full article available at
      http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2016-05.asp, free with no login]. 

PMID- 27128511
TI  - Adolescent Perspectives on Addressing Youth Violence in the Primary Care Setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Youth violence is one of the leading causes of morbidity and
      mortality among adolescents, yet rarely discussed during preventative care
      visits. The aim of this study was to understand the perspectives of adolescents
      on youth violence and health, and to determine facilitators and barriers to
      discussion in the primary care setting. METHODS: We conducted 5 structured focus
      groups with adolescents from a local community organization. Each focus group was
      made up of 3-10 male and female participants ranging from ages 12-24. Transcripts
      were analyzed for recurrent themes. RESULTS: All participants had personal
      experience with violence or close contacts affected by violence, though few had
      discussed violence with their primary care physician. Themes included (1)
      violence plays a large role in youth's health, well-being, and behavior choices;
      (2) youth do not inherently trust physicians; (3) physicians do not ask about
      violence; and (4) youth have mixed feelings on how physicians could help them
      with the violence in their lives. CONCLUSIONS: Barriers to youth violence
      discussions include youths' discomfort, mistrust, and discordant expectations of
      their providers, and lack of physician inquiry about violence in the primary care
      setting. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2016
      05.asp, free with no login].

PMID- 27128512
TI  - Pseudotumor cerebri: What We Have Learned from the Idiopathic Intracranial
      Hypertension Treatment Trial.
AB  - Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, also known as pseudotumor cerebri, is an
      unexplained increase in intracranial pressure associated with permanent severe
      visual loss in 25% of cases and debilitating headaches. The condition is often
      associated with obesity. The Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment
      Trial, a large, randomized, collaborative clinical trial, evaluated the efficacy
      of acetazolamide with weight loss versus placebo with weight loss in
      participants. Herein, we describe the major components of the clinical trial and
      discuss its shortcomings. [Full article available at
      http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2016-05.asp, free with no login]. 

PMID- 27128513
TI  - An Analysis of Organ Donation Policy in the United States.
AB  - There is currently an organ shortage crisis in the United States. This paper
      analyzes the magnitude of the problem, the organ procurement programs in other
      developed countries as compared to the US, and discusses the changes that can be
      made to address this problem. With the opt-in or explicit-consent method
      currently practiced in the US, less that one third of the population consents to
      organ donation. In order to narrow the gap between the demand and supply of
      organs, steps need to be taken to improve the organ procurement infrastructure.
      The public needs to be educated about the dire need, the benefits and risks in
      organ donation, and living vs. deceased donation. [Full article available at
      http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2016-05.asp, free with no login]. 

PMID- 27128514
TI  - Modifiable Risk Factors in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Pilot Study.
AB  - Strong evidence exists to suggest that morbid obesity, smoking, and poorly
      controlled diabetes mellitus are associated with poorer outcomes after total
      joint arthroplasty. To our knowledge, no study has reported the effect of the
      implementation of a risk reduction strategy. Risk factors, based on published
      data, were defined as Body Mass Index (BMI)>40, Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) >8.0, and
      use of any tobacco product. A retrospective pilot review was done of a 3-month
      period using this protocol in the practice of a single fellowship-trained
      academic arthroplasty surgeon (DRJ). Outcomes were evaluated in the subsequent 3
      month period. Overall 19/29 (65.5%) patients identified to be "at risk" and
      offered support for modification followed up under the care of their index
      surgeon. 11/19 (57.9%) improved their risk factors and 8/19 (42.1%) ultimately
      met the specific goals set for surgery with 4 (21%) ultimately undergoing their
      replacement procedure during the 6-month study period. These initial results
      suggest that a significant proportion of our patients were willing and able to
      modify their risk before surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III retrospective
      study. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2016-05.asp,
      free with no login].

PMID- 27128515
TI  - Hypercalcemia of Malignancy in a Newborn with Infantile Fibrosarcoma.

PMID- 27128516
TI  - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Coverage among Rhode Island Adolescents,
      2008-2014.

PMID- 27128517
TI  - Downton Abbey's 'Medical' Finale.

PMID- 27128518
TI  - No stone unturned?

PMID- 27128519
TI  - Patterns of Failure for Pediatric Glioblastoma Multiforme Following Radiation
      Therapy.
AB  - Despite aggressive multimodal therapy for pediatric glioblastoma multiforme
      (GBM), patient survival remains poor. This retrospective review of patients with
      GBM aims to evaluate the patterns of failure after radiation therapy (RT). The
      study included 14 pediatric patients treated with RT at the Children's Hospital
      of Philadelphia from 2007 to 2015. With a median follow-up of 16.9 months, 13
      (92.9%) developed recurrent disease. Of recurrences, nine (69.2%) were in-field,
      three (23.1%) were marginal, and one (7.7%) was distant. The majority of patients
      treated with adjuvant radiation failed in the region of high-dose RT, indicating
      the need for improvements in local therapy.

PMID- 27128520
TI  - Use of monosodium glutamate by-product in cow diet on performance of lactating
      dairy cows.
AB  - Eight multiparous lactating Holstein cows were randomly assigned in a 4 * 4
      replicated Latin square design to receive four dietary treatments. The dietary
      treatments were monosodium glutamate by-product (MSGB) replacement for soybean
      meal in concentrate at four levels: MSGB replacement at 0, 20, 40 and 60%,
      respectively. Pangola hay was given on an ad libitum basis. It was found that
      total dry matter intake, concentrate intake, pangola hay intake and all apparent
      digestibilities were not different among treatments. Ammonia nitrogen
      concentration in the rumen at 4 h post-feeding was significantly different, in
      which the 0% treatment had the highest (P < 0.05) while the 20% treatment had the
      lowest. Milk fat percentage was the highest (P < 0.05) in the 0% treatment. MSGB
      replacement at 40% and 60% were shown to be the lowest (P < 0.05) feed cost for
      milk production, and profitability of milk production was the highest (P < 0.05)
      for the 60% treatment. Based on this experiment, it could be concluded that MSGB
      replacement for soybean meal at 20-60% in the feed for dairy cows presented no
      negative effects on their performances. In addition, it could decrease feed cost
      2.9-17.3% and increase milk production profit up to 33.3% in the 60% treatment.

PMID- 27128521
TI  - Resolution of overlapped spectra for the determination of ternary mixture using
      different and modified spectrophotometric methods.
AB  - Four new spectrophotometric methods were developed, applied to resolve the
      overlapped spectra of a ternary mixture of [aliskiren hemifumarate (ALS)
      amlodipine besylate (AM)-hydrochlorothiazide (HCT)] and to determine the three
      drugs in pure form and in combined dosage form. Method A depends on simultaneous
      determination of ALS, AM and HCT using principal component regression and partial
      least squares chemometric methods. In Method B, a modified isosbestic
      spectrophotometric method was applied for the determination of the total
      concentration of ALS and HCT by measuring the absorbance at 274.5nm (isosbestic
      point, Aiso). On the other hand, the concentration of HCT in ternary mixture with
      ALS and AM could be calculated without interference using first derivative
      spectrophotometric method by measuring the amplitude at 279nm (zero crossing of
      ALS and zero value of AM). Thus, the content of ALS was calculated by
      subtraction. Method C, double divisor first derivative ratio spectrophotometry
      (double divisor (1)DD method), was based on that for the determination of one
      drug, the ratio spectra were obtained by dividing the absorption spectra of its
      different concentrations by the sum of the absorption spectra of the other two
      drugs as a double divisor. The first derivative of the obtained ratio spectra
      were then recorded using the appropriate smoothing factor. The amplitudes at
      291nm, 380nm and 274.5nm were selected for the determination of ALS, AM and HCT
      in their ternary mixture, respectively. Method D was based on mean centering of
      ratio spectra. The mean centered values at 287, 295.5 and 269nm were recorded and
      used for the determination of ALS, AM and HCT, respectively. The developed
      methods were validated according to ICH guidelines and proved to be accurate,
      precise and selective. Satisfactory results were obtained by applying the
      proposed methods to the analysis of pharmaceutical dosage form. 

PMID- 27128522
TI  - Combined Genotypic, Phylogenetic, and Epidemiologic Analyses of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis Genetic Diversity in the Rhone Alpes Region, France.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present work relates to identification and a deep molecular
      characterization of circulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) strains
      in the Rhone-Alpes region, France from 2000 to 2010. It aimed to provide with a
      first snapshot of MTBC genetic diversity in conjunction with bacterial drug
      resistance, type of disease and available demographic and epidemiologic
      characteristics over an eleven-year period, in the south-east of France. METHODS:
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) strains isolated in the Rhone-Alpes
      region, France (n = 2257, 1 isolate per patient) between 2000 and 2010 were
      analyzed by spoligotyping. MIRU-VNTR typing was applied on n = 1698 strains (with
      full results available for 974 strains). The data obtained were compared with the
      SITVIT2 database, followed by detailed genotyping, phylogenetic, and
      epidemiologic analyses in correlation with anonymized data on available
      demographic, and epidemiologic characteristics, and location of disease
      (pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB). RESULTS: The most predominant spoligotyping
      clusters were SIT53/T1 (n = 346, 15.3%) > SIT50/H3 (n = 166, 7.35%) > SIT42/LAM9
      (n = 125, 5.5%) > SIT1/Beijing (n = 72, 3.2%) > SIT47/H1 (n = 71, 3.1%).
      Evolutionary-recent strains belonging to the Principal Genetic Group (PGG) 2/3,
      or Euro-American lineages (T, LAM, Haarlem, X, S) were predominant and
      represented 1768 or 78.33% of all isolates. For strains having drug resistance
      information (n = 1119), any drug resistance accounted for 14.83% cases vs. 1.52%
      for multidrug resistance (MDR); and was significantly more associated with age
      group 21-40 years (p-value<0.001). Extra-pulmonary TB was more common among
      female patients while pulmonary TB predominated among men (p-value<0.001; OR =
      2.16 95%CI [1.69; 2.77]). Also, BOV and CAS lineages were significantly well
      represented in patients affected by extra-pulmonary TB (p-value<0.001). The
      origin was known for 927/2257 patients: 376 (40.6%) being French-born vs. 551
      (59.4%) Foreign-born. French patients were significantly older (mean age: 58.42
      yrs 95%CI [56.04; 60.80]) than Foreign-born patients (mean age: 42.38 yrs. 95%CI
      [40.75; 44.0]). CONCLUSION: The study underlined the importance of imported TB
      cases on the genetic diversity and epidemiologic characteristics of circulating
      MTBC strains in Rhone-Alpes region, France over a large time-period. It helps
      better understand intricate relationships between certain lineages and geographic
      origin of the patients, and pinpoints genotypic and phylogenetic specificities of
      prevailing MTBC strains. Lastly, it also demonstrated a slow decline in isolation
      of M. africanum lineage in this region between 2000 and 2010.

PMID- 27128523
TI  - Chlorophyll Catabolites in Fall Leaves of the Wych Elm Tree Present a Novel
      Glycosylation Motif.
AB  - Fall leaves of the common wych elm tree (Ulmus glabra) were studied with respect
      to chlorophyll catabolites. Over a dozen colorless, non-fluorescent chlorophyll
      catabolites (NCCs) and several yellow chlorophyll catabolites (YCCs) were
      identified tentatively. Three NCC fractions were isolated and their structures
      were characterized by spectroscopic means. Two of these, Ug-NCC-27 and Ug-NCC-43,
      carried a glucopyranosyl appendage. Ug-NCC-53, the least polar of these NCCs, was
      identified as the formal product of an intramolecular esterification of the
      propionate and primary glucopyranosyl hydroxyl groups of Ug-NCC-43. Thus, the
      glucopyranose moiety and three of the pyrrole units of Ug-NCC-53 span a 20
      membered ring, installing a bicyclo[17.3.1]glycoside moiety. This structural
      motif is unprecedented in heterocyclic natural products, according to a thorough
      literature search. The remarkable, three-dimensional bicyclo[17.3.1]glycoside
      architecture reduces the flexibility of the linear tetrapyrrole. This feature of
      Ug-NCC-53 is intriguing, considering the diverse biological effects of known
      bicyclo[n.3.1]glycosidic natural products. 

PMID- 27128524
TI  - Differentiation of Malignant and Benign Incidental Breast Lesions Detected by
      Chest Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography: Added Value of Quantitative
      Enhancement Analysis.
AB  - To retrospectively determine the association between breast lesion morphology and
      malignancy and to determine the optimal value of lesion enhancement (HU,
      Hounsfield units) to improve the diagnostic accuracy of breast cancer in patients
      with incidental breast lesions (IBLs). A total of 97 patients with 102 IBLs
      detected from July 2009 to December 2012 were enrolled in this study. Two
      radiologists analyzed CT images for the presence of malignancy based on the
      morphology of the lesions alone and in combination with an enhancement value (HU)
      analysis. There were 36 malignant and 66 benign IBLs. When the morphology and
      enhancement values were combined, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were
      92%, 97%, and 95%, respectively, for reader 1 and 89%, 94%, and 92%,
      respectively, for reader 2. The addition of HU values led to correct changes in
      the diagnosis; specifically, the accuracy of the diagnosis of reader 1 and reader
      2 improved by 6.9% and 11.8%, respectively. The addition of the enhancement value
      (HU) to the CT morphology improved the diagnostic accuracy in the differentiation
      of malignant from benign IBLs by using the region of interest (ROI) to measure
      the HU within the most suspicious part of the lesion.

PMID- 27128525
TI  - Improving the Biodesulfurization of Crude Oil and Derivatives: A QM/MM
      Investigation of the Catalytic Mechanism of NADH-FMN Oxidoreductase (DszD).
AB  - The development of biocatalytic desulfurization strategies of petroleum and its
      derivatives could result in more economic alternatives than the widely used
      chemical desulfurization. The organism Rhodococcus erythropolis IGTS8 has been
      shown to metabolize organic sulfur compounds through a mechanism known as 4S
      pathway, which involves four enzymes (DszA, DszB, DszC, and DszD) and has been
      explored in biodesulfurization. Here we have applied QM/MM methods to study the
      catalytic mechanism of the enzyme DszD, a NADH-FMN oxidoreductase that occupies a
      central place on the 4S pathway by catalyzing the formation of the FMNH2 that is
      used by the two monooxynases in the cycle: DszA and DszC. In addition, to clarify
      the catalytic mechanism of this enzyme, this study analyzed in detail the role
      played by the active site Thr residue and of Asn and Ala enzyme mutants. The
      results help to explain previous experimental evidence and suggest new strategies
      for improving biodesulfurization through an increase in the activity of DszD. 

PMID- 27128526
TI  - Efficient Pd-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Coupling of P(O)H with RSH: A Precise
      Construction of P(O)-S Bonds.
AB  - A Pd-catalyzed dehydrogenative phosphorylation of thiols is developed. A variety
      of thiols dehydrogenatively couple readily with all three kinds of P(O)-H
      compounds, i.e., H-phosphonates, H-phosphinates, and secondary phosphine oxides,
      providing a general access to the valuable phosphorothioates including the P
      chiral compounds. A plausible mechanism is proposed.

PMID- 27128527
TI  - Generic Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube Branches on Metal Oxide Arrays Exhibiting
      Stable High-Rate and Long-Cycle Sodium-Ion Storage.
AB  - A new and generic strategy to construct interwoven carbon nanotube (CNT) branches
      on various metal oxide nanostructure arrays (exemplified by V2 O3 nanoflakes, Co3
      O4 nanowires, Co3 O4 -CoTiO3 composite nanotubes, and ZnO microrods), in order to
      enhance their electrochemical performance, is demonstrated for the first time. In
      the second part, the V2 O3 /CNTs core/branch composite arrays as the host for
      Na(+) storage are investigated in detail. This V2 O3 /CNTs hybrid electrode
      achieves a reversible charge storage capacity of 612 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1) and
      outstanding high-rate cycling stability (a capacity retention of 100% after 6000
      cycles at 2 A g(-1) , and 70% after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g(-1) ). Kinetics
      analysis reveals that the Na(+) storage is a pseudocapacitive dominating process
      and the CNTs improve the levels of pseudocapacitive energy by providing a
      conductive network. 

PMID- 27128528
TI  - Inhibitors of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 with Exquisite Kinome-Wide Selectivity
      and Their Functional Effects.
AB  - The mood stabilizer lithium, the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder, is
      hypothesized to exert its effects through direct inhibition of glycogen synthase
      kinase 3 (GSK3) and indirectly by increasing GSK3's inhibitory serine
      phosphorylation. GSK3 comprises two highly similar paralogs, GSK3alpha and
      GSK3beta, which are key regulatory kinases in the canonical Wnt pathway. GSK3
      stands as a nodal target within this pathway and is an attractive therapeutic
      target for multiple indications. Despite being an active field of research for
      the past 20 years, many GSK3 inhibitors demonstrate either poor to moderate
      selectivity versus the broader human kinome or physicochemical properties
      unsuitable for use in in vitro systems or in vivo models. A nonconventional
      analysis of data from a GSK3beta inhibitor high-throughput screening campaign,
      which excluded known GSK3 inhibitor chemotypes, led to the discovery of a novel
      pyrazolo-tetrahydroquinolinone scaffold with unparalleled kinome-wide selectivity
      for the GSK3 kinases. Taking advantage of an uncommon tridentate interaction with
      the hinge region of GSK3, we developed highly selective and potent GSK3
      inhibitors, BRD1652 and BRD0209, which demonstrated in vivo efficacy in a
      dopaminergic signaling paradigm modeling mood-related disorders. These new
      chemical probes open the way for exclusive analyses of the function of GSK3
      kinases in multiple signaling pathways involved in many prevalent disorders.

PMID- 27128529
TI  - The circadian rhythm of syncopal episodes in patients with neurally mediated
      syncope.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the circadian rhythm of neurally mediated syncope (NMS).
      METHODS: 411 patients with NMS (165 males and 246 females aged from 3 to 68years)
      were included in the study. All subjects underwent head-up tilt test (HUTT) and
      were carefully asked about the number of syncopal attacks and the periods
      (morning 06:00am-12:00am, afternoon 12:00am-18:00pm, evening 18:00pm-24:00pm,
      night 00:00am-06:00am) in which episodes occurred in. RESULTS: (1) Syncopal
      attacks of all patients tended to occur in the morning (P=0.010); there was a
      statistical difference in the frequency of episodes in four periods through the
      day in HUTT positive patients (P=0.001), but there was no significant change of
      episodes within a day in HUTT negative group; and there was no statistical
      difference in circadian syncope distribution between HUTT negative and HUTT
      positive group or among patients with different HUTT responses (the orthostatic
      hypotension (OH) and orthostatic hypertension (OHT) patients were excluded). (2)
      The syncopal attacks of morning hours occurred more in males than females, but
      the episodes in the evening occurred more in females than males (P=0.034). (3)
      The younger the patients were, the chance of syncopal attacks in the morning
      increased; the older the patients were, they may have more episodes at night
      (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A distinct circadian variation in the frequency of
      syncopal episodes exists, with a peak in the morning, and there were statistical
      differences in circadian rhythm of syncopal episodes regarding gender and age.

PMID- 27128530
TI  - Comparison of short-term clinical outcomes between ticagrelor versus clopidogrel
      in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing successful
      revascularization; from Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National
      Institute of Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although ticagrelor has been well-known to improve clinical outcomes
      in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) without increased bleeding
      risk, its clinical impacts have not been well established in East Asian patients.
      METHODS: Between November 2011 and June 2015, a total of 8010 patients (1377
      patients were prescribed ticagrelor and 6633 patients clopidogrel) undergoing
      successful revascularization were analyzed from Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction
      Registry-National Institute of Health. The patients who discontinued or occurred
      in-hospital switching between two antiplatelet agents were excluded. RESULTS:
      After propensity score matching (1377 pairs), no difference in the composite of
      cardiac death, MI, stroke, or target vessel revascularization at 6months was
      observed between two groups (4.2% vs. 4.9%, p=0.499). However, the incidences of
      in-hospital Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) major and minor bleeding
      were higher in ticagrelor than clopidogrel (2.6% vs. 1.2%, p=0.008; 3.8% vs.
      2.5%, p=0.051). The in-hospital mortality was higher in patients with than those
      without TIMI major bleeding (11.3% vs. 0.9%, p<0.001). In a subgroup analysis, a
      higher risk for in-hospital TIMI major bleeding with ticagrelor was observed in
      patients>=75years or with body weight<60kg (odd ratio [OR]=3.209; 95% confidence
      interval [CI]=1.356-7.592) and in those received trans-femoral intervention
      (OR=1.996; 95% CI=1.061-3.754). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that ticagrelor did
      not reduce ischemic events yet, however, was associated with increased risk of
      bleeding complications compared with clopidogrel. Further large-scale, long-term,
      randomized trials should be required to assess the outcomes of ticagrelor for
      East Asian patients with AMI.

PMID- 27128531
TI  - Impact of morphine on antiplatelet effects of oral P2Y12 receptor inhibitors.

PMID- 27128532
TI  - One-quarter standard-dose ticagrelor better than standard-dose clopidogrel in
      Chinese patients with stable coronary artery disease: A randomized, single-blind,
      crossover clinical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ticagrelor has been demonstrated to provide a more rapid and powerful
      inhibition of platelet aggregation compared with clopidogrel in coronary artery
      disease (CAD) patients. In our previous study, we found that half-dose ticagrelor
      produced similar inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation as standard-dose
      ticagrelor and exerted significantly stronger effects than clopidogrel in Chinese
      patients with non-ST-elevation ACS. Therefore, we performed this study to observe
      the efficacy of one-quarter standard-dose ticagrelor in comparison to standard
      dose clopidogrel in Chinese patients with stable CAD. METHODS: In a randomized,
      single-blind, crossover trial, 30 patients with stable CAD were randomized to one
      quarter standard-dose ticagrelor (22.5mg BID for 7days) or standard-dose
      clopidogrel (75mg QD for 7days). Following a 2-week washout period, patients
      switched regimens. Light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and VerifyNow assay were
      used to measure platelet function. RESULTS: The platelet aggregation rate (PAgR)
      was obviously lower with ticagrelor than clopidogrel (17.70%+/-12.67% versus
      27.63%+/-13.10%, P<0.05). The % inhibition levels in the ticagrelor group
      exhibited significantly greater than that in the clopidogrel group (65.33%+/
      21.31% versus 36.23%+/-23.01%, P<0.01). PRU values in the ticagrelor group were
      dramatically lower than that in the clopidogrel group (87.03+/-51.38 versus
      163.77+/-58.66, P<0.01). High-platelet reactivity (HPR) (>=208 PRU) was 0% with
      ticagrelor and 16.67% with clopidogrel. CONCLUSIONS: One-quarter standard-dose
      ticagrelor provided greater degree of platelet inhibition than standard-dose
      clopidogrel in Chinese patients with stable CAD.

PMID- 27128533
TI  - Missed bleeding events after ticagrelor in PEGASUS trial: Massive non-compliance,
      information censoring, or both?
AB  - PEGASUS trial reported reduction of composite primary endpoint after conventional
      180mg/daily ticagrelor (CT), and lower 120mg/daily dose ticagrelor (LT) at
      expense of extra bleeding. Following approval of CT and LT for long-term
      secondary prevention indication, recent FDA review verified some bleeding
      outcomes in PEGASUS. To compare the risks after CT and LT against placebo by
      seven TIMI scale variables, and 9 bleeding categories considered as serious
      adverse events (SAE) in light of PEGASUS drug discontinuation rates (DDR). The
      DDR in all PEGASUS arms was high reaching astronomical 32% for CT. The
      distribution of some outcomes (TIMI major, trauma, epistaxis, iron deficiency,
      hemoptysis, and anemia) was reasonable. However, the TIMI minor events were
      heavily underreported when compared to similar trials. Other bleedings
      (intracranial, spontaneous, hematuria, and gastrointestinal) appear sporadic,
      lacking expected dose-dependent impact of CT and LT. Few SAE outcomes (fatal,
      ecchymosis, hematoma, bruises, bleeding) paradoxically reported more bleeding
      after LT than after CT. Many bleeding outcomes were probably missed in PEGASUS
      potentially due to massive non-compliance, information censoring, or both. The
      FDA must improve reporting of trial outcomes especially in the sponsor-controlled
      environment when DDR and incomplete follow-up rates are high. 

PMID- 27128534
TI  - Insomnia predicts long-term all-cause mortality after acute myocardial
      infarction: A prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep impairment such as insomnia is an established risk factor for
      the development of cardiovascular disease and acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
      The aim of the current study was to examine the association between insomnia and
      all-cause mortality among AMI patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study
      used data on n=732 patients recruited from September 2006 to May 2011 as part of
      the Vastmanland Myocardial Infarction Study (VaMIS), a prospective cohort study
      of AMI patients living in Vastmanland County, Sweden. Participants were followed
      up for all-cause mortality until December 9, 2015. The outcome of interest was
      time-to-death (TTD), with the presence of insomnia being the risk factor of main
      interest. Data were analyzed using a piecewise Cox regression model with change
      point for insomnia at two years of follow-up, adjusted for socioeconomic,
      lifestyle and clinical risk factors. RESULTS: In total, n=175 (23.9%) of the
      participants suffered from insomnia. During a mean (SD) follow-up time of 6.0
      (2.5) years (4392person-years), a total of n=231 (31.6%) participants died, n=77
      (44.0%) in the insomnia group and n=154 (27.6%) in the non-insomnia group (log
      rank test p<0.001). In a multiple adjusted piecewise Cox regression model,
      insomnia did not imply a higher risk of death during the first two years after
      AMI (HR 0.849; 95% CI 0.508-1.421; p=0.534). During the period after the first
      two years, however, insomnia implied a 1.6 times higher risk of death (HR 1.597;
      95% CI 1.090-2.341; p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Insomnia implies a higher risk of
      death among AMI patients in the long term.

PMID- 27128535
TI  - Low acid uric in primary prophylaxis: worthy?

PMID- 27128536
TI  - Mortality prediction following transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A
      quantitative comparison of risk scores derived from populations treated with
      either surgical or percutaneous aortic valve replacement. The Israeli TAVR
      Registry Risk Model Accuracy Assessment (IRRMA) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate risk stratification is pivotal for appropriate selection of
      patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis for either surgical or
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). We sought to determine whether
      recent risk prediction models developed specifically in TAVR patients enhance
      prognostication in comparison with previous surgical scores used in clinical
      practice (EuroScore I, EuroScore II, STS). METHODS: The Israeli TAVR Registry
      Risk Model Accuracy Assessment (IRRMA) study utilized a multicenter prospective
      TAVR database (n=1327) to perform a quantitative comparison between previous risk
      scores developed in either surgical or TAVR populations, with the present
      registry serving as an independent external validation set. RESULTS: In the IRRMA
      population, 4 variables (NYHA functional class IV, chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, systolic pulmonary artery pressure >=60mmHg, vascular access other than
      by the femoral route) identified by cross-validation and leave-one-out analyses
      provided the most discriminative model (C-statistic=0.63) for predicting 30-day
      mortality. Previous scores developed in surgical (EuroScores I and II, STS), TAVR
      (FRANCE-2, OBSERVANT), or mixed (German AV score) populations were applied to the
      IRRMA cohort. Resultant C-statistics ranged between 0.52-0.71 (for the German AV
      and FRANCE-2 scores, respectively) and did not differ significantly (p=0.07 for
      the comparison between the lowest and highest C-statistics). The observed C
      statistic for 5 of these 6 scores was lower than originally reported when applied
      to the IRRMA population. CONCLUSION: Available TAVR risk scores showed limited
      accuracy when applied to an independent validation set and did not enhance
      prognostication in comparison to previous surgical scores.

PMID- 27128537
TI  - Adverse cardiovascular effects of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates in patients
      with osteoporosis: A nationwide population-based retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are a class of medications used for the
      treatment of osteoporosis. Nitrogen-containing BPs (N-BPs) are more potent than
      non-nitrogenous BPs in terms of their effects on osteoporosis. We examined the
      effects of N-BPs on osteoporosis in patients included in a large population-based
      cohort study. METHODS: Based on the National Health Insurance Research Database
      of Taiwan, we identified 1258 patients with osteoporosis who had received N-BP
      treatment from 2005 through 2010. RESULTS: During the retrospective observation
      period, N-BP users had significantly higher incidence rates of hypertension,
      acute ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation (Af), and congestive heart failure
      (CHF), and lower rates of hyperlipidemia than patients who did not use N-BPs.
      Overall, N-BP users had a higher incidence of cardiovascular events at the end of
      the follow-up period. After adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities, the risk
      of developing cardiovascular events was significantly high for patients using N
      BPs. Patients who received N-BP therapy also had a higher risk of Af and CHF than
      those who did not during the five-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION: We provide
      evidence that patients with osteoporosis using N-BP therapy have an increased
      risk of CHF and Af. This potential risk should be weighed against the reduction
      in the risk of osteoporotic fractures.

PMID- 27128538
TI  - Perioperative hyperoxia - Long-term impact on cardiovascular complications after
      abdominal surgery, a post hoc analysis of the PROXI trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased long-term mortality was found in patients exposed to
      perioperative hyperoxia in the PROXI trial, where patients undergoing laparotomy
      were randomised to 80% versus 30% oxygen during and after surgery. This post hoc
      follow-up study assessed the impact of perioperative hyperoxia on long-term risk
      of cardiovascular events. METHODS: A total of 1386 patients undergoing either
      elective or emergency laparotomy were randomised to 80% versus 30% oxygen during
      and two hours after surgery. At follow-up, the primary outcome of acute coronary
      syndrome was assessed. Secondary outcomes included myocardial infarction, other
      heart disease, and acute coronary syndrome or death. Data were analysed in the
      Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: The primary outcome, acute coronary
      syndrome, occurred in 2.5% versus 1.3% in the 80% versus 30% oxygen group; HR
      2.15 (95% CI 0.96-4.84). Patients in the 80% oxygen group had significantly
      increased risk of myocardial infarction; HR 2.86 (95% CI 1.10-7.44), other heart
      disease; HR 1.40 (95% 1.06-1.83), and acute coronary syndrome or death; HR 1.22
      (95% CI 1.01-1.49). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative hyperoxia may be associated with
      an increased long-term risk of myocardial infarction and other heart disease.

PMID- 27128540
TI  - Gender disparities in cardiovascular care access and delivery in India: Insights
      from the American College of Cardiology's PINNACLE India Quality Improvement
      Program (PIQIP).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited data are available to assess whether access to and quality of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) care are comparable among men and women in India. We
      analyzed data from the American College of Cardiology's PINNACLE (Practice
      Innovation and Clinical Excellence) India Quality Improvement Program (PIQIP) to
      evaluate gender disparities in CVD care delivery. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between
      2011 and 2015, we collected data on performance measures for patients with
      coronary artery disease (CAD) (n=14,010), heart failure (HF) (n=11,965) and
      atrial fibrillation (AF) (n=496) in PIQIP, among 17 participating practices. The
      total number of women was 31,796 (32.0%). Women had fewer total encounters
      compared to men during the study interval (mean number of encounters=2.59 vs.
      2.82 for women and men, respectively, p<=0.001). Women were significantly younger
      (48.9years vs. 51.5years, p<=0.01), but had a higher co-morbidity burden compared
      to men - hypertension (62.0% vs. 45.6%, p<=0.01), diabetes (39.4% vs. 35%,
      p<=0.01), and hyperlipidemia (3.7% vs. 3.1%, p=0.19). On the contrary, the
      guideline-directed medication prescriptions were strikingly lower in women with
      CAD compared to men - aspirin (38% vs. 50.4%, p<=0.001), aspirin or
      thienopyridine combination (46.9% vs. 57.2%, p<=0.001), and beta-blockers (36.8%
      vs. 47.8%, p<=0.001). Similarly, among women with ejection fraction <=40%, the
      use of guideline-directed medical therapy was significantly lower compared to men
      for beta-blockers (30.8% vs. 37.0%, p<=0.001), angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors (ACE-i) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (29.3% vs. 34.9%,
      p<=0.001), and beta-blockers/ACE-i or ARBs (24.6% vs. 31.0%, p<=0.001). Among
      patients with atrial fibrillation and CHADS2 score>=2, more women were on oral
      anticoagulation (19.6% vs. 14.6%, p=0.34), although this was not significantly
      different, and the overall number of patients with atrial fibrillation was low.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite a significantly higher co-morbidity burden in women, we
      found fewer women receiving guideline-directed medical therapy for CVD compared
      with men. If such disparities are confirmed in the larger Indian population, it
      is important to find potential causes for, and seek solutions to narrow this gap.

PMID- 27128539
TI  - Left atrial appendage ligation with the next generation LARIAT(+) suture delivery
      device: Early clinical experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy and safety of
      left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with a micropuncture pericardial access
      approach and the new LARIAT(+) suture delivery device. METHODS: Seventy-two
      patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled to undergo telescopic
      micropuncture pericardial access and percutaneous ligation of the LAA with the
      LARIAT(+) device. LAA closure was confirmed with transesophageal echocardiography
      (TEE) and contrast fluoroscopy immediately, then with TEE at 30days and 90days
      post-LAA ligation. Patients were monitored for 12months by an independent
      clinical research organization for adverse events, stroke, embolic events and
      death of any cause. RESULTS: 72 patients were screened for the LARIAT(+)
      procedure. Fourteen patients were screened failures (7 patients due to
      unfavorable anatomy and 7 patients with LAA thrombus). Fifty-eight patients
      underwent successful LAA ligation. All 58 patients had complete acute closure of
      the LAA. At 1month 52 of 54 patients (96.3%) had LAA closure, while at 3months 48
      of 52 patients (92.3%) had LAA closure. There were no leaks greater than 3mm at
      both 1 and 3months. There were no device or procedural related complications, and
      only 1 30day adverse event involving late pericardial effusion. There were no
      strokes, embolic events or deaths after 12months. CONCLUSIONS: LAA closure with
      the micropuncture pericardial access approach and the LARIAT(+) device can be
      performed effectively with acceptably low periprocedural adverse events.

PMID- 27128541
TI  - Posterior pericardiotomy for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary
      artery bypass grafting: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Posterior pericardiotomy (PP) has been shown to be effective in
      patients after cardiac surgery complicated by a reduced the incidence of atrial
      fibrillation (AF). However, the role of PP in patients following coronary artery
      bypass graft (CABG) remains ambiguous. We aimed to systematically evaluate the
      efficacy of PP in preventing postoperative AF in adult patients after CABG.
      METHODS: Studies were identified by searching multiple electronic databases
      (PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) through February, 2016, and by
      reviewing reference lists of obtained articles. The outcome measure was the
      incidence of postoperative AF. The meta-analysis was performed with the fixed
      effect model or random-effect model according to heterogeneity. RESULTS: Ten
      randomized trials incorporating 1648 patients were included in this meta-analysis
      (822 in the PP group and 826 in the control group). The cumulative incidence of
      AF was 10.6% in the PP group and 24.9% in the control group. Meta-analysis with
      all studies using a random-effects model suggested that PP had significant effect
      on the prevention of postoperative AF (I(2) 55%; P<0.00001; OR, 0.36; 95% CI,
      0.23-0.56; RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31-0.64). Sensitivity analyses by methodological
      quality and surgical technique yields similar results. CONCLUSIONS: This meta
      analysis indicates that PP shows beneficial efficacy in preventing postoperative
      AF in adult patients after CABG. This finding encourages the use of PP to prevent
      postoperative AF after CABG, but, more high quality randomized controlled trials
      are still warranted to confirm the safety.

PMID- 27128542
TI  - Alcohol consumption and cardiovascular diseases in rural China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to update the current information on alcohol
      consumption and evaluate the associations between drinking status and
      cardiovascular diseases in a general population from rural China. METHODS: The
      study examined a total of 11,269 adults using a multi-stage cluster sampling
      method to select a representative sample of individuals 35years or older. Related
      medical histories were obtained using a standard questionnaire, and blood
      biochemical indexes were collected by well-trained personnel. Participants were
      asked for information about whether they regularly consumed alcohol, their
      average alcohol consumption per day, and the number of days per month that they
      consumed alcohol. RESULTS: This population consisted of 75.8% non-drinkers, 7.5%
      moderate drinkers, and 16.7% heavy drinkers. And the mean alcohol consumption per
      day for the total population was 15.29+/-0.35g/d (women: 1.0+/-0.11g/d and men
      32.5+/-0.69g/d, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that
      heavy drinkers had an approximately 1.3-fold and 1.7-fold greater risk for
      coronary heart disease and hypertension, respectively (OR: 1.252, 95% CI: 1.012
      to 1.549; OR: 1.741, 95% CI: 1.519 to 1.994, respectively) compared with that of
      the non-drinking group. After fully adjusting the data for all variables, the
      data showed no significant association between moderate alcohol consumption and
      CHD, HT or ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption in rural populations
      is high, particularly in men. Heavy drinking is a risk factor for coronary heart
      disease and hypertension, but not for ischemic stroke. There was no significant
      association between moderate alcohol consumption and CHD, HT or ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27128543
TI  - Glycemic variability is an important risk factor for cardiovascular autonomic
      neuropathy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between glycemic variability, another component of
      glycemic disorders as well as chronic sustained hyperglycemia, and cardiovascular
      autonomic neuropathy (CAN) has not been clarified. Our aim is to investigate the
      association between glycemic variability and CAN in newly diagnosed type 2
      diabetic patients. METHODS: Ewing tests were performed in 90 newly diagnosed type
      2 diabetic patients and 37 participants with normal glucose tolerance as control
      from May 1, 2009, through September 30, 2010. According to the scores from Ewing
      tests, diabetic patients were divided into two groups: without CAN (CAN-) and
      with CAN (CAN+). All participants underwent a 48-h to 72-h continuous glucose
      monitoring (CGM). Coefficient of variability of glycemia (%CV), mean amplitude of
      glycemic excursions (MAGE) and means of daily differences (MODD) were calculated
      with the CGM data. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAN in patients with newly
      diagnosed type 2 diabetes was 22.2%. An increasing trend of glycemic variability
      was found from control group, CAN- group to CAN+ group. MAGE in CAN+ group was
      significantly higher than that in CAN- group (5.27+/-1.99mmol/L vs. 4.04+/
      1.39mmol/L, P=0.001). In the Logistic regression analysis, a significant
      relationship was shown between MAGE and CAN [odds ratio (OR): 1.73, 95%
      confidence interval (CI): 1.01-2.73, P=0.018)]. The area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve for MAGE was superior to those for other
      dysglycemic indices in detecting CAN. CONCLUSIONS: Glycemic variability is
      associated with CAN in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Among the
      glycemic variability indices, MAGE is a significant indicator for detecting CAN.

PMID- 27128544
TI  - Atrial fibrillation in first generation Chinese migrants living in Europe: A
      proof of concept study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the public health burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) and its
      complications in China, there is no literature on AF among Chinese living in
      Europe. The present study was performed to investigate the prevalence of and risk
      factors for AF in Chinese first generation migrants settled in Europe. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional survey was performed in 2014 on Chinese first generation migrants
      aged 16 to 59years settled in Prato (Italy) adopting principles of community
      based participatory research. All participants underwent recording of 30s of a
      single-channel ECG and associations of AF with socio-demographic, anthropometric,
      clinical factors, and sleep history were examined using logistic regression.
      RESULTS: Of the 1608 participants, 12 had AF (0.75%; 95% CI 0.33 to 1.17) - four
      men and eight women. All subjects with AF had a CHA2DS2VASc index>=1. Although no
      participant with AF had contraindications to oral anticoagulation, none was
      treated with oral anticoagulants. At multivariable adjusted logistic regression
      AF was associated with hypertension with an OR of 4.40 (95% CI 1.09-17.81;
      p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Chinese are one of the fastest growing migrant populations
      in Europe and their health has become a key issue to host nations. The issue of
      AF is to be considered in future prevention programs for elusive ethnic
      minorities and adequately powered trials specifically designed to investigate AF
      prevalence and to test prevention approaches are now needed.

PMID- 27128545
TI  - Continued vorapaxar versus withdrawed clopidogrel both on top of low dose aspirin
      in patients undergoing heart surgery: A call for randomized trial.
AB  - Despite advanced techniques and improved clinical outcomes, the optimal
      antiplatelet strategy following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an
      unsolved mystery. Vorapaxar, a novel platelet thrombin receptor (PAR-1/4)
      blocker, is currently approved for post-myocardial infarction and peripheral
      artery disease indications on top of clopidogrel or/and aspirin. We here
      summarize the outcomes in patients after CABG for justification of a future
      vorapaxar trial. We comprehended the CABG outcomes after vorapaxar yielded from
      TRACER, TRA2P trials, and affiliated FDA reviews. The verified evidence suggests
      that composite of death, myocardial infarction and stroke occurred in 2.2% of
      vorapaxar vs. 8.1% placebo in TRA2P. These data were similar to the endpoint
      differences (5.9% after vorapaxar vs. 8.3% for placebo) in TRACER. The mortality
      reduction also consistently suggests vorapaxar advantage (1.7% vs. 2.5% in TRA2P,
      and 1.7% vs. 3.9% in TRACER). Notably, the post-CABG bleeding risks after
      vorapaxar were only slightly, but not significantly higher. Moreover, the
      bleeding disadvantage in the experimental arm was most likely related to
      overtreatment since majority of patients in both TRACER and TRA2P received triple
      antiplatelet therapy with aspirin, clopidogrel on top of vorapaxar. Overall, the
      FDA-confirmed evidence advocate for the future vorapaxar post-CABG outcome-driven
      trial. The head-to-head trial testing dual therapy with continued over CABG
      vorapaxar versus withdrawed clopidogrel, both on top of low dose aspirin is
      warranted. We conclude that the primary outcomes including mortality were
      consistently better for heart surgery patients after vorapaxar, while the excess
      of bleeding was mild. Continuing vorapaxar during CABG may be superior to
      currently recommended withdrawal antiplatelet strategies, and should be tested in
      an adequately powered randomized outcome-driven trial. 

PMID- 27128546
TI  - Validation of algorithms to identify stroke risk factors in patients with acute
      ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or intracerebral hemorrhage in an
      administrative claims database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stroke patients have a high risk for recurrence, which is positively
      correlated with the number of risk factors. The assessment of risk factors is
      essential in both stroke outcomes research and the surveillance of stroke burden.
      However, methods for assessment of risk factors using claims data are not well
      developed. METHODS: We enrolled 6469 patients with acute ischemic stroke,
      transient ischemic attack, or intracerebral hemorrhage from hospital-based stroke
      registries, which were linked with Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI)
      claims database. We developed algorithms using diagnosis codes and prescription
      data to identify stroke risk factors including hypertension, diabetes,
      hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation (AF), and coronary artery disease (CAD) in
      the claims database using registry data as reference standard. We estimated the
      kappa statistics to quantify the agreement of information on the risk factors
      between claims and registry data. RESULTS: The prevalence of risk factors in the
      registries was hypertension 77.0%, diabetes 39.1%, hyperlipidemia 55.6%, AF
      10.1%, and CAD 10.9%. The highest kappa statistics were 0.552 (95% confidence
      interval 0.528-0.577) for hypertension, 0.861 (0.836-0.885) for diabetes, 0.572
      (0.549-0.596) for hyperlipidemia, 0.687 (0.663-0.712) for AF, and 0.480 (0.455
      0.504) for CAD. Algorithms based on diagnosis codes alone could achieve moderate
      to high agreement in identifying the selected risk factors, whereas prescription
      data helped improve identification of hyperlipidemia. CONCLUSIONS: We tested
      various claims-based algorithms to ascertain important risk factors in stroke
      patients. These validated algorithms are useful for assessing stroke risk factors
      in future studies using Taiwan's NHI claims data.

PMID- 27128548
TI  - Anticoagulant therapy: Is there always a best choice?

PMID- 27128547
TI  - Potent influence of obesity on suppression of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide
      levels in patients with acute heart failure: An approach using covariance
      structure analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels may vary widely among
      patients with similar stages of heart failure, in whom obesity might be the only
      factor reducing plasma BNP levels. We investigated the effect of obesity and body
      mass index (BMI) on plasma BNP levels using serial measurements before and after
      treatment (pre- and post-BNP and pre- and post-BMI) in patients with acute heart
      failure. METHODS: Multiple regression analysis and covariance structure analysis
      were performed to study the interactions between clinical factors in 372
      patients. The pre-BMI was shown as a combination index of obesity and fluid
      accumulation, whereas the post-BMI was a conventional index of obesity. RESULTS:
      There was a significant inverse correlation between BMI and BNP in each condition
      before and after treatment for heart failure. The direct significant associations
      of the log pre-BNP with the log post-BNP (beta: 0.387), the post-BMI (beta: 
      0.043), and the pre-BMI (beta: 0.030) were analyzed by using structural equation
      modeling. The post-BMI was inversely correlated, but importantly, the pre-BMI was
      positively correlated, with the log pre-BNP, because the pre-BMI probably
      entailed an element of fluid accumulation. There were few patients with extremely
      high levels of pre-BNP among those with high post-BMI, due to suppressed
      secretion of BNP. CONCLUSIONS: The low plasma BNP levels in true obesity patients
      with acute heart failure are of concern, because plasma BNP cannot increase in
      such patients.

PMID- 27128549
TI  - Association between plasma PCSK9 levels and 10-year progression of carotid
      atherosclerosis beyond LDL-C: A cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the association of plasma proprotein convertase
      subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels with the progression of carotid
      atherosclerosis and identify additional PCSK9-lipoprotein-atherosclerosis pathway
      beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). METHODS: Among 643
      participants (aged from 45 to 74years) free of cardiovascular disease at
      baseline, carotid ultrasound examinations were performed in 2002 (baseline) and
      2012 (follow-up). None of the participants were taking lipid-lowering drugs or
      had detectable carotid plaques at baseline. Carotid plaque formation and total
      plaque area (TPA) were used to reflect 10-year progression of atherosclerosis.
      RESULTS: Baseline plasma PCSK9 levels have a wide variation, ranged from 64.60
      532.20ng/mL (median: 192.57ng/mL). PCSK9 levels were significantly associated
      with new plaque formation after adjusting for LDL-C levels and other risk factors
      (relative risk for per quartile increase=1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.03
      1.15). PCSK9 levels were also linearly associated with TPA after multivariate
      adjustment including LDL-C (P=0.008). Among participants with the lowest or
      second tertile of LDL-C, PCSK9 quartiles were linearly associated with TPA
      (P=0.021), but the association lost significance after additional adjustment for
      very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) tertiles (P=0.072). Further
      stepwise linear regression (entry, 0.05; removal, 0.05) indicated that VLDL-C
      tertiles could be entered into the model but PCSK9 quartiles could not.
      CONCLUSIONS: Plasma PCSK9 levels are associated with 10-year progression of
      atherosclerosis. The LDL-independent association of PCSK9 levels may through its
      ability to regulate VLDL-C levels. Further research is needed to systematically
      investigate the role of PCSK9 for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, beyond LDL
      C metabolism.

PMID- 27128550
TI  - Echocardiographic correlate of myocardial edema in complicated takotsubo
      cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 27128552
TI  - Familial noncompaction on cardiac computed tomography.

PMID- 27128551
TI  - A simple sarcopenia screening test predicts future adverse events in patients
      with heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progressive loss of skeletal muscle termed "sarcopenia" is an
      independent risk factor for mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases. A
      simple screening test that can identify sarcopenia using three variables (age,
      grip strength and calf circumference) was recently developed. We evaluated the
      clinical utility of this screening test in patients with heart failure (HF).
      METHODS AND RESULTS: HF patients were divided into the sarcopenia (n=82) and non
      sarcopenia (n=37) groups based on the sarcopenia score. Circulating BNP and high
      sensitive cardiac troponin T levels were significantly higher, and left
      ventricular ejection fraction was lower in the sarcopenia group than non
      sarcopenia group. Kaplan-Meier curve showed that HF event-free survival rate was
      significantly lower in the sarcopenia group. Multivariate Cox proportional
      hazards analysis identified BNP (ln[BNP]) (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.09
      2.29, p=0.02), hs-CRP (ln[CRP]) (HR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.23-2.68; p<0.01) and
      sarcopenia score (HR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05, p<0.01) as independent predictors
      of HF events. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, adding the
      sarcopenia score to BNP levels increased an area under the curve for future HF
      events (sarcopenia score alone, 0.77; BNP alone, 0.82; combination, 0.89).
      CONCLUSIONS: The sarcopenia screening test can be used to predict future adverse
      events in patients with HF.

PMID- 27128553
TI  - Simultaneous Rho kinase inhibition in circulating leukocytes and in
      cardiovascular tissue in rats with high angiotensin converting enzyme levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The small guanosine triphosphatase RhoA and its direct target Rho
      kinase (ROCK) play important roles in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Activated
      ROCK phosphorylates intracellular proteins with detrimental effects on
      cardiovascular remodeling. Increased ROCK activity in circulating leukocytes is
      observed in hypertension and in heart failure, but its relationship with ROCK
      activation in the myocardium and vessels is unknown. We hypothesized that ROCK
      activation and phosphorylation/activation of some of its key downstream molecules
      in the heart and arterial wall are reflected in circulating leukocytes. METHODS:
      Phosphorylation of MYPT1, ERM and p38-MAPK and levels of p65-NF-kappaB were
      determined in the left ventricle (LV), aortic wall and circulating leukocytes in
      rats with high (Brown Norway, BN) and low (Lewis) angiotensin converting enzyme.
      A group of BN rats received the ROCK inhibitor fasudil (7days). RESULTS: Compared
      to Lewis rats, in the BN group phosphorylated levels of MYPT1, ERM and p38-MAPK
      and levels of p65-NF-kappaB were increased (P<0.05) in the LV (67%, 92%, 52% and
      98%, respectively); in the aortic wall (57%, 51%, 68% and 66%, respectively) and
      in circulating leukocytes (61%, 72%, 49% and 105%, respectively). Fasudil reduced
      all these levels to those observed in Lewis rats. Phosphorylated MYPT1, ERM, and
      p38-MAPK and levels of p65-NF-kappaB in circulating leukocytes were significantly
      correlated with their respective LV and aortic wall levels (excepting p65-NF
      kappaB in aorta). CONCLUSION: ROCK activity in circulating leukocytes reflects
      activation of this signaling pathway in the myocardium and aortic wall in this
      model, and supports its value as a potential cardiovascular remodeling marker.

PMID- 27128554
TI  - Obesity can predict and promote systemic inflammation in healthy adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To find out the differences on biomedical data between obese and non
      obese participants, and to identify risk factors associated with systemic
      inflammation in healthy Palestinian adults. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study
      involved 105 apparently healthy adults. Interview questionnaire was used to
      collect personal information. Participants were excluded if they suffered from
      acute or chronic inflammatory diseases, or continued using medicines, which might
      affect the biomedical results. RESULTS: In association with increased Body Mass
      Index (BMI), the obese group displayed significant higher markers including:
      interleukin 6 (IL-6), high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), total
      cholesterol (TC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure
      (DBP). Obese group in association with increased waist circumference (WC) was
      higher significantly in inflammatory markers (IL-6, hs-CRP), lipid profile (TC)
      and triglyceride (TG), and blood pressure (SBP, DBP). A tertile of a feature of
      systemic inflammation (hs-CRP) was created, by Ordinal Logistic Regression, after
      adjusting for the age, gender, smoking habits, physical activity pattern, father
      and mother's health history; risk factors were the increased BMI [OR: 1.24] (95%
      CI: 1.005-1.548, P=0.050), IL-6 [OR: 3.35] (95% CI: 1.341-8.398, P=0.010), DBP
      [OR: 1.19] (95% CI: 1.034-1.367, P=0.015), and reduced Adiponectin [OR: 0.59]
      (95% CI: 0.435-0.820, P=0.001). Finally, BMI correlated with IL-6 and hs-CRP
      (r=0.326, P=0.005; r=0.347, P<0.001; respectively), and hs-CRP correlated with IL
      6 (r=0.303, P=0.010), and inversely with Adiponectin (r=-0.342, P=0.001).
      CONCLUSION: The increased level of IL-6 and reduced Adiponectin, which strongly
      associated with obesity, indicated that having high BMI is a useful marker in
      association with IL-6 and further developed systemic inflammation.

PMID- 27128555
TI  - The presence of remodeled and mixed atherosclerotic plaques at coronary ct
      angiography predicts major cardiac adverse events - The CAFE-PIE Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is still unclear how to exploit information made available by
      coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) on coronary artery disease (CAD)
      features in order to better predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Aim
      of this study was to validate the prognostic role of a comprehensive and
      simplified CT-derived score in patients evaluated for suspected CAD. METHODS: A
      prospective registry included 477 consecutive symptomatic patients without known
      CAD who underwent clinically-indicated CCTA. All patients were followed-up for
      MACE occurrence for a period of 49+/-15-month. RESULTS: The mean CT Score was
      10.5+/-10.8, with a MACE rate of 11.3%. There was a stepwise relationship between
      MACE rate during follow-up and CT Score values. MACEs were 1.9% in patients with
      CT Score<10 (reference group), 16.6% in those with CT Score 10-20 (OR 9.9, 95%
      C.I. 3.5-27.8 vs. reference group, p<0.001), 24.5% in those with CT Score 21-30
      (OR 16.6, 95% C.I. 6.1-45.0 vs. reference group, p<0.001), and 47.4% in those
      with CT Score>30 (OR 46.1, 95% C.I. 13.0-162.9 vs. reference group, p<0.001) (p
      for trend <0.001). At ROC curve analysis, CT Score was the best predictor of MACE
      (AUC: 0.81, CI 95%: 0.78-0.84) as compared to Diamond and Forrester score
      (p<0.001), segment stenosis score (p<0.05) and segment involved score (p<.0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of an integrated score obtained with CCTA and based on the
      presence of remodeled and mixed atherosclerotic coronary plaques may improve MACE
      prediction in symptomatic patients at intermediate risk outweighing that provided
      by standard clinical and CCTA scores.

PMID- 27128556
TI  - Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and early exit from paid employment in Europe;
      the impact of work-related factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to examine (i) the association
      between cardiovascular disease (CVD) or diabetes and exit from paid employment
      via disability benefits, unemployment, early retirement or other exit routes; and
      (ii) the impact of work-related factors on exit from paid employment among
      individuals with CVD or diabetes. METHODS: Respondents of the longitudinal Survey
      of Health and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were included if they were aged
      >50years, had paid employment at baseline, and a known employment status after 2
      or 6years (n=5182). A baseline-interview provided information on the presence of
      diagnosed CVD and diabetes, and physical and psychosocial work-related factors.
      During follow-up interviews information on work status was collected. Multinomial
      regression analyses were used to investigate the association between CVD,
      diabetes and exit from paid employment, and the impact of work-related factors.
      RESULTS: Workers with CVD or diabetes had significantly increased probabilities
      of disability benefits (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.69-3.70) and early retirement (OR 1.34,
      95% CI 1.05-1.74), but a comparable probability of unemployment (OR 1.10, 95% CI
      0.71-1.71). Regarding disability benefits, individuals who had a stroke had the
      highest probability (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.31-9.23). Perceived high job demands with
      low rewards or with low control at work further increased the probability of
      early exit among individuals with CVD or diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a
      prominent role of CVD and diabetes in premature losses to the workforce, and it
      shows that optimizing psychosocial work-related factors could be beneficial in
      people with CVD or diabetes.

PMID- 27128557
TI  - Management of incidental papillary fibroelastoma: An update.

PMID- 27128558
TI  - ST-elevation myocardial infarction with reduced left ventricular ejection
      fraction: Insights into persisting left ventricular dysfunction. A pPCI-registry
      analysis.
AB  - Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) largely reduced the rate of
      left ventricular (LV) dysfunction after ST-segment elevation acute myocardial
      infarction (STEMI). Though LV recovery begins early following revascularization,
      the optimal timing for re-assessment of LV function is still unclear. We sought
      to assess the proportion and timing of LV recovery in STEMI patients presenting
      with LV dysfunction treated by pPCI and to identify possible early predictors of
      adverse LV remodeling. STEMI patients with LV ejection fraction (LVEF <=40%) at
      presentation treated by pPCI from 2007 to 2013 were included whether they had an
      available 3-step LVEF assessment (<24h post-pPCI, discharge and follow-up).
      Primary endpoint was LVEF <=35% at follow-up. At a median time of 3months, 43 out
      of 154 patients (28%) had LVEF <=35%. In patients with persistent LV dysfunction,
      LVEF was lower at admission and increased less during hospitalization (from 31+/
      6 to 35+/-4% Vs 35+/-5 to 43+/-8% for patients with 3-months LVEF >35%, p<0.001).
      Independent predictors of 3-months LVEF <=35% were creatinine at admission, peak
      troponin I and LVEF. Of note, LVEF re-assessment at discharge (median time 6days,
      IQR 4-9) showed an increased accuracy to predict 3-months LV dysfunction compared
      to LVEF at admission (AUC 0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.88 vs AUC 0.69, 95% CI 0.58-0.79
      respectively, p=0.03). In most of patients presenting with STEMI and LV
      dysfunction, a significant LV recovery can be observed early following pPCI. LVEF
      measurement at discharge indeed emerged as the best indicator of late persistence
      of severe LV dysfunction. 

PMID- 27128559
TI  - Bicuspid aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and non-compaction left
      ventricle in a single case.

PMID- 27128561
TI  - Age at menopause: A fundamental data of interest to acquire in female patients'
      anamnesis.
AB  - Although menopause is a universal phenomenon among women, the timing of the onset
      and the duration of the menopausal transition and the timing of the final
      menstrual period are not so codified. Compelling evidence supports the idea that
      the different impact of cardiovascular disease and the differences in vascular
      biology in men and women may be, at least in part, related to the cardiovascular
      and metabolic effects of sex steroid hormones. Indeed, androgens and estrogens
      influence a multitude of vascular biological processes and their cardiovascular
      effects are multifaceted. Gender pharmacology has proven that men and women have
      tiny but not paltry different effects to the same drug. Estrogens exert potential
      beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system in both sexes. It is evident that
      there is a need for the physician who approaches the female patient, to stress
      the main anamnestic data concerning her hormonal life starting from menarche,
      through pregnancy, until menopause. Thus it will be not only a formality becoming
      a cornerstone of the first doctor-patient relationship, both for in- and
      outpatient, we will have a clear and complete representation of the etiology and
      evolution of cardiovascular diseases that increasingly afflict the female gender.

PMID- 27128560
TI  - Ablation of SIRT3 causes coronary microvascular dysfunction and impairs cardiac
      recovery post myocardial ischemia.
AB  - RATIONALE: Sirtuin (SIRT3), a major nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+))
      dependent deacetylase in mitochondria, declines with aging and its ablation is
      associated with accelerated development of cardiovascular diseases. However, the
      role of SIRT3 in coronary microvascular function and post-MI recovery has not
      been completely understood. OBJECTIVE: The goal was to investigate whether
      ablation of SIRT3 causes coronary microvascular dysfunction, exacerbates post
      myocardial ischemia (MI) cardiac dysfunction and impairs cardiac recovery.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Using endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from SIRT3 knockout
      (KO) mice, we revealed that the angiogenic capabilities were significantly
      reduced in SIRT3 deficient ECs. SIRT3 KO mice presented a pre-existing coronary
      microvascular dysfunction and microvascular rarefaction, as evidenced by a
      reduction in hyperemic peak diastolic blood flow velocity and coronary flow
      reserve (CFR), accompanied by loss of capillary-pericytes in the heart.
      Furthermore, SIRT3 KO mice subjected to myocardial ischemia by the ligation of
      left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) exhibited more severe cardiac
      dysfunction together with decreased pericyte/EC coverage than that of wild type
      (WT) mice. In contrast, overexpression of SIRT3 preserved cardiac function in
      post-MI mice. Immunoblot analysis further showed that the expression of
      angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and 6
      phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) were significantly
      decreased in the SIRT3-deficient ischemic hearts than those of WT ischemic
      hearts. This was accompanied by higher levels of cleaved caspase-3 and apoptosis.
      CONCLUSION: Our results reveal a potential mechanism by which SIRT3 deletion
      exacerbates post-MI cardiac dysfunction and impairment of cardiac recovery
      involving microvascular rarefaction and pre-existing coronary microvascular
      dysfunction.

PMID- 27128562
TI  - Atrial fibrillation patients with CHA2DS2-VASc >1 benefit from oral
      anticoagulation prior to cardioversion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation is associated with an
      increased risk of embolic stroke, but is generally considered safe if performed
      within 48h after onset. Our objective was to investigate if thromboembolism and
      bleeding in association with cardioversion of atrial fibrillation differed
      between patients with and without oral anticoagulation. METHODS: Retrospective
      study of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing electrical cardioversion
      from national Swedish health registries from January 1st 2006 until December 1st
      2010. Main outcome measures were thromboembolism and bleeding. RESULTS: In total
      22,874 atrial fibrillation patients underwent electrical cardioversion, 10,722
      with and 12,152 without oral anticoagulation pre-treatment. Patients with low
      stroke risk (CHA2DS2-VASc 0-1) did not suffer from any thromboembolic
      complications within 30days after cardioversion. After adjustment for factors
      included in CHA2DS2-VASc and after propensity score matching, patients without
      oral anticoagulation had higher risk for thromboembolic complications, odds ratio
      2.54 (95% confidence interval 1.70-3.79) and odds ratio 2.51 (95% confidence
      interval 1.69-3.75). There were no significant differences regarding bleeding
      complications between patients with or without anticoagulation after adjustment
      for factors included in HAS-BLED, odds ratio 1.08 (95% confidence interval 0.51
      2.25), nor after propensity score matching, odds ratio 1.00 (95% confidence
      interval 0.48-2.10). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that electrical
      cardioversion without prior anticoagulation may not be safe for patients with
      risk factors for thromboembolism (CHA2DS2-VASc score >1 point).

PMID- 27128563
TI  - HDL mimetic peptide CER-522 treatment regresses left ventricular diastolic
      dysfunction in cholesterol-fed rabbits.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) infusions induce rapid improvement of
      experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits but their effect on ventricular function
      remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the HDL mimetic peptide CER
      522 on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). METHODS: Rabbits were fed
      with a cholesterol- and vitamin D2-enriched diet until mild aortic valve stenosis
      and hypercholesterolemia-induced LV hypertrophy and LVDD developed. Animals then
      received saline or 10 or 30mg/kg CER-522 infusions 6 times over 2weeks. We
      performed serial echocardiograms and LV histology to evaluate the effects of CER
      522 therapy on LVDD. RESULTS: LVDD was reduced by CER-522 as shown by multiple
      parameters including early filling mitral deceleration time, deceleration rate,
      Em/Am ratio, E/Em ratio, pulmonary venous velocities, and LVDD score. These
      findings were associated with reduced macrophages (RAM-11 positive cells) in the
      pericoronary area and LV, and decreased levels of apoptotic cardiomyocytes in CER
      522-treated rabbits. CER-522 treatment also resulted in decreased atheromatous
      plaques and internal elastic lamina area in coronary arteries. CONCLUSIONS: CER
      522 improves LVDD in rabbits, with reductions of LV macrophage accumulation,
      cardiomyocyte apoptosis, coronary atherosclerosis and remodelling.

PMID- 27128564
TI  - Inferiority of ticagrelor in the PHILO trial: Play of chance in East Asians or
      nightmare confirmation of PLATO-USA?
AB  - Long-awaiting PHILO trial, conducted in 2011-2012 has been submitted and
      published late in 2015. In contrast to overall PLATO results, but similar to
      PLATO-US cohort, PHILO revealed numerical inferiority of ticagrelor with regard
      to death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and bleeding over clopidogrel. Hence, we
      comprehend the PHILO results in light of the PLATO-US evidence. To assess the
      PHILO (n=801) outcomes, applied statistics, and trial conduct, matching them with
      the PLATO-US (n=1413) patients. The Asian, predominantly Japanese ticagrelor
      patients had worsened outcomes even when compared to the negative American cohort
      with regard to death (OR=1.44 (PHILO) vs. 1.17 (PLATO-US); myocardial infarction
      (OR=1.63 vs. 1.38); and composite primary endpoint (OR=1.60 vs. 1.27); but not
      for stroke (OR=1.51 vs. 1.75). Moreover, in contrast to the trend in PLATO-US
      (OR=1.11; CI=0.84-1.48, p=0.46), PHILO revealed significant excess of PLATO
      defined composite of major and minor bleeding events (OR=1.83; CI=1.27
      2.63,p=0.0014). PLATO-defined "net clinical benefit" in PHILO was also
      significantly (OR=1.61; CI=1.11-2.34, p=0.0145) inferior for ticagrelor. The
      "number needed to harm" suggests that for every 29 PHILO patients treated for
      12months with ticagrelor instead of clopidogrel, one will suffer an additional
      major bleeding event. Finally, unexplained premature closure of PHILO just after
      200-210days mean drug exposure, and short 240days mean follow-up seems deliberate
      and concerning with regard to unblinding. Aside from some information censoring,
      early trial closure, and creative statistics, Asian ticagrelor patients did
      consistently worse in PHILO, than even in the negative PLATO-US cohort.
      Especially alarming is a significant bleeding inferiority justifying a necessity
      for a separate outcome-driven low-dose ticagrelor trial in Asian post-PCI
      patients. This strategy was successfully implemented with the low-dose prasugrel
      in Japan. Regulatory authorities in Asia may consider conducting an independent
      review of PHILO dataset to ensure adequate ticagrelor safety. 

PMID- 27128565
TI  - Intake of low sodium salt substitute for 3years attenuates the increase in blood
      pressure in a rural population of North China - A randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lowering salt intake is one of the successful and cost-effective
      methods to reduce blood pressure (BP). In this randomized controlled study, we
      investigated the effects of a 3-year substitution of table salt with a low-sodium
      salt substitute in a rural population of North China. METHODS: Subjects from 200
      families residing in five villages in Liaoning, North China were registered in
      this study and randomly divided into two groups: normal salt (100% sodium
      chloride) and low salt substitute (65% NaCl, 25% KCl, 10% MgSO4). We compared the
      effects of the low-sodium salt substitute and normal salt on differences in BP
      from baseline to various follow-up time points during this 3-year study period.
      We also examined several factors that may affect the long-term changes in BP.
      Hypertension was defined per World Health Organization guidelines as
      BP>=140/90mmHg. RESULTS: The low sodium substitute significantly reduced the
      increase in both systolic and diastolic BP compared with the regular salt
      (P=0.000). Also, the population aged 40-70years showed most beneficial response
      to the salt substitute compared with those aged <40 or >70years. The low salt
      substitute had similar beneficial effects in both males and females. In addition,
      the salt type consumed and body mass index significantly affected the change in
      BP. CONCLUSION: Use of the salt substitute significantly reduces the increase in
      BP over a long term, and thus, the salt substitute can be used as a replacement
      for regular salt in the daily diet to prevent/diminish the incidence of
      hypertension.

PMID- 27128566
TI  - Re: Is cataract surgery more common in patients with higher cardiovascular risk?

PMID- 27128567
TI  - Myocardial myostatin in spontaneously hypertensive rats with heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myostatin has been shown to regulate skeletal and cardiac muscle
      growth. However, its status on long-term hypertrophied myocardium has not been
      addressed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of myocardial
      myostatin and its antagonist follistatin in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)
      with heart failure. METHODS: Eighteen-month-old SHR were evaluated to identify
      clinical features of heart failure such as tachypnea/labored respiration and
      weight loss. After heart failure was detected, rats were subjected to
      echocardiogram and euthanized. Age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats
      were used as controls. Myostatin and follistatin protein expression was assessed
      by Western blotting. Statistical analysis was performed by Student's t test.
      RESULTS: All SHR (n=8) presented right ventricular hypertrophy and five had lung
      congestion. SHR had left chambers hypertrophy and dilation (left atrial diameter:
      WKY 5.73+/-0.59; SHR 7.28+/-1.17mm; p=0.004; left ventricular (LV) diastolic
      diameter/body weight ratio: WKY 19.6+/-3.1; SHR 27.7+/-4.7mm/kg; p=0.001), and LV
      systolic dysfunction (midwall fractional shortening: WKY 34.9+/-3.31; SHR 24.8+/
      3.20%; p=0.003). Myocyte diameter (WKY 23.1+/-1.50, SHR 25.5+/-1.33MUm; p=0.004)
      and myocardial interstitial collagen fraction (WKY 4.86+/-0.01; SHR 8.36+/-0.02%;
      p<0.001) were increased in the SHR. Myostatin (WKY 1.00+/-0.16; SHR 0.77+/-0.23
      arbitrary units; p=0.035) and follistatin (WKY 1.00+/-0.35; SHR 0.49+/-0.18
      arbitrary units; p=0.002) expression was lower in SHR. Myostatin and follistatin
      expression negatively correlated with LV diastolic diameter-to-body weight ratio
      and LV systolic diameter, and positively correlated with midwall fractional
      shortening. CONCLUSION: Myostatin and follistatin protein expression is reduced
      in the long-term hypertrophied myocardium from spontaneously hypertensive rats
      with heart failure.

PMID- 27128568
TI  - Prognostic significance of mechanical biomarkers derived from pulse wave analysis
      for predicting long-term cardiovascular mortality in two population-based
      cohorts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous mechanical biomarkers derived from pulse wave analysis (PWA)
      have been proposed to predict cardiovascular outcomes. However, whether these
      biomarkers carry independent prognostic value and clinical utility beyond
      traditional cardiovascular risk factors hasn't been systematically evaluated. We
      aimed to investigate the additive utility of PWA-derived biomarkers in two
      independent population-based cohorts. METHODS: PWA on central arterial pressure
      waveforms obtained from subjects without a prior history of cardiovascular
      diseases of two studies was conducted based on the wave transmission and
      reservoir-wave theory: firstly in the Kinmen study (1272 individuals, a median
      follow-up of 19.8years); and then in the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Two
      Township Study (2221 individuals, median follow-up of 10years). The incremental
      value of the biomarkers was evaluated by net reclassification index (NRI).
      RESULTS: In multivariate Cox analyses accounting for age, gender, body mass
      index, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, high-density- and low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol, and smoking, only systolic (SC) and diastolic rate
      constant (DC) of reservoir pressure could independently and consistently predict
      cardiovascular mortality in both cohorts and the combined cohort (SC: hazard
      ratio 1.18 [95% confidence interval 1.08-1.28, p<0.001; DC: 1.18 [1.09-1.28],
      p<0.001]. Risk prediction estimates in traditional risk prediction models were
      significantly more accurate when incorporating peak of reservoir pressure
      (NRI=0.049, p=0.0361), SC (NRI=0.043, p=0.0236) and DC (NRI=0.054, p=0.047).
      CONCLUSIONS: Of all PWA-derived biomarkers, SC and DC were consistently
      identified as valuable parameters for incremental cardiovascular risk prediction
      in two large prospective cohorts.

PMID- 27128569
TI  - A case of retrograde left main primary percutaneous coronary intervention during
      cardiogenic shock: The added value of performing coronary chronic total occlusion
      procedures.

PMID- 27128570
TI  - Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: To stent or not to stent? That is the
      question.

PMID- 27128571
TI  - Electronic cigarettes and sports: Dangerous liaisons?

PMID- 27128572
TI  - Circulating exosomal microRNAs predict functional recovery after MitraClip repair
      of severe mitral regurgitation.

PMID- 27128573
TI  - Targeting the molecular mechanisms of ischemic damage: Protective effects of
      alpha-crystallin-B.
AB  - AIMS: Molecular chaperones constitute protectors of intracellular protein
      integrity and seem to confer short-term defence against various cell insults.
      Myocardial damage is associated to a loss of protective chaperones. Ischemic post
      conditioning (IPost-Co) is a procedure that seems to protect against reperfusion
      injury. However, little is known on alpha-crystallin-B-chain (cryab/HspB5)
      evolution in IPost-Co. Here we have investigated cryab in myocardial ischemia and
      IPost-Co. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pigs underwent closed-chest 1.5h mid-left anterior
      descending (LAD) balloon occlusion and were either sacrificed without reperfusion
      (I;N=10), subjected to 2.5h of reperfusion and sacrificed (I/R; N=5); or
      subjected to IPost-Co before reperfusion and sacrificed 2.5h afterwards (IPost
      Co; N=5). A sham-operated group was included (N=6). Proteomic analysis (2-D
      electrophoresis/MALDI-TOF/TOF) revealed cryab as a single spot (20kDa; pI7.6).
      Myocardial cryab-20-protein and cryab-gene expression levels were decreased after
      ischemia and I/R(P<0.05). After IPost-Co, cryab-20-protein and cryab-gene
      expression levels were similar to those found in the heart of sham-operated
      animals (P<0.05). There was a direct correlation between LVEF-improvement after
      IPost-Co and myocardial cryab-20-protein levels. In a mice proof-of-principle
      study, cryab-20-peptide was synthesized and administered 1h before LAD-ligation
      and ECG-proven MI. A 59% reduction in infarct size was achieved in cryab-20
      treated animals (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia and reperfusion induce a decrease
      in myocardial cryab-20-protein levels together with a clinical impairment of
      cardiac function. IPost-Co induces a clinical improvement of cardiac function and
      a preservation of cryab-20 levels. Intervention studies on a mice-MI model showed
      that cryab-20-peptide administration reduces infarct size. All together our
      results show a significant cardioprotective effect of cryab.

PMID- 27128574
TI  - Fabrication of Minerals Substituted Porous Hydroxyapaptite/Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy
      pyrrole-co-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Bilayer Coatings on Surgical Grade
      Stainless Steel and Its Antibacterial and Biological Activities for Orthopedic
      Applications.
AB  - Current strategies of bilayer technology have been aimed mainly at the
      enhancement of bioactivity, mechanical property and corrosion resistance. In the
      present investigation, the electropolymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxypyrrole
      co-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (P(EDOP-co-EDOT)) with various feed ratios of
      EDOP/EDOT on surgical grade stainless steel (316L SS) and the successive
      electrodeposition of strontium (Sr(2+)), magnesium (Mg(2+)) and cerium (Ce(3+))
      (with 0.05, 0.075 and 0.1 M Ce(3+)) substituted porous hydroxyapatite (M-HA) are
      successfully combined to produce the bioactive and corrosion resistance P(EDOP-co
      EDOT)/M-HA bilayer coatings for orthopedic applications. The existence of as
      developed coatings was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT
      IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
      ((1)H NMR), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), energy
      dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Also, the
      mechanical and thermal behavior of the bilayer coatings were analyzed. The
      corrosion resistance of the as-developed coatings and also the influence of
      copolymer (EDOP:EDOT) feed ratio were studied in Ringer's solution by
      electrochemical techniques. The as-obtained results are in accord with those
      obtained from the chemical analysis using inductively coupled plasma atomic
      emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). In addition, the antibacterial activity, in
      vitro bioactivity, cell viability and cell adhesion tests were performed to
      substantiate the biocompatibility of P(EDOP-co-EDOT)/M-HA bilayer coatings. On
      account of these investigations, it is proved that the as-developed bilayer
      coatings exhibit superior bioactivity and improved corrosion resistance over 316L
      SS, which is potential for orthopedic applications.

PMID- 27128575
TI  - Melatonin Mediates Monochromatic Light-induced Insulin-like Growth Factor 1
      Secretion of Chick Liver: Involvement of Membrane Receptors.
AB  - Monochromatic lights influenced the proliferation and differentiation of skeletal
      satellite cells in broilers by the enhancement of insulin-like growth factor 1
      (IGF-1) secretion. However, whether melatonin (MEL)-mediated monochromatic lights
      influenced the IGF-1 secretion remains unclear. Newly hatched broilers, including
      intact, sham operation and pinealectomy groups, were exposed to blue (BL), green
      (GL), red (RL) and white light (WL) from a light-emitting diode system for 14
      days. The results showed that GL effectively promoted the secretion of MEL and
      IGF-1, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and MEL receptor
      subtypes Mel1a, Mel1b and Mel1c in the liver compared to BL and RL in vivo.
      Moreover, those was a positive correlation between MEL and IGF-1 (r = 0.834).
      After pinealectomy, however, these parameters declined, and there were no
      differences between GL and other monochromatic light treatments. In vitro,
      exogenous MEL increased hepatocyte proliferation and IGF-1 secretion. Meanwhile,
      the MEL enhancements were suppressed by prazosin (selective Mel1c antagonist),
      followed by luzindole (nonselective Mel1a/Mel1b antagonist), but not suppressed
      by 4-phenyl-2-propionamideotetralin (selective Mel1b antagonist). These findings
      demonstrated that MEL mediated the monochromatic light-induced secretion of IGF-1
      in chicks' livers by Mel1c and that Mel1a may be involved in this process.

PMID- 27128576
TI  - Tissue in Cube: In Vitro 3D Culturing Platform with Hybrid Gel Cubes for
      Multidirectional Observations.
AB  - An in vitro 3D culturing platform enabling multidirectional observations of 3D
      biosamples is presented. The 3D structure of biosamples can be recognized without
      fluorescence. The cubic platform employs two types of hydrogels that are
      compatible with conventional culture dishes or well plates, facilitating growth
      in culture, ease of handling, and viewing at multiple angles.

PMID- 27128577
TI  - French academic's views on financial compensation of participants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether and how participants in biomedical research should receive
      financial compensation is debated. We wished to explore how this issue was
      perceived by French professionals, focusing on different conditions of research.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We surveyed referent responders of Clinical Investigation
      Centres, Research Ethics Committees and hospital administrative departments for
      clinical research, via referent responders who completed an online questionnaire
      on behalf of their respective teams. Financial compensation was addressed in
      terms of general perception, justifications, interpretation of French law,
      concrete clinical situations and compensation of incurred expenses. Descriptive
      analyses and correlations were carried out based on scalar responses. RESULTS:
      The questionnaire was answered by 54/116 (45.6%) centres. The ethical aspects of
      compensation were viewed differently by Clinical Investigation Centres and
      Research Ethics Committees, whereas the practical aspects were viewed similarly.
      Agreement to compensation for patients was lower than for healthy volunteers
      (74.1 vs. 98.2%). The most frequently cited justifications for compensation apart
      from the inconveniences of research were the potential risk and the absence of
      medical benefit. Most of the proposed expenses incurred were to be compensated,
      but agreement to reimbursement of petrol bills or childcare expense was lower.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although some of the responses align with previous surveys in other
      countries, this information may help French professionals to harmonise their
      practices. We also addressed practical issues which could be studied in other
      European countries, for professionals and participants. Finally, the reluctance
      to compensate patients requires further study, taking into account welfare
      environment and consequences for recruitment.

PMID- 27128579
TI  - Unusual reactivity of MoS2 nanosheets.
AB  - The reactivity of the 2D nanosheets of MoS2 with silver ions in solution, leading
      to their spontaneous morphological and chemical transformations, is reported.
      This unique reactivity of the nanoscale form of MoS2 was in stark contrast to its
      bulk counterpart. While the gradual morphological transformation involving
      several steps has been captured with an electron microscope, precise chemical
      identification of the species involved was achieved by electron spectroscopy and
      mass spectrometry. The energetics of the system investigated supports the
      observed chemical transformation. The reaction with mercury and gold ions shows
      similar and dissimilar reaction products, respectively and points to the
      stability of the metal-sulphur bond in determining the chemical compositions of
      the final products. 

PMID- 27128578
TI  - Comparative Transcriptomics Reveals Key Gene Expression Differences between
      Diapausing and Non-Diapausing Adults of Culex pipiens.
AB  - Diapause is a critical eco-physiological adaptation for winter survival in the
      West Nile Virus vector, Culex pipiens, but little is known about the molecular
      mechanisms that distinguish diapause from non-diapause in this important mosquito
      species. We used Illumina RNA-seq to simultaneously identify and quantify
      relative transcript levels in diapausing and non-diapausing adult females. Among
      65,623,095 read pairs, we identified 41 genes with significantly different
      transcript abundances between these two groups. Transcriptome divergences between
      these two phenotypes include genes related to juvenile hormone synthesis,
      anaerobic metabolism, innate immunity and cold tolerance.

PMID- 27128581
TI  - A prospective cohort study on dietary acrylamide intake and the risk for
      cutaneous malignant melanoma.
AB  - Epidemiological studies have shown inconsistent associations between dietary
      acrylamide exposure and the risk for various malignancies. This is the first
      epidemiological study on the association between acrylamide intake and the risk
      for cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). A case-cohort analysis was carried out
      within the prospective Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer. Acrylamide
      intake was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire combined with acrylamide
      data for Dutch foods. After 17.3 years of follow-up, 501 microscopically
      confirmed cases of CMM were identified. There was an increased risk for CMM when
      dietary acrylamide was modeled as a continuous variable [hazard ratio: 1.13 (95%
      confidence interval: 1.01-1.26)] per 10 MUg increment among men but there was no
      clear linear trend over the quintiles (Ptrend=0.12). No associations were
      observed for women. Our study provides some indications that dietary acrylamide
      may increase the risk for CMM in men.

PMID- 27128580
TI  - Assessing barriers to a rational chemoprevention trial design in young patients
      with familial adenomatous polyposis.
AB  - Familial adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP) is an autosomal dominant condition
      caused by a germline mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli gene. Colonic
      adenomas form and almost all patients will develop colorectal cancer if they are
      not managed at an early stage. The safest preventive strategy is surgical
      resection of the colon, most commonly performed in late teenage years. There is a
      paucity of trials investigating the use of primary chemoprevention to delay polyp
      formation in paediatric FAP. There are extensive preclinical and early clinical
      data demonstrating that curcumin may be a safe and effective chemotherapeutic
      agent in reducing the polyp burden in this disease. We ultimately proposed to
      design and conduct a clinical study to assess whether curcumin treatment delays
      the need for surgery and/or prevents cancer in young patients with FAP. Research
      into clinical trial protocols has demonstrated that assessing patients'
      perceptions at the initial stage leads to better outcomes. We therefore conducted
      a questionnaire study of patients and parents of children affected by FAP to gain
      information to aid the protocol design. Results demonstrated that there are some
      FAP patients for whom this study is relevant and desirable. Those with a personal
      history of curcumin use reported that it was well tolerated. However, the
      response rate was poor (25%), indicating that there are potential difficulties
      ensuring adequate recruitment to the proposed trial. This report draws on lessons
      learnt from prior trials and the findings from the questionnaire to outline the
      challenges faced in designing such a study.

PMID- 27128582
TI  - Endoscopic endonasal surgery for nonadenomatous, nonmeningeal pathology involving
      the cavernous sinus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Surgery within the cavernous sinus (CS) remains a controversial topic
      because of the delicate and complex anatomy. The risk also varies with tumor
      consistency. Softer tumors such as pituitary adenomas are more likely to be
      surgically treated, while firm tumors such as meningiomas are often treated with
      radiosurgery. However, a wide range of pathologies that can involve the CS are
      amenable to surgery. The authors describe and analyze their results using
      endonasal endoscopic "medial-to-lateral" approaches for nonadenomatous,
      nonmeningeal tumors, in relation to the degree of invasion within the CS. METHODS
      A prospectively acquired database of consecutive endoscopic approaches for tumors
      with verified intraoperative CS invasion was reviewed. Pituitary adenomas and
      meningiomas were excluded. Degree of invasion of the CS was classified using the
      Knosp-Steiner (KS) grading system as well as the percentage of cavernous carotid
      artery (CCA) encasement. Extent of resection of the entire tumor and of the CS
      component was assessed by independent neuroradiologists using volumetric
      measurements of the pre- and postoperative MRI studies. Demographic data and
      complications were noted. RESULTS Fifteen patients (mean age 51.1 years who
      received endoscopic surgery between 2007 and 2013 met the selection criteria.
      There were 11 malignant tumors, including chordoma, chondrosarcoma,
      hemangiopericytoma, lymphoma, and metastatic cancer, and 4 benign tumors,
      including 3 cavernous hemangiomas and 1 dermoid. All cases were discussed before
      treatment in a tumor board. Adjuvant treatment options included chemotherapy and
      radiotherapy. The mean pre- and postoperative tumor volumes were 12.74 ml and
      3.86 ml. Gross-total resection (GTR; ie, resection greater than 95%) was the goal
      in 13 cases and was achieved in 6 patients (46%) while in addition 5 patients had
      a greater than 80% resection. Gross-total resection in the CS was accomplished in
      55% of the tumors with KS Grades 1-2 and in 16.6% of the tumors with KS grades 3
      4, respectively. Likewise, GTR was accomplished in 55% of the tumors with CCA
      encasement under 75% and in 14.3% of the lesions with CCA encasement over 75%,
      irrespective of tumor volume and underlying pathology. There were 18 preexisting
      cranial neuropathies involving cranial nerves III-VI, of which 9 fully resolved,
      4 improved, and 3 remained unchanged; 2 of these worsened with tumor recurrence.
      Surgical complications included 1 transient new cranial nerve VI palsy associated
      with Horner's syndrome and 1 case of panhypopituitarism. There were no
      postoperative CSF leaks and no infections. The mean extended follow-up was 34.4
      months. CONCLUSIONS Endonasal endoscopic approaches can play a role in the
      management of nonmeningeal, nonadenomatous tumors invading the CS, either through
      biopsy, debulking, or GTR. An advantage of this method is the relief of
      preexisting cranial neuropathies with low risk for new neurological deficit.
      Extent of resection within the CS varies with KS grade and degree of carotid
      encasement irrespective of the underlying pathology. The goals of surgery should
      be clearly established preoperatively in consultation with radiation and medical
      oncologists.

PMID- 27128583
TI  - A long-term study of durability and risk factors for aneurysm recurrence after
      microsurgical clip ligation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE With the recent evolution of endovascular therapies, objective
      evaluation of the efficacy of clip ligation for cerebral aneurysms should be
      performed. This study was undertaken to evaluate the durability of microsurgical
      clip ligation, identify risk factors for recurrence, and assess the need for long
      term follow-up imaging. METHODS A retrospective review of medical records
      identified 616 consecutive patients (156 male and 460 female patients; mean age
      48.4 +/- 12.4 years; range 6-90 years) who underwent microsurgical clip ligation
      and follow-up imaging at least 1 year after discharge between 1990 and 2010 at
      our institution. Of a total of 926 aneurysms in 616 patients, 758 aneurysms were
      microsurgically clip-ligated. At presentation, 431 of these aneurysms were
      ruptured and 327 aneurysms were unruptured. All patients underwent postoperative
      baseline imaging within the 1st month of their operation. A logistic regression
      analysis was performed to identify which variables are more likely to predict
      recurrence. RESULTS Late follow-up angiographic imaging was obtained at a mean of
      7.2 +/- 4.7 years postdischarge (median 5.7 years; range 1-23 years). Of the 699
      clipped aneurysms without residua, late follow-up angiography revealed only 1
      (0.14%) recurrent aneurysm. Of the 59 residual aneurysms that remained after
      initial clip ligation on early postoperative imaging, 8 (13.6%) demonstrated
      growth. All of these aneurysms required treatment. None of the recurrences were
      due to broken or delayed displacement of clips. A total of 111 patients presented
      with multiple aneurysms. De novo aneurysm formation occurred in 8 (0.97%)
      patients, all of whom initially presented with multiple aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS
      This study provides additional evidence to support the long-term efficacy of
      aneurysm clip ligation. The chance of aneurysm recurrence after complete clip
      ligation is very small. However, there is a regrowth risk of 1.83% per year for
      aneurysm remnants after incomplete clip ligation. These findings support the
      necessity for continued followup, late angiographic imaging, and the potential
      need for further intervention of incompletely ligated aneurysms. Furthermore,
      completely clip-ligated aneurysms may not require additional surveillance imaging
      unless multiple aneurysms were evident at presentation.

PMID- 27128584
TI  - Responses to ARUBA: a systematic review and critical analysis for the design of
      future arteriovenous malformation trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE The ARUBA study (A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous
      Malformations [AVMs]) on unruptured brain AVMs has been the object of comments
      and editorials. In the present study the authors aim to systematically review
      critiques, discuss design issues, and propose a framework for future trials.
      METHODS The authors performed a systematic review of the French and English
      literature on the ARUBA study published between January 2006 and February 2015.
      The electronic search, including the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (PubMed and Ovid),
      CINAHL, and EMBASE databases, was complemented by hand searching and cross
      referencing. The comments were categorized as items related to the design, the
      conduct, and the analysis and interpretation of the trial. RESULTS Thirty-one
      articles or letters were identified. The pragmatic design, with heterogeneity of
      patients and lack of standardization of the treatment arm, were frequently stated
      concerns. The choice of outcome measures was repeatedly criticized. During the
      trial, low enrollment rates, selection bias, and premature interruption of
      enrollment were frequent comments. The short follow-up period, the lack of
      subgroup analyses, the lack of details on the results of the various treatments,
      and a contentious interpretation of results were noted at the analysis stage. A
      fundamental problem was the primary hypothesis testing conservative management.
      The authors believe that other trials are needed. Future trials could be
      pragmatic, test interventions stratified at the time of randomization, and look
      for long-term, hard clinical outcomes in a large number of patients. CONCLUSIONS
      In the authors' view, the ARUBA trial is a turning point in the history of brain
      AVM management; future trials should aim at integrating trial methodology and
      clinical care in the presence of uncertainty.

PMID- 27128585
TI  - Comparison of non-stent retriever and stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy
      devices for the endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Mechanical thrombectomy is standard of care for the treatment of acute
      ischemic stroke. However, limited data are available from assessment of outcomes
      of FDA-approved devices. The objective of this study is to compare clinical
      outcomes, efficacy, and safety of non-stent retriever and stent retriever
      thrombectomy devices. METHODS Between January 2008 and June 2014, 166 patients
      treated at Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience for acute ischemic stroke with
      mechanical thrombectomy using Merci, Penumbra, Solitaire, or Trevo devices were
      retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes included 90-day modified Rankin Scale
      (mRS) score, recanalization rate (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction [TICI
      score]), and incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs). Univariate
      analysis and multivariate logistic regression determined predictors of mRS Score
      3-6, mortality, and TICI Score 3. RESULTS A total of 99 patients were treated
      with non-stent retriever devices (Merci and Penumbra) and 67 with stent
      retrievers (Solitaire and Trevo). Stent retrievers yielded lower 90-day NIH
      Stroke Scale scores and higher rates of 90-day mRS scores <= 2 (22.54% [non-stent
      retriever] vs 61.67% [stent retriever]; p < 0.001), TICI Score 2b-3
      recanalization rates (79.80% [non-stent retriever] vs 97.01% [stent retriever]; p
      < 0.001), percentage of parenchyma salvaged, and discharge rates to
      home/rehabilitation. The overall incidence of ICH was also significantly lower
      (40.40% [non-stent retriever] vs 13.43% [stent retriever]; p = 0.002), with a
      trend toward lower 90-day mortality. Use of non-stent retriever devices was an
      independent predictor of mRS Scores 3-6 (p = 0.002), while use of stent
      retrievers was an independent predictor of TICI Score 3 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS
      Stent retriever mechanical thrombectomy devices achieve higher recanalization
      rates than non-stent retriever devices in acute ischemic stroke with improved
      clinical and radiographic outcomes and safety.

PMID- 27128586
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Topical vancomycin use following craniotomy.

PMID- 27128587
TI  - Editorial: The ARUBA study: where do we go from here?

PMID- 27128588
TI  - Functional approach using intraoperative brain mapping and neurophysiological
      monitoring for the surgical treatment of brain metastases in the central region.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Brain metastases are the most frequent intracranial malignant tumor in
      adults. Surgical intervention for metastases in eloquent areas remains
      controversial and challenging. Even when metastases are not infiltrating intra
      parenchymal tumors, eloquent areas can be affected. Therefore, this study aimed
      to describe the role of a functional guided approach for the resection of brain
      metastases in the central region. METHODS Thirty-three patients (19 men and 14
      women) with perirolandic metastases who were treated at the authors' institution
      were reviewed. All participants underwent resection using a functional guided
      approach, which consisted of using intraoperative brain mapping and/or
      neurophysiological monitoring to aid in the resection, depending on the
      functionality of the brain parenchyma surrounding each metastasis. Motor and
      sensory functions were monitored in all patients, and supplementary motor and
      language area functions were assessed in 5 and 4 patients, respectively. Clinical
      data were analyzed at presentation, discharge, and the 6-month follow-up. RESULTS
      The most frequent presenting symptom was seizure, followed by paresis. Gross
      total removal of the metastasis was achieved in 31 patients (93.9%). There were 6
      deaths during the follow-up period. After the removal of the metastasis, 6
      patients (18.2%) presented with transient neurological worsening, of whom 4 had
      worsening of motor function impairment and 2 had acquired new sensory
      disturbances. Total recovery was achieved before the 3rd month of follow-up in
      all cases. Excluding those patients who died due to the progression of systemic
      illness, 88.9% of patients had a Karnofsky Performance Scale score greater than
      80% at the 6-month follow-up. The mean survival time was 24.4 months after
      surgery. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of intraoperative electrical brain
      stimulation techniques in the resection of central region metastases may improve
      surgical planning and resection and may spare eloquent areas. This approach also
      facilitates maximal resection in these and other critical functional areas,
      thereby helping to avoid new postoperative neurological deficits. Avoiding
      permanent neurological deficits is critical for a good quality of life,
      especially in patients with a life expectancy of over a year.

PMID- 27128589
TI  - Novel technique of a multifunctional electrosurgical system for minimally
      invasive surgery.
AB  - Bipolar electrosurgery in the minimally invasive endoscopic surgery theater has
      been traditionally limited to the use of standard bipolar forceps, which are
      minimally versatile, have a limited range of motion, and are associated with
      visualization and handling constraints. The authors designed a novel surgical
      device system in which commonly used surgical instruments (suction,
      microscissors, micrograspers, and dissectors) co-function as individually
      insulated and modular electrodes for bipolar electrosurgery. In this feasibility
      study, the successful use of these prototypes in endonasal endoscopic
      transsphenoidal surgery was demonstrated on 2 human cadavers, and in an in vivo
      arterial coagulation model on 2 live rats. This prototype system provided
      improved bipolar instrument mobility, minimized the requirement to exchange
      surgical instruments when performing electrosurgery, and allowed for new
      maneuvers that optimized surgical workflow, such as the ability to suction blood
      and smoke while cauterizing. This multifunctional bipolar cautery system may
      improve surgical efficiency and workflow and facilitate surgical microdissection
      and electrocautery during minimally invasive, endoscopic, robotic or traditional
      open surgery.

PMID- 27128590
TI  - Dystonic tics induced by deep brain stimulation of the posterior subthalamic area
      for essential tremor.
AB  - OBJECTIVE The posterior subthalamic area (PSA) is a promising target of deep
      brain stimulation (DBS) for medication-refractory essential tremor (ET). This
      case series describes a novel adverse effect manifesting as dystonic tics in
      patients with ET undergoing DBS of the PSA. METHODS Six patients with ET received
      electrode implants for DBS of the dorsal and caudal zona incerta subregions of
      the PSA. RESULTS Five of the 6 patients developed dystonic tics soon after
      clinical programming. These tics were of varying severity and required reduction
      of the electrical stimulation amplitude. This reduction resolved tic occurrence
      without significantly affecting ET control. Dystonic tics were not observed in 39
      additional patients who underwent DBS of the same brain regions for controlling
      non-ET movement disorders. CONCLUSIONS The pathophysiology of tic disorders is
      poorly understood and may involve the basal ganglia and related cortico-striato
      thalamo-cortical circuits. This series is the first report of DBS-induced tics
      after stimulation of any brain target. Although the PSA has not previously been
      implicated in tic pathophysiology, it may be a candidate region for future
      studies.

PMID- 27128591
TI  - Obituary: Albert Loren Rhoton Jr., MD, 1932-2016.

PMID- 27128592
TI  - miRNA expression profiling of cerebrospinal fluid in patients with aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and therefore play
      important roles in many physiological and pathological processes. The aim of this
      pilot study was to determine the feasibility of extraction and subsequent
      profiling of miRNA from CSF samples in a pilot population of aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage patients and establish if there is a distinct CSF miRNA
      signature between patients who develop cerebral vasospasm and those who do not.
      METHODS CSF samples were taken at various time points during the clinical
      management of a subset of SAH patients (SAH patient samples without vasospasm, n
      = 10; SAH patient samples with vasospasm, n = 10). CSF obtained from 4 patients
      without SAH was also included in the analysis. The miRNA was subsequently
      isolated and purified and then analyzed on an nCounter instrument using the Human
      V2 and V3 miRNA assay kits. The data were imported into the nSolver software
      package for differential miRNA expression analysis. RESULTS From a total of 800
      miRNAs that could be detected with each version of the miRNA assay kit, a total
      of 691 miRNAs were communal to both kits. There were 36 individual miRNAs that
      were differentially expressed (p < 0.01) based on group analyses, with a number
      of miRNAs showing significant changes in more than one group analysis. The
      changes largely reflected differences between non-SAH and SAH groups. These
      included miR-204-5p, miR-223-3p, miR-337-5p, miR-451a, miR-489, miR-508-3p, miR
      514-3p, miR-516-5p, miR-548 m, miR-599, miR-937, miR-1224-3p, and miR-1301.
      However, a number of miRNAs did exclusively differ between the vasospasm and
      nonvasospasm SAH groups including miR-27a-3p, miR-516a-5p, miR-566, and miR-1197.
      CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that temporal miRNA profiling can detect
      differences between CSF from aneurysmal SAH and non-SAH patients. Moreover, the
      miRNA profile of CSF samples from patients who develop cerebral vasopasm may be
      distinguishable from those who do not. These results provide a foundation for
      future research at identifying novel CSF biomarkers that might predispose to the
      development of cerebral vasospasm after SAH and therefore influence subsequent
      clinical management.

PMID- 27128593
TI  - RNF213 as the major susceptibility gene for Chinese patients with moyamoya
      disease and its clinical relevance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare, genetically heterogeneous
      cerebrovascular disease. The authors conducted a genetic study of really
      interesting new gene (RING) finger protein 213 ( RNF213); actin alpha 2 ( ACTA2);
      BRCA1/BRCA2-containing complex subunit 3 ( BRCC3); and guanylate cyclase 1,
      soluble, alpha 3 ( GUCY1A3) as well as a clinical phenotype analysis in Chinese
      MMD patients to determine whether genetic differences are responsible for the
      different clinical features that appear in MMD in different ethnicities. METHODS
      A panel was designed to identify disease-causing mutations in MMD genes and those
      involved in related disorders ( RNF213, ACTA2, BRCC3, and GUCY1A3). The panel was
      used to detect disease-causing mutations in 255 Chinese MMD patients. Genotype
      and allele frequencies were compared between patients and 300 controls. A
      mutation segregation analysis was performed in 34 families, and genotype
      phenotype correlations were made. RESULTS Twenty-seven rare missense variants of
      RNF213 were identified and were not found in controls. Among them, p.R4810K was
      identified in 31.4% of patients (80 of 255) with MMD. Significantly higher
      frequencies of the A allele and G/A genotype of p.R4810K were observed in MMD
      patients compared with controls (chi2 = 104.166, p < 0.000). Twenty-five rare
      variants were identified in 10.6% of patients (27 of 255) without p.R4810K
      variants. Segregation analysis supported an association between MMD and 3
      variants. No possible disease-causing mutations were identified in ACTA2, BRCC3,
      or GUCY1A3. Compared with patients without the rare variants in RNF213, the
      p.R4810K heterozygous patients were younger at diagnosis (25 vs 29 years old, p =
      0.049) and had more familial cases (24% vs 4.4%, p = 0.000), ischemic cases
      (81.3% vs 67.5%, p = 0.037), and involvement of the posterior cerebral artery
      (52% vs 32.5%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS RNF213 is the major susceptibility gene in
      Chinese MMD patients. The spectrum of rare variants identified in Chinese MMD
      patients was diverse. Compared to patients without the rare variants in RNF213,
      the p.R4810K heterozygous patients exhibited different clinical features.

PMID- 27128594
TI  - A systematic review of outcomes of contralateral C-7 transfer for the treatment
      of traumatic brachial plexus injury: an international comparison.
AB  - OBJECTIVE The effectiveness of contralateral C-7 (CC7) transfer is controversial,
      yet this procedure has been performed around the world to treat brachial plexus
      injuries. The authors performed a systematic review to study whether Asian
      countries reported better outcomes after CC7 transfer compared with "other"
      countries. METHODS A systematic literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and 3
      Chinese databases was completed. Patient outcomes of CC7 transfer to the median
      and musculocutaneous (MC) nerves were collected and categorized into 2 groups:
      Asia and "other" countries. China was included as a subcategory of Asia because
      investigators in China published the majority of the collected studies. To
      compare outcomes among studies, we created a normalized Medical Research Council
      (MRC) scale. RESULTS For median nerve outcomes, Asia reported that 41% of
      patients achieved an MRC grade of >= M3 of wrist flexion compared with 62% in
      "other" countries. For finger flexion, Asia found that 41% of patients reached an
      MRC grade of >= M3 compared with 38% in "other" countries. Asia reported that 60%
      of patients achieved >= S3 sensory recovery, compared with 32% in "other"
      countries. For MC nerve outcomes, 75% of patients from both Asia and "other"
      countries reached M4 and M3 in elbow flexion. CONCLUSIONS Current data did not
      demonstrate that studies from Asian countries reported better outcomes of CC7
      transfer to the median and MC nerves. Future studies should focus on comparing
      outcomes of different surgical strategies for CC7 transfer.

PMID- 27128595
TI  - Clinical utility and cost analysis of routine postoperative head CT in elective
      aneurysm clippings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Postoperative head CT scanning is performed routinely at the authors'
      institution on all neurosurgical patients after elective aneurysm clippings. The
      goal of this study was to determine how often these scans influence medical
      management and to quantify the associated imaging costs. METHODS The authors
      reviewed the medical records and accounting database of 304 patients who
      underwent elective (i.e., nonruptured) aneurysm clipping performed by 1 surgeon
      (M.T.L.) from 2010 to 2014 at the University of California, San Francisco.
      Specifically, the total number of postoperative head CT scans, radiographic
      findings, and the effect of these studies on patient management were determined.
      The authors obtained the total hospital costs for these patients, including the
      cost of imaging studies, from the hospital accounting database. RESULTS Overall,
      postoperative CT findings influenced clinical management in 3.6% of cases;
      specifically, they led to permissive hypertension in 4 patients for possible
      ischemia, administration of mannitol for edema and high-flow oxygen for
      pneumocephalus in 2 patients each, seizure prophylaxis in 1 patient, Plavix
      readjustment in 1 patient, and return to the operating room for an asymptomatic
      epidural hematoma evacuation in 1 patient. When patients were stratified on the
      basis of postoperative neurological examination, findings on CT scans altered
      management in 1.1%, 4.8%, and 9.0% of patients with no new neurological deficits,
      a nonfocal examination, and focal deficits, respectively. The mean total hospital
      cost for treating patients who undergo elective aneurysm clipping was $72,227 (+/
      $53,966) (all values are US dollars), and the cost of obtaining a noncontrast
      head CT scan was $292. Neurologically intact patients required 99 head CT scans,
      at a cost of $28,908, to obtain 1 head CT scan that influenced medical
      management. In contrast, patients with a focal neurological deficit required only
      11 head CT scans, at a cost of $3212, to obtain 1 head CT scan that changed
      clinical management. CONCLUSIONS Although there are no clear guidelines, the
      large number and high cost of CT scans needed to treat neurologically intact
      elective aneurysm patients suggest that careful neurological monitoring may be
      more clinically useful and a better use of hospital resources than routine
      postoperative CT.

PMID- 27128596
TI  - Endovascular therapy of low- and intermediate-grade intracranial lateral dural
      arteriovenous fistulas: a detailed analysis of primary success rates,
      complication rates, and long-term follow-up of different technical approaches.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Sinus-preserving (SP) embolization techniques augment endovascular
      treatment options for intracranial lateral dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs).
      The authors aimed to perform a retrospective comparison of their primary success
      rates, complication rates, and long-term follow-up with those of sinus-occluding
      (SO) treatment variants in the collective of low- and intermediate-grade lateral
      DAVFs (Cognard Types I-IIb). METHODS Clinical symptoms, complication rates, and
      Cognard grading prior to and after endovascular DAVF treatment using different
      technical approaches was retrospectively analyzed in 36 patients with lateral
      DAVF Cognard Types I-IIb. The long-term success rate was determined by a
      standardized questionnaire. RESULTS The SO approaches offered a higher rate of
      definitive fistula occlusion (93% SO vs 71% SP) but were accompanied by a
      significantly higher complication rate (33% or 20% SO vs 0% SP). The patients
      interviewed reported very high satisfaction with their health in long-term follow
      up in both groups. CONCLUSIONS A higher rate of definitive fistula occlusion in
      the SO group was attained at the price of a significantly higher complication
      rate. The SP approaches offered a good primary success rate in combination with a
      very low complication rate. Despite some limitations of the data (e.g., a small
      sample size) the authors thus recommend an SP variant as the primary therapeutic
      option for the endovascular treatment of low- and intermediate-grade DAVFs. The
      SO approaches should be restricted to cases in which SP treatment does not
      achieve a downgrading to no worse than Cognard Type IIa.

PMID- 27128597
TI  - Biochemical Preparation of Cell Extract for Cell-Free Protein Synthesis without
      Physical Disruption.
AB  - Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a powerful tool for the preparation of
      toxic proteins, directed protein evolution, and bottom-up synthetic biology. The
      transcription-translation machinery for CFPS is provided by cell extracts, which
      usually contain 20-30 mg/mL of proteins. In general, these cell extracts are
      prepared by physical disruption; however, this requires technical experience and
      special machinery. Here, we report a method to prepare cell extracts for CFPS
      using a biochemical method, which disrupts cells through the combination of
      lysozyme treatment, osmotic shock, and freeze-thaw cycles. The resulting cell
      extracts showed similar features to those obtained by physical disruption, and
      was able to synthesize active green fluorescent proteins in the presence of
      appropriate chemicals to a concentration of 20 MUM (0.5 mg/mL).

PMID- 27128599
TI  - Source identification, apportionment and toxicity of indoor and outdoor PM2.5
      airborne particulates in a region characterised by wood burning.
AB  - The occurrence of airborne particulate matter has been flagged as "of concern" in
      several megacities, especially in Asia. Selected Chilean regions have similar
      problems as wood burning is the major source of heating in homes. This concern
      has led to mitigation measures restricting the burning of wood at periods when
      the particulate matter smaller than 2.5 MUm (PM2.5) concentrations are predicted
      to be high. This work investigates the linkage between indoor and outdoor
      particle concentrations, determines their source through the polyaromatic
      hydrocarbon (PAH) signature and investigates the efficacy of the current
      management practice of burning restrictions. The PM2.5 fraction was collected at
      12 different properties with coincident indoor and outdoor sampling using a low
      volume active sampler for 24 hours. Indoor concentrations of PM2.5 ranged from 6
      to 194 MUg m(-3) with a mean of 72 MUg m(-3) and corresponding outdoor
      concentrations ranged from 5 to 367 MUg m(-3) with a mean of 85 MUg m(-3) over
      the winter periods of 2014 and 2015; the Chilean national permitted maximum in
      outdoor air is 50 MUg m(-3) in 24 hours. Higher concentrations were measured when
      the outdoor air temperature was lower. The PAHs were analysed on the PM2.5
      fraction; the indoor concentrations ranged from 2 to 291 ng m(-3) with a mean of
      51 ng m(-3) compared to an outdoor concentration between 3 and 365 ng m(-3) with
      a mean of 71 ng m(-3). Multivariate statistical analysis of the PAH profiles
      using principal components analysis (PCA) and polytopic vector analysis (PVA)
      identified wood burning, static and mobile diesel emissions and kerosene
      combustion as the major contributors to the particulate matter. When converted to
      toxicity equivalents (BaP-TEQ), the highest toxicity arising from PAHs in the
      indoor air was associated with a property that used a "leaky" combined wood stove
      and heater and also used a wood-fired brazier for local heating. In outdoor air,
      there was a relationship between the housing density and the BaP-TEQ, such that
      denser housing had higher BaP-TEQ values. The restrictions in wood burning on
      selected days may have had a measureable effect on the PM2.5 concentrations in
      that region but the effects were small and only present for the day of the
      restriction. 

PMID- 27128598
TI  - beta-Arrestin-2 modulates radiation-induced intestinal crypt progenitor/stem cell
      injury.
AB  - Intestinal crypt progenitor/stem (ICPS) cell apoptosis and vascular endothelial
      cell apoptosis are responsible for the initiation and development of ionizing
      radiation (IR)-evoked gastrointestinal syndrome. The signaling mechanisms
      underlying IR-induced ICPS cell apoptosis remain largely unclear. Our findings
      provide evidence that beta-arrestin-2 (betaarr2)-mediated ICPS cell apoptosis is
      crucial for IR-stimulated intestinal injury. betaArr2-deficient mice exhibited
      decreased ICPS cell and intestinal Lgr5(+) (leucine-rich repeat-containing G
      protein-coupled receptor 5-positive) stem cell apoptosis, promoted crypt
      proliferation and reproduction, and protracted survival following lethal doses of
      radiation. Radioprotection in the ICPS cells isolated from betaarr2-deficient
      mice depended on prolonged nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation via
      direct interaction of betaarr2 with IkappaBalpha and subsequent inhibition of p53
      upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA)-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction.
      Unexpectedly, betaarr2 deficiency had little effect on IR-induced intestinal
      vascular endothelial cell apoptosis in mice. Consistently, betaarr2 knockdown
      also provided significant radioresistance by manipulating NF-kappaB/PUMA
      signaling in Lgr5(+) cells in vitro. Collectively, these observations show that
      targeting the betaarr2/NF-kappaB/PUMA novel pathway is a potential radiomitigator
      for limiting the damaging effect of radiotherapy on the gastrointestinal system.
      Significance statement: acute injury to the intestinal mucosa is a major dose
      limiting complication of abdominal radiotherapy. The issue of whether the
      critical factor for the initiation of radiation-induced intestinal injury is
      intestinal stem cell apoptosis or endothelial cell apoptosis remains unresolved.
      betaArrs have recently been found to be multifunctional adaptor of apoptosis.
      Here, we found that beta-arrestin-2 (betaarr2) deficiency was associated with
      decreased radiation-induced ICPS cell apoptosis, which prolonged survival in
      abdominally irradiated mice. Moreover, betaarr2 deficiency-mediated intestinal
      progenitor/stem cell radioprotection relied on protracted NF-kappaB activation
      and subsequent suppression of PUMA induction. Our results suggest that ICPS cell
      apoptosis is the factor involved in the initiation and development of radiation
      induced gastrointestinal syndrome. betaArr2 is a potential target for lessening
      radiation-induced ICPS cell apoptosis.

PMID- 27128600
TI  - Application of a Telecolposcopy Program in Rural Settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals in rural areas are often restricted by the amount of
      physicians' availability, thus limiting access to healthcare in those settings.
      INTRODUCTION: While Pap smear screening has increased across the United States,
      the rural South still reports high rates of cervical cancer and mortality. One
      solution to improve patient outcomes related to cervical cancer in rural settings
      is telecolposcopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with abnormal Pap results or an
      abnormal visual examination needing an evaluation by colposcopy were referred to
      a hospital-based telecolposcopy program. Descriptive data are provided that
      include patients' access to care based on travel time and transportation costs.
      RESULTS: Over a 15-month time period, 940 unique patients were seen using
      telecolposcopy. Telecolposcopy was done at eight spoke sites across Arkansas
      representing patients from 72 of the 75 counties. Data for risk factors that
      include smoking, first sexual experience, and number of sexual partners in past
      12 months and in a lifetime are discussed. Pap results and impression are
      provided. In addition, avoided transportation costs and travel time have been
      calculated and included. DISCUSSION: Cervical cancer is important public health
      concern especially for women residing in rural areas. We were able to demonstrate
      that our telecolposcopy program has provided sustainability statewide since its
      inception and that patients are willing to participate. In addition to providing
      increased access to care, the program also reduced travel time and costs
      associated with a face-to-face visit. CONCLUSION: Telecolposcopy should be
      further explored and utilized in rural settings as a way to reduce patient costs
      and improve cervical cancer outcomes.

PMID- 27128601
TI  - Role of Tamponade in Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy with
      Vitreous Hemorrhage.
AB  - AIM: To analyze the role of tamponade in vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic
      retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage. METHODS: A retrospective chart analysis of
      patients who underwent vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)
      between 2006 and 2013, with a minimum follow-up of six months, was done. The data
      collected included age, gender, control of diabetes, pre- and postoperative best
      corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal detachment, type of tamponade, and
      recurrence of vitreous hemorrhage (VH). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS
      software version 2.0 and p values <0.05 were taken as significant. RESULTS: A
      total of 73 eyes of 73 patients were included. The patients were analyzed in four
      groups: Group 1: no tamponade; Group 2: air; Group 3: gas; Group 4: silicone oil
      (SO). Eighteen (24.7%), 18 (24.7%), 15 (20.5%), and 22 (30.1%) patients were in
      the four groups, respectively. The mean preoperative BCVA in logMAR was 1.61,
      1.84, 2.25, and 2.03 and the mean change in BCVAs at six months was -0.98, -0.94,
      -0.97, and -0.19 in four groups, respectively. Recurrent vitreous hemorrhage was
      noted in 11.1%, 11.1%, 6.7%, and 9.5% of patients of four groups; it was not
      statistically significant. The retina remained attached in 100%, 100%, 93%, and
      90% of patients in the four groups, respectively, at six months. CONCLUSION: The
      use of an intraocular tamponade in eyes with vitreous hemorrhage due to PDR was
      not found to be superior to no tamponade in reducing recurrent vitreous
      hemorrhage. Therefore, the use of a tamponade in eyes without retinal break is
      not beneficial.

PMID- 27128602
TI  - Lymph node ratio and surgical quality are strong prognostic factors of rectal
      cancer: results from a single referral centre.
AB  - AIM: Nodal stage is a strong prognostic factor of oncological outcome of rectal
      cancer. To compensate for the variation in total number of harvested nodes,
      calculation of the lymph node ratio (LNR) has been advocated. The aim of the
      study was to compare the impact, on the long-term oncological outcome, of the LNR
      with other predictive factors, including the quality of total mesorectal excision
      (TME) and the state of the circumferential resection margin. METHOD: Consecutive
      patients having elective surgery for nonmetastatic rectal cancer were extracted
      from a prospectively maintained database. Retrospective uni- and multivariate
      analyses were performed based on patient-, surgical- and tumour-related factors.
      The prognostic value of the LNR on overall survival (OS) and on overall
      recurrence-free survival (ORFS) was assessed and a cut-off value was determined.
      RESULTS: From 1998 to 2013, out of 456 patients, 357 with nonmetastatic disease
      were operated on for rectal cancer. Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy was
      administered to 66.7% of the patients. The mean number of lymph nodes retrieved
      was 12.8 +/- 8.78 per surgical specimen. A lower lymph node yield was obtained in
      patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (11.8 vs 14.2; P = 0.014).
      The 5-year ORFS was 71.8% and the 5-year OS was 80.1%. Multivariate analysis
      confirmed LNR, the quality of TME and age to be independent prognostic factors of
      OS. LNR, age and perineural infiltration were independently associated with ORFS.
      Low- and high-risk patients could be discriminated using an LNR cut-off value of
      0.2. CONCLUSION: LNR is an independent prognostic factor of OS and ORFS. In line
      with the principles of optimal surgical management, the quality of TME and lymph
      node yield are essential technical requirements.

PMID- 27128603
TI  - 7SKiing on chromatin: Move globally, act locally.
AB  - RNA polymerase II (Pol II) pausing at promoter-proximal regions is a highly
      regulated step in the transcription cycle. Pause release is facilitated by the P
      TEFb kinase, which phosphorylates Pol II and negative elongation factors. Recent
      studies suggest that P-TEFb (as part of the inhibitory 7SK snRNP) is recruited to
      promoter-proximal regions through interaction with KAP1/TRIM28/TIF1beta to
      facilitate 'on-site' kinase activation and transcription elongation. Here, I
      discuss features of this model and future challenges to further hone our
      understanding of transcriptional regulation including Pol II pausing and pause
      release.

PMID- 27128605
TI  - Sleep-promoting medications: Weighing the hazards of use versus non-use.

PMID- 27128604
TI  - Effect of Breakfast on the Exposure of the Once-Daily Tacrolimus Formulation in
      Stable Kidney Transplant Recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The once-daily Tacrolimus formulation (Tac ONCE-DAILY) has to be
      taken on an empty stomach. This is inconvenient for patients and may hamper
      compliance. The influence of food intake on the exposure of Tac ONCE-DAILY is
      unknown in transplant recipients. We compared the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of Tac
      ONCE-DAILY in stable kidney transplant recipients under fasted and fed
      conditions. METHODS: In an open-label, single-center, cross-over PK study, 27
      stable kidney white transplant recipients (17 male, 10 female) treated with Tac
      ONCE-DAILY under fasted conditions were enrolled. Two 10-point 24-hour blood
      concentration time profiles [area under the blood concentration time curve from
      time 0 to 24 hours (AUC0-24)] were collected under steady state conditions. The
      primary objective was to investigate the effect of food on the PKs and relative
      bioavailability of Tac ONCE-DAILY. RESULTS: Twenty-seven stable renal transplant
      patients provided 1 AUC0-24 under fasted and fed conditions, respectively. AUC0
      24, C24, and Cmax, were lower in the fed state and Tmax was 1 hour postponed. The
      90% confidence interval ratio (fed: fasted) for AUC0-24 was 0.81-0.91 and for C24
      0.82-0.92 (both P < 0.001). The majority (60%) had no significant change, but the
      change in AUC0-24 ranged from -38% to +29%. One trough level was below the target
      range after fed intake. CONCLUSIONS: When Tac ONCE-DAILY is ingested with
      standard continental breakfast, AUC0-24 and C24 decrease overall, with C24 in the
      therapeutic range in almost all patients. The convenient fed intake could promote
      therapy adherence. Given the possible significant change in exposure, we advise
      monitoring of the tacrolimus trough level 1 week after fed ingestion of Tac ONCE
      DAILY.

PMID- 27128606
TI  - Safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and bioavailability of GSK2018682, a
      sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator, in healthy volunteers.
AB  - The tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single (SD) and
      repeat (RD) doses of GSK2018682, a selective S1P1 receptor modulator, were
      evaluated in healthy volunteers. The bioavailability (BA) of different
      formulations and effects of food were also evaluated. SD of up to 24 mg and RD of
      up to 6 mg/day for 28 days were reasonably tolerated, despite higher incidences
      of gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse events compared to placebo. There
      was a linear relationship between dose and systemic exposure with a dose
      independent half-life (t1/2 ) between 44.9 and 63.3 hours. GSK2018682 induced
      acute, transient and non-symptomatic decreases in heart rate and blood pressure.
      Dose-dependent reduction in absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), and all tested
      subsets, was observed to various degrees, up to a nadir of over 70% reduction
      from baseline. There was no difference in major pharmacokinetic parameters among
      three formulations of GSK2018682 and between fasted and fed subjects. However,
      there was a reduction in the extent of bradycardia following dosing in the fed
      state. Additionally, exercise induced robust increase in heart rate in subjects
      who had bradycardia following RD of GSK2018682 up to 6 mg, suggesting possible
      physiological methods of reducing the extent of S1P mediated bradycardia and
      subsequent AV-block.

PMID- 27128607
TI  - Evaluation of the effect of mericitabine at projected therapeutic and
      supratherapeutic doses on cardiac repolarization in healthy subjects: A thorough
      QT/QTc study.
AB  - Mericitabine, the di-isobutyl ester prodrug of the cytidine nucleoside analog, is
      a potent and selective hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase inhibitor. This thorough
      QT/QTc study evaluated the effect of mericitabine on cardiac repolarization in
      healthy subjects. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active
      controlled, 4-way crossover study. A total of 60 subjects were enrolled and
      randomized to receive a single dose of mericitabine 1,500 mg, 9,000 mg,
      moxifloxacin 400 mg and placebo in randomly assigned treatment sequences, with at
      least 14 days between doses. The primary endpoint was the mean difference in
      baseline-adjusted QT interval using a study-specific correction method (QTcS)
      between mericitabine and placebo. The upper one-sided 95% confidence interval for
      the placebo-subtracted change from baseline in QTcS was <10 milliseconds and the
      mean difference from placebo was <5 milliseconds at all time points for both
      mericitabine doses. The positive control moxifloxacin caused a pronounced
      increase in QTcS that peaked 4 hours after oral administration. Furthermore,
      there was no trend of a concentration-dependent effect of mericitabine on QTcS.
      In conclusion, mericitabine does not have a clinically or statistically
      significant effect on cardiac repolarization in healthy subjects at single doses
      up to 9,000 mg.

PMID- 27128608
TI  - No influence of the CYP2C19-selective inhibitor omeprazole on the
      pharmacokinetics of the dopamine receptor agonist rotigotine.
AB  - Rotigotine, a non-ergolinic dopamine receptor agonist administered transdermally
      via a patch, is metabolized by several cytochrome P-450 (CYP450) isoenzymes,
      including CYP2C19. This open-label, multiple-dose study evaluated the effect of
      omeprazole, a competitive inhibitor of CYP2C19, on the pharmacokinetics of
      rotigotine and its metabolites under steady-state conditions in healthy male
      subjects (of the extensive metabolizer phenotype, CYP2C19). Subjects received
      rotigotine 2 mg/24 hours on days 1-3, 4 mg/24 hours on days 4-12, and omeprazole
      40 mg once daily on days 7-12 immediately after patch application. Blood and
      urine samples were collected on days 6 and 12 to evaluate rotigotine
      pharmacokinetic parameters alone and in the presence of omeprazole. Data from 37
      subjects were available for pharmacokinetic analysis. Point estimates (90%
      confidence intervals, CI) for the ratios of AUC(0-24)SS and Cmax,SS of
      unconjugated rotigotine for the comparison rotigotine + omeprazole:rotigotine
      alone were close to 1 (0.9853 [0.9024, 1.0757] for AUC(0-24)SS and 1.0613
      [0.9723, 1.1585] for Cmax,SS ) with 90% CIs within the acceptance range for
      bioequivalence (0.80, 1.25). Selective inhibition of CYP2C19 by omeprazole did
      not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetic profile of rotigotine or its
      metabolites. Thus, rotigotine dose adjustment is not required in patients
      receiving omeprazole, or other CYP2C19 inhibitors.

PMID- 27128609
TI  - The pharmacokinetics of darexaban (YM150), an oral direct factor Xa inhibitor,
      are not affected by ketoconazole, a strong inhibitor of CYP3A and P-glycoprotein.
AB  - We investigated the effects of ketoconazole on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the
      direct clotting factor Xa inhibitor darexaban (YM150) and its main active
      metabolite darexaban glucuronide (YM-222714) which almost entirely determines the
      antithrombotic effect. In this open-label, randomized, two-period crossover
      study, 26 healthy male volunteers received in one treatment period a single dose
      of darexaban 60 mg, and in the other treatment period, ketoconazole 400 mg once
      daily on Days 1-9 with a single dose of darexaban 60 mg on Day 4. Washout between
      periods was at least 1 week. The geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval)
      of darexaban glucuronide (darexaban plus ketoconazole versus darexaban) for
      AUCinf was 1.11 (1.00, 1.23), and for Cmax 1.18 (1.03, 1.35). Darexaban
      concentrations remained very low (AUClast ~196-fold lower) in relation to
      darexaban glucuronide concentrations. In conclusion, the PK of darexaban
      glucuronide was not affected to a clinically relevant degree by co-administration
      of the strong CYP3A/P-glycoprotein inhibitor, ketoconazole. The PK of the parent
      compound darexaban were changed, however, concentrations remained quantitatively
      insignificant in relation to the main active moiety, darexaban glucuronide.

PMID- 27128610
TI  - The effect of maraviroc on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin in healthy volunteers.

PMID- 27128611
TI  - Evaluation of the effect of ruxolitinib on cardiac repolarization: A thorough QT
      study.
AB  - This was a randomized, four-way crossover study that evaluated the effects of
      placebo, single doses of ruxolitinib 25 and 200 mg, and a single dose of
      moxifloxacin 400 mg on heart rate-corrected QT interval in healthy subjects.
      Electrocardiograms (ECGs) and pharmacokinetic samples were obtained on each
      dosing day; baseline ECGs were taken pre-dose. The primary endpoint was placebo
      subtracted change from baseline heart rate-corrected QT (Fridericia formula
      [DeltaDeltaQTcF]). The DeltaDeltaQTcF for either dose of ruxolitinib ranged from 
      3.09 to 3.28 milliseconds (1-sided 95% confidence interval of 0.06-6.62
      milliseconds). The DeltaDeltaQTcF for moxifloxacin (lower confidence interval)
      was significantly >5 milliseconds at 1, 2, and 3 hours post-dose. Individual QTcF
      >450 milliseconds and QTcF from baseline >30 milliseconds following ruxolitinib
      were similar to placebo. Based on the International Conference on Harmonization
      E14 guidance, the study results were considered negative for QTc prolongation. In
      conclusion, ruxolitinib did not have a clinically significant effect on QT
      interval.

PMID- 27128612
TI  - Evaluation of potential for pharmacokinetic interaction between mometasone
      furoate and formoterol fumarate after oral inhalation from a fixed-dose
      combination metered-dose inhaler device.
AB  - A fixed-dose combination (FDC) containing mometasone furoate (MF) and formoterol
      fumarate (F) in a pressurized metered dose inhaler (MDI) is approved for asthma
      and is being developed for COPD. This randomized, open-label, 4-period crossover
      study compared single-dose pharmacokinetics of MF 800 ug; F 20 ug; MF 800 ug + F
      20 ug coadministered (MF + F); and MF 800 ug/F 20 ug (MF/F) FDC in healthy
      subjects. MF, F, and MF + F were administered from single-ingredient MDI devices.
      MF and formoterol plasma samples were obtained predose and up to 48 hours post
      dose for estimation of AUC0-tf (primary endpoint) and Cmax . Treatments were
      deemed comparable if the 90% CIs for the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) fell within
      70-143%. MF AUC0-tf was comparable following treatment with MF + F versus MF (GMR
      98%; 90% CI 85-113%) and MF/F versus MF + F (GMR 95%; 90% CI 82-109%). Similarly,
      formoterol AUC0-tf was comparable following treatment with MF + F versus F (GMR
      98%; 90% CI 77-124%) and MF/F versus MF + F (GMR 108%; 90% CI 85-136%). The 90%
      CIs for MF and formoterol Cmax fell within the prespecified comparability bounds
      for all comparisons. Systemic exposures to MF and formoterol were similar
      following treatment with the FDC MDI device versus individual or concomitant use
      of single-ingredient MDI devices.

PMID- 27128614
TI  - Steady-state pharmacokinetics of sirolimus in stable adult Chinese renal
      transplant patients.
AB  - This open-label, nonrandomized study was conducted to evaluate the steady-state
      pharmacokinetics of sirolimus in 24 stable Chinese renal transplant patients
      receiving daily oral maintenance doses of sirolimus (1-4 mg). Repeated trough and
      serial whole blood sirolimus concentrations over a 24-hour dosing interval were
      collected and assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem
      mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS). Non-compartmental analysis (NCA) was employed to
      calculate sirolimus pharmacokinetic parameters. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5
      genotyping was performed. Cyclosporine (CsA) levels were determined for patients
      who took concomitant CsA. Mean (+/-SD) sirolimus maximum concentration (Cmax ),
      area under the concentration-time curve within a dosing interval of tau (AUCtau
      ), oral clearance (CL/F), and trough concentration (Ctrough ) at steady state
      were: 14.1 +/- 13.4 ng/mL, 199 +/- 210 ng . h/mL, 10.1 +/- 4.4 L/h, and 5.9 +/-
      6.3 ng/mL, respectively. Median tmax (range) was 2.49 hours (1-12 hours). A
      strong correlation was observed between Ctrough and AUCtau . Pharmacokinetics of
      sirolimus in patients with and without concomitant CsA were comparable. Allele
      frequency of CYP3A5*3 was 70.9% and a trend of higher oral clearance was observed
      in CYP3A5 expressers compared with non-expressers although the number of subjects
      in each genotype was small.

PMID- 27128613
TI  - An evaluation of the systemic bioavailability of mometasone furoate (MF) after
      oral inhalation from a MF/formoterol fumarate metered-dose inhaler versus an MF
      dry-powder inhaler in healthy subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: This randomized, open-label, multiple-dose, two-period, crossover study
      compared the systemic bioavailability of mometasone furoate (MF) administered
      from a metered-dose inhaler containing MF and formoterol fumarate (F) (MF/F-MDI)
      versus MF administered from a single-ingredient dry-powder inhaler (MF-DPI).
      METHODS: Healthy, non-smoking adults, 18-65 years with body mass index 18-29
      kg/m(2) (N = 12) received MF 800 ug/F 20 ug via MF/F-MDI or MF 800 ug via MF-DPI
      twice daily for 5 days separated by a 7-day period. MF pharmacokinetics (AUC(0-12
      hour) , Cmax , and Tmax ) were measured at Day 1 and 5 after each treatment.
      Safety and tolerability were assessed. RESULTS: Systemic exposure to MF based on
      AUC(0-12 hour) was ~25% lower following MDI versus DPI administration. The Day 5
      geometric mean ratio (MDI/DPI) estimates (90% confidence intervals [CI]) for
      AUC(0-12 hour) and Cmax were 0.747 (0.61, 0.91) and 0.606 (0.49, 0.75),
      respectively. The accumulation index (R) value for MF was higher following MDI
      (3.81-fold) versus DPI administration (2.34-fold) indicative of prolonged
      absorption. The most common adverse events were tremor, headache, and catheter
      site pain. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic exposure to MF was lower following multiple-dose
      MF/F-MDI administration versus MF-DPI administration. The magnitude of this
      difference is not considered to be clinically important. MF/F-MDI was safe and
      generally well tolerated.

PMID- 27128615
TI  - Pharmacokinetic bioequivalence crossover study of branded generic and innovator
      formulations of the cholesterol lowering agent ezetimibe.

PMID- 27128617
TI  - Fluoroquinolone resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from Pakistan
      2010-2014: Implications for disease control.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fluoroquinolones (FQ) are an essential component of current and new
      regimens for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The 2014 Global TB report
      indicates a FQ resistance rate of 17% amongst multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains
      of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) tested in 2013. There is, however, a paucity
      of FQ-resistance data from high burden countries. In this study the trend of FQ
      resistance amongst MDR-MTB and non-MDR-MTB is analyzed over a four-and-a-half
      year period (January 2010-July 2014). METHODS: This study was conducted at the
      Aga Khan University laboratory, a technical partner of the Pakistan National TB
      Program and part of the World Health Organization (WHO) Supra-national Laboratory
      Network for TB. The laboratory receives specimens from across the country through
      its peripheral collection units. MTB was isolated using standard methods.
      Susceptibility testing was performed using the agar proportion method with drug
      concentrations as recommended by Clinical Laboratory Institute Standards (CLSI).
      FQ susceptibilities were determined using ofloxacin (2MUg/ml). MTB H37Rv was used
      as a control with each batch of susceptibility testing. MDR was defined as
      resistance to both isoniazid (0.2MUg/ml) and rifampicin (1.0MUg/ml). RESULTS:
      During the study period 14,711 MTB strains were isolated. Of these, 6403 (43.5%)
      were MDR and 8308 were non-MDR. FQ resistance in MDR strains ranged between 54%
      and 58%. Amongst non-MDR MTB strains, FQ resistance increased from 214/2059
      (10.3%) in 2010 to 180/1049 (17.1%) in 2014. The proportion of FQ mono-resistant
      TB strains averaged at 10.5% of the non-MDR isolates during this period.
      CONCLUSIONS: FQ resistance in non-MDR-MTB strains with a considerable proportion
      of FQ mono-resistant strains in Pakistan is alarming. These data highlight the
      limited potential of empirical FQ usage for TB treatment in both MDR and non-MDR
      cases and the need to implement regular surveillance for FQ-resistance in MTB in
      the country. High FQ resistance amongst MTB isolates further emphasizes the
      importance of stewardship and the responsible use of FQs in particular, and
      antimicrobials in general in the country.

PMID- 27128618
TI  - Molecular structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis population in Russia and its
      interaction with neighboring countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The tuberculosis (TB) situation in Russia is aggravated by the
      emergence and the spread of multidrug-resistant strains, HIV co-infection and
      drawbacks in the health control system. The Mycobacterium tuberculosis population
      structure in Russia has been defined by the remarkable mass migration in the 20th
      century, the variable genetic background of different ethnic groups inhabiting
      Russia, and by the pathobiology of circulating strains. Here, I will review the
      phylogeography and pathobiology of: (i) the dominating Beijing family; (ii) the
      Latin-American Mediterranean (LAM) family, the second largest in Russia and MDR
      associated in some regions; and (iii) the Ural family, endemic in Russia and
      thought to be less transmissible and drug resistant. REVIEW AND ANALYSIS: M.
      tuberculosis variant Beijing V0/W148 is regarded as a successful clone of M.
      tuberculosis widespread in the former Soviet Union. However, a closer look
      reveals a peculiar clinal gradient of its geographic distribution; it peaks in
      Siberia and, to a lesser extent, in the European part of the former USSR. In
      contrast, its rate is sharply decreased in the Asian part of the former Soviet
      Union, and it is absent in the autochthonous populations elsewhere in the world.
      Two interdependent hypotheses will be put forward. First, B0/W148 likely
      originated in Siberia and its primary dispersal was driven by a massive
      population outflow from Siberia to European Russia in the period 1960-1980.
      Second, a historically recent phylogenetically demonstrated successful
      dissemination of the Beijing B0/W148 strain was triggered by an advent and wide
      use of the modern anti-TB drugs and was due to its remarkable capacity to acquire
      drug resistance. Robust phylogenetic markers were used to study the evolution of
      LAM and its major sublineages in Russia and its neighboring countries. A total of
      250 M. tuberculosis isolates were assigned to LAM based on analysis of LAM
      specific SNP in Rv3062 and Rv0129c. The family status was rectified for 121
      isolates mis-assigned by spoligotyping to non-LAM families (T1 or T5-RUS1). The
      re-estimated LAM rate increased twofold in Russia and Kazakhstan and fourfold in
      Belarus. The majority (>90%) of LAM isolates from all three countries belonged to
      the LAM-RUS sublineage. In contrast, Ibero-American LAM RD-Rio sublineage was
      identified in only 7 Russian isolates. These findings and further analysis
      suggest a monophyletic origin of the LAM-RUS subfamily that is endemic in Russia.
      In contrast, rare LAM RD-Rio isolates were likely brought to Russia through
      occasional human contact. The analysis of the Ural family showed its highest
      prevalence in the North/East Pontic (Black Sea) area that may have been an area
      of its origin and primary dispersal. Ural family strains are not marked by
      increased pathogenic capacities, association with drug resistance (although there
      is a trend towards MDR Ural strains in the European part of the former USSR) or
      increased transmissibility. This reflects their basically low contagiosity which
      is why the Ural family is still moderately widespread in central Eurasia. Large
      scale SNP or WGS population-based studies targeting strains from indigenous
      populations and, eventually, analysis of ancient DNA will better test these
      hypotheses. Host genetics factors likely play the most prominent role in the
      differential dissemination of particular M. tuberculosis genotypes.

PMID- 27128620
TI  - Meropenem-clavulanate has high in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: With the relentless increase in multidrug- and extensively
      drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR/XDR-TB), new treatment strategies are necessary.
      Favorable results have been reported by combining a beta-lactam antibiotic and a
      beta-lactamase inhibitor. The beta-lactamase encoded by the blaC gene of
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is the major mechanism of resistance to beta
      lactam antibiotics (e.g., penicillin). Meropenem, a beta-lactam antibiotic of the
      carbapenem group, is a relatively weak substrate for the beta-lactamase of MTB.
      The beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanate irreversibly inactivates the beta
      lactamase encoded by the blaC gene, thus making the combination of meropenem and
      clavulanate an interesting treatment alternative for MTB. However, very few
      isolates of MTB have been tested for this drug combination and few clinical
      reports exist. Thus, the present study investigates the in vitro activity of
      meropenem-clavulanate for drug-resistant MTB isolates, including MDR/XDR-TB.
      METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distribution of meropenem
      clavulanate was determined using Middlebrook 7H10, including MDR and XDR strains
      of MTB (n=68). Meropenem was prepared in a stock solution with a final
      concentration range of 0.002-512mg/L. Clavulanate was added at a fixed
      concentration of 64mg/L, to avoid a decline of the beta-lactamase to insufficient
      levels during the experiment. All isolates were evaluated after three weeks of
      growth. The pan-susceptible strain H37Rv was used as a control. RESULTS: There
      was a Gaussian MIC-distribution between 0.125 and 2mg/L of meropenem-clavulanate
      (expressed as the concentration of meropenem), but four isolates had very high
      MIC levels (16 and 32mg/L), which is likely to be out of reach in clinical doses
      (Fig. 1). The susceptibility of the isolates to meropenem-clavulanate was not
      correlated to the level of resistance to first- or second-line anti-tuberculous
      drugs. The MIC of the pan-susceptible control strain H37Rv was 1mg/L of
      meropenem, when combined with clavulanate. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows
      that meropenem-clavulanate has low MICs against MTB in vitro, including MDR and
      XDR-TB isolates. Meropenem has good tissue penetration and low protein-binding,
      but requires an intravenous access and is relatively expensive. Meropenem
      clavulanate may be a treatment option in selected cases of MDR/XDR-TB, although
      further clinical studies are warranted.

PMID- 27128621
TI  - Reliability of oscillometric central blood pressure responses to submaximal
      exercise.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Central blood pressure responses to exercise may provide clinicians
      with a superior diagnostic and prognostic tool. However, to be of value in a
      clinical setting these assessments must be simple to conduct and reliable.
      OBJECTIVE: Using oscillometric pulse wave analysis (PWA), determine the upper
      limit for between-day reliability of central SBP (cSBP) and central pressure
      augmentation (AIx) responses to three progressive stages of submaximal exercise
      in a cohort of young, healthy participants. METHODS: Fifteen healthy males [25.8
      years (SD 5.7), 23.9 kg/m (SD 2.5)] were tested on three different mornings in a
      fasted state, separated by a maximum of 14 days. Central hemodynamic variables
      were assessed on the left upper arm. Participants underwent three progressive
      stages of submaximal cycling at 50 W (low), 100 W (moderate) and 150 W (moderate
      hard). RESULTS: During low and moderate-intensity exercise the intra-class
      correlation coefficient (ICC) values for cSBP (0.79-0.80) and AIx (0.81-0.85)
      indicated excellent reliability (ICC > 0.75). For the moderate-hard intensity AIx
      could not be computed, and the ICC for cSBP was adequate (0.72). CONCLUSION:
      Findings from this study suggest that, at least in a young, healthy cohort,
      oscillometric PWA can be used to reliably assess central blood pressure
      measurements during exercise, up to a moderate intensity. Although further work
      is required to verify these findings in clinical cohorts, these measurements may
      potentially provide clinicians with a practical option for obtaining important
      hemodynamic information beyond that provided by resting peripheral blood
      pressure.

PMID- 27128622
TI  - Combined Id1 and Id3 Deletion Leads to Severe Erythropoietic Disturbances.
AB  - The Inhibitor of DNA Binding (Id) proteins play a crucial role in regulating
      hematopoiesis and are known to interact with E proteins and the bHLH family of
      transcription factors. Current efforts seek to elucidate the individual roles of
      Id members in regulating hematopoietic development and specification. However,
      the nature of their functional redundancies remains elusive since ablation of
      multiple Id genes is embryonically lethal. We developed a model to test this
      compensation in the adult. We report that global Id3 ablation with Tie2Cre
      mediated conditional ablation of Id1 in both hematopoietic and endothelial cells
      (Id cDKO) extends viability to 1 year but leads to multi-lineage hematopoietic
      defects including the emergence of anemia associated with defective erythroid
      development, a novel phenotype unreported in prior single Id knockout studies. We
      observe decreased cell counts in the bone marrow and splenomegaly to dimensions
      beyond what is seen in single Id knockout models. Transcriptional dysregulation
      of hematopoietic regulators observed in bone marrow cells is also magnified in
      the spleen. E47 protein levels were elevated in Id cDKO bone marrow cell
      isolates, but decreased in the erythroid lineage. Chromatin immunoprecipitation
      (ChIP) studies reveal increased occupancy of E47 and GATA1 at the promoter
      regions of beta-globin and E2A. Bone marrow transplantation studies highlight the
      importance of intrinsic Id signals in maintaining hematopoietic homeostasis while
      revealing a strong extrinsic influence in the development of anemia. Together,
      these findings demonstrate that loss of Id compensation leads to dysregulation of
      the hematopoietic transcriptional network and multiple defects in erythropoietic
      development in adult mice.

PMID- 27128623
TI  - Fabrication and evaluation of lipid nanoparticulates for ocular delivery of a COX
      2 inhibitor.
AB  - CONTEXT: The unique physiological limitations of the eye have been assigned as
      reason of low bioavailability by conventional drug delivery systems. There is
      need of such drug carriers, which ensure improved bioavailability as well as
      patient compliance upon instillation into the eye. OBJECTIVE: The present
      investigation deals with development of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)
      containing celecoxib (CXB) for treatment of ophthalmic inflammations. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The SLNs were formulated by melt-emulsion sonication and low
      temperature-solidification process and evaluated for particle size, surface
      morphology, physicochemical properties, percentage drug incorporation efficiency,
      in vitro drug release, in vitro trans-corneal permeation, in vivo efficacy in
      ocular inflammation, stability study and gamma scintigraphy study to assess the
      residence of solid lipid nanoparticles over ocular surfaces. RESULTS: The SLNs
      were spherical and the optimized formulation had particle size of 198.77 +/- 7.5
      nm, which is quite suitable for ocular applications. The maximum entrapment
      efficiency of 92.46 +/- 0.07% was achieved for formulation SLN 20. The permeation
      across the cornea was also significantly better than aqueous suspension (8.21 +/-
      0.67 versus 4.61 +/- 0.71) at p < 0.05. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The SLN
      formulations demonstrated improved performance of entrapped CXB while mitigating
      the key parameters of ocular inflammation in rabbits. The particulate
      formulations have exhibited prolonged retention over ocular surfaces as evident
      from results of gamma scintigraphy using 99mTc labeled SLNs.

PMID- 27128624
TI  - Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy by the Caudal Approach Versus Conventional
      Approach: A Comparative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic right hepatectomy (LRH) is increasingly performed for
      the treatment of many liver diseases. However, it remains a challenging procedure
      and is limited to highly specialized centers. Increasing the safety and efficacy
      of LRH is crucial. This study evaluated the safety and feasibility of the novel
      caudal approach (CDA) in LRH and in comparison with the conventional approach
      (CA). METHODS: Of a total of 40 patients who underwent LRH between June 2007 and
      July 2015 at our center, 10 cases underwent the CDA, while 30 underwent the CA.
      Operative and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Clinical data and
      patient characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Only 1 patient
      required a laparoscopic-assisted procedure in the CDA group, while 14 patients
      were converted to laparotomy (n = 10) or laparoscopic-assisted procedures (n = 4)
      in the CA group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance
      (P = .060). However, the difference in conversion to laparotomy between the two
      groups was significant (P = .043). In addition, when considering 23 patients with
      malignancies, the median surgical margin was significantly greater in the CDA
      group (n = 6) (20 mm versus 10 mm; P = .023) than in the CA group (n = 17). Other
      operative and postoperative outcomes were similar between the two groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The CDA achieves safety and feasibility similar to that of the CA in
      LRH and requires relatively less conversion to laparotomy. In selected patients,
      the CDA offers an alternative option to the CA for LRH in experienced hands.
      Further studies with larger samples are warranted to evaluate the CDA.

PMID- 27128625
TI  - Impact of Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis on School Children in Egypt.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and its
      impact on school children in Egypt. METHODS: A total of 3,706 students from six
      randomly selected schools of Menoufia were included where 126 had symptoms
      according to the VKC related symptoms questionnaire. Selected children were
      referred to a hospital for further assessment. RESULTS: The mean age of included
      children was 8.79+/-31.87 years, with a VKC prevalence of 3.3%, and male-to
      female ratio of 2.3:1. The most frequently reported symptoms were ocular itching,
      followed by burning sensation, tearing, red eye, discharge, and photophobia.
      Signs vary between mild and severe cases; however, all cases had a negative
      impact on school attendance and performance. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of VKC
      differs according to the age group of included cases and the local temperature of
      the study area. School attendance, performance, lifestyle, and social activities
      were negatively affected by VKC.

PMID- 27128626
TI  - Withdrawn: The production of corporate research to manufacture doubt about the
      health hazards of products: an overview of the Exponent BakeliteTM simulation
      study.
AB  - Withdrawal statementEgilman DS. The production of corporate research to
      manufacture doubt about the health hazards of products: an overviewof the
      Exponent BakeliteTM simulation study. International Journal of Occupational and
      Environmental Health.2016;22(1):18-26. DOI: 10.1080/10773525.2015.1123379.This
      content has been removed by the publishers.

PMID- 27128627
TI  - Light Induced C-C Coupling of 2-Chlorobenzazoles with Carbamates, Alcohols, and
      Ethers.
AB  - A light induced, transition-metal-free C-C coupling reaction of 2
      chlorobenzazoles with aliphatic carbamates, alcohols, and ethers is presented.
      Inexpensive reagents, namely sodium acetate, benzophenone, water, and
      acetonitrile, are employed in a simple reaction protocol using a cheap and widely
      available 25 W energy saving UV-A lamp at ambient temperature.

PMID- 27128628
TI  - Expression of Concern.

PMID- 27128629
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Shengmai (a traditional Chinese herbal medicine) for heart failure.

PMID- 27128630
TI  - Foveal and Macular Thickness in a Japanese Population: The Hisayama Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine factors associated with foveal thickness (FT) and macular
      thickness (MT) in Japanese persons from Hisayama. METHODS: A total of 2216
      healthy eyes of 1384 participants were analyzed. Each participant underwent
      comprehensive physical and ophthalmic examinations, the latter including optical
      coherence tomography (OCT). Multiple regression analysis was used to determine
      the relationship of various factors (race, age, sex, refractive error, axial
      length, diabetes mellitus, fasting plasma glucose levels, alcohol intake and
      smoking status) to FT (central 1-mm foveal area) and MT (central 3-mm foveal
      region). RESULTS: Results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that
      age was positively associated with FT (beta coefficient 0.214 MUm). FT was
      significantly smaller in women than men (beta coefficient -9.146 MUm). For both
      sexes, body height was positively correlated (beta coefficient 0.257 MUm), while
      refractive error and current smoking were negatively associated (beta
      coefficients -1910 MUm and -4.410 MUm, respectively) with FT. With respect to MT,
      there were negative associations between age, sex (female), and refractive error
      (beta coefficients -0.268 MUm, -4.815 MUm and -0.699 MUm, respectively). For both
      sexes, body height was positively correlated (beta coefficient 0.227 MUm), while
      hypertension and current smoking were negatively associated (beta coefficients 
      1.999 MUm and -2.758 MUm, respectively) with MT. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      indicated that age, body height, refractive error, and current smoking were
      significantly associated with FT, whereas age, body height, refractive error,
      current smoking, and hypertension were significantly related to MT. Women had
      significantly smaller FT and MT than men.

PMID- 27128632
TI  - Enhanced Dechlorination of 1,2-Dichloroethane by Coupled Nano Iron-Dithionite
      Treatment.
AB  - 1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) is a chlorinated solvent classified as a probable
      human carcinogen. Due to its extensive use in industrial applications, widespread
      contamination, and recalcitrance toward abiotic dechlorination, 1,2-DCA remains a
      challenging compound for the remediation community. Over the past decade, nano
      zerovalent iron (nZVI) has been efficiently used to treat many of the chlorinated
      compounds of concern. However, thus far, even nZVI (monometallic or bimetallic)
      has been unable to dechlorinate 1,2-DCA. Therefore, an alternative treatment
      coupling nZVI with dithionite to treat 1,2-DCA is proposed in this work. Coupled
      nZVI-dithionite was able to degrade >90% 1,2-DCA over the course of a year. The
      effects of dithionite and nZVI loadings, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coating,
      addition of palladium, and other iron species as metal surfaces on the
      degradation kinetics were also investigated. Observed pseudo-first-order rate
      constants (kobs) ranged from 3.8 * 10(-3) to 7.8 * 10(-3) d(-1). Both
      nucleophilic substitution and reductive dechlorination are the proposed
      mechanisms for 1,2-DCA degradation by coupled nZVI-dithionite treatment.
      Characterization analysis of the nZVI-dithionite nanoparticles shows that most of
      the iron was still preserved in the zerovalent state even after more than one
      year of reactivity with some iron sulfide (FeS) formation. Scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that the nanosized spherical particles were still
      present along with the FeS platelets. This novel treatment represents the first
      nZVI-based formulation to achieve nearly complete degradation of 1,2-DCA.

PMID- 27128631
TI  - Underestimation of Leptospirosis Incidence in the French West Indies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonosis affecting mainly tropical and
      subtropical regions worldwide, particularly South America and the Caribbean. As
      in many other countries, under-reporting of cases was suspected in the French
      West Indies because of inadequate access to diagnostic tests for the general
      population. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In order to estimate the real
      incidence of leptospirosis in Guadeloupe and Martinique, a study was performed in
      2011 using the three prevailing available biological tests for diagnosis:
      Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), IgM ELISA and PCR. The study investigated
      inpatients and outpatients and used active case ascertainment from data provided
      by a general practitioners' sentinel network. The epidemiology of the disease was
      also described in terms of severity and demographic characteristics.
      Leptospirosis incidence was estimated at 69.4 (95%CI 47.6-91.1) and 60.6 (95%CI
      36.3-85.0) annual cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Guadeloupe and Martinique,
      respectively, which was 3 and 4 times higher than previous estimations.
      CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Inclusion of PCR and IgM ELISA tests for diagnosis of
      leptospirosis resulted in improved sensitivity in comparison with MAT alone. Our
      results highlighted the substantial health burden of the disease in these two
      territories and the importance of access to appropriate laboratory tests. Based
      on our results, PCR and IgM ELISA tests have now been included in the list of
      tests reimbursed by the national system of social security insurance in France.
      Our results also underline the relevance of implementing an integrated strategy
      for the surveillance, prevention and control of leptospirosis in the French West
      Indies.

PMID- 27128633
TI  - Stability and Longevity in the Publication Careers of U.S. Doctorate Recipients.
AB  - Since the 1950s, the number of doctorate recipients has risen dramatically in the
      United States. In this paper, we investigate whether the longevity of doctorate
      recipients' publication careers has changed. This is achieved by matching 1951
      2010 doctorate recipients with rare names in astrophysics, chemistry, economics,
      genetics and psychology in the dissertation database ProQuest to their
      publications in the publication database Web of Science. Our study shows that pre
      PhD publication careers have changed: the median year of first publication has
      shifted from after the PhD to several years before PhD in most of the studied
      fields. In contrast, post-PhD publication career spans have not changed much in
      most fields. The share of doctorate recipients who have published for more than
      twenty years has remained stable over time; the shares of doctorate recipients
      publishing for shorter periods also remained almost unchanged. Thus, though there
      have been changes in pre-PhD publication careers, post-PhD career spans remained
      quite stable.

PMID- 27128634
TI  - Association of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate with Hemoglobin Level in
      Korean Adults: The 2010-2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey.
AB  - PURPOSE: Little is known about anemia in patients with early renal dysfunction.
      We aimed to investigate the association of hemoglobin level and anemia prevalence
      with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline using a nation-wide
      representative sample of the adult Korean population. METHODS: In total, 17,373
      participants (7,296 men; weighted n = 18,330,187; mean age, 44.2+/-0.3 years;
      9,886 women, weighted n = 18,317,454; mean age, 46.9+/-0.3 years) were included.
      eGFR was divided into 5 groups: Group 1, >=105; Group 2, 90-104; 75-89; Group 4,
      60-74; and Group 5, <60 mL/min/1.73m2. RESULTS: The weighted anemia prevalence
      rates were 2.6% in men and 12.8% in women. In men, the weighted hemoglobin level
      increased with a decrease in eGFR; this value peaked at an eGFR of 60-89
      mL/min/1.73m2 and decreased thereafter at an eGFR of <60 mL/min/1.73m2 (15.19+/
      0.03, 15.35+/-0.03, 15.53+/-0.03, 15.52+/-0.06, and 14.90+/-0.12 g/dL from Groups
      1 to 5) after adjustment for age, college graduation, cancer history, current
      smoking, waist circumference, serum cholesterol level, serum triglyceride level,
      and diastolic blood pressure. In women, the weighted hemoglobin level increased
      with a decrease in eGFR; this value peaked with an eGFR of 75-89 mL/min/1.73m2
      and decreased thereafter (12.90+/-0.03, 13.08+/-0.02, 13.20+/-0.04, 13.14+/-0.05,
      and 12.47+/-0.11 g/dL from Groups 1 to 5) after adjustment for menstruation,
      pregnancy, estrogen replacement, and the above-mentioned variables. In both
      sexes, the weighted prevalence of anemia with an eGFR of 60-104 mL/min/1.73m2 was
      significantly lower than that with an eGFR of >=105 mL/min/1.73m2 (men, 3.2+/
      0.4%, 1.9+/-0.3%, 1.8+/-0.3%, 2.0+/-0.9%, and 18.1+/-3.1%; women, 14.0+/-0.8%,
      11.2+/-0.7%, 10.5+/-1.0%, 13.2+/-1.6%, and 32.3+/-3.2% from Groups 1 to 5).
      CONCLUSIONS: We noted a compensatory increase in the hemoglobin level with a
      minor decline in kidney function (in the range of eGFR >=60 mL/min/1.73m2) prior
      to a marked decrease in hemoglobin level with severe renal dysfunction.

PMID- 27128637
TI  - Sedation for endoscopy in 2016 - Is endoscopist-guided sedation safe in complex
      situations?
AB  - The higher number of adverse events reported with anesthetist-delivered sedation
      are likely due to the fact that anethesia professionals induce deeper sedation as
      compared to sedation delivered by endoscopists. The former are trained to induce
      general anesthesia in their daily practice, where protective reflexes are more
      commonly depressed and the risk for undesired cardiopulmonary events is higher. 

PMID- 27128636
TI  - Subnanometer Structure of an Asymmetric Model Membrane: Interleaflet Coupling
      Influences Domain Properties.
AB  - Cell membranes possess a complex three-dimensional architecture, including
      nonrandom lipid lateral organization within the plane of a bilayer leaflet, and
      compositional asymmetry between the two leaflets. As a result, delineating the
      membrane structure-function relationship has been a highly challenging task. Even
      in simplified model systems, the interactions between bilayer leaflets are poorly
      understood, due in part to the difficulty of preparing asymmetric model membranes
      that are free from the effects of residual organic solvent or osmotic stress. To
      address these problems, we have modified a technique for preparing asymmetric
      large unilamellar vesicles (aLUVs) via cyclodextrin-mediated lipid exchange in
      order to produce tensionless, solvent-free aLUVs suitable for a range of
      biophysical studies. Leaflet composition and structure were characterized using
      isotopic labeling strategies, which allowed us to avoid the use of bulky labels.
      NMR and gas chromatography provided precise quantification of the extent of lipid
      exchange and bilayer asymmetry, while small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was
      used to resolve bilayer structural features with subnanometer resolution.
      Isotopically asymmetric POPC vesicles were found to have the same bilayer
      thickness and area per lipid as symmetric POPC vesicles, demonstrating that the
      modified exchange protocol preserves native bilayer structure. Partial exchange
      of DPPC into the outer leaflet of POPC vesicles produced chemically asymmetric
      vesicles with a gel/fluid phase-separated outer leaflet and a uniform, POPC-rich
      inner leaflet. SANS was able to separately resolve the thicknesses and areas per
      lipid of coexisting domains, revealing reduced lipid packing density of the outer
      leaflet DPPC-rich phase compared to typical gel phases. Our finding that a
      disordered inner leaflet can partially fluidize ordered outer leaflet domains
      indicates some degree of interleaflet coupling, and invites speculation on a role
      for bilayer asymmetry in modulating membrane lateral organization.

PMID- 27128635
TI  - A Cohesin-Based Partitioning Mechanism Revealed upon Transcriptional Inactivation
      of Centromere.
AB  - Transcriptional inactivation of the budding yeast centromere has been a widely
      used tool in studies of chromosome segregation and aneuploidy. In haploid cells
      when an essential chromosome contains a single conditionally inactivated
      centromere (GAL-CEN), cell growth rate is slowed and segregation fidelity is
      reduced; but colony formation is nearly 100%. Pedigree analysis revealed that
      only 30% of the time both mother and daughter cell inherit the GAL-CEN
      chromosome. The reduced segregation capacity of the GAL-CEN chromosome is further
      compromised upon reduction of pericentric cohesin (mcm21?), as reflected in a
      further diminishment of the Mif2 kinetochore protein at GAL-CEN. By
      redistributing cohesin from the nucleolus to the pericentromere (by deleting
      SIR2), there is increased presence of the kinetochore protein Mif2 at GAL-CEN and
      restoration of cell viability. These studies identify the ability of cohesin to
      promote chromosome segregation via kinetochore assembly, in a situation where the
      centromere has been severely compromised. 

PMID- 27128639
TI  - [The Development of First Operating Microscopes from Zeiss Jena and Oberkochen to
      Series Production].
AB  - Introduction: The history of the first operating microscopes from Zeiss is often
      confusing, not painstaking and partly contradictory because of the parallel
      development of Zeiss Jena (East Germany) and Zeiss Oberkochen (West Germany).
      Methods: To investigate the early beginnings of the construction of the operating
      microscopes documents of the Carl Zeiss Archive and the Optical Museum in Jena,
      the memoirs of Prof. Dr. Rosemarie Albrecht and some relevant publications were
      used. Results: The development of the first Jena operating microscope was
      initiated in 1949 by the ENT-physician Prof. Dr. Rosemarie Albrecht in the Soviet
      occupation zone. The first prototype was tested in the University ENT Clinic,
      Jena since summer of 1950. On the Leipzig Trade Fair in autumn 1952 the VEB Optik
      Carl Zeiss Jena presented the first operating microscope nationally and
      internationally. Series production began in 1953. The first operating microscope
      of Zeiss Oberkochen was primarily developed by technical designers (H. Littmann)
      as a colposcope. But in the Carl Zeiss Archive no documents could be found
      related to the cooperation with gynecologists. 1953 the operating microscope
      (OPMI 1) came into public and its series production started. From this date on,
      it was adopted by the otologist Prof. Dr. Horst Ludwig Wullstein to the needs of
      Otorhinolaryngology. Conclusion: The first Zeiss operating microscope came from
      Jena. The operating microscope from Zeiss Oberkochen had some advantages for the
      surgeons and won the competition in the future.

PMID- 27128638
TI  - Characterisation of a mouse cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line (bEnd.3)
      after oxygen glucose deprivation and reoxygenation.
AB  - Studies have utilised immortalised mouse cerebral endothelial cells (bEnd.3)
      exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) to study blood-brain barrier (BBB)
      disruption after ischaemia. However, there is a paucity of literature describing
      the duration of OGD (and reoxygenation [RO]) required to best simulate BBB
      disruption in vivo. In this study we assessed BBB disruption in bEnd.3 cells
      after exposure to a range of OGD periods, and also after OGD + RO. Exposure of
      bEnd.3 monolayers to 4, 6, 16, or 24 hours of OGD resulted in a significant
      increase in permeability. The hyperpermeability after 16 or 24 hours was
      associated with decreased expression of tight junction proteins (occludin and
      claudin-5). Furthermore, there was a decrease in cell viability and increased
      expression of the pro-apoptotic protein, cleaved caspase-3. Exposure of bEnd.3
      monolayers to 1 hour OGD+ 23 hours RO exacerbated hyperpermeability relative to 1
      hour OGD, which was associated with decreased expression levels of occludin and
      ZO-1, but no change in cell viability or caspase-3. 4 hours OGD + 23 hours RO
      exacerbated hyperpermeability, decreased expression levels of tight junction
      proteins, decreased cell viability, and increased caspase-3 expression. Thus,
      bEnd.3 cells exhibit hyperpermeability, a loss of tight junction proteins, and
      undergo cell death, after exposure to prolonged periods of OGD. Moreover, they
      exhibit exacerbated hyperpermeability, a loss of tight junction proteins, and
      increased expression of caspase-3 after OGD + RO. These findings will facilitate
      the use of this cell line in studies of BBB disruption and for the testing of
      therapeutics.

PMID- 27128640
TI  - [Patient Satisfaction after Pitch Elevation and Development of a Therapy
      Algorithm].
AB  - Objective: Voice feminization is an important step in the therapy of male-to
      female transsexualism. Approaches are conservative voice therapy and surgical
      interventions. The most powerful parameter of gender perception is the
      fundamental frequency. Besides the vocal pitch, there are other parameters
      influencing gender perception of a voice, e. g. intonation, prosody or formant
      frequencies. Material and methods: In 21 male to female transgender persons after
      surgical elevation of the vocal pitch the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), the Life
      Satisfaction Questionnaire (FLZ) and a new addendum were used. A new algorithm
      for voice feminization in male-to-female transsexualism was deduced. Results:
      After elevation of the vocal pitch, the self-confidence of the male-to-female
      transgender persons has increased. Despite of an elevated pitch some persons were
      not satisfied with their voice. Conclusion: Surgical intervention changes only
      the pitch of a voice. To change other parameters, conservative voice therapy is
      necessary. If the transgender persons are able to reach a satisfying female voice
      with conservative voice therapy alone, surgical intervention is not indicated.

PMID- 27128641
TI  - The American Nurses Association's White Paper on Nurse Staffing : Clinical and
      Economic Benefits of Appropriate Staffing.

PMID- 27128642
TI  - Effect of Home Visiting with Pregnant Teens on Maternal Health.
AB  - PURPOSE: Determine the extent that participation in Resource Mothers Program
      (RMP) home visiting improves maternal health at 3 months postpartum. STUDY DESIGN
      AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial using RMPs in two urban and one rural
      location in a mid-Atlantic state. Community health workers from these RMPs
      enrolled teens into the study and the research team assigned participants to
      either the intervention group or telephone support control group using
      computerized randomization assignments. Data collection from baseline and 3
      months postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the
      Prenatal Psychosocial Profile (PPP) is reported. RESULTS: The sample included 150
      pregnant teens with a mean age of 17 years. Mean self-esteem scores between
      groups were not significantly different at baseline, but the RMP group self
      esteem scores improved significantly at the 3 months postpartum interview (36.40
      +/- 5.63 for RMP vs. 34.10 +/- 4.29 telephone control group, p = 0.049). Neither
      group was at risk for depression at baseline or 3 months postpartum. Because 60%
      of the total sample identified as Hispanic, post hoc analysis revealed
      significantly different baseline stress mean scores between Hispanic and non
      Hispanic teens (p = 0.038); however, these differences were no longer significant
      by 3 months postpartum (p = 0.073). The EPDS scores by ethnicity were not
      different at baseline (p = 0.875) but were significantly different at 3 months (p
      = 0.007). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The RMP home-visiting intervention can lead to
      improved self-esteem scores in teens, particularly in Hispanic teens. Improved
      self-esteem has been shown to lead to better parenting.

PMID- 27128644
TI  - Breastfeeding Self-efficacy of Women With and Without Gestational Diabetes.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine the breastfeeding self-efficacy
      of women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Breastfeeding
      rates among women with GDM are often lower than rates of women without GDM,
      possibly related to early breastfeeding challenges that may negatively affect
      breastfeeding self-efficacy. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The breastfeeding self
      efficacy scale short form (BSES-SF) survey was used to compare breastfeeding self
      efficacy of 32 women with GDM and 35 women without GDM who gave birth to
      singleton, term (>=37 weeks gestation) baby in an Israeli hospital. Linear
      regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with BSES-SF scores
      in the first week postpartum. RESULTS: In the final regression model, significant
      factors associated with higher BSES-SF scores were no perceived delayed
      lactogenesis II (beta = -0.24, p = 0.050) and earlier initiation of breastfeeding
      (beta = -0.31, p = 0.011). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Factors significantly
      associated with BSES-SF scores can be addressed through encouragement and support
      of breastfeeding by healthcare providers. Lactation support in the early
      postpartum period should focus on facilitation of early and frequent
      breastfeeding and/or milk expression to decrease risk of delayed breastfeeding
      initiation and to minimize risk of perceived delayed lactogenesis II. Early
      lactation support is especially important among women at increased risk for
      delayed breastfeeding initiation or perceived delayed lactogenesis II such as
      women with GDM in pregnancy.

PMID- 27128643
TI  - Effectiveness of Discharge Education on Postpartum Depression.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine effectiveness of an educational intervention in reducing or
      preventing symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:
      English-speaking women age 18 or older with a singleton, term, healthy newborn
      were recruited from an 11-bed maternity unit in Southern New Hampshire. Using a
      quasi-experimental design, the first 120 respondents received usual care
      (control), and the following 120 respondents received the education (treatment)
      including PPD predictors, symptoms, prevention, and management. Current risk
      factors were measured using the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory
      Revised (PDPI-R). Symptoms of depression were measured using the Edinburgh
      Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum.
      Two-proportion z-tests were used to determine whether the education had a
      significant impact on EPDS scores at each of the three follow-ups. RESULTS: There
      was no significant difference in symptoms of depression as measured by the EPDS
      between the treatment and control group at 6 weeks, 3 months, or 6 months
      postpartum. However, consistent with previous studies, low socioeconomic status
      and a history of depression or anxiety prior to or during the pregnancy were
      significant predictors of PPD. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Postpartum nursing
      discharge education did not decrease depression symptoms up to 6 months after
      discharge. More research is needed to determine the most appropriate timing and
      content of education about PPD. Many women at risk can be identified prior to
      birth. Education to improve literacy about PPD may need to be provided prenatally
      and reinforced during postpartum hospitalization and after discharge.

PMID- 27128645
TI  - Gentle Cesarean Birth.

PMID- 27128646
TI  - Is Family-Centered Care Really Family-Centered in the Newborn Nursery?

PMID- 27128647
TI  - Food Allergies: New Evidence for Peanut Introduction.

PMID- 27128648
TI  - Interoperability Standards and the Potential of Interoperability.

PMID- 27128649
TI  - Global Strategy for the Health of Women, Children, and Adolescents: 2016-2030.

PMID- 27128651
TI  - Choosing Wisely.

PMID- 27128652
TI  - Energy Drinks: Implications for the Breastfeeding Mother.

PMID- 27128653
TI  - Randomized Controlled Trial of Use of the Peanut Ball During Labor.

PMID- 27128655
TI  - On the Dynamics of Xylene Isomers Excited in the Vacuum-Ultraviolet (VUV) Region.
AB  - We report on the dynamics of electronically excited o-, m-, and p-xylene on the
      femtosecond timescale by employing the vacuum-ultraviolet pump-IR probe mass
      spectrometry technique. The molecules were excited by the fifth harmonic
      (lambda=160 nm) of a Ti:sapphire laser at a superposition of the S3 valence with
      several Rydberg states. The relaxation pathways were investigated by studying the
      parent P(+) and the fragment [P-H](+) and [P-CH3 ](+) time-resolved signals
      generated after interaction with the fundamental beam (lambda=800 nm). Relaxation
      from the excited valence states was found to depend on the relative positions of
      the methyl groups on the ring. An increasing trend in the order o<m<p was
      observed for the lifetime of S3 , whereas that of the second valence state S2
      presented the opposite trend. Conclusions on the possible deformations and
      vibrations induced during the relaxation process were drawn: ring deformation
      involving methyl motion takes place. 

PMID- 27128654
TI  - Novel synthetic curcumin analogs as potent antiangiogenic agents in colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - The transcription factor NF-kappaB plays a central role in angiogenesis in
      colorectal cancer (CRC). Curcumin is a natural dietary product that inhibits NF
      kappaB. The objective of this study is to evaluate the antiangiogenic effects of
      curcumin and two potent synthetic analogues (EF31 and UBS109) in CRC. IC50 values
      for curcumin, EF31, and UBS109 were determined in the HCT116 and HT-29 cell
      lines. HUVEC tube formation, egg CAM assay, and matrigel plug assays revealed
      decreased angiogenesis in cell lines treated with curcumin, EF31, or UBS109.
      Curcumin and its analogues significantly inhibited VEGF-A synthesis and secretion
      in both cell lines in association with loss of HIF-1alpha, COX-2, and p-STAT-3
      expression. Nuclear NF-kappaB expression was inhibited by curcumin, EF31, and
      UBS109. Transfection of p65-NF-kappaB in HCT116 and HT-29 cells resulted in
      increased expression of HIF-1alpha, COX-2, STAT-3, and VEGF-A. Treatment with
      curcumin, EF31, or UBS109 inhibited these effects in transfected cell lines. In
      mice carrying HCT116 and HT-29 cell xenografts, EF31 and UBS109 inhibited
      subcutaneous tumor growth and potentiated the effects of oxaliplatin and 5-FU.
      Tumors from treated animals revealed inhibition of HIF-1alpha, COX-2, p-STAT-3,
      and VEGF expression. Our findings suggest that inhibition of NF-kappaB leading to
      decreased transcription and expression of HIF-1alpha, COX-2, STAT-3, and VEGF is
      a rational approach for antiangiogenic therapy in CRC. The distinctive properties
      of EF31 and UBS109 make them promising therapeutic agents for development in CRC
      as single agents or as part of combination chemotherapy regimens. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27128656
TI  - The Synergistic Roles of the Chronic Prenatal and Offspring Stress Exposures in
      Impairing Offspring Learning and Memory.
AB  - In Alzheimer's disease (AD), extensive experimental studies have demonstrated a
      negative impact of chronic stress during various stages of life (including
      prenatal phase) on some aspects of AD pathology. Nevertheless, presently, few
      studies have been involved in the learning and memory impairments, as well as
      neuropathology elicited by the chronic prenatal stress (CPS) and the chronic
      offspring stress (COS) exposures simultaneously, particularly for the adult male
      APPswe/PS1dE9 murine offspring. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to
      investigate the influence of CPS on learning and memory impairments induced by
      COS in 6-month-old male APPswe/PS1dE9 offspring mice and the related mechanism.
      Our study firstly demonstrates that 14-day exposure to CPS could exacerbate the
      learning and memory impairments, as well as neuropathological damages in the CA3
      regions of the hippocampus and cortex neurons, which is induced by the 28-day
      exposure to COS in 6-month-old male APPswe/PS1dE9 offspring mice. In addition,
      CPS could potentiate the production of AbetaPP, Abeta42, and corticosterone in 6
      month-old male APPswe/PS1dE9 offspring that also suffer COS. In conclusion, our
      novel findings strongly implicate the synergistic roles of the CPS and COS
      exposures in impairing offspring learning and memory. Moreover, CPS potentiating
      the production of Abeta42 might be mediated by glucocorticoids through increasing
      the expression of APP and BACE1 gene.

PMID- 27128658
TI  - COPD biomarkers as tools for decision making in early clinical drug development.
AB  - In this perspective article, we discuss, from a statistician's perspective, how
      biomarkers can be useful in decision making in drug development with emphasis on
      early clinical development (Phase I and II) in chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease. We illustrate with examples of how biomarkers can affect the very choice
      of treatment strategy: for example, targeting patients in early versus late
      phases of the disease or patients with particular extrapulmonary manifestations
      of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We also illustrate the use of
      biomarkers for establishing proof of mechanism in Phase I trials and how
      surrogate biomarkers can be used as end points in Phase II leading to shorter and
      more efficient proof-of-principle and dose-finding trials.

PMID- 27128659
TI  - Effects of Tomato Root Exudates on Meloidogyne incognita.
AB  - Plant root exudates affect root-knot nematodes egg hatch. Chemicals in root
      exudates can attract nematodes to the roots or result in repellence, motility
      inhibition or even death. However, until recently little was known about the
      relationship between tomato root exudates chemicals and root-knot nematodes. In
      this study, root exudates were extracted from three tomato rootstocks with
      varying levels of nematode resistance: Baliya (highly resistant, HR), RS2
      (moderately resistant, MR) and L-402 (highly susceptible, T). The effects of the
      root exudates on Meloidogyne incognita (M. incognita) egg hatch, survival and
      chemotaxis of second-stage juveniles (J2) were explored. The composition of the
      root exudates was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) prior
      to and following M. incognita inoculation. Four compounds in root exudates were
      selected for further analysis and their allopathic effect on M. incognita were
      investigated. Root exudates from each tomato rootstocks (HR, MR and T strains)
      suppressed M. incognita egg hatch and increased J2 mortality, with the highest
      rate being observed in the exudates from the HR plants. Exudate from HR variety
      also repelled M. incognita J2 while that of the susceptible plant, T, was
      demonstrated to be attractive. The relative amount of esters and phenol compounds
      in root exudates from HR and MR tomato rootstocks increased notably after
      inoculation. Four compounds, 2,6-Di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, L-ascorbyl 2,6
      dipalmitate, dibutyl phthalate and dimethyl phthalate increased significantly
      after inoculation. The egg hatch of M. incognita was suppressed by each of the
      compound. L-ascorbyl 2,6-dipalmitate showed the most notable effect in a
      concentration-dependent manner. All four compounds were associated with increased
      J2 mortality. The greatest effect was observed with dimethyl phthalate at 2
      mmol.L-1. Dibutyl phthalate was the only compound observed to repel M. incognita
      J2 with no effect being detected in the other compounds. Each of the four
      compounds were correlated with a reduction in disease index in the susceptible
      cultivar, T, and tomato seedlings irrigated with L-ascorbyl 2,6-dipalmitate at 2
      mmol.L-1 showed the best resistance to M. incognita. Taken together, this study
      provided a valuable contribution to understanding the underlying mechanism of
      nematode resistance in tomato cultivars.

PMID- 27128660
TI  - Action of naftopidil on spinal serotonergic neurotransmission for inhibition of
      the micturition reflex in rats.
AB  - AIMS: We examined the mechanism of action of naftopidil, an alpha1D/A blocker, on
      spinal descending serotonergic neurotransmission for the micturition reflex.
      METHODS: We examined (1) urinary 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) after
      intraperitoneal administration of saline, para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA; a
      serotonin synthetic enzyme inhibitor), and/or 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP; a
      serotonin precursor); (2) isovolumetric cystometry after intraperitoneal
      administration of saline, PCPA, and/or 5-HTP and intravenous injection of
      naftopidil; and (3) isovolumetric cystometry before and after intrathecal
      administration of serotonin (5-HT) receptor antagonists and intravenous injection
      of naftopidil. RESULTS: PCPA decreased and 5-HTP increased urinary 5
      HIAA/creatinine. Intraperitoneal injection of PCPA did not influence cystometric
      parameters. Intraperitoneal injection of 5-HTP significantly shortened the
      interval between bladder contractions. Intravenous injection of naftopidil
      transiently abolished bladder contractions. However, the duration of abolishment
      of bladder contractions after injection of naftopidil in rats given PCPA was
      significantly shorter than that in rats given vehicle, but significantly longer
      than that in rats given PCPA and 5-HTP. Intrathecal injection of 5-HT1B, 5-HT3,
      or 5-HT7 receptor antagonists significantly prolonged the interval between
      bladder contractions. Intrathecal injection of 5-HT1D or 5-HT2B receptor
      antagonists significantly shortened the interval between bladder contractions.
      Combined administration of the maximum non-effective dose of 5-HT1D, 5-HT2A, 5
      HT2B, 5-HT2C, or 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and intravenous injection of
      naftopidil significantly shortened the duration of abolishment of bladder
      contraction compared to intravenous injection of naftopidil alone. CONCLUSIONS:
      Naftopidil may inhibit the micturition reflex via 5-HT1D, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C,
      and 5-HT3 receptors in the spinal cord. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:604-609, 2017.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27128661
TI  - Circulating Irisin Concentrations Are Associated with a Favourable Lipid Profile
      in the General Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Irisin is a myokine, which is mainly inversely associated with
      the risk for non-communicable diseases. Irisin improves cellular energy
      metabolism by uncoupling the mitochondrial respiratory chain resulting in
      increased energy expenditure using lipids. To date potential associations between
      irisin concentration and lipid profile are poorly understood. Therefore, this
      investigation aimed to evaluate potential associations between irisin and lipid
      levels in the general population. METHODS: Data of 430 men and 537 women from the
      population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND) with available irisin
      and lipid concentrations were used. Analyses of variance, linear and logistic
      regression models adjusted for age, HBA1c, waist circumference, physical
      activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, systolic blood pressure, ALAT were
      calculated. RESULTS: We detected significantly inverse associations between
      irisin and circulating levels of total [beta coefficient 0.21 (standard error
      0.08), p = 0.01], low-density cholesterol [-0.16 (0.07), p = 0.03] and
      triglycerides [-0.17 (0.08), p = 0.02] for men. Females without lipid lowering
      medication had an inverse association between irisin and total cholesterol [-0.12
      (0.06), p = 0.05]. Further, male subjects with irisin concentrations in the third
      tertile had an increased odds for elevated low-density cholesterol [odds ratio
      1.96 (95% confidence interval 1.07-3.48), p = 0.03) and triglyceride [1.95 (1.09
      3.47), p = 0.02] levels, even after exclusion of subjects with lipid lowering
      medication. In addition, our data revealed an annual rhythm of serum irisin
      levels with peak levels arise in winter and summer months. CONCLUSION: This is
      the first investigation to report a significant association between circulating
      irisin and a favourable lipid profile in the general population. This may infer
      that higher irisin concentrations are associated with a reduced risk for non
      communicable diseases.

PMID- 27128662
TI  - A Simplified Approach to Measure the Effect of the Microvasculature in Diffusion
      weighted MR Imaging Applied to Breast Tumors: Preliminary Results.
AB  - Purpose To evaluate the relative change of the apparent diffusion coefficient
      (ADC) at low- and medium-b-value regimens as a surrogate marker of
      microcirculation, to study its correlation with dynamic contrast agent-enhanced
      (DCE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-derived parameters, and to assess its
      potential for differentiation between malignant and benign breast tumors.
      Materials and Methods Ethics approval and informed consent were obtained. From
      May 2013 to June 2015, 61 patients diagnosed with either malignant or benign
      breast tumors were prospectively recruited. All patients were scanned with a 3-T
      MR imager, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and DCE MR imaging.
      Parametric analysis of DWI and DCE MR imaging was performed, including a proposed
      marker, relative enhanced diffusivity (RED). Spearman correlation was calculated
      between DCE MR imaging and DWI parameters, and the potential of the different DWI
      derived parameters for differentiation between malignant and benign breast tumors
      was analyzed by dividing the sample into equally sized training and test sets.
      Optimal cut-off values were determined with receiver operating characteristic
      curve analysis in the training set, which were then used to evaluate the
      independent test set. Results RED had a Spearman rank correlation of 0.61 with
      the initial area under the curve calculated from DCE MR imaging. Furthermore, RED
      differentiated cancers from benign tumors with an overall accuracy of 90% (27 of
      30) on the test set with 88.2% (15 of 17) sensitivity and 92.3% (12 of 13)
      specificity. Conclusion This study presents promising results introducing a
      simplified approach to assess results from a DWI protocol sensitive to the
      intravoxel incoherent motion effect by using only three b values. This approach
      could potentially aid in the differentiation, characterization, and monitoring of
      breast pathologies. (c) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for
      this article.

PMID- 27128664
TI  - CHO Mouth Rinse Ameliorates Neuromuscular Response with Lower Endogenous CHO
      Stores.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse response
      on neuromuscular activity, fuel oxidation rates, and cycling performance with
      different initial levels of endogenous CHO availability. METHODS: In a double
      blind, randomized placebo-controlled design, eight males completed six
      experimental mouth rinse trials: CHO (6.4% maltodextrin) or placebo solution in a
      fed state (FED), 12-h fasted state (FAST), or a combined exercise-depleted muscle
      glycogen and 12-h fasted state (DEP). Trials consisted of 30-min cycling at 90%
      of gas exchange threshold, followed by a 20-km cycling time trial. Plasma
      lactate, plasma glucose, oxygen uptake, and EMG activity were measured, and CHO
      and fat oxidation rates were calculated. RESULTS: CHO mouth rinse maintained
      higher plasma glucose levels as the constant load exercise progressed (P =
      0.023). The reduced EMG activity in the DEP condition with the placebo during
      constant load exercise was ameliorated with CHO mouth rinse (P < 0.01).
      Furthermore, the power output and the EMG activity throughout the 20-km time
      trial were reduced in the DEP condition with placebo but were both restored with
      CHO mouth rinse (P < 0.05). Time trial performance was only improved with CHO in
      the DEP compared with the corresponding placebo (P < 0.05), and no differences
      between supplements were observed in the FED or FAST states. Analyses of the
      qualitative inference showed "benefit very likely" of CHO mouth rinse on exercise
      performance in DEP, "possibly benefit" in FAST, and "negligible or trivial" in
      FED. CHO mouth rinse had no effect on CHO and fat oxidation rates in either
      exercise mode. CONCLUSION: The CHO mouth rinse influences exercise performance
      when endogenous CHO availability is low, and an enhanced central motor drive is
      potentially the main influencing mechanism.

PMID- 27128663
TI  - Disease-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Fatigue.
AB  - Numerous health problems, including acute critical illness, cancer, diseases
      associated with chronic inflammation, and neurological disorders, often result in
      skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue. Disease-related muscle atrophy and fatigue
      is an important clinical problem because acquired skeletal muscle weakness can
      increase the duration of hospitalization, result in exercise limitation, and
      contribute to a poor quality of life. Importantly, skeletal muscle atrophy is
      also associated with increased morbidity and mortality of patients. Therefore,
      improving our understanding of the mechanism(s) responsible for skeletal muscle
      weakness and fatigue in patients is a required first step to develop clinical
      protocols to prevent these skeletal muscle problems. This review will highlight
      the consequences and potential mechanisms responsible for skeletal muscle atrophy
      and fatigue in patients experiencing acute critical illness, cancer, chronic
      inflammatory diseases, and neurological disorders.

PMID- 27128665
TI  - Attenuated PGC-1alpha Isoforms following Endurance Exercise with Blood Flow
      Restriction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Exercise performed with blood flow restriction simultaneously
      enhances the acute responses to both myogenic and mitochondrial pathways with
      roles in training adaptation. We investigated isoform-specific gene expression of
      the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 and selected
      target genes and proteins regulating skeletal muscle training adaptation.
      METHODS: Nine healthy, untrained males participated in a randomized,
      counterbalanced, crossover design in which each subject completed a bout of low
      intensity endurance exercise performed with blood flow restriction (15 min
      cycling at 40% of VO2peak, BFR-EE), endurance exercise (30 min cycling at 70% of
      VO2peak, EE), or resistance exercise (4 * 10 repetitions of leg press at 70% of
      one-repetition maximum) separated by at least 1 wk of recovery. A single resting
      muscle biopsy (vastus lateralis) was obtained 2 wk before the first exercise
      trial (rest) and 3 h after each bout. RESULTS: Total PGC-1alpha mRNA abundance,
      along with all four isoforms, increased above rest with EE only (P < 0.05) being
      higher than BFR-EE (P < 0.05). PGC-1alpha1, 2, and 4 were higher after EE
      compared with resistance exercise (P < 0.05). EE also increased vascular
      endothelial growth factor, Hif-1alpha, and MuRF-1 mRNA abundance above rest (P <
      0.05), whereas COXIV mRNA expression increased with EE compared with BFR-EE (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: The attenuated expression of all four PGC-1alpha isoforms when
      EE is performed with blood flow restriction suggests this type of exercise
      provides an insufficient stimulus to activate the signaling pathways governing
      mitochondrial and angiogenesis responses observed with moderate- to high
      intensity EE.

PMID- 27128666
TI  - Sex-Related Differences in Mood Responses to Acute Aerobic Exercise.
AB  - Although some evidence supports stronger mood improvements in response to acute
      exercise among women, sex-related differences remain understudied. PURPOSE: This
      study aimed to quantify and compare differences in baseline mood and the
      magnitude of mood responses to either acute aerobic exercise or quiet rest among
      young adult men and women. METHODS: Fifty-three young adults (27 males and 26
      females) completed two counterbalanced conditions: 30 min of vigorous treadmill
      exercise or 30 min of quiet rest. Outcomes included state anxiety, worry
      symptoms, and feelings of tension, depression, vigor, fatigue, anger, and
      confusion. ANOVA and RM-ANOVA examined sex-related differences at baseline and
      across condition and time, respectively. Hedges' d (95% CI) values were
      calculated to quantify and compare the magnitude of change in response to
      exercise compared with control. RESULTS: Females were more likely to report
      scores indicative of depression (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms > 5;
      38.5% vs 18.5%) and high trait anxiety (>=1 SD above age- and sex-related norm on
      the trait subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; 26.9% vs 3.7%). Baseline
      worry symptoms and trait anxiety were significantly higher among females (P <
      0.02). Although repeated-measures models did not support statistically
      significant differences between sexes, the magnitude of improvement in mood
      outcomes was larger among females than males for all outcomes other than feelings
      of tension. Compared with quiet rest, exercise significantly improved feelings of
      fatigue (d = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.01-1.17), confusion (d = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.24-1.41),
      and energy (d = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.02-2.33), and total mood disturbance (d = 1.09,
      95% CI = 0.49-1.70) and resulted in a nonsignificant, moderate-sized improvement
      in state anxiety (d = 0.51, 95% CI = -0.07 to 1.08) among females. CONCLUSION:
      Findings support potential sex-related differences in mood response to acute
      aerobic exercise, with larger improvements found among females. Future research
      should confirm findings and examine putative mechanisms of sex-related
      differences in mood responses to exercise.

PMID- 27128667
TI  - Breathing Training for Older Patients with Controlled Isolated Systolic
      Hypertension.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) is very common but difficult
      to manage with conventional medication. We investigated whether slow breathing
      training, with and without an inspiratory load, could reduce the resting blood
      pressure of older well-managed ISH patients. METHODS: Thirty ISH patients (66 +/-
      4 yr) were randomized into loaded breathing (six breaths per min, 18 cm H2O),
      unloaded breathing (six breaths per min, no load), or control (normal breathing)
      groups. After a 2-wk run-in, loaded and unloaded groups trained at home for 30
      min every day for 8 wk. Morning home blood pressure and heart rate were measured
      daily throughout the study. At the end of training, all participants reverted to
      normal breathing, and blood pressure and heart rate were recorded for a further 8
      wk. RESULTS: Compared to the pretraining run-in period, systolic blood pressure
      was reduced by 18 +/- 7 and 11 +/- 4 mm Hg for loaded and unloaded groups,
      respectively (P < 0.001), the reduction being significantly larger for the loaded
      group (P < 0.05) after 8-wk training. There were no changes in the control group.
      After the end of training, systolic blood pressure remained below pretraining
      levels for a further 6 wk for the loaded group but for only 2 wk with the
      unloaded group. There was a small nonsignificant reduction in diastolic blood
      pressure with training, as there was for heart rate. Pulse pressures were reduced
      by 11 +/- 5 and 5 +/- 6 mm Hg for loaded and unloaded groups, respectively (P <
      0.01). CONCLUSION: Slow breathing training, especially with an inspiratory load,
      is very effective in reducing resting systolic and pulse pressures and could be a
      valuable adjunct in the management of ISH.

PMID- 27128668
TI  - Mediators of Exercise Effects on HRQoL in Cancer Survivors after Chemotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated the hypothesis that combined resistance and endurance
      exercise improves cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength, thereby reducing
      fatigue and improving global quality of life (QoL) and physical function among
      cancer survivors who completed curative treatment including chemotherapy.
      METHODS: Cancer survivors were assigned to a 12-wk exercise intervention (n =
      186) or a wait list control group (n = 91). Data were collected at baseline and
      after 12 wk. Path analyses using follow-up values adjusted for baseline values,
      age, and gender were conducted to test if the exercise effects on global QoL and
      physical function (European Organization Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality
      of Life questionnaire-Core 30) were mediated by changes in cardiorespiratory
      fitness (peak VO2), hand-grip strength, lower body muscle function (30-s chair
      stand test), and fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory). RESULTS: Compared
      with the wait list control, exercise increased cardiorespiratory fitness (beta =
      1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-2.6 mL.kg.min) and reduced general (beta =
      -1.0; 95% CI, -1.8 to -0.2) and physical fatigue (beta = -1.5; 95% CI, -2.3 to 
      0.6). The exercise effect on physical fatigue was mediated by change in
      cardiorespiratory fitness (beta = -0.2; 95% CI, -0.4 to -0.1). Higher hand-grip
      strength was significantly associated with lower physical fatigue and better
      lower body muscle function with lower physical and general fatigue. Lower general
      fatigue and physical fatigue were significantly associated with higher global QoL
      (beta = -1.6; 95% CI, -2.2 to -1.1; and beta = -1.7; 95% CI, -2.3 to -1.1,
      respectively) and physical function (beta = -1.0; 95% CI, -1.3 to -0.7; and beta
      = -1.2; 95% CI, -1.6 to -0.9, respectively). The models explained 44%-61% of the
      variance in global QoL and physical function. CONCLUSION: Beneficial effects of
      exercise on global QoL and physical function in cancer survivors were mediated by
      increased cardiorespiratory fitness and subsequent reductions in fatigue.

PMID- 27128669
TI  - Quadriceps Function and Gait Kinetics after Anterior Cruciate Ligament
      Reconstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chronic quadriceps dysfunction has been implicated as a contributor to
      knee osteoarthritis (OA) development after anterior cruciate ligament
      reconstruction (ACLR). This dysfunction potentially leads to impulsive/high-rate
      loading during gait, thus accelerating cartilage degradation. The purpose of this
      study was to examine relationships between several indices of quadriceps function
      and gait biomechanics linked to knee OA development in individuals with ACLR.
      METHODS: Gait biomechanics and quadriceps function were assessed in 39
      individuals with ACLR. Indices of quadriceps function included isometric peak
      torque and rate of torque development (RTD), isokinetic peak torque and power,
      and the central activation ratio. Gait biomechanics included the peak vertical
      ground reaction force and loading rate, and the heel strike transient (HST)
      magnitude and loading rate. RESULTS: Isometric peak torque was not associated
      with any of the gait biomechanical variables. However, greater RTD was associated
      with lesser peak vertical ground reaction force linear (r = -0.490, P = 0.003)
      and instantaneous (r = -0.352, P = 0.031) loading rates, as well as a lesser HST
      magnitude (r = -0.312, P = 0.049) and instantaneous loading rate (r = -0.355, P =
      0.029). Greater central activation ratio was associated with greater HST
      instantaneous (r = 0.311, P = 0.050) and linear (r = 0.328, P = 0.033) loading
      rates. Isokinetic peak torque and power were not associated with any of the
      biomechanical variables. CONCLUSION: Poor quadriceps function, especially RTD, is
      associated with gait kinetics linked to cartilage degradation in individuals with
      ACLR. These results highlight the likely role of chronic quadriceps dysfunction
      in OA development after ACLR and the need to emphasize improving quadriceps
      function as a primary rehabilitation goal.

PMID- 27128670
TI  - Childhood Muscular Fitness Phenotypes and Adult Metabolic Syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to determine whether childhood muscular
      fitness phenotypes (strength, endurance, and power) are independently associated
      with adult metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal study
      including 737 participants who had muscular fitness measures in 1985 when age 9,
      12, or 15 yr and attended follow-up in young adulthood 20 yr later when measures
      of MetS were collected. Childhood measures of muscular fitness included strength
      (right and left grip, leg, and shoulder extension and flexion), endurance (number
      of push-ups in 30 s), and power (distance of a standing long jump). A muscular
      fitness score was created using all individual muscular fitness phenotypes. In
      adulthood, waist circumference, blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides,
      and glucose were measured. Adult outcomes were MetS defined using the harmonized
      definition and a continuous MetS risk score. RESULTS: Participants with childhood
      muscular strength, muscular power, and combined muscular fitness score in the
      highest third had significantly lower relative risk (RR) for MetS and a lower
      continuous MetS score in adulthood independent of cardiorespiratory fitness than
      those in the lowest third (strength: RR = 0.21 (0.09, 0.49) beta = -0.46 (-0.59, 
      0.34) power: RR = 0.26 (0.12, 0.60), beta = -0.36 (-0.49, -0.23) fitness score:
      RR = 0.20 (0.09, 0.47), beta = -0.45 (-0.58, -0.33)). However, adjustment for
      childhood waist circumference reduced the effect sizes for both adult outcomes by
      17%-60%. CONCLUSION: Phenotypes of childhood muscular fitness can be used to
      predict adult MetS independent of cardiorespiratory fitness. Although a large
      proportion of the effect of childhood muscular fitness on adult MetS is
      potentially being mediated by child waist circumference, these data suggest that
      promotion of muscular fitness among children might provide additional protection
      against developing adult MetS.

PMID- 27128672
TI  - Muscle Fiber Conduction Velocity, Muscle Fiber Composition, and Power
      Performance.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between muscle
      fiber conduction velocity (MFCV), fiber type composition, and power performance
      in participants with different training background. METHODS: Thirty-eight young
      males with different training background participated: sedentary (n = 10),
      endurance runners (n = 9), power trained (n = 10), and strength trained (n = 9).
      They performed maximal countermovement jumps (CMJ) and maximal isometric leg
      press for the measurement of the rate of force development (RFD). Resting vastus
      lateralis MFCV was measured with intramuscular microelectrodes on a different
      occasion, whereas muscle fiber type and cross-sectional area (CSA) of vastus
      lateralis were evaluated through muscle biopsies 1wk later. RESULTS: MFCV, CMJ
      power, RFD, and % CSA of type II and type IIx fibers were higher for the power
      trained group (P < 0.001). No difference was found between sedentary participants
      and endurance runners in these variables, but both of these groups performed
      worse than strength/power participants. Close correlations were found between
      MFCV and fiber CSA as well as the % CSA of all fiber types as well as with RFD
      and CMJ power (r = 0.712-0.943, P < 0.005). Partial correlations revealed that
      the % CSA of IIx fibers dictates a large part of the correlation between MFCV and
      RFD, power performance. Significant models for the prediction of the % CSA of
      type IIa and type II as well as the CSA of all muscle fibers based upon MFCV,
      RFD, and CMJ were revealed (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: MFCV is closely associated
      with muscle fiber % CSA. RFD and jumping power are associated with the
      propagation of the action potentials along the muscle fibers. This link is
      regulated by the size and the distribution of type II, and especially type IIx
      muscle fibers.

PMID- 27128671
TI  - Comparison of Diet versus Exercise on Metabolic Function and Gut Microbiota in
      Obese Rats.
AB  - Cardiometabolic impairments that begin early in life are particularly critical,
      because they often predict metabolic dysfunction in adulthood. Obesity, high-fat
      diet (HFD), and inactivity are all associated with adipose tissue (AT)
      inflammation and insulin resistance (IR), major predictors of metabolic
      dysfunction. Recent evidence has also associated the gut microbiome with
      cardiometabolic health. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to compare equal
      energy deficits induced by exercise and caloric reduction on cardiometabolic
      disease risk parameters including AT inflammation, IR, and gut microbiota changes
      during HFD consumption. METHODS: Obesity-prone rats fed HFD were exercise trained
      (Ex, n = 10) or weight matched to Ex via caloric reduction although kept
      sedentary (WM, n = 10), and compared with ad libitum HFD-fed (Sed, n = 10) rats
      for IR, systemic energetics and spontaneous physical activity (SPA), adiposity,
      and fasting metabolic parameters. Visceral, subcutaneous, periaortic, and brown
      AT (BAT), liver, aorta, and cecal digesta were examined. RESULTS: Despite
      identical reductions in adiposity, Ex, but not WM, improved IR, increased SPA by
      approximately 26% (P < 0.05 compared with WM and Sed), and reduced LDL
      cholesterol (P < 0.05 compared with Sed). WM and Ex both reduced inflammatory
      markers in all AT depots and aorta, whereas only Ex increased indicators of
      mitochondrial function in BAT. Ex significantly increased the relative abundance
      of cecal Streptococcaceae and decreased S24-7 and one undefined genus in
      Rikenellaceae; WM induced similar changes but did not reach statistical
      significance. CONCLUSIONS: Both Ex and WM reduced AT inflammation across depots,
      whereas Ex caused more robust changes to gut microbial communities, improved IR,
      increased fat oxidation, increased SPA, and increased indices of BAT
      mitochondrial function. Our findings add to the growing body of literature
      indicating that there are weight-loss-independent metabolic benefits of exercise.

PMID- 27128673
TI  - Decreased Temperature Facilitates Short-Term Sea Star Wasting Disease Survival in
      the Keystone Intertidal Sea Star Pisaster ochraceus.
AB  - An extensive 2013 mass mortality event along the West Coast of North America due
      to Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD) has affected at least 20 species of sea stars.
      Among environmental factors potentially contributing to the timing of the current
      outbreak, increased coastal water temperatures are hypothesized to have
      contributed to previous and current outbreaks of SSWD. With a laboratory
      experiment, we tested whether cooler temperatures, similar to average winter
      temperatures, compared to average summer temperatures could slow the progression
      of morbidity or prevent SSWD mortality entirely in Pisaster ochraceus. Sea stars
      housed in cooler water progressed through SSWD states more slowly than sea stars
      housed at summer temperatures. However, the cooler temperature did not prevent
      SSWD mortality, and all stars died of the disease. Our data are consistent with
      experimental studies and field observations during previous and current
      outbreaks, and support the hypothesis that changes in coastal water temperatures
      have influenced one of the largest disease related mass mortality events in our
      oceans.

PMID- 27128674
TI  - The Brain of the Domestic Bos taurus: Weight, Encephalization and Cerebellar
      Quotients, and Comparison with Other Domestic and Wild Cetartiodactyla.
AB  - The domestic bovine Bos taurus is raised worldwide for meat and milk production,
      or even for field work. However the functional anatomy of its central nervous
      system has received limited attention and most of the reported data in textbooks
      and reviews are derived from single specimens or relatively old literature. Here
      we report information on the brain of Bos taurus obtained by sampling 158
      individuals, 150 of which at local abattoirs and 8 in the dissecting room, these
      latter subsequently formalin-fixed. Using body weight and fresh brain weight we
      calculated the Encephalization Quotient (EQ), and Cerebellar Quotient (CQ).
      Formalin-fixed brains sampled in the necropsy room were used to calculate the
      absolute and relative weight of the major components of the brain. The data that
      we obtained indicate that the domestic bovine Bos taurus possesses a large,
      convoluted brain, with a slightly lower weight than expected for an animal of its
      mass. Comparisons with other terrestrial and marine members of the order
      Cetartiodactyla suggested close similarity with other species with the same
      feeding adaptations, and with representative baleen whales. On the other hand
      differences with fish-hunting toothed whales suggest separate evolutionary
      pathways in brain evolution. Comparison with the other large domestic herbivore
      Equus caballus (belonging to the order Perissodactyla) indicates that Bos taurus
      underwent heavier selection of bodily traits, which is also possibly reflected in
      a comparatively lower EQ than in the horse. The data analyzed suggest that the
      brain of domestic bovine is potentially interesting for comparative neuroscience
      studies and may represents an alternative model to investigate neurodegeneration
      processes.

PMID- 27128675
TI  - G6PD Deficiency and Antimalarial Efficacy for Uncomplicated Malaria in
      Bangladesh: A Prospective Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Bangladeshi national treatment guidelines for uncomplicated
      malaria follow WHO recommendations but without G6PD testing prior to primaquine
      administration. A prospective observational study was conducted to assess the
      efficacy of the current antimalarial policy. METHODS: Patients with uncomplicated
      malaria, confirmed by microscopy, attending a health care facility in the
      Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh, were treated with artemether-lumefantrine
      (days 0-2) plus single dose primaquine (0.75mg/kg on day2) for P. falciparum
      infections, or with chloroquine (days 0-2) plus 14 days primaquine (3.5mg/kg
      total over 14 days) for P. vivax infections. Hb was measured on days 0, 2 and 9
      in all patients and also on days 16 and 30 in patients with P. vivax infection.
      Participants were followed for 30 days. The study was registered with the
      clinical trials website (NCT02389374). RESULTS: Between September 2014 and
      February 2015 a total of 181 patients were enrolled (64% P. falciparum, 30% P.
      vivax and 6% mixed infections). Median parasite clearance times were 22.0
      (Interquartile Range, IQR: 15.2-27.3) hours for P. falciparum, 20.0 (IQR: 9.5
      22.7) hours for P. vivax and 16.6 (IQR: 10.0-46.0) hours for mixed infections.
      All participants were afebrile within 48 hours, two patients with P. falciparum
      infection remained parasitemic at 48 hours. No patient had recurrent parasitaemia
      within 30 days. Adjusted male median G6PD activity was 7.82U/gHb. One male
      participant (1/174) had severe G6PD deficiency (<10% activity), five participants
      (5/174) had mild G6PD deficiency (10-60% activity). The Hb nadir occurred on day
      2 prior to primaquine treatment in P. falciparum and P. vivax infected patients;
      mean fractional fall in Hb was -8.8% (95%CI -6.7% to -11.0%) and -7.4% (95%CI: 
      4.5 to -10.4%) respectively. CONCLUSION: The current antimalarial policy remains
      effective. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was low. Main contribution to
      haemolysis in G6PD normal individuals was attributable to acute malaria rather
      than primaquine administration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov
      NCT02389374.

PMID- 27128678
TI  - Estimating and Analyzing Savannah Phenology with a Lagged Time Series Model.
AB  - Savannah regions are predicted to undergo changes in precipitation patterns
      according to current climate change projections. This change will affect leaf
      phenology, which controls net primary productivity. It is of importance to study
      this since savannahs play an important role in the global carbon cycle due to
      their areal coverage and can have an effect on the food security in regions that
      depend on subsistence farming. In this study we investigate how soil moisture,
      mean annual precipitation, and day length control savannah phenology by
      developing a lagged time series model. The model uses climate data for 15 flux
      tower sites across four continents, and normalized difference vegetation index
      from satellite to optimize a statistical phenological model. We show that all
      three variables can be used to estimate savannah phenology on a global scale.
      However, it was not possible to create a simplified savannah model that works
      equally well for all sites on the global scale without inclusion of more site
      specific parameters. The simplified model showed no bias towards tree cover or
      between continents and resulted in a cross-validated r2 of 0.6 and root mean
      squared error of 0.1. We therefore expect similar average results when applying
      the model to other savannah areas and further expect that it could be used to
      estimate the productivity of savannah regions.

PMID- 27128677
TI  - Factors Associated with Adiposity, Lipid Profile Disorders and the Metabolic
      Syndrome Occurrence in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women.
AB  - The aim of the study was the assessment of the dependencies between a woman's
      menopausal status and adiposity, lipid profile and metabolic syndrome occurrence,
      as well as finding out whether the correlations between the socio-demographic
      profile and lifestyle elements and adiposity, lipid profile and the risk of MetS
      are the same before and after menopause. A cross-sectional study was carried out
      on 3636 women, aged between 40-59, which involved a questionnaire interview,
      anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples, on the basis of which the
      concentration of triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose was estimated. Before
      menopause, a greater adiposity (BMIbeta = 0.08; %BFbeta = 0.07; WCbeta = 0.06)
      was characteristic for women living in a stable relationship than for single
      women. Women who smoked in the past were characterized by a higher BMI (beta =
      0.09) and WC (beta = 0.06) in comparison with women who have never smoked, while
      after menopause a greater adiposity (%BFbeta = 0.12) and a worse lipid profile
      (TCbeta = 0.08; LDLbeta = 0.07; HDLbeta = -0.05; TGbeta = 0.14) were present in
      women currently smoking, in comparison to women who have never smoked. After
      menopause, in women who had two or more children, a greater adiposity (BMIbeta =
      0.07 and 0.09; %BFbeta = 0.05 and 0.07) and a higher risk of MetS (OR = 1.22,
      95%CI: 1.03-1.44) was observed compared to nulliparous women, than before
      menopause. In women with a higher level of education, the risk of MetS after
      menopause was significantly lower compared with women with a lower level of
      education (OR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.61-0.90). Physical activity after menopause had a
      higher influence on the decrease in the women's adiposity (BMIbeta = -0.11 v. 
      0.06; %BFbeta = -0.11 v. -0.06; WCbeta = -0.14 v. -0.08), than before menopause.
      In women not undergoing hormone replacement therapy, some of the socio
      demographic factors and lifestyle elements affected adiposity, lipid profile and
      the risk of MetS differently before and after menopause, which requires
      verification through long-term research.

PMID- 27128676
TI  - The Combined Deficiency of Immunoproteasome Subunits Affects Both the Magnitude
      and Quality of Pathogen- and Genetic Vaccination-Induced CD8+ T Cell Responses to
      the Human Protozoan Parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.
AB  - The beta1i, beta2i and beta5i immunoproteasome subunits have an important role in
      defining the repertoire of MHC class I-restricted epitopes. However, the impact
      of combined deficiency of the three immunoproteasome subunits in the development
      of protective immunity to intracellular pathogens has not been investigated.
      Here, we demonstrate that immunoproteasomes play a key role in host resistance
      and genetic vaccination-induced protection against the human pathogen Trypanosoma
      cruzi (the causative agent of Chagas disease), immunity to which is dependent on
      CD8+ T cells and IFN-gamma (the classical immunoproteasome inducer). We observed
      that infection with T. cruzi triggers the transcription of immunoproteasome
      genes, both in mice and humans. Importantly, genetically vaccinated or T. cruzi
      infected beta1i, beta2i and beta5i triple knockout (TKO) mice presented
      significantly lower frequencies and numbers of splenic CD8+ effector T cells
      (CD8+CD44highCD62Llow) specific for the previously characterized immunodominant
      (VNHRFTLV) H-2Kb-restricted T. cruzi epitope. Not only the quantity, but also the
      quality of parasite-specific CD8+ T cell responses was altered in TKO mice.
      Hence, the frequency of double-positive (IFN-gamma+/TNF+) or single-positive (IFN
      gamma+) cells specific for the H-2Kb-restricted immunodominant as well as
      subdominant T. cruzi epitopes were higher in WT mice, whereas TNF single-positive
      cells prevailed among CD8+ T cells from TKO mice. Contrasting with their WT
      counterparts, TKO animals were also lethally susceptible to T. cruzi challenge,
      even after an otherwise protective vaccination with DNA and adenoviral vectors.
      We conclude that the immunoproteasome subunits are key determinants in host
      resistance to T. cruzi infection by influencing both the magnitude and quality of
      CD8+ T cell responses.

PMID- 27128680
TI  - Excretion rates of indigestible plastic balls of different specific gravities and
      diameters in dairy cattle.
AB  - We used plastic balls to investigate how their specific gravity and diameter
      affect excretion rate and rumination in dairy cattle, to develop a capsule that
      can be used for reaching the lower gastrointestinal tract without physical
      breakdown and/or degradation in the rumen. Twelve types of indigestible plastic
      balls composed of a combination of four specific gravities (0.95, 1.19, 1.41, or
      2.20) and three diameters (3.97, 6.35, or 7.94 mm) were orally administered to
      lactating dairy cows, and the balls were collected from feces, after 120 h post
      administration, to evaluate the recovery rate. Recovery rate of the balls with
      specific gravity 1.19 or 1.41 and diameter 6.35 or 7.94 mm was higher than those
      with specific gravity 0.95 or 2.20 and diameter 3.97 mm. The cumulative recovery
      rate at 24 and 48 h post-administration was higher for balls with specific
      gravity 1.19 than that for balls with other specific gravities. These results
      suggest that specific gravity 1.19 or 1.41 and diameters 6.35-7.94 mm are optimal
      for use in bypass capsules for administration to cattle. In addition, the passage
      time of capsules differed between specific gravities 1.19 and 1.41.

PMID- 27128679
TI  - Factors Associated with Myelosuppression Related to Low-Dose Methotrexate Therapy
      for Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Severe myelosuppression is a serious concern in the management of
      rheumatic disease patients receiving methotrexate (MTX) therapy. This study was
      intended to explore factors associated with the development of MTX-related
      myelosuppression and its disease severity. METHODS: We retrospectively examined a
      total of 40 cases of MTX-related myelosuppression that had been filed in the
      registries of participating rheumatology and hematology divisions. Data before
      onset were compared with those of 120 controls matched for age and sex. Cytopenia
      was graded according to the National Cancer Institute criteria for adverse
      events. Data before and at onset were compared between the severe and non-severe
      groups. RESULTS: Non-use of folic acid supplements, concurrent medications, and
      low renal function were significantly associated with the development of
      myelosuppression (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.002, respectively). In
      addition, significantly lower MTX dosages, higher blood cell counts, and lower
      hemoglobin levels were seen in the myelosuppression group (p < 0.001). No
      patients exhibited leukocytopenia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia in routine
      blood monitoring taken within the past month. One-fourth developed
      myelosuppression within the first two months (an early-onset period).
      Myelosuppression was severe in approximately 40% of patients. Hypoalbuminemia and
      non-use of folic acid supplements were significantly associated with the severity
      of pancytopenia (p = 0.001 and 0.008, respectively). Besides these two factors,
      early onset and the use of lower doses of MTX were significantly associated with
      the severity of neutropenia (p = 0.003, 0.007, 0.003, and 0.002, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Myelosuppression can occur abruptly at any time during low-dose MTX
      therapy, but severe neutropenia is more likely to occur in the early-onset period
      of this therapy. Contrary to our expectations, disease severity was not dependent
      on MTX doses. Serum albumin levels and folic acid supplementation are the
      important factors affecting the severity of MTX-related pancytopenia and
      neutropenia.

PMID- 27128681
TI  - Genetic Variation in Autophagy-Related Genes Influences the Risk and Phenotype of
      Buruli Ulcer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Buruli ulcer (BU) is a severe necrotizing human skin disease caused
      by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Clinically, presentation is a sum of these diverse
      pathogenic hits subjected to critical immune-regulatory mechanisms. Among them,
      autophagy has been demonstrated as a cellular process of critical importance.
      Since microtubules and dynein are affected by mycolactone, the critical
      pathogenic exotoxin produced by M. ulcerans, cytoskeleton-related changes might
      potentially impair the autophagic process and impact the risk and progression of
      infection. OBJECTIVE: Genetic variants in the autophagy-related genes NOD2, PARK2
      and ATG16L1 has been associated with susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases.
      Here, we investigated their association with BU risk, its severe phenotypes and
      its progression to an ulcerative form. METHODS: Genetic variants were genotyped
      using KASPar chemistry in 208 BU patients (70.2% with an ulcerative form and 28%
      in severe WHO category 3 phenotype) and 300 healthy endemic controls. RESULTS:
      The rs1333955 SNP in PARK2 was significantly associated with increased
      susceptibility to BU [odds ratio (OR), 1.43; P = 0.05]. In addition, both the
      rs9302752 and rs2066842 SNPs in NOD2 gee significantly increased the
      predisposition of patients to develop category 3 (OR, 2.23; P = 0.02; and OR
      12.7; P = 0.03, respectively, whereas the rs2241880 SNP in ATG16L1 was found to
      significantly protect patients from presenting the ulcer phenotype (OR, 0.35; P =
      0.02). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that specific genetic variants in
      autophagy-related genes influence susceptibility to the development of BU and its
      progression to severe phenotypes.

PMID- 27128682
TI  - Probing the Sophisticated Synergistic Allosteric Regulation of Aromatic Amino
      Acid Biosynthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Using ?-Amino Acids.
AB  - Chirality plays a major role in recognition and interaction of biologically
      important molecules. The enzyme 3-deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate
      synthase (DAH7PS) is the first enzyme of the shikimate pathway, which is
      responsible for the synthesis of aromatic amino acids in bacteria and plants, and
      a potential target for the development of antibiotics and herbicides. DAH7PS from
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtuDAH7PS) displays an unprecedented complexity of
      allosteric regulation, with three interdependent allosteric binding sites and a
      ternary allosteric response to combinations of the aromatic amino acids l-Trp, l
      Phe and l-Tyr. In order to further investigate the intricacies of this system and
      identify key residues in the allosteric network of MtuDAH7PS, we studied the
      interaction of MtuDAH7PS with aromatic amino acids that bear the non-natural d
      configuration, and showed that the d-amino acids do not elicit an allosteric
      response. We investigated the binding mode of d-amino acids using X-ray
      crystallography, site directed mutagenesis and isothermal titration calorimetry.
      Key differences in the binding mode were identified: in the Phe site, a hydrogen
      bond between the amino group of the allosteric ligands to the side chain of
      Asn175 is not established due to the inverted configuration of the ligands. In
      the Trp site, d-Trp forms no interaction with the main chain carbonyl group of
      Thr240 and less favourable interactions with Asn237 when compared to the l-Trp
      binding mode. Investigation of the MtuDAH7PSN175A variant further supports the
      hypothesis that the lack of key interactions in the binding mode of the aromatic
      d-amino acids are responsible for the absence of an allosteric response, which
      gives further insight into which residues of MtuDAH7PS play a key role in the
      transduction of the allosteric signal.

PMID- 27128684
TI  - Tailor-Made Temperature-Sensitive Micelle for Targeted and On-Demand Release of
      Anticancer Drugs.
AB  - The design of nanomedicines from the tuned architecture polymer is a leading
      object of immense research in recent years. Here, smart thermoresponsive micelles
      were prepared from novel architecture four-arm star block copolymers, namely,
      pentaerythritol polycaprolactone-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and
      pentaerythritol polycaprolactone-b-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam). The polymers were
      synthesized and tagged with folic acid (FA) to render them as efficient cancer
      cell targeting cargos. FA-conjugated block copolymers were self-assembled to a
      nearly spherical (ranging from 15 to 170 nm) polymeric micelle (FA-PM) with a
      sufficiently lower range of critical micelle concentration (0.59 * 10(-2) to 1.52
      * 10(-2) mg/mL) suitable for performing as an efficient drug carrier. The blocks
      show lower critical solution temperature (LCST) ranging from 30 to 39  degrees C
      with high DOX-loading content (24.3%, w/w) as compared to that reported for a
      linear polymer in the contemporary literature. The temperature-induced reduction
      in size (57%) of the FA-PM enables a high rate of DOX release (78.57% after 24 h)
      at a temperature above LCST. The DOX release rate has also been tuned by on
      demand administration of temperature. The in vitro biocompatibilities of the
      blank and DOX-loaded FA-PMs have been studied by the MTT assay. The cellular
      uptake study proves selective internalization of the FA-PM into cancerous cells
      (C6 glioma) compared that into normal cells (HaCaT). In vivo administration of
      the DOX-loaded FA-PMs into the C6 glioma rat tumor model resulted in significant
      accumulation in tumor sites, which drastically inhibited the tumor volume by
      ~83.9% with respect to control without any significant systemic toxicity.

PMID- 27128683
TI  - Validation of differential GDAP1 DNA methylation in alcohol dependence and its
      potential function as a biomarker for disease severity and therapy outcome.
AB  - Alcohol dependence is a severe disorder contributing substantially to the global
      burden of disease. Despite the detrimental consequences of chronic alcohol abuse
      and dependence, effective prevention strategies as well as treatment options are
      largely missing to date. Accumulating evidence suggests that gene-environment
      interactions, including epigenetic mechanisms, play a role in the etiology of
      alcohol dependence. A recent epigenome-wide study reported widespread alterations
      of DNA methylation patterns in alcohol dependent patients compared to control
      individuals. In the present study, we validate and replicate one of the top
      findings from this previous investigation in an independent cohort: the
      hypomethylation of GDAP1 in patients. To our knowledge, this is the first
      independent replication of an epigenome-wide finding in alcohol dependence.
      Furthermore, the AUDIT as well as the GSI score were negatively associated with
      GDAP1 methylation and we found a trend toward a negative association between
      GDAP1 methylation and the years of alcohol dependency, pointing toward a
      potential role of GDAP1 hypomethylation as biomarker for disease severity. In
      addition, we show that the hypomethylation of GDAP1 in patients reverses during a
      short-term alcohol treatment program, suggesting that GDAP1 DNA methylation could
      also serve as a potential biomarker for treatment outcome. Our data add to the
      growing body of knowledge on epigenetic effects in alcohol dependence and support
      GDAP1 as a novel candidate gene implicated in this disorder. As the role of GDAP1
      in alcohol dependence is unknown, this novel candidate gene should be followed up
      in future studies. 

PMID- 27128685
TI  - Socioeconomic Disparities in the Presentation of Acute Bacterial Sinusitis
      Complications in the Pediatric Population.
AB  - Acute bacterial sinusitis is a common disease in the pediatric population that
      typically resolves without significant complications. Children who do suffer from
      complications involving the orbit or the brain often experience significant
      morbidity and potential mortality, typically requiring hospitalization for
      management. Numerous studies have demonstrated that children from low-income
      families with public or no insurance are less likely to receive adequate
      preventative care, are more likely to present with later disease stages, and
      ultimately endure worse health outcomes. We review the literature to examine if
      there are socioeconomic disparities in the presentation of complications of acute
      bacterial sinusitis in the pediatric population. 

PMID- 27128686
TI  - Correction to "Diversely Substituted Quinolines via Rhodium-Catalyzed Alkyne
      Hydroacylation".

PMID- 27128688
TI  - Nitrile Probes of Electric Field Agree with Independently Measured Fields in
      Green Fluorescent Protein Even in the Presence of Hydrogen Bonding.
AB  - There is growing interest in using the nitrile vibrational oscillation as a site
      specific probe of local environment to study dynamics, folding, and
      electrostatics in biological molecules such as proteins. Nitrile probes have been
      used extensively as reporters of electric field using vibrational Stark effect
      spectroscopy. However, the analysis of frequencies in terms of electric fields is
      potentially complicated by the large ground state dipole moment of the nitrile,
      which may irrevocably perturb the protein under investigation, and the ability of
      nitriles to accept hydrogen bonds, which causes frequency shifts that are not
      described by the Stark effect. The consequence of this is that vibrational
      spectroscopy of nitriles in biomolecules could be predominately sensitive to
      their local hydration status, not electrostatic environment, and have the
      potential to be particularly destabilizing to the protein. Here, we introduce
      green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a model system for addressing these concerns
      using biosynthetically incorporated p-cyanophenylalanine (pCNF) residues in the
      interior of GFP and measuring absorption energies of both the intrinsic GFP
      fluorophore and pCNF residues in response to a series of amino acid mutations. We
      show that observed changes in emission energy of GFP due to the mutations
      strongly correlate with changes in electric field experienced by both the nitrile
      probes and the intrinsic fluorophore. Additionally, we show that changes in
      electric field measured from the intrinsic fluorophore due to amino acid
      mutations are unperturbed by the addition of pCNF residues inserted nearby.
      Finally, we show that changes in electric field experienced by the vibrational
      probes trend monotonically with changes in field experienced by the native
      fluorophore even though the nitrile probe is engaged in moderate hydrogen bonding
      to nearby water molecules, indicated by the temperature dependence of the
      nitrile's absorption energy. Together these results demonstrate that even in the
      presence of hydrogen bonding it is possible to relate nitrile absorption
      frequencies to electrostatic environment by comparing highly similar
      environments. GFP's intrinsic linear sensitivity to electric fields makes it a
      convenient model system for studying electrostatics in proteins that offers
      lessons for proteins without this visible fluorophore.

PMID- 27128687
TI  - Cardiac gene therapy: are we there yet?
AB  - The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing throughout the world
      and is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Gene therapy to treat
      cardiac dysfunction is gaining importance because of the limited therapeutic
      benefit offered by pharmacotherapies. The growing knowledge of the complex
      signaling pathways and the development of sophisticated vectors and delivery
      systems, are facilitating identification and targeting of specific molecular
      candidates involved in initiation and progression of CVDs. Several preclinical
      and clinical studies have shown the therapeutic efficiency of gene therapy in
      different disease models and patients. Hence, gene therapy might plausibly become
      an unconventional treatment modality for CVD patients. In this review, we
      summarize the gene delivery carriers, modes of delivery, recent
      preclinical/clinical studies and potential therapeutic targets. We also briefly
      discuss the existing limitations of gene therapy, technical challenges
      surrounding gene carriers and delivery systems, and some approaches to overcome
      these limitations for bringing CVD gene therapy one step closer to reality.

PMID- 27128689
TI  - Deazaflavin Inhibitors of Tyrosyl-DNA Phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) Specific for the
      Human Enzyme and Active against Cellular TDP2.
AB  - Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 repairs irreversible topoisomerase II-mediated
      cleavage complexes generated by anticancer topoisomerase-targeted drugs and
      processes replication intermediates for picornaviruses (VPg unlinkase) and
      hepatitis B virus. There is currently no TDP2 inhibitor in clinical development.
      Here, we report a series of deazaflavin derivatives that selectively inhibit the
      human TDP2 enzyme in a competitive manner both with recombinant and native TDP2.
      We show that mouse, fish, and C. elegans TDP2 enzymes are highly resistant to the
      drugs and that key protein residues are responsible for drug resistance. Among
      them, human residues L313 and T296 confer high resistance when mutated to their
      mouse counterparts. Moreover, deazaflavin derivatives show potent synergy in
      combination with the topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide in human prostate
      cancer DU145 cells and TDP2-dependent synergy in TK6 human lymphoblast and avian
      DT40 cells. Deazaflavin derivatives represent the first suitable platform for the
      development of potent and selective TDP2 inhibitors.

PMID- 27128691
TI  - Corrigendum: Olfactory perception and behavioral effects of sex pheromone gland
      components in Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa assulta.

PMID- 27128690
TI  - Angelica archangelia Prevented Collagen Degradation by Blocking Production of
      Matrix Metalloproteinases in UVB-exposed Dermal Fibroblasts.
AB  - Angelica archangelia (AA), a traditional herb, has attracted attention as an
      agent with potential for use in the prevention of chronic skin diseases. This
      study examined the photoprotective effects of AA on the inhibition of matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMPs) and collagen degradation in UVB-irradiated normal human
      dermal fibroblasts. Our results showed that AA markedly blocked collagen
      degradation by restraining the production of MMPs in UVB-exposed fibroblasts. We
      also investigated the underlying mechanism behind the effects of AA. AA
      attenuated UVB-triggered interleukin-6 (IL-6) and promoted the expression of
      transforming growth factor beta1. Application of AA extract (10, 100 MUg mL(-1) )
      significantly diminished UVB-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase and
      Jun-N-terminal kinase phosphorylation, which consequently reduced phosphorylated
      c-Fos and c-Jun. Our results indicated that AA inhibited the UVB-induced
      expression of MMPs by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling
      pathways and activator protein-1 activation. Our results suggest that AA is a
      promising botanical agent for use against skin photoaging.

PMID- 27128692
TI  - Effect of environmental exposure to hydrogen sulfide on central nervous system
      and respiratory function: a systematic review of human studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessment of the health effects of low-level exposure to hydrogen
      sulfide (H2S) on humans through experiments, industrial, and community studies
      has shown inconsistent results. OBJECTIVE: To critically appraise available
      studies investigating the effect of H2S on the central nervous system (CNS) and
      on respiratory function. METHODS: A search was conducted in 16 databases for
      articles published between January 1980 and July 2014. Two researchers
      independently evaluated potentially relevant papers based on a set of
      inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-seven articles met the inclusion
      criteria: 6 experimental, 12 industry-based studies, and 10 community-based
      studies (one article included both experimental and industry-based studies). The
      results of the systematic review varied by study setting and quality. Several
      community-based studies reported associations between day-to-day variations in
      H2S levels and health outcomes among patients with chronic respiratory
      conditions. However, evidence from the largest and better-designed community
      based studies did not support that chronic, ambient H2S exposure has health
      effects on the CNS or respiratory function. Results from industry-based studies
      varied, reflecting the diversity of settings and the broad range of H2S
      exposures. Most studies did not have individual measurements of H2S exposure.
      DISCUSSION: The results across studies were inconsistent, justifying the need for
      further research.

PMID- 27128694
TI  - Treatment of petroleum drill cuttings using bioaugmentation and biostimulation
      supplemented with phytoremediation.
AB  - This study sought to compare the effectiveness of bioaugmentation and
      biostimulation, as well as the combination of both techniques, supplemented with
      phytoremediation, in the decontamination of petroleum drill cuttings. Drill
      cuttings with relatively low concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH)
      and metals were mixed with soil in the ratio 5:1 and treated with three different
      combinations of the bioremediation options. Option A entailed bioaugmentation
      supplemented with phytoremediation. Option B had the combination of
      biostimulation and bioaugmentation supplemented with phytoremediation. While
      biostimulation supplemented with phytoremediation was deployed in option C.
      Option O containing the drill cuttings-soil mixture without treatment served as
      untreated control. Fertilizer application, tillage and watering were used for
      biostimulation treatment, while spent mushroom substrate (Pleurotus ostreatus)
      and elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were employed for bioaugmentation and
      phytoremediation treatment, respectively. The drill cuttings-soil mixtures were
      monitored for TPH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, pH, metal concentrations, and
      fungal counts, over time. After 56 days of treatment, there was a decline in the
      initial TPH concentration of 4,114 mg kg(-1) by 5.5%, 68.3%, 75.6% and 48% in
      options O, A, B and C, respectively. Generally, higher TPH loss resulted from the
      phytoremediation treatment stage. The treated options also showed slight
      reductions in metal concentrations ranging from 0% to 16% of the initial low
      concentrations. The results highlight the effectiveness of bioaugmentation
      supplemented with phytoremediation. The combination of bioaugmentation and
      biostimulation supplemented with phytoremediation, however, may prove better in
      decontaminating petroleum drill cuttings to environmentally benign levels. 

PMID- 27128695
TI  - Characterizing the genetic structure of a forensic DNA database using a latent
      variable approach.
AB  - Several problems in forensic genetics require a representative model of a
      forensic DNA database. Obtaining an accurate representation of the offender
      database can be difficult, since databases typically contain groups of persons
      with unregistered ethnic origins in unknown proportions. We propose to estimate
      the allele frequencies of the subpopulations comprising the offender database and
      their proportions from the database itself using a latent variable approach. We
      present a model for which parameters can be estimated using the expectation
      maximization (EM) algorithm. This approach does not rely on relatively small and
      possibly unrepresentative population surveys, but is driven by the actual genetic
      composition of the database only. We fit the model to a snapshot of the Dutch
      offender database (2014), which contains close to 180,000 profiles, and find that
      three subpopulations suffice to describe a large fraction of the heterogeneity in
      the database. We demonstrate the utility and reliability of the approach with
      three applications. First, we use the model to predict the number of false leads
      obtained in database searches. We assess how well the model predicts the number
      of false leads obtained in mock searches in the Dutch offender database, both for
      the case of familial searching for first degree relatives of a donor and
      searching for contributors to three-person mixtures. Second, we study the degree
      of partial matching between all pairs of profiles in the Dutch database and
      compare this to what is predicted using the latent variable approach. Third, we
      use the model to provide evidence to support that the Dutch practice of
      estimating match probabilities using the Balding-Nichols formula with a native
      Dutch reference database and theta=0.03 is conservative.

PMID- 27128693
TI  - Assessing the Prognostic Significance of Histologic Response in Osteosarcoma: A
      Comparison of Outcomes on CCG-782 and INT0133-A Report From the Children's
      Oncology Group Bone Tumor Committee.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of histologic response for osteosarcoma may have
      changed with induction chemotherapy schedules over time. We hypothesized that the
      increased intensity of induction therapy provided on INT0133 compared to the
      Children's Cancer Group study CCG-782 would diminish the impact of histologic
      response on the risk of events after definitive surgery. METHODS: Retrospective
      analysis was performed for patients aged <22 with newly diagnosed nonmetastatic
      osteosarcoma enrolled on CCG-782 and INT0133. Clinical factors were evaluated for
      association with response and outcome. Good response was defined as <5% viable
      tumor at resection. Associations of response, study, and postdefinitive surgery
      event-free survival (EFS-DS) were determined using Cox proportional hazard
      models. EFS-DS was estimated by Kaplan-Meier methodology. RESULTS: Data were
      available for 814 patients (206 CCG-782, 608 INT0133). For good responders, 10
      year EFS-DS (+/-SE) was 75.4% +/- 7.7% for CCG-782 and 70.8% +/- 3.1% for
      INT0133. For poor responders, 10-year EFS-DS was 39.9% +/- 4.9% for CCG-782 and
      58.4% +/- 3.1% for INT0133. Histologic response predicted outcome across studies
      (P < 0.0001). Significant interaction between study and histologic response was
      observed for EFS-DS (P = 0.011). Using proportional hazards regression, INT0133
      poor responders had less risk of events compared to CCG-782 poor responders
      (relative hazard ratio (RHR) = 0.6:1), but good responders on INT0133 had a
      greater risk of events compared to CCG-782 good responders (RHR = 1.53:1).
      CONCLUSION: We observed an inverse relationship between the predictive value of
      tumor necrosis and intensity of induction therapy, raising questions about the
      true prognostic value of histologic response. This highlights the need for novel
      markers to develop strategies for treatment in future trials.

PMID- 27128696
TI  - Cyberframing Cancer: An Exploratory Investigation of Valenced Cybercoping on
      Cancer Blogs.
AB  - Although scholarship on coping with cancer implies many ways that coping is
      communicative, the discursive features of coping have been understudied. The
      purpose of the present investigation was to theorize the content of cancer blogs,
      a form of cybercoping, by examining valenced coping-relevant frames that bloggers
      use to describe their experiences with cancer. This research is both
      theoretically and methodologically innovative. Theoretically, we advance the
      concept of cyberframing by connecting the rather disconnected literatures on
      coping and framing and by studying this topic from a communication perspective.
      Methodologically, this is one of the few studies of coping with cancer that has
      used naturally occurring communication data to its advantage. A content analysis
      of cancer blog entries (N = 194) indicated that more than 90% of cancer blog
      posts were embedded in a valenced frame. The frames were either negative,
      positive, or balanced; balanced frames varied in the intensity of the valence.
      The most common frames were positive and balanced with low affect.

PMID- 27128697
TI  - Conceptual design of tetraazaporphyrin- and subtetraazaporphyrin-based functional
      nanocarbon materials: electronic structures, topologies, optical properties, and
      methane storage capacities.
AB  - A large variety of conceptual three- and fourfold tetraazaporphyrin- and
      subtetraazaporphyrin-based functional 3D nanocage and nanobarrel structures have
      been proposed on the basis of in silico design. The designed structures differ in
      their sizes, topology, porosity, and conjugation properties. The stability of
      nanocages of Oh symmetry and nanobarrels of D4h symmetry was revealed on the
      basis of DFT and MD calculations, whereas their optical properties were assessed
      using a TDDFT approach and a long-range corrected LC-wPBE exchange-correlation
      functional. It was shown that the electronic structures and vertical excitation
      energies of the functional nanocage and nanobarrel structures could be easily
      tuned via their size, topology, and the presence of bridging sp(3) carbon atoms.
      TDDFT calculations suggest significantly lower excitation energies in fully
      conjugated nanocages and nanobarrels compared with systems with bridging sp(3)
      carbon fragments. Based on DFT and TDDFT calculations, the optical properties of
      the new materials can rival those of known quantum dots and are superior to those
      of monomeric phthalocyanines and their analogues. The methane gas adsorption
      properties of the new nanostructures and nanotubes generated by conversion from
      nanobarrels were studied using an MD simulation approach. The ability to store
      large quantities of methane (106-216 cm(3) (STP) cm(-3)) was observed in all
      cases with several compounds being close to or exceeding the DOE target of 180
      cm(3) (STP) cm(-3) for material-based methane storage at a pressure of 3.5 MPa
      and room temperature.

PMID- 27128698
TI  - Cross-Talk between Epithelial Cells and Type 2 Immune Signaling. The Role of IL
      25.

PMID- 27128699
TI  - Eosinophils as Biomarkers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation
      Risk. Maybe Just for Some?

PMID- 27128700
TI  - Launching into the Deep: Does the Pulmonary Microbiota Promote Chronic Lung
      Inflammation and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Pathogenesis?

PMID- 27128701
TI  - How Can We Protect Susceptible Individuals from the Adverse Cardiovascular
      Effects of Air Pollution?

PMID- 27128702
TI  - Two Faces of Sarcoidosis. A Genetic Insight?

PMID- 27128703
TI  - Harnessing the Power of the Host: Improving Dendritic Cell Vaccines for Malignant
      Pleural Mesothelioma.

PMID- 27128704
TI  - The Energy Crisis Revisited: AMP-activated Protein Kinase and the Mammalian
      Hypoxic Ventilatory Response.

PMID- 27128705
TI  - Looking Back at My American Thoracic Society Presidency. Attracting and Retaining
      the Next Generation.

PMID- 27128706
TI  - Systems-Level Resources for Pulmonary Nodule Evaluation in the United States: A
      National Survey.

PMID- 27128707
TI  - Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Regulates Transcriptional Levels of Serine Proteases in Blood
      Mononuclear Cells.

PMID- 27128708
TI  - Do We Really Know How to Use High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation in Critically
      Ill Children?

PMID- 27128709
TI  - Reply: Do We Really Know How to Use High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation in
      Critically Ill Children?

PMID- 27128710
TI  - An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement: Impact of Mild
      Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent disorder in
      adults; however, whether mild OSA has significant neurocognitive and
      cardiovascular complications is uncertain. OBJECTIVES: The specific goals of this
      Research Statement are to appraise the evidence regarding whether long-term
      adverse neurocognitive and cardiovascular outcomes are attributable to mild OSA
      in adults, evaluate whether or not treatment of mild OSA is effective at
      preventing or reducing these adverse neurocognitive and cardiovascular outcomes,
      delineate the key research gaps, and provide direction for future research
      agendas. METHODS: Literature searches from multiple reference databases were
      performed using medical subject headings and text words for OSA in adults as well
      as by hand searches. Pragmatic systematic reviews of the relevant body of
      evidence were performed. RESULTS: Studies were incongruent in their definitions
      of "mild" OSA. Data were inconsistent regarding the relationship between mild OSA
      and daytime sleepiness. However, treatment of mild OSA may improve sleepiness in
      patients who are sleepy at baseline and improve quality of life. There is limited
      or inconsistent evidence pertaining to the impact of therapy of mild OSA on
      neurocognition, mood, vehicle accidents, cardiovascular events, stroke, and
      arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence that treatment of mild OSA in
      individuals who demonstrate subjective sleepiness may be beneficial. Treatment
      may also improve quality of life. Future research agendas should focus on
      clarifying the effect of mild OSA and impact of effective treatment on other
      neurocognitive and cardiovascular endpoints as detailed in the document.

PMID- 27128711
TI  - Recipient Selection for Lung Transplantation.

PMID- 27128713
TI  - Associations of gestational and early life exposures to ambient air pollution
      with childhood respiratory diseases in Shanghai, China: A retrospective cohort
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Associations of ambient air pollutants with respiratory health are
      inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the associations of gestational and early
      life exposures to air pollutants with doctor-diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis,
      and pneumonia in children. METHODS: We selected 3358 preschool children who did
      not alter residences after birth from a cross-sectional study in 2011-2012 in
      Shanghai, China. Parents reported children's respiratory health history, home
      environment, and family lifestyle behaviors. We collected daily concentrations of
      sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter with an
      aerodynamic diameter <=10MUm (PM10) during the child's total lifetime (2006-2012)
      for each district where the children lived. We analyzed the associations using
      logistic regression models. RESULTS: After adjusting for covariates and the other
      studied pollutants, we found that exposure to NO2 (increment of 20MUg/m(3))
      during the first year of life was significantly associated with asthma [odds
      ratio (OR)=1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-2.43] and allergic rhinitis
      (OR=1.67; 95% CI: 1.07-2.61). Exposure to NO2 during gestation, the first two and
      three years, and over total lifetimewas all consistently associated with
      increased odds of allergic rhinitis. Quartiles of NO2 concentration during
      different exposure periods showed a slight dose-response relationship with the
      studied diseases. These diseases had significant associations with pollutant
      mixtures that included NO2, but had no significant association with exposures to
      SO2 and PM10 individually or in mixtures. CONCLUSIONS: Gestational and early life
      exposures to ambient NO2 are risk factors for childhood respiratory diseases.

PMID- 27128714
TI  - Overall and class-specific scores of pesticide residues from fruits and
      vegetables as a tool to rank intake of pesticide residues in United States: A
      validation study.
AB  - Pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables are among the primary sources of
      pesticide exposure through diet, but the lack of adequate measurements hinder the
      research on health effects of pesticide residues. Pesticide Residue Burden Score
      (PRBS) for estimating overall dietary pesticide intake, organochlorine pesticide
      score (OC-PRBS) and organophosphate pesticide score (OP-PRBS) for estimating
      organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides-specific intake, respectively, were
      derived using U.S. Department of Agriculture Pesticide Data Program data and
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) food frequency
      questionnaire data. We evaluated the performance of these scores by validating
      the scores against pesticide metabolites measured in urine or serum among 3,679
      participants in NHANES using generalized linear regression. The PRBS was
      positively associated with a score summarizing the ranks of all pesticide
      metabolites in a linear fashion (p for linear trend <0.001). Furthermore,
      individuals in the top quintile of this score had urinary pesticide metabolite
      levels 13.0% (95% CI 8.3%-17.7%) higher than individuals in the lowest quintile.
      Similarly, we observed significant associations of the OC-PRBS and OP-PRBS with
      the levels of lipid-adjusted total serum organochlorine pesticides and urinary
      creatinine-adjusted organophosphate pesticides, respectively. The relative
      difference (RD) in average pesticide metabolite rank between extreme quintiles
      was 17.8% (95% CI: 11.1%-24.4%, p for trend <0.001) for the OP-PRBS, whereas the
      RD was marginally significant at 7.0% (95% CI: -0.5%-14.4%, p for trend 0.07) for
      the OC-PRBS. The PRBS and OP-PRBS had similar performance when they were derived
      from fruits and vegetables with high vs. low pesticide residues, respectively (p
      for trend <0.001 for all associations). The OP-PRBS was associated with all
      measured organophosphate pesticides, whereas the positive association between OC
      PRBS and averaged measured organochlorine pesticide residue rank was primarily
      driven by hexachlorobenzene. OC-PRBS had better performance when derived from
      more contaminated fruits and vegetables (p for trend 0.07) than from less
      contaminated Fruits and vegetables (p for trend 0.63), although neither of the
      associations achieved statistical significance. The PRBS and the class-specific
      scores for two major types of pesticides were significantly associated with
      pesticide biomarkers. These scores can reasonably rank study participants by
      their pesticide residue exposures from fruits and vegetables in large-scale
      environmental epidemiological studies.

PMID- 27128715
TI  - An aggregate analysis of personal care products in the environment: Identifying
      the distribution of environmentally-relevant concentrations.
AB  - Over the past 3-4 decades, per capita consumption of personal care products
      (PCPs) has steadily risen, resulting in increased discharge of the active and
      inactive ingredients present in these products into wastewater collection
      systems. PCPs comprise a long list of compounds employed in toothpaste,
      sunscreen, lotions, soaps, body washes, and insect repellants, among others.
      While comprehensive toxicological studies are not yet available, an increasing
      body of literature has shown that PCPs of all classes can impact aquatic
      wildlife, bacteria, and/or mammalian cells at low concentrations. Ongoing
      research efforts have identified PCPs in a variety of environmental compartments,
      including raw wastewater, wastewater effluent, surface water, wastewater solids,
      sediment, groundwater, and drinking water. Here, an aggregate analysis of over
      5000 reported detections was conducted to better understand the distribution of
      environmentally-relevant PCP concentrations in, and between, these compartments.
      The distributions were used to identify whether aggregated environmentally
      relevant concentration ranges intersected with available toxicity data. For raw
      wastewater, wastewater effluent, and surface water, a clear overlap was present
      between the 25th-75th percentiles and identified toxicity levels. This analysis
      suggests that improved wastewater treatment of antimicrobials, UV filters, and
      polycyclic musks is required to prevent negative impacts on aquatic species.

PMID- 27128712
TI  - Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling of acute N-terminal pro B-type
      natriuretic peptide after doxorubicin infusion in breast cancer.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of the present study was to develop a pharmacokinetic
      pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model to characterize the relationship between plasma
      doxorubicin and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)
      concentrations within 48 h of doxorubicin treatment. METHODS: The study enrolled
      17 female patients with stages 1-3 breast cancer and receiving adjuvant
      doxorubicin (60 mg m(-2) ) and cyclophosphamide (600 mg m(-2) ) every 14 days for
      four cycles. In two consecutive cycles, plasma concentrations of doxorubicin,
      doxorubicinol, troponin and NT-proBNP were collected before infusion, and up to
      48 h after the end of doxorubicin infusion. Nonlinear mixed-effects modelling was
      used to describe the PK-PD relationship of doxorubicin and NT-proBNP. RESULTS: A
      three-compartment parent drug with a one-compartment metabolite model best
      described the PK of doxorubicin and doxorubicinol. Troponin concentrations
      remained similar to baseline. An indirect PD model with transit compartments best
      described the relationship of doxorubicin exposure and acute NT-proBNP response.
      Estimated PD parameters were associated with large between-subject variability
      (total assay variability 38.8-73.9%). Patient clinical factors, including the use
      of enalapril, were not observed to be significantly associated with doxorubicin
      PK or NT-proBNP PD variability. CONCLUSION: The relationship between doxorubicin
      concentration and the acute NT-proBNP response was successfully described with a
      population PK-PD model. This model will serve as a valuable framework for future
      studies to identify clinical factors associated with the acute response to
      doxorubicin. Future studies are warranted to examine the relationship between
      this acute response and subsequent heart failure. Should such a relationship be
      established, this model could provide useful information on patients'
      susceptibility to doxorubicin-induced long-term cardiotoxicity.

PMID- 27128716
TI  - Dissemination of veterinary antibiotics and corresponding resistance genes from a
      concentrated swine feedlot along the waste treatment paths.
AB  - Swine feedlots are an important pollution source of antibiotics and antibiotic
      resistance genes (ARGs) to the environment. This study investigated the
      dissemination of two classes of commonly-used veterinary antibiotics, namely,
      tetracyclines (TCs) and sulfonamides (SAs), and their corresponding ARGs along
      the waste treatment paths from a concentrated swine feedlot located in Beijing,
      China. The highest total TC and total SA concentrations detected were 166.7mgkg(
      1) and 64.5MUgkg(-1) in swine manure as well as 388.7 and 7.56MUgL(-1) in swine
      wastewater, respectively. Fourteen tetracycline resistance genes (TRGs) encoding
      ribosomal protection proteins (RPP), efflux proteins (EFP) and enzymatic
      inactivation proteins, three sulfonamide resistance genes (SRGs), and two
      integrase genes were detected along the waste treatment paths with detection
      frequencies of 33.3-75.0%. The relative abundances of target ARGs ranged from
      2.74*10(-6) to 1.19. The antibiotics and ARGs generally declined along both waste
      treatment paths, but their degree of reduction was more significant along the
      manure treatment path. The RPP TRGs dominated in the upstream samples and then
      decreased continuously along both waste treatment paths, whilst the EFP TRGs and
      SRGs maintained relatively stable. Strong correlations between antibiotic
      concentrations and ARGs were observed among both manure and wastewater samples.
      In addition, seasonal temperature, and integrase genes, moisture content and
      nutrient level of tested samples could all impact the relative abundances of ARGs
      along the swine waste treatment paths. This study helps understand the evolution
      and spread of ARGs from swine feedlots to the environment as well as assess the
      environmental risk arising from swine waste treatment.

PMID- 27128717
TI  - Oxidative potential and chemical composition of PM2.5 in office buildings across
      Europe - The OFFICAIR study.
AB  - In the frame of the OFFICAIR project, indoor and outdoor PM2.5 samples were
      collected in office buildings across Europe in two sampling campaigns (summer and
      winter). The ability of the particles to deplete physiologically relevant
      antioxidants (ascorbic acid (AA), reduced glutathione (GSH)) in a synthetic
      respiratory tract lining fluid, i.e., oxidative potential (OP), was assessed.
      Furthermore, the link between particulate OP and the concentration of the PM
      constituents was investigated. The mean indoor PM2.5 mass concentration values
      were substantially lower than the related outdoor values with a mean
      indoor/outdoor PM2.5 mass concentration ratio of 0.62 and 0.61 for the summer and
      winter campaigns respectively. The OP of PM2.5 varied markedly across Europe with
      the highest outdoor OP(AA) m(-3) and OP(GSH) m(-3) (% antioxidant depletion/m(3)
      air) values obtained for Hungary, while PM2.5 collected in Finland exhibited the
      lowest values. Seasonal variation could be observed for both indoor and outdoor
      OP(AA) m(-3) and OP(GSH) m(-3) with higher mean values during winter. The
      indoor/outdoor OP(AA) m(-3) and OP(GSH) m(-3) ratios were less than one with 4
      and 17 exceptions out of the 40 cases respectively. These results indicate that
      indoor air is generally less oxidatively challenging than outdoors. Correlation
      analysis revealed that trace elements play an important role in determining OP,
      in particular, the Cu content. Indoor air chemistry might affect OP since weaker
      correlations were obtained for indoor PM2.5. Our findings also suggest that
      office workers may be exposed to health relevant PM constituents to a different
      extent within the same building.

PMID- 27128718
TI  - Hydrostatic Pressure Effects on Structural and Electronic Properties of ETN and
      PETN from First-Principles Calculations.
AB  - We studied the structural and electronic properties of pentaerythritol
      tetranitrate (PETN) and erythritol tetranitrate (ETN) crystals within the
      framework of density functional theory with van der Waals interactions. The
      computed lattice parameters have good agreement with experimental data.
      Electronic and structural properties of the crystals under 0-20 GPa hydrostatic
      pressure were studied. The parameters of equations of state calculated from the
      theoretical data show good agreement with experiment within the studied pressure
      intervals. We have also calculated the detonation velocity and pressure. 

PMID- 27128720
TI  - Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Patients With Temporomandibular Joint
      Disorder.

PMID- 27128719
TI  - Emerging trends and risk factors for perianal surgery in Crohn's disease: a 20
      year national population-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the rates of perianal surgery (PAS) in Crohn's
      disease (CD). Our aim was to determine trends in PAS, the timing of surgery
      relative to the diagnosis of CD and to identify subgroups at risk of PAS.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 9391 incident cases of CD between 1989 and
      2009. We defined three eras: era 1 (1989-1995), era 2 (1996-2002) and era 3 (2003
      2009), and determined trends in procedure type and the time to first PAS relative
      to the date of diagnosis. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to calculate the rate of
      first PAS and performed Cox regression to determine subgroups at risk of PAS.
      RESULTS: Among the 9391 incident cases of CD, 405 (4.3%) underwent PAS. The
      overall rate of PAS was 5.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.9-6.2%] 10 years
      after diagnosis. 34% (n=137) of all patients undergoing PAS had surgery in the 5
      years before CD diagnosis. Abscess drainage increased from 34 to 58%, whereas
      proctectomy decreased from 16 to 6% between eras 1 and 3, respectively. Men
      [hazard rate (HR) 1.51, 95% CI: 1.24-1.84], those aged 17-40 years (HR 1.69, 95%
      CI: 1.09-2.02 vs. those aged >40 years) and those with a history of previous
      intestinal resection (HR 28.5, 95% CI: 22.2-36.5) were more likely to have PAS.
      CONCLUSION: Around one-third of patients have a PAS in the 5 years preceding
      their diagnosis of CD. Surgical practice has changed over 20 years, with a
      decrease in proctectomy and a concurrent increase in abscess drainage that is
      likely to reflect improvements in therapeutic practice.

PMID- 27128721
TI  - Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as Monotherapy Attenuates Auditory
      Hallucinations in Treatment-Naive First-Episode Schizophrenia.

PMID- 27128722
TI  - Assessing the Association Between Electrical Stimulation Dose, Subsequent
      Cognitive Function and Depression Severity in Patients Receiving Bilateral
      Electroconvulsive Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between electrical stimulation administered
      to patients undergoing bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and subsequent
      measures of cognitive function and depression severity. METHODS: Stimulus dose
      titrated patients receiving bilateral ECT were assessed with the Cambridge
      Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) Spatial Recognition Memory
      test and Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at baseline, after 4
      ECT treatments and on course completion. Changes in CANTAB and MADRS scores were
      assessed in relation to electrical dosage, initial stimulus dose, and demographic
      variables using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Data pertained to 143 patients
      (mean age, 56.85 [SD, 14.94], 43% male). Median change in CANTAB score was -10% (
      20% to 5%) after 4 ECT treatments and -10% (-20% to 5%) at course completion.
      Median change in MADRS score was -22 (-33 to -13) after 4 ECT treatments and -14
      (-25 to -7) at course completion. Electrical dosage had no effect on CANTAB or
      MADRS change scores either after 4 treatments or course completion. Improvement
      in CANTAB score at end of course was associated with female sex (P < 0.05),
      higher intelligence quotient (P = 0.01), and age. After 4 treatments, improvement
      in CANTAB score was associated with younger age (P < 0.001) and higher
      intelligence quotient (P < 0.01). Improved MADRS score at course completion was
      associated with older age (P < 0.001 at end of course and after 4 treatments).
      CONCLUSIONS: Electroconvulsive therapy has significant antidepressant and
      cognitive effects which are not associated with the total electrical dose
      administered. Other, unalterable variables, such as age and sex, have an
      influence on these effects.

PMID- 27128723
TI  - Ultrabrief Electroconvulsive Therapy for Manic Episodes of Bipolar Disorder.
AB  - Right unilateral ultrabrief-pulse electroconvulsive therapy (RUL-UB ECT) is
      gaining popularity and is being used for the treatment of severe major
      depression. Though brief pulse-width ECT has shown to have robust antimanic
      effects, the efficacy of UB ECT for mania has not been studied, and there are
      very few reports on its use in mania. A brief case series of 3 patients with
      manic episode of bipolar disorder who were treated with RUL-UB ECT is presented
      here. The successful treatment of 2 patients in this report suggests that some
      manic episodes can be rapidly and effectively treated with RUL-UB ECT.

PMID- 27128724
TI  - Low-frequency stimulation induces a durable long-term depression in young adult
      hyperthyroid rats: the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and protein
      phosphatase 1.
AB  - Long-term potentiation and long-term depression (LTD) are cellular mechanisms of
      learning and memory in the mammalian brain. We have previously shown that adult
      hyperthyroid rats showed a delay in the acquisition of a place learning task and
      attenuated long-term potentiation. However, changes in LTD in hyperthyroidism
      remain unclear. Rats were administered 0.2 mg/kg/day of L-thyroxine for 21 days
      starting at postnatal day 40 to induce hyperthyroidism. LTD was induced in the
      dentate gyrus using low-frequency stimulation (LFS) of the perforant pathway. The
      mRNA expressions of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) and protein
      phosphatase 1 (PP1) were evaluated using a quantitative reverse transcriptase
      PCR. In control rats, a standard LFS protocol induced a slight depression of the
      population spike (PS) amplitude during the induction phase of LTD (76+/-13% vs.
      baseline), but a small potentiation of the PS amplitude was observed in the early
      (107+/-18%) and late (111+/-20%) phases of LTD. Interestingly, in the
      hyperthyroid rats, the same LFS protocol induced a reliable LTD in the dentate
      gyrus of the hippocampus as evidenced by a marked depression in the PS amplitude
      during the induction (54+/-6% vs. baseline) and the early phases (56+/-8%) of
      LTD. Elevated mRNA levels of p38-MAPK and PP1 were observed in the hippocampus of
      the LFS-treated hyperthyroid rats compared with the hippocampus of the vehicle
      treated hyperthyroid rats. No significant change in p38-MAPK or PP1 mRNA
      expression was observed in the euthyroid rats. The present study shows that a
      standard LFS protocol can induce a durable depression of synaptic strength and an
      upregulation of PP1 and p38-MAPK mRNA in hyperthyroid rats. We conclude that
      hyperthyroidism can induce molecular changes associated with degeneration of the
      hippocampus. The relationship between the levels of thyroid hormone and dementia
      requires further investigation.

PMID- 27128725
TI  - Top-down and bottom-up attention cause the ventriloquism effect with distinct
      electroencephalography modulations.
AB  - The ventriloquism effect is a critical phenomenon for understanding the
      underlying mechanisms of multisensory integration. Cross-modal spatial attention
      causes a distortion of sound localization, although the neural basis of the
      effect remains an unanswered question. We hypothesized that top-down and bottom
      up visual-spatial attention causes the ventriloquism effect with different
      modulations of ongoing neural oscillation. To test this hypothesis, human scalp
      electroencephalography (EEG) was measured during a sound localization task. Top
      down attention suppressed the EEG amplitude in the alpha frequency (10 Hz) over
      the contralateral temporal electrode sites to visual cue hemifields. Bottom-up
      attention shifted the EEG phase to the theta frequency (7 Hz), rather than
      suppressing the amplitude. Two different neural mechanisms of ongoing neural
      oscillation contributed toward the ventriloquism effect, with different spatial
      attention.

PMID- 27128726
TI  - Effects of exercise and bryostatin-1 on serotonin dynamics after cerebral
      infarction.
AB  - Although it has been suggested that the combination of exercise and bryostatin-1
      administration may induce greater functional recovery than exercise alone, the
      detailed molecular mechanisms are not well known. Here, we examined the
      relationship between this combination treatment and monoamine dynamics in the
      cerebral cortex peri-infarction area to promote our understanding of these
      molecular mechanisms. Experimental cerebral cortex infarctions were produced by
      photothrombosis in rats. Voluntary exercise was initiated 2 days after surgery.
      Motor performance was then measured using the rotarod test. Monoamine
      concentrations in the perilesional cortex were analyzed by high-performance
      liquid chromatography. In behavioral evaluations, performance in the rotarod test
      was significantly increased by exercise. Moreover, performance in the rotarod
      test after the combination of exercise and bryostatin-1 administration was
      significantly greater than that after exercise alone. In the analysis of
      monoamines, serotonin (5-HT) concentrations were significantly higher in the
      groups treated with exercise and bryostatin-1. In addition, 5-HT turnover was
      significantly lower in the groups treated with exercise and bryostatin-1.
      Furthermore, the mean latency in the rotarod test showed a significant positive
      correlation with 5-HT levels. In immunohistochemical analysis, 5-HT
      immunoreactivity in the dorsal raphe nucleus was shown to be higher in the groups
      treated with exercise. In the present study, we detected changes in the levels of
      monoamines associated with the combined treatment of exercise and bryostatin-1
      administration in the perilesional cortex. It has been suggested that this
      combination of therapies may affect 5-HT turnover and serve to increase local 5
      HT concentrations in the perilesional area.

PMID- 27128727
TI  - Efficacy of a Brief Psychoeducational Intervention for Mothers of Children with
      Breath-Holding Spells: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.
AB  - Objective Mothers of individuals with breath-holding spells (BHS) suffer more
      often from anxiety and experience more stressors in their everyday life. The
      purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of psychoeducational
      intervention in reducing BHS and coping with these spells. Participants and
      Methods Mothers who have children with BHS were randomly assigned to one of the
      two groups: an intervention group receiving psychoeducational therapy in addition
      to the routine follow-up (n = 31) and a control group who did not receive
      psychoeducation in their routine follow-up (n = 28). The data collected at the
      beginning of the study and at the end of 3rd and 6th months about the frequency
      of the spells per month, maternal anxiety, and depression levels and mothers'
      perceived self-knowledge about coping BHS of both groups were compared. Results
      Mothers in psychoeducation group, compared with controls, improved significantly
      on state anxiety, depression, perceived anticipation anxiety level for BHS of
      their children and self-knowledge about coping with the spells. Conclusion The
      intervention program had a positive effect on anxiety-depression levels of the
      mothers and the frequency of BHS among the children. The possible link between
      emotional and autonomic dysregulation in children with BHS and maternal mental
      health were discussed. 

PMID- 27128728
TI  - Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-Associated Pediatric Central Nervous System
      Demyelination: Clinical Course, Neuroimaging Findings, and Response to Therapy.
AB  - Under the umbrella of pediatric-acquired demyelinating syndromes, there is a
      multitude of disorders, including optic neuritis, transverse myelitis, acute
      disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), multiple sclerosis (MS), and neuromyelitis
      optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). Due to overlapping clinical and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) features, it can be challenging to provide an accurate
      diagnosis. In view of therapeutic and prognostic implications, an early and
      reliable diagnosis is however of utmost importance. Recent studies of myelin
      oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) identify MOG, as a promising target for
      antibody-mediated demyelination and a biomarker for a relatively benign and non
      MS disease course. We describe the clinical and MRI presentation of five children
      presenting with an acute, severe central nervous system inflammatory disease
      involving the brain and spinal cord, all of whom were positive for MOG-IgG
      antibody. Encephalopathy was uncommon at presentation and all had quick
      resolution of symptoms with intravenous steroid and intravenous immunoglobulin
      (IVIG) treatment. All patients recovered well, and have been treated with IVIG to
      potentially prevent relapses. 

PMID- 27128730
TI  - Planar microcavity-integrated hot-electron photodetector.
AB  - Hot-electron photodetectors are attracting increasing interest due to their
      capability in below-bandgap photodetection without employing classic
      semiconductor junctions. Despite the high absorption in metallic nanostructures
      via plasmonic resonance, the fabrication of such devices is challenging and
      costly due to the use of high-dimensional sub-wavelength nanostructures. In this
      study, we propose a planar microcavity-integrated hot-electron photodetector (MC
      HE PD), in which the TCO/semiconductor/metal (TCO: transparent conductive oxide)
      structure is sandwiched between two asymmetrically distributed Bragg reflectors
      (DBRs) and a lossless buffer layer. Finite-element simulations demonstrate that
      the resonant wavelength and the absorption efficiency of the device can be
      manipulated conveniently by tailoring the buffer layer thickness and the number
      of top DBR pairs. By benefitting from the largely increased electric field at the
      resonance frequency, the absorption in the metal can reach 92%, which is a 21
      fold enhancement compared to the reference without a microcavity. Analytical
      probability-based electrical calculations further show that the unbiased
      responsivity can be up to 239 nA mW(-1), which is more than an order of magnitude
      larger than that of the reference. Furthermore, the MC-HE PD not only exhibits a
      superior photoelectron conversion ability compared to the approach with
      corrugated metal, but also achieves the ability to tune the near infrared
      multiband by employing a thicker buffer layer. 

PMID- 27128729
TI  - IL-6 Contributes to the Defective Osteogenesis of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells from
      the Vertebral Body of the Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporotic Mouse.
AB  - Osteoporosis is one of the most prevalent skeletal system diseases. It is
      characterized by a decrease in bone mass and microarchitectural changes in bone
      tissue that lead to an attenuation of bone resistance and susceptibility to
      fracture. Vertebral fracture is by far the most prevalent osteoporotic fracture.
      In the musculoskeletal system, osteoblasts, originated from bone marrow stromal
      cells (BMSC), are responsible for osteoid synthesis and mineralization. In
      osteoporosis, BMSC osteogenic differentiation is defective. However, to date,
      what leads to the defective BMSC osteogenesis in osteoporosis remains an open
      question. In the current study, we made attempts to answer this question. A mouse
      model of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) was established and BMSC were
      isolated from vertebral body. The impairment of osteogenesis was observed in BMSC
      of osteoporotic vertebral body. The expression profiles of thirty-six factors,
      which play important roles in bone metabolisms, were compared through antibody
      array between normal and osteoporotic BMSC. Significantly higher secretion level
      of IL-6 was observed in osteoporotic BMSCs compared with normal control. We
      provided evidences that IL-6 over-secretion impaired osteogenesis of osteoporotic
      BMSC. Further, it was observed that beta-catenin activity was inhibited in
      response to IL-6 over-secretion. More importantly, in vivo administration of IL-6
      neutralizing antibody was found to be helpful to rescue the osteoporotic
      phenotype of mouse vertebral body. Our study provides a deeper insight into the
      pathophysiology of osteoporosis and identifies IL-6 as a promising target for
      osteoporosis therapy.

PMID- 27128731
TI  - The Effects of Negative Pressure by External Tissue Expansion Device on
      Epithelial Cell Proliferation, Neo-Vascularization and Hair Growth in a Porcine
      Model.
AB  - While pre-treating a fat transplant recipient site with negative pressure has
      shown promise for increasing the fat survival rate, the underlying mechanisms
      have not been investigated, partly due to challenges related to immobilization of
      vacuum domes on large animal subjects. The aim of this study was to examine the
      effect of negative pressure treatment by External Tissue Expansion Device (ETED)
      on fat grating recipient sites in a porcine model. The ETED was designed to
      provide negative pressure on the dorsum of swine. Pressure treatment (-70 mmHg)
      was applied for 1 or 3 hours every other day for 10 and 20 treatments. The
      treated areas (3.5 cm in diameter) were harvested and examined for histological
      changes, vessel density, cell proliferation (Ki67) and growth factor expression
      (FGF-1, VEGF and PDGB-bb). The application of the ETED increased epidermis
      thickness even after 1-hour treatments repeated 10 times. The results of Ki67
      analysis suggested that the increasing thickness was due to cell proliferation in
      the epidermis. There was a more than two-fold increase in the vessel density,
      indicating that the ETED promotes vascularization. Unexpectedly, the treatment
      also increased the number of hair follicles. Negative pressure provided by the
      ETED increases the thickness of epidermis section of tissue, cell proliferation
      and vessel density. The porcine model provides a better representation of the
      effect of the ETED on skin tissue compared to small animal models and provides an
      environment for studying the mechanisms underlying the clinical benefits of
      negative pressure treatment.

PMID- 27128732
TI  - Early Discontinuation of Metformin in Individuals Treated with Inhibitors of
      Transporters of Metformin.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the risk of early discontinuation of
      metformin as a proxy for intolerance, associated with use of drugs known to
      inhibit transporters involved in metformin distribution. We analysed all incident
      users of metformin in Denmark between 2000 and 2012 (n = 132,221) and in a cohort
      of US patients (n = 296,903). Risk of early discontinuation of metformin was
      assessed using adjusted logistic regression for 28 drugs putatively inhibiting
      metformin transporters and four negative controls. Increased odds ratio of early
      discontinuation of metformin was only associated with codeine, an inhibitor of
      organic cation transporter 1 in both cohorts [adjusted odds ratio (OR) in Danish
      cohort (95% CI): 1.13 (1.02-1.26), adjusted OR in American cohort (95% CI): 1.32
      (1.19-1.47)]. The remaining drugs were not associated with increased odds ratio
      of early discontinuation and, surprisingly, four drugs were associated with a
      decreased risk. These findings indicate that codeine use may be associated with
      risk of early discontinuation of metformin and could be used as a basis for
      further investigation. 

PMID- 27128733
TI  - Intensity Ratio of Resonant Raman Modes for (n,m) Enriched Semiconducting Carbon
      Nanotubes.
AB  - Relative intensities of resonant Raman spectral features, specifically the radial
      breathing mode (RBM) and G modes, of 11, chirality-enriched, single-wall carbon
      nanotube (SWCNT) species were established under second-order optical transition
      excitation. The results demonstrate an under-recognized complexity in the
      evaluation of Raman spectra for the assignment of (n,m) population distributions.
      Strong chiral angle and mod dependencies affect the intensity ratio of the RBM to
      G modes and can result in misleading interpretations. Furthermore, we report five
      additional (n,m) values for the chirality-dependent G(+) and G(-) Raman peak
      positions and intensity ratios; thereby extending the available data to cover
      more of the smaller diameter regime by including the (5,4) second-order,
      resonance Raman spectra. Together, the Raman spectral library is demonstrated to
      be sufficient for decoupling G peaks from multiple species via a spectral fitting
      process, and enables fundamental characterization even in mixed chiral population
      samples.

PMID- 27128734
TI  - J-integral fracture toughness, Tearing modulus and tensile properties of Vitamin
      E stabilized radiation crosslinked UHMWPE.
AB  - Radiation crosslinking of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
      increases its wear resistance in total joint replacement prostheses.
      Unfortunately, it is accompanied by a dose-dependent decrease in several
      mechanical properties. In this study, the tensile properties and fracture
      behavior of radiation crosslinked, Vitamin E stabilized UHMWPE was studied as a
      function of radiation dose. The Rice and Sorensen model, applicable to elastic
      plastic materials, was utilized to obtain the initial crack driving force, J1c,
      steady state J-integral fracture toughness, Jss and the Tearing modulus. Tensile
      tests showed the dependence of tensile properties on radiation dose. Jss of non
      crosslinked UHMWPE was higher than for crosslinked UHMWPE's but there was no dose
      dependent change in Jss whereas there was almost no change in J1c over the entire
      dose range. Finally, a monotonic decrease in Tearing modulus was observed with
      radiation dose.

PMID- 27128735
TI  - Trends in urological stone disease: a 5-year update of hospital episode
      statistics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide a 5-year follow-on update on the changes in prevalence and
      treatment of upper urinary tract (UUT) stone disease in England. METHODS: Data
      from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) website (http://www.hesonline.nhs.uk)
      were extracted, summarised, analysed, and presented. RESULTS: The total number of
      UUT stone hospital episodes increased slightly from 83 050 in 2009-2010 to 86 742
      in 2014-2015 (4.4% increase). The use of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for treating
      all UUT stones remained stable over the 5-year study period following a
      significant increase in previous years. There was a 49.6% increase in the number
      of ureteroscopic stone treatments from 12 062 in 2009-2010 to 18 055 in 2014
      2015. Increase in ureterorenoscopy (flexible ureteroscopy) showed the most rapid
      increase from 3 267 to 6 631 cases in the 5-year study period (103% increase).
      The gap between the total number of ureteroscopies and SWL treatments continues
      to narrow. Open stone surgery continued to decline with only 30 reported cases in
      2014-2015. Due to the continued rapid increase in the number of ureteroscopies
      performed, treatment for stone disease has continued to increase significantly in
      comparison to other urological activity. CONCLUSION: This study provides an
      update on the changing landscape of the management of UUT stones in England. It
      shows a sustained high prevalence of stone disease commensurate with levels in
      other developed countries. This study reveals a trend in the last 5 years to
      surgically intervene on a higher proportion of patients with stones. As in other
      countries, there is a significant increase in the use of ureteroscopy
      (particularly intrarenal flexible ureteroscopy) in England. These data have
      important implications for work-force planning, training, service delivery, and
      research in the field of urolithiasis.

PMID- 27128736
TI  - Improving the Spatial Prediction of Soil Organic Carbon Stocks in a Complex
      Tropical Mountain Landscape by Methodological Specifications in Machine Learning
      Approaches.
AB  - Tropical forests are significant carbon sinks and their soils' carbon storage
      potential is immense. However, little is known about the soil organic carbon
      (SOC) stocks of tropical mountain areas whose complex soil-landscape and
      difficult accessibility pose a challenge to spatial analysis. The choice of
      methodology for spatial prediction is of high importance to improve the expected
      poor model results in case of low predictor-response correlations. Four aspects
      were considered to improve model performance in predicting SOC stocks of the
      organic layer of a tropical mountain forest landscape: Different spatial
      predictor settings, predictor selection strategies, various machine learning
      algorithms and model tuning. Five machine learning algorithms: random forests,
      artificial neural networks, multivariate adaptive regression splines, boosted
      regression trees and support vector machines were trained and tuned to predict
      SOC stocks from predictors derived from a digital elevation model and satellite
      image. Topographical predictors were calculated with a GIS search radius of 45 to
      615 m. Finally, three predictor selection strategies were applied to the total
      set of 236 predictors. All machine learning algorithms-including the model tuning
      and predictor selection-were compared via five repetitions of a tenfold cross
      validation. The boosted regression tree algorithm resulted in the overall best
      model. SOC stocks ranged between 0.2 to 17.7 kg m-2, displaying a huge
      variability with diffuse insolation and curvatures of different scale guiding the
      spatial pattern. Predictor selection and model tuning improved the models'
      predictive performance in all five machine learning algorithms. The rather low
      number of selected predictors favours forward compared to backward selection
      procedures. Choosing predictors due to their indiviual performance was vanquished
      by the two procedures which accounted for predictor interaction.

PMID- 27128737
TI  - Diatom Cooccurrence Shows Less Segregation than Predicted from Niche Modeling.
AB  - Species cooccurrence patterns give significant insights into the processes
      shaping communities. While biotic interactions have been widely studied using
      cooccurrence analyses in animals and larger plants, studies about cooccurrences
      among micro-organisms are still relatively rare. We examined stream diatom
      cooccurrences in France through a national database of samples. In order to test
      the relative influence of environmental, biotic and spatial constraints on
      species' incidence distribution, cooccurrence and nestedness patterns of real
      communities were compared with the patterns generated from a set of standard and
      environmentally constrained null models. Real communities showed a higher level
      of segregation than the most conservative standard null models, but a general
      aggregation of cooccurrences when compared to environmentally constrained null
      models. We did not find any evidence of limiting similarity between cooccurring
      species. Aggregations of species cooccurrences were associated with the high
      levels of nestedness. Altogether, these results suggested that biotic
      interactions were not structuring cooccurrences of diatom species at our study
      scale. Instead, the patterns were more likely to be related with colonization
      patterns, mass effect, and local temporal dynamics of diatom biofilms. We further
      highlight that the association of standard and environmentally constrained null
      models may give realistic insight into the cooccurrence patterns of microbial
      communities.

PMID- 27128738
TI  - PELICAN: Content evaluation of patient-centered care for children with asthma
      based on an online tool.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We assessed the content of an intervention which integrates
      individual goals in outpatient clinic asthma management (based on self management
      principles) of children 6-12 years of age. METHODS: This is a content evaluation
      study and was part of a randomized controlled multicenter trial with 9 months
      follow-up in five Dutch outpatient asthma clinics among children with asthma aged
      6-12 years. Information on children's individual problems and their level of
      impairment (as indicated by the Pelican instrument), asthma management goals, and
      actions (as indicated by written action plans) was collected. Satisfaction of
      parents, children, and nurses were assessed with questionnaires and analyzed with
      descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Most frequently identified problems by children
      (n = 42) were "cough," "cigarette smoke," and "shortness of breath." Eighty-two
      percent of items that were selected by children showed room for improvement.
      About 2-7 actions were formulated and children had an active role in more than
      76% of the actions. "Using rescue medication prior to activities/triggers," and
      "talk to others about your asthma" were most frequently recommended. Children
      thought the Pelican instrument was easy (95%) and fun (65%) and both parents and
      nurses were positive about the incorporation of the program in asthma management.
      Following barriers were found: (1) only 25% of goals was formulated according to
      SMART principles; (2) traditional management aspects (such as medication use) are
      often treated instead of individual problems of children. CONCLUSION:
      Implementation of patient-centered care based on the Pelican instrument is
      recommended in specialized care, although more extensive training of nurses in
      PCC will improve the successful execution of the evaluated treatment. Pediatr
      Pulmonol. 2016;51:993-1003. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27128739
TI  - Radiation Promptly Alters Cancer Live Cell Metabolic Fluxes: An In Vitro
      Demonstration.
AB  - Quantitative data is presented that shows significant changes in cellular
      metabolism in a head and neck cancer cell line 30 min after irradiation. A head
      and neck cancer cell line (UM-SCC-22B) and a comparable normal cell line, normal
      oral keratinocyte (NOK) were each separately exposed to 10 Gy and treated with a
      control drug for disrupting metabolism (potassium cyanide; KCN). The metabolic
      changes were measured live by fluorescence lifetime imaging of the intrinsically
      fluorescent intermediate metabolite nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NADH)
      fluorescence; this method is sensitive to the ratio of bound to free NADH. The
      results indicated a prompt shift in metabolic signature in the cancer cell line,
      but not in the normal cell line. Control KCN treatment demonstrated expected
      metabolic fluxes due to mitochondrial disruption. The detected radiation shift in
      the cancer cells was blunted in the presence of both a radical scavenger and a
      HIF-1alpha inhibitor. The HIF-1alpha abundance as detected by immunohistochemical
      staining also increased substantially for these cancer cells, but not for the
      normal cells. This type of live-cell metabolic monitoring could be helpful for
      future real-time studies and in designing adaptive radiotherapy approaches.

PMID- 27128740
TI  - Thyroid Cancer after Childhood Exposure to External Radiation: An Updated Pooled
      Analysis of 12 Studies.
AB  - Studies have causally linked external thyroid radiation exposure in childhood
      with thyroid cancer. In 1995, investigators conducted relative risk analyses of
      pooled data from seven epidemiologic studies. Doses were mostly <10 Gy, although
      childhood cancer therapies can result in thyroid doses >50 Gy. We pooled data
      from 12 studies of thyroid cancer patients who were exposed to radiation in
      childhood (ages <20 years), more than doubling the data, including 1,070 (927
      exposed) thyroid cancers and 5.3 million (3.4 million exposed) person-years.
      Relative risks increased supralinearly through 2-4 Gy, leveled off between 10-30
      Gy and declined thereafter, remaining significantly elevated above 50 Gy. There
      was a significant relative risk trend for doses <0.10 Gy (P < 0.01), with no
      departure from linearity (P = 0.36). We observed radiogenic effects for both
      papillary and nonpapillary tumors. Estimates of excess relative risk per Gy
      (ERR/Gy) were homogeneous by sex (P = 0.35) and number of radiation treatments (P
      = 0.84) and increased with decreasing age at the time of exposure. The ERR/Gy
      estimate was significant within ten years of radiation exposure, 2.76 (95% CI,
      0.94-4.98), based on 42 exposed cases, and remained elevated 50 years and more
      after exposure. Finally, exposure to chemotherapy was significantly associated
      with thyroid cancer, with results supporting a nonsynergistic (additive)
      association with radiation.

PMID- 27128742
TI  - Structural Fe(II) Oxidation in Biotite by an Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Drives
      Mechanical Forcing.
AB  - Microorganisms are essential agents of Earth's soil weathering engine who help
      transform primary rock-forming minerals into soils. Mycorrhizal fungi, with their
      vast filamentous networks in symbiosis with the roots of most plants can alter a
      large number of minerals via local acidification, targeted excretion of ligands,
      submicron-scale biomechanical forcing, and mobilization of Mg, Fe, Al, and K at
      the hypha-biotite interface. Here, we present experimental evidence that Paxillus
      involutus-a basidiomycete fungus-in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with Scots pine
      (Pinus sylvestris), is able to oxidize a substantial amount of structural Fe(II)
      in biotite. Iron redox chemistry, quantified by X-ray absorption near edge
      spectra on 13 fungi-biotite sections along three distinct hypha colonizing the
      [001] basal plane of biotite, revealed variable but extensive Fe(II) oxidation up
      to ~2 MUm in depth and a Fe(III)/Fetotal ratio of up to ~0.8. The growth of
      Fe(III) hydroxide implies a volumetric change and a strain within the biotite
      lattice potentially large enough to induce microcrack formation, which are
      abundant below the hypha-biotite interface. This Fe(II) oxidation also leads to
      the formation of a large pool of Fe(III) (i.e., structural Fe(III) and Fe(III)
      oxyhydroxides) within biotite that could participate in the Fe redox cycling in
      soils.

PMID- 27128741
TI  - Gamma-Tocotrienol Modulates Radiation-Induced MicroRNA Expression in Mouse
      Spleen.
AB  - Ionizing radiation causes depletion of hematopoietic cells and enhances the risk
      of developing secondary hematopoietic malignancies. Vitamin E analog gamma
      tocotrienol (GT3), which has anticancer properties, promotes postirradiation
      hematopoietic cell recovery by enhancing spleen colony-forming capacity, and
      provides protection against radiation-induced lethality in mice. However, the
      underlying molecular mechanism involved in GT3-mediated postirradiation survival
      is not clearly understood. Recent studies have shown that natural dietary
      products including vitamin E provide a benefit to biological systems by
      modulating microRNA (miR) expression. In this study, we show that GT3
      differentially modulates the miR footprint in the spleen of irradiated mice
      compared to controls at early times (day 1), as well as later times (day 4 and
      15) after total-body irradiation. We observed that miR expression was altered in
      a dose- and time-dependent manner in GT3-pretreated spleen tissues from total
      body irradiated mice. GT3 appeared to affect the expression of a number of
      radiation-modulated miRs known to be involved in hematopoiesis and lymphogenesis.
      Moreover, GT3 pretreatment also suppressed the upregulation of radiation-induced
      p53, suggesting the function of GT3 in the prevention of radiation-induced damage
      to the spleen. In addition, we have shown that GT3 significantly reduced serum
      levels of Flt3L, a biomarker of radiation-induced bone marrow aplasia. Further in
      silico analyses of the effect of GT3 implied the association of p38 MAPK, ERK and
      insulin signaling pathways. Our study provides initial insight into the mechanism
      by which GT3 mediates protection of spleen after total-body irradiation.

PMID- 27128743
TI  - Body Mass Index Change between Pregnancies and Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth.
AB  - Objective Studies have reported an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth
      associated with elevated prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) among nulliparous but
      not multiparous women. We examined whether changes in BMI and weight between
      pregnancies contributed to risk of preterm birth among obese (BMI > 29 kg/m(2))
      women. Study Design This study utilized maternally linked California birth
      records of sequential singleton births between 2007 and 2010. Preterm birth was
      defined as 20 to 31 or 32 to 36 weeks of gestation. BMI was examined as category
      change and by tertile of weight change. Primary analyses included women without
      diabetes or hypertensive disorders; these women were compared with those without
      prior preterm birth, women with preterm deliveries preceded by spontaneous
      preterm labor, and women without any exclusions (i.e., diabetes or hypertensive
      disorders). Results Analyses showed that obesity was not associated with
      increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth among multiparous women. Women whose
      BMI increased had a decreased risk of spontaneous preterm birth at 32 to 36
      weeks. Change in BMI or weight between pregnancies did not substantively alter
      results. Conclusion Among multiparous women, obesity was associated with reduced
      risk of spontaneous preterm delivery. This observed association is complex and
      may be influenced by maternal age, gestational age, placental insufficiency, and
      altered immune response.

PMID- 27128744
TI  - Assessment of Binding Affinity between Drugs and Human Serum Albumin Using
      Nanoporous Anodic Alumina Photonic Crystals.
AB  - In this study, we report an innovative approach aiming to assess the binding
      affinity between drug molecules and human serum albumin by combining nanoporous
      anodic alumina rugate filters (NAA-RFs) modified with human serum albumin (HSA)
      and reflectometric interference spectroscopy (RIfS). NAA-RFs are photonic crystal
      structures produced by sinusoidal pulse anodization of aluminum that present two
      characteristic optical parameters, the characteristic reflection peak
      (lambdaPeak), and the effective optical thickness of the film (OTeff), which can
      be readily used as sensing parameters. A design of experiments strategy and an
      ANOVA analysis are used to establish the effect of the anodization parameters
      (i.e., anodization period and anodization offset) on the sensitivity of HSA
      modified NAA-RFs toward indomethacin, a model drug. To this end, two sensing
      parameters are used, that is, shifts in the characteristic reflection peak
      (DeltalambdaPeak) and changes in the effective optical thickness of the film
      (DeltaOTeff). Subsequently, optimized NAA-RFs are used as sensing platforms to
      determine the binding affinity between a set of drugs (i.e., indomethacin,
      coumarin, sulfadymethoxine, warfarin, and salicylic acid) and HSA molecules. Our
      results verify that the combination of HSA-modified NAA-RFs with RIfS can be used
      as a portable, low-cost, and simple system for establishing the binding affinity
      between drugs and plasma proteins, which is a critical factor to develop
      efficient medicines for treating a broad range of diseases and medical
      conditions.

PMID- 27128745
TI  - Nanoscale Control Over Interfacial Properties in Mixed Reverse Micelles
      Formulated by Using Sodium 1,4-bis-2-ethylhexylsulfosuccinate and Tri-n-octyl
      Phosphine Oxide Surfactants.
AB  - The interfacial properties of pure reverse micelles (RMs) are a consequence of
      the magnitude and nature of noncovalent interactions between confined water and
      the surfactant polar head. Addition of a second surfactant to form mixed RMs is
      expected to influence these interactions and thus affect these properties at the
      nanoscale level. Herein, pure and mixed RMs stabilized by sodium 1,4-bis-2
      ethylhexylsulfosuccinate and tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO) surfactants in n
      heptane were formulated and studied by varying both the water content and the
      TOPO mole fraction. The microenvironment generated was sensed by following the
      solvatochromic behavior of the 1-methyl-8-oxyquinolinium betaine probe and (31) P
      NMR spectroscopy. The results reveal unique properties of mixed RMs and we give
      experimental evidence that free water can be detected in the polar core of the
      mixed RMs at very low water content. We anticipate that these findings will have
      an impact on the use of such media as nanoreactors for many types of chemical
      reactions, such as enzymatic reactions and nanoparticle synthesis. 

PMID- 27128765
TI  - Response of the muscles in the pelvic floor and the lower lateral abdominal wall
      during the Active Straight Leg Raise in women with and without pelvic girdle
      pain: An experimental study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between activation of the stabilizing muscles of the
      lumbopelvic region during the Active Straight Leg Raise test and pelvic girdle
      pain remains unknown. Therefore, the aim was to examine automatic contractions in
      relation to pre-activation in the muscles of the pelvic floor and the lower
      lateral abdominal wall during leg lifts, performed as the Active Straight Leg
      Raise test, in women with and without persistent postpartum pelvic girdle pain.
      METHODS: Sixteen women with pelvic girdle pain and eleven pain-free women
      performed contralateral and ipsilateral leg lifts, while surface
      electromyographic activity was recorded from the pelvic floor and unilaterally
      from the lower lateral abdominal wall. As participants performed leg lifts onset
      time was calculated as the time from increased muscle activity to leg lift
      initiation. FINDINGS: No significant differences were observed between the groups
      during the contralateral leg lift. During the subsequent ipsilateral leg lift,
      pre-activation in the pelvic floor muscles was observed in 36% of women with
      pelvic girdle pain and in 91% of pain-free women (P=0.01). Compared to pain-free
      women, women with pelvic girdle pain also showed significantly later onset time
      in both the pelvic floor muscles (P=0.01) and the muscles of the lower lateral
      abdominal wall (P<0.01). INTERPRETATION: We suggest that disturbed motor
      activation patterns influence women's ability to stabilize the pelvis during leg
      lifts. This could be linked to provocation of pain during repeated movements.

PMID- 27128766
TI  - Proximal mechanics during stair ascent are more discriminate of females with
      patellofemoral pain than distal mechanics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathomechanisms
      underlying patellofemoral pain (PFP). Concurrent evaluation of lower limb
      mechanics in the same PFP population is needed to determine which may be more
      important to target during rehabilitation. This study aimed to investigate
      possible differences in rearfoot eversion, hip adduction, and knee flexion during
      stair ascent; the relationship between these variables; and the discriminatory
      capability of each in identifying females with PFP. METHOD: Thirty-six females
      with PFP and 31 asymptomatic controls underwent three-dimensional kinematic
      analyses during stair ascent. Between-group comparisons were made for peak
      rearfoot eversion, hip adduction, and knee flexion. Pearson's correlation
      coefficients were calculated to evaluate relationships among these parameters.
      Receiver operating characteristic curves were applied to identify the
      discriminatory capability of each. FINDINGS: Females with PFP ascended stairs
      with reduced peak knee flexion, greater peak hip adduction and peak rearfoot
      eversion. Peak hip adduction (>10.6 degrees ; sensitivity=67%, specificity=77%)
      discriminated females with PFP more effectively than rearfoot eversion (>5.0
      degrees ; sensitivity=58%, specificity=67%). Reduced peak hip adduction was found
      to be associated with reduced peak knee flexion (r=0.54, p=0.002) in females with
      PFP. INTERPRETATION: These findings indicate that proximal, local, and distal
      kinematics should be considered in PFP management, but proximally targeted
      interventions may be most important. The relationship of reduced knee flexion
      with reduced hip adduction also indicates a possible compensatory strategy to
      reduce patellofemoral joint stress, and this may need to be addressed during
      rehabilitation.

PMID- 27128767
TI  - The effects of fatigue and anticipation on the mechanics of the knee during
      cutting in female athletes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unanticipated cutting tasks which do not allow for pre-planning of a
      movement have been reported to promote knee mechanics which may increase the risk
      of anterior cruciate ligament injury. Fatigue has also been reported to have
      similar effects. Athletes must often perform unanticipated tasks when they are
      fatigued. Previous studies have reported that the effects of anticipation become
      more prominent as an athlete progresses through a fatigue protocol. However, the
      protocols previously utilized may not mimic the demands of sports participation.
      METHODS: Three-dimensional knee joint kinematics and kinetics were collected from
      13 female athletes while they performed a run-and-cut task, before and after
      completion of an intermittent shuttle run. Trials were further divided (pre
      planned, unanticipated) to assess the effects of anticipation. FINDINGS: There
      were no significant interactions between the effects of fatigue and anticipation
      for the peak knee angles or moments of the knee joint in any plane. Subjects did
      demonstrate a 68% increase in their peak knee abduction angles following
      completion of the intermittent shuttle run. Anticipation also had a significant
      effect on the mechanics of the knee in all planes. Most notably, there was a 23%
      increase in peak knee abduction angles and a 33% increase in the peak internal
      knee adduction moments. INTERPRETATION: Both fatigue and anticipation promoted
      knee mechanics which are associated with an increased risk of knee injury.
      However, it does not appear that their effects combine when athletes are at a
      level of fatigue which is thought to reflect sports participation.

PMID- 27128768
TI  - Transition of care for adolescents from paediatric services to adult health
      services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is evidence that the process of transition from paediatric
      (child) to adult health services is often associated with deterioration in the
      health of adolescents with chronic conditions.Transitional care is the term used
      to describe services that seek to bridge this care gap. It has been defined as
      'the purposeful, planned movement of adolescents and young adults with chronic
      physical and medical conditions from child-centred to adult-oriented health care
      systems'. In order to develop appropriate services for adolescents, evidence of
      what works and what factors act as barriers and facilitators of effective
      interventions is needed. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of
      interventions designed to improve the transition of care for adolescents from
      paediatric to adult health services. SEARCH METHODS: We searched The Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials 2015, Issue 1, (including the Cochrane
      Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group Specialised Register), MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Knowledge to 19 June 2015. We also searched
      reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews, and contacted experts
      and study authors for additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered
      randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled before- and after-studies (CBAs),
      and interrupted time-series studies (ITSs) that evaluated the effectiveness of
      any intervention (care model or clinical pathway), that aimed to improve the
      transition of care for adolescents from paediatric to adult health services. We
      considered adolescents with any chronic condition that required ongoing clinical
      care, who were leaving paediatric services and going on to receive services in
      adult healthcare units, and their families. Participating providers included all
      health professionals responsible for the care of young people. DATA COLLECTION
      AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted data from included
      papers, assessed the risk of bias of each study, and assessed the certainty of
      the evidence for the main comparisons using GRADE. Discrepancies were resolved by
      discussion. Authors were contacted for missing data. We reported the findings of
      the studies as pre- and post-intervention means and calculated the unadjusted
      absolute change from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI). MAIN RESULTS:
      We included four RCTs (N = 238 participants) that explored: a two-day workshop
      based transition preparation training for adolescents with spina bifida; a nurse
      led, one-on-one, teaching session with the additional support of a 'health
      passport' for adolescents with heart disease; a web- and SMS-based educational
      intervention for adolescents with a range of different conditions; and a
      structured comprehensive transition programme with a transition co-ordinator for
      adolescents with type 1 diabetes.One study evaluating a one-on-one nurse-led
      intervention, and one evaluating a technology-based intervention suggested that
      these interventions may lead to slight improvements in transitional readiness and
      chronic disease self-management measured at six- to eight-month follow-ups (low
      certainty evidence). Results with the TRAQ self-management tool were: MD 0.20;
      95% CI -0.16 to 0.56 and MD 0.43; 95% CI; -0.09 to 0.95; with the TRAQ self
      advocacy tool: MD 0.37; 95% CI -0.06 to 0.80; and with the PAM tool were: MD 10;
      95% CI 2.96 to 17.04. In contrast, transition-preparation training delivered via
      a two-day workshop for patients with spina bifida may lead to little or no
      difference in measures of self-care practice and general health behaviours when
      measured using the DSCPI-90(c).Two studies evaluated the use of health services.
      One study evaluated a technology-based intervention and another a comprehensive
      transition programme; these interventions may lead to slightly more young people
      taking positive steps to initiate contact with health professionals themselves
      (Relative risk (RR): 4.87; 95% CI 0.24 to 98.12 and RR 1.50; 95% CI 0.32 to 6.94,
      respectively; low certainty evidence.Young people's knowledge of their disease
      may slightly improve with a nurse-led, one-on-one intervention to prepare young
      people for transition to an adult congenital heart programme (MD 14; 95% CI 2.67
      to 25.33; one study; low certainty evidence).Disease-specific outcome measures
      were reported in two studies, both of which led to little or no difference in
      outcomes (low certainty evidence). One study found little or no difference
      between intervention and control groups. A second study found that follow-up
      HbA1c in young people with type 1 diabetes mellitus increased by 1.2% for each
      percentage increase in baseline HbA1c, independent of treatment group (1.2%; 95%
      CI 0.4 to 1.9; P = 0.01).Transition interventions may lead to little or no
      difference in well-being or quality of life as measured with the PARS III or
      PedsQ (two studies; low certainty evidence). Both the technology-based
      intervention and the two-day workshop for young people with spina bifida found
      little or no difference between intervention and control groups (MD 1.29; 95% CI 
      4.49 to 7.07). One study did not report the data.Four telephone support calls
      from a transition co-ordinator may lead to little or no difference in rates of
      transfer from paediatric to adult diabetes services (one study; low certainty
      evidence). At 12-month follow-up, there was little or no difference between
      groups of young people receiving usual care or a telephone support (RR 0.80; 95%
      CI 0.59 to 1.08)). They may slightly reduce the risk of disease-related hospital
      admissions at 12-month follow-up (RR 0.29; 95% CI 0.03 to 2.40). AUTHORS'
      CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence (four small studies; N = 238), covers a
      limited range of interventions developed to facilitate transition in a limited
      number of clinical conditions, with only four to 12 months follow-up. These
      follow-up periods may not be long enough for any changes to become apparent as
      transition is a lengthy process. There was evidence of improvement in patients'
      knowledge of their condition in one study, and improvements in self-efficacy and
      confidence in another, but since few studies were eligible for this review, and
      the overall certainty of the body of this evidence is low, no firm conclusions
      can be drawn about the effectiveness of the evaluated interventions. Further
      research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the
      intervention effect and likely could change our conclusions. There is
      considerable scope for the rigorous evaluation of other models of transitional
      care, reporting on clinical outcomes with longer term follow-up.

PMID- 27128769
TI  - Unraveling the Complexity in the Aging of Nanoenhanced Textiles: A Comprehensive
      Sequential Study on the Effects of Sunlight and Washing on Silver Nanoparticles.
AB  - The scientific understanding of nanoparticle (NP) release and transformations
      they undergo during the product life cycle is hampered by the narrow scope of
      many research endeavors in terms of both breadth of variables and completeness of
      analytical characterization. We conducted a comprehensive suite of studies to
      reveal overarching mechanisms and parameters for nanosilver transformations
      either still adhered to the fabric or when released after washing. Laboratory
      prepared nanoenhanced fabrics were investigated: three Ag variants and one Au
      used as an unreactive reference to separate mechanical from chemical releases.
      Sequential combinations of sunlight irradiation and/or washing in seven different
      detergent formulations was followed by NP characterization divided into two
      groups: (1) dissolved and particulate matter in the wash solutions and (2) the
      fraction that remained on the fabric. Analytical techniques included spICP-MS,
      XANES, TEM, SEM, and total metals analysis of fabric digests and wash water
      filtrates. Sunlight irradiation stabilizes metallic Ag upon washing. Detergents
      containing oxidizing agents assisted with Ag particle release but not Au NPs,
      inferring additional chemical mechanisms. While particle size played some role,
      the NP capping agent/fabric binder combination was a key factor in release. When
      particles were released, little alteration in size was observed. The use of well
      controlled fabrics, unreactive reference materials, and a life-cycle based
      experimental regime are paramount to understanding changes in Ag speciation and
      release upon use of nanoenhanced textiles.

PMID- 27128771
TI  - Strain Stiffening of Fibrillar Collagen during Individual and Collective Cell
      Migration Identified by AFM Nanoindentation.
AB  - The multistep process of cell migration requires cells to dynamically couple to
      extracellular interfaces and generate traction force or friction for displacement
      of the cell body. When deformed, biopolymer networks, including fibrillar
      collagen and fibrin, undergo a nonlinear elasticity change that is termed strain
      stiffening and is commonly measured by bulk rheology. It remains poorly
      characterized, however, whether forces generated by moving cells suffice to
      induce strain stiffening. To detect strain stiffening at the leading edge of
      normal and tumor cells moving across fibrillar type I collagen, we combined AFM
      nanoindentation and differential field probing with confocal reflection
      microscopy. In different cell models, gradient-like fiber realignment,
      densification, and elevation of Young's modulus ahead of the leading edge were
      observed, with peak increases of up to 1.15 kPa near the leading edge. Moving
      fibroblasts generated a larger anterograde strain field with a higher amplitude
      and up to 6-fold increased cumulative strain stiffening (52 kPa) compared with
      mesenchymal HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells (8.8 kPa) and epithelial SCC38 cancer cells
      (9.8 kPa). Collectively moving SCC38 cells produced 4-fold increased cumulative
      strain stiffening (38 kPa) compared with individually moving SCC38 cells in a
      beta1 integrin- and actomyosin-dependent manner. This indicates that the extent
      of strain stiffening by the leading edge of moving cells scales with cell type,
      multicellular cooperativity, integrin availability, and contractility. By
      straining, migrating cells realign and densify fibrillar extracellular matrix and
      thus adopt an autonomous strategy to move on a "traveling wave" of stiffened
      substrate, which reaches levels sufficient for mechanosensory activation and self
      steering of migration. 

PMID- 27128772
TI  - Collaborating Across Borders in Global Health: Reflections and Lessons Learned.

PMID- 27128773
TI  - From Safe to Brave Spaces: A Component of Social Justice Curriculum in Physician
      Assistant Education.

PMID- 27128774
TI  - When Ethics Classroom Teaching Is Not Enough.

PMID- 27128775
TI  - How peroxisomes partition between cells. A story of yeast, mammals and
      filamentous fungi.
AB  - Eukaryotic cells are subcompartmentalized into discrete, membrane-enclosed
      organelles. These organelles must be preserved in cells over many generations to
      maintain the selective advantages afforded by compartmentalization. Cells use
      complex molecular mechanisms of organelle inheritance to achieve high accuracy in
      the sharing of organelles between daughter cells. Here we focus on how a multi
      copy organelle, the peroxisome, is partitioned in yeast, mammalian cells, and
      filamentous fungi, which differ in their mode of cell division. Cells achieve
      equidistribution of their peroxisomes through organelle transport and retention
      processes that act coordinately, although the strategies employed vary
      considerably by organism. Nevertheless, we propose that mechanisms common across
      species apply to the partitioning of all membrane-enclosed organelles.

PMID- 27128776
TI  - A new approach to supracervical hysterectomy during laparoscopic sacral colpopexy
      for pelvic organ prolapse: A randomized clinical trial.
AB  - AIMS: Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) for pelvic prolapse is a complex
      procedure, characterized by long operative times and, when combined with
      supracervical hysterectomy, by a high risk of spreading of unsuspected cancerous
      tissue. The aim of the present study was to compare, in patients who underwent
      hysterectomy plus LSC for severe POP, different methods for cervical incision and
      uterine morcellation. METHODS: This is a prospective single Institution
      randomized double-blinded clinical trial enrolling 124 patients with severe POP
      from June 2014 to May 2015. Patients underwent laparoscopic supracervical
      hysterectomy (LSH) plus LSC for pelvic organ prolapse and were randomized in
      Group 1 (monopolar hook and conventional mechanical morcellator) and Group 2
      (bipolar laparoscopic loop and bipolar morcellator), for supracervical incision
      and uterine morcellation, respectively. Our primary endpoints were the operative
      times and the secondary endpoints the incidence of intra- or post-operative
      complications. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients for group completed the study.
      Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Cervical cutting time
      (32 vs. 3.10 sec; P <0.01), morcellation (4.10 vs. 2.13 min; P <0.01) and
      operative time (131 vs. 118 min; P <0.05) resulted significantly lower in Group
      2. No differences were found in terms of intra- or post-operative complications.
      CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic bipolar loop and morcellator guaranteed a faster and
      hemostatic tool during supracervical incision and a controlled and rotation-free
      uterine extraction. The significant surgical time reduction linked to these
      devices should be considered even more helpful and effective to perform a complex
      procedure represented by LSH plus LSC. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:798-802, 2017. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27128777
TI  - Moving Forward-Past the White Picket Fence.

PMID- 27128778
TI  - Healthcare Transformation: The Future of Telemedicine.

PMID- 27128780
TI  - Abstracts from The American Telemedicine Association 2016 Annual Meeting and
      Trade Show.

PMID- 27128783
TI  - Hantzsch Ester as a Photosensitizer for the Visible-Light-Induced Debromination
      of Vicinal Dibromo Compounds.
AB  - The debromination of vicinal dibromo compounds to generate alkenes usually
      requires harsh reaction conditions and the addition of catalysts. Just recently
      the visible-light-induced debromination of vicinal dibromo compounds emerged as a
      possible alternative to commonly used methods, but the substrate scope of this
      reaction is limited and a photocatalyst is necessary for the successful
      conversion of the starting compounds. A catalyst-free visible-light-induced
      debromination of vicinal dibromo compounds with a base-activated Hantzsch ester
      as photosensitizer is reported. The method has a wide substrate scope and a broad
      functional-group compatibility. 

PMID- 27128782
TI  - Intensity of adjuvant chemotherapy regimens and grade III-V toxicities among
      elderly stage III colon cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to provide insight in the use, intensity and
      toxicity of therapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) and capecitabine
      monotherapy (CapMono) among elderly stage III colon cancer patients treated in
      everyday clinical practice. METHODS: Data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry
      were used. All stage III colon cancer patients aged >=70 years diagnosed in the
      southeastern part between 2005 and 2012 and treated with CAPOX or CapMono were
      included. Differences in completion of all planned cycles, cumulative dosages and
      toxicity between both regimens were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-three
      patients received CAPOX and 164 patients received CapMono; 33% (n = 63) of the
      patients receiving CAPOX completed all planned cycles of both agents, whereas 55%
      (n = 90) of the patients receiving CapMono completed all planned cycles (P <
      0.0001). The median cumulative dosage capecitabine was lower for patients treated
      with CAPOX (163,744 mg/m(2), interquartile range [IQR] 83,397-202,858 mg/m(2))
      than for patients treated with CapMono (189,195 mg/m(2), IQR 111,667-228,125
      mg/m(2), P = 0.0003); 54% (n = 105) of the patients treated with CAPOX developed
      grade III-V toxicity, whereas 38% (n = 63) of the patients treated with CapMono
      developed grade III-V toxicity (P = 0.0026). After adjustment for patient and
      tumour characteristics, CapMono was associated with a lower odds of developing
      grade III-V toxicity than CAPOX (odds ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.33
      0.89). For patients treated with CAPOX, the most common toxicities were
      gastrointestinal (29%), haematological (14%), neurological (11%) and other
      toxicity (13%). For patients treated with CapMono, dermatological (17%),
      gastrointestinal (13%) and other toxicity (11%) were the most common. CONCLUSION:
      CAPOX is associated with significantly more grade III-V toxicities than CapMono,
      which had a pronounced impact on the cumulative dosage received and completion of
      all planned cycles. In this light, CapMono seems preferable over CAPOX.

PMID- 27128784
TI  - 1,5-Benzodiazepin-2-ones: Investigation of a Family of Photoluminescent
      Materials.
AB  - Photoluminescent materials, that are now ubiquitous in our everyday life, have
      particularly attracted the attention of the scientific community these past few
      years due to potential important applications such as in bioimaging, sensing, or
      optoelectronics. In this context, relatively few different families of molecules
      have been reported to exhibit fluorescence in the aggregated or solid-state
      through the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) photochemical
      process. The preparation and subsequent determination of photochemical properties
      of an underexplored family of 1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one derivatives are reported.
      From these data and X-ray diffraction analysis study, it emerged that
      photoluminescence (in the range 520-655 nm) was mostly attributed to ESIPT. The
      photoluminescent potential of 1,5-benzodiazepin-2-ones, their facile access, and
      functionalization were demonstrated through the preparation of two fluorogenic
      probes for the selective detection of biothiols.

PMID- 27128779
TI  - The Empirical Foundations of Telemedicine Interventions in Primary Care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This article presents the scientific evidence for the merits of
      telemedicine interventions in primary care. Although there is no uniform and
      consistent definition of primary care, most agree that it occupies a central role
      in the healthcare system as first contact for patients seeking care, as well as
      gatekeeper and coordinator of care. It enables and supports patient-centered
      care, the medical home, managed care, accountable care, and population health.
      Increasing concerns about sustainability and the anticipated shortages of primary
      care physicians have sparked interest in exploring the potential of telemedicine
      in addressing many of the challenges facing primary care in the United States and
      the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The findings are based on a systematic review
      of scientific studies published from 2005 through 2015. The initial search
      yielded 2,308 articles, with 86 meeting the inclusion criteria. Evidence is
      organized and evaluated according to feasibility/acceptance, intermediate
      outcomes, health outcomes, and cost. RESULTS: The majority of studies support the
      feasibility/acceptance of telemedicine for use in primary care, although it
      varies significantly by demographic variables, such as gender, age, and
      socioeconomic status, and telemedicine has often been found more acceptable by
      patients than healthcare providers. Outcomes data are limited but overall suggest
      that telemedicine interventions are generally at least as effective as
      traditional care. Cost analyses vary, but telemedicine in primary care is
      increasingly demonstrated to be cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine has
      significant potential to address many of the challenges facing primary care in
      today's healthcare environment. Challenges still remain in validating its impact
      on clinical outcomes with scientific rigor, as well as in standardizing methods
      to assess cost, but patient and provider acceptance is increasingly making
      telemedicine a viable and integral component of primary care around the world.

PMID- 27128786
TI  - What an Intron May Tell: Several Sexual Biospecies Coexist in Meriderma spp.
      (Myxomycetes).
AB  - Specimens of the snowbank myxomycete Meriderma atrosporum agg. from five European
      mountain ranges were sequenced for parts of the nuclear small subunit ribosomal
      RNA gene (SSU) and the protein elongation factor 1 alpha gene (EF1A). A phylogeny
      of the EF1A gene, including a very variable spliceosomal intron, resulted in
      seven phylogroups, and this topology was confirmed by SSU sequences. Two thirds
      of all specimens were heterozygous for the EF1A gene, and the two haplotypes of
      these specimens occurred always in the same phylogroup. Except for two cases in
      closely related phylogroups all ribotypes were as well limited to one phylogroup.
      This pattern is consistent with the assumption of reproductively isolated sexual
      biospecies. Numbers of EF1A-haplotypes shared between mountain ranges correlate
      with geographical distance, suggesting relative isolation but occasional long
      distance dispersal by spores. Most subpopulations (divided by putative biospecies
      and mountain ranges) were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. A simulation assuming
      panmixis within but not in between subpopulations suggested that similar numbers
      of shared genotypes can be created by chance through sexual reproduction alone.
      Our results support the biospecies concept, derived from experiments with
      cultivable members of the Physarales. We discuss the results on the background of
      possible reproductive options in myxomycetes.

PMID- 27128787
TI  - Pediatric epilepsy surgery: could age be a predictor of outcomes?
AB  - OBJECTIVE Like adults, many children suffering from intractable seizures benefit
      from surgical therapy. Although various reports indicate that early intervention
      may avoid severe developmental consequences often associated with intractable
      epilepsy, surgery is still considered a last option for many children. In this
      retrospective study, the authors aimed to determine whether pediatric epilepsy
      surgery, in particular during the first years of life, relates to measurable
      benefits. METHODS Data from 78 patients (age range 5 months to 17 years) who
      underwent epilepsy surgery at the Geneva and Lausanne University Hospitals
      between 1997 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were dichotomized
      into 2 groups: infants (<= 3 years of age, n = 19), and children/adolescents (4
      17 years of age, n = 59). Compared with children/adolescents, infants more often
      had a diagnosis of dysplasia (37% vs 10%, respectively; p < 0.05, chi-square
      test). RESULTS The overall seizure-free rate was 76.9%, with 89.5% in infants and
      72.9% in the children/adolescents group. Infants were 2.76 times as likely to
      achieve seizure-free status as children/adolescents. Postoperative antiepileptic
      medication was reduced in 67.9% of patients. Only 11.4% of the patients were
      taking more than 2 antiepileptic drugs after surgery, compared with 43% before
      surgery (p < 0.0001). The overall complication rate was 15.1% (6.4% transient
      hemiparesis), and no major complications or deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS The data
      show a high seizure-free rate in children <= 3 years of age, despite a higher
      occurrence of dysplastic, potentially ill-defined lesions. Pediatric patients
      undergoing epilepsy surgery can expect a significant reduction in their need for
      medication. Given the excellent results in the infant group, prospective studies
      are warranted to determine whether age <= 3 years is a predictor for excellent
      surgical outcome. 

PMID- 27128788
TI  - Oedipus and the Oedipus complex: A revision.
AB  - The authors consider whether those aspects of the Oedipus myths that have been
      ignored by Freud could improve our knowledge of how the Oedipus complex develops.
      They conclude that the myths can provide an answer to Freud's question posed on
      the 25 February 1914 (Nunberg and Federn, 1975, p. 234) concerning "the extent to
      which the Oedipus complex is a reflection of the sexual behavior of the parents"
      with Fenichel's (1931, p. 421) view that the "child's Oedipus complex reflects
      that of his parents". 

PMID- 27128785
TI  - Common Factors in Pediatric Psychiatry: A Review of Essential and Adjunctive
      Mechanisms of Treatment Outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the literature on
      hypothesized behavioral correlates of pharmacotherapy treatment response. A
      particular focus is placed on what have been referred to as "common factors"
      across mental health treatments, including medication adherence, therapeutic
      alliance, motivation for behavior change, and expectancies for positive treatment
      outcomes. These understudied factors may provide unique explanations for
      mechanisms of symptom change, patient risk as a result of protocol deviation, and
      attenuated treatment outcomes. METHOD: A literature search was conducted to
      evaluate the relationship between treatment processes in pediatric psychiatry and
      medication adherence, therapeutic alliance, motivation for behavior change, and
      expectancies for positive treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Substantial variability
      and room for improvement was identified for each common factor. Behavioral
      protocols have already been developed to address many aspects of common factors
      in pediatric psychiatric treatment, but are not yet a part of many practice
      parameters. CONCLUSION: Interventions to improve common factors can be used
      immediately in tandem with psychopharmacological interventions to provide
      increased symptom relief and reduce patient risk. Furthermore, incorporating
      instruction in common factors interventions can positively affect training of
      future providers and enhance understanding of the mechanisms of effect of
      medications. An increased focus on common factors, with a particular emphasis on
      quantifying the magnitude and mechanisms of their effects on
      psychopharmacological interventions stand to benefit child patients, their
      families, treatment providers, training facilities, and pharmaceutical
      manufacturers.

PMID- 27128789
TI  - Association between Previous Cataract Surgery and Age-Related Macular
      Degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
      and previous cataract surgery. METHODS: We studied 17,987 randomly selected
      participants from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who
      were aged >=40 years and underwent additional ophthalmologic examinations in 2008
      12. The associations between previous cataract surgery and early/late AMD were
      identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis of data from right or
      left eyes. Clustered multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed
      using both eyes to assess inter-eye correlation in same subject. Previous
      cataract surgery and cataract subtypes were based on slit-lamp examination
      without pupil dilation. Early and late AMD diagnoses were based on non-mydriatic
      digital retinal image. RESULTS: By univariate logistic regression, both early and
      late AMD prevalence were higher in subjects with pseudophakia/aphakia compared to
      subjects with cataract as a reference group, or subjects with phakic eye
      (including clear lens) as a reference group. In univariate logistic regression,
      both early and late AMD prevalence were higher in eyes with cataract or
      pseudo/aphakia compared to eyes with clear lens. However, after adjusting for age
      with multivariate logistic regression, all statistically significant differences
      in AMD prevalence among subgroups disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: We found no
      association between the previous cataract surgery and increased early/late AMD
      risk in our representative, large, national patient database. This suggests that
      increasing age, and not cataract surgery history, is predictive of AMD risk.
      These findings are limited by cross-sectional study and need to be replicated by
      other longitudinal observational studies.

PMID- 27128790
TI  - Transition-Metal Controlled Diastereodivergent Radical Cyclization/Azidation
      Cascade of 1,7-Enynes.
AB  - A strategy for achieving diastereodivergent azidations of enynes has been
      developed, employing azide transfer from the M-N3 complex to alkyl radicals.
      Following this concept, the diastereoselectivity has been switched by modulating
      the transition metals and the ligands. The Mn(III)-mediated radical
      cyclization/azidation cascade of 1,7-enynes afforded trans-fused pyrrolo[3,4
      c]quinolinones, whereas the Cu(II)/bipyridine system gave cis-products.

PMID- 27128792
TI  - Trans-nasal zolmitriptan novasomes: in-vitro preparation, optimization and in
      vivo evaluation of brain targeting efficiency.
AB  - Migraine attack is a troublesome physiological condition associated with
      throbbing, intense headache, in one half of the head. Zolmitriptan is a potent
      second-generation triptan, prescribed for patients with migraine attacks, with or
      without an aura, and cluster headaches. The absolute bioavailability of
      zolmitriptan is about 40% for oral administration; due to hepatic first
      metabolism. Nasal administration would circumvent the pre-systemic metabolism
      thus increasing the bioavailability of zolmitriptan. In addition, due to the
      presence of microvilli and high vasculature, the absorption is expected to be
      faster compared to oral route. However, the bioavailability of nasal administered
      drugs is particularly restricted by poor membrane penetration. Thus, the aim of
      this work is to explore the potential of novel nanovesicular fatty acid enriched
      structures (novasomes) for effective and enhanced nasal delivery of zolmitriptan
      and investigate their nose to brain targeting potential. Novasomes were prepared
      using nonionic surfactant, cholesterol in addition to a free fatty acid. A 23
      full factorial design was adopted to study the influence of the type of
      surfactant, type of free fatty acid and ratio between the free fatty acid and the
      surfactant on novasomes properties. The particle size, entrapment efficiency,
      polydispersity index, zeta potential and % zolmitriptan released after 2 h were
      selected as dependent variables. Novasomes were further optimized using Design
      Expert(r) software (version 7; Stat-Ease Inc., Minneapolis, MN), and an optimized
      formulation composed of Span(r) 80:Cholesterol:stearic acid (in the ratio 1:1:1)
      was selected. This formulation showed zolmitriptan entrapment of 92.94%, particle
      size of 149.9 nm, zeta potential of -55.57 mV, and released 48.43% zolmitriptan
      after 2 h. The optimized formulation was further examined using transmission
      electron microscope, which revealed non-aggregating multi-lamellar nanovesicles
      with narrow size distribution. DSC, XRD examination of the optimized formulation
      confirmed that the drug have been homogeneously dispersed throughout the
      novasomes in an amorphous state. In-vivo bio-distribution studies of 99mTc radio
      labeled intranasal zolmitriptan loaded novasomes were done on mice, the
      pharmacokinetic parameters were compared with those following administration of
      intravenous 99mTc-zolmitriptan solution. Results revealed the great enhancement
      in zolmitriptan targeting to the brain, with drug targeting potential of about
      99% following intranasal administration of novasomes compared with the
      intravenous drug solution. Zolmitriptan loaded novasomes administered via the
      nasal route may therefore constitute an advance in the management of acute
      migraine attacks.

PMID- 27128791
TI  - Implantable tissue isolation chambers for analyzing tumor dynamics in vivo.
AB  - Recruitment of new blood vessels from the surrounding tissue is central to tumor
      progression and involves a fundamental transition of the normal, organized
      vasculature into a dense disarray of vessels that infiltrates the tumor. At
      present, studying the co-development of the tumor and recruited normal tissue is
      experimentally challenging because many of the important events occur rapidly and
      over short length scales in a dense three-dimensional space. To overcome these
      experimental limitations, we partially confined tumors within biocompatible and
      optically clear tissue isolation chambers (TICs) and implanted them in mice to
      create a system that is more amenable to microscopic analysis. Our goal was to
      integrate the tumor into a recruited host tissue - complete with vasculature -
      and demonstrate that the system recapitulates relevant features of the tumor
      microenvironment. We show that the TICs allow clear visualization of the cellular
      events associated with tumor growth and progression at the host-tumor interface
      including cell infiltration, matrix remodeling and angiogenesis. The tissue
      within the chamber is viable for more than a month, and the process is robust in
      both the skin and brain. Treatment with losartan, an angiotensin II receptor
      antagonist, decreased the collagen density and fiber length in the TIC,
      consistent with the known activity of this drug. We further show that collagen
      fibers display characteristic tumor signatures and play a central role in
      angiogenesis, guiding the migration of tethered endothelial sprouts. The
      methodology combines accessible methods of microfabrication with animal models
      and will enable more informative studies of the cellular mechanisms of tumor
      progression.

PMID- 27128793
TI  - Effect of Dietary Starch Source and Concentration on Equine Fecal Microbiota.
AB  - Starch from corn is less susceptible to equine small intestinal digestion than
      starch from oats, and starch that reaches the hindgut can be utilized by the
      microbiota. The objective of the current study was to examine the effects of
      starch source on equine fecal microbiota. Thirty horses were assigned to
      treatments: control (hay only), HC (high corn), HO (high oats), LC (low corn), LO
      (low oats), and LW (low pelleted wheat middlings). Horses received an all-forage
      diet (2 wk; d -14 to d -1) before the treatment diets (2 wk; d 1 to 14). Starch
      was introduced gradually so that horses received 50% of the assigned starch
      amount (high = 2 g starch/kg BW; low = 1 g starch/kg BW) by d 4 and 100% by d 11.
      Fecal samples were obtained at the end of the forage-only period (S0; d -2), and
      on d 6 (S1) and d 13 (S2) of the treatment period. Cellulolytics, lactobacilli,
      Group D Gram-positive cocci (GPC), lactate-utilizers and amylolytics were
      enumerated. Enumeration data were log transformed and analyzed by repeated
      measures ANOVA. There were sample day * treatment interactions (P < 0.0001) for
      all bacteria enumerated. Enumerations from control horses did not change during
      the sampling period (P > 0.05). All treatments except LO resulted in increased
      amylolytics and decreased cellulolytics, but the changes were larger in horses
      fed corn and wheat middlings (P < 0.05). Feeding oats resulted in increased
      lactobacilli and decreased GPC (P < 0.05), while corn had the opposite effects.
      LW had increased lactobacilli and GPC (P < 0.05). The predominant amylolytic
      isolates from HC, LC and LW on S2 were identified by 16S RNA gene sequencing as
      Enterococcus faecalis, but other species were found in oat fed horses. These
      results demonstrate that starch source can have a differential effect on the
      equine fecal microbiota.

PMID- 27128794
TI  - Allelic expression imbalance polymorphisms in susceptibility chromosome regions
      and the risk and survival of breast cancer.
AB  - Allelic expression imbalance (AEI) has been applied to indicate potential
      function of genetic variants. Combining earlier results from global differential
      allele-specific expression analysis and genome wide association studies (GWASs),
      we select the single nuclear polymorphisms (SNPs) exhibiting AEI phenomenon
      located in breast cancer susceptibility chromosome regions, and evaluate their
      associations with breast cancer risk and survival. We examined the genotypes of
      10 AEI SNPs in 1551 incident breast cancer cases and 1605 age-frequency matched
      controls from Guangzhou, China. In total, 1168 cases were followed up. MUC16
      rs2591592 (AT/AA vs. TT) was associated with an increased risk of premenopausal
      breast cancer (OR [95%CI]: 1.30 [1.07, 1.57]); SLAMF1 rs1061217 (CT/TT vs. CC)
      decreased the risk of breast cancer among overweight women (OR [95%CI]: 0.74
      [0.57, 0.96]) but increased the risk among normal-weight women (OR [95%CI]: 1.15
      [1.01, 1.39]); ZNF331 rs8109631 (AG/AA vs. GG) and CHRAC1 rs10216653 (GC/GG vs.
      CC) were associated with progression free survival among breast cancer patients
      with negative ER/PR status and higher clinical stage (HRs [95%CIs]: 2.39 [1.14,
      5.00], 1.85 [1.03, 3.32], and 0.49 [0.30, 0.80], respectively). ZNF331 rs8109631
      and CHRAC1 rs10216653 were further found to represent several functional SNPs
      through bioinformatic analysis. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated
      suggestive associations of AEI polymorphisms with breast cancer risk (MUC16
      rs2591592 and SLAMF1 rs1061217) and prognosis (ZNF331 rs8109631 and CHRAC1
      rs10216653). (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27128795
TI  - Tsetse Control and the Elimination of Gambian Sleeping Sickness.

PMID- 27128796
TI  - Gossypol inhibits LH-induced steroidogenesis in bovine theca cells.
AB  - Gossypol, a polyphenolic aldehyde found in cottonseed, has been shown to perturb
      steroidogenesis in granulosa and luteal cells of rats, pigs and cattle. However,
      little is known about the direct effect of gossypol on theca cell functions in
      any species. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of
      gossypol on the steroidogenesis and the expression of genes involved in it in
      cultured bovine theca cells. Theca cells were isolated from healthy preovulatory
      follicles and were cultured in the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH) for up to
      7 days. During the culture period, main steroid products of the theca cells
      shifted from androstenedione (A4) at day 1 to progesterone (P4) from day 2
      onward. At days 1 and 7, theca cells were treated with gossypol (0-25 MUg/mL) for
      24 h. Gossypol inhibited LH-stimulated theca cell A4 and P4 production in a dose
      dependent manner at both occasions. The viability of theca cells was not affected
      by gossypol at any doses used. Gossypol down-regulated expressions of
      steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1, HSD3B1 and CYP17A1, but not that of LHR. These
      results indicate that gossypol inhibits thecal steroidogenesis through down
      regulating gene expressions of steroidogenic enzymes but without affecting cell
      viability in cattle.

PMID- 27128798
TI  - Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulation of Prosthetic Aortic Valves: Comparison
      between Immersed Boundary and Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian Techniques for the
      Mesh Representation.
AB  - In recent years the role of FSI (fluid-structure interaction) simulations in the
      analysis of the fluid-mechanics of heart valves is becoming more and more
      important, being able to capture the interaction between the blood and both the
      surrounding biological tissues and the valve itself. When setting up an FSI
      simulation, several choices have to be made to select the most suitable approach
      for the case of interest: in particular, to simulate flexible leaflet cardiac
      valves, the type of discretization of the fluid domain is crucial, which can be
      described with an ALE (Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian) or an Eulerian formulation.
      The majority of the reported 3D heart valve FSI simulations are performed with
      the Eulerian formulation, allowing for large deformations of the domains without
      compromising the quality of the fluid grid. Nevertheless, it is known that the
      ALE-FSI approach guarantees more accurate results at the interface between the
      solid and the fluid. The goal of this paper is to describe the same aortic valve
      model in the two cases, comparing the performances of an ALE-based FSI solution
      and an Eulerian-based FSI approach. After a first simplified 2D case, the aortic
      geometry was considered in a full 3D set-up. The model was kept as similar as
      possible in the two settings, to better compare the simulations' outcomes.
      Although for the 2D case the differences were unsubstantial, in our experience
      the performance of a full 3D ALE-FSI simulation was significantly limited by the
      technical problems and requirements inherent to the ALE formulation, mainly
      related to the mesh motion and deformation of the fluid domain. As a secondary
      outcome of this work, it is important to point out that the choice of the solver
      also influenced the reliability of the final results.

PMID- 27128797
TI  - Distinct Roles of Type I and Type III Interferons in Intestinal Immunity to
      Homologous and Heterologous Rotavirus Infections.
AB  - Type I (IFN-alpha/beta) and type III (IFN-lambda) interferons (IFNs) exert shared
      antiviral activities through distinct receptors. However, their relative
      importance for antiviral protection of different organ systems against specific
      viruses remains to be fully explored. We used mouse strains deficient in type
      specific IFN signaling, STAT1 and Rag2 to dissect distinct and overlapping
      contributions of type I and type III IFNs to protection against homologous murine
      (EW-RV strain) and heterologous (non-murine) simian (RRV strain) rotavirus
      infections in suckling mice. Experiments demonstrated that murine EW-RV is
      insensitive to the action of both types of IFNs, and that timely viral clearance
      depends upon adaptive immune responses. In contrast, both type I and type III
      IFNs can control replication of the heterologous simian RRV in the
      gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and they cooperate to limit extra-intestinal simian
      RRV replication. Surprisingly, intestinal epithelial cells were sensitive to both
      IFN types in neonatal mice, although their responsiveness to type I, but not type
      III IFNs, diminished in adult mice, revealing an unexpected age-dependent change
      in specific contribution of type I versus type III IFNs to antiviral defenses in
      the GI tract. Transcriptional analysis revealed that intestinal antiviral
      responses to RV are triggered through either type of IFN receptor, and are
      greatly diminished when receptors for both IFN types are lacking. These results
      also demonstrate a murine host-specific resistance to IFN-mediated antiviral
      effects by murine EW-RV, but the retention of host efficacy through the
      cooperative action by type I and type III IFNs in restricting heterologous simian
      RRV growth and systemic replication in suckling mice. Collectively, our findings
      revealed a well-orchestrated spatial and temporal tuning of innate antiviral
      responses in the intestinal tract where two types of IFNs through distinct
      patterns of their expression and distinct but overlapping sets of target cells
      coordinately regulate antiviral defenses against heterologous or homologous
      rotaviruses with substantially different effectiveness.

PMID- 27128799
TI  - Therapeutic Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem(r)) in Treating
      Uncomplicated P. falciparum Malaria in Metehara, Eastern Ethiopia: Regulatory
      Clinical Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As per the WHO recommendation, the development of resistance by P.
      falciparum to most artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs) triggered the need
      for routine monitoring of the efficacy of the drugs every two years in all
      malaria endemic countries. Hence, this study was carried out to assess the
      therapeutic efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem(r)) in treating the
      uncomplicated falciparum malaria, after 9 years of its introduction in the
      Metehara, Eastern Ethiopia. METHOD: This is part of the therapeutic efficacy
      studies by the Federal Ministry of Health Ethiopia, which were conducted in
      regionally representative sentinel sites in the country from October 2014 to
      January 2015. Based on the study criteria set by WHO, febrile and malaria
      suspected outpatients in the health center were consecutively recruited to study.
      A standard six-dose regimen of AL was administered over three days and followed
      up for measuring therapeutic responses over 28 days. Data entry and analysis was
      done by using the WHO designed Excel spreadsheet and SPSS version 20 for Windows.
      Statistical significant was considered for P-value less than 0.05. RESULT: Of the
      91 patients enrolled, the day-28 analysis showed 83 adequate clinical and
      parasitological responses (ACPRs). Per protocol analysis, PCR-uncorrected &
      corrected cure rates of Coartem(r) among the study participants were 97.6%
      (95%CI: 93.6-99.5) and 98.8% (CI: 93.5-100%), respectively. No parasite detected
      on day 3 and onwards. Fever clearance was above 91% on day-3. Mean hemoglobin was
      significantly increased (P<0.000) from 12.39 g/dl at day 0 to 13.45 g/dl on day
      28. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed among the study participants.
      CONCLUSION: This study showed high efficacy of AL in the study area, which
      suggests the continuation of AL as first line drug for the treatment of
      uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in the study area. This study recommends
      further studies on drug toxicity, particularly on repeated cough and oral
      ulceration.

PMID- 27128800
TI  - Hormones and sex differences: changes in cardiac electrophysiology with
      pregnancy.
AB  - Disruption of cardiac electrical activity resulting in palpitations and syncope
      is often an early symptom of pregnancy. Pregnancy is a time of dramatic and
      dynamic physiological and hormonal changes during which numerous demands are
      placed on the heart. These changes result in electrical remodelling which can be
      detected as changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). This gestational remodelling
      is a very under-researched area. There are no systematic large studies powered to
      determine changes in the ECG from pre-pregnancy, through gestation, and into the
      postpartum period. The large variability between patients and the dynamic nature
      of pregnancy hampers interpretation of smaller studies, but some facts are
      consistent. Gestational cardiac hypertrophy and a physical shift of the heart
      contribute to changes in the ECG. There are also electrical changes such as an
      increased heart rate and lengthening of the QT interval. There is an increased
      susceptibility to arrhythmias during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Some
      changes in the ECG are clearly the result of changes in ion channel expression
      and behaviour, but little is known about the ionic basis for this electrical
      remodelling. Most information comes from animal models, and implicates changes in
      the delayed-rectifier channels. However, it is likely that there are additional
      roles for sodium channels as well as changes in calcium homoeostasis. The changes
      in the electrical profile of the heart during pregnancy and the postpartum period
      have clear implications for the safety of pregnant women, but the field remains
      relatively undeveloped.

PMID- 27128801
TI  - Epochs in the depressor/pressor balance of the renin-angiotensin system.
AB  - The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a commanding role in the regulation of
      extracellular fluid homoeostasis. Tigerstadt and Bergman first identified the RAS
      more than two centuries ago. By the 1980s a voyage of research and discovery into
      the mechanisms and actions of this system led to the development of drugs that
      block the RAS, which have become the mainstay for the treatment of cardiovascular
      and renal disease. In the last 25 years new components of the RAS have come to
      light, including the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) and the angiotensin
      converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang(1-7)]/Mas receptor (MasR) axis.
      These have been shown to counter the classical actions of angiotensin II (AngII)
      at the predominant angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R). Our studies, and those of
      others, have demonstrated that targeting these depressor RAS pathways may be
      therapeutically beneficial. It is apparent that the evolution of both the pressor
      and depressor RAS pathways is distinct throughout life and that the
      depressor/pressor balance of the RAS vary between the sexes. These temporal
      patterns of expression suggest that therapies targeting the RAS could be
      optimized for discrete epochs in life.

PMID- 27128802
TI  - T-cell involvement in sex differences in blood pressure control.
AB  - Hypertension affects one-third of adults in the Western world and is the most
      common independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and the leading cause
      of premature death globally. Despite available therapeutic options, approximately
      half of the hypertensive population taking medication does not achieve adequate
      blood pressure (BP) control leaving them at increased risk of chronic kidney
      disease, renal failure, stroke, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction,
      aneurysm and peripheral artery disease. New therapeutic options need to be
      identified for the treatment of hypertension in order to increase the percentage
      of individuals with controlled BP. There is a growing basic science literature
      regarding the role of T-cells in the pathogenesis of hypertension and BP control;
      however, the majority of this literature has been performed exclusively in males
      despite the fact that both men and women develop hypertension. This is especially
      problematic since hypertension is well recognized as having distinct sex
      differences in the prevalence, absolute BP values and molecular mechanisms
      contributing to the pathophysiology of the disease. The purpose of this article
      is to review the available literature regarding sex differences in T-cells in
      hypertension followed by highlighting the potential pathways that may result in
      sex-specific effects on T-cell activation and differentiation.

PMID- 27128804
TI  - Smoke and viruses-a hindrance to relaxing the airways?
AB  - Inhaled beta2-adrenoceptor agonists are a mainstay of therapy for airways
      diseases and are almost universally prescribed for patients with asthma or
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Very few studies have evaluated the
      efficacy of these commonly used therapies during acute disease exacerbations
      which are frequently triggered by viral infection. In this edition of Clinical
      Science, Donovan et al. assess the ex vivo effects of the most commonly used
      short-acting beta2-agonist salbutamol on small airway reactivity using precision
      cut lung slices (PCLS) from a mouse model of virus-induced exacerbation of COPD.
      They demonstrate that combined challenge with cigarette smoke and influenza
      infection in mice markedly impairs salbutamol-mediated airway relaxation. The
      findings of the present study suggest that cigarette smoke and respiratory virus
      infection may intefere with the ability of commonly prescribed therapies to
      effectively bronchodilate the airways.

PMID- 27128803
TI  - Influenza A virus infection and cigarette smoke impair bronchodilator
      responsiveness to beta-adrenoceptor agonists in mouse lung.
AB  - beta2-adrenoceptor agonists are the mainstay therapy for patients with asthma but
      their effectiveness in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung disease such as chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is limited. In addition, bronchodilator
      efficacy of beta2-adrenoceptor agonists is decreased during acute exacerbations
      of COPD (AECOPD), caused by respiratory viruses including influenza A. Therefore,
      the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the beta2-adrenoceptor
      agonist salbutamol (SALB) on small airway reactivity using mouse precision cut
      lung slices (PCLS) prepared from CS-exposed mice and from CS-exposed mice treated
      with influenza A virus (Mem71, H3N1). CS exposure alone reduced SALB potency and
      efficacy associated with decreased beta2-adrenoceptor mRNA expression, and
      increased tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL
      1beta) expression. This impaired relaxation was restored by day 12 in the absence
      of further CS exposure. In PCLS prepared after Mem71 infection alone, responses
      to SALB were transient and were not well maintained. CS exposure prior to Mem71
      infection almost completely abolished relaxation, although beta2-adrenoceptor and
      TNFalpha and IL-1beta expression were unaltered. The present study has shown
      decreased sensitivity to SALB after CS or a combination of CS and Mem71 occurs by
      different mechanisms. In addition, the PCLS technique and our models of CS and
      influenza infection provide a novel setting for assessment of alternative
      bronchodilators.

PMID- 27128806
TI  - Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP) Triggered by Galvanic Vestibular
      Stimulation (GVS): A Promising Tool to Assess Spinal Cord Function in
      Schistosomal Myeloradiculopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schistosomal myeloradiculopathy (SMR), the most severe and disabling
      ectopic form of Schistosoma mansoni infection, is caused by embolized ova
      eliciting local inflammation in the spinal cord and nerve roots. The treatment
      involves the use of praziquantel and long-term corticotherapy. The assessment of
      therapeutic response relies on neurological examination. Supplementary
      electrophysiological exams may improve prediction and monitoring of functional
      outcome. Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) triggered by galvanic
      vestibular stimulation (GVS) is a simple, safe, low-cost and noninvasive
      electrophysiological technique that has been used to test the vestibulospinal
      tract in motor myelopathies. This paper reports the results of VEMP with GVS in
      patients with SMR. METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study enrolled 22
      patients with definite SMR and 22 healthy controls that were submitted to
      clinical, neurological examination and GVS. Galvanic stimulus was applied in the
      mastoid bones in a transcranial configuration for testing VEMP, which was
      recorded by electromyography (EMG) in the gastrocnemii muscles. The VEMP
      variables of interest were blindly measured by two independent examiners. They
      were the short-latency (SL) and the medium-latency (ML) components of the
      biphasic EMG wave. RESULTS: VEMP showed the components SL (p = 0.001) and ML
      (p<0.001) delayed in SMR compared to controls. The delay of SL (p = 0.010) and of
      ML (p = 0.020) was associated with gait dysfunction. CONCLUSION: VEMP triggered
      by GVS identified alterations in patients with SMR and provided additional
      functional information that justifies its use as a supplementary test in motor
      myelopathies.

PMID- 27128805
TI  - Enhanced snoMEN Vectors Facilitate Establishment of GFP-HIF-1alpha Protein
      Replacement Human Cell Lines.
AB  - The snoMEN (snoRNA Modulator of gene ExpressioN) vector technology was developed
      from a human box C/D snoRNA, HBII-180C, which contains an internal sequence that
      can be manipulated to make it complementary to RNA targets, allowing knock-down
      of targeted genes. Here we have screened additional human nucleolar snoRNAs and
      assessed their application for gene specific knock-downs to improve the
      efficiency of snoMEN vectors. We identify and characterise a new snoMEN vector,
      termed 47snoMEN, that is derived from box C/D snoRNA U47, demonstrating its use
      for knock-down of both endogenous cellular proteins and G/YFP-fusion proteins.
      Using multiplex 47snoMEM vectors that co-express multiple 47snoMEN in a single
      transcript, each of which can target different sites in the same mRNA, we
      document >3-fold increase in knock-down efficiency when compared with the
      original HBII-180C based snoMEN. The multiplex 47snoMEM vector allowed the
      construction of human protein replacement cell lines with improved efficiency,
      including the establishment of novel GFP-HIF-1alpha replacement cells.
      Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the enhanced efficiency and
      specificity of protein replacement using the 47snoMEN-PR vectors. The 47snoMEN
      vectors expand the potential applications for snoMEN technology in gene
      expression studies, target validation and gene therapy.

PMID- 27128807
TI  - Discovery of miRNAs and Their Corresponding miRNA Genes in Atlantic Cod (Gadus
      morhua): Use of Stable miRNAs as Reference Genes Reveals Subgroups of miRNAs That
      Are Highly Expressed in Particular Organs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is among the economically most important
      species in the northern Atlantic Ocean and a model species for studying
      development of the immune system in vertebrates. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an
      abundant class of small RNA molecules that regulate fundamental biological
      processes at the post-transcriptional level. Detailed knowledge about a species
      miRNA repertoire is necessary to study how the miRNA transcriptome modulate gene
      expression. We have therefore discovered and characterized mature miRNAs and
      their corresponding miRNA genes in Atlantic cod. We have also performed a
      validation study to identify suitable reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis of
      miRNA expression in Atlantic cod. Finally, we utilized the newly characterized
      miRNA repertoire and the dedicated RT-qPCR method to reveal miRNAs that are
      highly expressed in certain organs. RESULTS: The discovery analysis revealed 490
      mature miRNAs (401 unique sequences) along with precursor sequences and genomic
      location of the miRNA genes. Twenty six of these were novel miRNA genes.
      Validation studies ranked gmo-miR-17-1-5p or the two-gene combination gmo-miR25
      3p and gmo-miR210-5p as most suitable qPCR reference genes. Analysis by RT-qPCR
      revealed 45 miRNAs with significantly higher expression in tissues from one or a
      few organs. Comparisons to other vertebrates indicate that some of these miRNAs
      may regulate processes like growth, lipid metabolism, immune response to
      microbial infections and scar damage repair. Three teleost-specific and three
      novel Atlantic cod miRNAs were among the differentially expressed miRNAs.
      CONCLUSIONS: The number of known mature miRNAs was considerably increased by our
      identification of miRNAs and miRNA genes in Atlantic cod. This will benefit
      further functional studies of miRNA expression using deep sequencing methods. The
      validation study showed that stable miRNAs are suitable reference genes for RT
      qPCR analysis of miRNA expression. Applying RT-qPCR we have identified several
      miRNAs likely to have important regulatory functions in particular organs.

PMID- 27128809
TI  - Synthesis of Oxazolidin-4-ones: Domino O-Alkylation/Aza-Michael/Intramolecular
      Retro-Claisen Condensation.
AB  - An original and rapid domino reaction for access to oxazolidin-4-ones is
      presented. Simply by heating alpha-bromoamido alcohol in the presence of KNaCO3
      and water with readily prepared Michael acceptors, an unprecedented molecular
      rearrangement is generated. This new methodology enables the hitherto unreported
      synthesis of functionalized oxazolidin-4-ones. The process was proved to be
      compatible with a wide variety of substrates, and high regioselectivities were
      achieved.

PMID- 27128808
TI  - Other tobacco product and electronic cigarette use among homeless cigarette
      smokers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We determined the prevalence and correlates of other tobacco product
      and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in a clinic-based sample of homeless
      cigarette smokers. METHODS: In April-July 2014, we used time-location sampling to
      conduct a cross-sectional, in-person survey of 306 currently homeless adult
      cigarette smokers recruited from 5 clinical sites at Boston Health Care for the
      Homeless Program. We assessed past-month use of large cigars, little cigars,
      smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes. Among those who had used e-cigarettes, we
      assessed the reasons for doing so. We used logistic regression analysis to
      identify the participant characteristics associated with the use of each product.
      RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of eligible individuals participated in the survey.
      In the past month, 37% of respondents used large cigars, 44% used little cigars,
      8% used smokeless tobacco, 24% used an e-cigarette, and 68% used any of these
      products. Reasons for e-cigarette use included curiosity (85%) and to help quit
      conventional cigarettes (69%). In multivariable regression analyses, homeless
      smokers with greater subsistence difficulties were more likely to use little
      cigars (p=0.01) and less likely to use e-cigarettes (p=0.001). Non-Hispanic black
      (p=0.01), Hispanic (p<0.001), and rough-sleeping (p=0.04) participants were more
      likely to use large cigars. Readiness to quit was not associated with other
      tobacco product use but was significantly associated with e-cigarette use to help
      quit smoking (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers who serve homeless
      people should consider routine screening for the use of other tobacco products
      and e-cigarettes to help guide smoking cessation discussions and tobacco
      treatment planning.

PMID- 27128810
TI  - Unilateral Macular Star in a Case of Hypertension and Retinitis Pigmentosa.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a case of hypertension and retinitis pigmentosa presenting
      with a unilateral macular star. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 17-year-old
      female with chronic kidney disease and hypertension presented with a mild
      blurring of vision in the left eye. There was a history of night blindness. Both
      eyes had optic disc pallor, arteriolar attenuation, and peripheral bony spicules
      suggestive of the triad of retinitis pigmentosa. Macular star was seen in the
      left eye alone. We ascribe the macular star to hypertension as the patient had
      only a mild decrease in vision, no relative afferent pupillary defect, and
      similar visual evoked response amplitude and latency in both eyes. CONCLUSION:
      Unilateral macular star may be seen in hypertension and may simulate
      neuroretinitis in the clinical setting.

PMID- 27128811
TI  - The Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory: Factorial invariance in problem behaviors
      across gender and age.
AB  - The Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) assesses problem behaviors in
      children, and is a widely used instrument in both clinical work and research.
      Evidence suggests that the short ECBI version, comprising 22 items, can be
      reduced into the three oblique factors: Oppositional defiant behavior; Conduct
      problem behavior; and Inattentive behavior. The present study aimed to evaluate
      this three-factor model in a Norwegian sample of 554 children, and examine multi
      group invariance across gender and age. Consistent with previous research,
      results confirmed a tripartite model, with the same residual covariances and
      cross-loading appearing across groups. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis
      demonstrated partial measurement invariance across gender and age. Overall,
      findings support a meaningful comparison of the short ECBI across gender and age.
      The study makes a contribution to the generalizability issue of the ECBI. 

PMID- 27128812
TI  - Hepatitis C Virus Selectively Alters the Intracellular Localization of
      Desmosterol.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) increases intracellular desmosterol without affecting the
      steady-state abundance of other sterols, and the antiviral activity of inhibitors
      of desmosterol synthesis is suppressed by the addition of exogenous desmosterol.
      These observations suggest a model in which desmosterol has a specific function,
      direct or indirect, in HCV replication and that HCV alters desmosterol
      homeostasis to promote viral replication. Here, we use stimulated Raman
      scattering (SRS) microscopy in combination with isotopically labeled sterols to
      show that HCV causes desmosterol to accumulate in lipid droplets that are closely
      associated with the viral NS5A protein and that are visually distinct from the
      broad distribution of desmosterol in mock-infected cells and the more
      heterogeneous and disperse lipid droplets to which cholesterol traffics.
      Localization of desmosterol in NS5A-associated lipid droplets suggests that
      desmosterol may affect HCV replication via a direct mechanism. We anticipate that
      SRS microscopy and similar approaches can provide much needed tools to study the
      localization of specific lipid molecules in cellulo and in vivo.

PMID- 27128813
TI  - Growth and Post-Deposition Treatments of SrTiO3 Films for Dye-Sensitized
      Photoelectrosynthesis Cell Applications.
AB  - Sensitized SrTiO3 films were evaluated as potential photoanodes for dye
      sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells (DSPECs). The SrTiO3 films were grown via
      pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on a transparent conducting oxide (fluorine-doped
      tin oxide, FTO) substrate, annealed, and then loaded with zinc(II) 5,10,15
      tris(mesityl)-20-[(dihydroxyphosphoryl)phenyl] porphyrin (MPZnP). When paired
      with a platinum wire counter electrode and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode these
      sensitized films exhibited photocurrent densities on the order of 350 nA/cm(2)
      under 0 V applied bias conditions versus a normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) and 75
      mW/cm(2) illumination at a wavelength of 445 nm. The conditions of the post
      deposition annealing step-namely, a high-temperature reducing atmosphere-proved
      to be the most important growth parameters for increasing photocurrent in these
      electrodes.

PMID- 27128814
TI  - Corrigendum: Early maternal loss affects social integration of chimpanzees
      throughout their lifetime.

PMID- 27128816
TI  - Influence of sludge reflux ratios on biodegradation performance in a coupled
      landfill leachate treatment process based on UASB and submerged MBR.
AB  - This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of different sludge reflux
      ratios (SRRs) on the overall performance and the fouling behavior of the up-flow
      anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor-anoxic-membrane bioreactor (MBR). The
      leachate and synthetic municipal wastewater were mixed in order to improve the
      biodegradability of the old leachate. Results showed that excellent removal
      efficiencies for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) were
      obtained by using the integrated UASB-anoxic-MBR process. The average COD
      removals were 91.01%, 93.90%, and 92.67% and that of NH3-N were 98.1%, 98.5%, and
      98.9% when SRRs were 100%, 300%, and 500%, respectively. The study of the
      membrane fouling mechanism indicated that proteins, hydrocarbons and inorganic
      matter are the main elements of the cake layers. 

PMID- 27128815
TI  - Chronic exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides and neuropsychological
      functioning in farm workers: a review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that acute poisoning from exposure
      to organophosphate (OP) pesticides in agricultural workers causes adverse health
      effects. However, neuropsychological and cognitive effects of chronic
      occupational exposure to OP pesticides remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: To
      identify, evaluate, and systematize existing evidence regarding chronic exposure
      to OP pesticides and neuropsychological effects in farmworkers. METHODS: Using
      the PubMed search engine, a systematic review process was implemented and
      replicated according to the PRISMA statement. Eligibility criteria included
      workers over 18 years of age exposed to OP pesticides as well as assessment of
      neuropsychological and cognitive functioning. Search terms were in English and
      Spanish languages and included organophosphate and workers. RESULTS: Of the
      search results, 33 of 1,256 articles meet eligibility criteria. Twenty-four
      studies found an association between chronic occupational exposure to OP
      pesticides and low neuropsychological performance in workers. We classified nine
      of the studies to have study design limitations. Studies indicated occupational
      exposure to OP pesticides is linked to difficulties in executive functions,
      psychomotor speed, verbal, memory, attention, processing speed, visual-spatial
      functioning, and coordination. Nine studies find no relationship between OP
      pesticides exposure and neuropsychological performance. CONCLUSIONS: Overall,
      evidence suggests an association between chronic occupational exposure to OP
      pesticides and neuropsychological effects. However, there is no consensus about
      the specific cognitive skills affected.

PMID- 27128817
TI  - Osteoprotegerin and osteoprotegerin/TRAIL ratio are associated with
      cardiovascular dysfunction and mortality among patients with renal failure.
AB  - PURPOSE: The high prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among
      patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is observed especially in those
      undergoing dialysis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and its ligands, receptor activator of
      nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis
      inducing ligand (TRAIL) have been associated with cardiovascular complications.
      Our aim was to study their role as cardiovascular risk factors in stage 5 CKD
      patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: OPG, RANKL and TRAIL concentrations were measured
      in 69 hemodialyzed CKD patients and 35 healthy volunteers. In CKD patients,
      cardiovascular dysfunction was assessed with aortic pulse wave velocity (AoPWV),
      carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT), coronary artery calcium score
      (CACS) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) serum
      concentrations. Cardiovascular and overall mortality data were collected during a
      7-years follow-up. RESULTS: OPG plasma concentrations were higher in CKD patients
      comparing to controls. Total soluble RANKL was lower and OPG/RANKL ratio higher
      in patients. Soluble TRAIL concentrations did not differ between the groups and
      OPG/TRAIL ratio was higher in CKD patients. OPG and OPG/TRAIL positively
      predicted long-term mortality (all-cause and cardiovascular) in CKD patients. OPG
      positively correlated with AoPWV, CCA-IMT and NT-proBNP whereas OPG/TRAIL with
      AoPWV and NT-proBNP. Described relationships were independent of classical and
      non-classical cardiovascular risk factors, with exception of age. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our study confirmed the role of OPG as a biomarker of cardiovascular dysfunction
      and a predictor of mortality in stage 5 CKD. OPG/TRAIL ratio can be proposed as a
      predictor of cardiovascular dysfunction and mortality.

PMID- 27128818
TI  - Salusins and adropin: New peptides potentially involved in lipid metabolism and
      atherosclerosis.
AB  - Dyslipidemia is one of the most potent risk factors for the development of
      atherosclerosis. The high atherosclerotic risk in dyslipidemic patients is
      associated with endothelial dysfunction. During the last two decades, novel
      bioactive peptides have emerged as potential biomarkers of endothelial
      dysfunction and dyslipidemia-salusins and adropin. Salusin-alpha is likely to
      prevent atherosclerosis, while salusin-beta may act as a potential proatherogenic
      factor. Adropin was recently identified as important for energy homeostasis and
      lipid metabolism. Adropin is closely related to the inhibition of atherosclerosis
      by up-regulation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression through the
      vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2. These peptides represent a novel
      target to limit diseases characterized by endothelial dysfunction and may form
      the basis for the development of new therapeutic agents for treating metabolic
      disorders associated with atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27128819
TI  - Is problematic mobile phone use explained by chronotype and personality?
AB  - In this study, the relationships among problematic mobile phone use, age, gender,
      personality and chronotype of Turkish university students were examined. The
      study included 902 university students (73% female, 27% male) and their
      participation in the study was anonymous and voluntary. Data were collected from
      each participant by assessing a demographic questionnaire, Composite Scale of
      Morningness (CSM) as a measure of chronotype, the Big Five Inventory (BIG-5) for
      personality assessment and Mobile Phone Problem Usage Scale (MPPUS). The most
      important result was that CSM scores were the best predictor for problematic
      mobile phone usage, and as a consequence, evening-oriented university students
      scored higher on the MPPUS. This result remained, even when compared with the
      most influential personality predictor, conscientiousness. In addition, while
      extraversion positively predicted, emotional stable and chronotype negatively
      predicted problematic mobile phone use. Lastly, age and gender were not
      predictors of problematic mobile phone use.

PMID- 27128820
TI  - Prevalence of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Thrombosis in Pediatric Oncology
      Patients With Tunneled Central Venous Catheters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric oncology patients with tunneled central venous catheters
      (CVCs) are at increased risk to develop venous thromboembolic events (VTEs), but
      the true prevalence of (a)symptomatic VTE is unknown. Aim of this study was to
      evaluate the prevalence of (a)symptomatic VTE in pediatric oncology patients with
      tunneled CVCs. PROCEDURE: All patients were included in the Aristocaths study: a
      randomized controlled multicenter trial investigating the prophylactic effect of
      70% ethanol locks on CVC-associated bloodstream infections (CABSIs) were eligible
      for this study. We assessed the following outcomes: (i) symptomatic VTE and (ii)
      asymptomatic CVC-related VTE (using ultrasound [US]). Follow-up was 6 months,
      unless patients developed one of the following events: VTE, CABSI, CVC removal,
      or death. RESULTS: We included 305 patients (hematologic malignancy, n = 148;
      solid tumor, n = 157), median age 9 years (range, 1-18 years). Symptomatic VTE
      was detected in 8 of 305 patients (2.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-5.1%),
      which was related to the CVC in three patients. Patients (185/305) were evaluated
      with US: 11 of 185 (5.9%; 95% CI: 3.0-10.4%) patients had asymptomatic CVC
      related VTE. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of both symptomatic VTE and asymptomatic CVC
      related VTE was low compared to other studies, which may be explained by the
      inclusion of patients with solid tumors, reduction of CABSI by ethanol, use of
      tunneled CVCs, and use of US.

PMID- 27128822
TI  - Hand Gesture and Mathematics Learning: Lessons From an Avatar.
AB  - A beneficial effect of gesture on learning has been demonstrated in multiple
      domains, including mathematics, science, and foreign language vocabulary.
      However, because gesture is known to co-vary with other non-verbal behaviors,
      including eye gaze and prosody along with face, lip, and body movements, it is
      possible the beneficial effect of gesture is instead attributable to these other
      behaviors. We used a computer-generated animated pedagogical agent to control
      both verbal and non-verbal behavior. Children viewed lessons on mathematical
      equivalence in which an avatar either gestured or did not gesture, while eye
      gaze, head position, and lip movements remained identical across gesture
      conditions. Children who observed the gesturing avatar learned more, and they
      solved problems more quickly. Moreover, those children who learned were more
      likely to transfer and generalize their knowledge. These findings provide
      converging evidence that gesture facilitates math learning, and they reveal the
      potential for using technology to study non-verbal behavior in controlled
      experiments.

PMID- 27128823
TI  - Consistent biological findings in major depression: Results from serotonin
      transporter meta-analyses.

PMID- 27128821
TI  - A Comparative Study of Lung Host Defense in Murine Obesity Models. Insights into
      Neutrophil Function.
AB  - We have shown that obesity-associated attenuation of murine acute lung injury is
      driven, in part, by blunted neutrophil chemotaxis, yet differences were noted
      between the two models of obesity studied. We hypothesized that obesity
      associated impairment of multiple neutrophil functions contributes to increased
      risk for respiratory infection but that such impairments may vary between murine
      models of obesity. We examined the most commonly used murine obesity models (diet
      induced obesity, db/db, CPE(fat/fat), and ob/ob) using a Klebsiella pneumoniae
      pneumonia model and LPS-induced pneumonitis. Marrow-derived neutrophils from
      uninjured lean and obese mice were examined for in vitro functional responses.
      All obesity models showed impaired clearance of K. pneumoniae, but in differing
      temporal patterns. Failure to contain infection in obese mice was seen in the
      db/db model at both 24 and 48 hours, yet this defect was only evident at 24 hours
      in CPE(fat/fat) and ob/ob models, and at 48 hours in diet-induced obesity. LPS
      induced airspace neutrophilia was decreased in all models, and associated with
      blood neutropenia in the ob/ob model but with leukocytosis in the others. Obese
      mouse neutrophils from all models demonstrated impaired chemotaxis, whereas
      neutrophil granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mediated survival, LPS-induced
      cytokine transcription, and mitogen-activated protein kinase and signal
      transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation in response to LPS and
      granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, respectively, were variably impaired
      across the four models. Obesity-associated impairment of host response to lung
      infection is characterized by defects in neutrophil recruitment and survival.
      However, critical differences exist between commonly used mouse models of obesity
      and may reflect variable penetrance of elements of the metabolic syndrome, as
      well as other factors.

PMID- 27128824
TI  - Multicenter evaluation of single-photon emission computed tomography
      quantification with third-party reconstruction software.
AB  - Reliable and reproducible quantification is essential in many clinical
      situations. Previously, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has
      not been considered a quantitative imaging modality, but recent advances in
      reconstruction algorithm development have made SPECT quantitative. In this study,
      we investigate the reproducibility of SPECT quantification with phantoms in a
      multicenter setting using novel third-party reconstruction software. A total of
      five hospitals and eight scanners (three GE scanners and five Siemens scanners)
      participated in the study. A Jaszczak phantom without inserts was used to
      calculate counts to activity concentration conversion factors. The quantitative
      accuracy was tested using the NEMA-IEC phantom with six spherical inserts
      (diameters from 10 to 37 mm) filled to an 8 : 1 insert-background concentration
      ratio. Phantom studies were reconstructed at one central location using HERMES
      HybridRecon applying corrections for attenuation, collimator-detector response,
      and scatter. Spherical volumes of interest with the same diameter as the inserts
      were drawn on the images and recovery coefficients for the spheres were
      calculated. The coefficient of variation (CoV) of the NEMA-IEC phantom recovery
      coefficients ranged from ~19 to 5% depending on the insert diameter so that the
      lowest CoV was obtained with the largest spheres. The intersite CoV was almost
      equal to intrasite CoV. In conclusion, quantitative SPECT is reproducible in a
      multicenter setting with third-party reconstruction software. 

PMID- 27128825
TI  - Dilemmatic group memberships of hard-of-hearing employees during the process of
      acquiring and adapting to the use of hearing aids.
AB  - We describe how hard-of-hearing (HOH) employees renegotiate both their existing
      and new group memberships when they acquire and begin to use hearing aids (HAs).
      Our research setting was longitudinal and we carried out a theory-informed
      qualitative analysis of multiple qualitative data. When an individual discovers
      that they have a hearing problem and acquire a HA, their group memberships
      undergo change. First, HOH employees need to start negotiating their relationship
      with the HOH group. Second, they need to consider whether they see themselves as
      members of the disabled or the nondisabled employee group. This negotiation tends
      to be context-bound, situational, and nonlinear as a process, involving a back
      and-forth movement in the way in which HOH employees value different group
      memberships. The dilemmatic negotiation of new group memberships and the other
      social aspects involved in HA rehabilitation tend to remain invisible to
      rehabilitation professionals, occupational healthcare, and employers. 

PMID- 27128826
TI  - [Change Factors in Group Therapy: Development and Validation of a Questionnaire].
AB  - While the efficacy of group therapy is sufficiently confirmed, there is a
      research gap concerning relevant therapeutic processes. Particularly, there is a
      dearth of integrative instruments that assess a broad spectrum of group
      therapeutic change factors. Hence, the aim of the current investigation was the
      validation of the newly developed "Scale for the assessment of therapeutic
      processes in group therapy (FEPiG)" based on Grawe's general psychotherapy and
      Yalom's conception of change factors in group therapy. 303 Patients (110
      outpatients, 193 inpatients) participated in the study and completed the FEPiG as
      well as established measures concerning group processes. The outpatients
      additionally received established questionnaires concerning clinical
      symptomatology and filled out all instruments at the beginning and end of
      treatment. Factor analysis demonstrated an excellent factor structure of the
      FEPiG, which corresponded to the theoretically predicted subscales. Internal
      consistencies of the FEPiG were good to excellent and correlated with established
      process measures, which indicated convergent validity. While the FEPiG change
      factors subscales at the beginning of therapy were not correlated with outcome,
      associations between increases in change factors across the course of therapy and
      symptom reduction could be demonstrated. 

PMID- 27128827
TI  - [Evaluation of the German Version of the "INTERMED-Self-Assessment"-Questionnaire
      (IM-SA) to Assess Case Complexity].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The INTERMED- interview (IM-CAG=INTERMED complexity assessment
      grid) is a well validated instrument for the identification of complex patients
      in need of integrated health care (score >=21). The IM-SA (INTERMED self
      assessment)-questionnaire, derived from the INTERMED- interview, was developed in
      cooperation with the international INTERMED group in order to facilitate its use
      in various clinical settings and to foster the patients' perspective on health
      care needs. METHODS: The German version of the IM-SA was evaluated in a clinical
      sample (n=136) of psychosomatic outpatients and compared to the IM-CAG. Construct
      validity was examined by analyzing the correlations of the IM-SA with quality-of
      life (SF-36) and anxiety/depression (HADS). Sensitivity and specificity for the
      identification of complex patients were examined by using ROC (Receiver Operating
      Characteristic) analysis. RESULTS: The correlations between the total score and
      the subscales of the IM-SA, compared to the INTERMED, were high (total score
      r=0.79 (95%-KI: [0.70; 0.85]). Cronbach's alpha was 0.77, and construct validity
      was high (SF-36 mental component score: r=-0.57; HADS Depression: r=0.59). The IM
      SA total score was significantly lower compared to IM-CAG, mainly because of low
      IM-SA scores in the somatic domain. According to ROC analysis, the IM-SA-cut-off
      for identifying complex patients has to be lowered (score >=17). DISCUSSION: The
      IM-SA can be used as an instrument to identify complex patients in need of
      integrated bio-psycho-social care. CONCLUSION: The IM-SA is a reliable instrument
      to be used in various clinical settings to identify complex patients and to
      provide integrated, bio-psycho-social care.

PMID- 27128828
TI  - Probing the Electronic Environment of Methylindoles using Internal Rotation and
      (14)N Nuclear Quadrupole Coupling.
AB  - High-resolution rotational spectra were recorded in the 10.5-21.0 GHz frequency
      range for seven singly methylated indoles. (14)N nuclear quadrupole hyperfine
      structure and spectral splittings arising from tunneling along the internal
      rotation of the methyl group were resolved for all indole species. The nuclear
      quadrupole coupling constants were used to characterize the electronic
      environment of the nitrogen atom, and the program XIAM was used to fit the
      barrier to internal rotation to the measured transition frequencies. The best fit
      barriers were found to be 277.1(2), 374.32(4), 414.(5), 331.6(2), 126.8675(15),
      121.413(4), and 426(3) cm(-1) for 1-methylindole through 7-methylindole,
      respectively. The fitted barriers were found to be in good agreement with
      barriers calculated at the omegaB97XD/6-311++G(d,p) level. The complete set of
      experimental barriers is compared to theoretical investigations of the origins of
      methyl torsional barriers and confirms that the magnitude of these barriers is an
      overall effect of individual hyperconjugative and structural interactions of many
      bonding/antibonding orbitals. 

PMID- 27128829
TI  - Drug interactions with methadone: Time to revise the product label.

PMID- 27128830
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of guanfacine extended release in
      adolescents aged 13-17 years with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - The safety and efficacy of guanfacine extended release (up to 4 mg/day) for
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents aged
      6-17 years is well documented. Data suggest that weight-adjusted doses of
      guanfacine extended release >0.08 mg/kg but <=0.12 mg/kg, if tolerated, may
      provide additional clinical benefits. For many adolescents, such dosing would
      exceed 4 mg/day, the highest approved dose. This open-label multicenter study
      evaluated the safety, tolerability, and steady-state pharmacokinetics of
      guanfacine extended release at escalated forced doses <=9 mg/day in adolescents
      (N = 31) aged 13-17 years with ADHD. Following doses of approximately 0.12 mg/kg,
      the highest weight group (>70-90 kg) exhibited lower mean clearance at steady
      state than the lowest weight group (>=30-50 kg). Consistent with its known
      antihypertensive effects, guanfacine extended release was associated with dose
      dependent decreases in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). The physiologic
      response of increased BP upon standing was blunted in a dose-related manner while
      the physiologic response of increased HR upon standing was not substantively
      affected. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were somnolence,
      dizziness, and sinus bradycardia. These results, and those from prior studies,
      support further examination of the efficacy and safety of higher weight-adjusted
      doses of guanfacine extended release for ADHD.

PMID- 27128831
TI  - A double-blind, randomized, ascending, multiple-dose study of bazedoxifene in
      healthy postmenopausal women.
AB  - Bazedoxifene is a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator in clinical
      development for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. This
      phase 1, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study (N = 107) of healthy
      postmenopausal women examined the pharmacokinetics and safety/tolerability
      profile of multiple doses of bazedoxifene (1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg)
      administered orally once daily for 30 days. Bazedoxifene demonstrated a half-life
      of 25 to 30 hours, reached steady state within 7 days, and exhibited linear
      pharmacokinetics over a dose range of 5-80 mg. Fibrinogen levels decreased with
      bazedoxifene doses of 5 mg and greater; these changes were significant for
      bazedoxifene 20, 40, and 80 mg (P <= .05 vs placebo), but were not dose
      dependent. Bazedoxifene was associated with increased levels of sex hormone
      binding globulin, thyroxine-binding globulin, and cortisol-binding globulin
      (CBG); only increases in the levels of CBG appeared to be dose related.
      Bazedoxifene was safe and well tolerated within the tested dose range.
      Bazedoxifene showed no differences from placebo in adverse event reports, vital
      sign measurements, or electrocardiogram findings.

PMID- 27128832
TI  - Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of two leuprolide acetate
      45 mg 6-month depot formulations in patients with prostate cancer.
AB  - The pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of two leuprolide acetate (LA) 45
      mg 6-month depot formulations were characterized in prostate cancer patients.
      Subjects (planned N = 150 in each cohort) received two intramuscular injections
      of LA Formulation-A or Formulation-B administered 24 weeks apart. Samples were
      collected for the measurement of testosterone, LH (all subjects) and leuprolide
      (in a subset of subjects approximately N = 24 in each cohort) at the same time
      points. Leuprolide PK profile showed an initial peak followed by a rapid decline
      over the first week post-dose, with mean leuprolide concentrations staying
      relatively constant through the end of 24-week period. Mean testosterone and LH
      serum concentrations showed initial increases above baseline values after the
      first dose and then decreased to 16.0 ng/dL and 0.6 mIU/mL by Week 4 for
      Formulation-A and were maintained at <=14.3 ng/dL and 0.4 mIU/mL, thereafter,
      with negligible mean increases after the second dose. Formulation-A showed a
      lower initial peak and higher leuprolide concentration during the sustained
      release phase which may explain higher testosterone suppression rates for
      Formulation-A compared to Formulation-B. Differences in PK between LA depot
      formulations were reflected in pharmacodynamic responses, with a higher rate of
      testosterone suppression and less escapes and acute-on-chronic responses for
      Formulation-A.

PMID- 27128833
TI  - A semi-mechanistic model to characterize the pharmacokinetics and
      pharmacodynamics of brodalumab in healthy volunteers and subjects with psoriasis
      in a first-in-human single ascending dose study.
AB  - Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling can provide a framework for
      quantitative "learning and confirming" from studies in all phases of drug
      development. Brodalumab is a human monoclonal antibody (IgG2 ) targeting the IL
      17 receptor A that blocks signaling by cytokines thought to play a central role
      in the pathogenesis of psoriasis (IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-17A/F). We used semi
      mechanistic modeling of single dose, first-in-human data to characterize the
      exposure-response relationship between brodalumab and the Psoriasis Area and
      Severity Index (PASI) in a Phase 1 clinical trial. Fifty-seven healthy volunteers
      and 25 subjects with moderate to severe psoriasis received single intravenous or
      subcutaneous administration of placebo or brodalumab (7-700 mg). A two
      compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear (Michaelis-Menten)
      elimination pathways described brodalumab PK. The PK-PASI relationship was
      characterized by linking a signaling compartment with an indirect response model
      of psoriatic plaques, where signaling suppressed plaque formation. The
      concentration of half-maximal inhibition IC50 was 2.86 ug/mL (SE: 50%). The
      endogenous psoriatic plaque formation rate of 0.862 (SE: 40%) PASI units/day was
      comparable with literature precedent. Despite the small sample size and single
      administration data, this semi-mechanistic modeling approach provided a
      quantitative framework to inform design of dose-ranging Phase 2 studies of
      brodalumab in psoriasis.

PMID- 27128834
TI  - A Phase I cardiac safety and pharmacokinetic study of tivozanib hydrochloride in
      patients with advanced solid tumors.
AB  - Tivozanib hydrochloride (tivozanib) is a potent, selective tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor of all three vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, with a long
      half-life. Tivozanib's effects on the QTc interval in patients with advanced
      solid tumors were assessed. Patients received 1.5 mg of tivozanib orally, once
      daily, for 21 days. Safety evaluations, serial blood samples for pharmacokinetic
      measurements, and time-matched, triplicate, 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) were
      collected. Fifty patients were evaluable. The maximum change in QTcF was 9.3
      milliseconds (90% confidence interval [CI] 5-13.6), occurring 2.5 hours after
      dosing on Day 21. The central tendency change across all time points was +2.2
      milliseconds. The slope of the exposure-DeltaQTcF relationship was 0.08464
      ms/ng/mL, with a predicted QTcF change of 8.27 milliseconds at the average
      tivozanib Tmax of 118.1 ng/mL (upper CI 12.6 milliseconds). There were no QTcF
      values >500 milliseconds or significant changes from baseline observed in heart
      rate, PR interval, and QRS complex. These data, evaluated along with other
      tivozanib preclinical and clinical study results, suggest that administration of
      1.5 mg tivozanib for 21 days has a minimal effect on cardiac repolarization or
      ECG morphology in oncology subjects.

PMID- 27128835
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and safety of teneligliptin in subjects with hepatic impairment.
AB  - The pharmacokinetics of teneligliptin was compared in 3 groups of 8 subjects
      assigned according to their degree of hepatic impairment (mild, moderate, or
      matched healthy subjects). Hepatic impairment was associated with an increase in
      maximal plasma concentration (Cmax ) and overall exposure (AUC0-infinity ) to
      teneligliptin. Geometric least square mean ratios for Cmax in subjects with mild
      and moderate hepatic impairment were 25% and 38% higher than in healthy subjects,
      and those for AUC0-infinity were 46% and 59% higher than in healthy subjects,
      respectively. For both parameters, the upper limit of the 90% confidence
      intervals was outside the 80%-125% "no effect" limit, but below the FDA
      recommended "dose-adjustment" boundary of 200%. The lower mean total clearance in
      subjects with mild (9.79 L/h) or moderate (8.57 L/h) hepatic impairment resulted
      in longer mean half-lives (27.9 and 30.9 hours, respectively) than in healthy
      subjects (clearance: 13.11 L/h, half life: 24.8 hours). Protein binding ranged
      between 36.9% and 47.5% in subjects with hepatic impairment and between 32.5% and
      34.5% in healthy subjects. Overall, teneligliptin was well tolerated by subjects
      with hepatic impairment. These results may indicate that caution will be needed
      when administering teneligliptin to subjects with hepatic impairment.

PMID- 27128836
TI  - Population pharmacokinetic analysis of dutogliptin, a selective dipeptidyl
      peptidase-4 inhibitor.
AB  - Dutogliptin is a selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor shown to be
      efficacious and safe in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Population
      pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of dutogliptin was performed based on data
      collected in 561 healthy subjects and patients with T2DM enrolled in Phase I and
      II studies to assess sources of variability and support dosing rationale. The
      effect of extrinsic (formulations, fed/fasting conditions, potential drug-drug
      interaction with metformin) and intrinsic (baseline characteristics, markers of
      renal function, renal impairment category, and disease status) covariates was
      evaluated using non-linear mixed effect modeling. Plasma concentrations of
      dutogliptin were best fitted with a two-compartment model with a first-order rate
      constant of absorption (Ka) and a lag time. No differences were observed between
      healthy subjects and patients with T2DM. Apparent clearance (CL/F) and terminal
      elimination half-life of dutogliptin were 176 L/h and 12.2 hours, respectively.
      Typical CL/F values in patients with mild and moderate renal impairment were 121
      and 79 L/h, respectively. No drug-drug interaction was observed with metformin.
      These results suggest that a reduction in dosing from 400 to 200 mg daily is
      warranted in T2DM patients with moderate renal impairment. No dose adjustments
      were deemed necessary for other evaluated patient characteristics and
      coadministration with metformin.

PMID- 27128837
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GSK961081, a novel inhaled muscarinic
      antagonist beta2 -agonist, and fluticasone propionate administered alone,
      concurrently and as a combination blend formulation in healthy volunteers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of inhaled
      GSK961081 and fluticasone propionate (FP) given alone, concurrently and as a
      combination blend formulation. METHODS: The study was double-blind, double-dummy,
      four-way crossover. Twenty-four healthy volunteers took single doses of the
      following in randomized order: (1) GSK961081 800 ug; (2) FP 500 ug; (3) GSK961081
      800 ug and FP 500 ug as a blend formulation; and (4) GSK961081 800 ug and FP 500
      ug concurrently via separate inhalers. The eLung breathing simulator was also
      used for the in vitro characterization of the formulations. RESULTS: There was no
      pharmacokinetic interaction when GSK961081 and FP were administered concurrently.
      Mean Cmax and AUC(0-t) of GSK961081 were lower (~20%) and mean Cmax and AUC(0-t)
      of FP were higher (two fold) following GSK961081/FP blend formulation compared to
      concurrent or the individual components alone. There was an increase in the FP in
      vitro ex-throat dose for the GSK961081/FP blend from the eLung breathing
      simulator. Serum cortisol suppression was greater with GSK961081/FP blend, with
      lower (~10%) cortisol levels than after GSK961081 + FP concurrent or FP alone.
      CONCLUSION: GSK961081/FP blend formulation was associated with an increase in FP
      systemic exposure and greater serum cortisol suppression.

PMID- 27128838
TI  - A food effect study and dose proportionality study to assess the pharmacokinetics
      and safety of bardoxolone methyl in healthy volunteers.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of food on the plasma pharmacokinetics of
      bardoxolone methyl, an antioxidant inflammation modulator, at a 20 mg dose, and
      the dose proportionality of bardoxolone methyl pharmacokinetics from 20 to 80 mg.
      It was a single-dose study conducted at a single center in 32 healthy volunteers
      aged 18-45 years using an amorphous spray-dried dispersion formulation of
      bardoxolone methyl. In Part A, 16 subjects received single 20 mg doses of
      bardoxolone methyl under fasting and non-fasting conditions. In Part B, 16
      subjects received a single 60 or 80 mg dose of bardoxolone methyl and a matching
      placebo dose under fasting conditions. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis
      were taken over 120 hours following dose administration. Single dose
      administration of 20, 60, and 80 mg bardoxolone methyl was safe and well
      tolerated in healthy volunteers. Total bardoxolone methyl exposure was unchanged
      in the presence of food. However, doses of bardoxolone methyl above 20 mg appear
      to have a saturated dissolution or absorption process and are associated with
      less than proportional increases in drug exposure.

PMID- 27128839
TI  - Rivaroxaban crushed tablet suspension characteristics and relative
      bioavailability in healthy adults when administered orally or via nasogastric
      tube.
AB  - PURPOSE: Because some patients have difficulty swallowing a whole tablet, we
      investigated the relative bioavailability of a crushed 20 mg rivaroxaban tablet
      and of 2 alternative crushed tablet dosing strategies. METHODS: Stability and
      nasogastric (NG) tube adsorption characteristics of a crushed rivaroxaban tablet
      were assessed. Then, in 55 healthy adults, relative bioavailability of
      rivaroxaban administered orally as a whole tablet (Reference [Whole-Oral]),
      crushed tablet in applesauce suspension (Crushed-Oral), or crushed tablet in
      water suspension via NG tube (Crushed-NG) were determined. RESULTS: There were no
      significant changes in mean percent of non-degraded rivaroxaban recovered over 4
      hours from crushed tablet suspensions (>98.4% recovery across all suspensions and
      time points) or after NG tube exposure (recovery: 99.1% for silicone and 98.9%
      for polyvinyl chloride NG tubes). Relative bioavailability was similar between
      Crushed-Oral and Reference dosing (Cmax and AUCinfinity were within the 80-125%
      bioequivalence limits). Relative bioavailability was also similar between the
      Crushed-NG and Reference dosing (AUCinfinity was within bioequivalence limits;
      Cmax [90% CI range: 78.5-85.8%] was only slightly below the 80% lower
      bioequivalence limit). CONCLUSIONS: A crushed rivaroxaban tablet was stable and
      when administered orally or via NG tube, displayed similar relative
      bioavailability compared to a whole tablet administered orally.

PMID- 27128840
TI  - A phase 1, randomized study to assess the pharmacokinetic comparability of
      siltuximab derived from two different cell lines in healthy subjects.
AB  - Siltuximab, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against interleukin (IL-6), is under
      development by Janssen Research & Development, LLC. During early clinical
      development, siltuximab was produced in a murine Sp2/0 myeloma cell line. The
      production cell line was switched to stably transfected Chinese hamster ovary
      (CHO) cell line for subsequent clinical development. A two-part, parallel-group,
      phase 1 study was designed to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of a
      single IV administration of Sp2/0- and CHO-derived siltuximab in healthy
      subjects. The results from this study demonstrated PK comparability of siltuximab
      produced from Sp2/0 and CHO cell lines. The 90% confidence interval of the ratios
      of geometric means of Cmax and AUC0-84day following 1.4 mg/kg doses was (99.4%,
      111.3%) and (98.1%, 109.6%), respectively, both within the pre-specified
      comparability range of 80-125%. Siltuximab derived from either the Sp2/0 or CHO
      cell lines was in general well tolerated and was not found to be immunogenic in
      this study.

PMID- 27128841
TI  - Large-Scale Production of Nanographite by Tube-Shear Exfoliation in Water.
AB  - The number of applications based on graphene, few-layer graphene, and
      nanographite is rapidly increasing. A large-scale process for production of these
      materials is critically needed to achieve cost-effective commercial products.
      Here, we present a novel process to mechanically exfoliate industrial quantities
      of nanographite from graphite in an aqueous environment with low energy
      consumption and at controlled shear conditions. This process, based on
      hydrodynamic tube shearing, produced nanometer-thick and micrometer-wide flakes
      of nanographite with a production rate exceeding 500 gh-1 with an energy
      consumption about 10 Whg-1. In addition, to facilitate large-area coating, we
      show that the nanographite can be mixed with nanofibrillated cellulose in the
      process to form highly conductive, robust and environmentally friendly
      composites. This composite has a sheet resistance below 1.75 Omega/sq and an
      electrical resistivity of 1.39*10-4 Omegam and may find use in several
      applications, from supercapacitors and batteries to printed electronics and solar
      cells. A batch of 100 liter was processed in less than 4 hours. The design of the
      process allow scaling to even larger volumes and the low energy consumption
      indicates a low-cost process.

PMID- 27128843
TI  - Hierarchical photonic structured stimuli-responsive materials as high-performance
      colorimetric sensors.
AB  - Hierarchical photonic structures in nature are of special interest because they
      can be used as templates for fabrication of stimuli-responsive photonic crystals
      (PCs) with unique structures beyond man-made synthesis. The current stimuli
      responsive PCs templated directly from natural PCs showed a very weak external
      stimuli response and poor durability due to the limitations of natural templates.
      Herein, we tackle this problem by chemically coating functional polymers,
      polyacrylamide, on butterfly wing scales which have hierarchical photonic
      structures. As a result of the combination of the strong water absorption
      properties of the polyacrylamide and the PC structures of the butterfly wing
      scales, the designed materials demonstrated excellent humidity responsive
      properties and a tremendous colour change. The colour change is induced by the
      refractive index change which is in turn due to the swollen nature of the polymer
      when the relative humidity changes. The butterfly wing scales also showed an
      excellent durability which is due to the chemical bonds formed between the
      polymer and wing scales. The synthesis strategy provides an avenue for the
      promising applications of stimuli-responsive PCs with hierarchical structures. 

PMID- 27128842
TI  - Associations between Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Polymorphisms
      and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Risk: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: C677T and A1298C are the most common allelic variants of
      Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene. The association between MTHFR
      polymorphisms and the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
      remains controversial. This study was thus performed to examine whether MTHFR
      mutations are associated with the susceptibility to NAFLD. METHODS: A first meta
      analysis on the association between the MTHFR polymorphisms and NAFLD risks was
      carried out via Review Manager 5.0 and Stata/SE 12.0 software. The on-line
      databases, such as PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, WOS, Scopus and EBSCOhost (updated to
      April 1st, 2016), were searched for eligible case-control studies. The odd radio
      (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and P value were calculated through Mantel
      Haenszel statistics under random- or fixed-effect model. RESULTS: Eight articles
      (785 cases and 1188 controls) contributed data to the current meta-analysis. For
      C677T, increased NAFLD risks were observed in case group under homozygote model
      (T/T vs C/C, OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.03~2.15, P = 0.04) and recessive model (T/T vs
      C/C+C/T, OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.07~1.88, P = 0.02), but not the other genetics
      models, compared with control group. For A1298C, significantly increased NAFLD
      risks were detected in allele model (C vs A, OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.13~2.07, P =
      0.006), homozygote model (C/C vs A/A, OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.63~4.85, P = 0.0002),
      dominant model (A/C+C/C vs A/A, OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.06~2.41, P = 0.03) and
      recessive model (C/C vs A/A+A/C, OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.45~3.00, P<0.0001), but
      not heterozygote model. CONCLUSION: T/T genotype of MTHFR C677T polymorphism and
      C/C genotype of MTHFR A1298C are more likely to be associated with the
      susceptibility to NAFLD.

PMID- 27128845
TI  - Molecular assessment of vitamin D receptor polymorphism as a valid predictor to
      the response of interferon/ribavirin-based therapy in Egyptian patients with
      chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find an association between serum
      concentration of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms to achieve
      a sustained virological response (SVR). METHODS: We conducted a case-control
      study in which 250 participants were recruited and divided into three groups (100
      chronic hepatitis C [CHC] patients who achieved SVR, 100 CHC patients who did not
      achieve SVR and 50 apparently healthy individuals as controls). Blood samples
      were collected to measure serum vitamin D concentration, and four VDR
      polymorphisms (FokI, ApaI, TaqI, and BsmI) were detected using polymerase chain
      reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: Non-responders were
      found to have significantly low vitamin D concentration compared with responders
      and control groups. Concerning VDR polymorphisms, both FokI and TaqI
      polymorphisms were associated with successful treatment. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D
      concentration, FokI, and TaqI may be considered as the predictors for the
      response of CHC patients to a combination therapy of pegylated interferon and
      ribavirin.

PMID- 27128844
TI  - Effects of Noise Exposure on Systemic and Tissue-Level Markers of Glucose
      Homeostasis and Insulin Resistance in Male Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have indicated that noise exposure is
      associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However,
      the nature of the connection between noise exposure and T2DM remains to be
      explored. OBJECTIVES: We explored whether and how noise exposure affects glucose
      homeostasis in mice as the initial step toward T2DM development. METHODS: Male
      ICR mice were randomly assigned to one of four groups: the control group and
      three noise groups (N20D, N10D, and N1D), in which the animals were exposed to
      white noise at 95 decibel sound pressure level (dB SPL) for 4 hr per day for 20
      successive days, 10 successive days, or 1 day, respectively. Glucose tolerance
      and insulin sensitivity were evaluated 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after the final
      noise exposure (1DPN, 1WPN, and 1MPN). Standard immunoblots, immunohistochemical
      methods, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed to assess
      insulin signaling in skeletal muscle, the morphology of beta cells, and plasma
      corticosterone levels. RESULTS: Noise exposure for 1 day caused transient glucose
      intolerance and insulin resistance, whereas noise exposure for 10 and 20 days had
      no effect on glucose tolerance but did cause prolonged insulin resistance and an
      increased insulin response to glucose challenge. Akt phosphorylation and GLUT4
      translocation in response to exogenous insulin were decreased in the skeletal
      muscle of noise-exposed animals. CONCLUSIONS: Noise exposure at 95 dB SPL caused
      insulin resistance in male ICR mice, which was prolonged with longer noise
      exposure and was likely related to the observed blunted insulin signaling in
      skeletal muscle. CITATION: Liu L, Wang F, Lu H, Cao S, Du Z, Wang Y, Feng X, Gao
      Y, Zha M, Guo M, Sun Z, Wang J. 2016. Effects of noise exposure on systemic and
      tissue-level markers of glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in male mice.
      Environ Health Perspect 124:1390-1398; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP162.

PMID- 27128846
TI  - Correlation Networks from Flows. The Case of Forced and Time-Dependent Advection
      Diffusion Dynamics.
AB  - Complex network theory provides an elegant and powerful framework to
      statistically investigate different types of systems such as society, brain or
      the structure of local and long-range dynamical interrelationships in the climate
      system. Network links in climate networks typically imply information, mass or
      energy exchange. However, the specific connection between oceanic or atmospheric
      flows and the climate network's structure is still unclear. We propose a
      theoretical approach for verifying relations between the correlation matrix and
      the climate network measures, generalizing previous studies and overcoming the
      restriction to stationary flows. Our methods are developed for correlations of a
      scalar quantity (temperature, for example) which satisfies an advection-diffusion
      dynamics in the presence of forcing and dissipation. Our approach reveals that
      correlation networks are not sensitive to steady sources and sinks and the
      profound impact of the signal decay rate on the network topology. We illustrate
      our results with calculations of degree and clustering for a meandering flow
      resembling a geophysical ocean jet.

PMID- 27128848
TI  - A 44-Year-Old Man With Bilateral Optic Neuropathy, Optic Nerve Sheath
      Enhancement, and Cardiac Dysfunction.

PMID- 27128847
TI  - Insulin Resistance Distribution and Cut-Off Value in Koreans from the 2008-2010
      Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to identify the distribution and cut-off value of the
      'homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance' (HOMA-IR) according to
      gender and menopausal status for metabolic syndrome in Koreans. METHODS: Data
      were from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2008
      2010. The subjects included adults aged 20 years or older. We excluded
      participants who had diabetes or fasting serum glucose >= 7 mmol/L. Finally,
      11,121 subjects (4,911 men, 3,597 premenopausal women, 2,613 postmenopausal
      women) were enrolled. The modified Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were used
      to define metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: The mean HOMA-IR was 2.11 (2.07-2.15) for
      men, 2.0 (1.97-2.04) for premenopausal women, and 2.14 (2.2-2.19) for
      postmenopausal women. The first cut-off values in men, premenopausal women, and
      postmenopausal women were 2.23 (sensitivity 70.6%, specificity 66.9%), 2.39
      (sensitivity 72.3%, specificity 76.4%), and 2.48 (sensitivity 51.9%, specificity
      80.2%), respectively. Based on the first HOMA-IR cut-off value, the prevalence of
      metabolic syndrome was 22.9% in men, 13.7% in premenopausal women, and 51.6% in
      postmenopausal women. The second cut-off value was around 3.2 in all three
      groups. Based on the second HOMA-IR cut-off value, the prevalence of metabolic
      syndrome was 50.8% in men, 42.5% in premenopausal women, and 71.6% in
      postmenopausal women. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the first cut-off values for
      HOMA-IR were 2.2-2.5 and the second cut-off value was 3.2 in Korea. The
      distribution of HOMA-IR showed differences according to gender and menopausal
      status. When we apply HOMA-IR, we should consider gender, menopausal status, and
      the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 27128850
TI  - Induced Crystallization of Perovskites by a Perylene Underlayer for High
      Performance Solar Cells.
AB  - Perovskite crystallization and interface engineering are regarded as the most
      crucial factors in achieving high-performance planar heterojunction (PHJ)
      perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we demonstrate a thin perylene underlayer
      via a solution-processable method. By using branch-shaped perylene film as a seed
      mediated underlayer, crystalline perovskites with fabric morphology can be
      formed, which allows for obvious improvement in absorption by a light scattering
      effect. With its deep highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level, perylene
      also plays an important role in the energy-level tailoring of poly(3,4
      ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulphonate) ( PEDOT: PSS) and CH3NH3PbIxCl3
      x. In addition, perylene and perovskites form a fully crystalline heterojunction,
      which is beneficial for minimizing the defect and trap densities. Due to these
      merits, a maximum power conversion efficiency of 17.06% with improved cell
      stability is achieved. The finding in this work provides a simple route to
      control perovskite crystallizaition and to optimize the interfaces in PHJ PSCs
      simultaneously.

PMID- 27128851
TI  - Quality Improvement in Cystectomy Care with Enhanced Recovery (QUICCER) study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine if patients managed with a cystectomy enhanced recovery
      pathway (CERP) have improved quality of care after radical cystectomy (RC), as
      defined by a decrease in length of hospital stay (LOS) without an increase in
      complications or readmissions compared with those not managed with CERP. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: The Quality Improvement in Cystectomy Care with Enhanced Recovery
      (QUICCER) study was a non-randomized quasi-experimental study. Data were
      collected between June 2011 and April 2015. The CERP was implemented in July
      2013. The primary endpoint was LOS. Secondary endpoints were quality scores,
      complications and readmissions. Multivariable regression was performed.
      Propensity score matching was carried out to further simulate randomized clinical
      trial conditions. A CERP quality composite score was created and evaluated with
      regard to adherence to CERP elements. RESULTS: The study included 79 patients
      managed with CERP and 121 who were not managed with CERP. After matching, there
      were 75 patients in the non-CERP group. The LOS was significantly different
      between the groups: the median LOS was 5 and 8 days for the CERP and non-CERP
      group, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression showed that any
      complication was the most significant predictor of total LOS at 90 days after RC.
      The higher the quality composite score the shorter the LOS (P < 0.001). There was
      no association between CERP and a greater number of complications or
      readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: Audited quality measures in the CERP are associated
      with a reduction in LOS with no increase in readmissions or complications. The
      CERP is important for the future improvement of peri-operative care for RC and
      provides an opportunity to improve the quality of care provided.

PMID- 27128852
TI  - Anti-coagulant therapy with dabigatran for cystic fibrosis patients.
AB  - Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at increased risk of venous
      thromboembolism, especially in association with central venous catheter use.
      Coumarin drugs and low molecular weight heparin are frequently used for anti
      coagulant therapy, but are more challenging to administer in CF patients.
      Dabigatran, an oral thrombin antagonist, is an alternative anti-coagulant
      medication, but its use in CF has not been reported. We describe our experience
      in successfully using dabigatran for long-term anti-coagulation therapy in two CF
      patients. Our experience suggests that dabigatran can serve as an option for
      anticoagulation therapy in CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:E29-E30. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27128853
TI  - Canine Ovariohysterectomy: A Survey of Surgeon Concerns and Surgical
      Complications Encountered by Newly Graduated Veterinarians.
AB  - The objective of this study was to document newly qualified veterinarians'
      concerns and surgical complications encountered during canine ovariohysterectomy
      (cOVH) during the first year of general practice. A questionnaire investigating
      concerns about cOVH procedures was sent to all final-year veterinary students
      (group 1) enrolled at five UK universities. Participants were later asked to
      complete a similar questionnaire 6 months (group 2) and 12 months (group 3) after
      graduation, which involved grading their concern about different aspects of the
      cOVH procedure and reporting surgical complications encountered after completing
      three cOVHs. Responses were compared between different time points. There were
      196 respondents in group 1, 55 in group 2, and 36 in group 3. Between groups 1
      and 2, there was a statistically significant reduction in the respondents' levels
      of concern in every aspect of cOVH (p<.05). Between groups 2 and 3, there was no
      statistically significant change in respondents' levels of concern in any aspect
      of cOVH (p>=.21). There was a significant reduction in the number of
      complications encountered by veterinarians in group 3 (39/102, 38.2%) compared to
      those in group 2 (117/206, 56.8%) (p=.002). Employers should anticipate high
      levels of concern regarding all aspects of cOVHs in new graduates, and
      supervision during the first 6 months may be particularly useful. 

PMID- 27128854
TI  - Student Perceptions of the Use of a Laser Pointer for Intra-Operative Guidance in
      Feline Castration.
AB  - In veterinary clinical education, students perform surgery under guided
      supervision. This study aimed to determine if students' perception of how well
      they understood verbal guidance could be improved by using a laser pointer during
      feline castration. It was assumed that a teacher's use of a laser pointer could
      help students identify structures of importance during surgery. The hypothesis
      was that use of a laser pointer would improve student understanding of verbal
      guidance during surgery. Eighteen privately owned male cats were electively
      neutered by fourth- and fifth-year veterinary students at the Swedish University
      of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden. Each student performed orchiectomy on
      one cat. One testis was removed while the student received verbal guidance
      combined with a laser pointer, and the other testis was removed while the student
      received only verbal guidance. The use of a laser pointer alternated between
      first and second testis. After surgery, students rated how well they understood
      verbal guidance on a visual-analog scale (100 mm) for each instructional method.
      The two ratings were compared in a student's two-sided t-test. The median score
      with or without guidance with a laser pointer was 81 (59-96) and 54 (25-86),
      respectively (p<.001). This study showed that laser pointers enhanced verbal
      guidance given to students during surgery. The suggested mechanism of explanation
      is that the technology enabled a more precise guidance of location and
      identification of anatomic structures. 

PMID- 27128855
TI  - Reverse engineering GTPase programming languages with reconstituted signaling
      networks.
AB  - The Ras superfamily GTPases represent one of the most prolific signaling
      currencies used in Eukaryotes. With these remarkable molecules, evolution has
      built GTPase networks that control diverse cellular processes such as growth,
      morphology, motility and trafficking. (1-4) Our knowledge of the individual
      players that underlie the function of these networks is deep; decades of
      biochemical and structural data has provided a mechanistic understanding of the
      molecules that turn GTPases ON and OFF, as well as how those GTPase states signal
      by controlling the assembly of downstream effectors. However, we know less about
      how these different activities work together as a system to specify complex
      dynamic signaling outcomes. Decoding this molecular "programming language" would
      help us understand how different species and cell types have used the same GTPase
      machinery in different ways to accomplish different tasks, and would also provide
      new insights as to how mutations to these networks can cause disease. We recently
      developed a bead-based microscopy assay to watch reconstituted H-Ras signaling
      systems at work under arbitrary configurations of regulators and effectors. (5)
      Here we highlight key observations and insights from this study and propose
      extensions to our method to further study this and other GTPase signaling
      systems.

PMID- 27128856
TI  - Square Wave Voltammetry: An Alternative Technique to Determinate Piroxicam
      Release Profiles from Nanostructured Lipid Carriers.
AB  - A new, simple, and fast electrochemical (EC) method has been developed to
      determine the release profile of piroxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
      drug, loaded in a drug delivery system based on nanostructured lipid carriers
      (NLCs). For the first time, the samples were analyzed by using square wave
      voltammetry, a sensitive EC technique. The piroxicam EC responses allow us to
      propose a model that explains the experimental results and to subsequently
      determine the amount of drug loaded into the NLCs formulation as a function of
      time. In vitro drug release studies showed prolonged drug release (up to 5 days),
      releasing 60 % of the incorporated drug. The proposed method is a promising and
      stable alternative for the study of different drug delivery systems. 

PMID- 27128857
TI  - Optimal nutrition in lactating women and its effect on later health of offspring:
      A systematic review of current evidence and recommendations (EarlyNutrition
      project).
AB  - BACKGROUND: EarlyNutrition ( www.project-earlynutrition.eu ) is an international
      research consortium investigating the effects of early nutrition on metabolic
      programming. OBJECTIVE: To summarize current evidence and standards,
      recommendations, guidelines, and regulations on nutrition or supplements in
      lactating women with emphasis placed on long-term health effects in offspring,
      including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, overweight/obesity, metabolic
      syndrome, diabetes, or glucose intolerance. METHODS: Medline, Embase, selected
      databases and websites were searched for documents published between 2010 and
      2015. RESULTS: Thirteen documents met the inclusion criteria. Effects of maternal
      long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) supplementation on
      overweight/obesity or hypertension in offspring were assessed in 10 studies. One
      study described the effect of maternal vitamin D supplementation on
      overweight/obesity, and the remaining 2 studies assessed the effects of maternal
      probiotic/synbiotic supplementation during lactation on overweight/obesity or
      metabolic syndrome in their infants. Forty-one documents contained dietary
      recommendations on various macro- and micronutrients for lactating women, but
      without consideration of our long-term health outcomes in infants. CONCLUSION:
      Literature on nutrition of lactating women and its effect on their infants' later
      health with respect to metabolic programming outcomes appeared to be scarce, and
      focused mostly on supplementation of LC-PUFA's. No recent guidelines or
      recommendations were available, highlighting the significant research gaps
      regarding this topic.

PMID- 27128858
TI  - High-Pressure Crystal Structure, Lattice Vibrations, and Band Structure of
      BiSbO4.
AB  - The high-pressure crystal structure, lattice-vibrations, and electronic band
      structure of BiSbO4 were studied by ab initio simulations. We also performed
      Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and diffuse-reflectance measurements,
      as well as synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. High-pressure X-ray diffraction
      measurements show that the crystal structure of BiSbO4 remains stable up to at
      least 70 GPa, unlike other known MTO4-type ternary oxides. These experiments also
      give information on the pressure dependence of the unit-cell parameters.
      Calculations properly describe the crystal structure of BiSbO4 and the changes
      induced by pressure on it. They also predict a possible high-pressure phase. A
      room-temperature pressure-volume equation of state is determined, and the effect
      of pressure on the coordination polyhedron of Bi and Sb is discussed. Raman- and
      infrared-active phonons were measured and calculated. In particular, calculations
      provide assignments for all the vibrational modes as well as their pressure
      dependence. In addition, the band structure and electronic density of states
      under pressure were also calculated. The calculations combined with the optical
      measurements allow us to conclude that BiSbO4 is an indirect-gap semiconductor,
      with an electronic band gap of 2.9(1) eV. Finally, the isothermal compressibility
      tensor for BiSbO4 is given at 1.8 GPa. The experimental (theoretical) data
      revealed that the direction of maximum compressibility is in the (0 1 0) plane at
      ~33 degrees  (38 degrees ) to the c-axis and 47 degrees  (42 degrees ) to the a
      axis. The reliability of the reported results is supported by the consistency
      between experiments and calculations.

PMID- 27128859
TI  - Identification of new binding sites of human transferrin incubated with
      organophosphorus agents via Q Exactive LC-MS/MS.
AB  - Organophosphorus agents (OPs) like sarin, VX, or soman could inhibit
      acetylcholinesterase activity and cause poisoning. OPs could bind many proteins,
      such as butyrylcholinesterase and albumin, and the adducts formed could identify
      the exposure. In this paper, we studied human transferrin, which was one of the
      proteins that could be labeled by OPs. Pure human transferrin was incubated with
      an overdose of organophosphorus agents, including sarin, soman, VX, tabun,
      cyclosarin, ethyl tabun, and propyl tabun, and then additional OPs was removed
      through dialysis. Trypsin was used to cleave the OP-treated proteins and Q
      Exactive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (Q Exactive LC-MS/MS) was
      used to identify them. The present study set out to accomplish two goals. The
      first goal was to find a good method for identifying multiple binding sites on a
      given protein through Q Exactive LC-MS/MS. The second goal was to investigate the
      labeled peptides when transferrin was incubated with a numerous molar excess of
      OPs. Results showed that tyrosine, lysine, and serine formed covalent bonds with
      OPs. Twenty OP-labeled sites were found: ten tyrosine sites (including two
      reported sites), seven lysine sites, and three serine sites. Characteristic
      fragments for labeled-tyrosine and labeled-lysine adducts were summarized in
      detail. In conclusion, the method by Q Exactive LC-MS/MS using in this present
      work is a good way to diagnose exposure to OPs accurately when the binding sites
      of OPs are uncertain. Novel modified peptides and the characteristic ions found
      in this work could help investigators assess exposure to OPs. 

PMID- 27128860
TI  - Determination of non-neuronal acetylcholine in human peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells by use of hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cholinergic components in non-neuronal tissues and cells are proposed
      as important in maintaining cellular proliferation and immune homeostasis.
      However, direct quantification of non-neuronal acetylcholine (ACh) in cells has
      been inefficient. Therefore, we developed a stable method for determination of
      intracellular ACh. METHODS: We used ultra performance liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) with Waters CORTECS chromatographic columns
      to measure the intracellular ACh in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs). The presence of ACh was validated by RT-qPCR of mRNAs of cholinergic
      components. RESULTS: This method successfully separated ACh from iso-ACh with
      highly sensitive precursor/product ion transitions and allowed a faster
      chromatography run time within 3.5min. The detection limit of intracellular ACh
      was 0.005ng/10(6) PBMCs. Intra-assay and inter-assay coefficient variations were
      all <7.0%. Mean recoveries in the samples were between 93.20% and 104.73%. Here,
      intracellular ACh was stable under multiple storage conditions, partly
      attributable to mutually stable relationships among cholinergic components. This
      method was successfully applied in a stroke study and revealed activation of the
      stroke-induced cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This method
      allows direct determination of intracellular ACh in various tissues. Evidences of
      cholinergic activity linking both the nervous system and non-neuronal system can
      be profiled by assessing ACh.

PMID- 27128861
TI  - Determination of 25-OCH3-PPD and the related substances by UPLC-MS/MS and their
      cytotoxic activity.
AB  - 20(R)-25-methoxyl-dammarane-3beta,12beta,20-triol (25-OCH3-PPD) is a promising
      antitumor compound belonging to triterpenoid saponins isolated from radix
      notoginseng. A systematic research on the related impurities in raw material of
      25-OCH3-PPD has not been conducted. In this study, three impurities obtained by
      HPLC-ELSD and characterized by (13)C NMR and MS were observed in the raw material
      of 25-OCH3-PPD. Cytotoxic activities of the related substances were also
      evaluated, of which impurity B with 25-OCH3-PPD showed synergistic inhibitory
      activity against BGC-823 with IC50 values of 8.33MUM. Furthermore, a rapid and
      selective UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for simultaneous determination of the
      principal component and three related substances in the raw material of 25-OCH3
      PPD. Multiple reaction monitoring scan mode was used for the quantification of
      20(R)-25-OCH3-PPD and its three related substances. The four constituents were
      separated within 11min on a BEH C18 column (100 mm*2.1mm, 1.7MUm) using a mobile
      phase comprising methanol and 0.03% formic acid water (82:18, v/v) at a flow rate
      of 0.2mL/min. The proposed UPLC-MS/MS method displayed acceptable levels of
      linearity, precision, repeatability, and accuracy. In addition, the proposed
      method was successfully applied for the establishment of a rational quality
      control standard for the raw material of 25-OCH3-PPD. 

PMID- 27128862
TI  - Methoxetamine, a novel psychoactive substance with serious adverse
      pharmacological effects: a review of case reports and preclinical findings.
AB  - An increasing number of novel psychoactive substances are currently available and
      sold as 'legal highs' or 'research chemicals' accompanied by the indication that
      they are 'not for human consumption'. Among those that have emerged in the last
      few years, methoxetamine (MXE) owes its wide popularity to its easy access on the
      Internet and its reputation of being a 'safe' drug. MXE is an arylcyclohexylamine
      with a chemical structure analogous to ketamine and phencyclidine, and similar
      noncompetitive glutamate N-methyl D-aspartate receptor antagonist properties.
      Yet, very recent preclinical data highlighted a stimulatory effect of MXE on
      dopamine neurotransmission within the mesolimbic pathway. The aim of this review
      is to provide an updated review of the behavioral and toxicological effects of
      MXE as well as the latest findings on its pharmacology that might explain sought
      effects and frequent occurrence of adverse effects. In light of the growing
      number of intoxications induced by MXE, knowledge of its short-term and long-term
      effects is urgently needed. However, the hypothetical rapid antidepressant
      activity of MXE suggested by its chemical analogy with ketamine and supported by
      recent preclinical findings deserves further investigation.

PMID- 27128863
TI  - STEM EDX Nitrogen Mapping of Nanoinclusions in Milky Diamonds from Juina, Brazil,
      Using a Windowless Silicon Drift Detector System.
AB  - Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) performed using scanning transmission
      electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with a windowless detector setup allows
      high-resolution imaging and chemical composition mapping even of light elements
      present in low concentrations. The used TEM-system combines a field emission
      electron source with four silicon drift detectors allowing for high detection
      sensitivity. We used this enhanced system to investigate 20 to 200 nm sized
      inclusions in milky diamonds from Rio Soriso, Juina area, Brazil. The diamonds
      act as a chemical inert container and therefore protect their inclusions from
      further chemical reactions with their surroundings. We visualize the presence and
      distribution of nitrogen within focused ion beam (FIB) slices containing these
      nanoinclusions. The investigation of these specific diamonds may open a new
      window to deeper parts of the Earth (>660 km) as they represent pristine material
      of this deep mantle environment.

PMID- 27128877
TI  - Atmospheric Processing of Volcanic Glass: Effects on Iron Solubility and Redox
      Speciation.
AB  - Volcanic ash from explosive eruptions can provide iron (Fe) to oceanic regions
      where this micronutrient limits primary production. Controls on the soluble Fe
      fraction in ash remain poorly understood but Fe solubility is likely influenced
      during atmospheric transport by condensation-evaporation cycles which induce
      large pH fluctuations. Using glass powder as surrogate for ash, we experimentally
      simulate its atmospheric processing via cycles of pH 2 and 5 exposure. Glass
      fractional Fe solubility (maximum 0.4%) is governed by the pH 2 exposure duration
      rather than by the pH fluctuations, however; pH 5 exposure induces precipitation
      of Fe-bearing nanoparticles which (re)dissolve at pH 2. Glass
      leaching/dissolution release Fe(II) and Fe(III) which are differentially affected
      by changes in pH; the average dissolved Fe(II)/Fetot ratio is ~0.09 at pH 2
      versus ~0.18 at pH 5. Iron release at pH 2 from glass with a relatively high bulk
      Fe(II)/Fetot ratio (0.5), limited aqueous Fe(II) oxidation at pH 5, and possibly
      glass-mediated aqueous Fe(III) reduction may render atmospherically processed ash
      a significant source of Fe(II) for phytoplankton. By providing new insight into
      the form(s) of Fe associated with ash as wet aerosol versus cloud droplet, we
      improve knowledge of atmospheric controls on volcanogenic Fe delivery to the
      ocean.

PMID- 27128878
TI  - Difficulties facing healthcare workers in the era of AIDS treatment in Lesotho.
AB  - Sub-Saharan Africa is most affected by the AIDS pandemic and Lesotho is no
      exception. In many countries, healthcare workers are at the forefront of the
      fight against AIDS. This study explores the difficulties facing healthcare
      workers in Lesotho using a combination of qualitative methods--focus group
      discussions and in-depth interviews. The findings suggest that healthcare workers
      are afraid of contracting HIV from their patients and this affects their delivery
      of services. In addition, the results revealed that poor infrastructure and
      shortage of supplies at the facilities hinder healthcare workers from performing
      their duties effectively. The other concern was the heavy workload and severe
      time constraints which puts enormous stress on healthcare workers. Stigma and
      discrimination emerged as major problems for healthcare workers. Addressing the
      challenges facing healthcare workers is essential in effectively managing the
      AIDS pandemic facing the continent.

PMID- 27128880
TI  - The multicellular complexity of peripheral nerve regeneration.
AB  - Peripheral nerves show a remarkable ability to regenerate following a transection
      injury. Downstream of the cut, the axons degenerate and so to regenerate the
      nerve, the severed axons need to regrow back to their targets and regain
      function. This requires the axons to navigate through two different environments.
      (1) The bridge of new tissue that forms between the two nerve stumps and (2) the
      distal stump of the nerve that remains associated with the target tissues. This
      involves distinct, complex multicellular responses that guide and sustain axonal
      regrowth. These processes have important implications for our understanding of
      the regeneration of an adult tissue and have parallels to aspects of tumour
      formation and spread.

PMID- 27128882
TI  - Behavioral changes in female Asian elephants when given access to an outdoor yard
      overnight.
AB  - A study was conducted at the Bronx Zoo to determine whether providing elephants
      with access to an outdoor corral at night had any significant effects on
      behavior, use of space, and use of a sand corral. Activity budgets for three
      female Asian elephants were compared when the subjects were housed indoors
      overnight and when they were given access to an outdoor yard overnight.
      Observations were recorded via infrared video cameras between the hours of 1900
      and 0700 during the months of July-September. Two of the three elephants showed a
      significant preference for spending time outdoors, whereas, the third elephant
      spent most of her time indoors. Standing and play behavior increased when the
      elephants had outdoor access while lying down and feeding behavior decreased.
      Swaying behavior decreased significantly when the elephants had access to the
      outdoor yard. The elephants made very little use of a sand-floor stall regardless
      of whether or not they had access to outdoors. The results of this study, suggest
      that having access to alternate areas overnight can promote well-being by
      reducing repetitive behavior and allowing animals to express their preferences
      for different locations. The relative importance of choice alone vs. the
      behavioral opportunities provided by choice options for zoo animals is discussed.
      Zoo Biol. 35:298-303, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27128881
TI  - The environment rules: spatiotemporal regulation of oligodendrocyte
      differentiation.
AB  - During development oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) rapidly proliferate and
      migrate throughout the central nervous system. The mobilization of OPCs is
      followed by terminal differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes and the
      subsequent myelination of axons. Differentiation of OPCs is CNS-wide and robust,
      and yet spatially and temporally restricted. What factors control this precise
      and coordinated differentiation effort? We discuss evidence for both intrinsic
      and extrinsic cues in regulating OPC differentiation and gather that extrinsic
      cues play the leading role in regulating the differentiation of OPCs into mature
      oligodendrocytes.

PMID- 27128883
TI  - Group cognitive behavioral treatment in female soldiers diagnosed with
      binge/purge eating disorders.
AB  - Cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) is the recommended intervention in bulimia
      nervosa (BN) and eating disorders not otherwise specified with binge/purge (EDNOS
      B/P) symptoms. There are fewer data on its application in a group format. We
      sought to investigate the effect of group CBT in female soldiers with B/P
      symptomatology in an open trial design. For this purpose we assessed 64 female
      soldiers serving in the Israeli Defense Force diagnosed with BN and EDNOS-B/P who
      participated in a group CBT format of 16 weekly sessions and one follow-up
      session. In this study, 42 participants (65.6%) completed treatment and 22
      participants (34.4%) did not. A total of 39 treatment completers (92.8% of
      treatment completers) and 19 non-completers (86.4% of treatment non-completers)
      were assessed around 12 months after treatment. Participants completed at
      baseline and following treatment questionnaires assessing eating-related
      symptoms, depression, anxiety, and overall functioning. At follow-up they were
      assessed for eating-related symptoms. Our findings show only minimal baseline
      differences between treatment completers and non-completers. Significant
      improvement from baseline to post-treatment was shown for B/P and restrictive
      symptoms, depression, anxiety, and overall functioning. At that time, more than a
      third of treatment completers were abstinent from binging and more than a half
      from vomiting. The improvement in B/P and restricting symptoms was maintained at
      1 year follow-up for treatment completers. At that time around 60% were abstinent
      from binging and more than 70% from vomiting. Participants not completing
      treatment were also improved at follow-up but to a lesser extent. The findings of
      the present study suggest that group CBT may be effective for the treatment of
      female soldiers with BN and EDNOS-B/P. 

PMID- 27128884
TI  - Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension--a diagnostic and therapeutic
      update.
AB  - Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), an important cause of
      severe pulmonary hypertension, is still underdiagnosed, mainly due to the
      insufficient use of V/Q scannning in patients with pulmonary hypertension. This
      article reviews the current diagnostic approach and discusses the therapeutic
      options in this particular form of pulmonary hypertension. Every patient with
      CTEPH should undergo an evaluation in a specialised centre with experience in
      pulmonary arterial endarteriectomy (PEA) as the potentially curative surgical
      technique. Partly unresolved questions regard the status of the recently
      described percutaneous transluminal pulmonary angioplasty and the best medical
      treatment in patients with inoperable or recurrent/persistent pulmonary
      hypertension after PEA. 

PMID- 27128885
TI  - Reverse osmosis integrity monitoring in water reuse: The challenge to verify
      virus removal - A review.
AB  - A reverse osmosis (RO) process is often included in the treatment train to
      produce high quality reuse water from treated effluent for potable purposes
      because of its high removal efficiency for salinity and many inorganic and
      organic contaminants, and importantly, it also provides an excellent barrier for
      pathogens. In order to ensure the continued protection of public health from
      pathogen contamination, monitoring RO process integrity is necessary. Due to
      their small sizes, viruses are the most difficult class of pathogens to be
      removed in physical separation processes and therefore often considered the most
      challenging pathogen to monitor. To-date, there is a gap between the current log
      credit assigned to this process (determined by integrity testing approved by
      regulators) and its actual log removal capability as proven in a variety of
      laboratory and pilot studies. Hence, there is a challenge to establish a
      methodology that more closely links to the theoretical performance. In this
      review, after introducing the notion of risk management in water reuse, we
      provide an overview of existing and potentially new RO integrity monitoring
      techniques, highlight their strengths and drawbacks, and debate their
      applicability to full-scale treatment plants, which open to future research
      opportunities.

PMID- 27128886
TI  - Overlap between maculopapular exanthema and drug reaction with eosinophilia and
      systemic symptoms among cutaneous adverse drug reactions in a dermatology ward.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inpatients with cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADR) with
      overlapping features between maculopapular exanthema (MPE) and drug reaction with
      eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) were examined. OBJECTIVES: To
      characterize patients with exanthema and few systemic symptoms not meeting the
      criteria for DRESS [overlapping MPE-DRESS (MP/DR)]. METHODS: We undertook a
      comparative analysis of clinical and laboratory features of patients with MPE,
      MP/DR and DRESS (2008-12). RESULTS: We identified 132 inpatients (85 women/47
      men, mean age 64.0 +/- 17.7 years) with CADR, 37 with DRESS, 28 with MPE, 34 with
      MP/DR and 33 with other patterns. There were no significant differences in sex,
      age or concomitant diseases. Allopurinol was the main cause of DRESS (40.5%) and
      MP/DR (29.4%); antimicrobials were the main cause in MPE (35.7%). In MP/DR the
      latency period (18.06 +/- 13.17 days) was significantly longer than in MPE but
      shorter than in DRESS. Although hospitalization time was similar to DRESS (13.26
      +/- 7.41 days), duration of therapy and follow-up in MP/DR was shorter.
      Exanthema/erythroderma were frequently associated with facial oedema in MP/DR
      (73.5%) and DRESS (89.2%) but only in 42.0% of patients with MPE. MP/DR
      histopathology showed keratinocyte vacuolization and perivascular and
      interstitial infiltrate of lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils, similar but
      milder than in DRESS, with less interface dermatitis, exocytosis and spongiosis.
      DRESS was associated with liver involvement (78.4%) and eosinophilia (78.4%), but
      only in 64.7% and 11.8%, respectively, of patients with MP/DR. CONCLUSIONS: An
      overlapping pattern between MPE and DRESS was identified and characterized. There
      may be a continuum spectrum between MPE and DRESS.

PMID- 27128887
TI  - Nonequilibrium Fermi's Golden Rule Charge Transfer Rates via the Linearized
      Semiclassical Method.
AB  - Nonequilibrium Fermi's golden rule (NE-FGR) describes the transition between a
      photoexcited bright donor electronic state and a dark acceptor electronic state
      when the nuclear degrees of freedom start out in a nonequilibrium state. In this
      article, we derive a new expression for NE-FGR within the framework of the
      linearized semiclassical approximation. The new expression opens the door for
      applications of NE-FGR in complex condensed-phase molecular systems described in
      terms of anharmonic force fields. We show that the linearized semiclassical
      expression for NE-FGR yields the exact fully quantum-mechanical result for the
      canonical Marcus model, where the coupling between donor and acceptor is assumed
      constant (the Condon approximation) and the donor and acceptor potential energy
      surfaces are parabolic and identical except for a shift in the equilibrium energy
      and geometry. For this model, we also present a comprehensive comparison between
      the linearized semiclassical expression and a hierarchy of more approximate
      expressions, in both normal and inverted regions and over a wide range of initial
      nonequilibrium states, temperatures, and frictions. 

PMID- 27128888
TI  - Diastereoselective Coupling of Chiral Acetonide Trisubstituted Radicals with
      Alkenes.
AB  - The stereochemical outcome of reactions of chiral nucleophilic trisubstituted
      acetonide radicals with electron-deficient alkenes is dictated by a delicate
      balance between destabilizing non-bonding interactions and stabilizing hydrogen
      bonding between substituents on the alpha and beta carbons.

PMID- 27128889
TI  - Forsythoside A Controls Influenza A Virus Infection and Improves the Prognosis by
      Inhibiting Virus Replication in Mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to observe the effects of forsythoside
      A on controlling influenza A virus (IAV) infection and improving the prognosis of
      IAV infection. METHODS: Forty-eight SPF C57BL/6j mice were randomly divided into
      the following four groups: Group A: normal control group (normal con); Group B:
      IAV control group (V con); Group C: IAV+ oseltamivir treatment group (V
      oseltamivir; 0.78 mg/mL, 0.2 mL/mouse/day); Group D: IAV+ forsythoside A
      treatment group (V FTA; 2 MUg/mL, 0.2 mL/mouse/day). Real-time fluorescence
      quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to measure mRNA expression of the TLR7,
      MyD88, TRAF6, IRAK4 and NF-kappaB p65 mRNA in TLR7 signaling pathway and the
      virus replication level in lung. Western blot was used to measure TLR7, MyD88 and
      NF-kappaB p65 protein. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of the T
      cell subsets Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg. RESULTS: The body weight began to decrease
      after IAV infection, while FTA and oseltamivir could reduce the rate of body
      weight loss. The pathological damages in the FTA and oseltamivir group were less
      serious. TLR7, MyD88, TRAF6, IRAK4 and NF-kappaB p65 mRNA were up-regulated after
      virus infection (p < 0.01) while down-regulated after oseltamivir and FTA
      treatment (p < 0.01). The results of TLR7, MyD88 and NF-kappaB p65 protein
      consisted with correlative mRNA. Flow cytometry showed the Th1/Th2 differentiated
      towards Th2, and the Th17/Treg cells differentiated towards Treg after FTA
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests forsythoside A can control influenza A
      virus infection and improve the prognosis of IAV infection by inhibiting
      influenza A virus replication.

PMID- 27128891
TI  - Introducing Thermal Wave Transport Analysis (TWTA): A Thermal Technique for
      Dopamine Detection by Screen-Printed Electrodes Functionalized with Molecularly
      Imprinted Polymer (MIP) Particles.
AB  - A novel procedure is developed for producing bulk modified Molecularly Imprinted
      Polymer (MIP) screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), which involves the direct mixing
      of the polymer particles within the screen-printed ink. This allowed reduction of
      the sample preparation time from 45 min to 1 min, and resulted in higher
      reproducibility of the electrodes. The samples are measured with a novel
      detection method, namely, thermal wave transport analysis (TWTA), relying on the
      analysis of thermal waves through a functional interface. As a first proof-of
      principle, MIPs for dopamine are developed and successfully incorporated within a
      bulk modified MIP SPE. The detection limits of dopamine within buffer solutions
      for the MIP SPEs are determined via three independent techniques. With cyclic
      voltammetry this was determined to be 4.7 * 10(-6) M, whereas by using the heat
      transfer method (HTM) 0.35 * 10(-6) M was obtained, and with the novel TWTA
      concept 0.26 * 10(-6) M is possible. This TWTA technique is measured
      simultaneously with HTM and has the benefits of reducing measurement time to less
      than 5 min and increasing effect size by nearly a factor of two. The two thermal
      methods are able to enhance dopamine detection by one order of magnitude compared
      to the electrochemical method. In previous research, it was not possible to
      measure neurotransmitters in complex samples with HTM, but with the improved
      signal-to-noise of TWTA for the first time, spiked dopamine concentrations were
      determined in a relevant food sample. In summary, novel concepts are presented
      for both the sensor functionalization side by employing screen-printing
      technology, and on the sensing side, the novel TWTA thermal technique is
      reported. The developed bio-sensing platform is cost-effective and suitable for
      mass-production due to the nature of screen-printing technology, which makes it
      very interesting for neurotransmitter detection in clinical diagnostic
      applications. 

PMID- 27128890
TI  - Neuroprotective and Cytotoxic Phthalides from Angelicae Sinensis Radix.
AB  - Seven phthalides, including a new dimeric one named tokinolide C (7), were
      isolated from Angelicae Sinensis Radix and characterized. The structures of these
      compounds were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic
      data and comparison with literature data. All of the compounds were evaluated for
      their cytotoxic activities against the A549, HCT-8, and HepG2 cancer cell lines.
      Riligustilide (4) showed cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines, with IC50
      values of 13.82, 6.79, and 7.92 MUM, respectively. Tokinolide A (6) and
      tokinolide C (6) exerted low cytotoxicity in these cancer cell lines, while the
      remaining compounds were inactive. Flow cytometry analysis was employed to
      evaluate the possible mechanism of cytotoxic action of riligustilide (4). We
      observed that compound 4 was able to arrest the cell cycle in the G1, S phases
      and induce apoptosis in a time-dependent manner in HCT-8 cell lines. In addition,
      these compounds were evaluated for neuroprotective effect against SH-SY5Y cells
      injured by glutamate. The result showed that ligustilide (1), Z
      butylidenephthalide (3) and tokinolide A (6) exhibited significant
      neuroprotective effects. 

PMID- 27128893
TI  - Ptaquiloside in Irish Bracken Ferns and Receiving Waters, with Implications for
      Land Managers.
AB  - Ptaquiloside, along with other natural phytotoxins, is receiving increased
      attention from scientists and land use managers. There is an urgent need to
      increase empirical evidence to understand the scale of phytotoxin mobilisation
      and potential to enter into the environment. In this study the risk of
      ptaquiloside to drinking water was assessed by quantifying ptaquiloside in the
      receiving waters at three drinking water abstraction sites across Ireland and in
      bracken fronds surrounding the abstraction sites. We also investigated the impact
      of different management regimes (spraying, cutting and rolling) on ptaquiloside
      concentrations at plot-scale in six locations in Northern Ireland, UK.
      Ptaquiloside concentrations were determined using recent advances in the use of
      LC-MS for the detection and quantification of ptaquiloside. The results indicate
      that ptaquiloside is present in bracken stands surrounding drinking water
      abstractions in Ireland, and ptaquiloside concentrations were also observed in
      the receiving waters. Furthermore, spraying was found to be the most effective
      bracken management regime observed in terms of reducing ptaquiloside load.
      Increased awareness is vital on the implications of managing land with extensive
      bracken stands. 

PMID- 27128892
TI  - Polysaccharides from the Marine Environment with Pharmacological, Cosmeceutical
      and Nutraceutical Potential.
AB  - Carbohydrates, also called saccharides, are molecules composed of carbon,
      hydrogen, and oxygen. They are the most abundant biomolecules and essential
      components of many natural products and have attracted the attention of
      researchers because of their numerous human health benefits. Among carbohydrates
      the polysaccharides represent some of the most abundant bioactive substances in
      marine organisms. In fact, many marine macro- and microorganisms are good
      resources of carbohydrates with diverse applications due to their biofunctional
      properties. By acting on cell proliferation and cycle, and by modulating
      different metabolic pathways, marine polysaccharides (including mainly chitin,
      chitosan, fucoidan, carrageenan and alginate) also have numerous pharmaceutical
      activities, such as antioxidative, antibacterial, antiviral, immuno-stimulatory,
      anticoagulant and anticancer effects. Moreover, these polysaccharides have many
      general beneficial effects for human health, and have therefore been developed
      into potential cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals. In this review we describe
      current advances in the development of marine polysaccharides for nutraceutical,
      cosmeceutical and pharmacological applications. Research in this field is opening
      new doors for harnessing the potential of marine natural products. 

PMID- 27128894
TI  - Changes in the Subpopulations of Porcine Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Induced by
      Exposure to Low Doses of Zearalenone (ZEN) and Deoxynivalenol (DON).
AB  - Zearalenone and deoxynivalenol are secondary metabolites of fungi of the genus
      Fusarium. The presence of mycotoxins in cereals and the resulting contamination
      of feeds and foods pose health risks for animals and humans. The dangers
      associated with high doses of mycotoxins have been extensively researched but
      very little is known about NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) doses or
      exposure to a combination of mycotoxins (mixed mycotoxicoses). The aim of this
      study was to determine the effects of six-week exposure to NOAEL doses of
      individual and combined mycotoxins on the subpopulations of CD4+8(-), CD4(-)8+
      and CD4+8+ lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of pigs. The experiment was
      performed on 72 gilts with average body weight of 25 kg, divided into three
      experimental groups (E1, E2 and E3, administered zearalenone (ZEN),
      deoxynivalenol (DON) and ZEN + DON, respectively, on a daily basis) and a control
      group (C) receiving placebo. Changes in lymphocyte subpopulations were evaluated
      by flow cytometry at weekly intervals (experimental days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and
      42). A linear increase in the percentage of CD4+8+ lymphocytes was highly
      correlated with time (r = 0.682) in group C. The correlations and linear increase
      in the above subpopulation were disrupted in the remaining groups. In group E3, a
      statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in CD4+8+ counts was observed in
      week 5, which could point to a transient depletion of regulatory mechanisms of
      immune responses. The noted results also suggest that in mixed mycotoxicosis, ZEN
      and DON exerted stronger immunomodulatory effects. 

PMID- 27128895
TI  - Five 2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromones from Sodium Chloride-Elicited Aquilaria sinensis
      Cell Suspension Cultures.
AB  - Five 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones including a new one, (5S,6R,7S,8R)-5,8-dichloro
      6,7-dihydroxy-2-phenylethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-chromen-4-one (1), and four
      known ones (2-5), were isolated from 150 mM NaCl-elicited Aquilaria sinensis cell
      suspension cultures. In addition, three feruloyl amides (6-8), six nucleosides (9
      14), (+)-syringaresinol (15), indole-3-carboxaldehyde (16), and two glycosides
      (17-18) were also obtained. The structures were unambiguously identified by
      analysis of their UV, IR, NMR, and HRESIMS data. The absolute configuration of
      the new 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone (1) was established by a dimolybdenum
      tetraacetate-induced circular dichroism experiment. Compared to un-elicited cell
      lines, the appearance of 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones in NaCl-treated cells
      occurred on the 3rd and 5th days of their treatment. 2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromones,
      feruloyl amides, nucleosides, and lignins have been reported to be closely
      related to plant defense; therefore, the identification of these compounds from
      NaCl-elicited A. sinensis cell suspension cultures would be useful for further
      exploring the mechanism of agarwood formation. 

PMID- 27128896
TI  - Inhibitory Effects of Aschantin on Cytochrome P450 and Uridine 5'-diphospho
      glucuronosyltransferase Enzyme Activities in Human Liver Microsomes.
AB  - Aschantin is a bioactive neolignan found in Magnolia flos with antiplasmodial,
      Ca(2+)-antagonistic, platelet activating factor-antagonistic, and chemopreventive
      activities. We investigated its inhibitory effects on the activities of eight
      major human cytochrome P450 (CYP) and uridine 5'-diphospho
      glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes of human liver microsomes to determine if
      mechanistic aschantin-enzyme interactions were evident. Aschantin potently
      inhibited CYP2C8-mediated amodiaquine N-de-ethylation, CYP2C9-mediated diclofenac
      4'-hydroxylation, CYP2C19-mediated [S]-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylation, and CYP3A4
      mediated midazolam 1'-hydroxylation, with Ki values of 10.2, 3.7, 5.8, and 12.6
      uM, respectively. Aschantin at 100 uM negligibly inhibited CYP1A2-mediated
      phenacetin O-de-ethylation, CYP2A6-mediated coumarin 7-hydroxylation, CYP2B6
      mediated bupropion hydroxylation, and CYP2D6-mediated bufuralol 1'-hydroxylation.
      At 200 uM, it weakly inhibited UGT1A1-catalyzed SN-38 glucuronidation, UGT1A6
      catalyzed N-acetylserotonin glucuronidation, and UGT1A9-catalyzed mycophenolic
      acid glucuronidation, with IC50 values of 131.7, 144.1, and 71.0 uM,
      respectively, but did not show inhibition against UGT1A3, UGT1A4, or UGT2B7 up to
      200 uM. These in vitro results indicate that aschantin should be examined in
      terms of potential interactions with pharmacokinetic drugs in vivo. It exhibited
      potent mechanism-based inhibition of CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4. 

PMID- 27128897
TI  - Bioconversion of Biomass-Derived Phenols Catalyzed by Myceliophthora thermophila
      Laccase.
AB  - Biomass-derived phenols have recently arisen as an attractive alternative for
      building blocks to be used in synthetic applications, due to their widespread
      availability as an abundant renewable resource. In the present paper, commercial
      laccase from the thermophilic fungus Myceliophthora thermophila was used to
      bioconvert phenol monomers, namely catechol, pyrogallol and gallic acid in water.
      The resulting products from catechol and gallic acid were polymers that were
      partially characterized in respect to their optical and thermal properties, and
      their average molecular weight was estimated via solution viscosity measurements
      and GPC. FT-IR and 1H-NMR data suggest that phenol monomers are connected with
      ether or C-C bonds depending on the starting monomer, while the achieved
      molecular weight of polycatechol is found higher than the corresponding
      poly(gallic acid). On the other hand, under the same condition, pyrogallol was
      dimerized in a pure red crystalline compound and its structure was confirmed by
      1H-NMR as purpurogallin. The herein studied green synthesis of enzymatically
      synthesized phenol polymers or biological active compounds could be exploited as
      an alternative synthetic route targeting a variety of applications. 

PMID- 27128898
TI  - Chemical Constituents of Malaysian U. cordata var. ferruginea and Their in Vitro
      alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities.
AB  - Continuing our interest in the Uncaria genus, the phytochemistry and the in-vitro
      alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities of Malaysian Uncaria cordata var.
      ferruginea were investigated. The phytochemical study of this plant, which
      employed various chromatographic techniques including recycling preparative HPLC,
      led to the isolation of ten compounds with diverse structures comprising three
      phenolic acids, two coumarins, three flavonoids, a terpene and an iridoid
      glycoside. These constituents were identified as 2-hydroxybenzoic acid or
      salicylic acid (1), 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3),
      scopoletin or 7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-coumarin (4), 3,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxycoumarin
      (5), quercetin (6), kaempferol (7), taxifolin (8), loganin (9) and beta
      sitosterol (10). Structure elucidation of the compounds was accomplished with the
      aid of 1D and 2D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectral data and Ultraviolet
      Visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and mass
      spectrometry (MS). In the alpha-glucosidase inhibitory assay, the crude
      methanolic extract of the stems of the plant and its acetone fraction exhibited
      strong alpha-glucosidase inhibition activity of 87.7% and 89.2%, respectively,
      while its DCM fraction exhibited only moderate inhibition (75.3%) at a
      concentration of 1 mg/mL. The IC50 values of both fractions were found to be
      significantly lower than the standard acarbose suggesting the presence of
      potential alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. Selected compounds isolated from the
      active fractions were then subjected to alpha-glucosidase assay in which 2,4
      dihydroxybenzoic acid and quercetin showed strong inhibitory effects against the
      enzyme with IC50 values of 549 and 556 MUg/mL compared to acarbose (IC50 580
      MUg/mL) while loganin and scopoletin only showed weak alpha-glucosidase
      inhibition of 44.9% and 34.5%, respectively. This is the first report of the
      isolation of 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and loganin from
      the genus and the first report of the alpha-glucosidase inhibitory potential of
      2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. 

PMID- 27128899
TI  - Peripheral Skin Temperature and Circadian Biological Clock in Shift Nurses after
      a Day off.
AB  - The circadian biological clock is essentially based on the light/dark cycle. Some
      people working with shift schedules cannot adjust their sleep/wake cycle to the
      light/dark cycle, and this may result in alterations of the circadian biological
      clock. This study explored the circadian biological clock of shift and daytime
      nurses using non-invasive methods. Peripheral skin temperature, cortisol and
      melatonin levels in saliva, and Per2 expression in pubic hair follicle cells were
      investigated for 24 h after a day off. Significant differences were observed in
      peripheral skin temperature and cortisol levels between shift and daytime nurses.
      No differences in melatonin levels were obtained. Per2 maximum values were
      significantly different between the two groups. Shift nurses exhibited lower
      circadian variations compared to daytime nurses, and this may indicate an
      adjustment of the circadian biological clock to continuous shift schedules. Non
      invasive procedures, such as peripheral skin temperature measurement,
      determination of cortisol and melatonin in saliva, and analysis of clock genes in
      hair follicle cells, may be effective approaches to extensively study the
      circadian clock in shift workers. 

PMID- 27128900
TI  - Identification and Comparative Analysis of CBS Domain-Containing Proteins in
      Soybean (Glycine max) and the Primary Function of GmCBS21 in Enhanced Tolerance
      to Low Nitrogen Stress.
AB  - Nitrogen is an important macronutrient required for plant growth, and is a
      limiting factor for crop productivity. Improving the nitrogen use efficiency
      (NUE) is therefore crucial. At present, the NUE mechanism is unclear and
      information on the genes associated with NUE in soybeans is lacking.
      cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) domain-containing proteins (CDCPs) may be
      implicated in abiotic stress tolerance in plants. We identified and classified a
      CBS domain-containing protein superfamily in soybean. A candidate gene for NUE,
      GmCBS21, was identified. GmCBS21 gene characteristics, the temporal expression
      pattern of the GmCBS21 gene, and the phenotype of GmCBS21 overexpression in
      transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana under low nitrogen stress were analyzed. The
      phenotypes suggested that the transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings performed
      better under the nitrogen-deficient condition. GmCBS21-overexpressing transgenic
      plants exhibit higher low nitrogen stress tolerance than WT plants, and this
      suggests its role in low nitrogen stress tolerance in plants. We conclude that
      GmCBS21 may serve as an excellent candidate for breeding crops with enhanced NUE
      and better yield. 

PMID- 27128902
TI  - The Folding of de Novo Designed Protein DS119 via Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
AB  - As they are not subjected to natural selection process, de novo designed proteins
      usually fold in a manner different from natural proteins. Recently, a de novo
      designed mini-protein DS119, with a betaalphabeta motif and 36 amino acids, has
      folded unusually slowly in experiments, and transient dimers have been detected
      in the folding process. Here, by means of all-atom replica exchange molecular
      dynamics (REMD) simulations, several comparably stable intermediate states were
      observed on the folding free-energy landscape of DS119. Conventional molecular
      dynamics (CMD) simulations showed that when two unfolded DS119 proteins bound
      together, most binding sites of dimeric aggregates were located at the N-terminal
      segment, especially residues 5-10, which were supposed to form beta-sheet with
      its own C-terminal segment. Furthermore, a large percentage of individual
      proteins in the dimeric aggregates adopted conformations similar to those in the
      intermediate states observed in REMD simulations. These results indicate that,
      during the folding process, DS119 can easily become trapped in intermediate
      states. Then, with diffusion, a transient dimer would be formed and stabilized
      with the binding interface located at N-terminals. This means that it could not
      quickly fold to the native structure. The complicated folding manner of DS119
      implies the important influence of natural selection on protein-folding kinetics,
      and more improvement should be achieved in rational protein design. 

PMID- 27128901
TI  - Circadian Dysrhythmias, Physiological Aberrations, and the Link to Skin Cancer.
AB  - Circadian rhythms are core regulators of a variety of mammalian physiologic
      processes and oscillate in a 24-h pattern. Many peripheral organs possess
      endogenous rhythmicity that is then modulated by a master clock; the skin is one
      of these peripheral organs. The dysregulation of rhythms is associated with
      decreased ability to ameliorate cellular stressors at a local and global level,
      which then increases the propensity for the development of neoplastic growths. In
      this article, we review the implications of altered circadian rhythms on DNA
      repair as well as modified gene expression of core clock proteins with particular
      focus on skin models. These findings are then correlated with epidemiologic data
      regarding skin cancer to showcase the effects of circadian disruption on this
      phenomenon. 

PMID- 27128903
TI  - KRAS/BRAF Analysis in Ovarian Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma Having Synchronous All
      Pathological Precursor Regions.
AB  - Ovarian low-grade serous carcinoma is thought to begin as a serous cystadenoma or
      adenofibroma that progresses in a slow stepwise fashion. Among the low-grade
      serous carcinomas, there is a high frequency of activating mutations in the KRAS
      or BRAF genes; however, it remains unclear as to how these mutations contribute
      to tumor progression. This is the first report to track the histopathological
      progression of serous adenofibroma to low-grade serous carcinoma. Each stage was
      individually analyzed by pathological and molecular genetic methods to determine
      what differences occur between the distinct stages of progression. 

PMID- 27128904
TI  - Protective Effect of Tyrosol and S-Adenosylmethionine against Ethanol-Induced
      Oxidative Stress of Hepg2 Cells Involves Sirtuin 1, P53 and Erk1/2 Signaling.
AB  - Oxidative stress plays a major role in ethanol-induced liver damage, and agents
      with antioxidant properties are promising as therapeutic opportunities in
      alcoholic liver disease. In the present work, we investigated the effect of S
      adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), Tyrosol (Tyr), and their combination on HepG2 cells
      exposed to ethanol exploring the potential molecular mechanisms. We exposed HepG2
      cells to 1 M ethanol for 4 and 48 h; thereafter, we recorded a decreased cell
      viability, increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid
      accumulation, and the release into culture medium of markers of liver disease
      such as triacylglycerol, cholesterol, transaminases, albumin, ferritin, and
      homocysteine. On the other hand, AdoMet and Tyrosol were able to attenuate or
      antagonize these adverse changes induced by acute exposure to ethanol. The
      protective effects were paralleled by increased Sirtuin 1 protein expression and
      nuclear translocation and increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation that were both
      responsible for the protection of cells from apoptosis. Moreover, AdoMet
      increased p53 and p21 expression, while Tyrosol reduced p21 expression and
      enhanced the expression of uncleaved caspase 3 and 9, suggesting that its
      protective effect may be related to the inhibition of the apoptotic machinery.
      Altogether, our data show that AdoMet and Tyrosol exert beneficial effects in
      ethanol-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and provide a rationale for their
      potential use in combination in the prevention of ethanol-induced liver damage. 

PMID- 27128906
TI  - The Glutathione Derivative, GSH Monoethyl Ester, May Effectively Whiten Skin but
      GSH Does Not.
AB  - Glutathione in its reduced form (GSH) is an antioxidant and also is involved in
      pheomelanin formation. Thus, it has been long believed that GSH has a skin
      whitening effect. However, its actual or direct effect is unproven. We evaluated
      the anti-melanogenic effects of GSH and its derivatives in vitro. We examined
      change of melanogenesis and its related proteins by GSH itself and its
      derivatives, including GSH monoethyl ester (GSH-MEE), GSH diethyl ester (GSH-DEE)
      and GSH monoisopropyl ester (GSH-MIPE) in Melan-A cells, Mel-Ab cells, and B16F10
      cells. GSH and GSH-MEE did not display cytotoxic activity, but GSH-MIPE and GSH
      DEE did. Intriguingly, GSH itself had no inhibitory effect on melanin production
      or intracellular tyrosinase activity. Rather, it was GSH-MEE and GSH-MIPE that
      profoundly reduced the amount of melanin and intracellular tyrosinase activity.
      Thus, GSH-MEE was selected as a suitable candidate skin-whitening agent and it
      did not alter melanogenesis-associated proteins such as microphthalmia-associated
      transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and
      TRP-2, but it did increase the amount of suggested pheomelanin and suggested
      pheomelanin/eumelanin ratio. GSH-MEE was effective for anti-melanogenesis,
      whereas GSH itself was not. GSH-MEE could be developed as a safe and efficient
      agent for the treatment of hyperpigmentation skin disorders. 

PMID- 27128905
TI  - In Vivo Delivery Systems for Therapeutic Genome Editing.
AB  - Therapeutic genome editing technology has been widely used as a powerful tool for
      directly correcting genetic mutations in target pathological tissues and cells to
      cure of diseases. The modification of specific genomic sequences can be achieved
      by utilizing programmable nucleases, such as Meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases
      (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and the
      clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated nuclease Cas9
      (CRISPR/Cas9). However, given the properties, such as large size, negative
      charge, low membrane penetrating ability, as well as weak tolerance for serum,
      and low endosomal escape, of these nucleases genome editing cannot be
      successfully applied unless in vivo delivery of related programmable nucleases
      into target organisms or cells is achieved. Here, we look back at delivery
      strategies having been used in the in vivo delivery of three main genome editing
      nucleases, followed by methodologies currently undergoing testing in clinical
      trials, and potential delivery strategies provided by analyzing characteristics
      of nucleases and commonly used vectors. 

PMID- 27128907
TI  - PNPLA3 Expression Is Related to Liver Steatosis in Morbidly Obese Women with Non
      Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
AB  - Recent reports suggest a role for the Patatin-like phospholipase domain
      containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) in the pathology of non-alcoholic fatty liver
      disease (NAFLD). Lipid deposition in the liver seems to be a critical process in
      the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the
      association between the liver PNPLA3 expression, key genes of lipid metabolism,
      and the presence of NAFLD in morbidly obese women. We used real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) analysis to analyze the hepatic expression of PNPLA3 and
      lipid metabolism-related genes in 55 morbidly obese subjects with normal liver
      histology (NL, n = 18), simple steatosis (SS, n = 20), and non-alcoholic
      steatohepatitis (NASH, n = 17). Liver biopsies were collected during bariatric
      surgery. We observed that liver PNPLA3 expression was increased in NAFLD than in
      NL. It was also upregulated in SS than in NL. Interestingly, we found that the
      expression of PNPLA3 was significantly higher in severe than mild SS group. In
      addition, the expression of the transcription factors LXRalpha, PPARalpha, and
      SREBP2 was positively correlated with PNPLA3 liver expression. Regarding rs738409
      polymorphism, GG genotype was positive correlated with the presence of NASH. In
      conclusion, our results show that PNPLA3 could be related to lipid accumulation
      in liver, mainly in the development and progression of simple steatosis. 

PMID- 27128909
TI  - Plasma Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Levels Correlated with the Cardio
      Ankle Vascular Index in Long-Term Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.
AB  - The circulating levels of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) can
      be a simple, but practical and useful marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). As
      limited studies are available in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), further
      studies are needed to establish the clinical application of Lp-PLA2 in DM
      practice. The present study investigated the correlation between Lp-PLA2 and the
      cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), a recent marker of arterial stiffness, in DM
      patients according to their diabetes duration. Clinical data, including the
      plasma Lp-PLA2 mass and CAVI values, were collected from CVD-free type 2 DM
      female patients (n = 65, mean age 62 years, mean hemoglobin A1c 7.0%). The Lp
      PLA2 level of patients with a diabetes duration of <10 years (n = 40:20.2 IU/mL)
      was not significantly different from that of patients with a diabetes duration of
      >=10 years (n = 25:20.5 IU/mL), while the CAVI level was significantly higher in
      patients with >=10 years (9.0) than in those with <10 years (8.1; p < 0.05). A
      stepwise multiple regression analysis found a positive correlation between the Lp
      PLA2 and CAVI levels (beta = 0.43, p < 0.01) in patients with a diabetes duration
      of >=10 years. This correlation between Lp-PLA2 and CVAI suggests the possible
      use of Lp-PLA2 in DM patients with long-term disease. Further studies on Lp-PLA2
      are warranted in DM practice in relation to the disease duration. 

PMID- 27128910
TI  - Advantages and Pitfalls of Mass Spectrometry Based Metabolome Profiling in
      Systems Biology.
AB  - Mass spectrometry-based metabolome profiling became the method of choice in
      systems biology approaches and aims to enhance biological understanding of
      complex biological systems. Genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics are well
      established technologies and are commonly used by many scientists. In comparison,
      metabolomics is an emerging field and has not reached such high-throughput,
      routine and coverage than other omics technologies. Nevertheless, substantial
      improvements were achieved during the last years. Integrated data derived from
      multi-omics approaches will provide a deeper understanding of entire biological
      systems. Metabolome profiling is mainly hampered by its diversity, variation of
      metabolite concentration by several orders of magnitude and biological data
      interpretation. Thus, multiple approaches are required to cover most of the
      metabolites. No software tool is capable of comprehensively translating all the
      data into a biologically meaningful context yet. In this review, we discuss the
      advantages of metabolome profiling and main obstacles limiting progress in
      systems biology. 

PMID- 27128911
TI  - Definitions of Normal Liver Fat and the Association of Insulin Sensitivity with
      Acquired and Genetic NAFLD-A Systematic Review.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) covers a spectrum of disease ranging
      from simple steatosis (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and
      fibrosis. "Obese/Metabolic NAFLD" is closely associated with obesity and insulin
      resistance and therefore predisposes to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular
      disease. NAFLD can also be caused by common genetic variants, the patatin-like
      phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) or the transmembrane 6 superfamily
      member 2 (TM6SF2). Since NAFL, irrespective of its cause, can progress to NASH
      and liver fibrosis, its definition is of interest. We reviewed the literature to
      identify data on definition of normal liver fat using liver histology and
      different imaging tools, and analyzed whether NAFLD caused by the gene variants
      is associated with insulin resistance. Histologically, normal liver fat content
      in liver biopsies is most commonly defined as macroscopic steatosis in less than
      5% of hepatocytes. In the population-based Dallas Heart Study, the upper 95th
      percentile of liver fat measured by proton magnetic spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in
      healthy subjects was 5.6%, which corresponds to approximately 15% histological
      liver fat. When measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based techniques
      such as the proton density fat fraction (PDFF), 5% macroscopic steatosis
      corresponds to a PDFF of 6% to 6.4%. In contrast to "Obese/metabolic NAFLD",
      NAFLD caused by genetic variants is not associated with insulin resistance. This
      implies that NAFLD is heterogeneous and that "Obese/Metabolic NAFLD" but not
      NAFLD due to the PNPLA3 or TM6SF2 genetic variants predisposes to type 2 diabetes
      and cardiovascular disease. 

PMID- 27128913
TI  - Static and Wind-on Performance of Polymer-Based Pressure-Sensitive Paints Using
      Platinum and Ruthenium as the Luminophore.
AB  - An experimental study has been conducted to investigate the static and wind-on
      performance of two in-house-developed polymer-based pressure-sensitive paints.
      Platinum tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin and tris-bathophenanthroline
      ruthenium II are used as the luminophores of these two polymer-based pressure
      sensitive paints. The pressure and temperature sensitivity and the photo
      degradation rate of these two pressure-sensitive paints have been investigated.
      In the wind tunnel test, it was observed that the normalised intensity ratio of
      both polymer-based pressure-sensitive paints being studied decreases with
      increasing the number of wind tunnel runs. The exact reason that leads to the
      occurrence of this phenomenon is unclear, but it is deduced that the luminophore
      is either removed or deactivated by the incoming flow during a wind tunnel test. 

PMID- 27128914
TI  - Robust Stability of Scaled-Four-Channel Teleoperation with Internet Time-Varying
      Delays.
AB  - We describe the application of a generic stability framework for a teleoperation
      system under time-varying delay conditions, as addressed in a previous work, to a
      scaled-four-channel (gamma-4C) control scheme. Described is how varying delays
      are dealt with by means of dynamic encapsulation, giving rise to mu-test
      conditions for robust stability and offering an appealing frequency technique to
      deal with the stability robustness of the architecture. We discuss ideal
      transparency problems and we adapt classical solutions so that controllers are
      proper, without single or double differentiators, and thus avoid the negative
      effects of noise. The control scheme was fine-tuned and tested for complete
      stability to zero of the whole state, while seeking a practical solution to the
      trade-off between stability and transparency in the Internet-based teleoperation.
      These ideas were tested on an Internet-based application with two Omni devices at
      remote laboratory locations via simulations and real remote experiments that
      achieved robust stability, while performing well in terms of position
      synchronization and force transparency. 

PMID- 27128915
TI  - A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning with WorldView-2 Pan-Sharpened Imagery
      for Tea Crop Mapping.
AB  - Tea is an important but vulnerable economic crop in East Asia, highly impacted by
      climate change. This study attempts to interpret tea land use/land cover (LULC)
      using very high resolution WorldView-2 imagery of central Taiwan with both pixel
      and object-based approaches. A total of 80 variables derived from each WorldView
      2 band with pan-sharpening, standardization, principal components and gray level
      co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture indices transformation, were set as the input
      variables. For pixel-based image analysis (PBIA), 34 variables were selected,
      including seven principal components, 21 GLCM texture indices and six original
      WorldView-2 bands. Results showed that support vector machine (SVM) had the
      highest tea crop classification accuracy (OA = 84.70% and KIA = 0.690), followed
      by random forest (RF), maximum likelihood algorithm (ML), and logistic regression
      analysis (LR). However, the ML classifier achieved the highest classification
      accuracy (OA = 96.04% and KIA = 0.887) in object-based image analysis (OBIA)
      using only six variables. The contribution of this study is to create a new
      framework for accurately identifying tea crops in a subtropical region with real
      time high-resolution WorldView-2 imagery without field survey, which could
      further aid agriculture land management and a sustainable agricultural product
      supply. 

PMID- 27128908
TI  - New Concepts in Cancer Biomarkers: Circulating miRNAs in Liquid Biopsies.
AB  - The effective and efficient management of cancer patients relies upon early
      diagnosis and/or the monitoring of treatment, something that is often difficult
      to achieve using standard tissue biopsy techniques. Biological fluids such as
      blood hold great possibilities as a source of non-invasive cancer biomarkers that
      can act as surrogate markers to biopsy-based sampling. The non-invasive nature of
      these "liquid biopsies" ultimately means that cancer detection may be earlier and
      that the ability to monitor disease progression and/or treatment response
      represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of cancer patients. Below, we review
      one of the most promising classes of circulating cancer biomarkers: microRNAs
      (miRNAs). In particular, we will consider their history, the controversy
      surrounding their origin and biology, and, most importantly, the hurdles that
      remain to be overcome if they are really to become part of future clinical
      practice. 

PMID- 27128916
TI  - Enhanced Tissue Ablation Efficiency with a Mid-Infrared Nonlinear Frequency
      Conversion Laser System and Tissue Interaction Monitoring Using Optical Coherence
      Tomography.
AB  - We report development of optical parametric oscillator (OPO)-based mid-infrared
      laser system that utilizes a periodically poled nonlinear crystal pumped by a
      near-infrared (NIR) laser. We obtained a mid-infrared average output of 8 W at an
      injection current of 20 A from a quasi-phase-matched OPO using an external cavity
      configuration. Laser tissue ablation efficiency is substantially affected by
      several parameters, including an optical fluence rate, wavelength of the laser
      source, and the optical properties of target tissue. Dimensions of wavelength and
      radiant exposure dependent tissue ablation are quantified using Fourier domain
      optical coherence tomography and the ablation efficiency was compared to a non
      converted NIR laser system. 

PMID- 27128917
TI  - Smartphone-Based Indoor Localization with Bluetooth Low Energy Beacons.
AB  - Indoor wireless localization using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons has
      attracted considerable attention after the release of the BLE protocol. In this
      paper, we propose an algorithm that uses the combination of channel-separate
      polynomial regression model (PRM), channel-separate fingerprinting (FP), outlier
      detection and extended Kalman filtering (EKF) for smartphone-based indoor
      localization with BLE beacons. The proposed algorithm uses FP and PRM to estimate
      the target's location and the distances between the target and BLE beacons
      respectively. We compare the performance of distance estimation that uses
      separate PRM for three advertisement channels (i.e., the separate strategy) with
      that use an aggregate PRM generated through the combination of information from
      all channels (i.e., the aggregate strategy). The performance of FP-based location
      estimation results of the separate strategy and the aggregate strategy are also
      compared. It was found that the separate strategy can provide higher accuracy;
      thus, it is preferred to adopt PRM and FP for each BLE advertisement channel
      separately. Furthermore, to enhance the robustness of the algorithm, a two-level
      outlier detection mechanism is designed. Distance and location estimates obtained
      from PRM and FP are passed to the first outlier detection to generate improved
      distance estimates for the EKF. After the EKF process, the second outlier
      detection algorithm based on statistical testing is further performed to remove
      the outliers. The proposed algorithm was evaluated by various field experiments.
      Results show that the proposed algorithm achieved the accuracy of <2.56 m at 90%
      of the time with dense deployment of BLE beacons (1 beacon per 9 m), which
      performs 35.82% better than <3.99 m from the Propagation Model (PM) + EKF
      algorithm and 15.77% more accurate than <3.04 m from the FP + EKF algorithm. With
      sparse deployment (1 beacon per 18 m), the proposed algorithm achieves the
      accuracies of <3.88 m at 90% of the time, which performs 49.58% more accurate
      than <8.00 m from the PM + EKF algorithm and 21.41% better than <4.94 m from the
      FP + EKF algorithm. Therefore, the proposed algorithm is especially useful to
      improve the localization accuracy in environments with sparse beacon deployment.

PMID- 27128918
TI  - Search Techniques for the Web of Things: A Taxonomy and Survey.
AB  - The Web of Things aims to make physical world objects and their data accessible
      through standard Web technologies to enable intelligent applications and
      sophisticated data analytics. Due to the amount and heterogeneity of the data, it
      is challenging to perform data analysis directly; especially when the data is
      captured from a large number of distributed sources. However, the size and scope
      of the data can be reduced and narrowed down with search techniques, so that only
      the most relevant and useful data items are selected according to the application
      requirements. Search is fundamental to the Web of Things while challenging by
      nature in this context, e.g., mobility of the objects, opportunistic presence and
      sensing, continuous data streams with changing spatial and temporal properties,
      efficient indexing for historical and real time data. The research community has
      developed numerous techniques and methods to tackle these problems as reported by
      a large body of literature in the last few years. A comprehensive investigation
      of the current and past studies is necessary to gain a clear view of the research
      landscape and to identify promising future directions. This survey reviews the
      state-of-the-art search methods for the Web of Things, which are classified
      according to three different viewpoints: basic principles, data/knowledge
      representation, and contents being searched. Experiences and lessons learned from
      the existing work and some EU research projects related to Web of Things are
      discussed, and an outlook to the future research is presented. 

PMID- 27128919
TI  - Numerical Simulation of Output Response of PVDF Sensor Attached on a Cantilever
      Beam Subjected to Impact Loading.
AB  - Polyvinylidene Flouride (PVDF) is a film-type polymer that has been used as
      sensors and actuators in various applications due to its mechanical toughness,
      flexibility, and low density. A PVDF sensor typically covers an area of the host
      structure over which mechanical stress/strain is averaged and converted to
      electrical energy. This study investigates the fundamental "stress-averaging"
      mechanism for dynamic strain sensing in the in-plane mode. A numerical simulation
      was conducted to simulate the "stress-averaging" mechanism of a PVDF sensor
      attached on a cantilever beam subjected to an impact loading, taking into account
      the contribution of piezoelectricity, the cantilever beam's modal properties, and
      electronic signal conditioning. Impact tests and FEM analysis were also carried
      out to verify the numerical simulation results. The results of impact tests
      indicate the excellent capability of the attached PVDF sensor in capturing the
      fundamental natural frequencies of the cantilever beam. There is a good agreement
      between the PVDF sensor's output voltage predicted by the numerical simulation
      and that obtained in the impact tests. Parametric studies were conducted to
      investigate the effects of sensor size and sensor position and it is shown that a
      larger sensor tends to generate higher output voltage than a smaller one at the
      same location. However, the effect of sensor location seems to be more
      significant for larger sensors due to the cancelling problem. Overall, PVDF
      sensors exhibit excellent sensing capability for in-plane dynamic strain induced
      by impact loading. 

PMID- 27128912
TI  - Herbal Hepatotoxicity: Clinical Characteristics and Listing Compilation.
AB  - Herb induced liver injury (HILI) and drug induced liver injury (DILI) share the
      common characteristic of chemical compounds as their causative agents, which were
      either produced by the plant or synthetic processes. Both, natural and synthetic
      chemicals are foreign products to the body and need metabolic degradation to be
      eliminated. During this process, hepatotoxic metabolites may be generated causing
      liver injury in susceptible patients. There is uncertainty, whether risk factors
      such as high lipophilicity or high daily and cumulative doses play a pathogenetic
      role for HILI, as these are under discussion for DILI. It is also often unclear,
      whether a HILI case has an idiosyncratic or an intrinsic background. Treatment
      with herbs of Western medicine or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) rarely
      causes elevated liver tests (LT). However, HILI can develop to acute liver
      failure requiring liver transplantation in single cases. HILI is a diagnosis of
      exclusion, because clinical features of HILI are not specific as they are also
      found in many other liver diseases unrelated to herbal use. In strikingly
      increased liver tests signifying severe liver injury, herbal use has to be
      stopped. To establish HILI as the cause of liver damage, RUCAM (Roussel Uclaf
      Causality Assessment Method) is a useful tool. Diagnostic problems may emerge
      when alternative causes were not carefully excluded and the correct therapy is
      withheld. Future strategies should focus on RUCAM based causality assessment in
      suspected HILI cases and more regulatory efforts to provide all herbal medicines
      and herbal dietary supplements used as medicine with strict regulatory
      surveillance, considering them as herbal drugs and ascertaining an appropriate
      risk benefit balance. 

PMID- 27128921
TI  - Sorption and Diffusion of Water Vapor and Carbon Dioxide in Sulfonated
      Polyaniline as Chemical Sensing Materials.
AB  - A hybrid quantum mechanics (QM)/molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is performed
      to investigate the effect of an ionizable group (-SO3(-)Na+) on polyaniline as
      gas sensing materials. Polymers considered for this work include emeraldine base
      of polyaniline (EB-PANI) and its derivatives (Na-SPANI (I), (II) and (III)) whose
      rings are partly monosubstituted by -SO3(-)Na+. The hybrid simulation results
      show that the adsorption energy, Mulliken charge and band gap of analytes (CO2
      and H2O) in polyaniline are relatively sensitive to the position and the amounts
      of -SO3(-)Na+, and these parameters would affect the sensitivity of Na-SPANI/EB
      PANI towards CO2. The sensitivity of Na-SPANI (III)/EB-PANI towards CO2 can be
      greatly improved by two orders of magnitude, which is in agreement with the
      experimental study. In addition, we also demonstrate that introducing -SO3(-)Na+
      groups at the rings can notably affect the gas transport properties of
      polyaniline. Comparative studies indicate that the effect of ionizable group on
      polyaniline as gas sensing materials for the polar gas molecule (H2O) is more
      significant than that for the nonpolar gas molecule (CO2). These findings
      contribute in the functionalization-induced variations of the material properties
      of polyaniline for CO2 sensing and the design of new polyaniline with desired
      sensing properties.

PMID- 27128920
TI  - Hydrophobin-Based Surface Engineering for Sensitive and Robust Quantification of
      Yeast Pheromones.
AB  - Detection and quantification of small peptides, such as yeast pheromones, are
      often challenging. We developed a highly sensitive and robust affinity-assay for
      the quantification of the alpha-factor pheromone of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      based on recombinant hydrophobins. These small, amphipathic proteins self
      assemble into highly stable monolayers at hydrophilic-hydrophobic interfaces.
      Upon functionalization of solid supports with a combination of hydrophobins
      either lacking or exposing the alpha-factor, pheromone-specific antibodies were
      bound to the surface. Increasing concentrations of the pheromone competitively
      detached the antibodies, thus allowing for quantification of the pheromone. By
      adjusting the percentage of pheromone-exposing hydrophobins, the sensitivity of
      the assay could be precisely predefined. The assay proved to be highly robust
      against changes in sample matrix composition. Due to the high stability of
      hydrophobin layers, the functionalized surfaces could be repeatedly used without
      affecting the sensitivity. Furthermore, by using an inverse setup, the
      sensitivity was increased by three orders of magnitude, yielding a novel kind of
      biosensor for the yeast pheromone with the lowest limit of detection reported so
      far. This assay was applied to study the pheromone secretion of diverse yeast
      strains including a whole-cell biosensor strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe
      modulating alpha-factor secretion in response to an environmental signal.

PMID- 27128922
TI  - Prediction of the Strain Response of Poly-AlN/(100)Si Surface Acoustic Wave
      Resonator and Experimental Analysis.
AB  - The strain sensitivity of the Aluminum Nitride (AlN)/Silicon (Si) surface
      acoustic wave resonator (SAWR) is predicted based on a modeling method introduced
      in this work, and further compared with experimental results. The strain
      influence on both the period of the inter-digital transducer (IDT) and the sound
      velocity is taken into consideration when modeling the strain response. From the
      modeling results, AlN and Si have opposite responses to strain; hence, for the
      AlN/Si-based SAWR, both a positive and a negative strain coefficient factor can
      be achieved by changing the thickness of the AlN layer, which is confirmed by
      strain response testing based on a silicon cantilever structure with two AlN
      configurations (1 MUm and 3 MUm in thickness, respectively).

PMID- 27128923
TI  - Streetlight Control System Based on Wireless Communication over DALI Protocol.
AB  - Public lighting represents a large part of the energy consumption of towns and
      cities. Efficient management of public lighting can entail significant energy
      savings. This work presents a smart system for managing public lighting networks
      based on wireless communication and the DALI protocol. Wireless communication
      entails significant economic savings, as there is no need to install new wiring
      and visual impacts and damage to the facades of historical buildings in city
      centers are avoided. The DALI protocol uses bidirectional communication with the
      ballast, which allows its status to be controlled and monitored at all times. The
      novelty of this work is that it tackles all aspects related to the management of
      public lighting: a standard protocol, DALI, was selected to control the ballast,
      a wireless node based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard with a DALI interface was
      designed, a network layer that considers the topology of the lighting network has
      been developed, and lastly, some user-friendly applications for the control and
      maintenance of the system by the technical crews of the different towns and
      cities have been developed.

PMID- 27128924
TI  - Theoretical Design of a Depolarized Interferometric Fiber-Optic Gyroscope (IFOG)
      on SMF-28 Single-Mode Standard Optical Fiber Based on Closed-Loop Sinusoidal
      Phase Modulation with Serrodyne Feedback Phase Modulation Using Simulation Tools
      for Tactical and Industrial Grade Applications.
AB  - This article presents, by means of computational simulation tools, a full
      analysis and design of an Interferometric Fiber-Optic Gyroscope (IFOG) prototype
      based on a closed-loop configuration with sinusoidal bias phase- modulation. The
      complete design of the different blocks, optical and electronic, is presented,
      including some novelties as the sinusoidal bias phase-modulation and the use of
      an integrator to generate the serrodyne phase-modulation signal. The paper
      includes detailed calculation of most parameter values, and the plots of the
      resulting signals obtained from simulation tools. The design is focused in the
      use of a standard single-mode optical fiber, allowing a cost competitive
      implementation compared to commercial IFOG, at the expense of reduced
      sensitivity. The design contains an IFOG model that accomplishes tactical and
      industrial grade applications (sensitivity <= 0.055  degrees /h). This design
      presents two important properties: (1) an optical subsystem with advanced
      conception: depolarization of the optical wave by means of Lyot depolarizers,
      which allows to use a sensing coil made by standard optical fiber, instead by
      polarization maintaining fiber, which supposes consequent cost savings and (2) a
      novel and simple electronic design that incorporates a linear analog integrator
      with reset in feedback chain, this integrator generating a serrodyne voltage-wave
      to apply to Phase-Modulator (PM), so that it will be obtained the interferometric
      phase cancellation. This particular feedback design with sawtooth-wave generated
      signal for a closed-loop configuration with sinusoidal bias phase modulation has
      not been reported till now in the scientific literature and supposes a
      considerable simplification with regard to previous designs based on similar
      configurations. The sensing coil consists of an 8 cm average diameter spool that
      contains 300 m of standard single-mode optical-fiber (SMF-28 type) realized by
      quadrupolar winding. The working wavelength will be 1310 nm. The theoretical
      calculated values of threshold sensitivity and dynamic range for this prototype
      are 0.052  degrees /h and 101.38 dB (from +/-1.164 * 10(-5)  degrees /s up to +/
      78.19  degrees /s), respectively. The Scale-Factor (SF) non-linearity for this
      model is 5.404% relative to full scale, this value being obtained from data
      simulation results.

PMID- 27128925
TI  - An Embedded Sensor Node Microcontroller with Crypto-Processors.
AB  - Wireless sensor network applications range from industrial automation and
      control, agricultural and environmental protection, to surveillance and medicine.
      In most applications, data are highly sensitive and must be protected from any
      type of attack and abuse. Security challenges in wireless sensor networks are
      mainly defined by the power and computing resources of sensor devices, memory
      size, quality of radio channels and susceptibility to physical capture. In this
      article, an embedded sensor node microcontroller designed to support sensor
      network applications with severe security demands is presented. It features a low
      power 16-bitprocessor core supported by a number of hardware accelerators
      designed to perform complex operations required by advanced crypto algorithms.
      The microcontroller integrates an embedded Flash and an 8-channel 12-bit analog
      to-digital converter making it a good solution for low-power sensor nodes. The
      article discusses the most important security topics in wireless sensor networks
      and presents the architecture of the proposed hardware solution. Furthermore, it
      gives details on the chip implementation, verification and hardware evaluation.
      Finally, the chip power dissipation and performance figures are estimated and
      analyzed.

PMID- 27128926
TI  - Cytotoxic Compounds from the Saudi Red Sea Sponge Xestospongia testudinaria.
AB  - Bioassay-guided fractionation of the organic extract of the Red Sea sponge
      Xestospongia testudinaria led to the isolation of 13 compounds including two new
      sterol esters, xestosterol palmitate (2) and xestosterol ester of l6'-bromo
      (7'E,11'E,l5'E)-hexadeca-7',11',l5'-triene-5',13'-diynoic acid (4), together with
      eleven known compounds: xestosterol (1), xestosterol ester of 18'-bromooctadeca
      7'E,9'E-diene-7',15'-diynoic acid (3), and the brominated acetylenic fatty acid
      derivatives, (5E,11E,15E,19E)-20-bromoeicosa-5,11,15,19-tetraene-9,17-diynoic
      acid (5), 18,18-dibromo-(9E)-octadeca-9,17-diene-5,7-diynoic acid (6), 18
      bromooctadeca-(9E,17E)-diene-7,15-diynoic acid (7), 18-bromooctadeca-(9E,13E,17E)
      triene-7,15-diynoic acid (8), l6-bromo (7E,11E,l5E)hexadeca-7,11,l5-triene-5,13
      diynoic acid (9), 2-methylmaleimide-5-oxime (10), maleimide-5-oxime (11),
      tetillapyrone (12), and nortetillapyrone (13). The chemical structures of the
      isolated compounds were accomplished using one- and two-dimensional NMR, infrared
      and high-resolution electron impact mass spectroscopy (1D, 2D NMR, IR and
      HREIMS), and by comparison with the data of the known compounds. The total
      alcoholic and n-hexane extracts showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against
      human cervical cancer (HeLa), human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2), and human
      medulloblastoma (Daoy) cancer cell lines. Interestingly, the dibrominated C18
      acetylenic fatty acid (6) exhibited the most potent growth inhibitory activity
      against these cancer cell lines followed by Compounds 7 and 9. Apparently, the
      dibromination of the terminal olefinic moiety has an enhanced effect on the
      cytotoxic activity. 

PMID- 27128927
TI  - Antimicrobial Activity of Monoramnholipids Produced by Bacterial Strains Isolated
      from the Ross Sea (Antarctica).
AB  - Microorganisms living in extreme environments represent a huge reservoir of novel
      antimicrobial compounds and possibly of novel chemical families. Antarctica is
      one of the most extraordinary places on Earth and exhibits many distinctive
      features. Antarctic microorganisms are well known producers of valuable secondary
      metabolites. Specifically, several Antarctic strains have been reported to
      inhibit opportunistic human pathogens strains belonging to Burkholderia cepacia
      complex (Bcc). Herein, we applied a biodiscovery pipeline for the identification
      of anti-Bcc compounds. Antarctic sub-sea sediments were collected from the Ross
      Sea, and used to isolate 25 microorganisms, which were phylogenetically
      affiliated to three bacterial genera (Psychrobacter, Arthrobacter, and
      Pseudomonas) via sequencing and analysis of 16S rRNA genes. They were then
      subjected to a primary cell-based screening to determine their bioactivity
      against Bcc strains. Positive isolates were used to produce crude extracts from
      microbial spent culture media, to perform the secondary screening. Strain
      Pseudomonas BNT1 was then selected for bioassay-guided purification employing SPE
      and HPLC. Finally, LC-MS and NMR structurally resolved the purified bioactive
      compounds. With this strategy, we achieved the isolation of three rhamnolipids,
      two of which were new, endowed with high (MIC < 1 MUg/mL) and unreported
      antimicrobial activity against Bcc strains. 

PMID- 27128928
TI  - Primary Care Physicians' Beliefs and Practices Regarding E-Cigarette Use by
      Patients Who Smoke: A Qualitative Assessment.
AB  - We explored primary care physicians' (PCPs') beliefs and practices about e
      cigarettes. Cross-sectional, semi-structured interviews with PCPs in 2014 were
      conducted and audio-recorded. Participants were 15 general internal and family
      medicine physicians practicing in two settings in Virginia, USA. Interview
      recordings were transcribed, and the content analyzed using the Constant
      Comparative Method to identify key themes regarding PCPs' reported current
      practices and beliefs. Five themes were identified: (1) existing clinic processes
      do not include mechanisms to screen for noncombustible tobacco products (such as
      e-cigarettes); (2) e-cigarette discussions are becoming commonplace with patients
      initiating the discussions and seeking physician guidance regarding e-cigarette
      use; (3) a lack of knowledge regarding the potential harms and benefits of e
      cigarettes, yet a willingness to support their patients' desire to use e
      cigarettes (4) believing e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking
      combustible tobacco products; and (5) abandoning concerns regarding the potential
      harms of e-cigarettes in the context of highly addicted patients and those with
      extensive comorbidities. Despite acknowledging limited knowledge regarding e
      cigarettes, findings suggest that some PCPs are currently recommending e
      cigarettes to their patients for smoking cessation and relative harm reduction,
      often personalizing recommendations based on the patient's perceived addiction
      level and current health status. Physicians need to be informed about the
      evolving evidence regarding the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes.

PMID- 27128929
TI  - Predictors of Workplace Bullying and Cyber-Bullying in New Zealand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The negative effects of in-person workplace bullying (WB) are well
      established. Less is known about cyber-bullying (CB), in which negative
      behaviours are mediated by technology. Drawing on the conservation of resources
      theory, the current research examined how individual and organisational factors
      were related to WB and CB at two time points three months apart. METHODS: Data
      were collected by means of an online self-report survey. Eight hundred and twenty
      six respondents (58% female, 42% male) provided data at both time points.
      RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-three (15%) of participants had been bullied and
      23 (2.8%) of participants had been cyber-bullied within the last six months.
      Women reported more WB, but not more CB, than men. Worse physical health, higher
      strain, more destructive leadership, more team conflict and less effective
      organisational strategies were associated with more WB. Managerial employees
      experienced more CB than non-managerial employees. Poor physical health, less
      organisational support and less effective organisational strategies were
      associated with more CB. CONCLUSION: Rates of CB were lower than those of WB, and
      very few participants reported experiencing CB without also experiencing WB. Both
      forms of bullying were associated with poorer work environments, indicating that,
      where bullying is occurring, the focus should be on organisational systems and
      processes.

PMID- 27128930
TI  - Protective Action of Carica papaya on beta-Cells in Streptozotocin-Induced
      Diabetic Rats.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of C. papaya L. leaf
      extract (CPLE) on pancreatic islets in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic
      rats, as well as on cultured normal pancreatic cells with STZ in the medium. CPLE
      (3-125 mg/Kg) was administered orally for 20 days, while a group of diabetic rats
      received 5 IU/Kg/day of insulin. At the end of the treatment the rats were
      sacrificed. Blood was obtained to assess glucose and insulin levels. The pancreas
      was dissected to evaluate beta cells by immunohistochemistry. In addition, normal
      pancreatic cells were cultured in a medium that included CPLE (3-12 mg). One half
      of the cultured cells received simultaneously CPLE and STZ (6 mg), while the
      other half received CPLE and five days later the STZ. After three days of
      incubation, insulin was assayed in the incubation medium. The CPLE administered
      to diabetic rats improved the fasting glycemia and preserved the number and
      structure of pancreatic islets. However, when CPLE was added to pancreatic cells
      in culture along with STZ, the insulin concentration was higher in comparison
      with the cells that only received STZ. In conclusion, the CPLE preserves the
      integrity of pancreatic islets, improves the basal insulin secretion and protects
      cultured cells from the adverse effects of STZ.

PMID- 27128932
TI  - Patients' Perceptions of Endodontic Treatment as Part of Public Health Services:
      A Qualitative Study.
AB  - Evaluations by patients constitute an important part of the process of improving
      health services. This study examined patients' perceptions of secondary dental
      care in three cities in Minas Gerais, Brazil based on the endodontic treatment
      received. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews (addressing
      access, treatment and results) and a field diary (direct observations and report
      of professionals). The interviews were audiotaped, fully transcribed, and
      analyzed using content analysis. Two principal themes were identified: access to
      service and quality of service. The difficulties in accessing service were
      associated with the insufficient number of professionals to meet the high demand
      for endodontic treatment, problems in referring from primary to secondary care
      and geographic barriers. Service quality was related to the presence/absence of
      pain and anxiety that patients experienced, the time and number of sessions
      required to complete treatment, how patients were treated by dentists, and
      whether those patients would recommend the service to other patients. Access to
      endodontic treatment was a problem emphasized by users, and satisfaction with the
      quality of the service was more related to how patients were treated than to the
      technical competence of the dentist.

PMID- 27128931
TI  - Gender, Age and Season as Modifiers of the Effects of Diurnal Temperature Range
      on Emergency Room Admissions for Cause-Specific Cardiovascular Disease among the
      Elderly in Beijing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diurnal temperature range (DTR) is an important index of climate
      change and variability. It is also a risk factor affecting human health. However,
      limited evidence is available to illustrate the effect of DTR modification on
      cause-specific cardiovascular disease among the elderly. METHODS: A semi
      parametric generalized additive model (GAM) was used to analyze the exposure
      effect relationship between DTR and daily emergency room (ER) admissions for
      cause-specific cardiovascular diseases among the elderly from 2009 to 2011 in
      Beijing. We examined the effects of DTR for stratified groups by gender and age,
      and examined the effects of DTR in the warm season and cold season for cause
      specific cardiovascular diseases. RESULTS: Significant associations were found
      between DTR and ER admissions for all cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease
      among elderly males, while DTR was significantly associated with ER admissions
      for all cardiovascular disease, ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular
      disease among elderly females. People aged 75 years and older were more
      vulnerable to DTR. DTR caused greater adverse effects on both genders in the warm
      season, whereas the effect estimates on females were higher in cold season than
      in warm season. CONCLUSIONS: A short-term increase of DTR was significantly
      associated with ER admissions for cause-specific cardiovascular disease among the
      elderly in Beijing. Gender, age and season may modify the acute health effect of
      DTR. Some prevention programs that target the high risk subgroups in the elderly
      for impending large temperature changes may reduce the impact of DTR on people's
      health.

PMID- 27128933
TI  - The Role of Science in Advising the Decision Making Process: A Pathway for
      Building Effective Climate Change Mitigation Policies in Mexico at the Local
      Level.
AB  - This study examines a pathway for building urban climate change mitigation
      policies by presenting a multi-dimensional and transdisciplinary approach in
      which technical, economic, environmental, social, and political dimensions
      interact. Now, more than ever, the gap between science and policymaking needs to
      be bridged; this will enable judicious choices to be made in regarding energy and
      climate change mitigation strategies, leading to positive social impacts, in
      particular for the populations at-risk at the local level. Through a case study
      in Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, we propose a multidimensional and transdisciplinary
      approach with the role of scientist as policy advisers to improve the role of
      science in decision-making on mitigation policies at the local level in Mexico.

PMID- 27128934
TI  - Spatial-Temporal Variations of Water Quality and Its Relationship to Land Use and
      Land Cover in Beijing, China.
AB  - Rapid urbanization with intense land use and land cover (LULC) change and
      explosive population growth has a great impact on water quality. The relationship
      between LULC characteristics and water quality provides important information for
      non-point sources (NPS) pollution management. In this study, we first quantified
      the spatial-temporal patterns of five water quality variables in four watersheds
      with different levels of urbanization in Beijing, China. We then examined the
      effects of LULC on water quality across different scales, using Pearson
      correlation analysis, redundancy analysis, and multiple regressions. The results
      showed that water quality was improved over the sampled years but with no
      significant difference (p > 0.05). However, water quality was significantly
      different among nonurban and both exurban and urban sites (p < 0.05). Forest land
      was positively correlated with water quality and affected water quality
      significantly (p < 0.05) within a 200 m buffer zone. Impervious surfaces, water,
      and crop land were negatively correlated with water quality. Crop land and
      impervious surfaces, however, affected water quality significantly (p < 0.05) for
      buffer sizes greater than 800 m. Grass land had different effects on water
      quality with the scales. The results provide important insights into the
      relationship between LULC and water quality, and thus for controlling NPS
      pollution in urban areas.

PMID- 27128936
TI  - Challenges in Implementing the Integrated Community-Based Outpatient Therapeutic
      Program for Severely Malnourished Children in Rural Southern Ethiopia.
AB  - Currently, treatment of uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition is managed in the
      integrated Community based Outpatient Therapeutic Program (C-OTP) using ready-to
      use therapeutic foods (RUTFs). The aim of this study was to determine challenges
      in implementing the critical steps in C-OTP and caregivers' perceptions of
      service provision in southern Ethiopia. A total of 1048 caregivers of children
      admitted to the OTP and 175 Health Extension Workers (HEWs) from 94 selected
      health posts were included in the study. Program admission, follow-up and exit
      information was collected from caregivers during home visits. HEWs were
      interviewed at their respective health posts. Only 46.6% (481/1032) were given
      the recommended amount of RUTF and 19.3% (196/1015) were given antibiotics on
      admission. During C-OTP participation 34.9% (316/905) had uninterrupted provision
      of the recommended amount of RUTF. Of the children who left the program, 220/554
      (39.7%) exited the program in line with the national recommendation. Caregivers
      (42.9% (394/918) and HEWs (37.1%, 62/167) perceive that RUTFs were being sold as
      a commodity. Inadequate provision and unintended usage of RUTFs, lack of
      antibiotics and inappropriate exit from the program were major constraints. For
      successful saving of lives, adequate resources must be allocated, and providers
      must be trained regularly, and supervised properly. 

PMID- 27128935
TI  - Metabolic Inflammation-Differential Modulation by Dietary Constituents.
AB  - Obesity arises from a sustained positive energy balance which triggers a pro
      inflammatory response, a key contributor to metabolic diseases such as T2D.
      Recent studies, focused on the emerging area of metabolic-inflammation, highlight
      that specific metabolites can modulate the functional nature and inflammatory
      phenotype of immune cells. In obesity, expanding adipose tissue attracts immune
      cells, creating an inflammatory environment within this fatty acid storage organ.
      Resident immune cells undergo both a pro-inflammatory and metabolic switch in
      their function. Inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, are
      induced by saturated fatty acids and disrupt insulin signaling. Conversely,
      monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids do not interrupt metabolism and
      inflammation to the same extent. AMPK links inflammation, metabolism and T2D,
      with roles to play in all and is influenced negatively by obesity. Lipid
      spillover results in hepatic lipotoxicity and steatosis. Also in skeletal muscle,
      excessive FFA can impede insulin's action and promote inflammation. Ectopic fat
      can also affect pancreatic beta-cell function, thereby contributing to insulin
      resistance. Therapeutics, lifestyle changes, supplements and dietary manipulation
      are all possible avenues to combat metabolic inflammation and the subsequent
      insulin resistant state which will be explored in the current review. 

PMID- 27128937
TI  - Benefits of Selenium Supplementation on Leukocyte DNA Integrity Interact with
      Dietary Micronutrients: A Short Communication.
AB  - A male cohort from New Zealand has previously shown variability in Selenium (Se)
      supplementation effects on measured biomarkers. The current analysis is to
      understand the reasons for variability of the H2O2-induced DNA damage recorded
      after Se supplementation. We have looked at the variation of demographic,
      lifestyle, medication, genetic and dietary factors and biomarkers measured at
      baseline and post-supplementation in these two extreme subgroups A and B. Group A
      showed increased H2O2-induced DNA damage and group B showed decreased damage
      after Se supplementation. We have also considered correlations of biomarkers and
      dietary factors in the complete dataset. The glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
      activity and DNA damage were significantly lower at post-supplementation in Group
      B compared to Group A. Post-supplementation, Group B showed a significant
      reduction in the GPx activity, while Group A showed a significant increase in DNA
      damage compared to baseline levels. Dietary methionine intake was significantly
      higher and folate intake was significantly lower in Group B compared to Group A.
      Se supplementation significantly increased the caspase-cleaved keratin 18 levels
      in both groups, indicating increased apoptotic potential of this supplement.
      Parameter correlation with the complete dataset showed dietary methionine to have
      a significant negative correlation with H2O2-induced DNA damage post
      supplementation. The data suggest that Se supplementation is beneficial for the
      leukocyte DNA integrity only in interaction with the dietary methionine and
      folate intake. 

PMID- 27128938
TI  - Influence of Physical Activity and Ambient Temperature on Hydration: The European
      Hydration Research Study (EHRS).
AB  - This study explored the effects of physical activity (PA) and ambient temperature
      on water turnover and hydration status. Five-hundred seventy three healthy men
      and women (aged 20-60 years) from Spain, Greece and Germany self-reported PA,
      registered all food and beverage intake, and collected 24-h urine during seven
      consecutive days. Fasting blood samples were collected at the onset and end of
      the study. Food moisture was assessed using nutritional software to account for
      all water intake which was subtracted from daily urine volume to allow
      calculation of non-renal water loss (i.e., mostly sweating). Hydration status was
      assessed by urine and blood osmolality. A negative association was seen between
      ambient temperature and PA (r = -0.277; p < 0.001). Lower PA with high
      temperatures did not prevent increased non-renal water losses (i.e., sweating)
      and elevated urine and blood osmolality (r = 0.218 to 0.163 all p < 0.001). When
      summer and winter data were combined PA was negatively associated with urine
      osmolality (r = -0.153; p = 0.001). Our data suggest that environmental heat acts
      to reduce voluntary PA but this is not sufficient to prevent moderate dehydration
      (increased osmolality). On the other hand, increased PA is associated with
      improved hydration status (i.e., lower urine and blood osmolality). 

PMID- 27128939
TI  - Use of Cold Atmospheric Plasma to Detoxify Hazelnuts from Aflatoxins.
AB  - Aflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, can contaminate
      different foodstuffs, such as nuts. Cold atmospheric pressure plasma has the
      potential to be used for mycotoxin detoxification. In this study, the operating
      parameters of cold atmospheric pressure plasma were optimized to reduce the
      presence of aflatoxins on dehulled hazelnuts. First, the effect of different
      gases was tested (N2, 0.1% O2 and 1% O2, 21% O2), then power (400, 700, 1000,
      1150 W) and exposure time (1, 2, 4, and 12 min) were optimized. In preliminary
      tests on aflatoxin standard solutions, this method allowed to obtain a complete
      detoxification using a high power for a few minutes. On hazelnuts, in similar
      conditions (1000 W, 12 min), a reduction in the concentration of total aflatoxins
      and AFB1 of over 70% was obtained. Aflatoxins B1 and G1 were more sensitive to
      plasma treatments compared to aflatoxins B2 and G2, respectively. Under plasma
      treatment, aflatoxin B1 was more sensitive compared to aflatoxin G1. At the
      highest power, and for the longest time, the maximum temperature increment was
      28.9  degrees C. Cold atmospheric plasma has the potential to be a promising
      method for aflatoxin detoxification on food, because it is effective and it could
      help to maintain the organoleptic characteristics.

PMID- 27128940
TI  - Deciphering the Anti-Aflatoxinogenic Properties of Eugenol Using a Large-Scale q
      PCR Approach.
AB  - Produced by several species of Aspergillus, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a carcinogenic
      mycotoxin contaminating many crops worldwide. The utilization of fungicides is
      currently one of the most common methods; nevertheless, their use is not
      environmentally or economically sound. Thus, the use of natural compounds able to
      block aflatoxinogenesis could represent an alternative strategy to limit food and
      feed contamination. For instance, eugenol, a 4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol present in
      many essential oils, has been identified as an anti-aflatoxin molecule. However,
      its precise mechanism of action has yet to be clarified. The production of AFB1
      is associated with the expression of a 70 kB cluster, and not less than 21
      enzymatic reactions are necessary for its production. Based on former empirical
      data, a molecular tool composed of 60 genes targeting 27 genes of aflatoxin B1
      cluster and 33 genes encoding the main regulatory factors potentially involved in
      its production, was developed. We showed that AFB1 inhibition in Aspergillus
      flavus following eugenol addition at 0.5 mM in a Malt Extract Agar (MEA) medium
      resulted in a complete inhibition of the expression of all but one gene of the
      AFB1 biosynthesis cluster. This transcriptomic effect followed a down-regulation
      of the complex composed by the two internal regulatory factors, AflR and AflS.
      This phenomenon was also influenced by an over-expression of veA and mtfA, two
      genes that are directly linked to AFB1 cluster regulation.

PMID- 27128941
TI  - The Spider Venom Peptide Lycosin-II Has Potent Antimicrobial Activity against
      Clinically Isolated Bacteria.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides have been accepted as excellent candidates for developing
      novel antibiotics against drug-resistant bacteria. Recent studies indicate that
      spider venoms are the source for the identification of novel antimicrobial
      peptides. In the present study, we isolated and characterized an antibacterial
      peptide named lycosin-II from the venom of the spider Lycosa singoriensis. It
      contains 21 amino acid residue lacking cysteine residues and forms a typical
      linear amphipathic and cationic alpha-helical conformation. Lycosin-II displays
      potent bacteriostatic effect on the tested drug-resistant bacterial strains
      isolated from hospital patients, including multidrug-resistant A. baumannii,
      which has presented a huge challenge for the infection therapy. The inhibitory
      ability of lycosin-II might derive from its binding to cell membrane, because
      Mg(2+) could compete with the binding sites to reduce the bacteriostatic potency
      of lycosin-II. Our data suggest that lycosin-II might be a lead in the
      development of novel antibiotics for curing drug-resistant bacterial infections.

PMID- 27128942
TI  - Intraprostatic Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Injection for Benign Prostatic
      Hyperplasia-A Spotlight in Reality.
AB  - Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.
      It inhibits the release of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters from the
      nerve terminal. Botulinum toxin, specifically toxin type A (BoNT-A) has been used
      since the 1970s to reduce the muscular hypercontraction disorders. The
      application of BoNT-A in urology field started from intra-bladder injection for
      overactive bladder, which has been recognized as third line therapy in many
      countries. Since prostate gland as well as bladder is under the influence of
      autonomic innervation, theorectically, injection of BoNT-A into the prostate
      induces chemo-denervation and modulation of prostate function, and reduces lower
      urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This article reviews the application of BoNT-A in
      patients with LUTS/ benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from mechanisms of action
      to clinical results. BoNT-A has been shown to induce prostate apoptosis,
      downregulation of alpha 1A receptors, and reduce contractile function of prostate
      in animal studies. Open studies of intraprostate BoNT-A injection have
      demonstrated promising results of reducing LUTS and improvement of voiding
      function in human LUTS/BPH, however, intraprostatic BoNT-A injection did not
      perform better than the placebo group in recent publications of placebo
      controlled studies. We suggested that BoNT-A prostate injection might benefit
      selected population of BPH/LUTS, but it is unlikely to be an effective therapy
      for general population of male LUTS/BPH.

PMID- 27128943
TI  - A Scorpion Defensin BmKDfsin4 Inhibits Hepatitis B Virus Replication in Vitro.
AB  - Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major worldwide health problem which can
      cause acute and chronic hepatitis and can significantly increase the risk of
      liver cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nowadays, clinical
      therapies of HBV infection still mainly rely on nucleotide analogs and
      interferons, the usage of which is limited by drug-resistant mutation or side
      effects. Defensins had been reported to effectively inhibit the proliferation of
      bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Here, we screened the anti-HBV activity
      of 25 scorpion-derived peptides most recently characterized by our group. Through
      evaluating anti-HBV activity and cytotoxicity, we found that BmKDfsin4, a
      scorpion defensin with antibacterial and Kv1.3-blocking activities, has a
      comparable high inhibitory rate of both HBeAg and HBsAg in HepG2.2.15 culture
      medium and low cytotoxicity to HepG2.2.15. Then, our experimental results further
      showed that BmKDfsin4 can dose-dependently decrease the production of HBV DNA and
      HBV viral proteins in both culture medium and cell lysate. Interestingly,
      BmKDfsin4 exerted high serum stability. Together, this study indicates that the
      scorpion defensin BmKDfsin4 also has inhibitory activity against HBV replication
      along with its antibacterial and potassium ion channel Kv1.3-blocking activities,
      which shows that BmKDfsin4 is a uniquely multifunctional defensin molecule. Our
      work also provides a good molecule material which will be used to investigate the
      link or relationship of its antiviral, antibacterial and ion channel-modulating
      activities in the future.

PMID- 27128944
TI  - Super-Protective Child-Rearing by Japanese Bess Beetles, Cylindrocaulus patalis:
      Adults Provide Their Larvae with Chewed and Predigested Wood.
AB  - Beetles of the family Passalidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) are termed
      subsocial. The insects inhabit rotten wood as family groups consisting of the
      parents and their offspring. The Japanese species Cylindrocaulus patalis has the
      lowest fecundity among passalids because siblicide occurs among the first-instar
      larvae; accordingly, parental care toward the survived larva is the highest among
      Passalidae. To clarify the nutritional relationships between the parents and
      their offspring, we investigated their ability to digest three types of
      polysaccharides that are components of wood (cellulose and beta-1,4-xylan) and
      fungal cell walls (beta-1,3-glucan). Although carboxymethyl-cellulase activity
      was barely detectable, beta-xylosidase, beta-glucosidase, beta-1,4-xylanase and
      beta-1,3-glucanase activities were clearly detected in both adults and larvae.
      Because the activities of enzymes that digest beta-1,3-glucan were much higher
      than those for degrading beta-1,4-xylan, in both adults and larvae, it is
      concluded that they are mainly fungivorous. Furthermore, these digestive
      enzymatic activities in second- and third-instar larvae were much lower than they
      were in adults. Although all larval instars grew rapidly when fed chewed wood by
      their parents, larvae ceased growing and died when fed only artificially ground
      wood meals. We conclude that the larvae are assumed to be provided with chewed
      predigested wood in which beta-1,3-glucan is degraded by parental enzymes. 

PMID- 27128945
TI  - A Cellular GWAS Approach to Define Human Variation in Cellular Pathways Important
      to Inflammation.
AB  - An understanding of common human diversity in innate immune pathways should be
      beneficial in understanding autoimmune diseases, susceptibility to infection, and
      choices of anti-inflammatory treatment. Such understanding could also result in
      definition of currently unknown components of human inflammation pathways. A
      cellular genome-wide association studies (GWAS) platform, termed Hi-HOST (High
      throughput human in vitro susceptibility testing), was developed to assay in
      vitro cellular phenotypes of infection in genotyped lymphoblastoid cells from
      genetically diverse human populations. Hi-HOST allows for measurement of multiple
      host and pathogen parameters of infection/inflammation including: bacterial
      invasion and intracellular replication, host cell death, and cytokine production.
      Hi-HOST has been used to successfully define a significant portion of the
      heritable human diversity in inflammatory cell death in response to Salmonella
      typhimurium. It also led to the discovery of genetic variants important to
      protection against systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and protection
      against death and bacteremia in individuals with SIRS. Our laboratory is
      currently using this platform to define human diversity in autophagy and the
      NLPR3 inflammasome pathways, and to define new components that can impact the
      expression of phenotypes related to these pathways. 

PMID- 27128946
TI  - Ranging Behaviour of Commercial Free-Range Laying Hens.
AB  - In this study, the range use and behaviour of laying hens in commercial free
      range flocks was explored. Six flocks were each visited on four separate days and
      data collected from their outdoor area (divided into zones based on distance from
      shed and available resources). These were: apron (0-10 m from shed normally
      without cover or other enrichments); enriched belt (10-50 m from shed where
      resources such as manmade cover, saplings and dust baths were provided); and
      outer range (beyond 50 m from shed with no cover and mainly grass pasture). Data
      collection consisted of counting the number of hens in each zone and recording
      behaviour, feather condition and nearest neighbour distance (NND) of 20 birds per
      zone on each visit day. In addition, we used techniques derived from ecological
      surveys to establish four transects perpendicular to the shed, running through
      the apron, enriched belt and outer range. Number of hens in each 10 m * 10 m
      quadrat was recorded four times per day as was the temperature and relative
      humidity of the outer range. On average, 12.5% of hens were found outside. Of
      these, 5.4% were found in the apron; 4.3% in the enriched zone; and 2.8% were in
      the outer range. This pattern was supported by data from quadrats, where the
      density of hens sharply dropped with increasing distance from shed. Consequently,
      NND was greatest in the outer range, least in the apron and intermediate in the
      enriched belt. Hens sampled in outer range and enriched belts had better feather
      condition than those from the apron. Standing, ground pecking, walking and
      foraging were the most commonly recorded activities with standing and pecking
      most likely to occur in the apron, and walking and foraging more common in the
      outer range. Use of the outer range declined with lower temperatures and
      increasing relative humidity, though use of apron and enriched belt was not
      affected by variation in these measures. These data support previous findings
      that outer range areas tend to be under-utilized in commercial free-range flocks
      and suggest positive relationships between range use, feather condition and
      increased behavioural opportunities and decline in the use of range in cold
      and/or damp conditions. 

PMID- 27128947
TI  - "Vicious, Aggressive Bird Stalks Cyclist": The Australian Magpie (Cracticus
      tibicen) in the News.
AB  - The Australian Magpie ( Cracticus tibicen ) is a common bird found in urban
      Australian environments where its nest defense behavior during spring brings it
      into conflict with humans. This article explores the role of print media in
      covering this conflict. Leximancer software was used to analyze newspaper reports
      about the Australian Magpie from a sample of 634 news stories, letters-to-the
      editor and opinion pieces, published in newspapers from around Australia between
      1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014. The results confirm that stories about these
      birds are primarily published in the daily regional and weekly suburban press,
      and that the dominant story frame concerns the risk of "swooping" behavior to
      cyclists and pedestrians from birds protecting their nests during the spring
      breeding season. The most prominent sources used by journalists are local and
      state government representatives, as well as members of the public. The results
      show that the "swooping season" has become a normal part of the annual news cycle
      for these publications, with the implication that discourse surrounding the
      Australian Magpie predominantly concerns the risk these birds pose to humans, and
      ignores their decline in non-urban environments. 

PMID- 27128948
TI  - SupT1 Cell Infusion as a Possible Cell-Based Therapy for HIV: Results from a
      Pilot Study in Hu-PBMC BRGS Mice.
AB  - In a previous in vitro study, the SupT1 cell line was explored as a decoy target
      for HIV-1, proposing SupT1 cell infusion as a possible cell-based therapy for
      HIV. In the present work, the previous in vitro model was translated into an in
      vivo setting. Specifically, Hu-PBMC BRGS mice were infected with a high input of
      HIV-1 LAI (100,000 TCID50), and 40 million 30 Gy-irradiated SupT1 cells were
      infused weekly for 4 weeks as a therapy. Blood samples were taken to monitor CD4+
      T cell count and viral load, and mice were monitored daily for signs of illness.
      At the earliest time point analyzed (Week 1), there was a significantly lower
      plasma viral load (~10-fold) in all animals treated with SupT1 cell infusion,
      associated with a higher CD4+ T cell count. At later time points, infection
      proceeded with robust viral replication and evident CD4+ T cell depletion, except
      in one mouse that showed complete suppression of viral replication and
      preservation of CD4+ T cell count. No morbidity or mortality was associated with
      SupT1 cell infusion. The interesting tendencies observed in the generated data
      suggest that this approach should be further investigated as a possible cell
      based HIV therapy. 

PMID- 27128949
TI  - Tacrolimus Modulates TGF-beta Signaling to Induce Epithelial-Mesenchymal
      Transition in Human Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells.
AB  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process which describes the trans
      differentiation of epithelial cells into motile mesenchymal cells, is pivotal in
      stem cell behavior, development and wound healing, as well as contributing to
      disease processes including fibrosis and cancer progression. Maintenance
      immunosuppression with calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) has become routine
      management for renal transplant patient, but unfortunately the nephrotoxicity of
      these drugs has been well documented. HK-2 cells were exposed to Tacrolimus
      (FK506) and EMT markers were assessed by RT PCR and western blot. FK506 effects
      on TGF-beta mRNA were assessed by RT PCR and TGF-beta secretion was measured by
      ELISA. The impact of increased TGF-beta secretion on Smad signaling pathways was
      investigated. The impact of inhibition of TGF-beta signaling on EMT processes was
      assessed by scratch-wound assay. The results presented in this study suggest that
      FK506 initiates EMT processes in the HK-2 cell line, with altered expression of
      epithelial and myofibroblast markers evident. Additionally, the study
      demonstrates that FK506 activation of the TGF-beta/ SMAD pathways is an essential
      step in the EMT process. Overall the results demonstrate that EMT is heavily
      involved in renal fibrosis associated with CNI nephrotoxicity. 

PMID- 27128950
TI  - Semi-Quantitative Method for Streptococci Magnetic Detection in Raw Milk.
AB  - Bovine mastitis is the most costly disease for dairy farmers and the most
      frequent reason for the use of antibiotics in dairy cattle; thus, control
      measures to detect and prevent mastitis are crucial for dairy farm
      sustainability. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a sensitive
      method to magnetically detect Streptococcus agalactiae (a Group B streptococci)
      and Streptococcus uberis in raw milk samples. Mastitic milk samples were
      collected aseptically from 44 cows with subclinical mastitis, from 11 Portuguese
      dairy farms. Forty-six quarter milk samples were selected based on bacterial
      identification by conventional microbiology. All samples were submitted to PCR
      analysis. In parallel, these milk samples were mixed with a solution combining
      specific antibodies and magnetic nanoparticles, to be analyzed using a lab-on-a
      chip magnetoresistive cytometer, with microfluidic sample handling. This paper
      describes a point of care methodology used for detection of bacteria, including
      analysis of false positive/negative results. This immunological recognition was
      able to detect bacterial presence in samples spiked above 100 cfu/mL,
      independently of antibody and targeted bacteria used in this work. Using PCR as a
      reference, this method correctly identified 73% of positive samples for
      streptococci species with an anti-S. agalactiae antibody, and 41% of positive
      samples for an anti-GB streptococci antibody. 

PMID- 27128951
TI  - Life Is Simple-Biologic Complexity Is an Epiphenomenon.
AB  - Life originated from unicellular organisms by circumventing the Second Law of
      Thermodynamics using the First Principles of Physiology, namely negentropy,
      chemiosmosis and homeostatic regulation of calcium and lipids. It is hypothesized
      that multicellular organisms are merely contrivances or tools, used by
      unicellular organisms as agents for the acquisition of epigenetic inheritance.
      The First Principles of Physiology, which initially evolved in unicellular
      organisms are the exapted constraints that maintain, sustain and perpetuate that
      process. To ensure fidelity to this mechanism, we must return to the first
      principles of the unicellular state as the determinants of the primary level of
      selection pressure during the life cycle. The power of this approach is reflected
      by examples of its predictive value. This perspective on life is a "game
      changer", mechanistically rendering transparent many dogmas, teleologies and
      tautologies that constrain the current descriptive view of Biology. 

PMID- 27128952
TI  - The Contributions of the Amino and Carboxy Terminal Domains of Flightin to the
      Biomechanical Properties of Drosophila Flight Muscle Thick Filaments.
AB  - Flightin is a myosin binding protein present in Pancrustacea. In Drosophila,
      flightin is expressed in the indirect flight muscles (IFM), where it is required
      for the flexural rigidity, structural integrity, and length determination of
      thick filaments. Comparison of flightin sequences from multiple Drosophila
      species revealed a tripartite organization indicative of three functional domains
      subject to different evolutionary constraints. We use atomic force microscopy to
      investigate the functional roles of the N-terminal domain and the C-terminal
      domain that show different patterns of sequence conservation. Thick filaments
      containing a C-terminal domain truncated flightin (fln(DeltaC44)) are
      significantly shorter (2.68 +/- 0.06 MUm; p < 0.005) than thick filaments
      containing a full length flightin (fln+; 3.21 +/- 0.05 MUm) and thick filaments
      containing an N-terminal domain truncated flightin (fln(DeltaN62); 3.21 +/- 0.06
      MUm). Persistence length was significantly reduced in fln(DeltaN62) (418 +/- 72
      MUm; p < 0.005) compared to fln+ (1386 +/- 196MUm) and fln(DeltaC44)(1128 +/- 193
      MUm). Statistical polymer chain analysis revealed that the C-terminal domain
      fulfills a secondary role in thick filament bending propensity. Our results
      indicate that the flightin amino and carboxy terminal domains make distinct
      contributions to thick filament biomechanics. We propose these distinct roles
      arise from the interplay between natural selection and sexual selection given
      IFM's dual role in flight and courtship behaviors. 

PMID- 27128953
TI  - An Evolutionary Framework for Understanding the Origin of Eukaryotes.
AB  - Two major obstacles hinder the application of evolutionary theory to the origin
      of eukaryotes. The first is more apparent than real-the endosymbiosis that led to
      the mitochondrion is often described as "non-Darwinian" because it deviates from
      the incremental evolution championed by the modern synthesis. Nevertheless,
      endosymbiosis can be accommodated by a multi-level generalization of evolutionary
      theory, which Darwin himself pioneered. The second obstacle is more serious-all
      of the major features of eukaryotes were likely present in the last eukaryotic
      common ancestor thus rendering comparative methods ineffective. In addition to a
      multi-level theory, the development of rigorous, sequence-based phylogenetic and
      comparative methods represents the greatest achievement of modern evolutionary
      theory. Nevertheless, the rapid evolution of major features in the eukaryotic
      stem group requires the consideration of an alternative framework. Such a
      framework, based on the contingent nature of these evolutionary events, is
      developed and illustrated with three examples: the putative intron proliferation
      leading to the nucleus and the cell cycle; conflict and cooperation in the origin
      of eukaryotic bioenergetics; and the inter-relationship between aerobic
      metabolism, sterol synthesis, membranes, and sex. The modern synthesis thus
      provides sufficient scope to develop an evolutionary framework to understand the
      origin of eukaryotes. 

PMID- 27128954
TI  - Sexual Dimorphism in the Response of Mercurialis annua to Stress.
AB  - The research presented stemmed from the observations that female plants of the
      annual dioecious Mercurialis annua outlive male plants. This led to the
      hypothesis that female plants of M. annua would be more tolerant to stress than
      male plants. This hypothesis was addressed in a comprehensive way, by comparing
      morphological, biochemical and metabolomics changes in female and male plants
      during their development and under salinity. There were practically no
      differences between the genders in vegetative development and physiological
      parameters. However, under salinity conditions, female plants produced
      significantly more new reproductive nodes. Gender-linked differences in
      peroxidase (POD) and glutathione transferases (GSTs) were involved in anti
      oxidation, detoxification and developmental processes in M. annua. 1H NMR
      metabolite profiling of female and male M. annua plants showed that under
      salinity the activity of the TCA cycle increased. There was also an increase in
      betaine in both genders, which may be explainable by its osmo-compatible function
      under salinity. The concentration of ten metabolites changed in both genders,
      while 'Female-only-response' to salinity was detected for five metabolites. In
      conclusion, dimorphic responses of M. annua plant genders to stress may be
      attributed to female plants' capacity to survive and complete the reproductive
      life cycle. 

PMID- 27128956
TI  - Kinesiotaping enhances the rate of force development but not the neuromuscular
      efficiency of physically active young men.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Investigations on the effects of KT on human performance have been
      increasing in the last few years. However, there is a paucity of studies
      investigating its effects on neuromuscular efficiency (NME) and rate of force
      development (RFD). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the NME and RFD of the soleus and
      gastrocnemius muscles in physically active individuals under KT application.
      METHOD: Twenty young males (79.7+/-8.2kg; 1.78+/-0.05m; 24.7+/-4.4years)
      performed three conditions in a randomized order: (1) Baseline (BL, no tape); (2)
      Activation (ACTIKT, tape for muscle activation); and (3) Inhibition (INHIKT, tape
      for muscle inhibition). The tape was applied along the lateral and medial border
      of gastrocnemius with 30% tension for 48h. Peak torque (PT), RFD and NME were
      measured at BL and 48h after ACTIKT and INHIKT by performing a maximum isometric
      contraction. RESULTS: The RFD was significantly higher in ACTIKT compared to BL
      at 0-30 (P=0.010), 0-50 (P=0.008) and 0-100ms (P=0.007). The PT and NME did not
      differ among conditions (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: KT applied for muscle activation
      yielded a higher RFD during the initial phase of the muscle contraction. However,
      KT has no enhancement effect on NME and peak torque.

PMID- 27128955
TI  - Metabolic Fingerprinting of Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E Strains: Understanding the
      Influence of Divalent Cations in Adaptation Mechanisms Following Exposure to
      Toluene.
AB  - Pseudomonas putida strains can adapt and overcome the activity of toxic organic
      solvents by the employment of several resistant mechanisms including efflux pumps
      and modification to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in their membranes. Divalent
      cations such as magnesium and calcium play a crucial role in the development of
      solvent tolerance in bacterial cells. Here, we have used Fourier transform
      infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy directly on cells (metabolic fingerprinting) to
      monitor bacterial response to the absence and presence of toluene, along with the
      influence of divalent cations present in the growth media. Multivariate analysis
      of the data using principal component-discriminant function analysis (PC-DFA)
      showed trends in scores plots, illustrating phenotypic alterations related to the
      effect of Mg(2+), Ca(2+) and toluene on cultures. Inspection of PC-DFA loadings
      plots revealed that several IR spectral regions including lipids, proteins and
      polysaccharides contribute to the separation in PC-DFA space, thereby indicating
      large phenotypic response to toluene and these cations. Finally, the saturated
      fatty acid ratio from the FT-IR spectra showed that upon toluene exposure, the
      saturated fatty acid ratio was reduced, while it increased in the presence of
      divalent cations. This study clearly demonstrates that the combination of
      metabolic fingerprinting with appropriate chemometric analysis can result in
      practicable knowledge on the responses of important environmental bacteria to
      external stress from pollutants such as highly toxic organic solvents, and
      indicates that these changes are manifest in the bacterial cell membrane.
      Finally, we demonstrate that divalent cations improve solvent tolerance in P.
      putida DOT-T1E strains. 

PMID- 27128957
TI  - The mechanics of activated semitendinosus are not representative of the
      pathological knee joint condition of children with cerebral palsy.
AB  - Characteristic cerebral palsy effects in the knee include a restricted joint
      range of motion and forcefully kept joint in a flexed position. To show whether
      the mechanics of activated spastic semitendinosus muscle are contributing to
      these effects, we tested the hypothesis that the muscle's joint range of force
      exertion is narrow and force production capacity in flexed positions is high. The
      isometric semitendinosus forces of children with cerebral palsy (n=7, mean
      (SD)=7years (8months), GMFCS levels III-IV, 12 limbs tested) were measured intra
      operatively as a function of knee angle, from flexion (120 degrees ) to full
      extension (0 degrees ). Peak force measured in the most flexed position was
      considered as the benchmark. However, peak force (mean (SD)=112.4N (54.3N)) was
      measured either at intermediate or even full knee extension (three limbs)
      indicating no narrow joint range of force exertion. Lack of high force production
      capacity in flexed knee positions (e.g., at 120 degrees  negligible or below 22%
      of the peak force) was shown except for one limb. Therefore, our hypothesis was
      rejected for a vast majority of the limbs. These findings and those reported for
      spastic gracilis agree, indicating that the patients' pathological joint
      condition must rely on a more complex mechanism than the mechanics of individual
      spastic muscles. 

PMID- 27128958
TI  - Minocycline as Adjunctive Treatment to Risperidone in Children with Autistic
      Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This is an investigation of minocycline efficacy and safety as an
      adjuvant to risperidone in management of children with autism. METHODS: Forty-six
      children with diagnosis of autistic disorder, according to the Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR)
      criteria and a score of >=12 on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C)
      irritability subscale, who were already drug-free for at least 6 months
      participated in a randomized controlled trial and underwent 10 weeks of treatment
      with either minocycline (50 mg twice per day) or placebo in addition to
      risperidone titrated up to 2 mg/day (based on bodyweight). Patients were
      evaluated using ABC-C at baseline and at weeks 5 and 10. RESULTS: General linear
      model repeated measures showed significant effect for time * treatment
      interaction on the irritability [F(2, 88) = 3.94, p = 0.02] and
      hyperactivity/noncompliance [F(1.50, 66.05) = 7.92, p = 0.002], but not for
      lethargy/social withdrawal [F(1.61, 71.02) = 0.98, p = 0.36], stereotypic
      behavior [F(1.34, 58.80) = 1.55, p = 0.22], and inappropriate speech subscale
      scores [F(1.52, 66.88) = 1.15, p = 0.31]. By week 10, 21 (91.3%) patients in the
      minocycline group and 15 (65.5%) patients in the placebo group achieved at least
      partial response (p = 0.03). Frequencies of adverse events were not significantly
      different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Minocycline seems to be a safe and
      effective adjuvant in management of patients with autistic disorder. Future
      studies with larger sample sizes, longer follow-ups, and inflammatory cytokine
      measurements are warranted to confirm these findings and provide insight into
      minocycline mechanism of action in autistic disorder.

PMID- 27128960
TI  - Neosuture formation after endoscope-assisted craniosynostosis repair.
AB  - OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to identify the rate of neosuture formation
      in patients with craniosynostosis treated with endoscope-assisted strip
      craniectomy and investigate whether neosuture formation in sagittal
      craniosynostosis has an effect on postoperative calvarial shape. METHODS The
      authors retrospectively reviewed 166 cases of nonsyndromic craniosynostosis that
      underwent endoscope-assisted repair between 2006 and 2014. Preoperative and 1
      year postoperative head CT scans were evaluated, and the rate of neosuture
      formation was calculated. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the CT data were
      used to measure cephalic index (CI) (ratio of head width and length) of patients
      with sagittal synostosis. Regression analysis was used to calculate significant
      differences between patients with and without neosuture accounting for age at
      surgery and preoperative CI. RESULTS Review of 96 patients revealed that some
      degree of neosuture development occurred in 23 patients (23.9%): 16 sagittal, 2
      bilateral coronal, 4 unilateral coronal, and 1 lambdoid synostosis. Complete
      neosuture formation was seen in 14 of those 23 patients (9 of 16 sagittal, 1 of 2
      bilateral coronal, 3 of 4 unilateral coronal, and 1 of 1 lambdoid). Mean pre- and
      postoperative CI in the complete sagittal neosuture group was 67.4% and 75.5%,
      respectively, and in the non-neosuture group was 69.8% and 74.4%, respectively.
      There was no statistically significant difference in the CI between the neosuture
      and fused suture groups preoperatively or 17 months postoperatively in patients
      with sagittal synostosis. CONCLUSIONS Neosuture development can occur after
      endoscope-assisted strip craniectomy and molding helmet therapy for patients with
      craniosynostosis. Although the authors did not detect a significant difference in
      calvarial shape postoperatively in the group with sagittal synostosis, the
      relevance of neosuture formation remains to be determined. Further studies are
      required to discover long-term outcomes comparing patients with and without
      neosuture formation. 

PMID- 27128959
TI  - Amyloid Imaging, Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers Predict Driving Performance Among
      Cognitively Normal Individuals.
AB  - Postmortem brain studies of older drivers killed in car accidents indicate that
      many had Alzheimer disease (AD) neuropathologic changes. We examined whether AD
      biomarkers are related to driving performance among cognitively normal older
      adults. Individuals with normal cognition, aged 65+ years, and driving at least
      once per week, were recruited. Participants (N=129) took part in clinical
      assessments, a driving test, and positron emission tomography imaging with
      Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection. General
      linear models tested whether the number of driving errors differed as a function
      of each of the biomarker variables (mean cortical binding potential for PIB, and
      CSF Abeta42, tau, ptau181, tau/Abeta42, ptau181/Abeta42). Higher ratios of CSF
      tau/Abeta42, ptau181/Abeta42, and PIB mean cortical binding potential, were
      associated with more driving errors (P<0.05). Preclinical AD may have subtle
      cognitive and functional effects, which alone may go unnoticed. However, when
      combined, these changes may impact complex behaviors such as driving.

PMID- 27128961
TI  - Reprogramming for Cardiac Regeneration-Strategies for Innovation.
AB  - It is well-known that the human myocardium has a low capacity for self
      regeneration. This fact is especially important after acute myocardial infarction
      with subsequent heart failure and adverse tissue remodeling. New potential
      strategies have recently emerged for treating heart diseases, such as the
      possibility of generating large quantities of cardiomyocytes through genetic iPSC
      reprogramming, transdifferentiation for in vitro disease modeling, in vivo
      therapies or telomerase gene reactivation. Approaches based on these techniques
      may represent the new horizon in cardiology with an appropriate 180-degree turn
      perspective. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1849-1851, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27128962
TI  - Role of Genome in the Formation of Conical Retroviral Shells.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) capsid proteins spontaneously assemble around
      the genome into a protective protein shell called the capsid, which can take on a
      variety of shapes broadly classified as conical, cylindrical, and irregular. The
      majority of capsids seen in in vivo studies are conical in shape, while in vitro
      experiments have shown a preference for cylindrical capsids. The factors involved
      in the selection of the unique shape of HIV capsids are not well understood, and
      in particular the impact of RNA on the formation of the capsid is not known. In
      this work, we study the role of the genome and its interaction with the capsid
      protein by modeling the genomic RNA through a mean-field theory. Our results show
      that the confinement free energy for a homopolymeric model genome confined in a
      conical capsid is lower than that in a cylindrical capsid, at least when the
      genome does not interact with the capsid, which seems to be the case in in vivo
      experiments. Conversely, the confinement free energy for the cylinder is lower
      than that for a conical capsid if the genome is attracted to the capsid proteins
      as the in vitro experiments. Understanding the factors that contribute to the
      formation of conical capsids may shed light on the infectivity of HIV particles.

PMID- 27128963
TI  - The Effects of Nocturnal Dip and Blood Pressure Variability on Paracentral
      Scotoma in Early Open-Angle Glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of nocturnal dip and blood pressure (BP)
      variability on paracentral scotoma in early open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: The
      present study included 72 early normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients and 34
      early primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. Nocturnal dip and weighted
      standard deviation (wSD) were determined by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (24
      hr ABPM). The mean deviation (MD) and pattern deviation (PD) were measured with
      visual field. Correlations between nocturnal dip and/or BP variability and
      paracentral scotoma were assessed using Student's t-test, Pearson's correlation
      test, and linear logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The systolic and
      diastolic nocturnal dip and paracentral scotoma occurrence demonstrated a
      statistically significant correlation in the early NTG group (systolic nocturnal
      dip: p=0.047, diastolic nocturnal dip: p=0.011). In the early NTG group, the
      subgroup with paracentral scotoma had a greater nocturnal dip than those patients
      without paracentral scotoma (systolic nocturnal dip: p=0.000; diastolic nocturnal
      dip: p=0.000). In the early NTG group, the subgroup with paracentral scotoma had
      higher wSD of SBP than the patients without paracentral scotoma (p=0.003). In the
      logistic regression analysis of the factors that can affect paracentral scotoma
      SBP dip and SBP, wSD appeared to significantly affect the occurrence of
      paracentral scotoma in the early NTG group. CONCLUSIONS: Early NTG patients with
      paracentral scotoma have nocturnal dip and large BP variability. Therefore, in
      early glaucoma patients, particularly in early NTG with paracentral scotoma,
      nocturnal dip and BP variability should be assessed with 24-hr ABPM.

PMID- 27128964
TI  - Divergent Syntheses of Carbazole Alkaloids Clausenapin, Indizoline, Claulansine
      M, and Clausenaline D.
AB  - We described the first total syntheses of clausenapin, indizoline, claulansine M,
      and a novel synthetic route to clausenaline D via divergent method. Key steps
      involved TFAA-mediated intramolecular acylation to construct the carbazole core
      and subsequent Claisen rearrangement to generate key intermediates for further
      elaboration to target molecules.

PMID- 27128965
TI  - Pregnancy outcome following frozen embryo transfer after artificial cycle or
      treatment by clomiphene citrate.
AB  - The optimal method to prepare endometrium before frozen embryo transfer (FET) is
      not yet established. We retrospectively studied 4496 FET and detailed pregnancy
      and miscarriage rates in three groups of patients according to the endometrium
      preparation they have followed before their successive FET: clomifene citrate
      (CC, group 1), artificial cycle (AC, group 2) or switch between CC and AC (group
      3). The overall pregnancy rates per transfer were 24.3, 20.8 and 17.3% while the
      miscarriage rates reached 23.2, 29.8 and 42.5%, respectively. Group 1 experienced
      the highest ongoing pregnancy rate (18.6%), the lowest being observed in group 3
      (10.0%, p < 0.001). Here we propose several alternatives to improve our AC
      protocol (group 2) that seemed less effective than CC (group 1) and we consider
      the use of a gonadotrophin-stimulated treatment for patients with the lowest
      reproductive outcomes (group 3).

PMID- 27128966
TI  - Metformin induces degradation of cyclin D1 via AMPK/GSK3beta axis in ovarian
      cancer.
AB  - Metformin, which is widely used as an anti-diabetic drug, reduces cancer related
      morbidity and mortality. However, the role of metformin in cancer is not fully
      understood. Here, we first describe that the anti-cancer effect of metformin is
      mediated by cyclin D1 deregulation via AMPK/GSK3beta axis in ovarian cancer
      cells. Metformin promoted cytotoxic effects only in the cancer cells irrespective
      of the p53 status and not in the normal primary-cultured cells. Metformin induced
      the G1 cell cycle arrest, in parallel with a decrease in the protein expressions
      of cyclin D1 without affecting its transcriptional levels. Using a proteasomal
      inhibitor, we could address that metformin-induced decrease in cyclin D1 through
      the ubiquitin/proteasome process. Cyclin D1 degradation by metformin requires the
      activation of GSK3beta, as determined based on the treatment with GSK3beta
      inhibitors. The activation of GSK3beta correlated with the inhibitory
      phosphorylation by Akt as well as p70S6K through AMPK activation in response to
      metformin. These findings suggested that the anticancer effects of metformin was
      induced due to cyclin D1 degradation via AMPK/GSK3beta signaling axis that
      involved the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway specifically in ovarian cancer cells.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27128967
TI  - Short-term environmental enrichment is sufficient to counter stress-induced
      anxiety and associated structural and molecular plasticity in basolateral
      amygdala.
AB  - Moderate levels of anxiety enable individual animals to cope with stressors
      through avoidance, and could be an adaptive trait. However, repeated stress
      exacerbates anxiety to pathologically high levels. Dendritic remodeling in the
      basolateral amygdala is proposed to mediate potentiation of anxiety after stress.
      Similarly, modulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor is thought to be
      important for the behavioral effects of stress. In the present study, we
      investigate if relatively short periods of environmental enrichment in adulthood
      can confer resilience against stress-induced anxiety and concomitant changes in
      neuronal arborisation and brain derived neurotrophic factor within basolateral
      amygdala. Two weeks of environmental enrichment countermanded the propensity of
      increased anxiety following chronic immobilization stress. Environmental
      enrichment concurrently reduced dendritic branching and spine density of
      projection neurons of the basolateral amygdala. Moreover, stress increased
      abundance of BDNF mRNA in the basolateral amygdala in agreement with the
      dendritic hypertrophy post-stress and role of BDNF in promoting dendritic
      arborisation. In contrast, environmental enrichment prevented stress-induced rise
      in the BDNF mRNA abundance. Gain in body weights and adrenal weights remained
      unaffected by exposure to environmental enrichment. These observations suggest
      that a short period of environmental enrichment can provide resilience against
      maladaptive effects of stress on hormonal, neuronal and molecular mediators of
      anxiogenesis.

PMID- 27128968
TI  - The effect of hypopituitarism on fatigue after subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) survivors often
      complain of fatigue, which is disabling. Fatigue is also a common symptom of
      pituitary dysfunction (PD), in particular in patients with growth hormone
      deficiency (GHD). A possible association between fatigue after SAH and long-term
      pituitary deficiency in SAH survivors has not yet been established. METHODS: A
      single center observational study was conducted amongst 84 aneurysmal SAH
      survivors to study the relationship between PD and fatigue over time after SAH,
      using mixed model analysis. Fatigue was measured with the Fatigue Severity Scale
      and its relationships with other clinical variables were studied. RESULTS: Three
      quarters of respondents (76%) have pathological fatigue directly after SAH and
      almost two-thirds (60%) of patients still have pathological levels of fatigue
      after 14 months. The severity of SAH measured with a World Federation of
      Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) score higher than 1 (P = 0.008) was associated
      with long-term fatigue. There is no statistically significant effect of PD (P =
      0.8) or GHD (P = 0.23) on fatigue in SAH survivors over time. CONCLUSIONS:
      Fatigue is a common symptom amongst SAH survivors. WFNS is a usable clinical
      determinant of fatigue in SAH survivors. Neither PD nor GHD has a significant
      effect on long-term fatigue after SAH.

PMID- 27128969
TI  - The SH3BGR/STAT3 Pathway Regulates Cell Migration and Angiogenesis Induced by a
      Gammaherpesvirus MicroRNA.
AB  - Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a gammaherpesvirus
      etiologically associated with KS, a highly disseminated angiogenic tumor of
      hyperproliferative spindle endothelial cells. KSHV encodes 25 mature microRNAs
      but their roles in KSHV-induced tumor dissemination and angiogenesis remain
      unknown. Here, we investigated KSHV-encoded miR-K12-6-3p (miR-K6-3p) promotion of
      endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis, which are the underlying mechanisms
      of tumor dissemination and angiogenesis. We found that ectopic expression of miR
      K6-3p promoted endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. Mass spectrometry,
      bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analyses revealed that miR-K6-3p directly
      targeted sequence in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of SH3 domain binding
      glutamate-rich protein (SH3BGR). Overexpression of SH3BGR reversed miR-K6-3p
      induction of cell migration and angiogenesis. Mechanistically, miR-K6-3p
      downregulated SH3BGR, hence relieved STAT3 from SH3BGR direct binding and
      inhibition, which was required for miR-K6-3p maximum activation of STAT3 and
      induction of cell migration and angiogenesis. Finally, deletion of miR-K6 from
      the KSHV genome abrogated its effect on the SH3BGR/STAT3 pathway, and KSHV
      induced migration and angiogenesis. Our results illustrated that, by inhibiting
      SH3BGR, miR-K6-3p enhances cell migration and angiogenesis by activating the
      STAT3 pathway, and thus contributes to the dissemination and angiogenesis of KSHV
      induced malignancies.

PMID- 27128970
TI  - The Effect of Optokinetic Stimulation on Perceptual and Postural Symptoms in
      Visual Vestibular Mismatch Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vestibular patients occasionally report aggravation or triggering of
      their symptoms by visual stimuli, which is called visual vestibular mismatch
      (VVM). These patients therefore experience discomfort, disorientation, dizziness
      and postural unsteadiness. OBJECTIVE: Firstly, we aimed to get a better insight
      in the underlying mechanism of VVM by examining perceptual and postural symptoms.
      Secondly, we wanted to investigate whether roll-motion is a necessary trait to
      evoke these symptoms or whether a complex but stationary visual pattern equally
      provokes them. METHODS: Nine VVM patients and healthy matched control group were
      examined by exposing both groups to a stationary stimulus as well as an
      optokinetic stimulus rotating around the naso-occipital axis for a prolonged
      period of time. Subjective visual vertical (SVV) measurements, posturography and
      relevant questionnaires were assessed. RESULTS: No significant differences
      between both groups were found for SVV measurements. Patients always swayed more
      and reported more symptoms than healthy controls. Prolonged exposure to roll
      motion caused in patients and controls an increase in postural sway and symptoms.
      However, only VVM patients reported significantly more symptoms after prolonged
      exposure to the optokinetic stimulus compared to scores after exposure to a
      stationary stimulus. CONCLUSIONS: VVM patients differ from healthy controls in
      postural and subjective symptoms and motion is a crucial factor in provoking
      these symptoms. A possible explanation could be a central visual-vestibular
      integration deficit, which has implications for diagnostics and clinical
      rehabilitation purposes. Future research should focus on the underlying central
      mechanism of VVM and the effectiveness of optokinetic stimulation in resolving
      it.

PMID- 27128971
TI  - Validation of N-myristoyltransferase as Potential Chemotherapeutic Target in
      Mammal-Dwelling Stages of Trypanosoma cruzi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease, an endemic and debilitating
      illness in Latin America. Lately, owing to extensive population movements, this
      neglected tropical disease has become a global health concern. The two clinically
      available drugs for the chemotherapy of Chagas disease have rather high toxicity
      and limited efficacy in the chronic phase of the disease, and may induce parasite
      resistance. The development of new anti-T. cruzi agents is therefore imperative.
      The enzyme N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) has recently been biochemically
      characterized, shown to be essential in Leishmania major, Trypanosoma brucei, and
      T. cruzi  and proposed as promising chemotherapeutic target in these
      trypanosomatids. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here, using high-content imaging
      we assayed eight known trypanosomatid NMT inhibitors, against mammal-dwelling
      intracellular amastigote and trypomastigote stages and demonstrated that three of
      them (compounds 1, 5, and 8) have potent anti-proliferative effect at
      submicromolar concentrations against T. cruzi, with very low toxicity against
      human epithelial cells. Moreover, metabolic labeling using myristic acid, azide
      showed a considerable decrease in the myristoylation of proteins in parasites
      treated with NMT inhibitors, providing evidence of the on-target activity of the
      inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Taken together, our data point out to the
      potential use of NMT inhibitors as anti-T. cruzi chemotherapy.

PMID- 27128972
TI  - Proteotranscriptomic Analysis Reveals Stage Specific Changes in the Molecular
      Landscape of Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Renal cell carcinoma comprises 2 to 3% of malignancies in adults with the most
      prevalent subtype being clear-cell RCC (ccRCC). This type of cancer is well
      characterized at the genomic and transcriptomic level and is associated with a
      loss of VHL that results in stabilization of HIF1. The current study focused on
      evaluating ccRCC stage dependent changes at the proteome level to provide insight
      into the molecular pathogenesis of ccRCC progression. To accomplish this, label
      free proteomics was used to characterize matched tumor and normal-adjacent
      tissues from 84 patients with stage I to IV ccRCC. Using pooled samples 1551
      proteins were identified, of which 290 were differentially abundant, while 783
      proteins were identified using individual samples, with 344 being differentially
      abundant. These 344 differentially abundant proteins were enriched in metabolic
      pathways and further examination revealed metabolic dysfunction consistent with
      the Warburg effect. Additionally, the protein data indicated activation of ESRRA
      and ESRRG, and HIF1A, as well as inhibition of FOXA1, MAPK1 and WISP2. A subset
      analysis of complementary gene expression array data on 47 pairs of these same
      tissues indicated similar upstream changes, such as increased HIF1A activation
      with stage, though ESRRA and ESRRG activation and FOXA1 inhibition were not
      predicted from the transcriptomic data. The activation of ESRRA and ESRRG implied
      that HIF2A may also be activated during later stages of ccRCC, which was
      confirmed in the transcriptional analysis. This combined analysis highlights the
      importance of HIF1A and HIF2A in developing the ccRCC molecular phenotype as well
      as the potential involvement of ESRRA and ESRRG in driving these changes. In
      addition, cofilin-1, profilin-1, nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, and fructose
      bisphosphate aldolase A were identified as candidate markers of late stage ccRCC.
      Utilization of data collected from heterogeneous biological domains strengthened
      the findings from each domain, demonstrating the complementary nature of such an
      analysis. Together these results highlight the importance of the VHL/HIF1A/HIF2A
      axis and provide a foundation and therapeutic targets for future studies. (Data
      are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD003271 and MassIVE with
      identifier MSV000079511.).

PMID- 27128973
TI  - Effects of the Commercial Flame Retardant Mixture DE-71 on Cytokine Production by
      Human Immune Cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although production of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is
      now banned, release from existing products will continue for many years. The
      PBDEs are assumed to be neurotoxic and toxic to endocrine organs at low
      concentrations. Their effect on the immune system has not been investigated
      thoroughly. We aimed to investigate the influence of DE-71 on cytokine production
      by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with Escherichia Coli
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or phytohaemagglutinin-L (PHA-L). MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      PBMCs isolated from healthy donors were pre-incubated with DE-71 at various
      concentrations and subsequently incubated with the monocyte stimulator LPS, or
      the T-cell activator PHA-L. Interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2,
      IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, IL-17A, and IL-17F
      were quantified in the supernatants by Luminex kits. RESULTS: At non-cytotoxic
      concentrations (0.01-10 MUg/mL), DE-71 significantly enhanced secretion of IL
      1beta, IL-6, CXCL8, IL-10, and TNF-alpha (p<0.001-0.019; n = 6) from LPS
      stimulated PBMCs. IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-17A, and IL-17F (p = <0.001-0.043; n =
      6) secretion were enhanced from PHA-L-stimulated PBMCs as well. Secretion of IL
      1beta, IL-2, IL-10, IL-8 and IL-6 was not significantly affected by DE-71.
      CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate an enhancing effect of DE-71 on cytokine production
      by normal human PBMCs stimulated with LPS or PHA-L ex vivo.

PMID- 27128974
TI  - Human Parechovirus 1 Infection Occurs via alphaVbeta1 Integrin.
AB  - Human parechovirus 1 (HPeV-1) (family Picornaviridae) is a global cause of
      pediatric respiratory and CNS infections for which there is no treatment.
      Although biochemical and in vitro studies have suggested that HPeV-1 binds to
      alphaVbeta1, alphaVbeta3 and alphaVbeta6 integrin receptor(s), the actual
      cellular receptors required for infectious entry of HPeV-1 remain unknown. In
      this paper we analyzed the expression profiles of alphaVbeta1, alphaVbeta3,
      alphaVbeta6 and alpha5beta1 in susceptible cell lines (A549, HeLa and SW480) to
      identify which integrin receptors support HPeV-1 internalization and/or
      replication cycle. We demonstrate by antibody blocking assay, immunofluorescence
      microscopy and RT-qPCR that HPeV-1 internalizes and replicates in cell lines that
      express alphaVbeta1 integrin but not alphaVbeta3 or alphaVbeta6 integrins. To
      further study the role of beta1 integrin, we used a mouse cell line, GE11-KO,
      which is deficient in beta1 expression, and its derivate GE11-beta1 in which
      human integrin beta1 subunit is overexpressed. HPeV-1 (Harris strain) and three
      clinical HPeV-1 isolates did not internalize into GE11-KO whereas GE11-beta1
      supported the internalization process. An integrin beta1-activating antibody,
      TS2/16, enhanced HPeV-1 infectivity, but infection occurred in the absence of
      visible receptor clustering. HPeV-1 also co-localized with beta1 integrin on the
      cell surface, and HPeV-1 and beta1 integrin co-endocytosed into the cells. In
      conclusion, our results demonstrate that in some cell lines the cellular entry of
      HPeV-1 is primarily mediated by the active form of alphaVbeta1 integrin without
      visible receptor clustering.

PMID- 27128975
TI  - The Effect of Intestinal Parasitic Infection on the Clinical Outcome of Malaria
      in Coinfected Children in Cameroon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The interaction between intestinal parasites and malaria is still not
      clear. Data in published literature are conflicting. We studied the effect of
      intestinal parasitic infection (IPI) on the clinical outcome of malaria in
      coinfected children. METHODS: In a cross sectional study performed between
      October 2014 and September 2015, children infected with malaria, as demonstrated
      by the presence of asexual parasites in Giemsa stained blood films, were
      enrolled. Stool samples were obtained from participants and subjected to the
      formol-ether concentration technique for the detection of intestinal parasites.
      The Complete blood count was performed using an automated haematology analyser
      (Mindray, BC-2800). The risk ratio, Pearson's chi-square and the student T test
      were all performed as part of the statistical analyses. Statistical significance
      was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: In all, 405 children successfully took part in the
      study. The children were between 1 week and 120 months of age (mean +/- SD = 41.5
      +/- 33.5). Coinfection with intestinal parasites was observed in 11.6%. The rate
      of severe malaria (SM) attack in this study was 10.9%. SM was not observed to be
      associated with age (p = 0.377) or gender (p = 0.387), meanwhile coinfection with
      intestinal parasites was associated with age (p = 0.003). Among SM cases, IPI
      prevalence was higher in children with mild (WHO group 3) severe malaria (p =
      0.027). Overall, IPI was not observed to be associated with SM (p = 0.656) or
      malaria parasite density (p = 0.185) or haemoglobin concentration (p = 0.205).
      The main clinical features of SM observed were hyperpyrexia (68.2%), severe
      malarial anaemia (61.4%), and multiple convulsion (52.3%). CONCLUSION: IPI was
      not observed to be associated with the severity of malaria, the malaria parasite
      density, and the haemoglobin concentration in coinfected children in Cameroon.
      The clinical outcome of malaria in children coinfected with intestinal parasites
      may depend on the geographical setting after all.

PMID- 27128976
TI  - Modulation of Endothelial Inflammation by Low and High Magnitude Cyclic Stretch.
AB  - Excessive mechanical ventilation exerts pathologic mechanical strain on lung
      vascular endothelium and promotes endothelial cell (EC) inflammatory activation;
      however, the specific mechanisms underlying EC inflammatory response caused by
      mechanical ventilation related cyclic stretch (CS) remain unclear. This study
      investigated the effects of chronic exposure to CS at physiologic (5%) and
      pathologic (18%) magnitude on pulmonary EC inflammatory status in control
      conditions and bacterial lipopolysacharide (LPS)-stimulated conditions. EC
      exposure to high or low CS magnitudes for 28-72 hrs had distinct effects on EC
      inflammatory activation. 18% CS increased surface expression of endothelial
      adhesion molecule ICAM1 and release of its soluble form (sICAM1) and inflammatory
      cytokine IL-8 by CS-stimulated pulmonary endothelial cells (EC). EC inflammatory
      activation was not observed in EC exposed to 5% CS. Chronic exposure to 18% CS,
      but not to 5% CS, augmented ICAM1 and IL-8 production and EC monolayer barrier
      disruption induced by LPS. 18% CS, but not 5% CS, stimulated expression of RhoA
      GTPase-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor GEF-H1. GEF-H1 knockdown using
      gene-specific siRNA abolished 18% CS-induced ICAM1 expression and sICAM1 and IL-8
      release by EC. GEF-H1 knockdown also prevented disruption of EC monolayer
      integrity and attenuated sICAM1 and IL-8 release in the two-hit model of EC
      barrier dysfunction caused by combined stimulation with 18% CS and LPS. These
      data demonstrate that exacerbation of inflammatory response by pulmonary
      endothelium exposed to excessive mechanical stretch is mediated by CS-induced
      induction of Rho activating protein GEF-H1.

PMID- 27128977
TI  - Copper-Catalyzed Cascade Reaction via Intramolecular Hydroamination Cyclization
      of Homopropargylic Amines and Intermolecular Povarov Reaction with Imines.
AB  - A new one-pot cascade reaction of homopropargylic amines with simple imines is
      developed in the presence of Cu(OTf)2 and affords a series of hexahydro-1H
      pyrrolo[3,2-c]quinoline derivatives in good to high yields. This reaction
      proceeds through an intramolecular hydroamination cyclization of homopropargylic
      amine to generate a highly reactive dihydropyrrole intermediate in situ. It
      subsequently reacts with imine via an intermolecular inverse-electron-demand aza
      Diels-Alder reaction and a 1,3-H shift to give the fused pyrroloquinoline
      structures, forming two new C-C bonds and one C-N bond and one N-H bond.

PMID- 27128979
TI  - Corrigendum: Selective inhibition of EZH2 by ZLD1039 blocks H3K27methylation and
      leads to potent anti-tumor activity in breast cancer.

PMID- 27128978
TI  - Inhibitor Discovery for the Human GLUT1 from Homology Modeling and Virtual
      Screening.
AB  - The human Glucose Transporter 1 (hGLUT1 or SLC2A1) is a facilitative membrane
      transporter found in the liver, intestines, kidney, and brain, where it
      transports sugars such as d-glucose and d-galactose. Genetic variations in hGLUT1
      are associated with a broad range of diseases and metabolic disorders. For
      example, hGLUT1 is upregulated in various cancer types (e.g., breast carcinoma)
      to support the increased anaerobic glycolysis and the Warburg effect. Thus,
      hGLUT1 is an emerging therapeutic target, which also transports commonly used
      cancer biomarkers (e.g., (18)F-DG). In this study, we use computational
      prediction followed by experimental testing, to characterize hGLUT1. We construct
      homology models of hGLUT1 in a partially occluded outward open ("occluded")
      conformation based on the X-ray structure of the E. coli xylose transporter,
      XylE. Comparison of the binding site of the occluded models to experimentally
      determined hGLUT structures revealed a hydrophobic pocket adjacent to the sugar
      binding site, which was tested experimentally via site-directed mutagenesis.
      Virtual screening of various libraries of purchasable compounds against the
      occluded models, followed by experimental testing with cellular assays revealed
      seven previously unknown hGLUT1 ligands with IC50 values ranging from 0.45 MUM to
      59 MUM. These ligands represent three unique chemotypes that are chemically
      different from any other known hGLUT1 ligands. The newly characterized
      hydrophobic pocket can potentially be utilized by the new ligands for increased
      affinity. Furthermore, the previously unknown hGLUT1 ligands can serve as
      chemical tools to further characterize hGLUT1 function or lead molecules for
      future drug development.

PMID- 27128980
TI  - Chikungunya Fever With Seizures, Myocarditis, and Severe Thrombocytopenia in a
      Child With Osteosarcoma.

PMID- 27128981
TI  - EDUCATIONAL INEQUALITIES IN REPEAT ABORTION: A LONGITUDINAL REGISTER STUDY IN
      FINLAND 1975-2010.
AB  - The proportion of repeat abortions among all abortions has increased over the
      last decades in Finland. This study examined the association of education with
      the likelihood of repeat abortion, and the change in this association over time
      using reliable longitudinal data. A unique set of register data from three birth
      cohorts were followed from age 20 to 45, including about 22,000 cases of repeat
      abortion, and analysed using discrete-time event-history models. Low education
      was found to be associated with a higher likelihood of repeat abortion. Women
      with low education had abortions sooner after the preceding abortion, and were
      more often single, younger and had larger families at the time of abortion than
      more highly educated women. The educational differences were more significant for
      later than earlier cohorts. The results show a lack of appropriate contraceptive
      use, possibly due to lack of knowledge of, or access to, services. There is a
      need to improve access to family planning services, and contraceptives should be
      provided free of charge. Register data overcome the common problems of under
      reporting of abortion and attrition ensuring the results are reliable, unique and
      of interest internationally.

PMID- 27128982
TI  - Family Functioning and the Well-Being of Children With Chronic Conditions: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - For children with chronic conditions, well-being is closely related to how well
      their families function. Most prior research syntheses on family functioning and
      child well-being have focused on children with a single condition, thereby
      limiting the potential to aggregate and build on what is known across conditions.
      To address this challenge, research reports were reviewed and meta-analyses
      conducted of findings on the relationship between family functioning and child
      well-being across a range of chronic physical conditions. The sample was derived
      from a larger systematic review study that included 1,028 reports published
      between January 1, 2000 and March 31, 2014. The current review includes 53
      studies in which a relationship between family functioning and child well-being
      was analyzed using one of four family measures: Family Adaptability and Cohesion
      Evaluation Scales, Family Environment Scale, Family Relationship Index, or Family
      Assessment Device. Most studies were cross-sectional and observational (n = 43,
      81%). The most frequently studied conditions were diabetes, cancer, sickle cell
      disease, and asthma. In 37 studies, findings were sufficiently comparable to
      conduct meta-analyses. Significant correlations were identified between
      children's psychological health and seven of nine dimensions of family
      functioning. Significant correlations also were found between dimensions of
      family functioning and children's problem behaviors, social competence, quality
      of life, and, to a lesser extent, adherence and physical health. Of the family
      dimensions, cohesion and conflict were associated most strongly with child
      outcomes. Understanding the specific family variables, such as conflict, linked
      to varied child outcomes is key for intervention development. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27128983
TI  - Tumor Characteristics, Genetics, Management, and the Risk of Metastasis in Uveal
      Melanoma.
AB  - Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults. Although
      rates of local control for uveal melanoma exceed 95% with radiotherapy or
      enucleation, as many as 50% of patients develop hematogenous metastases, which
      manifest in the decades following initial diagnosis and are uniformly and rapidly
      fatal. Recent compelling evidence suggests that not all uveal melanomas are
      themselves equivalent with respect to metastatic potential and patient survival.
      This review focuses on the mounting evidence of survival disparities based on
      intrinsic tumor clinical and histopathologic characteristics and based on tumor
      genetics and gene expression profiles. 

PMID- 27128984
TI  - Concentrations of PAHs and other gaseous pollutants in the atmosphere of a rural
      area.
AB  - In this study, concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) bound to
      PM10 particles were measured in a Croatian rural area. Considering that by now
      only a limited number of studies have provided data on pollutant concentrations
      for rural areas, our aim was to do so by determining the PAH levels, their
      mutagenic effect and relationship with meteorological conditions and other
      gaseous pollutants (NO, NO2, NH3). In this investigation, samples of PM10
      particles were collected on quartz filters for 1 month in the cold period and 1
      month in the warm period of the year, 24 h a day. Diagnostic PAH concentration
      ratios and factor analysis were used as tools to identify and characterize the
      PAH sources. The PAHs found in the warm period of the year were characteristic
      for car exhaust emissions while the predominant source of these pollutants in the
      cold period was wood burning. The measurements showed much higher average
      concentrations of all PAHs in the cold period, most pronounced for fluoranthene
      0.347 ng m(-3) and pyrene 0.223 ng m(-3). Mass concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene
      in the cold period ranged from 0.057 to 1.526 ng m(-3), while in the warm period
      they varied from 0.009 to 0.111 ng m(-3). Mutagenicity related to BaP (BaPMeq)
      was significantly higher during the cold period (1.095 ng m(-3)) than in the warm
      period (0.101 ng m(-3)). 

PMID- 27128985
TI  - Grammaticality and complexity of sentences in monolingual Spanish-speaking
      children with specific language impairment.
AB  - This study examined grammaticality and complexity of sentences in monolingual
      Spanish-speaking children with specific language impairment (SLI). A group of SLI
      children (n = 13), mean age 6, was compared to a control group (CCG) matched by
      age (n = 11), and a younger control group (LCG) with similar linguistic
      development (n = 13). Grammaticality and complexity of sentences were analysed
      including identification and counting of: a) simple and complex sentences, b)
      grammatical and ungrammatical sentences, and c) types of grammatical errors. SLI
      children were found to be more ungrammatical than CCG in both simple and complex
      sentences. Considering the number of errors in all sentences produced, SLI
      children commit more errors than both control groups. Complexity of sentences did
      not show statistical differences among groups. Future research should explore in
      further detail the types of errors made by monolingual Spanish-speaking SLI
      children.

PMID- 27128986
TI  - Morphology-Patterned Anisotropic Wetting Surface for Fluid Control and Gas-Liquid
      Separation in Microfluidics.
AB  - This article shows morphology-patterned stripes as a new platform for directing
      flow guidance of the fluid in microfluidic devices. Anisotropic (even
      unidirectional) spreading behavior due to anisotropic wetting of the underlying
      surface is observed after integrating morphology-patterned stripes with a Y
      shaped microchannel. The anisotropic wetting flow of the fluid is influenced by
      the applied pressure, dimensions of the patterns, including the period and depth
      of the structure, and size of the channels. Fluids with different surface
      tensions show different flowing anisotropy in our microdevice. Moreover, the
      morphology-patterned surfaces could be used as a microvalve, and gas-water
      separation in the microchannel was realized using the unidirectional flow of
      water. Therefore, benefiting from their good performance and simple fabrication
      process, morphology-patterned surfaces are good candidates to be applied in
      controlling the fluid behavior in microfluidics.

PMID- 27128987
TI  - Promotion of angiogenesis and proliferation cytokines patterns in peritoneal
      fluid from women with endometriosis.
AB  - Studies have long sought specific cytokines that could characterize
      endometriosis. Either due to variations between study designs regarding the
      assessment criteria for the cytokine or to low power resulting from small sample
      size, no factor proved to be sufficiently specific to endometriosis. In other
      clinical fields, a combination of several markers proved to be more powerful than
      a single-molecule approach. As well, in the context of endometriosis,
      simultaneous assessment of several cytokines present in the peritoneal fluid
      might help in unveiling patho-physiological processes, thus contributing to a
      better understanding of the condition. Therefore, the objective of this study was
      to investigate peritoneal fluid cytokines-derived of endometriotic women. For
      this retrospective case-control study, peritoneal fluid samples were obtained at
      laparoscopy and assessed by multiplex. Our data showed distinct patterns of
      peritoneal fluid cytokine concentrations in endometriotic women most notably a
      marked increase in EGF, FGF-2, IL-1alpha, MIP-1beta, TGFalpha, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB,
      MCP-3, sCD40L, Gro Pan, IL-17alpha, MDC and Rantes. The overall effect of
      fertility status revealed a significant difference for only one cytokine, namely
      MDC. Furthermore, FLT-3L and IP-10 levels were decreased in endometriosis
      patients, the former in both menstrual cycle phases and the latter in the
      secretory phase. A significant inverse Pearson correlation (p<0.05) was noted
      between pro-angiogenic cytokines EGF and FGF and the anti-angiogenic cytokine IP
      10 in endometriosis patients at stages III-IV and in the secretory phase. These
      changes may exacerbate the local peritoneal angiogenic and proliferative reaction
      observed in women with endometriosis, and contributes to its pathophysiology.

PMID- 27128988
TI  - A shift in the balance of T17 and Treg cells in menstrual blood of women with
      unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion.
AB  - To determine usefulness of menstrual blood for assessment of differential
      frequency of T cell subsets, peripheral blood (PB) and menstrual blood (MB) from
      healthy fertile (n=15), unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA) women
      (n=15) and unexplained infertile women (n=8) were collected in the second day of
      menstrual bleeding. Frequency of T cell subsets was measured by flow cytometry.
      URSA and unexplained infertile patients had higher frequency of
      TCRalphabeta(+)CD3(+)CD56(-) and CD45RO(+) T cells as well as CD45RO(+)/CD45RO(-)
      ratio in PB as compared to MB. Frequency of CD3(+)TCRgammadelta(+) cells in PB of
      unexplained infertile and MB of URSA patients were significantly lower than that
      in fertile group. In all groups MB contained higher percentage of
      CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory and lower percentages of CD16(+) T cells
      compared to PB. T17 cells (CD3(+)CD56(-)IL-17(+)) was found to be significantly
      higher in MB of only fertile and unexplained infertile subjects and not URSA
      patients in comparison with PB. Compared to PB, only fertile women had higher
      T17:Treg ratio in their MB. URSA women had significantly lower MB T17 cells and
      T17:Treg ratio compared to those in fertile and unexplained infertile women.
      Based on the findings presented here, we speculate that MB has its own unique
      immune milieu which is not solely continuation of the immune environment of
      secretory endometrium. Indeed, immunophenotyping of MB immune cells could
      potentially be a useful tool for investigation of immunological disturbances in
      pregnancy-related disorders.

PMID- 27128989
TI  - Metagenomic analysis of rapid gravity sand filter microbial communities suggests
      novel physiology of Nitrospira spp.
AB  - Rapid gravity sand filtration is a drinking water production technology widely
      used around the world. Microbially catalyzed processes dominate the oxidative
      transformation of ammonia, reduced manganese and iron, methane and hydrogen
      sulfide, which may all be present at millimolar concentrations when groundwater
      is the source water. In this study, six metagenomes from various locations within
      a groundwater-fed rapid sand filter (RSF) were analyzed. The community gene
      catalog contained most genes of the nitrogen cycle, with particular abundance in
      genes of the nitrification pathway. Genes involved in different carbon fixation
      pathways were also abundant, with the reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway
      most abundant, consistent with an observed Nitrospira dominance. From the
      metagenomic data set, 14 near-complete genomes were reconstructed and
      functionally characterized. On the basis of their genetic content, a metabolic
      and geochemical model was proposed. The organisms represented by draft genomes
      had the capability to oxidize ammonium, nitrite, hydrogen sulfide, methane,
      potentially iron and manganese as well as to assimilate organic compounds. A
      composite Nitrospira genome was recovered, and amo-containing Nitrospira genome
      contigs were identified. This finding, together with the high Nitrospira
      abundance, and the abundance of atypical amo and hao genes, suggests the
      potential for complete ammonium oxidation by Nitrospira, and a major role of
      Nitrospira in the investigated RSFs and potentially other nitrifying
      environments.

PMID- 27128990
TI  - Dynamics of microbial community composition and soil organic carbon
      mineralization in soil following addition of pyrogenic and fresh organic matter.
AB  - Pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) additions to soils can have large impacts on soil
      organic carbon (SOC) cycling. As the soil microbial community drives SOC fluxes,
      understanding how PyOM additions affect soil microbes is essential to
      understanding how PyOM affects SOC. We studied SOC dynamics and surveyed soil
      bacterial communities after OM additions in a field experiment. We produced and
      mixed in either 350  degrees C corn stover PyOM or an equivalent initial amount
      of dried corn stover to a Typic Fragiudept soil. Stover increased SOC-derived and
      total CO2 fluxes (up to 6x), and caused rapid and persistent changes in bacterial
      community composition over 82 days. In contrast, PyOM only temporarily increased
      total soil CO2 fluxes (up to 2x) and caused fewer changes in bacterial community
      composition. Of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that increased in response
      to PyOM additions, 70% also responded to stover additions. These OTUs likely
      thrive on easily mineralizable carbon (C) that is found both in stover and, to a
      lesser extent, in PyOM. In contrast, we also identified unique PyOM responders,
      which may respond to substrates such as polyaromatic C. In particular, members of
      Gemmatimonadetes tended to increase in relative abundance in response to PyOM but
      not to fresh organic matter. We identify taxa to target for future investigations
      of the mechanistic underpinnings of ecological phenomena associated with PyOM
      additions to soil.

PMID- 27128991
TI  - Identification of syntrophic acetate-oxidizing bacteria in anaerobic digesters by
      combined protein-based stable isotope probing and metagenomics.
AB  - Inhibition of anaerobic digestion through accumulation of volatile fatty acids
      occasionally occurs as the result of unbalanced growth between acidogenic
      bacteria and methanogens. A fast recovery is a prerequisite for establishing an
      economical production of biogas. However, very little is known about the
      microorganisms facilitating this recovery. In this study, we investigated the
      organisms involved by a novel approach of mapping protein-stable isotope probing
      (protein-SIP) onto a binned metagenome. Under simulation of acetate accumulation
      conditions, formations of (13)C-labeled CO2 and CH4 were detected immediately
      following incubation with [U-(13)C]acetate, indicating high turnover rate of
      acetate. The identified (13)C-labeled peptides were mapped onto a binned
      metagenome for improved identification of the organisms involved. The results
      revealed that Methanosarcina and Methanoculleus were actively involved in acetate
      turnover, as were five subspecies of Clostridia. The acetate-consuming organisms
      affiliating with Clostridia all contained the FTFHS gene for
      formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase, a key enzyme for reductive acetogenesis,
      indicating that these organisms are possible syntrophic acetate-oxidizing (SAO)
      bacteria that can facilitate acetate consumption via SAO, coupled with
      hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis (SAO-HM). This study represents the first study
      applying protein-SIP for analysis of complex biogas samples, a promising method
      for identifying key microorganisms utilizing specific pathways.

PMID- 27128992
TI  - Aligning molecular studies of mycorrhizal fungal diversity with ecologically
      important levels of diversity in ecosystems.
AB  - Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) occur in the roots of most plants and are an
      ecologically important component of the soil microbiome. Richness of AMF taxa is
      a strong driver of plant diversity and productivity, thus providing a rationale
      for characterizing AMF diversity in natural ecosystems. Consequently, a large
      number of molecular studies on AMF community composition are currently underway.
      Most published studies, at best, only address species or genera-level resolution.
      However, several experimental studies indicate that variation in plant
      performance is large among plants colonised by different individuals of one AMF
      species. Thus, there is a potential disparity between how molecular community
      ecologists are currently describing AMF diversity and the level of AMF diversity
      that may actually be ecologically relevant. We propose a strategy to find many
      polymorphic loci that can define within-species genetic variability within AMF,
      or at any level of resolution desired within the Glomermycota. We propose that
      allele diversity at the intraspecific level could then be measured for target AMF
      groups, or at other levels of resolution, in environmental DNA samples. Combining
      the use of such markers with experimental studies on AMF diversity would help to
      elucidate the most important level(s) of AMF diversity in plant communities. Our
      goal is to encourage ecologists who are trying to explain how mycorrhizal fungal
      communities are structured to take an approach that could also yield meaningful
      information that is relevant to the diversity, functioning and productivity of
      ecosystems.

PMID- 27128994
TI  - Bacterioplankton niche partitioning in the use of phytoplankton-derived dissolved
      organic carbon: quantity is more important than quality.
AB  - Some prokaryotes are known to be specialized in the use of phytoplankton-derived
      dissolved organic carbon (DOCp) originated by exudation or cell lysis; however,
      direct quantification measurements are extremely rare. Several studies have
      described bacterial selectivity based on DOCp quality, but very few have focused
      on the quantity of DOCp, and the relative importance of each of these variables
      (for example, quantity versus quality) on prokaryote responses. We applied an
      adapted version of the MAR-FISH (microautoradiography coupled with catalyzed
      reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization) protocol using
      radiolabelled exudates from axenic algal cultures to calculate a specialization
      index (d') for large bacterioplankton phylogenetic groups using DOCp from
      different phytoplankton species and at different concentrations to elucidate to
      what extent the bacterial response to DOCp is driven by resource quantity
      (different DOCp concentrations) or by quality (DOCp from different phytoplankton
      species). All bacterial phylogenetic groups studied had lower d' at higher DOCp
      concentration, indicating more generalist behavior at higher resource
      availabilities. Indeed, at increasing resource concentrations, most bacterial
      groups incorporated DOCp indiscriminately, regardless of its origin (or quality).
      At low resource concentrations, only some specialists were able to actively
      incorporate the various types of organic matter effectively. The variability of
      bacterial responses to different treatments was systematically higher at varying
      concentrations than at varying DOCp types, suggesting that, at least for this
      range of concentrations (10-100 MUM), DOCp quantity affects bacterial responses
      more than quality does. Therefore, resource quantity may be more relevant than
      resource quality in the bacterial responses to DOCp and affect how
      bacterioplankton use phytoplankton-derived carbon.

PMID- 27128993
TI  - Ancestral genome reconstruction identifies the evolutionary basis for trait
      acquisition in polyphosphate accumulating bacteria.
AB  - The evolution of complex traits is hypothesized to occur incrementally.
      Identifying the transitions that lead to extant complex traits may provide a
      better understanding of the genetic nature of the observed phenotype. A keystone
      functional group in wastewater treatment processes are polyphosphate accumulating
      organisms (PAOs), however the evolution of the PAO phenotype has yet to be
      explicitly investigated and the specific metabolic traits that discriminate non
      PAO from PAO are currently unknown. Here we perform the first comprehensive
      investigation on the evolution of the PAO phenotype using the model uncultured
      organism Candidatus Accumulibacter phosphatis (Accumulibacter) through ancestral
      genome reconstruction, identification of horizontal gene transfer, and a
      kinetic/stoichiometric characterization of Accumulibacter Clade IIA. The analysis
      of Accumulibacter's last common ancestor identified 135 laterally derived genes,
      including genes involved in glycogen, polyhydroxyalkanoate, pyruvate and
      NADH/NADPH metabolisms, as well as inorganic ion transport and regulatory
      mechanisms. In contrast, pathways such as the TCA cycle and polyphosphate
      metabolism displayed minimal horizontal gene transfer. We show that the
      transition from non-PAO to PAO coincided with horizontal gene transfer within
      Accumulibacter's core metabolism; likely alleviating key kinetic and
      stoichiometric bottlenecks, such as anaerobically linking glycogen degradation to
      polyhydroxyalkanoate synthesis. These results demonstrate the utility of
      investigating the derived genome of a lineage to identify key transitions leading
      to an extant complex phenotype.

PMID- 27128995
TI  - Light-dependent microbial metabolisms drive carbon fluxes on glacier surfaces.
AB  - Biological processes on glacier surfaces affect glacier reflectance, influence
      surface energy budget and glacier response to climate warming, and determine
      glacier carbon exchange with the atmosphere. Currently, carbon balance of
      supraglacial environment is assessed as the balance between the activity of
      oxygenic phototrophs and the respiration rate of heterotrophic organisms. Here we
      present a metagenomic analysis of tiny wind-blown supraglacial sediment
      (cryoconite) from Baltoro (Pakistani Karakoram) and Forni (Italian Alps)
      glaciers, providing evidence for the occurrence in these environments of
      different and previously neglected metabolic pathways. Indeed, we observed high
      abundance of heterotrophic anoxygenic phototrophs, suggesting that light might
      directly supplement the energy demand of some bacterial strains allowing them to
      use as carbon source organic molecules, which otherwise would be respired.
      Furthermore, data suggest that CO2 could be produced also by microbiologically
      mediated oxidation of CO, which may be produced by photodegradation of organic
      matter.

PMID- 27128996
TI  - Transcriptional response of Prochlorococcus to co-culture with a marine
      Alteromonas: differences between strains and the involvement of putative
      infochemicals.
AB  - Interactions between marine microorganisms may determine the dynamics of
      microbial communities. Here, we show that two strains of the globally abundant
      marine cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus, MED4 and MIT9313, which belong to two
      different ecotypes, differ markedly in their response to co-culture with a marine
      heterotrophic bacterium, Alteromonas macleodii strain HOT1A3. HOT1A3 enhanced the
      growth of MIT9313 at low cell densities, yet inhibited it at a higher
      concentration, whereas it had no effect on MED4 growth. The early transcriptomic
      responses of Prochlorococcus cells after 20 h in co-culture showed no evidence of
      nutrient starvation, whereas the expression of genes involved in photosynthesis,
      protein synthesis and stress responses typically decreased in MED4 and increased
      in MIT313. Differential expression of genes involved in outer membrane
      modification, efflux transporters and, in MIT9313, lanthipeptides (prochlorosins)
      suggests that Prochlorococcus mount a specific response to the presence of the
      heterotroph in the cultures. Intriguingly, many of the differentially-expressed
      genes encoded short proteins, including two new families of co-culture responsive
      genes: CCRG-1, which is found across the Prochlorococcus lineage and CCRG-2,
      which contains a sequence motif involved in the export of prochlorosins and other
      bacteriocin-like peptides, and are indeed released from the cells into the media.

PMID- 27128997
TI  - A genomic comparison of 13 symbiotic Vibrio fischeri isolates from the
      perspective of their host source and colonization behavior.
AB  - Newly hatched Euprymna scolopes squid obtain their specific light-organ symbionts
      from an array of Vibrio (Allivibrio) fischeri strains present in their
      environment. Two genetically distinct populations of this squid species have been
      identified, one in Kaneohe Bay (KB), and another in Maunaloa Bay (MB), Oahu. We
      asked whether symbionts isolated from squid in each of these populations
      outcompete isolates from the other population in mixed-infection experiments. No
      relationship was found between a strain's host source (KB or MB) and its ability
      to competitively colonize KB or MB juveniles in a mixed inoculum. Instead, two
      colonization behaviors were identified among the 11 KB and MB strains tested: a
      'dominant' outcome, in which one strain outcompetes the other for colonization,
      and a 'sharing' outcome, in which two strains co-colonize the squid. A genome
      level comparison of these and other V. fischeri strains suggested that the core
      genomic structure of this species is both syntenous and highly conserved over
      time and geographical distance. We also identified ~250 Kb of sequence, encoding
      194 dispersed orfs, that was specific to those strains that expressed the
      dominant colonization behavior. Taken together, the results indicate a link
      between the genome content of V. fischeri strains and their colonization behavior
      when initiating a light-organ symbiosis.

PMID- 27128998
TI  - Synthesis and Antiviral Activity of Novel Phosphorylated Derivatives of
      Didanosine Against Newcastle Disease Virus in Chicken.
AB  - A series of novel phosphorylated derivatives of didanosine were designed and
      docking studies were performed with a fusion protein of the Newcastle disease
      virus (NDV), to develop antiviral compounds against NDV. Based on the docking
      scores and binding affinities, three derivatives were selected. These compounds
      were synthesized and characterized by IR, (1) H, (13) C, (31) P, and CHN analysis
      and mass spectra. They were assessed for their in vitro antiviral activity in DF
      1 cells; DDI-10 showed better antiviral activity as evidenced by significant
      reduction in plaque formation and cytopathic effects. DDI-10 was further
      evaluated in NDV-infected chicken; the survival rates and antioxidant enzyme
      levels in brain, liver, and lung tissues were estimated. Superoxide dismutase and
      catalase were significantly raised, and lipid peroxidation and HA titer levels
      were decreased upon treatment with 1.5 mg/kg body weight of DDI-10 than with 3
      mg/kg body weight of DDI. Further histopathological alterations in NDV-infected
      tissues were restored in chicken treated with DDI-10. Thus, based on the results
      from in silico, in vitro, and in vivo assays, the novel phosphorylated DDI-10
      might be considered as potent antiviral compound for NDV infection in chicken. 

PMID- 27128999
TI  - [A German Survey of Goal Setting and Goal Agreement in Medical Rehabilitation].
AB  - AIM: To describe the current practice of goal setting and goal agreement in the
      Medical rehabilitation in Germany. METHODOLOGY: Rehabilitation centers contracted
      by the German Pension Insurance and covering all indications were approached by a
      questionnaire survey. RESULTS: The percentage of questionnaires returned was
      48.1% (N=716). 93.3% of the responders replied that the importance placed on
      "rehab goals" at their institution was "very high" (41.1%) or "quite high"
      (52.2%). Our findings, however, reveal the potential for improving the quality of
      setting rehab goals in the fields of "process orientation", "team orientation"
      and "patient orientation". CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation centers perceive current
      practice in goal setting and goal agreement as being on a high level. The
      rehabilitation centers name many positive aspects as well as barriers to goal
      setting. Those problems should be more frequently addressed in practice.

PMID- 27129000
TI  - Long-Term Retrospective Evaluation of Dental Implants Placed in Resorbed Jaws
      Reconstructed With Appositional Fresh-Frozen Bone Allografts.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of fresh-frozen
      bone allografts in preprosthetic surgery for implant placement purposes.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cohort comprised 45 patients treated with fresh-frozen
      bone block grafts and dental implants. Clinical and radiological evaluations were
      performed to evaluate the survival rate. The data were statistically analyzed
      with the Kaplan-Meier estimator to assess the influence of possible predictors of
      implant failure on survival. RESULTS: Overall, 262 implants were retrospectively
      analyzed. The survival rate was 90.84% over a mean follow-up of 50 months.
      Comparing the donor site and the position of the implants, no statistically
      significant differences could be detected (P = 0.7194 and P = 0.2901,
      respectively), whereas sex resulted in a marginally statistically significant
      difference (P = 0.0581). When considering age categorized on the median value
      (<=55/>55 years), age resulted in a statistically significant difference (P =
      0.0340), with higher failures found in older people. CONCLUSION: Implant loss was
      strictly related to the lack of primary osseointegration. Female sex and old age
      were found to be risk factors, which could negatively influence implant survival.

PMID- 27129001
TI  - Explaining the Red Fluorescence Evident on the Surface of Failed Dental Implants:
      Case Reports.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is important to identify the reasons for implant failure when
      planning future dental treatment. No studies have distinguished the factors that
      affect implant failure by evaluating the appearance of failed fixtures. PURPOSE:
      This study investigated these factors by evaluating the surface of implant
      fixtures using quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital (QLF-D), which
      involves detecting the red fluorescence emitted by porphyrin metabolized by oral
      bacteria in a mature biofilm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The areas of red
      fluorescence in QLF-D images obtained from all aspects of the fixture surface
      were then analyzed using quantitative analysis software. RESULTS: Red
      fluorescence was evident on the surface of implants that failed after at least 2
      years of occlusal loading and exhibited severe bone loss. Implants with no
      fluorescence exhibited a clean surface in blue-light images, and the bone loss
      could not be observed radiographically. CONCLUSIONS: The cases presented that
      failed dental implant surfaces caused by periimplantitis can be detected by the
      red fluorescence evident as QLF-D.

PMID- 27129002
TI  - The Effects of High Insertion Torque Versus Low Insertion Torque on Marginal Bone
      Resorption and Implant Failure Rates: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analyses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim was to analyze the data about the effects on marginal bone
      resorption and implant failure rates between implants inserted with high or low
      insertion torque values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search
      until July 2015 was conducted. Data were summarized qualitatively in descriptive
      tables and quantitatively by performing random effects meta-analyses of effect
      sizes (ESs) for bone resorption and bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and relative
      risks (RRs) for implant failures. Risk of bias assessments were performed using
      the Cochrane tool for human studies and the SYRCLE's tool for animal studies.
      RESULTS: Four studies in humans and 6 quasirandomized animal studies were
      included. A total of 591 implants were evaluated qualitatively: 348 installed
      with high insertion torque (>25 Ncm, up to 176 Ncm) and 243 implants inserted
      with low torque values (<30-35 Ncm). No significant differences were detected for
      bone resorption (ES, 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.12 to 0.38 in human
      studies; ES predictive interval from 35.03 to 34.50 in animal studies), implant
      failure (RR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.01-20.77 in human studies; RR, 2.05; 95% CI, 0.19
      21.71 in animal studies), or BIC (ES predictive interval from -3.84 to 5.13 in
      animal studies). CONCLUSION: The current review indicated that there is no
      significant difference in marginal bone resorption and implant failure rate
      between implants inserted with high or low insertion torque values.

PMID- 27129003
TI  - Geometrical and Electronic Structures of MnS3(-/0) Clusters from Computational
      Chemistry and Photoelectron Spectroscopy.
AB  - The B3LYP functional and CASPT2 method have been applied to investigate the
      geometrical and electronic structures of eta(2)-(S2)MnS(-/0), eta(2)-(S3)Mn(-/0),
      and MnS3(-/0) isomers of MnS3(-/0) clusters. The ground state of the anionic
      cluster is computed to be the (5)B2 of eta(2)-(S2)MnS(-) isomer, whereas that of
      the anionic cluster is calculated to be the (4)B1 of the same isomer. The
      photoelectron spectrum of MnS3(-) cluster is interpreted by electron detachment
      processes from the most stable eta(2)-(S2)MnS(-) and from the metastable eta(2)
      (S3)Mn(-) and MnS3(-) isomers. The first and second bands with low intensities
      are, respectively, attributed to the (7)A' -> (6)A' and (7)A' -> (8)A'
      transitions within the eta(2)-(S3)Mn(-/0) isomers. The third band with the
      highest intensity in the spectrum can be assigned to the (5)B2 -> (4)B1, (5)B2 ->
      (6)B1, and (5)B2 -> (4)A2 transitions within the most stable eta(2)-(S2)MnS(-/0)
      isomers, the (3)B1 -> (2)A1 transition within the metastable MnS3(-/0) isomers,
      and the (7)A' -> 3(6)A' transition within the metastable eta(2)-(S3)Mn(-/0)
      isomers. Because the eta(2)-(S2)MnS(-) is computed to be the most stable isomer
      of the MnS3(-) cluster, we believe that the highest intensity third band in the
      spectrum is mainly the result of electron detachments from this isomer. 

PMID- 27129004
TI  - Antiretroviral boosting by cobicistat, a structural analog of ritonavir.

PMID- 27129005
TI  - Effects of omeprazole and ritonavir on absorption and elimination of the
      hepatitis C virus NS5A inhibitor GSK2336805 in healthy adults.
AB  - This Phase I, randomized, open-label study evaluated the gastric pH-altering
      effects of omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, and the CYP3A enzyme/P
      glycoprotein (Pgp)-inhibitory effects of ritonavir, an HIV protease inhibitor, on
      the pharmacokinetics and safety of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) non-structural
      protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitor GSK2336805 in healthy male and female subjects. Co
      administration of GSK2336805 60 mg with omeprazole decreased GSK2336805 plasma
      AUC(0-infinity) by 10% and Cmax by 18%; no marked effect was observed on t1/2 .
      Co-administration of GSK2336805 30 mg with ritonavir increased GSK2336805 plasma
      AUC(0-infinity) by 52%, Cmax by 43%, and t1/2 by 40%; CL/F was decreased by 34%.
      All adverse events were minor in intensity. The gastric acid-suppressive effect
      of omeprazole had minimal impact on the extent and rate of GSK2336805 absorption
      in vivo; therefore, GSK2336805 may be co-administered with omeprazole without
      concern about lower GSK2336805 exposures and compromised antiviral efficacy. The
      modest increases in AUC and Cmax following co-administration of GSK2336805 plus
      ritonavir suggest that GSK2336805 when given concomitantly with a single
      CYP3A/Pgp inhibiting drug will not likely require dose adjustment. Final dose
      recommendation will be based on GSK2336805 efficacy and safety profiles from
      Phase III trials in HCV-infected patients.

PMID- 27129006
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of darunavir after administration of an oral suspension with low
      dose ritonavir and with or without food.
AB  - This 2-part, phase 1, open-label, randomized, crossover study (NCT00752310)
      assessed ritonavir-boosted darunavir bioavailability (oral suspension vs.
      tablets), and steady-state darunavir pharmacokinetics (suspension). Part 1: 20
      healthy adults randomly received 3 treatments with a >=7-day washout between
      treatments; twice-daily ritonavir (100 mg, days 1-5) with darunavir (600 mg, day
      3) as 2 * 300-mg tablets (fed, reference), or 6 mL of a 100-mg/mL suspension (fed
      or fasted, test). Part 2: 18 healthy volunteers received twice-daily darunavir
      (suspension, 600 mg days 1-6, one dose day 7) with twice-daily ritonavir (100 mg,
      days 1-9). Darunavir pharmacokinetics were evaluated (part 1 day 3; part 2 day
      7). Safety/tolerability were assessed. In part 1, 90% confidence intervals for
      darunavir Cmax and AUC were all within 80-125% for suspension (fed or fasted)
      versus tablets (fed). Steady-state darunavir (suspension) pharmacokinetics in
      part 2 were similar to historic controls (tablets). No clinically relevant
      differences in adverse events or laboratory abnormalities occurred between
      treatments. Darunavir administered as an oral suspension or tablets (both with
      low-dose ritonavir) showed comparable bioavailability in healthy adults after a
      single dose. Steady-state darunavir pharmacokinetics (suspension, 600/100 mg
      twice daily) were consistent with historic controls; this formulation is
      considered suitable for pediatric use and for adults who cannot swallow tablets.

PMID- 27129007
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and comparative bioavailability of allopurinol formulations in
      healthy subjects.
AB  - Allopurinol is the most commonly used urate-lowering therapy in gout. This study
      was undertaken to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of
      two brands of allopurinol tablets. The in vivo study was established according to
      a single-center, randomized, single-dose, laboratory-blinded, Two Way, Cross-Over
      Study with a washout period of 1 week. Under fasting conditions, 24 healthy male
      volunteers were randomly allocated to receive a single oral dose (200 mg) of
      either test and reference formulations. Plasma samples were obtained over a 6
      hour interval and analyzed for allopurinol by reversed phase liquid
      chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The 90% confidence intervals for the
      ratio of log transformed values of Cmax , AUC0-t , and AUCt-infinity of the two
      treatments were within the acceptable range (0.8-1.25) for bioequivalence. From
      PK perspectives, the two allopurinol formulations were considered bioequivalent,
      based on the rate and extent of absorption. No adverse events occurred or were
      reported after a single 200-mg allopurinol and both formulations were well
      tolerated.

PMID- 27129008
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of a new testosterone gel formulation in
      comparison to Testogel(r) in healthy men.
AB  - This randomized, open-label, multiple-dose three-way cross-over study compared
      the pharmacokinetics of a new testosterone gel formulation in two strengths,
      testosterone gel 1% and testosterone gel 2% (FE 999303), with Testogel(r) in 11
      testosterone-suppressed healthy men. Subjects received one of six treatment
      sequences; 50 mg of testosterone was administered once daily for 7 consecutive
      days, with different treatments separated by washout-periods of 6-9 days.
      Testosterone gel 1% and testosterone gel 2% displayed greater relative
      bioavailability (2.6- and 1.6-fold, respectively) than Testogel on Day 1, which
      persisted, to a smaller extent, on Day 7. Initial absorption was highest and most
      rapid for testosterone gel 1% and 2%, showing apparent first-order absorption
      kinetics. Maximum serum concentrations (Cmax ) were 6.25 and 2.97 ng/mL,
      respectively, occurring ~5-6 hours post-application on Day 1 versus Cmax of 1.71
      ng/mL after ~24 hours with Testogel, showing apparent zero-order absorption
      kinetics. Similar differences were observed on Day 7. All treatments appeared to
      reach approximately the same steady-state level within the first 24 hours. No
      application-site skin reactions occurred with any preparation. In conclusion, the
      new testosterone formulation showed higher bioavailability, and the ability to
      deliver more testosterone in a smaller volume.

PMID- 27129009
TI  - Statistical analysis of Amenamevir (ASP2151) between pharmacokinetics and
      clinical efficacies with non-linear effect model for the treatment of genital
      herpes.
AB  - Amenamevir is the international non-proprietary name for ASP2151 synthesized by
      Astellas Pharma, Inc. It is a structurally novel class of helicase-primase
      inhibitor and demonstrated more potency in vitro anti-viral activity with low
      cytotoxicity against varicella-zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex virus type 1
      (HSV-1), and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) than acyclovir (ACV). Phase II
      randomized trial assessed the safety and efficacy of ASP2151 for episodic therapy
      of recurrent genital herpes was conducted. Participants self-initiated with
      ASP2151 (100, 200, or 400 mg daily for 3 days), ASP2151 (1,200 mg as a single
      dose), placebo for 3 days, or Valacyclovir (500 mg twice daily for 3 days). We
      present a first population pharmacokinetic (PPK) modeling analysis of Amenamevir
      for genital herpes patients. The final model retained the effect of Weight and
      Albumin on CL. Statistical analysis between pharmacokinetics and clinical
      efficacies was done by using the time above 200 ng/mL (T200 ). T200 derived from
      the final PPK model to consider the correlation with Time to lesion healing and
      viral shedding. This finding suggested that it could be necessary to maintain the
      Amenamevir concentration above the threshold level to prevent the virus
      replication.

PMID- 27129010
TI  - Effect of carbamazepine on the pharmacokinetics of paliperidone extended-release
      tablets at steady-state.
AB  - Given the potential concomitant use of carbamazepine and paliperidone extended
      release (ER) in the treatment of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, this
      open-label, two-treatment sequential study investigated the effect of repeated
      administration of carbamazepine on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of
      paliperidone. Sixty-four patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar-I
      disorder received the following treatments in a fixed sequential order, without
      washout between treatments: (i) paliperidone ER 6 mg tablet once daily for 7
      days, and (ii) paliperidone ER 6 mg once daily concomitantly with carbamazepine
      200 mg twice daily for the subsequent 21 days. Upon coadministration with
      carbamazepine, paliperidone steady-state total exposure (AUC24 h ) and peak
      plasma concentrations (Cmax ) decreased by approximately 37% [LSM ratio-AUC24 h :
      63.4 (90% CI: 57.19; 70.29); Cmax : 62.47 (90% CI: 55.77; 69.98)]. This decrease
      is accounted for to a substantial degree by a 35% increase in renal clearance of
      paliperidone, likely as a result of induction of renal P-glycoprotein by
      carbamazepine. A 14% decrease in the amount of drug excreted unchanged in the
      urine suggests that carbamazepine coadministration has a limited effect on the
      intestinal absorption or cytochrome metabolism of paliperidone.

PMID- 27129011
TI  - Pharmacokinetic interactions between topiramate and diltiazem,
      hydrochlorothiazide, or propranolol.
AB  - Drug-drug interactions between topiramate and diltiazem, hydrochlorothiazide, or
      propranolol were evaluated along with safety/tolerability in three open-label
      studies. Healthy participants (aged 18-45 years) received topiramate 75 mg every
      12 hours (q12h) and diltiazem 240 mg/day (study 1); topiramate 96 mg q12h and
      hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg/day (study 2); topiramate 100 mg q12h and propranolol
      40-80 mg q12h (study 3). The pharmacokinetic parameters for topiramate, diltiazem
      (and active metabolites, desacetyldiltiazem [DEA], N-demethyl diltiazem [DEM]),
      hydrochlorothiazide, and propranolol (and its active metabolite) were assessed at
      steady state. Results showed no effect of diltiazem on topiramate
      pharmacokinetics. However, a modest reduction in systemic exposures of diltiazem
      and DEA (10-27%) occurred during coadministration with topiramate. Systemic
      exposure of DEM was unaffected. Furthermore, oral and renal clearance of
      topiramate decreased (22-30%) significantly (P < 0.05) during coadministration
      with hydrochlorothiazide, while systemic exposure increased by 27-29%. Topiramate
      had no effect on hydrochlorothiazide pharmacokinetics. The results demonstrated
      lack of pharmacokinetic interaction between topiramate and propranolol. Overall,
      no new safety concerns emerged when topiramate was coadministered with diltiazem,
      hydrochlorothiazide, or propranolol.

PMID- 27129012
TI  - Safety and pharmacokinetics of olokizumab, an anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody,
      administered to healthy male volunteers: A randomized phase I study.
AB  - Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is implicated in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory
      conditions. Olokizumab, a humanized anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody, selectively
      blocks the final assembly of the IL-6 signaling complex. A randomized, double
      blind, placebo-controlled, phase I dose-escalation study assessed the safety and
      tolerability of escalating single doses of olokizumab administered intravenously
      (iv) or subcutaneously (sc) to 67 healthy male volunteers. The pharmacokinetics,
      pharmacodynamics and immunogenicity of olokizumab were also assessed. Olokizumab
      was tolerated at doses up to 3.0 mg/kg sc and 10.0 mg/kg iv; the maximum
      tolerated dose was not reached. No serious adverse events or withdrawals as a
      result of treatment-emergent adverse events were reported. Pharmacokinetic
      analysis showed that both maximum serum concentration and area under the
      concentration-time curve increased linearly with increasing dose. Mean terminal
      half-life was 31.5 days (standard deviation 12.4 days). The bioavailability of
      the sc doses ranged from 84.2% to 92.5%. Rapid decreases in C-reactive protein
      concentrations were observed, with no dose dependency.

PMID- 27129013
TI  - Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of plasma Abeta40 and
      Abeta42 following single oral doses of the BACE1 inhibitor AZD3839 to healthy
      volunteers.
AB  - Modulating deposition of Abeta-containing plaques in the brain may be beneficial
      in treating Alzheimer's disease. beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving
      enzyme 1 (BACE1) inhibitors have been shown to reduce Abeta in plasma and CSF in
      healthy volunteers. In this study safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
      that is reduction of the plasma biomarkers Abeta40 and Abeta42 , of the BACE1
      inhibitor AZD3839 were evaluated. Single oral ascending doses (1-300 mg) of
      AZD3839 were administered to 54 young healthy volunteers in a randomized, double
      blind, placebo-controlled study. The data was analyzed using non-linear mixed
      effects modeling. AZD3839 reduced Abeta40 and Abeta42 in plasma with estimated
      potencies (EC50 ) of 46 and 59 nM, respectively, and a maximum effect of
      approximately 55%. This was in excellent agreement with the concentration
      response relationships obtained in mouse and guinea pig. AZD3839 exposure
      displayed non-linear kinetics, described by a three-compartment model with a
      saturated binding compartment and an increase in bioavailability with dose.
      AZD3839 was safe, although, a dose-dependent QTcF prolongation was observed (mean
      20 milliseconds at 300 mg). In conclusion, AZD3839 reduced plasma Abeta40 and
      Abeta42 , demonstrating clinical peripheral proof of mechanism. Pre-clinical
      models were predictive for the effect of AZD3839 on the human plasma biomarker in
      a strictly quantitative manner.

PMID- 27129014
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of rabeprazole granules versus tablets, and the effect of food
      on the pharmacokinetics of rabeprazole granules in healthy adults-cross-study
      comparison.
AB  - The primary objective was to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) of rabeprazole
      granules versus rabeprazole tablets, and assess the effect of food on the PK of
      rabeprazole granules. Data from three phase 1, open-label, single-dose,
      randomized, crossover studies in healthy adult participants are presented
      separately and as a cross-study comparison; study 1: PK of phase 1 rabeprazole
      granules versus rabeprazole tablets under fasting conditions; study 2: PK of
      phase 3 rabeprazole granules versus phase 1 rabeprazole granules; study 3:
      bioequivalence of to-be-marketed rabeprazole granules (sprinkle capsules) versus
      phase 3 rabeprazole granules; and assessment of the food effect for the to-be
      marketed rabeprazole granules. Overall, 123 of 130 participants enrolled
      completed the studies. The overall plasma exposure as measured by area under the
      plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) was comparable between rabeprazole granules
      and tablets; mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax ) was lower for the granules
      compared with tablets. The plasma elimination half-life was short and independent
      of formulation. Food intake prior to administration of the to-be-marketed
      granules delayed the absorption and reduced the estimated parameters for
      bioavailability by 55% (Cmax ) and 28% (AUCinf ). Rabeprazole was well-tolerated.

PMID- 27129015
TI  - Letter to the editor regarding: "Pharmacokinetics of teneligliptin in subjects
      with renal impairment." Halabi et al., Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development
      2013;2:246-254.

PMID- 27129016
TI  - I feel bad and look worse than you: Social comparisons moderate the effect of
      mood on face health judgement.
AB  - Mood can bias the judgements people make about themselves and how people compare
      themselves to others. However, it is not yet clear whether mood also affects
      appearance-based self-evaluations and social comparisons. Given the importance of
      perceived health status for well-being, we investigated the effect of mood on
      self-image and social comparisons of healthiness during two versions of a face
      health judgement task. Thirty participants judged how they felt compared to
      healthy and unhealthy looking versions of their own (self version) and a
      stranger's face (stranger version), after a positive, negative and neutral mood
      induction. The effect of mood was dependent on self/stranger task order. Although
      mood did not affect face health judgement for participants who initially judged
      themselves against their own face, it did affect face health judgement for
      participants who initially judged themselves in comparison to a stranger's face.
      After the positive and negative mood inductions, these participants judged
      themselves as equivalent to healthier/unhealthier looking versions of their own
      and stranger's faces, respectively. Thus, social comparisons of facial
      healthiness could provide a perceptual measure of state well-being. 

PMID- 27129017
TI  - Thermal conductivity of giant mono- to few-layered CVD graphene supported on an
      organic substrate.
AB  - The thermal conductivity (k) of supported graphene is a critical property that
      reflects the graphene-substrate interaction, graphene structure quality, and is
      needed for thermal design of a graphene device. Yet the related k measurement has
      never been a trivial work and very few studies are reported to date, only at the
      MUm level. In this work, for the first time, the k of giant chemical vapor
      decomposition (CVD) graphene supported on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is
      characterized using our transient electro-thermal technique based on a
      differential concept. Our graphene size is ~mm, far above the samples studied in
      the past. This giant graphene measurement eliminates the thermal contact
      resistance problems and edge phonon scattering encountered in MUm-scale graphene
      k measurement. Such mm-scale measurement is critical for device/system-level
      thermal design since it reflects the effect of abundant grains in graphene. The k
      of 1.33-layered, 1.53-layered, 2.74-layered and 5.2-layered supported graphene is
      measured as 365 W m(-1) K(-1), 359 W m(-1) K(-1), 273 W m(-1) K(-1) and 33.5 W m(
      1) K(-1), respectively. These values are significantly lower than the k of
      supported graphene on SiO2, and are about one order of magnitude lower than the k
      of suspended graphene. We speculate that the abundant C atoms in the PMMA promote
      more ready energy and momentum exchange with the supported graphene, and give
      rise to more phonon scattering than the SiO2 substrate. This leads to a lower k
      of CVD graphene on PMMA than that on SiO2. We attribute the existence of disorder
      in the sp(2) domain, graphene oxide (GO) and stratification in the 5.2-layered
      graphene to its more k reduction. The Raman linewidth (G peak) of the 5.2-layered
      graphene is also twice larger than that of the other three kinds of graphene,
      indicating the much more phonon scattering and shorter phonon lifetime in it.
      Also the electrical conductivity of the 5.2-layered graphene is about one-fifth
      of that for the other three. This further confirms the poor graphene quality of
      sample 4S, explaining its much lower k. 

PMID- 27129018
TI  - Recent advances in proximal gastric carcinoma.
AB  - The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging scheme requires staging
      proximal gastric carcinoma (PGC) as esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), which has
      been shown to be controversial by recent research results. To update the current
      research findings on PGC, we systematically reviewed and analyzed the scientific
      evidence on key arguments related to PGC. The data of high-quality research
      articles showed that PGC arised in the cardiac mucosa in the proximal stomach
      within 3 cm below the gastroesophageal junction. Its incidence is rising in East
      Asian countries, but decreasing in the West, and plateaued at a low level in the
      United States. PGC is a slowly progressive cancer with unknown independent risk
      factors and the mechanisms of pathogenesis. This carcinoma exhibits a wide
      histopathological spectrum and heterogeneous post-resection patient survival
      characteristics, and cannot be adequately staged for prognotic stratification by
      the current AJCC staging classification. The results on PGC genomics reveal
      unique genetic profiles, especially in East Asian populations. In conclusion,
      mounting evidence defies a simple placement of PGC in a single category of EAC
      for disease classification; further investigations on the mechanisms of PGC
      pathogenesis are urgently needed. 

PMID- 27129019
TI  - Dynamic Behavior of the Triboelectric Charges and Structural Optimization of the
      Friction Layer for a Triboelectric Nanogenerator.
AB  - Seeking to increase the triboelectric charge density on a friction layer is one
      of the most basic approaches to improve the output performance of triboelectric
      nanogenerators (TENGs). Here, we studied the storage mechanism of triboelectric
      charge in the friction layer and discussed the function of carrier mobility and
      concentration in the charge-storing process. As guided by these results, a kind
      of composite structure is constructed in the friction layer to adjust the depth
      distribution of the triboelectric charges and improve the output performance of
      TENGs. To further elucidate this theory, a simple TENG, whose negative friction
      layer is a composite structure by integrating polystyrene (PS) and carbon
      nanotubes (CNTs) into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), was fabricated, and its
      performance test was also carried out. Comparing with a pure PVDF friction layer,
      the composite friction layer can raise the triboelectric charge density by a
      factor of 11.2. The extended residence time of electrons in the friction layer is
      attributed to a large sum of electron trap levels from PS.

PMID- 27129020
TI  - Shiftwork and Diurnal Salivary Cortisol Patterns Among Police Officers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations between shiftwork and diurnal salivary
      cortisol among 319 police officers (77.7% men). METHODS: Information on shiftwork
      was obtained from the City of Buffalo, NY electronic payroll records. Saliva was
      collected using Salivettes at seven time points and analyzed for free cortisol
      concentrations (nmol/L) using a chemiluminescence immunoassay. Mean slopes and
      areas under the curve were compared across shift schedule using analysis of
      variance (ANOVA)/analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: Officers working
      primarily on the night shift had a significantly shallower slope. Mean slope
      (nmol/L/minutes) of the cortisol curve varied significantly across shifts (day: 
      0.00332 +/- 0.00017, afternoon: -0.00313 +/- 0.00018, night: -0.00257 +/-
      0.0002); adjusted P = 0.023. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that night
      shiftwork is a workplace factor that may alter the response of the hypothalamic
      pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to the circadian cues responsible for the pattern of
      the diurnal cortisol curve.

PMID- 27129021
TI  - Does Perceived Stress Mediate the Association Between Workplace Bullying and Long
      Term Sickness Absence?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine if perceived stress mediated the association between
      workplace bullying and subsequent long-term sickness absence. METHODS: The PRISME
      cohort was established in 2007 and re-examined in 2009. Questionnaire data about
      workplace bullying and perceived stress were obtained from 4114 individuals.
      Participants were followed in registers on long-term sickness absence (>=30
      consecutive days of sickness absence). RESULTS: Workplace bullying was associated
      with subsequent sickness absence (odds ratio [OR] = 2.05; 95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 1.57 to 2.65) and concurrent high perceived stress levels (OR = 2.34; 95%
      CI: 1.86 to 2.96). A high perceived stress level was also associated with
      subsequent sickness absence (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.56). Perceived stress
      explained 13% (95% CI: 6 to 23%) of the total association between bullying and
      sickness absence. CONCLUSIONS: The association between workplace bullying and
      subsequent long-term sickness absence may be partially mediated by perceived
      stress.

PMID- 27129023
TI  - Influence of graft ischemic time on survival in children with cystic fibrosis
      after lung transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The influence of graft ischemic time on survival after lung
      transplantation (LTx) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is not well studied.
      METHODS: The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was queried from
      May 2005 to September 2013 to examine the impact of ischemic time of <4, 4-6, and
      >6 hr in pediatric LTx recipients with CF. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-nine
      patients with CF under 18 years of age that were first-time LTx recipients from
      cadaveric donors were included in the analysis. Compared to 4-6 hr, univariate
      analysis showed a significant increase in mortality hazard with an ischemic time
      of <4 hr (HR = 2.407; 95%CI: 1.292, 4.485; P = 0.006) but not >6 hr (HR = 1.350;
      95%CI: 0.796, 2.290; P = 0.266). A Kaplan-Meier plot demonstrated the highest
      survival with 4-6 hr (Log-rank test P = 0.018) of ischemic time. Multivariate Cox
      model confirmed a significantly higher mortality risk with <4 hr (HR = 2.388;
      95%CI: 1.169, 4.764; P = 0.014) and not >6 hr (HR = 1.407; 95%CI: 0.760, 2.605; P
      = 0.278) in relation to 4-6 hr. Sub-analysis examining ischemic time and the
      hazard of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome with death as a competing risk found
      no significant differences in the hazard of this outcome across the three
      ischemic time categories. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic time of 4-6 hr was associated
      with the highest long-term survival in first-time pediatric LTx recipients with
      CF, with ischemic time <4 hr related to diminished survival. Pediatr Pulmonol.
      2016; 51:908-913. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27129024
TI  - BamB and outer membrane biogenesis - The Achilles' heel for targeting Klebsiella
      infections?

PMID- 27129022
TI  - Effects of Tributyltin Chloride on Cybrids with or without an ATP Synthase
      Pathologic Mutation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS) includes nuclear
      chromosome (nDNA)- and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded polypeptides. Many rare
      OXPHOS disorders, such as striatal necrosis syndromes, are caused by genetic
      mutations. Despite important advances in sequencing procedures, causative
      mutations remain undetected in some patients. It is possible that etiologic
      factors, such as environmental toxins, are the cause of these cases. Indeed, the
      inhibition of a particular enzyme by a poison could imitate the biochemical
      effects of pathological mutations in that enzyme. Moreover, environmental factors
      can modify the penetrance or expressivity of pathological mutations. OBJECTIVES:
      We studied the interaction between mitochondrially encoded ATP synthase 6 (p.MT
      ATP6) subunit and an environmental exposure that may contribute phenotypic
      differences between healthy individuals and patients suffering from striatal
      necrosis syndromes or other mitochondriopathies. METHODS: We analyzed the effects
      of the ATP synthase inhibitor tributyltin chloride (TBTC), a widely distributed
      environmental factor that contaminates human food and water, on
      transmitochondrial cell lines with or without an ATP synthase mutation that
      causes striatal necrosis syndrome. Doses were selected based on TBTC
      concentrations previously reported in human whole blood samples. RESULTS: TBTC
      modified the phenotypic effects caused by a pathological mtDNA mutation.
      Interestingly, wild-type cells treated with this xenobiotic showed similar
      bioenergetics when compared with the untreated mutated cells. CONCLUSIONS: In
      addition to the known genetic causes, our findings suggest that environmental
      exposure to TBTC might contribute to the etiology of striatal necrosis syndromes.
      CITATION: Lopez-Gallardo E, Llobet L, Emperador S, Montoya J, Ruiz-Pesini E.
      2016. Effects of tributyltin chloride on cybrids with or without an ATP synthase
      pathologic mutation. Environ Health Perspect 124:1399-1405;
      http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP182.

PMID- 27129025
TI  - One-Pot Synthesis of Icosahedral Silver Nanoparticles by Using a Photoassisted
      Tartrate Reduction Method under UV Light with a Wavelength of 310 nm.
AB  - A photoassisted citrate reduction reaction under blue LEDs is an easy and highly
      reproducible method to synthesize high-yield decahedral silver nanoparticles
      (AgNPs) in the absence of seeds in the initial photochemical reaction. In this
      study, icosahedral AgNPs with sizes of 80 to 150 nm could be synthesized by using
      the photoassisted tartrate reduction method under UV light with a wavelength of
      lambda=(310+/-12) nm. The product yield of icosahedral AgNPs is higher than 90 %.
      SAED (selected-area electron diffraction) patterns and XRD (X-ray diffraction)
      spectra show that these AgNPs have multiply twinned structures. High-resolution
      TEM and dark-field TEM show that the facet of the triangular planes of these
      icosahedral AgNPs is {111}. This is the first report of icosahedral AgNPs
      synthesized by using a seed-free photochemical method. SERS (surface-enhanced
      Raman scattering) of Crystal Violet (CV) measurements show that the as-prepared
      icosahedral AgNP colloids have excellent SERS enhancement factors, which are
      approximately four and six times the enhancement factors of decahedral AgNP
      colloids and thermal-citrate-reduction AgNP colloids, respectively. 

PMID- 27129026
TI  - Taste loss in the elderly: Possible implications for dietary habits.
AB  - Aging may coincide with a declining gustatory function that can affect dietary
      intake and ultimately have negative health consequences. Taste loss is caused by
      physiological changes and worsened by events often associated with aging, such as
      polypharmacy and chronic disease. The most pronounced increase in elderly
      people's detection threshold has been observed for sour and bitter tastes, but
      their perception of salty, sweet, and umami tastes also seems to decline with
      age. It has often been suggested that elderly people who lose their sense of
      taste may eat less food or choose stronger flavors, but the literature has
      revealed a more complicated picture: taste loss does not appear to make elderly
      people prefer stronger flavors, but nutrition surveys have pointed to a greater
      consumption of sweet and salty foods. Real-life eating habits thus seem to be
      more influenced by other, social and psychological factors. Elderly gustatory
      function is worth investigating to identify dietary strategies that can prevent
      the consequences of unhealthy eating habits in the elderly. This paper discusses
      age-related changes in taste perception, focusing on their consequences on food
      preferences, and pointing to some strategies for preserving appropriate dietary
      habits in elderly people.

PMID- 27129027
TI  - Completing the Heterocubane Family [Cp*AlE]4 (E = O, S, Se, and Te) by Selective
      Oxygenation and Sulfuration of [Cp*Al]4: Density Functional Theory Calculations
      of [Cp*AlE]4 and Reactivity of [Cp*AlO]4 toward Hydrolysis.
AB  - The subvalent aluminum compound [Cp*Al]4 (1) reacts with dioxygen, N2O, or sulfur
      to yield the heterocubane complexes [Cp*AlX]4 [X = O (2) and S (3)]. Treatment of
      [Cp*AlO]4 (2) with (tBuO)3SiOH gave [(tBuO)3SiOAlO]4 (6) and Cp*H. The structures
      and spectroscopic data of the Al clusters are supported by density functional
      theory (DFT) calculations, which also demonstrate the importance of noncovalent
      interactions (NCI) in oligomeric Al(I) complexes as well as in [Cp*AlS]4 and the
      heavier homologues of Se and Te. The computed (27)Al NMR shifts indicate a
      deshielding at the Al centers with increasing electronegativity of the chalcogen
      atom as well as significant spin-orbit shielding effects within the heavier
      heterocubane [Al4E4] cores. Further hydrolysis of 6 with an additional amount of
      silanol in the presence of water resulted in the formation of
      [Al4(OH)6(OH2)2(OSiOtBu3)6] (7), which shows a structural motif found in boehmite
      and diaspore.

PMID- 27129028
TI  - A highly selective near-infrared fluorescent probe for carboxylesterase 2 and its
      bioimaging applications in living cells and animals.
AB  - A near-infrared fluorescent probe (DDAB) for highly selective and sensitive
      detection of carboxylesterase 2 (CE2) has been designed, synthesized, and
      systematically studied both in vitro and in vivo. Upon addition of CE2, the ester
      bond of DDAB could be rapidly cleaved and then release a near-infrared (NIR)
      fluorophore DDAO, which brings a remarkable yellow-to-blue color change and
      strong NIR fluorescence emission in physiological solutions. The newly developed
      probe exhibits excellent properties including good specificity, ultrahigh
      sensitivity and high imaging resolution. Moreover, DDAB has been applied to
      measure the real activities of CE2 in complex biological samples, as well as to
      screen CE2 inhibitors by using tissue preparations as the enzymes sources. The
      probe has also been successfully used to detect endogenous CE2 in living cells
      and in vivo for the first time, and the results demonstrate that such detection
      is highly reliable. All these prominent features of DDAB make it holds great
      promise for further investigation on CE2-associated biological process and for
      exploring the physiological functions of CE2 in living systems. 

PMID- 27129029
TI  - How autophagy both activates and inhibits cellular senescence.
AB  - Autophagy and cellular senescence are stress responses essential for homeostasis.
      While recent studies indicate a genetic relationship between autophagy and
      senescence, whether autophagy acts positively or negatively on senescence is
      still subject to debate. Although autophagy was originally recognized as a
      nonspecific lysosomal degradation pathway (general autophagy), increasing
      evidence supports a selective form of autophagy that mediates the degradation of
      specific targets (selective autophagy). Our recent study revealed distinctive
      roles of selective autophagy and general autophagy in the regulation of
      senescence, at least in part resolving apparently contradictory reports regarding
      the relationship between these 2 important homeostatic stress responses.

PMID- 27129030
TI  - Theoretical and practical aspects relating to the photothermal therapy of tumors
      of the retina and choroid: A review.
AB  - Photothermal treatment of tumors of the retina and choroid such as
      retinoblastomas, malignant melanomas, benign tumors as well as of vascular
      malformations can be performed by using laser radiation. A number of basic
      physical laws have to be taken into account in this procedure. Of particular
      importance thereby are: Arrhenius' law to approximate the kinetics of protein
      denaturation and photocoagulation, furthermore the electromagnetic radiation
      field, the distribution of both radiant and thermal energy induced in tumors and
      vascular structures, the influence of the wavelength and laser pulse duration
      (exposure time), as well as of the optical properties of the tissue. Strict
      confinement of the extent of the photothermal damage is critical since such
      pathological entities are frequently located close to the macula or optic nerve
      head.The conditions for tumor destruction are best fulfilled when using radiation
      in the near-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum such as that emitted
      from the diode (810 nm) and the Nd: YAG (1064 nm) laser, because of the good
      optical penetration properties of these radiations in tissue. Short wavelength
      sources of radiation, such as the argon ion (488, 514 nm) or the freqeuency
      doubled Nd: YAG (532 nm) laser are less well suited for the irradiation of large
      vascular structures due to their poor penetration depths. However, for vascular
      formations with a small thickness (1 mm or less), short wavelength sources appear
      to be the most appropriate choice. Optical coupling of radiant energy to the eye
      by means of indirect ophthalmoscopic systems or positive contact lenses is
      furthermore of importance. Strong positive lenses may lead to severe
      constrictions of the laser beam within the anterior segment, that leads to high
      irradiance increasing the probability for structures to be damaged; with negative
      contact lenses, such as the -64 D Goldmann type lens, this danger is largely
      absent. 

PMID- 27129031
TI  - Influence of smoking on spinal fusion after spondylodesis surgery: A comparative
      clinical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking is a risk factor in the process of bone healing after lumbar
      spondylodesis, often associated with complications that occur intraoperatively or
      during follow-up periods. OBJECTIVE: To assess if smokers yield worse results
      concerning lumbar interbody fusion than non-smokers in a clinical comparative
      setting. METHODS: Spondylodesis outcomes in 50 patients, 34 non-smokers (mean 58
      years; (range 29-81) and 16 smokers (mean 47 years; range 29-75) were compared
      preoperatively and one year after spondylodesis surgery using Oswestry-Disability
      Index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS) and radiological outcome analysis of
      fusion-success. RESULTS: Smokers showed a comparable ODI-improvement (p = 0.9343)
      and pain reduction to non-smokers (p = 0.5451). The intake of opioids was only
      reduced in non-smokers one year after surgery. Fusion success was significantly
      better in non-smokers (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that smoking
      adversely effects spinal fusion. Particularly re-operations caused by
      pseudarthrosis occur at a higher rate in smokers than in non-smokers.

PMID- 27129032
TI  - Conceptualization of an evidence-based smartphone innovation for caregivers and
      persons living with dementia.
AB  - Recent statistics released by Alzheimer's Disease International has highlighted
      how prevalent dementia will become in the next couple of years. Along with the
      increased incidence of individuals being diagnosed with dementia, there has also
      been an increment in the number of informal carers for people living with
      dementia. A recent report highlighted that in Australia, there are an estimated
      of 200,000 informal carers as of 2011. Caring for people who are living with
      dementia is not an easy task. Previous studies have highlighted that as much as
      65% of caregivers do experience symptoms suggestive of depressive symptoms in the
      process of care. With the rapid advances in technology, it is of no surprise that
      information technology and its related innovations have been used in dementia
      care. A review of the existing literature shows that much of these innovations
      are focused on the care of patients affiliated with dementia. However, clearly
      interventions focusing on the needs of the dementia cohort of patient are
      limited. There are currently more emerging studies demonstrating the efficacy of
      web-based interventional toolkits for carers who are caring for individuals with
      dementia. Whilst there are previous studies demonstrating the effectiveness of
      smartphone interventions for dementia patients, there remains a paucity of
      smartphone based interventions for caregivers who are living with people with
      dementia. This technical note describes the conceptualization of an evidence
      based smartphone intervention for patients living with dementia, as well as for
      carers of these patients. 

PMID- 27129037
TI  - Mechanics of cocoon secretion in a segmented worm (Annelida: Hirudinidae).
AB  - Clitellate annelids (e.g., segmented earthworms, leeches) secrete proteinaceous
      cocoons into which eggs are deposited. The process of cocoon production is
      characterized by the coordinated release of micro-granules from secretory cells
      positioned asymmetrically within the clitellum. Collectively, these assemble into
      a tubular cocoon sheath that is sealed at either end by globular opercula. By
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we show here that granules destined to
      the cocoon operculum in the leech, Erpodbdella obscura, display a series of
      concentric rings surrounding a structureless core with dimensions approximating a
      single nanoglobule found in the operculum. Upon their channeling to the surface
      through narrow tubules, granules are secreted into the cocoon lumen where they
      appear to fragment upon contact with the operculum matrix. The distribution of
      partial concentric ring structures throughout the operculum suggests that
      granular fusion causes dynamic fragmentation of outer surface material, which
      thereafter integrates into operculum nanoglobules and cavities. Other granules
      within the same secretory cell display a punctate pattern and likely fuse with
      the cocoon sheath prior to crystallization. 

PMID- 27129038
TI  - Late transmural mesh migration into the esophagus after Nissen fundoplication.

PMID- 27129039
TI  - Endoscopic mediastinal debridement for mediastinitis resulting from upper
      esophageal perforation.

PMID- 27129040
TI  - Comparison of two models of post-traumatic osteoarthritis; temporal degradation
      of articular cartilage and menisci.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare longitudinal results from two models
      of combined anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscal injury. A modified ACL
      transection (mACLT) model and a traumatic impact (ACLF) model were used to create
      an ACL rupture and acute meniscal damage in a Flemish Giant animal model. The
      animals were euthanized at time points of 4, 8, or 12 weeks. The menisci were
      assessed for equilibrium and instantaneous compressive modulus, as well as
      glycosaminoglycan (GAG) coverage. The articular cartilage was mechanically
      assessed for thickness, matrix modulus, fiber modulus, and permeability.
      Articular cartilage GAG coverage, fissuring, tidemark integrity, and subchondral
      bone thickness were measured. Both models resulted in damage indicative of
      osteoarthritis, including decreased meniscal mechanics and GAG coverage,
      increased permeability and fissuring of articular cartilage, and decreased GAG
      coverage. The mACLT model had an early and lasting effect on the menisci
      mechanics and GAG coverage, while cartilage damage was not significantly affected
      until 12 weeks. The ACLF model resulted in an earlier change of articular
      cartilage GAG coverage and fissuring in both the 8 and 12 week groups. The
      menisci were only significantly affected at the 12 week time point in the ACLF
      model. We concluded the progression of post traumatic osteoarthritis was
      dependent on injury modality: a point to be considered in future investigations.
      (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J
      Orthop Res 35:486-495, 2017.

PMID- 27129041
TI  - Exposure to the Contraceptive Progestin, Gestodene, Alters Reproductive Behavior,
      Arrests Egg Deposition, and Masculinizes Development in the Fathead Minnow
      (Pimephales promelas).
AB  - Endogenous progestogens and pharmaceutical progestins enter the environment
      through wastewater treatment plant effluent and agricultural field runoff. Lab
      studies demonstrate strong, negative exposure effects of these chemicals on
      aquatic vertebrate reproduction. Behavior can be a sensitive, early indicator of
      exposure to environmental contaminants associated with altered reproduction yet
      is rarely examined in ecotoxicology studies. Gestodene is a human contraceptive
      progestin and a potent activator of fish androgen receptors. Our objective was to
      test the effects of gestodene on reproductive behavior and associated egg
      deposition in the fathead minnow. After only 1 day, males exposed to ng/L of
      gestodene were more aggressive and less interested in courtship and mating, and
      exposed females displayed less female courtship behavior. Interestingly, 25% of
      the gestodene tanks contained a female that drove the male out of the breeding
      tile and displayed male-typical courtship behaviors toward the other female.
      Gestodene decreased or arrested egg deposition with no observed gonadal
      histopathology. Together, these results suggest that effects on egg deposition
      are primarily due to altered reproductive behavior. The mechanisms by which
      gestodene disrupts behavior are unknown. Nonetheless, the rapid and profound
      alterations of the reproductive biology of gestodene-exposed fish suggest that
      wild populations could be similarly affected.

PMID- 27129042
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Post-ACDF imaging in patients with metallic implants.

PMID- 27129043
TI  - Costs and readmission rates for the resection of primary and metastatic spinal
      tumors: a comparative analysis of 181 patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Because the surgical strategies for primary and metastatic spinal
      tumors are different, the respective associated costs and morbidities associated
      with those treatments likely vary. This study compares the direct costs and 90
      day readmission rates between the resection of extradural metastatic and primary
      spinal tumors. The factors associated with cost and readmission are identified.
      METHODS Adults (age 18 years or older) who underwent the resection of spinal
      tumors between 2008 and 2013 were included in the study. Patients with intradural
      tumors were excluded. The direct costs of index hospitalization and 90-day
      readmission hospitalization were evaluated. The direct costs were compared
      between patients who were treated surgically for primary and metastatic spinal
      tumors. The independent factors associated with costs and readmissions were
      identified using multivariate analysis. RESULTS A total of 181 patients with
      spinal tumors were included (63 primary and 118 metastatic tumors). Overall, the
      mean index hospital admission cost for the surgical management of spinal tumors
      was $52,083. There was no significant difference in the cost of hospitalization
      between primary ($55,801) and metastatic ($50,098) tumors (p = 0.426). The
      independent factors associated with higher cost were male sex (p = 0.032),
      preoperative inability to ambulate (p = 0.002), having more than 3 comorbidities
      (p = 0.037), undergoing corpectomy (p = 0.021), instrumentation greater than 7
      levels (p < 0.001), combined anterior-posterior approach (p < 0.001), presence of
      a perioperative complication (p < 0.001), and longer hospital stay (p < 0.001).
      The perioperative complication rate was 21.0%. Of this cohort, 11.6% of patients
      were readmitted within 90 days, and the mean hospitalization cost of that
      readmission was $20,078. Readmission rates after surgical treatment for primary
      and metastatic tumors were similar (11.1% vs 11.9%, respectively) (p = 0.880).
      Prior hospital stay greater than 15 days (OR 6.62, p = 0.016) and diagnosis of
      lung metastasis (OR 52.99, p = 0.007) were independent predictors of readmission.
      CONCLUSIONS Primary and metastatic spinal tumors are comparable with regard to
      the direct costs of the index surgical hospitalization and readmission rate
      within 90 days. The factors independently associated with costs are related to
      preoperative health status, type and complexity of surgery, and postoperative
      course. 

PMID- 27129044
TI  - Safety profile and probe placement accuracy of intraspinal pressure monitoring
      for traumatic spinal cord injury: Injured Spinal Cord Pressure Evaluation study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE A novel technique for monitoring intraspinal pressure and spinal cord
      perfusion pressure in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury was recently
      described. This is analogous to monitoring intracranial pressure and cerebral
      perfusion pressure in patients with traumatic brain injury. Because intraspinal
      pressure monitoring is a new technique, its safety profile and impact on early
      patient care and long-term outcome after traumatic spinal cord injury are
      unknown. The object of this study is to review all patients who had intraspinal
      pressure monitoring to date at the authors' institution in order to define the
      accuracy of intraspinal pressure probe placement and the safety of the technique.
      METHODS At the end of surgery to fix spinal fractures, a pressure probe was
      inserted intradurally to monitor intraspinal pressure at the injury site.
      Postoperatively, CT scanning was performed within 48 hours and MRI at 2 weeks and
      6 months. Neurointensive care management and complications were reviewed. The
      American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade was determined on
      admission and at 2 to 4 weeks and 12 to 18 months postoperation. RESULTS To date,
      42 patients with severe traumatic spinal cord injuries (AIS Grades A-C) had
      undergone intraspinal pressure monitoring. Monitoring started within 72 hours of
      injury and continued for up to a week. Based on postoperative CT and MRI, the
      probe position was acceptable in all patients, i.e., the probe was located at the
      site of maximum spinal cord swelling. Complications were probe displacement in 1
      of 42 patients (2.4%), CSF leakage that required wound resuturing in 3 of 42
      patients (7.1%), and asymptomatic pseudomeningocele that was diagnosed in 8 of 42
      patients (19.0%). Pseudomeningocele was diagnosed on MRI and resolved within 6
      months in all patients. Based on the MRI and neurological examination results,
      there were no serious probe-related complications such as meningitis, wound
      infection, hematoma, wound breakdown, or neurological deterioration. Within 2
      weeks postoperatively, 75% of patients were extubated and 25% underwent
      tracheostomy. Norepinephrine was used to support blood pressure without
      complications. Overall, the mean intraspinal pressure was around 20 mm Hg, and
      the mean spinal cord perfusion pressure was around 70 mm Hg. In laminectomized
      patients, the intraspinal pressure was significantly higher in the supine than
      lateral position by up to 18 mm Hg after thoracic laminectomy and 8 mm Hg after
      cervical laminectomy. At 12 to 18 months, 11.4% of patients had improved by 1 AIS
      grade and 14.3% by at least 2 AIS grades. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that
      after traumatic spinal cord injury intradural placement of the pressure probe is
      accurate and intraspinal pressure monitoring is safe for up to a week. In
      patients with spinal cord injury who had laminectomy, the supine position should
      be avoided in order to prevent rises in intraspinal pressure. 

PMID- 27129060
TI  - Portrayals of Eating and Drinking in Popular American TV Programs: A Comparison
      of Scripted and Unscripted Shows.
AB  - This study investigated portrayals of eating and drinking behaviors in popular
      American TV programs and compared scripted and unscripted (i.e., reality) shows.
      Through a content analysis of 95 episodes, the prevalence and nature of
      food/alcohol consumption that accompanied depictions of eating and drinking
      behaviors in 461 scenes were measured. Various foods were portrayed, but only 9%
      of foods portrayed were healthy (e.g., low in calories/fat content, such as
      fruits, vegetables, etc.). Approximately half of eating or drinking scenes either
      were accompanied by alcohol or contained solely alcoholic beverages. Significant
      differences between the scripted and unscripted shows were also found.

PMID- 27129045
TI  - Heterotopic ossification following single-level anterior cervical discectomy and
      fusion: results from the prospective, multicenter, historically controlled trial
      comparing allograft to an optimized dose of rhBMP-2.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Heterotopic ossification (HO) has been reported following total hip,
      knee, cervical, and lumbar arthroplasty, as well as following posterolateral
      lumbar fusion using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2).
      Data regarding HO following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with
      rhBMP-2 are sparse. A subanalysis was done of the prospective, multicenter,
      investigational device exemption trial that compared rhBMP-2 on an absorbable
      collagen sponge (ACS) versus allograft in ACDF for patients with symptomatic
      single-level cervical degenerative disc disease. METHODS To assess differences in
      types of HO observed in the treatment groups and effects of HO on functional and
      efficacy outcomes, clinical outcomes from previous disc replacement studies were
      compared between patients who received rhBMP-2/ACS versus allograft. Rate,
      location, grade, and size of ossifications were assessed preoperatively and at 24
      months, and correlated with clinical outcomes. RESULTS Heterotopic ossification
      was primarily anterior in both groups. Preoperatively in both groups, and
      including osteophytes in the target regions, HO rates were high at 40.9% and
      36.9% for the rhBMP-2/ACS and allograft groups, respectively (p = 0.350). At 24
      months, the rate of HO in the rhBMP-2/ACS group was higher than in the allograft
      group (78.6% vs 59.2%, respectively; p < 0.001). At 24 months, the rate of
      superior-anterior adjacent-level Park Grade 3 HO was 4.2% in both groups, whereas
      the rate of Park Grade 2 HO was 19.0% in the rhBMP-2/ACS group compared with 9.8%
      in the allograft group. At 24 months, the rate of inferior-anterior adjacent
      level Park Grade 2/3 HO was 11.9% in the rhBMP-2/ACS group compared with 5.9% in
      the allograft group. At 24 months, HO rates at the target implant level were
      similar (p = 0.963). At 24 months, the mean length and anteroposterior diameter
      of HO were significantly greater in the rhBMP-2/ACS group compared with the
      allograft group (p = 0.033 and 0.012, respectively). Regarding clinical
      correlation, at 24 months in both groups, Park Grade 3 HO at superior adjacent
      level disc spaces significantly reduced range of motion, more so in the rhBMP
      2/ACS group. At 24 months, HO negatively affected Neck Disability Index scores
      (excluding neck/arm pain scores), neurological status, and overall success in
      patients in the rhBMP-2/ACS group, but not in patients in the allograft group.
      CONCLUSIONS Implantation of rhBMP-2/ACS at 1.5 mg/ml with polyetheretherketone
      spacer and titanium plate is effective in inducing fusion and improving pain and
      function in patients undergoing ACDF for symptomatic single-level cervical
      degenerative disc disease. At 24 months, the rate and dimensions (length and
      anteroposterior diameter) of HO were higher in the rhBMP-2/ACS group. At 24
      months, range of motion was reduced, with Park Grade 3 HO in both treatment
      groups. The impact of Park Grades 2 and 3 HO on Neck Disability Index success,
      neurological status, and overall success was not consistent among the treatment
      groups. The study data may offer a deeper understanding of HO after ACDF and may
      pave the way for improved device designs. Clinical trial registration no.: IDE#
      G060021; data compared with pooled data from control arms of IDE#
      G010188/NCT00642876 and IDE# G000123/NCT00437190 ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ). 

PMID- 27129061
TI  - Enhanced dechlorination of m-DCB using iron@graphite/palladium (Fe@C/Pd)
      nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser ablation in liquid.
AB  - In this work, the zero valent Fe (ZVI) and graphite-encapsulated Fe (Fe@C)
      nanoparticles (NPs) were easily and selectively prepared by a pulsed laser
      ablation (PLA) method in an aqueous sodium borohydride solution and ascorbic acid
      dissolved in methanol, respectively. Here, the Fe@C NPs were uniquely synthesized
      by PLA in methanol, where the solvent is used as both a carbon source for the
      graphitic layers and solvent, which is very unique. Furthermore, Pd NPs were
      loaded onto the surface of the Fe@C NPs to prepare bimetallic (Fe@C/Pd) NPs for
      the enhancement of the degradation efficiency of m-dichlorobenzene (m-DCB). The
      morphology, crystallinity, and surface composition of the prepared NPs were
      carefully characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy
      (HRTEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and
      X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The degradation rate of m-DCB using
      single (Fe and Pd) or bimetallic (Fe/Pd and Fe@C/Pd) NPs were compared by using
      gas chromatography. Among these NPs produced in this work, the Fe@C/Pd NPs with
      1.71 wt % of Pd showed an excellent dechlorination efficiency for m-DCB with 100%
      degradation within 75 min. The graphitic layer on the Fe NPs played as not only
      an oxidation resistant for the Fe NPs to surroundings, but also a supporter of
      the Pd NPs for the enhanced degradation efficiency of m-DCB. 

PMID- 27129062
TI  - Special issue on thermodynamics and kinetics of emerging contaminants in the
      environment.

PMID- 27129063
TI  - Human lead (Pb) exposure via dust from different land use settings of Pakistan: A
      case study from two urban mountainous cities.
AB  - The current study aims to determine the dust-borne lead (Pb) levels into outdoor
      dust, which were collected from the areas nearby the cities/districts of
      Islamabad and Swat in Pakistan. In general dust samples from all land use
      settings (industrial, urban and rural) showed significantly higher (p<0.05) Pb
      levels (median, ppm) from Islamabad (110, 52, 24) than those of Swat district
      (75, 37, 21), respectively. Index of Geo-accumulation (Igeo values) indicated
      that industrial and urban areas of both sites were highly polluted due to severe
      anthropogenic influence, whereas the rural areas were in most parts unpolluted
      and where moderately polluted, this was mainly due to geological factors and
      short and/or long distance atmospheric deposition from surrounding polluted
      areas. According to the calculated chemical daily intake (mg/kg-day) values, dust
      ingestion is one of the major routes of human exposure for lead. Hazard Index
      (HI) values, calculated for both adult and children populations, were above unity
      in industrial and urban areas, indicating serious health risks especially to the
      children populations. 

PMID- 27129064
TI  - Cyanoacrylate adhesive in the treatment of saphenous vein incompetence. Comment
      on Calik et al, page 241-246.

PMID- 27129065
TI  - Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ischaemia--pharmacologic approach and
      alternative treatment options.
AB  - The primary goal of therapy is to reduce the frequency and intensity of Raynaud's
      attacks and to minimize the related morbidity rather than to cure the underlying
      condition. Treatment strategies depend on whether Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is
      primary or secondary. All patients should be instructed about general measures to
      maintain body warmth and to avoid triggers of RP attacks. Pharmacologic
      intervention can be useful for patients with severe and frequent RP episodes that
      impair the patient's quality of life. Calcium channel blockers are currently the
      most prescribed and studied medications for this purpose. There has been limited
      evidence for the efficacy of alpha-1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, angiotensin
      receptor blockers, topical nitrates or fluoxetine to treat RP. The intravenously
      administered prostacyclin analogue iloprost can reduce the frequency and severity
      of RP attacks and is considered a second-line therapy in patients with markedly
      impaired quality of life, critical digital ischaemia and skin ulcers who are at
      risk for substantial tissue loss and amputation. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors
      (e.g., sildenafil) can also improve RP symptoms and ulcer healing whereas
      endothelin-1 receptor antagonists (e.g., bosentan) are mainly considered
      treatment options in secondary prevention for patients with digital skin ulcers
      related to systemic sclerosis. However, their use in clinical practice has been
      limited by their high cost. Antiplatelet therapy with low-dose aspirin is
      recommended for all patients who suffer from secondary RP due to ischaemia caused
      by structural vessel damage. Anticoagulant therapy can be considered during the
      acute phase of digital ischaemia in patients with suspected vascular occlusive
      disease attributed to the occurrence of new thromboses. In patients with critical
      digital ischaemia, consideration should be given to hospitalisation, optimisation
      of medical treatment in accordance with the underlying disease and evaluation for
      a secondary, possibly reversible process that is causing or aggravating the
      clinical symptoms. 

PMID- 27129066
TI  - Treatment of acute lower limb ischaemia.
AB  - Acute lower limb ischaemia poses a major threat to limb survival. For many years
      surgical thromboembolectomy was the mainstay of treatment. Recent years have
      brought an endovascular revolution in the management of acute lower limb
      ischaemia. A wide range of endovascular procedures can nowadays be employed,
      providing results at least as good as the traditional surgical approach. This
      paper is an overview of currently utilised endovascular options as well as recent
      modifications of standard surgical techniques. 

PMID- 27129067
TI  - Surgical management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present the methods and results of the surgical management of
      extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECCA). Postoperative complications
      including early and late neurological events were analysed. Correlation between
      reconstruction techniques and morphology of ECCA was assessed in this
      retrospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 32 reconstructions of ECCA
      were performed in 31 symptomatic patients with a mean age of 59.2 (range 33-84)
      years. The causes of ECCA were divided among atherosclerosis (n = 25; 78.1%),
      previous carotid endarterectomy with Dacron patch (n = 4; 12.5%), iatrogenic
      injury (n = 2; 6.3%) and infection (n = 1; 3.1%). In 23 cases, intervention
      consisted of carotid bypass. Aneurysmectomy with end-to-end suture was performed
      in 4 cases. Aneurysmal resection with patching was done in 2 cases and
      aneurysmorrhaphy without patching in another 2 cases. In 1 case, ligature of the
      internal carotid artery (ICA) was required. RESULTS: Technical success defined as
      the preservation of ICA patency was achieved in 31 cases (96.9%). There was one
      perioperative death due to major stroke (3.1%). Two cases of minor stroke
      occurred in the 30-day observation period (6.3%). Three patients had a transient
      hypoglossal nerve palsy that subsided spontaneously (9.4%). At a mean long-term
      follow-up of 68 months, there were no major or minor ipsilateral strokes or
      surgery-related deaths reported. In all 30 surviving patients (96.9%), long-term
      clinical outcomes were free from ipsilateral neurological symptoms. CONCLUSIONS:
      Open surgery is a relatively safe method in the therapy of ECCA. Surgical repair
      of ECCAs can be associated with an acceptable major stroke rate and moderate
      minor stroke rate. Complication-free long-term outcomes can be achieved in as
      many as 96.9 % of patients. Aneurysmectomy with end-to-end anastomosis or bypass
      surgery can be implemented during open repair of ECCA.

PMID- 27129068
TI  - Radial artery pseudoaneurysms after transradial cardiac catheterisation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although uncommon, radial artery access site complications are likely
      to become more frequent with the increased adoption of transradial cardiac
      catheterisation. There is a lack of data regarding the incidence and clinical
      features of radial artery pseudoaneuryms. We aimed to describe the incidence,
      clinical features and management of radial artery pseudoaneurysms in a high
      volume transradial cardiac catheterisation centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      performed a search of the Vancouver Island Health Authority medical imaging
      database from 1st Jan 2008 to April 2012 looking for all radial and femoral
      artery pseudoaneuryms occurring after cardiac catheterisation. Hospital charts
      were reviewed to determine patient and procedural characteristics as well as
      management and outcome. RESULTS: There were a total of 14,968 coronary procedures
      performed over the four year search period, of which 13,216 (88%) were trans
      radial. The incidence of radial artery pseudoaneurysm after cardiac
      catheterisation was 0.08%, and did not differ between transradial diagnostic
      angiography and PCI (0.07% vs 0.08%; P = 0.90). In contrast, the incidence of
      femoral artery pseudoaneurysm was higher, at 1.4% (P < 0.0001). Patients with
      radial pseudoaneurysms were generally elderly, with a median age of 77 years, and
      there were no gender differences. Only one patient had received a glycoprotein
      IIb/IIIa inhibitor, whilst two received warfarin post-procedure. The majority of
      cases (80%) were treated with surgical repair. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated
      that radial artery pseudoaneuryms are a rare but important complication of
      transradial cardiac catheterisation, with patients generally requiring surgical
      repair. Most patients were elderly, but surprisingly only a minority were anti
      coagulated with warfarin.

PMID- 27129069
TI  - MMP-3-1612 polymorphism - a risk factor for deep venous thrombosis formation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the association of the 5A/6A polymorphism in the
      promoter region at -1612 of the matrix metalloproteinase-3 gene (MMP-3-1612) and
      deep venous thrombosis (DVT). PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: The distribution
      of the MMP-3 (-1612 5A/6A) polymorphism in the case and control groups was
      detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism
      (PCR-RFLP). Serum MMP-3 level of two groups was detected using enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HepG2 cells containing MMP-3-1612 recombinant
      plasmid were cultured in vitro and the MMP-3 level was defined by luminescence
      intensity of luciferase. A DVT rat model was built. Serum MMP-3 level in the
      rats' wounded vein at different time points was detected by ELISA and recorded
      for investigation of the association between MMP-3 and DVT. Statistical data
      analysis was conducted with SPSS18.0. RESULTS: On the basis of the observation of
      MMP-3-1612 genotype frequency and allele frequency in the case and control
      groups, we identified significantly higher MMP-3-1612 5A allele frequency and
      higher serum MMP-3 level in the case group than in the control group (both P <
      0.05). According to in vitro luciferase measurements, the 5A allele had higher
      transcriptional activity than the 6A allele. As observed in the rat model, serum
      MMP-3 level increased with time passing and thrombosis formation after modelling.
      CONCLUSIONS: The MMP-3-1612 5A/6A polymorphism may effect serum MMP-3 level and
      over-expression of serum MMP-3 level may be a risk factor for DVT formation.

PMID- 27129070
TI  - N-butyl cyanoacrylate in the treatment of venous insufficiency--the effect of
      embolisation with ablative polymerisation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this multicentre prospective observational
      study was to evaluate the early results of a new non-thermal embolisation method
      using N-butyl cyanoacrylate in venous insufficiency. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      total of 181 patients with a varicose vein diagnosis were treated with the
      VariClose: Vein Sealing Systems at four different centres. The protocol included
      physical and colour Doppler ultrasonography examination, venous clinical severity
      score and quality of life assessment before and after the procedure on days 1 and
      7 and at months 1, 3 and 6. Clinical recovery was evaluated by comparing the
      venous clinical severity score and the quality of life assessment before and
      after the procedure. RESULTS: In total, 215 embolisation procedures were
      successfully completed on 181 patients (110 female) with a mean age of 37.6 +/-
      13.2 years (range 18-72 years). The 215 procedures consisted of 25 bilateral
      applications on 206 great saphenous veins and 9 small saphenous veins. The
      average pre-interventional diameter of great saphenous veins was 6.5 +/- 1.4 mm
      (4.3-14 mm), and the mean diameter of small saphenous veins was 5.2 +/- 1.3 mm
      (3.8-8.6 mm). The average length of the sealed vein segments was 31.6 +/- 6.1 cm
      (23-70 cm), and the average N-butyl cyanoacrylate usage for the patient was 0.9
      ml (0.7-2.1 ml). The procedural occlusion rate was 100%. Post-operative pain was
      observed in 11 patients (6.1%), and thrombophlebitis was observed in 1 patient
      (0.5%). No total recanalisation was observed. Five (2.7%) partial recanalisations
      were observed at the 6 month follow-up. The 6 month total occlusion rate was
      97.2%. CONCLUSIONS: This new tumescent-free non-thermal embolisation method can
      be applied safely with high success rates.

PMID- 27129071
TI  - Long-term follow-up after endovascular revascularisation for acute limb ischaemia
      -a retrospective single-centre cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated the long-term outcome after endovascular
      revascularisation for acute limb ischaemia (ALI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From a
      prospectively maintained database, 318 endovascular interventions for ALI were
      identified between 2004 and 2010. Event history and survival were analysed using
      the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. Endpoints were target vessel
      revascularisation (TVR), non-target extremity revascularisation (NTER),
      amputation, major vascular events, coronary artery revascularisation and
      amputation-free survival. RESULTS: Follow-up data of 303 patients (mean age 68.5
      +/- 12.7 years, 40% female) were available. The mean follow-up time was 38.7 +/-
      26.2 months. TVR was performed in 40.1 +/- 2.9% at 1 year and 66.5 +/- 3.8% at 5
      years. NTER at 1 and 5 years were 7.1 +/- 1.5% and 29.2 +/- 4%, respectively. The
      proportion of patients who needed major or minor amputation was 4.3 +/- 1.2%
      after 1 year and 9 +/- 2.1% after 5 years. Amputation-free survival at 1 year was
      90.3 +/- 1.8% and 74.8 +/- 3.2% at 5 years. Coronary artery disease (HR 2.22, 95%
      CI 1.33 to 3.7, p = 0.002) and atrial fibrillation (HR 2.56, % CI 1.3 to 5.04, p
      = 0.007) were independently associated with a worse amputation-free survival. The
      cumulative proportion surviving one year following acute limb ischemia was 95.4
      +/- 1.2% and 79.7 +/- 3.1% after 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term amputation-free
      survival after successful revascularisation for ALI is high; negative predictors
      are coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 27129072
TI  - Percutaneous trans-needle coil application--an alternative access to false
      aneurysm of the splenic artery.

PMID- 27129073
TI  - Myocardial infarction after ultrasoundguided foam sclerotherapy for varicose
      veins--a case report and review of the literature of a rare but serious adverse
      event.

PMID- 27129074
TI  - Stem cell therapy in end-stage cardiovascular disease: the final nail in the
      coffin or still some light at the end of the tunnel?

PMID- 27129075
TI  - Effects of target binding kinetics on in vivo drug efficacy: koff , kon and
      rebinding.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Optimal drug therapy often requires continuing high
      levels of target occupancy. Besides the traditional pharmacokinetic contribution,
      target binding kinetics is increasingly considered to play an important role as
      well. While most attention has been focused on the dissociation rate of the
      complex, recent reports expressed doubt about the unreserved translatability of
      this pharmacodynamic property into clinical efficacy. 'Micro'-pharmacokinetic
      mechanisms like drug rebinding and partitioning into the cell membrane may
      constitute a potential fix. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Simulations were based on
      solving differential equations. KEY RESULTS: Based on a selected range of
      association and dissociation rate constants, kon and koff , and rebinding
      potencies of the drugs as variables, their effects on the temporal in vivo
      occupancy profile of their targets, after one or multiple repetitive dosings,
      have here been simulated. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Most strikingly, the
      simulations show that, when rebinding is also taken into account, increasing kon
      may produce closely the same outcome as decreasing koff when dosing is performed
      in accordance with the therapeutically most relevant constant [Lmax ]/KD ratio
      paradigm. Also, under certain conditions, rebinding may produce closely the same
      outcome as invoking slow diffusion of the drug between the plasma compartment and
      a target-containing 'effect' compartment. Although the present simulations should
      only be regarded as a 'proof of principle', these findings may help
      pharmacologists and medicinal chemists to devise ex vivo and in vitro binding
      kinetic assays that are more relevant and translatable to in vivo settings.

PMID- 27129077
TI  - Multisensory stimulation with other-race faces and the reduction of racial
      prejudice.
AB  - This study investigated whether multisensory stimulation with other-race faces
      can reduce racial prejudice. In three experiments, the faces of Caucasian
      observers were stroked with a cotton bud while they watched a black face being
      stroked in synchrony on a computer screen. This was compared with a neutral
      condition, in which no tactile stimulation was administered (Experiment 1 and 2),
      and with a condition in which observers' faces were stroked in asynchrony with
      the onscreen face (Experiment 3). In all experiments, observers experienced an
      enfacement illusion after synchronous stimulation, whereby they reported to
      embody the other-race face. However, this effect did not produce concurrent
      changes in implicit or explicit racial prejudice. This outcome contrasts with
      other procedures for the reduction of self-other differences that decrease racial
      prejudice, such as behavioural mimicry and intergroup contact. We speculate that
      enfacement is less effective for such prejudice reduction because it does not
      encourage perspective-taking.

PMID- 27129076
TI  - Intraventricular temperature measured by diffusion-weighted imaging compared with
      brain parenchymal temperature measured by MRS in vivo.
AB  - We examined and compared the temperatures of the intraventricular cerebrospinal
      fluid (Tv ) and the brain parenchyma (Tp ) using MRI, with reference to the
      tympanic membrane temperature (Tt ) in healthy subjects. We estimated Tv and Tp
      values from data gathered simultaneously by MR diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)
      and MRS, respectively, in 35 healthy volunteers (17 males, 18 females; age 25-78
      years). We also obtained Tt values just before each MR examination to evaluate
      the relationships among the three temperatures. There were significant positive
      correlations between Tv and Tp (R = 0.611, p < 0.001). The correlation was also
      significant after correction for Tt (R = 0.642, p < 0.001). There was no
      significant correlation between Tv and Tt or between Tp and Tt in the men or the
      women. Negative correlations were found between Tv and age and between Tp and age
      in the males but not females. DWI thermometry seems to reflect the intracranial
      environment as accurately as MRS thermometry. An age-dependent decline in
      temperature was evident in our male subjects by both DWI and MRS thermometry,
      probably due to the decrease in cerebral metabolism with age. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27129078
TI  - The Effect of Clonazepam on Sleep Terror and Co-Occuring Nocturnal Enuresis in an
      Adolescent.

PMID- 27129079
TI  - Ethyl-2-amino-pyrrole-3-carboxylates are novel potent anticancer agents that
      affect tubulin polymerization, induce G2/M cell-cycle arrest, and effectively
      inhibit soft tissue cancer cell growth in vitro.
AB  - Microtubules are known to be one of the most attractive and validated targets in
      cancer therapy. However, the clinical use of drugs that affect the dynamic state
      of microtubules has been hindered by chemoresistance and toxicity issues.
      Accordingly, the development of novel agents that target microtubules is needed.
      Here, we report the identification of novel compounds with pirrole and
      carboxylate structures: ethyl-2-amino-pyrrole-3-carboxylates (EAPCs) that provide
      potent cytotoxic activities against multiple soft tissue cancer cell lines in
      vitro. Using the MTS cell proliferation assay, we assessed the activity of EAPCs
      on various cancer cell lines including leiomyosarcoma SK-LMS-1, rhabdomyosarcoma
      RD, gastrointestinal stromal tumor GIST-T1, A-673 Ewing's sarcoma, and U-2 OS
      osteosarcoma. We found that in the majority of cases, two EAPC compounds (EAPC-20
      and EAPC-24) considerably inhibited cancer cell proliferation in vitro. The
      growth-inhibitory effects of EAPC-20 and EAPC-24 were time and dose dependent.
      The molecular mechanisms of action of these compounds were because of the
      inhibition of tubulin polymerization and induction of a robust G2/M cell-cycle
      arrest, leading to considerable accumulation of tumor cells in the M-phase.
      Finally, EAPCs induced tumor cell death by apoptotic pathways. The above
      mentioned effects were also observed in most soft tissue tumor cell lines and the
      gastrointestinal stromal tumor cell line investigated. Taken together, our data
      identify potent antitumor activity of EAPCs in vitro, thus providing a novel
      scaffold with which to develop potent chemotherapeutic agents for cancer therapy.

PMID- 27129080
TI  - Mental Health Nursing in Greece: Nursing Diagnoses and Interventions in Major
      Depression.
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess nursing diagnoses and nursing interventions
      that were accordingly implemented during the care of inpatients with major
      depression in Greece. Twelve nurses working in three major psychiatric hospitals
      were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were used and audio-recorded data
      indicated that risk for suicide, social isolation, low self-esteem, sleep
      problems, and imbalanced nutrition are the nursing diagnoses most commonly
      reported. Establishing trust and rapport is the primary intervention, followed by
      specific interventions according to each diagnosis and the individualized care
      plan. The findings of the study also highlight the need for nursing training in
      order to teach nurses initial assessment procedures and appropriate evidence
      based intervention techniques.

PMID- 27129081
TI  - On the water-holding of myofibrils: Effect of sarcoplasmic protein denaturation.
AB  - The role of heat-denatured sarcoplasmic proteins in water-holding is not well
      understood. Here we propose a new hypothesis that in PSE-like conditions
      denatured sarcoplasmic proteins aggregate within and outside myofilaments,
      improving the water-holding of denatured myofibrils. The process is
      compartmentalized: 1) within the filaments the denatured sarcoplasmic proteins
      shrink the lattice space and water is expelled; and 2) between the myofibrils and
      in the extracellular space, the coagulated sarcoplasmic proteins trap the
      expelled water from interfilamental space. The effect of sarcoplasmic proteins on
      the water-holding of myofibrils following incubation for 1h at 21 to 44 degrees C
      was investigated. Our results were consistent with the new hypothesis. Myofibrils
      without sarcoplasm had the poorest water-holding. With increasing amount of
      denatured sarcoplasmic proteins, the water-holding of heat-denatured myofibrils
      improved proportionally. X-ray diffraction was used to measure the lattice space
      between the filaments. Precipitated sarcoplasmic proteins shrank (P<0.001) the
      lattice spacing by 6.3% at 44 degrees C. 

PMID- 27129083
TI  - What is more affected in patients wit obstructive sleep apnea: the right or the
      left heart?

PMID- 27129082
TI  - Production factors influence fresh lamb longissimus colour more than muscle
      traits such as myoglobin concentration and pH.
AB  - M. longissimus colour was measured from 8165 lambs at 24h post-mortem using a
      chromameter. The impact of production factors (site and year of production,
      slaughter group, sex, age and breed type) and muscle traits (hot carcass weight,
      pH24, isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) activity, myoglobin, iron and zinc
      concentrations) on meat lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), hue and
      chroma were analysed. Greater differences in meat colour were seen between
      different slaughter groups and sites of production than across the range of any
      muscle traits. Of the muscle traits analysed, changes in pH24 had the greatest
      effect on meat a* (2.5 units), while myoglobin had the greatest effect on meat L*
      (2.9 units). The 3.1 L* unit darkening of meat with increasing lamb age (from 140
      to 400days) was accounted for by increased myoglobin concentration. These results
      suggest that production factors are having substantial effects on lamb colour
      independent of known influencing muscle traits such as myoglobin concentration
      and pH. 

PMID- 27129084
TI  - Role of three adipokines in metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 27129085
TI  - Pulmonary artery dilation indicates severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients
      with resistant hypertension: the Resist-POL Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION The effect of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on right ventricular
      (RV) function and pulmonary circulation parameters is unclear. OBJECTIVES The aim
      of this study was to determine whether newly diagnosed OSA and its severity has
      any impact on RV performance and echocardiographic parameters of pulmonary
      circulation in patients with true resistant hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS
      The study included 155 patients (93 men and 62 women; mean age, 47.5 +/-10
      years). The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), end-diastolic and end-systolic area of
      the right ventricle, main pulmonary artery diameter (MPAd) at diastole,
      acceleration time (AccT), tricuspid annular systolic velocity wave, and tricuspid
      annular plane systolic excursion were evaluated. RESULTS Patients were divided
      into 4 groups: without OSA (AHI <5; n = 43), with mild OSA (AHI = 5-15; n = 45),
      moderate OSA (AHI = 15-30; n = 27), and severe OSA (AHI >30; n = 40). There were
      no differences in RV systolic function between the groups. Patients with severe
      OSA had a wider MPAd (26.0 +/-2.6 vs 23.1 +/-3.7 mm; P <0.0001) and shorter AccT
      (114.2 +/-15.7 vs 133.4 +/-22.1 ms; P <0.001) in comparison with patients without
      OSA. The cut-off for the best predictive value of severe OSA was an MPAd of 25 mm
      or higher with a sensitivity of 63.6% and specificity of 78.9%. The area under
      the receiver operating characteristic curve for severe OSA in relation to an MPAd
      of 25 mm or higher was 0.766 (95% confidence interval, 0.673-0.859; P <0.0001).
      Factors independently associated with an MPAd of 25 mm or higher were severe OSA
      and nighttime diastolic blood pressure levels. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed a
      relationship between pulmonary artery dilation and the presence of newly
      diagnosed severe OSA. Among the parameters studied, an MPAd of 25 mm or higher
      turned out to be the most useful parameter in identifying patients with severe
      OSA.

PMID- 27129086
TI  - Effects of antihypertensive treatment on plasma apelin, resistin, and visfatin
      concentrations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION Adipose tissue has been recently recognized as an endocrine organ
      secreting a number of adipokines contributing to the development of
      atherosclerosis, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, endothelial dysfunction,
      insulin resistance, and vascular remodeling. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was
      to determine whether treatment with a beta-blocker, calcium antagonist, thiazide
      like diuretic, or angiotensin II receptor type 1 influences plasma concentrations
      of apelin, resistin, and visfatin in obese hypertensive patients. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS The study included 84 obese patients with essential hypertension. One
      control group included obese subjects without hypertension, and the other, lean
      subjects without hypertension. Patients with hypertension were randomized into 4
      groups treated for 6 weeks with bisoprolol, amlodipine, indapamide, or
      candesartan, respectively. RESULTS Mean daily plasma apelin concentrations in
      patients treated with amlodipine was significantly higher than the baseline
      values, whereas the difference in plasma apelin concentrations in other treatment
      groups was not significant. Mean daily plasma resistin concentrations were
      significantly lower after 6-week treatment with amlodipine, bisoprolol, or
      indapamide compared with the baseline values. In patients treated with
      candesartan, no significant differences in resistin concentrations were shown.
      After 6-week treatment with bisoprolol, mean daily plasma concentrations of
      visfatin were significantly lower compared with the baseline values. Treatment
      with amlodipine, candesartan, or indapamide did not significantly affect plasma
      visfatin levels. CONCLUSIONS Antihypertensive treatment exerts significant and
      varied effects on adipokine secretion in obese hypertensive patients. Changes in
      apelin secretion, caused by the use of different antihypertensive drugs, may
      protect the cardiovascular system and kidneys. The involvement of adipokins in
      the mechanism of diverse protective effects of antihypertensive drugs,
      independently of the effect on blood pressure, requires further research.

PMID- 27129087
TI  - Effect of free triiodothyronine concentration on the quality of life of patients
      treated with levothyroxine.

PMID- 27129088
TI  - When is freezing harmful?

PMID- 27129089
TI  - When is freezing harmful? Authors' reply.

PMID- 27129090
TI  - Heparin as a Bundler in a Self-Assembled Fibrous Network of Functionalized
      Protein-Based Polymers.
AB  - Nature shows excellent control over the mechanics of fibrous hydrogels by
      assembling protein fibers into bundles of well-defined dimensions. Yet, obtaining
      artificial materials displaying controlled bundling remains a challenge. Here, we
      developed genetically engineered protein-based polymers functionalized with
      heparin-binding KRSR domains and show controlled bundling using heparin as a
      binder. The protein polymer forms fibers upon increasing the pH to physiological
      values and at higher concentrations fibrous gels. We show that addition of
      heparin to the protein polymer with incorporated KRSR domains, induces bundling,
      which results in faster gel formation and stiffer gels. The interactions are
      expected to be primarily electrostatic and fiber bundling has an optimum when the
      positive charges of KRSR are approximately in balance with the negative charges
      of the heparin. Our study suggests that, generally, a straightforward method to
      control the properties of fibrous gels is to prepare a fiber former with specific
      binding domains and then simply adding an appropriate amount of binder.

PMID- 27129091
TI  - Clinical observation on the treatment of oral lichen planus with total glucosides
      of paeony capsule combined with corticosteroids.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common, chronic immune
      mediated disease. The main treatment for OLP has been the administration of
      topical or systemic corticosteroids, but side effects have limited their use. We
      aimed to assess the effect and adverse reaction of total glucosides of paeony
      capsule (TGPC) in combination with corticosteroids for the treatment of OLP.
      METHODS: Eighty one patients with a confirmed clinical and histopathologic
      diagnosis of OLP (44 reticular OLP [ROLP] patients, 37 erythematous/erosive OLP
      [EOLP] patients) were enrolled. Patients were treated with topical or systemic
      corticosteroids, with or without 1200mg TGPC in the ROLP and EOLP groups,
      respectively. Patients were followed for 6months. The pain and severity of the
      lesions were recorded at the initial visit and monthly thereafter during the
      follow-up period. RESULTS: Seventy three of 81 patients completed the scheduled
      treatment period. In the ROLP patient group, combined treatment significantly
      reduced the visual analogue scale (VAS) at months 3, 5, and 6. The clinical signs
      (CS) of ROLP patients worsened during the follow-up period in control group.
      However, CS in the combined treatment group remained largely unchanged at months
      4-6. In the EOLP patient group, the VAS decreased almost equally in patients with
      and without combined treatment at months 1-2, but continued to significantly
      decrease in the combined treatment group in months 4-6. The CS of the combined
      treatment group decreased gradually over time in the study period, with
      significantly lower scores in the treatment versus control group (which decreased
      slightly in the first three months, then remained almost unchanged during the
      following visits). The effective rates of combined treatment were statistically
      higher versus control groups both in ROLP and EOLP patients. CONCLUSIONS: TGPC is
      a safe and effective drug for OLP with rare side effects. Combined treatment of
      TGPC with corticosteroids shows a definite therapeutic effect. More than four
      months of medical treatment of TGPC is recommended to achieve the full effect.

PMID- 27129092
TI  - Benzopyrene, a major polyaromatic hydrocarbon in smoke fume, mobilizes Langerhans
      cells and polarizes Th2/17 responses in epicutaneous protein sensitization
      through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common disease with genetic and
      environmental interactions. We previously reported lifetime exposure to cigarette
      smoke is associated with adult-onset AD. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is
      important in regulating environmental exposure to xenobiotics, including
      benzopyrenes (BP), a major polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) present in
      cigarette smoke. However, how AhR regulates immune responses in sensitization
      phase of AD remained elusive. METHODS: We investigated how BP affects
      epicutaneous sensitization response through AhR axis. We compared AhR expression
      in skin from AD patients and healthy controls. We measured immune responses
      (Langerhans cell migration and T cell polarization in epicutaneous Ova
      sensitization in mice with or without AhR defect. RESULTS: We found AhR and ARNT
      (AhR nuclear translocator) are upregulated in AD skin. BP exposure increases
      Langerhans cell migration, and increases IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17 levels when lymph
      node cells were re-challenged with Ova. The increased cytokine levels were
      attenuated in AhR defected mice. AhR agonists (BP and ITE) decreased E-cadherin
      expression, while AhR antagonist (CH223191) increased it in human primary
      keratinocytes. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested AhR interacts with BP to
      polarize T cell responses, along with Langerhans cell migration. This study
      revealed a regulatory mechanism how cigarette smoking affects atopic
      sensitization through the benzopyrene-AhR interaction.

PMID- 27129093
TI  - Computed tomography-generated anthropometric measurements of orbital
      relationships in normal infants and children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop soft-tissue and bony
      anthropometric orbital measurements in a normal pediatric population based upon
      CT scans. METHODS This was a retrospective stratified study of children with ages
      ranging from birth to 36 months. Head CT images for 204 children were available
      and obtained with 0.625-1-mm slice widths. Soft-tissue and bone windows were
      reviewed. Images were oriented in the Frankfort horizontal plane, and the
      intercanthal (IC), bony interorbital (IO), and bony lateral orbital (LO)
      distances were measured. Age group stratifications were 0-3, > 3-6, > 6-9, > 9
      12, > 12-18, > 18-24, > 24-30, and > 30-36 months. Patients with known syndromes
      or craniofacial abnormalities were excluded. Statistical analysis included the
      mean, SD, SEM, 95% CI, and an evaluation of IO:LO ratio. RESULTS There was an
      average of 25.5 patients in each age group (range 25-27 patients). All soft
      tissue and bony measurements consistently showed rapid increase from 0-6 months
      of age, which tapered after age > 12 months. The mean IC, bony IO, and bony LO
      distances started at 22.22 +/- 1.13 mm, 14.16 +/- 0.74 mm, and 65.56 +/- 1.76 mm,
      and at 12 months were 27.74 +/- 1.01 mm, 16.21 +/- 0.75 mm, and 77.98 +/- 1.57
      mm, respectively. The bony LO position was equivalent to the lateral canthal
      position and measurements. The IC distance was approximately one-third the
      lateral canthal distance for all age groups. CONCLUSIONS This study established
      and reported normal anthropometric orbital measurements in a pediatric population
      using fine-cut craniofacial CT. These measurements are essential when evaluating
      children with craniofacial anomalies. 

PMID- 27129094
TI  - A Systematic Review of Efficacy of the Attention Training Technique in Clinical
      and Nonclinical Samples.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Attention Training Technique (ATT; Wells, 1990) is a brief
      metacognitive treatment strategy aimed at remediating self-focused processing and
      increasing attention flexibility in psychological disorder. METHOD: We
      systematically reviewed and examined the efficacy of ATT in clinical and
      nonclinical samples. Scientific databases were searched from 1990 to 2014 and 10
      studies (total N = 295) met inclusion criteria. Single-case data were meta
      analyzed using the improvement rate difference, and standardized between and
      within-group effect sizes (ESs) were examined across 4 analogue randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs). RESULTS: Single-case outcomes indicated that ATT yields
      large ES estimates (pooled ES range: 0.74-1.00) for anxiety and depressive
      disorders. Standardized ESs across the RCTs indicated that ATT yields greater
      treatment gains than reference groups across majority outcomes (adjusted Cohen's
      d range: 0.40-1.23). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest ATT may be
      effective in treating anxiety and depressive disorders and help remediate some
      symptoms of schizophrenia. Although a limited number of studies with small sample
      sizes warrants caution of interpretation, ATT appears promising and future
      studies will benefit from adequately powered RCTs.

PMID- 27129095
TI  - Secondary Angle-Closure Glaucoma Due to Posterior Synechiae of Iris Following
      Combined Phacoemulsification and 23-Gauge Transconjunctival Vitrectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics of eyes with secondary angle
      closure glaucoma following combined phacovitrectomy. METHODS: Retrospective case
      series. RESULTS: Nine eyes developed angle-closure glaucoma due to iris posterior
      synechiae with an incidence rate of 1.82% (95% CI: 0.64 - 3%) among 493 eyes
      following phacovitrectomy. PDR with TRD was the most common surgical indication.
      Single piece IOL insertion and silicone oil were present in all cases. Fibrin in
      the anterior chamber was found in six eyes postoperatively. Mean degree of iris
      bombe was 310+/-79.37 degrees  at 3.55+/-1.87 weeks with a mean IOP of 32.56+/
      5.89 mm of Hg. Systemic diabetes and grade of cataract were the only significant
      risk factors (r2 =1; p= 0.016 and 0.049, respectively). Nd:YAG laser PI relieved
      the angle-closure attack in all cases. CONCLUSION: Systemic diabetes and advanced
      grade of cataract are significant risk factors for secondary angle-closure
      glaucoma following combined phacovitrectomy.

PMID- 27129096
TI  - Thin endometrium after radiation therapy as an unresolved treatment challenge: a
      case report.
AB  - Receptive endometrium is essential for successful implantation and ongoing
      pregnancy. Significant health issues and associated therapies, especially
      oncologic therapies, have potential to negatively impact future fertility in
      young women. Irradiation and chemotherapeutic alkylating agents are known to
      cause ovarian failure in most females; however, less well is characterized the
      impact of irradiation on uterine development and integrity. With an increasing
      number of cancer survivors, women are seeking infertility treatment after such
      therapies. Here, we present a young woman who developed ovarian failure after the
      treatment of acute myeloid leukemia with bone marrow transplant and preceding
      irradiation and chemotherapy and who was diagnosed with thin endometrial lining
      while seeking infertility therapy.

PMID- 27129097
TI  - Mitochondrial dynamics, quality control and miRNA regulation in skeletal muscle:
      implications for obesity and related metabolic disease.
AB  - The western dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle largely contributes to the
      growing epidemic of obesity. Mitochondria are at the front line of cellular
      energy homoeostasis and are implicated in the pathophysiology of obesity and
      obesity-related metabolic disease. In recent years, novel aspects in the
      regulation of mitochondrial metabolism, such as mitochondrial dynamics,
      mitochondrial protein quality control and post-transcriptional regulation of
      genes coding for mitochondrial proteins, have emerged. In this review, we discuss
      the recent findings concerning the dysregulation of these processes in skeletal
      muscle in obesogenic conditions.

PMID- 27129098
TI  - Frataxin and the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial iron-loading in
      Friedreich's ataxia.
AB  - The mitochondrion is a major site for the metabolism of the transition metal,
      iron, which is necessary for metabolic processes critical for cell vitality. The
      enigmatic mitochondrial protein, frataxin, is known to play a significant role in
      both cellular and mitochondrial iron metabolism due to its iron-binding
      properties and its involvement in iron-sulfur cluster (ISC) and heme synthesis.
      The inherited neuro- and cardio-degenerative disease, Friedreich's ataxia (FA),
      is caused by the deficient expression of frataxin that leads to deleterious
      alterations in iron metabolism. These changes lead to the accumulation of
      inorganic iron aggregates in the mitochondrial matrix that are presumed to play a
      key role in the oxidative damage and subsequent degenerative features of this
      disease. Furthermore, the concurrent dys-regulation of cellular antioxidant
      defense, which coincides with frataxin deficiency, exacerbates oxidative stress.
      Hence, the pathogenesis of FA underscores the importance of the integrated
      homeostasis of cellular iron metabolism and the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial
      redox environments. This review focuses on describing the pathogenesis of the
      disease, the molecular mechanisms involved in mitochondrial iron-loading and the
      dys-regulation of cellular antioxidant defense due to frataxin deficiency. In
      turn, current and emerging therapeutic strategies are also discussed.

PMID- 27129099
TI  - Phosphine-Free, Heterogeneous Palladium-Catalyzed Atom-Efficient Carbonylative
      Cross-Coupling of Triarylbismuths with Aryl Iodides: Synthesis of Biaryl Ketones.
AB  - A novel and highly efficient heterogeneous palladium-catalyzed carbonylative
      cross-coupling of aryl iodides with triarylbismuths has been developed that
      proceeds smoothly at atmospheric CO pressure and provides a general and powerful
      tool for the preparation of various valuable biaryl ketones with high atom
      economy, good to excellent yield, and recyclability of the catalyst. The reaction
      is the first example of Pd-catalyzed carbonylative cross-coupling for the
      construction of biaryl ketones using triarylbismuths as substrates.

PMID- 27129100
TI  - Selenium Chain Length Distribution in GexSe100-x Glasses: Insights from (77)Se
      NMR Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Calculations.
AB  - The statistics of selenium chain length distribution in GexSe100-x glasses with 5
      <= x <= 20 are investigated using a combination of high-resolution, two
      dimensional (77)Se nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and quantum
      chemical calculations. This combined approach allows for the distinction of
      various selenium chain environments on the basis of subtle but systematic effects
      of next-nearest neighbors of Se atoms in -Se-Se-Se- linkages on the (77)Se
      chemical shift tensor parameters. Simulation of the experimental (77)Se NMR
      spectral line shapes indicates that Se chain speciation in these chalcogenide
      glasses follows the Flory-Schulz distribution, originally developed for organic
      chain polymers.

PMID- 27129101
TI  - Morphological Characteristics of Maize Canopy Development as Affected by
      Increased Plant Density.
AB  - Improving crop productivity through higher plant density requires a detailed
      understanding of organ development in response to increased interplant
      competition. The objective of this paper is thus to investigate the
      characteristics of organ development under increased interplant competition. A
      field experiment was conducted to investigate organ development across 4 maize
      plant densities i.e. 2, 6, 12 and 20 plants m-2 (referred to PD2, PD6, PD12 and
      PD20 respectively). In response to increased interplant competition, lengths of
      both laminae and sheaths increased in lower phytomers, but decreased in upper
      phytomers. Sheath extension appeared to be less sensitive to increased interplant
      competition than lamina extension. Extension of laminae and internodes responded
      to increased plant density as soon as onset of mild interplant competition, but
      did not respond any further to severe competition. Both lamina width and
      internode diameter were reduced due to a smaller growth rate in response to
      increased plant density. Overall, this study identified that organ expansion rate
      can be taken as the key morphological factor to determine the degree of
      interplant competition.

PMID- 27129102
TI  - How relevant is panallergen sensitization in the development of allergies?
AB  - Panallergens comprise various protein families of plant as well as animal origin
      and are responsible for wide IgE cross-reactivity between related and unrelated
      allergenic sources. Such cross-reactivities include reactions between various
      pollen sources, pollen and plant-derived foods as well as invertebrate-derived
      inhalants and foodstuff. Here, we provide an overview on the most clinically
      relevant panallergens from plants (profilins, polcalcins, non-specific lipid
      transfer proteins, pathogenesis-related protein family 10 members) and on the
      prominent animal-derived panallergen family, tropomyosins. In addition, we
      explore the role of panallergens in the sensitization process and progress of the
      allergic disease. Emphasis is given on epidemiological aspects of panallergen
      sensitization and clinical manifestations. Finally, the issues related to
      diagnosis and therapy of patients sensitized to panallergens are outlined, and
      the use of panallergens as predictors for cross-reactive allergy and as
      biomarkers for disease severity is discussed.

PMID- 27129104
TI  - Multilevel non-volatile data storage utilizing common current hysteresis of
      networked single walled carbon nanotubes.
AB  - The characteristic source-drain current hysteresis frequently observed in field
      effect transistors with networked single walled carbon-nanotube (NSWNT) channels
      is problematic for the reliable switching and sensing performance of devices. But
      the two distinct current states of the hysteresis curve at a zero gate voltage
      can be useful for memory applications. In this work, we demonstrate a novel non
      volatile transistor memory with solution-processed NSWNTs which are suitable for
      multilevel data programming and reading. A polymer passivation layer with a small
      amount of water employed on the top of the NSWNT channel serves as an efficient
      gate voltage dependent charge trapping and de-trapping site. A systematic
      investigation evidences that the water mixed in a polymer passivation solution is
      critical for reliable non-volatile memory operation. The optimized device is air
      stable and temperature-resistive up to 80  degrees C and exhibits excellent non
      volatile memory performance with an on/off current ratio greater than 10(4), a
      switching time less than 100 ms, data retention longer than 4000 s, and
      write/read endurance over 100 cycles. Furthermore, the gate voltage dependent
      charge injection mediated by water in the passivation layer allowed for
      multilevel operation of our memory in which 4 distinct current states were
      programmed repetitively and preserved over a long time period. 

PMID- 27129105
TI  - What's Your Diagnosis? Subcutaneous nodules on the muzzle of a rabbit.

PMID- 27129106
TI  - Stereo-epitaxial growth of single-crystal Ni nanowires and nanoplates from
      aligned seed crystals.
AB  - Epitaxially grown anisotropic Ni nanostructures are promising building blocks for
      the development of miniaturized and stereo-integrated data storage kits because
      they can store multiple magnetic domain walls (DWs). Here, we report stereo
      epitaxially grown single-crystalline Ni nanowires (NWs) and nanoplates, and their
      magnetic properties. Vertical and inclined Ni NWs were grown at the center and
      edge regions of c-cut sapphire substrates, respectively. Vertical Ni nanoplates
      were grown on r-cut sapphire substrates. The morphology and growth direction of
      Ni nanostructures can be steered by seed crystals. Cubic Ni seeds grow into
      vertical Ni NWs, tetrahedral Ni seeds grow into inclined Ni NWs, and triangular
      Ni seeds grow into vertical Ni nanoplates. The shapes of the Ni seeds are
      determined by the interfacial energy between the bottom plane of the seeds and
      the substrates. The as-synthesized Ni NWs and nanoplates have blocking
      temperature values greater than 300 K at 500 Oe, verifying that these Ni
      nanostructures can form large magnetic DWs with high magnetic anisotropy
      properties. We anticipate that epitaxially grown Ni NWs and nanoplates will be
      used in various types of 3-dimensional magnetic devices. 

PMID- 27129107
TI  - Chemoselective Ketone Synthesis by the Addition of Organometallics to N
      Acylazetidines.
AB  - A general and highly chemoselective method for the synthesis of ketones by the
      addition of organometallics to N-acylazetidines via stable tetrahedral
      intermediates is reported for the first time. The transformation is characterized
      by its wide substrate scope and exquisite selectivity for the ketone products
      even when a large excess of nucleophilic reagents is used. Even of broader
      interest is the use of N-acylazetidines as bench-stable, readily available amide
      acylating reagents, in which the reactivity is controlled by amide
      pyramidalization and strain of the four-membered ring to afford synthetically
      valuable building blocks.

PMID- 27129103
TI  - A Deep Insight into the Sialome of Rhodnius neglectus, a Vector of Chagas
      Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Triatomines are hematophagous insects that act as vectors of Chagas
      disease. Rhodnius neglectus is one of these kissing bugs found, contributing to
      the transmission of this American trypanosomiasis. The saliva of hematophagous
      arthropods contains bioactive molecules responsible for counteracting host
      haemostatic, inflammatory, and immune responses. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Next
      generation sequencing and mass spectrometry-based protein identification were
      performed to investigate the content of triatomine R. neglectus saliva. We
      deposited 4,230 coding DNA sequences (CDS) in GenBank. A set of 636 CDS of
      proteins of putative secretory nature was extracted from the assembled reads, 73
      of them confirmed by proteomic analysis. The sialome of R. neglectus was
      characterized and serine protease transcripts detected. The presence of
      ubiquitous protein families was revealed, including lipocalins, serine protease
      inhibitors, and antigen-5. Metalloproteases, disintegrins, and odorant binding
      protein families were less abundant. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The data presented
      improve our understanding of hematophagous arthropod sialomes, and aid in
      understanding hematophagy and the complex interplay among vectors and their
      vertebrate hosts.

PMID- 27129108
TI  - A lifetime journey through clinical care, research and public health.

PMID- 27129109
TI  - Corrigendum: Integration of Metabolic Modeling with Gene Co-expression Reveals
      Transcriptionally Programmed Reactions Explaining Robustness in Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis.

PMID- 27129111
TI  - Visual Outcomes and Contrast Sensitivity after Bilateral Implantation of
      Multifocal Intraocular Lenses with +2.50 or +3.0 Diopter Addition: 12-Month
      Follow-Up.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate visual acuity and contrast sensitivity after bilateral
      implantation of AcrySof(r) IQ ReSTOR(r) +2.50 D or +3.00 D. METHODS: A total of
      56 eyes with cataract had bilateral implantation of a multifocal IOL. Inclusion
      criteria were corneal astigmatism less than 1.0 diopters, axial length between
      22.0 and 24.0 mm, and no associated ocular disease. Outcome measures recorded 12
      months postoperatively were binocular uncorrected and corrected distance,
      intermediate and near visual acuities, and contrast sensitivity. Postoperative
      quality of life and patient satisfaction were assessed with the VF-14
      Questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty months postoperatively, the mean uncorrected and
      best-corrected distance visual acuities, UCIVA at 60 cm, and contrast sensitivity
      were similar in all two groups. UCNVA were better in the +3.00 IOL group than in
      the +2.50 D group. Patients reported good performance for visual tasks.
      CONCLUSION: Apodized multifocal IOLs seem a good compromise for non-spectacles
      life in elderly patients; our study indicates that this solution has a good long
      term stability on patients' visual function.

PMID- 27129110
TI  - Correlation of the patient's reported outcome Inflammatory-RODS with an objective
      metric in immune-mediated neuropathies.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is increasing interest in using patient-reported
      outcome measures (PROMs) in clinical studies to capture individual changes over
      time. However, PROMs have also been criticized because they are entirely
      subjective. Our objective was to examine the relationship between a subjective
      PROM and an objective outcome tool in patients with Guillain-Barre syndrome
      (GBS), chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and
      gammopathy-related polyneuropathy (MGUSP). METHODS: The Inflammatory Rasch-built
      Overall Disability Scale (I-RODS(c), a multi-item scale that examines
      functionality) was completed by 137 patients with newly diagnosed (or relapsing)
      GBS (55), CIDP (59) and MGUSP (23) who were serially examined (GBS/CIDP,
      T0/T1/T3/T6/T12 months; MGUSP, T0/T3/T12). Possible association between the I
      RODS findings and the vigorimeter scores, an objective linear instrument to
      assess grip strength, was examined. RESULTS: A significant correlating trend was
      found between the I-RODS and grip strength scores for the overall group and in
      each illness, independently. CONCLUSION: The objectivity of patients' subjective
      report on their functional state based on a strong correlation between the I-RODS
      and grip strength in patients with GBS, CIDP and MGUSP has been demonstrated.
      These findings provide further support to use the I-RODS and grip strength in
      future clinical studies in these conditions.

PMID- 27129112
TI  - Safety evaluation of continuous green T intersections: A propensity scores
      genetic matching-potential outcomes approach.
AB  - The continuous green T intersection is characterized by a channelized left-turn
      movement from the minor street approach onto the major street, along with a
      continuous through movement on the major street. The continuous flow through
      movement is not controlled by the three-phase traffic signal that is used to
      separate all other movements at the intersection. Rather, the continuous through
      movement typically has a green through arrow indicator to inform drivers that
      they do not have to stop. Past research has consistently shown that there are
      operational and environmental benefits to implementing this intersection form at
      three-leg locations, when compared to a conventional signalized intersection.
      These benefits include reduced delay, fuel consumption, and emissions. The safety
      effects of the conventional green T intersection are less clear. Past research
      has been limited to small sample sizes, or utilized only statistical comparisons
      reported crashes to evaluate the safety performance relative to similar
      intersection types. The present study overcomes past safety research evaluations
      by using a propensity scores-potential outcomes framework, with genetic matching,
      to compare the safety performance of the continuous green T to conventional
      signalized intersections, using treatment and comparison site data from Florida
      and South Carolina. The results show that the expected total, fatal and injury,
      and target crash (rear-end, angle, and sideswipe) frequencies are lower at the
      continuous green T intersection relative to the conventional signalized
      intersection (CMFs of 0.958 [95% CI=0.772-1.189], 0.846 [95% CI=0.651-1.099], and
      0.920 [95% CI=0.714-1.185], respectively). 

PMID- 27129113
TI  - Simultaneous Liver Kidney Transplant (SLK) Allocation Policy Change Proposal: Is
      It Really a Smart Move?

PMID- 27129114
TI  - Comparative sensitivity of juvenile and adult Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Mollusca:
      Hydrobiidae) under chronic exposure to cadmium and tributyltin.
AB  - To investigate a potential extension of a partial life cycle test protocol to a
      full life cycle test design, a comparative sensitivity analysis with juvenile and
      adult Potamopyrgus antipodarum was performed. Neonates and adult snails were
      exposed to the metal cadmium (Cd) and the endocrine disruptor tributyltin (TBT)
      at nominal concentrations ranging from 1.56 to 50 MUg Cd/L and from 25 to 1,000
      ng TBT-Sn/L. The experiments were performed over 28 days at 16 degrees C in a
      semi-static test design. Mortality was assessed for both life stages. Juvenile
      snails' specific growth rate and reproduction of adults were investigated as main
      endpoints. We determined effects on snails' survival, juvenile growth and embryo
      numbers in the brood pouch of adult snails under exposure to both chemicals.
      Juvenile control mortality was between 25% and 30% and significantly higher than
      in the control groups with adult snails. A higher sensitivity of juvenile snails
      compared to adults was observed for the endpoint mortality. Calculated LC50 in Cd
      exposed snails was 38.2 MUg/L for adults and 15.0 MUg/L for juvenile snails.
      Significant effects on mortality in TBT exposed adult snails occurred at the
      highest test concentration only with a LC50 of 535 ng Sn/L. Juvenile survival was
      significantly affected at 50.8 ng Sn/L and higher concentrations. Effect
      concentrations for the main endpoints reproduction and juvenile growth show
      comparable sensitivities. For Cd exposed groups, EC50 values were 11.3 MUg/L for
      the endpoint reproduction in adult snails and 3.82 MUg/L for juvenile growth with
      overlapping confidence intervals. TBT also significantly affected juvenile
      snails' growth (EC50: 178 ng Sn /L). EC50 for embryo numbers was 125 ng TBT-Sn/L.
      Results indicate the manageability of a FLC test starting with newly hatched
      snails. Precautions have to be taken to guarantee a sufficient number of
      surviving snails until adulthood so that reproduction can be assessed. For final
      decision for the practicability of a FLC, further tests are needed. 

PMID- 27129116
TI  - Volume of distribution - Again.

PMID- 27129115
TI  - Anti-Angiogenic Properties of Cafestol and Kahweol Palmitate Diterpene Esters.
AB  - Epidemiological studies support the association of coffee-specific diterpenes,
      with various beneficial health effects. Although anti-antiangiogenic properties
      of free cafestol and kahweol have been recently described, available data
      regarding their esterified form, in particular palmitate esters as the main
      diterpene esters present in coffee, are still rare. Given that angiogenesis plays
      an important role in many pathological conditions, including cancer growth and
      metastasis, this study aimed to assess and compare the potential anti-angiogenic
      effects of cafestol palmitate (CP) and kahweol palmitate (KP) in an in vitro
      angiogenesis model. According to our findings, both compounds inhibited
      angiogenesis steps on human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs), although a
      more significant effect was observed for KP. Compared to control, HMVECs
      viability decreased in a dose-dependent manner upon incubation either with CP or
      KP. Concentrations of 75 and 100 MUM of each compound were cytotoxic. Cell
      proliferation was also dramatically reduced by both diterpene esters at 50 MUM,
      although KP had a stronger inhibitory effect. However, CP and KP did not induce
      apoptosis on HMVECs. Both compounds reduced cell migration, but this effect was
      only statistically significant after KP incubation. Inhibition of VEGFR2
      expression and its downstream effector Akt, but not Erk, was also observed in CP-
      and KP-treated HMVECs. These findings were confirmed using ELISA assay for
      phosphorylated (active) VEGFR-2. Taken together, these data indicate that both CP
      and KP can be considered potent compounds against angiogenesis-dependent
      disorders. Our findings further indicate that KP exerts more potent anti
      angiogenic effects than CP, in most of assays. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2748-2756,
      2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27129117
TI  - The effect of mild and moderate hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of
      tofacitinib, an orally active Janus kinase inhibitor.
AB  - Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid
      arthritis. We report here an evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of a single 10 mg
      dose of tofacitinib in healthy volunteers (n = 6) and subjects with mild (n = 6)
      or moderate (n = 6) hepatic impairment. Compared to healthy volunteers,
      tofacitinib area under the plasma concentration-time profile from time 0 to
      infinity (AUCinf ) and maximum observed concentration (Cmax ) in subjects with
      mild hepatic impairment were not altered. In subjects with moderate hepatic
      impairment, the geometric mean AUCinf and Cmax of tofacitinib were increased (90%
      confidence intervals of percentage increase) by approximately 65% (25%, 117%) and
      49% (12%, 97%), respectively. A single dose of tofacitinib 10 mg resulted in two
      treatment-emergent adverse events (AE) in the mild hepatic impairment group, and
      one in the moderate hepatic impairment group; they were not considered related to
      study treatment. There were no deaths, serious AEs, discontinuations due to AEs,
      or dose reductions due to AEs. Data from this study were critical to deriving
      dose adjustments for subjects with hepatic impairment.

PMID- 27129118
TI  - Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of compound SFDAC by
      intranasal administration of multiple escalating dose in healthy male subjects.
AB  - A novel corticosteroid compound (short form of IUPAC name: SFDAC) has been
      discovered by Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company (SPARC) Ltd. A randomized,
      observer-blind, active-controlled, parallel-groups, intranasal multiple
      escalating dose study was conducted in healthy male subjects to assess safety,
      tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of compound SFDAC formulated
      as an aqueous suspension for intranasal administration. Intranasal sprays of
      SFDAC, active control fluticasone propionate (FP) and placebo were administered
      once in a day for 14 days as per randomization. Various clinical evaluations
      including 24-hour serum cortisol and urinary free cortisol (UFC) profiles were
      carried out. Blood samples were collected at pre-defined time-points and analyzed
      using a validated chromatographic method for estimation of SFDAC and its
      metabolite. The results of the study indicate that multiple dose of SFDAC
      intranasal spray upto 3,200 ug is safe and tolerated. Clinically significant
      suppression of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis was not observed. The
      plasma concentration of SFDAC was found to be below the lower limit of
      quantification (LLQ) at most time-points for all subjects. SFDAC M1 metabolite
      was detected only at picogram level in plasma. The safety and pharmacokinetic
      characteristics of SFDAC observed in this study support further clinical
      development of the SFDAC nasal spray.

PMID- 27129120
TI  - Piroxicam immediate release formulations: A fasting randomized open-label
      crossover bioequivalence study in healthy volunteers.
AB  - Piroxicam is a NSAID with analgesic and antipyretic properties, used for the
      treatment of rheumatoid diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      bioequivalence of two brands of piroxicam capsules (20 mg) in 24 Egyptian
      volunteers. The in vivo study was established according to a single-center,
      randomized, single-dose, laboratory-blinded, 2-period, 2-sequence, crossover
      study with a washout period of 3 weeks. Under fasting conditions, 24 healthy male
      volunteers were randomly selected to receive a single oral dose of one capsule
      (20 mg) of either test or reference product. Plasma samples were obtained over a
      144-hour interval and analyzed for piroxicam by HPLC with UV detection. The
      pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax , tmax , AUC0-t , AUC0-infinity , Vd /F, Cl/F,
      and t1/2 were determined from plasma concentration-time profiles. The 90%
      confidence intervals for the ratio of log transformed values of Cmax , AUC0-t ,
      and AUC0-infinity of the two treatments were within the acceptable range (0.8
      1.25) for bioequivalence. From PK perspectives, the two piroxicam formulations
      were considered bioequivalent, based on the rate and extent of absorption. No
      adverse events occurred or were reported after a single 20-mg piroxicam and both
      formulations were well-tolerated.

PMID- 27129119
TI  - A randomized, double blind, dose escalation, first time in human study to assess
      the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity of single
      doses of GSK2485852 in chronically infected hepatitis C subjects.
AB  - This first-time-in-human, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose
      escalation study assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and
      antiviral activity of GSK2485852, a hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B inhibitor, in 27
      chronically infected HCV genotype-1 subjects. Subjects received GSK2485852 70,
      420, and 70 mg with a moderate fat/caloric meal. Safety, pharmacokinetics,
      antiviral activity, HCV genotype/phenotype, and interleukin 28B genotype were
      evaluated. A statistically significant reduction in HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA)
      was observed after a single dose of 420 mg GSK2485852 (-1.33 log10  IU/mL)
      compared with placebo (-0.09 log10  IU/mL) at 24 hours post-dose. Subjects
      receiving 70 mg GSK2485852 were exposed to concentrations above the protein
      adjusted 90% effective concentration for a short time; none experienced a
      significant decline in HCV RNA (-0.47 log10  copies/mL). GSK2485852 was readily
      absorbed; however, the observed geometric mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax
      ) and area under the curve (AUC) values were significantly lower than expected
      due to a higher-than-predicted-oral clearance. Co-administration with food
      reduced the AUC and Cmax of GSK2485852 by 40% and 70%, respectively. Two
      metabolites were detected in human blood with one having approximately 50% higher
      concentrations than those of the parent. GSK2485852 was well-tolerated and
      exhibited antiviral activity after a single 420 mg dose in HCV subjects.

PMID- 27129121
TI  - Single-dose pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of modified-release
      formulations of lersivirine in healthy subjects.

PMID- 27129122
TI  - PRTX-100 and methotrexate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: A Phase
      Ib randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study.
AB  - PRTX-100 is a highly-purified preparation of staphylococcal protein A (SpA), with
      immunologic activity in vitro and in animal models of immune-mediated
      inflammation. Following single-dose healthy volunteer studies of safety and
      pharmacokinetics (PK), a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      sequential dose-escalation, repeated-dose phase I trial was conducted in patients
      with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on methotrexate therapy. Patients were
      randomized to receive either weekly intravenous PRTX-100 (0.15, 0.45, 0.90, or
      1.50 ug/kg) or placebo for 4 weeks. Safety and disease activity were assessed
      over 16 weeks. Pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained after the first and fourth
      doses. The most common treatment-related adverse events were nausea, muscle
      spasms, dizziness, flushing, fatigue, RA flare, and headache. No serious adverse
      events were considered related to PRTX-100, and none occurred in the highest dose
      group. Geometric mean values for plasma Cmax (ng/mL) were 4.1, 15.7, 26.5, and
      51.2 for doses of 0.15, 0.45, 0.90, and 1.5 ug/kg, respectively. Anti-drug
      antibodies (ADAs) developed in most PRTX-100 patients, but incidence and titer
      were not dose-dependent. At the two highest doses, data suggest PRTX-100 may have
      an effect on RA disease activity, even in patients with ADAs.

PMID- 27129123
TI  - Effect of food on the oral bioavailability of amlodipine/valsartan and
      amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide fixed dose combination tablets in
      healthy subjects.
AB  - A double fixed dose combination of amlodipine/valsartan and triple fixed dose
      combination of amlodipine/valsartan/HCTZ tablets have been developed to treat
      patients with moderate-to-severe hypertension. Here, we present the effect of
      food on the oral bioavailability of these two fixed dose combination tablets from
      two separate clinical studies in healthy subjects. Single oral doses of
      amlodipine/valsartan (10/160 mg) and amlodipine/valsartan/HCTZ (10/320/25 mg were
      administered under fasted or fed conditions. Blood samples were collected in both
      studies to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of amlodipine, valsartan,
      and/or HCTZ using non-compartmental analysis. Following amlodipine/valsartan
      administration, the geometric mean ratios (GMRs, 90% CI) of AUC0-infinity and
      Cmax were 1.09 (1.05-1.13) and 1.03 (0.97-1.09) for amlodipine, and 0.94 (0.81
      1.10) and 0.86 (0.73-1.02) for valsartan, respectively. Following
      amlodipine/valsartan/HCTZ administration, the GMRs (90%CI) of AUC0-infinity and
      Cmax were 1.09 (1.04-1.15) and 1.11 (1.05-1.08) for amlodipine, 1.14 (0.99-1.31)
      and 1.12 (0.98-1.29) for valsartan, and 1.09 (1.02-1.16) and 0.86 (0.79-0.93) for
      HCTZ, respectively. Considering the sample size and pharmacokinetic variability
      associated with analytes, these study results indicate that food effect is
      minimal or none when fixed dose combination tablets are administered with food.
      In conclusion, both fixed dose combination tablets can be administered without
      regards to meals.

PMID- 27129124
TI  - Bioequivalence of enalapril oral solution for treatment of pediatric hypertension
      and enalapril tablets.
AB  - Treating children with compounded liquid formulations of tablets intended for
      adults, where quality-control and compliance issues exist, was previously the
      only antihypertensive therapy option. A 1-mg/mL oral solution of enalapril
      maleate (enalapril), EpanedTM, recently approved by the Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA), is the first angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor
      treatment for pediatric hypertension. The pharmacokinetic comparability of
      enalapril oral solution to the reference listed drug (RLD) tablet was assessed
      under fasted conditions. The effect of food on the bioavailability of enalapril
      oral solution was also assessed. Plasma levels of enalapril and the active
      metabolite, enalaprilat, were measured postdose using validated liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy methods. The ratio of enalapril oral
      solution to the RLD tablet was assessed. The 90% confidence intervals for the
      geometric mean ratios of Cmax , AUClast , and AUCinf for plasma levels of
      enalapril and enalaprilat were bioequivalent (within the FDA-accepted range of 80
      125%). A commercially available oral solution of enalapril is bioequivalent to
      tablet formulations and can expand therapeutic options for pediatric patients.
      Administering enalapril oral solution with a high-fat meal decreased Cmax of
      plasma concentrations of enalapril and Cmax , AUClast , and AUCinf of plasma
      concentrations of enalaprilat compared to enalapril oral solution under fasting
      conditions.

PMID- 27129125
TI  - Evaluation of the potential interaction between tofacitinib and drugs that
      undergo renal tubular secretion using metformin, an in vivo marker of renal
      organic cation transporter 2.
AB  - Tofacitinib is a novel, oral Janus kinase inhibitor. The potential for drug-drug
      interactions (DDIs) between tofacitinib and drugs that undergo renal tubular
      secretion was evaluated using metformin as a probe transporter substrate, and
      genotyping for organic cation transporter (OCT) 1, OCT2 and multidrug and toxin
      extrusion 1 polymorphisms. Twenty-four healthy male subjects completed this open
      label, fixed-sequence study. Subjects were administered a single oral metformin
      500 mg dose on Days 1 and 4, and multiple oral tofacitinib 30 mg twice daily
      doses on Days 2, 3, and 4. Subjects underwent serial blood and urine samplings
      (Days 1 and 4) to estimate metformin pharmacokinetics. A single blood sample for
      tofacitinib was collected 2 hours after the morning dose (Day 4). The 90%
      confidence intervals for the ratios of maximum plasma concentration, area under
      the curve and renal clearance of metformin, with and without tofacitinib, were
      contained within the 80-125% acceptance range commonly used to establish a lack
      of DDI. No deaths, serious adverse events (AEs), severe AEs or discontinuations
      due to AEs were reported. The study confirms tofacitinib is unlikely to impact
      the pharmacokinetics of drugs that undergo renal tubular secretion, and concurs
      with its weak in vitro OCT2 inhibitory profile.

PMID- 27129126
TI  - Noninvasive optical diagnostics of enhanced green fluorescent protein expression
      in skeletal muscle for comparison of electroporation and sonoporation
      efficiencies.
AB  - We highlight the options available for noninvasive optical diagnostics of
      reporter gene expression in mouse tibialis cranialis muscle. An in vivo
      multispectral imaging technique combined with fluorescence spectroscopy point
      measurements has been used for the transcutaneous detection of enhanced green
      fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression, providing information on location and
      duration of EGFP expression and allowing quantification of EGFP expression
      levels. For EGFP coding plasmid (pEGFP-Nuc Vector, 10  MUg/50  ml 10  MUg/50  ml
      ) transfection, we used electroporation or ultrasound enhanced microbubble
      cavitation [sonoporation (SP)]. The transcutaneous EGFP fluorescence in live mice
      was monitored over a period of one year using the described parameters: area of
      EGFP positive fibers, integral intensity, and mean intensity of EGFP
      fluorescence. The most efficient transfection of EGFP coding plasmid was
      achieved, when one high voltage and four low voltage electric pulses were
      applied. This protocol resulted in the highest short-term and long-term EGFP
      expression. Other electric pulse protocols as well as SP resulted in lower
      fluorescence intensities of EGFP in the transfected area. We conclude that
      noninvasive multispectral imaging technique combined with fluorescence
      spectroscopy point measurements is a suitable method to estimate the dynamics and
      efficiency of reporter gene transfection in vivo.

PMID- 27129127
TI  - Meta-analysis of confocal laser endomicroscopy for the diagnosis of gastric
      neoplasia and adenocarcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a recently developed technique
      used to diagnose gastrointestinal diseases. The current meta-analysis aimed to
      systematically assess the ability of CLE to diagnose neoplasia and gastric
      adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using
      PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library for endomicroscopy, gastric neoplasia and
      gastric adenocarcinoma. Sensitivity and specificity data on the diagnosis of
      neoplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma were pooled. A summary receiver operating
      characteristic (sROC) curve was performed and the area under the curve was
      calculated. RESULTS: In all, 13 studies were included in the current study. The
      pooled sensitivity and specificity assessing CLE as a method to diagnose gastric
      neoplasia were 0.81 and 0.98, respectively. For the diagnosis of gastric
      adenocarcinoma, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.89 and 0.99,
      respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.82 and 0.95 when
      differentiating high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia from low-grade
      intraepithelial neoplasia. Additionally, the pooled sensitivity and specificity
      were 0.87 and 0.96, respectively, when distinguishing undifferentiated gastric
      adenocarcinoma from differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: CLE has a
      high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing gastric intraepithelial neoplasia
      and gastric adenocarcinoma; therefore, it could be considered an alternative to
      the endoscopic method used to diagnose gastric intraepithelial neoplasia and
      gastric adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27129129
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27129128
TI  - High Reliability of a Scoring System for Implant Position in Undisplaced Femoral
      Neck Fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the intrarater and interrater
      reliability of a scoring system for internal fixation (SIFA) in undisplaced
      femoral neck fractures (FNF). DESIGN: A reproducibility study with a historical
      consecutive cohort. SETTING: The patients were all treated at a level one trauma
      hospital. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of patients with FNF, treated with 2
      parallel implants, was retrieved using a local county register, and the cohort
      was assessed for undisplaced FNF until the desired sample size was reached. One
      hundred two patients had their x-ray images reviewed 2 times with a minimum 14
      days interval, by 3 raters, all blinded for each other's results, and an
      independent person analyzed the data with unweighted kappa statistics. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Implant positions on the first postoperative anterior
      posterior and axial radiographs were first visually assessed, then objectively
      measured according to SIFA, which consists of 5 individual measurements; screw
      tip distance, screw femoral shaft angle, inferior screw calcar distance, and
      screw position in the femoral head in the anterior-posterior and axial
      radiographs. RESULTS: Visually assessed implant position gave intrarater kappa
      results for the individual components of SIFA at 0.40-0.75 (rater 1), 0.75-0.98
      (rater 2), and 0.69-0.83 (rater 3), with interrater kappa results at 0.18-0.80
      (combined range). Objectively measured implant position for the individual
      components of SIFA gave intrarater kappa results at 0.56-1.0 (rater 1), 0.74-0.89
      (rater 2), and 0.81-0.94 (rater 3), with interrater kappa results at 0.56-0.85
      (combined range). The overall SIFA score has similar higher intrarater and
      interrater results for the measured (0.51-0.78) compared with the visual
      assessment (0.13-0.78). The assessment in the axial view of the screw position in
      femoral head had the largest difference of acceptable positioning, when comparing
      visual assessment with the measured. CONCLUSIONS: The SIFA demonstrates
      substantial intrarater and interrater reliability (kappa 0.51-0.78), when raters
      make measurements of radiographs, but lower reliability (kappa 0.13-0.78) when
      raters visually assess the radiographs without measuring. The SIFA should be
      assessed on a large cohort, for correlation with clinical evaluation.

PMID- 27129130
TI  - Respiratory impedance in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
AB  - : Impulse oscillometry (IOS) evaluates non-effort-dependent respiratory
      mechanics, and thus it may be useful to evaluate patients with Duchenne muscular
      dystrophy (DMD). OBJECTIVES: We aimed (1) to describe the behavior of IOS
      parameters in patients with DMD, and compare it to those from a control group;
      (2) to determine whether resistances and reactances differ in relation to the
      severity of DMD; and (3) to compare IOS parameters with spirometry and maximal
      inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures. METHODS: Children and
      adolescents (<20 years old) with biopsy-confirmed DMD and age-paired subjects
      were cross-sectionally evaluated. All results were transformed to z scores with
      respect to the healthy subjects (reference population). RESULTS: Anthropometric
      characteristics did not differ between the 31 patients and 69 controls included
      in the study. Compared with controls, patients with DMD had higher IOS
      resistances and lower reactances. As expected, FEV1 and FVC were lower in
      patients and always declined as age increased. By contrast, MIP and MEP were
      lower-than-normal in youngest patients, tended to improve around puberty
      initiation, and declined thereafter. In general, there was a poor correlation
      between IOS parameters and spirometric variables or respiratory pressures,
      excepting for X20 Hz, which had an inverse correlation with FEV1 . Interestingly,
      IOS resistances were higher in patients with less disability (lower Vignos score;
      better FVC), but tended to be normalized in advanced stages of the disease.
      CONCLUSION: This study showed that IOS is feasible in children and adolescents
      with DMD and yields information about respiratory function not achievable with
      the usual forced techniques. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1072-1079. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27129131
TI  - Long-Term Fine Particulate Matter Exposure and Major Depressive Disorder in a
      Community-Based Urban Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have associated short-term air pollution exposure
      with depression. Although an animal study showed an association between long-term
      exposure to particulate matter <= 2.5 MUm (PM2.5) and depression, epidemiological
      studies assessing the long-term association are scarce. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to
      determine the association between long-term PM2.5 exposure and major depressive
      disorder (MDD). METHODS: A total of 27,270 participants 15-79 years of age who
      maintained an address within the same districts in Seoul, Republic of Korea,
      throughout the entire study period (between 2002 and 2010) and without a previous
      MDD diagnosis were analyzed. We used three district-specific exposure indices as
      measures of long-term PM2.5 exposure. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted
      for potential confounding factors and measured at district and individual levels
      were constructed. We further conducted stratified analyses according to
      underlying chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease,
      and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. RESULTS: The risk of MDD during the
      follow-up period (2008-2010) increased with an increase of 10 MUg/m3 in PM2.5 in
      2007 [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.17, 1.78], PM2.5 between 2007 and 2010
      (HR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.49), and 12-month moving average of PM2.5 until an
      event or censor (HR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.90). The association between long
      term PM2.5 exposure and MDD was greater in participants with underlying chronic
      diseases than in participants without these diseases. CONCLUSION: Long-term PM2.5
      exposure increased the risk of MDD among the general population. Individuals with
      underlying chronic diseases are more vulnerable to long-term PM2.5 exposure.
      CITATION: Kim KN, Lim YH, Bae HJ, Kim M, Jung K, Hong YC. 2016. Long-term fine
      particulate matter exposure and major depressive disorder in a community-based
      urban cohort. Environ Health Perspect 124:1547-1553;
      http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP192.

PMID- 27129132
TI  - Chemiluminescence and Bioluminescence as an Excitation Source in the Photodynamic
      Therapy of Cancer: A Critical Review.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer is known for its limited number of side
      effects, and requires light, oxygen and photosensitizer. However, PDT is limited
      by poor penetration of light into deeply localized tissues, and the use of
      external light sources is required. Thus, researchers have been studying ways to
      improve the effectiveness of this phototherapy and expand it for the treatment of
      the deepest cancers, by using chemiluminescent or bioluminescent formulations to
      excite the photosensitizer by intracellular generation of light. The aim of this
      Minireview is to give a precis of the most important general chemi
      /bioluminescence mechanisms and to analyze several studies that apply them for
      PDT. These studies have demonstrated the potential of utilizing chemi
      /bioluminescence as excitation source in the PDT of cancer, besides combining new
      approaches to overcome the limitations of this mode of treatment. 

PMID- 27129133
TI  - Radiological characterization of printed circuit boards for future elimination.
AB  - Electronic components like printed circuit boards (PCBs) are commonly used in
      CERN's accelerator complex. During their lifetime some of these PCBs are exposed
      to a radiation field of protons, neutrons and pions and are activated. In view of
      their disposal towards the appropriate final repository, a radiological
      characterization must be performed. The present work proposes a general
      characterization procedure based on the definition of a reference chemical
      composition, on the calculation of the corresponding radionuclide inventory and
      on the measurement of a tracer radionuclide. This method has been validated with
      real-life cases of electronic boards which were exposed to the typical radiation
      fields in CERN's accelerators. The activation studies demonstrate that silver is
      the key element with respect to the radiological characterization of electronic
      waste due to the production of Ag-110m and Ag-108m. A sensitivity analysis shows
      that the waiting time is the main parameter affecting the radionuclide inventory.
      Results also indicate that, as is the case of other families of radioactive
      waste, an accurate assessment of the radiological inventory of PCBs would require
      the precise knowledge of their chemical composition, as well as the radiation
      field to which they were exposed.

PMID- 27129134
TI  - Isolated adnexal torsion in a 20-week spontaneous twin pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adnexal torsion can be a life-threatning condition in pregnancy,
      while the risk of late diagnosis is increased, in second and third trimester in
      particular. Laparoscopy is an effective approach in diagnosis and treatment of
      adnexal torsion. However, entry to abdomen may be challenging in more advanced
      pregnancies. CASE REPORT: Herein, we report a case of adnexal torsion during 20th
      week of twin pregnancy, which was detorsioned laparoscopically. The woman
      delivered healthy infants at her 36th week of pregnancy. DISCUSSION: Adnexal
      torsion as a cause of acute abdomen may be kept in mind in pregnants, even if
      there is no predisposing factor. Laparoscopy may be performed safely in 2nd
      trimester for acute abdomen.

PMID- 27129135
TI  - Constrained captive acetabular cup for recurrent dislocation of hemiarthroplasty
      in elderly: A case series.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hemiarthroplasty of the hip is one of the commonest procedures done
      for intracapsular fractures of the neck of femur in elderly. Dislocation of the
      hemiarthroplasty is a recognised and significant complication. This is associated
      with considerable morbidity and mortality. The treatment options include closed
      manipulation, skin and skeletal traction, conversion to total hip replacement,
      exploration and open reduction and leaving it out of the acetabulum. PRESENTATION
      OF CASE: A retrospective review of ten patients with recurrent and failed closed
      manipulative reduction of hemiarthroplasty who underwent revision using a
      cemented captive acetabular cup and cement to cement revision of femoral
      component with Exeter CDH stem was carried out. The follow up period was two
      years and the functional outcomes were assessed using Harris hip scores.
      DISCUSSION: The management of recurrent dislocations of hemiarthroplasty in
      elderly patient are very challenging. Even though various treatment options are
      described most of them are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and
      prevent these patients from early mobilisation. The use of captive acetabular
      avoid repeated dislocations, prolonged bed rest, wearing of a brace and all the
      complications associated with sustained immobilization. The drawbacks of using
      constrained cups are hip pain, limited hip movements and loosening. CONCLUSION:
      We describe a new method of treatment of this difficult condition with a cemented
      constrained acetabular captive cup and cement to cement revision using a CDH
      femoral stem. This method prevents further dislocations and will give good
      functional outcomes thus reducing the high morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 27129136
TI  - Video-based supervision for training of endoscopic submucosal dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Adoption of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in
      Western countries has been limited by the difficulty in learning the procedure.
      Although a porcine model is commonly used for ESD training, without expert
      guidance the procedure is difficult to master. The availability of Western ESD
      experts is limited, and expert supervision through a remote video-based system
      may be a practical method for Western endoscopists to learn ESD. The aim of this
      study was to assess the value of video-based remote evaluation in supervising ESD
      training. METHODS: Two Western endoscopists performed ESD training procedures in
      an ex vivo porcine model at least every 2 weeks until competency was achieved.
      Competency was defined as consistent en bloc resection of a 3-cm area within 30
      minutes, and without perforation, using the proper ESD technique. A Japanese ESD
      expert at the National Cancer Center in Tokyo, Japan, analyzed the training
      videos, scored them, and provided written feedback for improvement after each
      training session and before the trainee's next training session. RESULTS:
      Endoscopist 1 reached competency at 23 procedures and endoscopist 2 reached
      competency at 25 procedures. No difference in skill improvement between the two
      endoscopists was noted. One trainee subsequently completed eight ESD procedures
      in patients, with curative en bloc resection and no complications. CONCLUSION: A
      standardized ESD training program including educational presentations/videos and
      preclinical animal training with expert guidance through a remote video-based
      system is an effective tool for learning ESD techniques in preparation for
      performing the procedure in humans.

PMID- 27129137
TI  - Histologic diagnosis of pancreatic masses using 25-gauge endoscopic ultrasound
      needles with and without a core trap: a multicenter randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration
      (EUS-FNA) with 25-gauge needles yields small volume samples that are mainly
      processed for cytology. Using 25-gauge needles with a core trap may overcome this
      limitation. This trial compared 25-gauge needles with and without a core trap in
      terms of their ability to obtain histologic samples from solid pancreatic masses.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with solid pancreatic masses who
      presented to eight Japanese referral centers for EUS-FNA in April - September
      2013 were randomized to undergo sampling with a 25-gauge needle with a core trap
      (ProCore) or a standard 25-gauge needle. Tissue samples were fixed in formalin
      and processed for histologic evaluation. For the purpose of this study only
      samples obtained with the first needle pass were used for comparison of: (i)
      accuracy for the diagnosis of malignancy, (ii) rate of samples with preserved
      tissue architecture adequate for histologic evaluation, and (iii) sample
      cellularity. RESULTS: A total of 214 patients were enrolled. Compared to the
      first pass with a standard needle (n = 108), the first pass with the ProCore
      needle (n = 106) provided samples that were more often adequate for histologic
      evaluation (81.1 % vs. 69.4 %; P = 0.048) and had superior cellularity
      (rich/moderate/poor, 36 %/27 %/37 % vs. 19 %/26 %/55 %; P = 0.003). There were no
      significant differences between the two needles in sensitivity (75.6 % vs. 69.0
      %, P = 0.337) and accuracy (79.2 % vs. 75.9 %, P = 0.561) for the diagnosis of
      malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with solid pancreatic masses, a 25-gauge EUS
      FNA needle with a core trap provides histologic samples of better quality than a
      standard 25-gauge needle. There was no difference in accuracy for the diagnosis
      of malignancy between the needles. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: UMIN000010021.

PMID- 27129140
TI  - Corrigendum: Volatile organic compounds in truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico):
      comparison of samples from different regions of Italy and from different seasons.

PMID- 27129139
TI  - Music therapy can lower the heart rates of severely sick children.
AB  - AIM: Paediatric recipients of haematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) are at
      increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and there is
      a need to identify interventions that can alleviate stress in this group. The aim
      of this study was to examine the previously unexplored effect of music therapy on
      children undergoing HSCT, by analysing physiological parameters and comparing
      them with a control group. METHODS: We performed a randomised clinical pilot
      study of 24 patients up to the age of 16 undergoing HSCT at Karolinska University
      Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden. Music therapy, including expressive and receptive
      elements, was performed twice a week in the treatment group and compared to
      standard care in the control group. Physiological parameters were evaluated
      according to the hospital's protocols. RESULTS: The music therapy group had
      significantly reduced evening heart rates compared to the control group (p <
      0.001), and the effect was sustainable for four to eight hours after the
      intervention. There were no significant differences in saturation or blood
      pressure observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: Music therapy significantly
      lowered the heart rate of children undergoing HSCT for at least four to eight
      hours, indicating reduced stress levels and potentially lowering the risk of
      developing PTSD.

PMID- 27129138
TI  - Ana o 1 and Ana o 2 cashew allergens share cross-reactive CD4(+) T cell epitopes
      with other tree nuts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allergies to cashew are increasing in prevalence, with clinical
      symptoms ranging from oral pruritus to fatal anaphylactic reaction. Yet, cashew
      specific T cell epitopes and T cell cross-reactivity amongst cashew and other
      tree nut allergens in humans remain uncharacterized. OBJECTIVES: In this study,
      we characterized cashew-specific T cell responses in cashew-allergic subjects and
      examined cross-reactivity of these cashew-specific cells towards other tree nut
      allergens. METHODS: CD154 up-regulation assay was used to determine
      immunodominance hierarchy among cashew major allergens at the T cell level. The
      phenotype, magnitude and functionality of cashew-specific T cells were determined
      by utilizing ex vivo staining with MHC class II tetramers. Dual tetramer staining
      and proliferation experiments were used to determine cross-reactivity to other
      tree nuts. RESULTS: CD4(+) T cell responses were directed towards cashew
      allergens Ana o 1 and Ana o 2. Multiple Ana o 1 and Ana o 2 T cell epitopes were
      then identified. These epitopes elicited either TH 2 or TH 2/TH 17 responses in
      allergic subjects, which were either cashew unique epitope or cross-reactive
      epitopes. For clones that recognized the cross-reactive epitope, T cell clones
      responded robustly to cashew, hazelnut and/or pistachio but not to walnut.
      CONCLUSIONS: Phylogenetically diverse tree nut allergens can activate cashew
      reactive T cells and elicit a TH 2-type response at an epitope-specific level.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Lack of cross-reactivity between walnut and cashew suggests
      that cashew peptide immunotherapy approach may not be most effective for walnut.

PMID- 27129141
TI  - Abstracts: 2014 American College of Clinical Pharmacology Annual Meeting.

PMID- 27129142
TI  - Prevalence and Demographic Correlates of Alexithymia: A Comparison Between
      Australian Psychiatric and Community Samples.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A cross-sectional empirical design was used to compare differences in
      alexithymia between Australian psychiatric and community samples and examine the
      influence of sample type on the relation between alexithymia and psychological
      distress. METHOD: Psychiatric outpatients (N = 151) and a convenience sample of
      the general community (N = 216) completed questionnaires measuring alexithymia
      and psychological distress. RESULTS: Alexithymia was several times more prevalent
      in the psychiatric sample than the community sample. While the psychiatric sample
      reported greater psychological distress, no difference was found in the strength
      of the association between alexithymia and psychological distress between the
      study samples. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the pervasive problem
      alexithymia presents within the Australian psychiatric population and the
      importance of increasing recognition of alexithymia for the future research about
      and treatment of psychiatric patients.

PMID- 27129143
TI  - A special type of scald caused by prolonged exposure to slowly heated water.
AB  - When skin is subjected to water temperatures gradually rising from moderate to
      critical ranges for a prolonged period of time, the resulting scalds will
      initially present as reddening, followed by blistering and at last by full
      thickness burns. On changing from second- to third-degree burn, the blisters stop
      to become enlarged and solidify due to heat-induced coagulation necrosis. Such
      gradually intensifying tissue damage results in multiple firm skin blisters
      together with third-degree burn of the affected area. The initially serous
      blister fluid assumes a jelly-like consistency as the proteins undergo
      denaturation. Scalds of this special type may occur in persons taking a bath and
      becoming incapable to act so that the warm water tap remains turned on or a
      hairdryer continues to work after having been dropped into the bath water. On the
      basis of two relevant fatalities (suicidal electrocutions in bathtubs by means of
      hairdryers), the macroscopic and histological appearance of blisters which only
      secondarily turned into a full-thickness scald is compared with blisters in
      genuine second-degree scalds. The blister fluid of the latter ones was also
      investigated as to their protein composition and hemoglobin concentration. 

PMID- 27129144
TI  - Crystals and tablets in the Spanish ecstasy market 2000-2014: Are they the same
      or different in terms of purity and adulteration?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has a long history
      in recreational settings, research on its composition (purity and adulteration)
      has focused only on tablets even though crystal format is readily available for
      users. METHODS: Drug specimens collected between January 2000 and December 2014
      were analyzed at Energy Control's facilities. All samples were voluntarily
      provided by drug users. Sample identification was made with thin layer
      chromatography and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and
      quantification with ultraviolet spectrophotometry (only in unadulterated
      samples). RESULTS: Between January 2000 and December 2014, 6200 samples purchased
      as ecstasy by their users were analyzed. Crystals were the most frequent format
      (60.6%) followed by tablets (38.8%). During the study period, the proportion of
      samples containing only MDMA was higher in crystals than in tablets. Compared
      with tablets, adulterated crystal samples contained the same number of
      adulterants but more combinations of different substances. Although caffeine was
      commonly detected as adulterant both in crystals and tablets, other substances
      such as phenacetin, lidocaine, dextrometorphan or methamphetamine were detected
      almost exclusively in crystal samples. The amount of MDMA in crystal samples
      remained stable unlike tablets for which a huge increase in MDMA dose was
      observed since 2010. CONCLUSION: Crystal samples of ecstasy showed clear
      differences compared to ecstasy tablets and this must be taken into account both
      in research and harm reduction.

PMID- 27129145
TI  - Heparanase expression upregulates platelet adhesion activity and thrombogenicity.
AB  - Heparanase is an endo-glucuronidase that specifically cleaves heparan sulfate
      (HS) and heparin polysaccharides. The enzyme is expressed at low levels in normal
      tissues, but is often upregulated under pathological conditions such as cancer
      and inflammation. Normal human platelets express exceptionally high levels of
      heparanase, but the functional consequences of this feature remain unknown. We
      investigated functional roles of heparanase by comparing the properties of
      platelets expressing high (Hpa-tg) or low (Ctr) levels of heparanase. Upon
      activation, Hpa-tg platelets exhibited a much stronger adhesion activity as
      compared to Ctr platelets, likely contributing to a higher thrombotic activity in
      a carotid thrombosis model. Furthermore, we found concomitant upregulated
      expression of both heparanase and CD62P (P-selectin) upon activation of mouse and
      human platelets. As platelets play important roles in tumor metastasis, these
      findings indicate contribution of the platelet heparanase to hyper-thrombotic
      conditions often seen in patients with metastatic cancer.

PMID- 27129146
TI  - CTNNA1 hypermethylation, a frequent event in acute myeloid leukemia, is
      independently associated with an adverse outcome.
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of CTNNA1 hypermethylation in
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients in an attempt to improve molecular
      prognostic model. CTNNA1 promoter methylation levels in 319 newly diagnosed AML
      patients were detected using quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain
      reaction (qMS-PCR). Furthermore, hematological characteristics, cytogenetic
      abnormalities, and genetic mutation status were analyzed, followed by assessment
      of clinical impact. Our findings demonstrated that CTNNA1 hypermethylation was
      observed in 25% AML patients. Hypermethylation of the CTNNA1 promoter was
      associated with unfavorable karyotype, and also possessed the higher frequency of
      coexisting with ASXL1 and RUNX1 mutations. Patients with CTNNA1 hypermethylation
      exhibited the shorter relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in
      the whole AML and non-M3 AML patients. Moreover, patients with the higher
      methylation levels had more aggressive course than those with relative lower
      levels. In multivariate analyses, CTNNA1 hypermethylation was an independent
      factor predicting for poor RFS, but not for OS. In conclusion, CTNNA1
      hypermethylation may be a reliable factor for improving prognostic molecular
      model for AML. 

PMID- 27129148
TI  - TAZ and YAP are frequently activated oncoproteins in sarcomas.
AB  - TAZ (WWTR1) and YAP are transcriptional coactivators and oncoproteins inhibited
      by the Hippo pathway. Herein we evaluate 159 sarcomas representing the most
      prevalent sarcoma types by immunohistochemistry for expression and activation
      (nuclear localization) of TAZ and YAP. We show that 50% of sarcomas demonstrate
      activation of YAP while 66% of sarcomas demonstrate activated TAZ. Differential
      activation of TAZ and YAP are identified in various sarcoma types. At an RNA
      level, expression of WWTR1 or YAP1 predicts overall survival in undifferentiated
      pleomorphic sarcoma and dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Immunohistochemistry
      demonstrates that TAZ and YAP expression and activation are positively correlated
      with grade in the well-differentiated liposarcoma to dedifferentiated liposarcoma
      tumor progression sequence as well as conventional chondrosarcomas. TAZ and YAP
      are constitutively activated oncoproteins in sarcoma cell lines. Knock-down of
      TAZ and YAP demonstrate differential activity for the two proteins. Verteporfin
      decreases colony formation in soft agar as well as CTGF expression in sarcoma
      cell lines harboring activated TAZ and YAP. 

PMID- 27129147
TI  - Synonymous mutations in oncogenesis and apoptosis versus survival unveiled by
      network modeling.
AB  - Synonymous mutations, which do not alter the encoded amino acid, have been
      routinely assumed to be 'neutral' and would have no effect on phenotype or
      fitness. Yet increasing observations have emerged to overturn this conventional
      concept. However, convicted elucidation of how synonymous mutations exert
      biological consequences in oncogenesis is still lacking. By performing systematic
      analysis of the TNF-alpha signaling network model, we identify the critical dose
      which separates the cell survival and apoptosis regions and define the sensitive
      parameters with single-parameter sensitivity analysis. Combining with the cancer
      related mutation spectra obtained from 9 cancers, our results hint that, similar
      as missense and nonsense mutations, synonymous mutations are also strongly
      correlated with the parameter sensitivity of the critical dose, providing
      possible causal mechanism of the mutations in cancer development. Based on such a
      correlation, we furthermore dissect that members of caspases family proteases
      (caspase3, 6, 8) could jointly inhibit NFkappaB activation, providing efficient
      pro-apoptotic behavior. Thus, we argue that apoptosis module could suppress
      survival module through negative feedback of caspases family on NFkappaB. 

PMID- 27129149
TI  - IAP antagonists sensitize murine osteosarcoma cells to killing by TNFalpha.
AB  - Outcomes for patients diagnosed with the bone cancer osteosarcoma have not
      improved significantly in the last four decades. Only around 60% of patients and
      about a quarter of those with metastatic disease survive for more than five
      years. Although DNA-damaging chemotherapy drugs can be effective, they can
      provoke serious or fatal adverse effects including cardiotoxicity and therapy
      related cancers. Better and safer treatments are therefore needed. We
      investigated the anti-osteosarcoma activity of IAP antagonists (also known as
      Smac mimetics) using cells from primary and metastatic osteosarcomas that arose
      spontaneously in mice engineered to lack p53 and Rb expression in osteoblast
      derived cells. The IAP antagonists SM-164, GDC-0152 and LCL161, which efficiently
      target XIAP and cIAPs, sensitized cells from most osteosarcomas to killing by low
      levels of TNFalpha but not TRAIL. RIPK1 expression levels and activity correlated
      with sensitivity. RIPK3 levels varied considerably between tumors and RIPK3 was
      not required for IAP antagonism to sensitize osteosarcoma cells to TNFalpha. IAP
      antagonists, including SM-164, lacked mutagenic activity. These data suggest that
      drugs targeting XIAP and cIAP1/2 may be effective for osteosarcoma patients whose
      tumors express abundant RIPK1 and contain high levels of TNFalpha, and would be
      unlikely to provoke therapy-induced cancers in osteosarcoma survivors. 

PMID- 27129150
TI  - Myelin injury induces axonal transport impairment but not AD-like pathology in
      the hippocampus of cuprizone-fed mice.
AB  - Both multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are progressive
      neurological disorders with myelin injury and memory impairment. However, whether
      myelin impairment could cause AD-like neurological pathology remains unclear. To
      explore neurological pathology following myelin injury, we assessed cognitive
      function, the expression of myelin proteins, axonal transport-associated
      proteins, axonal structural proteins, synapse-associated proteins, tau and beta
      amyloid and the status of neurons, using the cuprizone mouse model of
      demyelination. We found the mild impairment of learning ability in cuprizone-fed
      mice and the decreased expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) in the
      hippocampus. And anti-LINGO-1 improved learning ability and partly restored MBP
      level. Furthermore, we also found kinesin light chain (KLC), neurofilament light
      chain (NFL) and neurofilament heavy chain (NF200) were declined in demyelinated
      hippocampus, which could be partly improved by treatment with anti-LINGO-1.
      However, we did not observe the increased expression of beta amyloid,
      hyperphosphorylation of tau and loss of neurons in demyelinated hippocampus. Our
      results suggest that demyelination might lead to the impairment of neuronal
      transport, but not cause increased level of hyperphosphorylated tau and beta
      amyloid. Our research demonstrates remyelination might be an effective pathway to
      recover the function of neuronal axons and cognition in MS. 

PMID- 27129152
TI  - Neoadjuvant tamoxifen synchronizes ERalpha binding and gene expression profiles
      related to outcome and proliferation.
AB  - Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)-positive breast cancers are frequently treated
      with tamoxifen, but resistance is common. It remains elusive how tamoxifen
      resistance occurs and predictive biomarkers for treatment outcome are needed.
      Because most biomarker discovery studies are performed using pre-treatment
      surgical resections, the effects of tamoxifen therapy directly on the tumor cell
      in vivo remain unexamined. In this study, we assessed DNA copy number, gene
      expression profiles and ERalpha/chromatin binding landscapes on breast tumor
      specimens, both before and after neoadjuvant tamoxifen treatment. We observed
      neoadjuvant tamoxifen treatment synchronized ERalpha/chromatin interactions and
      downstream gene expression, indicating that hormonal therapy reduces inter-tumor
      molecular variability. ERalpha-synchronized sites are associated with dynamic
      FOXA1 action at these sites, which is under control of growth factor signaling.
      Genes associated with tamoxifen-synchronized sites are capable of differentiating
      patients for tamoxifen benefit. Due to the direct effects of therapeutics on
      ERalpha behavior and transcriptional output, our study highlights the added value
      of biomarker discovery studies after neoadjuvant drug exposure. 

PMID- 27129153
TI  - Repurposing cephalosporin antibiotics as pro-senescent radiosensitizers.
AB  - Radiation therapy remains a significant therapeutic modality in the treatment of
      cancer. An attractive strategy would be to enhance the benefits of ionizing
      radiation (IR)with radiosensitizers. A high-content drug repurposing screen of
      approved and investigational agents, natural products and other small molecules
      has identified multiple candidates that blocked repair of IR damage in vitro.
      Here, we validated a subset of these hits in vitro and then examined effects on
      tumor growth after IR in a murine tumor model. Based on robust radiosensitization
      in vivo and other favorable properties of cephalexin, we conducted additional
      studies with other beta-lactam antibiotics. When combined with IR, each
      cephalosporin tested increased DNA damage and slowed tumor growth without
      affecting normal tissue toxicity. Our data implicate reactive oxygen species in
      the mechanism by which cephalosporins augment the effects of IR. This work
      provides a rationale for using commonly prescribed beta-lactam antibiotics as non
      toxic radiosensitizers to enhance the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy. 

PMID- 27129151
TI  - The insulin-like growth factor system in multiple myeloma: diagnostic and
      therapeutic potential.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is a highly heterogeneous plasma cell malignancy. The MM
      cells reside in the bone marrow (BM), where reciprocal interactions with the BM
      niche foster MM cell survival, proliferation, and drug resistance. As in most
      cancers, the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has been demonstrated to
      play a key role in the pathogenesis of MM. The IGF system consists of IGF
      ligands, IGF receptors, IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), and IGFBP proteases and
      contributes not only to the survival, proliferation, and homing of MM cells, but
      also MM-associated angiogenesis and osteolysis. Furthermore, increased IGF-I
      receptor (IGF-IR) expression on MM cells correlates with a poor prognosis in MM
      patients. Despite the prominent role of the IGF system in MM, strategies
      targeting the IGF-IR using blocking antibodies or small molecule inhibitors have
      failed to translate into the clinic. However, increasing preclinical evidence
      indicates that IGF-I is also involved in the development of drug resistance
      against current standard-of-care agents against MM, including proteasome
      inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and corticoids. IGF-IR targeting has been
      able to overcome or revert this drug resistance in animal models, enhancing the
      efficacy of standard-of-care agents. This finding has generated renewed interest
      in the therapeutic potential of IGF-I targeting in MM. The present review
      provides an update of the impact of the different IGF system components in MM and
      discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic potentials.

PMID- 27129154
TI  - The long non-coding RNA PARROT is an upstream regulator of c-Myc and affects
      proliferation and translation.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs are important regulators of gene expression and signaling
      pathways. The expression of long ncRNAs is dysregulated in cancer and other
      diseases. The identification and characterization of long ncRNAs is often
      challenging due to their low expression level and localization to chromatin.
      Here, we identify a functional long ncRNA, PARROT (Proliferation Associated RNA
      and Regulator Of Translation) transcribed by RNA polymerase II and expressed at a
      relatively high level in a number of cell lines. The PARROT long ncRNA is
      associated with proliferation in both transformed and normal cell lines. We
      characterize the long ncRNA PARROT as an upstream regulator of c-Myc affecting
      cellular proliferation and translation using RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry
      following depletion of the long ncRNA. PARROT is repressed during senescence of
      human mammary epithelial cells and overexpressed in some cancers, suggesting an
      important association with proliferation through regulation of c-Myc. With this
      study, we add to the knowledge of cytoplasmic functional long ncRNAs and extent
      the long ncRNA-Myc regulatory network in transformed and normal cells. 

PMID- 27129156
TI  - Human umbilical cord matrix-derived stem cells expressing interferon-beta gene
      inhibit breast cancer cells via apoptosis.
AB  - Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) derived from the umbilical
      cord matrix have been reported to be used as anti-tumor gene carrier for
      attenuation of tumor growth, which extends the half-life and lowers the
      unexpected cytotoxicity of the gene in vivo. Interferon-beta (IFNbeta) is known
      to possess robust anti-tumor effects on different types of cancer cell lines in
      vitro. The present study was aimed to investigate the anti-tumor effect of
      IFNbeta gene-transfected hUCMSCs (IFNbeta-hUCMSCs) on breast cancer cells with
      emphasis on triple negative breast carcinoma. Our findings revealed that the co
      culture of IFNbeta-hUCMSCs with the human triple negative breast carcinoma cell
      lines MDA-MB-231 or Hs578T significantly inhibited growth of both carcinoma
      cells. In addition, the culture medium conditioned by these cells also
      significantly suppressed the growth and induced apoptosis of both carcinoma
      cells. Further investigation showed that the suppressed growth and the apoptosis
      induced by co-culture of IFNbeta-hUCMSCs or conditioned medium were abolished by
      pretreating anti-IFNbeta neutralizing antibody. These findings indicate that
      IFNbeta-hUCMSCs triggered cell death of breast carcinoma cells through IFN-beta
      production, thereby induced apoptosis and suppressed tumor cell growth. In
      conclusion, we demonstrated that IFNbeta-hUCMSCs inhibited the growth of breast
      cancer cells through apoptosis. With potent anti-cancer activity, it represents
      as an anti-cancer cytotherapeutic modality against breast cancer. 

PMID- 27129157
TI  - Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells participate in prostate carcinogenesis and
      promote growth of prostate cancer by cell fusion in vivo.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment is comprised of diverse stromal cells that contribute
      towards tumor progression. As a result, there has been a growing interest in the
      role of bone marrow derived cells (BMDCs) in cancer progression. However, the
      role of BMDCs in prostate cancer (PCa) progression still remains unclear. In this
      study, we established GFP bone marrow transplanted TRAMP and MUN-induced prostate
      cancer models, in order to investigate the role of BMDCs in prostate cancer
      progression. By tracing GFP positive cells, we observed that BMDCS were recruited
      into mouse prostate tissues during tumorigenesis. GFP+/Sca-1+/CD45- BMDCs were
      significantly increased in the MNU-induced PCa group, as compared to the citrated
      treated control group (2.67 +/- 0.25% vs 0.67 +/- 0.31%, p = 0.006). However,
      there were no significant differences found in GFP+/Sca-1+/CD45+ cell populations
      between the two groups (0.27 +/- 0.15% vs 0.10 +/- 0.10%, p = 0.334). Moreover,
      co-grafting of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and RM1 cells were
      found to promote RM1 tumor growth in vivo, and cell fusion was observed in RM
      1+BMMSCs xenografts. Therefore, the data suggests that BMDCs can be recruited to
      the prostate during carcinogenesis, and that BMMSCs may promote the growth of
      PCa. 

PMID- 27129155
TI  - Cyclic AMP efflux inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for leukemia.
AB  - Apoptotic evasion is a hallmark of cancer. We propose that some cancers may evade
      cell death by regulating 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which is
      associated with pro-apoptotic signaling. We hypothesize that leukemic cells
      possess mechanisms that efflux cAMP from the cytoplasm, thus protecting them from
      apoptosis. Accordingly, cAMP efflux inhibition should result in: cAMP
      accumulation, activation of cAMP-dependent downstream signaling, viability loss,
      and apoptosis. We developed a novel assay to assess cAMP efflux and performed
      screens to identify inhibitors. In an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) model, several
      identified compounds reduced cAMP efflux, appropriately modulated pathways that
      are responsive to cAMP elevation (cAMP-responsive element-binding protein
      phosphorylation, and deactivation of Very Late Antigen-4 integrin), and induced
      mitochondrial depolarization and caspase activation. Blocking adenylyl cyclase
      activity was sufficient to reduce effects of the most potent compounds. These
      compounds also decreased cAMP efflux and viability of B-lineage acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cell lines and primary patient samples, but not of
      normal primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our data suggest that cAMP
      efflux is a functional feature that could be therapeutically targeted in
      leukemia. Furthermore, because some of the identified drugs are currently used
      for treating other illnesses, this work creates an opportunity for repurposing. 

PMID- 27129158
TI  - COMMD7 is correlated with a novel NF-kappaB positive feedback loop in
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - The correlation between nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) and COMMD7 in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development remained unclear. Here, our
      clinicopathological data showed that COMMD7 is overexpressed in HCC with a
      correlation to NF-kappaB. Using HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells that aberrantly
      overexpressed COMMD7, we found that NF-kappaB directly binds with COMMD7 promoter
      and serves as an activator for COMMD7 transcription by luciferase reporter assay,
      chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and electrophoretic mobility shift assay
      (EMSA). In both HepG2 cells and SMMC-7721 cells, the silencing of COMMD7
      significantly inhibited the cell proliferation, whereas NF-kappaB silencing
      inhibited the expression of COMMD7 and further inhibited cell proliferation. In
      addition, cell apoptosis was promoted by COMMD7 silencing, and further promoted
      by NF-kappaB silencing. Cell migration and invasion were also inhibited by COMMD7
      silencing, and further inhibited by NF-kappaB silencing. Thus, COMMD7 is
      correlated with a novel NF-kappaB positive feedback loop in hepatocellular
      carcinoma. Developing strategies for the treatment of HCC should consider the
      correlation between NF-kappaB and COMMD7, so as to improve the specificity and
      sensitivity of therapy and to reduce toxicity. 

PMID- 27129159
TI  - Systemic and intratumoral balances between monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes
      predict prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after surgery.
AB  - The peripheral neutrophil-monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (NMLR) and intratumoral
      CD16/CD8 ratio (iMLR) may have prognostic value in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      patients after curative resection. In this study, the circulating NMLR was
      examined 387 HCC patients who underwent curative resection between 2006 and 2009.
      Intratumoral levels of CD4, CD8, CD16 and CD68 and the CD16/CD8 ratio were
      determined immunohistologically. The prognostic values of clinicopathological
      parameters, including NMLR and iMLR, were evaluated. NMLR was predictive of
      overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) when patients in the
      training cohort (n = 256) were separated into high (> 1.2) and low (<= 1.2) NMLR
      subgroups. NMLR was also an independent predictor of low alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
      expression and early recurrence. High NMLR was associated with increases in
      clinicopathological variables, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), tumor
      number, tumor size and BCLC stage. In addition, iMLR strongly predicted risk of
      recurrence and patient survival, and was positively correlated with NMLR. These
      findings were confirmed in an independent validation patient cohort (n = 131).
      Peripheral NMLR and iMLR may thus be useful prognostic markers, and anti
      inflammatory treatment may be beneficial in HCC patients after curative
      hepatectomy. 

PMID- 27129160
TI  - PPMP, a novel tubulin-depolymerizing agent against esophageal cancer in patient
      derived tumor xenografts.
AB  - Esophageal cancer is one of the least studied and deadliest cancers worldwide
      with a poor prognosis due to limited options for treatment. Chemotherapy agents
      such as the microtubule-targeting compounds are the mainstay of palliation for
      advanced esophageal cancer treatment. However, the toxicity and side effects of
      tubulin-binding agents (TBAs) have promoted the development of novel, more potent
      but less toxic TBAs. Herein, we identified 2-[4-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1H
      pyrazol-5-yl]-5-[(2-methylprop-2-en-1-yl)oxy] phenol (PPMP) as a novel TBA for
      esophageal cancer treatment. PPMP markedly inhibited tubulin polymerization, and
      decreased viability and anchorage-independent growth of esophageal cancer cell
      lines, effects that were accompanied by G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Importantly,
      we produced patient-derived esophageal cancer xenografts to evaluate the
      therapeutic effect of PPMP in a setting that best mimics the clinical context in
      patients with esophageal cancer. Overall, we identified PPMP as a novel
      microtubule-destabilizing compound and as a new therapeutic agent against
      esophageal carcinoma. 

PMID- 27129161
TI  - Loss of PAX8 in high-grade serous ovarian cancer reduces cell survival despite
      unique modes of action in the fallopian tube and ovarian surface epithelium.
AB  - High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common and lethal form of ovarian
      cancer. PAX8 is a transcription factor expressed in fallopian tube epithelial
      cells and in 80-96% of HGSC tumors. The ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) only
      acquires PAX8 expression after malignant transformation. In this study, forced
      PAX8 expression in OSE cells increased proliferation and migration through
      upregulation of EMT factors such as N-cadherin and Fibronectin. OSE cells
      expressing PAX8 also had an increase in the FOXM1 pathway, but PAX8 alone was not
      sufficient to drive tumorigenesis. PAX8 knockdown in the oviductal epithelium
      cells did not decrease expression of the FOXM1 pathway and induced only a slight
      decrease in cell proliferation. No changes in migration, cell cycle, or apoptosis
      were detected after PAX8 knockdown in oviductal cells. Finally, PAX8 knockdown in
      HGSC cell lines resulted in increased apoptosis and decreased FOXM1 levels. The
      results presented here suggest that PAX8 has a cell specific role in governing
      proliferation and migration in nontransformed ovarian surface epithelium cells
      compared to the oviductal cells, but its reduction in serous cancer cell lines
      provides a common mechanism for reducing cell survival. 

PMID- 27129162
TI  - xCT increases tuberculosis susceptibility by regulating antimicrobial function
      and inflammation.
AB  - The physiological functions of macrophage, which plays a central role in the
      pathogenesis of tuberculosis, depend on its redox state. System xc-, a cystine
      glutamate transporter, which consists of xCT and CD98, influences many ROS
      dependent pathways by regulating the production of the antioxidant glutathione.
      xCT's ability to alter this critical host redox balance by increasing the
      glutathione synthesis aspect of phagocyte physiology suggested that it might
      influence tuberculosis pathogenesis. In this study, we found that the xCT
      expression was increased in peripheral blood monocyte of active tuberculosis. xCT
      expression in macrophage was induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) through
      TLR2/Akt- and p38-dependent signaling pathway. Importantly, xCT deficiency
      conferred protection against tuberculosis, as xCT knock out mice displayed
      increased Mtb load and reduced pulmonary pathology in lung compared to wild type
      mice. xCT disruption enhanced the mycobateriacidal activity of macrophage through
      increasing the mycothiol oxidation. Importantly, chemical inhibition of xCT with
      sulfasalazine, a specific xCT inhibitor that is already approved by the FDA for
      treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, produces similar protective effects in
      vivo and in vitro, indicating xCT might be a novel and useful target for host
      directed TB treatment strategy. 

PMID- 27129163
TI  - Downregulation of cyclin D1 sensitizes cancer cells to MDM2 antagonist Nutlin-3.
AB  - The MDM2-p53 pathway has a prominent oncogenic function in the pathogenesis of
      various cancers. Nutlin-3, a small-molecule antagonist of MDM2-p53 interaction,
      inhibits proliferation in cancer cells with wild-type p53. Herein, we evaluate
      the expression of MDM2, both the full length and a splicing variant MDM2-A, and
      the sensitivity of Nutlin-3 in different cancer cell lines. Included are seven
      cell lines with wild-type p53 (four mesothelioma, one breast cancer, one
      chondrosarcoma, and one leiomyosarcoma), two liposarcoma cell lines harboring
      MDM2 amplification and wild-type p53, and one mesothelioma cell line harboring a
      p53 point mutation. Nutlin-3 treatment increased expression of cyclin D1, MDM2,
      and p53 in cell lines with wild-type p53. Additive effects were observed in cells
      containing wild-type p53 through coordinated attack on MDM2-p53 binding and
      cyclin D1 by lentivirual shRNA knockdown or small molecule inhibition, as
      demonstrated by immunoblots and cell viability analyses. Further results
      demonstrate that MDM2 binds to cyclin D1, and that an increase in cyclin D1
      expression after Nutlin-3 treatment is correlated with expression and ubiquitin
      E3-ligase activity of MDM2. MDM2 and p53 knockdown experiments demonstrated
      inhibition of cyclin D1 by MDM2 but not p53. These results indicate that
      combination inhibition of cyclin D1 and MDM2-p53 binding warrants clinical
      evaluation as a novel therapeutic strategy in cancer cells harboring wild-type
      p53. 

PMID- 27129164
TI  - SUMOylation of TBL1 and TBLR1 promotes androgen-independent prostate cancer cell
      growth.
AB  - Chronic inflammation is strongly associated with prostate cancer pathogenesis.
      Transducin beta-like protein (TBL1) and Transducin beta-like 1X-linked receptor 1
      (TBLR1) have been identified recently as a coactivator for NF-kappaB-mediated
      transcription; however, the underlying mechanism by which TBL1 and TBLR1 activate
      NF-kappaB function during inflammation remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that
      cytokine production is significantly elevated in androgen-independent PC-3
      prostate cancer cells compared with androgen-dependent LNCaP prostate cancer
      cells. Elevated cytokine production positively correlates with the TBL1 and TBLR1
      SUMOylation level in PC-3 cells. We show that both TBL1 and TBLR1 are SUMOylated
      in response to TNF-alpha treatment, and this increases formation of the TBL1
      TBLR1-NF-kappaB complex, which leads to NF-kappaB-mediated transcriptional
      activation of cytokine gene expression. Conversely, SENP1-mediated deSUMOylation
      of TBL1 and TBLR1 inhibits NF-kappaB-target gene expression by dissociating TBL1
      and TBLR1 from the nuclear hormone receptor corepressor (NCoR) complex. TBL1
      knockdown substantially suppresses inflammatory signaling and PC-3 cell
      proliferation. Collectively, these results suggest that targeted SUMOylation of
      TBL1 and TBLR1 may be a useful strategy for therapeutic treatment of androgen
      independent prostate cancer.

PMID- 27129165
TI  - Benzyl butyl phthalate promotes breast cancer stem cell expansion via
      SPHK1/S1P/S1PR3 signaling.
AB  - Understanding the regulatory mechanisms unique to breast cancer stem cells
      (BCSCs) is required to control breast cancer metastasis. We found that phthalates
      promote BCSCs in human breast cancer cell cultures and xenograft tumors. A toxic
      phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor in
      breast cancer cells to stimulate sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1)/sphingosine 1
      phosphate (S1P)/sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) signaling and enhance
      formation of metastasis-initiating BCSCs. BBP induced histone modifications in
      S1PR3 in side population (SP) cells, but not in non-SP cells. SPHK1 or S1PR3
      knockdown in breast cancer cells effectively reduced tumor growth and lung
      metastasis in vivo. Our findings suggest S1PR3 is a determinant of phthalate
      driven breast cancer metastasis and a possible therapeutic target for regulating
      BCSC populations. Furthermore, the association between breast carcinogenesis and
      environmental pollutants has important implications for public health. 

PMID- 27129166
TI  - Extracellular miR-1246 promotes lung cancer cell proliferation and enhances
      radioresistance by directly targeting DR5.
AB  - MiRNAs in the circulation have been demonstrated to be a type of signaling
      molecule involved in intercellular communication but little is known about their
      role in regulating radiosensitivity. This study aims to investigate the effects
      of extracellular miRNAs induced by ionizing radiation (IR) on cell proliferation
      and radiosensitivity. The miRNAs in the conditioned medium (CM) from irradiated
      and non-irradiated A549 lung cancer cells were compared using a microarray assay
      and the profiles of 21 miRNAs up and down-regulated by radiation were confirmed
      by qRT-PCR. One of these miRNAs, miR-1246, was especially abundant outside the
      cells and had a much higher level compared with that inside of cells. The
      expressions of miR-1246 in both A549 and H446 cells increased along with
      irradiation dose and the time post-irradiation. By labeling exosomes and miR-1246
      with different fluorescence dyes, it was found that the extracellular miR-1246
      could shuttle from its donor cells to other recipient cells by a non-exosome
      associated pathway. Moreover, the treatments of cells with miR-1246 mimic or its
      antisense inhibitor showed that the extracellular miR-1246 could enhance the
      proliferation and radioresistance of lung cancer cells. A luciferase reporter
      gene transfer experiment demonstrated that the death receptor 5 (DR5) was the
      direct target of miR-1246, and the kinetics of DR5 expression was opposite to
      that of miR-1246 in the irradiated cells. Our results show that the oncogene-like
      extracellular miR-1246 could act as a signaling messenger between irradiated and
      non-irradiated cells, more importantly, it contributes to cell radioresistance by
      directly suppressing the DR5 gene. 

PMID- 27129167
TI  - Potential role of exosome-associated microRNA panels and in vivo environment to
      predict drug resistance for patients with multiple myeloma.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic neoplasms and an
      appropriate in vivo environment for myeloma cells has potential implications for
      initiation, progression, and metastasis of MM. Exosomes, entities carrying
      microRNAs (miRNAs) to target locations, participate in the cross-talk between
      myeloma cells and nonmalignant components of the in vivo environment. This study
      disclosed the emerging roles of circulating exosome-associated miRNAs in drug
      resistance (DR) of MM. To this end, the medical records of consecutively
      hospitalized MM patients, who received novel agents-based therapies, were
      analyzed. Then, an optimized procedure was established for exosome isolation and
      exosomal RNA analysis. The exosome-associated miRNA expression patterns for
      predicting bortezomib (Bz) resistance of MM were further examined using a
      microarray. In total, 204 patients were enrolled with DR rates of 36.5%, 73.1%
      and 81.8% in the bortezomib (Bz), thalidomide and lenalidomide containing groups.
      The serum total light chain ratio >= 100, CRP >= 20 mg/L, and the second-line
      usage increased risks of acquired Bz-resistance. Among 68 cases having genetic
      tests, a high risk factor for predicting de novo DR was 1q21 amplification, which
      also correlated with lower levels of cholesterol and LDL-C. Moreover, nano-sized
      exosomes were isolated with significantly increasing internal RNAs and down
      regulation of exosomal miR-16-5p, miR-15a-5p and miR-20a-5p, miR-17-5p was
      revealed in the patients resistant to Bz. The routine workup of MM hardly
      suggested a value for DR prediction. The circulating exosomes carrying miRNAs
      provided a window that permits a better understanding of the in vivo
      intercellular crosstalk in MM patients. 

PMID- 27129169
TI  - Betacellulin induces Slug-mediated down-regulation of E-cadherin and cell
      migration in ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - Epithelial ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynaecological
      cancers. Previous studies have demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) ligands can induce ovarian cancer cell invasion by down-regulating E
      cadherin. Betacellulin is a unique member of the EGF family. It is overexpressed
      in a variety of cancers and is associated with reduced survival. However, the
      biological functions and clinical significance of betacellulin in ovarian cancer
      remain unknown. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that betacellulin
      induces ovarian cancer cell migration by suppressing E-cadherin expression.
      Treatment of SKOV3 and OVCAR5 ovarian cancer cell lines with betacellulin down
      regulated E-cadherin, but not N-cadherin. In addition, betacellulin treatment
      increased the expression of Snail and Slug, and these effects were completely
      blocked by pre-treatment with EGFR inhibitor AG1478. Interestingly, only
      knockdown of Slug reversed the down-regulation of E-cadherin by betacellulin.
      Betacellulin treatment induced the activation of both the MEK-ERK and PI3K-Akt
      signaling pathways, and it also significantly increased ovarian cancer cell
      migration. Importantly, the effects of betacellulin on E-cadherin, Slug and cell
      migration were attenuated by pre-treatment with either U0126 or LY294002. Our
      results suggest that betacellulin induces ovarian cancer migration and Slug
      dependent E-cadherin down-regulation via EGFR-mediated MEK-ERK and PI3K-Akt
      signaling. 

PMID- 27129168
TI  - TP53 mutations and protein immunopositivity may predict for poor outcome but also
      for trastuzumab benefit in patients with early breast cancer treated in the
      adjuvant setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the impact of PIK3CA and TP53 mutations and p53
      protein status on the outcome of patients who had been treated with adjuvant
      anthracycline-taxane chemotherapy within clinical trials in the pre- and post
      trastuzumab era. RESULTS: TP53 and PIK3CA mutations were found in 380 (21.5%) and
      458 (25.9%) cases, respectively, including 104 (5.9%) co-mutated tumors; p53
      immunopositivity was observed in 848 tumors (53.5%). TP53 mutations (p < 0.001)
      and p53 protein positivity (p = 0.001) were more frequent in HER2-positive and
      triple negative (TNBC) tumors, while PIK3CA mutations were more frequent in
      Luminal A/B tumors (p < 0.001). TP53 mutation status and p53 protein expression
      but not PIK3CA mutation status interacted with trastuzumab treatment for disease
      free survival; patients with tumors bearing TP53 mutations or immunopositive for
      p53 protein fared better when treated with trastuzumab, while among patients
      treated with trastuzumab those with the above characteristics fared best
      (interaction p = 0.017 for mutations; p = 0.015 for IHC). Upon multivariate
      analysis the above interactions remained significant in HER2-positive patients;
      in the entire cohort, TP53 mutations were unfavorable in patients with Luminal
      A/B (p = 0.003) and TNBC (p = 0.025); p53 immunopositivity was strongly favorable
      in patients treated with trastuzumab (p = 0.009). MATERIALS AND METHODS: TP53 and
      PIK3CA mutation status was examined in 1766 paraffin tumor DNA samples with
      informative semiconductor sequencing results. Among these, 1585 cases were also
      informative for p53 protein status assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC; 10%
      positivity cut-off). CONCLUSIONS: TP53 mutations confer unfavorable prognosis in
      patients with Luminal A/B and TNBC tumors, while p53 immunopositivity may predict
      for trastuzumab benefit in the adjuvant setting.

PMID- 27129170
TI  - Asclepiasterol, a novel C21 steroidal glycoside derived from Asclepias
      curassavica, reverses tumor multidrug resistance by down-regulating P
      glycoprotein expression.
AB  - Multidrug resistance (MDR) mediated by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is a major cause of
      cancer therapy failure. In this study, we identified a novel C21 steroidal
      glycoside, asclepiasterol, capable of reversing P-gp-mediated MDR. Asclepiasterol
      (2.5 and 5.0MUM) enhanced the cytotoxity of P-gp substrate anticancer drugs in
      MCF-7/ADR and HepG-2/ADM cells. MDR cells were more responsive to paclitaxel in
      the presence of asclepiasterol, and colony formation of MDR cells was only
      reduced upon treatment with a combination of asclepiasterol and doxorubicin.
      Consistent with these findings, asclepiasterol treatment increased the
      intracellular accumulation of doxorubicin and rhodamine 123 (Rh123) in MDR cells.
      Asclepiasterol decreased expression of P-gp protein without stimulating or
      suppressing MDR1 mRNA levels. Asclepiasterol-mediated P-gp suppression caused
      inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in two MDR cell types, and EGF, an activator
      of the MAPK/ERK pathway, reversed the P-gp down-regulation, implicating the
      MAPK/ERK pathway in asclepiasterol-mediated P-gp down-regulation. These results
      suggest that asclepiasterol could be developed as a modulator for reversing P-gp
      mediated MDR in P-gp-overexpressing cancer variants. 

PMID- 27129171
TI  - Emblica officinalis extract downregulates pro-angiogenic molecules via
      upregulation of cellular and exosomal miR-375 in human ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - Ovarian cancer (OC) is highly resistant to current treatment strategies based on
      a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We have recently
      demonstrated the anti-neoplastic effect of Amla extract (Emblica officinalis, AE)
      on OC cells in vitro and in vivo. We hypothesized that AE attenuates growth of OC
      through microRNA (miR)-regulated mechanism(s). The inhibitory effect of AE on
      proliferation, migration and invasiveness (P<=0.001) of SKOV3 cells and >90%
      attenuation of tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model suggested multiple
      targets. RT-qPCR analysis of microRNAs associated with OC showed a >2,000-fold
      increase in the expression of miR-375 in AE-treated SKOV3 cells that was blocked
      by an exogenous miR-375 inhibitor (P<=0.001). AE also decreased the gene and
      protein expression of IGF1R, a target of miR-375 (P<=0.001), and SNAIL1
      (P<=0.002), an EMT-associated transcription factor that represses E-cadherin
      expression (P<=0.003). AE increased E-cadherin expression (P<=0.001). Treatment
      of SKOV3 cells with AE resulted in increased miR-375 in exosomes in the medium
      (P<=0.01). Finally, AE significantly decreased the expression of IGF1R and SNAIL1
      proteins during attenuation of SKOV3-derived xenograft tumor. Together, these
      results show that AE modulates cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment via
      activation of miR-375 and by targeting IGF1R and SNAIL1 in OC cells. 

PMID- 27129172
TI  - The efficacy and safety of endostar combined with taxane-based regimens for HER-2
      negative metastatic breast cancer patients.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and
      safety of endostar, a recombinant product of endostatin, combined with taxane
      based regimens for HER-2 negative metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. Women
      with ages between 18-70 years with histologically confirmed MBC documented as HER
      2-negative were included. Endostar was administered at 7.5 mg/m2, d1-14, q21d and
      was continued until progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, consent
      withdrawal, or completion of 24 months of endostar, whichever came first. Taxane
      based chemotherapy was continued until progressive disease, unacceptable
      toxicity, consent withdrawal, or up to 8 cycles. The primary endpoint was overall
      response rate (ORR). Fifty-seven patients were recruited. The ORRs for the whole
      population, first-, second-, and third-line therapy or beyond were 68.4%, 79.3%,
      54.5%, and 16.7%, respectively. The median PFS was 10.8 (8.0-12.1) months, yet
      the median OS was still not attained. For the patients receiving first-, second-,
      and third-line therapy or beyond, median PFS was 11.9, 7.5, and 7.4 months,
      respectively (P=0.048). No significant difference in median PFS between hormonal
      receptor-positive and -negative patients was observed. The most common drug
      related grade 3-4 hematologic toxicities were neutropenia (80.7%) and leukopenia
      (77.2%). Six (10.5%) patients experienced febrile neutropenia. The most frequent
      drug-related grade 3-4 non-hematologic toxicities were liver dysfunction (10.5%)
      and peripheral neurotoxicity (8.8%). No treatment-related deaths were reported.
      We conclude that Endostar combined with taxane-based regimens may be effective
      and safe for the treatment of HER-2-negative MBC. However, further investigations
      on its long-term efficacy and toxicity are warranted. 

PMID- 27129174
TI  - Validation of DAB2IP methylation and its relative significance in predicting
      outcome in renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - We have recently reported tumor suppressive role of DAB2IP in RCC development. In
      this study, We identified one CpG methylation biomarker (DAB2IP CpG1) located
      UTSS of DAB2IP that was associated with poor overall survival in a cohort of 318
      ccRCC patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We further validated the
      prognostic accuracy of DAB2IP CpG methylation by pyrosequencing quantitative
      methylation assay in 224 ccRCC patients from multiple Chinese centers (MCHC set),
      and 239 patients from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
      (UTSW set) by using FFPE samples. DAB2IP CpG1 can predict the overall survival of
      patients in TCGA, MCHC, and UTSW sets independent of patient age, Fuhrman grade
      and TNM stage (all p<0.05). DAB2IP CpG1 successfully categorized patients into
      high-risk and low-risk groups with significant differences of clinical outcome in
      respective clinical subsets, regardless of age, sex, grade, stage, or race (HR:
      1.63-7.83; all p<0.05). The detection of DAB2IP CpG1 methylation was minimally
      affected by ITH in ccRCC. DAB2IP mRNA expression was regulated by DNA methylation
      in vitro. DAB2IP CpG1 methylation is a practical and repeatable biomarker for
      ccRCC, which can provide prognostic value that complements the current staging
      system. 

PMID- 27129175
TI  - Enhanced autophagy in colorectal cancer stem cells does not contribute to radio
      resistance.
AB  - Autophagy, an essential catabolic pathway of degrading cellular components within
      the lysosome, has been found to benefit the growth and therapeutic resistance of
      cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the role of autophagy in the radio
      sensitivity of cancer stem cells. By separating CD44+/CD133+ cancer stem cells
      from parental HCT8 human colorectal cancer cells, we found a significantly higher
      level of autophagy in the CD44+/CD133+ cells than in the parental cells. Exposure
      to 5 Gy of gamma-ray significantly damaged both CD44+/CD133+ cells and parental
      cells, but the radiation-induced damage did not differ between the groups.
      Unexpectedly, autophagy was not significantly induced by radiation exposure in
      the CD44+/CD133+ cells and parental cells. The inhibition of autophagy by the
      silencing of ATG7, a factor required for autophagy at the stage of autophagosome
      precursor synthesis, did not significantly change the growth and radiation
      induced damage in both CD44+/CD133+ cells and parental cells. Although an
      enhanced basic level of autophagy was found in the CD44+/CD133+ cancer stem
      cells, our data suggest that the canonical autophagy in cancer cells plays few
      roles, if any, in radio-sensitivity.

PMID- 27129173
TI  - Characterization of preneoplastic and neoplastic rat mesothelial cell lines: the
      involvement of TETs, DNMTs, and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine.
AB  - Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is one of the worst cancers in terms of clinical
      outcome, urging the need to establish and characterize new preclinical tools for
      investigation of the tumorigenic process, improvement of early diagnosis and
      evaluation of new therapeutic strategies. For these purposes, we characterized a
      collection of 27 cell lines established from F344 rats, after 136 to 415 days of
      induction with crocidolite asbestos administered intraperitoneally. Four
      mesotheliomas were distinguished from 23 preneoplastic mesothelial cell lines
      (PN) according to their propensity to generate tumors after orthotopic
      transplantation into syngeneic rats, their growth pattern, and the expression
      profile of three genes. PN cell lines were further discriminated into groups /
      subgroups according to morphology in culture and the expression profiles of 14
      additional genes. This approach was completed by analysis of positive and
      negative immunohistochemical MM markers in the four tumors, of karyotype
      alterations in the most aggressive MM cell line in comparison with a PN
      epithelioid cell line, and of human normal mesothelial and mesothelioma cells and
      a tissue array. Our results showed that both the rat and human MM cell lines
      shared in common a dramatic decrease in the relative expression of Cdkn2a and of
      epigenetic regulators, in comparison with PN and normal human mesothelial cells,
      respectively. In particular, we identified the involvement of the relative
      expression of the Ten-Eleven Translocation (TET) family of dioxygenases and
      Dnmt3a in relation to the 5-hydroxymethylcytosine level in malignant
      transformation and the acquisition of metastatic potential. 

PMID- 27129176
TI  - Thalidomide enhanced the efficacy of CHOP chemotherapy in the treatment of
      diffuse large B cell lymphoma: A phase II study.
AB  - Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone plus rituximab (R
      CHOP) is the standard treatment for patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma
      (DLBCL). However, rituximab cannot be popularly applied in a considerable number
      of patients with DLBCL because of economic reasons. To develop a new regimen to
      improve the outcome of these patients is extremely important. In our study, sixty
      five patients with DLBCL were randomly assigned to thalidomide plus CHOP group
      (n=32) or to CHOP alone group (n=33). Objective response rates (ORR) and complete
      remission rates (CRR) were 96.7% and 80.6% in T-CHOP group versus 78.9 % and 57.8
      % in CHOP group, respectively (P <0.05). At a median follow-up of 96 months,
      median PFS for T-CHOP group was still not reached yet, and in CHOP group it was
      22.9 months (95% CI [0-50.4]). (P=0.163). Median overall survival (OS) for T-CHOP
      group was also not reached, and the estimated median OS for CHOP group was 83.5
      months, the difference of OS between the two groups is not significant (p=0.263).
      But, in patients with Bcl-2 positive and Bcl-6 negative, the median PFS in T-CHOP
      group was longer than that in CHOP group (111.0 vs 8.5 months (P=0.017). In
      addition, thalidomide did not significantly increase the grade 3/4 toxicity of
      CHOP. We concluded that the addition of thalidomide to the CHOP regimen
      significantly improved the CRR and showed a trend of improving clinical outcome
      in patients with DLBCL, especially for patients with Bcl-2 positive and Bcl-6
      negative B-cell phenotype, without increased toxicity. 

PMID- 27129177
TI  - Phase 1B/2 study of the HSP90 inhibitor AUY922 plus trastuzumab in metastatic
      HER2-positive breast cancer patients who have progressed on trastuzumab-based
      regimen.
AB  - This open-label, multicenter, phase 1B/2 trial assessed AUY922 plus trastuzumab
      in patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer
      previously treated with chemotherapy and anti-HER2 therapy. This study was
      composed of a dose-escalation part with AUY922 administered weekly at escalating
      doses with trastuzumab 2 mg/kg/week (phase 1B), followed by a phase 2 part using
      the same regimen at recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D). The primary objectives were
      to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and/or RP2D (phase 1B), and to
      evaluate preliminary antitumor activity (phase 2) of AUY922 plus trastuzumab at
      MTD/RP2D. Forty-five patients were treated with AUY922 plus trastuzumab (4 in
      phase 1B with AUY922 at 55 mg/m2 and 41 in phase 1B/2 with AUY922 at 70 mg/m2 [7
      in phase 1B and 34 in phase 2]). One patient in phase 1B (70 mg/m2) experienced a
      dose-limiting toxicity (grade 3 diarrhea); the RP2D was weekly AUY922 70 mg/m2
      plus trastuzumab. Of the 41 patients in the 70 mg/m2 cohort, the overall response
      rate (complete or partial responses) was 22.0% and 48.8% patients had stable
      disease. Study treatment-related adverse events occurred in 97.8% of patients; of
      these, 31.1% were grade 3 or 4. Forty-one patients (91.1%) reported ocular events
      (82.3% had grade 1 or 2 events). Two patients (4.4%) had ocular events leading to
      the permanent discontinuation of study treatment. AUY922 at 70 mg/m2 plus
      trastuzumab standard therapy is well tolerated and active in patients with HER2
      positive metastatic breast cancer who progressed on trastuzumab-based therapy.

PMID- 27129179
TI  - Ubiquitin specific protease 19 involved in transcriptional repression of retinoic
      acid receptor by stabilizing CORO2A.
AB  - Deubiquitination via deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) has been emerged as one of
      the important post-translational modifications, resulting in the regulation of
      numerous target proteins. In this study, we screened new protein biomarkers for
      adipogenesis, and related studies showed that ubiquitin specific protease 19
      (USP19) as a DUB is gradually decreased during adipogenesis and it regulates
      coronin 2A (CORO2A) as one of the components for the nuclear receptor co
      repressor (NCoR) complex in some studies. The regulation of CORO2A through the
      deubiquitinating activity of USP19 affected the transcriptional repression
      activity of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR), suggesting that USP19 may be
      involved in the regulation of RAR-mediated adipogenesis. 

PMID- 27129180
TI  - Sorafenib-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma stratified by phosphorylated ERK
      activates PD-1 immune checkpoint.
AB  - Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor approved as the first line treatment for
      late stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Due to its significant variation in
      clinical benefits among patients, defining prognostic biomarkers for sorafenib
      sensitivity in HCC would allow targeted treatment. Phosphorylated extracellular
      signaling-regulated kinase (pERK) was proposed to predict the response to
      sorafenib in HCC, but clinical supports are mixed or even contradictory. Here we
      found that pERK expression levels are variable in different nodules from
      individual patient liver. Xenografts derived from resected tumors are resistant
      to sorafenib inhibition when expressing low levels of pERK. This correlation of
      low pERK levels and sorafenib resistance is corroborated by histological
      characterization of chemical-induced and genetic mouse models for pERK-positive
      and pERK-negative HCC respectively, as well as computed tomography (CT) imaging
      of patient tumors with validated pERK expression. Mouse and human HCC samples
      expressing low pERK show strong inflammatory infiltrating cells and significant
      enrichment of intratumoral CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes that express programmed
      death receptor-1 (PD-1). These pERK-PD-1+ patients have poorer overall and
      disease-free survival than pERK+PD-1- patients. In conclusion, our data suggest
      that anti-PD-1 immunotherapy might complement sorafenib in treating HCC patients
      by targeting sorafenib-resistant cancer cells, and the dual pERK and PD-1
      biomarkers would help HCC patient selection to achieve optimal clinical benefits.

PMID- 27129181
TI  - Modulation of myocardial injury and collagen deposition following ischaemia
      reperfusion by linagliptin and liraglutide, and both together.
AB  - Studies have indicated that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and
      glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists reduce infarct size after myocardial
      ischaemia. Whether these agents modify cardiac remodelling after ischaemia is
      unclear. Furthermore, it is not known if combination of the two types of drugs is
      superior to either agent alone. We investigated the modulatory effect of the DPP
      4 inhibitor linagliptin alone, the GLP-1 activator liraglutide alone, or the two
      agents together on myocardial infarct size, left ventricular contractile function
      and cardiac remodelling signals after a brief period of left coronary artery
      (LCA) occlusion. C57BL/6 mice were treated with vehicle, the DPP-4 inhibitor
      linagliptin, the GLP-1 activator liraglutide, or both agents together for 5 days,
      and then subjected to LCA occlusion (1 h) and reperfusion (3 h). Ischaemia
      reperfusion increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and expression of
      NADPH oxidase (p47(phox), p22(phox) and gp91(phox) subtypes), collagens,
      fibronectin and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor
      alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) in the LCA-supplied regions. Pre
      treatment with linagliptin or liraglutide reduced infarct size, protected
      cardiomyocytes from injury and preserved cardiac contractile function in a
      similar fashion. It is interesting that profibrotic (collagen deposition) signals
      were expressed soon after ischaemia-reperfusion. Both linagliptin and liraglutide
      suppressed ROS generation, NADPH oxidase and proinflammatory signals, and reduced
      collagen deposition. Addition of linagliptin or liraglutide had no significant
      additive effect above and beyond that of liraglutide and linagliptin given alone.
      In conclusion, linagliptin and liraglutide can improve cardiac contractile
      function and indices of cardiac remodelling, which may be related to their role
      in inhibition of ROS production and proinflammatory cytokines after ischaemia.

PMID- 27129182
TI  - Therapeutic inhibition of phospholipase D1 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a leading cause of deaths worldwide.
      Novel therapeutic targets for HCC are needed. Phospholipase D (PD) is involved in
      cell proliferation and migration, but its role in HCC remains unclear. In the
      present study, we show that PLD1, but not PLD2, was overexpressed in HCC cell
      lines (HepG2, Bel-7402 and Bel-7404) compared with the normal human L-02
      hepatocytes. PLD1 was required for the proliferation, migration and invasion of
      HCC cells without affecting apoptosis and necrosis, and PLD1 overexpression was
      sufficient to promote those effects. By using HCC xenograft models, we
      demonstrated that therapeutic inhibition of PLD1 attenuated tumour growth and
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC mice. Moreover, PLD1 was found to
      be highly expressed in tumour tissues of HCC patients. Finally, mTOR (mechanistic
      target of rapamycin) and Akt (protein kinase B) were identified as critical
      pathways responsible for the role of PLD1 in HCC cells. Taken together, the
      present study indicates that PLD1 activation contributes to HCC development via
      regulation of the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells, as well as
      promoting the EMT process. These observations suggest that inhibition of PLD1
      represents an attractive and novel therapeutic modality for HCC.

PMID- 27129183
TI  - Colchicine therapy in acute coronary syndrome patients acts on caspase-1 to
      suppress NLRP3 inflammasome monocyte activation.
AB  - Inflammasome activation, with subsequent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines
      interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-18, has recently been implicated in
      atherosclerosis-associated inflammation. This study aims to assess in acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (1) inflammasome activation in circulating
      monocytes and (2) whether short-term oral colchicine, a recognized anti
      inflammatory agent that has been shown to be cardio-protective in clinical
      studies, might acutely suppress inflammasome-dependent inflammation. ACS patients
      (n=21) were randomized to oral colchicine (1 mg followed by 0.5 mg 1 h later) or
      no treatment, and compared with untreated healthy controls (n=9). Peripheral
      venous blood was sampled pre- (day 1) and 24 h post- (day 2) treatment. Monocytes
      were cultured and stimulated with ATP. Analysis of key inflammasome markers was
      performed by ELISA. IL-1beta secretion increased by 580.4% (P<0.01) in ACS
      patients compared with controls but only with ATP stimulation. Untreated ACS
      patients secreted significantly higher levels of IL-18 compared with healthy
      controls independent of ATP stimulation (P<0.05). Colchicine treatment in ACS
      patients markedly reduced intracellular and secreted levels of IL-1beta compared
      with pre-treatment levels (P<0.05 for both), as well as significantly reducing
      pro-caspase-1 mRNA levels by 57.7% and secreted caspase-1 protein levels by 30.2%
      compared with untreated patients (P<0.05 for both). Monocytes from ACS patients
      are 'primed' to secrete inflammasome-related cytokines and short-term colchicine
      acutely and markedly suppresses monocyte caspase-1 activity, thereby reducing
      monocyte secretion of IL-1beta.

PMID- 27129184
TI  - Dysregulation of ossification-related miRNAs in circulating osteogenic progenitor
      cells obtained from patients with aortic stenosis.
AB  - CAVD (calcific aortic valve disease) is the defining feature of AS (aortic
      stenosis). The present study aimed to determine whether expression of
      ossification-related miRNAs is related to differentiation intro COPCs
      (circulating osteogenic progenitor cells) in patients with CAVD. The present
      study included 46 patients with AS and 46 controls. Twenty-nine patients
      underwent surgical AVR (aortic valve replacement) and 17 underwent TAVI
      (transcatheter aortic valve implantation). The number of COPCs was higher in the
      AS group than in the controls (P<0.01). Levels of miR-30c were higher in the AS
      group than in the controls (P<0.01), whereas levels of miR-106a, miR-148a, miR
      204, miR-211, miR-31 and miR-424 were lower in the AS group than in the controls
      (P<0.01). The number of COPCs and levels of osteocalcin protein in COPCs were
      positively correlated with levels of miR-30a and negatively correlated with
      levels of the remaining miRNAs (all P<0.05). The degree of aortic valve
      calcification was weakly positively correlated with the number of COPCs and miR
      30c levels. The number of COPCs and miR-30c levels were decreased after surgery,
      whereas levels of the remaining miRNAs were increased (all P<0.05). Changes in
      these levels were greater after AVR than after TAVI (all P<0.05). In vitro study
      using cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells transfected with each
      ossification-related miRNA showed that these miRNAs controlled levels of
      osteocalcin protein. In conclusion, dysregulation of ossification-related miRNAs
      may be related to the differentiation into COPCs and may play a significant role
      in the pathogenesis of CAVD.

PMID- 27129185
TI  - Anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of angiotensin-(1-7) in hypertensive
      transgenic (mRen2)27 rats.
AB  - Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], a counter-regulatory peptide of the renin
      angiotensin system (RAS) exerts its effects through the G-protein-coupled
      receptor Mas, which is expressed in different tissues, including the brain. Ang
      (1-7) has a broad range of effects beyond the well-described cardiovascular and
      renal actions, including the modulation of emotional and behavioural responses.
      In the present study we tested the hypothesis that Ang-(1-7) could attenuate the
      anxiety- and depression-like behaviours observed in transgenic hypertensive
      (mRen2)27 rats (TGRs). We also hypothesized that Ang-(1-7) could be involved in
      the anxiolytic-like effect induced by ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme)
      treatment in these hypertensive rats. Therefore, TGRs and Sprague-Dawley rats
      were subjected to the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) test, Forced Swimming Test (FST)
      and Novelty Suppressed Feeding (NSF). TGRs presented a decreased percentage of
      entries in the open arms of the EPM test, a phenotype reversed by systemic
      treatment with enalapril or intracerebroventricular infusion of Ang-(1-7). It is
      interesting that pre-treatment with A779, a selective Mas receptor antagonist,
      prevented the anxiolytic-like effect induced by the ACE inhibitor. In the NSF
      test, TGRs showed increased latency to eating, an indicative of a higher aversion
      in response to a new environment. These animals also showed increased immobility
      in the FST. Again, Ang-(1-7) reversed this phenotype. Thus, our data showed that
      Ang-(1-7) can modulate anxiety- and depression-like behaviours in TGRs and
      warrant further investigation as a new therapy for certain psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 27129186
TI  - Macrophage TCF-4 co-activates p65 to potentiate chronic inflammation and insulin
      resistance in mice.
AB  - Transcription factor 4 (TCF-4) was recently identified as a candidate gene for
      the cause of type 2 diabetes, although the mechanisms have not been fully
      elucidated. In the present study, we demonstrated that the TCF-4 transgene in
      macrophages aggravated high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance and chronic
      inflammation, characterized by the elevation of proinflammatory cytokines in the
      blood, liver and white adipose tissue, as well as a proinflammatory profile of
      immune cells in visceral fats in mice. Mechanistically, TCF-4 functioned as a co
      activator of p65 to amplify the saturated free fatty acid (FFA)-stimulated
      promoter activity, mRNA transcription and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines
      in primary macrophages. Blockage of p65 with a specific interfering RNA or
      inhibitor could prevent TCF-4-enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines in
      FFA/lipopolysaccharide-treated primary macrophages. The p65 inhibitor could
      abolish macrophage TCF-4 transgene-aggravated systemic inflammation, glucose
      intolerance and insulin resistance in HFD-treated mice. In addition, we
      demonstrated that the mRNA expression of TCF-4 in the peripheral blood monocytes
      from humans was positively correlated to the levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta,
      tumour necrosis factor alpha, IL-6 and fasting plasma glucose. In summary, we
      identified TCF-4 as a co-activator of p65 in the potentiation of proinflammatory
      cytokine production in macrophages and aggravation of HFD-induced chronic
      inflammation and insulin resistance in mice.

PMID- 27129187
TI  - Blood pressure-independent renoprotection in diabetic rats treated with AT1
      receptor-neprilysin inhibition compared with AT1 receptor blockade alone.
AB  - ARNI [dual AT1 (angiotensin II type 1) receptor-neprilysin inhibition] exerts
      beneficial effects on blood pressure and kidney function in heart failure,
      compared with ARB (AT1 receptor blockade) alone. We hypothesized that ARNI
      improves cardiac and kidney parameters in diabetic TGR(mREN2)27 rats, an
      angiotensin II-dependent hypertension model. Rats were made diabetic with
      streptozotocin for 5 or 12 weeks. In the final 3 weeks, rats were treated with
      vehicle, irbesartan (ARB) or irbesartan+thiorphan (ARNI). Blood pressure,
      measured by telemetry in the 5-week group, was lowered identically by ARB and
      ARNI. The heart weight/tibia length ratio in 12-week diabetic animals was lower
      after ARNI compared with after ARB. Proteinuria and albuminuria were observed
      from 8 weeks of diabetes onwards. ARNI reduced proteinuria more strongly than
      ARB, and a similar trend was seen for albuminuria. Kidneys of ARNI-treated
      animals showed less severe segmental glomerulosclerosis than those of ARB-treated
      animals. After 12 weeks, no differences between ARNI- and ARB-treated animals
      were found regarding diuresis, natriuresis, plasma endothelin-1, vascular
      reactivity (acetylcholine response) or kidney sodium transporters. Only ARNI
      treated rats displayed endothelin type B receptor-mediated vasodilation. In
      conclusion, ARNI reduces proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis and heart weight in
      diabetic TGR(mREN2)27 rats more strongly than does ARB, and this occurs
      independently of blood pressure.

PMID- 27129188
TI  - Down-regulation of miR-192-5p protects from oxidative stress-induced acute liver
      injury.
AB  - miR-192-5p has gained increasing relevance in various diseases, however, its
      function in acute liver injury is currently unknown. We analysed miR-192-5p serum
      levels and hepatic miR-192-5p expression in mice after hepatic ischaemia and
      reperfusion (I/R) as well as in toxic liver injury. On a functional level, miRNA
      levels were analysed in the different hepatic cell-compartments and in the
      context of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-dependent liver cell death. We detected
      increased serum levels of miR-192-5p after hepatic I/R- and carbon tetrachloride
      (CCl4)-induced liver injury. miR-192-5p levels correlated with the degree of
      liver damage and the presence of hepatic cell death detected by TUNEL stainings
      (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick-end labelling
      stainings). Moreover, expression of miR-192-5p was increased in a
      hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model of in vitro hepatocyte injury, supporting that
      the passive release of miR-192-5p represents a surrogate for hepatocyte death in
      liver injury. In critically ill patients, miR-192-5p levels were elevated
      selectively in patients with liver injury and closely correlated with the
      presence of hepatic injury. In contrast with up-regulated miR-192-5p in the
      serum, we detected a down-regulation of miR-192-5p in both injured mouse and
      human livers. Deregulation of miR-192-5p in livers was dependent on stimulation
      with TNF. Functional experiments confirmed a protective effect of down-regulation
      of miR-192-5p in hepatocytes, suggesting a role of miR-192-5p in limiting liver
      injury. Finally, we identified Zeb2, an important regulator of cell death, as a
      potential target gene mediating the function of miR-192-5p Our data suggest that
      miR-192-5p is involved in the regulation of liver cell death during acute liver
      injury and might represent a potent marker of hepatic injury.

PMID- 27129189
TI  - 1,8-Cineole potentiates IRF3-mediated antiviral response in human stem cells and
      in an ex vivo model of rhinosinusitis.
AB  - The common cold is one of the most frequent human inflammatory diseases caused by
      viruses and can facilitate bacterial superinfections, resulting in sinusitis or
      pneumonia. The active ingredient of the drug Soledum, 1,8-cineole, is commonly
      applied for treating inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. However, the
      potential for 1,8-cineole to treat primary viral infections of the respiratory
      tract remains unclear. In the present study, we demonstrate for the first time
      that 1,8-cineole potentiates poly(I:C)-induced activity of the antiviral
      transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), while simultaneously
      reducing proinflammatory nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activity in human cell lines,
      inferior turbinate stem cells (ITSCs) and in ex vivo cultivated human nasal
      mucosa. Co-treatment of cell lines with poly(I:C) and 1,8-cineole resulted in
      significantly increased IRF3 reporter gene activity compared with poly(I:C)
      alone, whereas NF-kappaB activity was reduced. Accordingly, 1,8-cineole- and
      poly(I:C) treatment led to increased nuclear translocation of IRF3 in ITSCs and a
      human ex vivo model of rhinosinusitis compared with the poly(I:C) treatment
      approach. Nuclear translocation of IRF3 was significantly increased in ITSCs and
      slice cultures treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and 1,8-cineole compared
      with the LPS-treated cells mimicking bacterial infection. Our findings strongly
      suggest that 1,8-cineole potentiates the antiviral activity of IRF3 in addition
      to its inhibitory effect on proinflammatory NF-kappaB signalling, and may thus
      broaden its field of application.

PMID- 27129190
TI  - Attenuated atrial natriuretic peptide-mediated lipolysis in subcutaneous
      adipocytes of obese type 2 diabetic men.
AB  - Catecholamines and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are major regulators of
      adipocyte lipolysis. Although obesity is characterized by catecholamine
      resistance in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT), data on ANP lipolytic response
      and sensitivity in different adipose tissue (AT) depots of metabolically distinct
      humans are scarce. Ex vivo catecholamine- and ANP-induced lipolysis was
      investigated in adipocytes derived from SCAT and visceral AT (VAT) depot of lean
      (n=13) and obese men, with (n=11) or without (n=18) type 2 diabetes (HbA1c < or
      >= 6.5%). Underlying molecular mechanisms were examined by looking at functional
      receptors in the NP signalling pathway at the mRNA and protein level. Maximal ANP
      and catecholamine-induced lipolysis in SCAT was blunted in obese type 2
      diabetics compared with age-matched lean men whereas non-diabetic obese subjects
      showed intermediate responses. This blunted ANP-mediated lipolytic response was
      accompanied by lower mRNA and protein expression of the type-A natriuretic
      peptide (NP) receptor and higher mRNA but reduced protein expression of the
      scavenging type-C receptor. Maximal ANP-induced lipolysis was lower in VAT
      compared with SCAT but not different between groups. Collectively, our data show
      that both ANP- and catecholamine-mediated lipolysis is attenuated in SCAT of
      obese men with type 2 diabetes, and might be partially explained by NP receptor
      defects. Therefore, improving maximal ANP responsiveness in adipose tissue might
      be a potential novel strategy to improve obesity-associated metabolic
      complications.

PMID- 27129191
TI  - Reduced arginine availability and nitric oxide synthesis in cancer is related to
      impaired endogenous arginine synthesis.
AB  - Reduced plasma arginine (ARG) concentrations are found in various types of
      cancer. ARG and its product nitric oxide (NO) are important mediators in the
      immune function and the defense against tumour cells. It remains unclear whether
      the diminished systemic ARG availability in cancer is related to insufficient
      endogenous ARG synthesis, negatively affecting NO synthesis, and whether a
      dietary amino acid mixture is able to restore this. In 13 patients with advanced
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 11 healthy controls, whole body ARG and
      CIT (citrulline) rates of appearance were measured by stable isotope methodology
      before and after intake of a mixture of amino acids as present in whey protein.
      The conversions of CIT to ARG (indicator of de novo ARG synthesis) and ARG to CIT
      (marker of NO synthesis), and ARG clearance (reflecting ARG disposal capacity)
      were calculated. Plasma isotopic enrichments and amino acid concentrations were
      measured by LC-MS/MS. Conversions of CIT to ARG and ARG to CIT (P<0.05), and CIT
      rate of appearance (P=0.07) were lower in NSCLC. ARG rate of appearance and
      clearance were comparable suggesting no enhanced systemic ARG production and
      disposal capacity in NSCLC. After intake of the mixture, ARG rate of appearance
      and concentration increased (P<0.001), and ARG to CIT conversion was restored in
      NSCLC. In conclusion, an impaired endogenous ARG synthesis plays a role in the
      reduced systemic ARG availability and NO synthesis in advanced NSCLC. Nutritional
      approaches may restore systemic ARG availability and NO synthesis in cancer, but
      the clinical implication remains unclear.

PMID- 27129192
TI  - Splenic release of platelets contributes to increased circulating platelet size
      and inflammation after myocardial infarction.
AB  - Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is characterized by a rapid increase in
      circulating platelet size but the mechanism for this is unclear. Large platelets
      are hyperactive and associated with adverse clinical outcomes. We determined mean
      platelet volume (MPV) and platelet-monocyte conjugation (PMC) using blood samples
      from patients, and blood and the spleen from mice with AMI. We further measured
      changes in platelet size, PMC, cardiac and splenic contents of platelets and
      leucocyte infiltration into the mouse heart. In AMI patients, circulating MPV and
      PMC increased at 1-3 h post-MI and MPV returned to reference levels within 24 h
      after admission. In mice with MI, increases in platelet size and PMC became
      evident within 12 h and were sustained up to 72 h. Splenic platelets are bigger
      than circulating platelets in normal or infarct mice. At 24 h post-MI, splenic
      platelet storage was halved whereas cardiac platelets increased by 4-fold.
      Splenectomy attenuated all changes observed in the blood, reduced leucocyte and
      platelet accumulation in the infarct myocardium, limited infarct size and
      alleviated cardiac dilatation and dysfunction. AMI-induced elevated circulating
      levels of adenosine diphosphate and catecholamines in both human and the mouse,
      which may trigger splenic platelet release. Pharmacological inhibition of
      angiotensin-converting enzyme, beta1-adrenergic receptor or platelet P2Y12
      receptor reduced platelet abundance in the murine infarct myocardium albeit
      having diverse effects on platelet size and PMC. In conclusion, AMI evokes
      release of splenic platelets, which contributes to the increase in platelet size
      and PMC and facilitates myocardial accumulation of platelets and leucocytes,
      thereby promoting post-infarct inflammation.

PMID- 27129194
TI  - Cytomegalovirus promoter up-regulation is the major cause of increased protein
      levels of unstable reporter proteins after treatment of living cells with
      proteasome inhibitors.

PMID- 27129193
TI  - Tobacco toxins deposited on surfaces (third hand smoke) impair wound healing.
AB  - Third hand smoke (THS) is the accumulation of second hand smoke (SHS) toxins on
      surfaces in homes, cars, clothing and hair of smokers. It is known that 88M US
      nonsmokers >=3 years old living in homes of smokers are exposed to THS toxicants
      and show blood cotinine levels of >=0.05 ng/ml, indicating that the toxins are
      circulating in their circulatory systems. The goal of the present study is to
      investigate the mechanisms by which THS causes impaired wound healing. We show
      that mice living under conditions that mimic THS exposure in humans display
      delayed wound closure, impaired collagen deposition, altered inflammatory
      response, decreased angiogenesis, microvessels with fibrin cuffs and a highly
      proteolytic wound environment. Moreover, THS-exposed mouse wounds have high
      levels of oxidative stress and significantly lower levels of antioxidant activity
      leading to molecular damage, including protein nitration, lipid peroxidation and
      DNA damage that contribute to tissue dysfunction. Furthermore, we show that
      elastase is elevated, suggesting that elastin is degraded and the plasticity of
      the wound tissue is decreased. Taken together, our results lead us to conclude
      that THS toxicants delay and impair wound healing by disrupting the sequential
      processes that lead to normal healing. In addition, the lack of elastin results
      in loss of wound plasticity, which may be responsible for reopening of wounds.

PMID- 27129195
TI  - alpha-Synuclein expression levels do not significantly affect proteasome function
      and expression in mice and stably transfected PC12 cell lines.

PMID- 27129196
TI  - Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of methyl CpG binding protein 2 regulates chromatin
      structure.

PMID- 27129197
TI  - Revealing the Impact of Oxygen on Molecular Biology: The Work of Howard Mason.

PMID- 27129198
TI  - Dual Roles of O-Glucose Glycans Redundant with Monosaccharide O-Fucose on Notch
      in Notch Trafficking.
AB  - Notch is a transmembrane receptor that mediates cell-cell interactions and
      controls various cell-fate specifications in metazoans. The extracellular domain
      of Notch contains multiple epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats. At least
      five different glycans are found in distinct sites within these EGF-like repeats.
      The function of these individual glycans in Notch signaling has been
      investigated, primarily by disrupting their individual glycosyltransferases.
      However, we are just beginning to understand the potential functional
      interactions between these glycans. Monosaccharide O-fucose and O-glucose
      trisaccharide (O-glucose-xylose-xylose) are added to many of the Notch EGF-like
      repeats. In Drosophila, Shams adds a xylose specifically to the monosaccharide O
      glucose. We found that loss of the terminal dixylose of O-glucose-linked
      saccharides had little effect on Notch signaling. However, our analyses of double
      mutants of shams and other genes required for glycan modifications revealed that
      both the monosaccharide O-glucose and the terminal dixylose of O-glucose-linked
      saccharides function redundantly with the monosaccharide O-fucose in Notch
      activation and trafficking. The terminal dixylose of O-glucose-linked saccharides
      and the monosaccharide O-glucose were required in distinct Notch trafficking
      processes: Notch transport from the apical plasma membrane to adherens junctions,
      and Notch export from the endoplasmic reticulum, respectively. Therefore, the
      monosaccharide O-glucose and terminal dixylose of O-glucose-linked saccharides
      have distinct activities in Notch trafficking, although a loss of these
      activities is compensated for by the presence of monosaccharide O-fucose. Given
      that various glycans attached to a protein motif may have redundant functions,
      our results suggest that these potential redundancies may lead to a serious
      underestimation of glycan functions.

PMID- 27129199
TI  - Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer-based Structural Analysis of the
      Dihydropyridine Receptor alpha1S Subunit Reveals Conformational Differences
      Induced by Binding of the beta1a Subunit.
AB  - The skeletal muscle dihydropyridine receptor alpha1S subunit plays a key role in
      skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling by sensing membrane voltage
      changes and then triggering intracellular calcium release. The cytoplasmic loops
      connecting four homologous alpha1S structural domains have diverse functions, but
      their structural arrangement is poorly understood. Here, we used a novel FRET
      based method to characterize the relative proximity of these intracellular loops
      in alpha1S subunits expressed in intact cells. In dysgenic myotubes, energy
      transfer was observed from an N-terminal-fused YFP to a FRET acceptor, ReAsH
      (resorufin arsenical hairpin binder), targeted to each alpha1S intracellular
      loop, with the highest FRET efficiencies measured to the alpha1S II-III loop and
      C-terminal tail. However, in HEK-293T cells, FRET efficiencies from the alpha1S N
      terminus to the II-III and III-IV loops and the C-terminal tail were
      significantly lower, thus suggesting that these loop structures are influenced by
      the cellular microenvironment. The addition of the beta1a dihydropyridine
      receptor subunit enhanced FRET to the II-III loop, thus indicating that beta1a
      binding directly affects II-III loop conformation. This specific structural
      change required the C-terminal 36 amino acids of beta1a, which are essential to
      support EC coupling. Direct FRET measurements between alpha1S and beta1a
      confirmed that both wild type and truncated beta1a bind similarly to alpha1S
      These results provide new insights into the role of muscle-specific proteins on
      the structural arrangement of alpha1S intracellular loops and point to a new
      conformational effect of the beta1a subunit in supporting skeletal muscle
      excitation-contraction coupling.

PMID- 27129200
TI  - Receptor for Activated C Kinase 1 (RACK1) Promotes Dishevelled Protein
      Degradation via Autophagy and Antagonizes Wnt Signaling.
AB  - Wnt signaling plays a critical role in embryonic development, tissue homeostasis,
      and cancer development. Dishevelled (Dvl) is an essential and central component
      in Wnt signaling, and its stability and activity is tightly regulated. It has
      been shown that Dvl can be degraded via both the proteasome and autophagy
      lysosome pathways. Here we report that receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1)
      negatively regulates Dishevelled stability and Wnt signaling. RACK1 interacts
      with Dvl proteins and promotes their lysosomal degradation, and this effect is
      enhanced by autophagy induction. RACK1 also interacts with LC3 and enhances the
      association of LC3 with Dvl2, thereby leading to degradation of Dvl proteins
      through autophagy. These findings reveal a novel regulatory function of RACK1 in
      Wnt signaling by modulating Dvl stability.

PMID- 27129201
TI  - Investigation of the Interaction between Cdc42 and Its Effector TOCA1: HANDOVER
      OF Cdc42 TO THE ACTIN REGULATOR N-WASP IS FACILITATED BY DIFFERENTIAL BINDING
      AFFINITIES.
AB  - Transducer of Cdc42-dependent actin assembly protein 1 (TOCA1) is an effector of
      the Rho family small G protein Cdc42. It contains a membrane-deforming F-BAR
      domain as well as a Src homology 3 (SH3) domain and a G protein-binding homology
      region 1 (HR1) domain. TOCA1 binding to Cdc42 leads to actin rearrangements,
      which are thought to be involved in processes such as endocytosis, filopodia
      formation, and cell migration. We have solved the structure of the HR1 domain of
      TOCA1, providing the first structural data for this protein. We have found that
      the TOCA1 HR1, like the closely related CIP4 HR1, has interesting structural
      features that are not observed in other HR1 domains. We have also investigated
      the binding of the TOCA HR1 domain to Cdc42 and the potential ternary complex
      between Cdc42 and the G protein-binding regions of TOCA1 and a member of the
      Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family, N-WASP. TOCA1 binds Cdc42 with
      micromolar affinity, in contrast to the nanomolar affinity of the N-WASP G
      protein-binding region for Cdc42. NMR experiments show that the Cdc42-binding
      domain from N-WASP is able to displace TOCA1 HR1 from Cdc42, whereas the N-WASP
      domain but not the TOCA1 HR1 domain inhibits actin polymerization. This suggests
      that TOCA1 binding to Cdc42 is an early step in the Cdc42-dependent pathways that
      govern actin dynamics, and the differential binding affinities of the effectors
      facilitate a handover from TOCA1 to N-WASP, which can then drive recruitment of
      the actin-modifying machinery.

PMID- 27129202
TI  - Orphan Nuclear Receptor NR4A1 Binds a Novel Protein Interaction Site on Anti
      apoptotic B Cell Lymphoma Gene 2 Family Proteins.
AB  - B cell lymphoma gene 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins are key regulators of programmed
      cell death and important targets for drug discovery. Pro-apoptotic and anti
      apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins reciprocally modulate their activities in large
      part through protein interactions involving a motif known as BH3 (Bcl-2 homology
      3). Nur77 is an orphan member of the nuclear receptor family that lacks a BH3
      domain but nevertheless binds certain anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins (Bcl
      2, Bfl-1, and Bcl-B), modulating their effects on apoptosis and autophagy. We
      used a combination of NMR spectroscopy-based methods, mutagenesis, and functional
      studies to define the interaction site of a Nur77 peptide on anti-apoptotic Bcl-2
      family proteins and reveal a novel interaction surface. Nur77 binds adjacent to
      the BH3 peptide-binding crevice, suggesting the possibility of cross-talk between
      these discrete binding sites. Mutagenesis of residues lining the identified
      interaction site on Bcl-B negated the interaction with Nur77 protein in cells and
      prevented Nur77-mediated modulation of apoptosis and autophagy. The findings
      establish a new protein interaction site with the potential to modulate the
      apoptosis and autophagy mechanisms governed by Bcl-2 family proteins.

PMID- 27129203
TI  - Structure and Dynamics of Single-isoform Recombinant Neuronal Human Tubulin.
AB  - Microtubules are polymers that cycle stochastically between polymerization and
      depolymerization, i.e. they exhibit "dynamic instability." This behavior is
      crucial for cell division, motility, and differentiation. Although studies in the
      last decade have made fundamental breakthroughs in our understanding of how
      cellular effectors modulate microtubule dynamics, analysis of the relationship
      between tubulin sequence, structure, and dynamics has been held back by a lack of
      dynamics measurements with and structural characterization of homogeneous
      isotypically pure engineered tubulin. Here, we report for the first time the cryo
      EM structure and in vitro dynamics parameters of recombinant isotypically pure
      human tubulin. alpha1A/betaIII is a purely neuronal tubulin isoform. The 4.2-A
      structure of post-translationally unmodified human alpha1A/betaIII microtubules
      shows overall similarity to that of heterogeneous brain microtubules, but it is
      distinguished by subtle differences at polymerization interfaces, which are hot
      spots for sequence divergence between tubulin isoforms. In vitro dynamics assays
      show that, like mosaic brain microtubules, recombinant homogeneous microtubules
      undergo dynamic instability, but they polymerize slower and have fewer
      catastrophes. Interestingly, we find that epitaxial growth of alpha1A/betaIII
      microtubules from heterogeneous brain seeds is inefficient but can be fully
      rescued by incorporating as little as 5% of brain tubulin into the homogeneous
      alpha1A/betaIII lattice. Our study establishes a system to examine the structure
      and dynamics of mammalian microtubules with well defined tubulin species and is a
      first and necessary step toward uncovering how tubulin genetic and chemical
      diversity is exploited to modulate intrinsic microtubule dynamics.

PMID- 27129204
TI  - Structural Analysis of a Complex between Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier 1 (SUMO1)
      and the ZZ Domain of CREB-binding Protein (CBP/p300) Reveals a New Interaction
      Surface on SUMO.
AB  - We have recently discovered that the ZZ zinc finger domain represents a novel
      small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) binding motif. In this study we identify the
      binding epitopes in the ZZ domain of CBP (CREB-binding protein) and SUMO1 using
      NMR spectroscopy. The binding site on SUMO1 represents a unique epitope for SUMO
      interaction spatially opposite to that observed for canonical SUMO interaction
      motifs (SIMs). HADDOCK docking simulations using chemical shift perturbations and
      residual dipolar couplings was employed to obtain a structural model for the ZZ
      domain-SUMO1 complex. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments support this
      model by showing that the mutation of key residues in the binding site abolishes
      binding and that SUMO1 can simultaneously and non-cooperatively bind both the ZZ
      domain and a canonical SIM motif. The binding dynamics of SUMO1 was further
      characterized using (15)N Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) relaxation
      dispersions, which define the off rates for the ZZ domain and SIM motif and show
      that the dynamic binding process has different characteristics for the two cases.
      Furthermore, in the absence of bound ligands SUMO1 transiently samples a high
      energy conformation, which might be involved in ligand binding.

PMID- 27129205
TI  - How Aromatic Compounds Block DNA Binding of HcaR Catabolite Regulator.
AB  - Bacterial catabolism of aromatic compounds from various sources including
      phenylpropanoids and flavonoids that are abundant in soil plays an important role
      in the recycling of carbon in the ecosystem. We have determined the crystal
      structures of apo-HcaR from Acinetobacter sp. ADP1, a MarR/SlyA transcription
      factor, in complexes with hydroxycinnamates and a specific DNA operator. The
      protein regulates the expression of the hca catabolic operon in Acinetobacter and
      related bacterial strains, allowing utilization of hydroxycinnamates as sole
      sources of carbon. HcaR binds multiple ligands, and as a result the transcription
      of genes encoding several catabolic enzymes is increased. The 1.9-2.4 A
      resolution structures presented here explain how HcaR recognizes four ligands
      (ferulate, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate, p-coumarate, and vanillin) using the same
      binding site. The ligand promiscuity appears to be an adaptation to match a broad
      specificity of hydroxycinnamate catabolic enzymes while responding to toxic
      thioester intermediates. Structures of apo-HcaR and in complex with a specific
      DNA hca operator when combined with binding studies of hydroxycinnamates show how
      aromatic ligands render HcaR unproductive in recognizing a specific DNA target.
      The current study contributes to a better understanding of the hca catabolic
      operon regulation mechanism by the transcription factor HcaR.

PMID- 27129206
TI  - Low or No Inhibitory Potency of the Canonical Galectin Carbohydrate-binding Site
      by Pectins and Galactomannans.
AB  - Some complex plant-derived polysaccharides, such as modified citrus pectins and
      galactomannans, have been shown to have promising anti-inflammatory and anti
      cancer effects. Most reports propose or claim that these effects are due to
      interaction of the polysaccharides with galectins because the polysaccharides
      contain galactose-containing side chains that might bind this class of lectin.
      However, their direct binding to and/or inhibition of the evolutionarily
      conserved galactoside-binding site of galectins has not been demonstrated. Using
      a well established fluorescence anisotropy assay, we tested the direct
      interaction of several such polysaccharides with physiological concentrations of
      a panel of galectins. The bioactive pectic samples tested were very poor
      inhibitors of the canonical galactoside-binding site for the tested galectins,
      with IC50 values >10 mg/ml for a few or in most cases no inhibitory activity at
      all. The galactomannan Davanat(r) was more active, albeit not a strong inhibitor
      (IC50 values ranging from 3 to 20 mg/ml depending on the galectin). Pure
      synthetic oligosaccharide fragments found in the side chains and backbone of
      pectins and galactomannans were additionally tested. The most commonly found
      galactan configuration in pectins had no inhibition of the galectins tested.
      Galactosylated tri- and pentamannosides, representing the structure of
      Davanat(r), had an inhibitory effect of galectins comparable with that of free
      galactose. Further evaluation using cell-based assays, indirectly linked to
      galectin-3 inhibition, showed no inhibition of galectin-3 by the polysaccharides.
      These data suggest that the physiological effects of these plant polysaccharides
      are not due to inhibition of the canonical galectin carbohydrate-binding site.

PMID- 27129208
TI  - The Globular Tail Domain of Myosin-5a Functions as a Dimer in Regulating the
      Motor Activity.
AB  - Myosin-5a contains two heavy chains, which are dimerized via the coiled-coil
      regions. Thus, myosin-5a comprises two heads and two globular tail domains
      (GTDs). The GTD is the inhibitory domain that binds to the head and inhibits its
      motor function. Although the two-headed structure is essential for the processive
      movement of myosin-5a along actin filaments, little is known about the role of
      GTD dimerization. Here, we investigated the effect of GTD dimerization on its
      inhibitory activity. We found that the potent inhibitory activity of the GTD is
      dependent on its dimerization by the preceding coiled-coil regions, indicating
      synergistic interactions between the two GTDs and the two heads of myosin-5a.
      Moreover, we found that alanine mutations of the two conserved basic residues at
      N-terminal extension of the GTD not only weaken the inhibitory activity of the
      GTD but also enhance the activation of myosin-5a by its cargo-binding protein
      melanophilin (Mlph). These results are consistent with the GTD forming a head to
      head dimer, in which the N-terminal extension of the GTD interacts with the Mlph
      binding site in the counterpart GTD. The Mlph-binding site at the GTD-GTD
      interface must be exposed prior to the binding of Mlph. We therefore propose that
      the inhibited Myo5a is equilibrated between the folded state, in which the Mlph
      binding site is buried, and the preactivated state, in which the Mlph-binding
      site is exposed, and that Mlph is able to bind to the Myo5a in preactivated state
      and activates its motor function.

PMID- 27129209
TI  - E2 Ubiquitin-conjugating Enzyme, UBE2C Gene, Is Reciprocally Regulated by Wild
      type and Gain-of-Function Mutant p53.
AB  - Spindle assembly checkpoint governs proper chromosomal segregation during mitosis
      to ensure genomic stability. At the cellular level, this event is tightly
      regulated by UBE2C, an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that donates ubiquitin to
      the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome. This, in turn, facilitates anaphase
      onset by ubiquitin-mediated degradation of mitotic substrates. UBE2C is an
      important marker of chromosomal instability and has been associated with
      malignant growth. However, the mechanism of its regulation is largely unexplored.
      In this study, we report that UBE2C is transcriptionally activated by the gain-of
      function (GOF) mutant p53, although it is transcriptionally repressed by wild
      type p53. We showed that wild-type p53-mediated inhibition of UBE2C is p21-E2F4
      dependent and GOF mutant p53-mediated transactivation of UBE2C is NF-Y-dependent.
      We further explored that DNA damage-induced wild-type p53 leads to spindle
      assembly checkpoint arrest by repressing UBE2C, whereas mutant p53 causes
      premature anaphase exit by increasing UBE2C expression in the presence of 5
      fluorouracil. Identification of UBE2C as a target of wild-type and GOF mutant p53
      further highlights the contribution of p53 in regulation of spindle assembly
      checkpoint.

PMID- 27129207
TI  - Rearrangement of the Extracellular Domain/Extracellular Loop 1 Interface Is
      Critical for Thyrotropin Receptor Activation.
AB  - The thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is a G protein-coupled receptor
      (GPCR) with a characteristic large extracellular domain (ECD). TSHR activation is
      initiated by binding of the hormone ligand TSH to the ECD. How the extracellular
      binding event triggers the conformational changes in the transmembrane domain
      (TMD) necessary for intracellular G protein activation is poorly understood. To
      gain insight in this process, the knowledge on the relative positioning of ECD
      and TMD and the conformation of the linker region at the interface of ECD and TMD
      are of particular importance. To generate a structural model for the TSHR we
      applied an integrated structural biology approach combining computational
      techniques with experimental data. Chemical cross-linking followed by mass
      spectrometry yielded 17 unique distance restraints within the ECD of the TSHR,
      its ligand TSH, and the hormone-receptor complex. These structural restraints
      generally confirm the expected binding mode of TSH to the ECD as well as the
      general fold of the domains and were used to guide homology modeling of the ECD.
      Functional characterization of TSHR mutants confirms the previously suggested
      close proximity of Ser-281 and Ile-486 within the TSHR. Rigidifying this contact
      permanently with a disulfide bridge disrupts ligand-induced receptor activation
      and indicates that rearrangement of the ECD/extracellular loop 1 (ECL1) interface
      is a critical step in receptor activation. The experimentally verified contact of
      Ser-281 (ECD) and Ile-486 (TMD) was subsequently utilized in docking homology
      models of the ECD and the TMD to create a full-length model of a glycoprotein
      hormone receptor.

PMID- 27129210
TI  - Caveolin-1 Regulates the P2Y2 Receptor Signaling in Human 1321N1 Astrocytoma
      Cells.
AB  - Damage to the CNS can cause a differential spatio-temporal release of multiple
      factors, such as nucleotides, ATP and UTP. The latter interact with neuronal and
      glial nucleotide receptors. The P2Y2 nucleotide receptor (P2Y2R) has gained
      prominence as a modulator of gliotic responses after CNS injury. Still, the
      molecular mechanisms underlying these responses in glia are not fully understood.
      Membrane-raft microdomains, such as caveolae, and their constituent caveolins,
      modulate receptor signaling in astrocytes; yet, their role in P2Y2R signaling has
      not been adequately explored. Hence, this study evaluated the role of caveolin-1
      (Cav-1) in modulating P2Y2R subcellular distribution and signaling in human
      1321N1 astrocytoma cells. Recombinant hP2Y2R expressed in 1321N1 cells and Cav-1
      were found to co-fractionate in light-density membrane-raft fractions, co
      localize via confocal microscopy, and co-immunoprecipitate. Raft localization was
      dependent on ATP stimulation and Cav-1 expression. This hP2Y2R/Cav-1 distribution
      and interaction was confirmed with various cell model systems differing in the
      expression of both P2Y2R and Cav-1, and shRNA knockdown of Cav-1 expression.
      Furthermore, shRNA knockdown of Cav-1 expression decreased nucleotide-induced
      increases in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in 1321N1 and C6 glioma cells
      without altering TRAP-6 and carbachol Ca(2+) responses. In addition, Cav-1 shRNA
      knockdown also decreased AKT phosphorylation and altered the kinetics of ERK1/2
      activation in 1321N1 cells. Our findings strongly suggest that P2Y2R interaction
      with Cav-1 in membrane-raft caveolae of 1321N1 cells modulates receptor coupling
      to its downstream signaling machinery. Thus, P2Y2R/Cav-1 interactions represent a
      novel target for controlling P2Y2R function after CNS injury.

PMID- 27129211
TI  - Inhibition of the Expression of the Small Heat Shock Protein alphaB-Crystallin
      Inhibits Exosome Secretion in Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells in Culture.
AB  - Exosomes carry cell type-specific molecular cargo to extracellular destinations
      and therefore act as lateral vectors of intercellular communication and transfer
      of genetic information from one cell to the other. We have shown previously that
      the small heat shock protein alphaB-crystallin (alphaB) is exported out of the
      adult human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE19) packaged in exosomes. Here,
      we demonstrate that inhibition of the expression of alphaB via shRNA inhibits
      exosome secretion from ARPE19 cells indicating that exosomal cargo may have a
      role in exosome biogenesis (synthesis and/or secretion). Sucrose density gradient
      fractionation of the culture medium and cellular extracts suggests continued
      synthesis of exosomes but an inhibition of exosome secretion. In cells where
      alphaB expression was inhibited, the distribution of CD63 (LAMP3), an exosome
      marker, is markedly altered from the normal dispersed pattern to a stacked
      perinuclear presence. Interestingly, the total anti-CD63(LAMP3)
      immunofluorescence in the native and alphaB-inhibited cells remains unchanged
      suggesting continued exosome synthesis under conditions of impaired exosome
      secretion. Importantly, inhibition of the expression of alphaB results in a
      phenotype of the RPE cell that contains an increased number of vacuoles and
      enlarged (fused) vesicles that show increased presence of CD63(LAMP3) and LAMP1
      indicating enhancement of the endolysosomal compartment. This is further
      corroborated by increased Rab7 labeling of this compartment (RabGTPase 7 is known
      to be associated with late endosome maturation). These data collectively point to
      a regulatory role for alphaB in exosome biogenesis possibly via its involvement
      at a branch point in the endocytic pathway that facilitates secretion of
      exosomes.

PMID- 27129213
TI  - Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH) Protein-Protein Interaction
      Inhibitor Reveals a Non-catalytic Role for GAPDH Oligomerization in Cell Death.
AB  - Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), an important glycolytic enzyme,
      has a non-catalytic (thus a non-canonical) role in inducing mitochondrial
      elimination under oxidative stress. We recently demonstrated that phosphorylation
      of GAPDH by delta protein kinase C (deltaPKC) inhibits this GAPDH-dependent
      mitochondrial elimination. deltaPKC phosphorylation of GAPDH correlates with
      increased cell injury following oxidative stress, suggesting that inhibiting
      GAPDH phosphorylation should decrease cell injury. Using rational design, we
      identified pseudo-GAPDH (psiGAPDH) peptide, an inhibitor of deltaPKC-mediated
      GAPDH phosphorylation that does not inhibit the phosphorylation of other deltaPKC
      substrates. Unexpectedly, psiGAPDH decreased mitochondrial elimination and
      increased cardiac damage in an animal model of heart attack. Either treatment
      with psiGAPDH or direct phosphorylation of GAPDH by deltaPKC decreased GAPDH
      tetramerization, which corresponded to reduced GAPDH glycolytic activity in vitro
      and ex vivo Taken together, our study identified the potential mechanism by which
      oxidative stress inhibits the protective GAPDH-mediated elimination of damaged
      mitochondria. Our study also identified a pharmacological tool, psiGAPDH peptide,
      with interesting properties. psiGAPDH peptide is an inhibitor of the interaction
      between deltaPKC and GAPDH and of the resulting phosphorylation of GAPDH by
      deltaPKC. psiGAPDH peptide is also an inhibitor of GAPDH oligomerization and thus
      an inhibitor of GAPDH glycolytic activity. Finally, we found that psiGAPDH
      peptide is an inhibitor of the elimination of damaged mitochondria. We discuss
      how this unique property of increasing cell damage following oxidative stress
      suggests a potential use for psiGAPDH peptide-based therapy.

PMID- 27129212
TI  - Central Mechanisms Mediating Thrombospondin-4-induced Pain States.
AB  - Peripheral nerve injury induces increased expression of thrombospondin-4 (TSP4)
      in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia that contributes to neuropathic pain
      states through unknown mechanisms. Here, we test the hypothesis that TSP4
      activates its receptor, the voltage-gated calcium channel Cavalpha2delta1 subunit
      (Cavalpha2delta1), on sensory afferent terminals in dorsal spinal cord to promote
      excitatory synaptogenesis and central sensitization that contribute to
      neuropathic pain states. We show that there is a direct molecular interaction
      between TSP4 and Cavalpha2delta1 in the spinal cord in vivo and that
      TSP4/Cavalpha2delta1-dependent processes lead to increased behavioral
      sensitivities to stimuli. In dorsal spinal cord, TSP4/Cavalpha2delta1-dependent
      processes lead to increased frequency of miniature and amplitude of evoked
      excitatory post-synaptic currents in second-order neurons as well as increased
      VGlut2- and PSD95-positive puncta, indicative of increased excitatory synapses.
      Blockade of TSP4/Cavalpha2delta1-dependent processes with Cavalpha2delta1 ligand
      gabapentin or genetic Cavalpha2delta1 knockdown blocks TSP4 induced nociception
      and its pathological correlates. Conversely, TSP4 antibodies or genetic ablation
      blocks nociception and changes in synaptic transmission in mice overexpressing
      Cavalpha2delta1 Importantly, TSP4/Cavalpha2delta1-dependent processes also lead
      to similar behavioral and pathological changes in a neuropathic pain model of
      peripheral nerve injury. Thus, a TSP4/Cavalpha2delta1-dependent pathway activated
      by TSP4 or peripheral nerve injury promotes exaggerated presynaptic excitatory
      input and evoked sensory neuron hyperexcitability and excitatory synaptogenesis,
      which together lead to central sensitization and pain state development.

PMID- 27129214
TI  - Human RNA Polymerase II Promoter Recruitment in Vitro Is Regulated by O-Linked N
      Acetylglucosaminyltransferase (OGT).
AB  - Although the O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification of the RNA
      polymerase II C-terminal domain was described 20 years ago, the function of this
      RNA polymerase II (pol II) species is not known. We show here that an O
      GlcNAcylated pol II species (pol IIgamma) exists on promoters in vitro Inhibition
      of O-GlcNAc-transferase activity and O-GlcNAcylation prevents pol II entry into
      the promoter, and O-GlcNAc removal from pol II is an ATP-dependent step during
      initiation. These data indicate that O-GlcNAc-transferase activity is essential
      for RNA pol II promoter recruitment and that pol II goes through a cycling of O
      GlcNAcylation at the promoter. Mass spectrometry shows that serine residues 2 and
      5 of the pol II C-terminal domain are O-GlcNAcylated, suggesting an overlap with
      the transcription factor IIH (TFIIH)-dependent serine 5 phosphorylation events
      during initiation and P-TEFb (positive transcriptional elongation factor b)
      events during elongation. These data provide unexpected and important insights
      into the role of a previously ill-defined species of RNA polymerase II in
      regulating transcription.

PMID- 27129215
TI  - A Single Amino Acid Difference between Mouse and Human 5-Lipoxygenase Activating
      Protein (FLAP) Explains the Speciation and Differential Pharmacology of Novel
      FLAP Inhibitors.
AB  - 5-Lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) plays a critical role in the metabolism
      of arachidonic acid to leukotriene A4, the precursor to the potent pro
      inflammatory mediators leukotriene B4 and leukotriene C4 Studies with small
      molecule inhibitors of FLAP have led to the discovery of a drug binding pocket on
      the protein surface, and several pharmaceutical companies have developed
      compounds and performed clinical trials. Crystallographic studies and mutational
      analyses have contributed to a general understanding of compound binding modes.
      During our own efforts, we identified two unique chemical series. One series
      demonstrated strong inhibition of human FLAP but differential pharmacology across
      species and was completely inactive in assays with mouse or rat FLAP. The other
      series was active across rodent FLAP, as well as human and dog FLAP. Comparison
      of rodent and human FLAP amino acid sequences together with an analysis of a
      published crystal structure led to the identification of amino acid residue 24 in
      the floor of the putative binding pocket as a likely candidate for the observed
      speciation. On that basis, we tested compounds for binding to human G24A and
      mouse A24G FLAP mutant variants and compared the data to that generated for wild
      type human and mouse FLAP. These studies confirmed that a single amino acid
      mutation was sufficient to reverse the speciation observed in wild type FLAP. In
      addition, a PK/PD method was established in canines to enable preclinical
      profiling of mouse-inactive compounds.

PMID- 27129216
TI  - The pH-dependent Client Release from the Collagen-specific Chaperone HSP47 Is
      Triggered by a Tandem Histidine Pair.
AB  - Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident collagen
      specific chaperone and essential for proper formation of the characteristic
      collagen triple helix. It preferentially binds to the folded conformation of its
      clients and accompanies them from the ER to the Golgi compartment, where it
      releases them and is recycled back to the ER. Unlike other chaperones, the
      binding and release cycles are not governed by nucleotide exchange and
      hydrolysis, but presumably the dissociation of the HSP47-procollagen complex is
      triggered by the lower pH in the Golgi (pH 6.3) compared with the ER (pH 7.4).
      Histidine residues have been suggested as triggers due to their approximate
      textbook pKa value of 6.1 for their side chains. We present here an extensive
      theoretical and experimental study of the 14 histidine residues present in canine
      HSP47, where we have mutated all histidine residues in the collagen binding
      interface and additionally all of those that were predicted to undergo a
      significant change in protonation state between pH 7 and 6. These mutants were
      characterized by biolayer interferometry for their pH-dependent binding to a
      collagen model. One mutant (H238N) loses binding, which can be explained by a
      rearrangement of the Arg(222) and Asp(385) residues, which are crucial for
      specific collagen recognition. Most of the other mutants were remarkably silent,
      but a double mutant with His(273) and His(274) exchanged for asparagines exhibits
      a much less pronounced pH dependence of collagen binding. This effect is mainly
      caused by a lower koff at the low pH values.

PMID- 27129217
TI  - The Dimeric Architecture of Checkpoint Kinases Mec1ATR and Tel1ATM Reveal a
      Common Structural Organization.
AB  - The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related protein kinases are key regulators
      controlling a wide range of cellular events. The yeast Tel1 and Mec1.Ddc2 complex
      (ATM and ATR-ATRIP in humans) play pivotal roles in DNA replication, DNA damage
      signaling, and repair. Here, we present the first structural insight for dimers
      of Mec1.Ddc2 and Tel1 using single-particle electron microscopy. Both kinases
      reveal a head to head dimer with one major dimeric interface through the N
      terminal HEAT (named after Huntingtin, elongation factor 3, protein phosphatase
      2A, and yeast kinase TOR1) repeat. Their dimeric interface is significantly
      distinct from the interface of mTOR complex 1 dimer, which oligomerizes through
      two spatially separate interfaces. We also observe different structural
      organizations of kinase domains of Mec1 and Tel1. The kinase domains in the
      Mec1.Ddc2 dimer are located in close proximity to each other. However, in the
      Tel1 dimer they are fully separated, providing potential access of substrates to
      this kinase, even in its dimeric form.

PMID- 27129218
TI  - Stabilization of Ultraviolet (UV)-stimulated Scaffold Protein A by Interaction
      with Ubiquitin-specific Peptidase 7 Is Essential for Transcription-coupled
      Nucleotide Excision Repair.
AB  - UV-sensitive syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by
      hypersensitivity to UV light and deficiency in transcription-coupled nucleotide
      excision repair (TC-NER), a subpathway of nucleotide excision repair that rapidly
      removes transcription-blocking DNA damage. UV-sensitive syndrome consists of
      three genetic complementation groups caused by mutations in the CSA, CSB, and
      UVSSA genes. UV-stimulated scaffold protein A (UVSSA), the product of UVSSA,
      which is required for stabilization of Cockayne syndrome group B (CSB) protein
      and reappearance of the hypophosphorylated form of RNA polymerase II after UV
      irradiation, forms a complex with ubiquitin-specific peptidase 7 (USP7). In this
      study, we demonstrated that the deubiquitination activity of USP7 is suppressed
      by its interaction with UVSSA. The interaction required the tumor necrosis factor
      receptor-associated factor domain of USP7 and the central region of UVSSA and was
      disrupted by an amino acid substitution in the tumor necrosis factor receptor
      associated factor-binding motif of UVSSA. Cells expressing mutant UVSSA were
      highly sensitive to UV irradiation and defective in recovery of RNA synthesis
      after UV irradiation. These results indicate that the interaction between UVSSA
      and USP7 is important for TC-NER. Furthermore, the mutant UVSSA was rapidly
      degraded by the proteasome, and CSB was also degraded after UV irradiation as
      observed in UVSSA-deficient cells. Thus, stabilization of UVSSA by interaction
      with USP7 is essential for TC-NER.

PMID- 27129220
TI  - Introduction to Biofilms Thematic Minireview Series.
AB  - The biofilms that many bacteria and fungi produce enable them to form
      communities, adhere tightly to surfaces, evade host immunity, and resist
      antibiotics. Pathogenic microorganisms that form biofilms are very difficult to
      eradicate and thus are a frequent source of life-threatening, hospital-acquired
      infections. This series of five minireviews from the Journal of Biological
      Chemistry provides a broad overview of our current understanding of biofilms and
      the challenges that remain. The structure, biosynthesis, and biological function
      of the biofilms produced by pathogenic fungi are the subject of the first
      article, by Sheppard and Howell. Gunn, Bakaletz, and Wozniak focus on the
      biochemistry and structure of bacterial biofilms, how these structures enable
      bacteria to evade host immunity, and current and developing strategies for
      overcoming this resistance. The third and fourth articles present two of the best
      understood cell signaling pathways involved in biofilm formation. Valentini and
      Filloux focus on cyclic di-GMP, while Kavanaugh and Horswill discuss the quorum
      sensing (agr) system and the relationship between quorum sensing and biofilm
      formation. Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, particularly the role of efflux
      pumps and the development of persister cells, are the topics of the final article
      by Van Acker and Coenye. The advances described in this series guarantee that
      ongoing interdisciplinary and international efforts will lead to new insights
      into the basic biology of biofilm formation, as well as new strategies for
      therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 27129219
TI  - HBP1-mediated Regulation of p21 Protein through the Mdm2/p53 and TCF4/EZH2
      Pathways and Its Impact on Cell Senescence and Tumorigenesis.
AB  - The activity of the CDK inhibitor p21 is associated with diverse biological
      activities, including cell proliferation, senescence, and tumorigenesis. However,
      the mechanisms governing transcription of p21 need to be extensively studied. In
      this study, we demonstrate that the high-mobility group box-containing protein 1
      (HBP1) transcription factor is a novel activator of p21 that works as part of a
      complex mechanism during senescence and tumorigenesis. We found that HBP1
      activates the p21 gene through enhancing p53 stability by inhibiting Mdm2
      mediated ubiquitination of p53, a well known positive regulator of p21. HBP1 was
      also found to enhance p21 transcription by inhibiting Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
      We identified histone methyltransferase EZH2, the catalytic subunit of polycomb
      repressive complex 2, as a target of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. HBP1-mediated
      repression of EZH2 through Wnt/beta-catenin signaling decreased the level of
      trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 of overall and specific histone on the
      p21 promoter, resulting in p21 transactivation. Although intricate, the
      reciprocal partnership of HBP1 and p21 has exceptional importance. HBP1-mediated
      elevation of p21 through the Mdm2/p53 and TCF4/EZH2 pathways contributes to both
      cellular senescence and tumor inhibition. Together, our results suggest that the
      HBP1 transcription factor orchestrates a complex regulation of key genes during
      cellular senescence and tumorigenesis with an impact on protein ubiquitination
      and overall histone methylation state.

PMID- 27129221
TI  - Regulation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling by ADP-ribosylation.
AB  - We previously established a mechanism of negative regulation of transforming
      growth factor beta signaling mediated by the nuclear ADP-ribosylating enzyme poly
      (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and the deribosylating enzyme poly-(ADP-ribose)
      glycohydrolase (PARG), which dynamically regulate ADP-ribosylation of Smad3 and
      Smad4, two central signaling proteins of the pathway. Here we demonstrate that
      the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway can also be regulated by the
      opposing actions of PARP1 and PARG. PARG positively contributes to BMP signaling
      and forms physical complexes with Smad5 and Smad4. The positive role PARG plays
      during BMP signaling can be neutralized by PARP1, as demonstrated by experiments
      where PARG and PARP1 are simultaneously silenced. In contrast to PARG, ectopic
      expression of PARP1 suppresses BMP signaling, whereas silencing of endogenous
      PARP1 enhances signaling and BMP-induced differentiation. The two major Smad
      proteins of the BMP pathway, Smad1 and Smad5, interact with PARP1 and can be ADP
      ribosylated in vitro, whereas PARG causes deribosylation. The overall outcome of
      this mode of regulation of BMP signal transduction provides a fine-tuning
      mechanism based on the two major enzymes that control cellular ADP-ribosylation.

PMID- 27129222
TI  - Biofilm Exopolysaccharides of Pathogenic Fungi: Lessons from Bacteria.
AB  - Exopolysaccharides play an important structural and functional role in the
      development and maintenance of microbial biofilms. Although the majority of
      research to date has focused on the exopolysaccharide systems of biofilm-forming
      bacteria, recent studies have demonstrated that medically relevant fungi such as
      Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus also form biofilms during infection.
      These fungal biofilms share many similarities with those of bacteria, including
      the presence of secreted exopolysaccharides as core components of the
      extracellular matrix. This review will highlight our current understanding of
      fungal biofilm exopolysaccharides, as well as the parallels that can be drawn
      with those of their bacterial counterparts.

PMID- 27129223
TI  - Impact of Environmental Cues on Staphylococcal Quorum Sensing and Biofilm
      Development.
AB  - Staphylococci are commensal bacteria that colonize the epithelial surfaces of
      humans and many other mammals. These bacteria can also attach to implanted
      medical devices and develop surface-associated biofilm communities that resist
      clearance by host defenses and available chemotherapies. These communities are
      often associated with persistent staphylococcal infections that place a
      tremendous burden on the healthcare system. Understanding the regulatory program
      that controls staphylococcal biofilm development, as well as the environmental
      conditions that modulate this program, has been a focal point of research in
      recent years. A central regulator controlling biofilm development is a peptide
      quorum-sensing system, also called the accessory gene regulator or agr system. In
      the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, the agr system controls
      production of exo-toxins and exo-enzymes essential for causing infections, and
      simultaneously, it modulates the ability of this pathogen to attach to surfaces
      and develop a biofilm, or to disperse from the biofilm state. In this review, we
      explore advances on the interconnections between the agr quorum-sensing system
      and biofilm mechanisms, and topics covered include recent findings on how
      different environmental conditions influence quorum sensing, the impact on
      biofilm development, and ongoing questions and challenges in the field. As our
      understanding of the quorum sensing and biofilm interconnection advances, there
      are growing opportunities to take advantage of this knowledge and develop
      therapeutic approaches to control staphylococcal infections.

PMID- 27129224
TI  - The Role of Efflux and Physiological Adaptation in Biofilm Tolerance and
      Resistance.
AB  - Microbial biofilms demonstrate a decreased susceptibility to antimicrobial
      agents. Various mechanisms have been proposed to be involved in this
      recalcitrance. We focus on two of these factors. Firstly, the ability of sessile
      cells to actively mediate efflux of antimicrobial compounds has a profound impact
      on resistance and tolerance, and several studies point to the existence of
      biofilm-specific efflux systems. Secondly, biofilm-specific stress responses have
      a marked influence on cellular physiology, and contribute to the occurrence of
      persister cells. We provide an overview of the data that demonstrate that both
      processes are important for survival following exposure to antimicrobial agents.

PMID- 27129225
TI  - What's on the Outside Matters: The Role of the Extracellular Polymeric Substance
      of Gram-negative Biofilms in Evading Host Immunity and as a Target for
      Therapeutic Intervention.
AB  - Biofilms are organized multicellular communities encased in an extracellular
      polymeric substance (EPS). Biofilm-resident bacteria resist immunity and
      antimicrobials. The EPS provides structural stability and presents a barrier;
      however, a complete understanding of how EPS structure relates to biological
      function is lacking. This review focuses on the EPS of three Gram-negative
      pathogens: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, and
      Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi/Typhimurium. Although EPS proteins and
      polysaccharides are diverse, common constituents include extracellular DNA,
      DNABII (DNA binding and bending) proteins, pili, flagella, and outer membrane
      vesicles. The EPS biochemistry promotes recalcitrance and informs the design of
      therapies to reduce or eliminate biofilm burden.

PMID- 27129226
TI  - Biofilms and Cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) Signaling: Lessons from Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa and Other Bacteria.
AB  - The cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) second messenger represents a signaling system that
      regulates many bacterial behaviors and is of key importance for driving the
      lifestyle switch between motile loner cells and biofilm formers. This review
      provides an up-to-date compendium of c-di-GMP pathways connected to biofilm
      formation, biofilm-associated motilities, and other functionalities in the
      ubiquitous and opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa This bacterium
      is frequently adopted as a model organism to study bacterial biofilm formation.
      Importantly, its versatility and adaptation capabilities are linked with a broad
      range of complex regulatory networks, including a large set of genes involved in
      c-di-GMP biosynthesis, degradation, and transmission.

PMID- 27129227
TI  - The Steroid Hormone 20-Hydroxyecdysone Enhances Gene Transcription through the
      cAMP Response Element-binding Protein (CREB) Signaling Pathway.
AB  - Animal steroid hormones regulate gene transcription through genomic pathways by
      binding to nuclear receptors. These steroid hormones also rapidly increase
      intracellular calcium and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and
      activate the protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA) nongenomic
      pathways. However, the function and mechanism of the nongenomic pathways of the
      steroid hormones are unclear, and the relationship between the PKC and PKA
      pathways is also unclear. We propose that the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone
      (20E) activates the PKA pathway to enhance 20E-induced gene transcription in the
      lepidopteran insect Helicoverpa armigera The expression of the catalytic subunit
      1 of PKA (PKAC1) increased during metamorphosis, and PKAC1 knockdown blocked
      pupation and repressed 20E-responsive gene expression. 20E regulated PKAC1
      phosphorylation at threonine 200 and nuclear translocation through an ecdysone
      responsive G-protein-coupled receptor 2. PKAC1 induced cAMP response element
      binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation at serine 143, which bound to the cAMP
      response element on DNA to enhance 20E-responsive gene transcription. Through
      ecdysone-responsive G-protein-coupled receptor 2, 20E increased cAMP levels,
      which induced CREB PKA phosphorylation and 20E-responsive gene expression. This
      study demonstrates that the PKA/CREB pathway tightly and critically regulates 20E
      induced gene transcription as well as its relationship with the 20E-induced PKC
      pathway.

PMID- 27129228
TI  - The Molecular Chaperone GRP78 Contributes to Toll-like Receptor 3-mediated Innate
      Immune Response to Hepatitis C Virus in Hepatocytes.
AB  - Toll-like receptor-3 (TLR3) senses double-stranded RNA intermediates produced
      during hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication, leading to activation of interferon
      regulatory factor-3 (IRF3) and NF-kappaB and subsequent antiviral and
      proinflammatory responses. Yet, how this TLR3-dependent pathway operates in
      hepatocytes is unclear. Upon fractionating cultured hepatocytes into various
      cellular organelles, we observed that TLR3 predominantly resides in endolysosomes
      of hepatocytes. To determine the critical regulators of TLR3 signaling in
      response to HCV infection in human hepatocytes, we isolated endolysosome
      fractions from mock-infected and HCV-infected hepatoma Huh7.5 cells that had been
      reconstituted for TLR3 expression, separated these fractions on two-dimensional
      gels, and identified up-regulated/down-regulated proteins by mass spectrometry.
      Approximately a dozen of cellular proteins were found to be differentially
      expressed in endolysosome fractions following HCV infection. Of these, expression
      of several molecular chaperone proteins was elevated. Knockdown of one of these
      chaperones, glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78), compromised TLR3-dependent
      induction of interferon-stimulated genes and chemokines following HCV infection
      or poly(I:C) stimulation in cultured hepatocytes. Consistent with this finding,
      GRP78 depletion impaired TLR3-mediated establishment of an antiviral state.
      Mechanistically, although TLR3 trafficking to endolysosomes was not affected,
      phosphorylated IRF3 diminished faster following GRP78 knockdown. Remarkably,
      GRP78 transcript was significantly up-regulated in liver biopsies of chronic
      hepatitis C patients as compared with normal liver tissues. Moreover, the GRP78
      expression level correlated with that of RANTES (regulated upon activation,
      normal T-cell expressed and secreted) and CXCL10, two inflammatory chemokines
      most frequently elevated in HCV-infected liver. Altogether, our data suggest that
      GRP78 contributes to TLR3-mediated, IRF3-dependent innate immune response to HCV
      in hepatocytes.

PMID- 27129229
TI  - Heterogeneity in the Histidine-brace Copper Coordination Sphere in Auxiliary
      Activity Family 10 (AA10) Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenases.
AB  - Copper-dependent lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) are enzymes that
      oxidatively deconstruct polysaccharides. The active site copper in LPMOs is
      coordinated by a histidine-brace. This utilizes the amino group and side chain of
      the N-terminal His residue with the side chain of a second His residue to create
      a T-shaped arrangement of nitrogen ligands. We report a structural, kinetic, and
      thermodynamic appraisal of copper binding to the histidine-brace in an auxiliary
      activity family 10 (AA10) LPMO from Streptomyces lividans (SliLPMO10E).
      Unexpectedly, we discovered the existence of two apo-SliLPMO10E species in
      solution that can each bind copper at a single site with distinct kinetic and
      thermodynamic (exothermic and endothermic) properties. The experimental EPR
      spectrum of copper-bound SliLPMO10E requires the simulation of two different line
      shapes, implying two different copper-bound species, indicative of three and two
      nitrogen ligands coordinating the copper. Amino group coordination was probed
      through the creation of an N-terminal extension variant (SliLPMO10E-Ext). The
      kinetics and thermodynamics of copper binding to SliLPMO10E-Ext are in accord
      with copper binding to one of the apo-forms in the wild-type protein, suggesting
      that amino group coordination is absent in the two-nitrogen coordinate form of
      SliLPMO10E. Copper binding to SliLPMO10B was also investigated, and again it
      revealed the presence of two apo-forms with kinetics and stoichiometry of copper
      binding identical to that of SliLPMO10E. Our findings highlight that
      heterogeneity exists in the active site copper coordination sphere of LPMOs that
      may have implications for the mechanism of loading copper in the cell.

PMID- 27129230
TI  - The Type I Interferon-IRF7 Axis Mediates Transcriptional Expression of Usp25
      Gene.
AB  - Viral infection or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment induces expression of a
      large array of genes, the products of which play a critical role in host
      antipathogen immunity and inflammation. We have previously reported that the
      expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 25 (USP25) is significantly up
      regulated after viral infection or LPS treatment, and this is essential for
      innate immune signaling. However, the mechanism behind this phenomenon is
      unclear. In this study, we found that viral infection-induced up-regulation of
      Usp25 is diminished in cells lacking interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) or
      interferon alpha receptor 1 (IFNAR1) but not p65. Sendai virus- or type I
      interferon-induced up-regulation of Usp25 requires de novo protein synthesis of
      IRF7. Furthermore, IRF7 directly binds to the two conserved IRF binding sites on
      the USP25 promoter to drive transcription of Usp25, and mutation of these two
      sites abolished Sendai virus-induced IRF7-mediated activation of the USP25
      promoter. Our study has uncovered a previously unknown mechanism by which viral
      infection or LPS induces up-regulation of USP25.

PMID- 27129231
TI  - Transforming Growth Factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) Activates Hepcidin mRNA Expression
      in Hepatocytes.
AB  - The hepatic hormone hepcidin is the master regulator of systemic iron
      homeostasis. Its expression level is adjusted to alterations in iron levels,
      inflammatory cues, and iron requirements for erythropoiesis. Bone morphogenetic
      protein 6 (BMP6) contributes to the iron-dependent control of hepcidin. In
      addition, TGF-beta1 may stimulate hepcidin mRNA expression in murine hepatocytes
      and human leukocytes. However, receptors and downstream signaling proteins
      involved in TGF-beta1-induced hepcidin expression are still unclear. Here we show
      that TGF-beta1 treatment of mouse and human hepatocytes, as well as ectopic
      expression of TGF-beta1 in mice, increases hepcidin mRNA levels. The hepcidin
      response to TGF-beta1 depends on functional TGF-beta1 type I receptor (ALK5) and
      TGF-beta1 type II receptor (TbetaRII) and is mediated by a noncanonical mechanism
      that involves Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation. Interestingly, increasing availability
      of canonical Smad2/3 decreases TGF-beta1-induced hepcidin regulation, whereas the
      BMP6-hepcidin signal was enhanced, indicating a signaling component stoichiometry
      dependent cross-talk between the two pathways. Although ALK2/3-dependent hepcidin
      activation by BMP6 can be modulated by each of the three hemochromatosis
      associated proteins: HJV (hemojuvelin), HFE (hemochromatosis protein), and TfR2
      (transferrin receptor 2), these proteins do not control the ALK5-mediated
      hepcidin response to TGF-beta1. TGF-beta1 mRNA levels are increased in mouse
      models of iron overload, indicating that TGF-beta1 may contribute to hepcidin
      synthesis under these conditions. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that a
      complex regulatory network involving TGF-beta1 and BMP6 may control the sensing
      of systemic and/or hepatic iron levels.

PMID- 27129232
TI  - Alanine Expansions Associated with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome
      Impair PHOX2B Homeodomain-mediated Dimerization and Nuclear Import.
AB  - Heterozygous mutations of the human PHOX2B gene, a key regulator of autonomic
      nervous system development, lead to congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
      (CCHS), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a failure in the autonomic
      control of breathing. Polyalanine expansions in the 20-residues region of the C
      terminus of PHOX2B are the major mutations responsible for CCHS. Elongation of
      the alanine stretch in PHOX2B leads to a protein with altered DNA binding,
      transcriptional activity, and nuclear localization and the possible formation of
      cytoplasmic aggregates; furthermore, the findings of various studies support the
      idea that CCHS is not due to a pure loss of function mechanism but also involves
      a dominant negative effect and/or toxic gain of function for PHOX2B mutations.
      Because PHOX2B forms homodimers and heterodimers with its paralogue PHOX2A in
      vitro, we tested the hypothesis that the dominant negative effects of the mutated
      proteins are due to non-functional interactions with the wild-type protein or
      PHOX2A using a co-immunoprecipitation assay and the mammalian two-hybrid system.
      Our findings show that PHOX2B forms homodimers and heterodimerizes weakly with
      mutated proteins, exclude the direct involvement of the polyalanine tract in
      dimer formation, and indicate that mutated proteins retain partial ability to
      form heterodimers with PHOX2A. Moreover, in this study, we investigated the
      effects of the longest polyalanine expansions on the homeodomain-mediated nuclear
      import, and our data clearly show that the expanded C terminus interferes with
      this process. These results provide novel insights into the effects of the
      alanine tract expansion on PHOX2B folding and activity.

PMID- 27129233
TI  - The C-terminal 20 Amino Acids of Drosophila Topoisomerase 2 Are Required for
      Binding to a BRCA1 C Terminus (BRCT) Domain-containing Protein, Mus101, and
      Fidelity of DNA Segregation.
AB  - Eukaryotic topoisomerase 2 (Top2) and one of its interacting partners,
      topoisomerase IIbeta binding protein 1 (TopBP1) are two proteins performing
      essential cellular functions. We mapped the interacting domains of these two
      proteins using co-immunoprecipitation and pulldown experiments with truncated or
      mutant Drosophila Top2 with various Ser-to-Ala substitutions. We discovered that
      the last 20 amino acids of Top2 represent the key region for binding with Mus101
      (the Drosophila homolog of TopBP1) and that phosphorylation of Ser-1428 and Ser
      1443 is important for Top2 to interact with the N terminus of Mus101, which
      contains the BRCT1/2 domains. The interaction between Mus101 and the Top2 C
      terminal regulatory domain is phosphorylation-dependent because treatment with
      phosphatase abolishes their association in pulldown assays. The binding affinity
      of N-terminal Mus101 with a synthetic phosphorylated peptide spanning the last 25
      amino acids of Top2 (with Ser(P)-1428 and Ser(P)-1443) was determined by surface
      plasmon resonance with a Kd of 0.57 MUm In an in vitro decatenation assay, Mus101
      can specifically reduce the decatenation activity of Top2, and dephosphorylation
      of Top2 attenuates this response. Next, we endeavored to establish a cellular
      system for testing the biological function of Top2-Mus101 interaction. Top2
      silenced S2 cells rescued by Top2Delta20, Top2 with 20 amino acids truncated from
      the C terminus, developed abnormally high chromosome numbers, which implies that
      Top2-Mus101 interaction is important for maintaining the fidelity of chromosome
      segregation during mitosis.

PMID- 27129234
TI  - Zinc Finger Protein 618 Regulates the Function of UHRF2 (Ubiquitin-like with PHD
      and Ring Finger Domains 2) as a Specific 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Reader.
AB  - 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is an epigenetic modification that is generated by
      ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein-mediated oxidation of 5-methylcytosine
      (5mC). 5hmC is associated with transcription regulation and is decreased in many
      cancers including melanoma. Accumulating evidence has suggested that 5hmC is
      functionally distinct from 5mC. Ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring finger domains 2
      (UHRF2) is the first known specific 5hmC reader that has higher affinity to 5hmC
      than 5mC, suggesting that UHRF2 might mediate 5hmC's function. Structural
      analysis has revealed the molecular mechanism of UHRF2-5hmC binding in vitro, but
      it is not clear how UHRF2 recognizes 5hmC in vivo In this study, we have
      identified zinc figure protein 618 (ZNF618) as a novel binding partner of UHRF2.
      ZNF618 specifically interacts with UHRF2 but not its paralog UHRF1. Importantly,
      ZNF618 co-localizes with UHRF2 at genomic loci that are enriched for 5hmC. The
      ZNF618 chromatin localization is independent of its interaction with UHRF2 and is
      through its first two zinc fingers. Instead, ZNF618 regulates UHRF2 chromatin
      localization. Collectively, our study suggests that ZNF618 is a key protein that
      regulates UHRF2 function as a specific 5hmC reader in vivo.

PMID- 27129235
TI  - Short Term Hypoxia Synergizes with Interleukin 15 Priming in Driving Glycolytic
      Gene Transcription and Supports Human Natural Killer Cell Activities.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells induce apoptosis in infected and transformed cells and
      are important producers of immunoregulatory cytokines. Therefore, they operate
      under low oxygen conditions (hypoxia) in inflammatory and tumor environments. In
      vitro studies of NK cells are, however, commonly performed in ambient air
      (normoxia). We used global gene expression profiling to evaluate changes in
      transcriptional pathways in primary human NK cells following short term culture
      under hypoxia compared with normoxia and in response to interleukin 15 (IL-15)
      priming using a 2 * 2 factorial design. The largest contrasts observed were
      priming dependences for associations between hypoxia and the hypoxia-inducible
      factor (Hif) 1 signaling and glycolysis pathways. RT-PCR confirmed positive
      synergistic hypoxia/IL-15 interactions for genes of key regulatory and metabolic
      enzymes. IL-15 primes NK cells for effector functions, which were recently
      demonstrated to depend on glycolytic switching. We did not, however, observe
      important increases in glycolytic flux through hypoxia and priming alone.
      Chemical Hif-1alpha inhibition suggested equal importance of this transcription
      factor for glycolysis and energy production under normoxia and hypoxia. Hypoxia
      promoted secretion of CC chemokines Ccl3/4/5 and macrophage migration inhibitory
      factor. Unexpectedly, hypoxia also stimulated migration of NK cells through the
      extracellular matrix and shifted amounts of susceptible leukemia target cells
      toward late apoptosis in a cell killing assay. We conclude that short term
      hypoxia supports these activities by positively interacting with NK cell priming
      at the level of glycolytic gene transcription. Hypoxic conditioning of NK cells
      may thus benefit their use in cell-based immunotherapy of cancer.

PMID- 27129236
TI  - MicroRNA-214 Promotes Dendritic Development by Targeting the Schizophrenia
      associated Gene Quaking (Qki).
AB  - Proper dendritic elaboration of neurons is critical for the formation of
      functional circuits during brain development. Defects in dendrite morphogenesis
      are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders, and microRNAs are emerging as
      regulators of aspects of neuronal maturation such as axonal and dendritic growth,
      spine formation, and synaptogenesis. Here, we show that miR-214 plays a pivotal
      role in the regulation of dendritic development. Overexpression of miR-214
      increased dendrite size and complexity, whereas blocking of endogenous miR-214
      3p, a mature form of miR-214, inhibited dendritic morphogenesis. We also found
      that miR-214-3p targets quaking (Qki), which is implicated in psychiatric
      diseases such as schizophrenia, through conserved target sites located in the 3'
      untranslated region of Qki mRNA, thereby down-regulating Qki protein levels.
      Overexpression and knockdown of Qki impaired and enhanced dendritic formation,
      respectively. Moreover, overexpression of Qki abolished the dendritic growth
      induced by miR-214 overexpression. Taken together, our findings reveal a crucial
      role for the miR-214-Qki pathway in the regulation of neuronal dendritic
      development.

PMID- 27129237
TI  - Quantitative Correlation between Infectivity and Gp120 Density on HIV-1 Virions
      Revealed by Optical Trapping Virometry.
AB  - The envelope glycoprotein (Env) gp120/gp41 is required for HIV-1 infection of
      host cells. Although in general it has been perceived that more Env gives rise to
      higher infectivity, the precise quantitative dependence of HIV-1 virion
      infectivity on Env density has remained unknown. Here we have developed a method
      to examine this dependence. This method involves 1) production of a set of single
      cycle HIV-1 virions with varied density of Env on their surface, 2) site-specific
      labeling of Env-specific antibody Fab with a fluorophore at high efficiency, and
      3) optical trapping virometry to measure the number of gp120 molecules on
      individual HIV-1 virions. The resulting gp120 density per virion is then
      correlated with the infectivity of the virions measured in cell culture. In the
      presence of DEAE-dextran, the polycation known to enhance HIV-1 infectivity in
      cell culture, virion infectivity follows gp120 density as a sigmoidal dependence
      and reaches an apparent plateau. This quantitative dependence can be described by
      a Hill equation, with a Hill coefficient of 2.4 +/- 0.6. In contrast, in the
      absence of DEAE-dextran, virion infectivity increases monotonically with gp120
      density and no saturation is observed under the experimental conditions. These
      results provide the first quantitative evidence that Env trimers cooperate on the
      virion surface to mediate productive infection by HIV-1. Moreover, as a result of
      the low number of Env trimers on individual virions, the number of additional Env
      trimers per virion that is required for the optimal infectivity will depend on
      the inclusion of facilitating agents during infection.

PMID- 27129238
TI  - Two Different Functions of Connexin43 Confer Two Different Bone Phenotypes in
      Zebrafish.
AB  - Fish remain nearly the same shape as they grow, but there are two different modes
      of bone growth. Bones in the tail fin (fin ray segments) are added distally at
      the tips of the fins and do not elongate once produced. On the other hand,
      vertebrae enlarge in proportion to body growth. To elucidate how bone growth is
      controlled, we investigated a zebrafish mutant, steopsel (stp(tl28d)). Vertebrae
      of stp(tl28d) (/+) fish look normal in larvae (~30 days) but are distinctly
      shorter (59-81%) than vertebrae of wild type fish in adults. In contrast, the
      lengths of fin rays are only slightly shorter (~95%) than those of the wild type
      in both larvae and adults. Positional cloning revealed that stp encodes
      Connexin43 (Cx43), a connexin that functions as a gap junction and hemichannel.
      Interestingly, cx43 was also identified as the gene causing the short-of-fin
      (sof) phenotype, in which the fin ray segments are shorter but the vertebrae are
      normal. To identify the cause of this difference between the alleles, we
      expressed Cx43 exogenously in Xenopus oocytes and performed electrophysiological
      analysis of the mutant proteins. Gap junction coupling induced by Cx43(stp) or
      Cx43(sof) was reduced compared with Cx43-WT. On the other hand, only Cx43(stp)
      induced abnormally high (50* wild type) transmembrane currents through
      hemichannels. Our results suggest that Cx43 plays critical and diverse roles in
      zebrafish bone growth.

PMID- 27129239
TI  - RhoC GTPase Is a Potent Regulator of Glutamine Metabolism and N-Acetylaspartate
      Production in Inflammatory Breast Cancer Cells.
AB  - Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an extremely lethal cancer that rapidly
      metastasizes. Although the molecular attributes of IBC have been described,
      little is known about the underlying metabolic features of the disease. Using a
      variety of metabolic assays, including (13)C tracer experiments, we found that
      SUM149 cells, the primary in vitro model of IBC, exhibit metabolic abnormalities
      that distinguish them from other breast cancer cells, including elevated levels
      of N-acetylaspartate, a metabolite primarily associated with neuronal disorders
      and gliomas. Here we provide the first evidence of N-acetylaspartate in breast
      cancer. We also report that the oncogene RhoC, a driver of metastatic potential,
      modulates glutamine and N-acetylaspartate metabolism in IBC cells in vitro,
      revealing a novel role for RhoC as a regulator of tumor cell metabolism that
      extends beyond its well known role in cytoskeletal rearrangement.

PMID- 27129240
TI  - Conformational Change of Human Checkpoint Kinase 1 (Chk1) Induced by DNA Damage.
AB  - Phosphorylation of Chk1 by ataxia telangiectasia-mutated and Rad3-related (ATR)
      is critical for checkpoint activation upon DNA damage. However, how
      phosphorylation activates Chk1 remains unclear. Many studies suggest a
      conformational change model of Chk1 activation in which phosphorylation shifts
      Chk1 from a closed inactive conformation to an open active conformation during
      the DNA damage response. However, no structural study has been reported to
      support this Chk1 activation model. Here we used FRET and bimolecular
      fluorescence complementary techniques to show that Chk1 indeed maintains a closed
      conformation in the absence of DNA damage through an intramolecular interaction
      between a region (residues 31-87) at the N-terminal kinase domain and the distal
      C terminus. A highly conserved Leu-449 at the C terminus is important for this
      intramolecular interaction. We further showed that abolishing the intramolecular
      interaction by a Leu-449 to Arg mutation or inducing ATR-dependent Chk1
      phosphorylation by DNA damage disrupts the closed conformation, leading to an
      open and activated conformation of Chk1. These data provide significant insight
      into the mechanisms of Chk1 activation during the DNA damage response.

PMID- 27129241
TI  - The Tat Substrate CueO Is Transported in an Incomplete Folding State.
AB  - In Escherichia coli, cytoplasmic copper ions are toxic to cells even at the
      lowest concentrations. As a defense strategy, the cuprous oxidase CueO is
      secreted into the periplasm to oxidize the more membrane-permeable and toxic
      Cu(I) before it can enter the cytoplasm. CueO itself is a multicopper oxidase
      that requires copper for activity. Because it is transported by the twin-arginine
      translocation (Tat) pathway, which transports folded proteins, a requirement for
      cofactor assembly before translocation has been discussed. Here we show that CueO
      is transported as an apo-protein. Periplasmic CueO was readily activated by the
      addition of copper ions in vitro or under copper stress conditions in vivo
      Cytoplasmic CueO did not contain copper, even under copper stress conditions. In
      vitro Tat transport proved that the cofactor assembly was not required for
      functional Tat transport of CueO. Due to the post-translocational activation of
      CueO, this enzyme contributes to copper resistance not only by its cuprous
      oxidase activity but also by chelation of copper ions before they can enter the
      cytoplasm. Apo-CueO was indistinguishable from holo-CueO in terms of secondary
      structural elements. Importantly, the binding of copper to apo-CueO greatly
      stabilized the protein, indicating a transformation from an open or flexible
      domain arrangement with accessible copper sites to a closed structure with deeply
      buried copper ions. CueO is thus the first example for a natural Tat substrate of
      such incomplete folding state. The Tat system may need to transport flexibly
      folded proteins in any case when cofactor assembly or quaternary structure
      formation occurs after transport.

PMID- 27129242
TI  - Formation of Functional Heterodimers by TREK-1 and TREK-2 Two-pore Domain
      Potassium Channel Subunits.
AB  - Two-pore domain (K2P) potassium channels are the major molecular correlates of
      the background (leak) K(+) current in a wide variety of cell types. They
      generally play a key role in setting the resting membrane potential and regulate
      the response of excitable cells to various stimuli. K2P channels usually function
      as homodimers, and only a few examples of heteromerization have been previously
      reported. Expression of the TREK (TWIK-related K(+) channel) subfamily members of
      K2P channels often overlaps in neurons and in other excitable cells. Here, we
      demonstrate that heterologous coexpression of TREK-1 and TREK-2 subunits results
      in the formation of functional heterodimers. Taking advantage of a tandem
      construct (in which the two different subunits were linked together to enforce
      heterodimerization), we characterized the biophysical and pharmacological
      properties of the TREK-1/TREK-2 current. The heteromer was inhibited by
      extracellular acidification and by spadin similarly to TREK-1, and its ruthenium
      red sensitivity was intermediate between TREK-1 and TREK-2 homodimers. The
      heterodimer has also been distinguished from the homodimers by its unique single
      channel conductance. Assembly of the two different subunits was confirmed by
      coimmunoprecipitation of epitope-tagged TREK-1 and TREK-2 subunits, coexpressed
      in Xenopus oocytes. Formation of TREK-1/TREK-2 channels was also demonstrated in
      native dorsal root ganglion neurons indicating that heterodimerization may
      provide greater diversity of leak K(+) conductances also in native tissues.

PMID- 27129243
TI  - X-ray Crystallographic Structure of Thermophilic Rhodopsin: IMPLICATIONS FOR HIGH
      THERMAL STABILITY AND OPTOGENETIC FUNCTION.
AB  - Thermophilic rhodopsin (TR) is a photoreceptor protein with an extremely high
      thermal stability and the first characterized light-driven electrogenic proton
      pump derived from the extreme thermophile Thermus thermophilus JL-18. In this
      study, we confirmed its high thermal stability compared with other microbial
      rhodopsins and also report the potential availability of TR for optogenetics as a
      light-induced neural silencer. The x-ray crystal structure of TR revealed that
      its overall structure is quite similar to that of xanthorhodopsin, including the
      presence of a putative binding site for a carotenoid antenna; but several
      distinct structural characteristics of TR, including a decreased surface charge
      and a larger number of hydrophobic residues and aromatic-aromatic interactions,
      were also clarified. Based on the crystal structure, the structural changes of TR
      upon thermal stimulation were investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The
      simulations revealed the presence of a thermally induced structural substate in
      which an increase of hydrophobic interactions in the extracellular domain, the
      movement of extracellular domains, the formation of a hydrogen bond, and the
      tilting of transmembrane helices were observed. From the computational and
      mutational analysis, we propose that an extracellular LPGG motif between helices
      F and G plays an important role in the thermal stability, acting as a "thermal
      sensor." These findings will be valuable for understanding retinal proteins with
      regard to high protein stability and high optogenetic performance.

PMID- 27129244
TI  - Bacillus anthracis Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase Modifies Collagen-like Substrates in
      Asymmetric Patterns.
AB  - Proline hydroxylation is the most prevalent post-translational modification in
      collagen. The resulting product trans-4-hydroxyproline (Hyp) is of critical
      importance for the stability and thus function of collagen, with defects leading
      to several diseases. Prolyl 4-hydroxylases (P4Hs) are mononuclear non-heme iron
      alpha-ketoglutarate (alphaKG)-dependent dioxygenases that catalyze Hyp formation.
      Although animal and plant P4Hs target peptidyl proline, prokaryotes have been
      known to use free l-proline as a precursor to form Hyp. The P4H from Bacillus
      anthracis (BaP4H) has been postulated to act on peptidyl proline in collagen
      peptides, making it unusual within the bacterial clade, but its true
      physiological substrate remains enigmatic. Here we use mass spectrometry,
      fluorescence binding, x-ray crystallography, and docking experiments to confirm
      that BaP4H recognizes and acts on peptidyl substrates but not free l-proline,
      using elements characteristic of an Fe(II)/alphaKG-dependent dioxygenases. We
      further show that BaP4H can hydroxylate unique peptidyl proline sites in collagen
      derived peptides with asymmetric hydroxylation patterns. The cofactor-bound
      crystal structures of BaP4H reveal active site conformational changes that define
      open and closed forms and mimic "ready" and "product-released" states of the
      enzyme in the catalytic cycle. These results help to clarify the role of BaP4H as
      well as provide broader insights into human collagen P4H and proteins with poly-l
      proline type II helices.

PMID- 27129245
TI  - Direct Binding to Replication Protein A (RPA)-coated Single-stranded DNA Allows
      Recruitment of the ATR Activator TopBP1 to Sites of DNA Damage.
AB  - A critical event for the ability of cells to tolerate DNA damage and replication
      stress is activation of the ATR kinase. ATR activation is dependent on the BRCT
      (BRCA1 C terminus) repeat-containing protein TopBP1. Previous work has shown that
      recruitment of TopBP1 to sites of DNA damage and stalled replication forks is
      necessary for downstream events in ATR activation; however, the mechanism for
      this recruitment was not known. Here, we use protein binding assays and
      functional studies in Xenopus egg extracts to show that TopBP1 makes a direct
      interaction, via its BRCT2 domain, with RPA-coated single-stranded DNA. We
      identify a point mutant that abrogates this interaction and show that this mutant
      fails to accumulate at sites of DNA damage and that the mutant cannot activate
      ATR. These data thus supply a mechanism for how the critical ATR activator,
      TopBP1, senses DNA damage and stalled replication forks to initiate assembly of
      checkpoint signaling complexes.

PMID- 27129246
TI  - CCAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) Is Important for Osteoclast
      Differentiation and Activity.
AB  - CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPalpha) can appoint mouse bone marrow (MBM)
      cells to the osteoclast (OC) lineage for osteoclastogenesis. However, whether
      C/EBPalpha is also involved in OC differentiation and activity is unknown. Here
      we demonstrated that C/EBPalpha overexpression in MBM cells can promote OC
      differentiation and strongly induce the expression of the OC genes encoding the
      nuclear factor of activated T-cells, c1 (NFATc1), cathepsin K (Cstk), and
      tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5 (TRAP) with receptor activator of NF-kappaB
      ligand-evoked OC lineage priming. Furthermore, while investigating the specific
      stage of OC differentiation that is regulated by C/EBPalpha, our gene
      overexpression studies revealed that, although C/EBPalpha plays a stronger role
      in the early stage of OC differentiation, it is also involved in the later stage.
      Accordingly, C/EBPalpha knockdown drastically inhibits osteoclastogenesis and
      markedly abrogates the expression of NFATc1, Cstk, and TRAP during OC
      differentiation. Consistently, C/EBPalpha silencing revealed that, although lack
      of C/EBPalpha affects all stages of OC differentiation, it has more impact on the
      early stage. Importantly, we showed that ectopic expression of rat C/EBPalpha
      restores osteoclastogenesis in C/EBPalpha-depleted MBM cells. Furthermore, our
      subsequent functional assays showed that C/EBPalpha exhibits a dispensable role
      on actin ring formation by mature OCs but is critically involved in bone
      resorption by stimulating extracellular acidification and regulating cell
      survival. We revealed that C/EBPalpha is important for receptor activator of NF
      kappaB ligand-induced Akt activation, which is crucial for OC survival.
      Collectively, these results indicate that C/EBPalpha functions throughout
      osteoclastogenesis as well as in OC function. This study provides additional
      understanding of the roles of C/EBPalpha in OC biology.

PMID- 27129247
TI  - Wnt Protein Signaling Reduces Nuclear Acetyl-CoA Levels to Suppress Gene
      Expression during Osteoblast Differentiation.
AB  - Developmental signals in metazoans play critical roles in inducing cell
      differentiation from multipotent progenitors. The existing paradigm posits that
      the signals operate directly through their downstream transcription factors to
      activate expression of cell type-specific genes, which are the hallmark of cell
      identity. We have investigated the mechanism through which Wnt signaling induces
      osteoblast differentiation in an osteoblast-adipocyte bipotent progenitor cell
      line. Unexpectedly, Wnt3a acutely suppresses the expression of a large number of
      genes while inducing osteoblast differentiation. The suppressed genes include
      Pparg and Cebpa, which encode adipocyte-specifying transcription factors and
      suppression of which is sufficient to induce osteoblast differentiation. The
      large scale gene suppression induced by Wnt3a corresponds to a global decrease in
      histone acetylation, an epigenetic modification that is associated with gene
      activation. Mechanistically, Wnt3a does not alter histone acetyltransferase or
      deacetylase activities but, rather, decreases the level of acetyl-CoA in the
      nucleus. The Wnt-induced decrease in histone acetylation is independent of beta
      catenin signaling but, rather, correlates with suppression of glucose metabolism
      in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Functionally, preventing histone deacetylation
      by increasing nucleocytoplasmic acetyl-CoA levels impairs Wnt3a-induced
      osteoblast differentiation. Thus, Wnt signaling induces osteoblast
      differentiation in part through histone deacetylation and epigenetic suppression
      of an alternative cell fate.

PMID- 27129248
TI  - Inter-isoform-dependent Regulation of the Drosophila Master Transcriptional
      Regulator SIN3.
AB  - SIN3 is a transcriptional corepressor that acts as a scaffold for a histone
      deacetylase (HDAC) complex. The SIN3 complex regulates various biological
      processes, including organ development, cell proliferation, and energy
      metabolism. Little is known, however, about the regulation of SIN3 itself. There
      are two major isoforms of Drosophila SIN3, 187 and 220, which are differentially
      expressed. Intrigued by the developmentally timed exchange of SIN3 isoforms, we
      examined whether SIN3 187 controls the fate of the 220 counterpart. Here, we show
      that in developing tissue, there is interplay between SIN3 isoforms: when SIN3
      187 protein levels increase, SIN3 220 protein decreases concomitantly. SIN3 187
      has a dual effect on SIN3 220. Expression of 187 leads to reduced 220 transcript,
      while also increasing the turnover of SIN3 220 protein by the proteasome. These
      data support the presence of a novel, inter-isoform-dependent mechanism that
      regulates the amount of SIN3 protein, and potentially the level of specific SIN3
      complexes, during distinct developmental stages. 

PMID- 27129250
TI  - The Reduction-insensitive Bonds of the MUC2 Mucin Are Isopeptide Bonds.
AB  - The main structural component of the mucus in the gastrointestinal tract is the
      MUC2 mucin. It forms large networks that in colon build the loose outer mucous
      layer that provides the habitat for the commensal flora and the inner mucous
      layer that protects the epithelial cells by being impenetrable to bacteria. The
      epithelial cells in mice lacking MUC2 are not adequately protected from bacteria,
      resulting in inflammation and the development of colon cancer as found in human
      ulcerative colitis. Correct processing of the MUC2 mucin is the basis for the
      building of these protective networks. During the biosynthesis of the MUC2 mucin,
      post-translational modifications are formed resulting in reduction-insensitive
      bonds between MUC2 monomers. By the use of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase and
      isopeptidase activity in leech saliva, we could show that the molecular nature of
      these reduction-insensitive bonds is isopeptide bonds formed between side chains
      of lysine and glutamine. Transglutaminase 2 has an affinity to the MUC2 CysD2
      domain in the nanomolar range and can catalyze its cross-linking. By using mass
      spectrometry, we identified MUC2 residues involved in this cross-linking. This
      shows for the first time that transamidation is not only stabilizing the skin and
      the fibrin clot, but is also important for the correct intracellular processing
      of MUC2 to generate protective mucus.

PMID- 27129249
TI  - Zinc Finger Homeodomain Factor Zfhx3 Is Essential for Mammary Lactogenic
      Differentiation by Maintaining Prolactin Signaling Activity.
AB  - The zinc finger homeobox 3 (ZFHX3, also named ATBF1 for AT motif binding factor
      1) is a transcription factor that suppresses prostatic carcinogenesis and induces
      neuronal differentiation. It also interacts with estrogen receptor alpha to
      inhibit cell proliferation and regulate pubertal mammary gland development in
      mice. In the present study, we examined whether and how Zfhx3 regulates
      lactogenic differentiation in mouse mammary glands. At different stages of
      mammary gland development, Zfhx3 protein was expressed at varying levels, with
      the highest level at lactation. In the HC11 mouse mammary epithelial cell line,
      an in vitro model of lactogenesis, knockdown of Zfhx3 attenuated prolactin
      induced beta-casein expression and morphological changes, indicators of
      lactogenic differentiation. In mouse mammary tissue, knock-out of Zfhx3
      interrupted lactogenesis, resulting in underdeveloped glands with much smaller
      and fewer alveoli, reduced beta-casein expression, accumulation of large
      cytoplasmic lipid droplets in luminal cells after parturition, and failure in
      lactation. Mechanistically, Zfhx3 maintained the expression of Prlr (prolactin
      receptor) and Prlr-Jak2-Stat5 signaling activity, whereas knockdown and knock-out
      of Zfhx3 in HC11 cells and mammary tissues, respectively, decreased Prlr
      expression, Stat5 phosphorylation, and the expression of Prlr-Jak2-Stat5 target
      genes. These findings indicate that Zfhx3 plays an essential role in proper
      lactogenic development in mammary glands, at least in part by maintaining Prlr
      expression and Prlr-Jak2-Stat5 signaling activity.

PMID- 27129251
TI  - Synergistic Action of Actinoporin Isoforms from the Same Sea Anemone Species
      Assembled into Functionally Active Heteropores.
AB  - Among the toxic polypeptides secreted in the venom of sea anemones, actinoporins
      are the pore-forming toxins whose toxic activity relies on the formation of
      oligomeric pores within biological membranes. Intriguingly, actinoporins appear
      as multigene families that give rise to many protein isoforms in the same
      individual displaying high sequence identities but large functional differences.
      However, the evolutionary advantage of producing such similar isotoxins is not
      fully understood. Here, using sticholysins I and II (StnI and StnII) from the sea
      anemone Stichodactyla helianthus, it is shown that actinoporin isoforms can
      potentiate each other's activity. Through hemolysis and calcein releasing assays,
      it is revealed that mixtures of StnI and StnII are more lytic than equivalent
      preparations of the corresponding isolated isoforms. It is then proposed that
      this synergy is due to the assembly of heteropores because (i) StnI and StnII can
      be chemically cross-linked at the membrane and (ii) the affinity of sticholysin
      mixtures for the membrane is increased with respect to any of them acting in
      isolation, as revealed by isothermal titration calorimetry experiments. These
      results help us understand the multigene nature of actinoporins and may be
      extended to other families of toxins that require oligomerization to exert
      toxicity.

PMID- 27129253
TI  - Transient Receptor Potential Canonical (TRPC)/Orai1-dependent Store-operated Ca2+
      Channels: NEW TARGETS OF ALDOSTERONE IN CARDIOMYOCYTES.
AB  - Store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) has emerged as an important mechanism in
      cardiac pathology. However, the signals that up-regulate SOCE in the heart remain
      unexplored. Clinical trials have emphasized the beneficial role of
      mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) signaling blockade in heart failure and
      associated arrhythmias. Accumulated evidence suggests that the mineralocorticoid
      hormone aldosterone, through activation of its receptor, MR, might be a key
      regulator of Ca(2+) influx in cardiomyocytes. We thus assessed whether and how
      SOCE involving transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) and Orai1 channels
      are regulated by aldosterone/MR in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes.
      Molecular screening using qRT-PCR and Western blotting demonstrated that
      aldosterone treatment for 24 h specifically increased the mRNA and/or protein
      levels of Orai1, TRPC1, -C4, -C5, and stromal interaction molecule 1 through MR
      activation. These effects were correlated with a specific enhancement of SOCE
      activities sensitive to store-operated channel inhibitors (SKF-96365 and BTP2)
      and to a potent Orai1 blocker (S66) and were prevented by TRPC1, -C4, and Orai1
      dominant negative mutants or TRPC5 siRNA. A mechanistic approach showed that up
      regulation of serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 mRNA expression by
      aldosterone is involved in enhanced SOCE. Functionally, 24-h aldosterone-enhanced
      SOCE is associated with increased diastolic [Ca(2+)]i, which is blunted by store
      operated channel inhibitors. Our study provides the first evidence that
      aldosterone promotes TRPC1-, -C4-, -C5-, and Orai1-mediated SOCE in
      cardiomyocytes through an MR and serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1
      pathway.

PMID- 27129252
TI  - Global Mapping of O-Glycosylation of Varicella Zoster Virus, Human
      Cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr Virus.
AB  - Herpesviruses are among the most complex and widespread viruses, infection and
      propagation of which depend on envelope proteins. These proteins serve as
      mediators of cell entry as well as modulators of the immune response and are
      attractive vaccine targets. Although envelope proteins are known to carry
      glycans, little is known about the distribution, nature, and functions of these
      modifications. This is particularly true for O-glycans; thus we have recently
      developed a "bottom up" mass spectrometry-based technique for mapping O
      glycosylation sites on herpes simplex virus type 1. We found wide distribution of
      O-glycans on herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoproteins and demonstrated that
      elongated O-glycans were essential for the propagation of the virus. Here, we
      applied our proteome-wide discovery platform for mapping O-glycosites on
      representative and clinically significant members of the herpesvirus family:
      varicella zoster virus, human cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. We
      identified a large number of O-glycosites distributed on most envelope proteins
      in all viruses and further demonstrated conserved patterns of O-glycans on
      distinct homologous proteins. Because glycosylation is highly dependent on the
      host cell, we tested varicella zoster virus-infected cell lysates and clinically
      isolated virus and found evidence of consistent O-glycosites. These results
      present a comprehensive view of herpesvirus O-glycosylation and point to the
      widespread occurrence of O-glycans in regions of envelope proteins important for
      virus entry, formation, and recognition by the host immune system. This knowledge
      enables dissection of specific functional roles of individual glycosites and,
      moreover, provides a framework for design of glycoprotein vaccines with
      representative glycosylation.

PMID- 27129254
TI  - Inhibition of Proteasome Activity Induces Formation of Alternative Proteasome
      Complexes.
AB  - The proteasome is an intracellular protease complex consisting of the 20S
      catalytic core and its associated regulators, including the 19S complex,
      PA28alphabeta, PA28gamma, PA200, and PI31. Inhibition of the proteasome induces
      autoregulatory de novo formation of 20S and 26S proteasome complexes. Formation
      of alternative proteasome complexes, however, has not been investigated so far.
      We here show that catalytic proteasome inhibition results in fast recruitment of
      PA28gamma and PA200 to 20S and 26S proteasomes within 2-6 h. Rapid formation of
      alternative proteasome complexes did not involve transcriptional activation of
      PA28gamma and PA200 but rather recruitment of preexisting activators to 20S and
      26S proteasome complexes. Recruitment of proteasomal activators depended on the
      extent of active site inhibition of the proteasome with inhibition of beta5
      active sites being sufficient for inducing recruitment. Moreover, specific
      inhibition of 26S proteasome activity via siRNA-mediated knockdown of the 19S
      subunit RPN6 induced recruitment of only PA200 to 20S proteasomes, whereas
      PA28gamma was not mobilized. Here, formation of alternative PA200 complexes
      involved transcriptional activation of the activator. Alternative proteasome
      complexes persisted when cells had regained proteasome activity after pulse
      exposure to proteasome inhibitors. Knockdown of PA28gamma sensitized cells to
      proteasome inhibitor-mediated growth arrest. Thus, formation of alternative
      proteasome complexes appears to be a formerly unrecognized but integral part of
      the cellular response to impaired proteasome function and altered proteostasis.

PMID- 27129255
TI  - Rqc1 and Ltn1 Prevent C-terminal Alanine-Threonine Tail (CAT-tail)-induced
      Protein Aggregation by Efficient Recruitment of Cdc48 on Stalled 60S Subunits.
AB  - Protein homeostasis is maintained by quality control mechanisms that detect and
      eliminate deficient translation products. Cytosolic defective proteins can arise
      from translation of aberrant mRNAs lacking a termination codon (NonStop) or
      containing a sequence that blocks translation elongation (No-Go), which results
      in translational arrest. Stalled ribosomes are dissociated, aberrant mRNAs are
      degraded by the cytoplasmic exosome, and the nascent peptides remaining in
      stalled 60S exit tunnels are detected by the ribosome-bound quality control
      complex (RQC) composed of Ltn1, Rqc1, Rqc2, and Cdc48. Whereas Ltn1
      polyubiquitylates these nascent peptides, Rqc2 directs the addition of C-terminal
      alanine-threonine tails (CAT-tails), and a Cdc48 hexamer is recruited to extract
      the nascent peptides, which are addressed to the proteasome for degradation.
      Although the functions of most RQC components have been described, the role of
      Rqc1 in this quality control process remains undetermined. In this article we
      show that the absence of Rqc1 or Ltn1 results in the aggregation of aberrant
      proteins, a phenomenon that requires CAT-tail addition to the nascent peptides by
      Rqc2. Our results suggest that aberrant CAT-tailed protein aggregation results
      from a defect in Cdc48 recruitment to stalled 60S particles, a process that
      requires both Rqc1 and Ltn1. These protein aggregates contain Ltn1-dependent
      polyubiquitin chains and are degraded by the proteasome. Finally, aggregate
      characterization by proteomics revealed that they contain specific chaperones
      including Sis1, Sgt2, Ssa1/2, and Hsp82, suggesting that these protein aggregates
      may be addressed to aggresome-like structures when the RQC complex fails to
      deliver aberrant nascent peptides to the proteasome for degradation.

PMID- 27129256
TI  - Silencing of Small Valosin-containing Protein-interacting Protein (SVIP) Reduces
      Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Secretion from Rat Hepatocytes by Disrupting
      Its Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi Trafficking.
AB  - The transport of nascent very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles from the
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi determines their secretion by the liver
      and is mediated by a specialized ER-derived vesicle, the VLDL transport vesicle
      (VTV). Our previous studies have shown that the formation of ER-derived VTV
      requires proteins in addition to coat complex II proteins. The VTV proteome
      revealed that a 9-kDa protein, small valosin-containing protein-interacting
      protein (SVIP), is uniquely present in these specialized vesicles. Our
      biochemical and morphological data indicate that the VTV contains SVIP. Using
      confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation assays, we show that SVIP co
      localizes with apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB100) and specifically interacts with
      VLDL apoB100 and coat complex II proteins. Treatment of ER membranes with
      myristic acid in the presence of cytosol increases SVIP recruitment to the ER in
      a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, we show that myristic acid
      treatment of hepatocytes increases both VTV budding and VLDL secretion. To
      determine the role of SVIP in VTV formation, we either blocked the SVIP protein
      using specific antibodies or silenced SVIP by siRNA in hepatocytes. Our results
      show that both blocking and silencing of SVIP lead to significant reduction in
      VTV formation. Additionally, we show that silencing of SVIP reduces VLDL
      secretion, suggesting a physiological role of SVIP in intracellular VLDL
      trafficking and secretion. We conclude that SVIP acts as a novel regulator of VTV
      formation by interacting with its cargo and coat proteins and has significant
      implications in VLDL secretion by hepatocytes.

PMID- 27129257
TI  - A Significant Role of the Truncated Ghrelin Receptor GHS-R1b in Ghrelin-induced
      Signaling in Neurons.
AB  - The truncated non-signaling ghrelin receptor growth hormone secretagogue R1b (GHS
      R1b) has been suggested to simply exert a dominant negative role in the
      trafficking and signaling of the full and functional ghrelin receptor GHS-R1a.
      Here we reveal a more complex modulatory role of GHS-R1b. Differential co
      expression of GHS-R1a and GHS-R1b, both in HEK-293T cells and in striatal and
      hippocampal neurons in culture, demonstrates that GHS-R1b acts as a dual
      modulator of GHS-R1a function: low relative GHS-R1b expression potentiates and
      high relative GHS-R1b expression inhibits GHS-R1a function by facilitating GHS
      R1a trafficking to the plasma membrane and by exerting a negative allosteric
      effect on GHS-R1a signaling, respectively. We found a preferential Gi/o coupling
      of the GHS-R1a-GHS-R1b complex in HEK-293T cells and, unexpectedly, a
      preferential Gs/olf coupling in both striatal and hippocampal neurons in culture.
      A dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) antagonist blocked ghrelin-induced cAMP accumulation
      in striatal but not hippocampal neurons, indicating the involvement of D1R in the
      striatal GHS-R1a-Gs/olf coupling. Experiments in HEK-293T cells demonstrated that
      D1R co-expression promotes a switch in GHS-R1a-G protein coupling from Gi/o to
      Gs/olf, but only upon co-expression of GHS-R1b. Furthermore, resonance energy
      transfer experiments showed that D1R interacts with GHS-R1a, but only in the
      presence of GHS-R1b. Therefore, GHS-R1b not only determines the efficacy of
      ghrelin-induced GHS-R1a-mediated signaling but also determines the ability of GHS
      R1a to form oligomeric complexes with other receptors, promoting profound
      qualitative changes in ghrelin-induced signaling.

PMID- 27129258
TI  - Engineering Highly Potent and Selective Microproteins against Nav1.7 Sodium
      Channel for Treatment of Pain.
AB  - The prominent role of voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 (Nav1.7) in nociception
      was revealed by remarkable human clinical and genetic evidence. Development of
      potent and subtype-selective inhibitors of this ion channel is crucial for
      obtaining therapeutically useful analgesic compounds. Microproteins isolated from
      animal venoms have been identified as promising therapeutic leads for ion
      channels, because they naturally evolved to be potent ion channel blockers. Here,
      we report the engineering of highly potent and selective inhibitors of the Nav1.7
      channel based on tarantula ceratotoxin-1 (CcoTx1). We utilized a combination of
      directed evolution, saturation mutagenesis, chemical modification, and rational
      drug design to obtain higher potency and selectivity to the Nav1.7 channel. The
      resulting microproteins are highly potent (IC50 to Nav1.7 of 2.5 nm) and
      selective. We achieved 80- and 20-fold selectivity over the closely related
      Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 channels, respectively, and the IC50 on skeletal (Nav1.4) and
      cardiac (Nav1.5) sodium channels is above 3000 nm The lead molecules have the
      potential for future clinical development as novel therapeutics in the treatment
      of pain.

PMID- 27129259
TI  - Multifaceted Histone H3 Methylation and Phosphorylation Readout by the Plant
      Homeodomain Finger of Human Nuclear Antigen Sp100C.
AB  - The decoding of histone post-translational modifications by chromatin-binding
      modules ("readers") constitutes one major mechanism of epigenetic regulation.
      Nuclear antigen Sp100 (SPECKLED, 100 kDa), a constitutive component of the
      promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies, plays key roles in intrinsic immunity and
      transcriptional repression. Sp100C, a splicing isoform specifically up-regulated
      upon interferon stimulation, harbors a unique tandem plant homeodomain (PHD)
      finger and bromodomain at its C terminus. Combining structural, quantitative
      binding, and cellular co-localization studies, we characterized Sp100C PHD finger
      as an unmethylated histone H3 Lys(4) (H3K4me0) reader that tolerates histone H3
      Thr(3) phosphorylation (H3T3ph), histone H3 Lys(9) trimethylation (H3K9me3), and
      histone H3 Ser(10) phosphorylation (H3S10ph), hallmarks associated with the
      mitotic chromosome. In contrast, whereas H3K4me0 reader activity is conserved in
      Sp140, an Sp100C paralog, the multivalent tolerance of H3T3ph, H3K9me3, and
      H3S10ph was lost for Sp140. The complex structure determined at 2.1 A revealed a
      highly coordinated lysine epsilon-amine recognition sphere formed by an extended
      N-terminal motif for H3K4me0 readout. Interestingly, reader pocket rigidification
      by disulfide bond formation enhanced H3K4me0 binding by Sp100C. An additional
      complex structure solved at 2.7 A revealed that H3T3ph is recognized by the
      arginine residue, Arg(713), that is unique to the PHD finger of Sp100C.
      Consistent with a restrictive cellular role of Sp100C, these results establish a
      direct chromatin targeting function of Sp100C that may regulate transcriptional
      gene silencing and promyelocytic leukemia nuclear body-mediated intrinsic
      immunity in response to interferon stimulation.

PMID- 27129260
TI  - EVI1 Interferes with Myeloid Maturation via Transcriptional Repression of Cebpa,
      via Binding to Two Far Downstream Regulatory Elements.
AB  - One mechanism by which oncoproteins work is through perturbation of cellular
      maturation; understanding the mechanisms by which this occurs can lead to the
      development of targeted therapies. EVI1 is a zinc finger oncoprotein involved in
      the development of acute myeloid leukemia; previous work has shown it to
      interfere with the maturation of granulocytes from immature precursors. Here we
      investigate the mechanism by which that occurs, using an immortalized
      hematopoietic progenitor cell line, EML-C1, as a model system. We document that
      overexpression of EVI1 abrogates retinoic acid-induced maturation of EML cells
      into committed myeloid cells, a process that can be documented by the down
      regulation of stem cell antigen-1 and acquisition of responsiveness to
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. We show that this requires DNA
      binding capacity of EVI1, suggesting that downstream target genes are involved.
      We identify the myeloid regulator Cebpa as a target gene and identify two EVI1
      binding regions within evolutionarily conserved enhancer elements at +35 and +37
      kb relative to the gene. EVI1 can strongly suppress Cebpa transcription, and add
      back of Cebpa into EVI1-expressing EML cells partially corrects the block in
      maturation. We identify the DNA sequences to which EVI1 binds at +35 and +37 kb
      and show that mutation of one of these releases Cebpa from EVI1-induced
      suppression. We observe a more complex picture in primary bone marrow cells,
      where EVI1 suppresses Cebpa in stem cells but not in more committed progenitors.
      Our data thus identify a regulatory node by which EVI1 contributes to leukemia,
      and this represents a possible therapeutic target for treatment of EVI1
      expressing leukemia.

PMID- 27129261
TI  - Human Platelets Utilize Cycloxygenase-1 to Generate Dioxolane A3, a Neutrophil
      activating Eicosanoid.
AB  - Eicosanoids are important mediators of fever, pain, and inflammation that
      modulate cell signaling during acute and chronic disease. We show by using
      lipidomics that thrombin-activated human platelets generate a new type of
      eicosanoid that both stimulates and primes human neutrophil integrin (Mac-1)
      expression, in response to formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine. Detailed
      characterization proposes a dioxolane structure, 8-hydroxy-9,11-dioxolane
      eicosatetraenoic acid (dioxolane A3, DXA3). The lipid is generated in nanogram
      amounts by platelets from endogenous arachidonate during physiological
      activation, with inhibition by aspirin in vitro or in vivo, implicating
      cyclooxygenase-1 (COX). Pharmacological and genetic studies on human/murine
      platelets revealed that DXA3 formation requires protease-activated receptors 1
      and 4, cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), Src tyrosine kinases, p38 MAPK,
      phospholipase C, and intracellular calcium. From data generated by purified COX
      isoforms and chemical oxidation, we propose that DXA3 is generated by release of
      an intermediate from the active site followed by oxygenation at C8. In summary, a
      new neutrophil-activating platelet-derived lipid generated by COX-1 is presented
      that can activate or prime human neutrophils, suggesting a role in innate
      immunity and acute inflammation.

PMID- 27129262
TI  - Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Induces Aberrant Glycosylation through
      Hexosamine Biosynthetic Pathway Activation.
AB  - Deregulated cellular metabolism is a hallmark of tumors. Cancer cells increase
      glucose and glutamine flux to provide energy needs and macromolecular synthesis
      demands. Several studies have been focused on the importance of glycolysis and
      pentose phosphate pathway. However, a neglected but very important branch of
      glucose metabolism is the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP). The HBP is a
      branch of the glucose metabolic pathway that consumes ~2-5% of the total glucose,
      generating UDP-GlcNAc as the end product. UDP-GlcNAc is the donor substrate used
      in multiple glycosylation reactions. Thus, HBP links the altered metabolism with
      aberrant glycosylation providing a mechanism for cancer cells to sense and
      respond to microenvironment changes. Here, we investigate the changes of glucose
      metabolism during epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the role of O
      GlcNAcylation in this process. We show that A549 cells increase glucose uptake
      during EMT, but instead of increasing the glycolysis and pentose phosphate
      pathway, the glucose is shunted through the HBP. The activation of HBP induces an
      aberrant cell surface glycosylation and O-GlcNAcylation. The cell surface glycans
      display an increase of sialylation alpha2-6, poly-LacNAc, and fucosylation, all
      known epitopes found in different tumor models. In addition, modulation of O
      GlcNAc levels was demonstrated to be important during the EMT process. Taken
      together, our results indicate that EMT is an applicable model to study metabolic
      and glycophenotype changes during carcinogenesis, suggesting that cell
      glycosylation senses metabolic changes and modulates cell plasticity.

PMID- 27129263
TI  - Induction of Siglec-1 by Endotoxin Tolerance Suppresses the Innate Immune
      Response by Promoting TGF-beta1 Production.
AB  - Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although the prevailing
      theory for the sepsis syndrome is a condition of uncontrolled inflammation in
      response to infection, sepsis is increasingly being recognized as an
      immunosuppressive state known as endotoxin tolerance. We found sialylation of
      cell surface was significantly increased on LPS-induced tolerant cells; knockdown
      of Neu1 in macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells resulted in enhanced LPS-induced
      tolerance, whereas overexpression of Neu1 or treatment with sialidase abrogated
      LPS-induced tolerance, as defined by measuring TNF-alpha levels in the culture
      supernatants. We also found that the expression of Siglec-1 (a member of sialic
      acid-binding Ig (I)-like lectin family members, the predominant sialic acid
      binding proteins on cell surface) was specifically up-regulated in endotoxin
      tolerant cells and the induction of Siglec-1 suppresses the innate immune
      response by promoting TGF-beta1 production. The enhanced TGF-beta1 production by
      Siglec-1 was significantly attenuated by spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitor.
      Knockdown of siglec-1 in RAW 264.7 cells resulted in inhibiting the production of
      TGF-beta1 by ubiquitin-dependent degradation of Syk. Mechanistically, Siglec-1
      associates with adaptor protein DNAX-activation protein of 12 kDa (DAP12) and
      transduces a signal to Syk to control the production of TGF-beta1 in endotoxin
      tolerance. Thus, Siglec-1 plays an important role in the development of endotoxin
      tolerance and targeted manipulation of this process could lead to a new
      therapeutic opportunity for patients with sepsis.

PMID- 27129264
TI  - Biochemical and Structural Characterization of a Five-domain GH115 alpha
      Glucuronidase from the Marine Bacterium Saccharophagus degradans 2-40T.
AB  - Glucuronic acid (GlcAp) and/or methylglucuronic acid (MeGlcAp) decorate the major
      forms of xylan in hardwood and coniferous softwoods as well as many cereal
      grains. Accordingly, the complete utilization of glucuronoxylans or conversion to
      sugar precursors requires the action of main chain xylanases as well as alpha
      glucuronidases that release the alpha- (1->2)-linked (Me)GlcAp side groups.
      Herein, a family GH115 enzymefrom the marine bacterium Saccharophagus degradans 2
      40(T), SdeAgu115A, demonstrated activity toward glucuronoxylan and oligomers
      thereof with preference toward MeGlcAp linked to internal xylopyranosyl residues.
      Unique biochemical characteristics of NaCl activation were also observed. The
      crystal structure of SdeAgu115A revealed a five-domain architecture, with an
      additional insertion C(+) domain that had significant impact on the domain
      arrangement of SdeAgu115A monomer and its dimerization. The participation of
      domain C(+) in substrate binding was supported by reduced substrate inhibition
      upon introducing W773A, W689A, and F696A substitutions within this domain. In
      addition to Asp-335, the catalytic essentiality of Glu-216 was revealed by site
      specific mutagenesis. A primary sequence analysis suggested that the SdeAgu115A
      architecture is shared by more than half of GH115 members, thus defining a
      distinct archetype for GH115 enzymes.

PMID- 27129265
TI  - Tighter Control by Chymotrypsin C (CTRC) Explains Lack of Association between
      Human Anionic Trypsinogen and Hereditary Pancreatitis.
AB  - The human pancreas expresses two major trypsinogen isoforms, cationic trypsinogen
      (PRSS1) and anionic trypsinogen (PRSS2). Mutations in PRSS1 cause hereditary
      pancreatitis by altering cleavage of regulatory nick sites by chymotrypsin C
      (CTRC) resulting in reduced trypsinogen degradation and increased autoactivation.
      Despite 90% identity with PRSS1 and a strong propensity for autoactivation,
      mutations in PRSS2 are not found in hereditary pancreatitis suggesting that
      activation of this isoform is more tightly regulated. Here, we demonstrated that
      CTRC promoted degradation and thereby markedly suppressed autoactivation of human
      anionic trypsinogen more effectively than previously observed with cationic
      trypsinogen. Increased sensitivity of anionic trypsinogen to CTRC-mediated
      degradation was due to an additional cleavage site at Leu-148 in the autolysis
      loop and the lack of the conserved Cys-139-Cys-206 disulfide bond. Significant
      stabilization of anionic trypsinogen against degradation was achieved by
      simultaneous mutations of CTRC cleavage sites Leu-81 and Leu-148, autolytic
      cleavage site Arg-122, and restoration of the missing disulfide bridge. This
      stands in stark contrast to cationic trypsinogen where single mutations of either
      Leu-81 or Arg-122 resulted in almost complete resistance to CTRC-mediated
      degradation. Finally, processing of the trypsinogen activation peptide at Phe-18
      by CTRC inhibited autoactivation of anionic trypsinogen, although cationic
      trypsinogen was strongly stimulated. Taken together, the observations indicate
      that human anionic trypsinogen is controlled by CTRC in a manner that individual
      natural mutations are unlikely to increase stability enough to promote intra
      pancreatic activation. This unique biochemical property of anionic trypsinogen
      explains the lack of association of PRSS2 mutations with hereditary pancreatitis.

PMID- 27129266
TI  - 4-Methylumbelliferone Diminishes Catabolically Activated Articular Chondrocytes
      and Cartilage Explants via a Mechanism Independent of Hyaluronan Inhibition.
AB  - Depletion of the cartilage proteoglycan aggrecan is one of the earliest events
      that occurs in association with osteoarthritis. This loss is often accompanied by
      a coordinate loss in another glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronan. Chondrocytes
      experimentally depleted of cell-associated hyaluronan respond by switching to a
      pro-catabolic metabolism that includes enhanced production of endogenous
      inflammatory mediators and increased synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases.
      Hyaluronan turnover is also increased. Together, such a response provides for
      possible establishment of a self-perpetuating spiral of events that maintains or
      prolongs the pro-catabolic state. Chondrocytes or cartilage can also be activated
      by treatment with pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators such as IL-1beta,
      TNFalpha, LPS, fibronectin fragments, and hyaluronan oligosaccharides. To
      determine the mechanism of chondrocyte activation due to hyaluronan loss, a
      depletion method was required that did not include degrading the hyaluronan. In
      recent years, several laboratories have used the coumarin derivative, 4
      methylumbelliferone, as a potent inhibitor of hyaluronan biosynthesis, due in
      part to its ability to sequester intracellular UDP-glucuronic acid and inhibition
      of hyaluronan synthase transcription. However, contrary to our expectation,
      although 4-methylumbelliferone was indeed an inhibitor of hyaluronan
      biosynthesis, this depletion did not give rise to an activation of chondrocytes
      or cartilage. Rather, 4-methylumbelliferone directly and selectively blocked gene
      products associated with the pro-catabolic metabolic state of chondrocytes and
      did so through a mechanism preceding and independent of hyaluronan inhibition.
      These data suggest that 4-methylumbelliferone has additional useful applications
      to block pro-inflammatory cell activation events but complicates how it is used
      for defining functions related to hyaluronan.

PMID- 27129267
TI  - The Dynamics and Turnover of Tau Aggregates in Cultured Cells: INSIGHTS INTO
      THERAPIES FOR TAUOPATHIES.
AB  - Filamentous tau aggregates, the hallmark lesions of Alzheimer disease (AD), play
      key roles in neurodegeneration. Activation of protein degradation systems has
      been proposed to be a potential strategy for removing pathological tau, but it
      remains unclear how effectively tau aggregates can be degraded by these systems.
      By applying our previously established cellular model system of AD-like tau
      aggregate induction using preformed tau fibrils, we demonstrate that tau
      aggregates induced in cells with regulated expression of full-length mutant tau
      can be gradually cleared when soluble tau expression is suppressed. This
      clearance is at least partially mediated by the autophagy-lysosome pathway,
      although both the ubiquitin-proteasome system and the autophagy-lysosome pathway
      are deficient in handling large tau aggregates. Importantly, residual tau
      aggregates left after the clearance phase leads to a rapid reinstatement of
      robust tau pathology once soluble tau expression is turned on again. Moreover, we
      succeeded in generating monoclonal cells persistently carrying tau aggregates
      without obvious cytotoxicity. Live imaging of GFP-tagged tau aggregates showed
      that tau inclusions are dynamic structures constantly undergoing "fission" and
      "fusion," which facilitate stable propagation of tau pathology in dividing cells.
      These findings provide a greater understanding of cell-to-cell transmission of
      tau aggregates in dividing cells and possibly neurons.

PMID- 27129268
TI  - A Functional Study of Mutations in K+-dependent Na+-Ca2+ Exchangers Associated
      with Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Non-syndromic Oculocutaneous Albinism.
AB  - K(+)-dependent Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchangers belong to the solute carrier 24 (SLC24A1
      5) gene family of membrane transporters. Five different gene products (NCKX1-5)
      have been identified in humans, which play key roles in biological processes
      including vision, olfaction, and skin pigmentation. NCKXs are bi-directional
      membrane transporters that transport 1 Ca(2+)+K(+) ions in exchange for 4 Na(+)
      ions. Recent studies have linked mutations in the SLC24A4 (NCKX4) and SLC24A5
      (NCKX5) genes to amylogenesis imperfecta (AI) and non-syndromic oculocutaneous
      albinism (OCA6), respectively. Here, we introduced mutations found in patients
      with AI and OCA6 into human SLC24A4 (NCKX4) cDNA leading to single residue
      substitutions in the mutant NCKX4 proteins. We measured NCKX-mediated Ca(2+)
      transport activity of WT and mutant NCKX4 proteins expressed in HEK293 cells.
      Three mutant NCKX4 cDNAs represent mutations found in the SCL24A4 gene and three
      represent mutations found in the SCL24A5 gene involving residues conserved
      between NCKX4 and NCKX5. Five mutant proteins had no observable NCKX activity,
      whereas one mutation resulted in a 78% reduction in transport activity. Total
      protein expression and trafficking to the plasma membrane (the latter with one
      exception) were not affected in the HEK293 cell expression system. We also
      analyzed two mutations in a Drosophila NCKX gene that have been reported to
      result in an increased susceptibility for seizures, and found that both resulted
      in mutant proteins with significantly reduced but observable NCKX activity. The
      data presented here support the genetic analyses that mutations in SLC24A4 and
      SLC24A5 are responsible for the phenotypic defects observed in human patients.

PMID- 27129269
TI  - Characterization of the Interactions between Calmodulin and Death Receptor 5 in
      Triple-negative and Estrogen Receptor-positive Breast Cancer Cells: AN INTEGRATED
      EXPERIMENTAL AND COMPUTATIONAL STUDY.
AB  - Activation of death receptor-5 (DR5) leads to the formation of death inducing
      signaling complex (DISC) for apoptotic signaling. Targeting DR5 to induce breast
      cancer apoptosis is a promising strategy to circumvent drug resistance and
      present a target for breast cancer treatment. Calmodulin (CaM) has been shown to
      regulate DR5-mediated apoptotic signaling, however, its mechanism remains
      unknown. In this study, we characterized CaM and DR5 interactions in breast
      cancer cells with integrated experimental and computational approaches. Results
      show that CaM directly binds to DR5 in a calcium dependent manner in breast
      cancer cells. The direct interaction of CaM with DR5 is localized at DR5 death
      domain. We have predicted and verified the CaM-binding site in DR5 being
      (354)WEPLMRKLGL(363) that is located at the alpha2 helix and the loop between
      alpha2 helix and alpha3 helix of DR5 DD. The residues of Trp-354, Arg-359, Glu
      355, Leu-363, and Glu-367 in DR5 death domain that are important for DR5
      recruitment of FADD and caspase-8 for DISC formation to signal apoptosis also
      play an important role for CaM-DR5 binding. The changed electrostatic potential
      distribution in the CaM-binding site in DR5 DD by the point mutations of W354A,
      E355K, R359A, L363N, or E367K in DR5 DD could directly contribute to the
      experimentally observed decreased CaM-DR5 binding by the point mutations of the
      key residues in DR5 DD. Results from this study provide a key step for the
      further investigation of the role of CaM-DR5 binding in DR5-mediated DISC
      formation for apoptosis in breast cancer cells.

PMID- 27129271
TI  - A Germline Variant in the PANX1 Gene Has Reduced Channel Function and Is
      Associated with Multisystem Dysfunction.
AB  - Pannexin1 (PANX1) is probably best understood as an ATP release channel involved
      in paracrine signaling. Given its ubiquitous expression, PANX1 pathogenic
      variants would be expected to lead to disorders involving multiple organ systems.
      Using whole exome sequencing, we discovered the first patient with a homozygous
      PANX1 variant (c.650G->A) resulting in an arginine to histidine substitution at
      position 217 (p.Arg217His). The 17-year-old female has intellectual disability,
      sensorineural hearing loss requiring bilateral cochlear implants, skeletal
      defects, including kyphoscoliosis, and primary ovarian failure. Her
      consanguineous parents are each heterozygous for this variant but are not
      affected by the multiorgan syndromes noted in the proband. Expression of the
      p.Arg217His mutant in HeLa, N2A, HEK293T, and Ad293 cells revealed normal PANX1
      glycosylation and cell surface trafficking. Dye uptake, ATP release, and
      electrophysiological measurements revealed p.Arg217His to be a loss-of-function
      variant. Co-expression of the mutant with wild-type PANX1 suggested the mutant
      was not dominant-negative to PANX1 channel function. Collectively, we demonstrate
      a PANX1 missense change associated with human disease in the first report of a
      "PANX1-related disorder."

PMID- 27129270
TI  - DNA Sequence Alignment during Homologous Recombination.
AB  - Homologous recombination allows for the regulated exchange of genetic information
      between two different DNA molecules of identical or nearly identical sequence
      composition, and is a major pathway for the repair of double-stranded DNA breaks.
      A key facet of homologous recombination is the ability of recombination proteins
      to perfectly align the damaged DNA with homologous sequence located elsewhere in
      the genome. This reaction is referred to as the homology search and is akin to
      the target searches conducted by many different DNA-binding proteins. Here I
      briefly highlight early investigations into the homology search mechanism, and
      then describe more recent research. Based on these studies, I summarize a model
      that includes a combination of intersegmental transfer, short-distance one
      dimensional sliding, and length-specific microhomology recognition to efficiently
      align DNA sequences during the homology search. I also suggest some future
      directions to help further our understanding of the homology search. Where
      appropriate, I direct the reader to other recent reviews describing various
      issues related to homologous recombination. 

PMID- 27129272
TI  - Smad2/3 Proteins Are Required for Immobilization-induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy.
AB  - Skeletal muscle atrophy promotes muscle weakness, limiting activities of daily
      living. However, mechanisms underlying atrophy remain unclear. Here, we show that
      skeletal muscle immobilization elevates Smad2/3 protein but not mRNA levels in
      muscle, promoting atrophy. Furthermore, we demonstrate that myostatin, which
      negatively regulates muscle hypertrophy, is dispensable for denervation-induced
      muscle atrophy and Smad2/3 protein accumulation. Moreover, muscle-specific
      Smad2/3-deficient mice exhibited significant resistance to denervation-induced
      muscle atrophy. In addition, expression of the atrogenes Atrogin-1 and MuRF1,
      which underlie muscle atrophy, did not increase in muscles of Smad2/3-deficient
      mice following denervation. We also demonstrate that serum starvation promotes
      Smad2/3 protein accumulation in C2C12 myogenic cells, an in vitro muscle atrophy
      model, an effect inhibited by IGF1 treatment. In vivo, we observed IGF1 receptor
      deactivation in immobilized muscle, even in the presence of normal levels of
      circulating IGF1. Denervation-induced muscle atrophy was accompanied by reduced
      glucose intake and elevated levels of branched-chain amino acids, effects that
      were Smad2/3-dependent. Thus, muscle immobilization attenuates IGF1 signals at
      the receptor rather than the ligand level, leading to Smad2/3 protein
      accumulation, muscle atrophy, and accompanying metabolic changes.

PMID- 27129274
TI  - Structural Mimicry of Receptor Interaction by Antagonistic Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
      Antibodies.
AB  - Interleukin 6 plays a key role in mediating inflammatory reactions in autoimmune
      diseases and cancer, where it is also involved in metastasis and tissue invasion.
      Neutralizing antibodies against IL-6 and its receptor have been approved for
      therapeutic intervention or are in advanced stages of clinical development. Here
      we describe the crystal structures of the complexes of IL-6 with two Fabs derived
      from conventional camelid antibodies that antagonize the interaction between the
      cytokine and its receptor. The x-ray structures of these complexes provide
      insights into the mechanism of neutralization by the two antibodies and explain
      the very high potency of one of the antibodies. It effectively competes for
      binding to the cytokine with IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) by using side chains of two
      CDR residues filling the site I cavities of IL-6, thus mimicking the interactions
      of Phe(229) and Phe(279) of IL-6R. In the first antibody, a HCDR3 tryptophan
      binds similarly to hot spot residue Phe(279) Mutation of this HCDR3 Trp residue
      into any other residue except Tyr or Phe significantly weakens binding of the
      antibody to IL-6, as was also observed for IL-6R mutants of Phe(279) In the
      second antibody, the side chain of HCDR3 valine ties into site I like IL-6R
      Phe(279), whereas a LCDR1 tyrosine side chain occupies a second cavity within
      site I and mimics the interactions of IL-6R Phe(229).

PMID- 27129273
TI  - Structural and Functional Characterization of the Major Allergen Amb a 11 from
      Short Ragweed Pollen.
AB  - Allergy to the short ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) pollen is a major health
      problem. The ragweed allergen repertoire has been recently expanded with the
      identification of Amb a 11, a new major allergen belonging to the cysteine
      protease family. To better characterize Amb a 11, a recombinant proform of the
      molecule with a preserved active site was produced in Escherichia coli, refolded,
      and processed in vitro into a mature enzyme. The enzymatic activity is revealed
      by maturation following an autocatalytic processing resulting in the cleavage of
      both N- and C-terminal propeptides. The 2.05-A resolution crystal structure of
      pro-Amb a 11 shows an overall typical C1A cysteine protease fold with a network
      of molecular interactions between the N-terminal propeptide and the catalytic
      triad of the enzyme. The allergenicity of Amb a 11 was confirmed in a murine
      sensitization model, resulting in airway inflammation, production of serum IgEs,
      and induction of Th2 immune responses. Of note, inflammatory responses were
      higher with the mature form, demonstrating that the cysteine protease activity
      critically contributes to the allergenicity of the molecule. Collectively, our
      results clearly demonstrate that Amb a 11 is a bona fide cysteine protease
      exhibiting a strong allergenicity. As such, it should be considered as an
      important molecule for diagnosis and immunotherapy of ragweed pollen allergy.

PMID- 27129277
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Regulation of Pyruvate Kinase M Switch towards PKM1 by LKB1-AMPK Axis
      Tolerates Hypoglycemic Stress in Cancer Cells.
AB  - This article has been withdrawn by the authors. The PKM2 immunoblot in Fig 2E was
      reused as part of the Caspase-3 immunoblot in Fig 9C. The PKM2 immunoblot from 5
      mM Glu, fractions 1-10 was reused as the PKM2 immunoblot from 1 mM Glu, fractions
      1-10. The actin immunoblot from A549 cells from Fig 5A was reused as the actin
      blot from Fig 7C.

PMID- 27129276
TI  - Deletion of Amino Acid Transporter ASCT2 (SLC1A5) Reveals an Essential Role for
      Transporters SNAT1 (SLC38A1) and SNAT2 (SLC38A2) to Sustain Glutaminolysis in
      Cancer Cells.
AB  - Many cancer cells depend on glutamine as they use the glutaminolysis pathway to
      generate building blocks and energy for anabolic purposes. As a result, glutamine
      transporters are essential for cancer growth and are potential targets for cancer
      chemotherapy with ASCT2 (SLC1A5) being investigated most intensively. Here we
      show that HeLa epithelial cervical cancer cells and 143B osteosarcoma cells
      express a set of glutamine transporters including SNAT1 (SLC38A1), SNAT2
      (SLC38A2), SNAT4 (SLC38A4), LAT1 (SLC7A5), and ASCT2 (SLC1A5). Net glutamine
      uptake did not depend on ASCT2 but required expression of SNAT1 and SNAT2.
      Deletion of ASCT2 did not reduce cell growth but caused an amino acid starvation
      response and up-regulation of SNAT1 to replace ASCT2 functionally. Silencing of
      GCN2 in the ASCT2(-/-) background reduced cell growth, showing that a combined
      targeted approach would inhibit growth of glutamine-dependent cancer cells.

PMID- 27129275
TI  - gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Type A (GABAA) Receptor Subunits Play a Direct Structural
      Role in Synaptic Contact Formation via Their N-terminal Extracellular Domains.
AB  - The establishment of cell-cell contacts between presynaptic GABAergic neurons and
      their postsynaptic targets initiates the process of GABAergic synapse formation.
      GABAA receptors (GABAARs), the main postsynaptic receptors for GABA, have been
      recently demonstrated to act as synaptogenic proteins that can single-handedly
      induce the formation and functional maturation of inhibitory synapses. To
      establish how the subunit composition of GABAARs influences their ability to
      induce synaptogenesis, a co-culture model system incorporating GABAergic medium
      spiny neurons and the HEK293 cells, stably expressing different combinations of
      receptor subunits, was developed. Analyses of HEK293 cell innervation by medium
      spiny neuron axons using immunocytochemistry, activity-dependent labeling, and
      electrophysiology have indicated that the gamma2 subunit is required for the
      formation of active synapses and that its effects are influenced by the type of
      alpha/beta subunits incorporated into the functional receptor. To further
      characterize this process, the large N-terminal extracellular domains (ECDs) of
      alpha1, alpha2, beta2, and gamma2 subunits were purified using the
      baculovirus/Sf9 cell system. When these proteins were applied to the co-cultures
      of MSNs and alpha1/beta2/gamma2-expressing HEK293 cells, the alpha1, beta2, or
      gamma2 ECD each caused a significant reduction in contact formation, in contrast
      to the alpha2 ECD, which had no effect. Together, our experiments indicate that
      the structural role of GABAARs in synaptic contact formation is determined by
      their subunit composition, with the N-terminal ECDs of each of the subunits
      directly participating in interactions between the presynaptic and postsynaptic
      elements, suggesting the these interactions are multivalent and specific.

PMID- 27129278
TI  - Mammalian Actin-binding Protein-1/Hip-55 Interacts with FHL2 and Negatively
      Regulates Cell Invasion.
AB  - Mammalian actin-binding protein-1 (mAbp1) is an adaptor protein that binds actin
      and modulates scission during endocytosis. Recent studies suggest that mAbp1
      impairs cell invasion; however, the mechanism for the inhibitory effects of mAbp1
      remain unclear. We performed a yeast two-hybrid screen and identified the adaptor
      protein, FHL2, as a novel binding partner that interacts with the N-terminal
      actin depolymerizing factor homology domain (ADFH) domain of mAbp1. Here we
      report that depletion of mAbp1 or ectopic expression of the ADFH domain of mAbp1
      increased Rho GTPase signaling and breast cancer cell invasion. Moreover, cell
      invasion induced by the ADFH domain of mAbp1 required the expression of FHL2.
      Taken together, our findings show that mAbp1 and FHL2 are novel binding partners
      that differentially regulate Rho GTPase signaling and MTLn3 breast cancer cell
      invasion.

PMID- 27129279
TI  - Contribution of TyrB26 to the Function and Stability of Insulin: STRUCTURE
      ACTIVITY RELATIONSHIPS AT A CONSERVED HORMONE-RECEPTOR INTERFACE.
AB  - Crystallographic studies of insulin bound to receptor domains have defined the
      primary hormone-receptor interface. We investigated the role of Tyr(B26), a
      conserved aromatic residue at this interface. To probe the evolutionary basis for
      such conservation, we constructed 18 variants at B26. Surprisingly, non-aromatic
      polar or charged side chains (such as Glu, Ser, or ornithine (Orn)) conferred
      high activity, whereas the weakest-binding analogs contained Val, Ile, and Leu
      substitutions. Modeling of variant complexes suggested that the B26 side chains
      pack within a shallow depression at the solvent-exposed periphery of the
      interface. This interface would disfavor large aliphatic side chains. The analogs
      with highest activity exhibited reduced thermodynamic stability and heightened
      susceptibility to fibrillation. Perturbed self-assembly was also demonstrated in
      studies of the charged variants (Orn and Glu); indeed, the Glu(B26) analog
      exhibited aberrant aggregation in either the presence or absence of zinc ions.
      Thus, although Tyr(B26) is part of insulin's receptor-binding surface, our
      results suggest that its conservation has been enjoined by the aromatic ring's
      contributions to native stability and self-assembly. We envisage that such
      classical structural relationships reflect the implicit threat of toxic
      misfolding (rather than hormonal function at the receptor level) as a general
      evolutionary determinant of extant protein sequences.

PMID- 27129280
TI  - RNA-binding Protein Musashi Homologue 1 Regulates Kidney Fibrosis by
      Translational Inhibition of p21 and Numb mRNA.
AB  - RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are recognized as key posttranscriptional regulators
      that not only modulate the spatiotemporal expression of genes during organism
      development but also regulate disease pathogenesis. Very limited information
      exists on the potential role of RBPs in modulating kidney fibrosis, which is a
      major hallmark of chronic kidney disease. Here, we report a novel mechanism in
      kidney fibrosis involving a RBP, Musashi homologue 1 (Msi1), which is expressed
      in tubular epithelial cells. Using two mechanistically distinct mouse models of
      kidney fibrosis, we show that Msi1 protein levels are significantly down
      regulated in the kidneys following fibrosis. We found that Msi1 functions by
      negatively regulating the translation of its target mRNAs, p21 and Numb, whose
      protein levels are markedly increased in kidney fibrosis. Also, Msi1
      overexpression and knockdown in kidney epithelial cells cause p21- and Numb
      mediated cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, we observed that Numb looses its
      characteristic membrane localization in fibrotic kidneys and therefore is likely
      unable to inhibit Notch resulting in tubular cell death. Oleic acid is a known
      inhibitor of Msi1 and injecting oleic acid followed by unilateral ureteral
      obstruction surgery in mice resulted in enhanced fibrosis compared with the
      control group, indicating that inhibiting Msi1 activity renders the mice more
      susceptible to fibrosis. Given that deregulated fatty acid metabolism plays a key
      role in kidney fibrosis, these results demonstrate a novel connection between
      fatty acid and Msi1, an RNA-binding protein, in kidney fibrosis.

PMID- 27129281
TI  - Modulation of P2X3 and P2X2/3 Receptors by Monoclonal Antibodies.
AB  - Purinergic homomeric P2X3 and heteromeric P2X2/3 receptors are ligand-gated
      cation channels activated by ATP. Both receptors are predominantly expressed in
      nociceptive sensory neurons, and an increase in extracellular ATP concentration
      under pathological conditions, such as tissue damage or visceral distension,
      induces channel opening, membrane depolarization, and initiation of pain
      signaling. Hence, these receptors are considered important therapeutic targets
      for pain management, and development of selective antagonists is currently
      progressing. To advance the search for novel analgesics, we have generated a
      panel of monoclonal antibodies directed against human P2X3 (hP2X3). We have found
      that these antibodies produce distinct functional effects, depending on the
      homomeric or heteromeric composition of the target, its kinetic state, and the
      duration of antibody exposure. The most potent antibody, 12D4, showed an
      estimated IC50 of 16 nm on hP2X3 after short term exposure (up to 18 min),
      binding to the inactivated state of the channel to inhibit activity. By contrast,
      with the same short term application, 12D4 potentiated the slow inactivating
      current mediated by the heteromeric hP2X2/3 channel. Extending the duration of
      exposure to ~20 h resulted in a profound inhibition of both homomeric hP2X3 and
      heteromeric hP2X2/3 receptors, an effect mediated by efficient antibody-induced
      internalization of the channel from the plasma membrane. The therapeutic
      potential of mAb12D4 was assessed in the formalin, complete Freund's adjuvant,
      and visceral pain models. The efficacy of 12D4 in the visceral hypersensitivity
      model indicates that antibodies against P2X3 may have therapeutic potential in
      visceral pain indications.

PMID- 27129282
TI  - Major Variations in HIV-1 Capsid Assembly Morphologies Involve Minor Variations
      in Molecular Structures of Structurally Ordered Protein Segments.
AB  - We present the results of solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
      experiments on HIV-1 capsid protein (CA) assemblies with three different
      morphologies, namely wild-type CA (WT-CA) tubes with 35-60 nm diameters, planar
      sheets formed by the Arg(18)-Leu mutant (R18L-CA), and R18L-CA spheres with 20
      100 nm diameters. The experiments are intended to elucidate molecular structural
      variations that underlie these variations in CA assembly morphology. We find that
      multidimensional solid state NMR spectra of (15)N,(13)C-labeled CA assemblies are
      remarkably similar for the three morphologies, with only small differences in
      (15)N and (13)C chemical shifts, no significant differences in NMR line widths,
      and few differences in the number of detectable NMR cross-peaks. Thus, the
      pronounced differences in morphology do not involve major differences in the
      conformations and identities of structurally ordered protein segments. Instead,
      morphological variations are attributable to variations in conformational
      distributions within disordered segments, which do not contribute to the solid
      state NMR spectra. Variations in solid state NMR signals from certain amino acid
      side chains are also observed, suggesting differences in the intermolecular
      dimerization interface between curved and planar CA lattices, as well as possible
      differences in intramolecular helix-helix packing.

PMID- 27129284
TI  - Transcription Start Site Scanning and the Requirement for ATP during
      Transcription Initiation by RNA Polymerase II.
AB  - Saccharomyces cerevisiae RNA polymerase (Pol) II locates transcription start
      sites (TSS) at TATA-containing promoters by scanning sequences downstream from
      the site of preinitiation complex formation, a process that involves the
      translocation of downstream promoter DNA toward Pol II. To investigate a
      potential role of yeast Pol II transcription in TSS scanning, HIS4 promoter
      derivatives were generated that limited transcripts in the 30-bp scanned region
      to two nucleotides in length. Although we found that TSS scanning does not
      require RNA synthesis, our results revealed that transcription in the purified
      yeast basal system is largely ATP-independent despite a requirement for the TFIIH
      DNA translocase subunit Ssl2. This result is rationalized by our finding that,
      although they are poorer substrates, UTP and GTP can also be utilized by Ssl2.
      ATPgammaS is a strong inhibitor of rNTP-fueled translocation, and high
      concentrations of ATPgammaS make transcription completely dependent on added
      dATP. Limiting Pol II function with low ATP concentrations shifted the TSS
      position downstream. Combined with prior work, our results show that Pol II
      transcription plays an important role in TSS selection but is not required for
      the scanning reaction.

PMID- 27129283
TI  - The Atypical Inhibitor of NF-kappaB, IkappaBzeta, Controls Macrophage Interleukin
      10 Expression.
AB  - Macrophages constitute a first line of pathogen defense by triggering a number of
      inflammatory responses and the secretion of various pro-inflammatory cytokines.
      Recently, we and others found that IkappaBzeta, an atypical IkappaB family member
      and transcriptional coactivator of selected NF-kappaB target genes, is essential
      for macrophage expression of a subset of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL
      6, IL-12, and CCL2. Despite defective pro-inflammatory cytokine expression,
      however, IkappaBzeta-deficient mice develop symptoms of chronic inflammation. To
      elucidate this discrepancy, we analyzed a regulatory role of IkappaBzeta for the
      expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines and identified IkappaBzeta as an
      essential activator of IL-10 expression. LPS-challenged peritoneal and bone
      marrow-derived macrophages from IkappaBzeta-deficient mice revealed strongly
      decreased transcription and secretion of IL-10 compared with wild-type mice.
      Moreover, ectopic expression of IkappaBzeta was sufficient to stimulate Il10
      transcription. On the molecular level, IkappaBzeta directly activated the Il10
      promoter at a proximal kappaB site and was required for the transcription
      enhancing trimethylation of histone 3 at lysine 4. Together, our findings show
      for the first time the IkappaBzeta-dependent expression of an anti-inflammatory
      cytokine that is crucial in controlling immune responses.

PMID- 27129285
TI  - Leukocyte Ig-Like receptor B1 restrains dendritic cell function through increased
      expression of the NF-kappaB regulator ABIN1/TNIP1.
AB  - Inhibitory receptors of the human leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor family
      are constitutively expressed on all myeloid cell types and regulate their
      functional activity. We demonstrate that ligation of the human leukocyte antigen
      class I-specific receptor LILRB1, during the differentiation of monocytes to
      dendritic cells in vitro, results in increased expression of the nuclear factor
      kappaB inhibitor protein ABIN1 (also known as TNIP1). Similarly increased
      expression of ABIN1/TNIP1 was observed in the "immunosuppressive" monocyte
      populations of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma ex vivo. Reducing expression of
      ABIN1/TNIP1 using small interfering ribonucleic acid allows dendritic cells and
      immunosuppressive monocytes to respond to stimulation by allowing nuclear factor
      kappaB translocation to the nucleus (P < 0.001), increasing cell surface
      expression of antigen presentation and costimulatory molecules (P < 0.01),
      increasing phagocytic capacity (P < 0.001), secreting proinflammatory cytokines
      (P < 0.01), and an increasing ability to stimulate T cell responses (P < 0.05).
      Our study, therefore, identifies an important functional role for ABIN1/TNIP1 in
      mediating the effects of LILRB1 ligation-induced inhibitory effects on immune
      responses. Our findings suggest that inhibiting the LILRB1-ABIN1/TNIP1 pathway in
      antigen-presenting cells could be a therapeutic approach to stimulate antitumor
      immune responses. Conversely, stimulation of the pathway may also ameliorate
      autoimmune diseases in which TNIP1 is a susceptibility gene.

PMID- 27129286
TI  - Sexual dimorphism in the osmopressor response following water ingestion.
AB  - There is conflicting evidence as to whether water drinking elicits a pressor
      response in healthy young adults. The inclusion of a variable number of women may
      have contributed to the discrepancies found in past research. Thus, we aimed at
      exploring whether the osmopressor response follows a sexually dimorphic pattern.
      In a randomized fashion, 31 healthy adults (16 men; 15 women, aged 18-40 years)
      ingested 50 and 500 ml of water before completing a resting protocol on two
      separate days. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate and spectral heart rate
      variability were measured in the seated position at pre- and post-25 min of water
      ingestion. Women responded to 500 ml of water with a greater proportion of change
      in diastolic and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (P<0.05). Conversely, the percent
      change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate was not different between
      sexes after 500 ml of water. Overall, women demonstrated lower blood pressure,
      but higher resting heart rate compared with men (P<0.05). In contrast, heart rate
      variability was similar between sexes before and after ingesting either volume of
      water. There was a bradycardic effect of water and, irrespectively of sex; this
      was accompanied by increased high frequency power (HF) (P<0.05). We conclude that
      women display a greater magnitude of pressor response than men post-water
      ingestion. Accordingly, we provide direct evidence of sexual dimorphism in the
      haemodynamic response to water intake in young healthy adults.

PMID- 27129287
TI  - Expression signature of lncRNAs and their potential roles in cardiac fibrosis of
      post-infarct mice.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are
      involved in cardiac fibrogenesis induced by myocardial infarction (MI). The
      differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in peri-infarct region of mice 4 weeks
      after MI were selected for bioinformatic analysis including gene ontology (GO)
      enrichment, pathway and network analysis. Left ventricular tissue levels of
      lncRNAs and mRNAs were compared between MI and sham control mice, using a false
      discovery rate (FDR) of <5%. Out of 55000 lncRNAs detected, 263 were
      significantly up-regulated and 282 down-regulated. Out of 23000 mRNAs detected,
      142 were significantly up-regulated and 67 down-regulated. Among the
      differentially expressed lncRNAs, 53 were up-regulated by >=2.0-fold change and
      37 down-regulated by <=0.5-fold change. Nine up-regulated and five down-regulated
      lncRNAs were randomly selected for quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR)
      verification. GO and pathway analyses revealed 173 correlated lncRNA-mRNA pairs
      for 57 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 20 differentially expressed genes
      which are related to the development of cardiac fibrosis. We identified TGF-beta3
      as the top-ranked gene, a critical component of the transforming growth factor
      beta (TGF-beta) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways
      in cardiac fibrosis. NONMMUT022554 was identified as the top-ranked lncRNA,
      positively correlated with six up-regulated genes, which are involved in the
      extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interactions and the phosphoinositid-3
      kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signalling pathway. Our study has identified
      the expression signature of lncRNAs in cardiac fibrosis induced by MI and
      unravelled the possible involvement of the deregulated lncRNAs in cardiac
      fibrosis and the associated pathological processes.

PMID- 27129289
TI  - Epidermal stem cells (ESCs) accelerate diabetic wound healing via the Notch
      signalling pathway.
AB  - Chronic, non-healing wounds are a major complication of diabetes. Recently,
      various cell therapies have been reported for promotion of diabetic wound
      healing. Epidermal stem cells (ESCs) are considered a powerful tool for tissue
      therapy. However, the effect and the mechanism of the therapeutic properties of
      ESCs in the diabetic wound healing are unclear. Herein, to determine the ability
      of ESCs to diabetic wound healing, a dorsal skin defect in a streptozotocin (STZ)
      induced diabetes mellitus (DM) mouse model was used. ESCs were isolated from
      mouse skin. We found that both the mRNA and protein levels of a Notch ligand
      Jagged1 (Jag1), Notch1 and Notch target gene Hairy Enhancer of Split-1 (Hes1)
      were significantly increased at the wound margins. In addition, we observed that
      Jag1 was high expressed in ESCs. Overexpression of Jag1 promotes ESCs migration,
      whereas knockdown Jag1 resulted in a significant reduction in ESCs migration in
      vitro Importantly, Jag1 overexpression improves diabetic wound healing in vivo
      These results provide evidence that ESCs accelerate diabetic wound healing via
      the Notch signalling pathway, and provide a promising potential for activation of
      the Notch pathway for the treatment of diabetic wound.

PMID- 27129288
TI  - Iron-chelating agent desferrioxamine stimulates formation of neutrophil
      extracellular traps (NETs) in human blood-derived neutrophils.
AB  - Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is a significant innate immune
      defense mechanism against microbial infection that complements other neutrophil
      functions including phagocytosis and degranulation of antimicrobial peptides.
      NETs are decondensed chromatin structures in which antimicrobial components
      (histones, antimicrobial peptides and proteases) are deployed and mediate
      immobilization of microbes. Here we describe an effect of iron chelation on the
      phenotype of NET formation. Iron-chelating agent desferrioxamine (DFO) showed a
      modest but significant induction of NETs by freshly isolated human neutrophils as
      visualized and quantified by immunocytochemistry against histone-DNA complexes.
      Further analyses revealed that NET induction by iron chelation required NADPH
      dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as protease and
      peptidyl-arginine-deiminase 4 (PAD4) activities, three key mechanistic pathways
      previously linked to NET formation. Our results demonstrate that iron chelation
      by DFO contributes to the formation of NETs and suggest a target for
      pharmacological manipulation of NET activity.

PMID- 27129290
TI  - Resveratrol ameliorates renal injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats by
      inhibiting renal micro-inflammation.
AB  - Micro-inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of spontaneously
      hypertensive rat (SHR). In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic
      potential of resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol with anti-fibrosis activity in
      hypertensive renal damage model. In SHR renal damage model, RSV treatment blunted
      the increase in urine albumin excretion, urinary beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG),
      attenuated the decrease in creatinine clearance rate (CCR). The glomerular
      sclerosis index (1.54+/-0.33 compared with 0.36+/-0.07) and tubulointerstitial
      fibrosis (1.57+/-0.31 compared with 0.19+/-0.04) were significantly higher in
      SHRs compared with Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs), which were significantly lower by
      RSV treatment. The increases in mesangium accumulation and the expression of
      renal collagen type I (Col I), fibronectin (Fn), plasminogen activator inhibitor
      1 (PAI-1) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in SHR were also
      reduced by RSV treatment. Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) expression was
      increased in the cytoplasm and nuclei of the SHR kidneys, which was significantly
      decreased by RSV treatment. Furthermore, the protein level of IkappaB-alpha
      significantly decreased in the kidneys of the SHR when compared with the WKYs.
      RSV treatment partially restored the decreased IkappaB-alpha level. In SHR
      kidney, increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), intercellular adhesion
      molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were observed.
      These changes were attenuated by RSV treatment. No changes in blood pressure were
      detected between SHR group and SHR + RSV group. Taken together, the present study
      demonstrated that RSV treatment may significantly attenuate renal damage in the
      SHR model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The renal protective effect is
      associated with inhibition of IL-6, ICAM-1 and MCP-1 expression via the
      regulation of the nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, which suggesting that micro
      inflammation may be a potential therapeutic target of hypertensive renal damage.

PMID- 27129291
TI  - Dynamic regulation of uncoupling protein 2 expression by microRNA-214 in
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Gemcitabine (GEM), a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) patients, uses oxidative stress induction as a common effector
      pathway. However, GEM alone or in combination with oxaliplatin hardly renders any
      survival benefits to HCC patients. We have recently shown that this is part due
      to the overexpression of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) that in
      turn mediates resistance to GEM in HCC patients. However, not much is known about
      regulatory mechanisms underlying UCP2 overexpression in HCC. Differential protein
      expression in HCC cell lines did not show a concomitant change in UCP2 transcript
      level, indicating post-transcriptional or post-translational regulatory
      mechanism. In situ analysis revealed that UCP2 is a putative target of miR-214
      miR-214 expression is significantly down-regulated in HCC patient samples as
      compared with normal adjacent tissues and in cell line, human hepatoblastoma
      cells (HuH6), with high UCP2 protein expression. We demonstrated using miR-214
      mimic and antagomir that the miRNA targeted UCP2 expression by directly targeting
      the wild-type, but not a miR-214 seed mutant, 3' UTR of UCP2 Overexpression of
      miR-214 significantly attenuated cell proliferation. Finally, analysis in 20 HCC
      patients revealed an inverse correlation in expression of UCP2 and miR-214
      (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r=-0.9792). Cumulatively, our data indicate
      that in the context of HCC, miR-214 acts as a putative tumour suppressor by
      targeting UCP2 and defines a novel mechanism of regulation of UCP2.

PMID- 27129292
TI  - Smooth muscle titin forms in vitro amyloid aggregates.
AB  - Amyloids are insoluble fibrous protein aggregates, and their accumulation is
      associated with amyloidosis and many neurodegenerative diseases, including
      Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we report that smooth muscle titin
      (SMT; 500 kDa) from chicken gizzard forms amyloid aggregates in vitro This
      conclusion is supported by EM data, fluorescence analysis using thioflavin T
      (ThT), Congo red (CR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Our dynamic light
      scattering (DLS) data show that titin forms in vitro amyloid aggregates with a
      hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of approximately 700-4500 nm. The initial titin
      aggregates with Rh approximately 700 nm were observed beyond first 20 min its
      aggregation that shows a high rate of amyloid formation by this protein. We also
      showed using confocal microscopy the cytotoxic effect of SMT amyloid aggregates
      on smooth muscle cells from bovine aorta. This effect involves the
      disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and result is cell damage.
      Cumulatively, our results indicate that titin may be involved in generation of
      amyloidosis in smooth muscles.

PMID- 27129293
TI  - MicroRNA-33 suppresses CCL2 expression in chondrocytes.
AB  - CCL2-mediated macrophage infiltration in articular tissues plays a pivotal role
      in the development of the osteoarthritis (OA). miRNAs regulate the onset and
      progression of diseases via controlling the expression of a series of genes. How
      the CCL2 gene was regulated by miRNAs was still not fully elucidated. In the
      present study, we demonstrated that the binding sites of miR-33 in the 3'UTR of
      CCL2 gene were conserved in human, mouse and rat species. By performing gain- or
      loss-of-function studies, we verified that miR-33 suppressed CCL2 expression in
      the mRNA and protein levels. We also found that miR-33 suppressed the CCL2 levels
      in the supernatant of cultured primary mouse chondrocytes. With reporter gene
      assay, we demonstrated that miR-33 targeted at AAUGCA in the 3'UTR of CCL2 gene.
      In transwell migration assays, we demonstrated that the conditional medium (CM)
      from miR-33 deficient chondrocytes potentiated the monocyte chemotaxis in a CCL2
      dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrated that the level of miR-33 was
      decreased, whereas the CCL2 level was increased in the articular cartilage from
      the OA patients compared with the control group. In summary, we identified miR-33
      as a novel suppressor of CCL2 in chondrocytes. The miR-33/CCL2 axis in
      chondrocytes regulates monocyte chemotaxis, providing a potential mechanism of
      macrophage infiltration in OA.

PMID- 27129294
TI  - Inhibitory effect of STAT3 gene combined with CDDP on growth of human Wilms
      tumour SK-NEP-1 cells.
AB  - To investigate the effects of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
      (STAT3) combined with cisplatin (CDDP) on the growth of human Wilms tumour (WT)
      SK-NEP-1 cell subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice and the possible mechanisms.
      Human WT SK-NEP-1 cells were subcutaneously transplanted to establish the BALB/c
      nude mice xenograft model. Mice were randomly divided into five groups: blank
      control group, adenovirus control group (NC group), STAT3 group, CDDP group and
      STAT3 plus CDDP group (combination group). Tumour volume and tumour weight were
      observed during the therapeutic process. The expression levels of STAT3, glucose
      regulatory protein 78 (GRP78) and BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) were evaluated
      by immunohistochemical analysis. Compared with the STAT3 group or CDDP group, the
      tumour weight and volume was significantly reduced in the combination group
      (P<0.05). No statistical significance was found in NC group compared with the
      blank control group (P > 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that STAT3,
      GRP78 and BAX protein levels in the combination group were significantly higher
      than those in STAT3 group and CDDP group (P<0.05). Exogenous STAT3 and CDDP may
      synergistically inhibit the xenograft tumour growth through up-regulation of BAX
      protein via GRP78.

PMID- 27129295
TI  - Spironolactone promotes autophagy via inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway
      and reduce adhesive capacity damage in podocytes under mechanical stress.
AB  - Mechanical stress which would cause deleterious adhesive effects on podocytes is
      considered a major contributor to the early progress of diabetic nephropathy
      (DN). Our previous study has shown that spironolactone could ameliorate podocytic
      adhesive capacity in diabetic rats. Autophagy has been reported to have a
      protective role against renal injury. The present study investigated the
      underlying mechanisms by which spironolactone reduced adhesive capacity damage in
      podocytes under mechanical stress, focusing on the involvement of autophagy.
      Human conditional immortalized podocytes exposed to mechanical stress were
      treated with spironolactone, LY294002 or rapamycin for 48 h. The accumulation of
      LC3 puncta was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Podocyte expression of
      mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), integrin beta1, LC3, Atg5, p85-PI3K, p-Akt, p
      mTOR were detected by Western blotting. Podocyte adhesion to collagen type IV was
      also performed with spectrophotometry. Immunofluorescence staining showed that
      the normal level of autophagy was reduced in podocytes under mechanical stress.
      Decreased integrin beta1, LC3, Atg5 and abnormal activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR
      pathway were also detected in podocytes under mechanical stress. Spironolactone
      up-regulated integrin beta1, LC3, Atg5 expression, down-regulated p85-PI3K, p
      Akt, p-mTOR expression and reduced podocytic adhesive capacity damage. Our data
      demonstrated that spironolactone inhibited mechanical-stress-induced podocytic
      adhesive capacity damage through blocking PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and restoring
      autophagy activity.

PMID- 27129296
TI  - Hepatitis C virus core protein impairs metabolic disorder of liver cell via
      HOTAIR-Sirt1 signalling.
AB  - It has been suggested that Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein is associated
      with metabolic disorders of liver cell. However, the precise mechanism is still
      unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of HCV core
      protein on hepatocyte metabolism by HepG2 and the possible involvement of long
      non-coding (lnc) RNAs in this process. The effect of HCV core protein on lncRNAs
      expression was examined with quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Manipulation of HVC
      core protein and lncRNA HOTAIR was to evaluate the role of interaction between
      them on cell metabolism-related gene expression and cellular metabolism. The
      potential downstream Sirt1 signal was examined by western blotting and qRT-PCR.
      Our data suggested that suppression of HOTAIR abrogates HCV core protein-induced
      reduction in Sirt1 and differential expression of glucose- and lipid-metabolism
      related genes. Also it benefits for metabolic homoeostasis of hepatocyte
      indicated by restoration of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and
      NAD/NADH ratio. By manipulation of HOTAIR, we concluded that HOTAIR negatively
      regulates Sirt1 expression through affecting its promotor methylation. Moreover,
      overexpression of Sirt1 reverses pcDNA-HOTAIR-induced glucose- and lipid
      metabolism-related gene expression. Our study suggests that HCV core protein
      causes dysfunction of glucose and lipid metabolism in liver cells through HOTAIR
      Sirt1 signalling pathway.

PMID- 27129297
TI  - Structural evidence of the species-dependent albumin binding of the modified
      cyclic phosphatidic acid with cytotoxic properties.
AB  - Cyclic phosphatidic acids (cPAs) are naturally occurring, very active signalling
      molecules, which are involved in several pathological states, such as cancer,
      diabetes or obesity. As molecules of highly lipidic character found in the
      circulatory system, cPAs are bound and transported by the main extracellular
      lipid binding protein-serum albumin. Here, we present the detailed interactions
      between human serum albumin (HSA) and equine serum albumin (ESA) with a
      derivative of cPA, 1-O-myristoyl-sn-glycerol-2,3-cyclic phosphorodithioate (Myr
      2S-cPA). Initial selection of the ligand used for the structural study was made
      by the analysis of the therapeutically promising properties of the sulfur
      containing analogues of cPA in respect to the unmodified lysophospholipids
      (LPLs). Substitution of one or two non-bridging oxygen atoms in the phosphate
      group with one or two sulfur atoms increases the cytotoxic effect of cPAs up to
      60% on the human prostate cancer (PC) cells. Myr-2S-cPA reduces cancer cell
      viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 value of 29.0 MUM after 24 h
      incubation, which is almost 30% lower than IC50 of single substituted
      phosphorothioate cPA. Although, the structural homology between HSA and ESA is
      big, their crystal complexes with Myr-2S-cPA demonstrate significantly different
      mode of binding of this LPL analogue. HSA binds three molecules of Myr-2S-cPA,
      whereas ESA only one. Moreover, none of the identified Myr-2S-cPA binding sites
      overlap in both albumins.

PMID- 27129298
TI  - Forkhead box O (FOXO) 3 modulates hypoxia-induced autophagy through AMPK
      signalling pathway in cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Autophagy is promoted as a response to such environmental stress conditions as
      ATP depletion and excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
      Multiple signalling pathways, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), are
      indicated to promote autophagy in ischaemic/hypoxic (I/R) heart. However, it's
      far more to clarify the orchestrated cross-talk between AMPK and other signalling
      pathways in the autophagy. In the present study, we investigated the autophagy
      induction by hypoxia in Rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes with LC3-EGFP reporter, EM and
      Western blot analysis. Then, we examined the promotion of forkhead box O (FOXO)
      3, one member of FOXO transcriptional protein family, by hypoxia in Rat H9C2
      cells and determined the mediation of FOXO 3 in the hypoxia-induced autophagy in
      H9C2 cells. In addition, we investigated the role of AMPK signalling in the FOXO3
      mediated, hypoxia-induced autophagy in H9C2 cells. It was demonstrated that
      hypoxia induced significant autophagy in H9C2 cells, via promoting autophagic
      vesicles, inducing the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and up-regulating autophagy
      related (ATG) markers. Moreover, FOXO3 was up-regulated by the hypoxia in H9C2
      cells; and the knockdown of FOXO3 significantly reduced the hypoxia-induced
      autophagy. In addition, AMPK signalling was significantly promoted by hypoxia in
      H9C2 cells, and the chemical manipulation of AMPK exerted significant influence
      on the hypoxia-induced autophagy and on the FOXO3 level. In conclusion, FOXO3
      regulated the hypoxia-induced autophagy in cardiomyocytes, and AMPK mediated the
      FOXO3 promotion during the autophagy induction by hypoxia, implying the key
      regulatory role of FOXO3 and AMPK signalling in the hypoxia-induced autophagy in
      cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 27129299
TI  - Leucine alleviates dexamethasone-induced suppression of muscle protein synthesis
      via synergy involvement of mTOR and AMPK pathways.
AB  - Glucocorticoids (GCs) are negative muscle protein regulators that contribute to
      the whole-body catabolic state during stress. Mammalian target of rapamycin
      (mTOR)-signalling pathway, which acts as a central regulator of protein
      metabolism, can be activated by branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). In the present
      study, the effect of leucine on the suppression of protein synthesis induced by
      GCs and the pathway involved were investigated. In vitro experiments were
      conducted using cultured C2C12 myoblasts to study the effect of GCs on protein
      synthesis, and the involvement of mTOR pathway was investigated as well. After
      exposure to dexamethasone (DEX, 100 MUmol/l) for 24 h, protein synthesis in
      muscle cells was significantly suppressed (P<0.05), the phosphorylations of mTOR,
      ribosomal protein S6 protein kinase 1 (p70s6k1) and eukaryotic initiation factor
      4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1) were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Leucine
      supplementation (5 mmol/l, 10 mmol/l and 15 mmol/l) for 1 h alleviated the
      suppression of protein synthesis induced by DEX (P<0.05) and was accompanied with
      the increased phosphorylation of mTOR and decreased phosphorylation of AMPK
      (P<0.05). Branched-chain amino transferase 2 (BCAT2) mRNA level was not
      influenced by DEX (P>0.05) but was increased by leucine supplementation at a dose
      of 5 mmol/l (P<0.05).

PMID- 27129300
TI  - The first EGF domain of coagulation factor IX attenuates cell adhesion and
      induces apoptosis.
AB  - Coagulation factor IX (FIX) is an essential plasma protein for blood coagulation.
      The first epidermal growth factor (EGF) motif of FIX (EGF-F9) has been reported
      to attenuate cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM). The purpose of the
      present study was to determine the effects of this motif on cell adhesion and
      apoptosis. Treatment with a recombinant EGF-F9 attenuated cell adhesion to the
      ECM within 10 min. De-adhesion assays with native FIX recombinant FIX deletion
      mutant proteins suggested that the de-adhesion activity of EGF-F9 requires the
      same process of FIX activation as that which occurs for coagulation activity. The
      recombinant EGF-F9 increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity release into
      the medium and increased the number of cells stained with annexin V and activated
      caspase-3, by 8.8- and 2.7-fold respectively, indicating that EGF-F9 induced
      apoptosis. Activated caspase-3 increased very rapidly after only 5 min of
      administration of recombinant EGF-F9. Treatment with EGF-F9 increased the level
      of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), but not that of
      phosphorylated MAPK 44/42 or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Inhibitors of caspase
      3 suppressed the release of LDH. Caspase-3 inhibitors also suppressed the
      attenuation of cell adhesion and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK by EGF-F9. Our data
      indicated that EGF-F9 activated signals for apoptosis and induced de-adhesion in
      a caspase-3 dependent manner.

PMID- 27129301
TI  - The effects of maternal and post-weaning diet interaction on glucose metabolism
      and gut microbiota in male mice offspring.
AB  - Substantial studies demonstrated that maternal nutrition can significantly
      determine the susceptibility to developing some metabolic diseases in offspring.
      However, investigations into the later-life effects of these diets on gut
      microbiota in the offspring are limited. Our objective was to explore the effects
      of maternal and post-weaning diet interaction on offspring's gut microbiota and
      glucose metabolism in later life. The male offspring of dams fed on either a high
      fat (HF) diet or control (C) diet and then weaned to either a HF or C diet,
      generating four groups: C-C, HF-C, C-HF and HF-HF (n=8 in each group). The C-C
      offspring had lower body weight than C-HF group at 16 weeks of age (P<0.01) and
      both C-HF and HF-HF offspring had higher body weight than C-C group at 24 and 32
      weeks of age (P<0.001 respectively). The blood glucose (BG) levels of the male
      offspring from the C and HF dams weaned HF diet were significantly higher at 30
      min, 60 min and 120 min (P<0.001) after intraperitoneal glucose administration
      compared with those of the C-C group. The C-HF group had higher BG at 30 min than
      HF-HF group (P<0.01). Furthermore, area under the curve (AUC) in C-HF and HF-HF
      groups was also significantly larger than C-C group (P<0.001). Fasting BG and
      homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of the offspring
      were significantly higher in C-HF and HF-HF groups than C-C group at 32 weeks of
      age (P<0.05). Operational taxonomic unit (OTU), Chao and Shannon indexes showed a
      significantly lower diversity in C-HF offspring compared with HF-C and C-C groups
      (P<0.05). The dominant phyla of all the groups were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and
      Proteobacteria, which also showed significantly different percentages in the
      group (P<0.05). Furthermore, it is indicated that Lactobacillus and Bacteroides
      were significantly associated with glucose response to a glucose load (P<0.05).
      In conclusion, maternal and post-weaning diet interaction predisposes the
      offspring to aberrant glucose metabolism and alterations of gut microbiota in
      later life. Our study is novel in focusing on the effects of maternal and post
      weaning diet interaction on offspring gut microbiota and glucose metabolism in
      later life.

PMID- 27129302
TI  - HEY1 functions are regulated by its phosphorylation at Ser-68.
AB  - HEY1 (hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif 1) is a member of the basic
      helix-loop-helix-orange (bHLH-O) family of transcription repressors that mediate
      Notch signalling. HEY1 acts as a positive regulator of the tumour suppressor p53
      via still unknown mechanisms. A MALDI-TOF/TOF MS analysis has uncovered a novel
      HEY1 regulatory phosphorylation event at Ser-68. Strikingly, this single
      phosphorylation event controls HEY1 stability and function: simulation of HEY1
      Ser-68 phosphorylation increases HEY1 protein stability but inhibits its ability
      to enhance p53 transcriptional activity. Unlike wild-type HEY1, expression of the
      phosphomimetic mutant HEY1-S68D failed to induce p53-dependent cell cycle arrest
      and it did not sensitize U2OS cells to p53-activating chemotherapeutic drugs. We
      have identified two related kinases, STK38 (serine/threonine kinase 38) and
      STK38L (serine/threonine kinase 38 like), which interact with and phosphorylate
      HEY1 at Ser-68. HEY1 is phosphorylated at Ser-68 during mitosis and it
      accumulates in the centrosomes of mitotic cells, suggesting a possible
      integration of HEY1-dependent signalling in centrosome function. Moreover, HEY1
      interacts with a subset of p53-activating ribosomal proteins. Ribosomal stress
      causes HEY1 relocalization from the nucleoplasm to perinucleolar structures
      termed nucleolar caps. HEY1 interacts physically with at least one of the
      ribosomal proteins, RPL11, and both proteins cooperate in the inhibition of MDM2
      mediated p53 degradation resulting in a synergistic positive effect on p53
      transcriptional activity. HEY1 itself also interacts directly with MDM2 and it is
      subjected to MDM2-mediated degradation. Simulation of HEY1 Ser-68 phosphorylation
      prevents its interaction with p53, RPL11 and MDM2 and abolishes HEY1 migration to
      nucleolar caps upon ribosomal stress. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism for
      cross-talk between Notch signalling and nucleolar stress.

PMID- 27129303
TI  - Strategies to reduce the risk of falling: Cohort study analysis with 1-year
      follow-up in community dwelling older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the CDC, falls rank among the leading causes of
      accidental death in the United States, resulting in significant health care costs
      annually. In this paper we present information about everyday lifestyle decisions
      of the older adult that may help reduce the risk of falling. We pursued two lines
      of inquiry: first, we identify and then test known mutable fall risk factors and
      ask how the resolution of such problems correlates with changes in fall rates.
      Second, we identify a series of everyday lifestyle options that persons may
      follow and then ask, does such engagement (e.g., engagement in exercise programs)
      lessen the older adult's risk of falling and if it does, will the relationship
      hold as the count of risk factors increases? METHODS: Using a secondary analysis
      of lifestyle choices and risk changes that may explain fall rates over one year,
      we drew on a data set of 13,623 community residing elders in independent housing
      sites from 24 US states. All older adults were assessed at baseline, and a subset
      assessed one year later (n = 4,563) using two interRAI tools: the interRAI
      Community Health Assessment and interRAI Wellness Assessment. RESULTS: For the
      vast majority of risk measures, problem resolution is followed by lower rate of
      falls. This is true for physical measures such as doing housework, meal
      preparation, unsteady gait, transferring, and dressing the lower body. Similarly,
      this pattern is observed for clinical measures such as depression, memory,
      vision, dizziness, and fatigue. Among the older adults who had a falls risk at
      the baseline assessment, about 20 % improve, that is, they had a decreased falls
      rate when the problem risk improved. This outcome suggests that improvement of
      physical or clinical states potentially may result in a decreased falls rate.
      Additionally, physical exercise and cognitive activities are associated with a
      lower rate of falls. CONCLUSIONS: The resolution of risk problems and physical
      and cognitive lifestyle choices are related to lower fall rates in elders in the
      community. The results presented here point to specific areas, that when
      targeted, may reduce the risk of falls. In addition, when there is problem
      resolution for specific clinical conditions, a decreased risk for falls also may
      occur.

PMID- 27129304
TI  - Gender and urban-rural difference in anthropometric indices predicting
      dyslipidemia in Chinese primary school children: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood dyslipidemia is a critical factor of lifelong health.
      Therefore, screening and controlling dyslipidemia from childhood is a practical
      healthy strategy. However, few studies have examined the performance of
      anthropometric predictors of dyslipidemia in Chinese children, let alone the
      potential gender and urban-rural disparity. Thus, we evaluated anthropometric
      indices predicting dyslipidemia by genders and living areas in Chinese children.
      METHODS: Data were from a health and nutrition survey conducted in seven urban
      areas and two rural areas in China between 2011 and 2012. The serum lipid levels
      of the participants were compared between genders and living areas. The body mass
      index z-score (BMI z-score), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR),
      and mid-upper arm height ratio (MaHtR) were used as predictors. The receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to investigate the ability
      of anthropometric indices predicting dyslipidemia. RESULTS: A total of 773
      participants (average age = 9.3 +/- 1.7 y) were included. The prevalence of
      dyslipidemia was 10.9%. Anthropometric indices were all significantly related to
      blood lipid profiles in boys after adjustment for age. The areas under the ROC
      curves (ACUs) were significantly larger than 0.5 in boys (ranged between 0.66
      0.73), and were larger in rural boys (ranged between 0.68 and 0.94). MaHtR and
      WHR were associated with the highest specificity (93.8%) and highest sensitivity
      (100%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Using anthropometric indices, screening for
      dyslipidemia may be more appropriate in boys than in girls in China, especially
      in rural boys. The BMI z-score, WHR, WHtR, and MaHtR were all significantly
      associated with dyslipidemia in boys; using WHR and MaHtR as indicators achieved
      the highest sensitivity and specificity, respectively.

PMID- 27129305
TI  - Feasibility of automated proton therapy plan adaptation for head and neck tumors
      using cone beam CT images.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) of head and neck (H&N)
      tumors may benefit from plan adaptation to correct for the dose perturbations
      caused by weight loss and tumor volume changes observed in these patients. As
      cone beam CT (CBCT) is increasingly considered in proton therapy, it may be
      possible to use available CBCT images following intensity correction for plan
      adaptation. This is the first study exploring IMPT plan adaptation on CBCT images
      corrected and delineated by deformable image registration of the planning CT
      (pCT) to the CBCT, yielding a virtual CT (vCT). METHODS: A Morphons algorithm was
      used to deform the pCTs and corresponding delineations of 9 H&N cancer patients
      to a weekly CBCT acquired within +/-3 days of a control replanning CT scan
      (rpCT). The IMPT treatment plans were adapted using the vCT and the adapted and
      original plans were recalculated on the rpCT for dose/volume parameter evaluation
      of the impact of adaptation. RESULTS: On the rpCT, the adapted plans were
      equivalent to the original plans in terms of target volumes D 95 and V 95, but
      showed a significant reduction of D 2 in these volumes. OAR doses were mostly
      equivalent or reduced. In particular, the adapted plans did not reduce parotid
      gland D mean, but the dose to the optical system. For three patients the spinal
      cord or brain stem received higher, though well below tolerance, maximum dose.
      Subsequent tightening of the treatment planning constraints for these OARs on new
      vCT-adapted plans did not degrade target coverage and yielded pCT equivalent
      plans on the vCT. CONCLUSIONS: An offline automated procedure to generate an
      adapted IMPT plan on CBCT images was developed and investigated. When evaluating
      the adapted plan on a control rpCT we observed reduced D 2 in target volumes as
      major improvement. OAR sparing was only partially improved by the procedure.
      Despite potential limitations in the accuracy of the vCT approach, an improved
      quality of the adapted plans could be achieved.

PMID- 27129306
TI  - Arbutin encapsulated micelles improved transdermal delivery and suppression of
      cellular melanin production.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder characterized by elevated
      production of melanin. Current treatment approaches mainly rely on the
      application of skin lightening chemicals, most of which have safety issues.
      Efficacy of delivery of the active ingredients to the target organ has also been
      a challenge. Transdermal based drug delivery platform has been shown to improve
      drug bioavailability, avoiding the hepatic first pass metabolism, decrease
      gastrointestinal side effects, and eventually enhance patient compliance.
      RESULTS: This article explores the utilization of micellar transdermal delivery
      technology to improve skin penetration and efficacy of arbutin, a
      hyperpigmentation agent. The suppression efficacy of cellular melanin production
      versus cell viability of four active ingredients commonly used in skin lightening
      products, namely allantoin, arbutin, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid were
      first compared. Arbutin was selected for the micellar delivery studies base on
      its comparatively low cytotoxicity and better performance in reducing melanin
      production. Micellar Arbutin cream was formulated using Urah(r) proprietary
      micellar technology and was assessed for its cellular melanin suppression
      efficacy and skin penetration capacity. CONCLUSION: The results show that
      micellar arbutin cream improved both the delivery and cellular melanin
      suppression, suggesting that micellar transdermal delivery may have potential
      application in addressing hyperpigmentation skin disorders. Graphical abstract
      Transdermal delivery of arbutin with micelles for melanin production suppression.

PMID- 27129309
TI  - Spatial distribution of HD-EMG improves identification of task and force in
      patients with incomplete spinal cord injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies show that spatial distribution of High Density surface
      EMG maps (HD-EMG) improves the identification of tasks and their corresponding
      contraction levels. However, in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury
      (iSCI), some nerves that control muscles are damaged, leaving some muscle parts
      without an innervation. Therefore, HD-EMG maps in patients with iSCI are affected
      by the injury and they can be different for every patient. The objective of this
      study is to investigate the spatial distribution of intensity in HD-EMG
      recordings to distinguish co-activation patterns for different tasks and effort
      levels in patients with iSCI. These patterns are evaluated to be used for
      extraction of motion intention. METHOD: HD-EMG was recorded in patients during
      four isometric tasks of the forearm at three different effort levels. A linear
      discriminant classifier based on intensity and spatial features of HD-EMG maps of
      five upper-limb muscles was used to identify the attempted tasks. Task and force
      identification were evaluated for each patient individually, and the reliability
      of the identification was tested with respect to muscle fatigue and time interval
      between training and identification. RESULTS: Three feature sets were analyzed in
      the identification: 1) intensity of the HD-EMG map, 2) intensity and center of
      gravity of HD-EMG maps and 3) intensity of a single differential EMG channel
      (gold standard). Results show that the combination of intensity and spatial
      features in classification identifies tasks and effort levels properly (Acc =
      98.8 %; S = 92.5 %; P = 93.2 %; SP = 99.4 %) and outperforms significantly the
      other two feature sets (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In spite of the limited motor
      functionality, a specific co-activation pattern for each patient exists for both
      intensity, and spatial distribution of myoelectric activity. The spatial
      distribution is less sensitive than intensity to myoelectric changes that occur
      due to fatigue, and other time-dependent influences.

PMID- 27129307
TI  - Enteral versus parenteral nutrition in critically ill patients: an updated
      systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enteral nutrition (EN) is recommended as the preferred route for
      early nutrition therapy in critically ill adults over parenteral nutrition (PN).
      A recent large randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed no outcome differences
      between the two routes. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate
      the effect of the route of nutrition (EN versus PN) on clinical outcomes of
      critically ill patients. METHODS: An electronic search from 1980 to 2016 was
      performed identifying relevant RCTs. Individual trial data were abstracted and
      methodological quality of included trials scored independently by two reviewers.
      The primary outcome was overall mortality and secondary outcomes included
      infectious complications, length of stay (LOS) and mechanical ventilation.
      Subgroup analyses were performed to examine the treatment effect by dissimilar
      caloric intakes, year of publication and trial methodology. We performed a test
      of asymmetry to assess for the presence of publication bias. RESULTS: A total of
      18 RCTs studying 3347 patients met inclusion criteria. Median methodological
      score was 7 (range, 2-12). No effect on overall mortality was found (1.04, 95 %
      CI 0.82, 1.33, P = 0.75, heterogeneity I(2) = 11 %). EN compared to PN was
      associated with a significant reduction in infectious complications (RR 0.64, 95
      % CI 0.48, 0.87, P = 0.004, I(2) = 47 %). This was more pronounced in the
      subgroup of RCTs where the PN group received significantly more calories (RR
      0.55, 95 % CI 0.37, 0.82, P = 0.003, I(2) = 0 %), while no effect was seen in
      trials where EN and PN groups had a similar caloric intake (RR 0.94, 95 % CI
      0.80, 1.10, P = 0.44, I(2) = 0 %; test for subgroup differences, P = 0.003). Year
      of publication and methodological quality did not influence these findings;
      however, a publication bias may be present as the test of asymmetry was
      significant (P = 0.003). EN was associated with significant reduction in ICU LOS
      (weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.80, 95 % CI -1.23, -0.37, P = 0.0003, I(2) = 0
      %) while no significant differences in hospital LOS and mechanical ventilation
      were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients, the use of EN as compared
      to PN has no effect on overall mortality but decreases infectious complications
      and ICU LOS. This may be explained by the benefit of reduced macronutrient intake
      rather than the enteral route itself.

PMID- 27129308
TI  - Comparative genomics reveals Cyclospora cayetanensis possesses coccidia-like
      metabolism and invasion components but unique surface antigens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cyclospora cayetanensis is an apicomplexan that causes diarrhea in
      humans. The investigation of foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis has been
      hampered by a lack of genetic data and poor understanding of pathogen biology. In
      this study we sequenced the genome of C. cayetanensis and inferred its metabolism
      and invasion components based on comparative genomic analysis. RESULTS: The
      genome organization, metabolic capabilities and potential invasion mechanism of
      C. cayetanensis are very similar to those of Eimeria tenella. Propanoyl-CoA
      degradation, GPI anchor biosynthesis, and N-glycosylation are some apparent
      metabolic differences between C. cayetanensis and E. tenella. Unlike Eimeria
      spp., there are no active LTR-retrotransposons identified in C. cayetanensis. The
      similar repertoire of host cell invasion-related proteins possessed by all
      coccidia suggests that C. cayetanensis has an invasion process similar to the one
      in T. gondii and E. tenella. However, the significant reduction in the number of
      identifiable rhoptry protein kinases, phosphatases and serine protease inhibitors
      indicates that monoxenous coccidia, especially C. cayetanensis, have limited
      capabilities or use a different system to regulate host cell nuclear activities.
      C. cayetanensis does not possess any cluster of genes encoding the TA4-type SAG
      surface antigens seen in E. tenella, and may use a different family of surface
      antigens in initial host cell interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate
      that C. cayetanensis possesses coccidia-like metabolism and invasion components
      but unique surface antigens. Amino acid metabolism and post-translation
      modifications of proteins are some major differences between C. cayetanensis and
      other apicomplexans. The whole genome sequence data of C. cayetanensis improve
      our understanding of the biology and evolution of this major foodborne pathogen
      and facilitate the development of intervention measures and advanced diagnostic
      tools.

PMID- 27129310
TI  - Associations between body composition measurements of obesity and radiographic
      osteoarthritis in older adults: Data from the Dong-gu Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined the effects of fat deposition on radiographic
      osteoarthritis (OA) to determine the role of obesity in the pathogenesis of
      radiographic OA. METHODS: Data were taken from the Dong-gu cohort, a cross
      sectional study of 2,367 subjects. Baseline characteristics, waist circumference
      (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), fat mass, and fat percentage were collected,
      along with X-rays of the knees and hands. Total knee and hand radiographic OA
      scores were summed using a semi-quantitative grading system, and then stratified
      by gender using a multiple linear regression model. RESULTS: After adjusting for
      confounders, weight was the only factor significantly associated with knee
      radiographic OA, regardless of gender (all p < 0.01). Regarding the hand, fat
      percentage had the largest effect on radiographic OA in males (p = 0.008), while
      WHR was the most significant factor in females (p = 0.001). For the knee, fat
      mass was the most important factor for radiographic OA in males (p = 0.001),
      while in females, body mass index was the most important factor (p < 0.001).
      Among the variables, only fat percentage was significantly related to both hand
      and knee radiographic OA in both genders (all p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless
      of gender, weight was significantly associated with knee radiographic OA.
      Otherwise, fat deposition correlated with hand and knee radiographic OA in both
      genders, while the distribution of fat tissue was significantly associated with
      hand and knee radiographic OA only in females.

PMID- 27129312
TI  - Implementation of Online Veterinary Hospital on Cloud Platform.
AB  - Pet markets involve in great commercial possibilities, which boost thriving
      development of veterinary hospital businesses. The service tends to intensive
      competition and diversified channel environment. Information technology is
      integrated for developing the veterinary hospital cloud service platform. The
      platform contains not only pet medical services but veterinary hospital
      management and services. In the study, QR Code andcloud technology are applied to
      establish the veterinary hospital cloud service platform for pet search by
      labeling a pet's identification with QR Code. This technology can break the
      restriction on veterinary hospital inspection in different areas and allows
      veterinary hospitals receiving the medical records and information through the
      exclusive QR Code for more effective inspection. As an interactive platform, the
      veterinary hospital cloud service platform allows pet owners gaining the
      knowledge of pet diseases and healthcare. Moreover, pet owners can enquire and
      communicate with veterinarians through the platform. Also, veterinary hospitals
      can periodically send reminders of relevant points and introduce exclusive
      marketing information with the platform for promoting the service items and
      establishing individualized marketing. Consequently, veterinary hospitals can
      increase the profits by information share and create the best solution in such a
      competitive veterinary market with industry alliance. 

PMID- 27129313
TI  - Building Computer-Based Experiments in Psychology without Programming Skills.
AB  - Research in Psychology usually requires to build and run experiments. However,
      although this task has required scripting, recent computer tools based on
      graphical interfaces offer new opportunities in this field for researchers with
      non-programming skills. The purpose of this study is to illustrate and provide a
      comparative overview of two of the main free open source "point and click"
      software packages for building and running experiments in Psychology: PsychoPy
      and OpenSesame. Recommendations for their potential use are further discussed. 

PMID- 27129314
TI  - Boron Accelerates Cultured Osteoblastic Cell Activity through Calcium Flux.
AB  - A low concentration of boron (B) accelerates the proliferation and
      differentiation of mammalian osteoblasts. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the effects of 0.1 mM of B on the membrane function of osteoblastic
      cells in vitro. Genes involved in cell activity were investigated using gene
      expression microarray analyses. The Ca2+ influx and efflux were evaluated to
      demonstrate the activation of L-type Ca2+ channel for the Ca2+ influx, and that
      of Na+/K+-ATPase for the Ca2+ efflux. A real-time PCR analysis revealed that the
      messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of four mineralization-related genes was clearly
      increased after 3 days of culture with a B-supplemented culture medium. Using
      microarray analyses, five genes involved in cell proliferation and
      differentiation were upregulated compared to the control group. Regarding the
      Ca2+ influx, in the nifedipine-pretreated group, the relative fluorescence
      intensity for 1 min after adding B solution did not increase compared with that
      for 1 min before addition. In the control group, the relative fluorescence
      intensity was significantly increased compared with the experimental group (P <
      0.05). Regarding the Ca2+ efflux, in the experimental group cultured in 0.1 mM of
      B-supplemented medium, the relative fluorescence intensity for 10 min after
      ouabain treatment revealed a significantly lower slope value compared with the
      control group (P < 0.01). This is the first study to demonstrate the acceleration
      of Ca2+ flux by B supplementation in osteoblastic cells. Cell membrane stability
      is related to the mechanism by which a very low concentration of B promotes the
      proliferation and differentiation of mammalian osteoblastic cells in vitro.

PMID- 27129315
TI  - Associations of Maternal Urinary Cadmium with Trimester-Specific Blood Pressure
      in Pregnancy: Role of Dietary Intake of Micronutrients.
AB  - Previous studies revealed associations of urinary Cd (U-Cd), a chronic Cd
      exposure biomarker, with blood pressure (BP) in non-pregnant adults. However, the
      evidence regarding trimester-specific blood pressure in pregnancy and U-Cd and
      effect modification by dietary intake of micronutrients is scarce. We randomly
      selected 653 women from the Omega Study cohort. U-Cd was quantified by
      inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Trimester-specific, systolic (SBP)
      and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were determined employing standard protocols
      and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was also calculated. Associations of SBP, DBP,
      and MAP with U-Cd tertiles (<=0.21; 0.22-0.41; >=0.42 MUg/g Cr) were assessed
      using multivariable linear regression models. We also explored effect
      modification by pre-pregnancy BMI (<=25 or >25 kg/m2) or low/high micronutrients
      intake. After adjusting confounders in women with elevated (upper tertile) as
      compared with those with low (lowest tertile) U-Cd (>=0.42 vs. <=0.21 MUg/g Cr,
      respectively) had reduced third trimester MAP (-1.8; 95 % confidence interval
      (CI) = -3.1, -0.5 mmHg) and second trimester MAP (-1.1; 95 % CI = -2.3, -0.03
      mmHg). A significant decrease in third-trimester MAP associated with increased U
      Cd was observed only among normal/underweight women (BMI <= 25 kg/m2) and women
      with high dietary intake of micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, zinc, and
      selenium). Notably, U-Cd concentrations increased with the increased consumption
      of zinc and non-heme iron food sources. No significant differences in U-Cd
      concentrations were found in preeclamptic women compared with non-preeclamptic
      women. Our study provides evidence that dietary intake of micronutrients should
      be taken into account when assessing the health effects of Cd in pregnant women.

PMID- 27129311
TI  - A quantitative genome-wide RNAi screen in C. elegans for antifungal innate
      immunity genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caenorhabditis elegans has emerged over the last decade as a useful
      model for the study of innate immunity. Its infection with the pathogenic fungus
      Drechmeria coniospora leads to the rapid up-regulation in the epidermis of genes
      encoding antimicrobial peptides. The molecular basis of antimicrobial peptide
      gene regulation has been previously characterized through forward genetic
      screens. Reverse genetics, based on RNAi, provide a complementary approach to
      dissect the worm's immune defenses. RESULTS: We report here the full results of a
      quantitative whole-genome RNAi screen in C. elegans for genes involved in
      regulating antimicrobial peptide gene expression. The results will be a valuable
      resource for those contemplating similar RNAi-based screens and also reveal the
      limitations of such an approach. We present several strategies, including a
      comprehensive class clustering method, to overcome these limitations and which
      allowed us to characterize the different steps of the interaction between C.
      elegans and the fungus D. coniospora, leading to a complete description of the
      MAPK pathway central to innate immunity in C. elegans. The results further
      revealed a cross-tissue signaling, triggered by mitochondrial dysfunction in the
      intestine, that suppresses antimicrobial peptide gene expression in the nematode
      epidermis. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our results provide an unprecedented system's
      level insight into the regulation of C. elegans innate immunity. They represent a
      significant contribution to our understanding of host defenses and will lead to a
      better comprehension of the function and evolution of animal innate immunity.

PMID- 27129316
TI  - The Iodine Content in Urine, Faeces and Selected Organs of Rats Fed Lettuce
      Biofortified with Iodine Through Foliar Application.
AB  - Iodine is an essential trace element for humans. Foliar application of
      micronutrients is successfully used in order to increase the concentration of
      essential elements in vegetables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      iodine absorption in the rat organism fed foliar biofortified lettuce. The
      presented study was consisted of the vegetative and animal experiment. In the
      vegetative experiment with lettuce, two combinations of foliar application were
      used: (1) control-without iodine application and (2) iodine application in the
      potassium iodide (KI) form. In the animal experiment, Wistar rats were divided to
      four groups, which received one of four diets: (1) C-control diet containing
      iodine in the KI form, (2) D-diet deficient in iodine, (3) D + BL-diet containing
      biofortified lettuce, and (4) D + CL-diet containing control lettuce (as the only
      source of iodine in diet, respectively). The diets contained 0.260, 0.060, 0.254
      and 0.075 mg I/kg, respectively. In order to determine the iodine absorption in
      the rat organisms, the content of this trace element was measured in urine,
      faeces and in selected organs with the use of the ICP-OES technique. Foliar
      application of the KI increased the content of iodine in lettuce. The rats from
      the D + BL group excreted significantly less iodine in their urine and faeces and
      also accumulated more iodine in the organs than the rats from the C group. Iodine
      with biofortified lettuce was much bioavailable for rodents than iodine from
      control diet. Biofortified lettuce can be a source of iodine in a diet of human
      and can improve iodine nutrition.

PMID- 27129317
TI  - Suppressive Effects of Copper Sulfate Accumulation on the Spermatogenesis of
      Rats.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of copper sulfate (CuSO4) in the rat
      spermatogenesis. Forty male rats, weighing 70-80 g, were randomly divided into
      four groups: control group (CG, 0 mg/kg BW), low-dose group (LG, 100 mg/kg BW),
      mid-dose group (MG, 200 mg/kg BW), and high-dose group (HG, 400 mg/kg BW). Rats
      were administered CuSO4 by gavage for 30 days. A variety of measurements were
      taken including the testis coefficients, the sperm count, the abnormal
      malformation rate, testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle
      stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations in the serum. In addition, glutathione
      peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and
      malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the testis were determined. The results
      showed that in the CuSO4-treated groups, the testis coefficients, sperm count, T,
      LH, and FSH concentrations, and GSH-Px and SOD activities decreased, while the
      abnormal malformation rate and MDA concentration increased, compared with the CG.
      It indicates that CuSO4 exposure impairs the sperm quality and inhibits secretion
      of sex hormone and gonadotropin, and testis anti-oxidative function, suppressing
      the rat spermatogenesis.

PMID- 27129318
TI  - Treatment of patients with immune thrombocytopenia admitted to the emergency
      room.
AB  - Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is the most frequent cause of acquired
      thrombocytopenia. In adult ITP patients, corticosteroids and intravenous
      immunoglobulin (IVIg) are used as first-line treatment. The aim of the present
      study was to investigate retrospectively the demographic and etiologic
      characteristics of patients with ITP admitted to the emergency room at our
      hospital. Seventy-five adult patients with ITP were included, and demographic
      data, bleeding characteristics, etiologic features and responses to treatments
      were evaluated retrospectively. Fifty-six patients (75 %) were female, and the
      median age was 43 years. Eighteen patients had a history of ITP, whereas in 57,
      thrombocytopenia was identified for the first time. During admission, the median
      platelet count was 5 * 10(9)/L. Cutaneous and/or mucosal bleeding was the most
      common clinical feature. High-dose dexamethasone was administered in 60 episodes,
      whereas IVIg and conventional-dose methylprednisolone were used in nine and six
      episodes, respectively. The overall response rate of the entire cohort following
      first-line treatments was 67 %, and complete remission was achieved in 31
      patients, 19 patients achieved partial remission, and 25 patients were non
      responders. In cases with life-threatening bleeding, concomitant infection, post
      traumatic bleeding and need for emergency surgery, IVIg can be used as the first
      line of treatment option in addition to platelet transfusions. 

PMID- 27129319
TI  - Comparison of Varroa destructor and Worker Honeybee Microbiota Within Hives
      Indicates Shared Bacteria.
AB  - The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor is a major pest of the honeybee Apis
      mellifera. In a previous study, bacteria were found in the guts of mites
      collected from winter beehive debris and were identified using Sanger sequencing
      of their 16S rRNA genes. In this study, community comparison and diversity
      analyses were performed to examine the microbiota of honeybees and mites at the
      population level. The microbiota of the mites and honeybees in 26 colonies in
      seven apiaries in Czechia was studied. Between 10 and 50 Varroa females were
      collected from the bottom board, and 10 worker bees were removed from the
      peripheral comb of the same beehive. Both bees and mites were surface sterilized.
      Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene libraries revealed significant differences in the
      Varroa and honeybee microbiota. The Varroa microbiota was less diverse than was
      the honeybee microbiota, and the relative abundances of bacterial taxa in the
      mite and bee microbiota differed. The Varroa mites, but not the honeybees, were
      found to be inhabited by Diplorickettsia. The relative abundance of Arsenophonus,
      Morganella, Spiroplasma, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas was higher in Varroa than
      in honeybees, and the Diplorickettsia symbiont detected in this study is specific
      to Varroa mites. The results demonstrated that there are shared bacteria between
      Varroa and honeybee populations but that these bacteria occur in different
      relative proportions in the honeybee and mite bacteriomes. These results support
      the suggestion of bacterial transfer via mites, although only some of the
      transferred bacteria may be harmful.

PMID- 27129320
TI  - The impact of plant chemical diversity on plant-herbivore interactions at the
      community level.
AB  - Understanding the role of diversity in ecosystem processes and species
      interactions is a central goal of ecology. For plant-herbivore interactions, it
      has been hypothesized that when plant species diversity is reduced, loss of plant
      biomass to herbivores increases. Although long-standing, this hypothesis has
      received mixed support. Increasing plant chemical diversity with increasing plant
      taxonomic diversity is likely to be important for plant-herbivore interactions at
      the community level, but the role of chemical diversity is unexplored. Here we
      assess the effect of volatile chemical diversity on patterns of herbivore damage
      in naturally occurring patches of Piper (Piperaceae) shrubs in a Costa Rican
      lowland wet forest. Volatile chemical diversity negatively affected total,
      specialist, and generalist herbivore damage. Furthermore, there were differences
      between the effects of high-volatility and low-volatility chemical diversity on
      herbivore damage. High-volatility diversity reduced specialist herbivory, while
      low-volatility diversity reduced generalist herbivory. Our data suggest that,
      although increased plant diversity is expected to reduce average herbivore
      damage, this pattern is likely mediated by the diversity of defensive compounds
      and general classes of anti-herbivore traits, as well as the degree of
      specialization of the herbivores attacking those plants.

PMID- 27129322
TI  - Erratum to: Management Strategies for Clopidogrel Hypersensitivity.

PMID- 27129321
TI  - Management of NSCLC Disease Progression After First-Line EGFR Tyrosine Kinase
      Inhibitors: What Are the Issues and Potential Therapies?
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)
      represent the standard of care for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      patients whose tumor harbors an activating EGFR mutation. The vast majority of
      patients will experience disease control with an EGFR-TKI but inevitably all
      patients will progress, often within a year of treatment. There is no current
      standard of care for this scenario but, in clinical practice, most of the
      patients will be offered platinum-based doublet chemotherapy. In some situations,
      continuation of the EGFR-TKI beyond radiological progression, with or without use
      of local treatments in case of oligo-progressive disease, represents a reasonable
      therapeutic option. The aim of this review is to describe the different treatment
      strategies that have been developed to tackle progression on EGFR-TKIs, including
      specific clinical scenarios and novel agents designed to tackle the common T790M
      resistance mutation. 

PMID- 27129323
TI  - Fifty years of serving public health: the Association of Schools of Public Health
      in the European Region moving forward to the next half-century.

PMID- 27129324
TI  - ROS homeostasis as a prerequisite for the accomplishment of plant cytokinesis.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are emerging players in several biological
      processes. The present work investigates their potential involvement in plant
      cytokinesis by the application of reagents disturbing ROS homeostasis in root-tip
      cells of Triticum turgidum. In particular, the NADPH-oxidase inhibitor
      diphenylene iodonium, the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine, and menadione that
      leads to ROS overproduction were used. The effects on cytokinetic cells were
      examined using light, fluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. ROS
      imbalance had a great impact on the cytokinetic process including the following:
      (a) formation of atypical "phragmoplasts" incapable of guiding vesicles to the
      equatorial plane, (b) inhibition of the dictyosomal and/or endosomal vesicle
      production that provides the developing cell plates with membranous and matrix
      polysaccharidic material, (c) disturbance of the fusion processes between
      vesicles arriving on the cell plate plane, (d) disruption of endocytic vesicle
      production that mediates the removal of the excess membrane material from the
      developing cell plate, and (e) the persistence of large callose depositions in
      treated cell plates. Consequently, either elevated or low ROS levels in
      cytokinetic root-tip cells resulted in a total inhibition of cell plate assembly
      or the formation of aberrant cell plates, depending on the stage of the affected
      cytokinetic cells. The latter failed to expand towards cell cortex and hence to
      give rise to complete daughter cell wall. These data revealed for the first time
      the necessity of ROS homeostasis for accomplishment of plant cytokinesis, since
      it seems to be a prerequisite for almost every aspect of this process.

PMID- 27129352
TI  - Design and characterizations of two novel cellulases through single-gene
      shuffling of Cel12A (EG3) gene from Trichoderma reseei.
AB  - Cellulases have great potential to be widely used for industrial applications. In
      general, naturally occurring cellulases are not optimized and limited to meet the
      industrial needs. These limitations lead to demand for novel cellulases with
      enhanced enzymatic properties. Here, we describe the enzymatic and structural
      properties of two novel enzymes, EG3_S1 and EG3_S2, obtained through the single
      gene shuffling approach of Cel12A(EG3) gene from Trichoderma reseei EG3_S1 and
      EG3_S2 shuffled enzymes display 59 and 75% identity in protein sequence with
      respect to native, respectively. Toward 4-MUC, the minimum activity of EG3_S1 was
      reported as 5.9-fold decrease in native at 35 degrees C, whereas the maximum
      activity of EG3_S2 was reported as 15.4-fold increase in native activity at 40
      degrees C. Also, the diminished enzyme activity of EG3_S1 was reported within
      range of 0.6- to 0.8-fold of native and within range of 0.5- to 0.7-fold of
      native toward CMC and Na-CMC, respectively. For EG3_S2 enzyme, the improved
      enzymatic activities within range of 1.1- to 1.4-fold of native and within range
      of 1.1- to 1.6-fold of native were reported toward CMC and Na-CMC, respectively.
      Moreover, we have reported 6.5-fold increase in the kcat/Km ratio of EG3_S2 with
      respect to native and suggested EG3_S2 enzyme as more efficient catalysis for
      hydrolysis reactions than its native counterpart.

PMID- 27129354
TI  - Quantifying the Cost of Disability Transitions in Medicare.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of disability transitions on annual Medicare
      Part A and B cost. METHOD: We analyzed 6,385 community-dwelling beneficiaries who
      were continuously enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare Part A and B from 2008 to
      2009. We estimated adjusted effects of disability transitions on Medicare cost
      using a generalized linear model. RESULTS: Transitions to more severe disability
      states were associated with significantly higher average annual Medicare cost
      ranging from US$2,639 to US$5,405. Lower spending levels were observed for
      beneficiaries with improvements in functioning. Beneficiaries who transitioned
      from severe to moderate activities of daily living (ADLs) disability cost
      significantly less (-US$6,045) than those who remained severely disabled.
      DISCUSSION: Interventions aimed at preventing disability progression and efforts
      to restore functional capacity are promising strategies for containing costs and
      generating savings for Medicare. Future research is needed to assess the longer
      term impact of disability in association with the progression of chronic
      conditions.

PMID- 27129325
TI  - Update on the safety and efficacy of retroviral gene therapy for immunodeficiency
      due to adenosine deaminase deficiency.
AB  - Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is a rare, autosomal-recessive systemic
      metabolic disease characterized by severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The
      treatment of choice for ADA-deficient SCID (ADA-SCID) is hematopoietic stem cell
      transplant from an HLA-matched sibling donor, although <25% of patients have such
      a donor available. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) partially and temporarily
      relieves immunodeficiency. We investigated the medium-term outcome of gene
      therapy (GT) in 18 patients with ADA-SCID for whom an HLA-identical family donor
      was not available; most were not responding well to ERT. Patients were treated
      with an autologous CD34(+)-enriched cell fraction that contained CD34(+) cells
      transduced with a retroviral vector encoding the human ADA complementary DNA
      sequence (GSK2696273) as part of single-arm, open-label studies or compassionate
      use programs. Overall survival was 100% over 2.3 to 13.4 years (median, 6.9
      years). Gene-modified cells were stably present in multiple lineages throughout
      follow up. GT resulted in a sustained reduction in the severe infection rate from
      1.17 events per person-year to 0.17 events per person-year (n = 17, patient 1
      data not available). Immune reconstitution was demonstrated by normalization of T
      cell subsets (CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+)), evidence of thymopoiesis, and
      sustained T-cell proliferative capacity. B-cell function was evidenced by
      immunoglobulin production, decreased intravenous immunoglobulin use, and antibody
      response after vaccination. All 18 patients reported infections as adverse
      events; infections of respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts were reported most
      frequently. No events indicative of leukemic transformation were reported. Trial
      details were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00598481.

PMID- 27129353
TI  - Transfer of Nicotine, Cotinine and Caffeine Into Breast Milk in a Smoker Mother
      Consuming Caffeinated Drinks.
AB  - Although the habits of cigarette smoking and associated coffee drinking are
      generally ceased during pregnancy, they are often reinitiated after delivery when
      the breastfeeding period starts. This is a case report of a 32-year-old lactating
      smoker mother who consumed caffeinated drinks and who agreed to donate breast
      milk after smoking one cigarette (containing 0.6 mg of nicotine) and drinking one
      cup of espresso (containing 80 mg of caffeine) for an investigation of the
      excretion of nicotine, its major metabolite cotinine and caffeine into the breast
      milk and subsequent transfer to the infant. Nicotine and its metabolite cotinine
      peaked in the breast milk at 0.5 h after the cigarette smoking, and caffeine
      peaked 2 h after drinking coffee. Moreover, the nicotine disappeared from the
      milk by 3 h, the caffeine required 24 h and the cotinine required 72 h. The
      relative infant doses of caffeine, nicotine and cotinine were found to be 8.9,
      12.8 and 77.6%, respectively. In the light of these results obtained after the
      mother smoked only one cigarette and consumed one cup of espresso, if a lactating
      mother cannot refrain from smoking cigarettes, she should extend the time between
      the last smoked cigarette and breastfeeding to at least 3 h when the nicotine has
      been completely eliminated from the milk. Similarly, nursing mothers should also
      drink coffee sparingly and immediately after nursing and avoid coffee or
      caffeinated beverages for at least 4 h prior to breastfeeding to minimize the
      infant's exposure to caffeine. 

PMID- 27129355
TI  - Main paediatric centre in Aleppo is destroyed by airstrike.

PMID- 27129357
TI  - Barbara Cushnaghan.

PMID- 27129356
TI  - Access to 4,6-Diarylpicolinates via a Domino Reaction of Cyclic Sulfamidate
      Imines with Morita-Baylis-Hillman Acetates of Nitroolefins/Nitrodienes.
AB  - An interesting domino reaction of 5-membered cyclic sulfamidate imines with a
      variety of Morita-Baylis-Hillman acetates of nitroolefins/nitrodienes in the
      presence of DABCO as an organic base at 55  degrees C is reported for the first
      time. This new synthetic strategy provides a series of pharmacologically
      interesting 4,6-diarylpicolinates in high to excellent yields and allows several
      compatible functionalities on aryl rings. Moreover, the biologically interesting
      imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine (alpidem derivative) has been prepared in high chemical
      yield through a unique procedure.

PMID- 27129359
TI  - [Pulse wave velocity on cardiovascular disease prevention].

PMID- 27129360
TI  - New ways to visualize and combat congestion in heart failure.

PMID- 27129358
TI  - Effects of Positive Psychology Interventions on Risk Biomarkers in Coronary
      Patients: A Randomized, Wait-List Controlled Pilot Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among cardiac patients, positive psychologic factors are consistently
      linked with superior clinical outcomes and improvement in key markers of
      inflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning. Further,
      positive psychology interventions (PPI) have effectively increased psychologic
      well-being in a wide variety of populations. However, there has been minimal
      study of PPIs in cardiac patients, and no prior study has evaluated their effect
      on key prognostic biomarkers of cardiac outcome. Accordingly, we investigated the
      effect of 3 distinct PPIs on risk biomarkers in cardiac patients. METHODS: In an
      exploratory trial, 69 patients with recent coronary artery bypass graft surgery
      or percutaneous intervention were randomized to (1) one of three 6-week in-person
      PPIs (based on the work of Seligman, Lyubomirsky, or Fordyce) or (2) a wait-list
      control group. Risk biomarkers were assessed at baseline, postintervention (7
      weeks), and at 15-week follow-up. Between-group differences in change from
      baseline biomarker levels were examined via random effects models. RESULTS:
      Compared with the control group, participants randomized to the Seligman (B = 
      2.06; p = 0.02) and Fordyce PPI (B = -1.54; p = 0.04) had significantly lower
      high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels at 7 weeks. Further, the Lyubomirsky
      PPI (B = -245.86; p = 0.04) was associated with a significantly lower cortisol
      awakening response at 7 weeks when compared with control participants. There were
      no other significant between-group differences. CONCLUSION: Despite being an
      exploratory pilot study with multiple between-group comparisons, this initial
      trial offers the first suggestion that PPIs might be effective in reducing risk
      biomarkers in high-risk cardiac patients.

PMID- 27129361
TI  - NNT mutations: a cause of primary adrenal insufficiency, oxidative stress and
      extra-adrenal defects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT), one of the several
      genes recently discovered in familial glucocorticoid deficiencies (FGD), is
      involved in reactive oxygen species detoxification, suggesting that extra-adrenal
      manifestations may occur, due to the sensitivity to oxidative stress of other
      organs rich in mitochondria. Here, we sought to identify NNT mutations in a large
      cohort of patients with primary congenital adrenal insufficiency without
      molecular etiology and evaluate the degree of adrenal insufficiency and onset of
      extra-adrenal damages. METHODS: Sanger or massive parallel sequencing of NNT and
      patient monitoring. RESULTS: Homozygous or compound heterozygous NNT mutations
      occurred frequently (26%, 13 unrelated families, 18 patients) in our cohort.
      Seven new mutations were identified: p.Met337Val, p.Ala863Glu, c.3G>A (p.Met1?),
      p.Arg129*, p.Arg379*, p.Val665Profs*29 and p.Ala704Serfs*19. The most frequent
      mutation, p.Arg129*, was found recurrently in patients from Algeria. Most
      patients were diagnosed belatedly (8-18 months) after presenting severe
      hypoglycemia; others experiencing stress conditions were diagnosed earlier. Five
      patients also had mineralocorticoid deficiency at onset. One patient had
      congenital hypothyroidism and two cryptorchidism. In follow-up, we noticed
      gonadotropic and genitalia impairments (precocious puberty, testicular
      inclusions, interstitial Leydig cell adenoma, azoospermia), hypothyroidism and
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Intrafamilial phenotype heterogeneity was also
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: NNT should be sequenced, not only in FGD, but also in all
      primary adrenal insufficiencies for which the most frequent etiologies have been
      ruled out. As NNT is involved in oxidative stress, careful follow-up is needed to
      evaluate mineralocorticoid biosynthesis extent, and gonadal, heart and thyroid
      function.

PMID- 27129362
TI  - Achieving a physiological cortisol profile with once-daily dual-release
      hydrocortisone: a pharmacokinetic study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Oral once-daily dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) replacement
      therapy was developed to provide a cortisol exposure-time profile that closely
      resembles the physiological cortisol profile. This study aimed to characterize
      single-dose pharmacokinetics (PK) of DR-HC 5-20mg and assess intrasubject
      variability. METHODS: Thirty-one healthy Japanese or non-Hispanic Caucasian
      volunteers aged 20-55 years participated in this randomized, open-label, PK
      study. Single doses of DR-HC 5, 15 (3*5), and 20mg were administered orally after
      an overnight fast and suppression of endogenous cortisol secretion. After
      estimating the endogenous cortisol profile, PK of DR-HC over 24h were evaluated
      to assess dose proportionality and impact of ethnicity. Plasma cortisol
      concentrations were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry. PK parameters were calculated from individual cortisol
      concentration-time profiles. RESULTS: DR-HC 20mg provided higher than endogenous
      cortisol plasma concentrations 0-4h post-dose but similar concentrations later in
      the profile. Cortisol concentrations and PK exposure parameters increased with
      increasing doses. Mean maximal serum concentration (Cmax) was 82.0 and
      178.1ng/mL, while mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)0-infinity
      was 562.8 and 1180.8h*ng/mL with DR-HC 5 and 20mg respectively. Within-subject PK
      variability was low (<15%) for DR-HC 20mg. All exposure PK parameters were less
      than dose proportional (slope <1). PK differences between ethnicities were
      explained by body weight differences. CONCLUSIONS: DR-HC replacement resembles
      the daily normal cortisol profile. Within-subject day-to-day PK variability was
      low, underpinning the safety of DR-HC for replacement therapy. DR-HC PK were less
      than dose proportional - an important consideration when managing intercurrent
      illness in patients with adrenal insufficiency.

PMID- 27129363
TI  - Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR)
      Applied to Study the Distribution of Ink Components in Printed Newspapers.
AB  - A new method was developed to study how the oil and cyan pigments of cold-set ink
      are distributed in newspaper thickness. The methodology involved laboratory
      printing followed by delamination of the printed paper. The unprinted side,
      printed side, and resulting layers were analyzed using attenuated total
      reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR). Three commercial
      newspapers and black and cyan cold-set inks were chosen for the study. Attenuated
      total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy enabled the proportion
      of oil and cyan pigment on the printed surface and throughout the sheet thickness
      to be measured. Oil percentage was evaluated as the area increment of the region
      from 2800 cm(-1) to 3000 cm(-1) The relative amount of cyan pigment was
      determined as the area of the absorption band at 730 cm(-1) The ink oil was found
      mainly below half the paper thickness, whereas the pigment was detected at the
      layers closer to the printed surface, at a depth penetration of less than 15 um
      (20% of thickness). Distribution of these two components in paper thickness
      depended on the type of cold-set ink, the amount of ink transferred, and the
      newspaper properties. 

PMID- 27129364
TI  - Mueller Matrix of Specular Reflection Using an Aluminum Grating Surface with
      Oxide Nanofilm.
AB  - The accurate nondestructive and real-time determination of the critical
      dimensions of oxide nanofilms on periodic nanostructures has potential
      applications in nanofabrication techniques. Mueller ellipsometry is fast,
      accurate, nondestructive, and can be used in the ambient air. This study used the
      elements of a Mueller matrix of specular reflection, which is based on a Mueller
      ellipsometry method, to evaluate the thickness of an oxide nanofilm on an
      aluminum grating surface. By using non-traditional rigorous coupled-wave analysis
      (RCWA), we decomposed the Mueller matrix to obtain the relationship between the
      evaluated polarization properties of reflected light and the dimensions of oxide
      nanofilms on aluminum grating surfaces. We also quantitatively analyzed the
      Mueller matrix elements' variation due to the thicknesses of top, sidewall, and
      bottom oxides. We consider these oxide films are naturally formed and of
      nonuniform thickness on grating structures. The results show that the elements of
      Mueller matrix shift with the increasing of the uniform thickness of oxide at a
      fixed wavelength. Moreover, as oxide nanofilms on grating structures are
      nonuniform, the impact of the thickness of side wall oxide on the Mueller matrix
      elements is more obvious than that of top and bottom oxides at the relative
      larger incidence wavelength range. The finding of this work may facilitate the
      nondestructive and real-time measurement of the thickness of oxide nanofilms on
      metal gratings where the metal is easily oxidized.

PMID- 27129365
TI  - Candida albicans in oral biofilms could prevent caries.
AB  - Streptococcus mutans is a Gram-positive bacterium involved in development to
      caries, the most common infectious disease of our time. Streptococcus mutans
      interacts with other microbes, like the fungus Candida albicans and both are
      commonly isolated from patients with caries. Since the role of C. albicans in
      caries remains unknown, our aim was to unravel this using an in vitro dual
      species cariogenic oral biofilm model. Biofilms were grown for 24-72 h on glass
      cover slips or hydroxyapatite (HA) disks to mimic the surface of teeth. Medium
      pH, lactic acid production capacity and calcium release from HA disks were
      determined. All 24-h biofilms had external pH values below the critical pH of 5.5
      where enamel dissolves. In contrast, 72-h dual-species biofilms had significantly
      higher pH (above the critical pH) and consequently decreased calcium release
      compared to single-species S. mutans biofilms. Counter intuitively, lactic acid
      production and growth of S. mutans were increased in 72-h dual-species biofilms.
      Candida albicans modulates the pH in dual-species biofilms to values above the
      critical pH where enamel dissolves. Our results suggest that C. albicans is not
      by definition a cariogenic microorganism; it could prevent caries by actively
      increasing pH preventing mineral loss.

PMID- 27129366
TI  - Evaluation of two novel leptospiral proteins for their interaction with human
      host components.
AB  - Pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira are the etiological agents of
      leptospirosis, the most widespread zoonosis. Mechanisms involved in leptospiral
      pathogenesis are not well understood. By data mining the genome sequences of
      Leptospira interrogans we have identified two proteins predicted to be surface
      exposed, LIC10821 and LIC10064. Immunofluorescence and proteinase K assays
      confirmed that the proteins are exposed. Reactivity of the recombinant proteins
      with human sera has shown that rLIC10821, but not rLIC10064, is recognized by
      antibodies in confirmed leptospirosis serum samples, suggesting its expression
      during infection. The rLIC10821 was able to bind laminin, in a dose-dependent
      fashion, and was called Lsa37 (leptospiral surface adhesin of 37 kDa). Studies
      with human plasma components demonstrated that rLIC10821 interacts with
      plasminogen (PLG) and fibrinogen (Fg). The binding of Lsa37 with PLG generates
      plasmin when PLG activator was added. Fibrin clotting reduction was observed in a
      thrombin-catalyzed reaction, when Fg was incubated with Lsa37, suggesting that
      this protein may interfere in the coagulation cascade during the disease.
      Although LIC10064 protein is more abundant than the corresponding Lsa37, binding
      activity with all the components tested was not detected. Thus, Lsa37 is a novel
      versatile adhesin that may mediate Leptospira-host interactions.

PMID- 27129367
TI  - Paenibacillus arachidis sp. nov., isolated from groundnut seeds.
AB  - A Gram-stain-positive, endospore-forming, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic
      bacterium, designated as strain E3T, was isolated from groundnut seeds. Based on
      the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain E3T belongs to the genus
      Paenibacillus with Paenibacillus thailandensis S3-4AT (96.0 %), Paenibacillus
      xanthinilyticus 11N27T (95.7 %), Paenibacillus mendelii C/2T (95.7 %) and other
      members of the genus Paenibacillus (<95.5 %) as its closest phylogenetic
      neighbours. The DNA G+C content of strain E3T was 53 mol%. Strain E3T was
      positive for gelatin hydrolysis, ammonification, catalase, chitinase production,
      1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity, HCN production,
      siderophore production, biofilm formation, and urea and starch hydrolysis. Strain
      E3T had phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphotidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an
      unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified
      lipids as polar lipids. Strain E3T had diploptene, deplopterol and
      bacteriohopaneterol as major hopanoids. anteiso-C15 : 0 was the predominant
      cellular fatty acid with significant proportions of iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0, C17 :
      0, anteiso-C17 : 0, C18 : 1omega9c and iso-C14 : 0. Strain E3T had meso
      diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall
      peptidoglycan. On the basis of physiological, biochemical, chemotaxonomic and
      molecular analysis, strain E3T represents a novel species of the genus
      Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus arachidis sp. nov. is proposed.
      The type strain is E3T (=KCTC 33574T=LMG 28417T). 

PMID- 27129368
TI  - Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is an endogenous regulator of stress
      induced extramedullary erythropoiesis.
AB  - Macrophage migration inhibitory factor is a well-known proinflammatory cytokine
      that is released during systemic stress response. Although MIF can affect
      erythrocyte production, the role of this cytokine in stress-induced
      erythropoiesis is completely unknown. To extend our previous findings showing
      that chronic psychological stress stimulates extramedullary erythropoiesis, here
      we examined whether MIF is involved in the control of stress-induced
      erythropoietic response. Adult male C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and MIF-KO (knock-out)
      mice were subjected to 2-h daily restraint stress for either 7 or 14 consecutive
      days. The number of erythroid progenitors and CD71/Ter119 profile of erythroid
      precursors were analyzed in the bone marrow and spleen. Additionally, MIF protein
      expression was assessed in WT mice. Our results demonstrated that chronic
      restraint stress enhanced the number of both erythroid progenitors and precursors
      in the spleen. Stress-induced increase in the number of splenic late erythroid
      progenitors as well as in the percentage of CD71(+)Ter119(+)-double-positive
      precursors was significantly more pronounced in MIF-KO mice compared to WT
      animals. Furthermore, repeatedly stressed WT animals demonstrated an augmented
      MIF expression in the spleen. Unlike the spleen, the bone marrow of chronically
      stressed WT mice exhibited less prominent changes in erythropoietic stress
      response and no significant alteration in MIF expression. In addition, MIF
      deficiency did not influence the bone marrow erythropoiesis in stressed animals.
      These findings suggest that MIF regulates extramedullary erythropoiesis by
      inhibiting an overexpansion of splenic immature erythroid cells during chronic
      stress and indicate a novel role for this cytokine under chronic stress
      conditions. 

PMID- 27129369
TI  - Patient-specific and intra-operatively modifiable factors assessed by computer
      navigation predict maximal knee flexion one year after TKA.
AB  - PURPOSE: There are multiple factors affecting maximal knee flexion (MKF) after
      total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of the study was to investigate whether
      patient-specific factors (PSF) and surgically modifiable factors (SMF), measured
      by means of a computer-assisted navigation system, can predict the MKF after TKA.
      METHODS: Data from 99 patients collected during a randomized clinical trial were
      used for this secondary data analysis. The MKF of the patients was measured
      preoperatively and 1-year post-surgery. Multiple regression analyses were
      performed to investigate which combination of variables would be the best to
      predict the 1-year MKF. RESULTS: When considering SMF alone, the combination of
      three factors significantly predicted the 1-year MKF (p = 0.001), explaining 22 %
      of its variation. When considering only PSF, the combination of pre-op MKF and
      BMI significantly predicted the 1-year MKF (p < 0.001), explaining 23 % of its
      variation. When considering both groups of potential predictors simultaneously,
      the combination of five SMF with two PSF significantly predicted the 1-year MKF
      (p = 0.001), explaining 32 % of its variation. CONCLUSIONS: Computer navigation
      variables alone could explain 22 % of the variance in the 1-year MKF. The larger
      proportion (32 %) of the 1-year MKF variation could be explained with a
      combination of SMF and PSF. The results of studies in this area could be used to
      identify patients at risk of poor outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II,
      Prognostic study.

PMID- 27129370
TI  - The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale: validation of the
      Japanese version.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the reliability and validity of a
      Japanese version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale,
      designed to assess internalized stigma experienced by people with mental illness.
      METHODS: A survey was conducted with 173 outpatients with mental illness who
      attended psychiatric clinics on a regular basis. A retest was conducted with 51
      participants to evaluate the scale's psychometric properties. RESULTS: The alpha
      coefficient for the overall internal consistency was 0.91, and the coefficients
      of the individual ISMI subscales ranged from 0.57 to 0.81. The test-retest
      reliability was r = 0.85 (n = 51, P < 0.01). In terms of criterion-related
      validity, the Japanese version of the ISMI scale was significantly correlated
      with the Beck Depression Inventory (r = 0.61, P < 0.01), the Rosenberg Self
      Esteem Scale (r = -0.53, P < 0.01), and the Empowerment Scale (r = -0.52, P <
      0.01). In addition, factor analyses of the ISMI items demonstrated a four-factor
      solution for the alienation, stereotype endorsement, discrimination experience,
      and social withdrawal subscales, with the stigma resistance items excluded.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Japanese version of the ISMI scale demonstrated similar
      reliability and validity to the original English version. Therefore, the Japanese
      version of the ISMI scale may be an effective and valid tool to measure
      internalized stigma among Japanese people who have a mental illness.

PMID- 27129371
TI  - Development and Characterization of a 3D Printed, Keratin-Based Hydrogel.
AB  - Keratin, a naturally-derived polymer derived from human hair, is physiologically
      biodegradable, provides adequate cell support, and can self-assemble or be
      crosslinked to form hydrogels. Nevertheless, it has had limited use in tissue
      engineering and has been mainly used as casted scaffolds for drug or growth
      factor delivery applications. Here, we present and assess a novel method for the
      printed, sequential production of 3D keratin scaffolds. Using a riboflavin-SPS
      hydroquinone (initiator-catalyst-inhibitor) photosensitive solution we produced
      3D keratin constructs via UV crosslinking in a lithography-based 3D printer. The
      hydrogels obtained have adequate printing resolution and result in compressive
      and dynamic mechanical properties, uptake and swelling capacities, cytotoxicity,
      and microstructural characteristics that are comparable or superior to those of
      casted keratin scaffolds previously reported. The novel keratin-based printing
      resin and printing methodology presented have the potential to impact future
      research by providing an avenue to rapidly and reproducibly manufacture patient
      specific hydrogels for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

PMID- 27129372
TI  - Cationic Contrast Agent Diffusion Differs Between Cartilage and Meniscus.
AB  - Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is a non-destructive imaging
      technique used for the assessment of composition and structure of articular
      cartilage and meniscus. Due to structural and compositional differences between
      these tissues, diffusion and distribution of contrast agents may differ in
      cartilage and meniscus. The aim of this study is to determine the diffusion
      kinematics of a novel iodine based cationic contrast agent (CA(2+)) in cartilage
      and meniscus. Cylindrical cartilage and meniscus samples (d = 6 mm, h ~ 2 mm)
      were harvested from healthy bovine knee joints (n = 10), immersed in isotonic
      cationic contrast agent (20 mgI/mL), and imaged using a micro-CT scanner at 26
      time points up to 48 h. Subsequently, normalized X-ray attenuation and contrast
      agent diffusion flux, as well as water, collagen and proteoglycan (PG) contents
      in the tissues were determined. The contrast agent distributions within cartilage
      and meniscus were different. In addition, the normalized attenuation and
      diffusion flux were higher (p < 0.05) in cartilage. Based on these results,
      diffusion kinematics vary between cartilage and meniscus. These tissue specific
      variations can affect the interpretation of CECT images and should be considered
      when cartilage and meniscus are assessed simultaneously.

PMID- 27129373
TI  - First clinical cases of NDM-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from two hospitals
      in Bulgaria.
AB  - We report the first confirmed cases of NDM-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
      infections in two hospitals in Bulgaria. The isolates were diverse in terms of
      plasmid and co-resistance gene content. K. pneumoniae PR2682, causing sepsis in
      patient with polytrauma due to traffic accident, harbored blaNDM-1,blaCMY-4,
      blaCTX-M-15, blaSHV-1, blaTEM-1b, qnrB, and aac(6')-Ib. blaNDM-1 was transferable
      by conjugation and located on an IncA/C plasmid of 176-kb, which also carried
      blaCMY-4, blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1b, and qnrB. K. pneumoniae PR2830, causing urinary
      tract infection in prostate cancer patient, harbored blaNDM-1,blaSHV-1, blaTEM-1,
      and aac(6')-Ib. blaNDM-1 was carried on an 86-kb IncA/C plasmid transferable by
      conjugation together with blaTEM-1, and aac(6')-Ib. Multilocus sequence typing
      indicated that the two isolates belonged to sequence type ST11. The emergence of
      NDM-1-producing K. pneumoniae indicates that blaNDM-1-mediated resistance is
      already disseminated among Enterobacteriaceae in Bulgaria. Our results further
      confirm the role of the Balkans as a secondary reservoir where NDM-encoding genes
      originate.

PMID- 27129374
TI  - The Comparative Role of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Anterolateral
      Structures in Controlling Passive Internal Rotation of the Knee: A Biomechanical
      Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the respective functions of the anterior cruciate ligament
      (ACL) and the anterolateral structures (ALSs) in controlling the tibia's passive
      internal rotation (IR) with respect to the femur, under uniaxial rotation.
      METHODS: To test the function of the ACL and the anterolateral ligament (ALL) in
      IR, we designed a sequential transection study of the ACL and the anterolateral
      structures (including the ALL) in 24 cadaveric knees divided in 2 groups. Two
      sequences were conducted successively: group 1 (12 knees) in which the ACL was
      sectioned first followed by the ALS, and group 2 (12 knees) with reversed
      transections. Each knee, in neutral rotation position and at flexion angle of 30
      degrees , was subjected to a 5 Nm torsion torque of IR. IR was measured using a
      rotatory laximeter, the Rotam with a gyroscope's measurement accuracy of 0.1
      degrees . Laxities were compared using paired t test within each group and using
      t test between groups. Fisher exact test was used to compare proportions.
      RESULTS: In group 1, IR increased from 22.1 degrees  +/- 10.6 degrees  to 25.7
      degrees  +/- 10.9 degrees  after ACL transection then to 28.1 degrees  +/- 10.5
      degrees  after we sectioned the ALS. In group 2, IR increased from 22.5 degrees 
      +/- 8.9 degrees  to 25.2 degrees  +/- 8.4 degrees  after sectioning the ALS, then
      to 29.1 degrees  +/- 8.8 degrees  after we sectioned the ACL. Total
      postsectioning increase in IR was 6.4 degrees  +/- 2 degrees  in group 1, and
      6.55 degrees  +/- 0.9 degrees  in group 2. The IR increase after each stage of
      transection and final IR were statistically significant (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS:
      In a pure rotational cadaveric test model, the ACL and the ALS contribute to
      resistance to passive IR of the knee. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In some specific
      clinical cases, peripheral lesions may be considered, and injuries to these
      structures may need to be addressed to improve results controlling postoperative
      IR.

PMID- 27129375
TI  - One-Step Cartilage Repair Technique as a Next Generation of Cell Therapy for
      Cartilage Defects: Biological Characteristics, Preclinical Application, Surgical
      Techniques, and Clinical Developments.
AB  - PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive overview of the basic science rationale,
      surgical technique, and clinical outcomes of 1-step cartilage repair technique
      used as a treatment strategy for cartilage defects. METHODS: A systematic review
      was performed in the main medical databases to evaluate the several studies
      concerning 1-step procedures for cartilage repair. The characteristics of cell
      seed scaffolds, behavior of cells seeded into scaffolds, and surgical techniques
      were also discussed. Clinical outcomes and quality of repaired tissue were
      assessed using several standardized outcome assessment tools, magnetic resonance
      imaging scans, and biopsy histology. RESULTS: One-step cartilage repair could be
      divided into 2 types: chondrocyte-matrix complex (CMC) and autologous matrix
      induced chondrogenesis (AMIC), both of which allow a simplified surgical
      approach. Studies with Level IV evidence have shown that 1-step cartilage repair
      techniques could significantly relieve symptoms and improve functional assessment
      (P < .05, compared with preoperative evaluation) at short-term follow-up.
      Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging showed that 76% cases in all included
      case series showed at least 75% defect coverage in each lesion, and 3 studies
      clearly showed hyaline-like cartilage tissue in biopsy tissues by second-look
      arthroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The 1-step cartilage repair technique, with its
      potential for effective, homogeneous distribution of chondrocytes and multipotent
      stem cells on the surface of the cartilage defect, is able to regenerate hyaline
      like cartilage tissue, and it could be applied to cartilage repair by
      arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level II and IV
      studies.

PMID- 27129376
TI  - Simultaneous Versus Staged Bilateral Hip Arthroscopy in the Treatment of
      Femoroacetabular Impingement.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of patients
      undergoing simultaneous versus staged bilateral hip arthroscopy for bilateral
      symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). METHODS: Between 2010 and 2013, a
      total of 1,800 hip arthroscopy cases were retrospectively reviewed for cases of
      simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy. All patients with minimum 1-year follow
      up were included. This group was matched 1:2 for age, sex, and alpha angle, to a
      control group of patients who underwent staged, bilateral procedures. Patient
      reported outcome scores, including the Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip
      Outcome Score-Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), and the Hip Outcome Score-Sport
      Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS) were obtained preoperatively at 6 months and 1 and 2
      years postoperatively. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients (162 hips) were identified
      who underwent bilateral hip arthroscopy for symptomatic FAI. Twelve patients (24
      hips) who underwent simultaneous bilateral arthroscopy with minimum 1-year follow
      up were compared with a matched cohort of 24 patients (48 hips) who underwent
      staged bilateral procedures. Mean preoperative alpha angle was 65.3 degrees  +/-
      9.6 degrees  in the simultaneous group and 65.9 degrees  +/- 11.2 degrees  in the
      staged group (P = .6). At a mean follow-up of 17.8 months (range, 12 to 33
      months), there were comparable improvements in simultaneous versus staged patient
      reported outcome scores (mHHS 90.8 +/- 11 v 88.9 +/- 12.5, P = .662; HOS-ADL 97.3
      +/- 3.8 v 92.6 +/- 10.3, P = .057; HOS-SSS 93.3 +/- 10.2 v 86.5 +/- 16.6, P =
      .203). The mean single anesthetic traction time was 90.8 +/- 21.9 minutes (sum of
      both hips) in the simultaneous group, compared with a combined 2-anesthetic
      traction time of 85.7 +/- 27.2 minutes in the staged group (P = .579). There were
      no traction-related complications in either group. No patients in the
      simultaneous group required revision surgery, whereas 1 patient in the staged
      group required lysis of adhesions at 24 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: In a
      small sample, simultaneous bilateral hip arthroscopy is shown to be safe and
      effective, resulting in similar improvements in patient-reported outcomes at 1
      year follow-up compared with staged bilateral procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level III, case-control study.

PMID- 27129377
TI  - Morphologic Risk Factors in Predicting Symptomatic Structural Failure of
      Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repairs: Tear Size, Location, and Atrophy Matter.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate whether morphologic characteristics of rotator cuff tear
      have prognostic value in determining symptomatic structural failure of
      arthroscopic rotator cuff repair independent of age or gender. METHODS:
      Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair cases performed by five fellowship-trained
      surgeons at our institution from 2006 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Data
      extraction included demographics, comorbidities, repair technique, clinical
      examination, and radiographic findings. Failure in symptomatic patients was
      defined as structural defect on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging or
      pseudoparalysis on examination. Failures were age and gender matched with
      successful repairs in a 1:2 ratio. RESULTS: A total of 30 failures and 60
      controls were identified. Supraspinatus atrophy (P = .03) and tear size (18.3 mm
      failures v 13.9 mm controls; P = .02) were significant risk factors for failure,
      as was the presence of an infraspinatus tear greater than 10 mm (62% v 17%, P <
      .01). Single-row repair (P = .06) and simple suture configuration (P = .17) were
      more common but similar between groups. Diabetes mellitus and active tobacco use
      were not significantly associated with increased failure risk but psychiatric
      medication use was more frequent in the failure group. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      confirms previous suspicions that tear size and fatty infiltration are associated
      with failure of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair but independent of age or gender
      in symptomatic patients. There is also a quantitative cutoff on magnetic
      resonance imaging for the size of infraspinatus involvement that can be used
      clinically as a predicting factor. Although reported in the literature, smoking
      and diabetes were not associated with failure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III,
      retrospective case control.

PMID- 27129378
TI  - Do Neuromuscular Alterations Exist for Patients With Acetabular Labral Tears
      During Function?
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if contact forces and electromyography (EMG) muscle
      amplitudes were altered during the lunge for patients with symptomatic labral
      tears compared with asymptomatic control subjects. METHODS: Surface
      electromyography electrodes were placed over the gluteus medius, gluteus maximus,
      adductor longus, and rectus femoris muscles of the patients' involved limb and
      matched limb of asymptomatic controls. Subjects performed 3 trials of the lunge
      on a clinical force platform. An electrogoniometer tracked knee flexion motion
      during testing. Average root mean squared EMG muscle amplitudes for each muscle
      were calculated for the descent and ascent phases of the lunge, represented as a
      percentage of maximum activity (%MVIC). Peak knee flexion was calculated from the
      goniometer ( degrees ). The dependent variables from the force platform were
      lunge distance (%height), contact time (seconds), vertical impact force (%BW),
      and force impulse (%BW*s). Dependent variables were compared between groups using
      either independent samples t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. Relations between
      dependent variables were assessed with Spearman Rho correlation coefficients. The
      level of significance was set at P <= .05. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with
      symptomatic unilateral labral tears (14 females, 7 males) and 17 asymptomatic
      control subjects (11 females, 6 males) participated in this study. Average
      gluteus maximus EMG muscle amplitudes were reduced for symptomatic labral
      patients compared with asymptomatic controls during lunge ascent (51.6 +/- 31.1 v
      71.7 +/- 36.3 [mean difference (MD): 20.1% (-2.4%, 42.6%)], P = .042). Average
      vertical impact force was reduced (21.8 +/- 5.5 v 26.8 +/- 7.3 [MD: 5.1%BW
      (0.84%BW, 9.3%BW)], P = .02) and average contact time (1.8 +/- 0.4 v 1.5 +/- 0.4
      [MD: 0.27 seconds (0.006 seconds, 0.54 seconds)], P = .045) and force impulse
      (188.4 +/- 42.4 v 162.6 +/- 33.3 [MD: 25.8%BW*s (0.3%BW*s, 51.4%BW*s)], P = .042)
      were increased for symptomatic labral patients compared with asymptomatic
      controls. Vertical impact force was inversely correlated with gluteus medius
      muscle amplitudes during lunge descent for symptomatic labral patients (r = 
      0.452, P = .045). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that contact forces and EMG muscle
      amplitudes are altered during the lunge for patients with symptomatic labral
      tears. The presence of a relation between muscle amplitudes and contact forces
      suggests that targeting muscle impairments may restore function in these
      patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

PMID- 27129379
TI  - Contribution of actin filaments and microtubules to cell elongation and alignment
      depends on the grating depth of microgratings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been reported that both chemical and physical surface patterns
      influence cellular behaviors, such as cell alignment and elongation. However, it
      still remains unclear how actin filament and microtubules (MTs) differentially
      respond to these patterns. RESULTS: We examined the effects of chemical and
      physical patterns on cell elongation and alignment by observing actin filament
      and MTs of retinal pigment epithelium-1(RPE-1) cells, which were cultured on
      either fibronectin (FN)-line pattern (line width and spacing: 1 MUm) or FN-coated
      1 MUm gratings with two different depths (0.35 or 1 MUm). On the surface with
      either FN-line pattern or micrograting structure, the cell aspect ratios were at
      least two times higher than those on the surface with no pattern. Cell elongation
      on the gratings depended on the depth of the gratings. Cell elongation and
      alignment on both FN-line pattern and 1 MUm gratings with 0.35 MUm depth were
      perturbed either by inhibition of actin polymerization or MT depletion, while
      cell elongation and alignment on 1 MUm gratings with 1 MUm depth were perturbed
      only by MT depletion. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the contribution of
      actin filaments and MTs to the elongation and alignment of epithelial cells on
      microgratings depends on the groove depth of these gratings.

PMID- 27129380
TI  - Influence of temperature on thromboelastometry and platelet aggregation in
      cardiac arrest patients undergoing targeted temperature management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coagulation can be visualised using whole blood coagulation analyses
      such as thromboelastometry and platelet aggregation tests; however, the role of
      temperature in the analyses is ambiguous. The aim was to examine whether
      temperature influences the whole blood coagulation tests. METHODS: We included 40
      patients treated with targeted temperature management (33 +/- 1  degrees C) after
      out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The blood samples were obtained on hypothermia
      and normothermia. Each blood sample was analysed simultaneously at 33  degrees C
      and 37  degrees C by thromboelastography (ROTEM(r)) employing the assays
      EXTEM(r), INTEM(r), FIBTEM(r) and HEPTEM(r), and by Multiplate(r)Analyzer, using
      COLtest(r), ADPtest(r), ASPItest(r) and TRAPtest(r) as agonists. Data on
      antithrombotic drugs were collected systematically from medical records, and data
      were analysed using repeated measurement analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS:
      The ROTEM(r) analyses showed increased clotting time, lower maximum velocity and
      increased time to maximum velocity (all p values <0.02) when performed at 33 
      degrees C compared with 37  degrees C, irrespective of the patients being
      hypothermic (median 33.1  degrees C) or normothermic (median 37.5  degrees C).
      However, EXTEM(r) time to maximum velocity showed no difference between the
      analyses performed at 33  degrees C and 37  degrees C when the patients were
      hypothermic (p = 0.83). No differences were found in maximum clot firmness (all p
      values >0.09) analysed at 33  degrees C and 37  degrees C, independent of the
      body temperature. In the hypothermic blood sample, no difference was found when
      using the COLtest(r), ASPItest(r) or TRAPtest(r) to compare platelet aggregation
      analysed at 33  degrees C and 37  degrees C (all p values >0.19), but platelet
      aggregation was significantly higher using the ADPtest(r) (p < 0.001) when
      analysed at 33  degrees C. In the normothermic blood sample, the TRAPtest(r)
      showed no difference (p = 0.73) when performed at 33  degrees C; however,
      significantly lower aggregation was found using the COLtest(r) and ASPItest(r)
      (all p values <0.001), while a higher aggregation at 33  degrees C was found
      using the ADPtest(r) (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: ROTEM(r) analyses seemed not to be
      dependent on body temperature but showed a slower initiation of coagulation when
      analysed at 33  degrees C compared with 37  degrees C. The Multiplate(r)Analyzer
      results were dependent on the temperature used in the analyses and the body
      temperature. In whole blood coagulation tests, the temperature used in the
      analyses should be kept at 37  degrees C irrespective of the patient's body
      temperature being 33  degrees C or 37  degrees C.

PMID- 27129381
TI  - Phenotype variability of infantile-onset multisystem neurologic, endocrine, and
      pancreatic disease IMNEPD.
AB  - Infantile-onset multisystem neurologic, endocrine, and pancreatic disease
      (IMNEPD) has been recently linked to biallelic mutation of the peptidyl-tRNA
      hydrolase 2 gene PTRH2. Two index patients with IMNEPD in the original report had
      multiple neurological symptoms such as postnatal microcephaly, intellectual
      disability, developmental delay, sensorineural deafness, cerebellar atrophy,
      ataxia, and peripheral neuropathy. In addition, distal muscle weakness and
      abnormalities of thyroid, pancreas, and liver were found. Here, we report five
      further IMNEPD patients with a different homozygous PTRH2 mutation, broaden the
      phenotypic spectrum of the disease and differentiate common symptoms and
      interindividual variability in IMNEPD associated with a unique mutation. We
      thereby hope to better define IMNEPD and promote recognition and diagnosis of
      this novel disease entity.

PMID- 27129382
TI  - Removal torque of nail interlocking screws is related to screw proximity to the
      fracture and screw breakage.
AB  - Studies have shown that titanium implants can be challenging to explant due to
      the material's excellent biocompatibility and resulting osseointegration.
      Clinically, titanium alloy nail interlocking screws may require removal to
      dynamize a construct or revise the nail due to nonunion, infection, pain, or
      periprosthetic fracture. This study was designed to determine what variables
      influence the removal torque for titanium alloy interlocking screws. An
      intramedullary nail with four interlocking screws was used to stabilize a 1-cm
      segmental femoral defect in a canine model for 16 weeks. The animals were
      observed to be active following a several-day recovery after surgery. In six
      animals, the femora and implanted nail/screws were first tested to failure in
      torsion to simulate periprosthetic fracture of an implant after which the screws
      were then removed. In four additional animals, the screws were removed without
      mechanical testing. Both intraoperative insertional and extraction torques were
      recorded for all screws. Mechanical testing to failure broke 10/24 screws. On
      average, the intact screws required 70% of the insertional torque during removal
      while broken screws only required 16% of the insertional torque (p < 0.001). In
      addition, intact screws closer to the fracture required 2.8 times more removal
      torque than the outboard distal screw (p < 0.005). On average, the angle of
      rotation to peak torque was ~80 degrees . The peak axial load did not
      significantly correlate with the torque required to remove the screws. On
      average, the removal torque was lower than at the time of insertion, and less
      torque was required to remove broken screws and screws remote to the fracture.
      However, broken screws will require additional time to retrieve the remaining
      screw fragment. This study suggests that broken screws and screws in prematurely
      active patients will require less torque to remove. 

PMID- 27129383
TI  - Prediction of the mechanical response of canine humerus to three-point bending
      using subject-specific finite element modelling.
AB  - Subject-specific finite element models could improve decision making in canine
      long-bone fracture repair. However, it preliminary requires that finite element
      models predicting the mechanical response of canine long bone are proposed and
      validated. We present here a combined experimental-numerical approach to test the
      ability of subject-specific finite element models to predict the bending response
      of seven pairs of canine humeri directly from medical images. Our results show
      that bending stiffness and yield load are predicted with a mean absolute error of
      10.1% (+/-5.2%) for the 14 samples. This study constitutes a basis for the
      forthcoming optimization of canine long-bone fracture repair. 

PMID- 27129384
TI  - Simulation and experiment of soft-tissue deformation in prostate brachytherapy.
AB  - Soft-tissue deformation is one of the major reasons for the inaccurate
      positioning of percutaneous needle insertion process. In this article,
      simulations and experiments of the needle insertion soft-tissue process are both
      applied to study soft-tissue deformation. A needle deflection model based on the
      mechanics is used to calculate the needle deflection during the interaction
      process. The obtained needle deflection data are applied into finite element
      analysis process as the system input. The uniaxial tensile strength tests,
      compression tests, and static indentation experiments are used to obtain the soft
      tissue parameters and choose the best strain-energy function to model in the
      simulation. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to reconstruct the prostate,
      establishing both prostate three-dimensional finite element model and artificial
      prostate model. The needle-soft tissue interaction simulation results are
      compared with those of the needle insertion experiment. The displacement data of
      the mark point in the experiment are comparable to the simulation results. It is
      concluded that, using this simulation method, the surgeon can predict the
      deformation of the tissue and the displacement of the target in advance. 

PMID- 27129385
TI  - The multiple PDZ domain protein Mpdz/MUPP1 regulates opioid tolerance and opioid
      induced hyperalgesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Opioids are a mainstay for the treatment of chronic pain.
      Unfortunately, therapy-limiting maladaptations such as loss of treatment effect
      (tolerance), and paradoxical opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) can occur. The
      objective of this study was to identify genes responsible for opioid tolerance
      and OIH. RESULTS: These studies used a well-established model of ascending
      morphine administration to induce tolerance, OIH and other opioid maladaptations
      in 23 strains of inbred mice. Genome-wide computational genetic mapping was then
      applied to the data in combination with a false discovery rate filter. Transgenic
      mice, gene expression experiments and immunoprecipitation assays were used to
      confirm the functional roles of the most strongly linked gene. The behavioral
      data processed using computational genetic mapping and false discovery rate
      filtering provided several strongly linked biologically plausible gene
      associations. The strongest of these was the highly polymorphic Mpdz gene coding
      for the post-synaptic scaffolding protein Mpdz/MUPP1. Heterozygous Mpdz +/- mice
      displayed reduced opioid tolerance and OIH. Mpdz gene expression and Mpdz/MUPP1
      protein levels were lower in the spinal cords of low-adapting 129S1/Svlm mice
      than in high-adapting C57BL/6 mice. Morphine did not alter Mpdz expression
      levels. In addition, association of Mpdz/MUPP1 with its known binding partner
      CaMKII did not differ between these high- and low-adapting strains. CONCLUSIONS:
      The degrees of maladaptive changes in response to repeated administration of
      morphine vary greatly across inbred strains of mice. Variants of the multiple PDZ
      domain gene Mpdz may contribute to the observed inter-strain variability in
      tolerance and OIH by virtue of changes in the level of their expression.

PMID- 27129386
TI  - Inverse correlation between salt tolerance and host-adaptation in mycobacteria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genus Mycobacterium includes host-adapted organisms regarded as
      obligate and opportunistic pathogens and environmental organisms. Factors
      contributing to this wide range of adaptations are poorly known. RESULTS: We
      studied the salt tolerance of 46 Mycobacterium species of medical interest.
      Representative strains of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Mycobacterium
      avium complex, Mycobacterium chelonae-abscessus complex, Mycobacterium ulcerans,
      Mycobacterium marinum, Mycobacterium lentiflavum, Mycobacterium fortuitum and
      Mycobacterium conceptionense were inoculated on Middlebrook 7H10 medium
      supplemented with 0-10% sodium chloride. Colonies were counted after 2-4 week
      incubation at the appropriate 30-37  degrees C temperature depending on the
      tested strain. Further comparative genomics was done on 15 Mycobacterium strains
      representing the spectrum of salt-tolerance of mycobacteria. Based on the results
      the different species were grouped according to their salt tolerance into a "salt
      sensitive" group (growth up to <=3% salt) containing the M. tuberculosis complex,
      Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium lentiflavum, Mycobacterium ulcerans and
      Mycobacterium marinum; a "salt-intermediate" group (growth between 4 and 6% salt)
      comprising Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, Mycobacterium
      chimaera and a "salt-resistant" group (growth up to >6%) comprising Mycobacterium
      homonissuis, Mycobacterium bolettii, Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium
      conceptionense. Genomic analysis revealed that 290 genes were unique to species
      belonging to the salt-sensitive group; and that 15% were annotated as being
      functionally associated with the ESX secretion systems Pro-Glu and Pro-Pro-Glu
      family proteins. CONCLUSIONS: In this work we found an inverse correlation
      between salt tolerance and host adaptation. We thus propose that salinity is one
      of the multiple factors determining the ecological niches of mycobacteria.

PMID- 27129387
TI  - Biomechanical study of strength and stiffness of the knee anterolateral ligament.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies clearly characterize the anatomical parameters of the
      knee anterolateral ligament (ALL). The potential clinical importance of this
      ligament is exemplified by some patients with possible combined Anterior Cruciate
      Ligament (ACL) and ALL rupture who do not progress satisfactorily following
      isolated ACL reconstruction. Previous biomechanical studies have assessed the
      resistance parameters of the ALL in order to address potential reconstruction
      strategies; however, these have reported conflicting results. Thus, this study
      aimed to evaluate the linear resistance of the ALL by means of a biomechanical
      study in cadaveric knees. METHODS: Fourteen cadaveric knees were used. The ALL
      was dissected, and all structures that connect the femur and the tibia, except
      for the ALL, were sectioned. The ALL was subjected to a tensile test with the
      knee around 30 to 40 degrees, in a way that the ALL was aligned with the machine.
      The strength at the maximum resistance limit, deformation and stiffness of the
      ALL were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean maximum strength of the ALL was 204.8 +/-
      114.9 N. The stiffness was 41.9 +/- 25.7 N/mm and the deformation 10.3 +/- 3.5
      mm. CONCLUSION: The ALL has a mean ultimate tensile strength of 204.8 N. This
      suggests that simple bands of all autologous or homologous grafts commonly used
      in clinical practice for ligament reconstruction around the knee possess the
      required biomechanical resistance characteristics for ALL reconstruction.

PMID- 27129388
TI  - Comparison of two high-throughput semiconductor chip sequencing platforms in
      noninvasive prenatal testing for Down syndrome in early pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) to detect fetal aneuploidy using
      next-generation sequencing on ion semiconductor platforms has become common.
      There are several sequencers that can generate sufficient DNA reads for NIPT.
      However, the approval criteria vary among platforms and countries. This can delay
      the introduction of such devices and systems to clinics. A comparison of the
      sensitivity and specificity of two different platforms using the same sequencing
      chemistry could be useful in NIPT for fetal chromosomal aneuploidies. This would
      improve healthcare authorities' confidence in decision-making on sequencing-based
      tests. METHODS: One hundred and one pregnant women who were predicted at high
      risk of fetal defects using conventional prenatal screening tests, and who
      underwent definitive diagnosis by full karyotyping, were enrolled from three
      hospitals in Korea. Most of the pregnant women (69.79 %) received NIPT during
      weeks 11-13 of gestation and 30.21 % during weeks 14-18. We used Ion Torrent PGM
      and Proton semi-conductor-based sequencers with 0.3* sequencing coverage depth.
      The average total reads of 101 samples were approximately 4.5 and 7.6 M for PGM
      and Proton, respectively. A Burrows-Wheeler Aligner (BWA) algorithm was used for
      the alignment, and a z-score was used to decide fetal trisomy 21. Interactive dot
      diagrams from the sequencing data showed minimal z-score values of 2.07 and 2.10
      to discriminate negative versus positive cases of fetal trisomy 21 for the two
      different sequencing systems. RESULTS: Our z-score-based discrimination method
      resulted in 100 % positive and negative prediction values for both ion
      semiconductor PGM and Proton sequencers, regardless of their sequencing chip and
      chemistry differences. Both platforms performed well at an early stage (11-13
      weeks of gestation) compared with previous studies. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggested that, using two different sequencers, NIPT to detect fetal trisomy 21
      in early pregnancy is accurate and platform-independent. The data suggested that
      the amount of sequencing and the application of common, simple, and robust
      statistical analyses are more important than sequencing chemistry and platform
      types. This result has practical implications in countries where PGM is approved
      for NIPT but the Proton system is not.

PMID- 27129389
TI  - Modified high dorsal procedure for performing isolated anatomic total caudate
      lobectomy (with video).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolated anatomic total caudate lobectomy is indicated in patients
      who have liver tumors limited to the caudate lobe. However, isolated caudate lobe
      resection is a challenging surgical procedure that required safe and reliable
      techniques. All portal and hepatic veins that connect this area originate from
      the first branch of the portal vein or vena cava; therefore, the operator must be
      cautious of the potential for massive bleeding. METHODS: The important points
      regarding the safety of our procedure include creating an optimal surgical view
      and preparing for accidental bleeding before parenchymal dissection. Sufficient
      mobilization and removal of Spiegel's lobe from the left to the right side of the
      vena cava allows the operator to perform parenchymal dissection under a right- or
      front-side view. RESULTS: We have performed this technique in two patients with
      HCC and one patient with primary cystadenocarcinoma. The average operative time
      and amount of blood loss were 435 min and 1137 ml, respectively. No operative
      mortalities or postoperative complications were observed in any of the patients.
      Our three patients are currently doing well without any recurrence. CONCLUSION:
      Our modified high dorsal resection procedure can be used to safely remove the
      entire caudate lobe.

PMID- 27129391
TI  - Prediction of all-cause occupational disability among US Army soldiers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Long-term occupational disability rates associated with eventual
      discharges from military service have risen sharply among active-duty US Army
      soldiers during the last three decades, with important implications for soldier
      health and national security alike. To address this problem, we built predictive
      models for long-term, all-cause occupational disability and identified disability
      risk factors using a very large, multisource database on the total active-duty US
      Army. METHODS: We conducted a cross-temporal retrospective cohort study and used
      mixed-effects logistic regression models to derive and validate disability risk
      assignments. The derivation cohort included 510 616 US Army soldiers on duty in
      December 2012, and the validation cohort included 483 197 soldiers on duty in
      December 2013. RESULTS: The predictive model yielded an overall c-statistic of
      85.97% (95% CI 85.61% to 86.32%). Risk thresholds at the population's 75th and
      95th centiles identified 80.53% and 42.08%, respectively, of the disability
      designations that occurred population wide during the subsequent 9 months.
      Frequent work excusals, high outpatient care utilisation and psychotropic
      medication use were the strongest independent predictors of later disability.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that predictive models using diverse data
      types can successfully anticipate long-term occupational disability among US Army
      soldiers and could be used for disability risk screening.

PMID- 27129390
TI  - Electrophysiologic Substrate and Risk of Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis.
AB  - The single leading cause of mortality on hemodialysis is sudden cardiac death.
      Whether measures of electrophysiologic substrate independently associate with
      mortality is unknown. We examined measures of electrophysiologic substrate in a
      prospective cohort of 571 patients on incident hemodialysis enrolled in the
      Predictors of Arrhythmic and Cardiovascular Risk in End Stage Renal Disease
      Study. A total of 358 participants completed both baseline 5-minute and 12-lead
      electrocardiogram recordings on a nondialysis day. Measures of electrophysiologic
      substrate included ventricular late potentials by the signal-averaged
      electrocardiogram and spatial mean QRS-T angle measured on the averaged beat
      recorded within a median of 106 days (interquartile range, 78-151 days) from
      dialysis initiation. The cohort was 59% men, and 73% were black, with a mean+/-SD
      age of 55+/-13 years. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a mean+/-SD
      ejection fraction of 65.5%+/-12.0% and a mean+/-SD left ventricular mass index of
      66.6+/-22.3 g/m2.7 During 864.6 person-years of follow-up, 77 patients died; 35
      died from cardiovascular causes, of which 15 were sudden cardiac deaths. By Cox
      regression analysis, QRS-T angle >=75 degrees  significantly associated with
      increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 2.99; 95% confidence
      interval, 1.31 to 6.82) and sudden cardiac death (hazard ratio, 4.52; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.17 to 17.40) after multivariable adjustment for
      demographic, cardiovascular, and dialysis factors. Abnormal signal-averaged
      electrocardiogram measures did not associate with mortality. In conclusion,
      spatial QRS-T angle but not abnormal signal-averaged electrocardiogram
      significantly associates with cardiovascular mortality and sudden cardiac death
      independent of traditional risk factors in patients starting hemodialysis.

PMID- 27129392
TI  - Association mapping for yield and yield-contributing traits in barley under
      drought conditions with genome-based SSR markers.
AB  - Drought negatively affects plant development, growth, yield, and ultimately
      production of crop species. Association analysis of yield and yield-contributing
      traits was conducted for a barley germplasm collection consisting 107 wild
      (Hordeum spontaneum L.) genotypes, originating from 12 countries using 76 SSR
      markers. Phenotypic evaluations were performed for days to heading, plant height,
      number of tillers/plant, spike length, thousand kernel weight, single plant yield
      under well-watered and drought-stress conditions. Highly significant differences
      between well-watered and drought-stress conditions were observed in all measured
      traits. Association analysis revealed a total of 83 significant marker-trait
      associations for all six measured traits. The results revealed that several
      chromosomal regions significantly influence more than one trait, suggesting a
      possible existence of pleiotropic or indirect effects. The phenotypic variation
      explained by individual marker-trait associations ranged from 5.08 to 27.84%. The
      results demonstrated that wild barley is a valuable source for improving yield
      and yield-contributing traits for drought tolerance. Our data provide a tool kit
      for the potential application of marker-assisted selection for drought tolerance
      in barley. 

PMID- 27129393
TI  - Timing of Pacemaker Implantation After Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement.

PMID- 27129394
TI  - Time of Pacemaker Implantation After Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement.
      Response.

PMID- 27129395
TI  - Innovative gastric endoscopic muscle biopsy to identify all cell types, including
      myenteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal in patients with idiopathic
      gastroparesis: a feasibility study (with video).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The pathophysiology of some GI neuromuscular diseases
      remains largely unknown. This is in part due to the inability to obtain ample
      deep gastric wall biopsies that include the intermuscular layer of the muscularis
      propria (MP) to evaluate the enteric nervous system, interstitial cells of Cajal
      (ICCs), and related cells. We report on a novel technique for gastric endoscopic
      muscle biopsy (gEMB). METHODS: Patients with idiopathic gastroparesis were
      prospectively enrolled in a feasibility study by using a novel "no hole" gEMB.
      Main outcome measures were technical success, adverse events, and histologic
      confirmation of the intermuscular layer, including myenteric neurons and ICC. The
      gEMB was a double resection clip-assist technique. A site was identified on the
      anterior wall of the gastric body as recommended by the International Working
      Group on histologic techniques. EMR was performed to unroof and expose the
      underlying MP. The exposed MP was then retracted into the cap of an over-the
      scope clip. The clip was deployed, and the pseudopolyp of MP created was
      resected. This resulted in a no-hole gEMB. RESULTS: Three patients with
      idiopathic gastroparesis underwent gEMB. Patients had severe delayed gastric
      emptying with a mean (+/- standard deviation [SD]) of 49 +/- 16.8% of retained
      gastric contents at 4 hours. They had no history of gastric or small-bowel
      surgery and did not use steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs. The gEMB
      procedure was successfully performed, with no procedural adverse events.
      Postprocedural abdominal pain was controlled with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
      agents and opioid analgesics. Mean length of resected MP was 10.3 +/- 1.5 mm.
      Mean procedure time was 25.7 +/- 6 minutes. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining
      of tissue samples confirmed the presence of both inner circular and outer
      longitudinal muscle, as well as the intermuscular layer. H&E staining showed
      reduced myenteric ganglia in 1 patient. In 2 patients, specialized
      immunohistochemistry was performed, which showed a marked decrease in myenteric
      neurons as delineated by an antibody to protein gene product 9.5 and a severe
      decrease in ICC levels across the muscle layers. At 1 month follow-up, upper
      endoscopy showed a well-healed scar in 2 patients and minimal ulceration with a
      retained clip in 1 patient. CT of the abdomen confirmed the integrity of the
      gastric wall in all patients. Because of lack of an immune infiltrate in the
      resected samples, patients were not considered suitable for immunosuppressive or
      steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS: gEMB is feasible and easy to perform, with
      acquisition of tissue close to surgical samples to identify myenteric ganglia,
      ICCs, and multiple cell types. The ability to perform gEMB represents a paradigm
      shift in endoscopic tissue diagnosis of gastric neuromuscular pathologies.

PMID- 27129396
TI  - Conservation of spermatogonial stem cell marker expression in undifferentiated
      felid spermatogonia.
AB  - Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are distinct in their ability to self-renew,
      transmit genetic information, and persist throughout the life of an individual.
      These characteristics make SSCs a useful tool for addressing diverse challenges
      such as efficient transgenic production in nonrodent, biomedical animal models,
      or preservation of the male genome for species in which survival of frozen-thawed
      sperm is low. A requisite first step to access this technology in felids is the
      establishment of molecular markers. This study was designed to evaluate, in the
      domestic cat (Felis catus), the expression both in situ and following enrichment
      in vitro of six genes (GFRA1, GPR125, ZBTB16, POU5F1, THY1, and UCHL1) that had
      been previously identified as SSC markers in other species. Antibodies for
      surface markers glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha
      1, G protein-coupled receptor 125, and thymus cell antigen 1 could not be
      validated, whereas Western blot analysis of prepubertal, peripubertal, and adult
      cat testis confirmed protein expression for the intracellular markers ubiquitin
      carboxy-terminal hydrolase 1, zinc finger and BTB domain-containing protein 16,
      and POU domain, class 5, transcription factor 1. Colocalization of the markers by
      immunohistochemistry revealed that several cells within the subpopulation
      adjacent to the basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules and identified
      morphologically as spermatogonia, expressed all three intracellular markers.
      Studies performed on cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and Amur leopard (Panthera pardus
      orientalis) testis exhibited a conserved expression pattern in protein molecular
      weights, relative abundance, and localization of positive cells within the
      testis. The expression of the three intracellular SSC marker proteins in domestic
      and wild cat testes confirms conservation of these markers in felids. Enrichment
      of marker transcripts after differential plating was also observed. These markers
      will facilitate further studies in cell enrichment and IVC of felid SSCs enabling
      both production of transgenic domestic cats and preservation of the male genome
      from rare and endangered felids. 

PMID- 27129397
TI  - Reproductive performance of "nurse sows" in Danish piggeries.
AB  - The use of nurse sows in Danish piggeries is common practice because of large
      litter sizes; however, the effect of being selected as a nurse sow on subsequent
      reproductive performance is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to
      quantify a nurse sow's reproductive performance in the subsequent litter. Nurse
      sows were defined as sows weaning their own litter at least 18 days postpartum
      and thereafter nursing another litter (nurse litter) before service. Data (2012
      2013) from 20 piggeries with more than 14.5 live born piglets per litter and a
      stable distribution of sows among parities over time were selected. Records from
      79,864 litters were obtained and analyzed using mixed linear and logistic
      regression models. The average lactation lengths were 40.3 days for nurse sows
      and 27.8 days for non-nurse (normal) sows. Nurse sows weaned on average 12.4
      piglets and subsequently 11.5 nurse piglets, whereas non-nurse weaned 11.7
      piglets in their single weaning. There was no difference in re-service rate
      between nurse and non-nurse sows in the subsequent reproductive cycle. Subsequent
      litter size in the next reproductive cycle was higher for nurse sows than that
      for non-nurse sows (18.69 vs. 18.11 total born piglets; P < 0.001). Nurse sows
      were of a slightly lower parity than non-nurse sows (3.12 vs. 3.27, P < 0.001),
      and nurse sows had an increased weaning to estrus interval compared to non-nurse
      sows (4.23 vs. 4.19 days, P < 0.001). The results indicate that nurse sows were
      selected among sows nursing large litters and could therefore suggest that these
      sows represent the best percentile of sows in a given piggery. In conclusion,
      this survey indicated no negative effects of being selected as a nurse sow on the
      subsequent reproductive performance. On the contrary, nurse sows gave birth to
      more piglets compared to non-nurse sows in their subsequent litter. 

PMID- 27129398
TI  - Exploration of screening practices for obstructive sleep apnea in stroke medical
      community: A pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frequency of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) among stroke and
      transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients ranges from 30-80% and is associated
      with poor neurological outcomes. Per current stroke prevention guidelines from
      American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA), SDB is included
      in the list of modifiable risk factors for stroke and TIA prevention. Goal of our
      study is to determine screening practices for SDB in stroke medical community.
      METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to physicians taking care of stroke patients
      across North America and Europe. RESULTS: Among 112 total responses, 91 (81%)
      were stroke physicians, nine (8%) were general neurologists, nine (8%) were from
      other specialties and three (3%) were sleep medicine physicians. Majority of
      physicians (72%, n=81) do not use SDB screening questionnaires in their stroke
      patients. Epworth sleepiness scale is the most used among SDB questionnaires
      (24%, n=25/105), followed by Berlin sleep questionnaire (10%) and STOP-BANG
      questionnaire (7%). Only 13% of physicians use screening questionnaires in both
      in-patients and outpatients, whereas 21% use only in outpatients and 5% use only
      in acute stroke setting. Only 50% (n=56/111) of physicians would refer their
      stroke patients to a sleep medicine specialist when patients screen positive for
      SDB on questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Despite being an independent risk factor for
      stroke and TIA, majority of physicians in the pilot targeted cohort of medical
      professionals, who are involved in the management of stroke and TIA, do not
      screen these patients for SDB. Further work involving systematic, more detailed
      standardized surveys are needed to be developed to objectively evaluate and
      improve screening practices for SDB in national and international stroke medical
      communities.

PMID- 27129399
TI  - Longitudinal Changes in Medical Services and Related Costs in a Single Cohort of
      Patients Newly Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes, 2006 to 2012.
AB  - PURPOSE: Documenting diabetes treatment patterns and associated costs over time
      is an important step in gauging the medical and economic impact of current
      treatment guidelines in a real-world setting. This study was designed to assess
      changes in medication treatment patterns, health care costs, and comorbidities
      over a 6-year period after a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
      This analysis is the first of its kind to observe, over time, a single US cohort
      of patients newly diagnosed with T2DM. METHODS: This study was a longitudinal
      assessment of changes in medical services and comorbidities for a single cohort
      (N = 35,017) of adults newly diagnosed with T2DM in 2006 using claims data from
      Truven Health Analytics MarketScan((r)) databases. Prevalence of diabetes-related
      comorbidities and utilization/costs of inpatient/outpatient services and
      medications were analyzed annually for the index (diagnosis) year (Y1) through
      year 6 (Y6) postindex. Costs were adjusted to 2012 dollars. FINDINGS: From Y1 to
      Y6, increased prevalence was noted for several T2DM-associated comorbidities:
      cerebrovascular disease (13%-21%), peripheral vascular disease (3%-10%),
      nephropathy (3%-13%), and retinopathy (4%-14%). All-cause costs of inpatient and
      outpatient services and medications were analyzed for the index year (Y1) through
      Y6 postindex (adjusted to 2012 dollars). Total health care utilization costs
      (services plus drugs) increased by 33.3% from Y1 ($329.8 million) to Y6 ($439.5
      million). Inpatient costs across the entire cohort increased 19.3% from Y1 ($49.8
      million; $1421/patient) to Y6 ($59.4 million; $1695/patient) but increased 46.6%
      among utilizers, despite a decline in inpatient utilizers (7.3% to 5.9% of
      patients). The percentage of outpatient services utilizers remained stable (Y1,
      98.2%; Y6, 97.2%), but total visits increased by 9.1%. Costs of outpatient
      services increased by 32.5%, from $145 million (Y1) to $192 million (Y6). Total
      drug costs increased from $101.5 million (Y1) to $114.7 million (Y6) but
      accounted for a smaller percentage of all health care costs in Y6 versus Y1
      (26.1% vs 30.7%). Antidiabetes drugs accounted for a small percentage of overall
      costs in both Y1 (3.6%) and Y6 (5.3%). IMPLICATIONS: Overall, we found evidence
      of increasing comorbidities paralleled by large increases in costs for medical
      services but less for prescriptions. These findings confirm a need for aggressive
      diabetes management to slow disease progression and minimize comorbidity and
      economic burdens of the disease.

PMID- 27129400
TI  - Harsh discipline relates to internalizing problems and cognitive functioning:
      findings from a cross-sectional study with school children in Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Child maltreatment poses a risk to children and adolescents' mental
      health and may also affect cognitive functioning. Also harsh discipline has been
      frequently associated with mental health problems. However, within societies in
      which harsh disciplinary methods are culturally normed and highly prevalent less
      is known about the association between harsh punishment, mental health problems,
      and cognitive functioning. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we conducted
      structured clinical interviews with a sample of Tanzanian primary school students
      assessing exposure to harsh discipline (Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of
      Exposure), internalizing problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire,
      Children's Depression Inventory), and working memory (Corsi Blocktapping Task).
      School performance was measured by using the exam grades in 4 core subjects. The
      409 children (52% boys) had a mean age of 10.5 years (range: 6 - 15). RESULTS:
      Using structural equation modeling, a strong relationship was found between harsh
      discipline and internalizing problems (beta = .47), which were related to lower
      working memory capacity (beta = -.17) and school performance (beta = -.17).
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that harsh discipline is closely linked
      to children's internalizing mental health problems, which are in turn associated
      with lower cognitive functioning and school performance. Given the high rates of
      harsh discipline experienced by children in East African homes and elsewhere, the
      findings of the present study emphasize the need to inform the population at
      large about the potentially adverse consequences associated with harsh
      discipline.

PMID- 27129402
TI  - TNL genes in peach: insights into the post-LRR domain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plants develop sustainable defence responses to pathogen attacks
      through resistance (R) genes contributing to effector-triggered immunity (ETI).
      TIR-NB-LRR genes (TNL genes) constitute a major family of ETI R genes in dicots.
      The putative functions or roles of the TIR, NB and LRR domains of the proteins
      they encode (TNLs) are well documented, but TNLs also have a poorly characterised
      C-terminal region, the function of which is unknown in most cases. We
      characterised this prevalent stress-response protein family in a perennial plant,
      using the genome of peach (Prunus persica), the model Prunus species. The first
      TNL gene from this genus to be cloned, the Ma gene, confers complete-spectrum
      resistance to root-knot nematodes (RKNs) and encodes a protein with a huge C
      terminal region with five duplicated post-LRR (PL) domains. This gene was the
      cornerstone of this study. RESULTS: We investigated the role of this C-terminal
      region, by first describing the frequency, distribution and structural
      characteristics of i) TNL genes and ii) their PL domains in the peach genome,
      using the v1.0 Sanger sequence together with the v2.0 sequence, which has better
      genome annotation due to the incorporation of transcriptomic data. We detected
      195 predicted TNL genes from the eight peach chromosomes: 85 % of these genes
      mapped to chromosomes 1, 2, 7 and 8. We reconstructed the putative structure of
      the predicted exons of all the TNL genes identified, and it was possible to
      retrieve the PL domains among two thirds of the TNL genes. We used our predicted
      TNL gene sequences to develop an annotation file for use with the Gbrowse tool in
      the v2.0 genome. The use of these annotation data made it possible to detect
      transcribed PL sequences in two Prunus species. We then used consensus sequences
      defined on the basis of 124 PL domains to design specific motifs, and we found
      that the use of these motifs significantly increased the numbers of PL domains
      and correlative TNL genes detected in diverse dicot genomes. Based on PL
      signatures, we showed that TNL genes with multiple PL domains were rare in peach
      and the other plants screened. The five-PL domain pattern is probably unique to
      Ma and its orthologues within Prunus and closely related genera from the Rosaceae
      and was probably inherited from the common ancestor of these plants in the
      subfamily Spiraeoideae. CONCLUSIONS: The first physical TNL gene map for Prunus
      species can be used for the further investigation of R genes in this genus. The
      PL signature motifs are a complementary tool for the detection of TNL R genes in
      dicots. The low degree of similarity between PL domains and the neighbouring LRR
      exons and the specificity of PL signature motifs suggest that PL and LRR domains
      have different origins, with PL domains being specific to TNL genes, and possibly
      essential to the functioning of these genes in some cases. Investigations of the
      role of the oversized Ma PL region, in ligand binding or intramolecular
      interactions for example, may help to enrich our understanding of NB-LRR-mediated
      plant immunity to RKNs.

PMID- 27129403
TI  - Liquid chromatographic enantioseparation of three beta-adrenolytics using new
      derivatizing reagents synthesized from (S)-ketoprofen and confirmation of
      configuration of diastereomers.
AB  - Diastereomers of racemic beta-adrenolytic drugs [namely (RS)-propranolol, (RS)
      metoprolol and (RS)-atenolol] were synthesized under microwave irradiation with
      (S)-ketoprofen based chiral derivatization reagents (CDRs) newly synthesized for
      this purpose. (S)-Ketoprofen was chosen for its high molar absorptivity (epsilono
      ~ 40,000) and its availability as a pure (S)-enantiomer. Its -COOH group was
      activated with N-hydroxysuccinimide and N-hydroxybenzotriazole; these were easily
      introduced and also acted as good leaving groups during nucleophilic substitution
      by the amino group of the racemic beta-adrenolytics. The CDRs were characterized
      by UV, IR, 1 H-NMR, HRMS and CHNS. Separation of diastereomers was achieved by RP
      HPLC and open column chromatography. Absolute configuration of the diastereomers
      was established with the help of 1 HNMR supported by developing their optimized
      lowest energy structures using Gaussian 09 Rev. A.02 program and hybrid density
      functional B3LYP with 6-31G* basis set (based on density functional theory), and
      elution order was established. RP HPLC conditions for separation were optimized
      and the separation method was validated. The limit of detection values were 0.308
      and 0.302 ng mL-1 . Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27129401
TI  - Clinical and pathological features of BRCA1/2 tumors in a sample of high-risk
      Moroccan breast cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes explain a large part of hereditary breast
      cancer. Several studies have shown that BRCA1 and BRCA2 tumors exhibit some
      specific morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics. The aim of our
      study is to compare the clinicopathological characteristics between Moroccan
      breast cancers associated or not with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Previously, we
      had identified 11 BRCA carriers in a series of 40 selected breast cancer patients
      at increased risk for carrying a mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The
      clinical and pathological features of patients carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
      (n = 11) were evaluated and compared to those of non-mutated patients (n = 29).
      RESULTS: In comparison with non carriers, women with BRCA1/2 mutation present
      younger mean age at diagnosis (37.90 vs. 44.48 years, p = 0.05), younger mean age
      of 1st menarche (13.08 vs. 14.24 years, p = 0.05) and shorter duration of
      breastfeeding (8.71 vs. 19.35 months, p = 0.05). Moreover, 63.6 and 62.5% of
      BRCA1/2 carriers present SBR grade III and triple negative tumors respectively (p
      = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In this first Moroccan study comparing clinical and
      pathological characteristics of women carrying or not BRCA1/2 mutation, patients
      with BRCA mutation tend to develop early breast cancer with high-grade and triple
      negative tumors. However, further large scale research including more data is
      needed to better characterize BRCA1/2 cases and to evaluate the survival rate
      associated with these mutations in our population tumors. Moreover, it would be
      more interesting to study women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations separately in
      order to determine if they exhibit distinct characteristics.

PMID- 27129404
TI  - The cyclin D1 carboxyl regulatory domain controls the division and
      differentiation of hematopoietic cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The family of D cyclins has a fundamental role in cell cycle
      progression, but its members (D1, D2, D3) are believed to have redundant
      functions. However, there is some evidence that contradicts the notion of mutual
      redundancy and therefore this concept is still a matter of debate. RESULTS: Our
      data show that the cyclin D1 is indispensable for normal hematopoiesis. Indeed,
      in the absence of D1, either in genetic deficient mice, or after acute ablation
      by RNA interference, cyclins D2 and D3 are also not expressed preventing
      hematopoietic cell division and differentiation at its earliest stage. This role
      does not depend on the cyclin box, but on the carboxyl regulatory domain of D1
      coded by exons 4-5, since hematopoietic differentiation is also blocked by the
      conditional ablation of this region. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that
      not all functions of individual D cyclins are redundant and highlight a master
      role of cyclin D1 in hematopoiesis.

PMID- 27129405
TI  - Rethinking fatigue in Gaucher disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by
      deficiency in the enzyme beta-glucocerebrosidase. Along with visceral,
      hematologic, and bone manifestations, patients may experience chronic fatigue
      resulting in functional disability and reduced quality of life. Management of the
      disease includes therapeutic intervention, supportive therapies, and regular
      monitoring of all clinically relevant disease signs and symptoms. However,
      current practice guidelines do not include measurement of fatigue or therapeutic
      goals for fatigue. OBJECTIVE: To provide insight regarding key considerations for
      fatigue in GD. METHODS: We conducted a systematic PubMed literature search and an
      exploratory, hypothesis-generating survey regarding fatigue in GD. RESULTS: Our
      literature search resulted in 19 publications. Of these, 6 were identified that
      assessed fatigue, including 2 that used specific fatigue assessment instruments.
      In our survey involving 14 patients with Type 1 GD and 19 physicians, patients
      ascribed greater importance to fatigue than other disease parameters, while
      physicians placed more emphasis on objective measures of visceral and hematologic
      disease manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, the results of our literature
      analysis and survey underscore the need for further investigation and in-office
      evaluation of fatigue in patients with GD, which will require a reliable,
      validated, and disease-specific instrument. Criteria for clinically significant
      fatigue in patients with GD should be established along with the development of a
      fatigue scale specifically designed for this patient population to provide a more
      objective means to potentially incorporate fatigue assessment into routine
      monitoring practices.

PMID- 27129407
TI  - The risk of dengue for non-immune foreign visitors to the 2016 summer olympic
      games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rio de Janeiro in Brazil will host the Summer Olympic Games in 2016.
      About 400,000 non-immune foreign tourists are expected to attend the games. As
      Brazil is the country with the highest number of dengue cases worldwide, concern
      about the risk of dengue for travelers is justified. METHODS: A mathematical
      model to calculate the risk of developing dengue for foreign tourists attending
      the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 is proposed. A system of differential
      equation models the spread of dengue amongst the resident population and a
      stochastic approximation is used to assess the risk to tourists. Historical
      reported dengue time series in Rio de Janeiro for the years 2000-2015 is used to
      find out the time dependent force of infection, which is then used to estimate
      the potential risks to a large tourist cohort. The worst outbreak of dengue
      occurred in 2012 and this and the other years in the history of Dengue in Rio are
      used to discuss potential risks to tourists amongst visitors to the forthcoming
      Rio Olympics. RESULTS: The individual risk to be infected by dengue is very much
      dependent on the ratio asymptomatic/symptomatic considered but independently of
      this the worst month of August in the period studied in terms of dengue
      transmission, occurred in 2007. CONCLUSIONS: If dengue returns in 2016 with the
      pattern observed in the worst month of August in history (2007), the expected
      number of symptomatic and asymptomatic dengue cases among tourists will be 23 and
      206 cases, respectively. This worst case scenario would have an incidence of 5.75
      (symptomatic) and 51.5 (asymptomatic) per 100,000 individuals.

PMID- 27129406
TI  - Impact of self-reported physical activity and health promotion behaviors on lung
      cancer survivorship.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is some initial evidence that an enhanced physical activity
      level can improve fquality of life, and possibly survival among patients with
      lung cancer. The primary aim of this project was to evaluate the impact of
      physical activity on the quality and quantity of life of lung cancer survivors.
      METHODS: Between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2009, a total of 1466 lung
      cancer survivors completed a questionnaire with patient-reported outcomes for
      quality of life (QOL), demographics, disease and clinical characteristics, and a
      measure of physical activity (Baecke Questionnaire). Chi-square tests compared
      lung cancer survivors who reported being physically active versus not on a
      variety of the other covariates. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox models evaluated
      the prognostic importance of physical activity level on Overall Survival (OS).
      RESULTS: Roughly half of the lung cancer survivors had advanced stage disease at
      the time of survey. Treatment prevalence rates were 61, 54, and 33 % for surgery,
      chemotherapy and radiotherapy, respectively. The majority (77 %) of survivors
      reported themselves as physically active. Physically active survivors reported
      greater activity across all individual Baecke items. Lung cancer survivor
      reported QOL indicated the benefits of physical activity in all domains.
      Survivors receiving chemotherapy or radiation at the time of questionnaire
      completion were less likely to be physically active (74 and 73 % respectively).
      In contrast, 84 % of surgical patients were physically active. Disease recurrence
      rates were the same for physically active and inactive patients (81 % vs 82 %, p
      = 0.62). Physically active patients survived an average of 4 more years than
      those who were not physically active (8.4 years versus 4.4 years respectively,
      log rank p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Being physically active was related to
      profound advantages in QOL and survival in a large sample of lung cancer
      survivors.

PMID- 27129408
TI  - Competition between the phytophagous stink bugs Euschistus heros and Piezodorus
      guildinii in soybeans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The abundance and contribution of the neotropical brown stink bug,
      Euschistus heros (F.), and the redbanded stink bug, Piezodorus guildinii (West.),
      to the composition of insect pests of soybean, Glycine max (L.), fields have
      changed both spatially and temporally in neotropical soybean production areas.
      Therefore, we assessed the competitiveness of each species in direct competition
      experiments following an additive series. We performed mixed (adult) insect
      infestations in soybean plants and evaluated the fitness of each species and the
      soybean yield. RESULTS: While the competitive ability of E. heros was
      significantly compromised by increments in conspecifics and heterospecifics (i.e.
      P. guildinii), the competitive ability of P. guildinii was compromised by the
      presence of heterospecifics (i.e. E. heros). The reproductive output of P.
      guildinii remained unaffected by increments in E. heros or of P. guildinii.
      Intriguingly, despite the fact that P. guildinii apparently lost the competition
      with E. heros, almost no pod production was observed in any plant colonised by
      the former. CONCLUSIONS: The higher abundance of E. heros in neotropical soybean
      fields seems to result from higher competitive ability than its heterospecific
      competitor P. guildinii, which may prevent the higher losses caused by P.
      guildinii. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27129410
TI  - Multicatheter breast implant during breast conservative surgery: Novel approach
      to deliver accelerated partial breast irradiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of free-hand
      intraoperative multicatheter breast implant (FHIOMBI) and perioperative high-dose
      rate brachytherapy (PHDRBT) in early breast cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS:
      Patients with early breast cancer candidates for breast conservative surgery
      (BCS) were prospectively enrolled. Patients suitable for accelerated partial
      breast irradiation (APBI) (low or intermediate risk according GEC-ESTRO criteria)
      received PHDRBT (3.4 Gy BID * 10 in 5 days). Patients not suitable for APBI (high
      risk patients according GEC-ESTRO criteria) received PHDRBT boost (3.4 Gy BID * 4
      in 2 days) followed by whole breast irradiation. RESULTS: From June 2007 to
      November 2014, 119 patients were treated and 122 FHIOMBI procedures were
      performed. Median duration of FHIOMBI was 25 minutes. A median of eight catheters
      (range, 4-14) were used. No severe intraoperative complications were observed.
      Severe early postoperative complications (bleeding) were documented in 2 patients
      (1.6%), wound healing complications in 3 (2.4%), and infection (mastitis or
      abscess) in 2 (1.6%). PHDRBT was delivered as APBI in 88 cases (72.1%) and as a
      boost in 34 (27.8%). The median clinical target volume T was 40.8 cc (range, 12.3
      160.5); median D90 was 3.32 Gy (range, 3.11-3.85); median dose homogeneity index
      was 0.72 (range, 0.48-0.82). With a median followup of 38.4 months (range, 8.7
      98.7) no local, elsewhere, or regional relapses were observed; there was only one
      distant failure in PHDRBT boost. No major (acute or late) RTOG grade 3 or higher
      were documented in any of the 119 patients treated with PHDRBT. Cosmetic outcome
      in APBI patients was excellent or good in (87.0%) and fair or poor in (11.9%)
      while in boost patients was excellent or good in (76.4%) and fair in (23.5%).
      CONCLUSION: The FHIOMBI-PHDRBT program does not add complications to conservative
      surgery. It allows precise selection of APBI patients and offers excellent
      results in disease control and cosmetics. It also offers logistic advantages
      because it dramatically shortens the time of local treatment and avoids further
      invasive procedures.

PMID- 27129411
TI  - [Models of care and classification of "Children with special health care needs
      CSHCN": Recommendations from the CSHCN Committee, Chilean Paediatric Society].
AB  - "Children with special health care needs" (CSHCN) is an emerging and
      heterogeneous group of paediatric patients, with a wide variety of medical
      conditions and with different uses of health care services. There is consensus on
      how to classify and assess these patients according to their needs, but not for
      their specific diagnosis. Needs are classified into 6 areas: a) specialised
      medical care; b) use or need of prescription medication; c) special nutrition; d)
      dependence on technology; e) rehabilitation therapy for functional limitation;
      and f) special education services. From the evaluation of each area, a
      classification for CSHCN is proposed according to low, medium, or high complexity
      health needs, to guide and distribute their care at an appropriate level of the
      health care system. Low complexity CSHCN should be incorporated into Primary Care
      services, to improve benefits for patients and families at this level. It is
      critical to train health care professionals in taking care of CSHCN, promoting a
      coordinated, dynamic and communicated work between different levels of the health
      care system. Compliance with these guidelines will achieve a high quality and
      integrated care for this vulnerable group of children. 

PMID- 27129409
TI  - Machine Perfusion of Donor Livers for Transplantation: A Proposal for
      Standardized Nomenclature and Reporting Guidelines.
AB  - With increasing demand for donor organs for transplantation, machine perfusion
      (MP) promises to be a beneficial alternative preservation method for donor
      livers, particularly those considered to be of suboptimal quality, also known as
      extended criteria donor livers. Over the last decade, numerous studies
      researching MP of donor livers have been published and incredible advances have
      been made in both experimental and clinical research in this area. With numerous
      research groups working on MP, various techniques are being explored, often
      applying different nomenclature. The objective of this review is to catalog the
      differences observed in the nomenclature used in the current literature to denote
      various MP techniques and the manner in which methodology is reported. From this
      analysis, we propose a standardization of nomenclature on liver MP to maximize
      consistency and to enable reliable comparison and meta-analyses of studies. In
      addition, we propose a standardized set of guidelines for reporting the
      methodology of future studies on liver MP that will facilitate comparison as well
      as clinical implementation of liver MP procedures.

PMID- 27129412
TI  - Intrinsic Local Beta Oscillations in the Subgenual Cingulate Relate to Depressive
      Symptoms in Treatment-Resistant Depression.

PMID- 27129414
TI  - Rice false smut fungus hijacks the rice nutrients supply by blocking and
      mimicking the fertilization of rice ovary.
AB  - Rice false smut disease is an increasing threat to rice production in the world.
      Despite of best efforts, research for the infection of the fungus has yielded
      equivocal and conflicting results about where and how the infection is initiated
      and developed. Here we show a stepwise infection pattern and sophisticated
      regulation during this process. Initial infection occurred on the filaments,
      which prevented the production of mature pollen thus blocked the pollination. In
      the following days, the pathogen invaded the stigmas and styles, occasionally the
      ovaries. Expression analysis indicated that the fungus mimicked a successful
      fertilization process and enabled the continuous supply of nutrients for fungus
      to produce false smut balls. The stepwise infection of flower organs and mimicry
      of ovary fertilization unveiled in this study guided the rice plant into
      supplying nutrients for false smut ball development and represents a new and
      unique biological process of host pathogen interactions.

PMID- 27129415
TI  - Can we control all-cause meningococcal disease in Europe?
AB  - Invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis is potentially devastating,
      with a case fatality rate of 5-15% and high rates of significant sequelae among
      survivors after septicaemia or meningitis. Capsular group C (MenC) conjugate
      vaccines have been highly successful in achieving control of MenC disease across
      Europe, and some countries have also introduced quadrivalent MenACWY conjugate
      vaccines to reduce disease caused by groups A, W and Y in addition to C. These
      vaccines putatively elicit protective levels of bactericidal antibodies in all
      age groups, induce immunologic memory and reduce nasopharyngeal carriage, thereby
      leading to herd protection. Protein-based meningococcal vaccines based on
      subcapsular components, and designed primarily to target capsular group B (MenB)
      disease, have recently been licensed. These vaccines are highly immunogenic in
      infants and adolescents, inducing bactericidal antibodies against strains
      expressing high levels of vaccine antigens which are identical to the variants
      present in the vaccines. Effectiveness of these vaccines at a population level
      will be determined by whether vaccine-induced antibodies provide cross-protection
      against variants of the vaccine antigens present on the surface of the diverse
      collection of circulating invasive strains. The level of serum bactericidal
      activity induced against strains also seems to depend on the level of expression
      of the vaccine antigens. The duration of protection and the impact on carriage of
      meningococci will have a major bearing on the overall effectiveness of the
      programme. In September 2015 the UK became the first country to introduce the
      multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) into a national routine
      immunization schedule, and data on the effectiveness of this programme are
      anticipated in the next few years.

PMID- 27129413
TI  - Neurochemical Mediation of Affiliation and Aggression Associated With Pair
      Bonding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neuropeptides vasopressin and corticotropin-releasing factor
      facilitate, while serotonin inhibits, aggression. How the brain is wired to
      coordinate interactions between these functionally opposed neurotransmitters to
      control behavioral states is poorly understood. METHODS: Pair-bonded male prairie
      voles (Microtus ochrogaster) were infused with a retrograde tracer, Fluoro-Gold,
      and tested for affiliation and aggression toward a female partner or novel female
      subject. Subsequent immunocytochemical experiments examined neuronal activation
      using Fos and neurochemical/neuroreceptor profiles on brain areas involved in
      these social behaviors. Finally, a series of behavioral pharmacologic and real
      time in vivo brain microdialysis experiments were performed on male prairie voles
      displaying affiliation or aggression. RESULTS: We localized a subpopulation of
      excitatory vasopressin neurons in the anterior hypothalamus that may gate
      corticotropin-releasing factor output from the amygdala to the anterior
      hypothalamus and then the lateral septum to modulate aggression associated with
      mate guarding. Conversely, we identified a subset of inhibitory serotonergic
      projection neurons in the dorsal raphe that project to the anterior hypothalamus
      and may mediate the spatiotemporal release of neuropeptides and their
      interactions in modulating aggression and affiliation. CONCLUSIONS: Together,
      this study establishes the medial extended amygdala as a major neural substrate
      regulating the switch between positive and negative affective states, wherein
      several neurochemicals converge and interact to coordinate divergent social
      behaviors.

PMID- 27129416
TI  - Potential safety issues and other factors that may affect the introduction and
      uptake of rotavirus vaccines.
AB  - Rotavirus vaccines have demonstrated significant impact in reducing the burden of
      morbidity and mortality from childhood diarrhoea in countries that have
      implemented routine vaccination to date. Despite this success, in many countries,
      rotavirus vaccine coverage remains lower than that of other routine childhood
      vaccines. Several issues may potentially affect vaccine uptake, namely safety
      concerns related to intussusception with consequent age restrictions on rotavirus
      vaccination, contamination with porcine circovirus, vaccine-derived reassortant
      strains and hospitalization in newborn nurseries at time of administration of
      live oral rotavirus vaccine. In addition to these safety concerns, other factors
      may also affect uptake, including lower vaccine efficacy in the developing world,
      potential emergence of strains escaping from vaccine protection resulting in
      lower overall impact of a vaccination programme and sustainable vaccine
      financing. Although further work is needed to address some of these concerns,
      global policy bodies have reaffirmed that the benefits of rotavirus vaccination
      outweigh the risks, and vaccine use is recommended globally.

PMID- 27129417
TI  - Pushing the size limit of de novo structure ensemble prediction guided by sparse
      SDSL-EPR restraints to 200 residues: The monomeric and homodimeric forms of BAX.
AB  - Structure determination remains a challenge for many biologically important
      proteins. In particular, proteins that adopt multiple conformations often evade
      crystallization in all biologically relevant states. Although computational de
      novo protein folding approaches often sample biologically relevant conformations,
      the selection of the most accurate model for different functional states remains
      a formidable challenge, in particular, for proteins with more than about 150
      residues. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy can obtain limited
      structural information for proteins in well-defined biological states and thereby
      assist in selecting biologically relevant conformations. The present study
      demonstrates that de novo folding methods are able to accurately sample the folds
      of 192-residue long soluble monomeric Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX). The
      tertiary structures of the monomeric and homodimeric forms of BAX were predicted
      using the primary structure as well as 25 and 11 EPR distance restraints,
      respectively. The predicted models were subsequently compared to respective NMR/X
      ray structures of BAX. EPR restraints improve the protein-size normalized root
      mean-square-deviation (RMSD100) of the most accurate models with respect to the
      NMR/crystal structure from 5.9A to 3.9A and from 5.7A to 3.3A, respectively.
      Additionally, the model discrimination is improved, which is demonstrated by an
      improvement of the enrichment from 5% to 15% and from 13% to 21%, respectively.

PMID- 27129418
TI  - Denoising and covariance estimation of single particle cryo-EM images.
AB  - The problem of image restoration in cryo-EM entails correcting for the effects of
      the Contrast Transfer Function (CTF) and noise. Popular methods for image
      restoration include 'phase flipping', which corrects only for the Fourier phases
      but not amplitudes, and Wiener filtering, which requires the spectral signal to
      noise ratio. We propose a new image restoration method which we call 'Covariance
      Wiener Filtering' (CWF). In CWF, the covariance matrix of the projection images
      is used within the classical Wiener filtering framework for solving the image
      restoration deconvolution problem. Our estimation procedure for the covariance
      matrix is new and successfully corrects for the CTF. We demonstrate the efficacy
      of CWF by applying it to restore both simulated and experimental cryo-EM images.
      Results with experimental datasets demonstrate that CWF provides a good way to
      evaluate the particle images and to see what the dataset contains even without 2D
      classification and averaging.

PMID- 27129419
TI  - Alcohol Increases Delay and Probability Discounting of Condom-Protected Sex: A
      Novel Vector for Alcohol-Related HIV Transmission.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol use, especially at binge levels, is associated with sexual
      HIV risk behavior, but the mechanisms through which alcohol increases sexual risk
      taking are not well-examined. Delay discounting, that is, devaluation of future
      consequences as a function of delay to their occurrence, has been implicated in a
      variety of problem behaviors, including risky sexual behavior. Probability
      discounting is studied with a similar framework as delay discounting, but is a
      distinct process in which a consequence is devalued because it is uncertain or
      probabilistic. METHODS: Twenty-three, nondependent alcohol users (13 male, 10
      female; mean age = 25.3 years old) orally consumed alcohol (1 g/kg) or placebo in
      2 separate experimental sessions. During sessions, participants completed tasks
      examining delay and probability discounting of hypothetical condom-protected sex
      (Sexual Delay Discounting Task, Sexual Probability Discounting Task) and of
      hypothetical and real money. RESULTS: Alcohol decreased the likelihood that
      participants would wait to have condom-protected sex versus having immediate,
      unprotected sex. Alcohol also decreased the likelihood that participants would
      use an immediately available condom given a specified level of sexually
      transmitted infection (STI) risk. Alcohol did not affect delay discounting of
      money, but it did increase participants' preferences for larger, probabilistic
      monetary rewards over smaller, certain rewards. CONCLUSIONS: Acute, binge-level
      alcohol intoxication may increase sexual HIV risk by decreasing willingness to
      delay sex in order to acquire a condom in situations where one is not immediately
      available, and by decreasing sensitivity to perceived risk of STI contraction.
      These findings suggest that delay and probability discounting are critical, but
      heretofore unrecognized, processes that may mediate the relations between alcohol
      use and HIV risk.

PMID- 27129420
TI  - In vitro skin decontamination of the organophosphorus pesticide Paraoxon with
      nanometric cerium oxide CeO2.
AB  - Organophosphorus compounds (OP), which mainly penetrate via the percutaneous
      pathway, represent a threat for both military and civilians. Body surface
      decontamination is vital to prevent victims poisoning. The development of a cost
      effective formulation, which could be efficient and easy to handle in case of
      mass contamination, is therefore crucial. Metal oxides nanoparticles, due their
      large surface areas and the large amount of highly reactive sites, present high
      reactivity towards OP. First, this study aimed at evaluating the reaction of CeO2
      nanoparticles, synthetized by microwave path and calcined at 500 or 600  degrees
      C, with Paraoxon (POX) in aqueous solution. Results showed that both
      nanoparticles degraded 60%-70% of POX. CeO2 calcined at 500  degrees C, owing to
      its larger specific area, was the most effective. Moreover, the degradation was
      significantly increased under Ultra-Violet irradiation (initial degradation rate
      doubled). Then, skin decontamination was studied in vitro using the Franz cell
      method with pig-ear skin samples. CeO2 powder and an aqueous suspension of CeO2
      (CeO2-W) were applied 1 h after POX exposure. The efficiency of decontamination,
      including removal and/or degradation of POX, was compared to Fuller's earth (FE)
      and RSDL lotion which are, currently, the most efficient systems for skin
      decontamination. CeO2-W and RSDL were the most efficient to remove POX from the
      skin surface and decrease skin absorption by 6.4 compared to the control not
      decontaminated. FE reduced significantly (twice) the absorbed fraction of POX,
      contrarily to CeO2 powder. Considering only the degradation rate of POX, the
      products ranged in the order CeO2 > RSDL > CeO2-W > FE (no degradation). This
      study showed that CeO2 nanoparticles are a promising material for skin
      decontamination of OP if formulated as a dispersion able to remove POX like CeO2
      W and to degrade it as CeO2 powder.

PMID- 27129421
TI  - Novel bifunctional hybrid small molecule scavengers for mitigating nerve agents
      toxicity.
AB  - The antidotal treatment of organophosphates (OP) nerve agents (NA) poisoning is
      based on anticholinergics (e.g. atropine) combined with oxime reactivators (e.g.
      2PAM) of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). This treatment is symptomatic and does not
      degrade the OP. New small-molecule OP scavengers were developed as bifunctional
      hybrids. Their molecular design was based on combining a nucleophile that
      directly degrades OP with a moiety that reactivates OP-inhibited AChE. The OP
      degrading moiety is either benzhydroxamic acid (BHA) or 4-pyridinehydroxamic acid
      (4PHA) coupled via (CH2)n, (n = 1 or 3) to 2PAM. Three newly synthesized oxime
      hydroxamate hybrids: 2PAMPr4PHA, 2PAMMeBHA and 2,4-DiPAMMeBHA were found to
      detoxify sarin, cyclosarin and soman in solution at 3-10-fold faster rate than
      2PAM and to reactivate OP-AChE in vitro. 2PAMPr4PHA displayed 18-fold faster
      reactivation than 2-PAM of cyclosarin-inhibited HuAChE (kr = 3.6 * 102 vs. 0.2 *
      102 M-1min-1, respectively, 37  degrees C). These hybrids inhibited AChE
      reversibly, IC50 = 16-48 MUM, thereby decreasing the inhibition rates by OPs. The
      LD50 (im) of 2PAMPr4PHA, 2PAMMeBHA and 2,4DiPAMMeBHA are >568, 508 and >506
      MUmol/kg in rats and 144, 203 and >506 MUmol/kg in guinea pigs. The rate of blood
      ChE recovery by the hybrids administered either pre- or post-exposure to 0.8xLD50
      sarin was comparable or faster than 2PAM. Antidotal efficacy of 2PAMPr4PHA,
      2PAMMeBHA and 2,4DiPAMMeBHA administered with atropine, as pre-treatment to sarin
      in rats (im), yielded protection ratios (PR) 11.6, 11.5 and 4.7, respectively,
      vs. 5.5 with 2PAM. Post-treatment against various OPs in rats and guinea-pigs
      yielded PRs higher or similar to that of 2 PAM. Our in vivo data indicates that
      some hybrids may serve as efficient small molecule scavengers for mitigating the
      toxicity of OP NAs.

PMID- 27129422
TI  - A cis-prenyltransferase from Methanosarcina acetivorans catalyzes both head-to
      tail and nonhead-to-tail prenyl condensation.
AB  - Cis-prenyltransferase usually consecutively catalyzes the head-to-tail
      condensation reactions of isopentenyl diphosphate to allylic prenyl diphosphate
      in the production of (E,Z-mixed) polyprenyl diphosphate, which is the precursor
      of glycosyl carrier lipids. Some recently discovered homologs of the enzyme,
      however, catalyze the nonhead-to-tail condensation reactions between allylic
      prenyl diphosphates. In this study, we characterize a cis-prenyltransferase
      homolog from a methanogenic archaeon, Methanosarcina acetivorans, to obtain
      information on the biosynthesis of the glycosyl carrier lipids within it. This
      enzyme catalyzes both head-to-tail and nonhead-to-tail condensation reactions.
      The kinetic analysis shows that the main reaction of the enzyme is consecutive
      head-to-tail prenyl condensation reactions yielding polyprenyl diphosphates,
      while the chain lengths of the major products seem shorter than expected for the
      precursor of glycosyl carrier lipids. On the other hand, a subsidiary reaction of
      the enzyme, i.e., nonhead-to-tail condensation between dimethylallyl diphosphate
      and farnesyl diphosphate, gives a novel diterpenoid compound, geranyllavandulyl
      diphosphate.

PMID- 27129423
TI  - The intranasal vaccination of pregnant dams with Intimin and EspB confers
      protection in neonatal mice from Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 infection.
AB  - Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is responsible for intestinal
      disease and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious systemic complication
      which particularly affects children. In this study, we evaluated whether passive
      immunization protects from EHEC O157:H7 colonization and renal damage, by using a
      weaned BALB/c mouse model of infection. Recombinant proteins EspB and the
      carboxyl-terminal fragment of 280 amino acids of gamma-intimin (gamma-IntC280)
      were used in combination with a macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP)
      adjuvant to immunize pregnant mice by the intranasal route. Neonatal mice were
      allowed to suckle vaccinated or sham-vaccinated dams until weaning when they were
      challenged by the oral route with a suspension of an E. coli O157:H7 Stx2+
      strain. The excretion of the inoculated strain was followed for 72h. All
      vaccinated dams exhibited elevated serum IgG response against both gamma-Int C280
      and EspB. Passive immunization of newborn mice resulted in a significant increase
      in serum IgG titers against gamma-Int C280 and a slight increase in EspB-specific
      antibodies. The neonates from vaccinated dams showed a significant reduction in
      EHEC O157:H7 colonization 48h post challenge. In addition, the level of plasma
      urea concentration, a marker of renal failure, was significantly higher in
      offsprings of sham-vaccinated mice. In conclusion, vaccination of pregnant dams
      with gamma-Int C280 and EspB could reduce colonization and systemic toxicity of
      EHEC O157:H7 in their suckling offsprings.

PMID- 27129424
TI  - Correlates of receiving recommended adolescent vaccines among youth with special
      health care needs: Findings from a statewide survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many youth with special health care needs (YSHCN) have not received
      recommended adolescent vaccines, yet data are lacking on correlates of
      vaccination among this population. Such information can identify subgroups of
      YSHCN that may be at risk for under-immunization and strategies for increasing
      vaccination. METHODS: We analyzed weighted data from a population-based sample of
      parents with an 11- to 17-year-old child with a special health care need from the
      2010-2012 North Carolina Child Health Assessment and Monitoring Program (n=604).
      We used ordinal logistic regression to identify correlates of how many
      recommended vaccines (tetanus booster, meningococcal, and HPV [at least one dose]
      vaccines) adolescents had received. RESULTS: Only 12% of YSHCN (18% of females
      and 7% of males) had received all three vaccines. More YSHCN had received tetanus
      booster vaccine (91%) than meningococcal (28%) or HPV vaccines (32%). In
      multivariable analyses, YSHCN who were female (OR=2.59, 95% CI: 1.57-4.24), ages
      16-17 (OR=2.06, 95% CI: 1.10-3.87), or who had a preventive check-up in the past
      year (OR=2.98, 95% CI: 1.24-7.21) had received a greater number of the vaccines.
      YSHCN from households that contained a person with at least some college
      education had received fewer of the vaccines (OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.33-0.96).
      Vaccine coverage did not differ by type of special health care need. CONCLUSIONS:
      Vaccine coverage among YSHCN is lacking and particularly low among those who are
      younger or male. Reducing missed opportunities for vaccination at medical visits
      and concomitant administration of adolescent vaccines may help increase vaccine
      coverage among YSHCN.

PMID- 27129425
TI  - Morning vaccination enhances antibody response over afternoon vaccination: A
      cluster-randomised trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Older adults are less able to produce a protective antibody response
      to vaccinations. One factor that contributes to this is immune ageing. Here we
      examined whether diurnal variations in immune responses might extend to the
      antibody response to vaccination. DESIGN: We utilised a cluster-randomised trial
      design. SETTING: 24 General Practices (GPs) across the West Midlands, UK who were
      assigned to morning (9-11am; 15 surgeries) or afternoon (3-5pm; 9 surgeries)
      vaccination times for the annual UK influenza vaccination programme.
      PARTICIPANTS: 276 adults (aged 65+ years and without a current infection or
      immune disorder or taking immunosuppressant medication). INTERVENTIONS:
      Participants were vaccinated in the morning or afternoon between 2011 and 2013.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the change in antibody titres to
      the three vaccine influenza strains from pre-vaccination to one month post
      vaccination. Secondary outcomes of serum cytokines and steroid hormone
      concentrations were analysed at baseline to identify relationships with antibody
      responses. RESULTS: The increase in antibody levels due to vaccination differed
      between morning and afternoon administration; mean difference (95% CI) for H1N1 A
      strain, 293.3 (30.97-555.66) p=.03, B-strain, 15.89 (3.42-28.36) p=.01, but not
      H3N2 A-strain, 47.0 (-52.43 to 146.46) p=.35; those vaccinated in the morning had
      a greater antibody response. Cytokines and steroid hormones were not related to
      antibody responses. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This simple
      manipulation in the timing of vaccine administration to favour morning
      vaccination may be beneficial for the influenza antibody response in older
      adults, with potential implications for vaccination strategies generally. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with the ISRCTN (ISRCTN70898162).

PMID- 27129426
TI  - Immunogenicity and safety of high-dose trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine
      compared to standard-dose vaccine in children and young adults with cancer or HIV
      infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approaches to improve the immune response of immunocompromised
      patients to influenza vaccination are needed. METHODS: Children and young adults
      (3-21 years) with cancer or HIV infection were randomized to receive 2 doses of
      high-dose (HD) trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) or of standard-dose (SD) TIV.
      Hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody titers were measured against H1, H3,
      and B antigens after each dose and 9 months later. Seroconversion was defined as
      >=4-fold rise in HAI titer comparing pre- and post-vaccine sera. Seroprotection
      was defined as a post-vaccine HAI titer >=1:40. Reactogenicity events (RE) were
      solicited using a structured questionnaire 7 and 14 days after each dose of
      vaccine, and adverse events by medical record review for 21 days after each dose
      of vaccine. RESULTS: Eighty-five participants were enrolled in the study; 27 with
      leukemia, 17 with solid tumor (ST), and 41 with HIV. Recipients of HD TIV had
      significantly greater fold increase in HAI titers to B antigen in leukemia group
      and to H1 antigen in ST group compared to SD TIV recipients. This increase was
      not documented in HIV group. There were no differences in seroconversion or
      seroprotection between HD TIV and SD TIV in all groups. There was no difference
      in the percentage of solicited RE in recipients of HD TIV (54% after dose 1 and
      38% after dose 2) compared to SD TIV (40% after dose 1 and 20% after dose 2,
      p=0.27 and 0.09 after dose 1 and 2, respectively). CONCLUSION: HD TIV was more
      immunogenic than SD TIV in children and young adults with leukemia or ST, but not
      with HIV. HD TIV was safe and well-tolerated in children and young adults with
      leukemia, ST, or HIV.

PMID- 27129427
TI  - 1,5-Iodonaphthyl azide-inactivated V3526 protects against aerosol challenge with
      virulent venezuelan equine encephalitis virus.
AB  - Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is a New World alphavirus. VEEV is
      highly infectious in aerosolized form and has been identified as a bio-terrorism
      agent. There is no licensed vaccine for prophylaxis against VEEV. The current IND
      vaccine is poorly immunogenic and does not protect against an aerosol challenge
      with virulent VEEV. We have previously shown that VEEV inactivated by 1,5
      iodonaphthyl azide (INA) protects against footpad challenge with virulent VEEV.
      In this study, we inactivated an attenuated strain of VEEV, V3526, with INA and
      evaluated its protective efficacy against aerosol challenge with wild type VEEV.
      We demonstrated that among three routes of immunization, intramuscular
      immunization with INA-inactivate V3526 (INA-iV3526) provided complete protection
      against aerosol challenge with virulent VEEV. Our data suggests that INA-iV3526
      can be explored further for development as an effective vaccine candidate against
      aerosol challenge of virulent VEEV.

PMID- 27129428
TI  - Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation coupled with multi-angle laser light
      scattering for stability comparison of virus-like particles in different solution
      environments.
AB  - The stabilities of two commercially available virus like particles, CHO-HBsAg
      expressed by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and Hans-HBsAg expressed by
      Hansenula polymorpha (Hans), were compared using AF4-MALLS under different
      treatment processes. The initial molecular weight and hydrodynamic diameter of
      CHO-HBsAg measured with AF4-MALLS were 4727kDa and 29.4nm, while those of Hans
      HBsAg were 3039kDa and 22.8nm respectively. In salt solution of 2M ammonium
      sulfate, the molecular weight and size of CHO-HBsAg had little change, and its
      antigenicity remained 95%, while those of Hans-HBsAg changed greatly, resulting
      in aggregation and 75% antigenicity loss. In freeze-thaw operations, Hans-HBsAg
      aggregated heavily. Most of the aggregates precipitated and the rest soluble
      aggregates reached 10(5)-10(6)kDa in molecular weight. The antigenicity of Hans
      HBsAg decreased to 26.9% after five freeze-thaw cycles. For CHO-HBsAg, there was
      no obvious aggregation in freeze-thaw, and the antigenicity retained above 98%.
      In heating process, Hans-HBsAg gradually aggregated to large particles with
      temperature and the antigenicity decreased to 10% when the temperature reached 80
      degrees C. In contrast, CHO-HBsAg would not aggregate with temperature, remained
      92% antigenicity at 80 degrees C. The study demonstrated that CHO-HBsAg appeared
      to be a superior vaccine antigen in term of particle stability and constant
      antigenicity, which are important in production, transportation and storage.

PMID- 27129430
TI  - The impact of canopy managements on grape and wine composition of cv. 'Istrian
      Malvasia' (Vitis vinifera L.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The interest in producing wines preferred by consumers increases the
      need for improving practices to modify grape and wine composition. The aim of
      this study was to assess the impacts of three different canopy management
      measures, (1) early leaf removal in the cluster zone, (2) removal of young leaves
      above the second pair of wires and (3) Double Maturation Raisonnee, on the yield
      and chemical composition of 'Istrian Malvasia' grape and wine. RESULTS: Double
      Maturation Raisonnee had a significantly greater impact on phenolic compounds,
      while the highest soluble solids (24.3 and 23.5  degrees Brix) and titratable
      acidity (7.0 and 7.1 g L-1 ) were measured at early leaf removal. Leaf removal at
      veraison caused an unexpected augmentation of flavonols in the berry skin. Early
      leaf removal resulted in significantly lower extracts of wine. Nevertheless, they
      reached the highest mark (16.5 out of 20.0 points) in sensory evaluation compared
      with leaf removal at veraison and Double Maturation Raisonnee (15.0 points) and
      control (16.0 points). CONCLUSION: Leaf removal at veraison and Double Maturation
      Raisonnee improved the phenolic composition of wine, producing a full-bodied
      wine. On the other hand, early leaf removal significantly augmented the yield and
      titratable acidity, hydroxycinnamic acids and flavanols of wine, which might have
      led to a fresher but less-bodied wine. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27129429
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnea decreases central nervous system-derived proteins in the
      cerebrospinal fluid.
AB  - We hypothesized that one mechanism underlying the association between obstructive
      sleep apnea (OSA) and Alzheimer's disease is OSA leading to decreased slow wave
      activity (SWA), increased synaptic activity, decreased glymphatic clearance, and
      increased amyloid-beta. Polysomnography and lumbar puncture were performed in OSA
      and control groups. SWA negatively correlated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      amyloid-beta-40 among controls and was decreased in the OSA group. Unexpectedly,
      amyloid-beta-40 was decreased in the OSA group. Other neuronally derived
      proteins, but not total protein, were also decreased in the OSA group, suggesting
      that OSA may affect the interaction between interstitial and cerebrospinal fluid.
      Ann Neurol 2016;80:154-159.

PMID- 27129431
TI  - Enlargement of thymoma triggers overlapping autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 27129432
TI  - LYR3, a high-affinity LCO-binding protein of Medicago truncatula, interacts with
      LYK3, a key symbiotic receptor.
AB  - LYR3, LYK3, and NFP are lysin motif-containing receptor-like kinases (LysM-RLKs)
      from Medicago truncatula, involved in perception of symbiotic lipo
      chitooligosaccharide (LCO) signals. Here, we show that LYR3, a high-affinity LCO
      binding protein, physically interacts with LYK3, a key player regulating
      symbiotic interactions. In vitro, LYR3 is phosphorylated by the active kinase
      domain of LYK3. Fluorescence lifetime imaging/Forster resonance energy transfer
      (FLIM/FRET) experiments in tobacco protoplasts show that the interaction between
      LYR3 and LYK3 at the plasma membrane is disrupted or inhibited by addition of
      LCOs. Moreover, LYR3 attenuates the cell death response, provoked by coexpression
      of NFP and LYK3 in tobacco leaves.

PMID- 27129433
TI  - Forward light scatter and visual acuity before and after intrastromal corneal
      ring segment implantation at different stages of keratoconus.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess forward light scatter (stray light) before and after
      intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation at different stages of
      keratoconus and to examine correlation between postoperative stray light and
      visual acuity (VA). METHODS: In 27 eyes of 27 subjects with keratoconus, stray
      light was determined using the compensation comparison technique before and 6
      months after ICRS implantation. Monocular corrected distance VA (CDVA) was
      measured using a high-contrast logMAR letter chart. Corneal higher-order
      aberrations (HOAs), contrast sensitivity (CS) and minimum corneal thickness (CT)
      were also measured. RESULTS: Mean CDVA was 0.42 +/- 0.28 preoperatively and 0.24
      +/- 0.15 logMAR postoperatively (p < 0.01). Mean corneal coma-like aberration
      decreased postoperatively (RMS 0.55 +/- 1.18 MUm, p < 0.01). Minimum CT increased
      25.31 +/- 18.59 MUm (p < 0.01). Mean preoperative and postoperative stray light
      were 1.36 +/- 0.31 and 1.48 +/- 0.32 log units, respectively (p < 0.01). Mean
      changes produced in stray light (worsening) were 0.03 +/- 0.21 (p > 0.05) for
      stage I, 0.13 +/- 0.14 (p = 0.013) for stage II and 0.18 +/- 0.21 (p = 0.023) for
      stage III. Significant positive correlation (r = 0.47, p = 0.01) was detected
      between postoperative stray light and postoperative CDVA such that as stray light
      increased, CDVA worsened (higher logMAR values). Postoperative stray light was
      neither associated with HOAs, CS nor minimum CT. CONCLUSIONS: Stray light values
      in these patients with keratoconus were higher than normal preoperatively. In
      eyes with stage II and III keratoconus, stray light increased 6 months after ICRS
      placement. Higher postoperative stray light was correlated with a worse visual
      acuity outcome.

PMID- 27129436
TI  - Spontaneous ocular positioning during visual imagery in patients with hemianopia
      and/or hemineglect.
AB  - Spontaneous eye movements during imagery are not random and can be used to study
      and reveal mental visualization processes (Fourtassi et al., 2013; Johansson et
      al. 2006). For example, we previously showed that during memory recall of French
      towns via imagery healthy individuals looks straight ahead when recalling Paris
      and their subsequent gaze positions are significantly correlated with the real
      GPS coordinates of the recalled towns. This correlation suggests that memory
      retrieval is done via depictive representations as it is never found when the
      towns are recalled using verbal fluency. In the present paper we added to this
      finding by showing that the mental image is spontaneously centered on the head or
      body midline. In order to investigate the capacities of visual imagery in
      patients, and by extension, the role of primary visual cortex and fronto-parietal
      cortex in spatial visual imagery, we recorded gaze positions during memory recall
      of French towns in an imagery task, a non-imagery task (verbal fluency), and a
      visually-guided task in five patients with left or right hemianopia and in four
      patients with hemineglect (two with left hemianopia and two without). The
      correlation between gaze position and real GPS coordinates of the recalled towns
      was significant in all hemianopic patients, but in patients with hemineglect this
      was only the case for towns located on the right half of the map of France. This
      suggests hemianopic patients can perform spatially consistent mental imagery
      despite direct or indirect unilateral lesions of the primary visual cortex. In
      contrast, the left-sided towns recalled by hemineglect patients, revealed that
      they have some spatial inconsistency or representational difficulty. Hemianopic
      patients positioned and maintained their gaze in their contralesional hemispace,
      suggesting that their mental map was not centered on their head or body midline.
      This contralesional gaze positioning appeared to be a general compensation
      strategy and was not observed in patients with neglect (with or without
      hemianopia). Instead, neglect patients positioned their gaze in their
      ipsilesional hemispace and only when performing the visual imagery task. These
      findings are discussed in the context of the role of occipital and fronto
      parietal cortices in the neuroanatomical model of visual imagery developed by
      Kosslyn et al. (2006).

PMID- 27129437
TI  - Risk of cardiovascular adverse events in patients with solid tumors treated with
      ramucirumab: A meta analysis and summary of other VEGF targeted agents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the risk of
      cardiovascular adverse events associated with ramucirumab. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Eligible studies included randomized phase II and III trials of patients with
      solid tumors on ramucirumab; describing events of hypertension, bleeding,
      arterial/venous thrombosis and congestive heart failure. RESULTS: Our search
      strategy yielded 160 potentially relevant citations from Pubmed/Medline, CENTRAL
      Cochrane registry and ASCO meeting library. After exclusion of ineligible
      studies, a total of 11 clinical trials were considered eligible for the meta
      analysis. The RR of all-grade hypertension, bleeding, ATE, VTE and congestive
      heart failure were 2.83 (95% CI 2.43-3.29; p<0.0001), 1.98 (95% CI 1.77-2.21;
      p<0.0001); 0.97 (95% CI 0.62-1.52; p=0.91), 0.83 (95% CI 0.52-1.35; p=0.46), 1.36
      (95% CI 0.77-2.4; p=0.28), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis has
      demonstrated that ramucirumab is associated with an increased risk of
      hypertension and bleeding. Clinicians should be aware of this risk and perform
      regular clinical monitoring.

PMID- 27129434
TI  - Characterization of an A-kinase anchoring protein-like suggests an alternative
      way of PKA anchoring in Plasmodium falciparum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The asexual intra-erythrocytic multiplication of the malaria parasite
      Plasmodium falciparum is regulated by various molecular mechanisms. In eukaryotic
      cells, protein kinases are known to play key roles in cell cycle regulation and
      signaling pathways. The activity of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) depends
      on A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) through protein interactions. While
      several components of the cAMP dependent pathway-including the PKA catalytic and
      regulatory subunits-have been characterized in P. falciparum, whether AKAPs are
      involved in this pathway remains unclear. Here, PfAKAL, an open reading frame of
      a potential AKAP-like protein in the P. falciparum genome was identified, and its
      protein partners and putative cellular functions characterized. METHODS: The
      expression of PfAKAL throughout the erythrocytic cycle of the 3D7 strain was
      assessed by RT-qPCR and the presence of the corresponding protein by
      immunofluorescence assays. In order to study physical interactions between PfAKAL
      and other proteins, pull down experiments were performed using a recombinant
      PfAKAL protein and parasite protein extracts, or with recombinant proteins. These
      interactions were also tested by combining biochemical and proteomic approaches.
      As phosphorylation could be involved in the regulation of protein complexes, both
      PfAKAL and Pf14-3-3I phosphorylation was studied using a radiolabel kinase
      activity assay. Finally, to identify a potential function of the protein, PfAKAL
      sequence was aligned and structurally modeled, revealing a conserved nucleotide
      binding pocket; confirmed by qualitative nucleotide binding experiments. RESULTS:
      PfAKAL is the first AKAP-like protein in P. falciparum to be identified, and
      shares 23 % sequence identity with the central domain of human AKAP18delta.
      PfAKAL is expressed in mature asexual stages, merozoites and gametocytes. In
      spite of homology to AKAP18, biochemical and immunochemical analyses demonstrated
      that PfAKAL does not interact directly with the P. falciparum PKA regulatory
      subunit (PfPKA-R), but instead binds and colocalizes with Pf14-3-3I, which in
      turn interacts with PfPKA-R. In vivo, these different interactions could be
      regulated by phosphorylation, as PfPKA-R and Pf14-3-3I, but not PfAKAL, are
      phosphorylated in vitro by PKA. Interestingly, PfAKAL binds nucleotides such as
      AMP and cAMP, suggesting that this protein may be involved in the AMP-activated
      protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, or associated with phosphodiesterase activities.
      CONCLUSION: PfAKAL is an atypical AKAP that shares common features with human
      AKAP18, such as nucleotides binding. The interaction of PfAKAL with PfPKA-R could
      be indirectly mediated through a join interaction with Pf14-3-3I. Therefore,
      PfPKA localization could not depend on PfAKAL, but rather involves other
      partners.

PMID- 27129435
TI  - Linear scleroderma with prominent multiple lymphadenopathy followed by the
      development of polymyositis: A case report and review of published work.
AB  - Localized scleroderma is an inflammatory disorder affecting the skin and
      underlying tissues, a certain subset of which develops other autoimmune diseases
      on the basis of a prominent autoimmune background. We here report a unique case
      of linear scleroderma presenting with a sclerotic plaque on the left thigh,
      multiple lymphadenopathy in bilateral inguinal and para-aortic lymph nodes, and
      hepatosplenomegaly, who later developed polymyositis. We describe the detailed
      disease course of our case and discuss the clinical significance of multiple
      lymphadenopathy in localized scleroderma based on a review of published work.

PMID- 27129438
TI  - Optimizing clinical benefit with targeted treatment in mRCC: "Tumor growth rate"
      as an alternative clinical endpoint.
AB  - Tumor growth rate (TGR), usually defined as the ratio between the slope of tumor
      growth before the initiation of treatment and the slope of tumor growth during
      treatment, between the nadir and disease progression, is a measure of the rate at
      which tumor volume increases over time. In patients with metastatic renal cell
      carcinoma (mRCC), TGR has emerged as a reliable alternative parameter to allow a
      quantitative and dynamic evaluation of tumor response. This review presents
      evidence on the correlation between TGR and treatment outcomes and discusses the
      potential role of this tool within the treatment scenario of mRCC. Current
      evidence, albeit of retrospective nature, suggests that TGR might represent a
      useful tool to assess whether treatment is altering the course of the disease,
      and has shown to be significantly associated with progression-free survival and
      overall survival. Therefore, TGR may represent a valuable endpoint for clinical
      trials evaluating new molecularly targeted therapies. Most importantly,
      incorporation of TGR in the assessment of individual patients undergoing targeted
      therapies may help clinicians decide if a given agent is no longer able to
      control disease growth and whether continuing therapy beyond RECIST progression
      may still produce clinical benefit. 

PMID- 27129439
TI  - Safety and efficacy of adalimumab treatment in Japanese patients with psoriasis:
      Results of SALSA study.
AB  - The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were evaluated over 24 weeks in Japanese
      patients with psoriasis in routine clinical practice. In this multicenter,
      observational, open-label, postmarketing study, primary efficacy measures
      included the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life
      Quality Index (DLQI) in all patients with psoriasis. In patients with psoriatic
      arthritis (PsA), the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and the visual
      analog scale (VAS) pain were also evaluated. Safety was assessed based on the
      frequency of adverse drug reactions (ADR). Among patients with psoriasis
      evaluated for efficacy (n = 604), significant improvements from baseline were
      observed in mean PASI and DLQI scores at weeks 16 and 24 (all P < 0.0001).
      Furthermore, in psoriasis patients without PsA, the PASI 75/90 response rates
      were 55.9%/28.4% at week 16 (n = 306) and 65.6%/43.3% at week 24 (n = 270),
      respectively. In patients with PsA evaluable for effectiveness, significant
      improvements from baseline were observed in PASI, DAS28 erythrocyte sedimentation
      rate, DAS28 C-reactive protein and VAS pain at weeks 16 and 24 (all P < 0.0001).
      ADR and serious ADR were reported by 26.1% and 3.3%, respectively, of 731 safety
      evaluable patients with psoriasis; no unexpected safety findings were noted. The
      safety profile and effectiveness of adalimumab for the treatment of psoriasis in
      a routine clinical setting were as expected in Japanese patients.

PMID- 27129440
TI  - Reduced frontal cortex thickness and cortical volume associated with pathological
      narcissism.
AB  - Pathological narcissism is often characterized by arrogant behavior, a lack of
      empathy, and willingness to exploit other individuals. Generally, individuals
      with high levels of narcissism are more likely to suffer mental disorders.
      However, the brain structural basis of individual pathological narcissism trait
      among healthy people has not yet been investigated with surface-based
      morphometry. Thus, in this study, we investigated the relationship between
      cortical thickness (CT), cortical volume (CV), and individual pathological
      narcissism in a large healthy sample of 176 college students. Multiple regression
      was used to analyze the correlation between regional CT, CV, and the total
      Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) score, adjusting for age, sex, and total
      intracranial volume. The results showed that the PNI score was significantly
      negatively associated with CT and CV in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
      (DLPFC, key region of the central executive network, CEN), which might be
      associated with impaired emotion regulation processes. Furthermore, the PNI score
      showed significant negative associations with CV in the right postcentral gyrus,
      left medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), and the CT in the right inferior frontal
      cortex (IFG, overlap with social brain network), which may be related to
      impairments in social cognition. Together, these findings suggest a unique
      structural basis for individual differences in pathological narcissism,
      distributed across different gray matter regions of the social brain network and
      CEN.

PMID- 27129441
TI  - Antibacterial applications of graphene-based nanomaterials: Recent achievements
      and challenges.
AB  - Graphene has emerged as a novel green broad-spectrum antibacterial material, with
      little bacterial resistance and tolerable cytotoxic effect on mammalian cells. It
      exerts its antibacterial action via physical damages such as direct contact of
      its sharp edges with bacterial membranes and destructive extraction of lipid
      molecules. These damages also include wrapping and photothermal ablation
      mechanisms. Alternatively, chemical damage of bacteria is caused by oxidative
      stress with the generation of reactive oxygen species and charge transfer.
      Furthermore, graphene has been used as a support to disperse and stabilize
      various nanomaterials, such as metals, metal oxides, and polymers, with high
      antibacterial efficiency due to the synergistic effect. In addition, graphene
      based antibiotic drug delivery platforms have been constructed. Due to the
      superior antibacterial properties and good biocompatibility, graphene-based
      nanocomposites have a wide range of applications, such as antibacterial
      packaging, wound dressing, and water disinfection. In this review, we highlight
      the antibacterial mechanism of graphene and summarize recent advances related to
      the antibacterial activity of graphene-based materials. Many of the recent
      application examples are further discussed. We hope that this review provides
      valuable insight, stimulates broader concerns, and spurs further developments in
      this promising field.

PMID- 27129442
TI  - Drug delivery with living cells.
AB  - The field of drug delivery has grown tremendously in the past few decades by
      developing a wide range of advanced drug delivery systems. An interesting
      category is cell-based drug delivery, which includes encapsulation of drugs
      inside cells or attached to the surface and subsequent transportation through the
      body. Another approach involves genetic engineering of cells to secrete
      therapeutic molecules in a controlled way. The next-generation systems integrate
      expertise from synthetic biology to generate therapeutic gene networks for highly
      advanced sensory and output devices. These developments are very exciting for the
      drug delivery field and could radically change the way we administer biological
      medicines to chronically ill patients. This review is covering the use of living
      cells, either as transport system or production-unit, to deliver therapeutic
      molecules and bioactive proteins inside the body. It describes a wide range of
      approaches in cell-based drug delivery and highlights exceptional examples.

PMID- 27129443
TI  - The solubility-permeability interplay and oral drug formulation design: Two heads
      are better than one.
AB  - Poor aqueous solubility is a major challenge in today's biopharmaceutics. While
      solubility-enabling formulations can significantly increase the apparent
      solubility of the drug, the concomitant effect on the drug's apparent
      permeability has been largely overlooked. The mathematical equation to describe
      the membrane permeability of a drug comprises the membrane/aqueous partition
      coefficient, which in turn is dependent on the drug's apparent solubility in the
      GI milieu, suggesting that the solubility and the permeability are closely
      related, exhibit a certain interplay between them, and treating the one
      irrespectively of the other may be insufficient. In this article, an overview of
      this solubility-permeability interplay is provided, and the available data is
      analyzed in the context of the effort to maximize the overall drug exposure.
      Overall, depending on the type of solubility-permeability interplay, the
      permeability may decrease, remain unchanged, and even increase, in a way that may
      critically affect the formulation capability to improve the overall absorption.
      Therefore, an intelligent design of solubility-enabling formulation needs to
      consider both the solubility afforded by the formulation and the permeability in
      the new luminal environment resulting from the formulation.

PMID- 27129444
TI  - Effect of glatiramer acetate on short-term memory impairment induced by
      lipopolysaccharide in male mice.
AB  - Glatiramer acetate (GA) demonstrates neuroprotective, neurogenesis, and anti
      inflammatory properties. This study examines the probable protective effect of
      acute GA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced memory impairment in male mice and
      further explores which routes of administration [subcutaneous (s.c.) or
      intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.)] exert optimum effect. Memory performance was
      evaluated in two-trial recognition Y-maze and passive-avoidance tasks evaluating
      special recognition memory and fear memory, respectively. Memory impairment was
      induced by LPS [100 MUg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)], 4 h before training. In Y
      maze, GA (10, 2.5, 0.625, 0.153, and 0.03 mg/kg, s.c.; 250 MUg/mouse; i.c.v.) was
      administered 10 min following LPS, and special memory was assayed in Y-maze
      apparatus. In passive avoidance, LPS (100, 250 MUg/kg; i.p.) was injected 4 h
      before receiving foot shock, and GA (10, 2.5; s.c.) or (250 MUg/mouse; i.c.v.)
      was administered 4 h before the shock. Following 24 h, the fear memory was
      evaluated. Memory impaired significantly following LPS (100, 250 MUg/kg; i.p.) in
      Y-maze and passive-avoidance tasks, P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively. The
      data revealed that GA (250 MUg/mouse, i.c.v.) and GA (10, 2.5 mg/kg; s.c.) in Y
      maze reversed memory impairment (LPS 100 MUg/kg, i.p.) (P < 0.01). In passive
      avoidance task, GA (2.5, 10 mg/kg; s.c.) reversed LPS-induced impairment and the
      mice showed significantly longer latency times during the retention trial (P <
      0.01). GA improved memory impairment both centrally and systemically. It improved
      spatial recognition memory increasing the average time in the novel arm and
      improved fear memory increasing latency time. GA administration improved memory
      impairment profoundly through both systemic and central routs. 

PMID- 27129445
TI  - Diastolic Hypotension, Troponin Elevation, and Electrocardiographic Changes
      Associated With the Management of Moderate to Severe Asthma in Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the occurrence of, and the factors
      associated with, diastolic hypotension and troponin elevation or
      electrocardiogram (ECG) ST-segment changes in a convenience sample of children
      with moderate to severe asthma receiving continuous albuterol nebulization.
      METHODS: This was a prospective, descriptive study in a pediatric emergency
      department and an intensive care unit of a tertiary academic center. Fifty
      children with moderate to severe asthma (clinical asthma score > 8) who received
      10 to 15 mg/hour continuous albuterol for >2 hours between June 5, 2007, and
      February 4, 2008, were approached. Hourly diastolic blood pressures were
      recorded. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and ECG tracings were obtained following the
      first 2 hours of albuterol and then subsequently every 12 hours while receiving
      continuous albuterol. Main outcome measures were: 1) incidence of diastolic
      hypotension, 2) incidence of troponin elevation, and 3) incidence of ECG ST
      depression. RESULTS: Fifty patients were enrolled. Thirty-three (66%) patients
      developed diastolic hypotension during the first 6 hours of continuous albuterol.
      Diastolic blood pressure declined from baseline at 1-6 hours (p < 0.01 vs.
      baseline). Twelve patients (24%) had elevated cTnI, 15 patients (30%) had ST
      segment change, four patients (8%) had both, and 23 patients (46%, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 32 to 60) had either a cTnI elevation or an ECG ST-segment
      change. Troponin elevation and diastolic hypotension were not associated (RR =
      1.2, 95% CI = 0.6 to 2.3). CONCLUSIONS: In a subset of children with moderate to
      severe asthma, diastolic hypotension, troponin elevation, and ECG ST-segment
      change occur during administration of continuous albuterol. Future studies are
      necessary to determine the clinical significance of these findings.

PMID- 27129446
TI  - A novel cross-frequency coupling detection method using the generalized Morse
      wavelets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cross-frequency coupling (CFC) occurs when non-identical frequency
      components entrain one another. A ubiquitous example from neuroscience is low
      frequency phase to high frequency amplitude coupling in electrophysiological
      signals. Seminal work by Canolty revealed CFC in human ECoG data. Established
      methods band-pass the data into component frequencies then convert the band
      passed signals into the analytic representation, from which we infer the
      instantaneous amplitude and phase of each component. Though powerful, such
      methods resolve signals with respect to time and frequency without addressing the
      multiresolution problem. NEW METHOD: We build upon the ground-breaking work of
      Canolty and others and derive a wavelet-based CFC detection algorithm that
      efficiently searches a range of frequencies using a sequence of filters with
      optimal trade-off between time and frequency resolution. We validate our method
      using simulated data and analyze CFC within and between the primary motor cortex
      and dorsal striatum of rats under ketamine-xylazine anesthesia. RESULTS: Our
      method detects the correct CFC in simulated data and reveals CFC between
      frequency bands that were previously shown to participate in corticostriatal
      effective connectivity. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Other CFC detection
      methods address the need to increase bandwidth when analyzing high frequency
      components but none to date permit rigorous bandwidth selection with no a priori
      knowledge of underlying CFC. Our method is thus particularly useful for
      exploratory studies. CONCLUSIONS: The method developed here permits rigorous and
      efficient exploration of a hypothesis space and is particularly useful when the
      frequencies participating in CFC are unknown.

PMID- 27129447
TI  - Is Participatory Design Associated with the Effectiveness of Serious Digital
      Games for Healthy Lifestyle Promotion? A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serious digital games can be effective at changing healthy
      lifestyles, but large differences in their effectiveness exist. The extent of
      user involvement in game design may contribute to game effectiveness by creating
      a better fit with user preferences. Participatory design (PD), which represents
      active user involvement as informant (ie, users are asked for input and feedback)
      or codesigner (ie, users as equal partners in the design) early on and throughout
      the game development, may be associated with higher game effectiveness, as
      opposed to no user involvement or limited user involvement. OBJECTIVE: This paper
      reports the results of a meta-analysis examining the moderating role of PD in the
      effectiveness of serious digital games for healthy lifestyle promotion. METHODS:
      Four databases were searched for peer-reviewed papers in English that were
      published or in press before October 2014, using a (group-) randomized controlled
      trial design. Effectiveness data were derived from another meta-analysis
      assessing the role of behavior change techniques and game features in serious
      game effectiveness. RESULTS: A total of 58 games evaluated in 61 studies were
      included. As previously reported, serious digital games had positive effects on
      healthy lifestyles and their determinants. Unexpectedly, PD (g=0.075, 95% CI
      0.017 to 0.133) throughout game development was related to lower game
      effectiveness on behavior (Q=6.74, P<.05) than when users were only involved as
      testers (g=0.520, 95% CI 0.150 to 0.890, P<.01). Games developed with PD
      (g=0.171, 95% CI 0.061 to 0.281, P<.01) were also related to lower game
      effectiveness on self-efficacy (Q=7.83, P<.05) than when users were not involved
      in game design (g=0.384, 95% CI 0.283 to 0.485, P<.001). Some differences were
      noted depending on age group, publication year of the study, and on the specific
      role in PD (ie, informant or codesigner), and depending on the game design
      element. Games developed with PD were more effective in changing behavioral
      determinants when they included users in design elements on game dynamics
      (beta=.215, 95% CI .075 to .356, P<.01) and, more specifically, as an informant
      (beta=.235, 95% CI .079 to .329, P<.01). Involving users as informants in PD to
      create game levels was also related to higher game effectiveness (Q=7.02, P<.01).
      Codesign was related to higher effectiveness when used to create the game
      challenge (Q=11.23, P<.01), but to lower game effectiveness when used to create
      characters (Q=4.36, P<.05) and the game world (Q=3.99, P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings do not support higher effectiveness of games developed with PD. However,
      significant differences existed among PD games. More support was found for
      informant roles than for codesign roles. When PD was applied to game dynamics,
      levels, and game challenge, this was associated with higher effectiveness than
      when it was applied to game aesthetics. Since user involvement may have an
      important influence on reach, adoption, and implementation of the intervention,
      further research and design efforts are needed to enhance effectiveness of
      serious games developed with PD.

PMID- 27129448
TI  - Identification and differential expression analysis of MicroRNAs encoded by Tiger
      Frog Virus in cross-species infection in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tiger frog virus (TFV), dsDNA virus of the genus Ranavirus and family
      Iridoviridae, causes a high mortality of tiger frog tadpoles cultured in Southern
      China. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in many viruses especially DNA
      viruses such as Singapore Grouper Iridoviruses (SGIV). MicroRNAs play important
      roles in regulating gene expression for virus subsistence in host. Considering
      that TFV infects cells of different species under laboratory conditions, we aim
      to identify the specific and essential miRNAs expressed in ZF4 and HepG2 cells.
      METHODS: We identified and predicted novel viral miRNAs in TFV-infected ZF4 and
      HepG2 cells by deep sequencing and software prediction. Then, we verified and
      described the expression patterns of TFV-encoded miRNAs by using qRT-PCR and
      Northern blot. RESULTS: Deep sequencing predicted 24 novel TFV-encoded miRNAs,
      and qRT-PCR verified 19 and 23 miRNAs in TFV-infected ZF4 (Group Z) and HepG2
      (Group H) cells, respectively. Northern blot was performed to validate eight and
      five TFV-encoded miRNAs in Groups H and Z, respectively. We compared the
      expression of TFV-encoded miRNAs from two groups and defined TFV-miR-11 as the
      essential viral miRNA and TFV-miR-13 and TFV-miR-14 as the specific miRNAs that
      contribute to HepG2 cell infection. CONCLUSIONS: We identified novel viral miRNAs
      and compared their expression in two host cells. The results of this study
      provide novel insights into the role of viral miRNAs in cross-species infection
      in vitro.

PMID- 27129449
TI  - Review of Select Practice Parameters, Evidence-Based Treatment Algorithms, and
      International Guidelines for Hereditary Angioedema.
AB  - Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare bradykinin-mediated disease that is
      characterized by recurrent attacks of subcutaneous or submucosal edema, which can
      be life threatening. HAE affects all ethnic groups equally and does not
      differentiate between age, sex, or race. However, the availability of therapies
      varies amongst countries resulting in a lack of uniformity of care. Not only is
      there a disparity of medication availability, but since HAE is a rare disease, it
      is frequently overlooked and the diagnosis is missed. Even with diagnosis,
      treatment and management is often less than optimal. For these reasons, it is
      essential to have practice parameters and guidelines. In this chapter, we focus
      on recent guidelines. These guidelines deal with recognition, diagnosis, medical
      care, patient management, and assessment, all which are essential to provide
      optimal care to people with a rare and orphan disease. The intent of the
      guidelines, and thus this chapter, is to reduce morbidity and mortality, and
      restore a normal quality of life for the patient with HAE. We will review the
      guidelines from various regions of the world as well as international group
      recommendations. In addition, specific patient populations such as the pregnant,
      elderly, and juvenile require modified treatment regimens, and for this reason,
      we have included these data as well. The intent of this chapter is to aid the
      practitioner in holistic care of the patient with HAE in order to ultimately
      provide the best standard of care possible. 

PMID- 27129450
TI  - Zika virus and Zika fever.
AB  - An emerging mosquito-borne arbovirus named Zika virus (ZIKV), of the family
      Flaviviridae and genus Flavivirus, is becoming a global health threat. ZIKV
      infection was long neglected due to its sporadic nature and mild symptoms.
      However, recently, with its rapid spread from Asia to the Americas, affecting
      more than 30 countries, accumulating evidences have demonstrated a close
      association between infant microcephaly and Zika infection in pregnant women.
      Here, we reviewed the virological, epidemiological, and clinical essentials of
      ZIKV infection. 

PMID- 27129452
TI  - Genotype imputation in the domestic dog.
AB  - Application of imputation methods to accurately predict a dense array of SNP
      genotypes in the dog could provide an important supplement to current analyses of
      array-based genotyping data. Here, we developed a reference panel of 4,885,283
      SNPs in 83 dogs across 15 breeds using whole genome sequencing. We used this
      panel to predict the genotypes of 268 dogs across three breeds with 84,193 SNP
      array-derived genotypes as inputs. We then (1) performed breed clustering of the
      actual and imputed data; (2) evaluated several reference panel breed combinations
      to determine an optimal reference panel composition; and (3) compared the
      accuracy of two commonly used software algorithms (Beagle and IMPUTE2). Breed
      clustering was well preserved in the imputation process across eigenvalues
      representing 75 % of the variation in the imputed data. Using Beagle with a
      target panel from a single breed, genotype concordance was highest using a multi
      breed reference panel (92.4 %) compared to a breed-specific reference panel (87.0
      %) or a reference panel containing no breeds overlapping with the target panel
      (74.9 %). This finding was confirmed using target panels derived from two other
      breeds. Additionally, using the multi-breed reference panel, genotype concordance
      was slightly higher with IMPUTE2 (94.1 %) compared to Beagle; Pearson correlation
      coefficients were slightly higher for both software packages (0.946 for Beagle,
      0.961 for IMPUTE2). Our findings demonstrate that genotype imputation from SNP
      array-derived data to whole genome-level genotypes is both feasible and accurate
      in the dog with appropriate breed overlap between the target and reference
      panels.

PMID- 27129451
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis revealed the central roles of two African countries in the
      evolution and worldwide spread of Zika virus.
AB  - Recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infections in Oceania's islands and the
      Americas were characterized by high numbers of cases and the spread of the virus
      to new areas. To better understand the origin of ZIKV, its epidemic history was
      reviewed. Although the available records and information are limited, two major
      genetic lineages of ZIKV were identified in previous studies. However, in this
      study, three lineages were identified based on a phylogenetic analysis of all
      virus sequences from GenBank, including those of the envelope protein (E) and non
      structural protein 5 (NS5) coding regions. The spatial and temporal distributions
      of the three identified ZIKV lineages and the recombination events and mechanisms
      underlying their divergence and evolution were further elaborated. The potential
      migration pathway of ZIKV was also characterized. Our findings revealed the
      central roles of two African countries, Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire, in ZIKV
      evolution and genotypic divergence. Furthermore, our results suggested that the
      outbreaks in Asia and the Pacific islands originated from Africa. The results
      provide insights into the geographic origins of ZIKV outbreaks and the spread of
      the virus, and also contribute to a better understanding of ZIKV evolution, which
      is important for the prevention and control of ZIKV infections. 

PMID- 27129453
TI  - Evaluating the Impact of the US National HIV/AIDS Strategy, 2010-2015.
AB  - The 2010 US National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) set key targets for the reduction
      of HIV incidence (25 %) and the transmission rate (30 %) by 2015. We utilized
      published CDC data on HIV prevalence and mortality for 2007-2012, and literature
      based incidence estimates for 2008-2012, along with mathematical modeling to
      evaluate whether the original NHAS incidence and transmission rate goals were
      achieved. From 2010 to 2015, a decrease was estimated from about 37,366 to 33,218
      (11.1 % net decrease) for HIV incidence, and from 3.16 to 2.61 (17.4 % net
      decrease) for the HIV transmission rate. Over the same period, estimated all
      cause mortality decreased from 17,866 to 16,085, while HIV prevalence increased
      from 1,181,300 to 1,270,755 persons living with HIV. At the conclusion of the
      original NHAS time period, important incremental but ultimately insufficient
      progress was made in attempting to reach key incidence and transmission rate
      targets for the NHAS. HIV prevention efforts must be reinvigorated in the NHAS's
      second era.

PMID- 27129454
TI  - Direct carotid cavernous sinus fistulae: vessel reconstruction using flow
      diverting implants.
AB  - PURPOSE: Retrospective evaluation of our experience with the use of flow
      diverters (FD) for the endovascular treatment of direct carotid-cavernous sinus
      fistulae (diCCF). METHODS: Between 2011 and 2015, 14 consecutive patients with 14
      diCCF were treated with FD alone or in combination with other implants in a
      single institution. RESULTS: A total of 21 sessions were performed in 14
      patients. FD placement was technically successful in all cases without an adverse
      event. Patients were treated with FD alone (n = 5), FD and covered stents (n =
      2), FD and coils (n = 7). A total of 59 FD (24 Pipeline Embolization Device,
      Medtronic; 35 p64 Flow Modulation Device, phenox), 291 coils, and 3 stent grafts
      were used. Three of 14 diCCF were completely occluded after the 1st session, a
      minor residual shunt was found in 7/14, and in the remaining 4/14 patients, the
      shunt volume was reduced significantly. The mean follow-up period encompassed 20
      months. Additional treatment included transvenous coil occlusion (n = 3) and/or
      further FD deployment (n = 5). An asymptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA)
      occlusion was encountered in 2 patients, related to an interruption of
      antiaggregation. At the last follow-up, 10/14 patients were free from ocular
      symptoms (71 %), 2 had residual exophthalmos, and no patient had clinical
      deterioration. CONCLUSION: The usage of FD for the treatment of diCCF is
      straightforward. Injury of the cranial nerves can be avoided. In most cases,
      ocular symptoms improve. Several FD layers and/or an adjunctive venous coil
      occlusion are required. Complete occlusion of a diCCF may take weeks or months
      and long-term antiaggregation is required. In the future, a flexible stent graft
      might be a better solution.

PMID- 27129455
TI  - Clinical and biochemical phenotypes of adults with monoallelic and biallelic
      CYP24A1 mutations: evidence of gene dose effect.
AB  - Mutations of the CYP24A1 gene can result in hypercalcemia, hyerpercalciuria, and
      nephrolithiasis, but disease severity is variable. Clinical and biochemical
      phenotypes were correlated with gene sequence information in a family with two
      CYP24A1 mutations. A gene dose effect was apparent with monoallelic mutations
      demonstrating milder disease manifestations than biallelic mutations.
      INTRODUCTION: The objective was to examine the spectrum of clinical and
      biochemical phenotypes in a family with monoallelic and biallelic mutations of
      CYP24A1 after identification of the proband with two mutations of the CYP24A1
      gene: (A) p.R396W and (B) E143del-Het. METHODS: Clinical and biochemical
      phenotypes were correlated with CYP24A1 sequence information in the proband and
      four siblings, a daughter, and two nieces of the proband. The subjects' medical
      histories were evaluated, and measurement of serum minerals, vitamin D
      metabolites, PTH, bone turnover markers, and urinary calcium and sequencing of
      the CYP24A1 gene were performed. RESULTS: The proband had nephrolithiasis,
      osteopenia, hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, elevated serum 1,25(OH)2D,
      undetectable 24,25(OH)2D, and inappropriately low PTH concentrations. Two
      subjects with biallelic (A/B) mutations had nephrolithiasis, marked
      hypercalciuria (583 +/- 127 mg/24 h, mean +/- SD), compared with five subjects
      with monoallelic mutations (A or B) with a urine calcium of 265 +/- 85 mg/24 h.
      Two subjects with monoallelic mutations had nephrolithiasis and one had non-PTH
      dependent hypercalcemia. Five subjects had high 1,25(OH)2D measurements,
      including three with monoallelic mutations. The 25OHD/24,25(OH)2D ratio, in
      subjects with biallelic mutations was 291 versus 19.8 in the subjects with
      monoallelic mutations. CONCLUSIONS: In this family, adults with CYP24A1 mutations
      a gene dose effect is apparent: subjects with biallelic, compound heterozygous
      mutations (A/B) have a more severe clinical and biochemical phenotype, whereas,
      subjects with monoallelic mutations demonstrate milder disease manifestations
      which are not easily characterized through biochemical assessment.

PMID- 27129457
TI  - Controlling filamentous fungi morphology with microparticles to enhanced beta
      mannanase production.
AB  - beta-mannanase was produced mainly by Aspergillus species and can degrade the
      beta-1,4-mannose linkages of galactomannans. This study was undertaken to enhance
      mannanase production using talcum and aluminum oxide as the microparticles, which
      control cell morphology of recombinant Aspergillus sojae in glucose and carob
      extract medium. Both microparticles improved fungal growth in glucose and carob
      pod extract medium. Aluminum oxide (1 g/L) was the best agent for glucose medium
      which resulted in 514.0 U/ml. However, the highest mannanase activity was found
      as 568.7 U/ml with 5 g/L of talcum in carob extract medium. Increase in
      microparticle concentration resulted in decreasing the pellet size diameter.
      Furthermore, more than 10 g/L of talcum addition changed the filamentous fungi
      growth type from pellet to pellet/mycelium mixture. Results showed that right
      type and concentration of microparticle in fermentation media improved the
      mannanase activity and production rate by controlling the growth morphology. 

PMID- 27129456
TI  - Exercise during energy restriction mitigates bone loss but not alterations in
      estrogen status or metabolic hormones.
AB  - Energy restriction causes bone loss, increasing stress fracture risk. The impact
      of exercise during energy restriction on bone and endocrine factors is examined.
      Exercise with energy restriction did not influence endocrine factors, but did
      mitigate some bone loss seen with energy restriction in sedentary rats.
      INTRODUCTION: Chronic dietary energy restriction (ER) leads to bone loss and
      increased fracture risk. Strictly controlled trials of long-term ER with and
      without vigorous exercise are required to determine whether exercise loading can
      counterbalance ER-induced bone loss. The aim of this current project is to
      elucidate the impact of exercise and ER on bone mass, estrogen status, and
      metabolic hormones. METHODS: Twenty-four virgin female Sprague-Dawley rats (n =
      8/group) were divided into three groups-ad libitum fed + exercise (Adlib + EX),
      40 % energy restricted + exercise (ER + EX), and 40 % energy restricted +
      sedentary (ER + SED). Energy availability between ER groups was equal. Treadmill
      running was performed 4 days/week at 70 % VO2max for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Fat and
      lean mass and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) were lower after 12 weeks (p <
      0.05) for ER + EX vs Adlib + EX, but ER + EX aBMD was higher than ER + SED (p <
      0.0001). Serum leptin and a urinary estrogen metabolite, estrone-1-glucuronide
      (E1G), were lower at week 12 (p = 0.0002) with ER, with no impact of exercise.
      Serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) declined (p = 0.02) from baseline to
      week 12 in both ER groups. ER + EX exhibited higher cortical volumetric bone
      mineral density (vBMD) at the midshaft tibia (p = 0.006) vs ER + SED. CONCLUSION:
      Exercise during ER mitigated some, but not all, of the bone loss observed in
      sedentary ER rats, but had little impact on changes in urinary E1G and serum IGF
      I and leptin. These data highlight the importance of both adequate energy intake
      and the mechanical loading of exercise in maintaining bone mass.

PMID- 27129458
TI  - Hybrid metabolic flux analysis and recombinant protein prediction in Pichia
      pastoris X-33 cultures expressing a single-chain antibody fragment.
AB  - Despite the growing importance of the Pichia pastoris expression system as
      industrial workhorse, the literature is almost absent in systematic studies on
      how culture medium composition affects central carbon fluxes and heterologous
      protein expression. In this study we investigate how 26 variations of the
      BSM+PTM1 medium impact central carbon fluxes and protein expression in a P.
      pastoris X-33 strain expressing a single-chain antibody fragment. To achieve this
      goal, we adopted a hybrid metabolic flux analysis (MFA) methodology, which is a
      modification of standard MFA to predict the rate of synthesis of recombinant
      proteins. Hybrid MFA combines the traditional parametric estimation of central
      carbon fluxes with non-parametric statistical modeling of product-related
      quantitative or qualitative measurements as a function of central carbon fluxes.
      It was observed that protein yield variability was 53.6 % (relative standard
      deviation) among the different experiments. Protein yield is much more sensitive
      to medium composition than biomass growth, which is mainly determined by the
      carbon source availability and main salts. Hybrid MFA was able to describe
      accurately the protein yield with normalized RMSE of 6.3 % over 5 independent
      experiments. The metabolic state that promotes high protein yields is
      characterized by high overall metabolic rates through main central carbon
      pathways concomitantly with a relative shift of carbon flux from biosynthetic
      towards energy generating pathways. 

PMID- 27129459
TI  - Caulerpa racemosa: a marine green alga for eco-friendly synthesis of silver
      nanoparticles and its catalytic degradation of methylene blue.
AB  - In this study, a simple and green method has been demonstrated for the synthesis
      of highly stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extract of Caulerpa
      racemosa (C. racemosa) as a reducing and capping agent. The formation and
      stability of AgNPs were studied using visual observation and UV-Visible (UV-Vis)
      spectroscopy. The stable AgNPs were further characterized by X-ray diffraction
      (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and high resolution
      transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopic
      (EDS) methods. The biosynthesized AgNPs showed a sharp surface plasmon resonance
      peak at 441 nm in the visible region and they have extended stability which has
      been confirmed by the UV-Vis spectroscopic results. XRD result revealed the
      crystalline nature of synthesized AgNPs and they are mainly oriented in (111)
      plane. FT-IR studies proved that the phytoconstituents of C. racemosa protect the
      AgNPs from aggregation and also which are responsible for the high stability. The
      size of synthesized AgNPs was approximately 25 nm with distorted spherical shape,
      identified from the HR-TEM images. The synthesized AgNPs showed excellent
      catalytic activity towards degradation of methylene blue. 

PMID- 27129460
TI  - Surgical anatomy of the internal thoracic lymph nodes in fresh human cadavers:
      basis for sentinel node biopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While the optimal management of early breast cancer patients with
      sentinel lymph node (SLN) involvement mapped in the internal thoracic chain is
      still debated, biopsy may be performed when surgeons select patients who are most
      likely to benefit. The aim of this study is to examine anatomical aspects of
      internal thoracic nodes (ITNs) to orientate SLN biopsy in the parasternal area.
      METHODS: This study was based on dissections of 29 female cadavers. The
      parameters analyzed were the number of intercostal spaces (ICSs) containing at
      least one ITN, mean number of nodes in each ICS, position of the ITNs in relation
      to the internal thoracic artery (ITA), number of retrocostal spaces (RCSs)
      containing at least one ITN, and mean number of nodes in each RCS. RESULTS: The
      ICS that was most likely to have at least one ITN was the third, with 86.2% in
      the right side and 75.8% in the left side. In the second ICS, the rates were 69.2
      and 73.6%, and in the fourth, the rates were 48.1 and 33.3%. In the third ICS, on
      both sides, the mean number of ITNs was the highest (1.2). A tendency of the
      nodes to be laterally located in the second ICS and medially located in the
      downward dissection was observed. Most of the RCSs did not present any nodes.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that most of the second and third ICSs
      presented at least one ITN, and the mean number of nodes in the third space was
      greater. There is a tendency to find nodes medial to the artery downwards from
      the second to the fourth ICS. ITNs are generally located in ICSs, and the
      majority of RCSs did not contain any nodes.

PMID- 27129461
TI  - Evidence for N-Terminal Myristoylation of Tetrahymena Arginine Kinase Using
      Peptide Mass Fingerprinting Analysis.
AB  - In this study, we confirmed N-terminal myristoylation of Tetrahymena pyriformis
      arginine kinase (AK1) by identifying a myristoylation signal sequence at the N
      terminus. A sufficient amount of modified enzyme was synthesized using an insect
      cell-free protein synthesis system that contains all of the elements necessary
      for post-transcriptional modification by fatty acids. Subsequent peptide mass
      fingerprinting (PMF) analyses were performed after digestion with trypsin. The
      PMF data covered 39 % (143 residues) of internal peptides. The target N
      myristoylated peptide had a theoretical mass of 832.4477 and was clearly observed
      with an experimental mass (m/z-H(+)) of 832.4747. The difference between the two
      masses was 0.0271, supporting the accuracy of identification and indicating that
      the synthesized T. pyriformis AK1 is myristoylated. The fixed specimens of T.
      pyriformis were reacted with an anti-AK1 peptide antibody followed by a secondary
      antibody with a fluorescent chromophore and were observed using
      immunofluorescence microscope. In agreement with previous western blotting
      analyses, microscopic observations suggested that AK1 is localized in the cilia.
      The present PMF and microscopic analyses indicate that T. pyriformis AK1 may be
      localized and anchored to ciliary membranes via N-terminal myristoyl groups.

PMID- 27129463
TI  - The effects of creatine supplementation on striatal neural progenitor cells
      depend on developmental stage.
AB  - Transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is a promising experimental
      therapy for Huntington's disease (HD). The variables responsible for the success
      of this approach, including selection of the optimal developmental stage of the
      grafted cells, are however largely unknown. Supporting cellular energy metabolism
      by creatine (Cr) supplementation is a clinically translatable method for
      improving cell transplantation strategies. The present study aims at
      investigating differences between early (E14) and late (E18) developmental stages
      of rat striatal NPCs in vitro. NPCs were isolated from E14 and E18 embryos and
      cultured for 7 days with or without Cr [5 mM]. Chronic treatment significantly
      increased the percentage of GABA-immunoreactive neurons as compared to untreated
      controls, both in the E14 (170.4 +/- 4.7 %) and the E18 groups (129.3 +/- 9.3 %).
      This effect was greater in E14 cultures (p < 0.05). Similarly, short-term
      treatment for 24 h resulted in increased induction (p < 0.05) of the GABA-ergic
      phenotype in E14 (163.0 +/- 10.4 %), compared to E18 cultures (133.3 +/- 9.5 %).
      Total neuronal cell numbers and general viability were not affected by Cr (p >
      0.05). Protective effects of Cr against a metabolic insult were equal in E14 and
      E18 NPCs (p > 0.05). Cr exposure promoted morphological differentiation of GABA
      ergic neurons, including neurite length in both groups (p < 0.05), but the number
      of branching points was increased only in the E18 group (p < 0.05). Our results
      demonstrate that the role of Cr as a GABA-ergic differentiation factor depends on
      the developmental stage of striatal NPCs, while Cr-mediated neuroprotection is
      not significantly influenced. These findings have potential implications for
      optimizing future cell replacement strategies in HD.

PMID- 27129462
TI  - Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides Derived from Crocodylus siamensis Leukocyte
      Extract, Revealing Anticancer Activity and Apoptotic Induction on Human Cervical
      Cancer Cells.
AB  - Known antimicrobial peptides KT2 and RT2 as well as the novel RP9 derived from
      the leukocyte extract of the freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) were
      used to evaluate the ability in killing human cervical cancer cells. RP9 in the
      extract was purified by a combination of anion exchange column and reversed-phase
      HPLC, and its sequence was analyzed by mass spectrometry. The novel peptide could
      inhibit Gram-negative Vibrio cholerae (clinical isolation) and Gram-positive
      Bacillus pumilus TISTR 905, and its MIC values were 61.2 uM. From scanning
      electron microscopy, the peptide was seen to affect bacterial surfaces directly.
      KT2 and RT2, which are designed antimicrobial peptides using the C. siamensis
      Leucrocin I template, as well as RP9 were chemically synthesized for
      investigation of anticancer activity. By Sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay,
      these antimicrobial peptides could inhibit both HeLa and CaSki cancer cell lines.
      The IC50 values of KT2 and RT2 for HeLa and CaSki cells showed 28.7-53.4 and 17.3
      30.8 uM, while those of RP9 were 126.2 and 168.3 uM, respectively. Additionally,
      the best candidate peptides KT2 and RT2 were used to determine the apoptotic
      induction on cancer cells by human apoptosis array assay. As a result, KT2 and
      RT2 were observed to induce apoptotic cell death in HeLa cells. Therefore, these
      results indicate that KT2 and RT2 with antimicrobial activity have a highly
      potent ability to kill human cervical cancer cells.

PMID- 27129464
TI  - Carbonic anhydrases are producers of S-nitrosothiols from inorganic nitrite and
      modulators of soluble guanylyl cyclase in human platelets.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO), S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and S-nitrosocysteine are highly
      potent signaling molecules, acting both by cGMP-dependent and cGMP-independent
      mechanisms. The NO metabolite nitrite (NO2 (-)) is a major NO reservoir.
      Hemoglobin, xanthine oxidoreductase and carbonic anhydrase (CA) have been
      reported to reduce/convert nitrite to NO. We evaluated the role and the
      physiological importance of CA for an extra-platelet CA/nitrite/NO/cGMP pathway
      in human platelets. Authentic NO was analyzed by an NO-sensitive electrode. GSNO
      and GS(15)NO were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC
      MS/MS). cGMP was determined by LC-MS/MS or RIA. In reduced glutathione (GSH)
      containing aqueous buffer (pH 7.4), human and bovine erythrocytic CAII-mediated
      formation of GSNO from nitrite and GS(15)NO from (15)N-nitrite. In the presence
      of L-cysteine and GSH, this reaction was accompanied by NO release. Incubation of
      nitrite with bovine erythrocytic CAII and recombinant soluble guanylyl cyclase
      resulted in cGMP formation. Upon incubation of nitrite with bovine erythrocytic
      CAII and washed human platelets, cGMP and P-VASP(S239) were formed in the
      platelets. This study provides the first evidence that extra-platelet nitrite and
      erythrocytic CAII may modulate platelet function in a cGMP-dependent manner. The
      new nitrite-dependent CA activity may be a general principle and explain the
      cardioprotective effects of inorganic nitrite in the vasculature. We propose that
      nitrous acid (ONOH) is the primary CA-catalyzed reaction product of nitrite.

PMID- 27129466
TI  - Hidden and Mobile: A Web-based Study of Migration Patterns of Men Who Have Sex
      With Men in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are highly vulnerable to human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and more likely to migrate due to
      widespread stigma and discrimination in China. Their mobility complicates
      estimation of local MSM population sizes and the provision of HIV services, and
      may also contribute to the spread of HIV. METHODS: Between 1 January 2008 and 31
      December 2012, the visits of all individuals to the largest Chinese MSM dating
      website were recorded. After a predesigned de-identification procedure by the
      website, we analyzed Internet Protocol addresses for migration patterns. Migrants
      were defined as individuals who were away from their registered residence for >6
      months in the last 12 months. RESULTS: The website contained data on 794 912 MSM
      eligible for the study, of which 34.5% were migrants. The median age was 26 years
      (range, 18-61 years), and 85.5% were unmarried. Compared with nonmigrant MSM,
      migrants were less likely to be married to a woman (8.6% vs 13.5%; P < .001). The
      5 provinces with the highest migrant inflow ratios were Guangdong, Shanghai,
      Beijing, Tianjin, and Zhejiang. Eastern coastal cities were the primary
      destination of MSM from southwestern China. CONCLUSIONS: Preferential MSM
      migration may influence MSM population sizes in both originating and destination
      provinces, particularly for provinces with uneven inflow and outflow. MSM
      migration from southwestern China, which has the highest HIV prevalence in this
      population, to coastal cities with lower prevalence may have implications for the
      spread of the HIV epidemic as well as HIV care services.

PMID- 27129467
TI  - Editorial Commentary: Control of HIV for Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: A
      Role for the Internet?

PMID- 27129465
TI  - Crowdsourcing HIV Test Promotion Videos: A Noninferiority Randomized Controlled
      Trial in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crowdsourcing, the process of shifting individual tasks to a large
      group, may enhance human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing interventions. We
      conducted a noninferiority, randomized controlled trial to compare first-time HIV
      testing rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals
      who received a crowdsourced or a health marketing HIV test promotion video.
      METHODS: Seven hundred twenty-one MSM and transgender participants (>=16 years
      old, never before tested for HIV) were recruited through 3 Chinese MSM Web
      portals and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 videos. The crowdsourced video was
      developed using an open contest and formal transparent judging while the evidence
      based health marketing video was designed by experts. Study objectives were to
      measure HIV test uptake within 3 weeks of watching either HIV test promotion
      video and cost per new HIV test and diagnosis. RESULTS: Overall, 624 of 721 (87%)
      participants from 31 provinces in 217 Chinese cities completed the study. HIV
      test uptake was similar between the crowdsourced arm (37% [114/307]) and the
      health marketing arm (35% [111/317]). The estimated difference between the
      interventions was 2.1% (95% confidence interval, -5.4% to 9.7%). Among those
      tested, 31% (69/225) reported a new HIV diagnosis. The crowdsourced intervention
      cost substantially less than the health marketing intervention per first-time HIV
      test (US$131 vs US$238 per person) and per new HIV diagnosis (US$415 vs US$799
      per person). CONCLUSIONS: Our nationwide study demonstrates that crowdsourcing
      may be an effective tool for improving HIV testing messaging campaigns and could
      increase community engagement in health campaigns. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION:
      NCT02248558.

PMID- 27129469
TI  - Impact of night-shift work on the prevalence of erosive esophagitis in shipyard
      male workers.
AB  - PURPOSE: Whether night-shift work is a risk factor for gastroesophageal reflux
      disease is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      association between night-shift work and other factors, and erosive esophagitis.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 6040 male shipyard workers was performed.
      Esophagogastroduodenoscopic examination and a survey about night-shift work
      status, lifestyle, medical history, educational status, and marital status were
      conducted in all workers. The odds ratios of erosive esophagitis according to
      night-shift work status were calculated by using the logistic regression model.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of erosive esophagitis increased in the night-shift
      workers [odds ratio, 95 % confidence interval: 1.41 (1.03-1.94)]. According to
      multiple logistic regression models, night-shift work, obesity, smoking, and
      alcohol consumption of >=140 g/week were significant risk factors for erosive
      esophagitis. By contrast, Helicobacter pylori infection was negatively associated
      with erosive esophagitis. CONCLUSION: Night-shift work is suggested to be a risk
      factor for erosive esophagitis. Avoidance of night-shift work and lifestyle
      modification should be considered for prevention and management of
      gastroesophageal reflux disease.

PMID- 27129470
TI  - Isolation and characterization of 24 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the
      study of genetic population structure of the sheepshead Archosargus
      probatocephalus (Actinopterygii, Perciformes, Sparidae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is found in nearshore
      waters from Nova Scotia, Canada, to Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In the
      southeastern United States two subspecies are recognized based on a number of
      meristic characters, primarily counts of melanistic pigment bars. The only
      previous study based on mtDNA control-region sequence found limited divergence
      between those subspecies and isolation by distance among 15 locations from
      Florida (Atlantic Ocean) to Texas (Gulf of Mexico). In the same study, using six
      sparid microsatellite markers, Bayesian analysis showed that the Gulf and
      Atlantic sheepshead form a single population. To reinvestigate the fine-scale
      genetic population structure and examine genetic support for the morphologically
      classified subspecies, a set of species-specific microsatellite markers was
      needed. FINDINGS: Here we report on 24 polymorphic microsatellite markers
      isolated from sheepshead and screened in 57 specimens from the Indian River,
      Florida. The average number of alleles per locus was 13.1; mean observed and
      expected heterozygosities were 0.68 and 0.73, respectively. Nine sparid markers
      screened for the same specimens showed an average of 8.6 alleles per locus; mean
      observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.46 and 0.55, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The polymorphic markers reported here can be used to search for
      genetic evidence for the morphologically defined subspecies, to elucidate the
      fine-scale genetic population structure of this broadly distributed coastal
      species, and to provide an opportunity to directly compare results of population
      delineation between nonspecific and species-specific markers.

PMID- 27129468
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for lifetime suicide ideation, plan and attempt in
      Chinese men who have sex with men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To describe the level and risk factors for suicidal behaviors in
      Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: A total of 807 MSM were
      recruited using a respondent-driven sampling method from Anshan, Benxi, Dandong,
      and Shenyang cities in northeastern China. RESULTS: Chinese MSM had lifetime
      prevalences of suicide ideation (18.3%), plan (8.7%) and attempt (4.6%) that were
      about 2.8, 5.8 and 5.8 times greater than that of male adults in the general
      population of China. The MSM with any psychiatric disorders were 4-7 times more
      likely to think about, plan or attempt suicide than those MSM with no disorder,
      and there was a clear relationship between the number of comorbid disorders and
      suicidal behaviors. Multiple regression analysis showed that major depression,
      bipolar disorder, dysthymia and alcohol use disorder significantly increased the
      risk for suicide ideation, but not for suicide attempt. Drug dependence disorder,
      panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder significantly increased the risk
      for suicide attempt, but not for suicide ideation. More advanced education
      reduced the risk of suicidal behaviors, sexual orientations revealed to or
      discovered by family members or friends significantly increased risk of these
      suicidal behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese MSM have significantly increased risk
      for suicidal behaviors, mental disorders and their comorbidities could be the
      largest risk factors for the elevated suicidal behaviors in Chinese MSM. Reducing
      the family and social stigma and rejection of homosexual behavior and early
      detection and effective treatment of psychiatric disorders and their
      comorbidities in MSM may help to decrease suicidal behaviors of Chinese MSM.

PMID- 27129471
TI  - Identification of candidate genes involved in wax deposition in Poa pratensis by
      RNA-seq.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cuticular wax plays important roles in plant resistance to
      various biotic and abiotic stresses. Understanding the synthesis and secretion of
      cuticular waxes is necessary in utilizing cuticular waxes to improve crop
      productivity and plant ecological adaptation. Due to the lack of genomic
      resources, little genetic research on cuticular wax deposition has been focused
      on Poa pratensis, a perennial forage and turf grass species that is widely
      distributed under various habitats. In this study, we performed de novo
      transcriptome sequencing to explore differentially expressed genes between the
      leaf non-elongation zone (NEZm) and the emerged blade zone (EBZ) and to identify
      genes related to cuticular wax deposition. RESULTS: A total of 77,707,414 high
      quality reads were obtained from llumina HiSeq 2500 platform, which were then
      assembled into 106,766 unigenes. Among them, 6019 unigenes showed significant
      differences in expression between NEZm and EBZ. In our assembled sequences, 3087
      SSRs molecular markers were discovered. All the unigenes were searched against
      the NR, Swissprot, GO, COG, and KEGG databases using BLAST program for functional
      annotation. From 3156 unigenes with more expression in NEZm compared to EBZ, a
      number of unigenes involved in very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and cuticular
      wax biosynthesis, transportation and regulation were identified. Several unigenes
      related to defense response and epidermal patterning were also found. Twelve
      putative genes involved in VLCFAs and cuticular wax biosynthesis were further
      analyzed for their expressions using qRT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: The transcriptome of
      P. pratensis leaf was deep sequenced, de novo assembled and annotated, and the
      candidate genes potentially involved in VLCFAs and cuticular wax biosynthesis,
      secretion and regulation in P. pratensis were identified. This provides
      fundamental genetic resources in improving plant adaptation to abiotic and biotic
      stresses.

PMID- 27129473
TI  - Alternative laronidase dose regimen for patients with mucopolysaccharidosis I: a
      multinational, retrospective, chart review case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with laronidase (recombinant human
      alpha-L-iduronidase, Aldurazyme(r)) is indicated for non-neurological signs and
      symptoms of mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I). The approved laronidase dose
      regimen is weekly infusions of 0.58mg/kg, however, patients and caregivers may
      have difficulty complying with the weekly regimen. We examined clinical outcomes,
      tolerability, compliance, and satisfaction in a series of patients who switched
      to every other week infusions. METHODS: This multinational, retrospective, chart
      review case series analyzed data from 20 patients who had undergone ERT with
      laronidase 0.58mg/kg weekly for more than one year, and who then switched to
      1.2mg/kg every other week. RESULTS: The majority of patients had attenuated MPS I
      phenotypes (9 with Hurler-Scheie and 8 with Scheie syndromes) and 3 patients had
      severe MPS I (Hurler syndrome). Most patients presented with organomegaly
      (17/20), umbilical and/or inguinal hernia (16/20), cardiac abnormalities (17/20),
      musculoskeletal abnormalities (19/20), and neurological and/or developmental
      deficits (15/20). Following laronidase treatment, signs stabilized or improved.
      No deterioration or reversal of clinical outcome was noted in any patient who
      switched from the weekly dose of 0.58mg.kg to 1.2mg/kg every other week. There
      were no safety issues during the duration of every other week dosing. Patient
      compliance and satisfaction with the dosing regimen were greater with every other
      week dosing than weekly dosing. CONCLUSIONS: An alternative dose regimen of
      1.2mg/kg laronidase every other week was well tolerated and clinically similar to
      the standard dose for patients who were stabilized with weekly 0.58 mg/kg for one
      year or more. When an individualized approach to laronidase therapy is necessary,
      every other week dosing may be an alternative for patients with difficulty
      receiving weekly infusions.

PMID- 27129472
TI  - Yoga versus education for Veterans with chronic low back pain: study protocol for
      a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain is the most frequent pain condition in Veterans
      and causes substantial suffering, decreased functional capacity, and lower
      quality of life. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, and mild
      traumatic brain injury are highly prevalent in Veterans with back pain. Yoga for
      low back pain has been demonstrated to be effective for civilians in randomized
      controlled trials. However, it is unknown if results from previously published
      trials generalize to military populations. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a
      parallel randomized controlled trial comparing yoga to education for 120 Veterans
      with chronic low back pain. Participants are Veterans >=18 years old with low
      back pain present on at least half the days in the past six months and a self
      reported average pain intensity in the previous week of >=4 on a 0-10 scale. The
      24-week study has an initial 12-week intervention period, where participants are
      randomized equally into (1) a standardized weekly group yoga class with home
      practice or (2) education delivered with a self-care book. Primary outcome
      measures are change at 12 weeks in low back pain intensity measured by the
      Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (0-10) and back-related function using the
      23-point Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. In the subsequent 12-week follow
      up period, yoga participants are encouraged to continue home yoga practice and
      education participants continue following recommendations from the book.
      Qualitative interviews with Veterans in the yoga group and their partners explore
      the impact of chronic low back pain and yoga on family relationships. We also
      assess cost-effectiveness from three perspectives: the Veteran, the Veterans
      Health Administration, and society using electronic medical records, self
      reported cost data, and study records. DISCUSSION: This study will help determine
      if yoga can become an effective treatment for Veterans with chronic low back pain
      and psychological comorbidities. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov:
      NCT02224183.

PMID- 27129474
TI  - Health-related quality of life as measured with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36)
      questionnaire in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) has a poor therapeutic
      outcome and a severe impact on women and their partners, both physically and
      psychologically. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is significantly affected
      in patients with RVVC; however, little is known about HRQOL in patients with this
      disease. In this study, we aim to identify the clinical and mycological
      characteristics of women with RVVC and the effects of RVVC on women's HRQOL.
      METHODS: We designed this study as a comparative cross-sectional study. The Short
      Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to measure HRQOL in 102 patients with RVVC
      and 101 women seeking general health care (controls). RVVC was defined as four or
      more episodes of proven VVC in the previous 12-month period. VVC was defined as
      vulvar itching, burning, erythema, vaginal discharge, pseudohyphae or
      blastoconidia on a wet 10 % potassium hydroxide (KOH)-treated vaginal slide and a
      positive Candida culture. Group comparisons were conducted with independent
      samples t test. Correlation analysis was performed on the variables. RESULTS: The
      mean age at first diagnosis of the patients with RVVC was 30.96 years (SD 5.38),
      and the mean age of the controls was 29.75 years (SD 5.83; p > 0.05). The
      duration of the patients' complaints varied from 6 months to 10 years, with a
      mean duration of 22.28 (+/-21.75) months. The most common complaints were
      increased vaginal discharge (102 cases, 100 %), itching (97 cases, 95.1 %),
      dyspareunia (65 cases, 63.7 %), burning (79 cases, 77.5 %) and erythema (25
      cases, 24.5 %). C. albicans was the predominant Candida species (86 strains, 84.3
      %) in the patients, followed by C. glabrata (12 strains, 11.8 %). C. parapsilosis
      (1 strain, 0.9 %), C. tropicalis (1 strain, 0.9 %), C. krusei (1 strain, 0.9 %)
      and C. lusitaniae (1 strain, 0.9 %). The mean SF-36 dimension scores for physical
      function, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social
      functioning, role emotional, and mental health were significantly lower in the
      patients with RVVC than in the controls (85.20, 61.39, 77.79, 54.95, 53.17,
      67.89, 52.48 and 59.17 vs. 90.20, 80.87, 87.08, 67.38, 59.69, 79.86, 68.01 and
      65.38). The physical composite and mental composite scores of the patients with
      RVVC were 63.06 and 64.87, respectively, which were lower than those of the
      controls (75.01 and 74.87; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all of the patients
      with RVVC had clinical symptoms. In our sample, RVVC was mainly caused by C.
      albicans. RVVC has negative effects on women's HRQOL, as indicated by lower
      physical and mental composite scores among the RVVC group compared with controls.

PMID- 27129475
TI  - Erratum to: Co-distribution and co-infection of chikungunya and dengue viruses.

PMID- 27129476
TI  - Parenting in 2 Worlds: Effects of a Culturally Adapted Intervention for Urban
      American Indians on Parenting Skills and Family Functioning.
AB  - Parenting in 2 Worlds (P2W) is a culturally grounded parenting intervention that
      addresses the distinctive social and cultural worlds of urban American Indian
      (AI) families. P2W was culturally adapted through community-based participatory
      research in three urban AI communities with diverse tribal backgrounds. This
      paper reports the immediate outcomes of P2W in a randomized controlled trial,
      utilizing data from 575 parents of AI children (ages 10-17). Parents were
      assigned to P2W or to the comparison group, an informational family health
      curriculum, Healthy Families in 2 Worlds (HF2W). Both the P2W and HF2W curricula
      consisted of 10 workshops delivered weekly by AI community facilitators. Pretests
      were administered at the first workshop and a post-test at the last workshop.
      Tests of the efficacy of P2W versus HF2W on parenting skills and family
      functioning were analyzed with pairwise t tests, within intervention type, and by
      baseline adjusted path models using FIML estimation in Mplus. Intervention effect
      sizes were estimated with Cohen's d. Participants in P2W reported significant
      improvements in parental agency, parenting practices, supervision and family
      cohesion, and decreases in discipline problems and parent-child conflict.
      Compared to HF2W, P2W participants reported significantly larger increases in
      parental self-agency and positive parenting practices, and fewer child discipline
      problems. Most of these desired program effects for P2W approached medium size.
      Culturally adapted parenting interventions like P2W can effectively strengthen
      parenting practices and family functioning among urban AI families and help
      address their widespread need for targeted, culturally grounded programs.

PMID- 27129477
TI  - Decreasing Substance use Risk among African American Youth: Parent-based
      Mechanisms of Change.
AB  - African American couples (N = 139; 67.7 % married; with children between the ages
      of 9 and 14) were randomly assigned to (a) a culturally sensitive, couple- and
      parenting-focused program designed to prevent stress-spillover (n = 70) or (b) an
      information-only control condition in which couples received self-help materials
      (n = 69). Eight months after baseline, youth whose parents participated in the
      program, compared with control youth, reported increased parental monitoring,
      positive racial socialization, and positive self-concept, as well as decreased
      conduct problems and self-reported substance use. Changes in youth-reported
      parenting behavior partially mediated the effect of the intervention on conduct
      problems and fully mediated its impact on positive self-concept, but did not
      mediate effects on lifetime substance use initiation. Results suggest the
      potential for a culturally sensitive family-based intervention targeting adults'
      couple and parenting processes to enhance multiple parenting behaviors as well as
      decrease youths' substance use onset and vulnerability.

PMID- 27129478
TI  - Girls Just Want to Know Where to Have Fun: Preventing Substance Use Initiation in
      an Under-Resourced Community in South Africa Through HealthWise.
AB  - This study examined how the perception of the availability of leisure
      opportunities may prevent substance use initiation through HealthWise, a school
      based program focused on reducing risky behavior. In this study, we specifically
      focused on whether HealthWise increased student perceptions of leisure
      opportunities between 8th grade and 10th grade (N = 5610) in an under-resourced
      community in South Africa. Path analyses were used to test hypotheses. Given
      gender differences in substance use patterns, societal norms, and leisure
      opportunities in under-resourced communities, such as the townships of Cape Town,
      South Africa, it was especially important to examine associations within each
      gender. Results suggested that HealthWise directly reduced the likelihood of
      initiating alcohol and cigarette use and increased the amount of perceived
      leisure opportunities among girls but not boys. Perceived leisure opportunities
      mediated the effect of HealthWise on reducing the initiation of alcohol and
      cigarette use directly, and marijuana use indirectly, among girls but not boys.
      This is the first study to demonstrate how experimentally targeting leisure
      through an intervention can increase perceived leisure opportunities and thereby
      prevent early substance use initiation for a specific population. The importance
      of considering the context of gender, age, and location is discussed.

PMID- 27129480
TI  - Descriptions of vestibular migraine and Meniere's disease in Greek and Chinese
      antiquity.
AB  - Background Vestibular migraine and Meniere's disease are two types of episodic
      vertigo syndromes that were already observed in Greek and Chinese antiquity.
      Descriptions first appeared in the work of the classical Greek physician Aretaeus
      of Cappadocia, who lived in the 2nd century AD, and in Huangdi Neijing, a seminal
      medical source in the Chinese Medical Classics, written between the 2nd century
      BC and the 2nd century AD. Aim The aim of this paper is to search in Aretaeus'
      book De causis et signis acutorum et chronicorum morborum and in Huangdi Neijing
      for descriptions of vertigo co-occurring with headache or ear symptoms that
      resemble current classifications of vestibular migraine or Meniere's disease.
      Results Aretaeus describes a syndrome combining headache, vertigo, visual
      disturbance, oculomotor phenomena, and nausea that resembles the symptoms of
      vestibular migraine. In the Chinese book Huangdi Neijing the Yellow Thearch
      mentions the co-occurrence of episodic dizziness and a ringing noise of the ears
      that recalls an attack of Meniere's disease. Conclusions The descriptions of
      these two conditions in Greek and Chinese antiquity are similar to the vertigo
      syndromes currently classified as vestibular migraine and Meniere's disease. In
      clinical practice it may be difficult to clearly differentiate between them, and
      they may also co-occur.

PMID- 27129481
TI  - Yoga may improve asthma symptoms, Cochrane review finds.

PMID- 27129479
TI  - Drinking to Cope: a Latent Class Analysis of Coping Motives for Alcohol Use in a
      Large Cohort of Adolescents.
AB  - Alcohol consumption during adolescence is widespread, although there is
      considerable variation in patterns of use. The aim of this study was to identify
      patterns of coping-motivated alcohol use in a UK birth cohort and examine
      individual and family characteristics associated with the resulting drinker
      profiles. At age 17, participants (n = 3957; 56 % female) reported their alcohol
      and drug use, internalising symptoms and use of alcohol to cope with a range of
      emotions. Socio-demographic data were collected via maternal report. Latent class
      analysis identified drinker subtypes based on the coping motives reported.
      Association between these profiles and socio-demographic characteristics and
      internalising disorders was examined. The vast majority (92 %) of adolescents
      reported alcohol consumption in the past year, and 26 % of those drank weekly or
      more often. Four distinct motive profiles were identified. These profiles were
      associated with different socio-demographic characteristics: adolescents from
      higher socio-economic backgrounds drank primarily for increased confidence,
      whereas adolescents from low socio-economic backgrounds were more likely to drink
      to cope with low mood. Adolescents with an anxiety or depressive disorder were
      six times more likely to fall within the high-risk subtype, characterised by a
      generalised pattern of drinking to cope with emotions across the board. Coping
      motives for drinking vary with individual and family factors. Adolescents from
      low versus high socio-economic backgrounds were characterised by distinct
      drinking profiles; thus, prevention messages may need to be tailored accordingly.
      Internalising disorders were strongly associated with a high-risk profile of
      coping-motivated drinking.

PMID- 27129482
TI  - Over half of qualified GPs are now women, show HSCIC data.

PMID- 27129483
TI  - CORRECTION.

PMID- 27129484
TI  - Experts and activists discuss how to get "right care" for patients.

PMID- 27129485
TI  - Breath Methane Levels Are Increased Among Patients with Diverticulosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diverticulosis and its complications are important healthcare
      problems in the USA and throughout the Western world. While mechanisms as to how
      diverticulosis occurs have partially been explored, few studies examined the
      relationship between colonic gases such as methane and diverticulosis in humans.
      AIM: This study aimed to demonstrate a significant relationship between
      methanogenic Archaea and development of diverticulosis. METHODS: Subjects who
      consecutively underwent hydrogen breath test at Rush University Medical Center
      between 2003 and 2010 were identified retrospectively through a database. Medical
      records were reviewed for presence of a colonoscopy report. Two hundred and sixty
      four subjects were identified who had both a breath methane level measurement and
      a colonoscopy result. Additional demographic and clinical data were obtained with
      chart review. RESULTS: Mean breath methane levels were higher in subjects with
      diverticulosis compared to those without diverticulosis (7.89 vs. 4.94 ppm, p =
      0.04). Methane producers (defined as those with baseline fasting breath methane
      level >5 ppm) were more frequent among subjects with diverticulosis compared to
      those without diverticulosis (50.9 vs. 34 %, p = 0.0025). When adjusted for
      confounders, breath methane levels and age were the two independent predictors of
      diverticulosis on colonoscopy with logistic regression modeling. CONCLUSIONS:
      Methanogenesis is associated with the presence of diverticulosis. Further studies
      are needed to confirm our findings and prospectively evaluate a possible
      etiological role of methanogenesis and methanogenic archaea in diverticulosis.

PMID- 27129486
TI  - Factors Associated with Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Occurrence After Endoscopy
      that Did Not Diagnose Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Up to 14 % of upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGIC) subjects
      underwent esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) in the preceding 3 years, which did
      not detect UGIC. The frequency of such events and associated risk factors was
      evaluated. METHODS: UGIC subjects were identified from a UK primary care
      database. Post-EGD upper gastrointestinal cancers (PEUGIC) cases were subjects
      undergoing EGD 12-36 months prior to UGIC diagnosis. Controls had not undergone
      EGD during the same period. Logistic regression analysis examined associations
      with PEUGIC. RESULTS: 4249 gastric cancer (GC) subjects (44.8 %) and 5238
      esophageal cancer (EC) subjects (55.2 %) were analyzed. There were 633 (6.7 %)
      PEUGIC subjects [279 EC and 354 GC]. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger
      age [OR 1.02, (95 % CI 1.01-1.03), p < 0.0001], female gender [1.39 (1.17-1.64),
      p < 0.0001], increasing comorbidity [1.35 (1.13-1.61), p < 0.0001], and greater
      deprivation [1.31 (1.09-1.59), p = 0.005] were associated with PEUGIC. Alarm
      symptoms on presentation [0.32 (0.26-0.40), p < 0.0001] were less likely to be
      associated with PEUGIC. GC was more likely to be associated with PEUGIC than EC
      [1.33 (1.13-1.58), p = 0.001]. PEUGIC EGDs reported findings associated with UGIC
      (stricture or ulceration) in 8.3 % of cases, and only 60.9 % had a follow-up EGD
      within 90 days. PEUGIC rate declined from 7.9 to 2.7 % for EC and 9.0-6.5 % for
      GC during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: PEUGIC occurs in 6.7 % of UGIC. PEUGIC
      was associated with GC, younger age, female gender, increasing comorbidity and
      deprivation, and a lack of alarm symptoms.

PMID- 27129487
TI  - Patient-reported barriers to osteoporosis therapy.
AB  - We investigated reasons for non-treatment of osteoporosis and discontinuation of
      osteoporosis therapy. Barriers to treatment include patients' preference for
      alternative treatments and a fear of possible side effects. Side effects are a
      common reason for treatment discontinuation, and they may be associated with a
      lack of willingness to restart treatment. PURPOSE/INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis
      patients commonly cite treatment-related side effects, or the fear thereof, as a
      reason for discontinuing or not initiating anti-osteoporosis medications. The
      purpose of this study was to investigate, from the patient's perspective, reasons
      for (i) non-treatment of osteoporosis and (ii) discontinuation of osteoporosis
      therapy. METHODS: This was an internet-based survey of postmenopausal women in
      the USA who self-reported having been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Respondents
      were recruited from consumer research panels and received nominal compensation.
      RESULTS: Within the surveyed population (N = 1407), 581 patients were currently
      being treated, 503 had never been treated, and 323 had previously been treated.
      Among patients never treated for osteoporosis, the highest ranking reasons for
      non-treatment were the use of alternative treatments such as over-the-counter
      vitamins/supplements (57.5 % of respondents) and fear of side effects (43.9 %).
      Among previously treated patients, frequent reasons for discontinuation included
      the direction of the physician (41.2 % of respondents), concerns about long-term
      safety (30.3 %), and the experience of side effects (29.8 %). When asked about
      their willingness to restart their osteoporosis medication, previously treated
      patients who were not willing (N = 104) to restart had a higher frequency of
      experiencing side effects (44.2 versus 20.5 % of those willing; P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: From the osteoporosis patient's perspective, barriers to
      prescription treatment include a preference for alternative, non-prescription
      treatments and a fear of possible side effects. Side effects are one of the most
      common reasons for discontinuing osteoporosis medications, and they appear to be
      associated with a lack of willingness to restart treatment.

PMID- 27129489
TI  - Serial C reactive protein values predict sensitivity of organisms to empirical
      antibiotics in neonates: a nested case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is common clinical practice to repeat serum C reactive protein
      (CRP) estimation in the first 48 h after starting empirical antibiotics for
      neonatal sepsis. The change in CRP is believed to indicate whether the empirical
      antibiotics are appropriate or not, but there is little evidence to support this
      practice. METHODS: This was a nested case-control study on neonates with
      suspected sepsis (clinical signs+baseline CRP >10 mg/L). We drew samples for
      serum CRP at baseline and at 24, 36 and 48 h after starting empirical antibiotics
      and stored them at -20 degrees C. Those with positive blood cultures were
      enrolled into two groups: those who had received empirical antibiotics to which
      the organism was sensitive ('sensitive') and those who had received antibiotics
      to which the organism was resistant ('resistant'). Stored samples of these
      subjects were assayed for CRP. Repeated CRP values were compared between groups
      by mixed linear models. We evaluated change in CRP from baseline as a diagnostic
      test for identifying empirical use of sensitive antibiotics. RESULTS: We enrolled
      45 and 44 subjects in 'sensitive' and 'resistant' groups, respectively. In the
      'resistant' group, median CRP increased with time but decreased in the
      'sensitive' group. Decline in CRP by 48 h identified the use of antibiotics to
      which the organism was sensitive with 89% sensitivity and 80% specificity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Serial CRP values in the first 48 h of antibiotic therapy help to
      predict whether the causative organism is sensitive to the empirical antibiotics
      administered.

PMID- 27129488
TI  - Development of surface stabilized candesartan cilexetil nanocrystals with
      enhanced dissolution rate, permeation rate across CaCo-2, and oral
      bioavailability.
AB  - Candesartan cilexetil (CC), an ester prodrug of candesartan, is BCS class II drug
      with extremely low aqueous solubility limiting its oral bioavailability. The
      present research aimed to develop a nanocrystalline formulation of CC with
      improved saturation solubility in gastrointestinal fluids and thereby, exhibiting
      enhanced oral bioavailability. CC nanocrystals were prepared using a low energy
      antisolvent precipitation methodology. A combination of hydroxypropyl
      methylcellulose (HPMC) and Pluronic(r) F 127 (50:50 w/w) was found to be optimum
      for the preparation of CC nanocrystals. The particle size, polydispersity index
      (PDI), and zeta potential of optimized formulation was found to be 159 +/- 8.1
      nm, 0.177 +/- 0.043, and -23.7 +/- 1.02 mV, respectively. Optimized formulation
      was found to possess irregular, plate-like morphology as evaluated by scanning
      electron microscopy and crystalline as evaluated by differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). A significant increase in
      saturation solubility and dissolution rate of the optimized nanosuspension was
      observed at all the tested pH conditions. Optimized CC nanocrystals exhibited a
      storage stability of more than 3 months when stored under cold and room
      temperature conditions. In vitro Caco-2 permeability further revealed that CC
      nanocrystals exhibited nearly 4-fold increase in permeation rate compared to the
      free CC. In vivo oral bioavailability studies of optimized CC nanocrystals in
      murine model revealed 3.8-fold increase in the oral bioavailability and twice the
      C max as compared with the free CC when administered orally. In conclusion, this
      study has established a crystalline nanosuspension formulation of CC with
      improved oral bioavailability in murine model. Graphical Abstract Antisolvent
      precipitation methodology for the preparation of Candesartan Cilexetil
      nanocrystals for enhanced solubility and oral bioavailability.

PMID- 27129490
TI  - Transcriptome Reveals Cathepsin K in Periodontal Ligament Differentiation.
AB  - Periodontal ligaments (PDLs) play an important role in remodeling the alveolar
      bond and cementum. Characterization of the periodontal tissue transcriptome
      remains incomplete, and an improved understanding of PDL features could aid in
      developing new regenerative therapies. Here, we aimed to generate and analyze a
      large human PDL transcriptome. We obtained PDLs from orthodontic treatment
      patients, isolated the RNA, and used a vector-capping method to make a
      complementary DNA library from >20,000 clones. Our results revealed that 58% of
      the sequences were full length. Furthermore, our analysis showed that genes
      expressed at the highest frequencies included those for collagen type I, collagen
      type III, and proteases. We also found 5 genes whose expressions have not been
      previously reported in human PDL. To access which of the highly expressed genes
      might be important for PDL cell differentiation, we used real-time polymerase
      chain reaction to measure their expression in differentiating cells. Among the
      genes tested, the cysteine protease cathepsin K had the highest upregulation, so
      we measured its relative expression in several tissues, as well as in
      osteoclasts, which are known to express high levels of cathepsin K. Our results
      revealed that PDL cells express cathepsin K at similar levels as osteoclasts,
      which are both expressed at higher levels than those of the other tissues tested.
      We also measured cathepsin K protein expression and enzyme activity during cell
      differentiation and found that both increased during this process.
      Immunocytochemistry experiments revealed that cathepsin K localizes to the
      interior of lysosomes. Last, we examined the effect of inhibiting cathepsin K
      during cell differentiation and found that cathepsin K inhibition stimulated
      calcified nodule formation and increased the levels of collagen type I and
      osteocalcin gene expression. Based on these results, cathepsin K seems to
      regulate collagen fiber accumulation during human PDL cell differentiation into
      hard tissue-forming cells.

PMID- 27129491
TI  - Localized Piezoelectric Alveolar Decortication for Orthodontic Treatment in
      Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the benefits and clinical
      outcomes of piezocision, which is a minimally invasive approach to corticotomy
      that is used in orthodontic treatments. Twenty-four adult patients presenting
      with mild overcrowdings were randomly allocated to either a control group that
      was treated with conventional orthodontics or a test group that received piezo
      assisted orthodontics. The piezocisions were performed 1 wk week after the
      placement of the orthodontic appliances. Neither grafting material nor sutures
      were used. All patients were followed every 2 wk, and archwires were changed only
      when they were no longer active. The periods required for the completion of the
      overall orthodontic treatments were calculated, and the periodontal parameters
      were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the orthodontic treatment. Patient
      centered outcomes were assessed with a visual analog scale; analgesic use
      following the procedures was also recorded. The patient characteristics were
      similar between the 2 groups. The overall treatment time was significantly
      reduced by 43% in the piezocision group as compared with the control group. In
      both groups, periodontal parameters (i.e., recession depth, pocket depth, plaque
      index, and papilla bleeding index) remained unchanged between the baseline and
      treatment completion time points. No increase in root resorption was observed in
      either group. Scars were observed in 50% of the patients in the piezocision
      group. Analgesic consumption was similar following orthodontic appliance
      placement and piezocision surgery. Patient satisfaction was significantly better
      in the piezocision group than in the control group. In these conditions, the
      piezocision technique seemed to be effective in accelerating orthodontic tooth
      movement. No gingival recessions were observed. The risk of residual scars might
      limit the indications for piezocision in patients with a high smile line
      (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02590835). 

PMID- 27129492
TI  - The role of embedded research in quality improvement: a narrative review.

PMID- 27129493
TI  - Workarounds to hospital electronic prescribing systems: a qualitative study in
      English hospitals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concerns with the usability of electronic prescribing (ePrescribing)
      systems can lead to the development of workarounds by users. OBJECTIVES: To
      investigate the types of workarounds users employed, the underlying reasons
      offered and implications for care provision and patient safety. METHODS: We
      collected a large qualitative data set, comprising interviews, observations and
      project documents, as part of an evaluation of ePrescribing systems in five
      English hospitals, which we conceptualised as case studies. Data were collected
      at up to three different time points throughout implementation and adoption.
      Thematic analysis involving deductive and inductive approaches was facilitated by
      NVivo 10. RESULTS: Our data set consisted of 173 interviews, 24 rounds of
      observation and 17 documents. Participating hospitals were at various stages of
      implementing a range of systems with differing functionalities. We identified two
      types of workarounds: informal and formal. The former were informal practices
      employed by users not approved by management, which were introduced because of
      perceived changes to professional roles, issues with system usability and
      performance and challenges relating to the inaccessibility of hardware. The
      latter were formalised practices that were promoted by management and occurred
      when systems posed threats to patient safety and organisational functioning. Both
      types of workarounds involved using paper and other software systems as
      intermediaries, which often created new risks relating to a lack of efficient
      transfer of real-time information between different users. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing
      formal and informal workarounds employed by users should be part of routine
      organisational implementation strategies of major health information technology
      initiatives. Workarounds can create new risks and present new opportunities for
      improvement in system design and integration.

PMID- 27129494
TI  - Exploring the value and role of integrated supportive science courses in the
      reformed medical curriculum iMED: a mixed methods study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heterogeneous basic science knowledge of medical students is an
      important challenge for medical education. In this study, the authors aimed at
      exploring the value and role of integrated supportive science (ISS) courses as a
      novel approach to address this challenge and to promote learning basic science
      concepts in medical education. ISS courses were embedded in a reformed medical
      curriculum. METHODS: The authors used a mixed methods approach including four
      focus groups involving ISS course lecturers and students (two each), and five
      surveys of one student cohort covering the results of regular student evaluations
      including the ISS courses across one study year. They conducted their study at
      the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf between December 2013 and July
      2014. RESULTS: Fourteen first-year medical students and thirteen ISS course
      lecturers participated in the focus groups. The authors identified several themes
      focused on the temporal integration of ISS courses into the medical curriculum,
      the integration of ISS course contents into core curriculum contents, the value
      and role of ISS courses, and the courses' setting and atmosphere. The integrated
      course concept was positively accepted by both groups, with participants
      suggesting that it promotes retention of basic science knowledge. Values and
      roles identified by focus group participants included promotion of basic
      understanding of science concepts, integration of foundational and applied
      learning, and maximization of students' engagement and motivation. Building close
      links between ISS course contents and the core curriculum appeared to be crucial.
      Survey results confirmed qualitative findings regarding students' satisfaction,
      with some courses still requiring optimization. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of
      supportive basic science courses, traditionally rather part of premedical
      education, into the medical curriculum appears to be a feasible strategy to
      improve medical students' understanding of basic science concepts and to increase
      their motivation and engagement.

PMID- 27129495
TI  - Intravenous administration of silver nanoparticles causes organ toxicity through
      intracellular ROS-related loss of inter-endothelial junction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Administration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to mice could result
      in their distribution and accumulation in multiple organs, with notable
      prominence in liver, lungs, and kidneys. However, how AgNPs transport through
      blood vesicular system to reach the target organs is unclear, and the precise
      differences in the mechanisms of toxicity between AgNPs and silver ions still
      remain elusive. In the present research, the pathological changes on these target
      organs with a focus on inter-endothelial junction was investigated to gain a new
      insight of AgNPs toxicity by comparing the mechanisms of action of AgNPs and
      AgNO3. METHODS: We investigated the in vitro cytotoxicity of either citrated
      coated AgNPs (10, 75, and 110 nm) or silver nitrate (AgNO3) following 24 h
      incubations (1-40 MUg/mL) in the presence of primary human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVEC). Meanwhile, we detected the effects of AgNPs on
      intercellular conjunction and intracellular ROS by VE-cadherin staining and 2',
      7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay, respectively. To assess
      in vivo toxicity, we administered single or multiple intravenous injections (25
      MUg Ag for AgNPs and 2.5 MUg Ag for AgNO3 per dose) to mice. RESULTS: In the in
      vitro study, the TEM observation showed that AgNPs were taken up by endothelial
      cells while AgNO3 was taken up little. Meanwhile AgNPs incubation induced the
      elevation of intracellular ROS and down-regulation of VE-cadherin between the
      endothelial cells and affected the cytoskeleton actin reorganization, which could
      be rescued by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. In contrast, AgNO3 caused direct cell
      death when the concentration was higher than 20 MUg/mL and without ROS induction
      at lower concentration. The release of AgNPs from leaking vessels induced
      peripheral inflammation in the liver, lungs, and kidneys, and the severity
      increased in proportion to the diameter of the AgNPs used. CONCLUSION: It is
      AgNPs but not AgNO3 that were taken up by vascular endothelial cells and induced
      intracellular ROS elevated, which was closely related to disruption of the
      integrity of endothelial layer. The AgNPs-induced leakiness of endothelial cells
      could mediate the common peripheral inflammation in liver, kidney and lung
      through intravenous exposure.

PMID- 27129497
TI  - Disiloxane Synthesis Based on Silicon-Hydrogen Bond Activation using Gold and
      Platinum on Carbon in Water or Heavy Water.
AB  - Disiloxanes possessing a silicon-oxygen linkage are important as frameworks for
      functional materials and coupling partners for Hiyama-type cross coupling. We
      found that disiloxanes were effectively constructed of hydrosilanes catalyzed by
      gold on carbon in water as the solvent and oxidant in association with the
      emission of hydrogen gas at room temperature. The present oxidation could proceed
      via various reaction pathways, such as the hydration of hydrosilane into silanol,
      dehydrogenative coupling of hydrosilane into disilane, and the subsequent
      corresponding reactions to disiloxane. Additionally, the platinum on carbon
      catalyzed hydrogen-deuterium exchange reaction of arylhydrosilanes as substrates
      in heavy water proceeded on the aromatic nuclei at 80  degrees C with high
      deuterium efficiency and high regioselectivity at the only meta and para
      positions of the aromatic-silicon bond to give the deuterium-labeled disiloxanes.

PMID- 27129496
TI  - Evaluation of intensified behaviour change communication strategies in an
      artemisinin resistance setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Cambodia, behaviour change communication (BCC) represents an
      integral component of malaria efforts aimed at fighting artemisinin resistant
      parasites and achieving elimination. The multi-pronged BCC interventions include
      interpersonal communication through village health volunteers (VHVs) and village
      malaria workers (VMWs), broadcasting malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment
      messages via TV, radio and mobile broadcasting units (MBUs), distributing
      information education and communication (IEC) materials and introducing mobile
      malaria workers (MMWs) in endemic villages. METHODS: This was a cross sectional
      household survey using a stratified multi-stage cluster sampling approach,
      conducted in December 2012. A stratified multi-stage cluster sampling approach
      was used; 30 villages were selected (15 in each stratum) and a total of 774
      households were interviewed. This survey aimed to assess the potential added
      effect of 'intense' BCC interventions in three Western provinces. Conducted 2
      years after start of these efforts, 'non-intense' BCC (niBBC) interventions
      (e.g., radio or TV) were compared to "intense" BCC (iBBC) implemented through a
      set of interpersonal communication strategies such as VMWs, VHVs, mobile
      broadcasting units and listener viewer clubs. RESULTS: In both groups, the
      knowledge of the mode of malaria transmission was high (96.9 vs 97.2 %; p =
      0.83), as well as of fever as a symptom (91.5 vs 93.5 %; p = 0.38). Knowledge of
      local risk factors, such as staying in the forest (39.7 vs 30.7 %; p = 0.17) or
      the farm (7.1 vs 5.1 %; p = 0.40) was low in both groups. Few respondents in
      either group knew that they must get tested if they suspected malaria (0.3 vs
      0.1; p = 0.69). However, iBBC increased the discussions about malaria in the
      family (51.7 vs 35.8 %; p = 0.002) and reported prompt access to treatment in
      case of fever (77.1 vs 59.4 %; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The use of iBCC supported
      positive improvements in both attitudes and behaviours among the population with
      regard to malaria compared to mass media (niBCC) only. The significantly increase
      in people seeking treatment for fever in iBCC villages supports Objective Five of
      the Strategic Plan in the Cambodia Malaria Elimination Action Framework (2016
      2020). Therefore, this study provides evidence for the planning and
      implementation of future BCC interventions to achieve the elimination of
      artemisinin resistant Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

PMID- 27129498
TI  - Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Suppresses LPS-Induced Inhibition of A
      Type Potassium Channel Currents in Caudate Nucleus Neurons Through CB1 Receptor.
AB  - Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of many diseases in the
      central nervous system. Caudate nucleus (CN), the largest nucleus in the brain,
      is also implicated in many neurological disorders. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG),
      the most abundant endogenous cannabinoid, has been shown to exhibit
      neuroprotective effects through its anti-inflammatory action from some
      proinflammatory stimuli. However, the neuroprotective mechanism of 2-AG is
      complex and has not been fully understood. A-type K(+) channels critically
      regulate neuronal excitability and have been demonstrated to be associated with
      some nervous system diseases. The aim of this study was to explore whether A-type
      K(+) channels were involved in neurotoxicity of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and the
      neuroprotective mechanism of 2-AG in CN neurons. Whole cell patch clamp recording
      was used to investigate the influence of LPS on the function of A-type K(+)
      channels and its modulation by 2-AG in primary cultured rat CN neurons. Our
      findings showed that in cultured CN neurons, LPS significantly decreased the A
      type potassium currents (I A) in a voltage-insensitive way. The further data
      demonstrated that an elevation of 2-AG levels by directly applying exogenous 2-AG
      or inhibiting monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) to prevent 2-AG hydrolysis was
      capable of suppressing the LPS-induced inhibition of IA and the action of 2-AG is
      mediated through CB1 receptor-dependant way. The study provides a better
      understanding of inflammation-related neurological disorders and suggests the
      therapeutic potential for 2-AG for the treatment of these diseases. 

PMID- 27129499
TI  - Tocotrienol Treatment in Familial Dysautonomia: Open-Label Pilot Study.
AB  - Familial dysautonomia (FD) is an autosomal recessive congenital neuropathy,
      primarily presented in Ashkenazi Jews. The most common mutation in FD patients
      results from a single base pair substitution of an intronic splice site in the
      IKBKAP gene which disrupts normal mRNA splicing and leads to tissue-specific
      reduction of IKBKAP protein (IKAP). To date, treatment of FD patients remains
      preventative, symptomatic and supportive. Based on previous in vitro evidence
      that tocotrienols, members of the vitamin E family, upregulate transcription of
      the IKBKAP gene, we aimed to investigate whether a similar effects was observed
      in vivo. In the current study, we assessed the effects of tocotrienol treatment
      on FD patients' symptoms and IKBKAP expression in white blood cells. The initial
      daily doses of 50 or 100 mg tocotrienol, doubled after 3 months, was administered
      to 32 FD patients. Twenty-eight FD patients completed the 6-month study. The
      first 3 months of tocotrienol treatment was associated with a significant
      increase in IKBKAP expression level in FD patients' blood. Despite doubling the
      dose after the initial 3 months of treatment, IKBKAP expression level returned to
      baseline by the end of the 6-month treatment. Clinical improvement was noted in
      the reported clinical questionnaire (with regard to dizziness, bloching,
      sweating, number of pneumonia, cough episodes, and walking stability), however,
      no significant effect was observed in any clinical measurements (weight, height,
      oxygen saturation, blood pressure, tear production, histamine test, vibration
      threshold test, nerve conduction, and heart rate variability) following
      Tocotrienol treatment. In conclusion, tocotrienol treatment appears significantly
      beneficial by clinical evaluation for some FD patients in a few clinical
      parameters; however it was not significant by clinical measurements. This open
      label study shows the complexity of effect of tocotrienol treatment on FD
      patients' clinical outcomes and on IKBKAP expression level compared to in vitro
      results. A longitudinal study with an increased sample size is required in the
      future to better understand tocotrienol affect on FD patients. 

PMID- 27129500
TI  - Frameshift Mutations of HSPA4 and MED13 in Gastric and Colorectal Cancers.
AB  - Frameshift mutation of genes containing mononucleotide repeats is a feature of
      gastric (GC) and colorectal cancers (CRC) with microsatellite instability (MSI).
      In the public genome database, we found that human HSPA4 gene encoding a heats
      hock protein 70 protein (HSP70-4) and MED13 gene had mononucleotide repeats in
      the coding sequences that could be targets for frameshift mutation in cancers
      with MSI. HSP70-4 is a member of HSP70 that is known to play a role in cell
      survival. MED13 is a member of MED genome-wide transcription regulators that
      function as a regulator for diverse biological processes. In this study, we
      analyzed the mutations in 79 GCs and 124 CRCs including high MSI (MSI-H) and
      microsatellite stable/low MSI (MSS/MSI-L) cases by single-strand conformation
      polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing. We found frameshift mutations of HSPA4
      gene in two cancers (one GC and one CRC) and MED13 gene in the other two cancers
      (one GC and one CRC). The frameshift mutations were deletions of one base
      (c.2396delA (p.Asn799MetfsX50)) in HSPA4 and (c.2175delA (p.Lys725AsnfsX4)) in
      MED13. Each of HSPA4 and MED13 mutations were detected in GC with MSI-H (1/34:
      2.9 %) and CRC with MSI-H (1/79: 1.3 %), but not in those with MSS. Our data show
      that unconventional HSPA4 and MED13 genes harbored frameshift mutations in GC and
      CRC with MSI. These mutations might possibly inactivate their functions and could
      be a feature of GC and CRC with MSI-H. 

PMID- 27129531
TI  - Production of 10R-hydroxy unsaturated fatty acids from hempseed oil hydrolyzate
      by recombinant Escherichia coli cells expressing PpoC from Aspergillus nidulans.
AB  - The first and second preferred substrates of recombinant Escherichia coli cells
      expressing 10R-dioxygenase (PpoC) from Aspergillus nidulans and the purified
      enzyme were linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, respectively. PpoC in cells
      showed higher thermal and reaction stabilities compared to purified PpoC. Thus,
      10R-hydroxy unsaturated fatty acids were produced from linoleic acid, alpha
      linolenic acid, and hempseed oil hydrolyzate containing linoleic acid and alpha
      linolenic acid as substrates by whole recombinant cells expressing PpoC. The
      optimal reaction conditions for the production of 10R-hydroxy-8E,12Z
      octadecadienoic acid (10R-HODE) were pH 8.0, 30  degrees C, 250 rpm, 5 % (v/v)
      dimethyl sulfoxide, 5 g l(-1) linoleic acid, and 60 g l(-1) cells in 100-ml
      baffled flask. Under these conditions, whole recombinant cells expressing PpoC
      produced 2.7 g l(-1) 10R-HODE from 5 g l(-1) linoleic acid for 40 min, with a
      conversion yield of 54 % (w/w) and a productivity of 4.0 g l(-1) h(-1); produced
      2.2 g l(-1) 10R-hydroxy-8E,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoic acid (10R-HOTrE) from 3 g l(
      1) alpha-linolenic acid for 30 min, with a conversion yield of 72 % (w/w) and a
      productivity of 4.3 g l(-1) h(-1); and produced 1.8 g l(-1) 10R-HODE and 0.5 g l(
      1) 10R-HOTrE from 5 g l(-1) hempseed oil hydrolyzate containing 2.5 g l(-1)
      linoleic acid and 1.0 g l(-1) alpha-linolenic acid for 30 min, with a conversion
      yield of 74 and 51 % (w/w), respectively, and a productivity of 3.6 and 1.0 g l(
      1) h(-1), respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on
      the biotechnological production of 10R-hydroxy unsaturated fatty acids. 

PMID- 27129530
TI  - Characteristics and distribution of Listeria spp., including Listeria species
      newly described since 2009.
AB  - The genus Listeria is currently comprised of 17 species, including 9 Listeria
      species newly described since 2009. Genomic and phenotypic data clearly define a
      distinct group of six species (Listeria sensu strictu) that share common
      phenotypic characteristics (e.g., ability to grow at low temperature, flagellar
      motility); this group includes the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. The other 11
      species (Listeria sensu lato) represent three distinct monophyletic groups, which
      may warrant recognition as separate genera. These three proposed genera do not
      contain pathogens, are non-motile (except for Listeria grayi), are able to reduce
      nitrate (except for Listeria floridensis), and are negative for the Voges
      Proskauer test (except for L. grayi). Unlike all other Listeria species, species
      in the proposed new genus Mesolisteria are not able to grow below 7  degrees C.
      While most new Listeria species have only been identified in a few countries, the
      availability of molecular tools for rapid characterization of putative Listeria
      isolates will likely lead to future identification of isolates representing these
      new species from different sources. Identification of Listeria sensu lato
      isolates has not only allowed for a better understanding of the evolution of
      Listeria and virulence characteristics in Listeria but also has practical
      implications as detection of Listeria species is often used by the food industry
      as a marker to detect conditions that allow for presence, growth, and persistence
      of L. monocytogenes. This review will provide a comprehensive critical summary of
      our current understanding of the characteristics and distribution of the new
      Listeria species with a focus on Listeria sensu lato. 

PMID- 27129532
TI  - Influenza virus intracellular replication dynamics, release kinetics, and
      particle morphology during propagation in MDCK cells.
AB  - Influenza viruses are respiratory pathogens and can cause severe disease. The
      best protection against influenza is provided by annual vaccination. These
      vaccines are produced in embryonated chicken eggs or using continuous animal cell
      lines. The latter processes are more flexible and scalable to meet the growing
      global demand. However, virus production in cell cultures is more expensive.
      Hence, further research is needed to make these processes more cost-effective and
      robust. We studied influenza virus replication dynamics to identify factors that
      limit the virus yield in adherent Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The
      cell cycle stage of MDCK cells had no impact during early infection. Yet, our
      results showed that the influenza virus RNA synthesis levels out already 4 h post
      infection at a time when viral genome segments are exported from the nucleus.
      Nevertheless, virus release occurred at a constant rate in the following 16 h.
      Thereafter, the production of infectious viruses dramatically decreased, but
      cells continued to produce particles contributing to the hemagglutination (HA)
      titer. The majority of these particles from the late phase of infection were
      deformed or broken virus particles as well as large membranous structures
      decorated with viral surface proteins. These changes in particle characteristics
      and morphology need to be considered for the optimization of influenza virus
      production and vaccine purification steps. Moreover, our data suggest that in
      order to achieve higher cell-specific yields, a prolonged phase of viral RNA
      synthesis and/or a more efficient release of influenza virus particles is
      required. 

PMID- 27129533
TI  - Lessons for Rectal Microbicide Development From an Acceptability Trial of a
      Placebo Gel Applied Prior to Receptive Anal Intercourse.
AB  - Rectal microbicides, formulated as a gel to be applied before and/or after
      intercourse, are promising HIV prevention agents and are now in Phase II trials.
      However, both an optimal formulation and a practical delivery system are needed
      to ensure that the target population will use the product once efficacy is
      demonstrated. The precise dynamics of lubricant application by gay and bisexual
      men who practice anal sex and the qualities they seek in these products are
      underexplored. As part of a Phase I microbicide acceptability and adherence study
      conducted in one Puerto Rican and two continental U.S. cities, we recruited 124
      young men who have sex with men (YMSM) with a history of unprotected receptive
      anal intercourse (RAI) and provided them with 40 rectal applicators containing a
      placebo gel to use prior to RAI during a 12-week period as a proxy for an
      eventual rectal microbicide. Ninety-five YMSM completed the trial. Their varied
      preferences as to product viscosity, durability, residue, and mode of application
      provide important lessons for the design of a product that will be satisfactory
      to users. Despite many reservations, the participants used the product frequently
      and found ways to overcome a range of obstacles. A successful rectal microbicide
      product may need to be presented in a range of viscosities to attract a broad
      client base.

PMID- 27129534
TI  - Sexual Networking and Partner Characteristics Among Single, African, Caribbean,
      and Black Youth in Windsor, Ontario.
AB  - The disproportionate HIV burden shared by African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB)
      populations in Canada has not been explained by unique sexual behaviors in this
      population. This study investigates partner selection and sexual networking as
      potential contributors to HIV vulnerability. The study examines variations in the
      characteristics of sexual partners and sexual networking across groups based on
      differences in ethno-religious identity, gender, and length of Canadian residency
      among single, 16- to 27-year old, heterosexual-identified, ACB individuals living
      in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Respondent-driven sampling maximized the
      representativeness of the sample of 250 (45 % male; 55 % female) youth with
      penile-vaginal intercourse experience who completed surveys. Logistic regression
      and analysis of variance compared groups with respect to number of lifetime
      partners, concurrency of sexual relationships, non-relational and age disparate
      partnering, and intra-ethnic sexual networking. For vulnerability associated with
      number of partners, concurrency and non-relational sex, women, newcomers to
      Canada, and African-Muslim participants were at lower vulnerability for HIV
      infection than their comparator groups. For vulnerability associated with sexual
      networking within a group with higher HIV prevalence, women and newcomers to
      Canada were at higher vulnerability to HIV infection than their comparator
      groups. There were insufficient data on age disparate partnering to support
      analysis. These results point to the importance of considering characteristics of
      partners and sexual networking both in further research and in developing
      policies and programs to curtail the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted
      infections.

PMID- 27129535
TI  - Donor-derived tuberculosis in an anesthetist after short-term exposure : An old
      demon transplanted from the past to the present.
AB  - We report a case of a 27-year-old anesthetist who acquired tuberculosis (TB)
      while performing general anesthesia in a renal transplant (RTX) patient who had
      donor-derived contagious TB. The anesthetist developed pleural TB 6 months after
      exposure. Contact investigations (CIs) did not include health care workers (HCWs)
      of the Department of Anesthesiology, thereby missing the opportunity for the
      early diagnosis and treatment of TB. Genomic fingerprinting revealed identical
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT) isolates in the anesthetist and in the RTX
      patient. The recipient had acquired disseminated TB from the harvested renal
      graft. The donor (liver and kidneys), a 67-year-old immigrant, had died from
      brain death by cerebral herniation after a stroke. She had been treated for
      tuberculosis with a pneumectomy 40 years ago. Since that time, she had been
      suffering from latent tuberculous infection (TBI), but had been considered to
      have been cured. 

PMID- 27129536
TI  - Persistent anomaly complicating pacemaker placement.

PMID- 27129537
TI  - Prognostic value of cardiac power output to left ventricular mass in patients
      with left ventricular dysfunction and dobutamine stress echo negative by wall
      motion criteria.
AB  - AIMS: Cardiac power output to left ventricular mass (power/mass) is an index of
      myocardial efficiency reflecting the rate at which cardiac work is delivered with
      respect to the potential energy stored in the left ventricular mass. In the
      present study, we sought to investigate the capability of power/mass assessed at
      peak of dobutamine stress echocardiography to predict mortality in patients with
      ischaemic cardiomyopathy and no inducible ischaemia. METHODS AND RESULTS: One
      hundred eleven patients (95 males; age 68 +/- 10 years) with 35 +/- 7% mean left
      ventricular ejection fraction and a dobutamine stress echocardiography (up to 40
      ug/kg/min) negative by wall motion criteria formed the study population.
      Power/mass at peak stress was obtained as the product of a constant (K = 2.22 *
      10-1) with cardiac output and the mean arterial pressure divided by left
      ventricular mass to convert the units to W/100 g. Patients were followed up for a
      median of 29 months (inter-quartile range 16-72 months). All-cause mortality was
      the only accepted clinical end point. Mean peak-stress power/mass was 0.70 +/-
      0.31 W/100 g. During follow-up, 29 deaths (26%) were registered. With a receiver
      operating characteristic analysis, a peak-stress power/mass <=0.50 W/100 g [area
      under curve 0.72 (95% CI 0.63; 0.80), sensitivity 59%, specificity 80%] was the
      best value for predicting mortality. Univariate prognostic indicators were age,
      male sex, peak-stress ejection fraction, peak-stress stroke volume, peak-stress
      cardiac output, peak-stress cardiac power output <=1.48 W, and peak-stress
      power/mass <=0.50 W/100 g. At multivariate analysis, age (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04;
      1.14; P = 0.004) and peak-stress power/mass <=0.50 W/100 g (HR 4.05, 95% CI 1.36;
      12.00; P = 0.01) provided independent prognostic information. Three-year
      mortality was 14% in patients with peak-stress power/mass >0.50 W/100 g and 47%
      in those with peak-stress power/mass <=0.50 W/100 g (log-rank 20.4; P < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSION: Power/mass assessed at peak of dobutamine stress echocardiography
      allows effective prognostication in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy and
      test result negative by wall motion criteria. In particular, a peak-stress
      power/mass <=50 W/100 g is a strong and multivariable predictor of mortality.

PMID- 27129538
TI  - EACVI appropriateness criteria for the use of cardiovascular imaging in heart
      failure derived from European National Imaging Societies voting.
AB  - This paper presents the first European appropriateness criteria for the use of
      cardiovascular imaging in heart failure, derived from voting of the European
      National Imaging Societies representatives. The paper describes the development
      process and discusses the results. 

PMID- 27129539
TI  - Complete genome sequence and comparative genome analysis of a new special
      Yersinia enterocolitica.
AB  - Yersinia enterocolitica is the most diverse species among the Yersinia genera and
      shows more polymorphism, especially for the non-pathogenic strains. Individual
      non-pathogenic Y. enterocolitica strains are wrongly identified because of
      atypical phenotypes. In this study, we isolated an unusual Y. enterocolitica
      strain LC20 from Rattus norvegicus. The strain did not utilize urea and could not
      be classified as the biotype. API 20E identified Escherichia coli; however, it
      grew well at 25  degrees C, but E. coli grew well at 37  degrees C. We analyzed
      the genome of LC20 and found the whole chromosome of LC20 was collinear with Y.
      enterocolitica 8081, and the urease gene did not exist on the genome which is
      consistent with the result of API 20E. Also, the 16 S and 23 SrRNA gene of LC20
      lay on a branch of Y. enterocolitica. Furthermore, the core-based and pan-based
      phylogenetic trees showed that LC20 was classified into the Y. enterocolitica
      cluster. Two plasmids (80 and 50 k) from LC20 shared low genetic homology with
      pYV from the Yersinia genus, one was an ancestral Yersinia plasmid and the other
      was novel encoding a number of transposases. Some pathogenic and non-pathogenic
      Y. enterocolitica-specific genes coexisted in LC20. Thus, although it could not
      be classified into any Y. enterocolitica biotype due to its special biochemical
      metabolism, we concluded the LC20 was a Y. enterocolitica strain because its
      genome was similar to other Y. enterocolitica and it might be a strain with many
      mutations and combinations emerging in the processes of its evolution. 

PMID- 27129540
TI  - Laparoscopic management of antenatally detected choledochal cyst: a 10-year
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this review was to study the characteristics and the
      outcome of children who underwent laparoscopic management of the antenatally
      detected choledochal cyst. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for all
      children who underwent excision of antenatally detected choledochal cyst and
      hepaticojejunostomy from 2005 to 2015. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (11 females and
      3 males) were included in this study. The mean diameter of the cyst was 5.0 cm
      (range 2-12 cm). The mean age at operation was 3.5 months (range 11 days to 9
      months). The mean body weight was 6.0 kg (range 3.9-10.0 kg). Five patients were
      symptomatic before operation. Laparoscopic excision of choledochal cyst was
      successful in all cases. The distal end of common bile duct (CBD) was cauterized
      in all but two cases. Conversion to open hepaticojejunostomy was required in two
      children. There was no intraoperative complication. Two patients had
      postoperative fever. One patient had minor bile leak that resolved on
      conservative management. The mean operative time was 286 min (range 200-390 min).
      The median hospital stay was 8 days (range 6-25 days). At a median follow-up of
      46 months (range 6-118 months), all patients were freed from cholangitis or
      intestinal obstruction. Symptomatic patients had earlier operation (mean, 1.7 vs.
      4.5 months p = 0.012) and were associated with postnatal increase in cyst size (p
      = 0.023) but were not associated with increased risk of complication or
      conversion (p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic excision of choledochal cyst
      and hepaticojejunostomy could be safety performed in patients with the cyst
      detected antenatally. The distal CBD was usually small and stenotic. Symptomatic
      patients had earlier operation with no increase in morbidity.

PMID- 27129541
TI  - Laparoscopic modified Sugarbaker parastomal hernia repair with 2-point anchoring
      and zigzag tacking of ParietexTM Parastomal Mesh technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ideal mesh and mesh fixation technique for laparoscopic
      Sugarbaker (SB) parastomal hernia repair have not yet been identified. METHODS:
      Sixteen patients with parastomal hernia who underwent laparoscopic modified SB
      repair (LSB) between June 2012 and October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed.
      LSB was performed using a developed standardized 2-point anchoring and zigzag
      tacking of ParietexTM Parastomal Mesh (PCO-PM) technique. RESULTS: Out of 16
      cases, 14 were primary and 2 recurrent hernias; 13 were para-end colostomy and 3
      were para-ileal conduit (PIC) hernias. The median longitudinal and transverse
      diameters of the hernia orifice were 5 cm (2.5-7 cm) and 4.2 cm (2-6 cm),
      respectively. Five cases had a concomitant midline incisional hernia, which was
      simultaneously repaired. In all cases, the mesh was placed without deflection.
      The median operation time was 193 (75-386) min. Perioperative complications
      occurred in two cases (13 %) with PIC, one intra-operatively and the other
      postoperatively. The intra-operative complication was enterotomy close to the
      ureteroenteric anastomosis of the ileal conduit; it was repaired through a mini
      laparotomy. LSB was accomplished without any subsequent postoperative
      complications. The postoperative complication was ureteral obstruction that
      required creation of nephrostomy. Mini-laparotomy was necessary in those two
      cases (13 %) because of intra-operative enterotomy and severe intra-abdominal
      adhesions. The median postoperative length of stay was 9 (5-14) days. No
      recurrence was observed with a median follow-up of 14.5 (2-41) months.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our LSB using standardized mesh fixation technique is safe and
      feasible, and the PCO-PM seems to be the most optimal prosthesis.

PMID- 27129542
TI  - Comparison of the long-term outcomes of robotic radical gastrectomy for gastric
      cancer and conventional laparoscopic approach: a single institutional
      retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robotic gastrectomy (RG) for gastric cancer (GC) has been
      increasingly performed over the last decade. The technical feasibility and safety
      of RG for GC, predominantly early GC, have previously been reported; however, few
      studies have evaluated the oncological outcomes. This study aimed to determine
      the long-term outcomes of RG for GC compared with those of conventional
      laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG). METHODS: Of the 521 consecutive patients with GC
      who underwent radical gastrectomy at our institution between 2009 and 2012, 84
      consecutive patients who underwent RG and 437 patients who received LG were
      enrolled in this study. Long-term outcomes including the 3-year overall survival
      (3yOS) and 3-year recurrence-free survival rates (3yRFS) were examined
      retrospectively. RESULTS: In the RG group, the 3yOS rates stratified by
      pathological stage according to the Japanese classification of gastric carcinoma
      (IA, IB, II, and III) were 94.7, 90.9, 89.5, and 62.5 %, respectively. No
      differences in 3yOS (RG, 86.9 % vs. LG, 88.8 %; p = 0.636) or 3yRFS (RG, 86.9 %
      vs. LG, 86.3 %; p = 0.905) were observed between the groups. 3yOS was strongly
      associated with cancer recurrence within 3 years (p < 0.001), while 3yRFS was
      associated with tumor size >= 30 mm (p < 0.001), clinical stage >= IB (p <
      0.001), estimated blood loss >= 50 mL (p = 0.033), and postoperative pancreatic
      fistula CD grade >= III) (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: RG for GC was feasible and
      safe from the oncological point of view in a cohort including a considerable
      number of patients with advanced GC.

PMID- 27129543
TI  - Anticipation of complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: prediction of
      individual outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complication rates after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy are still up
      to 10 %. Knowledge of individual patient risk profiles could help to reduce
      morbidity. AIM: The aim of this study is to create risk profiles for specific
      complications to anticipate on individual outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Individual patient outcome for a specific post-operative complication was
      assessed from a retrospective database of two major teaching hospitals, using uni
      and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: A total of 4359 patients were included of
      which 346 developed one or more complications (8 %). Five risk profiles were
      found to predict specific complications: older patients (>65 year) are at risk
      for pneumonia (OR 7.0, 95 % CI 3.3-15.0, p < 0.001) and bleeding (OR 2.2, 95 % CI
      1.2-3.9, p = 0.014), patients with acute cholecystitis are at risk for intra
      abdominal abscess (OR 5.9, 95 % CI 3.4-10.1, p < 0.001), bile leakage (OR 3.6, 95
      % CI 2.0-6.6, p < 0.001) and pneumonia (OR 3.5, 95 % CI 1.6-7.6, p < 0.002),
      previous history of cholecystitis is predictive for wound infection (OR 5.1, 95 %
      CI, (2.7-9.7), p < 0.001), intra-abdominal abscess (OR 6.1, 95 % CI 2.8-13.8, p <
      0.001), post-operative bleeding (OR 4.8, 95 % CI 2.1-11.1, p < 0.001), bile
      leakage (OR 7.2, 95 % CI 3.4-15.4, p < 0.001) and pneumonia (OR 3.9, 95 % CI 1.3
      11.9, p = 0.018), pre-operative ERCP is predictive for intra-abdominal abscess
      (OR 3.3, 95 % CI 2.0-5.7, p < 0.001), post-operative bleeding (OR 2.1, 95 % CI
      1.2-3.9, p = 0.058) and pneumonia (OR 3.8, 95 % CI 1.9-7.8, p = 0.001), and
      converted patients are at risk for wound infection (OR 4.0, 95 % CI 2.1-7.7, p <
      0.001) and intra-abdominal abscess (OR 3.5, 95 % CI 1.6-7.7, p = 0.002).
      CONCLUSION: Individual risk prediction of outcome after laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy is feasible. This facilitates individual pre-operative doctor
      patient communication and may tailor surgical strategies.

PMID- 27129544
TI  - Gender differences in both the pathology and surgical outcome of patients with
      esophageal achalasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Esophageal achalasia is a relatively rare disease that occurs usually
      in middle-aged patients. The laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) procedure is the gold
      standard surgical treatment for esophageal achalasia. There are many studies on
      the pathology and surgical outcome of esophageal achalasia from various
      perspectives, but there are no studies on gender differences in both the
      pathology and surgical outcome. AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate gender
      differences in the surgical outcome with the LHD procedure and in the pathology
      of esophageal achalasia patients. METHODS: The study included 474 LHD-treated
      patients who were postoperatively followed up for 6 months or more. The patients
      were divided into 2 groups by gender, to compare the preoperative pathology,
      surgical outcome, symptom scores before and after LHD, symptom score improvement
      frequency, and patient satisfaction with the surgery. RESULTS: The study
      population consisted of 248 male and 226 female, having a mean age of 45.1 years.
      There were no gender differences in the preoperative pathology, but a
      significantly lower BMI (p < 0.0001) and a smaller esophageal dilation (p =
      0.0061) were observed in the female group. The frequency and severity of chest
      pain before the surgery were significantly higher in the female group (p = 0.0117
      and p = 0.0103, respectively), and the improvement in both the frequency and
      severity of chest pain was significantly higher in the female group (p = 0.0005
      and p = 0.003, respectively). No differences were identified in the surgical
      outcomes and postoperative course. The patient satisfaction with the surgery was
      high in both groups and comparable (p = 0.6863). CONCLUSIONS: The female patients
      with esophageal achalasia were characterized by low BMI, less esophageal
      dilation, and increased frequency and severity of chest pain. LHD improved the
      chest pain in the female patients, whereas the surgical outcome and satisfaction
      with the surgery were excellent regardless of gender.

PMID- 27129545
TI  - One-port video-assisted thoracic surgery versus three-port video-assisted
      thoracic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To further understand the effects of video-assisted thoracic surgery
      (VATS) with one-port versus three-port VATS for primary spontaneous pneumothorax
      (PSP). METHODS: In this study, we searched information from the PubMed, Cochrane
      Library, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, China National Knowledge
      Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data databases from inception to September
      2015 to collect data of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies
      about one-port VATS versus three-port VATS for PSP. Two independent authors were
      committed to screen literature, extract data, and assess the risk of bias of
      related studies. Then, we used the RevMan 5.20 software for a meta-analysis of
      one-port VATS versus three-port VATS for PSP. RESULTS: Six cohort studies
      involving 310 patients were finally selected in this meta-analysis. The results
      of our study indicate that one-port VATS had a shorter hospital stay (SMD = 
      0.39, 95 % CI -0.69 to 0.09, P = 0.01), lower VAS score of 24-h post-operative
      pain (SMD = -0.78, 95 % CI -1.40 to -0.52, P < 0.00001), shorter chest drainage
      time (SMD = -0.68, 95 % CI -1.15 to -0.22, P = 0.004), and lower incidence of
      post-operative paraesthesia (OR = 0.13, 95 % CI 0.06 to 0.29, P < 0.00001)
      compared with three-port VATS. However, one-port VATS had a lower patient
      satisfaction score at 24 h (SMD = -0.65, 95 % CI -0.95 to -0.35, P < 0.0001) and
      48 h (SMD = -0.46, 95 % CI -0.71 to -0.21, P = 0.0002). No differences in the
      recurrence of pneumothorax (OR = 0.58, 95 % CI 0.20 to 1.67, P = 0.32), the
      operation time (SMD = 1.01, 95 % CI -4.63 to 2.60, P = 0.58), and the
      satisfaction score at 72 h (SMD = -0.11, 95 % CI -0.44 to 0.22, P < 0.00001) were
      noted between the groups. CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that one-port
      VATS may have certain advantages over three-port VATS for PSP. More large-scale
      and high-quality studies are needed for authentication.

PMID- 27129546
TI  - Face and content validation of a Virtual Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery Trainer
      (VTESTTM).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an
      emerging surgical paradigm, where peritoneal access is achieved through one of
      the natural orifices of the body. It is being reported as a safe and feasible
      surgical technique with significantly reduced external scarring. Virtual
      Translumenal Endoscopic Surgical Trainer (VTESTTM) is the first virtual reality
      simulator for the NOTES. The VTESTTM simulator was developed to train surgeons in
      the hybrid transvaginal NOTES cholecystectomy procedure. The initial version of
      the VTESTTM simulator underwent face validation at the 2013 Natural Orifice
      Surgery Consortium for Assessment and Research (NOSCAR) summit. Several areas of
      improvement were identified as a result, and the corresponding modifications were
      implemented in the simulator. This manuscript outlines the results of the
      subsequent evaluation study, performed in order to assess the face and content
      validity of the latest VTESTTM simulator. METHODS: Twelve subjects participated
      in an institutional review board-approved study that took place at the 2014
      NOSCAR summit. Six of the 12 subjects, who are experts with NOTES experience,
      were used for face and content validation. The subjects performed the hybrid
      transvaginal NOTES cholecystectomy procedure on VTESTTM that included identifying
      the Calot's triangle, clipping and cutting the cystic duct/artery, and detaching
      the gallbladder. The subjects then answered five-point Likert scale feedback
      questionnaires for face and content validity. RESULTS: Overall, subjects rated
      12/15 questions as 3.0 or greater (60 %), for face validity questions regarding
      the realism of the anatomical features, interface, and the tasks. Subjects also
      highly rated the usefulness of the simulator in learning the fundamental NOTES
      technical skills (3.50 +/- 0.84). Content validity results indicate a high level
      of usefulness of the VTESTTM for training prior to operating room experience
      (4.17 +/- 0.75).

PMID- 27129547
TI  - Does experience in hysteroscopy improve accuracy and inter-observer agreement in
      the management of abnormal uterine bleeding?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hysteroscopic reliability may be influenced by the experience of the
      operator and by a lack of morphological diagnostic criteria for endometrial
      malignant pathologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic
      accuracy and the inter-observer agreement (IOA) in the management of abnormal
      uterine bleeding (AUB) among different experienced gynecologists. METHODS: Each
      gynecologist, without any other clinical information, was asked to evaluate the
      anonymous video recordings of 51 consecutive patients who underwent hysteroscopy
      and endometrial resection for AUB. Experts (>500 hysteroscopies), seniors (20-499
      procedures) and junior (<=19 procedures) gynecologists were asked to judge
      endometrial macroscopic appearance (benign, suspicious or frankly malignant).
      They also had to propose the histological diagnosis (atrophic or proliferative
      endometrium; simple, glandulocystic or atypical endometrial hyperplasia and
      endometrial carcinoma). Observers were free to indicate whether the quality of
      recordings were not good enough for adequate assessment. IOA (k coefficient),
      sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and the likelihood ratio were
      calculated. RESULTS: Five expert, five senior and six junior gynecologists were
      involved in the study. Considering endometrial cancer and endometrial atypical
      hyperplasia, sensitivity and specificity were respectively 55.5 % and 84.5 % for
      juniors, 66.6 % and 81.2 % for seniors and 86.6 % and 87.3 % for experts.
      Concerning endometrial macroscopic appearance, IOA was poor for juniors (k =
      0.10) and fair for seniors and experts (k = 0.23 and 0.22, respectively). IOA was
      poor for juniors and experts (k = 0.18 and 0.20, respectively) and fair for
      seniors (k = 0.30) in predicting the histological diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Sensitivity improves with the observer's experience, but inter-observer agreement
      and reproducibility of hysteroscopy for endometrial malignancies are not
      satisfying no matter the level of expertise. Therefore, an accurate and complete
      endometrial sampling is still needed.

PMID- 27129548
TI  - Quantifying inadvertent thermal bowel injury from the monopolar instrument.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulation defects are observed in 3-39 % of laparoscopic
      instruments. Electrosurgical injuries due to insulation defects or capacitive
      coupling remain an issue in laparoscopic surgery with a prevalence of 0.6-5 per
      thousand cases. Shielded instruments with active electrode monitoring (AEM) have
      been postulated to prevent these injuries. The benefit of these instruments has
      not been quantified. Most bowel injuries are unrecognized intra-operatively.
      Injury is revealed only after the patient exhibits peritonitis symptoms and
      surgical intervention to repair the bowel is required. These injuries may result
      in devastating and costly complications or mortality. The extent of bowel injury
      possible with commonly used generator settings and associated energy output has
      never been histologically defined. Our objectives in this experimental study
      were: quantify and compare the energy released through insulation defects or
      capacitive coupling with standard unshielded monopolar versus shielded
      instruments with (AEM), determine energy required to cause a visible burn, and
      relate the histological burn depth to a given amount of energy. METHODS: Ex vivo
      porcine jejunum was used for tissue testing. An oscilloscope measured energy
      output from three common electrosurgical generators at recommended power settings
      with standard or AEM instruments with insulation defects and in capacitive
      coupling scenarios. Presence of a visible burn was noted, and depth of tissue
      damage for a given amount of energy was measured histologically. RESULTS: All
      samples that received >=3.8 J of energy had visible burns. As little as 10 J
      caused full wall thickness burns. 3.8 J was exceeded at the 30- and 50-W power
      settings in every experimental scenario using standard monopolar instruments; AEM
      instruments never approached this much energy. CONCLUSIONS: Serious burn injury
      results from small amounts of energy leaked from standard instruments. AEM
      instruments appeared protective and did not leak sufficient energy to cause burn
      injuries to the bowel.

PMID- 27129549
TI  - Is preoperative withdrawal of aspirin necessary in patients undergoing elective
      inguinal hernia repair?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antiplatelets such as aspirin are widely used to reduce thrombotic
      events in patients with various cardiovascular comorbidities. Continuing aspirin
      through noncardiac surgery has been shown to reduce risk of major adverse cardiac
      events (MACE) but may lead to higher bleeding complications. Inguinal hernia
      repair is a commonly performed surgical procedure among such patients, but no
      guideline exists regarding perioperative use of aspirin. OBJECTIVE: We aim to
      investigate the safety profile of aspirin continuation in the perioperative
      period in patients undergoing elective primary inguinal hernia repair. METHODS:
      All patients who underwent elective primary inguinal hernia repair from 2008 to
      2015 and were on aspirin preoperatively were identified. The patients were
      divided into two groups: those who continued aspirin through the morning of the
      operation and those who were advised to stop aspirin therapy 3-7 days prior to
      operation. All patients underwent either open Lichtenstein mesh repair or
      laparoscopic total extra-peritoneal mesh repair. Outcomes measured include
      intraoperative blood loss, operative time, bleeding complications, wound site
      complications and MACE. RESULTS: Among 1841 patients who underwent elective
      primary inguinal hernia mesh repair, 142 (7.7 %) patients were on preoperative
      aspirin. Fifty-seven patients underwent laparoscopic repair, while 85 underwent
      open mesh repair. Twenty-seven out of fifty-seven (47.3 %) from the laparoscopic
      group and 55/85 (64.7 %) from the open group were instructed to stop aspirin (p =
      0.040). There were no significant differences between those who stopped aspirin
      and those who continued in terms of intraoperative blood loss and operative
      timing. Immediate postoperative bleeding complications and follow-up wound
      complications were also similar between the two groups. Overall, there were no
      MACE among those who underwent laparoscopic repair. Three MACE were recorded in
      the open group (2 stopped vs. 1 continued; p = 0.943). There was no perioperative
      mortality. CONCLUSION: Continuation of aspirin is safe and should be preferred in
      patients with higher cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 27129550
TI  - Needle-knife papillotomy and fistulotomy improved the treatment outcome of
      patients with difficult biliary cannulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Needle-knife papillotomy and fistulotomy (NKPF) is a new,
      modified technique designed for difficult biliary cannulation. The safety and
      efficacy of performing NKPF based on characteristics of main duodenal papilla
      (MDP) was evaluated. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive
      patients with intact papilla who were established as candidates for therapeutic
      ERCP at tertiary referral center. A total of 532 patients were included in
      conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) group in which
      repeated cannulation was tried in patients with difficult bile duct cannulation;
      and 598 patients enrolled in early NKPF group according to predefined parameters.
      Based on the characteristics of MDP, different types of NKPF were performed. The
      endoscopic data (mean procedure time, anatomy of the main papilla), rate of
      cannulation success, and post-ERCP complications were collected. RESULTS: A total
      of 82 patients underwent NKPF. The mean procedure time of the small papilla group
      was longer than bulging papilla group (P < 0.05). The success rate of biliary
      cannulation in the small papilla group (69.3 %) was lower than in the bulging
      papilla group (100 %, P < 0.01). The overall successful biliary cannulation of
      patients in the NKPF group was significantly higher than in the conventional
      group (98.8 vs 90.8 %, P > 0.05). The total complication rate was 6.6 % among
      conventional group patients and 5.7 % among NKPF group, respectively. The overall
      complication rate and rates of specific complications (pancreatitis, bleeding,
      cholangitis, and perforation) in the two groups were similar (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Early NKPF based on characteristics of MDP raised the success rate of
      biliary cannulation when conventional cannulation failed and did not increase the
      complication rate post-ERCP. Clinic Trials. gov number, Hongwei-1102-12.

PMID- 27129551
TI  - Laparoscopic transfistulous bile duct exploration for Mirizzi syndrome type II: a
      simplified standardized technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic treatment is a viable option for Mirizzi syndrome (MS)
      type I, but it is not recommended for MS type II (McSherry classification). We
      introduce laparoscopic transfistulous bile duct exploration (LTBDE) as a
      simplified standardized technique for MS type II. METHODS: Eleven consecutive
      LTBDEs performed by a surgeon for MS type II were analyzed retrospectively,
      including three successful single-incision LTBDEs (SILTBDEs). Transfistulous
      stone removal followed by primary closure of gallbladder remnant and partial
      cholecystectomy was performed. An additional choledochotomy was required in one
      patient. RESULTS: Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and
      operative findings confirmed the diagnosis of MS in five and five patients,
      respectively. Preoperative ultrasound implied the remaining diagnosis. The
      operative time was 270.5 +/- 65.5 min. The stone clearance rate was 100 %. The
      postoperative length of hospital stay was 5.1 +/- 2.2 days. There was no open
      conversion. Overall complications comprised two postoperative transient
      hyperamylasemia (18.2 %) and one superficial wound infection (9.1 %). Compared
      with the other group of 92 patients who underwent laparoscopic bile duct
      exploration, the MS type II group had a significantly younger age, a higher
      jaundice rate, a lower single-incision laparoscopic approach rate, a lower
      choledochotomy rate, longer operative time, a lower postoperative pethidine dose,
      and a longer total length of hospital stay. The average follow-up period was 12.1
      months. CONCLUSIONS: LTBDE is safe and efficacious for MS type II including
      Csendes type IV. A high suspicion of MS is critical. SILTBDE is feasible in
      selected cases. Long-term follow-up is mandatory.

PMID- 27129552
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage versus percutaneous transhepatic
      biliary drainage: predictors of successful outcome in patients who fail
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
      (ERCP) are conventionally offered percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage
      (PTBD). While PTBD is effective, it is associated with catheter-related
      complications, pain, and poor quality of life. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided
      biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is a minimally invasive endoscopic option increasingly
      offered as an alternative to PTBD. We compare outcomes of EUS-BD and PTBD in
      patients with biliary obstruction at a single tertiary care center. METHODS: A
      retrospective review was performed in patients with biliary obstruction who
      underwent EUS-BD or PTBD after failed ERCP from June 2010 through December 2014
      at a single tertiary care center. Patient demographics, procedural data, and
      clinical outcomes were documented for each group. The aim was to compare efficacy
      and safety of EUS-BD and PTBD and evaluate predictors of success. RESULTS: A
      total of 60 patients were included (mean age 67.5 years, 65 % male). Forty-seven
      underwent EUS-BD, and thirteen underwent PTBD. Technical success rates of PTBD
      and EUS-BD were similar (91.6 vs. 93.3 %, p = 1.0). PTBD patients underwent
      significantly more re-interventions than EUS-BD patients (mean 4.9 versus 1.3, p
      < 0.0001), had more late (>24-h) adverse events (53.8 % vs. 6.6 %, p = 0.001) and
      experienced more pain (4.1 vs. 1.9, p = 0.016) post-procedure. In univariate
      analysis, clinical success was lower in the PTBD group (25 vs. 62.2 %, p = 0.03).
      In multivariable logistic regression analysis, EUS-BD was the sole predictor of
      clinical success and long-term resolution (OR 21.8, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION:
      Despite similar technical success rates compared to PTBD, EUS-BD results in a
      lower need for re-intervention, decreased rate of late adverse events, and lower
      pain scores, and is the sole predictor for clinical success and long-term
      resolution. EUS-BD should be the treatment of choice after a failed ERCP.

PMID- 27129553
TI  - Neoplastic Barrett's oesophagus and long-term follow-up after endoscopic therapy:
      complete histological eradication of Barrett associated with high-grade dysplasia
      significantly decreases neoplasia relapse.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endotherapy (ET) has replaced surgery as the first-line
      treatment of high-grade dysplasia (HGD)/superficial ECA (ECAs) from Barrett's
      oesophagus (BO). However, long-term follow-up and predictive factors of relapse
      are not so well studied. The aim of the following study was to evaluate the
      efficiency of ET for treatment of HGD/ECAs and to determine factors of long-term
      efficiency. METHODS: ET procedures were manually reported and registered in a
      hospital data base from March 2000 to July 2010. Inclusion criteria were HGD/ECA
      on pre-resection biopsies, complete histological and sufficient oncological
      resection of HGD/ECAs, and complete macroscopic resection of metaplastic BO.
      Sixty patients (53 men, mean age = 65 years) were included. RESULTS: Median
      follow-up was 66 months [range 42-80]. Complete eradication of residual
      histological metaplastic BO occurred in 29 patients (48 %). Relapse rate at 36
      months was 16.6 % (n = 10) and was unchanged at 60 months of follow-up. There was
      only one relapse (3.4 %) in case of complete eradication of metaplastic BO and 9
      (31 %) in case of incomplete eradication. In univaried and multi-varied analysis,
      complete eradication of metaplastic BO (p < 0.05) and BO length <5 cm (p < 0.05)
      were predictive of neoplastic BO non relapse. The length of BO remained a
      prognostic factor for disease-free survival (DFS). When these preponderant data
      were cancelled out in multi-varied analysis, complete eradication of BO was a
      prognostic factor for DFS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Complete histological
      eradication of BO by ET significantly decreases the rate of neoplasia relapse.

PMID- 27129556
TI  - Pure laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy via anterior approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In open hepatectomy ear, right hemihepatectomy via anterior approach
      has been accepted as one of the standard methods in some specialized centers.
      However, pure laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy by anterior approach is
      technically demanding [1-5]. Here, we described the technique of pure
      laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy via anterior approach. METHODS: We performed
      three pure laparoscopic right hemihepatectomies via anterior approach between
      2013 and 2014. This video illustrated this procedure steps in a 32 years old male
      with hepatocellular carcinoma. Right hemihepatectomy was performed after
      hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion using the lowering of the hilar plate
      approach [6]. The hepatic parenchyma transection via anterior approach was
      performed with Ligasure, ultrasound scalpel and bipolar electrocoagulation. The
      right hepatic vein was divided with an endoscopic vascular stapler. Thereafter,
      mobilization of the right liver was performed. RESULTS: The operation time was
      240 min, and the blood loss was 150 ml. The recovery was uneventful and the
      patient discharged on postoperative day 8. The pathology was hepatocellular
      carcinoma with vascular invasion and also satellites foci adjacent to the main
      tumor. The resection margin was negative. CONCLUSION: Pure laparoscopic right
      hemihepatectomy via anterior approach was safe and feasible.

PMID- 27129555
TI  - Safety and efficacy of single-stage conversion of failed adjustable gastric band
      to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We conducted the following study to evaluate the safety and efficacy
      of single-stage conversion of failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB)
      to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) as compared to a cohort of
      primary LRYGB patients. METHODS: A single-institution, prospectively maintained
      bariatric database was used to retrospectively identify consecutive patients who
      underwent single-stage removal of LAGB with concomitant conversion to LRYGB
      between the years of 2007 and 2013. The study cohort was matched 1:1 for age,
      gender, body mass index (BMI), and approximate date of operation to patients who
      underwent primary LRYGB. Primary endpoints were operative time, complication
      rate, length of hospital stay (LOS), and percent excess BMI lost (%EBMIL) at 24
      month follow-up. RESULTS: Ninety-four conversion patients met inclusion criteria.
      There were no statistically significant differences in the mean LOS (3.1 vs. 3.0
      days, p = 0.97) or the major complication rate (3.2 vs. 1.1 %, p = 0.62) at 30
      days postoperatively. Likewise, 30-day minor complication rates, including
      readmission, were similar between groups (7.5 vs. 6.4 %, p = 0.77). The average
      operative time was significantly longer for conversion compared to primary LRYGB
      (193.5 vs. 132 min; p < 0.01). At most recent follow-up after conversion or
      primary LRYGB, median %EBMIL was 61.3 and 77.3 % (p < 0.01), percent total weight
      loss was 23.6 and 30.5 % (p < 0.01), and percent change in BMI was 23.4 and 30.5
      % (p < 0.01), respectively. Median follow-up time was 17 and 18.6 months after
      conversion and primary LRYGB, respectively. CONCLUSION: Single-stage conversion
      of LAGB to LRYGB is safe with an acceptable complication rate and similar LOS
      compared to primary LRYGB.

PMID- 27129554
TI  - A novel retractable laparoscopic device for mapping gastrointestinal slow wave
      propagation patterns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastric slow waves regulate peristalsis, and gastric dysrhythmias
      have been implicated in functional motility disorders. To accurately define slow
      wave patterns, it is currently necessary to collect high-resolution serosal
      recordings during open surgery. We therefore developed a novel gastric slow wave
      mapping device for use during laparoscopic procedures. METHODS: The device
      consists of a retractable catheter constructed of a flexible nitinol core coated
      with Pebax. Once deployed through a 5-mm laparoscopic port, the spiral head is
      revealed with 32 electrodes at 5 mm intervals. Recordings were validated against
      a reference electrode array in pigs and tested in a human patient. RESULTS:
      Recordings from the device and a reference array in pigs were identical in
      frequency (2.6 cycles per minute; p = 0.91), and activation patterns and
      velocities were consistent (8.9 +/- 0.2 vs 8.7 +/- 0.1 mm s-1; p = 0.2). Device
      and reference amplitudes were comparable (1.3 +/- 0.1 vs 1.4 +/- 0.1 mV; p =
      0.4), though the device signal-to-noise ratio was higher (17.5 +/- 0.6 vs 12.8 +/
      0.6 dB; P < 0.0001). In the human patient, corpus slow waves were recorded and
      mapped (frequency 2.7 +/- 0.03 cycles per minute, amplitude 0.8 +/- 0.4 mV,
      velocity 2.3 +/- 0.9 mm s-1). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the novel laparoscopic
      device achieves high-quality serosal slow wave recordings. It can be used for
      laparoscopic diagnostic studies to document slow wave patterns in patients with
      gastric motility disorders.

PMID- 27129557
TI  - Robot-assisted hepatectomy and complete excision of the extrahepatic bile duct
      for type IV-A choledochal cysts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complete removal of the dilated biliary tree is regarded as
      inevitable in choledochal cysts due to its malignant potential. However,
      technical difficulty and the high risk of postoperative complications as well as
      the various presentations of the disease make the surgical options for type IV-A
      cysts challenging and controversial. We report the first case of a type IV-A
      choledochal cyst treated using a robot-assisted approach. PATIENT AND METHODS: A
      41-year-old healthy female was admitted with intrahepatic and extrahepatic cysts
      incidentally found on routine checkup. Preoperative image studies showed two
      large cystic dilatations of the main biliary tract at the hilum and distal common
      bile duct as well as multiple cystic dilatations of the left intrahepatic duct.
      Anomalous pancreatico-biliary duct union was also found. The mid common bile duct
      was transected first, and the distal cystic bile duct of the intrapancreatic
      portion was resected at the junction with the pancreatic duct. The hilar cyst
      involved the right intrahepatic portion; therefore, liver resection proceeded to
      the right lobe, removing the caudate lobe. The right anterior and posterior
      hepatic ducts were securely isolated and resected with the help of real-time
      fluorescent imaging using an ICG. Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed
      intracorporeally. RESULT: The total operation time was 540 min. The estimated
      amount of intraoperative bleeding was 750 ml. No blood transfusion was given. CT
      on postoperative day 6 showed no complications. Pathologic examination was
      accorded in choledochal cysts without evidence of malignancy. The patient was
      discharged on postoperative day 7 in good condition. CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy and
      complete excision of the extrahepatic bile duct for type IV-A choledochal cysts
      requires fine and delicate surgical techniques. The wrist-like movement of the
      working instruments and the firefly imaging of the robot surgical system allowed
      this advanced minimally invasive surgery to be successfully performed on this
      patient.

PMID- 27129558
TI  - Transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy in the
      management of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a matched-pair comparison
      based on perioperative outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radical nephroureterectomy is considered as the gold standard for the
      surgical treatment of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).
      Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy (LNU) can be performed via the
      transperitoneal (TLNU) or retroperitoneal (RLNU) approach, and each one has its
      own advantages and limitations. Our study was conducted to describe the
      difference between TLNU and RLNU by comparing the perioperative outcomes.
      METHODS: From January 2009 to October 2014, 68 patients underwent TLNU or RLNU at
      our center were retrospectively collected and 1:1 matched for age, body mass
      index and tumor side. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were
      evaluated and compared, respectively. RESULTS: There were no significant
      differences between the TLNU and RLNU group in terms of baseline characteristics,
      operating time, estimated blood loss, visual analogue pain scale, cosmetic
      results, intraoperative and postoperative complication rate. Compared to TLNU
      approach, RLNU was associated with a quicker time to first oral intake (2.9 vs
      2.0 days, p = 0.02) and hospital discharge (6.7 vs 5.6 days, p = 0.02).
      CONCLUSION: Both transperitoneal and retroperitoneal laparoscopic approaches are
      safe and effective methods for treatment of UTUC. Retroperitoneal approach has
      the advantage in terms of quicker bowel recovery and shorter hospital discharge.

PMID- 27129559
TI  - Single hospital visit day case laparoscopic hernia repair without prior
      outpatient consultation is safe and acceptable to patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For some common conditions, pre-operative clinic visits are often of
      little value to the patient or surgeon with transfer to the waiting list being
      predictable. In response to local patient feedback, we introduced a single
      hospital visit laparoscopic hernia surgery pathway with focus on informed
      consent, patient-reported outcomes and post-operative interaction with primary
      care services. METHODS: A single hospital visit service for elective hernia
      repairs was created. Patients were not excluded on age, BMI or co-morbidity.
      Following referral, patients were telephoned by a surgeon. If considered
      appropriate, a symptom assessment tool, procedure information and consent form
      were sent. All patients were operated without attending clinic or pre-operative
      assessment. Surgeon-led telephone follow-up was made at either 2 or 7 days post
      operatively and patient satisfaction assessed at 3 months. RESULTS: A total of
      517 patients were referred for single-stop surgery between 2012 and 2015. Median
      age was 58 (range 20-92), 91 % were male, and mean BMI was 25.6 (17.4-52.0). No
      patient refused the single-visit pathway. Single-stop patients had higher
      knowledge questionnaire scores (mean 16 vs. 10, p = 0.01) than patients who had
      attended clinic. Nine (1.7 %) were requested to attend clinic to confirm
      diagnosis, and three (0.8 %) were cancelled by their surgeon on the operative
      day. A total of 393 hernia repairs (331 TEP, 63 open) were performed under
      general anaesthetic. 92 % were discharged on day zero. Telephone follow-up day
      two rather than seven decreased attendance to primary care services (25 % vs. 57
      %, p = 0.001). At 3 months, 95 % were satisfied and symptom scores were reduced
      (median 5-0, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Single-visit surgery appears to extend the
      patient benefits of laparoscopy by reducing hospital visits without compromising
      safety. Single hospital visit hernia surgery for unselected primary care
      referrals is possible and acceptable to patients.

PMID- 27129561
TI  - Effect of minimally invasive surgery fellowship on residents' operative
      experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is an increased need for surgical trainees to acquire
      advanced laparoscopic skills as laparoscopy becomes the standard of care in many
      areas of general surgery. Since the introduction of minimally invasive surgery
      (MIS) fellowships, there has been a continuing debate as to whether these
      fellowships adversely affect general surgery resident exposure to laparoscopic
      cases. The aim of our study was to examine whether the introduction of an MIS
      fellowship negatively impacts general surgery residents' experience at a single
      academic center. METHODS: We describe the changes following establishment of MIS
      fellowship at an academic center. Resident case log system from the Accreditation
      Council for Graduate Medical Education was queried to obtain all PGY 1-5 resident
      operative case logs. Two-year time period preceding and following the institution
      of an MIS fellowship at our institution in 2012 was compared. P values less than
      0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Following initiation of
      the MIS fellowship, an MIS service was established. The service comprised of a
      fellow, midlevel resident, and intern. Operative experience was examined. From
      2010-2012 to 2012-2014, residents logged a total of 272 and 585 complex
      laparoscopic cases, respectively. There were 43 residents from 2010 to 2013 and
      44 residents from 2013 to 2014. When the two time periods were compared, a trend
      of increased numbers for all procedures was noted, except laparoscopic GYN/genito
      urinary procedures. Average percent increase in complex general surgery
      procedures was 249 +/- 179.8 %. Following establishment of a MIS fellowship,
      reported cases by residents were higher or similar to those reported nationally
      for laparoscopic procedures. CONCLUSION: Institution of an MIS fellowship had a
      favorable effect on general surgery resident operative education at a single
      academic training center. Residents may benefit from the presence of a fellowship
      at an academic center because they are able to participate in an increased number
      of complex laparoscopic cases.

PMID- 27129560
TI  - Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer patients who underwent previous
      abdominal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery may be impeded by intraperitoneal
      adhesions caused by previous abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to
      determine the effect of previous abdominal surgery on short- and long-term
      outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      3188 patients with primary colorectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic
      colorectal surgery between January 2004 and December 2013. Patients with a
      history of abdominal surgery (n = 593, 18.6 %) were compared to those without
      such history (n = 2595, 81.4 %). RESULTS: Patients who had undergone previous
      abdominal surgery exhibited acceptable intraoperative outcomes, including
      conversion to open surgery, operative time, estimated blood loss, and the number
      of harvested lymph nodes. Overall, postoperative complication rates were similar
      between the groups (10.8 vs. 10.6 %, p = 0.885). Subgroup analysis revealed that
      patients with history of major abdominal surgery (n = 165) had higher rates of
      conversion to open surgery (4.2 vs. 1.7 %, p = 0.033), prolonged postoperative
      ileus (5.5 vs. 2.0 %, p = 0.008), and wound complications (4.2 vs. 1.2 %, p =
      0.006), when compared to those without prior abdominal surgery. Previous major
      abdominal surgery was an independent risk factor for conversion to open surgery
      [adjusted odds ratio = 2.740; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.197-6.269]. Disease
      free survival [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.847; 95 % CI 0.532-1.346] and
      overall survival (adjusted HR = 0.846; 95 % CI 0.432-1.657) were not observed to
      differ between the previous major abdominal surgery group and those without
      previous abdominal surgery. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery in
      patients with a history of abdominal surgery exhibited acceptable short- and long
      term outcomes. Patients with a history of previous abdominal surgery had
      relatively higher rate of conversion to open surgery as well as higher incidences
      of prolonged postoperative ileus and wound complications compared to patients
      without such history.

PMID- 27129562
TI  - Laparoscopic management of large hiatus hernia: five-year cohort study and
      comparison of mesh-augmented versus standard crura repair.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate objective and subjective outcomes of patients undergoing
      laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia, either with or without resorbable
      mesh augmentation. The primary outcome of the study was anatomical recurrence
      rate as measured by endoscopy. Secondary outcomes were safety, efficacy, and long
      term quality of life. METHODS: This was an observational cohort study. Patients
      who underwent laparoscopic repair of large (>=5 cm) type III hiatal hernia were
      included. Criteria of exclusion were previously failed hiatus hernia repair and
      emergency procedures. Patients were stratified into mesh group (mesh-augmented
      crura repair plus fundoplication) and non-mesh group (standard crura repair plus
      fundoplication). Preoperative and postoperative symptoms were assessed using the
      GERD-HRQL questionnaire. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was routinely performed
      between 6 and 12 months postoperatively and was repeated over the follow-up every
      1-2 years or as needed. Anatomical hernia recurrence was defined as the maximum
      vertical length of stomach being at least 2 cm above the diaphragm. RESULTS: A
      total of 84 patients, 41 in the mesh group and 43 in the non-mesh group, operated
      between October 2009 and October 2014, were included in the study. All surgical
      procedures were completed laparoscopically. The median follow-up was 24 (IQR 29)
      months. There were 12 endoscopic recurrences, 4 in the mesh group and 8 in the
      non-mesh group. The five-year recurrence-free probability was similar in the two
      groups, but an earlier failure rate was noted in the non-mesh group at 12 months
      (p = 0.299). Three of the 12 patients with anatomical recurrence were symptomatic
      but did not require a reoperation. Univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis
      indicated that Toupet fundoplication may reduce the recurrence rate compared to
      Nissen fundoplication. No mesh-related complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS:
      Laparoscopic repair of large hiatal hernia is effective and durable. Crura
      reinforcement with a resorbable synthetic mesh is safe and may protect from early
      anatomical recurrence.

PMID- 27129564
TI  - Erratum to: Laparoscopic splenectomy is a better surgical approach for spleen
      relevant disorders: a comprehensive meta-analysis based on 15-year literatures.

PMID- 27129563
TI  - Techniques and short-term outcomes for total minimally invasive Ivor Lewis
      esophageal resection in distal esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers:
      pooled data from six European centers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Esophagectomy for cancer can be performed in a two-stage procedure
      with an intrathoracic anastomosis: the Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. A growing
      incidence of distal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas and increasing
      use of minimally invasive techniques have prompted interest in this procedure.
      The aim of this study was to assess short-term results of minimally invasive Ivor
      Lewis esophagectomy (MIE-IL). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed
      from June 2007 until September 2014, including patients that underwent MIE-IL for
      distal esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancer in six different hospitals
      in the Netherlands and Spain. Data were collected with regard to operative
      techniques, pathology and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In total, 282
      patients underwent MIE-IL, of which 90.2 % received neoadjuvant therapy.
      Anastomotic leakage was observed in 43 patients (15.2 %), of whom 13 patients
      (4.6 %) had empyema, necessitating thoracotomy for decortication. With an
      aggressive treatment of complications, the 30-day and in-hospital mortality rate
      was 2.1 %. An R0-resection was obtained in 92.5 % of the patients. After
      neoadjuvant therapy, 20.1 % of patients had a complete response. CONCLUSIONS:
      Minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for distal esophageal and
      gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas is an upcoming approach for reducing
      morbidity caused by laparotomy and thoracotomy. Anastomotic leakage rate is still
      high possibly due to technical diversity of anastomotic techniques, and a high
      percentage of patients treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. An aggressive
      approach to complications leads to a low mortality of 2.1 %. Further improvement
      and standardization in the anastomotic technique are needed in order to perform a
      safe intrathoracic anastomosis.

PMID- 27129565
TI  - Augmented reality in gynecologic surgery: evaluation of potential benefits for
      myomectomy in an experimental uterine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that can allow a surgeon to
      see subsurface structures. This works by overlaying information from another
      modality, such as MRI and fusing it in real time with the endoscopic images. AR
      has never been developed for a very mobile organ like the uterus and has never
      been performed for gynecology. Myomas are not always easy to localize in
      laparoscopic surgery when they do not significantly change the surface of the
      uterus, or are at multiple locations. OBJECTIVE: To study the accuracy of myoma
      localization using a new AR system compared to MRI-only localization. METHODS:
      Ten residents were asked to localize six myomas (on a uterine model into a
      laparoscopic box) when either using AR or in conditions that simulate a standard
      method (only the MRI was available). Myomas were randomly divided in two groups:
      the control group (MRI only, AR not activated) and the AR group (AR activated).
      Software was used to automatically measure the distance between the point of
      contact on the uterine surface and the myoma. We compared these distances to the
      true shortest distance to obtain accuracy measures. The time taken to perform the
      task was measured, and an assessment of the complexity was performed. RESULTS:
      The mean accuracy in the control group was 16.80 mm [0.1-52.2] versus 0.64 mm
      [0.01-4.71] with AR. In the control group, the mean time to perform the task was
      18.68 [6.4-47.1] s compared to 19.6 [3.9-77.5] s with AR. The mean score of
      difficulty (evaluated for each myoma) was 2.36 [1-4] versus 0.87 [0-4],
      respectively, for the control and the AR group. DISCUSSION: We developed an AR
      system for a very mobile organ. This is the first user study to quantitatively
      evaluate an AR system for improving a surgical task. In our model, AR improves
      localization accuracy.

PMID- 27129566
TI  - Decreased risk of surgery for small bowel obstruction after laparoscopic colon
      cancer surgery compared with open surgery: a nationwide cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of surgical approach on the incidence of small bowel
      obstruction (SBO) is unclear. The aim of the current study was to analyze the
      long-term risk of surgery for SBO after open and laparoscopic surgery and to
      assess how subsequent SBO surgery impacts on mortality after colonic cancer
      resection. METHODS: This was a nationwide cohort study of patients undergoing
      elective colonic cancer resection with primary anastomosis in Denmark between
      2001 and 2008. All included patients were operated with curative intent. Patients
      were identified in the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database and followed
      through May 2014 in the Danish National Patient Register. The primary endpoint
      was surgery for SBO. Secondarily, mortality among patients who subsequently
      underwent SBO surgery and those who did not was compared. RESULTS: Among the 8583
      included patients, 251 (2.9 %) underwent surgery for SBO during follow-up (median
      8.8 years). The 3-year cumulative incidence of SBO surgery was 1.5 %; 1.2 % after
      laparoscopic and 1.6 % after open surgery. Laparoscopic surgery was associated
      with a decreased risk of SBO (hazard ratio [HR] 0.61 (CI 0.37 to 0.99, P = 0.048)
      compared with open surgery. The HR for mortality after colonic resection was 2.54
      (CI 1.91 to 3.38, P < 0.001) for patients who underwent subsequent SBO surgery as
      compared to those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery for colonic
      cancer was associated with a decreased risk of subsequent SBO surgery compared
      with open surgery. Further, subsequent SBO surgery was associated with increased
      mortality after colonic cancer resection.

PMID- 27129567
TI  - Laparoscopic Puestow: lateral pancreaticojejunostomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic pancreatitis is a painful inflammatory disease that leads
      to progressive and irreversible destruction of pancreatic parenchyma [1]. A
      lateral pancreaticojejunostomy, also known as the Puestow procedure, is performed
      for symptomatic chronic pancreatitis associated with a dilated pancreatic duct
      secondary to calcifications or strictures [4]. An open approach is used
      traditionally due to the complexity of the case, and there have only been a
      handful of laparoscopic case reports [2]. This video depicts a laparoscopic
      lateral pancreaticojejunostomy for chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: A 45-year-old
      gentleman with a 20-year history of chronic alcohol abuse presented with diffuse
      abdominal pain. His pain was worse postprandially and associated with loose
      stools. A computed tomography scan revealed multiple calcified deposits within
      the body and tail of the pancreas, and a dilated pancreatic duct measuring 1.4 cm
      with a proximal obstructing calcified stone. A 5-port foregut technique was used,
      and a 15-cm pancreatic ductotomy was performed with an ultrasonic scalpel.
      Calcified stones were cleared from the duct, and a roux-en-y
      pancreaticojejunostomy was performed using a hand-sewn technique. RESULTS: The
      patient had a relatively uncomplicated hospital course with return of bowel
      function on postoperative day 4. His patient-controlled analgesic device was
      discontinued on post operative day 3. He was ambulating, tolerating a regular
      diet and discharged home on postoperative day 5. At 12- and 26-month follow-up,
      he remains off narcotics, but still requires 1-2 tabs of pancreatic enzyme
      replacement per meal. Most importantly, he has not had any alcohol for over 2
      years. CONCLUSION: The two primary goals in treating chronic pancreatitis include
      long-term pain relief and improvements in quality of life [3]. For patients with
      chronic pancreatitis and a dilated pancreatic duct, a laparoscopic lateral
      pancreaticojejunostomy may be an effective approach to decrease pain and improve
      quality of life.

PMID- 27129568
TI  - Laparoscopic repair of hiatus hernia: Does mesh type influence outcome? A meta
      analysis and European survey study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Synthetic mesh (SM) has been used in the laparoscopic repair of
      hiatus hernia but remains controversial due to reports of complications, most
      notably esophageal erosion. Biological mesh (BM) has been proposed as an
      alternative to mitigate this risk. The aim of this study is to establish the
      incidence of complications, recurrence and revision surgery in patients following
      suture (SR), SM or BM repair and undertake a survey of surgeons to establish a
      perspective of current practice. METHODS: An electronic search of EMBASE, MEDLINE
      and Cochrane database was performed. Pooled odds ratios (PORs) were calculated
      for discrete variables. To survey current practice an online questionnaire was
      sent to emails registered to the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery.
      RESULTS: Nine studies were included, comprising 676 patients (310 with SR, 214
      with SM and 152 with BM). There was no significant difference in the incidence of
      complications with mesh compared to SR (P = 0.993). Mesh significantly reduced
      overall recurrence rates compared to SR [14.5 vs. 24.5 %; POR = 0.36 (95 % CI
      0.17-0.77); P = 0.009]. Overall recurrence rates were reduced in the SM compared
      to BM groups (12.6 vs. 17.1 %), and similarly compared to the SR group, the POR
      for recurrence was lower in the SM group than the BM group [0.30 (95 % CI 0.12
      0.73); P = 0.008 vs. 0.69 (95 % CI 0.26-1.83); P = 0.457]. Regarding surgical
      technique 503 survey responses were included. Mesh reinforcement of the crura was
      undertaken by 67 % of surgeons in all or selected cases with 67 % of these
      preferring synthetic mesh to absorbable mesh. One-fifth of the respondents had
      encountered mesh erosion in their career. CONCLUSIONS: Both SM and BM reduce
      rates of recurrence compared to SR, with SM proving most effective. Surgical
      practice is varied, and there remains insufficient evidence regarding the optimum
      technique for the repair of hiatal hernia.

PMID- 27129569
TI  - Endoloops or endostapler use in laparoscopic appendectomy for acute uncomplicated
      and complicated appendicitis : No difference in infectious complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most appropriate closure for the appendicular stump with either
      endoloops or an endostapler in laparoscopic appendectomy remains unclear and
      under debate because of limited and conflicting evidence. METHODS: In a 2-month
      prospective, observational, resident-led nationwide cohort study, patients
      undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for both uncomplicated and complicated
      appendicitis were analysed. Logistic regression analyses were performed for
      identifying the possible effect of stump closure type and other risk factors for
      infectious complications. RESULTS: Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute
      appendicitis was performed in 1369 patients in 62 hospitals; endoloops were used
      in 76.7 % and an endostapler in other patients. Median operating time was not
      different between endoloop and endostapler use (42.0 vs. 44.0 min, P = 0.243). A
      superficial surgical site infection was seen in 2.0 % after uncomplicated
      appendicitis and in 0.8 % after complicated appendicitis. The intra-abdominal
      abscess rate was 1.9 % after uncomplicated and 11.0 % after complicated
      appendicitis. No significant effect of stump closure type was observed for any
      infectious complication (OR 1.05; 95 % CI 0.625-1.766, P = 0.853) or an intra
      abdominal abscess (OR OR 0.96; 95 % CI 0.523-1.768, P = 0.899). In multivariable
      analysis, complicated appendicitis was identified as the only independent risk
      factor for an intra-abdominal abscess (OR 6.26; 95 % CI 3.454-11.341, P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The infectious complication rate is not influenced by the type of
      appendicular stump closure with either endoloops or an endostapler in this study.
      If technically feasible, closure with endoloops is advised for cost
      considerations.

PMID- 27129570
TI  - Esophagogastric junction distensibility is greater following Toupet compared to
      Nissen fundoplication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of antireflux surgery is to create a competent antireflux
      valve at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). The two most common types of
      fundoplications constructed are the 360 degrees  Nissen and the 270 degrees 
      Toupet. We sought to determine whether there was a significant difference in
      distensibility at the EGJ based on fundoplication geometry (full vs. partial).
      METHODS: This is a retrospective review of prospective data. All subjects
      underwent laparoscopic fundoplication over a 47-month period for primary GERD or
      failed fundoplication. An endoluminal functional luminal-imaging probe
      (EndoFLIP(r)) was used to assess EGJ distensibility intraoperatively. Minimum
      esophageal diameter (D min), cross-sectional area (CSA), and distensibility index
      (DI) were measured at 30- and 40-mL balloon distension volumes prior to abdominal
      insufflation, after hiatal dissection, and following fundoplication. DI is
      defined as the narrowest CSA divided by the corresponding pressure expressed in
      mm2/mmHg. Analysis was conducted to compare distensibility metrics based on the
      type of fundoplication constructed (Nissen or Toupet). As a secondary outcome, we
      sought to determine whether there was a difference in distensibility of the EGJ
      prior to surgery in patients with primary GERD as opposed to those with recurrent
      GERD after a failed fundoplication. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients underwent
      fundoplications during the study interval. There were 44 primary and 31
      reoperative fundoplications. Nissen fundoplication was constructed in 45 and
      Toupet in 30. Based on the distensibility index, the EGJ distensibility
      significantly decreased from prior to surgery to following fundoplication in all
      patients. Patients undergoing reoperative antireflux surgery had an initial DI at
      the EGJ similar to that of patients with primary GERD. Following Toupet, the EGJ
      was significantly more distensible than that after Nissen fundoplication.
      CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic fundoplication results in decreased EGJ distensibility
      in patients with GERD. The EGJ following partial fundoplication is significantly
      more distensible than that after a full fundoplication.

PMID- 27129571
TI  - Effects of preoperative ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block on
      pain after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: a double-blind randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic colorectal surgery decreases postoperative pain
      and facilitates a speedier recovery compared with laparotomy, postoperative pain
      at trocar insertion sites remains a clinical concern. The objective of this study
      was to assess the effects of a preoperative ultrasound-guided transversus
      abdominis plane (TAP) block on pain after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal
      cancer. METHODS: In total, 58 patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic surgery
      following a diagnosis of colorectal cancer were included in this study. The
      patients were randomized into TAP and control groups; the TAP group patients
      received a preoperative ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block with 0.5 mL/kg of
      0.25 % bupivacaine, while the control patients received the block with an equal
      amount of saline. Pain on coughing and at rest was assessed during postanesthetic
      recovery (PAR; 1 h after surgery) and on postoperative days (PODs) 1 (24 h), 2
      (48 h), and 3 (72 h) by an investigator blinded to group allocations using the
      numeric rating scale (NRS). The primary outcome was pain on coughing on
      postoperative day (POD) 1. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were included in the
      final analysis, including 28 in the TAP and 27 in the control groups. The pain
      intensity on coughing and at rest during PAR and on PODs 1, 2, and 3 showed no
      significant differences between groups. Furthermore, there was no significant
      difference in postoperative opioid consumption, sedation scores, nausea scores at
      the four time points, complication rates, and length of hospital stay between
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: In colorectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic
      colorectal surgery, a TAP block did not offer enough benefit for clinical
      efficacy in terms of postoperative pain or analgesic consumption.

PMID- 27129574
TI  - Erratum to: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Youth Violence
      Prevention Centers: Paving the Way to Prevention.

PMID- 27129573
TI  - Coping Power Adapted as Universal Prevention Program: Mid Term Effects on
      Children's Behavioral Difficulties and Academic Grades.
AB  - Aggressive behaviors in schools have the potential to cause serious harm to
      students' emotional and social well-being and to limit their ability to achieve
      their full academic potential. Prevention programs developed to reduce children's
      aggressive behaviors in school settings can provide interventions at a universal
      or targeted level. The main aim of our randomized control study was to examine
      the efficacy of Coping Power, adapted as a universal prevention program, in
      reducing children's behavioral problems and improving school grades. Nine classes
      participated (184 students, mean age 91 months) from two elementary state schools
      in Tuscany, Italy. Study findings showed a significant reduction in behavioral
      problems and an improvement in school grades for the intervention classes
      relative to the control classes. This study suggests the Coping Power program can
      be delivered in school settings at both universal and targeted prevention levels,
      and that in this multi-tiered prevention model, teachers, educators and school
      psychologists can learn a set of intervention skills which can be delivered with
      flexibility, thus reducing some of the complexity and costs of schools using
      multiple interventions. 

PMID- 27129572
TI  - Unremarked or Unperformed? Systematic Review on Reporting of Validation Efforts
      of Health Economic Decision Models in Seasonal Influenza and Early Breast Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transparent reporting of validation efforts of health economic models
      give stakeholders better insight into the credibility of model outcomes. In this
      study we reviewed recently published studies on seasonal influenza and early
      breast cancer in order to gain insight into the reporting of model validation
      efforts in the overall health economic literature. METHODS: A literature search
      was performed in Pubmed and Embase to retrieve health economic modelling studies
      published between 2008 and 2014. Reporting on model validation was evaluated by
      checking for the word validation, and by using AdViSHE (Assessment of the
      Validation Status of Health Economic decision models), a tool containing a
      structured list of relevant items for validation. Additionally, we contacted
      corresponding authors to ask whether more validation efforts were performed other
      than those reported in the manuscripts. RESULTS: A total of 53 studies on
      seasonal influenza and 41 studies on early breast cancer were included in our
      review. The word validation was used in 16 studies (30 %) on seasonal influenza
      and 23 studies (56 %) on early breast cancer; however, in a minority of studies,
      this referred to a model validation technique. Fifty-seven percent of seasonal
      influenza studies and 71 % of early breast cancer studies reported one or more
      validation techniques. Cross-validation of study outcomes was found most often. A
      limited number of studies reported on model validation efforts, although good
      examples were identified. Author comments indicated that more validation
      techniques were performed than those reported in the manuscripts. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although validation is deemed important by many researchers, this is not
      reflected in the reporting habits of health economic modelling studies.
      Systematic reporting of validation efforts would be desirable to further enhance
      decision makers' confidence in health economic models and their outcomes.

PMID- 27129575
TI  - Investigating upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas: a single-centre 10-year
      experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evidence of the accuracy of predictive tests in confirming the
      presence and grade of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UUTUC) is
      limited. We present the largest series evaluating the diagnostic value of pre-
      and intra-operative parameters in the detection of UUTUC. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      We retrospectively analysed records of patients who underwent diagnostic
      ureteroscopy between 2005 and 2014 for suspected UUTUC. Pre-operative workup
      included voided urine cytology and CT imaging. Intra-operative assessments
      involved ureteroscopy to directly visualise suspicious lesions, and where
      possible selective cytology and biopsy. Primary outcomes were the visualisation
      of UUTUC and histopathological confirmation of tumour. RESULTS: Hundred out of
      160 (63 %) patients presenting with suspected upper tract malignancy had UUTUC.
      Voided and selective urine cytology and CT individually predicted UUTUC with a
      sensitivity/specificity of 63/67, 76/73, and 95/26 %, respectively. Forty out of
      48 (83 %) patients who had abnormal CT and abnormal voided urine cytology had
      UUTUC, while 100 % of those with normal CT and normal voided cytology
      (investigated for ongoing symptoms) were normal. Comparing endoscopic biopsy to
      nephroureterectomy specimen grade, 19 (46 %), 18 (44 %), and 4 (10 %) were
      identical, upgraded, and downgraded, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pre-operative
      investigations can predict UUTUCs. When these investigations were normal, the
      risk of UUTUC is negligible. In selective patients with abnormal investigations,
      ureteroscopy should be performed to confirm and predict the grade of UUTUC, in
      order to guide future management. Selective cytology is unlikely to significantly
      contribute to the diagnostic workup of UUTUC.

PMID- 27129577
TI  - Multivariable flexible modelling for estimating complete, smoothed life tables
      for sub-national populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The methods currently available to estimate age- and sex-specific
      mortality rates for sub-populations are subject to a number of important
      limitations. We propose two alternative multivariable approaches: a relational
      model and a Poisson model both using restricted cubic splines. METHODS: We
      evaluated a flexible Poisson and flexible relational model against the Elandt
      Johnson approach in a simulation study using 100 random samples of population and
      death counts, with different sampling proportions and data arrangements.
      Estimated rates were compared to the original mortality rates using goodness-of
      fit measures and life expectancy. We further investigated an approach for
      determining optimal knot locations in the Poisson model. RESULTS: The flexible
      Poisson model outperformed the flexible relational and Elandt-Johnson methods
      with the smallest sample of data (1%). With the largest sample of data (20%), the
      flexible Poisson and flexible relational models performed comparably, though the
      flexible Poisson model displayed a slight advantage. Both approaches tended to
      underestimate infant mortality and thereby overestimate life expectancy at birth.
      The flexible Poisson model performed much better at young ages when knots were
      fixed a priori. For ages 30 and above, results were similar to the model with no
      fixed knots. CONCLUSIONS: The flexible Poisson model is recommended because it
      derives robust and unbiased estimates for sub-populations without making strong
      assumptions about age-specific mortality profiles. Fixing knots a priori in the
      final model greatly improves fit at the young ages.

PMID- 27129576
TI  - Prognostic role of decreased E-cadherin expression in patients with upper tract
      urothelial carcinoma: a multi-institutional study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the role of E-cadherin as prognostic biomarker in upper tract
      urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in a large multi-institutional cohort of patients.
      METHODS: Immunohistochemistry technique was used to evaluate E-cadherin
      expression in 678 patients with unilateral, sporadic UTUC treated with RNU. E
      cadherin expression was considered decreased if 10 % or more cells had decreased
      expression (<90 %). RESULTS: Decreased E-cadherin expression was observed in 353
      patients (52.1 %) and was associated with advanced pathological stage (P <
      0.001), higher grade (P < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.006),
      lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.001), concomitant carcinoma in situ (P < 0.001),
      multifocality (P = 0.004), tumor necrosis (P = 0.020) and sessile architecture (P
      < 0.001). Within a median follow-up of 30 months (interquartile range 15-57), 171
      patients (25.4 %) experienced disease recurrence and 150 (21.9 %) died from UTUC.
      In univariable analyses, decreased E-cadherin expression was significantly
      associated with worse recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001) and cancer-specific
      survival CSS (P = 0.006); however, in multivariable analyses, it was not (P =
      0.74 and 0.84, respectively). The lack of independent prognostic value of E
      cadherin remained true in all subgroup analyses. CONCLUSION: In UTUC patients
      treated with RNU, decreased E-cadherin expression is associated with features of
      biologically and clinically aggressive disease and worse outcome in univariable,
      but not multivariable, analyses. If E-cadherin's association with factors of
      advanced disease is confirmed on UTUC biopsy specimens, it could be used to help
      in the clinical decision-making regarding kidney-sparing approaches and/or neo
      adjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 27129578
TI  - Outcomes of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in Japanese locally advanced rectal
      carcinoma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the efficacy and prognosis of neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) for Japanese locally advanced rectal carcinoma
      patients. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients diagnosed with cT3-4 or any cT/cN+
      disease using enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging from
      2002 to 2014 were enrolled. The male/female ratio was 42/15, and the median age
      was 67 years. Ra/Rb/Rb-P/P was expressed by 6/35/14/2 patients. Histological
      tumor types were tub1/tub2/por/muc in 22/30/4/1 patients. For NACRT, radiotherapy
      doses were 40-50.4 Gy chemotherapy consisted of 5'-DFUR, capecitabine, or S1.
      RESULTS: All 57 patients received curative surgical treatment. The anal
      preservation rate was 65.0%. The ypStage of 0/I/II/IIIa/IIIb was 7/10/25/11/4
      cases. The histological antitumor effect (HATE) was >=grade (G) 2 and G3 in 31
      (54.4%) and 7 (12.3%) cases, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred
      in 17 patients and exceeded GIII (Clavien-Dindo classification) in four patients.
      Recurrence was observed in 19 patients; the primary local recurrence rate was
      5.3%. The 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were
      64.8 and 95.5%, respectively; the 5-year RFS and OS rates were 60.2 and 61.0%,
      respectively. In multivariate analysis, ypN+ was a high-risk factor for distant
      organ recurrence. As predictive factors regarding the efficacy of NACRT, a
      neutrophil concentration <70% and a neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio <3.0 in
      peripheral blood prior to treatment indicated that NACRT would be significantly
      more effective. CONCLUSIONS: NACRT was effective in reducing local recurrence but
      did not suppress distant organ recurrence in Japanese locally advanced rectal
      carcinoma patients. A further investigation of an extension of the NACRT regimen
      is required.

PMID- 27129579
TI  - Heads Up! Predictive Gene Signatures in Head and Neck Cancer May Be Coming Soon.
AB  - Cetuximab-platinum chemotherapy is used for recurrent/metastatic head and neck
      squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); however, a minority of patients benefit. Gene
      expression profiling (GEP) of HNSCCs with prolonged responses to cetuximab
      chemotherapy demonstrate basal subtype traits including signatures of EGFR
      signaling and hypoxic differentiation. GEP of short-response patients show RAS
      activation. Clin Cancer Res; 22(15); 3710-2. (c)2016 AACRSee related article by
      Bossi et al., p. 3961.

PMID- 27129580
TI  - Effectiveness of medical hypnosis for pain reduction and faster wound healing in
      pediatric acute burn injury: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burns and the associated wound care procedures can be extremely
      painful and anxiety-provoking for children. Burn injured children and adolescents
      are therefore at greater risk of experiencing a range of psychological reactions,
      in particular posttraumatic stress disorder, which can persist for months to
      years after the injury. Non-pharmacological intervention is critical for
      comprehensive pain and anxiety management and is used alongside pharmacological
      analgesia and anxiolysis. However, effective non-pharmacological pain and anxiety
      management during pediatric burn procedures is an area still needing improvement.
      Medical hypnosis has received support as a technique for effectively decreasing
      pain and anxiety levels in adults undergoing burn wound care and in children
      during a variety of painful medical procedures (e.g., bone marrow aspirations,
      lumbar punctures, voiding cystourethrograms, and post-surgical pain). Pain
      reduction during burn wound care procedures is linked with improved wound healing
      rates. To date, no randomized controlled trials have investigated the use of
      medical hypnosis in pediatric burn populations. Therefore this study aims to
      determine if medical hypnosis decreases pain, anxiety, and biological stress
      markers during wound care procedures; improves wound healing times; and decreases
      rates of traumatic stress reactions in pediatric burn patients. METHODS/DESIGN:
      This is a single-center, superiority, parallel-group, prospective randomized
      controlled trial. Children (4 to 16 years, inclusive) with acute burn injuries
      presenting for their first dressing application or change are randomly assigned
      to either the (1) intervention group (medical hypnosis) or (2) control group
      (standard care). A minimum of 33 participants are recruited for each treatment
      group. Repeated measures of pain, anxiety, stress, and wound healing are taken at
      every dressing change until >=95 % wound re-epithelialization. Further data
      collection assesses impact on posttraumatic stress symptomatology, speed of wound
      healing, and parent perception of how easy the dressing change is for their
      child. DISCUSSION: Study results will elucidate whether the disease process can
      be changed by using medical hypnosis with children to decrease pain, anxiety, and
      stress in the context of acute burn wounds. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New
      Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615000419561.

PMID- 27129581
TI  - Expression of OsMYB55 in maize activates stress-responsive genes and enhances
      heat and drought tolerance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plant response mechanisms to heat and drought stresses have been
      considered in strategies for generating stress tolerant genotypes, but with
      limited success. Here, we analyzed the transcriptome and improved tolerance to
      heat stress and drought of maize plants over-expressing the OsMYB55 gene.
      RESULTS: Over-expression of OsMYB55 in maize decreased the negative effects of
      high temperature and drought resulting in improved plant growth and performance
      under these conditions. This was evidenced by the higher plant biomass and
      reduced leaf damage exhibited by the transgenic lines compared to wild type when
      plants were subjected to individual or combined stresses and during or after
      recovery from stress. A global transcriptomic analysis using RNA sequencing
      revealed that several genes induced by heat stress in wild type plants are
      constitutively up-regulated in OsMYB55 transgenic maize. In addition, a
      significant number of genes up-regulated in OsMYB55 transgenic maize under
      control or heat treatments have been associated with responses to abiotic
      stresses including high temperature, dehydration and oxidative stress. The latter
      is a common and major consequence of imposed heat and drought conditions,
      suggesting that this altered gene expression may be associated with the improved
      stress tolerance in these transgenic lines. Functional annotation and enrichment
      analysis of the transcriptome also pinpoint the relevance of specific biological
      processes for stress responses. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that expression of
      OsMYB55 can improve tolerance to heat stress and drought in maize plants.
      Enhanced expression of stress-associated genes may be involved in OsMYB55
      mediated stress tolerance. Possible implications for the improved tolerance to
      heat stress and drought of OsMYB55 transgenic maize are discussed.

PMID- 27129582
TI  - Effect of acute exercise and hypoxia on markers of systemic and mucosal immunity.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine how immune markers are affected by acute hypoxic exercise
      at the same relative intensity. METHODS: Twelve endurance-trained males (age: 28
      +/- 4 years, [Formula: see text]O2max: 63.7 +/- 5.3 mL/kg/min) cycled for 75 min
      at 70 % of altitude-specific [Formula: see text]O2max, once in normoxia (N) and
      once in hypobaric hypoxia equivalent to 2000 m above sea-level (H). Blood and
      saliva samples were collected pre-, post- and 2 h post-exercise. RESULTS:
      Participants cycled at 10.5 % lower power output in H vs. N, with no significant
      differences in heart rate (P = 0.10) or rating of perceived exertion (P = 0.21).
      Post-exercise plasma cortisol was higher in H vs. N [683 (95 % CI 576-810) nmol/l
      vs. 549 (469-643) nmol/l, P = 0.017]. The exercise-induced decrease in CD4:CD8
      ratio was greater in H vs. N (-0.5 +/- 0.2 vs. -0.3 +/- 0.2, P = 0.019). There
      were no significant between-trial differences for adrenocorticotropic hormone,
      plasma cytokines, antigen-stimulated cytokine production, salivary immunoglobulin
      A or lactoferrin. However, there was a main trial effect for concentration [F(11)
      = 5.99, P < 0.032] and secretion [F(11) = 5.01, P < 0.047] of salivary lysozyme,
      with this being higher in N at every time-point. CONCLUSION: Whether the observed
      differences between H and N are of sufficient magnitude to clinically impair host
      defence is questionable, particularly as they are transient in nature and since
      other immune markers are unaffected. As such, acute hypoxic exercise likely does
      not pose a meaningful additional threat to immune function compared to exercise
      at sea level, provided that absolute workload is reduced in hypoxia so that
      relative exercise intensity is the same.

PMID- 27129583
TI  - Responsiveness of the Prosthetic Esthetic Scale.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the responsiveness of the
      Prosthetic Esthetic Index (PEI) in a population who received prosthetic
      replacements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven patients who received prosthetic
      replacement of at least one tooth by means of fixed or removable prosthesis were
      professionally esthetically evaluated using the PEI and the Dental Aesthetic
      Index (DAI) before and after treatment. The participants further evaluated their
      oral esthetics using the Oral Health Impact Profile Aesthetic (OHIP-Aes) and
      Orofacial Esthetic Index (OES). Responsiveness was determined by calculating
      effect size (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) of the change in PEI score,
      testing the change in PEI score in different subgroups, and correlating the
      change in PEI score with the change in OHIP-Aes and OES scores. The change in PEI
      score was compared to the change in DAI score. RESULTS: The ES and SRM were large
      for the change in PEI score. Patients having anterior teeth replaced had a larger
      improvement in PEI score compared to participants not having anterior teeth
      replaced. The change in PEI score was moderately but significantly correlated to
      the change in OHIP-Aes and OES scores. The PEI was more consistent in
      responsiveness than the DAI. CONCLUSIONS: The PEI shows sufficient responsiveness
      for use in longitudinal studies and for use as a follow-up measure in clinical
      practice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The PEI can in a standardized manner monitor and
      document esthetic improvements and problems as seen by the dentist in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 27129584
TI  - Histological and radiological evaluation of sintered and non-sintered
      deproteinized bovine bone substitute materials in sinus augmentation procedures.
      A prospective, randomized-controlled, clinical multicenter study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to histologically and radiologically
      compare a sintered and a non-sintered bovine bone substitute material in sinus
      augmentation procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients were
      included in the clinically controlled randomized multicentre study resulting in a
      total of 44 treated sinuses. After lateral approach, sinuses were filled with
      either a sintered (SBM, Alpha Bio's Graft(r)) or a non-sintered (NSBM, Bio
      Oss(r)) deproteinized bovine bone substitute material. The augmentation sites
      were radiologically assessed before and immediately after the augmentation
      procedure as well as prior to implant placement. Bone trephine biopsies for
      histological analysis were harvested 6 months after augmentation whilst preparing
      the osteotomies for implant placement. RESULTS: Healing was uneventful in all
      patients. After 6 months, radiological evaluation of 43 sinuses revealed a
      residual augmentation height of 94.65 % (+/-2.74) for SBM and 95.76 % (+/-2.15)
      for NSBM. One patient left the study for personal reasons. Histological analysis
      revealed a percentage of new bone of 29.71 % (+/-13.67) for SBM and 30.57 % (+/
      16.07) for NSBM. Residual bone substitute material averaged at 40.68 % (+/-16.32)
      for SBM compared to 43.43 % (+/-19.07) for NSBM. All differences between the
      groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05, Student's t test).
      CONCLUSION: Both xenogeneic bone substitute materials showed comparable results
      regarding new bone formation and radiological height changes in external sinus
      grafting procedures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both bone substitute materials allow for
      a predictable new bone formation following sinus augmentation procedures.

PMID- 27129585
TI  - The effect of various occlusal reduction levels on postoperative pain in teeth
      with symptomatic apical periodontitis using computerized analysis: a prospective,
      randomized, double-blind study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of various
      occlusal reduction levels on the postoperative pain in teeth diagnosed as
      symptomatic apical periodontitis by using a computerized analysis system.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine molar teeth with symptomatic apical
      periodontitis were included. After the root canal preparation and filling was
      performed, the subjects were divided into three groups according to the level of
      occlusal reduction determined by using T-Scan (T-Scan III for Windows, Tekscan
      Inc., South Boston, MA) as follows: (1) no reduction (control), (2) semi
      reduction, and (3) full-reduction groups. Preoperative and postoperative pain
      levels using visual analogue scale, percussion pain, and analgesic intake were
      recorded for each subject. The data were evaluated statistically using two-way
      analysis of variance and Holm-Sidak post hoc tests at a 95 % confidence level (P
      = 0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms
      of occlusal reduction (P > 0.005). CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of the
      present study, there were no significant differences among the no reduction, semi
      reduction, and full-reduction groups at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days in terms of
      postoperative pain levels. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Occlusal reduction, determined
      using a computerized analysis system, did not influence the postoperative pain in
      teeth diagnosed as symptomatic apical periodontitis.

PMID- 27129586
TI  - Efficacy of calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide nanoparticles on the elimination
      of Enterococcus faecalis in human root dentin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the antibacterial effect
      of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CONPs) and calcium hydroxide nanoparticles
      (CHNPs) against Enterococcus faecalis in a dentinal block model. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: E. faecalis strain JCM 7783 was introduced into dentinal tubules of
      semicylindrical dentin specimens by centrifugation and incubated for 1 week.
      Fifty microliters of CONPs or CHNPs was placed on the root canal side of the
      infected dentin specimens. The specimens were then incubated in aerobic condition
      at 37  degrees C and 100 % relative humidity for 1 week. The treated dentin
      specimens were subjected to fluorescent staining and confocal laser scanning
      microscopy (CLSM) to analyze the proportions of non-vital and vital bacterial
      cells inside the dentinal tubules. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to
      confirm the effect of the medicaments on the bacteria in the dentinal tubules.
      Calcium oxide (CO) and calcium hydroxide (CH) were used as controls. RESULTS:
      Based on the CLSM and SEM analyses, CHNPs were more efficient than CONPs in the
      elimination of the bacteria in the dentinal tubules. CONPs significantly killed
      more E. faecalis than CO and CH (P < .05). Neither CO nor CH was able to kill the
      bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: CHNPs were more effective than CONPs in the elimination of
      E. faecalis in dentinal tubules. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: CHNPs are effective
      nanoparticles in killing endodontic bacteria present in dentinal tubules. They
      have potential as an intracanal medicament, which may be beneficial in root canal
      therapy.

PMID- 27129587
TI  - Gingival crevicular fluid and serum hCAP18/LL-37 levels in generalized aggressive
      periodontitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: hCAP18/LL-37 is an endogenous antibiotic having a role in innate
      immunity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum and gingival
      crevicular fluid (GCF) hCAP18/LL-37 levels in patients with generalized
      aggressive periodontitis (G-AgP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six G-AgP
      patients, 24 gingivitis patients, and 25 healthy subjects were included in this
      study. Periodontal parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment level,
      plaque index, and papilla bleeding index were recorded. GCF and serum hCAP18/LL
      37 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: GCF
      hCAP18/LL-37 level was significantly higher in G-AgP compared to others (p =
      0.038, p < 0.001). Gingivitis patients had significantly higher GCF hCAP18/LL-37
      levels than controls (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in
      serum hCAP18/LL-37 levels among the study groups (p = 0.524). While there were
      positive correlations between GCF hCAP18/LL-37 levels and periodontal parameters
      of sampling sites (p < 0.005), no significant correlation was observed between
      serum hCAP18/LL-37 levels and whole-mouth periodontal parameters (p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Increased levels of GCF hCAP18/LL-37 in G-AgP might show that it is
      abundantly expressed in the presence of periodontal tissue destruction. Serum
      hCAP18/LL-37 levels do not seem to be related with the presence of G-AgP.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: hCAP18/LL-37 antimicrobial peptide might be associated with
      periodontal tissue destruction in the presence of aggressive periodontitis.

PMID- 27129588
TI  - Comparative evaluation of the retaining of QMix and chlorhexidine formulations on
      human dentin: a chemical analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate, in vitro, the retaining
      of 2 % CHX gel, 2 % CHX liquid and QMix (an endodontic irrigant) within a root
      canal for 24 h, 30, 90, and 120 days by chemical analysis. METHODS: Eighty
      extracted human teeth were used for this study. The samples were divided into
      four groups (G1-G4), according to the chemical auxiliary substance used to
      perform the instrumentation: G1 (control): distilled water, G2: 2 % CHX gel, G3:
      2 % CHX liquid, and G4: QMix. The roots were prepared up to the instrument #45 by
      serial instrumentation. Longitudinal grooves were carved on the free surfaces of
      the roots, providing 2 halves of each root and resulting in 40 samples per group.
      Each group was randomly divided into four subgroups (n = 10), and substantivity
      was evaluated after 24 h, 30, 90, and 120 days. The amount of 2 % CHX gel, 2 %
      CHX liquid, and QMix (in micrograms) was measured through reverse-phase high
      performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA
      and Games-Howell test for post-hoc comparisons (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: CHX gel,
      CHX liquid, and QMix were retained in dentin up to 120 days. Significantly less
      substantivity was observed for QMix, irrespective of the period of time.
      Statistically significant higher values were observed for CHX gel after 24 h,
      while no differences were noted between CHX gel and CHX liquid after 30, 90, and
      120 days of evaluation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Two percent CHX (gel and liquid)
      and QMix are retained in root canal dentin for up to 120 days. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: This study proposes an alternative of auxiliary chemical substance to
      be used during the chemo-mechanical preparation.

PMID- 27129589
TI  - Efficacy of a sugar-free herbal lollipop for reducing salivary Streptococcus
      mutans levels: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of an herbal
      lollipop containing licorice root extract on salivary Streptococcus mutans in
      caries-free and high-caries-risk children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was
      conducted in caries-free and high-caries-risk children, aged 5-11 years (n =
      108). The groups were caries-free children (group A); high-caries-risk children
      whose dental treatment was completed before lollipop use (group B); and high
      caries-risk children who did not comply with dental treatment (group C). The
      groups were divided into two subgroups: herbal (A-1, B-1, C-1) and placebo
      lollipops (A-2, B-2, C-2). Saliva samples were taken before dental treatment,
      before and after consuming lollipops, and at 3 months after consuming lollipops.
      The results were statistically analyzed with chi-squared test. RESULTS: Only in
      group C-1 (high-risk, using herbal lollipops) that significant reduction was
      observed in salivary S. mutans levels after lollipop use (p = 0.033), and only in
      the same group (C-1), there was significant difference between after lollipop use
      and third month levels (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Herbal lollipops could be
      recommended to children with high-caries risk who do not comply with dental
      treatment in place of high-carbohydrate snacks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The paper
      provides a perspective on using herbal products in high-risk children for
      reducing salivary S. mutans counts.

PMID- 27129590
TI  - The systemic lupus erythematosus travel burden survey: baseline data among a
      South Carolina cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies on the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus or lupus
      have identified patient travel costs as being problematic. We administered a
      survey that examined the impact of self-rated travel burden on lupus patients.
      The systemic lupus erythematosus travel burden survey included 41 patients
      enrolled in the systemic lupus erythematosus database project at the Medical
      University of South Carolina. RESULTS: Most participants reported that travel
      caused medications to be discontinued or appointments to be missed. In unadjusted
      logistic regressions of the relationship between these outcomes and medical
      travel burden, both distance to rheumatologists and time to lupus medical care
      were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that more research is needed
      to examine the influence of travel burden among this population, but data from
      this report could help to inform physicians, academic researchers, and other
      health professionals in South Carolina and other areas with significant rural
      populations on how travel burden may impact patients receiving care for lupus and
      provide an opportunity for the development of interventions aimed at assisting
      lupus patients with management of stressors related to travel burden.

PMID- 27129591
TI  - Potential impact of multiple interventions on HIV incidence in a hyperendemic
      region in Western Kenya: a modelling study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple prevention interventions, including early antiretroviral
      therapy initiation, may reduce HIV incidence in hyperendemic settings. Our aim
      was to predict the short-term impact of various single and combined interventions
      on HIV spreading in the adult population of Ndhiwa subcounty (Nyanza Province,
      Kenya). METHODS: A mathematical model was used with data on adults (15-59 years)
      from the Ndhiwa HIV Impact in Population Survey to compare the impacts on HIV
      prevalence, HIV incidence rate, and population viral load suppression of various
      interventions. These interventions included: improving the cascade of care (use
      of three guidelines), increasing voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), and
      implementing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among HIV-uninfected women.
      RESULTS: After four years, improving separately the cascade of care under the WHO
      2013 guidelines and under the treat-all strategy would reduce the overall HIV
      incidence rate by 46 and 58 %, respectively, vs. the baseline rate, and by 35 and
      49 %, respectively, vs. the implementation of the current Kenyan guidelines. With
      conservative and optimistic scenarios, VMMC and PrEP would reduce the HIV
      incidence rate by 15-25 % and 22-28 % vs. the baseline, respectively. Combining
      the WHO 2013 guidelines with VMMC would reduce the HIV incidence rate by 35-56 %
      and combining the treat-all strategy with VMMC would reduce it by 49-65 %.
      Combining the WHO 2013 guidelines, VMMC, and PrEP would reduce the HIV incidence
      rate by 46-67 %. CONCLUSIONS: The impacts of the WHO 2013 guidelines and the
      treat-all strategy were relatively close; their implementation is desirable to
      reduce HIV spread. Combining several strategies is promising in adult populations
      of hyperendemic areas but requires regular, reliable, and costly monitoring.

PMID- 27129592
TI  - Synchronous gastrointestinal cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors: a single
      institution experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A study was conducted to investigate the clinicopathological features
      and survival outcomes of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) that are
      synchronous with other gastrointestinal cancers. METHODS: Clinical and
      pathological data of 286 patients with primary GIST from a single institution
      from January 2009 to December 2014 were reviewed. RESULTS: The entire study
      population comprised 286 patients with GISTs. Of these patients, 167 (58.4%) were
      males and 119 (41.6%) were females. The median age was 58 years old (in the range
      29-86 years). A total of 47 patients were diagnosed with GISTs synchronous with
      other digestive tract malignancies (synchronous group), whereas 239 patients were
      diagnosed with non-synchronous disease (non-synchronous group). The concomitant
      digestive tumors in 27, 12, 7, and 1 patients were diagnosed as gastric
      carcinoma, esophageal carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, and pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma, respectively. Compared with the synchronous group, the non
      synchronous group exhibited a higher percentage of increased mitotic count (P =
      0.011). The difference in tumor diameter between the two groups was statistically
      significant (P < 0.001). Patients in the non-synchronous group exhibited larger
      tumor size than the patients in the synchronous group (5.9 +/- 3.5 cm vs. 1.6 +/-
      0.4 cm, P < 0.001). The majority of GIST lesions in the synchronous group were
      located in the stomach (P = 0.020). Lower risk stratifications and worse ECOG
      performance statuses were observed in the synchronous group (P < 0.001) than in
      the non-synchronous group. The 5-year overall survival rate was significantly
      higher in patients with no synchronous digestive tract malignancies than in
      patients with synchronous disease (70.8 vs. 34.1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with GIST synchronous with other gastrointestinal cancers show worse
      prognosis than those with non-synchronous tumors. Clinicians should pay more
      attention to this subgroup.

PMID- 27129594
TI  - Half of people seen at English hospitals after self harming do not receive mental
      health assessment.

PMID- 27129593
TI  - A multifunctional therapeutic approach to disease modification in multiple
      familial mouse models and a novel sporadic model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical failures singularly targeting amyloid-beta pathology
      indicate a critical need for alternative Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutic
      strategies. The mixed pathology reported in a large population of AD patients
      demands a multifunctional drug approach. Since activation of cAMP response
      element binding protein (CREB) plays a crucial role in synaptic strengthening and
      memory formation, we retooled a clinical drug with known neuroprotective and anti
      inflammatory activity to activate CREB, and validated this novel multifunctional
      drug, NMZ, in 4 different mouse models of AD. RESULTS: NMZ was tested in three
      mouse models of familial AD and one model of sporadic AD. In 3 * Tg hippocampal
      slices, NMZ restored LTP. In vivo, memory was improved with NMZ in all animal
      models with robust cognitive deficits. NMZ treatment lowered neurotoxic forms of
      Abeta in both APP/PS1 and 3 * Tg transgenic mice while also restoring neuronal
      plasticity biomarkers in the 3 * Tg mice. In EFAD mice, incorporation of the
      major genetic AD risk factor, hAPOE4, did not mute the beneficial drug effects.
      In a novel sporadic mouse model that manifests AD-like pathology caused by
      accelerated oxidative stress in the absence of any familial AD mutation, oral
      administration of NMZ attenuated hallmark AD pathology and restored biomarkers of
      synaptic and neuronal function. CONCLUSIONS: The multifunctional approach,
      embodied by NMZ, was successful in mouse models of AD incorporating Abeta
      pathology (APP/PS1), tau pathology (3xTg), and APOE4, the major human genetic
      risk factor for AD (EFAD). The efficacy observed in a novel model of sporadic AD
      (Aldh2 (-/-) ) demonstrates that the therapeutic approach is not limited to rare,
      familial AD genetic mutations. The multifunctional drug, NMZ, was not designed
      directly to target Abeta and tau pathology; however, the attenuation of this
      hallmark pathology suggests the approach to be a highly promising, disease
      modifying strategy for AD and mixed pathology dementia.

PMID- 27129596
TI  - Clause in junior contract that allows terms to vary is "a form of slavery," says
      barrister.

PMID- 27129595
TI  - A Genome-Wide Association Study in isolated populations reveals new genes
      associated to common food likings.
AB  - Food preferences are the first factor driving food choice and thus nutrition.
      They involve numerous different senses such as taste and olfaction as well as
      various other factors such as personal experiences and hedonistic aspects.
      Although it is clear that several of these have a genetic basis, up to now
      studies have focused mostly on the effects of polymorphisms of taste receptor
      genes. Therefore, we have carried out one of the first large scale (4611
      individuals) GWAS on food likings assessed for 20 specific food likings belonging
      to 4 different categories (vegetables, fatty, dairy and bitter). A two-step meta
      analysis using three different isolated populations from Italy for the discovery
      step and two populations from The Netherlands and Central Asia for replication,
      revealed 15 independent genome-wide significant loci (p < 5 * 10(-8)) for 12
      different foods. None of the identified genes coded for either taste or olfactory
      receptors suggesting that genetics impacts in determining food likings in a much
      broader way than simple differences in taste perception. These results represent
      a further step in uncovering the genes that underlie liking of common foods that
      in the end will greatly help understanding the genetics of human nutrition in
      general.

PMID- 27129597
TI  - The generic impact scoring system (GISS): a standardized tool to quantify the
      impacts of alien species.
AB  - Alien species can exert negative environmental and socio-economic impacts.
      Therefore, administrations from different sectors are trying to prevent further
      introductions, stop the spread of established species, and apply or develop
      programs to mitigate their impact, to contain the most harmful species, or to
      eradicate them if possible. Often it is not clear which of the numerous alien
      species are most important in terms of damage, and therefore, impact scoring
      systems have been developed to allow a comparison and thus prioritization of
      species. Here, we present the generic impact scoring system (GISS), which relies
      on published evidence of environmental and socio-economic impact of alien
      species. We developed a system of 12 impact categories, for environmental and
      socio-economic impact, comprising all kinds of impacts that an alien species may
      exert. In each category, the intensity of impact is quantified by a six-level
      scale ranging from 0 (no impact detectable) to 5 (the highest impact possible).
      Such an approach, where impacts are grouped based on mechanisms for environmental
      impacts and receiving sectors for socio-economy, allows for cross-taxa
      comparisons and prioritization of the most damaging species. The GISS is simple
      and transparent, can be conducted with limited funds, and can be applied to a
      large number of alien species across taxa and environments. Meanwhile, the system
      was applied to 349 alien animal and plant species. In a comparison with 22 other
      impact assessment methods, the combination of environmental and socio-economic
      impact, as well as the possibility of weighting and ranking of the scoring
      results make GISS the most broadly applicable system. 

PMID- 27129598
TI  - Assessment of electromagnetic field levels from surrounding high-tension overhead
      power lines for proposed land use.
AB  - The surrounding outdoor environment for new development has a big effect on the
      indoor quality of life. The main aim of this work was to determine the
      suitability of the area for building new schools with reference to
      electromagnetic field (EMF) effects. The specific objective of this study was to
      detect the safe distance from the EMF posed by the high-tension overhead power
      lines in the vicinity of the specified area. The measurements were taken for both
      the electric and magnetic fields in different months in order to detect the
      highest EMF levels during the peak power load season. EMDEX II with E-probe and
      EMDEX II with Linda were used for the measurements. These instruments were all
      calibrated by ENERTECH Company in USA. The EMF associated with high tension
      transmission lines that surrounded the proposed site has to be below 0.2 MUT
      (Italian EMF regulations are the most suitable regulations for the establishment
      of schools in Kuwait). The safety clearance distance from the existing 300-kV
      high-tension power line has been assigned as 200 m and from other existing 132-kV
      high-tension power line was 50 m. The proposed site with its predefined
      boundaries has a magnetic field below the Italian EMF regulations for the
      establishment of new schools.

PMID- 27129599
TI  - LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of serum p-cresyl sulfate and
      indoxyl sulfate in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - p-Cresol sulfate (pCS) and indoxyl sulfate (IS) are protein-bound uremic toxins
      that accumulate in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). They are closely
      associated with the mortality rate of CKD and morbidity of cardiovascular
      disease. In the present study, we established a rapid method for determination of
      pCS and IS by HPLC-MS/MS in serum samples from 205 CKD patients undergoing
      peritoneal dialysis. In brief, serum was extracted by acetonitrile and spiked
      with hydrochlorothiazide. The prepared sample was eluted through HPLC column
      (Agilent Zorbax SB-C18 , 3.5 MUm, 2.1 * 100 mm) with a mobile phase of
      acetonitrile and 10 mm ammonium acetate solution (10:90, v/v) for subsequent
      detection of pCS and IS by MS/MS. The linearity ranged from 50 to 10,000 ng/mL
      for pCS (r > 0.99), and from 500 to 10,000 ng/mL for IS (r > 0.99). The lower
      limit of quantification was 50 ng/mL for pCS, and 500 ng/mL for IS. Relative
      standard deviation (RSD) of intra- and inter-day precision was within +/-15%. The
      results showed that pCS and IS levels were partially correlated with renal
      function in CKD patients, and IS was directly related to serum creatinine and
      estimated glomerular filtration rate.

PMID- 27129600
TI  - Identification and functional analysis of essential, conserved, housekeeping and
      duplicated genes.
AB  - Gene conservation, duplication and constitutive expression are intricately linked
      and strong predictors of essentiality. Here, we introduce metrics based on
      diversity indices to measure gene conservation, duplication and constitutive
      expression and validate them by measuring their performance in prediction of
      essential genes. Conservation and duplication were measured using the diversity
      indices on the bit score profile of Escherichia coli K12 orthologues, across the
      genomes, and paralogues, within the genome respectively. Constitutive expression
      was measured using expression diversity of E. coli K12 genes across different
      conditions. In addition, we developed a systematic method for enrichment analysis
      of gene-sets in a given ranked list of genes. The method was used to identify
      genome-wide functions of essential, conserved, constitutively expressed and
      duplicated genes. Furthermore, we also ranked various operons, complexes and
      pathways according to their essentiality, conservation, constitutive expression
      and duplication.

PMID- 27129601
TI  - Future research in weight bias: What next?
AB  - The 2015 Canadian Weight Bias Summit disseminated the newest research advances
      and brought together 40 experts, stakeholders, and policy makers in various
      disciplines in health, education, and public policy to identify future research
      directions in weight bias. In this paper we aim to share the results of the
      Summit as well as encourage international and interdisciplinary research
      collaborations in weight bias reduction. Consensus emerged on six research areas
      that warrant further investigation in weight bias: costs, causes, measurement,
      qualitative research and lived experience, interventions, and learning from other
      models of discrimination. These discussions highlighted three key lessons that
      were informed by the Summit, namely: language matters, the voices of people
      living with obesity should be incorporated, and interdisciplinary stakeholders
      should be included.

PMID- 27129603
TI  - The NHS's sustainability and transformation plans: doing so much with so little.

PMID- 27129602
TI  - Testing Activity Monitors' Effect on Health: Study Protocol for a Randomized
      Controlled Trial Among Older Primary Care Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the
      United States. Maintaining healthy levels of physical activity is critical to
      cardiovascular health, but many older adults are inactive. There is a growing
      body of evidence linking low motivation and inactivity. Standard behavioral
      counseling techniques used within the primary care setting strive to increase
      motivation, but often do not emphasize the key component of self-control. The
      addition of electronic activity monitors (EAMs) to counseling protocols may
      provide more effective behavior change and increase overall motivation for
      exercise through interactive self-monitoring, feedback, and social support from
      other users. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to conduct a three month
      intervention trial that will test the feasibility of adding an EAM system to
      brief counseling within a primary care setting. Participants (n=40) will be
      randomized to receive evidence-based brief counseling plus either an EAM or a
      pedometer. METHODS: Throughout the intervention, we will test its feasibility and
      acceptability, the change in primary outcomes (cardiovascular risk and physical
      activity), and the change in secondary outcomes (adherence, weight and body
      composition, health status, motivation, physical function, psychological
      feelings, and self-regulation). Upon completion of the intervention, we will also
      conduct focus groups with the participants and with primary care stakeholders.
      RESULTS: The study started recruitment in October 2015 and is scheduled to be
      completed by October 2016. CONCLUSIONS: This project will lay the groundwork and
      establish the infrastructure for intervention refinement and ultimately
      translation within the primary care setting in order to prevent cardiovascular
      disease on a population level. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov
      NCT02554435; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02554435 (Archived by WebCite
      at http://www.webcitation/6fUlW5tdT).

PMID- 27129604
TI  - This paper is the winner of an SFB Award in the Hospital Intern, Residency
      category: Peptide biomaterials raising adaptive immune responses in wound healing
      contexts.
AB  - Biomaterials used in the context of tissue engineering or wound repair are
      commonly designed to be "nonimmunogenic." However, previously it has been
      observed that self-assembled peptide nanofiber materials are noninflammatory
      despite their immunogenicity, suggesting that they may be appropriate for use in
      wound-healing contexts. To test this hypothesis, mice were immunized with epitope
      containing peptide self-assemblies until they maintained high antibody titers
      against the material, then gels of the same peptide assemblies were applied
      within full-thickness dermal wounds. In three different murine dermal-wounding
      models with different baseline healing rates, even significantly immunogenic
      peptide assemblies did not delay healing. Conversely, adjuvanted peptide
      assemblies, while raising similar antibody titers to unadjuvanted assemblies, did
      delay wound healing. Analysis of the healing wounds indicated that compared to
      adjuvanted peptide assemblies, the unadjuvanted assemblies exhibited a
      progression of the dominant T-cell subset from CD4(+) to CD8(+) cells in the
      wound, and CD4(+) cell populations displayed a more Th2-slanted response. These
      findings illustrate an example of a significant antibiomaterial adaptive immune
      response that does not adversely affect wound healing despite ongoing antibody
      production. This material would thus be considered "immunologically compatible"
      in this specific context rather than "nonimmunogenic," a designation that is
      expected to apply to a range of other protein- and peptide-based biomaterials in
      wound-healing and tissue-engineering applications. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1853-1862, 2016.

PMID- 27129605
TI  - Organic honey supplementation reverses pesticide-induced genotoxicity by
      modulating DNA damage response.
AB  - SCOPE: Glyphosate (GLY) and organophosphorus insecticides such as chlorpyrifos
      (CPF) may cause DNA damage and cancer in exposed individuals through
      mitochondrial dysfunction. Polyphenols ubiquitously present in fruits and
      vegetables, have been viewed as antioxidant molecules, but also influence
      mitochondrial homeostasis. Here, honey containing polyphenol compounds was
      evaluated for its potential protective effect on pesticide-induced genotoxicity.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Honey extracts from four floral organic sources were
      evaluated for their polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and potential
      protective effects on pesticide-related mitochondrial destabilization, reactive
      oxygen and nitrogen species formation, and DNA damage response in human bronchial
      epithelial and neuronal cells. The protective effect of honey was, then evaluated
      in a residential population chronically exposed to pesticides. The four honey
      types showed a different polyphenol profile associated with a different
      antioxidant power. The pesticide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction parallels ROS
      formation from mitochondria (mtROS) and consequent DNA damage. Honey extracts
      efficiently inhibited pesticide-induced mtROS formation, and reduced DNA damage
      by upregulation of DNA repair through NFR2. Honey supplementation enhanced DNA
      repair activity in a residential population chronically exposed to pesticides,
      which resulted in a marked reduction of pesticide-induced DNA lesions.
      CONCLUSION: These results provide new insight regarding the effect of honey
      containing polyphenols on pesticide-induced DNA damage response.

PMID- 27129606
TI  - Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine Versus
      Intranasal Midazolam as Anxiolysis Prior to Pediatric Laceration Repair in the
      Emergency Department.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare anxiolysis with intranasal
      dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, versus intranasal midazolam for pediatric
      laceration repairs. METHODS: We performed a double-blind, randomized controlled
      trial of 40 patients 1-5 years with lacerations requiring suture repair in an
      academic pediatric emergency department (ED). Patients were randomized to receive
      either intranasal dexmedetomidine or intranasal midazolam. Our primary outcome
      measure was the anxiety score at the time of patient positioning for the
      laceration repair. We chose this time point to isolate the anxiolysis from the
      medications prior to intervention. Patient encounters were videotaped and scored
      for anxiety at multiple time points using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety
      Scale. The scale is 23.3-100 with higher scores indicating higher anxiety. We
      also evaluated these scores as a secondary outcome by dichotomizing them into
      anxious versus not anxious with a previously validated score cutoff. RESULTS: Of
      the 40 patients enrolled, 20 in the dexmedetomidine group and 18 in the midazolam
      group completed the study and were included in the analysis. The median age was
      3.3 years (range = 1.0-5.4 years). The median baseline anxiety score was 48.3.
      The anxiety score at position for procedure for patients receiving
      dexmedetomidine was 9.2 points lower than those receiving midazolam (median
      difference = 9.2, 95% confidence interval = 5 to 13.3; median score for
      dexmedetomidine = 23.3, median score for midazolam = 36.3). The proportion of
      patients who were classified as not anxious at the position for procedure was
      significantly higher in the dexmedetomidine group (70%) versus the midazolam
      group (11%). The number needed to treat with dexmedetomidine instead of midazolam
      to obtain the result of a not anxious patient at this time point was 1.7
      patients. There were also significantly more patients who were classified as not
      anxious at the time of wound washout in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the
      midazolam group (35% vs. 6%). Dexmedetomidine and midazolam performed similarly
      with respect to all other measures including anxiety at other time points,
      parental perceived anxiety, parent and proceduralist satisfaction, procedural
      success, complications, and time in the ED. There were no serious adverse events
      seen in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal dexmedetomidine is an alternative
      anxiolytic medication to intranasal midazolam for pediatric laceration repairs,
      performing similarly in our study, except that patients who received
      dexmedetomidine had less anxiety at the time of positioning for procedure.

PMID- 27129607
TI  - In hip osteoarthritis, Nordic Walking is superior to strength training and home
      based exercise for improving function.
AB  - This observer-blinded, randomized controlled trial compared the short- and long
      term effects of 4 months of supervised strength training (ST) in a local fitness
      center, supervised Nordic Walking (NW) in a local park, and unsupervised home
      based exercise (HBE, control) on functional performance in 60+-year-old persons
      (n = 152) with hip osteoarthritis (OA) not awaiting hip replacement. Functional
      performance [i.e., 30-s chair stand test (primary outcome), timed stair climbing,
      and 6-min walk test] and self-reported outcomes (i.e., physical function, pain,
      physical activity level, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life) were
      measured at baseline and at 2, 4, and 12 months. Based on intention-to-treat
      analyses improvements [mean (95% CI)] after intervention in number of chair
      stands were equal in all three groups at 4 months [ST: 0.9 (0.2-1.6), NW: 1.9
      (0.8-3.0), HBE: 1.1 (0.1-2.0)] but greater in the NW group [1.4 (0.02-2.8)] than
      in the ST group at 12 months. Generally, improvements in functional performance
      were greater (P < 0.001-P < 0.03) after NW compared with HBE and ST at all follow
      up time points. Furthermore, NW was superior (P < 0.01) to HBE for improving
      vigorous physical activity and to both ST and HBE for improving (P < 0.01) mental
      health. These data suggest that NW is the recommended exercise modality compared
      with ST and HBE.

PMID- 27129608
TI  - Peripheral arterial bypass surgery for intractable wounds caused by limited
      cutaneous systemic sclerosis.

PMID- 27129609
TI  - Case of mixed form primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma with the initial lesion
      exhibiting similar histopathological features to those of syringomatous
      carcinoma.

PMID- 27129610
TI  - Assessing the Independent and Joint Effects of Unmedicated Prenatal Depressive
      Symptoms and Alcohol Consumption in Pregnancy and Infant Neurodevelopmental
      Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is an established risk factor for
      neurodevelopmental deficits in the offspring. Prenatal depression has been
      associated with neurodevelopmental deficits in the offspring, although
      investigations into unmedicated prenatal depression have been inconsistent. We
      hypothesized that unmedicated prenatal depressive symptoms would independently
      and jointly with PAE predict neurodevelopmental outcomes in infant offspring.
      METHODS: We studied 344 participants from a randomized clinical trial of
      multivitamin supplements in pregnant women in Ukraine. Women were recruited based
      upon periconceptional alcohol use and followed up to 12 months postpartum.
      Prenatal depressive symptoms were assessed at approximately 32 weeks of gestation
      using the Beck Depression Inventory score. Neurodevelopment was assessed with the
      Bayley Scales of Infant Development II Mental Development Index (MDI) and
      Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) at 6 and 12 months postpartum. Generalized
      linear regression models were constructed to assess the independent and joint
      effects of prenatal depressive symptoms and PAE in models adjusted for
      sociodemographic and pregnancy characteristics. RESULTS: PAE was independently
      associated with deficits in neurodevelopmental outcomes at 6 and 12 months,
      however, level of prenatal depressive symptoms was not. We found marginal
      evidence of synergism of depressive symptoms and PAE, with larger deficits in
      those with both exposures observed for the PDI-6 months (p = 0.05) and MDI-12
      months (p = 0.09). Additionally, there was a suggestion of sexual dimorphism;
      females had stronger deficits from joint exposures than males (depressive symptom
      [MDI-6 months] female: -8.28, 95% CI -13.06, -3.49; male: 0.68, 95% CI -4.58,
      5.94; p for interaction 0.04). While not statistically significant for the MDI or
      PDI at 12 months, the trend persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Infants exposed to PAE and
      prenatal depression may be at an increased risk of neurodevelopmental deficits.
      Healthcare providers should be aware of this possible synergism in their efforts
      to mitigate the neurodevelopmental effects of these co-occurring exposures.

PMID- 27129611
TI  - Elevated basal glutamate and unchanged glutamine and GABA in refractory epilepsy:
      Microdialysis study of 79 patients at the yale epilepsy surgery program.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aberrant glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
      neurotransmission contribute to seizure generation and the epileptic state.
      However, whether levels of these neurochemicals are abnormal in epileptic
      patients is unknown. Here, we report on interictal levels of glutamate,
      glutamine, and GABA in epilepsy patients at seizure onset and nonepileptic sites,
      cortical lesions, and from patients with poorly localized neocortical epilepsies.
      METHODS: Subjects (n = 79) were medically refractory epilepsy patients undergoing
      intracranial electroencephalogram evaluation. Microdialysis probes (n = 125)
      coupled to depth electrodes were implanted within suspected seizure onset sites
      and microdialysis samples were obtained during interictal periods. Glutamate,
      glutamine, and GABA were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography.
      Probe locations were subsequently classified by consensus of expert
      epileptologists. RESULTS: Glutamate levels were elevated in epileptogenic (p =
      0.03; n = 7), nonlocalized (p < 0.001), and lesional cortical sites (p < 0.001)
      when compared to nonepileptogenic cortex. Glutamate was also elevated in
      epileptogenic (p < 0.001) compared to nonepileptogenic hippocampus. There were no
      statistical differences in GABA or glutamine, although GABA levels showed high
      variability across patients and groups. INTERPRETATION: Our findings indicate
      that chronically elevated extracellular glutamate is a common pathological
      feature among epilepsies with different etiology. Contrary to our predictions,
      GABA and glutamine levels were not decreased in any of the measured areas.
      Whereas variability in GABA levels may in part be attributed to the use of
      GABAergic antiepileptic drugs, the stability in glutamine across patient groups
      indicate that extracellular glutamine levels are under tighter metabolic
      regulation than previously thought. Ann Neurol 2016;80:35-45.

PMID- 27129613
TI  - Public resource usage in health systems: a data envelopment analysis of the
      efficiency of health systems of autonomous communities in Spain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The efficiency in the management of public resources is one of the
      main pillars of the welfare state. The objective of this work is to analyze the
      efficiency of the public resources that regional governments in Spain (Autonomous
      Communities (AC)) invest in health systems (HS). STUDY DESIGN: A dataset from of
      the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality of Spain has been used,
      which contains the most important indicators from the National HS. The following
      variables have been chosen in this study: the health care expenses per resident,
      the percentage of this investment that is forwarded to labour expenses, frequency
      of hospital care services, frequency of specialized external health care services
      and, primary health care services in medicine and nursing per resident. METHODS:
      To this end, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is applied, which enables
      researchers and managers to obtain measurements of efficiency of the analyzed
      regions, and to propose corrective steps to achieve efficiency for inefficient
      HS. Moreover, the super-efficiency measurement is shown for a constant and a
      variable scale. RESULTS: The results show that there are three groups of AC,
      first a group composed by six HS that are globally efficient, a second group
      composed by eight HS that are globally inefficient, and a third group composed by
      three HS that are efficient in some terms and their efficiency can be improved.
      CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that DEA is an appropriate method for evaluating
      efficiencies of health systems and giving the adjustments for the application of
      economic, social and organizational policies to improve their efficiencies.

PMID- 27129612
TI  - Aggregation of Antibody Drug Conjugates at Room Temperature: SAXS and Light
      Scattering Evidence for Colloidal Instability of a Specific Subpopulation.
AB  - Coupling a hydrophobic drug onto monoclonal antibodies via lysine residues is a
      common route to prepare antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), a promising class of
      biotherapeutics. But a few chemical modifications on protein surface often
      increase aggregation propensity, without a clear understanding of the aggregation
      mechanisms at stake (loss of colloidal stability, self-assemblies, denaturation,
      etc.), and the statistical nature of conjugation introduces polydispersity in the
      ADC population, which raises questions on whether the whole ADC population
      becomes unstable. To characterize the average interactions between ADC, we
      monitored small-angle X-ray scattering in solutions of monoclonal IgG1 human
      antibody drug conjugate, with average degree of conjugation of 0, 2, or 3 drug
      molecules per protein. To characterize stability, we studied the kinetics of
      aggregation at room temperature. The intrinsic Fuchs stability ratio of the ADC
      was estimated from the variation over time of scattered light intensity and
      hydrodynamic radius, in buffers of varying pH, and at diverse sucrose (0% or 10%)
      and NaCl (0 or 100 mM) concentrations. We show that stable ADC stock solutions
      became unstable upon pH shift, well below the pH of maximum average attraction
      between IgGs. Data indicate that aggregation can be ascribed to a fraction of ADC
      population usually representing less than 30 mol % of the sample. In contrast to
      the case of (monodisperse) monoclonal antibodies, our results suggest that a poor
      correlation between stability and average interaction parameters should be
      expected as a corollary of dispersity of ADC conjugation. In practice, the most
      unstable fraction of the ADC population can be removed by filtration, which
      affects remarkably the apparent stability of the samples. Finally, the lack of
      correlation between the kinetic stability and variations of the average inter-ADC
      interactions is tentatively attributed to the uneven nature of charge
      distributions and the presence of patches on the drug-modified antibodies.

PMID- 27129614
TI  - Effects of urate-lowering agents on arrhythmia vulnerability in post-infarcted
      rat hearts.
AB  - Hyperuricemia has been shown to be associated with ventricular arrhythmias.
      However, the mechanisms remained unknown. We assessed whether different urate
      lowering agents can attenuate arrhythmias through lowering urate itself or
      inhibiting xanthenes oxidize (XO) activity in infarcted rats. Male Wistar rats
      after ligating coronary artery were randomized to either allopurinol, or
      febuxostat, chemically unrelated inhibitors of XO, benzbromarone or vehicle for 4
      weeks. Post-infarction was associated with increased oxidant stress, as measured
      by myocardial superoxide, isoprostane, XO activity and dihydroethidine
      fluorescence staining. Measurement of myocardial norepinephrine levels revealed a
      significant elevation in vehicle-treated infarcted rats compared with sham
      operated rats. Sympathetic hyperinnervation was blunted after administering both
      XO inhibitors, assessed by immunofluorescent analysis, Western blotting and real
      time quantitative RT-PCR. Besides, the XO inhibitors-attenuated nerve growth
      factor levels were reversed in the presence of peroxynitrite generator.
      Arrhythmic scores in the XO inhibitors-treated infarcted rats were significantly
      lower than that in vehicle. For similar levels of urate lowering, the uricosuric
      agent benzbromarone had no beneficial effects on oxidative stress, sympathetic
      hyperinnervation or arrhythmia vulnerability. Chronic use of XO inhibitors, but
      not uricosuric agent, down-regulated sympathetic innervation probably through a
      superoxide-dependent pathway and plays a role in the beneficial effect on
      arrhythmogenic response. 

PMID- 27129616
TI  - Sleep spindles during a nap correlate with post sleep memory performance for
      highly rewarded word-pairs.
AB  - The consolidation of new associations is thought to depend in part on
      physiological processes engaged during non-REM (NREM) sleep, such as slow
      oscillations and sleep spindles. Moreover, NREM sleep is thought to selectively
      benefit associations that are adaptive for the future. In line with this, the
      current study investigated whether different reward cues at encoding are
      associated with changes in sleep physiology and memory retention. Participants'
      associative memory was tested after learning a list of arbitrarily paired words
      both before and after taking a 90-min nap. During learning, word-pairs were
      preceded by a cue indicating either a high or a low reward for correct memory
      performance at test. The motivation manipulation successfully impacted retention
      such that memory declined to a greater extent from pre- to post sleep for low
      rewarded than for high rewarded word-pairs. In line with previous studies,
      positive correlations between spindle density during NREM sleep and general
      memory performance pre- and post-sleep were found. In addition to this, however,
      a selective positive relationship between memory performance for highly rewarded
      word-pairs at posttest and spindle density during NREM sleep was also observed.
      These results support the view that motivationally salient memories are
      preferentially consolidated and that sleep spindles may be an important
      underlying mechanism for selective consolidation.

PMID- 27129615
TI  - IL-10 promotes homeostatic proliferation of human CD8(+) memory T cells and, when
      produced by CD1c(+) DCs, shapes naive CD8(+) T-cell priming.
AB  - IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits maturation and cytokine
      production of dendritic cells (DCs). Although mature DCs have the unique capacity
      to prime CD8(+) CTL, IL-10 can promote CTL responses. To understand these
      paradoxic findings, we analyzed the role of IL-10 produced by human APC subsets
      in T-cell responses. IL-10 production was restricted to CD1c(+) DCs and CD14(+)
      monocytes. Interestingly, it was differentially regulated, since R848 induced IL
      10 in DCs, but inhibited IL-10 in monocytes. Autocrine IL-10 had only a weak
      inhibitory effect on DC maturation, cytokine production, and CTL priming with
      high-affinity peptides. Nevertheless, it completely blocked cross-priming and
      priming with low-affinity peptides of a self/tumor-antigen. IL-10 also inhibited
      CD1c(+) DC-induced CD4(+) T-cell priming and enhanced Foxp3 induction, but was
      insufficient to induce T-cell IL-10 production. CD1c(+) DC-derived IL-10 had also
      no effect on DC-induced secondary expansions of memory CTL. However, IL-15
      driven, TCR-independent proliferation of memory CTL was enhanced by IL-10. We
      conclude that DC-derived IL-10 selects high-affinity CTL upon priming. Moreover,
      IL-10 preserves established CTL memory by enhancing IL-15-dependent homeostatic
      proliferation. These combined effects on CTL priming and memory maintenance
      provide a plausible mechanism how IL-10 promotes CTL responses in humans.

PMID- 27129617
TI  - Cardiac Rehabilitation Adherence: Another Gender-Treatment Paradox.

PMID- 27129618
TI  - Sex Differences in Cardiac Rehabilitation Adherence: A Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participation is associated with
      significantly lower mortality, and this benefit has been established as dose
      dependent. Because it has been suggested that women are adherent to CR programs
      less than men, the objective of this study was to review CR adherence among women
      and men, and to determine whether a sex difference exists. METHODS: MedLine,
      CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane databases were systematically
      searched. Titles and abstracts were screened, and selected full-text articles
      were independently considered on the basis of predefined inclusion/exclusion
      criteria. Data from included articles were extracted by 2 authors independently
      and assessed for quality. The meta-analysis was undertaken with predefined
      subgroup analyses. RESULTS: The search identified 5148 articles, of which 149
      were fully examined for inclusion consideration. Fourteen studies reporting data
      on 8176 participants (2234 [27.3%] women) were included. Overall, CR adherence
      ranged from 36.7% to 84.6% of sessions, with a mean of 66.5 +/- 18.2% (median,
      72.5%). Men and women enrolled in CR adhered to 68.6% and 64.2% of prescribed
      sessions, respectively (mean difference = -3.6; 95% confidence interval, -6.9 to 
      0.3). The sex difference persisted in studies of high quality, that were
      undertaken in Canada, published since 2010, and where programs were longer than
      12 weeks' duration and offered fewer than 3 sessions per week. CONCLUSIONS: To
      our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis to systematically report CR
      adherence rates, and results suggest that patients adhere to more than two-thirds
      of prescribed sessions. CR adherence is significantly lower among women than men.
      Identified strategies to promote adherence need to be tested among women.

PMID- 27129619
TI  - Neuroprotection by GH against excitotoxic-induced cell death in retinal ganglion
      cells.
AB  - Retinal growth hormone (GH) has been shown to promote cell survival in retinal
      ganglion cells (RGCs) during developmental waves of apoptosis during chicken
      embryonic development. The possibility that it might also against excitotoxicity
      induced cell death was therefore examined in the present study, which utilized
      quail-derived QNR/D cells as an in vitro RGC model. QNR/D cell death was induced
      by glutamate in the presence of BSO (buthionine sulfoxamide) (an enhancer of
      oxidative stress), but this was significantly reduced (P<0.01) in the presence of
      exogenous recombinant chicken GH (rcGH). Similarly, QNR/D cells that had been
      prior transfected with a GH plasmid to overexpress secreted and non-secreted GH.
      This treatment reduced the number of TUNEL-labeled cells and blocked their
      release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). In a further experiment with dissected
      neuroretinal explants from ED (embryonic day) 10 embryos, rcGH treatment of the
      explants also reduced (P<0.01) the number of glutamate-BSO-induced apoptotic
      cells and blocked the explant release of LDH. This neuroprotective action was
      likely mediated by increased STAT5 phosphorylation and increased bcl-2
      production, as induced by exogenous rcGH treatment and the media from GH
      overexpressing QNR/D cells. As rcGH treatment and GH-overexpression cells also
      increased the content of IGF-1 and IGF-1 mRNA this neuroprotective action of GH
      is likely to be mediated, at least partially, through an IGF-1 mechanism. This
      possibility is supported by the fact that the siRNA knockdown of GH or IGF-1
      significantly reduced QNR/D cell viability, as did the immunoneutralization of
      IGF-1. GH is therefore neuroprotective against excitotoxicity-induced RGC cell
      death by anti-apoptotic actions involving IGF-1 stimulation.

PMID- 27129620
TI  - Metabolic profiles of cow's blood; a review.
AB  - The term 'metabolic profile' refers to the analysis of blood biochemical
      parameters that are useful to assess and prevent metabolic and nutritional
      disorders in dairy herds. In the higher standards of milk production, the
      priority in modern breeding is keeping dairy cows in high lactation and healthy.
      The proper analysis, as well as control. of their feeding and metabolic status is
      immensely important for the health condition of the herd. The disproportion
      between the genetically determined ability for milk production and the
      limitations in improving the energy value of the ration may be the cause of
      metabolic disorders. Negative energy balance has a major impact on the body's
      hormonal balance and organ functions and mostly appears during transition
      periods: from 3 to 2 weeks prepartum until 2-3 weeks postpartum. The term
      'transition' is used to underscore the important physiological, metabolic and
      nutritional changes occurring in this time. The manner in which these changes
      occur and how they are diagnosed and detected are extremely important, as they
      are closely related to clinical and subclinical postpartum diseases, lactation
      and reproductive performance - factors that significantly shape the profitability
      of production. Therefore the priority for intensive milk production is prevention
      of metabolic diseases and other disorders. It is the intent of this review to
      synthesize and summarize the information currently available on metabolic status
      and physiological changes in the cow's body that occur during lactation, as well
      as to discuss the interpretation of the results, which will be a useful
      diagnostic tool in nutritional evaluations of the dairy herd. (c) 2016 Society of
      Chemical Industry. 

PMID- 27129622
TI  - Intracranial subarachnoid fat arising from a comminuted sacral fracture.

PMID- 27129621
TI  - Early exposure to stimulant medications and substance-related problems: The role
      of medical and nonmedical contexts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The age of onset (early vs. late) and context (medical vs.
      nonmedical) of exposure to stimulant medications for attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been identified as important factors
      in the addictive potential of these controlled medications. This study examines
      the role of medical and nonmedical contexts in the association between early
      exposure to stimulant medications and substance use and substance-related
      problems among adolescents. METHODS: A Web-based survey was self-administered by
      Detroit-area secondary school students (N=4755) between the 2009-10 and 2012-13
      school years. The sample consisted of 51% females, 62% Whites, 32% African
      Americans, and 6% from other racial categories. RESULTS: During the study period,
      an estimated 11.7% of respondents were ever diagnosed with ADHD. Approximately
      6.7% (n=322) of respondents indicated lifetime medical use of prescription
      stimulants while 2.6% (n=124) indicated lifetime nonmedical use. The odds of
      substance use and substance-related problems were significantly lower among those
      who initiated earlier medical use of stimulant medications relative to later
      medical initiation. In contrast, the odds of substance use and substance-related
      problems were significantly greater among those who initiated earlier nonmedical
      use of stimulant medications relative to later nonmedical initiation.
      CONCLUSIONS: More than one in every ten adolescents in this epidemiologically
      derived community-based sample was diagnosed with ADHD. This is the first
      investigation to demonstrate that context (medical vs. nonmedical) plays a
      critical role in the relationship between early exposure to stimulant medications
      and the subsequent risk of substance-related problems during adolescence within
      the same diverse youth sample.

PMID- 27129623
TI  - Phenotypic characteristics of adolescents with concave and convex facial profiles
      - The National Health Examination Survey.
AB  - It has been suggested that facial traits are informative on the inherited
      susceptibility to tuberculosis and obesity, two current global health issues. Our
      aim was to compare the phenotypic characteristics of adolescents with dental
      markers for a concave (n=420), a convex (n=978), and a straight (n=3542) facial
      profile in a nationally representative sample of United States adolescents. The
      results show that adolescents with a concave facial profile, when compared to a
      straight facial profile, had an increased waist-to-height ratio (Delta, 1.1 [95%
      CI 0.5-1.7], p<0.003) and an increased acne prevalence (OR, 1.5 [95% CI 1.2-1.9],
      p<0.001). Adolescents with a convex facial profile, when compared to a straight
      facial profile, had an increased prevalence of tuberculosis (OR, 4.3 [95% CI 1.4
      13.1], p<0.02), increased ectomorphy (Delta, 0.3 [95% CI 0.2-0.4], p<0.0001),
      increased left-handedness (OR, 1.4 [95% CI 1.1-1.7], p<0.007), increased color
      blindness (OR, 1.7 [95% CI 1.3-2.3], p<0.004), and rhesus ee phenotype (OR, 1.3
      [95% CI 1.1-1.5], p<0.008). Adolescents with a concave facial profile, when
      compared to a convex profile, had increased mesomorphy (Delta, 1.3 [95% CI 1.1
      1.5], p<0.0001), increased endomorphy (Delta, 0.5 [95% CI 0.4-0.6], p<0.0001),
      lower ectomorphy (Delta, 0.5 [95% CI 0.4-0.6], p<0.0001), and lower vocabulary
      test scores (Delta, 2.3 [95% CI 0.8-3.8], p<0.008). It is concluded that
      population-based survey data confirm that distinct facial features are associated
      with distinct somatotypes and distinct disease susceptibilities.

PMID- 27129624
TI  - Short-term amiodarone treatment for atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation
      induces a transient thyroid dysfunction: Results from the placebo-controlled,
      randomized AMIO-CAT trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amiodarone is known to affect the thyroid, but little is known about
      thyroid recovery after short-term amiodarone treatment. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to
      evaluate the impact of 8weeks of amiodarone treatment on thyroid function in
      patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing catheter ablation in a
      randomised, double-blind clinical trial. METHODS: 212 patients referred for AF
      ablation at two centres were randomized to 8weeks of oral amiodarone or placebo.
      Thyroid function tests (TSH, thyroid stimulating hormone; T4, thyroxine; T3,
      triiodothyronine; fT4, free T4; fT3, free T3) were performed at baseline and 1, 3
      and 6months. RESULTS: Study drug was discontinued due to mild thyroid dysfunction
      in 1 patient in the placebo vs. 3 in the amiodarone group (p=0.6). In linear
      mixed models there were significant effects of amiodarone on thyroid function
      tests, modified by follow-up visit (p<10(-9) for both TSH, T4, T3, fT4 and fT3).
      The amiodarone group had higher TSH, fT4 and T4 after 1 and 3months compared to
      placebo, whereas T3 and fT3 were lower. In all cases, the amiodarone-induced
      thyroid dysfunction was largest at 1month, declining at 3months, and with no
      differences at 6months, compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: We found amiodarone to
      have a significant impact on thyroid function after only 1month, but with a fast
      recovery of thyroid function after amiodarone discontinuation. Our study
      indicates that short-term amiodarone can be considered safe in patients without
      prior thyroid dysfunction.

PMID- 27129625
TI  - Peer review in medical journals: Beyond quality of reports towards transparency
      and public scrutiny of the process.
AB  - Published medical research influences health care providers and policy makers,
      guides patient management, and is based on the peer review process. Peer review
      should prevent publication of unreliable data and improve study reporting, but
      there is little evidence that these aims are fully achieved. In the blinded
      systems, authors and readers do not know the reviewers' identity. Moreover, the
      reviewers' reports are not made available to readers. Anonymous peer review poses
      an ethical imbalance toward authors, who are judged by masked referees, and to
      the medical community and society at large, in case patients suffer the
      consequences of acceptance of flawed manuscripts or erroneous rejection of
      important findings. Some general medical journals have adopted an open process,
      require reviewers to sign their reports, and links online pre-publication
      histories to accepted articles. This system increases editors' and reviewers'
      accountability and allows public scrutiny, consenting readers understand on which
      basis were decisions taken and by whom. Moreover, this gives credit to reviewers
      for their apparently thankless job, as online availability of signed and scored
      reports may contribute to researchers' academic curricula. However, the
      transition from the blind to the open system could pose problems to journals.
      Reviewers may be more difficult to find, and publishers or medical societies
      could resist changes that may affect editorial costs and journals' revenues.
      Nonetheless, also considering the risk of competing interests in the medical
      field, general and major specialty journals could consider testing the effects of
      open review on manuscripts regarding studies that may influence clinical
      practice. 

PMID- 27129626
TI  - The holiness of sick people: A strong idea in the art of European Renaissance.

PMID- 27129627
TI  - Feeding Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) and Astragalus membranaceus (AM) alters
      innate immune and physiological responses in yellow perch (Perca flavescens).
AB  - The current work assessed the potential immunomodulatory and growth-promoting
      effects of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) in
      Yellow perch (Perca flavescens). In this regard, fish with an average weight of
      31 +/- 1.0 g were divided into five groups, and fed daily with an additive-free
      basal diet (control); 1, 2, and 3% (w/w) Glycyrrhiza glabra, and the fifth diet
      was incorporated with a combination of 1% G. glabra-AM for a four-week period.
      Immunological, biochemical and growth parameters were measured; and sub-groups of
      fish were exposed to 1-week starvation. The results showed that incorporating AM
      and liquorice in the diet significantly improved Immunological [superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), Lipid peroxidase
      (LPx) and lysozyme activities], biochemical [Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and
      Alanine Transaminase (ALT) activities; and glucose and cortisol concentrations]
      and growth performance parameters [body mass gain (BMG), specific growth rate
      (SGR), length, condition factor (K) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)]. In
      addition, markedly up-regulated the expression of related genes [Insulin-Like
      Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), Serum amyloid A (SAA), Complement Component C3 (CCC3),
      Alpha 2 Macroglobulin (A2M), SOD and GPx] in treated fish groups compared to the
      control. Conclusively, feeding AM and liquorice diets significantly increased (P
      < 0.05) growth performance, antioxidant and immune response profiles throughout
      the entire experiment, suggesting their beneficial rule as natural anti-stress
      agents. 

PMID- 27129628
TI  - [Medical expert consensus in AH on the clinical use of triple fixed-dose
      antihypertensive therapy in Spain].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The opinion of experts (different specialties) on the triple fixed
      dose antihypertensive therapy in clinical practice may differ. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Online questionnaire with controversial aspects of the triple therapy
      answered by panel of experts in hypertension (HT) using two-round modified Delphi
      method. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 158 experts: Internal
      Medicine (49), Nephrology (26), Cardiology (83). Consensus was reached
      (agreement) on 27/45 items (60%); 7 items showed differences statistically
      significant. Consensus was reached regarding: Predictive factors in the need for
      combination therapy and its efficacy vs. increasing the dose of a pretreatment,
      and advantage of triple therapy (prescription/adherence/cost/pressure control)
      vs. free combination. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus provides an overview of the
      clinical use of triple therapy in moderate-severe and resistant/difficult to
      control HT.

PMID- 27129629
TI  - [Arterial hypertension during pregnancy: Always preeclampsia?]
AB  - Cushing's syndrome is a rare condition during pregnancy, but it is associated
      with serious maternal and fetal complications. The most common etiology during
      pregnancy is the presence of an adrenocortical adenoma. Urinary free cortisol
      over 3 times the upper limit of normal usually indicates Cushing's syndrome
      during pregnancy. The treatment of choice is surgical, and the ideal time for
      surgery is before the third trimester.

PMID- 27129630
TI  - Simultaneous detection of platelet-specific antibodies based on a photonic
      crystal-encoded suspension array.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The appearance of antibodies to platelets in the blood is an
      important cause of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and platelet glycoprotein (GP)
      specific antibody detection may be helpful to diagnose this condition. METHODS:
      Photonic crystal microspheres with different distinct reflection spectra were
      coated with anti-GPIIb, -GPIIIa, -GPIb and -GPIX monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to
      create a photonic crystal-encoded suspension array (PCSA). Fluorescein
      isothiocyanate-labelled goat anti-human IgG was added to detect human IgG
      simultaneously. The detection results were analysed by fluorescence microscopy.
      Parallel MoAb immobilization of platelet antigen (MAIPA) was used as a reference
      test. Both methods were used to analyse 63 clinical samples including serum from
      32 ITP patients and 31 healthy humans. RESULTS: The PCSA showed greater
      sensitivity than MAIPA in detecting anti-GPIIb (75.0% vs 31.1%) and GPIIIa (84.4%
      vs 40.6%) antibodies and similar sensitivity as MAIPA in detecting anti-GPIb
      (37.5% vs 34.4%) and GPIX (50.0% vs 40.8%) antibodies. The MAIPA and PCSA tests
      had similar specificity. The PCSA detected higher dilutions of serum containing
      anti-GPIIIa antibody or anti-GPIIb antibody than did MAIPA. The entire testing
      process was controlled within 3.5h. CONCLUSIONS: The PCSA assay described has
      comparable or better sensitivity and specificity compared to the MAIPA and is
      more rapid.

PMID- 27129631
TI  - Comparison of urine collection methods for albuminuria assessment in young
      children.
AB  - Cotton wool or pantyliners placed in a diaper can be used as urine collection
      devices for albuminuria measurements in young, not continent children. We tested
      a new collection method (PeeSpot(R)) for its analytical performance, and compared
      it with the pantyliner technique. Eighty-one urine samples with a wide range of
      albuminuria were pipetted on the pantyliner and PeeSpot in duplicate. These were
      incubated for 3h at 37 degrees C (simulating the time a toddler wears a diaper),
      and subsequently 72h at room temperature (simulating transport to a central
      laboratory). Urine was extracted by centrifugation and albumin concentration
      (UAc) was measured. UAC measured by the two methods was compared with UAC in an
      unprocessed reference aliquot stored for 75h at 4 degrees C. Bias (mean
      percentage UAC difference between test and reference), precision (interquartile
      range of the UAC difference) and accuracy (proportion of samples within 30% of
      reference UAC) were calculated. Median UAC in the reference aliquot was 66.0mg/L
      [IQR 25.0-211.0], pantyliner 32.0mg/L [4.7-165.0; P<0.001 vs reference], and
      PeeSpot 61.0mg/L [27.0-216.0; P=0.84 vs reference]. Bias, precision and accuracy
      in pantyliner were -34.2%, 31.3mg/L and 48.1%; in PeeSpot 3.3%, 5.0mg/L and
      96.3%. Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plot showed an underestimation
      for the pantyliner but not for the PeeSpot. The PeeSpot is an accurate and
      precise tool for collecting urine for albumin measurement in young children and
      should be preferred over the alternative cotton wool collection technique. 

PMID- 27129632
TI  - Ku antigen displays the AP lyase activity on a certain type of duplex DNA.
AB  - In the search for proteins reactive to apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites, it has
      been earlier found that proteins of human cell extracts formed the Schiff-base
      dependent covalent adduct with an apparent molecular mass of 100kDa with a
      partial DNA duplex containing an AP site and 5'- and 3'-protruding ends (DDE-AP
      DNA). The adduct of such electrophoretic mobility was characteristic of only DDE
      AP DNA (Ilina et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1784 (2008) 1777-1785). The protein
      in this unusual adduct was identified as the Ku80 subunit of Ku antigen by
      peptide mass mapping based on MALDI-TOF MS data (Kosova et al., Biopolym. Cell 30
      (2014) 42-46). Here we studied the interaction of Ku with DDE-AP DNA in details.
      Purified Ku (the Ku80 subunit) was shown to form the 100-kDa adduct highly
      specific for AP DNA with a certain length of protruding ends, base opposite the
      AP site and AP site location. Ku is capable of AP site cleavage in DDE-AP DNA
      unlike in analogous AP DNA with blunt ends. Ku cleaves AP sites via beta
      elimination and prefers apurinic sites over apyrimidinic ones. The AP site in DDE
      DNA can be repaired in an apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease-independent manner
      via the successive action of Ku (cleavage of the AP site), tyrosyl-DNA
      phosphodiesterase 1 (removal of the 3'-deoxyribose residue), polynucleotide
      kinase 3'-phosphatase (removal of the 3'-phosphate), DNA polymerase beta
      (incorporation of dNMP), and DNA ligase (sealing the nick). These results provide
      a new insight into the role of Ku in the repair of AP sites.

PMID- 27129633
TI  - 'I ate too much so I must have been sad': Emotions as a confabulated reason for
      overeating.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emotional eating (i.e., overeating in response to negative affect) is
      a commonly accepted explanation for eating behaviors that are not in line with
      personal eating-norms. However, the empirical evidence for a causal link between
      self-reported emotional eating and overeating is mixed. The present study tested
      an alternative hypothesis stating that high emotional eating scores are
      indicative of a susceptibility to use negative affect as a confabulated, post-hoc
      reason to explain overeating. METHODS: Female students (N = 46) participated in a
      'taste-test' and came back to the lab a day later to receive feedback that they
      either ate too much (norm-violation condition) or an acceptable amount of food
      (control condition), whereafter emotional eating was assessed. Negative affect
      was measured several times throughout the study. RESULTS: In the norm-violation
      condition, participants with high emotional eating scores retrospectively rated
      their affect prior to eating as more negative than participants with low
      emotional eating scores. In the control condition, no effect of emotional score
      on affect ratings was found. DISCUSSION: For some individuals emotional eating
      scores may represent a tendency to retrospectively attribute overeating to
      negative affect. This could explain the lack of consistent findings for a link
      between self-reported emotional eating and overeating.

PMID- 27129634
TI  - Novel imaging tools for investigating the role of immune signalling in the brain.
AB  - The importance of neuro-immune interactions in both physiological and
      pathophysiological states cannot be overstated. As our appreciation for the
      neuroimmune nature of the brain and spinal cord grows, so does our need to extend
      the spatial and temporal resolution of our molecular analysis techniques. Current
      imaging technologies applied to investigate the actions of the neuroimmune system
      in both health and disease states have been adapted from the fields of immunology
      and neuroscience. While these classical techniques have provided immense insight
      into the function of the CNS, they are however, inherently limited. Thus, the
      development of innovative methods which overcome these limitations are crucial
      for imaging and quantifying acute and chronic neuroimmune responses. Therefore,
      this review aims to convey emerging novel and complementary imaging technologies
      in a form accessible to medical scientists engaging in neuroimmune research.

PMID- 27129635
TI  - Preliminary Analysis of the 3-Dimensional Morphology of the Upper Lip
      Configuration at the Completion of Facial Expressions in Healthy Japanese Young
      Adults and Patients With Cleft Lip.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop criteria for the analysis of upper lip configuration of
      patients with cleft lip while they produce various facial expressions by
      comparing the 3-dimensional (3D) facial morphology of healthy Japanese adults and
      patients with cleft lip. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy adult Japanese
      volunteers (10 men, 10 women, controls) without any observed facial abnormalities
      and 8 patients (4 men, 4 women) with unilateral cleft lip and palate who had
      undergone secondary lip and nose repair were recruited for this study. Facial
      expressions (resting, smiling, and blowing out a candle) were recorded with 2
      Artec MHT 3D scanners, and images were superimposed by aligning the T-zone of the
      faces. The positions of 14 specific points were set on each face, and the
      positional changes of specific points and symmetry of the upper lip cross-section
      were analyzed. Furthermore, the configuration observed in healthy controls was
      compared with that in patients with cleft lip before and after surgery. RESULTS:
      The mean absolute values for T-zone overlap ranged from 0.04 to 0.15 mm.
      Positional changes of specific points in the controls showed that the nose and
      lip moved backward and laterally upward when smiling and the lips moved forward
      and downward medially when blowing out a candle; these movements were bilaterally
      symmetrical in men and women. In patients with cleft lip, the positional changes
      of the specific points were minor compared with those of the controls while
      smiling and blowing out a candle. The left-versus-right symmetry of the upper lip
      cross-section exceeded 1.0 mm in patients with cleft lip, which was markedly
      higher than that in the controls (0.17 to 0.91 mm). These left-versus-right
      differences during facial expressions were decreased after surgery. CONCLUSION:
      By comparing healthy individuals with patients with cleft lip, this study has
      laid the basis for determining control values for facial expressions.

PMID- 27129636
TI  - Cells to shells: The genomics of mollusc exoskeletons.

PMID- 27129637
TI  - Lateral Fasciectomy Sparing the Superficial Peroneal Nerve with Simultaneous Mesh
      Graft in Non-healing Lateral Leg Ulcers of Diverse Vascular Origins: Surgical
      Technique, Short- and Long-term Results from 44 Legs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The technique of lateral fasciectomy (LF) sparing the superficial
      peroneal nerve with mesh graft coverage is a novel treatment of non-healing
      lateral leg ulcers of various vascular origin affecting the fascia. We report
      short- and long-term results of LF for recalcitrant lateral leg ulcers. DESIGN:
      This study is a single center, retrospective case series of consecutive patients
      treated by LF. MATERIALS: From 827 ulcers treated at our institution, 44
      recalcitrant lateral leg ulcers affecting the fascia (41 patients) underwent
      lateral fasciectomy between 2006 and 2013. METHODS: Preoperative indications,
      step-by-step surgical procedures, and perioperative care methodologies are
      presented. Long-term effects of healing and recurrence were clinically
      investigated or obtained through telephone interviews with relatives and local
      practitioners. RESULTS: Three discrete etiologies were identified: venous ulcers
      (n = 24), arterial-venous/mixed ulcers (n = 11), and arteriolar Martorell
      hypertensive leg ulcers (n = 9). Complete healing was achieved in 40 legs (91%)
      after 3 months, and in 43 of the affected legs (98%) in total. The median
      duration to complete healing was 64 days. There was no difference between the
      healing times of different etiologies. No local recurrence was observed during
      the follow-up period, which ranged from 1.8 to 8.7 years (median: 5.11, mean:
      5.12). Twelve patients (27%) died within this period due to multimorbidity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Following lateral fasciectomy and mesh graft coverage, 43 legs (98%)
      healed in previously treatment resistant lateral leg ulcers.

PMID- 27129638
TI  - Effectiveness of exercise therapy for meniscal lesions in adults: A systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effectiveness of exercise therapy in
      patients with meniscal lesions. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
      METHODS: Nine databases were searched up to July 2015, including EMBASE and
      Medline OvidSP. Randomized and controlled clinical trials in adults with
      traumatic or degenerative meniscal lesions were considered for inclusion.
      Interventions had to consist of exercise therapy in non-surgical patients or
      after meniscectomy, and had to be compared with meniscectomy, no exercise
      therapy, or to a different type of exercise therapy. Primary outcomes were pain
      and function on short term (<=3 months) and long term (>3 months). Two
      researchers independently selected the studies, assessed the risk of bias, and
      extracted data. RESULTS: Of the 1415 identified articles 14 articles describing
      12 studies were included; all had some concerns about the risk of bias. There was
      no significant difference between exercise therapy and meniscectomy for pain (MD
      0.27 [-4.30,4.83]) and function (SMD -0.32 [-0.68,0.03]). After meniscectomy,
      there was conflicting evidence for the effectiveness of exercise therapy when
      compared to no exercise therapy for pain and function. There was no significant
      difference between various types of exercise therapy for pain (MD 19.30 [
      6.60,45.20]) and function (SMD 0.01 [-0.27,0.28]). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise therapy
      and meniscectomy yielded comparable results on pain and function. Exercise
      therapy compared to no exercise therapy after meniscectomy showed conflicting
      evidence at short term, but was more effective on function at long term. The
      preferable type/frequency/intensity of exercise therapy remains unclear. The
      strength of the evidence was low to very low.

PMID- 27129666
TI  - Diagnostic tests in urology: Is the diagnostic gain sufficient to assess extended
      lymphadenectomy in prostate cancer?

PMID- 27129667
TI  - Ill-Posed Point Neuron Models.
AB  - We show that point-neuron models with a Heaviside firing rate function can be ill
      posed. More specifically, the initial-condition-to-solution map might become
      discontinuous in finite time. Consequently, if finite precision arithmetic is
      used, then it is virtually impossible to guarantee the accurate numerical
      solution of such models. If a smooth firing rate function is employed, then
      standard ODE theory implies that point-neuron models are well posed.
      Nevertheless, in the steep firing rate regime, the problem may become close to
      ill posed, and the error amplification, in finite time, can be very large. This
      observation is illuminated by numerical experiments. We conclude that, if a steep
      firing rate function is employed, then minor round-off errors can have a
      devastating effect on simulations, unless proper error-control schemes are used. 

PMID- 27129668
TI  - A building block approach to the synthesis of a family of S-linked alpha-1,6
      oligomannosides.
AB  - The syntheses of alpha-1,6-S-linked methyl di-, tetra- and hexamannosides are
      reported. The sulfur linkages are generated through coupling of thiolates
      (derived from anomeric thioacetates or isothiouronium bromides) with 6-deoxy-6
      iodo sugars. Two approaches are detailed that involve [2 + 2 + 2] construction
      from either the reducing end or the non-reducing end. In constructing from the
      reducing end, coupling of a disaccharide thioacetate with a 6'-iodo reducing end
      disaccharide, followed by activation of the resulting tetrasaccharide to a 6'''
      iodide, and iterative coupling with the same disaccharide thioacetate afforded
      the S-linked hexasaccharide, as well as the intermediate di- and
      tetrasaccharides. On the other hand, construction from the non-reducing end
      involved coupling of the above disaccharide thioacetate with an anomeric S-trityl
      protected 6'-iodo disaccharide. The resulting S-trityl tetrasaccharide was
      converted to a tetrasaccharide thioacetate, which was coupled with the same
      anomeric S-trityl protected 6'-iodo disaccharide to afford the hexasaccharide,
      which was elaborated to the methyl thioglycoside. The developed methodology may
      prove useful for the construction of other S-linked oligosaccharides. 

PMID- 27129669
TI  - Comparison of diagnostic techniques for the detection and differentiation of
      Cherry leaf roll virus strains for quarantine purposes.
AB  - Some strains of Cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV) are considered as quarantine pests
      in New Zealand. CLRV was detected in seven plant host species: Actinidia
      chinensis, Hydrangea macrophylla, Malus domestica, Plantago major, Ribes rubrum,
      Rubus idaeus and Rumex sp. collected from New Zealand between 2005 and 2012.
      Biological, serological and molecular techniques were compared for the detection
      and differentiation of CLRV isolates. The biological analysis revealed
      differences in symptomatology and disease severity among the isolates. The five
      isolates tested by ELISA were serologically related to each other using
      polyclonal antisera with only one out of four commercially-available antisera
      successfully detecting all of them. The phylogenetic analysis of sequences
      obtained from parts of the coat protein, polymerase and 3'-untranslated regions
      revealed that the New Zealand CLRV isolates clustered into two closely related
      but distinct phylogenetic groups with some isolates grouping differently
      depending on the gene studied. The New Zealand CLRV isolates were clearly
      distinct to overseas isolates found in phylogenetic groups A, D and E. The
      conventional RT-PCR using primers targeting the CLRV coat protein coding region
      is recommended for determining sequence differences between strains. These
      findings will be useful in making regulatory decisions with regard to the testing
      requirements and the CLRV strains to be regulated in New Zealand.

PMID- 27129670
TI  - Cervicovaginal Microbiomes-Threats and Possibilities.
AB  - The microbiome of the vagina has universal traits that override race, diet,
      lifestyle, and socioeconomic status. While five community state types have been
      proposed, the actual number is likely closer to ten. Nevertheless, while
      lactobacilli dominate in health for most women, a highly diverse community or
      single pathogens are associated with morbidity. The fact that four or five
      Lactobacillus species are dominant in healthy women worldwide, raises questions
      of why they evolved in this niche, what they are doing, and how their apparent
      protective properties can be harnessed? This opinion article explores this
      universality, elements of lactobacilli that may imprint women's health and that
      of their offspring, and proposes key areas for future study.

PMID- 27129671
TI  - Attenuation of oxidative and nitrosative stress in cortical area associates with
      antidepressant-like effects of tropisetron in male mice following social
      isolation stress.
AB  - Tropisetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist widely used as an antiemetic, has been
      reported to have positive effects on mood disorders. Adolescence is a critical
      period during the development of brain, where exposure to chronic stress during
      this time is highly associated with the development of depression. In this study,
      we showed that 4 weeks of juvenile social isolation stress (SIS) provoked
      depressive-like behaviors in male mice, which was associated with disruption of
      mitochondrial function and nitric oxide overproduction in the cortical areas. In
      this study, tropisetron (5mg/kg) reversed the negative behavioral effects of SIS
      in male mice. We found that the effects of tropisetron were mediated through
      mitigating the negative activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) on
      mitochondrial activity. Administration of aminoguanidine (specific iNOS
      inhibitor, 20mg/kg) augmented the protective effects of tropisetron (1mg/kg) on
      SIS. Furthermore, l-arginine (nitric oxide precursor, 100mg/kg) abolished the
      positive effects of tropisetron. These results have increased our knowledge on
      the pivotal role of mitochondrial function in the pathophysiology of depression,
      and highlighted the role of 5-HT3 receptors in psychosocial stress response
      during adolescence. Finally, we observed that tropisetron alleviated the
      mitochondrial dysfunction through decreased nitrergic system activity in the
      cerebral cortex.

PMID- 27129672
TI  - Salivary protein levels as a predictor of perceived astringency in model systems
      and solid foods.
AB  - Salivary protein difference value (SP D-value) is a quantitative measure of
      salivary protein replenishment, which reportedly relates to individual
      differences in perceived astringency. This in vitro measure is calculated as the
      difference in total salivary protein before (S1) and after (S2) stimulation with
      tannic acid, with a greater absolute value (S2-S1) indicating less protein
      replenishment. Others report that this measure predicts perceived astringency and
      liking of liquid model systems and beverages containing added polyphenols.
      Whether this relationship generalizes to astringent compounds other than
      polyphenols, or to solid foods is unknown. Here, the associations between SP D
      values and perceived astringency and overall liking/disliking for alum and tannic
      acid (experiment 1) as well as solid chocolate-flavored compound coating with
      added tannic acid or grape seed extract (GSE) (experiment 2) were examined. In
      both experiments, participants (n=84 and 81, respectively) indicated perceived
      intensity of astringency, bitterness, sweetness, and sourness, and degree of
      liking of either aqueous solutions, or solid chocolate-flavored compound coating
      with added astringents. Data were analyzed via linear regression, and as discrete
      groups for comparison to prior work. Three discrete groups were formed based on
      first and third quartile splits of the SP D-value distribution: low (LR), medium
      (MR), and high responding (HR) individuals. In experiment 1, significantly higher
      mean astringency ratings were observed for the HR as compared to the LR/MR groups
      for alum and tannic acid, confirming and extending prior work. In experiment 2,
      significantly higher mean astringency ratings were also observed for HR as
      compared to LR groups in solid chocolate-flavored compound containing added
      tannic acid or GSE. Significant differences in liking were found between HR and
      LR groups for alum and tannic acid in water, but no significant differences in
      liking were observed for chocolate-flavored compound samples. A significant
      linear relationship between SP D-values and perceived astringency was observed
      for both alum and tannic acid (p's<0.001), although the variance explained was
      relatively low (R(2)=0.33 and 0.29, respectively). In the solid chocolate
      flavored compound spiked with either tannic acid or GSE, the relationship was not
      significant (p=0.17 and 0.30; R(2)=0.03 and 0.02, respectively). Due to the weak
      associations overall, and the lack of significant differences in perception of
      astringency between the MR and LR groups, we conclude that SP D-values are not a
      strong predictor of astringency, especially in solid, high-fat foods. Additional
      research investigating alternative methods for quantifying individual differences
      in astringency, as well as exploring the underlying complexities of this percept
      appears warranted.

PMID- 27129673
TI  - Rats with a truncated ghrelin receptor (GHSR) do not respond to ghrelin, and show
      reduced intake of palatable, high-calorie food.
AB  - Ghrelin, a peptide hormone produced by the stomach, is the endogenous ligand for
      the Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor (GHSR). Ghrelin acts on the GHSR to
      increase food intake, appetitive behaviors, and adiposity. Recently, a rat model
      with a null mutation to the GHSR gene (FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi)) was generated and used
      in behavioral studies, but the basic metabolic phenotype of this strain as well
      as that of the background strain (Fawn Hooded Hypertensive, FHH) has not been
      characterized in detail. Here we compared male FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats with their
      wild-type littermates (FHH-WT) in a number of metabolic parameters. In the 24h of
      recovery following an acute overnight fast, FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats consumed less
      food than FHH-WT animals, and relative to their body weights, adult FHH
      GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats consumed fewer calories when placed on a high-fat diet.
      Despite this, FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats did not show a difference in diet-induced
      obesity or weight gain. Fasted FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats exhibited increased Agouti
      Related Peptide (AgRP) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression in the Arcuate Nucleus
      (ARC), indicative of altered central regulation of feeding and energy balance.
      FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rats exhibited lower levels of home cage locomotor behavior
      over the entire light/dark cycle, and reduced levels of food anticipatory
      activity when placed on a restricted feeding schedule. Finally, FHH-GHSR(m1/Mcwi)
      rats consumed less of a palatable dessert (cookie dough) given after the
      completion of the scheduled meal. Altogether, our data show that rats lacking a
      functional GHSR tend to eat less than their wild-type counterparts in the face of
      acute fasts, chronic high-fat diet exposure, and exposure to a palatable dessert,
      despite not showing differences in body weight and glucose homeostasis that are
      characteristic of GHSR null mice. These data indicate that many, but not all
      responses to GHSR ablation are conserved between rats and mice. The FHH
      GHSR(m1/Mcwi) rat thus represents a novel and useful model for studying GHSR
      function in rats.

PMID- 27129674
TI  - How sodium arsenite improve amyloid beta-induced memory deficit?
AB  - Evidence has shown that arsenic exposure, besides its toxic effects results in
      impairment of learning and memory, but its molecular mechanisms are not fully
      understood. In the present study, we examined sodium arsenite (1, 5, 10, 100nM)
      effects on contextual and tone memory of male rats in Pavlovian fear conditioning
      paradigm alone and in co-administration with beta-amyloid. We detected changes in
      the level of caspase-3, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB), cAMP response element
      binding (CREB), heme oxygenase-1 and NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) by Western
      blot. Sodium arsenite in high doses induced significant memory impairment 9 and
      16days after infusion. By contrast, low doses of sodium arsenite attenuate memory
      deficit in Abeta injected rats after 16days. Our data revealed that treatment
      with high concentration of sodium arsenite increased caspase-3 cleavage and NF
      kappaB level, 9days after injection. Whereas, low doses of sodium arsenite cause
      Nrf2 and HO-1 activation and increased CREB phosphorylation in the hippocampus.
      These findings suggest the concentration dependent effects of sodium arsenite on
      contextual and tone memory. Moreover, it seems that the neuroprotective effects
      of ultra-low concentrations of sodium arsenite on Abeta-induced memory impairment
      is mediated via an increase Nrf2, HO-1 and CREB phosphorylation levels and
      decrease caspase-3 and NF-kappaB amount.

PMID- 27129675
TI  - The content of lexical stimuli and self-reported physiological state modulate
      error-related negativity amplitude.
AB  - The Error-Related Negativity (ERN) and Correct-Response Negativity (CRN) are
      brief event-related potential (ERP) components-elicited after the commission of a
      response-associated with motivation, emotion, and affect. The Error Positivity
      (Pe) typically appears after the ERN, and corresponds to awareness of having
      committed an error. Although motivation has long been established as an important
      factor in the expression and morphology of the ERN, physiological state has
      rarely been explored as a variable in these investigations. In the present study,
      we investigated whether self-reported physiological state (SRPS; wakefulness,
      hunger, or thirst) corresponds with ERN amplitude and type of lexical stimuli.
      Participants completed a SRPS questionnaire and then completed a speeded Lexical
      Decision Task with words and pseudowords that were either food-related or
      neutral. Though similar in frequency and length, food-related stimuli elicited
      increased accuracy, faster errors, and generated a larger ERN and smaller CRN
      than neutral words. Self-reported thirst correlated with improved accuracy and
      smaller ERN and CRN amplitudes. The Pe and Pc (correct positivity) were not
      impacted by physiological state or by stimulus content. The results indicate that
      physiological state and manipulations of lexical content may serve as important
      avenues for future research. Future studies that apply more sensitive measures of
      physiological and motivational state (e.g., biomarkers for satiety) or direct
      manipulations of satiety may be a useful technique for future research into
      response monitoring.

PMID- 27129677
TI  - Healthcare staff 's experience in providing end-of-life care to children: A mixed
      method review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Staff who provide end-of-life care to children not only have to deal
      with their own sense of loss but also that of bereaved families. There is a
      dearth of knowledge on how they cope with these challenges. AIM: The aim of this
      review is to explore the experiences of healthcare professionals who provide end
      of-life care to children in order to inform the development of interventions to
      support them, thereby improving the quality of paediatric care for both children
      and their families. DATA SOURCES: Searches included CINAHL, MEDLINE, Web of
      Science, EMBASE, PsychINFO and The Cochrane Library in June 2015, with no date
      restrictions. Additional literature was uncovered from searching reference lists
      of relevant studies, along with contacting experts in the field of paediatric
      palliative care. DESIGN: This was a systematic mixed studies review. Study
      selection, appraisal and data extraction were conducted by two independent
      researchers. Integrative thematic analysis was used to synthesise the data.
      RESULTS: The 16 qualitative, 6 quantitative and 8 mixed-method studies identified
      included healthcare professionals in a range of settings. Key themes identified
      rewards and challenges of providing end-of-life care to children, the impact on
      staff's personal and professional lives, coping strategies and key approaches to
      help support staff in their role. CONCLUSION: Education focusing on the unique
      challenges of providing end-of-life care to children and the importance of self
      care, along with timely multidisciplinary debriefing, are key strategies for
      improving healthcare staff's experiences, and as such the quality of care they
      provide.

PMID- 27129678
TI  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in palliative care: A prospective
      study of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prevalence in a hospital
      based palliative care unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a common organism in
      hospitals worldwide and is associated with morbidity and mortality. However,
      little is known about the prevalence in palliative care patients. Furthermore,
      there is no standardized screening protocol or treatment for patients for whom
      therapy concentrates on symptom control. AIM: Examining the prevalence of
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in palliative care patients as well
      as the level of morbidity and mortality. DESIGN: We performed a prospective study
      where methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening was undertaken in 296
      consecutive patients within 48 h after admission to our palliative care unit.
      Medical history was taken, clinical examination was performed, and the Karnofsky
      Performance Scale and Palliative Prognostic Score were determined. Prevalence of
      Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was compared to data of general
      hospital patients. RESULTS: In total, 281 patients were included in the study
      having a mean age of 69.7 years (standard deviation = 12.9 years) and an average
      Karnofsky Performance Scale between 30% and 40%. The mean length of stay was 9.7
      days (standard deviation = 7.6 days). A total of 24 patients were methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus positive on the first swab. Median number of
      swabs was 2. All patients with a negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus swab upon admission remained Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      negative in all subsequent swabs. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the
      prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among patients in an in
      hospital palliative care unit is much higher than in other patient populations.

PMID- 27129676
TI  - Low-calorie sweetener use and energy balance: Results from experimental studies
      in animals, and large-scale prospective studies in humans.
AB  - For more than a decade, pioneering animal studies conducted by investigators at
      Purdue University have provided evidence to support a central thesis: that the
      uncoupling of sweet taste and caloric intake by low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) can
      disrupt an animal's ability to predict the metabolic consequences of sweet taste,
      and thereby impair the animal's ability to respond appropriately to sweet-tasting
      foods. These investigators' work has been replicated and extended
      internationally. There now exists a body of evidence, from a number of
      investigators, that animals chronically exposed to any of a range of LCSs -
      including saccharin, sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, or the
      combination of erythritol+aspartame - have exhibited one or more of the following
      conditions: increased food consumption, lower post-prandial thermogenesis,
      increased weight gain, greater percent body fat, decreased GLP-1 release during
      glucose tolerance testing, and significantly greater fasting glucose, glucose
      area under the curve during glucose tolerance testing, and hyperinsulinemia,
      compared with animals exposed to plain water or - in many cases - even to
      calorically-sweetened foods or liquids. Adverse impacts of LCS have appeared
      diminished in animals on dietary restriction, but were pronounced among males,
      animals genetically predisposed to obesity, and animals with diet-induced
      obesity. Impacts have been especially striking in animals on high-energy diets:
      diets high in fats and sugars, and diets which resemble a highly-processed
      'Western' diet, including trans-fatty acids and monosodium glutamate. These
      studies have offered both support for, and biologically plausible mechanisms to
      explain, the results from a series of large-scale, long-term prospective
      observational studies conducted in humans, in which longitudinal increases in
      weight, abdominal adiposity, and incidence of overweight and obesity have been
      observed among study participants who reported using diet sodas and other LCS
      sweetened beverages daily or more often at baseline. Furthermore, frequent use of
      diet beverages has been associated prospectively with increased long-term risk
      and/or hazard of a number of cardiometabolic conditions usually considered to be
      among the sequelae of obesity: hypertension, metabolic syndrome, diabetes,
      depression, kidney dysfunction, heart attack, stroke, and even cardiovascular and
      total mortality. Reverse causality does not appear to explain fully the increased
      risk observed across all of these studies, the majority of which have included
      key potential confounders as covariates. These have included body mass index or
      waist circumference at baseline; total caloric intake and specific macronutrient
      intake; physical activity; smoking; demographic and other relevant risk factors;
      and/or family history of disease. Whether non-LCS ingredients in diet beverages
      might have independently increased the weight gain and/or cardiometabolic risk
      observed among frequent consumers of LCS-sweetened beverages deserves further
      exploration. In the meantime, however, there is a striking congruence between
      results from animal research and a number of large-scale, long-term observational
      studies in humans, in finding significantly increased weight gain, adiposity,
      incidence of obesity, cardiometabolic risk, and even total mortality among
      individuals with chronic, daily exposure to low-calorie sweeteners - and these
      results are troubling.

PMID- 27129680
TI  - Time to practice what we preach? Appreciating the autonomy of cancer patients on
      deciding whether they want to be informed about interventional studies for
      fatigue.

PMID- 27129679
TI  - How does uncertainty shape patient experience in advanced illness? A secondary
      analysis of qualitative data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uncertainty is common in advanced illness but is infrequently studied
      in this context. If poorly addressed, uncertainty can lead to adverse patient
      outcomes. AIM: We aimed to understand patient experiences of uncertainty in
      advanced illness and develop a typology of patients' responses and preferences to
      inform practice. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of qualitative interview transcripts.
      Studies were assessed for inclusion and interviews were sampled using maximum
      variation sampling. Analysis used a thematic approach with 10% of coding cross
      checked to enhance reliability. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Qualitative interviews from
      six studies including patients with heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, renal disease, cancer and liver failure. RESULTS: A total of 30
      transcripts were analysed. Median age was 75 (range, 43-95), 12 patients were
      women. The impact of uncertainty was frequently discussed: the main related
      themes were engagement with illness, information needs, patient priorities and
      the period of time that patients mainly focused their attention on (temporal
      focus). A typology of patient responses to uncertainty was developed from these
      themes. CONCLUSION: Uncertainty influences patient experience in advanced illness
      through affecting patients' information needs, preferences and future priorities
      for care. Our typology aids understanding of how patients with advanced illness
      respond to uncertainty. Assessment of these three factors may be a useful
      starting point to guide clinical assessment and shared decision making.

PMID- 27129681
TI  - Differences in out-of-pocket costs of healthcare in the last year of life of
      older people in 13 European countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research on the costs of healthcare provision has so far focused on
      insurer costs rather than out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket costs may be
      important to patients making medical decisions. AIM: To investigate the self
      reported out-of-pocket costs associated with healthcare in the last year of life
      of older adults in Europe. DESIGN: A post-death survey, part of the Survey of
      Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe, completed by proxy respondents in four
      waves from 2005 to 2012. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Proxy respondents for 2501
      deceased adults of 55 years or over. Data from 13 European countries and four
      waves from 2005 to 2012 were used. RESULTS: The proportion of people with out-of
      pocket costs ranged from 21% to 96% in different European Union countries. Out-of
      pocket costs ranged from 2% to 25% of median household income. Secondary and
      institutional care was most often the largest contributor to out-of-pocket costs,
      with care received in a care home being the most expensive type of care in 11 of
      13 countries. Multilevel analyses showed that limitations in more than two
      activities of daily living (coefficient = 6.47, 95% confidence interval = 1.81
      11.14) and a total hospitalization time of 3-6 months (coefficient = 14.66; 95%
      confidence interval = 0.97-28.35) or more than 6 months (coefficient = 31.01; 95%
      confidence interval = 11.98-50.15) were associated with higher out-of-pocket
      costs. In total, 24% of the variance on a country level remained unexplained.
      CONCLUSION: Variation in out-of-pocket costs for healthcare in the last year of
      life between European countries indicates that countries face different
      challenges in making healthcare in the last year of life affordable for all.

PMID- 27129682
TI  - Development of a Plasmodium berghei transgenic parasite expressing the full
      length Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite VK247 protein for testing vaccine
      efficacy in a murine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The approach of using transgenic rodent malaria parasites to assess
      the immune system's response to antigenic targets from a human malaria parasite
      has been shown to be useful for preclinical evaluation of new vaccine
      formulations. The transgenic Plasmodium berghei parasite line [PvCSP(VK210)/Pb]
      generated previously expresses the full-length circumsporozoite protein (CSP)
      VK210 from Plasmodium vivax. The transgenic parasite expresses one of the two
      most common alleles of CSP, defined by nine amino acids at the central repeat
      region of this protein. In the present study, a transgenic P. berghei parasite
      line [PvCSP(VK247)/Pb] expressing the full-length PvCSP(VK247), which is the
      alternative common allele, was generated and characterized. METHODS: The P.
      berghei expressing full-length PvCSP(VK247) was generated and examined its
      applicability to CSP-based vaccine research by examining its biological
      characteristics in mosquitoes and mice. RESULTS: Similar to PvCSP(VK210)/Pb,
      PvCSP(VK247)/Pb developed normally in mosquitoes and produced infectious
      sporozoites equipped to generate patent infections in mice. Invasion of HepG2
      cells by PvCSP(VK247)/Pb sporozoites was inhibited by an anti-PvCSP(VK247) repeat
      monoclonal antibody (mAb), but not by an anti-PvCSP(VK210) repeat mAb.
      CONCLUSIONS: These two transgenic parasites thus far can be used to evaluate the
      potential efficacy of PvCSP-based vaccine candidates encompassing the two major
      genetic variants in preclinical trials.

PMID- 27129683
TI  - The perceived usefulness of community based education and service (COBES)
      regarding students' rural workplace choices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community Based Education and Service (COBES) are those learning
      activities that make use of the community as a learning environment. COBES
      exposes students to the public and primary health care needs of rural
      communities. The purpose of this study was to investigate students' perceived
      usefulness of COBES and its potential effect on their choice of career specialty
      and willingness to work in rural areas. METHOD: A mixed method cross sectional
      study design using semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and focus group
      discussions were used for health facility staff, faculty and students and
      community members. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy questionnaires were
      administered to students and 134 were returned (78.8% response rate). The
      majority (59.7%) of students were male. Almost 45% of the students indicated that
      COBES will have an influence on their choice of career specialty. An almost equal
      number (44%) said COBES will not have an influence on their choice of career
      specialty. However, 60.3% of the students perceived that COBES could influence
      their practice location. More males (64.7%, n = 44) than females (57.8%, n = 26)
      were likely to indicate that COBES will influence their practice location but the
      differences were statistically insignificant (p = 0.553). The majority of
      students, who stated that COBES could influence their practice location, said
      that COBES may influence them to choose to practice in the rural area and that
      exposure to different disease conditions among different population groups may
      influence them in their career choice. Other stakeholders held similar views.
      Qualitative data supported the finding that COBES could influence medical
      students' choice of specialty and their practice location. CONCLUSION: Medical
      students' 'perceptions of the influence of COBES on their choice of career
      specialty were varied. However, most of the students felt that COBES could
      influence them to practice in rural locations.

PMID- 27129684
TI  - Partnerships in global health and collaborative governance: lessons learnt from
      the Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine at the Geneva University
      Hospitals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2007 the "Crisp Report" on international partnerships increased
      interest in Northern countries on the way their links with Southern partners
      operated. Since its establishment in 2007 the Division of Tropical and
      Humanitarian Medicine at the Geneva University Hospitals has developed a variety
      of partnerships. Frameworks to assess these partnerships are needed and recent
      attention in the field of public management on collaborative governance may
      provide a useful approach for analyzing international collaborations. METHODS:
      Projects of the Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine were analyzed by
      collaborators within the Division using the model proposed by Emerson and
      colleagues for collaborative governance, which comprises different components
      that assess the collaborative process. RESULTS: International projects within the
      Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine can be divided into four
      categories: Human resource development; Humanitarian response; Neglected Tropical
      Diseases and Noncommunicable diseases. For each of these projects there was a
      clear leader from the Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine as well as a
      local counterpart. These individuals were seen as leaders both due to their role
      in establishing the collaboration as well as their technical expertise. Across
      these projects the actual partners vary greatly. This diversity means a wide
      range of contributions to the collaboration, but also complexity in managing
      different interests. A common definition of the collaborative aims in each of the
      projects is both a formal and informal process. Legal, financial and
      administrative aspects of the collaboration are the formal elements. These can be
      a challenge based on different administrative requirements. Friendship is part of
      the informal aspects and helps contribute to a relationship that is not
      exclusively professional. CONCLUSION: Using collaborative governance allows the
      complexity of managing partnerships to be presented. The framework used
      highlights the process of establishing collaborations, which is an element often
      negated by other more traditional models used in international partnerships.
      Applying the framework to the projects of the Division of Tropical and
      Humanitarian Medicine highlights the importance of shared values and interests,
      credibility of partners, formal and informal methods of management as well as
      friendship.

PMID- 27129685
TI  - Enhanced Photoelectrical Response of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Single
      Nanowire Solar Cells by Front-Opening Crescent Design.
AB  - We report an approach for substantially enhancing the light-trapping and
      photoconversion efficiency of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) single
      nanowire solar cells (SNSCs) by engineering the cross section of the nanowire
      from circular into a front-opening crescent shape. The proposed SNSCs show a
      broadband and highly tunable optical absorption compared to the conventional
      circular counterparts under both transverse electric and transverse magnetic
      incidences, enabling an enhancement ratio of over 40 % in both the photocurrent
      density and the photoconversion efficiency in a-Si:H SNSCs with a diameter of 200
      nm. We further show that the superior performance can be well maintained under a
      wide range of incident angle and is robust to the blunt crescent edges. 

PMID- 27129686
TI  - Magnetoelectric Effect in Ceramics Based on Bismuth Ferrite.
AB  - Solid-state sintering method was used to prepare ceramic materials based on
      bismuth ferrite, i.e., (BiFeO3)1 - x -(BaTiO3) x and Bi1 - x Nd x FeO3 solid
      solutions and the Aurivillius Bi5Ti3FeO15 compound. The structure of the
      materials was examined using X-ray diffraction, and the Rietveld method was
      applied to phase analysis and structure refinement. Magnetoelectric coupling was
      registered in all the materials using dynamic lock-in technique. The highest
      value of magnetoelectric coupling coefficient alpha ME was obtained for the
      Bi5Ti3FeO15 compound (alpha ME ~ 10 mVcm(-1) Oe(-1)). In the case of (BiFeO3)1 -
      x -(BaTiO3) x and Bi1 - x Nd x FeO3 solid solutions, the maximum alpha ME is of
      the order of 1 and 2.7 mVcm(-1) Oe(-1), respectively. The magnitude of
      magnetoelectric coupling is accompanied with structural transformation in the
      studied solid solutions. The relatively high magnetoelectric effect in the
      Aurivillius Bi5Ti3FeO15 compound is surprising, especially since the material is
      paramagnetic at room temperature. When the materials were subjected to a
      preliminary electrical poling, the magnitude of the magnetoelectric coupling
      increased 2-3 times. 

PMID- 27129687
TI  - Atomic Layer Deposition of Gallium Oxide Films as Gate Dielectrics in AlGaN/GaN
      Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor High-Electron-Mobility Transistors.
AB  - In this study, films of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) were prepared through remote plasma
      atomic layer deposition (RP-ALD) using triethylgallium and oxygen plasma. The
      chemical composition and optical properties of the Ga2O3 thin films were
      investigated; the saturation growth displayed a linear dependence with respect to
      the number of ALD cycles. These uniform ALD films exhibited excellent uniformity
      and smooth Ga2O3-GaN interfaces. An ALD Ga2O3 film was then used as the gate
      dielectric and surface passivation layer in a metal-oxide-semiconductor high
      electron-mobility transistor (MOS-HEMT), which exhibited device performance
      superior to that of a corresponding conventional Schottky gate HEMT. Under
      similar bias conditions, the gate leakage currents of the MOS-HEMT were two
      orders of magnitude lower than those of the conventional HEMT, with the power
      added efficiency enhanced by up to 9 %. The subthreshold swing and effective
      interfacial state density of the MOS-HEMT were 78 mV decade(-1) and 3.62 * 10(11)
      eV(-1) cm(-2), respectively. The direct-current and radio-frequency performances
      of the MOS-HEMT device were greater than those of the conventional HEMT. In
      addition, the flicker noise of the MOS-HEMT was lower than that of the
      conventional HEMT. 

PMID- 27129688
TI  - A new cyclic dipeptide penicimutide: the activated production of cyclic
      dipeptides by introduction of neomycin-resistance in the marine-derived fungus
      Penicillium purpurogenum G59.
AB  - A novel cyclic dipeptide, named penicimutide (1), and four known cyclic
      dipeptides, cyclo(L-Val-L-Pro) (2), cyclo(L-Ile-L-Pro) (3), cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro)
      (4) and cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro) (5), were isolated from a neomycin-resistant mutant of
      the marine-derived fungus Penicillium purpurogenum G59. The structure of 1,
      including the absolute configuration, was determined by spectroscopic and
      chemical methods, especially NMR and Marfey's analysis. An unusual amino acid in
      1, 4,5-didehydro-L-leucine, was found for the first time occurring in nature.
      HPLC-ESI-MS analysis evidenced that 1-3 were produced only in the mutant strain,
      but 4 and 5 were produced in both the mutant and parental strains, indicating
      that the introduction of neomycin-resistance in the mutant activated pathways of
      1-3 biosynthesis that were silent in the parental strain. Compound 1 selectively
      inhibited HeLa cells (among five tested human cancer cell lines) with an
      inhibition rate (IR %) of 39.4 % at 100 ug/mL, a similar inhibition intensity to
      that of the positive control 5-fluorouracil (IR % of 41.4 % at 100 ug/mL against
      HeLa cells). The present work exemplifies the effectiveness of our previous DMSO
      mediated method for introducing drug-resistance in fungi to activate silent
      biosynthetic pathways to obtain new bioactive compounds. 

PMID- 27129689
TI  - COMPARISON OF ORGAN DOSES IN HUMAN PHANTOMS: VARIATIONS DUE TO BODY SIZE AND
      POSTURE.
AB  - Organ dose calculations performed using human phantoms can provide estimates of
      astronauts' health risks due to cosmic radiation. However, the characteristics of
      such phantoms strongly affect the estimation precision. To investigate organ dose
      variations with body size and posture in human phantoms, a non-uniform rational B
      spline boundary surfaces model was constructed based on cryosection images. This
      model was used to establish four phantoms with different body size and posture
      parameters, whose organs parameters were changed simultaneously and which were
      voxelised with 4 * 4 * 4 mm3 resolution. Then, using Monte Carlo transport code,
      the organ doses caused by <=500 MeV isotropic incident protons were calculated.
      The dose variations due to body size differences within a certain range were
      negligible, and the doses received in crouching and standing-up postures were
      similar. Therefore, a standard Chinese phantom could be established, and posture
      changes cannot effectively protect astronauts during solar particle events.

PMID- 27129690
TI  - Significant improvement in Fabry disease podocytopathy after 3 years of treatment
      with agalsidase beta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal disorder caused by decreased
      activity of alpha-galactosidase A (GLA). Consequent accumulation of
      globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) in lysosomes results in damage to a variety of
      organs, including the kidneys. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is an effective
      treatment, but whether it should be started before organ damage is evident is a
      matter of debate. CASE DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT: A 10-year-old boy who complained of
      severe sole pain for 3 years had been misdiagnosed with juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis. Further investigations revealed decreased GLA activity and a M1T
      mutation in the GLA gene causing protein truncation, suggestive of Fabry disease.
      Despite normal renal function and urinalysis, renal biopsy showed abnormal
      structure, with marked accumulation of GL-3 in podocytes, partial effacement of
      foot processes and irregularly reduced expression of nephrin in the slit
      diaphragm. After 1 year of ERT with 1 mg/kg agalsidase beta once every 2 weeks,
      his pain had resolved with ERT combined with carbamazepine and pregabalin. After
      3 years of the ERT, repeat biopsy showed little renal GL-3 deposition, resolution
      of foot process effacement, and a dramatic improvement in nephrin expression.
      CONCLUSIONS: There may be a window of opportunity in which pain and renal injury
      can be addressed in the early stages of Fabry disease. Early initiation of ERT
      should therefore be considered for children with Fabry disease.

PMID- 27129692
TI  - [Reconstruction techniques after low anterior rectal resection].

PMID- 27129693
TI  - [Does a severe anastomotic leak after esophageal resection adversely impact the
      long-term survival?].

PMID- 27129691
TI  - Gut microbiome and kidney disease: a bidirectional relationship.
AB  - Recent technological advances and efforts, including powerful metagenomic and
      metatranscriptomic analyses, have led to a tremendous growth in our understanding
      of microbial communities. Changes in microbial abundance or composition of human
      microbial communities impact human health or disease state. However, explorations
      into the mechanisms underlying host-microbe interactions in health and disease
      are still in their infancy. Although changes in the gut microbiota have been
      described in patients with kidney disease, the relationships between
      pathogenesis, mechanisms of disease progression, and the gut microbiome are still
      evolving. Here, we review changes in the host-microbiome symbiotic relationship
      in an attempt to explore the bidirectional relationship in which alterations in
      the microbiome affect kidney disease progression and how kidney disease may
      disrupt a balanced microbiome. We also discuss potential targeted interventions
      that may help re-establish this symbiosis and propose more effective ways to
      deploy traditional treatments in patients with kidney disease.

PMID- 27129695
TI  - The role of surface functionalization on the pulmonary inflammogenicity and
      translocation into mediastinal lymph nodes of graphene nanoplatelets in rats.
AB  - Graphene, a two-dimensional monocrystalline layer of carbon atoms, has potential
      in many applications not only in material sciences, but also in the biomedical
      fields, but there is little information about the role of surface modification on
      the toxicity of graphene-based nanomaterials. Here, we evaluated the role of
      surface functionalization of the graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the pulmonary
      inflammogenicity and translocation into mediastinal lymph nodes using a rat
      intratracheal instillation model. Six types of GNPs were used: All types of GNPs
      were based on the pristine GNPs (GNPdot), and different functional groups were
      conjugated onto them including a COOH (GNPCOOH), COH [Formula: see text], N-H
      [Formula: see text], F x (GNPF), and N=H [Formula: see text]. All types of GNPs
      showed very high potential for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in
      a dose-dependent manner when measured by a 2'7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate
      assay. GNPs were instilled into the lungs of rats at 0.3 and 1 mg/rat for the
      evaluation of acute (24 h) inflammation and at 3 mg/rat for chronic (1 and 4
      weeks) inflammation. At 24 h after instillation, all types of GNPs showed good
      dose-dependent increases in polymorphonuclear leukocytes with a clear dose
      dependency although significant increases compared to vehicle control were found
      only in positively charged GNPs [Formula: see text]. While the acute inflammation
      in all treatment groups was returned to control levels at 1 and 4 weeks after
      instillation, GNPs showed similar patterns of translocation into the mediastinal
      lymph nodes with a higher degree over time. This study implies that the main
      factors of GNPs for producing lung inflammation are the potential for ROS
      generation and surface charge. In addition, functional groups on the GNPs might
      not play an important role in the extrapulmonary translocation into the
      mediastinal lymph nodes.

PMID- 27129694
TI  - "Watching the Detectives" report of the general assembly of the EU project
      DETECTIVE Brussels, 24-25 November 2015.
AB  - SEURAT-1 is a joint research initiative between the European Commission and
      Cosmetics Europe aiming to develop in vitro- and in silico-based methods to
      replace the in vivo repeated dose systemic toxicity test used for the assessment
      of human safety. As one of the building blocks of SEURAT-1, the DETECTIVE project
      focused on a key element on which in vitro toxicity testing relies: the
      development of robust and reliable, sensitive and specific in vitro biomarkers
      and surrogate endpoints that can be used for safety assessments of chronically
      acting toxicants, relevant for humans. The work conducted by the DETECTIVE
      consortium partners has established a screening pipeline of functional and "
      omics" technologies, including high-content and high-throughput screening
      platforms, to develop and investigate human biomarkers for repeated dose toxicity
      in cellular in vitro models. Identification and statistical selection of highly
      predictive biomarkers in a pathway- and evidence-based approach constitute a
      major step in an integrated approach towards the replacement of animal testing in
      human safety assessment. To discuss the final outcomes and achievements of the
      consortium, a meeting was organized in Brussels. This meeting brought together
      data-producing and supporting consortium partners. The presentations focused on
      the current state of ongoing and concluding projects and the strategies employed
      to identify new relevant biomarkers of toxicity. The outcomes and deliverables,
      including the dissemination of results in data-rich "-omics" databases, were
      discussed as were the future perspectives of the work completed under the
      DETECTIVE project. Although some projects were still in progress and required
      continued data analysis, this report summarizes the presentations, discussions
      and the outcomes of the project. 

PMID- 27129696
TI  - Contact dermatitis: in pursuit of sensitizer's molecular targets through
      proteomics.
AB  - Protein haptenation, i.e., the modification of proteins by small reactive
      chemicals, is the key step in the sensitization phase of allergic contact
      dermatitis (ACD). Despite the research effort in past decades, the identification
      of immunogenic hapten-protein complexes that trigger a relevant pathogenic immune
      response in ACD, as well as the haptenation reaction molecular site, and the
      elements of a potentially conditioning environment during each of these stages,
      remain poorly understood. These questions led us to employ a proteomics-based
      approach to identify modified proteins in the dendritic-like cell line THP-1
      sensitized with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), through a combination of 2D
      gel electrophoresis, nano-LC and mass spectrometry. A specific set of 39 targeted
      proteins was identified and comprised proteins from various cellular locations
      and biological functions. One of FITC targets was identified as MLK, a member of
      the mixed-lineage kinase family known to act as a mitogen-activated protein
      kinase kinase kinase and to control the activity of specific mitogen-activated
      protein kinase pathways, namely p38 and JNK pathways. Haptenated in the vicinity
      of its active site, our results point to MLK being a relevant target due to a
      consistent non-activation at early time points of these pathways upon FITC
      sensitization in THP-1 cells. Moreover, FITC pre-treatment significantly decrease
      phospho-p38 and phospho-JNK levels induced upon exposure to a classical activator
      such as lipopolysaccharide or to the sensitizer 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene.
      Overall, our data point to specific amino acid residues haptenation within
      critical proteins as the key step in the subsequent signaling pathways modulation
      responsible for DC activation and maturation events.

PMID- 27129698
TI  - ISS 2016 Annual meeting Paris, France: scientific paper presentations.

PMID- 27129697
TI  - Larsenimonas suaedae sp. nov., a moderately halophilic, endophytic bacterium
      isolated from the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa.
AB  - A moderately halophilic, Gram-stain-negative, non-endospore-forming endophytic
      bacterium designated strain ST307T was isolated from the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa
      in Dongying, China. Strain ST307T was aerobic, rod-shaped, motile and orange
      yellow-pigmented. The organism grew at NaCl concentrations of 0.6-20 % (w/v)
      (optimum 5-6 %, w/v), at temperatures of 5-45  degrees C (optimum 35  degrees C)
      and at pH 5-9 (optimum pH 7-8). It accumulated poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid and
      produced exopolysaccharides. The major fatty acids were C18 : 1omega7c/C18 :
      1omega6c, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1omega7c/C16 : 1omega6c. The predominant lipoquinone
      was ubiquinone Q-9. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine,
      phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, a glycoaminolipid and a
      phosphoglycoaminolipid. The DNA G+C content was 60.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses
      of 16S rRNA gene sequences and concatenated atpA, rpoD and secA gene sequences
      revealed that the strain represents a member of the genus Larsenimonas. The
      closest related type strain was Larsenimonas salina M1-18T. Mean DNA-DNA
      relatedness values between strain ST307T and the related species L. salina M1
      18T, Chromohalobacter beijerinckii DSM 7218T, C. canadensis DSM 6769T, C.
      israelensis DSM 6768T, C. marismortui CGMCC 1.2321T, C. nigrandesensis DSM
      14323T, C. salexigens DSM 3043T and C. sarecensis DSM 15547T were 15+/-2-45+/-1
      %. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular features, strain
      ST307T clearly represents a novel species of the genus Larsenimonas. The name
      Larsenimonassuaedae sp. nov. is proposed, with ST307T (=CGMCC 1.8902T=DSM 22428T)
      as the type strain. 

PMID- 27129699
TI  - Growth hormone deficiency during young adulthood and the benefits of growth
      hormone replacement.
AB  - Until quite recently, the management of children with growth hormone deficiency
      (GHD) had focussed on the use of recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy to normalise
      final adult height. However, research over the past two decades that has
      demonstrated deficits in bone health and cardiac function, as well as impaired
      quality of life in adults with childhood-onset GHD (CO-GHD), has questioned this
      practice. Some of these studies suggested that there may be short-term benefits
      of rhGH in certain group of adolescents with GHD during transition, although the
      impact of GHD and replacement during the transition period has not been
      adequately investigated and its long-term benefits remain unclear. GH therapy
      remains expensive and well-designed long-term studies are needed to determine the
      cost effectiveness and clinical benefit of ongoing rhGH during transition and
      further into adulthood. In the absence of compelling data to justify widespread
      continuation of rhGH into adult life, there are several questions related to its
      use that remain unanswered. This paper reviews the effects of growth hormone
      deficiency on bone health, cardiovascular function, metabolic profile and quality
      of life during transition and young adulthood. 

PMID- 27129701
TI  - Erratum to: Prevalence and Religious Predictors of Healing Prayer Use in the USA:
      Findings from the Baylor Religion Survey.

PMID- 27129700
TI  - Perceptions of body size, obesity threat and the willingness to lose weight among
      black South African adults: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The obesity epidemic is associated with rising rates of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) among adults, particularly in countries undergoing
      rapid urbanisation and nutrition transition. This study explored the perceptions
      of body size, obesity risk awareness, and the willingness to lose weight among
      adults in a resource-limited urban community to inform appropriate community
      based interventions for the prevention of obesity. METHOD: This is a descriptive
      qualitative study. Semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted with
      purposively selected black men and women aged 35-70 years living in an urban
      South African township. Weight and height measurements were taken, and the
      participants were classified into optimal weight, overweight and obese groups
      based on their body mass index (Kg/m(2)). Participants were asked to discuss on
      perceived obesity threat and risk of cardiovascular disease. Information on body
      image perceptions and the willingness to lose excess body weight were also
      discussed. Discussions were conducted in the local language (isiXhosa),
      transcribed and translated into English. Data was analysed using the thematic
      analysis approach. RESULTS: Participants generally believed that obesity could
      lead to health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and
      hypertension. However, severity of obesity was perceived differently in the
      groups. Men in all groups and women in the obese and optimal weight groups
      perceived obesity to be a serious threat to their health, whereas the overweight
      women did not. Obese participants who had experienced chronic disease conditions
      indicated strong perceptions of risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Obese
      participants, particularly men, expressed willingness to lose weight, compared to
      the men and women who were overweight. The belief that overweight is 'normal' and
      not a disease, subjective norms, and inaccessibility to physical activity
      facilities, negatively influenced participants' readiness to lose weight.
      CONCLUSION: Low perception of threat of obesity to health particularly among
      overweight women in this community indicates a considerable challenge to obesity
      control. Community health education and promotion programmes that increase
      awareness about the risk associated with overweight, and improve the motivation
      for physical activity and maintenance of optimal body weight are needed.

PMID- 27129702
TI  - The Influence of Skill Development Training Program for Spiritual Care of Elderly
      Individual on Elderly Care Technician Students' Perception of Spiritual Support.
AB  - Spiritual care means helping an individual protect, maintain and gain all the
      dimensions of his/her existence. Elderly care technicians face numerous cases or
      crisis situations in which elderly individuals from different backgrounds
      question the meaning and value of life. Elderly care technicians must acknowledge
      that the spirituality is an important element in the way an elderly individual
      receives healthcare and they must be equipped for this matter. This study was
      conducted in order to examine the influence of "Skill Development Training
      Program for Spiritual Care of Elderly Individual," which was carried out with
      students from elderly care program, on the perception of spirituality support in
      a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study design with control group. As the
      data collection form, "Spiritual Support Perception" (SSP) scale was used. The
      mean scores of the intervention group after the training and after one month are
      50.39 +/- 5.34 and 51.13 +/- 4.98, respectively, and those of the control group
      are 43.16 +/- 4.83 and 42.72 +/- 4.48. A statistically significant difference was
      found between the mean scores of the intervention group from the pretest and the
      posttests immediately after the training and one month after the training (f =
      94.247, p = 0.001). In the control group, however, there was no significant
      change in the SSP mean scores (f = 0.269, p = 0.77). As a result, this study
      pointed out the necessity of such training programs for healthcare professionals
      to make a distinction between their professional duties and their own
      personalities in order to offer spiritual care to the elderly individual.

PMID- 27129703
TI  - Abstracts from the 14th National Congress of Italian Society of Cardiovascular
      Prevention (SIPREC), Naples, 17-19 March 2016.

PMID- 27129704
TI  - Diagnosis and Control of Hypertension as Indicators of the Level of Awareness
      Among Relatives of Medical Students in Saudi Arabia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients' awareness plays an important role in the early diagnosis
      and control of many diseases including hypertension. AIM: To estimate the level
      of awareness among relatives of medical students by assessing the prevalence of
      undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension. METHODS: A predefined group of medical
      students were recruited and properly instructed in order to conduct this cross
      sectional study among their respective first-degree adult relatives whom their
      sociodemographic and medical history were obtained along with their blood
      pressure readings. According to the absence or presence of hypertension in their
      history, relatives with high blood pressure were considered as undiagnosed or
      uncontrolled hypertension, respectively; while those who had normal blood
      pressure were considered as normal or controlled hypertension, respectively.
      Comparative analysis of different parameters was carried out between these
      subgroups. RESULTS: We included 770 relatives of 82 (57.7 %) total students'
      participations. The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension among the total study
      population was 14.4 % (111 cases). Among participants with previously diagnosed
      hypertension, 61.9 % were uncontrolled at the time of the study. Predictors for
      undiagnosed hypertension were age below 40 years, working at the present time in
      either governmental or private sectors, current smoking, absence of diabetes and
      cardiac diseases. None of the investigated factors showed to be a significant
      predictor for uncontrolled hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient level
      of awareness among family members of clinically oriented medical students, as
      demonstrated by the high prevalence of both undiagnosed and uncontrolled
      hypertension. The most frequent profile associated with the lowest awareness
      level is that of the young smoking employee with no history of diabetes or
      cardiac disease.

PMID- 27129705
TI  - Does polycystic ovarian morphology influence the response to treatment with
      pulsatile GnRH in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulsatile GnRH therapy is the gold standard treatment for ovulation
      induction in women having functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA). The use of
      pulsatile GnRH therapy in FHA patients with polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM),
      called "FHA-PCOM", has been little studied in the literature and results remain
      contradictory. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of pulsatile
      GnRH therapy for ovulation induction between FHA and "FHA-PCOM" patients in order
      to search for an eventual impact of PCOM. METHODS: Retrospective study from
      August 2002 to June 2015, including 27 patients with FHA and 40 "FHA-PCOM"
      patients (85 and 104 initiated cycles, respectively) treated by pulsatile GnRH
      therapy for induction ovulation. RESULTS: The two groups were similar except for
      markers of PCOM (follicle number per ovary, serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone level
      and ovarian area), which were significantly higher in patients with "FHA-PCOM".
      There was no significant difference between the groups concerning the ovarian
      response: with equivalent doses of GnRH, both groups had similar ovulation (80.8
      vs 77.7 %, NS) and excessive response rates (12.5 vs 10.6 %, NS). There was no
      significant difference in on-going pregnancy rates (26.9 vs 20 % per initiated
      cycle, NS), as well as in miscarriage, multiple pregnancy or biochemical
      pregnancy rates. CONCLUSION: Pulsatile GnRH seems to be a successful and safe
      method for ovulation induction in "FHA-PCOM" patients. If results were confirmed
      by prospective studies, GnRH therapy could therefore become a first-line
      treatment for this specific population, just as it is for women with FHA without
      PCOM.

PMID- 27129707
TI  - Erratum to: Revisited: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infections in hard ticks
      (Ixodes ricinus) in the city of Hanover (Germany).

PMID- 27129706
TI  - Decellularized ovine arteries as biomatrix scaffold support endothelial of
      mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - The differentiation rate of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) into
      endothelial cells is always lower under normal condition, which limits further
      clinical application of Ad-MSCs for angiogenesis regenerative medicine and needs
      to be enhanced. In the present study, the tissue-specific-derived decellularized
      ovine arteries matrix (DCS) was used as scaffold to investigate the pro
      endothelial differentiation ability of decellularized ovine arteries matrix as
      well as the underlying mechanisms. The prepared decellularized ovine arteries
      matrix by the combination of enzymatic and chemical decellularization approaches
      preserved macroscopic 3D architecture, native composition and ultrastructure of
      natural ovine arteries. The RT-PCR, histopathological and immunofluorescence
      assay results suggested that DCS could increase the proliferation ability of MSC.
      What's more, the DCS could also induce the endothelial differentiation of MSC,
      which was further enhanced by adding VEGF. Our results showed that natural 3D
      matrix from decellularized ovine arteries could induce the endothelial
      differentiation of AD-MSCs alone or with the combination of VEGF. Our results
      indicated that the decellularized ovine arteries matrix would serve as an
      efficient culture system for promoting endothelial differentiation of Ad-MSCs.

PMID- 27129709
TI  - Dermatomyositis in Joseph Wright's 1768 painting of the air pump experiment.

PMID- 27129708
TI  - Whole-genome optical mapping reveals a mis-assembly between two rRNA operons of
      Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis strain 1002.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have detected mis-assemblies in genomes of the species
      Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. These new discover have been possible due to
      the evolution of the Next-Generation Sequencing platforms, which have provided
      sequencing with accuracy and reduced costs. In addition, the improving of
      techniques for construction of high accuracy genomic maps, for example, Whole
      genome mapping (WGM) (OpGen Inc), have allow high-resolution assembly that can
      detect large rearrangements. RESULTS: In this work, we present the resequencing
      of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis strain 1002 (Cp1002). Cp1002 was the first
      strain of this species sequenced in Brazil, and its genome has been used as model
      for several studies in silico of caseous lymphadenitis disease. The sequencing
      was performed using the platform Ion PGM and fragment library (200 bp kit). A
      restriction map was constructed, using the technique of WGM with the enzyme KpnI.
      After the new assembly process, using WGM as scaffolder, we detected a large
      inversion with size bigger than one-half of genome. A specific analysis using
      BLAST and NR database shows that the inversion occurs between two homology RNA
      ribosomal regions. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results showed by WGM could be
      used to detect mismatches in assemblies, providing genomic maps with high
      resolution and allow assemblies with more accuracy and completeness. The new
      assembly of C. pseudotuberculosis was deposited in GenBank under the accession
      no. CP012837.

PMID- 27129710
TI  - Comparison of three classification criteria of rheumatoid arthritis in an
      inception early arthritis cohort.
AB  - The aim of this study is to compare the three classification criteria for
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a large cohort of early arthritis patients. Patients
      who had at least one clinically swollen joint with disease duration no more than
      1 year and age more than 18 years were enrolled. The clinical and laboratory
      parameters were recorded. The patients were diagnosed by two experienced
      rheumatologists. Undiagnosed patients were followed up every 3 months until 1
      year. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value were compared among the
      early RA (ERA) criteria, the 1987 ACR criteria, and the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria
      in this inception cohort of early arthritis patients. A total of 417 patients
      with inflammatory arthritis were recruited. By the end of 1 year follow-up, there
      were 399 patients (95.7 %) with a definitive diagnosis and 18 (4.3 %) patients
      remained as undifferentiated arthritis. Among the patients with definitive
      diagnosis, 202 (50.6 %) patients were diagnosed with RA and 197 (49.4 %) with non
      RA. The sensitivity of ERA criteria was equal to 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria (both
      were 72.3 %), but much higher than 1987 ACR criteria (72.3 vs. 39.1 %, P <
      0.001); the specificity of ERA criteria was comparable to 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria
      (87.8 vs. 83.2 %) and slightly lower than 1987 ACR criteria (87.8 vs. 92.4 %, P <
      0.001). Unlike the complicated scoring system of 2010 criteria, the ERA criteria
      were more feasible to use in practice with five criteria only. The ERA criteria
      have a high sensitivity and more clinically feasibility in daily practice for
      early RA diagnosis. 

PMID- 27129711
TI  - Delayed wound healing and postoperative surgical site infections in patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis treated with or without biological disease-modifying
      antirheumatic drugs.
AB  - Biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) have become more
      popular for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Whether or not bDMARDs increase
      the postoperative risk of surgical site infection (SSI) has remained
      controversial. We aimed to clarify the effects of bDMARDs on the outcomes of
      elective orthopedic surgery. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to
      analyze risk factors for SSI and delayed wound healing among 227 patients with RA
      (mean age, 65.0 years; disease duration, 16.9 years) after 332 elective
      orthopedic surgeries. We also attempted to evaluate the effects of individual
      medications on infection. Rates of bDMARD and conventional synthetic DMARD
      (csDMARD) administration were 30.4 and 91.0 %, respectively. Risk factors for SSI
      were advanced age (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; P = 0.045), prolonged surgery (OR,
      1.02; P = 0.03), and preoperative white blood cell count >10,000/MUL (OR, 3.66; P
      = 0.003). Those for delayed wound healing were advanced age (OR, 1.16; P =
      0.001), prolonged surgery (OR, 1.02; P = 0.007), preoperative white blood cell
      count >10,000/MUL (OR, 4.56; P = 0.02), and foot surgery (OR, 6.60; P = 0.001).
      Risk factors for SSI and medications did not significantly differ. No DMARDs were
      risk factors for any outcome examined. Biological DMARDs were not risk factors
      for postoperative SSI. Foot surgery was a risk factor for delayed wound healing. 

PMID- 27129713
TI  - Anthropogenic disturbances infiltrate forest fragments.

PMID- 27129712
TI  - Changes in Proteinuria and Side Effects of Corticosteroids Alone or in
      Combination with Azathioprine at Different Stages of IgA Nephropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Time-average proteinuria (TAp) is the strongest
      predictor of renal survival in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Little is known about the
      utility and safety of corticosteroids (CS) to obtain TAp<1 g/d in patients with
      advanced IgAN. This study sought to evaluate TAp at different degree of baseline
      renal function and histologic severity during CS use and to investigate treatment
      safety. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We performed one-stage
      individual-patient data meta-analysis among 325 patients with IgAN enrolled in
      three prospective, randomized clinical trials. Patients were divided into three
      groups according to treatment: no treatment (NT; supportive therapy), CS, and CS
      plus azathioprine (CS+A). Associations of TAp with histologic grading, treatment,
      and eGFR at baseline were performed with linear regression models for repeated
      measures. The median follow-up duration was 66.6 months (range, 12-144 months).
      RESULTS: In the first 6 months, proteinuria did not change in the NT group and
      decreased substantially in the other groups(CS: from a mean+/-SD of 2.20+/-1.0 to
      0.8 [interquartile range, 0.4-1.2] g/d; CS+A: from 2.876+/-2.1 to 1.0
      [interquartile range, 0.5-1.7] g/d), independent of the degree of histologic
      damage and baseline eGFR. The percentage of patients who maintained TAp<1 g/d was
      30.2% in the NT, 67.3% in the CS, and 66.6% in the CS+A group. Thirty-four
      patients experienced adverse events: none in the NT, 11 (6.4%) in the CS, and 23
      (20.7%) in the CS+A group. The risk of developing adverse events increased with
      decreasing levels of eGFR (from 2.3% to 15.4%). The addition of azathioprine to
      CS further increased the percentage of patients with adverse events (16.8% versus
      5.7% in study 2 and 30.0% versus 15.4% in study 3; overall P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      In patients with IgAN, CS can reduce proteinuria and increase the possibility of
      maintaining TAp<1 g/d, regardless of the stage of CKD and the histologic damage.
      The risk of major adverse events is low in patients with normal renal function
      but increases in those with impaired renal function and with the addition of
      azathioprine.

PMID- 27129714
TI  - Reply to Jacquet et al.: Culture and the neurobiology of norm violation
      detection.

PMID- 27129715
TI  - Does culture get embrained?

PMID- 27129716
TI  - Simultaneous determination of ambroxol and salbutamol in human plasma by ultra
      performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and its application to
      a pharmacokinetic study.
AB  - A rapid, selective and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
      assay method was developed for simultaneous determination of ambroxol and
      salbutamol in human plasma using citalopram hydrobromide as internal standard
      (IS). The sample was alkalinized with ammonia water (33:67, v/v) and extracted by
      single liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Separation was achieved on
      Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column using a gradient program at a flow rate of 0.2
      mL/min. Detection was performed using electrospray ionization in positive ion
      multiple reaction monitoring mode by monitoring the ion transitions m/z 378.9 ->
      263.6 (ambroxol), m/z 240.2 -> 147.7 (salbutamol) and m/z 325.0 -> 261.7 (IS).
      The total analytical run time was relatively short (3 min). Calibration curves
      were linear in the concentration range of 0.5-100.0 ng/mL for ambroxol and 0.2
      20.0 ng/mL for salbutamol, with intra- and inter-run precision (relative standard
      deviation) <15% and accuracy (relative error) ranging from 97.7 to 112.1% for
      ambroxol and from 94.5 to 104.1% for salbutamol. The method was successfully
      applied in a clinical pharmacokinetic study of the compound ambroxol and
      salbutamol tablets.

PMID- 27129717
TI  - CABRA: Cluster and Annotate Blast Results Algorithm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) searches are frequently
      used to look for homologous sequences and to annotate a query protein, but the
      increasing size of protein databases makes it difficult to review all results
      from a similarity search. FINDINGS: We developed a web tool called Cluster and
      Annotate Blast Results Algorithm (CABRA), which enables a rapid BLAST search in a
      variety of updated reference proteomes, and provides a new way to functionally
      evaluate the results by the subsequent clustering of the hits and annotation of
      the clusters. The tool can be accessed from the following web-resource:
      http://cbdm-01.zdv.uni-mainz.de/~munoz/CABRA . CONCLUSIONS: Cluster and Annotate
      Blast Results Algorithm simplifies the analysis of the results of a BLAST search
      by providing an overview of the result's annotations organized in clusters that
      can be iteratively modified by the user.

PMID- 27129718
TI  - Subcellular modulation of protein VlsE stability and folding kinetics.
AB  - The interior of a cell interacts differently with proteins than a dilute buffer
      because of a wide variety of macromolecules, chaperones, and osmolytes that crowd
      and interact with polypeptide chains. We compare folding of fluorescent
      constructs of protein VlsE among three environments inside cells. The nucleus
      increases the stability of VlsE relative to the cytoplasm, but slows down folding
      kinetics. VlsE is also more stable in the endoplasmic reticulum, but unlike PGK,
      tends to aggregate there. Although fluorescent-tagged VlsE and PGK show opposite
      stability trends from in vitro to the cytoplasm, their trends from cytoplasm to
      nucleus are similar. 

PMID- 27129719
TI  - Predictors of blaCTX-M-15 in varieties of Escherichia coli genotypes from humans
      in community settings in Mwanza, Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae
      commonly cause infections worldwide. Bla CTX-M-15 has been commonly detected in
      hospital isolates in Mwanza, Tanzania. Little is known regarding the faecal
      carriage of ESBL isolates and bla CTX-M-15 allele among humans in the community
      in developing countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 334 humans
      from the community settings in Mwanza City was conducted between June and
      September 2014. Stool specimens were collected and processed to detect ESBL
      producing enterobacteriaceae. ESBL isolates were confirmed using disc
      approximation method, commercial ESBL plates and VITEK-2 system. A polymerase
      chain reaction and sequencing based allele typing for CTX-M ESBL genes was
      performed to 42 confirmed ESBL isolates followed by whole genome sequence of 25
      randomly selected isolates to detect phylogenetic groups, sequence types plasmid
      replicon types. RESULTS: Of 334 humans investigated, 55 (16.5 %) were found to
      carry ESBL-producing bacteria. Age, history of antibiotic use and history of
      admission were independent factors found to predict ESBL-carriage. The carriage
      rate of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli was significantly higher than that of
      Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.1 % vs. 3.8 %, p = 0.026). Of 42 ESBL isolates, 37
      (88.1 %) were found to carry the bla CTX-M-15 allele. Other transferrable
      resistance genes were aac(6')Ib-cr, aac(3)-IIa, aac(3)-IId, aadA1, aadA5, strA,
      strB and qnrS1. Eight multi-locus sequence types (ST) were detected in 25 E. coli
      isolates subjected to genome sequencing. ST-131 was detected in 6 (24 %), ST-38
      in 5 (20 %) and 5 (20 %) clonal complex - 10(ST-617, ST-44) of isolates. The
      pathogenic phylogenetic groups D and B2 were detected in 8/25 (32 %) and 6/25 (24
      %) of isolates respectively. BlaCTX-M-15 was found to be located in multiple IncY
      and IncF plasmids while in 13/25(52 %) of cases it was chromosomally located.
      CONCLUSION: The overlap of multi-drug resistant bacteria and diversity of the
      genotypes carrying CTX-M-15 in the community and hospitals requires an overall
      approach that addresses social behaviour and activity, rationalization of the
      antibiotic stewardship policy and a deeper understanding of the ecological
      factors that lead to persistence and spread of such alleles.

PMID- 27129720
TI  - The SphKs/S1P/S1PR1 axis in immunity and cancer: more ore to be mined.
AB  - Over the past two decades, huge amounts of research were launched to understand
      the functions of sphingosine. Many pathways were uncovered that convey the
      relative functions of biomacromolecules. In this review, we discuss the recent
      advances of the role of the SphKs/S1P/S1PR1 axis in immunity and cancer. Finally,
      we investigate the therapeutic potential of new drugs that target S1P signaling
      in cancer therapy. 

PMID- 27129722
TI  - Metabolomic profiling to dissect the role of visceral fat in cardiometabolic
      health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Abdominal obesity is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes
      (T2D) and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to assess whether
      metabolomic markers of T2D and blood pressure (BP) act on these traits via
      visceral fat (VF) mass. METHODS: Metabolomic profiling of 280 fasting plasma
      metabolites was conducted on 2,401 women from TwinsUK. The overlap was assessed
      between published metabolites associated with T2D, insulin resistance, or BP and
      those that were identified to be associated with VF (after adjustment for
      covariates) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: In addition to
      glucose, six metabolites were strongly associated with both VF mass and T2D:
      lactate and branched-chain amino acids, all of them related to metabolism and the
      tricarboxylic acid cycle; on average, 38.5% of their association with insulin
      resistance was mediated by their association with VF mass. Five metabolites were
      associated with BP and VF mass including the inflammation-associated peptide
      HWESASXX, the steroid hormone androstenedione, lactate, and palmitate. On
      average, 29% of their effect on BP was mediated by their association with VF
      mass. CONCLUSIONS: Little overlap was found between the metabolites associated
      with BP and those associated with insulin resistance via VF mass.

PMID- 27129721
TI  - Epithelia-derived wingless regulates dendrite directional growth of drosophila
      ddaE neuron through the Fz-Fmi-Dsh-Rac1 pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proper dendrite patterning is critical for the receiving and
      processing of information in the nervous system. Cell-autonomous molecules have
      been extensively studied in dendrite morphogenesis; however, the regulatory
      mechanisms of environmental factors in dendrite growth remain to be elucidated.
      RESULTS: By evaluating the angle between two primary dendrites (PD-Angle), we
      found that the directional growth of the primary dendrites of a Drosophila
      periphery sensory neuron ddaE is regulated by the morphogen molecule Wingless
      (Wg). During the early stage of dendrite growth, Wg is expressed in a group of
      epithelial cells posteriorly adjacent to ddaE. When Wg expression is reduced or
      shifted anteriorly, the PD-Angle is markedly decreased. Furthermore, Wg receptor
      Frizzled functions together with Flamingo and Dishevelled in transducing the Wg
      signal into ddaE neuron, and the downstream signal is mediated by non-canonical
      Wnt pathway through Rac1. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we reveal that epithelia
      derived Wg plays a repulsive role in regulating the directional growth of
      dendrites through the non-canonical Wnt pathway. Thus, our findings provide
      strong in vivo evidence on how environmental signals serve as spatial cues for
      dendrite patterning.

PMID- 27129723
TI  - Catheter-directed ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis may be life-saving in
      patients with massive pulmonary embolism after failed systemic thrombolysis.
AB  - The treatment options for high risk acute pulmonary embolism (PE) patients with
      failed systemic thrombolytic treatment (STT) is limited. The clinical use of
      catheter directed thrombolysis with the EkoSonic Endovascular System (EKOS) in
      this population has not been evaluated before. Catheter directed thrombolysis is
      an effective treatment modality for high risk PE patients with failed STT.
      Thirteen consecutive patients with failed STT were included in the study. EKOS
      catheters were placed and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in combination with
      unfractionated heparin were given. Clinical and echocardiographic properties of
      the patients were collected before EKOS, at the end of EKOS and during the follow
      up visit 6 months after discharge. The duration of EKOS treatment was 21.8 +/-
      3.8 h and the total dose of tPA was 31.2 +/- 15.3 mg. One patient who presented
      with cardiac arrest died and the clinical status of the remaining subjects
      improved significantly. Any hemorrhagic complication was not observed. EKOS
      resulted in significant improvement of right ventricular functions and decrease
      of systolic pulmonary artery pressure. During a follow-up period of 6 months none
      of the patients died or suffered recurrent PE. In addition, echocardiographic
      parameters or right ventricular function significantly got better compared to in
      hospital measurements. EKOS is an effective treatment modality for high risk PE
      patients with failed STT and can be applied with very low hemorrhagic
      complications. 

PMID- 27129724
TI  - Serum biochemical and non-specific immune responses of rainbow trout
      (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to dietary nucleotide and chronic stress.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate whether supplementary nucleotide
      "Optimun" mitigates the adverse effects of chronic overcrowding in Oncorhynchus
      mykiss. Two experimental diets [control and nucleotide-supplemented (0.2 %)] and
      two rearing densities (10 and 30 kg m(-3)) were combined to have four
      experimental treatments. The fish were reared for 45 days under different
      densities using different diets. At the end of the trial, FCR of the fish in
      higher density was significantly higher than those of the lower density.
      Nucleotide had no significant effects on growth performance and survival rate.
      Supplemented nucleotide significantly increased blood hematocrit, whereas it
      decreased serum total protein, total immunoglobulin (Ig) and creatinine.
      Overcrowding significantly increased serum glucose and total protein level and
      decreased serum lysozyme activity, but supplemented nucleotide produced no
      improvement in these items. No significant effect of overcrowding and dietary
      nucleotide was observed on serum cortisol. Supplemented nucleotide significantly
      increased serum urea under low stocking density. Overall, the results showed that
      0.2 % "Optimun" had no positive effects on rainbow trout and also caused some
      immunological and metabolic problems. These findings are not in accordance with
      those obtained in the same species, with same nucleotide source and level, but
      acute stress; thus, further studies are encouraged on this topic. 

PMID- 27129726
TI  - Petition urges GSK and Pfizer to lower price of pneumonia vaccine.

PMID- 27129727
TI  - Research funds should be returned if findings can't be reproduced, proposes Merck
      chief.

PMID- 27129725
TI  - Effects of Eryngii mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) and Lactobacillus plantarum on
      growth performance, immunity and disease resistance of Pangasius catfish
      (Pangasius bocourti, Sauvage 1880).
AB  - This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Eryngii mushroom, Pleurotus
      eryngii (PE), and Lactobacillus plantarum single or combined on growth, innate
      immune response and disease resistance of the Pangasius catfish, Pangasius
      bocourti. Two hundred forty fish were divided into four treatments, i.e., 0 g kg(
      1) PE (Control, Diet 1), 3 g kg(-1) PE (Diet 2), 10(8) cfu g(-1) L. plantarum
      (Diet 3) and 3 g kg(-1) PE + 10(8) cfu g(-1) L. plantarum (Diet 4). Fish were
      culture in glass tanks with water volume approximately of 150 l, and each
      treatment had four replications with 15 fish per replication. Following 30, 60
      and 90 days of the feeding trial, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion
      ratio (FCR), serum lysozyme, phagocytosis and respiratory burst activities were
      measured. SGR and FCR were significantly improved in fish fed supplemented diets
      after 90 days of the feeding trial. Serum lysozyme, phagocytosis and respiratory
      burst activity of fish were significantly stimulated by both PE and L. plantarum
      diets; however, the highest innate immune response was observed in fish fed
      synbiotic diet. At the end of the experiment, five fish were randomly selected
      for a challenge test against Aeromonas hydrophila. The post-challenge survival
      rate of the fish fed supplemented diets was significantly greater than the
      control treatment, and the highest post-challenge survival rate was observed in
      synbiotic diet. The results revealed that dietary supplementation of PE and L.
      plantarum stimulated growth, immunity and disease resistance of the P. bocourti. 

PMID- 27129728
TI  - High Court is expected to hear challenges to junior doctor contract in June.

PMID- 27129729
TI  - Myxoma of the Breast in a Male Patient.

PMID- 27129730
TI  - Cyberbullying Awareness for Mitigating Consequences in Higher Education.
AB  - Technology has many positive effects on education, but negative effects also
      exist. One of the negative effects is cyberbullying spreading out of school
      boundaries to the social networks. The increasing popularity of social media
      among youngsters engenders cyberbullies who exploit the virtual environment
      besides the usual emails. This distresses the students and adversely affects
      their families, teachers, and others around them. Although research studies
      mainly concentrate on prior education, there seems to be a need to investigate
      the situation in higher education. This study focuses on students studying
      technology and related disciplines, who are hence likely to be well connected
      with cyberspace, and explores their awareness about cyberbullying. The findings
      reveal that female students have significantly less awareness than males. This
      study will help address some gender issues in cyberbullying.

PMID- 27129731
TI  - To Stay or to Leave: Factors Influencing Victims' Decisions to Stay or Leave a
      Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter.
AB  - Domestic violence (DV) emergency shelters play a vital role in supporting victims
      who seek to leave abusive partners and gain independence. Research indicates that
      numerous positive outcomes for victims and their children are associated with
      utilization of DV shelter programs. Yet, research also suggests that DV shelter
      programs may be unable to comprehensively meet the needs of all victims, and many
      choose to leave shelters soon after their arrival. To better understand the ways
      in which DV shelter programs support victims but also fail to meet their needs,
      this article explores the factors that influence victims' decisions to stay or
      leave a DV emergency shelter program through qualitative interviews with 33 DV
      shelter residents. Study participants indicate that three types of factors
      influence their decision to stay or leave the shelter program: (a) contextual
      factors, (b) partner or family relationship factors, and (c) shelter-specific
      factors. Shelter-specific factors cited as important contributors to satisfaction
      or dissatisfaction with shelter living include policies, staff and services,
      displacement from one's home community, and facilities. Findings provide
      information from the perspective of victims on the factors that influence one's
      decision to stay or leave a DV program and can be used to support service
      providers and advocates in building programs that are both supportive of victims'
      needs and conductive to longer shelter stays.

PMID- 27129732
TI  - Perception of the Threat of Terrorism.
AB  - In light of the tense and ongoing security situation in Israel, one important
      issue that needs to be analyzed and understood is the perception of terrorism
      threats. Most studies focused mainly on the psychological implications of
      terrorist acts; this study examines the complexity of the manner in which the
      individual perceives the threat of terrorism. In all, 40 Israeli adults (22 women
      and 18 men) were interviewed using semistructured in-depth interviews.
      Qualitative analysis indicates that the components of the perception of terrorism
      that construct the evaluation and subjective perception of the participants are
      as follows: (a) perception of control, which is a feeling of loss of control and
      helplessness due to uncertainty, inability to predict threats, and the vagueness
      of the threat; (b) perception of vulnerability to the threat, such as a feeling
      of vulnerability to and potential victimization by terrorism; and (c) perception
      of fear of terrorism that includes responses of fear, anxiety, feeling of danger,
      and emotional distress. In addition, gender differences were found in the
      analysis. The findings of this study help gain a better understanding as to how
      people perceive the threat of terrorism. The findings also enable an
      understanding of the complexity of living under ongoing terrorism threats and may
      assist in understanding how citizens cope with and adjust to this threat.

PMID- 27129734
TI  - Clinicopathological features of gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland (chief
      cell predominant type) by retrospective and prospective analyses of endoscopic
      findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type (chief cell
      predominant type) (GA-FG-CCP) is a variant of gastric adenocarcinoma with chief
      cell differentiation. GA-FG-CCP is rare and not well understood. The present
      study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of GA-FG-CCP using
      retrospective and prospective analyses of endoscopic findings. METHODS: A total
      of 20 patients including nine cases treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection
      (ESD) were diagnosed with GA-FG-CCP. Morphological changes were analyzed by
      retrospectively retracing past endoscopic records and following up after
      definitive diagnoses, including the status of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
      infection. RESULTS: GA-FG-CCP were small and whitish lesions accompanied by
      atypical vascular growth and their macroscopic types were classified as 0-IIa
      (60%), 0-IIb (25%), and 0-IIc (15%), respectively. The lesions were found in the
      non-atrophic gastric mucosa of the upper (70%) or middle portion (30%), although
      gastric mucosal atrophy associated with current or past H. pylori infection was
      identified in 75% of cases. In the nine cases treated with ESD, submucosal
      invasion was identified in 80% of the resected lesions, but no lymphovenous
      infiltration was detected. Ki-67 labeling index of GA-FG-CCP was low at 3.2% and
      visible morphological changes were rarely detected during long-term endoscopic
      observation for 58.9 +/- 13.1 months. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that GA-FG
      CCP, even when submucosal invasion occurs easily, might be of low-grade
      malignancy as long as it is the chief cell predominant type without other
      epithelial abnormalities. In addition, GA-FG-CCP might develop despite H. pylori
      infection or gastric mucosal atrophy.

PMID- 27129735
TI  - Hydroxyapatite-doped alginate beads as scaffolds for the osteoblastic
      differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - This work investigates the role of an osteoblastic matrix component,
      hydroxyapatite (HA), in modular alginate scaffolds to support osteoblastic
      differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells for the purpose of tissue
      engineered bone constructs. This system is first evaluated in a tubular perfusion
      bioreactor, which has been shown to improve osteoblastic differentiation over
      static culture conditions. HMSCs in alginate scaffolds that contain HA show
      increased osteoblastic gene expression compared to cells in pure alginate
      scaffolds, as well as significantly more matrix production and mineralization.
      The differentiated hMSCs and cell-laid matrix are ultimately evaluated in an in
      vivo site specific model. Implantation of these scaffolds with preformed matrix
      into the rat femoral condyle defects results in abundant bone growth and
      significant incorporation of the scaffold into the surrounding tissue. The
      developed mineralized matrix, induced in part by the HA component in the
      scaffold, could lead to increased tissue development in critically sized defects,
      and should be included in future implant strategies. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2325-2333, 2016.

PMID- 27129733
TI  - Role and mechanisms of regulation of the basolateral Kir 4.1/Kir 5.1K+ channels
      in the distal tubules.
AB  - Epithelial K+ channels are essential for maintaining electrolyte and fluid
      homeostasis in the kidney. It is recognized that basolateral inward-rectifying K+
      (Kir ) channels play an important role in the control of resting membrane
      potential and transepithelial voltage, thereby modulating water and electrolyte
      transport in the distal part of nephron and collecting duct. Monomeric Kir 4.1
      (encoded by Kcnj10 gene) and heteromeric Kir 4.1/Kir 5.1 (Kir 4.1 together with
      Kir 5.1 (Kcnj16)) channels are abundantly expressed at the basolateral membranes
      of the distal convoluted tubule and the cortical collecting duct cells. Loss-of
      function mutations in KCNJ10 cause EAST/SeSAME tubulopathy in humans associated
      with salt wasting, hypomagnesaemia, metabolic alkalosis and hypokalaemia. In
      contrast, mice lacking Kir 5.1 have severe renal phenotype that, apart from
      hypokalaemia, is the opposite of the phenotype seen in EAST/SeSAME syndrome.
      Experimental advances using genetic animal models provided critical insights into
      the physiological role of these channels in electrolyte homeostasis and the
      control of kidney function. Here, we discuss current knowledge about K+ channels
      at the basolateral membrane of the distal tubules with specific focus on the
      homomeric Kir 4.1 and heteromeric Kir 4.1/Kir 5.1 channels. Recently identified
      molecular mechanisms regulating expression and activity of these channels, such
      as cell acidification, dopamine, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1, Src
      family protein tyrosine kinases, as well as the role of these channels in NCC
      mediated transport in the distal convoluted tubules, are also described.

PMID- 27129736
TI  - Increased Proportion of Variance Explained and Prediction Accuracy of Survival of
      Breast Cancer Patients with Use of Whole-Genome Multiomic Profiles.
AB  - Whole-genome multiomic profiles hold valuable information for the analysis and
      prediction of disease risk and progression. However, integrating high-dimensional
      multilayer omic data into risk-assessment models is statistically and
      computationally challenging. We describe a statistical framework, the Bayesian
      generalized additive model ((BGAM), and present software for integrating
      multilayer high-dimensional inputs into risk-assessment models. We used BGAM and
      data from The Cancer Genome Atlas for the analysis and prediction of survival
      after diagnosis of breast cancer. We developed a sequence of studies to (1)
      compare predictions based on single omics with those based on clinical covariates
      commonly used for the assessment of breast cancer patients (COV), (2) evaluate
      the benefits of combining COV and omics, (3) compare models based on (a) COV and
      gene expression profiles from oncogenes with (b) COV and whole-genome gene
      expression (WGGE) profiles, and (4) evaluate the impacts of combining multiple
      omics and their interactions. We report that (1) WGGE profiles and whole-genome
      methylation (METH) profiles offer more predictive power than any of the COV
      commonly used in clinical practice (e.g., subtype and stage), (2) adding WGGE or
      METH profiles to COV increases prediction accuracy, (3) the predictive power of
      WGGE profiles is considerably higher than that based on expression from large
      effect oncogenes, and (4) the gain in prediction accuracy when combining multiple
      omics is consistent. Our results show the feasibility of omic integration and
      highlight the importance of WGGE and METH profiles in breast cancer, achieving
      gains of up to 7 points area under the curve (AUC) over the COV in some cases.

PMID- 27129737
TI  - How Life History Can Sway the Fixation Probability of Mutants.
AB  - In this work, we study the effects of demographic structure on evolutionary
      dynamics when selection acts on reproduction, survival, or both. In contrast to
      the previously discovered pattern that the fixation probability of a neutral
      mutant decreases while the population becomes younger, we show that a mutant with
      a constant selective advantage may have a maximum or a minimum of the fixation
      probability in populations with an intermediate fraction of young individuals.
      This highlights the importance of life history and demographic structure in
      studying evolutionary dynamics. We also illustrate the fundamental differences
      between selection on reproduction and selection on survival when age structure is
      present. In addition, we evaluate the relative importance of size and structure
      of the population in determining the fixation probability of the mutant. Our work
      lays the foundation for also studying density- and frequency-dependent effects in
      populations when demographic structures cannot be neglected.

PMID- 27129738
TI  - Genes and Small RNA Transcripts Exhibit Dosage-Dependent Expression Pattern in
      Maize Copy-Number Alterations.
AB  - Copy-number alterations are widespread in animal and plant genomes, but their
      immediate impact on gene expression is still unclear. In animals, copy-number
      alterations usually exhibit dosage effects, except for sex chromosomes which tend
      to be dosage compensated. In plants, genes within small duplications (<100 kb)
      often exhibit dosage-dependent expression, whereas large duplications (>50 Mb)
      are more often dosage compensated. However, little or nothing is known about
      expression in moderately-sized (1-50 Mb) segmental duplications, and about the
      response of small RNAs to dosage change. Here, we compared maize (Zea mays)
      plants with two, three, and four doses of a 14.6-Mb segment of chromosome 1 that
      contains ~300 genes. Plants containing the duplicated segment exhibit dosage
      dependent effects on ear length and flowering time. Transcriptome analyses using
      GeneChip and RNA-sequencing methods indicate that most expressed genes and unique
      small RNAs within the duplicated segments exhibit dosage-dependent transcript
      levels. We conclude that dosage effect is the predominant regulatory response for
      both genes and unique small RNA transcripts in the segmental dosage series we
      tested. To our knowledge this is the first analysis of small RNA expression in
      plant gene dosage variants. Because segmental duplications comprise a significant
      proportion of eukaryotic genomes, these findings provide important new insight
      into the regulation of genes and small RNAs in response to dosage changes.

PMID- 27129739
TI  - Maternal exposure to a Western-style diet causes differences in intestinal
      microbiota composition and gene expression of suckling mouse pups.
AB  - SCOPE: The long-lasting consequences of nutritional programming during the early
      phase of life have become increasingly evident. The effects of maternal nutrition
      on the developing intestine are still underexplored. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this
      study, we observed (1) altered microbiota composition of the colonic luminal
      content, and (2) differential gene expression in the intestinal wall in 2-week
      old mouse pups born from dams exposed to a Western-style (WS) diet during the
      perinatal period. A sexually dimorphic effect was found for the differentially
      expressed genes in the offspring of WS diet-exposed dams but no differences
      between male and female pups were found for the microbiota composition.
      Integrative analysis of the microbiota and gene expression data revealed that the
      maternal WS diet independently affected gene expression and microbiota
      composition. However, the abundance of bacterial families not affected by the WS
      diet (Bacteroidaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, and Lachnospiraceae) correlated with
      the expression of genes playing a key role in intestinal development and
      functioning (e.g. Pitx2 and Ace2). CONCLUSION: Our data reveal that maternal
      consumption of a WS diet during the perinatal period alters both gene expression
      and microbiota composition in the intestinal tract of 2-week-old offspring.

PMID- 27129741
TI  - Comparative activity and functional ecology of permafrost soils and lithic niches
      in a hyper-arid polar desert.
AB  - Permafrost in the high elevation McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica ranks among
      the driest and coldest on Earth. Permafrost soils appear to be largely
      inhospitable to active microbial life, but sandstone lithic microhabitats contain
      a trophically simple but functional cryptoendolithic community. We used
      metagenomic sequencing and activity assays to examine the functional capacity of
      permafrost soils and cryptoendolithic communities in University Valley, one of
      the most extreme regions in the Dry Valleys. We found metagenomic evidence that
      cryptoendolithic microorganisms are adapted to the harsh environment and capable
      of metabolic activity at in situ temperatures, possessing a suite of stress
      response and nutrient cycling genes to fix carbon under the fluctuating
      conditions that the sandstone rock would experience during the summer months. We
      additionally identified genes involved in microbial competition and cooperation
      within the cryptoendolithic habitat. In contrast, permafrost soils have a lower
      richness of stress response genes, and instead the metagenome is enriched in
      genes involved with dormancy and sporulation. The permafrost soils also have a
      large presence of phage genes and genes involved in the recycling of cellular
      material. Our results underlie two different habitability conditions under
      extreme cold and dryness: the permafrost soil which is enriched in traits which
      emphasize survival and dormancy, rather than growth and activity; and the
      cryptoendolithic environment that selects for organisms capable of growth under
      extremely oligotrophic, arid and cold conditions. This study represents the first
      metagenomic interrogation of Antarctic permafrost and polar cryptoendolithic
      microbial communities.

PMID- 27129740
TI  - White matter integrity as a mediator in the relationship between dietary
      nutrients and cognition in the elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined the association of nutrient intake with microstructural
      white matter integrity, and the role of white matter integrity in the association
      between nutrient consumption and cognition. METHODS: This cross-sectional
      analysis included 239 elderly (age >= 65 years) participants of a multiethnic
      cohort. White matter integrity was measured with fractional anisotropy (FA) from
      diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging. Nutrient patterns were derived from
      principal component analysis based on energy-adjusted intake of 24 selected
      nutrients. Generalized linear models were used to assess the association between
      nutrient patterns and mean FA of 26 white matter tracts. Mediation analysis was
      used to determine whether FA mediates the nutrient-cognition relationship. All
      models were adjusted for age at time of scan, gender, ethnicity, education,
      caloric intake, and apolipoprotein genotype. RESULTS: Among the identified 6
      nutrient patterns, 1 (nutrient pattern 6, characterized by high intakes of Omega
      3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E) was positively
      associated with FA. Those with the highest tertile of nutrient pattern 6 score
      had a mean of 0.01 (p = 0.01) higher FA value than those with the lowest tertile,
      similar to the effect of a 10-year decrease in age (b for age = -0.001, p =
      0.01). FA mediated the relationship between nutrient pattern 6 and memory,
      language, visuospatial and speed/executive function, and mean cognitive scores.
      INTERPRETATION: Our study suggests that older adults consuming more
      polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E rich foods had better white matter
      integrity, and that maintaining white matter microstructural integrity might be a
      mechanism for the beneficial role of diet on cognition. Ann Neurol 2016;79:1014
      1025.

PMID- 27129742
TI  - Interobserver agreement on dermoscopic features of small basal cell carcinoma (<5
      mm) among low-experience dermoscopists.
AB  - The basal cell carcinoma (BCC) assessment in dermoscopy is based on the
      recognition of specific characteristics synthesized and described as classical
      and non-classical criteria, but which may not necessarily present all at the same
      time. Consequently, a deep knowledge in detecting the aforementioned dermoscopic
      criteria is crucial in diagnosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate which
      criteria are more frequently recognized among a group of low-experienced
      dermoscopists when confronted with the difficult diagnosis of BCC with a diameter
      lower than 5 mm. We examined 100 BCC finding that data displays a full agreement
      only for one classical criterion, the lack of pigmented network (Fleiss' kappa =
      1), while among other classical criteria only arborizing vessels and ulceration
      exhibit a good agreement among observers (Fleiss' kappa > 0.40). Analyzing non
      classical criteria, only blue-whitish veil and blue in-focus dots show a good
      agreement among low-experience observers (Fleiss' kappa > 0.40). It is evident
      that in small size BCC classic dermoscopic criteria are often substituted by non
      classical criteria, which represent the neoplasm's early phase. Thus, it is of
      importance, especially for low-experience dermoscopists, to analyze even the non
      classical criteria in order to obtain a diagnosis of early BCC.

PMID- 27129743
TI  - Pregnancy and contraception in systemic and cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
AB  - A causal link has long been described between estrogen and systemic lupus
      erythematosus activity. Contraceptive and pregnancy management is now common for
      lupus patients, but pregnancy continues to be associated with higher maternal and
      fetal mortality/morbidity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients than among the
      general population. Potential complications include lupus flares, obstetric
      complications (fetal loss, in utero growth retardation, premature birth) and
      neonatal lupus syndrome. Association with antiphospholipid antibodies or
      antiphospholipid syndrome increases the risk of obstetric complications. Anti-SSA
      and/or anti-SSB antibodies put fetuses at risk for neonatal lupus. Improving the
      outcome of such pregnancies depends upon optimal systematic planning of pregnancy
      at a preconception counseling visit coupled with a multidisciplinary approach.
      Absence of lupus activity, use of appropriate medication during pregnancy based
      on the patient's medical history and risk factors, and regular monitoring
      constitute the best tools for achieving a favorable outcome in such high-risk
      pregnancies. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the management of
      contraception and pregnancy in systemic lupus erythematosus, cutaneous lupus
      and/or antiphospholipid syndrome in order to reduce the risk of complications and
      to ensure the best maternal and fetal prognosis.

PMID- 27129744
TI  - Caesarean hysterectomy for placenta accreta: paracervix should be divided
      sequentially, not en masse.

PMID- 27129745
TI  - Survey by the European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology on
      screening for gestational diabetes in Europe.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: More uniformity is necessary in screening and diagnosis for
      gestational diabetes (GDM) across Europe. The European Board and College of
      Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) has recently recommended to use the 2013 World
      Health Organization (WHO) criteria for the diagnosis of GDM. We evaluated the
      uptake of these EBCOG recommendations in guidelines for GDM screening across
      Europe. METHODS: Between September and November 2015, an online survey on the
      current national or regional recommendations for GDM screening was directed to
      the 33 European countries that are members of EBCOG. RESULTS: There was a
      response rate of 84.8% (28 countries). From Belgium, data were separately
      obtained from the Dutch-and the French-speaking parts and from the UK data were
      also obtained from Scotland, leading to data from 30 responders. The response
      rates were high in Central Europe (100%), Northern Europe (100%) and Southern
      Europe (85.7%) with lower response rates in Eastern Europe (71.4%). 82.1% of
      guidelines recommend screening for unknown diabetes at first prenatal visit and
      67.9% recommend to screen for GDM before 24 weeks of pregnancy. All guidelines
      recommend to screen for GDM >=24 weeks, based on risk factors in 64.3% and by
      universal screening in 35.7%. The most commonly used diagnostic criteria for GDM
      are the 2013 WHO criteria in 67.9%, the 1999 WHO criteria in 10.7%, the European
      Association for the Study of Diabetes criteria in 7.1% and the Carpenter &
      Coustan criteria in 7.1%. Of all societies advising the use of the 2013 WHO
      criteria, 52.6% recommends this based on risk factors, 10.5% recommends universal
      screening in a two-step strategy and 36.8% recommends a universal one-step
      approach with a 75g OGTT. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey shows that the majority of
      European societies now advise to use the 2013 WHO criteria for GDM. However, only
      36.8% recommends a universal one-step approach with a 75g OGTT with the majority
      of societies recommending screening based on risk factors. The use of common
      diagnostic criteria for GDM by the majority of societies is an important first
      step towards achieving uniformity in GDM screening across Europe.

PMID- 27129746
TI  - The Power of Nurses.

PMID- 27129747
TI  - A Look at Patient Trust and Infection Prevention.

PMID- 27129748
TI  - A Few Minutes With Rodney W. Hicks.

PMID- 27129749
TI  - The Effects of Surgical Hand Scrubbing Protocols on Skin Integrity and Surgical
      Site Infection Rates: A Systematic Review.
AB  - This systematic review aimed to critically appraise and synthesize updated
      evidence regarding the effect of surgical-scrub techniques on skin integrity and
      the incidence of surgical site infections. Databases searched include the
      Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, Embase, and
      Cochrane Central. Our review was limited to eight peer-reviewed, randomized
      controlled trials and two nonrandomized controlled trials published in English
      from 1990 to 2015. Comparison models included traditional hand scrubbing with
      chlorhexidine gluconate or povidone-iodine against alcohol-based hand rubbing,
      scrubbing with a brush versus without a brush, and detergent-based antiseptics
      alone versus antiseptics incorporating alcohol solutions. Evidence showed that
      hand rubbing techniques are as effective as traditional scrubbing and seem to be
      better tolerated. Hand rubbing appears to cause less skin damage than traditional
      scrub protocols, and scrub personnel tolerated brushless techniques better than
      scrubbing using a brush. 

PMID- 27129750
TI  - Ideas and Approaches for Quality-Assessment and Performance-Improvement Projects
      in Ambulatory Surgery Centers.
AB  - Identifying a performance-improvement project can be a struggle when a facility's
      data demonstrate desirable performance. Quality-improvement teams may be limiting
      their data collection to only required or traditional outcome indicators.
      Facility personnel may need guidance on how to broaden the vision to monitor for
      additional issues that affect the quality of care. This article focuses on
      approaches and indicators customary to the services and operations of an
      ambulatory surgery center, going beyond reviewing data from routine outcome
      measures and explaining the effect these ideas can have on improving quality of
      care. These approaches and indicators can enable personnel to identify and
      conduct quality-assessment and performance-improvement projects that affect
      patient safety, patient satisfaction, efficiency, and cost of care. 

PMID- 27129751
TI  - Back to Basics: Flexible Endoscope Processing.
AB  - Flexible endoscopes are important tools in patient care, yet recent outbreaks of
      infections in patients who have undergone endoscopic procedures have increased
      awareness of how the complex design of these instruments makes them difficult to
      clean. This Back to Basics article focuses on flexible endoscope processing and
      provides sterile processing, endoscopy, and perioperative team members with
      strategies for successful processing of these instruments. 

PMID- 27129752
TI  - Guideline Implementation: Moderate Sedation/Analgesia.
AB  - Moderate sedation/analgesia is practiced in a variety of settings and delivered
      by a variety of health care providers, with a goal of reducing the patient's
      anxiety and discomfort during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The updated
      AORN "Guideline for care of the patient receiving moderate sedation/analgesia"
      provides guidance on RN administration of moderate sedation/analgesia within the
      scope of nursing practice as defined by the state boards of nursing. The
      guideline addresses patient selection and assessment, staffing for the procedure,
      patient monitoring, medication administration, and criteria for postoperative
      discharge. This article focuses on key points of the guideline to promote safe
      care throughout the perioperative continuum for a patient receiving moderate
      sedation/analgesia. Perioperative RNs should review the complete guideline for
      additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and
      procedures. 

PMID- 27129753
TI  - Alarm Management: Promoting Safety and Establishing Guidelines.

PMID- 27129754
TI  - Advocacy: How Far Would You Go to Protect Your Patients?

PMID- 27129755
TI  - Clinical Issues-May 2016.
AB  - Variations in documenting surgical wound classification Key words: surgical wound
      classification, clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, dirty. Wearing long
      sleeved jackets while preparing and packaging items for sterilization Key words:
      long-sleeved jackets, organic material, sterile processing. Endoscopic
      transmission of prions Key words: prions, high-risk tissue, low-risk tissue,
      Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD).
      Wearing gloves when handling flexible endoscopes Key words: gloves, low-protein,
      powder-free, natural rubber latex gloves, latex-free gloves. 

PMID- 27129756
TI  - Departure From Central Line Ritual.

PMID- 27129757
TI  - Behavioral and neural stability of attention bias to threat in healthy
      adolescents.
AB  - Considerable translational research on anxiety examines attention bias to threat
      and the efficacy of attention training in reducing symptoms. Imaging research on
      the stability of brain functions engaged by attention bias tasks could inform
      such research. Perturbed fronto-amygdala function consistently arises in
      attention bias research on adolescent anxiety. The current report examines the
      stability of the activation and functional connectivity of these regions on the
      dot-probe task. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activation and
      connectivity data were acquired with the dot-probe task in 39 healthy youth
      (f=18, Mean Age=13.71years, SD=2.31) at two time points, separated by
      approximately nine weeks. Intraclass-correlations demonstrate good reliability in
      both neural activation for the ventrolateral PFC and task-specific connectivity
      for fronto-amygdala circuitry. Behavioral measures showed generally poor test
      retest reliability. These findings suggest potential avenues for future brain
      imaging work by highlighting brain circuitry manifesting stable functioning on
      the dot-probe attention bias task. 

PMID- 27129759
TI  - Wound Hygiene Practices After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Does It Matter?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current literature is limited with regard to standardized
      postoperative surgical site hygiene after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). With
      little guidance from the literature, the timing of permissible postoperative
      cleaning is a decision made by the individual surgeon using anecdotal evidence. A
      standardized wound care regimen is of particular interest to minimize the risk of
      infection. METHODS: To examine what species of bacteria recolonize the surgical
      site postoperatively, a randomized controlled trial was performed of 16 TKA
      patients who were allowed to shower at 2 days postoperatively and of 16 patients
      who were asked to wait until 2 weeks postoperatively before showering after TKA.
      Culture swabs of skin adjacent to the incision were performed preoperatively,
      just after incision closure, at dressing removal, and at 2 weeks postoperatively.
      Bacteria were speciated and compared between groups. A swab of the contralateral
      knee was performed at 2 weeks as a control. A survey of patient's preference
      regarding early and late showering was also carried out. RESULTS: No difference
      was found between the groups in rate of colonization or bacterial type, and no
      patients developed infection. Patients overwhelmingly preferred early showering
      rather than late (P = .28-.99). CONCLUSION: There is no difference in surgical
      site bacterial recolonization between early and delayed showering after primary
      TKA.

PMID- 27129758
TI  - Overlapping communities reveal rich structure in large-scale brain networks
      during rest and task conditions.
AB  - Large-scale analysis of functional MRI data has revealed that brain regions can
      be grouped into stable "networks" or communities. In many instances, the
      communities are characterized as relatively disjoint. Although recent work
      indicates that brain regions may participate in multiple communities (for
      example, hub regions), the extent of community overlap is poorly understood. To
      address these issues, here we investigated large-scale brain networks based on
      "rest" and task human functional MRI data by employing a mixed-membership
      Bayesian model that allows each brain region to belong to all communities
      simultaneously with varying membership strengths. The approach allowed us to 1)
      compare the structure of disjoint and overlapping communities; 2) determine the
      relationship between functional diversity (how diverse is a region's functional
      activation repertoire) and membership diversity (how diverse is a region's
      affiliation to communities); 3) characterize overlapping community structure; 4)
      characterize the degree of non-modularity in brain networks; 5) study the
      distribution of "bridges", including bottleneck and hub bridges. Our findings
      revealed the existence of dense community overlap that was not limited to
      "special" hubs. Furthermore, the findings revealed important differences between
      community organization during rest and during specific task states. Overall, we
      suggest that dense overlapping communities are well suited to capture the
      flexible and task dependent mapping between brain regions and their functions.

PMID- 27129760
TI  - Hospital, Patient, and Clinical Factors Influence 30- and 90-Day Readmission
      After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the hospital, clinical, and
      patient factors associated with inpatient readmission after total hip
      arthroplasty (THA) in the Medicare population and to understand the primary
      reasons for readmission. METHODS: The Medicare 100% national hospital claims
      database was used to identify 442,333 older patients (65+) with a primary THA in
      3730 hospitals between 2010 and 2013. A multilevel logistic regression analysis
      with a clustered data structure was used to investigate the risk of all-cause 30-
      and 90-day readmission, incorporating hospital, clinical, and patient factors.
      RESULTS: At 30 days, 5.8% (median) of the patients were readmitted, whereas at 90
      days, 10.5% (median) were readmitted. Geographic census region, hospital
      procedure volume, and nonprofit ownership were the only significant hospital
      factors among those we studied. Overall, clinical factors explained more of the
      variation in readmission rates than general hospital factors. Use of a
      perioperative transfusion was associated with 14% greater risk, patients
      discharged to home had 28% lower risk, and surgeon volume and length of stay were
      also significant risk factors. The top 5 most frequently reported primary reasons
      for 30-day readmission in THA were procedure related: dislocation (5.9%), deep
      infection (5.1%), wound infection (4.8%), periprosthetic fracture (4.4%), or
      hematoma (3.4%). CONCLUSION: These findings support further optimization of the
      delivery of care-both intraoperative and postoperative-to reduce the broad
      variation in hospital readmissions.

PMID- 27129761
TI  - Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease: Is It
      a Safe Procedure?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes and complications
      after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
      patients and patients without renal insufficiency. METHODS: A retrospective case
      control study with prospectively collected data was carried out to compare 15
      ESRD patients with a matched cohort of 30 nonrenal patients. Clinical evaluation
      was performed by the Knee Society Scores (KSS) and reduced Western Ontario
      MacMasters University (WOMAC) questionnaire. Radiologic evaluation was also
      performed. RESULTS: The mean postoperative follow-up was 3.4 years (range, 2-6).
      In the ESRD, the mean hospital stay and transfusion rate were significantly
      higher than control group. Preoperatively and postoperatively, there were no
      significant differences in KSS-knee or WOMAC-pain scores, but KSS-function and
      WOMAC-function were significantly lower in the ESRD group. There was no
      significant difference between groups in mean gain of KSS-function (45.1 vs 43.2,
      P = .071), but there was a significant lower mean gain for WOMAC-function in the
      ESRD group (37.0 vs 44.0, P = .003). In the ESRD group, 3 patients presented
      medical complications which were treated successfully. There were 2 superficial
      infections and no deep infection. One patient died at 30 postoperative months. In
      the control group, there were no medical complications, infections, or deaths
      during the follow-up period. In ESRD group, there were 2 knees with radiolucent
      lines. In either group, there was no loosening or revision. CONCLUSION: TKA was a
      successful procedure for knee osteoarthritis in most ESRD patients. Dialysis
      patients may expect improvement in function after TKA, but the patients need to
      be informed of the possible risk of postoperative severe medical complications
      due to nature of their renal disease.

PMID- 27129762
TI  - Does Patient-Specific Instrumentations Improve Short-Term Functional Outcomes
      After Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) has been recently introduced
      in knee arthroplasty. There is no strong evidence from meta-analysis on
      comparison of functional outcomes between PSI and conventional instrumentation.
      METHODS: Literature search of electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane
      Library for published randomized controlled trials was undertaken. Search was
      done using a predesigned search strategy. Eligible studies were critically
      appraised for the methodological quality using Cochrane Collaboration's tool.
      Functional scores used for meta-analysis were Knee Society Knee Score, Knee
      Society Function Scores, Oxford Knee Score, Western Ontario and McMaster
      Universities Arthritis Index, and Visual Analogue Scale score for pain (0-10
      scale). RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials involving 379 total knee
      arthroplasties were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis. No significant
      improvement in short-term functional outcomes was seen after using PSI compared
      to the control group in terms of Knee Society Knee Score (weighted mean
      difference 0.65, 95% CI -4.41 to 5.70, P = .80) and Knee Society Function scores
      (weighted mean difference 0.01, 95% CI -3.26 to 3.28, P = .99), Oxford Knee Score
      (weighted mean difference 3.36, 95% CI -3.48 to 10.00, P = .34), Western Ontario
      and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (weighted mean difference -7.47, 95% CI
      -23.94 to 8.99, P = .37), and Visual Analogue Scale score for pain (weighted mean
      difference -0.10, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.21, P = .53). CONSLUSION: Current literature
      is insufficient to address whether there is a benefit of PSI in total knee
      arthroplasty in terms of improvement in functional outcomes.

PMID- 27129763
TI  - Use of serial rigid bronchoscopy in the treatment of plastic bronchitis in
      children.
AB  - AIM: Plastic bronchitis (PB) is a rare disorder characterized by formation of
      bronchial casts (BC) in the tracheobronchial tree with partial or complete airway
      obstruction. Although lysis of casts with several fibrinolytic agents has been
      reported, removal of BC with bronchoscope provides better clearance of airways. A
      retrospective study was performed to evaluate the use of serial rigid
      bronchoscopy (RB) in the treatment of PB in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Between 2011 and 2015, children with partial or complete airway obstruction with
      PB were evaluated for age, gender, underlying disease, clinical findings, results
      of bronchoscopic interventions and histopathologic findings. RESULTS: Five
      patients with 14 RB interventions were evaluated. The mean age of the patients
      was 7.8years (min: 3years - max: 14years) and male-female ratio was 4:1. All of
      the patients were diagnosed as asthma and none of them had underlying cardiac
      disease. Suction of mucus plaques and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed in
      all patients with flexible bronchoscopy. Also, aerosolized tissue plasminogen
      activator was used in two patients. During follow-up serial RB was indicated in
      patients with persistent atelectasis and severe airway obstruction. The most
      common localization of BC was left main stem bronchus and bilateral cast
      formation was detected in 7 interventions. Although, removal of BC was
      challenging in two patients because of cast friability and fragmentation, most of
      the plugs were successfully removed with optical forceps and rigid suctioning.
      Two patients underwent repeated RB (min: 3 - max: 8) for recurrent symptoms.
      Histopathologic evaluation of BC revealed Charcot-Leyden crystals with
      inflammatory cells in all patients. The time interval between RB interventions
      was one to five months. CONCLUSION: BC are tenacious mucus plugs which are firmly
      wedged to the tracheobronchial tree. The use of optical forceps with rigid
      suction provides adequate removal of BC during RB. Because of underlying disease,
      it is difficult to cure cast formation. Therefore, most of the patients require
      serial RB when they become unresponsive to standard therapy or develop partial or
      complete airway obstruction.

PMID- 27129764
TI  - Composite disturbance rejection control based on generalized extended state
      observer.
AB  - Traditional extended state observer (ESO) design method does not focus on
      analysis of system reconstruction strategy. The prior information of the
      controlled system cannot be used for ESO implementation to improve the control
      accuracy. In this paper, composite disturbance rejection control strategy is
      proposed based on generalized ESO. First, the disturbance rejection performance
      of traditional ESO is analyzed to show the essence of the reconstruction
      strategy. Then, the system is reconstructed based on the equivalent disturbance
      model. The generalized ESO is proposed based on the reconstructed model, while
      convergence of the proposed ESO is analyzed along with the outer loop feedback
      controller. Simulation results on a second order mechanical system show that the
      proposed generalized ESO can deal with the external disturbance with known model
      successfully. Experiment of attitude tracking task on an aircraft is also carried
      out to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. 

PMID- 27129765
TI  - Hinfinity filtering of Markov jump linear systems with general transition
      probabilities and output quantization.
AB  - This paper addresses the Hinfinity filtering of continuous Markov jump linear
      systems with general transition probabilities and output quantization. S
      procedure is employed to handle the adverse influence of the quantization and a
      new approach is developed to conquer the nonlinearity induced by uncertain and
      unknown transition probabilities. Then, sufficient conditions are presented to
      ensure the filtering error system to be stochastically stable with the prescribed
      performance requirement. Without specified structure imposed on introduced slack
      variables, a flexible filter design method is established in terms of linear
      matrix inequalities. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by a
      numerical example. 

PMID- 27129766
TI  - Study of the fractional order proportional integral controller for the permanent
      magnet synchronous motor based on the differential evolution algorithm.
AB  - A tuning method of the fractional order proportional integral speed controller
      for a permanent magnet synchronous motor is proposed in this paper. Taking the
      combination of the integral of time and absolute error and the phase margin as
      the optimization index, the robustness specification as the constraint condition,
      the differential evolution algorithm is applied to search the optimal controller
      parameters. The dynamic response performance and robustness of the obtained
      optimal controller are verified by motor speed-tracking experiments on the motor
      speed control platform. Experimental results show that the proposed tuning method
      can enable the obtained control system to achieve both the optimal dynamic
      response performance and the robustness to gain variations. 

PMID- 27129767
TI  - Erectile and Ejaculatory Function Preserved With Convective Water Vapor Energy
      Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic
      Hyperplasia: Randomized Controlled Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Most surgical treatments for male lower urinary tract symptoms and
      benign prostatic hyperplasia affect erectile and ejaculatory functions
      negatively, leading to patient dissatisfaction. AIM: To determine whether water
      vapor thermal therapy, when conducted in a randomized controlled trial, would
      significantly improve lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic
      hyperplasia and urinary flow rate while preserving erectile and ejaculatory
      functions. METHODS: Men at least 50 years old with International Prostate Symptom
      Scores of at least 13, a peak flow rate of at least 5 to no higher than 15 mL/s,
      and prostate volume of 30 to 80 cm(3) were randomized 2:1 between Rezum System
      thermal therapy and control. Thermal water vapor (103 degrees C) was injected
      into lateral and median lobes as required for treatment of benign prostatic
      hyperplasia. The control procedure entailed rigid cystoscopy with simulated
      active treatment sounds. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blinded group (active = 136,
      control = 61) comparison occurred at 3 months and the active arm was followed to
      12 months for International Prostate Symptom Score, peak flow rate, and sexual
      function using the International Index of Erectile Function and the Male Sexual
      Health Questionnaire for Ejaculatory Function. The minimal clinically important
      difference in erectile function perceived by subjects as beneficial was
      determined for each erectile function severity category. Subjects not sexually
      active were censored from sexual function analysis. RESULTS: No treatment- or
      device-related de novo erectile dysfunction occurred after thermal therapy.
      International Index of Erectile Function and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for
      Ejaculatory Function scores were not different from the control group at 3 months
      or from baseline at 1 year. Ejaculatory bother score improved 31% over baseline
      (P = .0011). Also, 32% of subjects achieved minimal clinically important
      differences in erectile function scores at 3 months, and 27% at 1 year, including
      those with moderate to severe erectile dysfunction. International Prostate
      Symptom Score and peak flow rate were significantly superior to controls at 3
      months and throughout 1 year (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Convective water vapor
      thermal therapy provides sustainable improvements for 12 months to lower urinary
      tract symptoms and urinary flow while preserving erectile and ejaculatory
      functions.

PMID- 27129768
TI  - Eosinophilic annular erythema in a patient with autoimmune pancreatitis:
      Nicotinamide therapy may be beneficial for achieving remission.

PMID- 27129769
TI  - Peroxins Pex30 and Pex29 Dynamically Associate with Reticulons to Regulate
      Peroxisome Biogenesis from the Endoplasmic Reticulum.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferation occurs by at least two routes, division of existing
      peroxisomes and de novo biogenesis from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The
      proteins and molecular mechanisms governing peroxisome emergence from the ER are
      poorly characterized. In this study, we report that two integral membrane
      peroxins (proteins required for peroxisome biogenesis) in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae, Pex29 and Pex30, reside in distinct regions of the ER and associate
      with Rtn1 and Yop1, reticulon family members that contribute to ER morphology, to
      govern peroxisome emergence from the ER. In vivo and in vitro analyses reveal
      that peroxisome proliferation is therefore not restricted to the peroxisome but
      begins at the level of the ER.

PMID- 27129770
TI  - Secreted Frizzled-related Protein 2 (sFRP2) Redirects Non-canonical Wnt Signaling
      from Fz7 to Ror2 during Vertebrate Gastrulation.
AB  - Convergent extension movements during vertebrate gastrulation require a balanced
      activity of non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways, but the factors regulating this
      interplay on the molecular level are poorly characterized. Here we show that
      sFRP2, a member of the secreted frizzled-related protein (sFRP) family, is
      required for morphogenesis and papc expression during Xenopus gastrulation. We
      further provide evidence that sFRP2 redirects non-canonical Wnt signaling from
      Frizzled 7 (Fz7) to the receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (Ror2).
      During this process, sFRP2 promotes Ror2 signal transduction by stabilizing Wnt5a
      Ror2 complexes at the membrane, whereas it inhibits Fz7 signaling, probably by
      blocking Fz7 receptor endocytosis. The cysteine-rich domain of sFRP2 is
      sufficient for Ror2 activation, and related sFRPs can substitute for this
      function. Notably, direct interaction of the two receptors via their cysteine
      rich domains also promotes Ror2-mediated papc expression but inhibits Fz7
      signaling. We propose that sFRPs can act as a molecular switch, channeling the
      signal input for different non-canonical Wnt pathways during vertebrate
      gastrulation.

PMID- 27129771
TI  - Nuclear Matrix Protein 4 Is a Novel Regulator of Ribosome Biogenesis and Controls
      the Unfolded Protein Response via Repression of Gadd34 Expression.
AB  - The unfolded protein response (UPR) maintains protein homeostasis by governing
      the processing capacity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to manage ER client
      loads; however, key regulators within the UPR remain to be identified. Activation
      of the UPR sensor PERK (EIFAK3/PEK) results in the phosphorylation of the alpha
      subunit of eIF2 (eIF2alpha-P), which represses translation initiation and reduces
      influx of newly synthesized proteins into the overloaded ER. As part of this
      adaptive response, eIF2alpha-P also induces a feedback mechanism through enhanced
      transcriptional and translational expression of Gadd34 (Ppp1r15A),which targets
      type 1 protein phosphatase for dephosphorylation of eIF2alpha-P to restore
      protein synthesis. Here we describe a novel mechanism by which Gadd34 expression
      is regulated through the activity of the zinc finger transcription factor NMP4
      (ZNF384, CIZ). NMP4 functions to suppress bone anabolism, and we suggest that
      this occurs due to decreased protein synthesis of factors involved in bone
      formation through NMP4-mediated dampening of Gadd34 and c-Myc expression. Loss of
      Nmp4 resulted in an increase in c-Myc and Gadd34 expression that facilitated
      enhanced ribosome biogenesis and global protein synthesis. Importantly, protein
      synthesis was sustained during pharmacological induction of the UPR through a
      mechanism suggested to involve GADD34-mediated dephosphorylation of eIF2alpha-P.
      Sustained protein synthesis sensitized cells to pharmacological induction of the
      UPR, and the observed decrease in cell viability was restored upon inhibition of
      GADD34 activity. We conclude that NMP4 is a key regulator of ribosome biogenesis
      and the UPR, which together play a central role in determining cell viability
      during endoplasmic reticulum stress.

PMID- 27129772
TI  - Hyperglycemic Conditions Prime Cells for RIP1-dependent Necroptosis.
AB  - Necroptosis is a RIP1-dependent programmed cell death (PCD) pathway that is
      distinct from apoptosis. Downstream effector pathways of necroptosis include
      formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and reactive oxygen species
      (ROS), both of which depend on glycolysis. This suggests that increased cellular
      glucose may prime necroptosis. Here we show that exposure to hyperglycemic levels
      of glucose enhances necroptosis in primary red blood cells (RBCs), Jurkat T
      cells, and U937 monocytes. Pharmacologic or siRNA inhibition of RIP1 prevented
      the enhanced death, confirming it as RIP1-dependent necroptosis. Hyperglycemic
      enhancement of necroptosis depends upon glycolysis with AGEs and ROS playing a
      role. Total levels of RIP1, RIP3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL)
      proteins were increased following treatment with high levels of glucose in Jurkat
      and U937 cells and was not due to transcriptional regulation. The observed
      increase in RIP1, RIP3, and MLKL protein levels suggests a potential positive
      feedback mechanism in nucleated cell types. Enhanced PCD due to hyperglycemia was
      specific to necroptosis as extrinsic apoptosis was inhibited by exposure to high
      levels of glucose. Hyperglycemia resulted in increased infarct size in a mouse
      model of brain hypoxia-ischemia injury. The increased infarct size was prevented
      by treatment with nec-1s, strongly suggesting that increased necroptosis accounts
      for exacerbation of this injury in conditions of hyperglycemia. This work reveals
      that hyperglycemia represents a condition in which cells are extraordinarily
      susceptible to necroptosis, that local glucose levels alter the balance of PCD
      pathways, and that clinically relevant outcomes may depend on glucose-mediated
      effects on PCD.

PMID- 27129773
TI  - Identification of (Z)-3:(E)-2-Hexenal Isomerases Essential to the Production of
      the Leaf Aldehyde in Plants.
AB  - The green odor of plants is characterized by green leaf volatiles (GLVs) composed
      of C6 compounds. GLVs are biosynthesized from polyunsaturated fatty acids in
      thylakoid membranes by a series of enzymes. A representative member of GLVs (E)-2
      hexenal, known as the leaf aldehyde, has been assumed to be produced by
      isomerization from (Z)-3-hexenal in the biosynthesis pathway; however, the enzyme
      has not yet been identified. In this study, we purified the (Z)-3:(E)-2-hexenal
      isomerase (HI) from paprika fruits and showed that various plant species have
      homologous HIs. Purified HI is a homotrimeric protein of 110 kDa composed of 35
      kDa subunits and shows high activity at acidic and neutral pH values.
      Phylogenetic analysis showed that HIs belong to the cupin superfamily, and at
      least three catalytic amino acids (His, Lys, Tyr) are conserved in HIs of various
      plant species. Enzymatic isomerization of (Z)-3-hexenal in the presence of
      deuterium oxide resulted in the introduction of deuterium at the C4 position of
      (E)-2-hexenal, and a suicide substrate 3-hexyn-1-al inhibited HI irreversibly,
      suggesting that the catalytic mode of HI is a keto-enol tautomerism reaction mode
      mediated by a catalytic His residue. The gene expression of HIs in Solanaceae
      plants was enhanced in specific developmental stages and by wounding treatment.
      Transgenic tomato plants overexpressing paprika HI accumulated (E)-2-hexenal in
      contrast to wild-type tomato plants mainly accumulating (Z)-3-hexenal, suggesting
      that HI plays a key role in the production of (E)-2-hexenal in planta.

PMID- 27129774
TI  - PR Domain-containing Protein 7 (PRDM7) Is a Histone 3 Lysine 4
      Trimethyltransferase.
AB  - PR domain-containing protein 7 (PRDM7) is a primate-specific histone
      methyltransferase that is the result of a recent gene duplication of PRDM9. The
      two proteins are highly homologous, especially in the catalytic PR/SET domain,
      where they differ by only three amino acid residues. Here we report that PRDM7 is
      an efficient methyltransferase that selectively catalyzes the trimethylation of
      H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) both in vitro and in cells. Through selective mutagenesis we
      have dissected the functional roles of each of the three divergent residues
      between the PR domains of PRDM7 and PRDM9. These studies indicate that after a
      single serine to tyrosine mutation at residue 357 (S357Y), PRDM7 regains the
      substrate specificities and catalytic activities similar to its evolutionary
      predecessor, including the ability to efficiently methylate H3K36.

PMID- 27129775
TI  - Cofactors of LIM Domains Associate with Estrogen Receptor alpha to Regulate the
      Expression of Noncoding RNA H19 and Corneal Epithelial Progenitor Cell Function.
AB  - Cofactors of LIM domain proteins, CLIM1 and CLIM2, are widely expressed
      transcriptional cofactors that are recruited to gene regulatory regions by DNA
      binding proteins, including LIM domain transcription factors. In the cornea,
      epithelium-specific expression of a dominant negative (DN) CLIM under the keratin
      14 (K14) promoter causes blistering, wounding, inflammation, epithelial
      hyperplasia, and neovascularization followed by epithelial thinning and
      subsequent epidermal-like differentiation of the corneal epithelium. The defects
      in corneal epithelial differentiation and cell fate determination suggest that
      CLIM may regulate corneal progenitor cells and the transition to differentiation.
      Consistent with this notion, the K14-DN-Clim corneal epithelium first exhibits
      increased proliferation followed by fewer progenitor cells with decreased
      proliferative potential. In vivo ChIP-sequencing experiments with corneal
      epithelium show that CLIM binds to and regulates numerous genes involved in cell
      adhesion and proliferation, including limbally enriched genes. Intriguingly, CLIM
      associates primarily with non-LIM homeodomain motifs in corneal epithelial cells,
      including that of estrogen receptor alpha. Among CLIM targets is the noncoding
      RNA H19 whose deregulation is associated with Silver-Russell and Beckwith
      Wiedemann syndromes. We demonstrate here that H19 negatively regulates corneal
      epithelial proliferation. In addition to cell cycle regulators, H19 affects the
      expression of multiple cell adhesion genes. CLIM interacts with estrogen receptor
      alpha at the H19 locus, potentially explaining the higher expression of H19 in
      female than male corneas. Together, our results demonstrate an important role for
      CLIM in regulating the proliferative potential of corneal epithelial progenitors
      and identify CLIM downstream target H19 as a regulator of corneal epithelial
      proliferation and adhesion.

PMID- 27129776
TI  - Forkhead Box Q1 Is a Novel Target of Breast Cancer Stem Cell Inhibition by
      Diallyl Trisulfide.
AB  - Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a metabolic byproduct of garlic, is known to inhibit
      the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo This study demonstrates
      that DATS targets breast cancer stem cells (bCSC). Exposure of MCF-7 and SUM159
      human breast cancer cells to pharmacological concentrations of DATS (2.5 and 5
      MUm) resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of bCSC, as evidenced by a mammosphere
      assay and flow cytometric analysis of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) activity
      and the CD44(high)/CD24(low)/epithelial specific antigen-positive fraction. DATS
      mediated inhibition of bCSC was associated with a decrease in the protein level
      of FoxQ1. Overexpression of FoxQ1 in MCF-7 and SUM159 cells increased ALDH1
      activity and the CD49f(+)/CD24(-) fraction. Inhibition of ALDH1 activity and/or
      mammosphere formation upon DATS treatment was significantly attenuated by
      overexpression of FoxQ1. In agreement with these results, stable knockdown of
      FoxQ1 using small hairpin RNA augmented bCSC inhibition by DATS. Expression
      profiling for cancer stem cell-related genes suggested that FoxQ1 may negatively
      regulate the expression of Dachshund homolog 1 (DACH1), whose expression is lost
      in invasive breast cancer. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed recruitment of
      FoxQ1 at the DACH1 promoter. Moreover, inducible expression of DACH1 augmented
      DATS-mediated inhibition of bCSC. Expression of FoxQ1 protein was significantly
      higher in triple-negative breast cancer cases compared with normal mammary
      tissues. Moreover, an inverse association was observed between FoxQ1 and DACH1
      gene expression in breast cancer cell lines and tumors. DATS administration
      inhibited ALDH1 activity in vivo in SUM159 xenografts. These results indicate
      that FoxQ1 is a novel target of bCSC inhibition by DATS.

PMID- 27129779
TI  - Fractionation-dependent improvements in proteome resolution in the mouse
      hippocampus by IEF LC-MS/MS.
AB  - An assessment of fractionated mouse hippocampal peptides was conducted. Protein
      extract from a single mouse hippocampus was enzymatically digested and
      fractionated by IEF. Aliquots of fractions were pooled into fewer, more complex
      samples. The unfractionated lysate, fractions, and pooled fractions were
      subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis. Samples consisting of many individual fractions
      had more protein identifications, greater protein sequence coverage, and
      quantified proteins with more spectral counts than protein extract that was
      unfractionated or pooled into fewer LC-MS/MS samples. Additionally,
      prefractionation reduced the median CV for spectral counts as much as 33%.
      However, the relative gain in proteome resolution was found to saturate with
      increasing fractionation extent. This study demonstrates how prefractionation by
      offline IEF can improve the resolution of proteomic investigations of the mouse
      hippocampus, and that a data-driven pooling methodology can reduce excessive and
      cost-ineffective fractionation.

PMID- 27129777
TI  - Ste24p Mediates Proteolysis of Both Isoprenylated and Non-prenylated
      Oligopeptides.
AB  - Rce1p and Ste24p are integral membrane proteins involved in the proteolytic
      maturation of isoprenylated proteins. Extensive published evidence indicates that
      Rce1p requires the isoprenyl moiety as an important substrate determinant. By
      contrast, we report that Ste24p can cleave both isoprenylated and non-prenylated
      substrates in vitro, indicating that the isoprenyl moiety is not required for
      substrate recognition. Steady-state enzyme kinetics are significantly different
      for prenylated versus non-prenylated substrates, strongly suggestive of a role
      for substrate-membrane interaction in protease function. Mass spectroscopy
      analyses identify a cleavage preference at bonds where P1' is aliphatic in both
      isoprenylated and non-prenylated substrates, although this is not necessarily
      predictive. The identified cleavage sites are not at a fixed distance position
      relative to the C terminus. In this study, the substrates cleaved by Ste24p are
      based on known isoprenylated proteins (i.e. K-Ras4b and the yeast a-factor mating
      pheromone) and non-prenylated biological peptides (Abeta and insulin chains) that
      are known substrates of the M16A family of soluble zinc-dependent
      metalloproteases. These results establish that the substrate profile of Ste24p is
      broader than anticipated, being more similar to that of the M16A protease family
      than that of the Rce1p CAAX protease with which it has been functionally
      associated.

PMID- 27129778
TI  - Contribution of Accelerated Degradation to Feedback Regulation of 3-Hydroxy-3
      methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase and Cholesterol Metabolism in the Liver.
AB  - Accumulation of sterols in endoplasmic reticulum membranes stimulates the
      ubiquitination of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), which
      catalyzes a rate-limiting step in synthesis of cholesterol. This ubiquitination
      marks HMGCR for proteasome-mediated degradation and constitutes one of several
      mechanisms for feedback control of cholesterol synthesis. Mechanisms for sterol
      accelerated ubiquitination and degradation of HMGCR have been elucidated through
      the study of cultured mammalian cells. However, the extent to which these
      reactions modulate HMGCR and contribute to control of cholesterol metabolism in
      whole animals is unknown. Here, we examine transgenic mice expressing in the
      liver the membrane domain of HMGCR (HMGCR (TM1-8)), a region necessary and
      sufficient for sterol-accelerated degradation, and knock-in mice in which
      endogenous HMGCR harbors mutations that prevent sterol-induced ubiquitination.
      Characterization of transgenic mice revealed that HMGCR (TM1-8) is appropriately
      regulated in the liver of mice fed a high cholesterol diet or chow diet
      supplemented with the HMGCR inhibitor lovastatin. Ubiquitination-resistant HMGCR
      protein accumulates in the liver and other tissues disproportionately to its
      mRNA, indicating that sterol-accelerated degradation significantly contributes to
      feedback regulation of HMGCR in vivo Results of these studies demonstrate that
      HMGCR is subjected to sterol-accelerated degradation in the liver through
      mechanisms similar to those established in cultured cells. Moreover, these
      studies designate sterol-accelerated degradation of HMGCR as a potential
      therapeutic target for prevention of atherosclerosis and associated
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27129780
TI  - Multiscale Model Describing Bacterial Adhesion and Detachment.
AB  - Bacterial surfaces are complex structures with nontrivial adhesive properties.
      The physics of bacterial adhesion deviates from that of ideal colloids as a
      result of cell-surface roughness and because of the mechanical properties of the
      polymers covering the cell surface. In the present study, we develop a simple
      multiscale model for the interplay between the potential energy functions that
      characterize the cell surface biopolymers and their interaction with the
      extracellular environment. We then use the model to study a discrete network of
      bonds in the presence of significant length heterogeneities in cell-surface
      polymers. The model we present is able to generate force curves (both approach
      and retraction) that closely resemble those measured experimentally. Our results
      show that even small-length-scale heterogeneities can lead to macroscopically
      nonlinear behavior that is qualitatively and quantitatively different from the
      homogeneous case. We also report on the energetic consequences of such structural
      heterogeneity.

PMID- 27129781
TI  - PE_PGRS30 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis mediates suppression of proinflammatory
      immune response in macrophages through its PGRS and PE domains.
AB  - The success of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as a pathogen relies on its ability to
      survive inside macrophages and evade host immune mechanisms. M. tuberculosis
      employs multiple strategies to confer resistance against immune system including
      inhibition of phago-lysosomal fusion, modulation of cytokine responses and
      granuloma formation. PE_PGRS proteins, uniquely present in pathogenic
      mycobacteria, are cell surface molecules that are suggested to interact with host
      cells. PE_PGRS proteins have also been implicated in its pathogenesis. In the
      present study, immuno-regulatory property of Rv1651c-encoded PE_PGRS30 protein
      was explored. Infection of PMA-differentiated human THP-1 macrophages with
      Mycobacterium smegmatis harbouring pVV(1651c) resulted in reduced production of
      IL-12, TNF-alpha and IL-6, as compared to infection with M. smegmatis harbouring
      the control plasmid pVV16. No differential effect was observed on bacterial
      persistence inside macrophages or on macrophage mortality upon infection with the
      two recombinant strains. Infection of THP-1 macrophages with recombinant M.
      smegmatis expressing deletion variants of PE_PGRS30 indicated that anti
      inflammatory function of the protein is possessed by its PGRS and PE domains
      while the C-terminal domain, when expressed alone, displayed antagonistic effect
      in terms of TNF-alpha secretion. These results suggest that PE_PGRS30 interferes
      with macrophage immune functions important for activation of adaptive T-cell
      responses.

PMID- 27129783
TI  - Physics-driven impeller designs for a novel intravascular blood pump for patients
      with congenital heart disease.
AB  - Mechanical circulatory support offers an alternative therapeutic treatment for
      patients with dysfunctional single ventricle physiology. An intravascular axial
      flow pump is being developed as a cavopulmonary assist device for these patients.
      This study details the development of a new rotating impeller geometry. We
      examined the performance of 8 impeller geometries with blade stagger or twist
      angles varying from 100 degrees  to 800 degrees  using computational methods. A
      refined range of blade twist angles between 300 degrees  and 400 degrees  was
      then identified, and 4 additional geometries were evaluated. Generally, the
      impeller designs produced 4-26mmHg for flow rates of 1-4L/min for 6000-8000 RPM.
      A data regression analysis was completed and found the impeller with 400 degrees 
      of blade twist to be the superior performer. A hydraulic test was conducted on a
      prototype of the 400 degrees  impeller, which generated measurable pressure rises
      of 7-28mmHg for flow rates of 1-4L/min at 6000-8000 RPM. The findings of the
      numerical model and experiment were in reasonable agreement within approximately
      20%. These results support the continued development of an axial-flow, mechanical
      cavopulmonary assist device as a new clinical therapeutic option for Fontan
      patients.

PMID- 27129782
TI  - Immunity in young adult survivors of childhood leukemia is similar to the elderly
      rather than age-matched controls: Role of cytomegalovirus.
AB  - Many treatment complications that occur late in childhood cancer survivors
      resemble age-related comorbidities observed in the elderly. An immune phenotype
      characterized by increased immune activation, systemic inflammation, and
      accumulation of late-differentiated memory CD57(+) CD28(-) T cells has been
      associated with comorbidities in the elderly. Here, we explored if this phenotype
      was present in young adult leukemia survivors following an average of 19 years
      from chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy completion, and compared this with that in
      age-matched controls. We found that markers of systemic inflammation-IL-6 and
      human C-reactive protein and immune activation-CD38 and HLA-DR on T cells,
      soluble CD (sCD)163 from monocytes and macrophages-were increased in survivors
      compared to controls. T-cell responses specific to cytomegalovirus (CMV) were
      also increased in survivors compared to controls while CMV IgG levels in
      survivors were comparable to levels measured in the elderly (>50years) and
      correlated with IL-6, human C-reactive protein, sCD163, and CD57(+) CD28(-)
      memory T cells. Immune activation and inflammation markers correlated poorly with
      prior chemotherapy and radiotherapy exposure. These data suggest that CMV
      infection/reactivation is strongly correlated with the immunological phenotype
      seen in young childhood leukemia survivors and these changes may be associated
      with the early onset of age-related comorbidities in this group.

PMID- 27129784
TI  - Accuracy and repeatability of quantitative fluoroscopy for the measurement of
      sagittal plane translation and finite centre of rotation in the lumbar spine.
AB  - Quantitative fluoroscopy (QF) was developed to measure intervertebral mechanics
      in vivo and has been found to have high repeatability and accuracy for the
      measurement of intervertebral rotations. However, sagittal plane translation and
      finite centre of rotation (FCR) are potential measures of stability but have not
      yet been fully validated for current QF. This study investigated the
      repeatability and accuracy of QF for measuring these variables. Repeatability was
      assessed from L2-S1 in 20 human volunteers. Accuracy was investigated using 10
      consecutive measurements from each of two pairs of linked and instrumented dry
      human vertebrae as reference; one which tilted without translation and one which
      translated without tilt. The results found intra- and inter-observer
      repeatability for translation to be 1.1mm or less (SEM) with fair to substantial
      reliability (ICC 0.533-0.998). Intra-observer repeatability of FCR location for
      inter-vertebral rotations of 5 degrees  and above ranged from 1.5mm to 1.8mm
      (SEM) with moderate to substantial reliability (ICC 0.626-0.988). Inter-observer
      repeatability for FCR ranged from 1.2mm to 5.7mm, also with moderate to
      substantial reliability (ICC 0.621-0.878). Reliability was substantial (ICC>0.81)
      for 10/16 measures for translation and 5/8 for FCR location. Accuracy for
      translation was 0.1mm (fixed centre) and 2.2mm (moveable centre), with an FCR
      error of 0.3mm(x) and 0.4mm(y) (fixed centre). This technology was found to have
      a high level of accuracy and with a few exceptions, moderate to substantial
      repeatability for the measurement of translation and FCR from fluoroscopic motion
      sequences.

PMID- 27129786
TI  - Employee Trust in Supervisors and Affective Commitment: The Moderating Role of
      Authentic Leadership.
AB  - Although previous research has examined the main/direct effects of subordinates'
      trust in their supervisors on the levels of subordinates' affective commitment
      towards the organizations, little attention has been paid to explore the boundary
      conditions of this relationship. Two studies were conducted to examine the
      moderating effect of authentic leadership on the relationship between
      subordinates' trust in supervisor and their levels of affective commitment
      towards the organization. In line with the hypothesized model, both Study 1
      (cross-sectional design, n = 138) and Study 2 (lagged design, n = 154)
      demonstrated that authentic leadership moderated the relationship between
      employees' trust in supervisor and their levels of affective commitment towards
      their organizations. Specifically, the positive relationship was stronger for
      employees under higher levels of authentic leadership. The implications for
      theory and practice are discussed. 

PMID- 27129787
TI  - A time course analysis of satiety-induced instrumental outcome devaluation.
AB  - Sensory-specific satiety is commonly used in studies of decision making to
      selectively devalue a food reward. Devaluation is reflected in an immediate
      reduction in the subsequent intake of the food and in the performance of actions
      that gain access to that food. Despite its frequent use, the lasting effects of
      satiety-induced devaluation on instrumental actions are unknown. Here, we
      examined the time course and contextual dependency of sensory-specific satiety
      induced devaluation on instrumental responding and consumption. Rats were trained
      to perform two instrumental actions for two distinct food rewards. Then, one of
      the instrumental outcomes was provided ad libitum for 1 hour in separate feeding
      cages and the effect of this devaluation was assessed 0, 2, or 5 hours after
      satiation. At a delay of 0 or 2 hours, both intake and instrumental responding
      were sensitive to the satiety treatment. That is, rats consumed less of the
      devalued outcome and responded less for the devalued outcome than for the valued
      outcome. By contrast, after 5 hours, rats showed sensitivity to devaluation in
      consumption but not in instrumental responding. Strikingly, sensitivity to
      devaluation was restored for the instrumental response after a 5 hour delay when
      devaluation was performed in the instrumental context. These results indicate
      that, in rats, specific satiety-induced devaluation endures and is context
      independent for up to 2 hours post-satiation. At longer delays, the impact of
      sensory-specific satiety on instrumental responding is context-dependent,
      suggesting that contextual cues may be required for the value of specific
      outcomes to control instrumental responding.

PMID- 27129785
TI  - Analysis of asymptomatic and clinical malaria in urban and suburban settings of
      southwestern Ethiopia in the context of sustaining malaria control and
      approaching elimination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria intervention in Ethiopia has been strengthened significantly
      in the past decade. The Ethiopian government recently stratified the country
      based upon annual parasite incidence into malaria free, low, moderate and high
      transmission strata. Districts with low transmission were targeted for indigenous
      transmission elimination. Surveillance on malaria disease incidence is needed for
      planning control and elimination efforts. METHODS: Clinical malaria was monitored
      prospectively in health facilities in Jimma town, Oromia Region, southwestern
      Ethiopia from July 2014 to June 2015. Seasonal cross-sectional parasite
      prevalence surveys in local communities were conducted in 2014 and 2015 in eight
      kebeles. Case report forms were administered to obtain sociodemographic and
      epidemiological information from patients. RESULTS: A total of 1434 suspected
      malaria cases were examined from the health facilities and 428 confirmed malaria
      cases were found. Among them, 327 (76.4 %) cases were Plasmodium vivax, 97 (22.7
      %) were Plasmodium falciparum, and 4 (0.9 %) were mixed infection of P. vivax and
      P. falciparum. The annual malaria incidence rate was 1.7 cases per 1000 people at
      risk. Parasite prevalence in the community was less than 3 %. Household ownership
      of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) was 47.3 % (1173/2479) and ITN usage was 37.9
      %. All ITNs were long-lasting insecticidal nets, and repellent use was not found
      in the study area. Being male and traveling were the significant risk factors for
      P. falciparum malaria. For P. vivax malaria, risk factors included occupation and
      history of malaria illness during the preceding 30 days. CONCLUSION:
      Epidemiological evidence suggested low clinical malaria incidence and prevalence
      in Jimma town. More aggressive measures may be needed to further suppress vivax
      transmission. Strategies should be planned targeting sustained control and
      elimination.

PMID- 27129789
TI  - What is timed in a fixed-interval temporal bisection procedure?
AB  - Recent research on interval timing in the behavioral and neurological sciences
      has employed a concurrent fixed-interval (FI) procedure first reported by Platt
      and Davis (Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes, 9, 160
      170, 1983). Studies employing the task typically assess just 1 dependent
      variable, the switch/bisection point; however, multiple measures of timing are
      available in the procedure and it is unclear (a) what is timed (i.e., learned) by
      subjects and (b) what other measures might tell us about timing in the task and
      generally. The main objective of the current experiment was to utilize multiple
      dependent measures of timing accuracy and precision derived from the task to
      assess whether the 2 FIs are timed independently or if timing 1 FI interferes
      with timing the other, and vice versa. Four pigeons were exposed to an FI
      temporal bisection procedure with parametric manipulations across two phases. In
      the constant phase, the short FI was always the same; the long FI was 2 to 16
      times the short FI and changed across conditions. In the proportional phase, the
      long FI was always 4 times the duration of the short FI. Across both phases,
      pigeon mean bisection points were near the geometric mean of the 2 FIs.
      Coefficients of variance increased as the durations to be timed increased.
      Results suggested pigeons' timing of the short FI was affected by the presence of
      the long FI, and vice versa. The FI temporal bisection task offers multiple
      dependent variables for analysis and is well suited for studying temporal
      learning and decision making.

PMID- 27129788
TI  - Adolescent rats fail to demonstrate a LiCl-induced pre-exposure effect:
      Implications for the balance of drug reward and aversion in adolescence.
AB  - Adolescents display weaker taste avoidance induced by both abused and non-abused
      drugs than adults. Drug history attenuates avoidance learning in adults (the drug
      pre-exposure effect), but little is known about this phenomenon in adolescents.
      Given that the weaker taste avoidance in adolescence is thought to be a function
      of their relative insensitivity to the drug's aversive effects, it might be
      expected that the drug pre-exposure effect would be weaker in adolescents given
      that for some drugs this effect is mediated by associative blocking that depends
      on the association of environmental cues with the drug's aversive effects. To
      address this, in the present studies male adolescent (Experiment 1) and adult
      (Experiment 2) rats were given five spaced injections of LiCl prior to subsequent
      taste avoidance conditioning with LiCl. Consistent with past reports, adolescents
      displayed weaker taste avoidance than adults. While adults displayed attenuated
      LiCl-induced taste avoidance following LiCl pre-exposure, adolescents showed no
      evidence of this pre-exposure. This work is consistent with the view that
      adolescents are relatively insensitive to the aversive effects of drugs, an
      insensitivity potentially important in subsequent intake of drugs of abuse given
      that such intake is a function of the balance of their rewarding and aversive
      effects.

PMID- 27129791
TI  - Students' drinking behavior and perceptions towards introducing alcohol policies
      on university campus in Denmark: a focus group study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High alcohol consumption among university students is a well
      researched health concern in many countries. At universities in Denmark, policies
      of alcohol consumption are a new phenomenon if existing at all. However, little
      is known of how students perceive campus alcohol policies. The aim of this study
      is to explore students' perceptions of alcohol policies on campus in relation to
      attitudes and practices of alcohol consumption. METHODS: We conducted six focus
      group interviews with students from the University of Southern Denmark at two
      different campuses. The interviews discussed topics such as experiences and
      attitudes towards alcohol consumption among students, regulations, and norms of
      alcohol use on campus. The analysis followed a pre-determined codebook. RESULTS:
      Alcohol consumption is an integrated practice on campus. Most of the participants
      found it unnecessary to make major restrictions. Instead, regulations were
      socially controlled by students themselves and related to what was considered to
      be appropriate behavior. However students were open minded towards smaller
      limitations of alcohol availability. These included banning the sale of alcohol
      in vending machines and limiting consumption during the introduction week
      primarily due to avoiding social exclusion of students who do not drink. Some
      international students perceived the level of consumption as too high and
      distinguished between situations where they perceived drinking as unusual.
      CONCLUSION: The study showed that alcohol is a central part of students' lives.
      When developing and implementing alcohol policies on campus, seeking student
      input in the process and addressing alcohol policies in the larger community will
      likely improve the success of the policies.

PMID- 27129790
TI  - Educational interventions to train healthcare professionals in end-of-life
      communication: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Practicing healthcare professionals and graduates exiting training
      programs are often ill-equipped to facilitate important discussions about end-of
      life care with patients and their families. We conducted a systematic review to
      evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions aimed at providing
      healthcare professionals with training in end-of-life communication skills,
      compared to usual curriculum. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC
      and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from the date of inception
      to July 2014 for randomized control trials (RCT) and prospective observational
      studies of educational training interventions to train healthcare professionals
      in end-of-life communication skills. To be eligible, interventions had to provide
      communication skills training related to end-of-life decision making; other
      interventions (e.g. breaking bad news, providing palliation) were excluded. Our
      primary outcomes were self-efficacy, knowledge and end-of-life communication
      scores with standardized patient encounters. Sufficiently similar studies were
      pooled in a meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE.
      RESULTS: Of 5727 candidate articles, 20 studies (6 RCTs, 14 Observational) were
      included in this review. Compared to usual teaching, educational interventions to
      train healthcare professionals in end-of-life communication skills were
      associated with greater self-efficacy (8 studies, standardized mean difference
      [SMD] 0.57;95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40-0.75; P < 0.001; very low quality
      evidence), more knowledge (4 studies, SMD 0.76;95% CI 0.40-1.12; p < 0.001; low
      quality evidence), and improvements in communication scores (8 studies, SMD 0.69;
      95% CI 0.41-0.96; p < 0.001; very low quality evidence). There was insufficient
      evidence to determine whether these educational interventions affect patient
      level outcomes. CONCLUSION: Very low to low quality evidence suggests that end-of
      life communication training may improve healthcare professionals' self-efficacy,
      knowledge, and EoL communication scores compared to usual teaching. Further
      studies comparing two active educational interventions are recommended with a
      continued focus on contextually relevant high-level outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      PROSPERO CRD42014012913.

PMID- 27129792
TI  - Intraoperatorive hydroxyethyl starch: A safe therapy or a poison?

PMID- 27129793
TI  - Blacks face higher risk of drug arrests in White neighborhoods.

PMID- 27129795
TI  - High BAX/BCL2 mRNA ratio predicts favorable prognosis in laryngeal squamous cell
      carcinoma, particularly in patients with negative lymph nodes at the time of
      diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), a common type of head and
      neck cancer, is associated with high rates of metastasis and recurrence.
      Therefore, accurate prognostic stratification of LSCC patients based on molecular
      prognostic tumor biomarkers would definitely lead to a better clinical management
      of this malignancy. The aim of this study was the investigation of the potential
      combinatorial prognostic value of BCL2 and BAX mRNA expression in LSCC. DESIGN
      AND METHODS: Total RNA was isolated from 105 cancerous laryngeal tissue specimens
      obtained from patients having undergone surgical treatment for primary LSCC.
      After cDNA preparation, a low-cost, in-house developed, sensitive and accurate
      real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) methodology was applied for the quantification
      of BCL2 and BAX mRNA levels. Then, we carried out a biostatistical analysis to
      assess the prognostic value of the BAX/BCL2 mRNA expression ratio. RESULTS: High
      BAX/BCL2 mRNA expression constitutes a favorable prognosticator in LSCC,
      predicting significantly longer disease-free survival (P=0.011) and overall
      survival (P=0.014) of patients. More importantly, the significant prognostic
      value of the BAX/BCL2 mRNA expression appeared to be independent of the
      histological grade and size of the malignant laryngeal tumor as well as TNM
      stage, as revealed by the multivariate bootstrap Cox regression analysis. Kaplan
      Meier survival analysis demonstrated also that the BAX/BCL2 ratio can stratify
      node-negative (N0) LSCC patients into two subgroups with significantly different
      DFS and OS (P=0.021 and P=0.009, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The BAX/BCL2 mRNA
      ratio is a putative molecular tissue biomarker in CLL and hence deserves further
      validation in larger cohorts of LSCC patients.

PMID- 27129794
TI  - Are strong empathizers better mentalizers? Evidence for independence and
      interaction between the routes of social cognition.
AB  - Although the processes that underlie sharing others' emotions (empathy) and
      understanding others' mental states (mentalizing, Theory of Mind) have received
      increasing attention, it is yet unclear how they relate to each other. For
      instance, are people who strongly empathize with others also more proficient in
      mentalizing? And (how) do the neural networks supporting empathy and mentalizing
      interact? Assessing both functions simultaneously in a large sample (N = 178), we
      show that people's capacities to empathize and mentalize are independent, both on
      a behavioral and neural level. Thus, strong empathizers are not necessarily
      proficient mentalizers, arguing against a general capacity of social
      understanding. Second, we applied dynamic causal modeling to investigate how the
      neural networks underlying empathy and mentalizing are orchestrated in
      naturalistic social settings. Results reveal that in highly emotional situations,
      empathic sharing can inhibit mentalizing-related activity and thereby harm
      mentalizing performance. Taken together, our findings speak against a unitary
      construct of social understanding and suggest flexible interplay of distinct
      social functions.

PMID- 27129796
TI  - Sampling on ice will not yield reliable uric acid monitoring in rasburicase
      treated patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Rasburicase is administered to prevent hyperuricemia and counteract
      the consequences of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS). The benefit of monitoring uric
      acid (UA) concentrations in rasburicase-treated patients is questionable as
      spuriously low values are most frequently encountered. The manufacturer
      recommends a cold sample handling procedure to arrest ex vivo uricolysis.
      Contrariwise, it was recently considered that the temperature does not
      significantly affects rasburicase uricolysis. We here present a thorough
      investigation on rasburicase kinetics in clinical samples. DESIGN AND METHODS: UA
      was spiked in sera from rasburicase-treated patients at varying concentrations,
      divided in three fractions for incubation at 4 degrees C, 22 degrees C or 37
      degrees C and measured at fix time points. The Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) and
      activation energy (Eact) were estimated by linear regression and the Arrhenius
      equation, respectively. Additionally, UA concentrations retrieved in sera of
      rasburicase-treated patients were retrospectively studied (3.5years period).
      RESULTS: Although uricolysis increased at a higher temperature, incubation at 4
      degrees C did not arrest uricolysis entirely. The yielded Km of 128MUmol/L
      highlights that maximum uricolytic activity is reached at UA concentrations lower
      than those observed for TLS patients. Furthermore, the Eact of 27kJ/mol
      corresponds to only a modest logarithmic decrease of the uricolytic capacity by 4
      5% per -1 degrees C. In routine practise, 'negative' UA concentrations were
      observed during 88.5% of the rasburicase therapy episodes, even when samples were
      stored at 4 degrees C. CONCLUSION: In contrast to manufacturer's guidelines,
      simple cooling of the sample will not arrest the temperature-dependent uricolysis
      provoked by rasburicase and therefore not yield reliable UA monitoring.

PMID- 27129797
TI  - Paraoxonase-1 arylesterase activity is an independent predictor of
      myeloperoxidase levels in overweight patients with or without cardiovascular
      complications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Myeloperoxidase (MPO), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue
      inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were shown to contribute to
      atherogenesis, while human paraoxonase-1 (PON1) protects against oxidative
      stress. Although several studies investigated these biomarkers, their
      associations have not been completely clarified yet. We aimed to investigate
      these parameters in overweight hyperlipidemic, lipid-lowering therapy-naive
      patients (n=167) with and without vascular complications. DESIGN AND METHODS:
      MPO, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were measured by ELISA. PON1 activities were
      detected spectrophotometrically. PON1 phenotype was calculated by using a dual
      substrate method. RESULTS: Patients with vascular complications (VC) had
      significantly higher MPO and TIMP-1 levels compared to those without (patients
      with no vascular complications; NVC) (728 (367.25-1177.90) mg/ml vs. 315.9
      (176.05-687.40) mg/ml; p<0.001; and 172.7 (157.7-197.7) ng/ml vs. 152.6 (129.3
      172.3) ng/ml; p<0.0001; respectively). MPO levels showed a significant negative
      correlation with PON1 arylesterase activity (whole patient group (W): r=0.42,
      p<0.0001; VC: r=0.44, p=0.01; NVC: r=0.39, p<0.0001) and positive correlations
      with MMP-9 (W: r=0.37, p<0.0001; VC: r=0.29, p=0.07; NVC: r=0.42, p<0.0001) and
      TIMP-1 (W: r=0.42, p<0.0001; VC: r=0.33, p<0.05; NVC: r=0.41, p<0.0001),
      respectively. PON1 arylesterase activity was found to be an independent predictor
      of MPO levels in the whole patient group (beta=-0.350, p<0.0001) or when studied
      separately in the subgroups with or without cardiovascular complications (VC:
      beta=-0.57, p<0.05; NVC: beta=-0.33, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest
      that parallel investigation of MPO, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels and PON1 arylesterase
      activity may be a more accurate indicator of atherosclerosis, which may allow
      earlier treatment and therefore, improvement of treatment efficacy.

PMID- 27129798
TI  - Chitotriosidase deficiency in the Cypriot population: Identification of a novel
      deletion in the CHIT1 gene.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the normal range of
      chitotriosidase activity in the Cypriot population and the frequency of the 24bp
      duplication polymorphism. Furthermore, we compared the allele frequency of this
      polymorphism in two locations with different malaria endemicity in the past.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma chitotriosidase activity was measured using a
      fluorogenic substrate. The 24bp polymorphism was detected using PCR analysis of
      exon 10 of the CHIT1 gene. Additional mutations were detected using direct
      sequencing. RESULTS: The normal range of chitotriosidase activity was found to be
      9.5-44.0nmol/ml/hr. Among 114 normal individuals genotyped for the 24bp
      duplication, 7% were found to be homozygous, 36% heterozygous and 57% wild type
      (allele frequency 0.25). The allele frequency of this polymorphism in individuals
      originating from two locations with different malaria endemicity in the past was
      not significantly different. A novel deletion mutation in the CHIT1 gene was
      identified associated with loss of chitotriosidase activity. This new deletion
      eliminates 29 nucleotides from exon 9 resulting in the generation of a premature
      stop codon, probably leading to the production of an aberrant protein molecule.
      CONCLUSIONS: The normal range of chitotriosidase activity and the allele
      frequency of the 24bp duplication polymorphism in the Cypriot population were
      found to be similar to those of other Mediterranean populations. No evidence for
      an association between the presence of the 24bp duplication polymorphism and
      susceptibility to malaria was found. A novel deletion in exon 9 of the CHIT1 gene
      was identified (allele frequency 0.01).

PMID- 27129799
TI  - Comparative analysis of circulating tumor DNA stability In K3EDTA, Streck, and
      CellSave blood collection tubes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Optimal conditions for blood collection for circulating tumor DNA
      (ctDNA) are still being developed. Although both Streck and EDTA tubes are
      commonly used, their ability to stabilize ctDNA as a function of time and
      temperature post-collection has not been thoroughly studied. Additionally, the
      potential utility of CellSave tubes (commonly used for circulating tumor cell)
      for ctDNA measurements has not been studied. DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood was
      collected into Streck, EDTA, and CellSave tubes from ten patients with metastatic
      breast cancer enrolled in the MI-ONCOSEQ tumor sequencing program at the
      University of Michigan and kept either on ice or at room temperature until plasma
      isolation. Plasma was processed after 2, 6, and 48h post-collection. We used
      droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to quantify plasma ctDNA and wild-type DNA for six
      patients who had tumor tissue mutations represented in commercially available
      ddPCR assays. RESULTS: ctDNA abundance was similar and stable for up to 6h in all
      tube types, and there was no effect of storage temperature on the yield for
      Streck and EDTA tubes. After 48h, however, one out of four patients with
      detectable ctDNA showed a ~50% decline in ctDNA in the EDTA tube, and three out
      of six patients showed a 2-3-fold increase in wild-type DNA in the EDTA tube.
      CONCLUSIONS: Streck, EDTA, and CellSave tubes showed similar performance in
      preserving ctDNA for up to 6h before plasma isolation. Streck and CellSave tubes
      more consistently stabilized ctDNA and wild-type DNA at 48h than EDTA tubes.

PMID- 27129800
TI  - High-throughput online solid-phase extraction tandem mass spectrometry: Is it
      right for your clinical laboratory?
AB  - With increasing patient volumes and growing demands for rapid turnaround on many
      clinical tests, there is a demand for high-throughput technologies. High
      Throughput Online Solid-Phase Extraction Tandem Mass Spectrometry is an example
      of one technology that can achieve these desired results and the RapidFire 365
      Mass Spectrometry system from Agilent Technologies is one vendor's solution. The
      key advantage of the RapidFire system is its speed of analysis and throughput.
      While the Agilent RapidFire system cannot be utilized for every clinical analyte,
      it does work well for several classes of medications including
      immunosuppressants, anticonvulsants and antineoplastic agents where dosage
      adjustments are made to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity once results are
      available. In the end, high throughput tandem mass spectrometry has numerous
      benefits and limitations which must be weighed for each clinical analyte to
      determine if it's the right solution for your lab. This article will specifically
      discuss the Agilent RapidFire system. 

PMID- 27129801
TI  - Maximizing Weight Loss After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass May Decrease Risk of
      Incident Organ Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that metabolic surgery reduces cancer
      risk. This study aims to determine if incident cancer is associated with the
      extent of weight loss after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). METHODS: Patients at
      a large tertiary bariatric surgery center were retrospectively reviewed to
      identify patients with no history of cancer at the time of RYGB. Diagnoses in the
      electronic health record, a tumor registry, and chart review were used to
      identify postoperative incident solid organ cancer. The overall incidence of
      organ cancer was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. The percent total body
      weight loss (%TWL) in the 48 months after surgery but prior to cancer was
      compared between those that developed organ cancer versus those that did not
      using repeated measures linear regression. RESULTS: The 2943 patients had a mean
      age of 45.6 years (SD = 11.1), 81 % were female, and a mean baseline body mass
      index (BMI) of 47.2 kg/m2 (SD = 7.9). Median follow-up after surgery was 3.8
      years (range = [<1, 12]). Incident organ cancer developed and was verified in 54
      of the 2943 patients (1.8 %). Kaplan-Meier estimates for cancer at 3, 5, and 10
      years postsurgery were 1.3, 2.5, and 4.2 %. After adjusting for age, BMI, sex,
      diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, patients that developed organ cancer
      achieved less weight loss (-1.5 % TWL, 95 % CI = [-2.9 %, -0.1 %], p = 0.034).
      CONCLUSIONS: Greater weight loss after metabolic surgery may be associated with
      lower organ cancer risk.

PMID- 27129802
TI  - Management of Gastric Obstruction Caused by Adjustable Gastric Band.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal adjustment of the filling volume of laparoscopic adjustable
      gastric banding is challenging and commonly performed empirically. Patients with
      band over-inflation and gastric obstruction arrive at the emergency department
      complaining of recurrent vomiting. In cases of gastric obstruction, intra-band
      pressure measurement may assist in determining the amount of fluid that should be
      removed from the band; however, our investigations have determined that intra
      band pressure assessment need not play a role in the treatment of gastric band
      obstruction. METHODS: In patients coming to the emergency department with gastric
      band obstruction, we measured intra-band pressure at arrival and following
      stepped removal of fluid, comparing the initial pressure with post-deflation
      pressure and measuring the volume of fluid removed. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients
      participated in the study. Forty-five patients had a low-pressure/high-volume
      band. Their mean baseline pressure was 54.6 +/- 22.3 mmHg. The mean volume of
      fluid removed from the band was 1.3 +/- 0.8 ml. The mean post-deflation pressure
      was 22.5 +/- 16.3 mmHg. Nearly 30 % of patients required as little as 0.5 ml of
      fluid removal, and 60 % of them were free of symptoms with removal of 1 ml.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that intra-band pressure measurement is of
      little value for determining the amount of fluid that should be removed for
      treatment of band obstruction. We suggest the removal of fluid in volumes of 0.5
      ml until symptoms are relieved. Only in complicated cases, such as in patients
      having recurrent obstructions, should additional modalities be employed for
      further management guidance.

PMID- 27129803
TI  - Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass lead to Comparable Changes in
      Body Composition after Adjustment for Initial Body Mass Index.

PMID- 27129804
TI  - Bougie-Related Oesophageal Injury with Bariatric Surgery: An Unrecognised
      Problem.

PMID- 27129806
TI  - Heart rate variability predicts the emotional state in dogs.
AB  - Although it is known that heart rate variability (HRV) is a useful indicator of
      emotional states in animals, there are few reports of research in dogs. Thus, we
      investigated the relationship between HRV and emotional states in dogs. The
      electrocardiogram and behavior in two situations that elicited a positive and
      negative emotion, in addition to baseline (when dogs were not presented any
      social stimuli), were recorded in 33 healthy house dogs. After testing, we chose
      15seconds from each situation and baseline and calculated three HRV parameters:
      standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN), the root mean square
      of successive heartbeat interval differences (RMSSD), and mean R-R intervals
      (mean RRI). In comparing these parameters with baseline, only SDNN was lower in a
      positive situation. In contrast, only RMSSD was lower in a negative situation. A
      change in HRV occurred with a stimulus eliciting emotion, and was able to
      distinguish between positive and negative situations. Thus, HRV is useful for
      estimating the emotional state in dogs. 

PMID- 27129807
TI  - The emerging role of miR-223 as novel potential diagnostic and therapeutic target
      for inflammatory disorders.
AB  - Since their discovery of more than a decade ago, microRNAs have been demonstrated
      to have profound effects on almost every aspect of biology. Specific microRNAs
      have emerged as key players in disease biology by playing crucial role in disease
      development and progression. This review draws attention to miR-223 that has been
      reported to be abnormally expressed in several diseases like diabetes-type2,
      sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, viral infections likes' human immunodeficiency
      virus-1 (HIV-1) and inflammatory disorders. It regulates inflammation by
      targeting different targets, including cytoplasmic activation/proliferation
      associated protein-1 (Caprin-1), Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R),
      heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), STAT5, artemin, EPB41L3, Ect2, Pknox1, C/EBPalpha,
      C/EBPbeta, E2F1, FOXO1, NFI-A and other transcription factors. In this review, we
      summarized the recent studies of miR-223, their mechanisms to develop
      inflammation diseases and its importance role to use as biomarkers for early
      diagnosis and therapeutic target against inflammation diseases. 

PMID- 27129805
TI  - GLT-1: The elusive presynaptic glutamate transporter.
AB  - Historically, glutamate uptake in the CNS was mainly attributed to glial cells
      for three reasons: 1) none of the glutamate transporters were found to be located
      in presynaptic terminals of excitatory synapses; 2) the putative glial
      transporters, GLT-1 and GLAST are expressed at high levels in astrocytes; 3)
      studies of the constitutive GLT-1 knockout as well as pharmacological studies
      demonstrated that >90% of glutamate uptake into forebrain synaptosomes is
      mediated by the operation of GLT-1. Here we summarize the history leading up to
      the recognition of GLT-1a as a presynaptic glutamate transporter. A major issue
      now is understanding the physiological and pathophysiological significance of the
      expression of GLT-1 in presynaptic terminals. To elucidate the cell-type specific
      functions of GLT-1, a conditional knockout was generated with which to inactivate
      the GLT-1 gene in different cell types using Cre/lox technology. Astrocytic
      knockout led to an 80% reduction of GLT-1 expression, resulting in intractable
      seizures and early mortality as seen also in the constitutive knockout. Neuronal
      knockout was associated with no obvious phenotype. Surprisingly, synaptosomal
      uptake capacity (Vmax) was found to be significantly reduced, by 40%, in the
      neuronal knockout, indicating that the contribution of neuronal GLT-1 to
      synaptosomal uptake is disproportionate to its protein expression (5-10%).
      Conversely, the contribution of astrocytic GLT-1 to synaptosomal uptake was much
      lower than expected. In contrast, the loss of uptake into liposomes prepared from
      brain protein from astrocyte and neuronal knockouts was proportionate with the
      loss of GLT-1 protein, suggesting that a large portion of GLT-1 in astrocytic
      membranes in synaptosomal preparations is not functional, possibly because of a
      failure to reseal. These results suggest the need to reinterpret many previous
      studies using synaptosomal uptake to investigate glutamate transport itself as
      well as changes in glutamate homeostasis associated with normal functions,
      neurodegeneration, and response to drugs.

PMID- 27129808
TI  - A global look into human T cell subsets before and after cryopreservation using
      multiparametric flow cytometry and two-dimensional visualization analysis.
AB  - The cryopreservation of human lymphocytes is an essential step for the
      achievement of several cellular therapies. Besides, T cells are considered as
      promising actors in cancer therapy for their cytotoxic and regulatory properties.
      Consequently, the development of tools to monitor the impact of freezing and
      thawing processes on their fine distribution may be an asset to achieve quality
      control in cellular therapy. In this study, the phenotypes of freshly isolated
      human mononuclear cells were compared to those observed following one cycle of
      cryopreservation and rest periods 0h, 1h and 24h after thawing but before
      staining. T cells were scrutinized for their distribution according to naive,
      memory effector, regulatory and helper subsets. Flow cytometry analyses were done
      using eight-color antibody panels as proposed by the Human Immunophenotyping
      Consortium. Data were further analyzed by using conventional directed gating and
      clustering software, namely SPADE and viSNE. Overall, SPADE and viSNE tools were
      very efficient to monitor the outcome of PBMC populations and T cell subsets. T
      cells were more sensitive to cryopreservation than other cells. Our results
      indicated that submitting the thawed cells to a 1h rest period improved the
      detection of some cell markers when compared to fresh samples. In contrast, cells
      submitted to a 24h rest period, or to none, were less representative of fresh
      sample distribution. The heterogeneity of PBMC, as well as the effects of freeze
      thaw cycle on their distribution, can be easily monitored by using SPADE and
      viSNE.

PMID- 27129809
TI  - Cardioprotective Effects of Phenylethanoid Glycoside-rich Extract from Cistanche
      deserticola in Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to examine and confirm the cardioprotective
      effect and mechanism of phenylethanoid glycoside-rich extract of Cistanche
      deserticola (PhG-RE), a well-known natural antioxidant-based active constituents,
      against ischemia/reperfusion injury using both in vivo and in vitro approaches.
      METHODS: A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in to 3 groups as group
      1: sham laparotomy, group 2: IR, and group 3: IR + PhG-RE group (0.25 mg/mL/min).
      Hearts were subjected to 30 min of global ischemia followed by 45 min of
      reperfusion. The myocardial infarct size and the activities of creatine kinase
      isoenzyme (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Myocardial
      tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) levels were detected. Western blot analysis was carried out to
      determine the cardioprotective mechanisms of PhG-RE. RESULTS: Hearts treated with
      PhG-RE showed a significant reduction in infarct size and decrease in CK-MB and
      LDH activities. PhG-RE also reduced MDA levels and elevated the activities of GSH
      Px, SOD. The expressions of cytochrome-c were significantly reduced in the
      treated group. A significant upregulation of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2/Bax
      with simultaneous downregulation of cleaved-caspase-3 was observed. The molecular
      signaling cascade, including phospho-Akt (ser-473) and phospho-GSK3beta that lead
      to the activation or suppression of apoptotic pathway, also showed a significant
      protective role in the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that
      the PhG-RE may reduce the oxidative stress in the reperfused myocardium and play
      a significant role in the inhibition of apoptotic pathways leading to
      cardioprotection.

PMID- 27129836
TI  - Fatty liver is an independent predictor of early carotid atherosclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Whether steatosis is incidentally or causally associated with
      carotid atherosclerosis is debated, and long-term follow-up data are missing.
      This study aims to examine the impact of steatosis on the presence and
      progression of carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) and carotid plaques (CP) in
      a large cohort with longitudinal follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective single
      center study between 1995 and 2012. Transversal cohort: patients with ?2
      cardiovascular risk factors without previous cardiovascular events. Longitudinal
      cohort: patients with two consecutive C-IMT measurements more than 2years apart.
      Steatosis was defined by a surrogate marker, the fatty liver index (FLI). CP and
      C-IMT were assessed by carotid ultrasound. RESULTS: In the transversal cohort
      (n=5671) both C-IMT and the Framingham risk score (FRS) increased across FLI
      quartiles (0.58+/-0.12, 0.61+/-0.14, 0.63+/-0.14, 0.64+/-0.14mm, and 5+/-5%, 9+/
      7%, 12+/-8%, 15+/-9%, p<0.001 for both). Steatosis predicted C-IMT better than
      diabetes or dyslipidemia. Steatosis independently predicted C-IMT (p=0.002) and
      FRS (p<0.001) after adjustment for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk
      factors. In the longitudinal cohort (n=1872, mean follow-up 8+/-4years),
      steatosis occurred in 12% and CP in 23% of patients. C-IMT increased in patients
      with steatosis occurrence (from 0.60+/-0.13mm to 0.66+/-0.14mm, p=0.001) whereas
      it did not change in those that stayed free of steatosis. Steatosis at baseline
      predicted CP occurrence (OR=1.63, 95% CI 1.10-2.41, p=0.014), independent of age,
      sex, type-2 diabetes, tobacco use, hsCRP, hypertension and C-IMT. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with metabolic syndrome at risk for cardiovascular events, steatosis
      contributes to early atherosclerosis and progression thereof, independent of
      traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

PMID- 27129837
TI  - Evaluation of the risk factors associated with high-dose chemotherapy-induced
      dysgeusia in patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation: possible usefulness of cryotherapy in dysgeusia prevention.
AB  - PURPOSE: Dysgeusia is one of the sporadic adverse effects induced by
      chemotherapy, but it remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to
      retrospectively identify the risk factors related with dysgeusia in patients
      undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). METHODS:
      Forty-eight patients with myeloma or lymphoma undergoing AHSCT were enrolled in
      this study. Data regarding dysgeusia and symptoms were collected by interviews
      conducted by medical workers. Patient characteristics and unfavorable effects
      induced by dysgeusia were obtained from medical records and analyzed. Logistic
      regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors related with
      dysgeusia. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients, 20 (42 %) had dysgeusia after AHSCT. The
      total period of parenteral nutrition (TPN) administration and period of decreased
      oral intake in the dysgeusia group were statistically longer than those in the
      non-dysgeusia group. Multivariate analyses revealed that oral mucositis (odds
      ratio: 30.3; p < 0.01) and the type of chemotherapy prior to AHSCT (odds ratio:
      6.56; p < 0.05) were independent risk factors, while oral cryotherapy was the
      independent suppressive factor of dysgeusia (odds ratio: 0.14; p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Our study showed that dysgeusia after AHSCT led to the decrease in
      oral intake and extended the TPN administration period. Moreover, MEAM or LEED
      chemotherapy and oral mucositis were independent risk factors for dysgeusia in
      patients undergoing AHSCT, while oral cryotherapy was an independent suppressive
      factor for dysgeusia. Therefore, oral cryotherapy should be implemented into the
      regimen of supportive care management in patients undergoing AHSCT.

PMID- 27129838
TI  - Cancer patient age and family caregiver bereavement outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study drew on life course theory to argue that the strains of
      cancer caregiving and bereavement are modified by the age of the patient. We
      expected that caregivers of middle-aged patients would be more distressed than
      caregivers of older patients. METHODS: This panel study conducted 199 interviews
      with family caregivers of advanced cancer patients; first following diagnosis and
      again shortly after the patient's death. RESULTS: Among caregivers of middle-aged
      patients (40-59), grief mediated the relationship between baseline caregiving and
      bereavement depressed mood, with grief increasing risk of depression in
      bereavement. Among caregivers of young-old patients (60-79), grief had a
      suppressor effect on the relationship between caregiving and bereavement
      depressed mood, showing greater distress during caregiving than at bereavement.
      CONCLUSIONS: Caregiving for middle-aged cancer patients may increase the risk for
      severe grief and depression, whereas caregivers of young-old cancer patients
      appeared to experience relief at bereavement. After bereavement, continued
      observation may be warranted for caregivers of a middle-aged patient; grief,
      added to the ongoing demands of their lives (which may include those left behind
      by a middle-aged patient), may put such caregivers at risk for greater
      psychological and emotional distress.

PMID- 27129839
TI  - How far along the disease trajectory? An examination of the time-related patient
      characteristics in the palliative oncology literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: Adequate reporting of time-related patient characteristics is needed for
      research findings to be properly interpreted, applied, and reproduced. Our
      objective was to characterize the time-related patient characteristics in
      palliative oncology studies and to examine the differences in time-related
      patient characteristics by various study characteristics. METHODS: We extracted
      time-related patient characteristics including actual survival, performance
      status, cancer stage, disease trajectory, study setting, and eligibility criteria
      (life expectancy and performance status) from an established cohort of original
      palliative oncology articles published in 2004 and 2009. RESULTS: Among 742
      original articles, 409 (55 %) were case series. Only 247 (33 %) articles reported
      actual survival, 157 (21 %) reported actual performance status, 362 (49 %) cancer
      stage, and 392 (53 %) reported study setting. Based on all the available time
      related characteristics, we were able to classify the studies into specific time
      related categories in 378 (51 %) studies. Among these, only 47 (13 %) focused on
      patients in the last month of life. Compared to studies involving patients
      earlier in the disease trajectory, these studies were more likely to be case
      series (81 vs. 56 %, P = 0.005), retrospective (64 vs. 49 %, P = 0.03), and had a
      smaller sample size (median 20 vs. 61, P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of
      studies did not adequately report time-related patient characteristics. We also
      identified a gap in both the quantity and quality of studies involving patients
      in the last month of life. Our study has implications for study reporting and
      future directions for palliative oncology research.

PMID- 27129840
TI  - Randomized pilot trial of yoga versus strengthening exercises in breast cancer
      survivors with cancer-related fatigue.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fatigue is one of the most common and bothersome refractory symptoms
      experienced by cancer survivors. Mindful exercise interventions such as yoga
      improve cancer-related fatigue; however, studies of yoga have included
      heterogeneous survivorship populations, and the effect of yoga on fatigued
      survivors remains unclear. METHODS: We randomly assigned 34 early-stage breast
      cancer survivors with cancer-related fatigue (>=4 on a Likert scale from 1-10)
      within 1 year from diagnosis to a 12-week intervention of home-based yoga versus
      strengthening exercises, both presented on a DVD. The primary endpoints were
      feasibility and changes in fatigue, as measured by the Multidimensional Fatigue
      Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF). Secondary endpoint was quality of life,
      assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapies-Breast (FACT-B).
      RESULTS: We invited 401 women to participate in the study; 78 responded, and we
      enrolled 34. Both groups had significant within-group improvement in multiple
      domains of the fatigue and quality of life scores from baseline to post
      intervention, and these benefits were maintained at 3 months post-intervention.
      However, there was no significant difference between groups in fatigue or quality
      of life at any assessment time. Similarly, there was no difference between groups
      in adherence to the exercise intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Both DVD-based yoga and
      strengthening exercises designed for cancer survivors may be good options to
      address fatigue in breast cancer survivors. Both have reasonable uptake, are
      convenient and reproducible, and may be helpful in decreasing fatigue and
      improving quality of life in the first year post-diagnosis in breast cancer
      patients with cancer-related fatigue.

PMID- 27129841
TI  - Socio-demographic and clinical variables associated with psychological distress 1
      and 3 years after breast cancer diagnosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: A large group of women (20-30 %) report psychological distress shortly
      after breast cancer diagnosis, and some experience continued or increased
      symptoms over time. The aim of this study was to investigate socio-demographic
      and clinical variables associated with sustained psychological distress in this
      patient group. METHODS: Women with breast cancer (n = 833) completed self-report
      questionnaires regarding socio-demographic and clinical variables shortly after
      (T1) and 3 years after diagnosis (T2) while data on illness severity were
      collected from a quality register. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was
      used as a measure of psychological distress at both time points. RESULTS: The
      number of participants who reported elevated levels of anxiety was 231 (28 %) at
      T1 and 231 (28 %) at T2 while elevated depressive symptoms was reported by 119
      (14 %) women at T1 and 92 (11 %) at T2. Despite non-significant differences in
      mean scores over time, 91 (15 %) participants reported increased anxiety symptoms
      and 47 (7 %) reported increased depressive symptoms. Poor financial situation,
      lack of social support, previous psychiatric treatment, and high levels of
      fatigue were associated with both anxiety and depressive symptoms. Reporting high
      levels of fatigue was the variable most strongly associated with increased
      psychological distress over time. CONCLUSION: Most participants reported
      decreased psychological distress over time, but there were subgroups of women who
      experienced sustained or increased symptoms of anxiety or depression.
      Participants with poor financial status, previous psychological problems, or high
      levels of fatigue may be at increased risk of psychological distress. Such
      individuals may benefit most from psychosocial interventions.

PMID- 27129844
TI  - Phylogenomics for Systematic Biology.

PMID- 27129843
TI  - Quality of life and symptom burden in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to examine the symptom burden (SB) and
      quality of life (QOL) in patients with metastatic breast cancer. METHODS: Breast
      cancer patients with metastases were asked to complete the Edmonton Symptom
      Assessment System (ESAS) and FACT-B questionnaires. Statistical analysis was
      performed to identify (1) any differences in SB and QOL between patients with
      bone metastases only and patients with visceral +/- bone metastases and (2) any
      associations between SB and/or QOL and various clinical factors, including
      treatment with bisphosphonates, participation in a clinical trial and presence of
      brain metastases. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients were enrolled. Treatment with
      bisphosphonates was significantly associated with lower ESAS well-being scores
      (less symptoms) in patients with bone metastases only. In this same group,
      receiving treatment prior to diagnosis of metastases was significantly associated
      with increased fatigue, anxiety and dyspnoea. The presence of brain metastases
      was associated with higher physical well-being scores (increased QOL).
      Participation in clinical trials was associated with better QOL. CONCLUSION:
      Breast cancer patients with metastases have different SB and QOL in relation to
      the type of the metastases, treatment interventions and participation in clinical
      trials.

PMID- 27129842
TI  - Control of nausea with palonosetron versus granisetron, both combined with
      dexamethasone, in patients receiving cisplatin- or anthracycline plus
      cyclophosphamide-based regimens.
AB  - PURPOSE: In a comparative phase 3 study involving 1114 Japanese patients
      receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC), palonosetron (PALO) was found to
      be superior to granisetron (GRA) for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced
      nausea and vomiting (CINV) in the delayed phase. This post hoc analysis of the
      phase 3 study evaluated the efficacy of PALO for the control of nausea. METHODS:
      The proportion of patients without nausea was assessed at 24-h intervals during
      the acute phase (0-24 h), delayed phase (24-120 h), and overall (0-120 h). No
      nausea rates were also evaluated by sex, type of chemotherapy (cisplatin or
      doxorubicin/epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide [AC/EC]), and age (<55 vs. >=55
      years). Nausea severity was categorized using a 4-point Likert scale (0 = no
      nausea to 3 = severe nausea). RESULTS: The proportion of patients without nausea
      was significantly higher in the PALO arm than in the GRA arm in the delayed phase
      (37.8 % vs. 27.2 %; p = 0.002) and overall (31.9 % vs. 25.0 %; p = 0.0117). When
      analyzed by stratification factors, the proportion of patients without nausea was
      significantly higher in the PALO arm in the delayed phase and overall in patients
      who were female, younger, or treated with cisplatin and in the delayed phase in
      patients who were older or treated with doxorubicin or epirubicin plus
      cyclophosphamide (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PALO was more effective than GRA in
      prophylaxis of HEC-induced nausea in the delayed phase and overall. In addition,
      PALO was more effective than GRA in young and female patients, who are at high
      risk of CINV, both in the delayed phase and overall.

PMID- 27129849
TI  - Effectiveness and efficiency of an 11-week exercise intervention for patients
      with hip or knee osteoarthritis: a protocol for a controlled study in the context
      of health services research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for pain in older adults,
      and the individual and economic burden of this disease is immense. The chronic
      character of osteoarthritis requires a long-term therapeutic treatment. In this
      regard life-style interventions such as physical exercises that can be carried
      out by the patient himself are recommended as first line treatment. There is
      evidence for the short-term benefit of exercise therapy in terms of pain
      reduction and physical functioning. Nonetheless research agendas highlight the
      need for multifaceted interventions that incorporate exercise strategies into
      patient care. Studies should be conducted with appropriate sample sizes and
      should allow statements on long-term effects as well as cost-utility and safety.
      These open questions are under the scope of this study. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a
      controlled study in the context of health services research. The study population
      consists of n = 1400 subjects with hip or knee osteoarthritis. The intervention
      group will be recruited from participants of a country-wide health insurance
      offer for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Potential participants for the
      control group (ratio 10:1 (control vs. intervention) will be filtered out from
      the insurance data base according to pre-defined matching criteria and asked by
      letter for their participation. The final statistical twins from the responders
      (1:1) will be determined via propensity score matching. The progressive training
      intervention comprises 8 supervised group sessions, supplemented by home
      exercises (2/week over 11 weeks). Exercises include mobilization, strengthening
      and training of postural control. Primary outcomes are pain and function measured
      with the WOMAC Index immediately after the intervention period. Among other
      things, health related quality of life, self-efficacy, cost utility and safety
      will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. Participants will be followed up 6, 12
      and 24 month after baseline. DISCUSSION: Results of this trial will document the
      effects of clinical as well as economic outcomes in a regular health care setting
      on the basis of a large sample size. As such, results of this trial might have
      great impact on future implementations of group- and home-based exercises in hip
      or knee osteoarthritis. TRAIL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial Register
      DRKS00009251 . Registered 10 September 2015.

PMID- 27129850
TI  - Cross-sector cooperation in health-enhancing physical activity policymaking: more
      potential than achievements?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cooperation of actors across policy fields and the need for cross
      sector cooperation as well as recommendations on how to implement cross-sector
      cooperation have been addressed in many national and international policies that
      seek to solve complex issues within societies. For such a purpose, the relevant
      governance structure between policy sectors is cross-sector cooperation.
      Therefore, cross-sector cooperation and its structures need to be better
      understood for improved implementation. This article reports on the governance
      structures and processes of cross-sector cooperation in health-enhancing physical
      activity (HEPA) policies in six European Union (EU) member states. METHODS:
      Qualitative content analysis of HEPA policies and semi-structured interviews with
      key policymakers in six European countries. RESULTS: Cross-sector cooperation
      varied between EU member states within HEPA policies. The main issues of the
      cross-sector policy process can be divided into stakeholder involvement,
      governance structures and coordination structures and processes. Stakeholder
      involvement included citizen hearings and gatherings of stakeholders from various
      non-governmental organisations and citizen groups. Governance structures with
      policy and political discussions included committees, working groups and
      consultations for HEPA policymaking. Coordination structures and processes
      included administrative processes with various stakeholders, such as ministerial
      departments, research institutes and private actors for HEPA policymaking.
      Successful cross-sector cooperation required joint planning and evaluation,
      financial frameworks, mandates based on laws or agreed methods of work,
      communication lines, and valued processes of cross-sector cooperation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cross-sector cooperation required participation with the co
      production of goals and sharing of resources between stakeholders, which could,
      for example, provide mechanisms for collaborative decision-making through citizen
      hearing. Clearly stated responsibilities, goals, communication, learning and
      adaptation for cross-sector cooperation improve success. Specific resources
      allocated for cross-sector cooperation could enhance the empowerment of
      stakeholders, management of processes and outcomes of cross-sector cooperation.

PMID- 27129852
TI  - Dual VEGF/EGFR inhibition versus single targeted agent treatment in patients with
      metastatic colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

PMID- 27129851
TI  - Similar long-term overall and disease-free survival after conventional and
      extralevator abdominoperineal excision-a nationwide study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to assess, compare, and identify
      factors of importance for long-term overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival
      after conventional (cAPE) and extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) on a
      nationwide basis. METHODS: This was a database study based on data from a
      nationwide colorectal cancer database. Patients undergoing surgery for rectal
      cancer in the period January 1, 2009 to August 31, 2012 were examined. Factors of
      importance for disease-free and overall survival were identified by multivariate
      Cox regressions. RESULTS: Five hundred patients were included in the final
      population. Two hundred seventy-six were operated by ELAPE and 224 by APE.
      Disease-free and overall survival did not differ between groups (4-year DFS 67
      and 66 % after cAPE and ELAPE, respectively, (log-rank p = 0.82); 4-year OS 74
      and 77 % after cAPE and ELAPE, respectively, (log-rank p = 0.59)). In Cox
      regression, the type of procedure did not affect DFS or OS. Factors of importance
      for DFS included increasing age, ypN-positive disease and neoadjuvant
      chemoradiation therapy. Factors of importance for OS included increasing age,
      circumferential resection margin (CRM) positivity, fixation of the tumor, blood
      transfusion, and increasing American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide study, we did not find any differences in DFS or
      OS after extralevator versus conventional abdominal perineal excision, and the
      type of procedure did not affect survival after adjusted analyses.

PMID- 27129853
TI  - HIV Treatment in African American Women-Care That Makes a Difference.
AB  - African American women bear a disproportionate burden of HIV disease.
      Socioeconomic and psycho-social factors while adding to the vulnerability of this
      population also contribute to non-adherence and consequently poor outcomes. The
      provider-patient relationship has the potential to enhance HIV medication
      adherence in this population. Using in-depth interviews, patient and provider
      perspectives are explored to identify specific elements of the provider-patient
      interaction that enhance patient satisfaction with care and consequently improve
      HIV medication adherence. Themes associated with provider attitudes and actions
      perceived as positively impacting care in this patient group include (1) physical
      touch, (2) treating (the patient) "as a person", (3) actively listening to the
      patient, (4) showing empathy, (5) being non-judgmental, and (6) being readily
      accessible. These findings suggest that the demonstration of care and commitment
      from the provider as perceived by the patient is important to African American
      women living with HIV and may significantly influence adherence behavior and
      enhance treatment outcomes in this population.

PMID- 27129854
TI  - Low-Income Housing Rental Assistance, Perceptions of Neighborhood Food
      Environment, and Dietary Patterns among Latino Adults: the AHOME Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Federal rental assistance programs, in the form of the traditional
      public housing program and the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP-formerly
      known as Section 8), are designed to reduce the economic rental burden for low
      income residents. While residents using federal housing vouchers, which allow low
      income residents in public housing to move out of public housing to rent
      subsidized homes, have been found to be have better cardiovascular outcomes
      compared to the cardiovascular outcomes of low-income public housing residents,
      the mechanisms explaining these associations remains an understudied area.
      PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to assess whether residents participating in
      HCVP or unassisted residents had greater access to healthy foods such as fruits
      and vegetables, and less access to unhealthy foods such as fast food and sugar
      sweetened beverages, when compared to residents living in public housing
      (referent group). METHODS: The Affordable Housing as an Obesity Mediating
      Environment (AHOME) study is a cross-sectional study of Latinos residing in low
      income housing in the Bronx, NY (n = 362). Participants were interviewed to
      assess food patterns and perceptions of neighborhood environment. RESULTS: The
      analytic sample was primarily female (74.5 %) with a mean age of 46.4 years (SD =
      14.68). Residents participating in HCVP had similar availability of fruits and
      vegetables in the home compared to residents receiving no assistance or public
      housing residents. HCVP participants consumed more fast food (beta = 0.34; CI =
      0.10-0.58) but had similar sugar sweetened beverage consumption compared to
      public housing residents. Unassisted residents had more fast food consumption
      (beta = 0.25; CI = 0.01-0.49) but less sugar sweetened beverage consumption (beta
      = -0.52; CI = -0.76--0.28) than public housing residents. Perceptions of
      neighborhood food environment were not significantly associated with dietary
      patterns. CONCLUSION: This study shows variability in consumption of sugar
      sweetened beverage consumption and fast food consumption, but not in availability
      of fruits and vegetables, across residents participating in HCVP, public housing
      residents, and unassisted residents. Evaluating the health benefits associated
      with low-income housing mobility programs, such as HCVP, requires examining how
      housing may influence dietary patterns above and beyond an individual's
      socioeconomic position.

PMID- 27129855
TI  - Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Examine Barriers to Healthcare
      Access for Hispanic and Latino Immigrants in the U.S. South.
AB  - Geographic barriers to accessing timely and appropriate primary health care
      services have been identified as significant social determinants of health that
      contribute to the growing health inequities among Hispanic and Latino immigrants
      in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the geographic
      factors that serve as barriers to healthcare access for Hispanic and Latino
      immigrants in the southern community of Louisville, Kentucky. Accessibility to
      healthcare services was examined using spatial analysis techniques, a Geographic
      Information System and geographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the
      Louisville and Jefferson County Information Consortium. Results from this study
      indicated that physical location, socioeconomic factors, distance, and
      transportation served as barriers to accessing healthcare services. Findings
      provide significant implications for future research and policy-based
      interventions focused on eliminating geographic barriers and promoting social and
      health equity for the underserved.

PMID- 27129856
TI  - Disparities in Treatment and Service Utilization Among Hispanics and Non-Hispanic
      Whites with Bipolar Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Due to the serious and recurrent nature of bipolar disorder,
      continuous long-term medication treatment is typically recommended. Little is
      known about whether these treatment recommendations are effectively implemented
      for Hispanics. This study examined differences in mood stabilizer use and mental
      health service utilization between adult English-speaking Hispanic and non
      Hispanic white respondents with bipolar disorder. METHODS: The sample included
      163 participants with lifetime bipolar I and II disorders in the National
      Comorbidity Survey Replication. Demographics, symptom presentation, and
      acculturation were examined as covariates. RESULTS: None of the 26 Hispanic
      respondents were taking mood-stabilizing medication, compared to 21 % of non
      Hispanic whites, and Hispanics were less likely to receive medications for
      emotional problems, see a professional for manic episodes, or attend
      psychotherapy. Even after accounting for differences in symptom profiles and
      sociodemographics, ethnicity continued to be a significant predictor of mood
      stabilizer use and psychotherapy attendance. There was a non-significant trend
      toward lower acculturation among Hispanics being associated with even poorer
      service utilization. CONCLUSIONS: No Hispanics were receiving minimally adequate
      treatment for their bipolar disorder. Future research should focus on identifying
      the barriers that lead to these stark ethnic disparities in treatment.

PMID- 27129857
TI  - Photovoice: a Link between Research and Practice for Prostate Cancer Advocacy in
      Black Communities.
AB  - Persisting high rates of prostate cancer incidence and mortality in Black
      communities have led to the development of many community-based interventions
      aimed at raising knowledge levels among these communities. There is limited
      research examining how advocates are reaching out to communities, or how
      advocates see their work impacting the communities. Using photovoice methods,
      four self-identified Black prostate cancer advocates were invited to document
      their experiences through photographs about what advocacy means to them and how
      they advocate. Meaningful photographs were taken by advocates and accompanied by
      powerful narratives. The advocates focused their projects on reaching men on
      their level, advocacy as an active process, and providing insight into the
      experiences surrounding prostate cancer. These photographs also have potential to
      be integrated in future outreach interventions. This project promotes further
      understanding of how these men advocate for prostate cancer awareness within
      Black and underserved communities, and how the research method of photovoice can
      be leveraged in future outreach programs and interventions.

PMID- 27129858
TI  - The Jackson Heart KIDS Pilot Study: Theory-Informed Recruitment in an African
      American Population.
AB  - Recruitment for large cohort studies is typically challenging, particularly when
      the pool of potential participants is limited to the descendants of individuals
      enrolled in a larger, longitudinal "parent" study. The increasing complexity of
      family structures and dynamics can present challenges for recruitment in
      offspring. Few best practices exist to guide effective and efficient empirical
      approaches to participant recruitment. Social and behavioral theories can provide
      insight into social and cultural contexts influencing individual decision-making
      and facilitate the development strategies for effective diffusion and marketing
      of an offspring cohort study. The purpose of this study was to describe the
      theory-informed recruitment approaches employed by the Jackson Heart KIDS Pilot
      Study (JHKS), a prospective offspring feasibility study of 200 African American
      children and grandchildren of the Jackson Heart Study (JHS)-the largest
      prospective cohort study examining cardiovascular disease among African American
      adults. Participant recruitment in the JHKS was founded on concepts from three
      theoretical perspectives-the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Strength of Weak
      Ties, and Marketing Theory. Tailored recruitment strategies grounded in
      participatory strategies allowed us to exceed enrollment goals for JHKS Pilot
      Study and develop a framework for a statewide study of African American
      adolescents.

PMID- 27129859
TI  - Impact of Physician Training on Diagnosis and Counseling of Overweight and Obese
      Asian Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Obesity is widely underdiagnosed among Asians, due in
      part to a lack of physician awareness of the modified diagnostic criteria for
      Asians. This study investigated the effect of a physician training on accurately
      diagnosing obesity among and providing weight counseling to overweight and obese
      Asian patients. METHODS: Physicians (N = 16) from five primary care practices
      received 1 h of face-to-face training and other reminder resources (e.g., wallet
      card) describing the guidelines for the diagnosis of overweight/obesity among
      Asians, as well as weight counseling instruction. Chart reviews of
      overweight/obese Asian patients were conducted for the 12 months before the
      training (n = 198) and 3 months following the training (n = 163). Physician race
      (Asian/non-Asian) and clinic setting (private/academic) were included as outcome
      moderators. RESULTS: Patients were predominantly male (63.1 %), with a mean age
      of 46.0 years (SD = 14.9) and an average BMI of 28.2 (SD = 3.8). Across all
      physicians, 26.8 and 45.1 % of patients were accurately diagnosed as overweight
      or obese before and after the training, respectively (p < 0.05). The odds of a
      physician correctly diagnosing Asian patients as overweight or obese were 102 %
      higher at post-training after accounting for nesting of patients within
      physicians. Similarly, weight counseling was higher (65.0 %) following training
      compared to pre-training levels (43.9 %) but failed to reach significance (p =
      0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Accurate identification and counseling of overweight/obese
      Asian patients can be improved by education and training. Universal adoption of
      race-specific guidelines will ensure more successful weight management and
      reduced morbidity in a rapidly growing Asian population.

PMID- 27129860
TI  - Seroprevalence and genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from pigs intended for
      human consumption in Liaoning province, northeastern China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic information for Toxoplasma gondii isolates from pigs in
      eastern, south, and southwestern regions of China has been reported previously.
      However, there are no data from pigs in the northeastern area of the country. To
      better understand the epidemiology of T. gondii, we determined the seroprevalence
      and genotypes of T. gondii from pigs slaughtered for human consumption in
      Liaoning province, northeastern China. FINDINGS: Out of 2063 pigs examined, 233
      (11.26%) were seropositive for T. gondii by the modified agglutination test
      (MAT), and viable parasites were isolated by bioassay in mice from 23 (9.87%) of
      the 233 seropositive pigs. Fifteen out of 23 isolates were genotyped using 10 PCR
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) genetic markers including SAG1,
      SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico. One isolate was
      identified as ToxoDB genotype #3 (type II-variant), and one was genotype #1 or
      #3. The other 13 isolates were ToxoDB #9 (type Chinese 1). CONCLUSIONS: To our
      knowledge, this is the first report of T. gondii isolation and genotyping from
      pigs in northeastern China. This study indicates that pigs are a potential source
      for transmission of T. gondii to humans, therefore poses a potential public
      health concern. The genotyping results revealed the presence of genotype Chinese
      1 in northeastern China, enriching the scope of T. gondii genotypes distribution
      in eastern Asia.

PMID- 27129861
TI  - Region-specific effects of developmental exposure to cocaine on fibroblast growth
      factor-2 expression in the rat brain.
AB  - RATIONALE: Adolescence is a period of high vulnerability to drugs of abuse and
      alterations of the proper developmental trajectory via psychostimulant exposure
      might change the physiological brain homeostasis. OBJECTIVE: By microdissection
      of brain areas via punching, we investigated whether repeated exposure to cocaine
      during adolescence (from postnatal day 28 [PND28] to PND42) has altered
      fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in selected brain
      subregions critical for the action of cocaine. RESULTS: We found a reduction of
      FGF-2 mRNA levels in ventral tegmental area (VTA), where mesocortical and
      mesolimbic pathways originate. The analysis of the trophic factor levels in the
      distal projecting regions revealed a selective reduction of FGF-2 mRNA levels in
      infralimbic (IL) subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex (the terminal region
      of the mesocortical pathway) and in the nucleus accumbens core (cNAc) (the
      terminal region of the mesolimbic pathway). Last, we found reduced FGF-2 mRNA
      levels also in brain regions which, although in a different manner, contribute to
      the reward system, i.e., the central nucleus of amygdala (cAmy) and the ventral
      portion of hippocampus (vHip). CONCLUSION: The widespread and coordinated
      reduction of FGF-2 mRNA levels across the brain's reward neurocircuitry might
      represent a defensive strategy set in motion to oppose to the psychostimulant
      properties of cocaine. Moreover, given the role of FGF-2 in modulating mood
      disorders, the reduced trophic support here observed might sustain the negative
      emotional state set in motion by repeated exposure to cocaine.

PMID- 27129862
TI  - Tianeptine induces mTORC1 activation in rat hippocampal neurons under toxic
      conditions.
AB  - RATIONALE: Recent studies have demonstrated that mTORC1 activation may be related
      to antidepressant action. However, the relationship between mTORC1 signaling
      activation and currently prescribed antidepressants remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of the present study was to determine whether alterations in mTORC1
      signaling are observable following treatment with tianeptine under toxic
      conditions induced by B27 deprivation. Additionally, we investigated whether this
      drug affects synaptic proteins, neurite outgrowth, and spine density via mTORC1
      signaling. METHODS: Using Western blotting, we measured the phosphorylation
      levels of mTORC1, 4E-BP-1, p70S6K, Akt, and ERK in rat primary hippocampal
      neurons. Changes in BDNF, dendritic outgrowth, spine density, and synaptic
      proteins (PSD-95, synaptophysin, and GluR1) were measured. RESULTS: Tianeptine
      significantly increased the phosphorylation of mTORC1, 4E-BP-1, p70S6K, Akt, and
      ERK. The increase in mTOR phosphorylation was blocked by the PI3K, MEK, and
      mTORC1 inhibitors. Tianeptine increased BDNF, dendritic outgrowth, spine density,
      and synaptic proteins; all of these effects were blocked by the mTORC1 inhibitor.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated that tianeptine activates the mTORC1
      signaling pathway and increases dendritic outgrowth, spine density, and synaptic
      proteins through mTORC1 signaling under toxic conditions in rat primary
      hippocampal neurons.

PMID- 27129863
TI  - Potentially inappropriate psychotropic prescription at discharge is associated
      with lower functioning in the elderly psychiatric inpatients. A cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objectives are to determine the rate of potentially inappropriate
      psychotropic (PIP) prescription at discharge in the elderly psychiatric
      inpatients and to determine whether PIP is associated with lowered functioning
      outcomes. METHODS: Sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment data for all
      inpatients aged >= 65 years consecutively hospitalized during 1 year in 13
      psychiatry departments was analyzed. PIP+/PIP- groups were defined according to
      the French-updated Beers criteria. Daily functioning was evaluated by the daily
      living (ADL) scale. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios
      for the association between PIP administration at discharge and respectively
      functioning and potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Data was obtained for 327
      patients. Overall, 124 (37.9 %) patients were males, and the mean age was 73.9
      years (SD = 5.6); 163 (49.8 %) patients were diagnosed with affective disorders
      and 89 (27.2 %) with schizophrenia/schizotypal/delusional disorders. Overall, 249
      (76.1 %) had one or more PIP medications, mainly anxiolytics (69.9 %) and
      hypnotics (17.2 %). In a multivariate analysis, PIP prescription at discharge has
      been associated with patient lowered personal care functioning, independently of
      age, gender, and psychiatric or somatic diagnoses (OR = 0.88 (0.79-0.97, p =
      0.01). CONCLUSION: In the current increasingly fragmented health care systems,
      special attention must be given to PIP prescription in older population suffering
      from psychiatric disorders. Using the Beers criteria, the present study
      demonstrates the high prevalence of PIP prescription, which concerns a large
      panel of drugs but mostly anxiolytics and hypnotics independently of psychiatric
      or somatic diagnoses and sociodemographic characteristics. Our study has
      demonstrated for the first time an association between PIP prescription and
      lowered patient functioning. Further longitudinal studies should confirm a
      potential causal relation.

PMID- 27129864
TI  - Concomitants of alcoholism: differential effects of thiamine deficiency, liver
      damage, and food deprivation on the rat brain in vivo.
AB  - RATIONALE: Serious neurological concomitants of alcoholism include Wernicke's
      encephalopathy (WE), Korsakoff's syndrome (KS), and hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
      OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted in animal models to determine
      neuroradiological signatures associated with liver damage caused by carbon
      tetrachloride (CCl4), thiamine deficiency caused by pyrithiamine treatment, and
      nonspecific nutritional deficiency caused by food deprivation. METHODS: Magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) were used to
      evaluate brains of wild-type Wistar rats at baseline and following treatment.
      RESULTS: Similar to observations in ethanol (EtOH) exposure models, thiamine
      deficiency caused enlargement of the lateral ventricles. Liver damage was not
      associated with effects on cerebrospinal fluid volumes, whereas food deprivation
      caused modest enlargement of the cisterns. In contrast to what has repeatedly
      been shown in EtOH exposure models, in which levels of choline-containing
      compounds (Cho) measured by MRS are elevated, Cho levels in treated animals in
      all three experiments (i.e., liver damage, thiamine deficiency, and food
      deprivation) were lower than those in baseline or controls. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results add to the growing body of literature suggesting that MRS-detectable Cho
      is labile and can depend on a number of variables that are not often considered
      in human experiments. These results also suggest that reductions in Cho observed
      in humans with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may well be due to mild manifestations
      of concomitants of AUD such as liver damage or nutritional deficiencies and not
      necessarily to alcohol consumption per se.

PMID- 27129865
TI  - Antidepressant activity of nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor antagonists in the
      mouse learned helplessness.
AB  - RATIONALE: Pharmacological and genetic evidence support antidepressant-like
      effects elicited by the blockade of the NOP receptor. The learned helplessness
      (LH) model employs uncontrollable and unpredictable electric footshocks as a
      stressor stimulus to induce a depressive-like phenotype that can be reversed by
      classical antidepressants. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the
      action of NOP receptor antagonists in helpless mice. METHODS: Male Swiss mice
      were subjected to the three steps of the LH paradigm (i.e., (1) induction, (2)
      screening, and (3) test). Only helpless animals were subjected to the test
      session. During the test session, animals were placed in the electrified chamber
      and the latency to escape after the footshock and the frequency of escape
      failures were recorded. The effect of the following treatments administered
      before the test session were evaluated: nortriptyline (30 mg/kg, ip, 60 min),
      fluoxetine (30 mg/kg, ip, four consecutive days of treatment), and NOP
      antagonists SB-612111 (1-10 mg/kg, ip, 30 min) and UFP-101 (1-10 nmol, icv, 5
      min). To rule out possible biases, the effects of treatments on controllable
      stressful and non stressful situations were assessed. RESULTS: In helpless mice,
      nortriptyline, fluoxetine, UFP-101 (3-10 nmol), and SB-612111 (3-10 mg/kg)
      significantly reduced escape latencies and escape failures. No effects of drug
      treatments were observed in mice subjected to the controllable electric
      footshocks and non stressful situations. CONCLUSIONS: Acute treatment with NOP
      antagonists reversed helplessness similarly to the classical antidepressants.
      These findings support the proposal that NOP receptor antagonists are worthy of
      development as innovative antidepressant drugs.

PMID- 27129867
TI  - Control of hexuronate metabolism in Escherichia coli by the two interdependent
      regulators, ExuR and UxuR: derepression by heterodimer formation.
AB  - Two homologous proteins, UxuR and ExuR, were previously predicted to repress
      synthesis of enzymes required for hexuronic acid metabolism, but little is known
      about the relative roles of these proteins in gene regulation. We confirmed the
      previous report that UxuR is essential for rapid growth with d-glucuronate as the
      primary source of carbon and energy. In contrast, an exuR mutant grew more
      rapidly on d-glucuronate than the parent. Transcription of exuR is initiated at a
      sigma70-dependent promoter predicted in silico. Purified ExuR bound to the exuR
      regulatory region in the presence, but not in the absence, of d-glucuronate.
      Apparently weaker UxuR binding in the presence of glucuronate was also detected,
      and its addition decreased ExuR binding by forming ExuR-UxuR heterodimers.
      Glucuronate induced exuR transcription in the parental strain, but not in the
      exuR mutant. No evidence was obtained for cAMP-dependent regulation of exuR by
      the catabolite repressor protein (CRP). A previous study reported that the
      divergent yjjM and yjjN genes, essential for l-galactonate metabolism, are
      repressed by UxuR. We showed that ExuR binds to the yjjM-yjjN regulatory region,
      and that the binding is also glucuronate-dependent. As for the exuR promoter,
      UxuR appeared to decrease ExuR binding. ExuR is required for glucuronate
      induction of yjjM and yjjN, and CRP is required for their transcription. The
      combined data established that UxuR and ExuR fulfil contrasting roles in
      regulating hexuronic acid metabolism and indicate that ExuR can function as a
      transcription activator, possibly by inactivating the repressor function of UxuR
      by heterodimer formation.

PMID- 27129866
TI  - (18)F-FDG-PET/CT for systemic staging of newly diagnosed triple-negative breast
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend (18)F-FDG
      PET/CT, in addition to standard staging procedures, for systemic staging of newly
      diagnosed stage III breast cancer patients. However, factors in addition to stage
      may influence PET/CT utility. As breast cancers that are negative for estrogen
      receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor
      (triple-negative breast cancer, or TNBC) are more aggressive and metastasize
      earlier than other breast cancers, we hypothesized that receptor expression may
      be one such factor. This study assesses (18)F-FDG-PET/CT for systemic staging of
      newly diagnosed TNBC. METHODS: In this Institutional Review Board-approved
      retrospective study, our Healthcare Information System was screened for patients
      with TNBC who underwent (18)F-FDG-PET/CT in 2007-2013 prior to systemic or
      radiation therapy. Initial stage was determined from mammography, ultrasound,
      magnetic resonance imaging, and/or surgery, if performed prior to (18)F-FDG
      PET/CT. (18)F-FDG-PET/CT was evaluated to identify unsuspected extra-axillary
      regional nodal and distant metastases, as well as unsuspected synchronous
      malignancies. Kaplan Meier survival estimates were calculated for initial stage
      IIB patients stratified by whether or not stage 4 disease was detected by (18)F
      FDG-PET/CT. RESULTS: A total of 232 patients with TNBC met inclusion criteria.
      (18)F-FDG-PET/CT revealed unsuspected distant metastases in 30 (13 %): 0/23
      initial stage I, 4/82 (5 %) stage IIA, 13/87 (15 %) stage IIB, 4/23 (17 %) stage
      IIIA, 8/14 (57 %) stage IIIB, and 1/3 (33 %) stage IIIC. Twenty-six of 30
      patients upstaged to IV by (18)F-FDG-PET/CT were confirmed by pathology, with the
      remaining four patients confirmed by follow-up imaging. In addition, seven
      unsuspected synchronous malignancies were identified in six patients. Initial
      stage 2B patients who were upstaged to 4 by (18)F-FDG-PET/CT had significantly
      shorter survival compared to initial stage 2B patients who were not (3-year
      Kaplan Meier estimate 0.33, 95 % CI 0.13-0.55 versus 0.97, CI 0.76-0.93, p <
      .0001). CONCLUSION: F-FDG-PET/CT revealed distant metastases in 15 % of patients
      with stage IIB TNBC. Stage IIB patients upstaged to 4 by (18)F-FDG-PET/CT had
      significantly shorter survival than those who were not, consistent with (18)F-FDG
      PET/CT detecting an increased burden of disease. This study provides further
      evidence that populations of patients with stage IIB breast cancer, such as TNBC,
      should be considered for systemic staging with (18)F-FDG-PET/CT at the time of
      initial diagnosis.

PMID- 27129869
TI  - Bias from historical control groups used in orthodontic research: a meta
      epidemiological study.
AB  - AIM: The validity of meta-analysis is dependent upon the quality of included
      studies. Here, we investigated whether the design of untreated control groups
      (i.e. source and timing of data collection) influences the results of clinical
      trials in orthodontic research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This meta-epidemiological
      study used unrestricted literature searching for meta-analyses in orthodontics
      including clinical trials with untreated control groups. Differences in
      standardized mean differences (DeltaSMD) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs)
      were calculated according to the untreated control group through multivariable
      random-effects meta-regression controlling for nature of the interventional group
      and study sample size. Effects were pooled with random-effects synthesis,
      followed by mixed-effect subgroup and sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: Studies with
      historical control groups reported deflated treatment effects compared to studies
      with concurrent control groups (13 meta-analyses; DeltaSMD = -0.31; 95% CI = 
      0.53, -0.10; P = 0.004). Significant differences were found according to the type
      of historical control group (based either on growth study or clinical archive; 11
      meta-analyses; DeltaSMD = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.21, 0.59; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The
      use of historical control groups in orthodontic clinical research was associated
      with deflation of treatment effects, which was independent from whether the
      interventional group was prospective or retrospective and from the study's sample
      size. Caution is warranted when interpreting clinical studies with historical
      untreated control groups or when interpreting systematic reviews that include
      such studies. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42015024179). CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
      None.

PMID- 27129870
TI  - Comparison of antibacterial effect of photodynamic therapy using indocyanine
      green (Emundo) with 2% metronidazole and 2% chlorhexidine gel on Porphyromonas
      gingivalis (an in-vitro study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment of periodontal disease focuses on eradication or
      suppression of the pathogenic microbiota within the periodontal pocket. There are
      some mechanical and chemical ways, and recently antimicrobial photodynamic
      therapy to eliminate the bacteria. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare
      the effects of 2% chlorhexidine gel, 2% metronidazole in Orabase, antimicrobial
      photodynamic therapy with Emundo solution and Emundo solution on P. gingivalis.
      METHODS: The antibacterial activities of 2% CHX gel, 2% Metronidazole in Orabase,
      Emundo+Laser (an infra-red laser diode of 810nm, 300mW, continuous mode
      radiation, 30s and energy density of 11.5J/cm2), and Emundo against P. gingivalis
      was tested in vitro using two different methods; (1) Counting CFU/mL and (2) agar
      diffusion test (ADT). Data of CFU/mL were analyzed using one way ANOVA and Post
      hoc Tukey test (p<0.05). Data obtained from ADT test were analyzed using Kruskal
      Wallis. RESULTS: The percentage of colony-forming units reduction was (99.75,
      99.98) in Metronidazole, (99.66, 99.85) in CHX, and (96.68, 96.68) in
      Laser+Emundo (96.68, 96.68) groups after 24 and 48h, respectively. The amount of
      bacterial reduction in terms of log10 CFU/mL was decreased in the Metronidazole,
      CHX, Laser+Emundo and, Emundo groups, respectively after 48h (p<0.05). The
      inhibition zone radius was decreased in CHX, Metronidazole and, Laser+Emundo,
      respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that within the
      limitations of this in-vitro study, although photodynamic therapy with Emundo
      reduced the amount of P. gingivalis significantly, the use of metronidazole 2% in
      Orabase performed better in terms of reducing the amount of the bacteria. Also,
      the antibacterial effect of 2% CHX gel on P. gingivalis was significantly more
      than photodynamic therapy with Emundo.

PMID- 27129868
TI  - Resveratrol protects the ovary against chromium-toxicity by enhancing endogenous
      antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting metabolic clearance of estradiol.
AB  - Resveratrol (RVT), a polyphenolic component in grapes and red wine, has been
      known for its cytoprotective actions against several diseases. However,
      beneficial effects of RVT against early exposure to endocrine disrupting
      chemicals (EDCs) have not been understood. EDCs are linked to several ovarian
      diseases such as premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, early
      menopause and infertility in women. Hexavalent chromium (CrVI) is a heavy metal
      EDC, and widely used in >50 industries. Environmental contamination with CrVI in
      the US is rapidly increasing, predisposing the human to several illnesses
      including cancers and still birth. Our lab has been involved in determining the
      molecular mechanism of CrVI-induced female infertility and intervention
      strategies to mitigate CrVI effects. Lactating mother rats were exposed to CrVI
      (50ppm potassium dichromate) from postpartum days 1-21 through drinking water
      with or without RVT (10mg/kg body wt., through oral gavage daily). During this
      time, F1 females received respective treatments through mother's milk. On
      postnatal day (PND) 25, blood and the ovary, kidney and liver were collected from
      the F1 females for analyses. CrVI increased atresia of follicles by increasing
      cytochrome C and cleaved caspase-3; decreasing antiapoptotic proteins; decreasing
      estradiol (E2) biosynthesis and enhancing metabolic clearance of E2, increasing
      oxidative stress and decreasing endogenous antioxidants. RVT mitigated the
      effects of CrVI by upregulating cell survival proteins and AOXs; and restored E2
      levels by inhibiting hydroxylation, glucuronidation and sulphation of E2. This is
      the first study to report the protective effects of RVT against any toxicant in
      the ovary.

PMID- 27129871
TI  - Efficacy of periimplant mechanical debridement with and without adjunct
      antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are no studies that have assessed the efficacy of mechanical
      debridement (MD) with and without adjunct antimicrobial photodynamic therapy
      (aPDT) in the treatment of periimplant inflammation in patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present 12-month follow-up study was to
      assess the efficacy of MD with and without adjunct aPDT in the treatment of
      periimplant inflammation in patients with T2DM. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients
      with diagnosed periimplant inflammation and T2DM were included. Treatment-wise,
      the patients were divided into 2 groups: (a) test-group (n=34): patients
      receivedMD+aPDT; and (b) control group (n=33): patients received MD only.
      Periimplant bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) >=4mm and mesial and
      distal marginal bone loss (MBL) were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12
      months of therapy in both groups. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the
      periimplant BOP, PD, MBL and HbA1c levels in both groups. P-values less than 0.05
      were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean preoperative hemoglobin
      A1c (HbA1c) for patients in the control group and test group were 8.5% and 8.8%,
      respectively. In the control group, there was no significant difference in HbA1c
      levels at all follow-up durations. Among patients in test group, there was a
      significant decrease (P<0.05) in HbA1c levels at 6 and 12 months of follow-up.
      Both PD and BOP were significantly lower in the test group compared to the
      control group at all follow-up durations. At 6 and 12 months of follow-up, there
      was no significant difference in MBL in both groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with
      T2DM, MD with adjunct aPDT is more effective in the treatment of periimplant
      inflammation compared with MD alone.

PMID- 27129872
TI  - [Enteropathy due to olmesartan].
AB  - The olmesartan is a selective antagonist of angiotensin II indicated for the
      treatment of essential hypertension. We report the case of a gastrointestinal
      involvement with duodenal villous atrophy and lymphocytic infiltrate duodenal
      epithelial and colonic secondary to the olmesartan taking with test of positive
      reintroduction. The patient had chronic diarrhea with weight loss of 10kg
      occurring one month after the passage of 20 to 40mg/day olmesartan took three
      years. A rectosigmoidoscopy highlighted some puncture slightly erythematous
      areas. The responsibility of olmesartan was suspected and the drug was stopped.
      The evolution was rapidly favorable with disappearance of diarrhea 48hours later.
      Two days after the patient took the drug on its own initiative. Sigmoid biopsies
      showed an inflammatory infiltrate rich in lymphocytes. Gastroscopy showed erosive
      esophagitis and duodenal biopsies showed chronic duodenitis with epithelial
      lymphocytosis and subtotal villous atrophy. The reintroduction has led to the
      immediate resumption of diarrhea. Olmesartan was finalized. Diarrhea has not
      returned since. A colonoscopy performed six weeks after discharge was normal.
      Knowledge of the bowel olmesartan is recent and based almost solely on the
      description of 22 cases observed at the Mayo Clinic with patients, as in our
      case, have similar symptoms and lesions. We stress, about a publication of an
      isolated case, the possibility of less severe cases with histological
      abnormalities without clinical translation. 

PMID- 27129874
TI  - Prevalence, causes and risk factors of hospital readmissions after acute stroke
      and transient ischemic attack: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Acute stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a great burden not only
      during hospitalization but also after hospital discharge. The objective of this
      meta-analysis was to evaluate the hospital readmissions, causes and risk factors
      after survival of acute stroke and TIA. Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library,
      OVID and EMBASE databases were searched to identify studies reporting hospital
      readmissions after acute stroke and TIA. The primary outcomes were hospital
      readmission rates during 30 days and 1 year after discharge. The primary causes
      and risk factors of hospital readmissions were also identified. Ten studies with
      253,680 patients were eligible for inclusion. The pooled 30-day and 1-year
      hospital readmission rates were 17.4 % (95 % CI, 12.7-23.5 %) and 42.5 % (95 %
      CI, 34.1-51.3 %), respectively. The three major causes of 30-day hospital
      readmissions were infection (19.9 %), coronary artery disease (CAD) (17.8 %) and
      recurrent stroke (16.0 %) successively, while the three major causes were
      recurrent stroke (19.4 %), infection (19.3 %) and CAD (16.3 %) during 1 year's
      follow-up. There were more patients with CAD in readmits group than that in
      control group (p = 0.030). The length of index admission, defined as any eligible
      admission to an acute care hospital assessed in the measure for the outcome, was
      longer (p = 0.000) and admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Score
      (NIHSS) was higher (p = 0.002) in readmits group than these in control group. In
      conclusion, there is high risk of early and long-term hospital readmissions after
      survival of acute stroke and TIA. These patients with coronary artery disease,
      longer length of index admission and higher NIHSS deserve deep attention after
      hospital discharge. 

PMID- 27129873
TI  - Development and identification of fully human scFv-Fcs against Staphylococcus
      aureus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus, a gram-positive pathogen, causes many human
      infections. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is the most common drug
      resistance bacteria. Nearly all MRSA bacteria are resistant to several drugs.
      Specific antibodies are the main components of the host's humoral immunity, and
      play a significant role in the process of the host's resistance to bacterial
      infection. RESULTS: A single-chain variable fragment (scFv) library was
      constructed using mRNA from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of S. aureus
      infected volunteers. After the scFv library DNA was transformed into Escherichia
      coli TG1, ~1.7 * 10(7) independent clones with full-length scFv inserts. The scFv
      library was screened by phage display for three rounds using S. aureus as an
      antigen. The single clones were chosen at random and the scFvs were expressed for
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assessment. Approximately 50 % of the
      clones were positive with good binding activity to S. aureus. To improve the
      stability of scFvs, scFv-fragment crystallizable regions (-Fcs) were constructed
      and expressed in E. coli DH5alpha. The expressed scFv-Fcs were purified and
      identified by western blot. These antibodies were further characterized and
      analyzed for bioactivity. The results showed that the expression level and
      folding of scFv-Fcs induced at 25  degrees C without isopropyl beta-D-1
      thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) were higher than that induced at 32  degrees C with
      1.0 mmol/L IPTG. scFv-Fcs had good bioactivity and could specifically bind with
      S. aureus. CONCLUSION: scFv-Fcs against S. aureus were successfully constructed
      and are good candidates for the development of future adjunctive therapy for
      severe S. aureus infections.

PMID- 27129875
TI  - Virological testing of cerebrospinal fluid in children aged less than 14 years
      with a suspected central nervous system infection: A retrospective study on 304
      consecutive children from January 2012 to May 2015.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to describe the prevalence of HSV DNA, VZV DNA,
      Enterovirus RNA, Parechovirus RNA, CMV DNA, EBV DNA, adenovirus DNA, HHV-6 DNA,
      HHV-7 DNA, HHV-8 DNA and Parvovirus B19DNA in children aged less 14 years with a
      suspected viral infection of the central nervous system in a clinical practice
      setting. METHODS: Between January 2012 and May 2015, cerebrospinal fluids from
      304 children were tested with an in-house real-time PCR method. RESULTS: A
      positive PCR was detected in 64 subjects (21%): the mean number of tests
      performed in patients who showed a viral infection was 7.5, significantly higher
      (p = 0.001) with respect to that reported in negative samples (6.4). Enterovirus
      is the leading virus detected: 12 out of the 37 positive children reported were
      newborns (85.7% of all the newborns with a positive result). The second most
      frequently identified virus was HHV-7 (5 positive PCR out of 105 samples tested,
      4.8%, if we excluded a child with a concomitant S. pneumoniae isolated), a
      prevalence significantly higher with respect to VZV (p = 0.02) and to CMV (p =
      0.04). HHV-6 was the third most commonly identified aetiology (4.2%). All
      children were immunocompetent. SIGNIFICANCE: Only a minority of children had a
      specific viral aetiology identified: the rate of HHV-7 positivity suggests a
      routine testing of these viruses within the diagnostic algorithm in
      immunocompetent paediatric patients. This approach could help to define the
      clinical role of this herpesvirus.

PMID- 27129876
TI  - p53 status correlates with the risk of progression in stage T1 bladder cancer: a
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Published studies have yielded inconsistent results on the
      relationship between p53 status and the progression of stage T1 non-muscle
      invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to
      evaluate the prognostic value of p53 in T1 NMIBC. METHODS: We systematically
      searched for relevant literatures in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Data
      were pooled together from individual studies, and meta-analysis was performed.
      Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled risk ratios
      (RRs) and 95% CI were calculated to estimate the effect sizes. Moreover, subgroup
      analyses were carried out. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies comprising 712 patients
      were subjected to the final analysis. p53 overexpression was significantly
      associated with higher progression rate of T1 NMIBC (RR 2.32, 95% CI 1.59-3.38).
      Moderate heterogeneity was observed across the studies (I(2) = 39%, P < 0.0001).
      In a subgroup analysis stratified by stage, p53 overexpression was a predictor of
      progression in T1 grade 3 NMIBC (RR 2.71, 95% CI 1.31-5.64). In addition, in a
      subgroup analysis stratified by intravesical therapy, p53 overexpression was a
      predictor of progression in T1 NMIBC received Bacillus Calmette-Guerin
      intravesical therapy (RR 3.35, 95% CI 1.89-5.93). Furthermore, after excluding
      the study that possibly contributed to the heterogeneity by the sensitivity
      analysis, the association p53 overexpression was significantly correlated with
      progression of T1 NMIBC (RR 2.74, 95% CI 2.05-3.65) without evidence of
      heterogeneity (I(2) = 0 %, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggested
      that p53 overexpression may be associated with progression of T1 NMIBC patients.
      Because of the heterogeneity and other limitations, further studies with rigid
      criteria and large populations are still warranted to confirm our findings.

PMID- 27129878
TI  - RELMs in the Realm of Helminths.
AB  - Resistin-like molecule (RELM) proteins are essential for immunity to helminths.
      Recently, Chen and collaborators identified a dominant role for RELMalpha over
      RELMbeta in host immunity to Nippostrongylus brasiliensis using a double knockout
      system. The study highlighted how important and yet divergent the contributions
      of these proteins are in the control of helminth infections.

PMID- 27129877
TI  - The hepatocyte growth factor-expressing character is required for mesenchymal
      stem cells to protect the lung injured by lipopolysaccharide in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening
      condition in critically ill patients. Recently, we have found that mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSC) improved the permeability of human lung microvascular
      endothelial cells by secreting hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in vitro. However,
      the properties and functions of MSC may change under complex circumstances in
      vivo. Here, we sought to determine the role of the HGF-expressing character of
      MSC in the therapeutic effects of MSC on ARDS in vivo. METHODS: MSC with HGF gene
      knockdown (MSC-ShHGF) were constructed using lentiviral transduction. The HGF
      mRNA and protein levels in MSC-ShHGF were detected using quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analysis, respectively. HGF levels
      in the MSC culture medium were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA). Rats with ARDS induced by lipopolysaccharide received MSC infusion via
      the tail vein. After 1, 6, and 24 h, rats were sacrificed. MSC retention in the
      lung was assessed by immunohistochemical assay. The lung wet weight to body
      weight ratio (LWW/BW) and Evans blue dye extravasation were obtained to reflect
      lung permeability. The VE-cadherin was detected with inmmunofluorescence, and the
      lung endothelial cell apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. The severity of lung
      injury was evaluated using histopathology. The cytokines and HGF levels in the
      lung were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: MSC-ShHGF with markedly lower HGF
      expression were successfully constructed. Treatment with MSC or MSC carrying
      green fluorescent protein (MSC-GFP) maintained HGF expression at relatively high
      levels in the lung at 24 h. MSC or MSC-GFP decreased the LWW/BW and the Evans
      Blue Dye extravasation, protected adherens junction VE-cadherin, and reduced the
      lung endothelial cell apoptosis. Furthermore, MSC or MSC-GFP reduced the
      inflammation and alleviated lung injury based on histopathology. However, HGF
      gene knockdown significantly decreased the HGF levels without any changes in the
      MSC retention in the lung, and diminished the protective effects of MSC on the
      injured lung, indicating the therapeutic effects of MSC on ARDS were partly
      associated with the HGF-expressing character of MSC. CONCLUSIONS: MSC restores
      lung permeability and lung injury in part by maintaining HGF levels in the lung
      and the HGF-expressing character is required for MSC to protect the injured lung.

PMID- 27129879
TI  - Current T1 and T2 mapping techniques applied with simple thresholds cannot
      discriminate acute from chronic myocadial infarction on an individual patient
      basis: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studying T1- and T2-mapping for discrimination of acute from chronic
      myocardial infarction (AMI, CMI). METHODS: Eight patients with AMI underwent CMR
      at 3 T acutely and after >3 months. Imaging techniques included: T2-weighted
      imaging, late enhancement (LGE), T2-mapping, native and post-contrast T1-mapping.
      Myocardial T2- and T1-relaxation times were determined for every voxel. Abnormal
      voxels as defined by having T2- and T1-values beyond a predefined threshold (T2 >
      50 ms, native T1 > 1250 ms and post-contrast T1 < 350 ms) were highlighted and
      compared with LGE as the reference. RESULTS: Abnormal T2-relaxation times were
      present in the voxels with AMI (=> delete acute infarction; unfortunately this is
      not possible in your web interface) acute infarction only in half of the
      subjects. Abnormal T2-values were also present in subjects with CMI, thereby
      matching the chronically infarcted territory in some. Abnormal native T1 times
      were present in voxels with AMI in 5/8 subjects, but also remote from the
      infarcted territory in four. In CMI, abnormal native T1 values corresponded with
      infarcted voxels, but were also abnormal remote from the infarcted territory.
      Voxels with abnormal post-contrast T1-relaxation times agreed well with LGE in
      AMI and CMI. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot-study, T2- and T1-mapping with simple
      thresholds did not facilitate the discrimination of AMI and CMI.

PMID- 27129880
TI  - Comparative analysis of genetic polymorphisms among Monascus strains by ISSR and
      RAPD markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genus Monascus includes several species of fungi valued across
      Asia for their culinary uses and diverse medicinal properties. In this study, we
      evaluated the applicability of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter
      simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers in characterizing the genetic diversity in
      41 Monascus strains collected from various regions of Fujian Province, the
      leading producer of Monascus in China. RESULTS: Seven screened ISSR primers
      generated 56 polymorphic bands, of which 93.33% were polymorphic. The genetic
      similarity coefficients (GSC) of the strains ranged from 0.50 to 1.00.
      Comparative sequence analysis using seven screened RAPD primers amplified a total
      of 49 polymorphic bands, of which 81.67% were polymorphic; GSC values ranged from
      0.62 to 1.00. CONCLUSION: Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive
      correlation in genetic distances assessed using above two markers, which
      indicated they were suitable for Monascus species characterization. ISSR markers
      were more suitable for the classification and determination of Monascus species,
      while RAPD markers appear to be preferable for analyzing the differences among
      strains within the same species. Our study revealed that Monascus possesses rich
      genetic diversity, and that the genetic relationships among the selected strains
      were, to a very limited extent, correlated to their geographical variation. (c)
      2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27129881
TI  - Relationship between molecular weight, monosaccharide composition and
      immunobiologic activity of Astragalus polysaccharides.
AB  - Four Astragalus polysaccharides (APS1-APS4) were isolated from the water extract
      of Radix Astragali and purified through ethanol precipitation with 20 %, 40 %, 60
      % and 80 % ethanol, respectively. The total sugar content was measured by
      sulfuric acid-phenol method. Their molecular weight was determined using high
      performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and their monosaccharide
      composition was analyzed by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC) after pre-column derivatization. Then the immunobiologic activity of APS
      was evaluated by the experiment of spleen lymphocytes proliferation in vitro. The
      data suggested that precipitation by different concentration of ethanol will
      obtain different molecular weight APS, the higher concentration of ethanol the
      smaller molecular weight for APS. The molecular weights of four APS were 257.7
      kDa, 40.1 kDa, 15.3 kDa and 3.2 kDa. Monosaccharide composition analysis
      indicated that APS1 consisted of glucose only, and APS2 all consisted of
      arabinose. APS3 consisted of rhamnose, glucose, galactose and arabinose and APS4
      consisted of galactose and arabinose, in a molar ratio of 1:10.76:6.55:12 and
      3.02:1. The result of immunobiologic activity assay showed that both APS2 and
      APS3 can effectively stimulate normal spleen lymphocyte proliferation in vitro.
      Apart from this, the effect of APS2 also showed dose dependent tendency from 6.25
      MUg/mL to 800 MUg/mL. The result of this research indicated that Astragalus
      polysaccharides, which consist of arabinose and their molecular weight between
      15.2 kDa to 40.1 kDa, neither too high nor too low, had significant immune
      activity.

PMID- 27129882
TI  - RIC-3 expression and splicing regulate nAChR functional expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors form a large and diverse family
      of acetylcholine gated ion channels having diverse roles in the central nervous
      system. Maturation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is a complex and
      inefficient process requiring assistance from multiple cellular factors including
      RIC-3, a functionally conserved endoplasmic reticulum-resident protein and
      nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-specific chaperone. In mammals and in Drosophila
      melanogaster RIC-3 is alternatively spliced to produce multiple isoforms.
      RESULTS: We used electrophysiological analysis in Xenopus laevis oocytes, in situ
      hybridization, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays to
      investigate regulation of RIC-3's expression and splicing and its effects on the
      expression of three major neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. We found
      that RIC-3 expression level and splicing affect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
      functional expression and that two conserved RIC-3 isoforms express in the brain
      differentially. Moreover, in immune cells RIC-3 expression and splicing are
      regulated by inflammatory signals. CONCLUSIONS: Regulation of expression level
      and splicing of RIC-3 in brain and in immune cells following inflammation enables
      regulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor functional expression.
      Specifically, in immune cells such regulation via effects on alpha7 nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor, known to function in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory
      pathway, may have a role in neuroinflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27129883
TI  - Site-specific cleavage of acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase by legumain.
AB  - Acetoacetyl-CoA synthetase (AACS) is a ketone body-utilizing enzyme and is
      responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids. We have previously
      shown that AACS is cleaved by legumain, a lysosomal asparaginyl endopeptidase. In
      this study, we attempted to determine the cleavage site of AACS. Mutagenesis
      analysis of AACS revealed that Asn547 is the specific cleavage site of AACS in
      mouse livers. The cleaved form of AACS (1-547) lost the ability to convert
      acetoacetate to acetoacetyl-CoA. Moreover, hydrodynamics-based gene transduction
      showed that overexpression of AACS (1-547) increases the protein expression of
      caveolin-1, the principal component of the caveolae. These results suggest that
      cleavage of AACS by legumain is critical for the regulation of enzymatic activity
      and results in gain-of-function changes. 

PMID- 27129884
TI  - Divergent behavior of hydrogen sulfide pools and of the sulfur metabolite
      lanthionine, a novel uremic toxin, in dialysis patients.
AB  - Dialysis patients display a high cardiovascular mortality, the causes of which
      are still not completely explained, but are related to uremic toxicity. Among
      uremic toxins, homocysteine and cysteine are both substrates of cystathionine
      beta-synthase and cystathionine gamma-lyase in hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis,
      leading to the formation of two sulfur metabolites, lanthionine and
      homolanthionine, considered stable indirect biomarkers of its production.
      Hydrogen sulfide is involved in the modulation of multiple pathophysiological
      responses. In uremia, we have demonstrated low plasma total hydrogen sulfide
      levels, due to reduced cystathionine gamma-lyase expression. Plasma hydrogen
      sulfide levels were measured in hemodialysis patients and healthy controls with
      three different techniques in comparison, allowing to discern the different pools
      of this gas. The protein-bound (the one thought to be the most active) and acid
      labile forms are significantly decreased, while homolanthionine, but especially
      lanthionine, accumulate in the blood of uremic patients. The hemodialysis regimen
      plays a role in determining sulfur compounds levels, and lanthionine is partially
      removed by a single dialysis session. Lanthionine inhibits hydrogen sulfide
      production in cell cultures under conditions comparable to in vivo ones. We
      therefore propose that lanthionine is a novel uremic toxin. The possible role of
      high lanthionine as a contributor to the genesis of hyperhomocysteinemia in
      uremia is discussed. 

PMID- 27129887
TI  - Jerome Gerald Lewis.

PMID- 27129885
TI  - Current and past menstrual status is an important determinant of femoral neck
      geometry in exercising women.
AB  - Menstrual status, both past and current, has been established as an important
      determinant of bone mineral density (BMD) in young exercising women. However,
      little is known regarding the association between the cumulative effect of
      menstrual status and indices of bone health beyond BMD, such as bone geometry and
      estimated bone strength. PURPOSE: This study explores the association between
      cumulative menstrual status and indices of bone health assessed using dual-energy
      x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), including femoral neck geometry and strength and
      areal BMD (aBMD), in exercising women. METHODS: 101 exercising women (22.0+/
      0.4years, BMI 21.0+/-0.2kg/m(2), 520+/-40min/week of self-reported exercise)
      participated in this cross-sectional study. Women were divided into three groups
      as follows based on their self-reported current and past menstrual status: 1)
      current and past regular menstrual cycles (C+P-R) (n=23), 2) current and past
      irregular menstrual cycles (C+P-IR) (n=56), 3) and current or past irregular
      cycles (C/P-RIR) (n=22). Current menstrual status was confirmed using daily
      urinary metabolites of reproductive hormones. DXA was used to assess estimates of
      femoral neck geometry and strength from hip strength analysis (HSA), aBMD, and
      body composition. Cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI), cross-sectional area
      (CSA), strength index (SI), diameter, and section modulus (Z) were calculated at
      the femoral neck. Low CSMI, CSA, SI, diameter, and Z were operationally defined
      as values below the median. Areal BMD (g/cm(2)) and Z-scores were determined at
      the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip. Low BMD was defined as a Z-score<
      1.0. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were performed to
      compare the prevalence and determine the odds, respectively, of low bone
      geometry, strength, and aBMD among groups. RESULTS: Cumulative menstrual status
      was identified as a significant predictor of low femoral neck CSMI (p=0.005), CSA
      (p<=0.024), and diameter (p=0.042) after controlling for confounding variables.
      C+P-IR or C/P-RIR were four to eight times more likely to exhibit low femoral
      neck CSMI or CSA when compared with C+P-R. Lumbar spine aBMD and Z-score were
      lower in C+P-IR when compared with C+P-R (p<=0.003). A significant association
      between menstrual group and low aBMD was observed at the lumbar spine (p=0.006)
      but not at the femoral neck or total hip (p>0.05). However, after controlling for
      confounding variables, cumulative menstrual status was not a significant
      predictor of low aBMD. CONCLUSION: In exercising women, the cumulative effect of
      current and past menstrual irregularity appears to be an important predictor of
      lower estimates of femoral neck geometry, as observed by smaller CSMI and CSA,
      which may serve as an another means, beyond BMD, by which menstrual irregularity
      compromises bone strength. As such, evaluation of both current and past menstrual
      status is recommended to determine potential risk for relatively small bone
      geometry at the femoral neck.

PMID- 27129886
TI  - Relationship between external and internal udder and teat measurements of machine
      milked dromedary camels.
AB  - This study aims to determine the relationship between internal and external udder
      and teat measurements and evaluate their correlation with milk yield and milk
      partitioning in the udder of dromedary camels. Six Maghrebi camels reared under
      intensive conditions were monitored at early, middle, and late lactation. Udder
      measurements included udder depth, udder horizontal circumference, fore and rear
      teat length and diameter. Besides, scans of the left fore and rear quarters were
      taken in duplicate before morning milking (16 h) using an oxytocin receptor
      blocking agent (Atosiban) to determine teat and gland distension before milk
      ejection. Cisternal and alveolar milk volumes were then evaluated. Correlation
      coefficients were calculated between the performed udder external and
      ultrasonographical measurements and cisternal and daily milk production on the
      measurement day. Significant effect of lactation stage was observed in all
      measured traits. All internal and external measurements decreased significantly
      at late lactation as well as cisternal and total milk yield. The quarter
      cisternal area averaged 16.3 +/- 2.2 cm(2) and decreased about three times at
      late lactation compared to early and middle lactation. All external and internal
      measurements were positively and highly correlated (P < 0.001). The knowledge of
      the relationship between udder internal and external morphological traits would
      permit to predict udder cisternal storage capacity and can ultimately be adopted
      to improve milk storage capacity of dromedary camels. 

PMID- 27129888
TI  - David Oliver: Good medical leaders.

PMID- 27129889
TI  - Simultaneous determination of thirteen kinds of amino acid and eight kinds of
      acylcarnitine in human serum by LC-MS/MS and its application to measure the serum
      concentration of lung cancer patients.
AB  - Easy-to-use early cancer detection methods based on metabolomics using serum
      samples have been developed recently. Among metabolites, amino acids and
      acylcarnitine are two of the most suitable candidates for diagnosing lung cancer.
      The purpose of the present study was to develop a novel, sensitive and specific
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to
      simultaneously determine 13 amino acids and 8 acylcarnitines in lung cancer
      patients in serum. After derivatization, the 21 analytes were separated using a
      C18 column with gradient elution program in 14 min, obtaining recovery within
      90.4-113.8% and precision within 0.3-14.8%. The method was successfully applied
      in concentration determination of lung cancer patients and healthy controls. The
      results showed that the serum concentration of lung cancer patients were
      significant from those of healthy controls.

PMID- 27129891
TI  - CD5 positive hairy cell leukemia: A rare case report with brief review of
      literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aberrant expression of CD5 in both HCL and HCL-v is a very rare
      event. Although a number of CD5 positive HCL and HCL-v cases have been reported,
      but these are far and few in between. We aimed to review the reported cases of
      CD5 positive HCL and its variant. METHOD: We hereby report a case of CD5 positive
      HCL, with variations in PIK3CA and PDGFRA gene, along with a brief review of
      literature of the cases of CD5 positive HCL and its variant. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSION: The current case was positive for CD103, CD11c, CD25, and CD123 which
      has led the diagnosis to be of typical HCL. With the extensive literature review
      we found that only 26 cases of hairy cell leukemia [HCL and HCL-v] bearing CD5
      expression have been reported so far. The positivity of CD5 is more common in HCL
      v as compared to HCL. Additional prospective studies of CD5+ HCL and its variants
      are required to show whether they are a clinically significant subgroup of
      lymphoid malignancies. (c) 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

PMID- 27129890
TI  - Rectal neuroendocrine tumor with an exceptional behaviour.

PMID- 27129892
TI  - Resting and exercise energy metabolism in weight-reduced adults with severe
      obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of physical activity (PA) with diet-induced
      weight loss on energy metabolism in adults with severe obesity. METHODS: Adults
      with severe obesity (n = 11) were studied across 6 months of intervention, then
      compared with controls with less severe obesity (n = 7) or normal weight (n = 9).
      Indirect calorimetry measured energy metabolism during exercise and rest. Markers
      of muscle oxidation were determined by immunohistochemistry. Data were presented
      as medians. RESULTS: The intervention induced 7% weight loss (P = 0.001) and
      increased vigorous PA by 24 min/wk (P = 0.02). During exercise, energy
      expenditure decreased, efficiency increased (P <= 0.03), and fatty acid oxidation
      (FAO) did not change. Succinate dehydrogenase increased (P = 0.001), but fiber
      type remained the same. Post-intervention subjects' resting metabolism remained
      similar to controls. Efficiency was lower in post-intervention subjects compared
      with normal-weight controls exercising at 25 W (P <= 0.002) and compared with all
      controls exercising at 60% VO2peak (P <= 0.019). Resting and exercise FAO of post
      intervention subjects remained similar to adults with less severe obesity.
      Succinate dehydrogenase and fiber type were similar across all body weight
      statuses. CONCLUSIONS: While metabolic adaptations to PA during weight loss occur
      in adults with severe obesity, FAO does not change. Resulting FAO during rest and
      exercise remains similar to adults with less severe obesity.

PMID- 27129893
TI  - Patients' knowledge and fear of colorectal cancer risk in inflammatory bowel
      disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate knowledge and fear of colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. METHODS: A 12-item self-administered
      questionnaire, developed after a careful literature review, was administered to
      all consecutive IBD patients treated with infliximab who were followed up at
      Nancy University Hospital (Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France) between February and May
      2012. RESULTS: Altogether 100 patients including 72 with Crohn's disease (CD)
      were included. Only 7.0% of patients spontaneously mentioned CRC risk as a main
      feature of IBD and 37.0% as a potential IBD complication. CRC was the most feared
      complication by 26 patients [ulcerative colitis (UC) 46.4% vs CD 18.1%, P <
      0.01]. Two-thirds of patients knew that IBD increases CRC risk (UC 81.9% vs CD
      57.1%, P = 0.02). Their main source of information was their gastroenterologist
      (52.0%). On the best screening method for CRC, 86.0% of the respondents mentioned
      colonoscopy. Only 32.0% of patients knew that it has to be performed 10 years
      after diagnosis. In case of dysplasia, 51.0% of the patients would not undergo
      colectomy (CD 59.7% vs UC 28.6%, P < 0.01), mainly due to the fear of having
      ostomy bags. Only one-quarter of UC patients were aware of the chemopreventive
      effect of 5-aminosalicylates on CRC risk. CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of IBD patients
      are aware of the risk of CRC. UC patients have a better knowledge of this risk
      and are more afraid of this complication. Our results underscore the need for
      therapeutic education about CRC in IBD patients.

PMID- 27129894
TI  - Unique case of palytoxin-related keratitis.

PMID- 27129895
TI  - Levetiracetam-induced radiation recall dermatitis in a patient undergoing
      stereotactic radiotherapy.

PMID- 27129896
TI  - Variation in the chromatographic, material, and chemical characteristics of
      methacrylate-based polymer monoliths during photoinitiated low-temperature
      polymerization.
AB  - Both the separation behavior and the structure of a polymer monolith column
      depends on both the reaction solution composition and the polymerization
      conditions. In photoinitiated low-temperature polymerization, polymerization
      temperature, irradiation intensity, and polymerization time were key factors to
      control the monolith characteristics. In this study, the effect of polymerization
      time on the chromatographic, material, and chemical characteristics of poly(butyl
      methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monoliths was studied using pyrolysis
      gas chromatography, Raman spectroscopy, inverse size exclusion chromatography,
      scanning electron microscopy, and chromatographic methods. Both butyl
      methacrylate and ethylene dimethacrylate monomers were incorporated into the
      monolith as the polymerization time increased, and it resulted in increases in
      both the flow resistance (decrease in both permeability and total/through pore
      porosities) and retention factors. The longer polymerization time led to lower
      relative amounts of free methacrylate functional groups in the monolith, i.e.
      cross-linking was enhanced. The increase of the polymerization time from 8 to 12
      min significantly reduced the separation efficiency for the retained analyte,
      whereas an increase in the fraction of the mesoporosity was observed. 

PMID- 27129897
TI  - Insights into the biodiversity of the gut microbiota of broiler chickens.
AB  - The gastrointestinal tract of poultry is densely populated with microorganisms,
      which are presumed to interact with the host and ingested feed. Comparison of the
      gut microbiota of chickens used for large-scale commercial production (Broiler
      Chicken, BC) and those grown in semi-wild conditions (Free-Range Chicken, FRC)
      revealed that at phylum level Firmicutes was the dominant phylum of the gut
      community in BC, while the gut microbiota of FRC contained higher levels of
      Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Such differences may be due to the diet and/or
      the intensive use of antibiotics in BC. Indeed, analysis of the resistome of the
      cecal microbiomes showed a marked richness in BC datasets, with a modulation of
      the cecal microbiota toward antibiotic resistant bacteria. Functional
      characterization of the microbiome of FRC samples revealed an increase in gene
      pathways involved in degradation of complex carbohydrates. Furthermore, in silico
      analyses of the microbiomes of FRC and BC revealed a higher presence in genes
      involved in formate production in BC samples. Notably, compared to the BC
      microbiomes the FRC microbiomes were shown to contain a higher abundance of genes
      involved in the pathway for acetate production.

PMID- 27129898
TI  - Prognostication of long-term outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage: The FRESH
      score.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To create a multidimensional tool to prognosticate long-term
      functional, cognitive, and quality of life outcomes after spontaneous
      subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) using data up to 48 hours after admission. METHODS:
      Data were prospectively collected for 1,619 consecutive patients enrolled in the
      SAH outcome project July 1996 to March 2014. Linear models (LMs) were applied to
      identify factors associated with outcome in 1,526 patients with complete data.
      Twelve-month functional, cognitive, and quality of life outcomes were measured
      using the modified Rankin scale (mRS), Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status,
      and Sickness Impact Profile. Based on the LM residuals, we constructed the FRESH
      score (Functional Recovery Expected after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage). Score
      performance, discrimination, and internal validity were tested using the area
      under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Nagelkerke and Cox/Snell
      R(2) , and bootstrapping. For external validation, we used a control population
      of SAH patients from the CONSCIOUS-1 study (n = 413). RESULTS: The FRESH score
      was composed of Hunt & Hess and APACHE-II physiologic scores on admission, age,
      and aneurysmal rebleed within 48 hours. Separate scores to prognosticate 1-year
      cognition (FRESH-cog) and quality of life (FRESH-quol) were developed controlling
      for education and premorbid disability. Poor functional outcome (mRS = 4-6) for
      score levels 1 through 9 respectively was present in 3, 6, 12, 38, 61, 83, 92,
      98, and 100% at 1-year follow-up. Performance of FRESH (AUC = 0.90), FRESH-cog
      (AUC = 0.80), and FRESH-quol (AUC = 0.78) was high. External validation of our
      cohort using mRS as endpoint showed satisfactory results (AUC = 0.77). To allow
      for convenient score calculation, we built a smartphone app available for free
      download. INTERPRETATION: FRESH is the first clinical tool to prognosticate long
      term outcome after spontaneous SAH in a multidimensional manner. Ann Neurol
      2016;80:46-58.

PMID- 27129899
TI  - Phylogeny and biogeography of Poecilia (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliinae) across
      Central and South America based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers.
AB  - Poeciliids are a diverse group of small Neotropical fishes, and despite
      considerable research attention as models in ecology and evolutionary biology,
      our understanding of their biogeographic and phylogenetic relationships is still
      limited. We investigated the phylogenetic relationships of South and Central
      American Poecilia, by examining 2395 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA (ATPase 8/6,
      COI) and nuclear DNA (S7) for 18 species across six subgenera. Fifty-eight novel
      sequences were acquired from newly collected specimens and 20 sequences were
      obtained from previously published material. Analyses of concatenated and
      partitioned mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA sets resulted in a well-supported
      phylogeny that resolved several monophyletic groups corresponding to previously
      hypothesized subgenera and species complexes. A divergence-dating analysis
      supported the hypothesis of the genus Poecilia dispersing into Central America in
      the early Pliocene (ancestors of Psychropoecilia+Allopoecilia+Mollienesia: 7.3
      2.0Mya) from predominantly South America. Subsequently, one lineage (subgenus
      Allopoecilia: 5.1-1.3Mya) expanded deeper into South America from Lower-Central
      America, and one lineage expanded from Nuclear-Central America into South America
      (subgenus Mollienesia: 0.71-0.14Mya). The subgenus Mollienesia diverged into
      three monophyletic groups that can be identified by nuptial male dorsal fin
      morphology and inner jaw dentition. A subclade of the unicuspid short-fins
      (subgenus Mollienesia) was the lineage that expanded into South America during
      the middle Pleistocene. Species in this subclade are now distributed across
      northern South America, where they are partially sympatric with Allopoecilia.
      However the P. (A.) caucana complex was not monophyletic, with P. (A.) wandae
      clustering in the Mollienesia subclade that expanded into South America. It is
      apparent that characters (body size, scale count, pigmentation, and gonopodium
      morphology) used to define the P. (A.) caucana complex are homoplastic and
      suggestive of rapid convergence in northern South America. Our improved taxon
      sampling and divergence-time calibration allowed for insights into the timing and
      direction of dispersals, and provides an improved understanding of the
      biogeographic history of an enigmatic group of fishes. Furthermore, we provided
      strong evidence for the monophyly of the subgenus Mollienesia and further
      substantiated its species complexes; therefore, we advise a taxonomic re
      evaluation for the P. (A.) caucana complex to maintain monophyly of both
      Mollienesia and Allopoecilia.

PMID- 27129900
TI  - Species delimitation, phylogeny and evolutionary demography of co-distributed,
      montane frogs in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
AB  - The Brazilian Atlantic Forest (BAF) is recognized as one of the world's
      biodiversity hotspots, with even more species per unit of area than the Amazon,
      however the mechanisms that led to such astonishing diversity are yet to be fully
      understood. In this study, we investigate the diversification of two co
      distributed frog genera associated with montane areas of southern BAF:
      Melanophryniscus (Bufonidae) and Brachycephalus (Brachycephalidae). Species
      delimitation methods using mitochondrial and nuclear loci supported the existence
      of a remarkable number of highly endemic species in each genus, most of which
      occupy only one or a few adjacent mountaintops. Their timing of diversification
      was highly congruent, supporting recent speciation events within the past 600
      thousand years. Extended Bayesian skyline plots indicate that most populations
      have remained relatively stable in size across the evolutionary past, with recent
      growth after 0.15My, suggesting that the drastic changes found in previous
      studies on lowland frog species were not shared by these montane taxa. These
      results are consistent with the existence of a montane refugium in southern BAF,
      allowing species persistence through the climatic shifts experienced along the
      BAF during the Quaternary.

PMID- 27129901
TI  - Quantifying Visual Dysfunction and the Response to Surgery in Macular Pucker.
AB  - PURPOSE: To measure the effects of macular pucker (MP) on macular structure and
      quantify function by measuring visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), and
      distortions. The effects of surgery were quantitatively evaluated using these
      measures. DESIGN: Prospective, comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-three
      patients with unilateral MP and normal fellow eyes: 24 operated MP subjects, 17
      unoperated controls, and 12 reproducibility subjects. METHODS: Posterior vitreous
      detachment was diagnosed by ultrasound and ellipsoid zone disruption (EZD) was
      determined by OCT, which also measured macular thickness and volume. Vision was
      assessed, by measuring VA (logMAR) and CS (Freiburg acuity contrast testing:
      Weber index, %W). A visual distortions index (%DI) was calculated using 3
      dimensional threshold Amsler grid testing. Comparisons to controls were performed
      before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after vitrectomy/membrane peel
      without chromodissection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Posterior vitreous detachment
      (ultrasound), EZD (OCT), macular thickness and volume (OCT), VA (logMAR), CS
      (%W), distortions (%DI). RESULTS: Posterior vitreous detachment was present in
      90% of MP eyes, but only 50% of fellow eyes (P < 0.001). All structural and
      functional indices were worse (28% to 5-fold) in the 24 operated MP eyes than the
      17 unoperated MP eyes (P < 0.001). Before surgery, EZD was present in 33% of
      operated MP eyes but none of the unoperated MP eyes (P < 0.02). The macula was
      thicker (514+/-85 MUm vs. 257+/-59 MUm; P < 0.001) with greater volume (3.22+/
      0.56 MUl vs. 2.14+/-0.22 MUl; P < 0.001) in operated MP eyes than normal fellow
      eyes. Before surgery, MP eyes had VA = 0.53 logMAR (Snellen equivalent, 20/67)
      vs. controls = 0.21 (20/32); P < 0.001; CS was 8.61+/-5.36 %W vs. controls =
      3.71+/-1.47 %W (P < 0.001); and distortions were 7.61+/-12.6 %DI vs. controls =
      0.13+/-0.61 %DI (P < 0.001). EZD was associated with worse VA (P < 0.01) and CS
      (P < 0.03) before and after surgery. Each outcome measure improved progressively
      at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, but only %DI and macular volume
      normalized. CONCLUSIONS: These quantitative measures characterize the impact of
      MP on macular structure and function. All indices improved after surgery, but
      only distortions and macular volume normalized. Contrast sensitivity measurements
      and quantification of distortions can objectively assess visual dysfunction in MP
      and may be useful outcome measures of therapy.

PMID- 27129903
TI  - Shear Modulus of the Lower Leg Muscles in Patients with Medial Tibial Stress
      Syndrome.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the in vivo kinematics of shear modulus of the
      lower leg muscles in patients with medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). The
      study population included 46 limbs with MTSS and 40 healthy limbs. The shear
      modulus of the medial head of the gastrocnemius, lateral head of the
      gastrocnemius, soleus, peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscles were
      measured using shear wave ultrasound elastography. As a result, the shear modulus
      of the lower leg muscles was significantly greater in patients with MTSS than in
      healthy patients (p < 0.01). Based on the differences in shear modulus of lower
      leg muscles between the patients with MTSS and healthy patients, the measurements
      obtained via shear wave ultrasound elastography could be used to evaluate risk
      factors of MTSS.

PMID- 27129902
TI  - Cortical Representation of a Myopic Peripapillary Crescent.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine how formation of an acquired myopic crescent adjacent to
      the optic disc affects metabolic activity in the primary visual cortex. DESIGN:
      Laboratory animal study. PARTICIPANTS: Three macaque monkeys. METHODS: The blind
      spot region in the primary visual cortex was labeled by cytochrome oxidase (CO)
      histochemistry analysis or [(3)H]proline autoradiography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Visualization of the representation of the blind spot and myopic peripapillary
      crescent in the visual cortex. RESULTS: In high myopia, a region resembling the
      myopic peripapillary crescent was visible in cortical sections processed for CO.
      In this region, metabolic activity was reduced in ocular dominance columns that
      normally would be driven by input from retina corresponding to the myopic
      peripapillary crescent. CONCLUSIONS: The formation of a myopic crescent is
      accompanied by loss of metabolic activity in the cortex supplied by the affected
      retina. This observation confirms that retinal tissue is damaged by the
      development of a myopic crescent, rather than simply translocated in a temporal
      direction. The cortical defect matches the myopic peripapillary crescent in size
      and shape, indicating that fill-in of the retinotopic map by healthy, surrounding
      retina does not occur.

PMID- 27129904
TI  - Isostructurality Among 5 Solvatomorphs of Betulin: X-Ray Structure and
      Characterization.
AB  - Betulin (BE), a triterpene found in many plant species, has recently attracted
      the attention of researchers because of its important physiological and
      pharmacological properties, such as anti-HIV and anticancer activities. Studies
      have revealed the solvatomorphism of BE (I with dimethyl sulfoxide and III with
      ethanol, named by author), which means more solvatomorphs may be obtained when
      different solvents are used during crystallization. After solid-form screening
      tests, 3 new solvatomorphs of BE with methanol (II), n-propanol (IV), and
      isopropanol (V) were obtained. In this work, 5 BE solvatomorphs were
      characterized by X-ray powder diffractometric, thermogravimetric, and Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopic analyses. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was
      used to analyze the X-ray structures of the compounds, and all 5 solvatomorphs
      were proven to be isostructral. Change in the crystal symmetry, intermolecular
      arrangements, stoichiometry, and hydrogen bonding interactions of the
      solvatomorphs resulted from solvent incorporation to the solvates. Solvatomorphs
      II, IV, and V, along with their single-crystal structures, were reported for the
      first time.

PMID- 27129905
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Folate-Decorated Human Serum Albumin
      Loaded With Nano-Hydroxycamptothecin for Tumor Targeting.
AB  - The goal of this work is to develop the method of preparing folate (FA)-decorated
      human serum albumin (HSA) loaded with nano-hydroxycamptothecin (nHCPT)
      nanoparticles (NPs) (FA-HSA-nHCPT-NPs) and to explore its antitumor activity in
      vivo and in vitro. FA-HSA-nHCPT-NPs were obtained by preparing nHCPT by a high
      pressure homogenization technique followed with an anti-solvent method. The drug
      loading efficiency of the FA-HSA-nHCPT-NPs was 7.8%. We adopted the human breast
      cancer cells (FA receptor-expressing MCF-7 cells) and BALB/c mice inoculated with
      human MCF-7 cells to determine the antitumor activity of FA-HSA-nHCPT-NPs in
      vitro and in vivo, respectively. The antitumor activity of FA-HSA-nHCPT-NPs was
      stronger than that of the raw HCPT in both conditions. Tissue distribution
      analysis showed that the FA-HSA-nHCPT-NPs carried more HCPT to tumors than the
      raw HCPT. The tumor inhibitory rate of FA-HSA-nHCPT-NPs was much higher compared
      with the raw HCPT. Th7us, the FA-HSA-nHCPT-NPs could serve as a viable delivery
      system with an obvious target effect on tumor.

PMID- 27129906
TI  - The differential mortality of Glasgow Coma Score in patients with and without
      head injury.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The GCS was created forty years ago as a measure of impaired
      consciousness following head injury and thus the association of GCS with
      mortality in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is expected. The
      association of GCS with mortality in patients without TBI (non-TBI) has been
      assumed to be similar. However, if this assumption is incorrect mortality
      prediction models incorporating GCS as a predictor will need to be revised.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine if the association of GCS with mortality is influenced by
      the presence of TBI. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Using the National Trauma Data
      Bank (2012; N=639,549) we categorized patients as isolated TBI (12.8%), isolated
      non-TBI (33%), both (4.8%), or neither (49.4%) based on the presence of AIS codes
      of severity 3 or greater. We compared the ability GCS to discriminate survivors
      from non-survivors in TBI and in non-TBI patients using logistic models. We also
      estimated the odds ratios of death for TBI and non-TBI patients at each value of
      GCS using linear combinations of coefficients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Death during
      hospital admission. RESULTS: As the sole predictor in a logistic model GCS
      discriminated survivors from non-survivors at an acceptable level (c
      statistic=0.76), but discriminated better in the case of TBI patients (c
      statistic=0.81) than non-TBI patients (c-statistic=0.70). In both unadjusted and
      covariate adjusted models TBI patients were about twice as likely to die as non
      TBI patients with the same GCS for GCS values<8; for GCS values>8 TBI and non-TBI
      patients were at similar risk of dying. CONCLUSIONS: A depressed GCS predicts
      death better in TBI patients than non-TBI patients, likely because in non-TBI
      patients a depressed GCS may simply be the result of entirely reversible
      intoxication by alcohol or drugs; in TBI patients, by contrast, a depressed GCS
      is more ominous because it is likely due to a head injury with its attendant
      threat to survival. Accounting for this observation into trauma mortality
      datasets and models may improve the accuracy of outcome prediction.

PMID- 27129907
TI  - Traction table versus manual traction in the intramedullary nailing of unstable
      intertrochanteric fractures: A prospective randomized trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to compare
      traction table with manual traction for the reduction and nailing of unstable
      intertrochanteric femur fractures. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, two-center
      trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 72 elderly patients with AO/OTA 31A2 and 31A3
      proximal femur fractures were randomized to undergo surgery with either manual
      traction (MT) or traction table (TT) facilitated intramedullary nailing. The
      demographics and fracture characteristics, duration of preparation and surgery,
      total anaesthesia time, fluoroscopy time, blood loss, number of assistants, early
      post-operative radiological evaluations and 6th month functional and radiological
      outcomes were evaluated. Data of 64 patients attending 6th month follow-up
      examination were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: No significant differences
      were observed between groups regarding demographics and fracture characteristics.
      In the manual traction group, there was a significant time gain in respect of the
      positioning and preparation period (18.0+/-1.6min in MT group, 29.0+/-2.4min in
      TT group) (p<0.05). In terms of total anaesthesia time (Preparation+surgery)
      approximately 6min of difference was observed in favor of MT group (72.8+/
      14.0min for MT and 78.6+/-6.5min for TT, [p<0.05]). Median number of assistants
      needed was significantly lower in TT group (2 assistants [1-3]) in MT group and
      (1 assistant [1,2]) in TT group [p<0.05]). There was no significant difference
      between two groups regarding other surgical and outcome parameters. CONCLUSIONS:
      Manual traction reduced the preparation time and total anaesthesia duration,
      despite an increase in number of surgical assistant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

PMID- 27129908
TI  - Anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament anatomical repair and augmentation versus
      trans-syndesmosis screw fixation for the syndesmotic instability in external
      rotation type ankle fracture with posterior malleolus involvement: A prospective
      and comparative study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Syndesmosis injury is common in external-rotation type ankle fractures
      (ERAF). Trans-syndesmosis screw fixation, the gold-standard treatment, is
      currently controversial for its complications and biomechanical disadvantages.
      The purpose of this study was to introduce a new method of anatomically repairing
      the anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) and augmentation with anchor
      rope system to treat the syndesmotic instability in ERAF with posterior malleolus
      involvement and to compare its clinical outcomes with that of trans-syndesmosis
      screw fixation. METHODS: 53 ERAFs with posterior malleolus involvement received
      surgery, and the syndesmosis was still unstable after fracture fixation. They
      were randomised into screw fixation group and AITFL anatomical repair with
      augmentation group. Reduction quality, syndesmosis diastasis recurrence, pain
      (VAS score), time back to work, Olerud-Molander ankle score and range of motion
      (ROM) of ankle were investigated. RESULTS: Olerud-Molander score in AITFL repair
      group and screw group was 90.4 and 85.8 at 12-month follow-up (P>0.05). Plantar
      flexion was 31.2 degrees  and 34.3 degrees  in repair and screw groups (P=0.04).
      Mal-reduction happened in 5 cases (19.2%) in screw group while 2 cases (7.4%) in
      repair group. Postoperative syndesmosis re-diastasis occurred in 3 cases in screw
      group while zero in repair group (P>0.05). Pain score was similar between the two
      groups (P>0.05). Overall complication rate and back to work time were 26.9% and
      3.7% (P=0.04), 7.15 months and 5.26 months (P=0.02) in screw group and repair
      group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For syndesmotic instability in ERAF with
      posterior malleolus involvement, the method of AITFL anatomical repair and
      augmentation with anchor rope system had an equivalent functional outcome and
      reduction, earlier rehabilitation and less complication compared with screw
      fixation. It can be selected as an alternative.

PMID- 27129909
TI  - Functional outcome and general health status after treatment of AO type 43 distal
      tibial fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Distal tibial fractures are uncommon, but they result in poor
      overall outcome. The objective of this study was to assess functional outcome and
      general health status after the treatment of distal tibial fractures and identify
      factors that affect these outcome measures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective
      cohort study including 118 AO type 43 distal tibial fractures in 116 patients was
      conducted. With regard to articular involvement, fractures were classified as
      either simple (A1-B2, n=70) or complex (B3-C3, n=48). Twenty relevant demographic
      and operative variables were studied. Functional outcome, quality of life and
      pain were assessed using the Foot Function Index (FFI) and AOFAS ankle score,
      physical and mental SF-36, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) questionnaires,
      respectively. RESULTS: Over 75% of patients experienced noteworthy loss of ankle
      function. The general health status assessment showed markedly affected quality
      of life with more than two-third of all responding patients suffering from pain
      every day. In fact, complex fractures and increased complication rate were
      associated with worse functional outcome, whereas prolonged time to definite
      surgery affected both functional outcome and general health status significantly.
      CONCLUSIONS: Complex distal tibial fractures were associated with poor functional
      outcome scores and delayed (-staged) surgery has been shown to prevent
      postoperative soft tissue problems. However, soft tissue injury associated with
      distal tibial fractures itself affected both the postoperative functional outcome
      and general health status as well. This should contribute to the understanding of
      treatment and outcome of distal tibial fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27129910
TI  - Cutaneous sinus tract of dental origin.

PMID- 27129911
TI  - Approaches to managing uncertainty in people with life-limiting conditions: role
      of communication and palliative care.
AB  - Patients with any major illness can expect to experience uncertainty about the
      nature of their illness, its treatment and their prognosis. Prognostic
      uncertainty is a particular source of patient distress among those living with
      life-limiting disease. Uncertainty also affects professionals and it has been
      argued that the level of professional tolerance of uncertainty can affect levels
      of investigation as well as healthcare resource use. We know that the way in
      which uncertainty is recognised, managed and communicated can have important
      impacts on patients' treatment and quality of life. Current approaches to
      uncertainty in life-limiting illness include the use of care bundles and
      approaches that focus on communication and education. The experience in
      communicating in difficult situations that specialist palliative care
      professionals can provide may also be of benefit for patients with life-limiting
      illness in the context of uncertainty. While there are a number of promising
      approaches to uncertainty, as yet few interventions targeted at recognising and
      addressing uncertainty have been fully evaluated and further research is needed
      in this area. 

PMID- 27129912
TI  - Exploring situational awareness in emergency medicine: developing a shared mental
      model to enhance training and assessment.
AB  - Non-technical skills (NTS) are gaining increasing prominence within the field of
      emergency medicine. Situational awareness (SA), one key component of NTS, is a
      key skill for emergency physicians (EPs) during initial training and throughout
      their career. Furthermore, the majority of frameworks used to evaluate clinical
      performance incorporate SA as one key component. This review seeks to define and
      explore the concept of SA within the context of emergency medicine. We describe
      SA at an individual, team and departmental level. Development of this ability
      enables EPs to function effectively within the challenging environment of the
      emergency department (ED). Enhancing our understanding of SA may develop the
      cognitive process that underpins our clinical performance. We propose a model for
      consideration to support evaluation and training of SA within the ED, linking the
      model to the novice expert continuum.

PMID- 27129913
TI  - Continuation Rate of Atypical Antipsychotics After Discharge When Initiated in
      the Intensive Care Unit.
AB  - PURPOSE: The frequency with which atypical antipsychotics initiated in the
      intensive care unit (ICU) is unknown. While there is lack of evidence to support
      the exact duration of treatment, antipsychotics should not be continued
      chronically for agitation and psychosis related to critical illness. The
      objective of this study was to determine whether atypical antipsychotics
      initiated in the ICU at a large tertiary academic medical center were continued
      after hospital discharge. Safety outcomes were also assessed. MATERIALS: A total
      of 1023 patients who received atypical antipsychotics during ICU stay were
      identified. Patients were assessed in a pseudo-randomized fashion until a sample
      of 191 patients was reached. After review of the exclusion criteria, the final
      study population was 100 patients. When antipsychotics were discontinued,
      progress notes were reviewed to identify the reason for discontinuation. Safety
      outcomes were assessed based on physician documentation in the medical charts.
      RESULTS: Atypical antipsychotics were continued in 23% of patients. Atypical
      antipsychotics were discontinued in 1 patient due to QTc prolongation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Atypical antipsychotics initiated in the ICU are frequently
      continued after hospital discharge. Given the known risks associated with
      extended therapy, initiatives are needed to prevent inappropriate continuation.

PMID- 27129914
TI  - Treatment Considerations and the Role of the Clinical Pharmacist Throughout
      Transitions of Care for Patients With Acute Heart Failure.
AB  - Heart failure is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality,
      resulting in substantial health-care costs. Clinical pharmacists have an
      opportunity to reduce health-care costs and improve disease management as
      patients transition from inpatient to outpatient care by leading interventions to
      develop patient care plans, educate patients and clinicians, prevent adverse drug
      reactions, reconcile medications, monitor drug levels, and improve medication
      access and adherence. Through these methods, clinical pharmacists are able to
      reduce rates of hospitalization, readmission, and mortality. In addition, care by
      clinical pharmacists can improve dosing levels and adherence to guideline
      directed therapies. A greater benefit in patient management occurs when clinical
      pharmacists collaborate with other members of the health-care team, emphasizing
      the importance of heart failure treatment by a multidisciplinary health-care
      team. Education is a key area in which clinical pharmacists can improve care of
      patients with heart failure and should not be limited to patients. Clinical
      pharmacists should provide education to all members of the health-care team and
      introduce them to new therapies that may further improve the management of heart
      failure. The objective of this review is to detail the numerous opportunities
      that clinical pharmacists have to improve the management of heart failure and
      reduce health-care costs as part of a multidisciplinary health-care team.

PMID- 27129915
TI  - Airway damage of prematurity: The impact of prolonged intubation, ventilation,
      and chronic lung disease.
AB  - Over the past four decades, advances in neonatal intensive care have led to the
      survival of smaller and more immature infants. The improved survival of very low
      birth weight infants is associated with long term respiratory morbidity, most
      frequently in the form of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In this review, we will
      discuss the pathogenesis, risk factor as well as management of commonly seen
      acquired airway disorders associated with prematurity, prolonged intubation and
      ventilation. 

PMID- 27129916
TI  - Novel Zn-based MOFs stationary phase with large pores for capillary
      electrochromatography.
AB  - Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are attractive stationary phases in the field of
      separation sciences for their unique properties such as large specific surface
      areas, high porosity, and diverse structures. However, there are few MOFs, which
      have ultrahigh porosities and gas uptake capacities. In this work, MOF-180 with
      exceptional porosity, a cage size of 15 * 23 A, was grown on inner wall of
      capillary as a novel stationary phase for open-tubular CEC. It has been
      demonstrated that the MOF-180-modified capillary column exhibited good
      performance for separation of acidic, basic, and neutral analytes. As compared
      with MOF-199-modified column, MOF-180-modified column exhibited specific
      recognition and size selectivity to the tested compounds. The characteristics
      observed by SEM and FTIR indicated that MOF-180 was successfully grafted on the
      inner wall of the capillary. The precisions (RSDs) of retention time, peak area,
      and W1/2 for methylbenzene, ethylbenzene, n-propylbenzene, chlorobenzene, o
      dichlorobenzene, and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene were 0.50-0.54%, 3.31-4.13%, 0.35
      1.61%, 1.73-4.22%, 2.67-4.37%, and 1.60-3.38%, respectively. Besides, the run-to
      run, day-to-day, and column-to-column RSDs of EOF were 0.6%, 4.19%, and 4.31%,
      respectively.

PMID- 27129918
TI  - Four Cases of Spontaneous Neoplasia in the Naked Mole-Rat (Heterocephalus
      glaber), A Putative Cancer-Resistant Species.
AB  - The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) is widely acclaimed to be cancer
      resistant and of considerable research interest based on a paucity of reports of
      neoplasia in this species. We have, however, encountered four spontaneous cases
      of neoplasia and one presumptive case of neoplasia through routine necropsy and
      biopsy of individuals in a zoo collection of nonhybrid naked mole-rats bred from
      a single pair. One case each of metastasizing hepatocellular carcinoma,
      nephroblastoma (Wilms' tumor), and multicentric lymphosarcoma, as well as
      presumptive esophageal adenocarcinoma (Barrett's esophagus-like) was identified
      postmortem among 37 nonautolyzed necropsy submissions of naked mole-rats over 1
      year-old that were submitted for necropsy between 1998 and August 2015. One
      incidental case of cutaneous hemangioma was also identified antemortem by skin
      biopsy from one naked mole-rat examined for trauma.

PMID- 27129917
TI  - Risk Factors Associated With Cognitive, Functional, and Behavioral Trajectories
      of Newly Diagnosed Dementia Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dementia results in changes in cognition, function, and behavior. We
      examine the effect of sociodemographic and clinical risk factors on cognitive,
      functional, and behavioral declines in incident dementia patients. METHODS: We
      used longitudinal data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center to
      evaluate cognitive (Mini-Mental State Exam [MMSE]), functional (Functional
      Activities Questionnaire [FAQ]), and behavioral (Neuropsychiatric Inventory
      Questionnaire [NPI-Q] severity score) trajectories for incident dementia patients
      over an 8-year period. We evaluated trajectories of 457 patients with mixed
      effects linear regression models. RESULTS: In the first year, cognition worsened
      by -1.518 (95% confidence interval [CI] -1.745, -1.291) MMSE points (0-30 scale).
      Education, race, and region of residence predicted cognition at diagnosis. Age of
      onset, geographic region of residence, and history of hypertension and congestive
      heart failure predicted cognitive changes. Function worsened by 3.464 (95% CI
      3.131, 3.798) FAQ points in the first year (0-30 scale). Cognition, gender, race,
      region of residence and place of residence, and a history of stroke and
      hypercholesterolemia predicted function at diagnosis. Place of residence and a
      history of diabetes predicted functional changes. Behavioral symptoms worsened by
      0.354 (95% CI 0.123, 0.585) NPI-Q points in the first year (0-36 scale). Age of
      onset, region of residence, and history of hypertension and psychiatric problems
      predicted behaviors at diagnosis. Cognition explained changes in behavior.
      CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical comorbidities predict
      cognitive and functional changes. Only cognitive status explains behavioral
      decline. Results provide an understanding of the characteristics that impact
      cognitive, functional, and behavioral decline.

PMID- 27129919
TI  - Mechanistic investigations of matrix metalloproteinase-8 inhibition by metal
      abstraction peptide.
AB  - The mechanism of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) inhibition was investigated
      using ellipsometric measurements of the interaction of MMP-8 with a surface bound
      peptide inhibitor, tether-metal abstraction peptide (MAP), bound to self
      assembled monolayer films. MMP-8 is a collagenase whose activity and
      dysregulation have been implicated in a number of disease states, including
      cancer metastasis, diabetic neuropathy, and degradation of biomedical
      reconstructions, including dental restorations. Regulation of activity of MMP-8
      and other matrix metalloproteinases is thus a significant, but challenging,
      therapeutic target. Strong inhibition of MMP-8 activity has recently been
      achieved via the small metal binding peptide tether-MAP. Here, the authors
      elucidate the mechanism of this inhibition and demonstrate that it occurs through
      the direct interaction of the MAP Tag and the Zn(2+) binding site in the MMP-8
      active site. This enhanced understanding of the mechanism of inhibition will
      allow the design of more potent inhibitors as well as assays important for
      monitoring critical MMP levels in disease states. 

PMID- 27129920
TI  - Monitoring iCCM referral systems: Bugoye Integrated Community Case Management
      Initiative (BIMI) in Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Uganda, over half of under-five child mortality is attributed to
      three infectious diseases: malaria, pneumonia and diarrhoea. Integrated community
      case management (iCCM) trains village health workers (VHWs) to provide in-home
      diagnosis and treatment of these common childhood illnesses. For severely ill
      children, iCCM relies on a functioning referral system to ensure timely treatment
      at a health facility. However, referral completion rates vary widely among iCCM
      programmes and are difficult to monitor. The Bugoye Integrated Community Case
      Management Initiative (BIMI) is an iCCM programme operating in Bugoye sub-county,
      Uganda. This case study describes BIMI's experience with monitoring referral
      completion at Bugoye Health Centre III (BHC), and outlines improvements to be
      made within iCCM referral systems. METHODS: This study triangulated multiple data
      sources to evaluate the strengths and gaps in the BIMI referral system. Three
      quantitative data sources were reviewed: (1) VHW report of referred patients, (2)
      referral forms found at BHC, and (3) BHC patient records. These data sources were
      collated and triangulated from January-December 2014. The goal was to determine
      if patients were completing their referrals and if referrals were adequately
      documented using routine data sources. RESULTS: From January-December 2014, there
      were 268 patients referred to BHC, as documented by VHWs. However, only 52 of
      these patients had referral forms stored at BHC. Of the 52 referral forms found,
      22 of these patients were also found in BHC register books recorded by clinic
      staff. Thus, the study found a mismatch between VHW reports of patient referrals
      and the referral visits documented at BHC. This discrepancy may indicate several
      gaps: (1) referred patients may not be completing their referral, (2) referral
      forms may be getting lost at BHC, and, (3) referred patients may be going to
      other health facilities or drug shops, rather than BHC, for their referral.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the challenges of effectively monitoring
      iCCM referral completion, given identified limitations such as discordant data
      sources, incomplete record keeping and lack of unique identifiers. There is a
      need to innovate and improve the ways by which referral compliance is monitored
      using routine data, in order to improve the percentage of referrals completed.
      Through research and field experience, this study proposes programmatic and
      technological solutions to rectify these gaps within iCCM programmes facing
      similar challenges. With improved monitoring, VHWs will be empowered to increase
      referral completion, allowing critically ill children to access needed health
      services.

PMID- 27129921
TI  - A simultaneous examination of two forms of working memory training: Evidence for
      near transfer only.
AB  - The efficacy of working-memory training is a topic of considerable debate, with
      some studies showing transfer to measures such as fluid intelligence while others
      have not. We report the results of a study designed to examine two forms of
      working-memory training, one using a spatial n-back and the other a verbal
      complex span. Thirty-one undergraduates completed 4 weeks of n-back training and
      32 completed 4 weeks of verbal complex span training. We also included two active
      control groups. One group trained on a non-adaptive version of n-back and the
      other trained on a real-time strategy video game. All participants completed pre-
      and post-training measures of a large battery of transfer tasks used to create
      composite measures of short-term and working memory in both verbal and visuo
      spatial domains as well as verbal reasoning and fluid intelligence. We only found
      clear evidence for near transfer from the spatial n-back training to new forms of
      n-back, and this was the case for both adaptive and non-adaptive n-back.

PMID- 27129922
TI  - Distinct IL-7 signaling in recent thymic emigrants versus mature naive T cells
      controls T-cell homeostasis.
AB  - IL-7 is essential for T-cell survival but its availability is limited in vivo.
      Consequently, all peripheral T cells, including recent thymic emigrants (RTEs)
      are constantly competing for IL-7 to survive. RTEs are required to replenish TCR
      diversity and rejuvenate the peripheral T-cell pool. However, it remains unknown
      how RTEs successfully compete with resident mature T cells for IL-7. Moreover,
      RTEs express low levels of IL-7 receptors, presumably rendering them even less
      competitive. Here, we show that, surprisingly, RTEs are more responsive to IL-7
      than mature naive T cells as demonstrated by markedly increased STAT5
      phosphorylation upon IL-7 stimulation. Nonetheless, adoptive transfer of RTE
      cells into lymphopenic host mice resulted in slower IL-7-induced homeostatic
      proliferation and diminished expansion compared to naive donor T cells.
      Mechanistically, we found that IL-7 signaling in RTEs preferentially upregulated
      expression of Bcl-2, which is anti-apoptotic but also anti-proliferative. In
      contrast, naive T cells showed diminished Bcl-2 induction but greater
      proliferative response to IL-7. Collectively, these data indicate that IL-7
      responsiveness in RTE is designed to maximize survival at the expense of reduced
      proliferation, consistent with RTE serving as a subpopulation of T cells rich in
      diversity but not in frequency.

PMID- 27129923
TI  - "No patient left behind": an alternative to "the War on Cancer" metaphor.
AB  - The War on Cancer began with President Nixon's National Cancer Act of 1971.
      Treatment-related 'collateral damage' to healthy cells and tissues that reduces
      quality of life is an unfortunate but inevitable consequence of the overriding
      imperative to "win the war." In the face of a quality of life decrement, patients
      are encouraged with militaristic turns-of-phrases to "soldier on," "fight it,"
      and "never say die." Rather than this dysfunctional imagery, which relegates
      patients to the status of mere cogs in the ever-grinding wheel of the clinical
      war machine and encourages the practice of disease-centered medicine, we propose
      an alternate analogy/organizing principle borrowed from the realm of education:
      No patient left behind. 

PMID- 27129924
TI  - Positive allosteric modulators of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors affect
      neither the function of other ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels and
      acetylcholinesterase, nor beta-amyloid content.
AB  - The activity of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of alpha7 nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), including 3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide (PAM
      2), 3-furan-2-yl-N-o-tolylacrylamide (PAM-3), and 3-furan-2-yl-N-phenylacrylamide
      (PAM-4), was tested on a variety of ligand- [i.e., human (h) alpha7, rat (r)
      alpha9alpha10, halpha3-containing AChRs, mouse (m) 5-HT3AR, and several glutamate
      receptors (GluRs)] and voltage-gated (i.e., sodium and potassium) ion channels,
      as well as on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and beta-amyloid (Abeta) content. The
      functional results indicate that PAM-2 inhibits halpha3-containing AChRs
      (IC50=26+/-6MUM) with higher potency than that for NR1aNR2B and NR1aNR2A, two
      NMDA-sensitive GluRs. PAM-2 affects neither the activity of m5-HT3ARs, GluR5/KA2
      (a kainate-sensitive GluR), nor AChE, and PAM-4 does not affect agonist-activated
      ralpha9alpha10 AChRs. Relevant clinical concentrations of PAM-2-4 do not inhibit
      Nav1.2 and Kv3.1 ion channels. These PAMs slightly enhance the activity of GluR1
      and GluR2, two AMPA-sensitive GluRs. PAM-2 does not change the levels of Abeta42
      in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model (i.e., 5XFAD). The molecular docking and
      dynamics results using the halpha7 model suggest that the active sites for PAM-2
      include the intrasubunit (i.e., PNU-120596 locus) and intersubunit sites. These
      results support our previous study showing that these PAMs are selective for the
      alpha7 AChR, and clarify that the procognitive/promnesic/antidepressant activity
      of PAM-2 is not mediated by other targets.

PMID- 27129925
TI  - Stimulation by pro-apoptotic valinomycin of cytosolic NADH/cytochrome c electron
      transport pathway-Effect of SH reagents.
AB  - Intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis are both characterised by the presence of
      cytochrome c (cyto-c) in the cytosol. We present data on the extra-mitochondrial
      NADH oxidation catalysed by exogenous (cytosolic) cyto-c, as a possible answer to
      the paradox of apoptosis being an energy-dependent program but characterized by
      the impairment of the respiratory chain. The reduction of molecular oxygen
      induced by the cytosolic NADH/cyto-c pathway is coupled to the generation of an
      electrochemical proton gradient available for ATP synthesis. Original findings
      show that SH reagents inhibit the NADH/cyto-c system with a conformational change
      mechanism. The mitochondrial integrity-test of sulfite oxidase unequivocally
      demonstrates that this enzyme (120kDa) can be released outside but exogenous cyto
      c (12.5kDa) does not permeate into mitochondria. Valinomycin at 2nM stimulates
      both the energy-dependent reversible mitochondrial swelling and the NADH/cyto-c
      oxidation pathway. The pro-apoptotic activity of valinomycin, as well as to the
      dissipation of membrane potential, can be also ascribed to the increased activity
      of the NADH/cyto-c oxidation pathway useful as an additional source of energy for
      apoptosis. It can be speculated that the activation of the NADH/cyto-c system
      coupled to valinomycin-induced mitochondrial osmotic swelling may represent a
      strategy to activate apoptosis in confined solid tumours.

PMID- 27129926
TI  - Sociodemographic characteristics associated with alcohol use among low-income
      Mexican older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite increasing concern about the quality of life of older adults,
      little is known about characteristics associated with health risk behaviors among
      older adults in middle-income countries. This study relied on unique longitudinal
      data to examine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and
      alcohol use among low-income older adults, one of the fastest-growing populations
      worldwide. METHODS: This multilevel longitudinal analysis involved three waves of
      data (2008-2010) from 2,351 adults aged 70 or older in Yucatan, Mexico.
      Multilevel regressions models were used to test interactions among gender,
      speaking Mayan (indigenous language), and socioeconomic status to understand
      conditions associated with the odds of current alcohol use and the frequency and
      amount of alcohol use. RESULTS: Half of the participants in this study report
      consuming alcohol in their lifetime, 21.58 % of whom were current alcohol users.
      Older adults reported consuming alcohol 1.15 days a week and 1.60 drinks per day.
      Speaking Mayan was associated with lower odds of current alcohol use. However,
      men who spoke Mayan reported higher odds of drinking alcohol compared to women
      and non-Mayan (Spanish) speakers. The positive relationship between socioeconomic
      status and alcohol use was also moderated by gender (male). CONCLUSIONS: Findings
      show that older and Mayan populations had lower odds of drinking in Yucatan,
      Mexico, whereas men were at highest risk of drinking alcohol, after adjusting for
      ethnic culture and socioeconomic status. Implications for health policy and
      epidemiological studies on substance use among older adults residing in low
      income settings are discussed.

PMID- 27129927
TI  - The ethics of community-based research with people who use drugs: results of a
      scoping review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug user networks and community-based organizations advocate for
      greater, meaningful involvement of people with lived experience of drug use in
      research, programs and services, and policy initiatives. Community-based
      approaches to research provide an opportunity to engage people who use drugs in
      all stages of the research process. Conducting community-based participatory
      research (CBPR) with people who use drugs has its own ethical challenges that are
      not necessarily acknowledged or supported by institutional ethics review boards.
      We conducted a scoping review to identify ethical issues in CBPR with people who
      use drugs that were documented in peer-reviewed and grey literature. METHODS: The
      search strategy focused on three areas; community-based research, ethical issues,
      and drug use. Searches of five academic databases were conducted in addition to a
      grey literature search, hand-searching, and consultation with organizational
      partners and key stakeholders. Peer reviewed literature and community reports
      published in English between 1985 and 2013 were included, with initial screening
      conducted by two reviewers. RESULTS: The search strategy produced a total of 874
      references. Twenty-five references met the inclusion criteria and were included
      in our thematic analysis. Five areas were identified as important to the ethics
      of CBPR with people who use drugs: 1) participant compensation, 2) drug user
      perspectives on CBPR, 3) peer recruitment and representation in CBPR, 4) capacity
      building, and 5) participation and inclusion in CBPR. CONCLUSIONS: We critically
      discuss implications of the emerging research in this field and provide
      suggestions for future research and practice.

PMID- 27129928
TI  - [Addison's disease : Primary adrenal insufficiency].
AB  - Adrenal insufficiency, a rare disorder which is characterized by the inadequate
      production or absence of adrenal hormones, may be classified as primary adrenal
      insufficiency in case of direct affection of the adrenal glands or secondary
      adrenal insufficiency, which is mostly due to pituitary or hypothalamic disease.
      Primary adrenal insufficiency affects 11 of 100,000 individuals. Clinical
      symptoms are mainly nonspecific and include fatigue, weight loss, and
      hypotension. The diagnostic test of choice is dynamic testing with synthetic
      ACTH. Patients suffering from chronic adrenal insufficiency require lifelong
      hormone supplementation. Education in dose adaption during physical and mental
      stress or emergency situations is essential to prevent life-threatening adrenal
      crises. Patients with adrenal insufficiency should carry an emergency card and
      emergency kit with them. 

PMID- 27129929
TI  - Genetic prediction of the effectiveness of biologics for psoriasis treatment.
AB  - Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha therapy is used for the treatment of
      psoriasis, with varying outcomes. However, the specific cause of inadequate
      response or treatment failure remains unknown. The aim of the present study was
      to identify useful clinical biomarkers for predicting therapeutic responses or to
      serve as new drug targets for refractory psoriasis cases. We performed a genome
      wide association study (GWAS) of 65 psoriasis patients who were prospectively
      followed after beginning anti-TNF-alpha therapy using Human Omni Express-8 v1.2
      Beadchips. Patients were enrolled at the dermatology departments of Kobe
      University Hospital and six collaborative hospitals. Associations between single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and changes in the Psoriasis Area and Severity
      Index (PASI) after 12 weeks of treatment were evaluated. After genome data
      collection and quality control, a total of 731 442 SNPs were identified in 65
      Asian psoriasis patients who were treated with adalimumab or infliximab. Here, we
      present 10 SNPs, such as those in JAG2 and ADRA2A, that were associated with
      treatment responses to anti-TNF-alpha agents (strongest effect, P < 7.11E-06).
      This is the first GWAS to examine SNP associated with treatment responses in
      psoriasis patients. In addition, we identified other SNP that exhibited potential
      associations with anti-TNF-alpha treatment response, which merit further study.
      Of these, rs11096957 on TLR10, which is associated with increased TNF-alpha
      production, was previously reported to be associated with treatment responses to
      TNF-alpha inhibitors.

PMID- 27129930
TI  - Levodopa and neuropathy risk in patients with Parkinson disease: Effect of COMT
      inhibition.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether the use of catechol-O
      methyltransferase-inhibitors (ICOMT) can reduce the risk of developing levodopa
      (LD)-induced neuropathy in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. METHODS: A
      multicentre study of 197 PD patients was performed. 144 were exposed to LD for
      more than three years (LELD group); 53 simultaneously assumed Entacapone for at
      least eighteen months (LELD_ICOMT group). RESULTS: The prevalence of neuropathy
      in LELD patients was 19.4% whereas it was 5.7% in LELD_ICOMT group with a
      significant difference (p = 0.025). In LELD_ICOMT cohort the daily LD dose and
      serum VB12 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.0001), the serum Hcy levels
      were significantly lower (p = 0.001) compared to LELD group. CONCLUSION: Our
      results suggest that ICOMT could have a protective effect on the development of
      LD-induced neuropathy. Their action probably occurs through the metabolic
      rebalancing of the one-carbon-pathway cycle and is independent of the PD duration
      and severity and the duration of LD intake.

PMID- 27129932
TI  - Functional gallbladder disease: Operative trends and short-term outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to increasing rates of functional gallbladder disease (FGBD), we
      used national data to compare rates, patient characteristics, and outcomes of
      cholecystectomy for FGBD with the more defined diagnosis of biliary colic.
      METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement
      Program was reviewed for elective cholecystectomies from 2005-2013. The
      proportion of cholecystectomies performed for FGBD was assessed over time using a
      2-sided Cochran-Armitage test for trend. Cholecystectomy for FGBD was compared
      with that for biliary colic using univariate analysis, multivariable logistic,
      and Cox proportional hazard regressions. RESULTS: Of 156,322 patients undergoing
      cholecystectomy, 5,161 (3.3%) had FGBD. FGBD as an indication for cholecystectomy
      remained stable over time (3.4% in 2006 to 3.2% in 2013, P = .29). Compared with
      biliary colic, patients with FGBD were more likely <50 years old, non-Hispanic
      white, female, and had a body mass index <25 (all P < .001), while comorbidities
      were similar (P > .05). While differences in outcomes were seen on univariate
      analysis, on multivariable analysis, only duration of stay was significantly less
      for FGBD than biliary colic. Surgery residents were involved in 61.2% of the
      biliary colic versus 53.9% of FGBD cases (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The rate of FGBD
      as an indication for cholecystectomy is not increasing overall, but
      cholecystectomy may be more commonly performed at nonacademic hospitals. While
      cholecystectomy for FGBD appears safe, the outcomes are comparable to
      cholecystectomy for biliary colic and thus are not without risk.

PMID- 27129931
TI  - Prevalence of pseudoresistant hypertension due to inaccurate blood pressure
      measurement.
AB  - The prevalence of pseudoresistant hypertension (HTN) due to inaccurate BP
      measurement remains unknown. Triage BP measurements and measurements obtained at
      the same clinic visit by trained physicians were compared in consecutive adult
      patients referred for uncontrolled resistant HTN (RHTN). Triage BP measurements
      were taken by the clinic staff during normal intake procedures. BP measurements
      were obtained by trained physicians using the BpTRU (VSM Med Tech Ltd. Coquitlam,
      Canada) device. The prevalence of uncontrolled RHTN and differences in BP
      measurements were compared. Of 130 patients with uncontrolled RHTN, 33.1% (n =
      43) were falsely identified as having uncontrolled RHTN based on triage BP
      measurements. The median (inter-quartile range) of differences in systolic BP
      between pseudoresistant and true resistant groups were 23 (17-33) mm Hg and 13 (6
      21) mm Hg, respectively (P = .0001). The median (inter-quartile range) of
      differences in diastolic BP between the two groups were 12 (7-18) mm Hg and 8 (4
      11) mm Hg, respectively (P = .001). Triage BP technique overestimated the
      prevalence of uncontrolled RHTN in approximately 33% of the patients emphasizing
      the importance of obtaining accurate BP measurements.

PMID- 27129933
TI  - Long-term outcome after adrenalectomy for incidentally diagnosed subclinical
      cortisol-secreting adenomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of subclinical cortisol-secreting adenomas (SCSAs) is
      controversial, and available evidence to assess the superiority of an operative
      versus a nonoperative approach is lacking. The aim of this work was to report the
      postoperative results and the long-term outcomes for patients with incidentally
      diagnosed SCSAs and to compare the results with those of patients who underwent
      an operation for cortisol-secreting adenomas (CSAs). METHODS: From 1994-2011, 107
      consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy for either
      an SCSA (n = 39) or a CSA (n = 68). Preoperatively, all patients underwent
      standardized clinical, hormonal, and imaging assessments. Patients were followed
      up for >=2 years with serial assessments of body weight, blood pressure, and
      glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c. RESULTS: Operative resection of SCSAs and CSAs did
      not significantly differ regarding operative time, conversion rate, overall
      operative and medical morbidity, and duration of stay. For SCSAs, the comparison
      between preoperative status and 2-year assessment showed a median weight loss of
      6% (P < .001), a decrease in the median HbA1c of 15% (P < .001), and an
      improvement or normalization of blood pressure in 50% of the patients. The same
      significant beneficial metabolic effects of the operation with even greater
      improvement were observed in patients with CSAs. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic
      unilateral adrenalectomy for SCSA is associated with low morbidity, no mortality,
      and significant improvement of various aspects of metabolic syndrome. Until
      additional evidence from prospective randomized controlled studies is obtained,
      laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy should be considered a valid option in the
      care of patients with SCSA.

PMID- 27129934
TI  - "She just told me to leave it": Women's experiences discussing early elective IUD
      removal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to describe the thoughts and
      experiences of women who report discussing intrauterine device (IUD) removal
      within 9 months of insertion. STUDY DESIGN: This is a qualitative study,
      consisting of semistructured individual interviews with 16 women who considered
      early elective IUD removal. We identified eligible participants via chart review.
      We analyzed interviews using a modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS: While
      pain and bleeding were prominent reasons for removal, women also discussed many
      other symptoms and concerns. Most women reported a strong desire to have a
      successful IUD experience, and all reported waiting for symptoms to resolve prior
      to their visit. Some women reported that providers supported their choice, while
      others reported that providers preferred that they continue the IUD despite
      symptoms and concerns. Some women reported providers' resistance or refusal to
      remove the IUDs. The women who reported that their providers were neutral about
      IUD removal more frequently expressed satisfaction with the visit. When the
      provider resisted removal, women felt frustrated, even as they acknowledged their
      doctor's good intentions. In several cases, this may have hurt the doctor-patient
      relationship. CONCLUSIONS: When physicians resist early elective IUD removal, it
      may impact patient satisfaction and even jeopardize the doctor-patient
      relationship. IMPLICATIONS: Though IUDs are highly effective and well-liked
      contraceptives, some patients choose to discontinue the method. Because provision
      of patient-centered contraceptive care includes IUD removal when requested,
      providers must ensure that their counseling is unbiased and that they do not
      place perceived or real barriers to IUD removal.

PMID- 27129935
TI  - The Effect of Depo Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA) on Cerebral Food Motivation
      Centers: A Pilot Study using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The primary objective is to examine activation of food motivation
      centers in the brain before and 8 weeks after depo medroxyprogesterone acetate
      (DMPA) administration. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective experimental pilot study
      examined the effects of DMPA on food motivation centers utilizing functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in eight nonobese, ovulatory subjects. fMRI
      blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal was measured using a 3-Tesla Scanner
      while participants viewed images of high-calorie foods, low-calorie foods and
      nonfood objects. fMRI scans were performed at baseline and 8 weeks after
      participants received one intramuscular dose of DMPA 150 mg. fMRI data were
      analyzed using the FMRIB Software Library. Changes in adiposity and circulating
      leptin and ghrelin levels were also measured. RESULTS: There was a greater BOLD
      signal response to food cues in brain regions associated with food motivation
      (anterior cingulate gyrus, orbitofrontal cortex) 8 weeks after DMPA
      administration compared to baseline (z>2.3, p<.05 whole-brain analysis clustered
      corrected). No statistically significant change was detected in circulating
      leptin or ghrelin levels or fat mass 8 weeks after DMPA administration.
      CONCLUSION: Analysis of differences in food motivation may guide the development
      of interventions to prevent weight gain in DMPA users. IMPLICATIONS: These data
      support a neural origin as one of the mechanisms underlying weight gain in DMPA
      users and may guide future research examining weight gain and contraception.

PMID- 27129936
TI  - Medical abortion reporting of efficacy: the MARE guidelines.

PMID- 27129937
TI  - Haplotype analysis of non-HLA immunogenetic loci in Turkish and worldwide
      populations.
AB  - Immunogenes (i.e., genes related to the immune system and its functions) are
      involved in the predisposition to numerous traits and their variation contributes
      to the phenotypic variability observed among human groups. Turkish population
      presents particular genetic features since its genetic pool is an admixture of
      European, Middle-Eastern, and Central Asian ancestries. Here, we analyzed the
      haplotype structure of four immunogenetic loci (i.e., ADAM33; IL13-IL4; IL4R;
      MS4A2) in 482 subjects from five different regions of Turkey. Genotyping was
      performed using KASP technology. Turkish data were compared with the haplotype
      information available from the 1000 Genomes Project Phase 3 (26 human populations
      from 5 ancestry groups). We did not observe significant differences among Turkish
      groups. Comparing other ancestries, we identified haplotype similarity of Turkish
      subjects with European populations in IL13-IL4, IL4R, and ADAM33 loci; and with
      central Asians in MS4A2 region. Considering loci displaying Turkish-European
      haplotype similarity (i.e., IL13-IL4, IL4R, and ADAM33), we observed differences
      between Turkish subjects and northern/western Europeans. Conversely, no
      significant difference was determined in MS4A2 between Turkish and central Asian
      populations. Finally, we assessed the haplotypes responsible for the differences
      between Turkish and European samples and the potential functional effects on the
      immunogenetic loci investigated. 

PMID- 27129938
TI  - Characterization of isoform expression and subcellular distribution of MYPT1 in
      intestinal epithelial cells.
AB  - The regulation of intestinal epithelial permeability requires phosphorylation of
      myosin regulatory light chain (MLC). The phosphorylation status of MLC is
      regulated by myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) activities. The activity of
      the catalytic subunit of MLCP (PP1cdelta) toward MLC depends on its regulatory
      subunit (MYPT1). In this study, we revealed the presence of two MYPT1 isoforms,
      full length and variant 2 in human intestinal (Caco-2) epithelial cells and
      isolated intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) from mice. In confluent Caco-2 cells,
      MYPT1 was distributed at cell-cell contacts and colocalized with F-actin. These
      results suggest that MYPT1 isoforms are expressed in intestinal epithelial cells
      and MYPT1 may be involved in the regulation of intestinal epithelial barrier
      function. 

PMID- 27129939
TI  - Association study between Van der Woude Syndrome causative gene GRHL3 and
      nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in a Chinese cohort.
AB  - Cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is one of the most common birth
      defects worldwide and is characterized by abnormalities of the orofacial
      structure. Syndromic CL/P is mainly caused by Mendelian disorders such as Van der
      Woude Syndrome (VWS). However, >70% of CL/P cases are nonsyndromic, characterized
      by isolated orofacial cleft without any known syndrome. The etiology of
      nonsyndromic CL/P (NSCL/P) remains elusive, but it has been suggested that
      causative genes of syndromic CL/P might also contribute to NSCL/P. As such, the
      VWS causative gene IRF6 has been extensively studied in NSCL/P. Recently, GRHL3
      was identified as another VWS causative gene. Thus, it may be a novel candidate
      gene for NSCL/P. In the present study, we genotyped 10 tag SNPs covering GRHL3
      and performed association analysis with NSCL/P in 504 cases and 455 healthy
      controls. Our preliminary results identified rs10903078, rs4638975, and a
      haplotype rs10903078-rs6659209 of GRHL3 that exceeded the significance threshold
      (p<0.05), though none survived Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. As
      the first study between GRHL3 and NSCL/P, the contribution of this gene to NSCL/P
      etiology should be interpreted with caution based on existing evidence. Further,
      the robustness of association between GRHL3 and NSCL/P should be further
      validated in expanded cohorts. 

PMID- 27129940
TI  - Evolutionary expansion of nematode-specific glycine-rich secreted peptides.
AB  - Genome-wide comparisons across 10 species from algae Guillardia theta to mammal
      human indicated that Caenorhabditis elegans and Caenorhabditis briggsae were
      highly enriched for glycine-rich secreted peptides (GRSPs) (110 GRSPs in C.
      elegans and 93 in C. briggsae) in this study. Chromosomal mapping showed that
      most GRSPs were clustered on the two nematode genomes [103 (93.64%) in C. elegans
      and 82 (88.17%) in C. briggsae], which could be divided into 18 cluster units in
      C. elegans and 13 in C. briggsae, respectively. Except for four C. elegans GRSPs
      clusters without matching clusters in C. briggsae, all other GRSPs clusters had
      paired synteny block between the two nematode genomes. Analyzing transcriptome
      datasets quantified by microarray indicated extensive genome-wide co-expression
      of GRSPs clusters after C. elegans infections. Highly homologous coding sequences
      and conserved exon-intron structures indicated that GRSPs tight clusters were
      likely derived from local DNA duplications. Phylogenetic conservation of synteny
      blocks between their genomes, co-expression of GRSPs clusters after C. elegans
      infections, and strong purifying selections of coding sequences may indicate
      evolutionary constraints acting on C. elegans to guarantee that C. elegans could
      mount rapid systematic responses to infections by co-expression, co-regulation,
      and co-functionality of GRSPs clusters. 

PMID- 27129942
TI  - SHCBP1 is over-expressed in breast cancer and is important in the proliferation
      and apoptosis of the human malignant breast cancer cell line.
AB  - BACKGROUND: SHC SH2-binding protein 1, a member of Src homolog and collagen
      homolog (Shc) family, has been recently identified in different contexts in
      unbiased screening assays. It has been reported to be over-expressed in several
      malignant cancers. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry of SHCBP1 on 128 breast cancer
      tissues and adjacent normal tissues were used to evaluate the prognostic
      significance of SHCBP1. Survival analyses were performed by Kaplan-Meier method.
      CRISPR/CAS9 method was used to knockout SHCBP1 expression. CRISPR/CAS9 technology
      was used to knockout SHCBP1 in 2 breast cancer cell lines. MTT assay, BrdU assay,
      colony formation assay, cell cycle assay and apoptosis analysis in MCF-7 and MDA
      MB-231 cell lines were carried out to evaluate the effects of SHCBP1 on breast
      cancer in vitro. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed SHCBP1 was
      significantly up-regulated in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal
      tissues (82 of 128, 64%). Over-expressed SHCBP1 was correlated with advanced
      clinical stage and poorer survival. Ablation of SHCBP1 inhibited the
      proliferation in vitro. SHCBP1 knockout increased cyclin-dependent kinase
      inhibitor p21, and decreased the Cyclin B1 and CDK1. CONCLUSION: Our study
      suggests SHCBP1 is dysregulated expressed in breast cancer and plays a critical
      role in cancer progression, which can be a potential prognosis predictor of
      breast cancer.

PMID- 27129943
TI  - Genomic structure of the alpha-amylase gene in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata
      and its expression in response to salinity and food concentration.
AB  - Amylase is one of the most important digestive enzymes for phytophagous animals.
      In this study, the cDNA, genomic DNA, and promoter region of the alpha-amylase
      gene of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata were cloned by using reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), rapid amplification of cDNA
      ends, and genome-walking methods. The full-length cDNA sequence was 1704bp long
      and consisted of a 5'-untranslated region of 17bp, a 3'-untranslated region of
      118bp, and a 1569-bp open reading frame encoding a 522-aa polypeptide with a 20
      aa signal peptide. Sequence alignment revealed that P. fucata alpha-amylase
      (Pfamy) shared the highest identity (91.6%) with Pinctada maxima. The
      phylogenetic tree showed that it was closely related to P. maxima, based on the
      amino acid sequences. The genomic DNA was 10850bp and contained nine exons, eight
      introns, and a promoter region of 3932bp. Several transcriptional factors such as
      GATA-1, AP-1, and SP1 were predicted in the promoter region. Quantitative RT-PCR
      assay indicated that the relative expression level of Pfamy was significantly
      higher in the digestive gland than in other tissues (gonad, gills, muscle, and
      mantle) (P<0.001). The expression level at salinity 270/00 was significantly
      higher than that at other salinities (P<0.05). Expression reached a minimum when
      the algal food concentration was 16*10(4)cells/mL, which was significantly lower
      than the level observed at 8*10(4)cells/mL and 20*10(4) cells/mL (P<0.05). Our
      findings provide a genetic basis for further research on Pfamy activity and will
      facilitate studies on the growth mechanisms and genetic improvement of the pearl
      oyster P. fucata. 

PMID- 27129944
TI  - Online Fault Diagnosis for Biochemical Process Based on FCM and SVM.
AB  - Fault diagnosis is becoming an important issue in biochemical process, and a
      novel online fault detection and diagnosis approach is designed by combining
      fuzzy c-means (FCM) and support vector machine (SVM). The samples are
      preprocessed via FCM algorithm to enhance the ability of classification firstly.
      Then, those samples are input to the SVM classifier to realize the biochemical
      process fault diagnosis. In this study, a glutamic acid fermentation process is
      chosen as an example to diagnose the fault by this method, the result shows that
      the diagnosis time is largely shortened, and the accuracy is extremely improved
      by comparing to a single SVM method.

PMID- 27129945
TI  - Studying bio-thermal effects at and around MSW dumps using Satellite Remote
      Sensing and GIS.
AB  - Estimating negative impacts of MSW dumps on its surrounding environment is the
      key requirement for any remedial measures. This study has been undertaken to map
      bio-thermal effects of MSW dumping at and around dumping facilities (non
      engineered) using satellite imagery for Faisalabad, Pakistan. Thirty images of
      Landsat 8 have been selected after validation for the accuracy of their
      observational details from April 2013 to October 2015. Land Surface Temperature
      (LST), NDVI, SAVI and MSAVI have been derived from these images through Digital
      Image Processing (DIP) and have been subjected to spatio-temporal analysis in GIS
      environment. MSW dump has been found with average temperature elevation of 4.3K
      and 2.78K from nearby agriculture land and urban settlement respectively.
      Vegetation health has been used as the bio-indicator of MSW effects and is
      implemented through NDVI, SAVI, MSAVI. Spatial analyses have been used to mark
      boundary of bio-thermally affected zone around dumped MSW and measure 700m.
      Seasonal fluctuations of elevated temperatures and boundary of the bio-thermally
      affected zones have also been discussed. Based on the direct relation found
      between vegetation vigor and the level of deterioration within the bio-thermally
      affected region, use of crops with heavy vigor is recommended to study MSW hazard
      influence using bio-indicators of vegetation health. 

PMID- 27129941
TI  - Tenogenic modulating insider factor: Systematic assessment on the functions of
      tenomodulin gene.
AB  - Tenomodulin (TNMD, Tnmd) is a gene highly expressed in tendon known to be
      important for tendon maturation with key implications for the residing tendon
      stem/progenitor cells as well as for the regulation of endothelial cell migration
      in chordae tendineae cordis in the heart and in experimental tumour models. This
      review aims at providing an encompassing overview of this gene and its protein.
      In addition, its known expression pattern as well as putative signalling pathways
      will be described. A chronological overview of the discovered functions of this
      gene in tendon and other tissues and cells is provided as well as its use as a
      tendon and ligament lineage marker is assessed in detail and discussed. Last,
      information about the possible connections between TNMD genomic mutations and
      mRNA expression to various diseases is delivered. Taken together this review
      offers a solid synopsis on the up-to-date information available about TNMD and
      aids at directing and focusing the future research to fully uncover the roles and
      implications of this interesting gene. 

PMID- 27129946
TI  - Anhydroecgonine methyl ester, a cocaine pyrolysis product, may contribute to
      cocaine behavioral sensitization.
AB  - Crack cocaine has a high potential to induce cocaine addiction and its smoke
      contains cocaine's pyrolysis product anhydroecgonine methyl ester (AEME), a
      partial agonist at M1- and M3-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and an antagonist
      at the remaining subtypes. No reports have assessed AEME's role in addiction.
      Adult male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally administered with saline, 3mg/kg
      AEME, 15mg/kg cocaine, or a cocaine-AEME combination on every other day during a
      period of 9 days. After a 7-days withdrawal period, a challenge injection of the
      respective drugs was performed on the 17th day. The locomotor activity was
      evaluated on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 17, as well as dopamine levels (9th day) and
      dopaminergic receptors proteins (D1R and D2R on the 17th day) in the caudate
      putamen (CPu) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). AEME was not able to induce the
      expression of behavioral sensitization, but it substantially potentiates cocaine
      effects, with cocaine-AEME combination presenting higher expression than cocaine
      alone. An increase in the dopamine levels in the CPu in all non-saline groups was
      observed, with the highest levels in the cocaine-AEME group. There was a decrease
      in D1R protein level in this brain region only for cocaine and cocaine-AEME
      groups. In the NAc, an increase in the dopamine levels was only observed for
      cocaine and cocaine-AEME groups, with no changes in both D1R and D2R protein
      levels. These behavioral and neurochemical data indicate that AEME alone does not
      elicit behavioral sensitization but it significantly potentiates cocaine effects
      when co-administered, resulting in dopamine increase in CPu and NAc, brain
      regions where dopamine release is mediated by cholinergic activity.

PMID- 27129947
TI  - Toxicity evaluation of the photoprotective compound LQFM048: Eye irritation, skin
      toxicity and genotoxic endpoints.
AB  - A new molecule, LQFM048, originally designed through molecular hybridization
      using green chemistry approach, is in development as a photoprotective agent. Eye
      irritation, skin toxicity and genotoxicity evaluations are mandatory for
      predicting health risks. In this context, the purpose of this study was to
      investigate the eye irritation potential of LQFM048 by combining Short Time
      Exposure (STE), Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) associated with
      corneal histomorphometry and Hen's Egg Test-Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM).
      Additionally, skin toxicity was evaluated by interleukin-18 production in the
      HaCaT keratinocyte, Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA:BrdU-ELISA) method, 3T3 Neutral
      red uptake (NRU) assay and in vivo phototoxicity test. Genotoxic potential of
      LQFM048 was also analyzed by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (MNvit test
      cytoB) in HepG2 cells. Our results showed that LQFM048 did not induce eye
      irritation and it was classified as UN GHS No Category for both STE and BCOP
      assays and non-irritating for HET-CAM test. LQFM048 showed non-potential skin
      sensitization with stimulation index (SI=0.7) in the LLNA:BrdU-ELISA method.
      Corroborating in vivo tests, it did not promote significant cytotoxicity in HaCaT
      cells and it showed similar levels of IL-18 when compared to control.
      Furthermore, LQFM048 induced non-phototoxic potential with photo-irritation
      factor (PIF) and mean photo effect (MPE) of 1 and -0.138, respectively, for 3T3
      cells. Similarly, it was not phototoxic for in vivo testing with or without
      exposure to UVA, showing SI values of 1 and 1.2, respectively. The micronucleus
      test showed that LQFM048 was not genotoxic, under the conditions tested.In
      conclusion, LQFM048, a heterocyclic compound obtained through an environmentally
      acceptable simple synthetic route, seems to be safe for human use, especially for
      the development of a new sunscreen product, since it is neither an eye irritant,
      nor a contact allergen, nor mutagenic and nor phototoxic.

PMID- 27129948
TI  - Correspondence.

PMID- 27129949
TI  - Trust in Sources of Advice about Infant Care Practices: The SAFE Study.
AB  - Objectives (1) Determine the prevalence of maternal trust in advice sources on
      infant care practices; (2) Investigate the association of maternal and infant
      characteristics with trust in advice sources on infant care practices. Methods
      Using probability sampling methods, we recruited mothers from 32 U.S. maternity
      hospitals with oversampling of Black and Hispanic women resulting in a nationally
      representative sample of mothers of infants aged 2-6 months. Survey questions
      assessed maternal trust in advice sources (physicians, nurses, family, friends,
      and media) regarding infant care practices including infant sleep practices
      (sleep position, bed sharing, and pacifier use), feeding, and vaccination.
      Weighted frequencies of maternal trust in advice sources were calculated to
      obtain prevalence estimates. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess
      the association of maternal and infant characteristics with maternal trust in
      advice sources. Results Mothers had the greatest trust in doctors for advice on
      all infant care practices (56-89 %), while trust was lowest for friends (13-22 %)
      and the media (10-14 %). In the adjusted analyses, there were significant
      associations of maternal race/ethnicity, education, and age with trust in advice
      sources. Conclusions for Practice Maternal trust in advice about infant care
      practices varied significantly by source. A better understanding of which advice
      sources are most trusted by mothers, as well as the factors associated with
      maternal trust, may guide the development of more effective strategies to improve
      adherence to health promoting infant care practices.

PMID- 27129951
TI  - Put your 3D glasses on: plant chromatin is on show.
AB  - The three-dimensional organization of the eukaryotic nucleus and its chromosomal
      conformation have emerged as important features in the complex network of
      mechanisms behind gene activity and genome connectivity dynamics, which can be
      evidenced in the regionalized chromosomal spatial distribution and the clustering
      of diverse genomic regions with similar expression patterns. The development of
      chromatin conformation capture (3C) techniques has permitted the elucidation of
      commonalities between the eukaryotic phyla, as well as important differences
      among them. The growing number of studies in the field performed in plants has
      shed light on the structural and regulatory features of these organisms. For
      instance, it has been proposed that plant chromatin can be arranged into
      different conformations such as Rabl, Rosette-like, and Bouquet, and that both
      short- and long-range chromatin interactions occur in Arabidopsis. In this
      review, we compile the current knowledge about chromosome architecture
      characteristics in plants, as well as the molecular events and elements
      (including long non-coding RNAs, histone and DNA modifications, chromatin
      remodeling complexes, and transcription factors) shaping the genome three
      dimensional conformation. Furthermore, we discuss the developmental outputs of
      genome topology-mediated gene expression regulation. It is becoming increasingly
      clear that new tools and techniques with higher resolution need to be developed
      and implemented in Arabidopsis and other model plants in order to better
      understand chromosome architecture dynamics, from an integrative perspective with
      other fields of plant biology such as development, stress biology, and finally
      agriculture.

PMID- 27129953
TI  - Response to 'Word choice as political speech': Hydraulic fracturing is a partisan
      issue.
AB  - In 2015, Hopke & Simis published an analysis of social media discourse around
      hydraulic fracturing. Grubert (2016) offered a commentary on the research,
      highlighting the politicization of terminology used in the discourse on this
      topic. The present article is a response to Grubert (2016)'s commentary, in which
      we elaborate on the distinctions between terminology used in social media
      discourse around hydraulic fracturing (namely, 'frack,' 'fracking,' 'frac,' and
      'fracing'). Additionally preliminary analysis supports the claim that industry
      preferred terminology is severely limited in its reach. When industry actors opt
      out of the discourse, the conversation followed by the majority of lay audiences
      is dominated by activists. exacerbating the political schism on the issue.

PMID- 27129950
TI  - Large variation in the Rubisco kinetics of diatoms reveals diversity among their
      carbon-concentrating mechanisms.
AB  - While marine phytoplankton rival plants in their contribution to global primary
      productivity, our understanding of their photosynthesis remains rudimentary. In
      particular, the kinetic diversity of the CO2-fixing enzyme, Rubisco, in
      phytoplankton remains unknown. Here we quantify the maximum rates of
      carboxylation (k cat (c)), oxygenation (k cat (o)), Michaelis constants (K m) for
      CO2 (K C) and O2 (K O), and specificity for CO2 over O2 (SC/O) for Form I Rubisco
      from 11 diatom species. Diatom Rubisco shows greater variation in K C (23-68 uM),
      SC/O (57-116mol mol(-1)), and K O (413-2032 uM) relative to plant and algal
      Rubisco. The broad range of K C values mostly exceed those of C4 plant Rubisco,
      suggesting that the strength of the carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) in
      diatoms is more diverse, and more effective than previously predicted. The
      measured k cat (c) for each diatom Rubisco showed less variation (2.1-3.7s(-1)),
      thus averting the canonical trade-off typically observed between K C and k cat
      (c) for plant Form I Rubisco. Uniquely, a negative relationship between K C and
      cellular Rubisco content was found, suggesting variation among diatom species in
      how they allocate their limited cellular resources between Rubisco synthesis and
      their CCM. The activation status of Rubisco in each diatom was low, indicating a
      requirement for Rubisco activase. This work highlights the need to better
      understand the correlative natural diversity between the Rubisco kinetics and CCM
      of diatoms and the underpinning mechanistic differences in catalytic chemistry
      among the Form I Rubisco superfamily.

PMID- 27129954
TI  - Constructing (un-)certainty: An exploration of journalistic decision-making in
      the reporting of neuroscience.
AB  - Based on 21 individual case studies, this article inventories the ways journalism
      deals with scientific uncertainty. The study identifies the decisions that impact
      a journalist's perception of a truth claim as unambiguous or ambiguous and the
      strategies to deal with uncertainty that arise from this perception. Key for
      understanding journalistic action is the outcome of three evaluations: What is
      the story about? How shall the story be told? What type of story is it? We
      reconstructed the strategies to overcome journalistic decision-making uncertainty
      in those cases in which they perceived scientific contingency as a problem.
      Journalism deals with uncertainty by way of omission, by contrasting the
      conflicting messages or by acknowledging the problem via the structure or
      language. One finding deserves particular mention: The lack of focus on
      scientific uncertainty is not only a problem of how journalists perceive and
      communicate but also a problem of how science communicates.

PMID- 27129952
TI  - The role of transketolase and octulose in the resurrection plant Craterostigma
      plantagineum.
AB  - Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Craterostigma plantagineum has two
      transketolase genes (transketolase 7 and 10) which are separated from the other
      transketolase genes including transketolase 3 from C. plantagineum We obtained
      recombinant transketolase 3, 7, and 10 of C. plantagineum and showed that
      transketolase 7 and 10 of C. plantagineum, but not transketolase 3, catalyse the
      formation of octulose-8-phosphate in vitro Transketolase 7 and 10 of C.
      plantagineum performed the exchange reaction that produces octulose-8-phosphate
      using glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate as substrates. Octulose is
      localized in the cytosol and phloem exudate analysis showed that octulose was the
      dominant sugar exported from the leaves to the roots.

PMID- 27129955
TI  - Stakeholders' rationales for representing uncertainties of biotechnological
      research.
AB  - Although various stakeholders are involved in public communication about science
      and technology, research so far has focused on scientists, journalists, and the
      public. Based on representative telephone surveys of the spokespersons of 55
      German companies, 31 government agencies, 43 public interest groups, as well as
      105 scientists, we investigated actors' intentions to point out the scientific
      uncertainty of biotechnological research in their public communications. The
      different groups of actors' intentions to mention uncertain aspects of
      biotechnological research in public are guided by different rationales.
      Scientists and company representatives' intentions to point out uncertainty are
      strengthened by their hope to promote biotechnological research and weakened by
      their fear to increase public criticism. Public interest groups' intentions are
      strengthened by their hope to increase public criticism and are weakened by their
      fear to promote biotechnological research. Representatives of government agencies
      are predominantly influenced by their will to do justice to their organizations'
      interests.

PMID- 27129956
TI  - Testing the efficacy of a brief sexual risk reduction intervention among high
      risk American Indian adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: American Indian adults are more likely to experience co-occurring
      mental health and substance use disorders than adults of other racial/ethnic
      groups and are disproportionately burdened by the most common sexually
      transmitted infections, namely chlamydia and gonorrhea. Several behavioral
      interventions are proven efficacious in lowering risk for sexually transmitted
      infection in various populations and, if adapted to address barriers experienced
      by American Indian adults who suffer from mental health and substance use
      problems, may be useful for dissemination in American Indian communities. The
      proposed study aims to examine the efficacy of an adapted evidence-based
      intervention to increase condom use and decrease sexual risk-taking and substance
      use among American Indian adults living in a reservation-based community in the
      Southwestern United States. METHODS/DESIGN: The proposed study is a randomized
      controlled trial to test the efficacy of an adapted evidence-based intervention
      compared to a control condition. Participants will be American Indian adults ages
      18-49 years old who had a recent episode of binge substance use and/or suicide
      ideation. Participants will be randomized to the intervention, a two-session risk
      reduction counseling intervention or the control condition, optimized standard
      care. All participants will be offered a self-administered sexually transmitted
      infection test. Participants will complete assessments at baseline, 3 and 6
      months follow-up. The primary outcome measure is condom use at last sex.
      DISCUSSION: This is one of the first randomized controlled trials to assess the
      efficacy of an adapted evidence-based intervention for reducing sexual risk
      behaviors among AI adults with substance use and mental health problems. If
      proven successful, there will be an efficacious program for reducing risk
      behaviors among high-risk adults that can be disseminated in American Indian
      communities as well as other rural and under-resourced health systems. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT02513225.

PMID- 27129957
TI  - Associations between serum uric acid and the incidence of hypertension: a Chinese
      senior dynamic cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hyperuricemia has increased dramatically during the
      past several decades. Studies indicating uric acid is an independent risk factor
      for hypertension did not sufficiently control for other known risk factors. We
      explored this relationship in a comprehensive Chinese senior dynamic cohort.
      METHODS: To investigate the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and
      hypertension, we carried out a 6-year retrospective study (2006-2011) in a
      dynamic cohort with 3591 subjects free of hypertension. The first occasion of
      documented hypertension per subject was the index event. A Cox proportional
      hazards model assessed the relationship between SUA and hypertension. Kaplan
      Meier survival analysis compared incidence of hypertension among individuals with
      each SUA quartile. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to
      obtain the area under the curve as a prediction of hypertension from SUA levels.
      RESULTS: The cumulative prevalence of hypertension in our cohort was 20.7 %. The
      prevalence of hyperuricemia was 17.5 %. Cox regression analysis showed that,
      compared with the lowest SUA quartile (<4.69 mg/dl), the 4.69-5.58, 5.58-6.52,
      and >=6.52 mg/dl quartiles yielded hazard ratios (95 % confidence intervals) for
      hypertension of 1.652 (1.265-2.156), 2.195 (1.705-2.825), and 3.058 (2.399
      3.899), respectively. Cumulative incidence of hypertension was consistently
      higher among individuals with hyperuricemia than among those with normal SUA
      levels. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that hyperuricemia predicted
      higher incidences of hypertension in a dose-dependent manner: hypertension onset
      significantly differed across SUA quartiles. SUA levels were significantly and
      independently associated with incidence of hypertension in our cohort.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results, controlling for known risk factors, suggest that SUA
      level is an independent risk factor for hypertension and could be a useful
      indicator of hypertension.

PMID- 27129958
TI  - Influence of Niche-Specific Nutrients on Secondary Metabolism in Vibrionaceae.
AB  - Many factors, such as the substrate and the growth phase, influence biosynthesis
      of secondary metabolites in microorganisms. Therefore, it is crucial to consider
      these factors when establishing a bioprospecting strategy. Mimicking the
      conditions of the natural environment has been suggested as a means of inducing
      or influencing microbial secondary metabolite production. The purpose of the
      present study was to determine how the bioactivity of Vibrionaceae was influenced
      by carbon sources typical of their natural environment. We determined how mannose
      and chitin, compared to glucose, influenced the antibacterial activity of a
      collection of Vibrionaceae strains isolated because of their ability to produce
      antibacterial compounds but that in subsequent screenings seemed to have lost
      this ability. The numbers of bioactive isolates were 2- and 3.5-fold higher when
      strains were grown on mannose and chitin, respectively, than on glucose. As
      secondary metabolites are typically produced during late growth, potential
      producers were also allowed 1 to 2 days of growth before exposure to the
      pathogen. This strategy led to a 3-fold increase in the number of bioactive
      strains on glucose and an 8-fold increase on both chitin and mannose. We selected
      two bioactive strains belonging to species for which antibacterial activity had
      not previously been identified. Using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography
      high-resolution mass spectrometry and bioassay-guided fractionation, we found
      that the siderophore fluvibactin was responsible for the antibacterial activity
      of Vibrio furnissii and Vibrio fluvialis These results suggest a role of chitin
      in the regulation of secondary metabolism in vibrios and demonstrate that
      considering bacterial ecophysiology during development of screening strategies
      will facilitate bioprospecting. IMPORTANCE: A challenge in microbial natural
      product discovery is the elicitation of the biosynthetic gene clusters that are
      silent when microorganisms are grown under standard laboratory conditions. We
      hypothesized that, since the clusters are not lost during proliferation in the
      natural niche of the microorganisms, they must, under such conditions, be
      functional. Here, we demonstrate that an ecology-based approach in which the
      producer organism is allowed a temporal advantage and where growth conditions are
      mimicking the natural niche remarkably increases the number of Vibrionaceae
      strains producing antibacterial compounds.

PMID- 27129959
TI  - Distinct Mineral Weathering Behaviors of the Novel Mineral-Weathering Strains
      Rhizobium yantingense H66 and Rhizobium etli CFN42.
AB  - Bacteria play important roles in mineral weathering, soil formation, and element
      cycling. However, little is known about the interaction between silicate minerals
      and rhizobia. In this study, Rhizobium yantingense H66 (a novel mineral
      weathering rhizobium) and Rhizobium etli CFN42 were compared with respect to
      potash feldspar weathering, mineral surface adsorption, and metabolic activity
      during the mineral weathering process. Strain H66 showed significantly higher Si,
      Al, and K mobilization from the mineral and higher ratios of cell numbers on the
      mineral surface to total cell numbers than strain CFN42. Although the two strains
      produced gluconic acid, strain H66 also produced acetic, malic, and succinic
      acids during mineral weathering in low- and high-glucose media. Notably, higher
      Si, Al, and K releases, higher ratios of cell numbers on the mineral surface to
      total cell numbers, and a higher production of organic acids by strain H66 were
      observed in the low-glucose medium than in the high-glucose medium. Scanning
      electron microscope analyses of the mineral surfaces and redundancy analysis
      showed stronger positive correlations between the mineral surface cell adsorption
      and mineral weathering, indicated by the dissolved Al and K concentrations. The
      results showed that the two rhizobia behaved differently with respect to mineral
      weathering. The results suggested that Rhizobium yantingense H66 promoted potash
      feldspar weathering through increased adsorption of cells to the mineral surface
      and through differences in glucose metabolism at low and high nutrient
      concentrations, especially at low nutrient concentrations. IMPORTANCE: This study
      reported the potash feldspar weathering, the cell adsorption capacity of the
      mineral surfaces, and the metabolic differences between the novel mineral
      weathering Rhizobium yantingense H66 and Rhizobium etli CFN42 under different
      nutritional conditions. The results showed that Rhizobium yantingense H66 had a
      greater ability to weather the mineral in low- and high-glucose media, especially
      in the low-glucose medium. Furthermore, Rhizobium yantingense H66 promoted
      mineral weathering through the increased adsorption of cells to the mineral
      surface and through increased organic acid production. Our results allow us to
      better comprehend the roles of different rhizobia in silicate mineral weathering,
      element cycling, and soil formation in various soil environments, providing more
      insight into the geomicrobial contributions of rhizobia to these processes.

PMID- 27129960
TI  - Next-Generation Sequencing Confirms Presumed Nosocomial Transmission of Livestock
      Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the Netherlands.
AB  - Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) was
      detected in 2003 and rapidly became the predominant MRSA clade in the
      Netherlands. Studies have shown that transmissions are difficult to identify,
      since this MRSA variant represents a genetically homogenous clade when current
      typing techniques are used. Here, next-generation sequencing was performed on 206
      LA-MRSA isolates to assess the capability of LA-MRSA to be transmitted between
      humans. The usefulness of single nucleotide variants (SNVs), the composition of
      the SCCmec region, and the presence of plasmids to identify transmission of LA
      MRSA were assessed. In total, 30 presumed putative nosocomial transmission events
      and 2 LA-MRSA outbreaks were studied; in most cases, SNV analysis revealed that
      the isolates of the index patient and the contact(s) clustered closely together.
      In three presumed events, the isolates did not cluster together, indicating that
      transmission was unlikely. The composition of the SCCmec region corroborated
      these findings. However, plasmid identification did not support our SNV analysis,
      since different plasmids were present in several cases where SNV and SCCmec
      analysis suggested that transmission was likely. Next-generation sequencing shows
      that transmission of LA-MRSA does occur in Dutch health care settings.
      Transmission was identified based on SNV analysis combined with epidemiological
      data and in the context of epidemiologically related and unrelated isolates.
      Analysis of the SCCmec region provided limited, albeit useful, information to
      corroborate conclusions on transmissions, but plasmid identification did not.
      IMPORTANCE: In 2003, a variant of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA) isolated from pigs was also found in pig farmers in France and the
      Netherlands. Soon thereafter, this livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA) was
      identified in many other countries. Transmission of LA-MRSA between humans,
      particularly in the health care setting, is regarded to occur sporadically.
      Moreover, studies that describe LA-MRSA transmission used molecular
      characterization of isolates with limited discriminatory power, making the
      validity of the conclusion that transmission occurred questionable. In our study,
      we sequenced the complete genomes of 206 LA-MRSA isolates, obtained from more
      than 30 presumed LA-MRSA transmission events. Analysis of the data showed that
      transmission of LA-MRSA between humans had indeed occurred in more than 90% of
      these events. We conclude that transmission of LA-MRSA between humans does occur
      in Dutch health care settings; therefore, a decision to discontinue the search
      and destroy policy for LA-MRSA should be taken with caution.

PMID- 27129961
TI  - Heat Stress Modulates Mycelium Growth, Heat Shock Protein Expression, Ganoderic
      Acid Biosynthesis, and Hyphal Branching of Ganoderma lucidum via Cytosolic Ca2.
AB  - Heat stress (HS) influences the growth and development of organisms. Thus, a
      comprehensive understanding of how organisms sense HS and respond to it is
      required. Ganoderma lucidum, a higher basidiomycete with bioactive secondary
      metabolites, has become a potential model system due to the complete sequencing
      of its genome, transgenic systems, and reliable reverse genetic tools. In this
      study, we found that HS inhibited mycelium growth, reduced hyphal branching, and
      induced the accumulation of ganoderic acid biosynthesis and heat shock proteins
      (HSPs) in G. lucidum Our data showed that HS induced a significant increase in
      cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration. Further evidence showed that Ca(2+) might be a
      factor in the HS-mediated regulation of hyphal branching, ganoderic acid (GA)
      biosynthesis, and the accumulation of HSPs. Our results further showed that the
      calcium-permeable channel gene (cch)-silenced and phosphoinositide-specific
      phospholipase gene (plc)-silenced strains reduced the HS-induced increase in HSP
      expression compared with that observed for the wild type (WT). This study
      demonstrates that cytosolic Ca(2+) participates in heat shock signal transduction
      and regulates downstream events in filamentous fungi. IMPORTANCE: Ganoderma
      lucidum, a higher basidiomycete with bioactive secondary metabolites, has become
      a potential model system for evaluating how environmental factors regulate the
      development and secondary metabolism of basidiomycetes. Heat stress (HS) is an
      important environmental challenge. In this study, we found that HS inhibited
      mycelium growth, reduced hyphal branching, and induced HSP expression and
      ganoderic acid biosynthesis in G. lucidum Further evidence showed that Ca(2+)
      might be a factor in the HS-mediated regulation of hyphal branching, GA
      biosynthesis, and the accumulation of HSPs. This study demonstrates that
      cytosolic Ca(2+) participates in heat shock signal transduction and regulates
      downstream events in filamentous fungi. Our research offers a new way to
      understand the mechanism underlying the physiological and metabolic responses to
      other environmental factors in G. lucidum This research may also provide the
      basis for heat shock signal transduction studies of other fungi.

PMID- 27129962
TI  - Development of an Avirulent Salmonella Surrogate for Modeling Pathogen Behavior
      in Pre- and Postharvest Environments.
AB  - Recurrent outbreaks of bacterial gastroenteritis linked to the consumption of
      fresh fruits and vegetables highlight the paucity of understanding of the ecology
      of Salmonella enterica under crop production and postharvest conditions. These
      gaps in knowledge are due, at least in part, to the lack of suitable surrogate
      organisms for studies for which biosafety level 2 is problematic. Therefore, we
      constructed and validated an avirulent strain of Salmonella enterica serovar
      Typhimurium. The strain lacks major Salmonella pathogenicity islands SPI-1, SPI
      2, SPI-3, SPI-4, and SPI-5 as well as the virulence plasmid pSLT. Deletions and
      the absence of genomic rearrangements were confirmed by genomic sequencing, and
      the surrogate behaved like the parental wild-type strain on selective media. A
      loss-of-function (phoN) selective marker allowed the differentiation of this
      strain from wild-type strains on a medium containing a chromogenic substrate for
      alkaline phosphatase. Lack of virulence was confirmed by oral infection of female
      BALB/c mice. The strain persisted in tomatoes, cantaloupes, leafy greens, and
      soil with the same kinetics as the parental wild-type and selected outbreak
      strains, and it reached similar final population levels. The responses of this
      strain to heat treatment and disinfectants were similar to those of the wild
      type, supporting its potential as a surrogate for future studies on the ecology
      and survival of Salmonella in production and processing environments. IMPORTANCE:
      There is significant interest in understanding the ecology of human pathogens in
      environments outside of their animal hosts, including the crop production
      environment. However, manipulative field experiments with virulent human
      pathogens are unlikely to receive regulatory approval due to the obvious risks.
      Therefore, we constructed an avirulent strain of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium
      and characterized it extensively.

PMID- 27129963
TI  - Aerobic Toluene Degraders in the Rhizosphere of a Constructed Wetland Model Show
      Diurnal Polyhydroxyalkanoate Metabolism.
AB  - Constructed wetlands (CWs) are successfully applied for the treatment of waters
      contaminated with aromatic compounds. In these systems, plants provide oxygen and
      root exudates to the rhizosphere and thereby stimulate microbial degradation
      processes. Root exudation of oxygen and organic compounds depends on
      photosynthetic activity and thus may show day-night fluctuations. While diurnal
      changes in CW effluent composition have been observed, information on respective
      fluctuations of bacterial activity are scarce. We investigated microbial
      processes in a CW model system treating toluene-contaminated water which showed
      diurnal oscillations of oxygen concentrations using metaproteomics. Quantitative
      real-time PCR was applied to assess diurnal expression patterns of genes involved
      in aerobic and anaerobic toluene degradation. We observed stable aerobic toluene
      turnover by Burkholderiales during the day and night. Polyhydroxyalkanoate
      synthesis was upregulated in these bacteria during the day, suggesting that they
      additionally feed on organic root exudates while reutilizing the stored carbon
      compounds during the night via the glyoxylate cycle. Although mRNA copies
      encoding the anaerobic enzyme benzylsuccinate synthase (bssA) were relatively
      abundant and increased slightly at night, the corresponding protein could not be
      detected in the CW model system. Our study provides insights into diurnal
      patterns of microbial processes occurring in the rhizosphere of an aquatic
      ecosystem. IMPORTANCE: Constructed wetlands are a well-established and cost
      efficient option for the bioremediation of contaminated waters. While it is
      commonly accepted knowledge that the function of CWs is determined by the
      interplay of plants and microorganisms, the detailed molecular processes are
      considered a black box. Here, we used a well-characterized CW model system
      treating toluene-contaminated water to investigate the microbial processes
      influenced by diurnal plant root exudation. Our results indicated stable aerobic
      toluene degradation by members of the Burkholderiales during the day and night.
      Polyhydroxyalkanoate synthesis in these bacteria was higher during the day,
      suggesting that they additionally fed on organic root exudates and reutilized the
      stored carbon compounds during the night. Our study illuminates microbial
      processes occurring in the rhizosphere of an aquatic ecosystem.

PMID- 27129964
TI  - Influence of Fishmeal-Free Diets on Microbial Communities in Atlantic Salmon
      (Salmo salar) Recirculation Aquaculture Systems.
AB  - Reliance on fishmeal as a primary protein source is among the chief economic and
      environmental concerns in aquaculture today. Fishmeal-based feeds often require
      harvest from wild fish stocks, placing pressure on natural ecosystems and causing
      price instability. Alternative diet formulations without the use of fishmeal
      provide a potential solution to this challenge. Although the impact of
      alternative diets on fish performance, intestinal inflammation, palatability, and
      gut microbiota has been a topic of recent interest, less is known about how
      alternative feeds impact the aquaculture environment as a whole. The recent focus
      on recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and the closed-containment approach to
      raising food fish highlights the need to maintain stable environmental and
      microbiological conditions within a farm environment. Microbial stability in RAS
      biofilters is particularly important, given its role in nutrient processing and
      water quality in these closed systems. If and how the impacts of alternative
      feeds on microbial communities in fish translate into changes to the biofilters
      are not known. We tested the influence of a fishmeal-free diet on the microbial
      communities in RAS water, biofilters, and salmon microbiomes using high
      throughput 16S rRNA gene V6 hypervariable region amplicon sequencing. We grew
      Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to market size in six replicate RAS tanks, three
      with traditional fishmeal diets and three with alternative-protein, fishmeal-free
      diets. We sampled intestines and gills from market-ready adult fish, water, and
      biofilter medium in each corresponding RAS unit. Our results provide data on how
      fish diet influences the RAS environment and corroborate previous findings that
      diet has a clear influence on the microbiome structure of the salmon intestine,
      particularly within the order Lactobacillales (lactic acid bacteria). We conclude
      that the strong stability of taxa likely involved in water quality processing
      regardless of diet (e.g., Nitrospira) may further alleviate concerns regarding
      the use of alternative feeds in RAS operations. IMPORTANCE: The growth of the
      aquaculture industry has outpaced terrestrial livestock production and wild
      capture fisheries for over 2 decades, currently producing nearly 50% of all
      seafood consumed globally. As wild-capture fisheries continue to decline,
      aquaculture's role in food production will grow, and it will produce an estimated
      62% of all seafood consumed in 2020. A significant environmental concern of the
      industry is the reliance on fishmeal as a primary feed ingredient, as its
      production still requires harvest from wild fisheries. Our study adds to the
      growing body of literature on the feasibility of alternative, fishmeal-free
      diets. Specifically, we asked how fishmeal-free diets influence microbial
      communities in recirculating salmon farms. Unlike previous studies, we extended
      our investigation beyond the microbiome of the fish itself and asked how
      alterative diets influence microbial communities in water and critical biofilter
      habitats. We found no evidence for adverse effects of alternative diets on any
      microbial habitat within the farm.

PMID- 27129965
TI  - Overlap of Spoilage-Associated Microbiota between Meat and the Meat Processing
      Environment in Small-Scale and Large-Scale Retail Distributions.
AB  - Microbial contamination in food processing plants can play a fundamental role in
      food quality and safety. The aims of this study were to learn more about the
      possible influence of the meat processing environment on initial fresh meat
      contamination and to investigate the differences between small-scale retail
      distribution (SD) and large-scale retail distribution (LD) facilities. Samples
      were collected from butcheries (n = 20), including LD (n = 10) and SD (n = 10)
      facilities, over two sampling campaigns. Samples included fresh beef and pork
      cuts and swab samples from the knife, the chopping board, and the butcher's hand.
      The microbiota of both meat samples and environmental swabs were very complex,
      including more than 800 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) collapsed at the
      species level. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that core microbiota were
      shared by 80% of the samples and included Pseudomonas spp., Streptococcus spp.,
      Brochothrix spp., Psychrobacter spp., and Acinetobacter spp. Hierarchical
      clustering of the samples based on the microbiota showed a certain separation
      between meat and environmental samples, with higher levels of Proteobacteria in
      meat. In particular, levels of Pseudomonas and several Enterobacteriaceae members
      were significantly higher in meat samples, while Brochothrix, Staphylococcus,
      lactic acid bacteria, and Psychrobacter prevailed in environmental swab samples.
      Consistent clustering was also observed when metabolic activities were considered
      by predictive metagenomic analysis of the samples. An increase in carbohydrate
      metabolism was predicted for the environmental swabs and was consistently linked
      to Firmicutes, while increases in pathways related to amino acid and lipid
      metabolism were predicted for the meat samples and were positively correlated
      with Proteobacteria Our results highlighted the importance of the processing
      environment in contributing to the initial microbial levels of meat and clearly
      showed that the type of retail facility (LD or SD) did not apparently affect the
      contamination. IMPORTANCE: The study provides an in-depth description of the
      microbiota of meat and meat processing environments. It highlights the importance
      of the environment as a contamination source of spoilage bacteria, and it shows
      that the size of the retail facility does not affect the level and type of
      contamination.

PMID- 27129966
TI  - Direct Nitrous Oxide Emission from the Aquacultured Pacific White Shrimp
      (Litopenaeus vannamei).
AB  - The Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is widely used in aquaculture,
      where it is reared at high stocking densities, temperatures, and nutrient
      concentrations. Here we report that adult L. vannamei shrimp emit the greenhouse
      gas nitrous oxide (N2O) at an average rate of 4.3 nmol N2O/individual * h, which
      is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than previously measured N2O emission rates
      for free-living aquatic invertebrates. Dissection, incubation, and inhibitor
      experiments with specimens from a shrimp farm in Germany indicated that N2O is
      mainly produced in the animal's gut by microbial denitrification. Microsensor
      measurements demonstrated that the gut interior is anoxic and nearly neutral and
      thus is favorable for denitrification by ingested bacteria. Dinitrogen (N2) and
      N2O accounted for 64% and 36%, respectively, of the nitrogen gas flux from the
      gut, suggesting that the gut passage is too fast for complete denitrification to
      be fully established. Indeed, shifting the rearing water bacterial community, a
      diet component of shrimp, from oxic to anoxic conditions induced N2O accumulation
      that outlasted the gut passage time. Shrimp-associated N2O production was
      estimated to account for 6.5% of total N2O production in the shrimp farm studied
      here and to contribute to the very high N2O supersaturation measured in the
      rearing tanks (2,099%). Microbial N2O production directly associated with
      aquacultured animals should be implemented into life cycle assessments of seafood
      production. IMPORTANCE: The most widely used shrimp species in global
      aquaculture, Litopenaeus vannamei, is shown to emit the potent greenhouse gas
      nitrous oxide (N2O) at a particularly high rate. Detailed experiments reveal that
      N2O is produced in the oxygen-depleted gut of the animal by bacteria that are
      part of the shrimp diet. Upon ingestion, these bacteria experience a shift from
      oxic to anoxic conditions and therefore switch their metabolism to the anaerobic
      denitrification process, which produces N2O as an intermediate and dinitrogen
      (N2) gas as an end product. The N2O/N2 production ratio is unusually high in the
      shrimp gut, because denitrification cannot be fully established during the short
      gut passage time of food-associated bacteria. Nitrous oxide emission directly
      mediated by L. vannamei contributes significantly to the overall N2O emission
      from aquaculture facilities.

PMID- 27129967
TI  - Antibacterial Activity of Blue Light against Nosocomial Wound Pathogens Growing
      Planktonically and as Mature Biofilms.
AB  - The blue wavelengths within the visible light spectrum are intrinisically
      antimicrobial and can photodynamically inactivate the cells of a wide spectrum of
      bacteria (Gram positive and negative) and fungi. Furthermore, blue light is
      equally effective against both drug-sensitive and -resistant members of target
      species and is less detrimental to mammalian cells than is UV radiation. Blue
      light is currently used for treating acnes vulgaris and Helicobacter pylori
      infections; the utility for decontamination and treatment of wound infections is
      in its infancy. Furthermore, limited studies have been performed on bacterial
      biofilms, the key growth mode of bacteria involved in clinical infections. Here
      we report the findings of a multicenter in vitro study performed to assess the
      antimicrobial activity of 400-nm blue light against bacteria in both planktonic
      and biofilm growth modes. Blue light was tested against a panel of 34 bacterial
      isolates (clinical and type strains) comprising Acinetobacter baumannii,
      Enterobacter cloacae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
      Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Klebsiella
      pneumoniae, and Elizabethkingia meningoseptica All planktonic-phase bacteria were
      susceptible to blue light treatment, with the majority (71%) demonstrating a >=5
      log10 decrease in viability after 15 to 30 min of exposure (54 J/cm(2) to 108
      J/cm(2)). Bacterial biofilms were also highly susceptible to blue light, with
      significant reduction in seeding observed for all isolates at all levels of
      exposure. These results warrant further investigation of blue light as a novel
      decontamination strategy for the nosocomial environment, as well as additional
      wider decontamination applications. IMPORTANCE: Blue light shows great promise as
      a novel decontamination strategy for the nosocomial environment, as well as
      additional wider decontamination applications (e.g., wound closure during
      surgery). This warrants further investigation.

PMID- 27129968
TI  - Limits of Versatility of Versatile Peroxidase.
AB  - Although Mn(2+) is the most abundant substrate of versatile peroxidases (VPs),
      repression of Pleurotus ostreatus vp1 expression occurred in Mn(2+)-sufficient
      medium. This seems to be a biological contradiction. The aim of this study was to
      explore the mechanism of direct oxidation by VP1 under Mn(2+)-deficient
      conditions, as it was found to be the predominant enzyme during fungal growth in
      the presence of synthetic and natural substrates. The native VP1 was purified and
      characterized using three substrates, Mn(2+), Orange II (OII), and Reactive Black
      5 (RB5), each oxidized by a different active site in the enzyme. While the pH
      optimum for Mn(2+) oxidation is 5, the optimum pH for direct oxidation of both
      dyes was found to be 3. Indeed, effective in vivo decolorization occurred in
      media without addition of Mn(2+) only under acidic conditions. We have determined
      that Mn(2+) inhibits in vitro the direct oxidation of both OII and RB5 while RB5
      stabilizes both Mn(2+) and OII oxidation. Furthermore, OII was found to inhibit
      the oxidation of both Mn(2+) and RB5. In addition, we could demonstrate that VP1
      can cleave OII in two different modes. Under Mn(2+)-mediated oxidation
      conditions, VP1 was able to cleave the azo bond only in asymmetric mode, while
      under the optimum conditions for direct oxidation (absence of Mn(2+) at pH 3)
      both symmetric and asymmetric cleavages occurred. We concluded that the oxidation
      mechanism of aromatic compounds by VP1 is controlled by Mn(2+) and pH levels both
      in the growth medium and in the reaction mixture. IMPORTANCE: VP1 is a member of
      the ligninolytic heme peroxidase gene family of the white rot fungus Pleurotus
      ostreatus and plays a fundamental role in biodegradation. This enzyme exhibits a
      versatile nature, as it can oxidize different substrates under altered
      environmental conditions. VPs are highly interesting enzymes due to the fact that
      they contain unique active sites that are responsible for direct oxidation of
      various aromatic compounds, including lignin, in addition to the well-known
      Mn(2+) binding active site. This study demonstrates the limits of versatility of
      P. ostreatus VP1, which harbors multiple active sites, exhibiting a broad range
      of enzymatic activities, but they perform differently under distinct conditions.
      The versatility of P. ostreatus and its enzymes is an advantageous factor in the
      fungal ability to adapt to changing environments. This trait expands the
      possibilities for the potential utilization of P. ostreatus and other white rot
      fungi.

PMID- 27129970
TI  - Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis: efficacy and safety.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis in
      patients with intrauterine adhesions (IUAs). SETTING: Minia Maternity University
      Hospital, Egypt. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PATIENTS: This study included
      61 patients presented with infertility (primary or secondary) or recurrent
      pregnancy losses caused by IUAs. INTERVENTION(S): The adhesions were divided by
      semi-rigid scissors introduced under direct vision through hysteroscopy. Three
      months later, second-look hysteroscopy was performed. PRIMARY OUTCOME PARAMETERS:
      Primary outcome parameters were reproductive parameters (pregnancy rate, duration
      of pregnancies, life births rate, time lag between the intervention and diagnosis
      of pregnancy). SECONDARY OUTCOME PARAMETERS: Secondary outcome parameters were
      the changes in post-operative menstrual pattern, number and duration of
      intervention and type of intra- and post-operative complications. RESULT(S):
      Pregnancy rate changed from 18 to 65.5 %, while live birth rate improved from
      14.7 to 36 %. The mean time until the first conception was 10.2 months (range 2
      60 months) after the operation. There was significant negative correlation
      between the degree of IUAs and the improvement in reproductive performance.
      Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis significantly improved menstrual pattern in 60.7 % of
      patients complaining of hypomenorrhea or amenorrhea. (p = 0.0017). The average
      operative time was 29 +/- 10.2 (10-52) min and the hospital stay was 12.5 +/- 2.1
      (9-24) h. Uterine perforation occurred on 3 (4.9 %), and cervical laceration
      occurred in one case (1.6 %). CONCLUSION(S): Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis of IUAs
      is safe and effective in terms of reproductive outcome. The outcome is
      significantly affected by degree of intrauterine adhesions rather than the main
      complaint before the procedure.

PMID- 27129969
TI  - Blue-Light Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes Growth Is Mediated by Reactive
      Oxygen Species and Is Influenced by sigmaB and the Blue-Light Sensor Lmo0799.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes senses blue light via the flavin mononucleotide-containing
      sensory protein Lmo0799, leading to activation of the general stress response
      sigma factor SigB (sigma(B)). In this study, we investigated the physiological
      response of this foodborne pathogen to blue light. We show that blue light (460
      to 470 nm) doses of 1.5 to 2 mW cm(-2) cause inhibition of growth on agar-based
      and liquid culture media. The inhibitory effects are dependent on cell density,
      with reduced effects evident when high cell numbers are present. The addition of
      20 mM dimethylthiourea, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species, or catalase to
      the medium reverses the inhibitory effects of blue light, suggesting that growth
      inhibition is mediated by the formation of reactive oxygen species. A mutant
      strain lacking sigma(B) (DeltasigB) was found to be less inhibited by blue light
      than the wild type, likely indicating the energetic cost of deploying the general
      stress response. When a lethal dose of light (8 mW cm(-2)) was applied to cells,
      the DeltasigB mutant displayed a marked increase in sensitivity to light compared
      to the wild type. To investigate the role of the blue-light sensor Lmo0799,
      mutants were constructed that either had a deletion of the gene (Deltalmo0799) or
      alteration in a conserved cysteine residue at position 56, which is predicted to
      play a pivotal role in the photocycle of the protein (lmo0799 C56A). Both mutants
      displayed phenotypes similar to the DeltasigB mutant in the presence of blue
      light, providing genetic evidence that residue 56 is critical for light sensing
      in L. monocytogenes Taken together, these results demonstrate that L.
      monocytogenes is inhibited by blue light in a manner that depends on reactive
      oxygen species, and they demonstrate clear light-dependent phenotypes associated
      with sigma(B) and the blue-light sensor Lmo0799. IMPORTANCE: Listeria
      monocytogenes is a bacterial foodborne pathogen that can cause life-threatening
      infections in humans. It is known to be able to sense and respond to visible
      light. In this study, we examine the effects of blue light on the growth and
      survival of this pathogen. We show that growth can be inhibited at comparatively
      low doses of blue light, and that at higher doses, L. monocytogenes cells are
      killed. We present evidence suggesting that blue light inhibits this organism by
      causing the production of reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide. We
      help clarify the mechanism of light sensing by constructing a "blind" version of
      the blue-light sensor protein. Finally, we show that activation of the general
      stress response by light has a negative effect on growth, probably because
      cellular resources are diverted into protective mechanisms rather than growth.

PMID- 27129971
TI  - No considerable changes in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma characteristics over
      a 30-year time period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is
      continuously increasing but its clinical significance and management is still
      debatable. The aim of this study was to investigate possible changes in the
      clinical presentation, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities and long-term
      outcome during the last three decades in patients with PTMC. METHODS: We studied
      335 patients with PTMC who were followed up for at least 5 years, from 1982 to
      2015, and treated in accordance with the current literature or guidelines at each
      time-period. Patients were classified according to year of diagnosis into two
      time periods, TP1 from 1982-2000 and TP2 from 2001-2010. RESULTS: The mean follow
      up of the whole cohort was 10.6 +/- 5.3 (median 9) years. No change was noted in
      the mean age at diagnosis or the female to male ratio during the two time
      periods. In regard to tumor characteristics, multifocality and non-encapsulated
      follicular variant of PTMC was more often present while classic PTMC was less
      common in patients in the TP2, compared to patients in the TP1 (p = 0.007, p <
      0.001 and p = 0.043 respectively). The prevalence of incidental PTMC was high but
      similar in both time periods (84.6 vs 80 %, p = 0.286). The majority of patients
      in TP2 underwent a total or near total thyroidectomy compared to patients in TP1
      (91.7 vs 80 %, p = 0.001). However, more patients underwent thyroidectomy for
      toxic multinodular disease and less for Graves' disease during TP1 compared to
      patients in the TP2 (p = 0.02 and 0.043 respectively). A significant percentage
      of patients underwent adjuvant radioiodine ablation, yet no difference was found
      between the two time periods (73.8 vs 79.5 %, p = 0.228). The rate of persistence
      was very low and not significant (3.1 vs 6.6 %, p = 0.165), while disease
      recurrence was observed in only 2 (0.6 %) patients, one from each time period.
      CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe any important changes regarding the clinical
      presentation or tumor characteristics of PTMCs during a 30-year period. With
      applied interventions a favorable course was confirmed in the majority of
      patients without differences in recurrence or persistence during the last three
      decades.

PMID- 27129972
TI  - Neutrophil elastase enhances antigen presentation by upregulating human leukocyte
      antigen class I expression on tumor cells.
AB  - Neutrophil elastase (NE) is an innate immune cell-derived inflammatory mediator
      that we have shown increases the presentation of tumor-associated peptide
      antigens in breast cancer. In this study, we extend these observations to show
      that NE uptake has a broad effect on enhancing antigen presentation by breast
      cancer cells. We show that NE increases human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I
      expression on the surface of breast cancer cells in a concentration and time
      dependent manner. HLA class I upregulation requires internalization of
      enzymatically active NE. Western blots of NE-treated breast cancer cells confirm
      that the expression of total HLA class I as well as the antigen-processing
      machinery proteins TAP1, LMP2, and calnexin does not change following NE
      treatment. This suggests that NE does not increase the efficiency of antigen
      processing; rather, it mediates the upregulation of HLA class I by stabilizing
      and reducing membrane recycling of HLA class I molecules. Furthermore, the
      effects of NE extend beyond breast cancer since the uptake of NE by EBV-LCL
      increases the presentation of HLA class I-restricted viral peptides, as shown by
      their increased sensitivity to lysis by EBV-specific CD8+ T cells. Together, our
      results show that NE uptake increases the responsiveness of breast cancer cells
      to adaptive immunity by broad upregulation of membrane HLA class I and support
      the conclusion that the innate inflammatory mediator NE enhances tumor cell
      recognition and increases tumor sensitivity to the host adaptive immune response.

PMID- 27129973
TI  - Donor/acceptor nanoparticle pair-based singlet oxygen channeling homogenous
      chemiluminescence immunoassay for quantitative determination of bisphenol A.
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in consumer products such as plastic bottles and
      food containers. It has become a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and poses a
      serious risk to human health. A rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput method for
      detecting BPA is therefore desirable. Herein, a donor/acceptor nanoparticle pair
      based singlet oxygen channeling chemiluminescence homogenous immunoassay is
      developed for the determination of BPA. The donor nanoparticles were modified
      with phthalocyanine as a photosensitizer and were then coated with streptavidin.
      The acceptor nanoparticles were doped with thioxene derivatives and Eu(III) as a
      chemiluminescence emitter and then coated with anti-BPA antibody. Under light
      irradiation, oxygen near the donor surface transforms to singlet oxygen (1O2),
      which migrates to the acceptor and reacts with it, generating luminescence.
      Because 1O2 has a very short lifetime, luminescence is generated only when the
      donor and acceptor are in close proximity. This occurs when they are brought
      together by the antigen/antibody and streptavidin/biotin reaction. Based on this
      singlet oxygen channeling mechanism, a competitive homogenous chemiluminescence
      immunoassay for BPA was developed on 384 microplates. The assay exhibited linear
      detection over the range 10-1000 ng/mL and a limit of detection of 2.9 ng/mL. The
      intra- and inter-assay precisions were both below 5.1 %. The average recoveries
      of three spiked samples in tap and river water samples were in the range 95.5
      121.0 %, in agreement with values obtained using high-performance liquid
      chromatography. The homogeneous assay is rapid, low cost, sensitive, and allows
      high-throughput, so is well suited for screening large numbers of environmental
      samples. Graphical abstract Principle of the singlet oxygen channeling homogenous
      chemiluminescence competitive immunoassay based on nanoparticle pairs for
      determination of BPA.

PMID- 27129974
TI  - Concurrent supercritical fluid chromatographic analysis of terpene lactones and
      ginkgolic acids in Ginkgo biloba extracts and dietary supplements.
AB  - Supercritical fluid chromatography was used to resolve and determine ginkgolic
      acids (GAs) and terpene lactones concurrently in ginkgo plant materials and
      commercial dietary supplements. Analysis of GAs (C13:0, C15:0, C15:1, and C17:1)
      was carried out by ESI (-) mass detection. The ESI (-) spectra of GAs simply
      displayed only the [M-H](-) pseudo-molecular ions, and selected ion monitoring
      (SIM) for those ions was used for the quantification. Analysis of terpene
      lactones (ginkgolides A, B, C, J and bilobalide) was complicated by in-source
      collision-induced dissociation (IS-CID) in the ESI source. Thus, MS analysis
      could be influenced by the fragmentation pattern produced by the IS-CID. However,
      it was established that the fragmentation pattern, measured by ion survival yield
      (ISY), was independent of analyte concentration or matrix at a fixed cone voltage
      in the ESI source. Therefore, MS with SIM mode was applicable for the analysis of
      these analytes. The reported method provided consistent and sensitive analysis
      for the analytes of interest. The LOQs and LODs were determined to be below 100
      and 40 ng/mL for GAs and 1 MUg/mL and 400 ng/mL for terpene lactones,
      respectively. Intra- and inter-day precisions were found to be satisfactory with
      RSDs being below 5.2 %. Analyte recoveries ranged from 87 to 109 %. The developed
      method was successfully applied to the analysis of 11 ginkgo plant samples and 8
      dietary supplements with an analysis time of less than 12 min. 

PMID- 27129975
TI  - Detection of rare species of volatile organic selenium metabolites in male golden
      hamster urine.
AB  - Selenium has been considered as an essential trace element in mammals and its
      intake comes mainly from food. Mammals can metabolize both inorganic and organic
      species, and urinary excretion is the primary elimination route of selenium.
      Selenosugars and trimethylselenonium ion have been identified as major urinary
      metabolites. Other metabolites have been reported, but they were detected in some
      studies and not in others. Still, a large portion of the ingested selenium
      eliminated from the body is unknown. Volatile selenium species may account for a
      certain portion of the unknown species since they can easily be lost during
      sample analyses. While we analyzed male golden hamster urine in search of
      potential volatile pheromone(s), four volatile selenium compounds were detected.
      They were dimethyl selenenylsulfide, dimethyl diselenide, dimethyl
      bis(thio)selenide, and dimethyl selenodisulfide. When the urine samples were aged
      and dried for 48 h, dimethyl selenodisulfide tended to increase, while others
      decreased. The increase might be due to the formation of dimethyl selenodisulfide
      via reaction of dimethyl diselenide and dimethyl trisulfide whose concentration
      increased as urine aged. To our knowledge, dimethyl bis(thio)selenide and
      dimethyl selenodisulfide have never been demonstrated in urine. It remains to be
      determined whether these species are common metabolites in other animals or
      hamster-specific. 

PMID- 27129976
TI  - HPLC-UV method for evaluation of inhibitors of plasma amine oxidase using
      derivatization of an aliphatic aldehyde product with TRIS.
AB  - Plasma amine oxidase (PAO), which is also designated as semicarbazide-sensitive
      amine oxidase (SSAO), copper-containing amine oxidase 3 (AOC3), or vascular
      adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1), catalyzes the oxidative deamination of primary amines
      to aldehydes using copper and a quinone as cofactors. Because it participates in
      the transmigration of inflammatory cells through the blood vessels into the
      tissue, PAO is attributed an important role in inflammatory diseases. Therefore,
      inhibitors of this enzyme could lead to new therapeutics for the treatment of
      inflammation-related conditions. Assays for the evaluation of PAO inhibitors
      usually measure the conversion of benzylamine to benzaldehyde by UV spectroscopy.
      We have developed a test system with the new substrate 6-(5-phenyl-2H-tetrazol-2
      yl)hexan-1-amine, monitoring the formation of the enzyme product 6-(5-phenyl-2H
      tetrazol-2-yl)hexanal by reversed phase HPLC with UV detection. Since this
      compound only eluted with poor peak shape due to hydrate formation in the aqueous
      mobile phase, it was derivatized with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS)
      under mild conditions to an oxazolidine prior HPLC analysis. The validation of
      the method revealed that the new substrate was bound with higher affinity to PAO
      and converted with higher velocity than the standard substrate benzylamine. 

PMID- 27129977
TI  - Single particle ICP-MS method development for the determination of plant uptake
      and accumulation of CeO2 nanoparticles.
AB  - Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) are among the most broadly used engineered
      nanoparticles that will be increasingly released into the environment. Thus,
      understanding their uptake, transportation, and transformation in plants,
      especially food crops, is critical because it represents a potential pathway for
      human consumption. One of the primary challenges for the endeavor is the
      inadequacy of current analytical methodologies to characterize and quantify the
      nanomaterial in complex biological samples at environmentally relevant
      concentrations. Herein, a method was developed using single particle-inductively
      coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) technology to simultaneously detect
      the size and size distribution of particulate Ce, particle concentration, and
      dissolved cerium in the shoots of four plant species including cucumber, tomato,
      soybean, and pumpkin. An enzymatic digestion method with Macerozyme R-10 enzyme
      previously used for gold nanoparticle extraction from the tomato plant was
      adapted successfully for CeO2NP extraction from all four plant species. This
      study is the first to report and demonstrate the presence of dissolved cerium in
      plant seedling shoots exposed to CeO2NPs hydroponically. The extent of plant
      uptake and accumulation appears to be dependent on the plant species, requiring
      further systematic investigation of the mechanisms. 

PMID- 27129978
TI  - Fatty acid biosynthesis during the life cycle of Debaryomyces etchellsii.
AB  - Fatty acid biosynthesis during the life cycle of the ascomycetous yeast
      Debaryomyces etchellsii cultivated on a non-fermentable substrate, i.e. glycerol,
      in nitrogen rich media (NRM) and nitrogen limited media (NLM) has been studied.
      Although considerable activities of key lipogenic enzymes, such as ATP citrate
      lyase (ACL) and malic enzyme (ME), were detected in vegetative cells during
      asexual proliferation (which occurred in the first growth stages in both NRM and
      NLM), lipid accumulation was restricted due to the high activities of NAD+
      isocitrate dehydrogenase (NAD+-ICDH). A similar enzymatic profile has been found
      in ascii and free ascospores produced in NRM; thus lipid accumulation was low. On
      the contrary, very high activities of both ACL and ME and low activities of NAD+
      ICDH were detected in ascii and free ascospores produced in NLM resulting in
      lipid accumulation. Neutral lipids (NL) were the predominant fraction of cellular
      lipids produced in vegetative cells and ascospores in both NRM and NLM. On the
      other hand, phospholipids (P) were the major polar lipids while glycolipids (G)
      were synthesized in low proportions. During transition from asexual to sexual
      phase, the percentage of NL increased with a significant decrease of P and, to a
      lesser extent, of G. High quantities of linoleic acid were found esterified in
      polar lipids, especially in P, during the vegetative stage of growth, while, with
      a few exceptions, during transition from asexual to sexual stage, linoleic acid
      concentration decreased markedly, mainly in P, while oleic acid concentration
      increased.

PMID- 27129979
TI  - Factors associated with poor therapeutic response in outpatients with irritable
      bowel syndrome: a multicenter study in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) show poor response
      to treatment. However, risk factors associated with poor therapeutic response
      have not been determined. METHODS: This multicenter trial evaluated consecutive
      outpatients with IBS undergoing treatment for more than 1 month. Mental health
      status and physical function were evaluated using the Japanese version of the SF
      8. Therapeutic response was evaluated using the IBS severity index-Japanese
      version (IBS-SIJ). Patients with IBS-SIJ scores >=175 were defined as poor
      responders to treatment, whereas those with IBS-SIJ scores <175 were defined as
      good responders. The demographic and clinical characteristics of these two
      groups, along with medications, were compared. RESULTS: The study enrolled 131
      participants, 75 with IBS-SIJ scores >=175-56 with IBS-SIJ scores <175. Multiple
      logistic regression analysis showed that female sex [odds ratio (OR) 2.67, 95 %
      confidence interval (CI) 1.19-5.97, p = 0.0167] and mental component summary
      (MCS) of the SF-8 <40 (OR 2.58, 95 % CI 1.12-5.97, p = 0.0263) were independent
      risk factors for poor therapeutic response in patients with IBS. CONCLUSIONS:
      Lower MCS and female sex were risk factors for poor therapeutic response in
      patients with IBS. Ascertaining the mechanisms by which lower MCS and female sex
      are associated with poor therapeutic response in IBS may help design better
      treatments (Trial registration number: UMIN000016804).

PMID- 27129981
TI  - Heterogeneity in the measurement and reporting of outcomes in studies of
      electronic cigarette use in adolescents: a systematic analysis of observational
      studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine consistency between cross-sectional studies of conventional
      and electronic cigarette use among adolescents in terms of the measurement,
      analysis and reporting of parameters. DESIGN: A systematic analysis of cross
      sectional studies of conventional and electronic cigarette use in adolescents, to
      identify measured and reported parameters. DATA SOURCES: Studies examining use of
      electronic and conventional cigarette use in adolescents were identified by
      searching the SCOPUS database in August 2015. STUDY SELECTION: The selection
      criteria for studies were: cross-sectional studies, in English, on e-cigarette
      use in adolescents. Two reviewers independently selected relevant studies from
      the search. 60 abstracts were identified, from which 31 papers were eligible for
      review (23 unique studies). DATA EXTRACTION: Measured and reported parameters
      were identified and tabulated. These included the prevalence of cigarette and/ or
      electronic cigarette use, and the definitions of terms. Data were extracted
      independently by two reviewers. DATA SYNTHESIS: With regards basic parameters of
      'ever' or 'current' use of electronic or conventional cigarettes, there were 31
      unique measured parameters across 23 studies. Of 16/23 studies in which authors
      collected information on dual current use, prevalence was reported in 11/16, with
      six different definitions of 'dual use'. CONCLUSIONS: There are substantial
      differences in measurement and reporting of parameters across observational
      studies of electronic and conventional cigarette use in adolescents. These
      studies are at risk of reporting bias, and results are difficult to interpret. A
      core outcome set that should be measured and reported in all observational
      studies is required, using structured consensus techniques.

PMID- 27129980
TI  - Implementation of a new guideline in cardiovascular secondary preventive care:
      subanalysis of a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular secondary preventive recommendations are often not
      reached. We investigated whether a nurse-led telephone-based follow-up could
      improve the implementation of a new guideline within a year after its release.
      METHODS: In February 2013, a new secondary preventive guideline for diabetic
      patients was released in the county of Jamtland, Sweden. It included a changed of
      the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target value from <2.5 mmol/L to
      <1.8 mmol/L. In the Nurse-Based Age-Independent Intervention to Limit Evolution
      of Disease (NAILED) trial, patients with an acute coronary syndrome, stroke, or
      transient ischemic attack were randomized to secondary preventive care with nurse
      based telephone follow-up (intervention) or usual care (control). Patient data
      were obtained from the NAILED trial to study the implementation of the new LDL-C
      guideline by comparing telephone follow-up with usual care. The Mann-Whitney U
      test was used for continuous variables, and Person's chi (2) test was used for
      categorical variables to assess between-group differences. RESULTS: Out of the
      1267 patients that entered the study period, 101 intervention and 100 control
      patients with diabetes fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed the study
      period. Before the guideline change, 96 % of the intervention patients and 70 %
      of the control patients reached the target LDL-C value (p < 0.001). After the
      guideline change, the corresponding respective proportions were 65 % and 36 % (p
      < 0.001). The main reason that intervention patients did not achieve the target
      LDL-C value was that they received full-dose treatment; for control patients, the
      main reason was that medication was not adjusted, for an unknown reason.
      CONCLUSIONS: One year after a change in the cardiovascular secondary preventive
      guideline, nurse-based telephone follow-up performed better than usual care to
      implement the new recommendation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry;
      ISRCTN96595458 (date of registration 10 July 2011) and ISRCTN23868518 (date of
      registration 13 May 2012).

PMID- 27129982
TI  - Surgical management of papillary thyroid carcinoma in childhood and adolescence:
      an Italian multicenter study on 250 patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The extent of surgery for pediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma is
      debatable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of offering
      pediatric patients a tailored surgical approach based on certain clinical
      features. METHODS: A national multicenter retrospective review of 250 pediatric
      patients treated for papillary thyroid carcinoma in a 14-year period was
      performed. Outcomes of interest included tumor-related features, type of surgery,
      surgical morbidity, disease-free and overall survival rates. Recurrence was
      thoroughly analyzed with particular focus on how it correlated with certain
      patient- and tumor-related features. RESULTS: The majority of patients (58.8 %)
      had tumors >2 cm in size. Nodal involvement occurred in 115/250 (46 %) patients
      and distant metastasis in 4 % (10/250). Total thyroidectomy and lobectomy were
      performed in 90.4 % (226/250) and 9.6 % (24/250) of patients, respectively. The
      overall rate of surgical complications was 20.8 % (52/250). These included
      transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism (13.6 and 4.4 %, respectively), and
      vocal fold palsy (2.8 %). All surgical complications occurred exclusively in the
      total thyroidectomy group. The rate of recurrent disease was 12 % (30/250) with
      the vast majority of recurrences (96.6 %) occurring in the total thyroidectomy
      group. The risk of recurrence correlated significantly with certain tumor-related
      features (size > 2 cm, multifocality, extrathyroidal invasion, nodal positivity,
      and distant metastasis). However, it did not correlate with the patient's age or
      sex. Overall survival was 100 %. CONCLUSION: Pediatric patients are likely to
      benefit from a tailored surgical strategy. Uniformly offering patients total
      thyroidectomy seems to be an overly radical approach.

PMID- 27129983
TI  - The Long and Short of Circulating Cell-Free DNA and the Ins and Outs of Molecular
      Diagnostics.
AB  - The discovery of cell-free tumor and fetal DNA molecules in the plasma of cancer
      patients and pregnant women, respectively, has opened up exciting opportunities
      in molecular diagnosis. The understanding of the biological properties of
      circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) molecules would be essential for us to make the
      best use of such molecules in different clinical settings. In this review we
      start by exploring the technologies that have been used for analyzing the size
      profiles of cfDNA in plasma. We then review the size profiles of cfDNA in
      different clinical scenarios, including cancer, pregnancy, transplantation, and
      autoimmune diseases. Finally, we discuss the potential diagnostic applications of
      plasma DNA size profiling.

PMID- 27129984
TI  - Expanding the Regulatory Network for Meristem Size in Plants.
AB  - The remarkable plasticity of post-embryonic plant development is due to groups of
      stem-cell-containing structures called meristems. In the shoot, meristems
      continuously produce organs such as leaves, flowers, and stems. Nearly two
      decades ago the WUSCHEL/CLAVATA (WUS/CLV) negative feedback loop was established
      as being essential for regulating the size of shoot meristems by maintaining a
      delicate balance between stem cell proliferation and cell recruitment for the
      differentiation of lateral primordia. Recent research in various model species
      (Arabidopsis, tomato, maize, and rice) has led to discoveries of additional
      components that further refine and improve the current model of meristem
      regulation, adding new complexity to a vital network for plant growth and
      productivity.

PMID- 27129985
TI  - Expression of the prospective mesoderm genes twist, snail, and mef2 in penaeid
      shrimp.
AB  - In penaeid shrimp, mesoderm forms from two sources: naupliar mesoderm founder
      cells, which invaginate during gastrulation, and posterior mesodermal stem cells
      called mesoteloblasts, which undergo characteristic teloblastic divisions. The
      primordial mesoteloblast descends from the ventral mesendoblast, which arrests in
      cell division at the 32-cell stage and ingresses with its sister dorsal
      mesendoblast prior to naupliar mesoderm invagination. The naupliar mesoderm forms
      the muscles of the naupliar appendages (first and second antennae and mandibles),
      while the mesoteloblasts form the mesoderm, including the muscles, of
      subsequently formed posterior segments. To better understand the mechanism of
      mesoderm and muscle formation in penaeid shrimp, twist, snail, and mef2 cDNAs
      were identified from transcriptomes of Penaeus vannamei, P. japonicus, P.
      chinensis, and P. monodon. A single Twist ortholog was found, with strong
      inferred amino acid conservation across all three species. Multiple Snail protein
      variants were detected, which clustered in a phylogenetic tree with other decapod
      crustacean Snail sequences. Two closely-related mef2 variants were found in P.
      vannamei. The developmental mRNA expression of these genes was studied by qPCR in
      P. vannamei embryos, larvae, and postlarvae. Expression of Pv-twist and Pv-snail
      began during the limb bud stage and continued through larval stages to the
      postlarva. Surprisingly, Pv-mef2 expression was found in all stages from the
      zygote to the postlarva, with the highest expression in the limb bud and
      protozoeal stages. The results add comparative data on the development of
      anterior and posterior mesoderm in malacostracan crustaceans, and should
      stimulate further studies on mesoderm and muscle development in penaeid shrimp.

PMID- 27130032
TI  - ERbeta expression in the endothelium ameliorates ischemia/reperfusion-mediated
      oxidative burst and vascular injury.
AB  - Estrogen and estrogen receptors (ERs) have been reported to play protective roles
      in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-mediated injury, but the detailed mechanism remains
      to be fully understood. Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) also
      play important roles in the I/R process; however, due to the lack of sensitive
      and reproducible in vivo monitoring systems, we still do not have direct evidence
      for the effect of NO and ROS in vivo. In this study, we have established reliable
      in vivo monitoring systems to measure the variations in circulating ROS and NO
      during the I/R. We found that during the first few minutes of post-ischemia
      reperfusion, an oxidative burst occurred concurrent with a rapid loss of NO.
      Expression of ERbeta in the endothelium reduced these effects that accompanied an
      attenuation in myocardial infarction and vascular damage. Further investigation
      showed that Tie2-driven lentivirus delivery of ERbeta to the vascular wall in
      rats increased the expression of its target genes in the endothelium, including
      ERRalpha, SOD2 and eNOS. These changes modulate ROS generation, DNA damage, and
      mitochondrial function in rat endothelial cells. We also found that ERbeta
      expression in the endothelium reduced ROS generation and restored mitochondrial
      function in cardiomyocytes; this may be due to ERbeta-mediated NO formation and
      its high diffusibility to cardiomyocytes. We conclude that ERbeta expression in
      the endothelium ameliorates ischemia/reperfusion-mediated oxidative burst and
      vascular injury.

PMID- 27130031
TI  - Superoxide dismutase 2 overexpression alleviates maternal diabetes-induced neural
      tube defects, restores mitochondrial function and suppresses cellular stress in
      diabetic embryopathy.
AB  - Pregestational diabetes disrupts neurulation leading to neural tube defects
      (NTDs). Oxidative stress resulting from reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a
      central role in the induction of NTD formation in diabetic pregnancies. We aimed
      to determine whether mitochondrial dysfunction increases ROS production leading
      to oxidative stress and diabetic embryopathy. Overexpression of the mitochondrion
      specific antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) in a transgenic (Tg)
      mouse model significantly reduced maternal diabetes-induced NTDs. SOD2
      overexpression abrogated maternal diabetes-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by
      inhibiting mitochondrial translocation of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members,
      reducing the number of defective mitochondria in neuroepithelial cells, and
      decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, SOD2 overexpression
      blocked maternal diabetes-increased ROS production by diminishing dihydroethidium
      staining signals in the developing neuroepithelium, and reducing the levels of
      nitrotyrosine-modified proteins and lipid hydroperoxide level in neurulation
      stage embryos. SOD2 overexpression also abolished maternal diabetes-induced
      endoplasmic reticulum stress. Finally, caspase-dependent neuroepithelial cell
      apoptosis enhanced by oxidative stress was significantly reduced by SOD2
      overexpression. Thus, our findings support the hypothesis that mitochondrial
      dysfunction in the developing neuroepithelium enhances ROS production, which
      leads to oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. SOD2
      overexpression blocks maternal diabetes-induced oxidative stress and ER stress,
      and reduces the incidence of NTDs in embryos exposed to maternal diabetes.

PMID- 27130033
TI  - Influence of the APOE genotype on hepatic stress response: Studies in APOE
      targeted replacement mice and human liver cells.
AB  - Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a multifunctional plasma protein mainly acting in
      lipid metabolism. Human APOE is polymorphic with three major isoforms (APOE2,
      APOE3 and APOE4). Up to 75% of the body's APOE is produced by the liver. There is
      increasing evidence from studies in brain-derived cells that APOE4 affects
      mitochondrial function and biogenesis as well as stress and inflammatory
      responses - processes, whose disturbances are considered hallmarks of the ageing
      process. However, although the liver is the main production site of APOE,
      knowledge about the impact of the APOE genotype on hepatic stress response
      related processes is rather limited. Therefore, we studied biomarkers of
      oxidative status (glutathione levels, 3-nitrotyrosine adducts, protein carbonyl
      concentration), ER stress (XBP1(S), BiP, DDIT3), proteasome activity,
      mitochondrial function (respiratory complexes, ATP levels and mitochondrial
      membrane potential as well as biomarkers of mitochondrial biogenesis, fission and
      fusion), autophagy (LC3, LAMP2A), apoptosis (BCL2, BAX, CYCS) and DNA damage in
      the liver of APOE targeted replacement (TR) mice and in Huh7 hepatocytes
      overexpressing the APOE3 and the APOE4 isoform, respectively. APOE4 mice
      exhibited a lower chymotrypsin-like and a higher trypsin-like proteasome
      activity. Levels of protein carbonyls were moderately higher in liver tissue of
      APOE4 vs. APOE3 mice. Other biomarkers of oxidative stress were similar between
      the two genotypes. Under basal conditions, the stress-response pathways
      investigated appeared largely unaffected by the APOE genotype. However, upon
      stress induction, APOE4 expressing cells showed lower levels of adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) and lower mRNA levels of the ATP-generating complex V of the
      mitochondrial respiratory chain. Overall, our findings provide evidence for a
      rather low influence of the APOE genotype on the hepatic stress response
      processes investigated in this study.

PMID- 27130034
TI  - Iron-sulfur cluster damage by the superoxide radical in neural tissues of the
      SOD1(G93A) ALS rat model.
AB  - Extensive clinical investigations, in hand with biochemical and biophysical
      research, have associated brain iron accumulation with the pathogenesis of the
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease. The origin of iron is still not
      identified, but it is proposed that it forms redox active complexes that can
      participate in the Fenton reaction generating the toxic hydroxyl radical. In this
      paper, the state of iron in the neural tissues isolated from SOD1(G93A)
      transgenic rats was investigated using low temperature EPR spectroscopy and is
      compared with that of nontransgenic (NTg) littermates. The results showed that
      iron in neural tissues is present as high- and low-spin, heme and non-heme iron.
      It appears that the SOD1(G93A) rat neural tissues were most likely exposed in
      vivo to higher amounts of reactive oxygen species when compared to the
      corresponding NTg tissues, as they showed increased oxidized [3Fe-4S](1+) cluster
      content relative to [4Fe-4S](1+). Also, the activity of cytochrome c oxidase
      (CcO) was found to be reduced in these tissues, which may be associated with the
      observed uncoupling of heme a3 Fe and CuB in the O2-reduction site of the enzyme.
      Furthermore, the SOD1(G93A) rat spinal cords and brainstems contained more
      manganese, presumably from MnSOD, than those of NTg rats. The addition of
      potassium superoxide to all neural tissues ex vivo, led to the [4Fe-4S]->[3Fe-4S]
      cluster conversion and concurrent release of Fe. These results suggest that the
      superoxide anion may be the cause of the observed oxidative damage to SOD1(G93A)
      rat neural tissues and that the iron-sulfur clusters may be the source of poorly
      liganded redox active iron implicated in ALS pathogenesis. Low temperature EPR
      spectroscopy appears to be a valuable tool in assessing the role of metals in
      neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27130035
TI  - Large pathogen screening reveals first report of Megaselia scalaris (Diptera:
      Phoridae) parasitizing Apis mellifera intermissa (Hymenoptera: Apidae).
AB  - As it is most likely that global warming will also lead to a shift in pollinator
      habitats northwards, the study of southern species becomes more and more
      important. Pathogen screenings in subspecies of Apis mellifera capable of
      withstanding higher temperatures, provide an insight into future pathogen host
      interactions. Screenings in different climate regions also provide a global
      perspective on the prevalence of certain pathogens. In this project, we performed
      a pathogen screening in Apis mellifera intermissa, a native subspecies of Algeria
      in northern Africa. Colonies were sampled from different areas in the region of
      Annaba over a period of two years. Several pathogens were detected, among them
      Apicystis bombi, Crithidia mellificae, Nosema ceranae, Paenibacillus larvae, Lake
      Sinai Virus, Sacbrood Virus and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV). Our screening also
      revealed a phoroid fly, Megaselia scalaris, parasitizing honey bee colonies,
      which we report here for the first time. In addition, we found DWV to be present
      in the adult flies and replicating virus in the larval stages of the fly, which
      could indicate that M. scalaris acts as a vector of DWV.

PMID- 27130036
TI  - Impact of microbiology cascade reporting on antibiotic de-escalation in cefazolin
      susceptible Gram-negative bacteremia.
AB  - Cascade reporting (CR) involves reporting the susceptibilities of broad-spectrum
      agents only when the organism is resistant to more narrow-spectrum agents. The
      purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of CR on antibiotic de-escalation
      practices and to characterize the impact of CR on clinical outcomes. CR rules
      were implemented in the microbiology laboratory at Atlantic Health System (AHS)
      in June 2013. A retrospective chart review was conducted at two community
      teaching hospitals in adult patients who had a blood culture positive for a Gram
      negative organism susceptible to cefazolin and who were empirically treated with
      broad-spectrum beta-lactam (BSBL) antibiotics. De-escalation practices were
      compared in the pre-CR (July 2012-December 2012) and post-CR (July 2013-December
      2013) periods. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients whose BSBL
      agent was de-escalated to agents listed on the post-CR antibiotic susceptibility
      report within 48 h of the final report. Secondary endpoints include the
      difference in pre-CR and post-CR periods in terms of hospital length of stay, in
      hospital mortality, 30-day readmission, Clostridium difficile infections, and re
      initiation of a BSBL agent within 7 days. A total of 73 patients were included;
      31 in the pre-CR and 42 in the post-CR period. Patients had similar baseline
      characteristics. Therapy was de-escalated in 48 % of pre-CR vs 71 % of post-CR
      patients (p = 0.043). No significant differences were observed in secondary
      endpoints between patients in the pre-CR and post-CR periods. CR resulted in
      significant improvements in de-escalation practices without affecting safety
      outcomes. 

PMID- 27130037
TI  - Knockdown of ribosomal protein S15A induces human glioblastoma cell apoptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: RPS15A is a ribosome protein that is highly conserved in many
      organisms from yeast to human. A number of studies implied its role in promoting
      cancer cell growth. METHODS: Here, we firstly conducted RPS15A gene expression
      analysis in brain cancer using Oncomine database and found RPS15A was remarkably
      overexpressed in glioblastoma (GBM) compared with that in normal tissues. Then,
      the expression of RPS15A was specifically silenced in GBM cell line U251 using
      lentiviral-mediated RNA interference technique. We further investigated the
      effect of RPS15A knockdown in U251 cells using MTT assay, colony formation test,
      and flow cytometry analysis. We detected the protein level of Bcl-2 and poly (ADP
      ribose) polymerase (PARP) as well as activation of caspase-3. RESULTS: Our
      results showed that the knockdown of RPS15A could inhibit cancer cell growth and
      colony formation in vitro, as well as induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase
      and cell apoptosis. In addition, Western blot analysis indicated that the
      knockdown of RPS15A could significantly inhibit bcl-2 and activate caspase-3 and
      PARP. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest RPS15A may play an important role in the
      progression of GBM and lentiviral-mediated silencing of RPS15A could be an
      effective tool in GBM treatment.

PMID- 27130038
TI  - Deeper than skin deep - The effect of botulinum toxin-A on emotion processing.
AB  - The effect of facial botulinum Toxin-A (BTX) injections on the processing of
      emotional stimuli was investigated. The hypothesis, that BTX would interfere with
      processing of slightly emotional stimuli and less with very emotional or neutral
      stimuli, was largely confirmed. BTX-users rated slightly emotional sentences and
      facial expressions, but not very emotional or neutral ones, as less emotional
      after the treatment. Furthermore, they became slower at categorizing slightly
      emotional facial expressions under time pressure. 

PMID- 27130039
TI  - Comprehensive analysis of venom from the scorpion Centruroides tecomanus reveals
      compounds with antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and insecticidal activities.
AB  - Centruroides tecomanus is a medically important scorpion of the state of Colima
      (Mexico). This communication reports the identification of venom components of
      this scorpion with biological activity over insects/crickets (Acheta domestica),
      crustaceans/fresh water shrimps (Cambarellus montezumae), and mammalians/mice
      (Mus musculus, strain CD1). It also describes the pharmacological effects on cell
      lines in culture (L5178Y cells, HeLa cells, HuTu cells and Jurkat E6-1 cells), as
      well as on several types of bacteria (see below). The soluble venom of this
      scorpion was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and
      collected separately in twelve independent fractions collected over 60 min run (5
      min time apart each other). The HPLC components of fraction VII were lethal to
      all three species used for assay. The IVth fraction had a toxic effect on
      freshwater shrimps. In this species, fractions VI, VII and VIII were all lethal.
      For crickets, fractions V and VI were toxic and fraction VII was lethal. In
      mouse, the lethal components were found in fraction VII, whereas fraction VIII
      was toxic, but not lethal, at the doses assayed. The molecular weight of peptides
      from the various group of fractions were identified by mass spectrometry
      determination. Components lethal to mice showed molecular weights from 7013 to
      7487 Da. Two peptides were obtained in homogeneous form and shown to be lethal to
      the three species of animal used for assay. The soluble venom tested on L5178Y
      cell line survival was shown to be cytotoxic, at 10-100 MUg/mL concentration,
      when compared to control murine splenocytes (p = 0.007). The soluble venom
      applied to Hela, Hutu and Jurkat cell lines did not show cytotoxic effects at
      these concentrations. On the contrary, it seems to have a proliferative effect.
      However the HPLC fractions I, III, VI and XII do have a cytotoxic effect on
      Jurkat E06-1 cells in culture at 200 MUg/mL concentration. The antimicrobial
      activity of the venom fractions on Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive),
      Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Salmonella spp (gram-negative) was
      measured, using the liquid inhibition growth system. The four strains of bacteria
      used were susceptible to fractions III and IV, affecting all four bacterial
      strains at concentrations below 5 MUg/mL. 

PMID- 27130040
TI  - A promising HD133-like strain of Bacillus thuringiensis with dual efficiency to
      the two Lepidopteran pests: Spodoptera littoralis (Noctuidae) and Ephestia
      kuehniella (Pyralidae).
AB  - Isolation and identification of new strains with wide variety of target pests is
      an ever growing field. In this paper, a screening of 260 strains from Tunisian
      soil samples was conducted by dot-blot and PCR-sequencing analysis. The screening
      was done on the basis of the possession of cry1D-type genes and was followed by
      the evaluation of the insecticidal activity against Spodoptera littoralis. BLB250
      strain showed an LC50 value (56.2 MUg g(-1)) against S. littoralis lower than
      those of the two Bacillus thuringiensis reference strains HD1 and HD133. An
      interesting LC50 (167.6 MUg g(-1)) was also recorded against Ephestia kuehniella
      larvae. The strain was, thus, selected because of its qualification to be highly
      toxic, at once, for both Lepidopteran insects. In vitro time course of
      proteolytic processing of BLB250 and HD133 protoxins by the gut juices from the
      two insect larvae revealed that the differences in toxicity against E. kuehniella
      are most likely attributed to differences in the efficiency of the activation of
      the corresponding protoxins into toxins. An activation comparative study using
      commercial proteases suggested that the intestinal proteases of E. kuehniella
      contain trypsin-like activities. With its high efficiency and toxicity against,
      at once, two Lepidopteran insects having different susceptibilities towards
      kurstaki and aizawai subspecies, BLB250 could be useful when developing more
      efficient and economical B. thuringiensis-based pesticides. 

PMID- 27130041
TI  - A novel LAMB2 gene mutation associated with a severe phenotype in a neonate with
      Pierson syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pierson syndrome (PS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, caused
      by mutations in the laminin beta2 (LAMB2) gene. It is characterized by congenital
      nephrotic syndrome, microcoria, and neurodevelopmental deficits. Several
      mutations with genotype-phenotype correlations have been reported, often with
      great clinical variability. We hereby report a novel homozygous nonsense mutation
      in the LAMB2 gene, associated with a severe phenotype presentation. CASE
      DIAGNOSIS: We describe a term male infant born from consanguineous parents. The
      mother previously lost three children in the neonatal period, secondary to
      undefined renal disease, had two spontaneous abortions, and gave birth to one
      healthy daughter. The index case presented at birth with bilateral microcoria,
      severe hypotonia, respiratory distress, and congenital nephrotic syndrome
      associated with anuria and severe renal failure requiring peritoneal dialysis.
      The patients' clinical follow-up was unfavorable, and the newborn died at 7 days
      of life, after withdrawal of life support. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous
      nonsense mutation at position c.2890C>T causing a premature stop codon (p.R964*)
      in LAMB2 gene. CONCLUSION: We here describe a novel nonsense homozygous mutation
      in LAMB2 gene causing a severe neonatal presentation of Pierson syndrome. This
      new mutation expands the genotype-phenotype spectrum of this rare disease and
      confirms that truncating mutations might be associated with severe clinical
      features.

PMID- 27130042
TI  - The development and features of the Spanish prehospital advanced triage method
      (META) for mass casualty incidents.
AB  - This text describes the process of development of the new Spanish Prehospital
      Advanced Triage Method (META) and explain its main features and contribution to
      prehospital triage systems in mass casualty incidents. The triage META is based
      in the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols, patient's anatomical
      injuries and mechanism of injury. It is a triage method with four stages
      including early identification of patients with severe trauma that would benefit
      from a rapid evacuation to a surgical facility and introduces a new patient flow
      by-passing the advanced medical post to improve evacuation. The stages of triage
      META are: I) Stabilization triage that classifies patients according to severity
      to set priorities for initial emergency treatment; II) Identifying patients
      requiring urgent surgical treatment, this is done at the same time than stage I
      and creates a new flow of patients with high priority for evacuation; III)
      Implementation of Advanced Trauma Life Support protocols to patients previously
      classified according to stablished priority; and IV) Evacuation triage,
      stablishing evacuation priorities in case of lacks of appropriate transport
      resources. The triage META is to be applied only by prehospital providers with
      advanced knowledge and training in advanced trauma life support care and has been
      designed to be implemented as prehospital procedure in mass casualty incidents
      (MCI). 

PMID- 27130043
TI  - HIF2A gain-of-function mutations detected in duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma.

PMID- 27130044
TI  - Androgen control of lipid metabolism in prostate cancer: novel insights and
      future applications.
AB  - One of the most typical hallmarks of prostate cancer cells is their exquisite
      dependence on androgens, which is the basis of the widely applied androgen
      deprivation therapy. Among the variety of key cellular processes and functions
      that are regulated by androgens, lipid metabolism stands out by its complex
      regulation and its many intricate links with cancer cell biology. Here, we review
      our current knowledge on the links between androgens and lipid metabolism in
      prostate cancer, and highlight recent developments and insights into the links
      between key oncogenic stimuli and altered lipid synthesis and/or uptake that may
      hold significant potential for biomarker development and provide new
      vulnerabilities for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 27130045
TI  - Two endogenous retroviral loci appear to contribute to Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two endogenous retroviral loci seem to be involved in the human
      disease Multiple sclerosis (MS). RESULTS: The two retroviral loci synergize in
      and contribute to MS (shown by ANOVA). Synergy probably means recombination or
      complementation of the activated viruses. Similar observations may be true for
      Type 1 Diabetes and Rheumatoid arthritis. In MS the genes also synergize with the
      immune system; this could well be a common phenomenon. CONCLUSION: We formulate
      various theories about the role of the viruses. Also, the concept is developing
      that some forms of autoimmunity should be treatable with antiretrovirals. In the
      case of MS, this idea is gradually gaining weight.

PMID- 27130046
TI  - (18)F-FDG PET/CT can correct the clinical stages and predict pathological
      parameters before operation in cervical cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the value of the positron emission tomography-computed
      tomography (PET/CT) imaging in correcting the clinical stages and predicting
      pathological parameters before operation in cervical cancer. METHODS: Medical
      records of preoperative PET/CT from 113 patients with cervical cancer were
      retrospectively reviewed and compared with clinical examination and pathological
      parameters. RESULTS: The accuracy of tumor staging by PET/CT was 94.7%. The
      sensitivity and specificity to diagnose lymph node (LN) metastasis were 53.8% and
      95.0%, respectively, with 98.4% and 59.2% for deep cervical stromal invasion. The
      positive predictive value was 58.3% and 75.9%, and the negative predictive value
      was 94.1% and 96.7%. Using maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax)=1.05 and
      metabolic tumor volume (MTV) of LN=0.50 or MTV of cervical lesions=11.60 as cut
      off value to diagnose LN metastasis individually, we have found that the
      sensitivity and specificity for SUVmax, MTV of LN and cervical lesions were 53.8%
      and 94.0%, 46.2% and 94.0%, 88.9% and 73.0%, respectively. For deep cervical
      stromal invasion, with cervical lesions SUVmax=7.83 or MTV=8.76 as cut-off value,
      the sensitivity and specificity were 92.2% and 57.1%, 75.0% and 76.2%,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: PET/CT stage preoperative cervical cancer more
      objectively and accurately compared to traditional staging system. The LN
      metastasis and deep cervical stromal invasion of cervical cancer could be well
      predicted before operation by PET/CT so that the doctors can choose
      individualized treatment options.

PMID- 27130047
TI  - Three-dimensional quantification of myocardial perfusion during regadenoson
      stress computed tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no accepted methodology for CT-based vasodilator stress
      myocardial perfusion imaging and analysis. We developed a technique for
      quantitative 3D analysis of CT images, which provides several indices of
      myocardial perfusion. We sought to determine the ability of these indices during
      vasodilator stress to identify segments supplied by coronary arteries with
      obstructive disease and to test the accuracy of the detection of perfusion
      abnormalities against SPECT. METHODS: We studied 93 patients referred for CT
      coronary angiography (CTCA) who underwent regadenoson stress. 3D analysis of
      stress CT images yielded segmental perfusion indices: mean X-ray attenuation,
      severity of defect and relative defect volume. Each index was averaged for
      myocardial segments, grouped by severity of stenosis: 0%, <50%, 50-70%, and >70%.
      Objective detection of perfusion abnormalities was optimized in 47 patients and
      then independently tested in the remaining 46 patients. RESULTS: CTCA depicted
      normal coronary arteries or non-obstructive disease in 62 patients and stenosis
      of >50% in 31. With increasing stenosis, segmental attenuation showed a 7%
      decrease, defect severity increased 11%, but relative defect volume was 7-fold
      higher in segments with obstructive disease (p<0.001). In the test group,
      detection of perfusion abnormalities associated with stenosis >50% showed
      sensitivity 0.78, specificity 0.54, accuracy 0.59. When compared to SPECT in a
      subset of 21 patients (14 with abnormal SPECT), stress CT perfusion analysis
      showed sensitivity 0.79, specificity 0.71, accuracy 0.76. CONCLUSIONS: 3D
      analysis of vasodilator stress CT images provides quantitative indices of
      myocardial perfusion, of which relative defect volume was most robust in
      identifying segments supplied by arteries with obstructive disease. This study
      may have implications on how CT stress perfusion imaging is performed and
      analyzed.

PMID- 27130048
TI  - Diffusion-weighted imaging in the assessment of prostate cancer: Comparison of
      zoomed imaging and conventional technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare reduced field-of-view (zoomed) diffusion-weighted imaging
      (DWI) and conventional DWI in the evaluation of prostate cancer with respect to
      lesion detection, image quality and alignment accuracy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      study was carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and was
      approved by the institutional review board. Image data of 29 histology-proven
      prostate cancer lesions in 15 patients were evaluated. All patients underwent
      both conventional DWI and zoomed DWI at 3T. Zoomed DWI and conventional DWI
      sequences were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Subjective image
      quality, visual distortion and presence of artefacts were rated on a 5-point
      Likert scale (1=excellent) by two readers in consensus. Lesion conspicuity,
      sensitivity and specificity in lesion detection were evaluated and compared for
      both DWI sequences using ROC curves and area under the curve (AUC). To analyze
      the geographic distortion in DWI the alignment accuracy of prostate and lesions
      was measured in three spatial dimensions referring to the T2-weighted anatomical
      images as reference. In a region of interest (ROI) evaluation, ADC values were
      measured in prostate tissue and malignant lesions. Comparison of qualitative and
      quantitative parameters was performed using Wilcoxon test with subsequent
      Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Subjective image quality was rated significantly
      higher in zoomed DWI compared to conventional DWI (2.1+/-0.9 vs. 2.7+/-0.9;
      p=0.0375). Visual distortion and artefacts were reduced in zoomed DWI without
      reaching statistical significance (1.8+/-0.7 vs. 2.4+/-1.0 and 2.1+/-1.0 vs.
      2.5+/-1.0). Sensitivity and specificity of zoomed and conventional DWI were not
      significantly different. Zoomed DWI had a slightly higher AUC compared to
      conventional DWI without significant difference (0.82 versus 0.78; p=0.0576).
      Lesion conspicuity did not significantly differ between zoomed DWI and
      conventional DWI (1.8+/-0.8 vs. 1.9+/-1.0; p=0.8523). The alignment accuracy of
      zoomed DWI was significantly higher regarding both the prostate gland and lesions
      (deviation of outer contours of lesions in sagittal plane: 3+/-4mm vs. 5+/-3mm;
      p=0.0008). ADC tended to be higher in zoomed DWI without statistical significance
      (ADCmean in peripheral zone: 1.7+/-0.2*10(-3)mm(2)/s vs. 1.5+/-0.4*10(-3)mm(2)/s;
      ADCmean in lesion: 1.0+/-0.71*10(-3)mm(2)/s vs. 0.8+/-0.2*10(-3)mm(2)/s).
      CONCLUSIONS: Zoomed technique offers improved image quality for diffusion
      weighted imaging of the prostate with reduced image distortion both for the whole
      gland as well as for cancer lesions and at least comparable diagnostic
      performance. The zoomed technique could be useful for multiparametric tissue
      characterization but also for biopsy and radiation therapy planning.

PMID- 27130049
TI  - Determination of the least amount of iodine load required for the detection of
      pancreatic adenocarcinoma at 80-kVp CT.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the iodine load per body weight (ILPBW) that is minimally
      required for the detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma for 80kVp CT imaging.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval and written informed
      consent were obtained. Fifty-seven consecutive patients with histopathologically
      proven pancreatic adenocarcinoma were assigned to three groups at random
      according to iodine load (0.5, 0.4, and 0.3gI/kg) and underwent CT at 80kVp.
      Enhancement of the pancreas and visualization of the tumor were assessed during
      the pancreatic parenchymal-phase and compared among the three groups. The
      relationship between the iodine load and tumor conspicuity was also analyzed.
      RESULTS: The mean CT number of the pancreas (HUpancreas) was higher in the
      0.5gI/kg group (158.8HU) than in the 0.4 (121.7HU) and 0.3 (106.6HU) gI/kg groups
      (P<0.05). Tumor-to-pancreas contrast (HUtumor-to-pancreas) was also higher in
      0.5gI/kg group (88.9HU) than in 0.4 (62.2HU) and 0.3 (54.5HU) gI/kg groups
      (P<0.05). Linear regression between HUpancreas or HUtumor-to-pancreas and ILPBW
      were expressed as HUpancreas=23.3+263.9*ILPBW (r=0.74, P<0.0001) and HUtumor-to
      pancreas=-1.24+174.3*ILPBW (r=0.56, P<0.0001), respectively. The iodine load
      estimated to achieve an acceptable HUpancreas (>100HU) and HUtumor-to-pancreas
      (>50HU) were 0.29 and 0.30gI/kg, respectively. CONCLUSION: An iodine load of
      0.3gI/kg was the least amount required for the detection of pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma at 80kVp CT.

PMID- 27130050
TI  - 3T Double Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging: diagnostic advantages in
      the evaluation of cortical development anomalies.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to investigate the diagnostic value of the DIR
      sequence at 3T MR imaging operating in the evaluation of cortical development
      anomalies. METHODS: We studied 40 patients, with a previous diagnosis of cortical
      dysplasia, by FLAIR-3D, DIR, FSE T2 and MPR-GE T1 sequences at 3T MRI. Two
      independent observers evaluated, for each sequence and lesion, some semiological
      aspects (cortical thickness, cortical signal intensity, white-gray matter
      blurring, subcortical white matter intensity). We made also a quantitative
      evaluation of the cortical signal intensity in lesion site, drawing a ROI on each
      MRI sequences and comparing them to the correspondent normal contralateral
      cortical area. RESULTS: We identified 44 cortical development anomalies.
      Qualitative analyses showed a high level of agreement between the observers
      concerning DIR potentialities in detecting and characterizing the cortical
      development disorders. Particularly DIR sequence was able to demonstrate the
      blurring and the subcortical white matter anomalies. The quantitative analyses
      didn't show a significant difference between DIR and traditional sequences in the
      evaluation of the cortical signal intensity. CONCLUSION: 3T MRI-DIR sequence is a
      useful and better suitable sequence compared to the traditional sequences in the
      characterization of some semiological aspects of the cortical development
      disorders, particularly blurring and subcortical white matter hyperintensity.

PMID- 27130051
TI  - Superb Microvascular Imaging-A new vascular detecting ultrasonographic technique
      for avascular breast masses: A preliminary study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) is a new vascular imaging
      technique detecting a slower velocity that color Doppler flow image (CDFI)
      cannot. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical value of SMI for
      detecting penetrating vessels (PVs) in avascular breast lesions. METHODS: Seventy
      nine patients with 82 breast lesions were examined by conventional ultrasound and
      diagnosed as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) level 3 or 4.
      CDFI detected no PVs; subsequently, Power Doppler (PD), Advanced Dynamic Flow
      (ADF), and SMI were performed to detect any PVs in the breast lesions. RESULTS:
      Compared with PD or ADF, SMI revealed significantly (P<0.01) higher median
      numbers of PVs in breast lesions. The area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve was 0.914 before the corrected classification versus 0.947
      after the corrected classification (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SMI was helpful in the
      differential diagnosis of benign versus malignant in avascular breast lesions,
      especially those in BI-RADS category 4.

PMID- 27130052
TI  - MR imaging of skeletal muscle signal alterations: Systematic approach to
      evaluation.
AB  - Muscle edema or edema-like signal alterations are commonly encountered findings
      in musculoskeletal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Although such signal
      alterations are very sensitive for detection of the underlying muscle pathology,
      these are often non-specific findings. Encompassing knowledge of their typical
      clinical presentations, characteristic appearances and patterns of muscle signal
      alterations and following a systematic approach towards their assessment, a
      reader can effectively narrow down the differential diagnosis. This article
      outlines the role of conventional imaging and advanced anatomic and functional
      musculoskeletal MR imaging techniques in the evaluation of various muscle
      disorders and presents a systematic approach towards their diagnosis and
      management. 

PMID- 27130053
TI  - 3D-Dixon cardiac magnetic resonance detects an increased epicardial fat volume in
      hypertensive men with myocardial infarction.
AB  - PURPOSE: Using a three-dimensional ECG- and respiratory navigator gated
      magnetization prepared mDixon-sequence (3D-Dixon) we quantified epi- and
      pericardial fat volumes (EFV, PFV) in hypertensive men compared to a healthy
      control group and related the amount of fat volumes in hypertensive men to the
      presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: 55 hypertensive men (mean age 63.02+/-10.73years [y]) with
      MI (n=22; mean age 61.55+/-10.50y) and without MI (n=33; mean age 63.17+/
      10.93y), and a group of ten healthy men (mean age 59.00+/-8.41y) underwent a
      comprehensive cardiomagnetic resonance (CMR) examination on a 1.5T MR system
      (Ingenia, Philips). Hypertensive men without MI consisted of patients with CAD
      (n=15) and without CAD (n=18). EFV and PFV were assessed using 3D-Dixon. Fat only
      images were reconstructed online at the scanner, and the segmentation of fat
      volumes was performed based on fat fraction maps. EFV and PFV were normalized to
      the body surface area (ml/m(2)). RESULTS: Mean EFV and PFV in all hypertensive
      men (81.8+/-33.90 and 194.86+/-83.51) as well as in hypertensive men with no CAD
      (74.53+/-26.40 and 174.60+/-65.70) were significantly higher than in the healthy
      controls (52.98+/-19.81 and 115.50+/-53.57; P<0.05, each). EFV and PFV in
      hypertensive men with MI (94.14+/-43.16 and 224.26+/-100.79) were significantly
      higher than in hypertensive men with no MI (73.57+/-23.27 and 175.26+/-63.07;
      P<0.05, each). There were no significant differences in age, BMI or heart rate
      between the groups. CONCLUSION: 3D-Dixon measurements revealed significantly
      higher epi- and pericardial fat volumes in hypertensive men with myocardial
      infarction compared to hypertensive men without MI. This finding underscores the
      role of cardiac fatty tissue as a proinflammatory and metabolically active organ.
      Non-invasive CMR-based whole volume measurement of epi- and pericardial fat may
      play a relevant future role in cardiovascular risk stratification and disease
      management.

PMID- 27130054
TI  - Correlation of the SUVmax of FDG-PET and ADC values of diffusion-weighted MR
      imaging with pathologic prognostic factors in breast carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To correlate both primary lesion maximum standardized uptake values
      (SUVmax) of FDG-PET/CT, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of
      diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with clinicopathologic prognostic factors in
      patients with breast carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 214 patients with 216 mass
      type invasive breast carcinomas underwent whole-body FDG-PET/CT and 3-Tesla
      breast MRI including DWI before initial therapy. The primary tumor's SUVmax and
      ADC values were measured using FDG-PET/CT and DWI, respectively. Histologic
      analysis parameters included tumor size, expression of estrogen receptor (ER),
      progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and
      Ki-67, nuclear grade, histology subtype, and axillary lymph node (LN) metastasis.
      The relationships among SUVmax, ADC values, and pathologic prognostic factors
      were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean SUVmax and ADCmean were 5.63+/-3.79 (range, 1.2
      24.17) and 894+/-204*10(-6)mm(2)/s (range, 452-1550*10(-6)), respectively. There
      was a significant but weak inverse correlation between the SUVmax and ADCmean
      values (correlation coefficient r=-0.30, p<0.0001). SUVmax was associated with
      numerous prognostic factors such as tumor size (p<0.0001), expression levels of
      ER (p=0.00041), PR (p=0.00028), HER2 (p=0.00021), and Ki-67 (p<0.0001), nuclear
      grade (p<0.0001), histology subtype (p=0.00061), axillary LN metastasis
      (p<0.0001), and TNM staging (p<0.0001). Meanwhile, ADCmean value was associated
      with tumor size (p=0.013), expression of Ki-67 (p=0.0010), histology subtype
      (p=0.00013), axillary LN metastasis (p=0.00059), and TNM staging (p=0.0011).
      CONCLUSIONS: Primary tumor SUVmax on FDG-PET/CT has a stronger relationship with
      known prognostic parameters and may be a more useful for predicting the prognosis
      of breast carcinoma than ADC values.

PMID- 27130055
TI  - Virtual monoenergetic reconstruction of contrast-enhanced dual energy CT at 70keV
      maximizes mural enhancement in acute small bowel obstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: In patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO), it is challenging to
      detect early ischemia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quantitative
      and qualitative benefits of virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) reconstruction in
      the assessment of small bowel mural enhancement on dual source dual energy
      computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Institutional review board approval was obtained, for this retrospective
      analysis. 72 consecutive patients with acute SBO were scanned using a second
      generation 128-slice dual source, CT system. Images were reconstructed at VMI
      energy levels from 40 to 110keV in 10keV increments and were analysed
      quantitatively and qualitatively. Contrast to noise ratios (CNR) and signal to
      noise ratios (SNR) for mural enhancement were recorded for all VMI datasets and
      compared to conventional polychromatic images (PCI) at 120kVp. Subjective
      analysis of mural enhancement on VMI and PCI was performed by 3 blinded readers.
      RESULTS: Optimal CNR values for small intestinal mural enhancement were observed
      at 70keV. Qualitative assessment revealed that there was no statistical
      difference in diagnostic accuracy between VMI and PCI. All readers reported
      improved confidence when assessing the contrast enhancement on the 70keV VMI
      dataset and in our series, 2 additional cases of ischemia were identified on this
      reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced dual source dual energy CT with VMI
      reconstruction at 70keV maximizes the CNR of small bowel mural enhancement and
      increases the overall diagnostic confidence in assessing mural enhancement in
      patients with SBO.

PMID- 27130056
TI  - The inter-observer variability of breast density scoring between mammography
      technologists and breast radiologists and its effect on the rate of adjuvant
      ultrasound.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study assesses the inter-observer variability of mammographic
      breast density scoring (BDS) between technologists and radiologists and evaluates
      the effect of technologist patient referral on the load of adjuvant ultrasounds.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this IRB approved study, a retrospective analysis of
      503 prospectively acquired, random mammograms was performed between January and
      March 2014. Each mammogram was evaluated for BDS independently and blindly by
      both the performing technologist and the interpreting radiologist. Statistical
      calculation of the Spearman correlation coefficient and weighted kappa were
      obtained to evaluate the inter-observer variability between technologists and
      radiologists and to examine whether it relates to the technologist's seniority or
      women's age. The effect on the load of adjuvant ultrasounds was evaluated.
      RESULTS: 10 mammography technologists and 7 breast radiologists participated in
      this study. BDS agreement levels between technologists and radiologists were in
      the fair to moderate range (kappa values: 0.3-0.45, Spearman coefficient values:
      0.59-0.65). The technologists markedly over-graded the density compared to the
      radiologists in all the subsets evaluated. Comparison between low and high
      density groups demonstrated a similar trend of over-grading by technologists, who
      graded 51% of the women as having dense breasts (scores 3-4) compared to 27% of
      the women graded as such by the radiologists. This trend of over grading breast
      density by technologists was unrelated to the women's age or to the
      technologists' seniority. CONCLUSION: Mammography technologists over-grade breast
      density. Technologists' referral to an adjuvant ultrasound leads to redundant
      ultrasound studies, unnecessary breast biopsies, costs and increased patient
      anxiety.

PMID- 27130057
TI  - Individual selection of X-ray tube settings in computed tomography coronary
      angiography: Reliability of an automated software algorithm to maintain constant
      image quality.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a software tool that claims to maintain a constant
      contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in high-pitch dual-source computed tomography
      coronary angiography (CTCA) by automatically selecting both X-ray tube voltage
      and current. METHODS: A total of 302 patients (171 males; age 61+/-12years; body
      weight 82+/-17kg, body mass index 27.3+/-4.6kg/cm(2)) underwent CTCA with a
      topogram-based, automatic selection of both tube voltage and current using
      dedicated software with quality reference values of 100kV and 250mAs/rotation
      (i.e., standard values for an average adult weighing 75kg) and an injected iodine
      load of 222mg/kg. RESULTS: The average radiation dose was estimated to be 1.02+/
      0.64mSv. All data sets had adequate contrast enhancement. Average CNR in the
      aortic root, left ventricle, and left and right coronary artery was 15.7+/-4.5,
      8.3+/-2.9, 16.1+/-4.3 and 15.3+/-3.9 respectively. Individual CNR values were
      independent of patients' body size and radiation dose. However, individual CNR
      values may vary considerably between subjects as reflected by interquartile
      ranges of 12.6-18.6, 6.2-9.9, 12.8-18.9 and 12.5-17.9 respectively. Moreover,
      average CNR values were significantly lower in males than females (15.1+/-4.1 vs.
      16.6+/-11.7 and 7.9+/-2.7 vs. 8.9+/-3.0, 15.5+/-3.9 vs. 16.9+/-4.6 and 14.7+/-3.6
      vs. 16.0+/-4.1 respectively). CONCLUSION: A topogram-based automatic selection of
      X-ray tube settings in CTCA provides diagnostic image quality independent of
      patients' body size. Nevertheless, considerable variation of individual CNR
      values between patients and significant differences of CNR values between males
      and females occur which questions the reliability of this approach.

PMID- 27130060
TI  - Metastatic level V cervical nodes of unknown primary? Do not overlook the
      thyroid.

PMID- 27130059
TI  - Multiparametric breast MRI with 3T: Effectivity of combination of contrast
      enhanced MRI, DWI and 1H single voxel spectroscopy in differentiation of Breast
      tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic contrast enhanced
      breast MRI (DCE-MRI) combined with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and 1H single
      voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) in differentiating malignant from
      benign breast lesions. METHODS: One hundred twenty-nine patients with 138 lesions
      were included in the study. Multiparametric MRI of the breast was performed with
      a 3T unit. A DWI is followed by DCE-MRI and 1HMRS. All lesions were biopsied
      within one week after MRI. Histopathologic findings were accepted as the standard
      of reference. Probability of malignancy was assessed according to BI-RADS for DCE
      MRI. ADC values were measured for DWI and choline peaks were assessed using a
      semi-quantitative method in 1HMRS. Two blinded radiologists evaluated findings in
      consensus. Diagnostic performance of DCE-MRI, DWI and 1HMRS alone or in
      combination for multiparametric imaging were statistically evaluated. RESULTS:
      Histopathology revealed malignancy in 54.4% of lesions (75/138). DCE-MRI showed
      the highest AUC (0.978), sensitivity (97.33%) and specificity (88.89%) compared
      to DWI and 1HMRS. Sensitivity was 100% when a positive result from any one of
      three techniques was accepted as malignancy, albeit with a trade-off for 65.1%
      specificity. Highest specificity (98.4%) was attained when all three techniques
      were required to be positive, though with a lower sensitivity (82.7%) as trade
      off. Logistic regression analysis confirmed significant association with DCE-MRI
      (p<0.001) and 1H MRS (p=0.009) but not with DWI (p=0.127). There was one case of
      fat necrosis which was false positive in all three techniques. CONCLUSIONS:
      Multiparametric imaging with combination of DCE-MRI, DWI and 1HMRS does not
      improve, and may even reduce the diagnostic accuracy of breast MRI. Although, the
      specificity may be improved with a trade-off for lower sensitivity, we have not
      set a convenient algorithm for the combined use of these techniques.

PMID- 27130058
TI  - Effect of automated tube voltage selection, integrated circuit detector and
      advanced iterative reconstruction on radiation dose and image quality of 3rd
      generation dual-source aortic CT angiography: An intra-individual comparison.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare, on an intra-individual basis, the effect of automated tube
      voltage selection (ATVS), integrated circuit detector and advanced iterative
      reconstruction on radiation dose and image quality of aortic CTA studies using
      2nd and 3rd generation dual-source CT (DSCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively evaluated 32 patients who had undergone CTA of the entire aorta
      with both 2nd generation DSCT at 120kV using filtered back projection (FBP)
      (protocol 1) and 3rd generation DSCT using ATVS, an integrated circuit detector
      and advanced iterative reconstruction (protocol 2). Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)
      was calculated. Image quality was subjectively evaluated using a five-point
      scale. Radiation dose parameters were recorded. RESULTS: All studies were
      considered of diagnostic image quality. CNR was significantly higher with
      protocol 2 (15.0+/-5.2 vs 11.0+/-4.2; p<.0001). Subjective image quality analysis
      revealed no significant differences for evaluation of attenuation (p=0.08501) but
      image noise was rated significantly lower with protocol 2 (p=0.0005). Mean tube
      voltage and effective dose were 94.7+/-14.1kV and 6.7+/-3.9mSv with protocol 2;
      120+/-0kV and 11.5+/-5.2mSv with protocol 1 (p<0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION:
      Aortic CTA performed with 3rd generation DSCT, ATVS, integrated circuit detector,
      and advanced iterative reconstruction allow a substantial reduction of radiation
      exposure while improving image quality in comparison to 120kV imaging with FBP.

PMID- 27130061
TI  - Added value of pretreatment (18)F-FDG PET/CT for staging of advanced gastric
      cancer: Comparison with contrast-enhanced MDCT.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the added clinical value of pretreatment (18)F-FDG PET/CT
      compared with conventional contrast-enhanced multidetector-row CT (CECT) alone
      for staging of advanced gastric cancer MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 106
      patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who underwent pretreatment CECT and
      (18)F-FDG PET/CT. Two experienced reviewers assessed the diagnostic performance
      of both CECT alone and the combination of CECT and (18)F-FDG PET/CT for the
      primary tumor, regional lymph node metastasis (N) and distant metastasis (M),
      rating their diagnostic confidence with a 5-point scoring system for each
      location. The two methods were compared using receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) curve analysis for histopathologic findings, imaging, and clinical follow
      up as the reference standards. RESULTS: Among the 106 patients, 96 primary tumors
      (90.6%) were detected by CECT, while 101 (95.3%) were clearly identified by (18)F
      FDG PET/CT (p=0.074). Patient-based areas under the ROC curves for CECT alone
      versus the combination of CECT and (18)F-FDG PET/CT for diagnosis of N stage,
      peritoneal dissemination, liver metastasis, distant lymph node metastasis, bone
      metastasis, metastasis at other sites and overall M stage were 0.787 vs. 0.858
      (p=0.13), 0.866 vs. 0.878 (p=0.31), 0.998 vs. 1.0 (p=0.36), 0.744 vs. 0.865
      (p=0.049), 0.786 vs. 0.998 (p=0.034), 0.944 vs. 0.984 (p=0.34), and 0.889 vs.
      0.912 (p=0.21), respectively. The diagnostic performance of primary tumor
      detection and NM staging was not influenced by the histologic subtype.
      CONCLUSION: Adding (18)F-FDG PET/CT to CECT provides better diagnostic accuracy
      for detection of distant lymph node metastasis and bone metastasis in patients
      with untreated advanced gastric cancer.

PMID- 27130062
TI  - Quantification of coronary flow using dynamic angiography with 320-detector row
      CT and motion coherence image processing: Detection of ischemia for intermediate
      coronary stenosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Anatomical coronary stenosis is not always indicative of functional
      stenosis, particularly for intermediate coronary lesions. The purpose of this
      study is to propose a new method for quantifying coronary flow using dynamic CT
      angiography for the whole heart (heart-DCT) and investigate its ability for
      detecting ischemia from intermediate coronary stenosis. METHODS: Participants
      comprised 36 patients with coronary artery disease who underwent heart-DCT using
      320-detector CT with tube voltage of 80kV and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy
      (MPS). Heart-DCT was continuously performed at mid-diastole throughout 15-25
      cardiac cycles with prospective ECG-gating after bolus injection of contrast
      media (12-24ml). Dynamic datasets were computed into 90-100 data sets by motion
      coherence image processing (MCIP). Next, time-density curves (TDCs) for coronary
      arteries with a diameter >3mm were automatically calculated for all phases using
      MCIP. On the basis of the maximum slope method, coronary flow index (CFI) was
      defined as the ratio of the maximum upslope of coronary artery attenuation to the
      upslope of ascending aorta attenuation on the TDC, and was used to quantify
      coronary flow. CFIs for the proximal and distal sites of coronary arteries with
      mild-to-moderate stenosis were calculated. Coronary territories were categorized
      as non-ischemic or ischemic by MPS. Receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC)
      analysis was performed to determine the optimal cutoff for CFI to detect
      ischemia. RESULTS: Distal CFI was significantly lower for ischemia (0.26+/-0.08)
      than for non-ischemia (0.50+/-0.17, p<0.0001). No significant difference in
      proximal CFI was seen between ischemia (0.55+/-0.23) and non-ischemia (0.62+/
      0.24). ROC analysis revealed 0.39 as the optimal cutoff for distal CFI to detect
      ischemia, with C-statistics of 0.91, 100% sensitivity, and 75% specificity.
      CONCLUSIONS: This novel imaging technique allows coronary flow quantification
      using heart-DCT. Distal CFI can detect myocardial ischemia derived from
      intermediate coronary stenosis.

PMID- 27130063
TI  - Characterization of tumor and adjacent peritumoral stroma in patients with breast
      cancer using high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging: Correlation with
      pathologic biomarkers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess whether ADC values of tumor and peritumoral stroma (PS)
      obtained on high-resolution diffusion-weighted imaging (HR DWI) were different
      according to pathologic biomarkers in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: We
      retrospectively enrolled 96 patients (age range, 30-75 years; mean, 52 years)
      with breast cancer who underwent HR DWI at 3T MR scanner. We obtained the
      apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and ADC range of tumor and PS by drawing the
      region of interest (ROI) of entire tumor. We assessed histopathological features
      of tumors. ADC values of tumor and PS were compared according to pathologic
      biomarkers using student t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Mean ADC of
      tumor boundary was significantly higher in ER-negative tumors than in ER-positive
      tumors (P=0.005). The ADC ranges of tumor boundary and proximal PS were
      significantly higher in tumors with high nuclear grade, negative ER, positive
      HER2, positive Ki67, and lymph node metastasis than those with low nuclear grade,
      positive ER, negative HER2, negative Ki67, and without lymph node metastasis
      (P<0.05 for all). ADC range of tumor boundary and proximal PS was significantly
      lower in low risk tumor than in the others (P=0.004 and 0.002). Mean ADC of whole
      tumor was significantly higher in low-risk tumor than in non-low-risk tumor
      (P=0.030). CONCLUSION: On HR DWI, ADC ranges of tumor boundary and adjacent
      proximal PS were significantly lower in low-risk tumor than in non-low-risk
      tumors.

PMID- 27130064
TI  - Relationships of body habitus and SUV indices with signal-to-noise ratio of
      hepatic (18)F-FDG PET.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Tissue accumulation of (18)F-FDG is quantified as standardised uptake
      value (SUV), which may be expressed as the voxel maximum (SUVmax) or mean
      (SUVmean). SUVmax/SUVmean may be a marker of hepatic steatosis, while the
      coefficient of variation (CV) of SUV may be a marker of hepatic fat distribution
      heterogeneity (HFDH). Alternatively, they may reflect low signal-to-noise ratio
      ('noise') in obese persons in whom hepatic steatosis is common. The study aim was
      to compare the impact of body size on noise versus SUV and CT density (CTD).
      METHODS: Dynamic PET was performed (30*1min frames) following FDG injection in 60
      patients undergoing routine PET/CT. Hepatic FDG clearance was measured using
      Patlak-Rutland graphical analysis with abdominal aorta as input. Noise was
      quantified as the standard deviation (SD) of the plot residuals (ignoring the
      first 2 frames), normalised to the intercept (NRMSD). SUVmax, SUVmean and CTD
      were measured from 60min whole body PET/CT. CV of SUV and SD of CTD were
      quantified in 28/60 patients using texture analysis. RESULTS: NRMSD correlated
      with weight (r=0.49; p<0.0001) and BMI (r=0.48; p=0.0001). SUVmax, SUVmean,
      SUVmax/SUVmean, CV of SUV, CTD, and SD of CTD all correlated strongly with weight
      and BMI (p<0.0001). However, they correlated weakly with NRMSD, the strongest
      being SUVmax (r=0.34; p=0.008) and SD of CTD (r=0.42; n=28; p=0.026).
      CONCLUSIONS: Noise is increased in overweight/obese persons but has little effect
      on SUV indices, CTD and their variabilities. SUVmax/SUVmean and CV of SUV are
      therefore, to some extent, markers of hepatic steatosis and HFDH, respectively.

PMID- 27130065
TI  - Computed diffusion-weighted imaging for differentiating decidualized endometrioma
      from ovarian cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical diagnostic ability of computed diffusion
      weighted imaging (DWI) for differentiating decidualized endometrioma from ovarian
      cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed DWI technique was retrospectively applied
      to 20 mural nodules in 9 decidualized endometriomas during pregnancy and 20
      ovarian cancers. Signal intensities on measured DWI with b values of 800s/mm(2)
      (DWI800) and on computed DWI with b values of 1500s/mm(2) (cDWI1500) were
      visually evaluated. RESULTS: Mural nodules of all decidualized endometriomas
      showed high signal intensity on DWI800 with significantly higher ADC (2.01+/
      0.26*10(-3)mm(2)/s) and low signal intensity on cDWI1500, whereas solid
      components of all ovarian cancers showed high signal intensity on both DWI800
      with lower ADC (1.08+/-0.20*10(-3)mm(2)/s) and on cDWI1500. CONCLUSION: Mural
      nodules in decidualized endometriomas may show high signal intensity on DWI800
      due to T2 shine-through effect, and cDWI1500 can distinguish decidualized
      endometriomas from ovarian cancers by visual evaluation.

PMID- 27130066
TI  - Usefulness of hydrogel-CT for detecting and staging of rectosigmoid colon cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To demonstrate the usefulness of hydrogel-CT for detecting and staging
      of rectosigmoid colon cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients with
      rectosigmoid colon cancers underwent routine CT without (n=27) and with (n=27)
      rectum distension using a sonographic gel. Rectum distensibility and tumor
      visualization were evaluated. T and N stages on CT independently recorded by two
      radiologists were correlated with pathologic staging. Staging accuracies were
      compared using Fisher's exact test. Diagnostic performances in differentiating
      <T3 from >=T3 and N0 from >=N1 were evaluated using areas under the receiver
      operating characteristic curves (AZ). RESULTS: Rectum distensibility (3.52) and
      tumor visualization (3.70) were significantly more scored in the distended group
      than in the control group (1.44 and 2.04) (P<0.0001). Pathologic and CT staging
      were more correlated in the distended group in both reviewers. Accuracy for
      staging was higher in the distended group (T: 50-85.2%/N: 59.3-92.6%) than in the
      control group (T: 45.5-62.5%/N: 33.3-59.3%) without statistical significance
      except N staging for reviewer 2 (P=0.0091). AZ values for T and N staging in the
      distended group (T: 0.827-0.989/N: 0.858-0.980) were also higher than in the
      control group (T: 0.817-0.907/N: 0.544-0.654). CONCLUSION: Hydrogel-CT can
      provide better diagnostic performance for T and N staging of rectosigmoid colon
      cancer.

PMID- 27130067
TI  - The role of diffusion-weighted imaging in the detection of hepatic metastases
      from colorectal cancer: A comparison with unenhanced and Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced
      MRI.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the role of DWI vs. gadoxetic-acid-disodium enhanced MRI
      in the detection of colorectal hepatic metastases. METHODS: Fifty-four patients
      with 115 hepatic metastases were included in this retrospective study, approved
      by the Ethical Board. All patients underwent intraoperative-ultrasound and
      surgical resection within two weeks after MRI. Images were grouped in 4 sets,
      which were analyzed by two radiologists in different sessions: unenhanced T1-T2w
      (set A), set A plus DWI (set B), set A plus gadoxetic-acid-disodium (set C), set
      A plus DWI plus gadoxetic-acid-disodium (set D). For each set, metastases
      presence/size/site was reported. Interobserver agreement and statistical
      significance were assessed by Cohen's kappa and Mc-Nemar's test, respectively.
      RESULTS: Readers' agreement was always very good (k>0.80). Mean sensitivity
      values were 84.3/92.1/95.6/97.3% for set A/B/C/D, respectively. Mean specificity,
      positive predicted, negative predicted, and accuracy values strongly and
      progressively increased in the various set too: from 62.5% (set A) to 85.0% as
      for specificity, from 92.8% to 97.3% as for positive predicted value, from 41.0%
      to 85.1% as for negative predicted value, and from 81.1% to 95.5% as for
      accuracy. For each reader from set A to D, the number of false negatives
      progressively decreases. CONCLUSIONS: For both readers, DWI improved all
      statistical parameters in the unenhanced examinations, as for nodules either
      smaller or greater than 1cm, while in the EOB-enhanced examinations DWI
      prevalently increased specificity/negative predictive value.

PMID- 27130068
TI  - Cervical carotid plaque evaluation using 3D T1-weighted black-blood magnetic
      resonance imaging: Comparison of turbo field-echo and turbo spin-echo sequences.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the capability of three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted turbo
      field-echo (TFE) black-blood (BB) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and turbo-spin
      echo (TSE) BB MRI for discerning carotid plaques and the difference of signal
      intensities of the plaques from that of adjacent muscle in patients with cervical
      carotid stenosis. METHODS: Cervical carotid stenosis was evaluated by 3.0-T MR in
      43 patients (38 men and 5 women; age, 36-83 years; mean age, 70 years) during 8
      months. The carotid BB MRI comprised 3D T1-weighted TSE BB (T1-TSEBB) and 3D T1
      weighted TFE BB (T1-TFEBB) sequences. The delineation of the carotid plaque
      border was evaluated in comparison with digital subtraction angiography (DSA).
      The border between the plaque and vessel lumen was rated visually (4-point
      analysis) and quantitatively (contrast-to-noise ratio). The signal-intensity
      ratio (SIR) of the plaque to the adjacent muscle was also measured. Data of 3D T1
      TSEBB and 3D T1-TFEBB were compared statistically using the Wilcoxon signed-rank
      test. RESULTS: Visual and quantitative analyses revealed that the border between
      the plaque and vessel lumen was better delineated on 3D T1-TSEBB MRI than on 3D
      T1-TFEBB MRI (p<0.01, respectively). SIR of the plaque-to-adjacent muscle was
      higher on 3D T1- TFEBB MRI than on 3D T1-TSEBB MRI (p<0.05). High signal plaques
      with a SIR of >1.5 were underestimated on 3D T1-TSEBB MRI. CONCLUSIONS: 3D T1
      TSEBB MRI was superior to 3D T1-TFEBB MRI for delineating carotid plaques;
      however, high signal plaques were underestimated on 3D T1-TSEBB MRI.

PMID- 27130069
TI  - Assessment of right atrium volume by conventional CT or MR techniques: Which
      modality resembles in vivo reality?
AB  - PURPOSE: Right atrial volume (RAV) is a prognostic factor of the right heart
      function. This retrospective study evaluates the comparability of computed
      tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for right atrial volumetry
      with conventional planimetric and diametric methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 29
      retrospectively included patients (18 male, 47+/-12years) underwent CT and 1.5
      Tesla MRI within 17+/-20days. RAV was measured using biplane and ellipsoid method
      (MRI and CT) and Simpson's method (CT). For interobserver comparison measurements
      were carried out by two observers. Pearson's correlation, Lin's concordance
      coefficient, and Bland-Altman statistics were calculated. RESULTS: There is a
      correlation of RAV between CT and MRI, r [ellipsoid]=0.65; r [biplane]=0.64
      (p<0.001). MRI volumes were significantly lower than CT volumes, [mean+/-SD] 43+/
      19ml versus 27+/-9ml, (p<0.002). There was a close interobserver correlation (CT:
      r=0.83, MRI: r=0.73; p<0.001) but a relatively wide range in Bland-Altman
      analysis; limits of agreement from +/-13ml up to +/-29ml. CONCLUSIONS: Compared
      to left atrial volumes, a higher variability was found for RAV values both in
      interobserver statistiscs and in intermodality comparison. Complex shape of the
      right atrium, artifacts due to contrast material (CT), high venous return in
      inspiration (CT), high flow contrast media administration (CT) and increased
      heart rate (MRI) might cause these clinically relevant variations.

PMID- 27130071
TI  - Prolactinoma and pregnancy: From the wish of conception to lactation.
AB  - Prolactinoma is a common cause of infertility in young women and treatment with
      dopamine agonists (DA) allows restoration of fertility in over 90% of the cases.
      Both bromocriptine and cabergoline have shown a good safety profile when
      administered during early pregnancy. In particular, data on exposure of the fetus
      or embryo to cabergoline during the first weeks of pregnancy have now been
      reported in more than 900 cases, and do indicate that cabergoline is safe in this
      context. There is no increase in the frequency of spontaneous miscarriage,
      premature delivery, multiple births or neonatal malformations, and follow-up
      studies of the children for up to 12years after fetal exposure to cabergoline did
      not show any physical or developmental abnormalities. These women should
      therefore continue DA treatment until pregnancy has been initiated. Treatment
      discontinuation is recommended at that time in women with microprolactinoma or
      non-compressive macroprolactinoma. For microprolactinomas, the risk of
      symptomatic tumour enlargement during pregnancy is very low (2-3%). It is higher
      for macroprolactinomas (20-30%) and careful follow-up is advised, including MRI
      without contrast injection if symptoms or visual disturbances develop. If a
      symptomatic tumour enlargement does occur, reinitiation of the dopamine agonist
      (BRC or CAB) is indicated rather than surgery. Breast-feeding has no harmful
      effect on tumour growth and DA treatment, if still needed, may be postponed as
      long as breast-feeding is desired. Finally, about 40% of women with a
      microprolactinoma or an intermediate size macroprolactinoma may be in prolonged
      remission after one or more pregnancies. 

PMID- 27130070
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid levels of insulin, leptin, and agouti-related protein in
      relation to BMI in pregnant women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: During pregnancy, metabolic interactions must be adapted, though
      neuroendocrine mechanisms for increased food intake are poorly understood. The
      objective of this study was to characterize differences in insulin, leptin, and
      agouti-related protein (AgRP) levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in
      pregnant women with normal weight (NW) and pregnant women with overweight (OW) or
      obesity (OB). Placenta as a source for increased peripheral AgRP levels during
      pregnancy was also investigated. METHODS: Women were recruited at admission for
      elective cesarean section. Insulin, AgRP, and leptin were measured in serum and
      CSF from 30 NW, 25 OW, and 21 OB at term. Serum during pregnancy and placenta at
      term were collected for further AgRP analysis. RESULTS: Immunohistology showed
      placental production of AgRP and serum AgRP levels increased throughout
      pregnancy. CSF AgRP, leptin, and insulin levels were higher in OW and OB than NW.
      Serum leptin and insulin levels were higher and AgRP lower in OB than NW.
      CONCLUSIONS: High serum AgRP levels might protect from the suppressive effects of
      leptin during pregnancy. Pregnant women with OB and OW might further be protected
      from the suppressive effect of leptin by high CSF AgRP levels. Evidence was
      found, for the first time, of human placental AgRP production mirrored by levels
      in the circulation.

PMID- 27130072
TI  - Angiogenic balance (sFlt-1/PlGF) and preeclampsia.
AB  - Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy associated with important
      maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Although symptomatic management
      has improved, there is currently no curative treatment, and only childbirth and
      delivery of the placenta, usually prematurely, alleviate the mother's symptoms.
      Placental insufficiency plays a central role in the pathophysiology of
      preeclampsia. Abnormal placentation during the first trimester leads to defective
      remodeling of the uterine vascularization. This results progressively in
      placental hypoperfusion, which induces trophoblast dysfunction and the release in
      maternal circulation of trophoblastic factors leading to an excessive
      inflammatory response, endothelial dysfunction and glomerular damage. Among these
      factors, the most important is sFlt-1, which is a soluble form of the VEGF and
      PlGF receptor. sFlt-1 binds to free VEGF and PlGF in the maternal circulation,
      thus reducing their bioavailability for their membrane receptor. The result is
      inhibition of the effects of VEGF and PlGF on maternal endothelial cells and
      podocytes. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio reflects the circulating angiogenic balance and
      is correlated with severity of the disease. 

PMID- 27130073
TI  - Neuroendocrine control of maternal behavior in non-human and human mammals.
AB  - Mammalian parental care is essentially provided by the mother and it occupies
      most of the reproductive period for female. The synchronization of maternal
      behavior with parturition and lactation ensures that the mother responds to the
      needs of the young at the appropriate time. This temporal synchrony is
      accomplished by hormonal changes that underly both the onset of maternal behavior
      and of parturition and lactation. The aim of this review is to describe and
      compare the hormonal mechanisms that regulate the onset of maternal behavior
      across a variety of mammals, including humans, that represent different
      behavioral strategies. Are involved the steroid hormones, estradiol and
      progesterone synthesized by the ovaries which primed the future mother to repond
      maternally. In response to these steroids, oxytocin release induced by
      vaginocervical stimulation and prolactin release affect the maternal brain. The
      medial preoptic area integrates the hormonal signals to regulate maternal
      behavior. The hormonal cocktail that stimulates maternal behavior varies across
      mammalian species. Because most of the studies in humans are correlative and
      because human environment is complex, direct causality between hormones and
      maternal behavior is unclear. However, one can reasonably think that hormones
      create a positive bias towards the baby increasing the occurrence of maternal
      behavior. 

PMID- 27130074
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of mangiferin and its metabolite-Norathyriol, Part 1: Systemic
      evaluation of hepatic first-pass effect in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Mangiferin (MGF), a glucoside of xanthone existing in phytomedicines and food, is
      increasingly attracting attention on diabetes treatment, while the underlying
      mechanism leading to its low oral bioavailability is unclear. Norathyriol (NTR),
      an active metabolite with hypoglycemic activity and its exposure after MGF dosing
      remains unclear. Hence, a rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method was established and
      validated to determine MGF and NTR and applied in the PK study in rats.
      Correspondingly, the in vitro experiments on temperature-dependent uptake, and
      MGF metabolism in hepatocyte and enterobacteria samples were performed. Results
      revealed that hepatic first-pass effect slightly contributed to the poor
      bioavailability of MGF, based on the MGF exposure in portal vein plasma was
      nearly similar to that in systemic plasma, and the MGF accumulation in the liver
      was limited, so was that of NTR. Correspondingly, the in vitro study revealed the
      MGF uptake was mainly dependent on poor passive transport, possibly leading to
      its limited hepatic metabolism and accumulation. Moreover, the NTR exposure
      remained considerably low (Cmax  < 3 ng/mL, AUCNTR /AUCMGF  < 3%) in plasma after
      single MGF dosing, corresponding to its tiny proportion (0.1%) of MGF in MGF
      incubated enterobacteria samples. However, given the low generation and
      elimination rates of NTR, NTR might accumulate in plasma and exert effects after
      repeated MGF dosing, although requires further study. This work is the first
      systemic study on PK profiles of MGF and NTR in vitro and in vivo, which is
      important for the interpretation on the poor bioavailability and pharmacodynamics
      of MGF. (c) 2016 BioFactors, 42(5):533-544, 2016.

PMID- 27130075
TI  - Prediction of excessive weight gain in insulin treated patients with type 2
      diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Weight gain is an ongoing challenge when initiating insulin therapy
      in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, if prediction of
      insulin-associated weight gain was possible on an individual level, targeted
      initiatives could be implemented to reduce weight gain. The aim of the present
      study was to identify predictors of weight gain in insulin-treated patients with
      T2DM. METHODS: In all, 412 individuals with T2DM were, in addition to metformin
      or placebo, randomized into 18-month treatment groups with three different
      insulin analog treatment regimens (biphasic, aspart, detemir). Participants with
      excessive weight gain were defined as the group with weight gain in the 4th
      quartile (>6.2 kg).We developed a pattern classification method to predict
      individuals prone to excessive weight gain. RESULTS: Over the 18-month treatment
      period, median weight gain among all 412 patients was 2.4 kg (95% prediction
      interval [PI] -5.6, 12.4 kg), whereas median weight gain for those in the upper
      4th quartile (n = 103) was 8.9 kg (95% PI 6.3, 15.2 kg). No clinical baseline
      data were strong predictors of excessive weight gain. However, the weight gain
      during the first 3 months of the trial and the subsequent dose of insulin yielded
      a useful predictor for weight gain at the 18-month follow-up. Combining these two
      predictors into a prediction model with other clinical available information
      produced a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 0.80.
      CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a prediction model that could help identify a
      substantial proportion of individuals with T2DM prone to large weight gain during
      insulin therapy.

PMID- 27130076
TI  - New molecular detection methods of malaria parasites with multiple genes from
      genomes.
AB  - For the effective control of malaria, development of sensitive, accurate and
      rapid tool to diagnose and manage the disease is essential. In humans subjects,
      the severe form of malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Plasmodium
      vivax (Pv) and there is need to identify these parasites in acute, chronic and
      latent (during and post-infection) stages of the disease. In this study, we
      report a species specific and sensitive diagnostic method for the detection of Pf
      and Pv in humans. First, we identified intra and intergenic multiloci short
      stretch of 152 (PfMLS152) and 110 (PvMLS110) nucleotides which is present up to
      44 and 34 times in the genomes of Pf and Pv respectively. We developed the single
      step amplification-based method using isolated DNA or from lysed red blood cells
      for the detection of the two malaria parasites. The limit of detection of real
      time polymerase chain reaction based assays were 0.1copyof parasite/MUl for
      PfMLS152 and PvMLS110 target sequences. Next, we have tested 250 clinically
      suspected cases of malaria to validate the method. Sensitivity and specificity
      for both targets were 100% compared to the quantitative buffy coat microscopy
      analysis and real-time PCR (Pf-chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) and Pv
      lactate dehydrogenase (PvLDH)) based assays. The sensitivity of microscopy and
      real-time PCR (PfCRT and PvLDH primers) assays were 80.63%; 95%CI 75.22%-85.31%;
      p<0.05 and 97.61%; 95%CI 94.50%-99.21%; p<0.05 in detecting malaria infection
      respectively when compared to PfMLS152 and PvMLS110 targets to identify malaria
      infection in patients. These improved assays may have potential applications in
      evaluating malaria in asymptomatic patients, treatment, blood donors and in
      vaccine studies. 

PMID- 27130077
TI  - Rising incidence of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma in South
      Australia: 1996-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is likely to be an
      important driver of increasing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence in
      Australia. However, there is paucity of Australian data on HBV-related HCC
      incidence or outcomes. AIMS: To determine the incidence rates and survival trends
      of HBV-related HCC in South Australia (SA) over 15 years. METHODS: A population
      based cohort study was performed in HBV patients notified to the SA Communicable
      Disease Control Branch between 1996 and 2010. The dataset was probabilistically
      linked with the SA Cancer Registry and death registry. Incidence rate trends and
      survival were determined for three 5-year time periods (1996-2000, 2001-2006 and
      2006-2010). RESULTS: Forty-seven of 3881 notifications with HBV were linked to a
      HCC record (median (interquartile range) age at diagnosis: 58.9 (13.4) years, 83%
      males, 8.5% born in Australia, 62% diagnosed between 51-69 years). The overall
      crude HCC incidence was 111.3/100 000 person-years with an age-standardised HCC
      incidence of 189.1/100 000 person-years, the rate for men was higher than for
      women: 241.7 versus 88.6/100 000 person-years. The age-standardised HCC incidence
      increased over time with an annual percentage increase of 20.8% (95% CI: 10.06
      32.54, P = 0.001). Median survival following HCC diagnosis was 12.5 months (95%
      CI: 3.6-21.4), with a trend towards longer survival during the 2006-2010 time
      period (21.8 months) compared to the previous two time periods (9.2 and 10.2
      months, P = 0.056). CONCLUSION: Both crude and age-standardised incidences of HBV
      related HCC increased between 1996 and 2010 in SA. There was a trend to longer
      survival in the latter time-period.

PMID- 27130078
TI  - Consider legalising drugs despite UN treaties, says influential commission.

PMID- 27130080
TI  - Case of circumscribed palmar hypokeratosis in a patient with palmoplantar
      keratoderma.

PMID- 27130079
TI  - The SNW Domain of SKIP Is Required for Its Integration into the Spliceosome and
      Its Interaction with the Paf1 Complex in Arabidopsis.
AB  - SKIP is a conserved protein from yeasts to plants and humans. In plant cells,
      SKIP is a bifunctional regulator that works in the nucleus as a splicing factor
      by integrating into the spliceosome and as a transcriptional activator by
      interacting with the Paf1 complex. In this study, we identified two nuclear
      localization signals in SKIP and confirmed that each is sufficient to target SKIP
      to the nucleus. The SNW domain of SKIP is required for both its function as a
      splicing factor by promoting integration into the spliceosome in response to
      stress, and its function as a transcriptional activator by controlling its
      interaction with the Paf1 complex to participate in flowering. Truncated proteins
      that included the SNW domain and the N- or C-terminus of SKIP were still able to
      carry out the functions of the full-length protein in gene splicing and
      transcriptional activation in Arabidopsis. In addition, we found that SKIP
      undergoes 26S proteasome-mediated degradation, and that the C-terminus of SKIP is
      required to maintain the stability of the protein in plant cells. Together, our
      findings demonstrate the structural domain organization of SKIP and reveal the
      core domains and motifs underlying SKIP function in plants.

PMID- 27130081
TI  - Therapeutic drug monitoring of cefepime with micellar electrokinetic capillary
      chromatography: Assay improvement, quality assurance, and impact on patient drug
      levels.
AB  - The improvement and performance of a micellar electrokinetic capillary
      chromatography assay for cefepime in human serum and plasma with a 50 MUm id
      fused-silica capillary elongated from 40 to 60 cm is reported. Sample preparation
      with dodecylsulfate protein precipitation at pH 4.5, the pH 9.1 separation
      medium, and the applied voltage were as reported previously [16]. The change
      resulted in a significant lower current, higher resolution, and increased
      detection time intervals. The performance of the assay with multilevel internal
      calibration was assessed with calibration and control samples. Quality assurance
      data of a 2-year period assessed under the new conditions demonstrated the
      robustness of the assay. In serum samples of patients who received both cefepime
      and sulfamethoxazole, cefepime could not be detected due to the inseparability of
      the two compounds. The presence of an interference can be recognized by an
      increased peak width (width > 0.2 min), the appearance of a shoulder or an
      unresolved double peak. The patient data gathered during a 3-year period reveal
      that introduction of therapeutic drug monitoring led to a 50% reduction of the
      median drug level. The data suggest that therapeutic drug monitoring can help to
      minimize the risk of major adverse reactions and to increase drug safety on an
      individual basis. 

PMID- 27130082
TI  - A new application of micellar liquid chromatography in the determination of free
      ampicillin concentration in the drug-human serum albumin standard solution in
      comparison with the adsorption method.
AB  - The determination of free drug concentration is a very important issue in the
      field of pharmacology because only the unbound drug fraction can achieve a
      pharmacological effect. Due to the ability to solubilize many different compounds
      in micellar aggregates, micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) can be used for
      direct determination of free drug concentration. Proteins are not retained on the
      stationary phase probably due to the formation of protein - surfactant complexes
      which are excluded from the pores of stationary phase. The micellar method is
      simple and fast. It does not require any pre-preparation of the tested samples
      for analysis. The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate a completely new
      applicability of the analytical use of MLC concerning the determination of free
      drug concentration in the standard solution of human serum albumin. The well
      known adsorption method using RP-HPLC and the spectrophotometric technique was
      applied as the reference method. The results show that the free drug
      concentration value obtained in the MLC system (based on the RP-8 stationary
      phase and CTAB) is similar to that obtained by the adsorption method: both RP
      HPLC (95.83MUgmL(-1), 79.86% of free form) and spectrophotometry (95.71MUgmL(-1),
      79.76%). In the MLC the free drug concentration was 93.98MUgmL(-1) (78.3%). This
      indicates that the obtained results are within the analytical range of % of free
      ampicillin fraction and the MLC with direct sample injection can be treated like
      a promising method for the determination of free drug concentration. 

PMID- 27130083
TI  - 4-Chloro-6-pyrimidinylferrocene modified silica gel: A novel multiple-function
      stationary phase for mixed-mode chromatography.
AB  - A novel multi-function and mixed-mode stationary phase based on 4-chloro-6
      pyrimidinylferrocene modified silica (NFcS) was synthesized and characterized by
      infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Linear
      solvation energy relationship method was successfully employed to evaluate the
      new phase with a set of 27 solutes including aromatic and aliphatic compounds.
      Multiple mechanisms including hydrophobic, pi-pi, hydrogen-bonding, charge
      transfer, acid-base equilibrium and anion-exchange interactions are involved.
      Based on these interactions, successful separation could be achieved among
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, mono-substituted benzenes, aromatic amines,
      phenols, quinolines, pyridines and nucleosides in reversed-phase (RP) or normal
      phase (NP) chromatography. Inorganic anions were also shown to be individually
      separated in anion-exchange chromatography by using the same column. Moreover,
      the results here also demonstrated that NFcS based stationary phase could
      effectively reduce the adverse effect of residual silanol in the separation
      process. Such stationary phase with characteristics of multi-interaction
      mechanism and mixed-mode separation is potential for the analysis of complex
      samples. The NFcS column was successfully employed for the analysis of plant
      growth regulators in Fruit.

PMID- 27130084
TI  - Development of analytical methodologies to assess recalcitrant pesticide
      bioremediation in biobeds at laboratory scale.
AB  - To assess recalcitrant pesticide bioremediation it is necessary to gradually
      increase the complexity of the biological system used in order to design an
      effective biobed assembly. Each step towards this effective biobed design needs a
      suitable, validated analytical methodology that allows a correct evaluation of
      the dissipation and bioconvertion. Low recovery yielding methods could give a
      false idea of a successful biodegradation process. To address this situation,
      different methods were developed and validated for the simultaneous determination
      of endosulfan, its main three metabolites, and chlorpyrifos in increasingly
      complex matrices where the bioconvertor basidiomycete Abortiporus biennis could
      grow. The matrices were culture media, bran, and finally a laboratory biomix
      composed of bran, peat and soil. The methodology for the analysis of the first
      evaluated matrix has already been reported. The methodologies developed for the
      other two systems are presented in this work. The targeted analytes were
      extracted from fungi growing over bran in semisolid media YNB (Yeast Nitrogen
      Based) with acetonitrile using shaker assisted extraction, The salting-out step
      was performed with MgSO4 and NaCl, and the extracts analyzed by GC-ECD. The best
      methodology was fully validated for all the evaluated analytes at 1 and 25mgkg(
      1) yielding recoveries between 72% and 109% and RSDs <11% in all cases. The
      application of this methodology proved that A. biennis is able to dissipate 94%
      of endosulfan and 87% of chlorpyrifos after 90 days. Having assessed that A.
      biennis growing over bran can metabolize the studied pesticides, the next step
      faced was the development and validation of an analytical procedure to evaluate
      the analytes in a laboratory scale biobed composed of 50% of bran, 25% of peat
      and 25% of soil together with fungal micelium. From the different procedures
      assayed, only ultrasound assisted extraction with ethyl acetate allowed
      recoveries between 80% and 110% with RSDs <18%. Linearity, recovery, precision,
      matrix effect and LODs/LOQs of each method were studied for all the analytes:
      endosulfan isomers (alpha & beta) and its metabolites (endosulfan sulfate, ether
      and diol) as well as for chlorpyrifos. In the first laboratory evaluation of
      these biobeds endosulfan was bioconverted up to 87% and chlorpyrifos more than
      79% after 27 days. 

PMID- 27130085
TI  - Enhancement of periodate-hydrogen peroxide chemiluminescence by nitrogen doped
      carbon dots and its application for the determination of pyrogallol and gallic
      acid.
AB  - A new sensitized chemiluminescence (CL) was developed to broaden the analytical
      application of KIO4-H2O2 system. The nitrogen doped carbon dots (N-CDs)
      dramatically boosted the CL intensity of KIO4-H2O2 system which was further
      enriched by basic medium. In light of EPR analysis, free radical scavenging
      studies and CL spectra the detail mechanism for the enhancement was conferred in
      the presence of N-CDs and NaOH. The results suggested that CL of KIO4-H2O2 system
      in the presence and absence of N-CDs and NaOH proceeds via radical pathway. The
      enhanced CL was used for the determination of pyrogallol and gallic acid in range
      of 1.0*10(-4)-1.0*10(-7)M with 4.6*10(-8) and 6.1*10(-8)M limit of detection
      respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) at a concentration of 10(-5)
      for gallic acid and pyrogallol was 1.4% and 2.3% respectively (n=11). The
      attained results unveil that the present method is sensitive, faster, simpler and
      less costly compared to other methods and could be applied to determine
      polyphenols in real samples.

PMID- 27130086
TI  - Development of hydrophobic surface substrates enabling reproducible drop-and-dry
      spectroscopic measurements.
AB  - We investigated several spectroscopic substrates with hydrophobic surfaces that
      were able to form reproducible droplets of aqueous samples for reliable high
      throughput drop-and-dry measurements. An amine-coated substrate, a
      polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) disk, and a perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (FTS)
      coated substrate were prepared and initially evaluated for use in the
      determination of fat concentrations in milks using near-infrared (NIR)
      spectroscopy. Since the dried milk spots were not compositionally uniform due to
      the localization of components during sample drying, NIR spectra were collected
      by fully covering each spot to ensure a correct compositional representation of
      the sample. The amine-coated substrate yielded more reproducible dried milk
      patterns because its hydrophobicity was optimal for loading an appropriate amount
      of milk with decreased component localization after drying. The relative standard
      deviation (RSD) of the absorbance at 4330cm(-1) was 1.0%, thereby resulting in
      the more accurate determination of fat concentration. In addition, infrared (IR)
      spectroscopic discrimination between wild and transgenic tobaccos using their
      extracts was attempted. The extracted metabolites had a low concentration, so an
      FTS-coated CaF2 substrate that maximized sample loading was used to improve
      measurement sensitivity and produce reproducible droplets. The RSD of the
      absorbance at 1070cm(-1) was only 0.8%. Our strategy produced droplets that had
      consistent sizes and provided reproducible IR spectral features, which enabled
      the differentiation between wild and transgenic tobacco groups in the principal
      component (PC) score domain.

PMID- 27130087
TI  - Magneto-actuated immunoassay for the detection of Mycobacterium fortuitum in
      hemodialysis water.
AB  - This paper addresses a sensitive method for the detection of mycobacteria in
      hemodialysis water samples based on a magneto-actuated immunoassay with optical
      readout. In this approach, micro (2.8MUm) sized magnetic particles were modified
      with an antibody against the lipoarabinomannan (LAM) located in the mycobacterial
      cell wall. The system relies on the immunocapturing of the mycobacteria with the
      tailored antiLAM magnetic particles to pre-concentrate the bacteria from the
      hemodialysis samples throughout an immunological reaction. The performance of the
      immunomagnetic separation on the magnetic carrier was evaluated using confocal
      microscopy to study the binding pattern, as well as a magneto-actuated
      immunoassay with optical readout for the rapid detection of the bacteria in
      spiked hemodialysis samples. In this approach, the antiLAM polyclonal antibody
      was labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. The optical readout was achieved by
      the incubation with a secondary anti-fluorescein antibody labeled with peroxidase
      as optical reporter. The magneto-actuated immunoassay was able to detect
      mycobacteria contamination in hemodialysis water at a limit of detection of
      13CFUmL(-1) in a total assay time of 3h without any previous culturing pre
      enrichment step.

PMID- 27130088
TI  - Simultaneous determination of cadmium, iron and tin in canned foods using high
      resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.
AB  - A method was established to simultaneously determine cadmium, iron and tin in
      canned-food samples using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace
      atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF AAS). The quantification step has been
      performed using the primary line (228.802nm) for cadmium and the adjacent
      secondary lines (228.725nm and 228.668nm) for iron and tin, respectively. The
      selected chemical modifier was an acid solution that contained a mixture of 0.1%
      (w/v) Pd and 0.05% (w/v) Mg. The absorbance signals were measured based on the
      peak area using 3 pixels for cadmium and 5 pixels for iron and tin. Under these
      conditions, cadmium, iron and tin have been determined in canned-food samples
      using the external calibration technique based on aqueous standards, where the
      limits of quantification were 2.10ngg(-1) for cadmium, 1.95mgkg(-1) for iron and
      3.00mgkg(-1) for tin, and the characteristic masses were 1.0pg for cadmium, 0.9ng
      for iron and 1.1ng for tin. The precision was evaluated using two solutions of
      each metal ion, and the results, which were expressed as the relative standard
      deviation (RSD%), were 3.4-6.8%. The method accuracy for cadmium and iron was
      confirmed by analyzing a certified reference material of apple leaves (NIST
      1515), which was supplied by NIST. However, for tin, the accuracy was confirmed
      by comparing the results of the proposed method and another analytical technique
      (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry). The proposed
      procedure was applied to determine cadmium, iron and tin in canned samples of
      peeled tomato and sardine. Eleven samples were analyzed, and the analyte
      concentrations were 3.57-62.9ngg(-1), 2.68-31.48mgkg(-1) and 4.06-122.0mgkg(-1)
      for cadmium, iron and tin, respectively. In all analyzed samples, the cadmium and
      tin contents were lower than the permissible maximum levels for these metals in
      canned foods in the Brazilian legislation.

PMID- 27130089
TI  - Rapid turbidimetric assay for quantification of fusidic acid in a dermatological
      cream.
AB  - Fusidic acid is an antibiotic steroid widely used for the treatment of serious
      infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains.
      Microbiological methods are indispensable to determine the mean percentage of
      antimicrobial in medicaments during manufacturing and quality control processes.
      The aim of this study was to develop and validate a microbiological method for
      the quantification of fusidic acid in dermatological cream by turbidimetry, using
      Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228) and casoy broth as the culture medium.
      The validation parameters were in accordance with ICH specifications and
      demonstrated accuracy, precision, selectivity, and robustness, with linear ranges
      from 0.25 to 2.25MUgmL(-1). This method is an alternative to the diffusion agar
      assay currently employed to quantify fusidic acid in dermatological cream, since
      it is sensitive, fast, and more economical.

PMID- 27130090
TI  - Hexagonal cadmium oxide nanodisks: Efficient scaffold for cyanide ion sensing and
      photo-catalytic applications.
AB  - Herein, we report the large-scale low-temperature aqueous solution based
      synthesis of hexagonal-shaped cadmium oxide (CdO) nanodisks. The synthesized
      nanodisks were characterized in detail to investigate the morphological,
      structural, optical and compositional properties using various analytical tools.
      The detailed characterizations revealed that the synthesized CdO nanodisks are
      grown in high-density, possessing well-crystallinity with cubic crystal phase and
      exhibiting good optical properties. Further, the prepared CdO nanodisks were used
      as efficient scaffold for cyanide ion sensor and photocatalyst applications. A
      luminescent sensor for the determination of cyanide ion in aqueous solution was
      fabricated based on synthesized CdO nanodisks. The fabricated luminescent sensor
      exhibited an extremely low detection limit (~1.40MUmolL(-1)) towards cyanide ion
      which is significantly lower than the maximum permitted value of cyanide ion by
      United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for drinking water
      (7.69MUmolL(-1)). The interference studies of the fabricated sensor also
      demonstrate excellent selectivity towards cyanide ions compared to other
      coexisting ions. As a photocatalyst, the synthesized CdO nanodisks exhibited high
      photodegradation (~99.7%) of toxic methyl orange dye just in 90min using 0.25g of
      CdO nanodisks. 

PMID- 27130091
TI  - Sensitive determination of total particulate phosphorus and particulate inorganic
      phosphorus in seawater using liquid waveguide spectrophotometry.
AB  - Determining the total particulate phosphorus (TPP) and particulate inorganic
      phosphorus (PIP) in oligotrophic oceanic water generally requires the filtration
      of a large amount of water sample. This paper describes methods that require
      small filtration volumes for determining the TPP and PIP concentrations. The
      methods were devised by validating or improving conventional sample processing
      and by applying highly sensitive liquid waveguide spectrophotometry to the
      measurements of oxidized or acid-extracted phosphate from TPP and PIP,
      respectively. The oxidation of TPP was performed by a chemical wet oxidation
      method using 3% potassium persulfate. The acid extraction of PIP was initially
      carried out based on the conventional extraction methodology, which requires 1M
      HCl, followed by the procedure for decreasing acidity. While the conventional
      procedure for acid removal requires a ten-fold dilution of the 1M HCl extract
      with purified water, the improved procedure proposed in this study uses 8M NaOH
      solution for neutralizing 1M HCl extract in order to reduce the dilution effect.
      An experiment for comparing the absorbances of the phosphate standard dissolved
      in 0.1M HCl and of that dissolved in a neutralized solution [1M HCl: 8M NaOH=8:1
      (v:v)] exhibited a higher absorbance in the neutralized solution. This indicated
      that the improved procedure completely removed the acid effect, which reduces the
      sensitivity of the phosphate measurement. Application to an ultraoligotrophic
      water sample showed that the TPP concentration in a 1075mL-filtered sample was
      8.4nM with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 4.3% and the PIP concentration in a
      2300mL-filtered sample was 1.3nM with a CV of 6.1%. Based on the detection limit
      (3nM) of the sensitive phosphate measurement and the ambient TPP and PIP
      concentrations of the ultraoligotrophic water, the minimum filtration volumes
      required for the detection of TPP and PIP were estimated to be 15 and 52mL,
      respectively.

PMID- 27130092
TI  - High-efficiency extraction of nucleosides based on the combination of self
      assembly ionic liquid layer and boronic acid-functionalized attapulgite.
AB  - Boronate affinity materials have been widely used for selective capture of cis
      diol-containing molecules, but most do not have sufficient extraction efficiency.
      We have prepared boronic acid-functionalized attapulgite, and then it was coated
      with imidazolium-based ionic liquid, 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide
      (C12mimBr), via physical self-assembly process. The extraction efficiency of the
      material increased dramatically after coated with C12mimBr, and its enrichment
      ratios for nucleosides increased by 9- to 282-fold. Besides, the C12mimBr-coated
      adsorbent did not lose selectivity and was able to capture cis-diols in the
      presence of a 100-fold excess of interferences. C12mimBr-coated material was
      applied to selective enrichment of nucleosides from human urine. The limits of
      detection and the limits of quantification were in the range of 0.06-0.46ngmL(-1)
      and 0.20-1.53ngmL(-1), respectively. Reproducibility of the method was determined
      with relative standard deviations<=9.9%. The recoveries of the target nucleosides
      from spiked human urine were in the range of 87.8-109.6%. In our preception, self
      assembly ionic liquid layer can serve as a promising alternative to improve the
      extraction efficiency of boronate affinity materials.

PMID- 27130093
TI  - Preparation of decarboxylic-functionalized weak cation exchanger and application
      for simultaneous separation of alkali, alkaline earth and transition metals.
AB  - A novel weak cation exchanger (WCX) with dicarboxyl groups functionalized has
      been developed by clicking mercaptosuccinic acid onto silica gel. The simple
      synthesis starts with modification of silica gel with triethoxyvinylsilane,
      followed by efficient coupling vinyl-bonded silica with mercaptosuccinic acid via
      a "thiol-ene" click reaction. The obtained WCX demonstrated good separation and
      high selectivity towards common metals. Simultaneous separation of 10 alkali,
      alkaline earth and transition metals was achieved within 12min. Ion exchange and
      complex mechanism dominates the separation process. Its utility was demonstrated
      for determination of metals in tap water.

PMID- 27130094
TI  - Nitrate biosensors and biological methods for nitrate determination.
AB  - The inorganic nitrate (NO3?) anion is present under a variety of both natural and
      artificial environmental conditions. Nitrate is ubiquitous within the
      environment, food, industrial and physiological systems and is mostly present as
      hydrated anion of a corresponding dissolved salt. Due to the significant
      environmental and toxicological effects of nitrate, its determination and
      monitoring in environmental and industrial waters are often necessary. A wide
      range of analytical techniques are available for nitrate determination in various
      sample matrices. This review discusses biosensors available for nitrate
      determination using the enzyme nitrate reductase (NaR). We conclude that nitrate
      determination using biosensors is an excellent non-toxic alternative to all other
      available analytical methods. Over the last fifteen years biosensing technology
      for nitrate analysis has progressed very well, however, there is a need to
      expedite the development of nitrate biosensors as a suitable alternative to non
      enzymatic techniques through the use of different polymers, nanostructures,
      mediators and strategies to overcome oxygen interference. 

PMID- 27130095
TI  - Electrochemical co-detection of As(III), Hg(II) and Pb(II) on a bismuth modified
      exfoliated graphite electrode.
AB  - The applicability of a bismuth modified exfoliated graphite (EG) electrode for
      the co-detection of heavy metal ions -As(III), Hg(II) and Pb(II)-in water samples
      using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) is reported. Bismuth
      nanoparticles were deposited on an EG electrode potentiostatically at -1000mV for
      300s to form EG-Bi electrode. The Bi modified EG electrode was characterised in
      5mM ferrocene and used to as an electrochemical sensor for Pb(II) and Hg(II)
      individually in 0.1M acetate buffer solution (pH 5) with detection limits (LODs)
      of 0.83MUgL(-1)., 0.46MUgL(-1) and limit of quantification of 2.8MUgL(-1) and
      1.5MUgL(-1) respectively. Simultaneous detection of Pb(II), As(III) and Hg(II)
      was also performed with LODs of 0.053MUgL(-1), 0.014MUgL(-1), 0.081MUgL(-1) and
      LOQs of 0.18MUgL(-1), 0.047MUgL(-1) and 0.27MUgL(-1) for Pb(II), As(III) and
      Hg(II) respectively. All the detections were performed under optimised
      experimental conditions. The stability of the EG-Bi sensor was tested and the
      electrode was applied to environmental samples. The results found with this
      method were comparable with those obtained with inductively coupled plasma -
      optical emission spectrometric technique.

PMID- 27130096
TI  - A water-gated organic thin film transistor as a sensor for water-borne amines.
AB  - The p-type semiconducting polymer Poly(2,5-bis(3-hexadecylthiophen-2
      yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene) (PBTTT) displays innate sensitivity to water-borne
      amines. We demonstrate this with the help of water-gated PBTTT thin film
      transistors (TFTs). When octylamine is added to the gating water, TFTs respond
      with a significantly reduced saturated drain current. Underlying TFT drift is
      minimised by initial conditioning, and remaining drift can be accounted for by
      normalising current response to the current level under purge immediately before
      exposure. Normalised current response vs. amine concentration is reproducible
      between different transistors, and can be modelled by a Langmuir surface
      adsorption isotherm, which suggests physisorption of analyte at the PBTTT
      surface, rather than bulk penetration. Same PBTTT transistors do not respond to 1
      octanol, confirming the specific affinity between amines and thiophene- based
      organic semiconductors.

PMID- 27130097
TI  - The potential of spectral and hyperspectral-imaging techniques for bacterial
      detection in food: A case study on lactic acid bacteria.
AB  - Official methods for the detection of bacteria are based on culture techniques.
      These methods have limitations such as time consumption, cost, detection limits
      and the impossibility to analyse a large number of samples. For these reasons,
      the development of rapid, low-cost and non-destructive analytical methods is a
      task of growing interest. In the present study, the capability of spectral and
      hyperspectral techniques to detect bacterial surface contamination was
      investigated preliminarily on gel cultures, and subsequently on sliced cooked
      ham. In more detail, two species of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were considered,
      namely Lactobacillus curvatus and Lactobacillus sakei, both of which are
      responsible for common alterations in sliced cooked ham. Three techniques were
      investigated, with different equipment, respectively: a macroscopic hyperspectral
      scanner operating in the NIR (10,470-5880cm(-1)) region, a FT-NIR
      spectrophotometer equipped with a transmission arm as the sampling tool, working
      in the 12,500-5800cm(-1) region, and a FT-MIR microscopy operating in the 4000
      675cm(-1) region. Multivariate exploratory data analysis, in particular principal
      component analysis (PCA), was applied in order to extract useful information from
      original data and from hyperspectrograms. The results obtained demonstrate that
      the spectroscopic and imaging techniques investigated can represent an effective
      and sensitive tool to detect surface bacterial contamination in samples and, in
      particular, to recognise species to which bacteria belong. 

PMID- 27130098
TI  - Determination of total antioxidant capacity of humic acids using CUPRAC, Folin
      Ciocalteu, noble metal nanoparticle- and solid-liquid extraction-based methods.
AB  - Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of humic acid (HA) samples was determined using
      CUPRAC (CUPric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity), FC (Folin-Ciocalteu), QUENCHER
      CUPRAC, QUENCHER-FC, Ag-NP (Silver nanoparticle)- and Au-NP (Gold nanoparticle)
      based methods. Conventional FC and modified FC (MFC) methods were applied to
      solid samples. Because of decreased solubility of Folin-Ciocalteu's phenol
      reagent in organic solvents, solvent effect on TAC measurement was investigated
      using QUENCHER-CUPRAC assay by using ethanol:distilled water and dimethyl
      sulfoxide:distilled water with varying ratios. To see the combined effect of
      solubilization (leaching) and TAC measurement of humic acids simultaneously,
      QUENCHER experiments were performed at 25 degrees C and 50 degrees C; QUENCHER
      CUPRAC and QUENCHER-FC methods agreed well and had similar precision in F
      statistics. Although the Gibbs free energy change (DeltaG degrees ) of the
      oxidation of HA dihydroxy phenols with the test reagents were negative, the
      DeltaG degrees  was positive only for the reaction of CUPRAC reagent with
      isolated monohydric phenols, showing CUPRAC selectivity toward polyphenolic
      antioxidants. This is the first work on the antioxidant capacity measurement of
      HA having a sparingly soluble matrix where enhanced solubilization of bound
      phenolics is achieved with coupled oxidation by TAC reagents.

PMID- 27130099
TI  - PAH detection in Quercus robur leaves and Pinus pinaster needles: A fast method
      for biomonitoring purpose.
AB  - Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of plant matrices, new procedure should
      be standardized for each single biomonitor. Thus, here is described a matrix
      solid-phase dispersion extraction method, previously used for moss samples,
      improved and modified for the analyses of PAHs in Quercus robur leaves and Pinus
      pinaster needles, species widely used in biomonitoring studies across Europe. The
      improvements compared to the previous procedure are the use of Florisil added
      with further clean-up sorbents, 10% deactivated silica for pine needles and PSA
      for oak leaves, being these matrices rich in interfering compounds, as shown by
      the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses acquired in full scan mode.
      Good trueness, with values in the range 90-120% for the most of compounds, high
      precision (intermediate precision between 2% and 12%) and good sensitivity using
      only 250mg of samples (limits of quantification lower than 3 and 1.5ngg(-1),
      respectively for pine and oak) were achieved by the selected procedures. These
      methods proved to be reliable for PAH analyses and, having advantage of fastness,
      can be used in biomonitoring studies of PAH air contamination.

PMID- 27130100
TI  - Sensitive analytical performance of folding based biosensor using methylene blue
      tagged aptamers.
AB  - This work demonstrates the development of a folding based electrochemical
      aptasensor using methylene blue (MB) tagged anti-Ochratoxin A (OTA) aptamers.
      Different aptamer coupling strategies were tested using Hexamethylenediamine,
      polyethylene glycol, simple adsorption and diazonium coupling mechanism. The best
      sensitivity was recorded by oxidation of amines using hexamethylenediamine (HDMA)
      on screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). To achieve the direct detection of
      OTA, aptamer conjugated redox probe was used and detection was demonstrated based
      on the conformational changes in aptamer structure upon OTA sensing. Signaling in
      this class of sensors arises from changes in electron transfer efficiency upon
      target-induced changes in the conformation/flexibility of the aptamer probe.
      These changes can be readily recorded electrochemically. The developed aptasensor
      is unique in its own mechanism as redox probe tagged aptamer coupling such as MB
      has never been tried to immobilize using long carbon chain spacers as, addition
      of spacers would provide more sensitive detection methods. A good dynamic range
      0.01-5ng/ml was obtained for OTA with Limit of detection (LOD) 0.01ng/ml and
      Limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.03ng/ml respectively. The good reproducibility
      was recorded with RSD% of 3.75. The obtained straight line equation was
      y=0.4035x+0.90311, r=0.9976. We believe that the sensor design guidelines
      outlined here represents a general strategy for developing new folding-based
      electrochemical aptasensors. The developed aptasensor was extended to screen
      cocoa samples for OTA contamination. The cocoa samples were extracted and
      purified using molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) columns. The aptasensor
      displayed good recovery values in the range 84-85% thus, exhibited the
      effectiveness of proposed aptasensor for such complex matrices.

PMID- 27130101
TI  - Growth and toxic gas sensing properties of poly(urethaneimide) thin films.
AB  - In this work we present a study on the growth and the gas sensing properties of
      poly(urethane imide) thin films. We first deeply characterized by atomic force
      microscopy (AFM) the nanostructuration of the poly(urethane imide) holding
      different amine groups. We further studied the interaction between highly toxic
      gases such as hexamethyleneimine (HMI) and pyridine and the polymer by using an
      unconventional method based on Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) measurement. We
      showed for the first time that weak interactions, i.e. hydrogen bonding between
      the gas molecules and the polymer film allow the diffusion of the gas molecule
      deep in the polymeric film and the recovery of the film once the gas molecules
      leave the sensor. This first work paves a new way for the design of a completely
      recoverable sensor able to detect highly toxic gases for environmental concern.

PMID- 27130102
TI  - Development of a reliable analytical method to determine lipid peroxidation
      biomarkers in newborn plasma samples.
AB  - This paper describes a reliable analytical method based on ultra-performance
      liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry to determine F2
      isoprostanes and other total byproducts (isoprostanes, isofurans, neuroprostanes
      and neurofurans) as lipid peroxidation biomarkers in newborn plasma samples. The
      proposed procedure is characterized by a simple sample treatment employing a
      reduced sample volume (100uL). Also, it shows a high throughput and high
      selectivity to determine simultaneously different isoprostane isomers in a large
      number of samples. The reliability of the described method was demonstrated by
      analysis of spiked plasma samples, obtaining recoveries between 70% and 130% for
      most of the analytes. Taking into account the implementation of further clinical
      studies, it was demonstrated the proper sensitivity of the method by means of the
      analysis of few human newborn plasma samples. In addition to this, newborn piglet
      plasma samples (n=80) were analyzed observing that the developed method was
      suitable to determine the analyte levels present in this kind of samples.
      Therefore, this analytical method could be applied in further clinical research
      about establishment of reliable lipid peroxidation biomarkers employing this
      experimental model.

PMID- 27130103
TI  - Evaluation of on-line pyrolysis coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry for
      the determination of position-specific (13)C isotope composition of short chain n
      alkanes (C6-C12).
AB  - We measured (13)C intramolecular isotopic composition of commercially available
      short-chain hydrocarbons (n-C6-n-C12) using (13)C-NMR. Results show that the main
      variation is between the terminal and the sub-terminal C-atom positions. Site
      preference (difference in delta(13)C values between terminal and sub-terminal C
      atom positions) among all the samples varies between -12.20/00 and +8.40/00.
      Comparison of these results with those obtained using on-line pyrolysis coupled
      with GC-C-IRMS show that the thermal cracking of hydrocarbons occurs with a good
      isotopic fidelity between terminal and sub-terminal C-atom positions of the
      starting material and the related pyrolysis products (methane and ethylene). On
      line pyrolysis coupled with GC-C-IRMS can thus be used for tracing hydrocarbons
      biogeochemical processes.

PMID- 27130104
TI  - Disposable microfluidic sensor arrays for discrimination of antioxidants.
AB  - A microfluidic colorimetric sensor array was developed for detection and
      identification of various antioxidants. The sensor was fabricated by a
      photolithographic method, and consists of an array of printed cross-responsive
      indicators. The microfluidic design also incorporates pre-activation spots to
      allow printing of chemically incompatible components separately. Separately
      printed oxidizer allowed an oxidation of adjacent redox indicators only when
      aqueous sample was added to the sensor cartridge. Antioxidants were primarily
      detected by measuring the extent of inhibition of this oxidation reaction. Using
      this flow-based technique, a clear differentiation of 8 different antioxidants
      and 4 different teas has been demonstrated with 98.5% sensitivity.

PMID- 27130105
TI  - Determination of Pb(II) by sequential injection/stripping analysis at all-plastic
      electrochemical fluidic cells with integrated composite electrodes.
AB  - This work reports the development of a sequential injection/stripping analysis
      method for the determination of trace Pb(II) at injection-moulded electrochemical
      fluidic cells. Conducting carbon fibre-loaded polystyrene electrodes were
      integrated within the plastic cells. The flow-through cells were incorporated
      into a home-made sequential injection analysis (SIA) manifold. Different
      experimental parameters for the detection of Pb(II) were investigated including
      the type and concentration of the supporting electrolyte, the conditions of the
      stripping step, the volume of the sample, the flow rate and the accumulation
      potential. The LOD for Pb(II) was 0.5MUgL(-1), the within-cell % relative
      standard deviation (n=8) was 3.1% and the between-cell % relative standard
      deviation (n=5) was 8.9% for 25MUgL(-1) Pb(II). The cells were applied to the
      determination of Pb(II) in tapwater and a phosphate fertilizer sample. 

PMID- 27130106
TI  - Comprehensive evaluation of imidazole-based polymers for the enrichment of
      selected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
AB  - This study reports the comparison of four manufactured imidazole-based copolymers
      and two commercially available hydrophilic sorbents for the solid phase
      extraction (SPE) of selected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
      Different hydrophilic copolymers were obtained by a suspension polymerization
      using a styrene-based and a methacrylate-based cross-linker and by single step
      modifications for enhancing the ion-exchange character. SPE protocols were
      optimized for both non-modified and modified sorbents and applied for the
      enrichment of selected NSAID using all six copolymers. Comparison and evaluation
      were carried out by determining recovery rates of standard mixtures at different
      concentration levels ranging from 0.5mgL(-1) to 10mgL(-1) and by the enrichment
      of spiked human urine at two concentration levels. In order to gain insight into
      the complexity of the biological sample and its reduction after solid phase
      extraction, UHPLC-MS analysis and following database comparison was performed for
      the three mixed-mode strong anion-exchange sorbents. In order to prove the
      applicability of the modified imidazole-based polymers for the enrichment of
      NSAID in surface water, river water or groundwater, solid phase extraction was
      performed with 10ppb of NSAID which resulted into enhanced enrichment by a
      hundredfold. 

PMID- 27130108
TI  - Novel magnetite nanoparticle based on BODIPY as fluorescent hybrid material for
      Ag(I) detection in aqueous medium.
AB  - This manuscript describes a highly selective and ultra-sensitive detection of
      Ag(I) in aqueous solution using amine coated magnetite nanoparticles modified
      boron-dipyrromethene by spectrofluorometer. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized
      by co-precipitation of Fe(2+)and Fe(3+)in an ammonia solution. Amine modified
      Fe3O4 was prepared by using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane as silanization agent.
      The covalent binding of boron-dipyrromethene to amine modified Fe3O4 was
      confirmed by means of Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission
      electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, UV-vis and fluorimeter
      measurements and obtained nanoparticle-boron dipyrromethene structure. The
      binding abilities of nanoparticle-boron dipyrromethene towards different metal
      ions have been investigated by some spectroscopic methods as UV-vis, fluorescence
      spectroscopy, Job plot, etc. and the novel surface displayed high selectivity and
      sensitivity for Ag(I) among all tested metals.

PMID- 27130107
TI  - SERS-based sensing technique for trace melamine detection - A new method
      exploring.
AB  - We present a SERS-based method for the detection of melamine utilizing multi
      hydrogen bonding induced charge-transfer (CT) effects. In this system, silver-2
      nitro-5-mercaptobenzoic acids (Ag-TNBs) were chosen as the promising probe for
      melamine sensing. This method relies on the multi-hydrogen-bonding between TNB
      and melamine which leads to significant Raman frequency shifts in Raman spectra.
      When being exposure to other potential interfering substances in milk, this
      system exhibits high selectivity towards melamine. The limit of detection (LOD)
      of this method is as low as 10(-12)M, which is far below the safety of FDA and
      USA. The proposed method can be further applied to monitoring the amount of
      melamine in both caw milk and milk powder.

PMID- 27130109
TI  - Simple and fast colorimetric detection of inorganic arsenic selectively adsorbed
      onto ferrihydrite-coated silica gel using silver nanoplates.
AB  - The optical detection for inorganic arsenic (As) semi-quantitative determination
      is presented by using silver nanoplates (AgNPls). The color of AgNPs is
      immediately changed in the presence of As(III) and As(V) with the same
      sensitivity. To improve the selectivity of AgNPls for As detection, ferrihydrite
      coated silica gel (SiO2-Fh) was specifically exploited as adsorbent for arsenic
      prior to As detection by AgNPls. The developed method provides the detection
      limit of 0.5ppm with the detection range between 0.5ppm and 30.0ppm for As
      determination observed with naked eye, and allows to determine total inorganic
      arsenic. This is the first report of As detection approach combining As removal
      technology together with nanotechnology. This combined technique provides a
      rapid, sensitive and selective method for monitoring As levels in aqueous
      samples, and can be employed as a testing field kit to screen arsenic
      contamination outside of a laboratory.

PMID- 27130110
TI  - Partial least squares analysis of rocket propulsion fuel data using diaphragm
      valve-based comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with flame
      ionization detection.
AB  - The chemical composition and several physical properties of RP-1 fuels were
      studied using comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) gas chromatography (GC*GC)
      coupled with flame ionization detection (FID). A "reversed column" GC*GC
      configuration was implemented with a RTX-wax column on the first dimension
      ((1)D), and a RTX-1 as the second dimension ((2)D). Modulation was achieved using
      a high temperature diaphragm valve mounted directly in the oven. Using leave-one
      out cross-validation (LOOCV), the summed GC*GC-FID signal of three compound-class
      selective 2D regions (alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatics) was regressed against
      previously measured ASTM derived values for these compound classes, yielding root
      mean square errors of cross validation (RMSECV) of 0.855, 0.734, and 0.530mass%,
      respectively. For comparison, using partial least squares (PLS) analysis with
      LOOCV, the GC*GC-FID signal of the entire 2D separations was regressed against
      the same ASTM values, yielding a linear trend for the three compound classes
      (alkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatics), yielding RMSECV values of 1.52, 2.76, and
      0.945 mass%, respectively. Additionally, a more detailed PLS analysis was
      undertaken of the compounds classes (n-alkanes, iso-alkanes, mono-, di-, and tri
      cycloalkanes, and aromatics), and of physical properties previously determined by
      ASTM methods (such as net heat of combustion, hydrogen content, density,
      kinematic viscosity, sustained boiling temperature and vapor rise temperature).
      Results from these PLS studies using the relatively simple to use and inexpensive
      GC*GC-FID instrumental platform are compared to previously reported results using
      the GC*GC-TOFMS instrumental platform. 

PMID- 27130111
TI  - A facile and general approach for preparation of glycoprotein-imprinted magnetic
      nanoparticles with synergistic selectivity.
AB  - In light of the significance of glycoprotein biomarkers for early clinical
      diagnostics and treatments of diseases, it is essential to develop efficient and
      selective enrichment platforms for glycoproteins. In this study, we present a
      facile and general strategy to prepare the boronate affinity-based magnetic
      imprinted nanoparticles. Boronic acid ligands were first grafted on the directly
      aldehyde-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles through amidation reaction. Then,
      template glycoproteins were immobilized on the boronic acid-modified magnetic
      nanoparticles via boronate affinity binding. Subsequently, a thin layer of
      dopamine was formed to coat the surface of magnetic nanoparticles through self
      polymerization. After the template glycoproteins were removed, the cavities that
      can specific bind the template glycoproteins were fabricated. Adopting
      horseradish peroxidase as model template, the effects of imprinting conditions as
      well as the properties and performance of the obtained products were
      investigated. The resultant imprinted materials exhibit highly favorable
      features, including uniform surface morphology with thin imprinted shell of about
      8nm, super-paramagnetic property, fast kinetics of 40min, high adsorption
      capacity of 60.3mgg(-1), and satisfactory reusability for at least five cycles of
      adsorption-desorption without obvious deterioration. Meanwhile, the obtained
      magnetic imprinted nanoparticles could capture target glycoprotein from
      nonglycoproteins, but also from other glycoproteins because the synergistic
      selectivity of boronate affinity and imprinting effect. In addition, the facile
      preparation method shows feasibility in the imprinting of different
      glycoproteins.

PMID- 27130112
TI  - Calix[4]arene coated QCM sensors for detection of VOC emissions: Methylene
      chloride sensing studies.
AB  - This paper describes the sensing studies of QCM sensors with coated some
      calixarene derivatives bearing different functional groups for some selected
      Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as acetone, acetonitrile, carbon
      tetrachloride, chloroform, methylene chloride (MC), N,N-dimethylformamide, 1,4
      dioxane, ethanol, ethyl acetate, xylene, methanol, n-hexane and toluene. The
      initial experiments have revealed that whole the calix[4]arene modified QCM
      sensors exhibited strongest sensing ability to MC emissions. Thus, the detailed
      studies were performed for only MC emissions after the determination of
      relatively more effective calix-coated QCM sensors for MC emissions in aqueous
      media. The results demonstrated that QCM sensor coated with calix-7 bearing both
      amino and imidazole groups was most useful sensor for MC emissions with 54.1ppm
      of detection limit. Moreover, it was understood that cyclic structures, H-bonding
      capabilities and also good preorganization properties of calixarene derivatives
      played an important role in VOC sensing processes.

PMID- 27130113
TI  - Development of an on-line solid phase extraction method based on new
      functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. Use in the determination of mercury in
      biological and sea-water samples.
AB  - A new chelating sorbent which employs magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs)
      functionalized with 1,5-bis(di-2-pyridil)methylene thiocarbohydrazide (DPTH-MNPs)
      was synthetized and characterized. The aim of the synthesis of this material was
      to develop fast and simple methods for analysis of trace amounts of metal ions
      present in biological and environmental samples combining on-line magnetic solid
      phase microextraction (MSPME) with atomic spectrometry. The MNPs' magnetic core
      allows overcoming the backpressure problems that usually happen in SPME methods
      with NPs thanks to the possibility of immobilizing the MNPs by applying an
      external magnetic field. Thus, a flow injection FI-MSPME/cold vapor generation
      system coupled to an electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer (CV-ETAAS)
      method for the determination of trace amounts of Hg in biological and sea-water
      samples was developed. A magnet based reactor designed to contain DPTH-MNPs was
      placed in the injection valve of the FI manifold. Several chemical and flow
      variables were considered as factors in the optimization process using central
      composite designs. With the optimized procedure, the detection limit obtained was
      7.8ngL(-1) with a precision of 1.7% (RSD) (1.0MUgL(-1) Hg). The linear range of
      the method was studied, and two sections of linear calibration were obtained:
      from determination limit (0.099ugL(-1)) to 10ugL(-1), and from 10ugL(-1) to at
      least 50ugL(-1). A preconcentration factor of 5.4 was calculated. The accuracy of
      the proposed method was demonstrated by analyzing three certified reference
      materials and by determining the analyte content in spiked sea-water samples. The
      determined values were in good agreement with the certified values and the
      recoveries for the spiked samples were in the range of 97.0-107.0%.

PMID- 27130114
TI  - Investigation of the new sorption preconcentration systems for determination of
      noble metals in rocks by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
AB  - The reversible sorption preconcentration of noble metals (NMs) prior to their
      determination by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was
      investigated. Six new hypercrosslinked polystyrene sorbents were tested. The
      dependence of the degree of NMs sorption on the average degree of polymer network
      crosslinking and pore diameters was investigated. It was found that sorbents HP
      100/6, HP-300/6 and HP-500/6 have low efficiency of NMs chlorocomplexes
      extraction. Among Stirosorb sorbents (Stirosorb-2, Stirosorb-514 and Stirosorb
      584) the highest efficiency of the extraction of NMs' chlorocomplexes has
      Stirosorb-514. Tributylamine (TBA), N-methylbenzylamine (MBA), N,N
      dimethylbenzylamine (DMBA), N,N-dibenzylmetylamine (DBMA) were studied as the
      reagents for extraction of Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt and Au chlorocomplexes from
      hydrochloric acid solutions in the form of ion associates by reversed-phase
      mechanism. The reversible quantitative extraction of Ru, Pd, Pt and Au in system
      Stirosorb-514 - TBA - 1M HCl in ethanol as eluent was achieved. It was found that
      resulting eluates do not contain matrix components which may cause spectral
      interferences on the stage of NMs determination by ICP-MS. The found scheme of
      NMs reversible sorption was validated by the analysis of certified reference
      materials of basic and ultrabasic rocks GPt-5, GPt-6 and SARM-7. Good agreement
      between the measured NMs concentrations and the certified values was
      demonstrated. The achieved limits of detection for Ru, Pd, Pt and Au vary within
      10(-8)-10(-7)wt% range.

PMID- 27130115
TI  - Development of air assisted liquid phase microextraction based on switchable
      hydrophilicity solvent for the determination of palladium in environmental
      samples.
AB  - A novel switchable-hydrophilicity solvent (SHS) in combination with air-assisted
      liquid-liquid microextraction (AALLME) which called AA-SHS-LPME, has been applied
      for preconcentration of Pd(II). A water-immiscible solvent, Triethylamine (TEA),
      was used as a green switchable solvent that switched reversibly between one form
      that was miscible with water to another that formed a biphasic mixture with
      water. CO2 was used as a stimulus for triggering the transformation to the water
      miscible form and removal of CO2 to achieve the reverse. Separation was carried
      out by addition of sodium hydroxide, which produced a change on the ionization
      state of amine. AALLME led to the rapid formation of fine droplets of the
      extractant in the aqueous solution, and the contact surface between both
      immiscible liquids was significantly enlarged. Detection limit value,
      preconcentration factor and relative standard deviation (RSD, n=10) were found
      0.07MUgL(-1), 64 and 3.5% respectively. The recovery of the analyte in water,
      road dust and catalytic converter samples was in the range of 98.3-103.2%. The
      obtained results indicated that the developed method could be an efficient
      analytical method for the routine analysis in the environmental field.

PMID- 27130116
TI  - Encapsulation of single cells into monodisperse droplets by fluorescence
      activated droplet formation on a microfluidic chip.
AB  - Random compartmentalization of cells by common droplet formation methods, i.e., T
      junction and flow-focusing, results in low occupancy of droplets by single cells.
      To resolve this issue, a fluorescence-activated droplet formation method was
      developed for the on-command generation of droplets and encapsulation of single
      cells. In this method, droplets containing one cell were generated by switching
      on/off a two-phase hydrodynamic gating valve upon optical detection of single
      cells. To evaluate the developed method, flow visualization experiments were
      conducted with fluorescein. Results indicated that picoliter droplets of uniform
      sizes (RSD<4.9%) could be generated. Encapsulation of single fluorescent
      polystyrene beads demonstrated an average of 94.3% droplets contained one bead.
      Further application of the developed methods to the compartmentalization of
      individual HeLa cells indicated 82.5% occupancy of droplets by single cells,
      representing a 3 fold increase in comparison to random compartmentalization.

PMID- 27130117
TI  - Wet effluent diffusion denuder: The tool for determination of monoterpenes in
      forest.
AB  - Three methods, i.e., the cylindrical wet effluent diffusion denuder (CWEDD)-GCMS,
      Tenax tubes-GCMS and Proton-Transfer-Reaction Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
      (PTR-TOF-MS) were compared for the determination of monoterpenes in forest. While
      the on-line technique (PTR-TOF-MS) allows only for the measurement of sum of
      monoterpenes, both the off-line preconcentration techniques (CWEDD and Tenax
      tubes) are suitable for the determination of concentrations of individual
      monoterpenes due to subsequent analysis of samples by GCMS. The CWEDD-GCMS is the
      only method that allows sampling of individual monoterpenes with short time
      intervals of 2-5min. Monoterpenes are absorbed into a liquid (n-heptane), flowing
      down on the inner wall of the CWEDD, and then the collected liquid with
      monoterpenes is immediately taken away for the GCMS analysis, which minimizes
      time when collected monoterpenes are exposed to oxidants presented in the air
      during sampling. The limits of detection of CWEDD-GCMS are in the range 1-7pptv
      for individual monoterpenes.

PMID- 27130118
TI  - A metabolomics approach to identify and quantify the phytochemicals in
      watermelons by quantitative (1)HNMR.
AB  - Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) contains many health-promoting compounds, such as
      ascorbic acid, carotenoids, phenolic acids and amino acids including l
      citrulline, arginine, and glutathione. Reported HPLC method for quantification of
      l-citrulline and sugars in watermelon involves, time-consuming sample
      preparation, post-column color development and detection with fluorescence and
      refractive index detectors. The present study describes development of a method
      to identify and quantify amino acids and sugars simultaneously from watermelon
      samples using quantitative proton NMR. Lyophilized watermelon samples (30-50mg)
      were extracted with deuterium oxide (D2O) by sonication and the centrifuged
      extract was directly used for quantification and identification with (1)HNMR. An
      external coaxial insert containing a 65uL of 0.012% 3-(trimethylsilyl) propionic
      (2,2,3,3-d4) acid sodium salt (TSP-d4) in D2O was used as a quantitative
      reference. The levels of l-citrulline and sugars were measured in less than 6min.
      This rapid quantitation method was validated for specificity, linearity,
      accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and robustness. The limit of detection for
      l-citrulline was 38ug/mL and the limit of quantification was 71ug/mL; for sugars,
      the limits were 59-94ug/mL and 120ug/mL, respectively. This method can be used
      widely for confirmation and rapid quantitation of multiple compounds in large
      number of biological or breeding samples for routine analysis.

PMID- 27130119
TI  - Using pH variations to improve the discrimination of wines by 3D front face
      fluorescence spectroscopy associated to Independent Components Analysis.
AB  - Wine composition in polyphenols is related to the variety of grape that it
      contains. These polyphenols play an essential role in its quality as well as a
      possible protective effect on human health. Their conjugated aromatic structure
      renders them fluorescent, which means that 3D front-face fluorescence
      spectroscopy could be a useful tool to differentiate among the grape varieties
      that characterize each wine. However, fluorescence spectra acquired simply at the
      natural pH of wine are not always sufficient to discriminate the wines. The
      structural changes in the polyphenols resulting from modifications in the pH
      induce significant changes in their fluorescence spectra, making it possible to
      more clearly separate different wines. 9 wines belonging to three different grape
      varieties (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir) and from 9 different
      producers, were analyzed over a range of pHs. Independent Components Analysis
      (ICA) was used to extract characteristic signals from the matrix of unfolded 3D
      front-face fluorescence spectra and showed that the introduction of pH as an
      additional parameter in the study of wine fluorescence improved the
      discrimination of wines. 

PMID- 27130120
TI  - Preparation of Ti(4+)-immobilized modified silica capillary trapping column for
      on-line selective enrichment of phosphopeptides.
AB  - In this work, we have developed Ti(4+)-immobilized capillary trapping column
      (250MUm i.d.) for highly specific on-line enrichment of phosphopeptides in the
      bio-samples. It minimizes the sample loss and improves the effectiveness of
      phosphopeptide detection that the limit of detection is as low as 1fmol/MUL. It
      is successfully applied to the detection of phosphopeptides from complex
      biological samples, such as skim milk, human serum and mouse brain. The results
      indicate that the Ti(4+)-immobilized capillary trapping column is time-effective
      and has the great potential of application in low-abundance phosphopeptides on
      line analysis. The prepared Ti(4+)-immobilized capillary trapping column will be
      further used in LC/MS platform for phosphoproteome analysis.

PMID- 27130121
TI  - Dopant-assisted negative photoionization Ion mobility spectrometry coupled with
      on-line cooling inlet for real-time monitoring H2S concentration in sewer gas.
AB  - Malodorous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas often exists in the sewer system and
      associates with the problems of releasing the dangerous odor to the atmosphere
      and causing sewer pipe to be corroded. A simple method is in demand for real-time
      measuring H2S level in the sewer gas. In this paper, an innovated method based on
      dopant-assisted negative photoionization ion mobility spectrometry (DANP-IMS)
      with on-line semiconductor cooling inlet was put forward and successfully applied
      for the real-time measurement of H2S in sewer gas. The influence of moisture was
      effectively reduced via an on-line cooling method and a non-equilibrium dilution
      with drift gas. The limits of quantitation for the H2S in >=60% relative humidity
      air could be obtained at <=79.0ng L(-1) with linear ranges of 129-2064ng L(-1).
      The H2S concentration in a sewer manhole was successfully determined while its
      product ions were identified by an ion-mobility time-of-fight mass spectrometry.
      Finally, the correlation between sewer H2S concentration and the daily routines
      and habits of residents was investigated through hourly or real-time monitoring
      the variation of sewer H2S in manholes, indicating the power of this DANP-IMS
      method in assessing the H2S concentration in sewer system.

PMID- 27130122
TI  - A method for determining arsenolipids in seawater by HPLC-high resolution mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Arsenic-containing lipids (arsenolipids), naturally occurring arsenicals in
      algae, have never been detected in seawater even though they might be introduced
      to the water column on senescence of marine algae or by active excretion. The
      complex nature of seawater presents an analytical challenge to detect these
      compounds and to monitor their environmental fate. We developed a simple sample
      preparation method using liquid-liquid extraction combined with HPLC-high
      resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) capable of measuring six standard
      arsenolipids in seawater at the ng As/L level (<1% of the total arsenic in
      seawater). The method is suitable for studies on the biotransformation and
      pathways of arsenolipids in the marine environment. When we applied the method to
      four samples of natural seawater, however, we did not find any of the six
      standard arsenolipids.

PMID- 27130123
TI  - Clinical applications of HPLC-ICP-MS element speciation: A review.
AB  - Arsenic (As), Selenium (Se) and Mercury (Hg) are three trace elements that have
      been the subject of much analytical discussion and investigation over the last
      three decades. While Selenium (Se) is among the list of essential trace elements
      necessary for the regulation of metabolic processes and overall health, As and Hg
      are not, and have been the centre of various cases surrounding the contamination
      of food, water and the environment. The focus of this review is to explore the
      area of chemical speciation, particularly as it relates to the measurement of
      these elements in various clinical matrices by HPLC-ICP-MS. This review will
      highlight the importance of accurately identifying the various chemical species
      of each of these elements, especially when considering their respective
      toxicological impacts on human health. 

PMID- 27130124
TI  - A rapid microwave synthesis of nitrogen-sulfur co-doped carbon nanodots as highly
      sensitive and selective fluorescence probes for ascorbic acid.
AB  - A ultrafast one-step microwave-assisted method was developed for the synthesis of
      nitrogen-sulfur co-doped carbon nanodots (N,S-CDs) by using ethylenediamine as
      the carbon source and sulfamic acid as the surface passivation reagent. The
      morphology and the properties of N,S-CDs were explored by a series of techniques,
      such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption and
      fluorescence spectroscopy. The prepared N,S-CDs exhibit bright blue
      photoluminescence with a high fluorescence quantum yield (FLQY) up to 28%, and
      high stability and excellent water solubility. A N,S-CDs-based fluorescent probe
      was developed for sensitive detection ascorbic acid (AA) in the presence of
      Cu(2+), based on the mechanism that AA reduces Cu(2+) to Cu(+), then Cu(+)
      quenches the fluorescence of N,S-CDs through electron or energy transfer due to
      the interaction between Cu(+) and thiol ligand on the N,S-CDs surface. The
      observed linear response concentration range was from 0.057 to 4.0MUM to AA with
      a detection limit as low as 18nM. The probe exhibited a highly selective response
      toward AA even in the presence of possible interfering substances, such as uric
      acid and citric acid. Moreover, these promising features made the sensing system
      used for the analysis of human serum and urine samples.

PMID- 27130125
TI  - Electronic tongue for nitro and peroxide explosive sensing.
AB  - This work reports the application of a voltammetric electronic tongue (ET)
      towards the simultaneous determination of both nitro-containing and peroxide
      based explosive compounds, two families that represent the vast majority of
      compounds employed either in commercial mixtures or in improvised explosive
      devices. The multielectrode array was formed by graphite, gold and platinum
      electrodes, which exhibited marked mix-responses towards the compounds examined;
      namely, 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro
      1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), 2,4,6
      trinitrotoluene (TNT), N-methyl-N,2,4,6-tetranitroaniline (Tetryl) and triacetone
      triperoxide (TATP). Departure information was the set of voltammograms, which
      were first analyzed by means of principal component analysis (PCA) allowing the
      discrimination of the different individual compounds, while artificial neural
      networks (ANNs) were used for the resolution and individual quantification of
      some of their mixtures (total normalized root mean square error for the external
      test set of 0.108 and correlation of the obtained vs. expected concentrations
      comparison graphs r>0.929).

PMID- 27130126
TI  - Graphene flakes enhance the detection of TiO2-enriched catechins by SALDI-MS
      after microwave-assisted enrichment.
AB  - In this study, we describe a novel method for the rapid detection of catechins in
      tea leaves using surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
      (SALDI-MS). The method involves incubating catechins in a mixture of titanium
      dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and graphene flakes (GF) and then subjecting the
      mixture to microwave irradiation to facilitate the enrichment of analytes. In
      this approach, TiO2 nanoparticles serve as probes to enrich catechins while GF
      serve to increase the desorption/ionization efficiency. The use of the TiO2-GF
      mixture as matrix provides a number of advantages over TiO2 nanoparticles alone,
      including higher desorption/ionization efficiency, enhanced analyte enrichment
      and reduced run time (less 10min). We demonstrate that the addition of GF to
      nanoparticles of TiO2 improves the detection of catechins by SALDI-MS. At a
      signal-to-noise ratio of 3, the limits of detection were 0.04pmole for (+)
      catechin (C), 0.17pmole for (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), 0.35pmole for (-)
      epicatechin gallate (ECG), and 0.50pmole for (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
      This method was further applied to determine the catechin content in several tea
      samples and the results showed good shot-to-shot and sample-to-sample
      reproducibility (less than 10% and 13%, respectively) as well as good
      quantitative linearity for the four analytes (R(2)>0.995). The precision
      calculated as percent relative standard derivation (%RSD), ranged from 3.6% to
      12.4%. Overall, we show that this method is a sensitive, simple and high
      throughput technique for the detection of catechins in tea.

PMID- 27130127
TI  - Effervescence-assisted beta-cyclodextrin/attapulgite composite for the in-syringe
      dispersive solid-phase extraction of pyrethroids in environmental water samples.
AB  - In this research, an effervescence-assisted beta-cyclodextrin/attapulgite
      composite (beta-CD/ATP) for the in-syringe dispersive solid-phase extraction
      (EAIS-DSPE) of pyrethroids in environmental samples was developed for the first
      time. A syringe was used to conduct the extraction procedure and a small amount
      of beta-CD/ATP was dispersed into the solution with the release of carbon dioxide
      when the effervescent tablet components dissolved in water. Then, the sorbent was
      recovered using a filter membrane, and the analytes were directly eluted using
      acetonitrile. In the process, the beta-CD/ATP sorbent resulted in an excellent
      extraction efficiency compared to commercially available sorbents such as C18 and
      HLB. Moreover, in the extraction procedure, both the beta-cyclodextrin inclusion
      interactions (especially the hydrophobic effects) and the special structure of
      the ATP contributed to the efficient enrichment of pyrethroids in aqueous media.
      The amount of beta-CD/ATP sorbent, the volume of desorption, the ratio of
      NaH2PO4/Na2CO3, the volume of the sample, and the pH were screened using a
      Plackett-Burman design. All factors affecting the procedure were optimized by
      applying a central composite design. Under the optimized conditions, a good
      repeatability (RSDs) ranging from 1.7 to 2.3, linearity (2.5-500MUgL(-1)), limits
      of detection (LODs) (0.15-1.03MUgL(-1)), and an acceptable recoveries (76.8
      86.5%) were achieved. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied for
      the determination of pyrethroids in environmental samples including river water,
      reservoir water and lake water.

PMID- 27130128
TI  - Determination of total phenolic compounds in compost by infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - Middle and near infrared (MIR and NIR) were applied to determine the total
      phenolic compounds (TPC) content in compost samples based on models built by
      using partial least squares (PLS) regression. The multiplicative scatter
      correction, standard normal variate and first derivative were employed as spectra
      pretreatment, and the number of latent variable were optimized by leave-one-out
      cross-validation. The performance of PLS-ATR-MIR and PLS-DR-NIR models was
      evaluated according to root mean square error of cross validation and prediction
      (RMSECV and RMSEP), the coefficient of determination for prediction (Rpred(2))
      and residual predictive deviation (RPD) being obtained for this latter values of
      5.83 and 8.26 for MIR and NIR, respectively.

PMID- 27130129
TI  - Functional dendrimer modified ultra-hydrophilic trapping copolymer network
      towards highly efficient cell capture.
AB  - Highly efficient isolation of living tumor cells possesses great significance in
      research of cancer. Hence, we have designed the 3-aminophenylboronic acid (APBA)
      derivative dendrimer-functionalized 3D network polyacrylamide/poly (methyl
      methacrylate) copolymer as capture substrate which is easily prepared, template
      free and low-cost. The structure of copolymer is compared to "fishing net" in
      order to increase the contact between cells and substrates. The application of
      poly (amidoamine) dendrimers provides abundant amino groups to react with APBA
      which is just like "baits" that can bond with sialic acid in the cytomembrane to
      realize cell capture. The 3D network structure trammels cancer cells, offers
      great reaction space and displays hydrophilic surface, which has immensely
      improved the contact probability of cells and materials. Due to the 3D network
      structure and dendrimer, this material can achieve a high capture efficiency of
      87+/-5% in 45min. The viability of captured cells is nearly 100%, as a result of
      the soft and hydrophilic surface and hypotoxicity of this copolymer.

PMID- 27130130
TI  - Rapid identification of osmolytes in tropical microalgae and cyanobacteria by
      (1)H HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - In this study, we report the chemical characterization of 47 tropical microalgae
      and cyanobacteria by HR-MAS. The generated data confirm the interest of HR-MAS as
      a rapid screening technique with the major advantage of its easiness. The sample
      is used as powder of freeze-dried microalgae without any extraction process
      before acquisition. The spectral fingerprints of strains are then tested as
      variables for a chemotaxonomy study to discriminate cyanobacteria and
      dinoflagellates. The individual factor map generated by PCA analysis succeeds in
      separating the two groups, essentially thanks to the presence of specific
      carbohydrates. Furthermore, more resolved signals enable to identify many
      osmolytes. More precisely the characteristics delta of 2-O-alpha-D
      glucosylglycerol (GG) are observed in all 21 h-MAS spectra of tropical
      cyanobacteria. After specific extraction, complementary analysis by 1D and 2D-NMR
      spectroscopies validates the identification of this osmolyte.

PMID- 27130131
TI  - A "turn-on" fluorescent chemosensor for the detection of Zn(II) in aqueous
      solution at neutral pH and its application in live cells imaging.
AB  - Pyridoxal-2-hydrazinopyridine Schiff-base (1) was prepared by one-step synthesis
      from commercially available materials of pyridoxal and 2-hydrazinopyridine.
      Compound 1 could be applied as a fluorescent chemosensor for Zn(II) in aqueous
      solution at pH 7.4. After binding to Zn(II) with a molar ratio of 1:1, 1
      exhibited 17-fold fluorescence enhancement. In addition, 1 showed a good
      selectivity toward Zn(II) over other metal ions, which can especially distinguish
      Zn(II) from Cd(II). A linear range of 5.0-20.0MUmolL(-1) and a detection limit of
      70nmolL(-1) were also achieved. Moreover, the utility of chemosensor 1 in
      bioimaging of Zn(II) in living cells was demonstrated, which suggested that 1
      could be used as a Zn(II)-selective chemosensor in biological samples.

PMID- 27130132
TI  - Effect of sample pretreatment on the extraction of lemon (Citrus limon)
      components.
AB  - A study on the key role of lemon sample pretreatment on the analytical results is
      here presented. The objective of the study was to analyze the differences between
      extracts obtained from lyophilized and air-dried samples-the most common sample
      pretreatment in citrus studies-in comparison to extracts from fresh samples. All
      the extracts were obtained with ultrasound assistance and analyzed by LC-QTOF
      MS/MS. The dataset, constituted by 74 tentative identified metabolites, was first
      evaluated by ANOVA, which showed significant differences in the concentration of
      44 out of 74 metabolites (p<=0.01). Also, the pairwise mean comparison (Tukey
      HSD; p<=0.01) revealed that the concentration of metabolites in the extracts from
      fresh and air-dried samples was quite similar and differed from that in
      lyophilized samples. On the other hand, application of principal component
      analysis (PCA) showed a clear discrimination between pretreatments, explaining
      86.20% of the total variability. The results of this study suggest that the main
      differences between extracts could be attributed to the effect of freezing or
      heating on metabolic pathways, and not only to thermolability of the compounds.

PMID- 27130133
TI  - Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide-based ionic liquids grafted on graphene oxide
      coated solid-phase microextraction fiber for extraction and enrichment of
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in potatoes and phthalate esters in food-wrap.
AB  - A class of novel, environmental friendly ionic liquids (ILs) were synthesized by
      on-fiber preparation strategy and modified on graphene oxide (GO)-coated
      stainless steel wire, which was used as a solid-phase microextraction (SPME)
      fiber for efficient enrichment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and
      phthalate esters (PAEs). Surface characteristic of the ILs and polymeric-ILs
      (PILs) fibers with the wave-structure were inspected by scanning electron
      microscope. The successfully synthesis of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide
      (NTf2(-))-based ILs were also characterized by energy dispersive spectrometer
      analysis. Through the chromatograms of the proposed two ILs (1-aminoethyl-3
      methylimidazolium bromide (C2NH2MIm(+)Br(-)), C2NH2MIm(+)NTf2(-)) and two PILs
      (polymeric 1-vinyl-3-hexylimidazolium bromide (poly(VHIm(+)Br(-))),
      poly(VHIm(+)NTf2(-)))-GO-coated fibers for the extraction of analytes, NTf2(-)
      based PIL demonstrated higher extraction capacity for hydrophobic compounds than
      other as-prepared ILs. Analytical performances of the proposed fibers were
      investigated under the optimized extraction and desorption conditions coupled
      with gas chromatography (GC). Compared with the poly(VHIm(+)Br(-))-GO fiber, the
      poly(VHIm(+)NTf2(-))-GO SPME fiber brought wider linear ranges for analytes with
      correlation coefficient in the range of 0.9852-0.9989 and lower limits of
      detection ranging from 0.015-0.025MUgL(-1). The obtained results indicated that
      the newly prepared PILs-GO coating was a feasible, selective and green
      microextraction medium, which could be suitable for extraction and determination
      of PAHs and PAEs in potatoes and food-wrap sample, respectively.

PMID- 27130134
TI  - A facile label-free electrochemiluminescent biosensor for specific detection of
      Staphylococcus aureus utilizing the binding between immunoglobulin G and protein
      A.
AB  - A facile label-free electrochemiluminescent (ECL) biosensor was developed for
      detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) based on the specific binding
      between Fc region of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and S. aureus protein A (SPA) in the
      cell wall. Carboxyl graphene, with large surface and excellent electron transfer
      ability, was used as the carrier of IgG for fabrication of ECL biosensor. This
      biosensor was constructed by depositing carboxyl graphene/porcin IgG composite on
      the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. The specific reaction between SPA and
      IgG resulted in a decrease of ECL signal because the bound S. aureus interrupted
      the interfacial electron transfer and hindered the diffusion of the ECL active
      substances. The ECL intensity decreased linearly with S. aureus concentrations in
      the range of 1.0*10(3)-1.0*10(9) colony-forming units (CFU)mL(-1), with a
      detection limit of 3.1*10(2)CFUmL(-1). The whole assay could be accomplished
      within 70min when a ready-for-use biosensor was applied. The recovery test for
      food, environmental and biological samples showed recoveries between 75.0% and
      116.7%. This developed biosensor displayed ideal specificity, high sensitivity,
      facile manipulation, simple fabrication and short assay time, thus provided a new
      pathway for pathogenic bacteria rapid screening.

PMID- 27130135
TI  - Early detection of emerging street drugs by near infrared spectroscopy and
      chemometrics.
AB  - Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRs) is spreading as the tool of choice for fast and
      non-destructive analysis and detection of different compounds in complex
      matrices. This paper investigated the feasibility of using near infrared (NIR)
      spectroscopy coupled to chemometrics calibration to detect new psychoactive
      substances in street samples. The capabilities of this approach in forensic
      chemistry were assessed in the determination of new molecules appeared in the
      illicit market and often claimed to contain "non-illegal" compounds, although
      exhibiting important psychoactive effects. The study focused on synthetic
      molecules belonging to the classes of synthetic cannabinoids and phenethylamines.
      The approach was validated comparing results with officials methods and has been
      successfully applied for "in site" determination of illicit drugs in confiscated
      real samples, in cooperation with the Scientific Investigation Department
      (Carabinieri-RIS) of Rome. The achieved results allow to consider NIR
      spectroscopy analysis followed by chemometrics as a fast, cost-effective and
      useful tool for the preliminary determination of new psychoactive substances in
      forensic science.

PMID- 27130136
TI  - Corrigendum to "A high-performance glucose biosensor using covalently immobilised
      glucose oxidase on a poly(2,6-diaminopyridine)/carbon nanotube electrode".
AB  - A highly-sensitive glucose biosensor amenable to ultraminiaturisation was
      fabricated by immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOX), onto a poly(2,6
      diaminopyridine)/multi-walled carbon nanotube/glassy carbon electrode (poly(2,6
      DP)/MWCNT/GCE). Cyclic voltammetry was used for both the electrochemical
      synthesis of poly-(2,6-DP) on the surface of a MWCNT-modified GC electrode, and
      characterization of the polymers deposited on the GC electrode. The synergistic
      effect of the high active surface area of both the conducting polymer, i.e., poly
      (2,6-DP) and MWCNT gave rise to a remarkable improvement in the electrocatalytic
      properties of the biosensor. The transfer coefficient (alpha), heterogeneous
      electron transfer rate constant and Michaelis-Menten constant were calculated to
      be 0.6, 4s-1 and 0.22mM at pH 7.4, respectively. The GOx/poly(2,6-DP)/MWCNT/GC
      bioelectrode exhibited two linear responses to glucose in the concentration
      ranging from 0.42MUM to 8.0 mM with a correlation coefficient of 0.95,
      sensitivity of 52.0MUAmM-1cm-2, repeatability of 1.6% and long-term stability,
      which could make it a promising bioelectrode for precise detection of glucose in
      the biological samples.

PMID- 27130137
TI  - Type 2 diabetes with BMI<30 kg/m2: Can we predict success of metabolic surgery?

PMID- 27130138
TI  - Environmental filtering decreases with fish development for the assembly of gut
      microbiota.
AB  - Gut microbiota typically occupy habitats with definable limits/borders that are
      comparable to oceanic islands. The gut therefore can be regarded as an 'island'
      for the assembly of microbial communities within the 'sea' of surrounding
      environments. This study aims to reveal the ecological mechanisms that govern
      microbiota in the fish gut 'island' ecosystem. Taxonomic compositions,
      phylogenetic diversity, and community turnover across host development were
      analyzed via the high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. The
      results indicate that the Shannon diversity of gut microbiota in the three
      examined freshwater fish species all significantly decreased with host
      development, and the dominant bacterial taxa also changed significantly during
      host development. Null model and phylogenetic-based mean nearest taxon distance
      (MNTD) analyses suggest that host gut environmental filtering led to the assembly
      of microbial communities in the fish gut 'island'. However, the phylogenetic
      clustering of local communities and deterministic processes that governed
      community turnover became less distinct as the fish developed. The observed
      mechanisms that shaped fish gut microbiota seemed to be mainly shaped by the gut
      environment and by some other selective changes accompanying the host development
      process. These findings greatly enhance our understanding of stage-specific
      community assembly patterns in the fish gut ecosystem.

PMID- 27130139
TI  - Postnatal training of 129/Sv mice confirms the long-term influence of early
      exercising on the motor properties of mice.
AB  - A previous study showed that motor experiences during critical periods of
      development durably affect the motor properties of adult C57BL/6J mice. However,
      dependence on early environmental features may vary with the genetic profile. To
      evaluate the contribution of the genetic background on external influences to
      motricity, we performed the same experiment in a 129/Sv mouse strain that show a
      strongly different motor profile. Mice were subjected to endurance training
      (enriched environment or forced treadmill), hypergravity (chronic
      centrifugation), or simulated microgravity (hindlimb unloading) between postnatal
      days 10 and 30. They were then returned to standard housing until testing at the
      age of nine months. The endurance-trained mice showed a fast-slow shift in the
      deep zone of the tibialis. In addition, mice reared in the enriched environment
      showed a modified gait and body posture, and improved performance on the rotarod,
      whereas forced treadmill training did not affect motor output. Hypergravity
      induced a fast-slow shift in the superficial zone of the tibialis, with no
      consequence on motor output. Hindlimb unloading provoked an increased percentage
      of immature hybrid fibres in the tibialis and a shift in the soleus muscle. When
      compared with similarly reared C57BL/6J mice, 129/Sv mice showed qualitative
      differences attributable to the lower efficiency of early training due to their
      lower basal motor activity level. Nevertheless, the results are essentially
      consistent in both strains, and support the hypothesis that early motor
      experience influences the muscle phenotype and motor output.

PMID- 27130140
TI  - The E3 SUMO ligase AtSIZ1 functions in seed germination in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Seed germination is an important stage in the lifecycle of a plant because it
      determines subsequent vegetative growth and reproduction. Here, we show that the
      E3 SUMO ligase AtSIZ1 regulates seed dormancy and germination. The germination
      rates of the siz1 mutants were less than 50%, even after a short period of
      ripening. However, their germination rates increased to wild-type levels after
      cold stratification or long periods of ripening. In addition, exogenous
      gibberellin (GA) application improved the germination rates of the siz1 mutants
      to the wild-type level. In transgenic plants, suppression of AtSIZ1 caused rapid
      post-translational decay of SLEEPY1 (SLY1), a positive regulator of GA signaling,
      during germination, and inducible AtSIZ1 overexpression led to increased SLY1
      levels. In addition, overexpressing wild-type SLY1 in transgenic sly1 mutants
      increased their germination ratios to wild-type levels, whereas the germination
      ratio of transgenic sly1 mutants overexpressing mSLY1 was similar to that of
      sly1. The germination ratios of siz1 mutant seeds in immature developing siliques
      were much lower than those of the wild-type. Moreover, SLY1 and DELAY OF
      GERMINATION 1 (DOG1) transcript levels were reduced in the siz1 mutants, whereas
      the transcript levels of DELLA and ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 (ABI3) were higher
      than those of the wild-type. Taken together, these results indicate that the
      reduced germination of the siz1 mutants results from impaired GA signaling due to
      low SLY1 levels and activity, as well as hyperdormancy due to high levels of
      expression of dormancy-related genes including DOG1.

PMID- 27130141
TI  - Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY): Making the Right Diagnosis to
      Optimize Treatment.
AB  - Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a rare but increasingly recognized
      cause of diabetes in young people. It is a monogenic disorder that typically
      presents at <25 years of age, is non-insulin dependent and is familial, with an
      autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. The most common forms of MODY are
      caused by mutations in glucokinase and hepatic nuclear factor 1 alpha or 4 alpha
      genes and account for almost 80% of cases of MODY. MODY is commonly misdiagnosed
      as type 1 or type 2 diabetes and, as a result, patients are often inappropriately
      managed with insulin when they can be more effectively managed with oral
      sulfonylureas. Therefore, making the right diagnosis is critical for effective
      treatment as well as for genetic counselling and, more important, for patients'
      quality of life. In this review, we aim to raise awareness about MODY among
      diabetes clinicians by describing key clinical and laboratory features of the
      most common forms of MODY, outlining features that might help to differentiate
      MODY from type 1 and type 2 diabetes and providing information about clinical
      tests and tools that might assist in identifying patients who are most likely to
      benefit from molecular genetic testing.

PMID- 27130142
TI  - Depressive Symptoms in Mothers and Daughters: Attachment Style Moderates Reporter
      Agreement.
AB  - Parents and adolescents show only modest agreement when reporting on depressive
      symptoms. Drawing from attachment theory and previous research on informant
      discrepancies, we tested hypotheses about how adolescent attachment style may
      impact reporting agreement in a sample of 184 low-income mother-adolescent
      daughter dyads (adolescent mean age = 15.4 (SD = 1.05), maternal mean age = 41.4
      (SD = 7.60); 58 % Latina, 26 % African-American/Black, 16 % as non-Hispanic,
      White). Mothers and adolescents reported on their own and each others' depressive
      symptoms and adolescents reported on attachment style. Using a moderated Actor
      Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to calculate reporter bias and accuracy
      estimates, we tested whether attachment style moderated maternal and adolescent
      accuracy in theoretically consistent ways. Mothers and adolescents showed similar
      levels of accuracy and bias when reporting on each other. Consistent with
      hypotheses, we found that adolescents who reported high levels of preoccupation
      were less accurate when reporting on their mothers because they tended to observe
      symptoms that their mothers did not endorse. Conversely, mothers were the most
      accurate in these dyads, potentially because preoccupied adolescents tend to
      elevate displays of emotional distress. Reporting accuracy was not affected by a
      dismissive style. These results add to literature indicating that parent-child
      reporting discrepancies often reflect meaningful information about relationships,
      and highlight the need to consider different sources of reporting bias and
      accuracy in assessment and treatment.

PMID- 27130144
TI  - Cytokeratin 5/6 and P63 immunophenotype of thyroid lymphoepithelial complexes.
AB  - Thyroid lymphoepithelial complexes (LECos) are rare, being reported in lymphoma,
      Graves-Basedow disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, pericarcinomatous thyroid or in
      the context of branchial cleft-like cysts. Here we report immunohistochemical
      expression of cytokeratin 5/6, P63 and TTF1 in 6 cases of thyroid LECos. Two
      cases had carbimazole treatment for hyperthyroidia and Graves disease. Anti
      thyroglobulin, -thyroperoxidase or -TSH antibodies were detected in 4 cases.
      NSAID or poviodone iodine allergy were present in 2 cases. The treatment
      consisted in total thyroidectomy or lobectomy. Microscopy showed nodular goiter
      and focal lymphocytic thyroiditis. Basaloid LECos were seen in all thyroids while
      squamoid LECos in 2. Associated lesions were papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (2
      cases), solid cell nest, thyroglosal duct remnant, lymphoepithelial cyst and
      thymus-parathyroid unit (one case each). Cytokeratin 5/6 was expressed in both
      squamoid and basaloid LECos along with P63. TTF1 expression was faint or absent.
      In conclusion LECos may occur in the context of autoimmune thyroiditis or of a
      specific immune susceptibility background. The expression of CK5/6 and of P63
      suggests a squamous differentiation including in the basaloid LECos. The
      etiologic relevance of these immunostainings remains limited although rather
      suggestive of a metaplastic process than of migration-abnormalities. 

PMID- 27130143
TI  - Recombinant human erythropoietin improves neurological outcomes in very preterm
      infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeated low-dose human
      recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO) in the improvement of neurological outcomes in
      very preterm infants. METHODS: A total of 800 infants of <=32-week gestational
      age who had been in an intensive care unit within 72 hours after birth were
      included in the trial between January 2009 and June 2013. Preterm infants were
      randomly assigned to receive rhEPO (500IU/kg; n = 366) or placebo (n = 377)
      intravenously within 72 hours after birth and then once every other day for 2
      weeks. The primary outcome was death or moderate to severe neurological
      disability assessed at 18 months of corrected age. RESULTS: Death and
      moderate/severe neurological disability occurred in 91 of 338 very preterm
      infants (26.9%) in the placebo group and in 43 of 330 very preterm infants
      (13.0%) in the rhEPO treatment group (relative risk [RR] = 0.40, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 0.27-0.59, p < 0.001) at 18 months of corrected age. The rate of
      moderate/severe neurological disability in the rhEPO group (22 of 309, 7.1%) was
      significantly lower compared to the placebo group (57 of 304, 18.8%; RR = 0.32,
      95% CI = 0.19-0.55, p < 0.001), and no excess adverse events were observed.
      INTERPRETATION: Repeated low-dose rhEPO treatment reduced the risk of long-term
      neurological disability in very preterm infants with no obvious adverse effects.
      Ann Neurol 2016;80:24-34.

PMID- 27130145
TI  - Advances in B-lymphoblastic leukemia: cytogenetic and genomic lesions.

PMID- 27130146
TI  - Osmocenyl-tamoxifen derivatives target the thioredoxin system leading to a redox
      imbalance in Jurkat cells.
AB  - The synthesis and the biological effects of two ferrocifen analogs in the osmium
      series, namely the monophenolic complex 1, the tamoxifen-like complex 2 and their
      oxidized quinone methide (QM) derivatives, 1-QM and 2-QM, are reported.
      Inhibition of purified thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is observed with 1 and 2 only
      after their enzymatic oxidation by the hydrogen peroxide/horseradish peroxidase
      (H2O2/HRP) system with IC50 of 2.4 and 1.2MUM respectively. However, this
      inhibition is larger than that obtained with the corresponding quinone methides
      (IC50=5.4MUM for 1-QM and 3.6MUM for 2-QM). The UV-Vis spectra of 1 or 2
      incubated in the presence of H2O2/HRP show that the species generated is not a
      quinone methide, but probably the corresponding cation. In Jurkat cells, 2 shows
      high toxicity (IC50=7.4MUM), while 1 is less effective (IC50=42MUM).
      Interestingly, a significant inhibition of TrxR activity is observed in cells
      incubated with 2 (about 70% inhibition with 15MUM) while the inhibition induced
      by 1 is much weaker (about 30% inhibition with 50MUM). This strong inhibition of
      TrxR by 2 leads to accumulation of thioredoxin and peroxiredoxin 3 in oxidized
      form and to a decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). These
      results show that cytotoxicity of the osmocifens depends on their oxidation
      within the cell and that inhibition of thioredoxin reductase by oxidized species
      is a key factor in rationalizing the cytotoxicity of these complexes on Jurkat
      cells.

PMID- 27130147
TI  - Clearing the Air: Summarizing the Smoking-related Relative Risks of Bladder and
      Kidney Cancer.
AB  - This Platinum Priority editorial discusses the strengths and limitations of a
      recent meta-analysis summarizing the published smoking-related relative risks for
      bladder cancer and kidney cancer.

PMID- 27130148
TI  - Reply to Erik Rud and Eduard Baco's Letter to the Editor re: Re: Jeffrey C.
      Weinreb, Jelle O. Barentsz, Peter L. Choyke, et al. PI-RADS Prostate Imaging -
      Reporting and Data System: 2015, Version 2. Eur Urol 2016;69:16-40.

PMID- 27130149
TI  - Vanillic Acid Ameliorates Cationic Bovine Serum Albumin Induced Immune Complex
      Glomerulonephritis in BALB/c Mice.
AB  - Preclinical Research Vanillic acid (VA) is a dihydroxybenzoic acid derivative
      widely used as a flavoring agent. It has chemopreventive effects on
      experimentally-induced carcinogenesis and in ulcerative colitis. The object of
      the present study was to investigate the effects of VA, alone and in combination
      with methylprednisolone (MP), on cationic bovine serum albumin (cBSA induced
      immune-complex glomerulonephritis in female BALB/c mice. Pre-immunization was
      carried out with cBSA in BALB/c mice and repeated (cBSA, 13 mg/kg, 3 times/week,
      i.v.) for 6 weeks to induce glomerulonephritis which was confirmed by the
      presence of severe proteinuria. The effect of VA (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.)
      and its combination with MP (12.5 mg/kg, p.o.) was assessed in the nephrotic
      disease model. Treatment with VA decreased inflammatory nephrotic injury as
      evidenced by decreased proteinuria, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, serum
      IgG1 and TNF-alpha levels. Co-administration of VA with MP showed an improvement
      in the immunohistochemistry of glomerular nephrin and podocin. The present
      results indicate that VA has a nephroprotective effect in the management of
      autoimmune nephritis. Drug Dev Res 77 : 171-179, 2016.   (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27130150
TI  - Nurse staffing and patient outcomes: Strengths and limitations of the evidence to
      inform policy and practice. A review and discussion paper based on evidence
      reviewed for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Safe Staffing
      guideline development.
AB  - A large and increasing number of studies have reported a relationship between low
      nurse staffing levels and adverse outcomes, including higher mortality rates.
      Despite the evidence being extensive in size, and having been sometimes described
      as "compelling" and "overwhelming", there are limitations that existing studies
      have not yet been able to address. One result of these weaknesses can be observed
      in the guidelines on safe staffing in acute hospital wards issued by the
      influential body that sets standards for the National Health Service in England,
      the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which concluded there is
      insufficient good quality evidence available to fully inform practice. In this
      paper we explore this apparent contradiction. After summarising the evidence
      review that informed the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
      guideline on safe staffing and related evidence, we move on to discussing the
      complex challenges that arise when attempting to apply this evidence to practice.
      Among these, we introduce the concept of endogeneity, a form of bias in the
      estimation of causal effects. Although current evidence is broadly consistent
      with a cause and effect relationship, endogeneity means that estimates of the
      size of effect, essential for building an economic case, may be biased and in
      some cases qualitatively wrong. We expand on three limitations that are likely to
      lead to endogeneity in many previous studies: omitted variables, which refers to
      the absence of control for variables such as medical staffing and patient case
      mix; simultaneity, which occurs when the outcome can influence the level of
      staffing just as staffing influences outcome; and common-method variance, which
      may be present when both outcomes and staffing levels variables are derived from
      the same survey. Thus while current evidence is important and has influenced
      policy because it illustrates the potential risks and benefits associated with
      changes in nurse staffing, it may not provide operational solutions. We conclude
      by posing a series of questions about design and methods for future researchers
      who intend to further explore this complex relationship between nurse staffing
      levels and outcomes. These questions are intended to reflect on the potential
      added value of new research given what is already known, and to encourage those
      conducting research to take opportunities to produce research that fills gaps in
      the existing knowledge for practice. By doing this we hope that future studies
      can better quantify both the benefits and costs of changes in nurse staffing
      levels and, therefore, serve as a more useful tool for those delivering services.

PMID- 27130151
TI  - [Factors associated with non-institutional abuse in nursing homes].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Abuse in elderly has dimensions not yet sufficiently explored.
      Particularly, little is known about the abuse or mistreatment suffered by old
      people in nursing homes, but where the origin is not, at least initially,
      institutional, since is perpetrated by external social agents not related to the
      nursing home. The lack of data in this area has led us to conduct this
      exploratory study, with the aim of assessing the prevalence of this non
      institutional abuse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Elder Abuse Suspicion Index was
      administered to a total of 286 subjects belonging to the nursing homes from the
      "Mensajeros de la Paz" Association of Murcia. Cases of suspected abuse were
      referred to the social workers to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: Initially, 53
      subjects (18.5%) suffered any kind of abuse, which was reduced to only 26 cases
      after one year. On the other hand, abuse appeared after admission in 20 subjects
      (7%). Precisely, this 7% might present what we called non-institutional abuse.
      Economic abuse was the most prevalent, followed by psychological, neglect,
      physical, and sexual abuse. The data showed a significant interaction between the
      different types of abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provides evidence of a new
      scenario that must be addressed in a professional and social context, considering
      the environment where this mistreatment takes place. Health and social
      professionals must be sensitive to this reality, and should be informed and
      trained about the different ways to dignify the care of the elderly.

PMID- 27130152
TI  - A two-step protocol for isolation of influenza A (H7N7) virions and their RNA for
      PCR diagnostics based on modified paramagnetic particles.
AB  - Annual epidemics of influenza cause death of hundreds of thousands people and
      they also have a significant economic impact. Hence, a need for fast and cheap
      influenza diagnostic method is arising. The conventional methods for an isolation
      of the viruses are time-consuming and require expensive instrumentation as well
      as trained personnel. In this study, we modified the surface of nanomaghemite
      (gamma-Fe2 O3 ) paramagnetic core with tetraethyl orthosilicate and (3
      aminopropyl)triethoxysilane and the resulting particles were utilized for the
      isolation of H7N7 influenza virions. Consequently, we designed gamma-Fe2 O3
      paramagnetic core modified with calcium tripolyphosphate which was employed for
      the isolation of viral nucleic acid after virion's lysis. Both of these
      procedures can be performed rapidly in less than 10 min and, in combination with
      the RT-PCR, the whole influenza detection can be shortened to few hours.
      Moreover, the whole protocol could be easily automated and/or miniaturized, and
      thus can serve as a basis for use in a lab-on-a-chip device. We assume that
      magnetic isolation is an exceptional procedure which can significantly accelerate
      the diagnostic possibilities of a broad spectrum of diseases.

PMID- 27130153
TI  - Fish oil and fenofibrate inhibit pancreatic islet hypertrophy, and improve
      glucose and lipid metabolic dysfuntions with different ways in diabetic KK mice.
AB  - We examined the effects of fish oil and fenofibrate (FF) on the pancreatic islet
      hypertrophy, and on the modification of glucose and lipid metabolic dysfunctions
      in KK mice with insulin resistance. The mice were fed one of four diets [25en%
      lard/safflower oil (LSO), 25en% fish oil (FO), or each of these diets plus 0.1wt%
      FF (LSO/FF, FO/FF)] for 9 weeks. FO group and both FF groups had significantly
      lower final body and adipose tissue weights than LSO group. Pancreatic islet
      hypertrophy was observed only in LSO group but not in the other groups with fish
      oil or FF. And, it is likely that fish oil has a stronger therapeutic effect on
      islet hypertrophy. Plasma adiponectin level was significantly higher in FO group
      but not in both FF groups. Expression of hepatic lipogenic enzyme genes such as
      fatty acid synthase (FAS) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) was lower in FO
      groups with or without FF, whereas fatty acid oxidation-related mRNAs such as
      acyl-CoA oxidase (AOX) and uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) were more abundant in FF
      groups with or without fish oil. Our results suggest that both fish oil and FF
      improve pancreatic islet hypertrophy with the amelioration of insulin resistance.
      Fish oil enhances insulin sensitivity by increasing plasma adiponectin; however,
      the beneficial effect of FF on insulin resistance seems to be independent of the
      plasma adiponectin level. These results mean that improvement of glucose and
      lipid metabolic dysfuctions in diabetic KK mice are independently approached by
      fish oil and FF.

PMID- 27130154
TI  - Katherine Nola Williams.

PMID- 27130155
TI  - Enhanced phagocytic capacity endows chondrogenic progenitor cells with a novel
      scavenger function within injured cartilage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Articular cartilage harbors chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs), a
      population that responds chemotactically to cell death. Because this behavior is
      reminiscent of macrophages, we hypothesized that CPCs have macrophage-like
      capabilities for scavenging cell and tissue debris through phagocytosis. DESIGN:
      CPCs, chondrocytes, synoviocytes, and macrophages were cultured with fluorophore
      labeled chondrocyte debris for 3, 6, 12, or 24 h. Debris internalization was
      quantified by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Confocal microscopy was
      also used to test CPCs and chondrocytes for uptake of fluorophore-labeled
      fibronectin fragments (Fn-fs), a form of extracellular matrix debris. Lysosome
      activity and mass in CPCs and chondrocytes were measured using fluorescent
      probes. The relative expression of phagocytosis-related genes and proteins was
      evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoblotting, respectively.
      Pulse-chase experiments were performed to determine if the debris internalized by
      CPCs and chondrocytes was cleared, and if clearance was affected by a cathepsin B
      inhibitor. RESULTS: More macrophages, synoviocytes, and CPCs internalized cell
      debris than chondrocytes at all time points. While uptake remained flat in
      chondrocytes at ~10%, in the other cell types it peaked at more than 60% after 12
      24 h. Relative to chondrocytes, CPCs showed significantly higher rates of Fn-fs
      engulfment, greater lysosome activity and mass, and over-expressed phagocytosis
      related genes and proteins. Pulse-chase experiments revealed time- and cathepsin
      B-dependent clearance of cell debris in CPCs, but not in chondrocytes.
      CONCLUSIONS: CPCs phagocytized cell and matrix debris much more efficiently than
      chondrocytes, supporting the hypothesis that they play a macrophage-like role in
      injured cartilage.

PMID- 27130156
TI  - Three-dimensional ex vivo co-culture models of the leukaemic bone marrow niche
      for functional drug testing.
AB  - Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a hierarchically structured malignancy in which
      aberrant leukemic stem cells drive the production of leukaemic blast cell clones.
      AML cells strictly depend on the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) in which they
      reside. Classical AML cell cultures fail to mimic the BMM and, therefore, drug
      discovery studies are dominated by in vivo models. However, animal models are
      time consuming, labour intensive, provide limited mechanistic insight, and are
      unsuited for high-throughput studies, necessitating the development of novel AML
      models. The evolving ex vivo BMM-mimicking culture systems aim to fill this gap,
      with increasing success. Here, we discuss how AML-microenvironment co-culture
      models advance our understanding of this disease, and highlight their future
      potential for translational AML research.

PMID- 27130158
TI  - The use of telehealth services to facilitate audiological management for
      children: A scoping review and content analysis.
AB  - Approximately 32 million children globally present with disabling hearing loss.
      Despite evidence describing the negative consequences of hearing loss, there is
      still a lack of hearing screening programmes in South Africa. Audiologists have
      been exploring the use of information and communication technologies (tele
      audiology) to provide services to children and it is currently being evaluated to
      determine its feasibility. Aims We aim to describe tele-audiology services
      conducted to facilitate audiological management for children in both the rural
      and urban context and to determine the strengths, challenges and clinical
      implications of such services. Methods A scoping review was conducted by
      searching for peer-reviewed publications from five databases. Inclusion criteria
      and search strategies were outlined. Results Of the 23 studies that met the
      inclusion criteria, reliability of automated testing was comparable to
      conventional testing; however, these studies were based primarily on screening
      programmes. Eight (35%) of the 23 papers were concordance studies evaluating
      feasibility and validity of tele-audiology systems when compared with
      conventional testing, while one study (4%) evaluated a tele-audiology service. A
      further four studies (17%) evaluated the feasibility of introducing telehealth
      methods to evaluate middle ear pathology. Tele-auditory brainstem response was
      investigated in three studies (13%) and another five (22%) used smartphone and/or
      iPad technology to screen hearing. Only two studies (9%) evaluated the
      feasibility of providing intervention through telehealth methods. All included
      studies demonstrated improved access to and coverage of rural areas. Services
      such as video otoscopy and synchronous (online) hearing testing in remote areas
      were successfully implemented. Challenges included lack of diagnostic studies,
      inadequate training of staff and the need to standardize protocols and procedures
      in order to ensure that tele-audiology services are provided in a standardized
      and valid manner. Conclusion Tele-audiology services are feasible and can be
      useful in identifying auditory pathology for children in rural and remote areas.

PMID- 27130157
TI  - EssC: domain structures inform on the elusive translocation channel in the Type
      VII secretion system.
AB  - The membrane-bound protein EssC is an integral component of the bacterial Type
      VII secretion system (T7SS), which is a determinant of virulence in important
      Gram-positive pathogens. The protein is predicted to consist of an intracellular
      repeat of forkhead-associated (FHA) domains at the N-terminus, two transmembrane
      helices and three P-loop-containing ATPase-type domains, D1-D3, forming the C
      terminal intracellular segment. We present crystal structures of the N-terminal
      FHA domains (EssC-N) and a C-terminal fragment EssC-C from Geobacillus
      thermodenitrificans, encompassing two of the ATPase-type modules, D2 and D3.
      Module D2 binds ATP with high affinity whereas D3 does not. The EssC-N and EssC-C
      constructs are monomeric in solution, but the full-length recombinant protein,
      with a molecular mass of approximately 169 kDa, forms a multimer of approximately
      1 MDa. The observation of protomer contacts in the crystal structure of EssC-C
      together with similarity to the DNA translocase FtsK, suggests a model for a
      hexameric EssC assembly. Such an observation potentially identifies the key, and
      to date elusive, component of pore formation required for secretion by this
      recently discovered secretion system. The juxtaposition of the FHA domains
      suggests potential for interacting with other components of the secretion system.
      The structural data were used to guide an analysis of which domains are required
      for the T7SS machine to function in pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus The extreme
      C-terminal ATPase domain appears to be essential for EssC activity as a key part
      of the T7SS, whereas D2 and FHA domains are required for the production of a
      stable and functional protein.

PMID- 27130159
TI  - Retrospective cohort study of the performance of the Pinnacle metal on metal
      (MoM) total hip replacement: a single-centre investigation in combination with
      the findings of a national retrieval centre.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine risk factors for revision in patients implanted with a
      commonly used metal on metal (MoM) hip replacement. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort
      study in combination with a prospective national retrieval study (Northern
      Retrieval Registry (NRR)). SETTING: Combined orthopaedic unit in combination with
      the NRR. PARTICIPANTS: All patients implanted with a DePuy Pinnacle MoM hip
      prostheses by the 2 senior authors were invited to attend for a review which
      included clinical examination, blood metal ion measurements, radiographs and
      targeted imaging. Explanted components underwent wear analysis using validated
      methodology and these results were compared with those obtained from the NRR.
      RESULTS: 489 MoM Pinnacle hips were implanted into 434 patients (243 females and
      191 males). Of these, 352 patients attended the MoM recall clinics. 64 patients
      had died during the study period. For the purposes of survival analysis, non
      attendees were assumed to have well-functioning prostheses. The mean follow-up of
      the cohort as a whole was 89 months. 71 hips were revised. Prosthetic survival
      for the whole cohort was 83.6% (79.9-87.3) at 9 years. The majority of explanted
      devices exhibited signs of taper junction failure. Risk factors for revision were
      bilateral MoM prostheses, smaller Pinnacle liners, and implantation in 2006 and
      later years. A significant number of devices were found to be manufactured out of
      their specifications. This was confirmed with analysis of the wider data set from
      the NRR. CONCLUSIONS: This device was found to have an unacceptably high revision
      rate. Bilateral prostheses, those implanted into female patients and devices
      implanted in later years were found to be at greater risk. A significant number
      of explanted components were found to be manufactured with bearing diameters
      outside of the manufacturer's stated tolerances. Our findings highlight the
      clinical importance of hitherto unrecognised variations in device production.

PMID- 27130160
TI  - HUWE1 mutations in Juberg-Marsidi and Brooks syndromes: the results of an X
      chromosome exome sequencing study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: X linked intellectual disability (XLID) syndromes account for a
      substantial number of males with ID. Much progress has been made in identifying
      the genetic cause in many of the syndromes described 20-40 years ago. Next
      generation sequencing (NGS) has contributed to the rapid discovery of XLID genes
      and identifying novel mutations in known XLID genes for many of these syndromes.
      METHODS: 2 NGS approaches were employed to identify mutations in X linked genes
      in families with XLID disorders. 1 involved exome sequencing of genes on the X
      chromosome using the Agilent SureSelect Human X Chromosome Kit. The second
      approach was to conduct targeted NGS sequencing of 90 known XLID genes. RESULTS:
      We identified the same mutation, a c.12928 G>C transversion in the HUWE1 gene,
      which gives rise to a p.G4310R missense mutation in 2 XLID disorders: Juberg
      Marsidi syndrome (JMS) and Brooks syndrome. Although the original families with
      these disorders were considered separate entities, they indeed overlap
      clinically. A third family was also found to have a novel HUWE1 mutation.
      CONCLUSIONS: As we identified a HUWE1 mutation in an affected male from the
      original family reported by Juberg and Marsidi, it is evident the syndrome does
      not result from a mutation in ATRX as reported in the literature. Additionally,
      our data indicate that JMS and Brooks syndromes are allelic having the same HUWE1
      mutation.

PMID- 27130161
TI  - How has the extent of institutional mental healthcare changed in Western Europe?
      Analysis of data since 1990.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: It has been suggested that since 1990, de-institutionalisation of
      mental healthcare in Western Europe has been reversed into re
      institutionalisation with more forensic beds, places in protected housing
      services and people with mental disorders in prisons. This study aimed to
      identify changes in the numbers of places in built institutions providing mental
      healthcare in Western Europe from 1990 to 2012, and to explore the association
      between changes in psychiatric bed numbers and changes in other institutions.
      SETTINGS AND DATA: Data were identified from 11 countries on psychiatric hospital
      beds, forensic beds, protected housing places and prison populations. Fixed
      effects regression models tested the associations between psychiatric hospital
      beds with other institutions. RESULTS: The number of psychiatric hospital beds
      decreased, while forensic beds, places in protected housing and prison
      populations increased. Overall, the number of reduced beds exceeded additional
      places in other institutions. There was no evidence for an association of changes
      in bed numbers with changes in forensic beds and protected housing places. Panel
      data regression analysis showed that changes in psychiatric bed numbers were
      negatively associated with rising prison populations, but the significant
      association disappeared once adjusted for gross domestic product as a potential
      covariate. CONCLUSIONS: Institutional mental healthcare has substantially changed
      across Western Europe since 1990. There are ongoing overall trends of a decrease
      in the number of psychiatric hospital beds and an increase in the number of
      places in other institutions, including prisons. The exact association between
      these trends and their drivers remains unclear. More reliable data, information
      on the characteristics of patients in different institutions, long-term pathway
      analyses and effectiveness studies are required to arrive at evidence-based
      policies for the provision of institutional mental healthcare.

PMID- 27130163
TI  - Epidemiology and trends in non-fatal self-harm in three centres in England, 2000
      2012: findings from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Self-harm is a major health problem in many countries, with potential
      adverse outcomes including suicide and other causes of premature death. It is
      important to monitor national trends in this behaviour. We examined trends in non
      fatal self-harm and its management in England during the 13-year period, 2000
      2012. DESIGN AND SETTING: This observational study was undertaken in the three
      centres of the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England. Information on all
      episodes of self-harm by individuals aged 15 years and over presenting to five
      general hospitals in three cities (Oxford, Manchester and Derby) was collected
      through face-to-face assessment or scrutiny of emergency department electronic
      databases. We used negative binomial regression models to assess trends in rates
      of self-harm and logistic regression models for binary outcomes (eg, assessed vs
      non-assessed patients). PARTICIPANTS: During 2000-2012, there were 84,378 self
      harm episodes (58.6% by females), involving 47,048 persons. RESULTS: Rates of
      self-harm declined in females (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.98; 95% CI 0.97 to
      0.99, p<0.0001). In males, rates of self-harm declined until 2008 (IRR 0.96; 95%
      CI 0.95 to 0.98, p<0.0001) and then increased (IRR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.09,
      p=0.002). Rates of self-harm were strongly correlated with suicide rates in
      England in males (r=0.82, p=0.0006) and females (r=0.74, p=0.004). Over 75% of
      self-harm episodes were due to self-poisoning, mainly with analgesics (45.7%),
      antidepressants (24.7%) and benzodiazepines (13.8%). A substantial increase in
      self-injury occurred in the latter part of the study period. This was especially
      marked for self-cutting/stabbing and hanging/asphyxiation. Psychosocial
      assessment by specialist mental health staff occurred in 53.2% of episodes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Trends in rates of self-harm and suicide may be closely related;
      therefore, self-harm can be a useful mental health indicator. Despite national
      guidance, many patients still do not receive psychosocial assessment, especially
      those who self-injure.

PMID- 27130162
TI  - Prognostic models in acute pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence for existing prognostic models in acute
      pulmonary embolism (PE) and determine how valid and useful they are for
      predicting patient outcomes. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA
      SOURCES: OVID MEDLINE and EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library from inception to July
      2014, and sources of grey literature. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies aiming at
      constructing, validating, updating or studying the impact of prognostic models to
      predict all-cause death, PE-related death or venous thromboembolic events up to a
      3-month follow-up in patients with an acute symptomatic PE. DATA EXTRACTION:
      Study characteristics and study quality using prognostic criteria. Studies were
      selected and data extracted by 2 reviewers. DATA ANALYSIS: Summary estimates (95%
      CI) for proportion of risk groups and event rates within risk groups, and
      accuracy. RESULTS: We included 71 studies (44,298 patients). Among them, 17 were
      model construction studies specific to PE prognosis. The most validated models
      were the PE Severity Index (PESI) and its simplified version (sPESI). The overall
      30-day mortality rate was 2.3% (1.7% to 2.9%) in the low-risk group and 11.4%
      (9.9% to 13.1%) in the high-risk group for PESI (9 studies), and 1.5% (0.9% to
      2.5%) in the low-risk group and 10.7% (8.8% to12.9%) in the high-risk group for
      sPESI (11 studies). PESI has proved clinically useful in an impact study.
      Shifting the cut-off or using novel and updated models specifically developed for
      normotensive PE improves the ability for identifying patients at lower risk for
      early death or adverse outcome (0.5-1%) and those at higher risk (up to 20-29% of
      event rate). CONCLUSIONS: We provide evidence-based information about the
      validity and utility of the existing prognostic models in acute PE that may be
      helpful for identifying patients at low risk. Novel models seem attractive for
      the high-risk normotensive PE but need to be externally validated then be
      assessed in impact studies.

PMID- 27130165
TI  - Risk factors for persistent and new chronic opioid use in patients undergoing
      total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine chronic opioid use pre-THA (total hip arthroplasty) and
      post-THA, and risk factors for persistent or new chronic opioid use post-THA.
      DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Australian Government Department of
      Veterans' Affairs health claims database. PARTICIPANTS: 9525 patients who had an
      elective unilateral THA between 1/01/2001 and 12/31/2012. PRIMARY OUTCOME
      MEASURE: Chronic opioid use. Defined as 90 days of continuous opioid use or 120
      days of non-continuous use. RESULTS: Pre-THA, 6.2% (n=593) of patients were
      chronic users, while 5.2% (n=492) were post-THA. Among the 492 postoperative
      chronic users, 302 (61%) were chronic users pre-THA and post-THA and 190 (39%)
      became new chronic users after surgery. Risk factors for persistent chronic use
      were younger age (OR=0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99/1-year increment), back pain
      (OR=1.99, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.23), diabetes (OR=3.52, 95% CI 1.05 to 11.8),
      hypnotics use (OR=2.52, 95% CI 1.48 to 4.30) and higher pre-THA opioid exposure
      (compared with opioid use for 94-157 days, 157-224 days (OR=3.75, 95% CI 2.28 to
      6.18), 225+ days (OR=5.18, 95% CI 2.92 to 9.19). Risk factors for new chronic
      opioid use post-THA were being a woman (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.96), back pain
      (OR=3.90, 95% CI 2.85 to 5.33), depression (OR=1.70, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.41),
      gastric acid disease (OR=1.62, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.25), migraine (OR=5.11, 95% CI
      1.08 to 24.18), liver disease (OR=4.33, 95% CI 1.08 to 17.35), weight loss
      (OR=2.60, 95% CI 1.06 to 6.39), dementia (OR=2.19, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.61),
      hyperlipidaemia (OR=1.38, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.91), hypnotics (OR=1.56, 95% CI 1.13
      to 2.16) and antineuropathic pain medication use (OR=3.11, 95% CI 2.05 to 4.72).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing THA are exposed to opioids for long periods of
      time, putting them at high risk of harm related to opioid use. We identified
      groups at risk of chronic opioid use, including younger patients and women, as
      well as modifiable risk factors of chronic opioid use, including level of opioid
      exposure presurgery and hypnotic use. These indicators of chronic opioid use can
      be used by clinicians to target patient groups for suitable pain management
      interventions.

PMID- 27130164
TI  - Use of heparins in patients with cancer: individual participant data meta
      analysis of randomised trials study protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Parenteral anticoagulants may improve outcomes in patients with
      cancer by reducing risk of venous thromboembolic disease and through a direct
      antitumour effect. Study-level systematic reviews indicate a reduction in venous
      thromboembolism and provide moderate confidence that a small survival benefit
      exists. It remains unclear if any patient subgroups experience potential
      benefits. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: First, we will perform a comprehensive systematic
      search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library, hand search scientific
      conference abstracts and check clinical trials registries for randomised control
      trials of participants with solid cancers who are administered parenteral
      anticoagulants. We anticipate identifying at least 15 trials, exceeding 9000
      participants. Second, we will perform an individual participant data meta
      analysis to explore the magnitude of survival benefit and address whether
      subgroups of patients are more likely to benefit from parenteral anticoagulants.
      All analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle. For our primary
      outcome, mortality, we will use multivariable hierarchical models with patient
      level variables as fixed effects and a categorical trial variable as a random
      effect. We will adjust analysis for important prognostic characteristics. To
      investigate whether intervention effects vary by predefined subgroups of
      patients, we will test interaction terms in the statistical model. Furthermore,
      we will develop a risk-prediction model for venous thromboembolism, with a focus
      on control patients of randomised trials. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Aside from
      maintaining participant anonymity, there are no major ethical concerns. This will
      be the first individual participant data meta-analysis addressing heparin use
      among patients with cancer and will directly influence recommendations in
      clinical practice guidelines. Major cancer guideline development organisations
      will use eventual results to inform their guideline recommendations. Several
      knowledge users will disseminate results through presentations at clinical rounds
      as well as national and international conferences. We will prepare an evidence
      brief and facilitate dialogue to engage policymakers and stakeholders in acting
      on findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42013003526.

PMID- 27130166
TI  - Effect of mobile application-based versus DVD-based CPR training on students'
      practical CPR skills and willingness to act: a cluster randomised study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim was to compare students' practical cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation (CPR) skills and willingness to perform bystander CPR, after a 30
      min mobile application (app)-based versus a 50 min DVD-based training. SETTINGS:
      Seventh grade students in two Swedish municipalities. DESIGN: A cluster
      randomised trial. The classes were randomised to receive app-based or DVD-based
      training. Willingness to act and practical CPR skills were assessed, directly
      after training and at 6 months, by using a questionnaire and a PC Skill Reporting
      System. Data on CPR skills were registered in a modified version of the Cardiff
      test, where scores were given in 12 different categories, adding up to a total
      score of 12-48 points. Training and measurements were performed from December
      2013 to October 2014. PARTICIPANTS: 63 classes or 1232 seventh grade students (13
      year-old) were included in the study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Primary end point was the total score of the modified Cardiff test. The
      individual variables of the test and self-reported willingness to make a life
      saving intervention were secondary end points. RESULTS: The DVD-based group was
      superior to the app-based group in CPR skills; a total score of 36 (33-38) vs 33
      (30-36) directly after training (p<0.001) and 33 (30-36) and 31 (28-34) at 6
      months (p<0.001), respectively. At 6 months, the DVD group performed
      significantly better in 8 out of 12 CPR skill components. Both groups improved
      compression depth from baseline to follow-up. If a friend suffered cardiac
      arrest, 78% (DVD) versus 75% (app) would do compressions and ventilations,
      whereas only 31% (DVD) versus 32% (app) would perform standard CPR if the victim
      was a stranger. CONCLUSIONS: At 6 months follow-up, the 50 min DVD-based group
      showed superior CPR skills compared with the 30 min app-based group. The groups
      did not differ in regard to willingness to make a life-saving effort.

PMID- 27130169
TI  - Caregiving to Older Adults: Determinants of Informal Caregivers' Subjective Well
      being and Formal and Informal Support as Alleviating Conditions.
AB  - Objectives: In response to concerns about the sustainability of health care
      systems that increasingly rely on informal care, we first investigate
      explanations of informal caregivers' subjective well-being: primary stressors
      (care-receivers' cognitive impairment, functional disability, and problem
      behavior), primary appraisal (hours of informal caregiving), and secondary
      appraisal (burden). Second, we investigate the extent that formal (professional
      home care) and informal support (from other caregivers/volunteers and from
      family/friends) alleviate well-being losses due to informal care provision. We
      modified the stress-appraisal model to explicitly include buffering effects of
      support. Method: We analyzed 4,717 dyads of Dutch informal caregivers and their
      older care-receivers from the Older Persons and Informal Caregivers Survey
      Minimum DataSet with multilevel techniques. Results: Caregivers' subjective well
      being was directly correlated with burden, hours of informal caregiving, and
      problem behavior of care-receivers. It was indirectly correlated with care
      receivers' cognitive impairment and functional disability. Formal and informal
      support weakened the positive relationship between primary stressors and
      caregiving hours. Discussion: Modification of the stress-appraisal model appears
      useful as it identifies which sources of support buffer at which stages of the
      stress process. Findings suggest that cutbacks in formal/professional care may
      aggravate negative well-being outcomes of informal caregiving and compromise
      informal caregivers' labor market participation.

PMID- 27130167
TI  - Validating the use of Hospital Episode Statistics data and comparison of costing
      methodologies for economic evaluation: an end-of-life case study from the Cluster
      randomised triAl of PSA testing for Prostate cancer (CAP).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of routine data for costing inpatient
      resource use in a large clinical trial and to investigate costing methodologies.
      DESIGN: Final-year inpatient cost profiles were derived using (1) data extracted
      from medical records mapped to the National Health Service (NHS) reference costs
      via service codes and (2) Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data using NHS
      reference costs. Trust finance departments were consulted to obtain costs for
      comparison purposes. SETTING: 7 UK secondary care centres. POPULATION: A
      subsample of 292 men identified as having died at least a year after being
      diagnosed with prostate cancer in Cluster randomised triAl of PSA testing for
      Prostate cancer (CAP), a long-running trial to evaluate the effectiveness and
      cost-effectiveness of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. RESULTS: Both
      inpatient cost profiles showed a rise in costs in the months leading up to death,
      and were broadly similar. The difference in mean inpatient costs was L899, with
      HES data yielding ~8% lower costs than medical record data (differences
      compatible with chance, p=0.3). Events were missing from both data sets. 11 men
      (3.8%) had events identified in HES that were all missing from medical record
      review, while 7 men (2.4%) had events identified in medical record review that
      were all missing from HES. The response from finance departments to requests for
      cost data was poor: only 3 of 7 departments returned adequate data sets within 6
      months. CONCLUSIONS: Using HES routine data coupled with NHS reference costs
      resulted in mean annual inpatient costs that were very similar to those derived
      via medical record review; therefore, routinely available data can be used as the
      primary method of costing resource use in large clinical trials. Neither HES nor
      medical record review represent gold standards of data collection. Requesting
      cost data from finance departments is impractical for large clinical trials.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN92187251; Pre-results.

PMID- 27130168
TI  - Examining the social determinants of children's developmental health: protocol
      for building a pan-Canadian population-based monitoring system for early
      childhood development.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Early childhood is a key period to establish policies and practices
      that optimise children's health and development, but Canada lacks nationally
      representative data on social indicators of children's well-being. To address
      this gap, the Early Development Instrument (EDI), a teacher-administered
      questionnaire completed for kindergarten-age children, has been implemented
      across most Canadian provinces over the past 10 years. The purpose of this
      protocol is to describe the Canadian Neighbourhoods and Early Child Development
      (CanNECD) Study, the aims of which are to create a pan-Canadian EDI database to
      monitor trends over time in children's developmental health and to advance
      research examining the social determinants of health. METHODS AND ANALYSIS:
      Canada-wide EDI records from 2004 to 2014 (representing over 700,000 children)
      will be linked to Canada Census and Income Taxfiler data. Variables of
      socioeconomic status derived from these databases will be used to predict
      neighbourhood-level EDI vulnerability rates by conducting a series of regression
      analyses and latent variable models at provincial/territorial and national
      levels. Where data are available, we will measure the neighbourhood-level change
      in developmental vulnerability rates over time and model the socioeconomic
      factors associated with those trends. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval
      for this study was granted by the Behavioural Research Ethics Board at the
      University of British Columbia. Study findings will be disseminated to key
      partners, including provincial and federal ministries, schools and school
      districts, collaborative community groups and the early childhood development
      research community. The database created as part of this longitudinal population
      level monitoring system will allow researchers to associate practices, programmes
      and policies at school and community levels with trends in developmental health
      outcomes. The CanNECD Study will guide future early childhood development action
      and policies, using the database as a tool for formative programme and policy
      evaluation.

PMID- 27130171
TI  - Moderator effects differ on alternative effect-size measures.
AB  - This paper discusses largely ignored issues regarding moderation of effect-sizes.
      We show that, under commonly-occurring conditions, popular alternatives for
      effect-size measures in ANOVA and multiple regression are not moderated
      identically across independent samples. Effects may appear to be unmoderated
      according to one effect-size measure but not according to another, or may even be
      moderated in opposite directions. We identify the conditions under which
      differential effect-size moderation can occur, and show that they are
      commonplace. We then review techniques for detecting and dealing with
      differential moderation of alternative effect-size measures. Finally, we discuss
      implications for research practice, reporting, replication, and meta-analysis.

PMID- 27130170
TI  - SwarmSight: Measuring the temporal progression of animal group activity levels
      from natural-scene and laboratory videos.
AB  - We describe SwarmSight (available at https://github.com/justasb/SwarmSight ), a
      novel, open-source, Microsoft Windows software tool for quantitative assessment
      of the temporal progression of animal group activity levels from recorded videos.
      The tool utilizes a background subtraction machine vision algorithm and provides
      an activity metric that can be used to quantitatively assess and compare animal
      group behavior. Here we demonstrate the tool's utility by analyzing defensive bee
      behavior as modulated by alarm pheromones, wild-bird feeding onset and
      interruption, and cockroach nest-finding activity. Although more sophisticated,
      commercial software packages are available, SwarmSight provides a low-cost, open
      source, and easy-to-use alternative that is suitable for a wide range of users,
      including minimally trained research technicians and behavioral science
      undergraduate students in classroom laboratory settings.

PMID- 27130172
TI  - Nonlinguistic vocalizations from online amateur videos for emotion research: A
      validated corpus.
AB  - This study introduces a corpus of 260 naturalistic human nonlinguistic
      vocalizations representing nine emotions: amusement, anger, disgust, effort,
      fear, joy, pain, pleasure, and sadness. The recognition accuracy in a rating task
      varied greatly per emotion, from <40% for joy and pain, to >70% for amusement,
      pleasure, fear, and sadness. In contrast, the raters' linguistic-cultural group
      had no effect on recognition accuracy: The predominantly English-language corpus
      was classified with similar accuracies by participants from Brazil, Russia,
      Sweden, and the UK/USA. Supervised random forest models classified the sounds as
      accurately as the human raters. The best acoustic predictors of emotion were
      pitch, harmonicity, and the spacing and regularity of syllables. This corpus of
      ecologically valid emotional vocalizations can be filtered to include only sounds
      with high recognition rates, in order to study reactions to emotional stimuli of
      known perceptual types (reception side), or can be used in its entirety to study
      the association between affective states and vocal expressions (production side).

PMID- 27130173
TI  - Can low-cost motion-tracking systems substitute a Polhemus system when
      researching social motor coordination in children?
AB  - Functionally stable and robust interpersonal motor coordination has been found to
      play an integral role in the effectiveness of social interactions. However, the
      motion-tracking equipment required to record and objectively measure the dynamic
      limb and body movements during social interaction has been very costly,
      cumbersome, and impractical within a non-clinical or non-laboratory setting. Here
      we examined whether three low-cost motion-tracking options (Microsoft Kinect
      skeletal tracking of either one limb or whole body and a video-based pixel change
      method) can be employed to investigate social motor coordination. Of particular
      interest was the degree to which these low-cost methods of motion tracking could
      be used to capture and index the coordination dynamics that occurred between a
      child and an experimenter for three simple social motor coordination tasks in
      comparison to a more expensive, laboratory-grade motion-tracking system (i.e., a
      Polhemus Latus system). Overall, the results demonstrated that these low-cost
      systems cannot substitute the Polhemus system in some tasks. However, the lower
      cost Microsoft Kinect skeletal tracking and video pixel change methods were
      successfully able to index differences in social motor coordination in tasks that
      involved larger-scale, naturalistic whole body movements, which can be cumbersome
      and expensive to record with a Polhemus. However, we found the Kinect to be
      particularly vulnerable to occlusion and the pixel change method to movements
      that cross the video frame midline. Therefore, particular care needs to be taken
      in choosing the motion-tracking system that is best suited for the particular
      research.

PMID- 27130176
TI  - Functional status before and during acute hospitalization and readmission risk
      identification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent efforts to prevent readmissions are increasingly focusing on
      early identification of high-risk patients. OBJECTIVE: To test whether
      information on functioning during hospitalization contributes to the ability to
      accurately identify older adults at high risk of readmission beyond their
      baseline risk. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Internal medicine wards
      at 2 medical centers. PATIENTS: Five hundred fifty-nine community-dwelling older
      adults (aged >=70 years) discharged to their homes. MEASUREMENTS: Data on
      unplanned 30-day readmissions were retrieved from electronic health records. Data
      on at-admission activities of daily living (ADL) and in-hospital ADL decline were
      collected using validated questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression was
      used to model the association between functioning and readmission controlling for
      known risk factors. RESULTS: Higher in-hospital ADL decline was significantly
      associated with readmission (odds ratio for each 10-point decrease in ADL = 1.32,
      95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.72) but did not contribute to the overall
      discrimination of the model, as compared with the at-admission data (C statistic
      = 0.81 for each model). Identifying high-risk (10th highest percentile) patients
      by the at-admission model did not detect 7/55 (12.7%) of patients who would have
      been categorized as high risk if risk identification was postponed to the
      discharge date and included data on in-hospital ADL decline. CONCLUSIONS: The
      study highlights the ability to identify patients at high risk for readmission
      already early in the index hospitalization using data on functioning, nutrition,
      chronic morbidity, and prior hospitalizations. Nonetheless, at-discharge
      functional assessment can detect additional patients whose readmission risk
      changes during the index hospitalization. Journal of Hospital Medicine
      2016;11:636-641. (c) 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.

PMID- 27130174
TI  - Biosensors for the Diagnosis of Celiac Disease: Current Status and Future
      Perspectives.
AB  - Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy initiated and sustained by the
      ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. It is caused by a
      dysregulated immune response toward both dietary antigens, the gluten proteins of
      wheat, rye, and barley, and autoantigens, the enzyme tissue transglutaminase
      (TG2). The small intestine is the target organ. Although routine immunochemical
      protocols for a laboratory diagnosis of CD are available, faster, easier-to-use,
      and cheaper analytical devices for CD diagnosis are currently unavailable. This
      review focuses on biosensors, consisting of a physicochemical transducer and a
      bioreceptor, as promising analytical tools for diagnosis of CD and other
      diseases. Examples of recently developed biosensors as well as expectations for
      future lines of research and development in this field are presented. 

PMID- 27130177
TI  - In vitro evaluation of marginal, axial, and occlusal discrepancies in metal
      ceramic restorations produced with new technologies.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Marginal and axial discrepancies of metal ceramic
      restorations are key to their long-term success. Little information is available
      for metal ceramic restorations fabricated with soft metal milling and laser
      sintering technologies. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to
      compare the marginal, axial, and occlusal discrepancies in single-unit metal
      ceramic restorations fabricated with new production techniques with those in a
      single-unit restoration fabricated using a conventional technique. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: After the artificial tooth was prepared, impressions were made, and 40
      dies were obtained. Dies were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10). Cobalt
      chromium (Co-Cr) cast (C), hard metal milled (HM), laser sintered (LS), and soft
      metal milled (SM) copings were fabricated. Marginal, axial, and occlusal
      discrepancies of these copings were measured using the silicone replica technique
      before and after the application of veneering ceramic. Data were analyzed with
      repeated measurements 2-way ANOVAs and Bonferroni post hoc tests (alpha=.05).
      RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the increase of marginal
      discrepancy after the application of veneering ceramic in the LS group (P=.016).
      However, no significant differences in marginal discrepancy were found whether
      veneering ceramic was applied to copings before or after in the other groups
      (P>.05). With regard to marginal and occlusal discrepancies, significant
      differences were found among the production techniques (P<.001 and P<.05,
      respectively). No significant differences in axial discrepancies were found among
      the groups (P>.05). CONCLUSION: This in vitro study showed that metal ceramic
      restorations produced with HM and newly introduced SM techniques exhibited better
      marginal adaptations than those produced with the LS or C technique.

PMID- 27130178
TI  - A technique for assessing the fit of a removable partial denture framework on the
      patient and on the definitive cast.

PMID- 27130175
TI  - Juvenile Justice-Translational Research on Interventions for Adolescents in the
      Legal System (JJ-TRIALS): a cluster randomized trial targeting system-wide
      improvement in substance use services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this paper is to describe the Juvenile Justice
      Translational Research on Interventions for Adolescents in the Legal System (JJ
      TRIALS) study, a cooperative implementation science initiative involving the
      National Institute on Drug Abuse, six research centers, a coordinating center,
      and Juvenile Justice Partners representing seven US states. While the pooling of
      resources across centers enables a robust implementation study design involving
      36 juvenile justice agencies and their behavioral health partner agencies, co
      producing a study protocol that has potential to advance implementation science,
      meets the needs of all constituencies (funding agency, researchers, partners,
      study sites), and can be implemented with fidelity across the cooperative can be
      challenging. This paper describes (a) the study background and rationale,
      including the juvenile justice context and best practices for substance use
      disorders, (b) the selection and use of an implementation science framework to
      guide study design and inform selection of implementation components, and (c) the
      specific study design elements, including research questions, implementation
      interventions, measurement, and analytic plan. METHODS/DESIGN: The JJ-TRIALS
      primary study uses a head-to-head cluster randomized trial with a phased rollout
      to evaluate the differential effectiveness of two conditions (Core and Enhanced)
      in 36 sites located in seven states. A Core strategy for promoting change is
      compared to an Enhanced strategy that incorporates all core strategies plus
      active facilitation. Target outcomes include improvements in evidence-based
      screening, assessment, and linkage to substance use treatment. DISCUSSION:
      Contributions to implementation science are discussed as well as challenges
      associated with designing and deploying a complex, collaborative project. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: NCT02672150 .

PMID- 27130179
TI  - Efficient and effective pruning strategies for health data de-identification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Privacy must be protected when sensitive biomedical data is shared,
      e.g. for research purposes. Data de-identification is an important safeguard,
      where datasets are transformed to meet two conflicting objectives: minimizing re
      identification risks while maximizing data quality. Typically, de-identification
      methods search a solution space of possible data transformations to find a good
      solution to a given de-identification problem. In this process, parts of the
      search space must be excluded to maintain scalability. OBJECTIVES: The set of
      transformations which are solution candidates is typically narrowed down by
      storing the results obtained during the search process and then using them to
      predict properties of the output of other transformations in terms of privacy
      (first objective) and data quality (second objective). However, due to the
      exponential growth of the size of the search space, previous implementations of
      this method are not well-suited when datasets contain many attributes which need
      to be protected. As this is often the case with biomedical research data, e.g. as
      a result of longitudinal collection, we have developed a novel method. METHODS:
      Our approach combines the mathematical concept of antichains with a data
      structure inspired by prefix trees to represent properties of a large number of
      data transformations while requiring only a minimal amount of information to be
      stored. To analyze the improvements which can be achieved by adopting our method,
      we have integrated it into an existing algorithm and we have also implemented a
      simple best-first branch and bound search (BFS) algorithm as a first step towards
      methods which fully exploit our approach. We have evaluated these implementations
      with several real-world datasets and the k-anonymity privacy model. RESULTS: When
      integrated into existing de-identification algorithms for low-dimensional data,
      our approach reduced memory requirements by up to one order of magnitude and
      execution times by up to 25 %. This allowed us to increase the size of solution
      spaces which could be processed by almost a factor of 10. When using the simple
      BFS method, we were able to further increase the size of the solution space by a
      factor of three. When used as a heuristic strategy for high-dimensional data, the
      BFS approach outperformed a state-of-the-art algorithm by up to 12 % in terms of
      the quality of output data. CONCLUSIONS: This work shows that implementing
      methods of data de-identification for real-world applications is a challenging
      task. Our approach solves a problem often faced by data custodians: a lack of
      scalability of de-identification software when used with datasets having
      realistic schemas and volumes. The method described in this article has been
      implemented into ARX, an open source de-identification software for biomedical
      data.

PMID- 27130182
TI  - [Annual meeting of the German Prostate Cancer Consortium: Updates to circulating
      tumor cells, "liquid biopsy" and the role of the androgen receptor].

PMID- 27130181
TI  - Presenile diffuse familial sebaceous hyperplasia successfully treated with low
      dose isotretinoin: A report of two cases and review of the published work.
AB  - Presenile diffuse familial sebaceous hyperplasia (PDFSH) presents as extensive
      yellowish papules with central umbilication on the face without involvement of
      periorificial regions and occurs in adolescents or young adults with a positive
      family history. Thirteen cases of PDFSH have been reported in the English
      language published work, 10 of which responded to oral isotretinoin from 0.5 to 1
      mg/kg per day but recurrences were often observed. Herein, we report two cases of
      PDFSH, which were successfully managed without recurrence with prolonged low-dose
      isotretinoin (0.2 mg/kg per day, a cumulative dose of 41 and 64 mg/kg,
      respectively). Treatment protocols among different published works were reviewed
      to verify the efficacy of isotretinoin.

PMID- 27130180
TI  - Implication of the Slow-5 Oscillations in the Disruption of the Default-Mode
      Network in Healthy Aging and Stroke.
AB  - The processes of normal aging and aging-related pathologies subject the brain to
      an active re-organization of its brain networks. Among these, the default-mode
      network (DMN) is consistently implicated with a demonstrated reduction in
      functional connectivity within the network. However, no clear stipulation on the
      underlying mechanisms of the de-synchronization has yet been provided. In this
      study, we examined the spectral distribution of the intrinsic low-frequency
      oscillations (LFOs) of the DMN sub-networks in populations of young normals,
      older subjects, and acute and subacute ischemic stroke patients. The DMN sub
      networks were derived using a mid-order group independent component analysis with
      117 eyes-closed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI)
      sessions from volunteers in those population groups, isolating three robust
      components of the DMN among other resting-state networks. The posterior component
      of the DMN presented noticeable differences. Measures of amplitude of low
      frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and fractional ALFF (fALFF) of the network component
      demonstrated a decrease in resting-state cortical oscillation power in the
      elderly (normal and patient), specifically in the slow-5 (0.01-0.027 Hz) range of
      oscillations. Furthermore, the contribution of the slow-5 oscillations during the
      resting state was diminished for a greater influence of the slow-4 (0.027-0.073
      Hz) oscillations in the subacute stroke group, not only suggesting a
      vulnerability of the slow-5 oscillations to disruption but also indicating a
      change in the distribution of the oscillations within the resting-state
      frequencies. The reduction of network slow-5 fALFF in the posterior DMN component
      was found to present a potential association with behavioral measures, suggesting
      a brain-behavior relationship to those oscillations, with this change in behavior
      potentially resulting from an altered network integrity induced by a weakening of
      the slow-5 oscillations during the resting state. The repeated identification of
      those frequencies in the disruption of DMN stresses a critical role of the slow-5
      oscillations in network disruption, and it accentuates the importance of managing
      those oscillations in the health of the DMN.

PMID- 27130183
TI  - [Focal therapy].

PMID- 27130184
TI  - Effects of nutritional intake on disease severity in children with sickle cell
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) may show growth failure in
      comparison to healthy peers. Many factors as hematological status, endocrine
      and/or metabolic dysfunction, and nutritional status, may play an important role
      in growth failure. The aim of this study was to assess whether impaired growth
      and nutritional intake can affect SCD severity during childhood. METHODS: We
      conducted an observational study on children with SCD referring to our clinic for
      routine follow-up visits in a 6-month period. We collected information on weight,
      height and body mass index (BMI) and calculated their respective standardized
      scores (z). The nutritional intake was assessed through the last 24-h recall
      intake of total calories, macro- (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) and
      micronutrients (calcium, iron, phosphorus, vitamins B1, PP, A, C, B2). Disease
      severity was assessed through total hemoglobin (Hb) and fetal hemoglobin (HbF),
      and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and through the total number and days of
      hospitalizations, as well as the lifetime episodes of acute chest syndrome (ACS).
      RESULTS: Twenty nine children (14 males, 15 females) with SCD were enrolled;
      their mean age was 9.95 years (SD 3.50, min 3.72, max 17.18). Z-weight and z-BMI
      were significantly directly related to total Hb. Food intake resulted
      significantly unbalanced in terms of total calorie intake, macro- and
      micronutrients, especially calcium, iron, vitamin B1 and C. Low intake of calcium
      and vitamin B1 were significantly inversely correlated with number and days of
      hospitalizations per year. Protein, lipid, phosphorus, and vitamin PP intakes
      resulted adequate but were inversely correlated with number and days of
      hospitalizations. Carbohydrate, lipid, iron, phosphorus, vitamins B1 and B2
      intakes were significantly inversely correlated to HbF levels. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study showed that, in our population, inadequate nutritional intake, weight and
      BMI have a significant impact on SCD severity indices.

PMID- 27130185
TI  - Monocyte/macrophage lineage commitment and distribution are affected by the lack
      of regulatory T cells in scurfy mice.
AB  - Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells play a pivotal role in maintaining
      immunological tolerance. Loss-of-function mutations in the Foxp3 gene result in
      multiorgan inflammation known as immunodysregulation, polyendocrinopathy,
      enteropathy, X-linked syndrome in humans and scurfy (Sf) disease in mice. While
      the impact of missing Treg cells on adaptive immune cells is well documented,
      their role in regulation of myeloid cells remains unclear. Here we report that Sf
      mice exhibit an altered composition of stem and progenitor cells, characterized
      by increased numbers of myeloid precursors and higher efficiency of macrophage
      generation ex vivo. The proportion of monocytes/macrophages in the bone marrow,
      blood, and spleen was significantly elevated in Sf mice, which was accompanied
      with tissue-specific monocyte expression of homing receptor and phagocytic
      activity. Sf mice displayed high levels of M-CSF and other inflammatory
      cytokines, including monocyte-recruiting chemokines. Adoptive transfer of WT
      CD4(+) cells and in vivo neutralization of M-CSF normalized frequencies of
      monocyte subsets and their progenitors and reduced high levels of monocyte
      related cytokines in Sf mice, while Treg cell transfer to RAG2(-/-) mice had no
      effect on myelopoiesis and monocyte/macrophage counts. Our findings illustrate
      that deregulated myelopoiesis in Sf mice is mainly caused by the inflammatory
      reaction resulting from the lack of Treg cells.

PMID- 27130186
TI  - Video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy: keynote lecture.
AB  - Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) by thoracoscopy after neoadjuvant therapy
      results in significant short-term advantages such as a lower incidence of
      pulmonary infections and a better quality of life (QoL) with the same
      completeness of resection. After 1 year, a better QoL is still observed for MIE
      in comparison with the open approach, while having the same survival. Seven
      issues about implementation of MIE for cancer require discussion: (1) choice of
      the extension of esophageal resection and use of neoadjuvant therapy; (2) reasons
      to approach the esophageal cancer by MIE; (3) determining the best minimally
      invasive approach for gastro-esophageal junction cancers; (4) implementation of
      evidence-based MIE; (5) standardization of the surgical anatomy of the esophagus
      based on MIE; (6) future lines of research of MIE; and (7) learning process. In
      the time of imaging-integrated surgery it is clear that the MIE approach should
      be increasingly implemented in all centers worldwide having an adequate volume of
      patients and expertise. 

PMID- 27130188
TI  - A Tale of Waste and Loss: Lessons Learned.

PMID- 27130187
TI  - Two surgical cases of thymic MALT lymphoma associated with multiple lung cysts:
      possible association with Sjogren's syndrome.
AB  - Thymic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is rare. Sjogren's
      syndrome (SjS) has strong association with thymic MALT lymphoma but the exact
      etiology is unknown. On the other hand, SjS is characterized by the complication
      of various lung manifestations, including lung cysts. The mechanism for these
      lesions is also unknown. But the underlying SjS could result in MALT lymphoma
      with lung cysts. Herein, we demonstrate two surgical cases of thymic MALT
      lymphoma associated with multiple lung cysts and the characterization of this
      rare tumor. During surgery, the tumors were found to be well capsuled and had no
      adhesion or invasion to the surrounding tissues consistent with its
      characteristics of low grade malignancy. When thymic MALT lymphoma is suspected
      clinically, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery might be the best approach for
      diagnosis. We propose that radiological findings of a thymic tumor along with
      lung cysts are an indication of thymic MALT lymphoma.

PMID- 27130189
TI  - "Medibles": Dangerous Treats.

PMID- 27130190
TI  - A 24-Year-Old Woman with Shortness of Breath.

PMID- 27130191
TI  - Are Split Flow and Provider in Triage Models in the Emergency Department
      Effective in Reducing Discharge Length of Stay?
AB  - A quality improvement (QI) project was completed early in 2015 to evaluate the
      split flow model of care delivery and a provider in triage model within a newly
      constructed emergency department. The QI project compared 2 emergency departments
      of similar volumes, one that splits the patient flow and employs a provider in
      triage model and the other that blends the patient flow and employs a traditional
      nurse triage model. A total of 68,603 patients were included in this project. The
      purpose of the split flow model is to create a second flow stream of patients
      through the emergency department, parallel to the regular acute/critical care
      flow stream, for patients with problems that are not complex. Specific patient
      outcomes that were evaluated for the purpose of this QI project were door to
      discharge or discharge length of stay (DLOS) for all ED patients. The provider in
      triage model enhances patient triage assessment, as well as patient flow within
      the emergency department, by allowing patients to be evaluated by an ED provider
      immediately at the point of triage when the patient first presents to the
      emergency department. The QI project demonstrated that the split flow model alone
      reduced DLOS for all ED patients, and when coupled with the provider in triage
      model, a greater reduction in DLOS, as well as an improvement in front-end
      throughput metrics, was realized.

PMID- 27130193
TI  - A week of Danjiki (Buddhist fasting ritual) on cardiometabolic health: a case
      report.
AB  - Danjiki is an ascetic traditional fasting ritual in the Japanese Buddhism
      training. Here we present a case of a 48-year-old man who underwent a 1-week-long
      Danjiki fasting ritual in a remote Buddhist temple. The daily ritual consisted of
      waking up at 3:30 am, hiking strenuously in the steep mountains followed by
      meditations on the rocks, focused calligraphy of religious drawings and
      documents, recital of Buddhist prayer chanting, and standing under waterfalls
      while reciting prayers. He was allowed to drink water ad libitum and a cup of
      carrot juice a day. After a week of the Danjiki ritual, his body weight decreased
      by 5 kg. Resting metabolic rate did not change. Fasting blood glucose did not
      change but plasma triglyceride decreased 35 %. There were no changes in blood
      pressure. Arterial stiffness increased 15-25 % and endothelium-dependent
      vasodilation decreased 5 %. These results indicate that the Danjiki ritual
      produced significant weight loss but unexpectedly reduced vascular functions. 

PMID- 27130192
TI  - Signaling through the G-protein-coupled receptor Rickets is important for
      polarity, detachment, and migration of the border cells in Drosophila.
AB  - Cell migration plays crucial roles during development. An excellent model to
      study coordinated cell movements is provided by the migration of border cell
      clusters within a developing Drosophila egg chamber. In a mutagenesis screen, we
      isolated two alleles of the gene rickets (rk) encoding a G-protein-coupled
      receptor. The rk alleles result in border cell migration defects in a significant
      fraction of egg chambers. In rk mutants, border cells are properly specified and
      express the marker Slbo. Yet, analysis of both fixed as well as live samples
      revealed that some single border cells lag behind the main border cell cluster
      during migration, or, in other cases, the entire border cell cluster can remain
      tethered to the anterior epithelium as it migrates. These defects are observed
      significantly more often in mosaic border cell clusters, than in full mutant
      clusters. Reduction of the Rk ligand, Bursicon, in the border cell cluster also
      resulted in migration defects, strongly suggesting that Rk signaling is utilized
      for communication within the border cell cluster itself. The mutant border cell
      clusters show defects in localization of the adhesion protein E-cadherin, and
      apical polarity proteins during migration. E-cadherin mislocalization occurs in
      mosaic clusters, but not in full mutant clusters, correlating well with the rk
      border cell migration phenotype. Our work has identified a receptor with a
      previously unknown role in border cell migration that appears to regulate
      detachment and polarity of the border cell cluster coordinating processes within
      the cells of the cluster themselves.

PMID- 27130195
TI  - Effect of Physical Activity Interventions for Girls on Objectively Measured
      Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Most girls are not meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines, and
      30% are overweight or obese. The purpose of this systematic review was to
      evaluate the evidence for PA intervention effects on accelerometer-measured PA,
      body mass index (BMI), and percent body fat (% BF) among girls. METHODS: The
      Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, PsychInfo, and
      SportDISCUS databases were searched for randomized controlled trials published
      from 1985-2014. Studies with a PA intervention and outcomes of accelerometer
      measured PA, BMI, or % BF were included. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were reviewed.
      PA, BMI, and % BF were measured in 5, 15, and 10 studies, respectively. Effect
      sizes (ES) were highly variable. In one intervention, PA increased (ES = -0.17 to
      0.08); in two interventions, BMI was reduced (ES = -0.11 to 0.62); and in five
      interventions, % BF was lowered (ES = 0.12 to 0.93). DISCUSSION: Future research
      should involve preadolescent girls, improve methods for handling missing data,
      include objective measures of PA, and increase intervention attendance rates.

PMID- 27130194
TI  - Trends in colorectal cancer screening over time for persons with and without
      chronic disability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Persons with disabilities have often experienced disparities in
      routine cancer screening. However, with civil rights protections from the 1990
      Americans with Disabilities Act, such disparities may diminish over time.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine whether disability disparities exist for colorectal cancer
      screening and whether these screening patterns have changed over time. METHODS:
      We analyzed National Health Interview Survey responses from civilian, non
      institutionalized U.S. residents 50-75 years old from selected years between 1998
      and 2010. We specified 7 chronic disability indicators using self-reported
      functional impairments, activity/participation limitations, and expected
      duration. Separately for women and men, we conducted bivariable and multivariable
      logistic regression analyses examining associations of self-reported colorectal
      cancer screening services with sociodemographic factors and disability type.
      RESULTS: Patterns of chronic disability differed somewhat between women and men;
      disability rates generally rose over time. For both women and men, colorectal
      cancer screening rates increased substantially from 1998 through 2010. Over time,
      relatively few statistically significant differences were reported in colorectal
      cancer screening rates between nondisabled persons and individuals with various
      disabilities. In 2010, reported screening rates were generally comparable between
      nondisabled and disabled persons. In the few statistically significant
      differences, persons with disabilities almost always reported higher colorectal
      cancer screening rates than nondisabled individuals. CONCLUSIONS: According to
      national survey data, reported use of colorectal cancer screening is similar
      between nondisabled persons and individuals with a variety of different
      disability types. Despite physical demands of some colorectal cancer screening
      tests, disparities do not appear between populations with and without disability.

PMID- 27130196
TI  - Opposing roles of the two isoforms of ErbB3 binding protein 1 in human cancer
      cells.
AB  - The different functions of the two isoforms of ErbB3 binding protein 1 (Ebp1),
      p48 and p42, have recently become the focus of interest as they reveal
      contradictory roles in cell growth promoting ability. The conformational change
      that crystal structure of p42 was shown to lack alpha helices at the amino
      terminus present in p48 represents the differential binding partners and protein
      modifications of two Ebp1 isoforms. N-terminal specific phosphorylation by CDK2
      and deregulation of the p53 tumor suppressor through specific interaction with
      HDM2 and Akt activation is postulated to contribute to p48-mediated
      tumorigenesis. The short isoform p42 Ebp1, which is actual binding partner of
      ErbB3 has been implicated as a tumor suppressor with many binding partners such
      as Rb, HDAC2, Sin3A and the p85 subunit of PI3K with HSP70/CHIP, inhibiting its
      own antiproliferative activity or inhibiting PI3K activity. The aim of the
      current review is to provide a summary on distinctive cellular functions of two
      Ebp1 proteins and their molecular partners that might be responsible for the
      unique functions of each isoform of Ebp1.

PMID- 27130197
TI  - Characterization of cytochrome P450 isoforms involved in sequential two-step
      bioactivation of diclofenac to reactive p-benzoquinone imines.
AB  - Idiosyncratic drug-induced lever injury (IDILI) is a rare but severe side effect
      of diclofenac (DF). Several mechanisms have been proposed as cause of DF-induced
      toxicity including the formation of protein-reactive diclofenac-1',4'-quinone
      imine (DF-1',4'-QI) and diclofenac-2,5-quinone imine (DF-2,5-QI). Formation of
      these p-benzoquinone imines result from two-step oxidative metabolism involving
      aromatic hydroxylation to 4'-hydroxydiclofenac and 5-hydroxydiclofenac followed
      by dehydrogenation to DF-1',4'-QI and DF-2,5-QI, respectively. Although the
      contribution of individual cytochrome P450s (CYPs) in aromatic hydroxylation of
      DF is well studied, the enzymes involved in the dehydrogenation reactions have
      been poorly characterized. The results of the present study show that both
      formation of 4'-hydroxydiclofenac and it subsequent bioactivation to DF-1',4'-QI
      is selectively catalyzed by CYP2C9. However, the two-step bioactivation to DF-2,5
      QI appears to be catalyzed with highest activity by two different CYPs: 5
      hydroxylation of DF is predominantly catalyzed by CYP3A4, whereas its subsequent
      bioactivation to DF-2,5-QI is catalyzed with 14-fold higher intrinsic clearance
      by CYP2C9. The fact that both CYPs involved in two-step bioactivation of DF show
      large interindividual variability may play a role in different susceptibility of
      patients to DF-induced IDILI. Furthermore, expression levels of these enzymes and
      protective enzymes might be important factors determining sensitivity of in vitro
      models for hepatotoxicity. 

PMID- 27130198
TI  - Cartilage storage at 4  degrees C with regular culture medium replacement
      benefits chondrocyte viability of osteochondral grafts in vitro.
AB  - Maintenance of articular cartilage allografts in culture media is a common method
      of tissue storage; however, the technical parameters of graft storage remain
      controversial. In this study, we examined the optimal temperature and culture
      medium exchange rate for the storage of osteochondral allografts in vitro.
      Cylindrical osteochondral grafts (n = 120), harvested from the talar joint
      surface of ten Boer goats, were randomly classified into four groups and stored
      under the following conditions: Group A1 was maintained at 4  degrees C in
      culture medium that was refreshed every 2 days; Group A2 was maintained at 4 
      degrees C in the same culture medium, without refreshing; Group B1, was
      maintained at 37  degrees C in culture medium that was refreshed every 2 days;
      Group B2, was maintained at 37  degrees C in the same culture medium, without
      refreshing. Chondrocyte viability in the grafts was determined by ethidium
      bromide/fluorescein diacetate staining on days 7, 21, and 35. Proteoglycan
      content was measured by Safranin-O staining. Group A1 exhibited the highest
      chondrocyte survival rates of 90.88 %, 88.31 % and 78.69 % on days 7, 21, and 35,
      respectively. Safranin O staining revealed no significant differences between
      groups on days 21 and 35. These results suggest that storage of osteochondral
      grafts at 4  degrees C with regular culture medium replacement should be highly
      suitable for clinical application. 

PMID- 27130200
TI  - Patterns of Childhood Steroid-Sensitive and Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome
      in Saudi Children.
AB  - Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney
      disease in children. Mostly, NS is controlled by steroids. In spite of this, 10%
      to 20% of the patients have steroid resistant NS (SRNS), and the rest have
      steroid sensitive NS (SSNS). Eighty-seven children with NS (66 SSNS; 21SRNS) were
      retrospectively studied within the past 10 years in Taif region of Saudi Arabia.
      Regarding outcome, 66 (76%) patient responded to the steroid therapy, while 21
      (24%) patients characterize as SRNS. Out of 66 SSNS, 25 children revealed
      complete remission, 26 were diagnosed as steroid dependent, and 15 were
      identified as frequent relapses. Among 21 SRNS biopsied patients, focal segmental
      glomerulosclerosis was the most common histological patterns of NS followed by
      the membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis pattern, which is significantly
      different from other studies performed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Out of 21
      SRNS patients, 13 developed chronic kidney disease, 4 got end-stage renal
      disease, and 4 patients died.

PMID- 27130199
TI  - Comparison and evaluation of biomechanical, electrical, and biological methods
      for assessment of damage to tissue collagen.
AB  - In regard to evaluating tissue banking methods used to preserve or otherwise
      treat (process) soft allograft tissue, current tests may not be sufficiently
      sensitive to detect potential damage inflicted before, during, and after
      processing. Using controlled parameters, we aim to examine the sensitivity of
      specific biomechanical, electrical, and biological tests in detecting mild damage
      to collagen. Fresh porcine pulmonary heart valves were treated with an enzyme,
      collagenase, and incubated using various times. Controls received no incubation.
      All valves were cryopreserved and stored at -135  degrees C until being rewarmed
      for evaluation using biomechanical, permeability, and cell viability tests.
      Statistically significant time dependent changes in leaflet ultimate stress, (p =
      0.006), permeability (p = 0.01), and viability (p <= 0.02, four different days of
      culture) were found between heart valves subjected to 0-15 min of collagenase
      treatment (ANOVA). However, no statistical significance was found between the
      tensile modulus of treated and untreated valves (p = 0.07). Furthermore, the
      trends of decreasing and increasing ultimate stress and viability, respectively,
      were somewhat inconsistent across treatment times. These results suggest that
      permeability tests may offer a sensitive, quantitative assay to complement
      traditional biomechanical and viability tests in evaluating processing methods
      used for soft tissue allografts, or when making changes to current validated
      methods. Multiple test evaluation may also offer insight into the mechanism of
      potential tissue damage such as, as is the case here, reduced collagen content
      and increased tissue porosity. 

PMID- 27130201
TI  - Survey of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Services in Freestanding
      US Children's Hospitals.
AB  - Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among US children in 2012 was
      11.6%, and studies show CAM use as high as 76% in certain pediatric populations.
      Children's hospitals offer varied CAM services. This survey aimed to identify CAM
      services offered, the structure of CAM departments, and supplement use policies
      in freestanding US children's hospitals. In our survey, 92% of responding
      children's hospitals offered CAM services, and 38% had hospital-based CAM
      centers; 60% of responders had policies for supplement use during
      hospitalization, whereas only 40% had policies for supplement use surrounding
      surgery. CAM services are widely offered in freestanding US children's hospitals,
      but most do not have CAM departments. Many hospitals do not have written policies
      about supplement use. A better understanding of CAM services, programs, and
      supplement use policies are needed to bring more coordinated services and safer
      policies to children's hospitals.

PMID- 27130202
TI  - Efficacy and safety of ipratropium bromide/albuterol compared with albuterol in
      patients with moderate-to-severe asthma: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many patients with asthma require frequent rescue medication for
      acute symptoms despite appropriate controller therapies. Thus, determining the
      most effective relief regimen is important in the management of more severe
      asthma. This study's objective was to evaluate whether ipratropium
      bromide/albuterol metered-dose inhaler (CVT-MDI) provides more effective acute
      relief of bronchospasm in moderate-to-severe asthma than albuterol
      hydrofluoroalkaline (ALB-HFA) alone after 4 weeks. METHODS: In this double-blind,
      crossover study, patients who had been diagnosed with asthma for >=1 year were
      randomized to two sequences of study medication "as needed" for symptom relief (1
      7 day washout before second 4-week treatment period): CVT-MDI/ALB-HFA or ALB
      HFA/CVT-MDI. On days 1 and 29 of each sequence, 6-hour serial spirometry was
      performed after administration of the study drug. Co-primary endpoints were FEV1
      area under the curve (AUC0-6) and peak (post-dose) forced expiratory volume in 1
      s (FEV1) response (change from test day baseline) after 4 weeks. The effects of
      "as needed" treatment with ALB-HFA/CVT-MDI were analyzed using mixed effect model
      repeated measures (MMRM). RESULTS: A total of 226 patients, >=18 years old, with
      inadequately controlled, moderate-to-severe asthma were randomized. The study met
      both co-primary endpoints demonstrating a statistically significant treatment
      benefit of CVT-MDI versus ALB-HFA. FEV1 AUC0-6h response was 167 ml for ALB-HFA,
      252 ml for CVT-MDI (p <0.0001); peak FEV1 response was 357 ml for ALB-HFA, 434 ml
      for CVT-MDI (p <0.0001). Adverse events were comparable across groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: CVT-MDI significantly improved acute bronchodilation over ALB-HFA
      alone after 4 weeks of "as-needed" use for symptom relief, with a similar safety
      profile. This suggests additive bronchodilator effects of beta2-agonist and
      anticholinergic treatment in moderate-to-severe, symptomatic asthma. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov No.: NCT00818454 ; Registered November 16, 2009.

PMID- 27130203
TI  - Multiple QTL Determine Dorsal Abdominal Scale Patterns in the Mosquito Aedes
      aegypti.
AB  - The mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.) originated in Sub-Saharan Africa as a dark form
      sylvan species (A. aegypti formosus). Evolution of A. aegypti aegypti type form
      as a human commensal facilitated its colonization of most semitropical and
      tropical areas. We investigated the genetic basis for abdominal white scale
      presence that represents the diagnostic for sylvan A. aegypti formosus (scales
      absent), from type form (scales present) and A. aegypti queenslandensis form
      (dense scaling). We performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping using 3
      criteria for scale patterns among 192 F1 intercross progeny from matings between
      a queenslandensis type and an aegypti type form. Results identified 3 QTL
      determining scale patterns and indicated that classification criteria impact
      robustness of QTL LOD support. Dark- and light-colored forms exist in sympatry,
      but vary in multiple phenotypic characteristics, including preferences for
      vertebrate host, oviposition container, house-entering behavior, and dengue
      vector competence. Markers associated with 2 QTL regions reflected major
      reductions in recombination frequencies compared with the standard type form
      linkage map, suggestive of inversion polymorphisms associated with observed
      linkage disequilibrium between type-specific characteristics. Understanding the
      genic basis for differences in A. aegypti forms could inform efforts to develop
      new mosquito and arboviral disease control strategies.

PMID- 27130204
TI  - Galectin-3-induced cell spreading and motility relies on distinct signaling
      mechanisms compared to fibronectin.
AB  - Secreted galectin-3 often gets incorporated into extracellular matrix and is
      utilized by cancer cells for spreading, movement, and metastatic dissemination.
      Here we investigate molecular mechanisms by which galectin-3 brings about these
      effects and compare it with fibronectin. Imaging of cells spread on fibronectin
      showed stress fibers throughout cell body, however, galectin-3-induced formation
      of parallel actin bundles in the lamellipodial region resulting in unique
      morphological features. FRAP analysis showed that the actin turnover in the
      lamellipodial region was much higher in cells spread on galectin-3 as compared to
      that on fibronectin. Rac1 activation is correlated with lamellipodial
      organization on both the substrates. Activation of Akt and Rac1, the regulators
      of actin dynamics, show inverse correlation with each other on both galectin-3
      and fibronectin. Activation of Erk however, remained similar. Further, inhibition
      of activation of Akt and Erk inhibited spreading and motility of cells on
      galectin-3 but not on fibronectin. The results very comprehensively demonstrate
      distinct signaling pathways that regulate microfilament organization,
      lamellipodial structures, spreading, and movement of cells plated on galectin-3
      as opposed to fibronectin. 

PMID- 27130206
TI  - Erratum to: Diagnostic value of cone-beam CT in histologically confirmed
      otosclerosis.

PMID- 27130205
TI  - The evaluation of cochlear functions in Familial Mediterranean Fever.
AB  - Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is a progressive disease characterized by
      chronic inflammation, which also has negative effects on cochlear functions and
      hearing levels. We investigated whether the cochlear functions and hearing levels
      of FMF patients were different than healthy controls and also evaluated the
      relationship of hearing levels with the age at diagnosis, duration without
      treatment, and inflammation and lipid parameters in this study. A total of 60
      patients diagnosed with FMF and 48 age, gender and body mass index (BMI)-matched
      healthy controls were included in the study. The hemogram, erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and lipid parameters of the
      subjects were studied and they all underwent pure tone audiometry and Transient
      evoked otoacoustic emission tests after an otologic examination. The hearing
      levels of the FMF group were significantly higher than those of the control
      group. The TEOAE signal/noise (S/N) ratios were similar in both groups. A
      positive relationship was present between the audiometric test results and the
      age, BMI, low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels and a negative
      relationship with the high-density lipoprotein levels. A negative relationship
      was present between the TEOAE S/N ratios and the age of the patients, duration
      without treatment, lipid parameters, inflammation markers and the creatinine
      level. FMF patients are exposed to chronic inflammation and this can influence
      their hearing levels. The age at diagnosis, duration without treatment, chronic
      inflammation, unfavorable lipid parameters, and obesity can affect hearing tests
      negatively.

PMID- 27130207
TI  - New Horizons: Dietary protein, ageing and the Okinawan ratio.
AB  - Nutrition has profound effects on ageing and lifespan. Caloric restriction is the
      major nutritional intervention that historically has been shown to influence
      lifespan and/or healthspan in many animal models. Studies have suggested that a
      reduction in protein intake can also increase lifespan, albeit not as
      dramatically as caloric restriction. More recent research based on nutritional
      geometry has attempted to define the effects of nutrition on ageing over a broad
      landscape of dietary macronutrients and energy content. Such studies in insects
      and mice indicate that animals with ad libitum access to low-protein, high
      carbohydrate diets have longest lifespans. Remarkably, the optimum content and
      ratio of dietary protein to carbohydrates for ageing in experimental animals are
      almost identical to those in the traditional diets of the long-lived people on
      the island of Okinawa.

PMID- 27130208
TI  - Regulation of gene expression in the bovine blastocyst by colony stimulating
      factor 2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colony stimulating factor 2 can have multiple effects on the function
      of the preimplantation embryo that include increased potential to develop to the
      blastocyst stage, reduced apoptosis, and enhanced ability of inner cell mass
      (ICM) to remain pluripotent after culture. The objective of the current
      experiment was to identify genes regulated by CSF2 in the ICM and trophectoderm
      (TE) of the bovine blastocyst with the goal of identifying possible molecular
      pathways by which CSF2 increases developmental competence for survival. Embryos
      were produced in vitro and cultured from Day 6 to 8 in serum-free medium
      containing 10 ng/ml recombinant bovine CSF2 or vehicle. Blastocysts were
      harvested at Day 8 and ICM separated from TE by magnetic-activated cell sorting.
      RNA was purified and used to prepare amplified cDNA, which was then subjected to
      high-throughput sequencing using the SOLiD 4.0 system. Three pools of amplified
      cDNA were analyzed per treatment. RESULTS: The number of genes whose expression
      was regulated by CSF2, using P < 0.05 and >1.5-fold difference as cut-offs, was
      945 in the ICM (242 upregulated by CSF2 and 703 downregulated) and 886 in the TE
      (401 upregulated by CSF2 and 485 downregulated). Only 49 genes were regulated in
      a similar manner by CSF2 in both cell types. The three significant annotation
      clusters in which genes regulated by ICM were overrepresented were related to
      membrane signaling. Genes downregulated by CSF2 in ICM were overrepresented in
      several pathways including those for ERK and AKT signaling. The only significant
      annotation cluster containing an overrepresentation of genes regulated by CSF2 in
      TE was for secreted or extracellular proteins. In addition, genes downregulated
      in TE were overrepresented in TGFbeta and Nanog pathways. CONCLUSIONS:
      Differentiation of the blastocyst is such that, by Day 8 after fertilization, the
      ICM and TE respond differently to CSF2. Analysis of the genes regulated by CSF2
      in ICM and TE are suggestive that CSF2 reinforces developmental fate and function
      of both cell lineages.

PMID- 27130209
TI  - Digital image analysis of ossification centers in the axial dens and body in the
      human fetus.
AB  - PURPOSES: The detailed understanding of the anatomy and timing of ossification
      centers is indispensable in both determining the fetal stage and maturity and for
      detecting congenital disorders. This study was performed to quantitatively
      examine the odontoid and body ossification centers in the axis with respect to
      their linear, planar and volumetric parameters. METHODS: Using the methods of CT,
      digital image analysis and statistics, the size of the odontoid and body
      ossification centers in the axis in 55 spontaneously aborted human fetuses aged
      17-30 weeks was studied. RESULTS: With no sex difference, the best fit growth
      dynamics for odontoid and body ossification centers of the axis were,
      respectively, as follows: for transverse diameter y = -10.752 + 4.276 * ln(age)
      +/- 0.335 and y = -10.578 + 4.265 * ln(age) +/- 0.338, for sagittal diameter y = 
      4.329 + 2.010 * ln(age) +/- 0.182 and y = -3.934 + 1.930 * ln(age) +/- 0.182, for
      cross-sectional area y = -7.102 + 0.520 * age +/- 0.724 and y = -7.002 + 0.521 *
      age +/- 0.726, and for volume y = -37.021 + 14.014 * ln(age) +/- 1.091 and y = 
      37.425 + 14.197 * ln(age) +/- 1.109. CONCLUSIONS: With no sex differences, the
      odontoid and body ossification centers of the axis grow logarithmically in
      transverse and sagittal diameters, and in volume, while proportionately in cross
      sectional area. Our specific-age reference data for the odontoid and body
      ossification centers of the axis may be relevant for determining the fetal stage
      and maturity and for in utero three-dimensional sonographic detecting
      segmentation anomalies of the axis.

PMID- 27130210
TI  - Secreted lipases from Malassezia globosa: recombinant expression and
      determination of their substrate specificities.
AB  - Malassezia globosa, which is associated with skin conditions such as dandruff and
      seborrhoeic dermatitis, possesses 13 secreted lipases, but only MgLip1, MgMDL2
      and MgLip2 have been characterized. To understand the substrate preferences of
      these lipases and by extension their potential role in colonizing human skin, we
      expressed all 13 predicted secreted lipases in Pichia pastoris and evaluated
      their ability to utilize mono-, di- and triolein substrates. The M. globosa
      family class 3 lipases were shown to be specific for mono- and diacylglycerols,
      but exhibited no regio-selective production of diacylglycerols, which are of
      special interest for industrial applications. Lipases belonging to the Lip family
      utilized all substrates. In a further step, five lipases previously demonstrated
      to be expressed on human skin were tested against the eight most common di- and
      triacylglycerols in human sebum. All lipases liberated free fatty acids from
      three to eight of these substrates, proving their ability to hydrolyse key
      components of human sebum. Again, only Lip family lipases showed activity on
      triacylglycerides. Based on the demonstrated activity and expression levels of
      MgLip2 in M. globosa, the Lip lipase family appears to have the highest impact
      for the pathogenicity of M. globosa.

PMID- 27130211
TI  - Pediatric complex regional pain syndrome: a review.
AB  - Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic, intensified localized pain
      condition that can affect children and adolescents as well as adults, but is more
      common among adolescent girls. Symptoms include limb pain; allodynia;
      hyperalgesia; swelling and/or changes in skin color of the affected limb; dry,
      mottled skin; hyperhidrosis and trophic changes of the nails and hair. The exact
      mechanism of CRPS is unknown, although several different mechanisms have been
      suggested. The diagnosis is clinical, with the aid of the adult criteria for
      CRPS. Standard care consists of a multidisciplinary approach with the
      implementation of intensive physical therapy in conjunction with psychological
      counseling. Pharmacological treatments may aid in reducing pain in order to allow
      the patient to participate fully in intensive physiotherapy. The prognosis in
      pediatric CRPS is favorable. 

PMID- 27130212
TI  - Difficult airway management resources and capnography use in Japanese intensive
      care units: a nationwide cross-sectional study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The availability of difficult airway management (DAM) resources and the
      extent of capnometry use in Japanese intensive care units (ICUs) remained
      unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether: (1) DAM resources were
      adequate, and (2) capnometry was routinely applied in Japanese ICUs. METHODS:
      This nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2015 to
      February 2016. All ICUs received a mailed questionnaire about their DAM resources
      and use of capnometry. Outcome measures were availability of: (1) 24-h in-house
      backup coverage; (2) a supraglottic airway device (SGA); (3) a dedicated DAM
      cart; and (4) surgical airway devices, and (5) routine use of capnometry to
      verify tube placement and for continuous monitoring of ventilator-dependent
      patients. The association between these outcomes and ICU type (academic, high
      volume, closed, surgical) was also analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 289 ICUs, 196 (67.8
      %) returned completed questionnaires. In-house backup coverage and surgical
      airway devices were highly available (89.3 and 95.9 %), but SGAs and dedicated
      DAM carts were not (60.2 and 60.7 %). The routine use of capnometry to confirm
      tube placement was reported by 55.6 % of the ICUs and was highest in closed ICUs
      (67.2 %, p = 0.03). The rate of continuous capnography monitoring was also 55.6 %
      and was highest in academic ICUs (64.5 %, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: In Japanese
      ICUs, SGAs and dedicated DAM carts were less available, and capnometry was not
      universally applied either to confirm tube placement, or for continuous
      monitoring of ventilated patients. Our study revealed areas in need of
      improvement.

PMID- 27130214
TI  - Non-surgical treatment of localized rectal cancer is an experimental option.

PMID- 27130213
TI  - Maximizing mutagenesis with solubilized CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complexes.
AB  - CRISPR-Cas9 enables efficient sequence-specific mutagenesis for creating somatic
      or germline mutants of model organisms. Key constraints in vivo remain the
      expression and delivery of active Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs)
      with minimal toxicity, variable mutagenesis efficiencies depending on targeting
      sequence, and high mutation mosaicism. Here, we apply in vitro assembled,
      fluorescent Cas9-sgRNA RNPs in solubilizing salt solution to achieve maximal
      mutagenesis efficiency in zebrafish embryos. MiSeq-based sequence analysis of
      targeted loci in individual embryos using CrispRVariants, a customized software
      tool for mutagenesis quantification and visualization, reveals efficient bi
      allelic mutagenesis that reaches saturation at several tested gene loci. Such
      virtually complete mutagenesis exposes loss-of-function phenotypes for candidate
      genes in somatic mutant embryos for subsequent generation of stable germline
      mutants. We further show that targeting of non-coding elements in gene regulatory
      regions using saturating mutagenesis uncovers functional control elements in
      transgenic reporters and endogenous genes in injected embryos. Our results
      establish that optimally solubilized, in vitro assembled fluorescent Cas9-sgRNA
      RNPs provide a reproducible reagent for direct and scalable loss-of-function
      studies and applications beyond zebrafish experiments that require maximal DNA
      cutting efficiency in vivo.

PMID- 27130215
TI  - Relationship between mitochondrial haplogroup and physiological responses to
      hypobaric hypoxia.
AB  - We aimed to investigate the relationship between mtDNA polymorphism and
      physiological responses to hypobaric hypoxia. The study included 28 healthy male
      students, consisting of 18 students in haplogroup D and 10 in haplogroup M7+G.
      Measurement sensors were attached to the participants for approximately 30 min in
      an environment with a temperature of 28  degrees C. After resting for 15 min, the
      programmed operation of the hypobaric chamber decreased the atmospheric pressure
      by 11.9 Torr every minute to simulate an increase in altitude of 150 m until 9.7
      Torr (equivalent to 2500 m) and then decreased 9.7 Torr every minute until 465
      Torr (equivalent to 4000 m). At each altitude, the pressure was maintained for 15
      min and various measurements were taken. Haplogroup D showed higher SpO2 (p <
      0.05) and significantly higher SpO2 during the pressure recovery period when
      compared with haplogroup M7+G. The distal skin temperature was higher in
      haplogroup D when compared with M7+G. These results suggested that haplogroup D
      maintained SpO2 at a higher level with higher peripheral blood flow during acute
      hypobaric exposure.

PMID- 27130216
TI  - Pre-hospital severe traumatic brain injury - comparison of outcome in paramedic
      versus physician staffed emergency medical services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death
      and permanent disability. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel are often
      the first healthcare providers attending patients with TBI. The level of
      available care varies, which may have an impact on the patient's outcome. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate mortality and neurological outcome of TBI patients
      in two regions with differently structured EMS systems. METHODS: A 6-year period
      (2005 - 2010) observational data on pre-hospital TBI management in paramedic
      staffed EMS and physician-staffed EMS systems were retrospectively analysed.
      Inclusion criteria for the study were severe isolated TBI presenting with
      unconsciousness defined as Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score <= 8 occurring either
      on-scene, during transportation or verified by an on-call neurosurgeon at
      admission to the hospital. For assessment of one-year neurological outcome, a
      modified Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) was used. RESULTS: During the 6-year study
      period a total of 458 patients met the inclusion criteria. One-year mortality was
      higher in the paramedic-staffed EMS group: 57 % vs. 42 %. Also good neurological
      outcome was less common in patients treated in the paramedic-staffed EMS group.
      DISCUSSION: We found no significant difference between the study groups when
      considering the secondary brain injury associated vital signs on-scene. Also on
      arrival to ED, the proportion of hypotensive patients was similar in both groups.
      However, hypoxia was common in the patients treated by the paramedic-staffed EMS
      on arrival to the ED, while in the physician-staffed EMS almost none of the
      patients were hypoxic. Pre-hospital intubation by EMS physicians probably
      explains this finding. CONCLUSION: The results suggest to an outcome benefit from
      physician-staffed EMS treating TBI patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01454648.

PMID- 27130217
TI  - Quality of EHR data extractions for studies of preterm birth in a tertiary care
      center: guidelines for obtaining reliable data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) has increased
      significantly in the past 15 years. This study compares electronic vs. manual
      data abstractions from an EHR for accuracy. While the dataset is limited to
      preterm birth data, our work is generally applicable. We enumerate challenges to
      reliable extraction, and state guidelines to maximize reliability. METHODS: An
      EpicTM EHR data extraction of structured data values from 1,772 neonatal records
      born between the years 2001-2011 was performed. The data were directly compared
      to a manually-abstracted database. Specific data values important to studies of
      perinatology were chosen to compare discrepancies between the two databases.
      RESULTS: Discrepancy rates between the EHR extraction and the manual database
      were calculated for gestational age in weeks (2.6 %), birthweight (9.7 %), first
      white blood cell count (3.2 %), initial hemoglobin (11.9 %), peak total and
      direct bilirubin (11.4 % and 4.9 %), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) diagnosis
      (12.8 %). Using the discrepancies, errors were quantified in both datasets using
      chart review. The EHR extraction errors were significantly fewer than manual
      abstraction errors for PDA and laboratory values excluding neonates transferred
      from outside hospitals, but significantly greater for birth weight. Reasons for
      the observed errors are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: We show that an EHR not modified
      specifically for research purposes had discrepancy ranges comparable to a
      manually created database. We offer guidelines to minimize EHR extraction errors
      in future study designs. As EHRs become more research-friendly, electronic chart
      extractions should be more efficient and have lower error rates compared to
      manual abstractions.

PMID- 27130218
TI  - Inverted stress- induced cardiomyopathy as a unusual variant of acute heart
      failure after cesarean delivery- a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress- induced cardiomyopathy is acute, reversible left ventricle
      mainly apical dysfunction in patients with normal coronary angiography. Rarely it
      regards basal segments, therefore defined as "inverted stress- induced
      cardiomyopathy". While classic form mostly affects postmenopausal women, inverted
      variant occurs essentially in younger females, always triggered by stress. It can
      also develop after medical procedures and surgery. Herein we report such unique
      case of 36- year old woman after cesarean delivery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 36- year
      old white woman at 40 week of gestation was admitted to hospital for elective
      repeated cesarean delivery. During caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia a
      previously healthy woman became hypotensive, requiring ephedrine to maintain her
      blood pressure. Three hours after delivery the patient presented acute heart
      failure and pulmonary oedema. Due to low blood pressure she demanded the
      administration of inotropic agents. Owing to respiratory failure and gradual
      deterioration of consciousness, mechanical ventilation was applied. Results of
      additional tests finally excluded pulmonary thromboembolism and acute coronary
      syndrome. The transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe left ventricular
      systolic dysfunction, ejection fraction 30 % with hypokinesis of the mid and
      basal segments of posterior, anterior and lateral wall with preserved
      contractility of the apical segments. The diagnosis of inverted stress- induced
      cardiomyopathy was set upon the overall clinical data. Both echocardiography and
      magnetic resonance imaging performed on the fifth day showed complete recovery of
      myocardial function. The patient was discharged after 15 days in good overall
      condition. At 12- month follow- up she remained asymptomatic with no
      echocardiographic abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS: Inverted stress- induced
      cardiomyopathy may occur in postpartum period, especially in combination with
      spinal anesthesia and adrenergic stimulants administration. The clinical
      awareness and multimodality imaging of possible diagnosis and further management
      of this unexpected variant of acute heart failure after caesarean delivery is
      required.

PMID- 27130219
TI  - Effects of Selective Inhibition of PDE4 by YM976 on Airway Reactivity and Cough
      in Ovalbumin-Sensitized Guinea Pigs.
AB  - Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes involved in the degradation of cAMP and
      cGMP. Selective PDE4 inhibitors (e.g., roflumilast) are effective in therapy of
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with neutrophil inflammation.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a selective PDE4 inhibitor,
      YM976, on citric acid-induced cough, in vivo and in vitro airway smooth muscle
      reactivity to histamine, and on inflammatory mediators in ovalbumin-sensitized
      guinea pigs, with experimentally induced eosinophil inflammation. The YM976 was
      administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg once daily for 7 days.
      Sensitization with ovalbumin led to a significant increase in the number of
      coughs, and in vivo and in vitro airway reactivity. Also, increased plasma levels
      of IL-4, IL-5, and PAF were observed, with a significant increase in the
      differential count of eosinophils in both blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
      The YM976 suppressed the number of coughs, the airway reactivity in tracheal
      tissue strips, and the IL-4 level. The findings indicate that PDE4 inhibition by
      YM976 exerts antitussive and anti-inflammatory effects in guinea pigs with
      ovalbumin-induced eosinophilic inflammation.

PMID- 27130220
TI  - Multi-omic data integration and analysis using systems genomics approaches:
      methods and applications in animal production, health and welfare.
AB  - In the past years, there has been a remarkable development of high-throughput
      omics (HTO) technologies such as genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics,
      proteomics and metabolomics across all facets of biology. This has spearheaded
      the progress of the systems biology era, including applications on animal
      production and health traits. However, notwithstanding these new HTO
      technologies, there remains an emerging challenge in data analysis. On the one
      hand, different HTO technologies judged on their own merit are appropriate for
      the identification of disease-causing genes, biomarkers for prevention and drug
      targets for the treatment of diseases and for individualized genomic predictions
      of performance or disease risks. On the other hand, integration of multi-omic
      data and joint modelling and analyses are very powerful and accurate to
      understand the systems biology of healthy and sustainable production of animals.
      We present an overview of current and emerging HTO technologies each with a focus
      on their applications in animal and veterinary sciences before introducing an
      integrative systems genomics framework for analysing and integrating multi-omic
      data towards improved animal production, health and welfare. We conclude that
      there are big challenges in multi-omic data integration, modelling and systems
      level analyses, particularly with the fast emerging HTO technologies. We
      highlight existing and emerging systems genomics approaches and discuss how they
      contribute to our understanding of the biology of complex traits or diseases and
      holistic improvement of production performance, disease resistance and welfare.

PMID- 27130221
TI  - Human Cartilage-Derived Progenitor Cells From Committed Chondrocytes for
      Efficient Cartilage Repair and Regeneration.
AB  - Articular cartilage is not a physiologically self-renewing tissue. Injury of
      cartilage often progresses from the articular surface to the subchondral bone,
      leading to pathogenesis of tissue degenerative diseases, such as osteoarthritis.
      Therapies to treat cartilage defects using autologous chondrocyte-based tissue
      engineering have been developed and used for more than 20 years; however, the
      challenge of chondrocyte expansion in vitro remains. A promising cell source,
      cartilage stem/progenitor cells (CSPCs), has attracted recent attention. Because
      their origin and identity are still unclear, the application potential of CSPCs
      is under active investigation. Here we have captured the emergence of a group of
      stem/progenitor cells derived from adult human chondrocytes, highlighted by
      dynamic changes in expression of the mature chondrocyte marker, COL2, and
      mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) marker, CD146. These cells are termed
      chondrocyte-derived progenitor cells (CDPCs). The stem cell-like potency and
      differentiation status of CDPCs were determined by physical and biochemical cues
      during culture. A low-density, low-glucose 2-dimensional culture condition (2DLL)
      was critical for the emergence and proliferation enhancement of CDPCs. CDPCs
      showed similar phenotype as bone marrow mesenchymal stromal/stem cells but
      exhibited greater chondrogenic potential. Moreover, the 2DLL-cultured CDPCs
      proved efficient in cartilage formation both in vitro and in vivo and in
      repairing large knee cartilage defects (6-13 cm(2)) in 15 patients. These
      findings suggest a phenotype conversion between chondrocytes and CDPCs and
      provide conditions that promote the conversion. These insights expand our
      understanding of cartilage biology and may enhance the success of chondrocyte
      based therapies. SIGNIFICANCE: Injury of cartilage, a non-self-repairing tissue,
      often progresses to pathogenesis of degenerative joint diseases, such as
      osteoarthritis. Although tissue-derived stem cells have been shown to contribute
      to tissue renewal and homeostasis, the derivation, biological function, and
      application potential of stem/progenitor cells found in adult human articular
      cartilage are incompletely understood. This study reports the derivation of a
      population of cartilage stem/progenitor cells from fully differentiated
      chondrocytes under specific culture conditions, which have the potential to
      reassume their chondrocytic phenotype for efficient cartilage regeneration. These
      findings support the possibility of using in vitro amplified chondrocyte-derived
      progenitor cells for joint cartilage repair.

PMID- 27130223
TI  - Mechanical Stretching Promotes Skin Tissue Regeneration via Enhancing Mesenchymal
      Stem Cell Homing and Transdifferentiation.
AB  - Skin tissue expansion is a clinical procedure for skin regeneration to
      reconstruct cutaneous defects that can be accompanied by severe complications.
      The transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proven effective in
      promoting skin expansion and helping to ameliorate complications; however,
      systematic understanding of its mechanism remains unclear. MSCs from luciferase
      Tg Lewis rats were intravenously transplanted into a rat tissue expansion model
      to identify homing and transdifferentiation. To clarify underlying mechanisms, a
      systematic approach was used to identify the differentially expressed genes
      between mechanically stretched human MSCs and controls. The biological
      significance of these changes was analyzed through bioinformatic methods. We
      further investigated genes and pathways of interest to disclose their potential
      role in mechanical stretching-induced skin regeneration. Cross sections of skin
      samples from the expanded group showed significantly more luciferase(+) and
      stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha (SDF-1alpha)(+), luciferase(+)keratin 14(+),
      and luciferase(+)CD31(+) cells than the control group, indicating MSC
      transdifferentiation into epidermal basal cells and endothelial cells after SDF
      1alpha-mediated homing. Microarray analysis suggested upregulation of genes
      related to hypoxia, vascularization, and cell proliferation in the stretched
      human MSCs. Further investigation showed that the homing of MSCs was blocked by
      short interfering RNA targeted against matrix metalloproteinase 2, and that
      mechanical stretching-induced vascular endothelial growth factor A upregulation
      was related to the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription
      (Jak-STAT) and Wnt signaling pathways. This study determines that mechanical
      stretching might promote skin regeneration by upregulating MSC expression of
      genes related to hypoxia, vascularization, and cell proliferation; enhancing
      transplanted MSC homing to the expanded skin; and transdifferentiation into
      epidermal basal cells and endothelial cells. SIGNIFICANCE: Skin tissue expansion
      is a clinical procedure for skin regeneration to cover cutaneous defects that can
      be accompanied by severe complications. The transplantation of mesenchymal stem
      cells (MSCs) has been proven effective in promoting skin expansion and
      ameliorating complications. This study, which sought to provide a systematic
      understanding of the mechanism, determined that mechanical stretching could
      upregulate MSC expression of genes related to hypoxia, vascularization, and cell
      proliferation; enhance transplanted MSC homing to the expanded skin tissue; and
      promote their transdifferentiation into epidermal basal cells and endothelial
      cells.

PMID- 27130225
TI  - Utilization of Calophyllum inophyllum shell and kernel oil cake for reducing
      sugar production.
AB  - This study is aimed at fully utilizing fruit biomass of Calophyllum inophyllum
      for reducing sugar production. The effects of pretreatment conditions and post
      reaction wash on the lignin removal and enzymatic hydrolysis of shell were
      investigated. The oil cake was also subjected to solvent extraction followed by
      enzymatic hydrolysis. The results showed that the sequential acid/alkaline
      pretreatment of C. inophyllum shell resulted in better delignification than
      alkaline or acid only pretreatment. The reducing sugar yields obtained from
      sequential acid/alkaline pretreated shell and solvent extracted oil cake were
      0.24g/g and 0.66g/g, respectively. The results suggested that the shell and oil
      cake of C. inophyllum could also be feedstocks for reducing sugar production. 

PMID- 27130224
TI  - En bloc pelvic resection for advanced ovarian cancer preceded by central ligation
      of vessels supplying the tumor bed: a description of surgical technique and a
      feasibility study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The resection of all visible malignancies increases the likelihood
      for long-term survival in epithelial ovarian cancer. The complete extinguishment
      of pelvic disease is possible using en bloc pelvic resection. The no-touch
      isolation technique aims to reduce cancer cells flowing from the primary tumor
      site to the liver and other organs by ligating blood and lymphatic vessels first.
      objectives are to present the operative details and to establish the feasibility
      of the modified technique of en bloc pelvic resection, which begins with the
      central ligation of vessels supplying the tumor bed. METHODS: Twenty patients
      with pelvic tumor extensively infiltrating into adjacent pelvic organs were
      uniformly operated on. The surgical plan commenced with incisions along the
      lateral peritoneal reflections immediately medial to the white line of Toldt
      followed by a retroperitoneal central ligation of ovarian and mesenteric vessels
      and the ovarian lymphovascular flow. Then, the routine steps of en bloc pelvic
      resection were performed. Data on treatment were assessed. RESULTS: In all cases,
      no gross residual disease was achieved. The median durations of the surgical
      procedure and the hospital stay were 320 min (range: 205-430 min) and 12 days
      (range: 7-44 days), respectively. The complications were as follows: wound
      infection (n = 1), anastomosis dehiscence (n = 1), total parenteral nutrition (n
      = 4), and death (n = 1, PE). The median follow-up time period was 19 months
      (range: 8-31 months). No patient experienced a recurrence of pelvic disease.
      CONCLUSIONS: Performing a central ligation of vessels supplying the tumor bed
      prior to an en bloc pelvic resection is feasible with acceptable morbidity and
      mortality rates.

PMID- 27130226
TI  - On-site hydrolytic enzymes production from fungal co-cultivation of Bermuda grass
      and corn cob.
AB  - Solid state fermentation (SSF) is used to produce industrial enzymes. The
      objective of this study was to use a co-culture of Aspergillus niger GS1 and
      Trichoderma reesei, grown on a mixture of Bermuda grass and corn cob to obtain
      fermented forage (FF) rich in hydrolytic enzymes, as a value added ingredient for
      animal feed. FPase, amylase and xylanase productivities (dry matter, DM) were
      8.8, 181.4, and 42.1Ug(-1)h(-1), respectively (1U=reducing sugars released min(
      1)), after 12-16h of SSF with C/N=60. Cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin
      decreased 1.6-, 2.7- and 1.9-fold (DM), respectively. In vitro ruminal and true
      digestibility of DM was improved 2.4- and 1.4-fold. Ruminal digestion of FF
      reduced 1.32-fold the acetate:propionate ratio, which may reduce the
      environmental impact of ruminants feeding. On-site hydrolytic enzymes
      productivity using SSF without enzymes extraction could be of economic potential
      for digestibility improvement in animal feed. 

PMID- 27130222
TI  - Concise Review: Bridging the Gap: Novel Neuroregenerative and Neuroprotective
      Strategies in Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) result in devastating lifelong disability for
      patients and their families. The initial mechanical trauma is followed by a
      damaging secondary injury cascade involving proapoptotic signaling, ischemia, and
      inflammatory cell infiltration. Ongoing cellular necrosis releases ATP, DNA,
      glutamate, and free radicals to create a cytotoxic postinjury milieu. Long-term
      regeneration of lost or injured networks is further impeded by cystic cavitation
      and the formation of an inhibitory glial-chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan scar.
      In this article, we discuss important neuroprotective interventions currently
      applied in clinical practice, including surgical decompression, blood pressure
      augmentation, and i.v. methylprednisolone. We then explore exciting translational
      therapies on the horizon, such as riluzole, minocycline, fibroblast growth
      factor, magnesium, and hypothermia. Finally, we summarize the key
      neuroregenerative strategies of the next decade, including glial scar
      degradation, Rho-ROCK inhibition, cell-based therapies, and novel bioengineered
      adjuncts. Throughout, we emphasize the need for combinatorial approaches to this
      multifactorial problem and discuss relevant studies at the forefront of
      translation. We conclude by providing our perspectives on the future direction of
      SCI research. SIGNIFICANCE: Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) result in devastating,
      lifelong disability for patients and their families. This article discusses
      important neuroprotective interventions currently applied in clinical practice,
      including surgical decompression, blood pressure augmentation, and i.v.
      methylprednisolone. Translational therapies on the horizon are discussed, such as
      riluzole, minocycline, fibroblast growth factor, magnesium, and hypothermia. The
      key neuroregenerative strategies of the next decade are summarized, including
      glial scar degradation, Rho-ROCK inhibition, cell-based therapies, and novel
      bioengineered adjuncts. The need for combinatorial approaches to this
      multifactorial problem is emphasized, relevant studies at the forefront of
      translation are discussed, and perspectives on the future direction of SCI
      research are presented.

PMID- 27130227
TI  - Increased accumulation of polyhydroxybutyrate in divergent cyanobacteria under
      nutrient-deprived photoautotrophy: An efficient conversion of solar energy and
      carbon dioxide to polyhydroxybutyrate by Calothrix scytonemicola TISTR 8095.
AB  - The cellular PHB content was determined in 137 strains of cyanobacteria
      representing 88 species in 26 genera under six photoautotrophic nutrient
      conditions. One hundred and thirty-four strains were PHB producers. The PHB
      contents of these 134 strains were subtle under normal growth condition, but were
      significantly increased in 63 strains under nitrogen deprivation (-N), a higher
      frequency than with phosphate and/or potassium and all-nutrient deprivation. A
      high PHB accumulation was not associated with any particular evolutionary groups,
      but was strain specific. The filamentous Calothrix scytonemicola TISTR 8095
      produced 356.5+/-63.4mg/L PHB under -N from a biomass of 1396.6+/-66.1mg/L,
      giving a PHB content of 25.4+/-3.5% (w/w dry weight). This PHB productivity is
      equivalent to the CO2 consumption of 729.2+/-129.8mg/L. The maximum energy
      conversion from solar energy to PHB obtained by C. scytonemicola TISTR 8095 was
      1.42+/-0.30%. 

PMID- 27130228
TI  - A review into the use of ceramics in microbial fuel cells.
AB  - Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer great promise as a technology that can produce
      electricity whilst at the same time treat wastewater. Although significant
      progress has been made in recent years, the requirement for cheaper materials has
      prevented the technology from wider, out-of-the-lab, implementation. Recently,
      researchers have started using ceramics with encouraging results, suggesting that
      this inexpensive material might be the solution for propelling MFC technology
      towards real world applications. Studies have demonstrated that ceramics can
      provide stability, improve power and treatment efficiencies, create a better
      environment for the electro-active bacteria and contribute towards resource
      recovery. This review discusses progress to date using ceramics as (i) the
      structural material, (ii) the medium for ion exchange and (iii) the electrode for
      MFCs. 

PMID- 27130230
TI  - Emodin Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Human Endometrial Stromal Cells by
      Facilitating the Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition Through Targeting ILK.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether emodin facilitates the mesenchymal-epithelial
      transition (MET) of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) as well as to explore the
      mechanism through which emodin favored the MET of ESCs. METHODS: Cell viability
      was tested by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. Cell migration and invasion
      abilities were detected by transwell assays. Levels of integrin-linked kinase
      (ILK) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were detected
      by Western blot. RESULTS: Upregulated ILK and increased abilities of migration
      and invasion were confirmed in the eutopic and ectopic ESCs (EuSCs and EcSCs),
      especially in the EcSCs. After treated with emodin, the expression of ILK was
      statistically downregulated in EcSCs, resulting in the MET and decreased
      migration and invasion abilities of EcSCs. Additionally, silencing of the ILK
      gene in EcSCs also achieved the above-mentioned effects, which were strengthened
      by emodin. Furthermore, exogenous expression of ILK in control ESCs (CSCs)
      resulted in the EMT and increased abilities of migration and invasion of CSCs,
      which can be abrogated by emodin. Besides, exogenous expression of ILK also
      abrogated the effects of emodin on CSCs. CONCLUSION: Emodin inhibits the
      migration and invasion abilities of human ESCs by facilitating the MET through
      targeting ILK.

PMID- 27130231
TI  - Endothelin Receptor A Antagonism Prevents Damage to Glycogen-Rich Placental Cells
      Following Uterine Ischemia-Reperfusion in the Rat.
AB  - Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common cause of perinatal morbidity and
      mortality. Suboptimal uteroplacental perfusion is the most commonly identified
      cause of FGR, and ischemic lesions are often observed in placentas from
      pregnancies complicated by FGR. Ischemia followed by reperfusion is a strong
      stimulus to the production of the vasoconstrictor endothelin 1 (ET-1) which has
      been implicated in several models of FGR. We sought to investigate oxidative
      stress and placental morphology in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)
      induced FGR and to evaluate the role of ET-1 in the observed pathology.
      Unilateral uterine I/R (30 min) was conducted, with and without simultaneous ET-1
      receptor A (ETA) antagonism, on pregnant rats at gestation day 17. Placental
      tissues collected 24 hours later were evaluated immunohistochemically for
      oxidative damage. Tissue pathology was studied using quantitative morphometry.
      Glycogen-rich cellular areas in the placental junctional zone exhibited only 50%
      intact cells (P < .001) in both uterine horns following unilateral I/R, compared
      to controls. ETA antagonism prevented damage to the glycogen-rich cellular areas.
      Oxidative damage in response to I/R was prominent in the labyrinthine layer in
      both uterine horns and was not affected by ETA antagonism. We conclude that
      glycogen-rich cellular areas of the placental junctional zone are particularly
      vulnerable to damage from uterine I/R in the rat. Nucleic acid oxidative damage
      in the labyrinth is a prominent effect of uterine I/R. ETA antagonism protects
      placental cellular integrity during I/R challenge but does not prevent nucleic
      acid oxidative damage.

PMID- 27130232
TI  - The Effect of Levonorgestrel on Fibrinolytic Factors in Human Endometrial
      Endothelial Cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is considered a
      highly effective treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). While LNG has
      established effects on the stromal and glandular compartments of the endometrial
      tissue, its effect on the endometrial endothelial cells has not been
      investigated. We examined whether LNG regulates fibrinolytic factors, tissue
      plasminogen activator (tPA), and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) secreted
      by human endometrial endothelial cells (HEECs) and determined the steroid
      receptor through which LNG exerts its effect on the endothelium. METHODS: The
      HEECs were treated with LNG or progesterone and levels of tPA and plasminogen
      activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) measured. The HEECs were specifically examined for
      the presence of androgen receptors through Western blot. Levonorgestrel +/-
      flutamide were added to HEECs and the levels of tPA and uPA were examined.
      RESULTS: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay performed on culture media
      confirmed a statistically significant decrease in tPA levels in cells treated
      with LNG (77.80% +/- 8.0% of control; n = 5, P < .05 vs control) but not
      progesterone. The androgen receptor (110 kDa) was detected in HEEC lysates. The
      decrease in tPA was blocked by the addition of flutamide (101.3% +/- 16% of
      control), a classic nonsteroidal androgen receptor blocker. There was no change
      in uPA or PAI-1 levels in cells treated with LNG. CONCLUSIONS: Levonorgestrel
      decreases tPA levels through the androgen receptor in HEECs. Thus, LNG inhibits
      tPA secretion by the endometrial endothelial cell. This response suggests
      reduction in HMB with LNG-IUS could reflect an LNG-mediated promotion of
      hemostasis.

PMID- 27130233
TI  - Non-Invasive Imaging of Amyloid Deposits in a Mouse Model of AGel Using 99mTc
      Modified Nanobodies and SPECT/CT.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gelsolin amyloidosis (AGel), also known as familial amyloidosis, Finnish
      type (FAF), is an autosomal, dominant, incurable disease caused by a point
      mutation (G654A/T) in the gelsolin (GSN) gene. The mutation results in loss of a
      Ca2+-binding site in the second gelsolin domain. Subsequent incorrect folding
      exposes a cryptic furin cleavage site, leading to the formation of a 68-kDa C
      terminal cleavage product (C68) in the trans-Golgi network. This C68 fragment is
      cleaved by membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) during secretion
      into the extracellular environment, releasing 8- and 5-kDa amyloidogenic
      peptides. These peptides aggregate and cause disease-associated symptoms. We set
      out to investigate whether AGel-specific nanobodies could be used to monitor
      amyloidogenic gelsolin buildup. PROCEDURES: Three nanobodies (FAF Nb1-3) raised
      against the 8-kDa fragment were screened as AGel amyloid imaging agents in WT and
      AGel mice using 99mTc-based single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/X
      ray tomography (CT), biodistribution analysis, and immunofluorescence (IF). The
      quantitative characteristics were analyzed in a follow-up study with a Nb11
      expressing mouse model. RESULTS: All three nanobodies possess the characteristics
      desired for a 99mTc-based SPECT/CT imaging agent, high specificity and a low
      background signal. FAF Nb1 was identified as the most potent, based on its
      superior signal-to-noise ratio and signal specificity. As a proof of concept, we
      implemented 99mTc-FAF Nb1 in a follow-up study of the Nb11-expressing AGel mouse
      model. Using biodistribution analysis and immunofluorescence, we demonstrated the
      validity of the data acquired via 99mTc-FAF Nb1 SPECT/CT. CONCLUSION: These
      findings demonstrate the potential of this nanobody as a non-invasive tool to
      image amyloidogenic gelsolin deposition and assess the therapeutic capacity of
      AGel therapeutics currently under development. We propose that this approach can
      be extended to other amyloid diseases, thereby contributing to the development of
      specific therapies.

PMID- 27130235
TI  - Troubled mental health trust is still putting patients at risk, warns CQC.

PMID- 27130236
TI  - Consistently inconsistent: interest in sexual function.

PMID- 27130234
TI  - Selecting Tumor-Specific Molecular Targets in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Paving
      the Way for Image-Guided Pancreatic Surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify suitable molecular targets for
      tumor-specific imaging of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. PROCEDURES: The expression
      of eight potential imaging targets was assessed by the target selection criteria
      (TASC)-score and immunohistochemical analysis in normal pancreatic tissue (n =
      9), pancreatic (n = 137), and periampullary (n = 28) adenocarcinoma. RESULTS:
      Integrin alphavbeta6, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), epithelial growth factor
      receptor (EGFR), and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) showed a
      significantly higher (all p < 0.001) expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
      compared to normal pancreatic tissue and were confirmed by the TASC score as
      promising imaging targets. Furthermore, these biomarkers were expressed in
      respectively 88 %, 71 %, 69 %, and 67 % of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that integrin alphavbeta6,
      CEA, EGFR, and uPAR are suitable targets for tumor-specific imaging of pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27130237
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27130238
TI  - Referral patterns between high- and low-volume centers and associations with
      uterine cancer treatment and survival: a population-based study of Medicare,
      Medicaid, and privately insured women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-volume center surgery and gynecologic oncology care are
      associated with improved outcomes for women with uterine cancer. Referral
      patterns, from biopsy through to chemotherapy, may have patients interacting with
      high-volume centers for all, a portion, or none of their care. The relative
      frequency, the underlying factors that contribute to referral, and the potential
      impact of these referral patterns on treatment outcomes are unknown. OBJECTIVE:
      We sought to analyze the referral patterns and subsequent impact of care sites on
      treatment for women with high- and low-risk uterine cancer. STUDY DESIGN: This is
      a population-based retrospective cohort study of uterine cancer cases from 2004
      through 2009 in North Carolina. Using state cancer registry files linked to
      Medicare, Medicaid, and private payer insurance claims, we analyzed referral and
      treatment patterns by annual surgical volume (high >=12/y). We examined clinical
      and demographic factors associated with referral and used modified Poisson
      regression to evaluate risk of referral, lymphadenectomy, and chemotherapy.
      Stratified Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard models were used to
      examine survival. RESULTS: A total of 2053 women were analyzed, including 34% (n
      = 677) with grade 3 histology. Of 1630 (80%) women with preoperative biopsies,
      referral patterns (biopsy to surgery) were: low volume to high volume (n = 652,
      40%), followed by high volume to high volume (n = 605, 37%), then low volume to
      low volume (n = 318, 20%), and the rare high volume to low volume (n = 50, 3%).
      Women retained in low-volume centers after biopsy were older, were less likely to
      have private insurance, and had more comorbidities. High-risk histology (aRR,
      1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.25) was positively associated with
      referral, while Medicaid insurance was negatively associated with referral (aRR,
      0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-0.96). Most women (74%, n = 1557) had surgery
      at high-volume centers. Lymphadenectomy was less likely at low-volume centers
      (aRR, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.77). Similarly, for high-risk
      patients, the relationship between low-volume center surgery and subsequent
      chemotherapy was aRR, 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.48-1.02). Of 290 women who
      received chemotherapy, the referral patterns (surgery to chemotherapy) were: high
      volume-all (high volume to high volume), high volume-hybrid (high volume to low
      volume, or low volume to high volume), and high volume-none (low volume to low
      volume). In all, 36% (n = 104/290) received chemotherapy at a low-volume center,
      the majority (68%, n = 71/104) of whom were referred from high-volume centers
      after surgery. Crude, unadjusted mortality risk of chemotherapy recipients
      differed by referral pattern (surgery to chemotherapy): high volume-all patients
      (hazard ratio, 1.0; referent), followed by high volume-hybrid (hazard ratio,
      1.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-1.91) then high volume-none patients (RR,
      1.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-3.08). CONCLUSION: Most women with uterine
      cancer treated at high-volume centers arrive through referral, which is affected
      by age and type of insurance, in addition to histology. For high-risk women who
      require chemotherapy, survival may be related to the extent of treatment received
      at high-volume centers.

PMID- 27130239
TI  - Effect of race/ethnicity on clinical presentation and risk of gestational
      trophoblastic neoplasia in patients with complete and partial molar pregnancy at
      a tertiary care referral center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The reported incidence of molar pregnancy varies widely among
      different geographic locations. This variation has been attributed, at least in
      part, to racial/ethnic differences. While the incidence of molar pregnancies is
      decreasing, certain ethnic groups such as Hispanics, Asians, and American Indians
      continue to have an increased risk of developing gestational trophoblastic
      disease across the globe. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the potential effect
      of ethnicity/race on the presentation and clinical course of complete mole and
      partial mole. STUDY DESIGN: All patients followed up for complete mole and
      partial mole at a single institution referral center from 1994 through 2013 were
      identified. Variables including age, race, gravidity, parity, gestational age,
      presenting signs/symptoms, serum human chorionic gonadotropin values, and
      development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia were extracted from medical
      records and patient surveys. Patients with complete mole and partial mole were
      categorized into race/ethnicity groups defined as white, black, Asian, or
      Hispanic. Due to low numbers of non-white patients with partial mole in each non
      white category, patients with partial mole were grouped as white or non-white.
      Continuous variables were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test and binary
      variables were compared using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS: A total of 167
      complete mole patients with known race/ethnicity status were included (57.48%
      white, 14.97% Asian, 14.37% black, 13.17% Hispanic). Hispanics presented at
      younger age (median 24.5 years) compared to whites (median 32.0 years, P = .04)
      and Asians (median 31.0 years, P = .03). Blacks had higher gravidity than whites
      (P < .001) and Hispanics (P = .05). There was no significant difference in
      presenting symptoms, gestational age at diagnosis, and preevacuation serum human
      chorionic gonadotropin level by race/ethnicity. Hispanics were significantly less
      likely than whites to develop gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (absolute risk
      difference, 28.6%; 95% confidence interval, 8.1-39.2%; P = .02). A total of 144
      patients with partial mole were analyzed. There were 108 white and 36 non-white
      patients. Median age was 31 years for white and 29 years for non-white patients
      (P = .006). Median gravidity was 2 for white and 3 for non-white patients (P <
      .001), and median parity was 0 for white patients and 1 for non-white patients (P
      = .003). There were no significant differences with respect to presenting signs
      and symptoms, gestational age, preevacuation human chorionic gonadotropin level,
      or risk of progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. CONCLUSION:
      Hispanic patients with complete molar pregnancy had a significantly lower risk of
      developing gestational trophoblastic neoplasia than white patients. There were no
      significant differences among groups in terms of presenting symptoms, gestational
      age at diagnosis, or preevacuation human chorionic gonadotropin levels for either
      complete mole or partial mole patients.

PMID- 27130240
TI  - Effect of dendritic cell state and antigen-presentation conditions on resulting T
      cell phenotypes and Th cytokine profiles.
AB  - T cells play a pivotal role in controlling the immune response and have been the
      focus of extensive research. We studied the process of in vitro generation of
      antigen-specific T effector cells (Teffs) to assess the dynamics of antigen
      presentation and determine the best conditions for cell therapy. We used a
      peptidic construct consisting of combined HLA class I and II epitopes of the
      tumor antigen MAGE-3 as an antigen. Monocytes were isolated from healthy donors
      and were differentiated to dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. The peptide was added
      to the DC culture, the pulsed cells were transferred to a co-culture with
      lymphocytes from the same donor, either as irradiated feeders or untreated, and
      were cultured in the presence or absence of IL-2. Several rounds of restimulation
      followed. The cells were analyzed by Flow Cytometry, and cytokine levels were
      measured by ELISA and Cytometric Bead Array for Th1/Th2/Th17 profiling. The
      results showed that the lymphocytes in culture upregulated their activation
      markers and produced Th1 proinflammatory cytokines in response to the peptide,
      optimally when it was presented by non-irradiated dendritic cells in the presence
      of IL-2. In contrast, DC irradiation resulted in low activation potential and a
      shift toward a suppressive phenotype. After prolonged antigenic stimulation, the
      culture displayed Th17 polarization. In conclusion, the functional integrity of
      DCs is necessary for the development of antigen-specific Teffs, and culture
      conditions can be developed to create Teffs with specific properties for eventual
      use in cell therapy applications.

PMID- 27130241
TI  - [Qualitative research: An opportunity to think again about evidence-based
      medicine].

PMID- 27130243
TI  - Clinical and histopathological features of adenomas of the ciliary pigment
      epithelium.
AB  - PURPOSE: Adenomas of the ciliary pigment epithelium (CPE) are rare benign tumours
      which have mainly to be differentiated from malignant ciliary body melanomas.
      Here we report on a consecutive series of patients with CPE adenomas and describe
      their characteristics. METHODS: The retrospective hospital-based case series
      study included all patients who were consecutively operated for CPE adenomas.
      RESULTS: Of the 110 patients treated for ciliary body tumours, five patients
      (4.5%) had a CPE adenoma. Mean age was 59.0 +/- 9.9 years (range: 46-72 years).
      Mean tumour apical thickness was 6.6 +/- 1.7 mm. Tumour colour was mostly
      homogenously brown to black, and the tumour surface was smooth. The tumour masses
      pushed the iris tissue forward without infiltrating iris or anterior chamber
      angle. Sonography revealed an irregular echogram with sharp lesion borders and
      signs of blood flow in Color Doppler flow imaging. Ultrasonographic biomicroscopy
      demonstrated medium-low internal reflectivity and acoustic attenuation. In
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the tumours as compared to brain were
      hyperintense on T1-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images. Tumour
      tissue consisted of cords and nests of pigment epithelium cells separated by
      septa of vascularized fibrous connective tissue, leading to a pseudo-glandular
      appearance. The melanin granules in the cytoplasm were large and mostly spherical
      in shape. In four patients, the tumours were hyperpigmented. Tumour cells were
      large with round or oval nuclei and clearly detectable nucleoli. CONCLUSIONS:
      These clinical characteristics of CPE adenomas, such as homogenous dark brown
      colour, smooth surface, iris dislocation and anterior chamber angle narrowing but
      no iris infiltration, segmental cataract, pigment dispersion, and, as compared to
      brain tissue, hypointensity and, as compared to extraocular muscles or lacrimal
      gland, hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI images, may be helpful for the
      differentiation from ciliary body malignant melanomas.

PMID- 27130242
TI  - Facilitating unambiguous NMR assignments and enabling higher probe density
      through selective labeling of all methyl containing amino acids.
AB  - The deuteration of proteins and selective labeling of side chain methyl groups
      has greatly enhanced the molecular weight range of proteins and protein complexes
      which can be studied using solution NMR spectroscopy. Protocols for the selective
      labeling of all six methyl group containing amino acids individually are
      available, however to date, only a maximum of five amino acids have been labeled
      simultaneously. Here, we describe a new methodology for the simultaneous,
      selective labeling of all six methyl containing amino acids using the 115 kDa
      homohexameric enzyme CoaD from E. coli as a model system. The utility of the
      labeling protocol is demonstrated by efficiently and unambiguously assigning all
      methyl groups in the enzymatic active site using a single 4D (13)C-resolved HMQC
      NOESY-HMQC experiment, in conjunction with a crystal structure. Furthermore, the
      six fold labeled protein was employed to characterize the interaction between the
      substrate analogue (R)-pantetheine and CoaD by chemical shift perturbations,
      demonstrating the benefit of the increased probe density.

PMID- 27130244
TI  - Optimal Spatial Prediction Using Ensemble Machine Learning.
AB  - Spatial prediction is an important problem in many scientific disciplines. Super
      Learner is an ensemble prediction approach related to stacked generalization that
      uses cross-validation to search for the optimal predictor amongst all convex
      combinations of a heterogeneous candidate set. It has been applied to non-spatial
      data, where theoretical results demonstrate it will perform asymptotically at
      least as well as the best candidate under consideration. We review these
      optimality properties and discuss the assumptions required in order for them to
      hold for spatial prediction problems. We present results of a simulation study
      confirming Super Learner works well in practice under a variety of sample sizes,
      sampling designs, and data-generating functions. We also apply Super Learner to a
      real world dataset.

PMID- 27130245
TI  - Fetal size monitoring and birth-weight prediction: a new population-based
      approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a complete, population-based system for ultrasound-based
      fetal size monitoring and birth-weight prediction for use in the second and third
      trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS: Using 31 516 ultrasound examinations from a
      population-based Norwegian clinical database, we constructed fetal size charts
      for biparietal diameter, femur length and abdominal circumference from 24 to 42
      weeks' gestation. A reference curve of median birth weight for gestational age
      was estimated using 45 037 birth weights. We determined how individual deviations
      from the expected ultrasound measures predicted individual percentage deviations
      from expected birth weight. The predictive quality was assessed by explained
      variance of birth weight and receiver-operating characteristics curves for
      prediction of small-for-gestational age. A curve for intrauterine estimated fetal
      weight was constructed. Charts were smoothed using the gamlss non-linear
      regression method. RESULTS: The population-based approach, using bias-free
      ultrasound gestational age, produces stable estimates of size-for-age and weight
      for-age curves in the range 24-42 weeks' gestation. There is a close
      correspondence between percentage deviations and percentiles of birth weight by
      gestational age, making it easy to convert between the two. The variance of birth
      weight that can be 'explained' by ultrasound increases from 8% at 20 weeks up to
      67% around term. Intrauterine estimated fetal weight is 0-106 g higher than
      median birth weight in the preterm period. CONCLUSIONS: The new population-based
      birth-weight prediction model provides a simple summary measure, the 'percentage
      birth-weight deviation', to be used for fetal size monitoring throughout the
      third trimester. Predictive quality of the model can be measured directly from
      the population data. The model computes both median observed birth weight and
      intrauterine estimated fetal weight. Copyright (c) 2016 ISUOG. Published by John
      Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27130246
TI  - Factors associated with insulin-induced weight gain in an Australian type 2
      diabetes outpatient clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin-induced weight gain is a key concern for people with type 2
      diabetes (T2D) and their treatment team. This study aimed to document the
      prevalence of insulin-induced weight gain and its impact on cardiovascular risk
      factors in patients attending the Royal Melbourne Hospital diabetes clinic.
      METHODS: Clinical and biochemical data were extracted from a prospective clinic
      database and from the hospital record. These variables were correlated with the
      percentage weight change 1 year after starting insulin and compared between
      groups with or without clinically significant weight gain, defined as more than
      7% of the baseline bodyweight. RESULTS: The population comprised 340 patients
      (184 male), representing 36% of people with T2D who commenced insulin at our
      clinic. Their mean +/- SD age and duration of diabetes was 63 +/- 11 and 13 +/- 8
      years respectively. The mean (95% CI) change in bodyweight at 1 year was 3.0 (2.5
      3.5) kg, but this was not associated with deleterious changes in blood pressure
      or lipid profile. Weight gain was associated with higher insulin doses, the use
      of short-acting insulin and with lower baseline bodyweight. Clinically
      significant weight gain occurred in 87 patients and was associated with glucose
      lowering regimens that included short-acting insulin or a thiazolidinedione,
      whereas regimens that incorporated other oral agents, particularly sulfonylureas,
      were associated with less weight gain. CONCLUSION: In this Australian tertiary
      hospital population with T2D, insulin-induced weight gain was common but was not
      associated with deleterious changes in blood pressure or lipids. Treatment
      regimens that avoid short-acting insulin but include oral agents other than
      thiazolidinediones might prevent insulin-induced weight gain in T2D.

PMID- 27130247
TI  - Francis Anthony Almond.

PMID- 27130248
TI  - Unconventional Volume-Outcome Associations in Adult Extracorporeal Membrane
      Oxygenation in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate institutional volume-outcome
      relationships in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with subanalyses of
      ECMO in patients with a primary diagnosis of respiratory failure. METHODS: All
      institutions with adult ECMO discharges in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from
      2002 to 2011 were evaluated. International Classification of Diseases (ninth
      revision) codes were used to identify ECMO-treated patients, indications, and
      concurrent procedures. Patients who were treated with ECMO after cardiotomy were
      excluded. Annual institutional and national volume of ECMO hospitalizations
      varied widely, hence the number of ECMO cases performed at an institution was
      calculated for each year independently. Institutions were grouped into high-,
      medium-, and low-volume terciles by year. Statistical analysis included
      hierarchical, multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The in-hospital
      mortality rates for ECMO admissions at low-, medium-, and high-volume ECMO
      centers were 48% (n = 467), 60% (n = 285), and 57% (n = 445), respectively (p =
      0.001). In post hoc pairwise comparisons, patients in low-volume hospitals were
      more likely to survive to discharge compared with patients in medium-volume (p =
      0.001) and high-volume (p = 0.005) hospitals. There was no significant difference
      in survival between medium-volume and high-volume hospitals (p = 0.81). In a
      subanalysis of patients with respiratory failure, low-volume ECMO centers
      maintained the lowest rates of in-hospital mortality (47%), versus 61% in medium
      volume institutions (p = 0.045) and 56% in high-volume institutions (p = 0.15).
      Multivariable logistical regression produced similar results in the entire study
      sample and in patients with respiratory failure. CONCLUSIONS: ECMO outcomes in
      the Nationwide Inpatient Sample do not follow a traditional volume-outcome
      relationship, and these results suggest that, in properly selected patients, ECMO
      can be performed with acceptable results in U.S. centers that do not perform a
      high volume of ECMO.

PMID- 27130249
TI  - Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
      for Severe Aortic Stenosis in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3b to
      5.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are scarce data on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with
      renal failure. METHODS: We evaluated the impact of renal failure on outcomes
      after TAVI and SAVR and compared the results of these procedures in patients with
      chronic kidney disease stages 3b to 5 from the Observational Study of
      Effectiveness of AVR-TAVI Procedures for Severe Aortic Stenosis Treatment
      (OBSERVANT) study. RESULTS: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3b to 5 was
      associated with an increased risk of mortality after either TAVI or SAVR compared
      with CKD stages 1 to 3a. Among 170 propensity score-matched pairs with CKD stages
      3b to 5, patients who underwent TAVI had a significantly higher rate of permanent
      pacemaker implantation, vascular damage, and mild to moderate paravalvular
      regurgitation, and tended to have a higher 30-day mortality (7.1% versus 2.9%; p
      = 0.09). Thirty-day mortality after transapical TAVI was 7.1%. SAVR had a
      significantly higher rate of blood transfusions, stroke, and acute kidney injury.
      At 2 years, patients undergoing TAVI had somewhat higher all-cause mortality
      (31.2% versus 23.4%; p = 0.118), major cardiac and cerebrovascular events (37.2%
      versus 31.0%; p = 0.270), and a lower risk of dialysis (12.4% versus 21.2%; p =
      0.052) compared with SAVR. CONCLUSIONS: CKD stages 3b to 5 increases the risk of
      mortality after TAVI and SAVR. In this subset of patients, SAVR was associated
      with somewhat better early and late survival. The risk of acute kidney injury was
      higher after SAVR. These findings suggest that CKD stages 3b to 5 does not
      contraindicate SAVR. Strategies to prevent severe acute kidney injury should be
      implemented with either SAVR or TAVI.

PMID- 27130250
TI  - An Extended Role of Continuous Flow Device in Pediatric Mechanical Circulatory
      Support.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mechanical circulatory support in the pediatric population is
      currently limited to pulsatile ventricular assist devices (VAD). In recent years,
      the use of durable, newer generation, continuous flow devices have increased
      substantially among adults with end-stage heart failure. We examined the extended
      role of this device in the pediatric population (aged less than 18 years).
      METHODS: Between 2010 and 2015, 12 patients (median age 7.1 years; range, 3.7 to
      17.0; one third of patients were aged 5 years or less) received a HeartWare
      ventricular assist device (HVAD; HeartWare, Framingham, MA), 11 for
      cardiomyopathy and 1 for posttransplant rejection. Right VAD support (n = 5; 42%)
      was provided by a short-term device (Levitronix, Zurich, Switzerland). RESULTS:
      Overall, 1 patient died (day 638), 8 patients (67%) underwent transplantation, 1
      patient (8.3%) recovered, and 2 patients (17%) remain on HVAD. The mean length of
      support was 150 days (range, 16 to 638). Four patients (33.3%) were discharged
      home (all left VAD). In the left VAD group (n = 7), 3 patients subsequently
      received transplants (days 185, 201, and 234, respectively), 1 recovered (day
      149), 1 died (day 638), 1 remained on HVAD (day 198), and 1 needed conversion to
      biventricular assist device (BIVAD [day 73]). In the BIVAD group (n = 5), right
      VAD was weaned in 3 (60%), all subsequently received transplants, and 2 remained
      on BIVAD support until transplant (days 16 and 17, respectively). One BIVAD
      patient required conversion to central cannulation for longer-term support. Four
      BIVAD patients (80%) were in Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted
      Circulatory Support level 1 before VAD compared with 2 (29%) in the left VAD
      group (p = not significant). The actuarial survival rate was 100% at 1 year with
      no neurologic events. CONCLUSIONS: The third-generation, continuous flow device
      can provide durable support in the pediatric population. The selection strategy
      for patients who benefit most from the device continues to evolve. It is
      anticipated that a smaller design in the future will benefit an even wider
      pediatric population with heart failure.

PMID- 27130251
TI  - Altered Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase and Calcium Signaling in Cardiac
      Dysfunction After Brain Death in Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is involved in myocardial function,
      including contractility. To date, myocardial regulation by phosphatidylinositol 3
      kinase after brain death has not been investigated. The present study using a
      brain death model was designed to examine the role of phosphatidylinositol 3
      kinase in myocardial function after brain death. METHODS: After anesthesia with
      sevoflurane, a Fogarty catheter was placed intracranially for induction of brain
      death. A conductance catheter was inserted into the left ventricle for
      measurement of myocardial function. Rats were assigned to the following groups:
      one group undergoing sham operation (with catheter placement but no brain death
      introduction); one group receiving saline before brain death; and one group
      receiving wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, before brain
      death. Various measurements, including mean blood pressure, heart rate, maximal
      rate of rise of left ventricular pressure, and ejection fraction, were obtained
      every 30 minutes for 6 hours after brain death. The phosphorylation status of Akt
      and phospholamban was determined 360 minutes after brain death. RESULTS: After
      induction of brain death, rats showed significant decreases in blood pressure,
      maximal rate of rise of left ventricular pressure, and ejection fraction.
      Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase using wortmannin significantly
      improved these measurements, resulting in increased survival. Western blot
      analysis demonstrated that brain death increased Akt phosphorylation and
      decreased phospholamban phosphorylation; these effects were abolished by
      wortmannin. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase prevented
      myocardial dysfunction after brain death in association with inhibition of the
      decrease in phosphorylation of myocardial phospholamban, characteristic of brain
      death.

PMID- 27130252
TI  - Use of an Oral Busulfan Test Dose in Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell
      Transplantation Treated With or Without Fludarabine.
AB  - This study investigated the importance of an oral test dose for busulfan (BU)
      dose adjustment before a conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem-cell
      transplantation (HSCT) and the effect of fludarabine (FLU) on the oral BU
      pharmacokinetics evaluated after the fifth treatment dose (first BU dose on day 2
      of treatment). Twenty-eight patients treated with oral BU (1 mg/kg every 6 hours
      for 4 days) were divided into 2 groups according to the concomitant
      administration of FLU (n = 15; 30 mg/m2 for 5 days) or subsequent administration
      of cyclophosphamide (CY) (n = 13; 60 mg/kg for 2 days). On the day prior to the
      beginning of the conditioning regimen, blood samples were collected (0-6 hours)
      after administration of an oral BU test dose of 0.25 mg/kg. Busulfan was
      quantified in plasma samples by LC-MS/MS, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were
      calculated using WinNonlin software. Blood samples were collected between the
      fifth and sixth treatment dose to confirm the mean plasma steady-state
      concentration (Css ) of BU. The AUC0-6 and apparent clearance of BU did not
      differ (P < .05) between the groups receiving FLU and CY. In 81% of the patients
      who received BU doses adjusted based on the test dose (n = 21), the Css was
      within the target range of 600-900 ng/mL. No association was observed between BU
      AUC0-6 and clinical outcome in the study group (n = 28). The results suggest that
      in concomitant administration of FLU and BU during conditioning regimens for
      HSCT, changes in BU dose should be considered only after the administration of
      the fifth BU dose.

PMID- 27130253
TI  - Molecular modulators of store-operated calcium entry.
AB  - Three decades ago, store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) was identified as a unique
      mechanism for Ca(2+) entry through plasma membrane (PM) Ca(2+)-permeable channels
      modulated by the intracellular Ca(2+) stores, mainly the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER). Extensive analysis of the communication between the ER and the PM leads to
      the identification of the protein STIM1 as the ER-Ca(2+) sensor that gates the
      Ca(2+) channels in the PM. Further analysis on the biophysical,
      electrophysiological and biochemical properties of STIM1-dependent Ca(2+)
      channels has revealed the presence of a highly Ca(2+)-selective channel termed
      Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) channel (CRAC), consisting of Orai1 subunits, and
      non-selective cation channels named store-operated channels (SOC), including both
      Orai1 and TRPC channel subunits. Since the identification of the key elements of
      CRAC and SOC channels a number of intracellular modulators have been reported to
      play essential roles in the stabilization of STIM-Orai interactions,
      collaboration with STIM1 conformational changes or mediating slow Ca(2+)
      dependent inactivation. Here, we review our current understanding of some of the
      key modulators of STIM1-Orai1 interaction, including the proteins CRACR2A,
      STIMATE, SARAF, septins, golli and ORMDL3.

PMID- 27130254
TI  - Prolactin and glucocorticoid signaling induces lactation-specific tight junctions
      concurrent with beta-casein expression in mammary epithelial cells.
AB  - Alveolar mammary epithelial cells (MECs) in mammary glands are highly specialized
      cells that produce milk for suckling infants. Alveolar MECs also form less
      permeable tight junctions (TJs) to prevent the leakage of milk components after
      parturition. In the formation process of less permeable TJs, MECs show a
      selective downregulation of Cldn4 and a localization change of Cldn3. To
      investigate what induces less permeable TJs through these compositional changes
      in Cldns, we focused on two lactogenesis-related hormones: prolactin (Prl) and
      glucocorticoids. Prl caused a downregulation of Cldn3 and Cldn4 with the
      formation of leaky TJs in MECs in vitro. Prl-treated MECs also showed low beta
      casein expression with the activation of STAT5 signaling. By contrast,
      dexamethasone (Dex), a glucocorticoid analogue, upregulated Cldn3 and Cldn4,
      concurrent with the formation of less permeable TJs and the activation of
      glucocorticoid signaling without the expression of beta-casein. Cotreatment with
      Prl and Dex induced the selective downregulation of Cldn4 and the concentration
      of Cldn3 in the region of TJs concurrent with less permeable TJ formation and
      high beta-casein expression. The inhibition of Prl secretion by bromocriptine in
      lactating mice induced the upregulation of Cldn3 and Cldn4 concurrent with the
      downregulation of milk production. These results indicate that the coactivation
      of Prl and glucocorticoid signaling induces lactation-specific less permeable TJs
      concurrent with lactogenesis.

PMID- 27130256
TI  - Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and TBS-Adjusted Fracture Risk Assessment Tool are
      Potential Supplementary Tools for the Discrimination of Morphometric Vertebral
      Fractures in Postmenopausal Women With Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with fracture risk but,
      paradoxically, greater bone mineral density (BMD). The trabecular bone score
      (TBS) has been proposed as an index of bone microarchitecture associated with
      bone quality. This study compared the performance of TBS, BMD, and original and
      TBS-adjusted Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX(r)) scores in the discrimination
      of vertebral fractures (VFs) in T2DM patients. This retrospective study enrolled
      169 Korean postmenopausal women with T2DM. Lateral plain radiographs of the
      thoracolumbar spine were taken. Lumbar spine and femur neck BMDs were obtained
      using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). TBS was obtained using the TBS
      iNsight software program (Med-Imaps, Pessac, France) with BMD DXA images (L1-L4).
      VFs were diagnosed when at least 1 of the 3 height measurements was decreased by
      >25% compared to the nearest uncompressed vertebral body. Among the subjects, 34
      women (20.1%) had VFs. Significantly lower TBS (p = 0.008) and higher TBS
      adjusted FRAX scores were shown (p = 0.019) in the group with VFs compared to the
      group without VFs. In contrast, there were no significant differences in BMD and
      original FRAX scores between the 2 groups. Odds ratios (ORs) per standard
      deviation decrease in BMD or TBS and per standard deviation increase in the FRAX
      score were estimated with adjustment for age. TBS (OR = 1.8, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 1.1-2.7, p = 0.011) and TBS-adjusted FRAX score (OR = 2.0, 95%
      confidence interval: 1.1-3.5, p = 0.020) showed statistically significant ORs but
      the others did not. TBS and TBS-adjusted FRAX could be supplementary tools to
      discriminate osteoporotic fractures in T2DM.

PMID- 27130255
TI  - PYCR2 Mutations cause a lethal syndrome of microcephaly and failure to thrive.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A study was undertaken to characterize the clinical features of the
      newly described hypomyelinating leukodystrophy type 10 with microcephaly. This is
      an autosomal recessive disorder mapped to chromosome 1q42.12 due to mutations in
      the PYCR2 gene, encoding an enzyme involved in proline synthesis in mitochondria.
      METHODS: From several international clinics, 11 consanguineous families were
      identified with PYCR2 mutations by whole exome or targeted sequencing, with
      detailed clinical and radiological phenotyping. Selective mutations from patients
      were tested for effect on protein function. RESULTS: The characteristic clinical
      presentation of patients with PYCR2 mutations included failure to thrive,
      microcephaly, craniofacial dysmorphism, progressive psychomotor disability,
      hyperkinetic movements, and axial hypotonia with variable appendicular
      spasticity. Patients did not survive beyond the first decade of life. Brain
      magnetic resonance imaging showed global brain atrophy and white matter T2
      hyperintensities. Routine serum metabolic profiles were unremarkable. Both
      nonsense and missense mutations were identified, which impaired protein
      multimerization. INTERPRETATION: PYCR2-related syndrome represents a clinically
      recognizable condition in which PYCR2 mutations lead to protein dysfunction, not
      detectable on routine biochemical assessments. Mutations predict a poor outcome,
      probably as a result of impaired mitochondrial function. Ann Neurol 2016;80:59
      70.

PMID- 27130257
TI  - A Critical Comparison Between Two Scanning Protocols of High-Resolution
      Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography at the Distal Radius in Adolescents.
AB  - High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is a unique
      technology for assessing bone mineral density and bone microarchitecture.
      Currently, no universally accepted protocol for selecting the region of interest
      (ROI) at the distal radius has been established for growing subjects. This study
      aimed (1) to investigate the differences in HR-pQCT measurements of 2 different
      ROI protocols applied to the distal radius of healthy adolescents and (2) to
      identify the least common area of ROI (the least common ROI) between the
      protocols. Twenty-six boys and 26 girls aged between 13 and 16 yr old were
      recruited. Nondominant distal radius was scanned by 2 HR-pQCT protocols, namely,
      the "5-mm protocol," where the distal end of ROI started at 5 mm proximal to a
      reference line, and the "4% protocol," where the ROI started at 4% of the ulnar
      length proximal to another reference line. The least common ROI between the 2
      protocols was identified and the slice numbering within the common ROI was
      determined. Bland-Altman plots were used to check the agreement of the least
      common ROIs between the 2 protocols. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test
      were used for analysis. In boys, significant differences between protocols were
      found in most parameters with the maximum difference observed in the cortical
      area (25.0%, p < 0.001). In girls, differences were observed only for total
      volumetric bone mineral density (3.6%, p = 0.032). The number of slices in the
      least common ROI was 66 (60.0%) and 57 (51.8%) in boys and girls, respectively.
      Good agreements on all HR-pQCT parameters from the least common ROI between the 2
      protocols were found. Significant differences in bone parameters were noted
      between the 2 protocols. When comparing the 2 protocols, observed gender
      differences could reflect the differences in skeletal growth at the peripubertal
      period between genders. Least common ROI could be useful for cross-center
      comparisons and when merging datasets from different centers.

PMID- 27130258
TI  - Bone Mineral Density and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Patients With Ocular
      Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: A Case-Control Study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) and 25
      hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in patients with ocular pseudoexfoliation (PEX)
      syndrome. Subjects with ocular PEX syndrome were included in the PEX group and
      subjects without PEX syndrome were defined as the control group. 25(OH)D levels
      were measured by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay method. BMD
      measurements were obtained from the femoral neck and lumbar spine by using dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry. The results were expressed as gram per square
      centimeter, T-scores (standard deviation compared to a healthy 30-yr-old male),
      and Z-scores (standard deviation compared to the subject's age). Independent t
      test was used to compare the mean and medians of the groups. The PEX group
      consisted of 23 subjects with a mean age of 71.09 +/- 2.02 yr and the control
      group consisted 46 subjects with a mean age of 67.04 +/- 1.34 yr. There was no
      significant difference between the groups as regards the BMD measurements (gram
      per square meter), T-scores, and Z-scores. Both groups have low 25(OH)D, yet
      vitamin 25(OH)D levels were similar in the groups (p > 0.05). In the light of our
      results, although patients with ocular PEX have low BMD and 25(OH)D, BMD and
      25(OH)D do not appear to be linked to ocular PEX syndrome in our study
      population.

PMID- 27130259
TI  - Memory consolidation and expression of object recognition are susceptible to
      retroactive interference.
AB  - With the aim of analyzing if object recognition long-term memory (OR-LTM)
      formation is susceptible to retroactive interference (RI), we submitted rats to
      sequential sample sessions using the same arena but changing the identity of a
      pair of objects placed in it. Separate groups of animals were tested in the arena
      in order to evaluate the LTM for these objects. Our results suggest that OR-LTM
      formation was retroactively interfered within a critical time window by the
      exploration of a new, but not familiar, object. This RI acted on the
      consolidation of the object explored in the first sample session because its OR
      STM measured 3h after training was not affected, whereas the OR-LTM measured at
      24h was impaired. This sample session also impaired the expression of OR memory
      when it took place before the test. Moreover, local inactivation of the dorsal
      Hippocampus (Hp) or the medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC) previous to the
      exploration of the second pair of objects impaired their consolidation restoring
      the LTM for the objects explored in the first session. This data suggests that
      both brain regions are involved in the processing of OR-memory and also that if
      those regions are engaged in another process before finishing the first
      consolidation process its LTM will be impaired by RI.

PMID- 27130260
TI  - Ultrastructure of the mandibular gland of the ant Myrmoteras iriodum.
AB  - The mandibular gland in workers of the formicine ant Myrmoteras iriodum differs
      from other ants both in its general morphology and ultrastructural organization.
      The secretory cells appear in a pseudo-epithelial arrangement that gives them a
      clear polarity. At their apical side, the cells are characterized by a large cup
      like extension of the reservoir, from which a bulbous invagination connects to a
      branched end apparatus. At the basal side, the cells show a labyrinth of basal
      invaginations, while the lateral cell contacts show clear interdigitations. The
      cytoplasmic composition reveals the presence of numerous round or elongate
      inclusions that contain crystalline material. Microtubules are abundant, and
      locally fibrillar regions are found. The function of the mandibular gland in M.
      iriodum has not yet been documented, and should be studied using gland extracts
      and behavioural observations. 

PMID- 27130261
TI  - Maximum Urethral Closure Pressure Increases After Successful Adjustable
      Continence Therapy (ProACT) for Stress Urinary Incontinence After Radical
      Prostatectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes of the urethral pressure profile (UPP) after
      implantation of adjustable continence therapy (ProACT), a minimally invasive
      procedure in which 2 volume-adjustable balloons are placed periurethrally for
      treatment of male stress urinary incontinence. The working mechanism of the
      ProACT to achieve continence has not been fully understood. We hypothesized that
      successful treatment with ProACT improves urinary continence by inducing a
      significant increase in static urethral pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      included patients who underwent UPP before and after ProACT implantation. UPPs
      were initially performed with the Brown-Wickham water perfusion method and later
      with the T-DOC Air-Charged catheter method. Pre- and postoperative UPPs and
      International Prostate Symptom Scores were evaluated. UPP measurements of
      successfully (no or 1 precautionary pad per day) and unsuccessfully treated
      patients were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included in the
      study; 23 patients were successfully and 4 patients were unsuccessfully treated.
      Maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) increased significantly from median 58.0
      to 79.0 cmH2O in the successfully treated group (P = .001). Within the subgroup
      of unsuccessfully treated patients, MUCP did not change significantly (P = .715).
      The change in MUCP was statistically significantly different between the
      successful and unsuccessful group (P = .034). Total score of the International
      Prostate Symptom Scores did not change significantly after ProACT implantation (P
      = .097). CONCLUSION: Successful treatment with ProACT is associated with a
      significant increase of MUCP. This implies that increased static urethral
      pressure contributes to the working mechanism of the ProACT device to achieve
      continence.

PMID- 27130262
TI  - Pathology and Quality of Life Outcomes Following Office-based Transperineal
      Prostate Biopsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the incidence of prostate cancer diagnosis and quality of
      life outcomes following transperineal prostate biopsy. METHODS: Forty-six
      consecutive patients underwent office-based transperineal prostate biopsy for an
      elevated prostate-specific antigen and a normal digital rectal examination
      without prior prostate biopsy. Prior to biopsy, a repeat prostate-specific
      antigen was obtained to ensure persistent elevation. Silodosin (8 mg daily) was
      initiated the day prior to biopsy and continued for 1 week. A total of 18-20
      biopsy cores were obtained per patient. All patients responded to a visual analog
      scale ranging from 0 to 10 immediately following the completion of both the local
      anesthesia and the biopsy procedure. In addition, an International Prostate
      Symptom Score (IPSS), Rectal Function Assessment Score, International Index of
      Erectile Function, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and
      postvoid residual were obtained at baseline and 30 days following biopsy, except
      IPSS which was also obtained at day 7. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 63.3
      years with a mean prostate volume of 41.8 cm(3). The mean visual analog scale was
      4.2 for the local anesthesia and 3.0 for the biopsy. Thirty-one patients (67.4%)
      were diagnosed with prostate cancer, with 18 having a Gleason score >= 7.
      Compared to baseline, no adverse changes in IPSS, Rectal Function Assessment
      Score, International Index of Erectile Function, Center for Epidemiologic Studies
      Depression Scale, or postvoid residual were detected at day 30. No patient
      required catheterization, developed sepsis, or required hospitalization.
      CONCLUSION: Office-based transperineal prostate biopsy was well tolerated with
      reasonable treatment-related discomfort, a high rate of prostate cancer
      diagnosis, and the absence of significant morbidity including sepsis.

PMID- 27130263
TI  - Comparison of Pneumoperitoneum Stability Between a Valveless Trocar System and
      Conventional Insufflation: A Prospective Randomized Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the variation in pneumoperitoneum and physiologic effects
      of patients undergoing laparoscopic renal surgery using the valveless trocar
      insufflation system (VI) vs a conventional insufflation system (CI). METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: We conducted a single-center, randomized controlled trial in patients
      undergoing renal surgery at 15 mm Hg insufflation using a VI system vs a CI
      system. The primary outcome measured was variation in insufflation pressure, and
      end-tidal CO2 at 10 and 25 minutes. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (VI n = 28 or CI
      n = 28) met inclusion criteria and were randomized. There was significantly less
      variability in pressure readings, as measured by coefficient of variation, during
      VI compared to CI (7.8% vs 15.6%, P < .001). There was significantly less time
      spent within the range with pressure readings >=18 mm Hg (median 0.2% vs 16.5%, P
      < .001) and <=12 mm Hg (median 1.7% vs 5.6%, P = .011) during VI compared to CI.
      Additionally, there was significantly less time spent with pressure readings in
      the "unacceptable" range of >=20 mm Hg (median 0% vs 0.08%, P < .001) and <=10 mm
      Hg (median 0.09% vs 2.6%, P < .001) during the cases with VI compared to CI. End
      tidal CO2 was significantly lower at 10 minutes (P = .036) after insufflation in
      the valveless trocar group compared to the conventional treatment group. There
      were no other significant differences in physiologic metrics. CONCLUSION:
      Compared with a CI, the VI provides a significantly more stable pneumoperitoneum
      during laparoscopic renal surgery and lower end-tidal CO2 at 10 minutes.

PMID- 27130264
TI  - Differences in Urodynamic Parameters Between Women With Interstitial Cystitis
      and/or Bladder Pain Syndrome and Severe Overactive Bladder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in urodynamic parameters between female
      outpatients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and/or bladder pain syndrome (BPS)
      and severe overactive bladder (OAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional
      study included 24 and 28 consecutive IC/BPS and severe OAB female patients,
      respectively. IC/BPS was defined based on the American Urological Association
      guideline, and severe OAB was defined based on baseline symptoms recorded in a
      voiding diary. Before treatment, symptom assessment using questionnaires and a 3
      day voiding diary, as well as laboratory tests, were performed at the initial
      visit. The patients' baseline characteristics and urodynamic parameters were
      compared between the IC/BPS and severe OAB groups. RESULTS: The IC/BPS group
      showed fewer episodes of urge incontinence and shorter duration of symptoms than
      the severe OAB group (P = .019, P = .017, respectively). Volumes at first sense,
      normal desire, strong desire, and maximal capacity during filling cystometry
      (MBC) were significantly higher in the severe OAB group than in the IC/BPS group
      (P <.001, P <.001, P = .006, P <.001, respectively). The IC/BPS and severe OAB
      groups showed significant differences in urodynamic parameters in terms of MBC
      and the volume discrepancy between MBC and maximal voided volume (P <.001, both).
      The receiver operating characteristic curve also showed an area under the curve
      of 0.760 and 0.783 for MBC and volume discrepancy, respectively (both P <.001).
      CONCLUSION: Data from our study suggest that combined with other clinical
      findings, urodynamic studies could provide useful information to differentiate
      between a diagnosis of IC/BPS or severe OAB.

PMID- 27130265
TI  - Is It Time to Revisit the Role of Prostate-specific Antigen Kinetics in Active
      Surveillance for Prostate Cancer?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that are not available at the time of prostate
      cancer diagnosis and are associated with the risk of biopsy progression in active
      surveillance (AS) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 314 AS
      patients who had at least 1 repeat biopsy. We used logistic regression to analyze
      the association between prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and its derivatives,
      including PSA density, PSA velocity (PSAV) and doubling time (PSADT); presence of
      bilateral disease and number of previous successive negative surveillance
      biopsies; and the risk of progression on the surveillance biopsies first through
      fourth. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 3.1 years, patients had a mean of 2.4
      biopsies. The median time from diagnosis to the last biopsy was 2.3 years. The
      biopsies were performed at fairly equal intervals. For surveillance biopsies 1
      through 3, none of the studied factors was adding significant prognostic
      information to the baseline characteristics. PSAV and PSADT were associated with
      the risk of progression on the fourth biopsy; this association was independent of
      baseline characteristics. No progression on the fourth biopsy was noted in 23
      patients with negative PSAV. Among 54 patients with PSADT of more than 3 years
      only, 2 progressed whereas 6 out of 9 patients with a PSADT less than 3 years had
      biopsy progression on the fourth surveillance biopsy. CONCLUSION: PSA kinetics
      may be helpful in defining the indications for prostate biopsy in AS patients who
      are followed with regular biopsies for more than 3-4 years.

PMID- 27130266
TI  - Role of eNOS- and NOX-containing microparticles in endothelial dysfunction in
      patients with obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathophysiological profile of patients who have obesity
      and to investigate the potential role of circulating microparticles (MPs) in
      endothelial dysfunction in patients who have obesity. METHODS: The inflammatory
      and oxidative status and the cutaneous microvascular blood flow were
      characterized in 69 patients with android obesity and 46 subjects with normal
      weight (controls) by using laser Doppler flowmetry. Circulating MP levels were
      measured by flow cytometry, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and
      NADPH oxidase (NOX) expression in MPs was investigated by Western blotting. MP
      effect on vascular reactivity was assessed in rat aorta rings. RESULTS: Patients
      with obesity showed endothelial dysfunction, hyperglycemia, inflammation, and
      oxidative stress. In controls, low MP levels were positively correlated with
      normal microvascular function. Western blot analysis revealed reduced eNOS and
      increased NOX4D expression in MPs from subjects with obesity compared with
      controls. However, this was not correlated with endothelial dysfunction
      parameters and did not impair ex vivo endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that MPs do not contribute directly to
      endothelial dysfunction associated with obesity. Conversely, eNOS- and NOX
      containing MPs could be involved in the compensatory mechanism of vascular
      endothelial cells to counteract the pathologic mechanisms underlying endothelial
      dysfunction.

PMID- 27130267
TI  - Bioaugmentation potential of free and formulated 2,6-dichlorobenzamide (BAM)
      degrading Aminobacter sp. MSH1 in soil, sand and water.
AB  - Pesticides are used extensively worldwide, which has led to the unwanted
      contamination of soil and water resources. Former use of the herbicide 2,6
      dichlorobenzonitrile (dichlobenil) has caused pollution of ground and surface
      water resources by the stable degradation product 2,6-dichlorobenzamide (BAM) in
      several parts of Europe, which has resulted in the costly closure of several
      drinking water wells. One strategy for preventing this in future is
      bioaugmentation using bacterial degraders. BAM-degrading Aminobacter sp. MSH1 was
      therefore formulated into dried beads and tests undertaken to establish their
      potential for use in the remediation of polluted soil, sand and water. The
      formulation procedure included freeze drying, combined with trehalose addition
      for cell wall protection, thus ensuring a high amount of viable cells following
      prolonged storage at room temperature. The beads were round-shaped pellets with a
      diameter of about 1.25 mm, a dry matter content of approximately 95 % and an
      average viable cell content of 4.4 * 10(9) cells/g bead. Formulated MSH1 cells
      led to a similar, and frequently even faster, BAM mineralisation (20-65 % (14)CO2
      produced from (14)C-labelled BAM) in batch tests conducted with sand, water and
      different soil moisture contents compared to adding free cells. Furthermore, the
      beads were easy to handle and had a shelf life of several months. 

PMID- 27130269
TI  - Evaluating the ORSIM(r) simulator for assessment of anaesthetists' skills in
      flexible bronchoscopy: aspects of validity and reliability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Developing expertise in flexible bronchoscopy is limited by
      inadequate opportunities to train on difficult airways. The new ORSIM
      bronchoscopy simulator aims to address this by creating virtual patients with
      difficult airways. This study aims to provide evidence on the validity and
      reliability of the ORSIM for assessment of subjects on both normal and abnormal
      airway simulations. METHODS: Novice, trainee, and expert subjects performed seven
      simulations of varying difficulty and scored the perceived difficulty for each.
      Time to completion was measured. Three blinded raters independently scored videos
      of each subject's performance. We measured inter-rater agreement and the
      difference in raters' scores between subject groups. RESULTS: We recruited 28
      study subjects, generating 196 videos for analysis. Expert subjects consistently
      completed the scenarios faster than novices. Overall performance scores showed
      significant differences between subject groups (P<0.0001). Inter-rater
      reliability of scores was >0.8. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide initial evidence
      on the validity and reliability of the ORSIM bronchoscopy simulator, supporting
      its potential value in training and assessment.

PMID- 27130270
TI  - Lessons Learned From Implementing CDC's STEADI Falls Prevention Algorithm in
      Primary Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Falls lead to a disproportionate burden of death and disability among
      older adults despite evidence-based recommendations to screen regularly for fall
      risk and clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of multifactorial
      interventions to reduce falls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      developed STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) to assist
      primary care teams to screen for fall risk and reduce risk of falling in older
      adults. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This paper describes a practical application of
      STEADI in a large academic internal medicine clinic utilizing the Kotter
      framework, a tool used to guide clinical practice change. DESIGN AND METHODS: We
      describe key steps and decision points in the implementation of STEADI as they
      relate to the recommended strategies of the Kotter framework. Strategies include:
      creating a sense of urgency, building a guiding coalition, forming a strategic
      vision and initiative, enlisting volunteers, enabling success by removing
      barriers, generating short-term wins, sustaining change, and instituting change.
      RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were screened during pilot testing; 360 patients were
      screened during the first 3 months of implementation. Key to successful
      implementation was (a) the development of electronic health record (EHR) tools
      and workflow to guide clinical practice and (b) the proactive leadership of
      clinical champions within the practice to identify and respond to barriers.
      IMPLICATIONS: Implementing falls prevention in a clinical setting required
      support and effort across multiple stakeholders. We highlight challenges,
      successes, and lessons learned that offer guidance for other clinical practices
      in their falls prevention efforts.

PMID- 27130271
TI  - Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry for the quantification of ethylene
      glycol ethers in different household cleaning products.
AB  - A rapid and simple procedure is reported for the determination of six ethylene
      glycol ethers in cleaning products and detergents using gas chromatography with
      mass spectrometry. The analytes were extracted from 2.0 g samples in acetonitrile
      (3 mL) and the extract was submitted to a clean-up step by QuEChERS method, using
      a mixture containing 0.3 g magnesium sulfate, 0.15 g primary/secondary amine, and
      0.05 g C18 . The clean acetonitrile extract (1 MUL) was injected into the
      chromatographic system. No matrix effect was observed, so the quantification of
      the samples was carried out against external standards. Detection limits were in
      the range 3.0-27 ng/g for the six ethylene glycol ethers. The recoveries
      obtained, using the optimized procedure, were in the 89.4-118% range, with
      relative standard deviations lower than 14%. Twenty-three different household
      cleaning products, including glass cleaner, degreaser, floor, softeners, and
      clothes and dishwashing detergents, were analyzed. Large interindividual
      variations were observed between samples and compounds. 

PMID- 27130268
TI  - Inosine, an Endogenous Purine Nucleoside, Suppresses Immune Responses and
      Protects Mice from Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: a Role for A2A
      Adenosine Receptor.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a T cell autoimmune, inflammatory, and demyelinating
      disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Currently available therapies have
      partially effective actions and numerous side reactions. Inosine, an endogenous
      purine nucleoside, has immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and analgesic
      properties. Herein, we evaluated the effect of inosine on the development and
      progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an experimental
      model of MS. Inosine (1 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administrated twice a day for 40
      days. Immunological and inflammatory responses were evaluated by behavioral,
      histological, immunohistochemical, ELISA, RT-PCR, and Western blotting analysis.
      The administration of inosine exerted neuroprotective effects against EAE by
      diminishing clinical signs, including thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, as
      well as weight loss typical of the disease. These beneficial effects of inosine
      seem to be associated with the blockade of inflammatory cell entry into the CNS,
      especially lymphocytes, thus delaying the demyelinating process and astrocytes
      activation. In particular, up-regulation of IL-17 levels in the secondary
      lymphoid tissues, a result of EAE, was prevented by inosine treatment in EAE
      mice. Additionally, inosine consistently prevented A2AR up-regulation in the
      spinal cord, likely, through an ERK1-independent pathway. Altogether, these
      results allow us to propose that this endogenous purine might be a putative novel
      and helpful tool for the prevention of autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases,
      such as MS. Thus, inosine could have considerable implications for future
      therapies of MS, and this study may represent the starting point for further
      investigation into the role of inosine and adenosinergic receptors in
      neuroinflammation processes. Graphical Abstract Preventive treatment with inosine
      inhibits the development and progression of EAE in C57Bl/6 mice. Furthermore,
      neuroinflammation and demyelinating processes were blocked by inosine treatment.
      Additionally, inosine consistently inhibited IL-17 levels in peripheral lymphoid
      tissue, as well as IL-4 levels and A2AR up-regulation in the spinal cord, likely,
      through an ERK1-independent pathway. EAE: experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis; MS: multiple sclerosis; A2AR: adenosine A2A receptor; IL-17:
      interleukin-17; IL-4: interleukin-4.

PMID- 27130273
TI  - Gallic acid grafting effect on delivery performance and antiglaucoma efficacy of
      antioxidant-functionalized intracameral pilocarpine carriers.
AB  - Functionalization of therapeutic carrier biomaterials can potentially provide
      additional benefits in drug delivery for disease treatment. Given that this
      modification determines final therapeutic efficacy of drug carriers, here, we
      investigate systematically the role of grafting amount of antioxidant gallic acid
      (GA) onto GN in situ gelling copolymers made of biodegradable gelatin and thermo
      responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) for intracameral delivery of pilocarpine
      in antiglaucoma treatment. As expected, increasing redox reaction time increased
      total antioxidant activities and free radical scavenging abilities of synthesized
      carrier biomaterials. The hydrophilic nature of antioxidant molecules strongly
      affected physicochemical properties of carrier materials with varying GA grafting
      amounts, thereby dictating in vitro release behaviors and mechanisms of
      pilocarpine. In vitro oxidative stress challenges revealed that biocompatible
      carriers with high GA content alleviated lens epithelial cell damage and reduced
      reactive oxygen species. Intraocular pressure and pupil diameter in glaucomatous
      rabbits showed correlations with GA-mediated release of pilocarpine.
      Additionally, enhanced pharmacological treatment effects prevented corneal
      endothelial cell loss during disease progression. Increasing GA content increased
      total antioxidant level and decreased nitrite level in the aqueous humor,
      suggesting a much improved antioxidant status in glaucomatous eyes. This work
      significantly highlights the dependence of physicochemical properties, drug
      release behaviors, and bioactivities on intrinsic antioxidant capacities of
      therapeutic carrier biomaterials for glaucoma treatment. STATEMENT OF
      SIGNIFICANCE: Development of injectable biodegradable polymer depots and
      functionalization of carrier biomaterials with antioxidant can potentially
      provide benefits such as improved bioavailability, controlled release pattern,
      and increased therapeutic effect in intracameral pilocarpine administration for
      glaucoma treatment. For the first time, this study demonstrated that the
      biodegradable in situ gelling copolymers can incorporate different levels of
      antioxidant gallic acid to tailor the structure-property-function relationship of
      the intracameral drug delivery system. The systematic evaluation fully verified
      the dependence of phase transition, degradation behavior, drug release mechanism,
      and antiglaucoma efficacy on intrinsic antioxidant capacities of carrier
      biomaterials. The report highlights the significant role of grafting amount of
      gallic acid in optimizing performance of antioxidant-functionalized polymer
      therapeutics as new drug delivery platforms in disease treatment.

PMID- 27130274
TI  - Microfluidic-based generation of functional microfibers for biomimetic complex
      tissue construction.
AB  - Microfluidic-based fiber system displays great potential in reconstructing
      naturally complex tissues. In these systems, fabrication of the basic fiber is a
      significant factor in ensuring a functional construction. The fiber should
      possess the strong mechanical rigidity for assembly, predefined microenvironment
      for cell spatial distribution and high biocompatibility for cell functional
      expression. Herein we presented a composite material by the combination of
      methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) and alginate for fiber engineering with capillary
      microfluidic device. Being regulated by GelMA incorporation, the composite
      hydrogels exhibited higher mechanical moduli, better stretching performance, and
      lower swelling compared to pure alginate one. On the basis of the composite
      material and capillary microfluidic device, we constructed the double-layer
      hollow microfibers to simulate complex tissues. The microfibers could be
      precisely controlled in size and multi-layered structure by varying flow rates
      and outlet diameter, and it showed satisfied application in woven-structure
      assembly. As an example to mimic a functional tissue, a biomimetic osteon-like
      structure was fabricated by encapsulating human umbilical vascular endothelial
      cells (HUVECs) in middle layer to imitate vascular vessel and human osteoblast
      like cells (MG63) in the outer layer to act role of bone. During the incubation
      period, both MG63 and HUVECs exhibited not only a robust growth, but also up
      regulated gene expression. These results demonstrated this microfluidic-based
      composite microfibers system is a promising alternative in complex tissue
      regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Cell-laden microfibers based on
      microfluidic device is attracting interest for reconstructing naturally complex
      tissues. One shortage is the lack of suitable materials which satisfy
      microfluidic fabrication and cell biofunctional survival. This study reports the
      first combination of alginate-GelMA composite and capillary-based microfluidic
      technology. The composite materials possess high mechanical properties for
      fabrication and assembly, and tunable environment for cell spatial encapsulation.
      Significantly, the engineered double-layer hollow microfiber with osteon-like
      structure showed enhanced cellular bioactivity and realized initially functional
      establishment. This microfluidic-based composite microfiber not only explores a
      competitive candidate in complex tissues reconstruction, but also expands the
      biological application of microfluidic technology. This developing
      interdisciplinary area should be widely interested to the readers of
      biofabrication, biomaterials and tissue engineering.

PMID- 27130272
TI  - An effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial study protocol targeting
      posttraumatic stress disorder and comorbidity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Each year in the USA, 1.5-2.5 million Americans are so severely
      injured that they require inpatient hospitalization. Multiple conditions
      including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol and drug use problems,
      depression, and chronic medical conditions are endemic among physical trauma
      survivors with and without traumatic brain injuries. METHODS/DESIGN: The trauma
      survivors outcomes and support (TSOS) effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial
      is designed to test the delivery of high-quality screening and intervention for
      PTSD and comorbidities across 24 US level I trauma center sites. The pragmatic
      trial aims to recruit 960 patients. The TSOS investigation employs a stepped
      wedge cluster randomized design in which sites are randomized sequentially to
      initiate the intervention. Patients identified by a 10-domain electronic health
      record screen as high risk for PTSD are formally assessed with the PTSD Checklist
      for study entry. Patients randomized to the intervention condition will receive
      stepped collaborative care, while patients randomized to the control condition
      will receive enhanced usual care. The intervention training begins with a 1-day
      on-site workshop in the collaborative care intervention core elements that
      include care management, medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and
      motivational-interviewing elements targeting PTSD and comorbidity. The training
      is followed by site supervision from the study team. The investigation aims to
      determine if intervention patients demonstrate significant reductions in PTSD and
      depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, alcohol consumption, and improvements in
      physical function when compared to control patients. The study uses
      implementation science conceptual frameworks to evaluate the uptake of the
      intervention model. At the completion of the pragmatic trial, results will be
      presented at an American College of Surgeons' policy summit. Twenty-four
      representative US level I trauma centers have been selected for the study, and
      the protocol is being rolled out nationally. DISCUSSION: The TSOS pragmatic trial
      simultaneously aims to establish the effectiveness of the collaborative care
      intervention targeting PTSD and comorbidity while also addressing sustainable
      implementation through American College of Surgeons' regulatory policy. The TSOS
      effectiveness-implementation hybrid design highlights the importance of
      partnerships with professional societies that can provide regulatory mandates
      targeting enhanced health care system sustainability of pragmatic trial results.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02655354 . Registered 27 July 2015.

PMID- 27130275
TI  - Effect of nanolayering of calcium salts of phosphoric acid ester monomers on the
      durability of resin-dentin bonds.
AB  - To investigate the contribution of nanolayering on resin-dentin bond durability,
      two phosphoric acid ester resin monomers, 10-methacryloyloxy-decyl-dihydrogen
      phosphate (10-MDP) or its analog, methacryloyloxy-penta-propyleneglycol
      dihydrogen-phosphate (MDA), were examined for their affinity for mineralized
      dentin powder in a column chromatography setup. Hydroxyapatite (HA) powder was
      dispersed in experimental primers consisting of 10-MDP or MDA solvated in
      ethanol/water and examined with FTIR, (31)P MAS-NMR and XPS. Light-curable 10-MDP
      or MDA primers were used for bonding to dentin, and examined after 24h or one
      year of water-aging by TEM for evidence of nanolayering, and for microtensile
      bond strength evaluation. Primer-bonded dentin was examined by thin-film XRD to
      identify short-range order peaks characteristic of nanolayering of resin monomer
      Ca salts. Although 10-MDP had better affinity for mineralized dentin than MDA,
      both monomers completely eluted from the mineralized dentin powder column using
      ethanol-water as mobile phase, indicating that the adsorption processes were
      reversible. This finding was supported by chemoanalytic data. XRD of 10-MDP
      bonded dentin showed three diffraction peaks hat were absent from MDA-bonded
      dentin. Nanolayering was identified by TEM in 10-MDP-bonded dentin, but not in
      MDA-bonded dentin. Significant drop in bond strength (in MPa) was observed for
      both groups after one-year of water-aging compared with 24-h: 10-MDP group from
      48.3+/-6.3 to 37.4+/-4.6; MDA group from 50.7+/-5.0 to 35.7+/-3.8 (P<0.05), with
      no significant difference between the two groups at the same time-point. Because
      both functional monomer-primed, resin-bonded dentin exhibited similar bond
      strength decline after water-aging, presence of nanolayering is unlikely to
      contribute to the overall resin-dentin bond durability. STATEMENT OF
      SIGNIFICANCE: The durability of resin-dentin bonds in 10-MDP containing self
      etching adhesives has been anecdotally attributed to the presence of nanolayering
      of 10-MDP-calcium salts in the resin-dentin interface. Results of the present
      work indicate that such a claim cannot be justified. Complete elution of the
      phosphoric acid ester monomer from mineralized dentin powder in the column
      chromatography experiments using ethanol-water mobile phase to simulate the
      solvent mixture employed in most 10-MDP-containing dentin adhesives further
      challenges the previously proposed adhesion-decalcification concept that utilizes
      chemical bonding of phosphoric acid ester monomers to apatite as a bonding
      mechanism in 10-MDP containing dentin adhesives.

PMID- 27130276
TI  - The distribution, diversity and function of predominant Thermoproteales in high
      temperature environments of Yellowstone National Park.
AB  - High-temperature environments (> 70 degrees C) contain diverse and abundant
      members of the crenarchaeal order Thermoproteales. However, a comprehensive study
      of the distribution and function of diverse members of this group across
      different habitat types has not been conducted. Consequently, the goals of this
      study were to determine the distribution of different Thermoproteales genera
      across geochemically distinct geothermal habitats of Yellowstone National Park,
      and to identify key functional attributes of major genera that correlate with
      environmental parameters. Curated sequence assemblies belonging to five genera
      were characterized in replicate samples of 11 high-temperature communities
      ranging in pH from 3 to 9. Thermocladium, Vulcanisaeta and Caldivirga spp. were
      the primary Thermoproteales populations present in low pH (pH < 5) habitats,
      whereas Thermoproteus populations were found in mildly-acidic (pH 5-6) sulfur
      sediments, and Pyrobaculum populations were confined to higher pH (pH > 6) sulfur
      sediments and/or filamentous 'streamer' communities. Metabolic reconstruction and
      comparative genomics among assemblies show that these populations are primarily
      chemoorganotrophs that utilize different electron acceptors depending on
      geochemical conditions. The presence of potential CO2 fixation pathways in some
      Thermoproteales populations appears to be linked with NiFe hydrogenases, which
      combined with high levels of H2 in many sulfidic systems, may provide the energy
      required to fix inorganic C.

PMID- 27130277
TI  - The effect of pre-existing health conditions on the cost of recovery from road
      traffic injury: insights from data linkage of medicare and compensable injury
      claims in Victoria, Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comorbidity is known to affect length of hospital stay and mortality
      after trauma but less is known about its impact on recovery beyond the immediate
      post-accident care period. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of
      pre-existing health conditions in the cost of recovery from road traffic injury
      using health service use records for 1 year before and after the injury. METHODS:
      Individuals who claimed Transport Accident Commission (TAC) compensation for a
      non-catastrophic injury that occurred between 2010 and 2012 in Victoria,
      Australia and who provided consent for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and
      Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) linkage were included (n = 738) in the analysis.
      PBS and MBS records dating from 12 months prior to injury were provided by the
      Department of Human Services (Canberra, Australia). Pre-injury use of health
      service items and pharmaceuticals were considered to indicate pre-existing health
      condition. Bayesian Model Averaging techniques were used to identify the items
      that were most strongly correlated with recovery cost. Multivariate regression
      models were used to determine the impact of these items on the cost of injury
      recovery in terms of compensated ambulance, hospital, medical, and overall claim
      cost. RESULTS: Out of the 738 study participants, 688 used at least one medical
      item (total of 15,625 items) and 427 used at least one pharmaceutical item (total
      of 9846). The total health service cost of recovery was $10,115,714. The results
      show that while pre-existing conditions did not have any significant impact on
      the total cost of recovery, categorical costs were affected: e.g. on average, for
      every anaesthetic in the year before the accident, hospital cost of recovery
      increased by 24 % [95 % CI: 13, 36 %] and for each pathological test related to
      established diabetes, hospital cost increased by $10,407 [5466.78, 15346.28]. For
      medical costs, each anaesthetic led to $258 higher cost [174.16, 341.16] and
      every prescription of drugs used in diabetes increased the cost by 8 % [5, 11 %].
      CONCLUSIONS: Services related to pre-existing conditions, mainly chronic and
      surgery-related, are likely to increase certain components of cost of recovery
      after road traffic trauma but pre-existing physical health has little impact on
      the overall recovery costs.

PMID- 27130278
TI  - Discovery of novel small molecule inhibitors of cardiac hypertrophy using high
      throughput, high content imaging.
AB  - Chronic cardiac hypertrophy is maladaptive and contributes to the pathogenesis of
      heart failure. The objective of this study was to identify small molecule
      inhibitors of pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. High content screening was
      performed with primary neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) cultured on 96
      well plates and treated with a library of 3241 distinct small molecules. Non
      toxic hit compounds that blocked hypertrophy in response to phenylephrine (PE)
      and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were identified based on their ability to
      reduce cell size and inhibit expression of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), which
      is a biomarker of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Many of the hit compounds are
      existing drugs that have not previously been evaluated for benefit in the setting
      of cardiovascular disease. One such compound, the anti-malarial drug artesunate,
      blocked left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and improved cardiac function in adult
      mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). These findings
      demonstrate that phenotypic screening with primary cardiomyocytes can be used to
      discover anti-hypertrophic lead compounds for heart failure drug discovery. Using
      annotated libraries of compounds with known selectivity profiles, this screening
      methodology also facilitates chemical biological dissection of signaling networks
      that control pathological growth of the heart.

PMID- 27130280
TI  - Erratum to: 'Effects of milk containing only A2 beta casein versus milk
      containing both A1 and A2 beta casein proteins on gastrointestinal physiology,
      symptoms of discomfort, and cognitive behavior of people with self-reported
      intolerance to traditional cows' milk'.

PMID- 27130279
TI  - The zinc finger transcription factor PW1/PEG3 restrains murine beta cell cycling.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Pw1 or paternally-expressed gene 3 (Peg3) encodes a zinc finger
      transcription factor that is widely expressed during mouse embryonic development
      and later restricted to multiple somatic stem cell lineages in the adult. The aim
      of the present study was to define Pw1 expression in the embryonic and adult
      pancreas and investigate its role in the beta cell cycle in Pw1 wild-type and
      mutant mice. METHODS: We analysed PW1 expression by immunohistochemistry in
      pancreas of nonpregant and pregnant mice and following injury by partial duct
      ligation. Its role in the beta cell cycle was studied in vivo using a novel
      conditional knockout mouse and in vitro by lentivirus-mediated gene knockdown.
      RESULTS: We showed that PW1 is expressed in early pancreatic progenitors at E9.5
      but becomes progressively restricted to fully differentiated beta cells as they
      become established after birth and withdraw from the cell cycle. Notably, PW1
      expression declines when beta cells are induced to proliferate and loss of PW1
      function activates the beta cell cycle. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: These results
      indicate that PW1 is a co-regulator of the beta cell cycle and can thus be
      considered a novel therapeutic target in diabetes.

PMID- 27130281
TI  - Significant antibacterial activity and synergistic effects of camel lactoferrin
      with antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
AB  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes major healthcare
      problems in many countries, as it is present as several hospital- and community
      associated strains. Hospital-associated MRSA is one of the most prevalent
      nosocomial pathogens throughout the world and infections caused by community
      acquired MRSA are rising. This emphasizes the need for new and efficient anti
      MRSA agents. We evaluated the antibacterial effects of camel lactoferrin (cLf)
      and human lactoferrin (hLf) alone and in combination with several antibiotics
      against MRSA. Antimicrobials were tested against MRSA and an S. aureus control
      strain by the agar disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration
      (MIC) was determined for antimicrobials by the broth microdilution method.
      Synergy between cLf or hLf and antibiotics was examined by checkerboard and time
      kill assays. The agar disc diffusion assay showed that MRSA growth was inhibited
      by cLf at 0.25-3 mg/ml and hLf at 1-3 mg/ml. cLf demonstrated 3 times higher
      inhibitory activity against MRSA than hLf in terms of MIC values (250 vs. 750
      MUg/ml, respectively). Biotinylated cLf was recognized by two membrane proteins
      of MRSA, 66-67 KDa. Combinations of cLf or hLf and oxacillin or vancomycin at sub
      MIC levels enhanced in vitro antibacterial activity against MRSA compared with
      each agent alone. 

PMID- 27130282
TI  - The Walker A motif mutation recA4159 abolishes the SOS response and recombination
      in a recA730 mutant of Escherichia coli.
AB  - In bacteria, the RecA protein forms recombinogenic filaments required for the SOS
      response and DNA recombination. In order to form a recombinogenic filament, wild
      type RecA needs to bind ATP and to interact with mediator proteins. The RecA730
      protein is a mutant version of RecA with superior catalytic abilities, allowing
      filament formation without the help of mediator proteins. The mechanism of
      RecA730 filament formation is not well understood, and the question remains as to
      whether the RecA730 protein requires ATP binding in order to become competent for
      filament formation. We examined two mutants, recA730,4159 (presumed to be
      defective for ATP binding) and recA730,2201 (defective for ATP hydrolysis), and
      show that they have different properties with respect to SOS induction,
      conjugational recombination and double-strand break repair. We show that ATP
      binding is essential for all RecA730 functions, while ATP hydrolysis is required
      only for double-strand break repair. Our results emphasize the similarity of the
      SOS response and conjugational recombination, neither of which requires ATP
      hydrolysis by RecA730. 

PMID- 27130283
TI  - Iron deficiency resistance mechanisms enlightened by gene expression analysis in
      Paenibacillus riograndensis SBR5.
AB  - Despite its importance in growth and cell division, iron metabolism is still
      poorly understood in microorganisms, especially in Gram-positive bacteria. In
      this work, we used RNA sequencing technology to elucidate global mechanisms
      involved in iron starvation resistance in Paenibacillus riograndensis SBR5, a
      potential plant growth-promoting bacterium. Iron deficiency caused several
      changes in gene expression, and 150 differentially expressed genes were found: 71
      genes were overexpressed and 79 genes were underexpressed. Eight genes for which
      expression was at least twice as high or twice as low in iron-limited condition
      compared with iron-sufficient condition were chosen for RT-qPCR analysis to
      validate the RNA seq data. In general, most genes exhibited the same pattern of
      expression after 24 h of P. riograndensis growth under iron-limiting condition.
      Our results suggest that, during iron deficiency, bacteria express several genes
      related to nutrient uptake when they start to grow to obtain all of the molecules
      necessary for maintaining major cellular processes. However, once iron becomes
      highly limiting and is no longer able to sustain exponential growth, bacteria
      begin to express genes related to several processes, like sporulation and DNA
      protection, as a way of resisting this stress. 

PMID- 27130284
TI  - Chronic Kidney Disease and Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Positive Individuals:
      Recent Developments.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as an important health concern in HIV
      positive individuals. Preventing long-term kidney toxicity from an antiretroviral
      therapy is therefore critical. Selected antiretroviral agents, especially
      tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and some ritonavir-boosted protease
      inhibitors (PI/rs), have been associated with increased risk of CKD. However, the
      CKD risk attributable to these agents is overall small, especially in those with
      low baseline risk of CKD and normal renal function. CKD risk in HIV-positive
      individuals can be further minimized by timely identification of those with
      worsening renal function and discontinuation of potentially nephrotoxic agents.
      Clinicians can use several monitoring tools, including the D:A:D risk score and
      routine measurements of estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) and proteinuria,
      to identify high-risk individuals who may require an intervention. Tenofovir
      alafenamide (TAF), a TDF alternative, promises to be safer in terms of TDF
      associated kidney and bone toxicity. While the short-term data on TAF does
      indicate lower eGFR decline and lower risk of proteinuria (vs. TDF), long-term
      data on renal safety of TAF are still awaited. Promising results have also
      emerged from recent trials on alternative dual-therapy antiretroviral regimens
      which exclude the nucleoside(tide) reverse transcriptase class as well as
      possibly the PI/rs, thereby reducing the drug burden, and possibly the toxicity.
      However, long-term safety or benefits of these dual-therapy regimens are still
      unclear and will need to be studied in future prospective studies. Finally,
      addressing risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes will continue to be
      important in this population.

PMID- 27130285
TI  - Computer-Aided Quantitative Ultrasonography for Detection of Pulmonary Edema in
      Mechanically Ventilated Cardiac Surgery Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung ultrasonography (LUS) has been used for noninvasive detection of
      pulmonary edema. Semiquantitative LUS visual scores (visual LUS [V-LUS]) based on
      B lines are moderately correlated with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)
      and extravascular lung water (EVLW). A new computer-aided quantitative LUS (Q
      LUS) analysis has been recently proposed. This study investigated whether Q-LUS
      better correlates with PCWP and EVLW than V-LUS and to what extent positive end
      expiratory pressure (PEEP) affects the assessment of pulmonary edema by Q-LUS or
      V-LUS. METHODS: Forty-eight mechanically ventilated patients with PEEP of 5 or 10
      cm H2O and monitored by PCWP (n = 28) or EVLW (n = 20) were studied. RESULTS:
      PCWP was significantly and strongly correlated with Q-LUS gray (Gy) unit value
      (r(2) = 0.70) but weakly correlated with V-LUS B-line score (r(2) = 0.20). EVLW
      was significantly and more strongly correlated with Q-LUS Gy unit mean value
      (r(2) = 0.68) than with V-LUS B-line score (r(2) = 0.34). Q-LUS showed a better
      diagnostic accuracy than V-LUS for the detection of PCWP >18 mm Hg or EVLW >= 10
      mL/kg. With 5-cm H2O PEEP, the correlations with PCWP or EVLW were stronger for Q
      LUS than V-LUS. With 10-cm H2O PEEP, the correlations with PCWP or EVLW were
      still significant for Q-LUS but insignificant for V-LUS. Interobserver
      reproducibility was better for Q-LUS than V-LUS. CONCLUSIONS: Both V-LUS and Q
      LUS are acceptable indicators of pulmonary edema in mechanically ventilated
      patients. However, at high PEEP only Q-LUS provides data that are significantly
      correlated with PCWP and EVLW. Computer-aided Q-LUS has the advantages of being
      not only independent of operator perception but also of PEEP.

PMID- 27130286
TI  - Impact of Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry (IDMS) Standardization on
      Carboplatin Dose and Adverse Events.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When using area under the concentration-time curve-based strategies
      for dosing carboplatin, accurate estimation of glomerular filtration rate is
      required for determining dose. Commonly, the Cockcroft-Gault equation is used,
      which is dependent on measurement of serum creatinine (SCr). Because analysis of
      SCr changed to an isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) standard, we sought
      to determine the impact of this assay change on carboplatin dosing and related
      toxicity. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective chart review of adults
      treated with carboplatin between April 2008 and April 2010 divided into cohorts
      that initiated carboplatin before or after IDMS standardization. End points
      included grade 3 thrombocytopenia, decrease in platelet count, and
      hospitalization and were evaluated in cohorts based on concomitant chemotherapy.
      RESULTS: The chart review identified 158 patients, with 63 patients in the pre
      IDMS group and 95 patients in the post-IDMS group. Average SCr (pre 1.01 mg/dl vs
      post 0.86 mg/dl, p<0.001) and average carboplatin dose (pre 580 mg vs post 703
      mg, p<0.001) were significantly different between the groups. The frequency of
      grade 3 thrombocytopenia was not statistically significant across three partner
      chemotherapy cohorts before and after IDMS implementation. CONCLUSION: IDMS
      standardization led to an overall decrease in SCr with subsequent increase in
      carboplatin doses. However, no increase in recorded adverse events was observed,
      suggesting that the clinical relevance in toxicity from higher doses was minimal.

PMID- 27130287
TI  - Color phenotypes are under similar genetic control in two distantly related
      species of Timema stick insect.
AB  - Ecology and genetics are both of general interest to evolutionary biologists as
      they can influence the phenotypic and genetic response to selection. The stick
      insects Timema podura and Timema cristinae exhibit a green/melanistic body color
      polymorphism that is subject to different ecologically based selective regimes in
      the two species. Here, we describe aspects of the genetics of this color
      polymorphism in T. podura, and compare this to previous results in T. cristinae.
      We first show that similar color phenotypes of the two species cluster in
      phenotypic space. We then use genome-wide association mapping to show that in
      both species, color is controlled by few loci, dominance relationships between
      color alleles are the same, and SNPs associated with color phenotypes colocalize
      to the same linkage group. Regions within this linkage group that harbor genetic
      variants associated with color exhibit elevated linkage disequilibrium relative
      to genome wide expectations, but more strongly so in T. cristinae. We use these
      results to discuss predictions regarding how the genetics of color could
      influence levels of phenotypic and genetic variation that segregate within and
      between populations of T. podura and T. cristinae, drawing parallels with other
      organisms.

PMID- 27130288
TI  - Strategies for lung isolation: to block or not to block?

PMID- 27130289
TI  - Case of generalized pustular psoriasis exacerbated during pregnancy, successfully
      treated with infliximab.

PMID- 27130290
TI  - Pediatric case of oral mucous pemphigus complicated by protein-losing
      gastroenteropathy.

PMID- 27130291
TI  - Incorporating microbiota data into epidemiologic models: examples from vaginal
      microbiota research.
AB  - PURPOSE: Next generation sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction
      technologies are now widely available, and research incorporating these methods
      is growing exponentially. In the vaginal microbiota (VMB) field, most research to
      date has been descriptive. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview
      of different ways in which next generation sequencing and quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction data can be used to answer clinical epidemiologic research
      questions using examples from VMB research. METHODS: We reviewed relevant
      methodological literature and VMB articles (published between 2008 and 2015) that
      incorporated these methodologies. RESULTS: VMB data have been analyzed using
      ecologic methods, methods that compare the presence or relative abundance of
      individual taxa or community compositions between different groups of women or
      sampling time points, and methods that first reduce the complexity of the data
      into a few variables followed by the incorporation of these variables into
      traditional biostatistical models. CONCLUSIONS: To make future VMB research more
      clinically relevant (such as studying associations between VMB compositions and
      clinical outcomes and the effects of interventions on the VMB), it is important
      that these methods are integrated with rigorous epidemiologic methods (such as
      appropriate study designs, sampling strategies, and adjustment for confounding).

PMID- 27130292
TI  - Erratum to: Extremely Preterm Born Children at Very High Risk for Developing
      Autism Spectrum Disorder.

PMID- 27130293
TI  - Separation of dynorphin peptides by capillary electrochromatography using a
      polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride gold nanoparticle-modified capillary.
AB  - Dynorphin A (Dyn A) is an endogenous opioid peptide found in blood and central
      nervous system tissue at very low concentrations. Elevated levels of Dyn A due to
      different disease states, for example neurodegenerative disease, have been linked
      to toxic nonopioid activity. CE is a powerful technique that can achieve high
      efficiency separations of charged analytes. However, CE has limited use for the
      analysis of basic proteins and peptides, due to their adsorption onto the inner
      surface of the fused silica at pHs below their pI. This adsorption can lead to a
      loss of efficiency, irreproducibility of migration times, and peak tailing. To
      obviate this problem, a polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride-stabilized gold
      nanoparticle-coated capillary was investigated for the separation of dynorphin
      metabolites. The positively charged gold nanoparticles (GNP) minimized unwanted
      adsorption of the positively charged peptides onto the surface of the fused
      silica capillary. Separation efficiency and resolution for opioid peptides Dyn A
      (1-6), Dyn A (1-7), Dyn A (1-8), Dyn A (1-11), and leu-enkephalin on the GNP
      coated capillary column were evaluated under different experimental parameters.
      The best separation of Dyn A (1-17) and its fragments was achieved using a BGE
      that consists of 40 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 5) containing 5% GNP, a field
      strength of -306 V/cm, and a 75 MUm id capillary. The developed method was
      applied to the separation of tryptic peptide fragments of dynorphin A (1-17).

PMID- 27130294
TI  - Periostin levels and eosinophilic inflammation in poorly-controlled asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periostin levels are associated with airway eosinophilia and are
      suppressed by corticosteroid treatment in asthma. This study sought to determine
      the relationship between serum and sputum periostin, airway inflammatory
      phenotype and asthma control. METHODS: Adults with poorly-controlled asthma (n =
      83) underwent a clinical assessment, sputum induction and blood sampling.
      Dispersed sputum was used for a differential cell count and periostin assessment
      (ELISA). Serum periostin was determined by the Elecsys(r) immunoassay. RESULTS:
      Periostin levels were significantly higher in serum (median (IQR) of 51.6 (41.8,
      62.6) ng/mL) than in sputum (1.1 (0.5, 2.0) ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Serum and sputum
      periostin were significantly higher in patients with eosinophilic asthma (n = 37)
      compared with non-eosinophilic asthma. Both serum and sputum periostin levels
      were significantly associated with proportion of sputum eosinophils (r = 0.422, p
      < 0.001 and r = 0.364, p = 0.005 respectively) but were not associated with
      asthma control. In receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the area
      under the curve (AUC) for serum periostin (n = 83) was 0.679, p = 0.007.
      Peripheral blood eosinophils assessed in 67 matched samples, had a numerically
      greater AUC of 0.820 compared with serum periostin, p = 0.086 for the detection
      of eosinophilic asthma. CONCLUSION: In poorly-controlled asthma, sputum and serum
      periostin levels are significantly related to sputum eosinophil proportions while
      their ability to predict the presence of eosinophilic asthma is modest.

PMID- 27130295
TI  - Direct molecular detection of a broad range of bacterial and viral organisms and
      Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine serotypes in children with otitis media with
      effusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Otitis media with effusion (OME) causes significant morbidity in
      children, but the causes of OME and methods for prevention are unclear. To look
      for potential infectious etiologies, we performed a pilot study using multiple
      target real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for 27 infectious agents,
      including nine bacterial organisms and 18 respiratory viruses in middle ear
      fluids (MEFs) from children with OME. QPCR was also performed for the 13
      Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes contained in the current vaccine. RESULTS:
      Forty-eight MEF samples were obtained and qPCR detected bacterial nucleic acid
      (NA) in 39/48 (81%) and viral NA in 7/48 (15%). Alloiococcus otitidis and S.
      pneumoniae were both detected in 15/48 (31%) MEFs, followed by M. catarrhalis in
      14/48 (29%), H. influenzae in 5/48 (10%) and M. pneumoniae in 4/48 (8%).
      Rhinoviruses were most common virus type detected, found in 4/48 (8%) MEFs.
      Serotypes included in the current 13-serotype vaccine were detected in only 3/15
      (20%) S. pneumoniae qPCR-positive MEFs. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteria may play an
      important role in OME, since over 80% of MEFs contained bacterial NA. Further
      research into the role of A. otitidis in OME will be helpful. Serotypes of S.
      pneumoniae not included in the current 13-serotype vaccine may be involved in
      OME. Larger studies of OME S. pneumoniae serotypes are needed to help determine
      which additional serotypes should be included in future vaccine formulations in
      order to try to prevent OME.

PMID- 27130296
TI  - Surrogate consent to non-beneficial research: erring on the right side when
      substituted judgments may be inaccurate.
AB  - Part of the standard protection of decisionally incapacitated research subjects
      is a prohibition against enrolling them unless surrogate decision makers
      authorize it. A common view is that surrogates primarily ought to make their
      decisions based on what the decisionally incapacitated subject would have wanted
      regarding research participation. However, empirical studies indicate that
      surrogate predictions about such preferences are not very accurate. The focus of
      this article is the significance of surrogate accuracy in the context of research
      that is not expected to benefit the research subject. We identify three morally
      relevant asymmetries between being enrolled and not being enrolled in such non
      beneficial research, and conclude that when there is a non-negligible probability
      that surrogates' predictions are wrong, it will generally be better to err on the
      side of not authorizing enrollment. 

PMID- 27130298
TI  - The Significance of the Late Na+ Current for Arrhythmia Induction and the
      Therapeutic Antiarrhythmic Potential of Ranolazine.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to review the basis of arrhythmogenesis, the
      functional and clinical role of the late Na current, and its therapeutic
      inhibition. Under pathological conditions such as ischemia and heart failure this
      current is abnormally enhanced and influences cellular electrophysiology as a
      proarrhythmic substrate in myocardial pathology. Ranolazine the only approved
      late Na current blocker has been demonstrated to produce antiarrhythmic effects
      in the atria and the ventricle. We summarize recent experimental and clinical
      studies of ranolazine and other experimental late Na current blockers and discuss
      the significance of the available data.

PMID- 27130299
TI  - Sex matching and red cell safety.

PMID- 27130300
TI  - Actual application of virtual angioscopy: Is it yet to come?

PMID- 27130301
TI  - Three-dimensional printing: The next big thing in surgery?

PMID- 27130302
TI  - A tale of 2 treatments: The best of times or the worst of times?

PMID- 27130303
TI  - When valve-in-valve implantation is not sufficient: Bioprosthetic Russian dolls.

PMID- 27130304
TI  - A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

PMID- 27130305
TI  - Transcatheter mitral valve therapy: The event horizon.

PMID- 27130306
TI  - Prevalence and incidence of Alzheimer's disease in Europe: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A disease of unknown aetiology, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most
      common type of dementia. As the elderly population grows worldwide, the number of
      patients with AD also increases rapidly. The aim of this meta-analysis is to
      evaluate the prevalence and incidence of AD in Europe. METHODOLOGY: We conducted
      a literature search on Medline, Scopus, and CINAHL Complete using the keywords
      "Alzheimer", "Alzheimer's disease", and "AD" combined with "prevalence",
      "incidence", and "epidemiology". A Bayesian random effects model with 95%
      credible intervals was used. The I2 statistic was applied to assess
      heterogeneity. RESULTS: The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in Europe was
      estimated at 5.05% (95% CI, 4.73-5.39). The prevalence in men was 3.31% (95% CI,
      2.85-3.80) and in women, 7.13% (95% CI, 6.56-7.72), and increased with age. The
      incidence of Alzheimer's disease in Europe was 11.08 per 1000 person-years (95%
      CI, 10.30-11.89). Broken down by sex, it was 7.02 per 1000 person-years (95% CI,
      6.06-8.05) in men and 13.25 per 1000 person-years (95% CI, 12.05-14.51) in women;
      again these rates increased with age. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our meta
      analysis allow a better grasp of the impact of this disease in Europe.

PMID- 27130307
TI  - Association of diamine oxidase and histamine N-methyltransferase polymorphisms
      with presence of migraine in a group of Mexican mothers of children with
      allergies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low histamine metabolism has been suggested to play a role in the
      pathogenesis of allergy and migraine. We investigated the possible association
      between 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), C314T HNMT and C2029G DAO, and
      the presence and severity of migraine and migraine-related disability. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We studied the frequency of C314T HNMT and C2029G DAO allelic
      variants in 162 mothers of children with allergies (80 with migraine and 82
      without) using a TaqMan-based qPCR Assay and a case-control model. We conducted a
      logistic regression analysis to examine the association between migraine and the
      allelic and haplotype variants. RESULTS: Mutant C2029G DAO SNP was found
      significantly more frequently in the group of women with migraine than in
      controls (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1). No significant differences were found in
      frequencies of genotypes or alleles in the case of C314T HNMT SNP. Both mutated
      alleles were associated with migraine-related disability. Coexistence of alleles
      for both SNPs (haplotypes) showed a strong association with migraine. Haplotypes
      containing both mutated alleles (either heterozygous or homozygous) were very
      strongly associated with MIDAS grade iv migraine (OR, 45.0; 95% CI, 5.2-358).
      This suggests that mutant alleles of C314T for HNMT and C2029G for DAO
      polymorphisms may interact in a way that increases the risk and impact of
      migraine. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest a synergistic association between HNMT and DAO
      functional polymorphisms and migraine; this hypothesis must be further confirmed
      by larger studies. However, the characteristics and ethnic differences between
      analysed populations should be considered when interpreting the results.

PMID- 27130308
TI  - The protective effect of two commercial formats of Ginkgo biloba on motor
      alterations induced by cassava juice (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Wistar rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the protective effects of 2 commercial formats
      of Ginkgo biloba on motor alterations induced by cassava (Manihot esculenta
      Crantz) juice consumption in male Wistar rats. METHODS: The effects were
      evaluated with the open field and swim tests at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of
      treatment, one hour after administering the product. RESULTS: Compared to
      controls, open field crossings increased after day 21 of cassava juice
      consumption, and lateral swimming in the swim test was reported after day 7.
      CONCLUSION: Ginkgo biloba extracts prevented motor alterations associated with
      cassava juice consumption, probably due to the flavonoid content in both formats
      of Ginkgo biloba.

PMID- 27130309
TI  - The importance of behavioural and pyschological symptoms in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), present
      in the vast majority of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), cause extensive
      impairment in all areas, including functionality. Early diagnosis and management
      are critical, especially since these symptoms are not included in the Diagnostic
      and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) as a diagnostic criterion of
      AD, but only as specific features of some patients. The main purpose of this
      review is to highlight the importance of these behavioural and psychological
      symptoms of dementia, particularly in AD. In addition, we discuss why these
      symptoms have not been included in the latest DSM-V. DEVELOPMENT: We conducted a
      literature search through various databases to gather data about BPSD in AD, and
      found a total of 12 articles. CONCLUSIONS: BPSD are present in almost all
      patients and result in cognitive and functional impairment. The prevalence of
      these symptoms varies depending on the study and the symptom in question. In our
      view, BPSD should be included among the DSM diagnostic criteria for AD.

PMID- 27130310
TI  - Changes in bone marrow morphology in adults receiving romiplostim for the
      treatment of thrombocytopenia associated with primary immune thrombocytopenia.
AB  - The effects of romiplostim on bone marrow morphology were evaluated in adults
      with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Patients with platelet counts <50 * 10(9)/L,
      >=1 prior ITP therapies, and no collagen at baseline received weekly subcutaneous
      romiplostim starting at 1 MUg/kg, adjusted to maintain platelet counts between 50
      and 200 * 10(9)/L. Biopsies were scheduled after 1, 2, or 3 years of romiplostim
      (cohorts 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Irrespective of scheduled time, biopsies
      were performed earlier if patients discontinued or failed to achieve/maintain a
      response to romiplostim. Reticulin (silver stain) and collagen (trichrome stain)
      were graded by two hematopathologists using the modified Bauermeister scale (0
      4). Of 169 patients, 131 had evaluable biopsies; 9/131 (6.9 %) had increases of
      >=2 grades on the modified Bauermeister scale (cohort 1: 0/34; cohort 2: 2/39;
      cohort 3: 7/58), including two with collagen. Three of the nine patients had
      follow-up biopsies, including one patient with collagen; changes were reversible
      after romiplostim discontinuation. Of the nine patients, one had neutropenia
      detected by laboratory test and two had adverse events of anemia, both non
      serious and not treatment-related. By actual exposure (as some biopsies did not
      occur as scheduled), the number of patients with grade increases >=2 were year 1:
      3/41, year 2: 1/38, year 3: 5/52. Twenty-four patients sustained platelet counts
      >=50 * 10(9)/L for >=6 months with no ITP medications after discontinuing
      romiplostim, i.e., they entered clinical remission of their ITP. In conclusion,
      in patients with ITP receiving romiplostim, bone marrow changes were observed in
      a small proportion of patients.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT#00907478. 

PMID- 27130311
TI  - Antipsychotic medication utilization in nonpsychiatric hospitalizations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although antipsychotics are used for treatment of delirium/agitation
      in hospitalized patients, their scope of use has not been investigated in a
      large, multicenter cohort. OBJECTIVE: To determine rates of use and hospital
      variation in use of antipsychotics in nonpsychiatric admissions. DESIGN, SETTING,
      PATIENTS: Cohort study of adult, nonpsychiatric admissions to 300 US hospitals
      contributing data to the Premier database, from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.
      MEASUREMENTS: Antipsychotic exposure defined using pharmacy charges. Potentially
      excessive dosing defined using guidelines for long-term care facilities. RESULTS:
      Our cohort included 2,695,081 admissions (median age, 63 years; 56% female).
      Antipsychotic exposure occurred in 160,773 (6%) admissions; 102,148 (64%)
      received atypical antipsychotics, 76,979 (48%) received typical, and 18,354 (11%)
      received both. Among exposed admissions, 47% received >=1 potentially excessive
      daily dose. Among the variables we analyzed, the strongest predictors of
      antipsychotic receipt were delirium (relative risk [RR]: 2.93, 95% CI: 2.88-2.98)
      and dementia (RR: 2.78, 95% CI: 2.72-2.83). After adjustment for patient
      characteristics, patients admitted to hospitals in the highest antipsychotic
      prescribing quintile were more than twice as likely to be exposed compared to
      patients admitted to hospitals in the lowest prescribing quintile (RR: 2.56, 95%
      CI: 2.50-2.61). This relationship was similar across subgroups of admissions with
      delirium and dementia. CONCLUSIONS: Antipsychotic medication exposure is common
      in nonpsychiatric admissions to US hospitals. The observed variation in
      antipsychotic prescribing was not fully explained by measured patient
      characteristics, suggesting the possibility of differing hospital prescribing
      cultures. Additional research and guidelines are necessary to define appropriate
      use of these potentially harmful medications in the hospital setting. Journal of
      Hospital Medicine 2016;11:543-549. (c) 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.

PMID- 27130312
TI  - Targeted silencing of Survivin in cancer cells by siRNA loaded chitosan magnetic
      nanoparticles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to silence Survivin expression, related
      with drug-resistance, via siRNA-loaded CS-MNPs. METHODS AND RESULTS: The highest
      siRNA-loading efficiency was achieved at siRNA:CS-MNP ratio of 1:2. Nanoparticles
      had spherical morphology and homogenous size distribution in TEM. After siRNA
      loading, core sizes (3-5 nm) of CS-MNPs didn't change significantly, however
      hydrodynamic diameters increased ~10 nm, indicating swelling of chitosan coat due
      to efficient siRNA loading. 73% of siRNA was pH-dependently released at 24hours,
      after 30% burst release at first 3.5hours. Stability was high enough to keep
      siRNAs in CS-MNPs at pH7.2. Cellular-internalization of Survivin-siRNA-CS-MNPs
      was high and localized in cytoplasm of cells. CONCLUSION: Although, mock-siRNA
      loaded/unloaded CS-MNPs weren't cytotoxic, cell-death of breast cancer cells was
      significantly increased, after the treatment of Survivin-siRNA-loaded CS-MNPs.
      This reveals, successful loading of Survivin-siRNA on CS-MNPs and significant
      silencing of Survivin expression by triggering cell-death. Consequently, CS-MNPs
      are highly efficient delivery systems for intact siRNAs.

PMID- 27130313
TI  - A re-evaluation of the taxonomy of phytopathogenic genera Dickeya and
      Pectobacterium using whole-genome sequencing data.
AB  - The genera Dickeya and Pectobacterium contain important plant pathogens. However,
      species from these genera are often poorly defined and some new isolates could
      not be assigned to any of the existing species. Due to their wide geographic
      distribution and lethality, a reliable and easy classification scheme for these
      pathogens is urgently needed. The low cost of next-generation sequencing has
      generated an upsurge of microbial genome sequences. Here, we present a
      phylogenomic and systematic analysis of the genera Dickeya and Pectobacterium.
      Eighty-three genomes from these two genera as well as two Brenneria genomes were
      included in this study. We estimated average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in
      silico DNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH) values in combination with the whole-genome
      based phylogeny from 895 single-copy orthologous genes using these 85 genomes.
      Strains with ANI values of >=96% and isDDH values of >=70% were consistently
      grouped together in the phylogenetic tree. ANI, isDDH, and whole-genome-based
      phylogeny all support the elevation of Pectobacterium carotovorum's four
      subspecies (actinidiae, odoriferum, carotovorum, and brasiliense) to the species
      level. We also found some strains could not be assigned to any of the existing
      species, indicating these strains represent novel species. Furthermore, our study
      revealed at least ten tested genomes from these genera were misnamed in GenBank.
      This work highlights the potential of using whole genome sequences to re-evaluate
      current prokaryotic species definition and establish a unified prokaryotic
      species definition frame for taxonomically challenging genera. 

PMID- 27130314
TI  - Phosphorus supply, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species, and plant genotype
      impact on the protective efficacy of mycorrhizal inoculation against wheat
      powdery mildew.
AB  - A potential alternative strategy to chemical control of plant diseases could be
      the stimulation of plant defense by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). In the
      present study, the influence of three parameters (phosphorus supply, mycorrhizal
      inoculation, and wheat cultivar) on AMF protective efficiency against Blumeria
      graminis f. sp. tritici, responsible for powdery mildew, was investigated under
      controlled conditions. A 5-fold reduction (P/5) in the level of phosphorus supply
      commonly recommended for wheat in France improved Funneliformis mosseae
      colonization and promoted protection against B. graminis f. sp. tritici in a more
      susceptible wheat cultivar. However, a further decrease in P affected plant
      growth, even under mycorrhizal conditions. Two commercially available AMF inocula
      (F. mosseae, Solrize(r)) and one laboratory inoculum (Rhizophagus irregularis)
      were tested for mycorrhizal development and protection against B. graminis f. sp.
      tritici of two moderately susceptible and resistant wheat cultivars at P/5.
      Mycorrhizal levels were the highest with F. mosseae (38 %), followed by R.
      irregularis (19 %) and Solrize(r) (SZE, 8 %). On the other hand, the highest
      protection level against B. graminis f. sp. tritici was obtained with F. mosseae
      (74 %), followed by SZE (58 %) and R. irregularis (34 %), suggesting that
      inoculum type rather than mycorrhizal levels determines the protection level of
      wheat against B. graminis f. sp. tritici. The mycorrhizal protective effect was
      associated with a reduction in the number of conidia with haustorium and with an
      accumulation of polyphenolic compounds at B. graminis f. sp. tritici infection
      sites. Both the moderately susceptible and the most resistant wheat cultivar were
      protected against B. graminis f. sp. tritici infection by F. mosseae inoculation
      at P/5, although the underlying mechanisms appear rather different between the
      two cultivars. This study emphasizes the importance of taking into account the
      considered parameters when considering the use of AMF as biocontrol agents. 

PMID- 27130315
TI  - Altered kynurenine pathway metabolites in serum of chronic migraine patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Activation of glutamate (Glu) receptors plays a key role in the
      pathophysiology of migraine. Both NMDA and metabotropic Glu receptors are
      activated or inhibited by metabolites of the kynurenine pathway, such as
      kynureninic acid (KYNA), quinolinic acid (QUINA), and xanthurenic acid (XA). In
      spite of the extensive research carried out on KYNA and other kynurenine
      metabolites in experimental models of migraine, no studies have ever been carried
      out in humans. Here, we measured all metabolites of the kynurenine pathway in the
      serum of patients affected by chronic migraine (CM) and age- and gender-matched
      healthy controls. METHODS: We assessed serum levels of tryptophan (Trp), L
      kynurenine (KYN), KYNA, anthranilic acid (ANA), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3
      HANA), 3-hydroxykynirenine (3-HK), XA, QUINA, and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5
      HIAA) in 119 patients affected by CM (ICHD-3beta criteria) and 84 age-matched
      healthy subjects. Patients with psychiatric co-morbidities, systemic
      inflammatory, endocrine or neurological disorders, and mental retardation were
      excluded. Serum levels of all metabolites were assayed using liquid
      chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: LC-MS/MS analysis of
      kynurenine metabolites showed significant reductions in the levels of KYN (-32
      %), KYNA (-25 %), 3-HK (-49 %), 3-HANA (-63 %), 5-HIAA (-36 %) and QUINA (-80 %)
      in the serum of the CM patients, as compared to healthy controls. Conversely,
      levels of Trp, ANA and XA were significantly increased in CM patients (+5 %, +339
      % and +28 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that in migraine
      KYN is unidirectionally metabolized into ANA at expenses of KYNA and 3-HK. The
      reduction in the levels of KYNA, which behaves as a competitive antagonist of the
      glycine site of NMDA receptors, is consistent with the hypothesis that NMDA
      receptors are overactive in migraine. The increase in XA, a putative activator of
      Glu2 receptors, may represent a compensatory event aimed at reinforcing
      endogenous analgesic mechanisms. The large increase in the levels of ANA
      encourages research aimed at establishing whether ANA has any role in the
      regulation of nociceptive transmission.

PMID- 27130316
TI  - Neuron-immune mechanisms contribute to pain in early stages of arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients frequently show weak correlations
      between the magnitude of pain and inflammation suggesting that mechanisms other
      than overt peripheral inflammation contribute to pain in RA. We assessed changes
      in microglial reactivity and spinal excitability and their contribution to pain
      like behaviour in the early stages of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model.
      METHODS: Mechanically evoked hypersensitivity, spinal nociceptive withdrawal
      reflexes (NWRs) and hind paw swelling were evaluated in female Lewis rats before
      and until 13 days following collagen immunization. In the spinal dorsal horn,
      microgliosis was assayed using immunohistochemistry (Iba-1/p-p38) and
      cyto(chemo)kine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Intrathecal
      administration of microglia-targeting drugs A-438079 (P2X7 antagonist) and LHVS
      (cathepsin S inhibitor) were examined upon hypersensitivity, NWRs, microgliosis
      and cyto(chemo)kine levels in the early phase of CIA. RESULTS: The early phase of
      CIA was associated with mechanical allodynia and exaggerated mechanically evoked
      spinal NWRs, evident before hind paw swelling, and exacerbated with the
      development of swelling. Concomitant with the development of hypersensitivity was
      the presence of reactive spinal microgliosis and an increase of IL-1beta levels
      in CSF (just detectable in plasma). Prolonged intrathecal administration of
      microglial inhibitors attenuated the development of mechanical allodynia, reduced
      microgliosis and attenuated IL-1beta increments. Acute spinal application of
      either microglial inhibitor significantly diminished the sensitization of the
      spinal NWRs. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical hypersensitivity in the early phase of CIA
      is associated with central sensitization that is dependent upon microglial
      mediated release of IL-1beta in the spinal cord. Blockade of these spinal events
      may provide pain relief in RA patients.

PMID- 27130317
TI  - Wound healing and cancer progression in Opisthorchis viverrini associated
      cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - Infection with the human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini induces cancer of the
      bile ducts, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). It was shown previously that O. viverrini
      secreted proteins accelerate wound resolution in human cholangiocytes.
      Recombinant Ov-GRN-1 (O. viverrini-derived gene encoding granulin-like growth
      factor) induced angiogenesis and accelerated mouse wound healing. Given the
      striking similarities of wound healing and cancer progression, here we discuss
      the major implications of this finding for an infection-induced cancer of major
      public health significance in the developing world. 

PMID- 27130318
TI  - Cholinergic components of nervous system of Schistosoma mansoni and S.
      haematobium (Digenea: Schistosomatidae).
AB  - A comparison has been made for the first time between the cholinergic components
      of the nervous system of important human digeneans namely Schistosoma mansoni and
      Schistosoma haematobium from infected hamster (Cricentus auratus) in Egypt. In
      each parasite, the central nervous system consists of two cerebral ganglia and
      three pairs of nerve cords (ventral, lateral, and dorsal) linked together by some
      transverse connectives and numerous ring commissures. Peripheral cholinergic
      innervation was detected in oral and ventral suckers and in some parts of female
      reproductive system in both species, but there were some differences. The
      possible functions of some of these nervous components are discussed. 

PMID- 27130319
TI  - Effects of parasite pressure on parasite mortality and reproductive output in a
      rodent-flea system: inferring host defense trade-offs.
AB  - Evaluating host resistance via parasite fitness helps place host-parasite
      relationships within evolutionary and ecological contexts; however, few studies
      consider both these processes simultaneously. We investigated how different
      levels of parasite pressure affect parasite mortality and reproductive success in
      relationship to host defense efforts, using the rodent Gerbillus nanus and the
      flea Xenopsylla conformis as a host-parasite system. Fifteen immune-naive male
      rodents were infested with 20, 50, or 100 fleas for four weeks. During this time
      number of new imagoes produced per adult flea (our flea reproductive output
      metric), flea mortality, and change in circulating anti-flea immunoglobulin G
      (our measure of adaptive immune defense) were monitored. Three hypotheses guided
      this work: (1) increasing parasite pressure would heighten host defenses; (2)
      parasite mortality would increase and parasite reproductive output would decrease
      with increasing investment in host defense; and (3) hosts under high parasite
      pressure could invest in behavioral and/or immune responses. We predicted that at
      high infestation levels (a) parasite mortality would increase; (b) flea
      reproductive output per individual would decrease; and (c) host circulating anti
      flea antibody levels would increase. The hypotheses were partially supported.
      Flea mortality significantly increased and flea reproductive output significantly
      decreased as flea pressure increased. Host adaptive immune defense did not
      significantly change with increasing flea pressure. Therefore, we inferred that
      investment in host behavioral defense, either alone or in combination with
      density-dependent effects, may be more efficient at increasing flea mortality and
      decreasing flea reproductive output than antibody production during initial
      infestation in this system. 

PMID- 27130320
TI  - Serodiagnosis of fasciolosis by fast protein liquid chromatography-fractionated
      excretory/secretory antigens.
AB  - In several studies, different antigenic preparations and diverse immunological
      tests were applied for serodiagnosis of Fasciola hepatica infections. Most of
      these preparations showed cross-reactivity with proteins of other parasites.
      Application of purified antigens might reduce these cross-reactivities. Here, we
      used fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC)-fractionated extracts of F.
      hepatica excretory/secretory antigens (E/S Ags) for serodiagnosis of human and
      sheep fasciolosis. To develop an improved diagnostic method, we fractionated F.
      hepatica E/S Ags by anion exchange chromatography on a Sepharose CL-6B column and
      then tested the serodiagnostic values of the fractions. We used sera from F.
      hepatica-infected human and sheep as positive controls. Sera from patients with
      hydatidosis and strongyloidiasis were used for cross-reactivity studies. Enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) of the second FPLC peak, containing 20, 25,
      and 70 kDa proteins, discriminated between F. hepatica-infected and uninfected
      human and sheep samples. Fractionation of F. hepatica E/S Ags by FPLC is a fast
      and reproducible way of obtaining antigens useful for serodiagnosis of human and
      sheep fasciolosis with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. Graphical abstract
      ?. 

PMID- 27130321
TI  - Ancient, globally distributed lineage of Sarcocystis from sporocysts of the
      Eastern rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) and its relation to neurological
      sequalae in intermediate hosts.
AB  - There is an emerging concern that snakes are definitive hosts of certain species
      of Sarcocystis that cause muscular sarcocystosis in human and non-human primates.
      Other species of Sarcocystis are known to cycle among snakes and rodents, but
      have been poorly characterized in the USA and elsewhere. Although neurological
      sequalae are known for certain species of Sarcocystis, no such neurological
      symptoms are known to typify parasites that naturally cycle in rodents. Here,
      sporocysts of a species of Sarcocystis were found in the intestinal contents of a
      rat snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) from Maryland, USA. The sporocysts were
      orally infective for interferon gamma gene knockout (KO) mice, but not to Swiss
      Webster outbred mice. The KO mice developed neurological signs, and were
      necropsied between 33 and 52 days post-inoculation. Only schizonts/merozoites
      were found, and they were confined to the brain. The predominant lesion was
      meningoencephalitis characterized by perivascular cuffs, granulomas, and necrosis
      of the neuropil. The schizonts and merozoites were located in neuropil, and
      apparently extravascular. Brain homogenates from infected KO mice were infective
      to KO mice and CV-1 cell line. DNA extracted from the infected mouse brain, and
      infected cell cultures revealed the highest identity with Sarcocystis species
      that employ snakes as definitive hosts. This is the first report of Sarcocystis
      infection in the endangered rat snake (P. alleghaniensis) and the first report of
      neurological sarcocystosis in mice induced by feeding sporocysts from a snake.
      These data underscore the likelihood that parasites in this genus that employ
      snakes as their definitive hosts constitute an ancient, globally distributed
      monophyletic group. These data also raise the possibility that neurological
      sequalae may be more common in intermediate hosts of Sarcocystis spp. than has
      previously been appreciated. 

PMID- 27130322
TI  - Molecular detection and groEL typing of Rickettsia aeschlimannii in Sardinian
      ticks.
AB  - Rickettsia aeschlimannii is an emerging tick-borne pathogen of the spotted fever
      group Rickettsiae with considerable impact on both human and animal health. This
      study reports the molecular detection and groEL characterization of R.
      aeschlimannii in ticks collected from birds and ruminants in a typical
      Mediterranean environment. Phylogeny of R. aeschlimannii and species
      representative of the spotted fever and typhus groups based on the groEL gene is
      reconstructed for the first time. Results expand the knowledge on distribution
      and typing of emerging human tick-borne diseases in Sardinia and pave the way for
      future molecular epidemiology studies of zoonotic Rickettsiae. 

PMID- 27130323
TI  - Lawsonella clevelandensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the suborder
      Corynebacterineae isolated from human abscesses.
AB  - Gram-stain-positive, partially acid-fast, non-spore-forming, anaerobic, catalase
      positive, pleomorphic bacteria were isolated from human abscesses. Strains
      X1036T, X1698 and NML 120705, were recovered from a spinal abscess, a peritoneal
      abscess and a breast abscess respectively. A phylogenetic analysis of the 16S
      rRNA gene sequences showed that the strains shared 100 % similarity, and the
      nearest phylogenetic neighbour was Dietzia timorensis DSM 45568T (95%).
      Chemotaxonomic characteristics of the strains were consistent with those
      described for members of the suborder Corynebacterineae. Mycolic acids were
      detected using HPLC and one-dimensional TLC; whole-cell hydrolysates yielded meso
      diaminopimelic acid with arabinose and galactose as the predominant sugars; the
      muramic acid acyl type was acetylated; the major menaquinone was MK-9 (96.3%);
      polar lipids detected were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and an
      unknown glycophospholipid. Cellular fatty acids were hexadecanoic acid (C16 : 0),
      octadecenoic acid (C18 : 1omega9c) and decanoic acid (C10 : 0). Tuberculostearic
      acid was not detected. Based on the results of this polyphasic study, we conclude
      that these strains represent a novel genus and species within the suborder
      Corynebacterineae for which we propose the name Lawsonella clevelandensis gen.
      nov., sp. nov., with the type strain X1036T (=DSM 45743T=CCUG 66657T). 

PMID- 27130324
TI  - The Physiological Basis of Chinese Hoomii Generation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the physiological basis of vibration
      mode of sound source of a variety of Mongolian hoomii forms of singing in China.
      METHODS: The participant is a Mongolian hoomii performing artist who was
      recommended by the Chinese Medical Association of Art. He used three types of
      hoomii, namely vibration hoomii, whistle hoomii, and overtone hoomii, which were
      compared with general comfortable pronunciation of /i:/ as control. Phonation was
      observed during /i:/. A laryngostroboscope (Storz) was used to determine
      vibration source-mucosal wave in the throat. RESULTS: For vibration hoomii,
      bilateral ventricular folds approximated to the midline and made contact at the
      midline during pronunciation. Ventricular and vocal folds oscillated together as
      a single unit to form a composite vibration (double oscillator) sound source. For
      whistle hoomii, ventricular folds approximated to the midline to cover part of
      vocal folds, but did not contact each other. It did not produce mucosal wave. The
      vocal folds produced mucosal wave to form a single vibration sound source. For
      overtone hoomii, the anterior two-thirds of ventricular folds touched each other
      during pronunciation. The last one-third produced the mucosal wave. The vocal
      folds produced mucosal wave at the same time, which was a composite vibration
      (double oscillator) sound source mode. CONCLUSIONS: The Hoomii form of singing,
      including mixed voices and multivoice, was related to the presence of dual
      vibration sound sources. Its high overtone form of singing (whistle hoomii) was
      related to stenosis at the resonance chambers' initiation site (ventricular folds
      level).

PMID- 27130325
TI  - Current Practice and Future Avenues in Autism Therapy.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders with early
      onset, characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive and
      restricted interests and activities. A growing number of studies over the last 10
      years support the efficacy of behaviorally based interventions in ASD for the
      improvement of social communication and behavioral functioning. In contrast,
      research on neurobiological based therapies for ASD is still at its beginnings.
      In this article, we will provide a selective overview of both well-established
      evidence-based treatments and novel interventions and drug treatments based on
      neurobiological principles aiming at improving core symptoms in ASD. Directions
      and options for future research on treatment in ASD are discussed.

PMID- 27130326
TI  - The Social Context Network Model in Psychiatric and Neurological Diseases.
AB  - The role of contextual modulations has been extensively studied in basic sensory
      and cognitive processes. However, little is known about their impact on social
      cognition, let alone their disruption in disorders compromising such a domain. In
      this chapter, we flesh out the social context network model (SCNM), a
      neuroscientific proposal devised to address the issue. In SCNM terms, social
      context effects rely on a fronto-temporo-insular network in charge of (a)
      updating context cues to make predictions, (b) consolidating context-target
      associative learning, and (c) coordinating internal and external milieus. First,
      we characterize various social cognition domains as context-dependent phenomena.
      Then, we review behavioral and neural evidence of social context impairments in
      behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and autism spectrum disorder
      (ASD), highlighting their relation with key SCNM hubs. Next, we show that other
      psychiatric and neurological conditions involve context-processing impairments
      following damage to the brain regions included in the model. Finally, we call for
      an ecological approach to social cognition assessment, moving beyond widespread
      abstract and decontextualized methods.

PMID- 27130328
TI  - Consolidative Radioimmunotherapy After Chemoimmunotherapy in Patients With
      Histologic Transformation of Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Histologic transformation (HT) of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas is
      an event that results in considerable morbidity and mortality. The introduction
      of chemoimmunotherapy regimens has resulted in an improvement in the management
      of this disease, and consolidation of responses with autologous stem cell
      transplantation appears efficacious. Many patients are not eligible for high-dose
      therapy, however. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) has demonstrated single-agent efficacy
      in HT and can be used safely as consolidation after chemoimmunotherapy. For these
      reasons, RIT consolidation after chemoimmunotherapy induction has been our
      standard treatment approach at the University of Rochester for patients with HT
      who were ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed to describe the clinical
      outcomes of these patients. Twenty-one patients were identified who received RIT
      consolidation. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the distributions of
      overall survival and progression-free survival. Comparisons were made between
      patients with pathologic HT and the combination of clinical HT and composite
      lymphoma using the log-rank test to compare survival curves. RESULTS: The median
      overall survival of the cohort was 84 months, and progression-free survival was
      38 months. The major toxicity was myelosuppression, and 2 deaths were attributed
      to therapy. One case of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia was noted.
      CONCLUSION: In a population of patients ineligible for high-dose therapy with
      autologous stem cell support, consolidation of response to chemoimmunotherapy
      with RIT was well tolerated and should be considered in patients with disease
      responsive to induction therapy.

PMID- 27130329
TI  - Mercury and methylmercury in aquatic sediment across western North America.
AB  - Large-scale assessments are valuable in identifying primary factors controlling
      total mercury (THg) and monomethyl mercury (MeHg) concentrations, and
      distribution in aquatic ecosystems. Bed sediment THg and MeHg concentrations were
      compiled for >16,000 samples collected from aquatic habitats throughout the West
      between 1965 and 2013. The influence of aquatic feature type (canals, estuaries,
      lakes, and streams), and environmental setting (agriculture, forest, open-water,
      range, wetland, and urban) on THg and MeHg concentrations was examined. THg
      concentrations were highest in lake (29.3+/-6.5MUgkg(-1)) and canal (28.6+/
      6.9MUgkg(-1)) sites, and lowest in stream (20.7+/-4.6MUgkg(-1)) and estuarine
      (23.6+/-5.6MUgkg(-1)) sites, which was partially a result of differences in grain
      size related to hydrologic gradients. By environmental setting, open-water
      (36.8+/-2.2MUgkg(-1)) and forested (32.0+/-2.7MUgkg(-1)) sites generally had the
      highest THg concentrations, followed by wetland sites (28.9+/-1.7MUgkg(-1)),
      rangeland (25.5+/-1.5MUgkg(-1)), agriculture (23.4+/-2.0MUgkg(-1)), and urban
      (22.7+/-2.1MUgkg(-1)) sites. MeHg concentrations also were highest in lakes
      (0.55+/-0.05MUgkg(-1)) and canals (0.54+/-0.11MUgkg(-1)), but, in contrast to
      THg, MeHg concentrations were lowest in open-water sites (0.22+/-0.03MUgkg(-1)).
      The median percent MeHg (relative to THg) for the western region was 0.7%,
      indicating an overall low methylation efficiency; however, a significant subset
      of data (n>100) had percentages that represent elevated methylation efficiency
      (>6%). MeHg concentrations were weakly correlated with THg (r(2)=0.25) across
      western North America. Overall, these results highlight the large spatial
      variability in sediment THg and MeHg concentrations throughout western North
      America and underscore the important roles that landscape and land-use
      characteristics have on the MeHg cycle. 

PMID- 27130327
TI  - The number of tracheal intubation attempts matters! A prospective multi
      institutional pediatric observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of multiple tracheal intubation (TI) attempts on outcomes
      in critically ill children with acute respiratory failure is not known. The
      objective of our study is to determine the association between number of TI
      attempts and severe desaturation (SpO2 < 70 %) and adverse TI associated events
      (TIAEs). METHODS: We performed an analysis of a prospective multicenter TI
      database (National Emergency Airway Registry for Children: NEAR4KIDS). Primary
      exposure variable was number of TI attempts trichotomized as one, two, or >=3
      attempts. Estimates were adjusted for history of difficult airway, upper airway
      obstruction, and age. We included all children with initial TI performed with
      direct laryngoscopy for acute respiratory failure between 7/2010-3/2013. Our main
      outcome measures were desaturation (<80 % during TI attempt), severe desaturation
      (<70 %), adverse and severe TIAEs (e.g., cardiac arrest, hypotension requiring
      treatment). RESULTS: Of 3382 TIs, 2080(65 %) were for acute respiratory failure.
      First attempt success was achieved in 1256/2080(60 %), second attempt in
      503/2080(24 %), and >=3 attempts in 321/2080(15 %). Higher number of attempts was
      associated with younger age, history of difficult airway, signs of upper airway
      obstruction, and first provider training level. The proportion of TIs with
      desaturation increased with increasing number of attempts (1 attempt:16 %, 2
      attempts:36 %, >=3 attempts:56 %, p < 0.001; adjusted OR for 2 attempts: 2.9[95 %
      CI:2.3-3.7]; >=3 attempts: 6.5[95 % CI: 5.0-8.5], adjusted for patient factors).
      Proportion of TIs with severe desaturation also increased with increasing number
      of attempts (1 attempt:12 %, 2 attempts:30 %, >=3 attempts:44 %, p < 0.001);
      adjusted OR for 2 attempts: 3.1[95 % CI:2.4-4.0]; >=3 attempts: 5.7[95 % CI: 4.3
      7.5] ). TIAE rates increased from 10 to 29 to 38 % with increasing number of
      attempts (p < 0.001); adjusted OR for 2 attempts: 3.7[95 % CI:2.9-4.9] ; >=3
      attempts: 5.5[95 % CI: 4.1-7.4]. Severe TIAE rates went from 5 to 8 to 9 % (p =
      0.008); adjusted OR for 2 attempts: 1.6 [95 % CI:1.1-2.4]; >=3 attempts: 1.8[95 %
      CI:1.1-2.8]. CONCLUSIONS: Number of TI attempts was associated with desaturations
      and increased occurrence of TIAEs in critically ill children with acute
      respiratory failure. Thoughtful attention to initial provider as well as optimal
      setting/preparation is important to maximize the chance for first attempt success
      and to avoid desaturation.

PMID- 27130330
TI  - G-DOC Plus - an integrative bioinformatics platform for precision medicine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: G-DOC Plus is a data integration and bioinformatics platform that
      uses cloud computing and other advanced computational tools to handle a variety
      of biomedical BIG DATA including gene expression arrays, NGS and medical images
      so that they can be analyzed in the full context of other omics and clinical
      information. RESULTS: G-DOC Plus currently holds data from over 10,000 patients
      selected from private and public resources including Gene Expression Omnibus
      (GEO), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the recently added datasets from
      REpository for Molecular BRAin Neoplasia DaTa (REMBRANDT), caArray studies of
      lung and colon cancer, ImmPort and the 1000 genomes data sets. The system allows
      researchers to explore clinical-omic data one sample at a time, as a cohort of
      samples; or at the level of population, providing the user with a comprehensive
      view of the data. G-DOC Plus tools have been leveraged in cancer and non-cancer
      studies for hypothesis generation and validation; biomarker discovery and multi
      omics analysis, to explore somatic mutations and cancer MRI images; as well as
      for training and graduate education in bioinformatics, data and computational
      sciences. Several of these use cases are described in this paper to demonstrate
      its multifaceted usability. CONCLUSION: G-DOC Plus can be used to support a
      variety of user groups in multiple domains to enable hypothesis generation for
      precision medicine research. The long-term vision of G-DOC Plus is to extend this
      translational bioinformatics platform to stay current with emerging omics
      technologies and analysis methods to continue supporting novel hypothesis
      generation, analysis and validation for integrative biomedical research. By
      integrating several aspects of the disease and exposing various data elements,
      such as outpatient lab workup, pathology, radiology, current treatments,
      molecular signatures and expected outcomes over a web interface, G-DOC Plus will
      continue to strengthen precision medicine research. G-DOC Plus is available at:
      https://gdoc.georgetown.edu .

PMID- 27130331
TI  - The validity of socioeconomic status measures among adolescents based on self
      reported information about parents occupations, FAS and perceived SES;
      implication for health related quality of life studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research has shown inconsistencies in results and difficulties in
      conceptualization of assessment of socioeconomic status (SES) among adolescents.
      The aim of this study was thus to test the validity of self-reported information
      on SES in two age-groups (11-13 and 14-16 years old) in an adolescent population
      and to evaluate its relationship to self-reported health related quality of life
      (HRQOL). Different measures of SES commonly used in research in relation to HRQOL
      were tested in this study; parent's occupations status, family material affluence
      status (FAS) and perceived SES. METHOD: A cross-sectional study, with a sample of
      948 respondents (n = 467, 11-13 years old and n = 481, 14-16 years old) completed
      questionnaires about SES and HRQOL. The adolescents' completion rates were used,
      with chi2-test, to investigate differences between gender and age-group.
      Correlation was used for convergent validity and ANOVA for concurrent validity.
      RESULTS: We found a low completion rate for both fathers' (41.7 %) and mothers'
      (37.5 %) occupation status, and a difference in completion rate between gender
      and age-groups. FAS had the highest completion rate (100 %) compared to parent's
      occupations status and perceived SES. The convergent validity between the SES
      indicators was weak (Spearman correlation coefficient below 0.3), suggesting that
      the indicators measured different dimensions of SES. Both FAS and perceived SES
      showed a gradient in mean HRQOL between low and high SES in relation to HRQOL,
      this was significant only for perceived SES (p < 0.01, both age-groups).
      CONCLUSION: This study indicates the need for considering different approaches to
      measures of SES among adolescences and when evaluating SES in relation to HRQOL.
      Further research is needed to investigate sustainable ways to measure SES,
      delineating the relevance of tangible measures of education, occupation and
      income in relation to the perceived socioeconomic status in comparison with
      others in immediate social networks and in society at large.

PMID- 27130332
TI  - Bronchoplasty using continuous suture in complete monitor view: a suitable method
      of thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our study aims to determine the value of bronchial anastomosis using
      complete continuous suture. METHODS: Six patients diagnosed with central lung
      carcinoma who were candidates for right-sided sleeve lobectomy and underwent
      sleeve resection of the right upper lobe by thoracoscopic surgical procedure.
      RESULTS: The mean surgical time was 182 min (range, 110 to 260 min). The mean
      time of bronchial anastomosis was 49 min (range, 18 to 76 min). The mean bleeding
      was 110 mL (range, 50 to 260 mL). Median chest tube drainage was 305 mL (range,
      200 to 600 mL). No perioperative deaths or major complications occurred. The
      postoperative bronchoscopy confirmed no stenosis. The mean follow-up time was
      19.2 months (range, 7 to 34 months), and six patients were alive. CONCLUSIONS:
      Bronchial anastomosis using complete continuous suture may be a suitable method
      in thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy.

PMID- 27130333
TI  - Pancreatic cancer: Wait times from presentation to treatment and survival in a
      population-based study.
AB  - Pancreatic survival is one of the worst in oncology. To what extent wait times
      affect outcomes in unknown No population-based study has previously explored
      patient and treatment delays among individuals with pancreatic cancer. The aim of
      this study was to estimate patient and treatment delays in patients with
      pancreatic cancer and to measure their association with survival in a nonselected
      population. All patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer for the first time
      between 2009 and 2011 and registered in two French digestive cancer registries
      were included. Patient delay (time from onset of symptoms until the first
      consultation categorized into <1 or >=1 month), and treatment delay (time between
      the first consultation and treatment categorized into less or more than 29 days,
      the median time) were collected. Overall delay was used to test associations
      between survival and the timeliness of care by combining patient delay and
      treatment delay. Patient delay was longer than 1 month in 46% of patients. A
      patient delay longer than one month was associated with the absence of jaundice
      (p < 0.001) and the presence of metastasis (p = 0.003). After adjusting for other
      covariates, such as symptoms and treatment, the presence of metastasis was
      negatively associated with treatment delay longer than 29 days (p = 0.025). After
      adjustment for other covariates, especially metastatic dissemination and the
      result of the resection, overall delay was not significantly associated with
      prognosis. We found little evidence to suggest that timely care was associated
      with the survival of patients.

PMID- 27130335
TI  - Cone-beam Computed Tomography: Anatomic Analysis of Maxillary Posterior Teeth
      Impact on Endodontic Microsurgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is imperative that the endodontic surgeon be knowledgeable of
      the anatomic dimensions of the surgical site. If cone-beam computed tomography is
      not available because of location/cost, it is prudent for the clinician to
      consult a knowledge base for the surgical site. An understanding of the root
      thickness of maxillary premolars and molars at the preferred level for root
      resection (3.0-3.6 mm), bone thickness over these roots, and the proximity of
      each root apex to the maxillary sinus will help the surgeon before and during the
      surgical procedure. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography scans from 155
      patients were used to evaluate measurements from 505 teeth and respective areas.
      RESULTS: (1) Buccal bone was thinnest over the buccal root of the 2-rooted first
      premolar (0.66 mm) and the mesiobuccal (MB) root of the first molar (0.84 mm) and
      thickest over the MB root of the second molar (1.91 mm). (2) The palatal bone was
      thinnest over the palatal root of the maxillary first molar (1.24 mm) and
      thickest over the single-rooted second premolar (3.26 mm). (3) The longest
      distances to complete resection were found for the 2-rooted first and second
      premolars (8.81 mm and 9.14 mm, respectively) and the MB root of the second molar
      (7.40 mm). (4) The MB root of the second molar had the closest proximity to the
      sinus floor, with an average distance of 0.66 mm. CONCLUSIONS: An understanding
      of the maxillary posterior tooth anatomy for apical resection is beneficial to
      the endodontist.

PMID- 27130334
TI  - Efficacy of 4 Irrigation Protocols in Killing Bacteria Colonized in Dentinal
      Tubules Examined by a Novel Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope Analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the efficiency of 4
      irrigation systems in eliminating bacteria in root canals, particularly in
      dentinal tubules. METHODS: Roots of human teeth were prepared to 25/04,
      autoclaved, and inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis for 3 weeks. Canals were
      then disinfected by (1) standard needle irrigation, (2) sonically agitating with
      EndoActivator, (3) XP Endo finisher, or (4) erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser
      (PIPS) (15 roots/group). The bacterial reduction in the canal was determined by
      MTT assays. For measuring live versus dead bacteria in the dentinal tubules (4
      teeth/group), teeth were split open and stained with LIVE/DEAD BackLight.
      Coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the canal dentin were scanned by using a
      confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) to determine the ratio of dead/total
      bacteria in the dentinal tubules at various depths. RESULTS: All 4 irrigation
      protocols significantly eliminated bacteria in the canal, ranging from 89.6% to
      98.2% reduction (P < .001). XP Endo had the greatest bacterial reduction compared
      with other 3 techniques (P < .05). CLSM analysis showed that XP Endo had the
      highest level of dead bacteria in the coronal, middle, and apical segments at 50
      MUm depth. On the other hand, PIPS had the greatest bacterial killing efficiency
      at the 150-MUm depth in all 3 root segments. CONCLUSIONS: XP Endo appears to be
      more efficient than other 3 techniques in disinfecting the main canal space and
      up to 50 MUm deep into the dentinal tubules. PIPS appears to be most effective in
      killing the bacteria deep in the dentinal tubules.

PMID- 27130336
TI  - Detection of Simulated Vertical Root Fractures: Which Cone-beam Computed
      Tomographic System Is the Most Accurate?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of 5 cone-beam computed
      tomographic (CBCT) systems in detecting vertical root fractures (VRFs) and to
      assess whether fracture identification is affected by the presence of root canal
      filling. METHODS: Eighty extracted posterior teeth were included in this study.
      They were grouped according to the presence/absence of VRFs and the
      presence/absence of endodontic treatment. The teeth were then inserted in 5 dry
      skull/mandible assemblies. CBCT scans were performed using 5 different
      commercially available systems. Two observers evaluated the resultant multiplanar
      images twice for VRFs using a 3-point scale. RESULTS: i-CAT (Imaging Sciences
      International, Hatfield, PA) showed the highest diagnostic accuracy in the
      detection of VRFs among the 5 investigated CBCT systems. The presence of root
      canal filling did not significantly decrease the ability to detect VRFs by all
      the studied systems. In the detection of VRFs in endodontically treated teeth, i
      CAT was the most accurate, whereas 3D Accuitomo (J. Morita, Kyoto, Japan) was the
      least. Interobserver agreement was moderate for the i-CAT and fair for the rest
      of the studied modalities, whereas intraobserver agreement was good for the
      Scanora 3D (Soredex, Tuusula, Finland) and moderate for images from the other
      CBCT machines. CONCLUSIONS: At the specified exposure parameters in the detection
      of VRFs in non-root canal-filled teeth, i-CAT showed the highest diagnostic
      accuracy followed by Planmeca Promax 3D (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland), Scanora
      3D, Accuitomo 3D, and Galileos 3D (Sirona Dental Systems, Bensheim, Germany),
      respectively. In the detection of VRFs in root canal-filled teeth, i-CAT showed
      the highest diagnostic accuracy followed by Planmeca Promax 3D, Scanora 3D,
      Galileos Comfort (Sirona Dental Systems), and Accuitomo 3D.

PMID- 27130337
TI  - Multiple somatic symptoms and frailty: cross-sectional study in Japanese
      community-dwelling elderly people.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical frailty is relevant to adverse outcomes, but appropriate
      procedures for screening populations are lacking. We hypothesized that frailty is
      associated with multiple somatic symptoms because frail elderly people might have
      several somatic symptoms attributed to deterioration of multiple organs.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between multiple somatic symptoms and
      frailty. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study and enrolled 1818
      participants aged >=60 years from Japanese national medical check-up in 2015.
      Frailty status was categorized into frail, pre-frail or non-frail based on the
      definition of the Fried frailty phenotype model. Sixteen self-reported subjective
      somatic symptoms were recorded at the timing of medical check-up. Odds ratio (OR)
      and 95% confidence interval (CI) of frail or pre-frail were analyzed using number
      of somatic symptoms. RESULTS: Out of total of 1818 subjects, 44 (2.4%) frail
      subjects, 635 (34.9%) pre-frail subjects and 1139 (62.7%) non-frail subjects were
      detected. More than two somatic symptoms were significantly associated with the
      frail phenotype (OR 6.20, 95% CI 2.95, 13.03, P < 0.001) and were associated with
      the pre-frail phenotype (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.69, 2.51, P < 0.001). Associations
      remained significant after multi-adjustment for age, sex, past medical
      cardiovascular diseases and depressive mood The number of somatic symptoms >=2
      was thought to be the optimal cut-off point to predict frail with a sensitivity
      of 79.6%, specificity of 61.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that multiple
      somatic symptoms are independently associated with frailty. Using more than two
      multiple somatic symptoms as a prescreening tool for frailty may be appropriate.

PMID- 27130338
TI  - Differential bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements in benthic and pelagic
      food chains in Lake Baikal.
AB  - Lake Baikal is located in eastern Siberia in the center of a vast mountain
      region. Even though the lake is regarded as a unique and pristine ecosystem,
      there are existing sources of anthropogenic pollution to the lake. In this study,
      the concentrations of the potentially toxic trace elements As, Cd, Pb, Hg, and Se
      were analyzed in water, plankton, invertebrates, and fish from riverine and
      pelagic influenced sites in Lake Baikal. Concentrations of Cd, Hg, Pb and Se in
      Lake Baikal water and biota were low, while concentrations of As were similar or
      slightly higher compared to in other freshwater ecosystems. The bioaccumulation
      potential of the trace elements in both the pelagic and the benthic ecosystems
      differed between the Selenga Shallows (riverine influence) and the Listvenichnyi
      Bay (pelagic influence). Despite the one order of magnitude higher water
      concentrations of Pb in the Selenga Shallows, Pb concentrations were
      significantly higher in both pelagic and benthic fish from the Listvenichnyi Bay.
      A similar trend was observed for Cd, Hg, and Se. The identified enhanced
      bioavailability of contaminants in the pelagic influenced Listvenichnyi Bay may
      be attributed to a lower abundance of natural ligands for contaminant
      complexation. Hg was found to biomagnify in both benthic and pelagic Baikal food
      chains, while As, Cd, and Pb were biodiluted. At both locations, Hg
      concentrations were around seven times higher in benthic than in pelagic fish,
      while pelagic fish had two times higher As concentrations compared to benthic
      fish. The calculated Se/Hg molar ratios revealed that, even though Lake Baikal is
      located in a Se-deficient region, Se is still present in excess over Hg and
      therefore the probability of Hg induced toxicity in the endemic fish species of
      Lake Baikal is assumed to be low. 

PMID- 27130339
TI  - Characterization of the variation of carbonyl compounds concentrations before,
      during, and after the renovation of an apartment at Niteroi, Brazil.
AB  - The present work reports the variation of 31 carbonyl compounds (CC) in an
      apartment located at Niteroi City, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Eight sampling
      campaigns were conducted through a 1-year period, and three areas (living room,
      kitchen, and bedroom) were evaluated before, during, and after the renovation
      activities and reoccupation of the apartment. Samples were collected using SEP
      PAK cartridges impregnated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, and the hydrazones
      were analyzed using rapid resolution liquid chromatography with UV detection. The
      lowest total concentration of CC (19.0 +/- 1.5 MUg m(-3)) was found before the
      renovation when the apartment was empty, but door varnishing resulted in highest
      contamination of the apartment (1386 +/- 384 MUg m(-3)); however, an important
      dispersion of CC was observed in the subsequent sampling (148 +/- 1.8 MUg m(-3)).
      After apartment reoccupation, the indoor contamination seemed to depend on the
      routine activities taken there, such as household product use and cooking
      activities, but apparently, local temperature increase favored the vaporization
      of the volatile CC from the building materials in the apartment. As far as we are
      concerned, this is the first study comparing the concentrations of 31 CC in
      residential areas before, during, and after renovation activities taken in
      Brazil. 

PMID- 27130340
TI  - The relationships of meteorological factors and nutrient levels with
      phytoplankton biomass in a shallow eutrophic lake dominated by cyanobacteria,
      Lake Dianchi from 1991 to 2013.
AB  - Long-term interannual (1991-2013) and monthly (1999-2013) data were analyzed to
      elucidate the effects of meteorological factors and nutrient levels on
      phytoplankton biomass in the cyanobacteria-dominated Waihai basin of Lake
      Dianchi. The interannual ln(chl. a) exhibited positive correlations with the mean
      air temperature, mean minimum air temperature, and mean maximum air temperature;
      in addition, a positive relationship between Deltaln(chl. a) and DeltaTP was
      observed throughout the period. Additionally, ln(chl. a) exhibited a positive
      correlation with the TP concentration, negative correlations with the sunshine
      hours and wind speed during the dry season, and positive correlations with the TN
      and TP concentrations during the rainy season. Furthermore, TP was the most
      influential factor affecting cyanobacterial bloom dynamics throughout the entire
      period and during the dry season, and TN and TP were the most important factors
      during the rainy season, as determined by relative importance analysis. The
      results of this study based on interannual analysis demonstrated that both
      meteorological factors and nutrient levels have important roles in controlling
      cyanobacterial bloom dynamics. The relative importance of these factors may
      change according to precipitation patterns. Thus, climate change regulation and
      eutrophication management should be considered in strategies for bloom control.
      Decreasing the TP load should be prioritized throughout the entire period and
      during the dry season, and decreasing the TN and TP loads should be considered
      initially during the rainy season. In addition, further studies of more frequent
      and complete data acquired over a longer period of time should be conducted in
      the future. 

PMID- 27130341
TI  - Comparative developmental toxicity of eight typical organic pollutants to red sea
      bream (Pagrosomus major) embryos and larvae.
AB  - The red sea bream (Pagrosomus major) 48-h embryo-larval bioassay was used to
      assess and compare the developmental toxicities of eight typical organic
      pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organophosphorus
      pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and alkylphenol. Toxicological
      endpoints such as survival rates of P. major embryos or larvae and the rates of
      hatching and of malformation (oedema, condensed blood, spinal curvatures or eye
      abnormalities) were noted and described within 48 h of exposure. The LC50, EC50,
      no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) and lowest-observed-effect concentration
      (LOEC) were calculated, based on the dose-response relationship. The results
      showed that exposures to all of the selected organic pollutants except for methyl
      parathion produced acute toxic effects on P. major embryos and larvae, at
      different levels of exposure. The levels of acute toxicity of the eight typical
      organic pollutants for P. major embryos and larvae showed the following trend:
      benzo(a)pyrene > malathion > PCB 126 > pyrene > nonylphenol > phenanthrene >
      monocrotophos > methyl parathion. However, the larvae were more sensitive to
      these pollutants than embryos, according to the calculated LC50, EC50, NOEC and
      LOEC. This increased sensitivity of larvae could have resulted from losing the
      natural barrier function of the egg shell membrane. Benzo(a)pyrene, malathion,
      nonylphenol and monocrotophos delayed the development of P. major for both
      embryos and larvae, and decreased the hatching rate of the embryos. These results
      implied that the development of fish embryos and larvae could serve as potential
      biomarkers for evaluating organic contamination in the aquatic environment. The
      marine economic fish P. major was more sensitive to PAHs than the model fish,
      marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). The estimated safe concentrations (SCs) for
      marine economic fish, as determined in our research, could provide a reference
      for the formulation of water quality criteria.

PMID- 27130342
TI  - Physiological mechanisms to cope with Cr(VI) toxicity in lettuce: can lettuce be
      used in Cr phytoremediation?
AB  - This research aims at identifying the main deleterious effects of Cr(VI) on the
      photosynthetic apparatus and at selecting the most sensitive endpoints related to
      photosynthesis. To achieve this goal, we used lettuce (Lactuca sativa), a
      sensible ecotoxicological crop model. Three-week-old plants were exposed to 0,
      50, 150 and 200 mg L(-1) of Cr(VI). These concentrations ranged from levels
      admitted in irrigation waters to values found in several Cr industry effluents
      and heavily contaminated environments. After 30 days of exposure, plants
      accumulated Cr preferably in roots and showed nutritional impairment, with
      decreases of K, Mg, Fe and Zn in both roots and leaves. Cr(VI)-exposed plants
      showed decreased levels of chlorophyll (Chl) a and anthocyanins, as well as
      decreased effective quantum yield of photostystem II (PhiPSII) and photochemical
      Chl fluorescence quenching (qp), but increases in the non-photochemical Chl
      fluorescence quenching (NPQ) and in the de-epoxidation state (DEP) of the
      xanthophyll cycle. Net CO2 assimilation rate (P N ) and RuBisCO activity were
      mostly impaired in the highest Cr(VI) concentration tested. Concerning the final
      products of photosynthesis, starch content was not affected, while soluble sugar
      contents increased. These alterations were accompanied by a reduction in protein
      content and in plant growth. Our results support that endpoints related to the
      photosynthesis photochemical processes (PhiPSII and the qp) and the content of
      anthocyanins are sensitive predictors of Cr(VI) toxicity. The advantages of using
      these parameters as biomarkers for Cr toxicity in plants are discussed. Finally,
      we report that, despite showing physiological disorders, L. sativa plants
      survived and accumulated high doses of Cr, and their use in
      environmental/decontamination studies is open to debate. 

PMID- 27130343
TI  - Microbial-based evaluation of foaming events in full-scale wastewater treatment
      plants by microscopy survey and quantitative image analysis.
AB  - Activated sludge systems are prone to be affected by foaming occurrences causing
      the sludge to rise in the reactor and affecting the wastewater treatment plant
      (WWTP) performance. Nonetheless, there is currently a knowledge gap hindering the
      development of foaming events prediction tools that may be fulfilled by the
      quantitative monitoring of AS systems biota and sludge characteristics. As such,
      the present study focuses on the assessment of foaming events in full-scale
      WWTPs, by quantitative protozoa, metazoa, filamentous bacteria, and sludge
      characteristics analysis, further used to enlighten the inner relationships
      between these parameters. In the current study, a conventional activated sludge
      system (CAS) and an oxidation ditch (OD) were surveyed throughout a period of 2
      and 3 months, respectively, regarding their biota and sludge characteristics. The
      biota community was monitored by microscopic observation, and a new filamentous
      bacteria index was developed to quantify their occurrence. Sludge characteristics
      (aggregated and filamentous biomass contents and aggregate size) were determined
      by quantitative image analysis (QIA). The obtained data was then processed by
      principal components analysis (PCA), cross-correlation analysis, and decision
      trees to assess the foaming occurrences, and enlighten the inner relationships.
      It was found that such events were best assessed by the combined use of the
      relative abundance of testate amoeba and nocardioform filamentous index,
      presenting a 92.9 % success rate for overall foaming events, and 87.5 and 100 %,
      respectively, for persistent and mild events. 

PMID- 27130344
TI  - Methylene blue removal by submerged plasma irradiation system in the presence of
      persulfate.
AB  - The submerged plasma irradiation (SPI) system is utilized in applications and
      implications of many environmental fields as an advanced oxidation technology
      (AOT). However, ramifications of the SPI-based technologies for water treatment
      are constrained by the different inadequacies. To overcome this matter, in this
      study, the influence of added persulfate such as peroxydisulfate (PDS) or
      peroxymonosulfate (PMS) on the removal efficiency of methylene blue (MB) in the
      SPI system was investigated. The SPI-PMS system was the most effective for MB
      removal. Also, the pseudo first order rate constants of MB degradation increased
      with the increase of persulfate dose, applied voltage, and initial solution pH
      values. The radical species responsible for both the PDS and PMS-activated
      systems are likely to be peroxomonosulfate radicals (i.e., SO5 (.-)), sulfate
      radicals (SO4 (.-)), and hydroxyl radicals ((.)OH). Additionally, the persulfate
      based SPI system is a novel AOT capable of producing SO4 (.-)or (.)OH and
      oxidizing water pollutants at near neutral pH. 

PMID- 27130345
TI  - Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine: reflections after an oxcarbazepine-induced
      Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap.

PMID- 27130346
TI  - Management of diabetes in Indigenous communities: lessons from the Australian
      Aboriginal population.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus and other chronic cardio-metabolic conditions are
      significant contributors to the large disparities in life expectancy between
      Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent from
      a young age among Indigenous Australians and is often preceded by a cluster of
      risk factors, including central obesity, dyslipidaemia, albuminuria and socio
      economic disadvantage. Management of type 2 diabetes in Australian Indigenous
      peoples can be challenging in the setting of limited resources and socio-economic
      disadvantage. Key strategies to address these challenges include working in
      partnership with patients, communities and primary healthcare services (PHC,
      Aboriginal community controlled and government services) and working in a
      multidisciplinary team. Population prevention measures are required within and
      beyond the health system, commencing as early as possible in the life course.

PMID- 27130347
TI  - Repolarization Heterogeneity: Beyond the QT Interval.

PMID- 27130350
TI  - An abnormal post-procedure chest radiograph.

PMID- 27130348
TI  - Remnant Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Incident Coronary Heart Disease: The Jackson
      Heart and Framingham Offspring Cohort Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Remnant lipoproteins (RLPs), the triglyceride-enriched precursors to
      low-density lipoprotein, are an emerging risk factor for coronary heart disease
      (CHD). We sought to determine the association of RLP cholesterol (RLP-C) levels
      with incident CHD in 2 diverse, prospective, longitudinal observational US
      cohorts. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed cholesterol levels from serum
      lipoprotein samples separated via density gradient ultracentrifugation in 4114 US
      black participants (mean age 53.8 years, 64% women) from the Jackson Heart Study
      and a random sample of 818 predominantly white participants (mean age 57.3 years,
      52% women) from the Framingham Offspring Cohort Study. Multivariable-adjusted
      hazard ratios (HRs) for RLP-C (the sum of very low-density lipoprotein3
      cholesterol and intermediate-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were derived to
      estimate associations with incident CHD events consisting of myocardial
      infarction, CHD death, and revascularizations for each cohort separately and as a
      combined population. There were 146 CHD events in the combined population. After
      adjustments for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, blood pressure, diabetes, and
      lipid-lowering therapy for the combined population, RLP-C (HR 1.23 per 1-SD
      increase, 95% CI 1.06-1.42, P<0.01) and intermediate-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (HR 1.26 per 1-SD increase, 95% CI 1.08-1.47, P<0.01) predicted CHD
      during an 8-year follow-up. Associations were attenuated by high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol and ultimately lost significance with inclusion of real
      low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which excludes Lp(a) and IDL cholesterol
      fractions. Similar associations were seen in multivariable analyses within each
      cohort. CONCLUSION: RLP-C levels are predictive of incident CHD in this diverse
      group of primary prevention subjects. Interventions aimed at reducing RLP-C to
      prevent CHD warrant further intensive investigation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      URL: http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00415415.

PMID- 27130349
TI  - HIV and Hepatitis C-Coinfected Patients Have Lower Low-Density Lipoprotein
      Cholesterol Despite Higher Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin 9 (PCSK9): An
      Apparent "PCSK9-Lipid Paradox".
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors reduce
      low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and improve outcomes in the general
      population. HIV-infected individuals are at increased risk for cardiovascular
      events and have high rates of dyslipidemia and hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      coinfection, making PCSK9 inhibition a potentially attractive therapy. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We studied 567 participants from a clinic-based cohort to compare
      PCSK9 levels in patients with HIV/HCV coinfection (n=110) with those with HIV
      infection alone (n=385) and with uninfected controls (n=72). The mean age was 49
      years, and the median LDL-C level was 100 mg/dL (IQR 77-124 mg/dL); 21% were
      taking statins. The 3 groups had similar rates of traditional risk factors. Total
      cholesterol, LDL-C, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in
      coinfected patients compared with controls (P<0.001). PCSK9 was 21% higher in
      HIV/HCV-coinfected patients versus controls (95% CI 9-34%, P<0.001) and 11%
      higher in coinfected individuals versus those with HIV infection alone (95% CI 3
      20%, P=0.008). After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, HIV/HCV
      coinfection remained significantly associated with 20% higher PCSK9 levels versus
      controls (95% CI 8-33%, P=0.001). Interleukin-6 levels increased in a stepwise
      fashion from controls (lowest) to HIV-infected to HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals
      (highest) and correlated with PCSK9 (r=0.11, P=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Despite
      having lower LDL-C, circulating PCSK9 levels were increased in patients
      coinfected with HIV and HCV in parallel with elevations in the inflammatory,
      proatherogenic cytokine interleukin-6. Clinical trials should be conducted to
      determine the efficacy of targeted PCSK9 inhibition in the setting of HIV/HCV
      coinfection.

PMID- 27130351
TI  - Transcriptional Regulation of Cytosolic Sulfotransferase 1C2 by Vitamin D
      Receptor in LS180 Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells.
AB  - The factors that regulate expression of genes in the 1C family of human cytosolic
      sulfotransferases (SULT1C) are not well understood. In a recent study evaluating
      the effects of a panel of transcription factor activators on SULT1C family member
      expression in LS180 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, we found that SULT1C2
      expression was significantly increased by 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VitD3)
      treatment. The objective of our current study was to identify the mechanism
      responsible for VitD3-mediated activation of SULT1C2 transcription. VitD3
      treatment of LS180 cells activated transcription of a transfected luciferase
      reporter plasmid that contained ~5 kilobase pairs (kbp) of the SULT1C2 gene,
      which included 402 nucleotides (nt) of the noncoding exon 1, all of intron 1, and
      21 nt of exon 2. Although computational analysis of the VitD3-responsive region
      of the SULT1C2 gene identified a pregnane X receptor (PXR)-binding site within
      exon 1, the transfected 5 kbp SULT1C2 reporter was not activated by treatment
      with rifampicin, a prototypical PXR agonist. However, deletion or mutation of the
      predicted PXR-binding site abolished VitD3-mediated SULT1C2 transcriptional
      activation, identifying the site as a functional vitamin D response element
      (VDRE). We further demonstrated that vitamin D receptor (VDR) can interact
      directly with the SULT1C2 VDRE sequence using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay-based transcription factor binding assay. In conclusion, VitD3-inducible
      SULT1C2 transcription is mediated through a VDRE in exon 1. These results suggest
      a role for SULT1C2 in VitD3-regulated physiologic processes in human intestine.

PMID- 27130352
TI  - Biotransformation Capacity of Carboxylesterase in Skin and Keratinocytes for the
      Penta-Ethyl Ester Prodrug of DTPA.
AB  - The penta-ethyl ester prodrug of the chelating agent diethylene triamine
      pentaacetic acid (DTPA), referred to as C2E5, effectively accelerated clearance
      of americium after transdermal delivery. Carboxylesterases (CESs) play important
      roles in facilitating C2E5 hydrolysis. However, whether CESs in human skin
      hydrolyze C2E5 remains unknown. We evaluated the gene and protein expression of
      CESs in distinctive human epidermal cell lines: HEKa, HEKn, HaCaT, and A431. The
      substrates p-nitrophenyl acetate (pNPA) and 4-nitrophenyl valerate (4-NPV) were
      used to access esterase and CES activity. C2E5 hydrolysis was measured by
      radiometric high-performance liquid chromatography after incubation of
      [(14)C]C2E5 with supernatant fractions after centrifugation at 9000g (S9)
      prepared from skin cell lines. CES-specific inhibitors were used to access
      metabolism in human skin S9 fractions with analysis by liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry. We identified the human carboxylesterase 1 and 2 (CES1
      and CES2) bands in a Western blot. The gene expression of these enzymes was
      supported by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). pNPA and 4-NPV assays
      demonstrated esterase and CES activity in all the cell lines that were comparable
      to human skin S9 fractions. The prodrug C2E5 was hydrolyzed by skin S9 fractions,
      resulting in a primary metabolite, C2E4. In human skin S9 fractions, inhibition
      of C2E5 hydrolysis was greatest with a pan-CES inhibitor (benzil). CES1
      inhibition (troglitazone) was greater than CES2 (loperamide), suggesting a
      primary metabolic role for CES1. These results indicate that human keratinocyte
      cell lines are useful for the evaluation of human cutaneous metabolism and
      absorption of ester-based prodrugs. However, keratinocytes from skin provide a
      small contribution to the overall metabolism of C2E5.

PMID- 27130354
TI  - Your Purposeful Career.

PMID- 27130353
TI  - Development and evaluation of probe based real time loop mediated isothermal
      amplification for Salmonella: A new tool for DNA quantification.
AB  - A one step, single tube, accelerated probe based real time loop mediated
      isothermal amplification (RT LAMP) assay was developed for detecting the invasion
      gene (InvA) of Salmonella. The probe based RT LAMP is a novel method of gene
      amplification that amplifies nucleic acid with high specificity and rapidity
      under isothermal conditions with a set of six primers. The whole procedure is
      very simple and rapid, and amplification can be obtained in 20min. Detection of
      gene amplification was accomplished by amplification curve, turbidity and
      addition of DNA binding dye at the end of the reaction results in colour
      difference and can be visualized under normal day light and in UV. The
      sensitivity of developed assay was found 10 fold higher than taqman based qPCR.
      The specificity of the RT LAMP assay was validated by the absence of any cross
      reaction with other members of enterobacteriaceae family and other gram negative
      bacteria. These results indicate that the probe based RT LAMP assay is extremely
      rapid, cost effective, highly specific and sensitivity and has potential
      usefulness for rapid Salmonella surveillance. 

PMID- 27130355
TI  - ASE Scientific Sessions 2016: Sleepless In Seattle.

PMID- 27130356
TI  - Top 3 Reasons You MUST Learn About Vascular Imaging at ASE's Annual Scientific
      Sessions, Seattle, June 10-14, 2016.

PMID- 27130357
TI  - Synthesis of novel triazole/isoxazole functionalized 7
      (trifluoromethyl)pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as promising anticancer and
      antibacterial agents.
AB  - A series of novel 1,2,3-triazole/isoxazole functionalized pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine
      derivatives 6a-c, 7a-h and 8a-e were prepared in series of synthetic steps. All
      the compounds screened for the anticancer activity against four human cancer cell
      lines using Nocodazole as standard. Compounds 7d and 7h showed highest activity
      against PANC-1 (pancreatic cancer) and A549 (lung cancer) cell lines respectively
      and more than standard. All the compounds also screened for antibacterial
      activity using Rifampicin and Ciprofloxacin as standards and identified promising
      compounds further evaluated for minimum inhibitory concentration to validate the
      data.

PMID- 27130358
TI  - Piperidinyl thiazole isoxazolines: A new series of highly potent, slowly
      reversible FAAH inhibitors with analgesic properties.
AB  - Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a membrane anchored serine hydrolase that
      has a principle role in the metabolism of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide.
      Docking studies using representative FAAH crystal structures revealed that
      compounds containing a novel piperidinyl thiazole isoxazoline core fit within the
      ligand binding domains. New potential FAAH inhibitors were designed and
      synthesized incorporating urea, carbamate, alkyldione and thiourea reactive
      centers as potential pharmacophores. A small library of candidate compounds (75)
      was then screened against human FAAH leading to the identification of new
      carbamate and urea based inhibitors (Ki=pM and nM, respectively). Representative
      carbamate and urea based chemotypes displayed slow, time dependent inhibition
      kinetics leading to enzyme inactivation which was slowly reversible. However,
      evidence indicated that features of the mechanism of inactivation differ between
      the two pharmacophore types. Selected compounds were also evaluated for analgesic
      activity in the mouse-tail flick test.

PMID- 27130359
TI  - Design, synthesis and evaluation of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-phenylamide hybrids
      as potent Janus kinase 2 inhibitors.
AB  - Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) plays an essential role in the signaling of hormone-like
      cytokines and growth factors, which has been convinced as an important target of
      myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) therapy. In this study, a series of novel
      pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-phenylamide hybrids were designed and synthesized as
      potential JAK2 inhibitors through hybridization strategy. In vitro biological
      studies showed that most of these compounds exhibited potent activity against
      JAK2. Especially, compound 16c was identified as a suitable lead compound, which
      showed favorable pharmacokinetic profiles in rats (F=73.57%), excellent in vitro
      efficacy against erythroleukemic cells (TF-1, IC50=0.14MUM), and high selectivity
      for JAK2 (IC50=6nM with >97-fold selectivity vs JAK3).

PMID- 27130361
TI  - "Filarial dance sign" real-time ultrasound diagnosis of filarial oophoritis.
AB  - Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by Filarial nematodes (Wuchereria
      bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori) that commonly causes lymphatic
      obstruction resulting in edema and increase in the size of the affected organ.
      Filariasis is diagnosed by identifying microfilariae on Giemsa stain. The
      immunochromatographic card test is diagnostic. Ultrasound is the imaging modality
      of choice for detecting adult filarial worms/microfilaria in the lymphatic
      system, which are responsible for the classic "filarial dance sign" caused by
      twirling movements of the microfilariae. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin
      Ultrasound 44:500-501, 2016. 

PMID- 27130360
TI  - Alcohol and marijuana use trajectories in a diverse longitudinal sample of
      adolescents: examining use patterns from age 11 to 17 years.
AB  - AIMS: We tested race/ethnic differences in alcohol and marijuana (AM)
      trajectories (comprising an intercept term, reflecting overall probability of
      use, and a slope term, reflecting change in probability of use) during
      adolescence, whether AM use trajectories predicted high school outcomes, and
      whether outcomes differed by race/ethnicity after controlling for trajectory of
      AM use. DESIGN: This longitudinal study involved 6509 youth from 16 middle
      schools in Southern California surveyed from age 11.5 (2008) to age 17 (2015)
      years; all surveys assessed AM use, and the final survey also examined high
      school outcomes. SETTING: Youth completed five surveys in middle school and two
      on-line surveys in high school. PARTICIPANTS: The sample was 50% male and 80% non
      white. MEASUREMENTS: Intercept (at 2.75 years post-baseline) and slope of AM use
      were examined as outcomes for race/ethnic differences. AM use trajectories were
      examined as predictors of academic performance and unpreparedness, social
      functioning, mental and physical health and delinquency. FINDINGS: We found
      differences in trajectories of use by race/ethnicity, with white youth reporting
      a higher overall intercept of alcohol use compared to all other groups (versus
      Asian P < 0.001, black P = 0.001, multi-ethnic P = 0.008). Overall, examination
      of trajectories of use showed that adolescents with a higher alcohol use
      intercept term reported greater academic unpreparedness (P < 0.001) and
      delinquency (P < 0.001) at wave 7 in high school. In addition, youth with a
      higher intercept for marijuana use reported greater academic unpreparedness (P <
      0.001) and delinquency (P < 0.001), and poorer academic performance (P = 0.032)
      and mental health (P = 0.002) in high school. At wave 7, compared to white youth,
      Hispanic and multi-ethnic youth reported poorer academic performance (P < 0.001
      and P = 0.034, respectively); Asian, black and Hispanic youth reported higher
      academic unpreparedness (P < 0.001, P = 0.019, and P = 0.001); and Asian youth
      and multi-ethnic youth reported poorer physical health (P = 0.012 and P = 0.018)
      controlling for AM use. CONCLUSIONS: Greater AM use was associated with worse
      functioning in high school for all youth. After controlling for AM use, non-white
      youth reported worse outcomes in high school for academics and health.

PMID- 27130362
TI  - Microemulsion for topical application of pentoxifylline: In vitro release and in
      vivo evaluation.
AB  - Microemulsion containing pentoxifylline was developed and characterized for use
      as a topical alternative to treat skin disorders. The transparent formulation was
      developed and optimized based on a pseudoternary phase diagram. Pentoxifylline
      loaded microemulsion (PTX-ME) was composed of 44% Tween 80TM/Brij 52TM mix as
      surfactants (S), 51% of caprylic/capric triglycerides as the oil phase (O) and 5%
      of water as aqueous phase (A). It was classified as an isotropic water-in-oil
      (W/O) system with droplets that had a heterogeneous spherical shape within the
      nanosized range (67.36+/-8.90nm) confirmed by polarized light microscopy,
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
      and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. In vitro studies using static
      diffusion Franz cells revealed that the release of PTX from ME followed the
      Higuchi kinetic model. Topical PTX-ME application developed superior anti
      inflammatory activity when compared to the PTX solution, reducing the paw edema
      up to 88.83%. Our results suggested that this colloidal nanosystem is a promising
      agent for the delivery of pentoxifylline, increasing its ability to modulate the
      inflammatory aspects of skin disorders. 

PMID- 27130363
TI  - A dry powder combination of pyrazinoic acid and its n-propyl ester for aerosol
      administration to animals.
AB  - Combining the advantage of higher efficacy due to local pulmonary administration
      of pyrazinoic acid (POA) and potent effect of pyrazinoic acid ester (PAE)
      delivered as an aerosol would aid in tuberculosis therapy. A combination spray
      dried dry powder, composed of POA, PAE (n-propyl POA), maltodextrin and leucine,
      was prepared for aerosol delivery to animals. Solid-state characteristics of
      morphology (scanning electron microscopy) crystallinity (X-ray powder
      diffraction), thermal properties (thermogravimetric analysis and differential
      scanning calorimetry) and moisture content (Karl Fisher) were evaluated. Particle
      size distributions, by volume (laser diffraction) for the dispersed powder and by
      mass (inertial impaction) were determined. Efficient delivery of the powder to a
      nose only animal exposure chamber employed a novel rotating brush/micro-fan
      apparatus. Spherical, crystalline particles were prepared. The volume median
      diameter, ~1.5MUm, was smaller than the mass median aerodynamic diameter,
      ~3.0MUm, indicating modest aggregation. Drug content variations were observed
      across the particle size distribution and may be explained by PAE evaporative
      losses. Delivery to the nose-only exposure chamber indicated that boluses could
      be administered at approximately 3min intervals to avoid aerosol accumulation and
      effect uniform dose delivery with successive doses suitable for future
      pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.

PMID- 27130364
TI  - Skin penetration and dermal tolerability of acrylic nanocapsules: Influence of
      the surface charge and a chitosan gel used as vehicle.
AB  - For an improved understanding of the relevant particle features for cutaneous
      use, we studied the effect of the surface charge of acrylic nanocapsules (around
      150nm) and the effect of a chitosan gel vehicle on the particle penetration into
      normal and stripped human skin ex vivo as well as local tolerability
      (cytotoxicity and irritancy). Rhodamin-tagged nanocapsules penetrated and
      remained in the stratum corneum. Penetration of cationic nanocapsules exceeded
      the penetration of anionic nanocapsules. When applied on stripped skin, however,
      the fluorescence was also recorded in the viable epidermis and dermis. Cationic
      surface charge and embedding the particles into chitosan gel favored access to
      deeper skin. Keratinocytes took up the nanocapsules rapidly. Cytotoxicity
      (viability<80%), following exposure for >=24h, appears to be due to the
      surfactant polysorbate 80, used for nanocapsules stabilization. Uptake by
      fibroblasts was low and no cytotoxicity was observed. No irritant reactions were
      detected in the HET-CAM test. In conclusion, the surface charge and chitosan
      vehicle, as well as the skin barrier integrity, influence the skin penetration of
      acrylic nanocapsules. Particle localization in the intact stratum corneum of
      normal skin and good tolerability make the nanocapsules candidates for topical
      use on the skin, provided that the polymer wall allows the release of the active
      encapsulated substance. 

PMID- 27130365
TI  - Macroindentation hardness measurement-Modernization and applications.
AB  - In this study, we first developed a modernized indentation technique for
      measuring tablet hardness. This technique is featured by rapid digital image
      capture, using a calibrated light microscope, and precise area-determination. We
      then systematically studied effects of key experimental parameters, including
      indentation force, speed, and holding time, on measured hardness of a very soft
      material, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and a very hard material, dibasic calcium
      phosphate, to cover a wide range of material properties. Based on the results, a
      holding period of 3min at the peak indentation load is recommended to minimize
      the effect of testing speed on H. Using this method, we show that an exponential
      decay function well describes the relationship between tablet hardness and
      porosity for seven commonly used pharmaceutical powders investigated in this
      work. We propose that H and H at zero porosity may be used to quantify the tablet
      deformability and powder plasticity, respectively. 

PMID- 27130366
TI  - Evaluation of excipients for enhanced thermal stabilization of a human type 5
      adenoviral vector through spray drying.
AB  - We have produced a thermally stable recombinant human type 5 adenoviral vector
      (AdHu5) through spray drying with three excipient formulations (l-leucine,
      lactose/trehalose and mannitol/dextran). Spray drying leads to immobilization of
      the viral vector which is believed to prevent viral protein unfolding,
      aggregation and inactivation. The spray dried powders were characterized by
      scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, Karl Fischer
      titrations, and X-ray diffraction to identify the effects of temperature and
      atmospheric moisture on the immobilizing matrix. Thermal stability of the viral
      vector was confirmed in vitro by infection of A549 lung epithelial cells.
      Mannitol/dextran powders showed the greatest improvement in thermal stability
      with almost no viral activity loss after storage at 20 degrees C for 90days
      (0.7+/-0.3 log TCID50) which is a significant improvement over the current -80
      degrees C storage protocol. Furthermore, viral activity was retained over short
      term exposure (72h) to temperatures as high as 55 degrees C. Conversely, all
      powders exhibited activity loss when subjected to moisture due to amplified
      molecular motion of the matrix. Overall, a straightforward method ideal for the
      production of thermally stable vaccines has been demonstrated through spray
      drying AdHu5 with a blend of mannitol and dextran and storing the powder under
      low humidity conditions. 

PMID- 27130367
TI  - Topical delivery of hexamidine.
AB  - Hexamidine diisethionate (HEX D) has been used for its biocidal actions in
      topical preparations since the 1950s. Recent data also suggest that it plays a
      beneficial role in skin homeostasis. To date, the extent to which this compound
      penetrates the epidermis has not been reported nor how its topical delivery may
      be modulated. In the present work we set out to characterise the interaction of
      HEX D with the skin and to develop a range of simple formulations for topical
      targeting of the active. A further objective was to compare the skin penetration
      of HEX D with its corresponding dihydrochloride salt (HEX H) as the latter has
      more favourable physicochemical properties for skin uptake. Candidate vehicles
      were evaluated by in vitro Franz cell permeation studies using porcine skin.
      Initially, neat solvents were investigated and subsequently binary systems were
      examined. The solvents and chemical penetration enhancers investigated included
      glycerol, dimethyl isosorbide (DMI), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), 1,2-pentanol (1,2
      PENT), polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200, propylene glycol (PG), propylene glycol
      monolaurate (PGML) and Transcutol((r))P (TC). Of a total of 30 binary solvent
      systems evaluated only 10 delivered higher amounts of active into the skin
      compared with the neat solvents. In terms of topical efficacy, formulations
      containing PGML far surpassed all other solvents or binary combinations. More
      than 70% of HEX H was extracted from the skin following application in PG:PGML
      (50:50). Interestingly, the same vehicle effectively promoted skin penetration of
      HEX D but demonstrated significantly lower uptake into and through the skin
      (30%). The findings confirm the unpredictable nature of excipients on delivery of
      actives with reference to skin even where there are minor differences in
      molecular structures. We also believe that they underline the ongoing necessity
      for fundamental studies on the interaction of topical excipients with the skin. 

PMID- 27130368
TI  - Calpain and Caspase-12 Expression in Lens Epithelial Cells of Diabetic Cataracts.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the expression of calpain and caspase-12 in human lens
      epithelial cells (LECs) of cataract patients with or without diabetic retinopathy
      (DR). DESIGN: Prospective, comparative case series. METHODS: Patients were
      divided into 4 groups: patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) (Group 1),
      patients with DM and without diabetic retinopathy (DR) (Group 2), diabetic
      patients with nonprolifeative DR (NPDR) (Group 3), and diabetic patients with
      proliferative DR (PDR) (Group 4). Data on DM duration and glycated hemoglobin
      (HbA1c) level were collected. The LECs were obtained during cataract surgery and
      immunohistochemical staining was performed for calpain and caspase-12. The
      reactivity score of each specimen was determined using confocal microscopy.
      RESULTS: A total of 40 patients (40 eyes) were evaluated, and each group was
      composed of 10 patients. The expression of calpain and caspase-12 was highest in
      Group 4, followed by Group 3, Group 2, and Group 1 (P < .001). The expressions
      were significantly higher with a longer duration of DM, increased HbA1c level, or
      advanced DR. CONCLUSIONS: Endoplasmic reticulum stress may be associated with
      apoptosis of LECs, resulting in cataract formation in diabetic patients.

PMID- 27130370
TI  - Astigmatic Vector Analysis of Posterior Corneal Surface: A Comparison Among
      Healthy, Forme Fruste, and Overt Keratoconic Corneas.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine novel diagnostic parameters for keratoconus, and to assess
      the correlation between anterior and posterior corneal surfaces based on
      vectorial astigmatism analyses. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study.
      METHODS: Six hundred and ninety-eight eyes of 698 patients were enrolled in the
      study. Healthy corneas, or controls (C, n = 264), were compared to keratoconic
      corneas, further categorized as forme fruste (FFKc, n = 212) and overt
      keratoconus (Kc, n = 222). Corneal measurements were obtained from a Scheimpflug
      based tomographer. Vectorial analyses were conducted in accordance with the
      method proposed by Thibos. RESULTS: Posterior corneal astigmatic power vector
      (APV) >0.23 diopter (D) yielded a test for overt Kc with sensitivity and
      specificity rates of, respectively, 81% and 77%, indicating a positive likelihood
      ratio (LR+) of 3.5 and a negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.25. Posterior
      corneal overall blur vector (Blur) >6.45 D yielded a test slightly less sensitive
      and specific, with rates of 75% and 72%, respectively, associated to LR+ of 2.7
      and LR- of 0.35. The highest (Spearman rho) correlation coefficients between
      anterior and posterior corneal astigmatisms were associated with Blur, being 0.93
      for Kc, 0.87 for C, and 0.81 for FFKc. The astigmatism vectors along the 45
      degree (J45) and 0-dregree meridians (J0) and APV most often presented higher
      coefficient values for Kc and FFKc than for C (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior
      corneal vectors APV and Blur constitute objective supplemental parameters for the
      diagnosis of Kc. Anterior and posterior corneal surfaces correlate in all groups,
      although it was not possible to accurately predict posterior astigmatism from
      anterior astigmatism.

PMID- 27130369
TI  - Pro-permeability Factors in Diabetic Macular Edema; the Diabetic Macular Edema
      Treated With Ozurdex Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Diabetic Macular Edema Treated with Ozurdex (DMEO) Trial measured
      aqueous pro-permeability factors (PPFs) in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients
      before and after injection of dexamethasone implant or vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF)-neutralizing protein and correlated changes in levels with
      changes in excess foveal thickness (EFT) to identify potential PPFs contributing
      to DME. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized crossover clinical trial. METHODS: Twenty
      DME patients randomized to dexamethasone implant or VEGF-neutralizing protein had
      aqueous taps and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) at baseline
      and every 4 weeks for 28 weeks. Aqueous levels of 55 vasoactive proteins were
      measured with protein array. Crossover at week 16 provided changes in protein
      levels after each intervention in all 20 patients. RESULTS: After dexamethasone
      implant there was significant correlation between changes in levels of 13
      vasoactive proteins with changes in EFT, including 3 known PPFs: angiopoietin-2
      (r = 0.40, P = .001), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF; r = 0.31, P = .02), and
      endocrine gland-VEGF (EG-VEGF, r = 0.43, P < .001). Reduction of prolactin,
      insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, and matrix metalloproteinase-9
      correlated with edema reduction after injection of a VEGF-neutralizing protein as
      well as dexamethasone implant, suggesting their modulation is likely secondary to
      changes in edema rather than causative. CONCLUSIONS: Correlation of edema
      reduction with reduction in the PPFs angiopoietin-2, HGF, and EG-VEGF provides
      potential insight into the multifactorial molecular mechanism by which
      dexamethasone implants reduce edema and suggest that additional study is needed
      to investigate the contributions of these 3 factors to chronic DME.

PMID- 27130371
TI  - Calcification of Hydrophilic Acrylic Intraocular Lenses With a Hydrophobic
      Surface: Laboratory Analysis of 6 Cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the nature and characteristic features of deposits
      causing opacification of intraocular lenses (IOLs) based on the examination of
      clinical findings using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive
      x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational case
      series. METHODS: This is a multicenter study of 6 hydrophilic acrylic IOLs
      (Lentis LS-502-1; Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, Germany) with a hydrophobic surface
      that were explanted from 5 patients because of opacification. Three patients had
      an uncomplicated phacoemulsification. One patient underwent combined
      phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy for retinal detachment and later
      silicone oil endotamponade owing to redetachment. The last patient had a pars
      plana vitrectomy and silicone oil instillation combined with phacoemulsification
      for tractive retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy. The explanted lenses
      were submitted to our laboratory and were examined by SEM and EDX in order to
      identify the morphologic features and the composition of the deposits. RESULTS:
      SEM and EDX analyses confirmed the presence of calcific deposits in the interior
      of the opacified hydrophilic IOLs, with a pattern showing the formation of lumps
      on the surface. The lumps were due to subsurface formation of calcium phosphate
      crystalline deposits. The crystallite clusters seemed to diffuse from the IOL
      interior to the surface. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the calcification pattern
      of the hydrophilic IOL (Lentis LS-502-1) with a hydrophobic surface. Although
      hydrophilic acrylic lenses have a hydrophobic surface, the development of
      calcification is a possible threat initiating from the hydrophilic subsurface of
      the IOLs.

PMID- 27130372
TI  - The Economic Model of Retinopathy of Prematurity (EcROP) Screening and Treatment:
      Mexico and the United States.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe an economic (Ec) model for estimating the impact of
      screening and treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). DESIGN: EcROP is a
      cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-benefit analysis. METHODS: We surveyed
      caregivers of 52 children at schools for the blind or pediatric eye clinics in
      Atlanta, Georgia and 43 in Mexico City. A decision analytic model with
      sensitivity analysis determined the incremental cost-effectiveness (primary
      outcome) and incremental monetary benefit (secondary outcome) of an ideal (100%
      screening) national ROP program as compared to estimates of current practice.
      Direct costs included screening and treatment expenditures. Indirect costs
      estimated lost productivity of caretaker(s) and blind individuals as determined
      by face-to-face surveys. Utility and effectiveness were measured in quality
      adjusted life years and benefit in US dollars. EcROP includes a sensitivity
      analysis to assesses the incremental cost-effectiveness and societal impact of
      ROP screening and treatment within a country or economic region. Estimates are
      based on evidence-based clinical data and region-specific economic data acquired
      from direct field survey. RESULTS: In both Mexico and the United States, an ideal
      national ROP screening and treatment program was highly cost-saving. The
      incremental net benefit of an ideal ROP program over current practice is $5556
      per child ($206 574 333 annually) and $3628 per child ($205 906 959 annually) in
      Mexico and the United States, respectively. CONCLUSION: EcROP demonstrates that
      ROP screening and treatment is highly beneficial for quality of life, cost
      saving, and cost-effectiveness in the United States and Mexico. EcROP can be
      applied to any country or region to provide data for informed allocation of
      limited health care resources.

PMID- 27130373
TI  - Serological identification of botulinum neurotoxins: A critical overview.
AB  - The reasons that gave rise to the controversy over the serological method (SerM)
      and genetics regarding the identification of an alleged novel botulinum
      neurotoxin (BoNT), type H, have been concisely examined. This discussion will
      remain opened inasmuch as the SerM is not performed according to the recommended
      procedures outlined in this overview and thoroughly discussed on previous
      publications. If correctly performed and interpreted, the SerM will keep its
      preeminence in the identification, typing and taxonomy of BoNTs. 

PMID- 27130374
TI  - Biomechanical comparison of pedicle screw augmented with different volumes of
      polymethylmethacrylate in osteoporotic and severely osteoporotic cadaveric lumbar
      vertebrae: an experimental study.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is widely used for pedicle
      screw augmentation in osteoporosis. Intriguingly, there have been no
      biomechanical comparisons of the stability of pedicle screws augmented with
      different volumes of PMMA or studies of the relationship between screw stability
      and volume of PMMA, especially in different degrees of osteoporosis. PURPOSE: The
      purposes of the study reported here were to compare screw stability by different
      volumes of PMMA augmentation, to analyze the relationship between screw stability
      and PMMA volume, and to make a preliminary determination of the optimum volume of
      PMMA augmentation for different degrees of osteoporosis. STUDY DESIGN: This study
      is a biomechanical comparison of pedicle screws augmented with various volumes of
      PMMA in cadaveric lumbar vertebrae. METHODS: Thirty-six pedicles from 18
      osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae were randomly divided into groups A0 through A5,
      and 36 pedicles from 18 severely osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae were randomly
      divided into groups B0 through B5. A different volume of PMMA was injected into
      each one of groups A0 through A5 (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mL,
      respectively) and into each one of groups B0 through B5 (0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5,
      and 3.0 mL, respectively), and then pedicle screws were inserted in all
      vertebrae. After complete solidification of the PMMA, we examined pedicle X-rays,
      performed axial pullout tests, and determined the maximum axial pullout strength
      (Fmax) for all samples. RESULTS: No PMMA was found around the screws in groups A0
      and B0. In groups A1 to A5 and B1 to B5, screws were wrapped by gradually
      increasing amounts of PMMA. There was no PMMA leakage or screw malpositioning in
      any samples. The Fmax in groups A1 through A5 increased by 32.40%, 64.42%,
      116.02%, 174.07%, and 207.42%, respectively, compared with that in group A0.
      There were no significant differences in Fmax between groups A0 and A1, A1 and
      A2, A2 and A3, A3 and A4, and A4 and A5 (p>.05), but there were significant
      differences in Fmax between any other two groups (p<.05). The Fmax in groups B1
      through B5 increased by 23.48%, 48.40%, 106.60%, 134.73%, and 210.04%,
      respectively, compared with that in group B0. There were no significant
      differences in Fmax between groups B0 and B1, B0 and B2, B1 and B2, B2 and B3, B3
      and B4 (p>.05), but there were significant differences in Fmax between any other
      two groups (p<.05). There was a significant positive correlation between Fmax and
      volume of PMMA in both osteoporotic and severely osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae
      (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Polymethylmethacrylate can significantly enhance stability
      of pedicle screws in both osteoporotic and severely osteoporotic lumbar
      vertebrae. There is a significant positive correlation between screw stability
      and volume of PMMA. Within a certain range, nevertheless, increasing the volume
      of PMMA does not significantly improve screw stability. We suggest that 1.5 and 3
      mL, respectively, are the volumes of injected PMMA that will optimize pedicle
      screw stability in osteoporotic and severely osteoporotic lumbar vertebrae.

PMID- 27130375
TI  - Trim33/Tif1gamma is involved in late stages of granulomonopoiesis in mice.
AB  - Trim33/Tif1gamma (Trim33) is a member of the tripartite motif family. Using a
      conditional hematopoietic-specific Trim33 knock-out (Trim33(Delta/Delta)) mouse,
      we showed previously that Trim33 deficiency in hematopoietic stem cells leads to
      severe defects in hematopoiesis, resembling the main features of human chronic
      myelomonocytic leukemia. We also demonstrated that Trim33 is involved in
      hematopoietic aging through TGFbeta signaling. Nevertheless, how Trim33
      contributes to the terminal stages of myeloid differentiation remains to be
      clarified. We reveal here the crucial role of Trim33 expression in the control of
      mature granulomonocytic differentiation. An important component of Trim33
      deficient mice is the alteration of myeloid differentiation, as characterized by
      dysplastic features, abnormal granulocyte and monocyte maturation, and the
      expansion of CD11b(+)Ly6G(high)Ly6C(low) myeloid cells, which share some features
      with polymorphonuclear-myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Moreover, in
      Trim33(Delta/Delta) mice, we observed the alteration of CSF-1-mediated macrophage
      differentiation in association with the lack of Csf-1 receptor. Altogether, these
      results indicate that Trim33 deficiency leads to the expansion of a subset of
      myeloid cells characterizing the myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm.

PMID- 27130377
TI  - Comparison of biomechanical effects of small incision lenticule extraction and
      laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the corneal biomechanical properties after small incision
      lenticule extraction (SMILE) group and laser-assisted subepithelial
      keratomileusis (LASEK) group. METHODS: The SMILE group comprised 39 patients (75
      eyes) while it was 38 patients (76 eyes) in the LASEK group. Corneal hysteresis
      (CH) and the corneal resistance factor (CRF) parameters were determined using the
      Ocular Response Analyzer preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively.
      RESULTS: There were significant differences in the preoperative manifest
      refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), central corneal thickness (CCT), the
      planned ablation depth (AD) or CRF values between the two groups, except for the
      CH value (p = 0.07). The CH and CRF values at 1 and 3 months postoperatively were
      significantly lower than the preoperative values in both groups (p < 0.01). The
      postoperative CH values were significantly lower in the LASEK group than in the
      SMILE group at both follow-up visits after adjusting for age, sex, preoperative
      CCT, preoperative SE, planned AD and the use of both eyes in the same subject (p
      < 0.01). However, no significant differences were observed in postoperative CRF
      between groups (p = 0.22 at 1 month and p = 0.41 at 3 months). No significant
      correlation was found between the planned AD and the changes in CH or CRF at any
      follow-up visit in the SMILE group. The preoperative magnitude of CH and CRF may
      be predictors of postoperative changes in CH and CRF in the both groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: CH and CRF decreased after SMILE and LASEK. However, the changes in
      the CH values were less after SMILE than after LASEK.

PMID- 27130376
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid real-time quaking-induced conversion is a robust and reliable
      test for sporadic creutzfeldt-jakob disease: An international study.
AB  - Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) has been proposed as a sensitive
      diagnostic test for sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; however, before this
      assay can be introduced into clinical practice, its reliability and
      reproducibility need to be demonstrated. Two international ring trials were
      undertaken in which a set of 25 cerebrospinal fluid samples were analyzed by a
      total of 11 different centers using a range of recombinant prion protein
      substrates and instrumentation. The results show almost complete concordance
      between the centers and demonstrate that RT-QuIC is a suitably reliable and
      robust technique for clinical practice. Ann Neurol 2016;80:160-165.

PMID- 27130378
TI  - The Results of Pancreatic Resections and Long-Term Survival for Pancreatic Ductal
      Adenocarcinoma: A Single-Institution Experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Since the early 1990s, low long-term survival rates following
      pancreatic surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma have challenged us to
      improve treatment. In this series, we aim to show improved survival from
      pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma during the era of centralized pancreatic
      surgery. METHODS: Analysis of all pancreatic resections performed at Helsinki
      University Hospital and survival of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients
      during 2000-2013 were included. Post-operative complications such as fistulas,
      reoperations, and mortality rates were recorded. Patient and tumor
      characteristics were compared with survival data. RESULTS: Of the 853 patients
      undergoing pancreatic surgery, 581 (68%) were pancreaticoduodenectomies, 195
      (21%) distal resections, 28 (3%) total pancreatectomies, and 49 (6%) other
      procedures. Mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy was 2.1%. The clinically
      relevant B/C fistula rate was 7% after pancreaticoduodenectomy and 13% after
      distal resection, and the re-operation rate was 5%. The 5- and 10-year survival
      rates for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were 22% and 14%; for T1-2, N0 and R0
      tumors, the corresponding survival rates were 49% and 31%. Carbohydrate antigen
      19-9 >75 kU/L, carcinoembryonic antigen >5 ug/L, N1, lymph-node ratio >20%, R1,
      and lack of adjuvant therapy were independent risk factors for decreased
      survival. CONCLUSION: After centralization of pancreatic surgery in southern
      Finland, we have managed to enable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients to
      survive markedly longer than in the early 1990s. Based on a 1.7-million
      population in our clinic, mortality rates are equal to those of other high-volume
      centers and long-term survival rates for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma have
      now risen to some of the highest reported.

PMID- 27130379
TI  - A comparison of Chevron and Lindgren-Turan osteotomy techniques in hallux valgus
      surgery: a prospective randomized controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective randomized controlled single-blind study
      was to compare the results of Chevron and Lindgren-Turan osteotomy techniques for
      treatment of moderate hallux valgus. METHODS: A total of 66 female patients (34
      in Chevron group, 32 Lindgren-Turan group) were recruited in this study and
      followed up for an average of 26.08 months. Operative procedures were performed
      by 2 surgeons, and patients were evaluated by an another researcher who was
      blinded to the surgical technique. The groups were compared for their
      radiological and clinical results. RESULTS: Both techniques was clinically and
      radiologically effective (p<0.01). However, no significant differences were found
      between the 2 groups regarding American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's
      clinical rating system, Painful Foot Evaluation scale of Maryland University
      scores, or radiologic evaluation (p>0.05). Compared to the Chevron group, the
      Lindgren-Turan group was found to have shorter surgical duration (p<0.05) and
      significantly more shortening at the first metatarsal (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In
      moderate hallux valgus deformity, both the Chevron and Lindgren-Turan osteotomy
      techniques are clinically and radiologically safe, effective, and reliable
      alternatives. No superiority was detected in either technique. Although
      shortening at the first metatarsal in the Lindgren-Turan group was radiologically
      significant, the results were clinically tolerable.

PMID- 27130380
TI  - Partial matricectomy with cryotherapy in treatment of ingrown toenails.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of
      cryotherapy applied for the purpose of matricectomy following partial nail
      removal in treatment of ingrown nails. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2013, 76 ingrown
      toenails of 62 patients were included in this prospective study. Following
      partial toenail removal, matricectomy with cryotherapy was performed. The lateral
      nail matrix was frozen for 45 seconds with open spray and spot-freezing technique
      using liquid nitrogen. Patients were followed up for a mean of 17.6 months
      (range: 12-44 months). RESULTS: Wound recovery had occurred by 3-week follow-up.
      Recurrence in the form of spicule growth in 2 ingrown nails was detected on 6
      month follow-up. Matricectomy application with cryotherapy was successful in the
      remaining 74 ingrown nails. CONCLUSION: Destruction of the nail matrix with
      cryotherapy following partial toenail removal for ingrown nails was found to be
      an effective treatment with a low recurrence rate.

PMID- 27130381
TI  - Development of Multidimensional Nil Hallux Valgus Scale: a reliability and
      validity study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a disease-specific
      multidimensional hallux valgus (HV) scale, as well as to establish the validity
      and reliability thereof. METHODS: The 14-item Multidimensional Nil Hallux Valgus
      Scale was developed. The scale has a score range of 0-60, with higher score
      indicating increased HV symptoms, complaints, and functional disorder. Among the
      patients referred to our clinic with HV diagnosis based on anterior-posterior non
      weight-bearing radiography of the affected foot, 129 feet of 66 patients (63
      bilateral, 3 unilateral) were included in the study. In clinical evaluations of
      these HV patients, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux
      Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal Joints Scale (AOFAS-MTF-IF), Manchester
      Scale, and Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were used to test the validity and
      reliability of the new scale. RESULTS: From factor analyses, it was observed that
      the items clustered in 5 factors, which explained 73.2% of the variance. Floor
      and ceiling effects were observed to be within normal limits (floor effect: 3.1%;
      ceiling effect: 0.8%). The Cronbach's alpha level related with the overall
      internal consistency of the scale was estimated as 83.3%, and the Cronbach's
      alpha for the subheadings of the scale varied between 33.9% and 74.2%. High
      correlation was observed regarding test-retest reliability of the scale.
      CONCLUSION: This newly developed scale allows for the holistic evaluation of HV
      including the condition-specific parameters and is a valid and reliable scale
      that can be conveniently used by health care professionals.

PMID- 27130382
TI  - Intralesional application of epidermal growth factor in limb-threatening ischemic
      diabetic foot ulcers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The intralesional injection of recombinant human epidermal growth
      factor (EGF-IL), a new therapy, has been claimed to prevent major amputations in
      advanced diabetic foot lesions. In this study, the efficacy of EGF-IL on advanced
      diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) was reviewed. METHODS: Intralesional 75 ug EGF
      application (Heberprot-P(r) 75, Heber Biotec, Havana, Cuba) to 12 diabetic foot
      lesions in 11 patients (8 males, 3 females; mean age: 62.2+/-10.6 years) was
      evaluated. Most of the patients had undergone revascularization and received
      hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT),
      along with standard care, but failed to heal. After amputation was offered as the
      final option, EGF-IL was applied to evaluate its effects. RESULTS: Two patients
      underwent amputation, while 10 lesions of the remaining 9 patients healed
      completely. CONCLUSION: Our results prove that intralesional application of EGF
      can prevent amputations in advanced diabetic foot cases with an ischemic
      component. However, evidence in the literature supporting its use remains
      lacking, and its high cost presents an additional problem. Thus, we believe that
      intralesional application of EGF should be an option for ischemic wounds only
      after vascular evaluation (and intervention when possible), HBOT, NPWT, and
      standard care have proven insufficient.

PMID- 27130383
TI  - Tibial lengthening with ankle arthrodesis in poliomyelitic patients with
      unilateral dysfunction of both knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the results of tibial lengthening
      with ankle arthrodesis in poliomyelitic patients with unilateral dysfunction of
      both knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion. METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive
      adult patients with poliomyelitic sequelae of unilateral dysfunction of both knee
      extension and ankle dorsiflexion were treated. Patients had an average
      shorthening of 5.4 cm (range: 4.5-6.5 cm) on the affected side. The tibia was
      osteotomized and lengthened with external fixators, which were then replaced with
      plates supplemented with bone grafting. Ankle arthrodesis was performed
      concomitantly. Protected weight bearing was advised until bony union was
      achieved. Gait function was evaluated with Functional Mobility Scale and modified
      Mazur Scoring System. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were followed up for an
      average of 4.3 years (range: 2.0-8.2 years). External fixation was applied for an
      average of 6.2 weeks (range: 5-8 weeks). Complete bone healing was achieved in
      all patients and the average union time was 4 months (range: 3.5-4.5 months)
      after plating. At final follow-up, gait function significantly improved according
      to Functional Mobility Scale and modified Mazur Scoring System scores (p< 0.001
      for both). CONCLUSION: The tibial lengthening with ankle arthrodesis appears to
      be an efficient alternative for treating poliomyelitic patients with unilateral
      dysfunction of both knee extension and ankle dorsiflexion.

PMID- 27130385
TI  - Distal clavicular fracture treatment with suture anchor method.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the suture anchor
      fixation in the treatment of distal clavicle fractures. METHODS: This cross
      series study included 43 patients (27 males, 12 females; mean age: 40.1+/-10.18
      years) with type II unstable distal clavicle fractures. The fractures were fixed
      by 2 pins and 1 suture anchor. All patients were followed at postoperative months
      3, 6, and 12 and underwent clinical and radiographic evaluation after 1 year,
      ongoing at 6-month intervals thereafter. Demographic data were recorded on the
      first postoperative day. At third and 12th month follow-up, Constant-Murley
      Shoulder Outcome Score (CMS) was used to assess performance of the
      acromioclavicular joint, and Visual Analog Scale questionnaire was used to assess
      patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Based on CMS scores 1 year after surgery, 37
      patients were in excellent condition, and 2 patients were in good condition. Mean
      surgical case duration was 43.25+/-4.01 min. These results indicate that there
      was no significant association between CMS scores and surgical case duration.
      Mean time to union in our patients was 4.46+/-0.96 months. CONCLUSION: We were
      able to observe optimal results in our patients by using closed reduction and
      suture anchors without opening the fracture site, thus allowing physiological
      processes in union without complications of complete union, while also preventing
      additional costs such as removing the device.

PMID- 27130384
TI  - Comparison between locked intramedullary nailing and anatomical locking plating
      in the treatment of displaced clavicular midshaft fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the results of expandable
      flexible locked intramedullary nailing and anatomical locking plating in
      clavicular midshaft fractures. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (21 male, 12
      female) who had displaced fractures and at least 2-cm shortening fixed with
      expandable flexible locked intramedullary nailing and 38 patients (24 male, 14
      female) who underwent anatomical locking plating were recruited. Duration of
      surgery, incision size, duration of hospital stay, union time, and early and late
      complications were compared between the groups. Functional results were compared
      with Constant scoring system. RESULTS: Mean duration of surgery was 32.4+/-9.1
      minutes (range: 20-42 minutes) in the nailing group and 54.1+/-11.9 minutes
      (range: 42-70 minutes) in the plating group. The incision was 4.1+/-0.9 cm
      (range: 3-5 cm) in the nailing group and 9.5+/-1.7 cm (range: 7-12 cm) in the
      plating group. Mean union time was 14.8 weeks (range: 10-24 weeks) in the nailing
      group and 21.3 weeks (range: 12-33 weeks) in the plating group. Mean duration of
      hospital stay was 3.6+/-1.1 days (range: 2-4 days) in the plating group, whereas
      it was 2.3+/-0.8 days (range: 1-3 days) in the nailing group. In the plating
      group, an average of 2.7-mm (range: 0-7 mm) shortening was determined in the
      clavicles that underwent surgery as compared to the intact clavicles, whereas
      shortening was 2.3 mm (range: 0-6 mm) in the nailing group. CONCLUSION:
      Expandable flexible locked intramedullary nailing can provide more successful
      outcomes than plating in displaced clavicular midshaft fractures, due to
      advantages such as shorter union time, lower complication rate, and better
      cosmetic outcomes.

PMID- 27130386
TI  - Anconeus interposition arthroplasty in acute multiligamentous elbow injuries with
      irreparable radial head fractures: a novel approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of a new
      reconstruction with anconeus interposition arthroplasty in acute multiligamentous
      elbow injuries with irreparable radial head fractures. METHODS: Five patients (3
      males, 2 females) with a mean age of 42.6 years who underwent reconstruction with
      anconeus arhtroplasty were evaluated. With lateral approach, lateral
      capsuloligamentous structures were repaired, the radial head was excised, and
      anconeus interposition arthroplasty was performed. With medial intervention, the
      medial collateral ligament was repaired, and the ulnar nerve was transposed
      anteriorly. Clinical and radiological evaluation was performed the end of a mean
      follow-up period of 63 months. RESULTS: Mean Mayo Elbow Performance, Oxford
      Elbow, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores were 91,
      41.4, and 13.76, respectively. Average elbow extension loss was 10.2 degrees  and
      average forearm supination loss was 5.2 degrees . Dynamic elbow instability tests
      were within normal limits. On elbow radiographs, the average increase in cubitus
      valgus angle was 5.4 degrees . No patient reported limitation in daily
      activities. There was no heterotopic ossification in any patient. Mean radial
      shortening was 1.39 mm, and no patient suffered from wrist pain at final follow
      up. Average Mayo wrist score was 91 points. CONCLUSION: The combination of repair
      of the medial and lateral structures, radial head resection, and anconeus
      interposition arthroplasty may be a good alternative in the treatment of acute
      multiligamentous elbow injuries with irreparable radial head fracture.

PMID- 27130387
TI  - The effect of training on fracture clinic efficiency and patient access.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of education and use of
      a referral protocol on fracture clinic referral pathways, function, and patient
      care in the emergency department. METHODS: At Craigavon Area Hospital, a district
      general hospital, 58 new patient referrals were reviewed by the attending
      orthopedic surgeon at the fracture clinic. Each case was reviewed with regards to
      diagnosis, appropriateness of review time, and actual review time. Following
      this, the senior author performed a 1-hour teaching program in the ED utilizing a
      referral protocol. The study was then repeated in 63 patients to evaluate any
      improvement in patient treatment. RESULTS: Following the teaching program, a
      statistically significant improvement was found in interpretation of protocol
      (p=0.02), review time suggested (<0.00), and proportion of patients that actually
      receive an appropriate review time (p=0.004). No significant change was found
      with regards to grade of ED clinician referring the patient. CONCLUSION: The use
      of a simple education program and referral protocol may provide a significant
      improvement in appropriateness of patient referrals in the emergency department.
      This leads to a significant increase in patients referred with correct diagnoses,
      timeliness of review times, and subsequently improved patient care.

PMID- 27130388
TI  - Postoperative hemoglobin level in patients with femoral neck fracture.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the changes of hemoglobin levels
      in patients undergoing fixation for femoral neck fracture. METHODS: Peroperative
      hemoglobin levels of patients who underwent either dynamic hip screw (DHS)
      fixation (n=74; mean age: 80 years) or hip hemiarthroplasty (n=104; mean age: 84
      years) for femoral neck fracture was monitored. RESULTS: There was a
      statistically and clinically significant mean drop of 31.1 g/L between the
      preoperative (D0) and postoperative Day 5 Hb levels (p<0.001), with significant
      reductions from D0 to Day 1 and Day 1 to Day 2 (p<0.001). At each postoperative
      measurement, DHS patients had lower hemoglobin values over hemiarthroplasty
      patients (p=0.046). CONCLUSION: The decrease in hemoglobin in the first 24-hour
      postoperative period (D0 to Day 1) is an underestimation of the ultimate lowest
      value in hemoglobin found at Day 2. Relying on the Day 1 hemoglobin level could
      be detrimental to patient care. We propose a method of predicting patients likely
      to be transfused and recommend a protocol for patients undergoing femoral neck
      fracture surgery to standardize postoperative hemoglobin monitoring.

PMID- 27130389
TI  - Treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with free vascularized fibular
      grafting: results of 7.6-year follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine long-term follow-up results of
      patients with femoral head osteonecrosis who were treated with free vascularized
      fibular grafting (FVFG). METHODS: The results of 28 hips of 21 patients (16 male,
      5 female) who underwent FVFG for treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head
      were retrospectively reviewed. Mean age of patients at time of surgery was 30.7
      years (range: 15-53 years). Mean follow-up duration was 7.6 years (range: 5-9.2
      years). RESULTS: During follow-up, 1 patient died because of leukemia, and 1
      patient was lost. The remaining 26 hips of 19 patients were evaluated. According
      to Ficat classification, at time of surgery, 17 hips were grade II, and 9 hips
      were grade III, 3 hips underwent total hip arthroplasty. Postoperative Harris Hip
      Score (HHS) in grade II disease was excellent in 12 patients, good in 3 patients,
      and fair in 1 patient. In grade III disease, 1 patient was excellent, 5 patients
      were good, and 1 patient was fair. There was a significant increase in HHS scores
      from preoperatively to postoperatively (61+/-9.7 vs 84+/-17.8, p<0.001).
      CONCLUSION: FVFG yields extremely good results, particularly in pre-collapse
      stages of the disease in young patients. The operation time does not markedly
      increase if the surgical team is knowledgeable of the procedure and the residual
      fibular defect of the donor site does not impair functions of daily living.

PMID- 27130390
TI  - The effect of simple local resection on pain and scoliotic curve in patients with
      scoliosis secondary to osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma in the spine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was assess the results of local resection
      without instrumentation in patients with scoliosis secondary to spinal osteoid
      osteoma and osteoblastoma. METHODS: The review of our database revealed 176 cases
      of osteoid osteomas and 18 of osteoblastomas. Painful scoliosis was seen in 5 out
      of 6 cases. The lesion was found on the posterior part of the apical vertebra in
      the concave side of the scoliotic curve. Surgical treatment consisted of simple
      en bloc excision. Mean period between diagnosis and operation was 2.6 years, mean
      age at the time of surgery was 12.5 years, and mean preoperative major Cobb angle
      was 37.2 degrees . RESULTS: Four patients with a mean follow-up of 4.3 years were
      included in the study. At final follow-up, Cobb angle was 7.6 degrees , and the
      average percentage of correction was 79.6%. Coronal decompensation was corrected
      by 87.7%. Pelvic tilt and shoulder imbalance were corrected by 15% and 74.5%,
      respectively. The preoperative mean Visual Analog Scale score was 9 before the
      treatment and 0 at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that
      simple en bloc resection may be a safe and effective treatment option in patients
      with scoliosis secondary to spinal osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma, if patient
      less than 16 years, with major Cobb angle less than 40 degrees , and duration of
      complaint less than 22 months.

PMID- 27130391
TI  - Location change of center of rotation after single-level cervical total disc
      replacement with ProDisc-C.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies reported that the location of the center of rotation
      (COR) at instrumented level after cervical total disc replacement (TDR) deviated
      from its preoperative location. However, currently, it is unknown whether the
      deviated COR is linked to the range of motion (ROM) at instrumented level. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes after cervical TDR
      with ProDisc-C (Synthes, West Chester, PA, USA), as well as investigate the
      location change of COR at instrumented level and its clinical significance.
      METHODS: A total of 23 patients who underwent single-level cervical TDR with
      ProDisc-C were included. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and Neck
      Disability Index (NDI) were used to assess clinical outcomes. Radiographic
      parameters such as cervical ROM, instrumented segmental ROM, adjacent segmental
      ROM, and intervertebral height were analyzed. Additionally, the location change
      of COR at instrumented level and its clinical significance were further analyzed
      by the alteration of its coordinates (COR-X, COR-Y). RESULTS: JOA scores
      increased significantly, while NDI scores decreased at final follow-up. No
      differences were found in cervical global ROM, instrumented segmental ROM,
      adjacent segmental ROM, and COR-Y at instrumented level between preoperative and
      final follow-up measurements (p>0.05); however, intervertebral height and COR-X
      increased significantly (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Cervical global ROM, instrumented
      segmental ROM, and adjacent segmental ROM could be effectively maintained, and
      intervertebral height was increased after TDR with ProDisc-C. The location of COR
      at instrumented level shifted forward after cervical TDR.

PMID- 27130392
TI  - Lumbosacral morphology in lumbar disc herniation: a "chicken and egg" issue.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship, if any, between
      lumbar disc herniation and lumbosacral morphology. METHODS: Intervertebral disc
      angles (IDA), lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), lumbosacral lordosis angle (LSLA),
      lumbosacral angle (LSA), and sacral tilt (ST) were measured on lumbar magnetic
      resonance imaging of 224 patients with LDH (n=151) and without LDH (n=73) and
      were then compared. RESULTS: Regarding LLA, LSLA, LSA and ST, there were no
      significant differences between the 2 groups. The smallest IDA of each level
      (except L2-L3) was detected at the same level with disc herniation. When the
      relationship between the grade of disc herniation and IDA was evaluated in
      patients with LDH, angles of L3-L4 and L4-L5 levels were significantly smaller in
      patients with extruded disc herniation (p=0.009 and p=0.013, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: Despite changes in IDA by grade and level of disc herniation, no
      relation was found between lumbosacral alignment and LDH.

PMID- 27130393
TI  - Comparison of pedicle screw fixation and hybrid instrumentation in adolescent
      idiopathic scoliosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare pedicle screw fixation (PSF)
      with hybrid instrumentation (HI) in cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
      (AIS). METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with AIS who underwent PSF (n=19) or HI
      (n=19) between 2001 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients had similar
      age at surgery and similar number of fused vertebrae. Operative time,
      intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications were compared between
      the 2 groups. Spinal radiographs for apical vertebral translation, global coronal
      balance, major curve Cobb angle, global sagittal balance, thoracic kyphosis, and
      lumbar lordosis were measured in all patients preoperatively and at 2-year follow
      up; the results were then compared between the 2 groups. Postoperative correction
      was calculated for all patients and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The
      average time of surgery ofthe PSF group was significantly longer than that of the
      HI group (p<0.05). The amount of bleeding of the PSF group was significantly
      higher than the HI group (p<0.01). No statistically significant difference was
      found between the groups in respect to the development of complications (p>0.05).
      Both the major curve Cobb angle and the global sagittal balance showed greater
      improvement in the PSF group compared to the HI group (p<0.01). Postoperative
      correction was better in the PSF group than the HI group. CONCLUSION: The PSF
      system provided better improvement than the HI system in major curve Cobb angle
      and global sagittal balance, and postoperative correction was better in the PSF
      group than the HI group.

PMID- 27130394
TI  - Serum and knee synovial fluid matrix metalloproteinase-13 and tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha levels in patients with late-stage osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare serum and synovial fluid levels
      of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha) in 2 stages of osteoarthritis, and investigate their correlation with
      Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores.
      METHODS: Forty-two patients (mean age: 64+/-8.8 years) with grade 3 and grade 4
      knee osteoarthritis according to Kellgren-Lawrence criteria were enrolled in the
      study and underwent total knee arthroplasty. TNF-alpha and MMP-13 levels were
      measured preoperatively from venous blood samples and intraoperatively from knee
      synovial fluid via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Preoperative and 1-month
      postoperative knee functions were assessed by WOMAC. RESULTS: Grade 4 synovial
      fluid MMP-13 (4.76+/-5.82 pg/ml) was elevated compared to grade 3 (3.95+/-4.45),
      whereas grade 3 serum MMP-13 (1.128+/-0.308 pg/ml) was found elevated compared to
      grade 4 (1.038+/-0.204) (p=0.438, p=0.430, respectively). Grade 4 serum TNF-alpha
      (0.253+/-0.277) was elevated compared to grade 3 (0.206+/-0.219), whereas grade 3
      synovial fluid TNF-alpha (0.129+/-0.052) was elevated compared to grade 4
      (0.118+/-0.014). Positive correlation was observed between synovial fluid MMP-13
      levels and postoperative WOMAC scores. Mean serum TNF-alpha (0.226+/-0.246 pg/ml)
      was elevated compared to synovial levels (0.124+/-1.59), and synovial MMP-13
      (4.31+/-1.24) was elevated compared to serum levels (1.089+/-1.519). CONCLUSION:
      Despite the systemic increase in TNF-alpha levels concordant with osteoarthritis
      grade, MMP-13 levels are elevated via local manner, with a significant
      correlation with WOMAC scores.

PMID- 27130395
TI  - Correction of pincer nail deformity with dermal flap: a new technique in pincer
      nail deformity surgery.
AB  - Pincer nail deformity is the extreme, transverse, proximal-to-distal
      overcurvature of the finger, caused by osteophyte of the distal phalanx, and
      causing clamp effect on soft tissues and nail ingrowth. We report a new technique
      consisting of removal of the osteophyte causing clamp effect. Depressed areas of
      both side of the nail bed (lateral nail fold) were corrected with dermal flaps
      prepared from the side. Depressed areas were filled by these flaps, creating a
      smooth surface for the nail bed, and adequate correction was obtained. 

PMID- 27130396
TI  - Impact of platelet-rich plasma injection timing on healing of Achilles tendon
      injury in a rat model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the timing of
      platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application on the healing of Achilles tendon injury
      in a rat model. METHODS: Fifty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into
      4 groups: PRP preparation group (n=6); Achilles tendon tear and 150 uL of PRP
      received on the day following the injury (PRP day 0, group 1, n=16); Achilles
      tendon tear and 150 uL of PRP received on the third day following injury (day 3 ,
      group 2, n=16); Achilles tendon tear and 150 uL of saline received on the day
      following injury (PRP day 0, group 3, n=16). Rats were sacrificed at 3 weeks.
      Consequently, biomechanical and histologic analyses were performed. RESULTS:
      According to histological evaluation, inflammation, fibroblast density, epitenon
      thickness, and collagen fiber were significantly higher in group 1 than in group
      2 (p<0.05). Biomechanical testing results of group 1 and group 2 were inferior to
      the control group, while the differences were not significant (p>0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Based on histological criteria, results of the present study suggest
      that immediate injection of PRP for tendon injury improves tendon healing in
      rats. Although the use of PRP is well recognized in orthopedic surgery, we aimed
      to highlight the importance of immediate application of PRP for acute tendon
      injury.

PMID- 27130398
TI  - Locked hip joint: an uncommon presentation of localized pigmented villonodular
      synovitis.
AB  - We report a 24-year-old male who was admitted to the emergency department with an
      unusual complaint of locked hip joint. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a
      3-cm intra-articular synovial nodular mass and a 3.0x2.4x1.6-cm yellow-brownish
      colored pediculed synovial nodular mass was excised with hip arthroscopy.
      Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pigmented villonodular
      synovitis. Excision of the mass allowed prompt resolution of the symptoms and
      there was no sign of recurrence at 3-year follow-up. 

PMID- 27130397
TI  - Comparison of fixation techniques in Vancouver type AG periprosthetic femoral
      fracture: a biomechanical study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare cable,
      trochanteric grip plate, and locking plate techniques in Vancouver type AG
      fracture model in an in vitro test environment. METHODS: Fifteen pieces of fourth
      generation synthetic femora were separated into 3 groups of 5 models each. A
      greater trochanteric fracture model was created after femoral stem implantation.
      Group 1 was fixated with only cable, Group 2 with trochanteric grip plate, and
      Group 3 with locking plate. Horizontal stiffness, axial stiffness, and failure
      loads were compared between the groups. RESULTS: In horizontal compression tests,
      Group 3 had the highest values, but the only statistically significant difference
      was between the locking plate group and cable group. Axial distraction test
      results showed that mean stiffness of Group 1 was 94.6+/-9.44 N/mm, that of Group
      2 was 174.8+/-28.64 N/mm, and that of Group 3 was 185.6+/-71.64 N/mm. While
      locking plate versus cable fixation and grip plate fixation versus cable fixation
      showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05), comparison of locking
      plate versus grip plate fixation showed no statistically significant difference
      (p>0.05). In axial failure load test, Group 3 had the highest results. The only
      significant difference was between the locking plate and cable groups (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: In Vancouver type AG fractures stable fixation may be achieved with
      grip plate fixation and locking plates, with the former ensuring more stable
      osteosynthesis.

PMID- 27130399
TI  - Extensor mechanism variation of the index finger.
AB  - The extensor indicis proprius (EIP) tendon and extensor digitorum communis (EDC)
      tendons are the main extensor tendons of the second finger. Different variations
      of extensor tendons are frequently reported. In our report, we describe a
      variation of the index finger extensor mechanism in a healthy subject. 

PMID- 27130400
TI  - A case of unusual septic knee arthritis with Brucella abortus after arthroscopic
      meniscus surgery.
AB  - We present a 51-year-old male patient with Brucella abortus septic arthritis in
      the right knee following arthroscopic meniscus surgery. He had eaten a
      traditional dish of raw minced cattle conceptus (bovine fetus) that was prepared
      after the cow was slaughtered. Despite treatment with empirical antibiotics and
      debridement of the postoperative surgical wound, the infection persisted without
      improvement. Polymerase chain reaction sequencing identified Brucella abortus
      from tissue samples obtained from the patient. After confirmation of the
      diagnosis of brucellar infection, antibiotics were replaced with doxycycline and
      rifampin, which were used for 4 months. In patients with a non-specific
      arthralgia who eat raw meat or live close to animals, it is important to consider
      the possibility of septic arthritis due to infection with Brucella spp. 

PMID- 27130401
TI  - Postoperative pain in total hip arthroplasty.

PMID- 27130403
TI  - Corrigendum to "Differential associations between obesity and behavioral measures
      of impulsivity" [Appetite 95 (2015) 375-382].

PMID- 27130402
TI  - Comparison of EtViewTM tracheoscopic ventilation tube and video-assisted
      fiberoptic bronchoscopy during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.
AB  - Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) via endotracheal tube (ETT) is the most frequent
      utilized technique for monitoring of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT)
      procedure while maintaining mechanical ventilation. Endoscopic guidance has
      increased the safety of this procedure; nevertheless, the use of a bronchoscope
      via ETT potentially may deteriorate ventilation and lead to hypercarbia and/or
      hypoxia. EtView tracheoscopic ventilation tube (EtView TVT) is a standard
      endotracheal tube with a camera and light source embedded at the tip. The
      objectives of this study are to introduce EtView TVT as a monitoring tool during
      PDT and to compare it with video assisted FOB via ETT. We hypothesized that using
      EtView TVT during PDT may obtain similar visualization; also may have advantages
      regarding better mechanical ventilation conditions when compared with video
      assisted FOB via ETT. Patients, 18-75 years of age requiring mechanical
      ventilation scheduled for PDT were randomly allocated into two groups for airway
      monitorization to guide PDT procedure either with FOB via ETT (Group FOB, n = 12)
      or EtView TVT (Group EtView, n = 12). After standard anesthesia protocol,
      alveolar recruitment maneuver was applied and all patients were mechanically
      ventilated at pressure-controlled ventilation mode with same pressure levels. The
      primary outcome variable was the reduction in arterial oxygen partial pressure
      (PaO2) values during the procedure. Other respiratory variables and the
      effectiveness (the visualization and identification of relevant airway
      structures) of two techniques were the secondary outcome variables. Patients in
      both groups were comparable with respect to demographic characteristics and
      initial respiratory variables. Visualization and identification of relevant
      airway structures in any steps of the PDT procedure were also comparable. The
      decrease in minute ventilation in Group FOB was higher when compared with Group
      EtView (51 +/- 4 % vs. 12 +/- 7.3 %, p < 0.05). The decrease in PaO2 from initial
      levels during (34 +/- 21 % vs. 5 +/- 7 % decrease) and after (26 +/- 27 % vs. 2.8
      +/- 16 % decrease) the procedure was higher in Group FOB when compared with Group
      EtView (p < 0.05). Considering comparable features in monitorization and
      advantageous features over mechanical ventilation when compared with video
      bronchoscopy; EtView TVT would be a good alternative for airway monitorization
      during PDT especially for patients with poor pulmonary reserve.

PMID- 27130404
TI  - US drug regulator warns manufacturers that it will not accept data from Indian
      research center.

PMID- 27130405
TI  - Improved outcomes with dose-dense paclitaxel-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy in
      advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We compared tolerability, toxicity, response, and interval debulking
      surgery (IDS) outcomes between patients who received weekly dose-dense paclitaxel
      (DDP) and every three-week platinum to standard every three-week taxane plus
      platinum neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer
      (EOC). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients receiving NACT at
      our center between June 1, 2012 and July 31, 2015. Patients with stage III/IV EOC
      who received at least one cycle of DDP (weekly paclitaxel plus every three-week
      carboplatin) or standard taxane (every three-week paclitaxel or docetaxel plus
      carboplatin) therapy were included. Abstracted data included demographics,
      tolerability, grade 3/4 toxicity, response, and IDS outcomes. Fisher's exact and
      student t-test were used for statistical significance. RESULTS: Twenty-one
      patients received DDP and 40 received standard taxane. Tolerability was
      comparable. More patients receiving DDP experienced grade 3 or 4 toxicity when
      considered in aggregate (86% vs. 40%; p=0.001). Pathologic complete response
      (pCR) was achieved in 14% of DDP patients versus 3% of standard (p=0.11). 48% of
      patients in the DDP group were debulked to no residual disease (NRD) versus 28%
      in the standard group (p=0.16). CONCLUSIONS: While associated with an increase in
      severe toxicity compared to standard three-week taxane, DDP appears to facilitate
      higher rates of pCR and NRD for patients receiving NACT in this preliminary
      study. These results warrant further investigation of DDP for patients with
      advanced EOC and assessment of impact on long-term survival outcomes.

PMID- 27130406
TI  - Malignant Brenner tumors of the ovary; a population-based analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Malignant Brenner Tumor (MBT) is a tumor with an extremely low
      incidence that morphologically resembles to urothelium. Given the paucity of
      evidence on the epidemiology and prognosis of MBT, the aim of this retrospective
      population-based study was to elucidate the demographic and clinico-pathological
      characteristics of patients with ovarian MBT. METHODS: A cohort of patients
      diagnosed between 1988 and 2012 was drawn from the National Cancer Institute
      Surveillance and Epidemiology End Results database. For surgically treated
      patients, Observed and Disease Specific Survival were calculated following
      generation of Kaplan-Meier curves. Comparisons were made using the log-rank test.
      RESULTS: A total of 207 patients were identified. Median patient age was 65years
      and the majority presented with unilateral, high grade tumors with a median size
      of 10cm. Stage I, II, III and IV disease was noted for 55.4%, 14.4%, 18%, and
      12.2% of patients respectively. Only 5.1% had positive lymph nodes for metastatic
      disease. Five-year disease-specific survival (DSS) of patients with tumors
      confined to the ovary was 94.5% compared to 51.3% for those with extra-ovarian
      spread (p<0.001). Lymphadenectomy was not associated with an improved DSS
      (p=0.2). CONCLUSIONS: MBTs are typically unilateral high grade tumors localized
      to the ovary. Regional lymphatic spread is uncommon and lymphadenectomy does not
      confer any improvement on survival. Patients with tumors confined to the ovary
      have an excellent prognosis while extra-ovarian spread is associated with a poor
      outcome.

PMID- 27130407
TI  - Surgical management of recurrent ovarian cancer.
AB  - Most patients with advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer will experience a
      relapse of disease despite a complete response after surgical cytoreduction and
      platinum-based chemotherapy. Treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer mainly
      comprises various combinations of systemic chemotherapy with or without targeted
      agents. The role of cytoreductive surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer is not
      well established. Although the literature on survival benefit of cytoreductive
      surgery for recurrent disease has expanded steadily over the past decade, most
      studies were retrospective, single-institution series with small numbers of
      patients. Given the balance between survival benefit and surgery-related
      morbidity during maximum cytoreductive surgical effort, it is essential to
      establish the optimal selection criteria for identifying appropriate candidates
      who will benefit from surgery without worsening quality of life. Three phase III
      randomized trials for this issue are currently underway. Herein, we present
      contemporary evidence supporting the positive role of cytoreductive surgery and
      offer selection criteria for optimal candidates for surgery in the treatment of
      recurrent ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27130408
TI  - HIV & Hepatitis in the Americas 28-30 April 2016, Mexico City, Mexico.

PMID- 27130409
TI  - Neurogenic control of parenchymal arterioles in the cerebral cortex.
AB  - Central neural vasomotor mechanisms act on the parenchymal vasculature of the
      brain to regulate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). Among the diverse
      components of the local neural circuits of the cerebral cortex, many may
      contribute to the regulation of rCBF. For example, the cholinergic vasodilative
      system that originates in the basal forebrain acts on the neocortex and
      hippocampus. Notably, rCBF is reduced in the elderly and patients with dementia.
      The vasodilatory response, independent of changes in blood pressure and glucose
      metabolism in the brain, occurs in the parenchymal arterioles to produce a
      significant increase in cortical rCBF. Recent studies illuminate the
      physiological role of the cholinergic vasodilator system related to neurovascular
      coupling, neuroprotection, and promotion of the secretion of nerve growth factor.
      In this review, cellular mechanisms and species differences in the neurogenic
      control of vascular systems, as well as benefits of the cholinergic vasodilatory
      systems against cerebral ischemia- and age-dependent impairment of neurovascular
      plasticity, are further discussed.

PMID- 27130410
TI  - Involvement of astrocytes in neurovascular communication.
AB  - The vascular interface of the brain is distinct from that of the peripheral
      tissue in that astrocytes, the most numerous glial cell type in the gray matter,
      cover the vasculature with their endfeet. This morphological feature of the
      gliovascular junction has prompted neuroscientists to suggest possible functional
      roles of astrocytes including astrocytic modulation of the vasculature.
      Additionally, astrocytes develop an intricate morphology that intimately apposes
      neuronal synapses, making them an ideal cellular mediator of neurovascular
      coupling. In this article, we first introduce the classical anatomical and
      physiological findings that led to the proposal of various gliovascular
      interaction models. Next, we touch on the technological advances in the past few
      decades that enabled investigations and evaluations of neuro-glio-vascular
      interactions in situ. We then review recent experimental findings on the roles of
      astrocytes in neurovascular coupling from the viewpoints of intra- and
      intercellular signalings in astrocytes.

PMID- 27130411
TI  - Vascular potassium channels in NVC.
AB  - It has long been proposed that the external potassium ion ([K(+)]0) works as a
      potent vasodilator in the dynamic regulation of local cerebral blood flow.
      Astrocytes may play a central role for producing K(+) outflow possibly through
      calcium-activated potassium channels on the end feet, responding to a rise in the
      intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, which might well reflect local neuronal
      activity. A mild elevation of [K(+)]0 in the end feet/vascular smooth muscle
      space could activate Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase concomitant with inwardly rectifying
      potassium (Kir) channels in vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to a
      hyperpolarization of vascular smooth muscle and relaxation of smooth muscle actin
      positive vessels. Also proposed notion is endothelial calcium-activated potassium
      channels and/or inwardly rectifying potassium channel-mediated hyperpolarization
      of vascular smooth muscle. A larger elevation of [K(+)]0, which may occur
      pathophysiologically in such as spreading depression or stroke, can trigger a
      depolarization of vascular smooth muscle cells and vasoconstriction instead.

PMID- 27130412
TI  - Bridging macroscopic and microscopic methods for the measurements of cerebral
      blood flow: Toward finding the determinants in maintaining the CBF homeostasis.
AB  - Methods exist to evaluate the cerebral blood flow (CBF) at both the macroscopic
      and microscopic spatial scales. These methods provide complementary information
      for understanding the mechanism in maintaining an adequate blood supply in
      response to neural demand. The macroscopic CBF assesses perfusion flow, which is
      usually measured using radioactive tracers, such as diffusible, nondiffusible, or
      microsphere. Each of them determines CBF based on indicator dilution principle or
      particle fraction principle under the assumption that CBF is steady state during
      the measurement. Macroscopic CBF therefore represents averaged CBF over a certain
      space and time domains. On the other hand, the microscopic CBF assesses bulk
      flow, usually measures using real-time microscopy. The method assesses
      hemodynamics of microvessels, ie, vascular dimensions and flow velocities of
      fluorescently labeled or nonlabeled RBC and plasma markers. The microscopic CBF
      continuously fluctuates in time and space. Smoothing out this heterogeneity may
      lead to underestimation in the macroscopic CBF. To link the two measurements, it
      is needed to introduce a common parameter which is measurable for the both
      methods, such as mean transit time. Additionally, applying the defined
      physiological and/or pharmacological perturbation may provide a good exercise to
      determine how the specific perturbations interfere the quantitative relationships
      between the macroscopic and microscopic CBF. Finally, bridging these two-scale
      methods potentially gives a further indication how the absolute CBF is regulated
      with respect to a specific type of the cerebrovascular tones or capillary flow
      velocities in the brain. 

PMID- 27130413
TI  - New horizons in neurometabolic and neurovascular coupling from calibrated fMRI.
AB  - Neurovascular coupling relates changes in neuronal activity to
      constriction/dilation of microvessels. However neurometabolic coupling, which is
      less well known, relates alterations in neuronal activity with metabolic demands.
      The link between the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal and neural
      activity opened doors for functional MRI (fMRI) to be a powerful neuroimaging
      tool in the neurosciences. But due to the complex makeup of BOLD contrast,
      researchers began to investigate the relationship between BOLD signal and blood
      flow and/or volume changes during functional brain activation, which together
      provided the tools to measure oxygen consumption on the basis of the biophysical
      model of BOLD. This field is called calibrated fMRI, thereby allowed probing of
      both neurometabolic and neurovascular couplings for a variety of health
      conditions in animals and humans. Calibrated fMRI may provide brain disorder
      biomarkers that could be used for monitoring effective therapies.

PMID- 27130414
TI  - Submillimeter-resolution fMRI: Toward understanding local neural processing.
AB  - Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures the hemodynamic response to
      active neurons. The most prevailing fMRI contrast, blood oxygenation level
      dependent (BOLD) contrast, specifically results from a complex interplay between
      oxygen metabolism, blood flow, and blood volume reactions. Therefore, because
      fMRI indirectly measures brain function, the spatial accuracy of these blood
      borne signal changes to the true neuronal activity comes into question,
      especially at high resolutions. To better interpret the neural basis of fMRI,
      these properties have been studied in localized neural circuits of the brain
      using fMRI with blood flow, blood volume, and BOLD contrasts, as well as optical
      intrinsic signal imaging (OISI), which shares similar signal sources as fMRI.
      Here, we review how submillimeter-scale high-resolution fMRI and OISI in the
      visual cortex columnar and olfactory bulb laminar models have advanced our basic
      knowledge of the spatial localization of the individual hemodynamic signals and
      neurovascular coupling mechanisms. 

PMID- 27130415
TI  - Hemodynamic signals in fNIRS.
AB  - Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was originally designed for clinical monitoring
      of tissue oxygenation, and it has also been developed into a useful tool in
      neuroimaging studies, with the so-called functional NIRS (fNIRS). With NIRS,
      cerebral activation is detected by measuring the cerebral hemoglobin (Hb), where
      however, the precise correlation between NIRS signal and neural activity remains
      to be fully understood. This can in part be attributed to the situation that NIRS
      signals are inherently subject to contamination by signals arising from
      extracerebral tissue. In recent years, several approaches have been investigated
      to distinguish between NIRS signals originating in cerebral tissue and signals
      originating in extracerebral tissue. Selective measurements of cerebral Hb will
      enable a further evolution of fNIRS. This chapter is divided into six sections:
      first a summary of the basic theory of NIRS, NIRS signals arising in the
      activated areas, correlations between NIRS signals and fMRI signals, correlations
      between NIRS signals and neural activities, and the influence of a variety of
      extracerebral tissue on NIRS signals and approaches to this issue are reviewed.
      Finally, future prospects of fNIRS are described. 

PMID- 27130416
TI  - Mechanisms of cellular plasticity in cerebral perivascular region.
AB  - Brain vasculature acts in synergism with neurons to maintain brain function. This
      neurovascular coupling, or trophic coupling between cerebral endothelium and
      neuron, is now well accepted as a marker for mapping brain activity.
      Neurovascular coupling is most active in the perivascular region, in which there
      are ample opportunities for cell-cell interactions within the neurovascular unit.
      This trophic coupling between cells maintains neurovascular function and cellular
      plasticity. Recent studies have revealed that even adult brains contain multiple
      stem cells of various lineages, which may provide cellular plasticity through the
      process of differentiation among these stem cell populations. In this chapter, we
      provide an overview of the process by which neurovascular components contribute
      to cellular plasticity in the cerebral perivascular regions, focusing on
      mechanisms of cell-cell interaction in adult brain. 

PMID- 27130417
TI  - Development and pathological changes of neurovascular unit regulated by hypoxia
      response in the retina.
AB  - Retina is a highly vascularized tissue with a high oxygen and metabolic demand
      receiving light located in the back of the eye. The development and the
      maintenance of the retinal vasculature are important to regulate the homeostasis
      in the tissue. alpha Subunits of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) are key molecules
      in hypoxia response inducing genes required for cell survival such as vascular
      endothelial growth factor under hypoxia. Neurons, glia, and vascular endothelium
      cells interdependently form neurovascular unit in the retina tightly regulated by
      hypoxia response via HIF expression. A corruption of the precise hypoxia response
      in the developmental or matured retinal tissue may lead congenital vascular
      anomalies or adult neovascular ocular diseases. To regulate hypoxia response
      through HIF activity would be an ideal therapeutic target for these vision
      threatening eye diseases.

PMID- 27130419
TI  - Exercise and cerebrovascular plasticity.
AB  - Aging impairs cerebrovascular plasticity and subsequently leads cerebral
      hypoperfusion, which synergistically accelerates aging-associated cognitive
      dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases associated with impaired neuronal
      plasticity. On the other hand, over two decades of researches have successfully
      demonstrated that exercise, or higher level of physical activity, is a powerful
      and nonpharmacological approach to improve brain function. Most of the studies
      have focused on the neuronal aspects and found that exercise triggers
      improvements in neuronal plasticity, such as neurogenesis; however, exercise can
      improve cerebrovascular plasticity as well. In this chapter, to understand these
      beneficial effects of exercise on the cerebral vasculature, we first discuss the
      issue of changes in cerebral blood flow and its regulation during acute bouts of
      exercise. Then, how regular exercise improves cerebrovascular plasticity will be
      discussed. In addition, to shed light on the importance of understanding
      interactions between the neuron and cerebral vasculature, we describe neuronal
      activity-driven uptake of circulating IGF-I into the brain.

PMID- 27130418
TI  - Neurovascular coupling and energy metabolism in the developing brain.
AB  - In the adult brain, increases in local neural activity are almost always
      accompanied by increases in local blood flow. However, many functional imaging
      studies of the newborn and developing human brain have observed patterns of
      hemodynamic responses that differ from adult responses. Among the proposed
      mechanisms for the observed variations is that neurovascular coupling itself is
      still developing in the perinatal brain. Many of the components thought to be
      involved in actuating and propagating this hemodynamic response are known to
      still be developing postnatally, including perivascular cells such as astrocytes
      and pericytes. Both neural and vascular networks expand and are then selectively
      pruned over the first year of human life. Additionally, the metabolic demands of
      the newborn brain are still evolving. These changes are highly likely to affect
      early postnatal neurovascular coupling, and thus may affect functional imaging
      signals in this age group. This chapter will discuss the literature relating to
      neurovascular development. Potential effects of normal and aberrant development
      of neurovascular coupling on the newborn brain will also be explored, as well as
      ways to effectively utilize imaging techniques that rely on hemodynamic
      modulation such as fMRI and NIRS in younger populations.

PMID- 27130420
TI  - Neurovascular coupling-What next?

PMID- 27130421
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27130422
TI  - Letter to the Editor regarding "A pilot study investigating basic fibroblast
      growth factor for the repair of chronic tympanic membrane perforations in
      pediatric patients".

PMID- 27130423
TI  - Isolation and purification of two antioxidant isomers of resveratrol dimer from
      the wine grape by counter-current chromatography.
AB  - Resveratrol dimers belong to a group of compounds called stilbenes, which along
      with proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, catechins, and flavonols are natural
      phenolic compounds found in grapes and red wine. Stilbenes have a variety of
      structural isomers, all of which exhibit various biological properties. Counter
      current chromatography with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane/ethyl
      acetate/methanol/water (2:5:4:5, v/v/v/v) was applied to isolate and purify
      stilbene from the stems of wine grape. Two isomers of resveratrol dimers trans
      epsilon-viniferin and trans-delta-viniferin were obtained from the crude sample
      in a one-step separation, with purities of 93.2 and 97.5%, respectively, as
      determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of these two
      compounds were identified by (1) H and (13) C NMR spectroscopy. In addition,
      their antioxidant activities were assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl
      (DPPH) assay. The antioxidant activities of trans-delta-viniferin were higher
      than that of trans-epsilon-viniferin in this model. This work demonstrated that
      counter-current chromatography is a powerful and effective method for the
      isolation and purification of polyphenols from wine grape. Additionally, the DPPH
      radical assay showed that the isolated component trans-delta-viniferin exhibited
      stronger antioxidant activities than trans-epsilon-viniferin and a little bit
      weaker than vitamin E at the same concentration. 

PMID- 27130424
TI  - Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in critically ill children: clinical value of
      two lists of diagnostic criteria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two sets of diagnostic criteria of paediatric multiple organ
      dysfunction syndrome (MODS) were published by Proulx in 1996 and by Goldstein in
      2005. We hypothesized that this changes the epidemiology of MODS. Thus, we
      determined the epidemiology of MODS, according to these two sets of diagnostic
      criteria, we studied the intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of each set of
      diagnostic criteria, and we compared the association between cases of MODS at
      paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) entry, as diagnosed by each set of
      diagnostic criteria, and 90-day all-cause mortality. METHODS: All consecutive
      patients admitted to the tertiary care PICU of Sainte-Justine Hospital, from
      April 21, 2009 to April 20, 2010, were considered eligible for enrolment into
      this prospective observational cohort study. The exclusion criteria were
      gestational age < 40 weeks, age < 3 days or > 18 years at PICU entry, pregnancy,
      admission immediately after delivery. No patients were censored. Daily monitoring
      using medical chart ended when the patient died or was discharged from PICU.
      Mortality was monitored up to death, hospital discharge, or 90 days post PICU
      entry, whatever happened first. Concordance rate and kappa score were calculated
      to assess reproducibility. The number of MODS identified with Proulx and
      Goldstein definitions was compared using 2-by-2 contingency tables. Student's t
      test or Wilcoxon signed-ranked test was used to compare continuous variables with
      normal or abnormal distribution, respectively. We performed a Kaplan-Meier
      survival analysis to assess the association between MODS at PICU entry and 90-day
      mortality. RESULTS: The occurrence of MODS was monitored daily and prospectively
      in 842 consecutive patients admitted to the PICU of Sainte-Justine Hospital over
      1 year. According to Proulx and Goldstein diagnostic criteria, 180 (21.4 %) and
      314 patients (37.3 %) had MODS over PICU stay, respectively. Concordance of MODS
      diagnosis over PICU stay was 81.3 % (95 % CI 78.6-83.9 %), and kappa score was
      0.56 (95 % CI 0.50-0.61). Discordance was mainly attributable to cardiovascular
      or neurological dysfunction criteria. The proportion of patients with MODS at
      PICU entry who died within 90 days was higher with MODS diagnosed with Proulx
      criteria (17.8 vs. 11.5 %, p = 0.038), as well as the likelihood ratio of death
      (4.84 vs. 2.37). On the other hand, 90-day survival rate of patients without MODS
      at PICU entry was similar (98.6 vs. 98.9 % (p = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: Proulx and
      Goldstein diagnostic criteria of paediatric MODS are not equivalent. The
      epidemiology of paediatric MODS varies depending on which set of diagnostic
      criteria is applied.

PMID- 27130425
TI  - Reactive oxygen species measure for rapid detection of infection in fluids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection of infection is critical to rapidly starting
      effective treatment. Diagnosis can be difficult, particularly in the intensive
      care unit (ICU) population. Because the presence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils
      in tissues is the hallmark of inflammatory processes, the objective of this proof
      of concept study was to determine whether the measurement of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) could be an efficient diagnostic tool to rapidly diagnose
      infections in peritoneal, pleural and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids in ICU
      patients. METHODS: We prospectively included all patients hospitalized in the 21
      bed surgical ICU of a teaching hospital from June 2010 to February 2014 who
      presented with systemic inflammatory response syndrome with suspicion of a
      peritoneal or pleural fluid or pulmonary infection needing a BAL. Instantaneous
      basal ROS production was measured in fluids and after phorbol 12-myristate 13
      acetate (PMA) stimulation. We compared patients with infected fluids to those
      with non-infected fluids. RESULTS: The overall ICU mortality rate was 34 %. A
      majority of patients were sampled following a delay of 5 days (2-12) after ICU
      admission, with most receiving antibiotics at the time of fluid sampling (71 %).
      Fluids were infected in 21/65 samples: 6/17 peritoneal fluids, 8/28 pleural
      fluids and 7/20 BALs. ROS production was significantly higher in the infected
      than in the non-infected group at baseline and after PMA stimulation in the
      peritoneal and pleural fluids but not in BAL. CONCLUSION: Assessing instantaneous
      ROS production appears as a fast and reliable diagnostic method for detecting
      peritoneal and pleural fluid infection.

PMID- 27130426
TI  - SAPS 3 score as a predictive factor for postoperative referral to intensive care
      unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing intermediate-risk surgery are typically taken to
      the ward postoperatively. However, some may develop complications requiring
      intensive care later. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of patients
      undergoing intermediate-risk surgery who required late postoperative admission to
      the intensive care unit (ICU) and determine the predictors for this. METHODS: The
      study included patients undergoing intermediate-risk surgery with preoperative
      indication for ICU but who were taken to the ward postoperatively, because they
      appeared to be responding well. However, they required late ICU admission. ICU
      care and preoperative SAPS 3 score were evaluated. Palliative surgeries and
      patients readmitted to ICU were excluded. RESULTS: The study included 100
      patients, 27 % of whom had late postoperative admission to the ICU. The
      preoperative SAPS 3 score was higher (45.4 +/- 7.8 vs. 35.9 +/- 7.4, P < 0.001)
      in patients who required delayed admission to the ICU postoperatively.
      Furthermore, they had undergone longer surgery (4.2 +/- 1.9 vs. 2.7 +/- 1.5 h, P
      < 0.001), and a greater proportion were gastrointestinal surgeries (14.8 vs. 5.5
      %, P = 0.03) and intraoperative transfusion (18.5 vs. 5.5 % P = 0.04). In
      multivariate analysis, preoperative SAPS 3 and surgery duration independently
      predicted postoperative ICU admission, respectively (OR 1.25; 95 % CI 1.1-1.4 and
      OR 3.33; 95 % CI 1.7-6.3). CONCLUSION: The identification of high-risk surgical
      patients is essential for proper treatment; time of surgery and preoperative SAPS
      3 seem to provide a useful indication of risk and may help better to characterize
      patients undergoing intermediate-risk surgery that demand ICU care.

PMID- 27130428
TI  - A template for broad consent in biobank research. Results and explanation of an
      evidence and consensus-based development process.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biobanks increasingly presume long-term storage of biomaterials and
      data that shall be used for future research projects which are today unspecified.
      Appropriate consent documents for sample donors must therefore explain the
      breadth of consent and other elements of the biobank governance framework. Recent
      reviews demonstrated high variability in what issues these documents mention or
      not and how the issues are explained. This might undermine the protection of
      sample donors, complicate networked biobank research, create research waste and
      impact on public trust. METHODS: A systematic analysis of international research
      guidelines and existing broad consent templates was performed. Based on this
      information an interdisciplinary expert group from the AKMEK (Permanent Working
      Party of German RECs) developed a draft template and organized a comprehensive
      stakeholder consultation. After revision the final template was consented by all
      53 German RECs. RESULTS: This paper briefly explores the spectrum of potentially
      relevant issues for broad consent forms. It then elaborates the template and how
      it was designed to be applicable in different types of biobanks. DISCUSSION: To
      further improve the validity and applicability of broad consent forms in biobank
      and other big data research, practice evaluations are needed. We hope that in
      this regard the presented template supports the development of new consent forms
      as well as the evaluation and revision of existing ones.

PMID- 27130427
TI  - APASL consensus statements and recommendation on treatment of hepatitis C.
AB  - The Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) convened an
      international working party on the "APASL consensus statements and recommendation
      on management of hepatitis C" in March, 2015, in order to revise "APASL consensus
      statements and management algorithms for hepatitis C virus infection (Hepatol Int
      6:409-435, 2012)". The working party consisted of expert hepatologists from the
      Asian-Pacific region gathered at Istanbul Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey on 13
      March 2015. New data were presented, discussed and debated to draft a revision.
      Participants of the consensus meeting assessed the quality of cited studies.
      Finalized recommendations on treatment of hepatitis C are presented in this
      review. 

PMID- 27130429
TI  - Successful Prevention of Transmission of Integrase Resistance in the Swiss HIV
      Cohort Study.
AB  - The prevalence of integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-transmitted drug
      resistance (TDR) may increase with the increasing use of INSTIs. We analyzed the
      prevalence of INSTI TDR in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (2008-2014). In 1 of 1316
      drug-naive samples (0.1%), a major INSTI TDR mutation was detected. Prevalence
      was stable, although INSTIs were increasingly used. We showed that this is in
      contrast to the introduction of previous drug classes, in which more treatment
      failures with resistant strains occurred and TDR was observed more rapidly. We
      demonstrated on a population-level that it is possible to avoid TDR to a new drug
      class for years.

PMID- 27130430
TI  - MICA Mutant A5.1 Influences BK Polyomavirus Reactivation and Associated
      Nephropathy After Kidney Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) frequently reactivates in kidney transplant
      recipients during immunosuppressive therapy and triggers BKPyV-associated
      nephropathy and graft rejection. Determining effective risk factors for BKPyV
      reactivation is required to achieve efficient prevention. METHODS: This study
      investigated the role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-related
      chain A (MICA) in BKPyV reactivation in a cohort of 144 transplant
      donor/recipient pairs, including recipients with no reactivation (controllers)
      and those with mild (virurics) or severe (viremics) BKPyV reactivation after
      graft receipt. RESULTS: We show that, in the kidney, MICA is predominantly
      expressed in tubule epithelial cells, the natural targets of BKPyV, questioning a
      role for MICA in the immune control of BKPyV infection. Focusing on MICA
      genotype, we found a lower incidence of BKPyV reactivation in recipients of a
      renal graft from a donor carrying the MICA A5.1 mutant, which encodes a truncated
      nonconventional MICA. We established that a mismatch for MICA A5.1 between
      transplant donor and recipient is critical for BKPyV reactivation and BKPyV
      associated nephropathy. Functionally, we found that a low prevalence of BKPyV
      reactivation was associated with elevated anti-MICA sensitization and reduced
      plasma level of soluble MICA in recipients, 2 potential effector mechanisms.
      DISCUSSIONS: These findings identify the MHC-related MICA as an immunogenetic
      factor that may functionally influence anti-BKPyV immune responses and infection
      outcomes.

PMID- 27130431
TI  - Genome-wide Chromatin Profiling of Legionella pneumophila-Infected Human
      Macrophages Reveals Activation of the Probacterial Host Factor TNFAIP2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Legionella pneumophila is a causative agent of severe pneumonia.
      Infection leads to a broad host cell response, as evident, for example, on the
      transcriptional level. Chromatin modifications, which control gene expression,
      play a central role in the transcriptional response to L. pneumophila METHODS: We
      infected human-blood-derived macrophages (BDMs) with L. pneumophila and used
      chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing to screen for gene promoters
      with the activating histone 4 acetylation mark. RESULTS: We found the promoter of
      tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 2 (TNFAIP2) to be acetylated at
      histone H4. This factor has not been characterized in the pathology of L.
      pneumophila TNFAIP2 messenger RNA and protein were upregulated in response to L.
      pneumophila infection of human-BDMs and human alveolar epithelial (A549) cells.
      We showed that L. pneumophila-induced TNFAIP2 expression is dependent on the NF
      kappaB transcription factor. Importantly, knock down of TNFAIP2 led to reduced
      intracellular replication of L. pneumophila Corby in A549 cells. CONCLUSIONS:
      Taken together, genome-wide chromatin analysis of L. pneumophila-infected
      macrophages demonstrated induction of TNFAIP2, a NF-kappaB-dependent factor
      relevant for bacterial replication.

PMID- 27130432
TI  - Genome-wide identification and characterization of macrolide glycosyltransferases
      from a marine-derived Bacillus strain and their phylogenetic distribution.
AB  - Clarifying glycosyltrasferases (GTs) function is of significance for the
      development of GT inhibitors as drugs, and the use of GTs to glycodiversify small
      molecules in the search of drug leads. While many Actinomyces natural-product GTs
      had been functionally characterized, our understanding towards Bacillus natural
      product GTs is so far very limited. Herein, genome-wide identification of
      macrolide GT genes from marine-derived Bacillus methylotrophicus B-9987 revealed
      the presence of three macrolide GT genes bmmGT1-3. While bmmGT1 was previously
      revealed to be involved in the biosynthesis of trans-acyltransferase (AT)
      polyketides compounds macrolactins (MLNs) and bacillaenes (BAEs), the functions
      of bmmGT2 and bmmGT3 were probed, demonstrating that they are capable to
      biochemically catalyze glycosylation of MLNs and BAEs as well but interestingly
      with different regioselectivity, affording four new MLNs analogs. Notably,
      further genome mining revealed that the orthologs of these three macrolide GT
      genes showed a regular distribution in the subtilis- and the cereus-clade
      Bacillus strains; interestingly, bmmGT1 orthologs only occurred in the subtilis
      clade Bacillus, and they were also found in the genomes of Streptomyces strains,
      suggesting their close phylogenetic relationship. These results provide the first
      significant insight into the important roles of Bacillus macrolide GTs in the
      biology of the species.

PMID- 27130433
TI  - Pyruvate in oral rehydration salt improves hemodynamics, vasopermeability and
      survival after burns in dogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate whether pyruvate-enriched oral rehydration solution
      (Pyr-ORS), compared with citrate-enriched ORS (Cit-ORS), improves hemodynamics
      and organ function by alleviating vasopermeability and plasma volume loss during
      intra-gastric fluid rehydration in dogs with severe burn. METHODS: Forty dogs
      subjected to severe burn were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): two oral
      rehydrated groups with Pyr-ORS and Cit-ORS (group PR and group CR), respectively,
      according to the Parkland formula during the first 24h after burns. Other two
      groups were the intravenous (IV) resuscitation (group VR) with lactated Ringer's
      solution with the same dosage and no fluid rehydration (group NR). During the
      next 24h, all groups received the same IV infusion. The hemodynamics, plasma
      volume, vasopermeability and water contents and function of various organs were
      determined. Plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and
      platelet activating factor (PAF) were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: Hemodynamics
      parameters were significantly improved in group PR superior to group CR after
      burns. Levels of VEGF and PAF were significantly lower in group PR than in group
      CR. Organ function parameters were also greatly preserved in group PR, relative
      to groups CR and NR. Lactic acidosis was fully corrected and survival increased
      in group PR (50.0%), compared to group CR (20.0%). CONCLUSION: Pyr-ORS was more
      effective than Cit-ORS in improving hemodynamics, visceral blood perfusion and
      organ function by alleviating vasopermeability-induced visceral edema and plasma
      volume loss in dogs with severe burn.

PMID- 27130434
TI  - Initial characterization, dosimetric benchmark and performance validation of
      Dynamic Wave Arc.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dynamic Wave Arc (DWA) is a clinical approach designed to maximize
      the versatility of Vero SBRT system by synchronizing the gantry-ring noncoplanar
      movement with D-MLC optimization. The purpose of this study was to verify the
      delivery accuracy of DWA approach and to evaluate the potential dosimetric
      benefits. METHODS: DWA is an extended form of VMAT with a continuous varying ring
      position. The main difference in the optimization modules of VMAT and DWA is
      during the angular spacing, where the DWA algorithm does not consider the gantry
      spacing, but only the Euclidian norm of the ring and gantry angle. A preclinical
      version of RayStation v4.6 (RaySearch Laboratories, Sweden) was used to create
      patient specific wave arc trajectories for 31 patients with various anatomical
      tumor regions (prostate, oligometatstatic cases, centrally-located non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) and locally advanced pancreatic cancer-LAPC). DWA was
      benchmarked against the current clinical approaches and coplanar VMAT. Each plan
      was evaluated with regards to dose distribution, modulation complexity (MCS),
      monitor units and treatment time efficiency. The delivery accuracy was evaluated
      using a 2D diode array that takes in consideration the multi-dimensionality of
      DWA during dose reconstruction. RESULTS: In centrally-located NSCLC cases, DWA
      improved the low dose spillage with 20 %, while the target coverage was increased
      with 17 % compared to 3D CRT. The structures that significantly benefited from
      using DWA were proximal bronchus and esophagus, with the maximal dose being
      reduced by 17 % and 24 %, respectively. For prostate and LAPC, neither technique
      seemed clearly superior to the other; however, DWA reduced with more than 65 % of
      the delivery time over IMRT. A steeper dose gradient outside the target was
      observed for all treatment sites (p < 0.01) with DWA. Except the oligometastatic
      cases, where the DWA-MCSs indicate a higher modulation, both DWA and VMAT
      modalities provide plans of similar complexity. The average gamma (3 % /3 mm)
      passing rate for DWA plans was 99.2 +/- 1 % (range from 96.8 to 100 %).
      CONCLUSIONS: DWA proven to be a fully functional treatment technique, allowing
      additional flexibility in dose shaping, while preserving dosimetrically robust
      delivery and treatment times comparable with coplanar VMAT.

PMID- 27130436
TI  - Dengue Virus Immunopathogenesis: Lessons Applicable to the Emergence of Zika
      Virus.
AB  - Dengue is the leading mosquito-transmitted viral infection in the world. There
      are more than 390 million new infections annually; while the majority of infected
      individuals are asymptomatic or develop a self-limited dengue fever, up to 1
      million clinical cases develop severe manifestations, including dengue
      hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome, resulting in ~25,000 deaths annually,
      mainly in children. Gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms that contribute
      to dengue infection and immunopathogenesis have hampered the development of
      vaccines and antiviral agents. Some of these limitations are highlighted by the
      explosive re-emergence of another arthropod-borne flavivirus-Zika virus-spread by
      the same vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, that also carries dengue, yellow
      fever and chikungunya viruses. This review will discuss the early virus-host
      interactions in dengue infection, with emphasis on the interrelationship between
      oxidative stress and innate immune pathways, and will provide insight as to how
      lessons learned from dengue research may expedite therapeutic strategies for Zika
      virus.

PMID- 27130438
TI  - Protein degradation in a LAMP-2-deficient B-lymphoblastoid cell line from a
      patient with Danon disease.
AB  - Danon disease, a condition characterized by cardiomyopathy, myopathy, and
      intellectual disability, is caused by mutations in the LAMP-2 gene. Lamp-2A
      protein, generated by alternative splicing from the Lamp-2 pre-mRNA, is reported
      to be the lysosomal membrane receptor essential for the chaperone-mediated
      autophagic pathway (CMA) aimed to selective protein targeting and translocation
      into the lysosomal lumen for degradation. To study the relevance of Lamp-2 in
      protein degradation, a lymphoblastoid cell line was obtained by EBV
      transformation of B-cells from a Danon patient. The derived cell line showed no
      significant expression of Lamp-2 protein. The steady-state mRNA and protein
      levels of alpha-synuclein, IKappaBalpha, Rcan1, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
      dehydrogenase, four proteins reported to be selective substrates of the CMA
      pathway, were similar in control and Lamp-2-deficient cells. Inhibition of
      protein synthesis showed that the half-life of alpha-synuclein, IKappaBalpha, and
      Rcan1 was similar in control and Lamp-2-deficient cells, and its degradation
      prevented by proteasome inhibitors. Both in control and Lamp-2-deficient cells,
      induction of CMA and macroautophagy by serum and aminoacid starvation of cells
      for 8h produced a similar decrease in IKappaBalpha and Rcan1 protein levels and
      was prevented by the addition of lysosome and autophagy inhibitors. In
      conclusion, the results presented here showed that Lamp-2 deficiency in human
      lymphoblastoid cells did not modify the steady-state levels or the degradation of
      several protein substrates reported as selective substrates of the CMA pathway.

PMID- 27130437
TI  - Investigation of salicylate hepatic responses in comparison with chemical
      analogues of the drug.
AB  - Anti-hyperglycaemic effects of the hydroxybenzoic acid salicylate might stem from
      effects of the drug on mitochondrial uncoupling, activation of AMP-activated
      protein kinase, and inhibition of NF-kappaB signalling. Here, we have gauged the
      contribution of these effects to control of hepatocyte glucose production,
      comparing salicylate with inactive hydroxybenzoic acid analogues of the drug. In
      rat H4IIE hepatoma cells, salicylate was the only drug tested that activated
      AMPK. Salicylate also reduced mTOR signalling, but this property was observed
      widely among the analogues. In a sub-panel of analogues, salicylate alone reduced
      promoter activity of the key gluconeogenic enzyme glucose 6-phosphatase and
      suppressed basal glucose production in mouse primary hepatocytes. Both salicylate
      and 2,6 dihydroxybenzoic acid suppressed TNFalpha-induced IkappaB degradation,
      and in genetic knockout experiments, we found that the effect of salicylate on
      IkappaB degradation was AMPK-independent. Previous data also identified AMPK
      independent regulation of glucose but we found that direct inhibition of neither
      NF-kappaB nor mTOR signalling suppressed glucose production, suggesting that
      other factors besides these cell signalling pathways may need to be considered to
      account for this response to salicylate. We found, for example, that H4IIE cells
      were exquisitely sensitive to uncoupling with modest doses of salicylate, which
      occurred on a similar time course to another anti-hyperglycaemic uncoupling agent
      2,4-dinitrophenol, while there was no discernible effect at all of two salicylate
      analogues which are not anti-hyperglycaemic. This finding supports much earlier
      literature suggesting that salicylates exert anti-hyperglycaemic effects at least
      in part through uncoupling.

PMID- 27130439
TI  - Schizophrenia susceptibility gene product dysbindin-1 regulates the homeostasis
      of cyclin D1.
AB  - Dysbindin-1 (dystrobrevin binding protein-1, DTNBP1) is now widely accepted as a
      potential schizophrenia susceptibility gene and accumulating evidence indicates
      its functions in the neural development. In this study, we tried to identify new
      binding partners for dysbindin-1 to clarify the novel function of this molecule.
      When consulted with BioGRID protein interaction database, cyclin D3 was found to
      be a possible binding partner for dysbindin-1. We then examined the interaction
      between various dysbindin-1 isoforms (dysbindin-1A, -1B and -1C) and all three D
      type cyclins (cyclin D1, D2, and D3) by immunoprecipitation with the COS7 cell
      expression system, and found that dysbindin-1A preferentially interacts with
      cyclin D1. The mode of interaction between these molecules was considered as
      direct binding since recombinant dysbindin-1A and cyclin D1 formed a complex in
      vitro. Mapping analyses revealed that the C-terminal region of dysbindin-1A binds
      to the C-terminal of cyclin D1. Consistent with the results of the biochemical
      analyses, endogenous dysbindin-1was partially colocalized with cyclin D1 in
      NIH3T3 fibroblast cells and in neuronal stem and/or progenitor cells in embryonic
      mouse brain. While co-expression of dysbindin-1A with cyclin D1 changed the
      localization of the latter from the nucleus to cytosol, cyclin D1-binding partner
      CDK4 inhibited the dysbindin-cyclin D1 interaction. Meanwhile, depletion of
      endogenous dysbindin-1A increased cyclin D1 expression. These results indicate
      that dysbindin-1A may control the cyclin D1 function spatiotemporally and might
      contribute to better understanding of the pathophysiology of dysbindin-1
      associated disorders.

PMID- 27130440
TI  - Italian translation and cultural adaptation of the communication assessment tool
      in an outpatient surgical clinic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to translate and cross-culturally adapt, for
      use in the Italian context, the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT) developed by
      Makoul and colleagues. METHODS: The study was performed in the out-patient clinic
      of the Surgical Department of Cardarelli Hospital in Naples, Italy. It involved a
      systematic, standardized, multi-step process adhering to internationally accepted
      and recommended guidelines. Corrections and adjustments to the translation
      addressed both linguistic factors and cultural components. RESULTS: The CAT was
      translated into Italian by two independent Italian mother-tongue translators. The
      consensus version was then back-translated by an English mother-tongue
      translator. This translation process was followed by a consensus meeting between
      the authors of translation and investigators, and then by two comprehension tests
      on a total of 65 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the translation and cross
      cultural adaptation were satisfactory and indicate that the Italian translation
      of the CAT can be used with confidence in the Italian context.

PMID- 27130441
TI  - Differential inhibition of cardiac and neuronal Na(+) channels by the selective
      serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors duloxetine and venlafaxine.
AB  - Duloxetine and venlafaxine are selective serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake
      inhibitors used as antidepressants and co-analgesics. While venlafaxine rather
      than duloxetine induce cardiovascular side-effects, neither of the substances are
      regarded cardiotoxic. Inhibition of cardiac Na(+)-channels can be associated with
      cardiotoxicity, and duloxetine was demonstrated to block neuronal Na(+)-channels.
      The aim of this study was to investigate if the non-life threatening
      cardiotoxicities of duloxetine and venlafaxine correlate with a weak inhibition
      of cardiac Na(+)-channels. Effects of duloxetine, venlafaxine and amitriptyline
      were examined on endogenous Na(+)-channels in neuroblastoma ND7/23 cells and on
      the alpha-subunits Nav1.5, Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 with whole-cell patch clamp
      recordings. Tonic block of the cardiac Na(+)-channel Nav1.5 and rat
      cardiomyocytes (CM) revealed a higher potency for duloxetine (Nav 1.5 IC50 14+/
      1uM, CM IC50 27+/-3uM) as compared to venlafaxine (Nav 1.5 IC50 671+/-26uM, CM
      IC50 452+/-34uM). Duloxetine was as potent as the cardiotoxic antidepressant
      amitriptyline (IC50 13+/-1uM). While venlafaxine almost failed to induce use
      dependent block on Nav1.5 and cardiomyocytes, low concentrations of duloxetine
      (1, 10uM) induced prominent use-dependent block similar to amitriptyline.
      Duloxetine, but not venlafaxine stabilized fast and slow inactivation and delayed
      recovery from inactivation. Duloxetine induced an unselective inhibition of
      neuronal Na(+)-channels (IC50 ND7/23 23+/-1uM, Nav1.7 19+/-2uM, Nav1.8 29+/-2).
      Duloxetine, but not venlafaxine inhibits cardiac Na(+)-channels with a potency
      similar to amitriptyline. These data indicate that an inhibition of Na(+)
      channels does not predict a clinically relevant cardiotoxicity. 

PMID- 27130442
TI  - Effect of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Use on Sedative Requirements in
      Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare sedative dose requirements during the 6-hour period
      when they are greatest in patients with severe acute respiratory distress
      syndrome (ARDS), as well as the time from severe ARDS onset to reach this maximum
      sedation exposure, between patients with severe ARDS who were managed either with
      or without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Also, to explore factors
      other than ECMO use that may influence sedation requirements during this period
      of maximum sedation. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative cohort analysis. DATA
      SOURCES: Two academic centers, one with an adult ECMO program and one without.
      PATIENTS: Consecutive adults with severe ARDS who were receiving continuous
      infusion sedative therapy for at least 48 hours from the time of severe ARDS
      diagnosis and who were managed with ECMO (34 patients) or without ECMO (60
      patients) between 2009 and 2013. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among patients
      managed with ECMO, the maximum median (interquartile range [IQR]) 6-hr sedative
      exposure (in midazolam equivalents) was nearly twice as high (118 [IQR 48-225] mg
      vs 60 [37-99] mg, p=0.004) and was reached, on average, 3 days later (4 [IQR 1-8]
      vs 1 [IQR 0.5-6] days, p=0.003) than patients not managed with ECMO. Patients
      managed with ECMO were younger, had a higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment
      score, and, in the 24 hours prior to the period of maximum sedative exposure, had
      a higher ratio of partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood to fraction of
      inspired oxygen and were more likely to receive renal replacement and high-dose
      fentanyl (2000 MUg or more/24 hrs) therapy. An adjusted multivariable linear
      regression model using the natural logarithmic value of the maximum sedative
      exposure in a 6-hour period revealed that patient age (p=0.04) and administration
      of high-dose fentanyl in the 24 hours prior to the 6-hour period of maximum
      sedative use (p<0.0001) were each independently associated with the maximum 6
      hour sedative requirement reached, but the use of ECMO was not (p=0.52).
      CONCLUSION: Although the application of ECMO during severe ARDS resulted in a
      period of maximum sedation exposure that was both greater and took longer to
      reach, factors other than ECMO, particularly high-dose opioid administration,
      appeared more likely to account for this maximum sedation use. Further research
      surrounding sedative requirements, clearance, and patient response during ECMO is
      required.

PMID- 27130445
TI  - Future directions for supporting parents with a mental illness: commentary on
      Schrank et al. (2015).

PMID- 27130443
TI  - Defining and distinguishing promotive and protective effects for childhood
      externalizing psychopathology: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: We examine evidence for whether decreases in externalizing behaviors are
      driven by the absence of risk (e.g., lack of poor housing quality) or the
      presence of something positive (e.g., good housing quality). We also review
      evidence for whether variables have promotive (main) effects or protective
      (buffering) effects within contexts of risks. METHODS: We conducted a systematic
      review of longitudinal studies. First, we review studies (n = 7) that
      trichotomized continuous predictor variables. Trichotomization tests whether the
      positive end of a variable (e.g., good housing quality) is associated with lower
      delinquency compared with the mid-range, and whether mid-range scores are
      associated with fewer problems than the "risky" end (e.g., poor housing quality).
      We do not review dichotomous variables, because the interpretation of results is
      the same regardless of which value is the reference group. To address our second
      aim, we review studies (n = 53) that tested an interaction between a risk and
      positive factor. RESULTS: Both the absence of risk and the presence of positive
      characteristics were associated with low externalizing problems for IQ,
      temperament, and some family variables. For other variables, associations with
      low delinquency involved only the presence of something positive (e.g., good
      housing quality), or the absence of a risk factor (e.g., community crime). The
      majority of studies that tested interactions among individual and family
      characteristics supported protective, rather than promotive, effects. Few studies
      tested interactions among peer, school, and neighborhood characteristics.
      CONCLUSIONS: We discuss implications for conceptual understanding of promotive
      and protective factors and for intervention and prevention strategies.

PMID- 27130444
TI  - Completed suicide and suicide attempts in the Arab population in Israel.
AB  - Completed suicide and suicide attempts among four Arab groups defined by
      religious affiliation in Israel: Bedouins, Muslims (other than Bedouin),
      Christians and Druze were investigated using national databases of suicide (1999
      2011), and suicide attempts (2004-2012). Age specific and age-adjusted rates and
      ratio of suicides to suicidal behavior were calculated, and compared with the
      total Israeli population rates. Age-adjusted suicide rates were lowest among the
      non-Bedouin Muslims, 2.5, followed in ascending order by Bedouins, 3.2, and
      Christian Arabs, 3.3 per 100,000 population, respectively. The highest rate was
      found among the Druze, 8.7, per 100,000 population, particularly for young males.
      The rates among the Arab groups were lower than for the total Israeli population,
      7.9 per 100,000 population, except for the Druze. The pattern of suicide rates by
      gender, higher for males than females, was similar in all groups. The rates among
      the Arab Israelis were highest for the 15-24 year old age group, while in the
      total population the rates increased with age. Age-adjusted suicide attempt rates
      were higher amongst non-Bedouin Muslims, 84.8 per 100,000 population, followed by
      the Bedouin, 72.4; Druze. 64.9; and lowest among Christian Arabs, 58.6, all per
      100,000 population. In the total Israeli population, the rate was even higher,
      89.8 per 100,000 population. Suicide attempt rates were higher for women in all
      groups, except among the Druze. Rates were higher in most groups for ages 15-24.
      In this age group, the rates for female Muslims and Bedouins and for male Druze
      were higher than among the total population. Arab elderly had low rates of both
      suicide and suicide attempts. The ratio of suicides to suicide attempts increased
      with age for all groups, except for the Christian Arabs. It was markedly higher
      for the Druze, compared to 7.3 % for the total population for ages 15 and over.
      Findings highlight the importance of investigating the differential distribution
      of suicidal behavior by specific ethno-religious groups. 

PMID- 27130447
TI  - Context dependence in complex adaptive landscapes: frequency and trait-dependent
      selection surfaces within an adaptive radiation of Caribbean pupfishes.
AB  - The adaptive landscape provides the foundational bridge between micro- and
      macroevolution. One well-known caveat to this perspective is that fitness
      surfaces depend on ecological context, including competitor frequency, traits
      measured, and resource abundance. However, this view is based largely on
      intraspecific studies. It is still unknown how context-dependence affects the
      larger features of peaks and valleys on the landscape which ultimately drive
      speciation and adaptive radiation. Here, I explore this question using one of the
      most complex fitness landscapes measured in the wild in a sympatric pupfish
      radiation endemic to San Salvador Island, Bahamas by tracking survival and growth
      of laboratory-reared F2 hybrids. I present new analyses of the effects of
      competitor frequency, dietary isotopes, and trait subsets on this fitness
      landscape. Contrary to expectations, decreasing competitor frequency increased
      survival only among very common phenotypes, whereas less common phenotypes rarely
      survived despite few competitors, suggesting that performance, not competitor
      frequency, shapes large-scale features of the fitness landscape. Dietary isotopes
      were weakly correlated with phenotype and growth, but did not explain additional
      survival variation. Nonlinear fitness surfaces varied substantially among trait
      subsets, revealing one-, two-, and three-peak landscapes, demonstrating the
      complexity of selection in the wild, even among similar functional traits.

PMID- 27130446
TI  - Higher levels of TIMP-1 expression are associated with a poor prognosis in triple
      negative breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is a
      multifunctional protein that can directly regulate apoptosis and metastasis. In
      this study, we investigated the functional and molecular mechanisms by which TIMP
      1 influences triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS: The expression level
      of TIMP-1 in breast cancer tissues was analyzed using the ONCOMINE microarray
      database. The overall survival of patients with distinct molecular subtypes of
      breast cancer stratified by TIMP-1 expression levels was evaluated using Kaplan
      Meier analysis. Bisulfate sequencing PCR (BSP) was used to analyze the
      methylation status of the TIMP-1 promoter. Real-time-PCR (RT-PCR), Western blot
      and ELISA assays were used to evaluate gene and protein expression in cell lines
      and human tissue specimens. In addition, TIMP-1 function was analyzed using a
      series of in vitro and in vivo assays with cells in which TIMP-1 was inhibited
      using RNAi or neutralizing antibodies. RESULTS: We found that serum TIMP-1 levels
      were strongly enhanced in patients with TNBC and that elevated TIMP-1 levels were
      associated with a poor prognosis in TNBC. However, TIMP-1 levels were not
      significantly associated with overall survival in other subtypes of breast cancer
      or in the overall population of breast cancer patients. We also report the first
      evidence that the TIMP-1 promoter is hypomethylated in TNBC cell lines compared
      with non-TNBC cell lines, suggesting that aberrant TIMP-1 expression in TNBC
      results from reduced DNA methylation. RNAi-mediated silencing of TIMP-1 in TNBC
      cells induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and reduced cyclin D1 expression.
      In addition, mechanistic analyses revealed that the p-Akt and p-NF-kappaB
      signaling pathways, but not the GSK-3beta and MAPK1/2 pathways, are associated
      with TIMP-1 overexpression in TNBC cells. Moreover, neutralizing antibodies
      against TIMP-1 significantly decreased the rate of tumor growth in vivo.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that TIMP-1 is a biomarker indicative of a poor
      prognosis in TNBC patients and that targeting TIMP-1 may provide an attractive
      therapeutic intervention specifically for triple-negative breast cancer patients.

PMID- 27130450
TI  - Case of dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with amniotic band syndrome.

PMID- 27130449
TI  - Chimeric peptide containing both B and T cells epitope of tumor-associated
      antigen L6 enhances anti-tumor effects in HLA-A2 transgenic mice.
AB  - Synthetic peptides are attractive for cancer immunotherapy because of their
      safety and flexibility. In this report, we identified a new B cell epitope of
      tumor-associated antigen L6 (TAL6) that could induce antibody-dependent cellular
      cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vivo. We incorporated the B cell epitope with a cytotoxic
      T lymphocyte (CTL) and a helper T (Th) epitope to form a chimeric long peptide.
      We formulated the chimeric peptide with different adjuvants to immunize HLA-A2
      transgenic mice and evaluate their immunogenicity. The chimeric peptide
      formulated with an emulsion type nanoparticle (PELC) adjuvant and a toll-like
      receptor 9 agonist (CpG ODN) (PELC/CpG) induced the greatest ADCC and CTL
      responses. The induced anti-tumor immunity inhibited the growth of TAL6-positive
      cancer cells. Moreover, we observed that immunization with the chimeric peptide
      inhibited cancer cell migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo. These data
      suggest that a chimeric peptide containing both B and T cell epitopes of TAL6
      formulated with PELC/CpG adjuvant is feasible for cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 27130448
TI  - To Stent or Not to Stent? Update on Revascularization for Atherosclerotic
      Renovascular Disease.
AB  - Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is increasingly encountered in clinical practice. The
      two most common etiologies are fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and atherosclerotic
      renal artery disease (ARAS), with the latter accounting for the vast majority of
      cases. Significant RAS activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and is
      associated with three major clinical syndromes: ischemic nephropathy,
      hypertension, and destabilizing cardiac syndromes. Over the past two decades,
      advancements in diagnostic and interventional techniques have led to improved
      detection and the widespread use of endovascular renal artery revascularization
      strategies in the management of ARAS. However, renal artery stenting for ARAS
      remains controversial. Although several studies have demonstrated some benefit
      with renal artery revascularization, this has not been to the extent anticipated
      or predicted. Moreover, these trials have significant flaws in their study design
      and are hampered with inherent bias which make their interpretation challenging.
      In this review, we evaluate the existing body of evidence and offer an approach
      to the management of patients with ARAS in light of the current literature. From
      the data provided, identification of subgroup of patients, namely, those with a
      hemodynamically significant RAS in the context of progressive renal insufficiency
      and/or deteriorating arterial hypertension, seems possible and may derive
      clinical benefit from ARAS stent revascularization. Appropriate patient selection
      is therefore the key and more robust studies are required. 

PMID- 27130451
TI  - Linear psoriasis treated with topical glucocorticoid and active vitamin D3
      ointments.

PMID- 27130452
TI  - Serotonin Syndrome After Methylene Blue Administration During Cardiac Surgery: A
      Case Report and Review.

PMID- 27130453
TI  - Lower relapse rates with good post-transplant outcome in alcoholic liver disease:
      Experience from a living donor liver transplant center.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Post-transplant relapse is a major factor influencing the long-term
      outcome in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) patients. AIMS: The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the relapse rates following living donor liver transplantation
      (LDLT) in patients with ALD in the Indian context with strong family support.
      METHODS: Of 458 patients who underwent LDLT for ALD, 408 were included in the
      study. Post-transplant relapse was determined by information provided by the
      patient and/or family by means of outpatient and e-mail questionnaire, supported
      by clinical/biochemical parameters/liver histopathology. RESULTS: All except one
      were males, with a mean age of 46.9 +/- 8.5 years. The overall rate of relapse
      was 9.5 % at 34.7 months (interquartile range (IQR) 15-57.6), lower than that
      reported in the literature from the West. The relapse rate was higher in patients
      with a shorter duration of pre-transplant abstinence (17.4 % and 15.4 % for
      recipients with pre-transplant abstinence of <3 and <6 months, respectively, p <
      0.05). The overall survival was 88.5 % at 3 years. Of 39 patients with relapse,
      16 (41 %) were occasional drinkers, 14 (35.8 %) were moderate drinkers, and 9 (23
      %) were heavy drinkers. All the heavy drinkers presented with features of graft
      dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Good results can be obtained following LDLT for ALD,
      with significantly lower relapse rates in our setup as compared to the West.

PMID- 27130454
TI  - Necessity of high-resolution for coarse-grained modeling of flexible proteins.
AB  - The popular MARTINI coarse-grained (CG) force field requires the protein
      structure to be fixed, and is unsuitable for simulating dynamic processes such as
      protein folding. Here, we examine the feasibility of developing a flexible
      protein model within the MARTINI framework. The results demonstrate that the
      MARTINI CG scheme does not properly describe the volume and packing of protein
      backbone and side chains and leads to excessive collapse without structural
      restraints in explicit CG water. Combining atomistic protein representation with
      the MARTINI CG solvent, such as in the PACE model, dramatically improves
      description of flexible protein conformations. Yet, the CG solvent is
      insufficient to capture the conformational dependence of protein-solvent
      interactions, and PACE is unable to properly model context dependent
      conformational transitions. Taken together, high physical resolution at or near
      the atomistic level is likely necessary for flexible protein models with
      explicit, microscopic solvents, and the coarse-graining needs to focus on
      possible simplification in interaction potentials. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27130455
TI  - A retrospective analysis to identify predictors of COPD-related
      rehospitalization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often associated with
      recurrent hospitalizations. This study aimed to identify factors related to COPD
      rehospitalization. METHODS: A national US claims database was used to identify
      patients, aged >=40 years, hospitalized for COPD. Their first COPD-related
      hospital admission date in 2009 was set as the index date, with post-discharge
      COPD-related rehospitalization assessed for 180 days post-index date. Data were
      analyzed for: 1) all eligible patients in whom early COPD-related
      rehospitalization was evaluated (1-30 days post discharge; all-patient cohort)
      and 2) a patient subset not rehospitalized early in whom late COPD-related
      rehospitalization was evaluated (>30 days post discharge to 180 days post-index
      date; late cohort). Logistic regressions controlling for age and sex assessed
      potential COPD-related rehospitalization predictors. Variables from the 360-day
      pre-index period and index hospitalization were evaluated for each cohort, and 30
      day post-discharge variables evaluated for the late cohort. RESULTS: Of 3612
      patients with an index hospitalization, 4.8 % (174) had an early COPD-related
      rehospitalization, and of the remaining 3438 patients, 13.7 % (471) had a late
      COPD-related rehospitalization. Several pre-index variables were predictive of
      early COPD-related rehospitalization including: pneumonia; comorbidities; COPD
      related drug therapies; and prior hospitalizations. In patients not
      rehospitalized early, the strongest predictor of late COPD-related
      rehospitalization was pre-index COPD-related hospitalization (OR = 3.64 [P <
      0.001]). The strongest index hospitalization factors predictive of late COPD
      related rehospitalization were use of steroids (any route: OR = 1.62 [P = 0.007])
      and nebulizers (OR = 1.65 [P = 0.007]); neither predicted early COPD-related
      rehospitalization. Generally, factors predicting COPD-related rehospitalization
      were similar in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Several pre-index variables were
      associated with COPD-related rehospitalization. A strong predictor of COPD
      related rehospitalization was prior hospitalization during the pre-index period,
      particularly with a primary COPD diagnosis, whilst other predictive factors
      related to increased COPD severity; these may be useful indicators for COPD
      related rehospitalization risk assessment. Some factors, e.g., recurrent
      pneumonia and exacerbations, may be modifiable.

PMID- 27130456
TI  - Implementing a screening program for acromegaly in Latin America: necessity
      versus feasibility.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acromegaly is a rare disease with a large burden due its associated
      comorbidities and the life-long management required. Since the occurrence and
      severity of associated complications are related to length of exposure to the
      excess growth hormone seen in acromegaly, early diagnosis is imperative. The
      delay in diagnosis, however, can be long, and may be the result of a lack of
      disease awareness and screening programs. Since acromegaly is an uncommon
      disease, finding ways to increase recognition and diagnosis that would permit
      early detection in a logical and cost-effective manner could be a challenge.
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective literature review for information relating
      to the screening and diagnosis of acromegaly using PubMed. The aim was to assess
      whether an acromegaly-screening program in Latin America (and elsewhere) would be
      both of use and be feasible. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: An earlier diagnosis
      allows earlier initiation of treatment, such as surgery and/or drugs, which leads
      to more successful disease management (biochemical control) and better outcomes.
      Since the delay in diagnosis can be long, we believe that clear opportunities
      exist for earlier (and increased) detection of acromegaly. This can be achieved
      by increasing disease awareness for earlier recognition of symptoms and by using
      targeted screening (rather than mass screening) programs.

PMID- 27130458
TI  - Carbon monoxide poisoning.

PMID- 27130457
TI  - Polymorphisms of the Stem Cell Marker Gene CD133 and the Risk of Lung Cancer in
      Chinese Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of functional single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) of CD133 with the risk of lung cancer. METHODS: We conducted
      a hospital-based, case-control study of 1017 lung cancer patients and 1035 cancer
      free controls frequency-matched by age and sex. Four functional CD133 SNPs
      (rs2240688 A > C, rs10022537 T > A, rs7686732 C > G, and rs3130 C > T) were
      selected and genotyped. Unconditional univariate and multivariate logistic
      regression analyses were carried out to evaluate the associations of genotypes of
      CD133 SNPs with lung cancer risk. RESULTS: Compared with rs2240688 AA genotype,
      the variant AC/CC genotypes were associated with a statistically increased risk
      of lung cancer under a recessive model (adjusted odds ratio 1.19; 95 % confidence
      interval 1.01-1.42). The risk remained in patients with other histology types,
      but not with adenocarcinoma and squamous cell cancers. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings suggest that SNP rs2240688 A > C of CD133 may be a potential biomarker
      for genetic susceptibility to lung cancer, but require further research with
      larger populations.

PMID- 27130459
TI  - Safety and efficacy of S-1 in combination with carboplatin in non-small cell lung
      cancer patients with interstitial lung disease: a pilot study.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is no established standard regimen for non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). For them, we performed a
      pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of chemotherapy with carboplatin and S-1,
      which are known as cytotoxic drug with rare development of ILD as adverse event.
      METHODS: A total of 21 chemotherapy-naive NSCLC patients with ILD were
      prospectively enrolled between March 2009 and September 2011. Every 3 weeks,
      carboplatin at a dose of AUC 5 on day 1 and S-1 at a dose of 80 mg/m2 daily for
      14 days were administered. RESULTS: The median age at initiating chemotherapy was
      67. Histological examination revealed 10 patients (48 %) with adenocarcinoma.
      Before chemotherapy, partial pressure of arterial O2 (PaO2) was low with a median
      of 71 Torr on room air. The median number of cycles administered was four, and
      the overall response rate and disease control rate were 33 and 67 %,
      respectively. At the time of data cut-off, all patients were deceased. The median
      progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) periods were 4.2
      and 9.7 months. There was no significant difference of PFS and OS according to
      tumor histology. Acute exacerbation (AE) of ILD following S-1 plus carboplatin
      occurred in two patients (10 %, 2/21) within first course treatment. However,
      they were successfully managed with steroid therapy and survived for 7.0 and 8.8
      months, respectively, after AE-ILD development. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first
      prospective study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of S-1 plus carboplatin
      treatment for NSCLC patients with ILD. This regimen could be a feasible option
      for NSCLC patients with ILD, regardless of tumor histology. Our results would
      support to carry out a large-scale clinical trial to confirm the feasibility of
      this regimen.

PMID- 27130460
TI  - Requirements for Successful Adoption of a Glucose Measurement System Into a
      Hospital POC Program.
AB  - Widespread and successful implementation of any glucose measurement system in a
      hospital point-of-care (POC) program requires a number of features in addition to
      accurate and reliable analytical performance. Such features include, but are not
      limited to, a system's glucose-hematocrit dependence, durability, information
      technology capabilities, and battery capacity and battery life. While the study
      of Ottiger et al in this issue supports the analytical accuracy and reliability
      of Bayer's CONTOUR XT(r) blood glucose monitoring system, the suitability of
      other features of this system for a hospital POC program remains to be
      established.

PMID- 27130461
TI  - High level extracellular production of a truncated alkaline beta-mannanase from
      alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. N16-5 in Escherichia coli by the optimization of
      induction condition and fed-batch fermentation.
AB  - To improve the extracellular production of alkaline beta-mannanase from
      alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. N16-5 in Escherichia coli, two truncated recombinant
      mannanases (32a-ManAR2 and 22b-ManAR2) were obtained. Compared with the full
      length mannanases (32a-ManAR1 and 22b-ManAR1), the truncated mannanases not only
      showed higher secretion rate, but also exhibited higher thermostability and
      alkalistability. The K m value (11 mg/mL) of 32a-ManAR2 was higher than that
      (1.46 mg/mL) of 32a-ManAR1. The specific activity of 22b-ManAR2 was 2.7 times
      higher than that of 22b-ManAR1. 22b-ManAR2 showed the highest k cat/K m value of
      602.7 ml/mg s. The parameters of induction for recombinant mannanase production
      of E. coli BL21 (pET32a-manAR2) and E. coli BL21 (pET22b-manAR2) were
      subsequently optimized. The yield of soluble mannanase was found to be enhanced
      with lower induction temperature (25  degrees C), lower IPTG concentration (0.01
      0.05 mM), and Triton X-100 supplement (0.1 %) in a shake flask. Moreover, a one
      time feeding strategy and Triton X-100 supplement were applied in production of
      22b-ManAR2 in a 10 L fermentor. The productivity of the total soluble mannanase
      reached 9284.64 U/mL with the extracellular rate of 74 % at 46 h of fermentation,
      which was the highest productive level of alkaline beta-mannanase in recombinant
      E. coli to date.

PMID- 27130462
TI  - Growth, ethanol production, and inulinase activity on various inulin substrates
      by mutant Kluyveromyces marxianus strains NRRL Y-50798 and NRRL Y-50799.
AB  - Economically important plants contain large amounts of inulin. Disposal of waste
      resulting from their processing presents environmental issues. Finding
      microorganisms capable of converting inulin waste to biofuel and valuable co
      products at the processing site would have significant economic and environmental
      impact. We evaluated the ability of two mutant strains of Kluyveromyces marxianus
      (Km7 and Km8) to utilize inulin for ethanol production. In glucose medium, both
      strains consumed all glucose and produced 0.40 g ethanol/g glucose at 24 h. In
      inulin medium, Km7 exhibited maximum colony forming units (CFU)/mL and produced
      0.35 g ethanol/g inulin at 24 h, while Km8 showed maximum CFU/mL and produced
      0.02 g ethanol/g inulin at 96 h. At 24 h in inulin + glucose medium, Km7 produced
      0.40 g ethanol/g (inulin + glucose) and Km8 produced 0.20 g ethanol/g (inulin +
      glucose) with maximum CFU/mL for Km8 at 72 h, 40 % of that for Km7 at 36 h.
      Extracellular inulinase activity at 6 h for both Km7 and Km8 was 3.7
      International Units (IU)/mL.

PMID- 27130464
TI  - Expression of BRCA1, a factor closely associated with relapse-free survival, in
      patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and
      fluorouracil for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the biomarkers associated with
      chemotherapeutic efficacy and long-term survival for patients with advanced
      squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCCE) who had received neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil (NAC-DCF). METHODS:
      This study included 45 patients with advanced SCCE who received NAC-DCF between
      2008 and 2012. The NAC-DCF was conducted as a phase II study (UMIN000007408). The
      expressions of excision repair cross-complementing-1 (ERCC1), class III beta
      tubulin, breast cancer susceptibility gene I (BRCA1), and thymidylate synthase
      were investigated simultaneously in the pre-treatment endoscopic tumor biopsy
      samples. RESULTS: A multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that
      pathological responses were significantly associated with tumors with low ERCC1
      expression (P = 0.016) and with tumors with high BRCA1 expression (P = 0.030).
      The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model analysis for relapse-free survival
      revealed high BRCA1 expression (P = 0.031, hazards ratio 4.39) as the factor
      associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: Low ERCC1 expression and high BRCA1
      expression in patients with SCCE were associative biomarkers for chemotherapeutic
      efficacy. High BRCA1 expression was considered the factor associated with
      survival. These findings may be helpful for tailoring chemotherapy.

PMID- 27130465
TI  - Role of thymosin beta 4 in hair growth.
AB  - Although thymosin beta 4 (Tbeta4) is known to play a role in hair growth, its
      mechanism of action is unclear. We examined the levels of key genes in a Tbeta4
      epidermal-specific over-expressing mouse model and Tbeta4 global knockout mouse
      model to explore how Tbeta4 affects hair growth. By depilation and histological
      examination of the skin, we confirmed the effect of Tbeta4 on hair growth, the
      number of hair shafts and hair follicle (HF) structure. The mRNA and protein
      expression of several genes involved in hair growth were detected by real-time
      PCR and western blotting, respectively. Changes in the expression of beta-catenin
      and Lef-1, the two key molecules in the Wnt signaling pathway, were similar to
      the changes observed in Tbeta4 expression. We also found that compared to the
      control mice, the mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2 and VEGF were increased in
      the Tbeta4 over-expressing mice, while the level of E-cadherin (E-cad) remained
      the same. Further, in the Tbeta4 global knockout mice, the mRNA and protein
      levels of MMP-2 and VEGF decreased dramatically and the level of E-cad was
      stable. Based on the above results, we believe that Tbeta4 may regulate the
      levels of VEGF and MMP-2 via the Wnt/beta-catenin/Lef-1 signaling pathway to
      influence the growth of blood vessels around HFs and to activate cell migration.
      Tbeta4 may have potential for the treatment of hair growth problems in adults,
      and its effects should be further confirmed in future studies. 

PMID- 27130466
TI  - Effect on HIV-1 viral replication capacity of DTG-resistance mutations in
      NRTI/NNRTI resistant viruses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recommended regimens for HIV-positive individuals include the co
      administration of dolutegravir (DTG) with two reverse transcriptase inhibitors
      (RTIs). Although rare, emerging resistance against DTG is often associated with
      the R263K substitution in integrase. In-vitro-selected R263K was associated with
      impaired viral replication capacity, DNA integration, and integrase strand
      transfer activity, especially when accompanied by the secondary mutation H51Y.
      Given the reduced fitness of RTI-resistant viruses, we investigated potential
      impacts on viral replication of combining R263K and H51Y/R263K with major RTI
      resistance substitutions including K65R, L74V, K103N, E138K, and M184I/V.
      RESULTS: We combined the R263K or H51Y/R263K with RTI-resistance mutations into
      the proviral plasmid pNL4.3 and measured the resulting viral infectiousness,
      replication capacity, and ability to integrate viral DNA into host cells.
      Infectiousness was determined by luciferase assay in TZM-bl cells. Replicative
      capacity was monitored over 7 days and viral DNA integration was studied by real
      time Alu-qPCR in PM1 cells. We found that viral infectiousness, replication
      capacities and integration levels were greatly reduced in triple mutants, i.e.
      H51Y/R263K plus a RT mutation, and moderately reduced in double mutants, i.e.
      R263K plus a RT mutation, compared to wild-type and single RT-mutant viruses.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings help to explain the absence of RTI mutations in
      individuals who experienced DTG-treatment failure.

PMID- 27130467
TI  - Modeling oil weathering and transport in sea ice.
AB  - This paper presents a model of oil weathering and transport in sea ice. It
      contains a model formulation and scenario simulation to test the proposed model.
      The model formulation is based on state-of-the-art models for individual
      weathering and transport processes. The approach incorporates the dependency of
      weathering and transport processes on each other, as well as their simultaneous
      occurrence after an oil spill in sea ice. The model is calibrated with available
      experimental data. The experimental data and model prediction show close
      agreement. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the most sensitive
      parameters in the model. The model is useful for contingency planning of a
      potential oil spill in sea ice. It is suitable for coupling with a level IV
      fugacity model, to estimate the concentration and persistence of hydrocarbons in
      air, ice, water and sediments for risk assessment purposes. 

PMID- 27130463
TI  - Liver transplantation for hepatobiliary malignancies: a new era of "Transplant
      Oncology" has begun.
AB  - The indications of liver transplantation for hepatobiliary malignancies have been
      carefully expanded in a stepwise fashion, despite the fundamental limitations in
      oncological, immunological, and technical aspects. A new era of "Transplant
      Oncology," the fusion of transplant surgery and surgical oncology, has begun, and
      we stand at the dawn of a paradigm shift in multidisciplinary cancer treatment.
      For hepatocellular carcinoma, new strategies have been undertaken to select
      recipients based on biological and dynamic markers instead of conventional
      morphological and static parameters, opening the doors for a more deliberate
      expansion of the Milan criteria and locoregional therapies before liver
      transplantation. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy followed by liver
      transplantation for unresectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma developed by the
      Mayo Clinic provided excellent outcomes in a US multicenter study; however, the
      surgical indications are not necessarily universal and await international
      validation. Similarly, an aggressive multidisciplinary approach has been applied
      for other tumors, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hepatoblastoma,
      liver metastases from colorectal and neuroendocrine primary and gastrointestinal
      stromal tumors as well as rare tumors, such as hepatic undifferentiated embryonal
      sarcoma and infantile choriocarcinoma. In conclusion, liver transplantation is an
      important option for hepatobiliary malignancies; however, prospective studies are
      urgently needed to ensure the appropriate patient selection, organ allocation and
      living donation policies, and administration of antineoplastic immunosuppression.

PMID- 27130468
TI  - Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) Kinase Domain Mutation Following ALK
      Inhibitor(s) Failure in Advanced ALK Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer:
      Analysis and Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Secondary anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) mutation may occur in
      patients with advanced ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer treated with ALK
      inhibitors, but its nature is not well-known. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed
      tumor specimens after the failure of treatment with ALK inhibitor(s) (crizotinib,
      alectinib, and ceritinib) for secondary ALK kinase domain mutation, EGFR, K-ras,
      and PIK3CA mutations. The literature regarding acquired ALK-inhibitor(s)
      resistance was also reviewed. RESULTS: Among 59 patients who received ALK
      inhibitor(s) during the period of December 2010 to April 2015, 7 had re-biopsied
      tumor specimens for analyses following ALK inhibitor(s) failure. One had G1202R
      after crizotinib and alectinib failure, and 6 were wild type. No EGFR, K-ras, or
      PIK3CA mutations were found. In our review of the literature and taken together
      with our patients, 25 of the 88 (28%) patients with crizotinib failure had
      secondary ALK mutation; L1196M mutation was most common (n = 11). Patients with
      secondary ALK mutation other than L1196M had a longer progression-free survival
      after crizotinib than patients with L1196M (median, 12.0 vs. 7.0 months; P =
      .04). Of the 9 patients with alectinib failure, 5 had I1171 mutation and 2 had
      G1202R. Of the 11 patients with ceritinib failure, 2 had G1202R, 1 had F1174C,
      and 1 had both G1202R and F1174V. I1171 mutation, G1202R, and F1174 mutations
      were also found in crizotinib-failed patients. CONCLUSIONS: Some acquired ALK
      mutations may cause co-resistance to other ALK inhibitors. Re-biopsy for ALK
      mutation analysis might be suggested prior to choosing a second-line ALK
      inhibitor treatment.

PMID- 27130470
TI  - Glycyrrhizic acid prevents high calorie diet-induced metabolic aberrations
      despite the suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      expression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of glycyrrhizic acid supplementation on
      glucose and lipid metabolism in rodents consuming a high-fat, high-sucrose diet.
      METHODS: Twenty-four male, 8-week old Sprague Dawley rats with an initial weight
      of 160 to 200 g were randomised into three groups (n = 6 for each group): groups
      A (standard rat chow), B (high-fat, high-sucrose diet), and C (high-fat, high
      sucrose diet + 100 mg/kg/d of glycyrrhizic acid via oral administration). The
      rats were treated accordingly for 4 wk. Glycaemic parameters, lipid profile,
      stress hormones, and adiponectin levels were measured after the treatment.
      Relative gene expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and
      gamma, lipoprotein lipase as well as gluconeogenic enzymatic activities in
      different tissues were also determined. RESULTS: Consumption of high-fat, high
      sucrose diet triggered hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia,
      which were effectively attenuated by supplementation with glycyrrhizic acid.
      Glycyrrhizic acid supplementation also effectively reduced circulating
      adrenaline, alleviated gluconeogenic enzymes overactivity, and promoted the
      upregulation of lipoprotein lipase expression in the cardiomyocytes and skeletal
      muscles. A high calorie diet also triggered hypoadiponectinaemia and suppression
      of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma expression, which did not
      improve with glycyrrhizic acid treatment. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with
      glycyrrhizic acid could alleviate high calorie diet-induced glucose and lipid
      metabolic dysregulations by reducing circulatory stress hormones, normalizing
      gluconeogenic enzyme activities, and elevating muscular lipid uptake. The
      beneficial effects of these bioactivities outweighed the adverse effects caused
      by diet-induced repression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      expression, resulting in the maintenance of lipid and glucose homeostasis.

PMID- 27130471
TI  - Nanotechnology: A New Opportunity in Plant Sciences.
AB  - The agronomic application of nanotechnology in plants (phytonanotechnology) has
      the potential to alter conventional plant production systems, allowing for the
      controlled release of agrochemicals (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, and
      herbicides) and target-specific delivery of biomolecules (e.g., nucleotides,
      proteins, and activators). An improved understanding of the interactions between
      nanoparticles (NPs) and plant responses, including their uptake, localization,
      and activity, could revolutionize crop production through increased disease
      resistance, nutrient utilization, and crop yield. Herewith, we review potential
      applications of phytonanotechnology and the key processes involved in the
      delivery of NPs to plants. To ensure both the safe use and social acceptance of
      phytonanotechnology, the adverse effects, including the risks associated with the
      transfer of NPs through the food chain, are discussed.

PMID- 27130469
TI  - Psychological Burden Associated With Lung Cancer Screening: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose radiation computed tomography (LDCT)
      reduces mortality and is recommended for high-risk current and former smokers.
      Several potential harms associated with LCS have been identified, including the
      potential for psychological burden. To summarize the current state of the
      scientific knowledge on psychological burden associated with LCS, we performed a
      systematic search of the contemporary quantitative and qualitative research
      literature. We included randomized controlled trials and cohort studies that
      evaluated the effect of LCS with LDCT on psychological burden and health-related
      quality of life assessed using validated and nonvalidated measures. PubMed,
      CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Scopus were searched for English language articles
      published between 2004 and January 2015. Data abstraction and quality assessment
      were conducted by 2 independent reviewers. Thirteen studies were included that
      met our inclusion criteria. Overall, results were variable with some studies
      reporting worse psychological burden for patients with indeterminate results at
      prescreening, after screening, and at short-term follow-up (<6 months after
      screen). These adverse effects diminished or resolved at long-term follow-up (> 6
      months after screen). LCS might be associated with short-term adverse
      psychological burden, particularly after a false positive result. However, these
      adverse effects diminished over time. The amount of current evidence is small,
      with limitations in study design and use of outcome measures. More high-quality
      research is needed to determine the frequency, duration, and overall magnitude of
      LCS-related psychological burden in nonclinical trial settings.

PMID- 27130472
TI  - N-Acetylcysteine Therapy in an Infant with Transaldolase Deficiency Is Well
      Tolerated and Associated with Normalization of Alpha Fetoprotein Levels.
AB  - Transaldolase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of the pentose
      phosphate pathway that presents clinically with infantile-onset hepatopathy
      progressing to cirrhosis, nephropathy, connective tissue abnormalities resembling
      cutis laxa, coagulopathy, cytopenias, and increased risk of hepatocellular
      carcinoma. In many cases, death occurs in infancy or early childhood. There is no
      established treatment for transaldolase deficiency in humans. Recent work in a
      knockout mouse model of transaldolase deficiency has demonstrated a benefit to
      supplementation with the glutathione precursor N-acetylcysteine (NAC). We
      describe an infant with genetically confirmed transaldolase deficiency with
      multisystem involvement, including liver enlargement and markedly elevated alpha
      fetoprotein. Acetaminophen was strictly avoided. Treatment with oral NAC over a 6
      month period was well tolerated and was associated with a sustained normalization
      of alpha fetoprotein levels and stable clinical course. The clinical significance
      of normalized serum alpha fetoprotein in this patient is not certain, although it
      may reflect decreased hepatocyte injury and reduced hepatocarcinogenesis as has
      been suggested in the mouse disease model. NAC supplementation may provide
      benefit in humans with transaldolase deficiency. Longer follow-up and data on the
      response of additional patients with transaldolase deficiency to NAC
      supplementation will be required to further evaluate efficacy and optimize
      dosing.

PMID- 27130473
TI  - Engaging hospitalists in antimicrobial stewardship: Lessons from a multihospital
      collaborative.
AB  - Inappropriate antimicrobial use in hospitalized patients contributes to
      antimicrobial-resistant infections and complications. We sought to evaluate the
      impact, barriers, and facilitators of antimicrobial stewardship best practices in
      a diverse group of hospital medicine programs. This multihospital initiative
      included 1 community nonteaching hospital, 2 community teaching hospitals, and 2
      academic medical centers participating in a collaborative with the Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. We
      conducted multimodal physician education on best practices for antimicrobial use
      including: (1) enhanced antimicrobial documentation, (2) improved quality and
      accessibility of local clinical guidelines, and (3) a 72-hour antimicrobial
      "timeout." Implementation barriers included variability in physician practice
      styles, lack of awareness of stewardship importance, and overly broad
      interventions. Facilitators included engaging hospitalists, collecting real time
      data and providing performance feedback, and appropriately limiting the scope of
      interventions. In 2 hospitals, complete antimicrobial documentation in sampled
      medical records improved significantly (4% to 51% and 8% to 65%, P < 0.001 for
      each comparison). A total of 726 antimicrobial timeouts occurred at 4 hospitals,
      and 30% resulted in optimization or discontinuation of antimicrobials. With
      careful attention to key barriers and facilitators, hospitalists can successfully
      implement effective antimicrobial stewardship practices. Journal of Hospital
      Medicine 2016;11:576-580. (c) 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.

PMID- 27130474
TI  - Highly nonlinear stress-relaxation response of articular cartilage in
      indentation: Importance of collagen nonlinearity.
AB  - Modern fibril-reinforced computational models of articular cartilage can include
      inhomogeneous tissue composition and structure, and nonlinear mechanical behavior
      of collagen, proteoglycans and fluid. These models can capture well experimental
      single step creep and stress-relaxation tests or measurements under small strains
      in unconfined and confined compression. Yet, it is known that in indentation,
      especially at high strain velocities, cartilage can express highly nonlinear
      response. Different fibril reinforced poroelastic and poroviscoelastic models
      were used to assess measured highly nonlinear stress-relaxation response of
      rabbit articular cartilage in indentation. Experimentally measured depth
      dependent volume fractions of different tissue constituents and their mechanical
      nonlinearities were taken into account in the models. In particular, the collagen
      fibril network was modeled using eight separate models that implemented five
      different constitutive equations to describe the nonlinearity. These consisted of
      linear elastic, nonlinear viscoelastic and multiple nonlinear elastic
      representations. The model incorporating the most nonlinearly increasing Young's
      modulus of collagen fibrils as a function of strain captured best the
      experimental data. Relative difference between the model and experiment was ~3%.
      Surprisingly, the difference in the peak forces between the experiment and the
      model with viscoelastic collagen fibrils was almost 20%. Implementation of the
      measured volume fractions did not improve the ability of the model to capture the
      measured mechanical data. These results suggest that a highly nonlinear
      formulation for collagen fibrils is needed to replicate multi-step stress
      relaxation response of rabbit articular cartilage in indentation with high strain
      rates.

PMID- 27130475
TI  - The simulation of magnetic resonance elastography through atherosclerosis.
AB  - The clinical diagnosis of atherosclerosis via the measurement of stenosis size is
      widely acknowledged as an imperfect criterion. The vulnerability of an
      atherosclerotic plaque to rupture is associated with its mechanical properties.
      The potential to image these mechanical properties using magnetic resonance
      elastography (MRE) was investigated through synthetic datasets. An image of the
      steady state wave propagation, equivalent to the first harmonic, can be extracted
      directly from finite element analysis. Inversion of this displacement data yields
      a map of the shear modulus, known as an elastogram. The variation of plaque
      composition, stenosis size, Gaussian noise, filter thresholds and excitation
      frequency were explored. A decreasing mean shear modulus with an increasing lipid
      composition was identified through all stenosis sizes. However the inversion
      algorithm showed sensitivity to parameter variation leading to artefacts which
      disrupted both the elastograms and quantitative trends. As noise was increased up
      to a realistic level, the contrast was maintained between the fully fibrous and
      lipid plaques but lost between the interim compositions. Although incorporating a
      Butterworth filter improved the performance of the algorithm, restrictive filter
      thresholds resulted in a reduction of the sensitivity of the algorithm to
      composition and noise variation. Increasing the excitation frequency improved the
      techniques ability to image the magnitude of the shear modulus and identify a
      contrast between compositions. In conclusion, whilst the technique has the
      potential to image the shear modulus of atherosclerotic plaques, future research
      will require the integration of a heterogeneous inversion algorithm.

PMID- 27130476
TI  - Characterization of Salmonella Isangi possessing a CTX-M15 ESBL associated with
      an outbreak in a US Hospital.
AB  - Over an approximately 50-day period in 2015, an outbreak of CTX-M-15 extended
      spectrum beta-lactamase-(ESBL)-possessing Salmonella Isangi occurred among 19
      adult surgical patients and one healthcare worker (HCW) at a large urban tertiary
      care hospital in the United States. A total of 45 S. Isangi isolates were
      isolated from stool (35), blood (4), urine (3), respiratory (2), and wound (1)
      cultures. Phenotypically, all but three isolates demonstrated resistance to
      ampicillin, ampicillin/sulbactam, ceftriaxone, and cefepime, and one isolate was
      resistant to ertapenem. Genotypically, a single CTX-M-15 ESBL was identified in
      all but three isolates by real-time PCR. Interestingly, two of the CTX-M-15
      negative, susceptible isolates were isolated from a single patient who initially
      had a CTX-M positive, resistant strain. Isolates were clonally related, including
      both resistant and susceptible strains, as confirmed by pulse field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE). This is the first case of a novel Salmonella outbreak at
      this hospital, and we believe it to be the first case of an S. Isangi serotype
      outbreak in the United States. 

PMID- 27130477
TI  - In vitro activity of ceftolozane/tazobactam against clinical isolates of
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the planktonic and biofilm states.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes a variety of life-threatening infections, some of
      which are associated with planktonic and others with biofilm states. Herein, we
      tested the combination of the novel cephalosporin, ceftolozane, with the beta
      lactamase inhibitor, tazobactam, against planktonic and biofilm forms of 54
      clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa, using cefepime as a comparator. MIC values
      were determined following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
      guidelines. Minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) values were
      determined using biofilm-laden pegged lids incubated in antimicrobial challenge
      plates containing varying concentrations of ceftolozane/tazobactam. Pegged lids
      were then incubated in growth recovery plates containing cation-adjusted Mueller
      Hinton broth to determine the minimum biofilm bactericidal concentration (MBBC).
      Ceftolozane/tazobactam was highly active against planktonic P. aeruginosa, with
      all 54 isolates studied testing susceptible (MIC <=4/4MUg/mL). On the other hand,
      51/54 biofilm P. aeruginosa had MBICs >=16/4MUg/mL, and all 54 isolates had MBBCs
      >32MUg/mL. Of the 54 isolates, 45 (83.3%) tested susceptible to cefepime, with
      the MIC50/MIC90 being 4/16MUg/mL, respectively, and the MBIC90 and MBBC90 both
      being >256MUg/mL. Although ceftolozane/tazobactam is a promising antimicrobial
      agent for the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections, it is not highly active
      against P. aeruginosa biofilms. 

PMID- 27130478
TI  - DNA stability of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in urine.
AB  - We evaluated the DNA stability of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae
      in 55 urine samples. Crossing threshold (Ct) values were highly similar after 3
      to 14 days at room temperature (+0.002, P = 0.99). Consequently, it does not seem
      necessary to transfer urine specimens into a transport medium in less than 24
      hours as recommended by manufacturers. 

PMID- 27130479
TI  - IPED: a highly efficient denoising tool for Illumina MiSeq Paired-end 16S rRNA
      gene amplicon sequencing data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has
      revolutionized the field of microbial ecology via the sequencing of phylogenetic
      marker genes (e.g. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing). Denoising, the removal of
      sequencing errors, is an important step in preprocessing amplicon sequencing
      data. The increasing popularity of the Illumina MiSeq platform for these
      applications requires the development of appropriate denoising methods. RESULTS:
      The newly proposed denoising algorithm IPED includes a machine learning method
      which predicts potentially erroneous positions in sequencing reads based on a
      combination of quality metrics. Subsequently, this information is used to group
      those error-containing reads with correct reads, resulting in error-free
      consensus reads. This is achieved by masking potentially erroneous positions
      during this clustering step. Compared to the second best algorithm available,
      IPED detects double the amount of errors. Reducing the error rate had a positive
      effect on the clustering of reads in operational taxonomic units, with an almost
      perfect correspondence between the number of clusters and the theoretical number
      of species present in the mock communities. CONCLUSION: Our algorithm IPED is a
      powerful denoising tool for correcting sequencing errors in Illumina MiSeq 16S
      rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data. Apart from significantly reducing the error
      rate of the sequencing reads, it has also a beneficial effect on their clustering
      into operational taxonomic units. IPED is freely available at
      http://science.sckcen.be/en/Institutes/EHS/MCB/MIC/Bioinformatics/ .

PMID- 27130480
TI  - Imaging of acquired coronary diseases: From children to adults.
AB  - Acquired coronary diseases include aneurysms, fistulae, dissections, and
      stenosis. Aneurysms may occur secondarily to Kawasaki disease, a childhood
      vasculitis, the prognosis of which depends on the coronary involvement, or they
      may be degenerative, infectious, inflammatory, or traumatic in origin. Fistulae
      develop between the coronary arterial system and a pulmonary or bronchial artery,
      or cardiac cavity. Dissections may occur spontaneously or may be post-traumatic.
      These coronary abnormalities may be found incidentally or may present as
      complications, infarction or rupture. The goals of this article are to understand
      acquired childhood and adult coronary diseases and their usual means of
      presentation, the ways of investigating them, and the principles of their
      treatment. 

PMID- 27130481
TI  - Validity and reliability analysis of the planned behavior theory scale related to
      the testicular self-examination in a Turkish context.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability levels of
      the Planned Behavior Theory Scale as related to a testicular self-examination.
      METHODS: The study was carried out in a health-profession higher-education school
      in Ankara, Turkey, from April to June 2012. The study participants comprised 215
      male students. Study data were collected by using a questionnaire, a planned
      behavior theory scale related to testicular self-examination, and Champion's
      Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). RESULTS: The sub-dimensions of the planned
      behavior theory scale, namely those of intention, attitude, subjective norms and
      self-efficacy, were found to have Cronbach's alpha values of between 0.81 and
      0.89. Exploratory factor analysis showed that items of the scale had five factors
      that accounted for 75% of the variance. Of these, the sub-dimension of intention
      was found to have the highest level of contribution. A significant correlation
      was found between the sub-dimensions of the testicular self-examination planned
      behavior theory scale and those of CHBMS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings
      suggest that the Turkish version of the testicular self-examination Planned
      Behavior Theory Scale is a valid and reliable measurement for Turkish society.

PMID- 27130482
TI  - 30 years After the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident: Time for Reflection and Re
      evaluation of Current Disaster Preparedness Plans.
AB  - It has been 30 years since the worst accident in the history of the nuclear era
      occurred at the Chernobyl power plant in Ukraine close to densely populated urban
      areas. To date, epidemiological studies reported increased long-term risks of
      leukemia, cardiovascular diseases, and cataracts among cleanup workers and of
      thyroid cancer and non-malignant diseases in those exposed as children and
      adolescents. Mental health effects were the most significant public health
      consequence of the accident in the three most contaminated countries of Ukraine,
      Belarus, and the Russian Federation. Timely and clear communication with affected
      populations emerged as one of the main lessons in the aftermath of the Chernobyl
      nuclear accident.

PMID- 27130483
TI  - Effects of obesity on lung volume and capacity in children and adolescents: a
      systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of obesity on lung volume and capacity in
      children and adolescents. DATA SOURCE: This is a systematic review, carried out
      in Pubmed, Lilacs, Scielo and PEDro databases, using the following Keywords:
      Plethysmography; Whole Body OR Lung Volume Measurements OR Total Lung Capacity OR
      Functional Residual Capacity OR Residual Volume AND Obesity. Observational
      studies or clinical trials that assessed the effects of obesity on lung volume
      and capacity in children and adolescents (0-18 years) without any other
      associated disease; in English; Portuguese and Spanish languages were selected.
      Methodological quality was assessed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and
      Quality. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of the 1,030 articles, only four were included in the
      review. The studies amounted to 548 participants, predominantly males, with
      sample size ranging from 45 to 327 individuals. 100% of the studies evaluated
      nutritional status through BMI (z-score) and 50.0% reported the data on abdominal
      circumference. All demonstrated that obesity causes negative effects on lung
      volume and capacity, causing a reduction mainly in functional residual capacity
      in 75.0% of the studies; in the expiratory reserve volume in 50.0% and in the
      residual volume in 25.0%. The methodological quality ranged from moderate to
      high, with 75.0% of the studies classified as having high methodological quality.
      CONCLUSIONS: Obesity causes deleterious effects on lung volume and capacity in
      children and adolescents, mainly by reducing functional residual capacity,
      expiratory reserve volume and residual volume.

PMID- 27130485
TI  - Why some patients are keeping their heads down.

PMID- 27130484
TI  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase 2 promotes disruption of mucosal integrity,
      and contributes to ulcerative colitis in mice and humans.
AB  - The bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and the kinase that
      produces it have been implicated in inflammatory bowel diseases in mice and
      humans; however, little is known about the role of the 2 S1P-specific
      phosphohydrolase isoforms, SGPP1 and SGPP2, which catalyze dephosphorylation of
      S1P to sphingosine. To elucidate their functions, we generated specific knockout
      mice. Deletion of Sgpp2, which is mainly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract,
      significantly reduced dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis severity,
      whereas deletion of ubiquitously expressed Sgpp1 slightly worsened colitis.
      Moreover, Sgpp1 deletion enhanced expression of multifunctional proinflammatory
      cytokines, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta, activation of the transcription factor
      signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and immune cell infiltration
      into the colon. Conversely, Sgpp2-null mice failed to mount a DSS-induced
      systemic inflammatory response. Of interest, Sgpp2 deficiency suppressed DSS
      induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis and improved mucosal barrier
      integrity. Furthermore, down-regulation of Sgpp2 attenuated LPS-induced
      paracellular permeability in cultured cells and enhanced expression of the
      adherens junction protein E-cadherin. Finally, in patients with ulcerative
      colitis, SGPP2 expression was elevated in colitis tissues relative to that in
      uninvolved tissues. These results indicate that induction of SGPP2 expression
      contributes to the pathogenesis of colitis by promoting disruption of the mucosal
      barrier function. SGPP2 may represent a novel therapeutic target in inflammatory
      bowel disease.-Huang, W.-C., Liang, J., Nagahashi, M., Avni, D., Yamada, A.,
      Maceyka, M., Wolen, A. R., Kordula, T., Milstien, S., Takabe, K., Oravecz, T.,
      Spiegel, S. Sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase 2 promotes disruption of mucosal
      integrity, and contributes to ulcerative colitis in mice and humans.

PMID- 27130487
TI  - Dissection of the contributions of cyclophilin genes to development and virulence
      in a fungal insect pathogen.
AB  - Cyclophilins are ubiquitous proteins found in all domains of life, catalyzing
      peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerization (PPIase activity) and functioning in
      diverse cellular processes. The filamentous insect pathogenic fungus, Beauveria
      bassiana, contains 11 cyclophilin genes whose roles were probed via individual
      gene knockouts, construction of over-expression strains, and a simultaneous gene
      knockdown strategy using tandem SiRNA. Mutants were examined for effects on
      conidiation, hyphal growth, cyclosporine and stress resistance, and insect
      virulence. BbCypA was found to be the most highly expressed cyclophilin during
      growth and purified recombinant BbCypA displayed cyclosporine sensitive PPIase
      activity. Except for DeltaBbCypA, targeted gene knockouts or overexpression of
      any cyclophilin resulted in temperature sensitivity (TS). Specific cyclophilin
      mutants showed impaired hyphal growth and differential effects on conidiation and
      cyclosporine resistance. Insect bioassays revealed decreased virulence for two
      cyclophilins (DeltaBbCypE and DeltaBbCyp6) and the simultaneous gene knockdown
      mutant constructs (SiRNA30). The BbSiRNA30 strains were unaffected in growth,
      conidiation, or under osmotic or cell wall perturbing stress, but did show
      increased resistance to cyclosporine and a TS phenotype. These results revealed
      common and unique roles for cyclophilins in B. bassiana and validate a method for
      examining the effects of multi-gene families via simultaneous gene knockdown.

PMID- 27130486
TI  - Physical activity from menarche to first pregnancy and risk of breast cancer.
AB  - Breast tissue is particularly susceptible to exposures between menarche and first
      pregnancy, and a longer interval between these reproductive events is associated
      with elevated breast cancer risk. Physical activity during this time period may
      offset breast cancer risk, particularly for those at highest risk with longer
      menarche-to-first-pregnancy intervals. We used data from 65,576 parous women in
      the Nurses' Health Study II free of cancer in 1989 (baseline) and recalled their
      leisure-time physical activity at ages 12-34 in 1997. Current activity was
      collected at baseline and over follow-up. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated
      using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. Between 1989 and
      2011, 2,069 invasive breast cancer cases were identified. Total recreational
      activity between menarche and first pregnancy was not significantly associated
      with the risk of breast cancer. However, physical activity between menarche and
      first pregnancy was associated with significantly lower breast cancer risk among
      women in the highest category of a menarche-to first-pregnancy interval (>=20
      years; RR for the highest versus the lowest quartile = 0.73, 95% confidence
      interval = 0.55-0.97; Ptrend  = 0.045; Pinteraction  = 0.048). This was not
      observed in women with a shorter interval. Physical activity between menarche and
      first pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer among women
      with at least 20 years between these reproductive events. This may provide a
      modifiable factor that women can intervene on to mitigate their breast cancer
      risk associated with a longer interval.

PMID- 27130488
TI  - Differential Sharing of Chemical Cues by Social Parasites Versus Social
      Mutualists in a Three-Species Symbiosis.
AB  - Chemical recognition systems are crucial for maintaining the unity of social
      insect colonies. It has been proposed that colonies form a common chemical
      signature, called the gestalt odor, which is used to distinguish colony members
      and non-members. This chemical integration is achieved actively through social
      interactions such as trophallaxis and allogrooming, or passively such as through
      exposure to common nest material. When colonies are infiltrated by social
      parasites, the intruders often use some form of chemical mimicry. However, it is
      not always clear how this chemical mimicry is accomplished. Here, we used a three
      species nesting symbiosis to test the differences in chemical integration of
      mutualistic (parabiotic) and parasitic ant species. We found that the parasite
      (Solenopsis picea) obtains chemical cues from both of the two parabiotic host ant
      species. However, the two parabiotic species (Crematogaster levior and Camponotus
      femoratus) maintain species-specific cues, and do not acquire compounds from the
      other species. Our findings suggest that there is a fundamental difference in how
      social mutualists and social parasites use chemicals to integrate themselves into
      colonies. 

PMID- 27130489
TI  - Cuticular Hydrocarbon Cues Are Used for Host Acceptance by Pseudacteon spp.
      Phorid Flies that Attack Azteca sericeasur Ants.
AB  - Parasitoids often use complex cues to identify suitable hosts in their
      environment. Phorid fly parasitoids that develop on one or a few host species
      often use multiple cues, ranging from general to highly specific, to home in on
      an appropriate host. Here, we describe the hierarchy of cues that Pseudacteon
      phorid flies use to identify Azteca ant hosts. We show, through behavioral
      observations in the field, that phorid flies are attracted to two cryptic Azteca
      species, but only attack Azteca sericeasur (Hymenoptera: Formicidae:
      Dolichoderinae). To test whether the phorid flies use cuticular hydrocarbons
      (CHCs) to distinguish between the two Azteca taxa, we first documented and
      compared cuticular hydrocarbons of the two Azteca taxa using gas
      chromatography/mass spectrometry. Then, using cuticular hydrocarbon-transfer
      experiments with live ants, we characterized the cuticular hydrocarbons of A.
      sericeasur as a short-range, host location cue used by P. lasciniosus (Diptera:
      Phoridae) to locate the ants. 

PMID- 27130490
TI  - Protective role of garlic oil against oxidative damage induced by furan exposure
      from weaning through adulthood in adult rat testis.
AB  - Furan is produced in a wide variety of heat-treated foods via thermal
      degradation. Furan contamination is found to be relatively high in processed baby
      foods, cereal products, fruits juices, and canned vegetables. Several studies
      have demonstrated that furan is a potent hepatotoxin and hepatocarcinogen in
      rodents. However, few studies have investigated the toxic effects of furan in the
      testis. In addition, the exact mechanism(s) by which furan exerts toxicity in the
      testis has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the
      potential of furan exposure from weaning through adulthood to induce oxidative
      stress in adult rat testis, as well as the potential of garlic oil (GO) to
      ameliorate the induced toxicity. Our results reveal that furan administration
      significantly reduced serum testosterone levels and increased the levels of
      malondialdehyde (MDA); furthermore, furan administration decreased significantly
      the enzymatic activity of testicular antioxidants, including glutathione (GSH),
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) and induced histopathological
      alterations in the testis. GO co-administration ameliorated the reduction in
      testosterone levels and dramatically attenuated the furan-induced oxidative and
      histopathological changes. In addition, Go significantly down-regulated the
      increased caspase-3 and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) expression in the furan
      treated testis. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to
      demonstrate the furan-induced oxidative changes in the adult rat testis and the
      protective role of GO to ameliorate these changes through its antioxidant effects
      and its ability to inhibit CYP2E1 production. 

PMID- 27130492
TI  - Kenneth Haddon Trigg.

PMID- 27130491
TI  - Sigmoidal mixed models for longitudinal data.
AB  - Linear mixed models are widely used to analyze longitudinal cognitive data.
      Often, however, the trajectory of cognitive function is nonlinear. For example,
      some participants may experience cognitive decline that accelerates as death
      approaches. Polynomial regression and piecewise linear models are common
      approaches used to characterize nonlinear trajectories, although both have
      assumptions that may not correspond with the actual trajectories. An alternative
      is to use a flexible sigmoidal mixed model based on the logistic family of
      curves. We describe a general class of such a model, which has up to five
      parameters, representing (1) final level, (2) rate of decline, (3) midpoint of
      decline, (4) initial level before decline, and (5) asymmetry. Focusing on a four
      parameter symmetric sub-class of the model, with random effects on two of the
      parameters, we demonstrate that a likelihood approach to fitting this model
      produces accurate estimates of mean levels across time, even in the case of model
      misspecification. We also illustrate the method on deceased participants who had
      completed at least 5 years of annual cognitive testing and annual assessment of
      body mass. We show that departures from a stable body can modify the trajectory
      curves and anticipate cognitive decline.

PMID- 27130494
TI  - Temporary epicardial pacing wire placement in totally endoscopic cardiac surgery.
AB  - Temporary epicardial pacing wire placement is a common procedure in cardiac
      surgery. However, it is difficult to perform in totally endoscopic cardiac
      surgery. We describe a simple new technique to place temporary epicardial pacing
      wires quickly and safely. 

PMID- 27130493
TI  - Large vegetation secondary to native mitral valve infective endocarditis in
      child.

PMID- 27130495
TI  - Thromboelastogram reduces blood use by inspecting coagulation in heart surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Blood transfusion after coronary artery bypass surgery is carried out
      according to general coagulation tests and blood counts. Our aim was to determine
      the effects of rotational thromboelastography results on the amount of blood
      products used in the intraoperative and postoperative periods in coronary artery
      bypass patients. METHODS: Our study included 164 patients who underwent coronary
      artery bypass. A control group was formed from 82 patients picked from hospital
      records, who had elective coronary artery bypass before the introduction of
      rotational thromboelastography in our clinic. Blood transfusion was performed in
      this group according to conventional laboratory data. The study group comprised
      82 patients who had elective coronary artery bypass after the introduction of
      rotational thromboelastography. Blood transfusion was performed in the study
      group according to rotational thromboelastogram results. The amounts of blood
      products used in the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: There were statistically
      significant decreases in the intraoperative and postoperative amounts of packed
      red blood cells (p = 0.012 and p = 0.006) and postoperative whole blood (p =
      0.013) used in the study group compared to the control group. Postoperative
      bleeding was also significantly reduced (p = 0.001) in the study group.
      CONCLUSION: Blood transfusion is an important issue after coronary artery bypass,
      and because of the decreased amount of blood products used, a rotational
      thromboelastography-based blood transfusion algorithm should be applied in
      patients undergoing coronary artery bypass.

PMID- 27130496
TI  - Complete genome sequence of Burkholderia caribensis Bcrs1W (NBRC110739), a strain
      co-residing with phenanthrene degrader Mycobacterium sp. EPa45.
AB  - Complete genome sequence of Burkholderia caribensis Bcrs1W, isolated from a
      phenanthrene-degrading mixed culture, was determined. The genomic information of
      Bcrs1W will be beneficial to elucidating the mechanisms of its positive effects
      on phenanthrene degradation by co-residing Mycobacterium sp. Epa45, and to
      exploiting their degradation potentials. 

PMID- 27130497
TI  - Complete genome sequence of probiotic Bacillus coagulans HM-08: A potential
      lactic acid producer.
AB  - Bacillus coagulans HM-08 is a commercialized probiotic strain in China. Its
      genome contains a 3.62Mb circular chromosome with an average GC content of 46.3%.
      In silico analysis revealed the presence of one xyl operon as well as several
      other genes that are correlated to xylose utilization. The genetic information
      provided here may help to expand its future biotechnology potential in lactic
      acid production. 

PMID- 27130498
TI  - Complete genome sequence of probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri ZLR003 isolated from
      healthy weaned pig.
AB  - Lactobacillus reuteri ZLR003 was isolated from the caecum mucosa of healthy
      weaned pigs with displaying probiotic properties in our laboratory. Here, we
      present the complete genome sequence of L. reuteri ZLR003, which consists of a
      circular 2,234,097bp chromosome (G+C content of 38.66%). Such information will
      provide insights into the molecular mechanism of its probiotic activity and
      facilitate its application in animal production. 

PMID- 27130499
TI  - Bacterial spores as particulate carriers for gene gun delivery of plasmid DNA.
AB  - Bacillus subtilis spores represent a suitable platform for the adsorption of
      proteins, enzymes and viral particles at physiological conditions. In the present
      work, we demonstrate that purified spores can also adsorb DNA on their surface
      after treatment with cationic molecules. In addition, we demonstrate that DNA
      coated B. subtilis spores can be used as particulate carriers and act as an
      alternative to gold microparticles for the biolistic (gene gun) administration of
      plasmid DNA in mice. Gene gun delivery of spores pre-treated with DODAB
      (dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide) allowed efficient plasmid DNA absorption
      and induced protein expression levels similar to those obtained with gold
      microparticles. More importantly, we demonstrated that a DNA vaccine adsorbed on
      spores can be loaded into biolistic cartridges and efficiently delivered into
      mice, which induced specific cellular and antibody responses. Altogether, these
      data indicate that B. subtilis spores represent a simple and low cost alternative
      for the in vivo delivery of DNA vaccines by the gene gun technology. 

PMID- 27130500
TI  - Genome sequence of Trichosporon cutaneum ACCC 20271: An oleaginous yeast with
      excellent lignocellulose derived inhibitor tolerance.
AB  - Oleaginous yeast Trichosporon cutaneum demonstrated excellent lipid accumulation
      performance and inhibitor tolerance derived from lignocellulose pretreatment.
      Here we firstly report a 30.45Mb assembly genome of T. cutaneum ACCC 20271 for
      understanding the microbial lipid biosynthesis and mechanism of inhibitor
      tolerance and degradation. 

PMID- 27130501
TI  - A bioluminescent assay for measuring glucose uptake.
AB  - Identifying activators and inhibitors of glucose uptake is critical for both
      diabetes management and anticancer therapy. To facilitate such studies, easy-to
      use nonradioactive assays are desired. Here we describe a bioluminescent glucose
      uptake assay for measuring glucose transport in cells. The assay is based on the
      uptake of 2-deoxyglucose and the enzymatic detection of the 2-deoxyglucose-6
      phosphate that accumulates. Uptake can be measured from a variety of cell types,
      it can be inhibited by known glucose transporter inhibitors, and the
      bioluminescent assay yields similar results when compared with the radioactive
      method. With HCT 116 cells, glucose uptake can be detected in as little as 5000
      cells and remains linear up to 50,000 cells with signal-to-background values
      ranging from 5 to 45. The assay can be used to screen for glucose transporter
      inhibitors, or by multiplexing with viability readouts, changes in glucose uptake
      can be differentiated from overall effects on cell health. The assay also can
      provide a relevant end point for measuring insulin sensitivity. With adipocytes
      and myotubes, insulin-dependent increases in glucose uptake have been measured
      with 10- and 2-fold assay windows, respectively. Significant assay signals of 2
      fold or more have also been measured with human induced pluripotent stem cell
      (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes and skeletal myoblasts.

PMID- 27130502
TI  - Disposable orbitally shaken TubeSpin bioreactor 600 for Sf9 cell cultivation in
      suspension.
AB  - Disposable orbitally shaken TubeSpin bioreactor 600 tubes (TS600s) were recently
      developed for the bench-scale cultivation of animal cells in suspension. Here we
      compared batch cultures of Sf9 insect cells in TS600s, spinner flasks, and shake
      flasks. Superior cell growth was observed in TS600s and shake flasks as compared
      with spinner flasks, and more favorable oxygen-enriched cell culture conditions
      were observed in TS600s as compared with either spinner or shake flasks. The
      results demonstrated the suitability of TS600s as a disposable vessel for the
      cultivation of Sf9 cells in suspension.

PMID- 27130503
TI  - Immobilized metal affinity chromatography optimized for the analysis of
      extracellular phosphorylation.
AB  - Phosphorylation is the most widely studied posttranslational modification. Its
      role within the cell has been the focus of numerous large-scale studies. Recently
      there is growing evidence on the biological significance of extracellular
      phosphorylation. The analysis of these phosphopeptides is complicated by the
      abundance of glycosylation in the extracellular space, since glycopeptides are
      also enriched by the methods used for phosphopeptide isolation. Thus, we
      optimized IMAC for phosphorylation analysis of secreted proteins, specifically in
      human serum. Selectivity and efficiency of different enrichment conditions used
      in earlier large-scale phosphoproteomic studies were evaluated. We found that
      minimizing hydrophilic interactions in the enrichment allowed selective
      phosphopeptide isolation. Using a two-step IMAC enrichment protocol under these
      conditions led to the identification of ~100 phosphorylation sites from the
      tryptic digest of as little as 40 MUL human serum.

PMID- 27130504
TI  - Heterogeneity in Studies of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Treat or Prevent Graft
      versus-Host Disease: A Scoping Review of the Evidence.
AB  - Effective treatments are lacking for the treatment of steroid-refractory graft
      versus-host disease (GVHD), a major cause of morbidity and mortality after
      allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)
      have demonstrated promise but there is uncertainty regarding their clinical
      effectiveness. A systematic scoping review of the literature was performed to
      characterize the heterogeneity of published studies and identify opportunities
      for standardization. Thirty studies were identified, including 19 studies (507
      patients) addressing the treatment of acute or chronic GVHD and 11 prevention
      studies (277 patients). Significant heterogeneity was observed in the age and
      diagnoses of study subjects, intensity and specifics of the conditioning
      regimens, degree of HLA matching, and source of hematopoietic cells. MSCs were
      derived from bone marrow (83% of studies), cord blood (13%), or adipose tissue
      (3%) and were cryopreserved from third-party allogeneic donors in the majority of
      studies (91% of prevention studies and 63% of treatment studies). Culture
      conditions and media supplements were highly variable and characterization of
      MSCs did not conform to all International Society for Cellular Therapy criteria
      in any study. MSCs were harvested from cell culture at passage 1 to 7 and the
      dosage of MSCs ranged from 0.3 to 10 * 10(6)/kg, using varying schedules of
      administration. Treatment response criteria were not standardized and
      effectiveness in controlled treatment studies (5 studies) was unconvincing.
      Details of actively recruiting trials suggest heterogeneity still persists with
      only 53% of registered trials describing the use of standard GVHD response
      criteria and few detailing methods of MSC manufacturing. Future studies will need
      to make substantial coordinated efforts to reduce study heterogeneity and clarify
      the role of MSCs in GVHD.

PMID- 27130505
TI  - Metabolic Liver Disease: When to Suspect and How to Diagnose?
AB  - Metabolic liver diseases are still considered by many as a 'rare' diagnosis,
      though scenario has definitely changed in recent times. With recent advances and
      wider availablility of newer techniques, many of these are now amenable to
      diagnosis and optimum management. Though the logistics involved are still out of
      reach of a significant proportion of our population, a stepwise and
      methodological approach with simple diagnostic tests can help point towards a
      probable diagnosis (with resultant directed investigations), helping to avoid
      unnecessary and costly workup. This review focuses on diagnostic protocol-based
      approach to common metabolic liver diseases encountered frequently in pediatric
      hepatology.

PMID- 27130507
TI  - Broncho-Pericardial Fistula Leading to Pneumopericardium Following Allogeneic
      Stem Cell Transplantation.

PMID- 27130508
TI  - Recurrent Pheochromocytomas in a Child with Familial von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome.

PMID- 27130509
TI  - Nager Syndrome with Eventration of Diaphragm: A Rare Presentation.

PMID- 27130510
TI  - Newborn Care at First Referral Health Facilities.

PMID- 27130511
TI  - Spondylometaphyseal Dysplasia Corner Fracture (Sutcliffe) Type.
AB  - Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia corner fracture type (Sutcliffe) is an uncommon
      form of skeletal dysplasia which has some unique imaging features. The
      differential diagnoses include other forms of spondylometaphyseal dysplasias and
      non-accidental injury. The case report describes a child with typical imaging
      findings of this clinical entity with a brief discussion of the diagnostic clue
      and differential diagnoses. 

PMID- 27130512
TI  - Arterial Compliance in Obesity- A Valuable Tool or Opening Up a Pandora's Box?

PMID- 27130513
TI  - Imaging in Pediatric Demyelinating and Inflammatory Diseases of Brain- Part 2.
AB  - Imaging plays an important role in diagnosis, management, prognostication and
      follow up of pediatric demyelinating and inflammatory diseases of brain and forms
      an integral part of the diagnostic criteria. This article reviews the spectrum of
      aquaporinopathies with an in-depth discussion on present criteria and
      differentiation from other demyelinating diseases with clinical vignettes for
      illustration; the latter part of article deals with the spectrum of CNS
      vasculitis. 

PMID- 27130514
TI  - Giant internal carotid artery aneurysm causing Collet-Sicard syndrome.

PMID- 27130515
TI  - Quantification of visual function assessment using remote eye tracking in
      children: validity and applicability.
AB  - PURPOSE: Measurements of visual and oculomotor functions are essential for
      providing tailored support to visually impaired children. In young or
      intellectually disabled children these measurements can be difficult or even
      impossible to perform. Recordings of orienting gaze in response to specific
      visual information, made with eye tracking, may offer a solution. The aim of this
      study was to observe and quantify eye tracking (ET)-based gaze responses to
      provide information about visual and oculomotor functioning, and to compare this
      information with standard visual function assessments (VFA). METHODS: One hundred
      and twenty-six visually impaired children from 1-14 years underwent a VFA. Next
      they underwent a remote ET test. Four aspects of oculomotor control (nystagmus,
      fixation, saccades, pursuit) and three visual functions (visual field, contrast,
      colour) were selected to compare both methods. Performance was assessed (1)
      during VFA using standard behavioural observation and test scores and (2) after
      ET by observing and scoring the eye movement recordings. Validity, in terms of
      agreement between results, was measured by correlation analyses. From the
      orienting gaze responses, quantitative parameters (gain, fixation duration and
      directional saccades) were calculated to characterize visual performance.
      RESULTS: Good agreement between the two test methods was found for observational
      assessment of oculomotor control and visual functions (correlations ranging from
      rs  = 0.39 to rs  = 0.69). The quantitative parameters of visual performance
      showed distinct results between children with and without specific functional
      impairments, both in children aged 1-6 and 7-14 years. CONCLUSION: Eye tracking
      based gaze recordings are a promising tool to assess oculomotor and visual
      performance in a communication-free manner. Calculating quantitative parameters
      from specific gaze responses could assist in the characterization of functional
      visual performance in children, independent of age. Gaze responses are a useful
      addition to standard VFA in clinical practice.

PMID- 27130516
TI  - Elite US college admissions: could the quest for admission increase overuse
      injury risk?
AB  - This commentary addresses the intriguing correspondence of two trends. First, we
      describe the increasing selectivity for undergraduate admission to elite colleges
      and universities in the United States and an apparent preference for "angular"
      applicants who have demonstrated tremendous accomplishment in a single non
      academic pursuit such as music, athletics, or the arts. Second, we describe an
      apparent increase in overuse injuries among American children and adolescents, a
      trend that many experts attribute to specialization within a single athletic,
      musical or artistic pursuit among youth who in previous generations were more
      "generalist" in their extracurricular activities. It is premature to demonstrate
      causality and suggest increasing college selectivity has led to increasing rates
      of overuse injuries, but we speculate there may be a causal relation present and
      encourage scholarly research on the topic. 

PMID- 27130517
TI  - MEMRO 2015 - Basic science meets clinical otology.

PMID- 27130518
TI  - Serelaxin: A Novel Therapeutic for Vascular Diseases.
AB  - Vascular dysfunction is an important hallmark of cardiovascular disease. It is
      characterized by increased sensitivity to vasoconstrictors, decreases in the
      endothelium-derived vasodilators nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2), and
      endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH). Serelaxin (recombinant human
      relaxin) has gained considerable attention as a new vasoactive drug, largely
      through its beneficial therapeutic effects in acute heart failure. In this review
      we first describe the contribution of endogenous relaxin to vascular homeostasis.
      We then provide a comprehensive overview of the novel mechanisms of serelaxin
      action in blood vessels that differentiate it from other vasodilator drugs and
      explain how this peptide could be used more widely as a therapeutic to alleviate
      vascular dysfunction in several cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 27130519
TI  - The role of piriform associative connections in odor categorization.
AB  - Distributed neural activity patterns are widely proposed to underlie object
      identification and categorization in the brain. In the olfactory domain, pattern
      based representations of odor objects are encoded in piriform cortex. This region
      receives both afferent and associative inputs, though their relative
      contributions to odor perception are poorly understood. Here, we combined a
      placebo-controlled pharmacological fMRI paradigm with multivariate pattern
      analyses to test the role of associative connections in sustaining olfactory
      categorical representations. Administration of baclofen, a GABA(B) agonist known
      to attenuate piriform associative inputs, interfered with within-category pattern
      separation in piriform cortex, and the magnitude of this drug-induced change
      predicted perceptual alterations in fine-odor discrimination performance.
      Comparatively, baclofen reduced pattern separation between odor categories in
      orbitofrontal cortex, and impeded within-category generalization in hippocampus.
      Our findings suggest that odor categorization is a dynamic process concurrently
      engaging stimulus discrimination and generalization at different stages of
      olfactory information processing, and highlight the importance of associative
      networks in maintaining categorical boundaries.

PMID- 27130520
TI  - Nucleosome breathing and remodeling constrain CRISPR-Cas9 function.
AB  - The CRISPR-Cas9 bacterial surveillance system has become a versatile tool for
      genome editing and gene regulation in eukaryotic cells, yet how CRISPR-Cas9
      contends with the barriers presented by eukaryotic chromatin is poorly
      understood. Here we investigate how the smallest unit of chromatin, a nucleosome,
      constrains the activity of the CRISPR-Cas9 system. We find that nucleosomes
      assembled on native DNA sequences are permissive to Cas9 action. However, the
      accessibility of nucleosomal DNA to Cas9 is variable over several orders of
      magnitude depending on dynamic properties of the DNA sequence and the distance of
      the PAM site from the nucleosome dyad. We further find that chromatin remodeling
      enzymes stimulate Cas9 activity on nucleosomal templates. Our findings imply that
      the spontaneous breathing of nucleosomal DNA together with the action of
      chromatin remodelers allow Cas9 to effectively act on chromatin in vivo.

PMID- 27130521
TI  - [Addendum concerning: "A prospective trial comparing consecutive series of open
      retropubic and robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in a centre:
      Oncologic and functional outcomes" written by J.B. Beauval et al. [Prog. Urol. 25
      (2015) 370-8] and F. Rozet [Prog. Urol. 25 (2015) 379-80]].

PMID- 27130522
TI  - Retinoic acid induces nuclear FAK translocation and reduces breast cancer cell
      adhesion through Moesin, FAK, and Paxillin.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, with metastases being the
      cause of death in 98%. In previous works we have demonstrated that retinoic acid
      (RA), the main retinoic acid receptor (RAR) ligand, is involved in the metastatic
      process by inhibiting migration through a reduced expression of the specific
      migration-related proteins Moesin, c-Src, and FAK. At present, our hypothesis is
      that RA also acts for short periods in a non-genomic action to cooperate with
      motility reduction and morphology of breast cancer cells. Here we identify that
      the administration of 10(-6) M RA (10-20 min) induces the activation of the
      migration-related proteins Moesin, FAK, and Paxillin in T-47D breast cancer
      cells. The phosphorylation exerted by the selective agonists for RARalpha and
      RARbeta, on Moesin, FAK, and Paxillin was comparable to the activation exerted by
      RA. The RARgamma agonist only led to a weak activation, suggesting the
      involvement of RARalpha and RARbeta in this pathway. We then treated the cells
      with different inhibitors that are involved in cell signaling to regulate the
      mechanisms of cell motility. RA failed to activate Moesin, FAK, and Paxillin in
      cells treated with Src inhibitor (PP2) and PI3K inhibitor (WM), suggesting the
      participation of Src-PI3K in this pathway. Treatment with 10(-6) M RA for 20 min
      significantly decreased cell adhesion. However, when cells were treated with 10(
      6) M RA and FAK inhibitor, the RA did not significantly inhibit adhesion,
      suggesting a role of FAK in the adhesion inhibited by RA. By immunofluorescence
      and immunoblotting analysis we demonstrated that RA induced nuclear FAK
      translocation leading to a reduced cellular adhesion. These findings provide new
      information on the actions of RA for short periods. RA participates in cell
      adhesion and subsequent migration, modulating the relocation and activation of
      proteins involved in cell migration.

PMID- 27130523
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27130524
TI  - Autoantibody pathogenicity in a multifocal motor neuropathy induced pluripotent
      stem cell-derived model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the pathogenicity of immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-GM1
      antibodies in serum from patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) using
      human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons (MNs). METHODS:
      iPSCs were generated from fibroblasts and differentiated into MNs. We studied the
      binding of IgM to MNs, their complement-activating properties, and effects on
      structural integrity using fluorescence and electron microscopy. Live cell
      imaging was used to study effects of antibody binding on MNs in the presence and
      absence of complement. RESULTS: IgM antibody binding to MNs was detected using
      sera from MMN patients with and without detectable anti-GM1 IgM antibody titers
      in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, but not with sera from (disease) controls.
      Competition and depletion experiments showed that antibodies specifically bound
      to GM1 on iPSC-derived MNs. Binding of these antibodies disrupted calcium
      homeostasis by both complement-dependent and complement-independent pathways. MNs
      showed marked axonal damage after complement activation, and reduced antibody
      pathogenicity following treatment with immunoglobulin preparations.
      INTERPRETATION: Our data provide evidence for the pathogenicity of anti-GM1 IgM
      antibodies in MMN patients and link their presence to the clinical
      characteristics of axonal damage and immunoglobulin responsiveness. This iPSC
      derived disease model will facilitate diagnosis, studies on autoantibody
      pathogenicity, drug development, and screening in immune-mediated neuropathies.
      Ann Neurol 2016;80:71-88.

PMID- 27130525
TI  - Phosphate and ATP uptake by lake bacteria: does taxonomical identity matter?
AB  - Phosphorus often limits bacterial production in freshwater ecosystems. However,
      little is known on whether different bacteria contribute to inorganic and organic
      phosphorus uptake proportionally to their relative abundance and production.
      Here, we followed the temporal dynamics of the main heterotrophic bacterial taxa
      taking up inorganic phosphate (33 P-Pi) and organic phosphorus (33 P-ATP) in two
      mountain lakes and compared them to their contribution to bacterial production (3
      H-leucine uptake). The short turnover times for Pi and ATP suggested that in both
      lakes, phosphorus was limiting most of the year. The bulk uptake rates and the
      fractions of cells labelled positive for Pi and ATP uptake followed a seasonal
      trend with minima in winter and maxima in summer. Generally, the bacterial taxa
      examined contributed to Pi and ATP uptake proportionally to their relative
      abundance, but not always to their contribution to bacterial production. For
      instance, AcI Actinobacteria were often underrepresented in phosphorus uptake
      compared with leucine incorporation suggesting they might have high intracellular
      C:P ratios. Our results emphasize that ATP utilization is widespread among
      freshwater bacteria and indicate that members within the dominant bacterial taxa
      (Actinobacteria and Betaproteobacteria) have variable phosphorus requirements,
      probably due to their different growth potential and variable degrees of
      homeostasis.

PMID- 27130526
TI  - Barriers to uptake of antimicrobial advice in a UK hospital: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of infectious diseases (ID) and clinical microbiology (CM)
      in hospital settings has expanded in response to increasing antimicrobial
      resistance, leading to widespread development of hospital antimicrobial
      stewardship (AMS) programmes, the majority of which include antibiotic approval
      systems. However, inappropriate antibiotic use in hospitals continues, suggesting
      potential disjunctions between technical advice and the logics of antibiotic use
      within hospitals. AIM: To examine the experiences of doctors in a UK hospital
      with respect to AMS guidance of antibiotic prescribing, and experiences of a
      verbal postprescription antibiotic approval process. METHODS: Twenty doctors in a
      teaching hospital in the UK participated in semi-structured interviews about
      their experiences of antibiotic use and governance. NVivo10 software was used to
      conduct a thematic content analysis systematically. FINDINGS: This study
      identified three key themes regarding doctors' relationships with ID/CM
      clinicians that shaped their antibiotic practices: (1) competing hierarchical
      influences limiting active consultation with ID/CM; (2) non-ID/CM consultants'
      sense of ownership over clinical decision-making and concerns about challenges to
      clinical autonomy; and (3) tensions between evidence-based practice and
      experiential-style learning. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates the importance
      of examining relations between ID/CM and non-ID/CM clinicians in the hospital
      context, indicating that AMS models that focus exclusively on delivering advice
      rather than managing interprofessional relationships may be limited in their
      capacity to optimize antibiotic use. AMS and, specifically, antibiotic approval
      systems would likely be more effective if they incorporated time and resources
      for fostering and maintaining professional relationships.

PMID- 27130527
TI  - Characterization of the Pharmacokinetics of Phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1 and
      16:0/18:2 in Human Whole Blood After Alcohol Consumption in a Clinical Laboratory
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics of
      2 homologues of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) and their combined total in
      uncoagulated, whole blood samples taken from participants in a human clinical
      laboratory study after consumption of low doses of ethanol (EtOH). METHODS: As
      part of a larger study, 14 male and 13 female participants received either 0.25
      or 0.50 g/kg oral doses of EtOH during a 15-minute period. Blood samples were
      collected before and throughout 6 hours after each EtOH dose on the day of
      consumption and then every 3 days during the next 14 days. PEth 16:0/18:1 and
      PEth 16:0/18:2 levels were quantified in blood samples by HPLC/MS/MS and reported
      separately or as their combined total (combined PEth). Breath alcohol
      concentrations (BrACs) were measured concurrently with each blood collection.
      Transdermal alcohol concentrations were measured every 30 minutes during the
      entire 22-day study to confirm the absence of drinking during a 7-day period
      before and the 14-day period after EtOH consumption. RESULTS: (i) Single doses of
      0.25 and 0.50 g EtOH/kg produced proportional increases in BrAC and combined PEth
      levels of all participants; (ii) the areas under the curve (AUCs) for each
      participant's BrAC levels during the 6-hour period after EtOH administration were
      correlated with AUCs of cPEth (calculated as the AUC of the increase above
      baseline for combined PEth); (iii) the mean half-life of combined PEth,
      determined during the 14-day period after EtOH consumption, was 4.6 +/- 3.5 (SD)
      days (range: 1.0 to 13.1 days). CONCLUSIONS: Combined PEth is a sensitive
      biomarker for the identification of relatively low levels of EtOH consumption.
      The measurement of these 2 homologues may provide additional sensitivity to
      identify low levels of drinking.

PMID- 27130528
TI  - Circulating nucleosomes are associated with mortality in pediatric acute
      respiratory distress syndrome.
AB  - Mechanisms underlying pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) are
      poorly understood. The recent implication of circulating nucleosomes as
      pathogenic in sepsis and trauma-associated ARDS in adults led us to investigate
      the significance of nucleosomes in PARDS. We conducted a prospective,
      observational study on children with PARDS at the Children's Hospital of
      Philadelphia between July 2014 and September 2015. Plasma was collected within 48
      h of PARDS onset and nucleosomes quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      Samples from 76 children with PARDS (11 deaths, 14%) were collected early [median
      15 (IQR 7, 21) h] after PARDS onset. Nucleosome levels were higher in
      nonsurvivors [0.59 AU (IQR 0.46, 0.84)] relative to survivors [0.21 AU (IQR 0.08,
      0.33), rank sum P < 0.001]. Nucleosome levels were not associated with either
      Berlin (P = 0.845) or PALICC (P = 0.886) oxygenation categories, nor with
      etiology of PARDS (P = 0.527). Nucleosomes were correlated with increasing
      numbers of nonpulmonary organ failures (P = 0.009 for trend), and were higher in
      patients whose PaO2 /FiO2 worsened (P = 0.012) over the first 72 h of PARDS. In
      regression analysis, nucleosome levels were independently associated with
      mortality after adjusting for either age, severity of illness score, number of
      nonpulmonary organ failures, vasopressor score, or PaO2 /FiO2 (all P < 0.05). In
      conclusion, plasma nucleosome levels in early PARDS were associated with
      increased mortality, correlated with number of nonpulmonary organ failures, and
      preceded worsening oxygenation. The potential utility of this biomarker for
      prognostication, risk stratification, and mechanistic insight should be
      investigated further. 

PMID- 27130530
TI  - Mast cells and exosomes in hyperoxia-induced neonatal lung disease.
AB  - Chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD) is a frequent sequela of premature
      birth and oxygen toxicity is a major associated risk factor. Impaired
      alveolarization, scarring, and inflammation are hallmarks of CLD. Mast cell
      hyperplasia is a feature of CLD but the role of mast cells in its pathogenesis is
      unknown. We hypothesized that mast cell hyperplasia is a consequence of neonatal
      hyperoxia and contributes to CLD. Additionally, mast cell products may have
      diagnostic and prognostic value in preterm infants predisposed to CLD. To model
      CLD, neonatal wild-type and mast cell-deficient mice were placed in an O2 chamber
      delivering hyperoxic gas mixture [inspired O2 fraction (FiO2 ) of 0.8] (HO) for 2
      wk and then returned to room air (RA) for an additional 3 wk. Age-matched
      controls were kept in RA (FiO2 of 0.21). Lungs from HO mice had increased numbers
      of mast cells, alveolar simplification and enlargement, and increased lung
      compliance. Mast cell deficiency proved protective by preserving air space
      integrity and lung compliance. The mast cell mediators beta-hexosaminidase (beta
      hex), histamine, and elastase increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of HO
      wild-type mice. Tracheal aspirate fluids (TAs) from oxygenated and mechanically
      ventilated preterm infants were analyzed for mast cell products. In TAs from
      infants with confirmed cases of CLD, beta-hex was elevated over time and
      correlated with FiO2 Mast cell exosomes were also present in the TAs.
      Collectively, these data show that mast cells play a significant role in
      hyperoxia-induced lung injury and their products could serve as potential
      biomarkers in evolving CLD.

PMID- 27130529
TI  - Phosphorylation inactivation of endothelial nitric oxide synthesis in pulmonary
      arterial hypertension.
AB  - The impairment of vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) production is well accepted as a
      typical marker of endothelial dysfunction in vascular diseases, including in the
      pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but the molecular
      mechanisms accounting for loss of NO production are unknown. We hypothesized that
      low NO production by pulmonary arterial endothelial cells in PAH is due to
      inactivation of NO synthase (eNOS) by aberrant phosphorylation of the protein. To
      test the hypothesis, we evaluated eNOS levels, dimerization, and phosphorylation
      in the vascular endothelial cells and lungs of patients with PAH compared with
      controls. In mechanistic studies, eNOS activity in endothelial cells in PAH lungs
      was found to be inhibited due to phosphorylation at T495. Evidence pointed to
      greater phosphorylation/activation of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha and its
      greater association with eNOS as the source of greater phosphorylation at T495.
      The presence of greater amounts of pT495-eNOS in plexiform lesions in lungs of
      patients with PAH confirmed the pathobiological mechanism in vivo. Transfection
      of the activating mutation of eNOS (T495A/S1177D) restored NO production in PAH
      cells. Pharmacological blockade of PKC activity by beta-blocker also restored NO
      formation by PAH cells, identifying one mechanism by which beta-blockers may
      benefit PAH and cardiovascular diseases through recovery of endothelial
      functions.

PMID- 27130531
TI  - Cord blood-derived endothelial colony-forming cell function is disrupted in
      congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
AB  - Vascular growth is necessary for normal lung development. Although endothelial
      progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in vascularization, little is
      known about EPC function in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a severe
      neonatal condition that is associated with pulmonary hypoplasia. We hypothesized
      that the function of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), a type of EPC, is
      impaired in CDH. Cord blood (CB) was collected from full-term CDH patients and
      healthy controls. We assessed CB progenitor cell populations as well as plasma
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha
      (SDF1alpha) levels. CB ECFC clonogenicity; growth kinetics; migration; production
      of VEGF, SDF1alpha, and nitric oxide (NO); vasculogenic capacity; and mRNA
      expression of VEGF-A, fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), kinase insert domain
      receptor (KDR), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) 1-3, SDF1, and chemokine (C-X-C
      motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) were also assessed. Compared with controls, CB ECFCs
      were decreased in CDH. CDH ECFCs had reduced potential for self-renewal,
      clonogenicity, proliferation, and migration. Their capacity for NO production was
      enhanced but their response to VEGF was blunted in CDH ECFCs. In vivo potential
      for de novo vasculogenesis was reduced in CDH ECFCs. There was no difference in
      CB plasma VEGF and SDF1alpha concentrations, VEGF and SDF1alpha production by
      ECFCs, and ECFC mRNA expression of VEGF-A, FLT1, KDR, NOS1-3, SDF1, and CXCR4
      between CDH and control subjects. In conclusion, CB ECFC function is disrupted in
      CDH, but these changes may be caused by mechanisms other than alteration of VEGF
      NO and SDF1-CXCR4 signaling.

PMID- 27130532
TI  - Screening for lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine evidence on benefits and harms of screening average to
      high-risk adults for lung cancer using chest radiology (CXR), sputum cytology
      (SC) and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). METHODS: This systematic review was
      conducted to provide up to date evidence for Canadian Task Force on Preventive
      Health Care (CTFPHC) lung cancer screening guidelines. Four databases were
      searched to March 31, 2015 along with utilizing a previous Cochrane review
      search. Randomized trials reporting benefits were included; any design was
      included for harms. Meta-analyses were performed if possible. PROSPERO
      #CRD42014009984. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies were included. For lung cancer
      mortality there was no benefit of CXR screening, with or without SC. Pooled
      results from three small trials comparing LDCT to usual care found no significant
      benefits for lung cancer mortality. One large high quality trial showed
      statistically significant reductions of 20% in lung cancer mortality over a
      follow-up of 6.5years, for LDCT compared with CXR. LDCT screening was associated
      with: overdiagnosis of 10.99-25.83%; 11.18 deaths and 52.03 patients with major
      complications per 1000 undergoing invasive follow-up procedures; median estimate
      for false positives of 25.53% for baseline/once-only screening and 23.28% for
      multiple rounds; and 9.74 and 5.28 individuals per 1000 screened, with benign
      conditions underwent minor and major invasive follow-up procedures. CONCLUSION:
      The evidence does not support CXR screening with or without sputum cytology for
      lung cancer. High quality evidence showed that in selected high-risk individuals,
      LDCT screening significantly reduced lung cancer mortality and all-cause
      mortality. However, for its implementation at a population level, the current
      evidence warrants the development of standardized practices for screening with
      LDCT and follow-up invasive testing to maximize accuracy and reduce potential
      associated harms.

PMID- 27130533
TI  - Continuous Amenorrhea May Be Insufficient to Stop the Progression of Colorectal
      Endometriosis.
AB  - We present the case of a patient in whom consecutive imaging assessment and
      surgery demonstrated the obvious progression of colorectal endometriosis under
      continuous medical therapy. A 26-year-old nullipara presented with secondary
      dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, diarrhea, and constipation during menstruation.
      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment revealed 2 right ovarian
      endometriomas, but no deep endometriosis lesion. Intraoperatively, we found a 2
      cm length of thickened and congestive area of sigmoid colon, along with small
      superficial lesions arising in the small bowel and appendix. We performed
      ablation of ovarian endometriomas and appendectomy, and decided to not resect the
      bowel. Postoperative computed tomography-based virtual colonoscopy (CTC) revealed
      a slight abnormality of the sigmoid colon. Endorectal ultrasound identified a
      normal rectum and sigmoid colon. Despite long-term continuous medical treatment,
      the patient presented 4 years later with impaired digestion consisting in
      constipation alternating with diarrhea, bloating, dyschesia, and pelvic pain. MRI
      and CTC revealed an abnormal sigmoid colon from 42 to 50 cm above the anus, with
      digestive tract diameter reduced from 10 mm down to the virtual lumen, along with
      an overall rigid appearance. Laparoscopy revealed the extent of endometriosis
      lesions in the sigmoid colon and multiple implantations in the small bowel. We
      performed sigmoid and small bowel resection. This case demonstrates the obvious
      progression of deep rectal endometriosis despite 4 years of continuous hormonal
      therapy.

PMID- 27130534
TI  - Foodomics as part of the host-microbiota-exposome interplay.
AB  - The functional complexity of human gut microbiota and its relationship with host
      physiology and environmental modulating factors, offers the opportunity to
      investigate (i) the host and microbiota role in organism-environment
      relationship; (ii) the individual functional diversity and response to
      environmental stimuli (exposome); (iii) the host genome and microbiota
      metagenomes' modifications by diet-mediated epigenomic controls
      (nutriepigenomics); and (iv) the genotype-phenotype "trajectories" under
      physiological and disease constraints. Systems biology-based approaches aim at
      integrating biological data at cellular, tissue and organ organization levels,
      using computational modeling to interpret diseases' physiopathological mechanisms
      (i.e., onset and progression). Proteomics improves the existing gene models by
      profiling molecular phenotypes at protein abundance level, by analyzing post
      translational modifications and protein-protein interactions and providing
      specific pathway information, hence contributing to functional molecular
      networks. Transcriptomics and metabolomics may determine host ad microbiota
      changes induced by food ingredients at molecular level, complementing functional
      genomics and proteomics data. Since foodomics is an -omic wide methodology may
      feed back all integrative data to foster the omics-based systems medicine field.
      Hence, coupled to ecological genomics of gut microbial communities, foodomics may
      highlight health benefits from nutrients, dissecting diet-induced gut microbiota
      eubiosis mechanisms and significantly contributing to understand and prevent
      complex disease phenotypes. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Besides transcriptomics and
      proteomics there is a growing interest in applying metabolic profiling to food
      science for the development of functional foods. Indeed, one of the biggest
      challenges of modern nutrition is to propose a healthy diet to populations
      worldwide, intrinsically respecting the high inter-individual variability, driven
      by complex host/nutrients/microbiota/environment interactions. Therefore,
      metabolic profiling can assist at various levels for the development of
      functional foods, starting from screening for food composition to identification
      of new biomarkers to trace food intake. This current approach can support diet
      intervention strategies, epidemiological studies, and controlling of metabolic
      disorders worldwide spreading, hence ensuring healthy aging. With high-throughput
      molecular technologies driving foodomics, studying bidirectional interactions of
      host-microbial co-metabolism, innate immune development, dysfunctional nutrient
      absorption and processing, complex signaling pathways involved in nutritional
      metabolism, is now likely. In all cases, as microbiome pipeline efforts continue,
      it is possible that enhanced standardized protocols can be developed, which may
      lead to new testable biological and clinical hypotheses. This Review provides a
      comprehensive update on the current state-of-the-art of the integrated -omics
      route in food, microbiota and host co-metabolism studies, which may revolutionize
      the design of new dietary intervention strategies.

PMID- 27130535
TI  - Differential proteomic analysis of embryogenic lines in oil palm (Elaeis
      guineensis Jacq).
AB  - Oil palm tissue culture is one way to produce superior oil palm planting
      materials. However, the low rate of embryogenesis is a major hindrance for the
      adoption of this technology in oil palm tissue culture laboratories. In this
      study, we use proteomic technologies to compare differential protein profiles in
      leaves from palms of high and low proliferation rates in tissue culture in order
      to understand the underlying biological mechanism for the low level of
      embryogenesis. Two protein extraction methods, namely trichloroacetic
      acid/acetone precipitation and polyethylene glycol fractionation were used to
      produce total proteins and fractionated protein extracts respectively, with the
      aim of improving the resolution of protein species using two-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis. A total of 40 distinct differential abundant protein spots were
      selected from leaf samples collected from palms with proven high and low
      proliferation rates. The variant proteins were subsequently identified using mass
      spectrometric analysis. Twelve prominent protein spots were then characterised
      using real-time polymerase chain reaction to compare the mRNA expression and
      protein abundant profiles. Three proteins, namely triosephosphate isomerase, l
      ascorbate peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were identified to be potential
      biomarker candidates at both the protein abundant and mRNA expression levels.
      BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, proteomic analysis was used to identify
      abundant proteins from total protein extracts. PEG fractionation was used to
      reveal lower abundant proteins from both high and low proliferation embryogenic
      lines of oil palm samples in tissue culture. A total of 40 protein spots were
      found to be significant in abundance and the mRNA levels of 12 of these were
      assessed using real time PCR. Three proteins namely, triosephosphate isomerase, l
      ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase were found to be concordant in
      their mRNA expression and protein abundance. Triosephosphate isomerase is a key
      enzyme in glycolysis. Both l-ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase play a
      role in anti-oxidative scavenging defense systems. These proteins have potential
      for use as biomarkers to screen for high and low embryogenic oil palm samples.

PMID- 27130536
TI  - Chilling-responsive mechanisms in halophyte Puccinellia tenuiflora seedlings
      revealed from proteomics analysis.
AB  - Alkali grass (Puccinellia tenuiflora), a monocotyledonous perennial halophyte
      species, is a good pasture with great nutritional value for livestocks. It can
      thrive under low temperature in the saline-alkali soil of Songnen plain in
      northeastern China. In the present study, the chilling-responsive mechanism in P.
      tenuiflora leaves was investigated using physiological and proteomic approaches.
      After treatment of 10 degrees C for 10 and 20days, photosynthesis, biomass,
      contents of osmolytes and antioxidants, and activities of reactive oxygen species
      scavenging enzymes were analyzed in leaves of 20-day-old seedlings. Besides, 89
      chilling-responsive proteins were revealed from proteomic analysis. All the
      results highlighted that the growth of seedlings was inhibited due to chilling
      decreased enzymes in photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and energy
      supplying. The accumulation of osmolytes (i.e., proline, soluble sugar, and
      glycine betaine) and enhancement of ascorbate-glutathione cycle and glutathione
      peroxidase/glutathione S-transferase pathway in leaves could minimize oxidative
      damage of membrane and other molecules under the chilling conditions. In
      addition, protein synthesis and turnover in cytoplasm and chloroplast were
      altered to cope with the chilling stress. This study provides valuable
      information for understanding the chilling-responsive and cross-tolerant
      mechanisms in monocotyledonous halophyte plant species.

PMID- 27130537
TI  - First molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Anaplasma phagocytophilum
      in shelter dogs in Seoul, Korea.
AB  - In this study, the status of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection was assessed in
      shelter dogs in Seoul, Korea, with PCR and phylogenetic analyses. Nested PCR on
      1058 collected blood samples revealed only one A. phagocytophilum positive sample
      (female, age <1year, mixed breed, collected from the north of the Han River). The
      genetic variability of A. phagocytophilum was evaluated by genotyping, using the
      16S rRNA, groEL, and msp2 gene sequences of the positive sample. BLASTn analysis
      revealed that the 16S rRNA, groEL, and msp2 genes had 99.6%, 99.9%, and 100%
      identity with the following sequences deposited in GenBank: a cat 16S rRNA
      sequence from Korea (KR021166), a rat groEL sequence from Korea (KT220194), and a
      water deer msp2 sequence from Korea (HM752099), respectively. Phylogenetic
      analyses classified the groEL gene into two distinct groups (serine and alanine),
      whereas the msp2 gene showed a general classification into two groups (USA and
      Europe) that were further subgrouped according to region. To the best of our
      knowledge, this study is the first to describe the molecular diagnosis of A.
      phagocytophilum in dogs reared in Korea. In addition, the high genetic identity
      of the 16S rRNA and groEL sequences between humans and dogs from the same region
      suggests a possible epidemiological relation. Given the conditions of climate
      change, tick ecology, and recent incidence of human granulocytic anaplasmosis in
      Korea, the findings of this study underscore the need to establish appropriate
      control programs for tick-borne diseases in Korea.

PMID- 27130538
TI  - Prognostic Value of Focal Positive Surgical Margins After Radical Prostatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The significance of focal positive margins (FPMs) after radical
      prostatectomy (RP) is unclear. Our objective was to investigate the prognostic
      value of FPMs in patients undergoing RP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were
      analyzed retrospectively for 1733 patients with clinically localized prostate
      cancer who had undergone RP at our institution from December 2003 to March 2014
      without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. Positive surgical margins were
      characterized as FPMs (<= 3 mm long) or non-FPMs (> 3 mm long). Multivariate
      analysis of the clinicopathologic factors, including FPMs, was performed with
      respect to biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival. RESULTS: Of the 1733
      patients, 1260 (72.7%) had negative margins, 114 (6.6%) had a FPM, 218 (12.6%)
      had a nonfocal single positive margin (NFSPM), and 141 (8.1%) had nonfocal
      multiple positive margins (NFMPMs). Of the patients with pathologic T2 prostate
      cancer, 1065 (84.3%) had negative margins, 62 (4.9%) had 1 FPM, 104 (8.2%) had 1
      NFSPM, and 33 (2.6%) had NFMPMs. The 5-year BCR-free survival for patients with
      negative margins and FPMs was 90% and 83.4%, respectively. On multivariate
      analysis, the presence of a FPM was not a significant prognostic factor for BCR
      free survival in all the patients or in the patients with pathologic T2 disease
      (P = .458 and P = .512, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: FPMs after RP do not
      significantly affect BCR-free survival in patients with prostate cancer.

PMID- 27130540
TI  - Industrial halal meat production and animal welfare: A review.
AB  - Islam teaches zero-tolerance to all forms of animal abuse throughout the halal
      meat production supply chain and demands that when animals are slaughtered, they
      must be slaughtered in the mindful and attentive way espoused by the Prophet
      Muhammad. Why then are poor practices and animal welfare abuses still occurring
      during halal meat production, and how can they be reduced or eliminated? In this
      review we discuss how improvements might be achieved through: (1) training of
      staff regarding the religious and regulatory requirements of animal welfare from
      on-farm to slaughter; (2) empathy and compassion assessment of applicants prior
      to employment; (3) installation of CCTV cameras around lairage and slaughter
      sites; (4) regular employee follow-up training to minimise 'compassion fatigue';
      (5) incorporating animal welfare requirements in halal certification; (6) using
      mosque-based sermons by Imams to increase awareness of animal welfare issues; and
      (7) making portable humane slaughter units available to small cottage operations
      and home/neighbourhood-kills through mosque-based organizations/structures. 

PMID- 27130539
TI  - Feedback mechanisms control coexistence in a stem cell model of acute myeloid
      leukaemia.
AB  - Haematopoietic stem cell dynamics regulate healthy blood cell production and are
      disrupted during leukaemia. Competition models of cellular species help to
      elucidate stem cell dynamics in the bone marrow microenvironment (or niche), and
      to determine how these dynamics impact leukaemia progression. Here we develop two
      models that target acute myeloid leukaemia with particular focus on the
      mechanisms that control proliferation via feedback signalling. It is within
      regions of parameter space permissive of coexistence that the effects of
      competition are most subtle and the clinical outcome least certain. Steady state
      and linear stability analyses identify parameter regions that allow for
      coexistence to occur, and allow us to characterise behaviour near critical
      points. Where analytical expressions are no longer informative, we proceed
      statistically and sample parameter space over a coexistence region. We find that
      the rates of proliferation and differentiation of healthy progenitors exert key
      control over coexistence. We also show that inclusion of a regulatory feedback
      onto progenitor cells promotes healthy haematopoiesis at the expense of
      leukaemia, and that - somewhat paradoxically - within the coexistence region
      feedback increases the sensitivity of the system to dominance by one lineage over
      another.

PMID- 27130541
TI  - Cadmium Accumulation in Periphyton from an Abandoned Mining District in the
      Buffalo National River, Arkansas.
AB  - The Rush Mining District along the Buffalo River in Arkansas has a significant
      history of zinc and lead mining operations. The tails and spoils of these
      operations deposit heavy amounts of raw ore into streams. One element commonly
      found in the earth's crust that becomes a minor constituent of the deposition is
      cadmium. Periphyton samples from Rush Creek and Clabber Creek, two creeks within
      the Rush Mining District were measured for cadmium as well as two creeks with no
      history of mining, Spring Creek and Water Creek. Periphyton samples from Rush and
      Clabber Creek contained mean cadmium concentrations of 436.6 +/- 67.3 and 93.38
      +/- 8.67 ug/kg, respectively. Spring Creek and Water Creek had a mean cadmium
      concentration of 40.49 +/- 3.40 and 41.78 +/- 3.99 ug/kg within periphyton. The
      results indicate increased metal concentrations in algal communities from mined
      areas. As periphyton is the base of the aquatic food chain, it acts as a conduit
      for movement of cadmium in the food web. 

PMID- 27130542
TI  - Interventional Treatment for Post-traumatic Headache.
AB  - Post-traumatic headache (migraine) is the most common symptom of concussion and
      traumatic brain injury. An expert opinion-based review along with a literature
      review (PubMed) was conducted looking at known interventional procedures for post
      traumatic headache using the keywords post-traumatic headache, post-traumatic
      migraine headache, concussion, mild traumatic brain injury, and traumatic brain
      injury and the following categories: mechanism, pathophysiology, treatment,
      physical therapy, neurostimulation, Botox@/Onabotulinum toxin, and surgical
      intervention. The results returned a total of 181 articles of which 52 were
      selected. None of the articles included randomized placebo-controlled studies,
      and most were either prospective or retrospective case analysis and/or review
      articles or consensus opinion papers, with most studies yielding positive
      results. Despite a lack of hard evidence, interventional procedures, alone or in
      combination, appear to be an effective treatment for post-traumatic headaches. 

PMID- 27130543
TI  - Site- and species-specific hydrolysis rates of heroin.
AB  - The hydroxide-catalyzed non-enzymatic, simultaneous and consecutive hydrolyses of
      diacetylmorphine (DAM, heroin) are quantified in terms of 10 site- and species
      specific rate constants in connection with also 10 site- and species-specific
      acid-base equilibrium constants, comprising all the 12 coexisting species in
      solution. This characterization involves the major and minor decomposition
      pathways via 6-acetylmorphine and 3-acetylmorphine, respectively, and morphine,
      the final product. Hydrolysis has been found to be 18-120 times faster at site 3
      than at site 6, depending on the status of the amino group and the rest of the
      molecule. Nitrogen protonation accelerates the hydrolysis 5-6 times at site 3 and
      slightly less at site 6. Hydrolysis rate constants are interpreted in terms of
      intramolecular inductive effects and the concomitant local electron densities.
      Hydrolysis fraction, a new physico-chemical parameter is introduced and
      determined to quantify the contribution of the individual microspecies to the
      overall hydrolysis. Hydrolysis fractions are depicted as a function of pH. 

PMID- 27130544
TI  - In vitro photosafety and efficacy screening of apigenin, chrysin and beta
      carotene for UVA and VIS protection.
AB  - Currently most of sunscreens provide effective protection in the full UV range
      but lack VIS protection. The addition of effective antioxidants to sunscreens
      might afford suitable UV-VIS protection. Apigenin (API), chrysin (CRI) and beta
      carotene (BTC) have shown potential for UV-VIS protection. This paper reports a
      photosafety and efficacy screening of such antioxidants through evaluation of the
      photostability, photoreactivity and phototoxicity as well as UVA/UVB ratio and
      critical wavelength. The assessment of the photostability, photoreactivity and
      phototoxicity of API, CRI and BTC, isolated and combined (CMB) was performed by
      HPLC, ROS assay and 3T3 NRU phototoxicity test, respectively. The phototoxicity
      test was also performed for CMB plus bemotrizinol (BMZ). The in vitro evaluation
      of the UVA protection was assessed by the determination of the UVA/UVB ratio and
      the critical wavelength. The antioxidants API, CRI, BTC and CMB were stable under
      UVA/VIS and VIS light. However weak photoreactivity after UVA/VIS irradiation was
      observed for API, CRI and CMB in the ROS assay. In the 3T3 NRU phototoxicity
      test, phototoxic potential was observed for CRI, BTC, CMB and CMB+BMZ after
      UVA/VIS exposure, and for BTC and CMB after VIS exposure. BMZ reduced the
      phototoxic potential of CMB in the VIS range. In the in vitro evaluation of UVA
      protection API, CRI, BTC, CMB and CMB+BMZ presented ultra UVA protection (UVA/UVB
      ratio>0.9) and exhibited critical wavelength close to or above 370nm. In
      conclusion, the use of API, CRI, BTC and their CMB aiming skin photoprotection
      could be considered safer in the VIS range. Furthermore, API presented the best
      performance in the photosafety screening among the studied antioxidants, since it
      was photostable and non-phototoxic in UVA/VIS and photostable, non-photoreactive
      and non-phototoxic in VIS range. 

PMID- 27130545
TI  - High-dose green tea polyphenol intake decreases CYP3A expression in a liver
      specific manner with increases in blood substrate drug concentrations.
AB  - In recent years, the intake of functional foods containing high-doses of green
      tea polyphenols (GP) has been increasing. In this study, the long-term safety of
      high-dose GP was assessed from a pharmacokinetic point of view by focusing on the
      drug-metabolizing enzyme, cytochrome P450 (CYP). Mice were fed a diet containing
      3% GP for 4weeks, and the CYP expression levels and activity were determined. The
      GP-treated group showed a significant decrease in the hepatic CYP3A and an
      increase in the hepatic CYP2C expression compared with the control group. CYP1A,
      CYP2D, and CYP2E expression were not different between the GP-treated and the
      control groups. In the small intestine, there were no differences in the CYP3A
      protein levels between the groups. The increase in the plasma triazolam
      concentration in the GP-treated group was observed. Although no changes were
      found in the hepatic CYP3A levels in mice receiving a diet containing 0.1% GP for
      4weeks, a significant decrease was seen in the hepatic CYP3A level in mice
      receiving a diet containing 3% GP for only 1week. This study revealed that the
      intake of a high-dose GP results in a liver-specific decrease in the CYP3A
      expression level. The results also indicated that the effects of GP on CYP3A were
      not observed following the intake of a low-dose GP. In the future, caution should
      be taken in cases when functional foods containing a high-dose GP are
      concomitantly consumed with a CYP3A substrate drug. 

PMID- 27130547
TI  - Matrigel and Activin A promote cell-cell contact and anti-apoptotic activity in
      cultured human retinal pigment epithelium cells.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness among the
      aging population. Currently, replacement of diseased retinal pigment epithelium
      (RPE) cells with transplanted healthy RPE cells could be a feasible approach for
      AMD therapy. However, maintaining cell-cell contact and good viability of RPE
      cells cultured in vitro is difficult and fundamentally determines the success of
      RPE cell transplantation. This study was conducted to examine the role of
      Matrigel and Activin A (MA) in regulating cell-cell contact and anti-apoptotic
      activity in human RPE (hRPE) cells, as assessed by atomic force microscopy (AFM),
      scanning electron microscope (SEM), immunofluorescence staining, quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis, Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI)
      analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential (?Psi m) assays, intracellular
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays and Western blotting. hRPE cells cultured in
      vitro could maintain their epithelioid morphology after MA treatment over at
      least 4 passages. The contact of N-cadherin to the lateral cell border was
      promoted in hRPE cells at P2 by MA. MA treatment also enhanced the expression of
      tight junction-associated genes and proteins, such as Claudin-1, Claudin-3,
      Occludin and ZO-1, as well as polarized ZO-1 protein distribution and barrier
      function, in cultured hRPE cells. Moreover, MA treatment decreased apoptotic
      cells, ROS and Bax and increased ?Psi m and Bcl2 in hRPE cells under serum
      withdrawal-induced apoptosis. In addition, MA treatment elevated the protein
      expression levels of beta-catenin and its target proteins, including Cyclin D1, c
      Myc and Survivin, as well as the gene expression levels of ZO-1, beta-catenin,
      Survivin and TCF-4, all of which could be down-regulated by the Wnt/beta-catenin
      pathway inhibitor XAV-939. Taken together, MA treatment could effectively promote
      cell-cell contact and anti-apoptotic activity in hRPE cells, partly involving the
      Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. This study will benefit the understanding of hRPE cells
      and future cell therapy.

PMID- 27130548
TI  - CD123 immunohistochemistry for plasmacytoid dendritic cells is useful in the
      diagnosis of scarring alopecia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distinguishing types of lymphocytic scarring alopecia is often
      difficult because of the overlapping features. Recently, the presence of
      plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (LE) was
      demonstrated and further shown to help distinguish lupus from other dermatoses.1
      6 This study aims to determine if the presence and distribution of PDCs can aid
      in the diagnosis of scarring alopecia. METHODS: Cases of scarring alopecia due to
      chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE), lichen planopilaris (LPP) and
      central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) were examined
      histopathologically. A total of 45 total biopsies were evaluated and CD123
      immunohistochemistry was performed on all samples. The relative percentage of
      PDCs, the presence of clusters and the distribution of CD123+ cells were noted.
      RESULTS: PDCs comprised a greater percentage of the infiltrate and were arranged
      in clusters in cases of CCLE vs. LPP or CCCA. In CCLE, the location of PDCs was
      perivascular, perifollicular, perieccrine and/or at the follicular junction. In
      LPP and CCCA, PDCs were mainly arranged as single, interstitial cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the presence and arrangement of CD123+
      PDCs may assist in the diagnosis of scarring alopecia. We anticipate this will be
      of value in diagnosing challenging cases of highly inflammatory scarring
      alopecia.

PMID- 27130549
TI  - The Content and Quality of Health Information on the Internet for Patients and
      Families on Adult Kidney Cancer.
AB  - The Internet is one of the major sources for health information for patients and
      their families, particularly when patients face serious life-threatening
      conditions such as kidney cancer in adults. In this study, we evaluate the
      content and quality of health information on adult kidney cancer using several
      validated instruments. We accessed the three most popular search engines (Google,
      Yahoo, Bing), using two terms: "kidney cancer" and "renal cell carcinoma," and
      reviewed the top 30 hits. After exclusion of duplicated websites, websites
      targeting health care professionals, and unrelated websites, 35 websites were
      included. Content was assessed using a 22-item checklist adapted from the
      American Cancer Society. We assessed website quality using the DISCERN
      questionnaire, HONcode and JAMA benchmark criteria, readability using three
      readability scores, and ALEXA for global traffic ranking systems. The average
      website had 16 of 22 content items while 6 websites fulfilled all 22 items. Among
      all websites, the average DISCERN quality score was 42 out of 80, 15 (42.8 %) of
      websites had HONcode certification, and only 3 (8.5 %) fulfilled all JAMA
      benchmark criteria. The average website readability was at the ninth grade
      reading level. The content and quality of health-related information on the
      Internet for adult kidney cancer are variable in comprehensiveness and quality.
      Many websites are difficult to read without a high school education. A
      standardized approach to presenting cancer information on the Internet for
      patients and families may be warranted.

PMID- 27130550
TI  - Genomic evidence that resource-based trade-offs limit host-range expansion in a
      seed beetle.
AB  - Trade-offs have often been invoked to explain the evolution of ecological
      specialization. Phytophagous insects have been especially well studied, but there
      has been little evidence that resource-based trade-offs contribute to the
      evolution of host specialization in this group. Here, we combine experimental
      evolution and partial genome resequencing of replicate seed beetle selection
      lines to test the trade-off hypothesis and measure the repeatability of
      evolution. Bayesian estimates of selection coefficients suggest that rapid
      adaptation to a poor host (lentil) was mediated by standing genetic variation at
      multiple genetic loci and involved many of the same variants in replicate lines.
      Sublines that were then switched back to the ancestral host (mung bean) showed a
      more gradual and variable (less repeatable) loss of adaptation to lentil. We were
      able to obtain estimates of variance effective population sizes from genome-wide
      differences in allele frequencies within and between lines. These estimates were
      relatively large, which suggests that the contribution of genetic drift to the
      loss of adaptation following reversion was small. Instead, we find that some
      alleles that were favored on lentil were selected against during reversion on
      mung bean, consistent with the genetic trade-off hypothesis.

PMID- 27130546
TI  - ATP sensitive potassium channel openers: A new class of ocular hypotensive
      agents.
AB  - ATP sensitive potassium (KATP) channels connect the metabolic and energetic state
      of cells due to their sensitivity to ATP and ADP concentrations. KATP channels
      have been identified in multiple tissues and organs of the body including heart,
      pancreas, vascular smooth muscles and skeletal muscles. These channels are
      obligatory hetero-octamers and contain four sulfonylurea (SUR) and four potassium
      inward rectifier (Kir) subunits. Based on the particular type of SUR and Kir
      present, there are several tissue specific subtypes of KATP channels, each with
      their own unique set of functions. Recently, KATP channels have been reported in
      human and mouse ocular tissues. In ex vivo and in vivo model systems, KATP
      channel openers showed significant ocular hypotensive properties with no
      appearance of toxic side effects. Additionally, when used in conjunction with
      known intraocular pressure lowering drugs, an additive effect on IOP reduction
      was observed. These KATP channel openers have also been reported to protect the
      retinal ganglion cells during ischemic stress and glutamate induced toxicity
      suggesting a neuroprotective property for this drug class. Medications that are
      currently used for treating ocular hypertensive diseases like glaucoma do not
      directly protect the affected retinal cells, are sometimes ineffective and may
      show significant side effects. In light of this, KATP channel openers with both
      ocular hypotensive and neuroprotective properties, have the potential to develop
      into a new class of glaucoma therapeutics.

PMID- 27130551
TI  - Shear stress increases cytotoxicity and reduces transfection efficiency of
      liposomal gene delivery to CHO-S cells.
AB  - Animal cells in suspension experience shear stress in different situations such
      as in vivo due to hemodynamics, or in vitro due to agitation in large-scale
      bioreactors. Shear stress is known to affect cell physiology, including binding
      and uptake of extracellular cargo. In adherent cells the effects of exposure to
      shear stress on particle binding kinetics and uptake have been studied. There are
      however no reports on the effect of shear stress on extracellular cargo delivery
      to suspension cells. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of shear stress
      on transfection of CHO-S cells using Lipofectamine 2000 in a simple flow
      apparatus. Our results show decreased cell growth and transfection efficiency
      upon lipoplex assisted transfection of CHO-S while being subjected to shear
      stress. This effect is not seen to the same extent when cells are exposed to
      shear stress in absence of the lipoplex complex and subsequently transfected, or
      if the lipoplex is subjected to shear stress and subsequently used to transfect
      the cells. It is also not seen to the same extent when cells are exposed to shear
      stress in presence of liposome alone, suggesting that the observed effect is
      dependent on interaction of the lipoplex with cells in the presence of shear
      stress. These results suggest that studies involving liposomal DNA delivery in
      presence of shear stress such as large scale transient protein expression should
      account for the effect of shear during lipoplex assisted DNA delivery.

PMID- 27130553
TI  - Remembering David B. Knaff (1941-2016).
AB  - David Knaff began his scientific career in the Department of Cell Physiology at
      the University of California, Berkeley. At Berkeley, he worked on chloroplast
      electron carriers such as the cytochromes and plastocyanin and applied redox
      potentiometry to characterize these carriers in situ. He moved to Texas Tech
      University where he made major contributions in the study of ferredoxin-mediated
      reactions with chloroplast enzymes, most notably nitrite reductase. 

PMID- 27130554
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27130552
TI  - Chromosome conformation capture technologies and their impact in understanding
      genome function.
AB  - It has been more than a decade since the first chromosome conformation capture
      (3C) assay was described. The assay was originally devised to measure the
      frequency with which two genomic loci interact within the three-dimensional (3D)
      nuclear space. Over time, this method has evolved both qualitatively and
      quantitatively, from detection of pairwise interaction of two unique loci to
      generating maps for the global chromatin interactome. Combined with the analysis
      of the epigenetic chromatin context, these advances led to the unmasking of
      general genome folding principles. The evolution of 3C-based methods has been
      supported first by the revolution in ChIP and then by sequencing-based
      approaches, methods that were primarily tools to study the unidimensional genome.
      The gradual improvement of 3C-based methods illustrates how the field adapted to
      the need to gradually address more subtle questions, beginning with enquiries of
      reductionist nature to reach more holistic perspectives, as the technology
      advanced, in a process that is greatly improving our knowledge on genome behavior
      and regulation. Here, we describe the evolution of 3C and other 3C-based methods
      for the analysis of chromatin interactions, along with a brief summary of their
      contribution in uncovering the significance of the three-dimensional world within
      the nucleus. We also discuss their inherent limitations and caveats in order to
      provide a critical view of the power and the limits of this technology.

PMID- 27130556
TI  - Non-small cell lung carcinoma metastasis to the anus.
AB  - A 70-year-old man presenting with a lung mass was investigated and treated with
      pneumonectomy for adenocarcinoma of the lung. He re-presented 3 months later with
      a large perianal abscess and mass. Subsequent investigations and biopsies showed
      disseminated metastases from the lung primary. Immunohistochemical staining
      confirmed the nature of the anal metastasis from the lung adenocarcinoma. Lung
      cancer is notorious for metastases, hence it is important to be aware of the
      uncommon modes of spread, which will help obtain early diagnosis and optimise
      treatment. 

PMID- 27130557
TI  - Paradoxical embolism via a sinus venosus atrial septal defect causing an inferior
      ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in a 23-year-old woman.
AB  - Cerebrovascular accidents constitute the most frequent clinical manifestation of
      paradoxical embolism. However, it is becoming increasingly recognised that acute
      myocardial infarction is also an important and potentially life-threatening
      clinical manifestation of paradoxical embolism. Various intracardiac or pulmonary
      shunts can provide a convenient conduit for an embolus to traverse from the
      venous vasculature into the systemic circulation with potentially devastating
      consequences. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman presenting with chest
      pain and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who ultimately was found to
      have a sinus venosus atrial septal defect associated with both partial anomalous
      pulmonary venous drainage and a persistent left superior vena cava. 

PMID- 27130555
TI  - Regulation of allergic inflammation by the ectoenzyme E-NPP3 (CD203c) on
      basophils and mast cells.
AB  - Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is released from dying or damaged cells, as well
      as from activated cells. Once secreted, extracellular ATP induces several immune
      responses via P2X and P2Y receptors. Basophils and mast cells release ATP upon
      FcepsilonRI-crosslinking, and ATP activates basophils and mast cells in an
      autocrine manner. Nucleotide-converting ectoenzymes, such as E-NTPD1, E-NTPD7,
      and E-NPP3, inhibit ATP-dependent immune responses by hydrolyzing ATP, thereby
      contributing to immune response regulation. E-NPP3 is a well-known activation
      marker for human basophils. E-NPP3's physiologic function has recently been
      disclosed in mice. E-NPP3 is rapidly induced on basophils and mast cells after
      FcepsilonRI-crosslinking and hydrolyzes extracellular ATP on cell surfaces to
      prevent ATP-dependent excess activation of basophils and mast cells. In the
      absence of E-NPP3, basophils and mast cells are overactivated and mice suffer
      from severe chronic allergic inflammation. Thus, the ATP-hydrolyzing ectoenzymes
      E-NPP3 has a nonnegligible role in the regulation of basophil- and mast cell
      mediated allergic responses.

PMID- 27130558
TI  - Persistent bone marrow depression following short-term treatment with
      temozolomide.
AB  - Temozolomide (TMZ) is, in combination with radiotherapy (RT), the treatment of
      choice for glioblastoma multiforme. Although generally well tolerated,
      haematological side effects are observed in approximately 1-10% of patients
      receiving TMZ. We report a case of a patient who developed severe bone marrow
      failure (BMF) after only 3 weeks of concomitant TMZ. The BMF was grave with no
      signs of improvement for 12 months, resulting in more than 100 transfusions of
      blood cells. 

PMID- 27130559
TI  - Three hundred and eight nanometer excimer light therapy for alopecia universalis
      that is resistant to other treatments: A clinical study of 11 patients.
AB  - Three hundred and eight nanometer excimer light therapy has recently been
      reported to be effective against patchy alopecia areata (AA) in several clinical
      studies. However, these studies only included a few patients with severe forms of
      AA, and all of them exhibited poor outcomes. We further investigated the use of
      excimer light as a therapeutic option for cases of alopecia universalis (AU) that
      are resistant to other treatments. Eleven treatment-resistant AU patients were
      treated with a 308-nm excimer light at 2-week intervals for more than 16
      sessions. Four patients achieved good responses and two patients exhibited poor
      responses. Three patients had Japanese skin type 1 and all of them achieved good
      responses. The radiation dose was increased until the patients exhibited marked
      erythema. The patients with Japanese skin type 3 who achieved good responses
      exhibited strong pigmentation at the irradiated sites. In conclusion, 308-nm
      excimer light therapy has significant effects on some AU patients who are
      resistant to other treatments and may be an alternative therapeutic option for
      AU. During the treatment of AU, high doses of radiation should be administrated
      until a strong inflammatory skin reaction is seen.

PMID- 27130561
TI  - Improved free energy profile for reduction of NO in cytochrome c dependent nitric
      oxide reductase (cNOR).
AB  - Quantum chemical calculations play an essential role in the elucidation of
      reaction mechanisms for redox-active metalloenzymes. For example, the cleavage
      and the formation of covalent bonds can usually not be described only on the
      basis of experimental information, but can be followed by the calculations.
      Conversely, there are properties, like reduction potentials, which cannot be
      accurately calculated. Therefore, computational and experimental data has to be
      carefully combined to obtain reliable descriptions of entire catalytic cycles
      involving electron and proton uptake from donors outside the enzyme. Such a
      procedure is illustrated here, for the reduction of nitric oxide (NO) to nitrous
      oxide and water in the membrane enzyme, cytochrome c dependent nitric oxide
      reductase (cNOR). A surprising experimental observation is that this reaction is
      nonelectrogenic, which means that no energy is conserved. On the basis of hybrid
      density functional calculations a free energy profile for the entire catalytic
      cycle is obtained, which agrees much better with experimental information on the
      active site reduction potentials than previous ones. Most importantly the energy
      profile shows that the reduction steps are endergonic and that the entire process
      is rate-limited by high proton uptake barriers during the reduction steps. This
      result implies that, if the reaction were electrogenic, it would become too slow
      when the gradient is present across the membrane. This explains why this enzyme
      does not conserve any of the free energy released. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27130560
TI  - Impact of metformin on metastases in patients with breast cancer and type 2
      diabetes.
AB  - AIM: To analyze the impact of glucose-lowering drugs on metastases in women
      living in Germany who have been diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) and type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Women initially diagnosed with BC (2004-2013)
      were identified in the IMS Disease Analyzer database. Patients with a
      documentation of metastases at index date or during the following six months were
      excluded. We selected T2DM women between 40 and 90years of age who received
      glucose-lowering therapy (metformin, sulfonylureas, incretins, insulins, other
      medications). The primary outcome was the diagnosis of metastases recorded in the
      database between the index date and the end of follow-up. A multivariate Cox
      regression model was used to predict BC metastases on the basis of patient
      characteristics and glucose-lowering medication. RESULTS: A total of 4,953 women
      with BC and diabetes were included in the study. The mean age was 71.4years and
      4.7% of patients had private health insurance coverage. Mean HbA1C was 7.1% and
      mean BMI was 30.6kg/m(2). After 5years follow-up, 9.2% of patients with metformin
      and 12.3% of patients without exhibited metastases (log-rank p-value=0.011),
      whereas 6.2% of patients with incretins and 11.0% of patients without incretins
      exhibited metastases (both log-rank p-values <0.001). Metformin (HR=0.73, 95% CI:
      0.58-0.92) and incretins (HR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.45-0.84) both significantly
      decreased the risk of metastases. None of the other variables were significantly
      associated with diagnosis of metastases. CONCLUSION: The use of metformin and
      incretins in women with T2DM and BC may reduce the risk of metastases.

PMID- 27130563
TI  - Neural activity during object perception in schizophrenia patients is associated
      with illness duration and affective symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in visual processes have been observed in schizophrenia
      patients and have been associated with alteration of the lateral occipital
      complex and visual cortex. However, the relationship of these abnormalities with
      clinical symptomatology is largely unknown. METHODS: We investigated the brain
      activity associated with object perception in schizophrenia. Pictures of common
      objects were presented to 26 healthy participants (age=36.9; 11 females) and 20
      schizophrenia patients (age=39.9; 8 females) in an fMRI study. RESULTS: In the
      healthy sample the presentation of pictures yielded significant activation (pFWE
      (cluster)<0.001) of the bilateral fusiform gyrus, bilateral lingual gyrus, and
      bilateral middle occipital gyrus. In patients, the bilateral fusiform gyrus and
      bilateral lingual gyrus were significantly activated (pFWE (cluster)<0.001), but
      not so the middle occipital gyrus. However, significant bilateral activation of
      the middle occipital gyrus (pFWE (cluster)<0.05) was revealed when illness
      duration was controlled for. Depression was significantly associated with
      increased activation, and anxiety with decreased activation, of the right middle
      occipital gyrus and several other brain areas in the patient group. No
      association with positive or negative symptoms was revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Illness
      duration accounts for the weak activation of the middle occipital gyrus in
      patients during picture presentation. Affective symptoms, but not positive or
      negative symptoms, influence the activation of the right middle occipital gyrus
      and other brain areas.

PMID- 27130562
TI  - Metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGlu3; mGluR3; GRM3) in schizophrenia:
      Antibody characterisation and a semi-quantitative western blot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (mGlu3, mGluR3), encoded by GRM3,
      is a risk gene for schizophrenia and a therapeutic target. It is unclear whether
      expression of the receptor is altered in the disorder or related to GRM3 risk
      genotype. Antibodies used to date to assess mGlu3 in schizophrenia have not been
      well validated. OBJECTIVE: To characterise six commercially available anti-mGlu3
      antibodies for use in human brain, and then conduct a semi-quantitative study of
      mGlu3 immunoreactivity in schizophrenia. METHODS: Antibodies tested using Grm3-/-
      and Grm2-/-/3-/- mice and transfected HEK293T/17 cells. Western blotting on
      membrane protein isolated from superior temporal cortex of 70 patients with
      schizophrenia and 87 healthy comparison subjects, genotyped for GRM3 SNP
      rs10234440. RESULTS: One (out of six) anti-mGlu3 antibodies was fully validated,
      a C-terminal antibody which detected monomeric (~100kDa) and dimeric (~200kDa)
      mGlu3. A second, N-terminal, antibody detected the 200kDa band but also produced
      non-specific bands. Using the C-terminal antibody for western blotting in human
      brain, mGlu3 immunoreactivity was found to decline with age, and was affected by
      pH and post mortem interval. There were no differences in monomeric or dimeric
      mGlu3 immunoreactivity in schizophrenia or in relation to GRM3 genotype. The
      antibody was not suitable for immunohistochemistry. INTERPRETATION: These data
      highlight the value of knockout mouse tissue for antibody validation, and the
      need for careful antibody characterisation. The schizophrenia data show that
      involvement of GRM3 in the disorder and its genetic risk architecture is not
      reflected in total membrane mGlu3 immunoreactivity in superior temporal cortex.

PMID- 27130565
TI  - Elevated TREM2 mRNA expression in leukocytes in schizophrenia but not major
      depressive disorder.
AB  - The pathological mechanisms of schizophrenia (SCZ) have not been clarified, but
      the microglia hypothesis has recently been discussed. We previously reported that
      the mRNA for a protein related to activation of microglia, triggering receptor
      expressed on myeloid cell 2 (TREM2), is expressed higher in peripheral leukocytes
      in SCZ than controls. In this study, we analyzed TREM2 mRNA expression in
      leukocytes from both SCZ and major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. We
      compared 50 SCZ patients and 42 MDD patients with age-matched controls. Levels of
      TREM2 mRNA in leukocytes were analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR method
      using TaqMan probe. TREM2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in leukocytes
      of SCZ subjects than controls, but the expression level was non-significantly
      different in MDD subjects. We observed a decrease in TREM2 mRNA expression in
      leukocytes from one SCZ patient after clozapine treatment. The expression did not
      change following ECT, but the expression level in this patient was still
      significantly higher than that in controls. We conclude that the high amount of
      TREM2 mRNA expression in leukocytes is specific to SCZ but not MDD and that
      changes in TREM2 mRNA expression may be a trait biomarker for SCZ.

PMID- 27130564
TI  - Neurophysiologic markers of primary motor cortex for laryngeal muscles and
      premotor cortex in caudal opercular part of inferior frontal gyrus investigated
      in motor speech disorder: a navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
      study.
AB  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation studies have so far reported the results of
      mapping the primary motor cortex (M1) for hand and tongue muscles in stuttering
      disorder. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of repetitive
      navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for locating the M1 for
      laryngeal muscle and premotor cortical area in the caudal opercular part of
      inferior frontal gyrus, corresponding to Broca's area in stuttering subjects by
      applying new methodology for mapping these motor speech areas. Sixteen stuttering
      and eleven control subjects underwent rTMS motor speech mapping using modified
      patterned rTMS. The subjects performed visual object naming task during rTMS
      applied to the (a) left M1 for laryngeal muscles for recording corticobulbar
      motor-evoked potentials (CoMEP) from cricothyroid muscle and (b) left premotor
      cortical area in the caudal opercular part of inferior frontal gyrus while
      recording long latency responses (LLR) from cricothyroid muscle. The latency of
      CoMEP in control subjects was 11.75 +/- 2.07 ms and CoMEP amplitude was 294.47 +/
      208.87 uV, and in stuttering subjects CoMEP latency was 12.13 +/- 0.75 ms and
      504.64 +/- 487.93 uV CoMEP amplitude. The latency of LLR in control subjects was
      52.8 +/- 8.6 ms and 54.95 +/- 4.86 in stuttering subjects. No significant
      differences were found in CoMEP latency, CoMEP amplitude, and LLR latency between
      stuttering and control-fluent speakers. These results indicate there are probably
      no differences in stuttering compared to controls in functional anatomy of the
      pathway used for transmission of information from premotor cortex to the M1
      cortices for laryngeal muscle representation and from there via corticobulbar
      tract to laryngeal muscles.

PMID- 27130566
TI  - [Role of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in the
      diagnosis of mediastinal tuberculosis].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mediastinal tuberculosis (TB) is rare and a diagnostic challenge.
      Transbronchial needle aspiration guided by endoscopic ultrasonography (EBUS-TBNA)
      is an essential tool for staging and diagnosing patients with lung cancer but to
      date there are no studies in our environment evaluating its efficacy in
      mediastinal TB. METHODS: Patients with a final diagnosis of isolated
      intrathoracic tuberculous lymphadenitis over a 6-year period were included. We
      analyzed the cases on whom EBUS-TBNA was performed. RESULTS: Forty-six patients
      with mediastinal lymphadenopathy without pulmonary involvement were identified
      and 29 underwent EBUS-TBNA. In 28 of 29 patients (96.6%) EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic
      and cytological findings confirmed granulomas in 93% of cases. Microbiological
      investigation revealed positive TB culture in 14 (48.2%) and positive PCR for
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 30% of cases on whom it was carried out. Eighty
      four per cent of the patients were immigrants and when compared with the native
      population we found statistical differences in immune status and culture yield.
      CONCLUSION: EBUS-TBNA is a safe and effective technique in the diagnosis of
      patients with suspected mediastinal TB.

PMID- 27130567
TI  - "Current thinking" articles in BJOMS: are they for everyone?

PMID- 27130568
TI  - Influence of deprivation on health-related quality of life of patients with
      cancer of the head and neck in Merseyside and Cheshire.
AB  - The incidence of cancer of the head and neck, and the outcome of treatment in
      terms of survival and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), is linked to
      deprivation. We have explored the association of social deprivation with HRQoL
      and with fear of recurrence in patients treated for cancer of the head and neck
      in Merseyside and Cheshire. In 2013, we posted cross-sectional surveys to 805
      patients treated for oral, oropharyngeal, or laryngeal tumours. We used the
      University of Washington quality of life score (UW-QoLv4) to measure HRQoL, a 7
      item questionnaire to measure fear of recurrence, and the 2010 Index of Multiple
      Deprivation (IMD) to measure deprivation. There was a 60% (448) response to the
      survey, with response ranging from 52% (167/322) from those living in the most
      deprived national quartile of residential areas to 74% (110/148) living in the
      least deprived quartile. Relative to the national distribution, the sample was
      notably deprived as 37% (167/448) lived in the most deprived quartile. After
      adjusting for clinical and personal characteristics, the results suggest a
      residual association between deprivation and overall quality of life (QoL),
      particularly socioemotional function. The association seemed weaker in regard to
      fear of recurrence and physical function. Our findings emphasise the need to
      explore ways to encourage more patients to attend follow-up appointments as this
      might improve their QoL, reduce distress, and help them to improve their life
      style. It could also have an impact on survival. 

PMID- 27130569
TI  - Electrochemical treatment: an effective way of dealing with extensive venous
      malformations of the oral and cervicofacial region.
AB  - We describe the results of electrochemical treatment of extensive venous
      malformations in the oral and cervicofacial region in 29 patients. Platinum
      needles were inserted into the lesions under general or local anaesthesia, the
      electrode pitch, voltage, current, and quantity of electricity being 1-1.5cm, 5
      8V, 40-60mA, and 50-60C/cm(2), respectively. Six months after the treatment, 26
      patients had been cured, and in the other three the lesions had decreased by more
      than 75%. Electrochemical treatment is therefore relatively safe, simple, and
      highly efficient for the treatment of extensive venous malformations, and leaves
      no scars. 

PMID- 27130570
TI  - Autologous chondrocytes as a novel source for neo-chondrogenesis in
      haemophiliacs.
AB  - Haemophilic arthropathy is the major cause of disability in patients with
      haemophilia and, despite prophylaxis with coagulation factor concentrates, some
      patients still develop articular complications. We evaluate the feasibility of a
      tissue engineering approach to improve current clinical strategies for cartilage
      regeneration in haemophiliacs by using autologous chondrocytes (haemophilic
      chondrocytes; HaeCs). Little is known about articular chondrocytes from
      haemophilic patients and no characterisation has as yet been performed. An
      investigation into whether blood exposure alters HaeCs should be interesting from
      the perspective of autologous implants. The typical morphology and expression of
      specific target genes and surface markers were therefore assessed by optical
      microscopy, reverse transcription plus the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real
      time PCR and flow-cytometry. We then considered chondrocyte behaviour on a bio
      hybrid scaffold (based on polyvinyl alcohol/Wharton's jelly) as an in vitro model
      of articular cartilage prosthesis. Articular chondrocytes from non-haemophilic
      donors were used as controls. HaeC morphology and the resulting immunophenotype
      CD44(+)/CD49c(+)/CD49e(+)/CD151(+)/CD73(+)/CD49f(-)/CD26(-) resembled those of
      healthy donors. Moreover, HaeCs were active in the transcription of genes
      involved in the synthesis of the extracellular matrix proteins of the articular
      cartilage (ACAN, COL1A, COL2A, COL10A, COL9A, COMP, HAS1, SOX9), although the
      over-expression of COL1A1, COL10A1, COMP and HAS was observed. In parallel, the
      composite scaffold showed adequate mechanical and biological properties for
      cartilage tissue engineering, promoting chondrocyte proliferation. Our
      preliminary evidence contributes to the characterisation of HaeCs, highlighting
      the opportunity of using them for autologous cartilage implants in patients with
      haemophilia.

PMID- 27130572
TI  - Retraction Note To: Expression of SOCS2 mRNA and protein in the ischemic core and
      penumbra after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

PMID- 27130571
TI  - Differentiation of human adipose stromal cells in vitro into insulin-sensitive
      adipocytes.
AB  - Adipose tissue-related diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes are worldwide
      epidemics. In order to develop adipose tissue cultures in vitro that mimic more
      faithfully the in vivo physiology, new well-characterized and publicly accepted
      differentiation methods of human adipose stem cells are needed. The aims of this
      study are (1) to improve the existing natural adipose tissue extract (ATE)-based
      induction method and (2) to study the effects of a differentiation method on
      insulin responsiveness of the resulting adipocytes. Different induction media
      were applied on human adipose stromal cell (hASC) monocultures to study the
      differentiation capacity of the induction media and the functionality of the
      differentiated adipocytes. Cells were differentiated for 14 days to assess
      triglyceride accumulation per cell and adipocyte-specific gene expression
      (PPARgamma, adiponectin, AP2, leptin, Glut4, Prdm16, CIDEA, PGC1-alpha, RIP140,
      UCP and ADCY5). Insulin response was studied by measuring glucose uptake and
      inhibition of lipolysis after incubation with 100 or 500 nM insulin. The selected
      differentiation method included a 3-day induction with ATE, 6 days in serum-free
      medium supplemented with 1.15 MUM insulin and 9.06 MUM Troglitazone, followed by
      4 days in a defined serum- and insulin-free stimulation medium. This protocol
      induced prominent general adipocyte gene expression, including markers for both
      brown and white adipocytes and triglyceride accumulation. Moreover, the cells
      were sensitive to insulin as observed from increased glucose uptake and
      inhibition of lipolysis. This differentiation protocol provides a promising
      approach for the induction of hASC adipogenesis to obtain functional and mature
      human adipocytes.

PMID- 27130573
TI  - Factors Influencing Child Feeding Practices Related to Home Fortification With
      Micronutrient Powder Among Caregivers of Under-5 Children in Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anemia is a major public health concern in Bangladesh, affecting
      about 51% of under-5 children. There are a number of strategies to overcome this
      micronutrient-deficiency burden, and home fortification (HF) with micronutrient
      powder (MNP) is one of them. OBJECTIVE: As part of an evaluation of an HF with
      MNP intervention program, we conducted a qualitative study to understand the
      factors influencing demand, purchase, and utilization of MNP by caregivers of
      under-5 children. METHODS: We purposively selected study participants from 5
      subdistricts and 1 urban slum in Bangladesh where HF with Pushtikona (a brand
      name of MNP) program is available. Data were collected through household
      observations and conducting in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with
      caregivers, grandmothers, and fathers of under-5 children. RESULTS: Our study
      showed that caregivers were initially cautious, using Pushtikona on a trial
      basis, and afterward they employed various strategies to get their children to
      eat food fortified with Pushtikona. Barriers to acceptance and use of Pushtikona
      included inappropriate initiation of complementary feeding, discouragement from
      influential family members as well as miscommunication, conflicting information,
      and irregular visits by the health workers who sell Pushtikona to caregivers.
      Based on these findings, we characterized the users of Pushtikona as regular,
      ever, irregular, and never. CONCLUSION: The evidence suggests that focusing on
      counseling caregivers and other family members on the importance of MNP and on
      age-appropriate feeding practices will be critical to the success of this
      intervention program as will regular visits by health workers and improved
      service delivery.

PMID- 27130574
TI  - "There's No Place Like Home": A Scoping Review on the Impact of Homelike
      Residential Care Models on Resident-, Family-, and Staff-Related Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is increasing emphasis on promoting "homelike" residential care
      models enabling care-dependent people to continue living in a self-determined
      manner. Yet, little is known about the outcomes of homelike residential care
      models. PURPOSE: We aimed to (1) identify homelike residential care models for
      older care-dependent people with and without dementia, and (2) explore the impact
      of these models on resident-, family-, and staff-related outcomes. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: We applied a scoping review method and conducted a comprehensive
      literature search in PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL in May 2015. RESULTS: We included
      14 studies, reported in 21 articles. Studies were conducted between 1994 and
      2014, most using a quasi-experimental design and comparing the Eden Alternative
      (n = 5), nondementia-specific small houses (eg Green House homes) (n = 2), and
      dementia-specific small houses (n = 7) with usual care in traditional nursing
      homes. The studies revealed evidence of benefit related to physical functioning
      of residents living in dementia-specific small houses and satisfaction with care
      of residents living in nondementia-specific small houses compared with those
      living in traditional nursing homes. We did not find other significant benefits
      related to physical and psychosocial outcomes of residents, or in family- and
      staff-related outcomes. IMPLICATIONS: The current evidence on homelike
      residential care models is limited. Comparative-effectiveness research building
      on a clear theoretical framework and/or logic model and including a standardized
      set of resident-, family-, and staff-related outcomes, as well as cost
      evaluation, is needed to provide a stronger evidence base to justify the uptake
      of more homelike residential care models.

PMID- 27130575
TI  - Hemodynamic aspects of normal human feto-placental (umbilical) circulation.
AB  - Understanding the changes in normal circulatory dynamics that occur during the
      course of pregnancy is essential for improving our knowledge of
      pathophysiological mechanisms associated with feto-placental diseases. The
      umbilical circulation is the lifeline of the fetus, and it is accessible for
      noninvasive assessment. However, not all hemodynamic parameters can be reliably
      measured in utero using currently available technology. Experimental animal
      studies have been crucial in validating major concepts related to feto-placental
      circulatory physiology, but caution is required in directly translating the
      findings of such studies into humans due to species differences. Furthermore, it
      is important to establish normal reference ranges and take into account
      gestational age associated changes while interpreting the results of clinical
      investigation. Therefore, it is necessary to critically evaluate, synthesize and
      summarize the knowledge available from the studies performed on human pregnancies
      to be able to appropriately apply them in clinical practice. This narrative
      review is an attempt to present contemporary concepts on hemodynamics of feto
      placental circulation based on human studies.

PMID- 27130576
TI  - Considering the survivorship care needs of head and neck cancer survivors.

PMID- 27130578
TI  - Misclassification of Antiretroviral Treatment Failure Using WHO 2006 and
      2010/2013 Immunologic Criteria in HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents in
      Western Kenya.
AB  - We evaluated treatment failure misclassification in human immunodeficiency virus
      infected Kenyan children whose targeted viral loads were determined after
      suspected immunologic/clinical failure according to 2006 and 2010/2013 World
      Health Organization guidelines. The misclassification rate was 21% for the 2006
      guidelines and 46% for the 2010/2013 guidelines, which supports current
      recommendations for routine viral load monitoring but not necessarily the
      proposed CD4 thresholds.

PMID- 27130579
TI  - How well do patients and providers agree on the severity of dyspnea?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the severity of patients' dyspnea is critical to avoid
      under- or overtreatment of patients with acute cardiopulmonary conditions.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between dyspnea assessment by patients and
      healthcare providers and to explore which factors contribute to discordance in
      assessment. DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective study of patients
      hospitalized for acute cardiopulmonary diseases at an urban teaching hospital.
      INTERVENTION AND MEASUREMENTS: A numerical rating scale (0-10) was used to assess
      dyspnea severity as perceived by patients and assessed by providers. Agreement
      was defined as a score within +/-1 between patient and healthcare provider;
      differences of >=2 points were considered over- or underestimations. The
      relationship between patient self-perceived dyspnea severity and provider rating
      was assessed using a weighted kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Of the 138 patients
      enrolled, 33% had a diagnosis of heart failure, 30% chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, and 13% pneumonia; median age was 72 years, and 57% were women. In all,
      96 patient-physician and 138 patient-nurses pairs were included in the study. The
      kappa coefficient for agreement was 0.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01 to
      0.21) between patients and physicians and 0.18 (95% CI: 0.12 to 0.24) between
      patients and nurses. Physicians underestimated patients' dyspnea 37.9% of the
      time and overestimated it 25.8% of the time, whereas nurses underestimated it
      43.5% of the time and overestimated it 12.4% of the time. Admitting diagnosis was
      the only patient factor associated with discordance. CONCLUSIONS: Agreement
      between patient perception of dyspnea and healthcare providers' assessment is
      low. Future studies should prospectively test whether routine assessment of
      dyspnea results in better patient outcomes. Journal of Hospital Medicine
      2016;11:701-707. (c) 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.

PMID- 27130580
TI  - Zirconium-doped magnetic microspheres for the selective enrichment of cis-diol
      containing ribonucleosides.
AB  - Zirconium-doped magnetic microspheres (Zr-Fe3O4) for the selective enrichment of
      cis-diol-containing biomolecules were easily synthesized via a one-step
      hydrothermal method. Characterization of the microspheres revealed that zirconium
      was successfully doped into the lattice of Fe3O4 at a doping level of 4.0 at%. Zr
      Fe3O4 possessed good magnetic properties and high specificity towards cis-diol
      molecules, as shown using 28 compounds. For ribonucleosides, the adsorbent not
      only has favorable anti-interferential abilities but also has a high adsorption
      capacity up to 159.4MUmol/g. As an example of a real application, four
      ribonucleosides in urine were efficiently enriched and detected via magnetic
      solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography. Under
      the optimized extraction conditions, the detection limits were determined to be
      between 0.005 and 0.017MUg/mL, and the linearities ranged from 0.02 to 5.00MUg/mL
      (R>=0.996) for these analytes. The accuracy of the analytical method was examined
      by studying the relative recoveries of the analytes in real urine samples, with
      recoveries varying from 77.8% to 119.6% (RSDs<10.6%, n=6). The results indicate
      that Zr-Fe3O4 is a suitable adsorbent for the analysis of cis-diol-containing
      biomolecules in practical applications. 

PMID- 27130581
TI  - Mono- and polyprotic buffer systems in anion exchange chromatography of influenza
      virus particles.
AB  - Different ions typically used in downstream processing of biologicals are
      evaluated for their potential in anion exchange chromatography of an industrially
      produced, pandemic influenza H1N1 virus. Capacity, selectivity and recovery are
      investigated based on single step elution parallel chromatography experiments.
      The inactivated H1N1 feedstream is produced in Madin-Darby Bovine Kidney cells.
      Interesting effects are found for sodium phosphate and sodium citrate. Both
      anions are triprotic kosmotropes. Anion exchange chromatography generally offers
      high scalability to satisfy sudden demands for vaccines, which may occur in case
      of an emerging influenza outbreak. Appropriate pH conditions for H1N1 adsorption
      are determined by Zeta potential measurements. The dynamic binding capacity of a
      salt tolerant polyamine-type resin is up to 6.4 times greater than the capacity
      of a grafted Q-type resin. Pseudo-affinity interactions of polyamines with the M2
      protein of influenza may contribute to the obtained capacity increase. Both
      resins achieve greater capacity in sodium phosphate buffer compared to Tris/HCl.
      A recovery of 67% and DNA clearance close to 100% without DNAse treatment are
      achieved for the Q-type resin. Recovery of the virus from the salt tolerant resin
      requires the use of polyprotic acids in the elution buffer. 85% of the DNA and
      60% of the proteins can be removed by the salt tolerant resin. The presence of
      sodium phosphate during anion exchange chromatography seems to support stability
      of the H1N1 particles in presence of hydrophobic cations. 

PMID- 27130577
TI  - Computational neurorehabilitation: modeling plasticity and learning to predict
      recovery.
AB  - Despite progress in using computational approaches to inform medicine and
      neuroscience in the last 30 years, there have been few attempts to model the
      mechanisms underlying sensorimotor rehabilitation. We argue that a fundamental
      understanding of neurologic recovery, and as a result accurate predictions at the
      individual level, will be facilitated by developing computational models of the
      salient neural processes, including plasticity and learning systems of the brain,
      and integrating them into a context specific to rehabilitation. Here, we
      therefore discuss Computational Neurorehabilitation, a newly emerging field aimed
      at modeling plasticity and motor learning to understand and improve movement
      recovery of individuals with neurologic impairment. We first explain how the
      emergence of robotics and wearable sensors for rehabilitation is providing data
      that make development and testing of such models increasingly feasible. We then
      review key aspects of plasticity and motor learning that such models will
      incorporate. We proceed by discussing how computational neurorehabilitation
      models relate to the current benchmark in rehabilitation modeling - regression
      based, prognostic modeling. We then critically discuss the first computational
      neurorehabilitation models, which have primarily focused on modeling
      rehabilitation of the upper extremity after stroke, and show how even simple
      models have produced novel ideas for future investigation. Finally, we conclude
      with key directions for future research, anticipating that soon we will see the
      emergence of mechanistic models of motor recovery that are informed by clinical
      imaging results and driven by the actual movement content of rehabilitation
      therapy as well as wearable sensor-based records of daily activity.

PMID- 27130582
TI  - Multi-podant diglycolamides and room temperature ionic liquid impregnated resins:
      An excellent combination for extraction chromatography of actinides.
AB  - Extraction chromatography resins, prepared by impregnating two multi-podant
      diglycolamide ligands, viz. diglycolamide-functionalized calix[4]arene (C4DGA)
      and tripodal diglycolamide (T-DGA) dissolved in the room temperature ionic liquid
      1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (RTIL: C4mimTf2N)
      on Chromosorb-W (an inert solid support), gave excellent results for the removal
      of trivalent actinides from acidic waste solutions. Distribution coefficient
      measurements on several metal ions showed selective sorption of Am(III) over
      hexavalent uranyl ions and other fission product elements such as strontium and
      cesium. The sorbed metal ions could be efficiently desorbed with a complexing
      solution containing guanidine carbonate and EDTA buffer. The sorption of Am(III)
      on both resins followed pseudo-second order rate kinetics with rate constants of
      1.37*10(-6) and 6.88*10(-7)g/cpmmin for T-DGA and C4DGA resins, respectively. The
      metal sorption on both resins indicated the Langmuir monolayer chemisorption
      phenomenon with Eu(III) sorption capacities of 4.83+/-0.21 and 0.52+/-0.05mg per
      g of T-DGA and C4DGA resins, respectively. The results of column studies show
      that these resins are of interest for a possible application for the recovery of
      hazardous trivalent actinides from dilute aqueous solutions. 

PMID- 27130583
TI  - High performance solid-phase extraction cleanup method coupled with gas
      chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry for analysis of
      polychlorinated naphthalenes and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in complex
      samples.
AB  - A solid-phase extraction (SPE) cleanup method was developed to purify the sample
      extracts for the analysis of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and dioxin-like
      polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs). Monodisperse magnesium oxide (MgO)
      microspheres and basic alumina were used as SPE adsorbents. Important parameters
      of the SPE procedure were optimized, including the amount of basic alumina and
      the type and volume of the washing and elution solvents. The optimized SPE
      cleanup method exhibited excellent purification performance for the removal of
      organochlorinated compounds, lipid compounds, sulfur, and pigments. Additionally,
      it was found that the retention activities of congeners differed with the number
      and position of the chlorine substituents in PCNs. In this study, an analytical
      method based on a combination of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) coupled
      with SPE cleanup and gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC
      MS/MS) is proposed for the analysis of PCNs and dl-PCBs in complex samples
      (sediment, pine needle, and scallop samples). The analytical method demonstrates
      good linearity, acceptable recovery (63-148%) and precision (relative standard
      deviations less than 26%). The limits of detection (LODs) of PCN and dl-PCB
      congeners were in the range of 0.6-19.1pgg(-1) and 0.4-8.6pgg(-1), respectively.
      The PCNs and dl-PCBs levels in these samples ranged from 0.16 to 3.07ngg(-1) dry
      weight (dw) and from undetectable to 0.07ngg(-1) dw, respectively. 

PMID- 27130584
TI  - Determination of glutaraldehyde in water samples by headspace solid-phase
      microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after derivatization
      with 2,2,2-trifluoroethylhydrazine.
AB  - A simple and convenient headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) gas
      chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was described for the
      determination of glutaraldehyde in water. Glutaraldehyde in water reacted with
      2,2,2-trifluoroethylhydrazine (TFEH) in a headspace vial and the formed TFEH
      derivatives were vaporized and adsorbed onto a fiber. The optimal HS-SPME
      conditions were achieved with a 50/30MUm-divinylbenzene-carboxen
      polydimethylsiloxane fiber, 0.06% 2,2,2-TFEH, 25% salt, an
      extraction/derivatization temperature of 80 degrees C, a heating time of 30min,
      and a pH of 6.5. The desorption was performed for 1min at 240 degrees C. Under
      the established conditions, the lowest limits of detection were 0.3MUg/L and
      0.1MUg/L in 6.0mL of surface water and drinking water, respectively, and the
      intra- and inter-day relative standard deviation was less than 9.1% at
      concentrations of 50, 100 and 500MUg/L. The calibration curve showed good
      linearity with R=0.9995 and R=0.9993 in surface water and drinking water,
      respectively. This method is simple, amenable to automation and environmentally
      friendly. 

PMID- 27130585
TI  - Procalcitonin-guided therapy for the initiation of antibiotics in the ED: a
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a new biomarker with a higher accuracy in the
      diagnosis of bacterial infections. Utilization of PCT may reduce the number of
      unnecessary antibiotics prescribed to patients and consequently may decrease the
      rise in antibiotic resistance. The aim of this systematic review is to determine
      if a PCT-guided algorithm can safely reduce the number of antibiotics prescribed
      to all patients with a suspected of infection in the emergency department (ED).
      METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, COCHRANE central, PubMed publisher, and
      Google scholar were searched. Two reviewers performed the screening
      independently. The QUADAS 2 tool was used to assess quality. RESULTS: In total,
      1621 articles were screened. Nine articles were included in the analysis. In the
      6 studies on adult patients, only patients with respiratory tract infections were
      investigated. In these studies, a cutoff value of 0.25 MUg/L was used, and PCT
      guided therapy reduced the number of prescribed antibiotics significantly. Three
      studies were on pediatric patients, 2 on fever without source and 1 on
      respiratory complaints. Procalcitonin-guided therapy did not reduce antibiotic
      prescription in children. Procalcitonin-guided therapy did not result in an
      increase in adverse events in any of the studies. DISCUSSION: Procalcitonin
      guided therapy in the ED is only studied in subpopulations, where it was
      effective and safe in adult patients with respiratory tract infections and not
      effective but safe nonetheless in specific pediatric populations. Nonadherence is
      a significant problem in prospective PCT-guided therapy studies. There is not
      enough evidence to use PCT-guided therapy in a general ED population.

PMID- 27130586
TI  - Health care-associated acute pyelonephritis is associated with inappropriate
      empiric antibiotic therapy in the ED.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute pyelonephritis (APN) is one of the most common bacterial
      infections. Because health care-associated (HCA) infections in the community
      setting have similar characteristics to hospital-acquired infections, HCA
      infections should be distinguished from community-acquired (CA) infections.
      However, the impact of HCA-APN on treatment outcomes has not been clearly
      defined. This study aimed to analyze the impact of HCA-APN on the appropriateness
      of empiric antibiotic therapy and outcomes in community-onset APN. METHODS: We
      prospectively identified women older than 18years who were hospitalized with APN
      via the emergency department and whose urine culture grew bacteria at 10 acute
      care hospitals in South Korea. RESULTS: Of the 388 APN episodes that were
      included, 99 (25.5%) were HCA-APN and 289 (74.5%) were CA-APN. Compared with
      patients with CA-APN, patients with HCA-APN had comorbid conditions and septic
      shock more frequently. Health care-associated APN was caused by resistant
      uropathogens more often. Patients with HCA-APN had poorer outcomes (ie,
      early/final clinical and microbiologic failures); however, this was not
      statistically significant. Patients with HCA-APN had significantly longer
      hospital stays than did patients with CA-APN. In the multivariable logistic
      regression analysis for inappropriate empiric therapy, HCA-APN (odds ratio, 1.96;
      95% confidence interval, 1.07-3.57; P=.03) and being bed-ridden (odds ratio,
      3.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-7.07; P=.01) were significant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Health care-associated APN was associated with inappropriate empiric antibiotic
      therapy, which might lead to worse outcomes. These HCA factors should be
      considered when prescribing empiric antibiotic therapy in patients with community
      onset APN.

PMID- 27130587
TI  - Critical access hospital ED to quaternary medical center: successful
      implementation of an integrated Picture Archiving and Communications System for
      patient transfers by air and sea.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of imaging in
      transfers between an island Critical Access Hospital (CAH) emergency department
      (ED) and a quaternary care hospital. METHODS: Electronic medical records were
      reviewed to identify all patients who were transferred from an island CAH to our
      quaternary care hospital in 2012 and 2013. Medical history, transfer diagnosis,
      and the type of imaging performed at the CAH prior to transfer were reviewed.
      RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 22075 ED visits were made to the CAH
      and 696 (3.2%) of these patients were transferred for higher level of care, with
      424 (60.9%) of the patients transferred to our quaternary care hospital. The most
      common reasons for transfer were cardiac (121; 28.5%), trauma (82; 19.3%),
      gastrointestinal (63; 14.9%), and neurologic conditions (54; 12.7%). 349 patients
      (82.3%) had imaging prior to transfer (56.4% radiograph, 33.5% computed
      tomography, 4.7% magnetic resonance imaging, 8.0% ultrasound). Of patients that
      had imaging, 53.6% had positive imaging findings related to the transfer
      diagnosis, and patients transferred for noncardiac etiologies were significantly
      more likely to have imaging findings related to their transfer diagnosis compared
      with patients transferred for cardiac etiologies (72.9% vs 6.9%, respectively; P<
      .0001). CONCLUSION: Approximately 3 of every 100 ED visits to the rural CAH
      required transfer for higher level of care, with nearly three-quarters of
      noncardiac transferred patients having a positive imaging finding related to the
      reason for transfer.

PMID- 27130588
TI  - An Expanded Model for Mindful Eating for Health Promotion and Sustainability:
      Issues and Challenges for Dietetics Practice.

PMID- 27130589
TI  - A cell-permeant peptide corresponding to the cUBP domain of USP5 reverses
      inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cav3.2 T-type calcium currents in primary afferents are enhanced in
      various painful pathological conditions, whereas inhibiting Cav3.2 activity or
      expression offers a strategy for combating the development of pain
      hypersensitivity. We have shown that Cav3.2 channel surface density is strongly
      regulated by the ubiquitination machinery and we identified the deubiquitinase
      USP5 as a Cav3.2 channel interacting protein and regulator of its cell surface
      expression. We also reported that USP5 is upregulated in chronic pain conditions.
      Conversely, preventing its binding to the channel in vivo mediates analgesia in
      inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. RESULTS: To identify which USP5 domain
      is responsible for the interaction, we used a series of USP5-derived peptides
      corresponding to different regions in nUBP, cUBP, UBA1, and UBA2 domains to
      outcompete full length USP5. We identified a stretch of amino acid residues
      within the cUBP domain of USP5 as responsible for binding to Cav3.2 calcium
      channels. Based on this information, we generated a TAT-cUBP1-USP5 peptide that
      could disrupt the Cav3.2/USP5 interaction in vitro and tested its physiological
      effect in well-established models of persistent inflammatory pain (CFA test) and
      chronic mononeuropathy and polyneuropathy in mice (partial sciatic nerve injury
      and the (ob/ob) diabetic spontaneous neuropathic mice). Our results reveal that
      the TAT-cUBP1-USP5 peptide attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia induced by both
      Complete Freund's Adjuvant and partial sciatic nerve injury, and thermal
      hyperalgesia in diabetic neuropathic animals. In contrast, Cav3.2 null mice were
      not affected by the peptide in the partial sciatic nerve injury model. Cav3.2
      calcium channel levels in diabetic mice were reduced following the administration
      of the TAT-cUBP1-USP5 peptide. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal a crucial region
      in the cUBP domain of USP5 that is important for substrate recognition and
      binding to the III-IV linker of Cav3.2 channels. Targeting the interaction of
      this region with the Cav3.2 channel can be exploited as the basis for therapeutic
      intervention into inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

PMID- 27130590
TI  - Neuronal cell lines as model dorsal root ganglion neurons: A transcriptomic
      comparison.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dorsal root ganglion neuron-derived immortal cell lines including
      ND7/23 and F-11 cells have been used extensively as in vitro model systems of
      native peripheral sensory neurons. However, while it is clear that some sensory
      neuron-specific receptors and ion channels are present in these cell lines, a
      systematic comparison of the molecular targets expressed by these cell lines with
      those expressed in intact peripheral neurons is lacking. RESULTS: In this study,
      we examined the expression of RNA transcripts in the human neuroblastoma-derived
      cell line, SH-SY5Y, and two dorsal root ganglion hybridoma cell lines, F-11 and
      ND7/23, using Illumina next-generation sequencing, and compared the results with
      native whole murine dorsal root ganglions. The gene expression profiles of these
      three cell lines did not resemble any specific defined dorsal root ganglion
      subclass. The cell lines lacked many markers for nociceptive sensory neurons,
      such as the Transient receptor potential V1 gene, but expressed markers for both
      myelinated and unmyelinated neurons. Global gene ontology analysis on whole
      dorsal root ganglions and cell lines showed similar enrichment of biological
      process terms across all samples. CONCLUSIONS: This paper provides insights into
      the receptor repertoire expressed in common dorsal root ganglion neuron-derived
      cell lines compared with whole murine dorsal root ganglions, and illustrates the
      limits and potentials of these cell lines as tools for neuropharmacological
      exploration.

PMID- 27130610
TI  - Influence of a polymerizable eugenol derivative on the antibacterial activity and
      wettability of a resin composite for intracanal post cementation and core build
      up restoration.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Eugenol has been used in dentistry due to its ability to inhibit the
      growth of a range of microorganisms, including facultative anaerobes commonly
      isolated from infected root canals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      antibacterial activity of the experimental composites containing eugenyl
      methacrylate monomer (EgMA), a polymeric derivative of eugenol, against a range
      of oral bacteria, commonly associated with failure of coronal and endodontic
      restorations. In vitro composite behavior and wettability were also studied in
      conjunction with their antibacterial activity. METHODS: EgMA monomer (5 and 10%
      by weight) was added into BisGMA/TEGDMA resin based formulations with filler
      mixtures of hydroxyapatite (HA) and zirconium oxide ZrO2. The antibacterial
      activity of the experimental composites against Enterococcus faecalis,
      Streptococcus mutans and Propionibacterium acnes were evaluated by direct contact
      test and compared with composite formulation without inclusion of EgMA. To
      clarify the antibacterial mode of action, agar diffusion test (ADT) was also
      performed. Water sorption, solubility, diffusion coefficient, contact angle and
      surface free energy as complementary clinically relevant properties were
      determined. RESULTS: Water sorption and wettability studies showed reduction of
      water uptake and surface free energy values with increasing content of EgMA
      monomer, resulting in significant increase in the hydrophobicity of the
      composites. No inhibition zones were detected in any of the composites tested
      against the three bacteria employed as expected, due to the absence of any
      leachable antibacterial agent. The covalently anchored EgMA monomer with the
      composite surface exhibited an effective bacteriostatic activity by reducing the
      number of CFUs of the three species of bacteria tested with no significant
      dependence on the concentration of EgMA at 5 and 10% by weight. The surface
      antibacterial activity R of the experimental composites were different against
      the three tested species with values in the range 2.7-6.1 following the order E.
      faecalis<S. mutans<P. acnes. SIGNIFICANCE: The incorporation of EgMA monomer
      within polymerizable formulations provides a novel approach to yield
      intrinsically antibacterial resin composites for different dental applications.

PMID- 27130611
TI  - Correlation of shear and dielectric ion viscosity of dental resins - Influence of
      composition, temperature and filler content.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Shear viscosity and ion viscosity of uncured visible light-curing
      (VLC) resins and resin based composites (RBC) are correlated with respect to the
      resin composition, temperature and filler content to check where Dielectric
      Analysis (DEA) investigations of VLC RBC generate similar results as viscosity
      measurements. METHODS: Mixtures of bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA)
      and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) as well as the pure resins were
      investigated and compared with two commercial VLC dental resins and RBCs (VOCO,
      Arabesk Top and Grandio). Shear viscosity data was obtained using a Haake Mars
      III, Thermo Scientific. Ion viscosity measurements performed by a dielectric cure
      analyzer (DEA 231/1 Epsilon with Mini IDEX-Sensor, Netzsch-Geratebau). RESULTS:
      Shear viscosity depends reciprocally on the mobility of molecules, whereas the
      ion viscosity also depends on the ion concentration as it is affected by both ion
      concentration and mixture viscosity. Except of pure TEGDMA, shear and ion
      viscosities depend on the resin composition qualitatively in a similar manner.
      Furthermore, shear and ion viscosities of the commercial VLC dental resins and
      composites exhibited the same temperature dependency regardless of filler
      content. Application of typical rheological models (Kitano and Quemada) revealed
      that ion viscosity measurements can be described with respect to filler contents
      of up to 30vol.%. SIGNIFICANCE: Rheological behavior of a VLC RBC can be
      characterized by DEA under the condition that the ion concentration is kept
      constant. Both methods address the same physical phenomenon - motion of
      molecules. The proposed relations allows for calculating the viscosity of any Bis
      GMA-TEGDMA mixture on the base of the viscosities of the pure components. This
      study demonstrated the applicability of DEA investigations of VLC RBCs with
      respect to quality assurance purposes.

PMID- 27130613
TI  - Couples with non-obstructive azoospermia are interested in future treatments with
      artificial gametes.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Would couples diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA)
      consider two future treatments with artificial gametes (AGs) as alternatives for
      testicular sperm extraction followed by ICSI (TESE-ICSI)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Most
      couples with NOA (89%) would opt for treatment with AGs before attempting TESE
      ICSI and/or after failed TESE-ICSI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Couples with NOA who
      undergo TESE-ICSI have a 25% chance of conceiving a child. Two future treatments
      that are being developed are 'ICSI with artificial sperm formed from somatic
      cells' (ICSI with AGs) and 'natural conception after autotransplantation of in
      vitro proliferated spermatogonial stem cells' (natural conception with AGs). It
      is unknown what treatment preferences patients have. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE,
      DURATION: A cross-sectional survey conducted in 2012-2013, addressing all 921
      couples diagnosed with NOA and treated with TESE-ICSI in Dutch fertility clinics
      between 2007 and 2012. The coded questionnaires were sent by mail and followed up
      with two reminders. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: We developed the
      questionnaire based on a literature review and previous qualitative interviews,
      and included treatment preference and the valuation of nine treatment
      characteristics. We assessed reliability of the questionnaires and calculated
      mean importance scores (MISs: 0-10) of each treatment characteristic. We assessed
      which patient and treatment characteristics were associated with a couple's
      hypothetical treatment preference using binominal regression. MAIN RESULTS AND
      THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The vast majority (89%) of the 494 responding couples
      (response rate: 54%) would potentially opt for AGs as a first and/or a last
      resort treatment option. More specifically, as a first treatment couples were
      likely (67%) to prefer natural conception with AGs over TESE-ICSI and less likely
      to prefer ICSI with AGs over TESE-ICSI (34%). After failed TESE-ICSI, the
      majority of couples (75%) would want to attempt ICSI with AGs as a last resort
      option. The most important characteristics of treatment were safety for children
      (MIS: 8.2), pregnancy rates (MIS: 7.7) and curing infertility (MIS: 6.8). Costs,
      burden, naturalness and technological sophistication were of about equal
      importance (MIS: 3.1-4.0). The majority of patients rated conception at home and
      moral acceptability as not important (MIS: 1.7 and 0.8, respectively), but the
      importance attributed to these variables did still affect patients' likeliness to
      opt for AGs. LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION: Couples with NOA not opting for
      TESE-ICSI were not included and might have other perspectives. Couples'
      hypothetical choices for AGs might differ from their actual choices once data on
      the costs, safety and pregnancy rates become available from these new treatment
      options. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The interest of couples with NOA in
      potential future treatments with AGs encourages further pre-clinical research.
      Priority setting for research and future decision-making on clinical application
      of AGs should take all characteristics important to patients into account. STUDY
      FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors report no financial or other conflict of
      interest relevant to the subject of this article.

PMID- 27130612
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase 9 induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition via Notch
      activation in human kidney glomerular endothelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is a major source of
      myofibroblast formation in kidney fibrosis. Our previous study showed a
      profibrotic role for matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in kidney fibrosis via
      induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Inhibition of MMP-9
      activity reduced kidney fibrosis in murine unilateral ureteral obstruction. This
      study investigated whether MMP-9 also plays a role in EndoMT in human glomerular
      endothelial cells. RESULTS: TGF-beta1 (10 or 20 ng/ml) induced EndoMT in HKGECs
      as shown by morphological changes. In addition, VE-cadherin and CD31 were
      significantly downregulated, whereas alpha-SMA, vimentin, and N-cadherin were
      upregulated. RT-PCR revealed that Snail, a known inducer of EMT, was upregulated.
      The MMP inhibitor GM6001 abrogated TGF-beta1-induced EndoMT. Zymography indicated
      that MMP-9 was also upregulated in TGF-beta1-treated HKGECs. Recombinant MMP-9 (2
      MUg/ml) induced EndoMT in HKGECs via Notch signaling, as evidenced by increased
      formation of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) and decreased Notch 1.
      Inhibition of MMP-9 activity by its inhibitor showed a dose-dependent response in
      preventing TGF-beta1-induced alpha-SMA and NICD in HKGECs, whereas inhibition of
      Notch signaling by gamma-secretase inhibitor (GSI) blocked rMMP-9-induced EndoMT.
      CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results demonstrate that MMP-9 plays an
      important role in TGF-beta1-induced EndoMT via upregulation of Notch signaling in
      HKGECs.

PMID- 27130614
TI  - Endometriosis-related infertility: ovarian endometrioma per se is not associated
      with presentation for infertility.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Is there an association between the endometriosis phenotype and
      presentation with infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER: In a population of operated
      patients with histologically proven endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma (OMA) per
      se is not associated with an increased risk of presentation with infertility,
      while previous surgery for endometriosis was identified as a risk factor for
      infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The increased prevalence of endometriosis
      among subfertile women indicates that endometriosis impairs reproduction for
      reasons that are not completely understood. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This
      was an observational, cross-sectional study using data prospectively collected in
      all non-pregnant patients aged between 18 and 42 years, who were surgically
      explored for benign gynaecological conditions at our institution between January
      2004 and March 2013. For each patient, a standardized questionnaire was completed
      during a face-to-face interview conducted by the surgeon during the month
      preceding surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Surgery was
      performed in 2208 patients, of which 2066 signed their informed consent. Of the
      1059 women with a visual diagnosis of endometriosis, 870 had histologically
      proven endometriosis and complete treatment for their endometriotic lesions,
      including 307 who presented with infertility. Univariate analysis and multiple
      logistic regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with
      infertility. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The following variables were
      identified as risk factors for endometriosis-related infertility: age >32 years
      (odds ratio [OR] = 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-2.4), previous surgery
      for endometriosis (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3-2.2), as well as peritoneal superficial
      endometriosis (OR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.9-4.9); Conversely, previous pregnancy was
      associated with a lower rate of infertility (OR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.6-0.9 and OR =
      0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-0.9, respectively). OMA is not selected as a significant risk
      factor for infertility. LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION: The selection of our
      study population was based on a surgical diagnosis. We cannot exclude that
      infertile women with OMA associated with a diminished ovarian reserve, as
      assessed during their infertility work-up, were referred less frequently to
      surgery and might therefore be underrepresented. In addition we cannot exclude
      that our group of infertile women present associated other causes of infertility.
      WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Identification of risk and preventive factors
      of endometriosis-related infertility can help improve clinical and surgical
      management of endometriosis in the setting of infertility. STUDY
      FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: None.

PMID- 27130615
TI  - Halofuginone suppresses growth of human uterine leiomyoma cells in a mouse
      xenograft model.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does halofuginone (HF) inhibit the growth of human uterine
      leiomyoma cells in a mouse xenograft model? SUMMARY ANSWER: HF suppresses the
      growth of human uterine leiomyoma cells in a mouse xenograft model through
      inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:
      Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive
      tract. HF can suppress the growth of human uterine leiomyoma cells in vitro. The
      mouse xenograft model reflects the characteristics of human leiomyomas. STUDY
      DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Primary leiomyoma smooth muscle cells from eight patients
      were xenografted under the renal capsule of adult, ovariectomized NOD-scid
      IL2Rgamma(null) mice (NSG). Mice were treated with two different doses of HF or
      vehicle for 4 weeks with six to eight mice per group. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS,
      SETTING, METHODS: Mouse body weight measurements and immunohistochemical analysis
      of body organs were carried out to assess the safety of HF treatment. Xenografted
      tumors were measured and analyzed for cellular and molecular changes induced by
      HF. Ovarian steroid hormone receptors were evaluated for possible modulation by
      HF. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Treatment of mice carrying human UL
      xenografts with HF at 0.25 or 0.50 mg/kg body weight for 4 weeks resulted in a 35
      40% (P < 0.05) reduction in tumor volume. The HF-induced volume reduction was
      accompanied by increased apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation. In contrast,
      there was no significant change in the collagen content either at the transcript
      or protein level between UL xenografts in control and HF groups. HF treatment did
      not change the expression level of ovarian steroid hormone receptors. No adverse
      pathological effects were observed in other tissues from mice undergoing
      treatment at these doses. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: While this study did
      test the effects of HF on human leiomyoma cells in an in vivo model, HF was
      administered to mice whose tolerance and metabolism of the drug may differ from
      that in humans. Also, the longer term effects of HF treatment are yet unclear.
      WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The results of this study showing the
      effectiveness of HF in reducing UL tumor growth by interfering with the main
      cellular processes regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis are in agreement
      with previous studies on the effects of HF on other fibrotic diseases. HF can be
      considered as a candidate for reducing the size of leiomyomas, particularly prior
      to surgery. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This project was funded by NIH
      PO1HD057877 and R01 HD064402. Authors report no competing interests.

PMID- 27130617
TI  - MRI-based assessment of the pineal gland in a large population of children aged 0
      5 years and comparison with pineoblastoma: part II, the cystic gland.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pineal cysts are a common incidental finding on brain MRI with
      resulting difficulties in differentiation between normal glands and pineal
      pathologies. The aim of this study was to assess the size and morphology of the
      cystic pineal gland in children (0-5 years) and compare the findings with
      published pineoblastoma cases. METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter study,
      257 MR examinations (232 children, 0-5 years) were evaluated regarding pineal
      gland size (width, height, planimetric area, maximal cyst(s) size) and
      morphology. We performed linear regression analysis with 99 % prediction
      intervals of gland size versus age for the size parameters. Results were compared
      with a recent meta-analysis of pineoblastoma by de Jong et al. RESULTS: Follow-up
      was available in 25 children showing stable cystic findings in 48 %, cyst size
      increase in 36 %, and decrease in 16 %. Linear regression analysis gave 99 %
      upper prediction bounds of 10.8 mm, 10.9 mm, 7.7 mm and 66.9 mm(2), respectively,
      for cyst size, width, height, and area. The slopes (size increase per month) of
      each parameter were 0.030, 0.046, 0.021, and 0.25, respectively. Most of the
      pineoblastomas showed a size larger than the 99 % upper prediction margin, but
      with considerable overlap between the groups. CONCLUSION: We presented age
      adapted normal values for size and morphology of the cystic pineal gland in
      children aged 0 to 5 years. Analysis of size is helpful in discriminating normal
      glands from cystic pineal pathologies such as pineoblastoma. We also presented
      guidelines for the approach of a solid or cystic pineal gland in hereditary
      retinoblastoma patients.

PMID- 27130618
TI  - Invasive Fusobacterium nucleatum may play a role in the carcinogenesis of
      proximal colon cancer through the serrated neoplasia pathway.
AB  - The prevalence of invasive Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) within the serrated
      neoplasia pathway of the proximal colon has seldom been investigated. We examined
      the invasive Fn and bacterial biofilms in 35 proximal hyperplastic polyps (HPs),
      33 sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs), 48 proximal colorectal cancers (CRCs) and 10
      matched metastatic lymph nodes using 16S rRNA fluorescence in situ hybridization
      (FISH). Samples of normal mucosa, traditional adenomas (TAs), distal HPs, distal
      CRCs and matched lymph nodes with or without metastases were used as controls.
      The prevalence of invasive Fn within proximal HPs (65.7%) and SSAs (78.8%) were
      significantly higher than that of proximal TAs (28.9%) and distal TAs (24.4%; p <
      0.05). Invasive Fn was detected in markedly more proximal CRCs (89.6%) than in
      distal CRCs (42.2%; p < 0.05). Moreover, invasive Fn was detected in a
      significantly higher proportion of matched metastatic lymph nodes (100%) than
      that within nonmetastatic lymph nodes (40.0%; p < 0.001). Bacterial biofilms were
      found on 52.1% of proximal CRCs, 55.6% of distal CRCs and 48.5% of SSAs. Biofilms
      were positive for Fn in 47.9% of proximal CRCs, 48.9% of distal CRCs and 27.3% of
      SSAs. However, the presence of Fn in biofilms was not related to invasive Fn
      within colorectal tissues (p = 0.415). Invasive Fn may play a role in the
      carcinogenesis of proximal colon developing via the serrated neoplasia pathway,
      but might have a less important role in the TA-carcinoma sequence. Bacterial
      biofilms may not contribute to the invasion of Fn into tumor tissues.

PMID- 27130616
TI  - MRI-based assessment of the pineal gland in a large population of children aged 0
      5 years and comparison with pineoblastoma: part I, the solid gland.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Differentiation between normal solid (non-cystic) pineal glands and
      pineal pathologies on brain MRI is difficult. The aim of this study was to assess
      the size of the solid pineal gland in children (0-5 years) and compare the
      findings with published pineoblastoma cases. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed
      the size (width, height, planimetric area) of solid pineal glands in 184 non
      retinoblastoma patients (73 female, 111 male) aged 0-5 years on MRI. The effect
      of age and gender on gland size was evaluated. Linear regression analysis was
      performed to analyze the relation between size and age. Ninety-nine percent
      prediction intervals around the mean were added to construct a normal size range
      per age, with the upper bound of the predictive interval as the parameter of
      interest as a cutoff for normalcy. RESULTS: There was no significant interaction
      of gender and age for all the three pineal gland parameters (width, height, and
      area). Linear regression analysis gave 99 % upper prediction bounds of 7.9, 4.8,
      and 25.4 mm(2), respectively, for width, height, and area. The slopes (size
      increase per month) of each parameter were 0.046, 0.023, and 0.202, respectively.
      Ninety-three percent (95 % CI 66-100 %) of asymptomatic solid pineoblastomas were
      larger in size than the 99 % upper bound. CONCLUSION: This study establishes
      norms for solid pineal gland size in non-retinoblastoma children aged 0-5 years.
      Knowledge of the size of the normal pineal gland is helpful for detection of
      pineal gland abnormalities, particularly pineoblastoma.

PMID- 27130620
TI  - Capsule Commentary on Danan et al., Does Motivation Matter? Analysis of a
      Randomized Trial of Proactive Outreach to VA Smokers.

PMID- 27130619
TI  - Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence among Women Veterans who Utilize Veterans
      Health Administration Primary Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence of past
      year intimate partner violence (IPV) among women Veterans utilizing Veterans
      Health Administration (VHA) primary care, and to document associated demographic,
      military, and primary care characteristics. DESIGN: This was a retrospective
      cohort design, where participants completed a telephone survey in 2012 (84%
      participation rate); responses were linked to VHA administrative data for
      utilization in the year prior to the survey. PARTICIPANTS: A national stratified
      random sample of 6,287 women Veteran VHA primary care users participated in the
      study. MAIN MEASURES: Past-year IPV was assessed using the HARK screening tool.
      Self-report items and scales assessed demographic and military characteristics.
      Primary care characteristics were assessed via self-report and VHA administrative
      data. KEY RESULTS: The prevalence of past-year IPV among women Veterans was 18.5%
      (se = 0.5%), with higher rates (22.2% - 25.5%) among women up to age 55. Other
      demographic correlates included indicators of economic hardship, lesbian or
      bisexual orientation, and being a parent/guardian of a child less than 18 years
      old. Military correlates included service during Vietnam to post-Vietnam eras,
      less than 10 years of service, and experiences of Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
      Most (77.3%, se = 1.2%) women who experienced IPV identified a VHA provider as
      their usual provider. Compared with women who did not report past-year IPV, women
      who reported IPV had more primary care visits, yet experienced lower continuity
      of care across providers. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of past-year IPV among
      women beyond childbearing years, the majority of whom primarily rely on VHA as a
      source of health care, reinforces the importance of screening all women for IPV
      in VHA primary care settings. Key considerations for service implementation
      include sensitivity with respect to sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, and other
      aspects of diversity, as well as care coordination and linkages with social
      services and MST-related care.

PMID- 27130621
TI  - Risk of Autoimmune Disease in Adults with Chronic Insomnia Requiring Sleep
      Inducing Pills: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate that chronic insomnia is associated with the
      development of certain somatic diseases. Whether it would be associated with the
      development of an autoimmune disease (AID) was unknown. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to
      examine the association and quantify the magnitude of risk for AID in individuals
      suffering from chronic insomnia requiring sleep-inducing pills. DESIGN: This was
      a population-based, nationwide longitudinal study. PARTICIPANTS: Using a claims
      data set containing 1 million randomly sampled, insured subjects derived from the
      National Health Insurance Research Database, we assembled a chronic insomnia
      group and a 1:3 propensity score-matched comparison group (CP), which were
      balanced in terms of sex, age, insurance premium, urbanization, alcohol use
      disorder, smoking-related diagnoses, and morbid obesity. MAIN MEASURES: Person
      time data with incidence rate, adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) by the Cox model, AID
      free survival functions compared with the log-rank test, and a sensitivity
      analysis on the time lag effect were presented. Incident AID within the first
      year of follow-up were excluded. The error rate was controlled using the
      Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. KEY RESULTS: With 39,550 and 129,914 person-years'
      follow-up for the chronic insomnia and CP groups (n = 5,736 and 17,208),
      respectively, we found an increased risk for subsequent AID, representing a 70 %
      increase in the aHR (1.7; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.5-1.9, p < 0.0001). A
      positive association between chronic insomnia and primary Sjogren's syndrome
      (pSS) was observed (aHR, 1.3; 95 % CI, 1.1-1.6). Sensitivity analysis disclosed
      that AID risk was even stronger after 5 years of follow-up (aHR, 2.0; 95 % CI,
      1.7-2.4). CONCLUSION: Chronic insomnia requiring sleep-inducing pills may be
      associated with a 70 % increased risk for future AID, particularly pSS.

PMID- 27130622
TI  - Physician, Scribe, and Patient Perspectives on Clinical Scribes in Primary Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extending medical assistants and nursing roles to include in-visit
      documentation is a recent innovation in the age of electronic health records.
      Despite the use of these clinical scribes, little is known regarding interactions
      among and perspectives of the involved parties: physicians, clinical scribes, and
      patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this project is to describe perspectives of
      physicians, clinical scribes, and patients regarding clinical scribes in primary
      care. DESIGN: We used qualitative content analysis, using Interpretive
      Description of semi-structured audio-recorded in-person and telephone interviews.
      PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 18 physicians and 17 clinical scribes from
      six healthcare systems, and 36 patients from one healthcare system. KEY RESULTS:
      Despite physician concerns regarding terminology within notes, physicians,
      clinical scribes, and patients perceived more detailed notes because of real-time
      documentation by scribes. Most patients were comfortable with the scribe's
      presence and perceived increased attention from their physicians. Clinical
      scribes also performed more active roles during a patient visit, leading to
      formation of positive scribe-patient relationships. The resulting shift in
      workflow, however, led to stress. Our theoretical model for successful physician
      scribe teams emphasizes the importance of interpersonal aspects such as
      communication, mutual respect, and adaptability, as well as system level support
      such as training and staffing. CONCLUSIONS: Both interpersonal fit between
      physician and scribe, and system level support including adequate training,
      transition time, and staffing support are necessary for successful use of
      clinical scribes. Future directions for research regarding clinical scribes
      include study of care continuity, scribe medical knowledge, and scribe burnout.

PMID- 27130623
TI  - Would Socrates Have Actually Used the "Socratic Method" for Clinical Teaching?
AB  - Medical students and residents are familiar with clinical teaching methods in
      which a faculty member poses a series of questions to them. This technique is
      often called the "Socratic method," but it is frequently perceived by learners as
      an attempt to demean them, a practice that is colloquially known as "pimping."
      The distinction between Socratic teaching and pimping lies in the perception of
      "psychological safety." Psychological safety allows learners to answer questions
      or ask for help without threats to their dignity or worthiness. In a
      psychologically safe clinical teaching context, learners recognize that questions
      posed by attending physicians probe their current understanding and guide them to
      expand their knowledge. In pimping, questions are posed to embarrass the learner
      and to reinforce the teacher's position of power over them. Absent a threat of
      disparagement or condemnation, learners are able to focus on building schema for
      knowledge, skills, and attitudes, rather than worrying about shielding their self
      worth. This article presents the proper Socratic method, as intended by Socrates,
      and contrasts it with pimping. This perspective defines psychological safety as
      the pivotal factor distinguishing Socratic teaching from pimping, and establishes
      the foundation for empirical studies of these common practices in medical
      education.

PMID- 27130625
TI  - Nematode-trapping fungi and fungus-associated bacteria interactions: the role of
      bacterial diketopiperazines and biofilms on Arthrobotrys oligospora surface in
      hyphal morphogenesis.
AB  - In soil, nematode-trapping fungi and bacteria often share microhabitats and
      interact with each other, but effects of fungus-associated bacteria on its trap
      formation are underestimated. We have ascertained the presence of
      Stenotrophomonas and Rhizobium genera associated with A. oligospora GJ-1. After
      A. oligospora GJ-1 without associated bacteria (cured Arthrobotrys) was co
      cultivated with Stenotrophomonas and its supernatant extract, microscopic study
      of hyphae from co-cultivation indicated that bacterial biofilm formation on
      hyphae was related to trap formation in fungi and Stenotrophomonas supernatant
      extract. Four diketopiperazines (DKPs) were purified from Stenotrophomonas
      supernatant extract that could not induce traps in the cured Arthrobotrys. When
      cured Arthrobotrys was cultured with Stenotrophomonas and one of DKPs, polar
      attachment, bacterial biofilms on hyphae and trap formation in fungi were
      observed. After cured Arthrobotrys with bacterial biofilms was consecutively
      transferred several times on nutrient poor medium, trap formation disappeared
      with the disappearance of bacterial biofilms on hyphae. DKPs could facilitate
      chemotaxis of Stenotrophomonas towards fungal extract which was suggested to
      contribute to bacterial biofilms on hyphae. Furthermore, when cured Arthrobotrys
      was cultured with Stenotrophomonas and DKPs in soil, trap formation in fungi and
      bacterial biofilms on hyphae were also observed, and the fungal activity against
      nematode was enhanced.

PMID- 27130624
TI  - Social Function and Cognitive Status: Results from a US Nationally Representative
      Survey of Older Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An early sign of cognitive decline in older adults is often a
      disruption in social function, but our understanding of this association is
      limited. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether those screening positive for
      early stages of cognitive impairment have differences across multiple dimensions
      of social function and whether associations differ by gender. DESIGN: United
      States nationally representative cohort (2010), the National Social life, Health,
      and Aging Project (NSHAP). PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling adults aged 62-90
      years (N = 3,310) with a response rate of 76.9 %. MAIN MEASURES: Cognition was
      measured using a survey adaptation of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment
      categorized into three groups: normal, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and
      dementia. We measured three domains of social relationships, each comprised of
      two scales: network structure (size and density), social resources (social
      support and social strain), and social engagement (community involvement and
      socializing). We used multiple linear regression to characterize the relationship
      of each social relationship measure to cognition. KEY RESULTS: Individuals
      screened as at risk for MCI and early dementia had smaller network sizes by 0.3
      and 0.6 individuals (p < 0.001), and a 10 % and 25 % increase in network density
      (p < 0.001), respectively. For social resources, individuals at risk for MCI and
      dementia had 4 % and 14 % less social strain (p = 0.01), but only women had 3 %
      and 6 % less perceived social support (p = 0.013), respectively. For social
      engagement, individuals screened positive for MCI and dementia had 8 % and 19 %
      less community involvement (p = 0.01), but only men had 8 % and 13 % increased
      social involvement with neighbors and family members (p < 0.001), respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Changes in social functioning provide an early indication to screen
      for cognitive loss. Recognition that early cognitive loss is associated with
      differences in social function can guide counseling efforts and help identify
      social vulnerabilities to ease the transition to overt dementia for both patients
      and caregivers.

PMID- 27130626
TI  - Cis/trans Fluorescent Recognition by Naphthalimide Dyes ? CB [7] Assembly.
AB  - A novel method to recognize cis/trans isomers was studied here. The naphthalimide
      dye as guest could bind with host cucurbit [7]uril (CB [7]) and 1:1 naphthalimide
      dye ? CB [7] assembly was formed. Moreover, this assembly was used as a
      fluorescent probe to recognized Fumaric acid (FA) and maleic acid (MA) via
      fluorescence titration. Two carboxyls in MA are in the same side, they could form
      stable interaction with the assembly and the fluorescence intensity decreased
      obviously when naphthalimide dye ? CB [7] was titrated by MA (nearly quenched in
      1.5 equiv). But two carboxyls in FA are in opposite sides, the interaction
      between FA and the assembly was weak and not stable, and the fluorescence
      intensity changed inconspicuously when the assembly was titrated by FA. 

PMID- 27130627
TI  - What is the diagnosis?

PMID- 27130628
TI  - Genetic variability of VP7, VP4, VP6 and NSP4 genes of common human G1P[8]
      rotavirus strains circulating in Italy between 2010 and 2014.
AB  - Group A rotaviruses (RVA) are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in
      young children worldwide. The RVA outer capsid layer is composed of the VP7 and
      VP4 proteins. The VP7 (G-type) and VP4 (P-type) genotypes are the basis for the
      binary RVA nomenclature. At least 27 G-types and 37 P-types of RVA are currently
      known, but most of human infections are related to the five major genotypes
      G1P[8], G2P[4], G3P[8], G4P[8], and G9P[8]. Every year G1P[8] strains cause
      approximately 50% of all symptomatic RVA infections reported in children in
      Italy. Fifteen G1P[8] RVA strains identified in different areas of Italy between
      2010 and 2014 were selected. Strains were subjected to nucleotide sequencing of
      the VP7, VP4, VP6 and NSP4 genes to investigate their genetic variability with
      respect to geographic area and date of detection. Phylogenetic analyses showed
      that the 15 G1P[8] RVA strains belonged to two different lineages for both the
      VP7 and NSP4 genes, and showed some intra-lineage diversity in VP4 and VP6 genes.
      Similarities between strains correlated by either area or date of detection were
      also evaluated. The results obtained by phylogenetic analyses were confirmed
      analyzing the deduced amino acid sequences of the VP7, VP4, VP6 and NSP4 proteins
      of the G1P[8] RVA strains, detecting several substitutions in all proteins. The
      genetic variability observed between common G1P[8] RVAs highlights the constant
      evolution of the RVA genome through random point mutations (genetic drift) and
      intra-genotype reassortment (genetic shift). The evolution and diversity of the
      G1 RVA strains observed in this study can be related to the naturally acquired
      herd immunity, which represents the main mechanism of selective pressure in
      Italy, where mass anti-rotavirus vaccination was missing during the years of the
      study.

PMID- 27130629
TI  - Immunization with avian metapneumovirus harboring chicken Fc induces higher
      immune responses.
AB  - In this study, we evaluated the immune responses of avian metapneumovirus
      harboring chicken Fc molecule. Stable Vero cells expressing chicken Fc chimera on
      its surface (Vero-cFc) were established, and we confirmed that aMPV grown in Vero
      cFc incorporated host derived chimera Fc into the aMPV virions. Immunization of
      chicken with aMPV-cFc induced higher level of antibodies and inflammatory
      cytokines; (Interferon (IFN)-gamma and Interleukin (IL)-1beta) compared to those
      of aMPV. The increased levels of antibodies and inflammatory cytokines in chicken
      immunized with aMPV-cFc were statistically significantly (p<0.05) to that of aMPV
      and control. The aMPV-cFc group also generated the highest neutralizing antibody
      response. After challenges, chickens immunized with aMPV-cFc showed much less
      pathological signs in nasal turbinates and trachea so that we could confirm aMPV
      cFc induced higher protection than that of aMPV. The greater ability of aMPV
      harboring chicken Fc to that of aMPV presented it as a possible vaccine
      candidate.

PMID- 27130630
TI  - Reversion to wildtype of a mutated and nonfunctional coxsackievirus B3CRE(2C).
AB  - The cis-acting replication element (CRE) in the 2C protein coding region
      [CRE(2C)] of enteroviruses (EV) facilitates the addition of two uridine residues
      (uridylylation) onto the virus-encoded protein VPg in order for it to serve as
      the RNA replication primer. We demonstrated that coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is
      replication competent in the absence of a native (uridylylating) CRE(2C) and also
      demonstrated that lack of a functional CRE(2C) led to generation of 5' terminal
      genomic deletions in the CVB3 CRE-knock-out (CVB3-CKO) population. We asked
      whether reversion of the mutated CRE(2C) occurred, thus permitting sustained
      replication, and when were 5' terminal deletions generated during replication.
      Virions were isolated from HeLa cells previously electroporated with infectious
      CVB3-CKO T7 transcribed RNA or from hearts and spleens of mice after transfection
      with CVB3-CKO RNA. Viral RNA was isolated in order to amplify the CRE(2C) coding
      region and the genomic 5' terminal sequences. Sequence analysis revealed
      reversion of the CVB3-CKO sequence to wildtype occurs by 8 days post
      electroporation of HeLa cells and by 20days post-transfection in mice. However,
      5' terminal deletions evolve prior to these times. Reversion of the CRE(2C)
      mutations to wildtype despite loss of the genomic 5' termini is consistent with
      the hypothesis that an intact CRE(2C) is inherently vital to EV replication even
      when it is not enabling efficient positive strand initiation.

PMID- 27130631
TI  - Margretta Eleanor Addis-Jones.

PMID- 27130632
TI  - Association Between Exercise Participation and Quality of Sleep and Life Among
      University Students in Taiwan.
AB  - This cross-sectional survey study examined exercise, sleep quality, and quality
      of life (QOL) in 1230 Taiwanese university students. Compared with women, men had
      higher body mass index (BMI) (22.3 +/- 4.1 vs 20.7 +/- 3.5 kg/m(2)), higher
      exercise frequency (2.6 +/- 1.7 vs 2.0 +/- 1.4 d/wk), better sleep quality
      (global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index 6.0 +/- 2.8 vs 6.5 +/- 2.7), better
      physical QOL (physical component summary 52.7 +/- 6.2 vs 51.7 +/- 6.6), and
      higher reporting of good self-perceived health (62.2% vs 43.3%) (P <01). However,
      gender differences were nonsignificant after multivariable adjustment. Exercise
      frequency, sleep quality, and QOL were significantly intercorrelated. After
      multivariable adjustment, self-perceived health and satisfaction with exercise
      participation predicted quality of sleep and QOL (P <01). Exercise frequency was
      positively correlated (P =012), and exercise intensity was negatively associated
      (P <001) with physical QOL. In conclusion, those who regularly exercised (at
      least 1 d/wk or 2.5 h/wk) had better QOL. Students with better self-perceived
      health or satisfaction with exercise participation also had better quality of
      sleep and better QOL.

PMID- 27130633
TI  - Mitochondrial transplantation for therapeutic use.
AB  - Mitochondria play a key role in the homeostasis of the vast majority of the
      body's cells. In the myocardium where mitochondria constitute 30 % of the total
      myocardial cell volume, temporary attenuation or obstruction of blood flow and as
      a result oxygen delivery to myocardial cells (ischemia) severely alters
      mitochondrial structure and function. These alterations in mitochondrial
      structure and function occur during ischemia and continue after blood flow and
      oxygen delivery to the myocardium is restored, and significantly decrease
      myocardial contractile function and myocardial cell survival. We hypothesized
      that the augmentation or replacement of mitochondria damaged by ischemia would
      provide a mechanism to enhance cellular function and cellular rescue following
      the restoration of blood flow. To test this hypothesis we have used a model of
      myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Our studies demonstrate that the
      transplantation of autologous mitochondria, isolated from the patient's own body,
      and then directly injected into the myocardial during early reperfusion augment
      the function of native mitochondria damaged during ischemia and enhances
      myocardial post-ischemic functional recovery and cellular viability. The
      transplanted mitochondria act both extracellularly and intracellularly.
      Extracellularly, the transplanted mitochondria enhance high energy synthesis and
      cellular adenosine triphosphate stores and alter the myocardial proteome. Once
      internalized the transplanted mitochondria rescue cellular function and replace
      damaged mitochondrial DNA. There is no immune or auto-immune reaction and there
      is no pro-arrhythmia as a result of the transplanted mitochondria. Our studies
      and those of others demonstrate that mitochondrial transplantation can be
      effective in a number of cell types and diseases. These include cardiac and
      skeletal muscle, pulmonary and hepatic tissue and cells and in neuronal tissue.
      In this review we discuss the mechanisms leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and
      the effects on cellular function. We provide a methodology for the isolation of
      mitochondria to allow for clinical relevance and we discuss the methods we and
      others have used for the uptake and internalization of mitochondria. We foresee
      that mitochondrial transplantation will be a valued treatment in the
      armamentarium of all clinicians and surgeons for the treatment of varied ischemic
      disorders, mitochondrial diseases and related disorders. 

PMID- 27130634
TI  - Rewiring the Pneumococcal Cell Cycle with Serine/Threonine- and Tyrosine-kinases.
AB  - Over the past decade, Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) has gained
      prominence as a model for studying the bacterial cell cycle. This important human
      pathogen possesses a characteristic diplo-ovococcal cell shape and produces a
      protective polysaccharide capsule required for virulence, and it has been used to
      investigate natural genetic transformation. Recent advances have demonstrated
      that the pneumococcus has evolved phosphorylation-dependent regulatory mechanisms
      dedicated to controlling cell division and ensuring the concealment of the
      newborn cells by the capsule. In this review, I survey the role of the only two
      serine/threonine- (StkP) and tyrosine-kinases (CpsD) of the pneumococcus and
      discuss the existence of interconnected phosphorylation networks coordinating
      cell division and morphogenesis with key aspects of the cell cycle.

PMID- 27130636
TI  - Analysis of genetics and DNA methylation in osteoarthritis: What have we learnt
      about the disease?
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic musculoskeletal disease characterised by the
      destruction of articular cartilage, synovial inflammation and bone remodelling.
      Disease aetiology is complex and highly heritable, with genetic variation
      estimated to contribute to 50% of OA occurrence. Epigenetic alterations,
      including DNA methylation changes, have also been implicated in OA
      pathophysiology. This review examines what genetic and DNA methylation studies
      have taught us about the genes and pathways involved in OA pathology. The
      influence of DNA methylation on the molecular mechanisms underlying OA genetic
      risk and the consequence of this interaction on disease susceptibility and
      penetrance are also discussed.

PMID- 27130635
TI  - Enhanced cartilage repair in 'healer' mice-New leads in the search for better
      clinical options for cartilage repair.
AB  - Adult articular cartilage has a poor capacity to undergo intrinsic repair.
      Current strategies for the repair of large cartilage defects are generally
      unsatisfactory because the restored cartilage does not have the same resistance
      to biomechanical loading as authentic articular cartilage and degrades over time.
      Recently, an exciting new research direction, focused on intrinsic cartilage
      regeneration rather than fibrous repair by external means, has emerged. This
      review explores the new findings in this rapidly moving field as they relate to
      the clinical goal of restoration of structurally robust, stable and non-fibrous
      articular cartilage following injury.

PMID- 27130637
TI  - Rehabilitation of Swallowing and Cough Functions Following Stroke: An Expiratory
      Muscle Strength Training Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST)
      on both cough and swallow function in stroke patients. DESIGN: Prospective pre
      post intervention trial with 1 participant group. SETTING: Two outpatient
      rehabilitation clinics. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (N=14) with a history of ischemic
      stroke in the preceding 3 to 24 months. INTERVENTION: EMST. The training program
      was completed at home and consisted of 25 repetitions per day, 5 days per week,
      for 5 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline and posttraining measures were
      maximum expiratory pressure, voluntary cough airflows, reflex cough challenge to
      200MUmol/L of capsaicin, sensory perception of urge to cough, and fluoroscopic
      swallow evaluation. Repeated measures and 1-way analyses of variance were used to
      determine significant differences pre- and posttraining. RESULTS: Maximum
      expiratory pressure increased in all participants by an average of 30cmH2O
      posttraining. At baseline, all participants demonstrated a blunted reflex cough
      response to 200MUmol/L of capsaicin. After 5 weeks of training, measures of urge
      to cough and cough effectiveness increased for reflex cough; however, voluntary
      cough effectiveness did not increase. Swallow function was minimally impaired at
      baseline, and there were no significant changes in the measures of swallow
      function posttraining. CONCLUSIONS: EMST improves expiratory muscle strength,
      reflex cough strength, and urge to cough. Voluntary cough and swallow measures
      were not significantly different posttraining. It may be that stroke patients
      benefit from the training for upregulation of reflex cough and thus improved
      airway protection.

PMID- 27130638
TI  - Associations Between Body Anthropometric Measures and Severity of Carpal Tunnel
      Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the associations between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
      severity and selected anthropometric and obesity indexes. DESIGN: We performed a
      case-control study. Clinical and electrophysiological severity of CTS was
      classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on validated scales. Body and hand
      anthropometric characteristics were measured at the time of the electrodiagnostic
      study. We estimated the relative risk ratios (RRRs) of CTS severity by fitting
      multinomial logistic regression models adjusted by age and sex. In addition, we
      fitted multivariable models, including age, sex, wrist ratio, hand ratio, body
      mass index (BMI), and waist/stature ratio. SETTING: Electromyography
      laboratories. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients (N=1087), those with CTS (n=340)
      and those without CTS (n=747), were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Associations between CTS severity and selected anthropometric
      and obesity indexes. RESULTS: We observed associations between many
      anthropometric indexes and CTS severity. Among obesity indexes, the waist/stature
      ratio, and among hand anthropometric indexes, the wrist/palm ratio, showed the
      highest RRRs for the clinical and electrophysiological severity scales. The RRRs
      of severe CTS (adjusted for age and sex) for the wrist/palm ratio were 3.5 for
      the clinical scale and 2.4 for the electrophysiological scale. The RRRs of severe
      CTS for the waist/stature ratio were 2.3 for the clinical scale and 2.0 for the
      electrophysiological scale. In the multivariable models, both BMI and the
      waist/stature ratio were associated with the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Different
      configurations of the body and, in particular, the hand and wrist system may
      influence the occurrence and severity of CTS. Multiple obesity indexes, possibly
      including the waist/stature ratio, should be considered when investigating the
      association between body composition and CTS. Future studies should determine
      whether in obese subjects with CTS the weight and waist circumference loss
      produces an improvement in CTS symptoms and recovery of distal conduction
      velocity of the median nerve.

PMID- 27130639
TI  - Targeted proteomics coming of age - SRM, PRM and DIA performance evaluated from a
      core facility perspective.
AB  - Quantitative mass spectrometry is a rapidly evolving methodology applied in a
      large number of omics-type research projects. During the past years, new designs
      of mass spectrometers have been developed and launched as commercial systems
      while in parallel new data acquisition schemes and data analysis paradigms have
      been introduced. Core facilities provide access to such technologies, but also
      actively support the researchers in finding and applying the best-suited
      analytical approach. In order to implement a solid fundament for this decision
      making process, core facilities need to constantly compare and benchmark the
      various approaches. In this article we compare the quantitative accuracy and
      precision of current state of the art targeted proteomics approaches single
      reaction monitoring (SRM), parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) and data
      independent acquisition (DIA) across multiple liquid chromatography mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS) platforms, using a readily available commercial standard
      sample. All workflows are able to reproducibly generate accurate quantitative
      data. However, SRM and PRM workflows show higher accuracy and precision compared
      to DIA approaches, especially when analyzing low concentrated analytes.

PMID- 27130640
TI  - Potential anthelmintic activity of Pelargonium endlicherianum Fenzl.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The decoction prepared from the roots of
      Pelargonium endlicherianum Fenzl. has been used for the treatment of
      gastrointestinal parasitism in small ruminants in Turkish Folk Medicine. AIM OF
      THE STUDY: The aim of the present study is to investigate in vitro anthelmintic
      activity of the extracts prepared from the roots of Pelargonium endlicherianum
      Fenzl. (Geraniaceae). MATERIALS AND METHODS: So as to determine the potential
      anthelmintic effect of the roots of the plant, n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc)
      and methanol (MeOH) extracts were successively prepared. In vitro test methods
      were used for the determination of the anthelmintic effect of the extracts on
      eggs, larvae and adults of Haemonchus contortus. The extracts were prepared in
      three increasing concentrations by using Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) for egg
      hatch, larval development assay and adult motility inhibition assay. PBS was used
      as negative control, levamisole (in PBS) was used as a reference. RESULTS: The
      extracts exerted significant anthelmintic activity on three lifecycle stages of
      Haemonchus contortus when compared to the negative control group (P<0.05). The
      activity was proportional to the concentrations of the plant extracts for egg
      hatching and the first stage larvae but not for the adult worms. Moreover, the
      results have shown that the MeOH extract was found to have higher ovicidal and
      larvicidal effects than the other extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present
      research have revealed that MeOH extract obtained from P. endlicherianum
      demonstrated in vitro anthelmintic effect against the eggs, the first stage
      larvae and the adult stage of H. contortus. These results confirmed the folkloric
      use of the plant. It was suggested that the tannin content of the plant could be
      responsible for the anthelmintic activity.

PMID- 27130641
TI  - Antinociceptive effects of the aqueous and methanol extracts of the leaves of
      Pittosporum mannii Hook. F. (Pittosporaceae) in mice.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pittosporum mannii (Pittosporaceae) is used in
      Africa traditional medicine to treat various ailments including pain and
      inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present work was undertaken to evaluate the
      antinociceptive effects of the aqueous (AEPM) and methanol (MEPM) extracts from
      the leaves of Pittosporum mannii. METHODS: High performance liquid chromatography
      coupled with mass spectrometry (LCMS) was used for the phytochemical analysis of
      AEPM prepared as decoction and MEPM prepared as cold maceration. The in vitro
      cytotoxicity of AEPM and MEPM were evaluated on Artemia salina larvae. AEPM and
      MEPM antinociceptive effects were evaluated at the doses of 35, 75, 150 and
      300mg/kg given orally, against pain induced by acetic acid, formalin, hot plate,
      capsaicin and glutamate. The rota rod test was also performed at the same doses.
      To determine the mechanism of action of these extracts, their antinociceptive
      effects were tested in animals pretreated with yohimbine (alpha2-adrenergic
      antagonist), atropine (muscarinic antagonist) or naloxone (an opioids
      antagonist). RESULT: The LCMS analysis showed that both extracts contain
      pittovidoside and 1-O-rhamnopyranosyl-23-acetoxyimberbic acid 29-methyl ester,
      the aqueous extract being more concentrated. Oral administration of both extracts
      significantly reduced pain symptoms induced by acetic acid, formalin, capsaicin,
      glutamate and hot plate. The antinociceptive effect of AEPM was significantly
      inhibited by yohimbine, atropine and naloxone while these inhibitors tend to
      potentiate the activity of MEPM. Both extracts have no effect on Rota rod test.
      AEPM and MEPM showed respective LC50 of 2.44 and 0.70mg/ml on Artemia larvae and
      were therefore, considered non-toxic. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that
      AEPM and MEPM possesses analgesic effects with different mechanism of action.
      Although effects of both extracts may involve TRPV1 receptors and glutamatergic
      pathway, AEPM may in addition, interact with alpha-adrenergic, muscarinic and
      opioidergic pathways that are not involve in the effects of MEPM.

PMID- 27130642
TI  - Anti-myocardial ischemia effect of Syringa pinnatifolia Hemsl. by inhibiting
      expression of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 in myocardial tissues of mice.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The peeled stem of Syringa pinnatifolia Hemsl.
      (SP) is a traditional medicine in Inner Mongolia, China. The powder form of SP
      has been widely used for hundreds of years to relieve "He-Yi" related myocardial
      ischemia independently or in a traditional Chinese medicine preparation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: SP was extracted with 95% and 80% ethanol. Chemical
      profiling was performed using HPLC-DAD and IT-TOF-ESI-MS analyses. Myocardial
      ischemia was produced by ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary
      artery to evaluate the anti-myocardial ischemia effect of SP. Male C57BL/6 mice
      were randomly divided into six groups (n=10 per group): a sham group, a model
      group, groups pretreated with SP at three dosages (20mg/kg, 40mg/kg, and 80mg/kg,
      intragastrically), and a positive control group (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA,
      53mg/kg, intragastrically). Echocardiography was performed to determine heart
      function by measuring ejection fraction and fractional shortening. The levels of
      creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum, and 6-keto
      PGF1alpha and TXB2 both in plasma and in protein homogenate of myocardial tissue
      were also measured. The levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 in the heart
      tissue and their expressions in mouse myocardial tissue were determined using
      Western blot and an immunofluorescence assay, respectively. Inflammatory cell
      infiltration and collagen deposition changes in the myocardial ischemic tissue
      were observed by pathological examination. RESULTS: Intragastric pretreatment
      with SP produced a dose-dependent increase in cardiac function. SP at 80mg/kg
      significantly improved the EF (p<0.001) and FS (p<0.01) compared with the model
      group, as well as the levels of serum CK-MB and LDH decreased obviously
      (p<0.001), approaching those in the sham group. Besides, an obvious reduction in
      inflammatory cells infiltration and collagen deposition in the infarcted
      myocardial tissue was shown in each SP treatment group. In addition, SP increased
      6-keto-PGF1alpha and decreased TXB2 levels in the plasma, whereas the opposite
      pattern was observed in the protein homogenate from the myocardial tissues at the
      infarction edge, but keeping balance the ratio of 6-keto-PGF1alpha and TXB2,
      which is better than ASA in plasma. The mechanisms is associated with the
      downregulated expressions of COX-1 (p<0.05) and COX-2 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Ethanol extract of SP has a protective effect against myocardial ischemia via
      down regulation of COX-1 and COX-2 expression and by adjusting the ischemia
      induced imbalance between 6-keto-PGF1alpha and TXB2. This study shows substantial
      evidence to support the clinical application of SP and indicates that such
      medicine has great potential for treating ischemia-induced heart disease.

PMID- 27130643
TI  - The Osmanthus fragrans flower phenylethanoid glycoside-rich extract: Acute and
      subchronic toxicity studies.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Osmanthus fragrans var. thunbergii (O. fragrans)
      flower has been consumed as folk medicine for thousands of years. O. fragrans
      flower extract is a well-characterized phenylethanoid glycoside-rich extract,
      which has been used as a natural anti-oxidant. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the safety of O. fragrans flower phenylethanoid glycoside-rich extract
      (OFFE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The OFFE was extracted by 80% (v/v) aqueous
      ethanol with 0.01% sodium isoascorbate (w/v) from the O. fragrans flower and
      purified on HPD300 resins. The total phenylethanoid glycosides content and
      individual phenylethanoid glycosides was determined by photocolorimetric method
      and reversed phase UPLC respectively. An acute oral toxicity study, reverse
      mutation test, bone marrow cell micronucleus test, and sperm abnormality test as
      well as a 90-day oral toxicity study were performed on experimental animals.
      RESULTS: The total content of phenylethanoid glycosides in OFFE was 73.4g
      acteoside equivalent per 100g of extract, include acteoside (52.5g per 100g of
      extract), salidroside (13.8g per 100g of extract), and isoacteoside (2.6g per
      100g of extract) and so on. No acute lethal effect at the maximal tested OFFE
      dose of 10g/kg body weight (bw) in either rats or mice was observed, suggesting
      that OFFE can be considered nontoxic. No evidence for mutagenicity was detected
      in any of the three mutagenic tests. Administration at levels of 0.50, 1.00, and
      2.00g/kg bw to rats for 90 days failed to induce any significant hematological,
      clinical, chemical, or histopathological changes. The no-observed adverse-effect
      level for OFFE was >2.00g/kg bw for the study on subchronic toxicity. CONCLUSION:
      The results showed that consuming OFFE has no adverse effects and poses no health
      risk in the acute oral toxicity study, subchronic oral toxicity study, and in the
      micronucleus test, which may provide supportive evidence for the safety of OFFE
      powder that has been used in medicine as well as in functional foods, and dietary
      supplements.

PMID- 27130645
TI  - Safety in Numbers: Progressive Implementation of a Robotics Program in an
      Academic Surgical Oncology Practice.
AB  - Background Robotic-assisted surgery has potential benefits over laparoscopy yet
      little has been published on the integration of this platform into complex
      surgical oncology. We describe the outcomes associated with integration of
      robotics into a large surgical oncology program, focusing on metrics of safety
      and efficiency. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained
      database of robotic procedures from July 2009 to October 2014 identifying trends
      in volume, operative time, complications, conversion to open, and 90-day
      mortality. Results Fourteen surgeons performed 1236 cases during the study
      period: thyroid (246), pancreas/duodenum (458), liver (157), stomach (56),
      colorectal (129), adrenal (38), cholecystectomy (102), and other (48). There were
      38 conversions to open (3.1%), 230 complications (18.6%), and 13 mortalities
      (1.1%). From 2009 to 2014, operative volume increased (7 cases/month vs 24
      cases/month; P < .001) and procedure time decreased (471 +/- 166 vs 211 +/- 140
      minutes; P < .001) with statistically significant decreases for all years except
      2014 when volume and time plateaued. Conversion to open decreased (12.1% vs 1.7%;
      P = .009) and complications decreased (48.5% vs 12.3%; P < .001) despite
      increasing complexity of cases performed. There were 13 deaths within 90 days
      (5/13 30-day mortality) and 2 (15.4%) were from palliative surgeries. Conclusions
      Implementation of a diverse robotic surgical oncology program utilizing multiple
      surgeons is safe and feasible. As operative volume increased, operative time,
      complications, and conversions to open decreased and plateaued at approximately 3
      years. No unanticipated adverse events attributable to the introduction of this
      platform were observed. 

PMID- 27130644
TI  - Isoorientin from Gypsophila elegans induces apoptosis in liver cancer cells via
      mitochondrial-mediated pathway.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gypsophila elegans has been used as a traditional
      herbal medicine for treating immune disorders and chronic liver diseases in
      China. The aim of this study is to isolate an active ingredient from this herb
      and investigate its anti-tumor activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An active
      ingredient was isolated from the ethanol extract using bioassay-guided screening.
      And its anti-tumor activity was analyzed by testing the cytotoxicity, lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) release, clonogenecity and migration in HepG2 cells. To
      investigate its potential mechanism, cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, reactive
      oxygen species (ROS), cytochrome c, mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) and
      caspase level were determined in liver cancer cell line HepG2. RESULTS: A
      flavonoid glycoside, i.e., G. elegans isoorientin (GEI), was isolated from this
      herb and identified as Isoorientin-2"-O-alpha-l-arabinopyranosyl. Our results
      showed that GEI significantly inhibited the viability and proliferation of HepG2
      cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and its cytotoxic effect was also
      confirmed by the elevated level of LDH. GEI treatment could markedly inhibit the
      clonogenicity and migration of HepG2 cells. Moreover, GEI induced remarkable
      apoptotic death of HepG2 cells through cell cycle arrest at G1 phase via the
      regulation of cell cycle-related genes, such as cyclin D, cyclin E and CDK2.
      Further study showed that GEI treatment significantly elevated ROS formation,
      followed by attenuation of MMP via up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of
      Bcl-2, accompanied by cytochrome c release to the cytosol. In addition, GEI
      treatment resulted in a significant dose-dependent increase in caspase-3 and -9
      proteolytic activities. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that the
      ability of GEI to induce apoptosis against HepG2 cells mediated by mitochondrial
      mediated pathway.

PMID- 27130646
TI  - Does Abdominoplasty Add Morbidity to Incisional Hernia Repair? A Randomized
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - Background Abdominoplasty is considered an operation linked to a considerable
      rate of morbidity. The convenience of simultaneously performing an incisional
      hernia repair and an abdominoplasty remains controversial. Methods A total of 111
      patients were randomized prospectively to compare isolated incisional hernia
      repair and hernia repair when combined with abdominoplasty. Primary end points
      were in-hospital stay and early morbidity. Secondary end points were late
      morbidity, recurrences, and quality of life. Patients were followed-up for 24
      months. Results Duration of the surgical procedure differed significantly between
      both groups (39 vs 85 minutes, P < .001) and postoperative hospital stay (2.5 vs
      3.5 days; P < .001). No statistically significant differences in early or late
      morbidity between both groups were detected. The perceived quality of life for
      patients was higher in the combined surgery group (P < .001) that in the isolated
      hernia repair group. Conclusions Postoperative in-hospital stay and early and
      late morbidity do not differ significantly between isolated incisional hernia
      repair and simultaneous hernia repair with abdominoplasty, but associated
      abdominoplasty provides a higher quality of life when indicated. 

PMID- 27130647
TI  - The Role of Laparoscopy in the Acute Neonatal Abdomen.
AB  - IntroductionThe surgical treatment of the acute neonatal abdomen still poses a
      challenge in pediatric surgery. Various underlying etiologies require different
      surgical procedures. Until today the role of laparoscopy in the surgical
      treatment of the acute neonatal abdomen is controversial. The aim of this study
      was to analyze our experiences with laparoscopy and to perform a review of the
      literature. Methods Retrospective, single-institution study including all term
      and preterm neonates initially undergoing laparoscopy due to an acute abdomen.
      Results Altogether, 17 neonates presenting with an acute neonatal abdomen
      initially underwent laparoscopy. Unnecessary laparotomy could be avoided in 9 of
      17 (53%) neonates. After diagnostic laparoscopy, 2 patients did not require any
      further surgical intervention. Eight neonates presented midgut atresia
      intraoperatively, 5 of them underwent laparoscopic-assisted correction.
      Successful laparoscopic derotation of an acute volvulus (n = 1) and laparoscopic
      appendectomy (n = 1) could be performed. Conversion to open surgery was necessary
      in 8 neonates (47%) due to creation of a stoma (n = 5), multiple intestinal bands
      causing poor visualization (n = 2), and bowel necrosis (n = 1). Conclusions
      Laparoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool to evaluate the need for further surgical
      intervention in the acute neonatal abdomen and enables immediate surgical
      treatment of acute volvulus, appendicitis, or intestinal atresia. In case of
      conversion to laparotomy, precise localization of the incision is guaranteed.
      Minimization of the surgical trauma and avoidance of unnecessary laparotomy are
      the most important benefits of the minimal-invasive approach for the critically
      ill neonate.

PMID- 27130648
TI  - Dual-mobility or Constrained Liners Are More Effective Than Preoperative
      Bariatric Surgery in Prevention of THA Dislocation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of dislocation after
      total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, in patients with obesity, it is not known
      whether the risk is only in the early postoperative period or whether it persists
      several years after surgery, and whether having bariatric surgery before
      undergoing THA and/or receiving a specific device (such as a dual-mobility or
      constrained acetabular liner) is more effective in terms of decreasing the risk
      of dislocation. QUESTION/PURPOSES: (1) What is the cumulative risk of dislocation
      in patients with obesity after THA in the absence of a dual-mobility or
      constrained liner, and is this related to component positioning? (2) Does
      bariatric surgery before undergoing THA decrease dislocation risk in patients
      with obesity? (3) Are dual-mobility and constrained liners efficient in
      preventing dislocation in patients with obesity? METHODS: At our university-based
      practice, all surgeons adhered to the following treatment approaches: Before 2000
      no dual-mobility implants or constrained liners were used for primary THAs.
      Between 2000 and 2008, all patients whose body mass index (BMI) was greater than
      30 kg/m(2) received dual-mobility liners (or constrained liners), except when
      they had previously had bariatric surgery. After 2008, all patients with BMIs
      over 30 kg/m(2) as well as those patients who were previously treated with
      bariatric surgery (regardless of BMI at the time of the index THA) received dual
      mobility or constrained liners. This case-control study compared the dislocation
      percentage between 215 hips in nonobese patients (BMI <= 30 kg/m(2)), 215 hips in
      patients with obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m(2)) who received standard cups, 85 hips in
      patients with bariatric surgery before THA using standard cups (with reduction to
      a BMI < 30 kg/m(2)), and 155 hips in patients with obesity who received dual
      mobility (when younger than 70 years) or constrained liners (when older than 70
      years). All patients received the same implants except for different femoral head
      diameters (32-mm head with standard cups and 28-mm head with dual-mobility or
      constrained liners). The patients were followed at routine intervals and were
      specifically queried about dislocation. All the 670 hips had a minimum followup
      of 5 years with a mean followup of 14 years (range 5-25 years). At the most
      recent followup, 101 (15%) hips were lost to followup (respectively, 36 of 215,
      34 of 215, five of 85, 24 of 155), which is the same ratio as observed among the
      underlying populations from which the patients were drawn. RESULTS: With standard
      liners, more hips in patients with BMI > 30 kg/m(2) dislocated than did hips in
      nonobese (BMI < 30 kg/m(2)) patients. The cumulative number of dislocations
      (first time without recurrent dislocation) was 6% (13 of 215) at 1-year followup
      in obese patients compared with 2% (four of 215) in nonobese patients (odds ratio
      [OR], 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-10.58; p = 0.03) and was 13% (28 of
      215) at 15 years followup compared with 4% (eight of 215) in nonobese patients
      (OR, 3.9; 95% CI 1.72-8.71; p = 0.001). When bariatric surgery was performed
      before THA, BMI declined from 42 kg/m(2) to 28 kg/m(2), but with the same
      standard liners, more hips after bariatric surgery dislocated at 1-year followup
      than did hips in patients with obesity without preoperative bariatric surgery
      (13% [11 of 85] compared with 6% [13 of 215]; OR, 0.43; 95% CI 0.18-1.01; p =
      0.05). Dual-mobility or constrained implants decreased the risk of dislocation,
      and fewer hips in patients with obesity with dual-mobility or constrained liners
      at 7 years followup had dislocated than did hips with standard liners (2% [three
      of 155] compared with 9% [20 of 215]; OR, 0.19; 95% CI 0.05-0.66; p = 0.01)
      bringing this number in line with the number observed in nonobese subjects with
      standard cups. CONCLUSIONS: With standard liners, the risk of dislocation is
      increased in patients with obesity. Preoperative decrease of BMI (with bariatric
      surgery) in patients with obesity did not prevent the risk of dislocation with
      standard liners. Use of dual-mobility or constrained liners in these patients is
      an effective technique to reduce the risk of postoperative hip dislocation.
      However, we do not yet know the full risks of loosening of dual-mobility and
      constrained liners in this obese population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III,
      therapeutic study.

PMID- 27130649
TI  - Early Migration Predicts Aseptic Loosening of Cementless Femoral Stems: A Long
      term Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Excessive early migration of cemented stems and cups after THA has
      been associated with poor long-term survival and allows predictable evaluation of
      implant performance. However, there are few data regarding the relationship
      between early migration and aseptic loosening of cementless femoral components,
      and whether early migration might predict late failure has not been evaluated, to
      our knowledge. Einzel-Bild-Rontgen-Analyse-femoral component analysis (EBRA-FCA)
      is a validated technique to accurately measure axial femoral stem migration
      without the need for tantalum markers, can be performed retrospectively, and may
      be a suitable tool to identify poor performing implants before their widespread
      use. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) Is axial migration within the first 24
      months as assessed by EBRA-FCA greater among cementless stems that develop
      aseptic loosening than those that remain well fixed through the second decade;
      (2) what is the diagnostic performance of implant migration at 24 months
      postoperatively to predict later aseptic loosening of these components; and (3)
      how does long-term stem survivorship compare between groups with high and low
      early migration? METHODS: We evaluated early axial stem migration in 158
      cementless THAs using EBRA-FCA. The EBRA-FCA measurements were performed during
      the first week postoperatively (baseline measurement) and at regular followups of
      3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and annually thereafter. The mean duration of
      followup was 21 years (range, 18-24 years). The stems studied represented 45%
      (158 of 354) of the cementless THAs performed during that time, and cementless
      THAs represented 34% (354 of 1038) of the THA practice during that period. No
      patient enrolled in this study was lost to followup. Multivariate survivorship
      analysis using Cox's regression model was performed with an endpoint of aseptic
      loosening of the femoral component. Loosening was defined according to the
      criteria described by Engh et al. and assessed by two independent observers.
      Patients with a diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection were excluded. Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic
      performance of axial stem migration 1, 2, 3, and 4 years postoperatively as a
      predictor of aseptic loosening. Survivorship of hips with high (>= 2.7 mm) and
      low (< 2.7 mm) migration was compared using a competing-events analysis. RESULTS:
      Femoral components that had aseptic loosening develop showed greater mean distal
      migration at 24 months postoperatively than did components that remained well
      fixed throughout the surveillance period (4.2 mm +/- 3.1 mm vs 0.8 mm +/- 0.9 mm;
      mean difference, 3.4 mm, 95% CI, 2.5-4.4; p <= 0.001). Distal migration at 24
      months postoperatively was a strong risk factor for aseptic loosening (hazard
      ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.51-2.57; p < 0.001). The associated overall diagnostic
      performance of 2-year distal migration for predicting aseptic loosening was good
      (area under the ROC curve, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.72-1.00; p < 0.001). Sensitivity of
      early migration measurement was high for the prediction of aseptic loosening
      during the first decade after surgery but decreased markedly thereafter. Stems
      with large amounts of early migration (>= 2.7 mm) had lower 18-year survivorship
      than did stems with little early migration (29% [95% CI, 0%-62%] versus 95% [95%
      CI, 90%-100%] p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early migration, as measured by EBRA-FCA
      at 2 years postoperatively, has good diagnostic capabilities for detection of
      uncemented femoral components at risk for aseptic loosening during the first and
      early second decades after surgery. However, there was no relationship between
      early migration patterns and aseptic loosening during the late second and third
      decades. EBRA-FCA can be used as a research tool to evaluate new cementless stems
      or in clinical practice to evaluate migration patterns in patients with painful
      femoral components. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

PMID- 27130650
TI  - Glaucoma diagnostic capacity of optic nerve head haemoglobin measures compared
      with spectral domain OCT and HRT III confocal tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: The computer program laguna onhe determines optic nerve head haemoglobin
      (ONH Hb) on retinal photographs based on detecting colour differences. This study
      compares the diagnostic capacity of Laguna ONhE with that of spectral domain
      optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal tomography (HRT III). METHODS: In
      a prospective, observational, cross-sectional study, glaucomatous (n = 66) and
      healthy (n = 52) eyes were examined by Spectralis OCT, HRT III and Laguna ONhE.
      The following Laguna ONhE variables were determined: ONH Hb across the vertical
      disc diameter (8&20 Hb), estimated cup-disc ratio (C/D) and the glaucoma
      discriminant function (GDF), which combines the slope of Hb amount with the mean
      in 8&20 Hb. The three diagnostic methods were compared by calculating areas under
      ROC curves (AUCs). Correlations between variables were assessed through
      Spearman's rho coefficient. RESULTS: Areas under ROC curves (AUCs) were 0.785
      (95% CI: 0.700-0.863) for GDF, 0.807 (95% CI: 0.730-0.883) for OCT retinal nerve
      fibre layer thickness (OCT-RNFL) and 0.714 (95% CI: 0.618-0.810) and 0.721 (95%
      CI: 0.628-0.815) for the HRT III variable GPS (glaucoma probability score) and
      vertical C/D ratio, respectively. Glaucoma discriminant function (GDF) was
      correlated with OCT-RNFL (0.587, p 0.001; 0.507, p 0.045; and -0.119, p 0.713 for
      mild, moderate and advanced glaucoma, respectively), mostly so with inferior OCT
      RNFL (0.622; p < 0.001). Glaucoma discriminant function (GDF)-HRT III
      correlations were lower (rim area 0.471, p < 0.0001; rim/disc area 0.426, p <
      0.0001; vertical C/D -0.413, p < 0.0001; GPS -0.408, p < 0.0001; rim volume
      0.341, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Similar diagnostic power was observed for Laguna
      ONhE, Spectralis OCT and HRT III.

PMID- 27130651
TI  - What is "the patient perspective" in patient engagement programs? Implicit logics
      and parallels to feminist theories.
AB  - Public and patient involvement (PPI) in health care may refer to many different
      processes, ranging from participating in decision-making about one's own care to
      participating in health services research, health policy development, or
      organizational reforms. Across these many forms of public and patient
      involvement, the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings remain poorly
      articulated. Instead, most public and patient involvement programs rely on policy
      initiatives as their conceptual frameworks. This lack of conceptual clarity
      participates in dilemmas of program design, implementation, and evaluation. This
      study contributes to the development of theoretical understandings of public and
      patient involvement. In particular, we focus on the deployment of patient
      engagement programs within health service organizations. To develop a deeper
      understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of these programs, we examined the
      concept of "the patient perspective" as used by patient engagement practitioners
      and participants. Specifically, we focused on the way this phrase was used in the
      singular: "the" patient perspective or "the" patient voice. From qualitative
      analysis of interviews with 20 patient advisers and 6 staff members within a
      large urban health network in Canada, we argue that "the patient perspective" is
      referred to as a particular kind of situated knowledge, specifically an embodied
      knowledge of vulnerability. We draw parallels between this logic of patient
      perspective and the logic of early feminist theory, including the concepts of
      standpoint theory and strong objectivity. We suggest that champions of patient
      engagement may learn much from the way feminist theorists have constructed their
      arguments and addressed critique.

PMID- 27130652
TI  - Chitosan beads immobilized manganese peroxidase catalytic potential for
      detoxification and decolorization of textile effluent.
AB  - Textile industry has led to severe environmental pollution and is posing a
      serious threat to the ecosystems. Immobilized biocatalysts have gained importance
      as potential bio-remediating agent. Manganese peroxidase (MnP) was immobilized
      onto glutaraldehyde activated chitosan beads by crosslinking and employed for the
      degradation and detoxification of dyes in textile effluents. The efficiency of
      chitosan-immobilized MnP (CI-MnP) was evaluated on the basis of decolorization,
      water quality improvement and toxicity reduction. Maximum color removal of 97.31%
      was recorded and up to 82.40%, 78.30% and 91.7% reductions in COD, TOC, and BOD
      were achieved, respectively. The cytotoxicity of bio-treated effluents reduced
      significantly and 38.46%, 43.47% and 41.83% Allium cepa root length, root count
      and mitotic index were increased, respectively, whereas brine shrimp nauplii
      death reduced up to 63.64%. Mutagenicity (Ames test) reduced up to 73.44% and
      75.43% for TA98 and TA100 strains, respectively. The CI-MnP retained 60% activity
      after 10 repeated decolorization batches. The CI-MnP showed excellent efficiency
      for the bioremediation of textile effluents and can be used for the remediation
      of toxic agents in wastewater. The monitoring of processed wastewater using
      bioassays is suggested to evaluate bio-efficiency of treatment method for safe
      disposal of effluents into water bodies. 

PMID- 27130653
TI  - Interaction of KRAS G-quadruplex with natural polyphenols: A spectroscopic
      analysis with molecular modeling.
AB  - Researchers are endeavoring to find out new therapeutics for curing cancer and G
      quadruplex DNA has already been identified as a prospective one in this venture.
      Stabilizing G-quadruplex structures of telomere has emerged to be an important
      strategy in this context. Mutation in KRAS is mostly responsible for pancreatic,
      lung and colon cancer. In this present study we explored binding and
      conformational behaviour of G-quadruplex with different ligands by utilizing
      several biophysical techniques. Natural polyphenols like Curcumin and Ellagic
      acid were observed to bind with the G-quadruplex and enhance the melting
      temperature significantly indicating higher stability. UV-vis spectroscopy
      confirms formation of G quadruplex-ligand complex for both the compounds with
      specific binding affinity. Fluorimetric studies revealed that Ellagic acid had
      stronger binding affinity, 1.10*10(5)M(-1) compared to Curcumin, 1.6*10(4)M(-1)
      towards G-quadruplex. Interestingly, Curcumin provides greater stability by
      stacking on the top of the quadruplex structure with the help of the loops
      compared to Ellagic acid as is evident by docking studies. The keto form of
      curcumin showed stronger affinity than the enol form. We have developed a general
      model to estimate the influence of the ligands towards stabilizing the G
      quadruplex subsequently characterizing the binding profile to enlighten
      prospective therapeutics. 

PMID- 27130654
TI  - "Application of Box-Behnken design for optimization and development of quetiapine
      fumarate loaded chitosan nanoparticles for brain delivery via intranasal route*
      ".
AB  - The objective of the present investigation was to optimize and develop quetiapine
      fumarate (QF) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (QF-NP) by ionic gelation method
      using Box-Behnken design. Three independent variables viz., X1-Concentration of
      chitosan, X2-Concentration of sodium tripolyphosphate and X3-Volume of sodium
      tripolyphosphate were taken to investigate their effect on dependent variables
      (Y1-Size, Y2-PDI and Y3-%EE). Optimized formula of QF-NP was selected from the
      design space which was further evaluated for physicochemical, morphological,
      solid state characterization, nasal diffusion and in-vivo distribution for brain
      targeting following non-invasive intranasal administration. The average particle
      size, PDI, %EE and nasal diffusion were found to be 131.08+/-7.45nm, 0.252+/
      0.064, 89.93+/-3.85% and 65.24+/-5.26% respectively. Neither toxicity nor
      structural damage on nasal mucosa was observed upon histopathological
      examination. Significantly higher brain/blood ratio and 2 folds higher nasal
      bioavailability in brain with QF-NP in comparison to drug solution following
      intranasal administration revealed preferential nose to brain transport bypassing
      blood-brain barrier and prolonged retention of QF at site of action suggesting
      superiority of chitosan as permeability enhancer. Overall, the above finding
      shows promising results in the area of developing non-invasive intranasal route
      as an alternative to oral route for brain delivery. 

PMID- 27130655
TI  - Probiotics Reduce the Risk of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Adults (18-64
      Years) but Not the Elderly (>65 Years): A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common problem in adults
      and elderly patients due to the widespread use of antibiotics in this population.
      Multiple previous systematic reviews have demonstrated an association between
      specific probiotics and decrease of AAD, especially in children. As there is no
      specific analysis concerning the elderly patients, we decided to focus on adults,
      especially elderly people. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the
      literature regarding the use of probiotics in the treatment of AAD in adults (18
      64 years old) and elderly subjects (>=65 years old). We identified 436 articles
      that met the search criteria. Thirty randomized controlled trials met the
      predefined inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS:
      There was considerable heterogeneity among the trials (P < .001); thus, subgroup
      analyses were performed. The meta-analysis resulted in a pooled relative risk
      (RR) of AAD of 0.69 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.62-0.76) in a fixed
      effects model and 0.58 (95% CI: 0.48-0.71) in a random effects model, as compared
      with placebo. The positive association between intake of probiotic and reduced
      risk of AAD was observed in adults (RR, 0.47; 95% CI: 0.4-0.56). In contrast, in
      elderly patients, there was no positive effect (RR, 0.94; 95% CI: 0.76-1.15) of
      probiotic use and AAD. CONCLUSION: In summary, the results emerging from our meta
      analysis suggested that adjunct probiotic administration is associated with a
      reduced risk of AAD in adults but not in elderly people.

PMID- 27130658
TI  - Neuroinflammation Regulates Cognitive Impairment in Socially Defeated Mice.
AB  - Impairments in memory and cognitive function are characteristic symptoms of
      stress-related disorders, but the relationship between stress and memory is
      complex. Recent findings suggest that hippocampal inflammatory processes
      contribute to spatial memory deficits in the rodent social defeat model that can
      be reversed by anti-inflammatory treatment with minocycline.

PMID- 27130656
TI  - MTHFR: Addressing Genetic Counseling Dilemmas Using Evidence-Based Literature.
AB  - The 5, 10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme is a catalyst in the
      folate metabolism pathway, the byproducts of which are involved in the
      remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Methionine is a precursor for a
      major DNA methyl donor and is important for DNA methylation and gene regulation.
      Rare mutations in the MTHFR gene have been associated with autosomal recessive
      MTHFR deficiency leading to homocystinuria. In addition, two polymorphic variants
      in this gene (C677T and A1298C) have been implicated in a mild form of MTHFR
      deficiency associated with hyperhomocysteinemia. Mild to moderate
      hyperhomocysteinemia has been previously implicated as a risk factor for
      cardiovascular disease. Further, the presence of these variants, with and without
      mildly elevated levels of homocysteine, has been studied in relation to several
      multifactorial disorders including recurrent pregnancy loss, neural tube defects
      and congenital anomalies, cancer, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Given this
      wide spectrum of purported clinical implications and the prevalence of these
      polymorphisms, genetic counselors may encounter questions regarding the
      significance of MTHFR polymorphisms in a variety of settings. Here we present a
      brief background of the MTHFR polymorphisms, review of the literature regarding
      clinical considerations, and discussion of relevant genetic counseling aspects
      through case vignettes. Educational resources for patients and providers are also
      included.

PMID- 27130659
TI  - Emerging Roles for the Unfolded Protein Response in the Developing Nervous
      System.
AB  - The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a homeostatic signaling pathway triggered
      by protein misfolding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Beyond its protective
      role, it plays important functions during normal development in response to
      elevated demand for protein folding. Several UPR effectors show dynamic temporal
      and spatial expression patterns that correlate with milestones of the central
      nervous system (CNS) development. Here, we discuss recent studies suggesting that
      a dynamic regulation of UPR supports generation, maturation, and maintenance of
      differentiated neurons in the CNS. We further highlight studies supporting a
      developmental vulnerability of CNS to UPR dysregulation, which underlies
      neurodevelopmental disorders. We believe that a better understanding of UPR
      functions may provide novel opportunities for therapeutic strategies to fight
      ER/UPR-associated human neurological disorders.

PMID- 27130657
TI  - NMDA Receptor Internalization by Autoantibodies: A Reversible Mechanism
      Underlying Psychosis?
AB  - Since the early 1990s it has been postulated that hypofunction of N-methyl-d
      aspartate (NMDA) receptors in brain networks supporting perception and cognition
      underlies schizophrenic psychosis. Recently, NMDA receptor hypofunction was
      described in patients with psychotic manifestations who exhibited autoantibodies
      binding the GluN1 subunit of the receptor, and who improved when the level of
      these antibodies was lowered by immunomodulation. In this disorder, NMDA receptor
      antibodies decrease the availability of NMDA receptors by internalizing them. In
      this opinion article, we review this mechanism as well as data supporting or
      refuting the possibility that this disorder or similar autoimmune disorders
      affecting synaptic proteins, which are therefore treatable with immunomodulation,
      could account for some cases of idiopathic psychosis. We also suggest
      methodological approaches to clarify this issue.

PMID- 27130661
TI  - From Concrete Examples to Abstract Relations: The Rostrolateral Prefrontal Cortex
      Integrates Novel Examples into Relational Categories.
AB  - The ability to form relational categories for objects that share few features in
      common is a hallmark of human cognition. For example, anything that can play a
      preventative role, from a boulder to poverty, can be a "barrier." However,
      neurobiological research has focused solely on how people acquire categories
      defined by features. The present functional magnetic resonance imaging study
      examines how relational and feature-based category learning compare in well
      matched learning tasks. Using a computational model-based approach, we observed a
      cluster in left rostrolateral prefrontal cortex (rlPFC) that tracked quantitative
      predictions for the representational distance between test and training examples
      during relational categorization. Contrastingly, medial and dorsal PFC exhibited
      graded activation that tracked decision evidence during both feature-based and
      relational categorization. The results suggest that rlPFC computes an alignment
      signal that is critical for integrating novel examples during relational
      categorization whereas other PFC regions support more general decision functions.

PMID- 27130660
TI  - What Can Ethobehavioral Studies Tell Us about the Brain's Fear System?
AB  - Foraging-associated predation risk is a natural problem all prey must face. Fear
      evolved due to its protective functions, guiding and shaping behaviors that help
      animals adapt to various ecological challenges. Despite the breadth of risky
      situations in nature that demand diversity in fear behaviors, contemporary
      neurobiological models of fear stem largely from Pavlovian fear conditioning
      studies that focus on how a particular cue becomes capable of eliciting learned
      fear responses, thus oversimplifying the brain's fear system. Here we review fear
      from functional, mechanistic, and phylogenetic perspectives where environmental
      threats cause animals to alter their foraging strategies in terms of spatial and
      temporal navigation, and discuss whether the inferences we draw from fear
      conditioning studies operate in the natural world.

PMID- 27130662
TI  - Role of the Perigenual Anterior Cingulate and Orbitofrontal Cortex in Contingency
      Learning in the Marmoset.
AB  - Two learning mechanisms contribute to decision-making: goal-directed actions and
      the "habit" system, by which action-outcome and stimulus-response associations
      are formed, respectively. Rodent lesion studies and human neuroimaging have
      implicated both the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the orbitofrontal cortex
      (OFC) in the neural basis of contingency learning, a critical component of goal
      directed actions, though some published findings are conflicting. We sought to
      reconcile the existing literature by comparing the effects of excitotoxic lesions
      of the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC), a region of the mPFC, and
      OFC on contingency learning in the marmoset monkey using a touchscreen-based
      paradigm, in which the contingent relationship between one of a pair of actions
      and its outcome was degraded selectively. Both the pgACC and OFC lesion groups
      were insensitive to the contingency degradation, whereas the control group
      demonstrated selectively higher performance of the nondegraded action when
      compared with the degraded action. These findings suggest the pgACC and OFC are
      both necessary for normal contingency learning and therefore goal-directed
      behavior.

PMID- 27130664
TI  - The phosphorylation-specific association of STMN1 with GRP78 promotes breast
      cancer metastasis.
AB  - Metastasis is a major cause of death in patients with breast cancer. Stathmin1
      (STMN1) is a phosphoprotein associated with cancer metastasis. It exhibits a
      complicated phosphorylation pattern in response to various extracellular signals,
      but its signaling mechanism is poorly understood. In this study, we report that
      phosphorylation of STMN1 at Ser25 and Ser38 is necessary to maintain cell
      migration capabilities and is associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS)
      in breast cancer. In addition, we report that glucose-regulated protein of
      molecular mass 78 (GRP78) is a novel phospho-STMN1 binding protein upon STMN1
      Ser25/Ser38 phosphorylation. This phosphorylation-dependent interaction is
      regulated by MEK kinase and is required for STMN1-GRP78 complex stability and
      STMN1-mediated migration. We also propose a prognostic model based on phospho
      STMN1 and GRP78 to assess metastatic risk in breast cancer patients.

PMID- 27130663
TI  - Relationship Between Cortical Gyrification, White Matter Connectivity, and Autism
      Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition, which
      is accompanied by differences in gray matter neuroanatomy and white matter
      connectivity. However, it is unknown whether these differences are linked or
      reflect independent aetiologies. Using a multimodal neuroimaging approach, we
      therefore examined 51 male adults with ASD and 48 neurotypical controls to
      investigate the relationship between gray matter local gyrification (lGI) and
      white matter diffusivity in associated fiber tracts. First, ASD individuals had a
      significant increase in gyrification around the left pre- and post-central gyrus.
      Second, white matter fiber tracts originating and/or terminating in the cluster
      of increased lGI had a significant increase in axial diffusivity. This increase
      in diffusivity was predominantly observed in tracts in close proximity to the
      cortical sheet. Last, we demonstrate that the increase in lGI was significantly
      correlated with increased diffusivity of short tracts. This relationship was not
      significantly modulated by a main effect of group (i.e., ASD), which was more
      closely associated with gray matter gyrification than white matter diffusivity.
      Our findings suggest that differences in gray matter neuroanatomy and white
      matter connectivity are closely linked, and may reflect common rather than
      distinct aetiological pathways.

PMID- 27130665
TI  - MMP1 promotes tumor growth and metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinases play an essential role in the progression of esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we show that MMP1 expression was markedly
      increased in a majority of ESCC compared with nontumorous tissue. High
      expressions of MMP1 were closely associated with lymph node metastasis,
      microvessel density and advanced TNM stage. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate
      analyses indicated MMP1 as an independent factor for overall survival in two
      independent cohorts of 613 patients with ESCC. In vitro studies demonstrated that
      MMP1 overexpression resulted in enhanced cell viability, abilities of colony
      formation and cell migration. The knockdown of MMP1 in ESCC cells resulted in the
      opposite phenomenon. Consistently, in vivo data showed that ectopic expression of
      MMP1 promoted tumor growth and metastasis. Further study revealed that MMP1
      facilitated ESCC through the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Inhibition of
      the PI3K/AKT pathway by LY294002 significantly attenuated MMP1-mediated cell
      proliferation and migration. Taken together, our data suggest that MMP1 functions
      as an oncogene and serves as a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic
      target in ESCC.

PMID- 27130666
TI  - Dual blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast
      growth factor (FGF-2) exhibits potent anti-angiogenic effects.
AB  - Both vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor
      (bFGF or FGF-2) are potent pro-angiogenic factors and play a critical role in
      cancer development and progression. Clinical anti-VEGF therapy trials had a major
      challenge due to upregulated expression of other pro-angiogenic factor, like FGF
      2. This study developed a novel chimeric decoy receptor VF-Trap fusion protein to
      simultaneously block activity of both VEGF and FGF pathways in order to achieve
      an additive or synergistic anti-tumor effect. Our in vitro data showed that VF
      Trap potently blocked proliferation and migration of both VEGF- and FGF-2-induced
      vascular endothelial cells. In animal models, treatment of xenograft tumors with
      VF-Trap resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth compared to blockage
      of the single molecule, like VEGF or FGF blocker. In addition, VF-Trap was also
      more potent in inhibition of ocular angiogenesis in a mouse oxygen-induced
      retinopathy (OIR) model. These data demonstrated the potent anti-angiogenic
      effects of this novel VF-Trap fusion protein on blockage of VEGF and FGF-2
      activity in vitro and in animal models. Further study will assess its effects in
      clinic as a therapeutic agent for angiogenesis-related disorders, such as cancer
      and ocular vascular diseases.

PMID- 27130667
TI  - Long non-coding RNA LOC572558 inhibits bladder cancer cell proliferation and
      tumor growth by regulating the AKT-MDM2-p53 signaling axis.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been suggested to play important roles in the
      progression of many cancers such as bladder cancer. However, the detailed
      mechanism has not been fully understood. We have previously identified a
      collection of aberrantly expressed lncRNAs in bladder cancer using microarray
      gene profiling assay. In the current study, we aim to further explore the
      expression profile and the function of LOC572558, one of the most deregulated
      lncRNAs in bladder cancer. A large cohort of human bladder cancer tissue samples
      with benign controls, as well as established human bladder cancer cell lines, has
      been examined for the expression of LOC572558. The biological functions of
      LOC572558 were examined by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry analysis, and wound
      healing and transwell assays. Using a high-throughput phospho-proteome array, we
      identified proteins that were ectopic phosphorylated in bladder cancer cells
      where LOC572558 expression was upregulated. We demonstrated that LOC572558
      expression was markedly decreased in bladder cancer tissues and bladder cancer
      cell lines. Moreover, ectopic expression of LOC572558 inhibited cell
      proliferation and motility, induced S phase arrest of the cell cycle and promoted
      cell apoptosis in T24 and 5637 bladder cancer cell lines. We further verified
      that overexpression of LOC572558 was associated with dephosphorylation of AKT,
      MDM2 and phosphorylation of p53 protein. Our data clearly demonstrated that
      LOC572558 is a tumor suppressor and regulates the p53 signaling pathway in
      bladder cancer. Thus, it may serve as a promising new diagnostic marker and
      therapeutic target in bladder cancer.

PMID- 27130668
TI  - Crosstalk between tumor suppressors p53 and PKCdelta: Execution of the intrinsic
      apoptotic pathways.
AB  - p53 and PKCdelta are tumor suppressors that execute apoptotic mechanisms in
      response to various cellular stresses. p53 is a transcription factor that is
      frequently mutated in human cancers; it regulates apoptosis in transcription
      dependent and -independent ways in response to genotoxic stresses. PKCdelta is a
      serine/threonine protein kinase and mutated in human cancers. Available evidence
      shows that PKCdelta activates p53 by direct and/or indirect mechanisms. Moreover,
      PKCdelta is also implicated in the transcriptional regulation of p53 in response
      to DNA damage. Recent findings demonstrated that p53, in turn, binds onto the
      PKCdelta promoter and induces its expression upon DNA damage to facilitate
      apoptosis. Both p53 and PKCdelta are associated with the apoptotic mechanisms in
      the mitochondria by regulating Bcl-2 family proteins to provide mitochondrial
      outer membrane permeabilization. This review discusses the crosstalk between p53
      and PKCdelta in the context of apoptotic cell death and cancer therapy.

PMID- 27130670
TI  - Immunization against pertussis in adolescents and adults.
AB  - Pertussis is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by Bordetella
      pertussis that can be extremely serious, particularly in young infants. For many
      years the efforts of health authorities throughout the world to prevent pertussis
      had the main goals of reducing the morbidity of infants and children under 5
      years of age, maintaining protection for several years during the school-age
      period and developing a significant herd immunity to directly and indirectly
      reduce the risk of the spread of the disease among young infants and the risk of
      transmission of the infection from preschool children to infants. However, the
      increased risk of B. pertussis infection among adolescents and adults due to the
      waning immunity to this bacterium induced by vaccines and natural infection seems
      to be the main reason for the resurgence of pertussis. We discuss the reasons for
      the administration of pertussis vaccines to individuals for whom they were
      previously not recommended, the expected results of the administration of
      additional pertussis vaccine doses and the differences in the administration of
      pertussis vaccines in different countries. An analysis of the literature revealed
      several reports indicating the need for the modification of immunization
      schedules against pertussis, with booster doses among adolescents and the need
      for the vaccination of pregnant women. However, to monitor the true epidemiology
      of pertussis, effective programmes to collect pertussis cases, adequate reporting
      systems and vaccination coverage monitoring should be urgently implemented.

PMID- 27130669
TI  - Polysaccharide from Lentinus edodes combined with oxaliplatin possesses the
      synergy and attenuation effect in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Despite the great progress in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma,
      combination chemotherapy is still the main choice of treatment for patients with
      unresectable metastatic or recurrent hepatocellular cancer. Lentinan, which has
      been used as an immunomodulator in the treatment of cancer, possesses anti-tumor
      activities. However, the mechanisms by which Lentinan inhibits hepatocellular
      carcinoma remain unknown. Our study showed that Lentinan has a significantly
      synergistic anti-tumor effect with oxaliplatin against HepG2 cells in vitro and
      in H22 tumor-bearing mice through the mitochondria pathway and for the inhibition
      of NF-kappaB, Stat3 and survivin signaling. Moreover, Lentinan moderated side
      effects induced by oxaliplatin. These findings suggested that Lentinan may be an
      ideal agent for the combination therapy of oxaliplatin against hepatocellular
      carcinoma.

PMID- 27130671
TI  - Universal influenza vaccines: a realistic option?
AB  - The extensive antigenic drift displayed by seasonal influenza viruses and the
      risk of pandemics caused by newly emerging antigenically distinct influenza A
      viruses of novel subtypes has raised considerable interest in the development of
      so-called universal influenza vaccines. We review options for the development of
      universal flu vaccines and discuss progress that has been made recently.

PMID- 27130672
TI  - Vaccines against norovirus: state of the art trials in children and adults.
AB  - Noroviruses (NoVs), a group of nonenveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses
      belonging to the Caliciviridae family, are the leading cause worldwide of acute
      infectious gastroenteritis. Serious and eventual fatal outcomes may be observed
      in at-risk populations such as the very young or older adults, especially in
      those with underlying diseases. NoVs are highly infectious, with a low number of
      virus particles causing infection, and they are highly resistant to environmental
      conditions. NoVs have multiple routes of transmission including faecal-oral,
      aerosolized vomitus, person to person and via contaminated surfaces or food and
      water. NoVs can cause frequent and dramatic outbreaks where people congregate in
      close quarters such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, cruise liners and
      military barracks and ships. Of the seven NoV genogroups, human disease is most
      frequently caused by genogroups I and II, although genogroup IV has also been
      associated with illness. The absence of reliable, high-yield cell culture systems
      or animal models has steered the development of vaccines towards nonreplicating
      recombinant capsid proteins including viruslike particles and the sub-virus-sized
      P particles. Takeda Vaccines is developing a candidate NoV vaccine formulation
      based on adjuvanted viruslike particles from the GI.1 genotype and a consensus
      GII.4 sequence derived from three natural GII.4 variants. Early clinical trial
      results show good tolerability and robust immune responses to both components.
      This approach is designed to induce broad protective immune responses in adults
      and children.

PMID- 27130674
TI  - Effect of brefelamide on HGF-induced survival of 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells.
AB  - Malignant gliomas are characterized by their high level of resistance to chemo-
      and radiotherapy and new treatment options are urgently required. We previously
      demonstrated that brefelamide, an aromatic amide isolated from methanol extracts
      of cellular slime molds Dictyostelium brefeldianum and D. giganteum, had
      antiproliferative effects on 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells, a model of glioma.
      In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which brefelamide inhibited
      1321N1 and PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cell proliferation. When cells were cultured
      in serum-free medium, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) increased survival of 1321N1
      cells but not PC12 cells. HGF receptor, c-MET, was strongly expressed in 1321N1
      cells, but not in PC12 cells. Pretreatment of 1321N1 cells with brefelamide
      inhibited both HGF-induced cell survival and expression of c-MET. Phosphorylation
      of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and AKT was increased by HGF, but
      these changes were inhibited by brefelamide pretreatment. Moreover, HGF mRNA
      levels and secretion were reduced by brefelamide. These results suggest that
      brefelamide reduces survival of 1321N1 cells via multiple effects including
      suppression of HGF receptor expression and HGF secretion and inhibition of ERK
      and AKT phosphorylation. 

PMID- 27130675
TI  - Heat shock protein 70 inhibits cardiomyocyte necroptosis through repressing
      autophagy in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.
AB  - Irreversible damage of cardiac function arisen from myocardial
      ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) leads to an emerging challenge in the
      treatments of cardiac ischemic diseases. Molecular chaperone heat shock protein
      70 (HSP70) attenuates heat-stimulated cell autophagy, apoptosis, and damage in
      the heart. Under specific conditions, autophagy may, directly or indirectly,
      induce cell death including necroptosis. Whether HSP70 inhibits cardiomyocyte
      necroptosis via suppressing autophagy during MIRI is unknown. In our study, HSP70
      expression was opposite to necroptosis marker RIP1 and autophagy marker LC3A/B
      expression after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MIR) in vivo. Furthermore, in
      vitro primary rat cardiomyocytes mimicked MIRI by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)
      treatment. Knockdown of HSP70 expression promoted cardiomyocyte autophagy and
      necroptosis following H/R treatment, while the increase tendency was
      downregulated by autophagy inhibitor 3-MA, showing that autophagy-induced
      necroptosis could be suppressed by HSP70. In summary, HSP70 downregulates
      cardiomyocyte necroptosis through suppressing autophagy during myocardial IR,
      revealing the novel protective mechanism of HSP70 and supplying a novel molecular
      target for the treatment of heart ischemic diseases. 

PMID- 27130676
TI  - Endothelin-1 increases melanin synthesis in an established sheep skin melanocyte
      culture.
AB  - The aims of the study were to establish a culture system for sheep skin
      melanocytes and uncover the effects of endothelin-1 on melanin synthesis in
      cultured melanocytes in order to provide an optimal cell system and a theoretical
      basis for studying the regulatory mechanism of coat color in sheep. In this
      study, skin punch biopsies were harvested from the dorsal region of 1-3-yr-old
      sheep, and skin melanocytes were then obtained by the two-step digestion using
      dispase II and trypsin/ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). The primary
      cultures of the melanocytes were established and characterized by dopa-staining,
      immunocytochemical localization of melanocyte markers, and RT-polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) analysis of coat color genes. To determine the effect of
      endothelin-1 on proliferation and melanin synthesis of melanocytes, the cultured
      cells were treated with different doses of endothelin-1 (10(-7), 10(-8), 10(-9),
      10(-10), and 0 mol/L), and the growth rate of melanocytes, production of melanin,
      expression of related genes, and location of related protein in cultured cells
      were examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide
      (MTT), ultraviolet spectrophotometry, qRT-PCR, and immunocytochemical
      localization, respectively. The results showed that the established melanocyte
      culture functions properly. Endothelin-1 treatment increased markedly the number
      of melanocytes and melanin content. In responding to this treatment, expressions
      of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), melanocortin 1 receptor
      (MC1R), tyrosinase (TYR), and endothelin receptor B (EDNRB) in the melanocytes
      were significantly up regulated (P < 0.05). Immunocytochemical localization
      revealed that TYR was mainly localized in the cytoplasm. Positive staining of TYR
      in the melanocytes was significant. The findings demonstrated that the culture
      system of sheep skin melanocytes was established successfully in vitro, and
      endothelin-1 promotes the melanogenesis in sheep skin melanocytes. 

PMID- 27130677
TI  - In vitro effects of triamcinolone acetonide and in combination with hyaluronan on
      canine normal and spontaneous osteoarthritis articular cartilage.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to examine the cartilage degradation effects of
      triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on normal and osteoarthritic (OA) primary canine
      chondrocytes and cartilage explants and to examine the cartilage degradation
      effects of TA in combination with low-molecular-weight hyaluronan (LMWHA). To
      assess the effects of these drugs on cell culture, 3,[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]
      2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and real-time PCR were used to
      measure chondrotoxicity and determine gene expression, respectively. Uronic acid
      and hydroxyproline remaining in cartilage and histopathology were used to
      estimate the effects of these drugs on cartilage explants. In chondrocyte
      cultures, TA reduced chondrocyte viability in a concentration-dependent manner.
      LMWHA 2.5 mg/ml combined with TA at IC20 (0.09 mg/ml) could increase the
      viability of normal chondrocytes when compared with TA-treated alone. TA at IC20
      induced down-regulation of ACAN and induced up-regulation of ADAMTS5 in canine
      normal chondrocytes. TA at IC20 (0.11 mg/ml) up-regulated ADAMTS5, MMP2, MMP3,
      MMP13, and ACAN expression in canine OA chondrocytes. In explant culture, TA at
      1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/ml increased the severity of structural damage, chondrocyte
      loss and cluster formation, and proteoglycan loss in OA cartilage. LMWHA could
      decrease the chondrotoxicity of TA at IC20 only in normal chondrocytes, as
      observed by chondrocyte viability. The combination of LMWHA and TA did not show
      clearly beneficial effects in all other normal and OA samples. Consequently,
      using TA alone or in combination with LMWHA in OA cartilage should be of concern
      because it may lead to cartilage destruction. 

PMID- 27130678
TI  - Isolation and biological characterization of tendon-derived stem cells from fetal
      bovine.
AB  - The lack of appropriate candidates of cell sources for cell transplantation has
      hampered efforts to develop therapies for tendon injuries, such as tendon
      rupture, tendonitis, and tendinopathy. Tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) are a
      type of stem cells which may be used in the treatment of tendon injuries. In this
      study, TDSCs were isolated from 5-mo-old Luxi Yellow fetal bovine and cultured in
      vitro and further analyzed for their biological characteristics using
      immunofluorescence and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
      assays. It was found that primary TDSCs could be expanded for 42 passages in
      vitro maintaining proliferation. The expressions of stem cell marker nucleostemin
      and tenocyte-related markers, such as collagen I, collagen II, collagen III, and
      tenascin-C, were observed on different passage cells by immunofluorescence. The
      results from RT-PCR show that TDSCs were positive for collagen type I, CD44,
      tenascin-C, and collagen type III but negative for collagen type II. Meanwhile,
      TDSC passage 4 was successfully induced to differentiate into osteoblasts,
      adipocytes, and chondrocytes. Our results indicate that the fetal bovine TDSCs
      not only had strong self-renewal capacity but also possess the potential for
      multi-lineage differentiation. This study provides theoretical basis and
      experimental foundation for potential therapeutic application of the fetal bovine
      TDSCs in the treatment of tendon injuries. 

PMID- 27130679
TI  - Establishment of a new immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line (iHCE-NY1)
      for use in evaluating eye irritancy by in vitro test methods.
AB  - In vitro test methods that use human corneal epithelial cells to evaluate the eye
      irritation potency of chemical substances do not use human corneal epithelium
      because it has been difficult to maintain more than four passages. In this study,
      we make a new cell line comprising immortalized human corneal epithelial cells
      (iHCE-NY1). The IC50 of iHCE-NY1 cells is slightly higher than that of Statens
      Seruminstitut Rabbit Cornea (SIRC) cells, which are currently used in some in
      vitro test methods. CDKN1A in iHCE-NY1 cells was used as a marker of gene
      expression to indicate cell cycle activity. This enabled us to evaluate cell
      recovery characteristics at concentrations lower than the IC50 of cytotoxic
      tests. 

PMID- 27130680
TI  - Emergence of undifferentiated colonies from mouse embryonic stem cells undergoing
      differentiation by retinoic acid treatment.
AB  - Retinoic acid (RA) is one of the most potent inducers of differentiation of mouse
      embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, previous studies show that RA treatment of
      cells cultured in the presence of a leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) also result
      in the upregulation of a gene called Zscan4, whose transient expression is a
      marker for undifferentiated ESCs. We explored the balance between these two
      seemingly antagonistic effects of RA. ESCs indeed differentiated in the presence
      of LIF after RA treatment, but colonies of undifferentiated ESCs eventually
      emerged from these differentiated cells - even in the presence of RA. These
      colonies, named secondary colonies, consist of three cell types: typical
      undifferentiated ESCs expressing pluripotency genes such as Pou5f1, Sox2, and
      Nanog; cells expressing Zscan4; and endodermal-like cells located at the
      periphery of the colony. The capacity to form secondary colonies was confirmed
      for all eight tested ESC lines. Cells from the secondary colonies - after
      transfer to the standard ESC medium - retained pluripotency, judged by their
      strong alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, typical colony morphology, gene
      expression profile, stable karyotype, capacity to differentiate into all three
      germ layers in embryoid body formation assays, and successful contribution to
      chimeras after injection into blastocysts. Based on flow cytometry analysis
      (FACS), the proportion of Zscan4-positive cells in secondary colonies was higher
      than in standard ESC colonies, which may explain the capacity of ESCs to resist
      the differentiating effects of RA and instead form secondary colonies of
      undifferentiated ESCs. This hypothesis is supported by cell-lineage tracing
      analysis, which showed that most cells in the secondary colonies were descendents
      of cells transiently expressing Zscan4. 

PMID- 27130681
TI  - A novel method for primary neuronal culture and characterization under different
      high temperature.
AB  - Heatstroke is a big threat to human health; however, the characteristic of
      pathological changes of neurons during heatstroke development remains unclear.
      Here, using an in vitro model of primary cultured neurons from newborn Wistar
      rats, we investigated the effects of the different combinations of high
      temperature (37, 39, 41, 43, 45, and 47 degrees C) and exposure time (45 min and
      1 h) on the neurons. We found that, under the treatment of 45 min-heat, the
      neurons could resist high temperature up to 45 degrees C, and under the treatment
      of 1 h-heat, the mortality of neurons increased as the temperature rises. After
      heating for 1 h, only a small minority of the neurons died under 41 and 43
      degrees C, which primarily occurred in the form of apoptosis. Up to 45 degrees C
      for 1 h, most neurons occurred to necrosis. Meaningfully, some necrotic neurons
      expressed specific fried egg-like morphology. Our findings suggest that different
      high temperatures and exposure times were two key factors influencing the death
      of neurons. Under the high temperature (below 43 degrees C for 1 h) similar to
      heatstroke, it just led a small percentage of neurons to apoptosis, and anti
      apoptosis controls for preventing and treating heatstroke are promising. 

PMID- 27130682
TI  - Down-regulation of miR-181a can reduce heat stress damage in PBMCs of Holstein
      cows.
AB  - Heat stress can weaken the immune system and even increase livestock's
      susceptibility to disease. MicroRNA (miR) is short non-coding RNA that functions
      in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and some phenotypes. Our
      recent study found that miR-181a is highly expressed in the serum of heat
      stressed Holstein cows, but the potential function of miR-181a is still not
      clarified. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), isolated
      from Holstein cows' peripheral blood, were used to investigate the effects of miR
      181a inhibitor on heat stress damage. Our results showed that significant
      apoptosis and oxidative damage were induced by heat stress in PBMCs. However,
      with apoptosis, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and content of
      malondialdehyde (MDA) were reduced, while the content of glutathione (GSH) and
      the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were increased even under heat stress
      conditions after transfecting miR-181a inhibitors to PBMCs. Meanwhile, mRNA
      expression of bax and caspase-3 was significantly decreased, but mRNA expression
      of bcl-2 was increased in transfected PBMCs. In conclusion, our results
      demonstrated that down-regulation of miR-181a can reduce heat stress damage in
      PBMCs of Holstein cows. 

PMID- 27130684
TI  - Nutrient Recovery of Starch Processing Waste to Cordyceps militaris: Solid State
      Cultivation and Submerged Liquid Cultivation.
AB  - This study demonstrated the potential for managing starch processing waste (SPW)
      by bioconversion to Cordyceps militaris mycelia using solid state cultivation
      (SSC) and submerged liquid cultivation (SLC). The growth characteristics of C.
      militaris mycelium were accessed and compared for SSC and SLC systems on SPW
      under various conditions of initial SPW concentration, pH, and operating
      temperature. To quantify the mycelial biomass in SLC, original primer sets
      targeting the 18S rRNA gene of C. militaris were developed. In SSC, a maximum
      mycelial growth rate (543.1 mm(2)/day) was predicted to occur at 25.6 g SPW/L, pH
      5.5, and 23.8  degrees C. In SLC, a maximum mycelial growth rate (1918.6
      mg/L/day) was predicted to occur at 35.5 g SPW/L, pH 5.5, and 22.0  degrees C.
      Temperature was suggested as the most significant factor in both systems. The
      higher optimum substrate concentration observed for SLC than for SSC was likely
      due to difference in mycelial morphology and mixing effect. 

PMID- 27130685
TI  - Analysis of Metabolites and Carbon Balance in the Biofilteration of Cumene Using
      Loofa Sponge as Biofilter Media.
AB  - A laboratory-scale biofilter study was performed to treat cumene-inoculated mixed
      culture of bacterial community and loofa sponge (Luffa cylindrica) as support
      media for a period of 120 days in five distinct phases. The removal efficiency
      was obtained in the range of 40-85 % with maximum elimination capacity of 700 g
      m(-3) h(-1) at the inlet load of 1167 g m(-3) h(-1). The result demonstrated that
      loofa sponge is good support media for the removal of cumene at higher loading
      rates. Loofa sponge was characterized via chemical analysis and analytical
      techniques such as XRD; FTIR; XPS; and CHN, and the result obtained confirms its
      suitability as biofilter media. The SEM results of loofa with inoculum shows the
      formation of a biofilm layer on the surface of loofa. The GC-MS analysis of
      leachate confirms the presence of different organic compounds such as
      acetaldehyde and 4-hydroxy-2-oxopentanoic acids which are stable metabolites
      during cumene biodegradation. About 12.69 % of carbon present in inlet cumene was
      converted to biomass. 

PMID- 27130683
TI  - Factors affecting efficiency of introducing foreign DNA and RNA into
      parthenogenetic or in vitro-fertilized porcine eggs by cytoplasmic
      microinjection.
AB  - Cytoplasmic microinjection (CI) of foreign gene into in vivo fertilized zygotes
      has emerged as a useful tool for transgenic pig production. In the current study,
      we investigated factors affecting transgenic efficiency and developmental
      potential of parthenogenetic (PA) and in vitro-fertilized (IVF) porcine embryos
      produced by CI. These factors included adding of RNase inhibitor, DNA or RNA
      concentration, injection time, and different structures of plasmids. Our results
      showed that adding of 1-4 U/MUL of RNase inhibitor did not have negative effect
      on development potential of CI-PA embryos, and RNase inhibitor injection
      significantly increased EGFP expressing rate of CI-PA embryos. High injection DNA
      concentration and long injection interval after PA significantly reduced
      blastocyst formation. Different molecular structures such as DNA or RNA affected
      CI-PA embryos development, and RNA had little harmful effect on pig's early
      embryonic development. EGFP expression rate of CI-IVF embryos was improved
      following the increase of foreign DNA concentration, but blastocyst formation
      rate was decreased. Injection time after IVF did not show any significant
      difference on embryonic development, but longer interval resulted in a
      significantly lower EGFP expressing rate. Cas9 mRNA and myostatin (GDF-8) sgRNA
      co-injection indicated that the mutation rate of CI-IVF group was significantly
      higher than that of CI-PA. The CI-IVF-generated embryos were then transferred to
      six recipient pigs, but no live piglets were obtained. The following pronuclear
      formation assessment showed more than 76.1% IVF zygotes were polyspermy. These
      results demonstrate that CI-PA and CI-IVF were effective methods for production
      of transgenic pig embryos. However, polyspermic fertilization and poor quality of
      porcine IVF blastocysts are still the main problem of resulting in pregnancy
      failure. 

PMID- 27130686
TI  - Rhizoxin analogs, orfamide A and chitinase production contribute to the toxicity
      of Pseudomonas protegens strain Pf-5 to Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Pseudomonas protegens strain Pf-5 is a soil bacterium that was first described
      for its capacity to suppress plant diseases and has since been shown to be lethal
      to certain insects. Among these is the common fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster,
      a well-established model organism for studies evaluating the molecular and
      cellular basis of the immune response to bacterial challenge. Pf-5 produces the
      insect toxin FitD, but a DeltafitD mutant of Pf-5 retained full toxicity against
      D. melanogaster in a noninvasive feeding assay, indicating that FitD is not a
      major determinant of Pf-5's oral toxicity against this insect. Pf-5 also produces
      a broad spectrum of exoenzymes and natural products with antibiotic activity,
      whereas a mutant with a deletion in the global regulatory gene gacA produces none
      of these exoproducts and also lacks toxicity to D. melanogaster. In this study,
      we made use of a panel of Pf-5 mutants having single or multiple mutations in the
      biosynthetic gene clusters for seven natural products and two exoenzymes that are
      produced by the bacterium under the control of gacA. Our results demonstrate that
      the production of rhizoxin analogs, orfamide A, and chitinase are required for
      full oral toxicity of Pf-5 against D. melanogaster, with rhizoxins being the
      primary determinant.

PMID- 27130687
TI  - Alcohol Use and Breast Cancer: A Critical Review.
AB  - The objective of this study was to outline the biological pathways of alcohol
      attributable breast cancer, the epidemiological risk relationship between alcohol
      consumption and breast cancer, and the global burden of breast cancer incidence
      and mortality attributable to alcohol consumption, with a focus on light
      drinking. First, the literature regarding the biological mechanisms of how
      alcohol affects the risk of breast cancer was reviewed and summarized. Second, a
      search of meta-analyses that evaluated the risk relationship between alcohol
      consumption and breast cancer was conducted. Last, the burden of alcohol
      attributable breast cancer incidence and mortality was estimated by means of a
      Population-Attributable Fraction methodology. Data on alcohol consumption were
      obtained from the Global Information System on Alcohol and Health, and data on
      cancer incidence and mortality were obtained from the GLOBOCAN database. Alcohol
      consumption affects breast cancer risk through the alteration in hormone levels
      and the associated biological pathways, the metabolism of ethanol resulting in
      carcinogens, and the inhibition of the one carbon metabolism pathway. The
      systematic review found 15 meta-analyses on the risk relationship between alcohol
      consumption (also light consumption) and the risk of breast cancer. All but 2 of
      these analyses showed a dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption
      and the risk of breast cancer. An estimated 144,000 (95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 88,000 to 200,000) breast cancer cases and 38,000 (95% CI: 2,400 to 53,000)
      breast cancer deaths globally in 2012 were attributable to alcohol, with 18.8% of
      these cases and 17.5% of these deaths affecting women who were light alcohol
      consumers. All levels of evidence showed a risk relationship between alcohol
      consumption and the risk of breast cancer, even at low levels of consumption. Due
      to this strong relationship, and to the amount of alcohol consumed globally, the
      incidence of and mortality from alcohol-attributable breast cancer is large.

PMID- 27130688
TI  - To facilitate the advance of risk analysis and crisis response in China.

PMID- 27130689
TI  - Paucity and Inconsistency: A Systematic Review and Critique of Budget Impact
      Analyses of Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis in the UK and the
      Implications for Policy in the UK.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Budget impact analysis (BIA) has become an essential
      part of economic evaluation within health technology assessment. Several disease
      modifying therapies (DMTs) are now available for the treatment of multiple
      sclerosis (MS). This study sought to identify the inputs and assumptions used in
      existing BIAs for DMTs in the UK, and the uncertainty and variation in these, to
      allow critique within the context of UK policy. METHODS: MEDLINE and the Economic
      Evaluations Database from the Cochrane Library were searched systematically on 15
      December 2014 to identify BIAs of DMTs licensed for MS in the UK. In addition,
      the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and National Health
      Service (NHS) England websites were searched for relevant publications and grey
      literature searching was undertaken. Sources and assumptions from the included
      analyses were extracted, compared and critiqued. RESULTS: The database searches
      produced 115 de-duplicated results. An additional 12 results were identified from
      the NICE and NHS England websites. No BIAs of DMTs for MS in the UK were
      identified in the literature. All ten included studies were from the NICE
      website, comprising manufacturer submissions for each DMT and corresponding NICE
      costing templates. There are considerable uncertainties in the inputs and
      assumptions used in the BIAs, but limited sensitivity analyses were undertaken.
      CONCLUSIONS: Data limitations were not highlighted in the results, failing to
      present the uncertainty in the results to users clearly. It is to be welcomed
      that NICE has recently consulted on a process change to allow additional critique
      of the costing templates.

PMID- 27130690
TI  - Dupilumab: a potential new treatment for severe asthma.

PMID- 27130692
TI  - Life science experiments performed in space in the ISS/Kibo facility and future
      research plans.
AB  - Over the past several years, current techniques in molecular biology have been
      used to perform experiments in space, focusing on the nature and effects of space
      radiation. In the Japanese 'Kibo' facility in the International Space Station
      (ISS), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has performed five life
      science experiments since 2009, and two additional experiments are currently in
      progress. The first life science experiment in space was the 'Rad Gene' project,
      which utilized two human cultured lymphoblastoid cell lines containing a mutated
      P53 : gene (m P53 : ) and a parental wild-type P53 : gene (wt P53 : )
      respectively. Four parameters were examined: (i) detecting space radiation
      induced DSBs by observing gammaH2AX foci; (ii) observing P53 : -dependent gene
      expression during space flight; (iii) observing P53 : -dependent gene expression
      after space flight; and (iv) observing the adaptive response in the two cell
      lines containing the mutated and wild type P53 : genes after exposure to space
      radiation. These observations were completed and have been reported, and this
      paper is a review of these experiments. In addition, recent new information from
      space-based experiments involving radiation biology is presented here. These
      experiments involve human cultured cells, silkworm eggs, mouse embryonic stem
      cells and mouse eggs in various experiments designed by other principal
      investigators in the ISS/Kibo. The progress of Japanese science groups involved
      in these space experiments together with JAXA are also discussed here. The
      Japanese Society for Biological Sciences in Space (JSBSS), the Utilization
      Committee of Space Environment Science (UCSES) and the Science Council of Japan
      (ACJ) have supported these new projects and new experimental facilities in
      ISS/Kibo. Currently, these organizations are proposing new experiments for the
      ISS through 2024. 

PMID- 27130691
TI  - Dupilumab efficacy and safety in adults with uncontrolled persistent asthma
      despite use of medium-to-high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a long-acting
      beta2 agonist: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled pivotal phase 2b dose
      ranging trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dupilumab, a fully human anti-interleukin-4 receptor alpha monoclonal
      antibody, inhibits interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 signalling, key drivers of
      type-2-mediated inflammation. Adults with uncontrolled persistent asthma who are
      receiving medium-to-high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a long-acting beta2
      agonist require additional treatment options as add-on therapy. We aimed to
      assess the efficacy and safety of dupilumab as add-on therapy in patients with
      uncontrolled persistent asthma on medium-to-high-dose inhaled corticosteroids
      plus a long-acting beta2 agonist, irrespective of baseline eosinophil count.
      METHODS: We did this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel
      group, pivotal phase 2b clinical trial at 174 study sites across 16 countries or
      regions. Adults (aged >=18 years) with an asthma diagnosis for 12 months or more
      based on the Global Initiative for Asthma 2009 Guidelines receiving treatment
      with medium-to-high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus a long-acting beta2 agonist
      were eligible for participation. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1:1) to
      receive subcutaneous dupilumab 200 mg or 300 mg every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks,
      or placebo, over a 24-week period. The primary endpoint was change from baseline
      at week 12 in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 in L) in patients with
      baseline blood eosinophil counts of at least 300 eosinophils per MUL assessed in
      the intention-to-treat population. Safety outcomes were assessed in all patients
      that received at least one dose or part of a dose of study drug. This trial is
      registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01854047, and with the EU Clinical
      Trials Register, EudraCT number 2013-000856-16. FINDINGS: 769 patients (158 in
      the placebo group and 611 in the dupilumab groups) received at least one dose of
      study drug. In the subgroup with at least 300 eosinophils per MUL, the greatest
      increases (200 mg every 2 weeks, p=0.0008; 300 mg every 2 weeks, p=0.0063) in
      FEV1 compared with placebo were observed at week 12 with doses every 2 weeks in
      the 300 mg group (mean change 0.39 L [SE 0.05]; mean difference 0.21 [95% CI 0.06
      0.36; p=0.0063]) and in the 200 mg group (mean change 0.43 L [SE 0.05]; mean
      difference 0.26 [0.11-0.40; p=0.0008]) compared with placebo (0.18 L [SE 0.05]).
      Similar significant increases were observed in the overall population and in the
      fewer than 300 eosinophils per MUL subgroup (overall population: 200 mg every 2
      weeks, p<0.0001; 300 mg every 2 weeks, p<0.0001; <300 eosinophils per MUL: 200 mg
      every 2 weeks, p=0.0034; 300 mg every 2 weeks, p=0.0086), and were maintained to
      week 24. Likewise, dupilumab every 2 weeks produced the greatest reductions in
      annualised rates of exacerbation in the overall population (70-70.5%), the
      subgroup with at least 300 eosinophils per MUL (71.2-80.7%), and the subgroup
      with fewer than 300 eosinophils per MUL (59.9-67.6%). The most common adverse
      events with dupilumab compared with placebo were upper respiratory tract
      infections (33-41% vs 35%) and injection-site reactions (13-26% vs 13%).
      INTERPRETATION: Dupilumab increased lung function and reduced severe
      exacerbations in patients with uncontrolled persistent asthma irrespective of
      baseline eosinophil count and had a favourable safety profile, and hence in
      addition to inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting beta2-agonist therapy could
      improve the lives of patients with uncontrolled persistent asthma compared with
      standard therapy alone. FUNDING: Sanofi-Genzyme and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 27130694
TI  - Memory-guided attention in the anterior thalamus.
AB  - The anterior thalamus is densely connected with both the hippocampus and the
      prefrontal cortex. It is known to play a role in learning and episodic memory.
      Given its connectivity profile with the prefrontal cortex, it may also be
      expected to contribute to executive functions. Recent studies in both rodents and
      humans add to our understanding of anterior thalamic function, suggesting that it
      is a key region for allocating attention. We discuss the convergence between
      studies in rodents and humans, both of which imply that the anterior thalamus may
      play a key role in memory-guided attention. We suggest that efficient allocation
      of attention to memory representations requires interaction between the memory
      related hippocampal and the attention related fronto-parietal networks. We
      further propose that the anterior thalamus is a hub that connects and modulates
      both systems.

PMID- 27130693
TI  - Surgical management of the pancreatic stump following pancreato-duodenectomy.
AB  - Pancreato-duodenectomy (PD) is the treatment of choice for periampullary tumors,
      and currently, indications have been extended to benign disease, including
      symptomatic chronic pancreatitis, paraduodenal pancreatitis, and benign
      periampullary tumors that are not amenable to conservative surgery. In spite of a
      significant decrease in mortality in high volume centers over the last three
      decades (from>20% in the 1980s to<5% today), morbidity remains high, ranging from
      30% to 50%. The most common complications are related to the pancreatic remnant,
      such as postoperative pancreatic fistula, anastomotic dehiscence, abscess, and
      hemorrhage, and are among the highest of all surgical complications following
      intra-abdominal gastro-intestinal anastomoses. Moreover, pancreatico-enteric
      anastomotic breakdown remains a life-threatening complication. For these reasons,
      the management of the pancreatic stump following resection is still one of the
      most hotly debated issues in digestive surgery; more than 80 different methods of
      pancreatico-enteric reconstructions having been described, and no gold standard
      has yet been defined. In this review, we analyzed the current trends in the
      surgical management of the pancreatic remnant after PD. 

PMID- 27130695
TI  - The barrier function of organotypic non-melanoma skin cancer models.
AB  - Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most frequent human cancer with
      continuously rising incidences worldwide. Herein, we investigated the molecular
      basis for the impaired skin barrier function of organotypic NMSC models. We
      unraveled disturbed epidermal differentiation by reflectance confocal microscopy
      and histopathological evaluation. While the presence of claudin-4 and occludin
      were distinctly reduced, zonula occludens protein-1 was more wide-spread, and
      claudin-1 was heterogeneously distributed within the NMSC models compared with
      normal reconstructed human skin. Moreover, the cancer altered stratum corneum
      lipid packing and profile with decreased cholesterol content, increased
      phospholipid amount, and altered ceramide subclasses. These alterations
      contributed to increased surface pH and to 1.5 to 2.6-fold enhanced caffeine
      permeability of the NMSC models. Three topical applications of ingenol mebutate
      gel (0.015%) caused abundant epidermal cell necrosis, decreased Ki-67 indices,
      and increased lactate dehydrogenase activity. Taken together, our study provides
      new biological insights into the microenvironment of organotypic NMSC models,
      improves the understanding of the disease model by revealing causes for impaired
      skin barrier function in NMSC models at the molecular level, and fosters human
      cell-based approaches in preclinical drug evaluation.

PMID- 27130696
TI  - A novel approach to administration of peptides in women: Systemic absorption of a
      GnRH agonist via transvaginal ring delivery system.
AB  - trans-Epithelial delivery of medication across the vagina has proven successful
      for administration of small, lipophilic molecules such as sex steroids. However,
      little information is available regarding the vaginal delivery of larger and more
      polar molecules that currently require parenteral administration because the
      vaginal epithelium is perceived as a barrier to absorption of larger molecular
      weight (MW) molecules. Six healthy women underwent administration of 18 or 36mg
      of leuprolide, a GnRH agonist and a larger MW peptide, via a novel ethylene vinyl
      acetate (EVA) ring transvaginal drug delivery system (TVDS). Serum levels rose
      within 8h following insertion: low dose at 310pg/ml and high dose at 1220pg/ml,
      i.e. levels typically following parenteral injections of leuprolide. GnRHa
      biological activity was validated by secretion of gonadotropins and sex steroids.
      These results demonstrate that the non-keratinized vaginal epithelium permits a
      rapid absorption of a biologically active peptide and that there is significant
      potential for a novel TVDS to deliver peptides and possibly other macromolecules
      therapeutically. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Current routes of administration of
      medications can include oral, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular,
      transcutaneous, etc. Many of these approaches have limitations, including pain,
      poor tolerability, lack of adherence, and inadequate delivery. Peptides, in
      particular, cannot typically be given orally because they are broken down in the
      intestinal tract before they are absorbed. While the skin is an attractive way to
      deliver medications, its superb intrinsic barrier function often makes this route
      untenable at times. The vaginal epithelium, in contrast, is not keratinized and
      can allow absorption of other molecules. In this study, we demonstrate that a
      novel transvaginal drug delivery system (TVDS) is capable of delivering peptide
      therapeutics to women in a non-parenteral fashion as demonstrated by both blood
      levels and biologic effects of its delivery.

PMID- 27130697
TI  - A case of tardive dystonia associated with long-acting injectable paliperidone
      palmitate.

PMID- 27130698
TI  - Xenobiotic nuclear receptors, new tricks for an old dog.

PMID- 27130699
TI  - You can quote me on this....

PMID- 27130700
TI  - The RacGAP protein FilGAP is a negative regulator of chemokine-promoted
      lymphocyte migration.
AB  - Rho family small GTPases regulate lymphocyte migration induced by chemokines.
      However, how lymphocyte migration is regulated by Rho GTPases remains to be
      elucidated. Here, we identified FilGAP, a Rac-specific GAP, as a negative
      regulator of lymphocyte polarization and migration. Depletion of FilGAP in mouse
      pro-B BAF cells increased cellular elongation and membrane protrusion after
      stimulation of the cells with SDF-1alpha, which caused increased migration speed.
      Although FilGAP is detectable both at the front and rear of polarized cells,
      FilGAP appears to be concentrated at the tip of retracting lamellae of moving
      lymphocytes. Moreover, depletion of FilGAP increased activation of Rac at the
      front of polarized cells. Thus, FilGAP may inhibit lamellae extension at the
      front of moving lymphocytes.

PMID- 27130702
TI  - Corrigendum to "Visualization of microbleeds with optical histology in mouse
      model of cerebral amyloid angiopathy" [105, May 2016, 109-113].

PMID- 27130701
TI  - MDA-5 activation by cytoplasmic double-stranded RNA impairs endothelial function
      and aggravates atherosclerosis.
AB  - Recent studies have highlighted the relevance of viral nucleic acid
      immunorecognition by pattern recognition receptors in atherogenesis. Melanoma
      differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA-5) belongs to the intracellular retinoic
      acid inducible gene-I like receptors and its activation promotes pro-inflammatory
      mechanisms. Here, we studied the effect of MDA-5 stimulation in vascular biology.
      To gain insights into MDA-5 dependent effects on endothelial function, cultured
      human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were transfected with the
      synthetic MDA-5 agonist polyIC (long double-stranded RNA). Human coronary
      endothelial cell expressed MDA-5 and reacted with receptor up-regulation upon
      stimulation. Reactive oxygen species formation, apoptosis and the release of pro
      inflammatory cytokines was enhanced, whereas migration was significantly reduced
      in response to MDA-5 stimulation. To test these effects in vivo, wild-type mice
      were transfected with 32.5 MUg polyIC/JetPEI or polyA/JetPEI as control every
      other day for 7 days. In polyIC-treated wild-type mice, endothelium-dependent
      vasodilation and re-endothelialization was significantly impaired, vascular
      oxidative stress significantly increased and circulating endothelial
      microparticles and circulating endothelial progenitor cells significantly
      elevated compared to controls. Importantly, these effects could be abrogated by
      MDA-5 deficiency in vivo. Finally, chronic MDA-5 stimulation in Apolipoprotein
      E/toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) double(-) deficient (ApoE(-/-) /TLR3(-/-) ) mice
      enhanced atherosclerotic plaque formation. This study demonstrates that MDA-5
      stimulation leads to endothelial dysfunction, and has the potential to aggravate
      atherosclerotic plaque burden in murine atherosclerosis. Thus, the spectrum of
      relevant innate immune receptors in vascular diseases and atherogenesis might not
      be restricted to TLRs but also encompasses the group of RLRs including MDA-5.

PMID- 27130703
TI  - Lactation curve and milk quality of goats experimentally infected with
      Trypanosoma vivax.
AB  - The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Trypanosoma vivax infection on
      the shape of the lactation curve and the milk quality of dairy goats
      experimentally infected with T. vivax. In total, twenty Saanen goats, aged 26-30
      months and the same number of calving (two calvings), were divided into two
      experimental groups: an infected group, consisting of ten goats intravenously
      infected with 0.5 ml of blood containing approximately 1.25 * 10(5)
      trypomastigotes of T. vivax and ten uninfected animals as the control group.
      Clinical tests and hematocrit, parasitemia, and serum biochemistry evaluations
      were performed on all of the goats. Milk production was measured daily for 152
      days by hand milking the goats and weighing the milk. Every seven days,
      physiochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the milk. Wood's nonlinear
      model was used to analyze the lactation curve parameters. The infected goats had
      high levels of parasitemia and hyperthermia, significantly reduced hematocrit,
      serum total protein, albumin, and glucose levels and increased cholesterol and
      urea concentrations. Wood's model indicated that the milk production of goats in
      the infected group declined sharply over a short period of time and produced a
      flattened yield curve and significant difference (P < 0.05) in the rate of
      increase of peak milk production, rate of decrease of milk production after the
      peak, day of peak milk production, and maximum peak milk production compared with
      that of the control group. Trypanosomiasis also affected the persistency of
      lactation, which was significantly reduced in goats in the infected group. In
      addition, the physico-chemical properties of the milk, including the fat content,
      defatted dry extracts (DDE) and protein content, decreased significantly (P <
      0.05) in the goats in the infected group compared with those in the control
      group. The T. vivax-infected goats showed reduction in milk production,
      persistence of lactation, and fat levels, the defatted dry extract (DDE) content,
      and protein, changing the quality of milk. 

PMID- 27130704
TI  - The effects of inbreeding on disease susceptibility: Gyrodactylus turnbulli
      infection of guppies, Poecilia reticulata.
AB  - Inbreeding can threaten population persistence by reducing disease resistance
      through the accelerated loss of gene diversity (i.e. heterozygosity). Such
      inbreeding depression can affect many different fitness-related traits, including
      survival, reproductive success, and parasite susceptibility. Empirically
      quantifying the effects of inbreeding on parasite resistance is therefore
      important for ex-situ conservation of vertebrates. The present study evaluates
      the disease susceptibility of individuals bred under three different breeding
      regimes (inbred, crossed with full siblings; control, randomly crossed mating;
      and fully outbred). Specifically, we examined the relationship between inbreeding
      coefficient (F-coefficient) and susceptibility to Gyrodactylus turnbulli
      infection in a live bearing vertebrate, the guppy Poecilia reticulata. Host
      breeding regime significantly affected the trajectories of parasite population
      growth on individual fish. Inbred fish showed significantly higher mean parasite
      intensity than fish from the control and outbred breeding regimes, and in
      addition, inbred fish were slower in purging their gyrodactylid infections. We
      discuss the role of inbreeding on the various arms of the immune system, and
      argue that the increased disease susceptibility of inbred individuals could
      contribute to the extinction vortex. This is one of the first studies to quantify
      the effects of inbreeding and breeding regime on disease susceptibility in a
      captive bred vertebrate of wild origin, and it highlights the risks faced by
      small (captive-bred) populations when exposed to their native parasites. 

PMID- 27130706
TI  - Finerenone in heart failure: walking a fine line.

PMID- 27130705
TI  - A randomized controlled study of finerenone vs. eplerenone in patients with
      worsening chronic heart failure and diabetes mellitus and/or chronic kidney
      disease.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate oral doses of the non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor
      antagonist finerenone given for 90 days in patients with worsening heart failure
      and reduced ejection fraction and chronic kidney disease and/or diabetes
      mellitus. METHODS AND RESULTS: Miner Alocorticoid Receptor antagonist
      Tolerability Study-Heart Failure (ARTS-HF) was a randomized, double-blind, phase
      2b multicentre study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01807221). Of 1286 screened
      patients, 1066 were randomized. Patients received oral, once-daily finerenone
      (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, or 15 mg, uptitrated to 5, 10, 15, 20, or 20 mg, respectively,
      on Day 30) or eplerenone (25 mg every other day, increased to 25 mg once daily on
      Day 30, and to 50 mg once daily on Day 60) for 90 days. The primary endpoint was
      the percentage of individuals with a decrease of >30% in plasma N-terminal pro-B
      type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline to Day 90. A key exploratory
      endpoint was a composite clinical endpoint of death from any cause,
      cardiovascular hospitalizations, or emergency presentation for worsening HF until
      Day 90. Mean age ranged from 69.2 to 72.5 years in different treatment groups
      (standard deviation 9.7-10.6 years). Decreases in NT-proBNP of >30% from baseline
      occurred in 37.2% of patients in the eplerenone group and 30.9, 32.5, 37.3, 38.8,
      and 34.2% in the 2.5->5, 5->10, 7.5->15, 10->20, and 15->20 mg finerenone groups,
      respectively (P = 0.42-0.88). Except for the 2.5->5 mg finerenone group, the
      composite clinical endpoint occurred numerically less frequently in finerenone
      treated patients compared with eplerenone; this difference reached nominal
      statistical significance in the 10->20 mg group (hazard ratio 0.56, 95%
      confidence interval, CI, 0.35; 0.90; nominal P = 0.02), despite the fact that
      this phase 2 study was not designed to detect statistical significant
      differences. A potassium level increase to >=5.6 mmol/L at any time point
      occurred in 4.3% of patients, with a balanced distribution among all treatment
      groups. CONCLUSION: Finerenone was well tolerated and induced a 30% or greater
      decrease in NT-proBNP levels in a similar proportion of patients to eplerenone.
      The finding of reduced clinical events in the finerenone 10->20 mg group should
      be further explored in a large outcomes trial.

PMID- 27130707
TI  - Chromosomal microarray use among women undergoing invasive prenatal diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the offer and uptake of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA)
      among women undergoing invasive prenatal testing. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective cohort study of women who underwent chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
      or amniocentesis. Charts were reviewed for CMA offer and uptake, in additional to
      clinical and demographic variables. RESULTS: One hundred forty-one women
      underwent CVS (n = 53) or amniocentesis (n = 91) over the study period. Overall,
      41% of women underwent CMA. Women who underwent invasive testing for a fetal
      structural abnormality were more likely to undergo CMA than women who underwent
      invasive testing for all other indications (aOR 43.18, 95% CI 4.64 - 401.58).
      Chromosomal microarray was offered more often to women who primarily spoke
      English (p < 0.001), self-identified as white (p = 0.046) and did not receive
      prenatal care in a community health center (p = 0.044). Statistically significant
      differences in CMA uptake by race/ethnicity, language, insurance or provider type
      were not noted. Multiparous women were less likely to accept this test than
      nulliparas (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17 - 0.86). CONCLUSION: Women who undergo invasive
      fetal testing are more likely to undergo CMA if the indication is for a fetal
      structural anomaly. There may be important demographic disparities in the
      offering of CMA which bear further exploration. (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27130710
TI  - Pitfalls and peculiarities in chlorhexidine allergy.

PMID- 27130708
TI  - Breadth of humoral response and antigenic targets of sporozoite-inhibitory
      antibodies associated with sterile protection induced by controlled human malaria
      infection.
AB  - The development of an effective malaria vaccine has remained elusive even until
      today. This is because of our incomplete understanding of the immune mechanisms
      that confer and/or correlate with protection. Human volunteers have been
      protected experimentally from a subsequent challenge by immunization with
      Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites under drug cover. Here, we demonstrate that
      sera from the protected individuals contain neutralizing antibodies against the
      pre-erythrocytic stage. To identify the antigen(s) recognized by these
      antibodies, a newly developed library of P. falciparum antigens was screened with
      the neutralizing sera. Antibodies from protected individuals recognized a broad
      antigenic repertoire of which three antigens, PfMAEBL, PfTRAP and PfSEA1 were
      recognized by most protected individuals. As a proof of principle, we
      demonstrated that anti-PfMAEBL antibodies block liver stage development in human
      hepatocytes. Thus, these antigens identified are promising targets for vaccine
      development against malaria.

PMID- 27130709
TI  - Adverse Drug Reactions Associated with Ceftaroline Use: A 2-Center Retrospective
      Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ceftaroline fosamil is a cephalosporin approved for treating skin and
      soft tissue infections (SSTIs), including those caused by methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). OBJECTIVES: We
      aimed to study ceftaroline use and associated adverse drug reactions (ADRs),
      including hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), among inpatients. METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective electronic health record review of inpatients from
      Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital who received
      ceftaroline between May 2012 and February 2015. ADRs diagnosed by clinical
      providers during the course of clinical care were subsequently verified and
      classified. Risk factors for ADRs were identified. RESULTS: Among 96 patients
      (median age, 57 years; 54% females) who received a median of 28 (interquartile
      range, 6-63) ceftaroline doses, 54% were being treated for methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus and treatment indications other than SSTI and CAP comprised
      59% of care. There were 31 ADRs observed in 20 (21%) patients; hematologic (n =
      15) and cutaneous (n = 9) findings were most common. Observed HSRs included rash
      with mucosal lesions (n = 1), rash with skin desquamation (n = 1), and possible
      organ-specific HSRs (n = 2). Patients who suffered an ADR received more doses of
      ceftaroline (median, 46 vs 21; P = .013). There was no increased risk of
      ceftaroline ADR among patients with reported beta-lactam allergy history (P >
      .5). CONCLUSIONS: Ceftaroline is used to treat a range of infections beyond SSTI
      and CAP. We observed a high rate of ADRs from ceftaroline, including signs of
      severe HSRs. More data are needed to understand the frequency and predictors of
      ceftaroline ADRs and HSRs.

PMID- 27130712
TI  - Radiologic Findings in Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis.

PMID- 27130711
TI  - Hypereosinophilia in Children and Adults: A Retrospective Comparison.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of hypereosinophilia is broad and includes
      asthma, atopic disease, drug hypersensitivity, parasitic infection, connective
      tissue disorders, malignancy, and rare hypereosinophilic disorders.
      Hypereosinophilia in children has not been well characterized to date. OBJECTIVE:
      The objective of this study was to identify the common causes of marked
      eosinophilia in children and to characterize and compare the clinical symptoms at
      presentation, laboratory findings, final diagnosis, and therapeutic responses
      between children and adults with hypereosinophilic syndromes. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis of consecutive subjects evaluated for unexplained
      eosinophilia >= 1.5 * 10(9)/L was conducted. All subjects underwent standardized
      clinical and laboratory evaluations with yearly follow-up. Clinical and
      laboratory parameters, final diagnoses, treatment responses, and outcomes were
      assessed. Medians and proportions were compared using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher
      Exact tests, respectively. RESULTS: Of the 291 subjects evaluated, 37 (13%) were
      children and 254 were adults (87%). Whereas the frequencies of clinical
      hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) variants were similar between children and
      adults, primary immunodeficiency was a more common secondary cause of HES in
      children (5% vs 0.4% in adults). Excluding subjects with treatable secondary
      causes, the median peak absolute eosinophil count was increased in pediatric
      subjects (9376 vs 5543/MUL; P = .002), and children had more gastrointestinal
      complaints (62% vs 34%; P = .003) and less pulmonary involvement (34% vs 59%; P =
      .01) than adults. Despite these differences, corticosteroid responsiveness and
      overall prognosis were similar between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      children with HES often present with higher peak eosinophil counts than adults,
      the differential diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of HES are
      similar in the 2 groups.

PMID- 27130713
TI  - Epinephrine autoinjector prescribing patterns in an urban pediatric population.

PMID- 27130715
TI  - Cases of acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency treated with rituximab.

PMID- 27130716
TI  - Bilateral antegrade perfusion of the superficial femoral artery to prevent limb
      ischaemia during combined use of Impella CP left ventricular assist device and
      extracorporeal life support.
AB  - The combined use of extracorporeal cardiac life support and the Impella left
      ventricular assist device is feasible in severe cardiogenic shock. Ischaemic
      complications due to the arterial cannulation may occur. The following cases show
      how the use of a perfusion adapter for bilateral antegrade leg perfusion prevents
      malperfusion of the lower extremities.

PMID- 27130714
TI  - A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effect of Broccoli Sprouts on Antioxidant
      Gene Expression and Airway Inflammation in Asthmatics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Broccoli sprouts (BS) are the richest source of sulforaphane (SFN),
      which is a potent inducer of phase II enzymes, which play a critical role in
      preventing oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. OBJECTIVES: The objective of
      this study was to determine if ingestion of whole BS improves airway inflammatory
      and physiologic outcomes, and OS in adults with asthma and allergic sensitization
      to an indoor allergen. METHODS: The study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      randomized trial to compare the effects of BS with placebo (alfalfa sprouts [AS])
      on airway inflammation and markers of OS. Forty adults (aged 18-50 years) were
      randomized to eat either (a) 100 g of BS daily or (b) 100 g of AS daily for 3
      days. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), forced expiratory volume 1, nasal
      epithelial and PBMC gene expression, inflammatory and OS biomarkers, and symptoms
      were assessed both before and after ingestion of the sprouts. The primary outcome
      variable was the change in FENO. Secondary outcome measures included rhinitis and
      asthma symptoms, lung function, and OS and inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS: BS
      ingestion for 3 consecutive days did not reduce FENO, despite resulting in a
      marked increase in serum SFN concentrations (21 vs 22 parts per billion, P =
      .76). Furthermore, BS consumption did not induce cytoprotective antioxidant genes
      in either PBMCs or nasal epithelial cells, reduce OS and inflammatory markers, or
      improve lung function. CONCLUSIONS: Ingestion of whole BS for 3 days does not
      appear to improve eosinophilic pulmonary inflammation, inflammatory and OS
      biomarkers, or clinical features of asthma among atopic adults with asthma
      despite resulting in a marked increase in serum SFN levels.

PMID- 27130718
TI  - Changes in the speed of ants as a result of aggressive interactions.
AB  - Subordinate ant species utilize different tactics to reduce competition with the
      stronger, larger and more aggressive individuals of a dominant species. In our
      experimental study, we assessed the behavioral response of individual workers of
      4 subordinate ant species during their co-occurrence with workers of a single
      dominant species. Contrary to most classical experiments focused on aggressive
      interactions, we assessed workers' speed as a crucial factor in the outcome of co
      occurrence. Generally, there was a large intraspecific variation in the speed of
      the studied species-each had slow and fast individuals. Workers of all studied
      species moved faster just after interaction, suggesting that contact between 2
      hostile workers is a stressful stimulus, generating a behavioral reaction of
      increasing speed. Also, the number of aggressive contacts experienced by a given
      individual positively affected its speed. Moreover, workers which were fast when
      exploring territory were also fast after interspecific interactions. The duration
      of aggression was significantly reduced by the speed and body size of a
      subordinate species worker-the more quickly a worker reacted and bigger it was,
      the shorter was the time of cumulative aggression. To our knowledge, this is the
      first study of this type to be conducted on ants and we conclude that speed is an
      overlooked and important characteristic of species and also individuals,
      therefore it should be considered as a driver of patterns of co-occurrence in ant
      assemblages.

PMID- 27130717
TI  - Chest pain control with kinesiology taping after lobectomy for lung cancer:
      initial results of a randomized placebo-controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Kinesiology taping (KT) is a rehabilitative technique performed by
      the cutaneous application of a special elastic tape. We tested the safety and
      efficacy of KT in reducing postoperative chest pain after lung lobectomy.
      METHODS: One-hundred and seventeen consecutive patients, both genders, age 18-85,
      undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer between January 2013 and July 2015 were
      initially considered. Lobectomies were performed by the same surgical team, with
      thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) access. Exclusion
      criteria (n = 25 patients) were: previous KT exposure, recent trauma, pre
      existing chest pain, lack of informed consent, >24-h postoperative intensive care
      unit treatment. After surgery, the 92 eligible patients were randomized to KT
      experimental group (n = 46) or placebo control group (n = 46). Standard
      postoperative analgesia was administered in both groups (paracetamol/non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, epidural analgesia including opioids), with
      supplemental analgesia boluses at patient request. On postoperative day 1 in
      addition, in experimental group patients a specialized physiotherapist applied
      KT, with standardized tape length, tension and shape, over three defined skin
      areas: at the chest access site pain trigger point; over the ipsilateral
      deltoid/trapezius; lower anterior chest. In control group, usual dressing tape
      mimicking KT was applied over the same areas, as placebo. Thoracic pain severity
      score [visual analogue scale (VAS) ranging 0-10] was self-assessed by all
      patients on postoperative days 1, 2, 5, 8, 9 and 30. RESULTS: The KT group and
      the control group had similar demographics, lung cancer clinico-pathological
      features and thoracotomy/VATS ratio. Postoperatively, the two groups also
      resulted similar in supplemental analgesia, complication rate, mean duration of
      chest drainage and length of stay. There were no adverse events with KT
      application. After tape application, KT patients reported overall less thoracic
      pain than the control group, the difference being significant on postoperative
      day 5 [median VAS, 2 (interquartile range, 1-3) vs 3 (2-5), P < 0.01] and day 8
      [median VAS, 1 (0-2) vs 2 (1-3), P < 0.05]. Moreover, on postoperative day 30
      persistence of chest pain (VAS >=3) was reported less frequently by the KT group
      than by the control group (7 vs 24%; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: KT after lung
      lobectomy is a safe and effective auxiliary technique for chest pain control.
      ISRCTN REGISTRY: ISRCTN37253470.

PMID- 27130719
TI  - B cells promote tumor progression in a mouse model of HPV-mediated cervical
      cancer.
AB  - Enhancing anti-tumor immunity and preventing tumor escape are efficient
      strategies to increase the efficacy of therapeutic cancer vaccines. However, the
      treatment of advanced tumors remains difficult, mainly due to the
      immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived
      suppressor cells have been extensively studied, and their role in suppressing
      tumor immunity is now well established. In contrast, the role of B lymphocytes in
      tumor immunity remains unclear because B cells can promote tumor immunity or
      display regulatory functions to control excessive inflammation, mainly through IL
      10 secretion. Here, in a mouse model of HPV-related cancer, we demonstrate that B
      cells accumulated in the draining lymph node of tumor-bearing mice, due to a
      prolonged survival, and showed a decreased expression of MHC class II and CD86
      molecules and an increased expression of Ly6A/E, PD-L1 and CD39, suggesting
      potential immunoregulatory properties. However, B cells from tumor-bearing mice
      did not show an increased ability to secrete IL-10 and a deficiency in IL-10
      production did not impair tumor growth. In contrast, in B cell-deficient MUMT
      mice, tumor rejection occurred due to a strong T cell-dependent anti-tumor
      response. Genetic analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms identified
      genetic variants associated with tumor rejection in MUMT mice, which could
      potentially affect reactive oxygen species production and NK cell activity. Our
      results demonstrate that B cells play a detrimental role in anti-tumor immunity
      and suggest that targeting B cells could enhance the anti-tumor response and
      improve the efficacy of therapeutic cancer vaccines.

PMID- 27130720
TI  - Obstructive and Restrictive Lung Function Measures and CKD: National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prevalence and factors associated with obstructive and restrictive
      lung function in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unknown. STUDY
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS:
      Participants aged 40 to 79 years from NHANES (National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey) 2007 to 2012 who underwent spirometry testing. PREDICTOR: CKD
      (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] >15-<60mL/min/1.73m(2) or urinary
      albumin-creatinine ratio >= 30mg/g). OUTCOMES: Restrictive lung function (defined
      as FEV1/FVC>=0.70 and baseline FVC<80% predicted), obstructive lung function
      (defined as FEV1/FVC<0.70 based on postbronchodilator spirometric results), and
      mortality data (available for 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 survey periods). RESULTS:
      7,610 participants (CKD=1,338; non-CKD=6,272) were included. Prevalences of
      obstructive lung function adjusted to the mean age of 55 years and 50% men in the
      CKD and non-CKD groups were 15.6% and 13.3%, respectively (P=0.2). Similarly,
      adjusted prevalences of restrictive lung function in the CKD and non-CKD groups
      were 9.8% and 6.7%, respectively (P=0.01). Presence of albumin-creatinine ratio
      >= 30mg/g was associated with obstructive (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.07-1.88) and
      restrictive lung function (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.01-2.03) in the entire study
      cohort. eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m(2) was associated with higher odds of obstructive
      lung function. In a multivariable Cox model, age (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.11)
      and presence of obstructive lung function (HR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.80-3.97), but not
      CKD measures, were associated with death. LIMITATIONS: Small proportion of
      participants with advanced kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS: In a representative
      sample of US adults, impaired lung function is common in those with and without
      CKD. Albuminuria was independently associated with both obstructive and
      restrictive lung function, and eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m(2) was associated with higher
      odds of obstructive lung function. Older age and obstructive lung function were
      associated with higher likelihood of death. Further studies examining the burden
      of lung disease in advanced CKD are needed.

PMID- 27130721
TI  - Evaluation of Antitumor Activity of Long-Circulating and pH-Sensitive Liposomes
      Containing Ursolic Acid in Animal Models of Breast Tumor and Gliosarcoma.
AB  - Background Ursolic acid (UA) is a triterpene found in different plant species,
      possessing antitumor activity, which may be a result of its antiangiogenic
      effect. However, UA has low water solubility, which limits its use because the
      bioavailability is impaired. To overcome this inconvenience, we developed long
      circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes containing ursolic acid (SpHL-UA). We
      investigated the antiangiogenic effect of free UA and SpHL-UA in murine brain
      cancer and human breast tumor models by means of determination of the relative
      tumor volume, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), and
      histopathological analysis. Methods The animals were treated with dimethyl
      sulfoxide in 0.9% (w/v) NaCl, free UA, long-circulating and pH-sensitive
      liposomes without drug (SpHL), or SpHL-UA. The animals were submitted to each
      treatment by intraperitoneal injection for 5 days. The dose of free UA or SpHL-UA
      was equal to 23 mg/kg. Results Tumor growth inhibition was not observed in human
      breast tumor-bearing animals. For murine gliosarcoma-bearing animals, a slight
      tumor growth inhibition was observed in the groups treated with free UA or SpHL
      UA (9% and 15%, respectively). No significant change in any of the parameters
      evaluated by DCE-MRI for both experimental models could be observed.
      Nevertheless, the evaluation of the mean values of magnetic resonance parameters
      of human breast tumor-bearing animals showed evidence of a possible
      antiangiogenic effect induced by SpHL-UA. Histopathological analysis did not
      present significant change for any treatment. Conclusion SpHL-UA did not show
      antiangiogenic activity in a gliosarcoma model and seemed to induce an
      antiangiogenic effect in the human breast tumor model.

PMID- 27130723
TI  - Phase 2 Study of Acupuncture-Like Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation for
      Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.
AB  - A prospective phase 2 study was conducted to evaluate the clinical utility of
      acupuncture-like transcutaneous nerve stimulation (ALTENS) for the treatment of
      chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Eligible cancer patients had a
      < 2 ECOG performance score, received neurotoxic chemotherapy, and developed CIPN
      symptoms for > two months. Randomization was used to eliminate bias in patient
      selection for ALTENS and was not to compare the effectiveness between the two
      treatments.ALTENS treatments were delivered using Codetron units. Bilateral
      acupuncture points included LI4 and LIV3, plus LI11 or ST36 were stimulated.
      Acupuncture treatments were administered to CV6, SP6, ST6, LI11, Bafeng, Baxie
      and selective Jing points bilaterally. Twelve treatments were delivered twice
      weekly over 6 to 8 weeks. The Modified Total Neuropathy Score (mTNS), Numbness
      Score, and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Score (ESAS) were assessed at baseline,
      treatment completion, plus at 3 and 6 months follow-up. The primary study
      endpoint was mTNS score at 6 months. We planned to recruit 23 patients into each
      group. After 30 patients were recruited, 2 were lost to follow-up at 3 months in
      the ALTENS group and 3 in the acupuncture group. The research team decided to
      recruit all remaining consecutive patients only to the ALTENS group to ensure an
      adequate evaluation of ALTENS, the primary object of evaluation. There were 27
      patients in the ALTENS group, with an average symptom duration of 10 months after
      chemotherapy. Twenty four and 23 patients completed the 3 and 6 month follow-up
      respectively. The median mTNS scores were 7.1, 4.0, 3.6 and 3.1 at baseline,
      treatment completion, 3 and 6 months follow-up, respectively. One-way ANOVA
      analysis showed a significant improvement in mTNS scores (p<0.001) at 6 months.
      Numbness scores were also significantly improved at 6 months. ESAS pain scores
      and perception of well-being scores analyses were inconclusive. There were no
      significant reported side effects of ALTENS. There were only 13 patients in the
      acupuncture group and the number was insufficient for either an independent or a
      comparative analysis. The results of this study suggests that ALTENS
      significantly reduces the mTNS scores and numbness in patients suffering from
      CIPN symptoms.

PMID- 27130722
TI  - Relationship Between Breast Density and Selective Estrogen-Receptor Modulators,
      Aromatase Inhibitors, Physical Activity, and Diet: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Background Lower breast density (BD) is associated with lower risk of breast
      cancer and may serve as a biomarker for the efficacy of chemopreventive
      strategies. This review explores parameters that are thought to be associated
      with lower BD. We conducted a systematic review of articles published to date
      using the PRISMA strategy. Articles that assessed change in BD with estrogen
      receptor modulators (tamoxifene [TAM], raloxifene [RLX], and tibolone) and
      aromatase inhibitors (AIs), as well as cross-sectional and longitudinal studies
      (LSs) that assessed association between BD and physical activity (PA) or diet
      were reviewed. Results Ten studies assessed change in BD with TAM; all reported
      TAM-mediated BD decreases. Change in BD with RLX was assessed by 11 studies; 3
      reported a reduction in BD. Effect of tibolone was assessed by 5 RCTs; only 1
      reported change in BD. AI-mediated BD reduction was reported by 3 out of 10
      studies. The association between PA and BD was assessed by 21 studies; 4 reported
      an inverse association. The relationship between diet and BD was assessed in 34
      studies. All studies on calcium and vitamin D as well as vegetable intake
      reported an inverse association with BD in premenopausal women. Two RCTs
      demonstrated BD reduction with a low-fat, high-carbohydrate intervention.
      Conclusion TAM induces BD reduction; however, the effect of RLX, tibolone, and
      AIs on BD is unclear. Although data on association between diet and BD in
      adulthood are contradictory, intake of vegetables, vitamin D, and calcium appear
      to be associated with lower BD in premenopausal women.

PMID- 27130725
TI  - Burden associated with smoking as a suicidal risk factor in an Australian sample
      of patients with psychosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aim to describe the burden associated with smoking as a risk factor
      for suicidal behaviors among patients with psychosis. METHOD: We calculated the
      Population Attributable Risk (PAR) associated with smoking and other known
      modifiable risk factors for suicidal behaviors for participants (N=1812) who took
      part in the Australian Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP). A combined PAR for
      the seven identified modifiable risk factors was calculated. RESULTS: Smoking
      contributed to 21% of the suicidal behaviors in this sample; together, the seven
      factors contributed to 86% of all attempted suicide in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS:
      Smoking may exert a role either directly or indirectly. Evidence indicates that
      smoking is associated with psychological, biochemical and neurobiological changes
      that are in turn implicated in smoking. Suicidal behaviors are nevertheless
      complex behaviors needing multi-faceted approach.

PMID- 27130724
TI  - Immune Cell-Conditioned Media Suppress Prostate Cancer PC-3 Cell Growth
      Correlating With Decreased Proinflammatory/Anti-inflammatory Cytokine Ratios in
      the Media Using 5 Selected Crude Polysaccharides.
AB  - Five different crude polysaccharides from guava seed (GSPS), bitter buckwheat
      (BBPS), common buckwheat (CBPS), red Formosa lambsquarters (RFLPS), and yellow
      Formosa lambsquarters (YFLPS) were isolated to treat human prostate cancer PC-3
      cells via direct action or tumor immunotherapy. The splenocyte- and macrophage
      conditioned media (SCM and MCM) were prepared using individual selected
      polysaccharides, and then SCM or MCM was further collected to treat PC-3 cells.
      The relationship between PC-3 cell growth and Th1/Th2 cytokines in SCM as well as
      proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion profiles in MCM were
      delineated. The results showed that all 5 selected polysaccharides did not
      significantly inhibit PC-3 cell growth via direct action. However, SCM or MCM
      cultured in the absence or presence of 5 selected polysaccharides significantly
      (P < .05) inhibited PC-3 cell growth. MCM cultured with 5 polysaccharides dose
      dependently enhanced their inhibitory effects on the viabilities of PC-3 cells
      than those cultured without polysaccharides. There was a significant (P < .05)
      negative correlation between PC-3 cell viabilities and (interleukin [IL]-6 +
      tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha)/IL-10 level ratios in the corresponding MCM,
      implying that macrophages suppress PC-3 cell growth through decreasing secretion
      ratios of proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines in a tumor
      microenvironment.

PMID- 27130726
TI  - Managing patients who are ultra-rapid metabolisers of antidepressant medications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to increase recognition of ultra-rapid
      metabolising status as a cause of treatment-resistant depression and consider
      management options. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ultra-rapid metabolising status
      is not rare in patients who fail to report improvement with antidepressant
      medication. Two broad options are available for identifying ultra-metabolising
      status. While there are several management options available to the clinician,
      combination therapy is likely of low utility while there are risks associated
      with mega-prescribing. As the literature is limited, clinician observations about
      alternate strategies would be welcomed.

PMID- 27130727
TI  - Psychiatry training experiences: a narrative synthesis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In Australia and internationally, psychiatry has struggled to fill
      training places to keep up with demand for service. The objective of this study
      was to review the components of psychiatry terms and placements that determine a
      positive experience and potentially influence interest in vocational training in
      psychiatry. METHOD: A literature review and narrative synthesis was undertaken on
      20 papers identified as meeting inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The top themes
      contributing to positive experiences during the psychiatry term were: receiving
      high quality supervision; supported autonomy; and witnessing patient recovery.
      There was a paucity of Australian literature preventing investigation of the
      Australian context alone. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to better understand how
      the junior doctor and medical student psychiatry experience influences
      perceptions of psychiatry and intention to specialise, especially in the
      Australian context.

PMID- 27130728
TI  - Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading in a collegiate athlete during sidestep
      cutting after ACL reconstruction: A case study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Athletes with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries usually
      undergo ACL-reconstruction (ACLR) in order to restore joint stability, so that
      dynamic maneuvers such as the sidestep cut can be performed. Despite restoration
      of joint stability after ACLR, many athletes do not return to pre-injury levels
      and may be at a high risk of a second ACL injury. The purpose of this study was
      to determine whether or not ACL loading, would increase after ACLR. METHODS: One
      female Division I collegiate athlete performed bilateral unanticipated sidestep
      cuts both before ACL injury and 27months after ACLR. Musculoskeletal simulations
      were used to calculate ACL loading during the deceleration phase of the sidestep
      cuts. RESULTS: Twenty-seven months after ACLR, the athlete demonstrated higher
      total ACL loading in the ipsilateral limb as well as altered joint kinematics,
      moments, and quadriceps muscle force production. In the contralateral limb, there
      were no increases in total ACL loading or muscle force production yet altered
      lower extremity joint kinematics and moments were present after ACLR.
      CONCLUSIONS: Higher total ACL loading in the ipsilateral limb of this athlete may
      suggest an increased risk of second ACL injury. The results of this study provide
      an initial step in understanding the effects of ACLR on the risk of second ACL
      injury in an elite athlete and suggest that it is important to develop a better
      understanding of this surgical intervention on knee joint loading, in order to
      reduce the risk of second ACL injury while performing dynamic maneuvers.

PMID- 27130729
TI  - Potential dosimetric benefit of an adaptive plan selection strategy for short
      course radiotherapy in rectal cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: An adaptive plan selection strategy can account for daily target volume
      variations for radiotherapy in rectal cancer patients. The aim was to quantify
      the daily dosimetric consequences of plan selection compared to a non-adaptive
      approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with rectal cancer, treated with
      25Gy in five fractions to the mesorectum and pelvic lymph nodes, were selected.
      The adaptive strategy was simulated by creating three plans per patient, with
      varying upper ventral PTV margins, and selecting the smallest PTV covering the
      entire mesorectum on every daily CBCT scan. Subsequently, mesorectum, bladder,
      and bowel cavity were delineated on these scans. Daily dose-volume histograms
      were calculated for both the adaptive and non-adaptive plan, with a ventral PTV
      margin of 20mm. Coverage of the mesorectum, defined as V95%>99%, was calculated,
      as well as bladder and bowel cavity V95% and V15Gy. RESULTS: In one patient,
      mesorectum coverage improved. A reduction in bladder V95% and bowel cavity V15Gy
      was found, of 6.9% and 18.4cm(3) (p<0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: Plan
      selection for radiotherapy in rectal cancer can improve coverage of the target
      volume. Overall dosimetric sparing of bladder and bowel cavity was limited but
      could be beneficial for individual patients.

PMID- 27130730
TI  - A longitudinal evaluation of improvements in radiotherapy treatment plan quality
      for head and neck cancer patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate changes in head-and-neck cancer (HNC) plan quality
      following the introduction of new technologies and planning techniques in the
      last decade. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty plans were selected from each of four
      successive periods (P). P1: 7-field static intensity-modulated radiotherapy
      (IMRT) with parotid gland sparing; P2: dual-arc volumetric-modulated arc therapy
      (VMAT, similar to P3-P4), including submandibular gland sparing; P3: inclusion of
      individual swallowing muscles and attempts to further reduce parotid and oral
      cavity doses through manual interactive optimization; P4: containing the same
      organs-at-risk (OARs) as P3, but automatically interactively optimized. Plan
      benchmarking included mean salivary gland/swallowing muscle/oral cavity
      (Dsal/Dswal/Doc) doses. Differences in mean doses between the periods were
      analyzed by an ANCOVA, taking geometric differences across periods into account.
      RESULTS: Compared to P1, P2 plans improved Dsal by 3.4Gy on average. P3 improved
      Dsal/Dswal/Doc by 6.9/11.5/7.2Gy over P2, showing that Dswal and Dsal could be
      improved simultaneously. In P4, Doc/Dswal slightly improved over P3 by 1.7/3.8Gy.
      Improved OAR sparing in P3/P4 did not come at the cost of increased dose
      deposition elsewhere and planning target volume (PTV) dose homogeneity was
      similar. CONCLUSIONS: New technologies and planning techniques were successfully
      implemented into routine clinical care and resulting in improved HNC plan
      quality.

PMID- 27130731
TI  - Body side-specific control of motor activity during turning in a walking animal.
AB  - Animals and humans need to move deftly and flexibly to adapt to environmental
      demands. Despite a large body of work on the neural control of walking in
      invertebrates and vertebrates alike, the mechanisms underlying the motor
      flexibility that is needed to adjust the motor behavior remain largely unknown.
      Here, we investigated optomotor-induced turning and the neuronal mechanisms
      underlying the differences between the leg movements of the two body sides in the
      stick insect Carausius morosus. We present data to show that the generation of
      turning kinematics in an insect are the combined result of descending unilateral
      commands that change the leg motor output via task-specific modifications in the
      processing of local sensory feedback as well as modification of the activity of
      local central pattern generating networks in a body-side-specific way. To our
      knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the specificity of such
      modifications in a defined motor task.

PMID- 27130733
TI  - Synergy between loss of NF1 and overexpression of MYCN in neuroblastoma is
      mediated by the GAP-related domain.
AB  - Earlier reports showed that hyperplasia of sympathoadrenal cell precursors during
      embryogenesis in Nf1-deficient mice is independent of Nf1's role in down
      modulating RAS-MAPK signaling. We demonstrate in zebrafish that nf1 loss leads to
      aberrant activation of RAS signaling in MYCN-induced neuroblastomas that arise in
      these precursors, and that the GTPase-activating protein (GAP)-related domain
      (GRD) is sufficient to suppress the acceleration of neuroblastoma in nf1
      deficient fish, but not the hypertrophy of sympathoadrenal cells in nf1 mutant
      embryos. Thus, even though neuroblastoma is a classical "developmental tumor",
      NF1 relies on a very different mechanism to suppress malignant transformation
      than it does to modulate normal neural crest cell growth. We also show marked
      synergy in tumor cell killing between MEK inhibitors (trametinib) and retinoids
      (isotretinoin) in primary nf1a-/- zebrafish neuroblastomas. Thus, our model
      system has considerable translational potential for investigating new strategies
      to improve the treatment of very high-risk neuroblastomas with aberrant RAS-MAPK
      activation.

PMID- 27130734
TI  - Fact learning in complex arithmetic-the role of the angular gyrus revisited.
AB  - In recent theoretical considerations as well as in neuroimaging findings the left
      angular gyrus (AG) has been associated with the retrieval of arithmetic facts.
      This interpretation was corroborated by higher AG activity when processing
      trained as compared with untrained multiplication problems. However, so far
      neural correlates of processing trained versus untrained problems were only
      compared after training. We employed an established learning paradigm (i.e.,
      extensive training of multiplication problems) but measured brain activation
      before and afte training to evaluate neural correlates of arithmetic fact
      acquisition more specifically. When comparing activation patterns for trained and
      untrained problems of the post-training session, higher AG activation for trained
      problems was replicated. However, when activation for trained problems was
      compared to activation for the same problems in the pre-training session, no
      signal change in the AG was observed. Instead, our results point toward a central
      role of hippocampal, para-hippocampal, and retrosplenial structures in arithmetic
      fact retrieval. We suggest that the AG might not be associated with the actual
      retrieval of arithmetic facts, and outline an attentional account of the role of
      the AG in arithmetic fact retrieval that is compatible with recent attention to
      memory hypotheses. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3061-3079, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27130732
TI  - The functional O-mannose glycan on alpha-dystroglycan contains a phospho-ribitol
      primed for matriglycan addition.
AB  - Multiple glycosyltransferases are essential for the proper modification of alpha
      dystroglycan, as mutations in the encoding genes cause congenital/limb-girdle
      muscular dystrophies. Here we elucidate further the structure of an O-mannose
      initiated glycan on alpha-dystroglycan that is required to generate its
      extracellular matrix-binding polysaccharide. This functional glycan contains a
      novel ribitol structure that links a phosphotrisaccharide to xylose. ISPD is a
      CDP-ribitol (ribose) pyrophosphorylase that generates the reduced sugar
      nucleotide for the insertion of ribitol in a phosphodiester linkage to the
      glycoprotein. TMEM5 is a UDP-xylosyl transferase that elaborates the structure.
      We demonstrate in a zebrafish model as well as in a human patient that defects in
      TMEM5 result in muscular dystrophy in combination with abnormal brain
      development. Thus, we propose a novel structure-a ribitol in a phosphodiester
      linkage-for the moiety on which TMEM5, B4GAT1, and LARGE act to generate the
      functional receptor for ECM proteins having LG domains.

PMID- 27130735
TI  - The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of post mortem computed
      tomography in detecting liver and splenic injury due to road traffic accident.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine the sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV)
      of post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) in detecting liver and splenic injuries
      due to road traffic accidents. MATERIAL & METHOD: 61 road traffic accidental
      death cases underwent both PMCT and conventional autopsy. The imaging findings
      were compared to the conventional autopsy findings. RESULT: The sensitivity,
      specificity, PPV and NPV for liver injuries in PMCT was 71%, 82%, 68% and 85%
      while that of splenic injuries was 73%, 80%, 55% and 90% respectively. The
      accuracy of PMCT scan was 79% for both liver and splenic injuries. There is
      strong association between lower left ribs fracture and splenic injury (p=0.005)
      and significant association between positive liver and splenic PMCT finding and
      intraabdominal fatal injury (p=0.037). CONCLUSION: In conclusion PMCT has high
      specificity and NPV for liver and splenic injuries; however the sensitivity and
      PPV are low. The overall accuracy is not high enough to enable PMCT to be used as
      a replacement for conventional autopsy; however it is a useful complementary
      examination and has potential to be used as decision making tool for selective
      internal autopsy.

PMID- 27130736
TI  - Stress perceived by houseman in a hospital in northern Malaysia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Being a houseman in Malaysian hospitals can be very stressful.
      Stress can affect decision making to a great extent while addressing the needs of
      the patient in an emergency setting. This necessitated a study to find out the
      main sources of stress among housemen. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional
      descriptive study carried out among 55 housemen using a questionnaire on sources
      of stress. The data was analysed using SPSS version 17. RESULTS: A total of 16
      factors leading to stress were studied among the housemen. Poor work and social
      life balance, annoying non-clinical personnel and medico-legal threats were among
      the top causes of stress. CONCLUSION: The factors leading to stress among
      housemen should be considered for effective working of the hospital and improving
      the workplace atmosphere for the housemen.

PMID- 27130737
TI  - Comparison of features and outcomes of perforated peptic ulcer between Malaysians
      and foreigners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perforated peptic ulcers (PPU) present as serious surgical
      emergencies that carry high mortality and morbidity. Foreigners with PPU are also
      managed in our hospital setting. Their inclusion significantly alters the trend
      and pattern of PPU seen in Malaysia. AIM: To compare per-operative and post
      operative features and outcomes of perforated peptic ulcers between Malaysians
      and foreigners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an analytical crosssectional
      study. All patients who underwent repair of perforated peptic ulcer disease
      during a 6-year period were included. 50 consecutive patients' records with
      perforated peptic ulcer were analysed. Data were collected from operation theatre
      database and hospital medical records. Chi square and t test were performed using
      SPSS statistical software. RESULTS: Total of 50 patients, of which 30 were
      Malaysians and 20 were foreigners. The mean age of Malaysian patients was 58.3 +/
      15.2 years whereas the mean age for foreign patients was 30.3 +/- 6.7 years,
      with foreign patients being significantly younger than local patients. Foreigners
      had significantly smaller ulcers with only 5% of them having ulcers more than 1cm
      while 36.7% of Malaysian patients had ulcers more than 1cm. Post-operative
      complications are significantly higher in Malaysian patients (p<0.05) with 40% of
      Malaysian patients and 10% of foreign patients developing post-operative
      complications. CONCLUSION: Foreign patients are younger with significantly
      smaller perforated ulcers and better post-operative outcomes.

PMID- 27130738
TI  - Endovascular stent graft repair of aorto-iliac pseudoaneurysms - Hospital Kuala
      Lumpur experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This is a single institutional review of aortoiliac pseudoaneurysm of
      various aetiologies managed with endovascular stent graft repair. METHODS: From
      2009 to 2014, 16 patients had endovascular stent graft inserted for
      pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in
      Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Co-morbidity, causative agents, in-hospital mortality,
      complications and outcomes were examined. RESULTS: The average age was 59.1 years
      (range 36-77). Comorbidities include hypertension, diabetes mellitus,
      tuberculosis, prior infection and previous open aneurysmal repair. All patients
      had raised WBC (>10.0x10(9) /L), ESR or Creactive protein on admission while 50%
      of patients had fever. Blood cultures were positive in 4 patients. All patients
      were given antibiotics. Only one in-hospital mortality was noted at day-47 post
      procedure. Two patients died of aortoenteric fistula at district hospital eight
      and 16 months later. One patient died of chronic graft infection two years later.
      One died of unrelated cause. One patient developed type IB endoleak from internal
      iliac artery two years later and surgical ligation was performed. The average
      follow up was 15.8 months. CONCLUSION: Endovascular stent graft repair for
      pseudoaneurysm is a viable option compared to open surgery. It is less invasive,
      has lower operative morbidity and fair outcomes. However, some cases may be due
      to inflammatory aortitis instead of infective pseudoaneurysm, given the frequent
      culture-negative results. In order to obtain high yield of bacteria culture for
      infected pseudoaneurysm, open repair with tissue culture is still the main mode
      of treatment especially for patients with low comorbidity.

PMID- 27130739
TI  - Arterial stiffness during acute and recovery phases of children with rheumatic
      fever.
AB  - Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is associated with systemic inflammation and arterial
      stiffness during the acute stage. It has not been reported if arterial stiffness
      remains after recovery. The aim of this study was to determine the arterial
      stiffness during acute stage and 6 months after recovery from ARF. Arterial
      stiffness was assessed by carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) in 23 ARF
      patients during the acute stage of ARF and 6 months later. Simultaneously,
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and other anthropometric measurements were
      taken during both stages. There was a significant reduction in PWV; 6.5 (6.0,
      7.45) m/s to 5.9 (5.38, 6.48) m/s, p=0.003 6 months after the acute stage of ARF.
      Similarly, ESR was also significantly reduced from 92.0 (37.5, 110.50) mm/hr to
      7.0 (5.0, 16.0) mm/hr, p=0.001. In conclusion, arterial stiffness improved 6
      months after the acute stage with routine aspirin treatment; this correlates well
      with the reduction in systemic inflammation.

PMID- 27130740
TI  - Breaking Bad News: An essential skill for doctors.
AB  - Breaking bad news is a process of delivering news, which may negatively affect a
      patient's view of the future, however is an essential skill for doctors. There
      are a multitude of benefits if doctors can execute this task well, and will
      improve the disease journey for the patient. There are several published models
      including the SPIKES and ABCDE models to help guide the doctor to break bad news
      effectively. This important skill can be taught through various methods but the
      most effective may be actually observing a session by senior clinicians.

PMID- 27130741
TI  - A four-point clinical criteria distinguishes immune thrombocytopenia from acute
      lymphoblastic leukaemia.
AB  - Immune thrombocytopenia is the most common diagnosis of isolated
      thrombocytopenia. The dilemma encountered by paediatricians is missing diagnosis
      of acute leukaemia in children with isolated thrombocytopenia. We demonstrated
      childhood ITP could be diagnosed using a four point clinical criteria without
      missing a diagnosis of acute leukaemia. Hence, bone marrow examination is not
      necessary in children with typical features compatible with ITP prior to steroid
      therapy. This can encourage paediatricians to choose steroid therapy, which is
      cheaper and non-blood product, as first line platelet elevating therapy in
      children with significant haemorrhage.

PMID- 27130742
TI  - An unusual cause of chest pain in army trainee - spontaneous pneumomediastinum.
AB  - This is a case report of spontaneous pneumomediastinum that occurred in a 19-year
      old army trainee during his 2.4km run. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare
      disorder. It is usually precipitated by activities related to Valsalva manoeuvres
      such as strenuous physical activities, retching and vomiting. Treatment is
      expectant and the disorder usually resolves spontaneously within a few days.
      However, one must be aware of the disorder so that additional advice such as
      avoiding activities that involve Valsalva manoeuvres can be given.

PMID- 27130743
TI  - Mediastinal mature teratoma in a child- A case report.
AB  - Mediastinal teratoma is an infrequent germ cell tumour and comprises of 1 to 5%
      of all mediastinal tumours. We report a case of mediastinal mature teratoma in a
      12 year old boy who presented to us with persistent non-productive cough, fever
      and dyspnoea for the past 7 months. Computed tomographic scan of thorax revealed
      a large anterior mediastinal mass measuring 11.2x9.9x14cm with calcification
      within. He subsequently underwent a median sternotomy with left subcostal
      extension (L-incision) and excision of tumour. Histopathology of the tumour
      revealed a mature cystic teratoma. We would like to report a case of successful
      surgical management of a large mediastinal mature teratoma in a child.

PMID- 27130744
TI  - A case report of pyloric intussusception secondary to helicobacter pylori
      hyperplastic polyps.
AB  - We report a middle age man who presented with intermittent vomiting and loss of
      weight. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy showed numerous antral hyperplastic polyps
      with inaccessible duodenum. Contrast enhanced computed topography demonstrated a
      classical target sign of intussusception. This finding was later confirmed at
      laparotomy. This rare presentation and management strategy is discussed.

PMID- 27130745
TI  - Polyps! Polyps! And More Polyps! - The First Case of Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome in
      Malaysia.
AB  - Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome (CCS) is a syndrome characterised by a constellation of
      signs including but not limited to onychodystrophy of the finger and toe nails,
      skin hyperpigmentation and alopecia. Endoscopic features showed hamartomatous
      polyps involving all segments of the gastrointestinal tract with the
      characteristic exception of being oesophageal sparring. These polyps show
      confirmation by the presence of eosinophils and mast cells at the lamina propria
      upon histological studies.

PMID- 27130746
TI  - Uncontrolled hypertension, palpitation and sweating in young female - A rare
      cause.
AB  - Extra-adrenal /retroperitoneal paraganglioma is a rare cause of hypertension in
      young with increased incidence of metastasis as compared to adrenal
      pheochromocytoma. We present a case of a young female with history of headache,
      nausea/vomiting, palpitations, uncontrolled hypertension, heat intolerance and
      diaphoresis. The 24-hour urine catecholamine levels were elevated. Clinical
      diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was made and further evaluation with Computed
      Tomography (CT) scan of the adrenals revealed extradrenal para-aortic
      retroperitoneal mass in keeping with paraganglioma. Gallium-68 DOTATE positron
      emission tomography-CT scan (PET-CT) confirmed the diagnosis without evidence of
      metastatic foci.

PMID- 27130747
TI  - Early central nervous system involvement in a young patient with dengue
      encephalitis.
AB  - A previously well 13-year-old boy presented with a short history of fever and
      altered mental status. His mother was admitted for dengue fever and there had
      been a recent dengue outbreak in their neighbourhood. He was diagnosed with
      dengue encephalitis as both his dengue non-structural protein 1 (NS-1) antigen
      and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dengue polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were
      positive. He did not have haemoconcentration, thrombocytopenia or any warning
      signs associated with severe dengue. He recovered fully with supportive
      treatment. This case highlights the importance of considering the diagnosis of
      dengue encephalitis in patients from dengue endemic areas presenting with an
      acute febrile illness and neurological symptoms.

PMID- 27130748
TI  - Hand-held optical coherence tomography imaging in children with anterior segment
      dysgenesis.

PMID- 27130749
TI  - Sister Mary Joseph's nodule: Malignant transformation of umbilical endometriosis.

PMID- 27130750
TI  - Tree species, spatial heterogeneity, and seasonality drive soil fungal abundance,
      richness, and composition in Neotropical rainforests.
AB  - Tropical ecosystems remain poorly understood and this is particularly true for
      belowground soil fungi. Soil fungi may respond to plant identity when, for
      example, plants differentially allocate resources belowground. However, spatial
      and temporal heterogeneity in factors such as plant inputs, moisture, or
      nutrients can also affect fungal communities and obscure our ability to detect
      plant effects in single time point studies or within diverse forests. To address
      this, we sampled replicated monocultures of four tree species and secondary
      forest controls sampled in the drier and wetter seasons over 2 years. Fungal
      community composition was primarily related to vegetation type and spatial
      heterogeneity in the effects of vegetation type, with increasing divergence
      partly reflecting greater differences in soil pH and soil moisture. Across wetter
      versus drier dates, fungi were 7% less diverse, but up to four-fold more
      abundant. The combined effects of tree species and seasonality suggest that
      predicted losses of tropical tree diversity and intensification of drought have
      the potential to cascade belowground to affect both diversity and abundance of
      tropical soil fungi.

PMID- 27130783
TI  - Role of peptide YY in 5-fluorouracil-induced reduction of dietary intake.
AB  - 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is part of the standard care for cancer treatment but is
      associated with high incidences of appetite loss and reduced food intake, which
      may contribute to chemotherapy-induced cachexia (weakness and wasting of tissue).
      The role of gastrointestinal satiety hormones in chemotherapy-induced appetite
      loss has not been intensively investigated. Peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like
      peptide (GLP)-1 are important signals of gastrointestinal satiety, so this study
      examined the roles of these gut hormones in 5-FU-induced reduction of dietary
      intake. Mice were given 5-FU (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) every day for 4
      consecutive days. Gene expression levels of proglucagon (Pro-Gcg), a precursor of
      GLP-1, and PYY in the colon were examined by real-time RT-PCR. Serum levels of
      GLP-1 and PYY were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Some mice were
      pretreated with the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin9-39 (1 mg/kg) or the
      neuropeptide Y type 2 (NPY2) receptor antagonist BIIE0246 (2 mg/kg) via the i.p.
      route 30 minutes before 5-FU administration. Mice receiving 5-FU exhibited a
      significant reduction in food intake that was correlated with body weight loss.
      These mice also showed significantly enhanced expression levels of mRNAs encoding
      pro-GLP-1 and PYY in the transverse and distal colon as well as elevated serum
      concentrations of GLP-1 and PYY compared to vehicle-treated controls. The 5-FU
      induced reduction in food intake was attenuated by BIIE0246 but not by exendin9
      39. These data suggest that administration of a NPY2 receptor antagonist may be
      effective for attenuating the anorexia caused by 5-FU chemotherapy.

PMID- 27130784
TI  - A prospective, multicenter study to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes
      in primary rotator cuff repair reinforced with a xenograft dermal matrix.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimal information is currently available on the outcome of rotator
      cuff repair reinforced with an extracellular matrix (ECM) graft. Therefore, the
      purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and radiographic outcome of
      repair of large rotator cuff tears with ECM graft reinforcement. METHODS: This
      was a prospective study of 61 shoulders with large repairable rotator cuff tears
      (3 to 5 cm). The rotator cuff tears were surgically repaired and reinforced with
      a xenograft ECM graft. The average patient age was 56 years (range, 40-69 years).
      The average tear size was 3.8 cm. RESULTS: Follow-up was obtained at 6, 12, and
      24 months in 58, 54, and 50 of the 61 patients, respectively. Functional outcome
      scores, isometric muscle strength, and active range of motion were significantly
      improved compared with baseline. Magnetic resonance imaging at 12 months showed
      retorn rotator cuff repairs in 33.9% of shoulders, using the criteria of a tear
      of at least 1 cm, and tears in 14.5% of the shoulders using the criteria of
      retear >80% of the original tear size. Three patients underwent surgical
      revision. Complications included 1 deep infection. CONCLUSIONS: Repair of large
      rotator cuff tears structurally reinforced with xenograft ECM resulted in
      improved functional outcomes scores and strength. Adverse events were uncommon,
      and the rate of revision surgery was low.

PMID- 27130785
TI  - Resisting "Reason": A Comparative Anthropological Study of Social Differences and
      Resistance toward Health Promotion and Illness Prevention in Denmark.
AB  - Social differences in health and illness are well documented in Denmark. However,
      little is known about how health practices are manifested in the everyday lives
      of different social classes. We propose acts of resistance and formation of
      health subjectivities as helpful concepts to develop our understanding of how
      dominant health discourses are appropriated by different social classes and
      transformed into different practices promoting health and preventing illness.
      Based on fieldwork in two different social classes, we discuss how these
      practices both overtly and subtly challenge the normative power of the health
      promotion discourse. These diverse and ambiguous forms of everyday resistance
      illustrate how and when situated concerns move social actors to subjectively
      appropriate health promotion messages. Overall, the different forms of resistance
      elucidate how the standardized awareness and education campaigns may perpetuate
      the very inequalities they try to diminish.

PMID- 27130786
TI  - Preparation and recrystallization behavior of spray-dried co-amorphous naproxen
      indomethacin.
AB  - To improve the dissolution properties and the physical stability of amorphous
      active pharmaceutical ingredients, small molecule stabilizing agents may be added
      to prepare co-amorphous systems. The objective of the study was to investigate if
      spray-drying allows the preparation of co-amorphous drug-drug systems such as
      naproxen-indomethacin and to examine the influence of the process conditions on
      the resulting initial sample crystallinity and the recrystallization behavior of
      the drug(s). For this purpose, the process parameters inlet temperature and pump
      feed rate were varied according to a 2(2) factorial design and the obtained
      samples were analyzed with X-ray powder diffractometry and Fourier-transformed
      infrared spectroscopy. Evaluation of the data revealed that the preparation of
      fully amorphous samples could be achieved depending on the process conditions.
      The resulting recrystallization behavior of the samples, such as the total
      recrystallization rate, the individual recrystallization rates of naproxen and
      indomethacin as well as the polymorphic form of indomethacin that was formed were
      influenced by these process conditions. For initially amorphous samples, it was
      found that naproxen and indomethacin recrystallized almost simultaneously, which
      supports the theory of formation of drug-drug heterodimers in the co-amorphous
      phase. 

PMID- 27130787
TI  - Single-Pass Intestinal Perfusion (SPIP) and prediction of fraction absorbed and
      permeability in humans: A study with antiretroviral drugs.
AB  - In recent years, the prediction of oral drug absorption in humans has been a
      challenge for researchers and many techniques for permeability studies have been
      developed for several purposes, including biowaiver processes. The Single-Pass
      Intestinal Perfusion (SPIP) method performed in rats can provide permeability
      results closest to in vivo condition. The purpose of the present study was to
      evaluate the intestinal permeability of the antiretroviral drugs lamivudine,
      stavudine and zidovudine using the SPIP method in rats and to predict their
      permeability (Peff,humans) and fraction absorbed (Fa) in humans. Metoprolol and
      fluorescein were used as marker compounds of high and low permeability,
      respectively. The effective permeability (Peff) results showed that stavudine and
      zidovudine have high permeability characteristics while lamivudine presented the
      lowest result. From Peff values obtained in rats, the Peff,humans and Fa were
      calculated. The use of SPIP in rats and calculations for absorption prediction in
      humans may indicate the transport mechanisms and/or pre-systemic metabolism
      involved on permeation processes of drugs, since this model is the closest to in
      vivo conditions. 

PMID- 27130788
TI  - Assessment of Intrafraction Breathing Motion on Left Anterior Descending Artery
      Dose During Left-Sided Breast Radiation Therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To use 4-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) imaging to predict the
      level of uncertainty in cardiac dose estimates of the left anterior descending
      artery that arises due to breathing motion during radiation therapy for left
      sided breast cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The fast helical CT (FH-CT) and 4D-CT
      of 30 left-sided breast cancer patients were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment
      plans were created on the FH-CT. The original treatment plan was then
      superimposed onto all 10 phases of the 4D-CT to quantify the dosimetric impact of
      respiratory motion through 4D dose accumulation (4D-dose). Dose-volume histograms
      for the heart, left ventricle (LV), and left anterior descending (LAD) artery
      obtained from the FH-CT were compared with those obtained from the 4D-dose.
      RESULTS: The 95% confidence interval of 4D-dose and FH-CT differences in mean
      dose estimates for the heart, LV, and LAD were +/-0.5 Gy, +/-1.0 Gy, and +/-8.7
      Gy, respectively. CONCLUSION: Fast helical CT is a good approximation for doses
      to the heart and LV; however, dose estimates for the LAD are susceptible to
      uncertainties that arise due to intrafraction breathing motion that cannot be
      ascertained without the additional information obtained from 4D-CT and dose
      accumulation. For future clinical studies, we suggest the use of 4D-CT-derived
      dose-volume histograms for estimating the dose to the LAD.

PMID- 27130789
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Compared With
      Radiofrequency Ablation for Inoperable Colorectal Liver Metastases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis to determine whether
      stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a cost-effective therapy compared
      with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for patients with unresectable colorectal
      cancer (CRC) liver metastases. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A cost-effectiveness
      analysis was conducted using a Markov model and 1-month cycle over a lifetime
      horizon. Transition probabilities, quality of life utilities, and costs
      associated with SBRT and RFA were captured in the model on the basis of a
      comprehensive literature review and Medicare reimbursements in 2014. Strategies
      were compared using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, with effectiveness
      measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). To account for model
      uncertainty, 1-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.
      Strategies were evaluated with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per
      QALY gained. RESULTS: In base case analysis, treatment costs for 3 fractions of
      SBRT and 1 RFA procedure were $13,000 and $4397, respectively. Median survival
      was assumed the same for both strategies (25 months). The SBRT costs $8202 more
      than RFA while gaining 0.05 QALYs, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness
      ratio of $164,660 per QALY gained. In 1-way sensitivity analyses, results were
      most sensitive to variation of median survival from both treatments. Stereotactic
      body radiation therapy was economically reasonable if better survival was
      presumed (>1 month gain) or if used for large tumors (>4 cm). CONCLUSIONS: If
      equal survival is assumed, SBRT is not cost-effective compared with RFA for
      inoperable colorectal liver metastases. However, if better local control leads to
      small survival gains with SBRT, this strategy becomes cost-effective. Ideally,
      these results should be confirmed with prospective comparative data.

PMID- 27130790
TI  - Real-time Tumor Oxygenation Changes After Single High-dose Radiation Therapy in
      Orthotopic and Subcutaneous Lung Cancer in Mice: Clinical Implication for
      Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy Schedule Optimization.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the serial changes of tumor hypoxia in response to single
      high-dose irradiation by various clinical and preclinical methods to propose an
      optimal fractionation schedule for stereotactic ablative radiation therapy.
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: Syngeneic Lewis lung carcinomas were grown either
      orthotopically or subcutaneously in C57BL/6 mice and irradiated with a single
      dose of 15 Gy to mimic stereotactic ablative radiation therapy used in the
      clinic. Serial [(18)F]-misonidazole (F-MISO) positron emission tomography (PET)
      imaging, pimonidazole fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses, hypoxia
      responsive element-driven bioluminescence, and Hoechst 33342 perfusion were
      performed before irradiation (day -1), at 6 hours (day 0), and 2 (day 2) and 6
      (day 6) days after irradiation for both subcutaneous and orthotopic lung tumors.
      For F-MISO, the tumor/brain ratio was analyzed. RESULTS: Hypoxic signals were too
      low to quantitate for orthotopic tumors using F-MISO PET or hypoxia-responsive
      element-driven bioluminescence imaging. In subcutaneous tumors, the maximum
      tumor/brain ratio was 2.87 +/- 0.483 at day -1, 1.67 +/- 0.116 at day 0, 2.92 +/-
      0.334 at day 2, and 2.13 +/- 0.385 at day 6, indicating that tumor hypoxia was
      decreased immediately after irradiation and had returned to the pretreatment
      levels at day 2, followed by a slight decrease by day 6 after radiation.
      Pimonidazole analysis also revealed similar patterns. Using Hoechst 33342
      vascular perfusion dye, CD31, and cleaved caspase 3 co-immunostaining, we found a
      rapid and transient vascular collapse, which might have resulted in poor
      intratumor perfusion of F-MISO PET tracer or pimonidazole delivered at day 0,
      leading to decreased hypoxic signals at day 0 by PET or pimonidazole analyses.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found tumor hypoxia levels decreased immediately after delivery
      of a single dose of 15 Gy and had returned to the pretreatment levels 2 days
      after irradiation and had decreased slightly by day 6. Our results indicate that
      single high-dose irradiation can produce a rapid, but reversible, vascular
      collapse in tumors.

PMID- 27130791
TI  - Radiation-Induced Esophagitis In Vivo and In Vitro Reveals That Epidermal Growth
      Factor Is a Potential Candidate for Therapeutic Intervention Strategy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish and characterize radiation-induced esophagitis (RIE) in
      vivo and in vitro. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Fractionated thoracic irradiation at 0,
      8, 12, or 15 Gy was given daily for 5 days to Balb/c or C57Bl/6 mice. Changes in
      body weight gain and daily food intake were assessed. At the end of the study, we
      removed the esophagus and examined histology by hematoxylin and eosin staining,
      immune cell infiltration and apoptosis by fluorescence-activated cell sorting,
      and gene expression changes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.
      Het-1A human esophageal epithelial cells were irradiated at 6 Gy, treated with
      recombinant human growth factors, and examined for gene expression changes,
      apoptosis, proliferation, and signal transduction pathways. RESULTS: We observed
      that irradiation at 12 Gy or 15 Gy per fraction produced significant reduction in
      body weight and decreased food intake in Balb/c mice but not as much in C57Bl/6
      mice. Further analyses of Balb/c mice irradiated at 12 Gy/fraction revealed
      attenuated epithelium, inflamed mucosa, and increased numbers of infiltrating
      CD4+ helper T cells and apoptotic cells. Moreover, we found that expression of
      tissue inhibitor for metalloproteinase-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1,
      granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, vascular endothelial growth
      factor, and stromal-derived factor-1 were increased, whereas epidermal growth
      factor (EGF) was decreased. Irradiated Het-1A cells similarly showed a
      significant decrease in expression of EGF and connective tissue growth factor
      (CTGF). Treatment of EGF but not CTGF partially protected Het-1A cells from
      radiation-induced apoptosis and revealed phosphorylation of EGFR, AKT, and ERK
      signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: We established a mouse model of RIE in Balb/c
      mice with 12 Gy * 5 fractions, which showed reduced body weight gain, food
      intake, and histopathologic features similar to those of human esophagitis.
      Decreased EGF expression in the irradiated esophagus suggests that EGF may be a
      potential therapeutic intervention strategy to treat RIE.

PMID- 27130792
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Versus 3
      Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy for Preoperative Treatment of Extremity
      Soft Tissue Sarcomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: Create a cost-effectiveness model comparing preoperative intensity
      modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) versus 3-dimensional conformal radiation
      therapy (3DCRT) for extremity soft tissue sarcomas. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Input
      parameters included 5-year local recurrence rates, rates of acute wound adverse
      events, and chronic toxicities (edema, fracture, joint stiffness, and fibrosis).
      Health-state utilities were used to calculate quality-adjusted life years
      (QALYs). Overall treatment costs per QALY or incremental cost-effectiveness ratio
      (ICER) were calculated. Roll-back analysis was performed using average costs and
      utilities to determine the baseline preferred radiation technique. One-way, 2
      way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed for input
      parameters with the largest impact on the ICER. RESULTS: Overall treatment costs
      were $17,515.58 for 3DCRT compared with $22,920.51 for IMRT. The effectiveness
      was higher for IMRT (3.68 QALYs) than for 3DCRT (3.35 QALYs). The baseline ICER
      for IMRT was $16,842.75/QALY, making it the preferable treatment. The ICER was
      most sensitive to the probability of local recurrence, upfront radiation costs,
      local recurrence costs, certain utilities (no toxicity/no recurrence, grade 1
      toxicity/no local recurrence, grade 4 toxicity/no local recurrence), and life
      expectancy. Dominance patterns emerged when the cost of 3DCRT exceeded $15,532.05
      (IMRT dominates) or the life expectancy was under 1.68 years (3DCRT dominates).
      Furthermore, preference patterns changed based on the rate of local recurrence
      (threshold: 13%). The PSA results demonstrated that IMRT was the preferred cost
      effective technique for 64% of trials compared with 36% for 3DCRT. CONCLUSIONS:
      Based on our model, IMRT is the preferred technique by lowering rates of local
      recurrence, severe toxicities, and improving QALYs. From a third-party payer
      perspective, IMRT should be a supported approach for extremity soft tissue
      sarcomas.

PMID- 27130793
TI  - Radiation Therapy Did Not Induce Long-Term Changes in Rectal Mucosa: Results From
      the Randomized Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group 7 Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate long-term changes in the rectal mucosa after curative
      external beam radiation therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: In the Scandinavian Prostate Cancer Group 7 trial, 880 men with
      locally advanced prostate cancer were randomized to hormonal therapy alone versus
      hormonal therapy plus radiation therapy to 70 Gy. A subcohort from this trial
      being randomized at our center (n=178) was invited to a study on late anorectal
      side effects during 2003-2005, approximately 5 years after treatment, including
      measuring health-reported quality of life and physician-assessed toxicity score
      by the Late Effects Normal Tissue Task Force/Subjective, Objective, Management,
      Analytic (LENT/SOMA) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of
      Cancer/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group score. Sixty-seven patients had a rectal
      mucosa biopsy. Sixty-four biopsies were included in the final analysis, of which
      33 patients were randomized to hormonal treatment and 31 to hormonal treatment
      plus radiation therapy. The presence of fibrosis, number of capillaries, and
      lymphocyte infiltration was then evaluated by light microscopy. RESULTS: The
      group receiving radiation therapy had significantly higher LENT/SOMA and
      function/bother scale scores than the group that only received hormonal
      treatment, but there was no significant difference in the presence of fibrosis,
      ectasia, number of capillaries in the lamina propria, or lymphocyte infiltration
      between the groups. CONCLUSION: Radiation therapy to 70 Gy to the prostate does
      not induce long-term microscopic mucosal changes in the rectum 5 years after
      treatment. This is in contrast to the general assumption that structural changes,
      including fibrosis, seen after radiation therapy include the mucosa. We speculate
      that the main late effects of radiation therapy on the structure of the rectum
      are located in the deeper layers of the rectal wall than the mucosa.

PMID- 27130795
TI  - Trends in Disclosures of Industry Sponsorship.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine trends in the reporting of industry funding of oncology
      trials by primary therapeutic intervention studied: local, targeted, or
      nontargeted systemic. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We reviewed oncologic trials
      published in 10 journals for the years 1994, 2004, and 2014 to determine the
      frequency of declarations of industry funding for cancer research. Logistic
      modeling was used to assess associations between reported industry funding and
      investigation characteristics, such as type of primary intervention, cancer site,
      study endpoint, number of participants, geographic location of corresponding
      author, journal impact factor, trial phase, and year of publication. RESULTS:
      Reporting of industry funding increased over time (odds ratio [OR] 6.8; 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 3.82-12.35). Compared with systemic trials, those
      investigating local therapies were less likely to report industry funding (OR
      0.08; 95% CI 0.14-0.15), whereas studies examining targeted interventions were
      more likely to report industry funding (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.38-3.66). Studies
      investigating gynecologic (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.15-0.88) and pediatric cancers (OR
      0.08; 95% CI 0.02-0.27) were less likely to report funding by industry when
      compared with hematologic cancers. Phase 2 (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.19-0.52) and phase
      3 (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17-0.37) studies were less likely to report industry funding
      than phase 1 studies. Trials investigating interventions for metastatic disease
      (OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.73-3.79) were more likely to have reported industry funding
      compared with studies examining the primary/definitive disease setting.
      CONCLUSION: Industry funding was reported in more than one-third of oncology
      trials examined in this study, and the proportion of trials reporting industry
      funding increased over time. The potential ramifications for these patterns of
      funding for the future direction of cancer research should be examined,
      especially given the disproportionate distribution of industry funding among
      therapeutic intentions, cancer types, and treatment modalities.

PMID- 27130794
TI  - Consensus Recommendations for Radiation Therapy Contouring and Treatment of
      Vulvar Carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a radiation therapy (RT)
      contouring atlas and recommendations for women with postoperative and locally
      advanced vulvar carcinoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An international committee of
      35 expert gynecologic radiation oncologists completed a survey of the treatment
      of vulvar carcinoma. An initial set of recommendations for contouring was
      discussed and generated by consensus. Two cases, 1 locally advanced and 1
      postoperative, were contoured by 14 physicians. Contours were compared and
      analyzed using an expectation-maximization algorithm for simultaneous truth and
      performance level estimation (STAPLE), and a 95% confidence interval contour was
      developed. The level of agreement among contours was assessed using a kappa
      statistic. STAPLE contours underwent full committee editing to generate the final
      atlas consensus contours. RESULTS: Analysis of the 14 contours showed substantial
      agreement, with kappa statistics of 0.69 and 0.64 for cases 1 and 2,
      respectively. There was high specificity for both cases (>=99%) and only moderate
      sensitivity of 71.3% and 64.9% for cases 1 and 2, respectively. Expert review and
      discussion generated consensus recommendations for contouring target volumes and
      treatment for postoperative and locally advanced vulvar cancer. CONCLUSIONS:
      These consensus recommendations for contouring and treatment of vulvar cancer
      identified areas of complexity and controversy. Given the lack of clinical
      research evidence in vulvar cancer radiation therapy, the committee advocates a
      conservative and consistent approach using standardized recommendations.

PMID- 27130796
TI  - Prognostic Role of Pre-Radiation Therapy (18)F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron
      Emission Tomography for Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphomas Treated with R-CHOP
      or R-CHOP-Like Chemotherapy Plus Radiation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To validate, in a monoinstitutional cohort with extended follow-up, that
      post-rituximab chemotherapy (R-CT) (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission
      tomography ((18)FDG-PET) is a prognostic factor allowing discrimination of
      primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) patients at higher risk for
      progression after radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We analyzed 51
      patients, and (18)FDG-PET scans were re-examined evaluating both the Deauville 5
      point scale (D5PS) score and the standardized uptake value (SUV) of residual
      activity, if present. These parameters were then tested by univariate analysis
      for a potential correlation with progression-free survival (PFS) as the primary
      study endpoint. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 51 months (range, 9-153
      months). After R-CT, D5PS score was 1 in 10 (19.6%), 2 in 11 (21.6%), 3 in 7
      (13.8%), 4 in 17 (33.3%), and 5 in 6 patients (11.7%). Forty-three out of 51
      patients (84.3%) had an SUVmax <=5, and 8 out of 51 (15.7%) had an SUVmax >=5.
      Overall, 6 patients experienced progression or relapse: 1 had a D5PS score 2
      (with SUVmax <=5), and 5 had a D5PS score 5 (and SUVmax >=5). Patients with a
      D5PS score 5 showed significantly lower PFS rates versus all other scores (log
      rank P<.001), as did patients with SUVmax >=5 when compared with those with
      SUVmax <=5 (log-rank P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed the
      prognostic role of (18)FDG-PET after R-CT, with patients with a D5PS score of 5
      and/or an SUVmax >=5 being at high risk of progression/relapse after RT.

PMID- 27130797
TI  - IBM Watson: How Cognitive Computing Can Be Applied to Big Data Challenges in Life
      Sciences Research.
AB  - Life sciences researchers are under pressure to innovate faster than ever. Big
      data offer the promise of unlocking novel insights and accelerating
      breakthroughs. Ironically, although more data are available than ever, only a
      fraction is being integrated, understood, and analyzed. The challenge lies in
      harnessing volumes of data, integrating the data from hundreds of sources, and
      understanding their various formats. New technologies such as cognitive computing
      offer promise for addressing this challenge because cognitive solutions are
      specifically designed to integrate and analyze big datasets. Cognitive solutions
      can understand different types of data such as lab values in a structured
      database or the text of a scientific publication. Cognitive solutions are trained
      to understand technical, industry-specific content and use advanced reasoning,
      predictive modeling, and machine learning techniques to advance research faster.
      Watson, a cognitive computing technology, has been configured to support life
      sciences research. This version of Watson includes medical literature, patents,
      genomics, and chemical and pharmacological data that researchers would typically
      use in their work. Watson has also been developed with specific comprehension of
      scientific terminology so it can make novel connections in millions of pages of
      text. Watson has been applied to a few pilot studies in the areas of drug target
      identification and drug repurposing. The pilot results suggest that Watson can
      accelerate identification of novel drug candidates and novel drug targets by
      harnessing the potential of big data. 

PMID- 27130798
TI  - Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist prevents l-arginine induced immune
      dysfunction independent of gonadal steroids: Relates with a decline in elevated
      thymus and brain nitric oxide levels.
AB  - The present study was carried out to find out the effect of leuprolide, a
      gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor agonist, on l-arginine induced
      immunosuppression, and relates with brain and thymus levels of nitric oxide (NO).
      Further, the effect of leuprolide was studied in sham operated, ovariectomized
      and castrated mice to understand the role of sex steroids in l-arginine induced
      immunosuppression. Treatment with l-arginine (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg/i.p. for 7
      days) increased brain and thymus levels of NO; measured by using 'NO Measuring
      Instrument' (Innovative Instruments Inc., USA) in dose dependent manner. It also
      decreased cellularity, relative weight of thymus, DNA fragmentation, humoral, and
      cell mediated immunity response to sheep RBC. Prior treatment of leuprolide
      (100MUg/mouse, s.c. for 7 days) prevented l-arginine induced rise in brain and
      thymus tissue levels of NO as well as the changes in immunological parameters.
      The protective effect of leuprolide against l-arginine induced immunosuppression
      and rise in brain and tissue nitric oxide levels was even evident in
      ovariectomized and castrated mice, suggesting that the observed effect of
      leuprolide is independent of sex steroids, and correlated with its ability to
      prevent l-arginine induced rise in CNS and peripheral immune tissue levels of NO.

PMID- 27130799
TI  - Do Peripheral Thermometers Accurately Correlate to Core Body Temperature?

PMID- 27130800
TI  - Utility of Central Venous Pressure as a Predictor of Fluid Responsiveness.

PMID- 27130801
TI  - For Adults With Nausea and Vomiting in the Emergency Department, What Medications
      Provide Rapid Relief?

PMID- 27130802
TI  - Human Trafficking: A Guide to Identification and Approach for the Emergency
      Physician.
AB  - Human trafficking is a significant human rights problem that is often associated
      with psychological and physical violence. There is no demographic that is spared
      from human trafficking. Traffickers maintain control of victims through physical,
      sexual, and emotional violence and manipulation. Because victims of trafficking
      seek medical attention for the medical and psychological consequences of assault
      and neglected health conditions, emergency clinicians are in a unique position to
      recognize victims and intervene. Evaluation of possible trafficking victims is
      challenging because patients who have been exploited rarely self-identify. This
      article outlines the clinical approach to the identification and treatment of a
      potential victim of human trafficking in the emergency department. Emergency
      practitioners should maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating patients
      who appear to be at risk for abuse and violence, and assess for specific
      indicators of trafficking. Potential victims should be evaluated with a
      multidisciplinary and patient-centered technique. Furthermore, emergency
      practitioners should be aware of national and local resources to guide the
      approach to helping identified victims. Having established protocols for victim
      identification, care, and referrals can greatly facilitate health care providers'
      assisting this population.

PMID- 27130803
TI  - Hemodynamic Response After Rapid Sequence Induction With Ketamine in Out-of
      Hospital Patients at Risk of Shock as Defined by the Shock Index.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: Ketamine is considered a stable induction agent for rapid
      sequence induction; however, hypotension rates up to 24% are reported. The shock
      index (shock index=pulse rate/systolic blood pressure [SBP]) may identify
      patients at risk of adverse hemodynamic change. We investigate whether SBP and
      pulse rate response to ketamine induction differ when patients are classified as
      being at risk of shock by their shock index. METHODS: We conducted a prospective
      observational study of electronically collected vital sign data from patients
      undergoing rapid sequence induction with ketamine. Patients were grouped into low
      shock index (shock index <0.9) or high shock index (shock index >=0.9)
      preinduction. Pulse rate and SBP were compared between 3 minutes preinduction and
      for 3 measurements postinduction (3-minute intervals) by repeated-measures ANOVA.
      Proportions of patients developing hypotension or hypertension are also reported.
      RESULTS: One hundred twelve patients were enrolled (81 low shock index, 31 high
      shock index). Low shock index patients had increased SBP after induction (16 mm
      Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI] 11 to 21 mm Hg), whereas high shock index
      patients did not (2 mm Hg; 95% CI -4 to 7 mm Hg). Pulse rate in low shock index
      patients increased after induction (20 beats/min; 95% CI 16 to 25 beats/min) and
      remained elevated, whereas in high shock index patients a difference occurred at
      the second postinduction measurement only (15 beats/min; 95% CI 11 to 18
      beats/min). More high shock index patients became hypotensive (26%; 95% CI 12% to
      45%) than low shock index ones (2%; 95% CI 0% to 9%), whereas more low shock
      index patients became hypertensive (40%; 95% CI 29% to 51%) than high shock index
      ones (13%; 95% CI 4% to 30%). CONCLUSION: After ketamine induction, high shock
      index patients exhibited blunted hypertensive responses and more frequent
      hypotension, whereas low shock index patients had sustained increases in pulse
      rate and SBP.

PMID- 27130804
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Utility Analysis of Ingenol Mebutate Versus
      Diclofenac 3% and Imiquimod 5% in the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis in Spain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of ingenol
      mebutate in the treatment of actinic keratosis in Spain. METHODS: We used an
      adapted Markov model to simulate outcomes in a cohort of patients (mean age, 73
      years) with actinic keratosis over a 5-year period. The comparators were
      diclofenac 3% and imiquimod 5%. The analysis was performed from the perspective
      of the Spanish National Health System based on direct costs (2015 retail price
      plus value added tax less the mandatory discount). A panel of experts estimated
      resources, taking unit costs from national databases. An annual discount rate of
      3% was applied. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were
      performed. RESULTS: The effectiveness of ingenol mebutate-with 0.192 and 0.129
      more clearances gained in treatments for face and scalp lesions and trunk and
      extremity lesions, respectively-was superior to diclofenac's. The total costs of
      treatment with ingenol mebutate were lower at ? 551.50 (face and scalp) and ?
      622.27 (trunk and extremities) than the respective costs with diclofenac (?
      849.11 and ? 844.93). The incremental cost-effectiveness and cost-utility ratios
      showed that ingenol mebutate was a dominant strategy vs diclofenac. Ingenol
      mebutate also proved to be more effective than imiquimod, based on 0.535 and
      0.503 additional clearances, and total costs of ? 551.50 and ? 527.89 for the two
      drugs, respectively. The resulting incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was ?
      728.64 per clearance gained with ingenol mebutate vs imiquimod. CONCLUSIONS:
      Ingenol mebutate was a dominant treatment option vs diclofenac and was efficient
      vs imiquimod (i.e., more effective at a higher cost, achieving an incremental
      cost-utility ratio of<?30000/quality-adjusted life-years).

PMID- 27130805
TI  - Roles of peroxiredoxins in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory
      diseases.
AB  - Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) are antioxidant enzymes, known to catalyze peroxide
      reduction to balance cellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, which are
      essential for cell signaling and metabolism and act as a regulator of redox
      signaling. Redox signaling is a critical component of cell signaling pathways
      that are involved in the regulation of cell growth, metabolism, hormone
      signaling, immune regulation and variety of other physiological functions. Early
      studies demonstrated that PRDXs regulates cell growth, metabolism and immune
      regulation and therefore involved in the pathologic regulator or protectant of
      several cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory diseases. Oxidative
      stress and antioxidant systems are important regulators of redox signaling
      regulated diseases. In addition, thiol-based redox systems through peroxiredoxins
      have been demonstrated to regulate several redox-dependent process related
      diseases. In this review article, we will discuss recent findings regarding PRDXs
      in the development of diseases and further discuss therapeutic approaches
      targeting PRDXs. Moreover, we will suggest that PRDXs could be targets of several
      diseases and the therapeutic agents for targeting PRDXs may have potential
      beneficial effects for the treatment of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and
      inflammatory diseases. Future research should open new avenues for the design of
      novel therapeutic approaches targeting PRDXs.

PMID- 27130806
TI  - Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists in animal models of vascular, cardiac,
      metabolic and renal disease.
AB  - We have reviewed the effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (ARBs)
      in various animal models of hypertension, atherosclerosis, cardiac function,
      hypertrophy and fibrosis, glucose and lipid metabolism, and renal function and
      morphology. Those of azilsartan and telmisartan have been included
      comprehensively whereas those of other ARBs have been included systematically but
      without intention of completeness. ARBs as a class lower blood pressure in
      established hypertension and prevent hypertension development in all applicable
      animal models except those with a markedly suppressed renin-angiotensin system;
      blood pressure lowering even persists for a considerable time after
      discontinuation of treatment. This translates into a reduced mortality,
      particularly in models exhibiting marked hypertension. The retrieved data on
      vascular, cardiac and renal function and morphology as well as on glucose and
      lipid metabolism are discussed to address three main questions: 1. Can ARB
      effects on blood vessels, heart, kidney and metabolic function be explained by
      blood pressure lowering alone or are they additionally directly related to
      blockade of the renin-angiotensin system? 2. Are they shared by other inhibitors
      of the renin-angiotensin system, e.g. angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors?
      3. Are some effects specific for one or more compounds within the ARB class?
      Taken together these data profile ARBs as a drug class with unique properties
      that have beneficial effects far beyond those on blood pressure reduction and, in
      some cases distinct from those of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. The
      clinical relevance of angiotensin receptor-independent effects of some ARBs
      remains to be determined.

PMID- 27130807
TI  - Evaluations of moral and conventional intergroup transgressions.
AB  - To investigate children's understanding of intergroup transgressions, children (3
      8 years, N = 84) evaluated moral and conventional transgressions that occurred
      among members of the same gender group (ingroup) or members of different gender
      groups (outgroup). All participants judged moral transgressions to be more wrong
      than conventional transgressions. However, when asked to make a judgment after
      being told an authority figure did not see the transgression, younger
      participants still judged that moral violations were less acceptable than
      conventional transgressions, but judged both moral and conventional
      transgressions with an outgroup victim as more acceptable than the corresponding
      transgressions with an ingroup victim. Older children did not demonstrate the
      same ingroup bias; rather they focused only on the domain of the transgressions.
      The results demonstrate the impact intergroup information has on children's
      evaluations about both moral and conventional transgressions.

PMID- 27130808
TI  - Clostridium difficile clade 5 in Australia: antimicrobial susceptibility
      profiling of PCR ribotypes of human and animal origin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Increasing reports of genetic overlap between animal and human
      sources of Clostridium difficile necessitate an understanding of antimicrobial
      susceptibility and resistance in these populations. In this study, we sought to
      investigate the in vitro activities of 13 antimicrobials against a unique
      collection of clade 5 C. difficile isolates of Australian animal and human
      origin. METHODS: The collection comprised 171 C. difficile strains of human (n =
      91) and animal (n = 80) origin in Australia in the last decade. The collection
      encompassed seven different clade 5 PCR ribotypes (RTs; 033, 078, 126, 127, 237,
      281 and 288), seven STs and three toxin gene profiles. MICs were determined by
      agar incorporation methodology. RESULTS: All isolates were fully susceptible,
      with little variation between strain populations, to vancomycin, metronidazole,
      fidaxomicin, rifaximin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, meropenem and
      piperacillin/tazobactam. Resistance to one or more of tetracycline, moxifloxacin,
      clindamycin or erythromycin was seen in 26.9% (46 of 171) of isolates,
      predominantly RTs 126 and 078 of human origin. Fifty per cent of this group were
      MDR. Human and animal isolates belonging to RTs 033, 237, 281 and 288 presented
      very similar and generally susceptible phenotypic profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Similar
      pan-susceptible phenotypic profiles seen for a large proportion of human and
      animal isolates of RTs 033, 237, 281 and 288 support the hypothesis of a common
      source. Conversely, human strain populations of RTs 126 and 127 show high
      proportions of antimicrobial resistance and limited phenotypic overlap with their
      animal counterparts.

PMID- 27130809
TI  - Ameloblastic fibro-odontosarcoma of the mandible in a pediatric patient.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ameloblastic fibro-odontosarcoma is an extremely rare subtype of
      odontogenic sarcoma, with only 13 cases reported in the literature. CASE REPORT:
      A 4-year-old male presented with a painless mandibular swelling, which appeared
      4months previously. Cone beam computed tomography revealed an extensive, ill
      circumscribed, multilocular radiolucency of the right mandible extending from the
      first deciduous molar to the ramus with slightly dense opacities. Histological
      examination of the incisional biopsy specimen revealed a biphasic tumor with
      sarcomatous mesenchyme and benign ameloblastic epithelial component compatible
      with a diagnosis of ameloblastic fibrosarcoma. A right hemimandibular resection
      was performed. Areas of deposition of dentinoid and enamel material closely
      adjacent to ameloblastic epithelium were noted in the excised specimen. A final
      diagnosis of ameloblastic fibro-odontosarcoma was made. After four years of close
      follow-up, there is no sign of recurrence or metastasis. CONCLUSION: Although
      rare, ameloblastic fibro-odontosarcoma should be considered in the differential
      diagnosis of jaw lesions with radiographic radiolucencies exhibiting poorly
      circumscribed outlines and containing radiopaque material. Definite diagnosis
      depends on histopathological examination. Complete surgical excision is the
      treatment of choice.

PMID- 27130810
TI  - Parent Language: A Predictor for Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Care Among Infants
      With Very Low Birth Weight.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Preterm/very low birth weight infants may suffer neurodevelopmental
      delays. Pediatricians should monitor neurodevelopment and pursue timely
      referrals. Yet parents who speak non-English primary languages (NEPL) report
      worse health care communication and fewer appropriate specialty referrals for
      their children. We sought to determine whether infants of NEPL parents receive
      recommended outpatient follow-up care for neurodevelopment. We hypothesized that
      these infants received less care than infants of English speakers. METHODS: We
      linked paid claims from California Children's Services to clinical data from
      California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (58% linkage rate, 1541 subjects)
      for publicly insured infants with birth weight <1500 g or gestational age <=32
      weeks. Our primary outcomes were completion of 1) preventive visits and 2)
      ophthalmology visits; and receipt of 3) influenza vaccination and 4) palivizumab.
      To compare group differences, we also assessed 5) hospital length of stay and 6)
      readmissions. Analyses were adjusted for medical severity and sociodemographic
      characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 433 infants (28%) had NEPL parents. Infants
      of NEPL parents had 38% higher odds of receiving influenza vaccination (95%
      confidence interval 9-75, P = .008) and completed 8% more preventive visits (95%
      confidence interval 1-64, P = .019) than infants of English speakers. Infants of
      NEPL parents did not have longer lengths of stay or more readmissions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Infants of NEPL parents were more likely than infants of English
      speakers to receive some aspects of recommended outpatient follow-up care.
      Regardless of language, all infants received far lower rates of follow-up care
      than recommended by national guidelines. Future study should address the causes
      of these gaps.

PMID- 27130811
TI  - Inhaler Technique in Children With Asthma: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric asthma is an important public health problem worldwide. The
      primary methods of medication delivery are inhalation devices. OBJECTIVES: This
      systematic review examined: 1) what is the prevalence of correct inhaler
      technique among children with asthma, 2) are educational interventions associated
      with improved rates of correct inhalation technique, and 3) is improved inhaler
      technique associated with improved asthma outcomes? DATA SOURCES: We included
      experimental and observational studies through searches of PubMed, Cochrane
      Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,
      CINAHL Complete, and clinicaltrials.gov. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA,
      PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: Studies were eligible for this review if at
      least 1 outcome measure of the study included and reported results of
      child/adolescent inhaler technique. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: The
      following information was extracted from each included study: study design
      (experimental vs observational), and outcomes data. The Downs and Black checklist
      was used to appraise study quality. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were eligible
      for inclusion. We found that inhaler technique is generally very poor among
      children, but is better when children use their metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) with
      spacers. Technique in using turbuhalers and diskus inhalers is better than in
      MDI, but still poor. Counseling children on correct inhaler technique was
      associated with improved technique among children in multiple studies.
      LIMITATIONS: We examined articles published in English. CONCLUSIONS AND
      IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS: Inhaler technique in children is generally poor.
      Physicians and other members of the health care team should instruct children and
      their caregivers on the proper use of their inhalation devices at every
      opportunity and correct mistakes when made to ensure effective medication
      delivery. REGISTRY: This systematic review was registered under the Centre for
      Reviews and Dissemination, PROSPERO CRD42015025070
      (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42015025070).

PMID- 27130812
TI  - Medication Identification Among Caregivers of Urban Children With Asthma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine caregiver ability to name their child's inhaled asthma
      medications, and examine whether perceived ease of remembering names is
      associated with accurate naming and asthma outcomes. METHODS: As part of the
      School-Based Telemedicine-Enhanced Asthma Management trial in Rochester, New
      York, we asked caregivers of children with persistent asthma to: 1) name their
      child's inhaled medications, and 2) indicate agreement with the statement, "it is
      easy to remember the names of my child's asthma medications." We limited analyses
      to subjects with 1 inhaled medication. Reported names were compared with
      canisters available during a home visit; complete matches were considered
      concordant. We compared ease of remembering names with concordance, asthma
      symptoms, and adherence using bivariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS:
      Overall, 141 caregivers (87%) had children with 1 inhaled medication (62% black
      race, 68% Medicaid). Most (74%) perceived it easy to remember medication names,
      yet only 46% reported names concordant with medications at home. Caregivers who
      did not easily remember medication names were less likely to concordantly name
      available medications (23% vs 54%; P = .002), and more likely to report that
      their child experienced >2 symptom days per week (33% vs 16%; P = .03), >2
      symptom nights per month (31% vs 12%; P = .02), and missed >1 dose(s) of
      preventive medication in the previous 2 weeks (52% vs 28%; P = .03). Findings
      were consistent in multivariate regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of
      urban children with persistent asthma who considered medication names difficult
      to remember were less able to accurately name available medications, and reported
      worse control and medication adherence. Greater attention to medication
      identification might improve outcomes in this population.

PMID- 27130813
TI  - PPARalpha agonist, fenofibrate, ameliorates age-related renal injury.
AB  - The kidney ages quickly compared with other organs. Expression of senescence
      markers reflects changes in the energy metabolism in the kidney. Two important
      issues in aging are mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is a member of the ligand
      activated nuclear receptor superfamily. PPARalpha plays a major role as a
      transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in various
      processes. In this study, 18-month-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into two
      groups, the control group (n=7) and the fenofibrate-treated group (n=7) was fed
      the normal chow plus fenofibrate for 6months. The PPARalpha agonist, fenofibrate,
      improved renal function, proteinuria, histological change (glomerulosclerosis and
      tubular interstitial fibrosis), inflammation, and apoptosis in aging mice. This
      protective effect against age-related renal injury occurred through the
      activation of AMPK and SIRT1 signaling. The activation of AMPK and SIRT1 allowed
      for the concurrent deacetylation and phosphorylation of their target molecules
      and decreased the kidney's susceptibility to age-related changes. Activation of
      the AMPK-FOXO3a and AMPK-PGC-1alpha signaling pathways ameliorated oxidative
      stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our results suggest that activation of
      PPARalpha and AMPK-SIRT1 signaling may have protective effects against age
      related renal injury. Pharmacological targeting of PPARalpha and AMPK-SIRT1
      signaling molecules may prevent or attenuate age-related pathological changes in
      the kidney.

PMID- 27130814
TI  - Corrigendum to "Laquinimod ameliorates spontaneous colitis in interleukin-10-gene
      deficient mice with improved barrier function" [Int. Immunopharmacol. (2015) 423
      432].

PMID- 27130815
TI  - Risks of Bleeding Recurrence and Cardiovascular Events With Continued Aspirin Use
      After Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is not clear whether use of low-dose aspirin should be
      resumed after an episode of lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. We assessed the
      long-term risks of recurrent lower GI bleeding and serious cardiovascular
      outcomes after aspirin-associated lower GI bleeding. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective study of patients diagnosed with lower GI bleeding (documented
      melena or hematochezia and absence of upper GI bleeding) from January 1, 2000
      through December 31, 2007 at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong. Using the
      hospital registry, we analyzed data from 295 patients on aspirin and determined
      their outcomes during a 5-year period. Outcomes included recurrent lower GI
      bleeding, serious cardiovascular events, and death from other causes, as
      determined by an independent, blinded adjudication committee. Outcomes were
      compared between patients assigned to the following groups based on cumulative
      duration of aspirin use: <20% of the follow-up period (121 nonusers) vs >=50% of
      the observation period (174 aspirin users). RESULTS: Within 5 years, lower GI
      bleeding recurred in 18.9% of aspirin users (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.3%
      25.3%) vs 6.9% of nonusers (95% CI, 3.2%-12.5%; P = .007). However, serious
      cardiovascular events occurred in 22.8% of aspirin users (95% CI, 16.6%-29.6%) vs
      36.5% of nonusers (95% CI, 27.4%-45.6%; P = .017), and 8.2% of aspirin users died
      from other causes (95% CI, 4.6%-13.2%) vs 26.7% of nonusers (95% CI, 18.7%-35.4%;
      P = .001). Multivariable analysis showed that aspirin use was an independent
      predictor of rebleeding, but protected against cardiovascular events and death.
      CONCLUSIONS: Among aspirin users with a history of lower GI bleeding,
      continuation of aspirin is associated with an increased risk of recurrent lower
      GI bleeding, but reduced risk of serious cardiovascular events and death.

PMID- 27130816
TI  - A novel small molecule inhibitor of the DNA repair protein Ku70/80.
AB  - Non-Homologous End-Joining (NHEJ) is the predominant pathway for the repair of
      DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in human cells. The NHEJ pathway is frequently
      upregulated in several solid cancers as a compensatory mechanism for a separate
      DSB repair defect or for innate genomic instability, making this pathway a
      powerful target for synthetic lethality approaches. In addition, NHEJ reduces the
      efficacy of cancer treatment modalities which rely on the introduction of DSBs,
      like radiation therapy or genotoxic chemotherapy. Consequently, inhibition of the
      NHEJ pathway can modulate a radiation- or chemo-refractory disease presentation.
      The Ku70/80 heterodimer protein plays a pivotal role in the NHEJ process. It
      possesses a ring-shaped structure with high affinity for DSBs and serves as the
      first responder and central scaffold around which the rest of the repair complex
      is assembled. Because of this central position, the Ku70/80 dimer is a logical
      target for the disruption of the entire NHEJ pathway. Surprisingly, specific
      inhibitors of the Ku70/80 heterodimer are currently not available. We here
      describe an in silico, pocket-based drug discovery methodology utilizing the
      crystal structure of the Ku70/80 heterodimer. We identified a novel putative
      small molecule binding pocket and selected several potential inhibitors by
      computational screening. Subsequent biological screening resulted in the first
      identification of a compound with confirmed Ku-inhibitory activity in the low
      micro-molar range, capable of disrupting the binding of Ku70/80 to DNA substrates
      and impairing Ku-dependent activation of another NHEJ factor, the DNA-PKCS
      kinase. Importantly, this compound synergistically sensitized human cell lines to
      radiation treatment, indicating a clear potential to diminish DSB repair. The
      chemical scaffold we here describe can be utilized as a lead-generating platform
      for the design and development of a novel class of anti-cancer agents.

PMID- 27130817
TI  - Modulation of in vitro rumen biohydrogenation by Cistus ladanifer tannins
      compared with other tannin sources.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tannins are polyphenolic compounds able to modify the ruminal
      biohydrogenation (BH) of unsaturated fatty acids, but their activity may vary
      among different tannin sources. The effect of rockrose (Cistus ladanifer) on BH
      has never been compared with other more common tannin sources. Tannin extracts
      (100 g kg-1 substrate dry matter) from chestnut (CH), quebracho (QB), grape seed
      (GS) and rockrose (CL) were incubated in vitro for 6 h with ruminal fluid using
      as substrate a feed containing 60 g kg-1 of sunflower oil. A control treatment
      with no added tannins was also included. RESULTS: Compared with the control, GS
      and CL, but not CH and QB, increased (P < 0.05) the disappearance of c9,c12-18:2
      with a consequent larger production of c9,t11-18:2 and t11-18:1. However, no
      differences among treatments (P > 0.05) were observed for the disappearance of c9
      18:1 and c9,c12,c15-18:3. The production of 18:0 was not different (P > 0.05)
      among treatments, although its proportion in the total BH products was lower (P <
      0.05) for GS than for the other treatments. CONCLUSION: Condensed tannins from GS
      and, to a lesser extent, from CL stimulate the first steps of BH, without a clear
      inhibition of 18:0 production. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27130819
TI  - Epigenetic changes in diabetes.
AB  - The incidence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. Diabetes is quickly becoming
      one of the leading causes of death. Diabetes is a genetic disease; however, the
      environment plays critical roles in its development and progression. Epigenetic
      changes often translate environmental stimuli to changes in gene expression.
      Changes in epigenetic marks and differential regulation of epigenetic modulators
      have been observed in different models of diabetes and its associated
      complications. In this minireview, we will focus DNA methylation, Histone
      acetylation and methylation and their roles in the pathogenesis of diabetes.

PMID- 27130820
TI  - Neuroprotective and memory enhancing effects of auraptene in a rat model of
      vascular dementia: Experimental study and histopathological evaluation.
AB  - Vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease are most common type of dementia. These
      diseases have been associated with cognitive decline and affected personal
      behavioral activities. Moreover, the pattern of cerebral blood flow in mild
      cognitive disorder has appeared as a predictive indication for the development
      into Alzheimer's disease. Permanent, bilateral occlusion of the common carotid
      arteries (2VO) is a standard animal model to study vascular dementia and chronic
      cerebral hypoperfusion. In present study neuroprotective and memory enhancing
      effects of auraptene (AUR), a citrus coumarin, were studied in 2VO rats.
      Different doses (25, 8 & 4mg/kg) of AUR were administered orally. The spatial
      memory performance was tested with Morris water maze after 2VO induction.
      Biochemical experiments and histopathological evaluations were also applied to
      investigate the neuroprotective effect of AUR in brain tissue. In comparison with
      2VO group, AUR could significantly decrease the scape latency time in treated
      rats. Also AUR increased the percentage of time spent and traveled pathway in
      target quadrant on final trial test day. All behavioral results were confirmed by
      biochemical and histopathological data. Biochemical data indicated that AUR could
      decrease malondialdehyde (MDA), as lipid peroxidation indicator, and increase
      glutathione (GSH) content in cortex and hippocampus tissues. Histopathological
      data showed that AUR could protect cerebrocortical and hippocampus neurons
      against ischemia. This study demonstrated the memory enhancing effect and
      neuroprotective activity of AUR after induction of brain ischemia in a rat model
      of vascular dementia.

PMID- 27130818
TI  - Breeding system, shell size and age at sexual maturity affect sperm length in
      stylommatophoran gastropods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sperm size and quality are key factors for fertilization success.
      There is increasing empirical evidence demonstrating that sperm form and function
      are influenced by selective pressures. Theoretical models predict that sperm
      competition could favour the evolution of longer sperm. In hermaphrodites, self
      fertilizing species are expected to have shorter sperm than cross-fertilizing
      species, which use sperm stored from several mating partners for the
      fertilization of their eggs and thus are exposed to intense sperm competition. We
      tested this hypothesis by comparing original data on sperm length in 57 species
      of simultaneously hermaphroditic stylommatophoran gastropods from Europe and
      South America with respect to the species' breeding system. We used 28S rRNA
      nuclear and COI mitochondrial sequence data to construct a molecular phylogeny.
      Phylogenetic generalized linear models were applied to examine the potential
      influence of morphological and life-history characters. RESULTS: The best-fit
      model revealed that the breeding system and age at sexual maturity influence
      sperm length in gastropods. In general, species with predominant cross
      fertilization had longer sperm than species with predominant self-fertilization
      or a mixed breeding system. Across species with shells (snails), sperm length
      also increased with shell size. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence that
      sperm length in stylommatophoran gastropods is influenced by the risk of sperm
      competition, as well as by age at sexual maturity and shell size. This finding
      extends present knowledge of sperm evolution to a group of so far poorly studied
      simultaneous hermaphrodites.

PMID- 27130821
TI  - Affective responses across psychiatric disorders-A dimensional approach.
AB  - Studying psychiatric disorders across nosological boundaries aims at a better
      understanding of mental disorders by identifying comprehensive signatures of core
      symptoms. Here, we studied neurobiological correlates of emotion processing in
      several major psychiatric disorders. We assessed differences between diagnostic
      groups, and investigated whether there is a psychopathological correlate of
      emotion processing that transcends disorder categories. 135 patient with
      psychiatric disorders (alcohol dependence, n=29; schizophrenia, n=37; major
      depressive disorder (MDD), n=25; acute manic episode of bipolar disorder, n=12;
      panic disorder, n=12, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), n=20) and
      healthy controls (n=40) underwent an functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
      experiment with affectively positive, aversive and neutral pictures from the
      International Affective Picture System (IAPS). Between-group differences were
      assessed with full-factorial ANOVAs, with age, gender and smoking habits as
      covariates. Self-ratings of depressed mood and anxiety were correlated with
      activation clusters showing significant stimulus-evoked fMRI activation.
      Furthermore, we examined functional connectivity with the amygdala as seed region
      during the processing of aversive pictures. During the presentation of pleasant
      stimuli, we observed across all subjects significant activation of the
      ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), bilateral middle temporal gyrus and right
      precuneus, while a significant activation of the left amygdala and the bilateral
      middle temporal gyrus was found during the presentation of aversive stimuli. We
      did neither find any significant interaction with diagnostic group, nor any
      correlation with depression and anxiety scores at the activated clusters or with
      amygdala connectivity. Positive and aversive IAPS-stimuli were consistently
      processed in limbic and prefrontal brain areas, irrespective of diagnostic
      category. A dimensional correlate of these neural activation patterns was not
      found.

PMID- 27130822
TI  - High-fat diet-dependent modulation of the delayed rectifier K(+) current in adult
      guinea pig atrial myocytes.
AB  - Obesity is associated with hyperlipidemia, electrical remodeling of the heart,
      and increased risk of supraventricular arrhythmias in both male and female
      patients. The delayed rectifier K(+) current (IK), is an important regulator of
      atrial repolarization. There is a paucity of studies on the functional role of IK
      in response to obesity. Here, we assessed the obesity-mediated functional
      modulation of IK in low-fat diet (LFD), and high-fat diet (HFD) fed adult guinea
      pigs. Guinea pigs were randomly divided into control and obese groups fed, ad
      libitum, with a LFD (10 kcal% fat) or a HFD (45 kcal% fat) respectively. Action
      potential duration (APD), and IK were studied in atrial myocytes and IKr and IKs
      in HEK293 cells using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology. HFD guinea pigs
      displayed a significant increase in body weight, total cholesterol and total
      triglycerides within 50 days. Atrial APD at 30% (APD30) and 90% (APD90)
      repolarization were shorter, while atrial IK density was significantly increased
      in HFD guinea pigs. Exposure to palmitic acid (PA) increased heterologously
      expressed IKr and IKs densities, while oleic acid (OA), severely reduced IKr and
      had no effect on IKs. The data are first to show that in obese guinea pigs
      abbreviated APD is due to increased IK density likely through elevations of PA.
      Our findings may have crucial implications for targeted treatment options for
      obesity-related arrhythmias.

PMID- 27130824
TI  - Transaldolase gene Tal67 enhances the biocontrol activity of Clonostachys rosea
      67-1 against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
AB  - Clonostachys rosea is a promising biocontrol agent that parasitizes various
      fungal plant pathogens. In this paper, transaldolase gene Tal67 was found to be
      greatly upregulated in C. rosea isolate 67-1 during mycoparasitism of Sclerotinia
      sclerotiorum sclerotia. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed a significant
      increase in expression at 0-48 h after induction by sclerotia, and the level
      peaked at 13.9-fold higher than the control at 24 h. Gene disruption led to a
      decrease in the growth rate of the Tal67-deficient strain DeltaTal67 to 5.3
      mm/day, which was much lower than the wild type and the complemented strain
      DeltaTal67+ (P < 0.05). The antagonistic activity of DeltaTal67 against Botrytis
      cinerea was 15.8% lower than the wild type, and the parasitic rate to S.
      sclerotiorum decreased by 24.6%. However, reinsertion of the transaldolase gene
      recovered the fungicidal activity of C. rosea. The efficacy of the mutants
      against soybean Sclerotinia stem rot was evaluated in the greenhouse, and the
      control efficiency of isolate 67-1 reached 65.3%, while the efficiency of the
      DeltaTal67 strain decreased sharply to 17.8%, and the complemented strain
      DeltaTal67+ recovered to 64.8%. These results suggest that Tal67 plays an
      important role in the growth and biocontrol activity of C. rosea.

PMID- 27130823
TI  - Prolyl hydroxylase-1 regulates hepatocyte apoptosis in an NF-kappaB-dependent
      manner.
AB  - Hepatocyte death is an important contributing factor in a number of diseases of
      the liver. PHD1 confers hypoxic sensitivity upon transcription factors including
      the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). Reduced
      PHD1 activity is linked to decreased apoptosis. Here, we investigated the
      underlying mechanism(s) in hepatocytes. Basal NF-kappaB activity was elevated in
      PHD1(-/-) hepatocytes compared to wild type controls. ChIP-seq analysis confirmed
      enhanced binding of NF-kappaB to chromatin in regions proximal to the promoters
      of genes involved in the regulation of apoptosis. Inhibition of NF-kappaB (but
      not knock-out of HIF-1 or HIF-2) reversed the anti-apoptotic effects of
      pharmacologic hydroxylase inhibition. We hypothesize that PHD1 inhibition leads
      to altered expression of NF-kappaB-dependent genes resulting in reduced
      apoptosis. This study provides new information relating to the possible mechanism
      of therapeutic action of hydroxylase inhibitors that has been reported in pre
      clinical models of intestinal and hepatic disease.

PMID- 27130825
TI  - Plant transcriptomes reveal hidden guests.
AB  - With the wide adoption of transcriptome sequencing an ever increasing amount of
      information is becoming available, together with spurious data originating from
      contamination. We show that sometimes errors and inaccuracy can turn beneficial,
      revealing insect and arthropod pests when analysing plant transcriptomes. We have
      found a large number of soluble olfactory proteins, odorant-binding proteins
      (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs), in plant databases, likely due to
      contamination by guest insects. In fact, both classes of proteins are only
      expressed in insects, with few CSPs also present in other arthropods. In
      addition, we found many sequences of the Niemann-Pick (Npc2) family, proteins
      dedicated to cholesterol transport in vertebrates and hypothesised to be involved
      in chemical communication in insects, but absent in plants. In several cases we
      were able to trace down members of the three classes of proteins to the insect or
      arthopod species responsible for contamination. Our work suggests that genes
      found in plants and recognised as contaminants can be turned into useful
      information to investigate plant-insect relationships or to identify new
      sequences from insects species not yet investigated.

PMID- 27130826
TI  - Effects and mechanisms of melatonin on neural differentiation of induced
      pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Melatonin, a lipophilic molecule mainly synthesized in the pineal gland, has
      properties of antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and antiapoptosis to improve
      neuroprotective functions. Here, we investigate effects and mechanisms of
      melatonin on neural differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
      iPSCs were induced into neural stem cells (NSCs), then further differentiated
      into neurons in medium with or without melatonin, melatonin receptor antagonist
      (Luzindole) or Phosphatidylinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor (LY294002).
      Melatonin significantly promoted the number of neurospheres and cell viability.
      In addition, Melatonin markedly up-regulated gene and protein expression of
      Nestin and MAP2. However, Luzindole or LY294002 attenuated these increase. The
      expression of pAKT/AKT were increased by Melatonin, while Luzindole or LY294002
      declined these melatonin-induced increase. These results suggest that melatonin
      significantly increased neural differentiation of iPSCs via activating PI3K/AKT
      signaling pathway through melatonin receptor.

PMID- 27130827
TI  - Cobalt(II) complexation with small biomolecules as studied by 57Co emission
      Mossbauer spectroscopy.
AB  - In the emission (57Co) variant of Mossbauer spectroscopy (EMS), the 57Co
      radionuclide (with a half-life of 9months) is used that undergoes a nuclear decay
      57Co->57Fe via electron capture followed by the emission of a gamma-quantum, the
      energy of which is modified by the chemical state and the close coordination
      environment of the parent 57Co atom. While EMS has been used largely in materials
      science and nuclear chemistry, its high sensitivity can also be of great
      advantage in revealing fine structural features and for speciation analysis of
      biological complexes, whenever the 57Co2+ cation can be used directly as the
      coordinating metal or as a substitute for native cobalt or other metal ions. As
      such EMS applications are yet rare, in order to reliably interpret emission
      spectra of sophisticated 57Co2+-doped biosystems, model EMS studies of simple
      cobalt biocomplexes are necessary. In this work, EMS spectroscopic data are
      analysed and discussed for 57Co2+ complexes with a range of small biomolecules of
      different structures, including 4-n-hexylresorcinol, homoserine lactone and a few
      amino acids (spectra measured in rapidly frozen dilute aqueous solutions or in
      the dried state at T=80K). The EMS data obtained are discussed with regard to the
      available literature data related to the coordination modes of the biocomplexes
      under study.

PMID- 27130828
TI  - Spherical gold nanoparticles and gold nanorods for the determination of
      gentamicin.
AB  - Gentamicin is an antibiotic indicated to treat mastitis in dairy cattle and for
      the treatment of bacterial resistance in the context of hospital infections. The
      effect caused by gentamicin on the optical properties of gold nanoparticles
      aqueous dispersions were used to develop quantitative methods to determine this
      antibiotic. Two different aqueous dispersions, one containing spherical Au
      nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the other containing Au nanorods (AuNRs), had their
      conditions adjusted to enable a stable and sensitive response towards gentamicin.
      The use of AuNPs, with measurement at 681nm of the rising coupling plasmon band,
      enabled a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.4ngmL-1 (0.02ng absolute LOD), ten times
      lower than the one achieved by measuring the decreasing of the longitudinal
      surface plasmon resonance band (at 662nm). The linear analytical response of
      AuNPs measured at 681nm did not require rationing of signal values to correct for
      linearity. Stability of the analytical response resulted in intermediary
      precision below 2%. No significant interference was imposed by excipients
      traditionally present in injectable solutions for veterinary use. Percent
      recoveries obtained in such formulations were between 94.5 and 98.2% regardless
      the existence of any difference in the proportion of the compounds known as
      gentamicin (C1, C1a and C2) in standard and in the samples. The method requires
      no derivatization with toxic reagents as usually is required in other
      spectroscopic approaches.

PMID- 27130829
TI  - Hybrid pigments resulting from several guest dyes onto gamma-alumina host: A
      spectroscopic analysis.
AB  - The synthesis of hybrid pigments was made from combination of gamma-Al2O3 and
      some organic chromophores such as carminic acid, alizarin, purpurin, curcumin,
      fluorescein and betacyanins. The gamma-Al2O3 was obtained through sol-gel
      synthesis with 2-propanol and aluminium tri-sec-butoxide (ATB). This article
      presents some spectroscopic evidences related to the formation of aluminium
      complexes between coordinative unsaturated sites (CUS) of aluminium and some
      organic groups (carboxylic acid, quaternary ammonium and beta-keto enol) present
      in the chromophores structure. The physicochemical properties upcoming from a
      spectroscopic analysis point out that these materials can be applied in the
      design of new materials with potential uses in artworks and in the field of
      cultural heritage.

PMID- 27130830
TI  - Practical Assessment of Bronchoscopically Inserted Fiducial Markers for Image
      Guidance in Stereotactic Lung Radiotherapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stereotactic radiotherapy is a high-dose precision technique
      necessitating accurate target visualization through either cone beam computed
      tomography (CBCT) or planar imaging with implanted fiducial markers. We have
      investigated the properties for image guidance using fiducial markers implanted
      through minimally invasive bronchoscopy. METHODS: Two fiducial marker types were
      implanted endobronchially in 10 patients undergoing radical radiation treatment
      for non-small cell lung cancer (eight using Visicoil linear fiducial markers [IBA
      Dosimetry GmbH, Schwarzenbruck Germany] and two using superDimension and
      superLock two-band markers [Covidien Inc., Minneapolis, MN]). Patients underwent
      four-dimensional computed tomography imaging for treatment planning and after
      completion of treatment to investigate marker movement. As part of the image
      guidance assessment, megavolt electronic portal images (EPIs) were acquired in
      addition to kilovolt planar and CBCT (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA)
      images. RESULTS: In two of 10 patients (both receiving Visicoil markers), marker
      migration was observed before treatment. In patients with stable markers, both
      types were clearly visible in planar kilovolt imaging; however, in EPIs the
      markers could be detected only in selected beam directions in which bony
      interference was minimal. Diagnostic computed tomography scanning was able to
      demonstrate the markers with clarity, but significant starring artifacts were
      observed in CBCT. This was particularly problematic in patients with some lateral
      component of tumor motion during breathing. CONCLUSIONS: The potential for
      fiducial migration must be considered and investigated if bronchoscopic
      implantation of fiducial markers is performed. The choice of marker is a
      compromise between trying to minimize CBCT artifacts while enabling visualization
      in EPI imaging, which is an ideal tool to verify gated radiotherapy delivery.

PMID- 27130831
TI  - Axl Receptor Axis: A New Therapeutic Target in Lung Cancer.

PMID- 27130833
TI  - Value of histopathology for predicting the post-operative complications of ileo
      anal anastomosis (J-pouch) procedure in children with refractory ulcerative
      colitis.
AB  - The J-pouch is a surgical procedure offered to children with refractory
      ulcerative colitis (UC) who have undergone subtotal colectomy to reconstruct a
      reservoir function with ileo-anal anastomosis. Unfortunately, post-operative
      complications may occur and can compromise the pouch function. We assessed rectal
      histopathology to determine whether severity of inflammation in the rectum prior
      to the creation of the J-Pouch was associated with post-operative complications.
      We retrospectively reviewed the histopathology of all J-pouch procedure specimens
      from paediatric patients during the period 2000-2013 using an objective grading
      system that assesses the chronicity and activity of the UC disease. We analysed
      the parameters for association with the post-operative complications. A
      classification tree algorithm was generated to predict the risk of complication
      based on histopathological parameters. A total of 28 paediatric patients were
      identified, among whom 10 developed post-operative complications (35%). The
      activity score at the recto-anal margin was higher among the patients with post
      operative complications (mean 7.3+/-3.1 versus 4.8+/-3.1; p=0.04). The
      involvement of more than 5% colonic crypts with epithelial neutrophilic
      infiltration at the recto-anal margin was found to be an independent parameter
      that would stratify the patients into low-risk or high-risk group for developing
      complications (17% versus 64%; p=0.04). An association between UC disease
      activity at the recto-anal margin and post-operative J-pouch complications was
      determined. Potentially, this association suggests that a histopathological
      assessment of the recto-anal transitional zone may have value in guiding the
      surgeon on the risk of post-operative complications. 

PMID- 27130832
TI  - Associations Between Cerebellar Subregional Morphometry and Alcoholism History in
      Men and Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcoholism has been linked to deficits in cognitive, behavioral, and
      emotional functions, and the cerebellum is important for optimal functioning of
      these abilities. However, little is known about how individual differences such
      as gender and drinking history might influence regional cerebellar abnormalities.
      METHODS: Volumetric analyses of the cerebellum and its subregions were performed
      in relation to the interaction of gender and measures of drinking history.
      Structural magnetic resonance imaging scans of 44 alcoholic individuals (23 men)
      and 39 nonalcoholic controls (18 men) were obtained. In addition to measuring
      total cerebellar gray and white matter volumes, we measured 64 individual
      cerebellar parcellation units, as well as functionally defined a priori regions
      of interest that have been shown to correspond to functions impaired in
      alcoholism. RESULTS: Total cerebellar white matter volume was smaller in
      alcoholic relative to nonalcoholic participants. Moreover, volumes of
      parcellation units varied with drinking history, showing negative associations
      between years of heavy drinking and the anterior lobe, the vestibulocerebellar
      lobe, and the spinocerebellar subdivision. The negative association between
      anterior volume and years of heavy drinking was driven primarily by alcoholic
      men. Additionally, we observed larger white and gray matter volumes for alcoholic
      women than for alcoholic men. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of drinking-related
      abnormalities in cerebellar subregions lays a foundation that can be utilized to
      inform how cerebro-cerebellar networks are perturbed in this pathological
      condition. These results also provide estimates of how gender and individual
      differences in drinking history can predict cerebellar volumes.

PMID- 27130834
TI  - Safe reading of chemical pathology reports: the RCPAQAP Report Assessment Survey.
AB  - Pathology reports are a vital component of the request-test-report cycle
      communicating pathology results to doctors to support clinical decision making.
      This should be done in a comprehensive, safe and time-efficient manner. As
      doctors may receive reports from different laboratories these goals can be
      achieved more readily if reports are formatted in the same way. This study
      evaluates the formatting of paper reports produced by Australian laboratories for
      numerical biochemistry results. As part of the RCPAQAP Liquid Serum Chemistry
      program in 2015, laboratories were invited to supply a routine paper report
      displaying the results. A total of 37 reports were received for analysis. These
      reports were assessed for variation in a range of components and, where possible,
      against relevant Australian standards and guidelines. In summary, there was a
      wide variation in most of the report components assessed including test names,
      result alignment, result flagging, sequence of data elements on the page, date
      formatting and patient name formatting. In most components there was also
      variation from the Standards. In order to ensure safe result transmission by
      printed reports there is a need to promote the adoption of current reporting
      standards and monitor compliance with similar external quality assurance
      programs. 

PMID- 27130835
TI  - Post-transplant extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type with cutaneous and
      pulmonary involvement.

PMID- 27130836
TI  - Iodine deficiency in the UK: grabbing the low-hanging fruit.

PMID- 27130837
TI  - MicroRNA-140-5p impairs zebrafish embryonic bone development via targeting BMP-2.
AB  - MicroRNA-140-5p (miRNA-140-5p) is important for embryonic bone development. In
      this study, we found that miRNA-140-5p and its binding site in the 3'UTR of bone
      morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) are highly conserved among vertebrates, and miRNA
      140-5p negatively regulates both zebrafish and human BMP-2 genes. Microinjection
      of miRNA-140-5p or BMP-2b morpholino into zebrafish embryos led to a similar
      phenotype, including shortened tails, curved trunks, and defects in cranial
      cartilage. Moreover, miRNA-140-5p injection induced zebrafish embryo malformation
      that could be significantly rescued by microinjection of BMP-2 mRNA. In
      conclusion, our results indicated that miRNA-140-5p regulates zebrafish embryonic
      bone development via targeting BMP-2.

PMID- 27130838
TI  - The KCC2 Cotransporter and Human Epilepsy: Getting Excited About Inhibition.
AB  - The cation-Cl- cotransporter KCC2, encoded by SLC12A5, is required for the
      emergence and maintenance of GABAergic fast synaptic inhibition in organisms
      across evolution. These findings have suggested that KCC2 deficiency might play a
      role in the pathogenesis human epilepsy, but this has only recently been
      substantiated by two lines of genetic evidence. The first is the discovery of
      heterozygous missense polymorphisms in SLC12A5, causing decreased KCC2-dependent
      Cl- extrusion capacity, in an Australian family with inherited febrile seizures
      and in a French-Canadian cohort with severe genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE).
      The second is the discovery of recessive loss-of-function mutations in SLC12A5 in
      patients with a severe, early-onset Mendelian disease termed "epilepsy of infancy
      with migrating focal seizures" (EIMFS). These findings collectively support the
      paradigm that precisely regulated KCC2 activity is required for synaptic
      inhibition in humans, and that genetically encoded impairment of KCC2 function,
      due to effects on gene dosage, intrinsic activity, or extrinsic regulation, can
      influence epilepsy phenotypes in patients. Accordingly, KCC2 could be a target
      for a novel antiepileptic strategies that aims to restore GABA inhibition by
      facilitating Cl- extrusion. Such drugs could have relevance for pharmaco
      resistant epilepsies and possibly other diseases characterized by synaptic
      hyperexcitability, such as the spectrum autism disorders.

PMID- 27130839
TI  - Brain Neuromodulation Techniques: A Review.
AB  - The modulation of brain function via the application of weak direct current was
      first observed directly in the early 19th century. In the past 3 decades,
      transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep brain stimulation have undergone
      clinical translation, offering alternatives to pharmacological treatment of
      neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Further development of novel
      neuromodulation techniques employing ultrasound, micro-scale magnetic fields and
      optogenetics is being propelled by a rapidly improving understanding of the
      clinical and experimental applications of artificially stimulating or depressing
      brain activity in human health and disease. With the current rapid growth in
      neuromodulation technologies and applications, it is timely to review the genesis
      of the field and the current state of the art in this area. 

PMID- 27130840
TI  - Ameloblastic Fibrosarcoma of the mandible evolving from a prior Ameloblastic
      Fibroma after two years: an unusual finding.
AB  - Transformation of an ameloblastic fibroma to an ameloblastic fibrosarcoma has
      been reported rarely in the literature. The present case report describes such
      evolution in a patient under long-term follow-up. The patient was first treated
      in 2008, and he developed the malignant counterpart of the disease 2 years later.
      The patient is currently under careful long-term follow-up and is free of
      disease. This article describes the clinical and radiographic features,
      histological characteristics, immunohistochemical findings, and surgical
      treatment of the tumor. 

PMID- 27130841
TI  - Altered structural connectivity is related to attention deficit/hyperactivity
      subtypes: A DTI study.
AB  - This study aimed to provide novel insights into the white matter (WM)
      microstructural properties of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
      subtypes by recruiting a relatively large sample of stimulant-naive children and
      adolescents who had no comorbidity other than Oppositional Defiant Disorder and
      were homogenous according to the DAT1 gene polymorphism. A sample of 72 ADHD
      subjects and 24 controls aged 8-15 years were enrolled in the study. We applied
      tract-based spatial statistics to the DTI measures for obtaining fractional
      anisotropy (FA) and axial, radial diffusivity (AD, RD) measures to explore ADHD
      type-related differences in WM for the whole brain. Comparing ADHD-Combined group
      (ADHD-C) with the ADHD predominantly inattentive group (ADHD-I) we detected
      increased RD in several bilateral brain area and increased AD mostly in left side
      of the brain, including the body and splenium of the corpus callosum; the
      anterior and posteriors limbs of the internal capsule; the superior, anterior and
      posterior corona radiata; the posterior thalamic radiation; and the superior
      longitudinal fasciculus. Likewise, mostly in the overlapping brain areas, the
      ADHD-C group presented increased AD values than ADHD-RI. Significant differences
      among ADHD types could be a preliminary evidence that they have distinct
      microstructural properties. There were no significant differences in diffusivity
      between controls and both the ADHD group as whole or any ADHD subgroups.

PMID- 27130842
TI  - High mortality during direct acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C patients
      with Child's C cirrhosis: Results of the Irish Early Access Programme.

PMID- 27130843
TI  - Disparities in hepatitis C testing in U.S. veterans born 1945-1965.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Universal one-time antibody testing for hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) infection has been recommended by the centers for disease control (CDC) and
      the United States preventative services task force (USPSTF) for Americans born
      1945-1965 (birth cohort). Limited data exists addressing national HCV testing
      practices. We studied patterns and predictors of HCV testing across the U.S.
      within the birth cohort utilizing data from the national corporate data warehouse
      of the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) health system. METHODS: Testing was
      defined as any HCV test including antibody, RNA or genotype performed during 2000
      2013. RESULTS: Of 6,669,388 birth cohort veterans, 4,221,135 (63%) received care
      within the VA from 2000-2013 with two or more visits. Of this group, 2,139,935
      (51%) had HCV testing with 8.1% HCV antibody and 5.4% RNA positive. Significant
      variation in testing was observed across centers (range: 7-83%). Older, male,
      African-Americans, with established risk factors and receiving care from urban
      centers of excellence were more likely to be tested. Among veterans free of other
      established risk factors (HIV negative, HBV negative, ALT ?40U/L, FIB-4 ?1.45, or
      APRI <0.5), HCV antibody and RNA were positive in 2.8% and 0.9%, respectively,
      comparable to established national average. At least 2.4-4.4% of veterans had
      scores suggesting advanced fibrosis (APRI ?1.5 or FIB-4 >3.25) with >30-43%
      having positive HCV RNA but >16-20% yet to undergo testing for HCV. CONCLUSIONS:
      Significant disparities are observed in HCV testing within the United States VA
      health system. Examination of the predictors of testing and HCV positivity may
      help inform national screening policies. LAY SUMMARY: Analysis of United States
      Veterans Administration data show significant disparities in hepatitis C virus
      testing of veterans born 1945-1965 (birth cohort). A fifth of those not tested
      had evidence of advanced liver fibrosis. Our data suggests some predictors for
      this disparity and will potentially help inform future policy measures in the era
      of universal birth cohort testing for HCV.

PMID- 27130844
TI  - Integrative biomarker analyses indicate etiological variations in hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine whether biomarkers
      from baseline plasma and archival tissue specimens collected from patients
      enrolled in the EVOLVE-1 trial - a randomized phase 3 study of everolimus in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) - were associated with prognosis, etiology or
      ethnicity. METHODS: Circulating plasma levels of bFGF, PLGF, VEGF, VEGF-D, c-Kit,
      collagen IV, sVEGFR1 and VEGFR2 were measured by ELISA (N=503). Protein levels of
      IGF-1R, c-Met, mTOR, Tsc2 were assayed by immunohistochemistry (N=125). Genomic
      DNA sequencing was conducted on a panel of 287 cancer-related genes (N=69).
      RESULTS: Patients with baseline plasma concentrations of VEGF or sVEGFR1 above
      the cohort median had significantly shorter overall survival. These plasma
      biomarkers retained prognostic significance in a multivariate Cox regression
      model with geographic region, macroscopic vascular invasion and alpha fetoprotein
      AFP levels. Membranous c-Met protein levels were significantly lower for Asian
      patients, as well as for hepatitis B viral etiology. The prevalence of genetic
      changes were similar to previous reports, along with a trend towards higher PTEN
      and TSC2 mutations among Asians. CONCLUSIONS: The angiogenesis biomarkers VEGF
      and sVEGFR1 were independent prognostic predictors of survival in patients with
      advanced HCC. Potential differences in c-Met and mTOR pathway activation between
      Asian and non-Asian patients should be considered in future clinical trials. LAY
      SUMMARY: Our study demonstrates that circulating angiogenesis biomarkers can
      predict the survival outcome in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
      independent of the clinical variables. There is etiology and ethnicity variation
      in molecular pathway activation in hepatocellular carcinoma, which should be
      considered for future clinical trial design of targeted therapy. CLINICAL TRIAL
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01035229.

PMID- 27130846
TI  - When Is an Expert Truly an Expert?

PMID- 27130848
TI  - Possible association of pigmentary demarcation line with cervical conization and
      contraceptives.

PMID- 27130847
TI  - Unique radiation dermatitis related to total body irradiation by helical
      tomotherapy.

PMID- 27130845
TI  - International cancer seminars: a focus on kidney cancer.
AB  - Recent years have seen important advances in our understanding of the etiology,
      biology and genetics of kidney cancer. To summarize important achievements and
      identify prominent research questions that remain, a workshop was organized by
      IARC and the US NCI. A series of 'difficult questions' were formulated, which
      should be given future priority in the areas of population, genomic and clinical
      research.

PMID- 27130849
TI  - Dietary correlates associated with the mental foramen in primates: implications
      for interpreting the fossil record.
AB  - The mandibular nerve is a sensory and motor nerve that innervates the muscles of
      mastication, the lower dentition, and the lower lip and surrounding structures.
      Although this nerve contains both efferent and afferent fibers, the mental nerve,
      a terminal branch of the mandibular nerve, is a strictly sensory nerve that exits
      the mental foramen and innervates the lower lip, the skin overlaying the
      mandible, and the oral mucosa around the mandible. Osteological foramina are
      often used as proxies for nerve cross section area and they often correlate well
      with some aspect of a primate's ecology (e.g., optic foramen and visual acuity).
      The primary objective of this study is to explore the correlation between the
      mental foramen and dietary preference among primates. The mental foramen of 40
      primate species (n = 180) was measured from 3-D surface models of the mandible.
      Both conventional and phylogenetic tests indicate that although frugivores have
      larger mental foramina than folivores, the differences were not significant.
      These results show that while structures like the infraorbital foramen correlate
      well with diet and touch sensitivity, the mental foramen does not. Based on these
      findings, the mental foramen is not a suggested morphological character for
      interpreting of the fossil record. J. Morphol. 277:978-985, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27130850
TI  - Sex, Drugs, and the Neurobiology of the Placebo Effect.

PMID- 27130851
TI  - Psychopathology Increases With Age in Fragile X Carrier Mothers.

PMID- 27130852
TI  - Endocannabinoids and Stress Resilience: Is Deficiency Sufficient to Promote
      Vulnerability?

PMID- 27130854
TI  - Mathematical models of Ebola-Consequences of underlying assumptions.
AB  - Mathematical models have been used to study Ebola disease transmission dynamics
      and control for the recent epidemics in West Africa. Many of the models used in
      these studies are based on the model of Legrand et al. (2007), and most failed to
      accurately project the outbreak's course (Butler, 2014). Although there could be
      many reasons for this, including incomplete and unreliable data on Ebola
      epidemiology and lack of empirical data on how disease-control measures
      quantitatively affect Ebola transmission, we examine the underlying assumptions
      of the Legrand model, and provide alternate formulations that are simpler and
      provide additional information regarding the epidemiology of Ebola during an
      outbreak. We developed three models with different assumptions about disease
      stage durations, one of which simplifies to the Legrand model while the others
      have more realistic distributions. Control and basic reproduction numbers for all
      three models are derived and shown to provide threshold conditions for outbreak
      control and prevention.

PMID- 27130853
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Psychological Susceptibility and Resilience.

PMID- 27130855
TI  - Mode of action of triflumezopyrim: A novel mesoionic insecticide which inhibits
      the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.
AB  - Triflumezopyrim, a newly commercialized molecule from DuPont Crop Protection,
      belongs to the novel class of mesoionic insecticides. This study characterizes
      the biochemical and physiological action of this novel insecticide. Using
      membranes from the aphid, Myzus persicae, triflumezopyrim was found to displace
      (3)H-imidacloprid with a Ki value of 43 nM with competitive binding results
      indicating that triflumezopyrim binds to the orthosteric site of the nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). In voltage clamp studies using dissociated
      Periplaneta americana neurons, triflumezopyrim inhibits nAChR currents with an
      IC50 of 0.6 nM. Activation of nAChR currents was minimal and required
      concentrations >=100 MUM. Xenopus oocytes expressing chimeric nAChRs (Drosophila
      alpha2/chick beta2) showed similar inhibitory effects from triflumezopyrim. In P.
      americana neurons, co-application experiments with acetylcholine reveal the
      inhibitory action of triflumezopyrim to be rapid and prolonged in nature. Such
      physiological action is distinct from other insecticides in IRAC Group 4 in which
      the toxicological mode of action is attributed to nAChR agonism. Mesoionic
      insecticides act via inhibition of the orthosteric binding site of the nAChR
      despite previous beliefs that such action would translate to poor insect control.
      Triflumezopyrim is the first commercialized insecticide from this class and
      provides outstanding control of hoppers, including the brown planthopper,
      Nilaparvata lugens, which is already displaying strong resistance to
      neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid.

PMID- 27130857
TI  - Human IgE-independent systemic anaphylaxis.
AB  - Anaphylaxis is a rapidly developing, life-threatening, generalized or systemic
      allergic reaction that is classically elicited by antigen crosslinking of antigen
      specific IgE bound to the high-affinity IgE receptor FcepsilonRI on mast cells
      and basophils. This initiates signals that induce cellular degranulation with
      release and secretion of vasoactive mediators, enzymes, and cytokines. However,
      IgE-independent mechanisms of anaphylaxis have been clearly demonstrated in
      experimental animals. These include IgG-dependent anaphylaxis, which involves the
      triggering of mediator release by IgG/antigen complex crosslinking of FcgammaRs
      on macrophages, basophils, and neutrophils; anaphylaxis mediated by binding of
      the complement-derived peptides C3a and C5a to their receptors on mast cells,
      basophils, and other myeloid cells; and direct activation of mast cells by drugs
      that interact with receptors on these cells. Here we review the mechanisms
      involved in these IgE-independent forms of anaphylaxis and the clinical evidence
      for their human relevance. We conclude that this evidence supports the existence
      of all 3 IgE-independent mechanisms as important causes of human disease,
      although practical and ethical considerations preclude their demonstration to the
      degree of certainty possible with animal models. Furthermore, we cite evidence
      that different clinical situations can suggest different mechanisms as having a
      primal role in anaphylaxis and that IgE-dependent and distinct IgE-independent
      mechanisms can act together to increase anaphylaxis severity. As specific agents
      become available that can interfere with mechanisms involved in the different
      types of anaphylaxis, recognition of specific types of anaphylaxis is likely to
      become important for optimal prophylaxis and therapy.

PMID- 27130856
TI  - A work group report on ultrafine particles (American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &
      Immunology): Why ambient ultrafine and engineered nanoparticles should receive
      special attention for possible adverse health outcomes in human subjects.
AB  - Ultrafine particles (UFPs) are airborne particulates of less than 100 nm in
      aerodynamic diameter. Examples of UFPs are diesel exhaust particles, products of
      cooking, heating, and wood burning in indoor environments, and, more recently,
      products generated through the use of nanotechnology. Studies have shown that
      ambient UFPs have detrimental effects on both the cardiovascular and respiratory
      systems, including a higher incidence of atherosclerosis and exacerbation rate of
      asthma. UFPs have been found to alter in vitro and in vivo responses of the
      immune system to allergens and can also play a role in allergen sensitization.
      The inflammatory properties of UFPs can be mediated by a number of different
      mechanisms, including the ability to produce reactive oxygen species, leading to
      the generation of proinflammatory cytokines and airway inflammation. In addition,
      because of their small size, UFPs also have unique distribution characteristics
      in the respiratory tree and circulation and might be able to alter cellular
      function in ways that circumvent normal signaling pathways. Additionally, UFPs
      can penetrate intracellularly and potentially cause DNA damage. The recent
      advances in nanotechnology, although opening up new opportunities for the
      advancement of technology and medicine, could also lead to unforeseen adverse
      health effects in exposed human subjects. Further research is needed to clarify
      the safety of nanoscale particles, as well as the elucidation of the possible
      beneficial use of these particulates to treat disease.

PMID- 27130858
TI  - Investigation of peanut oral immunotherapy with CpG/peanut nanoparticles in a
      murine model of peanut allergy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatments to reverse peanut allergy remain elusive. Current clinical
      approaches using peanut oral/sublingual immunotherapy are promising, but concerns
      about safety and long-term benefit remain a barrier to wide use. Improved methods
      of delivering peanut-specific immunotherapy are needed. OBJECTIVE: We sought to
      investigate the efficacy and safety of peanut oral immunotherapy using CpG-coated
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles containing peanut extract (CpG/PN
      NPs) in a murine model of peanut allergy. METHODS: C3H/HeJ mice were rendered
      peanut allergic by means of oral sensitization with peanut and cholera toxin.
      Mice were then subjected to 4 weekly gavages with CpG/PN-NPs, vehicle (PBS),
      nanoparticles alone, peanut alone, CpG nanoparticles, or peanut nanoparticles.
      Untreated mice served as naive controls. After completing therapy, mice underwent
      5 monthly oral peanut challenges. Anaphylaxis was evaluated by means of visual
      assessment of symptom scores and measurement of body temperature and plasma
      histamine levels. Peanut-specific serum IgE, IgG1, and IgG2a levels were measured
      by using ELISA, as were cytokine recall responses in splenocyte cultures.
      RESULTS: Mice with peanut allergy treated with CpG/PN-NPs but not vehicle or
      other treatment components were significantly protected from anaphylaxis to all 5
      oral peanut challenges, as indicated by lower symptom scores, less change in body
      temperature, and a lower increase of plasma histamine levels. Importantly, CpG/PN
      NP treatment did not cause anaphylactic reactions. Treatment was associated with
      a sustained and significant decrease in peanut-specific IgE/IgG1 levels and an
      increase in peanut-specific IgG2a levels. Compared with vehicle control animals,
      peanut recall responses in splenocyte cultures from nanoparticle-treated mice
      showed significantly decreased levels of TH2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13)
      but increased IFN-gamma levels in cell supernatants. CONCLUSIONS: Preclinical
      findings indicate that peanut oral immunotherapy with CpG/PN-NPs might be a
      valuable strategy for peanut-specific immunotherapy in human subjects.

PMID- 27130859
TI  - Food-specific IgG4 is associated with eosinophilic esophagitis.

PMID- 27130860
TI  - Plasmin is a natural trigger for bradykinin production in patients with
      hereditary angioedema with factor XII mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with angioedema experience unpredictable attacks of tissue
      swelling in which bradykinin is implicated. Several distinct mutations in Factor
      XII (FXII) are associated with hereditary angioedema (HAE) in the presence of
      normal C1 esterase inhibitor activity (FXII-HAE). The underlying disease
      mechanisms are unclear, which complicates diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE: We
      sought to identify the natural trigger for FXII activation, which causes
      uncontrolled bradykinin production in patients with FXII-HAE. METHODS: We
      generated recombinant variants of FXII, representing health and disease, and
      studied their behavior in functional studies. We investigated bradykinin-forming
      pathways in blood plasma with newly developed nanobody-based analytic methods.
      RESULTS: We here report that FXII-HAE mutations collectively introduce new sites
      that are sensitive to enzymatic cleavage by plasmin. These FXII mutants rapidly
      activate after cleavage by plasmin, escape from inhibition through C1 esterase
      inhibitor, and elicit excessive bradykinin formation. Furthermore, our findings
      indicate that plasmin modulates disease activity in patients with FXII-HAE.
      Finally, we show that soluble lysine analogs attenuate this mechanism, explaining
      their therapeutic value in patients with HAE. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate a
      new pathway for bradykinin formation in patients with HAE, in which FXII is
      cleaved and activated by plasmin. This should lead to the identification of new
      markers for diagnosis and targets for treatment.

PMID- 27130861
TI  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes for 11 patients with dedicator
      of cytokinesis 8 deficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) deficiency can be cured by
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Reports of outcomes
      are still limited. OBJECTIVE: We sought to analyze the results of HSCT in
      patients with DOCK8 deficiency and report whether approaches resulting in mixed
      chimerism result in clinically relevant immune reconstitution. METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective chart review of 11 patients with DOCK8 deficiency and
      measured DOCK8 expression and cytokine production. RESULTS: Of 11 patients, 7
      received HSCT from related and 4 from unrelated donors; 9 patients received
      busulfan-based conditioning regimens. Survival was excellent (10 [91%] of 11
      patients alive), including a patient who had undergone liver transplantation.
      Patients showed significant improvements in the frequency and severity of
      infections. Although eczema resolved in all, food allergies and high IgE levels
      persisted in some patients. Lymphopenia, eosinophilia, low numbers of naive
      CD8(+) T cells and switched memory B cells, and TH1/TH2 cytokine imbalance
      improved in most patients. Although the 8 matched related or unrelated donor
      recipients had full donor chimerism, all 3 recipients of mismatched unrelated
      donor HSCT had high levels of donor T-cell chimerism and low B-cell and myeloid
      cell chimerism (0% to 46%). Almost all switched memory B cells were of donor
      origin. All patients, including those with mixed chimerism, mounted robust
      antibody responses to vaccination. CONCLUSION: Allogeneic HSCT ameliorated the
      infectious and atopic symptoms of patients with DOCK8 deficiency. In patients
      with mixed chimerism, selective advantage for donor-derived T cells and switched
      memory B cells promoted restoration of cellular and humoral immunity and
      protection against opportunistic infection.

PMID- 27130862
TI  - Identification of a new locus at 16q12 associated with time to asthma onset.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease in which age of onset plays an
      important role. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify the genetic variants associated
      with time to asthma onset (TAO). METHODS: We conducted a large-scale meta
      analysis of 9 genome-wide association studies of TAO (total of 5462 asthmatic
      patients with a broad range of age of asthma onset and 8424 control subjects of
      European ancestry) performed by using survival analysis techniques. RESULTS: We
      detected 5 regions associated with TAO at the genome-wide significant level (P <
      5 * 10-8). We evidenced a new locus in the 16q12 region (near cylindromatosis
      turban tumor syndrome gene [CYLD]) and confirmed 4 asthma risk regions: 2q12 (IL
      1 receptor-like 1 [IL1RL1]), 6p21 (HLA-DQA1), 9p24 (IL33), and 17q12-q21 (zona
      pellucida binding protein 2 [ZPBP2]-gasdermin A [GSDMA]). Conditional analyses
      identified 2 distinct signals at 9p24 (both upstream of IL33) and 17q12-q21 (near
      ZPBP2 and within GSDMA). Together, these 7 distinct loci explained 6.0% of the
      variance in TAO. In addition, we showed that genetic variants at 9p24 and 17q12
      q21 were strongly associated with an earlier onset of childhood asthma (P <=
      .002), whereas the 16q12 single nucleotide polymorphism was associated with later
      asthma onset (P = .04). A high burden of disease risk alleles at these loci was
      associated with earlier age of asthma onset (4 vs 9-12 years, P = 10-4).
      CONCLUSION: The new susceptibility region for TAO at 16q12 harbors variants that
      correlate with the expression of CYLD and nucleotide-binding oligomerization
      domain 2 (NOD2), 2 strong candidates for asthma. This study demonstrates that
      incorporating the variability of age of asthma onset in asthma modeling is a
      helpful approach in the search for disease susceptibility genes.

PMID- 27130863
TI  - Adenosine deaminase type 2 deficiency masquerading as GATA2 deficiency:
      Successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 27130864
TI  - Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Sexual Disinhibition in Females: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - CONTEXT: Some parents believe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination increases
      the chance of risky sexual behaviors among adolescents. This review summarizes
      the evidence available on adolescent girls and women engaging in risky sexual
      activity following HPV vaccination. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Systematic review using
      the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines
      was conducted in 2014 and updated in 2015. Literature was searched for articles
      published between 2004 and 2015 in MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane Database,
      Web of Science, and EMBASE without language limits. Studies were screened
      according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodologic quality of
      the included articles was assessed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The search resulted in 21
      articles to be included in the review, with 527,475 participants. Included
      studies were conducted in 12 different countries using experimental and
      observational study designs. The review included data on girls aged as young as
      11 years to women aged 40 years. Studies measured changes in sexual behaviors
      using a variety of outcomes, including age at sexual debut; risky sexual
      behaviors; use of condoms and contraception; and clinical indicators such as
      rates of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and pregnancy terminations.
      Available data showed either no association between vaccination status and the
      outcomes of interest or a positive association between safer sexual behaviors,
      such as condom use and receipt of HPV vaccination. Methodologic quality of all
      but one study was moderate or weak. CONCLUSIONS: This review did not find
      sufficient evidence to support compensatory sexual risk behaviors following HPV
      vaccination among adolescent girls or women.

PMID- 27130866
TI  - New Strategies to Prioritize Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
      Interventions.
AB  - Interventions for obesity have not often been based on considerations that could
      predict their effectiveness. However, advances in research provide several new
      approaches that can inform priorities for public health interventions directed at
      nutrition, physical activity, and obesity. These approaches include estimation of
      the effect size, comparison of the calorie gap with the caloric deficit induced
      by the intervention, population reach and impact, cost and cost effectiveness of
      the intervention, time required to evaluate the effect of the intervention on
      weight change, and feasibility of the intervention. Incorporation of these
      considerations by policymakers and public health practitioners will help identify
      those interventions most likely to achieve changes in the prevalence of obesity.

PMID- 27130865
TI  - Obesogenic Retail Food Environments Around New Zealand Schools: A National Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This is the first nationwide spatial analysis of retail food
      environments around more and less socioeconomically deprived schools in New
      Zealand. METHODS: Addresses from all food outlets were retrieved from 66 City and
      District Councils in 2014. All fast food, takeaway, and convenience outlets
      (FFTCs) were geocoded and (spatially) validated in 2015. Density and proximity of
      FFTCs around/from all schools were stratified by urban/rural area and quintile of
      school socioeconomic deprivation. RESULTS: About 68.5% urban and 14.0% rural
      schools had a convenience store within 800 m; 62.0% urban and 9.5% rural schools
      had a fast food or takeaway outlet within 800 m. Median road distance to the
      closest convenience store from urban schools was significantly higher for the
      least (617 m) versus the most deprived (521 m) schools (p<0.001); the opposite
      was found for rural schools. Median FFTC density was 2.4 (0.8-4.8) per km(2) and
      maximum density was 85 per km(2) within 800 m of urban schools. Median density of
      convenience stores around the least deprived urban schools was significantly
      lower than around the most deprived schools (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Access to
      unhealthy foods through FFTCs within walking distance from urban schools is
      substantial in New Zealand, and greater for the most versus the least deprived
      schools. Health promoters should work with retailers to explore feasible actions
      to reduce children's exposure to unhealthy foods before and after school, and
      provisions to allow Councils to restrict new FFTCs in school neighborhoods could
      be included in the Local Government Act.

PMID- 27130867
TI  - Corrigendum to 'Reflex seizures triggered by cutaneous stimuli' [Seizure 33
      (2015) 72-75].

PMID- 27130869
TI  - "Saint Lucy" at the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid, Spain.

PMID- 27130870
TI  - Topical tacrolimus 0.03% for the treatment of ocular psoriasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE/METHODS: Cases are presented of 4 patients suffering from severe
      symptoms due to ocular psoriasis and who were treated with off-label 0.03%
      tacrolimus once a day. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: All four patients had a mixed
      blepharitis and keratitis. Pseudopterygium and corneal opacities were present in
      three of them. All of them experienced an improvement of their itching and ocular
      surface. They all referred to a marked improvement of their quality of life in a
      follow-up period ranging from six months to two years. Therefore, topical
      tacrolimus could be considered an option in the treatment of ocular psoriasis.

PMID- 27130868
TI  - Long-Term Outcomes in Belatacept- Versus Cyclosporine-Treated Recipients of
      Extended Criteria Donor Kidneys: Final Results From BENEFIT-EXT, a Phase III
      Randomized Study.
AB  - In the Belatacept Evaluation of Nephroprotection and Efficacy as First-Line
      Immunosuppression Trial-Extended Criteria Donors (BENEFIT-EXT), extended criteria
      donor kidney recipients were randomized to receive belatacept-based (more intense
      [MI] or less intense [LI]) or cyclosporine-based immunosuppression. In prior
      analyses, belatacept was associated with significantly better renal function
      compared with cyclosporine. In this prospective analysis of the intent-to-treat
      population, efficacy and safety were compared across regimens at 7 years after
      transplant. Overall, 128 of 184 belatacept MI-treated, 138 of 175 belatacept LI
      treated and 108 of 184 cyclosporine-treated patients contributed data to these
      analyses. Hazard ratios (HRs) comparing time to death or graft loss were 0.915
      (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.625-1.339; p = 0.65) for belatacept MI versus
      cyclosporine and 0.927 (95% CI 0.634-1.356; p = 0.70) for belatacept LI versus
      cyclosporine. Mean estimated GFR (eGFR) plus or minus standard error at 7 years
      was 53.9 +/- 1.9, 54.2 +/- 1.9, and 35.3 +/- 2.0 mL/min per 1.73 m2 for
      belatacept MI, belatacept LI and cyclosporine, respectively (p < 0.001 for
      overall treatment effect). HRs comparing freedom from death, graft loss or eGFR
      <20 mL/min per 1.73 m2 were 0.754 (95% CI 0.536-1.061; p = 0.10) for belatacept
      MI versus cyclosporine and 0.706 (95% CI 0.499-0.998; p = 0.05) for belatacept LI
      versus cyclosporine. Acute rejection rates and safety profiles of belatacept- and
      cyclosporine-based treatment were similar. De novo donor-specific antibody
      incidence was lower for belatacept (p <= 0.0001). Relative to cyclosporine,
      belatacept was associated with similar death and graft loss and improved renal
      function at 7 years after transplant and had a safety profile consistent with
      previous reports.

PMID- 27130871
TI  - Effects of propolis in an experimental rat model of allergic rhinitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the anti-allergic activity of
      propolis in an ovalbumin-induced rat model of allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This prospective experimental study was conducted at Hakan Cetinsaya
      Clinical and Experimental Animal Research Center with 30 rats. After
      sensitization of all rats with 0.3mg intraperitoneal ovalbumin plus 30mg aluminum
      hydroxide for 14days (first phase), rats were divided to five groups. In the
      second phase of the study 10MUL of ovalbumin was applied to each nostril for
      21days. Together with second phase, ketotifen (n:6), oral propolis (n:6),
      intranasal propolis (n:6) and intranasal mometasone furoate (n:6) were given to
      rats. A control group (n:4)(salin) and sham group (n:2) were planned. Symptoms
      were assessed on days 19, 22, 25, 30 and 35, resulting in 5 symptom scores:
      symptom scores 1-5. On day 35, nasal tissue was removed and histological
      examination was performed. RESULTS: When rats that received systemic and
      intranasal propolis were compared to controls, ciliary loss, inflammation,
      increase in goblet cells, vascular proliferation, eosinophil count, chondrocytes
      and allergic rhinitis symptom score were found to be decreased (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: It was found that propolis had anti-allergic effects on allergic
      symptom scores and nasal histology.

PMID- 27130872
TI  - Sprouty2 regulates endochondral bone formation by modulation of RTK and BMP
      signaling.
AB  - Skeletal development is regulated by the coordinated activity of signaling
      molecules that are both produced locally by cartilage and bone cells and also
      circulate systemically. During embryonic development and postnatal bone
      remodeling, receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) superfamily members play critical
      roles in the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of chondrocytes,
      osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and other bone cells. Recently, several molecules that
      regulate RTK signaling have been identified, including the four members of the
      Sprouty (Spry) family (Spry1-4). We report that Spry2 plays an important role in
      regulation of endochondral bone formation. Mice in which the Spry2 gene has been
      deleted have defective chondrogenesis and endochondral bone formation, with a
      postnatal decrease in skeletal size and trabecular bone mass. In these
      constitutive Spry2 mutants, both chondrocytes and osteoblasts undergo increased
      cell proliferation and impaired terminal differentiation. Tissue-specific Spry2
      deletion by either osteoblast- (Col1-Cre) or chondrocyte- (Col2-Cre) specific
      drivers led to decreased relative bone mass, demonstrating the critical role of
      Spry2 in both cell types. Molecular analyses of signaling pathways in Spry2(-/-)
      mice revealed an unexpected upregulation of BMP signaling and decrease in RTK
      signaling. These results identify Spry2 as a critical regulator of endochondral
      bone formation that modulates signaling in both osteoblast and chondrocyte
      lineages.

PMID- 27130873
TI  - Cluster analysis of bone microarchitecture from high resolution peripheral
      quantitative computed tomography demonstrates two separate phenotypes associated
      with high fracture risk in men and women.
AB  - Osteoporosis is a major healthcare problem which is conventionally assessed by
      dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). New technologies such as high resolution
      peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT) also predict fracture risk.
      HRpQCT measures a number of bone characteristics that may inform specific
      patterns of bone deficits. We used cluster analysis to define different bone
      phenotypes and their relationships to fracture prevalence and areal bone mineral
      density (BMD). 177 men and 159 women, in whom fracture history was determined by
      self-report and vertebral fracture assessment, underwent HRpQCT of the distal
      radius and femoral neck DXA. Five clusters were derived with two clusters
      associated with elevated fracture risk. "Cluster 1" contained 26 women (50.0%
      fractured) and 30 men (50.0% fractured) with a lower mean cortical thickness and
      cortical volumetric BMD, and in men only, a mean total and trabecular area more
      than the sex-specific cohort mean. "Cluster 2" contained 20 women (50.0%
      fractured) and 14 men (35.7% fractured) with a lower mean trabecular density and
      trabecular number than the sex-specific cohort mean. Logistic regression showed
      fracture rates in these clusters to be significantly higher than the lowest
      fracture risk cluster [5] (p<0.05). Mean femoral neck areal BMD was significantly
      lower than cluster 5 in women in cluster 1 and 2 (p<0.001 for both), and in men,
      in cluster 2 (p<0.001) but not 1 (p=0.220). In conclusion, this study
      demonstrates two distinct high risk clusters in both men and women which may
      differ in etiology and response to treatment. As cluster 1 in men does not have
      low areal BMD, these men may not be identified as high risk by conventional DXA
      alone.

PMID- 27130874
TI  - Early prediction of functional outcome using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic
      resonance imaging in experimental stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Early prediction of functional outcome in cerebral
      ischemia stroke using MRI remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the predictive value of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI in terms of
      functional outcome of ischemia stroke. METHODS: Right middle cerebral artery
      occlusion (MCAO) was performed in male SD rats (n=50), followed by withdrawal of
      the occluding filament after 3 (n = 10), 4 (n = 10), 5 (n = 10), 6 (n = 10) or 7
      (n = 10) h to establish ischemia and reperfusion stroke. DCE and conventional MRI
      were performed in each animal 60 +/- 15 min before and after reperfusion. The
      outcome was assessed by the modified Neurological Severity Scores (mNSS) (before
      reperfusion and at 72 h after reperfusion) and the infarct volume. Comparisons of
      functional prognosis and DCE parameters (K(trans), Ve and Kep) were performed
      using binary logistic regression and operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.
      RESULTS: DCE parameters results indicated that blood brain barrier (BBB)
      permeability increased with prolonged reperfusion timing. Using binary logistic
      regression analysis on stroke characteristics (reperfusion timing, infarct
      volume) and BBB permeability parameters (drK(trans)subcortex, drK(trans)cortex,
      drVesubcortex, drVecortex, drKepsubcortex and drKepcortex) as covariates , the
      results demonstrated that reperfusion timing, infarct volume, drK(trans)subcortex
      and drKepsubcortex were independent factors that were associated with prognosis
      (OR=0.01, OR=0.23, OR=245.23, OR=1.29). ROC analysis indicated that a
      drK(trans)subcortex threshold of 0.88 with a sensitivity of 95.7% and a
      specificity of 85.2% and a drKepsubcortex threshold of -0.25 with a sensitivity
      of 69.6% and a specificity of 70.4% for differentiation between favourable and
      unfavourable prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative DCE-MRI can be used to predict
      the functional outcomes of cerebral ischemia injury.

PMID- 27130875
TI  - T1rho and T2 mapping of lumbar intervertebral disc: Correlation with degeneration
      and morphologic changes in different disc regions.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess regional variations of T1rho (T1rho) and T2 rates within
      lumbar intervertebral discs and to evaluate the correlation of T1rho and T2 rates
      in different disc regions with Pfirrmann grades of degeneration and morphologic
      changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 105 lumbar discs in
      22 subjects who were examined at 3.0-T MRI. T1rho and T2 relaxation rates
      (1/T1rho and 1/T2) were measured in five segmented regions of discs: anterior
      annulus fibrosus (AF), anterior junction, nucleus pulposus (NP), posterior
      junction, and posterior AF. Disc degeneration was graded using 5-level Pfirrmann
      grading system and morphologic change was categorized into five groups (normal,
      bulging, annular fissure, protrusion, and extrusion). Regional differences of
      T1rho and T2 rates and correlation with degeneration and morphologic changes were
      statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Most of the five segmented regions showed
      statistically different T1rho and T2 rates from each other. T1rho and T2
      relaxation rates were positively associated with Pfirrmann grades of degeneration
      and morphologic changes, with different strength of relation in each region. T2
      rates in the posterior junction showed the strongest correlation with
      degeneration (r=0.810) and T2 rates in the anterior junction showed the highest
      association with morphologic changes (r=0.621). CONCLUSIONS: Regional variations
      of T1rho and T2 rates within discs and different strength of relation with
      degeneration and morphologic changes should be taken into account when evaluating
      lumbar discs.

PMID- 27130876
TI  - HPLC Methods for Quantitation of Exemestane-Luteolin and Exemestane-Resveratrol
      Mixtures in Nanoformulations.
AB  - Two HPLC-DAD assays for the simultaneous quantitation of exemestane (EXE) and
      resveratrol (RES)-Mix 1-and EXE and luteolin (LUT)-Mix 2-in novel breast cancer
      therapy nanoformulations were developed. Calibration curves 15-30 ug/mL and
      samples were injected through an Inertsil ODS-3 (250 * 4.6 mm, 5 um) column. The
      gradient elution for Mix 1 was methanol : 0.05% (v/v) acetic acid in water (60 :
      40 to 80 : 20, linear over 2 min), and for Mix 2, it was methanol : water (60 :
      40 for 4 min, then ramped linearly to 90 : 10, over 12 min) pumped at 1.5 mL/min
      for 4 min, then 1 mL/min till the end of run. EXE, RES, LUT and flutamide
      (internal standard (IS)) were measured at 246, 307, 350 and 300 nm, respectively.
      For Mix 1, RES, EXE and IS eluted at 3.5, 6.8 and 7.4 min, respectively, while
      for Mix 2, LUT, EXE and IS eluted at 7.5, 11.4 and 12.7 min, respectively. The
      mean r(2) for the standard curves was >=0.99, and percentage coefficient of
      variation and % error of the mean were <2. Both assays successfully quantitated
      Mix 1 and Mix 2 in their nanoformulations. The two developed assays were
      sensitive and selective for the analysis of EXE-LUT and EXE-RES mixtures in
      nanoformulations according to International Conference on Harmonization
      guidelines. 

PMID- 27130877
TI  - Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography (MEKC) with Multiresponse Chemometric
      Optimization for the Determination of Hydrochlorothiazide and Coformulated
      Antihypertensives in the Presence of Hydrochlorothiazide Major Impurity.
AB  - In this work, micellar electrokinetic chromatographic method was developed and
      optimized for the determination of hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) in the presence of
      irbesartan (IRB), bisoprolol (BISO) and HCT main impurity. Four factors affecting
      the separation-sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) concentration, buffer concentration,
      temperature and voltage-were studied. Optimization studies were performed with
      the aid of a central composite design with six central points. The optimal
      separation conditions were obtained by applying Derringer's desirability
      function, and the conditions were borate buffer 17 mM (pH = 9), SDS 5.2 mM,
      temperature 25 degrees C and voltage 12 kV. HCT, IRB and BISO were successfully
      determined in their pure form and pharmaceutical formulations with separation in
      <8 min. Calibration curves (R > 0.999) were prepared and complete method
      validation was performed according to ICH guidelines. The results obtained were
      statistically compared with that of the official methods. 

PMID- 27130878
TI  - TLC Profiles of Selected Cirsium Species with Chemometrics in Construction of
      Their Fingerprints.
AB  - The dried aerial parts of 12 plants of Cirsium species were extracted with the
      Soxhlet apparatus using dichloromethane and methanol as solvents. Next, the
      extracts were separated by TLC methods to obtain the fingerprint chromatograms.
      The analysis was performed on silica gel or RP-18 layers as stationary phases
      using the following eluents: ethyl acetate/formic acid/acetic acid/water
      (12/1.5/1.5/4; v/v) for silica gel, and 5% (v/v) aqueous solution of formic
      acid/methanol (70/30; v/v) for the first development and the same system in the
      proportion of 50/50 (v/v) for the second development for RP-18. The double
      development was applied in the case of RP-18 plates. The analysis was performed
      for all Cirsium methanolic extracts and five selected standards (naringin,
      apigenin, rutin, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid). The results were analyzed
      using chemometrics. The comparison of individual Cirsium species and the
      identification of unknown species were performed using the similarity indices
      (Pearson's correlation coefficient, determination coefficient and congruence
      coefficient), distance indices (Euclidean distance, Manhattan distance and
      Chebyshev's distance) and Multi-Scale Structural SIMilarity. Based on chemometric
      analysis, the first extract of the widely grown species is identified as Cirsium
      arvense and the second one as Cirsium rivulare. 

PMID- 27130879
TI  - Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method by a
      Statistical Optimization Process for the Quantification of Asenapine Maleate in
      Lipidic Nanoformulations.
AB  - A stability-indicating RP-HPLC method was developed for quantification of
      asenapine maleate (ASPM) in lipid nanoformulations. The proposed method was used
      to assess intrinsic stability of ASPM by conducting force degradation study. The
      results indicated no considerable degradation of ASPM on subjecting it to
      hydrolytic, oxidative, thermal and photolytic stresses. The method was validated
      according to ICH Q2(R1) guidelines by employing Full factorial design using
      Design-Expert((r)) software. ASPM was precisely and accurately quantified in
      nanoparticles by separating it on Hyperclone BDS C18 using 80-20% v/v mixture of
      potassium phosphate solution containing 0.1% v/v triethylamine and acetonitrile.
      The effect of flow rate, pH, acetonitrile content and column temperature was
      assessed on method responses. The current method was linear in the range of 0.1
      20 ug/mL with limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 29
      and 89 ng/mL, respectively. The method was precise and accurate in the
      determination of ASPM with peak area RSD and recovery of <1.0% and 97-101% in
      bulk drug solution and of <1.0% and 92-104% in nanoformulations, respectively.
      Analysis of variance indicated the significance (P < 0.0001) of a statistical
      model in validating the method with respect to change in independent
      chromatographic factors. The developed method was successfully employed in
      determining ASPM content in bulk and lipid nanoformulations. 

PMID- 27130880
TI  - Application of Hectorite-Coated Silica Gel Particles as a Packing Material for
      Chromatographic Resolution.
AB  - A new type of clay column particles was prepared, in which a hectorite layer
      (~0.1 um thickness) covered uniformly the surface of amorphous silica particles
      with an average radius of 5 um (ref. Okada et al., The Journal of Physical
      Chemistry C, 116, 21864-21869 (2012)). The hectorite layer was fully ion
      exchanged with Delta-[Ru(phen)3](2+) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) ions by being
      immersed in a methanol solution of Delta-[Ru(phen)3](ClO4)2 (1 mM). The modified
      silica gel particles thus prepared were packed into a stainless steel tube (4 mm
      (i.d.) * 25 cm) as a high-performance liquid chromatography column. Optical
      resolution was achieved when the racemic mixtures of several metal complexes or
      organic molecules were eluted with methanol. In the case of
      tris(acetylacetonato)ruthenium(III) ([Ru(acac)3]), for example, the Lambda- and
      Delta-enantiomers gave an elution volume of 2.6 and 3.0 mL, respectively, with
      the separation factor of 1.2. The total elution volume (5 mL) was nearly one
      tenth for the previously reported column of the same size (RU-1 (Shiseido Co.,
      Ltd.)) packed with the spray-dried particles of synthetic hectorite (average
      radius 5 um) ion-exchanged by the same Ru(II) complexes. 

PMID- 27130881
TI  - Restrictions in ATP diffusion within sarcomeres can provoke ATP-depleted zones
      impairing exercise capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by the
      inability of patients to sustain a high level of ventilation resulting in
      perceived exertional discomfort and limited exercise capacity of leg muscles at
      average intracellular ATP levels sufficient to support contractility. METHODS:
      Myosin ATPase activity in biopsy samples from healthy and COPD individuals was
      implemented as a local nucleotide sensor to determine ATP diffusion coefficients
      within myofibrils. Ergometric parameters clinically measured during maximal
      exercise tests in both groups were used to define the rates of myosin ATPase
      reaction and aerobic ATP re-synthesis. The obtained parameters in combination
      with AK- and CK-catalyzed reactions were implemented to compute the kinetic and
      steady-state spatial ATP distributions within control and COPD sarcomeres.
      RESULTS: The developed reaction-diffusion model of two-dimensional sarcomeric
      space identified similar, yet extremely low nucleotide diffusion in normal and
      COPD myofibrils. The corresponding spatio-temporal ATP distributions, constructed
      during imposed exercise, predicted in COPD sarcomeres a depletion of ATP in the
      zones of overlap between actin and myosin filaments along the center axis at
      average cytosolic ATP levels similar to healthy muscles. CONCLUSIONS: ATP
      depleted zones can induce rigor tension foci impairing muscle contraction and
      increase a risk for sarcomere damages. Thus, intra-sarcomeric diffusion
      restrictions at limited aerobic ATP re-synthesis can be an additional risk factor
      contributing to the muscle contractile deficiency experienced by COPD patients.
      GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates how restricted substrate mobility
      within a cellular organelle can provoke an energy imbalance state paradoxically
      occurring at abounding average metabolic resources.

PMID- 27130882
TI  - Glycosylation-dependent binding of galectin-8 to activated leukocyte cell
      adhesion molecule (ALCAM/CD166) promotes its surface segregation on breast cancer
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated that the activated leukocyte cell adhesion
      molecule (ALCAM/CD166) can interact with galectin-8 (Gal-8) in endothelial cells.
      ALCAM is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that promotes homophilic and
      heterophilic cell-cell interactions. Gal-8 is a "tandem-repeat"-type galectin,
      known as a matricellular protein involved in cell adhesion. Here, we analyzed the
      physical interaction between both molecules in breast cancer cells and the
      functional relevance of this phenomenon. METHODS: We performed binding assays by
      surface plasmon resonance to study the interaction between Gal-8 and the
      recombinant glycosylated ALCAM ectodomain or endogenous ALCAM from MDA-MB-231
      breast cancer cells. We also analyzed the binding of ALCAM-silenced or control
      breast cancer cells to immobilized Gal-8 by SPR. In internalization assays, we
      evaluated the influence of Gal-8 on ALCAM surface localization. RESULTS: We
      showed that recombinant glycosylated ALCAM and endogenous ALCAM from breast
      carcinoma cells physically interacted with Gal-8 in a glycosylation-dependent
      fashion displaying a differential behavior compared to non-glycosylated ALCAM.
      Moreover, ALCAM-silenced breast cancer cells exhibited reduced binding to Gal-8
      relative to control cells. Importantly, exogenously added Gal-8 provoked ALCAM
      segregation, probably trapping this adhesion molecule at the surface of breast
      cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that Gal-8 interacts with ALCAM at
      the surface of breast cancer cells through glycosylation-dependent mechanisms.
      GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: A novel heterophilic interaction between ALCAM and Gal-8 is
      demonstrated here, suggesting its physiologic relevance in the biology of breast
      cancer cells.

PMID- 27130883
TI  - [Cox-maze III procedure for atrial fibrillation. A preliminary study].
AB  - AIM: To compare the efectiveness of the cut-and-sew Cox-maze III procedure
      against the Cox-maze IV peocedure by means of intraoperative bipolar
      radiofrequency delivery clamp. MATERIAL: From January 2011 to October 2014, 50
      patients were operated on with surgery for atrial fibrillation. All cases
      underwent mitral valve surgery as the first procedure, and secondarily a surgical
      procedure for atrial fibrillation was also performed. There were 2 groups. Group
      I (Cox-maze III "cut-and-sew"), and Group II (Cox-maze IV, intraoperative bipolar
      radiofrequency ablation). Group I was formed by 36 patients, and Group II by 14.
      All cases had atrial fibrillation longer than 1 year. The end-point was freedom
      of atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant
      difference between both groups regarding the basal and operative characteristics.
      Operative mortality was of 2 cases in the Group I, and no cases for Group II
      (P=0.9). A high tendency to eliminate atrial fibrillation in favour of Group I
      was observed (92% vs 53%, P<.001) in a 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Classic
      standard Cox-maze III procedure showed superiority to eliminate atrial
      fibrillation over the Cox-maze IV procedure made with bipolar radiofrequency
      ablation clamp in patients with concomitant mitral valve disease.

PMID- 27130884
TI  - Archaeological occurrences and historical review of the human amoeba, Entamoeba
      histolytica, over the past 6000years.
AB  - Understanding parasite history and the evolution of host/parasite relationships
      is one of the most important aspects of paleoparasitology. Within the framework
      of this research topic, this paper focuses on the human pathogenic amoeba,
      Entamoeba histolytica. The compilation of all the available archaeological data
      concerning this parasite leads to a first glimpse of the history of this parasite
      of current medical importance. Paleoparasitological investigation into this
      parasite uses immunological techniques and shows that the modern strain of E.
      histolytica has been present in Western Europe since at least the Neolithic
      period (3700yearsBCE), and could have originated in the Old World. The appearance
      of the modern amoeba strain in the pre-Columbian Americas and the Middle East
      around the 12th century CE gives rise to hypotheses as to how human migrations
      (Atlantic or Pacific routes) contributed to the diffusion of this pathogen,
      resulting in its current distribution. This compilation proves that parasites are
      valuable proxies for studying past human and animal migrations, and should be
      given more consideration in the future.

PMID- 27130885
TI  - Association between metformin and vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2
      diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: Metformin is the most widely used oral hypoglycaemic drug, but it may lower
      B12 status, which could have important clinical implications. We undertook a
      systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between metformin use and
      vitamin B12 deficiency in persons with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Electronic
      database searches were undertaken (1st January 1957-1st July 2013) using the
      Cochrane library, Scopus, CINAHL, Grey literature databases, Pub Med Central,
      NICE Clinical Guidelines UK, and ongoing clinical trials. Included studies were
      of any study design, with data from patients with type 2 diabetes of any age or
      gender, taking any dose or duration of metformin. Planned primary outcomes were
      serum vitamin B12 levels, % prevalence or incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency and
      risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. RESULTS: Twenty-six papers were included in the
      review. Ten out of 17 observational studies showed statistically significantly
      lower levels of vitamin B12 in patients on metformin than not on metformin. Meta
      analysis performed on four trials demonstrated a statistically significant
      overall mean B12 reducing effect of metformin of 57pmol/L [WMD (fixed)=-0.57 (95%
      CI: -35 to -79pmol/L)] after 6weeks to 3months of use. CONCLUSION: The evidence
      from this review demonstrates an association between metformin usage and lower
      levels of vitamin B12 by 57pmol/L, which leads to frank deficiency or borderline
      status in some patients with type 2 diabetes. This suggests that it is prudent to
      monitor B12 levels in these patients who are at increased risk of deficiency.

PMID- 27130886
TI  - Editorial: NLRP3: immune activator or modulator?

PMID- 27130887
TI  - Editorial: CD36: Russian roulette of host and parasites during malaria infection.

PMID- 27130888
TI  - A Mechanistic Review of Cell Death in Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury.
AB  - Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major health problem in the United States and
      worldwide without successful treatments. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to
      ALD, which is characterized by steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and
      even liver cancer. Recent studies suggest that alcohol induces both cell death
      and adaptive cell survival pathways in the liver, and the balance of cell death
      and cell survival ultimately decides the pathogenesis of ALD. This review
      summarizes the recent progress on the role and mechanisms of apoptosis,
      necroptosis, and autophagy in the pathogenesis of ALD. Understanding the complex
      regulation of apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy may help to develop novel
      therapeutic strategies by targeting all 3 pathways simultaneously.

PMID- 27130889
TI  - In vitro evolution of coenzyme-independent variants from the glmS ribozyme
      structural scaffold.
AB  - Uniquely among known natural ribozymes that cleave RNA sequence-specifically, the
      glmS ribozyme-riboswitch employs a small molecule, glucosamine-6-phosphate
      (GlcN6P) as a catalytic cofactor. In vitro selection was employed to search for
      coenzyme-independent variants of this ribozyme. In addition to shedding light on
      the catalytic mechanism of the ribozyme, such variants could resemble the
      evolutionary ancestors of the modern, GlcN6P-regulated ribozyme-riboswitch. A
      mutant pool was constructed such that the secondary structure elements, which
      define the triply-pseudoknotted global fold of the ribozyme, was preserved. A
      stringent selection scheme that relies on thiol-mercury affinity chromatography
      for separating active and inactive sequences ultimately yielded a triple mutant
      with a cleavage rate exceeding 3min(-1) that only requires divalent cations for
      activity. Mutational analysis demonstrated that a point reversion of the variant
      toward the wild-type sequence was sufficient to partially restore GlcN6P
      dependence, suggesting that coenzyme dependence can be readily be acquired by
      RNAs that adopt the glmS ribozyme fold. The methods employed to perform this
      selection experiment are described in detail in this review.

PMID- 27130890
TI  - Application of the microfluidic-assisted replication track analysis to measure
      DNA repair in human and mouse cells.
AB  - Functional studies of the roles that DNA helicases play in human cells have
      benefited immensely from DNA fiber (or single molecule) technologies, which
      enable us to discern minute differences in behaviors of individual replication
      forks in genomic DNA in vivo. DNA fiber technologies are a group of methods that
      use different approaches to unravel and stretch genomic DNA to its contour
      length, and display it on a glass surface in order to immuno-stain nucleoside
      analog incorporation into DNA to reveal tracks (or tracts) of replication. We
      have previously adopted a microfluidic approach to DNA stretching and used it to
      analyze DNA replication. This method was introduced under the moniker maRTA or
      microfluidic-assisted Replication Track Analysis, and we have since used it to
      analyze roles of the RECQ helicases WRN and BLM, and other proteins in normal and
      perturbed replication. Here we describe a novel application of maRTA to detect
      and measure repair of DNA damage produced by three different agents relevant to
      etiology or therapy of cancer: methyl-methanesulfonate, UV irradiation, and
      mitomycin C. Moreover, we demonstrate the utility of this method by analyzing DNA
      repair in cells with reduced levels of WRN or of the base excision repair protein
      XRCC1.

PMID- 27130891
TI  - Association Between Isolated Single Umbilical Artery and Perinatal Outcomes: A
      Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND To evaluate the association between the isolated single umbilical
      artery (iSUA) and perinatal outcomes, including pregnancy outcomes and perinatal
      complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a meta-analysis of 15 eligible
      studies regarding the relationship between the iSUA and perinatal outcomes,
      including gestational age at delivery, nuchal cord, placental weight, small for
      gestational age (SGA), oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, pregnancy-induced
      hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia, and
      perinatal mortality. The overall odds ratios (OR) or standardized mean difference
      (SMD) were calculated. RESULTS The occurrence of nuchal cord was not found to be
      different between an iSUA and a three-vessel cord (TVC) fetus. For perinatal
      complications, the SGA, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, GDM, and perinatal
      mortality showed dramatic difference between women with an iSUA and women with a
      TVC fetus, which implied that the presence of iSUA significantly increased the
      risk of perinatal complications. For other perinatal complications, such as PIH
      and preeclampsia, no significant association was detected. CONCLUSIONS Our meta
      analysis suggests that the presence of iSUA would increase the risk of perinatal
      complications such as SGA, oligohydramnios, polyhydramnios, GDM, and perinatal
      mortality. Therefore, pregnant women with an iSUA fetus have poorer perinatal
      outcomes and more attention should be given to the management of their pregnancy
      compared to women with a TVC fetus. 

PMID- 27130892
TI  - Amyloid-beta oligomerization is associated with the generation of a typical
      peptide fragment fingerprint.
AB  - Amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide oligomerization plays a central role in the
      pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Abeta oligomers are collectively
      considered an appealing therapeutic target for the treatment of AD. However, the
      molecular mechanisms leading to the pathologic accumulation of oligomers are
      unclear, and the exact structural composition of oligomers is being debated.
      Using targeted and quantitative mass spectrometry, we reveal site-specific Abeta
      autocleavage during the early phase of aggregation, producing a typical Abeta
      fragment signature and that truncated Abeta peptides can form stable oligomeric
      complexes with full-length Abeta peptide. We show that the use of novel anti
      Abeta antibodies raised against these truncated Abeta isoforms allows for
      monitoring and targeting the accumulation of truncated Abeta fragments. Antibody
      enabled screening of transgenic models of AD as well as human postmortem brain
      tissue and cerebrospinal fluid revealed that aggregation-associated Abeta
      cleavage is a highly relevant clinical feature of AD.

PMID- 27130894
TI  - Breast Density: More Than Meets the Eye.

PMID- 27130893
TI  - Racial Differences in Quantitative Measures of Area and Volumetric Breast
      Density.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased breast density is a strong risk factor for breast cancer
      and also decreases the sensitivity of mammographic screening. The purpose of our
      study was to compare breast density for black and white women using quantitative
      measures. METHODS: Breast density was assessed among 5282 black and 4216 white
      women screened using digital mammography. Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data
      System (BI-RADS) density was obtained from radiologists' reports. Quantitative
      measures for dense area, area percent density (PD), dense volume, and volume
      percent density were estimated using validated, automated software. Breast
      density was categorized as dense or nondense based on BI-RADS categories or based
      on values above and below the median for quantitative measures. Logistic
      regression was used to estimate the odds of having dense breasts by race,
      adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), age at menarche, menopause status,
      family history of breast or ovarian cancer, parity and age at first birth, and
      current hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use. All statistical tests were two
      sided. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant interaction of race and BMI
      on breast density. After accounting for age, BMI, and breast cancer risk factors,
      black women had statistically significantly greater odds of high breast density
      across all quantitative measures (eg, PD nonobese odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 1.02 to 1.37, P = .03, PD obese OR = 1.26, 95% CI =
      1.04 to 1.53, P = .02). There was no statistically significant difference in BI
      RADS density by race. CONCLUSIONS: After accounting for age, BMI, and other risk
      factors, black women had higher breast density than white women across all
      quantitative measures previously associated with breast cancer risk. These
      results may have implications for risk assessment and screening.

PMID- 27130895
TI  - Interaction between paired-pulse facilitation and long-term potentiation during
      the stimulation of the cannabinoid and vanilloid systems in the dentate gyrus.
AB  - Synaptic plasticity includes short-term and long-term changes in synaptic
      strength. Short-term plasticity can be used to assess the site mediating the long
      lasting forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP). The
      endogenous endocannabinoid systems can modulate LTP, and similarly, the
      activation of the vanilloid system has been shown to mediate synaptic plasticity
      in the hippocampus. In this study, we examined the interaction between short-term
      and long-term plasticity during the stimulation of the cannabinoid and vanilloid
      systems in the hippocampus of rats in vivo. Forty male Wistar rats, divided into
      four groups, were treated with the following compounds: control (saline+dimethyl
      sulfoxide), WIN55,212-2, capsaicin, and WIN55,212-2+capsaicin. The animals were
      anesthetized with urethane and then recording and stimulating electrodes were
      positioned at the dentate gyrus(DG) and perforant pathway(PP), respectively.
      Population spike (PS) amplitudes were measured before and after the induction of
      LTP, which was induced with high-frequency stimulation (HFS). The paired-pulse
      ratio (PPR) was measured before and after the induction of LTP in all groups. We
      showed that WIN55,212-2 reduced the PS amplitude after HFS, whereas the vanilloid
      agonist increased the induction of LTP compared with the control treatment. In
      the present study, we found that in the presence of WIN55,212-2 and capsaicin,
      the induction of LTP changed the PPR. Additionally, we showed that the co
      administration of cannabinoid and vanilloid agonists modulate the PPR. These
      findings suggest the presynaptic expression of this LTP form, and therefore, this
      form of LTP is caused by the increase of neurotransmitter release.

PMID- 27130896
TI  - BMP3 expression in the adult rat CNS.
AB  - Bone morphogenetic protein-3 (BMP3) is a very unique member of the TGF-beta
      superfamily, because it functions as an antagonist to both the canonical BMP and
      activin pathways and plays important roles in multiple biological events.
      Although BMP3 expression has been described in the early development of the
      kidney, intestine and bone, little information is available for BMP3 expression
      in the central nervous system (CNS). We, thus, investigated BMP3 expression in
      the adult rat CNS using immunohistochemistry. BMP3 was intensely expressed in
      most neurons and their axons. Furthermore, we found that astrocytes and ependymal
      cells also express BMP3 protein. These data indicate that BMP3 is widely
      expressed throughout the adult CNS, and its abundant expression in the adult
      brain strongly supports the idea that BMP3 plays important roles in the adult
      brain.

PMID- 27130897
TI  - Connexin 30 downregulates Insulin-like growth factor receptor-1, abolishes Erk
      and potentiates effects of an IGF-R inhibitor in a glioma cell line.
AB  - Connexins (Cx) play a crucial role in cell communication though regulation of
      cell growth and proliferation. In recent decades, both suppressive and enhancing
      roles of gap junction proteins in malignancy have been proposed, though
      mechanisms remain unclear. We intend to evaluate the impact of Cx30 on
      dysregulated growth of glioma owing to an aberrant expression of Insulin-like
      growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R). The study also examined whether Cx30
      expression influenced sensitivity of glioma cells to Picropodophyllin (PPP), the
      potent inhibitor of IGF-1R. C6 cells transfected with full length Cx30 resulted
      in complete abolition of colony-forming efficiency. Interestingly, PPP
      supplemented cells behaved differently with and without exogenous Cx as confirmed
      by wound closure assay. The expressions of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated
      IGF-1R along with its key signaling enzymes, pAkt/pErk, were also varied
      significantly in transfected and non-transfected C6 cells. pIGF-1R and IGF-1R
      were significantly reduced on Cx30 transfection when compared with that of non
      transfected cells. pErk expression was abolished in transfected C6 with no
      significant difference in the expression of pAkt. The potency of PPP against C6
      was more pronounced in the presence of Cx30. We demonstrate that Cx30 has the
      potential to alter the IGF-1R mediated pathway thereby influencing the growth,
      proliferation and migration of glioma cells which could further enhance the
      effect of therapeutic intervention. Though it could not be corroborated that the
      observations made are due to Cx30-mediated channel-dependent and/or independent
      impact, we stress the impact of significance of Cx30 on IGF-1R in glioma and also
      in therapeutic aspects.

PMID- 27130898
TI  - Nicotinamide mononucleotide protects against beta-amyloid oligomer-induced
      cognitive impairment and neuronal death.
AB  - Amyloid-beta (Abeta) oligomers are recognized as the primary neurotoxic agents in
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). Impaired brain energy metabolism and oxidative stress
      are implicated in cognitive decline in AD. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
      (NAD(+)), a coenzyme involved in redox activities in the mitochondrial electron
      transport chain, has been identified as a key regulator of the lifespan-extending
      effects, and the activation of NAD(+) expression has been linked with a decrease
      in Abeta toxicity in AD. One of the key precursors of NAD(+) is nicotinamide
      mononucleotide (NMN), a product of the nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase
      reaction. To determine whether improving brain energy metabolism will forestall
      disease progress in AD, the impact of the NAD(+) precursor NMN on Abeta oligomer
      induced neuronal death and cognitive impairment were studied in organotypic
      hippocampal slice cultures (OHCs) and in a rat model of AD. Treatment of
      intracerebroventricular Abeta oligomer infusion AD model rats with NMN (500mg/kg,
      intraperitoneally) sustained improvement in cognitive function as assessed by the
      Morris water maze. In OHCs, Abeta oligomer-treated culture media with NMN
      attenuated neuronal cell death. NMN treatment also significantly prevented the
      Abeta oligomer-induced inhibition of LTP. Furthermore, NMN restored levels of
      NAD(+) and ATP, eliminated accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the
      Abeta oligomer-treated hippocampal slices. All these protective effects were
      reversed by 3-acetylpyridine, which generates inactive NAD(+). The present study
      indicates that NMN could restore cognition in AD model rats. The beneficial
      effect of NMN is produced by ameliorating neuron survival, improving energy
      metabolism and reducing ROS accumulation. These results suggest that NMN may
      become a promising therapeutic drug for AD.

PMID- 27130901
TI  - Encouraging employees to speak up to prevent infections: Opportunities to
      leverage quality improvement and care management processes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are
      associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and cost for U.S. hospitals, but
      many infections are preventable. Employees' willingness to speak up about errors
      or opportunities for improvement has been associated with a stronger safety
      culture in hospitals. However, the link between organizations' efforts to promote
      speaking up and prevent CLABSIs has not been studied. METHODS: This exploratory,
      qualitative study included interviews with 158 key informants, including hospital
      executives, managers, and staff employees, in 6 hospitals that participated in
      the federally funded On the CUSP-Stop BSI initiative. Verbatim transcripts were
      analyzed to examine whether and how speaking up was addressed in CLABSI
      prevention efforts. RESULTS: Hospitals implementing evidence-based practices for
      CLABSI prevention facilitated employees' improvement-oriented speaking up by
      leveraging quality improvement and care management processes. Leader behavior,
      employee training, and error reporting systems also facilitated speaking up.
      Although the focus of this study was on CLABSI prevention, broader organizational
      practices to improve patient safety were salient in creating a nonpunitive,
      highly inclusive environment in which employees felt comfortable speaking up.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide insight into the factors that may support
      speaking up to foster a safety culture and prevent health care-associated
      infection at unit and organization levels.

PMID- 27130900
TI  - Middle East respiratory syndrome in South Korea during 2015: Risk-related
      perceptions and quarantine attitudes.
AB  - A telephone survey involving 200 household members in and around Seoul, South
      Korea, was completed during the maturity stage of the outbreak of Middle East
      respiratory syndrome (MERS) in Korea during June 2015. The study found that
      respondents perceived low risk from contracting MERS, had low trust in government
      in controlling MERS, and generally held unfavorable attitudes toward quarantine.

PMID- 27130899
TI  - Aire Enforces Immune Tolerance by Directing Autoreactive T Cells into the
      Regulatory T Cell Lineage.
AB  - The promiscuous expression of tissue-restricted antigens in the thymus, driven in
      part by autoimmune regulator (Aire), is critical for the protection of peripheral
      tissues from autoimmune attack. Aire-dependent processes are thought to promote
      both clonal deletion and the development of Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells,
      suggesting that autoimmunity associated with Aire deficiency results from two
      failed tolerance mechanisms. Here, examination of autoimmune lesions in Aire(-/-)
      mice revealed an unexpected third possibility. We found that the predominant
      conventional T cell clonotypes infiltrating target lesions express antigen
      receptors that were preferentially expressed by Foxp3(+) Treg cells in Aire(+/+)
      mice. Thus, Aire enforces immune tolerance by ensuring that distinct autoreactive
      T cell specificities differentiate into the Treg cell lineage; dysregulation of
      this process results in the diversion of Treg cell-biased clonotypes into
      pathogenic conventional T cells.

PMID- 27130904
TI  - Activation of D2 autoreceptors alters cocaine-induced locomotion and slows down
      local field oscillations in the rat ventral tegmental area.
AB  - Psychoactive substances affecting the dopaminergic system induce locomotor
      activation and, in high doses, stereotypies. Network mechanisms underlying the
      shift from an active goal-directed behavior to a "seemingly purposeless"
      stereotypic locomotion remain unclear. In the present study we sought to
      determine the relationships between the behavioral effects of dopaminergic drugs
      and their effects on local field potentials (LFPs), which were telemetrically
      recorded within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of freely moving rats. We used
      the D2/D3 agonist quinpirole in a low, autoreceptor-selective (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.)
      and in a high (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) dose, and a moderate dose of cocaine (10 mg/kg,
      i.p.). In the control group, power spectrum analysis revealed a prominent peak of
      LFP power in the theta frequency range during active exploration. Cocaine alone
      stimulated locomotion, but had no significant effect on the peak of the LFP
      power. In contrast, co-administration of low dose quinpirole with cocaine
      markedly altered the pattern of locomotion, from goal-directed exploratory
      behavior to recurrent motion resembling locomotor stereotypy. This behavioral
      effect was accompanied by a shift of the dominant theta power toward a
      significantly lower (by ~15%) frequency. High dose quinpirole also provoked an
      increased locomotor activity with signs of behavioral stereotypies, and also
      induced a shift of the dominant oscillation frequency toward the lower range.
      These results demonstrate a correlation between the LFP oscillation frequency
      within the VTA and a qualitative aspect of locomotor behavior, perhaps due to a
      variable level of coherence of this region with its input or output areas.

PMID- 27130903
TI  - Risperidone induces long-lasting changes in the conditioned avoidance response
      and accumbal gene expression selectively in animals treated as adolescents.
AB  - Adolescence is a period of dynamic remodeling and maturation in the brain.
      Exposure to psychotropic drugs during adolescence can potentially alter neural
      maturation in the adolescent brain subsequently altering neural function at
      maturity. In this regard, antipsychotic drugs (APDs) are important given a
      notable global increase in prescription of these APDs to adolescents for a
      variety of behavioural symptoms and conditions over the past twenty years.
      However, there is a paucity of data on the long-term consequences of APDs on the
      adolescent brain. In this preclinical study, we have examined whether the
      adolescent brain is more susceptible than the adult brain to long-term neural
      changes induced by risperidone, which is the APD most frequently prescribed to
      adolescents. Rats were chronically treated (21 days) with 1.3 mg/kg/day
      risperidone or vehicle either as adolescents (postnatal day (PND) 36-56)) or
      adults (PND80-100). Behaviour was assessed using the well-described suppression
      of the conditioned avoidance response (CAR) by APDs. We examined CAR after all
      animals had reached maturity (PND127). We show that mature rats treated with
      risperidone as adolescents had increased CAR suppression compared to adults when
      rechallenged with this same drug. In the nucleus accumbens, significant
      downregulation of serotonergic 5HT2A receptors and catechol-o-methyl transferase
      mRNA levels was observed only in the adolescent treated animals. Impaired 5HT2A
      receptor signaling may explain the increased CAR suppression observed in rats
      treated with risperidone as adolescents. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
      however, did not detect any risperidone-induced long-term brain structural change
      at maturity. These findings confirm that APD administration during adolescence
      may produce long-term behavioural and neurochemical alterations.

PMID- 27130905
TI  - Toward Better Genetically Encoded Sensors of Membrane Potential.
AB  - Genetically encoded optical sensors of cell activity are powerful tools that can
      be targeted to specific cell types. This is especially important in neuroscience
      because individual brain regions can include a multitude of different cell types.
      Optical imaging allows for simultaneous recording from numerous neurons or brain
      regions. Optical signals of membrane potential are useful because membrane
      potential changes are a direct sign of both synaptic and action potentials. Here
      we describe recent improvements in the in vitro and in vivo signal size and
      kinetics of genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) and discuss their
      relationship to alternative sensors of neural activity.

PMID- 27130902
TI  - Mitochondrial remodeling: Rearranging, recycling, and reprogramming.
AB  - Mitochondria are highly dynamic and responsive organelles that respond to
      environmental cues with fission and fusion. They undergo mitophagy and
      biogenesis, and are subject to extensive post-translational modifications.
      Calcium plays an important role in regulating mitochondrial functions.
      Mitochondria play a central role in metabolism of glucose, fatty acids, and amino
      acids, and generate ATP with effects on redox poise, oxidative stress, pH, and
      other metabolites including acetyl-CoA and NAD(+) which in turn have effects on
      chromatin remodeling. The complex interplay of mitochondria, cytosolic factors,
      and the nucleus ensure a well-coordinated response to environmental stresses.

PMID- 27130907
TI  - Negative association between autoantibodies against IL-17, IL-17/anti-IL-17
      antibody immune complexes and destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 27130906
TI  - Anti Etanercept and anti SB4 antibodies detection: impact of the assay method.

PMID- 27130909
TI  - Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies: a specific hallmark for rheumatoid
      arthritis. Comparison to conditions known for enhanced carbamylation; renal
      failure, smoking and chronic inflammation.

PMID- 27130908
TI  - Efficacy and safety of CT-P13 (biosimilar infliximab) in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis: comparison between switching from reference infliximab to CT-P13 and
      continuing CT-P13 in the PLANETRA extension study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of switching from the infliximab
      reference product (RP; Remicade) to its biosimilar CT-P13 (Remsima, Inflectra) or
      continuing CT-P13 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for an additional
      six infusions. METHODS: This open-label extension study recruited patients with
      RA who had completed the 54-week, randomised, parallel-group study comparing CT
      P13 with RP (PLANETRA; NCT01217086). CT-P13 (3 mg/kg) was administered
      intravenously every 8 weeks from weeks 62 to 102. All patients received
      concomitant methotrexate. Endpoints included American College of Rheumatology 20%
      (ACR20) response, ACR50, ACR70, immunogenicity and safety. Data were analysed for
      patients who received CT-P13 for 102 weeks (maintenance group) and for those who
      received RP for 54 weeks and then switched to CT-P13 (switch group). RESULTS:
      Overall, 302 of 455 patients who completed the PLANETRA study enrolled into the
      extension. Of these, 158 had received CT-P13 (maintenance group) and 144 RP
      (switch group). Response rates at week 102 for maintenance versus switch groups,
      respectively, were 71.7% vs 71.8% for ACR20, 48.0% vs 51.4% for ACR50 and 24.3%
      vs 26.1% for ACR70. The proportion of patients with antidrug antibodies was
      comparable between groups (week 102: 40.3% vs 44.8%, respectively). Treatment
      emergent adverse events occurred in similar proportions of patients in the two
      groups during the extension study (53.5% and 53.8%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Comparable efficacy and tolerability were observed in patients who switched from
      RP to its biosimilar CT-P13 for an additional year and in those who had long-term
      CT-P13 treatment for 2 years. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01571219; Results.

PMID- 27130910
TI  - Melatonin Pretreatment Enhances the Homing of Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal
      Stem Cells Following Transplantation in a Rat Model of Liver Fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) transplantation
      has been considered as a promising milestone in liver fibrosis treatment.
      However, low amounts of homing are a major obstacle. We aimed to investigate the
      role of melatonin pretreatment in BMMSC homing into experimental liver fibrosis.
      METHODS: BMMSCs were obtained, grown, propagated and preconditioned with 5 uM
      melatonin and analyzed for multipotency and immunophenotypic features at passage
      three. The cells were labelled with CM-Dil and infused into the rats received the
      i.p. injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for five weeks to induce liver
      fibrosis. Animals were divided into two groups: One group received BMMSCs,
      whereas the other group received melatonin-pretreated BMMSCs (MT-BMMSCs). After
      cell injection at 72 h, animals were sacrificed, and the liver tissues were
      assessed for further evaluations: fibrosis using Masson's trichrome and
      hematoxylin and eosin staining and homing using fluorescent microscopy and flow
      cytometry. RESULTS: BMMSCs and MT-BMMSCs expressed a high level of CD44 but low
      levels of CD11b, CD45 and CD34 (for all P<=0.05) and were able to differentiate
      into adipocytes and Schwann cells. CCl4 induction resulted in extensive collagen
      deposition, tissue disruption and fatty accumulation with no obvious difference
      between the two groups. There was a significant increase in homing of MT-BMMSCs
      in both florescent microscopy (P<=0.001) and flow cytometry (P<=0.01) assays, as
      compared with non-treated BMMSCs. CONCLUSION: This study indicates the improved
      homing potential of BMMSCs in pretreatment with melatonin. Therefore, this
      strategy may represent an applied approach for improving the stem cell therapy of
      liver fibrosis.

PMID- 27130911
TI  - Innate and adaptive immunity in self-reported nonceliac gluten sensitivity versus
      celiac disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immune mechanisms have been implicated in nonceliac gluten
      sensitivity (NCGS), a condition characterized by intestinal and/or
      extraintestinal symptoms caused by the ingestion of gluten in non-celiac/non
      wheat allergic individuals. AIMS: We investigated innate and adaptive immunity in
      self-reported NCGS versus celiac disease (CD). METHODS: In the supernatants of ex
      vivo-cultured duodenal biopsies from 14 self-reported NCGS patients, 9 untreated
      and 10 treated CD patients, and 12 controls we detected innate cytokines -
      interleukin (IL)-15, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12p70, IL
      23, IL-27, IL-32alpha, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), IFN-alpha-, adaptive
      cytokines - interferon (IFN)-gamma, IL-17A, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13-, chemokines
      - IL-8, CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL10-, granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor
      (GM-CSF). RESULTS: Mucosal innate and adaptive cytokines, chemokines and growth
      factors did not differ between self-reported NCGS, treated CD and controls. On
      the contrary, IL-6, IL-15, IL-27, IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-17A, IL-23, G-CSF, GM
      CSF, IL-8, CCL1 and CCL4 were significantly higher in untreated CD than in self
      reported NCGS, treated CD and controls, while TSLP was significantly lower in
      untreated CD than in self-reported NCGS, treated CD and controls. CONCLUSION: In
      our hands, patients with self-reported NCGS showed no abnormalities of the
      mucosal immune response.

PMID- 27130912
TI  - Primary prevention of peristomial hernias via parietal prostheses: A randomized,
      multicentric study (GRECCAR 7 trial).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peristomal hernia (PH) is a common complication of colostomy. It
      often leads to a decrease in the patient's quality of life. Surgical procedures
      for PH are difficult and present high failure and morbidity rates. This
      randomized, double blind, multicentre trial was conducted to determine the
      benefits and risks of mesh reinforcement vs conventional stoma formation in
      preventing PH. METHODS: 200 patients undergoing a permanent end colostomy are
      randomized into two groups. In the mesh group an end-colostomy is created
      inserting a lightweight (<50g/m(2)) monofilament mesh in a sublay location, and
      compared to a group with traditional stoma creation. The presence or absence of a
      PH is determined by another practitioner by clinical exam and by a CT scan or MRI
      after 24 months of follow-up. 19 university hospitals participate during a 3-year
      inclusion period. The primary endpoint is the comparison of the PH incidence. To
      find a difference of 20% with a power of 80% a total number of 174 patients must
      be included. CONCLUSION: This GRECCAR study is a multicentre, double blind, and
      randomized trial conducted to determine whether a preventive insertion of a
      prosthetic mesh decreases the incidence of a PH with an acceptable morbidity.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01380860.

PMID- 27130913
TI  - Amylolytic glycoside hydrolases.

PMID- 27130914
TI  - Incidence of eyelid basal cell carcinoma in England: 2000-2010.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most frequently diagnosed type
      of skin cancer, with eyelid (including canthus) BCCs accounting for a notable
      proportion of these. Using population-based data from the English Cancer
      Registries, we report here the incidence of eyelid BCCs in England, for the
      period 2000-2010. METHODS: ICD-10 and histology codes for eyelid BCCs (including
      canthus) from the English National Cancer Data Repository were used to identify
      incident events. Crude incidence rates by age and sex, together with directly
      standardised incidence rates for eyelid BCCs in England in 3-year cohorts, are
      presented, in keeping with the reporting practice of the English Cancer
      Registries. RESULTS: Over the 11-year study period, there were a total of 33 610
      recorded eyelid BCCs; 18 146 in females and 15 464 in males. There were regional
      variations in registrations. Incidence of eyelid BCCs increased with age. No
      major change in the age-standardised incidence of BCC was observed during the
      period 2000-2010. Overall, the age-standardised incidence of BCCs during 2008
      2010 was similar for males and females (4.51 per 100 000 (95% CI 4.37 to 4.65)
      and 4.53 per 100 000 (95% CI 4.40 to 4.67), respectively). However, females under
      50 years of age had higher incidence rates, and males over 75 years of age had
      higher rates. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide the current frequency and
      distribution of eyelid BCCs in England, highlighting opportunities for health
      education and improving reporting and registration of events, and for informing
      service planning.

PMID- 27130917
TI  - Prostate Cancer: A New Twist on Active Surveillance.

PMID- 27130916
TI  - Trends in antibiotic resistance in bacterial keratitis isolates from South India.
AB  - AIMS: To report trends in antibiotic resistance in cases of bacterial keratitis
      from a large eye hospital in South India. METHODS: In this retrospective cross
      sectional study, the microbiology laboratory records of patients with infectious
      keratitis diagnosed at an eye hospital in South India from 2002 to 2013 were
      reviewed to determine the proportion with antibiotic non-susceptibility. RESULTS:
      3685 bacterial isolates had susceptibility testing performed over the 12-year
      period. The two most common organisms with resistance were Streptococcus
      pneumoniae (n=1204) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=894). Antibiotic non
      susceptibility was generally uncommon for these two organisms and no significant
      trends were detected over the course of the study. In contrast, Staphylococcus
      aureus (N=211) isolates demonstrated a significant increase in fluoroquinolone
      non-susceptibility over the 12-year study period. This coincided with a
      significant increase in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) during the study
      period, though the increase in fluoroquinolone resistance was likewise seen in
      methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). For example, ofloxacin resistance in MSSA
      increased from 11.1% in 2002 to 66.7% in 2013 (p=0.002). No trends were apparent
      for the aminoglycosides, cefazolin or vancomycin, for which in vitro non
      susceptibility generally appeared to be low. CONCLUSION: Resistance to
      antibiotics was generally stable for infectious keratitis isolates from a large
      eye hospital in South India, except for S. aureus, which experienced a
      significant increase in fluoroquinolone resistance from 2002 to 2013.
      Fluoroquinolone antibiotics currently have poor in vitro activity against both
      MRSA and MSSA in South India and are therefore not the ideal therapy for
      Staphylococcal corneal ulcers.

PMID- 27130915
TI  - Patients with more severe symptoms of neuropathic ocular pain report more
      frequent and severe chronic overlapping pain conditions and psychiatric disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study chronic pain and mental health profiles in patients with dry
      eye (DE) symptoms, comparing those with high and low levels of neuropathic ocular
      pain (NOP) complaints. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 181 patients with DE
      symptoms (dry eye questionnaire score >=6) seen in the Miami Veterans Affairs eye
      clinic. An evaluation was performed consisting of questionnaires regarding DE
      symptoms, NOP complaints (burning, sensitivity to wind, light and cold/hot
      temperatures) and pain elsewhere in the body (non-ocular). This was followed by a
      comprehensive ocular surface examination. The patients' comorbidities,
      medications, mental health (depression and post-traumatic stress disorder) and
      quality-of-life indices were also obtained. Patients were classified using
      cluster analysis into either the 'high NOP' or 'low NOP' group. Subsequent
      analyses were performed to examine differences in ocular and non-ocular
      parameters between these two groups. RESULTS: Despite similar ocular surface
      findings, patients in the high NOP group had very different systemic (non-ocular)
      profiles with higher overall pain intensity ratings, higher frequency of comorbid
      chronic centralised pain conditions, lower quality-of-life indices and more
      abnormal mental health scores than those in the low NOP group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Consistent with a chronic overlapping pain condition, patients with DE disease
      with more severe NOP symptoms report more frequent and severe non-ocular
      functional comorbid pain disorders.

PMID- 27130919
TI  - Stat Bite Number of New Melanoma of the Skin Cases By Race/Ethnicity & Sex (2008
      2012).

PMID- 27130918
TI  - Fighting Cancer Resistance.

PMID- 27130920
TI  - Cancer Stem Cell Hypothesis Evolves With Emerging Research.

PMID- 27130921
TI  - Oncolytic Virus Approved To Treat Melanoma.

PMID- 27130923
TI  - Somos Hermanas Del Mismo Dolor (We Are Sisters of the Same Pain): Intimate
      Partner Sexual Violence Narratives Among Mexican Immigrant Women in the United
      States.
AB  - Migration across international borders places tremendous stress on immigrant
      families and may put women at greater risk for intimate partner violence. In this
      study, we used narrative analysis methods to explore how nine Mexican immigrant
      women in the Northeastern United States described their experiences of intimate
      partner sexual violence, and how these stories were embedded within narratives of
      transition and movement across borders. We identified three major themes: The
      Virgin and the Whore, The Family, and Getting Ahead. We share important
      implications for researchers and health and social service providers working with
      this population.

PMID- 27130924
TI  - The relationship and effects of golf on physical and mental health: a scoping
      review protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Golf is a sport played in 206 countries worldwide by over 50
      million people. It is possible that participation in golf, which is a form of
      physical activity, may be associated with effects on longevity, the
      cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal systems, as well as on mental
      health and well-being. We outline our scoping review protocol to examine the
      relationships and effects of golf on physical and mental health. METHODS AND
      ANALYSIS: Best practice methodological frameworks suggested by Arksey and
      O'Malley, Levac et al and the Joanna Briggs Institute will serve as our guide,
      providing clarity and rigour. A scoping review provides a framework to (1) map
      the key concepts and evidence, (2) summarise and disseminate existing research
      findings to practitioners and policymakers and (3) identify gaps in the existing
      research. A three-step search strategy will identify reviews as well as original
      research, published and grey literature. An initial search will identify suitable
      search terms, followed by a search using keyword and index terms. Two reviewers
      will independently screen identified studies for final inclusion. DISSEMINATION:
      We will map key concepts and evidence, and disseminate existing research findings
      to practitioners and policymakers through peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed
      publications, conferences and in-person communications. We will identify
      priorities for further study. This method may prove useful to examine the
      relationships and effects of other sports on health.

PMID- 27130925
TI  - 'FIFA 11 for Health' for Europe. 1: effect on health knowledge and well-being of
      10- to 12-year-old Danish school children.
AB  - AIM: To modify the 'FIFA 11 for Health' programme to the European situation, and
      to assess its effects on health knowledge and well-being in Danish school
      children. METHOD: A two-cohort study with seven intervention and two control
      schools. Of the 546 Danish children (boys 269; girls 277) of mean age 11.1 (+/
      0.4) years from five city and four country-side schools, 402 undertook the 'FIFA
      11 for Health' programme and 144 acted as controls. As part of each school's PE
      curriculum, seven intervention schools received a 45 min Play Football period
      (football skills and 3 vs 3 games) and a 45 min Play Fair period (health issues
      and football drills) on a weekly-basis for 11 weeks. Control participants
      continued with their regular school PE activities. Participants completed
      preintervention and postintervention health knowledge and well-being
      questionnaires. RESULTS: Overall, health knowledge increase was significantly
      (p<0.05) greater for the intervention group (11.9%) than the control group
      (2.6%). Significant (p<0.05) between-group differences were obtained for 8 of 10
      health topics (6.1-20.2%) related to physical activity, nutrition, hygiene and
      well-being. The social dimension of the well-being questionnaire was
      significantly (p<0.05) improved in the intervention group compared to the control
      group, but there were no significant between-group effects for the physical,
      emotional and school dimensions. Positive reporting about the programme was given
      by 72.4% of the children and only 4.8% reported negatively. CONCLUSIONS: The
      'FIFA 11 for Health' programme modified for Europe demonstrated positive effects
      on children's health knowledge and social dimension of well-being, thereby
      providing evidence that the football-based health education programme can be used
      effectively within a European school's curriculum to increase physical activity,
      well-being and health knowledge.

PMID- 27130926
TI  - Conservative interventions for acute hamstring injuries (PEDro synthesis).

PMID- 27130928
TI  - Pubic apophysitis: 6 questions that need answers before I'm convinced it's a new
      clinical condition.

PMID- 27130927
TI  - 'FIFA 11 for Health' for Europe. II: effect on health markers and physical
      fitness in Danish schoolchildren aged 10-12 years.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether a modified 'FIFA 11 for Health' programme for non
      communicable diseases had effects on body composition, blood pressure and
      physical fitness of Danish schoolchildren aged 10-12 years. DESIGN: A cluster
      randomised controlled study with 7 intervention and 2 control schools.
      PARTICIPANTS: 546 Danish 5th grade municipal schoolchildren allocated to an
      intervention group (IG; n=402: 11.1+/-0.4 (+/-SD) years, 150.1+/-7.0 cm, 41.3+/
      8.4 kg) and a control group (CG; n=144: 11.0+/-0.5 years, 151.2+/-7.8 cm, 41.3+/
      9.0 kg). INTERVENTION: As part of the physical education (PE) curriculum, IG
      carried out 2 weekly 45 min 'FIFA 11 for Health' sessions focusing on health
      issues, football skills and 3v3 games. CG continued regular school PE activities.
      Measurements of body composition, blood pressure at rest, Yo-Yo intermittent
      recovery level 1 children's test (YYIR1C), balance, jump and sprint performance
      were performed before and after the 11-week study period. RESULTS: During the 11
      week study period, systolic blood pressure (-3.5 vs 0.9 mm Hg), mean arterial
      blood pressure (-1.9 vs 0.4 mm Hg), body mass index (-0.02 vs 0.13 kg/m2) and
      body fat percentage (-0.83% vs -0.04%) decreased more (p<0.05) in IG than in CG.
      Within-group improvements (p<0.05) were observed in IG for 20 m sprint (4.09+/
      0.29 to 4.06+/-0.28 s) and YYIR1C performance (852+/-464 to 896+/-517 m), but
      these changes were not significantly different from CG, and balance or jump
      performance remained unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The modified 'FIFA 11
      for Health' programme has beneficial effects on body composition and blood
      pressure for Danish schoolchildren aged 10-12 years, thereby providing evidence
      that this football-based health education programme can directly impact
      participants' cardiovascular health profile.

PMID- 27130929
TI  - Comparing Breast Cancer Multiparameter Tests in the OPTIMA Prelim Trial: No Test
      Is More Equal Than the Others.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous reports identifying discordance between multiparameter tests
      at the individual patient level have been largely attributed to methodological
      shortcomings of multiple in silico studies. Comparisons between tests, when
      performed using actual diagnostic assays, have been predicted to demonstrate high
      degrees of concordance. OPTIMA prelim compared predicted risk stratification and
      subtype classification of different multiparameter tests performed directly on
      the same population. METHODS: Three hundred thirteen women with early breast
      cancer were randomized to standard (chemotherapy and endocrine therapy) or test
      directed (chemotherapy if Oncotype DX recurrence score >25) treatment. Risk
      stratification was also determined with Prosigna (PAM50), MammaPrint, MammaTyper,
      NexCourse Breast (IHC4-AQUA), and conventional IHC4 (IHC4). Subtype
      classification was provided by Blueprint, MammaTyper, and Prosigna. RESULTS:
      Oncotype DX predicted a higher proportion of tumors as low risk (82.1%, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 77.8% to 86.4%) than were predicted low/intermediate
      risk using Prosigna (65.5%, 95% CI = 60.1% to 70.9%), IHC4 (72.0%, 95% CI = 66.5%
      to 77.5%), MammaPrint (61.4%, 95% CI = 55.9% to 66.9%), or NexCourse Breast
      (61.6%, 95% CI = 55.8% to 67.4%). Strikingly, the five tests showed only modest
      agreement when dichotomizing results between high vs low/intermediate risk. Only
      119 (39.4%) tumors were classified uniformly as either low/intermediate risk or
      high risk, and 183 (60.6%) were assigned to different risk categories by
      different tests, although 94 (31.1%) showed agreement between four of five tests.
      All three subtype tests assigned 59.5% to 62.4% of tumors to luminal A subtype,
      but only 121 (40.1%) were classified as luminal A by all three tests and only 58
      (19.2%) were uniformly assigned as nonluminal A. Discordant subtyping was
      observed in 123 (40.7%) tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Existing evidence on the comparative
      prognostic information provided by different tests suggests that current
      multiparameter tests provide broadly equivalent risk information for the
      population of women with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers. However,
      for the individual patient, tests may provide differing risk categorization and
      subtype information.

PMID- 27130931
TI  - Risk Stratification and Intrinsic Subtype Classification of Breast Cancer: a
      Multi-Parameter Test to Rule Them All?

PMID- 27130932
TI  - HPV 16 and its variants: minor genome variations make a big difference.

PMID- 27130930
TI  - HPV16 Sublineage Associations With Histology-Specific Cancer Risk Using HPV Whole
      Genome Sequences in 3200 Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HPV16 is a common sexually transmitted infection although few
      infections lead to cervical precancer/cancer; we cannot distinguish nor
      mechanistically explain why only certain infections progress. HPV16 can be
      classified into four main evolutionary-derived variant lineages (A, B, C, D) that
      have been previously suggested to have varying disease risks. METHODS: We used a
      high-throughput HPV16 whole-genome sequencing assay to investigate variant
      lineage risk among 3215 HPV16-infected women. Using sublineages A1/A2 as the
      reference, we assessed all variant lineage associations with infection outcome
      over three or more years of follow-up: 1107 control subjects (<CIN2), 906 CIN2,
      1008 CIN3, 69 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 85 adenocarcinomas in situ (AIS),
      and 40 adenocarcinomas. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds
      ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All statistical tests were two
      sided. RESULTS: A4 sublineage was associated with an increased risk of cancer,
      specifically adenocarcinoma (OR = 9.81, 95% CI = 2.02 to 47.69, P = 4.7x10(-03)).
      Lineage B had a lower risk of CIN3 (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0. 28 to 0.91, P = 02)
      while lineage C showed increased risk (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.09 to 3.89, P = 03).
      D2/D3 sublineages were strongly associated with an increased risk of CIN3 and
      cancer, particularly D2 (OR for cancer = 28.48, 95% CI = 9.27 to 87.55, P =
      5.0x10(-09)). D2 had the strongest increased risk of glandular lesions, AIS (OR =
      29.22, 95% CI = 8.94 to 95.51, P = 2.3x10(-08)), and adenocarcinomas (OR =
      137.34, 95% CI = 37.21 to 506.88, P = 1.5x10(-13)). Moreover, the risk of
      precancer and cancer for specific variant lineages varied by a women's
      race/ethnicity; those women whose race/ethnicity matched that of the infecting
      HPV16 variant had an increased risk of CIN3 + (P < 001). CONCLUSIONS: Specific
      HPV16 variant sublineages strongly influence risk of histologic types of
      precancer and cancer, and viral genetic variation may help explain its unique
      carcinogenic properties.

PMID- 27130934
TI  - Improved biopsy efficiency with MR/ultrasound fusion-guided prostate biopsy.

PMID- 27130933
TI  - Efficiency of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis by MR/Ultrasound Fusion-Guided Biopsy vs
      Standard Extended-Sextant Biopsy for MR-Visible Lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to improve prostate biopsy
      efficiency is rapidly gaining in popularity. The aim of this study was to assess
      the biopsy efficiency of MR/ultrasound (MR/US) fusion-guided ("targeted")
      biopsies vs extended-sextant 12-core ("standard") biopsies for overall and high
      grade prostate cancer detection. METHODS: From August 2007 to February 2014, 1003
      men were enrolled in a prospective trial comparing the diagnostic yield of
      targeted and standard prostate biopsies performed during the same session. A
      total of 17 619 biopsy cores were reviewed. Biopsy efficiency was determined by
      dividing the total number of cores by the number of positive cores obtained. All
      statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: A mean of 12.3 (95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 12.2 to 12.3) standard and 5.3 (95% CI = 5.1 to 5.5) targeted
      biopsy cores were obtained from each patient. Targeted biopsy detected 461 cases
      of prostate cancer, of which 173 (37.5%) were high grade (Gleason score >= 4 +
      3), while standard biopsy detected 469 cases of prostate cancer, of which 122
      (26.5%) were high grade. The percentage of biopsy cores positive for prostate
      cancer, irrespective of grade, was statistically significantly higher for
      targeted than for standard biopsies (27.9% vs 13.5%, respectively, P < .001),
      with 11.5 targeted cores vs 26.2 standard cores utilized per diagnosis of
      prostate cancer. For detection of high-grade cancer, 30.7 targeted vs 100.8
      standard cores were utilized per diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In men with MR-visible
      prostate lesions, targeted biopsy is more efficient than standard biopsy,
      diagnosing a similar number of cancer cases and more high-grade cases while
      sampling 56.1% fewer biopsy cores.

PMID- 27130935
TI  - Epigenetic Heredity: Transfer RNA Has Gone to Pieces.

PMID- 27130936
TI  - ERRATUM.

PMID- 27130937
TI  - ERRATUM.

PMID- 27130938
TI  - Pseudomonas fluorescens PICF7 displays an endophytic lifestyle in cultivated
      cereals and enhances yield in barley.
AB  - Pseudomonas fluorescens PICF7, an indigenous inhabitant of olive roots, displays
      an endophytic lifestyle in this woody crop and exerts biocontrol against the
      fungal phytopathogen Verticillium dahliae Here we report microscopy evidence that
      the strain PICF7 is also able to colonize and persist on or in wheat and barley
      root tissues. Root colonization of both cereal species followed a similar pattern
      to that previously reported in olive, including inner colonization of the root
      hairs. This demonstrates that strain PICF7 can colonize root systems of distant
      botanical species. Barley plants germinated from PICF7-treated seeds showed
      enhanced vegetative growth. Moreover, significant increases in the number of
      grains (up to 19.5%) and grain weight (up to 20.5%) per plant were scored in this
      species. In contrast, growth and yield were not significantly affected in wheat
      plants by the presence of PICF7. Proteomics analysis of the root systems revealed
      that different proteins were exclusively found depending on the presence or
      absence of PICF7 and only one protein with hydrogen ion transmembrane transporter
      activity was exclusively found in both PICF7-inoculated barley and wheat plants
      but not in the controls.

PMID- 27130939
TI  - Plant nitrogen-use strategy as a driver of rhizosphere archaeal and bacterial
      ammonia oxidiser abundance.
AB  - The influence of plants on archaeal (AOA) and bacterial (AOB) ammonia oxidisers
      (AO) is poorly understood. Higher microbial activity in the rhizosphere,
      including organic nitrogen (N) mineralisation, may stimulate both groups, while
      ammonia uptake by plants may favour AOA, considered to prefer lower ammonia
      concentration. We therefore hypothesised (i) higher AOA and AOB abundances in the
      rhizosphere than bulk soil and (ii) that AOA are favoured over AOB in the
      rhizosphere of plants with an exploitative strategy and high N demand, especially
      (iii) during early growth, when plant N uptake is higher. These hypotheses were
      tested by growing 20 grassland plants, covering a spectrum of resource-use
      strategies, and determining AOA and AOB amoA gene abundances, rhizosphere and
      bulk soil characteristics and plant functional traits. Joint Bayesian mixed
      models indicated no increase in AO in the rhizosphere, but revealed that AOA were
      more abundant in the rhizosphere of exploitative plants, mostly grasses, and less
      abundant under conservative plants. In contrast, AOB abundance in the rhizosphere
      and bulk soil depended on pH, rather than plant traits. These findings provide a
      mechanistic basis for plant-ammonia oxidiser interactions and for links between
      plant functional traits and ammonia oxidiser ecology.

PMID- 27130940
TI  - Erratum for Saha et al., A trans-Dominant Form of Gag Restricts Ty1
      Retrotransposition and Mediates Copy Number Control.

PMID- 27130943
TI  - Highlights from the Current Issue: May 2016.

PMID- 27130942
TI  - Role for the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Diverse Ligands in Oral Squamous Cell
      Carcinoma Migration and Tumorigenesis.
AB  - Over 45,000 new cases of oral and pharyngeal cancers are diagnosed and account
      for over 8,000 deaths a year in the United States. An environmental chemical
      receptor, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), has previously been implicated in
      oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) initiation as well as in normal tissue
      specific stem cell self-renewal. These previous studies inspired the hypothesis
      that the AhR plays a role in both the acquisition and progression of OSCC, as
      well as in the formation and maintenance of cancer stem-like cells. To test this
      hypothesis, AhR activity in two oral squamous cell lines was modulated with AhR
      prototypic, environmental and bacterial AhR ligands, AhR-specific inhibitors, and
      phenotypic, genomic and functional characteristics were evaluated. The data
      demonstrate that: (i) primary OSCC tissue expresses elevated levels of nuclear
      AhR as compared with normal tissue, (ii) AhR mRNA expression is upregulated in
      320 primary OSCCs, (iii) AhR hyperactivation with several ligands, including
      environmental and bacterial ligands, significantly increases AhR activity, ALDH1
      activity, and accelerates cell migration, (iv) AhR inhibition blocks the rapid
      migration of OSCC cells and reduces cell chemoresistance, (v) AhR knockdown
      inhibits tumorsphere formation in low adherence conditions, and (vi) AhR
      knockdown inhibits tumor growth and increases overall survival in vivo These data
      demonstrate that the AhR plays an important role in development and progression
      of OSCC, and specifically cancer stem-like cells. Prototypic, environmental, and
      bacterial AhR ligands may exacerbate OSCC by enhancing expression of these
      properties. IMPLICATIONS: This study, for the first time, demonstrates the
      ability of diverse AhR ligands to regulate AhR activity in oral squamous cell
      carcinoma cells, as well as regulate several important characteristics of oral
      cancer stem cells, in vivo and in vitro Mol Cancer Res; 14(8); 696-706. (c)2016
      AACR.

PMID- 27130944
TI  - Prevention and Treatment of Pain in Children: Toward a Paradigm Shift.
AB  - Rosenfeld et al in their recent article "Office Insertion of Tympanostomy Tubes
      without Anesthesia in Young Children" describe using a "papoose board for
      restraint" while performing a procedure resulting in severe pain for a
      significant number of children: a myringotomy and tube insertion. In 2016, it is
      inappropriate to perform elective painful procedures in children without
      treatment to avoid or minimize pain. We strongly disagree with the authors'
      conclusion "that office insertion of tubes in young children is a feasible
      alternative to general anesthesia for caregivers and clinicians who are
      comfortable with this choice."

PMID- 27130945
TI  - Re: "Office Insertion of Tympanostomy Tubes without Anesthesia in Young
      Children".

PMID- 27130946
TI  - Shared Decision Making and Office Insertion of Tympanostomy Tubes.
AB  - Office insertion of tympanostomy tubes in young children without anesthesia is
      facilitated through shared decision making with families, including a candid
      discussion about anticipated pain (which is usually brief and transient) and how
      their child might react to being restrained. This commentary elaborates on the
      rationale for office tube insertion as an alternative to general anesthesia,
      including a clinical decision aid and suggestions for optimizing outcomes.

PMID- 27130947
TI  - Identification and analysis of integrons and cassette arrays in bacterial
      genomes.
AB  - Integrons recombine gene arrays and favor the spread of antibiotic resistance.
      Their broader roles in bacterial adaptation remain mysterious, partly due to lack
      of computational tools. We made a program - IntegronFinder - to identify
      integrons with high accuracy and sensitivity. IntegronFinder is available as a
      standalone program and as a web application. It searches for attC sites using
      covariance models, for integron-integrases using HMM profiles, and for other
      features (promoters, attI site) using pattern matching. We searched for
      integrons, integron-integrases lacking attC sites, and clusters of attC sites
      lacking a neighboring integron-integrase in bacterial genomes. All these elements
      are especially frequent in genomes of intermediate size. They are missing in some
      key phyla, such as alpha-Proteobacteria, which might reflect selection against
      cell lineages that acquire integrons. The similarity between attC sites is
      proportional to the number of cassettes in the integron, and is particularly low
      in clusters of attC sites lacking integron-integrases. The latter are
      unexpectedly abundant in genomes lacking integron-integrases or their remains,
      and have a large novel pool of cassettes lacking homologs in the databases. They
      might represent an evolutionary step between the acquisition of genes within
      integrons and their stabilization in the new genome.

PMID- 27130949
TI  - Transatlantic Editorial: a comparison between European and North American
      guidelines on myocardial revascularization.

PMID- 27130948
TI  - Effects of State-Level Tobacco Environment on Cigarette Smoking are Stronger
      Among Those With Individual-Level Risk Factors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To better understand the impact of the state-level tobacco
      environment (eg, tobacco control policies, attitudes towards smoking) on
      cigarette smoking, we examined whether the relationship of state tobacco
      environments to smoking is modified by individual-level vulnerability factors.
      METHODS: In a nationally representative sample of US adults (N = 34 638), past
      year smoking and heavy smoking were examined. State-level tobacco environment was
      defined by tobacco-related control policies and attitudes, ranging from
      permissive to restrictive; individual vulnerability was defined by childhood
      maltreatment and/or parental substance problems. Additive interaction tested
      differences in state-level tobacco environment effects on smoking and heavy
      smoking by individual-level vulnerability. RESULTS: Significant interactions (P
      values < .01) indicated that the state tobacco environment had the strongest
      relationship to smoking outcomes among individuals with greatest individual
      vulnerability. For example, among respondents with childhood maltreatment and
      parental substance problems, those in states with permissive tobacco environments
      had 13.3% greater prevalence of smoking than those in restrictive states. Among
      respondents with neither individual-level risk factor, those in permissive states
      had 2.8% greater prevalence than those in restrictive states (interaction P value
      = .0002). CONCLUSIONS: Further restricting states' smoking environments could
      help reduce the prevalence of smoking and heavy smoking, particularly among those
      at increased individual risk in the general population. IMPLICATIONS: This study
      shows that the protective effect of restrictive state-level tobacco environments
      on smoking or heavy smoking was stronger among those especially vulnerable due to
      individual-level risk factors (parental substance problems, childhood
      maltreatment). Thus, public health campaigns to influence attitudes towards
      smoking or legislation to strengthen tobacco control could have a broad effect,
      particularly impacting those with vulnerability to smoking, which may help
      decrease smoking prevalence and reduce the massive public health burden of
      tobacco-related morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 27130950
TI  - Ex vivo perfusion of the heart with the use of the Organ Care System.

PMID- 27130951
TI  - Reoperation for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction after arterial switch
      operation for transposition of the great arteries and aortic arch obstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (RVOTO) is one of the
      reasons for late reinterventions after repair of transposition of the great
      arteries (TGA) with aortic arch obstruction (AAO). The aim of the present study
      was to identify predictors of reoperation for RVOTO in patients who underwent
      arterial switch operation (ASO) and arch repair for TGA or Taussig-Bing anomaly
      with AAO. METHODS: Between 1977 and 2015, 45 patients [TGA/intact ventricular
      septum (IVS) 5, TGA/ventricular septal defect (VSD) 13, Taussig-Bing 27] with
      coarctation (21), arch hypoplasia (5), coarctation and hypoplasia (12) and aortic
      arch interruption (7) underwent ASO and arch repair. The median age at the ASO
      was 19 days (range, 1 day to 12.7 years). AAO was repaired concomitantly with ASO
      in 36 patients. Operation reports and 2D-echocardiographic data were
      retrospectively reviewed to determine the following parameters: position of the
      great arteries, coronary artery anatomy, and diameters of RVOT, aortic annulus,
      aortic sinotubular-junction, pulmonary annulus and transverse aortic arch
      previous to ASO. The median follow-up time was 6 years (range, 0-30 years). Four
      patients were lost to follow-up; reliable echo data were available in 24
      subjects. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to examine predictors of
      reoperation for RVOTO. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality rate after ASO was 13% (n =
      6), and late mortality rate 9% (n = 4). Ten patients (TGA/VSD 2, Taussig-Bing 8)
      had 14 reoperations for RVOTO. One patient died after reoperation. Taussig-Bing
      anomaly was a significant predictor of reoperation for RVOTO [hazard ratio (HR) =
      5.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15-26.38, P = 0.033]. Higher preoperative
      aortic annulus Z-score significantly decreased the reoperation risk (HR = 0.6,
      95% CI = 0.42-0.93, P = 0.020). In reoperated patients, the mean gradient across
      the RVOT reduced from 84 +/- 12.2 mmHg prior to reoperation to 15.29 +/- 13.70
      mmHg at latest follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Taussig-Bing anomaly and smaller
      preoperative aortic annulus diameter (Z-score) were significant predictors of
      reoperation for RVOTO in patients after ASO for TGA or Taussig-Bing anomaly with
      AAO. In Taussig-Bing hearts, the more complex anatomy often necessitates
      modifications of the operation technique, sometimes precluding RVOT relief at
      primary ASO. During follow-up, the possibility of recurrent RVOTO should always
      be considered in this specific patient population. Yet, in case of a reoperation
      for RVOTO, the surgical relief is in general effective.

PMID- 27130952
TI  - Results of the Ross procedure in adults: a single-centre experience of 741
      operations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although the Ross procedure provides excellent long-term survival and
      a high quality of life, only a limited number of centres perform it as an
      alternative to the standard aortic valve replacement in adults. In the present
      study, we evaluated our 16-year results of using the Ross procedure in adult
      patients. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2014, 741 adult patients underwent the Ross
      procedure. The mean patient age was 47.4 +/- 12.8 years (range, 18-67 years). The
      total root replacement technique was used in all patients. Right ventricular
      outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction was performed with pulmonary allograft in 175
      (23.6%) patients, with different types of xenografts in 561 (75.7%) and with
      polytetrafluoroethylene conduits in 5 (0.7%) patients. RESULTS: The early
      mortality rate was 3.0%. The mean follow-up duration was 5.8 +/- 2.2 years. The
      survival rate at 10 years was 90.7% and was comparable with survival of an age-
      and sex-matched general population. The rate of freedom from autograft
      reoperations was 94.1 and 88.3% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. The aortic
      annulus dilatation was the only independent predictor of autograft failure. The
      10-year freedom rates from reoperations for allograft, diepoxide- and
      glutaraldehyde-treated pericardial xenografts as well as porcine aortic root
      grafts were 100, 94.4, 82.7 and 80.6%, respectively. The use of xenografts and
      young patient age were associated with increased risk of RVOT conduit failure.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Ross operation provides long-term survival rates that are
      comparable with an age- and gender-matched general population. The dilated aortic
      annulus is a risk factor for late autograft valve insufficiency. A cryopreserved
      pulmonary homograft is the best option for RVOT reconstruction. Diepoxide-treated
      pericardial xenografts can be an alternative to allografts in elderly patients
      when an allograft is not available.

PMID- 27130953
TI  - Tumor priming using metronomic chemotherapy with neovasculature-targeted,
      nanoparticulate paclitaxel.
AB  - Normalization of the tumor microenvironment is a promising approach to render
      conventional chemotherapy more effective. Although passively targeted drug
      nanocarriers have been investigated to this end, actively targeted tumor priming
      remains to be explored. In this work, we demonstrate an effective tumor priming
      strategy using metronomic application of nanoparticles actively targeted to tumor
      neovasculature. F56 peptide-conjugated paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles (F56-PTX
      NP) were formulated from PEGylated polylactide using an oil in water emulsion
      approach. Metronomic F56-PTX-NP specifically targeted tumor vascular endothelial
      cells (ECs), pruned vessels with strong antiangiogenic activity and induced
      thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) secretion from ECs. The treatment induced tumor
      vasculature normalization as evidenced by significantly increased coverage of
      basement membrane and pericytes. The tumor microenvironment was altered with
      enhanced pO2, lower interstitial fluid pressure, and enhanced vascular perfusion
      and doxorubicin delivery. A "normalization window" of at least 9 days was
      induced, which was longer than other approaches using antiangiogenic agents.
      Together, these results show that metronomic, actively-targeted nanomedicine can
      induce tumor vascular normalization and modulate the tumor microenvironment,
      opening a window of opportunity for effective combination chemotherapies.

PMID- 27130954
TI  - Semantics guide infants' vowel learning: Computational and experimental evidence.
AB  - In their first year, infants' perceptual abilities zoom in on only those speech
      sound contrasts that are relevant for their language. Infants' lexicons do not
      yet contain sufficient minimal pairs to explain this phonetic categorization
      process. Therefore, researchers suggested a bottom-up learning mechanism: infants
      create categories aligned with the frequency distributions of sounds in their
      input. Recent evidence shows that this bottom-up mechanism may be complemented by
      the semantic context in which speech sounds occur, such as simultaneously present
      objects. To test this hypothesis, we investigated whether discrimination of a non
      native vowel contrast improves when sounds from the contrast were paired
      consistently or randomly with two distinct visually presented objects, while the
      distribution of speech tokens suggested a single broad category. This was
      assessed in two ways: computationally, namely in a neural network simulation, and
      experimentally, namely in a group of 8-month-old infants. The neural network,
      trained with a large set of sound-meaning pairs, revealed that two categories
      emerge only if sounds are consistently paired with objects. A group of 49 real 8
      month-old infants did not immediately show sensitivity to the pairing condition;
      a later test at 18 months with some of the same infants, however, showed that
      this sensitivity at 8 months interacted with their vocabulary size at 18 months.
      This interaction can be explained by the idea that infants with larger future
      vocabularies are more positively influenced by consistent training (and/or more
      negatively influenced by inconsistent training) than infants with smaller future
      vocabularies. This suggests that consistent pairing with distinct visual objects
      can help infants to discriminate speech sounds even when the auditory information
      does not signal a distinction. Together our results give computational as well as
      experimental support for the idea that semantic context plays a role in
      disambiguating phonetic auditory input.

PMID- 27130955
TI  - An experimental study on mother-infant skin-to-skin contact in full-terms.
AB  - In premature infants, daily skin-to-skin contact (SSC) has various beneficial
      effects on the health of the infant and the mother. These beneficial effects
      might extend to full-term infants. This experimental within-subject study
      examines the immediate effects of SSC on full-terms' cortisol physiology during
      SSC and subsequent physiological and behavioral reactions to a mild stressor (a
      bathing session). Additionally, the effects of SSC on the quality of maternal
      behavior are examined. Between 5 and 7 weeks postpartum, 17 full-term infant
      mother dyads were visited at home twice. During one home visit, a bathing session
      was proceeded by 50min of mother-infant SSC, while during the other visit the
      bathing session was proceeded by 50min of the infant resting alone. The order of
      the home visits was counterbalanced. Infant salivary cortisol measures were taken
      to measure the cortisol response to the experimental condition (SSC versus
      solitary resting) and the bathing session. Furthermore, infant behavioral
      distress and the quality of maternal behavior during the bathing session were
      scored from videotapes. Two-way within-subject repeated measures ANOVA's showed
      that, when compared to solitary resting, full-terms' cortisol concentrations
      significantly decreased during SSC, followed by higher cortisol reactivity in
      response to the subsequent bathing session. No effects of SSC on infant
      behavioral distress and maternal caregiving behavior were found. Apparently, a
      single session of mother-infant SSC can affect infant cortisol physiology in full
      term infants. Future SSC research is needed to investigate the neurobiological
      mechanisms and dose-response relations in full-term infants.

PMID- 27130956
TI  - Platelet-derived TGF-beta1 mediates the down-modulation of NKG2D expression and
      may be responsible for impaired natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity in women with
      endometriosis.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Does platelet-derived transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF
      beta1) have any role in the reduced cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells in
      women with endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER: Platelet-derived TGF-beta1 suppresses
      the expression of NK Group 2, Member D (NKG2D) on NK cells, resulting in reduced
      cytotoxicity in women with endometriosis, but neutralization of TGF-beta1
      reverses the reduction. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: NK cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes
      that play an important role in peritoneal immune surveillance, and their function
      is known to be impaired in women with endometriosis. There is increased platelet
      aggregation in endometriotic lesions and increased platelet activation rate in
      the peripheral blood in women with endometriosis, yet activated platelets release
      copiousTGF-beta1, which is known to be a potent immunosuppressive molecule that
      suppresses NK cell function and NKG2D expression. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION:
      Cross-sectional clinical studies of 30 women with endometriosis and 33 women
      without endometriosis and in vitro experimentation with and without TGF-beta1
      blockade. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Peritoneal fluid (PF) samples
      from premenopausal women with endometriosis and age- and menstrual phase-matched
      controls were collected. Platelet count, white blood cell (WBC) count, mean
      platelet volume (MPV), platelet activation rate, TGF-beta1 concentration,
      expression levels of NKG2D on NK cells in the PF were evaluated. The apoptosis of
      freshly isolated NK cells treated with PF from women with endometriosis, the NK
      cytotoxicity and NKG2D expression treated with PF in the presence or absence of
      an anti-TGF-beta1 antibody were also determined. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF
      CHANCE: The platelet count, WBC count, MPV, platelet activation rate and the TGF
      beta1 concentration in the PF from women with endometriosis were significantly
      elevated when compared with those of women without endometriosis. The TGF-beta1
      concentration correlated positively with the platelet activation rate (r = 0.59,
      P < 0.01), suggesting that activated platelets are responsible, at least in part,
      for the increased TGF-beta1 concentration. The cytotoxicity of freshly isolated
      NK cells treated with PF of women with endometriosis is significantly reduced
      when compared with that of women without endometriosis. Both the platelet
      activation rate and the TGF-beta1 concentration in the PF correlated negatively
      with the NKG2D expression in NK cells isolated from the PF (r = -0.36, P < 0.01,
      and r = -0.45, P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, the NKG2D expression level
      and the cytotoxicity in freshly isolated NK cells were found to be significantly
      reduced if co-cultured with PF from women with endometriosis, but the TGF-beta1
      blockade effectively reverses the reduction. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION:
      This study is limited by the cross-sectional nature of the study. WIDER
      IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: NKG2D is known to potently activate NK cells, so
      potent that it even overrides inhibitory signals transduced by other inhibitory
      receptors. This is the first time we demonstrate that platelet-derived TGF-beta1
      may be responsible for reduced NKG2D expression as well as reduced cytotoxicity
      of NK cells in women with endometriosis. This study provides yet another piece of
      evidence that platelets play critical roles in the development of endometriosis,
      and anti-platelet treatment should improve NK cell functionality in treating
      endometriosis. Equally important, this study highlights the critical role of the
      lesion microenvironment in shaping NK cell-mediated anti-endometriotic immunity.
      STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This research was supported in part by grants
      81270676 (S.-W.G.), 81471434 (S.-W.G.), 81530040 (S.-W.G.), and 81370695 (X.L.)
      from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and grant 2013ZYJB0019
      (X.L.) from Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning. None of
      the authors has anything to disclose.

PMID- 27130957
TI  - Temperament and major depression: How does difficult temperament affect
      frequency, severity, and duration of major depressive episodes among offspring of
      parents with or without depression?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The current study examined the relationships between parental
      depression, offspring depression, and offspring temperament among 203 offspring
      of parents with or without depression. The specific aim was to investigate how
      parental depression and offspring difficult temperament affect frequency,
      severity, and duration of offspring major depressive episodes (MDEs). METHODS: As
      part of an ongoing multigenerational study assessing familial transmission of
      depression, offspring were assessed over a 20-year study period. Offspring
      temperament was assessed at baseline using the Dimensions of Temperament Survey
      and diagnostic interviews were conducted at each of the four waves using best
      estimate procedures. RESULTS: Difficult temperament predicted greater frequency
      of lifetime MDEs. Parental depression moderated the relationship between
      offspring difficult temperament and severity of MDEs, such that difficult
      temperament was associated with increased severity ratings among high-risk, but
      not low-risk offspring. Dimensional analysis revealed that lower rhythmicity and
      adaptability were associated with greater number of lifetime MDEs, higher
      inattention/distractibility was associated with shorter duration of MDEs, and
      greater activity was associated with decreased severity of MDEs. DISCUSSION:
      Certain limitations must be noted, namely the self-report nature of temperament
      data and the relatively small sample size drawn from a clinical and predominantly
      Caucasian and Christian sample. Notwithstanding these limitations, our results
      suggest that the clinical presentation of major depression may reflect
      temperamental profiles and should be considered in diagnostic and treatment
      settings.

PMID- 27130958
TI  - Pharmacotherapy for obsessive compulsive disorder in clinical practice - Data of
      842 inpatients from the International AMSP Project between 1994 and 2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Specific treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is based on
      cognitive-behavioral therapy, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) or their
      combination. Treatment strategies do not always follow evidence-based guidelines
      in outpatient settings. Data on pharmacotherapy in inpatient settings are
      lacking. METHODS: Prescription data for inpatients suffering from OCD in the time
      period 1994-2012 were obtained from the database of the Drug Safety Program in
      Psychiatry (AMSP). Data were collected on two index dates per year; the
      prescription patterns and changes over time were analysed. RESULTS: Of 842
      patients 89.9% received at least one psychotropic drug and 67.6% a combination of
      at least two psychotropic drugs. The drug groups prescribed most often were
      antidepressants (78.0%), antipsychotics (46.7%), and tranquilizers (19.7%). In
      58.0% of all cases selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were used as
      antidepressants, followed by tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs, 17.8%), mainly
      clomipramine (10.9%). Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) were administered
      in 37.8% of all cases, first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) in 13.7%. While the
      use over time significantly increased for psychotropic drugs, antidepressants,
      antipsychotics, tranquilizers, SSRIs and SGAs, it remained stable for FGAs and
      decreased for TCAs. LIMITATIONS: Observational cross-sectional study without
      follow-up or additional information. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, most OCD
      patients received pharmacological treatment. The high prescription rate of SSRIs
      and their preference over clomipramine as well as the augmentation of this
      therapy with SGAs comply with the guidelines. Administration of tranquilizers as
      well as sedative FGAs and the choice of single SGAs are not in line with expert
      recommendations.

PMID- 27130959
TI  - Suicidality and profiles of childhood adversities, conflict related trauma and
      psychopathology in the Northern Ireland population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over 30 years of conflict in Northern Ireland (NI) has impacted on
      the population's mental health. However, childhood adversities may add to the
      psychological impact of conflict. The aims of the study were to assess co
      occurrence across childhood adversities, conflict related traumas, and
      psychological health, then explore demographic variations between identified
      classes, and examine the impact of class membership on suicidal ideation and
      behaviour. METHOD: Data was obtained from the Northern Ireland Study of Health
      and Stress, a representative epidemiological study which used the CIDI to assess
      psychopathology and related risk factors in the NI population (N=4340, part 2
      n=1986; response rate 64%). RESULTS: Latent Class Analysis uncovered 4 discrete
      profiles; a conflict class (n=191; 9.6%), a multi-risk class endorsing elevated
      levels of childhood adversities, conflict related traumas and psychopathology
      (n=85; 4.3%), a psychopathology class (n=290; 14.6%), and a low risk class
      (n=1420; 71.5%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that
      individuals who grew up during the worst years of the Troubles were more likely
      to have experienced multiple traumas and psychopathology. Individuals in the
      multi-risk class were more than fifteen times more likely to endorse suicidal
      ideation and behaviour. LIMITATIONS: The main limitations are that the study may
      not be fully representative of the NI population due to the exclusion criteria
      applied and also the possible misclassification of conflict related events.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that treatment providers should be cognisant
      that those with wide ranging adversity profiles are those also likely to be
      reporting psychological distress and suicidality.

PMID- 27130960
TI  - A protocol for the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression: Item scoring rules,
      Rater training, and outcome accuracy with data on its application in a clinical
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present a fully articulated protocol for the Hamilton Rating Scale
      for Depression (HAM-D), including item scoring rules, rater training procedures,
      and a data management algorithm to increase accuracy of scores prior to outcome
      analyses. The latter involves identifying potentially inaccurate scores as
      interviews with discrepancies between two independent raters on the basis of
      either scores >=5-point difference) or meeting threshold for depression
      recurrence status, a long-term treatment outcome with public health significance.
      Discrepancies are resolved by assigning two new raters, identifying items with
      disagreement per an algorithm, and reaching consensus on the most accurate scores
      for those items. METHODS: These methods were applied in a clinical trial where
      the primary outcome was the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Rating
      Scale for Depression-Seasonal Affective Disorder version (SIGH-SAD), which
      includes the 21-item HAM-D and 8 items assessing atypical symptoms. 177
      seasonally depressed adult patients were enrolled and interviewed at 10 time
      points across treatment and the 2-year followup interval for a total of 1589
      completed interviews with 1535 (96.6%) archived. RESULTS: Inter-rater reliability
      ranged from ICCs of .923-.967. Only 86 (5.6%) interviews met criteria for a
      between-rater discrepancy. HAM-D items "Depressed Mood", "Work and Activities",
      "Middle Insomnia", and "Hypochondriasis" and Atypical items "Fatigability" and
      "Hypersomnia" contributed most to discrepancies. LIMITATIONS: Generalizability
      beyond well-trained, experienced raters in a clinical trial is unknown.
      CONCLUSIONS: Researchers might want to consider adopting this protocol in part or
      full. Clinicians might want to tailor it to their needs.

PMID- 27130961
TI  - The oral health of people with anxiety and depressive disorders - a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many psychological disorders are associated with comorbid physical
      illness. There are less data on dental disease in common psychological disorders
      such as depression and anxiety in spite of risk factors in this population of
      diet, lifestyle or antidepressant-induced dry mouth. METHODS: We undertook a
      systematic search for studies of the oral health of people with common
      psychological disorders including depression, anxiety and dental phobia. We
      searched MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE and article bibliographies. Results were
      compared with the general population. Outcomes included partial or total tooth
      loss, periodontal disease, and dental decay measured through standardized
      measures such as the mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) or
      surfaces (DMFS). RESULTS: There were 19 papers on depression and/or anxiety, and
      seven on dental phobia/anxiety (total n=26). These covered 334,503 subjects. All
      the psychiatric diagnoses were associated with increased dental decay on both
      DMFT and DMFS scores, as well as greater tooth loss (OR=1.22; 95%CI=1.14-1.30).
      There was no association with periodontal disease, except for panic disorder.
      LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional design of included studies, heterogeneity in some
      results, insufficient studies to test for publication bias. CONCLUSION: The
      increased focus on the physical health of psychiatric patients should encompass
      oral health including closer collaboration between dental and medical
      practitioners. Possible interventions include oral health assessment using
      standard checklists that can be completed by non-dental personnel, help with oral
      hygiene, management of iatrogenic dry mouth, and early dental referral. Mental
      health clinicians should also be aware of the oral consequences of inappropriate
      diet and psychotropic medication.

PMID- 27130962
TI  - Nanomedicine: Application of nanoparticles in clinical therapies and diagnostics.

PMID- 27130963
TI  - Lipid vesicles loading aluminum phthalocyanine chloride: Formulation properties
      and disaggregation upon intracellular delivery.
AB  - Aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlClPc) is a second-generation photodynamic
      therapy (PDT) photosensitizer characterized for its high hydrophobicity and self
      aggregation tendency in aqueous media, which hamper its potential application.
      Aiming at AlClPc solubilization we proposed here the use of 1,2-distearoyl-sn
      glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC) and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine
      (DOPC) at different proportions to form mixed lipid vesicles (LVs) as a drug
      delivery system. LVs were prepared by ethanol injection method and formed nano
      sized vesicles (about 100nm) with suitable polydispersity index, negative zeta
      potential, and stable in aqueous medium for at least 50days. AlClPc strongly
      interacts with LV (high binding constant values), especially due to aluminum
      phosphate specific interactions, which gives a surface localization to AlClPc
      molecules as demonstrated by fluorescence quenching data. Anisotropy, static and
      time-resolved fluorescence measurements corroborated with these results and
      demonstrated that AlClPc self-aggregation occurred even in the liposomes.
      However, formulation uptake by oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) the AlClPc was
      distributed in cellular organelles and suffered a disaggregation process
      demonstrated by fluorescence life-time imaging microscopy. This amazing behavior
      is new and increases the scientific knowledge about the intracellular mechanism
      of action of PDT photosensitizers. In addition, these results open a new
      perspective to the potential use of AlClPc-LV formulations for photodynamic
      treatment. 

PMID- 27130964
TI  - Protein stability, conformational change and binding mechanism of human serum
      albumin upon binding of embelin and its role in disease control.
AB  - Here, we present the inclusive binding mode of phytochemical embelin, an
      anticancer drug with human serum albumin (HSA) established under physiological
      condition. Also, to understand the pharmacological role of embelin molecule,
      here, we have studied the anti-cancer activity of embelin on human cervical
      cancer cell line (HeLa cell line), which revealed that embelin showed dose
      dependent inhibition in the growth of cancer cells and also induces 26.3% of
      apoptosis at an IC50 value of 29MUM. Further, embelin was titrated with HSA and
      the fluorescence emission quenching of HSA due to the formation of the HSA
      embelin complex was observed. The binding constant of this complex is 5.9+/
      .01*10(4)M(-1) and the number of bound embelin molecules is approximately 1.0.
      Consequently, molecular displacement and computational docking experiments show
      that the embelin is binding to subdomain IB to HSA. Further evidence from
      microTOF-Q mass spectrometry showed an increase in mass from 66,563Da to 66,857Da
      observed for free HSA and HSA+embelin complex, signifying that there is robust
      binding of embelin with HSA. In addition, the variations of HSA secondary
      structural elements in presence of embelin were confirmed by circular dichroism
      which indicates partial unfolding of protein. Furthermore, the transmission
      electron micrographs established that complex formation leads to aggregation of
      HSA plus embelin. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the stability of
      the HSA-embelin complexes and results suggests that at around 3500ps the complex
      reaches equilibration state which clearly contributes to the understanding of the
      stability of the HSA-embelin complexes. 

PMID- 27130965
TI  - Drug Utilization and Inappropriate Prescribing in Centenarians.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To use primary care electronic health records (EHRs) to evaluate
      prescriptions and inappropriate prescribing in men and women at age 100. DESIGN:
      Population-based cohort study. SETTING: Primary care database in the United
      Kingdom, 1990 to 2013. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals reaching the age of 100 between
      1990 and 2013 (N = 11,084; n = 8,982 women, n = 2,102 men). MEASUREMENTS: Main
      drug classes prescribed and potentially inappropriate prescribing according to
      the 2012 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria. RESULTS: At the age of 100,
      73% of individuals (79% of women, 54% of men) had received one or more
      prescription drugs, with a median of 7 (interquartile range 0-12) prescription
      items. The most frequently prescribed drug classes were cardiovascular (53%),
      central nervous system (CNS) (53%), and gastrointestinal (47%). Overall, 32% of
      participants (28% of men, 32% of women) who received drug prescriptions may have
      received one or more potentially inappropriate prescriptions, with temazepam and
      amitriptyline being the most frequent. CNS prescriptions were potentially
      inappropriate in 23% of individuals, and anticholinergic prescriptions were
      potentially inappropriate in 18% of individuals. CONCLUSION: The majority of
      centenarians are prescribed one or more drug therapies, and the prescription may
      be inappropriate for up to one-third of these individuals. Research using EHRs
      offers opportunities to understand prescribing trends and improve pharmacological
      care of the oldest adults.

PMID- 27130966
TI  - Measuring water ingestion from spray exposures.
AB  - Characterisation of exposure levels is an essential requirement of health risk
      assessment; however for water exposures other than drinking, few quantitative
      exposure data exist. Thus, regulatory agencies must use estimates to formulate
      policy on treatment requirements for non-potable recycled water. We adapted the
      use of the swimming pool chemical cyanuric acid as a tracer of recreational water
      ingestion to permit detection of small water volumes inadvertently ingested from
      spray exposures. By using solutions of 700-1000 mg/L cyanuric acid in an
      experimental spray exposure scenario, we were able to quantify inadvertent water
      ingestion in almost 70% of participants undertaking a 10 min car wash activity
      using a high pressure spray device. Skin absorption was demonstrated to be
      negligible under the experimental conditions, and the measured ingestion volumes
      ranged from 0.06 to 3.79 mL. This method could be applied to a range of non
      potable water use activities to generate exposure data for risk assessment
      processes. The availability of such empirical measurements will provide greater
      assurance to regulatory agencies and industry that potential health risks from
      exposure to non-potable water supplies are well understood and adequately managed
      to protect public health.

PMID- 27130967
TI  - Co-transport of gold nanospheres with single-walled carbon nanotubes in saturated
      porous media.
AB  - Porous media transport of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is typically assessed
      in a controlled single-particulate environment. Presence of a secondary particle
      (either natural or engineered) in the natural environment though likely, is
      rarely taken into consideration in assessing ENMs' transport behavior. This study
      systematically assesses the effect of a secondary ENM (i.e., pluronic acid
      modified single-walled carbon nanotubes, PA-SWNTs) on a primary particle (i.e.,
      gold nanospheres, AuNSs) transport through saturated porous media under a wide
      range of aquatic conditions (1-100 mM NaCl). AuNS hetero-dispersions (i.e., with
      PA-SWNTs) are transported through saturated sand columns, and the transport
      behavior is compared to AuNS-only homo-dispersion cases, which display classical
      ionic strength-dependent behavior. AuNS hetero-dispersion, however, is highly
      mobile with little to no ionic strength-dependent effects. This study also
      assesses the role of pre-coating of the collectors with PA-SWNTs on AuNSs'
      mobility, thereby elucidating the role played by the order of introduction of the
      secondary particles. Pre-existence of the secondary particles in the porous media
      shows enhanced filtration of primary AuNSs. However, the presence of natural
      organic matter (NOM) slightly increases AuNS mobility through PA-SWNT coated sand
      at 10 mM ionic strength. The study results demonstrate that the presence and
      order of addition of the secondary particles strongly influence primary
      particles' mobility. Thus ENMs can demonstrate facilitated transport or enhanced
      removal, depending on the presence of the secondary particulate matter and
      background solution chemistry.

PMID- 27130968
TI  - Influence of the fuel and dosage on the performance of double-compartment
      microbial fuel cells.
AB  - This manuscript focuses on the evaluation of the use of different types and
      dosages of fuels in the performance of double-compartment microbial fuel cell
      equipped with carbon felt electrodes and cationic membrane. Five types of fuels
      (ethanol, glycerol, acetate, propionate and fructose) have been tested for the
      same organic load (5,000 mg L(-1) measured as COD) and for one of them (acetate),
      the range of dosages between 500 and 20,000 mg L(-1) of COD was also studied.
      Results demonstrate that production of electricity depends strongly on the fuel
      used. Carboxylic acids are much more efficient than alcohols or fructose for the
      same organic load and within the range 500-5,000 mg L(-1) of acetate the
      production of electricity increases linearly with the amount of acetate fed but
      over these concentrations a change in the population composition may explain a
      worse performance.

PMID- 27130969
TI  - The different response mechanisms of Wolffia globosa: Light-induced silver
      nanoparticle toxicity.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as a promising bactericide. Plants are
      a major point of entry of contaminants into trophic chains. Here, the
      physiological responses of Wolffia globosa to AgNPs have been probed using
      different light schemes, and these data may reveal new insights into the toxic
      mechanism of AgNPs. W. globosa was grown in culture medium and treated with
      different concentrations of AgNPs for 24h under pre- and post-illuminated
      conditions. However, fluorescence quenching, the accumulation of sugar and the
      reduction of Hill reaction activity were found in response to the AgNP-stresses.
      In the pre-illuminated condition, oxidative damage was obvious, as indicated by
      the higher malondialdehyde (MDA) content and an up-regulation of superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) activity. The maximum increases of MDA content and SOD activity
      were 1.14 and 2.52 times the respective controls when exposed to 10mg/L AgNPs. In
      contrast, in the post-illuminated condition, the alterations in photosynthetic
      pigment and soluble proteins content were more significant than the alterations
      in oxidative stress. The contents of chlorophyll a, carotenoids and soluble
      protein decreased to 77.7%, 66.2% and 72.9% of the controls after treatment with
      the highest concentration of AgNPs (10mg/L). Based on the different physiological
      responses, we speculated that in the pre-illuminated condition, oxidative stress
      was responsible for the decline in the oxygen evolution rate, while in the post
      illuminated condition, the decrease in the Hill reaction activity could be
      attributed to the blocking of electron transfer and an insufficient proton
      supply. Our findings demonstrate that environmental factors regulate the
      physiological responses of plants to AgNPs through distinct mechanisms. 

PMID- 27130970
TI  - Respiratory toxicity of cyanobacterial aphantoxins from Aphanizomenon flos-aquae
      DC-1 in the zebrafish gill.
AB  - Aphantoxins from Aphanizomenon flos-aquae are frequently identified in eutrophic
      waterbodies worldwide. These toxins severely endanger environmental safety and
      human health due to the production of paralytic shellfish poisons (PSPs).
      Although the molecular mechanisms of aphantoxin neurotoxicity have been studied,
      many questions remain to be resolved such as in vivo alterations in branchial
      histology and neurotransmitter inactivation induced by these neurotoxins.
      Aphantoxins extracted from a naturally isolated strain of A. flos-aquae DC-1 were
      determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The basic components of the
      isolated aphantoxins identified were gonyautoxin 1 (GTX1), gonyautoxin 5 (GTX5),
      and neosaxitoxin (neoSTX), which comprised 34.04, 21.28, and 12.77% of the total,
      respectively. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) was administrated 5.3 or 7.61mg STX
      equivalents (eq)/kg (low and high doses, respectively) of the A. flos-aquae DC-1
      aphantoxins by intraperitoneal injection. Histological alterations and changes in
      neurotransmitter inactivation in the gills of zebrafish were investigated for 24h
      following exposure. Aphantoxin exposure significantly increased the activities of
      gill alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and
      resulted in histological alterations in the gills during the first 12h of
      exposure, indicating the induction of functional and structural damage. Gill
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities were inhibited
      significantly, suggesting an alteration of neurotransmitter inactivation in
      zebrafish gills. The observed alterations in gill structure and function followed
      a time- and dose-dependent pattern. The results demonstrate that aphantoxins or
      PSPs lead to structural damage and altered function in the gills of zebrafish,
      including changes in histological structure and increases in the activities of
      AST and ALT. The inhibition of the activities of AChE and MAO suggest that
      aphantoxins or PSPs could induce respiratory toxicity in the zebrafish gill.
      Furthermore, these parameters may be used as bioindicators for investigating
      aphantoxin exposure and cyanobacterial blooms in nature. 

PMID- 27130971
TI  - Linking the response of endocrine regulated genes to adverse effects on sex
      differentiation improves comprehension of aromatase inhibition in a Fish Sexual
      Development Test.
AB  - The Fish Sexual Development Test (FSDT) is a non-reproductive test to assess
      adverse effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals. With the present study it was
      intended to evaluate whether gene expression endpoints would serve as predictive
      markers of endocrine disruption in a FSDT. For proof-of-concept, a FSDT according
      to the OECD TG 234 was conducted with the non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor
      fadrozole (test concentrations: 10MUg/L, 32MUg/L, 100MUg/L) using zebrafish
      (Danio rerio). Gene expression analyses using quantitative RT-PCR were included
      at 48h, 96h, 28days and 63days post fertilization (hpf, dpf). The selection of
      genes aimed at finding molecular endpoints which could be directly linked to the
      adverse apical effects of aromatase inhibition. The most prominent effects of
      fadrozole exposure on the sexual development of zebrafish were a complete sex
      ratio shift towards males and an acceleration of gonad maturation already at low
      fadrozole concentrations (10MUg/L). Due to the specific inhibition of the
      aromatase enzyme (Cyp19) by fadrozole and thus, the conversion of C19-androgens
      to C18-estrogens, the steroid hormone balance controlling the sex ratio of
      zebrafish was altered. The resulting key event is the regulation of directly
      estrogen-responsive genes. Subsequently, gene expression of vitellogenin 1 (vtg1)
      and of the aromatase cyp19a1b isoform (cyp19a1b), were down-regulated upon
      fadrozole treatment compared to controls. For example, mRNA levels of vtg1 were
      down-regulated compared to the controls as early as 48 hpf and 96 hpf. Further
      regulated genes cumulated in pathways suggested to be controlled by endocrine
      mechanisms, like the steroid and terpenoid synthesis pathway (e.g. mevalonate
      (diphospho) decarboxylase (mvd), lanosterol synthase (2,3-oxidosqualene
      lanosterol cyclase; lss), methylsterol monooxygenase 1 (sc4mol)) and in lipid
      transport/metabolic processes (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (star),
      apolipoprotein Eb (apoEb)). Taken together, this study demonstrated that the
      existing Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) for aromatase inhibition in fish can be
      translated to the life-stage of sexual differentiation. We were further able to
      identify MoA-specific marker gene expression which can be instrumental in
      defining new measurable key events (KE) of existing or new AOPs related to
      endocrine disruption. 

PMID- 27130972
TI  - Diatom-derived oxylipins induce cell death in sea urchin embryos activating
      caspase-8 and caspase 3/7.
AB  - Diatoms are an important class of unicellular algae that produce bioactive
      secondary metabolites with cytotoxic activity collectively termed oxylipins,
      including polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs), hydroxyacids (HEPEs), oxo-acids and
      epoxyalcohols. Previous results showed that at higher concentrations, the PUA
      decadienal induced apoptosis on copepods and sea urchin embryos via caspase-3
      activation; at lower concentrations decadienal affected the expression levels of
      the caspase-8 gene in embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. In the
      present work, we studied the effects of other common oxylipins produced by
      diatoms: two PUAs (heptadienal and octadienal) and four hydroxyacids (5-, 9- 11-
      and 15-HEPE) on P. lividus cell death and caspase activities. Our results showed
      that (i) at higher concentrations PUAs and HEPEs induced apoptosis in sea urchin
      embryos, detected by microscopic observation and through the activation of
      caspase-3/7 and caspase-8 measured by luminescent assays; (ii) at low
      concentrations, PUAs and HEPEs affected the expression levels of caspase-8 and
      caspase-3/7 (isolated for the first time here in P. lividus) genes, detected by
      Real Time qPCR. These findings have interesting implications from the ecological
      point of view, given the importance of diatom blooms in nutrient-rich aquatic
      environments. 

PMID- 27130973
TI  - [Economic Short-Term Cost Model for Stereotactic Radiotherapy of Neovascular
      AMD].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Stereotactic radiation therapy (Oraya, OT) is available as a second
      line therapy for patients who, despite intensive anti-VEGF therapy for
      neovascular AMD, do not show an improvement in CNV. As OT is expensive (5,308 ?),
      the short term economics for starting this therapy were investigated. METHODS: A
      short-term cost model was set up in MS Excel with a two year time horizon. On the
      basis of the data of the randomised, controlled INTREPID pivotal trial and
      current treatment practice in Germany, the costs were compared of conventional
      anti-VEGF therapy, with or without a single OT treatment. Patients with an active
      lesion after initial anti-VEGF therapy and a maximum lesion diameter <= 4 mm were
      included. Modeled cost components/aspects were direct savings from injection
      number, control follow-up examinations and aids, as well as anti-VEGF switches.
      Costs for Germany were employed and a univariate sensitivity analysis was
      performed to address the existing uncertainty. RESULTS: For the patients with a
      maximum AMD lesion diameter <= 4 mm and a macula volume > 7.4 mm(3), the INTREPID
      trial showed a mean reduction of 3.68 intravitreal injections for 16 Gy radiation
      versus sham over a time period of 2 years. These 3.68 IVM result in ~ 4,500 ?
      direct cost savings. Moreover, due to the higher response rate with 16 Gy
      radiation, the number of follow-up visits and aids can be reduced, which results
      in savings between 207 ? and 1,224 ? over 2 years. After radiation, fewer anti
      VEGF switches for low or non-responders are expected, which is modeled to result
      in ~ 1.7 fewer injections over 2 years. Due to overall fewer injections, fewer
      endophthalmitis cases would be expected. However, endophthalmitis and
      microvascular abnormalities, which can be observed in a few cases, are associated
      with low or non-quantifiable costs in this cost-cost comparison model. In
      summary, cost reductions of between 6,400 and 8,500 ? are predicted in the model
      over two years, which have to be compared to the costs of a single application of
      OT. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term economic analysis shows that anti-VEGF therapy
      combined with OT results in savings above the costs for OT itself over a 2 year
      time horizon. Overall, the approach gives potential cost reductions, if the
      appropriate indication is followed.

PMID- 27130974
TI  - [Comparison of Functional and Morphological Outcome after Aflibercept or
      Ranibizumab in Chronic Recurrent Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration].
AB  - Background: To assess functional and morphological outcomes in patients with
      chronic recurrent neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) previously
      treated with ranibizumab, who were either switched from ranibizumab to
      aflibercept or received further ranibizumab injections. Methods: Retrospective
      analysis of eyes with recurrent nAMD previously treated with ranibizumab. On
      recurrence of the macular oedema, patients had received either 3 injections of
      aflibercept (2.0 mg) or ranibizumab (0.5 mg) at 4 week intervals. Patients were
      examined before the first injection and four weeks after the last injection. The
      main outcome measures included change in visual acuity (VA) in logMAR, subfoveal
      central retinal thickness (CRT), subretinal fluid (SRF) and height of pigment
      epithelial detachment (PED height), as well as the maximum height of macular
      subretinal fluid (SRF max) and of macular pigment epithelial detachment (PED
      height max) in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Changes in VA
      and OCT were compared between the two groups to investigate differences in the
      therapeutic effects of aflibercept and ranibizumab. Results: 60 eyes of 55
      patients were included. The aflibercept group (n = 30) and the ranibizumab group
      (n = 30) showed no statistically significant differences in mean age (p = 0.813),
      number of prior injections of ranibizumab (p = 0.127) or time since last
      injection (p = 0.523). Mean VA logMAR improved in both groups, though only in the
      ranibizumab group was the difference significant (0.50 +/- 0.33 to 0.44 +/- 0.29
      logMAR; p = 0.013; Table 1). CRT decreased in the aflibercept (p = 0.133) and
      ranibizumab groups (p = 0.043). PED height was reduced in both groups
      (aflibercept p = 0.068; ranibizumab p = 0.241). SRF, SRF max and PED height max
      showed statistically significant decreases in both groups. Comparison of the
      aflibercept and the ranibizumab groups showed no statistically significant
      differences between the two groups in change in VA logMAR (p = 0.680), CRT (p =
      0.882), SRF (p = 0.871), PED height (p = 0.524), SRF max (p = 0.940) or PED
      height max (p = 0.762). Conclusions: Aflibercept and ranibizumab were similarly
      effective in improving visual acuity and morphological parameters of patients
      with recurrent nAMD after four months. There were no statistically significant
      differences in the therapeutic effects of the two drugs.

PMID- 27130975
TI  - [Effect of Morphological and Functional Parameters on Ocular Pulse Amplitudes: An
      Analysis in Ocular Hypertension and Different Types of Glaucoma].
AB  - Background and Purpose: Ocular blood flow imbalance and the loss of
      autoregulation are widely believed to be important factors in the pathogenesis of
      glaucoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of morphometric
      and functional changes on ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in normal tension glaucoma
      (NTG), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), pseudoexfoliation-glaucoma (PEX) and
      ocular hypertension (OHT). Patients and Methods: This prospective study included
      172 patients with manifest glaucoma and OHT. All patients were examined with
      dynamic contour tonometry (DCT), Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), Heidelberg
      retina tomography II (HRT), and Octopus visual field analysis (program 30II). In
      order to identify potential determinants of OPA, a generalised linear model (GLM)
      analysis was defined. As effect sizes, we included gender as a factor and
      intraocular pressure (measured by DCT [IOP]), optic disc area, cup area, mean
      deviation (MD), central corneal thickness (CCT), cup-disc ratio (CDR), and
      patient age as covariates. Results: Mean OPA was lower in patients with NTG than
      in other groups. In the generalised linear model in the entire population, a
      larger OPA was associated with a larger IOP and female gender. In the NTG group,
      we did not identify effect sizes, whereas, in the OHT group, IOP (measured with
      DCT) and MD, in the POAG group IOP (measured with DCT) and gender and in the PEX
      group MD and gender showed a positive effect on OPA. Conclusions: In this study,
      we showed that in the NTG group neither demographic nor morphological or
      functional factors affected OPA. However, in the OHT and POAG groups, OPA was
      influenced by IOP (measured with DCT), in the OHT and PEX group by MD and in the
      POAG and PEX groups by gender.

PMID- 27130976
TI  - [Influence of Different Ablation Frequencies on the Clinical Results of
      Photorefractive Keratectomy Using the Same Excimer Laser Platform: A
      Contralateral Eye Study].
AB  - Background The objective of this study was to evaluate postoperative clinical
      outcomes of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using different ablation
      frequencies. Patients and Methods In this prospective, contralateral eye study,
      56 eyes of 28 patients with myopia or myopic astigmatism were included. PRK was
      performed using the MEL90 excimer laser system (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany). One
      eye of each patient was treated with a repetition rate of 250 Hz, while the other
      one was treated with a repetition rate of 500 Hz. The treatment pattern in the
      250 Hz and 500 Hz group only differed in terms of ablation frequency; there was
      no difference in laser pulse energy, spot size or ablation profile. Postoperative
      follow-ups were at 3 and 7 days and 1, 3 and 6 months. The following parameters
      were assessed: Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance
      visual acuity (CDVA), higher-order aberrations (HOAs), corneal re-epithelisation
      time and corneal haze. Results Ablation depth was proportional to laser pulse
      counts at both frequencies. At 6 months, 100.0% of the eyes in the 250 Hz group
      and 96.4% in the 500 Hz group had a UDVA of 0.00 logMAR or better; 100% of the
      eyes in both groups were within +/- 1.00D of the attempted correction. All eyes
      had a postoperative CDVA of 0.00 logMAR or better. There was no difference
      between the groups in postoperative HOAs, corneal re-epithelisation time or
      corneal haze. Conclusions Photorefractive keratectomy with a repetition rate of
      250 Hz and 500 Hz showed comparable efficacy, safety and predictability in the
      correction of myopia. There were no significant complications due to the high
      repetition rate, such as postsurgical corneal haze.

PMID- 27130977
TI  - [Fiat Lux: Radium Radiation in 1903 - a Cure for the Blind?].

PMID- 27130978
TI  - [Value of Pressure Measurements: Methods and Sources of Errors].
AB  - Tonometry is still an essential component of diagnostic testing in glaucoma.
      Functional and morphological investigations can provide very detailed information
      about the extent of glaucomatous damage. They are useful in the early detection
      of glaucoma damage; when damage is manifest, they are useful in estimating the
      rate of progression in follow-up studies. In contrast, tonometric procedures are
      much less perfect and sensitive and provide no information at all about the
      extent of glaucoma damage. However, they often provide the first evidence that
      glaucoma may be present at all and they are the decisive parameter in controlling
      surgical or medical treatment to reduce pressure, as the reduction in intraocular
      pressure (IOD) is still the most common approach in treating glaucoma - in spite
      of our awareness of numerous other risk factors for glaucoma. There is no reason
      to doubt that reducing IOD is an effective therapy in many forms of glaucoma, as
      this has been demonstrated in numerous large epidemiological studies. Tonometric
      procedures have become more precise in recent years. Goldmann applanation
      tonometry (GAT) and pneumatonometry are widely used. There are also some areas
      for which the rarer forms of tonometry can be recommended. Procedures for quasi
      continuous pressure measurements and, in the future, these may replace the
      current approach of measuring IOD at discrete time points. There are a variety of
      snares in clinical practice, which may lead to misinterpretation and wrong
      therapeutic decisions, so that these must be repeatedly emphasised. 

PMID- 27130979
TI  - Interpersonal polyvictimization and mental health in males.
AB  - A consistent conclusion within the extant literature is that victimization and in
      particular polyvictimization leads to adverse mental health outcomes. A large
      body of literature exists as it pertains to the association between victimisation
      and mental health in studies utilising samples of childhood victims, female only
      victims, and samples of male and female victims; less research exists as it
      relates to males victims of interpersonal violence. The aim of the current study
      was therefore to identify profiles of interpersonal victimizations in an
      exclusively male sample and to assess their differential impact on a number of
      adverse mental health outcomes. Using data from 14,477 adult males from Wave 2 of
      the NESARC, we identified interpersonal victimization profiles via Latent Class
      Analysis. Multinomial Logistic Regression was subsequently utilized to establish
      risk across mental health disorders. A 4-class solution was optimal.
      Victimisation profiles showed elevated odds ratios for the presence of mental
      health disorders; suggesting that multiple life-course victimisation typologies
      exists, and that victimization is strongly associated with psychopathology.
      Several additional notable findings are discussed.

PMID- 27130981
TI  - Focal epilepsy as a long term sequela of Parvovirus B19 encephalitis.
AB  - Human Parvovirus B19 (PVB19), the etiological agent of the fifth disease, is
      associated with a large spectrum of pathologies, among which is encephalitis.
      Since it has been detected from the central nervous system in children or in
      immunocompromised patients, its causative role in serious neurological
      manifestations is still unclear. Here we report the case of an 18-year-old
      healthy boy who developed encephalitis complicated by prolonged status
      epilepticus. The detection of PVB19 DNA in his serum and, subsequently, in his
      cerebrospinal fluid supports the hypothesis that this virus could potentially
      play a role in the pathogenesis of neurological complications. In addition, the
      detection of viral DNA and the presence of specific IgM and IgG antibodies in
      serum, together with clinical findings such as skin rash, support the presence of
      a disseminated viral infection. In the presence of neurological disorders,
      especially when there are no specific signs, but seizures and rash are present,
      it is important to search for PVB19 both in immunocompromised and immunocompetent
      patients. Moreover, the introduction of the PVB19 DNA test into diagnostic
      protocols of neuropathies, especially those undiagnosed, could clarify the
      etiological agent that otherwise could remain unrecognized.

PMID- 27130980
TI  - Bacterial and viral co-infections complicating severe influenza: Incidence and
      impact among 507 U.S. patients, 2013-14.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Influenza acts synergistically with bacterial co-pathogens. Few
      studies have described co-infection in a large cohort with severe influenza
      infection. OBJECTIVES: To describe the spectrum and clinical impact of co
      infections. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of patients with severe
      influenza infection from September 2013 through April 2014 in intensive care
      units at 33 U.S. hospitals comparing characteristics of cases with and without co
      infection in bivariable and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Of 507 adult and
      pediatric patients, 114 (22.5%) developed bacterial co-infection and 23 (4.5%)
      developed viral co-infection. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common cause of
      co-infection, isolated in 47 (9.3%) patients. Characteristics independently
      associated with the development of bacterial co-infection of adult patients in a
      logistic regression model included the absence of cardiovascular disease (OR 0.41
      [0.23-0.73], p=0.003), leukocytosis (>11K/MUl, OR 3.7 [2.2-6.2], p<0.001;
      reference: normal WBC 3.5-11K/MUl) at ICU admission and a higher ICU admission
      SOFA score (for each increase by 1 in SOFA score, OR 1.1 [1.0-1.2], p=0.001).
      Bacterial co-infections (OR 2.2 [1.4-3.6], p=0.001) and viral co-infections (OR
      3.1 [1.3-7.4], p=0.010) were both associated with death in bivariable analysis.
      Patients with a bacterial co-infection had a longer hospital stay, a longer ICU
      stay and were likely to have had a greater delay in the initiation of antiviral
      administration than patients without co-infection (p<0.05) in bivariable
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial co-infections were common, resulted in delay of
      antiviral therapy and were associated with increased resource allocation and
      higher mortality.

PMID- 27130982
TI  - The non-homologous end-joining pathway of S. cerevisiae works effectively in G1
      phase cells, and religates cognate ends correctly and non-randomly.
AB  - DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are potentially lethal lesions repaired by two
      major pathways: homologous recombination (HR) and non-homologous end-joining
      (NHEJ). Homologous recombination preferentially reunites cognate broken ends. In
      contrast, non-homologous end-joining could ligate together any two ends, possibly
      generating dicentric or acentric fragments, leading to inviability. Here, we
      characterize the yeast NHEJ pathway in populations of pure G1 phase cells, where
      there is no possibility of repair using a homolog. We show that in G1 yeast
      cells, NHEJ is a highly effective repair pathway for gamma-ray induced breaks,
      even when many breaks are present. Pulsed-field gel analysis showed chromosome
      karyotypes following NHEJ repair of cells from populations with multiple breaks.
      The number of reciprocal translocations was surprisingly low, perhaps zero,
      suggesting that NHEJ preferentially re-ligates the "correct" broken ends instead
      of randomly-chosen ends. Although we do not know the mechanism, the preferential
      correct ligation is consistent with the idea that broken ends are continuously
      held together by protein-protein interactions or by larger scale chromatin
      structure.

PMID- 27130984
TI  - Lobulated margination of liver hemangiomas: Is this a definitive feature?
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the occurrence rate of lobulated margination of hepatic
      hemangiomas. METHODS: The study population included 585 hemangiomas in 261
      patients (161 females; mean age: 51.9years). Two readers independently reviewed
      all cases. RESULTS: Hemangiomas with lobulated margins accounted for 74.7% of all
      lesions. The incidence of lobulated margins was significantly higher (P<.001) in
      medium- and large-sized hemangiomas (77.6% and 99.5%, respectively). The majority
      of hemangiomas with type-3 enhancement showed lobulated margins (83.5%) (P<.001).
      CONCLUSION: Virtually, all hemangiomas>18mm show lobulated margins. The majority
      of hemangiomas with type-3 enhancement show lobulated margins. Lack of lobulated
      margins in larger lesions lowers the likelihood ratio for being hemangiomas.

PMID- 27130985
TI  - Atypical accessory intraparietal sutures mimicking complex fractures in a
      neonate.
AB  - Partial or complete division of the parietal bones resulting in anomalous cranial
      sutures is a rare entity and may raise concern for fracture and potential abuse
      when identified on radiological examination in young children. We present a case
      of a 4-week-old male found to have anomalous intraparietal sutures originally
      interpreted as fractures during a comprehensive evaluation for nonaccidental
      trauma. Our goal is to raise awareness of a complex branching pattern of
      accessory intraparietal sutures, which has not been previously described.
      Additionally, we will review the characteristics that aid in the radiologic
      differentiation of accessory cranial sutures and fractures. 

PMID- 27130983
TI  - SUMOylation of Rad52-Rad59 synergistically change the outcome of mitotic
      recombination.
AB  - Homologous recombination (HR) is essential for maintenance of genome stability
      through double-strand break (DSB) repair, but at the same time HR can lead to
      loss of heterozygosity and uncontrolled recombination can be genotoxic. The post
      translational modification by SUMO (small ubiquitin-like modifier) has been shown
      to modulate recombination, but the exact mechanism of this regulation remains
      unclear. Here we show that SUMOylation stabilizes the interaction between the
      recombination mediator Rad52 and its paralogue Rad59 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
      Although Rad59 SUMOylation is not required for survival after genotoxic stress,
      it affects the outcome of recombination to promote conservative DNA repair. In
      some genetic assays, Rad52 and Rad59 SUMOylation act synergistically.
      Collectively, our data indicate that the described SUMO modifications affect the
      balance between conservative and non-conservative mechanisms of HR.

PMID- 27130986
TI  - CT features and analysis for misdiagnosis of parotid tuberculosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the computed tomography (CT) features and the reasons for
      misdiagnosis of parotid tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: CT features of 13 cases of
      parotid TB identified more than a 10-year period (2005-2015) were retrospectively
      analyzed. The CT features were analyzed for nature, range, and extent of the
      various pathological patterns. RESULTS: Because of the nonspecific CT features,
      10 of 13 cases were misdiagnosed as benign and malignant tumors of parotid gland
      and received surgery. Ten cases of lymph nodal TB, one case of parenchymal TB,
      and two cases of mixed (concurrence of lymph nodal and parenchymal types) TB were
      found in the parotid gland. On contrast-enhanced CT scan, two cases showed
      homogeneous enhancement and eight cases showed ring enhancement (including five
      cases with thin-walled ring enhancement, two cases with flower-ring enhancement,
      and one case with thick-walled and eccentric ring enhancement); diffuse
      enhancement was seen in the one case of parenchymal type; the two cases of mixed
      type showed diffuse enhancement of parotid gland and ring enhancement of lymph
      node. Thickened skin around the parotid gland was seen in eight cases, including
      sinus tract between the lesion and skin in two cases. Ipsilateral cervical
      lymphadenopathy was found in 10 patients and bilateral was found in 3 patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Nonspecific CT features of parotid TB closely relate with
      pathological changes. Recognition and understanding the spectrum of CT features
      of parotid TB is helpful for differential diagnosis, but the definitive diagnosis
      still depends on laboratory and pathological examination.

PMID- 27130987
TI  - CT predictors for selecting conservative surgery or adnexectomy to treat adnexal
      torsion.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify computed tomography (CT) findings for selection between
      conservative surgery and adnexectomy in patients of reproductive age with adnexal
      torsion. METHODS: This retrospective study included 54 consecutive patients who
      underwent preoperative CT imaging before undergoing either conservative surgery
      or adnexectomy to treat adnexal torsion. RESULTS: By multivariate analysis, CT
      finding of tubal thickening was significantly associated with the patients
      treated with adnexectomy (odds ratio=7.6, P=.008). CONCLUSION: Although the
      majority of patients of reproductive age with adnexal torsion can be treated with
      conservative surgery, patients who require adnexectomy tend to have a tubal
      thickening on CT.

PMID- 27130988
TI  - Detection of airborne bacteria with disposable bio-precipitator and NanoGene
      assay.
AB  - We demonstrated the detection of airborne bacteria by a disposable bio
      precipitator and NanoGene assay combination. The bio-precipitator employed micro
      corona discharge at 1960V and at less than 35uA to simultaneously charge, capture
      and lyse the airborne bacteria. This was enabled by the use of a 15MUL liquid
      anode. Using a custom exposure setup, the target bacterium Bacillus subtilis in
      the atomization solution was rendered airborne. After exposure, the liquid anode
      in the bio-precipitator was subsequently measured for DNA concentration and
      analyzed with the NanoGene assay. As the bacterial concentration increased from
      0.0104 to 42.6 g-DCW/L the released DNA concentration in the liquid anode
      increased from 2.10+/-1.57 to 75.00+/-7.15ng/MUL. More importantly, the NanoGene
      assay showed an increase in normalized fluorescence (gene quantification) from
      18.03+/-1.18 to 49.71+/-1.82 as the bacterial concentrations increased from
      0.0104 to 42.6 g-DCW/L. the electrical power consumption of the bio-precipitator
      was shown to be amenable for portable use. In addition, the detection limit of
      bio-precipitator and NanoGene assay combination in the context of environmentally
      relevant levels of airborne bacteria was also discussed. 

PMID- 27130989
TI  - Mode & mechanism of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) in fracture repair.
AB  - It has been 30years since the first level one clinical trial demonstrated low
      intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) could accelerate fracture repair. Since 1994
      numerous investigations have been performed on the effect of LIPUS. The majority
      of these studies have used the same signal parameters comprised of an intensity
      of 30mW/cm(2) SATA, an ultrasound carrier frequency of 1.5MHz, pulsed at 1kHz
      with an exposure time of 20minutes per day. These studies show that a biological
      response is stimulated in the cell which produces bioactive molecules. The
      production of these molecules, linked with observations demonstrating the
      enhanced effects on mineralization by LIPUS, might be considered the general
      manner, or mode, of how LIPUS stimulates fractures to heal. We propose a
      mechanism for how the LIPUS signal can enhance fracture repair by combining the
      findings of numerous studies. The LIPUS signal is transmitted through tissue to
      the bone, where cells translate this mechanical signal to a biochemical response
      via integrin mechano-receptors. The cells enhance the production of cyclo
      oxygenese 2 (COX-2) which in turn stimulates molecules to enhance fracture
      repair. The aim of this review is to present the state of the art data related to
      LIPUS effects and mechanism.

PMID- 27130990
TI  - Height of Northern Jordanian middle-class adults, born 1960-1990 in the response
      to improving socio-economic conditions.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to document and explain secular trends in stature
      among Northern Jordanian men and women between the years of birth 1960 and 1990,
      as they relate to overall per capita socio-economic improvement, the stature of
      360 adults from two Northern governorates, those of Jerash and Irbid, was
      measured. General linear model (GLM) was used to examine the effect of birth
      decade, education level of subject, and their interaction on mean stature of each
      sex separately. GLM results revealed that women who were born during the
      following three decades pooled together (1951-1980) did not differ significantly
      in mean stature from those born during (1981-1990). Among men, stature of those
      born in the two pooled birth-decades together (1951-1970) did not significantly
      differ of those were born in the two pooled birth-decades (1971-1990).

PMID- 27130991
TI  - Barriers to access to hepatitis C treatment.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Only
      1%-30% of patients in need of treatment may get it. In recent years, the
      availability of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) has been an important
      advancement in treating HCV infection. However, due to cost, it is not possible
      to receive these drugs in many countries where infection is endemic. In these low
      and middle-income countries, the main barriers to controlling HCV infection are
      lack of knowledge about the infection, constraints on diagnostic testing and
      treatment, and lack of experts. Both national and international support are
      essential to overcoming these barriers. In low- and middle-income countries,
      interferon and ribavirin-based therapies still are the first choices due to their
      availability and to government payment support. In addition, in developed
      countries, efforts to provide lower-cost DAA drugs continue. Pharmaceutical
      companies continue to research manufacture of bio-equivalent drugs to reduce
      treatment costs. Considering the fake drug market, all developments need to be
      monitored closely by the institutions involved. This review focuses on barriers
      to hepatitis C treatment and ways to overcome those barriers. 

PMID- 27130992
TI  - UPEC strain characterization isolated from Mexican patients with recurrent
      urinary infections.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Any microorganism is capable of causing urinary tract infections
      (UTI). However, Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is responsible for the
      majority of UTI. A variety of virulence genes have been identified in UPEC.
      Diverse epidemiological studies support that specific subsets of genes are
      characteristic of each E. coli uropathogenic subtype involved in the development
      of cystitis, pyelonephritis, and urosepsis. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-three E. coli
      strains isolated from women with cystitis, 25 from men with prostatitis were
      characterized according to serotype, virulence genes, PFGE profile and
      susceptibility antimicrobials. RESULTS: E. coli O25:H4-ST131 was more frequently
      isolated from cystitis than prostatitis. The majority of cystitis strains
      presented almost all the virulence genes, contrary to 60% of prostatitis strains.
      The strains characterized by serology, PFGE and MLST and virulence profile showed
      that cystitis strains shared a lineage with their own genomic fingerprint,
      indicating that these strains derived from a common ancestor. The prostatitis
      strains showed serotypes diverse and much higher degree of genetic diversity,
      indicating that they are an unrelated group.  More than 50% of isolates were
      resistant to at least 7 of the antimicrobials tested. Antibiotic-tolerant cells
      were observed, presenting with more frequency in response chloramphenicol,
      tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfometoxazole and dicloxicillin. CONCLUSIONS:
      Persister cells can be detected from the beginning of the infection. The
      importance of these persister cells that exhibit multidrug tolerance is that a
      single surviving bacterium can initiate again an infection making it clinical
      relevant in the chronic urinary tract infection.

PMID- 27130993
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors of MRSA, ESBL and MDR bacterial colonization upon
      admission to an Egyptian medical ICU.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bacterial colonization of the skin and mucous membranes of
      intensive care unit (ICU) patients with virulent organisms such as methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)
      producers, and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) frequently
      results in life-threatening infections. Universal screening of ICU patients upon
      admission has been suggested. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the
      prevalence and pattern of MRSA, ESBL, and MDR-GNB colonization in patients upon
      admission to an Egyptian medical ICU, along with the related demographic and
      clinical risk factors. METHODOLOGY: Throat, axillary, and groin swabs were
      obtained from all study participants in addition to rectal swabs from consenting
      patients. These swabs were screened for MRSA, ESBL, and MDR-GNB. RESULTS: Of the
      patients included in the study, 33%, 13%, and 63% were colonized with ESBL, MDR
      GNB, and MRSA organisms, respectively. Those suffering from a more severe disease
      with a simplified acute physiology score II (SAPS II) > 29 demonstrated higher
      levels of MDR-GNB colonization upon admission, while MDR-GNB or ESBL colonization
      upon admission was associated with higher ICU mortality. CONCLUSIONS:
      Colonization of ICU patients with superbugs upon admission has an impact on
      outcome and mortality. In this Egyptian example, colonization rates were higher
      than in other literature reports, demonstrating the need for routine screening
      and decolonization, if applicable.

PMID- 27130994
TI  - Virulence genotypes of clinical SalmonellaSerovars from broilers in Egypt.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Salmonella serovars are one of the primary foodborne pathogens.
      Poultry consumption is responsible for the majority of disease cases worldwide.
      The prevalence of virulence determinants among Salmonella serovars appears to be
      lacking in Egypt. Therefore, this study investigated the occurrence, antibiotic
      resistance patterns, and virulence gene profiling of Salmonella serovars in
      broilers. METHODOLOGY: Three hundred samples from broiler chickens were examined
      for the presence of Salmonella by standard microbiological techniques. All
      Salmonella isolates were tested for their sensitivity against ten antibiotics and
      subjected to virulence genotyping by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS:
      The overall isolation percentage of Salmonella was 17%. Seven different serovars
      were found, with the main one being Salmonella Typhimurium (52.94%). Salmonella
      isolates were sensitive to most of the tested antibiotics, but they exhibited
      absolute resistance against amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Nine Salmonella strains
      (52.94%) were resistant to at least three antibiotics. Further PCR investigations
      into 17 Salmonella strains revealed different distribution patterns of eight
      virulence determinants among the isolates. The invA gene was the most prevalent
      one (100%), followed by hilA (88.24%), stn (58.82%), and fliC genes (52.94%),
      while each of sopB and pefA genes had a similar prevalence (41.18%), and sefC and
      spvC genes had the lowest prevalence (11.76 and 5.88%, respectively). PCR
      genotyping allowed grouping of Salmonella strains into ten genetic profiles.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results will help in understanding the spread of virulence
      genotypes and antibiotic resistance among Salmonella serovars in broilers.

PMID- 27130995
TI  - Adherence to SATS antibiotic recommendations in patients with community acquired
      pneumonia in Johannesburg, South Africa.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic guidelines have been published by various societies
      indicating the optimal empiric antibiotic treatment of patients with community
      acquired pneumonia (CAP); however, no studies have been undertaken in South
      Africa investigating whether the most recent South African Thoracic Society
      (SATS) antibiotic CAP guideline, published in 2007, is being adhered to, or
      whether adherence is associated with improved patient outcomes. METHODOLOGY: This
      was a retrospective record review over a one-year period undertaken to document
      levels of adherence to the 2007 SATS guideline for CAP management in adults at an
      academic teaching hospital. RESULTS: A total of 181 patients with CAP were
      included in the study, of whom 101 were female, and 109 were known to be HIV
      seropositive. The majority (66%) of the patients received antibiotic treatment
      that was guideline-adherent. In those patients who received treatment that was
      non-adherent to the guideline recommendations, rather than receiving inadequate
      cover, they actually had received treatment that was in excess of what was
      recommended.  There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay
      among the two patient groups; however, a significantly longer time to clinical
      stability was found in patients who had received guideline-adherent treatment.
      Only one CAP patient died and therefore it was not possible to determine the
      impact of guideline adherence on patient mortality. CONCLUSION: Results of this
      study indicated a relatively high level of SATS guideline adherence. Guideline
      adherence was not associated with improved patient outcomes.

PMID- 27130996
TI  - Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli from raw vegetables in
      Lebanon.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fresh produce has been implicated in a number of documented
      outbreaks of foodborne illness caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Shiga
      toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) have been detected on vegetables, raising
      concerns about the prevalence of E. coli contamination in produce, which can take
      place at various points from farm to fork. This study aimed to detect the
      presence of STEC and multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli on fresh vegetables and
      water from different sources along the fresh produce supply chain in Lebanon.
      METHODOLOGY: E. coli isolates (n = 60) were group serotyped using trivalent
      antisera (trivalent 1 [O111+O55+O26], trivalent 2 [O86+O119+O127], trivalent 3
      [O125; O126; O128], and trivalent 4 [O114+O124+O142]) and tested for stx1 and
      stx2 genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Resistance to antimicrobial
      agents was determined using the disk diffusion method. RESULTS: The virulence
      genes stx1 and stx2 were not detected in any of the isolates. However, 60% of the
      isolates were MDR and predominantly observed in trivalent 2 (32%). It is
      postulated that the inadequate post-harvest washing contributed to transmission
      of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli at wholesale and retail levels. Fresh
      vegetables harbor MDR E. coli and their consumption poses risks of increasing the
      reservoir of antimicrobial resistance in the intestines of the Lebanese
      population. CONCLUSIONS: Greater emphasis should be placed on vigilant sanitation
      measures at the consumption level, and effective national risk mitigation
      strategies are crucial to minimize fecal contamination in the early stages of
      production, particularly in the post-harvest washing processes.

PMID- 27130997
TI  - Frequency of mutational changes in the embB among the ethambutol-resistant
      strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Iran.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Early detection of drug resistant tuberculosis is one of the main
      priorities of TB control program. Ethambutol (EMB) is a first-line anti-TB drug
      that is effective for preventing treatment failures caused by Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis strains that are resistant to other drugs. The aim of this study was
      to sequence the embB gene to characterize the mutations causing resistance to EMB
      and to analyze the relationship between bacterial genotype and EMB resistance
      among M. tuberculosis isolates in Iran. METHODOLOGY: A total of 20 M.
      tuberculosis isolates comprising 10 multidrug-resistant (MDR) and 10 non-MDR
      isolates, recovered from TB patients in four regions: Tehran, Isfahan, Zahedan,
      Khorasan, were analyzed. Mutational profiling was performed by amplifying and
      sequencing the embB gene. Spoligotyping was carried out to characterize the
      bacterial genotype. RESULTS: Phenotypic EMB resistance was found in 13 strains.
      Mutations affecting ethambutol resistance-determining region (ERDR) of the embB
      were identified in 6 of 13 EMB-resistant isolates. The majority of these
      mutations resulted in amino acid substitution at position 306 (M306V). A novel
      mutation at codon 366 was identified (S366L) in one isolate. Ural was the most
      predominant genotype in the studied population. Beijing genotype was associated
      with both MDR and EMB resistance in which all mutations occurred at codon 306 of
      the embB gene. CONCLUSION: A significant association between Beijing genotype and
      EMB resistance was found, mainly due to mutations at embB306. Results of this
      study can be used as a basis to develop or improve rapid molecular tests to
      monitor drug-resistant strains in this country.

PMID- 27130998
TI  - Peginterferon and Chinese herbs exert a combinatorial effect in HBeAg-positive
      chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Traditional Chinese herbs are widely used for the treatment of
      chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in China. The aim of this study was to perform a meta
      analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing peginterferon therapies
      with peginterferon plus Chinese herbal therapies in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)
      positive CHB patients. METHODOLOGY: The main biomedical databases were searched
      to identify RCTs that compared the efficiency of peginterferon with peginterferon
      plus Chinese herbs in CHB patients. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 616
      studies, and 8 RCTs (624 patients) matched the selection criteria. Combined
      therapies of peginterferon plus Chinese herbal therapies were superior to
      peginterferon therapies alone in achieving the serum HBV DNA clearance rate
      (64.5% vs. 45.0%), serum HBeAg clearance rate (47.4% vs. 33.5%), and HBeAg
      seroconversion rates (39.2% vs. 23.1%) at the end of treatment. Combined
      therapies were more effective than peginterferon alone therapies in the
      improvement of liver fibrosis related biomarkers, including hyaluronic acid,
      procollagen type III, type IV collagen, and lamina. Combined therapies also
      resulted in fewer relapses, fewer adverse events, and more rapid alanine
      transaminase normalization. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence suggests that
      peginterferon plus Chinese herbal therapies were associated with higher
      virological response than peginterferon alone in HBeAg-positive CHB patients.

PMID- 27130999
TI  - Seroprevalence rates of transfusion-transmitted infections among blood donors in
      Jordan.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Statistics on the prevalence of donor screening for hepatitis B
      surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in Jordan are
      outdated. There are no studies on the prevalence of anti-HIV I/II, anti-human T
      cell lymphotropic virus type I and II (anti-HTLV-I/II), or anti-syphilis. Data
      are also lacking on the prevalence and significance of using anti-HBc screening
      in Jordan. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of transfusion
      transmissible infections (TTI) among donors at King Hussein Cancer Center and
      compare it with neighboring countries and to evaluate the significance of
      screening for anti-HB core total (anti-HBc) antibodies. METHODOLOGY: A
      retrospective analysis covering the period from 2009 to 2013 was conducted on
      records of healthy donors. The number of donors was 10,101, 12,694, 13,387,
      14,256, and 12,495, respectively. Donors were screened for HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti
      HIV I/II, anti-HCV, and anti-HTLV-I/II using ELISA technique, while syphilis
      antibodies were detected using rapid chromatographic immunoassay. RESULTS: Among
      62,933 donors, the prevalence of HBsAg was 0.52%, of anti-HBc was 6.04%, and of
      anti-HCV was 0.16%. None of the donors were positive for anti-HIV I/II, anti-HTLV
      I/II, or anti-TP. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the seroprevalence
      for HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HCV in Jordan was low compared to neighboring
      countries. None of the donors were confirmed positive for anti-HIV I/II, anti
      HTLV I/II, or anti-TP during the studied period. This study demonstrates the
      importance of screening for anti-HBc to improve blood and platelet safety and
      stresses the need to complement it with an algorithm that qualifies reentry of
      anti-HBc false-positive donors.

PMID- 27131000
TI  - High hepatitis B seroprevalence and risk factors for infection in pregnant women
      on the Thailand-Myanmar Border.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Infection from Hepatitis B primarily results from peri-partum
      vertical transmission and the risk increases in the presence of hepatitis B e
      antigen. We aimed to evaluate a new screening program for hepatitis B in pregnant
      women as a component of antenatal services in a marginalized population.
      METHODOLOGY: Counseling and screening for hepatitis B screening was offered to
      all women at the first visit, at Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) antenatal
      clinics on the Thai-Myanmar border.  Point-of-care rapid diagnostic tests (RDT)
      were used throughout the period of evaluation. A certified Thai Public Health
      laboratory at Mae Sot Hospital verified RDT positive cases using enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for HBsAb and HBeAg. Risk factors for hepatitis B
      were identified by data linkage to antenatal care records. RESULTS: There were
      523 (8.5%) RDT positive for HBsAg among 6158 women tested (Aug-2012 to April
      2014). Of these 373 (96.9%) of 385 sent for confirmation were positive by ELISA
      i.e. RDT false positive rate of 3.1% (95% CI 1.7- 5.4). The overall confirmed
      HbsAg prevalence was 8.3% (511/6158) (95% CI 7.6-9.0). HBeAg prevalence was 32.7%
      (114/350) (95% CI 27.9-37.7) of cases tested. Risk factors for HBsAg positivity
      included age >25 years (OR 1.24, CI 1.03-1.49, p 0.021) and Karen heritage (OR
      1.73, CI 1.39-2.15, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: High hepatitis B seroprevalence
      amongst migrants and refugees accessing SMRU antenatal services likely reflects
      that of Kayin State, Myanmar, and perinatal prevention programs are required.
      False positive cases with HBsAg RDT complicate what is theoretically a
      straightforward screening.

PMID- 27131001
TI  - Evaluation of patients diagnosed with fascioliasis: A six-year experience at a
      university hospital in Turkey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this study, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and serological
      examinations of fascioliasis patients were analyzed, and data with a significant
      impact on differential diagnosis were evaluated. METHODOLOGY: Clinical,
      radiological, and laboratory findings and treatment responses of a total of 22
      fascioliasis patients, treated between October 2009 and September 2014, were
      evaluated. Nineteen patients were diagnosed with fascioliasis at the invasive
      phase and three patients at the chronic phase. Patients were followed up for
      clinical, laboratory, and radiology findings for a period of three months to one
      year after treatment. RESULTS: The most frequent complaints in both groups were
      abdominal pain, and the most common physical examination finding was epigastric
      tenderness. In the performed examination, an eosinophil elevation in whole blood
      count was detected in 19 patients (100%) in the hepatic phase, and in 2 patients
      (66.6%) in the biliary phase. The results of the Fasciola hepatica indirect
      hemagglutination assay (IHA) test ordered in the diagnosis were positive in all
      patients. Treatment with 10 mg/kg/day triclabendazole for two consecutive days
      was effective. Live parasites were extracted from patients in the biliary phase
      with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In the follow-ups, remission
      in IHA titer and clinical and radiological improvement was achieved in all
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: If hypereosinophilia is detected by peripheral smear in
      patients who are admitted with complaints such as abdominal pain, weakness,
      nausea, myalgia, and weight loss, radiological evaluation and serological tests
      should be performed and fascioliasis should be considered in the differential
      diagnosis.

PMID- 27131002
TI  - Prospective antimicrobial audit and feedback did not decrease case fatality:
      Experiences from a hospital in northern Taiwan.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although a prospective antimicrobial audit and feedback is an
      effective strategy in an antibiotic stewardship program, previous researchers
      have not adequately demonstrated a successful impact on patient outcomes. In this
      study, the causes of fatalities associated with a prospective antimicrobial audit
      and feedback were analyzed. METHODOLOGY: Between June and September 2014,
      applications for 16 target parenteral formulas (including ceftriaxone,
      ceftazidime, cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam, vancomycin, teicoplanin,
      ertapenem, imipenem/cilastatin, meropenem, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin,
      ciprofloxacin, tigecycline, linezolid, daptomycin, and amikacin), which were not
      approved by infectious diseases (ID) specialists, were followed up until patients
      were either discharged or passed away. RESULTS: Of the 292 cases studied, 193
      (66%) were male, with a mean age (standard deviation) of 65.5 (19.3) years. There
      were five reasons for rejection, including dosage adjustments (37%), no evidence
      of bacterial infection (28.8%), modifications according to antimicrobial
      susceptibility (18.8%), target pathogens not being covered (7.2%), and redundant
      therapy (4.1%). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that an age
      greater than 75 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32
      5.50; p = 0.005) was associated with significant mortality, while urinary tract
      (OR: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.09-0.70; p = 0.013) and soft tissue/bone infections (OR:
      0.18; 95% CI: 0.05-0.61; p = 0.006) were associated with survival. Adjustments
      according to ID physicians' recommendations were not statistically significant
      (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.27-1.06; p = 0.074). CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial adjustments
      according to ID physicians' recommendations showed only marginally preventative
      effects against fatalities.

PMID- 27131003
TI  - Shiga toxin-producing E. coli isolated from sheep in Namibia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are an important
      group of emerging zoonotic pathogens carried in the intestinal tracts of
      ruminants. They can cause mild diarrhea and fatal disease characterized by
      hemolytic uremic syndrome, especially in children, the elderly, and immune
      compromised individuals. METHODOLOGY: The aim of this study was to determine if
      sheep harbor STEC. Sheep feces (n = 40), brisket wool (n = 40), and 150 meat
      samples were collected from the flank (n = 35), rump (n = 35), brisket (n = 20),
      shank (n = 25), diaphragm (n = 10), and neck (n = 25) of slaughter-age sheep at a
      high-throughput abattoir and tested for STEC using a combination of culture and
      real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques. RESULTS: E. coli O103 (5/40) and
      O145 (5/40) strains were isolated from the feces and E. coli O157:H7 was isolated
      from brisket wool (10/40) and flank meat (5/35). The results of this study
      provide the first report of STEC infections in sheep in Namibia. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of this study show that sheep, like cattle, can shed STEC strains in
      their feces, which can contaminate meat and expose humans to infections.

PMID- 27131004
TI  - What clinical factors are associated with mortality in septicemic melioidosis? A
      report from an endemic area.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, has high
      mortality, particularly in its septicemic form. Data on the factors associated
      with mortality from melioidosis are still limited. METHODOLOGY: All patients (>=
      15 years of age) who were positive for melioidosis by blood culture in the year
      2009 were enrolled. The study was conducted at Khon Kaen Hospital, Thailand.
      Patients were divided into two groups: surviving and deceased. Multivariate
      logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with death by three
      models: clinical, laboratory, and combined. RESULTS: There were 97 patients who
      had blood cultures positive for melioidosis. The mortality rate was 54.17% (52
      patients). The clinical presentation model found one significant factor
      associated with mortality from septicemic melioidosis: pulmonary presentation.
      Two factors were statistically significant for death as determined by the
      laboratory model: white blood cell count (WBC) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
      value. For the combined model, three significant factors were associated with
      death: pulmonary presentation, WBC, and BUN. The adjusted odds ratios (95%
      confidence interval) of the three factors were 10.739 (3.300-34.953), 0.930
      (0.877-0.985), and 1.057 (1.028-1.087), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Three clinical
      factors associated with mortality in septicemic melioidosis were pulmonary
      presentation, white blood cell count, and blood urea nitrogen level. Physicians
      should be aware of high mortality if septicemic melioidosis patients have these
      clinical features. Aggressive treatment may be needed.

PMID- 27131005
TI  - Carriage prevalence of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi in gallbladders of
      adult autopsy cases from Mozambique.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Typhoid fever is an important public health problem in many low
      income countries where asymptomatic carriers play an important role in its
      dissemination. The bacterium causing typhoid fever can live in the gallstones of
      asymptomatic persons after the infection. These carriers are reservoirs of S.
      Typhi, are highly contagious, and spread the disease through the secretion of
      bacteria in feces and urine. The aim of this study was to determine the carrier
      rate in an area of Mozambique. METHODOLOGY: The presence of S. Typhi was analyzed
      in gallbladder samples obtained from 99 adult corpses (in-hospital deaths) from
      Mozambique by gold-standard culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS:
      Only one sample was positive with the culture. However, nine additional samples
      were positive by PCR and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Thus, the prevalence of S.
      Typhi was 10.1% (10/99). CONCLUSIONS: We report a high prevalence of S. Typhi in
      gallbladders among adult autopsy cases from Mozambique.

PMID- 27131006
TI  - Prevalence of Neisseria meningitidis carriage: a small-scale survey in Istanbul,
      Turkey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The human nasopharynx is the main reservoir of Neisseria
      meningitidis, and asymptomatic carriage is common. N. meningitidis one of the
      common causes of bacterial meningitis in Turkey, especially after the
      implementation of the national immunization program that includes conjugated
      pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the prevalence of meningococcal carriage and determine the
      leading serogroup, which may help authorities to adapt appropriate meningococal
      vaccine into the national immunization programme. METHODOLOGY: The prevalence of
      oropharyngeal carriage of N. meningitidis in 1,000 healthy subjects, 0-79 years
      of age, was investigated. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected during an 18-month
      period. Samples obtained were inoculated onto Thayer-Martin agar. The API-NH test
      and VITEK-MS system were used for identification of colonies. Multiplex real-time
      polymerase chain reaction assay was used to determine serogroups with serogroup
      specific genes. RESULTS: N. meningitidis was isolated from 6 of 1,000 subjects
      (0.6%). Meningoccocal carriers were between 21 and 40 years of age. All isolates
      were serogrouped as B, except one that did not survive on subculture. N.
      lactamica was isolated from 13 of 1,000 subjects (1.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Carriage
      rate of meningococci in our study was relatively low. However, we detected that
      serogroup B was the leading strain in meningococcal carriage in Istanbul;
      choosing an appropriate meningococcal vaccine containing serogroup B should
      therefore be considered. High absolute humidity throughout the year in Istanbul
      may explain the low prevalence of carriage in our study. This should be verified
      with a multicenter national survey.

PMID- 27131007
TI  - Comparison of GeneXpert MTB/RIF and conventional methods for the diagnosis of
      tuberculosis in Kosovo.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem worldwide, with
      the highest mortality occurring in developing countries. The burden of TB in
      Kosovo is among the highest in Europe. The aim of this study was to compare
      Cepheid GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay for direct detection of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and rifampin (RIF) resistance with conventional
      methods. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional design to evaluate diagnostic tests was
      carried out at the Department of Microbiology, National Institute of Public
      Health of Kosovo and Lung Clinic, from January to June 2014. The detection of
      MTBC and RIF resistance using the Xpert MTB/RIF assay was assessed in 116
      specimens received from 110 patients suspected of having TB and compared with
      conventional smear microscopy and culture methods. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients
      (52.7%) were male, and the mean age was 48.6+/-18.1 years. Twenty-nine patients
      (26.4%) had underlying lung diseases. Of the 116 specimens investigated, 28
      (24.1%) were MTBC-positive by culture, while 34 (29.3%) were positive by Xpert
      assay. Two samples showed false-negative Xpert results. Compared with culture,
      the Xpert assay achieved 82.3% (95% CI: 65.5%-93.2%) sensitivity, and 97.6% (95%
      CI: 91.5%-99.7%) specificity. GeneXpert could detect 11.7% and 50% additional
      positive cases as compared to Lowenstein-Jensen culture and smear microscopy,
      respectively. Three cases with resistance to rifampin were detected from clinical
      isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay is a helpful tool for rapid
      diagnosis and prompt treatment of TB.

PMID- 27131008
TI  - Glycated hemoglobin screening identifies patients admitted for retreatment of
      tuberculosis at risk for diabetes in Tanzania.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: World Health Organization recommendations of bidirectional
      screening for tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes have been met with varying levels of
      uptake by national TB programs in resource-limited settings. METHODOLOGY:
      Kibong'oto Infectious Diseases Hospital (KIDH) is a referral hospital for TB from
      northern Tanzania, and the national referral hospital for multidrug-resistant
      (MDR)-TB. Glycated hemoglobin (HgbA1c) testing was done on patients admitted to
      KIDH for newly diagnosed TB, retreatment TB, and MDR-TB, to determine the point
      prevalence of diabetes (HgbA1c >= 6.5%) and prediabetes (HgbA1c 5.7%-6.4%).
      RESULTS: Of 148 patients hospitalized at KIDH over a single week, 59 (38%) had no
      prior TB treatment, 22 (15%) were retreatment cases, and 69 (47%) had MDR-TB.
      Only 3 (2%) had a known history of diabetes. A total of 144 (97%) had successful
      screening, of which 110 (77%) had an HgbA1c <= 5.6%, 28 (19%) had >= 5.7 < 6.5,
      and 6 (4%) had >= 6.5. Comparing subjects with prediabetes or diabetes to those
      with normal A1c levels, retreatment patients were significantly more likely to
      have a A1c >= 5.7% (odds ratio: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.2-9.0; p = 0.02) compared to those
      without prior TB treatment. No retreatment case was a known diabetic, thus the
      number needed to screen to diagnose one new case of diabetes among retreatment
      cases was 11. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes prevalence by HgbA1c was less common than
      expected, but higher HgA1c values were significantly more frequent among
      retreatment cases, allowing for a rational, resource-conscious screening
      approach.

PMID- 27131009
TI  - Serologic and molecular characteristics of hepatitis B virus infection in
      vaccinated schizophrenia patients in China.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have indicated that the patients with psychiatric
      illness were at higher risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the
      efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine in schizophrenia patients remains unclear.
      METHODOLOGY: Between June 2014 and January 2015, 415 schizophrenia patients and
      3,038 controls who had been routinely immunized as infants were recruited in the
      present study. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBsAb, and HBV DNA were
      detected with commercial methods according to the manufacturer's protocol. A 600
      bp region of the S gene (region nt236-nt835) was amplified by nested polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR). The genotypes of isolated HBV were identified using
      phylogenetic analysis by the neighbor-joining algorithm in the software MEGA
      version 4.1. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of HBsAg in schizophrenia patients was
      6.75%, which was significantly higher than 3.32% measured in controls. HBsAg
      prevalence was 7.94% in male schizophrenia patients and 5.47% in female
      schizophrenia patients, while it was only 4.04% in males and 2.08% in females in
      the control group. The HBsAb seroprevalence rate was 58.31% in schizophrenia
      patients and 59.94% in non-schizophrenia controls. Moreover, one HBV strain in
      the schizophrenia group presented I126S vaccine escape mutation (5.88%), while
      three HBV isolates showed Q129H, M133L, and G145R vaccine escape mutations in the
      control group (6.81%). CONCLUSIONS: Schizophrenia patients are at higher risk for
      HBV infection, even those who had received routine immunization. Therefore, a
      booster HB vaccination targeted at schizophrenia patients should be considered in
      the future.

PMID- 27131010
TI  - Brucella suis bacteremia misidentified as Ochrobactrum anthropi by the VITEK 2
      system.
AB  - Ochrobactrum and Brucella are genetically related genera of the family
      Brucellaceae, sharing 98.8% rRNA similarity. Because of their phenotypic
      similarity, Ochrobactrum can be miscoded as Brucella by automated identification
      systems. The misidentification on blood cultures (BCs) of B. suis as O. anthropi
      by the VITEK 2 system is herein described. A 67-year-old male with a prosthetic
      mitral valve and fever was admitted with bacteremia due to a Gram-negative
      coccobacillus identified as O. anthropi by VITEK 2. The patient's fever persisted
      along with positive blood cultures despite specific antimicrobial treatment. Due
      to this adverse outcome, the patient was interrogated again and admitted having
      domestic swine. Serological tests were positive for acute brucellosis. Polymerase
      chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of BC strains
      identified B. suis biovar 1. Timely identification of Brucella is essential for
      providing proper treatment to the patient and for advising safe handling of
      laboratory cultures in biological safety cabinets to prevent laboratory-acquired
      infection. Countries where brucellosis is endemic must be aware of this
      possibility. 

PMID- 27131011
TI  - Salmonella pneumonia complicated with encysted empyema in an immunocompromised
      youth: Case report and literature Review.
AB  - In this case report we described a Bahraini male patient of twenty years of age,
      a smoker and diagnosed with stage IV B Hodgkin lymphoma. He presented with fever,
      nonproductive cough, upper back pain and shortness of breath due to right upper
      lobe pneumonia with right encysted pleural effusion. Salmonella enterica serotype
      Enteritidis was isolated from the sputum. He was successfully treated with 2
      weeks of ceftriaxone followed by 2 weeks of oral cefixime. This was the first
      case of encysted empyema caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis
      reported in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The different aspects of pulmonary Salmonella
      infections were discussed and the literature was reviewed. 

PMID- 27131012
TI  - Dissemination and evolution of blaOXA-23 gene among carbapenem-resistant
      Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from central China.

PMID- 27131013
TI  - Outbreak of Adenovirus serotype 8 keratoconjunctivitis in Puducherry, South
      India: a molecular epidemiological study.

PMID- 27131014
TI  - What is causing anemia in young children and why is it so persistent?

PMID- 27131015
TI  - Can procalcitonin be a diagnostic marker for catheter-related blood stream
      infection in children?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The potential role of procalcitonin (PCT) in the diagnosis of catheter
      related bloodstream infection (CRBSIs) is still unclear and requires further
      research. The diagnostic value of serum PCT for the diagnosis of CRBSI in
      children is evaluated here. METHOD: This study was conducted between October 2013
      and November 2014, and included patients with suspected CRBSI from 1 month to 18
      years of age who were febrile, with no focus of infection, and had a central
      venous catheter. Levels of PCT and other serum markers were measured, and their
      utility as CRBSI markers was assessed. Additionally, the clinical performance of
      a new, automated, rapid, and quantitative assay for the detection of PCT was
      tested. RESULTS: Among the 49 patients, 24 were diagnosed with CRBSI. The PCT
      Kryptor and PCT-RTA values were significantly higher in proven CRBSI compared to
      those in unproven CRBSI (p=0.03 and p=0.03, respectively). There were no
      differences in white blood cell count and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels between
      proven CRBSI and unproven CRBSI. Among the 24 patients with CRBSI, CRP was
      significantly higher among those with Gram-negative bacterial infection than in
      those with Gram-positive bacterial infections. PCT-Kryptor was also significantly
      higher among patients with Gram-negative bacterial infection than in those with
      Gram-positive bacterial infections (p=0.01 and p=0.02, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: The authors suggest that PCT could be a helpful rapid diagnostic
      marker in children with suspected CRBSIs.

PMID- 27131016
TI  - An approach for environmental risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials using
      Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy inference rules.
AB  - The usage of Engineered Nanoparticles (ENPs) in consumer products is relatively
      new and there is a need to conduct environmental risk assessment (ERA) to
      evaluate their impacts on the environment. However, alternative approaches are
      required for ERA of ENPs because of the huge gap in data and knowledge compared
      to conventional pollutants and their unique properties that make it difficult to
      apply existing approaches. This study aims to propose an ERA approach for ENPs by
      integrating Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fuzzy inference models which
      provide a systematic evaluation of risk factors and reducing uncertainty about
      the data and information, respectively. Risk is assumed to be the combination of
      occurrence likelihood, exposure potential and toxic effects in the environment. A
      hierarchy was established to evaluate the sub factors of these components.
      Evaluation was made with fuzzy numbers to reduce uncertainty and incorporate the
      expert judgements. Overall score of each component was combined with fuzzy
      inference rules by using expert judgements. Proposed approach reports the risk
      class and its membership degree such as Minor (0.7). Therefore, results are
      precise and helpful to determine the risk management strategies. Moreover,
      priority weights calculated by comparing the risk factors based on their
      importance for the risk enable users to understand which factor is effective on
      the risk. Proposed approach was applied for Ag (two nanoparticles with different
      coating) and TiO2 nanoparticles for different case studies. Results verified the
      proposed benefits of the approach.

PMID- 27131017
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of dust-induced toxicity in human corneal epithelial cells:
      Water and organic extract of office and house dust.
AB  - Human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells are continually exposed to dust in the air,
      which may cause corneal epithelium damage. Both water and organic soluble
      contaminants in dust may contribute to cytotoxicity in HCE cells, however, the
      associated toxicity mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In this study, indoor
      dust from residential houses and commercial offices in Nanjing, China was
      collected and the effects of organic and water soluble fraction of dust on
      primary HCE cells were examined. The concentrations of heavy metals in the dust
      and dust extracts were determined by ICP-MS and PAHs by GC-MS, with office dust
      having greater concentrations of heavy metals and PAHs than house dust. Based on
      LC50, organic extract was more toxic than water extract, and office dust was more
      toxic than house dust. Accordingly, the organic extracts induced more ROS,
      malondialdehyde, and 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine and higher expression of
      inflammatory mediators (IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8), and AhR inducible genes
      (CYP1A1, and CYP1B1) than water extracts (p<0.05). Extracts of office dust
      presented greater suppression of superoxide dismutase and catalase activity than
      those of house dust. In addition, exposure to dust extracts activated NF-kappaB
      signal pathway except water extract of house dust. The results suggested that
      both water and organic soluble fractions of dust caused cytotoxicity, oxidative
      damage, inflammatory response, and activation of AhR inducible genes, with
      organic extracts having higher potential to induce adverse effects on primary HCE
      cells. The results based on primary HCE cells demonstrated the importance of
      reducing contaminants in indoor dust to reduce their adverse impacts on human
      eyes.

PMID- 27131019
TI  - Transitions in individuality through symbiosis.
AB  - When a more complex, functionally integrated entity emerges from the association
      of simpler, initially independent entities, a major evolutionary transition has
      occurred. Transitions that result from the association of different species
      include the evolution of the eukaryotic cell and some obligate mutualisms. Recent
      studies are revolutionizing our understanding of how these intimate interspecific
      associations come to be, revealing how and to what extent each partner
      contributes to the relationship, and how partners mediate conflict. Here, we
      review work on the evolution of mutualistic symbioses in the context of
      transitions in individuality and highlight how a better mechanistic understanding
      of the ecological drivers of host-symbiont interdependencies can help elucidate
      the evolutionary path to symbiotic organismality.

PMID- 27131018
TI  - Herpesvirus Infections and Risk of Frailty and Mortality in Older Women: Women's
      Health and Aging Studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between herpesvirus infections and
      mortality and incident frailty risks in community-dwelling older women. DESIGN:
      Nested prospective cohort study. SETTING: Women's Health and Aging Studies I and
      II. PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling older women aged 70 to 79 (n = 633).
      MEASUREMENTS: Baseline serum antibody (immunoglobulin G) levels against four
      herpesviruses (herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2), varicella
      zoster virus (VZV), 7 Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)), 3-year incident frailty rates,
      and 5-year mortality. RESULTS: Women seropositive for HSV-1 and HSV-2, but not
      VZV and EBV, had higher risk of 3-year incident frailty (HSV-1: hazard ratio (HR)
      = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96-3.74; HSV-2: HR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.05
      4.37) and 5-year mortality (HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 0.93-3.20; HR = 1.80, 95% CI =
      0.94-3.44, respectively) than seronegative women. Incremental increases in serum
      HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibody levels were associated with incrementally higher risks
      of incident frailty and mortality. After adjustment for potential confounders,
      only higher serum HSV-2 antibody level was independently predictive of higher
      risk of mortality in older women (for each unit increase in antibody index, HR =
      1.47, 95% CI = 1.05-2.07). CONCLUSION: HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibody levels are not
      independently associated with risk of incident frailty in older women. Only HSV-2
      antibody level is independently predictive of 5-year mortality risk, with each
      incremental increase in the antibody level adding further risk.

PMID- 27131020
TI  - The role of giant viruses of amoebas in humans.
AB  - Since 2003, dozens of giant viruses that infect amoebas (GVA), including
      mimiviruses and marseilleviruses, have been discovered. These giants appear to be
      common in our biosphere. From the onset, their presence and possible pathogenic
      role in humans have been serendipitously observed or investigated using a broad
      range of technological approaches, including culture, electron microscopy,
      serology and various techniques based on molecular biology. The link between
      amoebal mimiviruses and pneumonia has been the most documented, with findings
      that fulfill several of the criteria considered as proof of viral disease
      causation. Regarding marseilleviruses, they have been mostly described in
      asymptomatic persons, and in a lymph node adenitis. The presence and impact of
      GVA in humans undoubtedly deserve further investigation in medicine.

PMID- 27131021
TI  - Microsatellite instability and B-type Raf proto-oncogene mutation in colorectal
      cancer: Clinicopathological characteristics and effects on survival.
AB  - Prognostic significance of microsatellite instability (MSI) status and B-type Raf
      proto-oncogene (BRAF) mutation in colorectal cancer is controversial. The aim of
      this study was to examine the clinical and pathological characteristics
      associated with microsatellite stability and the effect of MSI and BRAF mutation
      on the survival of patients with colorectal cancer. The study included 145
      colorectal cancer cases. All the patients were examined for DNA mismatch repair
      (MMR) proteins with an immunohistochemical method. Molecular assessment of MSI
      was available in a subset of 41 patients. In addition, BRAF mutation analysis was
      performed in 30 cases. Immunohistochemically, MMR deficiency was present in 28
      (19.3%) patients. Female gender (p = 0.001), lesion size >=5 cm (p = 0.013),
      Crohn-like response (p = 0.035), and right-sided localization (p < 0.001) were
      significantly more frequent among MMR-deficient patients. The overall survival
      was 44.1 +/- 5.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 33.7-54.4). Multivariate
      analyses identified only high tumor grade as an independent predictor of poor
      overall survival: odd ratio, 6.7 (95% CI 2.1-21.7), p = 0.002. In the subset of
      patients with available BRAF assessment (n = 30), a negative BRAF status was
      associated with better survival when compared to a positive BRAF status (36.7 +/-
      2.1 vs. 34.1 +/- 7.2 months, p = 0.048). The sensitivity and specificity of the
      immunohistochemical method in predicting positive MSI status, with the molecular
      method as a reference, were 85.7% (95% CI: 56.2%-97.5%) and 88.9% (95% CI: 69.7%
      97.1%), respectively. BRAF appears to be a significant predictor of a worse
      outcome in patients with colorectal cancer. Further studies with a large spectrum
      of clinical and biological variables are warranted.

PMID- 27131022
TI  - Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma (MASC) of the salivary gland: A new tumor
      entity.
AB  - Mammary analogue secretory carcinoma (MASC) is a recently described low-grade
      malignant tumor of the salivary glands, biologically and morphologically
      equivalent to secretory breast carcinoma. We give a brief overview of this new
      entity, including morphological, immunohistochemical, molecular-genetic,
      clinical, epidemiologic features, differential diagnosis, and outcome results. 

PMID- 27131023
TI  - Perforation of gastric cancer - What should the surgeon do?
AB  - Perforation represents a rare and severe complication of gastric cancer (GC) with
      a large hospital mortality (8-82%). The aim of this study is to evaluate the
      clinical-pathological features in patients with perforated gastric cancer (PGC)
      and to advise the surgical treatment options. A total of 11 patients with PGC
      were retrospectively reviewed among 376 consecutive cases of GC operated. The
      clinical-pathological features including tumor stage, survival, and the type of
      treatment were observed. The perforation was more frequent in stage III (8
      patients) and in stage IV (3 patients), but none of the cases in stage I and II
      GC were observed. All the patients had serosal invasion and lymph node
      metastasis. Limited lymphadenectomy (D0, D1) was performed in 5 patients, and
      extended lymphadenectomy (D2, D3) in 3 patients. Emergency gastrectomy was
      performed in 8 (72.8%) patients, subtotal gastrectomy in 5 (45.5%), and total
      gastrectomy in 3 (27.2%) cases. Three (27.2%) patients were treated by simple
      closure with omental patch. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 46%. The
      survival rate was higher among the patients who underwent curative resection
      (75.77+/-68.88 days) than in those who underwent simple closure with omental
      patch (18.00+/-24.43 days). The difference between the treatments in these groups
      was significant (p < 0.05). PGC required surgical emergency. Curative resection
      improved long-term survival in the patients with potentially curable gastric
      malignancy. Unsuccessful outcomes after PGC could be attributed to the poor
      condition of the patients and the advanced disease stage. 

PMID- 27131024
TI  - Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein-based decision tree model for distinguishing
      PFAPA flares from acute infections.
AB  - As no specific laboratory test has been identified, PFAPA (periodic fever,
      aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis) remains a diagnosis of
      exclusion. We searched for a practical use of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive
      protein (CRP) in distinguishing PFAPA attacks from acute bacterial and viral
      infections. Levels of PCT and CRP were measured in 38 patients with PFAPA and 81
      children diagnosed with an acute bacterial (n=42) or viral (n=39) infection.
      Statistical analysis with the use of the C4.5 algorithm resulted in the following
      decision tree: viral infection if CRP<=19.1 mg/L; otherwise for cases with
      CRP>19.1 mg/L: bacterial infection if PCT>0.65ng/mL, PFAPA if PCT<=0.65 ng/mL.
      The model was tested using a 10-fold cross validation and in an independent test
      cohort (n=30), the rule's overall accuracy was 76.4% and 90% respectively.
      Although limited by a small sample size, the obtained decision tree might present
      a potential diagnostic tool for distinguishing PFAPA flares from acute infections
      when interpreted cautiously and with reference to the clinical context. 

PMID- 27131025
TI  - Brachiomedian artery (arteria brachiomediana) revisited: a comprehensive review.
AB  - This article reviews in detail the superficial brachiomedian artery (arteria
      brachiomediana superficialis), a very rare variant of the main arterial trunks of
      the upper limb. It branches either from the axillary artery or the brachial
      artery, descends superficially in the arm (similar to the course of the
      superficial brachial artery) and continues across the cubital fossa, runs
      superficially in the forearm, approaches the median nerve and enters the carpal
      canal to reach the hand. It usually terminates in the superficial palmar arch.
      The first drawing was published, in 1830, and the first description was
      published, in 1844. Altogether, to our knowledge, only 31 cases of a true,
      superficial brachiomedian artery have been reported (Some cases are incorrectly
      reported as superficial brachioradiomedian artery or superficial
      brachioulnomedian artery). Based on a meta-analysis of known, available studies,
      the incidence is 0.23% in Caucasians and 1.48% in Mongolians. Knowing whether or
      not this arterial variant is present is important in clinical medicine and
      relevant for: The catheterization via the radial or ulnar artery; harvesting the
      vascular pedicle for a forearm flap based on the radial, ulnar or superficial
      brachiomedian arteries; the possible collateral circulation in cases of the
      arterial closure; and the surgical management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Its
      presence can elevate the danger of an injury to the superficially located variant
      artery or of an accidental injection. 

PMID- 27131026
TI  - Simultaneous segmentation and anatomical labeling of the cerebral vasculature.
AB  - We present a novel algorithm for the simultaneous segmentation and anatomical
      labeling of the cerebral vasculature. Unlike existing approaches that first
      attempt to obtain a good segmentation and then perform labeling, we optimize for
      both by simultaneously taking into account the image evidence and the prior
      knowledge about the geometry and connectivity of the vasculature. This is
      achieved by first constructing an overcomplete graph capturing the vasculature,
      and then selecting and labeling the subset of edges that most likely represents
      the true vasculature. We formulate the latter problem as an Integer Program (IP),
      which can be solved efficiently to provable optimality. We evaluate our approach
      on a publicly available dataset of 50 cerebral MRA images, and demonstrate that
      it compares favorably against state-of-the-art methods.

PMID- 27131028
TI  - APIC MegaSurvey results to be revealed at Annual Conference.

PMID- 27131027
TI  - PPARgamma affects nitric oxide in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed
      to Porphyromonas gingivalis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Porphyromonas gingivalis induces nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor (PPARgamma) has an anti-inflammation function, and its involvement in
      this NO induction process requires elucidation. Here, we focused on PPARgamma
      expression in HUVECs exposed to P. gingivalis, and investigated its effects on NO
      synthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HUVECs were time-dependently stimulated by P.
      gingivalis W83 for 0-24h. PPARgamma expression was assessed at the mRNA and
      protein levels, and PPARgamma activation was measured using dual-luciferase
      reporter assays. NO synthesis and NO synthase (NOS) expression in response to P.
      gingivalis were examined in HUVECs pretreated with representative PPARgamma
      agonist (15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 10MUM) or antagonist (GW9662
      10MUM). In addition, NO synthesis and NOS expression in the P. gingivalis
      infected and control groups were detected. RESULTS: The PPARgamma mRNA level in
      HUVECs increased after exposure to P. gingivalis for 1h and its protein level
      increased at 2h. Luciferase-induced PPARgamma increased in P. gingivalis-exposed
      HUVECs. NO synthesis in the infected group at 4h, and in the PPARgamma-activated
      group at 8h, was higher than that in controls. Inducible NOS increased in the
      infected and PPARgamma-activated groups at 4 and 8h. The total endothelial NOS
      (eNOS) and phospho-eNOS levels were lower in the infected group than controls,
      but did not change in the PPARgamma-activated group. CONCLUSIONS: Activated
      PPARgamma induces NO generation through the NOS pathway in HUVECs exposed to P.
      gingivalis.

PMID- 27131029
TI  - Mandibular Access Osteotomy for Tumor Ablation: Could a More Tissue-Preserving
      Technique Affect Healing Outcome?
AB  - PURPOSE: Paramedial mandibulotomy facilitates access for the resection of tumors
      in the oral and oropharyngeal space; however, severe complications related to
      surgical techniques and radiotherapy have been reported for this procedure. This
      study evaluated whether preservation of the periosteum during a mandibulotomy
      would decrease postoperative complications owing to the increased healing
      capacity provided by preserving more tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who
      underwent mandibulotomy for surgical tumor ablation from 2007 through 2012 were
      included in a retrospective controlled cohort study. The trial was comprised of 2
      groups: 1 group underwent subperiosteal and 1 group underwent supraperiosteal
      surgical dissection in the area of the mandibulotomy. The primary predictor
      variable was surgical technique and the primary outcome variable was surgical
      complications. The groups were matched according to tumor type, age, and gender.
      Clinical and radiographic follow-up was performed 12 months after surgery.
      Complications regarding bone exposure, plate exposure, osteoradionecrosis,
      nonunion, infection of the soft tissue flap, abscesses, fistulas, and gingival
      necrosis were recorded. Recordings of other factors, such as age, smoking habits,
      and timing of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, were performed and the 2 groups were
      compared for postoperative complications. Data analysis used the chi(2) test
      (Fisher exact test) to compare the sub- and supraperiosteal groups for
      postoperative complications. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were included (16 per
      group; 14 women and 18 men; mean age, 56 yr). Thirteen patients in the
      subperiosteal group and 7 in the supraperiosteal group showed complications
      during the first 12 months. Seven patients had complications that persisted to
      the 12-month follow-up (6 in the subperiosteal group and 1 in the supraperiosteal
      group); however, the difference was not statistically relevant. CONCLUSION: This
      study found more persistent complications in the subperiosteal group compared
      with the supraperiosteal group at 12-month follow-up, which could imply that a
      more tissue-preserving surgical technique promotes mandibular healing in patients
      undergoing mandibular access osteotomy in combination with radiotherapy.

PMID- 27131030
TI  - Carcinoma Ex Pleomorphic Adenoma: Is It a High-Grade Malignancy?
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to investigate the clinicopathologic
      features of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) and comprehensively improve
      an understanding of this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study
      investigated 151 cases of histologically confirmed CXPA. Disease-specific
      survival, local recurrence, and regional and distant metastases were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Most cases were classed as frankly invasive CXPA (135 of 151). More than
      half these cases (73 of 135; 54.1%) developed local recurrence; 25 (18.5%)
      developed cervical metastasis; 21 (15.6%) developed distant metastasis; and 60
      patients (55.6%) died during follow-up. In contrast, only 1 patient in the
      noninvasive CXPA group (n = 10) died after treatment for lung metastasis and 1
      patient developed cervical metastasis. Similarly, only 1 patient in the minimally
      invasive CXPA group (n = 6) died of lung metastasis and the remaining 5 patients
      had an uneventful recovery after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Frankly invasive CXPA
      was a high-grade malignancy with an unfavorable prognosis. Elective neck
      dissection should be performed in cases of frankly invasive CXPA that originate
      in the submandibular gland. Patients with minimally invasive and noninvasive CXPA
      should be followed closely after primary treatment because regional or distant
      metastasis can occur.

PMID- 27131031
TI  - Botulinum Neurotoxin A for Parotid Enlargement in Cystic Fibrosis: The First Case
      Report.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal autosomal recessive genetic
      disease associated with exocrine gland dysfunction. Salivary gland involvement is
      a common finding. The literature on submaxillary gland involvement has failed to
      address the parotid gland and any specific treatment of salivary gland
      manifestations of CF. Treatment is mainly symptomatic, consisting of analgesics,
      gustatory stimulation, and massage. Salivary secretion has clearly been linked to
      parasympathetic and sympathetic signals through intracellular calcium release. CF
      alters salivary composition with increased calcium and phosphorus concentrations
      and causes histologic changes (duct enlargement, dilation of acini, and abnormal
      mucous plugs). This study investigated whether botulinum toxin injected into the
      parotid gland during an acute exacerbation of CF-associated salivary gland
      disease could alleviate pain and control future exacerbations.

PMID- 27131032
TI  - Comparison of Oral Function: Free Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flaps Versus
      Vascularized Free Forearm Flap for Reconstruction in Patients Undergoing
      Glossectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluated oral function in patients with tongue cancer who
      underwent immediate free flap reconstruction surgery. In addition, the efficacy
      of the anterolateral thigh perforator free flap (ALTFF) and the radial free
      forearm flap (RFFF) for reconstruction was compared in patients with glossectomy.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-seven patients undergoing complete or partial
      glossectomy and reconstruction with free flaps were grouped according to flap
      type (ALTFF vs RFFF). Oral functions were assessed using the European
      Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire
      Head and Neck Module, the University of Washington Quality of Life, and the 14
      item Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaires at 6 and 12 months after
      reconstructive surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-seven of 80 questionnaires (83.75%) were
      returned. There were significant differences between the 2 groups concerning the
      style of resection (P < .005). For all oral function domains, the score improved
      progressively after the operation (6 and 12 months after the procedure). There
      were no meaningful differences between the 2 flap types for all oral function
      domains at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Using the RFFF or ALTFF for reconstruction of
      tongue defects after cancer resection meaningfully influences oral function. Free
      flap reconstruction of the tongue is the most critical factor in achieving a
      successful functional result.

PMID- 27131033
TI  - Formation of brominated phenolic contaminants from natural manganese oxides
      catalyzed oxidation of phenol in the presence of Br(.).
AB  - Brominated phenolic compounds (BPCs) are a class of persistent and potentially
      toxic compounds ubiquitously present in the aquatic environment. However, the
      origin of BPCs is not clearly understood. In this study, we investigated the
      formation of BPCs from natural manganese oxides (MnOx)-catalyzed oxidation of
      phenol in the presence of Br(-). Experiments at ambient temperature clearly
      demonstrated that BPCs were readily produced via the oxidation of phenol by MnOx
      in the presence of Br(-). In the reaction of MnOx sand with 0.213 MUmol/L phenol
      and 0.34 mmol/L Br(-) for 10 min, more than 60% of phenol and 56% of Br(-) were
      consumed to form BPCs. The yield of BPCs increased with increasing concentrations
      of phenol and Br(-). Overall, a total of 14 BPCs including simple bromophenols (4
      bromophenol, 2,4-dibromophenol, and 2,4,6-tribromophenol), hydroxylated
      polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs), and hydroxylated polybrominated
      biphenyls (OH-PBBs) were identified. The production of BPCs increased with
      increasing concentrations of Br(-) or phenol. It was deduced that Br(-) was first
      oxidized to form active bromine, leading to the subsequent bromination of phenol
      to form bromophenols. The further oxidation of bromophenols by MnOx resulted in
      the formation of OH-PBDEs and OH-PBBs. In view of the ubiquity of phenol, Br(-),
      and MnOx in the environment, MnOx-mediated oxidation may play a role on the
      natural production of BPCs. 

PMID- 27131034
TI  - Performance and mechanisms for the removal of phthalates and pharmaceuticals from
      aqueous solution by graphene-containing ceramic composite tubular membrane
      coupled with the simultaneous electrocoagulation and electrofiltration process.
AB  - In this study, commonly detected emerging contaminants (ECs) in water, including
      di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), cephalexin (CLX),
      sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and caffeine (CAF), were selected as the target
      contaminants. A lab-prepared graphene-containing ceramic composite tubular
      membrane (TGCCM) coupled with the simultaneous electrocoagulation and
      electrofiltration process (EC/EF) in crossflow filtration mode was used to remove
      target contaminants in model solution. Meanwhile, a comparison of the removal
      efficiency was made among various tubular composite membranes reported, including
      carbon fibers/carbon/alumina composite tubular membrane (TCCACM), titania/alumina
      composite tubular membrane (TTACM) and alumina tubular membrane (TAM). The
      results of this study showed that the removal efficiencies for DnBP and DEHP were
      99%, whereas 32-97% for cephalexin (CLX), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and caffeine
      (CAF). In this work the mechanisms involved in removing target ECs were proposed
      and their roles in removing various ECs were also discussed. Further, two actual
      municipal wastewaters were treated to evaluate the applicability of the
      aforementioned treatment technology (i.e., TGCCM coupled with EC/EF) to various
      aqueous solutions in the real world. 

PMID- 27131036
TI  - Enhanced noradrenergic activity in the amygdala contributes to hyperarousal in an
      animal model of PTSD.
AB  - Increased activity of the noradrenergic system in the amygdala has been suggested
      to contribute to the hyperarousal symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD). However, only two studies have examined the content of
      noradrenaline or its metabolites in the amygdala of rats previously exposed to
      traumatic stress showing inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the effects of an inescapable foot shock (IFS) procedure (1) on
      reactivity to novelty in an open-field (as an index of hyperarousal), and (2) on
      noradrenaline release in the amygdala during an acute stress. To test the role of
      noradrenaline in amygdala, we also investigated the effects of microinjections of
      propranolol, a beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist, and clenbuterol, a beta
      adrenoreceptor agonist, into the amygdala of IFS and control animals. Finally, we
      evaluated the expression of mRNA levels of beta-adrenoreceptors (beta1 and beta2)
      in the amygdala, the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Male Wistar rats (3
      months) were stereotaxically implanted with bilateral guide cannulae. After
      recovering from surgery, animals were exposed to IFS (10 shocks, 0.86mA, and 6s
      per shock) and seven days later either microdialysis or microinjections were
      performed in amygdala. Animals exposed to IFS showed a reduced locomotion
      compared to non-shocked animals during the first 5min in the open-field. In the
      amygdala, IFS animals showed an enhanced increase of noradrenaline induced by
      stress compared to control animals. Bilateral microinjections of propranolol
      (0.5MUg) into the amygdala one hour before testing in the open-field normalized
      the decreased locomotion observed in IFS animals. On the other hand, bilateral
      microinjections of clenbuterol (30ng) into the amygdala of control animals did
      not change the exploratory activity induced by novelty in the open field. IFS
      modified the mRNA expression of beta1 and beta2 adrenoreceptors in the prefrontal
      cortex and the hippocampus. These results suggest that an increased noradrenergic
      activity in the amygdala contributes to the expression of hyperarousal in an
      animal model of PTSD.

PMID- 27131035
TI  - Auxin perception and downstream events.
AB  - Auxin responses have been arbitrarily divided into two categories: genomic and
      non-genomic effects. Genomic effects are largely mediated by SCFTIR1/AFB-Aux/IAA
      auxin receptor complexes whereas it has been postulated that AUXIN BINDING
      PROTEIN 1 (ABP1) controls the non-genomic effects. However, the roles of ABP1 in
      auxin signaling and plant development were recently called into question. In this
      paper, we present recent progress in understanding the SCFTIR1/AFB-Aux/IAA
      pathway. In more detail, we discuss the current understanding of ABP1 research
      and provide an updated view of ABP1-related genetic materials. Further, we
      propose a model in which auxin efflux carriers may play a role in auxin
      perception and we briefly describe recent insight on processes downstream of
      auxin perception.

PMID- 27131037
TI  - Postmortem biochemistry: Current applications.
AB  - The results of biochemical analyses in specimens obtained postmortem may aid
      death investigation when diabetic and alcoholic ketoacidosis is suspected, when
      death may have been the result of drowning, anaphylaxis, or involved a prolonged
      stress response such as hypothermia, and in the diagnosis of disease processes
      such as inflammation, early myocardial infarction, or sepsis. There is often
      cross-over with different disciplines, in particular with clinical and forensic
      toxicology, since some endogenous substances such as sodium chloride, potassium
      chloride, and insulin can be used as poisons. The interpretation of results is
      often complicated because of the likelihood of postmortem change in analyte
      concentration or activity, and proper interpretation must take into account all
      the available evidence. The unpredictability of postmortem changes means that use
      of biochemical measurements in time of death estimation has little value. The use
      of vitreous humour is beneficial for many analytes as the eye is in a physically
      protected environment, this medium may be less affected by autolysis or microbial
      metabolism than blood, and the assays can be performed with due precaution using
      standard clinical chemistry analysers. However, interpretation of results may not
      be straightforward because (i) defined reference ranges in life are often
      lacking, (ii) there is a dearth of knowledge regarding, for example, the speed of
      equilibration of many analytes between blood, vitreous humour, and other fluids
      that may be sampled, and (iii) the effects of post-mortem change are difficult to
      quantify because of the lack of control data. A major limitation is that
      postmortem vitreous glucose measurements are of no help in diagnosing antemortem
      hypoglycaemia. 

PMID- 27131038
TI  - Contribution to the determination of the place of death by drowning - A study of
      diatoms' biodiversity in Douro river estuary.
AB  - The role of the investigation of diatoms' presence in organs and body fluids of
      an individual found dead in a liquid medium and the relevant contribution to the
      forensic diagnosis of drowning remain controversial. Furthermore, the absence of
      an exact and well-defined method for diatoms' analysis makes its study a
      challenging task. Considering this medico-legal problem and the absence of
      forensic studies on this subject in Portugal, this work aimed to determine the
      drowning place of dead individuals based on the analysis of diatom species found
      in different tissues (lung, liver, kidney, bone marrow) and stomach content.
      Diatom species found in biological samples were compared with those present in
      the liquid medium where the corpses were found. A total of 37 cases of death by
      drowning in Oporto metropolitan area were studied. A seasonal database of the
      diatom species found in Douro river estuary was built based on water samples
      collected at nine selected places. Diatoms' extractions were performed by a
      chemical method using 37% (w/w) hydrochloridric acid for the biological samples
      and 96% (w/w) sulfuric acid for water samples. Diatoms were found in 63% of total
      cases but only in lung and gastric content samples. The absence of diatoms in
      other organs is probably related with a quick death, which may have stopped blood
      circulation almost immediately, preventing diatom contamination of the other
      organs. A strong relationship between the diatom species found in the biological
      samples and those found in water samples of the respective drowning place was
      observed. Due to the high anthropogenic influence on the Douro estuary no
      significant differences were observed between the five sampling places, making it
      extremely difficult to determine the exact estuary location of the drowning. The
      importance of the creation of a diatom database of the potential drowning places
      (e.g., rivers, seas, lakes) becomes clear in this study. It also shows that, in
      cases of drowning, the collection of a water sample from the drowning place is
      crucial. This is the only way to allow a rigorous comparison of the diatom
      species in water and biological samples. 

PMID- 27131040
TI  - Aggregation of the Inflammatory S100A8 Precedes Abeta Plaque Formation in
      Transgenic APP Mice: Positive Feedback for S100A8 and Abeta Productions.
AB  - Inflammation plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other
      neurodegenerative disorders. Although chronic inflammation in later stages of AD
      is well described, little is known about the inflammatory processes in
      preclinical or early stages of the disease prior to plaque deposition. In this
      study, we report that the inflammatory mediator S100A8 is increased with aging in
      the mouse brain. It is observed as extracellular aggregates, which do not
      correspond to corpora amylacea. S100A8 aggregation is enhanced in the hippocampi
      of two different mouse models for amyloid-beta (Abeta) overproduction (Tg2576 and
      TgAPParctic mice). S100A8 aggregates are seen prior the formation of Abeta
      plaques and do not colocalize. In vitro treatment of glial cells from primary
      cultures with Abeta42 resulted in an increased production of S100A8. In parallel,
      treatment of a neuronal cell line with recombinant S100A8 protein resulted in
      enhanced Abeta42 and decreased Abeta40 production. Our results suggest that
      important inflammatory processes are occurring prior to Abeta deposition and the
      existence of a positive feedback between S100A8 and Abeta productions. The
      possible relevance of aging- or AD-dependent formation of S100A8 aggregates in
      the hippocampus thus affecting learning and memory processes is discussed.

PMID- 27131039
TI  - Neuronal interactions between mentalising and action systems during indirect
      request processing.
AB  - Human communication relies on the ability to process linguistic structure and to
      map words and utterances onto our environment. Furthermore, as what we
      communicate is often not directly encoded in our language (e.g. in the case of
      irony, jokes or indirect requests), we need to extract additional cues to infer
      the beliefs and desires of our conversational partners. Although the functional
      interplay between language and the ability to mentalise has been discussed in
      theoretical accounts in the past, the neurobiological underpinnings of these
      dynamics are currently not well understood. Here, we address this issue using
      functional imaging (fMRI). Participants listened to question-reply dialogues. In
      these dialogues, a reply is interpreted as a direct reply, an indirect reply or a
      request for action, depending on the question. We show that inferring meaning
      from indirect replies engages parts of the mentalising network (mPFC) while
      requests for action also activate the cortical motor system (IPL). Subsequent
      connectivity analysis using Dynamic Causal Modelling (DCM) revealed that this
      pattern of activation is best explained by an increase in effective connectivity
      from the mentalising network (mPFC) to the action system (IPL). These results are
      an important step towards a more integrative understanding of the neurobiological
      basis of indirect speech processing.

PMID- 27131041
TI  - Pseudoparamoeba microlepis n. sp., Korotnevella fousta n. sp. (Amoebozoa,
      Dactylopodida), with notes on the evolution of scales among dactylopodid amoebae.
AB  - The present paper describes two new species of lobose amoebae belonging to the
      family Paramoebidae within the order Dactylopodida: Pseudoparamoeba microlepis n.
      sp. and Korotnevella fousta n. sp. Among them, P. microlepis formally fits the
      diagnosis of the genus Korotnevella, because it has scales and lacks a parasome.
      At the same time its 18S rDNA gene sequence robustly groups with Pseudoparamoeba
      pagei and never branches among those of Korotnevella spp. Korotnevella fousta in
      18S rDNA tree groups among other species of the genus Korotnevella. It has
      uniform scales with an elliptical basal plate and spine arising from its central
      part and surrounded by an "inverted skirt" structure. These findings show that
      the current differentiation between the genera Korotnevella and Pseudoparamoeba
      based on the presence of scales is not entirely valid. At the moment only
      molecular data can reliably differentiate these two genera. 

PMID- 27131042
TI  - Corrigendum to "Can sliding-window correlations reveal dynamic functional
      connectivity in resting-state fMRI?" [NeuroImage 127 (2016) 242-256].

PMID- 27131043
TI  - Structure and energy transfer pathways of the plant photosystem I-LHCI
      supercomplex.
AB  - Photosystem I (PSI) is one of the two photosystems in oxygenic photosynthesis,
      and absorbs light energy to generate reducing power for the reduction of NADP+ to
      NADPH with a quantum efficiency close to 100%. The plant PSI core forms a
      supercomplex with light-harvesting complex I (LHCI) with a total molecular weight
      of over 600kDa. Recent X-ray structure analysis of the PSI-LHCI membrane-protein
      supercomplex has revealed detailed arrangement of the light-harvesting pigments
      and other cofactors especially within LHCI. Here we introduce the overall
      structure of the PSI-LHCI supercomplex, and then focus on the excited energy
      transfer (EET) pathways from LHCI to the PSI core and photoprotection mechanisms
      based on the structure obtained.

PMID- 27131045
TI  - Current Situation of Skin Cancer in Spain.

PMID- 27131044
TI  - Cine dyscontractility index: A novel marker of mechanical dyssynchrony that
      predicts response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cine-derived
      dyssynchrony indices provide additional information compared to conventional
      tagged MRI (tMRI) acquisitions in heart failure patients undergoing cardiac
      resynchronization therapy (CRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients scheduled for
      CRT (n = 52) underwent preprocedure MRI including cine and tMRI acquisitions.
      Segmental strain curves were calculated for both cine and tMRI to produce a range
      of standard indices for direct comparison between modalities. We also proposed
      and evaluated a novel index of "dyscontractility," which detects the presence of
      focal areas with paradoxically positive circumferential strain. RESULTS: Across
      conventional strain indices, there was only moderate-to-poor (R = 0.3-0.6)
      correlation between modalities; eight cine-derived indices showed statistically
      significant (P < 0.05) relations to CRT outcome compared to just two tMRI-based
      counterparts. The novel dyscontractility index calculated on basal slice cine
      images (cine dyscontractility index, "CDI") was the single best predictor of
      clinical response to CRT (area under the curve AUC = 0.81, P < 0.001). While
      poorly correlated to its tMRI counterpart (R = 0.33), CDI performed significantly
      better in predicting response to CRT (P < 0.005), and was also numerically better
      than all other tMRI indices (AUC 0.53-0.76, all P for AUC comparisons <0.17).
      CONCLUSION: Cine-derived strain indices offer potentially new information
      compared to tMRI. Specifically, the novel CDI is most strongly linked to response
      to cardiac resynchronization therapy in a contemporary patient cohort. It
      utilizes readily available MRI data, is relatively straightforward to process,
      and compares favorably with any conventional tagging index. J. Magn. Reson.
      Imaging 2016;44:1483-1492.

PMID- 27131046
TI  - Fostering reflective trust between mothers and community health nurses to improve
      the effectiveness of health and nutrition efforts: An ethnographic study in
      Ghana, West Africa.
AB  - As the global health agenda shifts from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
      to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the need for effective preventive health
      efforts has gained prominence, particularly in low-income regions with poor
      health and nutrition outcomes. To address needs in communities with limited
      access to health services and personnel, it is important to develop strategies
      that can improve the effectiveness of nurses as they interact with the
      populations they serve. We contribute to informing such strategies by explaining
      how mothers' "reflective trust" in community health nurses develops as a key
      influencer in their health-related decision-making and behavior. Between December
      2012 and June 2013, our ethnographic study gathered data in three adjacent rural
      and semi-rural communities in Ghana's Eastern Region, using interviews with 39
      nursing mothers, three focus groups - with mothers, health-workers, and community
      leaders - as well as 941 h of participant observation. We focused on interactions
      between mothers and nurses, highlighting tensions between communities' traditions
      and messages that nurses bring, which are often based on modern science. We also
      investigated how mothers come to exhibit reflective trust in the nurses to make
      sense of traditional and scientific knowledge on infant feeding, and integrate
      them into their own feeding decisions. Our findings have global implications for
      effectively sustaining and scaling health and nutrition efforts through community
      approaches.

PMID- 27131047
TI  - One-stage reconstruction of tracheal defects with the medial femoral condyle
      corticoperiosteal-cutaneous free flap.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The demanding anatomic and mechanical requirements make the
      reconstruction of long tracheal defects challenging. Multiple attempts at
      replacing tracheal segments are described, including the use of autologous,
      allogeneic, and synthetic tissues. However, the multilayer structure of the
      trachea and its function as a conduit for air had generally resulted in the use
      of nonvascularized tissue and/or multistage procedures. METHODS: The authors
      report on a 1-stage autologous reconstruction using local skin flaps for inner
      lining and a free medial femoral condyle corticoperiosteal-cutaneous (FCCPC) flap
      for the remaining layers. The skin island directly located over the FCCPC flap
      serves as an external coverage of the tracheal reconstruction. RESULTS: Within
      the follow-up, the reconstructed trachea has retained its shape, diameter, and
      airway function. No notable stenosis or instability was observed. CONCLUSION:
      This concept combines ideal biological and mechanical tissue properties, offering
      the potential to meet the reconstructive requirements for extended tracheal
      defects. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1870-1873, 2016.

PMID- 27131048
TI  - Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic: Not all that "Glisson's" is fat.

PMID- 27131049
TI  - Functional outcomes of sensate versus insensate free flap reconstruction in oral
      and oropharyngeal reconstruction: A systematic review.
AB  - The purposes of this article were to review the literature regarding subjective
      outcomes, objective functional outcomes, and objective sensation return after
      sensate and/or insensate free flap reconstruction of the oral cavity and
      oropharynx. Sensate radial forearm and anterolateral thigh free flaps tend to
      have better static 2-point discrimination and pressure threshold sensitivity than
      insensate flaps. There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions on whether
      sensate flaps improve functional speech and swallowing outcomes measured by
      videofluoroscopic swallowing studies and percentage of word intelligibility by a
      listener blinded to the study. These data highlight the complexity and number of
      variables affecting functional outcomes in patients who have undergone
      reconstructive surgery after oral and oropharyngeal cancer ablative operations. A
      prospective randomized multicenter study that properly and rigidly stratifies
      patients by defect, flap and recipient nerve choice, adjuvant therapies, and uses
      widely agreed upon pretreatment and posttreatment evaluation tools could help to
      answer this important question. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:
      1708-1716, 2016.

PMID- 27131050
TI  - ACR Appropriateness criteria(r) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) presents mostly with locally advanced
      disease and is treated with multimodal therapy; however, consensus is lacking for
      different clinical scenarios. METHODS: The American College of Radiology (ACR)
      Appropriateness Criteria(r) 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 of a well
      established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness
      of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances in which
      evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend
      imaging or treatment. RESULTS: The ACR Expert Panel on Radiation Oncology - Head
      and Neck Cancer developed consensus recommendations for guiding management of
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary evaluation is essential
      to guiding the optimal use of surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy in this
      disease. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 979-986, 2016.

PMID- 27131051
TI  - Comparison of auditory event-related potentials between children with benign
      childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes and children with temporal lobe
      epilepsy.
AB  - The abnormal brain discharges observed in benign childhood epilepsy with
      centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are located close
      to areas responsible for auditory and language processing. This study aimed to
      analyze the results of auditory event-related potentials (P300) in children with
      BECTS and TLE in order to assess whether the epileptic activity in centrotemporal
      and temporal regions may compromise the integrity and physiology of auditory
      system structures. This was a prospective, comparative, and cross-sectional
      study. Group I (GI) consisted of 13 children diagnosed with BECTS, group II
      (GII), 7 children diagnosed with TLE, and control group (GIII), 16 healthy
      children, with no hearing or academic complaints. After neurological and basic
      audiological assessments, P300 was applied. The P300 latency and amplitude were
      compared between groups. Regarding latency, GI showed 324.1 (+31.5) ms, GII 336.3
      (+23.5) ms, and GIII 318 (+27.7) ms. Amplitudes were 4.80 (+3.2) MUV in GI, 4.7
      (+2.5) MUV in GII, and 5.8 (+2.4) MUV in GIII. Although children with BECTS
      showed prolonged latencies and reduced amplitudes, these differences were not
      considered statistically significant. Children with TLE showed statistically
      significant prolonged P300 latency compared with the control group (P=0.037). We
      speculate that abnormal electrical discharges in centrotemporal and temporal
      regions led to the slowing of auditory processing in our sample.

PMID- 27131053
TI  - Pseudomonas sp. CL7 from Sludge Removed 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol in Vivo and in
      Vitro Condition.
AB  - The present research focused on 2,3,4,6-Tetrachlorophenol (2,3,4,6-TeCP)
      mineralizing bacterium from the sludge of pulp and paper industry and identified
      as Pseudomonas sp. CL7 by 16s rRNA gene sequences analysis. This isolate degraded
      2,3,4,6-TeCP as indicated by stoichiometric release of chloride and biomass
      formation. High pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that
      Pseudomonas sp. (CL7) was able to mineralize a higher concentration of 2,3,4,6
      TeCP (600 mg/l or 2.5 mM) than any previously reported 2,3,4,6-TeCP degrading
      bacteria. As the concentration of 2,3,4,6-TeCP increased from 50 (0.21 mM) to 600
      mg/l (2.5 mM), the reduction in the cell growth was observed and the 2,3,4,6-TeCP
      degradation was more than 85% in all the concentrations in the present study. CL7
      was able to remove 100% of 2,3,4,6-TeCP from the sludge (in Vitro condition) when
      supplemented with 100 mg/l (0.42 mM) of 2,3,4,6-TeCP and grown for two weeks.
      This study showed that CL7 can be used for bioremediation of 2,3,4,6-TeCP. 

PMID- 27131052
TI  - Sexual orientation and diurnal cortisol patterns in a cohort of U.S. young
      adults.
AB  - Sexual minorities in the United States are at elevated risk of bullying,
      discrimination, and violence victimization, all stressors that have been linked
      to psychological and behavioral stress responses including depressive and anxious
      symptoms and substance use. Acute and chronic stressors may also elicit
      physiologic stress responses, including changes in the regulation of the
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Few studies, however, have
      examined the relationship between minority sexual orientation and diurnal
      cortisol patterns. The present study included 1670 young adults ages 18-32 years
      (69% female, 31% male) from the Growing Up Today Study, a prospective cohort of
      U.S. youth. Participants provided five saliva samples over one day to estimate
      diurnal cortisol patterns. Sexual orientation groups included: completely
      heterosexual with no same-sex partners (referent), completely heterosexual with
      same-sex partners/mostly heterosexual, and gay/lesbian/bisexual. Covariates
      included perceived stress and stressful life events in the past month. Sex
      stratified multilevel models of log-transformed cortisol values were used to
      model diurnal cortisol patterns, and generalized estimating equations were used
      to model area under the curve (AUC), both with respect to ground (AUCg) and
      increase (AUCi). Among females, sexual minorities reported significantly more
      stressful life events in the past month than their heterosexual counterparts. In
      adjusted multilevel models, sexual orientation was not significantly associated
      with diurnal cortisol patterns or with AUCg or AUCi in either females or males.
      There were no significant interactions between sexual orientation and stressful
      life events. Time-varying negative mood was significantly associated with higher
      cortisol levels across the day for both female and male participants, after
      adjusting for all covariates. This study from a large cohort of U.S. young adults
      did not detect a relationship between sexual orientation and diurnal cortisol
      patterns. Despite consistent evidence indicating that, compared to heterosexuals,
      sexual minorities experience elevated exposure to multiple forms of stressors and
      adversity across the life course, we did not find differences in diurnal cortisol
      rhythms by sexual orientation. One possible explanation is that sexual minority
      participants in the study exhibited physiologic resilience.

PMID- 27131054
TI  - Wastewater Colloidal Organic Carbon: Characterization of Filtration Fractions
      Using 1H NMR.
AB  - The current study separates colloidal organic carbon (COC) of municipal
      wastewater using membrane and ultrafiltration filters followed by
      characterization using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and UV absorbance with
      the goal of determination of size-specific characteristics, which may be used to
      correlate contaminant partitioning to natural COC. Passing fractions included
      49.7, 44.8, 39.3, and 33.1 mg/L COC for filter sizes 1.5 MUm, 0.45 MUm, 100 kDa,
      and 1 kDa, respectively. The methodology used for processing COC prior to 1H NMR
      characterization was novel and successful in concentrating COC without
      modification of structures, which is the general drawback of other separation
      techniques such as resin extractions. This concentration technique is quite
      simple (i.e., not dependent on specialized instrumentation) and allows much
      shorter NMR experimental durations saving time and cost of analysis. Further work
      using NMR techniques will allow for greater understanding of COC molecular
      characteristics and be valuable for use in predictive modeling improvements.

PMID- 27131055
TI  - Investigation of Mesoporous Graphitic Carbon Nitride as the Adsorbent to Remove
      Ni (II) Ions.
AB  - The mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (mpg-C3N4/r, r was defined as the initial
      silica/dicyandiamide mass ratio) was successfully synthesized by heating the
      mixture of silica and dicyandiamide in a nitrogen atmosphere. The morphology and
      structure of mpg-C3N4/r were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM),
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area
      measurement (BET), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared
      spectroscopy (FT-IR). The adsorption performances of Ni (II) ions by mpg-C3N4/r
      were investigated. With increasing of r value, the BET specific surface area of
      the synthesized mpg-C3N4/r increased; the highest specific surface area of mpg
      C3N4/1.5 increased up to 169.3 m2/g. This work shows that mpg-C3N4/1.5 is a
      promising, high-efficiency adsorbent that can be used to purify the water of a
      low Ni (II) ions concentration. The maximum adsorption capacity of Ni(II) ions by
      mpg-C3N4/1.5 was 15.26 mg/g. The adsorption properties of Ni (II) ions by mpg
      C3N4/r complied well with pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm
      model.

PMID- 27131056
TI  - Risk Assessment of Organochlorines in Mollusk from the Mediterranean and Red Sea
      Coasts of Egypt.
AB  - Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) residues
      were studied in different mollusk species from the Egyptian Mediterranean and Red
      Sea coasts. The average levels of OCPs in mollusks comprised chlordanes,
      dieldrins, total endrin, endosulfan compounds, and methoxychlor (DECEM),
      dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), and, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs). The
      averages of HCHs, DDTs, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in mollusks from the
      Mediterranean Sea were 1.13+/-1.21, 1.30+/-1.27, and 1.40+/-0.93 ng/g,
      respectively; from the Red Sea, they were 0.62+/-0.90, 1.77+/-1.82, and 6.44+/
      5.05 ng/g, respectively. The analysis of HCHs, DDTs, and PCBs in mollusks
      indicates a new usage of lindane, PCB congeners, and the input of technical HCH
      and aged DDT. The data showed that the Red Sea Coast was more affected by PCBs
      congeners than the Mediterranean Sea Coast, which may be attributed to the
      different activities along the two coastal areas. Mollusks in the Mediterranean
      Sea had higher dieldrins, total endrin, endosulfan compounds, and methoxychlor
      contents than those in the Red Sea. Interestingly, HCHs, DDTs, and PCBs levels
      were lower than those recommended for Swedish Food Regulation and U.S. Food and
      Drug Administration, which means that mollusks from these two coastal areas are
      safe as food.

PMID- 27131057
TI  - Statistical Correlation between Ligninolytic Enzymes Secretion and Remazol
      Brilliant Yellow-3GL Dye Degradation Potential of Trametes versicolor IBL-04.
AB  - Trametes versicolor IBL-04 was used for biodegradation of Remazol Brilliant
      Yellow 3-GL (RBY3-GL) reactive textile dye in Kirk's basal salts medium. During
      the initial screening study, the maximum decolorization (93.5%) of RBY3-GL was
      achieved in 7 days' shaking incubation period at pH 4 and 30  degrees C.
      Different physical and nutritional factors were statistically optimized to
      enhance the efficiency of T. versicolor IBL-04 for maximum decolorization. Under
      optimal conditions T. versicolor IBL-04 completely decolorized (100%) the RBY3-GL
      in 2 days of incubation with negligible adsorption on fungal mycelia. Laccase was
      the major enzyme (938.3 U/mL) secreted by T. versicolor IBL-04 along with
      comparatively lower activities of MnP. In this article and for the first time, a
      statistical correlation has been successfully investigated between the
      ligninolytic enzymes from an indigenously isolated white rot fungi, T. versicolor
      IBL-04, and the degradation of RBY3-GL. 

PMID- 27131058
TI  - Effects of the Release of Soil Organic Matter on Phenanthrene Sorption by
      Sediments.
AB  - The release of soil organic matter (SOM) has been frequently studied, while its
      effects on sorption kinetics and on the capacity of phenanthrene (PHE) on
      sediments have seldom been studied. In this study, sodium chloride (NaCl, 0-0.1
      mol/L) was introduced to adjust the release of SOM, and three sediments were
      prepared: a raw sediment (S1), an eluted sediment (S2), and an SOM-removed
      sediment (S3). The release of SOM , with dissolved organic matter (DOM) formed in
      solution, was confirmed in sediment 1. Sorption kinetics on sediment 1 showed
      atypical results as three stages: rapid sorption, pseudo sorption with partial
      desorption, and slow sorption. Also, a defined "sorption valley" occurred in the
      kinetic curve, which can be qualitatively determined by the characteristics of
      the release of SOM, including its amount, rate and sequence in each SOM fraction.
      Sorption capacity on sediments 1 and 2 was negatively correlated with aqueous DOM
      concentrations. By changing sediment characteristics and solution properties, the
      release of SOM significantly impacts polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
      sorption behaviors. These results help clarify the transport of PAHs in sediment
      water systems. 

PMID- 27131059
TI  - Optimization of Energy Consumption and Mass Transfer Parameters in a Surface
      Aeration Vessel.
AB  - This paper reports tests on a lab-scale surface aeration vessel was equipped with
      a Rushton turbine to examine its performance in terms of standard aeration
      efficiency (SAE), mixing time, and void fraction characteristics. These
      characteristics were investigated by tests using variations of rotor speed,
      impeller immersion depth, and water level. Results showed that variation of
      impeller immersion depth had a greater effect on the SAE compared to variation of
      water level. Moreover, the SAE increased with rotor speeds up to about 150 to 200
      rpm and then decreased. In addition, void fraction improved by impeller immersion
      depth and rotor speed enhancement; however, mixing time and power number were
      reduced as rotor speed increased. According to the response surface methodology
      statistical optimizations, optimum values for rotor speed, impeller immersion
      depth, and water level were 168.90 rpm, 25 mm, and 30 cm, respectively, to
      achieve the maximum value of SAE. 

PMID- 27131060
TI  - Evaluation of Dechlorinating Chemicals for Spent Membrane Cleaning Solutions.
AB  - The use of dechlorinating chemicals for removal of chlorine from spent membrane
      cleaning solutions was investigated. Addition of calcium thiosulfate resulted in
      a decrease in pH at low dosages of calcium thiosulfate, but when higher dosages
      were used, the pH was not affected. Other dechlorinating agents (sodium
      bisulfite, sodium sulfite, and ascorbic acid) generated smaller pH declines than
      calcium thiosulfate. The declines in pH were observed after the dechlorination
      reaction was effectively complete and pH did not appear to influence the rate of
      dechlorination. The rate of dechlorination in spent cleaning solution was slower
      than that observed in clean water. Dechlorination with calcium thiosulfate
      resulted in the lowest half-life and reaction time. At lower doses (less than 565
      mg/L), it was not possible to discriminate between the different dechlorinating
      agents. The times required for dechlorination were more sensitive to increases in
      dechlorination chemical dose at lower doses. 

PMID- 27131061
TI  - Serum of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Intact Parathyroid Hormone Levels in
      Postmenopausal Women with Hip and Upper Limb Fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the serum of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and intact
      parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in postmenopausal women from northern China
      with hip and upper limb fractures. DESIGN: Case-control. SETTING: Affiliated
      Hospital of Qingdao University. PARTICIPANTS: Postmenopausal women diagnosed with
      hip fracture (n = 335) and matched controls without fracture (n = 335).
      MEASUREMENTS: Between 2011 and 2013, fasting venous samples were analyzed for
      25(OH)D, iPTH, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, and phosphorus. All women
      completed a standardized questionnaire designed to document putative risk factors
      for fractures. RESULTS: Eight percent of participants had vitamin D deficiency,
      and 66.0% had secondary hyperparathyroidism. Serum 25(OH)D levels were
      significantly (P < .001) lower in women with hip fracture than in controls.
      Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for common risk factors showed
      that serum 25(OH)D of 20 ng/mL or less was an independent indicator of hip
      fracture (odds ratio (OR) = 2.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.11-4.20) and
      concomitant upper limb fracture in those with existing hip fractures (OR = 4.77,
      95% CI = 1.60-10.12). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve
      of 25(OH)D was 0.77 (95% CI = 0.68-0.84) for hip fracture and 0.80 (95% CI = 0.72
      0.89) for hip and upper limb fractures. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D insufficiency and
      secondary hyperparathyroidism were a common problem in postmenopausal women who
      presented with concomitant hip and upper limb fractures, suggesting that they
      might contribute to the pathophysiology of fractures in postmenopausal women.

PMID- 27131062
TI  - Idarubicin-intensified BUCY2 conditioning regimen improved survival in high-risk
      acute myeloid, but not lymphocytic leukemia patients undergoing allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A retrospective comparative study.
AB  - The intensity of conditioning regimen is highly correlated with outcomes of
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We have
      previously reported that idarubicin (IDA) intensified BUCY2 regimen could reduce
      relapse and improve survival for high-risk hematological malignancies undergoing
      allo-HSCT. However, there is no published study comparing the efficacy of IDA
      BUCY2 regimen for high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) versus acute lymphocytic
      leukemia (ALL). We further retrospectively compared therapeutic outcomes of
      intensified conditioning regimen on 140 high-risk AML and ALL patients in the
      data analyses. IDA 15mg/m(2)/d was administered by continuous infusion from day 
      11 to -9, followed by intravenous injection of busulfan (BU) (3.2mg/kg/d) from
      day -6 to -4, and intravenous injection of cyclophosphamide (CY) (1.8g/m(2)/d)
      from day -3 to -2 in IDA-BUCY2 regimen. For high-risk AML, cumulative
      probabilities of 3-year relapse rates in IDA-BUCY2 and traditional BUCY2 regimens
      were 16.9%, 43.3% (P=0.016). Cumulative probabilities of 3-year overall survival
      (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 69.2% vs 44.0% (P=0.024), and 66.9% vs
      38.2% (P=0.01). However, two regimens showed no significant differences for high
      risk ALL. Multivariate analysis also indicated that IDA intensified BUCY2
      conditioning was the favorable variable to reduce relapse and elevate survival
      for high-risk AML patients. In conclusion, IDA-BUCY2 regimen reduces relapse and
      improves survival for high-risk AML undergoing allo-HSCT, but not presenting
      uniform therapeutic effects for high-risk ALL.

PMID- 27131063
TI  - Vigilance-avoidance and disengagement are differentially associated with fear and
      avoidant behaviors in social anxiety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) often exhibit
      preferential attention for social threat, demonstrating abnormal orientation to
      threat (i.e., vigilance-avoidance) and/or difficulty disengaging from threat.
      However, no research has compared the relationship between attention indices
      (i.e., vigilance-avoidance, difficulty disengaging from threat) and
      characteristic features of the disorder such as fear during social situations
      (social fear) and avoidant behaviors (social avoidance). METHOD: To address this
      issue, seventy adults (19.29+/-1.47 years, 33 females) were separated into low
      (n=37) or high (n=33) socially anxious groups using clinical cutoff scores on the
      Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS). Participants in both groups completed a
      dot-probe task with congruent, incongruent, and neutral trials to obtain measures
      of vigilance-avoidance and difficulty disengaging. Using linear regression, we
      examined the associations each attention index shared with self-reported social
      fear and social avoidance. RESULTS: Exclusively in the high anxious group,
      greater vigilance towards threat was associated with higher self-reported social
      fear, but not with social avoidance. However, difficulty disengaging was not
      associated with either social measure. In the low anxiety group, no relationships
      between attention indices and either social measure emerged. LIMITATIONS: Future
      research with clinical samples is necessary to replicate and extend these
      findings. The small sample size studied may have limited our ability to detect
      other smaller effects. CONCLUSIONS: Indices of attention bias may contribute
      differently to the etiology and maintenance of SAD, which offers important
      implications for novel treatments that target attention.

PMID- 27131064
TI  - Synthesis and bioevaluation of novel benzodipyranone derivatives as P
      glycoprotein inhibitors for multidrug resistance reversal agents.
AB  - Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a phenomenon in which cells become resistant to
      structurally and mechanistically unrelated drugs, and it is one of the emerging
      problems in cancer therapy today. The relation between overexpression of the ABC
      transporter subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1/P-glycoprotein) and resistant cancers has
      been well characterized. In the present study, we successfully synthesized 52
      novel benzodipyranone analogs and evaluated for their P-gp inhibitory activity in
      a P-gp transfected cell line, ABCB1/Flp-InTM-293. Among these derivatives, 5a
      bearing on the 3-methylphenyl substituent, displayed the most potent P-gp
      inhibitory activity, which can enable the increase of the intracellular
      accumulation of P-gp substrate Calcein-AM. 5a exhibited more potency on promoted
      anticancer drugs cytotoxicity by reversing P-gp-mediated drug resistance in both
      ABCB1/Flp-InTM-293 and KBvin cell lines. In particular, the compound 5a
      sensitized ABCB1/Flp-InTM-293 cells toward paclitaxel, vincristine, and
      doxorubicin by 16.1, 21.0, and 1.6-fold at 10 MUM, respectively. Further, 5a
      dramatically sensitized the resistant cell line KBvin toward paclitaxel and
      vincristine by 23.1 and 29.7-fold at 10 MUM, respectively. It's possible that its
      mechanism of MDR inhibition can restore the intracellular accumulation of drugs
      and eventually chemosensitize cancer cells to anticancer drugs and reduce ABCB1
      mRNA expression level. 

PMID- 27131065
TI  - Design and synthesis of novel bicalutamide and enzalutamide derivatives as
      antiproliferative agents for the treatment of prostate cancer.
AB  - Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the major causes of male death worldwide and the
      development of new and more potent anti-PC compounds is a constant requirement.
      Among the current treatments, (R)-bicalutamide and enzalutamide are non-steroidal
      androgen receptor antagonist drugs approved also in the case of castration
      resistant forms. Both these drugs present a moderate antiproliferative activity
      and their use is limited due to the development of resistant mutants of their
      biological target. Insertion of fluorinated and perfluorinated groups in
      biologically active compounds is a current trend in medicinal chemistry, applied
      to improve their efficacy and stability profiles. As a means to obtain such
      effects, different modifications with perfluoro groups were rationally designed
      on the bicalutamide and enzalutamide structures, leading to the synthesis of a
      series of new antiproliferative compounds. Several new analogues displayed
      improved in vitro activity towards four different prostate cancer cell lines,
      while maintaining full AR antagonism and therefore representing promising leads
      for further development. Furthermore, a series of molecular modelling studies
      were performed on the AR antagonist conformation, providing useful insights on
      potential protein-ligand interactions. 

PMID- 27131066
TI  - An orally available tyrosine kinase ALK and RET dual inhibitor bearing the
      tetracyclic benzo[b]carbazolone core.
AB  - Our early structure-activity relationship study has identified
      benzo[b]carbazolone 6 as a high potency orally bioavailable ALK inhibitor.
      Further lead profiling disclosed that 6 is active against both ALK resistant and
      hot spot-activating mutants, and is also highly potent against RET kinase. Tumor
      stasis and partial tumor regression were achieved with 6 in both NIH/3T3-EML4-ALK
      and NIH/3T3-EML4-ALK L1196M xenograft models. Based on the optimal in vitro and
      in vivo antitumor efficacy, compound 6 is now being profiled further in our
      preclinical settings as a new orally available ALK/RET dual inhibitor. 

PMID- 27131067
TI  - Synthesis of new thiazolo-celecoxib analogues as dual cyclooxygenase-2/15
      lipoxygenase inhibitors: Determination of regio-specific different pyrazole
      cyclization by 2D NMR.
AB  - Two new series of 1,5-diaryl pyrazoles (5a, 5b, 7a, 7b and 10) and 1,5-diaryl
      pyrazoline (12a and 12b) were prepared as both Cyclooxygenase-2 and 15
      lipoxygenase inhibitors. Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, ulcer index and anti
      COX-1/COX-2 and 15-LOX inhibition assays were also included. Cyclization of
      different pyrazoles was discussed using 2D NMR such as HSQC, HMBC and NOSEY
      determinations. Compound 5a is more effective with ED50 = 0.98 and 3.98 MUM
      against COX-2 and 15-lipoxygenase respectively, than the references celecoxib
      (1.54 MUM) and meclofenamate sodium (5.64 MUM). 

PMID- 27131068
TI  - 2-Aryl-3-(2-morpholinoethyl)thiazolidin-4-ones: Synthesis, anti-inflammatory in
      vivo, cytotoxicity in vitro and molecular docking studies.
AB  - Seven new 4-thiazolidinones bearing the morpholino moiety were easily synthesized
      by one-pot reactions of 4-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine (2-morpholinoethylamine),
      arenealdehydes and mercaptoacetic acid refluxing toluene for 19 h with moderate
      to good yields (45-97%). These novel compounds were fully identified and
      characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Thiazolidin-4-ones in
      vivo anti-inflammatory activities were determined using a croton oil-induced ear
      edema model of inflammation in BALB C mice. The best results were found for
      compounds 4c (49.20 mmol/kg), 4d (49.20 mmol/kg) and 4f (52.48 mmol/kg), which
      showed the ability to decrease the ear edema in mice by 50%, 48% and 54%,
      respectively, when compared to the standard drug indomethacin. In addition, the
      in vitro cytotoxicity activity of thiazolidin-4-ones against Vero cells was also
      performed and four compounds (4a, 4c, 4d and 4f) showed no toxic effect at 500
      MUg/mL. A docking simulation of compounds into the 1Q4G (COX-1) and 4PH9 (COX-2)
      enzymes binding site was conducted. This preliminary result will guide us in for
      further studies to improve the anti-inflammatory activity. 

PMID- 27131069
TI  - Leadership Letter.

PMID- 27131071
TI  - ERRATUM.

PMID- 27131070
TI  - Drug-induced Brugada syndrome: Clinical characteristics and risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac arrest may result from seemingly innocuous medications that
      do not necessarily have cardiac indications. The best-known example is the drug
      induced long QT syndrome. A less known but not necessarily less important form of
      drug-induced proarrhythmia is the drug-induced Brugada syndrome. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of this study was to identify clinical and ECG risk markers for drug
      induced Brugada syndrome. METHODS: Reports of drug-induced Brugada syndrome
      recounted by an international database (http://www.brugadadrugs.org) were
      reviewed to define characteristics that identify patients prone to developing
      this complication. For each patient with drug-induced Brugada syndrome who had an
      ECG recorded in the absence of drugs, we included 5 healthy controls matched by
      gender and age. All ECGs were evaluated for Brugada-like abnormalities. RESULTS:
      Seventy-four cases of drug-induced Brugada syndrome from noncardiac medications
      were identified: 77% were male, and drug toxicity was involved in 46%. Drug
      induced Brugada syndrome from oral medications generally occurred weeks after the
      initiation of therapy. Mortality was 13%. By definition, all cases had a type I
      Brugada pattern during drug therapy. Nevertheless, their ECG in the absence of
      drugs was more frequently abnormal than the ECG of controls (56% vs 33%, P =
      .04). CONCLUSION: Drug-induced Brugada syndrome from noncardiac drugs occurs
      predominantly in adult males, is frequently due to drug toxicity, and occurs late
      after the onset of therapy. Minor changes are frequently noticeable on baseline
      ECG, but screening is impractical because of a prohibitive false-positive rate.

PMID- 27131072
TI  - Syncope in a 62-year-old man with sarcoidosis.

PMID- 27131073
TI  - Peter M. Spooner, November 11, 1942-January 30, 2016.

PMID- 27131074
TI  - Validation of objective records and misreporting of personal radio use in a
      cohort of British Police forces (the Airwave Health Monitoring Study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) is a digital communication system
      progressively adopted by Police Forces in Great Britain since 2001. In 2000, the
      UK Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones suggested that exposure to TETRA
      like signal modulation might have adverse effects on health. The Airwave Health
      Monitoring Study was established to investigate possible long-term effects of
      TETRA use on health. This requires estimation of TETRA use among Police Force
      employees participating in the study. METHODS: We investigated TETRA usage among
      42,112 Police officers and staff. An algorithm was created to link each personal
      radio user to his/her objective radio usage records for the 26,035 participants
      with available data. We linked 16,577 personal radio users to their objective
      radio usage records and compared self-reported usage with data from the TETRA
      operator for those individuals. RESULTS: For weekly usage, the correlation
      between self-reported and operator-derived personal radio usage was r=0.69 for
      number and r=0.59 for the duration of calls. Compared with objective data,
      participants under-reported the number of calls and over-reported the duration of
      calls by a factor of around 4 and 1.6 respectively. Correlations were lower and
      bias higher when looking at daily usage. CONCLUSION: Where both objective and
      self-reported information were available, our study showed substantial
      misreporting in self-reported TETRA usage. Successful linkage of large numbers of
      TETRA users to objective data on their personal radios will allow objective
      assessment of TETRA radio usage for these participants and development of
      algorithms to correct bias in self-reported data for the remainder.

PMID- 27131075
TI  - Role of soluble zinc in ZnO nanoparticle cytotoxicity in Daphnia magna: A
      morphological approach.
AB  - The role of soluble zinc has been determined in Daphnia magna by a morphological
      approach, integrating a previous paper in which the ultrastructural damages to
      gut epithelial cells have been studied after ZnO nanoparticles exposure. In the
      present paper, the toxicity and morphological effects of soluble zinc from ZnSO4
      have been determined in a 48-h acute exposure test. Daphnids have been exposed to
      six nominal zinc concentrations (0.075, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4mg Zn/L) and
      then fixed for microscopic analyses. Data from the acute toxicity tests gave an
      EC50 value of 0.99mg/L and showed that no immobilization appeared up to 0.3mg
      Zn/L. Ultrastructural analyses of samples from the two highest concentrations
      showed large vacuolar structures, swelling of mitochondria, multilamellar bodies,
      and a great number of autophagy vacuoles. These findings have been compared to
      those from our previous study, and similarities and/or differences discussed.
      Based on the overall results it can be concluded that dissolved zinc ions played
      a key role in ZnO nanoparticle toxicity and that the morphological approach is an
      extremely useful tool for comparing toxicological effects as well. A possible
      common toxic mechanism of soluble zinc and ZnO nanoparticles was also proposed.

PMID- 27131076
TI  - Action-outcome learning and prediction shape the window of simultaneity of
      audiovisual outcomes.
AB  - To form a coherent representation of the objects around us, the brain must group
      the different sensory features composing these objects. Here, we investigated
      whether actions contribute in this grouping process. In particular, we assessed
      whether action-outcome learning and prediction contribute to audiovisual temporal
      binding. Participants were presented with two audiovisual pairs: one pair was
      triggered by a left action, and the other by a right action. In a later test
      phase, the audio and visual components of these pairs were presented at different
      onset times. Participants judged whether they were simultaneous or not. To assess
      the role of action-outcome prediction on audiovisual simultaneity, each action
      triggered either the same audiovisual pair as in the learning phase ('predicted'
      pair), or the pair that had previously been associated with the other action
      ('unpredicted' pair). We found the time window within which auditory and visual
      events appeared simultaneous increased for predicted compared to unpredicted
      pairs. However, no change in audiovisual simultaneity was observed when
      audiovisual pairs followed visual cues, rather than voluntary actions. This
      suggests that only action-outcome learning promotes temporal grouping of audio
      and visual effects. In a second experiment we observed that changes in
      audiovisual simultaneity do not only depend on our ability to predict what
      outcomes our actions generate, but also on learning the delay between the action
      and the multisensory outcome. When participants learned that the delay between
      action and audiovisual pair was variable, the window of audiovisual simultaneity
      for predicted pairs increased, relative to a fixed action-outcome pair delay.
      This suggests that participants learn action-based predictions of audiovisual
      outcome, and adapt their temporal perception of outcome events based on such
      predictions.

PMID- 27131077
TI  - Prospective Randomized Trial of Prone Accelerated Intensity Modulated Breast
      Radiation Therapy With a Daily Versus Weekly Boost to the Tumor Bed.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the results of a prospective randomized trial comparing a
      daily versus weekly boost to the tumor cavity during the course of accelerated
      radiation to the breast with patients in the prone position. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: From 2009 to 2012, 400 patients with stage 0 to II breast cancer who
      had undergone segmental mastectomy participated in an institutional review board
      approved trial testing prone breast radiation therapy to 40.5 Gy in 15 fractions
      5 d/wk to the whole breast, after randomization to a concomitant daily boost to
      the tumor bed of 0.5 Gy, or a weekly boost of 2 Gy, on Friday. The present
      noninferiority trial tested the primary hypothesis that a weekly boost produced
      no more acute toxicity than did a daily boost. The recurrence-free survival was
      estimated for both treatment arms using the Kaplan-Meier method; the relative
      risk of recurrence or death was estimated, and the 2 arms were compared using the
      log-rank test. RESULTS: At a median follow-up period of 45 months, no deaths
      related to breast cancer had occurred. The weekly boost regimen produced no more
      grade >=2 acute toxicity than did the daily boost regimen (8.1% vs 10.4%;
      noninferiority Z = -2.52; P=.006). No statistically significant difference was
      found in the cumulative incidence of long-term fibrosis or telangiectasia of
      grade >=2 between the 2 arms (log-rank P=.923). Two local and two distant
      recurrences developed in the daily treatment arm and three local and one distant
      developed in the weekly arm. The 4-year recurrence-free survival rate was not
      different between the 2 treatment arms (98% for both arms). CONCLUSIONS: A tumor
      bed boost delivered either daily or weekly was tolerated similarly during
      accelerated prone breast radiation therapy, with excellent control of disease and
      comparable cosmetic results.

PMID- 27131078
TI  - Role of Internal Mammary Node Radiation as a Part of Modern Breast Cancer
      Radiation Therapy: A Systematic Review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite data from multiple randomized trials, the role of internal
      mammary lymph node irradiation as a part of regional nodal irradiation (IMLN RT
      RNI) remains unanswered. Recent noteworthy data and modern RT techniques might
      identify a subset of patients who will benefit from IMLN RT-RNI, lending insight
      into the balance between improved outcomes and acceptable toxicity. We evaluated
      the current role of IMLN RT-RNI by analyzing randomized, prospective, and
      retrospective data. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In accordance with the Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a review of
      the published data was performed using PubMed to evaluate published studies from
      1994 to 2015. The information evaluated included the number of patients, follow
      up period, technical aspects of RT, and outcomes (clinical outcomes,
      complications/toxicity). RESULTS: We included 16 studies (4 randomized, 4
      nonrandomized, 7 retrospective, and 1 meta-analysis). Although older randomized
      trials failed to show differences in clinical outcomes or toxicity with IMLN RT
      RNI, recent randomized data suggest the potential for improved outcomes,
      including overall survival, with IMLN RT-RNI. Furthermore, nonrandomized data
      have suggested a potential benefit for central tumors with IMLN RT-RNI. Although
      recent data have suggested a potential increase in pulmonary complications with
      IMLN RT-RNI with the use of advanced radiation techniques, toxicity rates remain
      low with limited cardiac toxicity data available. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing data
      from recent randomized trials support the use of IMLN RT-RNI. IMLN RT can be
      considered based on the inclusion of IMLN RT as a part of RNI in recent trials
      and the inclusion criteria from IMLN RT-RNI trials and for patients with central
      or medial tumors and axillary disease.

PMID- 27131080
TI  - Cost Analysis of Complex Radiation Therapy for Patients With Head and Neck
      Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: This cost analysis aimed to prospectively assess differences in costs
      between TomoTherapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in patients with
      head and neck cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Economic data were gathered from a
      multicenter study. However, randomization was not possible due to the
      availability of equipment. Costs were calculated using the microcosting technique
      from the hospital's perspective (in 2013 euros), and the time horizon was
      radiation therapy. Only resources that entered the hospital production process
      and which were likely to vary between the strategies being compared were
      considered. Acute adverse events observed within the time horizon were also
      assessed. RESULTS: The cost analysis was based on a total of 173 patient
      treatments given between 2010 and 2012 in 14 French cancer centers: 73 patients
      were treated with TomoTherapy, 92 with VMAT RapidArc, and 8 with VMAT SmartArc.
      Estimated costs of SmartArc were removed from the comparison due to the small
      sample size. The mean +/- SD cost per patient of the treatment planning phase was
      ?314 (+/-?214) for TomoTherapy and ?511 (+/-?590) for RapidArc. Mean costs +/- SD
      per patient of irradiation reached ?3144 (+/-?565) for TomoTherapy and ?1350 (+/
      ?299) for RapidArc. The most sensitive parameter of irradiation was the annual
      operating time of accelerators. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals for the
      mean costs of irradiation were ?3016 to ?3272 for TomoTherapy and ?1281 to ?1408
      for RapidArc. The number of acute adverse events during radiation therapy was not
      significantly different between strategies. CONCLUSIONS: TomoTherapy appeared to
      be more expensive than RapidArc mainly due to the higher price of the
      accelerator, the higher costs of maintenance, and the longer duration of
      treatment sessions. Because strategies were not significantly different in
      clinical effect, RapidArc appeared to be the strategy to be recommended at this
      stage of knowledge.

PMID- 27131079
TI  - Avoiding Severe Toxicity From Combined BRAF Inhibitor and Radiation Treatment:
      Consensus Guidelines from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG).
AB  - BRAF kinase gene V600 point mutations drive approximately 40% to 50% of all
      melanomas, and BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) have been found to significantly improve
      survival outcomes. Although radiation therapy (RT) provides effective symptom
      palliation, there is a lack of toxicity and efficacy data when RT is combined
      with BRAFi, including vemurafenib and dabrafenib. This literature review provides
      a detailed analysis of potential increased dermatologic, pulmonary, neurologic,
      hepatic, esophageal, and bowel toxicity from the combination of BRAFi and RT for
      melanoma patients described in 27 publications. Despite 7 publications noting
      potential intracranial neurotoxicity, the rates of radionecrosis and hemorrhage
      from whole brain RT (WBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or both do not
      appear increased with concurrent or sequential administration of BRAFis. Almost
      all grade 3 dermatitis reactions occurred when RT and BRAFi were administered
      concurrently. Painful, disfiguring nondermatitis cutaneous reactions have been
      described from concurrent or sequential RT and BRAFi administration, which
      improved with topical steroids and time. Visceral toxicity has been reported with
      RT and BRAFi, with deaths possibly related to bowel perforation and liver
      hemorrhage. Increased severity of radiation pneumonitis with BRAFi is rare, but
      more concerning was a potentially related fatal pulmonary hemorrhage. Conversely,
      encouraging reports have described patients with leptomeningeal spread and
      unresectable lymphadenopathy rendered disease free from combined RT and BRAFi.
      Based on our review, the authors recommend holding BRAFi and/or MEK inhibitors
      >=3 days before and after fractionated RT and >=1 day before and after SRS. No
      fatal reactions have been described with a dose <4 Gy per fraction, and time off
      systemic treatment should be minimized. Future prospective data will serve to
      refine these recommendations.

PMID- 27131081
TI  - Hematologic Toxicity in Patients Treated With Postprostatectomy Whole-Pelvis
      Irradiation With Different Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Techniques Is
      Not Negligible and Is Prolonged: Preliminary Results of a Longitudinal,
      Observational Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To address the thus-far poorly investigated severity and duration of
      hematologic toxicity from whole-pelvis radiation therapy (WPRT) in a cohort of
      chemo-naive patients treated with postprostatectomy radiation therapy including
      WPRT with different intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques,
      doses, and fractionations. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This analysis pertains to 125
      patients (70 from a pilot study and 55 from an observational protocol) for whom 1
      baseline and at least 3 subsequent blood samples (median 6), obtained at
      irradiation midpoint and end, and thereafter at 3, 6, and 12 months, were
      available. Patients were treated with adjuvant (n=73) or salvage intent; static
      field IMRT (n=19); volumetric modulated arc therapy (n=60) or helical Tomotherapy
      (n=46); and conventional (n=39) or moderately hypofractionated (median 2.35 Gy
      per fraction, n=86) regimens. The median 2-Gy equivalent dose (EQD2) to the
      prostatic bed was 70.4 Gy with a lymph-nodal planning target volume of 50.2 Gy.
      Clinical and dosimetric data were collected. RESULTS: Both leukopenia and
      thrombocytopenia were significant (median nadir count 65% and 67% of baseline,
      respectively), with leukopenia also persisting (1-year median count 75% of
      baseline). Lymphopenia was the major contributor to the severity and 1-year
      persistence of leukopenia; all patients developed acute grade >=1 lymphopenia
      (61% and 26% grade 2 and >=3, respectively), whereas 1-year grade >=2 lymphopenia
      was still present in 16%. In addition to an independent predictive role of
      corresponding baseline values, multivariable analyses highlighted that higher
      EQD2 doses to lymph nodal planning target volume increased risk of acute
      neutropenia and hypofractionation for acute thrombocytopenia. Of note, patients
      of older age were at higher risk for acute grade 2 lymphopenia, and
      interestingly, increased risk of grade >2 lymphopenia for those who smoked at
      least one year. No role for different IMRT techniques indicated. CONCLUSIONS:
      Leukopenia and lymphopenia after postprostatectomy WPRT were found to be less
      negligible and more prolonged than expected. A number of radiation-related and
      clinical factors favoring hematologic toxicity, whose awareness may be crucial
      when prescribing WPRT, in particular if concomitant to chemotherapy, were
      identified.

PMID- 27131082
TI  - Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review outcomes of patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer
      (PCa) treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and to identify
      variables associated with local failure. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We
      retrospectively reviewed records of patients treated with SBRT for
      oligometastatic PCa. Metastasis control (ie, control of the treated lesion, MC),
      biochemical progression-free survival, distant progression-free survival, and
      overall survival were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Sixty-six
      men with 81 metastatic PCa lesions, 50 of which were castrate-resistant, were
      included in the analysis. Lesions were in bone (n=74), lymph nodes (n=6), or
      liver (n=1). Stereotactic body radiation therapy was delivered in 1 fraction to
      71 lesions (88%), at a median dose of 16 Gy (range, 16-24 Gy). The remaining
      lesions received 30 Gy in 3 fractions (n=6) or 50 Gy in 5 fractions (n=4). Median
      follow-up was 16 months (range, 3-49 months). Estimated MC at 2 years was 82%.
      Biochemical progression-free survival, distant progression-free survival, and
      overall survival were 54%, 45%, and 83%, respectively. On multivariate analysis,
      only the dose of SBRT was significantly associated with MC; lesions treated with
      16 Gy had 58% MC, and those treated with >=18 Gy had 95% MC at 2 years (P<=.001).
      At 2 years, MC for lesions treated with 18 Gy (n=21) was 88%. No patient treated
      with >=18 Gy in a single fraction or with any multifraction regimen had local
      failure. Six patients (9%) had grade 1 pain flare, and 2 (3%) had grade 2 pain
      flare. No grade 2 or greater late toxicities were reported. CONCLUSIONS:
      Stereotactic body radiation therapy for patients with oligometastatic prostate
      cancer provided optimal metastasis control and acceptable toxicity with doses
      >=18 Gy. Biochemical progression-free survival was 54% at 16 months with the
      inclusion of SBRT in the treatment regimen. Stereotactic body radiation therapy
      should be considered in patients with castration-refractory, oligometastatic
      prostate cancer who have limited options for systemic therapy.

PMID- 27131083
TI  - Clinical Target Volume: The Third Front.

PMID- 27131084
TI  - Intrafraction Motion in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Non-Small Cell
      Lung Cancer: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Versus Volumetric Modulated
      Arc Therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for early-stage inoperable
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients delivers high doses that require high
      precision treatment. Typically, image guidance is used to minimize day-to-day
      target displacement, but intrafraction position variability is often not
      corrected. Currently, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is replacing
      intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in many departments because of its
      shorter delivery time. This study aimed to evaluate whether intrafraction
      variation in VMAT patients is reduced in comparison with patients treated with
      IMRT. METHODS AND MATERIALS: NSCLC patients (197 IMRT and 112 VMAT) treated with
      a frameless SBRT technique to a prescribed dose of 3 * 18 Gy were evaluated.
      Image guidance for both techniques was identical: pretreatment cone beam computed
      tomography (CBCT) (CBCTprecorr) for setup correction followed immediately before
      treatment by postcorrection CBCT (CBCTpostcorr) for verification. Then, after
      either a noncoplanar IMRT technique or a VMAT technique, a posttreatment
      (CBCTpostRT) scan was acquired. The CBCTpostRT and CBCTpostcorr scans were then
      used to evaluate intrafraction motion. Treatment delivery times, systematic
      (Sigma) and random (sigma) intrafraction variations, and associated planning
      target volume (PTV) margins were calculated. RESULTS: The median treatment
      delivery time was significantly reduced by 20 minutes (range, 32-12 minutes)
      using VMAT compared with noncoplanar IMRT. Intrafraction tumor motion was
      significantly larger for IMRT in all directions up to 0.5 mm systematic (Sigma)
      and 0.7 mm random (sigma). The required PTV margins for IMRT and VMAT differed by
      less than 0.3 mm. CONCLUSION: VMAT-based SBRT for NSCLC was associated with
      significantly shorter delivery times and correspondingly smaller intrafraction
      motion compared with noncoplanar IMRT. However, the impact on the required PTV
      margin was small.

PMID- 27131086
TI  - In Regard to Reddy et al.

PMID- 27131085
TI  - A Technique for Generating Volumetric Cine-Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a techique to generate on-board
      volumetric cine-magnetic resonance imaging (VC-MRI) using patient prior images,
      motion modeling, and on-board 2-dimensional cine MRI. METHODS AND MATERIALS: One
      phase of a 4-dimensional MRI acquired during patient simulation is used as
      patient prior images. Three major respiratory deformation patterns of the patient
      are extracted from 4-dimensional MRI based on principal-component analysis. The
      on-board VC-MRI at any instant is considered as a deformation of the prior MRI.
      The deformation field is represented as a linear combination of the 3 major
      deformation patterns. The coefficients of the deformation patterns are solved by
      the data fidelity constraint using the acquired on-board single 2-dimensional
      cine MRI. The method was evaluated using both digital extended-cardiac torso
      (XCAT) simulation of lung cancer patients and MRI data from 4 real liver cancer
      patients. The accuracy of the estimated VC-MRI was quantitatively evaluated using
      volume-percent-difference (VPD), center-of-mass-shift (COMS), and target tracking
      errors. Effects of acquisition orientation, region-of-interest (ROI) selection,
      patient breathing pattern change, and noise on the estimation accuracy were also
      evaluated. RESULTS: Image subtraction of ground-truth with estimated on-board VC
      MRI shows fewer differences than image subtraction of ground-truth with prior
      image. Agreement between normalized profiles in the estimated and ground-truth VC
      MRI was achieved with less than 6% error for both XCAT and patient data. Among
      all XCAT scenarios, the VPD between ground-truth and estimated lesion volumes
      was, on average, 8.43 +/- 1.52% and the COMS was, on average, 0.93 +/- 0.58 mm
      across all time steps for estimation based on the ROI region in the sagittal cine
      images. Matching to ROI in the sagittal view achieved better accuracy when there
      was substantial breathing pattern change. The technique was robust against noise
      levels up to SNR = 20. For patient data, average tracking errors were less than 2
      mm in all directions for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary studies
      demonstrated the feasibility of generating real-time VC-MRI for on-board
      localization of moving targets in radiation therapy.

PMID- 27131087
TI  - In Regard to Boero et al.

PMID- 27131089
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27131088
TI  - In Reply to Zaghloul.

PMID- 27131090
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27131091
TI  - Surface composition XPS analysis of a plasma treated polystyrene: Evolution over
      long storage periods.
AB  - A polystyrene surface (PS) was initially treated by cold nitrogen and oxygen
      plasma in order to incorporate in particular amine and hydroxyl functions,
      respectively. The evolution of the chemical nature of the surface was further
      monitored over a long time period (580 days) by chemical assay, XPS and contact
      angle measurements. Surface density quantification of primary amine groups was
      performed using three chemical amine assays: 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (4-NBZ), Sulfo
      succinimidyl 6-[3'(2 pyridyldithio)-pionamido] hexanoate (Sulfo-LC-SPDP) and
      iminothiolane (ITL). The results showed amine densities were in the range of 2
      per square nanometer (comparable to the results described in the literature)
      after 5min of nitrogen plasma treatment. Over the time period investigated,
      chemical assays, XPS and contact angles suggest a drastic significant evolution
      of the chemical nature of the surface within the first two weeks. Beyond that
      time period and up to almost two years, nitrogen plasma modified substrates
      exhibits a slow and continuous oxidation whereas oxygen plasma modifed
      polystyrene surface is chemically stable after two weeks of storage. The latter
      appeared to "ease of" showing relatively mild changes within the one year period.
      Our results suggest that it may be preferable to wait for a chemical
      "stabilization" period of two weeks before subsequent covalent immobilization of
      proteins onto the surface. The originality of this work resides in the study of
      the plasma treated surface chemistry evolution over long periods of storage time
      (580 days) considerably exceeding those described in the literature. 

PMID- 27131092
TI  - Cellular uptake of PLGA nanoparticles targeted with anti-amyloid and anti
      transferrin receptor antibodies for Alzheimer's disease treatment.
AB  - During the last few decades, relevant efforts have been reported to design
      nanocarriers for drug transport through the blood brain barrier (BBB). New drugs,
      such as peptide iAbeta5, capable to inhibit the aggregates associated with
      Alzheimers disease (AD) are being tested but the most frequent drawback is to
      reach the brain in the desired concentrations due to the low BBB permeability
      surface area. Our approach, as a proof of concept to improve drug transport
      through the BBB, is based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles
      with surface functionalized with anti-transferrin receptor monoclonal antibody
      (OX26) and anti-Abeta (DE2B4) to deliver encapsulated iAbeta5 into the brain.
      Porcine brain capillary endothelial cells (PBCECs) were used as a BBB model to
      evaluate the system efficacy and toxicity. The uptake of immune nanoparticles
      with a controlled delivery of the peptide iAbeta5 was substantially increased
      compared to the nanoparticles (NPs) without monoclonal antibody
      functionalization. 

PMID- 27131093
TI  - Solid lipid microparticles for enhanced dermal delivery of tetracycline HCl.
AB  - Acne vulgaris (commonly called acne) is a most common skin disease during
      adolescence, afflicting more than 85% of teenagers. Topical tetracycline (Tc) is
      used for mild inflammatory acne and as an adjunct to systemic treatment in more
      severe forms. Solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) are useful tool for topical
      delivery because of their biodegradable, biocompatible and low toxic
      characteristic accompanying with excellent skin hydration, occlusiveness and
      controlled release properties. The purpose of this study was to prepare Tc-loaded
      SLMs were produced by the spray drying technique and characterized by scanning
      electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffractometry and differential scanning
      calorimetry. In vitro and ex vivo release characteristics of Tc through SLMs and
      control formulations (aqueous carbopol gel) were evaluated over 24h using a
      vertical Franz diffusion cell through cellulose acetate membranes and exercised
      rat skin, respectively. SLM formulations present high encapsulation values above
      97% without significant different among formulations (p<0.05). The sustained
      release pattern of Tc through SLMs was illustrated by in vitro release study. The
      ex vivo drug skin permeation study revealed that Tc dermal deposition of optimum
      SLMs formulation was about 7 times that of the control formulations. The enhanced
      skin penetration and accumulation of Tc observed for Tc-loaded SLMs may increase
      the efficiency of acne therapy and decrease the associated Tc side effects. 

PMID- 27131094
TI  - Significant role of UV and carbonate radical on the degradation of
      oxytetracycline in UV-AOPs: Kinetics and mechanism.
AB  - Carbonate radical (CO3(*-)), a selective oxidant, reacts readily with electron
      rich compounds through electron transfer and/or hydrogen abstraction. In this
      study, the role of CO3(*-) in degrading oxytetracycline (OTC) by UV only, UV/H2O2
      and UV/persulfate (UV/PS) advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in the presence of
      HCO3(-) or CO3(2-) was investigated. For UV only process, the presence of
      photosensitizers, i.e., nitrate (NO3(-)) and natural organic matter (NOM), had
      different impacts on OTC degradation, i.e., an enhancing effect by NO3(-) due to
      the generation of HO(*) and a slight inhibiting effect by NOM possibly due to a
      light scattering effect. Differently for UV/H2O2 and UV/PS processes, the
      presence of NO3(-) hardly influenced the destruction of OTC. Generation of CO3(*
      ) presented a positive role on OTC degradation by UV/NO3(-)/HCO3(-). Such
      influence was also observed in the two studied AOPs in the presence of both
      bicarbonate and other natural water constituents. When various natural water
      samples from different sources were used as reaction matrices, UV only and
      UV/H2O2 showed an inhibiting effect while UV/PS demonstrated a comparable or even
      promoting effect in OTC decomposition. After elucidating the potential
      contribution of UV direct photolysis via excited state OTC* at an elevated
      reaction pH condition, putative OTC transformation byproducts via CO3(*-)
      reaction were identified by ultra-high definition accurate-mass quadrupole time
      of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (QTOF/MS). Five different reaction pathways
      were subsequently proposed, including hydroxylation (+16 Da), quinonization (+14
      Da), demethylation (-14 Da), decarbonylation (-28 Da) and dehydration (-18 Da).
      The significant role of UV at high pH and CO3(*-) on OTC removal from
      contaminated water was therefore demonstrated both kinetically and
      mechanistically.

PMID- 27131095
TI  - The Physician as the Provider at Risk: Rolling the Dice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is significant need for physician innovation and leadership in
      health care as we adapt to bundled payment models of health care delivery.
      METHODS: We engaged a collective of 16 different private company orthopedic
      physician groups to apply to become episode initiators under BPCI models 2 and 3.
      The application process itself provided historical cost data, enabling each group
      to independently decide whether or not to proceed with the BPCI initiative.
      RESULTS: Ultimately, 7 of the private orthopedic groups decided to continue with
      the BPCI initiative. At the first quarter reconciliation, savings ranged from 9%
      to 17% across the participating groups. CONCLUSION: The more leadership surgeons
      provide in value base care provision, the more our patients and health care
      system will benefit from optimization of care delivery.

PMID- 27131096
TI  - Study of the response of an ORTEC GMX45 HPGe detector with a multi-radionuclide
      volume source using Monte Carlo simulations.
AB  - A model of an n-type ORTEC GMX45 HPGe detector was created using the MCNPX and
      the MCNP-CP codes. In order to validate the model, experimental efficiency was
      compared with the Monte Carlo simulations results. The reference source is a NIST
      traceable multi-gamma volume source in a water-equivalent epoxy resin matrix
      (1.15gcm(-3) density) containing several radionuclides: (210)Pb, (241)Am, (137)Cs
      and (60)Co in a cylinder shape container. Two distances of source bottom to end
      cap front surface of the detector have been considered. The efficiency for the
      nearest distance is higher than for longer distance. The relative difference
      between the measured and the simulated full-energy peak efficiency is less than
      4.0% except for the 46.5keV energy peak of (210)Pb for the longer distance (6.5%)
      allowing to consider the model validated. In the absence of adequate standard
      calibration sources, efficiency and efficiency transfer factors for geometry
      deviations and matrix effects can be accurately computed by using Monte Carlo
      methods even if true coincidence could occur as is the case when the (60)Co
      radioisotope is present in the source.

PMID- 27131097
TI  - Academic burnout and eating disorder among students in Monash University
      Malaysia.
AB  - This study examined the prevalence of academic burnout and the relationship
      between academic burnout and eating disorder among Monash university students for
      a period of one year. One hundred and thirty-two participants were recruited for
      the study via advertisement. They were invited to complete three instruments,
      namely Demographic Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Survey (MBI
      SS) and Three Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised 18-item (TFEQ-18). In addition,
      anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, body mass index (BMI), body
      fat percentage and waist circumference were taken. All data were collected at
      baseline and after 6-8weeks. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis and
      Bonferroni pairwise comparison tests were performed using Stata version 13. The
      prevalence of academic burnout after 6-8weeks was revealed to be 17.4% and 73.5%
      respectively for moderate and high level of academic burnout respectively.
      Emotional eating (EEat) scores were significantly different over levels of
      academic burnout after 6-8weeks (p=0.0103) while no significant differences was
      observed in other subscales such as cognitive restraint (CR) and uncontrolled
      eating (UE). These findings evidenced partial associations between academic
      burnout and eating disorder.

PMID- 27131098
TI  - Binding mechanism of trans-N-caffeoyltyramine and human serum albumin:
      Investigation by multi-spectroscopy and docking simulation.
AB  - trans-N-Caffeoyltyramine (TNC), which was isolated from the Cortex Lycii in our
      laboratory, is a phenolic amide compound with multiple pharmacological
      activities. The interaction between TNC and human serum albumin (HSA) was studied
      by Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation experiment, fluorescence
      spectroscopy, and docking simulation. NMR methodology is based on the analysis of
      selective and non-selective spin-lattice relaxation rate enhancements of TNC
      protons in the presence of the HSA. Result indicated that the interaction
      occurred between HSA and TNC, and changed the proton magnetic environment of TNC.
      Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed that TNC displayed a strong capability to
      quench the fluorescence of HSA, and the acting forces for binding were hydrogen
      bonds and van der Waals forces. Furthermore, the circular dichroism, synchronous,
      and three-dimensional fluorescence spectra, which were employed to determine the
      conformation of protein, revealed that binding of TNC with HSA could induce
      conformational changes in HSA. In addition, the molecular modeling results
      exhibited that TNC mainly bonded to site I in sub-domain IIA of HSA.

PMID- 27131099
TI  - Clinical and Prognostic Significance of ANCCA in Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma
      Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: AAA+ nuclear coregulatory cancer associated (ANCCA) has been
      demonstrated as playing important roles in diverse biological processes including
      tumorigenesis. However, the clinical and prognostic significance of ANCCA in
      squamous cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) patients is still unknown. The aim of this
      study is to identify the role of ANCCA in SCLC patients. METHODS: ANCCA mRNA and
      protein expressions were detected in SCLC tissues and cell lines by real-time PCR
      and Western blot. We examined the ANCCA protein expression in 152 SCLC samples by
      immunohistochemistry and analyzed the association between the expression of ANCCA
      protein and clinicopathological characteristics of SCLC patients. RESULTS: ANCCA
      mRNA and protein expression are increased in SCLC tissues and cell lines.
      Moreover, ANCCA protein overexpression was associated with differentiated degree,
      clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. In uni- and
      multivariate analyses, ANCCA protein overexpression was an independent poor
      prognostic factor for SCLC patients. CONCLUSIONS: ANCCA act as a potential
      biomarker for therapeutic strategy and prognostic prediction for SCLC.

PMID- 27131100
TI  - Effect of Dilute Apple Juice and Preferred Fluids vs Electrolyte Maintenance
      Solution on Treatment Failure Among Children With Mild Gastroenteritis: A
      Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Gastroenteritis is a common pediatric illness. Electrolyte
      maintenance solution is recommended to treat and prevent dehydration. Its
      advantage in minimally dehydrated children is unproven. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      if oral hydration with dilute apple juice/preferred fluids is noninferior to
      electrolyte maintenance solution in children with mild gastroenteritis. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized, single-blind noninferiority trial
      conducted between the months of October and April during the years 2010 to 2015
      in a tertiary care pediatric emergency department in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
      Study participants were children aged 6 to 60 months with gastroenteritis and
      minimal dehydration. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to
      receive color-matched half-strength apple juice/preferred fluids (n=323) or apple
      flavored electrolyte maintenance solution (n=324). Oral rehydration therapy
      followed institutional protocols. After discharge, the half-strength apple
      juice/preferred fluids group was administered fluids as desired; the electrolyte
      maintenance solution group replaced losses with electrolyte maintenance solution.
      MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was a composite of treatment
      failure defined by any of the following occurring within 7 days of enrollment:
      intravenous rehydration, hospitalization, subsequent unscheduled physician
      encounter, protracted symptoms, crossover, and 3% or more weight loss or
      significant dehydration at in-person follow-up. Secondary outcomes included
      intravenous rehydration, hospitalization, and frequency of diarrhea and vomiting.
      The noninferiority margin was defined as a difference between groups of 7.5% for
      the primary outcome and was assessed with a 1-sided alpha=.025. If noninferiority
      was established, a 1-sided test for superiority was conducted. RESULTS: Among 647
      randomized children (mean age, 28.3 months; 331 boys [51.1%]; 441 (68.2%) without
      evidence of dehydration), 644 (99.5%) completed follow-up. Children who were
      administered dilute apple juice experienced treatment failure less often than
      those given electrolyte maintenance solution (16.7% vs 25.0%; difference, -8.3%;
      97.5% CI, -infinity to -2.0%; P < .001 for inferiority and P = .006 for
      superiority). Fewer children administered apple juice/preferred fluids received
      intravenous rehydration (2.5% vs 9.0%; difference, -6.5%; 99% CI, -11.6% to 
      1.8%). Hospitalization rates and diarrhea and vomiting frequency were not
      significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among children
      with mild gastroenteritis and minimal dehydration, initial oral hydration with
      dilute apple juice followed by their preferred fluids, compared with electrolyte
      maintenance solution, resulted in fewer treatment failures. In many high-income
      countries, the use of dilute apple juice and preferred fluids as desired may be
      an appropriate alternative to electrolyte maintenance fluids in children with
      mild gastroenteritis and minimal dehydration. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01185054.

PMID- 27131102
TI  - P2X2 Receptor Terminal Field Demarcates a "Transition Zone" for Gustatory and
      Mechanosensory Processing in the Mouse Nucleus Tractus Solitarius.
AB  - Peripheral gustatory neurons express P2X2 purinergic receptors and terminate in
      the rostral portion of the nucleus tractus solitarius (rNTS), but a relationship
      between the P2X2 terminal field and taste evoked activity has not been
      established. Additionally, a portion of somatosensory neurons from the trigeminal
      nerve, which are devoid of P2X2 expression, also terminate in the lateral rNTS.
      We hypothesized that P2X2 receptor expression on afferent nerve endings could be
      used as an anatomical tool for segregating gustatory from mechanosensory
      responsive regions in the mouse rNTS. C57BL/6 mice were used to record
      extracellular activity from neurons within the rNTS and the laterally adjacent
      reticular formation and trigeminal nucleus. Histological reconstruction of
      electrolytic lesions indicated that gustatory activity coincided with electrode
      tracks that traversed through P2X2 terminal fields. Gustatory recordings made
      more rostral in the rNTS had receptive fields located in the anterior oral cavity
      (AO), whereas gustatory recordings made more caudal in the rNTS had receptive
      fields located in the posterior oral cavity (PO). Mechanosensory neurons with AO
      receptive fields were recorded near the lateral border of the P2X2 terminal field
      and became numerous on electrode tracks made lateral to the P2X2 terminal field.
      In contrast, mechanosensory responses with PO receptive fields were recorded
      within the P2X2 terminal field along with gustatory activity and transitioned to
      mechanosensory only outside the P2X2 terminal field. Collectively, our results
      indicate that the lateral border of the P2X2 terminal field, demarcates a
      faithful "transition zone," where AO responses transition from gustatory to
      mechanosensory.

PMID- 27131101
TI  - Environmental sensing by African trypanosomes.
AB  - African trypanosomes, which divide their life cycle between mammals and tsetse
      flies, are confronted with environments that differ widely in temperature,
      nutrient availability and host responses to infection. In particular, since
      trypanosomes cannot predict when they will be transmitted between hosts, it is
      vital for them to be able to sense and adapt to their milieu. Thanks to technical
      advances, significant progress has been made in understanding how the parasites
      perceive external stimuli and react to them. There is also a growing awareness
      that trypanosomes use a variety of mechanisms to exchange information with each
      other, thereby enhancing their chances of survival.

PMID- 27131103
TI  - A novel sputum transport solution eliminates cold chain and supports routine
      tuberculosis testing in Nepal.
AB  - This preliminary study evaluated the transport reagent OMNIgene SPUTUM (OMS) in a
      real-world, resource-limited setting: a zonal hospital and national tuberculosis
      (TB) reference laboratory, Nepal. The objectives were to: (1) assess the
      performance of OMS for transporting sputum from peripheral sites without cold
      chain stabilization; and (2) compare with Nepal's standard of care (SOC) for
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis smear and culture diagnostics. Sixty sputa were
      manually split into a SOC sample (airline-couriered to the laboratory,
      conventional processing) and an OMS sample (OMS added at collection, no cold
      chain transport or processing). Smear microscopy and solid culture were
      performed. Transport was 0-8days. Forty-one samples (68%) were smear-positive
      using both methods. Of the OMS cultures, 37 (62%) were positive, 22 (36%) were
      negative, and one (2%) was contaminated. Corresponding SOC results were 32 (53%),
      21 (35%), and seven (12%). OMS "rescued" six (i.e., missed using SOC) compared
      with one rescue using SOC. Of smear-positives, six SOC samples produced
      contaminated cultures whereas only one OMS sample was contaminated. OMS reduced
      culture contamination from 12% to 2%, and improved TB detection by 9%. The
      results suggest that OMS could perform well as a no cold chain, long-term
      transport solution for smear and culture testing. The findings provide a basis
      for larger feasibility studies.

PMID- 27131105
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27131104
TI  - Ion-exchange solid-phase extraction combined with liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry for the determination of veterinary drugs in organic
      fertilizers.
AB  - The analysis of veterinary drugs in organic fertilizers is crucial for an
      assessment of potential risks to soil microbial communities and human health. We
      develop a robust and sensitive method to quantitatively determine 19 veterinary
      drugs (amantadine, sulfonamides and fluoroquinolones) in organic fertilizers. The
      method involved a simple solid-liquid extraction step using the combination of
      acetonitrile and McIlvaine buffer as extraction solvent, followed by cleanup with
      a solid-phase extraction cartridge containing polymeric mixed-mode anion-exchange
      sorbents. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
      (UHPLC-MS/MS) was used to separate and detect target analytes. We particularly
      focused on the optimization of sample clean-up step: different diluents and
      dilution factors were tested. The developed method was validated in terms of
      linearity, recovery, precision, sensitivity and specificity. The recoveries of
      all the drugs ranged from 70.9% to 112.7% at three concentration levels, with the
      intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviation lower than 15.7%. The limits
      of quantification were between 1.0 and 10.0MUg/kg for all the drugs. Matrix
      effect was minimized by matrix-matched calibration curves. The analytical method
      was successfully applied for the survey of veterinary drugs contamination in 20
      compost samples. The results indicated that fluoroquinolones had higher incidence
      rate and mean concentration levels ranging from 31.9 to 308.7MUg/kg compared with
      other drugs. We expect the method will provide the basis for risk assessment of
      veterinary drugs in organic fertilizers. 

PMID- 27131106
TI  - Single-cell MALDI Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Unambiguous Assignment of Small
      Biomolecules from Single Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Cells.
AB  - The analysis of compounds from single cells is a major challenge in analytical
      life science. Labeling strategies, for instance fluorescence detection, are well
      established for measuring proteins with single cell sensitivity, but they mostly
      fail to detect small molecules. More recently mass spectrometry has entered the
      realm of single cell sensitivity and enables the label-free and highly
      parallelized detection of small biomolecules from single cells. The assignment of
      signals detected in single cells, however, generally has to rely on measurements
      in whole cell culture extracts. Isobaric structures, contaminations, higher noise
      levels and the high variability in the abundance of peaks between single cells
      complicate the assignment of peaks in single-cell spectra. Tandem mass
      spectrometry would be very useful for compound identification via mass
      spectrometry directly in single-cell analyses. Here we present the first single
      cell tandem mass spectra collected using matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization. The spectra obtained allow the assignment of most
      compounds detected in the spectra. We also show that the fragmentation is not
      restricted to the most abundant peaks in the spectra, but over a dynamic range of
      more than one order of magnitude. 

PMID- 27131107
TI  - Efficient Water Electrolysis Using Ni2P as a Bifunctional Catalyst: Unveiling the
      Oxygen Evolution Catalytic Properties of Ni2P.
AB  - The excellent bifunctional catalytic activity of nickel phosphide (Ni2P) for
      water splitting is reported. Ni2P, an active hydrogen evolving catalyst, is shown
      to be highly active for oxygen evolution. Only 290 mV of overpotential is
      required to generate a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) in 1 M KOH. Under oxygen
      evolving conditions, Ni2P undergoes structural modification to form a Ni2P/NiOx
      core-shell assembly, the catalytic active species. Ni2P is applied on both
      electrodes of an alkaline electrolyser and a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) is
      generated at 1.63 V. 

PMID- 27131108
TI  - New Approaches for ab initio Calculations of Molecules with Strong Electron
      Correlation.
AB  - Reliable quantum chemical methods for the description of molecules with dense
      lying frontier orbitals are needed in the context of many chemical compounds and
      reactions. Here, we review developments that led to our new computational toolbox
      which implements the quantum chemical density matrix renormalization group in a
      second-generation algorithm. We present an overview of the different components
      of this toolbox. 

PMID- 27131109
TI  - PLGA-PEG-supported Pd Nanoparticles as Efficient Catalysts for Suzuki-Miyaura
      Coupling Reactions in Water.
AB  - Chemical transformations that can be performed selectively under physiological
      conditions are highly desirable tools to track biomolecules and manipulate
      complex biological processes. Here, we report a new nanocatalyst consisting of
      small palladium nanoparticles stabilized on the surface of PLGA-PEG nanoparticles
      that show excellent catalytic activity for the modification of biological
      building blocks through Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions in water.
      Brominated or iodinated amino acids were coupled with aryl boronic acids in
      phosphate buffer in good yields. Interestingly, up to 98% conversion into the
      coupled amino acid could be achieved in 2 h at 37  degrees C using the stable,
      water-soluble cyclic triolborate as organometallic partner in the presence of
      only 1 mol% of palladium. These results pave the way for the modification of
      biomolecules in complex biological systems such as the intracellular space. 

PMID- 27131111
TI  - Exotic Chemistry with Ultracold Rydberg Atoms.
AB  - We review recent experiments carried out with dense (10(12) cm(-3)) ultracold (T
      = 40 MUK) samples of Cs atoms which have the goal to characterize, by high
      resolution spectroscopy, the interactions between Cs atoms, Cs(+) ions and
      electrons that lead to the formation of metastable long-range molecules. The
      types of molecules observed in these experiments and the mechanisms leading to
      the aggregation of atoms in weakly bound molecules are very different from those
      encountered in warmer samples. In particular, we present results on molecules
      with binding energies of less than 0.05 J/mol and discuss their properties in the
      context of a new category of molecular states arising from slow-electron-atom
      scattering and their relation to atomic and molecular Rydberg states. One of the
      astonishing aspects of these types of molecules is that they can still be treated
      in good approximation in the realm of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation despite
      a huge electronic-state density. Non-Born-Oppenheimer effects are revealed by the
      decay of the molecules into neutral and charged fragments. 

PMID- 27131110
TI  - Total Synthesis of Fijiolide A.
AB  - Fijiolide A is a secondary metabolite isolated from a marine-derived actinomycete
      of the genus Nocardiopsis. It was found to significantly reduce the TNF-alpha
      induced activity of the transcription factor NFkappaB, which is considered a
      promising target for the treatment of cancer and inflammation-related diseases.
      We disclose an enantioselective synthesis of fijiolide A enabled by a fully
      intermolecular, yet regioselective cyclotrimerization of three unsymmetrical
      alkynes to construct its tetra-substituted arene core. An atropselective
      macroetherification enables the assembly of the strained [2.6]paracyclophane
      motif. A late-stage glycosylation of the macrocyclic aglycone at its tertiary
      alcohol position allowed for the first total synthesis of fijiolide A. 

PMID- 27131112
TI  - Laser Ablation/Ionisation Mass Spectrometry: Sensitive and Quantitative Chemical
      Depth Profiling of Solid Materials.
AB  - Direct quantitative and sensitive chemical analysis of solid materials with high
      spatial resolution, both in lateral and vertical direction is of high importance
      in various fields of analytical research, ranging from in situ space research to
      the semiconductor industry. Accurate knowledge of the chemical composition of
      solid materials allows a better understanding of physical and chemical processes
      that formed/altered the material and allows e.g. to further improve these
      processes. So far, state-of-the-art techniques such as SIMS, LA-ICP-MS or GD-MS
      have been applied for chemical analyses in these fields of research. In this
      report we review the current measurement capability and the applicability of our
      Laser Ablation/Ionisation Mass Spectrometer (instrument name LMS) for the
      chemical analysis of solids with high spatial resolution. The most recent
      chemical analyses conducted on various solid materials, including e.g. alloys,
      fossils and meteorites are discussed. 

PMID- 27131113
TI  - Halogen Chemistry on Catalytic Surfaces.
AB  - Halogens are key building blocks for the manufacture of high-value products such
      as chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. The catalytic oxidation of HCl and
      HBr is an attractive route to recover chlorine and bromine in order to ensure the
      sustainability of the production processes. Very few materials withstand the high
      corrosiveness and the strong exothermicity of the reactions and among them RuO2
      and CeO2-based catalysts have been successfully applied in HCl oxidation. The
      search for efficient systems for HBr oxidation was initiated by extrapolating the
      results of HCl oxidation based on the chemical similarity of these reactions.
      Interestingly, despite its inactivity in HCl oxidation, TiO2 was found to be an
      outstanding HBr oxidation catalyst, which highlighted that the latter reaction is
      more complex than previously assumed. Herein, we discuss the results of recent
      comparative studies of HCl and HBr oxidation on both rutile-type (RuO2, IrO2, and
      TiO2) and ceria-based catalysts using a combination of advanced experimental and
      theoretical methods to provide deeper molecular-level understanding of the
      reactions. This knowledge aids the design of the next-generation catalysts for
      halogen recycling. 

PMID- 27131114
TI  - PH3 as a Phosphorus Source for Phosphinidene-Carbene Adducts and Phosphinidene
      Transition Metal Complexes.
AB  - The parent phosphinidene-carbene adduct NHC=PH is a versatile synthon in main
      group chemistry and can act as an electronically flexible ligand for transition
      metals. Previously, it could only be synthesized with sterically demanding N-aryl
      substituents. This paper describes simple methods for the synthesis of NHC=PH
      adducts with varying steric demand from elemental phosphorus or easily accessible
      phosphorus sources. Furthermore, the reactivity of NHCs towards PH3 was
      investigated. It was shown how a NHC inserts into the P-H bond of PH3, which
      opens up a route to NHC=PH adducts from an imidazolium salt and PH3. The adducts
      were used in the simple syntheses of bis(phosphinidene)
      mercury(<small>II</small>) and group 6 pentacarbonyl parent phosphinidene
      complexes. Their electronic and structural properties were investigated to
      elucidate the influence of the NHC on the phosphinidene and identify possible
      applications. 

PMID- 27131115
TI  - Do Hydrogen Bonds Influence Excitonic Splittings?
AB  - The excitonic splitting and vibronic quenching of the inversion-symmetric
      homodimers of benzonitrile, (BN)2, and meta-cyanophenol, (mCP)2, are investigated
      by two-color resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy. These systems have very
      different hydrogen bond strengths: the OH...N=C bonds in (mCP)2 are ~10 times
      stronger than the CH...N=C hydrogen bonds in (BN)2. In (BN)2 the S0((1)Ag) ->
      S1((1)Ag) transition is electric-dipole forbidden, while the S0((1)Ag) ->
      S2((1)Bu) transition is allowed. The opposite holds for (mCP)2 due to the
      different transition dipole moment vector alignment. The S0 -> S1S2 spectra of
      the dimers are compared and their excitonic splittings and vibronic quenchings
      are investigated by measuring the (13)C-substituted heterodimer isotopomers, for
      which the centrosymmetry is broken and both transitions are allowed. The
      excitonic splittings are determined as Deltaexc = 2.1 cm(-1) for (BN)2 and
      Deltaexc = 7.3 cm(-1) for (mCP)2. The latter exhibits a much stronger vibronic
      quenching, as the purely electronic splitting resulting from ab initio
      calculations is determined to be Deltacalc = 179 cm-1, while in (BN)2 the
      calculated splitting is Deltacalc = 10 cm(-1). The monomer site-shifts upon
      dimerization and comparing certain vibrations that deform the hydrogen bonds
      confirm that the OH...N=C hydrogen bond is much stronger than the CH...N=C bond.
      We show that the H-bonds have large effects on the spectral shifts, but little or
      no influence on the excitonic splitting. 

PMID- 27131116
TI  - Giant Host Red Blood Cell Membrane Mimicking Polymersomes Bind Parasite Proteins
      and Malaria Parasites.
AB  - Malaria is an infectious disease that needs to be addressed using innovative
      approaches to counteract spread of drug resistance and to establish or optimize
      vaccination strategies. With our approach, we aim for a dual action with drug-
      and 'vaccine-like' activity against malaria. By inhibiting entry of malaria
      parasites into host red blood cells (RBCs) - using polymer vesicle-based
      (polymersome) nanomimics of RBC membranes - the life cycle of the parasite is
      interrupted and the exposed parasites are accessible to the host immune system.
      Here, we describe how host cell-sized RBC membrane mimics, formed with the same
      block copolymers as nanomimics, also bind the corresponding malaria parasite
      ligand and whole malaria parasites, similar to nanomimics. This was demonstrated
      using fluorescence imaging techniques and confirms the suitability of giant
      polymersomes (GUVs) as simple mimics for RBC membranes. 

PMID- 27131118
TI  - Dedicated Software Enhancing Data-independent Acquisition Methods in Mass
      Spectrometry.

PMID- 27131120
TI  - Basel Chemistry Christmas Symposium 2015.

PMID- 27131121
TI  - Swiss Snow Symposium, Saas Fee, 22.-24. January, 2016.

PMID- 27131122
TI  - SusChem Switzerland.

PMID- 27131124
TI  - Effect of stem cell-based therapy for ischemic stroke treatment: A meta-analysis.
AB  - Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Cell-based
      therapies improve neural functional recovery in pre-clinical studies, but
      clinical results require evaluation. We aimed to assess the effects of
      mesenchymal stem cells on ischemic stroke treatment. We searched the PubMed,
      Embase and Cochrane databases until July 2015 and selected the controlled trials
      using mesenchymal stem cells for ischemic stroke treatment compared with cell
      free treatment. We assessed the results by meta-analysis using the error matrix
      approach, and we assessed the association of mesenchymal stem cell counts with
      treatment effect by dose-response meta-analysis. Seven trials were included.
      Manhattan plots revealed no obvious advantage of the application of stem cells to
      treat ischemic stroke. For the comprehensive evaluation index, stem cell
      treatment did not significantly reduce the mortality of ischemic stroke patients
      (relative risk (RR) 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-1.19; ln(RR) 0.54,
      95% CI -0.18 to 1.25, p=0.141). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
      was also not significantly improved by stem cell treatment (standardized mean
      difference (SMD) 0.94, 95% CI -0.13 to 2.01, p=0.072). The European Stroke Scale
      was significantly improved using the stem cell treatment (SMD 1.15, 95% CI 0.37
      1.92). The dose-response meta-analysis did not reveal a significant linear
      regression relationship between the number of stem cells and therapeutic effect,
      except regarding the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale index. In
      conclusion, our assessments indicated no significant difference between stem cell
      and cell-free treatments. Further research is needed to discover more effective
      stem cell-based therapies for ischemic stroke treatment. 

PMID- 27131126
TI  - FTIR, HATR and FT-Raman studies on the anhydrous and monohydrate species of
      maltose in aqueous solution.
AB  - The structures of alpha- and beta-maltose anhydrous and their corresponding
      monohydrated species were studied combining the FT-IR, FT-Raman and HATR spectra
      with DFT calculations. The four structures were optimized in gas and aqueous
      solution by using the hybrid B3LYP/6-31G* method. The self-consistent force field
      (SCRF) calculations together with the polarized continuum (PCM) model were used
      to study the systems in solution while the solvation energies were computed using
      the solvation model (SM). The calculated structural and vibrational properties
      could explain the anomerization of maltose in solution, as was reported in the
      literature while the natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses for those species
      support clearly the mutarotation equilibria between both forms in solution,
      evidencing the anhydrous forms the equilibrium: alpha (45%) <=> beta (55%),
      similar to that experimentally reported at 20  degrees C. Bands of all the
      species observed in the vibrational spectra support the presence of the anomeric
      species of maltose in solution while the presence of dimeric species justify the
      intense IR bands observed in the higher wavenumbers region. The similar gap
      values for maltose and lactose probably justify that these sugars are reducing
      sugars while the high values in sucrose could explain that it is a non-reducing
      sugar. On the other hand, the sweeteners cyclamate and saccharine are most
      reactive in solution than the sugars maltose, lactose and sucrose, as expected
      due to their ionic characteristics. The predicted vibrational spectra for the
      four species of maltose show reasonable concordances with the corresponding
      experimental ones. The f(deltaC-O-C) force constants of the glycosidic bonds
      follow the tendency: maltose > lactose > sucrose. 

PMID- 27131125
TI  - Glycan specificity of neuraminidases determined in microarray format.
AB  - Neuraminidases hydrolytically remove sialic acids from glycoconjugates.
      Neuraminidases are produced by both humans and their pathogens, and function in
      normal physiology and in pathological events. Identification of neuraminidase
      substrates is needed to reveal their mechanism of action, but high-throughput
      methods to determine glycan specificity of neuraminidases are limited. Here we
      use two glycan labeling reactions to monitor neuraminidase activity toward glycan
      substrates. While both periodate oxidation and aniline-catalyzed oxime ligation
      (PAL) and galactose oxidase and aniline-catalyzed oxime ligation (GAL) can be
      used to monitor neuraminidase activity toward glycans in microtiter plates, only
      GAL accurately measured neuraminidase activity toward glycans displayed on a
      commercial glass slide microarray. Using GAL, we confirm known linkage
      specificities of three pneumococcal neuraminidases and obtain new information
      about underlying glycan specificity. 

PMID- 27131127
TI  - Effect of a single point mutation on the interaction of glucans with a
      glucansucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-1118.
AB  - Our previous work showed that substitution of an amino acid that is coupled with
      the +2 subsite adjacent to the transition stabilizer of a glucansucrase, which
      produces a water-insoluble glucan, resulted in significant changes in the
      structures and yields of the water-insoluble glucans produced. We now describe
      how these changes affect the ability of the glucansucrase to bind to exogenous
      glucans, and how these glucans can influence the yield, product structures, and
      kinetics of the mutant glucansucrases. The activity of the wild-type enzyme, with
      threonine at position 654, is not significantly activated by added dextran, and
      the yield of water-insoluble glucan from sucrose is only slightly increased by
      dextran. Mutant T654Y is not affected at all by the addition of dextran. However,
      several mutant enzymes exhibit markedly lower yields of glucan relative to the
      wild type; these lower yields can be partially or completely overcome by the
      addition of water-soluble dextran. Although evidence indicates that the soluble
      dextran is incorporated into water-insoluble glucan, the increased yields cannot
      be accounted for solely by incorporation of the dextran into insoluble product.
      Furthermore, these DsrI mutants are significantly activated by exogenous glucans.
      The addition of dextran does not markedly change the KM for sucrose in the mutant
      enzymes, but does increase the Vmax of the reaction. These effects apparently
      depend on the presence of unbranched sequences of alpha1->6-linked D-glucose
      units in the glucan. 

PMID- 27131128
TI  - Disinfection, sterilization, and antisepsis: An overview.
AB  - All invasive procedures involve contact by a medical device or surgical
      instrument with a patient's sterile tissue or mucous membranes. The level of
      disinfection or sterilization is dependent on the intended use of the object:
      critical (items that contact sterile tissue such as surgical instruments),
      semicritical (items that contact mucous membrane such as endoscopes), and
      noncritical (devices that contact only intact skin such as stethoscopes) items
      require sterilization, high-level disinfection and low-level disinfection,
      respectively. Cleaning must always precede high-level disinfection and
      sterilization. Antiseptics are essential to infection prevention as part of a
      hand hygiene program as well as several other uses such as surgical hand
      antisepsis and pre-operative skin preparation.

PMID- 27131129
TI  - Reducing health care-associated infections by implementing a novel all hands on
      deck approach for hand hygiene compliance.
AB  - Hand hygiene is a key intervention for preventing health care-associated
      infections; however, maintaining high compliance is a challenge, and accurate
      measurement of compliance can be difficult. A novel program that engaged all
      health care personnel to measure compliance and provide real-time interventions
      overcame many barriers for compliance measurement and proved effective for
      sustaining high compliance and reducing health care-associated infections.

PMID- 27131130
TI  - Effect of chlorhexidine bathing in preventing infections and reducing skin burden
      and environmental contamination: A review of the literature.
AB  - Chlorhexidine bathing is effective in reducing levels of pathogens on skin. In
      this review, we examine the evidence that chlorhexidine bathing can prevent
      colonization and infection with health care-associated pathogens and reduce
      dissemination to the environment and the hands of personnel. The importance of
      education and monitoring of compliance with bathing procedures is emphasized in
      order to optimize chlorhexidine bathing in clinical practice.

PMID- 27131131
TI  - New developments in disinfection and sterilization.
AB  - A review of regulatory clearances for selected new sterilization and disinfection
      products for the period January 2012-June 2015 indicates continued leverage of
      established technologies for steam and low-temperature sterilization, and high
      level disinfection. New products in these areas were typically modified and
      improved versions of existing products, with the exception of a new combination
      hydrogen peroxide/ozone sterilizer. Development of new low-temperature
      sterilization technologies to address continued evolution of complex medical
      devices is expected to continue.

PMID- 27131132
TI  - Troubleshooting failed sterilization loads: Process failures and wet packs/loads.
AB  - Sterilization process failures may place patients at risk. It is important that
      IPs, managers, educators, and staff members responsible for sterilization in
      health care facilities understand what to do if there is a biological, chemical,
      or mechanical sterilization monitor failure, or a wet pack. Sterilization process
      failures occur for many reasons: a malfunctioning sterilizer, user error (eg,
      incorrect packaging or loading procedures or incorrect cycle selection), poor
      steam quality, and others. All process failures should be investigated and the
      root cause of the failure identified. Understanding the possible causes of
      sterilization process failures and investigating tools for failed loads can help
      with risk assessment and necessary corrective action.

PMID- 27131133
TI  - Taking the chaos out of accreditation surveys in sterile processing: High-level
      disinfection, sterilization, and antisepsis.
AB  - Health care accreditation processes are conducted with a focus on safety and
      quality of patient care. Accreditation, or lack of it, can affect the
      organization's ability to be reimbursed for services provided. Sterile processing
      in health care facilities has become an increasingly larger focus of the
      accreditation survey process. Health care organizations that reprocess medical
      devices must be prepared to demonstrate compliance with standards when they are
      surveyed. Understanding and following current guidelines and recommendations can
      help ensure the health care facility is ready for unannounced accreditation
      surveys.

PMID- 27131134
TI  - Current issues result in a paradigm shift in reprocessing medical and surgical
      instruments.
AB  - The objective of this report is to review the available scientific data on
      reprocessing of medical and surgical instruments and discuss the current issues
      related to cleaning and disinfection of flexible endoscopes and intracavitary
      ultrasound probes.

PMID- 27131135
TI  - Outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections associated with
      duodenoscopes: What can we do to prevent infections?
AB  - Recent outbreaks with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in patients
      who have undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have
      raised concerns of whether current endoscope reprocessing guidelines are adequate
      to ensure a patient-safe endoscope. Unlike previous outbreaks, these CRE
      outbreaks occurred even though manufacturer's instructions and professional
      guidelines were followed correctly. This article reviews why outbreaks associated
      with endoscopes continue to occur; what alternatives exist that might improve the
      margin of safety associated with duodenoscope reprocessing; and how to prevent
      future outbreaks associated with ERCP procedures. The advantages and
      disadvantages for the proposed enhancements for reprocessing duodenoscopes are
      reviewed as well as future strategies to prevent GI endoscope-related outbreaks.

PMID- 27131136
TI  - Reprocessing semicritical items: Current issues and new technologies.
AB  - Semicritical medical devices are defined as items that come into contact with
      mucous membranes or nonintact skin (eg, gastrointestinal endoscopes, endocavitary
      probes). Such medical devices minimally require high-level disinfection. Because
      many of these items are temperature sensitive, low-temperature chemical methods
      are usually used rather than steam sterilization. Strict adherence to current
      guidelines is required because more outbreaks have been linked to inadequately
      cleaned or disinfected endoscopes and other semicritical items undergoing high
      level disinfection than any other reusable medical device.

PMID- 27131137
TI  - Special problems associated with reprocessing instruments in outpatient care
      facilities.

PMID- 27131138
TI  - Monitoring and improving the effectiveness of surface cleaning and disinfection.
AB  - Disinfection of noncritical environmental surfaces and equipment is an essential
      component of an infection prevention program. Noncritical environmental surfaces
      and noncritical medical equipment surfaces may become contaminated with
      infectious agents and may contribute to cross-transmission by acquisition of
      transient hand carriage by health care personnel. Disinfection should render
      surfaces and equipment free of pathogens in sufficient numbers to prevent human
      disease (ie, hygienically clean).

PMID- 27131139
TI  - Challenges in implementing electronic hand hygiene monitoring systems.
AB  - Electronic hand hygiene (HH) monitoring systems offer the exciting prospect of a
      more precise, less biased measure of HH performance than direct observation.
      However, electronic systems are challenging to implement. Selecting a system that
      minimizes disruption to the physical infrastructure and to clinician workflow,
      and that fits with the organization's culture and budget, is challenging. Getting
      front-line workers' buy-in and addressing concerns about the accuracy of the
      system and how the data will be used are also difficult challenges. Finally,
      ensuring information from the system reaches front-line workers and is used by
      them to improve HH practice is a complex challenge. We describe these challenges
      in detail and suggests ways to overcome them.

PMID- 27131140
TI  - Effectiveness of ultraviolet devices and hydrogen peroxide systems for terminal
      room decontamination: Focus on clinical trials.
AB  - Over the last decade, substantial scientific evidence has accumulated that
      indicates contamination of environmental surfaces in hospital rooms plays an
      important role in the transmission of key health care-associated pathogens (eg,
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci,
      Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter spp). For example, a patient admitted to a
      room previously occupied by a patient colonized or infected with one of these
      pathogens has a higher risk for acquiring one of these pathogens than a patient
      admitted to a room whose previous occupant was not colonized or infected. This
      risk is not surprising because multiple studies have demonstrated that surfaces
      in hospital rooms are poorly cleaned during terminal cleaning. To reduce surface
      contamination after terminal cleaning, no touch methods of room disinfection have
      been developed. This article will review the no touch methods, ultraviolet light
      devices, and hydrogen peroxide systems, with a focus on clinical trials which
      have used patient colonization or infection as an outcome. Multiple studies have
      demonstrated that ultraviolet light devices and hydrogen peroxide systems have
      been shown to inactivate microbes experimentally plated on carrier materials and
      placed in hospital rooms and to decontaminate surfaces in hospital rooms
      naturally contaminated with multidrug-resistant pathogens. A growing number of
      clinical studies have demonstrated that ultraviolet devices and hydrogen peroxide
      systems when used for terminal disinfection can reduce colonization or health
      care-associated infections in patients admitted to these hospital rooms.

PMID- 27131141
TI  - Occupational health risks associated with the use of germicides in health care.
AB  - Environmental surfaces have been clearly linked to transmission of key pathogens
      in health care facilities, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,
      vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, Clostridium difficile, norovirus, and
      multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli. For this reason, routine disinfection
      of environmental surfaces in patient rooms is recommended. In addition,
      decontamination of shared medical devices between use by different patients is
      also recommended. Environmental surfaces and noncritical shared medical devices
      are decontaminated by low-level disinfectants, most commonly phenolics,
      quaternary ammonium compounds, improved hydrogen peroxides, and hypochlorites.
      Concern has been raised that the use of germicides by health care personnel may
      increase the risk of these persons for developing respiratory illnesses
      (principally asthma) and contact dermatitis. Our data demonstrate that dermatitis
      and respiratory symptoms (eg, asthma) as a result of chemical exposures,
      including low-level disinfectants, are exceedingly rare. Unprotected exposures to
      high-level disinfectants may cause dermatitis and respiratory symptoms.
      Engineering controls (eg, closed containers, adequate ventilation) and the use of
      personal protective equipment (eg, gloves) should be used to minimize exposure to
      high-level disinfectants. The scientific evidence does not support that the use
      of low-level disinfectants by health care personnel is an important risk for the
      development of asthma or contact dermatitis.

PMID- 27131142
TI  - Emerging infectious diseases: Focus on infection control issues for novel
      coronaviruses (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoV and Middle East Respiratory
      Syndrome-CoV), hemorrhagic fever viruses (Lassa and Ebola), and highly pathogenic
      avian influenza viruses, A(H5N1) and A(H7N9).
AB  - Over the past several decades, we have witnessed the emergence of many new
      infectious agents, some of which are major public threats. New and emerging
      infectious diseases which are both transmissible from patient-to-patient and
      virulent with a high mortality include novel coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CV),
      hemorrhagic fever viruses (Lassa, Ebola), and highly pathogenic avian influenza A
      viruses, A(H5N1) and A(H7N9). All healthcare facilities need to have policies and
      plans in place for early identification of patients with a highly communicable
      diseases which are highly virulent, ability to immediately isolate such patients,
      and provide proper management (e.g., training and availability of personal
      protective equipment) to prevent transmission to healthcare personnel, other
      patients and visitors to the healthcare facility.

PMID- 27131143
TI  - Low-template DNA: A single DNA analysis or two replicates?
AB  - This study investigates the following two questions: (1) Should the DNA analyst
      concentrate the DNA extract into a single amplification or should he/she split it
      up to do two replicates? (2) Given the electropherogram obtained from a first
      analysis, is it worthwhile for the DNA analyst to invest in obtaining a second
      replicate? A decision-theoretic approach addresses these questions by
      quantitatively expressing the expected net gain (ENG) of each DNA analysis of
      interest. The results indicate that two replicates generally have a greater ENG
      than a single DNA analysis for DNA quantities capable of producing two replicates
      having an average allelic peak height as low as 43rfu. This supports the position
      that two replicates increase the information content with regard to a single
      analysis.

PMID- 27131144
TI  - Chemiluminescence studies between aqueous phase synthesized mercaptosuccinic acid
      capped cadmium telluride quantum dots and luminol-H2O2.
AB  - Mercaptosuccinic acid capped Cadmium telluride quantum dots have been
      successfully synthesized via aqueous phase method. The products were well
      characterized by a number of analytical techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, HRTEM,
      and a corrected particle size analysis by the statistical treatment of several
      AFM measurements. Chemiluminescence experiments were performed to explore the
      resonance energy transfer between chemiluminescence donor (luminol-H2O2 system)
      and acceptor CdTe QDs. The combination of such donor and acceptor dramatically
      reduce the fluorescence while compared to pristine CdTe QDs without any exciting
      light source, which is due to the occurrence of chemiluminescence resonance
      energy transfer (CRET) processes.

PMID- 27131145
TI  - Fabrication and humidity sensing performance studies of a fluorescent film based
      on a cholesteryl derivative of perylene bisimide.
AB  - A fluorescent film based on a cholesteryl derivative of perylene bisimide (PTCDI
      co-CholDEA) was fabricated via utilization of an electrostatic spinning technique
      on a glass plate surface. SEM studies revealed that the film was characterized by
      fibrous network structure. It is the structure and the chemical composition that
      make the fluorescence emission of the film sensitive to the variation of local
      environmental humidity. The sensitivity of the sensing is 0.1497 (*10(4)a.u. of
      the intensity)/1% RH, of which RH is the abbreviation of relative humidity. The
      maximum quenching efficiency of the film is 55.4% when humidity reaches 97% RH.
      Furthermore, the sensing process is fully reversible, and presence of other
      commonly found liquids shows little effect to the monitoring process.

PMID- 27131146
TI  - A UHPLC-MS/MS method for the quantification of direct antiviral agents
      simeprevir, daclatasvir, ledipasvir, sofosbuvir/GS-331007, dasabuvir, ombitasvir
      and paritaprevir, together with ritonavir, in human plasma.
AB  - To date, the new standard for treatment of chronic hepatitis C is based on the
      administration of novel direct acting antivirals. Among these, sofosbuvir,
      simeprevir, daclatasvir, ledipasvir, dasabuvir, ombitasvir and paritaprevir
      already entered the clinical use. Anyway, since few pharmacokinetic studies have
      been conducted on these drugs in a "real life" context poor knowledge is
      available about their optimal therapeutic range. Without this background,
      therapeutic drug monitoring is not applicable for treatment optimization. Up to
      now, a few methods are reported to quantify these drugs in human plasma, and none
      of them in a simultaneous way. The aim of this work was to develop and validate a
      simple, fast and cheap, but still reliable UHPLC-MS/MS method for the
      quantification of these drugs, feasible for a clinical routine use. Solid phase
      extraction was performed using HLB C18 96-well plates. Chromatographic separation
      was performed on a BEH C18 1.7MUm, 2.1mm*50mm column, settled at 50 degrees C,
      with a gradient run of two mobile phases: ammonium acetate 5mM (pH 9.5) and
      acetonitrile, with a flow rate of 0.4mL/min for 5min. Tandem-mass detection was
      carried out in positive electrospray ionization mode. Both inter and intraday
      imprecision and inaccuracy were below 15%, as required by FDA guidelines, while
      both recoveries and matrix effects resulted within the acceptance criteria. The
      method was tested on 80 patients samples with good performance. Being robust,
      simple and fast and requiring a low plasma volume, this method resulted eligible
      for a clinical routine use. 

PMID- 27131147
TI  - Development, validation and comparison of UHPSFC and UHPLC methods for the
      determination of agomelatine and its impurities.
AB  - Agomelatine is one of the newest antidepressants. Due to a different mechanism of
      action it offers a completely new approach in the treatment of depressive
      disorders. Two chromatographic methods for determination of agomelatine and its
      impurities were developed. The separations on UHPSFC system were accomplished
      using stationary phase based on BEH 2-EP and gradient elution with CO2 and
      methanol containing 20mM ammonium formate and 5% of water. The UHPLC separations
      were performed on stationary phase BEH Shield RP18. The mixture of acetonitrile
      and methanol in ratio 1:1 and ammonium acetate buffer pH 9.5 were used as mobile
      phase. Both developed methods were properly validated in terms of linearity,
      sensitivity (LOD, LOQ), accuracy and precision according to ICH guidelines. The
      UHPSFC method was linear in the range 0.25-70MUg/ml for all analytes with method
      accuracy >=97.4% and >=100.2% and method intra-day precision RSD <=2.4 and <=0.8
      for impurities and API (active pharmaceutical ingredient), respectively. The
      UHPLC method was linear in the range 0.1-10MUg/ml for all analytes except three
      impurities for which the linear range was larger 0.1-25MUg/ml. Method accuracy
      >=95.7% and >=95.2% and method intra-day precision RSD <=2.6 and <=1.5 were found
      for impurities and API, respectively. The measurement of tablet samples was
      performed and the selected parameters of the methods were compared. In
      conclusion, both methods were appropriate for the determination of agomelatine
      and its impurities in pharmaceutical quality control (QC), although the UHPSFC
      method was found as more convenient especially in the method development phase.
      The advantages of newly developed UHPSFC-PDA (photo diode array detector) method
      were its environmental friendliness due to the mobile phase used, a very good
      resolution, selectivity and high speed of analysis (total time of separation was
      4.1min). 

PMID- 27131148
TI  - Application of Analytical Quality by Design concept for bilastine and its
      degradation impurities determination by hydrophilic interaction liquid
      chromatographic method.
AB  - This paper deals with the development of hydrophilic interaction liquid
      chromatographic (HILIC) method for the analysis of bilastine and its degradation
      impurities following Analytical Quality by Design approach. It is the first time
      that the method for bilastine and its impurities is proposed. The main objective
      was to identify the conditions where an adequate separation in minimal analysis
      duration could be achieved within a robust region. Critical process parameters
      which have the most influence on method performance were defined as acetonitrile
      content in the mobile phase, pH of the aqueous phase and ammonium acetate
      concentration in the aqueous phase. Box-Behnken design was applied for
      establishing a relationship between critical process parameters and critical
      quality attributes. The defined mathematical models and Monte Carlo simulations
      were used to identify the design space. Fractional factorial design was applied
      for experimental robustness testing and the method is validated to verify the
      adequacy of selected optimal conditions: the analytical column Luna((r)) HILIC
      (100mm*4.6mm, 5MUm particle size); mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-aqueous
      phase (50mM ammonium acetate, pH adjusted to 5.3 with glacial acetic acid)
      (90.5:9.5, v/v); column temperature 30 degrees C, mobile phase flow rate 1mLmin(
      1), wavelength of detection 275nm. 

PMID- 27131149
TI  - A validated LC-MS/MS determination method for the illegal food additive rhodamine
      B: Applications of a pharmacokinetic study in rats.
AB  - Rhodamine B is an illegal and potentially carcinogenic food dye. The aim of this
      study was to develop a convenient, rapid, and sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method for
      pharmacokinetic studies in rats. Rat plasma samples were deproteinized with
      acetonitrile and separated by UHPLC on a reverse-phase C18e column (100mm*2.1mm,
      2MUm) using a mobile phase consisting of methanol-5mM ammonium acetate (90:10,
      v/v). Detection was performed using a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer
      in the selected reaction monitoring mode at [M](+) ion m/z 443.39->399.28 for
      rhodamine B and [M+H](+) ion m/z 253.17->238.02 for 5-methoxyflavone as the
      internal standard. This method was specific and produced linear results over a
      concentration range of 0.5-100ng/mL, with a lower limit of quantitation of
      0.5ng/mL. All validation parameters, including the inter-day, intra-day, matrix
      effect, recovery, and stability in rat plasma, were acceptable according to the
      biological method validation guidelines developed by the FDA (2001). This method
      was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rats; oral administration
      of 1mg/kg of rhodamine B yielded a time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of 1.3+/
      0.4h and an elimination half-life of 8.8+/-1.4h, with a clearance of 229.7+/
      19.4mL/h/kg. These pharmacokinetic results provide a constructive contribution to
      our understanding of the absorption mechanism of rhodamine B and support
      additional food safety evaluations. 

PMID- 27131150
TI  - Qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical constituents of Centipeda
      minima by HPLC-QTOF-MS & HPLC-DAD.
AB  - A high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight
      mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS) method in both positive and negative ion modes
      was established to investigate the major constituents in the ethanolic extract of
      Centipeda minima (EBSC). Twelve common components including flavones and their
      glycosides, phenolic and polyphenolic acids, and sesquiterpene lactone were
      identified in ten batches of samples based on comparison with the retention time
      and accurate mass of external standards (mass accuracy within 3ppm) or the
      fragmentation patterns of tandem MS. Meanwhile, a simple, accurate and reliable
      HPLC-DAD method was also developed to determine the content of 10 chemical
      markers simultaneously. Results obtained from method validations including
      linearity, accuracy and precision showed that this new method is reliable and
      robust. Isochlorogenic acid A and brevilin A were found to be the most abundant
      in the ethanol extract of EBSC and could be served as markers for quality control
      of EBSC. 

PMID- 27131151
TI  - Optimization of chemometric approaches for the extraction of isorhamnetin-3-O
      rutinoside from Calendula officinalis L.
AB  - The application of Design of Experiments (DoE) to the determination of optimum
      conditions for an extraction process relies on the correct selection of
      mathematical models. The linear model is the one typically used; however, in some
      cases it does not always have superior performance, ignoring the real nature of
      the data and its appropriate descriptive model. In order to evaluate the
      extraction efficiency of isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside from flowers of Calendula
      officinalis L. a multivariate factorial analysis was used. Simulations were
      conducted using linear, quadratic, full cubic and special cubic models. A Simplex
      Centroid design was chosen as it delivered greater precision with only minor
      errors versus other models tested. Analyses were performed by capillary zone
      electrophoresis using sodium tetraborate buffer (40mmolL(-1), pH 9.4) containing
      10% methanol. The detection was linear over a range of 8.0-50.0mgL(-1)
      (r(2)=0.996), and the limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for
      isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside were 3.44mgL(-1) and 11.47mgL(-1), respectively. The
      full cubic model showed the best extraction results, with an error of 3.40%
      compared to analysis of variance, and a determination coefficient of 0.974. The
      difference between the responses at the reference point, calculated by the model,
      and the experimental response, varies around 2.72% for full cubic model.
      Comparison of the four models showed the full cubic model was the most
      appropriate one, allowing greater efficiency in the extraction of isorhamnetin-3
      O-rutinoside. Selection of the model made it possible to obtain a 60% increase in
      sensitivity compared to the linear model. 

PMID- 27131152
TI  - European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, the European Commission has supported an increased
      focus on rare cancers in order to improve quality of care, disseminate best
      practice and set up networks to improve access that is essential to continued
      progress. At European Union (EU) conference in 2009, an agreement was reached to
      create a 'European Standard of Care for Children with Cancer'. In 2013, the
      European Paediatric Oncology Society launched a Europe-wide survey in order to
      assess the implementation of the Standards. METHODS: Representative experts from
      36 countries, including 27 EU members, were invited to complete a questionnaire
      describing the quality of treatment and care received by young cancer patients in
      their country, together with the characteristics of the health care
      infrastructure and paediatric haematology-oncology (PHO) teams. FINDINGS: Thirty
      five European countries provided comprehensive responses. Within the responding
      countries, 341 PHO centres were identified. Only 18 countries consider they have
      full diagnostic services, all necessary drugs and supportive care. The annual
      incidence rate is approximately 146.1 new cancer cases/million children and
      adolescents. In 24 countries, paediatric haematology and oncology is officially
      recognised as a specific qualification. A total of 1178 specialists certified in
      PHO are currently working in Europe. Finally, 31 (88.6%) countries provide a
      multidisciplinary palliative care for terminally ill children. INTERPRETATION:
      This survey provides quantitative data that demonstrate the current healthcare
      inequalities for children and adolescents with cancer in Europe. This variability
      in care provision and quality is likely to underlie the variation in childhood
      cancer survival rate in these countries.

PMID- 27131154
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27131153
TI  - Modeling and optimization of shark-inspired riblet geometries for low drag
      applications.
AB  - Fast-swimming sharks have scales with microgrooves called riblets aligned in the
      direction of fluid flow. Riblets result in water moving efficiently over the
      surface. In previous experimental and modeling studies, it has been shown that
      riblets provide drag reduction by lifting vortices formed in turbulent flow
      decreasing overall shear stresses. Riblets have shown drag reductions on the
      order of 10% when compared to a flat surface. Modeling data of blade riblets
      exist showing the role of drag and vortex structures. However, various other
      geometries have not been modeled. To optimize riblet geometries for low drag,
      three different geometries were modeled and their drag properties and vortex
      structures were compared. In addition, a shark-inspired geometry with riblets
      arranged in a scale pattern was modeled to compare shark scales to these riblet
      geometries. Through this work, optimal riblet geometries and dimensions were
      determined. A better understanding of riblet design for drag allows for the
      fabrication of drag-reducing surfaces in transportation, medical, and industrial
      applications. Riblet features in the designs can range from the micro- to
      nanoscale dependent upon the scale of the components. 

PMID- 27131156
TI  - Basic Shock Physiology and Critical Care.
AB  - Veterinarians practicing emergency medicine and/or working with exotic animals
      must be well versed in the pathophysiology of shock because many exotic pets
      present with an acute crisis or an acute manifestation of a chronic process
      causing poor organ perfusion. This article discusses the pathophysiology of shock
      and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, which may lead to organ
      dysfunction, organ failure, sepsis, and death. The physiology of perfusion,
      perfusion measurements, categories of shock, and altered function of the immune
      system, gastrointestinal barrier, and coagulation system are discussed.
      Veterinarians providing emergency care to patients with shock must also be aware
      of comorbidities. 

PMID- 27131157
TI  - How to Improve Anesthesia and Analgesia in Small Mammals.
AB  - The routine use of cardiovascular and respiratory monitor devices is essential
      for a good outcome in small mammal anesthesia. Physiologic differences between
      species and variation between individual animals should be considered when
      choosing an anesthetic protocol. The development of new pain assessment tools
      (eg, mouse grimace scale) can help recognize and alleviate pain. 

PMID- 27131155
TI  - Academic Performance in Children of Mothers With Schizophrenia and Other Severe
      Mental Illness, and Risk for Subsequent Development of Psychosis: A Population
      Based Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined the academic performance at age 12 years of children of
      mothers diagnosed with schizophrenia or other severe mental illness using a large
      whole-population birth cohort born in Western Australia. We investigated the
      association between academic performance and the subsequent development of
      psychotic illness. METHOD: The sample comprised 3169 children of mothers with
      severe mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, unipolar major
      depression, delusional disorder or other psychoses; ICD-9 codes 295-298), and 88
      353 children of comparison mothers without known psychiatric morbidity. Academic
      performance of children was indexed on a mandatory state-wide test of reading,
      spelling, writing and numeracy. RESULTS: A larger proportion of children (43.1%)
      of mothers with severe mental illness performed below the acceptable standard
      than the reference group (30.3%; children of mothers with no known severe mental
      illness). After adjusting for covariates, children of mothers with any severe
      mental illness were more likely than the reference group to perform below
      benchmark on all domains except reading. For all children, poor spelling was
      associated with the later development of psychosis, but particularly for those at
      familial risk for severe mental illness (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.81; 95% CI for HR
      = 1.21, 2.72). CONCLUSIONS: Children of mothers with a severe mental illness are
      at increased risk for sub-standard academic achievement at age 12 years, placing
      these children at disadvantage for the transition to secondary school. For
      children with familial risk for severe mental illness, very poor spelling skills
      at age 12 years may be an indicator of risk for later psychotic disorder.

PMID- 27131158
TI  - Assessment and Care of the Critically Ill Rabbit.
AB  - Rabbits have the ability to hide their signs and often present in a state of
      decompensatory shock. Handling can increase susceptibility to stress-induced
      cardiomyopathy and specific hemodynamic changes. Careful monitoring with a
      specific reference range is important to detect early decompensation, change the
      therapeutic plan in a timely manner, and assess prognostic indicators. Fluid
      requirements are higher in rabbits than in other small domestic mammals and can
      be corrected both enterally and parenterally. Critical care in rabbits can be
      extrapolated to many hindgut fermenters, but a specific reference range and
      dosage regimen need to be determined. 

PMID- 27131160
TI  - Common Emergencies in Small Rodents, Hedgehogs, and Sugar Gliders.
AB  - Small exotic mammal pets such as rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, degus, hedgehogs,
      and sugar gliders are becoming more popular. Because these animals are prone to a
      variety of health problems, and require specialized husbandry care to remain
      healthy, they may present to emergency hospitals in critical condition. This
      article provides a basic overview of common emergency presentations of these
      species. 

PMID- 27131159
TI  - Medical and Surgical Emergencies in Ferrets.
AB  - In the last few years, significant improvement in diagnosis and treatment of
      ferret emergencies has occurred. Scientific advances demonstrated the need of
      specific practices when dealing with emergencies in ferrets. The risk of
      overdiagnosis of hypoglycemia with human portable blood glucose meters is a clear
      example. The purpose of this article is to describe the current approach to
      common medical and surgical emergencies in ferrets. 

PMID- 27131161
TI  - Critical Care of Pet Birds.
AB  - Successful care of the critical pet bird patient is dependent on preparation and
      planning and begins with the veterinarian and hospital staff. An understanding of
      avian physiology and pathophysiology is key. Physical preparation of the hospital
      or clinic includes proper equipment and understanding of the procedures necessary
      to provide therapeutic and supportive care to the avian patient. An overview of
      patient intake and assessment, intensive care environment, and fluid therapy is
      included. 

PMID- 27131162
TI  - Approach to Reptile Emergency Medicine.
AB  - This article summarizes the physiology and anatomy of reptiles, highlighting
      points relevant for emergency room veterinarians. Other systems, such as the
      endocrine and immune systems, have not been covered. The many other aspects of
      reptile species variation are too numerous to be covered. This article provides
      an overview but encourages clinicians to seek additional species-specific
      information to better medically diagnose and treat their reptile patients. 

PMID- 27131163
TI  - Reptile Critical Care and Common Emergencies.
AB  - Reptile emergencies are an important part of exotic animal critical care, both
      true emergencies and those perceived as emergencies by owners. The most common
      presentations for reptile emergencies are addressed here, with information on
      differential diagnoses, helpful diagnostics, and approach to treatment. In many
      cases, reptile emergencies are actually acute presentations originating from a
      chronic problem, and the treatment plan must include both clinical treatment and
      addressing husbandry and dietary deficiencies at home. Accurate owner
      expectations must be set in order to have owner compliance to long-term treatment
      plans. 

PMID- 27131165
TI  - Foreword.

PMID- 27131164
TI  - Tarantula and Hermit Crab Emergency Care.
AB  - Tarantulas and hermit crabs are commonly kept pets and are underappreciated in
      veterinary medicine. Safe handling, biology and husbandry, diagnostic techniques,
      anesthesia, fluid therapy, disorders, and euthanasia are covered in this article.
      Current research is applied to these topics to keep practitioners abreast with
      the best medicine for these creatures. 

PMID- 27131166
TI  - Exotic Pet and Wildlife Emergency Medicine for the Small Animal Practitioner.

PMID- 27131167
TI  - Later Life Marital Dissolution and Repartnership Status: A National Portrait.
AB  - Objectives: Our study compares two types of later life marital dissolution that
      occur after age 50-divorce and widowhood-and their associations with
      repartnership status (i.e., remarried, cohabiting, or unpartnered). Method: We
      used data from the Health and Retirement Study to provide a portrait of later
      life divorce and widowhood for women and men. Next, we tested whether marital
      dissolution type is related to women's and men's repartnered status,
      distinguishing among remarrieds, cohabitors, and unpartnereds, net of key
      sociodemographic indicators. Results: Divorcees are more often repartnered
      through either remarriage or cohabitation than are widoweds. This gap persists
      among women net of an array of sociodemographic factors. For men, the
      differential is reduced to nonsignificance with the inclusion of these factors.
      Discussion: Later life marital dissolution increasingly occurs through divorce
      rather than widowhood, and divorce is more often followed by repartnership. The
      results from this study suggest that gerontological research should not solely
      focus on widowhood but also should pay attention to divorce and repartnering
      during later life.

PMID- 27131168
TI  - Analytical evaluation of the effects of inconsistent anthropometric measurements
      on joint kinematics in motion capturing.
AB  - Clinical decisions based on gait data obtained by optoelectronic motion capturing
      require profound knowledge about the repeatability of the used measurement
      systems and methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of
      inconsistent anthropometric measurements on joint kinematics calculated with the
      Plug-in Gait model. Therefore, a sensitivity study was conducted to ascertain how
      joint kinematics output is affected to different anthropometric data input. One
      previously examined gait session of a healthy male subject and his anthropometric
      data that were assessed by two experienced examiners served as a basis for this
      analytical evaluation. This sensitivity study yielded a maximum difference in
      joint kinematics by the two sets of anthropometrics of up to 1.2 degrees . In
      conclusion, this study has shown that the reliability of subjects'
      anthropometrics assessed by experienced examiners has no considerable effects on
      joint kinematics.

PMID- 27131169
TI  - Walking beyond preferred transition speed increases muscle activations with a
      shift from inverted pendulum to spring mass model in lower extremity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The triggers for the transition of gait from walking to running
      during increasing speed locomotion have been attributed to an energy conservation
      strategy or a relief of excessive muscle activation. Walking beyond the preferred
      transition speed (PTS) has been proposed as an exercise protocol for boosting
      energy consumption. However, the biomechanical factors involved while this
      protocol is used have not been investigated. Thus, this study investigated the
      difference between walking and running below, during, and beyond the PTS from a
      biomechanical perspective. METHODS: Sixteen healthy male participants were
      recruited. After determination of their PTS, five speeds of walking and running
      were defined. Kinematic data, including center-of-mass (COM) displacement, COM
      acceleration, and electromyography (EMG) data of rectus femoris (RF), biceps
      femoris, gastrocnemius (GAS), and tibialis anterior were collected at the five
      speeds for both walking and running. RESULT: The vertical COM displacement and
      acceleration in running were significantly larger than those in walking at all
      five speeds (p<0.05). EMG signals of the two antigravity muscles, RF and GAS,
      demonstrated a significant higher activation in walking than that in running at
      the speed beyond PTS (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The larger energy consumption in
      walking than that in running beyond the PTS may be attributed to the high
      activation of lower-extremity muscles. The smaller vertical COM displacements and
      accelerations exhibited when participants walked beyond the PTS rather than ran
      did not indicate adverse effects of using walking beyond the PTS as an exercise
      prescription for boosting energy consumption.

PMID- 27131170
TI  - Age-independent and age-dependent sex differences in gait pattern determined by
      principal component analysis.
AB  - Although various studies have reported significant sex differences in pelvic
      and/or hip-joint motion during normal walking in healthy adults, it is still
      unclear whether such differences are among the most dominant age-independent sex
      differences. This study was conducted to analyze the whole waveform of lower
      extremity joint kinematics obtained from 191 healthy adults using a principal
      component analysis (PCA). The PCA was conducted using a 955*1212 input matrix
      constructed from the participants' time-normalized pelvic and right-lower-limb
      joint angles along three axes (five trials of 191 participants*101 data points*4
      angles*3 axes). Two-way (age*sex) analyses of variance were conducted on the
      principal component scores (PCSs) of principal component vectors (PCVs) 1 through
      6, each of which explained more than 5% of the variance. We identified a PCV that
      exhibits a significant age-sex interaction (PCV 1). The characteristics of sex
      differences reported in previous studies could be observed in the reconstructed
      waveforms of this PCV. Thus, we can conclude that the sex differences in the
      gaits reported in previous studies are not consistent across age groups.
      Furthermore, we also found a PCV that exhibited only a significant sex difference
      (PCV 6). This PCV was the first and only PCV to exhibit a sex difference without
      any age-related effect or age-sex interaction. Therefore, we concluded that the
      movement related to this PCV is age-independent and is the most dominant sex
      difference in the gaits observed during normal walking.

PMID- 27131171
TI  - Three dimensional multi-segmental trunk kinematics and kinetics during gait: Test
      retest reliability and minimal detectable change.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Trunk kinematics and kinetics can contribute to more detailed
      information on gait impairment, however, data about reliability and measurement
      error of multi-segment trunk on three-dimensional gait analysis (3DGA) is
      lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate test-retest reliability and MDC
      of 3DGA kinematic and kinetic data in a sample of healthy individuals, using a
      two rigid segment model for the trunk. METHODS: A test-retest study with a median
      interval of 7 days and a sample of 23 healthy individuals was conducted.
      Anthropometric, time-distance parameters and peak values for lower limb and trunk
      joint angles/moments were computed. The intraclass correlation coefficient
      (ICC3,k), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC)
      and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated. RESULTS: We found acceptable
      test-retest reliability for most joint angles and a SEM <=4 degrees . The ICCs
      were above 0.7 for joint moments and the SEM and MDC were <=0.2Nm/kg and
      <=0.6Nm/kg, respectively. Bland-Altman plots with 95% LOA revealed a good
      agreement and time-distance parameters were all highly repeatable (majority
      ICCs>0.90). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest varied reliability
      indices for multi-segment trunk joint angles and moments during gait and an
      acceptable level of error, particularly for sagittal plane parameters. Some
      parameters showed wide 95% CIs for ICCs and higher SEM%. However, we believe that
      this study provides preliminary data regarding reliability indices for multi
      segment trunk during gait, which may be valuable for clinical reasoning and
      decision making when dealing with movement disorders.

PMID- 27131172
TI  - Effects of Levodopa on Postural Strategies in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Altered postural control and balance are major disabling issues of Parkinson's
      disease (PD). Static and dynamic posturography have provided insight into PD's
      postural deficits; however, little is known about impairments in postural
      coordination. We hypothesized that subjects with PD would show more ankle
      strategy during quiet stance than healthy control subjects, who would include
      some hip strategy, and this stiffer postural strategy would increase with disease
      progression. We quantified postural strategy and sway dispersion with inertial
      sensors (one placed on the shank and one on the posterior trunk at L5 level)
      while subjects were standing still with their eyes open. A total of 70 subjects
      with PD, including a mild group (H&Y<=2, N=33) and a more severe group (H&Y>=3,
      N=37), were assessed while OFF and while ON levodopa medication. We also included
      a healthy control group (N=21). Results showed an overall preference of ankle
      strategy in all groups while maintaining balance. Postural strategy was
      significantly lower ON compared to OFF medication (indicating more hip strategy),
      but no effect of disease stage was found. Instead, sway dispersion was
      significantly larger in ON compared to OFF medication, and significantly larger
      in the more severe PD group compared to the mild. In addition, increased hip
      strategy during stance was associated with poorer self-perception of balance.

PMID- 27131173
TI  - Instantaneous progression reference frame for calculating pelvis rotations:
      Reliable and anatomically-meaningful results independent of the direction of
      movement.
AB  - In motion analysis, pelvis angles are conventionally calculated as the rotations
      between the pelvis and laboratory reference frame. This approach assumes that the
      participant's motion is along the anterior-posterior laboratory reference frame
      axis. When this assumption is violated interpretation of pelvis angels become
      problematic. In this paper a new approach for calculating pelvis angles based on
      the rotations between the pelvis and an instantaneous progression reference frame
      was introduced. At every time-point, the tangent to the trajectory of the
      midpoint of the pelvis projected into the horizontal plane of the laboratory
      reference frame was used to define the anterior-posterior axis of the
      instantaneous progression reference frame. This new approach combined with the
      rotation-obliquity-tilt rotation sequence was compared to the conventional
      approach using the rotation-obliquity-tilt and tilt-obliquity-rotation sequences.
      Four different movement tasks performed by eight healthy adults were analysed.
      The instantaneous progression reference frame approach was the only approach that
      showed reliable and anatomically meaningful results for all analysed movement
      tasks (mean root-mean-square-differences below 5 degrees , differences in pelvis
      angles at pre-defined gait events below 10 degrees ). Both rotation sequences
      combined with the conventional approach led to unreliable results as soon as the
      participant's motion was not along the anterior-posterior laboratory axis (mean
      root-mean-square-differences up to 30 degrees , differences in pelvis angles at
      pre-defined gait events up to 45 degrees ). The instantaneous progression
      reference frame approach enables the gait analysis community to analysis pelvis
      angles for movements that do not follow the anterior-posterior axis of the
      laboratory reference frame.

PMID- 27131174
TI  - Age-related changes in gait adaptability in response to unpredictable obstacles
      and stepping targets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A large proportion of falls in older people occur when walking.
      Limitations in gait adaptability might contribute to tripping; a frequently
      reported cause of falls in this group. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate age-related changes
      in gait adaptability in response to obstacles or stepping targets presented at
      short notice, i.e.: approximately two steps ahead. METHODS: Fifty older adults
      (aged 74+/-7 years; 34 females) and 21 young adults (aged 26+/-4 years; 12
      females) completed 3 usual gait speed (baseline) trials. They then completed the
      following randomly presented gait adaptability trials: obstacle avoidance, short
      stepping target, long stepping target and no target/obstacle (3 trials of each).
      RESULTS: Compared with the young, the older adults slowed significantly in no
      target/obstacle trials compared with the baseline trials. They took more steps
      and spent more time in double support while approaching the obstacle and stepping
      targets, demonstrated poorer stepping accuracy and made more stepping errors
      (failed to hit the stepping targets/avoid the obstacle). The older adults also
      reduced velocity of the two preceding steps and shortened the previous step in
      the long stepping target condition and in the obstacle avoidance condition.
      CONCLUSION: Compared with their younger counterparts, the older adults exhibited
      a more conservative adaptation strategy characterised by slow, short and multiple
      steps with longer time in double support. Even so, they demonstrated poorer
      stepping accuracy and made more stepping errors. This reduced gait adaptability
      may place older adults at increased risk of falling when negotiating unexpected
      hazards.

PMID- 27131175
TI  - Treadmill walking is not equivalent to overground walking for the study of
      walking smoothness and rhythmicity in older adults.
AB  - Treadmills are appealing for gait studies, but some gait mechanics are disrupted
      during treadmill walking. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of
      speed and treadmill walking on walking smoothness and rhythmicity of 40 men and
      women between the ages of 70-96 years. Gait smoothness was examined during
      overground (OG) and treadmill (TM) walking by calculating the harmonic ratio from
      linear accelerations measured at the level of the lumbar spine. Rhythmicity was
      quantified as the stride time standard deviation. TM walking was performed at two
      speeds: a speed matching the natural OG walk speed (TM-OG), and a preferred TM
      speed (PTM). A dual-task OG condition (OG-DT) was evaluated to determine if TM
      walking posed a similar cognitive challenge. Statistical analysis included a one
      way Analysis of Variance with Bonferroni corrected post hoc comparisons and the
      Wilcoxon signed rank test for non-normally distributed variables. Average PTM
      speed was slower than OG. Compared to OG, those who could reach the TM-OG speed
      (74.3% of sample) exhibited improved ML smoothness and rhythmicity, and the
      slower PTM caused worsened vertical and AP smoothness, but did not affect
      rhythmicity. PTM disrupted smoothness and rhythmicity differently than the OG-DT
      condition, likely due to reduced speed. The use of treadmills for gait smoothness
      and rhythmicity studies in older adults is problematic; some participants will
      not achieve OG speed during TM walking, walking at the TM-OG speed artificially
      improves rhythmicity and ML smoothness, and walking at the slower PTM speed
      worsens vertical and AP gait smoothness.

PMID- 27131176
TI  - Loading rate increases during barefoot running in habitually shod runners:
      Individual responses to an unfamiliar condition.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of barefoot running on
      initial loading rate (LR), lower extremity joint kinematics and kinetics, and
      neuromuscular control in habitually shod runners with an emphasis on the
      individual response to this unfamiliar condition. Kinematics and ground reaction
      force data were collected from 51 habitually shod runners during overground
      running in a barefoot and shod condition. Joint kinetics and stiffness were
      calculated with inverse dynamics. Inter-individual initial LR variability was
      explored by separating individuals by a barefoot/shod ratio to determine acute
      responders/non-responders. Mean initial LR was 54.1% greater in the barefoot when
      compared to the shod condition. Differences between acute responders/non
      responders were found at peak and initial contact sagittal ankle angle and at
      initial ground contact. Correlations were found between barefoot sagittal ankle
      angle at initial ground contact and barefoot initial LR. A large variability in
      biomechanical responses to an acute exposure to barefoot running was found. A
      large intra-individual variability was found in initial LR but not ankle plantar
      dorsiflexion between footwear conditions. A majority of habitually shod runners
      do not exhibit previously reported benefits in terms of reduced initial LRs when
      barefoot. Lastly, runners who increased LR when barefoot reduced LRs when wearing
      shoes to levels similar seen in habitually barefoot runners who do adopt a
      forefoot-landing pattern, despite increased dorsiflexion.

PMID- 27131177
TI  - Comparison of the correlations between impact loading rates and peak
      accelerations measured at two different body sites: Intra- and inter-subject
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High average (VALR) and instantaneous vertical loading rates (VILR)
      during impact have been associated with many running-related injuries. Peak
      acceleration (PA), measured with an accelerometer, has provided an alternative
      method to estimate impact loading during outdoor running. This study sought to
      compare both intra- and inter-subject correlations between vertical loading rates
      and PA measured at two body sites during running. METHODS: Ground reaction force
      data were collected from 10 healthy adults (age=23.6+/-3.8 years) during
      treadmill running at different speeds and inclination surfaces. Concurrently, PAs
      at the lateral malleoli and the distal tibia were measured using synchronized
      accelerometers. RESULTS: We found significant positive intra-subject correlation
      between loading rates and PA at the lateral malleoli (r=0.561-0.950, p<0.001) and
      the distal tibia (r=0.486-0.913, p<0.001). PA measured at the lateral malleoli
      showed stronger correlation with loading rates (p=0.004) than the measurement at
      the distal tibia. On the other hand, inter-subject variances were observed in the
      association between PA and vertical loading rates. The inter-subject variances at
      the distal tibia were 3.88+/-3.09BW/s and 5.69+/-3.05BW/s in VALR and VLIR
      respectively. Similarly, the inter-subject variances in the measurement at
      lateral malleoli were 5.24+/-2.85BW/s and 6.67+/-2.83BW/s in VALR and VLIR
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PA measured at lateral malleoli has stronger
      correlation with VALR or VILR than the measurement at distal tibia. Caution is
      advised when using PA to conduct inter-subject comparisons of vertical loading
      rates during running.

PMID- 27131178
TI  - Trunk muscles activation during pole walking vs. walking performed at different
      speeds and grades.
AB  - Given their functional role and importance, the activity of several trunk muscles
      was assessed (via surface electromyography-EMG) during Walking (W) and Pole
      Walking (PW) in 21 healthy adults. EMG data was collected from the external
      oblique (EO), the erector spinae longissimus (ES), the multifidus (MU), and the
      rectus abdominis (RA) while performing W and PW on a motorized treadmill at
      different speeds (60, 80, and 100% of the highest speed at which the participants
      still walked naturally; PTS60, PTS80 and PTS100, respectively) and grades (0 and
      7%; GRADE0 and GRADE7, respectively). Stride length, EMG area under the curve
      (AUC), muscles activity duration (ACT), and percentage of coactivation (CO-ACT)
      of ES, MU and RA, were calculated from the averaged stride for each of the tested
      combinations. Compared to W, PW significantly increased the stride length, EOAUC,
      RAAUC and the activation time of all the investigated muscles, to different
      extents depending on treadmill speeds and grades. In addition, MUAUC was higher
      in PW than in W at GRADE0 only (all speeds, p<0.01), while ESAUC during W and PW
      was similar at all the speeds and grades. These changes resulted in longer CO-ACT
      in PW than W, at GRADE0-PTS100 (p<0.01) and GRADE7 (all speeds, p<0.01). In
      conclusion, when compared to W, PW requires a greater engagement of the abdominal
      muscles and, in turn, a higher control of the trunk muscles. These two factors
      taken together may suggest an elevated spinal stability while walking with poles.

PMID- 27131179
TI  - Gait modification strategies in trunk over right stance phase in patients with
      right anterior cruciate ligament deficiency.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the gait modification strategies of trunk over
      right stance phase in patients with right anterior cruciate ligament deficiency
      (ACL-D). Thirty-six patients with right chronic ACL-D were recruited, as well as
      36 controls. A 3D optical video motion capture system was used during gait and
      stair ambulation. Kinematic variables of the trunk and kinematic and kinetic
      variables of the knee were calculated. Patients with chronic right ACL-D
      exhibited many significant abnormalities compared with controls. Trunk rotation
      with right shoulder trailing over the right stance phase was lower in all five
      motion patterns (P<0.05). Compared with controls, trunk posterior lean was higher
      from descending stairs to walking when the knee sagittal plane moment ended
      (P<0.01). Trunk lateral flexion to the left was higher when ascending stairs at
      the start of right knee coronal plane moment (P=0.01), when descending stairs at
      the maximal knee coronal plane moment (P<0.01), and when descending stairs at the
      end of the knee coronal plane moment (P=0.03). Trunk rotation with right shoulder
      forward was higher at the minimal knee transverse plane moment (P<0.01) and when
      the knee transverse plane moment ended (P<0.01); during walking, trunk rotation
      with right shoulder trailing was lower at other knee moments during other walking
      patterns (all P<0.01). In conclusion, gait modification strategies of the trunk
      were apparent in patients with ACL-D. These results provide new insights about
      diagnosis and rehabilitation of chronic ACL-D (better use of walking and stair
      tasks as part of a rehabilitation program).

PMID- 27131180
TI  - Validity and repeatability of three in-shoe pressure measurement systems.
AB  - In-shoe pressure measurement devices are used in research and clinic to quantify
      plantar foot pressures. Various devices are available, differing in size, sensor
      number and type; therefore accuracy and repeatability. Three devices (Medilogic,
      Tekscan and Pedar) were examined in a 2 day*3 trial design, quantifying insole
      response to regional and whole insole loading. The whole insole protocol applied
      an even pressure (50-600kPa) to the insole surface for 0-30s in the Novel
      TruBlueTM device. The regional protocol utilised cylinders with contact surfaces
      of 3.14 and 15.9cm(2) to apply pressures of 50 and 200kPa. The validity (%
      difference and Root Mean Square Error: RMSE) and repeatability (Intra-Class
      Correlation Coefficient: ICC) of the applied pressures (whole insole) and contact
      area (regional) were outcome variables. Validity of the Pedar system was highest
      (RMSE 2.6kPa; difference 3.9%), with the Medilogic (RMSE 27.0kPa; difference
      13.4%) and Tekscan (RMSE 27.0kPa; difference 5.9%) systems displaying reduced
      validity. The average and peak pressures demonstrated high between-day
      repeatability for all three systems and each insole size (ICC>=0.859). The
      regional contact area % difference ranged from -97 to +249%, but the ICC
      demonstrated medium to high between-day repeatability (ICC>=0.797). Due to the
      varying responses of the systems, the choice of an appropriate pressure
      measurement device must be based on the loading characteristics and the outcome
      variables sought. Medilogic and Tekscan were most effective between 200 and
      300kPa; Pedar performed well across all pressures. Contact area was less precise,
      but relatively repeatable for all systems.

PMID- 27131181
TI  - Effects of two types of foot orthoses on lower limb muscle activity before and
      after a one-month period of wear.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of two types of foot
      orthoses (FOs) on muscle activity during walking. Twenty-one healthy participants
      were recruited to walk on a five-meter walkway with a control condition (no FOs)
      and two experimental conditions (FOs and FOs with lateral bar). The experimental
      protocol was performed before and after a one-month period of wear for each
      experimental condition. Electromyographic signals were recorded for six muscles
      (gluteus medius, vastus lateralis, medial gastrocnemius, lateral gastrocnemius,
      peroneus longus and tibialis anterior). Mean muscle activity was analyzed during
      the contact, the combined midstance/terminal stance and the pre-swing phases of
      gait. Peak amplitude and time to peak amplitude were quantified during the stance
      phase. Unacceptable level of variability was observed between the testing
      sessions. Therefore, no comparisons were performed to compare the effects of the
      experimental conditions between testing sessions. After a one-month period of
      wear, FOs with lateral bar decreased peak amplitude and mean activity of the
      peroneus longus muscle during the combined midstance/terminal stance phase and
      FOs decreased peak amplitude and mean activity of the tibialis anterior muscle
      during the contact phase compared to a control condition. In conclusion, repeated
      test design should be used with caution when assessing the muscular adaptation to
      the wear of FOs for a certain period of time. More studies are needed to
      determine if the decreased activity of the peroneus longus muscle could be of
      benefit to treat pathologies such as peroneal tendinopathy or lateral ankle
      instability.

PMID- 27131182
TI  - Carrying shopping bags does not alter static postural stability and gait
      parameters in healthy older females.
AB  - Food shopping is an important aspect of maintaining independence and social
      interaction in older age. Carriage of shopping bags alters the body's weight
      distribution which, depending on load distribution, could potentially increase
      instability during standing and walking. The study examined the effect of
      carrying UK style shopping bags on static postural stability and gait in healthy
      older and young females. Nine older (71.0+/-6.0 years) and 10 young (26.7+/-5.2
      years) females were assessed in five conditions carrying no bags, one 1.5kg bag
      in each hand, one 3kg bag in each hand, one 1.5kg bag in preferred hand, one 3kg
      bag in preferred hand. Antero-posterior and medio-lateral displacement, and 95%
      ellipse area from a 30s quiet standing were used for postural stability
      assessment. Stride length and its coefficient of variation, total double support
      time, step asymmetry and gait stability ratio were calculated from 1min treadmill
      walking at self-selected speed for gait assessment. Carrying shopping bags did
      not negatively affect postural stability or gait variables, in either group.
      Further, in older individuals, a decrease in sway velocity was found when holding
      bags during the postural stability assessment (p<0.05), suggesting that carriage
      of bags, irrespective of the load distribution, may have a stabilising effect
      during quiet standing. These results should help to alleviate concerns regarding
      safety of carrying shopping bags and help encourage shopping, both as a social
      and as a physical activity.

PMID- 27131183
TI  - Predicting ground contact events for a continuum of gait types: An application of
      targeted machine learning using principal component analysis.
AB  - An ongoing challenge in the application of gait analysis to clinical settings is
      the standardized detection of temporal events, with unobtrusive and cost
      effective equipment, for a wide range of gait types. The purpose of the current
      study was to investigate a targeted machine learning approach for the prediction
      of timing for foot strike (or initial contact) and toe-off, using only kinematics
      for walking, forefoot running, and heel-toe running. Data were categorized by
      gait type and split into a training set (~30%) and a validation set (~70%). A
      principal component analysis was performed, and separate linear models were
      trained and validated for foot strike and toe-off, using ground reaction force
      data as a gold-standard for event timing. Results indicate the model predicted
      both foot strike and toe-off timing to within 20ms of the gold-standard for more
      than 95% of cases in walking and running gaits. The machine learning approach
      continues to provide robust timing predictions for clinical use, and may offer a
      flexible methodology to handle new events and gait types.

PMID- 27131184
TI  - Specificity of foot configuration during bipedal stance in ballet dancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Learning highly specialized upright postures may be of
      benefit for more common as well as for novel stances. In this study, we asked
      whether this generalization occurs with foot configurations previously trained or
      depends on a generic increase in balance difficulty. We also explored the
      possibility that the benefit may concern not only the level of postural
      performance but also the structural organization of the upright standing.
      METHODS: Ten elite professional ballet dancers were compared to ten untrained
      subjects, measuring the motion of the center of pressure (COP) across a set of
      five stances with different foot configurations. The balance stability was
      measured computing the area, the sway path, and the root mean square of the COP
      motion, whereas the structure of the postural control was assessed by compute
      approximate entropy, fractal dimension and the mean power frequency. The foot
      position included common and challenging stances, with the level of difficulty
      changed across the configurations. Among these conditions, only one foot
      configuration was familiar to the dancers. RESULTS: Statistically significant
      differences between the two groups, for all the parameters, were observed only
      for the stance with the foot position familiar to the dancers. Stability and
      structural parameters exhibited comparable differences. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded
      that the benefit from classical ballet is limited to a specific foot
      configuration, regardless of the level of stance difficulty or the component of
      postural control.

PMID- 27131185
TI  - Altered postural control strategies in quiet standing more than 20 years after
      rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.
AB  - AIM: To explore long-term consequences of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      rupture on postural sway and control strategies during bilateral quiet standing,
      in subjects treated with or without reconstructive surgery compared to uninjured
      controls. METHOD: 70 individuals who had unilateral ACL rupture 23+/-2.4 years
      ago (33 received ACL reconstructive surgery, ACLR, and 37 had physiotherapy only,
      ACLPT) and 33 uninjured matched controls (CTRL) (mean age 46+/-5.3) stood quietly
      with eyes closed for 3min on a firm and on a compliant surface, respectively.
      Center of pressure (CoP) was registered with a force plate and postural sway was
      calculated from center of mass (CoM) derived from 3D kinematics. Sway density
      (SD) analyses of CoP assessed distance and duration of stable phases. The torque
      controlling postural sway was estimated from CoP-CoM. RESULTS: Comparisons across
      conditions to CTRL revealed larger CoP-CoM-area in ACLR (p=0.017, CI: 10.95,
      143.10), but not in ACLPT. Mean distance between SD-peaks was greater for ACLR
      (p<0.001, CI: 1.73, 5.31) than for ACLPT (p=0.006, CI: 0.56, 4.12) relative to
      CTRL. Duration of SD-peaks was smaller for both ACLR and ACLPT (p<0.001, CI: 
      4.04, -1.23 and -3.82, -1.03, respectively) compared to CTRL. CoM-area in the ACL
      groups did not differ from CTRL. CONCLUSIONS: ACL-injured subjects demonstrated
      greater postural control efforts than CTRL but without significant differences in
      postural sway. Control efforts were thus not directly associated with sway and
      further research should be focused on variance in postural control strategies.

PMID- 27131186
TI  - An individual approach for optimizing ankle-foot orthoses to improve mobility in
      children with spastic cerebral palsy walking with excessive knee flexion.
AB  - Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs) are commonly prescribed to promote gait in children
      with cerebral palsy (CP). The AFO prescription process is however largely
      dependent on clinical experience, resulting in confusing results regarding
      treatment efficacy. To maximize efficacy, the AFO's mechanical properties should
      be tuned to the patient's underlying impairments. This study aimed to investigate
      whether the efficacy of a ventral shell AFO (vAFO) to reduce knee flexion and
      walking energy cost could be improved by individually optimizing AFO stiffness in
      children with CP walking with excessive knee flexion. Secondarily, the effect of
      the optimized vAFO on daily walking activity was investigated. Fifteen children
      with spastic CP were prescribed with a hinged vAFO with adjustable stiffness.
      Effects of a rigid, stiff, and flexible setting on knee angle and the net energy
      cost (EC) [Jkg(-1)m(-1)] were assessed to individually select the optimal
      stiffness. After three months, net EC, daily walking activity [stridesmin(-1)]
      and knee angle [deg] while walking with the optimized vAFO were compared to
      walking with shoes-only. A near significant 9% (p=0.077) decrease in net EC (
      0.5Jkg(-1)m(-1)) was found for walking with the optimized vAFO compared to shoes
      only. Daily activity remained unchanged. Knee flexion in stance was reduced by
      2.4 degrees  (p=0.006). These results show that children with CP who walk with
      excessive knee flexion show a small, but significant reduction of knee flexion in
      stance as a result of wearing individually optimized vAFOs. Data suggest that
      this also improves gait efficiency for which an individual approach to AFO
      prescription is emphasized.

PMID- 27131187
TI  - Multiple gait parameters derived from iPod accelerometry predict age-related gait
      changes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Normative data of how natural aging affects gait can serve as a
      frame of reference for changes in gait dynamics due to pathologies. Therefore,
      the present study aims (1) to identify gait variables sensitive to age-related
      changes in gait over the adult life span using the iPod and (2) to assess if
      these variables accurately distinguish young (aged 18-45) from healthy older
      (aged 46-75) adults. METHODS: Trunk accelerations were recorded with an iPod
      Touch in 59 healthy adults during three minutes of overground walking. Gait
      variables included gait speed and accelerometry-based gait variables (stride,
      amplitude, frequency, and trajectory-related variables) in the anterior-posterior
      (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions. Multivariate partial least square
      analysis (PLS) identified variables sensitive to age-related differences in gait.
      To classify young and old adults, a PLS-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used
      to test the accuracy of these variables. RESULTS: The PLS model explained 42% of
      variation in age. Influential variables were: mean stride time, phase variability
      index, root mean square, stride variability, AP sample entropy and ML maximal
      Lyaponov exponent. PLS-DA classified 83% of the participants correctly with a
      sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 71%. DISCUSSION: Contrary to the frequently
      reported high gait variability observed in old adults with frailty and fall
      history, the present study showed that younger compared with older healthy adults
      had a more variable, less predictable and more symmetrical gait pattern. A model
      based on a combination of variables reflecting gait dynamics, could distinguish
      healthy younger adults from older adults.

PMID- 27131188
TI  - From normal to fast walking: Impact of cadence and stride length on lower
      extremity joint moments.
AB  - This study aimed to clarify the influence of various speeding strategies (i.e.
      adjustments of cadence and stride length) on external joint moments. This study
      investigated the gait of 52 healthy subjects who performed self-selected normal
      and fast speed walking trials in a motion analysis laboratory. Subjects were
      classified into three separate groups based on how they increased their speed
      from normal to fast walking: (i) subjects who increased their cadence, (ii)
      subjects who increased their stride length and (iii) subjects who simultaneously
      increased both stride length and cadence. Joint moments were calculated using
      inverse dynamics and then compared between normal and fast speed trials within
      and between three groups using spatial parameter mapping. Individuals who
      increased cadence, but not stride length, to walk faster did not experience a
      significant increase in the lower limb joint moments. Conversely, subjects who
      increased their stride length or both stride length and cadence, experienced a
      significant increase in all joint moments. Additionally, our findings revealed
      that increasing the stride length had a higher impact on joint moments in the
      sagittal plane than those in the frontal plane. However, both sagittal and
      frontal plane moments were still more responsive to the gait speed change than
      transverse plane moments. This study suggests that the role of speed in altering
      the joint moment patterns depends on the individual's speed-regulating strategy,
      i.e. an increase in cadence or stride length. Since the confounding effect of
      walking speed is a major consideration in human gait research, future studies may
      investigate whether stride length is the confounding variable of interest.

PMID- 27131189
TI  - Attentional costs of walking are not affected by variations in lateral balance
      demands in young and older adults.
AB  - Increased attentional costs of walking in older adults have been attributed to
      age-related changes in visuomotor and/or balance control of walking. The present
      experiment was conducted to examine the hypothesis that attentional costs of
      walking vary with lateral balance demands during walking in young and older
      adults. Twenty young and twenty older adults walked on a treadmill at their
      preferred walking speed under five conditions: unconstrained normal walking,
      walking on projected visual lines corresponding to either the participant's
      preferred step width or 50% thereof (i.e. increased balance demand), and walking
      within low- and high-stiffness lateral stabilization frames (i.e. lower balance
      demands). Attentional costs were assessed using a probe reaction-time task during
      these five walking conditions, normalized to baseline performance as obtained
      during sitting. Both imposed step-width conditions were more attentionally
      demanding than the three other conditions, in the absence of any other
      significant differences between conditions. These effects were similar in the two
      groups. The results indicate that the attentional costs of walking were, in
      contrast to what has been postulated previously, not influenced by lateral
      balance demands. The observed difference in attentional costs between normal
      walking and both visual lines conditions suggests that visuomotor control
      processes, rather than balance control, strongly affect the attentional costs of
      walking. A tentative explanation of these results may be that visuomotor control
      processes are mainly governed by attention-demanding cortical processes, whereas
      balance is regulated predominantly subcortically.

PMID- 27131190
TI  - How do elite endurance runners alter movements of the spine and pelvis as running
      speed increases?
AB  - Elite endurance runners are characterised by their performance ability and higher
      running economy. However, there is relatively little research aimed at
      identifying the biomechanical characteristics of this group. This study aimed to
      understand how motions of the pelvis, lumbar spine and thorax change with speed
      in a cohort of elite endurance runners (n=14) and a cohort of recreational
      runners (n=14). Kinematic data were collected during over ground running at four
      speeds ranging from 3.3 to 5.6ms(-1) and a linear mixed model used to understand
      the effect of speed on both range of motion and mean sagittal inclination. The
      results showed the two groups to exhibit similar changes in range of motion as
      speed was increased, with the most pronounced increases being observed in the
      transverse plane. However, the adaptation of thorax inclination with speed
      differed between the two groups. Whereas the recreational runners increased
      thorax inclination as running speed was increased, elite endurance runners
      consistently maintained a more upright thorax position. This is the first study
      to identify specific differences in upper body motions between recreational and
      elite runners and the findings may have implications for training protocols aimed
      at improving running performance.

PMID- 27131191
TI  - In-shoe plantar pressure distribution and lower extremity muscle activity
      patterns of backward compared to forward running on a treadmill.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Backward locomotion in humans occurs during leisure, rehabilitation,
      and competitive sports. Little is known about its general biomechanical
      characteristics and how it affects lower extremity loading as well as muscle
      coordination. Thus, the purpose of this research was to analyze in-shoe plantar
      pressure patterns and lower extremity muscle activity patterns for backward
      compared to forward running. METHODS: On a treadmill, nineteen runners performed
      forward running at their individually preferred speed, followed by backward
      running at 70% of their self-selected forward speed. In-shoe plantar pressures of
      nine foot regions and muscular activity of nine lower extremity muscles were
      recorded simultaneously over a one-minute interval. Backward and forward running
      variables were averaged over the accumulated steps and compared with Wilcoxon
      signed rank tests (p<.05). RESULTS: For backward compared to forward running, in
      shoe plantar pressure distribution showed a load increase under metatarsal heads
      I and II, as well as under the medial midfoot. This was indicated by higher
      maximum forces and peak pressures, and by longer contact times. Muscle activity
      showed significantly higher mean amplitudes during backward running in the
      semitendinosus, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, and gluteus medius during
      stance, and in the rectus femoris during swing phase, while significantly lower
      mean amplitudes were observed in the tibialis anterior during swing phase.
      CONCLUSION: Observations indicate plantar foot loading and muscle activity
      characteristics that are specific for the running direction. Thus, backward
      running may be used on purpose for certain rehabilitation tasks, aiming to
      strengthen respective lower extremity muscles. Furthermore, the findings are
      relevant for sport specific backward locomotion training. Finally, results
      provide an initial baseline for innovative athletic footwear development aiming
      to increase comfort and performance during backward running.

PMID- 27131192
TI  - Does "transition shoe" promote an intermediate biomechanical condition compared
      to running in conventional shoe and in reduced protection condition?
AB  - This study evaluated if running in a "transition shoe" commercially available
      results in intermediate mechanical load upon lower extremities compared to
      conventional shoe and minimalist shoe/barefoot. Kinematic and kinetic parameters
      while running in different shoe conditions were compared. Fourteen runners (12
      men, 2 women; age=28.4+/-7.3 years), inexperienced in minimalist shoes and
      barefoot running, ran on an instrumented treadmill within four experimental
      conditions (conventional shoe - CS, transition shoe - TrS, minimalist shoe - MS,
      and barefoot - BF). Running was performed at 9km/h for 10min in each experimental
      condition. Vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and two-dimensional kinematic
      variables of lower limbs (both legs) were recorded. Nine data acquisitions (10s)
      were conducted for each footwear condition. Transition shoe lead to significant
      changes in VGRF variables related to impact control, while kinematic parameters
      were little affected. The TrS had smaller first peak of VGRF (Fy1) than CS
      (p<=0.001) and higher than MS (p=0.050) and BF (p<=0.001). Time to first peak of
      VGRF (tFy1) of TrS was smaller than CS (p<=0.001) and higher than MS (p<=0.001)
      and BF (p<=0.001). The TrS and MS induced to lesser knee flexion (p<0.001) and
      greater dorsiflexion (p<0.001) than CS and BF. Thus, results suggest the
      transition shoe (TrS) tested seem to promote an intermediate mechanical load
      condition only for VGRF parameters, presenting values of impact forces between
      those found for conventional shoe and minimalist shoe/barefoot. Such knowledge
      could be useful for the transition process from conventional running shoe to
      minimalist shoe/barefoot.

PMID- 27131193
TI  - Biomechanical strategies implemented to compensate for mild leg length
      discrepancy during gait.
AB  - Although mild leg length discrepancy is related to lower limb injuries, there is
      no consensus regarding its effects on the biomechanics of the lower limbs during
      gait. Biomechanical data of 19 healthy participants were collected while they
      walked under different conditions as described: (1) control condition-wearing
      flat thick sandals; (2) short limb condition-wearing a flat thick sandal on the
      left and a flat thin sandal on the right foot; (3) long limb condition: wearing
      flat thin sandal on the left and flat thick sandal on the right foot. The thick
      and thin sandals had 1.45cm of mean thickness difference. The right lower limb
      data were analyzed for all conditions. Ankle, knee, hip and pelvis kinematics and
      internal moments were measured with a motion capture system and six force
      platforms. Principal component analysis was used to compare differences between
      conditions. The scores of the principal components were compared between
      conditions using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Twelve gait variables were
      different between conditions: rearfoot dorsiflexion and inversion (p<0.001);
      ankle dorsiflexion and inversion moments (p<0.001); knee flexion angle and moment
      (p<0.001); knee adduction moment (p<0.001); hip flexion angle and moment
      (p<0.001); hip adduction angle (p=0.001) and moment (p=0.022); and pelvic
      ipsilateral drop (p<0.001). Mild leg length discrepancy caused compensatory
      changes during gait, apparently to equalize the functional length of the lower
      limbs. However, these strategies did not fully succeed, since both short and long
      limb conditions affected pelvic motion in the frontal plane. These results
      suggest that mild leg length discrepancy should not be overlooked in clinical
      settings.

PMID- 27131194
TI  - Effects of soft tissue artifacts on differentiating kinematic differences between
      natural and replaced knee joints during functional activity.
AB  - Functional performance of total knee replacement (TKR) is often assessed using
      skin marker-based stereophotogrammetry, which can be affected by soft tissue
      artifacts (STA). The current study aimed to compare the STA and their effects on
      the kinematics of the knee between twelve patients with TKR and twelve healthy
      controls during sit-to-stand, and to assess the effects of STA on the statistical
      between-group comparisons. Each subject performed the sit-to-stand task while
      motions of the skin markers and the knees were measured by a motion capture
      system integrated with a three-dimensional fluoroscopy technique. The bone
      motions measured by the three-dimensional fluoroscopy were taken as the gold
      standard, with respect to which the STA of the markers were obtained. The STA
      were found to affect the calculated segmental poses and knee kinematics between
      the groups differently. The STA resulted in artefactual posterior displacements
      of the knee joint center, with magnitudes significantly greater in TKR than
      controls (p<0.01). The STA-induced knee external rotations in TKR were smaller
      than those in controls with mean differences of 2.3-3.0 degrees . These between
      group differences in the STA effects on knee kinematics in turn concealed the
      true between-group differences in the anterior-posterior translation and
      internal/external rotation of knee while leading to false significant between
      group differences in the abduction/adduction and proximal-distal translation.

PMID- 27131195
TI  - Normative EMG patterns of ankle muscle co-contractions in school-age children
      during gait.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study was designed to assess the co-contractions of tibialis
      anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) in healthy school-age children
      during gait at self-selected speed and cadence, in terms of variability of onset
      offset muscular activation and occurrence frequency. METHODS: Statistical gait
      analysis, a recent methodology performing a statistical characterization of gait
      by averaging spatio-temporal and sEMG-based parameters over numerous strides, was
      performed in 100 healthy children, aged 6-11 years. Co-contractions were assessed
      as the period of overlap between activation intervals of TA and GL. RESULTS: On
      average, 165+/-27 strides were analyzed for each child, resulting in
      approximately 16,500 strides. Results showed that GL and TA act as pure
      agonist/antagonists for ankle plantar/dorsiflexion (no co-contractions) in only
      19.2+/-10.4% of strides. In the remaining strides, statistically significant
      (p<0.05) co-contractions appear in early stance (46.5+/-23.0% of the strides),
      mid-stance (28.8+/-15.9%), pre-swing (15.2+/-9.2%), and swing (73.2+/-22.6%).
      This significantly increased complexity in muscle recruitment strategy beyond the
      activation as pure ankle plantar/dorsiflexors, suggests that in healthy children
      co-contractions are likely functional to further physiological tasks as balance
      improvement and control of joint stability. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents
      the first attempt for the development in healthy children of a normative dataset
      for GL/TA co-contractions during gait, achieved on an exceptionally large number
      of strides in every child and in total. The present reference frame could be
      useful for discriminating physiological and pathological behavior in children and
      for designing more focused studies on the maturation of gait.

PMID- 27131196
TI  - The effects of predictability on inter-limb postural synchronization prior to
      bouts of postural instability.
AB  - Anticipatory balance control optimizes balance reactions to postural
      perturbations. Predictive control is dependent on the ability of the central
      nervous system to modulate gain in accordance with specific task demands. Inter
      limb synchronization is a sensitive measure of individual limb contributions to
      balance control and may reflect the coordination of gain modulation in
      preparation for instability. The purpose of the study was to determine whether
      gain modulation in advance of predictable bouts of instability was reflected in
      the extent of inter-limb synchronization. Two adjacent force plates were used to
      collect center of pressure (COP) data from 12 healthy young adults (27.5+/-3.4
      years). Participants prepared for internal and external balance perturbations
      using a cueing paradigm with three auditory warning tones followed by an
      imperative tone. Perturbations were delivered in blocked and randomized
      conditions with two perturbation magnitudes (small and large). Inter-limb
      synchrony was calculated using the cross-correlation function of the COP
      excursions from the left and right foot for three seconds prior to perturbation
      onset in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) direction. Inter-limb
      synchrony decreased in the AP and ML directions as perturbation magnitude became
      more unpredictable. The need to take a step or not knowing whether a step was
      required prior to postural instability reduced ML inter-limb synchrony. No
      differences were found between internal and external perturbations. Modulation of
      postural set was evident in the extent of inter-limb synchrony.

PMID- 27131197
TI  - Reliability of knee biomechanics during a vertical drop jump in elite female
      athletes.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to assess the within-session and between-session
      reliability of knee kinematics and kinetics in a vertical drop jump task among
      elite female handball and football athletes. Specifically, we aimed to quantify
      the within-session waveform consistency and between-session consistency of the
      subject ranking for a variety of knee kinematics and kinetics. Forty-one elite
      female handball and football (soccer) athletes were tested in two sessions. The
      reliability of three-dimensional knee biomechanical measurements was quantified
      by the intra-class correlation, Spearman's rank correlation, and typical error.
      All the selected discrete variables achieved excellent within-session reliability
      (ICC>0.87). The typical error of valgus angles, internal rotation angles, and
      internal rotation moment was constant throughout the whole stance phase. For
      between-session reliability, the selected discrete variables achieved good to
      excellent reliability (ICC>0.69), except peak internal rotation moment
      (ICC=0.40). All between-session rank correlation coefficients ranged from 0.56 to
      0.90. Most of the discrete variables achieved good to excellent reliability in
      both within-session and between-session analysis. Moreover, moderate to strong
      between-session consistency of subject rankings was found, implying that the
      measurements assessed during the vertical drop jump demonstrate sufficient
      reliability to be used in both single-session and multiple-session studies.

PMID- 27131198
TI  - Evaluation of a force plate system for measuring center of pressure in railroad
      ballast.
AB  - Traditional biomechanical analyses have focused primarily on the human gait
      across hard, flat surfaces and provide little information about human locomotion
      as a function of work environment or terrain. The purpose of this study was
      evaluation of a force plate system for measure of center of pressure (COP) in
      railroad ballast by comparing its accuracy across three surface conditions (hard
      surface, mainline ballast and walking ballast) with two configurations (level and
      7 degrees  cross-slope). Custom walkways and an isolation fixture were developed
      to rigidly attach a force plate beneath ballast surfaces to collect the COP. The
      difference in COP location (DeltaCOPx, y, z) between the force plate system and a
      calibration system (motion capture derived) were compared using repeated-measures
      analysis of variance. Results indicate that the effects of surface condition and
      configuration were not significant for DeltaCOPx, y, z and no differences were
      found among the three surface conditions during pairwise comparison, though
      DeltaCOPx, y, z were different between the center and corners of the force plate
      in ballasts for both level and cross-slope configurations. The system presented
      in this study demonstrates the feasibility of measuring the COP by using an
      isolation-fixture force plate to expand the scope of biomechanical studies on
      ballast surfaces that are level or cross-slope.

PMID- 27131199
TI  - The impact of walking devices on kinematics in patients with spastic bilateral
      cerebral palsy.
AB  - Increased anterior pelvic and trunk tilt is a common finding in patients with
      bilateral cerebral palsy especially during walking with assistive devices. As
      previous studies demonstrate various gait alterations when using assistive
      devices, the assessment of surgical interventions may be biased when the patients
      become independent of (or dependent on) assistive devices after therapy.
      Furthermore, some of these patients in fact are able to walk without devices even
      though in daily life they prefer to use them. Consequently, for such patients the
      classification into GMFCS level II or III may be ambiguous. The specific aim of
      this study was therefore to assess the influence of the use of forearm crutches
      and posterior walker during walking and to set this influence in relation to
      outcome effects of surgical intervention studies. 26 ambulatory patients with
      spastic bilateral CP (GMFCS II-III) were included who underwent 3D gait analysis.
      All patients used forearm crutches or posterior walkers in everyday life even
      though they were able to walk without assistive devices for short distances.
      Independent of the type of assistive devices, the patients walk on average with
      more anterior trunk tilt and pelvic tilt (7 degrees +/-6 degrees  and 3 degrees
      +/-2 degrees ) and with a maximum ankle dorsiflexion decreased by 2 degrees  (+/
      3 degrees ) when walking with assistive devices, enhancing the mal-positioning
      present without device. Oppositely, the knees on average are more extended by 6
      degrees  (+/-4 degrees ) when using the assistive devices. These effects have to
      be taken into account when assessing gait patterns or when monitoring the outcome
      after intervention as assistive devices may partially hide or exaggerate
      therapeutic effects.

PMID- 27131200
TI  - Altered joint moment strategy during stair walking in diabetes patients with and
      without peripheral neuropathy.
AB  - AIM: To investigate lower limb biomechanical strategy during stair walking in
      patients with diabetes and patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a
      population known to exhibit lower limb muscular weakness. METHODS: The peak lower
      limb joint moments of twenty-two patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and
      thirty-nine patients with diabetes and no neuropathy were compared during ascent
      and descent of a staircase to thirty-two healthy controls. Fifty-nine of the
      ninety-four participants also performed assessment of their maximum isokinetic
      ankle and knee joint moment (muscle strength) to assess the level of peak joint
      moments during the stair task relative to their maximal joint moment-generating
      capabilities (operating strengths). RESULTS: Both patient groups ascended and
      descended stairs slower than controls (p<0.05). Peak joint moments in patients
      with diabetic peripheral neuropathy were lower (p<0.05) at the ankle and knee
      during stair ascent, and knee only during stair descent compared to controls.
      Ankle and knee muscle strength values were lower (p<0.05) in patients with
      diabetic peripheral neuropathy compared to controls, and lower at knee only in
      patients without neuropathy. Operating strengths were higher (p<0.05) at the
      ankle and knee in patients with neuropathy during stair descent compared to the
      controls, but not during stair ascent. CONCLUSION: Patients with diabetic
      peripheral neuropathy walk slower to alter gait strategy during stair walking and
      account for lower-limb muscular weakness, but still exhibit heightened operating
      strengths during stair descent, which may impact upon fatigue and the ability to
      recover a safe stance following postural instability.

PMID- 27131201
TI  - The gait standard deviation, a single measure of kinematic variability.
AB  - Measurement of gait kinematic variability provides relevant clinical information
      in certain conditions affecting the neuromotor control of movement. In this
      article, we present a measure of overall gait kinematic variability, GaitSD,
      based on combination of waveforms' standard deviation. The waveform standard
      deviation is the common numerator in established indices of variability such as
      Kadaba's coefficient of multiple correlation or Winter's waveform coefficient of
      variation. Gait data were collected on typically developing children aged 6-17
      years. Large number of strides was captured for each child, average 45 (SD: 11)
      for kinematics and 19 (SD: 5) for kinetics. We used a bootstrap procedure to
      determine the precision of GaitSD as a function of the number of strides
      processed. We compared the within-subject, stride-to-stride, variability with
      the, between-subject, variability of the normative pattern. Finally, we
      investigated the correlation between age and gait kinematic, kinetic and spatio
      temporal variability. In typically developing children, the relative precision of
      GaitSD was 10% as soon as 6 strides were captured. As a comparison, spatio
      temporal parameters required 30 strides to reach the same relative precision. The
      ratio stride-to-stride divided by normative pattern variability was smaller in
      kinematic variables (the smallest for pelvic tilt, 28%) than in kinetic and
      spatio-temporal variables (the largest for normalised stride length, 95%). GaitSD
      had a strong, negative correlation with age. We show that gait consistency may
      stabilise only at, or after, skeletal maturity.

PMID- 27131203
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27131202
TI  - Plantar flexor muscle weakness may cause stiff-knee gait.
AB  - AIM: The iterative simulation studies proclaim that plantar flexor (PF) muscle
      weakness is one of the contributors of stiff knee gait (SKG), although, whether
      isolated PF weakness generates SKG has not been validated in able-bodied people
      or individuals with neuromuscular disorders. The aim of the study was to
      investigate the effects of isolated PF muscle weakness on knee flexion velocity
      and SKG in healthy individuals. METHOD: Twenty able-bodied young adults (23+/-3
      years) participated in this study. Passive stretch (PS) protocol was applied
      until the PF muscle strength dropped 33.1% according to the hand-held
      dynamometric measurement. Seven additional age-matched able-bodies were compared
      with participants' to discriminate the influence of slow-walking. All
      participants underwent 3D gait analysis before and after the PS. Peak knee
      flexion angle, range of knee flexion between toe-off and peak knee flexion, total
      range of knee-flexion, and time of peak knee flexion in swing were selected to
      describe SKG pattern. RESULTS: After PS, the reduction of plantar flexor muscle
      strength (33.14%) caused knee flexion velocity drop at toe-off (p=0.008) and
      developed SKG pattern by decreasing peak knee flexion (p=0.0001), range of knee
      flexion in early swing (p=0.006), and total knee flexion range (p=0.002). These
      parameters were significantly correlated with decreased PF velocity at toe-off
      (p=0.015, p=0.0001, p=0.005, respectively). The time of peak knee flexion was not
      significantly different between before and after stretch conditions (p=0.130).
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings verified that plantar flexor weakness cause SKG
      pattern by completing three of SKG parameters. Any treatment protocol that
      weakens the plantar flexor muscle might impact the SKG pattern.

PMID- 27131204
TI  - Advantages and disadvantages of stiffness instructions when studying postural
      control.
AB  - To understand the maintenance of upright stance, researchers try to discover the
      fundamental mechanisms and attentional resources devoted to postural control and
      eventually to the performance of other tasks (e.g., counting in the head). During
      their studies, some researchers require participants to stand as steady as
      possible and other simply ask participants to stand naturally. Surprisingly, a
      clear and direct explanation of the usefulness of the steadiness requirement
      seems to be lacking, both in experimental and methodological discussions. Hence,
      the objective of the present note was to provide advantages and disadvantages of
      this steadiness requirement in studies of postural control. The advantages may be
      to study fundamental postural control, to eliminate useless postural variability,
      to control spurious body motions and to control the participants' thoughts. As
      disadvantages, this steadiness requirement only leads to study postural control
      in unnatural upright stance, it changes the focus of attention (internal vs.
      external) and the nature of postural control (unconscious vs. conscious), it
      increases the difficulty of a supposedly easy control task and it eliminates or
      reduces the opportunity to record exploratory behaviors. When looking carefully
      at the four advantages of the steadiness requirement, one can believe that they
      are, in fact, more disadvantageous than advantageous. Overall therefore, this
      requirement seems illegitimate and it is proposed that researchers should not use
      it in the study of postural control. They may use this requirement only if they
      search to know the limit until which participants can consciously reduce their
      postural sway.

PMID- 27131205
TI  - Letter to the Editor: On "Advantages and disadvantages of stiffness instructions
      when studying postural control" by C.T. Bonnet: Quiet stance and the real world.

PMID- 27131206
TI  - Letter to the Editor: On "Advantages and disadvantages of stiffness instructions
      when studying postural control" by C.T. Bonnet: Taking a step towards a broader
      perspective on quiet standing instructions.

PMID- 27131207
TI  - Letter to the Editor: On "Advantages and disadvantages of stiffness instructions
      when studying postural control" by C.T. Bonnet: Comments on "Advantages and
      disadvantages of stiffness instructions when studying postural control".

PMID- 27131208
TI  - Letter to the Editor: On "Advantages and disadvantages of stiffness instructions
      when studying postural control" by C.T. Bonnet: Comments on "Advantages and
      disadvantages of stiffness instructions when studying postural control".

PMID- 27131209
TI  - Letter to the Editor: On "Advantages and disadvantages of stiffness instructions
      when studying postural control" by C.T. Bonnet: You just can't win: Advantages
      and disadvantages of the postural stability requirement.
AB  - In the examination of postural control, instructions to stand as still as
      possible are common and promote a relatively unnatural sway pattern. The validity
      of the stability requirement is discussed in the present commentary in response
      to the discussion initiated by Cedrick T. Bonnet. The advantages of using the
      stability requirement include: evaluating unbiased postural control, reducing
      variability in postural sway, manipulating focus of attention, examining the
      ability to maintain an upright stance, and ecological validity of testing. The
      disadvantages include: constraining natural postural sway, increasing the
      complexity of the control condition, promoting an internal focus of attention,
      and reducing the ability to detect exploratory behaviour. After evaluating the
      aforementioned advantages and disadvantages, the present commentary suggests that
      researchers should strive to provide specific instructions to maintain feet, arm
      and eye position without specifically requiring participants to reduce their
      postural sway.

PMID- 27131210
TI  - Author response to the letter: On "Advantages and disadvantages of stiffness
      instructions when studying postural control" by C.T. Bonnet.

PMID- 27131211
TI  - Long-term effects of a multidisciplinary transition intervention from paediatric
      to adult care in patients with epilepsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term effects of a multidisciplinary transition
      intervention compared to the impact of patient-related intrinsic factors on the
      improvement in medical and psychosocial outcome. METHODS: All patients who
      visited our multidisciplinary Epilepsy Transition Clinic between March 2012 and
      September 2014 were invited to participate (n=114). Patients were sent one
      questionnaire and informed consent was obtained. Questions included the patient's
      level of functioning on three transitional domains and a list with medical health
      care workers. Previously defined scores on three transitional domains and the
      risk profile score were re-evaluated. Past and current patient characteristics
      were compared using descriptive statistics. Discriminant analyses were used to
      determine the influence of patient-related intrinsic factors (defined as the risk
      factors from our previous study) and a multidisciplinary transition intervention
      on the improvement of medical and psychosocial outcome. RESULTS: Sixty-six out of
      114 invited participants (57.9%) completed the questionnaire. Discriminant
      analyses showed that the patient-related intrinsic factors combined proved a
      strong predictor for improvement in medical outcome (72.7%) and relatively strong
      for educational/vocational outcome (51.5%). The transition interventions are a
      relative strong predictor of improvement in medical outcome (56.1%),
      educational/vocational outcome (53.0%) and improvement in the overall risk score
      (54.5%). CONCLUSION: Based on the overall improvement of psychosocial outcome in
      most patients, and the influence of a transition intervention on medical,
      educational/vocational outcome and the overall risk score, it is likely that
      adolescents with epilepsy benefit from visiting a multidisciplinary epilepsy
      transition clinic.

PMID- 27131213
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27131214
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27131212
TI  - Human metapneumovirus small hydrophobic (SH) protein downregulates type I IFN
      pathway signaling by affecting STAT1 expression and phosphorylation.
AB  - Type I interferon (IFN) is a key mediator of antiviral immunity. Human
      metapneumovirus (HMPV) inhibits IFN signaling, but does not encode homologues of
      known IFN antagonists. We tested the hypothesis that a specific viral protein
      prevents type I IFN signaling by targeting signal transducer and activator of
      transcription-1 (STAT1). We found that human airway epithelial cells (capable of
      expressing IFNs) became impaired for STAT1 phosphorylation even without direct
      infection due to intrinsic negative feedback. HMPV-infected Vero cells (incapable
      of expressing IFN) displayed lower STAT1 expression and impaired STAT1
      phosphorylation in response to type I IFN treatment compared to mock-infected
      cells. Transient overexpression of HMPV small hydrophobic (SH) protein
      significantly inhibited STAT1 phosphorylation and signaling, and recombinant
      virus lacking SH protein was unable to inhibit STAT1 phosphorylation. Our results
      indicate a role for the SH protein of HMPV in the downregulation of type I IFN
      signaling through the targeting of STAT1.

PMID- 27131217
TI  - From binary presumptive assays to probabilistic assessments: Differentiation of
      shooters from non-shooters using IMS, OGSR, neural networks, and likelihood
      ratios.
AB  - Screening tests are used in forensic science for field testing and directing
      laboratory analysis of physical evidence. These tests are often binary in that
      the data produced is interpreted as yes/no or present/absent. The utility of
      screening assays can be improved by evaluating a relevant background population
      and incorporating prior knowledge to refine the decision boundary. This paper
      describes the results of using ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and hand swab
      samples collected from 73 individuals to differentiate shooters from non-shooters
      by targeting organic constituents of firearms discharge residues. Each individual
      completed a questionnaire helpful in analyzing positive results when they did
      occur. Pattern matching was undertaken using neural networks, and decision
      thresholds were established using likelihood ratios derived from the population
      study. This approach significantly reduced the background positive rates compared
      to an arbitrary decision threshold technique. This methodology could be extended
      to other pattern-recognition algorithms used with instrumental data. This paper
      also reports the largest population study to date focused on the organic residues
      of firearms discharge. The proportion of positives found in the population sample
      were less than 5%; when a likelihood ratio of 10:1 (shooter/not shooter) was
      used, the frequency of positives fell below 2%. The results suggest that
      background levels of organic gunshot residue will not be a significant analytic
      concern for assay development.

PMID- 27131215
TI  - Oleuropein aglycone and polyphenols from olive mill waste water ameliorate
      cognitive deficits and neuropathology.
AB  - AIM: In TgCRND8 (Tg) mice we checked the dose-response effect of diet
      supplementation with oleuropein aglycone (OLE) at 12.5 or 0.5 mg kg-1 of diet. We
      also studied the effects of dietary intake of the mix of polyphenols present in
      olive mill waste water administered at a total dose as high as the highest dose
      of OLE (50 mg kg-1 of diet) previously investigated. METHODS: Four month-old Tg
      mice were equally divided into four groups and treated for 8 weeks with a
      modified low fat (5.0%) AIN-76 A diet (10 g day-1  per mouse) as such,
      supplemented with OLE (12.5 or 0.5 mg kg-1 of diet) or with a mix of polyphenols
      (50 mg kg-1 of diet) found in olive mill waste water. Behavioural performance was
      evaluated by the step down inhibitory avoidance and object recognition tests.
      Neuropathology was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: OLE supplementation
      at 12.5 mg kg-1 of diet and the mix of polyphenols was found to improve
      significantly cognitive functions of Tg mice (P < 0.0001). Abeta42 and pE-3Abeta
      plaque area and number were significantly reduced in the cortex by OLE and in the
      cortex and hippocampus by the mix of polyphenols (P < 0.01, P < 0.001 and P <
      0.0001). Similar autophagy induction was found in the brain cortex of differently
      treated mice. CONCLUSION: Our results extend previous data showing that the
      effects of OLE on behavioural performance and neuropathology are dose-dependent
      and not closely related to OLE by itself. In fact, diet supplementation with the
      same dose of a mix of polyphenols found in olive mill waste water resulted in
      comparable neuroprotection.

PMID- 27131216
TI  - Investigation of dental alginate and agar impression materials as a brain
      simulant for ballistic testing.
AB  - Routine forensic research into in vitro skin/skull/brain ballistic blood
      backspatter behavior has traditionally used gelatin at a 1:10 Water:Powder (W:P)
      ratio by volume as a brain simulant. A limitation of gelatin is its high
      elasticity compared to brain tissue. Therefore this study investigated the use of
      dental alginate and agar impression materials as a brain simulant for ballistic
      testing. Fresh deer brain, alginate (W:P ratio 91.5:8.5) and agar (W:P ratio
      81:19) specimens (n=10) (11*22*33mm) were placed in transparent Perspex boxes of
      the same internal dimensions prior to shooting with a 0.22inch caliber high
      velocity air gun. Quantitative analysis to establish kinetic energy loss,
      vertical displacement elastic behavior and qualitative analysis to establish
      elasticity behavior was done via high-speed camera footage (SA5, Photron, Japan)
      using Photron Fastcam Viewer software (Version 3.5.1, Photron, Japan) and visual
      observation. Damage mechanisms and behavior were qualitatively established by
      observation of the materials during and after shooting. The qualitative analysis
      found that of the two simulant materials tested, agar behaved more like brain in
      terms of damage and showed similar mechanical response to brain during the
      passage of the projectile, in terms of energy absorption and vertical velocity
      displacement. In conclusion agar showed a mechanical and subsequent damage
      response that was similar to brain compared to alginate. 

PMID- 27131218
TI  - Correlation of firing pin impressions based on congruent matching cross-sections
      (CMX) method.
AB  - Comparison of firing pin impressions of cartridge cases is an important part of
      firearms evidence identification. However, compared with breach face impressions,
      there is only a limited surface area over which firing pin impressions can be
      compared. Furthermore, the curvature of firing pin impressions makes it difficult
      to perform automatic correlations of the surfaces. In this study, a new method
      and related algorithm named congruent matching cross-sections (CMX) are proposed.
      Each firing pin impression is sliced into layers and the resulting circular cross
      sections are converted to two dimensional linear profiles by a polar coordinate
      transformation. The differential profile extraction method is used for extracting
      the high frequency micro-features, or the individual characteristics, for
      accurate correlation. Three parameters are proposed for determining whether these
      pairwise firing pin impressions are fired from the same firearm. The cross
      correlation function (CCF) is used for quantifying similarity of the pairwise
      profiles which represent the two correlated firing pin images. If the correlated
      cartridge pair is fired from the same firearm, the maximum CCF value between each
      of the profile pairs from the reference and the correlated firing pin impressions
      will be high. The other two parameters relate to the horizontal (or angular) and
      vertical range of relative shifts that the profiles undergo to obtain the maximum
      CCF. These shifts are the phase angle theta which corresponds to a horizontal
      shift of the 2D profiles and the vertical shift distance of slice section, i.e.
      where the profiles match in the depth of the impression. These shift parameters
      are used to determine the congruency of the pairwise profile patterns. When these
      parameter values and their statistical distributions are collected for analysis,
      the CMX number is derived as a key parameter for a conclusive identification or
      exclusion. Validation tests using 40 cartridge cases of three different brands
      fired from 10 firearms produced by three different manufacturers yielded clear
      separation between known matching (KM) and known non-matching (KNM) image pairs,
      which strongly supports the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed CMX
      method.

PMID- 27131219
TI  - Alternative method for determining the original drop volume of bloodstains on
      knit fabrics.
AB  - Bloodstains are often observed at violent crime scenes and on the skin and
      clothing of persons involved. The diameters of the blood drops that created these
      stains are related to the force or energy that caused these drops to become
      airborne. This has resulted in several attempts to determine the diameter of the
      original drops, beginning with the methods reported in the pioneering work of
      Henry Lee [6]. However, his methods destroyed the bloodstain during the
      measurement. Other methods described in the literature cannot be applied to
      bloodstains on textiles. A new, rapid, reliable, non-destructive method for
      determining the diameter of the original drop of blood that results in a stain
      has been developed for bloodstains on cotton single jersey knit (tee-shirt)
      fabrics, which is one of the most common fabrics analyzed for BPA both at crime
      scenes and in forensic laboratories. In this method, a drop of known volume of an
      appropriate artificial blood substitute is applied to a region similar to the
      stained region but in an area away from any stains/areas of interest. The areas
      of the original stain and the artificial blood substitute stain are determined,
      from which the original drop diameter can be calculated. Errors in the drop
      diameters, the Reynolds numbers and the Weber numbers resulting from this
      procedure are less than approximately 6%. This procedure has only been verified
      on cotton single jersey knit fabrics with 30MUL<=drop volume<=80MUL. It should
      not be applied to other materials.

PMID- 27131221
TI  - Complications after surgery for benign parotid gland neoplasms: A prospective
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prospective studies on procedure-specific incidences of complications
      after benign parotid surgery are lacking. Predictive factors for postoperative
      facial dysfunction remain controversial. METHODS: We conducted a prospective
      study on 132 patients undergoing parotid surgery for benign parotid neoplasms. We
      analyzed complication rates and assessed risk factors of postoperative transient
      facial palsy. RESULTS: Facial palsy rate was 40.2% on the first postoperative
      day, 28.3% at 2 weeks, 3.9% at 6 months, and 1.6% at 12 months. Immediate
      postoperative palsy rates in subgroups of partial superficial parotidectomy,
      superficial parotidectomy, extended parotidectomy, and ECD were 41.5%, 43.8%,
      53.8%, and 6.3%, respectively. Age, duration of surgery, and use of ultrasound
      knife were identified as risk factors for transient facial palsy. CONCLUSION:
      Depending on the operation type, up to half of the patients experience facial
      palsy after benign parotid surgery. Higher age and longer duration of operation
      increase the risk. The role of operative instrumentation requires further
      studies. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 170-176, 2017.

PMID- 27131220
TI  - Childhood sexual abuse and two stages of cigarette smoking in African-American
      and European-American young women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to determine whether the higher rates
      of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) but lower rates of cigarette smoking in African
      American vs. European-American women can be explained in part by a lower
      magnitude of association between CSA and smoking in African-American women.
      METHODS: Data were drawn from a same-sex female twin study of substance use
      (n=3521; 14.3% African-American). Cox proportional hazards regression analyses
      using CSA to predict smoking initiation and progression to regular smoking were
      conducted separately by race/ethnicity. Co-twin status on the smoking outcome was
      used to adjust for familial influences on smoking (which may overlap with family
      level influences on CSA exposure). RESULTS: After adjusting for co-twin status,
      CSA was associated with smoking initiation in European Americans (hazard ratio
      (HR)=1.43, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.26-1.62) and with smoking initiation
      <=16 in African Americans (HR=1.70, CI: 1.26-2.29). CSA was associated with
      regular smoking onset <=15 in European Americans (HR=1.63, CI: 1.21-2.18), with
      no change in HR after adjusting for co-twin status. In the African-American
      subsample, the HR for CSA was reduced to non-significance after adjusting for co
      twin status (from HR=3.30, CI: 1.23-8.89 to HR=1.16, CI: 0.71-1.92 for regular
      smoking <=15). CONCLUSIONS: CSA is associated with moderate elevation in risk for
      initiating smoking among African-American and European-American women. By
      contrast, CSA is associated with elevated risk for (adolescent onset) regular
      smoking only in European-American women. Furthermore, there is significant
      overlap between risk conferred by CSA and familial influences on regular smoking
      in African-American but not European-American women.

PMID- 27131222
TI  - Right-sided aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery with or without a
      left nonrecurrent inferior laryngeal nerve.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In thyroid surgery, preserving the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is
      crucial for preventing postoperative phonatory dysfunction. Right nonrecurrent
      laryngeal nerves (NRLNs) are not particularly rare, and they are vulnerable to
      injury during surgery. This anomaly is associated with a right aberrant
      subclavian artery. Thus, a right-sided aortic arch with an aberrant left
      subclavian artery (LSA) suggests a possible left NRLN. METHODS: We report the
      cases of 4 patients with right-sided aortic arch and aberrant LSA. Preoperative
      imaging studies revealed those anomalies, but no signs of situs inversus. During
      the surgeries, only 1 of the 4 cases had a left NRLN. We retrospectively
      evaluated the patients' imaging studies. RESULTS: An aortic diverticulum was
      found at the point at which the aberrant LSA originated in the 3 patients with
      left-RLNs, but not in the patient with the left-NRLN. CONCLUSION: In right-sided
      aortic arch + aberrant LSA cases, the absence of an aortic diverticulum suggests
      a left NRLN. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First-E2511, 2016.

PMID- 27131223
TI  - Pretreatment computed tomographic gross tumor volume as predictor of persistence
      of tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube in patients
      undergoing larynx preservation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although larynx preservation affords patients improvements in
      laryngectomy-free survival, little has been reported regarding the functional
      outcomes after larynx preservation. The purpose of this study was to report the
      predictive value of pretreatment CT-gross tumor volume (GTV) for persistence of
      tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube in larynx
      preservation patients. METHODS: Each patient had a CT scan before initiation of
      therapy and the GTV was contoured. RESULTS: Using recursive partitioning analysis
      (RPA), threshold GTVs of 27.16 cc and 12 cc were identified for association of
      time with tracheostomy and PEG tube, respectively. Median (95% confidence
      interval [CI]) times above and below these thresholds were 1.84 (1.06-not reached
      [NR]) and 0.75 (0.63-1.26) years, respectively (p = .03) for time with
      tracheostomy and 1.75 (1.34-NR) and 0.84 (0.46-NR) years, respectively (p = 0.10)
      for time with PEG tube. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that pretreatment CT
      GTV is predictive of an approximately 2.5-fold and approximately 2-fold,
      respectively, increase in time with tracheostomy and PEG tube. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First-1458, 2016.

PMID- 27131224
TI  - Therapeutic approaches for treating hemophilia A using embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Hemophilia A is an X-linked rescessive bleeding disorder that results from F8
      gene aberrations. Previously, we established embryonic stem (ES) cells (tet
      226aa/N6-Ainv18) that secrete human factor VIII (hFVIII) by introducing the human
      F8 gene in mouse Ainv18 ES cells. Here, we explored the potential of cell
      transplantation therapy for hemophilia A using the ES cells. Transplant tet
      226aa/N6-Ainv18 ES cells were injected into the spleens of severe combined
      immunodeficiency (SCID) mice, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-pretreated wild-type
      mice, and CCl4-pretreated hemophilia A mice. F8 expression was induced by
      doxycycline in drinking water, and hFVIII-antigen production was assessed in all
      cell transplantation experiments. Injecting the ES cells into SCID mice resulted
      in an enhanced expression of the hFVIII antigen; however, teratoma generation was
      confirmed in the spleen. Transplantation of ES cells into wild-type mice after
      CCl4-induced liver injury facilitated survival and engraftment of transplanted
      cells without teratoma formation, resulting in hFVIII production in the plasma.
      Although CCl4 was lethal to most hemophilia A mice, therapeutic levels of FVIII
      activity, as well as the hFVIII antigen, were detected in surviving hemophilia A
      mice after cell transplantation. Immunolocalization results for hFVIII suggested
      that transplanted ES cells might be engrafted at the periportal area in the
      liver. Although the development of a safer induction method for liver
      regeneration is required, our results suggested the potential for developing an
      effective ES-cell transplantation therapeutic model for treating hemophilia A in
      the future. 

PMID- 27131226
TI  - Venlafaxine-induced intraocular pressure rise in a patient with open angle
      glaucoma.

PMID- 27131225
TI  - Association Between Accelerated Multimorbidity and Age-Related Cognitive Decline
      in Older Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging Participants without Dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between rate of physical health
      deterioration, operationalized as rising multimorbidity overtime, and
      longitudinal decline in cognitive function in older adults without dementia.
      DESIGN: Longitudinal (Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA)). SETTING:
      Community. PARTICIPANTS: BLSA participants aged 65 and older followed for an
      average of 3 years and free of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at
      baseline and follow-up (N = 756). MEASUREMENTS: Standardized neurocognitive tests
      evaluating mental status, memory, executive function, processing speed, and
      verbal fluency were administered. Multimorbidity was assessed at each visit as
      number of diagnosed chronic diseases from a predefined list. Faster accumulation
      of chronic diseases was defined as upper quartile of rate of change in number of
      diseases over time (>=0.25 diseases/year). RESULTS: Faster accumulation of
      chronic diseases was significantly associated with greater rate of decline on the
      Category (P = .01) and Letter (P = .01) Fluency Tests. Similar trends were also
      found for the Trail-Making Test Parts A (P = .08) and B (P = .07); no association
      was found with rate of change in visual and verbal memory. CONCLUSION: Although
      further investigations are required to validate the results and fully understand
      the underlying mechanisms, these findings suggest that accelerated deterioration
      of physical health is associated with accelerated decline with aging in specific
      cognitive domains in older adults without dementia.

PMID- 27131227
TI  - Risk factors for functional decline in a population aged 75 years and older
      without total dependence: A one-year follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: estimation of functional loss incidence and identification of risk
      factors associated with new disability onset in people aged 75 and older without
      severe dependence in a rural primary care setting. PATIENTS AND METHOD:
      Prospective cohort study of a representative sample of people aged 75 years or
      older without severe dependence (Barthel Index>20 and Lawton Index>1) at a
      primary care center, with a 12-month follow-up. The baseline geriatric assessment
      recorded activities of daily living (ADL), sociodemographic information, numbers
      of drugs prescribed, previous hospital admissions and falls, cognitive function,
      hearing and visual capacity, body mass index, blood pressure, and the Short
      Physical Performance Battery to evaluate lower limb function. ADL was re-assessed
      after 12 months, defining functional loss as a fall of >=10 points on the Barthel
      Index and/or >=2 instrumental activities of the Lawton Index. Bivariate and
      multivariate analyses using logistic regression models were conducted to identify
      factors independently associated with functional loss. RESULTS: Mean age was 81.7
      years, 58.7% of patients were men, and 23.4% presented functional loss at the 12
      month follow-up. Variables identified as independent predictors of functional
      loss were hospital admissions (aOR 3.92; 95%CI: 1.35-11.39), cognitive impairment
      (aOR 2.60; 95%CI: 1.39-4.92) and lower limbs functional limitation (aOR 2.01;
      95%CI: 1.02-3.97). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of performance
      batteries in primary care for identifying elderly persons at risk of functional
      decline; and they also highlight the relevance of appropriate management of
      hospital admissions and planned discharges in order to preserve patients'
      functional status.

PMID- 27131228
TI  - The role of comprehensive geriatric assessment and functional status in
      evaluating the patterns of antithrombotic use among older people with atrial
      fibrillation.
AB  - Aim of the study is to investigate the use of antithrombotic drugs in older
      patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at the time of hospital discharge. We
      enrolled 399 >=65 years old patients with AF consecutively admitted to our acute
      geriatric unit from September 2012 to February 2014. Utilization of
      antithrombotic drugs, comorbidities, functional, mental and nutritional status
      were evaluated through a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). A Logistic
      regression model was used to assess variables associated with antithrombotic use.
      On admission, 198 patients (49.6%) used oral anticoagulants (OAC), 125 (21.3%)
      antiplatelets, 32 (8%) low weight molecular heparin (LMWH) and 44 (11%) none of
      them. At discharge the proportion of patients on OAC increased to 55.7%.
      Age>90years (OR=2.57, CI=1.28-5.16, p-value=0.008), severe functional impairment
      (OR=3.38, CI=1.63-7.01, p-value=0.001), polypharmacy (OR=2.07, CI=1.1-3.86, p
      value=0.023), HAS-BLED score (OR=1.64, CI=1.09-2.47, p-value=0.019) and >=1 OAC
      contraindication (OR=5.01, CI=2.68-9.34, p-value<0.001) were all associated with
      OAC underuse. In conclusion, OAC is underused in geriatric patients with AF,
      while antiplatelet, LMWH and no antithrombotic therapy are relatively overused.
      Factors associated with the decision to not prescribe OAC lie on a mix of
      clinical and geriatric variables, among which functional status is particularly
      relevant.

PMID- 27131229
TI  - Phenotype of sarcopenic obesity in older individuals with a history of falling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although sarcopenic obesity is associated with disability in middle
      aged community-dwelling individuals, the phenotype of sarcopenic obesity in
      people 65 and older, especially those with a history of falls, remain unknown. To
      fill this knowledge gap, the goal of this study was to obtain a comprehensive
      phenotype of sarcopenic obesity in this high-risk population. METHODS: Cross
      sectional study of 680 subjects (mean age=79+/-9, 65% female) assessed between
      2009 and 2013 at the Falls and Fractures Clinic, Nepean Hospital (Penrith,
      Australia). The assessment included a comprehensive examination, posturography,
      gait velocity, grip strength, bone densitometry and body composition by DXA, and
      blood tests for biochemical status. Patients were divided into four groups based
      on DXA and clinical criteria: 1) sarcopenic obese; 2) non-sarcopenic obese; 3)
      sarcopenic and; 4) non-sarcopenic/non-obese. The difference between groups was
      assessed by one-way ANOVA, chi-square analysis, and multivariable linear
      regression. RESULTS: Sarcopenic obese subjects were older (81.1+/-7.3), mostly
      female and more likely to have lower bone mineral density, lower grip strength,
      slower gait velocity, and poor balance. Sarcopenic obese individuals also showed
      significantly higher parathyroid hormone and lower vitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: We
      identified a particular set of clinical and biochemical characteristics in our
      subgroup of sarcopenic obese older fallers. Identification of these particular
      characteristics in the clinical setting is essential in order to prevent poor
      outcomes in this high-risk population.

PMID- 27131230
TI  - Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic: Acute acalculous cholecystitis in systemic lupus
      erythematosus, successfully treated with corticosteroid.

PMID- 27131232
TI  - Magnesium sulphate and perinatal mortality and morbidity in very-low-birthweight
      infants born between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation in Japan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Maternal exposure to magnesium sulphate has a neuroprotective effect
      in premature infants. This study aimed to examine this neuroprotective effect and
      the dose-response relationship in very-low-birthweight infants born between 24
      and 32 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study compared
      the rates of mortality and brain damage between three groups: no magnesium
      sulphate, low-dose (<50g) magnesium sulphate and high-dose (>=50g) magnesium
      sulphate. RESULTS: Japanese maternal and neonatal databases were linked using six
      key parameters from 2003 to 2007. Of 298,514 deliveries, 9101 were very-low
      birthweight infants. Among these, full matching was possible for 5562 infants. Of
      the fully-matched infants, 3763 were born between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation,
      and 1813 (48%) were followed-up beyond 18 months. A multivariate analysis of the
      data, including gestational age, sex, fetal growth restriction, antenatal
      steroids and low pH (<7.1), showed that the low-dose group had no beneficial
      effects in terms of a reduction in mortality or incidence of brain damage
      (cerebral palsy or mental retardation). The high-dose group showed a
      significantly higher mortality rate [odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 1.2-2.9]. A stratified subgroup analysis of infants born between 28 and 32
      weeks of gestation showed that survivors in the low-dose group had significantly
      lower rates of cerebral palsy (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.98) and brain damage (OR 0.2,
      95% CI 0.1-0.9), while the high-dose group did not show any significant changes.
      CONCLUSION: This study found that antepartum exposure to magnesium sulphate did
      not reduce the infant mortality rate or influence neurological outcomes. However,
      among infants born between 28 and 32 weeks of gestation, rates of cerebral palsy
      and brain damage were found to be significantly lower among survivors in the low
      dose group.

PMID- 27131231
TI  - Comparing Prognostic Tools for Cancer Screening: Considerations for Clinical
      Practice and Performance Assessment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the agreement and rates of cancer screening using four
      prognostic tools that require different types of clinical information. DESIGN:
      Observational retrospective cohort study. SETTING: 2009 and 2010 waves of the
      Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 66-90 with survey
      and claims data (N = 9,469). MEASUREMENTS: Agreement between four indices
      predicting short-term (4-5 years) and long-term (9-10 years) survival; self
      reported breast and prostate cancer screening. RESULTS: Agreement between the
      four prognostic tools was high. Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from 0.63
      to 0.90 for short-term survival and 0.68 to 0.94 for long-term survival. When
      defining limited short-term life expectancy as less than 25% chance of surviving
      4 or 5 years, all four tools agreed in 96.4% of the sample. All four tools agreed
      in their placement of participants into limited or not-limited long-term life
      expectancy in 77.1% of participants (<25% chance of surviving 9 or 10 years).
      Rates of cancer screening were similarly high in individuals with limited long
      term life expectancy regardless of the tool used: greater than 31% for
      mammographic screening in women and greater than 69% for prostate cancer
      screening. CONCLUSION: There is substantial agreement among different prognostic
      tools for short- and long-term survival in Medicare beneficiaries. The high rates
      of cancer screening of individuals with limited life expectancy suggest the
      importance of incorporating tools into clinical decision-making.

PMID- 27131233
TI  - Our perfect storm: One orthodontist's opinion.

PMID- 27131234
TI  - "The choice is ours" (not to mention our patients').

PMID- 27131235
TI  - Authors' response.

PMID- 27131236
TI  - History of imaging in orthodontics: A history of overdiagnosis?

PMID- 27131237
TI  - Use of Ramanujan's equation of ellipse to determine arch perimeter.

PMID- 27131238
TI  - Authors' response.

PMID- 27131239
TI  - Start at the beginning.

PMID- 27131241
TI  - It's a rough sport.

PMID- 27131242
TI  - Effectiveness of orthodontic treatment with functional appliances on maxillary
      growth in the short term: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the treatment
      effects on maxillary growth of removable functional appliances that advance the
      mandible to a more forward position in patients with Class II malocclusion.
      METHODS: Sixteen electronic databases and reference lists of studies were
      searched up to April 2015. Only randomized clinical trials and prospective
      controlled clinical trials investigating Class II growing patients treated with
      removable functional appliances were included. Two authors independently
      accomplished study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. All
      pooled analyses of data were based on random-effects models. Statistical
      heterogeneity was evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 14 studies were included (5
      randomized clinical trials, 9 prospective controlled clinical trials) that
      collected data from 765 patients (405 treated, 360 untreated controls). The mean
      differences in treatment effect of functional appliances, relative to the
      untreated controls, were -0.61 degrees  per year (95% CI, -0.69 degrees  to -0.25
      degrees ) for SNA angle, -0.61 mm per year (95% CI, -0.90 to -0.32 mm) for
      anterior maxillary displacement, and +0.07 degrees  per year (95% CI, -0.17
      degrees  to +0.32 degrees ) for maxillary plane rotation. CONCLUSIONS: Removable
      functional appliances in Class II growing patients have a slight inhibitory
      effect on the sagittal growth of the maxilla in the short term, but they do not
      seem to affect rotation of the maxillary plane.

PMID- 27131243
TI  - Fixed functional appliances with multibracket appliances have no skeletal effect
      on the mandible: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to assess the skeletal mandibular changes
      (anteroposterior and vertical) in circumpubertal patients with fixed functional
      appliances installed on multibracket appliances compared with untreated patients.
      METHODS: An open-ended electronic search of 4 databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane
      Library, and Web of Science) up to April 2014 was performed. Additional searches
      of relevant journals, reference lists of the retrieved articles, systematic
      reviews, and gray literature were performed. Specific inclusion and exclusion
      criteria were applied to identify relevant articles. Quality was evaluated using
      the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for
      prospective controlled clinical trials. Meta-analyses were conducted with fixed
      and random effects models as appropriate. Statistical heterogeneity was also
      examined. RESULTS: Seven articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and
      5 in the meta-analysis. The included randomized controlled trials were at high
      risk of bias, and the methodologic quality of the prospective controlled clinical
      trials was high. Based on assessment of the fixed functional appliance phase in
      isolation, no difference in mandibular anteroposterior positional changes (SNB
      angle) (standard mean difference, 0.11 degrees ; 95% CI, -0.28, 0.50) was found
      between the treated and control groups. The vertical dimension was not influenced
      by the fixed functional appliance treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There is little high
      quality evidence concerning the relative influence of fixed functional appliances
      on skeletal and dentoalveolar changes. However, based on the limited evidence, it
      appears that they have little effect on the skeletal mandibular parameters.

PMID- 27131244
TI  - Predicting improvement of postorthodontic white spot lesions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment are at greater risk for
      developing white spot lesions (WSLs). Although prevention is always the goal,
      WSLs continue to be a common sequela. For this reason, understanding the patterns
      of WSL improvement, if any, has great importance. Previous studies have shown
      that some lesions exhibit significant improvement, whereas others have limited or
      no improvement. Our aim was to identify specific patient-related and tooth
      related factors that are most predictive of improvement with treatment. METHODS:
      Patients aged 12 to 20 years with at least 1 WSL that developed during
      orthodontic treatment were recruited from private dental and orthodontic offices.
      They had their fixed appliances removed 2 months or less before enrollment.
      Photographs were taken at enrollment and 8 weeks later. Paired photographs of the
      maxillary incisors, taken at each time point, were blindly assessed for changes
      in surface area and appearance at the individual tooth level using visual
      inspection. RESULTS: One hundred one subjects were included in this study.
      Patient age, brushing frequency, and greater percentage of surface area affected
      were associated with increased improvement. Central incisors exhibited greater
      improvements than lateral incisors. Longer time since appliance removal and
      longer length of orthodontic treatment were associated with decreased levels of
      improvement. Sex, oral hygiene status, retainer type, location of the lesion
      (gingival, middle, incisal), staining, and lesion diffuseness were not found to
      be predictive of improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Of the various patient-related and
      tooth-related factors examined, age, time since appliance removal, length of
      orthodontic treatment, tooth type (central or lateral incisor), WSL surface area,
      and brushing frequency had significant associations with WSL improvement.

PMID- 27131245
TI  - Effect of polyvinylsiloxane material and impression handling on the accuracy of
      digital models.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and
      reliability of measurements on digital models obtained by scanning impressions 5,
      10, and 15 days after they were made from 2 soft putty polyvinylsiloxane (PVS)
      materials. METHODS: Thirty volunteers were selected for making impressions of
      their dentitions with alginate to create a plaster model and with PVS impression
      material to create a digital model by laser scanning. Three examiners made the
      plaster model measurements with digital calipers and repeated these measurements
      on the digital models made from the scanned PVS impressions. A total of 34
      distances were evaluated. Paired t tests were used to evaluate intraexaminer
      error and the accuracy of the digital model measurements. Measurement
      reproducibility and reliability among examiners were tested. RESULTS: Although
      statistically significant differences between measurements on plaster and digital
      models were found, these discrepancies were not clinically significant except for
      overbite. Both plaster and digital models had high intraclass correlation
      coefficient values. CONCLUSIONS: Digital models acquired by laser scanning of 2
      types of soft putty PVS material may be used with clinically acceptable accuracy,
      reliability, and reproducibility, even at a postscanning interval of 15 days.

PMID- 27131247
TI  - Maxillary first premolar inclination in 8- to 11-year-old children: An
      observational cross-sectional study on panoramic radiographs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this study, we examined first premolar inclination in a large
      sample. METHODS: First premolar inclination, canine inclination, and mesiodistal
      location were measured on 797 panoramic radiographs of orthodontically untreated
      children (ages, 8-11 years; 381 boys, 416 girls). The sample comprised 1496
      premolars and 1496 canines. A linear mixed-effects model was used to determine
      the contribution of age, sex, canine inclination, canine sector location, second
      molar maturational stage (D-G), and dental arch side on premolar inclination.
      RESULTS: First premolar inclination values (medians and interquartile ranges)
      were 12.76 degrees  (8.12 degrees -19.05 degrees ) at 8 years, 11.82 degrees 
      (7.87 degrees -16.04 degrees ) at 9 years, 10.40 degrees  (6.38 degrees -15.46
      degrees ) at 10 years, and 9.03 degrees  (5.42 degrees -12.81 degrees ) at 11
      years; 13.86 degrees  (8.60 degrees -18.78 degrees ) at stage D, 10.56 degrees 
      (7.39 degrees -14.77 degrees ) at stage E, 10.43 degrees  (6.08 degrees -15.09
      degrees ) at stage F, and 8.00 degrees  (4.62 degrees -10.74 degrees ) at stage
      G. The following equation was selected (Akaike information criteria = 424.99):
      first premolar inclination ( degrees ) = -2.211 + 2.240 (8 years) + 1.363 (9
      years) + 0.955 (10 years) + 0.387 (canine inclination) + 0.902 (right side) +
      2.320 (stage D) + 6.320 (sector 1) + 5.446 (sector 2) + 3.803 (sector 3). There
      was no difference between percentiles constructed by age and maturational stage.
      CONCLUSIONS: First premolar inclination decreases during the mixed dentition and
      is moderately correlated with canine inclination.

PMID- 27131246
TI  - Common 3-dimensional coordinate system for assessment of directional changes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to evaluate how head orientation
      interferes with the amounts of directional change in 3-dimensional (3D) space and
      to propose a method to obtain a common coordinate system using 3D surface models.
      METHODS: Three-dimensional volumetric label maps were built for pretreatment (T1)
      and posttreatment (T2) from cone-beam computed tomography images of 30 growing
      subjects. Seven landmarks were labeled in all T1 and T2 volumetric label maps.
      Registrations of T1 and T2 images relative to the cranial base were performed,
      and 3D surface models were generated. All T1 surface models were moved by
      orienting the Frankfort horizontal, midsagittal, and transporionic planes to
      match the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes, respectively, at a common
      coordinate system in the Slicer software (open-source, version 4.3.1;
      http://www.slicer.org). The matrix generated for each T1 model was applied to
      each corresponding registered T2 surface model, obtaining a common head
      orientation. The 3D differences between the T1 and registered T2 models, and the
      amounts of directional change in each plane of the 3D space, were quantified for
      before and after head orientation. Two assessments were performed: (1) at 1 time
      point (mandibular width and length), and (2) for longitudinal changes (maxillary
      and mandibular differences). The differences between measurements before and
      after head orientation were quantified. Statistical analysis was performed by
      evaluating the means and standard deviations with paired t tests (mandibular
      width and length) and Wilcoxon tests (longitudinal changes). For 16 subjects, 2
      observers working independently performed the head orientations twice with a 1
      week interval between them. Intraclass correlation coefficients and the Bland
      Altman method tested intraobserver and interobserver agreements of the x, y, and
      z coordinates for 7 landmarks. RESULTS: The 3D differences were not affected by
      the head orientation. The amounts of directional change in each plane of 3D space
      at 1 time point were strongly influenced by head orientation. The longitudinal
      changes in each plane of 3D space showed differences smaller than 0.5 mm.
      Excellent intraobserver and interobserver repeatability and reproducibility
      (>99%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of directional change in each plane
      of 3D space is strongly influenced by head orientation. The proposed method of
      head orientation to obtain a common 3D coordinate system is reproducible.

PMID- 27131248
TI  - Effects of fixed orthodontic treatment on nickel and chromium levels in gingival
      crevicular fluid as a novel systemic biomarker of trace elements: A longitudinal
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nickel and chromium might induce hypersensitivity. Therefore, they
      are of interest to orthodontists. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is highly
      relevant to orthodontic treatments and might reflect systemic changes associated
      with the inflammatory response induced by orthodontic forces. Therefore, it might
      also be used to show metal ion changes. Nevertheless, baseline metal levels of
      GCF are unknown, and the effect of orthodontic treatment on GCF metal levels has
      not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of nickel
      and chromium in GCF. METHODS: Based on a pilot study, the sample size was
      predetermined as 24 * 3 measurements to obtain test powers above 90%. Nickel and
      chromium concentrations were measured before treatment and 1 month and 6 months
      later in 12 female and 12 male patients who had fixed orthodontic appliances
      using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The gingival index was also evaluated
      in each session. The effects of treatment on GCF ions were analyzed using
      repeated-measures analysis of variance and Friedman tests (alpha = 0.05, beta
      <=0.01). RESULTS: The gingival index worsened over time (chi-square test, P
      <0.001). The mean nickel levels were 3.894 +/- 1.442, 5.913 +/- 2.735, and 19.810
      +/- 8.452 MUg per gram, respectively, at baseline, month 1, and month 6. Chromium
      concentrations were 1.978 +/- 0.721, 4.135 +/- 1.591, and 13.760 +/- 3.555 MUg
      per gram, respectively. Compared with the baseline, nickel increased by 150% and
      510%, respectively, in the first and sixth months (Friedman, P <0.0001), and
      chromium increased by 200% and 700%, respectively (analysis of variance, P
      <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Six months of fixed orthodontic treatment might intensify
      the levels of nickel and chromium in the GCF as well as gingival inflammation.

PMID- 27131249
TI  - Effects of maxillary protraction therapy on the pharyngeal airway in patients
      with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate: A 3-dimensional computed
      tomographic study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purposes of this study were to assess the effects of maxillary
      protraction therapy on the pharyngeal airways in patients with repaired
      unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) 3 dimensionally. METHODS: Eighteen
      patients with repaired UCLP and anterior crossbite (ages, 10.4 +/- 1.3 years)
      were enrolled in the study group. Hyrax appliances and reverse headgears were
      used. Cone-beam computed tomography volume scans were taken before and
      immediately after treatment. Fourteen patients (ages, 9.6 +/- 1.7 years) with
      UCLP who did not receive orthopedic treatment served as the control group. The
      volumes of the pharyngeal airways, cross-sectional areas, sagittal diameters, and
      transversal diameters of 3 levels of airway cross-section were measured. RESULTS:
      After protraction, the volumes of the pharyngeal airway increased significantly.
      Cross-sectional area, sagittal diameter, and transversal diameter of the upper
      and lower pharyngeal airways also had significant increases. These changes were
      significant when compared with the untreated subjects except for the transversal
      diameter of the lower pharyngeal airway. Dimensions of the middle pharyngeal
      airway remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary protraction therapy
      significantly affects airway dimensions in patients with repaired UCLP 3
      dimensionally.

PMID- 27131250
TI  - Relationship of craniofacial morphology in 3-dimensional analysis of the pharynx.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pharynx dimensions may vary according to the position and
      morphology of the mandible. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that
      craniofacial morphology affects pharyngeal volume and its cross-sectional areas.
      METHODS: Seventy-four subjects (38 men, 36 women) aged 18 to 56 years (mean +/-
      SD 32.8 +/- 1.8 years) were scanned with a cone-beam computed tomography unit and
      had facial profile photographs taken. All participants were classified according
      to skeletal anteroposterior (Class II and Class III) and vertical facial patterns
      (brachyfacial, mesofacial, and dolichofacial). Facial profile analyses and
      pharyngeal volume and cross-sectional area determinations were performed.
      RESULTS: The soft palate cross-sectional area of the oropharynx was significantly
      greater in the Class III patients. The upper facial third (trichion to soft
      tissue glabella/facial height) correlated negatively with pharyngeal volume and
      with soft palate cross-sectional area in the oropharynx. Alternatively, the
      midfacial third (soft tissue glabella to subnasale/facial height) correlated
      positively with soft palate cross-sectional area of the oropharynx. No
      significant differences across sexes and facial patterns regarding pharyngeal
      volume were found (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The soft palate cross-sectional area is
      larger in skeletal Class III subjects. It seems that analysis of the facial
      profile focusing on the proportions of the facial thirds allows for inferences on
      pharyngeal dimensions. However, anteroposterior skeletal facial type and vertical
      facial pattern do not seem to affect pharyngeal volume.

PMID- 27131251
TI  - Influence of TNF-alpha-308 G/A gene polymorphism on temporomandibular disorder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels are significantly
      upregulated in the synovial fluid of patients with temporomandibular joint
      disorder (TMD). The TNF-alpha influences pain generation and maintenance.
      Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of single
      nucleotide polymorphism TNFA-308 (rs1800629) on TMD risk and on the pressure pain
      threshold. METHODS: The genotypic and allelic frequencies of candidate single
      nucleotide polymorphisms were compared among 152 TMD patients and 91 sex- and age
      matched healthy subjects in the control group using the real-time polymerase
      chain reaction technique. The pressure pain threshold in the temporomandibular
      joint, anterior fascicle of the temporal muscle, masseter muscle, and Achilles
      tendon were recorded with an algometer. After the pressure test, all participants
      received a complete physical examination, including masticatory muscle
      evaluation, temporomandibular joint palpation, and assessment of mandibular range
      of motion. RESULTS: The TNFA-308 polymorphism is positively associated with TMD.
      Subjects with TMD had a 2.87 (95% confidence interval, 1.256-6.569) times greater
      chance of having the GA genotype than did the control group. Rare A-allele
      homozygotes demonstrated decreased pain sensitivity for the temporomandibular
      joint and anterior fascicle of the temporal muscle in the pressure pain threshold
      test compared with ancestral allele homozygotes. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents
      an unprecedented association between the TNFA-308 (rs1800629) polymorphism and
      TMD. Future studies are needed to enlighten the association between TNFA-308 G/A
      single nucleotide polymorphism and mechanical pain sensitivity.

PMID- 27131252
TI  - Role of myosin 1H gene polymorphisms in mandibular retrognathism.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mandibular retrognathism may be the result of a developmental
      abnormality or the unfavorable positional relationship of developing jaws.
      Several lines of evidence suggest that muscles are known to have extensive mutual
      effects on bones. Studies with immunohistochemical staining and gene expression
      have shown unique combinations of myosin heavy chain isoforms in the masseter
      muscles. In this study, we aimed to evaluate MYO1H gene polymorphisms and
      haplotypes as risk factors for mandibular retrognathism. METHODS: Twenty-five
      subjects with mandibular retrognathism and 25 control subjects of both sexes
      having an orthognathic maxilla (SNA, 82 degrees  +/- 2 degrees ) between the ages
      of 12 and 30 years of age were selected for this study. Based on the
      cephalometric values, subjects with SNB angles smaller than 78 degrees  were
      considered to have mandibular retrognathism. Orthognathic subjects (SNB, 80
      degrees ) without jaw deformations were used as the comparison group. Three
      polymorphisms of MYO1H gene (rs10850110, rs11611277, and rs3825393) were
      genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length
      polymorphism. Associations were tested with the Pearson chi-square test and
      haplotype analyses. RESULTS: The single nucleotide polymorphism rs3825393 showed
      a statistically significant association with mandibular retrognathism. The
      cephalometric variables SNB and ANB angles showed significant differences among
      the various genotypes of rs3825393. Linkage disequilibrium was not strong and
      significant between the single nucleotide polymorphisms; hence, the haplotypes of
      the MYO1H gene are not associated with mandibular retrognathism. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results suggest that the rs3825393 polymorphism of the MYO1H gene is
      associated with an increased risk for mandibular retrognathism. The relatively
      small sample size used in the study resulted in modest statistical power. A
      parallel investigation on another population with larger samples to increase the
      power could further clarify the role of the MYO1H gene in causing mandibular
      retrognathism.

PMID- 27131253
TI  - Analysis of the maxillary dental arch after rapid maxillary expansion in patients
      with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although rapid maxillary expansion has been extensively studied in
      noncleft patients, scarce evidence of maxillary effects is found for patients
      with oral clefts. Our objective was to evaluate the dentoalveolar effects of
      rapid maxillary expansion in children with unilateral complete cleft lip and
      palate compared with noncleft patients. METHODS: The experimental group included
      25 patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate and posterior crossbite
      (9 girls, 16 boys; mean age, 10.6 years). The control group comprised 27 noncleft
      patients with posterior crossbite (14 boys, 13 girls; mean age, 9.1 years). The
      experimental group had lip and palate repairs at 3 and 12 months of age,
      respectively, and maxillary expansion was indicated before a secondary alveolar
      bone graft. Digital dental models were obtained immediately before expansion and
      6 months after expansion with a laser scanner. Canine and posterior tooth
      inclinations, transversal widths, arch perimeters, arch lengths, palatal depths,
      and palatal volumes were digitally measured. The paired t test was used for
      interphase comparisons, and the independent t test was used for intergroup
      comparisons (P <0.05). RESULTS: In the experimental group, expansion produced
      buccal tipping of the canines and posterior teeth and significant increases of
      all maxillary transverse measurements, arch perimeter, palatal volumes, and
      palatal depths; only arch lengths decreased. No differences were observed between
      the groups for any measurement, except for intermolar distance. CONCLUSIONS:
      Rapid maxillary expansion produced similar changes in the patients with
      unilateral complete cleft lip and palate compared with the noncleft patients
      except for arch length and palatal depth that decreased after expansion in the
      children with oral clefts.

PMID- 27131255
TI  - Asymmetric molar distalization with miniscrews to correct a severe unilateral
      Class III malocclusion.
AB  - Asymmetries are among the most challenging problems in orthodontics. Proper
      diagnosis is critical to discern first whether the asymmetry is dental or
      skeletal. If it is dental, one must then determine whether one dental arch or
      both are at fault. Once diagnosed, the next challenge is determining not only an
      appropriate treatment plan, but also the appropriate mechanics plan. This aim of
      this article is to present a patient with a severe asymmetry to emphasize the
      importance of a problem-based differential diagnosis to develop both a sound
      treatment plan and a mechanics plan that successfully integrates miniscrews from
      the start of the process. An 18-year-old woman had a Class III subdivision left
      malocclusion, an asymmetric lower facial third, and a deviated midline. The
      treatment plan consisted of asymmetric distalization of the maxillary right and
      mandibular left posterior dentitions to create space to resolve the deviated
      midlines, correct the canted occlusal plane, and obtain an ideal occlusion.
      Active treatment with Clarity ceramic 0.022 * 0.028-in appliances (3M Unitek,
      Monrovia, Calif), temporary anchorage devices, and a pendulum appliance lasted 22
      months. The final result and the 2-year retention records demonstrate that a
      harmonious facial balance, an attractive smile, ideal occlusal relationships, and
      a stable outcome were achieved. This case report shows that with proper planning,
      asymmetric use of temporary anchorage devices in multiple posterior quadrants can
      be used to obtain molar distalization, and this approach is an effective
      alternative to dental extraction therapy. 

PMID- 27131254
TI  - Microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion appliance to orthopedically correct
      transverse maxillary deficiency in an adult.
AB  - This case report describes the use of a microimplant-assisted rapid palatal
      expansion (MARPE) appliance to orthopedically correct a transverse maxillary
      deficiency in an adult patient. Expansion forces transmitted through the teeth in
      traditional rapid palatal expansion appliances create unwanted dental effects
      rather than true skeletal expansion, particularly in older patients with more
      rigid interdigitation of the midpalatal suture. This 19-year-old patient had
      maxillary constriction with a unilateral posterior crossbite. A MARPE appliance
      secured to the palatal bones with 4 microimplants was expanded by 10 mm. Pre
      MARPE and post-MARPE cone-beam computed tomography cross sections demonstrated 4
      to 6 mm of expansion of the maxillofacial structures, including the zygoma and
      nasal bone area, and widening of the circummaxillary sutures. Minor buccal
      tipping of the dentition was observed, but the integrity of the alveolar bone was
      preserved. This report demonstrates that careful design and application of the
      MARPE appliance can achieve successful transverse expansion of the maxilla and
      the surrounding structures in a patient beyond the age typically considered
      acceptable for traditional rapid palatal expansion. 

PMID- 27131256
TI  - Unilateral mandibular condylar osteochondroma treated with ipsilateral
      condylectomy and contralateral ramus osteotomy.
AB  - We successfully treated a 32-year-old woman who had facial asymmetry and
      unilateral mandibular condylar osteochondroma using ipsilateral mandibular
      condylectomy and contralateral ramus osteotomy. Mirror image analysis with a
      noncontact 3-dimensional image scanner showed that the soft tissue on the
      deviated side was protruded more than 5.50 mm compared with the nondeviated side.
      The patient was diagnosed as having facial asymmetry with a skeletal Class III
      jaw-base relationship caused by unilateral mandibular condylar osteochondroma.
      After 18 months of preoperative orthodontic treatment, an ipsilateral
      condylectomy and a contralateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy were performed.
      As the result of postoperative orthodontic treatment for 20 months, an ideal
      occlusion with a Class I molar relationship and an adequate interincisal
      relationship was achieved. Facial asymmetry and mandibular protrusion were
      dramatically improved, and the total differences between the deviated and
      nondeviated sides were decreased to less than 1.11 mm. The acceptable occlusion
      and the symmetric face were maintained throughout the 1-year retention period.
      Our results indicated stability after condylectomy without condylar
      reconstruction in a patient with unilateral condylar osteochondroma. 

PMID- 27131257
TI  - Transplant vs implant in a patient with agenesis of both maxillary lateral
      incisors: A 9-year follow-up.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Agenesis of a maxillary lateral incisor occurs in about 2% of the
      population. Treatment options should adapt to natural biologic changes in a
      lifelong perspective. METHODS AND RESULTS: A young woman with bilateral agenesis
      of the maxillary lateral incisors was treated with transplantation of a
      developing maxillary third molar on one side and a dental implant on the
      contralateral side, after orthodontic space opening. The periodontal examination,
      including bacterial testing of the transplant, the implant, and the control
      central incisor, was performed 9 years after the treatment. A radiologic
      assessment was also performed. The transplanted tooth did not differ from a
      natural incisor, except for the pulp obliteration, and the total bacteria count
      was higher at the implant site. The periodontal tissues around the implant showed
      progressive signs of recession. CONCLUSIONS: Both tooth transplants and dental
      implants for replacing missing maxillary incisors can be effective in the long
      term. This report supports natural tooth substitution rather than implant
      placement for dental agenesis in the anterior maxilla.

PMID- 27131258
TI  - Reproducibility of the lip position at rest: A 3-dimensional perspective.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this study, we evaluated the reproducibility of the lip position
      at rest in 3 dimensions using reverse engineering software and
      stereophotogrammetric images. METHODS: We used 3dMD Flex (3dMD, Atlanta, Ga) to
      obtain 60 stereophotogrammetric images from the same participant. Thirty images
      were obtained in 3 sessions on the same day, and the procedure was repeated 6
      weeks later for 30 more images. The surface-base registration, the segmentation
      of the upper and lower lips, and the 3-dimensional deviation analysis were
      performed with Geomagic Control (3D Systems, Rock Hill, SC) software. The Shapiro
      Wilk test, paired sample t test, Bland-Altman plots, and Wilcoxon signed rank
      test were used for statistical analysis at a significance level of P <0.05.
      RESULTS: The deviations of the upper lip on the first images were between 0.16
      and 1.39 mm. The mean total deviation was 0.25 +/- 0.12 mm. The mean deviation of
      the lower lip was 0.34 +/- 0.17 mm. The deviations were observed between -1.96
      and 1.97 mm. When the mean positive (P = 0.633 and P = 0.171, respectively) and
      the mean negative (P = 0.771 and P = 0.842, respectively) deviations of the upper
      and lower lips were analyzed, there was no significant difference between the 2
      time points. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the rest position can be
      reproduced within a small range both on the same day and between the sessions.
      More research with larger samples is needed to confirm these results.

PMID- 27131259
TI  - It's just a phase.

PMID- 27131260
TI  - Using linear regression for t tests and analysis of variance.

PMID- 27131261
TI  - Multimorbidity is strongly associated with long-term but not short-term mortality
      after cardiac valve replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The presence of multimorbidity is known to be related to adverse
      clinical outcomes. However, its association with mortality in patients undergoing
      cardiac valve replacement is not known. METHODS: Multimorbidity (as a continuous
      variable) was characterized in adults receiving cardiac valve replacement surgery
      between 2008 and 2012 within Kaiser Permanente Northern California based on
      information from health plan electronic health records. Our primary outcome was 3
      year all-cause mortality after surgery. We used Cox proportional hazards
      regression to evaluate the independent association of each additional comorbidity
      with mortality. RESULTS: Among 3686 eligible patients, mean age was 67.9+/
      13.5years and median comorbidity burden was 3 (IQR: 2). The presence of most
      individual comorbidities except hypertension and hyperlipidemia did not occur in
      isolation. The unadjusted annual incidence (per 100 person-years) of death
      increased with higher comorbidity burden: <=1: 4.61 (95% CI: 3.29-6.45), 2-3:
      13.7 (95% CI: 11.9-15.8), 4-5: 23.6 (95% CI: 20.6-26.9), and >=6: 43.4(95% CI:
      34.6-54.4). Advancing age, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular accident, heart
      failure, lung disease, urgent status and use of aldosterone-receptor antagonists
      were independently associated with an increased risk of mortality. In
      multivariable analyses, each additional comorbidity was significantly associated
      with an increased risk of long-term (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.30, 95% CI:
      1.22-1.39) but not short-term mortality (HR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.80-1.07).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that multimorbidity in patients undergoing
      cardiac valve replacement is significantly associated with long-term but not
      short-term mortality.

PMID- 27131262
TI  - A response to the letter by Liu et al.: Surgical correction of a Giant isolated
      congenital left ventricular diverticulum.

PMID- 27131263
TI  - New therapy, new challenges: The effects of long-term continuous flow left
      ventricular assist device on inflammation.
AB  - Surgically implanted continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs)
      are currently used in patients with end-stage heart failure (HF). However, CF
      LVAD therapy introduces a new set of complications and adverse events in these
      patients. Major adverse events with the CF-LVAD include right heart failure,
      vascular dysfunction, stroke, hepatic failure, and multi-organ failure,
      complications that may have inflammation as a common etiology. Our aim was to
      review the current evidence showing a relationship between these adverse events
      and elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers in CF-LVAD recipients. 

PMID- 27131264
TI  - Reducing time delays in the management of ischemic stroke patients in Northern
      Italy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thrombolysis represents the best therapy for ischemic
      stroke but the main limitation of its administration is time. The avoidable delay
      is a concept reflecting the effectiveness of management pathway. For this reason,
      we projected a study concerning the detection of main delays with following
      introduction of corrective factors. In this paper we describe the results after
      these corrections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted for
      ischemic stroke during a 3-months period to 35 hospitals of a macro-area of
      Northern Italy were enrolled. Each time of management was registered, identifying
      three main intervals: pre-hospital, in-hospital and total times. Previous
      corrective interventions were: 1.increasing of population awareness to use the
      Emergency Medical Service (EMS); 2.pre-notification of Emergency Department;
      3.use of high urgency codes; 4.use of standardised operational algorithm.
      Statistical analysis was conducted using time-to-event analysis and Cox
      proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: 1084 patients were enrolled. EMS was
      alerted for 56.3% of subjects, mainly in females and severe strokes (p<0.001).
      Thrombolytic treatment was performed in 4.7% of patients. Median pre-hospital and
      in-hospital times were 113 and 105min, while total time was 240. High urgency
      codes at transport contributed to reduce pre-hospital and in-hospital time
      (p<0.05). EMS use and high urgency codes promoted thrombolysis. Treatment within
      4.5hours from symptom onset was performed in 14% of patients more than the first
      phase of study. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of an organizational system based
      on EMS and concomitant high urgency codes use was effective to reduce avoidable
      delay and to increase thrombolysis.

PMID- 27131265
TI  - Severe aortic regurgitation during percutaneous closure of ventricular septal
      defect.

PMID- 27131266
TI  - Proof of an association between Morbus Ebstein and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
      in a patient with chronic atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 27131267
TI  - Acute life-threatening reversible pulmonary vasoconstrictive reaction to
      bleomycin chemotherapy demonstrating the clinical application of ePLAR -
      echocardiographic Pulmonary to Left Atrial Ratio.

PMID- 27131268
TI  - Combined therapy with sitagliptin plus granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in
      patients with acute myocardial infarction - Long-term results of the SITAGRAMI
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autologous progenitor cell therapy comprising granulocyte-colony
      stimulating factor (G-CSF) for mobilization of bone-marrow derived progenitor
      cells (BMPCs) into peripheral blood and inhibition of dipeptidylpeptidase-IV by
      sitagliptin for enhanced myocardial recruitment of circulating BMPCs has been
      shown to improve survival after acute myocardial infarction (MI) in preclinical
      studies. In the SITAGRAMI trial we found that during short-term follow-up G-CSF
      plus sitagliptin (GS) failed to show a beneficial effect on cardiac function and
      clinical events in patients with acute MI that underwent successful PCI. The
      objective of the present analysis was to assess the impact of GS versus placebo
      treatment on long-term clinical outcomes of the SITAGRAMI trial patient
      population. METHODS: In the randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo
      controlled SITAGRAMI trial, 174 patients with acute MI were assigned to GS or
      placebo in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome for the present long-term analysis
      was the composite of death, MI or stroke on long-term follow-up. RESULTS: The
      median [IQR] follow-up duration was 4.50 [3.56-5.95] years. The primary outcome
      occurred in 12.8% of patients assigned to placebo and 9.2% assigned to GS (HR
      0.69, 95% CI 0.28-1.69; p=0.42). The incidence of the combined cardiovascular
      outcome was 47.7% in the placebo- and 41.4% in the GS-group (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.48
      1.18; p=0.21). Overall, there was no significant difference in MACCE rates
      between both treatment groups (p=0.41). CONCLUSION: These long-term follow-up
      data indicate that GS therapy does not improve clinical outcomes of patients with
      acute MI.

PMID- 27131269
TI  - Insulin-induced hypoglycaemia and the detection of myocardial injury using an
      ultrasensitive troponin assay.

PMID- 27131270
TI  - Perceptions of general and parenting-specific posttraumatic change among
      postpartum mothers with histories of childhood maltreatment.
AB  - Although adaptive meanings of childhood maltreatment (CM) are critical to
      posttraumatic adaptation, little is known about perceptions of posttraumatic
      change (PTC) during the vulnerable postpartum period. PTC may be positive or
      negative as well as global or situational. This study examined general and
      parenting-specific PTC among 100 postpartum women with CM histories (Mage=29.5
      years). All reported general and 83% reported parenting PTC. General PTC were
      more likely to include negative and positive changes; parenting PTC were more
      likely to be exclusively positive. Indicators of more severe CM (parent
      perpetrator, more CM experiences) were related to parenting but not general PTC.
      Concurrent demographic risk moderated associations between number of CM
      experiences and positive parenting PTC such that among mothers with more CM
      experiences, demographic risk was associated with stronger positive parenting
      PTC. Results highlight the significance of valence and specificity of PTC for
      understanding meanings made of CM experiences.

PMID- 27131271
TI  - Psychosocial functioning in Dutch foster children: The relationship with child,
      family, and placement characteristics.
AB  - Foster care is the preferred alternative for out-of-home care, but not
      necessarily beneficial for foster children's psychosocial functioning. This
      dilemma leaves researchers with a challenge to find out more about the factors
      related to foster children's social and emotional functioning. In a sample of 446
      Dutch foster children we examined the extent to which three clusters of
      characteristics, those akin to the foster child, the foster family, or foster
      placement, were related to foster children's functioning at the time of research.
      Multivariate three-step hierarchical regression analyses were performed for three
      outcome variables: externalizing problems, internalizing problems, and prosocial
      behavior. We found that all three clusters of foster care characteristics were
      significantly related to foster children's functioning. Foster placement
      characteristics, in particular interventions aimed at foster children, explained
      the largest amount of variance in behavior problems. Children receiving
      interventions had more externalizing and internalizing problems. A possible
      explanation is that interventions are indicated for those foster children who are
      in the highest need of additional support. Prosocial behavior was particularly
      related to foster family characteristics. The results were mostly in line with
      international research. Careful screening and monitoring of the social and
      emotional functioning of foster children may help to identify problems at an
      early stage. In addition (preventive) support should be offered to those foster
      children and families who are in need of it. 

PMID- 27131273
TI  - Witnessing presence: Swedish care professionals' experiences of supporting
      resident's well-being processes within the frame of residential care homes (RCH).
AB  - The purpose of this article is to analyse the phenomenon of supportive care for
      older persons' well-being. The phenomenon is seen from the eldercarers' meaning
      making through their lifeworld perspective at a residential care home. Based on
      primary empirical interview material with twelve professionals in the context of
      Swedish eldercare, a phenomenological analysis was undertaken. The result shows
      that the phenomenon of supportive care for older persons' well-being creates
      certain ambiguities in the professionals' meaning-making. In practice, it
      balances between the older persons' (from hereon called residents) needs and the
      conditions of the eldercare organization. The ambiguities (the what) is made up
      by three constituents: (i) freedom of choice for the older persons vs.
      institutional constraints, (ii) the residents' need for activation vs. wanting
      not to be activated, and (iii) the residents' need for routine vs. the
      eldercarers' not being able to know what the residents need. The conclusions
      drawn are that this ambiguity has consequences for the eldercarers' choice of
      handling supportive care for older persons' well-being (the how). They have to
      navigate between the support for authenticity, dwelling and mobility, and their
      own presence and time. In performing supportive care for older persons' well
      being, the eldercarers have to consider aspects concerning the resident's
      lifeworld, the social setting of the eldercare ward, and the institutional
      demands of the organization. The practical implications for supporting well-being
      in the care of older residents are manifested in the importance of 'the little
      things', and the eldercarer's ability to give receptive attention, which requires
      presence. 

PMID- 27131274
TI  - Liminal homes: Older people, loss of capacities, and the present future of living
      spaces.
AB  - There are many studies that have examined the meaning of home for older people.
      In this article, our aim is to add the concept of 'liminal homes' to the existing
      discussion: While the concept of liminal homes can be applied to a number of
      'interim spaces', we focus in our study, on those older people who have to
      consider, or are concretely confronted with, the need to move into another living
      space, because of declining health. Based on interviews and photo-elicitation
      with 26 older lower-income seniors living in Montreal, Quebec, this article
      demonstrates the complexity of liminality and analyzes the dynamics of this
      process, composed of a web of interrelated and often dichotomous elements. These
      include the idealized home in contrast to (sometimes imagined) institutions;
      declining health as opposed to the ideals of active aging and third age; and the
      widely promoted concept of aging in place versus the reality of being 'stuck in
      place' due to limited resources. The strategies employed by these older
      Quebeckers to remain in this state and resist a move to another living space, are
      the often arduous construction of a 'patchwork of care'. 

PMID- 27131272
TI  - Mechanics of epithelial tissues during gap closure.
AB  - The closure of gaps is crucial to maintaining epithelium integrity during
      developmental and repair processes such as dorsal closure and wound healing.
      Depending on biochemical as well as physical properties of the microenvironment,
      gap closure occurs through assembly of multicellular actin-based contractile
      cables and/or protrusive activity of cells lining the gap. This review discusses
      the relative contributions of 'purse-string' and cell crawling mechanisms
      regulated by cell-substrate and cell-cell interactions, cellular mechanics and
      physical constraints from the environment.

PMID- 27131275
TI  - Sociability and distinction: An ethnographic study of a French nursing home.
AB  - How do residents' previous social positions influence the ways in which they deal
      with social life in nursing home? Based on observations and interviews in a
      private nursing home in France, this article describes daily life in the
      facility, the disability-based distinctions observed among residents, the
      strategies they use to "find their place," and the references they make about
      their former social position in collective encounters. It shows that sociability
      in nursing homes is structured by the intertwining of "levels of disability"
      among residents, the social composition of the institution and its local
      surroundings, and the relative value attributed to each type of capital (in the
      sense of Bourdieu) in this context. The author proposes some assumptions that aim
      to generalize these specific findings. 

PMID- 27131276
TI  - Can 'distant water ... quench the instant thirst'? The renegotiation of familial
      support in rural China in the face of extensive out migration.
AB  - This article addresses debates on modernisation, ageing and intergenerational
      support in developing/emerging economies. By examining the impact of rural to
      urban migration on elder support in Chinese rural families, it examines how
      support is being renegotiated and the implications this holds for experiences of
      growing older. It is positioned critically within the Chinese rural families
      literature, both drawing on research that reveals the continued influence of
      familial culture (Silverstein 2009; Lin and Yi 2011, 2013; Guo, Chi and
      Silverstein 2011) while arguing that this research has under-examined the strain
      this places on rural families, emerging conflicts and the potentially negative
      implications for gender and ageing. A gendered intergenerational lens is adopted
      to examine how generations experience and interpret these changes in the form and
      delivery of intergenerational support. The article focuses on the experiences and
      lives of the older parents, and older women in particular, to address some of the
      oversights in existing literature. 

PMID- 27131277
TI  - Living with uncertainty: Mapping the transition from pre-diagnosis to a diagnosis
      of dementia.
AB  - Across the world, an early and timely diagnosis of dementia is seen to be a
      policy and practice imperative and a necessary step in order to live well with
      the condition. However, limited understanding exists regarding the personal and
      relational meanings attributed to the diagnostic experience. Drawn from the
      findings of a larger multi-site study conducted in four areas of England, this
      article presents a subset of the data where five participants and their carers
      and two people living alone initially presented themselves at a memory clinic for
      diagnostic testing, with this presentation eventually resulting in a confirmed,
      and shared, diagnosis of dementia. All 12 participants were interviewed at two
      time points in the study: at the time of first presentation to the memory clinic
      and shortly after the diagnosis had been shared with them. Informed by the
      grounded theory method, constant comparative analysis was applied to the data and
      this process resulted in a four-phase sequential model of diagnostic transition:
      (1) becoming self-aware->seeking outside help; (2) being referred->receiving a
      clinic appointment; (3) undergoing tests->being told what's wrong; and (4)
      adjusting to the diagnosis->negotiating everyday expectations. Running through
      each phase was the core category of 'living with uncertainty' which summarised
      the entire diagnostic journey for all study participants. Findings suggest a need
      for better awareness and information for people living with dementia at all
      phases and time points in the condition, which may be fostered by embedding these
      in early clinical encounters. 

PMID- 27131278
TI  - Dependence on place: A source of autonomy in later life for older Maori.
AB  - Attachment to place is an important component of ageing. Although the importance
      of place for older people's well-being is known, the ways in which different
      conceptions of place and expectations for what later life may hold depend upon
      cultural beliefs, values, and expectations is underexplored. This study examined
      the ways that place influences experiences of ageing for older Maori in New
      Zealand. Eight interviews with older Maori were analysed thematically alongside
      field notes from a research visit. Attachment to place provided the foundation
      for experiences of ageing for older Maori. Through their connection to place, the
      participants drew on a comforting and comfortable dependence on land and family
      to enable autonomy in later life. Rather than seeking to maintain independence in
      terms of avoiding reliance on others, older Maori conceptualised older age
      through autonomy and freedom to live in accordance with Maori values encapsulated
      by whakawhanaungatanga. A good old age depended on balancing competing demands of
      living in wider society with attachment to place and Maori identity in later
      life. 

PMID- 27131279
TI  - Free choice in residential care for older people - A philosophical reflection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Free choice in elderly care services is a debated issue. Using the
      theoretical support of philosophers of free will, this paper explores free choice
      in relocation to residential care. The three dominant perspectives within this
      field of philosophy, libertarianism, determinism and compatibilism, are applied
      from the perspective of the older individual to the process of moving. METHOD:
      Empirical data were collected through qualitative interviews with 13 older
      individuals who had recently moved into residential care. RESULTS: These
      individuals had made the choice to move following either a health emergency or
      incremental health problems. In a deterministic perspective they had no
      alternative to moving, which was the inevitable solution to their various
      personal problems. A network of people important to them assisted in the move,
      making the choice possible. However, post-move the interviewees' perspective had
      changed to a libertarian or compatibilist interpretation, whereby although the
      circumstances had conferred little freedom regarding the move. CONCLUSIONS: The
      interviewees reported a high degree of self-determination in the process. It
      appeared that in order to restore self-respect and personal agency, the older
      individuals had transformed their restricted choice into a choice made of free
      will or freer will.

PMID- 27131280
TI  - Relative prospects of children as they age: Canadians and Americans in midlife in
      the great recession frame future generations.
AB  - Studies of intergenerational relations in aging and changing families often focus
      on the present, how generations interact, relate or depend on each other in
      families. Less often is the focus on the prospective, on projected perceptions of
      life course prospects for future generations as they age. In this paper, part of
      a large multi-method project, we adopt this focus. We rely on interviews
      conducted in 2013 with midlife respondents in two socioeconomic classes in
      comparable cities in the United States and Canada, We specifically explore
      whether and how Canadians and Americans in midlife discuss life course prospects
      for their children (or younger relatives) in ways that map onto wider discursive
      frames of aging. Through a combined discourse and frame analysis of our interview
      data, we find that frames of "The Dream" and "Intergenerational Contract"
      construct and reflect competing models of intergenerational shifts in life course
      spaces as well as suggest intergenerational changes in mobility and
      opportunities. 

PMID- 27131281
TI  - Mid and later life care work migration: Patterns of re-organising informal care
      obligations in Central and Eastern Europe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many women in mid or later life from Central and Eastern Europe
      commute for live-in 24-hour care work to Austria. In addition to paid care work
      abroad, the majority of women in this age group is confronted with informal
      (family) care obligations towards children, towards older relatives or towards
      grandchildren. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the patterns of re
      organising these informal care obligations (childcare, long-term care and
      domestic work) in the respective home country and to analyse the factors that
      determine the re-organisation. METHODS: The study builds on qualitative
      interviews with 20 migrant care workers aged 40years and over, 9 Romanian and 11
      Slovakian women providing 24-hour care work in Austria. RESULTS: All interviewees
      commute in 2- to 4-weekly shifts between the home country and Austria and report
      multiple informal care obligations towards family members in the respective home
      country. In most cases, members of the nuclear and extended family, and in many
      cases husbands or partners of migrant care workers, act as the main substitute
      caregivers. Institutional care provision plays a more important role for child
      care as against for older people in need of care for whom care services are
      hardly available or accessible in the countries observed. DISCUSSION: While re
      organisation depends much on the specific family constellations, strong
      assumptions towards family care, the limitations in (monetary) resources and the
      lack of public welfare provisions strongly co-determine the arrangements.

PMID- 27131282
TI  - Docking, QM/MM, and molecular dynamics simulations of the hexose transporter from
      Plasmodium falciparum (PfHT).
AB  - Malaria is the most prevalent parasitic disease in the world. Currently, an
      effective vaccine for malaria does not exist, and chemotherapy must be used to
      treat the disease. Because of increasing resistance to current antimalarial
      drugs, new treatments must be developed. Among the many potential molecular
      targets, the hexose transporter of Plasmodium falciparum (PfHT) is particularly
      promising because it plays a vital role in glucose transport for the parasite.
      Thus, this study aims to determine the three-dimensional structure of PfHT and to
      describe the intermolecular interactions between active glycoside derivatives and
      PfHT. Such information should aid in the development of new antimalarial drugs.
      The receptor PfHT was constructed from primary sequences deposited in the SWISS
      MODEL database. Next, molecular docking simulations between O-(undec-10-en)-l-D
      glucose and the constructed active site models were performed using Autodock
      Vina. The glycoside derivative-PfHT complexes were then refined using the hybrid
      QM/MM (PM3/ff03) method within the AMBER package. The models were then evaluated
      using Ramachandran plots, which indicated that 93.2% of the residues in the
      refined PfHT models (P5) were present in favorable regions. Furthermore,
      graphical plots using ANOLEA showed that the potential energies of interaction
      for atoms unbonded to P5 were negative. Finally, the O-(undec-10-en)-l-D-glucose
      PfHT complex was evaluated using 20-ns Molecular Dynamics simulations with an
      ff03 force field. Docking and QM/MM studies revealed the amino acids essential
      for molecular recognition of and activity on glycosides. Inhibition of glucose
      transporters may prevent the development and metabolism of P. falciparum, so a
      description of the receptor's structure is a critical step towards rational drug
      design.

PMID- 27131283
TI  - Tuning of the stability and energy levels of singlet exciton fission relevant
      excited states of pentacenes by site-specific substitution.
AB  - Pentacene crystals or oligomers undergo efficient singlet exciton fission (SF)
      after photo-excitation, which is expected to be useful in overcoming the Shockley
      Queisser theoretical limit of solar cells. However, pentacenes are extremely
      unstable in air due to oxidation by oxygen. In this work, we designed a group of
      pentacene compounds with different substituents at different positions. The
      energy levels of HOMO and LUMO, which are believed to be closely related to the
      stability of pentacene, were calculated. The relationship between the molecular
      structure and the stability was discussed. The driving force for SF was estimated
      from the difference between the energy of first singlet excited state (E(S1)) and
      the energy of two triplet excited state (2*E(T1)) following equation E(S1)
      2E(T1). Strong electron-withdrawing groups can stabilize pentacene compounds
      significantly, but induce a decrease on the driving force of SF slightly.
      Electron-donating groups destabilize the pentacene compounds dramatically and
      hence the introduction of electron donating groups to pentacene is not
      recommended. TIPS is an ideal group to improve the stability of pentacene
      compounds. TIPS does not change the driving force of SF significantly. Sulfur
      containing groups are also efficient on stabilizing pentacene compounds. These
      groups increase the driving force of SF at alpha position, and recued the driving
      force of SF at other positions. The results of this work provide a theoretical
      ground for rational design of new SF molecules based on pentacenes.

PMID- 27131284
TI  - Expression of pro-inflammatory genes in human endothelial cells: Comparison of
      rivaroxaban and dabigatran.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In addition to its central role in coagulation, thrombin is
      involved in non-hemostatic activities such as inflammation. Direct inhibition of
      thrombin activity (e.g. with dabigatran) or reducing its generation by inhibition
      of Factor Xa (e.g. with rivaroxaban) may therefore have anti-inflammatory
      effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microarray experiments were performed to identify
      transcriptome-wide changes in mRNA expression levels induced by thrombin in the
      presence and absence of the PAR-1 antagonist vorapaxar in primary human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). On this basis, HUVECs were incubated with
      recalcified plasma, with or without rivaroxaban (0.3-3000nM), dabigatran (0.3
      10,000nM), or vorapaxar (0.3-10nM). Expression levels of preselected pro
      inflammatory genes were quantified by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Vorapaxar abolished
      67 of the 69 transcripts altered by more than twofold on addition of thrombin to
      HUVECs. ELAM-1, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MCP-1, IL-8, CXCL1, and CXCL2 were among the
      genes most strongly induced by thrombin. Inflammatory gene expression after
      stimulation of thrombin generation was concentration-dependently suppressed by
      vorapaxar, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban. However, dabigatran at low concentrations
      (3-300nM) increased significantly the expression levels of CXCL1, CXCL2, IL-8,
      ELAM-1, MCP-1, and tissue factor. CONCLUSION: In HUVECs, plasma-induced
      transcriptional changes are mediated by thrombin-induced PAR-1 activation.
      Rivaroxaban downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory markers and tissue
      factor to a similar extent to dabigatran.

PMID- 27131286
TI  - Editorial Comment.

PMID- 27131285
TI  - Heat killed Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an adjuvant for the induction of vaccine
      mediated immunity against infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - The use of novel vaccine delivery systems allows for the manipulation of the
      adaptive immune systems through the use of molecular adjuvants that target
      specific innate pathways. Such strategies have been used extensively for vaccines
      against cancer and multiple pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the
      current study we used heat killed non-pathogenic recombinant Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae expressing M. tuberculosis antigen Rv1886c (fbpB, mpt59, Ag85B) as a
      delivery system in conjunction with its ability to stimulate innate immunity to
      determine its ability to induce immunity. We established that the recombinant
      yeast induced activated antigen specific T cells are capable of reducing the
      mycobacterial burden. Inoculation of the recombinant yeast after vaccination with
      BCG resulted in a systemic alteration of the phenotype of the immune response
      although this was not reflected in an increase in the reduction of the
      mycobacterial burden. Taken together the data suggest that heat killed yeast can
      induce multiple cytokines required for induction of protective immunity and can
      function as a vehicle for delivery of M. tuberculosis antigens in a vaccine
      formulation. In addition, while it can enhance the effector memory response
      induced by BCG, it had little effect on central memory responses.

PMID- 27131287
TI  - Morin downregulates nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production in LPS
      stimulated BV2 microglial cells by suppressing NF-kappaB activity and activating
      HO-1 induction.
AB  - Morin possesses anti-inflammatory activity against septic shock and allergic
      responses, and prevents acute liver damage. However, the biological mechanism of
      action of morin in neuroinflammation remains largely unknown. Therefore, the
      present study investigated whether morin has the ability to attenuate expression
      of proinflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2
      (PGE2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells. Morin
      inhibited the expression of LPS-induced proinflammatory mediators such as NO and
      PGE2, without any cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, LPS-induced inducible NO
      synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were inhibited both at the mRNA and
      protein levels in response to morin. Morin also attenuated LPS-induced DNA
      binding activity of nuclear transcription factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and its
      promoter activity. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), a specific NF-kappaB
      inhibitor, downregulated the expression of LPS-induced iNOS and COX-2, which
      suggests that morin-mediated NF-kappaB inhibition is the main signaling pathway
      responsible for the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression. Additionally, morin
      increased induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activity, leading to the
      suppression of NO and PGE2 production. Our results indicate that morin
      downregulates the expression of proinflammatory genes, such as iNOS and COX-2,
      involved in the synthesis of NO and PGE2 in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells
      by suppressing NF-kappaB activity and activation of HO-1. Taken together, the
      findings of the present study suggest that morin may have potential as a
      therapeutic for the prevention of neuroinflammation. 

PMID- 27131288
TI  - Impact of caregivers' education regarding respiratory infections on the health
      status of day-care children: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infections are the most common illness in
      childhood, and caregivers often make an excessive use of medication and medical
      consultations. It is vital to design and implement educational interventions in
      order to minimize the burden of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to
      evaluate the impact of a health education session (HES) about respiratory
      infections on the indicators of individual health and health care utilization of
      day-care children. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial in 10 day-care centres in
      Porto, including caregivers (parents or legal tutors) of children under 3 years
      of age. Children's caregivers were randomly distributed into an Intervention
      Group (IG), who attended a HES, and a Comparison Group (CG). Children's
      indicators of individual health and health care utilization were evaluated in
      both groups, during the month after HES. RESULTS: Children whose caregivers
      attended to the HES had fewer lower respiratory tract infections (IG = 5.8%; CG =
      19.0%; P = 0.050) and fewer acute otitis media (IG = 9.5%; CG = 27.0%; P =
      0.030), as well as fewer medical consultations (IG = 38.5% versus CG = 61.9%; P =
      0.015) and less antibiotic consumption (IG = 11.5% versus CG = 29.5%; P = 0.022).
      They were also less absent from day care (IG = 21 days versus CG = 59 days; P =
      0.037) and their caregivers were less absent from work (IG = 15 days versus CG =
      44 days; P = 0.046). Caregivers who attended HES made more use of nasal
      irrigation (IG = 79.6% versus CG = 53.3%; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The HES about
      respiratory infections has positively influenced the indicators of individual
      health and health care utilization of children attending day-care centres in
      Porto.

PMID- 27131289
TI  - Altered GABAA receptor expression in brainstem nuclei and SUDEP in
      Gabrg2(+/Q390X) mice associated with epileptic encephalopathy.
AB  - Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause for death in
      individuals with epilepsy. The frequency of SUDEP correlates with the severity of
      epilepsies and lack of response to antiepileptic drug treatment, but the
      underlying mechanisms of SUDEP have not been elucidated fully. GABRG2(Q390X) is a
      mutation associated with the epileptic encephalopathy Dravet syndrome (DS) and
      with genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) in patients. The
      Gabrg2(+/Q390X) knockin (KI) mouse phenocopies the major features of DS and GEFS+
      and has SUDEP throughout life. The Gabrg2(+/-) knockout (KO) mouse is associated
      with infrequent absence seizures and represents a model of mild absence epilepsy
      syndrome without increased mortality. To explore the basis for SUDEP in DS and
      GEFS+, we compared mutant gamma2 subunit and wild-type alpha1 and beta2/3 subunit
      expression in mice in brainstem nuclei associated with respiratory function
      including the solitary tract, pre-Botzinger complex and Kolliker-Fuse nuclei. We
      found that synaptic GABAA receptors were reduced while intracellular
      nonfunctional gamma2(Q390X) subunits were increased in the heterozygous DS and
      GEFS+ KI mice, but not in the heterozygous absence epilepsy KO mice. Given the
      critical role of these nuclei in cardiorespiratory function, it is likely the
      impaired GABAergic transmission and neuronal dysfunction in these brainstem
      nuclei are involved in the cardiorespiratory collapse in SUDEP. The study
      provides novel mechanistic insights into cardiorespiratory failure of SUDEP.

PMID- 27131290
TI  - Structure and gene cluster of the O-antigen of Enterobacter cloacae G3421.
AB  - The O-polysaccharide was isolated by mild acid degradation of the
      lipopolysaccharide of Enterobacter cloacae G3421 and studied by sugar analysis
      along with 1D and 2D (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. In addition, partial
      solvolysis with anhydrous trifluoroacetic acid was applied, which cleaved
      selectively the alpha-l-rhamnopyranosidic linkages. The following structure of
      the branched hexasaccharide repeating unit was established. The O-polysaccharide
      studied shares the beta-l-Rhap-(1->4)-alpha-l-Rhap-(1->2)-alpha-l-Rhap
      trisaccharide fragment with the O-polysaccharide of Shigella boydii type 18. The
      O-antigen gene cluster of E. cloacae G3421 was sequenced. Functions of genes in
      the cluster, including those for glycosyltransferases, were tentatively assigned
      by a comparison with sequences in the available databases and found to be
      consistent with the O-polysaccharide structure. 

PMID- 27131292
TI  - Scale-up and economic analysis of biodiesel production from municipal primary
      sewage sludge.
AB  - Municipal wastewater sludge is a promising lipid feedstock for biodiesel
      production, but the need to eliminate the high water content before lipid
      extraction is the main limitation for scaling up. This study evaluates the
      economic feasibility of biodiesel production directly from liquid primary sludge
      based on experimental data at laboratory scale. Computational tools were used for
      the modelling of the process scale-up and the different configurations of lipid
      extraction to optimise this step, as it is the most expensive. The operational
      variables with a major influence in the cost were the extraction time and the
      amount of solvent. The optimised extraction process had a break-even price of
      biodiesel of 1232 $/t, being economically competitive with the current cost of
      fossil diesel. The proposed biodiesel production process from waste sludge
      eliminates the expensive step of sludge drying, lowering the biodiesel price. 

PMID- 27131291
TI  - Complete NMR assignment of a bisecting hybrid-type oligosaccharide transferred by
      Mucor hiemalis endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase.
AB  - This study describes the complete nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral
      assignment of a bisecting hybrid-type oligosaccharide 1, transferred by Mucor
      hiemalis endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (Endo-M). Through (1)H- and (13)C-NMR,
      DQF-COSY, HSQC, HMBC, TOCSY, and NOESY experiments, we determine the structure of
      the glycoside linkage formed by the Endo-M transglycosylation, i.e., the
      connection between GlcNAc and GlcNAc in oligosaccharide 1. 

PMID- 27131294
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27131293
TI  - Micromorphological changes and mechanism associated with wet ball milling of
      Pinus radiata substrate and consequences for saccharification at low enzyme
      loading.
AB  - In this work, substrates prepared from thermo-mechanical treatment of Pinus
      radiata chips were vibratory ball milled for different times. In subsequent
      enzymatic hydrolysis, percent glucan conversion passed through a maximum value at
      a milling time of around 120min and then declined. Scanning electron microscopy
      revealed breakage of fibers to porous fragments in which lamellae and fibrils
      were exposed during ball milling. Over-milling caused compression of the porous
      fragments to compact globular particles with a granular texture, decreasing
      accessibility to enzymes. Carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy showed partial loss of
      interior cellulose in crystallites, leveling off once fiber breakage was
      complete. A mathematical model based on observed micromorphological changes
      supports ball milling mechanism. At a low enzyme loading of 2FPU/g of substrate
      and milling time of 120min gave a total monomeric sugar yield of 306g/kg of pulp
      which is higher than conventional pretreatment method such as steam exploded
      wood. 

PMID- 27131295
TI  - A Triple Rare E709K and L833V/H835L EGFR Mutation Responsive to an Irreversible
      Pan-HER Inhibitor: A Case Report of Lung Adenocarcinoma Treated with Afatinib.

PMID- 27131296
TI  - Treatment Outcomes in Stage I Lung Cancer: A Comparison of Surgery and
      Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy.

PMID- 27131297
TI  - In Response to Treatment Outcomes in Stage I Lung Cancer: A Comparison of Surgery
      and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy.

PMID- 27131298
TI  - Crop Diversity: An Unexploited Treasure Trove for Food Security.
AB  - The prediction is that food supply must double by 2050 to cope with the impact of
      climate change and population pressure on global food systems. The
      diversification of staple crops and the systems in which they grow is essential
      to make future agriculture sustainable, resilient, and suitable for local
      environments and soils.

PMID- 27131299
TI  - Protocols to induce ovulation and "progesterone block" experiments.
AB  - Drugs for ovulation induction and exogenous hormones have been used since the
      1960s.

PMID- 27131300
TI  - Surrogacy: yes or no?

PMID- 27131301
TI  - Explaining provincial disease network via graph-theoretic analysis of disease
      occurrence in Iran.
AB  - PURPOSE: Social networks are increasingly being used to study the epidemiology of
      human diseases. These methods are usually limited to studying a single or a small
      group of diseases within a small community and may not fully capture effects of
      environmental factors that drift the epidemiology of diseases at the community
      level (rather than individual level). By introducing an ecological variant of the
      social network, we described provincial disease network (PDN) to study the
      similarities in regional occurrence of diseases. METHODS: In this network, nodes
      (provinces) are connected via edges together. Provinces that have similar pattern
      of disease prevalence and/or incidence tie stronger together. We sought to find
      modular organization of Iran's PDN and to identify factors (literacy, rural
      population percentage, smoking, geographical distance, and age distribution) that
      could predict the strength of interprovincial connections in the PDN. RESULTS:
      Provinces in Iran's PDN were segregated into five different modules. Geographic
      distance, differences in the literacy percentage and percentage of population in
      the 0-16 years age group showed significant inverse correlation with strength of
      connections in Iran's PDN. CONCLUSIONS: Network-based approaches could provide
      important insights by identifying modular architecture within the PDN and
      underlying factors that drive similarity between disease patterns among regional
      entities.

PMID- 27131302
TI  - Effect of Worm Predation on Changes in Waste Activated Sludge Properties.
AB  - This study explored the effects of worm predation on changes in waste activated
      sludge properties. Results showed that the rate by which worm predation reduced
      mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) was approximately 23.7% +/- 3.1%.
      Particle size distribution and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) analyses
      indicated that the reduction of fine particles and EPS content in sludge predated
      by worms mainly increased dewaterability and reduced the ratio of MLVSS/mixed
      liquor suspended solids. Moreover, both mean particle size and
      protein/carbohydrate ratio increased. The results of three-dimensional excitation
      emission matrix and gel filtration chromatogram analyses demonstrated the varied
      properties of soluble microbial products and EPS were attributed to the worms'
      selective predation of low molecular-weight organic matter, which facilitated the
      hydrolysis of macromolecular organic matter. 

PMID- 27131303
TI  - Co-adsorption of Trichloroethylene and Arsenate by Iron-Impregnated Granular
      Activated Carbon.
AB  - Co-adsorption of trichloroethylene (TCE) and arsenate [As(V)] was investigated
      using modified granular activated carbons (GAC): untreated, sodium hypochlorite
      treated (NaClO-GAC), and NaClO with iron-treated GAC (NaClO/Fe-GAC). Batch
      experiments of single- [TCE or As(V)] and binary- [TCE and As(V)] components
      solutions are evaluated through Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and
      adsorption kinetic tests. In the single-component system, the adsorption capacity
      of As(V) was increased by the NaClO-GAC and the NaClO/Fe-GAC. The untreated GAC
      showed a low adsorption capacity for As(V). Adsorption of TCE by the NaClO/Fe-GAC
      was maximized, with an increased Freundlich constant. Removal of TCE in the
      binary-component system was decreased 15% by the untreated GAC, and NaClO- and
      NaClO/Fe-GAC showed similar efficiency to the single-component system because of
      the different chemical status of the GAC surfaces. Results of the adsorption
      isotherms of As(V) in the binary-component system were similar to adsorption
      isotherms of the single-component system. The adsorption affinities of single-
      and binary-component systems corresponded with electron transfer, competitive
      adsorption, and physicochemical properties. 

PMID- 27131304
TI  - COD and Color Removal from Real Dyeing Wastewater by Ozonation.
AB  - Ozonation of real dye wastewater for removal of color and COD reduction covering
      a wide range in operating parameters forms the scope of the present work. The
      influence of parameters such as influent pH, ozone flow rate and initial effluent
      concentration on ozonation efficiency has been critically examined. It has been
      observed from the present investigation that a maximum of COD removal efficiency
      of 92.5% has been achieved under optimum operating conditions (pH=11; ozone flow
      rate: 6*10(-3) m(3)/minute). Further the biodegradability index of the dye
      effluent has increased from an initial value of 0.18 to 0.49 during ozonation
      indicating favorable adaptation of ozonation as a primer to the biochemical
      technique to enhance the efficiency of biochemical treatment. 

PMID- 27131305
TI  - Comparative Kinetic Studies and Performance Evaluation of Biofilm and Biomass
      Characteristics of Pseudomonas fluorescens in Degrading Synthetic Phenolic
      Effluent in Inverse Fluidized Bed Biofilm Reactor.
AB  - The bioremediation potential of Pseudomonas fluorescens was studied in an Inverse
      Fluidized Bed Biofilm Reactor under batch recirculation conditions using
      synthetic phenolic effluent of various concentrations (400, 600, 800, 1000 and
      1200 mg/l). The performance of the reactor was investigated and the
      characteristics of biomass and biofilm were determined by evaluating biofilm dry
      density and thickness, bioparticle density, suspended and attached biomass
      concentration, chemical oxygen demand and phenol removal efficiency.
      Biodegradation kinetics had been studied for suspended biomass culture and
      biofilm systems with respect to its specific growth and substrate consumption
      rates. Suspended biomass followed substrate inhibition kinetics and the
      experimental data fitted well with the Haldane model. The degradation kinetic
      behavior of biofilm revealed that a well adapted biofilm system with effective
      control of biofilm thickness in an inverse fluidized bed biofilm reactor
      overcomes substrate inhibition effects by tolerating higher phenol concentration
      and fitted well to the Monod model. 

PMID- 27131306
TI  - Biopolymer Production Kinetics of Mixed Culture Using Wastewater Sludge as a Raw
      Material and the Effect of Different Cations on Biopolymer Applications in Water
      and Wastewater Treatment.
AB  - Thirteen extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) producing bacterial strains
      were cultivated (as mixed culture) in the sterilized sludge (suspended solids of
      25 g/L) and the batch fermentation was carried out. Mixed culture revealed a high
      specific growth rate of 0.35/hr. The EPS production rate was higher up to 24
      hours, which gradually decreased with further incubation. The kinetic estimates
      demonstrated growth-associated EPS production. Broth EPS revealed higher
      flocculation activity when combined with different cations (Ca(2+), Mg(2+),
      Fe(3+), and Al(3+)) in river water (>=90%), municipal wastewater (>=90%), and
      brewery wastewater (>=80%), respectively. A low dose (5 to 40 mg/L) of trivalent
      cations was required to achieve higher flocculation compared to the divalent
      cations (50 to 250 mg/L). Flocculation performance of EPS was comparable to
      Magnafloc-155 (chemical polymer) and, hence, it could be used as a flocculant. 

PMID- 27131307
TI  - Removing Grit During Wastewater Treatment: CFD Analysis of HDVS Performance.
AB  - Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate the grit and sand
      separation effectiveness of a typical hydrodynamic vortex separator (HDVS)
      system. The analysis examined the influences on the separator efficiency of: flow
      rate, fluid viscosities, total suspended solids (TSS), and particle size and
      distribution. It was found that separator efficiency for a wide range of these
      independent variables could be consolidated into a few curves based on the
      particle fall velocity to separator inflow velocity ratio, Ws/Vin. Based on CFD
      analysis it was also determined that systems of different sizes with length scale
      ratios ranging from 1 to 10 performed similarly when Ws/Vin and TSS were held
      constant. The CFD results have also been compared to a limited range of
      experimental data. 

PMID- 27131308
TI  - Efficiency of a Photoreactor Packed with Immobilized Titanium Dioxide
      Nanoparticles in the Removal of Acid Orange 7.
AB  - In this paper, the removal efficiency of Color Index Acid Orange 7 (AO7) as a
      model contaminant was investigated in a batch-recirculated photoreactor packed
      with immobilized titanium dioxide type P25 nanoparticles on glass beads. The
      effects of different operational parameters such as the initial concentration of
      AO7, the volume of solution, the volumetric flowrate, and the light source power
      in the photoreactor were investigated. The results indicate that the removal
      percent increased with the rise in volumetric flowrate and power of the light
      source, but decreased with the rise of the initial concentration of AO7 and the
      volume of solution. The AO7 degradation was followed through total organic
      carbon, gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), and mineralization products
      analysis. The ammonium and sulfate ions were analyzed as mineralization products
      of nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms, respectively. The results of GC/MS revealed
      the production of 1-indanone, 1-phthalanone, and 2-naphthalenol as intermediate
      products for the removal of AO7 in this process. 

PMID- 27131309
TI  - Bench-scale Analysis of Surrogates for Anaerobic Digestion Processes.
AB  - Frequent monitoring of anaerobic digestion processes for pathogen destruction is
      both cost and time prohibitive. The use of surrogates to supplement regulatory
      monitoring may be one solution. To evaluate surrogates, a semi-batch bench-scale
      anaerobic digester design was tested. Bench-scale reactors were operated under
      mesophilic (36  degrees C) and thermophilic (53-55  degrees C) conditions, with a
      15 day solids retention time. Biosolids from different facilities and during
      different seasons were examined. USEPA regulated pathogens and surrogate
      organisms were enumerated at different times throughout each experiment. The
      surrogate organisms included fecal coliforms, E. coli, enterococci, male-specific
      and somatic coliphages, Clostridium perfringens, and bacterial spores. Male
      specific coliphages tested well as a potential surrogate organism for virus
      inactivation. None of the tested surrogate organisms correlated well with
      helminth inactivation under the conditions studied. There were statistically
      significant differences in the inactivation rates between the facilities in this
      study, but not between seasons. 

PMID- 27131310
TI  - Enhanced Versus Conventional Sludge Anaerobic Processes: Performances and Techno
      Economic Assessment.
AB  - Sewage sludge processing is a key issue in water resource recovery facilities due
      to the inefficacy of conventional treatments to produce high quality biosolids to
      be safely used in agriculture. Under this framework, the performances of several
      enhanced stabilization processes, namely ultrasound-pretreated Mesophilic
      Anaerobic Digestion (US+MAD), thermophilic anaerobic digestion (TAD), thermal
      pretreated TAD (TH+TAD) and ultrasound-pretreated inverse Temperature Phased
      Anaerobic Digestion (US+iTPAD) have been investigated. Such enhanced processes
      resulted in higher biogas yields and higher destruction of pathogens with respect
      to conventional MAD process, thus suggesting their feasibility in full-scale
      implementation perspectives. A procedure for technical-economic comparison of new
      sludge processing lines against conventional ones (benchmarking) was developed,
      based on the definition of technical issues (e.g. reliability, complexity, etc.)
      which are rated for each situation. Moreover, capital and operating costs were
      estimated. The enhanced processes analyzed in this work showed some potentially
      critical items, mainly related to energy balance and reagent consumption. 

PMID- 27131311
TI  - Life Cycle, Feeding, and Defecation Patterns of Panstrongylus chinai (Hemiptera:
      Reduviidae: Triatominae) Under Laboratory Conditions.
AB  - Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi Panstrongylus chinai
      (Del Ponte) is highly domiciliated in the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Andes and has
      been found naturally infected with T. cruzi The objective of this study was to
      describe the life cycle, feeding, and defecation patterns of P. chinai in the
      Loja province within southern Ecuador. To characterize its life cycle, a cohort
      of 70 individuals was followed from egg to adult. At each stage of development,
      prefeeding time, feeding time, weight of ingested meal, proportional weight
      increase, and the time to the first defecation were recorded. Panstrongylus
      chinai completed its development in 371.4 +/- 22.3 d, (95% CI 355.4-387.4), which
      means that it is likely a univoltine species. Prefeeding time, feeding time, and
      weight of ingested meal increased as individuals developed through nymphal
      stages. Moreover, time to first defecation was shortest in the early nymphal
      stages, suggesting higher vector potential in the early developmental stages.
      Data obtained in this study represent an important advance in our knowledge of
      the biology of P. chinai, which should be considered as a secondary Chagas
      disease vector species in the Andean valleys of Loja (Ecuador) and in the north
      of Peru, and included in entomological surveillance programs.

PMID- 27131312
TI  - RNAi-Mediated Downregulation of FKBP14 Suppresses the Growth of Human Ovarian
      Cancer Cells.
AB  - FKBP14 belongs to the family of FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs). Altered
      expression of FKBPs has been reported in several malignancies. This study aimed
      to reveal the expression profile of FKBP14 in ovarian cancer and evaluate whether
      FKBP14 is a molecular target for cancer therapy. We found that the FKBP14 mRNA
      level was significantly higher in ovarian cancer tissues than in normal tissues.
      FKBP14 expression was then knocked down in two ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV3
      and HO8910 cells, by a lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) delivery system.
      Reduced expression of FKBP14 markedly impaired the proliferative ability of
      ovarian cancer cells. Additionally, ovarian cancer cells infected with FKBP14
      shRNA lentivirus tended to arrest in the G0/G1 phase and undergo apoptosis.
      Moreover, knockdown of FKBP14 induced cell apoptosis via increasing the ratio of
      Bax to Bcl-2. These results indicated that FKBP14 might be a diagnostic marker
      for ovarian cancer and could be a potential molecular target for the therapy of
      ovarian cancer. 

PMID- 27131313
TI  - miR-146a Inhibits Proliferation and Enhances Chemosensitivity in Epithelial
      Ovarian Cancer via Reduction of SOD2.
AB  - Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy,
      accounting for 90% of all ovarian cancer. Dysregulation of miRNAs is associated
      with several types of EOC. In the current research, we aimed to study the role of
      abnormal expression of miR-146a in the development of EOC and to elucidate the
      possible molecular mechanisms. Compared with control samples, mRNA expression of
      miR-146a was significantly decreased in EOC tissues and cell lines.
      Overexpression of miR-146a prohibited cell proliferation, enhanced apoptosis, and
      increased sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs in EOC cells. In contrast,
      downregulation of miR-146a promoted cell proliferation, suppressed apoptosis, and
      decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs in EOC cells. Overexpression of miR
      146a increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and decreased SOD2 mRNA
      and protein expression. Downregulation of miR-146a increased SOD2 mRNA and
      protein expression. Overexpression of SOD2 significantly inhibited miR-146a
      mimics-induced suppression of cell proliferation and the increase of apoptosis
      and chemosensitivity. In conclusion, we identify miR-146a as a potential tumor
      suppressor in patients with EOC. miR-146a downregulates the expression of SOD2
      and enhances ROS generation, leading to increased apoptosis, inhibition of
      proliferation, and enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapy. The data demonstrate
      that the miR-146a/SOD2/ROS pathway may serve as a novel therapeutic target and
      prognostic marker in patients with EOC. 

PMID- 27131314
TI  - MicroRNA-92a Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Growth and Migration by Inhibiting
      KLF4.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy with high mortality
      around the world. However, the biological mechanism of CRC carcinogenesis is not
      completely known. In the present study, we determined the role of miR-92a in the
      regulation of CRC cell motility. Expression of miR-92a is aberrantly upregulated
      in human CRC tissues and cultured cells, as shown by RT-PCR analysis. The effects
      of miR-92a on the proliferation and migration of human CRC SW620 and LoVo cells
      were measured by CCK-8 and Transwell assay, respectively. Results showed that the
      proliferation and migration capacity of both SW620 and LoVo cells were
      significantly increased by miR-92a mimic transfection but reduced by miR-92a
      inhibition. Additionally, KLF4 was identified as a direct target of miR-92a in
      CRC cells through bioinformatics and luciferase reporter analysis. KLF4
      overexpression attenuated the effects of miR-92a on the regulation of CRC cell
      motility. Further studies suggested that the cell cycle inhibitor p21 was
      aberrantly downregulated in CRC cells, whereas this inhibition was reversed by
      miR-92a inhibitor. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that miR-92a may play a
      positive role in the colorectal carcinogenesis by promoting the proliferation and
      migration of CRC cells through targeting KLF4 as well as downstream p21. This
      could be an alternative therapeutic target for CRC. 

PMID- 27131315
TI  - Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Triple Negative Breast Cancer: An Observational
      Study.
AB  - Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a phenotype of breast cancer with
      aggressive clinical behavior. Because of the absence of optimal treatment, the
      prognosis of this disease is poor. The main purpose of this study was to detect
      the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in a TNBC cohort and compare the
      long-term survival between patients with and without pathological complete
      response (pCR). A total of 53 patients diagnosed with TNBC from 2005 to 2013 who
      received NACT at the University Hospital Birmingham were enrolled in this study.
      Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between
      the pCR group and non-pCR group. Demographic information and clinical or
      pathologic parameters were also analyzed to explore potential predictive and
      prognostic factors. Fourteen patients (26.4%) achieved pCR to NACT. In univariate
      analysis, patients with pCR had longer PFS time (p = 0.013) and OS time (p =
      0.054) compared with their counterparts without pCR. In multivariate analysis,
      the existence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) significantly reduced OS (HR =
      17.404, 95% CI = 2.923-103.644) and PFS (HR = 7.776, 95% CI = 1.645-36.753). The
      achievement of pCR to NACT can significantly postpone the incidence of disease
      progression in patients with TNBC. There is not enough evidence showing its
      influence on ultimate survival. LVI may be a more potent prognostic factor than
      pCR in the TNBC cohort. 

PMID- 27131316
TI  - Knockdown of Long Noncoding RNA GHET1 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Invasion of
      Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - Emerging evidence has identified the vital role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs)
      in the development of colorectal cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate
      the role of lncRNA gastric carcinoma highly expressed transcript 1 (GHET1) in
      colorectal cancer. We analyzed the expression of GHET1 in colorectal cancer (CRC)
      tissues by using ISH. We found that GHET1 expression was significantly increased
      in the CRC samples compared with adjacent tissues. Furthermore, the cancer
      tissues had higher GHET1 mRNA levels than their matched adjacent tissues. GHET1
      expression was also significantly increased in the CRC cell lines compared with
      human normal colon epithelial cells. Downregulation of GHET1 mediated by shRNA
      suppressed the proliferation, cell cycle arrest, migration, and invasion of
      colorectal cancer cells in vitro. In addition, inhibition of GHET1 reversed the
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer cell lines. Taken
      together, our results suggest the potential use of GHET1 as a therapeutic target
      of colorectal cancer. 

PMID- 27131317
TI  - TTF1-NPs Induce ERS-Mediated Apoptosis and Inhibit Human Hepatoma Cell Growth In
      Vitro and In Vivo.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that 5,2',4'-trihydroxy-6,7,5'-trimethoxyflavone
      (TTF1) is the primary anticancer constituent of the traditional Chinese medicinal
      plant Sorbaria sorbifolia (SS), which has been applied to treat cancer in China.
      In this study, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects and
      biological mechanisms of small-molecule TTF1 nanoparticles (TTF1-NPs). The
      effects of TTF1-NPs on cell growth and apoptosis were investigated using human
      hepatoma cells. The molecular changes associated with the effects of TTF1-NPs
      were analyzed by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. The in vivo
      effect of TTF1-NPs was investigated using the HepG2 tumor xenograft model. We
      found that TTF1-NPs exhibited antitumor effects in vitro accompanied by induction
      of apoptosis in human hepatoma cells. Mechanistically, our data showed that TTF1
      NPs induced apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) pathway in hepatoma
      cells. Moreover, inhibition of ERS activation blocked TTF1-NP-induced apoptosis
      in HepG2 cells. Finally, TTF1-NPs inhibited the growth of HepG2 xenograft tumors.
      Taken together, our results demonstrated that TTF1-NP-induced apoptosis was
      mediated at least in part by the ERS pathway and thus inhibited hepatoma tumor
      growth. 

PMID- 27131318
TI  - Therapeutic Injection of a C-Type CpG ODN Induced an Antitumor Immune Response in
      C57/BL6 Mice of Orthotopically Transplanted Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - Synthetic CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), as TLR9 agonists, have been found to
      play a possible role in antitumor effect. In order to determine the effect of
      YW002, known as a C-type CpG ODN, on the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC), which is one of the most aggressive carcinomas, we chose to inject YW002
      at the doses of 12.5 ug and 25 ug per mouse 7 days post-tumor challenge. The
      survival rate of mice was recorded every day. On day 14 postinjection, five mice
      in each group were bled and randomly sacrificed. The level of IFN-gamma or TNF
      alpha in the serum was detected and lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor tissue;
      the ratios of CD8(+) T cells and CD4(+) T cells in the spleen of mice were also
      analyzed. The results indicated that treatment with YW002 could raise the
      survival rate and delay tumor growth in the mice with orthotopically transplanted
      HCC. Furthermore, the treatment improved the antitumor immune response through
      increasing the T-cell infiltration in tumor and the ratio of CD4(+), CD8(+), and
      NK cells in the spleen. In addition, the concentration of IFN-gamma was raised,
      and the level of TGF-beta was depressed. Our data suggested that CpG ODN might be
      a proper medicament in a monotherapeutic regimen for treatment of HCC. 

PMID- 27131319
TI  - Prospects for improving CO2 fixation in C3-crops through understanding C4-Rubisco
      biogenesis and catalytic diversity.
AB  - By operating a CO2 concentrating mechanism, C4-photosynthesis offers highly
      successful solutions to remedy the inefficiency of the CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco.
      C4-plant Rubisco has characteristically evolved faster carboxylation rates with
      low CO2 affinity. Owing to high CO2 concentrations in bundle sheath chloroplasts,
      faster Rubisco enhances resource use efficiency in C4 plants by reducing the
      energy and carbon costs associated with photorespiration and lowering the
      nitrogen investment in Rubisco. Here, we show that C4-Rubisco from some NADP-ME
      species, such as maize, are also of potential benefit to C3-photosynthesis under
      current and future atmospheric CO2 pressures. Realizing this bioengineering
      endeavour necessitates improved understanding of the biogenesis requirements and
      catalytic variability of C4-Rubisco, as well as the development of transformation
      capabilities to engineer Rubisco in a wider variety of food and fibre crops.

PMID- 27131320
TI  - A novel pilot-scale stacked microbial fuel cell for efficient electricity
      generation and wastewater treatment.
AB  - A novel stacked microbial fuel cell (MFC) which had a total volume of 72 L with
      granular activated carbon (GAC) packed bed electrodes was constructed and
      verified to present remarkable power generation and COD removal performance due
      to its advantageous design of stack and electrode configuration. During the fed
      batch operation period, a power density of 50.9 +/- 1.7 W/m(3) and a COD removal
      efficiency of 97% were achieved within 48 h. Because of the differences among MFC
      modules in the stack, reversal current occurred in parallel circuit connection
      with high external resistances (>100 Omega). This reversal current consequently
      reduced the electrochemical performance of some MFC modules and led to a lower
      power density in parallel circuit connection than that in independent circuit
      connection. While increasing the influent COD concentrations from 200 to 800 mg/L
      at hydraulic retention time of 1.25 h in continuous operation mode, the power
      density of stacked MFC increased from 25.6 +/- 2.5 to 42.1 +/- 1.2 W/m(3) and the
      COD removal rates increased from 1.3 to 5.2 kg COD/(m(3) d). This study
      demonstrated that this novel MFC stack configuration coupling with GAC packed bed
      electrode could be a feasible strategy to effectively scale up MFC systems.

PMID- 27131321
TI  - Diversity of Entomopathogenic Fungi: Which Groups Conquered the Insect Body?
AB  - The entomopathogenic fungi are organisms that evolved to exploit insects. They
      comprise a wide range of morphologically, phylogenetically, and ecologically
      diverse fungal species. Entomopathogenic fungi can be found distributed among
      five of the eight fungal phyla. Entomopathogens are also present among the
      ecologically similar but phylogenetically distinct Oomycota or water molds, which
      belong to a different kingdom, the Stramenopila. As a group of parasites, the
      entomopathogenic fungi and water molds infect a wide range of insect hosts, from
      aquatic larvae to adult insects from high canopies in tropical forests or even
      deserts. Their hosts are spread among 20 of the 31 orders of insects, in all
      developmental stages: eggs, larvae, pupae, nymphs, and adults. Such assortment of
      niches has resulted in these parasites evolving a considerable morphological
      diversity, resulting in enormous biodiversity, the majority of which remains
      unknown. Here we undertake a comprehensive survey of records of these
      entomopathogens in order to compare and contrast both their morphologies and
      their ecological traits. Our findings highlight a wide range of adaptations that
      evolved following the evolutionary transition by the fungi and water molds to
      infect the most diverse and widespread animals on Earth, the insects.

PMID- 27131322
TI  - Utilizing Genomics to Study Entomopathogenicity in the Fungal Phylum
      Entomophthoromycota: A Review of Current Genetic Resources.
AB  - The order Entomophthorales, which formerly contained c.280 species, has recently
      been recognized as a separate phylum, Entomophthoromycota, consisting of three
      recognized classes and six families. Many genera in this group contain obligate
      insect-pathogenic species with narrow host ranges, capable of producing
      epizootics in natural insect populations. Available sequence information from the
      phylum Entomophthoromycota can be classified into three main categories: first,
      partial gene regions (exons+introns) used for phylogenetic inference; second,
      protein coding gene regions obtained using degenerate primers, expressed sequence
      tag methodology or de novo transcriptome sequencing with molecular function
      inferred by homology analysis; and third, primarily forthcoming whole-genome
      sequencing data sets. Here we summarize the current genetic resources for
      Entomophthoromycota and identify research areas that are likely to be
      significantly advanced from the availability of new whole-genome resources.

PMID- 27131323
TI  - Advances in Genomics of Entomopathogenic Fungi.
AB  - Fungi are the commonest pathogens of insects and crucial regulators of insect
      populations. The rapid advance of genome technologies has revolutionized our
      understanding of entomopathogenic fungi with multiple Metarhizium spp. sequenced,
      as well as Beauveria bassiana, Cordyceps militaris, and Ophiocordyceps sinensis
      among others. Phylogenomic analysis suggests that the ancestors of many of these
      fungi were plant endophytes or pathogens, with entomopathogenicity being an
      acquired characteristic. These fungi now occupy a wide range of habitats and
      hosts, and their genomes have provided a wealth of information on the evolution
      of virulence-related characteristics, as well as the protein families and genomic
      structure associated with ecological and econutritional heterogeneity, genome
      evolution, and host range diversification. In particular, their evolutionary
      transition from plant pathogens or endophytes to insect pathogens provides a
      novel perspective on how new functional mechanisms important for host switching
      and virulence are acquired. Importantly, genomic resources have helped make
      entomopathogenic fungi ideal model systems for answering basic questions in
      parasitology, entomology, and speciation. At the same time, identifying the
      selective forces that act upon entomopathogen fitness traits could underpin both
      the development of new mycoinsecticides and further our understanding of the
      natural roles of these fungi in nature. These roles frequently include
      mutualistic relationships with plants. Genomics has also facilitated the rapid
      identification of genes encoding biologically useful molecules, with implications
      for the development of pharmaceuticals and the use of these fungi as bioreactors.

PMID- 27131324
TI  - Insect Pathogenic Fungi as Endophytes.
AB  - In this chapter, we explore some of the evolutionary, ecological, molecular
      genetics, and applied aspects of a subset of insect pathogenic fungi that also
      have a lifestyle as endophytes and we term endophytic insect pathogenic fungi
      (EIPF). We focus particularly on Metarhizium spp. and Beauveria bassiana as EIPF.
      The discussion of the evolution of EIPF challenges a view that these fungi were
      first and foremost insect pathogens that eventually evolved to colonize plants.
      Phylogenetic evidence shows that the lineages of EIPF are most closely related to
      grass endophytes that diverged c. 100MYA. We discuss the relationship between
      genes involved in "insect pathogenesis" and those involved in "endophytism" and
      provide examples of genes with potential importance in lifestyle transitions
      toward insect pathogenicity. That is, some genes for insect pathogenesis may have
      been coopted from genes involved in endophytic colonization. Other genes may be
      multifunctional and serve in both lifestyle capacities. The interactions of EIPF
      with their host plants are discussed in some detail. The genetic basis for
      rhizospheric competence, plant communication, and nutrient exchange is examined
      and we highlight, with examples, the benefits of EIPF to plants, and the
      potential reservoir of secondary metabolites hidden within these beneficial
      symbioses.

PMID- 27131325
TI  - Genetically Engineering Entomopathogenic Fungi.
AB  - Entomopathogenic fungi have been developed as environmentally friendly
      alternatives to chemical insecticides in biocontrol programs for agricultural
      pests and vectors of disease. However, mycoinsecticides currently have a small
      market share due to low virulence and inconsistencies in their performance.
      Genetic engineering has made it possible to significantly improve the virulence
      of fungi and their tolerance to adverse conditions. Virulence enhancement has
      been achieved by engineering fungi to express insect proteins and insecticidal
      proteins/peptides from insect predators and other insect pathogens, or by
      overexpressing the pathogen's own genes. Importantly, protein engineering can be
      used to mix and match functional domains from diverse genes sourced from
      entomopathogenic fungi and other organisms, producing insecticidal proteins with
      novel characteristics. Fungal tolerance to abiotic stresses, especially UV
      radiation, has been greatly improved by introducing into entomopathogens a
      photoreactivation system from an archaean and pigment synthesis pathways from
      nonentomopathogenic fungi. Conversely, gene knockout strategies have produced
      strains with reduced ecological fitness as recipients for genetic engineering to
      improve virulence; the resulting strains are hypervirulent, but will not persist
      in the environment. Coupled with their natural insect specificity, safety
      concerns can also be mitigated by using safe effector proteins with selection
      marker genes removed after transformation. With the increasing public concern
      over the continued use of synthetic chemical insecticides and growing public
      acceptance of genetically modified organisms, new types of biological
      insecticides produced by genetic engineering offer a range of environmentally
      friendly options for cost-effective control of insect pests.

PMID- 27131326
TI  - Molecular Genetics of Beauveria bassiana Infection of Insects.
AB  - Research on the insect pathogenic filamentous fungus, Beauveria bassiana has
      witnessed significant growth in recent years from mainly physiological studies
      related to its insect biological control potential, to addressing fundamental
      questions regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms of fungal development and
      virulence. This has been in part due to a confluence of robust genetic tools and
      genomic resources for the fungus, and recognition of expanded ecological
      interactions with which the fungus engages. Beauveria bassiana is a broad host
      range insect pathogen that has the ability to form intimate symbiotic
      relationships with plants. Indeed, there is an increasing realization that the
      latter may be the predominant environmental interaction in which the fungus
      participates, and that insect parasitism may be an opportunist lifestyle evolved
      due to the carbon- and nitrogen-rich resources present in insect bodies. Here, we
      will review progress on the molecular genetics of B. bassiana, which has largely
      been directed toward identifying genetic pathways involved in stress response and
      virulence assumed to have practical applications in improving the insect control
      potential of the fungus. Important strides have also been made in understanding
      aspects of B. bassiana development. Finally, although increasingly apparent in a
      number of studies, there is a need for progressing beyond phenotypic mutant
      characterization to sufficiently investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying
      B. bassiana's unique and diverse lifestyles as saprophyte, insect pathogen, and
      plant mutualist.

PMID- 27131327
TI  - Insect Immunity to Entomopathogenic Fungi.
AB  - The study of infection and immunity in insects has achieved considerable
      prominence with the appreciation that their host defense mechanisms share many
      fundamental characteristics with the innate immune system of vertebrates. Studies
      on the highly tractable model organism Drosophila in particular have led to a
      detailed understanding of conserved innate immunity networks, such as Toll.
      However, most of these studies have used opportunistic human pathogens and may
      not have revealed specialized immune strategies that have arisen through
      evolutionary arms races with natural insect pathogens. Fungi are the commonest
      natural insect pathogens, and in this review, we focus on studies using
      Metarhizium and Beauveria spp. that have addressed immune system function and
      pathogen virulence via behavioral avoidance, the use of physical barriers, and
      the activation of local and systemic immune responses. In particular, we
      highlight studies on the evolutionary genetics of insect immunity and discuss
      insect-pathogen coevolution.

PMID- 27131328
TI  - Disease Dynamics in Ants: A Critical Review of the Ecological Relevance of Using
      Generalist Fungi to Study Infections in Insect Societies.
AB  - It is assumed that social life can lead to the rapid spread of infectious
      diseases and outbreaks. In ants, disease outbreaks are rare and the expression of
      collective behaviors is invoked to explain the absence of epidemics in natural
      populations. Here, we address the ecological approach employed by many studies
      that have notably focused (89% of the studies) on two genera of generalist fungal
      parasites (Beauveria and Metarhizium). We ask whether these are the most
      representative models to study the evolutionary ecology of ant-fungal parasite
      interactions. To assess this, we critically examine the literature on ants and
      their interactions with fungal parasites from the past 114years (1900-2014). We
      discuss how current evolutionary ecology approaches emerged from studies focused
      on the biological control of pest ants. We also analyzed the ecological relevance
      of the laboratory protocols used in evolutionary ecology studies employing
      generalist parasites, as well as the rare natural occurrence of these parasites
      on ants. After a detailed consideration of all the publications, we suggest that
      using generalist pathogens such as Beauveria and Metarhizium is not an optimal
      approach if the goal is to study the evolutionary ecology of disease in ants. We
      conclude by advocating for approaches that incorporate greater realism.

PMID- 27131330
TI  - Molecular Genetics of Secondary Chemistry in Metarhizium Fungi.
AB  - As with many microbes, entomopathogenic fungi from the genus Metarhizium produce
      a plethora of small molecule metabolites, often referred to as secondary
      metabolites. Although these intriguing compounds are a conspicuous feature of the
      biology of the producing fungi, their roles in pathogenicity and other
      interactions with their hosts and competing microbes are still not well
      understood. In this review, secondary metabolites that have been isolated from
      Metarhizium are cataloged along with the history of their discovery and
      structural elucidation and the salient biological activities attributed to them.
      Newly available genome sequences revealed an abundance of biosynthetic pathways
      and a capacity for producing SMs by Metarhizium species that far exceeds the
      known chemistry. Secondary metabolism genes identified in nine sequenced
      Metarhizium species are analyzed in detail and classified into distinct families
      based on orthology, phylogenetic analysis, and conservation of the gene
      organization around them. This analysis led to the identification of seven hybrid
      polyketide/nonribosomal peptide synthetases (M-HPNs), two inverted hybrid
      nonribosomal peptide/polyketide synthetases (M-IHs), 27 nonribosomal peptide
      synthetases (M-NRPSs), 14 nonribosomal peptide synthetase-like (M-NPL) pathways,
      32 polyketide synthases, and 44 terpene biosynthetic genes having a nonuniform
      distribution and largely following established phylogenetic relationships within
      the genus Metarhzium. This systematization also identified candidate pathways for
      known Metarhizium chemistries and predicted the presence of unknown natural
      products for this genus by drawing connections between these pathways and natural
      products known to be produced by other fungi.

PMID- 27131329
TI  - Entomopathogenic Fungi: New Insights into Host-Pathogen Interactions.
AB  - Although many insects successfully live in dangerous environments exposed to
      diverse communities of microbes, they are often exploited and killed by
      specialist pathogens. Studies of host-pathogen interactions (HPI) provide
      valuable insights into the dynamics of the highly aggressive coevolutionary arms
      race between entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and their arthropod hosts. The host
      defenses are designed to exclude the pathogen or mitigate the damage inflicted
      while the pathogen responds with immune evasion and utilization of host
      resources. EPF neutralize their immediate surroundings on the insect integument
      and benefit from the physiochemical properties of the cuticle and its compounds
      that exclude competing microbes. EPF also exhibit adaptations aimed at minimizing
      trauma that can be deleterious to both host and pathogen (eg, melanization of
      hemolymph), form narrow penetration pegs that alleviate host dehydration and
      produce blastospores that lack immunogenic sugars/enzymes but facilitate rapid
      assimilation of hemolymph nutrients. In response, insects deploy an extensive
      armory of hemocytes and macromolecules, such as lectins and phenoloxidase, that
      repel, immobilize, and kill EPF. New evidence suggests that immune bioactives
      work synergistically (eg, lysozyme with antimicrobial peptides) to combat
      infections. Some proteins, including transferrin and apolipophorin III, also
      demonstrate multifunctional properties, participating in metabolism, homeostasis,
      and pathogen recognition. This review discusses the molecular intricacies of
      these HPI, highlighting the interplay between immunity, stress management, and
      metabolism. Increased knowledge in this area could enhance the efficacy of EPF,
      ensuring their future in integrated pest management programs.

PMID- 27131331
TI  - From So Simple a Beginning: The Evolution of Behavioral Manipulation by Fungi.
AB  - Parasites can manipulate the behavior of their hosts in ways that increase either
      their direct fitness or transmission to new hosts. The Kingdom Fungi have evolved
      a diverse array of strategies to manipulate arthropod behavior resulting in some
      of the most complex and impressive examples of behavioral manipulation by
      parasites. Here we provide an overview of these different interactions and
      discuss them from an evolutionary perspective. We discuss parasite manipulation
      within the context of Niko Tinbergen's four questions (function, phylogeny,
      causation, and ontogeny) before detailing the proximate mechanisms by which fungi
      control arthropod behavior and the evolutionary pathways to such adaptations. We
      focus on some systems for which we have recently acquired new knowledge (such as
      the zombie ant fungus, Ophiocordyceps unilateralis s.l.), but a major goal is
      also to highlight how many interesting examples remain to be discovered and
      investigated. With this in mind, we also discuss likely examples of manipulated
      spiders that are largely unexplored ("zombie spiders"). Armed with advanced tools
      in evolutionary biology (from serial block face SEM to RNAseq) we can discover
      how the fungi, a group of microbes capable of coordinated activity, have evolved
      the ability to direct animal behavior. In short, we have the ability to
      understand how the organism without the brain controls the one with the brain. We
      hope such a goal, coupled with the knowledge that many diverse examples of
      control exist, will inspire other organismal biologists to study the complex
      adaptations that have arisen from "so simple a beginning."

PMID- 27131332
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27131333
TI  - Sleep disturbance and enhanced esophageal capsaicin sensitivity in patients with
      gastroesophageal reflux disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Esophageal infusion of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce
      induced heartburn symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
      (GERD). We aimed to test the hypothesis whether sleep disturbance modulates
      esophageal sensitivity to capsaicin infusion in patients with GERD. METHODS: We
      enrolled 40 patients with their sleep quality measured by the Pittsburg Sleep
      Quality Index with > 5 indicating sleep disturbance. Esophageal sensation to
      capsaicin infusion was documented via measures of lag time to initial heartburn
      perception, heartburn intensity rating, and sensitivity score by esophageal
      infusion of capsaicin-containing red pepper sauce. Objective sleep measures were
      assessed by ambulatory actigraphy. RESULTS: We found 22 patients with sleep
      disturbance. The patients with sleep disturbance had shorter lag time to initial
      heartburn perception (P = 0.03) and greater sensory intensity rating (P = 0.02).
      The sensitivity score for capsaicin infusion was greater in patients with sleep
      disturbance when compared with those without sleep disturbance (P = 0.04).
      Actigraphy measures revealed that patients with sleep disturbance also had poor
      sleep efficiency (P = 0.04), longer average awakening time (P = 0.03), and
      greater total activity account (P = 0.04). The lag time for perceiving capsaicin
      infusion was positively correlated with total sleep time (r = 0.43, P = 0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that GERD patients with sleep disturbance have
      significantly enhanced heartburn perception to capsaicin infusion as compared
      with those with normal sleep. Our findings suggest that sleep disturbance is
      associated with esophageal hypersensitivity to capsaicin infusion in patients
      with GERD.

PMID- 27131334
TI  - Psychopathy, Addictions, Interpersonal Violence and Antisocial Behavior, a mixed
      relationship.
AB  - Editorial of vol 28-2. 

PMID- 27131335
TI  - Characteristics and functions of a minor FSH surge near the end of an
      interovulatory interval in Bos taurus heifers.
AB  - The apparent function of a minor FSH surge based on temporality with follicular
      events was studied in 10 heifers with 2 follicular waves per interovulatory
      interval. Individual follicles were tracked from their emergence at 2 mm until
      their outcome was known, and a blood sample was collected for FSH and LH assay
      every 12 h from day -14 (day 0 = ovulation) to day 4. A minor FSH surge occurred
      in each heifer (peak, day -4.6 +/- 0.2). Concentration of LH increased (P < 0.05)
      during the FSH increase of the minor surge but did not decrease during the FSH
      decrease. A minor follicular wave with 8.2 +/- 2.0 follicles occurred in 6 of 10
      heifers. The maximal diameter (mean, 3.4 +/- 0.9 mm) of 77% of the minor-wave
      follicles occurred in synchrony on day -4.4 +/- 0.4. Most (59%) of minor-wave
      follicles regressed before ovulation and 41% decreased and then increased in
      diameter (recovered) on day -1.9 +/- 0.3 to become part of the subsequent wave 1.
      A mean of 3.7 +/- 0.9 regressing subordinate follicles from wave 2 recovered on
      the day before or at the peak of the minor FSH surge. The growth rate of the
      preovulatory follicle decreased (P < 0.02) for 3 d before the peak of the minor
      FSH surge and then increased (P < 0.03). Concentration of LH increased slightly
      but significantly temporally with the resurgence in growth rate of the
      preovulatory follicle. A minor LH surge peaked (P < 0.0002) on day 3 at the
      expected deviation in growth rates between the future dominant and subordinate
      follicles. Results indicated on a temporal basis that the recovery of some
      regressing subordinate follicles of wave 2 was attributable to the minor FSH
      surge. The hypothesis was supported that some regressing follicles from the minor
      follicular wave recover to become part of wave 1.

PMID- 27131336
TI  - Dynamics of L cells along the crypt-villous axis in the chicken ileum.
AB  - The dynamics of L cells along the crypt-villous axis were investigated in the
      ileum of male White Leghorn chicks (7 d of age, n = 5). Immunohistochemistry was
      used to detect the expression of glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and an in situ
      hybridization technique to detect proglucagon messenger RNA (mRNA).
      Immunocytochemistry using colloidal gold was also applied to quantitatively
      evaluate the GLP-1 content. The cells expressing a proglucagon mRNA signal were
      distributed mainly in the crypts and the bottom of the villi but were never found
      in the upper part of the villi. Most of the cells expressing a proglucagon mRNA
      signal (97%) were immunoreactive for GLP-1 antiserum. In contrast, GLP-1
      immunoreactive cells were distributed from the crypts to the middle part of the
      villi, and only 55% of them expressed a proglucagon mRNA signal. Quantitative
      evaluation by immunocytochemistry of GLP-1 using colloidal gold revealed that the
      GLP-1 content was significantly lower in L cells located in the villous
      epithelium than that of L cells located in the crypts (P < 0.01). These findings
      indicate that L cells in the chicken ileum mature and complete GLP-1 production
      in the crypts. L cells in the villous epithelium secrete GLP-1 but do not
      synthesize this peptide.

PMID- 27131337
TI  - Influence of blanketing and season on vitamin D and parathyroid hormone, calcium,
      phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations in horses in New Zealand.
AB  - The aims of the study were to determine the effect of season and blanketing on
      vitamin D synthesis in horses and examine the interaction between vitamin D and
      other analytes involved in calcium homeostasis. Twenty-one healthy horses at
      pasture were included; 5 were covered with standard horse blankets including neck
      rugs. Blood samples were collected for 13 mo and analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin
      D2 (25OHD2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D
      (1,25[OH]2D), ionized calcium (iCa), total calcium (tCa), phosphorus (P), total
      magnesium (tMg), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Grass and hay samples were
      collected and analyzed for vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Climate
      data were also collected. The serum concentration of 25OHD3 in horses was either
      undetectable or below the detection limit of the assay, and the main form of
      25OHD was 25OHD2. No differences in serum 25OHD2, 1,25(OH)2D, iCa, tCa, P, tMg,
      and PTH (P >= 0.05) concentrations were seen between the 2 groups. Associations
      were seen between iCa and PTH (P < 0.05), iCa and tMg (P < 0.05), and dietary
      vitamin D and 25OHD2 (P < 0.05). A strong seasonal trend was seen in serum 25OHD2
      (P < 0.0001), which was higher during spring and summer when the amount of
      sunshine and UV radiation was higher. Parathyroid hormone and 1,25(OH)2D showed
      opposing trends with PTH higher in winter whereas 1,25(OH)2D was higher in
      summer. The results suggest that dietary vitamin D may be necessary for horses to
      fulfill their vitamin D requirements; however, further research is required to
      determine the contribution of vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin to the vitamin D
      status of the horse.

PMID- 27131338
TI  - Usefulness of 3D hybrid profile order technique with 3T magnetic resonance
      cholangiography: Comparison of image quality and acquisition time.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the image quality and acquisition time of magnetic resonance
      cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) with and without the 3D hybrid profile order
      technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 32 consecutive patients at 3T. They
      underwent MRCP with and without the 3D hybrid profile order imaging technique
      during free breathing and MRCP with the 3D hybrid profile order technique during
      a single breath-hold. The image acquisition time was 82% shorter with the 3D
      hybrid profile order technique than without it. The contrast, signal-to-noise
      ratio (SNR), and contrast-noise-ratio (CNR) between the common bile duct (CBD)
      and periductal tissues on 3D-MRCP were evaluated quantitatively. RESULTS: The
      contrast, SNR, and CNR of the CBD under free breathing was significantly higher
      with the 3D hybrid profile order technique than without it (P < 0.01). The
      contrast, SNR, and CNR of the CBD under a single breath-hold was significantly
      higher with the 3D hybrid profile order technique than without it (P < 0.01).
      There were no significant differences in the contrast, SNR, and CNR of the CBD
      between the 3D hybrid profile order with a single breath-hold and with free
      breathing (P = 0.12, 0.28, 0.28, respectively). CONCLUSION: Using 3T MRI for MRCP
      with the 3D hybrid profile order sequence yielded significantly improved contrast
      and CNR with a shorter image acquisition time without sacrificing image quality
      when compared to imaging without the 3D hybrid profile order sequence. J. Magn.
      Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1346-1353.

PMID- 27131339
TI  - HERG1 potassium channel expression in potentially malignant disorders of the oral
      mucosa and prognostic relevance in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HERG1 potassium channel plays a critical role in the cell
      proliferation. METHODS: HERG1 protein expression was analyzed by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 62 patients with oral leukoplakias and 100 patients
      with oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). HERG1 mRNA levels were assessed by
      real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 22 patients
      with primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). RESULTS:
      Statistically significant associations were found between HERG1 expression and
      tobacco consumption, disease stage, tumor differentiation, tumor recurrence, and
      reduced survival. There was no association between HERG1 expression and the risk
      of progression from oral leukoplakia to OSCC. In addition, a high proportion of
      tumors (80%) showed increased HERG1 mRNA levels compared to normal mucosa from
      nononcologic patients. CONCLUSION: Aberrant HERG1 expression increases as oral
      tumorigenesis progresses from oral hyperplasia to OSCC. Increased HERG1 mRNA
      levels were also frequently detected in OSCC and other HNSCC subsites. HERG1
      expression emerges as a clinically relevant feature during tumor progression and
      a potential poor prognostic biomarker for OSCC. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
      Head Neck 38: 1708-1716, 2016.

PMID- 27131342
TI  - Management of orbital invasion in sinonasal malignancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indications for preservation of orbital contents in case of malignant
      sinonasal tumors invading the orbit remain controversial. METHODS: A
      retrospective consecutive review was conducted of patients in a tertiary care
      center over a 15-year period. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients were diagnosed with
      a malignant tumor invading the orbit. Eighty-three were treated with curative
      intent of which 58 underwent surgery. Mean follow-up was 45 months. Orbital
      preservation was feasible in 66% of cases, whereas orbital clearance was
      performed in cases of locally advanced disease (invasion of extraocular muscles,
      ocular globe, or orbital apex). Local control rate was 70% for patients treated
      with orbital clearance and 74% for those with orbital preservation, with no
      statistical difference. Five-year survival and 5-year relapse-free survival were
      similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Using our strategy, the eye can be spared in
      more patients than what is currently proposed, without oncologic or survival
      disadvantages. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708-1716, 2016.

PMID- 27131343
TI  - Auditory evoked potentials to speech and nonspeech stimuli are associated with
      verbal skills in preschoolers.
AB  - Children's obligatory auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) to speech and
      nonspeech sounds have been shown to associate with reading performance in
      children at risk or with dyslexia and their controls. However, very little is
      known of the cognitive processes these responses reflect. To investigate this
      question, we recorded ERPs to semisynthetic syllables and their acoustically
      matched nonspeech counterparts in 63 typically developed preschoolers, and
      assessed their verbal skills with an extensive set of neurocognitive tests. P1
      and N2 amplitudes were larger for nonspeech than speech stimuli, whereas the
      opposite was true for N4. Furthermore, left-lateralized P1s were associated with
      better phonological and prereading skills, and larger P1s to nonspeech than
      speech stimuli with poorer verbal reasoning performance. Moreover, left
      lateralized N2s, and equal-sized N4s to both speech and nonspeech stimuli were
      associated with slower naming. In contrast, children with equal-sized N2
      amplitudes at left and right scalp locations, and larger N4s for speech than
      nonspeech stimuli, performed fastest. We discuss the possibility that
      children&rsquo;s ERPs reflect not only neural encoding of sounds, but also sound
      quality processing, memory-trace construction, and lexical access. The results
      also corroborate previous findings that speech and nonspeech sounds are processed
      by at least partially distinct neural substrates.

PMID- 27131344
TI  - Effect of Ownership on Hospice Service Use: 2005-2011.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in populations and service use according to
      hospice ownership, chain status, and agency size. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort
      study. SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and
      older enrolled in hospice during 2005 to 2011 N = 5,405,526). MEASUREMENTS:
      Hospice use according to ownership category (for-profit nonchain and chain, not
      for-profit nonchain and chain, government) and agency size (0-50, 51-200, 201
      400, >=401 individuals discharged each year). Mean length of use, stays of 3 days
      or fewer, stays ending with live discharge, and decedents receiving no general
      inpatient care (GIP)- or continuous home care (CHC)-level hospice in the last 7
      days of life. RESULTS: After adjusting for individual and geographic differences,
      for-profit nonchain and chain agencies had longer mean length of use (84.5 and
      91.2 days, respectively) than other agency types (66.3-72.5 days), higher rates
      of live discharge (21.0% and 20.2% vs 14.6-15.9%), and lower proportions of stays
      of 3 days or fewer (13.9% and 14.7% vs 16.6-17.5%) (all P < .001). The proportion
      of decedents not receiving GIP- or CHC-level care before death was highest in for
      profit chains (75.9%) and lowest in not-for-profit nonchains (63.2%). Smaller
      agencies had longer mean length of use, higher live discharge rates, lower rates
      of stays of 3 days or fewer, and higher rates of individuals receiving no GIP- or
      CHC-level care. There were considerable differences in patient traits and
      unadjusted service use between the nation's largest chains. CONCLUSION: In
      addition to for-profit and not-for-profit hospice agencies differing according to
      important dimensions, there is substantial heterogeneity within these ownership
      categories, highlighting the need to consider factors such as agency size and
      chain affiliation in understanding variations in Medicare beneficiaries' hospice
      care.

PMID- 27131345
TI  - Odontoblasts: Specialized hard-tissue-forming cells in the dentin-pulp complex.
AB  - Odontoblasts are specialized cells that produce dentin and exhibit unique
      morphological characteristics; i.e., they extend cytoplasmic processes into
      dentinal tubules. While osteoblasts, which are typical hard-tissue-forming cells,
      are generated from mesenchymal stem cells during normal and pathological bone
      metabolism, the induction of odontoblasts only occurs once during tooth
      development, and odontoblasts survive throughout the lives of healthy teeth.
      During the differentiation of odontoblasts, signaling molecules from the inner
      enamel epithelium are considered necessary for the differentiation of odontoblast
      precursors, i.e., peripheral dental papilla cells. If odontoblasts are destroyed
      by severe external stimuli, such as deep caries, the differentiation of dental
      pulp stem cells into odontoblast-like cells is induced. Various bioactive
      molecules, such as non-collagenous proteins, might be involved in this process,
      although the precise mechanisms responsible for odontoblast differentiation have
      not been fully elucidated. Recently, our knowledge about the other functional
      activities of odontoblasts (apart from dentin formation) has increased. For
      example, it has been suggested that odontoblasts might act as nociceptive
      receptors, and surveillance cells that detect the invasion of exogenous
      pathogens. The regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex has recently gained much
      attention as a promising future treatment modality that could increase the
      longevity of pulpless teeth. Finally, congenital dentin anomalies, which are
      concerned with the disturbance of odontoblast functions, are summarized. 

PMID- 27131346
TI  - Oxidative metabolism and Ca2+ handling in isolated brain mitochondria and
      striatal neurons from R6/2 mice, a model of Huntington's disease.
AB  - Alterations in oxidative metabolism and defects in mitochondrial Ca2+ handling
      have been implicated in the pathology of Huntington's disease (HD), but existing
      data are contradictory. We investigated the effect of human mHtt fragments on
      oxidative metabolism and Ca2+ handling in isolated brain mitochondria and
      cultured striatal neurons from the R6/2 mouse model of HD. Non-synaptic and
      synaptic mitochondria isolated from the brains of R6/2 mice had similar
      respiratory rates and Ca2+ uptake capacity compared with mitochondria from wild
      type (WT) mice. Respiratory activity of cultured striatal neurons measured with
      Seahorse XF24 flux analyzer revealed unaltered cellular respiration in neurons
      derived from R6/2 mice compared with neurons from WT animals. Consistent with the
      lack of respiratory dysfunction, ATP content of cultured striatal neurons from
      R6/2 and WT mice was similar. Mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation was also evaluated
      in cultured striatal neurons from R6/2 and WT animals. Our data obtained with
      striatal neurons derived from R6/2 and WT mice show that both glutamate-induced
      increases in cytosolic Ca2+ and subsequent carbonilcyanide p
      triflouromethoxyphenylhydrazone-induced increases in cytosolic Ca2+ were similar
      between WT and R6/2, suggesting that mitochondria in neurons derived from both
      types of animals accumulated comparable amounts of Ca2+ Overall, our data argue
      against respiratory deficiency and impaired Ca2+ handling induced by human mHtt
      fragments in both isolated brain mitochondria and cultured striatal neurons from
      transgenic R6/2 mice.

PMID- 27131349
TI  - Trends in Laboratory Diagnostic Methods in Periodontology.
AB  - This work presents a summary of current knowledge on the laboratory diagnosis of
      periodontitis. It focuses on the theoretical foundations and is supplemented with
      new knowledge. It subsequently describes specifically the laboratory diagnosis
      methods of periodontitis: the protein expression of inflammation, oral
      microbiology and molecular diagnostics. Periodontitis is a serious disease
      worldwide and its confirmed association with systemic diseases means its severity
      is increasing. Its laboratory diagnosis has the potential to rise to the level of
      clinical and diagnostic imaging. The transfer of diagnostic methods from
      laboratory to clinical use is increasingly used in the prevention and monitoring
      of the exacerbation and treatment of periodontal disease, as well as of its
      impact on systemic disease. 

PMID- 27131347
TI  - ERK1/2 directly acts on CTGF/CCN2 expression to mediate myocardial fibrosis in
      cardiomyopathy caused by mutations in the lamin A/C gene.
AB  - Cardiomyopathy caused by lamin A/C gene mutations (LMNA cardiomyopathy) is
      characterized by increased myocardial fibrosis, which impairs left ventricular
      relaxation and predisposes to heart failure, and cardiac conduction
      abnormalities. While we previously discovered abnormally elevated extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activities in heart in LMNA cardiomyopathy,
      its role on the development of myocardial fibrosis remains unclear. We now showed
      that transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta/Smad signaling participates in the
      activation of ERK1/2 signaling in LMNA cardiomyopathy. ERK1/2 acts on connective
      tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) expression to mediate the myocardial fibrosis
      and left ventricular dysfunction. Studies in vivo demonstrate that inhibiting
      CTGF/CCN2 using a specific antibody decreases myocardial fibrosis and improves
      the left ventricular dysfunction. Together, these findings show that cardiac
      ERK1/2 activity is modulated in part by TGF-beta/Smad signaling, leading to
      altered activation of CTGF/CCN2 to mediate fibrosis and alter cardiac function.
      This identifies a novel mechanism in the development of LMNA cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 27131350
TI  - Is Allergic Rhinitis a Factor That Affects Success of Tympanoplasty?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of allergic
      rhinitis on the success of the operation in chronic otitis surgery by using score
      for allergic rhinitis (SFAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study; 121
      patients, who underwent type 1 tympanoplasty were examined retrospectively. SFAR
      of all patients were recorded. The graft success rates of 26 patients with
      allergic rhinitis (AR) and 95 patients with no allergic rhinitis group (NAR) were
      compared. RESULTS: While the graft success rate in NAR group was 89.5%, this rate
      was 80.8% in the AR group. However, the difference between groups was not
      statistically significant (p = 0.311). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that
      allergic rhinitis decreases the graft success rate of the pathologies occurring
      in eustachian tube, middle ear and mastoid although statistically significant
      difference wasn't found. Prospective studies with larger patient groups are
      required in order to evaluate this pathology.

PMID- 27131348
TI  - Deletion of CTNNB1 in inhibitory circuitry contributes to autism-associated
      behavioral defects.
AB  - Mutations in beta-catenin (CTNNB1) have been implicated in cancer and mental
      disorders. Recently, loss-of-function mutations of CTNNB1 were linked to
      intellectual disability (ID), and rare mutations were identified in patients with
      autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As a key regulator of the canonical Wnt pathway,
      CTNNB1 plays an essential role in neurodevelopment. However, the function of
      CTNNB1 in specific neuronal subtypes is unclear. To understand how CTNNB1
      deficiency contributes to ASD, we generated CTNNB1 conditional knockout (cKO)
      mice in parvalbumin interneurons. The cKO mice had increased anxiety, but had no
      overall change in motor function. Interestingly, CTNNB1 cKO in PV-interneurons
      significantly impaired object recognition and social interactions and elevated
      repetitive behaviors, which mimic the core symptoms of patients with ASD.
      Surprisingly, deleting CTNNB1 in parvalbumin-interneurons enhanced spatial
      memory. To determine the effect of CTNNB1 KO in overall neuronal activity, we
      found that c-Fos was significantly reduced in the cortex, but not in the dentate
      gyrus and the amygdala. Our findings revealed a cell type-specific role of CTNNB1
      gene in regulation of cognitive and autistic-like behaviors. Thus, this study has
      important implications for development of therapies for ASDs carrying the CTNNB1
      mutation or other ASDs that are associated with mutations in the Wnt pathway. In
      addition, our study contributes to a broader understanding of the regulation of
      the inhibitory circuitry.

PMID- 27131351
TI  - A Study Comparing the Efficacy of Monopolar Radiofrequency and Glycolic Acid
      Peels in Facial Rejuvenation of Aging Skin Using Histopathology and
      Ultrabiomicroscopic Sonography (UBM) - An Evidence Based Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radio frequency (RF) and chemical peels have been used for
      nonablative skin rejuvenation. Both of these cause collagen remodeling in the
      dermis and neo-collagen formation resulting in facial rejuvenation. There is
      limited literature on the evaluation of collagen remodeling by objective methods.
      OBJECTIVE: To compare the benefits of monopolar radiofrequency and glycolic acid
      peels in facial rejuvenation with regards to histopathology and
      Ultrabiomicroscopic sonography (UBM). METHODOLOGY: In this study, forty patients
      with mild to moderate photoaging received four treatments with 3 weeks interval
      of monopolar radiofrequency on one side of face and glycolic acid peels in
      increasing concentrations (NeostrataR) on the other side. Pre and post treatment,
      2 mm biopsies were taken from both preauricular areas and Ultrasonography using a
      35 MHz probe was done from outer canthus of eye and nasolabial folds from both
      sides of face. A blinded assessment was done to measure the increase in the grenz
      zone and dermal thickness. RESULTS: In 35/40 patients there was a significant
      increase in the grenz zone on histopathology and decrease in subepidermal low
      echogenic band (SLEB) on UBM of the nasolabial folds on both sides of the face (p
      < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency and chemical peels showed equal efficacy in
      the treatment of facial rejuvenation.

PMID- 27131352
TI  - Gastric and Colorectal Metastases of Lobular Breast Carcinoma: A Case Report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occurrence of gastric metastasis as the first symptom of breast
      carcinoma with a long period of latency before presentation of the primary breast
      carcinoma is rare. CASE REPORT: A patient with gastric metastasis as the first
      symptom of lobular breast carcinoma, treated by neoadjuvant preoperative
      chemoradiotherapy and total gastrectomy, with complete local control. Fourteen
      months after presentation of the gastric metastasis a primary lobular breast
      carcinoma was discovered, treated by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal
      treatment with complete local response. Twenty-three months after diagnosis of
      breast cancer multiple colorectal metastases from the breast cancer occurred,
      which were treated by chemotherapy and hormonal treatment. Eighty-six months
      after diagnosis of gastric metastasis the patient died due to progression of
      cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Metastases to gastrointestinal or gynaecological tracts are
      more likely in invasive lobular carcinoma than invasive ductal cancer. The
      pathologist should determine whether or not they check estrogen and progesterone
      receptor status not simply by signet ring cell morphology but also by
      consideration of clinic-pathological correlation of the patient, such as the
      presence of a past history of breast cancer, or the colorectal localization of
      poorly differentiated carcinoma, which may occur less frequently than in the
      stomach.

PMID- 27131353
TI  - Efficacy of Low-Dose Tocilizumab on Relapsing Adult-Onset Still's Disease.
AB  - Still's disease is an inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. First-line
      therapy is based on corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs) but the frequency of relapses and corticosteroid-induced adverse events
      are limiting factors. The efficacy of intravenous tocilizumab (TCZ) has been
      shown at a dose of 8 mg/kg but the corticosteroid-sparing effect of intravenous
      low-dose TCZ followed by subcutaneous (SC) injection in the course of the disease
      has been poorly investigated. We report the case of a 28-year old Caucasian woman
      presenting a relapse of Still's disease eleven months after diagnosis under
      treatment with 6 mg of methylprednisolone. TCZ at a dose of 4 mg/kg every 2 weeks
      was combined with 32 mg of methylprednisolone, followed by 162 mg SC every 3
      weeks. Evolution was rapidly favourable with a decrease in corticosteroid doses.
      We reviewed previously published cases. 

PMID- 27131354
TI  - Five Roots Pattern of Median Nerve Formation.
AB  - An unusual combination of median nerve's variations has been encountered in a
      male cadaver during routine educational dissection. In particular, the median
      nerve was formed by five roots; three roots originated from the lateral cord of
      the brachial plexus joined individually the median nerve's medial root. The
      latter (fourth) root was united with the lateral (fifth) root of the median nerve
      forming the median nerve distally in the upper arm and not the axilla as usually.
      In addition, the median nerve was situated medial to the brachial artery. We
      review comprehensively the relevant variants, their embryologic development and
      their potential clinical applications. 

PMID- 27131355
TI  - Laryngeal Electromyography is Helpful for Cardiovocal Syndrome.
AB  - Laryngeal electromyography is used in the evaluation of vocal cord paralysis to
      confirm the diagnosis, to guide the diagnostic work-up for etiology, to provide
      prognostic information and to help choose the correct treatment for the patient.
      Cardiovocal syndrome is characterised by vocal cord paralysis due to a
      cardiovascular disease. A wide spectrum of conditions can result in this
      syndrome. Here we present a case of cardiovocal syndrome in association with
      primary pulmonary hypertension. Laryngeal electromyography was used to guide the
      work-up of differential diagnosis and also for further intervention with respect
      to vocal cord paralysis in this patient. 

PMID- 27131356
TI  - Rtools: a web server for various secondary structural analyses on single RNA
      sequences.
AB  - The secondary structures, as well as the nucleotide sequences, are the important
      features of RNA molecules to characterize their functions. According to the
      thermodynamic model, however, the probability of any secondary structure is very
      small. As a consequence, any tool to predict the secondary structures of RNAs has
      limited accuracy. On the other hand, there are a few tools to compensate the
      imperfect predictions by calculating and visualizing the secondary structural
      information from RNA sequences. It is desirable to obtain the rich information
      from those tools through a friendly interface. We implemented a web server of the
      tools to predict secondary structures and to calculate various structural
      features based on the energy models of secondary structures. By just giving an
      RNA sequence to the web server, the user can get the different types of solutions
      of the secondary structures, the marginal probabilities such as base-paring
      probabilities, loop probabilities and accessibilities of the local bases, the
      energy changes by arbitrary base mutations as well as the measures for
      validations of the predicted secondary structures. The web server is available at
      http://rtools.cbrc.jp, which integrates software tools, CentroidFold,
      CentroidHomfold, IPKnot, CapR, Raccess, Rchange and RintD.

PMID- 27131357
TI  - PHYLOViZ Online: web-based tool for visualization, phylogenetic inference,
      analysis and sharing of minimum spanning trees.
AB  - High-throughput sequencing methods generated allele and single nucleotide
      polymorphism information for thousands of bacterial strains that are publicly
      available in online repositories and created the possibility of generating
      similar information for hundreds to thousands of strains more in a single study.
      Minimum spanning tree analysis of allelic data offers a scalable and reproducible
      methodological alternative to traditional phylogenetic inference approaches,
      useful in epidemiological investigations and population studies of bacterial
      pathogens. PHYLOViZ Online was developed to allow users to do these analyses
      without software installation and to enable easy accessing and sharing of data
      and analyses results from any Internet enabled computer. PHYLOViZ Online also
      offers a RESTful API for programmatic access to data and algorithms, allowing it
      to be seamlessly integrated into any third party web service or software.
      PHYLOViZ Online is freely available at https://online.phyloviz.net.

PMID- 27131358
TI  - MANORAA (Mapping Analogous Nuclei Onto Residue And Affinity) for identifying
      protein-ligand fragment interaction, pathways and SNPs.
AB  - Protein-ligand interaction analysis is an important step of drug design and
      protein engineering in order to predict the binding affinity and selectivity
      between ligands to the target proteins. To date, there are more than 100 000
      structures available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB), of which ~30% are protein
      ligand (MW below 1000 Da) complexes. We have developed the integrative web server
      MANORAA (Mapping Analogous Nuclei Onto Residue And Affinity) with the aim of
      providing a user-friendly web interface to assist structural study and design of
      protein-ligand interactions. In brief, the server allows the users to input the
      chemical fragments and present all the unique molecular interactions to the
      target proteins with available three-dimensional structures in the PDB. The users
      can also link the ligands of interest to assess possible off-target proteins,
      human variants and pathway information using our all-in-one integrated tools.
      Taken together, we envisage that the server will facilitate and improve the study
      of protein-ligand interactions by allowing observation and comparison of ligand
      interactions with multiple proteins at the same time. (http://manoraa.org). 

PMID- 27131359
TI  - Protein Frustratometer 2: a tool to localize energetic frustration in protein
      molecules, now with electrostatics.
AB  - The protein frustratometer is an energy landscape theory-inspired algorithm that
      aims at localizing and quantifying the energetic frustration present in protein
      molecules. Frustration is a useful concept for analyzing proteins' biological
      behavior. It compares the energy distributions of the native state with respect
      to structural decoys. The network of minimally frustrated interactions
      encompasses the folding core of the molecule. Sites of high local frustration
      often correlate with functional regions such as binding sites and regions
      involved in allosteric transitions. We present here an upgraded version of a
      webserver that measures local frustration. The new implementation that allows the
      inclusion of electrostatic energy terms, important to the interactions with
      nucleic acids, is significantly faster than the previous version enabling the
      analysis of large macromolecular complexes within a user-friendly interface. The
      webserver is freely available at URL: http://frustratometer.qb.fcen.uba.ar.

PMID- 27131360
TI  - The Borrelia burgdorferi telomere resolvase, ResT, anneals ssDNA complexed with
      its cognate ssDNA-binding protein.
AB  - Spirochetes of the genus Borrelia possess unusual genomes that consist in a
      linear chromosome and multiple linear and circular plasmids. The linear replicons
      are terminated by covalently closed hairpin ends, referred to as hairpin
      telomeres. The hairpin telomeres represent a simple solution to the end
      replication problem. Deoxyribonucleic acid replication initiates internally and
      proceeds bidirectionally toward the hairpin telomeres. The telomere resolvase,
      ResT, forms the hairpin telomeres from replicated telomere intermediates in a
      reaction with similarities to those promoted by type IB topoisomerases and
      tyrosine recombinases. ResT has also been shown to possess DNA single-strand
      annealing activity. We report here that ResT promotes single-strand annealing of
      both free DNA strands and ssDNA complexed with single-stranded DNA binding
      protein (SSB). The annealing of complementary strands bound by SSB requires a
      ResT-SSB interaction that is mediated by the conserved amphipathic C-terminal
      tail of SSB. These properties of ResT are similar to those demonstrated for the
      recombination mediator protein, RecO, of the RecF pathway. Borrelia burgdorferi
      is unusual in lacking identifiable homologs of the RecFOR proteins. We propose
      that ResT may provide missing RecFOR functions.

PMID- 27131362
TI  - miEAA: microRNA enrichment analysis and annotation.
AB  - Similar to the development of gene set enrichment and gene regulatory network
      analysis tools over a decade ago, microRNA enrichment tools are currently gaining
      importance. Building on our experience with the gene set analysis toolkit
      GeneTrail, we implemented the miRNA Enrichment Analysis and Annotation tool
      (miEAA). MiEAA is a web-based application that offers a variety of commonly
      applied statistical tests such as over-representation analysis and miRNA set
      enrichment analysis, which is similar to Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Besides
      the different statistical tests, miEAA also provides rich functionality in terms
      of miRNA categories. Altogether, over 14 000 miRNA sets have been added,
      including pathways, diseases, organs and target genes. Importantly, our tool can
      be applied for miRNA precursors as well as mature miRNAs. To make the tool as
      useful as possible we additionally implemented supporting tools such as
      converters between different miRBase versions and converters from miRNA names to
      precursor names. We evaluated the performance of miEAA on two sets of miRNAs that
      are affected in lung adenocarcinomas and have been detected by array analysis.
      The web-based application is freely accessible at: http://www.ccb.uni
      saarland.de/mieaa_tool/.

PMID- 27131363
TI  - Single base resolution analysis of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in 188 human genes:
      implications for hepatic gene expression.
AB  - To improve the epigenomic analysis of tissues rich in 5-hydroxymethylcytosine
      (hmC), we developed a novel protocol called TAB-Methyl-SEQ, which allows for
      single base resolution profiling of both hmC and 5-methylcytosine by targeted
      next-generation sequencing. TAB-Methyl-SEQ data were extensively validated by a
      set of five methodologically different protocols. Importantly, these extensive
      cross-comparisons revealed that protocols based on Tet1-assisted bisulfite
      conversion provided more precise hmC values than TrueMethyl-based methods. A
      total of 109 454 CpG sites were analyzed by TAB-Methyl-SEQ for mC and hmC in 188
      genes from 20 different adult human livers. We describe three types of
      variability of hepatic hmC profiles: (i) sample-specific variability at 40.8% of
      CpG sites analyzed, where the local hmC values correlate to the global hmC
      content of livers (measured by LC-MS), (ii) gene-specific variability, where hmC
      levels in the coding regions positively correlate to expression of the respective
      gene and (iii) site-specific variability, where prominent hmC peaks span only 1
      to 3 neighboring CpG sites. Our data suggest that both the gene- and site
      specific components of hmC variability might contribute to the epigenetic control
      of hepatic genes. The protocol described here should be useful for targeted DNA
      analysis in a variety of applications.

PMID- 27131364
TI  - Dimerization of SLX4 contributes to functioning of the SLX4-nuclease complex.
AB  - The Fanconi anemia protein SLX4 assembles a genome and telomere maintenance
      toolkit, consisting of the nucleases SLX1, MUS81 and XPF. Although it is known
      that SLX4 acts as a scaffold for building this complex, the molecular basis
      underlying this function of SLX4 remains unclear. Here, we report that
      functioning of SLX4 is dependent on its dimerization via an oligomerization motif
      called the BTB domain. We solved the crystal structure of the SLX4BTB dimer,
      identifying key contacts (F681 and F708) that mediate dimerization. Disruption of
      BTB dimerization abrogates nuclear foci formation and telomeric localization of
      not only SLX4 but also of its associated nucleases. Furthermore, dimerization
      deficient SLX4 mutants cause defective cellular response to DNA interstrand
      crosslinking agent and telomere maintenance, underscoring the contribution of BTB
      domain-mediated dimerization of SLX4 in genome and telomere maintenance.

PMID- 27131361
TI  - A role for human homologous recombination factors in suppressing microhomology
      mediated end joining.
AB  - DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are toxic lesions, which if improperly repaired
      can result in cell death or genomic instability. DSB repair is usually
      facilitated by the classical non-homologous end joining (C-NHEJ), or homologous
      recombination (HR) pathways. However, a mutagenic alternative NHEJ pathway,
      microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ), can also be deployed. While MMEJ is
      suppressed by C-NHEJ, the relationship between HR and MMEJ is less clear. Here,
      we describe a role for HR genes in suppressing MMEJ in human cells. By monitoring
      DSB mis-repair using a sensitive HPRT assay, we found that depletion of HR
      proteins, including BRCA2, BRCA1 or RPA, resulted in a distinct mutational
      signature associated with significant increases in break-induced mutation
      frequencies, deletion lengths and the annealing of short regions of microhomology
      (2-6 bp) across the break-site. This signature was dependent on CtIP, MRE11, POLQ
      and PARP, and thus indicative of MMEJ. In contrast to CtIP or MRE11, depletion of
      BRCA1 resulted in increased partial resection and MMEJ, thus revealing a
      functional distinction between these early acting HR factors. Together these
      findings indicate that HR factors suppress mutagenic MMEJ following DSB
      resection.

PMID- 27131365
TI  - Galaxy7TM: flexible GPCR-ligand docking by structure refinement.
AB  - G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play important physiological roles related to
      signal transduction and form a major group of drug targets. Prediction of GPCR
      ligand complex structures has therefore important implications to drug discovery.
      With previously available servers, it was only possible to first predict GPCR
      structures by homology modeling and then perform ligand docking on the model
      structures. However, model structures generated without explicit consideration of
      specific ligands of interest can be inaccurate because GPCR structures can be
      affected by ligand binding. The Galaxy7TM server, freely accessible at
      http://galaxy.seoklab.org/7TM, improves an input GPCR structure by simultaneous
      ligand docking and flexible structure refinement using GALAXY methods. The server
      shows better performance in both ligand docking and GPCR structure refinement
      than commonly used programs AutoDock Vina and Rosetta MPrelax, respectively.

PMID- 27131366
TI  - A putative Leishmania DNA polymerase theta protects the parasite against
      oxidative damage.
AB  - Leishmania infantum is a protozoan parasite that is phagocytized by human
      macrophages. The host macrophages kill the parasite by generating oxidative
      compounds that induce DNA damage. We have identified, purified and biochemically
      characterized a DNA polymerase theta from L. infantum (LiPoltheta), demonstrating
      that it is a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase involved in translesion synthesis of
      8oxoG, abasic sites and thymine glycol lesions. Stably transfected L. infantum
      parasites expressing LiPoltheta were significantly more resistant to oxidative
      and interstrand cross-linking agents, e.g. hydrogen peroxide, cisplatin and
      mitomycin C. Moreover, LiPoltheta-overexpressing parasites showed an increased
      infectivity toward its natural macrophage host. Therefore, we propose that
      LiPoltheta is a translesion synthesis polymerase involved in parasite DNA damage
      tolerance, to confer resistance against macrophage aggression.

PMID- 27131367
TI  - Viable RNaseH1 knockout mice show RNaseH1 is essential for R loop processing,
      mitochondrial and liver function.
AB  - Viable constitutive and tamoxifen inducible liver-specific RNase H1 knockout mice
      that expressed no RNase H1 activity in hepatocytes showed increased R-loop levels
      and reduced mitochondrial encoded DNA and mRNA levels, suggesting impaired
      mitochondrial R-loop processing, transcription and mitochondrial DNA replication.
      These changes resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction with marked changes in
      mitochondrial fusion, fission, morphology and transcriptional changes reflective
      of mitochondrial damage and stress. Liver degeneration ensued, as indicated by
      apoptosis, fibrosis and increased transaminase levels. Antisense oligonucleotides
      (ASOs) designed to serve as substrates for RNase H1 were inactive in the
      hepatocytes from the RNase H1 knockout mice and in vivo, demonstrating that RNase
      H1 is necessary for the activity of DNA-like ASOs. During liver regeneration, a
      clone of hepatocytes that expressed RNase H1 developed and partially restored
      mitochondrial and liver function.

PMID- 27131368
TI  - InterEvDock: a docking server to predict the structure of protein-protein
      interactions using evolutionary information.
AB  - The structural modeling of protein-protein interactions is key in understanding
      how cell machineries cross-talk with each other. Molecular docking simulations
      provide efficient means to explore how two unbound protein structures interact.
      InterEvDock is a server for protein docking based on a free rigid-body docking
      strategy. A systematic rigid-body docking search is performed using the FRODOCK
      program and the resulting models are re-scored with InterEvScore and SOAP-PP
      statistical potentials. The InterEvScore potential was specifically designed to
      integrate co-evolutionary information in the docking process. InterEvDock server
      is thus particularly well suited in case homologous sequences are available for
      both binding partners. The server returns 10 structures of the most likely
      consensus models together with 10 predicted residues most likely involved in the
      interface. In 91% of all complexes tested in the benchmark, at least one residue
      out of the 10 predicted is involved in the interface, providing useful guidelines
      for mutagenesis. InterEvDock is able to identify a correct model among the top10
      models for 49% of the rigid-body cases with evolutionary information, making it a
      unique and efficient tool to explore structural interactomes under an
      evolutionary perspective. The InterEvDock web interface is available at
      http://bioserv.rpbs.univ-paris-diderot.fr/services/InterEvDock/. 

PMID- 27131369
TI  - A long non-coding RNA, APOA4-AS, regulates APOA4 expression depending on HuR in
      mice.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to be critical biomarkers or
      therapeutic targets for human diseases. However, only a small number of lncRNAs
      were screened and characterized. Here, we identified 15 lncRNAs, which are
      associated with fatty liver disease. Among them, APOA4-AS is shown to be a
      concordant regulator of Apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4) expression. APOA4-AS has a
      similar expression pattern with APOA4 gene. The expressions of APOA4-AS and APOA4
      are both abnormally elevated in the liver of ob/ob mice and patients with fatty
      liver disease. Knockdown of APOA4-AS reduces APOA4 expression both in vitro and
      in vivo and leads to decreased levels of plasma triglyceride and total
      cholesterol in ob/ob mice. Mechanistically, APOA4-AS directly interacts with mRNA
      stabilizing protein HuR and stabilizes APOA4 mRNA. Deletion of HuR dramatically
      reduces both APOA4-AS and APOA4 transcripts. This study uncovers an anti-sense
      lncRNA (APOA4-AS), which is co-expressed with APOA4, and concordantly and
      specifically regulates APOA4 expression both in vitro and in vivo with the
      involvement of HuR.

PMID- 27131370
TI  - DNA compaction by the bacteriophage protein Cox studied on the single DNA
      molecule level using nanofluidic channels.
AB  - The Cox protein from bacteriophage P2 forms oligomeric filaments and it has been
      proposed that DNA can be wound up around these filaments, similar to how histones
      condense DNA. We here use fluorescence microscopy to study single DNA-Cox
      complexes in nanofluidic channels and compare how the Cox homologs from phages P2
      and WPhi affect DNA. By measuring the extension of nanoconfined DNA in absence
      and presence of Cox we show that the protein compacts DNA and that the binding is
      highly cooperative, in agreement with the model of a Cox filament around which
      DNA is wrapped. Furthermore, comparing microscopy images for the wild-type P2 Cox
      protein and two mutants allows us to discriminate between compaction due to
      filament formation and compaction by monomeric Cox. P2 and WPhi Cox have similar
      effects on the physical properties of DNA and the subtle, but significant,
      differences in DNA binding are due to differences in binding affinity rather than
      binding mode. The presented work highlights the use of single DNA molecule
      studies to confirm structural predictions from X-ray crystallography. It also
      shows how a small protein by oligomerization can have great impact on the
      organization of DNA and thereby fulfill multiple regulatory functions.

PMID- 27131371
TI  - 3Drefine: an interactive web server for efficient protein structure refinement.
AB  - 3Drefine is an interactive web server for consistent and computationally
      efficient protein structure refinement with the capability to perform web-based
      statistical and visual analysis. The 3Drefine refinement protocol utilizes
      iterative optimization of hydrogen bonding network combined with atomic-level
      energy minimization on the optimized model using a composite physics and
      knowledge-based force fields for efficient protein structure refinement. The
      method has been extensively evaluated on blind CASP experiments as well as on
      large-scale and diverse benchmark datasets and exhibits consistent improvement
      over the initial structure in both global and local structural quality measures.
      The 3Drefine web server allows for convenient protein structure refinement
      through a text or file input submission, email notification, provided example
      submission and is freely available without any registration requirement. The
      server also provides comprehensive analysis of submissions through various energy
      and statistical feedback and interactive visualization of multiple refined models
      through the JSmol applet that is equipped with numerous protein model analysis
      tools. The web server has been extensively tested and used by many users. As a
      result, the 3Drefine web server conveniently provides a useful tool easily
      accessible to the community. The 3Drefine web server has been made publicly
      available at the URL: http://sysbio.rnet.missouri.edu/3Drefine/.

PMID- 27131372
TI  - Redundans: an assembly pipeline for highly heterozygous genomes.
AB  - Many genomes display high levels of heterozygosity (i.e. presence of different
      alleles at the same loci in homologous chromosomes), being those of hybrid
      organisms an extreme such case. The assembly of highly heterozygous genomes from
      short sequencing reads is a challenging task because it is difficult to
      accurately recover the different haplotypes. When confronted with highly
      heterozygous genomes, the standard assembly process tends to collapse homozygous
      regions and reports heterozygous regions in alternative contigs. The boundaries
      between homozygous and heterozygous regions result in multiple assembly paths
      that are hard to resolve, which leads to highly fragmented assemblies with a
      total size larger than expected. This, in turn, causes numerous problems in
      downstream analyses such as fragmented gene models, wrong gene copy number, or
      broken synteny. To circumvent these caveats we have developed a pipeline that
      specifically deals with the assembly of heterozygous genomes by introducing a
      step to recognise and selectively remove alternative heterozygous contigs. We
      tested our pipeline on simulated and naturally-occurring heterozygous genomes and
      compared its accuracy to other existing tools. Our method is freely available at
      https://github.com/Gabaldonlab/redundans.

PMID- 27131373
TI  - Measurement and modeling of intrinsic transcription terminators.

PMID- 27131374
TI  - PEP-FOLD3: faster de novo structure prediction for linear peptides in solution
      and in complex.
AB  - Structure determination of linear peptides of 5-50 amino acids in aqueous
      solution and interacting with proteins is a key aspect in structural biology. PEP
      FOLD3 is a novel computational framework, that allows both (i) de novo free or
      biased prediction for linear peptides between 5 and 50 amino acids, and (ii) the
      generation of native-like conformations of peptides interacting with a protein
      when the interaction site is known in advance. PEP-FOLD3 is fast, and usually
      returns solutions in a few minutes. Testing PEP-FOLD3 on 56 peptides in aqueous
      solution led to experimental-like conformations for 80% of the targets. Using a
      benchmark of 61 peptide-protein targets starting from the unbound form of the
      protein receptor, PEP-FOLD3 was able to generate peptide poses deviating on
      average by 3.3A from the experimental conformation and return a native-like pose
      in the first 10 clusters for 52% of the targets. PEP-FOLD3 is available at
      http://bioserv.rpbs.univ-paris-diderot.fr/services/PEP-FOLD3. 

PMID- 27131375
TI  - MRE: a web tool to suggest foreign enzymes for the biosynthesis pathway design
      with competing endogenous reactions in mind.
AB  - To rationally design a productive heterologous biosynthesis system, it is
      essential to consider the suitability of foreign reactions for the specific
      endogenous metabolic infrastructure of a host. We developed a novel web server,
      called MRE, which, for a given pair of starting and desired compounds in a given
      chassis organism, ranks biosynthesis routes from the perspective of the
      integration of new reactions into the endogenous metabolic system. For each
      promising heterologous biosynthesis pathway, MRE suggests actual enzymes for
      foreign metabolic reactions and generates information on competing endogenous
      reactions for the consumption of metabolites. These unique, chassis-centered
      features distinguish MRE from existing pathway design tools and allow synthetic
      biologists to evaluate the design of their biosynthesis systems from a different
      angle. By using biosynthesis of a range of high-value natural products as a case
      study, we show that MRE is an effective tool to guide the design and optimization
      of heterologous biosynthesis pathways. The URL of MRE is
      http://www.cbrc.kaust.edu.sa/mre/.

PMID- 27131376
TI  - CARGO: effective format-free compressed storage of genomic information.
AB  - The recent super-exponential growth in the amount of sequencing data generated
      worldwide has put techniques for compressed storage into the focus. Most
      available solutions, however, are strictly tied to specific bioinformatics
      formats, sometimes inheriting from them suboptimal design choices; this hinders
      flexible and effective data sharing. Here, we present CARGO (Compressed ARchiving
      for GenOmics), a high-level framework to automatically generate software systems
      optimized for the compressed storage of arbitrary types of large genomic data
      collections. Straightforward applications of our approach to FASTQ and SAM
      archives require a few lines of code, produce solutions that match and sometimes
      outperform specialized format-tailored compressors and scale well to multi-TB
      datasets. All CARGO software components can be freely downloaded for academic and
      non-commercial use from http://bio-cargo.sourceforge.net.

PMID- 27131377
TI  - Dali server update.
AB  - The Dali server (http://ekhidna2.biocenter.helsinki.fi/dali) is a network service
      for comparing protein structures in 3D. In favourable cases, comparing 3D
      structures may reveal biologically interesting similarities that are not
      detectable by comparing sequences. The Dali server has been running in various
      places for over 20 years and is used routinely by crystallographers on newly
      solved structures. The latest update of the server provides enhanced analytics
      for the study of sequence and structure conservation. The server performs three
      types of structure comparisons: (i) Protein Data Bank (PDB) search compares one
      query structure against those in the PDB and returns a list of similar
      structures; (ii) pairwise comparison compares one query structure against a list
      of structures specified by the user; and (iii) all against all structure
      comparison returns a structural similarity matrix, a dendrogram and a
      multidimensional scaling projection of a set of structures specified by the user.
      Structural superimpositions are visualized using the Java-free WebGL viewer PV.
      The structural alignment view is enhanced by sequence similarity searches against
      Uniprot. The combined structure-sequence alignment information is compressed to a
      stack of aligned sequence logos. In the stack, each structure is structurally
      aligned to the query protein and represented by a sequence logo.

PMID- 27131378
TI  - Methylation of histone H4 lysine 20 by PR-Set7 ensures the integrity of late
      replicating sequence domains in Drosophila.
AB  - The methylation state of lysine 20 on histone H4 (H4K20) has been linked to
      chromatin compaction, transcription, DNA repair and DNA replication.
      Monomethylation of H4K20 (H4K20me1) is mediated by the cell cycle-regulated
      histone methyltransferase PR-Set7. PR-Set7 depletion in mammalian cells results
      in defective S phase progression and the accumulation of DNA damage, which has
      been partially attributed to defects in origin selection and activation. However,
      these studies were limited to only a handful of mammalian origins, and it remains
      unclear how PR-Set7 and H4K20 methylation impact the replication program on a
      genomic scale. We employed genetic, cytological, and genomic approaches to better
      understand the role of PR-Set7 and H4K20 methylation in regulating DNA
      replication and genome stability in Drosophila cells. We find that deregulation
      of H4K20 methylation had no impact on origin activation throughout the genome.
      Instead, depletion of PR-Set7 and loss of H4K20me1 results in the accumulation of
      DNA damage and an ATR-dependent cell cycle arrest. Coincident with the ATR
      dependent cell cycle arrest, we find increased DNA damage that is specifically
      limited to late replicating regions of the Drosophila genome, suggesting that PR
      Set7-mediated monomethylation of H4K20 is critical for maintaining the genomic
      integrity of late replicating domains.

PMID- 27131379
TI  - SAbPred: a structure-based antibody prediction server.
AB  - SAbPred is a server that makes predictions of the properties of antibodies
      focusing on their structures. Antibody informatics tools can help improve our
      understanding of immune responses to disease and aid in the design and
      engineering of therapeutic molecules. SAbPred is a single platform containing
      multiple applications which can: number and align sequences; automatically
      generate antibody variable fragment homology models; annotate such models with
      estimated accuracy alongside sequence and structural properties including
      potential developability issues; predict paratope residues; and predict epitope
      patches on protein antigens. The server is available at
      http://opig.stats.ox.ac.uk/webapps/sabpred.

PMID- 27131380
TI  - The MPI bioinformatics Toolkit as an integrative platform for advanced protein
      sequence and structure analysis.
AB  - The MPI Bioinformatics Toolkit (http://toolkit.tuebingen.mpg.de) is an open,
      interactive web service for comprehensive and collaborative protein bioinformatic
      analysis. It offers a wide array of interconnected, state-of-the-art
      bioinformatics tools to experts and non-experts alike, developed both externally
      (e.g. BLAST+, HMMER3, MUSCLE) and internally (e.g. HHpred, HHblits, PCOILS).
      While a beta version of the Toolkit was released 10 years ago, the current
      production-level release has been available since 2008 and has serviced more than
      1.6 million external user queries. The usage of the Toolkit has continued to
      increase linearly over the years, reaching more than 400 000 queries in 2015. In
      fact, through the breadth of its tools and their tight interconnection, the
      Toolkit has become an excellent platform for experimental scientists as well as a
      useful resource for teaching bioinformatic inquiry to students in the life
      sciences. In this article, we report on the evolution of the Toolkit over the
      last ten years, focusing on the expansion of the tool repertoire (e.g. CS-BLAST,
      HHblits) and on infrastructural work needed to remain operative in a changing web
      environment. 

PMID- 27131381
TI  - Fragment-based modelling of single stranded RNA bound to RNA recognition motif
      containing proteins.
AB  - Protein-RNA complexes are important for many biological processes. However,
      structural modeling of such complexes is hampered by the high flexibility of RNA.
      Particularly challenging is the docking of single-stranded RNA (ssRNA). We have
      developed a fragment-based approach to model the structure of ssRNA bound to a
      protein, based on only the protein structure, the RNA sequence and conserved
      contacts. The conformational diversity of each RNA fragment is sampled by an
      exhaustive library of trinucleotides extracted from all known experimental
      protein-RNA complexes. The method was applied to ssRNA with up to 12 nucleotides
      which bind to dimers of the RNA recognition motifs (RRMs), a highly abundant
      eukaryotic RNA-binding domain. The fragment based docking allows a precise de
      novo atomic modeling of protein-bound ssRNA chains. On a benchmark of seven
      experimental ssRNA-RRM complexes, near-native models (with a mean heavy-atom
      deviation of <3 A from experiment) were generated for six out of seven bound RNA
      chains, and even more precise models (deviation < 2 A) were obtained for five out
      of seven cases, a significant improvement compared to the state of the art. The
      method is not restricted to RRMs but was also successfully applied to Pumilio RNA
      binding proteins.

PMID- 27131382
TI  - Imino proton NMR guides the reprogramming of A*T specific minor groove binders
      for mixed base pair recognition.
AB  - Sequence-specific binding to DNA is crucial for targeting transcription factor
      DNA complexes to modulate gene expression. The heterocyclic diamidine, DB2277,
      specifically recognizes a single G*C base pair in the minor groove of mixed base
      pair sequences of the type AAAGTTT. NMR spectroscopy reveals the presence of
      major and minor species of the bound compound. To understand the principles that
      determine the binding affinity and orientation in mixed sequences of DNA, over
      thirty DNA hairpin substrates were examined by NMR and thermal melting. The NMR
      exchange dynamics between major and minor species shows that the exchange is much
      faster than compound dissociation determined from biosensor-surface plasmon
      resonance. Extensive modifications of DNA sequences resulted in a unique DNA
      sequence with binding site AAGATA that binds DB2277 in a single orientation. A
      molecular docking result agrees with the model representing rapid flipping of
      DB2277 between major and minor species. Imino spectral analysis of a (15)N
      labeled central G clearly shows the crucial role of the exocyclic amino group of
      G in sequence-specific recognition. Our results suggest that this approach can be
      expanded to additional modules for recognition of more sequence-specific DNA
      complexes. This approach provides substantial information about the sequence
      specific, highly efficient, dynamic nature of minor groove binding agents.

PMID- 27131383
TI  - LassoProt: server to analyze biopolymers with lassos.
AB  - The LassoProt server, http://lassoprot.cent.uw.edu.pl/, enables analysis of
      biopolymers with entangled configurations called lassos. The server offers
      various ways of visualizing lasso configurations, as well as their time
      trajectories, with all the results and plots downloadable. Broad spectrum of
      applications makes LassoProt a useful tool for biologists, biophysicists,
      chemists, polymer physicists and mathematicians. The server and our methods have
      been validated on the whole PDB, and the results constitute the database of
      proteins with complex lassos, supported with basic biological data. This database
      can serve as a source of information about protein geometry and entanglement
      function correlations, as a reference set in protein modeling, and for many other
      purposes.

PMID- 27131384
TI  - systemsDock: a web server for network pharmacology-based prediction and analysis.
AB  - We present systemsDock, a web server for network pharmacology-based prediction
      and analysis, which permits docking simulation and molecular pathway map for
      comprehensive characterization of ligand selectivity and interpretation of ligand
      action on a complex molecular network. It incorporates an elaborately designed
      scoring function for molecular docking to assess protein-ligand binding
      potential. For large-scale screening and ease of investigation, systemsDock has a
      user-friendly GUI interface for molecule preparation, parameter specification and
      result inspection. Ligand binding potentials against individual proteins can be
      directly displayed on an uploaded molecular interaction map, allowing users to
      systemically investigate network-dependent effects of a drug or drug candidate. A
      case study is given to demonstrate how systemsDock can be used to discover a test
      compound's multi-target activity. systemsDock is freely accessible at
      http://systemsdock.unit.oist.jp/. 

PMID- 27131387
TI  - Cranial diabetes insipidus with pituitary stalk lesions.

PMID- 27131388
TI  - Response to commentary on "An education gradient in health, a health gradient in
      education, or a confounded gradient in both?".

PMID- 27131386
TI  - Occupational stress, coping and mental health in Jamaican police officers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Police are exposed to a wide range of stressors and this is
      especially true in developing countries such as Jamaica. Exposure to psychosocial
      stressors and use of maladaptive coping styles can result in mental ill-health.
      AIMS: To examine the relationship between work characteristics, coping and mental
      health in Jamaican police officers and to test whether work characteristics are
      indirectly associated with mental health outcomes through perceived job stress
      and job satisfaction. METHODS: Police officers from the Jamaican police force
      completed a questionnaire using a cross-sectional design. We analysed the data
      using hierarchical regression. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 134 police
      officers; the response rate was 94%. Negative work characteristics, lower levels
      of positive work factors and work support and emotion-focused coping styles were
      associated with increased levels of depression (F(8, 125) = 7.465, P < 0.001).
      Subjective feelings of anxiety were positively associated with negative work
      characteristics and emotion-focused coping (F(8, 125) = 7.586, P < 0.001). The
      relationship between work characteristics and mental health outcomes was mediated
      by perceived stress. Job satisfaction mediated the relationship between positive
      work characteristics and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Stress management and
      intervention programmes should address modifiable work conditions, monitor stress
      levels and reduce maladaptive coping.

PMID- 27131389
TI  - Molecular basis of spermatogenesis and sperm quality.
AB  - Spermatozoan quality can be evaluated in different ways, here we focus on the
      analysis of DNA, RNA and epigenetic status of germ cells. These characterizations
      also can be the bases for explaining sperm quality at other levels, so we will
      see how some of these molecules could affect other sperm quality markers.
      Moreover, we consider the possibility of using some of these molecules as
      predictors of sperm quality in terms of the ability to produce healthy offspring.
      The relevant effect of different types of RNA molecules in germ line
      specification and spermatogenesis and the importance of germ cell DNA integrity
      and a proper epigenetic pattern will be also discussed. Although most studies at
      this level have been performed in mammals, some information is available for
      fish; these recent discoveries in fish models are included. We provide a general
      overview on how these molecules could have a deep influence in the final sperm
      quality.

PMID- 27131385
TI  - Dynamic binding of replication protein a is required for DNA repair.
AB  - Replication protein A (RPA), the major eukaryotic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)
      binding protein, is essential for replication, repair and recombination. High
      affinity ssDNA-binding by RPA depends on two DNA binding domains in the large
      subunit of RPA. Mutation of the evolutionarily conserved aromatic residues in
      these two domains results in a separation-of-function phenotype: aromatic residue
      mutants support DNA replication but are defective in DNA repair. We used
      biochemical and single-molecule analyses, and Brownian Dynamics simulations to
      determine the molecular basis of this phenotype. Our studies demonstrated that
      RPA binds to ssDNA in at least two modes characterized by different dissociation
      kinetics. We also showed that the aromatic residues contribute to the formation
      of the longer-lived state, are required for stable binding to short ssDNA regions
      and are needed for RPA melting of partially duplex DNA structures. We conclude
      that stable binding and/or the melting of secondary DNA structures by RPA is
      required for DNA repair, including RAD51 mediated DNA strand exchange, but is
      dispensable for DNA replication. It is likely that the binding modes are in
      equilibrium and reflect dynamics in the RPA-DNA complex. This suggests that
      dynamic binding of RPA to DNA is necessary for different cellular functions.

PMID- 27131390
TI  - The type of spawning agent affects the egg composition during out-of-season
      spawning but not during in-season spawning in Eurasian perch, Perca fluviatilis.
AB  - The aim of the study was to verify the effect of various hormonal agents [human
      chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and salmon gonadoliberine analogue (sGnRHa)] applied
      at different stages of maturity of the females [out-of-season (maturation stage
      I) and in-season spawning (maturation stages II and IV)] on the proximate
      composition (PC) and fatty acid (FA) profile of eggs of Eurasian perch, Perca
      fluviatilis. The egg samples (7 samples from each group) were also collected from
      spontaneous spawning (without hormonal treatment) fish representing each
      maturation stage (I, II and IV for groups C-I, C-II and C-IV, respectively). The
      results were also compared with the eggs collected in nature (seven randomly
      chosen egg samples from natural spawning; group NS). Embryonic survival rate was
      recorded and analysis of PC and FA profile were performed, for all the groups.
      Embryonic survival rate varied among the groups, and only differences (P<0.05)
      between group C-I and NS were recorded. In-season spawning operation did not
      affect PC and FA profiles. Application of hCG or spontaneous spawning (group C-I)
      were found to have the highest effect on the FA profile. It concerned mostly
      total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, but also stearic (C18:0), oleic
      [C18:1(cis9)], linoleic [C18:2(n-6)], arachidonic [C20:4(n-6)] and
      docosahexaenoic[C22:6(n-3)] acids. The application of sGnRHa during out-of-season
      spawning had the lowest effect on the FA profile. The results presented indicate
      that controlled reproduction can affect the FA profile only during out-of-season
      spawning. This negative effect can be presumably compensated by the application
      of sGnRHa as a spawning agent.

PMID- 27131391
TI  - The commonly used nonionic surfactant Span 80 has RXRalpha transactivation
      activity, which likely increases the obesogenic potential of oil dispersants and
      food emulsifiers.
AB  - Obesity has reached pandemic proportions, and there is mounting evidence that
      environmental exposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals known as "obesogens"
      may contribute to obesity and associated medical conditions. The Deepwater
      Horizon (DWH) oil spill resulted in a massive environmental release of crude oil
      and remediation efforts applied large quantities of Corexit dispersants to the
      oil spill. The Corexit-enhanced Water Accommodated Fraction (CWAF) of DWH crude
      oil contains PPARgamma transactivation activity, which is attributed to dioctyl
      sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS), a probable obesogen. In addition to its use in oil
      dispersants, DOSS is commonly used as a stool softener and food additive. Because
      PPARgamma functions as a heterodimer with RXRalpha to transcriptionally regulate
      adipogenesis we investigated the potential of CWAF to transactivate RXRalpha and
      herein demonstrated that the Corexit component Span 80 has RXRalpha
      transactivation activity. Span 80 bound to RXRalpha in the low micromolar range
      and promoted adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Further, the
      combination of DOSS and Span 80 increased 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation
      substantially more than treatment with either chemical individually, likely
      increasing the obesogenic potential of Corexit dispersants. From a public health
      standpoint, the use of DOSS and Span 80 as food additives heightens concerns
      regarding their use and mandates further investigations.

PMID- 27131392
TI  - Male-typical courtship, spawning behavior, and olfactory sensitivity are induced
      to different extents by androgens in the goldfish suggesting they are controlled
      by different neuroendocrine mechanisms.
AB  - Male-typical reproductive behaviors vary greatly between different species of
      fishes with androgens playing a variety of roles that appear especially important
      in the gonochorist cypriniform fishes. The goldfish is an important model for the
      cypriniformes and while it is clear that male goldfish are fully feminized by
      prostaglandin F2alpha(PGF2alpha), it is not clear whether females will exhibit
      normal levels of male-typical reproductive behaviors as well as olfactory
      function when treated with androgens. To answer this question, we exposed
      sexually-regressed adult female goldfish to several types of androgen and
      monitored their tendencies to court (inspect females) and mate (spawn, or attempt
      to release gametes) while monitoring their olfactory sensitivity until changes in
      these attributes were maximized. Untreated adult males (intact) were included to
      determine the extent of masculinization. Treatments included the natural
      androgens, 11-ketotestosterone and testosterone (KT and T), administered via
      capsules (KT+T-implanted fish); the artificial androgen, methyltestosterone (MT),
      administered via capsules (MT-C); and MT administered in the fishes' water (MT
      B). Male-typical olfactory sensitivity to a pheromone (15keto-PGF2alpha)
      increased in all androgen-treated groups and by week 6 was fully equivalent to
      that of males. Male-typical courtship behavior increased in all androgen-treated
      groups although slowly, and only MT-B females came to exhibit levels equivalent
      to those of males after 18weeks. In contrast, male-typical mating activity
      increased only slightly, with MT-B females reaching levels one-third that of
      males after 30weeks. We conclude that while androgens fully masculinize olfactory
      sensitivity and courtship behavior in goldfish, mating behavior is controlled by
      a different neuroendocrine mechanism(s) that has yet to be fully elucidated.

PMID- 27131393
TI  - [Orodental status before radiation therapy of the head and neck area: A
      prospective analysis on 48 patients].
AB  - PURPOSE: The treatment by irradiation of tumours of the upper head and neck tract
      cause many complications on the oral sphere, such as mucositis, dysphagia,
      asialia and tooth decay. Associated manifestations are frequent and their
      severity has been poorly studied. However, the patient's quality of life is
      directly correlated with their oral health. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out
      an evaluation of the oral health of 48 patients with an upper head and neck tract
      cancer treated by irradiation at the Paul-Strauss Centre in Strasbourg. The
      inclusion criteria of this study concerned the localization of the tumour in the
      upper head and neck tract and a treatment by irradiation associated or not to
      chemotherapy. RESULTS: The patients of the study were concerned by alcohol and
      smoking intoxication, on average, 22.2 pack-year and 2.2 glasses of alcohol per
      day. They received an irradiation of 60.9Gy on average. Their oral health was
      characterized by a DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index of 16.1, with, in
      mean, eight missing teeth and eight filling teeth and, by the presence of dental
      plaque in 70% of cases. Along the treatment by irradiation, the oral
      complications evaluation showed that on average, patients developed mucositis 18
      days after the beginning of radiotherapy, xerostomia after 20 days, and dysphagia
      after 17 days. At the end of the treatment, we noted an oral hygiene improvement,
      with teeth brushing more frequent (two to three per day), mouthwash use, and
      daily fluoride prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights of the
      dental status of patients irradiated in the oral cavity. This series lays the
      groundwork for the study of prosthesis requirement and dosimetry calculation.

PMID- 27131394
TI  - [Nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma, a rare but highly challenging disease
      with unmet therapeutic needs: A case-report and review of the literature].
AB  - Nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare tumour. Compared with others
      nasopharyngeal tumours, it is characterised by slow evolution but it is locally
      aggressive and has a high tendency to recurrences. Due to the rarity of cases, no
      consensus exists about treatment approaches. We report the case of 45-year-old
      man with a locally advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma. The patient received
      concurrent chemoradiation and had a good objective response. After one year, he
      developed a paucisymptomatic lung metastasis. The follow-up showed local
      recurrence after 3 years. One cycle of chemotherapy was given but poorly
      supported. Carbon ion radiotherapy was proposed. The aim of this work is to
      review the literature concerning this rare malignancy and discusses treatment
      approaches in initial situations and during recurrences. 

PMID- 27131395
TI  - Effects of a nutraceutical combination containing berberine (BRB), policosanol,
      and red yeast rice (RYR), on lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic patients: A
      meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: A nutraceutical combination containing berberine,
      policosanol, and red yeast rice, largely marketed in Europe (Armolipid Plus((r)))
      (AP), has been reported to induce significant improvements in plasma lipids,
      insulin resistance and other components of the metabolic syndrome. However,
      literature study designs and results were heterogeneous and it was thus necessary
      to systematically review and meta-analyse all relevant randomised clinical trials
      (RCTs) to explore and quantify the effects of the dietary supplement AP on lipid
      profile. The aim of our meta-analysis was the evaluation of the effect of AP on
      lipid profile. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a structures search on PubMed
      and Google Scholar to identify eligible articles published prior to 2015. Eleven
      RCTs were subjected to meta-analysis by means of random effects models using the
      Standardised Mean Differences approach (Hedges' method) and the Mean Differences
      approach as a sensitivity analysis. Data from 11 randomised clinical trials,
      corresponding to 1970 nutraceutical combination and 1954 control patients (3924
      total patients), were included after the peer evaluation and data extraction of
      two independent evaluators. Heterogeneity was significant in all models. A
      significant effect was found for all lipid parameters. The effect size (relative
      change from baseline (%)) was -1.3 (9.9%) for total cholesterol, -1.17 (-13.7%)
      for LDL-c, +0.17 (+3.7%) for HDL-c and -0.24 (-7.0%) for Triglycerides.
      CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis confirms that the nutraceutical combination
      containing berberine, policosanol, and red yeast rice has shown to be an
      effective product for the improvement of the lipid profile.

PMID- 27131396
TI  - Plant secondary metabolism linked glycosyltransferases: An update on expanding
      knowledge and scopes.
AB  - The multigene family of enzymes known as glycosyltransferases or popularly known
      as GTs catalyze the addition of carbohydrate moiety to a variety of synthetic as
      well as natural compounds. Glycosylation of plant secondary metabolites is an
      emerging area of research in drug designing and development. The unsurpassing
      complexity and diversity among natural products arising due to glycosylation type
      of alterations including glycodiversification and glycorandomization are emerging
      as the promising approaches in pharmacological studies. While, some GTs with
      broad spectrum of substrate specificity are promising candidates for
      glycoengineering while others with stringent specificity pose limitations in
      accepting molecules and performing catalysis. With the rising trends in diseases
      and the efficacy/potential of natural products in their treatment, glycosylation
      of plant secondary metabolites constitutes a key mechanism in biogeneration of
      their glycoconjugates possessing medicinal properties. The present review
      highlights the role of glycosyltransferases in plant secondary metabolism with an
      overview of their identification strategies, catalytic mechanism and structural
      studies on plant GTs. Furthermore, the article discusses the biotechnological and
      biomedical application of GTs ranging from detoxification of xenobiotics and
      hormone homeostasis to the synthesis of glycoconjugates and crop engineering. The
      future directions in glycosyltransferase research should focus on the synthesis
      of bioactive glycoconjugates via metabolic engineering and manipulation of
      enzyme's active site leading to improved/desirable catalytic properties. The
      multiple advantages of glycosylation in plant secondary metabolomics highlight
      the increasing significance of the GTs, and in near future, the enzyme
      superfamily may serve as promising path for progress in expanding drug targets
      for pharmacophore discovery and development.

PMID- 27131397
TI  - UV-C-Induced alleviation of transcriptional gene silencing through plant-plant
      communication: Key roles of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid pathways.
AB  - Plant stress responses at the epigenetic level are expected to allow more
      permanent changes of gene expression and potentially long-term adaptation. While
      it has been reported that plants subjected to adverse environments initiate
      various stress responses in their neighboring plants, little is known regarding
      epigenetic responses to external stresses mediated by plant-plant communication.
      In this study, we show that DNA repetitive elements of Arabidopsis thaliana,
      whose expression is inhibited epigenetically by transcriptional gene silencing
      (TGS) mechanism, are activated by UV-C irradiation through airborne plant-plant
      and plant-plant-plant communications, accompanied by DNA demethylation at CHH
      sites. Moreover, the TGS is alleviated by direct treatments with exogenous methyl
      jasmonate (MeJA) and methyl salicylate (MeSA). Further, the plant-plant and plant
      plant-plant communications are blocked by mutations in the biosynthesis or
      signaling of jasmonic acid (JA) or salicylic acid (SA), indicating that JA and SA
      pathways are involved in the interplant communication for epigenetic responses.
      For the plant-plant-plant communication, stress cues are relayed to the last set
      of receiver plants by promoting the production of JA and SA signals in relaying
      plants, which exhibit upregulated expression of genes for JA and SA biosynthesis
      and enhanced emanation of MeJA and MeSA.

PMID- 27131399
TI  - Cystic Endosalpingiosis of Uterus and Ovary Found on Laparoscopy: Disease of
      Haze.

PMID- 27131398
TI  - Robotic Cerclage in Advanced-stage Endometriosis.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To show a stepwise surgical technique of robotic-assisted
      transabdominal cerclage placement in a patient with deeply infiltrative
      endometriosis. DESIGN: A step-by-step surgical tutorial using narrated video.
      SETTING: The George Washington University Hospital. Local institutional review
      board approval is not required for case reports (Canadian Task Force
      Classification III). PATIENTS: A 38-year-old woman with cervical incompetence and
      a history of infertility with 5 pregnancies accomplished by in vitro
      fertilization. Pregnancies were as follows: 3 first trimester losses, 1 second
      trimester loss, and another second trimester loss despite McDonald cerclage
      placement. INTERVENTIONS: Indications for transabdominal cerclage placement
      include a congenital short or amputated cervix, cervical scarring that would
      prevent a transvaginal approach, and failed prior vaginal cerclage [1]. Robotic
      assisted abdominal cerclage placement was performed in a case of advanced
      rectovaginal endometriosis. Normal anatomy was restored; however, no excision of
      endometriosis was performed because the patient was asymptomatic and already
      undergoing in vitro fertilization for infertility. The procedure used a 12-mm
      camera port through the umbilicus, 2 ancillary 8-mm robotic ports, and a 5-mm
      assistant port; 1/4-inch-width Mersilene tape (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) was
      preloaded in the abdomen through the 12-mm port before docking. Survey of the
      pelvis revealed the presence of advanced rectovaginal endometriosis hindering
      visualization of the cervicouterine isthmi on the posterior side of the uterus.
      The preloaded needle was parked on the right parietal peritoneum. Before cerclage
      placement, retroperitoneal spaces dissection bilaterally was necessary to
      lateralize the ureters and mobilize the rectum away from the cervicovaginal
      junction where the cerclage would be placed. Anteriorly, the vesicouterine
      peritoneum was dissected transversely, and the bladder was dissected off the
      lower uterine segment. A window was created in the posterior leaf of the right
      broad ligament lateral to the cervicouterine junction and medial to the ureter.
      The uterine vessels were then skeletonized, and the needle was placed through the
      lateral cervical isthmus medial to the vascular bundle going posterior to
      anterior. The procedure was repeated on the contralateral side with the needle
      going in the anteroposterior direction. The tape was pulled tightly against the
      anterior cervical isthmus. The tape ends were tied together posteriorly. There
      was minimal blood loss with no complications. CONCLUSION: A robotic-assisted
      abdominal cerclage can be performed safely and effectively in patients with
      advanced-stage endometriosis.

PMID- 27131400
TI  - A Department Chairman's Journey to Better Teaching.

PMID- 27131401
TI  - Neonatal Histamine-2 Receptor Antagonist and Proton Pump Inhibitor Treatment at
      United States Children's Hospitals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine treatment frequency and duration of histamine-2 receptor
      antagonist (H2RA)/proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use among infants hospitalized
      within US children's hospital neonatal intensive care units and evaluate
      diagnoses/demographic factors associated with use. STUDY DESIGN: We
      retrospectively analyzed a cohort of neonatal intensive care unit infants
      admitted to 43 US children's hospitals within the Pediatric Health Information
      System database between January 2006 and March 2013 to determine H2RA/PPI
      treatment frequency, timing/duration of treatment, factors associated with use,
      percent of infants remaining on treatment at discharge, and interhospital
      prescribing variation. We used a modified Poisson regression to calculate the
      adjusted probability of infants ever receiving H2RAs/PPIs in relation to
      diagnosis, gestation, and sex. RESULTS: Of the 122 002 infants evaluated, 23.8%
      (n = 28 989) ever received an H2RA or PPI; 19.0% received H2RAs (n = 23 187), and
      10.5% (n = 12 823) received PPIs. Extremely preterm infants and term infants were
      the most likely to receive H2RA and PPI treatment. Infants with gastroesophageal
      reflux disease (relative risk [RR] = 3.13) and congenital heart disease (RR =
      2.41) had the highest H2RA/PPI treatment probabilities followed by those with an
      ear, nose, and throat diagnosis (RR = 2.34; P < .05). The majority of treated
      infants remained treated at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Despite limited evidence and
      increasing safety concerns, H2RAs/PPIs are frequently prescribed to extremely
      preterm neonates and those with congenital anomalies and continued through
      discharge. Our findings support the need for innovative studies to examine the
      comparative effectiveness and safety of H2RA/PPIs vs no treatment in these high
      risk neonatal populations.

PMID- 27131402
TI  - Improving the Sensitivity and Positive Predictive Value in a Cystic Fibrosis
      Newborn Screening Program Using a Repeat Immunoreactive Trypsinogen and Genetic
      Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of a new cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn
      screening algorithm, comprised of immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) in first (24
      48 hours of life) and second (7-14 days of life) dried blood spot plus DNA on
      second dried blood spot, over existing algorithms. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective
      review of the IRT/IRT/DNA algorithm implemented in Colorado, Wyoming, and Texas.
      RESULTS: A total of 1 520 079 newborns were screened, 32 557 (2.1%) had abnormal
      first IRT; 8794 (0.54%) on second. Furthermore, 14 653 mutation analyses were
      performed; 1391 newborns were referred for diagnostic testing; 274 newborns were
      diagnosed; and 201/274 (73%) of newborns had 2 mutations on the newborn screening
      CFTR panel. Sensitivity was 96.2%, compared with sensitivity of 76.1% observed
      with IRT/IRT (105 ng/mL cut-offs, P < .0001). The ratio of newborns with CF to
      heterozygote carriers was 1:2.5, and newborns with CF to newborns with CFTR
      related metabolic syndrome was 10.8:1. The overall positive predictive value was
      20%. The median age of diagnosis was 28, 30, and 39.5 days in the 3 states.
      CONCLUSIONS: IRT/IRT/DNA is more sensitive than IRT/IRT because of lower cut-offs
      (~97 percentile or 60 ng/mL); higher cut-offs in IRT/IRT programs (>99
      percentile, 105 ng/mL) would not achieve sufficient sensitivity. Carrier
      identification and identification of newborns with CFTR-related metabolic
      syndrome is less common in IRT/IRT/DNA compared with IRT/DNA. The time to
      diagnosis is nominally longer, but diagnosis can be achieved in the neonatal
      period and opportunities to further improve timeliness have been enacted.
      IRT/IRT/DNA algorithm should be considered by programs with 2 routine screens.

PMID- 27131404
TI  - Emergency Department Utilization for Mental Health in American Indian Children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine emergency department (ED) visits for mental health
      concerns by American Indian children in a multicenter cohort. To analyze
      demographic and clinical factors, the types of mental health concerns, and repeat
      mental health visits. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of children 5-18 years
      old who visited 1 of 6 EDs in the Upper Midwest from June 2011 to May 2012 and
      self-identified as white or American Indian. Mental health visits were identified
      by primary diagnosis and reasons for visit and were categorized into diagnostic
      groups. We explored racial differences in ED visits for mental health, diagnostic
      groups, and repeat mental health visits. Analysis involved chi(2) tests, Cochran
      Mantel-Haenszel tests, and regression models including age, triage, timing, and
      insurance, and their interactions with race. RESULTS: We identified 26 004 visits
      of which 1545 (5.4%) were for a mental health concern. The proportion of visits
      for mental health differed by race and age. American Indian children had lower
      odds of a mental health visit for 5-10 year olds (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.26-0.60),
      but higher odds for 11-17 year olds (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.34-1.95). In the older
      age group, American Indian children were seen primarily for depression and trauma
      and stressor-related disorders, whereas white children were seen primarily for
      depression and disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders. Repeat visits
      were not different by race. CONCLUSIONS: Differences were noted in mental health
      visits between American Indian and white children and were influenced by age.
      These findings warrant further investigation into care-seeking patterns and
      treatment for mental health in American Indian children.

PMID- 27131405
TI  - The Journey patellofemoral joint arthroplasty: A minimum 5year follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Journey patellofemoral joint arthroplasty (PFA) was designed to
      improve patient outcomes following surgical management of patellofemoral joint
      osteoarthritis. It is based on the asymmetric trochlear geometry of the Genesis
      II total knee arthroplasty, with Oxinium components, to provide a reliable
      treatment option in an often young, high demand group of patients. METHODS: We
      report the minimum five year functional outcome and survivorship of the Journey
      PFA performed at our institution between October 2005 and September 2009.
      RESULTS: A total of 101 Journey PFAs were implanted in 83 patients, and we have
      complete outcomes for 90 implants (89%). There were 80 implants in female
      patients, and the mean age at time of surgery was 60years (26 to 86). The median
      Oxford Knee Score (0 to 48) improved from 18 to 30, and median Western Ontario
      and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Short Form Index (0 to 60) improved from
      22 to 35. There were a total of 12 revisions, with mean time to revision 50months
      (10 to 99). CONCLUSIONS: The Journey PFA gives a good medium-term functional
      outcome with 88% survivorship at a mean of seven years. This is the largest study
      of Journey PFA in the literature, and it provides a reliable option for patients
      with isolated patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis when arthroplasty is
      considered.

PMID- 27131407
TI  - Pharmacokinetic study of amaranth extract in healthy humans: A randomized trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important signaling molecules
      produced within the body. Continuous generation of NO is essential for the
      integrity of the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to assess
      whether oral intake of a nitrate (NO3-)-rich dietary supplement (amaranth
      extract) is able to increase NO3- and nitrite (NO2-) levels in blood plasma and
      saliva of healthy adults. METHODS: In the present study, bioavailability and
      pharmacokinetics of NO3- and NO2- from amaranth extract (2 g as single dose) was
      studied in 16 healthy individuals and compared with placebo in a crossover
      design. The NO3- and NO2- levels in plasma as well as saliva were measured up to
      24 h. RESULTS: After administration of amaranth extract, the NO3- levels in
      plasma as well as saliva were found to be significantly (P < 0.001) higher than
      in the placebo group. The NO2- level in plasma was slightly higher (P < 0.05) in
      the amaranth group (test group) compared with that in the placebo group, whereas
      the saliva NO2- level was significantly high (P < 0.001) in the amaranth extract
      treated group than the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: These results clearly indicate
      that a single oral dose of amaranth extract is able to increase the NO3- and NO2-
      levels in the body for at least 8 h. The increase in NO3- and NO2- levels can
      help to improve the overall performance of people involved in vigorous physical
      activities or sports.

PMID- 27131406
TI  - Prediction of insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus using routinely
      available clinical parameters.
AB  - AIMS: To determine if insulin resistance (IR), an important predictor of
      cardiovascular risk in the general population and in type 2 diabetes mellitus,
      can be assessed using simple parameters which are readily available in clinical
      practice. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 194 patients with type 2
      diabetes. Body mass index, waist index (WI), triglyceride levels, 1/HDL,
      triglyceride/HDL, uric acid and urine albumin:creatinine ratio were investigated
      as possible predictors of IR. RESULTS: WI correlated more strongly than any other
      parameter with log insulin levels, log fasting glucose to insulin ratio (FGIR),
      log fasting glucose to insulin product (FGIP), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA
      IR) and quantitative insulin check index (QUICKI). WI also emerged as the
      strongest independent predictor of IR indices studied in regression as well as in
      ROC analyses. At a cut-off of 1.115, WI had a 78% sensitivity and 65% specificity
      for predicting IR when HOMA-IR was used as indicator of IR, and 74% sensitivity
      and specificity when QUICKI was used as indicator of IR. Combining WI with other
      variables did not improve performance significantly. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort
      of patients with type 2 diabetes, WI was the parameter with the strongest
      association with, and the best predictor of, IR.

PMID- 27131409
TI  - Biomechanical comparison of plate and screw fixation in anterior pelvic ring
      fractures with low bone mineral density.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteosynthesis of anterior pubic ramus fractures can be
      challenging, especially in poor bone quality. The aim of the present study was to
      compare plate and retrograde endomedullary screw fixation of the superior pubic
      ramus with low bone mineral density (BMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve human
      cadaveric hemi-pelvises were analyzed in a matched pair study design. BMD of the
      specimens was 35+/-30mgHA/cm(3), as measured in the fifth lumbar vertebra. A
      simulated two-fragment superior pubic ramus fracture model was fixed with either
      a 7.3-mm cannulated retrograde screw (Group 1) or a 10-hole 3.5-mm reconstruction
      plate (Group 2). Cyclic progressively increasing axial loading was applied
      through the acetabulum. Relative interfragmentary movements were captured using
      an optical motion tracking system. RESULTS: Initial axial construct stiffness was
      424+/-116.1N/mm in Group 1 and 464+/-69.7N/mm in Group 2, with no significant
      difference (p=0.345). Displacement and gap angle at the fracture site during
      cyclic loading were significantly higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Cycles
      to failure, based on clinically relevant criteria, were significantly lower in
      Group 1 (3469+/-1837) compared to Group 2 (10,226+/-3295) (p=0.028). Failure mode
      in Group 1 was characterized by screw cutting through the cancellous bone. In
      Group 2 the specimens exclusively failed by plate bending. CONCLUSIONS: From
      biomechanical point of view, pubic ramus stabilization with plate osteosynthesis
      is superior compared to a single retrograde screw fixation in osteoporotic bone.
      However, the extensive surgical approach needed for plating must be considered.

PMID- 27131408
TI  - Is it gluten-free? Relationship between self-reported gluten-free diet adherence
      and knowledge of gluten content of foods.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between self-reported adherence to a gluten
      free diet (GFD) and the ability to determine correctly the appropriateness of
      particular foods in a GFD. METHODS: Persons with celiac disease were recruited
      through clinics and support groups. Participants completed a questionnaire with
      items related to GFD information sources, gluten content of 17 common foods (food
      to avoid, food allowed, and food to question), GFD adherence, and demographic
      characteristics. Diagnosis was self-reported. RESULTS: The 82 respondents (88%
      female) had a median of 6 y GFD experience. Most (55%) reported strict adherence,
      18% reported intentional gluten consumption and 21% acknowledged rare
      unintentional gluten consumption. Cookbooks, advocacy groups, and print media
      were the most commonly used GFD information sources (85-92%). No participant
      identified correctly the gluten content of all 17 foods; only 30% identified at
      least 14 foods correctly. The median score on the Gluten-Free Diet Knowledge
      Scale (GFD-KS) was 11.5 (interquartile ratio, 10-13). One in five incorrect
      responses put the respondent at risk of consuming gluten. GFD-KS scores did not
      correlate with self-reported adherence or GFD duration. Patient advocacy group
      members scored significantly higher on the GFD-KS than non-members (12.3 versus
      10.6; P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Self-report measures which do not account for the
      possibility of unintentional gluten ingestion overestimate GFD adherence.
      Individuals who believe they are following a GFD are not readily able to
      correctly identify foods that are GF, which suggests ongoing gluten consumption
      may be occurring, even among patients who believe they are "strictly" adherent.
      The role of patient advocacy groups and education to improve outcomes through
      improved adherence to a GFD requires further research.

PMID- 27131403
TI  - Impact of Optimized Breastfeeding on the Costs of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in
      Extremely Low Birthweight Infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for extremely low
      birth weight (ELBW) infants as a function of preterm formula (PF) and maternal
      milk intake and calculate the impact of suboptimal feeding on the incidence and
      costs of NEC. STUDY DESIGN: We used aORs derived from the Glutamine Trial to
      perform Monte Carlo simulation of a cohort of ELBW infants under current
      suboptimal feeding practices, compared with a theoretical cohort in which 90% of
      infants received at least 98% human milk. RESULTS: NEC incidence among infants
      receiving >=98% human milk was 1.3%; 11.1% among infants fed only PF; and 8.2%
      among infants fed a mixed diet (P = .002). In adjusted models, compared with
      infants fed predominantly human milk, we found an increased risk of NEC
      associated with exclusive PF (aOR = 12.1, 95% CI 1.5, 94.2), or a mixed diet (aOR
      8.7, 95% CI 1.2-65.2). In Monte Carlo simulation, current feeding of ELBW infants
      was associated with 928 excess NEC cases and 121 excess deaths annually, compared
      with a model in which 90% of infants received >=98% human milk. These models
      estimated an annual cost of suboptimal feeding of ELBW infants of $27.1 million
      (CI $24 million, $30.4 million) in direct medical costs, $563 655 (CI $476 191,
      $599 069) in indirect nonmedical costs, and $1.5 billion (CI $1.3 billion, $1.6
      billion) in cost attributable to premature death. CONCLUSIONS: Among ELBW
      infants, not being fed predominantly human milk is associated with an increased
      risk of NEC. Efforts to support milk production by mothers of ELBW infants may
      prevent infant deaths and reduce costs.

PMID- 27131410
TI  - Corrigendum to "Antioxidants as a treatment for acute pancreatitis: A meta
      analysis" [Pancreatology (2015) 203-208].

PMID- 27131411
TI  - Geraniol improves the impaired vascular reactivity in diabetes and metabolic
      syndrome through calcium channel blocking effect.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect and possible
      mechanism of action of geraniol on the impaired vascular reactivity of aortic
      rings isolated from diabetes or metabolic syndrome (MS) -induced rats. METHODS:
      Male Wistar rats were divided into control, type 1 diabetes and metabolic
      syndrome (MS) groups. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection
      of streptozotocin (50mg/kg) and left for 10weeks to develop vascular
      complications. MS was induced by adding 10% fructose and 3% salt to water and
      diet for 12weeks. The present study investigated the effect of in vitro
      incubation with geraniol (10-300MUM) on the vasoconstrictor response to
      phenylephrine (PE) and the vasodilator response to acetylcholine (ACh) as well as
      its effect on aortae incubated with methylglyoxal (MG) as an advanced glycation
      end product (AGE). To investigate the mechanism of action of geraniol, different
      blockers are used, including Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride
      (L-NAME, 100MUM), tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA, 10mM), and indomethacin
      (INDO, 5MUM). Moreover, the effect of calcium chloride (CaCl2) on aortic rings
      precontracted with PE or potassium chloride (KCl) was examined. RESULTS: Thirty
      minutes incubation with geraniol alleviated the exaggerated vasoconstriction in
      aortae isolated from diabetic or MS animals or in vitro exposed to MG in a
      concentration-dependent manner. In addition, geraniol improved the vasodilatation
      response of diabetic or MS aortae or aortae exposed to MG. In search for the
      mechanism; geraniol produced concentration-dependent relaxation of both PE and
      KCl-precontracted aorta. Geraniol relaxation was not affected by L-NAME, INDO or
      TEA. However, geraniol significantly inhibited voltage dependent and receptor
      mediated Ca(2+)-induced contraction activated by KCl or PE respectively.
      CONCLUSION: In conclusion, geraniol ameliorates impaired vascular reactivity in
      experimentally induced diabetes and MS. The effect may be partially attributed to
      an endothelium-independent pathway involving blockage of both voltage dependent
      and receptor operated calcium channel.

PMID- 27131412
TI  - CT measurement of central pulmonary arteries to diagnose pulmonary hypertension
      (PHTN): more reliable than valid?
AB  - The association between main pulmonary artery (MPA) size and pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (PAHTN) is well established; however, the clinical utility of
      routine measurement of MPA is uncertain due to considerable overlap between
      normal patients and those with pulmonary hypertension. The lack of diagnostic
      accuracy could be further degraded by variability among the radiologists. It is
      unknown whether the addition of right and left pulmonary artery measurements
      would improve accuracy or further impair it. The purposes of this study are to
      verify the accuracy of a proposed cutoff value for the size of MPA in the
      diagnosis PAHTN, to determine the interrater agreement for this measurement, and
      to determine whether addition of right pulmonary artery (RPA) and left pulmonary
      artery (LPA) measurement or simple assessment of patient comorbidities can
      improve the accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing both cardiac
      catheterization and chest computed tomography (CT) within 3 months of each other
      at a large university hospital between January 2010 and December 2012 were
      identified. Patients with prior cardiac surgery or congenital heart disease and
      critically ill patients were excluded from the study population. Patients with
      pericardial disease or severe lung disease documented on CT examinations were
      also excluded. From the remaining patients, 45 patients with normal pulmonary
      artery pressure and 50 patients with proven pulmonary hypertension were selected.
      Demographic data and clinical information was collected from medical records of
      these patients. Three radiologists with different years of experience in
      cardiothoracic imaging measured the MPA, RPA, and LPA diameters on axial images
      using an electronic ruler on 3D work stations independently and were masked to
      the patient clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and each other's measurement to prevent
      bias. Association between MPA diameter (MPAD) and patient characteristics
      assessed by one-way analysis of variance for scalar measures. Each reader's
      measurements were used to construct a separate receiver operating curve (ROC) to
      assess optimal MPA threshold. The ability of an MPA measurement threshold to
      correctly identify PAHTN was assessed using chi-squared. Chi-squared was also
      used to assess the effect of categorical comorbidities on false positive
      diagnosis. RESULTS: None of the demographic data or patients' factors (age,
      gender, height, weight, body surface area, and body mass index) were related to
      the size of MPAD. The distribution of the MPAD was normal in both groups. Based
      on prior literature, MPAD (>=3.15cm) was selected as the cutoff value to diagnose
      PAHTN. Review of ROCs did not suggest a superior cutoff value for any reader.
      Using this threshold per case interrater agreement was good, kappa values >0.65.
      Based on an average measurement for all three readers, MPAD was 82% sensitive and
      62% specific for PAHTN. Limiting positive diagnosis to those subjects with both
      MPAD >=3.15 and either enlarged RPA diameter (RPAD) or LPAD diminished
      sensitivity but did not improve specificity. Defining positive study as the
      presence of any dilated artery (MPAD, RPAD, or LPAD) increased sensitivity to 94%
      but decreased specificity to 27%. Comorbidities that might cause fluctuating mean
      pulmonary artery pressures could not be shown to account for false positive
      studies. The 29 true negative patients and 16 false positive patients did not
      differ in the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea/home oxygen use or documented
      congestive heart failure/low ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: Previously proposed
      threshold of MPAD >=3.15cm is likely optimal but is not specific for identifying
      patient with PAHTN. Interobserver differences in MPAD measurement do not account
      this inaccuracy. Incorporation or RPA and LPA measurement does not improve
      diagnostic accuracy of PAHTN, and assessment of comorbidities does not easily
      identify likely false positive cases. Diagnosis of PAHTN based solely on CT
      examinations of the chest may not be sufficiently accurate for clinical use.

PMID- 27131413
TI  - Molecular detection of spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks removed from
      humans in Turkey.
AB  - A total of 229 attached hard ticks were collected from humans in Yozgat province
      (Turkey) in 2009. All ticks were individually examined for the presence of
      Spotted Fever Group (SFG) rickettsiae using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      targeting rickettsial citrate synthase (gltA) and outer membrane protein (ompA)
      genes. Rickettsial DNA was detected in 24 (10.5%) tick samples belonging to
      Dermacentor marginatus (Sulzer) (9 males, 3 females), Hyalomma marginatum Koch (8
      males, 2 females) and Haemaphysalis parva (Neumann) (2 males). Four SFG
      rickettsiae were identified: Rickettsia aeschlimannii in H. marginatum,
      Rickettsia raoultii and Rickettsia slovaca in D. marginatus; Rickettsia
      hoogstraalii in H. parva ticks. With the present study, the presence of SFG
      rickettsiae in ticks was reported in Yozgat province for the first time.

PMID- 27131414
TI  - Letter to the Editor "Simultaneous Bilateral Versus Unilateral Total Knee
      Arthroplasty: A Comparison of 30-Day Readmission Rates and Major Complications".

PMID- 27131415
TI  - Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Total Joint Arthroplasty: The Risk for Infection
      Is Reduced.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the face of
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and allowed patients to live for many decades.
      HIV and HAART are known risk factors for osteonecrosis of bone, osteopenia, and
      osteoporosis. Therefore, the demand for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in HIV
      infected patients is on the rise. We attempted to determine whether modern
      treatments for HIV have impacted the rate of periprosthetic joint infection
      (PJI). METHODS: Conducting a systematic review, 25 studies with a total of 722
      TJAs were identified. We extracted data on rates of PJI after primary TJA in HIV
      infected patients with and without hemophilia and data on administration of HAART
      at the time of arthroplasty. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-one TJAs were
      performed in 293 patients with HIV infection without hemophilia. The follow-up
      ranged between 1.5 months and 11 years. Nine patients developed PJI. In patients
      with both HIV and hemophilia, 341 primary TJAs were performed. Forty-five
      received treatment for PJI. Follow-up ranged between 1 year and 26 years. Rates
      of PJI were 2.28% and 10.98% for HIV-only patients and patients with HIV and
      hemophilia, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P <
      .0001) with a 5.28 odds ratio for hemophilia. HAART was associated with fewer
      infections overall (odds ratio, 0.12). CONCLUSION: The rates of PJI after TJA in
      HIV-only patients are lower than those in patients with both HIV and hemophilia.
      Treatment of patients with HAART and optimization of underlying comorbidities
      appears to lower the rate of PJI in this patient population.

PMID- 27131416
TI  - Development of an item bank for food parenting practices based on published
      instruments and reports from Canadian and US parents.
AB  - Research to understand how parents influence their children's dietary intake and
      eating behaviors has expanded in the past decades and a growing number of
      instruments are available to assess food parenting practices. Unfortunately,
      there is no consensus on how constructs should be defined or operationalized,
      making comparison of results across studies difficult. The aim of this study was
      to develop a food parenting practice item bank with items from published scales
      and supplement with parenting practices that parents report using. Items from
      published scales were identified from two published systematic reviews along with
      an additional systematic review conducted for this study. Parents (n = 135) with
      children 5-12 years old from the US and Canada, stratified to represent the
      demographic distribution of each country, were recruited to participate in an
      online semi-qualitative survey on food parenting. Published items and parent
      responses were coded using the same framework to reduce the number of items into
      representative concepts using a binning and winnowing process. The literature
      contributed 1392 items and parents contributed 1985 items, which were reduced to
      262 different food parenting concepts (26% exclusive from literature, 12%
      exclusive from parents, and 62% represented in both). Food parenting practices
      related to 'Structure of Food Environment' and 'Behavioral and Educational' were
      emphasized more by parent responses, while practices related to 'Consistency of
      Feeding Environment' and 'Emotional Regulation' were more represented among
      published items. The resulting food parenting item bank should next be calibrated
      with item response modeling for scientists to use in the future.

PMID- 27131417
TI  - Changes in the social context and conduct of eating in four Nordic countries
      between 1997 and 2012.
AB  - How have eating patterns changed in modern life? In public and academic debate
      concern has been expressed that the social function of eating may be challenged
      by de-structuration and the dissolution of traditions. We analyzed changes in the
      social context and conduct of eating in four Nordic countries over the period
      1997-2012. We focused on three interlinked processes often claimed to be
      distinctive of modern eating: delocalization of eating from private households to
      commercial settings, individualization in the form of more eating alone, and
      informalization, implying more casual codes of conduct. We based the analysis on
      data from two surveys conducted in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in 1997
      and 2012. The surveys reported in detail one day of eating in representative
      samples of adult populations in the four countries (N = 4823 and N = 8242). We
      compared data regarding where, with whom, and for how long people ate, and
      whether parallel activities took place while eating. While Nordic people's
      primary location for eating remained the home and the workplace, the practices of
      eating in haste, and while watching television increased and using tablets,
      computers and smartphones while eating was frequent in 2012. Propensity to eat
      alone increased slightly in Denmark and Norway, and decreased slightly in Sweden.
      While such practices vary with socio-economic background, regression analysis
      showed several changes were common across the Nordic populations. However, the
      new practice of using tablets, computers, and smartphones while eating was
      strongly associated with young age. Further, each of the practices appeared to be
      related to different types of meal. We conclude that while the changes in the
      social organization of eating were not dramatic, signs of individualization and
      informalization could be detected.

PMID- 27131418
TI  - Evaluation of a continuous improvement programme of enhanced recovery after
      caesarean delivery under neuraxial anaesthesia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the performance of a multidisciplinary programme for
      enhanced recovery after caesarean delivery under neuraxial anaesthesia. STUDY
      DESIGN: Prospective single-centre study. METHODS: Programme in 6 steps including
      3 professional practice audits based on clinical records and questioning
      patients: audit T0, first "existing state", creation of a working group, drafting
      and implementation of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation procedure, second audit
      (T0+4 months), information about and implementation of corrective measures and a
      third audit (T0+8 months). Assessment of the performance of the continuous
      improvement programmes based on six measures comprising the post-caesarean
      rehabilitation score: duration infusion, early oral analgesia, time to removal of
      the urinary catheter, time to return to drinking, eating recovery time, use of
      carbetocin. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-one patients were included, with 45,
      64 and 122 patients at T0, T0+4 months and T0+8 months, respectively. There was a
      significant increase in patients who received the recovery measures (P<0.0001 for
      all items) between T0 and T0+8 months: removal of the infusion before 24h (49%
      versus 93.5%), drinking before 6h (31% versus 55%), eating before 6h (2% versus
      38.5%), early oral analgesia before 24h (38% versus 95%), withdrawal of the
      urinary catheter before 24h (80% versus 95%), use of carbetocin (0% versus 99%).
      CONCLUSION: Improved practices in rehabilitation after caesarean can be obtained
      by setting up a multidisciplinary programme as part of a quality approach.

PMID- 27131419
TI  - Under sevoflurane anaesthesia, a reduced dose of neostigmine can antagonize a
      shallow neuromuscular block: A double-blind, randomised study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that small doses of neostigmine (10
      30MUg.kg(-1)) effectively antagonize atracurium blocks at a train-of-four (TOF)
      ratio of 0.4 under propofol anaesthesia. The results might not be valid with
      halogenated agents, which potentiate neuromuscular blockades. The goal of this
      study was to determine the dose of neostigmine required to antagonize a block
      corresponding to a TOF ratio of 0.4, a level at which fade is not visually
      detected. METHODS: Sixty patients were included and anaesthesia was induced with
      propofol, remifentanil and cisatracurium, and maintained with sevoflurane and
      remifentanil. Patients were randomized to receive neostigmine at 40, 20,
      10MUg.kg(-1) or placebo with atropine (20, 10, 5 or 0MUg.kg(-1), respectively) as
      soon as the TOF ratio reached 0.4. Elapsed times to 0.9 and 1.0 TOF ratios were
      measured. RESULTS: The median times elapsed from 0.4 to 0.9 and 1.0 TOF ratios in
      the placebo group were 19 (10.5-36) min and 26 (20-50) min, respectively, and
      significantly shorter (I=0.002) with any dose of neostigmine than without. Times
      for complete recovery after 40 and 20MUg.kg(-1) neostigmine were similar [5.5 (4
      11) min and 7.8 (3.5-11) min, respectively] but significantly shorter than after
      10MUg.kg(-1) neostigmine [17min (7-55); I=0.001]. CONCLUSION: Under sevoflurane
      anaesthesia, in absence of tactile or visual TOF fade, which corresponds to a TOF
      ratio>=0.4, 20MUg.kg(-1) neostigmine is as effective as 40MUg.kg(-1) in
      antagonizing shallow cisatracurium block.

PMID- 27131420
TI  - Lipolytic enzymes involving lipolysis in Teleost: Synteny, structure, tissue
      distribution, and expression in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).
AB  - Lipolysis is the biochemical pathway responsible for the sequential hydrolysis of
      triacylglycerols (TAGs) stored in cellular lipid droplets. Three enzymes are
      known to participate in TAGs hydrolysis, including adipose triglyceride lipase
      (ATGL), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and monoglyceride lipase (MGL), and each
      is present in mammals as only one isoform. Here we show that the genome of grass
      carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and other teleosts codes for one ATGL, two HSLs,
      and one MGL isoforms. Two isoforms of HSL gene, HSLa and HSLb, derived from
      paralogous genes that could be originated from teleost-specific genome
      duplication (TSGD) event. The genes encoding for fish ATGL and MGL were conserved
      and contained nine and seven coding exons, respectively. However, two isoforms of
      HSL gene had a remarkable variation in gene structure, such as HSLa gene
      contained ten and HSLb contained thirteen exons. All three enzymes, including two
      isoforms of HSL, were expressed in a wide range of tissues, but the abundance of
      each gene mRNA showed the tissue-dependent expression patterns. During fasting,
      only ATGL and HSLa showed a significant increase in adipose tissue and adipocyte,
      indicating that ATGL and HSLa may be the main rate-limiting enzymes controlling
      the hydrolysis of TAGs in fasting-induced lipolysis. Different expression of HSLa
      and HSLb suggests that they might serve different roles in fasting-induced
      lipolysis. These results provide evidence about the conservation and divergence
      of genes of fish lipolytic enzymes. 

PMID- 27131421
TI  - A role for the survival of motor neuron protein in mRNP assembly and transport.
AB  - Localization and local translation of mRNA plays a key role in neuronal
      development and function. While studies in various systems have provided insights
      into molecular mechanisms of mRNA transport and local protein synthesis, the
      factors that control the assembly of mRNAs and mRNA binding proteins into
      messenger ribonucleoprotein (mRNP) transport granules remain largely unknown. In
      this review we will discuss how insights on a motor neuron disease, spinal
      muscular atrophy (SMA), is advancing our understanding of regulated assembly of
      transport competent mRNPs and how defects in their assembly and delivery may
      contribute to the degeneration of motor neurons observed in SMA and other
      neurological disorders.

PMID- 27131422
TI  - There and back again: coordinated transcription, translation and transport in
      axonal survival and regeneration.
AB  - Neurons are highly polarized cells with axonal and dendritic projections that
      extend over long distances. Target-derived neurotrophins provide local axonal
      cues that function in developing neurons, while physical or chemical injuries to
      long axons initiate local environmental cues in mature neurons. In both instances
      initial responses at the location of stimulation or injury must be coordinated
      with changes in the transcriptional program and subsequent changes in axonal
      protein content. To achieve this coordination, intracellular signals move 'there
      and back again' between axons and the nucleus. Here, we review new findings on
      neuronal responses to growth factors and injury and highlight the coordination of
      transcription, translation and transport required to mediate communication
      between axons and cell bodies.

PMID- 27131423
TI  - Mechanisms controlling assembly and plasticity of presynaptic active zone
      scaffolds.
AB  - Cognitive processes including memory formation and learning rely on a precise,
      local and dynamic control of synapse functionality executed by molecular changes
      within both presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments. Recently, the size of the
      presynaptic active zone scaffold, a cluster of large multi-domain proteins
      decorating the presynaptic plasma membrane, was found to directly scale with the
      action potential evoked release of synaptic vesicles. The challenge now is to
      constitute an integrated picture of how long-range axonal transport, local
      exchange and localization mechanisms at the scaffold and degradation processes
      are integrated to allow for dynamic and controlled scaffold rearrangements. Here
      we discuss findings from multiple model systems emphasizing both short-term and
      long-term regulations of active zone composition and function.

PMID- 27131425
TI  - [Clear lens extraction for the treatment of anterior lenticonus in Alport's
      syndrome].

PMID- 27131424
TI  - [Late onset orbital metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma after 14
      years, a case report].

PMID- 27131426
TI  - [Acute angle-closure attack secondary to BrightOcular((c)) cosmetic iris implant
      and subsequent subluxation of contralateral iris implant].

PMID- 27131427
TI  - [Epidemiological aspects of diabetic retinopathy - a bicentric study in
      Antananarivo, Madagascar - report of 158 cases].

PMID- 27131428
TI  - Disease-associated glycans on cell surface proteins.
AB  - Most of membrane molecules including cell surface receptors and secreted proteins
      including ligands are glycoproteins and glycolipids. Therefore, identifying the
      functional significance of glycans is crucial for developing an understanding of
      cell signaling and subsequent physiological and pathological cellular events. In
      particular, the function of N-glycans associated with cell surface receptors has
      been extensively studied since they are directly involved in controlling cellular
      functions. In this review, we focus on the roles of glycosyltransferases that are
      involved in the modification of N-glycans and their target proteins such as
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ErbB3, transforming growth factor beta
      (TGF-beta) receptor, T-cell receptors (TCR), beta-site APP cleaving enzyme
      (BACE1), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), E-cadherin, and alpha5beta1 integrin in
      relation to diseases and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Above
      of those proteins are subjected to being modified by several glycosyltransferases
      such as N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III), N
      acetylglucosaminyltransferase IV (GnT-IV), N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT
      V), alpha2,6 sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1), and alpha1,6 fucosyltransferase
      (Fut8), which are typical N-glycan branching enzymes and play pivotal roles in
      regulating the function of cell surface receptors in pathological cell signaling.

PMID- 27131429
TI  - Comment on "A tribute to Cicero Parker Meek". Burns 2014; 41: 1660-1663.

PMID- 27131430
TI  - Most overviews of Cochrane reviews neglected potential biases from dual
      authorship.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Some authors of Cochrane overviews have also (co-)authored one or more
      of the underlying reviews. We examined the extent of dual (co-)authorship in
      Cochrane overviews, how it is dealt with, and whether the issue is raised in
      protocols. STUDY DESIGN: The Cochrane Library was searched for overviews and
      protocols for overviews in September 2015. Data on dual (co-)authorship were
      extracted for each review into standard spreadsheets by one author and checked
      for accuracy by a second. RESULTS: Twenty overviews and 25 protocols were
      identified. The overviews included a median of 10 reviews (interquartile range
      [IQR]: 6-18.5). In 18/20 overviews (90%), at least one of the included reviews
      was affected by dual (co-)authorship. A median of 5 (IQR, 2.5-7) reviews per
      overview was affected by dual (co-)authorship. In 8/18 (44%) overviews with dual
      (co-)authorship, quality assessment was conducted independently. In 7/25 (28%)
      protocols, dual (co-)authorship was mentioned. CONCLUSION: Potential biases
      arising from dual (co-)authorship are often neglected in Cochrane overviews. We
      argue that authors of Cochrane overviews and Review Groups should pay more
      attention to the issue, to avoid bias and preserve the good reputation that
      Cochrane overviews will typically deserve.

PMID- 27131431
TI  - Reverse immunoediting: When immunity is edited by antigen.
AB  - Immune selective pressure occurring during cancer immunoediting shapes tumor
      features revealed at clinical presentation. However, in the "Escape" phase, the
      tumor itself has the chance to influence the immunological response. Therefore,
      the capacity of the immune response to sculpt the tumor characteristics is only
      one side of the coin and even the opposite is likely true, i.e. that an antigen
      can shape the immune response in a sort of "reverse immunoediting". This
      reciprocal modeling probably occurs continuously, whenever the immune system
      encounters a tumor/foreign antigen, and can be operative in the pathogen/immune
      system interplay, thus possibly permeating the protective immunity as a whole. In
      line with this view, the characterization of a T cell response as well as the
      design of both active and passive immunotherapy strategies should also take into
      account all Ag features (type, load and presentation). Overall, we suggest that
      the "reverse immunoediting" hypothesis could help to dissect the complex
      interplay between antigens and the immune repertoire, and to improve the outcome
      of immunotherapeutic approaches, where T cell responses are manipulated and
      reprogrammed.

PMID- 27131433
TI  - Protective role of terpenes and polyphenols from three species of Oregano (Lippia
      graveolens, Lippia palmeri and Hedeoma patens) on the suppression of
      lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Mexican oregano infusions have been traditionally
      used in Mexico for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases, such as
      respiratory and digestive disorders, headaches and rheumatism, among others.
      Nevertheless, there is limited information regarding the phenolic compounds,
      terpenes and composition as well as biological activity of Mexican oregano. AIM
      OF THE STUDY: To determine the phenolic and terpene composition and to evaluate
      the anti-inflammatory potential of three species of Mexican oregano (Lippia
      graveolens (LG), Lippia palmeri (LP) and Hedeoma patens (HP)) in order to provide
      a scientific basis for their use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained methanol and
      chloroform extracts from dried oregano leaves of each species. We used LC-DAD-ESI
      MS/MS and GC-MS to determine the phenolic and terpene profiles of the leaves,
      respectively. We evaluated anti-inflammatory potential by measuring the effect of
      Mexican oregano extracts on some pro-inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide
      (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) using lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-stimulated
      RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and evaluating cyclooxygenase activity (COX-1, COX-2).
      RESULTS: Nine phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids) and 22 terpenes
      (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) were detected in LG, LP and HP. We studied
      extracts from LG, LP and HP, and fractions from LG and LP in order to know their
      effect on some pro-inflammatory mediators. The phenolic and terpene extracts from
      LG, LP and HP exhibited significant inhibitory effect on ROS and NO production
      and mitochondrial activity in LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophage
      cells. Nitric oxide production was also diminished by the terpene LG fraction
      LGF2 and the LP fractions LPF1, LPF2 and LPF3, confirming that both monoterpenes
      and sesquiterpenes are active compounds of oregano. Furthermore, the total
      extracts of LG, LP and HP exhibited non-selective inhibitions against the
      activity of the cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest
      that Lippia graveolens, Lippia palmeri and Hedeoma patens extracts have the
      potential to treat inflammatory diseases; their activity is mediated by
      polyphenols and terpenes. These findings support the claim for their traditional
      use in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases.

PMID- 27131432
TI  - Memory CD8(+) T Cells: Innate-Like Sensors and Orchestrators of Protection.
AB  - Recent findings have revealed roles for systemic and mucosa-resident memory
      CD8(+) T cells in the orchestration of innate immune responses critical to host
      defense upon microbial infection. Here we integrate these findings into the
      current understanding of the molecular and cellular signals controlling memory
      CD8(+) T cell reactivation and the mechanisms by which these cells mediate
      effective protection in vivo. The picture that emerges presents memory CD8(+) T
      cells as early sensors of danger signals, mediating protective immunity both
      through licensing of cellular effectors of the innate immune system and via the
      canonical functions associated with memory T cells. We discuss implications for
      the development of T cell vaccines and therapies and highlight important areas in
      need of further investigation.

PMID- 27131434
TI  - Dillenia suffruticosa dichloromethane root extract induced apoptosis towards MDA
      MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dillenia suffruticosa is traditionally used for
      treatment of cancerous growth including breast cancer in Malaysia. AIM OF THE
      STUDY: Dillenia suffruticosa is a well-known medicinal plant in Malaysia for the
      treatment of cancer. Nevertheless, no study has been reported the cytotoxicity of
      this plant towards MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. The present
      study was designed to investigate the mode of cell death and signalling pathways
      of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with dichloromethane Dillenia suffruticosa root
      extract (DCM-DS). METHODS: Extraction of Dillenia suffruticosa root was performed
      by the use of sequential solvent procedure. The cytotoxicity of DCM-DS was
      determined by using MTT assay. The mode of cell death was evaluated by using an
      inverted light microscope and flow cytometry analysis using Annexin-V/PI. Cell
      cycle analysis and measurement of reactive oxygen species level were performed by
      using flow cytometry. The cells were treated with DCM-DS and antioxidants alpha
      tocopherol or ascorbic acid to evaluate the involvement of ROS in the
      cytotoxicity of DCM-DS. Effect of DCM-DS on the expression of antioxidant,
      apoptotic, growth, survival genes and proteins were analysed by using GeXP-based
      multiplex system and Western blot, respectively. The cytotoxicity of compounds
      isolated from DCM-DS was evaluated towards MDA-MB-231 cells using MTT assay.
      RESULTS: DCM-DS induced apoptosis, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and oxidative
      stress in MDA-MB-231 cells. The induction of apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells by DCM
      DS is possibly due to the activation of pro-apoptotic JNK1 and down-regulation of
      anti-apoptotic ERK1, which in turn down-regulates anti-apoptotic BCL-2 to
      increase the BAX/BCL-2 ratio to initiate the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. The
      cell cycle arrest in DCM-DS-treated MDA-MB-231 cells is possibly via p53
      independent but p21-dependent pathway. A total of 3 triterpene compounds were
      isolated from DCM-DS. Betulinic acid appears to be the most major and most
      cytotoxic compound in DCM-DS. CONCLUSION: The data suggest the potential
      application of DCM-DS in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.

PMID- 27131435
TI  - Impact of INTERMACS Profile on Clinical Outcomes for Patients Supported With the
      Total Artificial Heart.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insufficient data delineate outcomes for Interagency Registry for
      Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile 1 patients with the
      total artificial heart (TAH). METHODS: We studied 66 consecutive patients
      implanted with the TAH at our institution from 2006 through 2012 and compared
      outcome by INTERMACS profile. INTERMACS profiles were adjudicated retrospectively
      by a reviewer blinded to clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Survival after TAH
      implantation at 6 and 12 months was 76% and 71%, respectively. INTERMACS profile
      1 patients had decreased 6-month survival on the device compared with those in
      profiles 2-4 (74% vs 95%, log rank: P = .015). For the 50 patients surviving to
      heart transplantation, the 1-year posttransplant survival was 82%. There was no
      difference in 1-year survival when comparing patients in the INTERMACS 1 profile
      with less severe profiles (79% vs 84%; log rank test P = .7; hazard ratio
      [confidence interval] 1.3 [0.3-4.8]). CONCLUSIONS: Patients implanted with the
      TAH as INTERMACS profile 1 had reduced survival to transplantation compared with
      less sick profiles. INTERMACS profile at the time of TAH implantation did not
      affect 1-year survival after heart transplantation.

PMID- 27131436
TI  - Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors in Patients Without ST-Segment Elevation
      Infarction: Is Routine Coronary Angiography Reasonable?

PMID- 27131437
TI  - Cardiovascular Interventions in the Modern Age: The Million Dollar Man.

PMID- 27131439
TI  - Drug-Coated Balloons for Revascularization of Infrapopliteal Arteries: A Meta
      Analysis of Randomized Trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of randomized
      trials investigating the outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous
      revascularization with drug-coated balloons (DCBs) for atherosclerotic disease of
      the infrapopliteal arteries. BACKGROUND: The role of DCBs as revascularization
      therapy for infrapopliteal arteries represents a matter of ongoing controversy.
      METHODS: Scientific databases were searched for randomized trials of DCB therapy
      for atherosclerotic disease of the infrapopliteal arteries. The primary efficacy
      and safety outcomes were target lesion revascularization and amputation,
      respectively. Secondary outcomes were death, major adverse events, Rutherford
      class 5 or 6, and late lumen loss. RESULTS: A total of 641 patients enrolled in 5
      trials received DCBs (n = 378) or control therapy (uncoated balloons or drug
      eluting stents; n = 263). Median follow-up duration was 12 months. Patients
      treated with DCBs had risk for target lesion revascularization (risk ratio: 0.71;
      95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47 to 1.09; p = 0.12), amputation (risk ratio:
      1.01; 95% CI: 0.65 to 1.58; p = 0.95), death (risk ratio: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.71 to
      1.82; p = 0.59), major adverse events (risk ratio: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.59 to 1.43; p
      = 0.70), and Rutherford class 5 or 6 (risk ratio: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.46 to 1.62; p =
      0.65) comparable with that of patients treated with control therapy. Lesions
      treated with DCBs showed lower late lumen loss (weighted mean difference -0.41;
      95% CI: -0.79 to -0.03; p = 0.04) compared with those treated with control
      therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with uncoated balloons or drug-eluting
      stents, the treatment of infrapopliteal arteries with DCBs is associated with
      similar clinical outcomes and favorable angiographic efficacy at 1-year follow
      up. Further studies in larger numbers of patients are still needed to
      definitively address the role of DCB technology in this setting. (Drug-coated
      balloon for revascularization of tibialpedal arteries: a meta-analysis of
      randomized trials; CRD42015029283).

PMID- 27131440
TI  - Favorable Angiographic Outcome After Treatment of Infrapopliteal Lesions With
      Drug-Coated Balloons Without Clinical Benefit: What We Learn From a Meta
      Analysis.

PMID- 27131438
TI  - Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients
      Without ST-Segment Elevation Pattern: Insights From the PROCAT II Registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In a large cohort of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients
      without ST-segment elevation (STE), the study assessed the relationship between
      the use of an early invasive strategy and patient outcome. BACKGROUND: Emergent
      coronary angiogram (CAG) and reperfusion are currently a standard of care in
      patients resuscitated from an OHCA with ST-segment elevation (STE). However,
      using a similar invasive strategy is still debated in patients without STE.
      METHODS: In the absence of an obvious extracardiac cause, for many years our
      practice has had to perform an emergent CAG in all OHCA patients (STE and no STE)
      at admission, followed by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when required.
      All patients' characteristics are prospectively collected in the PROCAT (Parisian
      Registry Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest) database. Focusing on non-STE patients
      and using logistical regression, we investigated the association between early
      PCI and favorable outcome (cerebral performance category 1 to 2 at discharge) and
      we searched predictive factors for PCI requirement. RESULTS: During the study
      period (2004 to 2013), we investigated 958 OHCA patients with an emergent CAG.
      Among them 695 of 958 (73%), mostly male (76%), and average 60 years of age had
      no evidence of STE on the post-resuscitation electrocardiography. A PCI was
      deemed necessary in 199 of 695 (29%). A favorable outcome was observed in 87 of
      200 (43%) in patients with PCI compared with 164 of 495 (33%) in patients without
      PCI (p = 0.02). After adjustment, PCI was associated with a better outcome
      (adjusted odds ratio: 1.80 [95% confidence interval: 1.09 to 2.97]; p = 0.02).
      The other predictive factors of favorable outcome were a shorter resuscitation
      length (<20 min), an initial shockable rhythm, and a lower dose of epinephrine
      during resuscitation (p < 0.001). An initial shockable rhythm (adjusted odds
      ratio: 2.83 [95% confidence interval: 1.84 to 4.36]; p < 0.001) was the sole
      independent indicator for PCI requirement. CONCLUSIONS: A culprit coronary lesion
      requiring PCI was found in nearly one-third of OHCA patients without STE. In
      these patients, emergent PCI was associated with a nearly 2-fold increase in the
      rate of favorable outcome. These findings support the use of an invasive strategy
      in these patients, particularly in those resuscitated from a shockable rhythm.

PMID- 27131441
TI  - Hemodynamic Assessment of Aortic Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve
      Replacement: The Diastolic Pressure-Time Index.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Assessment of aortic regurgitation (AR) immediately after
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is essential to guide further
      intervention in cases of relevant AR. It was the aim of this study to identify a
      simple and reproducible hemodynamic parameter for the assessment of AR.
      BACKGROUND: Relevant AR after TAVR is present in up to 21% of cases and might be
      associated with adverse long-term outcomes. METHODS: Three hundred sixty-two
      consecutive patients who were treated with TAVR for symptomatic aortic valve
      stenosis were analyzed. AR was assessed by aortic root angiography according to
      the Sellers classification. For hemodynamic evaluation, the diastolic pressure
      time (DPT) index was calculated after TAVR: the area between the aortic and left
      ventricular pressure-time curves was measured during diastole and divided by the
      duration of diastole to calculate the DPT index. The DPT index was finally
      adjusted for the respective systolic blood pressure: DPT indexadj = (DPT
      index/systolic blood pressure) * 100. RESULTS: Patients with angiographically
      nonrelevant AR (grade <2) had higher DPT indexadj (30.7 +/- 6.8) compared with
      those with relevant AR (grade >=2) (26.2 +/- 5.8) (p < 0.05). Patients with DPT
      indexadj <=27.9 had significantly higher 1-year mortality risk in comparison with
      those with DPT indexadj >27.9: 41.4% versus 13.5% (hazard ratio: 3.8; 95%
      confidence interval: 2.4 to 5.9; p [log rank-test] < 0.001). In multivariate
      regression analysis, DPT indexadj <=27.9 was the strongest independent predictor
      of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio: 2.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.8 to 3.7; p <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DPT indexadj is a simple, investigator-independent parameter
      that should be considered to differentiate between relevant and nonrelevant AR
      after TAVR.

PMID- 27131442
TI  - Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device Implantation After Percutaneous Atrial
      Septal Defect Closure.

PMID- 27131443
TI  - Searching for the Golden Formula: Less Is More, or Not?

PMID- 27131444
TI  - Effect of lipid composition and amino acid sequence upon transmembrane peptide
      accelerated lipid transleaflet diffusion (flip-flop).
AB  - We examined how hydrophobic peptide-accelerated transleaflet lipid movement (flip
      flop) was affected by peptide sequence and vesicle composition and properties. A
      peptide with a completely hydrophobic sequence had little if any effect upon flip
      flop. While peptides with a somewhat less hydrophobic sequence accelerated flip
      flop, the half-time remained slow (hours) with substantial (0.5mol%) peptide in
      the membranes. It appears that peptide-accelerated lipid flip-flop involves a
      rare event that may reflect a rare state of the peptide or lipid bilayer. There
      was no simple relationship between peptide overall hydrophobicity and flip-flop.
      In addition, flip-flop was not closely linked to whether the peptides were in a
      transmembrane or non-transmembrane (interfacial) inserted state. Flip-flop was
      also not associated with peptide-induced pore formation. We found that peptide
      accelerated flip-flop is initially faster in small (highly curved) unilamellar
      vesicles relative to that in large unilamellar vesicles. Peptide-accelerated flip
      flop was also affected by lipid composition, being slowed in vesicles with thick
      bilayers or those containing 30% cholesterol. Interestingly, these factors also
      slow spontaneous lipid flip-flop in the absence of peptide. Combined with
      previous studies, the results are most consistent with acceleration of lipid flip
      flop by peptide-induced thinning of bilayer width.

PMID- 27131445
TI  - Infiltrating a Traveler's Heart: A Unique Presentation of Acute Heart Failure.

PMID- 27131446
TI  - (WNK)ing at death: With-no-lysine (Wnk) kinases in neuropathies and neuronal
      survival.
AB  - Members of With-no-lysine (WNK) family of serine-threonine kinase are key
      regulators of chloride ion transport in diverse cell types, controlling the
      activity and the surface expression of cation-chloride (Na(+)/K(+)-Cl(-)) co
      transporters. Mutations in WNK1 and WNK4 are linked to a hereditary form of
      hypertension, and WNKs have been extensively investigated pertaining to their
      roles in renal epithelial ion homeostasis. However, some members of the WNK
      family and their splice isoforms are also expressed in the mammalian brain, and
      have been implicated in aspects of hereditary neuropathy as well as neuronal and
      glial survival. WNK2, which is exclusively enriched in neurons, is well known as
      an anti-proliferative tumor suppressor. WNK3, on the other hand, appears to
      promote cell survival as its inhibition enhances neuronal apoptosis. However,
      loss of WNK3 has been recently shown to reduce ischemia-associated brain damage.
      In this review, I surveyed the potentially context-dependent roles of WNKs in
      neurological disorders and neuronal survival.

PMID- 27131448
TI  - Combining parallel factor analysis and machine learning for the classification of
      dissolved organic matter according to source using fluorescence signatures.
AB  - Parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis of dissolved organic matter (DOM) fluorescence
      has facilitated a surge of investigation into its biogeochemical cycling.
      However, rigorous, PARAFAC-based methods for holistically distinguishing DOM
      sources are lacking. This study classified 1029 PARAFAC-analyzed excitation
      emission matrices (EEMs) measured using DOM isolated from 24 different leaf
      leachates, rivers, and organic matter standards using four machine learning
      methods (MLM). EEMs were also divided into subsets to assess the impact of
      experimental treatments (i.e. whole EEMs, size fractionation, mixtures,
      quenching) and dataset properties (i.e. different numbers of EEMs from each
      leachate/river) on classification. A split-half validated, 10-component PARAFAC
      model was extended to 12 components to remove consistent peaks evident in model
      residuals. The 12-component model performed better than the 10-component model,
      correctly classifying up to 80 additional EEMs, when the dataset included size
      fractionated DOM or several different sources (i.e. many leaf species and
      rivers); however, the 10-component model performed better for whole-sample EEMs
      when comparing leaf leachates to rivers. The MLM correctly classified whole EEMs
      of riverine DOM by source with up to 87.0% accuracy, leachates with up to 92.5%
      accuracy, and distinguished leachates from rivers with 97.2% accuracy. A
      difference of up to 17.3% in classification accuracy was observed depending on
      the MLM method used with the following order: multilayer perceptron = support
      vector machine > k-nearest neighbours ? decision tree; however, performances
      differed widely depending on the data subset. Classification accuracy for whole
      and size-fractionated rivers compared to whole and size-fractionated leachates
      using N-way partial least-squares discriminant analysis (NPLS-DA; 97.7%) was
      similar to that achieved using MLM. Combining MLM with PARAFAC is an effective
      method for classifying DOM based on its fluorescence signature because PARAFAC
      can isolate meaningful fluorescent species and unlike PLSDA, MLM constructs a
      single model which simultaneously classifies EEMs as belonging to one of several
      categories. A complete accounting of carbon flows through ecosystems should
      include the processes and sources that contribute to the disparate fluorescence
      signatures of riverine and leached DOM. 

PMID- 27131447
TI  - SWR1 Chromatin-Remodeling Complex Subunits and H2A.Z Have Non-overlapping
      Functions in Immunity and Gene Regulation in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Incorporation of the histone variant H2A.Z into nucleosomes by the SWR1 chromatin
      remodeling complex is a critical step in eukaryotic gene regulation. In
      Arabidopsis, SWR1c and H2A.Z have been shown to control gene expression
      underlying development and environmental responses. Although they have been
      implicated in defense, the specific roles of the complex subunits and H2A.Z in
      immunity are not well understood. In this study, we analyzed the roles of the
      SWR1c subunits, PHOTOPERIOD-INDEPENDENT EARLY FLOWERING1 (PIE1), ACTIN-RELATED
      PROTEIN6 (ARP6), and SWR1 COMPLEX 6 (SWC6), as well as H2A.Z, in defense and gene
      regulation. We found that SWR1c components play different roles in resistance to
      different pathogens. Loss of PIE1 and SWC6 function as well as depletion of H2A.Z
      led to reduced basal resistance, while loss of ARP6 fucntion resulted in enhanced
      resistance. We found that mutations in PIE1 and SWC6 resulted in impaired
      effector-triggered immunity. Mutation in SWR1c components and H2A.Z also resulted
      in compromised jasmonic acid/ethylene-mediated immunity. Genome-wide expression
      analyses similarly reveal distinct roles for H2A.Z and SWR1c components in gene
      regulation, and suggest a potential role for PIE1 in the regulation of the cross
      talk between defense signaling pathways. Our data show that although they are
      part of the same complex, Arabidopsis SWR1c components could have non-redundant
      functions in plant immunity and gene regulation.

PMID- 27131449
TI  - Amitriptyline removal using palygorskite clay.
AB  - With the increased detections of commonly used pharmaceuticals in surface water
      and wastewater, extensive attentions were paid recently to the fate and transport
      of these pharmaceuticals in the environment. Amitriptyline (AMI) is a tricyclic
      antidepressant widely applied to treat patients with anxiety and depression. In
      this study, the removal of AMI with palygorskite clay (PFl-1) was investigated
      under different physico-chemical conditions and supplemented by instrumental
      analyses. The uptake of AMI on PFl-1 was well fitted by the Langmuir isotherm
      with an adsorption capacity of 0.168 mmol g(-1) at pH 6-7. The AMI uptake was
      fast and reached equilibrium in 15 min. The X-ray diffraction patterns showed no
      shift of the (110) peak position of palygorskite after AMI uptake. However, the
      (001) peak position of the minor component smectite (about 10%) shifted to lower
      angle as the amounts of AMI input increased. These results suggested surface
      uptake of AMI on palygorskite and interlayer uptake of AMI in smectite. As
      smectite is a common component of palygorskite clays, its role in assessing the
      properties and performances of palygorskite clays for the uptake and removal of
      contaminants should not be neglected. Overall, the high affinity of AMI for PFl-1
      and strong retention of AMI on PFl-1 suggested that it could be a good adsorbent
      to remove AMI from wastewater. Palygorskite clays can also be a sink for many
      cationic pharmaceuticals in the environmental of the arid regions. 

PMID- 27131450
TI  - Suppression of chlorinated aromatics by nitrogen and sulphur inhibitors in iron
      ore sintering.
AB  - Dioxins generated by iron and steel industry account for the majority of
      industrial dioxins emissions. This study compares the performance of different
      additives (including calcium sulphate dehydrate CaSO4.2H2O; calcium polysulphide
      CaSx; ammonium sulphate (NH4)2SO4; 4-methylthiosemicarbazide H3C-SC(NH)2NH2 and
      thiourea H2NCSNH2) as suppressant of chlorinated aromatics in iron ore sintering.
      The formation of chlorobenzenes (CBz) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), used
      as surrogates for dioxins, was suppressed significantly in the present of various
      inhibitors (1 wt%) except for CaSO4.2H2O. Moreover, a larger molar ratio of (S +
      N)/Cl leads to a higher suppression efficiency, so that the inhibition capacity
      of (NH4)2SO4 on both CBz and PCBs was weaker than H2NCSNH2. The generation of
      dioxin-like PCBs (Co- or dl-PCB) was also analysed. 

PMID- 27131451
TI  - Evaluating the toxic potential of benzothiazoles with the rainbow trout cell
      lines, RTgill-W1 and RTL-W1.
AB  - Benzothiazole (BTHs) are environmental contaminants of emerging concern for which
      little toxicological information is available. Therefore the toxic potential of
      twelve BTHs was evaluated with two rainbow trout epithelial cell lines, RTgill-W1
      and RTL-W1. The BTHs were benzothiazole (BTH), 3,3'-diethylthia dicarbocyanine
      iodide (DTDC), C.I. sulphur orange 1 (SO), 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (2MBTH), zinc
      2-mercaptobenzothiazole (ZnMBTH), sodium 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (NaMBTH), 2
      hydroxy-benzothiazole (OHBTH), 2- aminobenzothiazole (2ABTH), C.I. vat yellow 2
      (VY), N,N-dicyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolsulfene amide (NNA), 2,2'-dithiobis
      (benzothiazole) (DBTH) and 2-(p-aminophenyl)-6-methylbenzothiazole-7-sulfonic
      acid (MBTHS). All BTHs, except for NNA, DBTH, and MBTHS, caused both cytotoxicity
      and a transitory elevation in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Yet, neither
      N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) nor IM-54 inhibited cytotoxicity, suggesting that ROS
      imbalance did not contribute to cell death. Cell death was not blocked by
      Necrostatin-1 nor accompanied by DNA laddering, suggesting that neither
      necroptosis nor apoptosis took place. The comet assay revealed DNA strand breaks
      after exposures to 2ABTH and OHBTH for 1 day and to BTH for 12 days. In RTL-W1,
      cytochrome P4501A was induced noticeably by 2ABTH, OHBTH, and MBTHS and weakly by
      NaMBTH, ZnMBTH, SO, VY, and NNA, suggesting that these BTHs have the potential to
      alter xenobiotic metabolism and activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. In
      summary, several toxic actions were initiated in vitro by some but not all BTHs,
      warranting further study of these BTHs in vivo. 

PMID- 27131452
TI  - Sexual harassment victimization in adolescence: Associations with family
      background.
AB  - Sexual harassment has been studies as a mechanism reproducing inequality between
      sexes, as gender based discrimination, and more recently, as a public health
      problem. The role of family-related factors for subjection to sexual harassment
      in adolescent has been little studied. Our aim was to study the role of socio
      demographic family factors and parental involvement in adolescent's persona life
      for experiences of sexual harassment among 14-18-year-old population girls and
      boys. An anonymous cross-sectional classroom survey was carried out in
      comprehensive and secondary schools in Finland. 90953 boys and 91746 girls aged
      14-18 participated. Sexual harassment was elicited with five questions. Family
      structure, parental education, parental unemployment and parental involvement as
      perceived by the adolescent were elicited. The data were analyzed using cross
      tabulations with chi-square statistics and logistic regressions. All types of
      sexual harassment experiences elicited were more common among girls than among
      boys. Parental unemployment, not living with both parents and low parental
      education were associated with higher likelihood of reporting experiences of
      sexual harassment, and parental involvement in the adolescent's personal life was
      associated with less reported sexual harassment. Parental involvement in an
      adolescent's life may be protective of perceived sexual harassment. Adolescents
      from socio-economically disadvantaged families are more vulnerable to sexual
      harassment than their more advantaged peers. 

PMID- 27131453
TI  - Understanding child directed caregiver aggression: An examination of
      characteristics and predictors associated with perpetration.
AB  - Child physical abuse presents a substantial public health concern with lasting
      negative consequences for victims. Understanding the variables associated with
      perpetration can help inform prevention and intervention efforts. The current
      study examined background and clinical variables in a sample of 195 help-seeking
      caregivers who were at risk for or had been identified as having engaged in child
      directed aggression or abuse. We found that caregivers who did (vs. did not)
      report severe child directed aggression had poorer parenting and reported more
      drug use. Having a recent allegation of child physical abuse (vs. no allegation)
      based on official child welfare records was unrelated to parenting, drug and
      alcohol use, negative affect, parenting stress, or neglect. Structural equation
      modeling was used to examine the influence of parenting stress on child directed
      aggression and its effects through negative affect and positive parenting. We
      found that parenting stress predicted higher negative affect, which was related
      to greater child directed aggression. Additionally, parenting stress predicted
      lower positive parenting, which in turn predicted lower child directed
      aggression. A model including drug and alcohol use did not add to the prediction
      of child directed aggression. Prediction of neglect using similar variables found
      that only positive parenting was of import and that parenting stress and negative
      affect did not contribute to neglect. Implications for future prevention and
      treatment development efforts with abusive/aggressive caregivers are discussed.

PMID- 27131454
TI  - Beneficial behavior of nitric oxide in copper-treated medicinal plants.
AB  - Despite numerous reports implicating nitric oxide (NO) in the environmental
      stress responses of plants, the specific metabolic and ionic mechanisms of NO
      mediated adaptation to metal stress remain unclear. Here, the impacts of copper
      (Cu) and NO donor (SNP, 50MUM) alone or in combination on the well-known
      medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus L. were investigated. Our results showed that
      Cu markedly increased Cu(2+) accumulation, decreased NO production, and disrupted
      mineral equilibrium and proton pumps, thereby stimulating a burst of ROS; in
      addition, SNP ameliorates the negative toxicity of Cu, and cPTIO reverses this
      action. Furthermore, the accumulations of ROS and NO resulted in reciprocal
      changes. Interestingly, nearly all of the investigated amino acids and the total
      phenolic content in the roots were promoted by the SNP treatment but were
      depleted by the Cu+SNP treatment, which is consistent with the self-evident
      increases in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity and total soluble phenol
      content induced by SNP. Unexpectedly, leaf vincristine and vinblastine as well as
      the total alkaloid content (ca. 1.5-fold) were decreased by Cu but markedly
      increased by SNP (+38% and +49% of the control levels). This study provides the
      first evidence of the beneficial behavior of NO, rather than other compounds, in
      depleting Cu toxicity by regulating mineral absorption, reestablishing ATPase
      activities, and stimulating secondary metabolites.

PMID- 27131455
TI  - Effect of indoor-generated airborne particles on radon progeny dynamics.
AB  - In order to investigate the interaction between radon progeny and particles, an
      experimental campaign was carried out in a radon chamber at the Italian National
      Institute of Ionizing Radiation Metrology, quantifying the amount of attached and
      unattached radon daughters present in air, as well as the equilibrium factor in
      the presence of particles generated through indoor sources. A fixed radon
      concentration was maintained, while particles were generated using incense
      sticks, mosquito coils and gas combustion. Aerosols were characterized in terms
      of particle concentrations and size distributions. Simultaneously, radon
      concentration and attached/unattached potential alpha energy concentration in the
      air were continuously monitored by two different devices, based on alpha
      spectroscopy techniques. The presence of particles was found to affect the
      attached fraction of radon decay products, in such a way that the particles acted
      as a sink for radionuclides. In terms of sources which emit large particles (e.g.
      incense, mosquito coils), which greatly increase particle surface area
      concentrations, the Equilibrium Factor was found to double with respect to the
      background level before particle generation sessions. On the contrary, the radon
      decay product dynamics were not influenced by gas combustion processes, mainly
      due to the small surface area of the particles emitted.

PMID- 27131456
TI  - Novel thiosalicylate-based ionic liquids for heavy metal extractions.
AB  - This study aims to develop novel ammonium and phosphonium ionic liquids (ILs)
      with thiosalicylate (TS) derivatives as anions and evaluate their extracting
      efficiencies towards heavy metals in aqueous solutions. Six ILs were synthesized,
      characterized, and investigated for their extracting efficacies for cadmium,
      copper, and zinc. Liquid-liquid extractions of Cu, Zn, or Cd with ILs after 1-24h
      using model solutions (pH 7; 0.1M CaCl2) were assessed using flame atomic
      absorption spectroscopy (F-AAS). Phosphonium-based ILs
      trihexyltetradecylphosphonium 2-(propylthio)benzoate [P66614][PTB] and 2
      (benzylthio)benzoate [P66614][BTB] showed best extraction efficiency for copper
      and cadmium, respectively and zinc was extracted to a high degree by
      [P66614][BTB] exclusively.

PMID- 27131457
TI  - Hydration mechanism and leaching behavior of bauxite-calcination-method red mud
      coal gangue based cementitious materials.
AB  - A deep investigation on the hydration mechanism of bauxite-calcination-method red
      mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials was conducted from viewpoints of
      hydration products and hydration heat analysis. As a main hydration product, the
      microstructure of C-A-S-H gel was observed using high resolution transmission
      electron microscopy. It was found that the C-A-S-H gel is composed of amorphous
      regions and nanocrystalline regions. Most of regions in the C-A-S-H gel are
      amorphous with continuous distribution, and the nanocrystalline regions on scale
      of ~5nm are dispersed irregularly within the amorphous regions. The hydration
      heat of red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials is much lower than that
      of the ordinary Portland cement. A hydration model was proposed for this kind of
      cementitious materials, and the hydration process mainly consists of four stages
      which are dissolution of materials, formation of C-A-S-H gels and ettringite,
      cementation of hydration products, and polycondensation of C-A-S-H gels. There
      are no strict boundaries among these four basic stages, and they proceed crossing
      each other. Moreover, the leaching toxicity tests were also performed to prove
      that the developed red mud-coal gangue based cementitious materials are
      environmentally acceptable.

PMID- 27131458
TI  - Mineralization of 2-chlorophenol by sequential electrochemical reductive
      dechlorination and biological processes.
AB  - In this work, a novel approach was applied to obtain the mineralization of 2
      chlorophenol (2-CP) in an electrochemical-biological combined system where an
      electrocatalytic dehydrogenation process (reductive dechlorination) was coupled
      to a biological denitrification process. Reductive dechlorination of 2-CP was
      conducted in an ECCOCEL-type reactor on a Pd-Ni/Ti electrode at a potential of 
      0.40V vs Ag/AgCl(s)/KCl(sat), achieving 100 percent transformation of 2-CP into
      phenol. The electrochemically pretreated effluent was fed to a rotating cylinder
      denitrifying bioreactor where the totality of phenol was mineralized by
      denitrification, obtaining CO2 and N2 as the end products. The total time
      required for 2-CP mineralization in the combined electrochemical-biological
      process was 7.5h. This value is close to those previously reported for
      electrochemical and advanced oxidation processes but in this case, an efficient
      process was obtained without accumulation of by-products or generation of
      excessive energy costs due to the selective electrochemical pretreatment. This
      study showed that the use of electrochemical reductive pretreatment combined with
      biological processes could be a promising technology for the removal of
      recalcitrant molecules, such as chlorophenols, from wastewaters by more
      efficient, rapid, and environmentally friendly processes.

PMID- 27131459
TI  - Effects of surface ligands on the uptake and transport of gold nanoparticles in
      rice and tomato.
AB  - Nanotechnology is advancing rapidly and substantial amounts of nanomaterials are
      released into the environment. Plants are an essential base component of the
      ecological environment and play a critical role in the fate and transport of
      nanomaterials in the environment through plant uptake and bioaccumulation. In
      this study, plant uptake of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) functionalized with three
      types of short ligands [cysteamine (CA), cysteine (CYS) and thioglycolic acid
      (TGA)] and of nearly identical hydrodynamic size (8-12nm) was investigated in the
      major crops rice (Oryza sativa L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Uptake and
      translocation of GNPs not only depended on particle surface charge, but were also
      related to the species of ligand on the GNPs. The negatively charged GNPs capped
      with the CYS ligand (GNP-CYS) were more efficiently absorbed in roots and
      transferred to shoots (including stems and leaves) than that of GNPs capped with
      CA and TGA. The absorption process of GNPs involved a combination of both
      clathrin-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The endocytosis of GNPs was
      strongly inhibited by wortmannin, suggesting that clathrin-independent
      endocytosis was an important pathway of nanoparticle internalization in plants.
      Competition experiments with a free ligand (CYS) showed that the CYS ligand
      probably facilitated the endocytosis process of GNPs and increased the
      internalization of GNP-CYS in plants. The results will aid understanding of the
      mechanisms of nanoparticle uptake and translocation in plants.

PMID- 27131460
TI  - Determination and toxicity evaluation of the generated products in
      sulfamethoxazole degradation by UV/CoFe(2)O(4)/TiO(2).
AB  - The photodegradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) under UV radiation with a
      recyclable catalyst CoFe2O4/TiO2 was examined. The reaction mechanism during the
      treatment was determined. The toxicity of the degradation intermediates to
      aquatic organisms, including the green alga Chlorella vulgaris and the brine
      shrimp Artemia salina was investigated. SMX was completely removed and about 50%
      TOC was degraded in 5h. Sixteen intermediates were detected, from which four of
      them were reported for the first time in this study. Four main decay pathways,
      i.e., hydroxylation, cleavage of SN bond, nitration of amino group, and
      isomerization were proposed. About 45% of the total mass sulfur source
      transformed to sulfate ion, and around 25%, 1%, and 0.25% of the total nitrogen
      transformed to ammonium, nitrogen, and nitrite ions. The toxicity of the treated
      solution was significantly reduced compared to that of the parent compound SMX. A
      variation of the algae growth was observed, which was due to the combination of
      generation of toxic intermediates (i.e., sulfanilamide) and the release of
      inorganic substances and carbon source as additional nutrients. The adverse
      effect on the clearance rate of the brine shrimp was also observed, but it can be
      eliminated if longer degradation time is used.

PMID- 27131461
TI  - Thermodynamic analysis of Cr(VI) extraction using TOPO impregnated membranes.
AB  - Solid/liquid extraction of Cr(VI) was accomplished using trioctylphosphine oxide
      impregnated polypropylene hollow fiber membranes. Extraction of 100-500mg/L
      Cr(VI) by the extractant impregnated membranes (EIM) was characterized by high
      uptake rate and capacity, and equilibrium was attained within 45min of contact.
      Extraction equilibrium was pH-dependent (at an optimal pH 2), whereas stripping
      using 0.2M sodium hydroxide yielded the highest recovery of 98% within 60min. The
      distribution coefficient was independent of initial Cr(VI) concentration, and the
      linear distribution equilibrium isotherm could be modeled using Freundlich
      isotherm. The mass transfer kinetics of Cr(VI) was examined using pseudo-second
      order and intraparticle diffusion models and a mass transfer mechanism was
      deduced. The distribution coefficient increased with temperature, which indicated
      endothermic nature of the reaction. Enthalpy and entropy change during Cr(VI)
      extraction were positive and varied in the range of 37-49kJ/mol and 114-155J/mol,
      respectively. The free energy change was negative, confirming the feasibility and
      spontaneity of the mass transfer process. Results obtained suggest that EIMs are
      efficient and sustainable for extraction of Cr(VI) from wastewater.

PMID- 27131463
TI  - Narcotic Use and Postoperative Doctor Shopping by Patients with Nephrolithiasis
      Requiring Operative Intervention: Implications for Patient Safety.
AB  - PURPOSE: We sought to determine perioperative patterns of narcotic use and the
      prevalence of postoperative doctor shopping among patients with nephrolithiasis
      requiring operative management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed the records of consecutive patients residing in Tennessee who required
      ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for nephrolithiasis at a single institution
      from January to December 2013. Using the Tennessee CSMD (Controlled Substances
      Medication Database) patients were categorized by the number of postoperative
      narcotic providers. Doctor shopping behavior was identified as any patient
      seeking more than 1 narcotic provider within 3 months of surgery. Demographic and
      clinical characteristics associated with doctor shopping behavior were
      identified. RESULTS: During the study period 200 eligible patients underwent
      ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for nephrolithiasis, of whom 48 (24%) were
      prescribed narcotics by more than 1 provider after surgery. Compared to those
      receiving narcotics from a single provider, patients with multiple narcotic
      providers were younger (48.1 vs 54.2 years, p <0.001), less educated (high school
      education or less in 83.3% vs 58.7%, p = 0.014), more likely to have a history of
      mental illness (37.5% vs 16%, p <0.01) and more likely to have undergone prior
      stone procedures (66% vs 42%, p <0.01). Additionally, these patients demonstrated
      more frequent preoperative narcotic use (87.5% vs 63.2%), longer postoperative
      narcotic use (39.1 vs 6.0 days) and a higher morphine equivalent dose per
      prescription (44.7 vs 35.2 dose per day, each p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Postoperative doctor shopping is common among patients with nephrolithiasis who
      require operative management. Urologists should be aware of available registry
      data to decrease the likelihood of redundant narcotic prescribing.

PMID- 27131466
TI  - Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic: Liver abscesso-colonic fistula: A rare complication
      of transarterial chemoembolization for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 27131467
TI  - Effect of network architecture on burst and spike synchronization in a scale-free
      network of bursting neurons.
AB  - We investigate the effect of network architecture on burst and spike
      synchronization in a directed scale-free network (SFN) of bursting neurons,
      evolved via two independent alpha- and beta-processes. The alpha-process
      corresponds to a directed version of the Barabasi-Albert SFN model with growth
      and preferential attachment, while for the beta-process only preferential
      attachments between pre-existing nodes are made without addition of new nodes. We
      first consider the "pure" alpha-process of symmetric preferential attachment
      (with the same in- and out-degrees), and study emergence of burst and spike
      synchronization by varying the coupling strength J and the noise intensity D for
      a fixed attachment degree. Characterizations of burst and spike synchronization
      are also made by employing realistic order parameters and statistical-mechanical
      measures. Next, we choose appropriate values of J and D where only burst
      synchronization occurs, and investigate the effect of the scale-free connectivity
      on the burst synchronization by varying (1) the symmetric attachment degree and
      (2) the asymmetry parameter (representing deviation from the symmetric case) in
      the alpha-process, and (3) the occurrence probability of the beta-process. In all
      these three cases, changes in the type and the degree of population
      synchronization are studied in connection with the network topology such as the
      degree distribution, the average path length Lp, and the betweenness
      centralization Bc. It is thus found that just taking into consideration Lp and Bc
      (affecting global communication between nodes) is not sufficient to understand
      emergence of population synchronization in SFNs, but in addition to them, the in
      degree distribution (affecting individual dynamics) must also be considered to
      fully understand for the effective population synchronization. 

PMID- 27131468
TI  - Dynamical analysis of contrastive divergence learning: Restricted Boltzmann
      machines with Gaussian visible units.
AB  - The restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM) is an essential constituent of deep
      learning, but it is hard to train by using maximum likelihood (ML) learning,
      which minimizes the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence. Instead, contrastive
      divergence (CD) learning has been developed as an approximation of ML learning
      and widely used in practice. To clarify the performance of CD learning, in this
      paper, we analytically derive the fixed points where ML and CDn learning rules
      converge in two types of RBMs: one with Gaussian visible and Gaussian hidden
      units and the other with Gaussian visible and Bernoulli hidden units. In
      addition, we analyze the stability of the fixed points. As a result, we find that
      the stable points of CDn learning rule coincide with those of ML learning rule in
      a Gaussian-Gaussian RBM. We also reveal that larger principal components of the
      input data are extracted at the stable points. Moreover, in a Gaussian-Bernoulli
      RBM, we find that both ML and CDn learning can extract independent components at
      one of stable points. Our analysis demonstrates that the same feature components
      as those extracted by ML learning are extracted simply by performing CD1
      learning. Expanding this study should elucidate the specific solutions obtained
      by CD learning in other types of RBMs or in deep networks. 

PMID- 27131465
TI  - Testosterone Therapy in Patients with Treated and Untreated Prostate Cancer:
      Impact on Oncologic Outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Testosterone deficiency and prostate cancer have an increasing
      prevalence with age. However, because of the relationship between prostate cancer
      and androgen receptor activation, testosterone therapy among patients with known
      prostate cancer has been approached with caution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      identified a cohort of 82 hypogonadal men with prostate cancer who were treated
      with testosterone therapy. They included 50 men treated with radiation therapy,
      22 treated with radical prostatectomy, 8 on active surveillance, 1 treated with
      cryotherapy and 1 who underwent high intensity focused ultrasound. We monitored
      prostate specific antigen, testosterone, hemoglobin, biochemical recurrence and
      prostate specific antigen velocity. RESULTS: Median patient age was 75.5 years
      and median followup was 41 months. We found an increase in testosterone (p
      <0.001) and prostate specific antigen (p = 0.001) in the entire cohort. Prostate
      specific antigen increased in patients on active surveillance. However, no
      patients were upgraded to higher Gleason score on subsequent biopsies and none
      have yet gone on to definitive treatment. We did not note any biochemical
      recurrence among patients treated with radical prostatectomy but 3 (6%) treated
      with radiation therapy experienced biochemical recurrence. It is unclear whether
      these cases were related to testosterone therapy or reflected the natural biology
      of the disease. We calculated mean prostate specific antigen velocity as 0.001,
      0.12 and 1.1 MUg/l per year in the radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy and
      active surveillance groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of
      randomized, placebo controlled trials our study supports the hypothesis that
      testosterone therapy may be oncologically safe in hypogonadal men after
      definitive treatment or in those on active surveillance for prostate cancer.

PMID- 27131470
TI  - European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG).

PMID- 27131469
TI  - Pattern recognition for electroencephalographic signals based on continuous
      neural networks.
AB  - This study reports the design and implementation of a pattern recognition
      algorithm to classify electroencephalographic (EEG) signals based on artificial
      neural networks (NN) described by ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The
      training method for this kind of continuous NN (CNN) was developed according to
      the Lyapunov theory stability analysis. A parallel structure with fixed weights
      was proposed to perform the classification stage. The pattern recognition
      efficiency was validated by two methods, a generalization-regularization and a k
      fold cross validation (k=5). The classifier was applied on two different
      databases. The first one was made up by signals collected from patients suffering
      of epilepsy and it is divided in five different classes. The second database was
      made up by 90 single EEG trials, divided in three classes. Each class corresponds
      to a different visual evoked potential. The pattern recognition algorithm
      achieved a maximum correct classification percentage of 97.2% using the
      information of the entire database. This value was similar to some results
      previously reported when this database was used for testing pattern
      classification. However, these results were obtained when only two classes were
      considered for the testing. The result reported in this study used the whole set
      of signals (five different classes). In comparison with similar pattern
      recognition methods that even considered less number of classes, the proposed CNN
      proved to achieve the same or even better correct classification results. 

PMID- 27131471
TI  - Reply to the commentary: Estimating genotype and allele frequencies of the CYP2D6
      gene.

PMID- 27131472
TI  - Metastability and Coherence: Extending the Communication through Coherence
      Hypothesis Using a Whole-Brain Computational Perspective.

PMID- 27131473
TI  - Importance of vial shape and type on the reproducibility of size exclusion
      chromatography measurement of monoclonal antibodies.
AB  - The goal of this work is to understand the phenomenon behind the poor injection
      repeatability often observed with protein biopharmaceuticals. All the
      measurements were carried out in size exclusion chromatography (SEC) mode, using
      fifteen commercially available therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). First of
      all, we proved that the variation of peak areas between consecutive injections
      was much more critical with highly concentrated mAb samples (up to 80mg/mL),
      while the SEC measurements of commercial mAbs having concentrations below 5mg/mL
      were reliable. Second, we emphasized that the shapes, volumes and materials of
      the sample vial insert also contribute to the change of peak areas observed
      during consecutive injections. In this study, six different insert models were
      studied and the most critical were the ones possessing the narrowest conical
      shape at the bottom. Furthermore, the homogenization of samples (with pipette
      mixing rather than vortex) prior to analysis was of great interest and allows a
      significant improvement in injection repeatability. Finally, because the on-wall
      (on-insert) adsorption of mAbs reaches its equilibrium in around 50min, it is
      advised to add a specified residence time prior to injection to achieve
      repeatable injection. 

PMID- 27131474
TI  - Should we screen for prolapse symptoms in primary care?

PMID- 27131464
TI  - Symptom Variability and Early Symptom Regression in the MAPP Study: A Prospective
      Study of Urological Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: We examined symptom variability in men and women with urological chronic
      pelvic pain syndrome. We describe symptom fluctuations as related to early
      symptom regression and its effect on estimated 1-year symptom change. We also
      describe a method to quantify patient specific symptom variability. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Symptoms were assessed biweekly in 424 subjects with urological chronic
      pelvic pain syndrome during 1 year. To evaluate the impact of early symptom
      regression subjects were classified as improved, no change or worse according to
      the rate of change using 1) all data, 2) excluding week 0 and 3) excluding weeks
      0 and 2. Patient specific, time varying variability was calculated at each
      interval using a sliding window approach. Patients were classified as high,
      medium or low variability at each time and ultimately as high or low variability
      overall based on the variability for the majority of contacts. RESULTS: Prior to
      excluding early weeks to adjust for early symptom regression 25% to 38% and 5% to
      6% of patients were classified as improved and worse, respectively. After
      adjustment the percent of patients who were improved or worse ranged from 15% to
      25% and 6% to 9%, respectively. High and low variability phenotypes were each
      identified in 25% to 30% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with urological
      chronic pelvic pain syndrome show symptom variability. At study enrollment
      patients had worse symptoms on average, resulting in a regression effect that
      influenced the estimated proportion of those who were improved or worse.
      Prospective studies should include a run-in period to account for regression to
      the mean and other causes of early symptom regression. Further, symptom
      variability may be quantified and used to characterize longitudinal symptom
      profiles of urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

PMID- 27131475
TI  - Experimental and modeling of the unsaturated transports of S-metolachlor and its
      metabolites in glaciofluvial vadose zone solids.
AB  - The transport of pesticides to groundwater is assumed to be impacted by flow
      processes and geochemical interactions occurring in the vadose zone. In this
      study, the transport of S-metolachlor (SMOC) and its two metabolites ESA
      metolachlor (MESA) and OXA-metolachlor (MOXA) in vadose zone materials of a
      glaciofluvial aquifer is studied at laboratory scale. Column experiments are used
      to study the leaching of a conservative tracer (bromide) and SMOC, MESA and MOXA
      under unsaturated conditions in two lithofacies, a bimodal gravel (Gcm,b) and a
      sand (S-x). Tracer experiments showed water fractionation into mobile and
      immobile compartments more pronounced in bimodal gravel columns. In both
      lithofacies columns, SMOC outflow is delayed (retardation factor>2) and mass
      balance reveals depletion (mass balance of 0.59 and 0.77 in bimodal gravel and
      sand, respectively). However, complete mass elution associated with retardation
      factors close to unity shows that there is no adsorption of MESA and MOXA in
      either lithofacies. SMOC transport is characterized by non-equilibrium sorption
      and sink term in both bimodal gravel and sand columns. Batch experiments carried
      out using agitation times consistent with column water residence times confirmed
      a time-dependence of SMOC sorption and high adsorption rates (>80%) of applied
      concentrations. Desorption experiments confirm the irreversibility of a major
      part of the SMOC adsorption onto particles, corresponding to the sink term in
      columns. In the bimodal gravel column, SMOC adsorption occurs mainly on reactive
      particles in contact with mobile water because of flow regionalization whereas in
      the sand column, there is pesticide diffusion to the immobile water. Such results
      clearly show that sorption mechanisms in the vadose zone solids below the soil
      are both solute and contact-time-dependent and are impacted by hydrodynamic
      conditions. The more rapid transport of MESA and MOXA to the aquifer would be
      controlled mainly by water flow through the unsaturated zone whereas SMOC
      transport is retarded by sorption processes within the vadose zone.

PMID- 27131476
TI  - Gradient shimming based on regularized estimation for B(0)-field and shim
      functions.
AB  - Mapping B0-field and shim functions spatially is a crucial step in the gradient
      shimming. The conventional estimation method used in the phase difference imaging
      technique takes no account for noise and T2(*) effects, and is prone to create
      noisy and distorted field maps. This paper describes a new gradient shimming
      based on the regularized estimation for B0-field and shim functions. Based on a
      statistical model, the B0-field and shim function maps are estimated by a
      Penalized Maximum Likelihood method that minimizes two regularized least-squares
      cost functions, respectively. The first cost function of B0-field exploits the
      two facts that the noise in the phase difference measurements is Gaussian and the
      B0-field maps tend to be smooth. And the other one adds an additional fact that
      each shim function corresponds to a given spherical harmonic of the magnetic
      field. Significant improvements in the quality of field mapping and in the final
      shimming results are demonstrated through computer simulations as well as
      experiments, especially when the magnetic field homogeneity is poor.

PMID- 27131477
TI  - Squamous cell carcinoma arising on a forearm free flap 21 years after
      hemiglossectomy.
AB  - AIM: Free and pedicled flap are methods of choice for reconstruction of post
      surgical defects consequent to oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and missing
      intraoral mucosa is commonly reconstructed by the cutaneous component of the flap
      to guarantee an epithelial lining. Even if rare, cases of second tumors arising
      in the skin flap have been described. We present our experience reporting a
      clinical case. CASE REPORT: A squamous cell carcinoma arose on a forearm free
      flap 21 years after hemiglossectomy in a 72 years old woman. No smoking or
      alcohol habits were referred, and it was decided to perform surgical resection of
      the flap. RESULTS: Resection in free margins of a moderate differentiated (G2)
      SCC staged as pT2 was achieved and reconstruction with anterolateral thigh free
      flap was performed. DISCUSSION: Even if rare, secondary tumors arising in the
      skin flap in case of oral cavity defects reconstruction are described. It is
      important to recognize them early in order to perform surgical resection.
      CONCLUSION: We think that it is fundamental to perform a prolonged follow-up of
      skin flap if a white patch or erythema raising clinical suspicion are present.
      Incisional biopsy has to be performed in order to identify those lesions
      potentially inclined to a malignant transformation, such as p53 expression and
      Ki67 index. KEY WORDS: Free flap, Oral cancer, Squamous cell carcinoma.

PMID- 27131478
TI  - Autoimmune disease: Conceptual history and contributions of ocular immunology.
AB  - Medical historians identify the mid-20th century as the time when the scientific
      and medical communities acknowledged the existence of autoimmune disease. Several
      conditions including sympathetic ophthalmia and endophthalmitis
      phacoanaphylactica, however, were proposed as autoimmune disorders much earlier.
      During the first half of the century, autoimmune disease was viewed as
      biologically implausible. Paul Ehrlich coined the term horror autotoxicus to
      emphasize that autoimmunity would contradict nature's aversion to self-injury.
      The discoveries of allergy and anaphylaxis were the first clues that the immune
      system was capable of self-harm. A major obstacle to comprehending the
      pathogenesis of autoimmunity was how the immune system distinguishes foreign from
      self, a process eventually understood in the context of immune tolerance.
      Investigators of sympathetic ophthalmia and endophthalmitis phacoanaphylactica
      were positioned to invalidate horror autotoxicus but lacked sufficiently
      convincing experimental and clinical evidence to accomplish the task. Seminal
      studies of chronic thyroiditis and a series of clinical laboratory breakthroughs
      led to the general acceptance of autoimmune disease in the 1950s. The travails
      encountered by ophthalmic investigators offer insights into the how medical ideas
      take shape. We review the contributions of ocular immunology to the conceptual
      development of autoimmune disease and explore the reasons why the concept caught
      on slowly.

PMID- 27131479
TI  - Drug policy and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa: Harm reduction,
      legal environment and public health.

PMID- 27131481
TI  - Successful network inference from time-series data using mutual information rate.
AB  - This work uses an information-based methodology to infer the connectivity of
      complex systems from observed time-series data. We first derive analytically an
      expression for the Mutual Information Rate (MIR), namely, the amount of
      information exchanged per unit of time, that can be used to estimate the MIR
      between two finite-length low-resolution noisy time-series, and then apply it
      after a proper normalization for the identification of the connectivity structure
      of small networks of interacting dynamical systems. In particular, we show that
      our methodology successfully infers the connectivity for heterogeneous networks,
      different time-series lengths or coupling strengths, and even in the presence of
      additive noise. Finally, we show that our methodology based on MIR successfully
      infers the connectivity of networks composed of nodes with different time-scale
      dynamics, where inference based on Mutual Information fails.

PMID- 27131480
TI  - Examining k-nearest neighbour networks: Superfamily phenomena and inversion.
AB  - We examine the use of recurrence networks in studying non-linear deterministic
      dynamical systems. Specifically, we focus on the case of k-nearest neighbour
      networks, which have already been shown to contain meaningful (and more
      importantly, easily accessible) information about dynamics. Superfamily phenomena
      have previously been identified, although a complete explanation for its
      appearance was not provided. Local dimension of the attractor is presented as one
      possible determinant, discussing the ability of specific motifs to be embedded in
      various dimensions. In turn, the Lyapunov spectrum provides the link between
      attractor dimension and dynamics required. We also prove invertibility of k
      nearest neighbour networks. A new metric is provided, under which the k-nearest
      neighbour and epsilon-recurrence construction methods produce identical networks.
      Hence, the already established epsilon-recurrence inversion algorithm applies
      equally to the k-nearest neighbour case, and inversion is proved. The change in
      metric necessarily distorts the shape of the reconstructed attractor, although
      topology is conserved.

PMID- 27131482
TI  - Network-scale effect on synchronizability of fully coupled network with
      connection delay.
AB  - Network-scale effect on synchronizability of fully coupled network with
      connection delay is investigated in this paper. The master stability function,
      which governs the stability of synchronization manifold, is first obtained by
      separating the synchronization manifold direction from other transverse
      directions. Then, by introducing a new time variable in the master stability
      function, it is shown the effect of connection delay can be weakened with the
      increase of network scale, and thus, in contrast to the situation without
      connection delay, large network scale is more positive to the synchronizability
      of fully coupled network with connection delay. Those findings are confirmed by
      the studies on two specific networks with nodes of typical nonlinear dynamical
      systems.

PMID- 27131483
TI  - Noisy homoclinic pulse dynamics.
AB  - The effect of stochastic perturbations on nearly homoclinic pulse trains is
      considered for three model systems: a Duffing oscillator, the Lorenz-like Shimizu
      Morioka model, and a co-dimension-three normal form. Using the Duffing model as
      an example, it is demonstrated that the main effect of noise does not originate
      from the neighbourhood of the fixed point, as is commonly assumed, but due to the
      perturbation of the trajectory outside that region. Singular perturbation theory
      is used to quantify this noise effect and is applied to construct maps of pulse
      spacing for the Shimizu-Morioka and normal form models. The dynamics of these
      stochastic maps is then explored to examine how noise influences the sequence of
      bifurcations that take place adjacent to homoclinic connections in Lorenz-like
      and Shilnikov-type flows.

PMID- 27131484
TI  - Non-Gaussian and persistence measures for control loop quality assessment.
AB  - This paper presents review and comparison of alternative methodologies for
      control performance assessment. The approach uses nonlinear time series analysis,
      such as non-Gaussian statistics, fractal, crossover analysis, or entropy-based
      approaches. There is a presented practical rationale for the analysis. Evaluation
      is based on the real data gathered from industrial systems. Non-Gaussian analysis
      starts with statistical methods using different probabilistic distribution
      functions. As another potential measure, the Hurst exponent is calculated using
      different approaches. Finally, R/S plot analysis together with crossover point
      phenomenon discussion is presented. The paper ends with conclusions and
      presentation of open issues attractive for further development. 

PMID- 27131485
TI  - Chaos control of Hastings-Powell model by combining chaotic motions.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a Parameter Switching (PS) algorithm as a new chaos
      control method for the Hastings-Powell (HP) system. The PS algorithm is a
      convergent scheme that switches the control parameter within a set of values
      while the controlled system is numerically integrated. The attractor obtained
      with the PS algorithm matches the attractor obtained by integrating the system
      with the parameter replaced by the averaged value of the switched parameter
      values. The switching rule can be applied periodically or randomly over a set of
      given values. In this way, every stable cycle of the HP system can be
      approximated if its underlying parameter value equalizes the average value of the
      switching values. Moreover, the PS algorithm can be viewed as a generalization of
      Parrondo's game, which is applied for the first time to the HP system, by showing
      that losing strategy can win: "losing + losing = winning." If "loosing" is
      replaced with "chaos" and, "winning" with "order" (as the opposite to "chaos"),
      then by switching the parameter value in the HP system within two values, which
      generate chaotic motions, the PS algorithm can approximate a stable cycle so that
      symbolically one can write "chaos + chaos = regular." Also, by considering a
      different parameter control, new complex dynamics of the HP model are revealed. 

PMID- 27131486
TI  - Suppression of phase synchronisation in network based on cat's brain.
AB  - We have studied the effects of perturbations on the cat's cerebral cortex.
      According to the literature, this cortex structure can be described by a
      clustered network. This way, we construct a clustered network with the same
      number of areas as in the cat matrix, where each area is described as a sub
      network with a small-world property. We focus on the suppression of neuronal
      phase synchronisation considering different kinds of perturbations. Among the
      various controlling interventions, we choose three methods: delayed feedback
      control, external time-periodic driving, and activation of selected neurons. We
      simulate these interventions to provide a procedure to suppress undesired and
      pathological abnormal rhythms that can be associated with many forms of
      synchronisation. In our simulations, we have verified that the efficiency of
      synchronisation suppression by delayed feedback control is higher than external
      time-periodic driving and activation of selected neurons of the cat's cerebral
      cortex with the same coupling strengths.

PMID- 27131487
TI  - Decomposition and tunability of expression noise in the presence of coupled
      feedbacks.
AB  - Expression noise results in cell-to-cell variability in expression levels, and
      feedback regulation may complicate the tracing of sources of this noise. Using a
      representative model of gene expression with feedbacks, we analytically show that
      the expression noise (or the total noise) is decomposed into three parts:
      feedback-dependent promoter noise determined by a continuous approximation, birth
      death noise determined by a simple Poisson process, and correlation noise induced
      by feedbacks. We clarify confused relationships between feedback and noise in
      previous studies, by showing that feedback-regulated noisy sources have different
      contributions to the total noise in different cases of promoter switching (it is
      an essential reason resulting in confusions). More importantly, we find that
      there is a tradeoff between response time and expression noise. In addition, we
      show that in contrast to single feedbacks, coupled positive and negative
      feedbacks can perform better in tuning expression noise, controlling expression
      levels, and maintaining response time. The overall analysis implies that living
      organisms would utilize coupled positive and negative feedbacks for better
      survival in complex and fluctuating environments.

PMID- 27131488
TI  - On effective temperature in network models of collective behavior.
AB  - Collective behavior of self-propelled units is studied analytically within the
      Vectorial Network Model (VNM), a mean-field approximation of the well-known
      Vicsek model. We propose a dynamical systems framework to study the stochastic
      dynamics of the VNM in the presence of general additive noise. We establish that
      a single parameter, which is a linear function of the circular mean of the noise,
      controls the macroscopic phase of the system-ordered or disordered. By
      establishing a fluctuation-dissipation relation, we posit that this parameter can
      be regarded as an effective temperature of collective behavior. The exact
      critical temperature is obtained analytically for systems with small
      connectivity, equivalent to low-density ensembles of self-propelled units.
      Numerical simulations are conducted to demonstrate the applicability of this new
      notion of effective temperature to the Vicsek model. The identification of an
      effective temperature of collective behavior is an important step toward
      understanding order-disorder phase transitions, informing consistent coarse
      graining techniques and explaining the physics underlying the emergence of
      collective phenomena.

PMID- 27131489
TI  - Epidemic spreading with activity-driven awareness diffusion on multiplex network.
AB  - There has been growing interest in exploring the interplay between epidemic
      spreading with human response, since it is natural for people to take various
      measures when they become aware of epidemics. As a proper way to describe the
      multiple connections among people in reality, multiplex network, a set of nodes
      interacting through multiple sets of edges, has attracted much attention. In this
      paper, to explore the coupled dynamical processes, a multiplex network with two
      layers is built. Specifically, the information spreading layer is a time varying
      network generated by the activity driven model, while the contagion layer is a
      static network. We extend the microscopic Markov chain approach to derive the
      epidemic threshold of the model. Compared with extensive Monte Carlo simulations,
      the method shows high accuracy for the prediction of the epidemic threshold.
      Besides, taking different spreading models of awareness into consideration, we
      explored the interplay between epidemic spreading with awareness spreading. The
      results show that the awareness spreading can not only enhance the epidemic
      threshold but also reduce the prevalence of epidemics. When the spreading of
      awareness is defined as susceptible-infected-susceptible model, there exists a
      critical value where the dynamical process on the awareness layer can control the
      onset of epidemics; while if it is a threshold model, the epidemic threshold
      emerges an abrupt transition with the local awareness ratio alpha approximating
      0.5. Moreover, we also find that temporal changes in the topology hinder the
      spread of awareness which directly affect the epidemic threshold, especially when
      the awareness layer is threshold model. Given that the threshold model is a
      widely used model for social contagion, this is an important and meaningful
      result. Our results could also lead to interesting future research about the
      different time-scales of structural changes in multiplex networks.

PMID- 27131462
TI  - Glycemic Control and Urinary Tract Infections in Women with Type 1 Diabetes:
      Results from the DCCT/EDIC.
AB  - PURPOSE: We examined the relationship between glycemic control and urinary tract
      infections in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women
      enrolled in the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study,
      the observational followup of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, were
      surveyed to assess the rate of physician diagnosed urinary tract infections in
      the preceding 12 months. The relationship between glycated hemoglobin levels and
      number of urinary tract infections in the previous 12 months was assessed using a
      multivariable Poisson regression model. RESULTS: A total of 572 women were
      evaluated at year 17. Mean age was 50.7 +/- 7.2 years, mean body mass index was
      28.6 +/- 5.9 kg/m(2), mean type 1 diabetes duration was 29.8 +/- 5.0 years and
      mean glycated hemoglobin was 8.0% +/- 0.9%. Of these women 86 (15.0%) reported at
      least 1 physician diagnosed urinary tract infection during the last 12 months.
      Higher glycated hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with number of
      urinary tract infections such that for every unit increase (1%) in recent
      glycated hemoglobin level, there was a 21% (p=0.02) increase in urinary tract
      infection frequency in the previous 12 months after adjusting for race,
      hysterectomy status, urinary incontinence, sexual activity in the last 12 months,
      peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, and nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency
      of urinary tract infections increases with poor glycemic control in women with
      type 1 diabetes. This relationship is independent of other well described
      predictors of urinary tract infections and suggests that factors directly related
      to glycemic control may influence the risk of lower urinary tract infections.

PMID- 27131490
TI  - Multistability in Chua's circuit with two stable node-foci.
AB  - Only using one-stage op-amp based negative impedance converter realization, a
      simplified Chua's diode with positive outer segment slope is introduced, based on
      which an improved Chua's circuit realization with more simpler circuit structure
      is designed. The improved Chua's circuit has identical mathematical model but
      completely different nonlinearity to the classical Chua's circuit, from which
      multiple attractors including coexisting point attractors, limit cycle, double
      scroll chaotic attractor, or coexisting chaotic spiral attractors are numerically
      simulated and experimentally captured. Furthermore, with dimensionless Chua's
      equations, the dynamical properties of the Chua's system are studied including
      equilibrium and stability, phase portrait, bifurcation diagram, Lyapunov exponent
      spectrum, and attraction basin. The results indicate that the system has two
      symmetric stable nonzero node-foci in global adjusting parameter regions and
      exhibits the unusual and striking dynamical behavior of multiple attractors with
      multistability.

PMID- 27131491
TI  - Experimental demonstration of revival of oscillations from death in coupled
      nonlinear oscillators.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate that a processing delay, a finite response time, in
      the coupling can revoke the stability of the stable steady states, thereby
      facilitating the revival of oscillations in the same parameter space where the
      coupled oscillators suffered the quenching of oscillation. This phenomenon of
      reviving of oscillations is demonstrated using two different prototype electronic
      circuits. Further, the analytical critical curves corroborate that the spread of
      the parameter space with stable steady state is diminished continuously by
      increasing the processing delay. Finally, the death state is completely wiped off
      above a threshold value by switching the stability of the stable steady state to
      retrieve sustained oscillations in the same parameter space. The underlying
      dynamical mechanism responsible for the decrease in the spread of the stable
      steady states and the eventual reviving of oscillation as a function of the
      processing delay is explained using analytical results.

PMID- 27131492
TI  - Synchronization criteria for generalized reaction-diffusion neural networks via
      periodically intermittent control.
AB  - In this paper, the synchronization problem for a class of generalized neural
      networks with time-varying delays and reaction-diffusion terms is investigated
      concerning Neumann boundary conditions in terms of p-norm. The proposed
      generalized neural networks model includes reaction-diffusion local field neural
      networks and reaction-diffusion static neural networks as its special cases. By
      establishing a new inequality, some simple and useful conditions are obtained
      analytically to guarantee the global exponential synchronization of the addressed
      neural networks under the periodically intermittent control. According to the
      theoretical results, the influences of diffusion coefficients, diffusion space,
      and control rate on synchronization are analyzed. Finally, the feasibility and
      effectiveness of the proposed methods are shown by simulation examples, and by
      choosing different diffusion coefficients, diffusion spaces, and control rates,
      different controlled synchronization states can be obtained.

PMID- 27131493
TI  - Noisy coupled logistic maps in the vicinity of chaos threshold.
AB  - We focus on a linear chain of N first-neighbor-coupled logistic maps in the
      vicinity of their edge of chaos in the presence of a common noise. This model,
      characterised by the coupling strength epsilon and the noise width sigmamax, was
      recently introduced by Pluchino et al. [Phys. Rev. E 87, 022910 (2013)]. They
      detected, for the time averaged returns with characteristic return time tau,
      possible connections with q-Gaussians, the distributions which optimise, under
      appropriate constraints, the nonadditive entropy, Sq, basis of nonextensive
      statistics mechanics. Here, we take a closer look on this model, and numerically
      obtain probability distributions which exhibit a slight asymmetry for some
      parameter values, in variance with simple q-Gaussians. Nevertheless, along many
      decades, the fitting with q-Gaussians turns out to be numerically very
      satisfactory for wide regions of the parameter values, and we illustrate how the
      index q evolves with (N,tau,epsilon,sigmamax). It is nevertheless instructive on
      how careful one must be in such numerical analysis. The overall work shows that
      physical and/or biological systems that are correctly mimicked by this model are
      thermostatistically related to nonextensive statistical mechanics when time
      averaged relevant quantities are studied.

PMID- 27131494
TI  - Development of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to address
      the increased utilization of umbilical cord in the assessment of in utero drug
      exposure.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The method described supports the detection of drugs and drug
      metabolites in the assessment of in utero drug exposure. The presented method
      employs liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) as an
      alternative to a previously validated method using liquid chromatography-time-of
      flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF/MS). A reduction in required chromatographic
      time and consolidation from two injections to one injection per sample was
      desired to reduce turnaround time while maintaining the high specificity
      required. DESIGN AND METHODS: Homogenized and extracted umbilical cord samples
      were analyzed using LC-TOF/MS and LC-MS/MS. The LC-MS/MS chromatographic method
      used a 3.5min gradient with an injection-to-injection time of 5min. Dynamic
      multiple reaction monitoring was utilized. RESULTS: A 55% reduction in total
      analytical time was achieved by incorporating positive and negative mode
      acquisition in a single injection with the LC-MS/MS (5min cycle time) compared to
      the LC-TOF/MS method that required two total injections (one for positive mode,
      one for negative mode) and a combined ~11.5min cycle time. 514 patient samples
      were analyzed by both methods over 20 days. Of the 260 LC-TOF/MS negative
      samples, 259 were LC-MS/MS negative. Inter-assay imprecision conducted over
      20days using the 50% and 150% QC samples yielded $_amp_$gt;97% qualitative
      acceptance and an average percent deviation from the target of 12% and 21%,
      respectively, using a single point calibration strategy. CONCLUSIONS: In
      comparison to the existing LC-TOF/MS method, the LC-MS/MS method delivered the
      required specificity in a single injection with a 55% reduction in instrument
      time. Use of a single-point calibration standard and eight representative
      internal standards provided adequate accuracy for the quantitative assessment of
      quality control results with qualitative reporting of patient results.

PMID- 27131495
TI  - LC-MS/MS analysis of steroids in the clinical laboratory.
AB  - Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a powerful tool that
      is changing the way we analyse steroids in the clinical laboratory. It is already
      opening up the field of steroid analysis in endocrinology and is providing new
      applications for individual steroids and panels of steroids in different clinical
      conditions. LC-MS/MS is now well-accepted technology and is increasingly being
      used to replace problematic immunoassay methods because of greater sensitivity
      and specificity. Improved sample preparation, modern chromatography methods, and
      sensitive, faster scanning mass spectrometers have all played a role in improving
      LC-MS/MS. LC-MS/MS is also playing a key role in improving the quality of assays
      through the development of reference measurement procedures, characterisation of
      reference materials and multi-site calibration programmes. There is increasing
      interest in multiplexing steroid assays into panels of diagnostic tests to aid
      and improve the diagnosis and monitoring of disease. 

PMID- 27131496
TI  - Oral microbial biofilm models and their application to the testing of
      anticariogenic agents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This review paper evaluates the use of in vitro biofilm models for
      the testing of anticariogenic agents. DATA: Caries is a biofilm-mediated oral
      disease and in vitro biofilm models have been widely utilised to assess how
      anticariogenic or antimicrobial agents affect the de/remineralisation process of
      caries. The use of enamel or dentine substrata has enabled the assessment of the
      relationship between bacterial activity and caries lesion initiation and
      progression and how this relationship could be affected by the agent under study.
      SOURCES: Only papers published in the English literature were reviewed. STUDY
      SELECTION: Both 'open' and 'closed' biofilm systems utilising either single or
      multiple-species as defined or undefined inocula are analysed. CONCLUSIONS: There
      is a wide variety of in vitro biofilm models used in the assessment of
      anticariogenic agents. A reproducible model that mimics the shear forces present
      in the oral environment, and uses a defined multiple-species inocula on tooth
      substrates can provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of these agents.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Biofilm models are important tools for the testing of the
      mechanism of action and efficacy of novel anticariogenic agents. Results from
      these experiments help facilitate the design of randomised, controlled clinical
      trials for testing of efficacy of the agents to provide essential scientific
      evidence for their clinical use.

PMID- 27131497
TI  - Virological Characteristics of the 2014/2015 Influenza Season Based on Molecular
      Analysis of Biological Material Derived from I-MOVE Study.
AB  - The main goal of the international study I-MOVE (Influenza Monitoring of Vaccine
      Effectiveness) implemented in Poland is to identify and evaluate the activity
      types of influenza virus and to determine the effectiveness of vaccination
      against influenza in the 2014-2015 influenza season. The study is based on
      selecting patients with flu symptoms and collecting biological samples for
      laboratory examination. Detection, typing, and subtyping of influenza viruses
      were carried out by the National Center for Influenza Virus Research at National
      Institute of Public Health - National Institute of Hygiene, serving as a
      reference center, and also in selected laboratories of the Regional Sanitary
      Epidemiological Stations. Molecular biology methods, such as reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), were applied in this study. A
      total of 218 samples were collected. A hundred and twenty six samples,
      representing 57.8 % of the total, were confirmed with influenza virus infection.
      Influenza type A virus was detected in 54 samples, which included 16 samples of
      A/H1N1/pdm09 subtype and 11 samples of A/H3N2/ subtype. The remaining 27 samples
      positive for influenza type A were not subtyped. Influenza type B virus was
      detected in 57 samples, which appeared to be the dominant strain in this study.
      Furthermore, several cases of concurrent infection with influenza type B virus
      and the A/H1N/pdm09 or A/H3N2/ subtype were observed.

PMID- 27131499
TI  - The PlA2 variant of the platelet glycoprotein IIIa as a genetic risk factor for
      IVF implantation failure: accumulating evidence.

PMID- 27131498
TI  - Olfaction in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.
AB  - Olfactory dysfunction is a frequent complaint in chronic rhinosinusitis patients
      and has a significant impact on quality of life. Therefore, it is essential that
      clinicians are aware of the importance of olfactory dysfunction in chronic
      rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients and know how to deal with it. Notably, the
      evaluation of olfactory function (i.e., using psychophysical testing) and imagery
      of olfactory bulb play an important role in the evaluation of patients and give
      essential information about the "baseline" olfactory function. Because the high
      impact of olfactory function on quality of life and medical and/or surgical
      treatment should be proposed to patients. However, it remains difficult to
      predict the outcome of treatment as well as long-term efficacy. The first section
      of this review is dedicated to the assessment of olfactory function. Secondly, we
      will discuss the etiopathology of olfactory dysfunction in CRS with and without
      nasal polyps. Finally, we will review literature findings about the efficacy of
      different treatments on olfactory function. 

PMID- 27131500
TI  - Biochemical characterization of a thermostable HNH endonuclease from deep-sea
      thermophilic bacteriophage GVE2.
AB  - His-Asn-His (HNH) proteins are a very common family of small nucleic acid-binding
      proteins that are generally associated with endonuclease activity and are found
      in all kingdoms of life. Although HNH endonucleases from mesophiles have been
      widely investigated, the biochemical functions of HNH endonucleases from
      thermophilic bacteriophages remain unknown. Here, we characterized the
      biochemical properties of a thermostable HNH endonuclease from deep-sea
      thermophilic bacteriophage GVE2. The recombinant GVE2 HNH endonuclease exhibited
      non-specific cleavage activity at high temperature. The optimal temperature of
      the GVE2 HNH endonuclease for cleaving DNA was 60-65  degrees C, and the enzyme
      retained its DNA cleavage activity even after heating at 100  degrees C for 30
      min, suggesting the enzyme is a thermostable endonuclease. The GVE2 HNH
      endonuclease cleaved DNA over a wide pH spectrum, ranging from 5.5 to 9.0, and
      the optimal pH for the enzyme activity was 8.0-9.0. Furthermore, the GVE2 HNH
      endonuclease activity was dependent on a divalent metal ion. While the enzyme is
      inactive in the presence of Cu(2+), the GVE2 HNH endonuclease displayed cleavage
      activity of varied efficiency with Mn(2+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+),
      Zn(2+), and Ni(2+). The GVE2 HNH endonuclease activity was inhibited by NaCl.
      This study provides the basis for determining the role of this endonuclease in
      life cycle of the bacteriophage GVE2 and suggests the potential application of
      the enzyme in molecular biology and biotechnology. 

PMID- 27131501
TI  - Terahertz spectroscopy for bacterial detection: opportunities and challenges.
AB  - The demand for advanced bacterial detection tools is continuously increasing,
      promoted by its significant benefits in various applications. For instance, in
      the medical field, these tools would facilitate decision making about more
      tailored therapies once the infection source has been identified. In the past few
      years, terahertz (THz = 10(12) Hz) spectroscopy has also shown potential as a
      novel bacterial detection modality due to its unique advantages. Impressive
      breakthroughs have been achieved in this field related to bacterial component
      characterization, spore identification, and cell detection. However, some
      intrinsic limitations and technical bottlenecks have led to some debates about
      the practicability of its clinical adoption. In this review, we summarize the
      progress achieved in this field and discuss some challenges and strategies for
      future implementation of practical applications. 

PMID- 27131502
TI  - Lignification: Flexibility, Biosynthesis and Regulation.
AB  - Lignin is a complex phenolic polymer that is deposited in the secondary cell wall
      of all vascular plants. The evolution of lignin is considered to be a critical
      event during vascular plant development, because lignin provides mechanical
      strength, rigidity, and hydrophobicity to secondary cell walls to allow plants to
      grow tall and transport water and nutrients over a long distance. In recent
      years, great research efforts have been made to genetically alter lignin
      biosynthesis to improve biomass degradability for the production of second
      generation biofuels. This global focus on lignin research has significantly
      advanced our understanding of the lignification process. Based on these advances,
      here I provide an overview of lignin composition, the biosynthesis pathway and
      its regulation.

PMID- 27131503
TI  - Factors contributing to depressive mood states in everyday life: A systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although accumulated evidence suggests that fluctuations in depressed
      mood are common among individuals with depression, and may be associated with
      onset, duration, and severity of illness, a systematic appraisal of putative
      predictors of depressed mood is lacking. METHODS: A systematic search for
      relevant studies in the literature was conducted using PsycInfo and PubMed
      databases via EbscoHost in February 2016. The search was limited to articles
      using the experience sampling method, an approach suitable for capturing in situ
      fluctuations in mood states. RESULTS: Forty-two studies met inclusion criteria
      for the review, from which three key risk factors (poor sleep, stress, and
      significant life events) and two protective factors (physical activity and
      quality of social interactions) were identified. The majority of papers supported
      concurrent and lagged associations between these putative protective/risk factors
      and depressed mood. LIMITATIONS: Despite support for each of the proposed
      protective/risk factors, few studies evaluated multiple factors in the same
      study. Moreover, the time course for the effects of these predictors on depressed
      mood remains largely unknown. CONCLUSIONS: The present review identified several
      putative risk and protective factors for depressed mood. A review of the
      literature suggests that poor sleep, negative social interactions, and stressful
      negative events may temporally precede spikes in depressed mood. In contrast,
      exercise and positive social interactions have been shown to predict subsequent
      declines in depressed mood. However, the lack of multivariate models in which the
      unique contributions of various predictors could be evaluated means that the
      current state of knowledge prevents firm conclusions about which factors are most
      predictive of depressed mood. More complex modeling of these effects is necessary
      in order to provide insights useful for clinical treatment in daily life of the
      depressed mood component of depressive disorders.

PMID- 27131505
TI  - Perinatal anxiety disorder prevalence and incidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anxiety and related disorders (AD) disproportionately affect women,
      and are the most prevalent of all mental health conditions. The current research
      represents the first study of maternal postpartum AD prevalence in which all of
      the AD are assessed, and one of few studies of this type in which maternal
      prenatal AD incidence is assessed. METHODS: A Canadian sample of pregnant women
      (N=310) was recruited from a defined geographical area between November 2007 and
      November 2010. Participants were first administered postnatal mood and anxiety
      screening measures. Those who scored at or above cutoff on one or more of these
      measures were administered a diagnostic interview for depression and anxiety at
      approximately three months postpartum (n=115). Findings from the diagnostic
      interview were used to estimate the prevalence and incidence of mood and AD in
      pregnancy, as well as at and during the first three months postpartum. Period
      prevalence and incidence estimates were obtained retrospectively from interview
      data collected postnatally. RESULTS: The prevalence of AD during pregnancy and
      the early postpartum period (15.8% and 17.1% respectively) exceeded that of
      depression (3.9% and 4.8% respectively). The prevalence of OCD in our sample
      exceeded that of OCD among adults aged 18-64. Parity was unrelated to AD
      prevalence. Slightly less than 5% of participants were comorbid for both AD, and
      depression. LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by a relatively small sample size
      for a prevalence study, and non-random sample selection. As only women who scored
      above cutoff on one or more screening measures were interviewed, prevalence
      estimates are conservative. Finally, prenatal prevalence estimates are based on
      retrospective report provided postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides
      evidence that, as a group, anxiety and related conditions affect a significant
      proportion of postpartum women, and are more prevalent than is postpartum
      depression.

PMID- 27131504
TI  - Comorbid trajectories of postpartum depression and PTSD among mothers with
      childhood trauma history: Course, predictors, processes and child adjustment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both postpartum depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
      have been identified as unique risk factors for poor maternal psychopathology.
      Little is known, however, regarding the longitudinal processes of co-occurring
      depression and PTSD among mothers with childhood adversity. The present study
      addressed this research gap by examining co-occurring postpartum depression and
      PTSD trajectories among mothers with childhood trauma history. METHODS: 177
      mothers with childhood trauma history reported depression and PTSD symptoms at 4,
      6, 12, 15 and 18 months postpartum, as well as individual (shame, posttraumatic
      cognitions, dissociation) and contextual (social support, childhood and
      postpartum trauma experiences) factors. RESULTS: Growth mixture modeling (GMM)
      identified three comorbid change patterns: The Resilient group (64%) showed the
      lowest levels of depression and PTSD that remained stable over time; the
      Vulnerable group (23%) displayed moderately high levels of comorbid depression
      and PTSD; and the Chronic High-Risk group (14%) showed the highest level of
      comorbid depression and PTSD. Further, a path model revealed that postpartum
      dissociation, negative posttraumatic cognitions, shame, as well as social
      support, and childhood and postpartum trauma experiences differentiated
      membership in the Chronic High-Risk and Vulnerable. Finally, we found that
      children of mothers in the Vulnerable group were reported as having more
      externalizing and total problem behaviors. LIMITATIONS: Generalizability is
      limited, given this is a sample of mothers with childhood trauma history and
      demographic risk. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the strong comorbidity of
      postpartum depression and PTSD among mothers with childhood trauma history, and
      also emphasize its aversive impact on the offspring.

PMID- 27131507
TI  - How does fibrosis promote atrial fibrillation persistence: in silico findings,
      clinical observations, and experimental data.

PMID- 27131506
TI  - Heat shock factor-1 knockout enhances cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and
      multidrug transporter (MDR1) gene expressions to attenuate atherosclerosis.
AB  - AIMS: Stress response, in terms of activation of stress factors, is known to
      cause obesity and coronary heart disease such as atherosclerosis in human.
      However, the underlying mechanism(s) of these pathways are not known. Here, we
      investigated the effect of heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1) on atherosclerosis.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: HSF-1 and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) double
      knockout (HSF-1(-/-)/LDLr(-/-)) and LDLr knockout (LDLr(-/-)) mice were fed with
      atherogenic western diet (WD) for 12 weeks. WD-induced weight gain and
      atherosclerotic lesion in aortic arch and carotid regions were reduced in HSF-1(
      /-)/LDLr(-/-) mice, compared with LDLr(-/-) mice. Also, repression of PPAR-gamma2
      and AMPKalpha expression in adipose tissue, low hepatic steatosis, and lessened
      plasma adiponectins and lipoproteins were observed. In HSF-1(-/-)/LDLr(-/-)
      liver, higher cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and multidrug transporter
      [MDR1/P-glycoprotein (P-gp)] gene expressions were observed, consistent with
      higher bile acid transport and larger hepatic bile ducts. Luciferase reporter
      gene assays with wild-type CYP7A1 and MDR1 promoters showed lesser luminescence
      than with mutant promoters (HSF-1 binding site deleted), indicating that HSF-1
      binding is repressive of CYP7A1 and MDR1 gene expressions. CONCLUSION: HSF-1
      ablation not only eliminates heat shock response, but it also transcriptionally
      up-regulates CYP7A1 and MDR1/P-gp axis in WD-diet fed HSF-1(-/-)/LDLr(-/-) mice
      to reduce atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27131509
TI  - Resilience, post-traumatic stress, and posttraumatic growth: Veterans' and active
      duty military members' coping trajectories following traumatic event exposure.
AB  - As part of the "Joining Forces" Initiative ("JFI"), the White House and nursing
      leaders announced nurses' commitment to recognize symptoms, provide care, and
      refer veterans and active duty military members for post-traumatic stress
      disorder ("PTSD"). The JFI is positioned to save lives through nursing education
      and raising PTSD awareness. Nurses should also be educated to recognize
      resilience (stable trajectory of healthy functioning across time following a
      traumatic event) and assess for post-traumatic growth ("PTG") (positive meaning
      making) alongside PTSD. In veterans who do develop PTSD, nearly three fourths of
      them with moderate PTSD will also experience PTG. Nurses' frontline contact with
      veterans in the VA, private sector healthcare settings, and community enable them
      to educate veterans and active duty military members about these coping
      trajectories.

PMID- 27131508
TI  - Elevated local [Ca2+] and CaMKII promote spontaneous Ca2+ release in ankyrin-B
      deficient hearts.
AB  - AIMS: Loss-of-function mutations in the cytoskeletal protein ankyrin-B (AnkB)
      cause ventricular tachyarrhythmias in humans. Previously, we found that a larger
      fraction of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) leak occurs through Ca(2+)
      sparks in AnkB-deficient (AnkB(+/-)) mice, which may contribute to
      arrhythmogenicity via Ca(2+) waves. Here, we investigated the mechanisms
      responsible for increased Ca(2+) spark frequency in AnkB(+/-) hearts. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Using immunoblots and phospho-specific antibodies, we found that
      phosphorylation of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) by CaMKII is enhanced in AnkB(+/-)
      hearts. In contrast, the PKA-mediated RyR phosphorylation was comparable in
      AnkB(+/-) and wild-type (WT) mice. CaMKII inhibition greatly reduced Ca(2+) spark
      frequency in myocytes from AnkB(+/-) mice but had little effect in the WT. Global
      activities of the major phosphatases PP1 and PP2A were similar in AnkB(+/-) and
      WT hearts, while CaMKII autophosphorylation, a marker of CaMKII activation, was
      increased in AnkB(+/-) hearts. Thus, CaMKII-dependent RyR hyperphosphorylation in
      AnkB(+/-) hearts is caused by augmented CaMKII activity. Intriguingly, CaMKII
      activation is limited to the sarcolemma-SR junctions since non-junctional CaMKII
      targets (phospholamban, HDAC4) are not hyperphosphorylated in AnkB(+/-) myocytes.
      This local CaMKII activation may be the consequence of elevated [Ca(2+)] in the
      junctional cleft caused by reduced Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange activity. Indeed, using
      the RyR-targeted Ca(2+) sensor GCaMP2.2-FBKP12.6, we found that local junctional
      [Ca(2+)] is significantly elevated in AnkB(+/-) myocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The
      increased incidence of pro-arrhythmogenic Ca(2+) sparks and waves in AnkB(+/-)
      hearts is due to enhanced CaMKII-mediated RyR phosphorylation, which is caused by
      higher junctional [Ca(2+)] and consequent local CaMKII activation.

PMID- 27131510
TI  - A next-generation proteome array for Schistosoma mansoni.
AB  - A proteome microarray consisting of 992 Schistosoma mansoni proteins was produced
      and screened with sera to determine antibody signatures indicative of the
      clinical stages of schistosomiasis and the identification of subunit vaccine
      candidates. Herein, we describe the methods used to derive the gene list for this
      array (representing approximately 10% of the predicted S. mansoni proteome). We
      also probed a pilot version of the microarray with sera from individuals either
      acutely or chronically infected with S. mansoni from endemic areas in Brazil and
      sera from individuals resident outside the endemic area (USA) to determine if the
      array is functional and informative.

PMID- 27131511
TI  - Impact of radiographic vertebral fractures on inpatient healthcare utilization in
      older women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vertebral fractures (VFx) are the most common osteoporotic fracture
      and are associated with higher risk of impaired function, additional fractures
      and death. The purpose of this analysis was to test the hypotheses that VFx are
      also associated with greater inpatient healthcare utilization. METHODS: We
      studied 4709 Caucasian women enrolled in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
      (SOF) and merged SOF cohort data with Medicare claims or Kaiser encounter data.
      To be included in this analysis, women had to be enrolled in Medicare Fee for
      Service or Kaiser as of 1/1/1991 and have radiographic information on VFx status
      at SOF Visit 3 (1991-92). VFx status was assessed using quantitative morphometry
      on lateral thoracic and lumbar spine radiographs. Prevalent VFx were defined as
      any height ratio>3 standard deviations below normal. Women were considered to
      have a clinical VFx if they reported a new diagnosis of VFx and a clinical
      radiographic report that confirmed that a VFx was present. Any hospitalization
      and the number of annualized days of hospitalization were identified through
      inpatient claims or encounter data. Specific hospitalizations for 5 major common
      reasons for hospitalizations were also examined. RESULTS: Over 5-years, 2632
      (55.9%) women were hospitalized. In multivariate adjusted models, women with a
      prevalent radiographic VFx were 21% (95% CI, 2-44%) more likely to be
      hospitalized for any reason. This association was independent of a number of risk
      factors including smoking. The annualized rate of inpatient day was, however,
      similar, 1.67 and 1.48 among women with and without a VFx, respectively, p=0.49.
      Women with an incident clinical VFx were more likely to be hospitalized including
      women without evidence of a prevalent radiographic VFx (odds ratio (OR)=5.33; 95%
      confidence interval (CI)=1.81-15.71) and women with a prevalent radiographic VFx
      (OR=2.13; 95% CI, 1.05-4.33). Women with a VFx were more likely to be
      hospitalized specifically for hip fracture or chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD) but not stroke, myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure.
      The association with COPD was attenuated to non-significance after adjusting for
      smoking. CONCLUSION: Our results extend the potential public health impact of
      radiographic and clinical VFx to include an increased risk of any
      hospitalization.

PMID- 27131512
TI  - Effect of metformin by employing 2-hour postload insulin for measuring insulin
      resistance in Taiwanese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Evidence on clinical effectiveness of metformin in ethnic
      Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remains scarce. Standard
      diagnostic approaches to identify insulin resistance (IR) cases in PCOS patients
      might be invasive, labor intensive, and stressful for patients (i.e., euglycemic
      clamp), or somewhat complicated for clinicians to calculate and monitor in
      routine practice [i.e., the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) and quantitative
      insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)]. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the clinical effects of metformin in Taiwanese women with PCOS and identify the
      feasible diagnostic measures of IR for Taiwanese women with PCOS. METHODS: A
      total of 114 women from a medical center in Taiwan were studied. All were aged
      between 18 years and 45 years, diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam
      criteria, and treated with metformin. Outcome end points were body mass index
      (BMI) and 2-hour postload glucose and insulin levels from a 75-g oral glucose
      tolerance test. RESULTS: BMI in overweight patients were significantly improved
      with metformin treatment duration (p < 0.001). The 2-hour insulin level
      statistically improved after treatment (before: 80.7 +/- 63.9 MUIU/mL vs. after:
      65.0 +/- 60.4 MUIU/mL; p = 0.009). The improved 2-hour insulin level was
      significantly greater in IR patients than in non-IR patients. Compared with the 2
      hour postload insulin level, the fasting insulin level provided 18.15%
      sensitivity and 94.12% specificity, the HOMA yielded 40% sensitivity and 70.58%
      specificity, and the QUICKI achieved 63.63% sensitivity and 11.76% specificity.
      CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes in Taiwanese PCOS women were improved with
      metformin treatment, especially in overweight and IR patients. The 2-hour
      postload insulin level appears to be a convenient tool for screening IR in
      Taiwanese patients.

PMID- 27131513
TI  - Factors influencing internal color of cooked meats.
AB  - This manuscript overviews the pertinent research on internal color of uncured
      cooked meats, biochemical processes involved in meat cookery, and fundamental
      mechanisms governing myoglobin thermal stability. Heat-induced denaturation of
      myoglobin, responsible for the characteristic dull-brown color of cooked meats,
      is influenced by a multitude of endogenous (i.e., pH, muscle source, species,
      redox state) and exogenous (i.e., packaging, ingredients, storage) factors. The
      interactions between these factors critically influence the internal cooked color
      and can confuse the consumers, who often perceive cooked color to be a reliable
      indicator for doneness and safety. While certain phenomena in cooked meat color
      are cosmetic in nature, others can mislead consumers and result in foodborne
      illnesses. Research in meat color suggests that processing technologies and
      cooking practices in industry as well as households influence the internal cooked
      color. Additionally, the guidelines of many international public health and
      regulatory authorities recommend using meat thermometers to determine safe
      cooking endpoint temperature and to ensure product safety. 

PMID- 27131514
TI  - Rapid detection of infectious rotavirus group A using a molecular beacon assay.
AB  - Rapid, sensitive and specific methods are necessary to detect and quantify
      infectious viruses. Cultivating and detecting enteric viruses in cell culture are
      difficult, thus impairing the advancement of knowledge regarding virus-induced
      diarrhea. Rotavirus (RV) detection has been conducted by serological or molecular
      biology methods, which do not provide information regarding viral infectivity.
      Molecular beacons (MBs) have demonstrated efficacy for viral detection in cell
      culture. We propose a MB assay to detect human rotavirus group A (HuRVA) in cell
      culture. MA104 cells were mock-infected or infected with HuRVA strains
      (RotaTeq((r)) vaccine and K8 strains), and a specific MB for the HuRVA VP6 gene
      was used for virus detection. Mock-infected cells showed basal fluorescence,
      while infected cells exhibited increased fluorescence emission. MB hybridization
      to the viral mRNA target of HuRVA was confirmed. Fluorescence increased according
      to the increase in the number of infectious viral particles per cell (MOI 0.5-MOI
      1). This technique provides quick and efficient HuRVA detection in cell culture
      without a need for viral culture for several days or many times until cytopathic
      effects are visualized. This methodology could be applied in the selection of
      samples for developing RV vaccines.

PMID- 27131515
TI  - "Death at the wheel" due to tuberculosis of the myocardium: a case report.
AB  - According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 9 million people
      contracted tuberculosis (TB) with approximately 25% of TB cases being from
      Africa. TB was reported as the number one cause of natural death for the period
      2011-2013 in South Africa. The first reported case of myocardial TB was in 1664
      by Maurocordat and the first reported case of sudden cardiac death due to TB was
      made in 1977. We present a case report of myocardial TB in an apparently healthy,
      35-year-old male who died suddenly while driving his car. The problems associated
      with the diagnosis of TB of the myocardium and an overview of the relevant
      literature is provided. 

PMID- 27131516
TI  - Minimally invasive diagnosis of a pericardial mass by CT-guided fine-needle
      aspiration.
AB  - The preferred management of a cardiac mass remains controversial, but it often
      includes open-chest surgical excision to obtain an adequate tissue sample for
      histological workup. We herein report a less invasive approach in which an
      accurate and timely cytological diagnosis of pericardial angiosarcoma was reached
      by studying a CT-guided fine-needle aspiration cell block. The cell block showed
      proliferation of atypical cells with occasional mitotic figures, vasoformative
      features, and immunoreactivity to WT1, vimentin, CD31, CD34, ERG, and Ki67.
      Recourse to fine-needle aspiration and cell block study is a valuable diagnostic
      approach to be considered when a cardiac mass is percutaneously accessible. 

PMID- 27131517
TI  - Coronary artery bypass graft in a patient with Fabry's disease.
AB  - Fabry's disease is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by intracellular
      accumulation of ceramide trihexoside resulting from alpha-galactosidase A
      deficiency. While the heart is often involved, coronary artery disease and its
      management in Fabry's disease patients are extremely rare clinical entities. We
      report a case of a 72-year-old man with left main disease in Fabry's disease with
      special consideration of the arterial wall pathology. 

PMID- 27131518
TI  - Perspective: Polarizable continuum models for quantum-mechanical descriptions.
AB  - Polarizable continuum solvation models are nowadays the most popular approach to
      describe solvent effects in the context of quantum mechanical calculations.
      Unexpectedly, despite their widespread use in all branches of quantum chemistry
      and beyond, important aspects of both their theoretical formulation and numerical
      implementation are still not completely understood. In particular, in this
      perspective we focus on the numerical issues of their implementation when applied
      to large systems and on the theoretical framework needed to treat time dependent
      problems and excited states or to deal with electronic correlation. Possible
      extensions beyond a purely electrostatic model and generalizations to
      environments beyond common solvents are also critically presented and discussed.
      Finally, some possible new theoretical approaches and numerical strategies are
      suggested to overcome the obstacles which still prevent a full exploitation of
      these models. 

PMID- 27131519
TI  - Communication: Simple approach for calculating the binding free energy of a
      multivalent particle.
AB  - We present a simple yet accurate numerical approach to compute the free energy of
      binding of multivalent objects on a receptor-coated surface. The method correctly
      accounts for the fact that one ligand can bind to at most one receptor. The
      numerical approach is based on a saddle-point approximation to the computation of
      a complex residue. We compare our theory with the powerful Valence-Limited
      Interaction Theory (VLIT) [P. Varilly et al., J. Chem. Phys. 137, 094108 (2012);
      S. Angioletti-Uberti et al., ibid. 138, 021102 (2013)] and find excellent
      agreement in the regime where that theory is expected to work. However, the
      present approach even works for low receptor/ligand densities, where VLIT breaks
      down. 

PMID- 27131520
TI  - Communication: Electron ionization of DNA bases.
AB  - No reliable experimental data exist for the partial and total electron ionization
      cross sections for DNA bases, which are very crucial for modeling radiation
      damage in genetic material of living cell. We have measured a complete set of
      absolute partial electron ionization cross sections up to 500 eV for DNA bases
      for the first time by using the relative flow technique. These partial cross
      sections are summed to obtain total ion cross sections for all the four bases and
      are compared with the existing theoretical calculations and the only set of
      measured absolute cross sections. Our measurements clearly resolve the existing
      discrepancy between the theoretical and experimental results, thereby providing
      for the first time reliable numbers for partial and total ion cross sections for
      these molecules. The results on fragmentation analysis of adenine supports the
      theory of its formation in space. 

PMID- 27131521
TI  - Communication: Linking the dielectric Debye process in mono-alcohols to density
      fluctuations.
AB  - This work provides the first direct evidence that the puzzling dielectric Debye
      process observed in mono-alcohols is coupled to density fluctuations. The results
      open up for an explanation of the Debye process within the framework of
      conventional liquid-state theory. The spectral shape of the dynamical bulk
      modulus of the two studied mono-alcohols, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and 4-methyl-3
      heptanol, is nearly identical to that of their corresponding shear modulus, and
      thus the supramolecular structures believed to be responsible for the slow
      dielectric Debye process are manifested in the bulk modulus in the same way as in
      the shear modulus. 

PMID- 27131523
TI  - Communication: Three-fold covariance imaging of laser-induced Coulomb explosions.
AB  - We apply a three-fold covariance imaging method to analyse previously acquired
      data [C. S. Slater et al., Phys. Rev. A 89, 011401(R) (2014)] on the femtosecond
      laser-induced Coulomb explosion of spatially pre-aligned 3,5-dibromo-3',5'
      difluoro-4'-cyanobiphenyl molecules. The data were acquired using the "Pixel
      Imaging Mass Spectrometry" camera. We show how three-fold covariance imaging of
      ionic photofragment recoil trajectories can be used to provide new information
      about the parent ion's molecular structure prior to its Coulomb explosion. In
      particular, we show how the analysis may be used to obtain information about
      molecular conformation and provide an alternative route for enantiomer
      determination. 

PMID- 27131524
TI  - Communication: An adaptive configuration interaction approach for strongly
      correlated electrons with tunable accuracy.
AB  - We introduce a new procedure for iterative selection of determinant spaces
      capable of describing highly correlated systems. This adaptive configuration
      interaction (ACI) determines an optimal basis by an iterative procedure in which
      the determinant space is expanded and coarse grained until self-consistency. Two
      importance criteria control the selection process and tune the ACI to a user
      defined level of accuracy. The ACI is shown to yield potential energy curves of
      N2 with nearly constant errors, and it predicts singlet-triplet splittings of
      acenes up to decacene that are in good agreement with the density matrix
      renormalization group. 

PMID- 27131522
TI  - Communication: Free energy of ligand-receptor systems forming multimeric
      complexes.
AB  - Ligand-receptor interactions are ubiquitous in biology and have become popular in
      materials in view of their applications to programmable self-assembly. Although
      complex functionalities often emerge from the simultaneous interaction of more
      than just two linker molecules, state of the art theoretical frameworks enable
      the calculation of the free energy only in systems featuring one-to-one
      ligand/receptor binding. In this Communication, we derive a general formula to
      calculate the free energy of systems featuring simultaneous direct interaction
      between an arbitrary number of linkers. To exemplify the potential and generality
      of our approach, we apply it to the systems recently introduced by Parolini et
      al. [ACS Nano 10, 2392 (2016)] and Halverson and Tkachenko [J. Chem. Phys. 144,
      094903 (2016)], both featuring functionalized Brownian particles interacting via
      three-linker complexes. 

PMID- 27131525
TI  - Exploring the free energy surface using ab initio molecular dynamics.
AB  - Efficient exploration of configuration space and identification of metastable
      structures in condensed phase systems are challenging from both computational and
      algorithmic perspectives. In this regard, schemes that utilize a set of pre
      defined order parameters to sample the relevant parts of the configuration space
      [L. Maragliano and E. Vanden-Eijnden, Chem. Phys. Lett. 426, 168 (2006); J. B.
      Abrams and M. E. Tuckerman, J. Phys. Chem. B 112, 15742 (2008)] have proved
      useful. Here, we demonstrate how these order-parameter aided temperature
      accelerated sampling schemes can be used within the Born-Oppenheimer and the Car
      Parrinello frameworks of ab initio molecular dynamics to efficiently and
      systematically explore free energy surfaces, and search for metastable states and
      reaction pathways. We have used these methods to identify the metastable
      structures and reaction pathways in SiO2 and Ti. In addition, we have used the
      string method [W. E, W. Ren, and E. Vanden-Eijnden, Phys. Rev. B 66, 052301
      (2002); L. Maragliano et al., J. Chem. Phys. 125, 024106 (2006)] within the
      density functional theory to study the melting pathways in the high pressure
      cotunnite phase of SiO2 and the hexagonal closed packed to face centered cubic
      phase transition in Ti. 

PMID- 27131526
TI  - Vibrational spectroscopy via the Caldeira-Leggett model with anharmonic system
      potentials.
AB  - The Caldeira-Leggett (CL) model, which describes a system bi-linearly coupled to
      a harmonic bath, has enjoyed popularity in condensed phase spectroscopy owing to
      its utmost simplicity. However, the applicability of the model to cases with
      anharmonic system potentials, as it is required for the description of realistic
      systems in solution, is questionable due to the presence of the invertibility
      problem [F. Gottwald et al., J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 6, 2722 (2015)] unless the
      system itself resembles the CL model form. This might well be the case at
      surfaces or in the solid regime, which we here confirm for a particular example
      of an iodine molecule in the atomic argon environment under high pressure. For
      this purpose we extend the recently proposed Fourier method for parameterizing
      linear generalized Langevin dynamics [F. Gottwald et al., J. Chem. Phys. 142,
      244110 (2015)] to the non-linear case based on the CL model and perform an
      extensive error analysis. In order to judge on the applicability of this model in
      advance, we give practical empirical criteria and discuss the effect of the
      potential renormalization term. The obtained results provide evidence that the CL
      model can be used for describing a potentially broad class of systems. 

PMID- 27131527
TI  - Time-optimal excitation of maximum quantum coherence: Physical limits and pulse
      sequences.
AB  - Here we study the optimum efficiency of the excitation of maximum quantum (MaxQ)
      coherence using analytical and numerical methods based on optimal control theory.
      The theoretical limit of the achievable MaxQ amplitude and the minimum time to
      achieve this limit are explored for a set of model systems consisting of up to
      five coupled spins. In addition to arbitrary pulse shapes, two simple pulse
      sequence families of practical interest are considered in the optimizations.
      Compared to conventional approaches, substantial gains were found both in terms
      of the achieved MaxQ amplitude and in pulse sequence durations. For a model
      system, theoretically predicted gains of a factor of three compared to the
      conventional pulse sequence were experimentally demonstrated. Motivated by the
      numerical results, also two novel analytical transfer schemes were found:
      Compared to conventional approaches based on non-selective pulses and delays,
      double-quantum coherence in two-spin systems can be created twice as fast using
      isotropic mixing and hard spin-selective pulses. Also it is proved that in a
      chain of three weakly coupled spins with the same coupling constants, triple
      quantum coherence can be created in a time-optimal fashion using so-called
      geodesic pulses. 

PMID- 27131528
TI  - Dual chain perturbation theory: A new equation of state for polyatomic molecules.
AB  - In the development of equations of state for polyatomic molecules, thermodynamic
      perturbation theory (TPT) is widely used to calculate the change in free energy
      due to chain formation. TPT is a simplification of a more general and exact multi
      density cluster expansion for associating fluids. In TPT, all contributions to
      the cluster expansion which contain chain-chain interactions are neglected. That
      is, all inter-chain interactions are treated at the reference fluid level. This
      allows for the summation of the cluster theory in terms of reference system
      correlation functions only. The resulting theory has been shown to be accurate
      and has been widely employed as the basis of many engineering equations of state.
      While highly successful, TPT has many handicaps which result from the neglect of
      chain-chain contributions. The subject of this document is to move beyond the
      limitations of TPT and include chain-chain contributions to the equation of
      state. 

PMID- 27131529
TI  - Understanding the many-body expansion for large systems. II. Accuracy
      considerations.
AB  - To complement our study of the role of finite precision in electronic structure
      calculations based on a truncated many-body expansion (MBE, or "n-body
      expansion"), we examine the accuracy of such methods in the present work.
      Accuracy may be defined either with respect to a supersystem calculation computed
      at the same level of theory as the n-body calculations, or alternatively with
      respect to high-quality benchmarks. Both metrics are considered here. In
      applications to a sequence of water clusters, (H2O)N=6-55 described at the
      B3LYP/cc-pVDZ level, we obtain mean absolute errors (MAEs) per H2O monomer of
      ~1.0 kcal/mol for two-body expansions, where the benchmark is a B3LYP/cc-pVDZ
      calculation on the entire cluster. Three- and four-body expansions exhibit MAEs
      of 0.5 and 0.1 kcal/mol/monomer, respectively, without resort to charge
      embedding. A generalized many-body expansion truncated at two-body terms
      [GMBE(2)], using 3-4 H2O molecules per fragment, outperforms all of these methods
      and affords a MAE of ~0.02 kcal/mol/monomer, also without charge embedding.
      GMBE(2) requires significantly fewer (although somewhat larger) subsystem
      calculations as compared to MBE(4), reducing problems associated with floating
      point roundoff errors. When compared to high-quality benchmarks, we find that
      error cancellation often plays a critical role in the success of MBE(n)
      calculations, even at the four-body level, as basis-set superposition error can
      compensate for higher-order polarization interactions. A many-body counterpoise
      correction is introduced for the GMBE, and its two-body truncation [GMBCP(2)] is
      found to afford good results without error cancellation. Together with a method
      such as omegaB97X-V/aug-cc-pVTZ that can describe both covalent and non-covalent
      interactions, the GMBE(2)+GMBCP(2) approach provides an accurate, stable, and
      tractable approach for large systems. 

PMID- 27131530
TI  - Combining the GW formalism with the polarizable continuum model: A state-specific
      non-equilibrium approach.
AB  - We have implemented the polarizable continuum model within the framework of the
      many-body Green's function GW formalism for the calculation of electron addition
      and removal energies in solution. The present formalism includes both ground
      state and non-equilibrium polarization effects. In addition, the polarization
      energies are state-specific, allowing to obtain the bath-induced renormalisation
      energy of all occupied and virtual energy levels. Our implementation is validated
      by comparisons with DeltaSCF calculations performed at both the density
      functional theory and coupled-cluster single and double levels for solvated
      nucleobases. The present study opens the way to GW and Bethe-Salpeter
      calculations in disordered condensed phases of interest in organic
      optoelectronics, wet chemistry, and biology. 

PMID- 27131531
TI  - Hybrid finite element and Brownian dynamics method for charged particles.
AB  - Diffusion is often the rate-determining step in many biological processes.
      Currently, the two main computational methods for studying diffusion are
      stochastic methods, such as Brownian dynamics, and continuum methods, such as the
      finite element method. A previous study introduced a new hybrid diffusion method
      that couples the strengths of each of these two methods, but was limited by the
      lack of interactions among the particles; the force on each particle had to be
      from an external field. This study further develops the method to allow charged
      particles. The method is derived for a general multidimensional system and is
      presented using a basic test case for a one-dimensional linear system with one
      charged species and a radially symmetric system with three charged species. 

PMID- 27131532
TI  - Pseudospectral Gaussian quantum dynamics: Efficient sampling of potential energy
      surfaces.
AB  - Trajectory-based Gaussian basis sets have been tremendously successful in
      describing high-dimensional quantum molecular dynamics. In this paper, we
      introduce a pseudospectral Gaussian-based method that achieves accurate quantum
      dynamics using efficient, real-space sampling of the time-dependent basis set. As
      in other Gaussian basis methods, we begin with a basis set expansion using time
      dependent Gaussian basis functions guided by classical mechanics. Unlike other
      Gaussian methods but characteristic of the pseudospectral and collocation
      methods, the basis set is tested with N Dirac delta functions, where N is the
      number of basis functions, rather than using the basis function as test
      functions. As a result, the integration for matrix elements is reduced to
      function evaluation. Pseudospectral Gaussian dynamics only requires O(N)
      potential energy calculations, in contrast to O(N(2)) evaluations in a
      variational calculation. The classical trajectories allow small basis sets to
      sample high-dimensional potentials. Applications are made to diatomic
      oscillations in a Morse potential and a generalized version of the Henon-Heiles
      potential in two, four, and six dimensions. Comparisons are drawn to full
      analytical evaluation of potential energy integrals (variational) and the bra-ket
      averaged Taylor (BAT) expansion, an O(N) approximation used in Gaussian-based
      dynamics. In all cases, the pseudospectral Gaussian method is competitive with
      full variational calculations that require a global, analytical, and integrable
      potential energy surface. Additionally, the BAT breaks down when quantum
      mechanical coherence is particularly strong (i.e., barrier reflection in the
      Morse oscillator). The ability to obtain variational accuracy using only the
      potential energy at discrete points makes the pseudospectral Gaussian method a
      promising avenue for on-the-fly dynamics, where electronic structure calculations
      become computationally significant. 

PMID- 27131533
TI  - A universal preconditioner for simulating condensed phase materials.
AB  - We introduce a universal sparse preconditioner that accelerates geometry
      optimisation and saddle point search tasks that are common in the atomic scale
      simulation of materials. Our preconditioner is based on the neighbourhood
      structure and we demonstrate the gain in computational efficiency in a wide range
      of materials that include metals, insulators, and molecular solids. The simple
      structure of the preconditioner means that the gains can be realised in practice
      not only when using expensive electronic structure models but also for fast
      empirical potentials. Even for relatively small systems of a few hundred atoms,
      we observe speedups of a factor of two or more, and the gain grows with system
      size. An open source Python implementation within the Atomic Simulation
      Environment is available, offering interfaces to a wide range of atomistic codes.

PMID- 27131534
TI  - Weak intramolecular interaction effects on the torsional spectra of ethylene
      glycol, an astrophysical species.
AB  - An elaborate variational procedure of reduced dimensionality based on explicitly
      correlated coupled clusters calculations is applied to understand the far
      infrared spectrum of ethylene-glycol, an astrophysical species. This molecule can
      be classified in the double molecular symmetry group G8 and displays nine stable
      conformers, gauche and trans. In the gauche region, the effect of the potential
      energy surface anisotropy due to the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds
      is relevant. For the primary conformer, stabilized by a hydrogen bond, the ground
      vibrational state rotational constants are computed to be A0 = 15 369.57 MHz, B0
      = 5579.87 MHz, and C0 = 4610.02 MHz corresponding to differences of 6.3 MHz, 7.2
      MHz, and 3.5 MHz from the experimental parameters. Ethylene glycol displays very
      low torsional energy levels whose classification is not straightforward and
      requires a detailed analysis of the torsional wavefunctions. Tunneling splittings
      are significant and unpredictable due to the anisotropy of the potential energy
      surface PES. The ground vibrational state splits into 16 sublevels separated ~142
      cm(-1). The splitting of the "G1 sublevels" was calculated to be ~0.26 cm(-1) in
      very good agreement with the experimental data (0.2 cm(-1) = 6.95 MHz).
      Transitions corresponding to the three internal rotation modes allow assignment
      of previously observed Q branches. Band patterns, calculated between 362.3 cm(-1)
      and 375.2 cm(-1), 504 cm(-1) and 517 cm(-1), and 223.3 cm(-1) and 224.1 cm(-1),
      that correspond to the tunnelling components of the v21 fundamental (v21 = OH
      torsional mode), are assigned to the prominent experimental Q branches. 

PMID- 27131535
TI  - On the benefits of localized modes in anharmonic vibrational calculations for
      small molecules.
AB  - Anharmonic vibrational calculations can already be computationally demanding for
      relatively small molecules. The main bottlenecks lie in the construction of the
      potential energy surface and in the size of the excitation space in the
      vibrational configuration interaction (VCI) calculations. To address these
      challenges, we use localized-mode coordinates to construct potential energy
      surfaces and perform vibrational self-consistent field and L-VCI calculations [P.
      T. Panek and C. R. Jacob, ChemPhysChem 15, 3365 (2014)] for all vibrational modes
      of two prototypical test cases, the ethene and furan molecules. We find that the
      mutual coupling between modes is reduced when switching from normal-mode
      coordinates to localized-mode coordinates. When using such localized-mode
      coordinates, we observe a faster convergence of the n-mode expansion of the
      potential energy surface. This makes it possible to neglect higher-order
      contributions in the n-mode expansion of the potential energy surface or to
      approximate higher-order contributions in hybrid potential energy surfaces, which
      reduced the computational effort for the construction of the anharmonic potential
      energy surface significantly. Moreover, we find that when using localized-mode
      coordinates, the convergence with respect to the VCI excitation space proceeds
      more smoothly and that the error at low orders is reduced significantly. This
      makes it possible to devise low-cost models for obtaining a first approximation
      of anharmonic corrections. This demonstrates that the use of localized-mode
      coordinates can be beneficial already in anharmonic vibrational calculations of
      small molecules and provides a possible avenue for enabling such accurate
      calculations also for larger molecules. 

PMID- 27131536
TI  - Pyridine adsorption and diffusion on Pt(111) investigated with density functional
      theory.
AB  - The adsorption, diffusion, and dissociation of pyridine, C5H5N, on Pt(111) are
      investigated with van der Waals-corrected density functional theory. An elaborate
      search for local minima in the adsorption potential energy landscape reveals that
      the intact pyridine adsorbs with the aromatic ring parallel to the surface.
      Piecewise interconnections of the local minima in the energy landscape reveal
      that the most favourable diffusion path for pyridine has a barrier of 0.53 eV. In
      the preferred path, the pyridine remains parallel to the surface while performing
      small single rotational steps with a carbon-carbon double bond hinged above a
      single Pt atom. The origin of the diffusion pathway is discussed in terms of the
      C2-Pt pi-bond being stronger than the corresponding CN-Pt pi-bond. The energy
      barrier and reaction enthalpy for dehydrogenation of adsorbed pyridine into an
      adsorbed, upright bound alpha-pyridyl species are calculated to 0.71 eV and 0.18
      eV, respectively (both zero-point energy corrected). The calculations are used to
      rationalize previous experimental observations from the literature for pyridine
      on Pt(111). 

PMID- 27131537
TI  - Ionisation potential theorem in the presence of the electric field: Assessment of
      range-separated functional in the reproduction of orbital and excitation
      energies.
AB  - Recently, the range-separated density functionals have been reported to reproduce
      gas phase orbital and excitation energies with good accuracy. In this article, we
      have revisited the ionisation potential theorem in the presence of external
      electric field. Numerical results on six linear molecules are presented and the
      performance of the range-separated density functionals in reproducing highest
      occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energies, LUMO energies, HOMO-LUMO gaps in the
      presence of the external electric field is assessed. In addition, valence and
      Rydberg excitation energies in the presence of the external electric field are
      presented. It is found that the range-separated density functionals reproduce
      orbital and excitation energies accurately in the presence of the electric field.
      Moreover, we have performed fractional occupation calculation using cubic spline
      equation and tried to explain the performance of the functional. 

PMID- 27131538
TI  - Towards numerically robust multireference theories: The driven similarity
      renormalization group truncated to one- and two-body operators.
AB  - The first nonperturbative version of the multireference driven similarity
      renormalization group (MR-DSRG) theory [C. Li and F. A. Evangelista, J. Chem.
      Theory Comput. 11, 2097 (2015)] is introduced. The renormalization group
      structure of the MR-DSRG equations ensures numerical robustness and avoidance of
      the intruder-state problem, while the connected nature of the amplitude and
      energy equations guarantees size consistency and extensivity. We approximate the
      MR-DSRG equations by keeping only one- and two-body operators and using a
      linearized recursive commutator approximation of the Baker-Campbell-Hausdorff
      expansion [T. Yanai and G. K.-L. Chan, J. Chem. Phys. 124, 194106 (2006)]. The
      resulting linearized MR-DSRG scheme with one- and two-body operators [MR
      LDSRG(2)] contains only 39 terms and scales as O(N(2)NP (2)NH (2)) where NH, NP,
      and N correspond to the number of hole, particle, and total orbitals,
      respectively. Benchmark MR-LDSRG(2) computations on the hydrogen fluoride and
      molecular nitrogen binding curves and the singlet-triplet splitting of p-benzyne
      yield results comparable in accuracy to those from multireference configuration
      interaction, Mukherjee multireference coupled cluster theory, and internally
      contracted multireference coupled cluster theory. 

PMID- 27131540
TI  - Orbital spaces in the divide-expand-consolidate coupled cluster method.
AB  - The theoretical foundation for solving coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD)
      amplitude equations to a desired precision in terms of independent fragment
      calculations using restricted local orbital spaces is reinvestigated with focus
      on the individual error sources. Four different error sources are identified
      theoretically and numerically and it is demonstrated that, for practical
      purposes, local orbital spaces for CCSD calculations can be identified from
      calculations at the MP2 level. The development establishes a solid theoretical
      foundation for local CCSD calculations for the independent fragments, and thus
      for divide-expand-consolidate coupled cluster calculations for large molecular
      systems with rigorous error control. Based on this theoretical foundation, we
      have developed an algorithm for determining the orbital spaces needed for
      obtaining the single fragment energies to a requested precision and numerically
      demonstrated the robustness and precision of this algorithm. 

PMID- 27131539
TI  - VR-SCOSMO: A smooth conductor-like screening model with charge-dependent radii
      for modeling chemical reactions.
AB  - To better represent the solvation effects observed along reaction pathways, and
      of ionic species in general, a charge-dependent variable-radii smooth conductor
      like screening model (VR-SCOSMO) is developed. This model is implemented and
      parameterized with a third order density-functional tight binding quantum model,
      DFTB3/3OB-OPhyd, a quantum method which was developed for organic and biological
      compounds, utilizing a specific parameterization for phosphate hydrolysis
      reactions. Unlike most other applications with the DFTB3/3OB model, an auxiliary
      set of atomic multipoles is constructed from the underlying DFTB3 density matrix
      which is used to interact the solute with the solvent response surface. The
      resulting method is variational, produces smooth energies, and has analytic
      gradients. As a baseline, a conventional SCOSMO model with fixed radii is also
      parameterized. The SCOSMO and VR-SCOSMO models shown have comparable accuracy in
      reproducing neutral-molecule absolute solvation free energies; however, the VR
      SCOSMO model is shown to reduce the mean unsigned errors (MUEs) of ionic
      compounds by half (about 2-3 kcal/mol). The VR-SCOSMO model presents similar
      accuracy as a charge-dependent Poisson-Boltzmann model introduced by Hou et al.
      [J. Chem. Theory Comput. 6, 2303 (2010)]. VR-SCOSMO is then used to examine the
      hydrolysis of trimethylphosphate and seven other phosphoryl transesterification
      reactions with different leaving groups. Two-dimensional energy landscapes are
      constructed for these reactions and calculated barriers are compared to those
      obtained from ab initio polarizable continuum calculations and experiment.
      Results of the VR-SCOSMO model are in good agreement in both cases, capturing the
      rate-limiting reaction barrier and the nature of the transition state. 

PMID- 27131541
TI  - Self-interaction corrections applied to Mg-porphyrin, C60, and pentacene
      molecules.
AB  - We have applied a recently developed method to incorporate the self-interaction
      correction through Fermi orbitals to Mg-porphyrin, C60, and pentacene molecules.
      The Fermi-Lowdin orbitals are localized and unitarily invariant to the Kohn-Sham
      orbitals from which they are constructed. The self-interaction-corrected energy
      is obtained variationally leading to an optimum set of Fermi-Lowdin orbitals
      (orthonormalized Fermi orbitals) that gives the minimum energy. A Fermi orbital,
      by definition, is dependent on a certain point which is referred to as the
      descriptor position. The degree to which the initial choice of descriptor
      positions influences the variational approach to the minimum and the complexity
      of the energy landscape as a function of Fermi-orbital descriptors is examined in
      detail for Mg-porphyrin. The applications presented here also demonstrate that
      the method can be applied to larger molecular systems containing a few hundred
      electrons. The atomization energy of the C60 molecule within the Fermi-Lowdin
      orbital self-interaction-correction approach is significantly improved compared
      to local density approximation in the Perdew-Wang 92 functional and generalized
      gradient approximation of Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof functionals. The eigenvalues of
      the highest occupied molecular orbitals show qualitative improvement. 

PMID- 27131542
TI  - Hexagonal boron nitride and water interaction parameters.
AB  - The study of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) in microfluidic and nanofluidic
      applications at the atomic level requires accurate force field parameters to
      describe the water-hBN interaction. In this work, we begin with benchmark quality
      first principles quantum Monte Carlo calculations on the interaction energy
      between water and hBN, which are used to validate random phase approximation
      (RPA) calculations. We then proceed with RPA to derive force field parameters,
      which are used to simulate water contact angle on bulk hBN, attaining a value
      within the experimental uncertainties. This paper demonstrates that end-to-end
      multiscale modeling, starting at detailed many-body quantum mechanics and ending
      with macroscopic properties, with the approximations controlled along the way, is
      feasible for these systems. 

PMID- 27131543
TI  - A nanosecond pulsed laser heating system for studying liquid and supercooled
      liquid films in ultrahigh vacuum.
AB  - A pulsed laser heating system has been developed that enables investigations of
      the dynamics and kinetics of nanoscale liquid films and liquid/solid interfaces
      on the nanosecond time scale in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). Details of the design,
      implementation, and characterization of a nanosecond pulsed laser system for
      transiently heating nanoscale films are described. Nanosecond pulses from a
      Nd:YAG laser are used to rapidly heat thin films of adsorbed water or other
      volatile materials on a clean, well-characterized Pt(111) crystal in UHV. Heating
      rates of ~10(10) K/s for temperature increases of ~100-200 K are obtained.
      Subsequent rapid cooling (~5 * 10(9) K/s) quenches the film, permitting in-situ,
      post-heating analysis using a variety of surface science techniques. Lateral
      variations in the laser pulse energy are ~+/-2.7% leading to a temperature
      uncertainty of ~+/-4.4 K for a temperature jump of 200 K. Initial experiments
      with the apparatus demonstrate that crystalline ice films initially held at 90 K
      can be rapidly transformed into liquid water films with T > 273 K. No discernable
      recrystallization occurs during the rapid cooling back to cryogenic temperatures.
      In contrast, amorphous solid water films heated below the melting point rapidly
      crystallize. The nanosecond pulsed laser heating system can prepare nanoscale
      liquid and supercooled liquid films that persist for nanoseconds per heat pulse
      in an UHV environment, enabling experimental studies of a wide range of phenomena
      in liquids and at liquid/solid interfaces. 

PMID- 27131544
TI  - Two-center three-electron bonding in ClNH3 revealed via helium droplet infrared
      laser Stark spectroscopy: Entrance channel complex along the Cl + NH3 -> ClNH2 +
      H reaction.
AB  - Pyrolytic dissociation of Cl2 is employed to dope helium droplets with single Cl
      atoms. Sequential addition of NH3 to Cl-doped droplets leads to the formation of
      a complex residing in the entry valley to the substitution reaction Cl + NH3 ->
      ClNH2 + H. Infrared Stark spectroscopy in the NH stretching region reveals
      symmetric and antisymmetric vibrations of a C3v symmetric top. Frequency shifts
      from NH3 and dipole moment measurements are consistent with a ClNH3 complex
      containing a relatively strong two-center three-electron (2c-3e) bond. The nature
      of the 2c-3e bonding in ClNH3 is explored computationally and found to be
      consistent with the complexation-induced blue shifts observed experimentally.
      Computations of interconversion pathways reveal nearly barrierless routes to the
      formation of this complex, consistent with the absence in experimental spectra of
      two other complexes, NH3Cl and Cl-HNH2, which are predicted in the entry valley
      to the hydrogen abstraction reaction Cl + NH3 -> HCl + NH2. 

PMID- 27131545
TI  - Halogenation effects on electron collisions with CF3Cl, CF2Cl2, and CFCl3.
AB  - We report differential and integral elastic cross sections for low-energy
      electron collisions with CF3Cl, CF2Cl2, and CFCl3 molecules for energies ranging
      from 0.1 eV to 30 eV. The calculations were performed using the Schwinger
      multichannel method with pseudopotentials in the static-exchange and static
      exchange plus polarization approximations. The influence of the permanent
      electric dipole moment on the cross sections was included using the Born closure
      scheme. A very good agreement between our calculations and the experimental
      results of Jones [J. Chem. Phys. 84, 813 (1986)], Mann and Linder [J. Phys. B 25,
      1621 (1992); 25, 1633 (1992)] and Hoshino et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 138, 214305
      (2013)] was found. We also compare our results with the calculations of Beyer et
      al. [Chem. Phys. 255, 1 (2000)] using the R-matrix method, where we find good
      agreement with respect to the location of the resonances, and with the
      calculations of Hoshino et al. using the independent atom method with screening
      corrected additivity rule, where we find qualitative agreement at energies above
      20 eV. Additional electronic structure calculations were carried out in order to
      help in the interpretation of the scattering results. The stabilization the
      lowest sigma(*) resonance due to the exchange of fluorine by chlorine atoms
      (halogenation effect) follows a simple linear relation with the energy of the
      lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals and can be considered as a signature of the
      halogenation effect. 

PMID- 27131546
TI  - Mode specificity in the OH + CHD3 reaction: Reduced-dimensional quantum and quasi
      classical studies on an ab initio based full-dimensional potential energy
      surface.
AB  - An initial state selected time-dependent wave packet method is applied to study
      the dynamics of the OH + CHD3 reaction with a six-dimensional model on a newly
      developed full-dimensional ab initio potential energy surface (PES). This quantum
      dynamical (QD) study is complemented by full-dimensional quasi-classical
      trajectory (QCT) calculations on the same PES. The QD results indicate that both
      translational energy and the excitation of the CH stretching mode significantly
      promote the reaction while the excitation of the umbrella mode has a negligible
      effect on the reactivity. For this early barrier reaction, interestingly, the CH
      stretching mode is more effective than translational energy in promoting the
      reaction except at very low collision energies. These QD observations are
      supported by QCT results. The higher efficacy of the CH stretching model in
      promoting this early barrier reaction is inconsistent with the prediction of the
      naively extended Polanyi's rules, but can be rationalized by the recently
      proposed sudden vector projection model. 

PMID- 27131547
TI  - Nonadiabtic electron dynamics in densely quasidegenerate states in highly excited
      boron cluster.
AB  - Following the previous study on nonadiabatic reaction dynamics including boron
      clusters [T. Yonehara and K. Takatsuka, J. Chem. Phys. 137, 22A520 (2012)], we
      explore deep into highly excited electronic states of the singlet boron cluster
      (B12) to find the characteristic features of the densely quasi-degenerate
      electronic state manifold, which undergo very frequent nonadiabatic transitions
      and thereby intensive electronic state mixing among very many of the relevant
      states. So much so, isolating the individual adiabatic states and tracking the
      expected potential energy surfaces both lose the physical sense. This domain of
      molecular situation is far beyond the realm of the Born-Oppenheimer
      approximation. To survey such a violent electronic state-mixing, we apply a
      method of nonadiabatic electron wavepacket dynamics, the semiclassical Ehrenfest
      method. We have tracked those electron wavepackets and found the electronic state
      mixing looks like an ultrafast diffusion in the Hilbert space, which results in
      huge fluctuation. Furthermore, due to such a violent mixing, the quantum phases
      associated with the electronic states are swiftly randomized, and consequently
      the coherence among the electronic states are lost quickly. Besides, these highly
      excited states are mostly of highly poly-radical nature, even in the spin singlet
      manifold and the number of radicals amounts up to 10 electrons in the sense of
      unpaired electrons. Thus the electronic states are summarized to be poly-radical
      and decoherent with huge fluctuation in shorter time scales of vibrational
      motions. The present numerical study sets a theoretical foundation for unknown
      molecular properties and chemical reactivity of such densely quasi-degenerate
      chemical species. 

PMID- 27131548
TI  - Experimental and theoretical double differential cross sections for electron
      impact ionization of methane.
AB  - Experimental and theoretical double differential cross sections (DDCSs) for
      electron-induced ionization of methane (CH4) are here reported for primary
      energies ranging from 50 eV to 350 eV and ejection angles between 25 degrees  and
      130 degrees . Experimental DDCSs are compared with theoretical predictions
      performed within the first Born approximation Coulomb wave. In this model, the
      initial molecular state is described by using single center wave functions, the
      incident (scattered) electron being described by a plane wave, while a Coulomb
      wave function is used for modeling the secondary ejected electron. A fairly good
      agreement may be observed between theory and experiment with nevertheless an
      expected systematic overestimation of the theory at low-ejection energies (<50
      eV). 

PMID- 27131549
TI  - Schrodinger equation solved for the hydrogen molecule with unprecedented
      accuracy.
AB  - The hydrogen molecule can be used for determination of physical constants,
      including the proton charge radius, and for improved tests of the hypothetical
      long range force between hadrons, which require a sufficiently accurate knowledge
      of the molecular levels. In this work, we perform the first step toward a
      significant improvement in theoretical predictions of H2 and solve the
      nonrelativistic Schrodinger equation to the unprecedented accuracy of 10(-12). We
      hope that it will inspire a parallel progress in the spectroscopy of the
      molecular hydrogen. 

PMID- 27131550
TI  - Strong enhancement of cage effects in water photolysis caused by interatomic
      Coulombic decay.
AB  - The impact of the solvent on the photodissociation of embedded molecules has been
      intensively investigated in the last decades. Collisions of photofragments with
      the solvating atoms or molecules can change their kinetic energy distribution or
      even lead to the de-excitation of the dissociating molecule to a bound electronic
      state quenching the dissociation. In this article we show that this cage effect
      is strongly enhanced if interatomic Coulombic decay (ICD) of the excited state
      becomes allowed. Ab initio calculations in H2O-Cl(-) cluster show that the ultra
      fast dissociation of water in the A excited state is strongly quenched by ICD. We
      found that this very efficient quenching is due to two factors. First, the
      lifetimes of the A state due to ICD are short ranging between 6 and 30 fs.
      Second, nuclear dynamics is dominated by the chattering motion of the H atom
      between O and Cl(-) allowing ICD to act for longer times. We hope that this work
      will be an important first step in clarifying the impact of ICD on
      photodissociation of embedded molecules. 

PMID- 27131552
TI  - Nucleation and droplet growth from supersaturated vapor at temperatures below the
      triple point temperature.
AB  - In 1897 Ostwald formulated his step rule for formation of the most stable crystal
      state for a system with crystal polymorphism. The rule describes the irreversible
      way a system converts to the crystal with lowest free energy. But in fact the
      irreversible way a supercooled gas below the triple point temperature Ttr.p.
      crystallizes via a liquid droplet is an example of Ostwald's step rule. The
      homogeneous nucleation in the supersaturated gas is not to a crystal, but to a
      liquid-like critical nucleus. We have for the first time performed constant
      energy (NVE) Molecular Dynamics (MD) of homogeneous nucleation without the use of
      a thermostat. The simulations of homogeneous nucleation in a Lennard-Jones system
      from supersaturated vapor at temperatures below Ttr.p. reveal that the nucleation
      to a liquid-like critical nucleus is initiated by a small cold cluster [S.
      Toxvaerd, J. Chem. Phys. 143, 154705 (2015)]. The release of latent heat at the
      subsequent droplet growth increases the temperature in the liquid-like droplet,
      which for not deep supercooling and/or low supersaturation, can exceed Ttr.p..
      The temperature of the liquid-like droplet increases less for a low
      supersaturation and remains below Ttr.p., but without a crystallization of the
      droplet for long times. The dissipation of the latent heat into the surrounding
      gas is affected by a traditional MD thermostat, with the consequence that droplet
      growth is different for (NVE) MD and constant temperature (NVT) MD. 

PMID- 27131551
TI  - Water anomalous thermodynamics, attraction, repulsion, and hydrophobic hydration.
AB  - A model composed of van der Waals-like and hydrogen bonding contributions that
      simulates the low-temperature anomalous thermodynamics of pure water while
      exhibiting a second, liquid-liquid critical point [P. H. Poole et al., Phys. Rev.
      Lett. 73, 1632 (1994)] is extended to dilute solutions of nonionic species.
      Critical lines emanating from such second critical point are calculated. While
      one infers that the smallness of the water molecule may be a relevant factor for
      those critical lines to move towards experimentally accessible regions, attention
      is mainly focused on the picture our model draws for the hydration thermodynamics
      of purely hydrophobic and amphiphilic non-electrolyte solutes. We first focus on
      differentiating solvation at constant volume from the corresponding isobaric
      process. Both processes provide the same viewpoint for the low solubility of
      hydrophobic solutes: it originates from the combination of weak solute-solvent
      attractive interactions and the specific excluded-volume effects associated with
      the small molecular size of water. However, a sharp distinction is found when
      exploring the temperature dependence of hydration phenomena since, in contrast to
      the situation for the constant-V process, the properties of pure water play a
      crucial role at isobaric conditions. Specifically, the solubility minimum as well
      as enthalpy and entropy convergence phenomena, exclusively ascribed to isobaric
      solvation, are closely related to water's density maximum. Furthermore, the
      behavior of the partial molecular volume and the partial molecular isobaric heat
      capacity highlights the interplay between water anomalies, attraction, and
      repulsion. The overall picture presented here is supported by experimental
      observations, simulations, and previous theoretical results. 

PMID- 27131553
TI  - Study of clathrate hydrates via equilibrium molecular-dynamics simulation
      employing polarisable and non-polarisable, rigid and flexible water models.
AB  - Equilibrium molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations have been performed on metastable
      sI and sII polymorphs of empty hydrate lattices, in addition to liquid water and
      ice Ih. The non-polarisable TIP4P-2005, simple point charge model (SPC), and
      polarisable Thole-type models (TTM): TTM2, TTM3, and TTM4 water models were used
      in order to survey the differences between models and to see what differences can
      be expected when polarisability is incorporated. Rigid and flexible variants were
      used of each model to gauge the effects of flexibility. Power spectra are
      calculated and compared to density-of-states spectra inferred from inelastic
      neutron scattering (INS) measurements. Thermodynamic properties were also
      calculated, as well as molecular-dipole distributions. It was concluded that TTM
      models offer optimal fidelity vis-a-vis INS spectra, together with thermodynamic
      properties, with the flexible TTM2 model offering optimal placement of
      vibrational modes. 

PMID- 27131554
TI  - Flow-driven pattern formation in the calcium-oxalate system.
AB  - The precipitation reaction of calcium oxalate is studied experimentally in the
      presence of spatial gradients by controlled flow of calcium into oxalate
      solution. The density difference between the reactants leads to strong convection
      in the form of a gravity current that drives the spatiotemporal pattern
      formation. The phase diagram of the system is constructed, the evolving
      precipitate patterns are analyzed and quantitatively characterized by their
      diameters and the average height of the gravity flow. The compact structures of
      calcium oxalate monohydrate produced at low flow rates are replaced by the
      thermodynamically unstable calcium oxalate dihydrate favored in the presence of a
      strong gravity current. 

PMID- 27131555
TI  - Orientational relaxations in solid (1,1,2,2)tetrachloroethane.
AB  - We employ dielectric spectroscopy and molecular dynamic simulations to
      investigate the dipolar dynamics in the orientationally disordered solid phase of
      (1,1,2,2)tetrachloroethane. Three distinct orientational dynamics are observed as
      separate dielectric loss features, all characterized by a simply activated
      temperature dependence. The slower process, associated to a glassy transition at
      156 +/- 1 K, corresponds to a cooperative motion by which each molecule rotates
      by 180 degrees  around the molecular symmetry axis through an intermediate state
      in which the symmetry axis is oriented roughly orthogonally to the initial and
      final states. Of the other two dipolar relaxations, the intermediate one is the
      Johari-Goldstein precursor relaxation of the cooperative dynamics, while the
      fastest process corresponds to an orientational fluctuation of single molecules
      into a higher-energy orientation. The Kirkwood correlation factor of the
      cooperative relaxation is of the order of one tenth, indicating that the
      molecular dipoles maintain on average a strong antiparallel alignment during
      their collective motion. These findings show that the combination of dielectric
      spectroscopy and molecular simulations allows studying in great detail the
      orientational dynamics in molecular solids. 

PMID- 27131556
TI  - Accurate prediction of hard-sphere virial coefficients B6 to B12 from a
      compressibility-based equation of state.
AB  - We derive an analytical equation of state for the hard-sphere fluid that is
      within 0.01% of computer simulations for the whole range of the stable fluid
      phase. In contrast, the commonly used Carnahan-Starling equation of state
      deviates by up to 0.3% from simulations. The derivation uses the functional form
      of the isothermal compressibility from the Percus-Yevick closure of the Ornstein
      Zernike relation as a starting point. Two additional degrees of freedom are
      introduced, which are constrained by requiring the equation of state to (i)
      recover the exact fourth virial coefficient B4 and (ii) involve only integer
      coefficients on the level of the ideal gas, while providing best possible
      agreement with the numerical result for B5. Virial coefficients B6 to B10
      obtained from the equation of state are within 0.5% of numerical computations,
      and coefficients B11 and B12 are within the error of numerical results. We
      conjecture that even higher virial coefficients are reliably predicted. 

PMID- 27131557
TI  - Ab initio modeling of 2D layered organohalide lead perovskites.
AB  - A number of 2D layered perovskites A2PbI4 and BPbI4, with A and B mono- and
      divalent ammonium and imidazolium cations, have been modeled with different
      theoretical methods. The periodic structures have been optimized (both in
      monoclinic and in triclinic systems, corresponding to eclipsed and staggered
      arrangements of the inorganic layers) at the DFT level, with hybrid functionals,
      Gaussian-type orbitals and dispersion energy corrections. With the same methods,
      the various contributions to the solid stabilization energy have been discussed,
      separating electrostatic and dispersion energies, organic-organic intralayer
      interactions and H-bonding effects, when applicable. Then the electronic band
      gaps have been computed with plane waves, at the DFT level with scalar and full
      relativistic potentials, and including the correlation energy through the GW
      approximation. Spin orbit coupling and GW effects have been combined in an
      additive scheme, validated by comparing the computed gap with well known
      experimental and theoretical results for a model system. Finally, various
      contributions to the computed band gaps have been discussed on some of the
      studied systems, by varying some geometrical parameters and by substituting one
      cation in another's place. 

PMID- 27131558
TI  - Polarization charge: Theory and applications to aqueous interfaces.
AB  - When an electric field is applied across an interface, a dielectric will acquire
      a polarization charge layer, assumed infinitely thin in the theory of macroscopic
      dielectrics and also in most treatments of electrokinetic phenomena in nanoscale
      structures. In this work we explore the polarization charge layer in molecular
      detail. Various formal relations and a linear response theory for the
      polarization charge are presented. Properties of the polarization charge layer
      are studied for three aqueous interfaces: air-water, a crystalline silica surface
      with water, and an amorphous silica surface with water. The polarization charge
      is calculated from equilibrium simulations via linear response theory and from
      non-equilibrium simulations, and the results are within statistical error. The
      polarization charge is found to be distributed within a region whose width is on
      the order of a nanometer. 

PMID- 27131559
TI  - Chromatic annuli formation and sample oxidation on copper thin films by
      femtosecond laser.
AB  - We report an experimental investigation on the irradiation of copper thin films
      with high repetition rate femtosecond laser pulses (1040 nm, 50 MHz), in ambient
      air and liquid water. We observe a novel, striking phenomenon of chromatic copper
      oxides (CuO and Cu2O) annuli generation. The characteristic features of the
      chromatic copper oxide annuli are studied by exploiting micro-Raman spectroscopy,
      optical and scanning electron microscopies. In the case of irradiation in water,
      the seldom investigated effects of the immersion time, tw, after irradiation with
      a fixed number of pulses are analyzed, and an intriguing dependence of the color
      of the chromatic annuli on tw is observed. This remarkable behavior is explained
      by proposing an interpretation scenario addressing the various processes involved
      in the process. Our experimental findings show that Cu2O nanoparticles (size of
      ~20 nm) and Cu2O nanocubes (nanocube edges of ~30, ~60 nm) can be effectively
      generated by exploiting high repetition rate laser-assisted oxidation. 

PMID- 27131560
TI  - Play the heavy: An effective mass study for alpha-Fe2O3 and corundum oxides.
AB  - Iron(iii) oxide (alpha-Fe2O3) is a known water splitting catalyst commonly used
      in photoelectrochemical cells. These cells are severely impaired by poor
      conductivity in alpha-Fe2O3, and resolving the conductivity issue is therefore
      crucial. One of the most intrinsic properties of matter, which governs
      conductivity, is the carrier effective masses. In this work, we investigate the
      carrier effective masses in alpha-Fe2O3 and other corundum oxides, including
      Al2O3, Cr2O3, Ga2O3, and In2O3 with different theoretical constructs: density
      functional theory (DFT), DFT+U, hybrid DFT, and G0W0. We find DFT sufficiently
      describes the carrier masses and a quasi-particle theory is only required for
      accuracies better than 30% for the conduction band effective mass. Additionally,
      we compare the density of states (DOS) and band effective mass approximations and
      conclude the DOS effective mass provides poor results whenever the band structure
      is anisotropic. We find that the charge carriers in Fe2O3 "play the heavy" since
      they have large effective masses that reduce conductivity and device efficiency.
      Finally, we conclude that the less heavy electron effective masses of other
      corundum oxides studied relative to Fe2O3 could contribute to efficiency
      improvements in Fe2O3 upon Al2O3, Ga2O3, and In2O3 coverage. 

PMID- 27131561
TI  - Critical energy barrier for capillary condensation in mesopores: Hysteresis and
      reversibility.
AB  - Capillary condensation in the regime of developing hysteresis occurs at a vapor
      pressure, Pcond, that is less than that of the vapor-like spinodal. This is
      because the energy barrier for the vapor-liquid transition from a metastable
      state at Pcond becomes equal to the energy fluctuation of the system; however, a
      detailed mechanism of the spontaneous transition has not been acquired even
      through extensive experimental and simulation studies. We therefore construct
      accurate atomistic silica mesopore models for MCM-41 and perform molecular
      simulations (gauge cell Monte Carlo and grand canonical Monte Carlo) for argon
      adsorption on the models at subcritical temperatures. A careful comparison
      between the simulation and experiment reveals that the energy barrier for the
      capillary condensation has a critical dimensionless value, Wc (*) = 0.175, which
      corresponds to the thermal fluctuation of the system and depends neither on the
      mesopore size nor on the temperature. We show that the critical energy barrier Wc
      (*) controls the capillary condensation pressure Pcond and also determines a
      boundary between the reversible condensation/evaporation regime and the
      developing hysteresis regime. 

PMID- 27131562
TI  - Quantum dynamics of water dissociative chemisorption on rigid Ni(111): An
      approximate nine-dimensional treatment.
AB  - The quantum dynamics of water dissociative chemisorption on the rigid Ni(111)
      surface is investigated using a recently developed nine-dimensional potential
      energy surface. The quantum dynamical model includes explicitly seven degrees of
      freedom of D2O at fixed surface sites, and the final results were obtained with a
      site-averaging model. The mode specificity in the site-specific results is
      reported and analyzed. Finally, the approximate sticking probabilities for
      various vibrationally excited states of D2O are obtained considering surface
      lattice effects and formally all nine degrees of freedom. The comparison with
      experiment reveals the inaccuracy of the density functional theory and suggests
      the need to improve the potential energy surface. 

PMID- 27131563
TI  - Critical adsorption of copolymer tethered on selective surfaces.
AB  - Critical adsorption behaviors of flexible copolymer chains tethered to a flat
      homogeneous surface are studied by using Monte Carlo simulations. We have
      compared the critical adsorption temperature Tc, estimated by a finite-size
      scaling method, for different AB copolymer sequences with A the attractive
      monomer and B the inert monomer. We find that Tc increases with an increase in
      the fraction of monomers A, fA, in copolymers, and it increases with an increase
      in the length of block A for the same fA. In particular, Tc of copolymer (AnBn)r
      can be expressed as a function of the block length, n, and Tc of copolymer (AnB)r
      and (ABm)r can be expressed as a linear function of fA. Tc of random copolymer
      chains also can be expressed as a linear function of fA and it can be estimated
      by using weight-average of Tc of different diblocks in the random copolymer.
      However, the crossover exponent is roughly independent of AB sequence
      distributions either for block copolymers or for random copolymers. 

PMID- 27131564
TI  - Complex formation between polyelectrolytes and oppositely charged
      oligoelectrolytes.
AB  - We study the complex formation between one long polyanion chain and many short
      oligocation chains by computer simulations. We employ a coarse-grained bead
      spring model for the polyelectrolyte chains and model explicitly the small salt
      ions. We systematically vary the concentration and the length of the oligocation
      and examine how the oligocations affects the chain conformation, the static
      structure factor, the radial and axial distribution of various charged species,
      and the number of bound ions in the complex. At low oligocation concentration,
      the polyanion has an extended structure. Upon increasing the oligocation
      concentration, the polyanion chain collapses and forms a compact globule, but the
      complex still carries a net negative charge. Once the total charge of the
      oligocations is equal to that of the polyanion, the collapse stops and is
      replaced by a slow expansion. In this regime, the net charge on the complexes is
      positive or neutral, depending on the microion concentration in solution. The
      expansion can be explained by the reduction of the oligocation bridging. We find
      that the behavior and the structure of the complex are largely independent of the
      length of oligocations, and very similar to that observed when replacing the
      oligocations by multivalent salt cations, and conclude that the main driving
      force keeping the complex together is the release of monovalent counterions and
      coions. We speculate on the implications of this finding for the problem of
      controlled oligolyte release and oligolyte substitution. 

PMID- 27131565
TI  - Close packing of rods on spherical surfaces.
AB  - We study the optimal packing of short, hard spherocylinders confined to lie
      tangential to a spherical surface, using simulated annealing and molecular
      dynamics simulations. For clusters of up to twelve particles, we map out the
      changes in the geometry of the closest-packed configuration as a function of the
      aspect ratio L/D, where L is the cylinder length and D the diameter of the rods.
      We find a rich variety of cluster structures. For larger clusters, we find that
      the best-packed configurations up to around 100 particles are highly dependent on
      the exact number of particles and aspect ratio. For even larger clusters, we find
      largely disordered clusters for very short rods (L/D = 0.25), while slightly
      longer rods (L/D = 0.5 or 1) prefer a global baseball-like geometry of smectic
      like domains, similar to the behavior of large-scale nematic shells.
      Intriguingly, we observe that when compared to their optimal flat-plane packing,
      short rods adapt to the spherical geometry more efficiently than both spheres and
      longer rods. Our results provide predictions for experimentally realizable
      systems of colloidal rods trapped at the interface of emulsion droplets. 

PMID- 27131566
TI  - Influence of higher valent ions on flexible polyelectrolyte stiffness and counter
      ion distribution.
AB  - We investigate the influence of counter-ion valency on the flexibility of highly
      charged flexible polymer chains using molecular dynamics simulations that include
      both salt and an explicit solvent. As observed experimentally, we find that
      divalent counter-ions greatly reduce the chain persistence length, lp, in
      comparison with monovalent counter-ions. On the other hand, polyelectrolyte
      chains having trivalent counter-ions adopt a much more compact conformation than
      polyelectrolytes having monovalent and divalent counter-ions. We demonstrate that
      the tendency of polyelectrolyte chains to become deformed by proximal high
      valence counter-ions is due to chain "coiling" around the counter-ions. In
      particular, we find that the number of contacts that the proximal counter-ions
      have with the polyelectrolyte dictates the extent of chain coiling. This ion
      binding induced coiling mechanism influences not only the conformational
      properties of the polyelectrolyte, but also the counter-ion distribution around
      the chain. Specifically, we find that higher valent counter-ions lead both to a
      counter-ion enrichment in close proximity to the polyelectrolyte and to a
      significant reduction in the spatial extent of the diffuse counter-ion cloud
      around the polyelectrolyte. 

PMID- 27131567
TI  - Effect of ethanol concentrations on temperature driven structural changes of
      chymotrypsin inhibitor 2.
AB  - A series of atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a small enzymatic
      protein Chymotrypsin Inhibitor 2 (CI2) in water-ethanol mixed solutions were
      carried out to explore the underlying mechanism of ethanol driven conformational
      changes of the protein. Efforts have been made to probe the influence of ethanol
      concentrations ranging from 0% to 75% (v/v) at ambient condition (300 K (T1)) and
      at elevated temperatures (375 K (T2) and 450 K (T3)) to investigate the
      temperature induced conformational changes of the protein further. Our study
      showed that the effect of varying ethanol concentrations on protein's structure
      is almost insignificant at T1 and T2 temperatures whereas at T3 temperature,
      partial unfolding of CI2 in 10% ethanol solution followed by full unfolding of
      the protein at ethanol concentrations above 25% occurs. However, interestingly,
      at T3 temperature CI2's native structure was found to be retained in pure water
      (0% ethanol solution) indicating that the cosolvent ethanol do play an important
      role in thermal denaturation of CI2. Such observations were quantified in the
      light of root-mean-square deviations (RMSDs) and radius of gyration. Although
      higher RMSD values of beta-sheet over alpha-helix indicate complete destruction
      of the beta-structure of CI2 at high ethanol concentrations, the associated time
      scale showed that the faster melting of alpha-helix happens over beta-sheet.
      Around 60%-80% of initial native contacts of the protein were found broken with
      the separation of hydrophobic core consisting eleven residues at ethanol
      concentrations greater than 25%. This leads protein to expand with the increase
      in solvent accessible surface area. The interactions between protein and solvent
      molecules showed that protein's solvation shell preferred to accommodate ethanol
      molecules as compared to water thereby excluded water molecules from CI2's
      surface. Further, concentration dependent differential self-aggregation behavior
      of ethanol is likely to regulate the replacement of relatively fast diffused
      water by low diffused ethanol molecules from protein's surface during the
      unfolding process. 

PMID- 27131568
TI  - Note: "Exact" quantum Monte Carlo calculations of the barrier for the H + H2
      reaction at the sub-microhartree level.
AB  - We report the third in a series of 'exact' quantum Monte Carlo calculations for
      the potential energy of the saddle point of the barrier for the reaction H + H2 
      > H2 + H. The barrier heights determined are 9.61 +/- 0.01 in 1992/94, 9.608 +/-
      0.001 in 2003, and 9.6089 +/- 0.0001 in 2016 (this work), all in kcal/mole and
      successively a factor of ten more accurate. The new value is below the lowest
      value from explicitly correlated Gaussian calculations and within the estimated
      limits of extrapolated multireference configuration calculations. 

PMID- 27131569
TI  - LNTgate: How scientific misconduct by the U.S. NAS led to governments adopting
      LNT for cancer risk assessment.
AB  - This paper provides a detailed rebuttal to the letter of Beyea (2016) which
      offered a series of alternative interpretations to those offered in my article in
      Environmental Research (Calabrese, 2015a) concerning the role of the U.S.
      National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Biological Effects of Atomic Radiation (BEAR)
      I Committee Genetics Panel in the adoption of the linear dose response model for
      cancer risk assessment. Significant newly uncovered evidence is presented which
      supports and extends the findings of Calabrese (2015a), reaffirming the
      conclusion that the Genetics Panel should be evaluated for scientific misconduct
      for deliberate misrepresentation of the research record in order to enhance an
      ideological agenda. This critique documents numerous factual errors along with
      extensive and deliberate filtering of information in the Beyea letter (2016) that
      leads to consistently incorrect conclusions and an invalid general perspective.

PMID- 27131570
TI  - Quantitative analysis of vascular colonisation and angio-conduction in porous
      silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite with various pore shapes in a chick
      chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model.
AB  - The development of scaffolds for bone filling of large defects requires an
      understanding of angiogenesis and vascular guidance, which are crucial processes
      for bone formation and healing. There are few investigations on the ability of a
      scaffold to support blood vessel guidance and it this is of great importance
      because it relates to the quality and dispersion of the blood vessel network.
      This work reports an analysis of vascularisation of porous silicon-substituted
      hydroxyapatite (SiHA) bioceramics and the effects of pore shape on vascular
      guidance using an expedient ex ovo model, the chick embryo chorioallantoic
      membrane (CAM) assay. Image analysis of vascularised implants assessed the
      vascular density, fractal dimension and diameter of blood vessels at two
      different scales (the whole ceramic and pores alone) and was performed on model
      SiHA ceramics harbouring pores of various cross-sectional geometries (circles,
      square, rhombus, triangles and stars). SiHA is a biocompatible material which
      allows the conduction of blood vessels on its surface. The presence of pores did
      not influence angiogenesis related-parameters (arborisation, fractal dimension)
      but pore geometry affected the blood vessel guidance and angio-conductive
      potential (diameter and number of the blood vessels converging toward the pores).
      The measured angles of pore cross-section modulated the number and diameter of
      blood vessels converging to pores, with triangular pores appearing of particular
      interest. This result will be used for shaping ceramic scaffolds with specific
      porous architecture to promote vascular colonisation and osteointegration.
      STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: An expedient and efficient method, using chick embryo
      chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays, has been set up to characterise
      quantitatively the angiogenesis and the vascular conduction in scaffolds. This
      approach complements the usual cell culture assays and could replace to a certain
      extent in vivo experiments. It was applied to silicon-substituted hydroxyapatite
      porous bioceramics with various pore shapes. The material was found to be
      biocompatible, allowing the conduction of blood vessels on its surface. The
      presence of pores does not influence the angiogenesis but the pore shape affects
      the blood vessel guidance and angio-conductive potential. Pores with triangular
      cross-section appear particularly attractive for the further design of scaffolds
      in order to promote their vascular colonisation and osteointegration and improve
      their performances.

PMID- 27131571
TI  - Characterisation of minimalist co-assembled fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl self
      assembling peptide systems for presentation of multiple bioactive peptides.
AB  - The nanofibrillar structures that underpin self-assembling peptide (SAP)
      hydrogels offer great potential for the development of finely tuned cellular
      microenvironments suitable for tissue engineering. However, biofunctionalisation
      without disruption of the assembly remains a key issue. SAPS present the peptide
      sequence within their structure, and studies to date have typically focused on
      including a single biological motif, resulting in chemically and biologically
      homogenous scaffolds. This limits the utility of these systems, as they cannot
      effectively mimic the complexity of the multicomponent extracellular matrix
      (ECM). In this work, we demonstrate the first successful co-assembly of two
      biologically active SAPs to form a coassembled scaffold of distinct two-component
      nanofibrils, and demonstrate that this approach is more bioactive than either of
      the individual systems alone. Here, we use two bioinspired SAPs from two key ECM
      proteins: Fmoc-FRGDF containing the RGD sequence from fibronectin and Fmoc-DIKVAV
      containing the IKVAV sequence from laminin. Our results demonstrate that these
      SAPs are able to co-assemble to form stable hybrid nanofibres containing dual
      epitopes. Comparison of the co-assembled SAP system to the individual SAP
      hydrogels and to a mixed system (composed of the two hydrogels mixed together
      post-assembly) demonstrates its superior stable, transparent, shear-thinning
      hydrogels at biological pH, ideal characteristics for tissue engineering
      applications. Importantly, we show that only the coassembled hydrogel is able to
      induce in vitro multinucleate myotube formation with C2C12 cells. This work
      illustrates the importance of tissue engineering scaffold functionalisation and
      the need to develop increasingly advanced multicomponent systems for effective
      ECM mimicry. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Successful control of stem cell fate in
      tissue engineering applications requires the use of sophisticated scaffolds that
      deliver biological signals to guide growth and differentiation. The complexity of
      such processes necessitates the presentation of multiple signals in order to
      effectively mimic the native extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we establish the
      use of two biofunctional, minimalist self-assembling peptides (SAPs) to construct
      the first co-assembled SAP scaffold. Our work characterises this construct,
      demonstrating that the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the
      peptides are maintained during the co-assembly process. Importantly, the
      coassembled system demonstrates superior biological performance relative to the
      individual SAPs, highlighting the importance of complex ECM mimicry. This work
      has important implications for future tissue engineering studies.

PMID- 27131572
TI  - Validation of a protocol based on Raman and infrared spectroscopies to
      nondestructively estimate the oxidative degradation of UHMWPE used in total joint
      arthroplasty.
AB  - As a matter of fact, the in vivo oxidative degradation of highly cross-linked
      polyethylene (HXLPE) still remains one of the limiting factors that affect the
      long term survivorship of joint replacements. Recent studies clearly pointed out
      that also the new generation of highly cross-linked and remelted polyethylene
      components in total hip and knee replacement underwent unexpected oxidation after
      5-10years of implantation. The standard methodology to investigate the oxidation
      of polyethylene (PE) relies on the use of infrared spectroscopy, which, if from
      one hand is a reliable technique for the detection of oxidized species containing
      carbonyl group, on the other hand it is not capable of discriminating the
      fraction of carboxyl acids that is responsible for chain scission and subsequent
      deterioration of the mechanical properties of the polymer. In the present study
      we validate a new protocol based on Raman spectroscopy, which is suitable on
      assessing the structural degradation of polyethylene induced by oxidation.
      Following in vitro accelerated aging experiments, the oxidation index (OI) of
      different commercially available HXLPEs, as calculated by infrared spectroscopy
      according to ASTM standard, has been univocally correlated to the most severe
      variation of crystalline phase (alphac), as calculated by Raman spectroscopy. In
      each material, locations with equal values of OI showed different degree of
      recrystallization induced by chain scission, confirming that infrared
      spectroscopy might overestimate the effective mechanical degradation of the
      polymer. In addition, as compared to the standards based on infrared
      spectroscopy, this new method of assessing oxidation enables to investigate the
      degradation occurring on the original surface of HXLPE components, due to the
      nondestructive nature of Raman spectroscopy and its high spatial resolution.
      STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In the present study we validate a new protocol based
      on Raman spectroscopy, which is suitable on assessing the structural degradation
      of polyethylene induced by oxidation. In fact, the standard methodology to
      investigate the oxidation in polyethylene relies on the use of infrared
      spectroscopy, which is capable of detecting the presence of oxidized species
      containing carbonyl group, the main products of oxidation in polyolefins. If from
      one hand this technique enables quantitative analysis of oxidation, on the other
      hand it is not capable of discriminating the fraction of species with carbonyl
      groups responsible for the chain scission. In fact, esters, ketones and carboxyl
      acids are products of oxidation with carbonyl groups commonly formed on
      polyethylene at the end of the oxidative cascade initiated by the presence of
      free radicals, but only the latter are responsible for the chain scission and the
      subsequent deterioration of the mechanical properties. The oxidation index as
      obtained according to the ASTM standards is not univocally correlated to a
      certain degree of mechanical deterioration, but, in simple words, two retrievals
      with the same amount of carbonyl groups might have had different degradation of
      the mechanical properties. Recrystallization is a direct consequence of the
      reduction of molecular weight that occurs after chain scission. Raman
      spectroscopy (RS) is a viable non-destructive method to assess the fraction of
      crystalline phase in polyethylene and, due to its high spatial resolution, is
      perfectly suitable to analyze the microstructural modification at the mesoscopic
      scale, where the effects of oxidation manifest themselves. The aim of the present
      paper is twofold: i) to compare the microstructural modifications caused by in
      vitro oxidation on 5 different types of polyethylene currently available on the
      market of joint replacements; ii) to establish a protocol based on the
      comparative analysis of IR and RS results to obtain a phenomenological
      correlation capable to judge the mechanical deterioration of the material induced
      by the oxidative degradation.

PMID- 27131573
TI  - Strontium (Sr) elicits odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem
      cells (hDPSCs): A therapeutic role for Sr in dentine repair?
AB  - Strontium (Sr) forms a significant component of dental restorative materials and
      although it is widely used in toothpastes, the biological effects of Sr on the
      dentine-pulp complex have not been investigated. In this first study, we
      characterise the Sr elicited effects on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSC) in
      vitro using exogenously Sr added to culture medium, and bioavailable Sr derived
      from a novel bioactive glass (BG). The related mechanisms were also investigated.
      Our results indicate that low dose Sr (between 0.1 and 2.5mM) induces
      proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of hDPSCs, but has no
      effect on colony formation or cell migration. Sr at specific concentrations (1
      and 2.5mM) stimulated collagen formation and mineralisation of the hDPSC
      generated matrix. In addition, qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry
      revealed that Sr regulates gene expression and the protein secretion of the
      odontogenic markers: dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentine matrix
      protein 1 (DMP-1) and protein localisation (DSPP was localised to the Golgi,
      while no apparent changes occur in DMP-1 distribution which remains in both
      cytosol and the nucleus). Additionally, the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) and
      downstream pathway MAPK/ERK signalling pathway in hDPSCs were activated by Sr.
      Bioavailable Sr from the BG revealed novel biological insights of regulating
      metabolic and ALP activities in hDPSCs. Taken together, these results suggest
      that Sr at specific doses significantly influences proliferation, odontogenic
      differentiation and mineralisation of hDPSCs in vitro via the CaSR using a
      pathway with similarities to osteoblast differentiation. These are the first such
      studies and indicate that Sr treatment of hDPSCs could be a promising therapeutic
      agent in dental applications. In conclusion, we propose that Sr from a
      substituted BG could be used more effectively in biomaterials designed for dental
      applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Despite the fact that strontium (Sr) is
      used widely in dental practise, its potential effects on odontoblasts have been
      ignored. Our study provides the first evidence that Sr (exogenous and that
      derived from a bioglass (BG)) can stimulate dentinogenesis in human dental pulp
      stem cells (hDPSCs) by promoting their proliferation, differentiation and
      mineralisation in vitro. Therefore, while previously unrecognised, Sr BG is
      likely to be beneficial in atraumatic dentistry practise and maintenance of a
      competent tooth in conditions such as caries. Repair of defected dentine is still
      one of the main challenges in dental research and annually untreated caries
      results in the loss of productivity equivalent to US$ 27 billion. Advances in
      tissue engineering technology, alongside the use of dental pulp stem cells
      provide an approach to achieve dentine regeneration. Understanding the actions of
      Sr will permit a more controlled application of Sr in the clinic. These data are
      thus likely to be of great interest to the material scientists, biological
      researchers, clinicians and manufacturers of dental products.

PMID- 27131574
TI  - Natural products for treatment of bone erosive diseases: The effects and
      mechanisms on inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.
AB  - Excessive bone resorption plays a central role on the development of bone erosive
      diseases, including osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and periodontitis.
      Osteoclasts, bone-resorbing multinucleated cells, are differentiated from
      hemopoietic progenitors of the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Regulation of
      osteoclast differentiation is considered an effective therapeutic target to the
      treatment of pathological bone loss. Natural plant-derived products, with
      potential therapeutic and preventive activities against bone-lytic diseases, have
      received increasing attention in recent years because of their whole regulative
      effects and specific pharmacological activities, which are more suitable for long
      term use than chemically synthesized medicines. In this review, we summarized the
      detailed research progress on the active compounds derived from medical plants
      with potential anti-resorptive effects and their molecular mechanisms on
      inhibiting osteoclast formation and function. The active ingredients derived from
      natural plants that are efficacious in suppressing osteoclastogenesis and bone
      resorption include flavonoids, terpenoids (sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids,
      triterpenoids), glycosides, lignans, coumarins, alkaloids, polyphenols,
      limonoids, quinones and others (steroid, oxoxishhone, fatty acid). Studies have
      shown that above natural products exert the inhibitory effects via regulating
      many factors involved in the process of osteoclast differentiation and bone
      resorption, including the essential cytokines (RANKL, M-CSF), transcription
      factors (NFATc1, c-Fos), signaling pathways (NF-kappaB, MAPKs, Src/PI3K/Akt, the
      calcium ion signaling), osteoclast-specific genes (TRAP, CTSK, MMP-9, integrin
      beta3, OSCAR, DC-STAMP, Atp6v0d2) and local factors (ROS, LPS, NO). The
      development of osteoclast-targeting natural products is of great value for the
      prevention or treatment of bone diseases and for bone regenerative medicine. 

PMID- 27131575
TI  - Gene expression profiles of changes underlying different-sized human rotator cuff
      tendon tears.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progressive cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) changes related
      to age and disease severity have been demonstrated in rotator cuff tendon tears.
      Larger rotator cuff tears demonstrate structural abnormalities that potentially
      adversely influence healing potential. This study aimed to gain greater insight
      into the relationship of pathologic changes to tear size by analyzing gene
      expression profiles from normal rotator cuff tendons, small rotator cuff tears,
      and large rotator cuff tears. METHODS: We analyzed gene expression profiles of 28
      human rotator cuff tendons using microarrays representing the entire genome; 11
      large and 5 small torn rotator cuff tendon specimens were obtained
      intraoperatively from tear edges, which we compared with 12 age-matched normal
      controls. We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction and
      immunohistochemistry for validation. RESULTS: Torn rotator cuff tendons
      demonstrated upregulation of a number of key genes, such as matrix
      metalloproteinase 3, 10, 12, 13, 15, 21, and 25; a disintegrin and
      metalloproteinase (ADAM) 12, 15, and 22; and aggrecan. Amyloid was downregulated
      in all tears. Small tears displayed upregulation of bone morphogenetic protein 5.
      Chemokines and cytokines that may play a role in chemotaxis were altered;
      interleukins 3, 10, 13, and 15 were upregulated in tears, whereas interleukins 1,
      8, 11, 18, and 27 were downregulated. CONCLUSIONS: The gene expression profiles
      of normal controls and small and large rotator cuff tear groups differ
      significantly. Extracellular matrix remodeling genes were found to contribute to
      rotator cuff tear pathogenesis. Rotator cuff tears displayed upregulation of a
      number of matrix metalloproteinase (3, 10, 12, 13, 15, 21, and 25), a disintegrin
      and metalloproteinase (ADAM 12, 15, and 22) genes, and downregulation of some
      interleukins (1, 8, and 27), which play important roles in chemotaxis. These gene
      products may potentially have a role as biomarkers of failure of healing or
      therapeutic targets to improve tendon healing.

PMID- 27131576
TI  - The osseous morphology of nondegenerated shoulders shows no side-related
      differences in elderly patients: an analysis of 102 computed tomography scans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A precise understanding of glenohumeral anatomy is required to
      optimize preoperative planning in shoulder joint arthroplasty, which is difficult
      in the presence of degenerative disease. In unilateral disease, the contralateral
      shoulder can be used as a representation of normal anatomy; however, intrasubject
      differences in shoulder morphology have not been investigated. METHODS: A
      retrospective study of all patients aged >65 years who received whole body
      computed tomography at our trauma center from 2010 through 2014 was conducted.
      Right and left shoulder computed tomography scans were examined, and the
      following anatomic parameters were measured: humeral head diameter in
      anteroposterior and axial views, glenoid diameter in anteroposterior and axial
      views, glenoid surface, scapula neck depth, neck-shaft angle, glenoid
      inclination, glenoid/head ratio, and glenoid version. Patients with inadequate
      scan quality, osseous lesions, pre-existing anatomic abnormality, or metallic
      implant at the shoulder region and significant osteoarthritis were excluded.
      RESULTS: The study analyzed 102 shoulders of 51 patients. Mean age was 71.4 +/-
      8.2 years. Humeral head and glenoid diameters, scapula neck depth (right, 36 +/-
      8 mm; left, 36 +/- 7 mm; P = .684), glenoid/head ratio (right, 0.6 +/- 0.1; left,
      0.6 +/- 0.0; P = .961), and glenoid surface (right, 790 +/- 152 mm(2); left, 754
      +/- 134 mm(2); P = .215) showed no significant side-related differences. In
      addition, no significant difference was found regarding the neck-shaft angle (P =
      .211) and glenoid anteversion or retroversion (right, 65% [n = 33] anteversion
      and 35% [n = 18] retroversion; left, 69% [n = 35] anteversion and 31% [n = 16]
      retroversion; P = .417). CONCLUSION: There are no significant side-dependent
      differences in the osseous anatomy of the glenohumeral joint. In patients with
      unilateral shoulder degeneration, the contralateral shoulder can provide
      reference values during the planning of shoulder replacement surgery.

PMID- 27131577
TI  - Arthroscopic treatment of anterior shoulder instability associated with a HAGL
      lesion-a case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Restoration of shoulder stability after humeral avulsion of
      glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesions can be achieved with arthroscopy, yet
      limited evidence exists on its benefit. We evaluated objective and subjective
      outcomes after arthroscopic refixation of a HAGL lesion. METHODS: Between 2009
      and 2012, 8 patients were treated arthroscopically for anterior shoulder
      instability associated with a HAGL lesion and invited for a follow-up
      examination. Radiographic assessment of joint centering and osteoarthritis,
      clinical assessment including Constant and Rowe scores, and complications as well
      as functional outcomes using the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index,
      Subjective Shoulder Value, and Simple Shoulder Test were documented. RESULTS: Six
      patients were postoperatively examined at a median time of 29 months (range, 12
      38). Four patients had up to 6 previous luxation events. Two patients had a
      concomitant labral lesion, and another 2 had an associated rotator cuff tear.
      Positive preoperative apprehension and relocation test results for 5 patients
      were negative at follow-up. No neurologic lesion was noted both before and after
      surgery. Shoulder motion did not improve significantly; lower internal and
      external rotation relative to the contralateral shoulder was reported. The Rowe
      score improved significantly from baseline (median score change, 65 points; P =
      .027), with 2 and 4 patients rating "good" and "excellent" at follow-up,
      respectively. Final median Constant score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability
      Index, Subjective Shoulder Value, and Simple Shoulder Test scores were 77.3
      points, 91.0 points, 90%, and 87.5 points, respectively. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic
      stabilization of a HAGL lesion is a safe, feasible, and reproducible technique.
      In our patient cohort, good shoulder stability could be achieved with high
      patient satisfaction.

PMID- 27131578
TI  - The interleukin 6 c.-174 CC genotype is a predictor for new cardiovascular events
      in patients with coronary heart disease within three years follow-up.
AB  - The main aim of this study was to evaluate putative associations between the
      interleukin (IL)-6 c.-174G>C polymorphism (rs 1800795) and the cardiovascular
      outcome (combined endpoint: myocardial infarction, stroke/TIA, cardiac death,
      death according to stroke) among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD)
      within three years follow-up. Overall 942 in-patients with CHD were included. The
      drop-out rate was 4.9%. The IL-6 polymorphism was determined with PCR-SSP. Kaplan
      Meier plots with Log Rank test and Cox regression were used as statistically
      procedures. The IL-6 CC genotype was associated with a higher incidence of the
      combined endpoint (25.0% versus 13.5%, p<0.001) and an increased Hazard Ratio (HR
      2.165, 95% CI 1.516-3.092, p<0.001) adjusted for established cofactors for CHD.
      This result suggests that the IL-6 -174 polymorphism is a putative independent
      risk indicator for new cardiovascular events among patients with CHD.

PMID- 27131579
TI  - CSF/plasma HIV-1 RNA discordance even at low levels is associated with up
      regulation of host inflammatory mediators in CSF.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: HIV-1 RNA can be found at higher levels in cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) than in plasma, termed CSF/plasma discordance. The clinical significance of
      CSF/plasma discordance is not known and the degree of discordance considered
      important varies. We aimed to determine whether a panel of CSF cytokines,
      chemokines and associated mediators were raised in patients with CSF/plasma
      discordance at different levels. METHODS: A nested case-control study of 40 CSF
      samples from the PARTITION study. We used a cytometric bead array to measure CSF
      mediator concentrations in 19 discordant and 21 non-discordant samples matched
      for plasma HIV-1 RNA. Discordant samples were subdivided into 'high discordance'
      (>1log10) and 'low discordance' (0.5-1log10, or ultrasensitive discordance). CSF
      mediators significant in univariate analysis went forward to two-way unsupervised
      hierarchical clustering based on the patterns of relative mediator
      concentrations. RESULTS: In univariate analysis 19 of 21 CSF mediators were
      significantly higher in discordant than non-discordant samples. There were no
      significant differences between samples with high versus low discordance. The
      samples grouped into two clusters which corresponded to CSF/plasma discordance
      (p<0.0001). In cluster one all mediators had relatively high abundance; this
      included 18 discordant samples and three non-discordant samples. In cluster two
      all mediators had relatively low abundance; this included 18 non-discordant
      samples and one non-discordant sample with ultrasensitive discordance only.
      CONCLUSIONS: CSF/plasma discordance is associated with potentially damaging
      neuroinflammatory process. Patients with discordance at lower levels (ie. 0.5
      1log10) should also be investigated as mediator profiles were similar to those
      with discordance >1log10. Sensitive testing may have a role to determine whether
      ultrasensitive discordance is present in those with low level CSF escape.

PMID- 27131580
TI  - The association between maternal age at first delivery and risk of obstetric
      trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are a number of poor birth outcomes with advancing maternal
      age. Although there is some evidence of a higher risk of trauma to obstetric anal
      sphincter and the levator ani muscle with advancing age, findings to date are
      inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of pelvic
      floor injury using translabial 3- and 4-dimensional ultrasound relative to
      advancing maternal age in primiparous women after a singleton vaginal delivery at
      term and to determine any association between maternal age and obstetric trauma,
      including obstetric anal sphincter injuries, levator avulsion, and irreversible
      overdistension of the levator hiatus. STUDY DESIGN: This is a subanalysis of a
      perinatal intervention trial conducted in a specialist urogynecology referral
      unit at 2 tertiary units. All primiparous women with singleton birth at term
      underwent 3- and 4-dimensional translabial pelvic floor ultrasound both ante- and
      postnatally for the assessment of the obstetric trauma including levator ani
      muscle avulsion, hiatal overdistension to 25 cm(2) or more, and obstetric anal
      sphincter injuries. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to
      examine the association between maternal age and obstetric trauma diagnosed on 3-
      and 4-dimensional translabial ultrasound. Multiple confounders were included, and
      the most significant (forceps and vacuum delivery) were used for probability
      modeling. RESULTS: Of 660 women recruited for the original study, a total of 375
      women who had a vaginal delivery with complete data sets were analyzed. A total
      of 174 women (46.4%) showed evidence of at least 1 form of major pelvic floor
      trauma. Advancing maternal age at first delivery carries with it a significant
      incremental risk of major pelvic floor trauma with an odds ratio of 1.064 for
      overall risk of injury for each increasing year of age past age 18 years (P =
      .003). The probability of any type of trauma appears to be substantially higher
      for forceps delivery. Vacuum delivery appears to increase the risk of obstetric
      anal sphincter injuries but not of levator avulsion. CONCLUSION: There is a
      significant association between the risk of major pelvic floor injury and
      increasing maternal age at first delivery.

PMID- 27131581
TI  - Neuraxial analgesia to increase the success rate of external cephalic version: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: External cephalic version is a medical procedure in which the fetus
      is externally manipulated to assume the cephalic presentation. The use of
      neuraxial analgesia for facilitating the version has been evaluated in several
      randomized clinical trials, but its potential effects are still controversial.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of
      neuraxial analgesia as an intervention to increase the success rate of external
      cephalic version. DATA SOURCES: Searches were performed in electronic databases
      with the use of a combination of text words related to external cephalic version
      and neuraxial analgesia from the inception of each database to January 2016.
      STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included all randomized clinical trials of women,
      with a gestational age >=36 weeks and breech or transverse fetal presentation,
      undergoing external cephalic version who were randomized to neuraxial analgesia,
      including spinal, epidural, or combined spinal-epidural techniques (ie,
      intervention group) or to a control group (either intravenous analgesia or no
      treatment). STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: The primary outcome was the
      successful external cephalic version. The summary measures were reported as
      relative risk or as mean differences with a 95% confidence interval. TABULATION,
      INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Nine randomized clinical trials (934 women) were
      included in this review. Women who received neuraxial analgesia had a
      significantly higher incidence of successful external cephalic version (58.4% vs
      43.1%; relative risk, 1.44, 95% confidence interval, 1.27-1.64), cephalic
      presentation in labor (55.1% vs 40.2%; relative risk, 1.37, 95% confidence
      interval, 1.08-1.73), and vaginal delivery (54.0% vs 44.6%; relative risk, 1.21,
      95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.41) compared with those who did not. Women who
      were randomized to the intervention group also had a significantly lower
      incidence of cesarean delivery (46.0% vs 55.3%; relative risk, 0.83, 95%
      confidence interval, 0.71-0.97), maternal discomfort (1.2% vs 9.3%; relative
      risk, 0.12, 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.99), and lower pain, assessed by the
      visual analog scale pain score (mean difference, -4.52 points, 95% confidence
      interval, -5.35 to 3.69) compared with the control group. The incidences of
      emergency cesarean delivery (1.6% vs 2.5%; relative risk, 0.63, 95% confidence
      interval, 0.24-1.70), transient bradycardia (11.8% vs 8.3%; relative risk, 1.42,
      95% confidence interval, 0.72-2.80), nonreassuring fetal testing, excluding
      transient bradycardia, after external cephalic version (6.9% vs 7.4%; relative
      risk, 0.93, 95% confidence interval, 0.53-1.64), and abruption placentae (0.4% vs
      0.4%; relative risk, 1.01, 95% confidence interval, 0.06-16.1) were similar.
      CONCLUSION: Administration of neuraxial analgesia significantly increases the
      success rate of external cephalic version among women with malpresentation at
      term or late preterm, which then significantly increases the incidence of vaginal
      delivery.

PMID- 27131582
TI  - Noninvasive prenatal screening or advanced diagnostic testing: caveat emptor.
AB  - The past few years have seen extraordinary advances in prenatal genetic practice
      led by 2 major technological advances; next-generation sequencing of cell-free
      DNA in the maternal plasma to noninvasively identify fetal chromosome
      abnormalities, and microarray analysis of chorionic villus sampling and amniotic
      fluid samples, resulting in increased cytogenetic resolution. Noninvasive
      prenatal screening of cell-free DNA has demonstrated sensitivity and specificity
      for trisomy 21 superior to all previous screening approaches with slightly lower
      performance for other common aneuploidies. These tests have rapidly captured an
      increasing market share, with substantial reductions in the number of chorionic
      villus sampling and amniocentesis performed suggesting that physicians and
      patients regard such screening approaches as an equivalent replacement for
      diagnostic testing. Simultaneously, many clinical programs have noted significant
      decreases in patient counseling. In 2012 the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National
      Institute of Child Health and Human Development funded a blinded comparison of
      karyotype with the emerging technology of array comparative genomic hybridization
      showing that in patients with a normal karyotype, 2.5% had a clinically relevant
      microdeletion or duplication identified. In pregnancies with an ultrasound
      detected structural anomaly, 6% had an incremental finding, and of those with a
      normal scan, 1.6% had a copy number variant. For patients of any age with a
      normal ultrasound and karyotype, the chance of a pathogenic copy number variant
      is greater than 1%, similar to the age-related risk of aneuploidy in the fetus of
      a 38 year old. This risk is 4-fold higher than the risk of trisomy 21 in a woman
      younger than 30 years and 5- to 10-fold higher than the present accepted risk of
      a diagnostic procedure. Based on this, we contend that every patient, regardless
      of her age, be educated about these risks and offered the opportunity to have a
      diagnostic procedure with array comparative genomic hybridization performed.

PMID- 27131583
TI  - The limited utility of currently available venous thromboembolism risk assessment
      tools in gynecological oncology patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Use of risk assessment tools, such as the Caprini score or Rogers
      score, is recommended by national societies to stratify surgical patients by
      venous thromboembolism risk and guide prophylaxis. However, these tools were not
      developed in a gynecological oncology patient population, and their utility in
      this population is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to examine
      the ability of both the Caprini and Rogers scores to stratify gynecological
      oncology patients by the risk of venous thromboembolism. STUDY DESIGN: Patients
      undergoing surgery for cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers
      between 2008 and 2013 were identified from the National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program Database using International Classification of Diseases,
      ninth revision, codes. The Caprini and Rogers scores were calculated for each
      patient based on the recorded demographic and procedure data. Venous
      thromboembolism events were recorded for 30 days postoperatively. Patients were
      categorized into risk groups based on the calculated Caprini and Rogers scores
      and the incidence of venous thromboembolism, and the 95% confidence interval was
      estimated for each of these groups. The relationship between the risk score and
      venous thromboembolism incidence was examined with Pearson's correlation
      coefficient. RESULTS: Of 17,713 patients, 1.8% developed a venous
      thromboembolism. No patients were classified by the Caprini score as low risk,
      0.1% were moderate risk, 3.0% were higher risk (score 4), and 96.9% were highest
      risk (score >=5). The Caprini score groupings did not correlate with venous
      thromboembolism. The high-risk group had a paradoxically higher incidence of
      venous thromboembolism of 2.5% compared with the highest-risk group, 1.7% (P =
      .40). However, when the highest-risk group of the Caprini score was
      substratified, it was highly correlated with venous thromboembolism (R(2) =
      0.93). For the Rogers score, only 0.2% of patients were low risk (score <7),
      36.9% were medium risk (score 7-10), and 63.0% were high risk (score >10). When
      the highest risk group of the Rogers score was substratified, it was also highly
      correlated with venous thromboembolism (R(2) = 0.99). CONCLUSION: Gynecological
      oncology patients score very high on current venous thromboembolism risk
      assessment models. The Caprini score is limited in its ability to discriminate
      relative venous thromboembolism risk among gynecological oncology patients
      because 97% are in the highest-risk category. Substratification of the highest
      risk groups allows for relative venous thromboembolism risk stratification among
      gynecological oncology patients, suggesting that further evaluation of risk
      stratification is needed in gynecological oncology surgery.

PMID- 27131584
TI  - Staging for low malignant potential ovarian tumors: a global perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We describe current evidence for staging low malignant potential
      ovarian tumors and their conformity to current consensus guidelines and practice
      from an international perspective. DATA SOURCES: A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and
      SCOPUS databases was conducted for articles published between January 1990 and
      April 2015. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies on low malignant potential
      ovarian tumors that evaluated the prognostic value of disease stage, staging vs
      no staging, complete vs incomplete staging, or discrete components of staging
      were eligible. Studies that described only crude survival rates were excluded.
      STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Eligible studies were categorized
      according to their outcome (disease stage, staging procedure, or discrete staging
      elements). Data were abstracted using a standard form. Inconsistencies on data
      abstraction were resolved by consensus among the authors. Risk of bias was
      assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Of 1116 studies, 702 were
      excluded for irrelevance and 364 for not meeting inclusion criteria. Nine studies
      were excluded for describing crude survival rates without a comparative
      conclusion. We found that studies supporting the value of defining disease stage
      or staging procedures (mostly conducted in northern Europe) included more
      patients than studies that did not find disease stage or staging useful
      (predominantly from North America, 4072 vs 3951). Disease stage correlated with
      survival in 13 of 25 studies, whereas none of the studies that evaluated the
      value of staging found it beneficial (9 studies, 1979 patients). Studies that
      evaluated isolated components of staging found no benefit to these procedures.
      Regional guidelines and consensus reviews drew conclusions based on a limited
      number of studies that generally originated from the same region. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although the correlation of stage with survival was mixed, performing staging
      procedures for low malignant potential ovarian tumors is not supported by the
      best available evidence. Guidelines in support of staging based their
      recommendations on a few regional studies and conflict with better-quality data
      that do not support staging procedures. An international consensus statement is
      needed to standardize the surgical management of low malignant potential ovarian
      tumors.

PMID- 27131585
TI  - Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase
      mutations and stillbirth: the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An evaluation for heritable thrombophilias is recommended in the
      evaluation of stillbirth. However, the association between thrombophilias and
      stillbirth remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the association
      between maternal and fetal/placental heritable thrombophilias and stillbirth in a
      population-based, case-control study in a geographically, racially, and
      ethnically diverse population. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted secondary analysis of
      data from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network, a population-based case
      control study of stillbirth. Testing for factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A,
      methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C, and plasminogen activating
      inhibitor (PAI)-1 4G/5G mutations was done on maternal and fetal (or placental)
      DNA from singleton pregnancies. Data analyses were weighted for oversampling and
      other aspects of the design. Odds ratios (OR) were generated from univariate
      models regressing stillbirth/live birth status on each thrombophilia marker.
      RESULTS: Results were available for >=1 marker in 488 stillbirths and 1342 live
      birth mothers and 405 stillbirths and 990 live birth fetuses. There was an
      increased odds of stillbirth for maternal homozygous factor V Leiden mutation
      (2/488; 0.4% vs 1/1380; 0.0046%; OR, 87.44; 95% confidence interval, 7.88
      970.92). However, there were no significant differences in the odds of stillbirth
      for any other maternal thrombophilia, even after stratified analyses. Fetal 4G/4G
      PAI-1 (OR, 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.91) was associated with
      decreased odds of stillbirth. Other fetal thrombophilias were similar among
      groups. CONCLUSION: Most maternal and fetal thrombophilias were not associated
      with stillbirth. Maternal factor V Leiden was weakly associated with stillbirth,
      and the fetal PAI-1 4G/4G polymorphism was associated with live birth. Our data
      do not support routine testing for heritable thrombophilias as part of an
      evaluation for possible causes of stillbirth.

PMID- 27131586
TI  - Depression, anxiety, and psychotropic medication use and fecundability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The literature regarding the associations between depression,
      anxiety, and fecundity is inconsistent. While cross-sectional studies suggest
      that depression and/or anxiety may adversely affect fecundity, the sole cohort
      study showed only a small association. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the
      association of self-reported depressive symptoms, self-reported diagnoses of
      depression and anxiety, and psychotropic medication use with fecundability in a
      prospective cohort study. STUDY DESIGN: Data were derived from Pregnancy Study
      Online (PRESTO), an Internet-based preconception cohort study of couples
      attempting to conceive in the United States and Canada. At baseline, female
      participants completed a survey that assessed demographic information, history of
      physician-diagnosed depression and anxiety, self-reported depressive symptoms
      (assessed by the Major Depression Inventory), and use of psychotropic
      medications. Women completed follow-up surveys every 8 weeks for up to 12 months
      or until reported conception to assess changes in exposures and pregnancy status.
      We estimated fecundability ratios and 95% confidence intervals using proportional
      probabilities regression models. The analysis was restricted to 2146 women who
      had been attempting to conceive for <=6 cycles at study entry. RESULTS: Severe
      depressive symptoms at baseline, regardless of treatment, were associated with
      decreased fecundability compared with no or low depressive symptoms
      (fecundability ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.91). The
      fecundability ratio associated with a 10-unit increase in Major Depression
      Inventory score was 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.83-0.97). Women who reported
      moderate to severe depressive symptoms and had never received psychotropic
      medications (fecundability ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.99) or
      who were currently being treated with psychotropic medications (fecundability
      ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-1.20) had decreased fecundability
      relative to women who had no/mild depressive symptoms and had never used
      psychotropic medications. Former users of psychotropic medications had increased
      fecundability regardless of the presence of no/mild depressive symptoms
      (fecundability ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.39) or moderate to
      severe depressive symptoms (fecundability ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval,
      0.80-1.76). CONCLUSION: We found an inverse association between depressive
      symptoms and fecundability, independent of psychotropic medication use. Use of
      psychotropic medications did not appear to harm fecundability.

PMID- 27131587
TI  - North American Fetal Therapy Network: intervention vs expectant management for
      stage I twin-twin transfusion syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stage I twin-twin transfusion syndrome presents a management dilemma.
      Intervention may lead to procedure-related complications while expectant
      management risks deterioration. Insufficient data exist to inform decision
      making. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective observational study was to
      describe the natural history of stage I twin-twin transfusion syndrome, to assess
      for predictors of disease behavior, and to compare pregnancy outcomes after
      intervention at stage I vs expectant management. STUDY DESIGN: Ten North American
      Fetal Therapy Network centers submitted well-documented cases of stage I twin
      twin transfusion syndrome for analysis. Cases were retrospectively divided into 3
      management strategies: those managed expectantly, those who underwent
      amnioreduction at stage I, and those who underwent laser therapy at stage I.
      Outcomes were categorized as no survivors, 1 survivor, 2 survivors, or at least 1
      survivor to live birth, and good (twin live birth >=30.0 weeks), mixed (single
      fetal demise or delivery between 26.0-29.9 weeks), and poor (double fetal demise
      or delivery <26.0 weeks) pregnancy outcomes. Outcomes were analyzed by initial
      management strategy. RESULTS: A total of 124 cases of stage I twin-twin
      transfusion syndrome were studied. In all, 49 (40%) cases were managed
      expectantly while 30 (24%) underwent amnioreduction and 45 (36%) underwent laser
      therapy at stage I. The overall fetal mortality rate was 20.2% (50 of 248
      fetuses). Of those managed expectantly, 11 patients regressed (22%), 4 remained
      stage I (8%), 29 advanced in stage (60%), and 5 experienced spontaneous previable
      preterm birth (10%) during observation. The mean number of days from diagnosis of
      stage I to a change in status (progression, regression, loss, or delivery) was
      11.1 (SD 14.3) days. Intervention by amniocentesis or laser therapy was
      associated with a lower risk of fetal loss (P = .01) than expectant management.
      The unadjusted odds of poor outcome were 0.33 (95% confidence interval, 0.09
      01.20), for amnioreduction and 0.26 (95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.77) for
      laser therapy vs expectant management. Adjusting for nulliparity, recipient
      maximum vertical pocket, gestational age at diagnosis, and placenta location had
      negligible effect. Both amnioreduction and laser therapy at stage I decreased the
      likelihood of no survivors (odds ratio, 0.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.68
      and odds ratio, 0.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.37, respectively). Only
      laser therapy, however, was protective against poor outcome in our data (odds
      ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-1.30 for amnioreduction vs odds ratio,
      0.12, 95% confidence interval, 0.03-0.44 for laser), although the estimate for
      amnioreduction suggests a protective effect. CONCLUSION: Stage I twin-twin
      transfusion syndrome was associated with substantial fetal mortality. Spontaneous
      resolution was observed, although the majority of expectantly managed cases
      progressed. Progression was associated with a worse prognosis. Both
      amnioreduction and laser therapy decreased the chance of no survivors, and laser
      was particularly protective against poor outcome independent of multiple factors.
      Further studies are justified to corroborate these findings and to further define
      risk stratification and surveillance strategies for stage I disease.

PMID- 27131588
TI  - Validating a standardized laparoscopy curriculum for gynecology residents: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Residency programs struggle with integrating simulation training into
      curricula, despite evidence that simulation leads to improved operating room
      performance and patient outcomes. Currently, there is no standardized
      laparoscopic training program available for gynecology residents. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of this study was to develop and validate a comprehensive ex vivo
      training curriculum for gynecologic laparoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective,
      single-blinded randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force Classification I)
      postgraduate year 1 and 2 gynecology residents were allocated randomly to receive
      either conventional residency training or an evidence-based laparoscopy
      curriculum. The 7-week curriculum consisted of cognitive didactic and interactive
      sessions, low-fidelity box trainer and high-fidelity virtual reality simulator
      technical skills, and high-fidelity team simulation. The primary outcome measure
      was the technical procedure score at laparoscopic salpingectomy with the use of
      the objective structured assessment of laparoscopic salpingectomy tool. Secondary
      outcome measures related to performance in multiple-choice questions and
      technical performance at box trainer and virtual reality simulator tasks. A
      sample size of 10 residents per group was planned (n = 20). Results are reported
      as medians (interquartile ranges), and data were compared between groups with the
      Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests (P <= .05). RESULTS: In July
      2013, 27 residents were assigned randomly (14 curriculum, 13 conventional). Both
      groups were similar at baseline. Twenty-one residents (10 curriculum, 11
      conventional) completed the surgical procedure-based assessment in the operating
      room (September to December 2013). Our primary outcome indicated that curriculum
      trained residents displayed superior performance at laparoscopic salpingectomy (P
      = .043). Secondary outcomes demonstrated that curriculum-trained residents had
      higher performance scores on the cognitive multiple-choice questions (P < .001),
      the nontechnical skills multiple-choice questions (P = .016), box trainer task
      time (P < .001), and all virtual reality simulator parameters. CONCLUSION:
      Participation in a comprehensive simulation-based training curriculum for
      gynecologic laparoscopy leads to a superior improvement in knowledge and
      technical performance in the operating room compared with conventional residency
      training.

PMID- 27131590
TI  - Toward normal birth-but at what cost?
AB  - The rate of cesarean delivery has become an important health care issue, and has
      attracted the attention of governments, professional organizations, health care
      administrators, clinicians, and patients. This has resulted in the generation of
      guidelines, clinical recommendations, and other documents aimed at increasing the
      likelihood of vaginal delivery. Sometimes, these recommendations are formulated
      with limited input from clinicians. In some countries, such as the United
      Kingdom, external pressure exerted on clinicians to reduce the rate of cesarean
      delivery has been the subject of public debate, and has led to unintended
      consequences, including an increase in medicolegal tensions. In the United States
      and Australia, recent recommendations generated by professional bodies have
      advocated that clinicians should change practice to reduce the rate of cesarean
      delivery. We do not summarize the risks and benefits of cesarean birth in
      different clinical situations, which have been the subject of numerous reviews.
      Rather, we try to examine the potential implications of such policies in light of
      recent observations made in maternity units, judicial decisions, and clinical
      research. The emphasis is on maternal morbidity and patient autonomy. This may
      include the negative consequences of increasingly risky attempts at vaginal birth
      after cesarean delivery such as uterine rupture, higher rates of pelvic floor and
      anal sphincter trauma due to rising forceps rates, and a bias against elective
      cesarean delivery on maternal request.

PMID- 27131589
TI  - The impact of surgical complications on health-related quality of life in women
      undergoing gynecologic and gynecologic oncology procedures: a prospective
      longitudinal cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are currently no assessments of the impact of surgical
      complications on health-related quality of life in gynecology and gynecologic
      oncology. This is despite complications being a central focus of surgical outcome
      measurement, and an increasing awareness of the need for patient-reported data
      when measuring surgical quality. OBJECTIVE: We sought to measure the impact of
      surgical complications on health-related quality of life at 1 month
      postoperatively, in women undergoing gynecologic and gynecologic oncology
      procedures. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study of women undergoing
      surgery by gynecologic oncologists at a tertiary care academic center from
      October 2013 through October 2014. Patients were enrolled preoperatively and
      interviewed at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Health-related
      quality of life measures included validated general and disease-specific
      instruments, measuring multiple aspects of health-related quality of life,
      including anxiety and depression. The medical record was abstracted for clinical
      data and surgical complications were graded using validated Clavien-Dindo
      criteria, and women grouped into those with and without postoperative
      complications. Bivariate statistics, analysis of covariance, responder analysis,
      and multivariate modeling was used to analyze the relationship of postoperative
      complications to change health-related quality of life from baseline to 1 month.
      Plots of mean scores and change over time were constructed. RESULTS: Of 281 women
      enrolled, response rates were 80% (n = 231/281) at baseline, and from that
      cohort, 81% (n = 187/231), 74% (n = 170/231), and 75% (n = 174/231) at 1, 3, and
      6 months, respectively. The primary analytic cohort comprised 185 women with
      completed baseline and 1-month interviews, and abstracted clinical data. Uterine
      (n = 84, 45%), ovarian (n = 23, 12%), cervical (n = 17, 9%), vulvar (n = 3, 2%),
      and other (n = 4, 2%) cancers were represented, along with 53 (30%) cases of
      benign disease. There were 42 (24%) racial/ethnic minority women. Minimally
      invasive (n = 115, 63%) and laparotomy (n = 60, 32%) procedures were performed.
      Postoperative complications occurred in 47 (26%) of patients who experienced
      grade 1 (n = 12), grade 2 (n = 29), and grade 3 (n = 6) complications. At 1
      month, physical (20.6 vs 22.5, P = .04) and functional (15.4 vs 18.3, P = .02)
      well-being, global physical health (43.1 vs 46.3, P = .02), and work ability (3
      vs 7.2, P = .001) were lower in postoperative complication vs non-postoperative
      complication women. Relative change, however, in most health-related quality of
      life domains from baseline to 1 month did not differ between postoperative
      complication and nonpostoperative complication groups. Postoperative complication
      patients did have increased odds of sustained or worsened anxiety at 1 month vs
      baseline (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.0) compared to
      nonpostoperative complication patients. CONCLUSION: Collectively, women who
      experienced postoperative complications after gynecologic and gynecologic
      oncology procedures did not appear to have differences in most health-related
      quality of life trends over time compared to those who did not. An exception was
      anxiety, where postoperative complications were associated with sustained or
      worsened levels of high anxiety after surgery.

PMID- 27131591
TI  - Omission of fetal sampling in treatment of subsequent pregnancies in fetal
      neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fetal-neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia affects approximately 1 of
      1000 live births, most of which are not severely thrombocytopenic. Despite
      effective treatment with intravenous gammaglobulin and/or prednisone, antenatal
      management of a subsequent affected pregnancy is complicated by the risks
      associated with fetal blood sampling. Furthermore, there are no biomarker(s) of
      high risk other than the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage in a previous
      sibling. Management of these high-risk pregnancies requires intensive treatment
      initiated at 12 weeks of gestation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to
      evaluate whether empiric escalation of therapy at 32 weeks allows the omission of
      fetal blood sampling in all fetal-neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia-affected
      patients. Specifically, we sought to determine whether intensive intravenous
      gammaglobulin-based regimens for the treatment of a subsequent fetal-neonatal
      alloimmune thrombocytopenia-affected pregnancy followed by empirically escalated
      intravenous gammaglobulin and prednisone treatment would increase the fetal
      platelet count and thus safely allow omission of fetal blood sampling in the
      antepartum management of these patients. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective,
      multicenter, randomized controlled study, 99 women with fetal-neonatal alloimmune
      thrombocytopenia whose prior affected child did not have an intracranial
      hemorrhage were randomized to receive an intensive intravenous gammaglobulin
      based regimen: 2 g/kg per week or intravenous gammaglobulin 1 g/kg per week plus
      prednisone 0.5 mg/kg per day, starting at 20-30 weeks of gestation. Escalated
      therapy (intravenous gammaglobulin 2 g/kg per week plus prednisone 0.5 mg/kg per
      day) was recommended and usually initiated at 32 weeks when fetal counts were
      <50,000/mL(3) or when fetal blood sampling was not performed. The preliminary
      report of this study from 2007 demonstrated the efficacy of both intravenous
      gammaglobulin-based regimens in most patients. Most patients who underwent fetal
      sampling had adequate fetal counts and therefore did not have their treatment
      escalated. This post hoc analysis describes the 29 fetuses who had their
      treatment escalated either because they had low counts at 32 weeks or when
      sampling was not performed. This study explored whether the empiric escalation of
      treatment at 32 weeks was sufficiently effective in increasing fetal platelet
      counts in these patients. RESULTS: Mean fetal and birth counts of fetuses
      randomized to each of the 2 initial treatment groups were all >100,000/mL(3).
      Three neonates had an intracranial hemorrhage; all 3 were grade 1 and all had
      birth platelet counts >130,000/mL(3). In a post hoc analysis, 19 fetuses
      undergoing fetal blood sampling at 32 weeks had fetal platelet counts
      <50,000/mL(3) despite their initial treatment. Of these 19, birth platelet counts
      were >50,000/mL(3) in 11 of 13 fetuses who received escalated treatment compared
      with only 1 of 6 of those who did not (P = .01); only 3 fetuses that received
      initial therapy followed by escalated treatment had birth platelet counts
      <50,000/mL(3) and none had an intracranial hemorrhage. The platelet counts of 14
      of 15 fetuses that received empirically escalated treatment without sampling were
      >50,000/mL(3) at birth. In addition, none of these had an intracranial
      hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: The 2 recommended protocols of intensive initial
      treatment followed by empiric escalation of therapy at 32 weeks of gestation are
      reasonably safe, effective in increasing fetal platelet counts, and allow
      omission of fetal blood sampling by increasing the fetal platelet count in almost
      all cases.

PMID- 27131592
TI  - Endothelial progenitors enhanced the osteogenic capacities of mesenchymal stem
      cells in vitro and in a rat alveolar bone defect model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may promote bone
      healing. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may enhance the osteogenic
      properties of MSCs by improving their microenvironment. We aimed to investigate
      whether EPCs can enhance the osteogenic properties of MSCs in vitro, and whether
      transplantation of EPC-MSC cell sheets could promote bone regeneration in a rat
      model of alveolar bone defect. DESIGN: MSCs and EPCs were obtained from 2-week
      old Sprague-Dawley rats. Cell sheets were prepared using MSCs and MSCs co
      cultured with EPCs. Morphological characteristics of cell sheets were observed by
      H&E staining. Osteogenic differentiation capacities of the cell sheets were
      assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin Red S staining and qRT
      PCR. Cell sheets were transplanted into alveolar bone defects in 8-week-old rats.
      Six weeks later, bone formation was assessed by micro-CT. RESULTS: EPC-MSC sheets
      exhibited faster osteogenesis than MSC sheets. Six weeks after implantation,
      alveolar bone defects transplanted with EPC-MSC sheets exhibited a better bone
      reconstruction. MSC sheets generated new bone that partially covered the defect
      areas, while EPC-MSC sheets exhibited more robust osteogenic activity, with
      continuous new bone that almost covered the entire defect area. CONCLUSIONS:
      Transplantation of cell sheets containing EPCs and MSCs promoted bone
      regeneration.

PMID- 27131593
TI  - Fully automatic volumetric modulated arc therapy plan generation for rectal
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate a fully automatic rectal planning
      optimizer (ARPO) for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment planning
      without human interaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ARPO was developed using
      inherent Pinnacle(3) script language; it was designed to perform the whole
      planning process including planning structure generation, beam placement,
      doseline setting and treatment planning. The automatic scheme adjusts the
      objectives of the objective function simulating the operation of dosimetrists
      based on our clinical experience. A total of 29 planned rectal cancer patients
      were retrospectively replanned using the ARPO (VMATauto) under the same
      constraints. RESULTS: With the ARPO, the hands-on time required for the whole
      planning process was significantly reduced to <1min. All VMATauto plans were
      recognized as clinically acceptable and 69% as clinically improved; 3% of
      VMATauto plans were marked equal and 28% inferior to manually generated VMATman
      plans when reviewed in a single-blind study by one experienced radiation
      oncologist. Without any planning workload the VMATauto plans had similar planning
      target volume dose coverage to the VMATman plans and statistically better organ
      at-risk sparing, especially regarding lower small intestine irradiation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The ARPO is robust and dramatically efficient in clinical
      application and provides improved planning quality.

PMID- 27131594
TI  - Transzygomatic approach for the resection of large condylar osteochondromas using
      computer-assisted preoperative planning.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with large
      osteochondromas (OCs) treated via transzygomatic approach for exposure and local
      resection. All patients with large OCs treated by transzygomatic approach from
      2006 through 2014 were investigated. The inclusion criteria were (1) condylar OC
      of exogenous type; (2) a mass that could be treated only via transzygomatic
      approach, as assessed using computer-assisted preoperative planning. The
      preliminary results evaluated included recurrence, joint form and function,
      occurrence of facial deformity, facial nerve function, and the condition of the
      zygomatic arch fixation. Other parameters assessed included tumour size and
      location and the length of follow-up. Ten patients with OCs were included in this
      study. All masses were located anteromedial to the condyle; the average maximal
      diameter was 33.15mm. During follow-up (average 28.5 months), the average maximum
      inter-incisal opening increased from 25.4mm to 32.0mm. Nine patients recovered
      without recurrence, a change in occlusion, secondary deformity, or nerve
      dysfunction. One patient had severe disc perforation and condylar resorption. The
      transzygomatic approach is applicable for the resection of large condylar OCs
      protruding anteromedially into the infratemporal space. Surgical simulations may
      help to identify the indications for this approach and to design the surgery. 

PMID- 27131595
TI  - Single molecule measurements of DNA helicase activity with magnetic tweezers and
      t-test based step-finding analysis.
AB  - Magnetic tweezers is a versatile and easy to implement single-molecule technique
      that has become increasingly prevalent in the study of nucleic acid based
      molecular motors. Here, we provide a description of the magnetic tweezers
      instrument and guidelines for measuring and analyzing DNA helicase activity.
      Along with experimental methods, we describe a robust method of single-molecule
      trajectory analysis based on the Student's t-test that accommodates continuous
      transitions in addition to the discrete transitions assumed in most widely
      employed analysis routines. To illustrate the single-molecule unwinding assay and
      the analysis routine, we provide DNA unwinding measurements of Escherichia coli
      RecQ helicase under a variety of conditions (Na+, ATP, temperature, and DNA
      substrate geometry). These examples reveal that DNA unwinding measurements under
      various conditions can aid in elucidating the unwinding mechanism of DNA helicase
      but also emphasize that environmental effects on DNA helicase activity must be
      considered in relation to in vivo activity and mechanism.

PMID- 27131596
TI  - Im10A, a short conopeptide isolated from Conus imperialis and possesses two
      highly concentrated disulfide bridges and analgesic activity.
AB  - In the present study, we isolated, synthesized and NMR structurally characterized
      a novel conopeptide Im10A consisting of 11 amino acids (NTICCEGCMCY-NH2) from
      Conus imperialis. Unlike other conopeptides with four cysteine residues, Im10A
      had only two residues in loop 1 and one residue in loop 2 (CC-loop1-C-loop2-C),
      which formed a stable disulfide connectivity "I-IV, II- III" (framework X) with a
      type I beta-turn. Interestingly, Im10A exhibited 50.7% analgesic activity on rat
      partial sciatic nerve ligation (PNL) at 2h after Im10A administration. However,
      10MUM Im10A exhibited no apparent effect on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptor, and it did not target DRG voltage-dependent sodium, potassium and
      calcium ion channels and opioid receptor. To our knowledge, Im10A had the most
      concentrated disulfide bridges among conopeptides with four cysteine residues.
      This finding provided a new motif for the future development of biomimetic
      compounds.

PMID- 27131597
TI  - Transformable DNA nanocarriers for plasma membrane targeted delivery of cytokine.
AB  - Direct delivery of cytokines using nanocarriers holds great promise for cancer
      therapy. However, the nanometric scale of the vehicles made them susceptible to
      size-dependent endocytosis, reducing the plasma membrane-associated apoptosis
      signaling. Herein, we report a tumor microenvironment-responsive and
      transformable nanocarrier for cell membrane targeted delivery of cytokine. This
      formulation is comprised of a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) degradable liposome as a
      shell, and complementary DNA nanostructures (designated as nanoclews) decorated
      with cytokines as the cores. Utilizing the tumor necrosis factor-related
      apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) as a model cytokine, we demonstrate that the
      TRAIL loaded DNA nanoclews are capable of transforming into nanofibers after PLA2
      activation. The nanofibers with micro-scaled lengths efficiently present the
      loaded TRAIL to death receptors on the cancer cell membrane and amplified the
      apoptotic signaling with reduced TRAIL internalization.

PMID- 27131599
TI  - A deletion at CMV UL54 codon 524 without co-existing resistance-associated
      mutation at UL97 confers resistance to ganciclovir: A case report.
AB  - Sequencing of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) genes to investigate antiviral resistance is
      a growing area of interest as treatment for CMV infection becomes more widely
      available and used. Using conventional sequencing methods, we identified a
      deletion in UL54 gene, del524, which conferred resistance to ganciclovir in a
      renal transplant recipient, in the absence of a co-existing resistance-conferring
      mutation in UL97 gene. This case report reinforces that both UL97 and UL54 genes
      should be sequenced when exploring CMV antiviral resistance as mutations have
      been identified in both genes independently of each other.

PMID- 27131600
TI  - Carboxymethyl flavonoids and a chromone with antimicrobial activity from
      Selaginella moellendorffii Hieron.
AB  - Five new carboxymethyl flavonoids named 5-carboxymethyl-3', 4', 7
      trihydroxyflavone (1), (2S)- 5-carboxymethyl-3', 4', 7-trihydroxyflavonone (2a),
      (2R)-5-carboxymethyl-3', 4', 7-trihydroxyflavonone (2b), (2S)-5-carboxymethyl-4',
      7-dihydroxyflavonone (3), 5- carbomethoxymethyl-4', 7-dihydroxyflavone (4), and a
      new chromone named 5-carboxymethyl-7-hydroxychromone (5), together with two known
      compounds 5-carboxymethyl-4'-hydroxyflavone-7-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (6), 5
      carboxymethyl-4', 7-dihydroxyflavone (7) were isolated from Selaginella
      moellendorffii Hieron. Their structures including absolute configuration were
      elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and experimental electronic
      circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. What's worth mentioning is that a carboxymethyl
      substituent appeared at the C-5 position of all isolated compounds, only recently
      discovered in genus Selaginella. Compounds 2a and 2b were identified as a pair of
      chiral isomers; compound 5 was discovered as the first chromone comprising a
      carboxymethyl side chain. Furthermore, all compounds were evaluated for their
      antibacterial activities against various Gram-positives and Gram-negatives, and
      compared to the reference drugs amoxicillin and norfloxacin. As a result,
      compounds 3 and 4 exhibited as potent antimicrobial agents with a broad spectrum,
      and compound 5 appeared as the most promising one to combat Gram-positives. 

PMID- 27131598
TI  - Sulfated hyaluronan improves bone regeneration of diabetic rats by binding
      sclerostin and enhancing osteoblast function.
AB  - Bone fractures in patients with diabetes mellitus heal poorly and require
      innovative therapies to support bone regeneration. Here, we assessed whether
      sulfated hyaluronan included in collagen-based scaffold coatings can improve
      fracture healing in diabetic rats. Macroporous thermopolymerized lactide-based
      scaffolds were coated with collagen including non-sulfated or sulfated hyaluronan
      (HA/sHA3) and inserted into 3 mm femoral defects of non-diabetic and diabetic ZDF
      rats. After 12 weeks, scaffolds coated with collagen/HA or collagen/sHA3
      accelerated bone defect regeneration in diabetic, but not in non-diabetic rats as
      compared to their non-coated controls. At the tissue level, collagen/sHA3
      promoted bone mineralization and decreased the amount of non-mineralized bone
      matrix. Moreover, collagen/sHA3-coated scaffolds from diabetic rats bound more
      sclerostin in vivo than the respective controls. Binding assays confirmed a high
      binding affinity of sHA3 to sclerostin. In vitro, sHA3 induced BMP-2 and lowered
      the RANKL/OPG expression ratio, regardless of the glucose concentration in
      osteoblastic cells. Both sHA3 and high glucose concentrations decreased the
      differentiation of osteoclastic cells. In summary, scaffolds coated with
      collagen/sHA3 represent a potentially suitable biomaterial to improve bone defect
      regeneration in diabetic conditions. The underlying mechanism involves improved
      osteoblast function and binding sclerostin, a potent inhibitor of Wnt signaling
      and osteoblast function.

PMID- 27131601
TI  - 3, 3'-Neolignans from Pithecellobium clypearia Benth and their anti-inflammatory
      activity.

PMID- 27131603
TI  - PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) signatures in human cardiac progenitor cells.
AB  - Cardiac progenitors, such as cardiospheres and cardiosphere-derived cells,
      represent an attractive cell source for cardiac regeneration. The PIWI
      interacting RNAs, piRNAs, are an intriguing class of small non-coding RNAs,
      implicated in the regulation of epigenetic state, maintenance of genomic
      integrity and stem cell functions. Although non-coding RNAs are an exploiting
      field in cardiovascular research, the piRNA signatures of cardiac progenitors has
      not been evaluated yet.We profiled, through microarrays, 15,311 piRNAs expressed
      in cardiospheres, cardiosphere-derived cells and cardiac fibroblasts. Results
      showed a set of differentially expressed piRNAs (fold change >=2, p<0.01): 641
      piRNAs were upregulated and 1,301 downregulated in the cardiospheres compared to
      cardiosphere-derived cells, while 255 and 708 piRNAs resulted up- and down
      regulated, respectively, if compared to cardiac fibroblasts. We also identified
      181 piRNAs that are overexpressed and 129 are downregulated in cardiosphere
      derived cells respect to cardiac fibroblasts.Bioinformatics analysis showed that
      the deregulated piRNAs were mainly distributed on few chromosomes, suggesting
      that piRNAs are organized in discrete genomic clusters.Furthermore, the
      bioinformatics search showed that the most upregulated piRNAs target transposons,
      especially belonged to LINE-1 class, as validated by qRT-PCR. This reduction is
      also associated to an activation of AKT signaling, which is beneficial for
      cardiac regeneration.The present study is the first to show a highly consistent
      piRNA expression pattern for human cardiac progenitors, likely responsible of
      their different regenerative power. Moreover, this piRNome analysis may provide
      new methods for characterize cardiac progenitors and may shed new light on the
      understanding the complex molecular mechanisms of cardiac regeneration.

PMID- 27131602
TI  - Trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) interferes with lipid droplet
      accumulation during 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation.
AB  - In this study, we hypothesize that the biologically active isomers of conjugated
      linoleic acid (CLA), cis-9,trans-11 (c9,t11) and trans-10,cis-12 (t10,c12) CLA,
      have different effects on early and late stages 3T3-L1 preadipocyte
      differentiation. Both c9-t11 and t10-c12CLA stimulated early stage pre-adipocyte
      differentiation (day 2), while t10-c12CLA inhibited late differentiation (day 8)
      as determined by lipid droplet numbers and both perilipin-1 levels and
      phosphorylation state. At day 8, the adipokines adiponectin, chemerin and adipsin
      were all reduced in t10-c12CLA treated cells versus control cells.
      Immunofluorescence microscopy showed perilipin-1 was present solely on lipid
      droplets on day 8 in t10-c12 treated 3T3-L1 cells, whereas preilipin-1 was also
      located in the perinuclear region in control and c9-t11 treated cells. The t10
      c12CLA isomer also decreased levels of hormone-sensitive lipase and inhibited
      lipolysis. These findings indicate that the decrease in lipid droplets caused by
      t10-c12CLA is the result of an inhibition of lipid droplet production during
      adipogenesis rather than a stimulation of lipolysis. Additionally, treatment with
      Go6976 blocked the effect of t10-c12CLA on perilipin-1 phosphorylation,
      implicating PKCalpha in perilipin-1 phosphorylation, and thus a regulator of
      triglyceride catabolism. These data are supported by evidence that t10-c12CLA
      activated PKCalpha. These are the first data to show that CLA isomers can affect
      lipid droplet dynamics in adipocytes through PKCalpha.

PMID- 27131605
TI  - Modelling and shadowgraph imaging of cocrystal dissolution and assessment of in
      vitro antimicrobial activity for sulfadimidine/4-aminosalicylic acid cocrystals.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of crystal habit on
      the dissolution and in vitro antibacterial and anitiprotozoal activity of
      sulfadimidine:4-aminosalicylic acid cocrystals. METHODS: Cocrystals were produced
      via milling or solvent mediated processes. In vitro dissolution was carried out
      in the flow-through apparatus, with shadowgraph imaging and mechanistic
      mathematical models used to observe and simulate particle dissolution. In vitro
      activity was tested using agar diffusion assays. RESULTS: Cocrystallisation via
      milling produced small polyhedral crystals with antimicrobial activity
      significantly higher than sulfadimidine alone, consistent with a fast dissolution
      rate which was matched only by cocrystals which were milled following solvent
      evaporation. Cocrystallisation by solvent evaporation (ethanol, acetone) or spray
      drying produced flattened, plate-like or quasi-spherical cocrystals,
      respectively, with more hydrophobic surfaces and greater tendency to form
      aggregates in aqueous media, limiting both the dissolution rate and in vitro
      activity. Deviation from predicted dissolution profiles was attributable to
      aggregation behaviour, supported by observations from shadowgraph imaging.
      CONCLUSIONS: Aggregation behaviour during dissolution of cocrystals with
      different habits affected the dissolution rate, consistent with in vitro
      activity. Combining mechanistic models with shadowgraph imaging is a valuable
      approach for dissolution process analysis.

PMID- 27131606
TI  - Systems pharmacology - Towards the modeling of network interactions.
AB  - Mechanism-based pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics (PKPD) and disease system
      (DS) models have been introduced in drug discovery and development research, to
      predict in a quantitative manner the effect of drug treatment in vivo in health
      and disease. This requires consideration of several fundamental properties of
      biological systems behavior including: hysteresis, non-linearity, variability,
      interdependency, convergence, resilience, and multi-stationarity. Classical
      physiology-based PKPD models consider linear transduction pathways, connecting
      processes on the causal path between drug administration and effect, as the basis
      of drug action. Depending on the drug and its biological target, such models may
      contain expressions to characterize i) the disposition and the target site
      distribution kinetics of the drug under investigation, ii) the kinetics of target
      binding and activation and iii) the kinetics of transduction. When connected to
      physiology-based DS models, PKPD models can characterize the effect on disease
      progression in a mechanistic manner. These models have been found useful to
      characterize hysteresis and non-linearity, yet they fail to explain the effects
      of the other fundamental properties of biological systems behavior. Recently
      systems pharmacology has been introduced as novel approach to predict in vivo
      drug effects, in which biological networks rather than single transduction
      pathways are considered as the basis of drug action and disease progression.
      These models contain expressions to characterize the functional interactions
      within a biological network. Such interactions are relevant when drugs act at
      multiple targets in the network or when homeostatic feedback mechanisms are
      operative. As a result systems pharmacology models are particularly useful to
      describe complex patterns of drug action (i.e. synergy, oscillatory behavior) and
      disease progression (i.e. episodic disorders). In this contribution it is shown
      how physiology-based PKPD and disease models can be extended to account for
      internal systems interactions. It is demonstrated how SP models can be used to
      predict the effects of multi-target interactions and of homeostatic feedback on
      the pharmacological response. In addition it is shown how DS models may be used
      to distinguish symptomatic from disease modifying effects and to predict the long
      term effects on disease progression, from short term biomarker responses. It is
      concluded that incorporation of expressions to describe the interactions in
      biological network analysis opens new avenues to the understanding of the effects
      of drug treatment on the fundamental aspects of biological systems behavior.

PMID- 27131604
TI  - Lkb1 deletion upregulates Pax7 expression through activating Notch signaling
      pathway in myoblasts.
AB  - Satellite cells play crucial roles in mediating the growth, maintenance, and
      repair of postnatal skeletal muscle. Activated satellite cells (myoblasts) can
      divide symmetrically or asymmetrically to generate progenies that self-renewal,
      proliferate or differentiate. Pax7 is a defining marker of quiescent and
      activated satellite cells, but not differentiated myoblast. We demonstrate here
      that deletion of Lkb1 upregulates Pax7 expression in myoblasts and inhibits
      asymmetric divisions that generate differentiating progenies. Furthermore, we
      find that Lkb1 activates the Notch signaling pathway, which subsequently
      increases Pax7 expression and promotes self-renewal and proliferation while
      inhibiting differentiation. Mechanistic studies reveal that Lkb1 regulates Notch
      activation through AMPK-mTOR pathway in myoblasts. Together, these results
      establish a key role of Lkb1 in regulating myoblast division and cell fates
      choices.

PMID- 27131607
TI  - Participation of industry experts in the elaboration of monographs and chapters
      of the European Pharmacopoeia.
AB  - The European Pharmacopoeia represents an important element in the European
      regulatory system for medicines. It is elaborated in a co-operation of experts
      from authorities, academia and industry, assisted by scientific staff from the
      European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM). This
      article describes the principles of its elaboration with particular focus on the
      involvement of industry experts. 

PMID- 27131608
TI  - Transdermal iontophoresis of flufenamic acid loaded PLGA nanoparticles.
AB  - The objective of this study was to test in vitro a drug delivery system that
      combines nanoencapsulation and iontophoresis for the transdermal delivery of
      lipophilic model drug using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) as the carrier
      polymer. Negatively charged fluorescent nanoparticles loaded with negatively
      charged flufenamic acid were prepared. The colloidal properties of the particles
      were stable under iontophoretic current (constant, pulsed and alternating)
      profiles and in contact with skin barrier. The release of the drug from the
      particles was not affected by iontophoresis and remained always limited (~50%),
      leading to significantly lower transdermal fluxes across human epidermis and full
      thickness porcine skin compared to respective free drug formulation. From
      nanoparticles, pulsed current profile resulted in comparable or higher fluxes
      compared to constant current profile although fluorescence imaging was not able
      to confirm deeper distribution of nanoparticles in skin. Based on our results,
      there is no clear advantage with respect to drug permeation from
      nanoencapsulating flufenamic acid into PLGA nanoparticles compared to free drug
      formulation, either in passive or iontophoretic delivery regimens. However,
      pulsed current iontophoresis could be an effective alternative instead of
      traditional constant current iontophoresis to enhance transdermal permeation of
      drugs from nanoencapsulated formulations. 

PMID- 27131609
TI  - A general framework for application of prestrain to computational models of
      biological materials.
AB  - It is often important to include prestress in computational models of biological
      tissues. The prestress can represent residual stresses (stresses that exist after
      the tissue is excised from the body) or in situ stresses (stresses that exist in
      vivo, in the absence of loading). A prestressed reference configuration may also
      be needed when modeling the reference geometry of biological tissues in vivo.
      This research developed a general framework for representing prestress in finite
      element models of biological materials. It is assumed that the material is
      elastic, allowing the prestress to be represented via a prestrain. For prestrain
      fields that are not compatible with the reference geometry, the computational
      framework provides an iterative algorithm for updating the prestrain until
      equilibrium is satisfied. The iterative framework allows for enforcement of two
      different constraints: elimination of distortion in order to address the
      incompatibility issue, and enforcing a specified in situ fiber strain field while
      allowing for distortion. The framework was implemented as a plugin in FEBio
      (www.febio.org), making it easy to maintain the software and to extend the
      framework if needed. Several examples illustrate the application and
      effectiveness of the approach, including the application of in situ strains to
      ligaments in the Open Knee model (simtk.org/home/openknee). A novel method for
      recovering the stress-free configuration from the prestrain deformation gradient
      is also presented. This general purpose theoretical and computational framework
      for applying prestrain will allow analysts to overcome the challenges in modeling
      this important aspect of biological tissue mechanics.

PMID- 27131610
TI  - Comments on "Use of metformin and risk of kidney cancer in patients with type 2
      diabetes", Chin-Hsiao Tseng, Eur J Cancer, 2016, No. 52, pp. 19-25.

PMID- 27131612
TI  - Syncope on a Hot Summer Day.
AB  - In a 63-year-old man, episodes of ventricular tachycardia causing syncope and
      myocardial infarction are the first manifestations of triple vessel coronary
      disease in the absence of arteriographic evidence of a fresh occlusion. 

PMID- 27131613
TI  - Usefulness of the Myocardial Infarction and Cardiac Arrest Calculator as a
      Discriminator of Adverse Cardiac Events After Elective Hip and Knee Surgery.
AB  - The 2014 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines
      on perioperative evaluation recommend differentiating patients at low risk (<1%)
      versus elevated risk (>=1%) for cardiac complications to guide appropriate
      preoperative testing. Among the tools recommended for estimating perioperative
      risk is the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Myocardial
      Infarction and Cardiac Arrest (MICA) risk calculator. We investigated whether the
      NSQIP MICA risk calculator would accurately discriminate adverse cardiac events
      in a cohort of adult patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. We
      retrospectively reviewed 1,098 consecutive, elective orthopedic surgeries
      performed at Hershey Medical Center from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2014.
      Adverse cardiac events were defined as myocardial infarction or cardiac arrest
      within 30 days of surgery. The mean estimated risk for adverse cardiac events
      using the NSQIP MICA risk calculator was 0.54%, which was not significantly
      different (p = 1) compared with the observed incidence of 0.64% (7 of 1,098
      procedures). The c-statistic for discriminating adverse cardiac events was 0.85
      (95% CI 0.67 to 1) for the NSQIP MICA risk calculator and 0.9 (95% CI 0.75 to 1)
      for the Revised Cardiac Risk Index. In conclusion, the NSQIP MICA risk calculator
      is a good discriminator of adverse cardiac events in patients undergoing elective
      hip and knee surgery, performing comparably to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index.

PMID- 27131611
TI  - Impact of Anemia on Platelet Reactivity and Ischemic and Bleeding Risk: From the
      Assessment of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy With Drug-Eluting Stents Study.
AB  - Anemic patients remain at increased risk of ischemic and bleeding events. Whether
      the effects of hemoglobin levels on thrombotic and bleeding risk are independent
      of platelet reactivity on clopidogrel, however, remains unknown. Patients from
      the Assessment of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy With Drug-Eluting Stents study were
      categorized by the presence of anemia at baseline, defined according the World
      Health Organization criteria. Platelet reactivity was measured with VerifyNow
      assay; high platelet reactivity (HPR) on clopidogrel was defined as platelet
      reactive units value >208. Of 8,413 patients included in the study cohort, 1,816
      (21.6%) had anemia. HPR was more prevalent in patients with anemia (58.3% vs
      38.4%; p <0.001), an association that persisted after multivariate adjustment
      (adjusted odds ratio: 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.82 to 2.29; p
      <0.0001). Patients with anemia had higher 2-year rates of major adverse cardiac
      events (9.5% vs 5.6%; p <0.0001), major bleeding (11.8% vs 7.7%; p <0.0001), and
      all-cause mortality (4.0% vs 1.4%; p <0.0001); however, after adjustment for
      baseline clinical confounders, including HPR, anemia was no longer significantly
      associated with major adverse cardiac events but was still independently
      associated with all-cause mortality (adjusted HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.12; p
      <0.0001) and major bleeding (adjusted HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.68; p <0.0001).
      The effect of HPR on clinical outcomes was uniform according to anemia status,
      without evidence of interaction. In conclusion, anemia independently correlated
      with HPR. After percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents,
      anemia at baseline was significantly associated with higher 2-year hemorrhagic
      and mortality risk; conversely, its association with ischemic risk was attenuated
      after multivariate adjustment, including HPR. 

PMID- 27131614
TI  - Pharmacoinvasive and Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Strategies in ST
      Elevation Myocardial Infarction (from the Mayo Clinic STEMI Network).
AB  - The effectiveness of a pharmacoinvasive strategy consisting of fibrinolysis and
      transfer for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to primary PCI
      (PPCI) in patients presenting to non-PCI-capable hospitals with ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) is not well defined. We analyzed data from the Mayo
      Clinic STEMI database of patients treated with a pharmacoinvasive strategy
      (favored in those presenting early after symptom onset) or PPCI in a regional
      STEMI network from 2004 to 2012. A total of 364 and 1,337 patients were included
      in the pharmacoinvasive and PPCI groups, respectively. Patients in the PPCI group
      were older and more frequently had cardiogenic shock at the time of presentation
      (12.1% vs 7.7%, p = 0.018). Death from any cause occurred in 58 (16%) and 314
      (23%) patients in the pharmacoinvasive and PPCI groups, respectively (median
      follow-up 3.9 and 4.4 years, respectively). In multivariate analyses adjusting
      for age, gender, and other variables for which the 2 groups differed at baseline,
      there was no significant difference between the 2 strategies for 30-day (hazard
      ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.36 to 1.21) or overall mortality (hazard
      ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.63 to 1.12). Shorter door-to-balloon time
      was associated with increased effectiveness of PPCI (p for trend = 0.015), but
      there was no difference between the 2 strategies even when considering only the
      patients with door-to-balloon time in the lowest quartile. In conclusion,
      fibrinolysis followed by transfer for PCI represents a reasonable alternative
      when PPCI is not readily available especially in patients presenting early after
      symptom onset. 

PMID- 27131615
TI  - Predictors of Very Late Events After Percutaneous Mitral Valvuloplasty in
      Patients With Mitral Stenosis.
AB  - Data on long-term outcomes of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV) are still
      scarce. In addition, the persistence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) after PMV is
      a complication for which mechanisms and prognostic implications are unclear. Our
      aims were (1) to report the long-term outcomes of patients with rheumatic mitral
      stenosis treated with PMV; (2) to determine the risk factors for long-term poor
      outcomes; and (3) to analyze the prevalence and predictors of persistent PH. We
      prospectively enrolled 532 patients who underwent PMV from 1987 to 2011 at 2
      hospitals. The following end points were assessed after PMV: all-cause mortality,
      mitral reintervention, a composite end point of all-cause mortality and mitral
      reintervention, and PH persistence. Survival status was available for 97%
      patients; the median follow-up was 10 years (interquartile range 4 to 18 years).
      Procedural success was achieved in 85% patients. During the follow-up, 21%
      patients died and 27% required mitral reintervention. Before PMV, 74% patients
      had PH that persisted after PMV in 45% of patients (p <0.001). Unfavorable valve
      anatomy (Wilkins score >8) and post-PMV mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP)
      were independent predictors of all-cause mortality, mitral reintervention, and
      the composite end point. Post-PMV mean PAP was significantly correlated with a
      mitral valve area (MVA) <2.5 cm(2) (p <0.001); in addition, on the
      echocardiographic follow-up, MVA was an independent predictor of systolic PAP (p
      <0.001). In conclusion, PMV represents an advantageous therapeutic option for
      patients with mitral stenosis in terms of long-term outcomes. Unfavorable valve
      anatomy and persistent PH were the most important predictors of long-term
      outcomes. The persistence of PH is associated with the MVA obtained after PMV. 

PMID- 27131616
TI  - Suprasellar masses in children: Characteristic MR imaging features.
AB  - Pediatric suprasellar masses are unique in their clinical presentation and
      imaging features. The differential diagnosis, incidence, surgical approach and
      adjuvant treatment options differ from adult tumors. Magnetic resonance (MR)
      imaging is fundamental in preoperative evaluation and provides detailed
      information about the suprasellar region. In this article, we review the
      characteristic MR imaging findings of common suprasellar masses in children. We
      also briefly discuss useful MR imaging sequences and planes used in the initial
      evaluation of a pediatric suprasellar mass and clinical findings at presentation.

PMID- 27131617
TI  - Differential profiles in auditory social cognition deficits between adults with
      autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A preliminary analysis.
AB  - Impairment in social cognition, including emotion recognition, has been
      extensively studied in both Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Schizophrenia
      (SZ). However, the relative patterns of deficit between disorders have been
      studied to a lesser degree. Here, we applied a social cognition battery
      incorporating both auditory (AER) and visual (VER) emotion recognition measures
      to a group of 19 high-functioning individuals with ASD relative to 92 individuals
      with SZ, and 73 healthy control adult participants. We examined group differences
      and correlates of basic auditory processing and processing speed. Individuals
      with SZ were impaired in both AER and VER while ASD individuals were impaired in
      VER only. In contrast to SZ participants, those with ASD showed intact basic
      auditory function. Our finding of a dissociation between AER and VER deficits in
      ASD relative to Sz support modality-specific theories of emotion recognition
      dysfunction. Future studies should focus on visual system-specific contributions
      to social cognitive impairment in ASD.

PMID- 27131618
TI  - Initial Outcomes of a Lung Cancer Screening Program in an Integrated Community
      Health System.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) demonstrated reduced
      mortality in the National Lung Screening Trial, yet there is debate as to whether
      the reported efficacy can translate into comparable effectiveness with community
      based screening. The authors' purpose is to report the baseline patient
      characteristics and malignancy rate in the first 18 months after implementing a
      lung cancer screening program in an integrated community health system. METHODS:
      Patients were screened at 1 of 10 participating community-based centers within a
      22-hospital system from 2013 to 2015. LDCT examinations were interpreted by 1 of
      20 radiologists using structured reporting and an internally developed tracking
      system. Manual chart review was performed to ascertain the malignancy detection
      rate. RESULTS: A total of 357 patients were screened with LDCT. Of these, 80
      patients were ineligible and 3 declined enrollment. The remaining 274 patients
      satisfied accepted screening criteria and were enrolled in the program.
      Malignancy was detected in a total of 11 enrollees (4.0%), 8 with lung cancer and
      3 with extrapulmonary primary malignancies. Three patients (1.1%) were diagnosed
      with early-stage lung cancer and received definitive therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Early
      stage lung cancer was detected with LDCT screening in an integrated community
      health system at a rate similar to other trials.

PMID- 27131619
TI  - Adult Gamma Camera Myocardial Perfusion Imaging: Diagnostic Reference Levels and
      Achievable Administered Activities Derived From ACR Accreditation Data.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to glean from accreditation surveys of US
      nuclear medicine facilities the in-practice radiopharmaceutical diagnostic
      reference levels (DRLs) and achievable administered activities (AAAs) for adult
      gamma camera myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). METHODS: Data were collected
      from the ACR Nuclear Medicine Accreditation Program during one three-year
      accreditation cycle from May 1, 2012, to April 30, 2015. Data elements included
      radiopharmaceutical, administered activity, examination protocol, interpreting
      physician specialty, practice type, and facility annual examination volume.
      Facility demographics, DRLs, and AAAs were tabulated for analysis. RESULTS: The
      calculated DRLs and AAAs are consistent with previously published surveys, and
      they adhere to national societal guidelines. Facilities seeking ACR accreditation
      are nearly evenly split between hospital based with multiple gamma cameras and
      office based with single gamma cameras. The majority of facilities use single
      day, low-dosage/high-dosage (99m)Tc-based protocols; a small minority use
      (201)TlCl protocols. Administered activities show a consistency across
      facilities, likely reflecting adoption of standard MPI protocols. CONCLUSIONS:
      This practice-based analysis provides DRL and AAA benchmarks that nuclear
      medicine facilities may use to refine gamma camera MPI protocols. In general, the
      protocols submitted for ACR accreditation are consistent with national societal
      guidelines. The results suggest that there may be opportunities to further reduce
      patient radiation exposure by using modified examination protocols and newer
      gamma camera software and hardware technologies.

PMID- 27131620
TI  - Office of Civil Rights' HIPAA Enforcement Actions Provide Valuable Insight to
      Radiologists.

PMID- 27131621
TI  - New applications for known drugs: Human glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitors as
      modulators of Aspergillus fumigatus growth.
AB  - Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is one of the most severe forms of fungi infection.
      IA disease is mainly due to Aspergillus fumigatus, an air-borne opportunistic
      pathogen. Mortality rate caused by IA is still very high (50-95%), because of
      difficulty in early diagnostics and reduced antifungal treatment options, thus
      new and efficient drugs are necessary. The aim of this work is, using Aspergillus
      nidulans as non-pathogen model, to develop efficient drugs to treat IA. The
      recent discovered role of glycogen synthase kinase-3 homologue, GskA, in A.
      fumigatus human infection and our previous experience on human GSK-3 inhibitors
      focus our attention on this kinase as a target for the development of antifungal
      drugs. With the aim to identify effective inhibitors of colonial growth of A.
      fumigatus we use A. nidulans as an accurate model for in vivo and in silico
      studies. Several well-known human GSK-3beta inhibitors were tested for inhibition
      of A. nidulans colony growth. Computational tools as docking studies and binding
      site prediction was used to explain the different biological profile of the
      tested inhibitors. Three of the five tested hGSK3beta inhibitors are able to
      reduce completely the colonial growth by covalent bind to the enzyme. Therefore
      these compounds may be useful in different applications to eradicate IA. 

PMID- 27131622
TI  - Early BCR-ABL1 Reduction Is Predictive of Better Event-free Survival in Patients
      With Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treated With Any Tyrosine Kinase
      Inhibitor.
AB  - An early molecular response has a strong predictive value in chronic myeloid
      leukemia (CML). Recently, the halving time (velocity of early BCR-ABL1 transcript
      elimination) has been shown to represent an additional prognostic index. Our
      objective was the evaluation of the prognostic significance of the 3-month point
      in our population. We retrospectively collected BCR-ABL1 transcript data at
      different time points, events, and survival data of patients with CML treated at
      the Division of Hematology, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Turin,
      Italy. Of 71 patients diagnosed from January 2005 to March 2015 in our center and
      treated with front-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (imatinib, nilotinib and
      dasatinib), we selected those who had undergone a molecular evaluation at 3
      months. The event-free survival (EFS) by the median follow-up time was the
      primary endpoint. The data from 50 patients with CML chronic phase were analyzed.
      Overall, 34 of the 50 patients (68%) had a transcript <= 10% at 3 months. Of
      those in the > 10% group, 63% had experienced an event compared with 12% in the
      <= 10% group by the median follow-up point (P < .001). The halving time threshold
      for discriminating between EFS was 17 days. None of the patients with a
      transcript > 10% at 3 months had a halving time of <= 17 days. Patients with BCR
      ABL1 <= 10% and a halving time of <= 17 days had significantly better EFS than
      that of patients with BCR-ABL1 <= 10% and a halving time > 17 days and of
      patients with BCR-ABL1 > 10% (96% group 1 vs. 60% group 2 vs. 27% group 3; P <
      .001). Irrespective of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor used, the prognosis was
      significantly superior for patients with BCR-ABL1 <= 10% and halving time of <=
      17 days. Our data revealed that the use of ABL1 as a control gene is reliable for
      the determination of the halving time in the clinical setting and highlight the
      importance of measuring the BCR-ABL1 transcript at CML diagnosis.

PMID- 27131623
TI  - A Single-center Experience in Splenic Diffuse Red Pulp Lymphoma Diagnosis.
AB  - The World Health Organization 2008 classification highlighted a new nosology
      splenic diffuse red pulp lymphoma (SDRPL) with clinical and laboratory features
      similar to both splenic marginal zone lymphoma and hairy cell leukemia (HCL) and
      variant form of HCL. Experience of hematologists on the diagnosis and
      differential diagnosis of SDRPL is extremely limited. The aim of our report was
      to characterize the clinical and immunomorphologic features of SDRPL on our own
      observations. During 2013-2014, in National Research Center for Hematology, 87
      spleen specimens removed from various B-cell lymphomas were analyzed. In four
      (4.6%) cases, the diagnosis SDRPL was made based on morphologic,
      immunohistochemical, immunophenotypic, molecular examination of spleen biopsies,
      blood and bone marrow samples. In all cases of SDRPL were observed significant
      splenomegaly, lymphocytosis from 56% to 94% (in two cases with leukocytosis
      55.000 and 75.000 109/l). The circulating "villous" lymphocytes phenotype was
      CD20+ (bright), CD11c+/+/-, CD103 (weakly)+/+/-, LAIR-1+, CD25-, CD5-, CD10-, and
      CD23-. Mutation BRAFV600E was not detected. Bone marrow with minor lymphoid
      CD20+, CD25-, Annexin1-, Cyclin D1- cell infiltration. The average weight of the
      spleen was 3900 g (1450-9500 g), and morphologically, there was revealed lymphoid
      infiltration of red pulp with phenotype CD20+, DBA.44+, CD25-, Annexin1-, Cyclin
      D1-, CD103-, CD123-, CD27-, focal SD11c+/- and TRAP+/-. Now patients are observed
      in remission: two patients after splenectomy, two after splenectomy and
      cladribine+rituximab chemotherapy. SRDPL-a rare lymphoma that is suspected in the
      cases with significant splenomegaly and lymphocytosis with villous lymphocytes
      forms that have only a part of the classic markers HCL, with minor bone marrow
      infiltration. The standard diagnosis and treatment is splenectomy. Differential
      diagnosis of SMZL and HCL has clear criteria, but criteria of differentiation
      with variant HCL are still unknown.

PMID- 27131624
TI  - Borderless regulates glial extension and axon ensheathment.
AB  - Ensheathment of axons by glial processes is essential for normal brain function.
      While considerable progress has been made to define molecular and cellular
      mechanisms underlying the maintenance of axon ensheathment, less is known about
      molecular details of early events for the wrapping of axons by glial processes in
      the developing nervous system. In this study, we investigate the role of the
      transmembrane protein Borderless (Bdl) in the developing Drosophila visual
      system. Bdl belongs to the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily, and its in vivo
      function is unknown. We show that Bdl is expressed in wrapping glia (WG) in the
      developing eye disc. Cell-type-specific transgene rescue and knockdown indicate
      that Bdl is specifically required in WG for the extension of glial processes
      along photoreceptor axons in the optic lobe, and axon ensheathment. Our results
      identify Bdl as a novel glia-specific cell-surface recognition molecule in
      regulating glial extension and axon ensheathment.

PMID- 27131626
TI  - Neurological soft signs in antisocial men and relation with psychopathy.
AB  - Neurological soft signs (NSS) were studied in some axis-I disorders like
      schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, alcohol and
      substance abuse disorder. Aim of this study is detection of neurological soft
      signs in antisocial personality disorder and relation of these signs with
      psychopathy. The study was included 41 antisocial men and 41 healthy control
      subjects. Sociodemographic form, neurological evaluation scale and Hare
      psychopathy checklist was applied to the antisocial subjects, whereas
      sociodemographic form and neurological evaluation scale were applied to the
      controls. Antisocial men exhibited significiantly more NSS in total score and
      subgroups scales (p<0.05). It was shown that there was a significant association
      with psychopathy scores and NSS sequencing complex motor tasks (r=0.309; p=0.049)
      and NSS other tests subgroup scores (r=0.328; p=0.037). Similar relation was also
      observed in comparison between psychopathy subgroups. NSS accepted as being
      endophenotypes in schizophrenia, were also detected in antisocial group
      significantly more than controls in our study. Significant relationship between
      psychopathy and NSS may also hint the role of genetic mechanisms in personality
      development, though new extended studies with larger sample size are needed for
      clarification of this relationship.

PMID- 27131625
TI  - Cell death regulates muscle fiber number.
AB  - Cell death can have both cell autonomous and non-autonomous roles in normal
      development. Previous studies have shown that the central cell death regulators
      grim and reaper are required for the developmentally important elimination of
      stem cells and neurons in the developing central nervous system (CNS). Here we
      show that cell death in the nervous system is also required for normal muscle
      development. In the absence of grim and reaper, there is an increase in the
      number of fibers in the ventral abdominal muscles in the Drosophila adult. This
      phenotype can be partially recapitulated by inhibition of cell death specifically
      in the CNS, indicating a non-autonomous role for neuronal death in limiting
      muscle fiber number. We also show that FGFs produced in the cell death defective
      nervous system are required for the increase in muscle fiber number. Cell death
      in the muscle lineage during pupal stages also plays a role in specifying fiber
      number. Our work suggests that FGFs from the CNS act as a survival signal for
      muscle founder cells. Thus, proper muscle fiber specification requires cell death
      in both the nervous system and in the developing muscle itself.

PMID- 27131627
TI  - Autonomous motivation is associated with the maintenance stage of behaviour
      change in people with affective disorders.
AB  - The present study examined whether in people with affective disorders motives for
      adopting and maintaining physical activity recommendations (as formulated by the
      self-determination theory) differed across the stages of behaviour change
      (identified by the transtheoretical model). A total of 165 (105?) persons (45.6+/
      14.2years) with affective disorders [major depressive disorder (n=96) or bipolar
      disorder (n=69)] completed the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2
      and the Patient-centred Assessment and Counselling for Exercise questionnaire.
      Discriminant and multivariate analyses demonstrated that persons with affective
      disorders at the early stages of change have less autonomous and more controlled
      physical activity motives than those at the later stages. Our results suggest
      that autonomous motivation may have an important role to play in the maintenance
      of health recommendations in persons with affective disorders. Longitudinal and
      intervention studies should be designed in people with affective disorders to
      identify the causal pathways between motives for maintaining health
      recommendations, effective changes in health behaviour and physical and mental
      health outcomes.

PMID- 27131628
TI  - Encephalocraniocutaneous Lipomatosis Without Ocular Malformations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis is a rare congenital
      neurocutaneous syndrome resulting from ectomesodermal dysgenesis and
      characterized by unique hairless scalp lesions in the form of nevus psiloliparus,
      ipsilateral ocular malformations, and central nervous system anomalies. According
      to the 2009 diagnostic criteria proposed by Moog et al., ocular abnormalities are
      supposed to be the most consistent feature of encephalocraniocutaneous
      lipomatosis. PATIENT DESCRIPTION: We describe an 18-year-old girl with most of
      the central nervous system manifestations of encephalocraniocutaneous
      lipomatosis, major skin alterations including nevus psiloliparus, but no ocular
      involvement. CONCLUSION: Our patient suggests more variability in clinical
      features and a more complex genetic/embryonic etiology of
      encephalocraniocutaneous lipomatosis.

PMID- 27131629
TI  - Can New Digital Technologies Support Parasitology Teaching and Learning?
AB  - Traditionally, parasitology courses have mostly been taught face-to-face on
      campus, but now digital technologies offer opportunities for teaching and
      learning. Here, we give a perspective on how new technologies might be used
      through student-centred teaching approaches. First, a snapshot of recent trends
      in the higher education is provided; then, a brief account is given of how
      digital technologies [e.g., massive open online courses (MOOCs), flipped
      classroom (FC), games, quizzes, dedicated Facebook, and digital badges] might
      promote parasitology teaching and learning in digital learning environments. In
      our opinion, some of these digital technologies might be useful for competency
      based, self-regulated, learner-centred teaching and learning in an online or
      blended teaching environment.

PMID- 27131630
TI  - Interactions of Staphylococcus aureus with ultrasoft hydrogel biomaterials.
AB  - Ultrasoft biomaterials-polymers, gels, and human soft tissues with an elastic
      modulus less than ~100 kPa-are increasingly used in medical devices. While
      bacterial interactions (adhesion and biofilm formation) have been extensively
      studied on stiffer materials, little is known about how bacteria colonize
      ultrasoft materials as a nidus for infection. The goal of this work was to
      determine how material properties of ultrasoft hydrogels used for dermal fillers
      might affect pathogenesis of associated infections. We first synthesized a range
      of polyacrylamide hydrogels (PAAm) with moduli similar to clinically used dermal
      fillers and characterized the rheological, morphological and porous properties.
      We then developed a novel microfabricated insert to contain the PAAm in a flow
      system for quantification of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The rate
      of adhesion and numbers of adherent Staphylococcus aureus on the surface of PAAm
      both decreased as the modulus increased. Adhesion was reduced by 3 logs (from 93
      * 10(4)/cm(2) to 0.083 * 10(4)/cm(2)) with increasing modulus (from 17 Pa to 654
      Pa). However, the number of bacteria in the bulk was the highest within the
      stiffest gels. This trend was further amplified in subsequent biofilm studies,
      where interfacial coverage of biofilm decreased as the modulus increased, while
      the fraction of biofilm in the bulk was the highest within the stiffest gel. The
      results show significant differences in bacterial colonization of PAAm based on
      material properties, and reveal how the injection process may unexpectedly create
      discontinuities that provide a microenvironmental niche for bacterial
      colonization.

PMID- 27131631
TI  - Oral administration of Dictyostelium differentiation-inducing factor 1 lowers
      blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
AB  - AIMS: Differentiation-inducing factor 1 (DIF-1), originally discovered in the
      cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, and its derivatives possess
      pharmacological activities, such as the promotion of glucose uptake in non
      transformed mammalian cells in vitro. Accordingly, DIFs are considered promising
      lead candidates for novel anti-diabetic drugs. The aim of this study was to
      assess the anti-diabetic and toxic effects of DIF-1 in mouse 3T3-L1 fibroblast
      cells in vitro and in diabetic rats in vivo. Main methods We investigated the in
      vitro effects of DIF-1 and DIF-1(3M), a derivative of DIF-1, on glucose
      metabolism in 3T3-L1 cells by using capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (CE-TOF-MS). We also examined the effects of DIF-1 on blood glucose
      levels in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rats. KEY FINDINGS: CE-TOF-MS revealed
      that 20MUM DIF-1 and 20MUM DIF-1(3M) promoted glucose uptake and metabolism in
      3T3-L1 cells. Oral administration of DIF-1 (30mg/kg) significantly lowered basal
      blood glucose levels in STZ-treated rats and promoted a decrease in blood glucose
      levels after oral glucose loading (2.5g/kg) in the rats. In addition, daily oral
      administration of DIF-1 (30mg/kg/day) for 1wk significantly lowered the blood
      glucose levels in STZ-treated rats but did not affect their body weight and
      caused only minor alterations in the levels of other blood analytes.
      SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate that DIF-1 may be a good lead compound for
      the development of anti-diabetic drugs.

PMID- 27131632
TI  - The Society of Clinical Ultrasound Fellowships: An innovation in the point of
      care ultrasound fellowship application process.

PMID- 27131633
TI  - IntralipidTM administration attenuates the hypotensive effects of acute
      intravenous amiodarone overdose in a swine model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether a lipid emulsion could counteract the hypotensive
      effects of amiodarone overdose after an acute intravenous administration and
      improve 4 h survival in an established model of swine cardiovascular research.
      METHODS: Twenty pigs were intubated and instrumented to measure aortic pressures
      and central venous pressures (CVP). After allowing the animals to stabilize for
      60 minutes, amiodarone overdose (1 mg/kg/min) was initiated for a maximum of 20
      minutes. Afterwards, the animals were randomized into 2 groups. Group A (n = 10)
      received 0.9% Normal Saline (NS) and Group B (n = 10) received 20% Intralipid(r)
      (ILE). A bolus dose of 2 ml/kg in over 2 min time was initially administered in
      both groups followed by a 45 min infusion (0.2 ml/kg/min) of either NS or ILE.
      RESULTS: All animals survived the overdose and all animals survived the
      monitoring period of 4 hours. Systolic aortic pressure (SpthAorta) (6.90 vs 14.10
      mmHg, P = .006) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (6.10 vs 14.90 mmHg, P = .001)
      were higher in the ILE group 2 min after the bolus ILE infusion. This difference
      was maintained for 15 min after ILE infusion for both SpthAorta (7.85 vs 13.15
      mmHg, P = .044) and MAP (7.85 vs 13.15 mmHg, P = .042). Animals that received ILE
      had higher CVP (11.6 vs 15.7 mmHg, P = .046), an effect which was attenuated 2
      and 4 hours post administration. Animals receiving ILE were more acidotic (7.21
      vs 7.38, P = .048) in the monitoring period compared to animals receiving NS.
      CONCLUSIONS: Intralipid attenuated the hypotensive effects of amiodarone toxicity
      for a period of 15 minutes compared to animals receiving NS.

PMID- 27131634
TI  - Vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery convergence aneurysms
      treated by endovascular or surgical treatment: Mid- and long-term outcome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Management of vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery
      convergence (VA-PICA) saccular aneurysms requires a specialized neurovascular
      team. The objective is to preserve the functional outcome while performing a
      complete and reliable long-term exclusion of the aneurysm. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      our study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with VA-PICA saccular aneurysms
      after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective series of 21
      consecutive patients with a VA-PICA saccular aneurysm treated between 2000 and
      2012 at our institution. Treatment option (endovascular or microsurgical) was
      decided for each patient following a multidisciplinary discussion. RESULTS:
      Twenty-one patients were treated for a VA-PICA saccular aneurysm including 16 for
      a ruptured aneurysm and 5 for an asymptomatic aneurysm. Among all patients, 11
      underwent endovascular treatment and 10 had microsurgical treatment. Our results
      showed a major aneurysm recurrence after endovascular treatment in 3 patients
      that required a further endovascular treatment in 2 cases. These 3 major
      recurrences occurred after treatment of a ruptured aneurysm when the initial
      angiography demonstrated the origin of the PICA at the neck of the aneurysm.
      After microsurgery, angiography showed a remnant neck in 2 patients including 1
      treated by further endovascular procedure. CONCLUSION: VA-PICA aneurysms are rare
      and require multidisciplinary management. Microsurgical treatment should be
      discussed when the PICA originates from the aneurysmal neck, particularly in
      patients with a ruptured small aneurysm, in order to obtain a reliable and long
      term exclusion of the aneurysm.

PMID- 27131635
TI  - Intramedullary ependymoma: Microsurgical resection technique.
AB  - Spinal ependymomas are predominantly slow-growing lesions constituting
      approximately 30-88% of primary spinal intramedullary tumors. They usually
      present as circumscribed lesions, with regular margins and a clear surgical
      plane. Gross-total resection is often feasible and potentially curative but
      neurosurgeons should keep in mind that the ultimate goal of surgery is the
      preservation of spinal cord function. We present the surgical technique to safely
      resect an intramedullary ependymoma using a posterior median sulcus approach. A
      brief description of current management of this pathology is also presented.

PMID- 27131637
TI  - Interactions of Earth's atmospheric oxygen and fuel moisture in smouldering
      wildfires.
AB  - Vegetation, wildfire and atmospheric oxygen on Earth have changed throughout
      geological times, and are dependent on each other, determining the evolution of
      ecosystems, the carbon cycle, and the climate, as found in the fossil record.
      Previous work in the literature has only studied flaming wildfires, but
      smouldering is the most persistent type of fire phenomena, consuming large
      amounts of biomass. In this study, the dependence of smouldering fires in
      peatlands, the largest wildfires on Earth, with atmospheric oxygen is
      investigated. A physics-based computational model of reactive porous media for
      peat fires, which has been previously validated against experiments, is used.
      Simulations are conducted for wide ranges of atmospheric oxygen concentrations
      and fuel moisture contents to find thresholds for ignition and extinction.
      Results show that the predicted rate of spread increases in oxygen-rich
      atmospheres, while it decreases over wetter fuels. A novel nonlinear relationship
      between critical oxygen and critical moisture is found. More importantly, we show
      that compared to previous work on flaming fires, smouldering fires can be ignited
      and sustained at substantially higher moisture contents (up to 100% MC vs. 40%
      for 21% oxygen level), and lower oxygen concentrations (down to 13% vs. 16%).
      This defines a new atmospheric oxygen threshold for wildfires (13%), even lower
      than previously thought in Earth Sciences (16%). This finding should lead to
      reinterpretation of how the char remains observed in the fossil record constrain
      the lower concentration of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere in geological timescale.

PMID- 27131636
TI  - Anterior approach with expandable cage implantation in management of unstable
      thoracolumbar fractures: Results of a series of 93 patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anterior approach indications in unstable thoracolumbar fractures
      (UTLF) are debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of anterior
      fixation and expandable prosthetic vertebral body cage (EPVBC) implantation alone
      or combined with a posterior approach in the management of UTLF. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Ninety-three patients underwent anterior fixation with implantation of
      an EPVBC for UTLF from T7 to L5. Long-term kyphosis and vertebral height loss
      reduction, functional outcomes including visual analogical scale and Oswestry
      disability index were evaluated. RESULTS: Anterior fixation led to a significant
      increase of vertebral body height with a gain of 13% after a previous posterior
      approach, 38% after a single anterior approach and 65% after combined posterior
      and anterior approaches (P=0.0001). However, anterior fixation did not
      significantly enhance the vertebral regional kyphosis angle (P=0.08), except in
      cases of single anterior approach for thoracic fractures (P=0.03). No significant
      difference was found between early, 3 months and 1 year postoperative vertebral
      regional kyphosis angle and vertebral body height (P=0.6). Complete fusion was
      routinely observed at 1 year postoperatively. rhBMP2 implantation in selected
      cases appears to be a safe and reliable strategy. No infections or surgical
      revisions were observed after the anterior approach. CONCLUSION: Anterior
      approach and EPVBC implantation, in UTLF, is a safe and effective procedure,
      providing long-term vertebral body height and kyphosis correction. Adverse
      effects of anterior approach remain acceptable. Single anterior fixation is a
      reliable surgical alternative in thoracic fractures without posterior spine
      segment injury or spinal cord compression. These results prompted us to extend
      anterior approach indications in oncology and infectious diseases.

PMID- 27131638
TI  - A social-ecological systems approach for environmental management.
AB  - Urgent environmental issues are testing the limits of current management
      approaches and pushing demand for innovative approaches that integrate across
      traditional disciplinary boundaries. Practitioners, scholars, and policy-makers
      alike call for increased integration of natural and social sciences to develop
      new approaches that address the range of ecological and societal impacts of
      modern environmental issues. From a theoretical perspective, social-ecological
      systems (SES) science offers a compelling approach for improved environmental
      management through the application of transdisciplinary and resilience concepts.
      A framework for translating SES theory into practice, however, is lacking. In
      this paper, we define the key components of an SES-based environmental management
      approach. We offer recommendations for integrating an SES approach into existing
      environmental management practices. Results presented are useful for management
      professionals that seek to employ an SES environmental management approach and
      scholars aiming to advance the theoretical foundations of SES science for
      practical application. 

PMID- 27131639
TI  - Discovery of 5-(methylthio)pyrimidine derivatives as L858R/T790M mutant selective
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.
AB  - To overcome the drug-resistance of first generation EGFR inhibitors and the
      nonselective toxicities of second generation inhibitors among NSCLC patients, a
      series of 5-(methylthio)pyrimidine derivatives were discovered as novel EGFR
      inhibitors, which harbored not only potent enzymatic and antiproliferative
      activities against EGFR(L858R/T790M) mutants, but good selectivity over wide-type
      form of the receptor. This goal was achieved by employing structure-based drug
      design and traditional optimization strategies, based on WZ4002 and CO1686. These
      derivatives inhibited the enzymatic activity of EGFR(L858R/T790M) mutants with
      IC50 values in subnanomolar ranges, while exhibiting hundreds of fold less
      potency on EGFR(WT). These compounds also strongly inhibited the proliferation of
      H1975 non-small cell lung cancer cells bearing EGFR(L858R/T790M), while being
      significantly less toxic to A431 human epithelial carcinoma cells with
      overexpressed EGFR(WT). The EGFR kinase inhibitory and antiproliferative
      activities were further validated by Western blot analysis for activation of EGFR
      and the downstream signaling in cancer cells.

PMID- 27131640
TI  - Excessive folic acid intake and relation to adverse health outcome.
AB  - The recent increase in the intake of folic acid by the general public through
      fortified foods and supplements, has raised safety concern based on early reports
      of adverse health outcome in elderly with low B12 status who took high doses of
      folic acid. These safety concerns are contrary to the 2015 WHO statement that
      "high folic acid intake has not reliably been shown to be associated with
      negative healeffects". In the folic acid post-fortification era, we have shown
      that in elderly participants in NHANES 1999-2002, high plasma folate level is
      associated with exacerbation of both clinical (anemia and cognitive impairment)
      and biochemical (high MMA and high Hcy plasma levels) signs of vitamin B12
      deficiency. Adverse clinical outcomes in association with high folate intake were
      also seen among elderly with low plasma B12 levels from the Framingham Original
      Cohort and in a study from Australia which combined three elderly cohorts.
      Relation between high folate and adverse biochemical outcomes were also seen in
      the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (High Hcy, high MMA and lower TC2) and
      at an outpatient clinic at Yale University where high folate is associated with
      higher MMA in the elderly but not in the young. Potential detrimental effects of
      high folic acid intake may not be limited to the elderly nor to those with B12
      deficiency. A study from India linked maternal high RBC folate to increased
      insulin resistance in offspring. Our study suggested that excessive folic acid
      intake is associated with lower natural killer cells activity in elderly women.
      In a recent study we found that the risk for unilateral retinoblastoma in
      offspring is 4 fold higher in women that are homozygotes for the 19 bp deletion
      in the DHFR gene and took folic acid supplement during pregnancy. In the elderly
      this polymorphism is associated with lower memory and executive scores, both
      being significantly worse in those with high plasma folate. These and other data
      strongly imply that excessive intake of folic acid is not always safe in certain
      populations of different age and ethnical/genetic background. 

PMID- 27131641
TI  - The Effect of Shear on the Structural Conformation of rhGH and IgG1 in Free
      Solution.
AB  - The effect of hydrodynamic forces on proteins in free solution, also referred to
      as shear stress in multiple drug substance and drug product processing steps, was
      investigated by means of in situ and inline biophysical measurements. The use of
      a quartz Couette cell in combination with a circular dichroism spectrometer
      allowed simultaneously the creation of simple shear flow and direct measurements
      of the proteins' secondary and tertiary structure. Recombinant human growth
      hormone and an IgG1 mAb were chosen as model proteins. Under the exclusion of
      interfacial effects by the addition of a surfactant, no unfolding was observed
      due to shearing for 30 min up to the highest possible shear rate under laminar
      flow (3840 s(-1)). In another experiment, guanidine hydrochloride was added to a
      surfactant-protected and sheared sample to lower the thermodynamic and mechanical
      stability of the proteins. However, even under these destabilizing conditions,
      the proteins showed no change in their secondary and tertiary structure. We
      conclude that shear stress in terms of velocity gradients is unlikely to unfold
      the investigated proteins in free solution up to shear rates of at least 10(4) s(
      1).

PMID- 27131643
TI  - Design and burn-up analyses of new type holder for silicon neutron transmutation
      doping.
AB  - We have developed a new silicon irradiation holder with a neutron filter to
      increase the irradiation efficiency. The neutron filter is made of an alloy of
      aluminum and B4C particles. We fabricated a new holder based on the results of
      design analyses. This filter has limited use in applications requiring prolonged
      use due to a decrease in the amount of (10)B in B4C particles. We investigated
      the influence of (10)B reduction on doping distribution in a silicon ingot by
      using the Monte Carlo Code MVP.

PMID- 27131642
TI  - Efficacy and safety of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor
      anacetrapib in Japanese patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled study assessed the lipid-modifying efficacy/safety profile of
      anacetrapib 100 mg added to ongoing statin +/- other lipid-modifying therapies
      (LMT) in Japanese patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
      (HeFH). METHODS: Patients 18-80 years with a genotype-confirmed/clinical
      diagnosis of HeFH who were on a stable dose of statin +/- other LMT for >=6 weeks
      and with an LDL-C concentration >=100 mg/dL were randomized to anacetrapib 100 mg
      (n = 34) or placebo (n = 34) for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week off-drug
      reversal phase. The primary endpoints were percent change from baseline in LDL-C
      (beta-quantification method [BQ]) and safety/tolerability. RESULTS: At Week 12,
      treatment with anacetrapib reduced LDL-C (BQ) compared to placebo and resulting
      in a between-group difference of 29.8% (95% CI: -38.6 to -21.0; p < 0.001)
      favoring anacetrapib. Anacetrapib also reduced non-HDL-C (23. 6%; p < 0.001),
      ApoB (14.1%; p < 0.001) and Lp(a) (48.7%; p < 0.001), and increased HDL-C
      (110.0%; p < 0.001) and ApoA1 (48.2%; p < 0.001) versus placebo. Anacetrapib 100
      mg added to ongoing therapy with statin +/- other LMT for 12 weeks was generally
      well-tolerated. There were no differences between the groups in the proportion of
      patients who discontinued drug due to an adverse event or abnormalities in liver
      enzymes, creatinine kinase, blood pressure, electrolytes or adjudicated
      cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: In Japanese patients with HeFH, treatment
      with anacetrapib 100 mg for 12 weeks resulted in substantial reductions in LDL-C
      and increases in HDL-C and was well tolerated. (ClinicalTrials.govNCT01824238).

PMID- 27131645
TI  - Invited Review Article: Review of post-process optical form metrology for
      industrial-grade metal additive manufactured parts.
AB  - The scope of this review is to investigate the main post-process optical form
      measurement technologies available in industry today and to determine whether
      they are applicable to industrial-grade metal additive manufactured parts. An in
      depth review of the operation of optical three-dimensional form measurement
      technologies applicable to metal additive manufacturing is presented, with a
      focus on their fundamental limitations. Looking into the future, some alternative
      candidate measurement technologies potentially applicable to metal additive
      manufacturing will be discussed, which either provide higher accuracy than
      currently available techniques but lack measurement volume, or inversely, which
      operate in the appropriate measurement volume but are not currently accurate
      enough to be used for industrial measurement.

PMID- 27131644
TI  - ABC transporters affect the elimination and toxicity of CdTe quantum dots in
      liver and kidney cells.
AB  - This paper aimed to investigate the role of adenosine triphosphate-binding
      cassette (ABC) transporters on the efflux and the toxicity of nanoparticles in
      liver and kidney cells. In this study, we synthesized CdTe quantum dots (QDs)
      that were monodispersed and emitted green fluorescence (maximum peak at 530nm).
      Such QDs tended to accumulate in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2),
      human kidney cells 2 (HK-2), and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, and
      cause significant toxicity in all the three cell lines. Using specific inhibitors
      and inducers of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and multidrug resistance associated proteins
      (Mrps), the cellular accumulation and subsequent toxicity of QDs in HepG2 and HK
      2 cells were significantly affected, while only slight changes appeared in MDCK
      cells, corresponding well with the functional expressions of ABC transporters in
      cells. Moreover, treatment of QDs caused concentration- and time- dependent
      induction of ABC transporters in HepG2 and HK-2 cells, but such phenomenon was
      barely found in MDCK cells. Furthermore, the effects of CdTe QDs on ABC
      transporters were found to be greater than those of CdCl2 at equivalent
      concentrations of cadmium, indicating that the effects of QDs should be a
      combination of free Cd(2+) and specific properties of QDs. Overall, these results
      indicated a strong dependence between the functional expressions of ABC
      transporters and the efflux of QDs, which could be an important reason for the
      modulation of QDs toxicity by ABC transporters.

PMID- 27131646
TI  - Contributed Review: A review of the investigation of rare-earth dopant profiles
      in optical fibers.
AB  - Rare-earth doped optical fibers have captivated the interest of many researchers
      around the world across the past three decades. The growth of this research field
      has been stimulated primarily through their application in optical communications
      as fiber lasers and amplifiers, although rare-earth doped optical fiber based
      devices are now finding important uses in many other scientific and industrial
      areas (for example, medicine, sensing, the military, and material processing).
      Such wide commercial interest has provided a strong incentive for innovative
      fiber designs, alternative glass compositions, and novel fabrication processes. A
      prerequisite for the ongoing progress of this research field is developing the
      capacity to provide high resolution information about the rare-earth dopant
      distribution profiles within the optical fibers. This paper constitutes a
      comprehensive review of the imaging techniques that have been utilized in the
      analysis of the distribution of the rare-earth ion erbium within the core of
      optical fibers.

PMID- 27131647
TI  - Contributed Review: Source-localization algorithms and applications using time of
      arrival and time difference of arrival measurements.
AB  - Locating the position of fixed or mobile sources (i.e., transmitters) based on
      measurements obtained from sensors (i.e., receivers) is an important research
      area that is attracting much interest. In this paper, we review several
      representative localization algorithms that use time of arrivals (TOAs) and time
      difference of arrivals (TDOAs) to achieve high signal source position estimation
      accuracy when a transmitter is in the line-of-sight of a receiver. Circular (TOA)
      and hyperbolic (TDOA) position estimation approaches both use nonlinear equations
      that relate the known locations of receivers and unknown locations of
      transmitters. Estimation of the location of transmitters using the standard
      nonlinear equations may not be very accurate because of receiver location errors,
      receiver measurement errors, and computational efficiency challenges that result
      in high computational burdens. Least squares and maximum likelihood based
      algorithms have become the most popular computational approaches to transmitter
      location estimation. In this paper, we summarize the computational
      characteristics and position estimation accuracies of various positioning
      algorithms. By improving methods for estimating the time-of-arrival of
      transmissions at receivers and transmitter location estimation algorithms,
      transmitter location estimation may be applied across a range of applications and
      technologies such as radar, sonar, the Global Positioning System, wireless sensor
      networks, underwater animal tracking, mobile communications, and multimedia.

PMID- 27131648
TI  - A novel model for calculating the inter-electrode capacitance of wedge-strip
      anode.
AB  - The wedge strip anode (WSA) detector has been widely used in particle detection.
      In this work, a novel model for calculating the inter-electrode capacitance of
      WSA was proposed on the basis of conformal transformations and the partial
      capacitance method. Based on the model, the inter-electrode capacitance within a
      period was calculated besides the total inter-electrode capacitance. As a result,
      the effects of the WSA design parameters on the inter-electrode capacitance are
      systematically analyzed. It is found that the inter-electrode capacitance
      monotonically increases with insulated gap and substrate permittivity but not
      with the period. In order to prove the validation of the model, two round WSAs
      were manufactured by employing the picosecond laser micro-machining technology.
      It is found that 9%-15% errors between the theoretical and experimental results
      can be obtained, which is better than that obtained by employing ANSYS software.

PMID- 27131649
TI  - Null polarimetry near shot noise limit at 1 Hz.
AB  - We describe the principle and report on the realization of a null polarimeter
      with two demonstrated features: (1) the sensitivity of the system is near shot
      noise limit and (2) quasi-stationary signals at 1 Hz can be measured without
      signal modulation. The achieved single-pass sensitivity is 7 * 10(-9) rad/Hz with
      a pair of Glan-Taylor polarizers, which should be of great interest for
      experiments such as observation of vacuum magnetic birefringence and search for
      new particles. The system is brought near its shot noise limit by appropriate
      polarization control and coherent heterodyne detection of light, resulting in a
      sensitivity improvement by two orders of magnitude in comparison with the case of
      no control on light polarization.

PMID- 27131650
TI  - Optical performance of an ultra-sensitive horn-coupled transition-edge-sensor
      bolometer with hemispherical backshort in the far infrared.
AB  - The next generation of far infrared space observatories will require extremely
      sensitive detectors that can be realized only by combining extremely low
      intrinsic noise with high optical efficiency. We have measured the broad-band
      optical response of ultra-sensitive transtion edge sensor (TES) bolometers
      (NEP~2aW/Hz) in the 30-60-MUm band where radiation is coupled to the detectors
      with a few-moded conical feedhorn and a hemispherical backshort. We show that
      these detectors have an optical efficiency of 60% (the ratio of the power
      detected by the TES bolometer to the total power propagating through the
      feedhorn). We find that the measured optical efficiency can be understood in
      terms of the modes propagating through the feedhorn with the aid of a spatial
      mode-filtering technique.

PMID- 27131651
TI  - Development of an optical time-resolved measurement system under high-pressure
      and low-temperature with a piston-cylinder pressure cell.
AB  - To perform the femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy under high pressure and low
      temperature, we constructed a measurement system with a piston cylinder type
      pressure cell installing an optical fiber bundle. The applied pressure was
      achieved to 6 kbar and the cell was cooled down to 15 K. Several demonstrations
      revealed that broadening and change of polarization of pulse (duration of ~120
      fs) owing to the dispersions in the fiber bundle are much small indicating that
      those have little influence on the measurement of carrier relaxation dynamics. In
      the measurements of kappa-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu(NCS)2 under 1.3 kbar at 43 K, we have
      successfully detected the polarization anisotropy of the carrier relaxation
      dynamics and estimated the decay time in the same way as the normal measurement.

PMID- 27131652
TI  - Low vibration high numerical aperture automated variable temperature Raman
      microscope.
AB  - Raman micro-spectroscopy is well suited for studying a variety of properties and
      has been applied to a wide range of areas. Combined with tuneable temperature,
      Raman spectra can offer even more insights into the properties of materials.
      However, previous designs of variable temperature Raman microscopes have made it
      extremely challenging to measure samples with low signal levels due to thermal
      and positional instabilities as well as low collection efficiencies. Thus
      contemporary Raman microscope has found limited applicability to probing the
      subtle physics involved in phase transitions and hysteresis. This paper describes
      a new design of a closed-cycle, Raman microscope with full polarization rotation.
      High collection efficiency, thermal stability, and mechanical stability are
      ensured by both deliberate optical, cryogenic, and mechanical design.
      Measurements on two samples, Bi2Se3 and V2O3, which are challenging due to low
      thermal conductivities, low signal levels, and/or hysteretic effects, are
      measured with previously undemonstrated temperature resolution.

PMID- 27131653
TI  - CdTe Timepix detectors for single-photon spectroscopy and linear polarimetry of
      high-flux hard x-ray radiation.
AB  - Single-photon spectroscopy of pulsed, high-intensity sources of hard X-rays -
      such as laser-generated plasmas - is often hampered by the pileup of several
      photons absorbed by the unsegmented, large-volume sensors routinely used for the
      detection of high-energy radiation. Detectors based on the Timepix chip, with a
      segmentation pitch of 55 MUm and the possibility to be equipped with high-Z
      sensor chips, constitute an attractive alternative to commonly used passive
      solutions such as image plates. In this report, we present energy calibration and
      characterization measurements of such devices. The achievable energy resolution
      is comparable to that of scintillators for gamma spectroscopy. Moreover, we also
      introduce a simple two-detector Compton polarimeter setup with a polarimeter
      quality of (98 +/- 1)%. Finally, a proof-of-principle polarimetry experiment is
      discussed, where we studied the linear polarization of bremsstrahlung emitted by
      a laser-driven plasma and found an indication of the X-ray polarization direction
      depending on the polarization state of the incident laser pulse.

PMID- 27131654
TI  - Femtosecond time-resolved impulsive stimulated Raman spectroscopy using sub-7-fs
      pulses: Apparatus and applications.
AB  - We describe details of the setup for time-resolved impulsive stimulated Raman
      spectroscopy (TR-ISRS). In this method, snapshot molecular vibrational spectra of
      the photoreaction transients are captured via time-domain Raman probing using
      ultrashort pulses. Our instrument features transform-limited sub-7-fs pulses to
      impulsively excite and probe coherent nuclear wavepacket motions, allowing us to
      observe vibrational fingerprints of transient species from the terahertz to 3000
      cm(-1) region with high sensitivity. Key optical components for the best
      spectroscopic performance are discussed. The TR-ISRS measurements for the excited
      states of diphenylacetylene in cyclohexane are demonstrated, highlighting the
      capability of our setup to track femtosecond dynamics of all the Raman-active
      fundamental molecular vibrations.

PMID- 27131655
TI  - Validation of modelled imaging plates sensitivity to 1-100 keV x-rays and spatial
      resolution characterisation for diagnostics for the "PETawatt Aquitaine Laser".
AB  - Thanks to their high dynamic range and ability to withstand electromagnetic
      pulse, imaging plates (IPs) are commonly used as passive detectors in laser
      plasma experiments. In the framework of the development of the diagnostics for
      the Petawatt Aquitaine Laser facility, we present an absolute calibration and
      spatial resolution study of five different available types of IP (namely, MS-SR
      TR-MP-ND) performed by using laser-induced K-shell X-rays emitted by a solid
      silver target irradiated by the laser ECLIPSE at CEntre Lasers Intenses et
      Applications. In addition, IP sensitivity measurements were performed with a 160
      kV X-ray generator at CEA DAM DIF, where the absolute response of IP SR and TR
      has been calibrated to X-rays in the energy range 8-75 keV with uncertainties of
      about 15%. Finally, the response functions have been modeled in Monte Carlo
      GEANT4 simulations in order to reproduce experimental data. Simulations enable
      extrapolation of the IP response functions to photon energies from 1 keV to 1
      GeV, of interest, e.g., for laser-driven radiography.

PMID- 27131656
TI  - A versatile dual-species Zeeman slower for caesium and ytterbium.
AB  - We describe the design, construction, and operation of a versatile dual-species
      Zeeman slower for both Cs and Yb, which is easily adaptable for use with other
      alkali metals and alkaline earths. With the aid of analytic models and numerical
      simulation of decelerator action, we highlight several real-world problems
      affecting the performance of a slower and discuss effective solutions. To capture
      Yb into a magneto-optical trap (MOT), we use the broad (1)S0 to (1)P1 transition
      at 399 nm for the slower and the narrow (1)S0 to (3)P1 intercombination line at
      556 nm for the MOT. The Cs MOT and slower both use the D2 line (6(2)S1/2 to
      6(2)P3/2) at 852 nm. The slower can be switched between loading Yb or Cs in under
      0.1 s. We demonstrate that within a few seconds the Zeeman slower loads more than
      10(9) Yb atoms and 10(8) Cs atoms into their respective MOTs. These are ideal
      starting numbers for further experiments on ultracold mixtures and molecules. 

PMID- 27131657
TI  - A broadband ferromagnetic resonance dipper probe for magnetic damping
      measurements from 4.2 K to 300 K.
AB  - A dipper probe for broadband Ferromagnetic Resonance (FMR) operating from 4.2 K
      to room temperature is described. The apparatus is based on a 2-port transmitted
      microwave signal measurement with a grounded coplanar waveguide. The waveguide
      generates a microwave field and records the sample response. A 3-stage dipper
      design is adopted for fast and stable temperature control. The temperature
      variation due to FMR is in the milli-Kelvin range at liquid helium temperature.
      We also designed a novel FMR probe head with a spring-loaded sample holder.
      Improved signal-to-noise ratio and stability compared to a common FMR head are
      achieved. Using a superconducting vector magnet we demonstrate Gilbert damping
      measurements on two thin film samples using a vector network analyzer with
      frequency up to 26 GHz: (1) A Permalloy film of 5 nm thickness and (2) a CoFeB
      film of 1.5 nm thickness. Experiments were performed with the applied magnetic
      field parallel and perpendicular to the film plane.

PMID- 27131658
TI  - An adaptable dual species effusive source and Zeeman slower design demonstrated
      with Rb and Li.
AB  - We present a dual-species effusive source and Zeeman slower designed to produce
      slow atomic beams of two elements with a large mass difference and with very
      different oven temperature requirements. We demonstrate this design for the case
      of (6)Li and (85)Rb and achieve magneto-optical trap (MOT) loading rates
      equivalent to that reported in prior work on dual species (Rb+Li) Zeeman slowers
      operating at the same oven temperatures. Key design choices, including thermally
      separating the effusive sources and using a segmented coil design to enable
      computer control of the magnetic field profile, ensure that the apparatus can be
      easily modified to slow other atomic species. By performing the final slowing
      using the quadrupole magnetic field of the MOT, we are able to shorten our Zeeman
      slower length making for a more compact system without compromising performance.
      We outline the construction and analyze the emission properties of our effusive
      sources. We also verify the performance of the source and slower, and we observe
      sequential loading rates of 12 * 10(8) atoms/s for a Rb oven temperature of 140 
      degrees C and 1.1 * 10(8) atoms/s for a Li reservoir at 460  degrees C,
      corresponding to reservoir lifetimes for continuous operation of 10 and 4 years,
      respectively.

PMID- 27131659
TI  - Fabrication of petal-shaped masks for suppression of the on-axis Poisson spot in
      telescope systems.
AB  - The presence of a bright (Poisson) spot in the geometrical shadow of
      circular/spherical shapes has been known for the past two centuries. A broad
      class of telescopes that involve simultaneous transmit and receive require
      suppression of the reflected light from the secondary mirror on the detector. For
      instance, the on-axis design of optical telescope for the evolved Laser
      Interferometric Space Antenna (eLISA), a re-scoped version of the baseline LISA
      mission concept, requires suppression of reflected laser light from the secondary
      mirror on the detector. In the past few years, the hypergaussian functions with
      petal-shaped realization have been shown to significantly suppress intensity
      along the optical axis. This work reports on fabrication of a series of petal
      shaped masks using a variety of techniques such as 3D printing, photolithography,
      and wire Electro Discharge Machining. These masks are designed and fabricated to
      operate in the range of Fresnel numbers between 4 and 120. This paper discusses
      the challenges, successes, and failures of each fabrication technique and the
      optical performance of typical masks with suggestions for potential follow up
      work.

PMID- 27131660
TI  - A birefringent polarization modulator: Application to phase measurement in
      conoscopic interference patterns.
AB  - Conoscopic interferometry for crystal characterization is a very well-known
      technique with increasing applications in different fields of technology. The
      advantage of the scheme proposed here is the introduction of a polarization
      modulator that allows the recovery of the phase information contained in
      conoscopic interferograms. This represents a real advantage since the most
      relevant physical information of the sample under study is usually contained in
      the phase of the fringe pattern. Moreover, this technique works successfully even
      when there are no visible fringes. The setup employed is a simple conoscopic
      interferometer where the elements under study correspond to two birefringent
      crystal slabs and a commercial mica wave plate. It allows the crystals to be
      characterized and the wave plate retardance to be measured as a function of the
      angle of incidence. The modulator itself consists of a single tiltable crystal
      plate which, by means of phase shifting techniques, permits the recovery of a
      phase map for each sample. It is inexpensive and it can be easily calibrated, so
      it works with a wide range of phase shifting interferometry algorithms. We show
      that our scheme is easily adaptable to algorithms that require either a low or
      high amount of interferograms.

PMID- 27131661
TI  - Ultrafast single-shot measurement of optical Kerr effect based on supercontinuum
      pulse.
AB  - We present an ultrafast single-shot measurement method for the optical Kerr
      effect based on a polarization gating technique. The advantages of this single
      shot technique are demonstrated via a 26-ps chirped supercontinuum pulse used to
      measure the optical Kerr effect for three transparent organic liquids. The single
      shot measurement results agree well with those of the time-resolved optical Kerr
      gate method, as regards both time and intensity. This method facilitates real
      time observation of ultrafast optical Kerr responses of samples and simultaneous
      high-time-resolution data acquisition at ~260 fs. We demonstrate that the single
      shot measurement method is potentially a powerful tool for investigating the
      optical Kerr effects of unstable samples, and for application to high-power laser
      systems.

PMID- 27131662
TI  - Interference comparator for laser diode wavelength and wavelength instability
      measurement.
AB  - Method and construction of a setup, which allows measuring the wavelength and
      wavelength instability of the light emitted by a laser diode (or a laser light
      source with a limited time coherence in general), is presented. The system is
      based on Twyman-Green interferometer configuration. Proportions of phases of the
      tested and reference laser's interference fringe obtained for a set optical path
      difference are a measure of the unknown wavelength. Optical path difference in
      interferometer is stabilized. The interferometric comparison is performed in
      vacuum chamber. The techniques of accurate fringe phase measurements are
      proposed. The obtained relative standard uncertainty of wavelength evaluation in
      the tested setup is about 2.5 ? 10(-8). Uncertainty of wavelength instability
      measurement is an order of magnitude better. Measurement range of the current
      setup is from 500 nm to 650 nm. The proposed technique allows high accuracy
      wavelength measurement of middle or low coherence sources of light. In case of
      the enlarged and complex frequency distribution of the laser, the evaluated
      wavelength can act as the length master in interferometer for displacement
      measurement.

PMID- 27131663
TI  - Optimization of liquid jet system for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
      analysis.
AB  - A complex optimization of geometrical and temporal parameters of a jet system
      (developed in Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) laboratory of Brno
      University of Technology) for direct elemental analysis of samples in a liquid
      state of matter using LIBS was carried out. First, the peristaltic pump was
      synchronized with the flashlamp of the ablation laser, which reduced variation of
      the ablated sample amount. Also, the fluctuation of the laser ray angle incident
      on the jet surface was diminished. Such synchronization reduced signal standard
      deviations and thus increased repeatability of the measurements. Then, laser
      energy and distance of the focusing lens from the sample were optimized. The gate
      delay time and the gate width were optimized for single pulse (SP) experiments;
      the gate delay time and the inter-pulse delay were optimized for the use of
      double pulse (DP) variant. Results were assessed according to the highest signal
      to noise ratios and the lowest relative standard deviations of the signal. The
      sensitivity of the single pulse and the double pulse LIBS for the detection of
      heavy metals traces, copper (Cu i at 324.754 nm) and lead (Pb i at 405.781 nm),
      in aqueous solution of copper (ii) sulfate and lead (ii) acetate, was estimated
      in terms of limits of detection (LODs). As a result, sensitivity improvement of
      DP LIBS system was observed, the LOD of Cu obtained with DP was calculated 40%
      lower than LOD gained from SP technique.

PMID- 27131664
TI  - Novel focal point multipass cell for absorption spectroscopy on small sized
      atmospheric pressure plasmas.
AB  - A novel focal point multipass cell (FPMPC) was developed, in which all laser
      beams propagate through a common focal point. It is exclusively constructed from
      standard optical elements. Main functional elements are two 90(?) off-axis
      parabolic mirrors and two retroreflectors. Up to 17 laser passes are demonstrated
      with a near-infrared laser beam. The number of laser passes is precisely
      adjustable by changing the retroreflector distance. At the focal point beams are
      constricted to fit through an aperture of 0.8 mm. This is shown for 11 beam
      passes. Moreover, the fast temporal response of the cell permits investigation of
      transient processes with frequencies up to 10 MHz. In order to demonstrate the
      applicability of the FPMPC for atmospheric pressure plasma jets, laser absorption
      spectroscopy on the lowest excited argon state (1s5) was performed on a 1 MHz
      argon atmospheric pressure plasma jet. From the obtained optical depth profiles,
      the signal-to-noise ratio was deduced. It is shown that an elevation of the laser
      pass number results in an proportional increase of the signal-to-noise ratio
      making the FPMPC an appropriate tool for absorption spectroscopy on plasmas of
      small dimensions.

PMID- 27131665
TI  - Performance limits of ion extraction systems with non-circular apertures.
AB  - A three-dimensional computer simulation is used to determine the perveance
      limitations of ion extraction systems with non-circular apertures. The objective
      of the study is to analyze the possibilities to improve mechanical strength of
      the ion optics made of carbon-carbon composite materials. Non-circular grid
      apertures are better suited to the physical structure of carbon-carbon composite
      materials, than conventionally used circular holes in a hexagonal pattern,
      because they allow a fewer number of cut fibers. However, the slit-type
      accelerating systems, usually regarded as the main alternative to the
      conventional ion optics, have an intolerably narrow range of operating perveance
      values at which there is no direct ion impingement on the acceleration grid. This
      paper presents results of comparative analysis of a number of different ion
      optical systems with non-circular apertures and conventional ion optical systems
      with circular apertures. It has been revealed that a relatively wide perveance
      range without direct ion impingement may be obtained with apertures shaped as a
      square with rounded corners. Numerical simulations show that this geometry may
      have equivalent perveance range as the traditional geometry with circular
      apertures while being more mechanically robust. In addition, such important
      characteristics, as the effective transparency for both the ions and the neutral
      atoms, the height of the potential barrier reflecting the downstream plasma
      electrons and the angular divergence of the beamlet also can be very close to
      these parameters for the optics with circular apertures.

PMID- 27131667
TI  - Development of broadband X-ray interference lithography large area exposure
      system.
AB  - The single-exposure patterned area is about several 10(2) * 10(2) MUm(2) which is
      mainly decided by the mask area in multi-beam X-ray interference lithography
      (XIL). The exposure area is difficult to stitch to a larger one because the
      patterned area is surrounded by 0th diffraction exposure areas. To block the 0th
      diffraction beams precisely and effectively, a new large area exposure technology
      is developed in the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility by applying an order
      sorting aperture with a new in situ monitoring scheme in the XIL system. The
      patterned area could be stitched readily up to several square centimeters and
      even bigger by this technology.

PMID- 27131666
TI  - A compact source for bunches of singly charged atomic ions.
AB  - We have built, operated, and characterized a compact ion source for low-energy
      bunches of singly charged atomic ions in a vacuum beam line. It is based on
      atomic evaporation from an electrically heated oven and ionization by electron
      impact from a heated filament inside a grid-based ionization volume. An adjacent
      electrode arrangement is used for ion extraction and focusing by applying
      positive high-voltage pulses to the grid. The method is particularly suited for
      experimental environments which require low electromagnetic noise. It has proven
      simple yet reliable and has been used to produce MUs-bunches of up to 10(6) Mg(+)
      ions at a repetition rate of 1 Hz. We present the concept, setup and
      characterizing measurements. The instrument has been operated in the framework of
      the SpecTrap experiment at the HITRAP facility at GSI/FAIR to provide Mg(+) ions
      for sympathetic cooling of highly charged ions by laser-cooled (24)Mg(+).

PMID- 27131668
TI  - Design of a collective scattering system for small scale turbulence study in
      Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research.
AB  - The design characteristics of a multi-channel collective (or coherent) scattering
      system for small scale turbulence study in Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced
      Research (KSTAR), which is planned to be installed in 2017, are given in this
      paper. A few critical issues are discussed in depth such as the Faraday and
      Cotton-Mouton effects on the beam polarization, radial spatial resolution, probe
      beam frequency, polarization, and power. A proper and feasible optics with the
      300 GHz probe beam, which was designed based on these issues, provides a
      simultaneous measurement of electron density fluctuations at four discrete
      poloidal wavenumbers up to 24 cm(-1). The upper limit corresponds to the
      normalized wavenumber kthetarhoe of ~0.15 in nominal KSTAR plasmas. To detect the
      scattered beam power and extract phase information, a quadrature detection system
      consisting of four-channel antenna/detector array and electronics will be
      employed.

PMID- 27131669
TI  - Development of Compton X-ray spectrometer for high energy resolution single-shot
      high-flux hard X-ray spectroscopy.
AB  - Hard X-ray spectroscopy is an essential diagnostics used to understand physical
      processes that take place in high energy density plasmas produced by intense
      laser-plasma interactions. A bundle of hard X-ray detectors, of which the
      responses have different energy thresholds, is used as a conventional single-shot
      spectrometer for high-flux (>10(13) photons/shot) hard X-rays. However, high
      energy resolution (Deltahv/hv < 0.1) is not achievable with a differential energy
      threshold (DET) X-ray spectrometer because its energy resolution is limited by
      energy differences between the response thresholds. Experimental demonstration of
      a Compton X-ray spectrometer has already been performed for obtaining higher
      energy resolution than that of DET spectrometers. In this paper, we describe
      design details of the Compton X-ray spectrometer, especially dependence of energy
      resolution and absolute response on photon-electron converter design and its
      background reduction scheme, and also its application to the laser-plasma
      interaction experiment. The developed spectrometer was used for spectroscopy of
      bremsstrahlung X-rays generated by intense laser-plasma interactions using a 200
      MUm thickness SiO2 converter. The X-ray spectrum obtained with the Compton X-ray
      spectrometer is consistent with that obtained with a DET X-ray spectrometer,
      furthermore higher certainly of a spectral intensity is obtained with the Compton
      X-ray spectrometer than that with the DET X-ray spectrometer in the photon energy
      range above 5 MeV.

PMID- 27131670
TI  - A model of plasma current through a hole of Rogowski probe including sheath
      effects.
AB  - In TST-2 Ohmic discharges, local current is measured using a Rogowski probe by
      changing the angle between the local magnetic field and the direction of the hole
      of the Rogowski probe. The angular dependence shows a peak when the direction of
      the hole is almost parallel to the local magnetic field. The obtained width of
      the peak was broader than that of the theoretical curve expected from the probe
      geometry. In order to explain this disagreement, we consider the effect of sheath
      in the vicinity of the Rogowski probe. A sheath model was constructed and
      electron orbits were numerically calculated. From the calculation, it was found
      that the electron orbit is affected by E * B drift due to the sheath electric
      field. Such orbit causes the broadening of the peak in the angular dependence and
      the dependence agrees with the experimental results. The dependence of the
      broadening on various plasma parameters was studied numerically and explained
      qualitatively by a simplified analytical model.

PMID- 27131671
TI  - Including sheath effects in the interpretation of planar retarding potential
      analyzer's low-energy ion data.
AB  - The interpretation of planar retarding potential analyzers (RPA) during
      ionospheric sounding rocket missions requires modeling the thick 3D plasma
      sheath. This paper overviews the theory of RPAs with an emphasis placed on the
      impact of the sheath on current-voltage (I-V) curves. It then describes the
      Petite Ion Probe (PIP) which has been designed to function in this difficult
      regime. The data analysis procedure for this instrument is discussed in detail.
      Data analysis begins by modeling the sheath with the Spacecraft Plasma
      Interaction System (SPIS), a particle-in-cell code. Test particles are traced
      through the sheath and detector to determine the detector's response. A training
      set is constructed from these simulated curves for a support vector regression
      analysis which relates the properties of the I-V curve to the properties of the
      plasma. The first in situ use of the PIPs occurred during the MICA sounding
      rocket mission which launched from Poker Flat, Alaska in February of 2012. These
      data are presented as a case study, providing valuable cross-instrument
      comparisons. A heritage top-hat thermal ion electrostatic analyzer, called the
      HT, and a multi-needle Langmuir probe have been used to validate both the PIPs
      and the data analysis method. Compared to the HT, the PIP ion temperature
      measurements agree with a root-mean-square error of 0.023 eV. These two
      instruments agree on the parallel-to-B plasma flow velocity with a root-mean
      square error of 130 m/s. The PIP with its field of view aligned perpendicular-to
      B provided a density measurement with an 11% error compared to the multi-needle
      Langmuir Probe. Higher error in the other PIP's density measurement is likely due
      to simplifications in the SPIS model geometry.

PMID- 27131672
TI  - Reconstruction of high temporal resolution Thomson scattering data during a
      modulated electron cyclotron resonance heating using conditional averaging.
AB  - This paper provides a software application of the sampling scope concept for
      fusion research. The time evolution of Thomson scattering data is reconstructed
      with a high temporal resolution during a modulated electron cyclotron resonance
      heating (MECH) phase. The amplitude profile and the delay time profile of the
      heat pulse propagation are obtained from the reconstructed signal for discharges
      having on-axis and off-axis MECH depositions. The results are found to be
      consistent with the MECH deposition.

PMID- 27131673
TI  - Perturbations induced by electrostatic probe in the discharge of Hall thrusters.
AB  - Emissive and Langmuir probes are two widely used plasma diagnostic techniques
      that, when used properly, give access to a wide range of information on the
      plasma's ions and electrons. We show here that their use in small and medium
      power Hall thrusters produces large perturbations in the discharge
      characteristics. Potential measurements performed by both probes and non-invasive
      Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy highlight significant discrepancies
      in the discharge profile. This phenomenon is observed both in the 200 W and the
      1.5 kW-class thrusters. In order to have a better understanding of these
      perturbations, ion velocity distribution functions are acquired by LIF
      spectroscopy at different positions in the smaller thruster, with and without the
      probes. Emissive probes are shown to produce the biggest perturbation, shifting
      the acceleration region upstream. The probe insertion is also shown to have
      significant effect on both the average discharge current, increasing it by as
      much as 30%, and its harmonic content in both amplitude and spectrum. These
      perturbations appear as the probe tip passes a threshold located between 0 and 5
      mm downstream of the thruster exit plane.

PMID- 27131674
TI  - Gamma ray imager on the DIII-D tokamak.
AB  - A gamma ray camera is built for the DIII-D tokamak [J. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42,
      614 (2002)] that provides spatial localization and energy resolution of gamma
      flux by combining a lead pinhole camera with custom-built detectors and optimized
      viewing geometry. This diagnostic system is installed on the outer midplane of
      the tokamak such that its 123 collimated sightlines extend across the tokamak
      radius while also covering most of the vertical extent of the plasma volume. A
      set of 30 bismuth germanate detectors can be secured in any of the available
      sightlines, allowing for customizable coverage in experiments with runaway
      electrons in the energy range of 1-60 MeV. Commissioning of the gamma ray imager
      includes the quantification of electromagnetic noise sources in the tokamak
      machine hall and a measurement of the energy spectrum of background gamma
      radiation. First measurements of gamma rays coming from the plasma provide a
      suitable testbed for implementing pulse height analysis that provides the energy
      of detected gamma photons.

PMID- 27131675
TI  - A comparative study of sheath potential profile measurements with laser-heated
      and current-heated emissive probes.
AB  - Emissive Langmuir probe is one of the most efficient diagnostic tools available
      for plasma potential measurements. Extensive studies have been carried out in
      designing different kinds of conventional (electrically heated) emissive probes
      (CEPs) to estimate the plasma potential. Laser heated emissive probe (LHEP) has
      been developed with certain advantages over the conventional probes such as low
      evaporation rate of the probe material, high lifetime, and high emission levels.
      Most importantly, the LHEP uses laser to heat the probe-tip and does not require
      electric current to heat the probe-tip like in CEP. The heating current in CEP
      substantially affects the plasma potential measurements, especially in the
      regions of plasma where high electric and magnetic field gradients are present.
      In this paper, we studied the plasma potential structures in sheath-presheath
      region using both LHEP and CEP in an unmagnetized dc-filament discharge plasma.
      Measurements of sheath spatial potential profile using laser heated emissive
      probe are compared with those obtained using conventional emissive probe.

PMID- 27131676
TI  - Flywheel induction motor-generator for magnet power supply in small fusion
      device.
AB  - A flywheel motor-generator (MG) for the toroidal field (TF) coils of a small
      fusion device was developed which utilizes a commercially available squirrel-cage
      induction motor. Advantages of the MG are comparably-long duration, quick power
      response, and easy implementation of power control compared with conventional
      capacitor-type power supply. A 55-kW MG was fabricated, and TF coils of a small
      fusion device were energized. The duration of the current flat-top was extended
      to 1 s which is much longer than those of conventional small devices (around 10
      100 ms).

PMID- 27131677
TI  - Profile measurements of the electron temperature on the ASDEX Upgrade, COMPASS,
      and ISTTOK tokamak using Thomson scattering, triple, and ball-pen probes.
AB  - The ball-pen probe (BPP) technique is used successfully to make profile
      measurements of the electron temperature on the ASDEX Upgrade (Axially Symmetric
      Divertor Experiment), COMPASS (COMPact ASSembly), and ISTTOK (Instituto Superior
      Tecnico TOKamak) tokamak. The electron temperature is provided by a combination
      of the BPP potential (PhiBPP) and the floating potential (Vfl) of the Langmuir
      probe (LP), which is compared with the Thomson scattering diagnostic on ASDEX
      Upgrade and COMPASS. Excellent agreement between the two diagnostics is obtained
      for circular and diverted plasmas and different heating mechanisms (Ohmic, NBI,
      ECRH) in deuterium discharges with the same formula Te = (PhiBPP - Vfl)/2.2. The
      comparative measurements of the electron temperature using BPP/LP and triple
      probe (TP) techniques on the ISTTOK tokamak show good agreement of averaged
      values only inside the separatrix. It was also found that the TP provides the
      electron temperature with significantly higher standard deviation than BPP/LP.
      However, the resulting values of both techniques are well in the phase with the
      maximum of cross-correlation function being 0.8.

PMID- 27131678
TI  - Measurement of deposition rate and ion energy distribution in a pulsed dc
      magnetron sputtering system using a retarding field analyzer with embedded quartz
      crystal microbalance.
AB  - A compact retarding field analyzer with embedded quartz crystal microbalance has
      been developed to measure deposition rate, ionized flux fraction, and ion energy
      distribution arriving at the substrate location. The sensor can be placed on
      grounded, electrically floating, or radio frequency (rf) biased electrodes. A
      calibration method is presented to compensate for temperature effects in the
      quartz crystal. The metal deposition rate, metal ionization fraction, and energy
      distribution of the ions arriving at the substrate location are investigated in
      an asymmetric bipolar pulsed dc magnetron sputtering reactor under grounded,
      floating, and rf biased conditions. The diagnostic presented in this research
      work does not suffer from complications caused by water cooling arrangements to
      maintain constant temperature and is an attractive technique for characterizing a
      thin film deposition system.

PMID- 27131679
TI  - Theoretical and numerical evaluation of polarimeter using counter-circularly
      polarized-probing-laser under the coupling between Faraday and Cotton-Mouton
      effect.
AB  - This study evaluated an effect of an coupling between the Faraday and Cotton
      Mouton effect to a measurement signal of the Dodel-Kunz method which uses counter
      circular-polarized probing-laser for measuring the Faraday effect. When the
      coupling is small (the Faraday effect is dominant and the characteristic
      eigenmodes are approximately circularly polarized), the measurement signal can be
      algebraically expressed and it is shown that the finite effect of the coupling is
      still significant. When the Faraday effect is not dominant, a numerical
      calculation is necessary. The numerical calculation under an ITER-like condition
      (Bt = 5.3 T, Ip = 15 MA, a = 2 m, ne = 10(20) m(-3) and lambda = 119 MUm) showed
      that difference between the pure Faraday rotation and the measurement signal of
      the Dodel-Kunz method was an order of one degree, which exceeds allowable error
      of ITER poloidal polarimeter. In conclusion, similar to other polarimeter
      techniques, the Dodel-Kunz method is not free from the coupling between the
      Faraday and Cotton-Mouton effect.

PMID- 27131680
TI  - Solid polystyrene and deuterated polystyrene light output response to fast
      neutrons.
AB  - The Neutron Imaging System has proven to be an important diagnostic in studying
      DT implosion characteristics at the National Ignition Facility. The current
      system depends on a polystyrene scintillating fiber array, which detects fusion
      neutrons born in the DT hotspot as well as neutrons that have scattered to lower
      energies in the surrounding cold fuel. Increasing neutron yields at NIF, as well
      as a desire to resolve three-dimensional information about the fuel assembly,
      have provided the impetus to build and install two additional next-generation
      neutron imaging systems. We are currently investigating a novel neutron imaging
      system that will utilize a deuterated polystyrene (CD) fiber array instead of
      standard hydrogen-based polystyrene (CH). Studies of deuterated xylene or
      deuterated benzene liquid scintillator show an improvement in imaging resolution
      by a factor of two [L. Disdier et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 75, 2134 (2004)], but
      also a reduction in light output [V. Bildstein et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods
      Phys. Res., Sect. A 729, 188 (2013); M. I. Ojaruega, Ph.D. thesis, University of
      Michigan, 2009; M. T. Febbraro, Ph.D. thesis, University of Michigan, 2014] as
      compared to standard plastic. Tests of the relative light output of deuterated
      polystyrene and standard polystyrene were completed using 14 MeV fusion neutrons
      generated through implosions of deuterium-tritium filled capsules at the OMEGA
      laser facility. In addition, we collected data of the relative response of these
      two scintillators to a wide energy range of neutrons (1-800 MeV) at the Weapons
      Neutrons Research Facility. Results of these measurements are presented.

PMID- 27131681
TI  - Microscopic thin film optical anisotropy imaging at the solid-liquid interface.
AB  - Optical anisotropy of thin films has been widely investigated through
      ellipsometry, whereby typically an optical signal is averaged over a ~1 cm(2)
      elliptical area that extends with increasing angle-of-incidence (AOI). Here, we
      report on spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry at the solid-liquid interface
      applied to a supported lipid bilayer (SLB). We detail how a differential
      spectrally resolved ellipsometry measurement, between samples with and without
      optically anisotropic thin film on an absorbing substrate, can be applied to
      recover in and out of plane refractive indices of the thin film with known film
      thickness, hence determining the thin film optical anisotropy. We also present
      how optimal wavelength and AOI settings can be determined ensuring low parameter
      cross correlation between the refractive indices to be determined from a
      differential measurement in Delta ellipsometry angle. Furthermore, we detail a
      Monte Carlo type analysis that allows one to determine the minimal required
      optical ellipsometry resolution to recover a given thin film anisotropy. We
      conclude by presenting a new setup for a spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry based
      on fiber supercontinuum laser technology, multi-wavelength diode system, and an
      improved liquid cell design, delivering a 5 *-10 * ellipsometric noise reduction
      over state-of-the-art. We attribute this improvement to increased ellipsometer
      illumination power and a reduced light path in liquid through the use of a water
      dipping objective. 

PMID- 27131682
TI  - Enhancing the accuracy of the Fowler method for monitoring non-constant work
      functions.
AB  - The Fowler method is a prominent non-invasive technique to determine the absolute
      work function of a surface based on the photoelectric effect. The evaluation
      procedure relies on the correlation of the photocurrent with the incident photon
      energy hnu which is mainly dependent on the surface work function chi. Applying
      Fowler's theory of the photocurrent, the measurements can be fitted by the
      theoretical curve near the threshold hnu?chi yielding the work function chi and a
      parameter A. The straightforward experimental implementation of the Fowler method
      is to use several particular photon energies, e.g. via interference filters.
      However, with a realization like that the restriction hnu ~ chi can easily be
      violated, especially when the work function of the material is decreasing during
      the measurements as, for instance, with coating or adsorption processes. This can
      lead to an overestimation of the evaluated work function value of typically some
      0.1 eV, reaching up to more than 0.5 eV in an unfavorable case. A detailed
      analysis of the Fowler theory now reveals the background of that effect and shows
      that the fit-parameter A can be used to assess the accuracy of the determined
      value of chi conveniently during the measurements. Moreover, a scheme is
      introduced to quantify a potential overestimation and to perform a correction to
      chi to a certain extent. The issues are demonstrated exemplarily at the
      monitoring of the work function reduction of a stainless steel sample surface due
      to caesiation. 

PMID- 27131683
TI  - A method of measuring dynamic strain under electromagnetic forming conditions.
AB  - Dynamic strain measurement is rather important for the characterization of
      mechanical behaviors in electromagnetic forming process, but it has been hindered
      by high strain rate and serious electromagnetic interference for years. In this
      work, a simple and effective strain measuring technique for physical and
      mechanical behavior studies in the electromagnetic forming process has been
      developed. High resolution (~5 ppm) of strain curves of a budging aluminum tube
      in pulsed electromagnetic field has been successfully measured using this
      technique. The measured strain rate is about 10(5) s(-1), which depends on the
      discharging conditions, nearly one order of magnitude of higher than that under
      conventional split Hopkins pressure bar loading conditions (~10(4) s(-1)). It has
      been found that the dynamic fracture toughness of an aluminum alloy is
      significantly enhanced during the electromagnetic forming, which explains why the
      formability is much larger under electromagnetic forging conditions in comparison
      with conventional forging processes.

PMID- 27131684
TI  - Spin-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy using femtosecond extreme ultraviolet
      light pulses from high-order harmonic generation.
AB  - The fundamental mechanism responsible for optically induced magnetization
      dynamics in ferromagnetic thin films has been under intense debate since almost
      two decades. Currently, numerous competing theoretical models are in strong need
      for a decisive experimental confirmation such as monitoring the triggered changes
      in the spin-dependent band structure on ultrashort time scales. Our approach
      explores the possibility of observing femtosecond band structure dynamics by
      giving access to extended parts of the Brillouin zone in a simultaneously time-,
      energy- and spin-resolved photoemission experiment. For this purpose, our setup
      uses a state-of-the-art, highly efficient spin detector and ultrashort, extreme
      ultraviolet light pulses created by laser-based high-order harmonic generation.
      In this paper, we present the setup and first spin-resolved spectra obtained with
      our experiment within an acquisition time short enough to allow pump-probe
      studies. Further, we characterize the influence of the excitation with
      femtosecond extreme ultraviolet pulses by comparing the results with data
      acquired using a continuous wave light source with similar photon energy. In
      addition, changes in the spectra induced by vacuum space-charge effects due to
      both the extreme ultraviolet probe- and near-infrared pump-pulses are studied by
      analyzing the resulting spectral distortions. The combination of energy
      resolution and electron count rate achieved in our setup confirms its suitability
      for spin-resolved studies of the band structure on ultrashort time scales.

PMID- 27131685
TI  - Compact ultrahigh vacuum/high-pressure system for broadband infrared sum
      frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy studies.
AB  - We have designed a compact ultrahigh vacuum/high-pressure system for in situ
      broadband infrared (IR) sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG
      VS) studies. In this system, we have achieved a significant reduction in the
      distance between the sample and the optical window (<5 mm), which in turn
      considerably reduces the IR absorption from the gas phase under high pressure
      conditions. Moreover, with this new system, the IR transmission under high
      pressure conditions can be measured in situ for calibrating the SFG spectra.
      Therefore, this modified technique can allow us to study the vibrational spectra
      of adsorbates on single crystals or polycrystalline foils under high pressure.
      The preliminary results from SFG measurements of a model CH3OH/TiO2(110) system
      under both ultrahigh vacuum and high pressure conditions are reported here. These
      results suggest that this newly developed system is potentially a powerful tool
      for investigating adsorbate structures and surface reactions under both ultrahigh
      vacuum and real conditions.

PMID- 27131686
TI  - High performance mini-gas chromatography-flame ionization detector system based
      on micro gas chromatography column.
AB  - Monitoring Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was a very important measure for
      preventing environmental pollution, therefore, a mini gas chromatography (GC)
      flame ionization detector (FID) system integrated with a mini H2 generator and a
      micro GC column was developed for environmental VOC monitoring. In addition, the
      mini H2 generator was able to make the system explode from far away due to the
      abandoned use of a high pressure H2 source. The experimental result indicates
      that the fabricated mini GC FID system demonstrated high repeatability and very
      good linear response, and was able to rapidly monitor complicated environmental
      VOC samples.

PMID- 27131687
TI  - Scattering pulse of label free fine structure cells to determine the size scale
      of scattering structures.
AB  - Scattering pulse is sensitive to the morphology and components of each single
      label-free cell. The most direct detection result, label free cell's scattering
      pulse is studied in this paper as a novel trait to recognize large malignant
      cells from small normal cells. A set of intrinsic scattering pulse calculation
      method is figured out, which combines both hydraulic focusing theory and small
      particle's scattering principle. Based on the scattering detection angle ranges
      of widely used flow cytometry, the scattering pulses formed by cell scattering
      energy in forward scattering angle 2 degrees -5 degrees  and side scattering
      angle 80 degrees -110 degrees  are discussed. Combining the analysis of cell's
      illuminating light energy, the peak, area, and full width at half maximum (FWHM)
      of label free cells' scattering pulses for fine structure cells with diameter 1
      20 MUm are studied to extract the interrelations of scattering pulse's features
      and cell's morphology. The theoretical and experimental results show that cell's
      diameter and FWHM of its scattering pulse agree with approximate linear
      distribution; the peak and area of scattering pulse do not always increase with
      cell's diameter becoming larger, but when cell's diameter is less than about 16
      MUm the monotone increasing relation of scattering pulse peak or area with cell's
      diameter can be obtained. This relationship between the features of scattering
      pulse and cell's size is potentially a useful but very simple criterion to
      distinguishing malignant and normal cells by their sizes and morphologies in
      label free cells clinical examinations.

PMID- 27131688
TI  - A measurement system applicable for landslide experiments in the field.
AB  - Observation of gravity erosion in the field with strong sunshine and wind poses a
      challenge. Here, a novel topography meter together with a movable tent addresses
      the challenge. With the topography meter, a 3D geometric shape of the target
      surface can be digitally reconstructed. Before the commencement of a test, the
      laser generator position and the camera sightline should be adjusted with a sight
      calibrator. Typically, the topography meter can measure the gravity erosion on
      the slope with a gradient of 30 degrees -70 degrees . Two methods can be used to
      obtain a relatively clear video, despite the extreme steepness of the slopes. One
      method is to rotate the laser source away from the slope to ensure that the
      camera sightline remains perpendicular to the laser plane. Another way is to move
      the camera farther away from the slope in which the measured volume of the slope
      needs to be corrected; this method will reduce distortion of the image. In
      addition, installation of tent poles with concrete columns helps to surmount the
      altitude difference on steep slopes. Results observed by the topography meter in
      real landslide experiments are rational and reliable.

PMID- 27131689
TI  - A high-power microwave circular polarizer and its application on phase shifter.
AB  - A high-power waveguide dual circular polarizer was theoretically designed and
      proof-of-principle was experimentally tested. It consists of two incident
      rectangular waveguides with a perpendicular H-plane junction, one circular
      waveguide with a pair of trapezoidal grooves coupled in E-plane at the top, a
      spherical crown located at the bottom, and an iris at the perpendicular junction
      of two rectangular waveguides. When wave incidents at one of the two separated
      rectangular waveguides, it, respectively, generates a left-hand circular
      polarized wave or a right-hand circular polarized wave in the circular waveguide.
      By adding a dumbbell-like metal plug driven with a high speed servomotor, a
      movable short circuit is formed along the circular waveguide to adjust the output
      RF phase of the rectangular port, realizing a high-speed high-power phase
      shifter. The C-band high power microwave (HPM) experiments were carried out, and
      the power capacity of the HPM polarizer and phase shifter was demonstrated to
      reach gigawatt level.

PMID- 27131690
TI  - High sensitivity measurement system for the direct-current, capacitance-voltage,
      and gate-drain low frequency noise characterization of field effect transistors.
AB  - Measurements of current fluctuations originating in electron devices have been
      largely used to understand the electrical properties of materials and ultimate
      device performances. In this work, we propose a high-sensitivity measurement
      setup topology suitable for the automatic and programmable Direct-Current (DC),
      Capacitance-Voltage (CV), and gate-drain low frequency noise characterization of
      field effect transistors at wafer level. Automatic and programmable operation is
      particularly useful when the device characteristics relax or degrade with time
      due to optical, bias, or temperature stress. The noise sensitivity of the
      proposed topology is in the order of fA/Hz(1/2), while DC performances are
      limited only by the source and measurement units used to bias the device under
      test. DC, CV, and NOISE measurements, down to 1 pA of DC gate and drain bias
      currents, in organic thin film transistors are reported to demonstrate system
      operation and performances.

PMID- 27131691
TI  - Repetitive operation of an L-band magnetically insulated transmission line
      oscillator with metal array cathode.
AB  - We present the repetitive operation research results of an L-band magnetically
      insulated transmission line oscillator with metal array cathode (MAC-MILO) in
      this paper. To ensure a more uniform emission of electrons emitted from the
      cathode, metal plates with different outer radii and thicknesses are periodically
      arranged in longitudinal direction on the cathode substrate to act as emitters.
      The higher order mode depressed MILO (HDMILO) structure is applied to ensure
      stability of the tube. Comparison experiments are carried out between velvet
      cathode and MAC MILO driven by a 20 GW/40 Omega/40 ns/20 Hz pulse power system.
      Experimental results reveal that the MAC has much lower outgassing rate, much
      longer life time, and higher repetitive stability. The MAC-MILO could work stably
      with a rep-rate up to 20 Hz at a power level of 550 MW when employing a 350 kV/35
      kA electric pulse. The TE11 mode radiation pattern in the farfield region reveals
      the tube works steadily on the dominant mode. More than 2000 shots have been
      tested in repetitive mode without any obvious degradation of the detected
      microwave parameters.

PMID- 27131692
TI  - Theory and implementation of a very high throughput true random number generator
      in field programmable gate array.
AB  - The contribution of this paper is proposing a new entropy extraction mechanism
      based on sampling phase jitter in ring oscillators to make a high throughput true
      random number generator in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) practical.
      Starting from experimental observation and analysis of the entropy source in
      FPGA, a multi-phase sampling method is exploited to harvest the clock jitter with
      a maximum entropy and fast sampling speed. This parametrized design is
      implemented in a Xilinx Artix-7 FPGA, where the carry chains in the FPGA are
      explored to realize the precise phase shifting. The generator circuit is simple
      and resource-saving, so that multiple generation channels can run in parallel to
      scale the output throughput for specific applications. The prototype integrates
      64 circuit units in the FPGA to provide a total output throughput of 7.68 Gbps,
      which meets the requirement of current high-speed quantum key distribution
      systems. The randomness evaluation, as well as its robustness to ambient
      temperature, confirms that the new method in a purely digital fashion can provide
      high-speed high-quality random bit sequences for a variety of embedded
      applications.

PMID- 27131693
TI  - Developing a pulse trigger generator for a three-electrode spark-gap switch in a
      transversely excited atmospheric CO2 laser.
AB  - To improve the probability and stability of breakdown discharge in a three
      electrode spark-gap switch for a high-power transversely excited atmospheric CO2
      laser and to improve the efficiency of its trigger system, we developed a high
      voltage pulse trigger generator based on a two-transistor forward converter
      topology and a multiple-narrow-pulse trigger method. Our design uses a narrow
      high-voltage pulse (10 MUs) to break down the hyperbaric gas between electrodes
      of the spark-gap switch; a dry high-voltage transformer is used as a booster; and
      a sampling and feedback control circuit (mainly consisting of a SG3525 and a
      CD4098) is designed to monitor the spark-gap switch and control the frequency and
      the number of output pulses. Our experimental results show that this pulse
      trigger generator could output high-voltage pulses (number is adjusted) with an
      amplitude of >38 kV and a width of 10 MUs. Compared to a conventional trigger
      system, our design had a breakdown probability increased by 2.7%, an input power
      reduced by 1.5 kW, an efficiency increased by 0.12, and a loss reduced by 1.512
      kW. 

PMID- 27131694
TI  - Highly sensitive simple homodyne phase detector for ultrasonic pulse-echo
      measurements.
AB  - We have designed and built a modern versatile research-grade instrument for
      ultrasound pulse-echo probing of the elastic properties of a wide range of
      materials under laboratory conditions. The heart of the instrument lies in an
      AD8302 microchip: a gain and phase detector from Analog Devices, Inc. To
      construct the device, we have implemented a schematic that utilizes the homodyne
      principle for signal processing instead of the traditional superheterodyne
      approach. This design allows one to measure phase shifts with high precision and
      linearity over the entire range of 0 degrees -360 degrees . The system is simple
      in construction and usage; it makes ultrasound measurements easily accessible to
      a broad range of researchers. It was tested by measuring the temperature
      dependence of the ultrasound speed and attenuation in a KTa0.92Nb0.08O3 (KTN)
      single crystal at a frequency of ~40 MHz. The tests were performed in the
      vicinity of the ferroelectric transitions where the large variations of the speed
      and attenuation demand a detector with outstanding characteristics. The described
      detector has a wide dynamic range and allows for measuring in a single run over
      the whole temperature range of the ferroelectric transitions, rather than just in
      limited intervals available previously. Moreover, due to the wide dynamic range
      of the gain measurements and high sensitivity this instrument was able to reveal
      previously unresolvable features associated with the development of the
      ferroelectric transitions of KTN crystals. 

PMID- 27131695
TI  - Resonant transducers for solid-state plasma density modulation.
AB  - We have developed transducers capable of modulating the plasma density and plasma
      density gradients in indium antimonide. These transducers make use of
      piezoelectric drivers to excite acoustic pressure resonance at 3lambda/2,
      generating large amplitude standing waves and plasma density modulations. The
      plasma density has been directly measured using a laser diagnostic. A layered
      media model shows good agreement with the experimental measurements. 

PMID- 27131696
TI  - Fault detection, isolation, and diagnosis of status self-validating gas sensor
      arrays.
AB  - The traditional gas sensor array has been viewed as a simple apparatus for
      information acquisition in chemosensory systems. Gas sensor arrays frequently
      undergo impairments in the form of sensor failures that cause significant
      deterioration of the performance of previously trained pattern recognition
      models. Reliability monitoring of gas sensor arrays is a challenging and critical
      issue in the chemosensory system. Because of its importance, we design and
      implement a status self-validating gas sensor array prototype to enhance the
      reliability of its measurements. A novel fault detection, isolation, and
      diagnosis (FDID) strategy is presented in this paper. The principal component
      analysis-based multivariate statistical process monitoring model can effectively
      perform fault detection by using the squared prediction error statistic and can
      locate the faulty sensor in the gas sensor array by using the variables
      contribution plot. The signal features of gas sensor arrays for different fault
      modes are extracted by using ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) coupled
      with sample entropy (SampEn). The EEMD is applied to adaptively decompose the
      original gas sensor signals into a finite number of intrinsic mode functions
      (IMFs) and a residual. The SampEn values of each IMF and the residual are
      calculated to reveal the multi-scale intrinsic characteristics of the faulty
      sensor signals. Sparse representation-based classification is introduced to
      identify the sensor fault type for the purpose of diagnosing deterioration in the
      gas sensor array. The performance of the proposed strategy is compared with other
      different diagnostic approaches, and it is fully evaluated in a real status self
      validating gas sensor array experimental system. The experimental results
      demonstrate that the proposed strategy provides an excellent solution to the FDID
      of status self-validating gas sensor arrays.

PMID- 27131697
TI  - Scale factor characteristics of laser gyroscopes of different sizes.
AB  - The scale factor correction characteristics of two ring laser gyroscopes of
      different sizes are investigated systematically in this paper. The variation in
      the scale factor can reach 144 or 70 ppm for square gyroscopes with arm lengths
      of 8.4 cm or 15.6 cm, respectively, during frequency tuning. A dip in the scale
      factor is observed at the line center of the gain characteristic for both
      gyroscope sizes. When a different longitudinal mode is excited, the scale factor
      behavior remains the same, but the scale factor values differ slightly from those
      derived from geometric prediction. The scale factor tends to decrease with
      increasing discharge current, but the sensitivity of the scale factor to
      variations in the excitation decreases with increasing discharge current.

PMID- 27131698
TI  - Reducing the capacitance of piezoelectric film sensors.
AB  - We present a novel design for large area, wideband, polymer piezoelectric sensor
      with low capacitance. The large area allows better spatial resolution in
      applications such as photoacoustic tomography and the reduced capacitance eases
      the design of fast transimpedance amplifiers. The metalized piezoelectric polymer
      thin film is segmented into N sections, electrically connected in series. In this
      way, the total capacitance is reduced by a factor 1/N(2), whereas the mechanical
      response and the active area of the sensor are not modified. We show the
      construction details for a two-section sensor, together with the impedance
      spectroscopy and impulse response experimental results that validate the design.

PMID- 27131699
TI  - Parasitic analysis and pi-type Butterworth-Van Dyke model for complementary-metal
      oxide-semiconductor Lamb wave resonator with accurate two-port Y-parameter
      characterizations.
AB  - The parasitic effects from electromechanical resonance, coupling, and substrate
      losses were collected to derive a new two-port equivalent-circuit model for Lamb
      wave resonators, especially for those fabricated on silicon technology. The
      proposed model is a hybrid pi-type Butterworth-Van Dyke (PiBVD) model that
      accounts for the above mentioned parasitic effects which are commonly observed in
      Lamb-wave resonators. It is a combination of interdigital capacitor of both plate
      capacitance and fringe capacitance, interdigital resistance, Ohmic losses in
      substrate, and the acoustic motional behavior of typical Modified Butterworth-Van
      Dyke (MBVD) model. In the case studies presented in this paper using two-port Y
      parameters, the PiBVD model fitted significantly better than the typical MBVD
      model, strengthening the capability on characterizing both magnitude and phase of
      either Y11 or Y21. The accurate modelling on two-port Y-parameters makes the
      PiBVD model beneficial in the characterization of Lamb-wave resonators, providing
      accurate simulation to Lamb-wave resonators and oscillators.

PMID- 27131700
TI  - Non-contact online thickness measurement system for metal films based on eddy
      current sensing with distance tracking technique.
AB  - This paper proposes an online, non-contact metal film thickness measurement
      system based on eddy current sensing. The slope of the lift-off curve (LOC) is
      used for characterizing target thickness. Theoretical derivation was conducted to
      prove that the slope is independent of the lift-off variation. In practice, the
      measurement has some immunity to the lift-off, but not perfect. The slope of LOC
      is still affected at some extent by the lift-off. Hence, a height tracking system
      was also proposed, which could stabilize the distance between the sensor and the
      target and significantly reduce the lift-off effect. The height tracking system
      contains a specially designed probe, which could vibrate rapidly to obtain a fast
      measurement speed, and its height can be adjusted up and down continuously to
      stabilize the lift-off. The sensor coil in the thickness measurement system was
      also used as the height sensor in the height tracking system. Several experiments
      were conducted to test the system performances under static and dynamic
      conditions. This measurement system demonstrated significant advantages, such as
      simple and clear conversion between the slope of LOC and target thickness, high
      resolution and stability, and minimized effect of lift-off variation.

PMID- 27131701
TI  - A revisit to self-excited push pull vacuum tube radio frequency oscillator for
      ion sources and power measurements.
AB  - Self-excited push-pull vacuum tube oscillator is one of the most commonly used
      oscillators in radio frequency (RF)-ion plasma sources for generation of ions
      using radio frequency. However, in spite of its fundamental role in the process
      of plasma formation, the working and operational characteristics are the most
      frequently skip part in the descriptions of RF ion sources in literatures. A more
      detailed treatment is given in the present work on the RF oscillator alone using
      twin beam power tetrodes 829B and GI30. The circuit operates at 102 MHz, and the
      oscillation conditions, stability in frequency, and RF output power are studied
      and analyzed. A modified form of photometric method and RF peak voltage detection
      method are employed to study the variation of the oscillator output power with
      plate voltage. The power curves obtained from these measurements are quadratic in
      nature and increase with increase in plate voltage. However, the RF output power
      as measured by photometric methods is always less than the value calculated from
      peak voltage measurements. This difference is due to the fact that the filament
      coil of the ordinary light bulb used as load/detector in photometric method is
      not a perfect inductor. The effect of inductive reactance on power transfer to
      load was further investigated and a technique is developed to estimate the amount
      of power correction needed in the photometric measurement result.

PMID- 27131702
TI  - Simple insertible high performance variable temperature regulator for measurement
      of physical properties at low temperature.
AB  - An impedance capillary based Variable Temperature Regulator (VTR) for regulation
      of temperature in the range of 4.2 K-300 K, which can be detached and inserted
      into any experimental setup with a 50 mm diameter top access, has been designed,
      fabricated, and tested. The VTR may be used as a highly compact probe, which can
      be readily inserted in any liquid helium dewar or cryostat to realize uniform
      rates of cooling/heating and to achieve excellent temperature stability of +/-1
      mK at any temperature between 4.2 K and 300 K. VTR has been subjected to
      extensive experimental testing to arrive at optimum values of control parameters
      that are expected to influence its performance. The VTR may be integrated into
      any experimental setup for measurement of physical properties at low
      temperatures.

PMID- 27131703
TI  - Apparatus for low temperature thermal desorption spectroscopy of portable
      samples.
AB  - An experimental setup for low temperature thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS)
      integrated in an ultrahigh vacuum-chamber housing a high-end scanning probe
      microscope for comprehensive multi-tool surface science analysis is described.
      This setup enables the characterization with TDS at low temperatures (T > 22 K)
      of portable sample designs, as is the case for scanning probe optimized setups or
      high-throughput experiments. This combination of techniques allows a direct
      correlation between surface morphology, local spectroscopy, and reactivity of
      model catalysts. The performance of the multi-tool setup is illustrated by
      measurements of a model catalyst. TDS of CO from Mo(001) and from Mo(001)
      supported MgO thin films were carried out and combined with scanning tunneling
      microscopy measurements.

PMID- 27131704
TI  - A method for determining average damage depth of sawn crystalline silicon wafers.
AB  - The depth of surface damage (or simply, damage) in crystalline silicon wafers,
      caused by wire sawing of ingots, is determined by performing a series of minority
      carrier lifetime (MCLT) measurements. Samples are sequentially etched to remove
      thin layers from each surface and MCLT is measured after each etch step. The
      thickness-removed (deltat) at which the lifetime reaches a peak value corresponds
      to the damage depth. This technique also allows the damage to be quantified in
      terms of effective surface recombination velocity (Seff). To accomplish this, the
      MCLT data are converted into an Seff vs deltat plot, which represents a
      quantitative distribution of the degree of damage within the surface layer. We
      describe a wafer preparation procedure to attain reproducible etching and MCLT
      measurement results. We also describe important characteristics of an etchant
      used for controllably removing thin layers from the wafer surfaces. Some typical
      results showing changes in the MCLT vs deltat plots for different cutting
      parameters are given.

PMID- 27131705
TI  - Dual analyzer system for surface analysis dedicated for angle-resolved
      photoelectron spectroscopy at liquid surfaces and interfaces.
AB  - The investigation of liquid surfaces and interfaces with the powerful toolbox of
      ultra-high vacuum (UHV)-based surface science techniques generally has to
      overcome the issue of liquid evaporation within the vacuum system. In the last
      decade, however, new classes of liquids with negligible vapor pressure at room
      temperature-in particular, ionic liquids (ILs)-have emerged for surface science
      studies. It has been demonstrated that particularly angle-resolved X-ray
      Photoelectron Spectroscopy (ARXPS) allows for investigating phenomena that occur
      at gas-liquid and liquid-solid interfaces on the molecular level. The results are
      not only relevant for IL systems but also for liquids in general. In all of these
      previous ARXPS studies, the sample holder had to be tilted in order to change the
      polar detection angle of emitted photoelectrons, which restricted the liquid
      systems to very thin viscous IL films coating a flat solid support. We now report
      on the concept and realization of a new and unique laboratory "Dual Analyzer
      System for Surface Analysis (DASSA)" which enables fast ARXPS, UV photoelectron
      spectroscopy, imaging XPS, and low-energy ion scattering at the horizontal
      surface plane of macroscopically thick non-volatile liquid samples. It comprises
      a UHV chamber equipped with two electron analyzers mounted for simultaneous
      measurements in 0 degrees  and 80 degrees  emission relative to the surface
      normal. The performance of DASSA on a first macroscopic liquid system will be
      demonstrated.

PMID- 27131706
TI  - Measurement of dynamic surface tension by mechanically vibrated sessile droplets.
AB  - We developed a novel method for measuring the dynamic surface tension of liquids
      using mechanically vibrated sessile droplets. Under continuous mechanical
      vibration, the shape of the deformed droplet was fitted by numerical analysis,
      taking into account the force balance at the drop surface and the momentum
      equation. The surface tension was determined by optimizing four parameters: the
      surface tension, the droplet's height, the radius of the droplet-substrate
      contact area, and the horizontal symmetrical position of the droplet. The
      accuracy and repeatability of the proposed method were confirmed using drops of
      distilled water as well as viscous aqueous glycerol solutions. The vibration
      frequency had no influence on surface tension in the case of pure liquids.
      However, for water-soluble surfactant solutions, the dynamic surface tension
      gradually increased with vibration frequency, which was particularly notable for
      low surfactant concentrations slightly below the critical micelle concentration.
      This frequency dependence resulted from the competition of two mechanisms at the
      drop surface: local surface deformation and surfactant transport towards the
      newly generated surface. 

PMID- 27131707
TI  - A continuous dry 300 mK cooler for THz sensing applications.
AB  - We describe and demonstrate the automated operation of a novel cryostat design
      that is capable of maintaining an unloaded base temperature of less than 300 mK
      continuously, without the need to recycle the gases within the final cold head,
      as is the case for conventional single shot sorption pumped (3)He cooling
      systems. This closed dry system uses only 5 l of (3)He gas, making this an
      economical alternative to traditional systems where a long hold time is required.
      During testing, a temperature of 365 mK was maintained with a constant 20 MUW
      load, simulating the cooling requirement of a far infrared camera.

PMID- 27131708
TI  - An ultra-high temperature testing instrument under oxidation environment up to
      1800  degrees C.
AB  - A new testing instrument was developed to measure the high-temperature
      constitutive relation and strength of materials under an oxidative environment up
      to 1800  degrees C. A high temperature electric resistance furnace was designed
      to provide a uniform temperature environment for the mechanical testing, and the
      temperature could vary from room temperature (RT) to 1800  degrees C. A set of
      semi-connected grips was designed to reduce the stress. The deformation of the
      specimen gauge section was measured by a high temperature extensometer. The
      measured results were acceptable compared with the results from the strain gauge
      method. Meanwhile, tensile testing of alumina was carried out at RT and 800 
      degrees C, and the specimens showed brittle fracture as expected. The obtained
      Young's modulus was in agreement with the reported value. In addition, tensile
      experiment of ZrB2-20%SiC ceramic was conducted at 1700  degrees C and the high
      temperature tensile stress-strain curve was first obtained. Large plastic
      deformation up to 0.46% and the necking phenomenon were observed before the
      fracture of specimen. This instrument will provide a powerful research tool to
      study the high temperature mechanical property of materials under oxidation and
      is benefit for the engineering application of materials in aerospace field.

PMID- 27131709
TI  - Compact high voltage, high peak power, high frequency transformer for converter
      type modulator applications.
AB  - The design and development of a compact high voltage, high peak power, high
      frequency transformer for a converter type modulator of klystron amplifiers is
      presented. The transformer has been designed to operate at a frequency of 20 kHz
      and at a flux swing of +/-0.6 T. Iron (Fe) based nanocrystalline material has
      been selected as a core for the construction of the transformer. The transformer
      employs a specially designed solid Teflon bobbin having 120 kV insulation for
      winding the high voltage secondary windings. The flux swing of the core has been
      experimentally found by plotting the hysteresis loop at actual operating
      conditions. Based on the design, a prototype transformer has been built which is
      per se a unique combination of high voltage, high frequency, and peak power
      specifications. The transformer was able to provide 58 kV (pk-pk) at the
      secondary with a peak power handling capability of 700 kVA. The transformation
      ratio was 1:17. The performance of the transformer is also presented and
      discussed. 

PMID- 27131711
TI  - Measurement of the thermoelectric power factor of films over the 10-400 K range.
AB  - The design and development of a novel apparatus for the simultaneous measurement
      of electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient of films is reported here.
      Mounting stage is integrated inside a cryostat chamber enabling measurements over
      the 10-400 K temperature range, intended for organic thermoelectrics. Finite
      element method was used to analyze the thermo-mechanical response of the sample
      holder. The apparatus was validated against high purity nickel film, and a very
      good agreement was found.

PMID- 27131710
TI  - Design and application of a fish-shaped lateral line probe for flow measurement.
AB  - We introduce the lateral line probe (LLP) as a measurement device for natural
      flows. Hydraulic surveys in rivers and hydraulic structures are currently based
      on time-averaged velocity measurements using propellers or acoustic Doppler
      devices. The long-term goal is thus to develop a sensor system, which includes
      spatial gradients of the flow field along a fish-shaped sensor body. Interpreting
      the biological relevance of a collection of point velocity measurements is
      complicated by the fact that fish and other aquatic vertebrates experience the
      flow field through highly dynamic fluid-body interactions. To collect body
      centric flow data, a bioinspired fish-shaped probe is equipped with a lateral
      line pressure sensing array, which can be applied both in the laboratory and in
      the field. Our objective is to introduce a new type of measurement device for
      body-centric data and compare its output to estimates of conventional point-based
      technologies. We first provide the calibration workflow for laboratory
      investigations. We then provide a review of two velocity estimation workflows,
      independent of calibration. Such workflows are required as existing field
      investigations consist of measurements in environments where calibration is not
      feasible. The mean difference for uncalibrated LLP velocity estimates from 0 to
      50 cm/s under in a closed flow tunnel and open channel flume was within 4 cm/s
      when compared to conventional measurement techniques. Finally, spatial flow maps
      in a scale vertical slot fishway are compared for the LLP, direct measurements,
      and 3D numerical models where it was found that the LLP provided a slight
      overestimation of the current velocity in the jet and underestimated the velocity
      in the recirculation zone.

PMID- 27131712
TI  - Construction and experimental validation of a simple, compact, resealable, and
      reliable Vycor((r)) superleak assembly for use at low temperatures.
AB  - A new method of constructing a superleak assembly for use in experiments
      involving (4)He or (3)He-(4)He mixtures at very low temperatures is described.
      Superleaks are made of a porous medium with very small pores and channels.
      Superleaks are often incorporated in thermomechanical pumps, superfluid magnetic
      pumps, dilution refrigerators, and superfluid helium transfer systems. We used
      several cylindrical pieces of Vycor, a permeable glass with average pore diameter
      of 40 A and porosity of 28%, as a candidate to be used in our superleak assembly.
      Our design is simple and compact. Our superleak assembly can be disassembled and
      easily reassembled for reuse. We successfully tested and validated this device at
      temperatures between 1.4 K and 2.7 K. We experienced no superfluid leaks into the
      surrounding vacuum. We also report that thermal cycling caused no performance
      degradation. It is our goal to share the design and construction techniques of
      this new superleak assembly.

PMID- 27131713
TI  - An apparatus for studying electrical breakdown in liquid helium at 0.4 K and
      testing electrode materials for the neutron electric dipole moment experiment at
      the Spallation Neutron Source.
AB  - We have constructed an apparatus to study DC electrical breakdown in liquid
      helium at temperatures as low as 0.4 K and at pressures between the saturated
      vapor pressure and ~600 Torr. The apparatus can house a set of electrodes that
      are 12 cm in diameter with a gap of 1-2 cm between them, and a potential up to +/
      50 kV can be applied to each electrode. Initial results demonstrated that it is
      possible to apply fields exceeding 100 kV/cm in a 1 cm gap between two
      electropolished stainless steel electrodes 12 cm in diameter for a wide range of
      pressures at 0.4 K. We also measured the current between two electrodes. Our
      initial results, I < 1 pA at 45 kV, correspond to a lower bound on the effective
      volume resistivity of liquid helium of rhoV > 5 * 10(18) Omega cm. This lower
      bound is 5 times larger than the bound previously measured. We report the design,
      construction, and operational experience of the apparatus, as well as initial
      results.

PMID- 27131714
TI  - Electro-optical equivalent calibration technology for high-energy laser energy
      meters.
AB  - Electro-optical equivalent calibration with high calibration power and high
      equivalence is particularly well-suited to the calibration of high-energy laser
      energy meters. A large amount of energy is reserved during this process, however,
      which continues to radiate after power-off. This study measured the radiation
      efficiency of a halogen tungsten lamp during power-on and after power-off in
      order to calculate the total energy irradiated by a lamp until the high-energy
      laser energy meter reaches thermal equilibrium. A calibration system was designed
      based on the measurement results, and the calibration equivalence of the system
      was analyzed in detail. Results show that measurement precision is significantly
      affected by the absorption factor of the absorption chamber and by heat loss in
      the energy meter. Calibration precision is successfully improved by enhancing the
      equivalent power and reducing power-on time. The electro-optical equivalent
      calibration system, measurement uncertainty of which was evaluated as 2.4% (k =
      2), was used to calibrate a graphite-cone-absorption-cavity absolute energy
      meter, yielding a calibration coefficient of 1.009 and measurement uncertainty of
      3.5% (k = 2). A water-absorption-type high-energy laser energy meter with
      measurement uncertainty of 4.8% (k = 2) was considered the reference standard,
      and compared to the energy meter calibrated in this study, yielded a correction
      factor of 0.995 (standard deviation of 1.4%).

PMID- 27131715
TI  - A highly flexible electrochemical flow cell designed for the use of model
      electrode materials on non-conventional substrates.
AB  - We present a novel electrochemical flow cell based on a wall-jet configuration to
      carry out electrochemical investigations under controlled mass transport
      conditions. The described setup can be applied for investigations similar to
      those performed with a common rotating disc electrode setup but allows the use of
      non-conductive and square substrates. This setup thus opens the possibility for
      the characterization of a new range of materials on a broad range of substrates.
      Cyclic voltammograms were recorded to assess the cleanliness and good saturation
      of the cell with inert gas. The performance of the flow cell regarding
      hydrodynamic experiments was evaluated by probing the oxygen reduction reaction
      on differently prepared platinum catalysts, including Pt on non-conductive
      substrates. The high reproducibility of the limiting currents for these samples
      demonstrates the good functionality, adaptability, and flexibility of the cell.

PMID- 27131716
TI  - New experimental perspectives for soft x-ray absorption spectroscopies at ultra
      low temperatures below 50 mK and in high magnetic fields up to 7 T.
AB  - A new ultra-low temperature experiment including a superconducting vector magnet
      has been developed for soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments at third
      generation synchrotron light sources. The sample is cooled below 50 mK by a
      cryogen free (3)He-(4)He dilution refrigerator. At the same time, magnetic fields
      of up to +/-7 T in the horizontal direction and +/-0.5 T in the vertical
      direction can be applied by a superconducting vector magnet. The setup allows to
      study ex situ and in situ prepared samples, offered by an attached UHV
      preparation chamber with load lock. The transfer of the prepared samples between
      the preparation section and the dilution refrigerator is carried out under
      cryogenic temperatures. First commissioning studies have been carried out at the
      Variable Polarization XUV Beamline P04 at PETRA III and the influence of the
      incident photon beam to the sample temperature has been studied.

PMID- 27131718
TI  - Note: Expanding the bandwidth of the ultra-low current amplifier using an
      artificial negative capacitor.
AB  - The bandwidth and low noise characteristics are often contradictory in ultra-low
      current amplifier, because an inevitable parasitic capacitance is paralleled with
      the high value feedback resistor. In order to expand the amplifier's bandwidth, a
      novel approach was proposed by introducing an artificial negative capacitor to
      cancel the parasitic capacitance. The theory of the negative capacitance and the
      performance of the improved amplifier circuit with the negative capacitor are
      presented in this manuscript. The test was conducted by modifying an ultra-low
      current amplifier with a trans-impedance gain of 50 GOmega. The results show that
      the maximum bandwidth was expanded from 18.7 Hz to 3.3 kHz with more than 150
      times of increase when the parasitic capacitance (~0.17 pF) was cancelled.
      Meanwhile, the rise time decreased from 18.7 ms to 0.26 ms with no overshot. Any
      desired bandwidth or rise time within these ranges can be obtained by adjusting
      the ratio of cancellation of the parasitic and negative capacitance. This
      approach is especially suitable for the demand of rapid response to weak current,
      such as transient ion-beam detector, mass spectrometry analysis, and fast
      scanning microscope.

PMID- 27131717
TI  - Note: Evaluation of slurry particle size analyzers for chemical mechanical
      planarization process.
AB  - In the chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process, slurry particle size is
      important because large particles can cause defects. Hence, selection of an
      appropriate particle measuring system is necessary in the CMP process. In this
      study, a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and dynamic light scattering
      (DLS) were compared for particle size distribution (PSD) measurements. In
      addition, the actual particle size and shape were confirmed by transmission
      electron microscope (TEM) results. SMPS classifies the particle size according to
      the electrical mobility, and measures the particle concentration (single particle
      measurement). On the other hand, the DLS measures the particle size distribution
      by analyzing scattered light from multiple particles (multiple particle
      measurement). For the slurry particles selected for evaluation, it is observed
      that SMPS shows bi-modal particle sizes 30 nm and 80 nm, which closely matches
      with the TEM measurements, whereas DLS shows only single mode distribution in the
      range of 90 nm to 100 nm and showing incapability of measuring small particles.
      Hence, SMPS can be a better choice for the evaluation of CMP slurry particle size
      and concentration measurements.

PMID- 27131719
TI  - Note: Proof of principle of a new type of cluster beam source with potential for
      scale-up.
AB  - We introduce a new type of cluster beam source based on the assembly of (metal)
      clusters within a condensed (rare gas) matrix. The "Matrix Assembly Cluster
      Source" employs an ion beam to enhance collisions between metal atoms in the
      matrix and to sputter out clusters to form a beam. We demonstrate the formation
      and deposition of gold and silver nanoclusters with mean size tunable from a few
      atoms to a few thousand atoms. The cluster flux is equivalent to a current
      nanoAmp regime but potentially scalable to milliAmps, which would open up a
      number of interesting experiments and applications.

PMID- 27131720
TI  - Note: All-digital pulse-shrinking time-to-digital converter with improved dynamic
      range.
AB  - This paper proposes an all-digital pulse-shrinking time-to-digital converter
      (TDC) using the offset error cancellation circuitry to widen its dynamic range
      and to improve its accuracy. Although the TDC based on a pulse-shrinking
      mechanism can achieve a sub-gate resolution without circuit complexity, it
      possesses an undesired offset error that results in a nonzero lower bound
      appeared in its dynamic range and then affects its accuracy. The proposed
      cancellation circuitry for eliminating the offset error consists of a time adder
      with a delay line and a time subtractor with an identical delay line. The
      experimental TDC is implemented on Xilinx field programmable gate arrays and it
      also functions successfully in improving its dynamic range.

PMID- 27131721
TI  - Note: High-pressure in situ x-ray laminography using diamond anvil cell.
AB  - A high-pressure in situ X-ray laminography technique was developed using a newly
      designed, laterally open diamond anvil cell. A low X-ray beam of 8 keV energy was
      used, aiming at future application to dual energy X-ray chemical imaging
      techniques. The effects of the inclination angle and the imaging angle range were
      evaluated at ambient pressure using the apparatus. Sectional images of ruby ball
      samples were successfully reconstructed at high pressures, up to approximately 50
      GPa. The high-pressure in situ X-ray laminography technique is expected to
      provide new insights into the deep Earth sciences.

PMID- 27131722
TI  - Note: Near infrared interferometric silicon wafer metrology.
AB  - In this investigation, two near infrared (NIR) interferometric techniques for
      silicon wafer metrology are described and verified with experimental results.
      Based on the transparent characteristic of NIR light to a silicon wafer, the
      fiber based spectrally resolved interferometry can measure the optical thickness
      of the wafer and stitching low coherence scanning interferometry can reconstruct
      entire surfaces of the wafer.

PMID- 27131724
TI  - Erratum: "Oscillatory instability development in extraction system of a negative
      ion source" [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 02A508 (2016)].

PMID- 27131725
TI  - Erratum: "Mixed Pierce-two-stream instability development in an extraction system
      of a negative ion source" [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 02A509 (2016)].

PMID- 27131726
TI  - Publisher's Note: "A versatile dual-species Zeeman slower for caesium and
      ytterbium" [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87, 043109 (2016)].

PMID- 27131727
TI  - [Do the spanish clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute
      bronchiolitis urgently require updating?].

PMID- 27131728
TI  - [Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland].

PMID- 27131729
TI  - [More is not always better. Individual guideline or systematic vaccination
      against pneumococcus].

PMID- 27131730
TI  - Chemical properties and antioxidant activity of a water-soluble polysaccharide
      from Dendrobium officinale.
AB  - In this report, a water-soluble polysaccharide was obtained from the dried stems
      of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo by hot-water (70-75 degrees C) extraction
      and 85% ethanol precipitation, and successively purification by DEAE-cellulose
      anion-exchange chromatography and gel-permeation chromatography. The D.
      officinale polysaccharide (DOP) has a molecular weight of 8500Da. Monosaccharide
      composition analysis reveals that DOP is composed of mannose, glucose, and
      arabinose with a trace of galacturonic acid in a molar ratio of 6.2:2.3:2.1:0.1.
      Periodate oxidation-smith degradation and 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy analysis
      suggest the predominance of mannose and glucose, and it contains a 2-O
      acetylglucomannan and (1->4)-linked-beta-d-mannopyranosyl and (1->4)-linked-beta
      d-glucopyranosyl residues. Atomic force microscope shows that DOP mainly exists
      as rod-shaped chains, supporting high degrees of polymerization. The antioxidant
      activities of the polysaccharide in vitro assay indicate that DOP has good
      scavenging activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, higher
      scavenging activity of hydroxyl radical, and metal chelating activities. 

PMID- 27131732
TI  - Application of bioethanol derived lignin for improving physico-mechanical
      properties of thermoset biocomposites.
AB  - Lignin is the most abundant of renewable polymers next to cellulose with a global
      annual production of 70million tons, largely produced from pulping and second
      generation biofuel industries. Low value of industrial lignin makes it an
      attractive biomaterial for wide range of applications. The study investigated the
      application of wheat straw and corn stover based lignin derived from ethanol
      production for use in thermoset biocomposites. The biocomposite matrix
      constituted a two component low viscosity Araldite((r))LY 8601/Aradur((r)) 8602
      epoxy resin system and the lignin content varied from 0 to 25% by weight
      fraction. The analysis of the physical and mechanical properties of the
      biocomposites show bioethanol derived lignin can improve selective properties
      such as impact strength, and thermal stability without compromising the modulus
      and strength attributes. 

PMID- 27131731
TI  - Structural and immunological feature of rhamnogalacturonan I-rich polysaccharide
      from Korean persimmon vinegar.
AB  - The crude polysaccharide (KPV-0) isolated from Korean persimmon vinegar was
      fractionated using gel filtration chromatography to enhance the immunostimulatory
      activity and to identify the structural features of active fraction. Among three
      fractions, KPV-I obtained in a void volume, demonstrated the potent production of
      macrophage-stimulating mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha,
      interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, and nitric oxide. KPV-I showed a combined single peak
      with high molecular weight of 55,000Da by high performance size exclusion
      chromatography. Component sugar analysis revealed that KPV-I contained mainly of
      arabinose, mannose, galactose, rhamnose and galacturonic acid. Single radial gel
      diffusion assay using beta-glucosyl Yariv reagent showed that KPV-I contained
      arabinogalactan protein with 13.7%. Methylation analysis indicated that KPV-I
      contained 21 kinds of neutral glycosidic linkages, which seemed to be composed
      three kinds of polysaccharide; that is a rhamnogalacturonan-I (65-70%) derived
      from persimmon as a raw material, a mannan (20-25%) derived from fermentation
      associated microorganisms, and a linear glucans (less than 10%). In conclusion,
      polysaccharide isolated from persimmon vinegar could augment the macrophage
      stimulation, and a large amounts of RG-I polysaccharide derived from persimmon is
      likely a crucial role in expression of the activity in persimmon vinegar. 

PMID- 27131733
TI  - The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphism in otitis media with
      effusion (OME).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the most common disease after
      viral infections of upper respiratory tract (URTI) in children. Studies indicate
      the important role of nitric oxide (NO) in the etiology of hearing loss. However,
      there is no study that focuses on the role of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)
      polymorphisms in the cases with OME. The aim of the present study is to evaluate
      the eNOS polymorphisms in the pediatric patients with OME. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Eighty-nine patients who are diagnosed with otitis media with effusion and 85
      healthy subjects who are compatible in terms of age and gender were included in
      the study. All patients in the study were subjected to complete ear, nose, throat
      (ENT) and audiological examinations. DNA analysis was performed with polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) technique from the blood samples. The PCR product was cut by
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with BanII enzyme and checked by
      agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: As a result of genetic analysis, there is
      no significant difference between patients and the controls in terms of eNOS
      Glu298Asp polymorphism (G/G, G/T, T/T). When these groups were compared in terms
      of allele distributions, a significant relationship was found between the
      patients and the controls (P=0.037). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, G
      allele was identified as predisposing to the development of OME and this is the
      first report indicates the correlation between the eNOS G894T polymorphism and
      OME in Turkey.

PMID- 27131734
TI  - Exosomes in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Exosomes, nano-sized extracellular vesicles secreted by most cell types, are
      found everywhere in the body. The role of exosomes in cellular functions has in
      the past years developed from being considered little more than cellular
      trashcans, to being proven important intercellular messengers and notable
      contributors to both health and in disease. A vast number of studies have
      revealed the multiple, and somewhat controversial role of exosomes in Alzheimer's
      disease, the most common neurodegenerative disease. Exosomes have been shown to
      spread toxic amyloid-beta and hyperphosphorylated tau between cells, and they
      have been suspected of inducing apoptosis and thereby contributing to neuronal
      loss. On the other hand, exosomes seem to possess the ability to reduce brain
      amyloid-beta through microglial uptake, and they are known to transfer
      neuroprotective substances between cells. These features, among many others, make
      exosomes extremely interesting from the point of view of developing novel
      therapeutic approaches. The fact that exosomes derived from the central nervous
      system can be found in bodily fluids also makes them an appealing target for
      biomarker development, which is not limited only to Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27131735
TI  - Negative regulation of microRNA-132 in expression of synaptic proteins in
      neuronal differentiation of embryonic neural stem cells.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRs) play important roles in neuronal differentiation, maturation,
      and synaptic function in the central nervous system. They have also been
      suggested to be implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and
      psychiatric diseases. Although miR-132 is one of the well-studied brain-specific
      miRs, which regulates synaptic structure and function in the postnatal brain, its
      function in the prenatal brain is still unclear. Here, we investigated miR-132
      function during differentiation of rat embryonic neural stem cells (eNSCs). We
      found that miR-132 expression significantly increased during the fetal rat brain
      development and neural differentiation of eNSCs in vitro. Furthermore, miR-132
      expression was increased during differentiation through MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway.
      Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation resulted in increased levels of synaptic proteins
      including PSD-95, GluR1 and synapsin I. Silencing of miR-132 also increased PSD
      95 and GluR1. Considering that miR-132 increases synaptic proteins in
      differentiated cortical neurons, our result shows a novel function of miR-132 as
      a negative regulator for synaptic maturation in the neuronal differentiation of
      eNSCs.

PMID- 27131736
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of honokiol against beta-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity
      via GSK-3beta and beta-catenin signaling pathway in PC12 cells.
AB  - Beta-amyloid (Abeta) accumulation, one of the most important pathogenic traits of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD), has been reported to induce neurotoxicity in vitro as
      well as in vivo. Honokiol, isolated from the bark of Magnolia officinalis, has
      neuroprotective effects in different models of AD in vivo and in vitro. However,
      the exact mechanism for its neuroprotective effect is not well understood. The
      present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the
      protective action of honokiol against Abeta1-42-induced neurotoxicity in cultured
      rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. The results revealed that honokiol protected
      PC12 cells from Abeta1-42 induced cytotoxicity with increases in cell viability,
      GSH production and Bcl-2 expression, but decreases in the release of lactate
      dehydrogenase and cytochrome c, the amount of DNA fragmentation and MDA level, as
      well as Bax expression. Mechanistic study showed that honokiol could inhibit the
      activation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta, attenuate the nuclear
      accumulation of beta-catenin and suppress the phosphorylation of beta-catenin
      (Ser33/Ser37/Thr41 site) in the Abeta1-42-treated PC12 cells. These results
      indicate that the anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of honokiol in Abeta1
      42-treated PC12 cells may be mediated, at least in part, by regulation the GSK
      3beta and beta-catenin signaling pathways.

PMID- 27131737
TI  - Moesin regulates neutrophil rolling velocity in vivo.
AB  - During inflammation, the selectin-induced slow rolling of neutrophils on venules
      cooperates with chemokine signaling to mediate neutrophil recruitment into
      tissues. Previous studies identified P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1)
      and CD44 as E-selectin ligands that activate integrins to induce slow rolling. We
      show here that in TNF-alpha-treated cremaster muscle venules, slow leukocyte
      rolling was impaired in mice deficient in moesin, a member of the ezrin-radixin
      moesin (ERM) family. Accordingly, neutrophil recruitment in a peritonitis model
      was decreased in moesin-deficient mice when chemokine signaling was blocked with
      pertussis toxin. These results suggest that moesin contributes to the slow
      rolling and subsequent recruitment of neutrophils during inflammation.

PMID- 27131738
TI  - Novel bioassay using Bacillus megaterium to detect tetracycline in milk.
AB  - Tetracyclines are used for the prevention and control of dairy cattle diseases.
      Residues of these drugs can be excreted into milk. Thus, the aim of this study
      was to develop a microbiological method using Bacillus megaterium to detect
      tetracyclines (chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline and tetracycline) in milk. In
      order to approximate the limits of detection of the bioassay to the Maximum
      Residue Limit (100MUg/l) for milk tetracycline, different concentrations of
      chloramphenicol (0, 1000, 1500 and 2000MUg/l) were tested. The detection limits
      calculated were similar to the Maximum Residue Limits when a bioassay using B.
      megaterium ATCC 9885 spores (2.8*10(8)spores/ml) and chloramphenicol (2000MUg/l)
      was utilized. This bioassay detects 105MUg/l of chlortetracycline, 100MUg/l of
      oxytetracycline and 134MUg/l of tetracycline in 5h. Therefore, this method is
      suitable to be incorporated into a microbiological multi-residue system for the
      identification of tetracyclines in milk. 

PMID- 27131739
TI  - Effect of adipocyte-secreted factors on EpCAM+/CD133+ hepatic stem cell
      population.
AB  - Recent epidemiological studies have associated obesity with a variety of cancer
      types including HCC. However, the tumor initiating role of obesity in
      hepatocarcinogenesis is still unknown. The objective of this paper is to
      investigate the effect of adipocyte-secreted factors on EpCAM+/CD133+ cancer stem
      cells and to identify which factors play a role in modulating hepatic cancer stem
      cell behavior. Our results demonstrated that adipocyte-secreted factors affect
      motility and drug resistance of EpCAM+/CD133+ cells. When incubated with
      adipocyte conditioned media, EpCAM+/CD133+ cells exhibited augmented motility and
      reduced sorafenib-induced apoptosis. Using array-based system, we identified
      secretion of several cytokines such as IL6, IL8 and MCP1 by cultured adipocytes
      and activation of c-Met, STAT3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in EpCAM+/CD133+
      cells incubated with adipocyte conditioned media. Treating EpCAM+/CD133+ cancer
      stem cells with IL6 receptor blocking antibody or c-Met inhibitor SU11274 both
      reduced the increase in motility; however SU11274 had greater effect on relieving
      protection from sorafenib-induced apoptosis. These results indicate that
      adipocyte-secreted factors might regulate cancer stem cell behavior through
      several signaling molecules including c-Met, STAT3 and ERK1/2 and inhibition of
      these signaling pathways offer novel strategies in targeting the effect of
      adipose-derived cytokines in cancer.

PMID- 27131740
TI  - The interaction domains of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC)1/4 and
      TRPC1/5 heteromultimeric channels.
AB  - Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) family contains a non-selective
      cation channel, and four TRPC subunits form a functional tetrameric channel.
      TRPC4/5 channels form not only the homotetrameric channel but also a
      heterotetrameric channel with TRPC1. We investigated the interaction domain
      required for TRPC1/4 or TRPC1/5 heteromultimeric channels using FRET and the
      patch-clamp technique. TRPC1 only localized at the plasma membrane (PM) when it
      was coexpressed with TRPC4 or TRPC5. The TRPC1/4 or TRPC1/5 heteromultimeric
      showed the typical outward rectifying I/V curve. When TRPC1 and TRPC4 form a
      heteromeric channel, the N-terminal coiled-coil domain (CCD) and C-terminal 725
      745 region of TRPC1 interact with the N-terminal CCD and C-terminal 700-728
      region of TRPC4. However, when TRPC1 and TRPC5 form a heteromeric channel, the N
      terminal CCD and C-terminal 673-725 region of TRPC1 interact with the N-terminal
      CCD and C-terminal 707-735 region of TRPC5. In conclusion, the N-terminal CCD of
      TRPC channels is essential for the heteromultimeric structure of TRPC channels,
      whereas specific C-terminal regions are required for unique heteromerization
      between subgroups of TRPC channels.

PMID- 27131741
TI  - Heterogeneity of Mesp1+ mesoderm revealed by single-cell RNA-seq.
AB  - Mesp1 is a transcription factor that promotes differentiation of pluripotent
      cells into different mesoderm lineages including hematopoietic, cardiac and
      skeletal myogenic. This occurs via at least two transient cell populations: a
      common hematopoietic/cardiac progenitor population and a common cardiac/skeletal
      myogenic progenitor population. It is not established whether Mesp1-induced
      mesoderm cells are intrinsically heterogeneous, or are simply capable of multiple
      lineage decisions. In the current study, we applied single-cell RNA-seq to
      analyze Mesp1+ mesoderm. Initial whole transcriptome analysis showed a surprising
      homogeneity among Mesp1-induced mesoderm cells. However, this apparent global
      homogeneity masked an intrinsic heterogeneity revealed by interrogating a panel
      of early mesoderm patterning factors. This approach enabled discovery of
      subpopulations primed for hematopoietic or cardiac development. These studies
      demonstrate the heterogeneic nature of Mesp1+ mesoderm.

PMID- 27131743
TI  - Efficient production of platelets from mouse embryonic stem cells by enforced
      expression of Gata2 in late hemogenic endothelial cells.
AB  - Platelets are essential for blood circulation and coagulation. Previous study
      indicated that overexpression of Gata2 in differentiated mouse embryonic stem
      cells (ESCs) resulted in robust induction of megakaryocytes (Mks). To evaluate
      platelet production capacity of the Gata2-induced ESC-derived Mks, we generated
      iGata2-ESC line carrying the doxycycline-inducible Gata2 expression cassette.
      When doxycycline was added to day 5 hemogenic endothelial cells in the in vitro
      differentiation culture of iGata2-ESCs, c-Kit(-)Tie2(-)CD41(+) Mks were
      predominantly generated. These iGata2-ESC-derived Mks efficiently produced
      CD41(+)CD42b(+)CD61(+) platelets and adhered to fibrinogen-coated glass
      coverslips in response to thrombin stimulation. Transmission electron microscopy
      analysis demonstrated that the iGata2-ESC-derived platelets were discoid-shaped
      with alpha-granules and an open canalicular system, but were larger than
      peripheral blood platelets in size. These results demonstrated that an enforced
      expression of Gata2 in late HECs of differentiated ESCs efficiently promotes
      megakaryopoiesis followed by platelet production. This study provides valuable
      information for ex vivo platelet production from human pluripotent stem cells in
      future.

PMID- 27131742
TI  - Novel allelic mutations in murine Serca2 induce differential development of
      squamous cell tumors.
AB  - Dominant mutations in the Serca2 gene, which encodes sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum
      calcium-ATPase, predispose mice to gastrointestinal epithelial carcinoma [1-4]
      and humans to Darier disease (DD) [14-17]. In this study, we generated mice
      harboring N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU)-induced allelic mutations in Serca2: three
      missense mutations and one nonsense mutation. Mice harboring these Serca2
      mutations developed tumors that were categorized as either early onset squamous
      cell tumors (SCT), with development similar to null-type knockout mice [2,4]
      (aggressive form; M682, M814), or late onset tumors (mild form; M1049, M1162).
      Molecular analysis showed no aberration in Serca2 mRNA or protein expression
      levels in normal esophageal cells of any of the four mutant heterozygotes. There
      was no loss of heterozygosity at the Serca2 locus in the squamous cell carcinomas
      in any of the four lines. The effect of each mutation on Ca(2+)-ATPase activity
      was predicted using atomic-structure models and accumulated mutated protein
      studies, suggesting that putative complete loss of Serca2 enzymatic activity may
      lead to early tumor onset, whereas mutations in which Serca2 retains residual
      enzymatic activity result in late onset. We propose that impaired Serca2 gene
      product activity has a long-term effect on squamous cell carcinogenesis from
      onset to the final carcinoma stage through an as-yet unrecognized but common
      regulatory pathway.

PMID- 27131744
TI  - Don't forget the lyrics! Spatiotemporal dynamics of neural mechanisms
      spontaneously evoked by gaps of silence in familiar and newly learned songs.
AB  - The vast majority of people experience musical imagery, the sensation of reliving
      a song in absence of any external stimulation. Internal perception of a song can
      be deliberate and effortful, but also may occur involuntarily and spontaneously.
      Moreover, musical imagery is also involuntarily used for automatically completing
      missing parts of music or lyrics from a familiar song. The aim of our study was
      to explore the onset of musical imagery dynamics that leads to the automatic
      completion of missing lyrics. High-density electroencephalography was used to
      record the cerebral activity of twenty healthy volunteers while they were
      passively listening to unfamiliar songs, very familiar songs, and songs
      previously listened to for two weeks. Silent gaps inserted into these songs
      elicited a series of neural activations encompassing perceptual, attentional and
      cognitive mechanisms (range 100-500ms). Familiarity and learning effects emerged
      as early as 100ms and lasted 400ms after silence occurred. Although participants
      reported more easily mentally imagining lyrics in familiar rather than passively
      learnt songs, the onset of neural mechanisms and the power spectrum underlying
      musical imagery were similar for both types of songs. This study offers new
      insights into the musical imagery dynamics evoked by gaps of silence and on the
      role of familiarity and learning processes in the generation of these dynamics.
      The automatic and effortless method presented here is a potentially useful tool
      to understand failure in the familiarity and learning processes of pathological
      populations.

PMID- 27131745
TI  - Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder preceding Sjogren's syndrome.

PMID- 27131746
TI  - Arsenic and other heavy metal accumulation in plants and algae growing naturally
      in contaminated area of West Bengal, India.
AB  - The present study was conducted to quantify the arsenic (As) and other heavy
      metal concentrations in the plants and algae growing naturally in As contaminated
      blocks of North-24-Pargana and Nandia district, West Bengal, India to assess
      their bioaccumulation potential. The plant species included five macrophytes and
      five algae were collected from the nine selected sites for estimation of As and
      other heavy metals accumulated therein by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
      Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). Results revealed that maximum As concentration
      (117mgkg(-1)) was recorded in the agricultural soil at the Barasat followed by
      Beliaghat (111mgkg(-1)) sites of North-24-Pargana. Similarly, concentration of
      selenium (Si, 249mgkg(-1)), lead (Pb, 79.4mgkg(-1)), chromium (Cr, 138mgkg(-1))
      was also found maximum in the soil at Barasat and cadmium (Cd, 163mgkg(-1))
      nickel (Ni, 36.5mgkg(-1)) at Vijaynagar site. Among the macrophytes, Eichhornia
      crassipes found more dominating species in As contaminated area and accumulate As
      (597mgkg(-1)) in the shoot at kanchrapara site. The Lemna minor found to
      accumulate maximum As (735mgkg(-1)) in the leaves at Sonadanga and Pistia
      stratiotes accumulated minimum As (24.5mgkg(-1)) in the fronds from Ranaghat
      site. In case of diatoms, maximum As (760mgkg(-1)) was accumulated at Kanchrapara
      site followed by Hydrodictiyon reticulatum (403mgkg(-1)) at the Ranaghat site.
      High concentration of As and other heavy metal in soil indicates long term
      effects of irrigation with contaminated ground water, however, high concentration
      of heavy metals in naturally growing plants and algae revealed their mobilization
      through leaching and possible food chain contamination. Therefore, efficient
      heavy metal accumulator macrophytes Eichhornia crassipes, Lemna minor, Spirodela
      polyrhiza may be exploited in removing metals from contaminated water by
      developing a plant based treatment system. However, As accumulator algal species
      may be used as a bioresource for understanding algae mediated As detoxification
      and bioindication studies. 

PMID- 27131747
TI  - Oxidative removal of phenol by HRP-immobilized beads and its environmental
      toxicology assessment.
AB  - Horseradish peroxidase shows potential biological and environmental applications
      on the removal of phenolic compounds. In the present study, the HRP-immobilized
      beads were synthesized to detect the efficiency of the removal of phenol at
      optimum pH and H2O2 concentration. Comparative in vitro cytotoxicity of
      phenol/treated solutions were evaluated in HeLa, HepG2 and mcf-7 cells by using
      MTT method along with flow cytometry study for cell viability and cell cycle
      distributions. The results showed that the toxicity of phenol solutions were
      greatly reduced after treated by HRP-immobilized beads, and phenol could lead to
      deactivate of cells in the S phase and preventing them from going into the G2/M
      checkpoint. In addition, molecular docking study showed that phenol was a valid
      inhibitor for the cyclin E in the cell cycle and cell metabolism. Thereby, we
      established a suitable strategy with promising application for efficient harmless
      removal of phenol, which significantly decreased the cytotoxic impacts of phenol.

PMID- 27131748
TI  - Where will we get the next generation of medicinal chemists?

PMID- 27131750
TI  - Toxic effects upon exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (chrysene) in
      scallop Chlamys farreri during the reproduction period.
AB  - This study aims to investigate potential toxic effects of chrysene (CHR) on
      mature scallop Chlamys farreri during the reproduction period, using indicators
      of antioxidant defences and oxidative stress. Scallops were exposed to 0.2, 0.8
      and 3.2MUg/L waterborne CHR for 21 days, at day 10 scallops were induced to
      spawn. At days 1, 3, 6, 10, 11, 15 and 21, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 7
      ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), glutathione
      (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl
      (PC) and DNA strand breaks in digestive glands were examined by separately
      analysing male and female scallops. During the pre-spawn period, Levels of
      enzymatic activities and oxidative stress were all induced by the exposure to CHR
      for females and males. GST activity presented a good time- and dose-dependent
      relationship only in males, and GSH content showed a dose-dependent manner in
      both sexes. During the post-spawn period, different trends were observed, while
      PC contents maintained growth in time- and dose-dependent manner. Overall, males
      were more sensitive than females to CHR exposure in enzyme activities, and
      correspondingly, females suffered from more serious oxidative damages. Both GSH
      and PC contents seemed to be potential biomarkers for PAH exposure. These results
      will offer the information on toxicity of CHR in this species, and ensure the
      influence of gender and reproductive status on PAH detoxification metabolism. 

PMID- 27131749
TI  - Effect of metal accumulation-associated oxidative stress on the combined toxicity
      of quantum dots with Cu(2+) to Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - Quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles can coexist with Cu(2+) in soil and can adsorb
      Cu(2+) entering into bacterial cells, thereby promoting cellular copper
      accumulation and enhancing the combined toxicity of these two chemicals. Toxicity
      test results on Bacillus subtilis showed that the addition of safe concentrations
      of MPA-CdTe QDs to Cu(2+) culture (levels under IC50 value) resulted in higher
      toxicity with about twofold reduction in cell viability and increased
      intracellular Cu content. ROS levels also increased by about 500%, and SOD
      activity was altered after QD addition. Treatment with Cu(2+) alone decreased the
      alpha-amylase activity of B. subtilis by 8%-35%. This finding was not affected by
      QD addition. Moreover, increased cellular copper concentration as a result of QD
      addition enhanced toxicity primarily by producing superoxide anions. However,
      this phenomenon did not interrupt the physical-biological responses of soil
      microbes. 

PMID- 27131751
TI  - The effect of lead exposure on expression of SIRT1 in the rat hippocampus.
AB  - Based on how the silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) regulates the
      cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB), which is the molecular switch
      of long-term memory that maintains cognitive function, it is postulated that the
      impact of lead (Pb) on SIRT1 is one of the mechanisms leading to Pb-induced
      cognitive and learning deficits. Hence, the purpose of this study was to
      investigate the effect of Pb exposure on the expression of SIRT1, and the
      reversion effect of resveratrol, which is an activator of SIRT1. We examined the
      effects of maternal rat ingestion of Pb in drinking water during gestation and
      lactation on the expression of SIRT1 and CREB in the hippocampus of their
      offspring at postnatal week 3 (PNW3) and 52 (PNW52), and then reexamined these
      effects in offspring after intragastric administration of resveratrol for 4
      weeks. Pb exposure decreased SIRT1 and CREB phosphorylation in a dose-dependent
      manner in the rat hippocampus at both PNW3 and 52, and resveratrol reversed those
      losses. These results indicated that SIRT1 might be a novel target to prevent Pb
      neurotoxicity. 

PMID- 27131752
TI  - Development and characterization of novel 1-(1-Naphthyl)piperazine-loaded lipid
      vesicles for prevention of UV-induced skin inflammation.
AB  - 1-(1-Naphthyl)piperazine (1-NPZ) has shown promising effects by inhibiting UV
      radiation-induced immunosuppression. Ultradeformable vesicles are recent
      advantageous systems capable of improving the (trans)dermal drug delivery. The
      aim of this study was to investigate 1-NPZ-loaded transethosomes (NPZ-TE) and 1
      NPZ-loaded vesicles containing dimethyl sulfoxide (NPZ-DM) as novel delivery
      nanosystems, and to uncover their chemopreventive effect against UV-induced acute
      inflammation. Their physicochemical properties were evaluated as follows:
      vesicles size and zeta potential by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering,
      respectively; vesicle deformability by pressure driven transport; rheological
      behavior by measuring viscosity and I-NPZ entrapment yield by HPLC. In vitro
      topical delivery studies were performed in order to evaluate the permeation
      profile of both formulations, whereas in vivo studies sought to assess the
      photoprotective effect of the selected formulation on irradiated hairless mice by
      measuring myeloperoxidase activity and the secretion of proinflammatory
      cytokines. Either NPZ-TE or NPZ-DM exhibited positive results in terms of
      physicochemical properties. In vitro data revealed an improved permeation of 1
      NPZ across pig ear skin, especially by NPZ-DM. In vivo studies demonstrated that
      NPZ-DM exposure was capable of preventing UVB-induced inflammation and blocking
      mediators of inflammation in mouse skin. The successful results here obtained
      encourage us to continue these studies for the management of inflammatory skin
      conditions that may lead to the development of skin cancers. 

PMID- 27131753
TI  - Human skin penetration and local effects of topical nano zinc oxide after
      occlusion and barrier impairment.
AB  - Public health concerns continue to exist over the safety of zinc oxide
      nanoparticles that are commonly used in sunscreen formulations. In this work, we
      assessed the effects of two conditions which may be encountered in everyday
      sunscreen use, occlusion and a compromised skin barrier, on the penetration and
      local toxicity of two topically applied zinc oxide nanoparticle products.
      Caprylic/capric triglyceride (CCT) suspensions of commercially used zinc oxide
      nanoparticles, either uncoated or with a silane coating, were applied to intact
      and barrier impaired skin of volunteers, without and with occlusion for a period
      of six hours. The exposure time was chosen to simulate normal in-use conditions.
      Multiphoton tomography with fluorescence lifetime imaging was used to
      noninvasively assess zinc oxide penetration and cellular metabolic changes that
      could be indicative of toxicity. We found that zinc oxide nanoparticles did not
      penetrate into the viable epidermis of intact or barrier impaired skin of
      volunteers, without or with occlusion. We also observed no apparent toxicity in
      the viable epidermis below the application sites. These findings were validated
      by ex vivo human skin studies in which zinc penetration was assessed by
      multiphoton tomography with fluorescence lifetime imaging as well as Zinpyr-1
      staining and toxicity was assessed by MTS assays in zinc oxide treated skin
      cryosections. In conclusion, applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles under
      occlusive in-use conditions to volunteers are not associated with any measurable
      zinc oxide penetration into, or local toxicity in the viable epidermis below the
      application site. 

PMID- 27131754
TI  - A novel in vitro co-culture model comprised of Caco-2/RBL-2H3 cells to evaluate
      anti-allergic effects of food factors through the intestine.
AB  - The prevalence of type I allergic diseases such as food allergy and allergic
      rhinitis has increased. Therefore, many studies have focused on food factors with
      anti-allergic activities in recent years. In order to investigate the effect of
      food factors on mast cell activation, a RBL-2H3 cell monoculture system has been
      widely used, in which various food factors have been reported to inhibit
      degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells. However, some orally administered food factors do
      not interact directly with immune cells but do so indirectly through intestinal
      epithelial cells. In this report, we established a novel in vitro co-culture
      model to evaluate anti-allergic effects of orally administered food factors. The
      co-culture system, comprised of Caco-2 cells (apical component) and RBL-2H3 cells
      (basolateral component), was able to evaluate the effects of two flavonoids that
      are known to have the inhibitory effects on mast cell degranulation. Moreover, we
      evaluated the anti-allergic effects of Enterococcus faecalis strains that are not
      absorbed through the intestine. We identified two strains of lactic acid bacteria
      that had inhibitory effects on mast cell degranulation using this co-culture
      system and possessed anti-allergic properties in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis
      model mouse. This novel in vitro co-culture model was applicable for finding food
      factors with anti-allergic effects and might be useful for examining its anti
      allergic mechanisms.

PMID- 27131755
TI  - High Risk of Neutropenia for Hormone-naive Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving
      STAMPEDE-style Upfront Docetaxel Chemotherapy in Usual Clinical Practice.

PMID- 27131756
TI  - Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy for Primary Renal Cell Carcinoma in Non
      surgical Candidates: Initial Clinical Experience.
AB  - AIMS: To report the outcomes of a cohort of patients with renal cell carcinoma
      (RCC) treated using stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients treated with SABR for primary RCC from 1 January 2012 to 1
      April 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were non-surgical candidates
      treated with doses ranging from 30 to 40 Gy in five fractions. The tumour sizes
      and serum creatinine were compared between the pre-treatment assessment and
      subsequent follow-up assessments. The worst acute and late grade >=2 toxicity
      rates were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 16 patients were included in this study.
      The median follow-up was 19 months (range 7-30). Eleven patients had stable
      disease, four had partial responses and none had progressive disease, indicating
      a local control rate of 100%. One patient had grade 2 acute nausea and two
      patients had grade 4 renal toxicities (two patients with pre-existing stage 4-5
      chronic kidney disease required dialysis following SABR). Four of four patients
      with pre-SABR symptoms (pain and/or haematuria) had symptomatic relief after
      SABR. CONCLUSION: SABR for RCC is safe, the toxicities are minimal, and the local
      control is excellent at early follow-up. This technique should be further
      evaluated in prospective clinical trials.

PMID- 27131757
TI  - Viral hepatitis: A health problem that requires appropriate planning.

PMID- 27131758
TI  - The role of minimal access valve surgery in the elderly. A meta-analysis of
      observational studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimal access valve surgery, both mitral and aortic, may be related
      to improvement in specific post-operative outcomes, therefore may be beneficial
      for the subgroup of the elderly referred for valve surgery. METHODS: A systematic
      literature review identified several different studies, of which 6 fulfilled
      criteria for meta-analysis. Outcomes for a total of 1347 patients (675
      conventional standard sternotomy and 672 minimally invasive valve surgery) were
      assessed with a meta-analysis using random effects modeling. Heterogeneity,
      subgroup analysis with quality scoring were also assessed. The primary endpoint
      was early mortality. Secondary endpoints included intra and post-operative
      outcomes. RESULTS: In the context of elderly patients, minimal access valve
      surgery conferred comparable early mortality to standard sternotomy (odd ratio
      (OR) 0.79, CI [0.40,1.56], p = 0.50) with no heterogeneity (p = 0.13); it was
      also associated with reduced mechanical intubation time (OR 0.48, CI [0.30,0.78],
      p = 0.003) and reduced post-operative length of stay (weighted mean difference
      (WMD) -2.91, CI [-3.09, -2.74] p < 0.00001), however both cardio-pulmonary bypass
      time and cross clamp time were longer (WMD 24.29, CI [22.97, 25.61] p < 0.00001
      and WMD 8.61, CI [7.61, 9.61], p < 0.00001, respectively); subgroup analysis
      demonstrated statistically significant reduced post-operative length of stay for
      both minimally invasive aortic and mitral surgery (WMD -2.84, CI [-3.07, -2.60] p
      < 0.00001 and WMD -2.98, CI [-3.25, -2.71] p < 0.00001 respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite a prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass and cross clamp time,
      minimally invasive valve surgery is a safe alternative to standard sternotomy in
      the elderly, with similar early mortality, and improvements in intubation time as
      well as length of stay.

PMID- 27131759
TI  - Efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radical surgery in patients with bulky
      stage II cervical squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In order to evaluate the usefulness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC)
      with cisplatin and taxol (PT) follow radical surgery for stage II cervical
      squamous cell carcinoma with a bulky mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively compared patients receiving NAC with PT followed by radical
      hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection (RS) (NAC group) with patients only
      underwent RS without NAC (ORS group). Enrolled 35 patients with FIGO stage II
      markedly bulky in the NAC group and 30 such patients in the ORS group from
      January 2011 to December 2013. All patients histopathology were squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC). The surgical profiles and complications, disease-free survival
      (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There
      were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, BMI,
      tumor size, and FIGO stage. The response rate of NAC with PT was 82.8%. The two
      groups also had similar in operative time, blood transfusion. However, the
      estimated blood loss in ORS group was significantly higher compared to that in
      NAC group (P = 0.04). hospital stay of NAC group was shorter compared to ORS
      group (P = 0.03). The 3-year DFS rates were 84.9% and 65.6%, respectively, in the
      NAC and ORS groups. NAC significantly prolonged DFS (log-rank test, P = 0.03).
      Moreover, the OS tended to be longer in the NAC group, though the difference did
      not reach statistical significance (log-rank test, P = 0.287). CONCLUSIONS: NAC
      with PT follow radical surgery was confirmed to prolong disease-free survival, as
      compared with radical hysterectomy alone. The results of this study suggest that
      NAC with PT might be a useful adjunct to surgery in the treatment of stage II SCC
      presenting as a bulky mass.

PMID- 27131760
TI  - Teaching the transrectus sheath preperiotneal mesh repair: TREPP in 9 steps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The preperitoneal mesh position seems preferable to reduce the number
      of patients with postoperative chronic pain after inguinal hernia surgery. The
      transrectus sheath preperitoneal mesh repair (TREPP) is gaining popularity.
      Teaching a new technique requires a standardized approach to achieve an optimal
      learning curve. The aim of this paper was to provide a step-by-step teaching
      module for hernia surgeons learning the TREPP. METHODS: Literature was critically
      reviewed and the forthcoming nine surgical steps of the new TREPP technique and
      its rationale are described in this article. The TREPP hernia repair technique is
      illustrated with an online education video and three photos of the anatomical
      landmarks and the proposed mesh position of TREPP. RESULTS: The nine steps of
      TREPP are described extensively and the critical steps are presented in a
      standardized way for surgical educational purposes. Also the rationale and
      technical considerations of inguinal hernia experts are presented. DISCUSSION:
      TREPP may be a promising technique for groin hernia surgery. To date there have
      been no major complications with the TREPP repair which is currently the subject
      of a RCT. The learning curve of TREPP is being investigated and teaching of this
      technique requires standardization for trainee surgeons. CONCLUSION: TREPP
      potentially merges the advantages of a preperitoneal positioned mesh with an open
      technique. Initial results are promising and TREPP seems to be applicable in
      different hospitals in the Netherlands. Since the start of an active teaching
      program, TREPP has been introduced and accepted well by dedicated hernia surgeons
      in other hospitals in the Netherlands and Europe.

PMID- 27131762
TI  - Imagine the Momentary Fit....

PMID- 27131763
TI  - Underweight is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation: A nationwide population
      based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for development of atrial
      fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of underweight on AF has not been
      previously recognized. We sought to determine the risk of AF in subjects with
      underweight in this study. METHODS: We analyzed clinical data from a total of
      132,063 individuals with the age of 40years or older who received health care
      checkups arranged by the national insurance program between 2003 and 2004. Newly
      diagnosed nonvalvular AF was identified using claim data during a median follow
      up duration of 9.0years. RESULTS: The mean body mass index (BMI) of patients was
      23.9kg/m(2), and 3,323 individuals (2.5%) were classified as being underweight
      (BMI <18.5kg/m(2)). During the study period, 3,237 individuals (2.5%) developed
      AF. There was a U-shaped relationship between BMI and AF occurrence: Each
      1.0kg/m(2) increase of BMI above 20kg/m(2) was associated with a 6% increased
      risk of AF (p<0.001), while each 1.0kg/m(2) lower BMI below 20kg/m(2) was
      associated with a 13% increased risk of AF (p<0.001) after multivariable
      adjustment. Underweight was significantly associated with 23% increased risk of
      AF, while obesity classes I and II were with 26% and 120% increased risk of AF,
      respectively. Excess risk of AF in the underweight was independent of thyroid
      disease, chronic lung disease, or history of malignancy, and was not attributable
      to cigarette smoking, low socioeconomic status, excessive physical activity, or
      heavy alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: BMI has a U-shaped relationship with the
      risk of AF. Underweight was an independent risk factor for AF independent of
      confounding factors such as chronic lung disease and malignancy. These findings
      suggest that underweight is associated with biological effects that contribute to
      the development of AF.

PMID- 27131764
TI  - Contribution of myocardial layers of right ventricular free wall to right
      ventricular function in pulmonary hypertension: Analysis using multilayer
      longitudinal strain by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

PMID- 27131761
TI  - Cell alignment induced by anisotropic electrospun fibrous scaffolds alone has
      limited effect on cardiomyocyte maturation.
AB  - Enhancing the maturation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
      (hPSC-CMs) will facilitate their applications in disease modeling and drug
      discovery. Previous studies suggest that cell alignment could enhance hPSC-CM
      maturation; however, the robustness of this approach has not been well
      investigated. To this end, we examined if the anisotropic orientation of hPSC-CMs
      imposed by the underlying aligned fibers within a 3D microenvironment could
      improve the maturation of hPSC-CMs. Enriched hPSC-CMs were cultured for two weeks
      on Matrigel-coated anisotropic (aligned) and isotropic (random) polycaprolactone
      (PCL) fibrous scaffolds, as well as tissue culture polystyrenes (TCPs) as a
      control. As expected, hPSC-CMs grown on the two types of fibrous scaffolds
      exhibited anisotropic and isotropic orientations, respectively. Similar to cells
      on TCPs, hPSC-CMs cultured on these scaffolds expressed CM-associated proteins
      and were pharmacologically responsive to adrenergic receptor agonists, a
      muscarinic agonist, and a gap junction uncoupler in a dose-dependent manner.
      Although hPSC-CMs grown on anisotropic fibrous scaffolds displayed the highest
      expression of genes encoding a number of sarcomere proteins, calcium handling
      proteins and ion channels, their calcium transient kinetics were slower than
      cells grown on TCPs. These results suggest that electrospun anisotropic fibrous
      scaffolds, as a single method, have limited effect on improving the maturation of
      hPSC-CMs.

PMID- 27131765
TI  - A case of paravalvular abscess due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa assessed by 18Fluoro
      2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

PMID- 27131766
TI  - Immunological and inflammatory processes in systemic autoimmune disease may not
      only cause pericardium inflammation, but may also cause mitral valve
      deterioration and left ventricular wall thickening.
AB  - PURPOSE: Systemic autoimmune disease (SAD) frequently affects the pericardium,
      and pathology is characterized by both immunological and inflammatory processes.
      We hypothesized that these processes simultaneously influence mitral-valve (MV)
      deterioration and left-ventricular (LV) wall thickening in SAD subjects. METHODS:
      101 SAD subjects were selected (76 female; 53+/-17years; systemic-lupus
      erythematosus, 26%; vasculitis, 20%; scleroderma, 14%;
      polymyositis/dermatomyositis complex, 10%; mixed connective tissue disease, 11%
      and rheumatoid-arthritis, 2%). MV anterior-mitral-leaflet (AML) length, AML
      thickness index, AML doming height and LV mass index (LVMI) were measured using
      transthoracic-echocardiography (TTE) and the presence of MV calcification, MV sub
      valvular thickening and pericardial effusion (PE) were estimated. AML thickness
      index was calculated as the ratio of AML thickness to aortic posterior wall
      thickness. The correlation between LVMI and ECG V1S+V5R voltage was used to
      assess the etiology of LV wall thickening. RESULTS: 19 subjects (19%) had
      significant PE. PE subjects had a significantly greater AML thickness index
      (1.55+/-0.48 vs. 1.14+/-0.32, P<0.001), AML doming height (1.26+/-1.54mm vs.
      0.03+/-0.91mm, P<0.001), more frequent MV sub-valvular thickening (26% vs. 5%,
      P=0.003) and greater LVMI (104.7+/-34.6g/m2 vs. 80.6+/-21.0g/m2, P=0.002).
      Significant correlation was observed between LVMI and ECG V1S+V5R voltage in 79
      subjects without PE (R=0.39, P<0.001). However, in 18 subjects with PE, no such
      correlation was observed (R=0.30, P=0.23). CONCLUSIONS: MV, MV sub-valvular
      deterioration and increased LVMI, unrelated to high voltage ECG criteria, were
      frequently detected in SAD subjects with PE. Immunological and inflammatory
      processes in SAD may not only cause pericardium inflammation, but may also cause
      MV deterioration and LV wall thickening.

PMID- 27131767
TI  - Long-term follow-up after radio-frequency catheter-based denervation in patients
      with resistant hypertension.
AB  - The aim of this single-center study was to asses the long-term clinical data of
      patients with resistant hypertension who underwent radiofrequency renal
      denervation (RND). METHODS: Out of 86 patients with resistant-hypertension, 15
      pts fulfilled the study criteria for performing RND using Simplicity system by
      Medtronic. RESULTS: Baseline office systolic BP was 204+/-32.7 and diastolic BP
      107.7+/-15.1mmHg. Baseline 24h ambulatory systolic BP was 151.8+/-13.9 and
      diastolic BP 86.8+/-13.8mmHg. Patients were treated with an average of 5
      antihypertensive agents in maximally tolerated doses (including diuretic) during
      the whole trial and were followed up at 1,6,24month after RND. At every
      appointment an echocardiography, blood test, and blood pressure (office and ABMP)
      measurements were performed. The mean reduction in office systolic (SBP) and
      diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were the following: There were no procedural
      complications. All denervations were performed by experienced operator.
      CONCLUSIONS: We regard RND as a safe and effective procedure in resistant
      hypertension, although more studies and trials are needed to find the most
      adequate model of a patient that would be a good responder to RND.

PMID- 27131768
TI  - CHA2DS2-Vasc score, age and body mass index as the main risk factors of
      hyperintense brain lesions in asymptomatic patients with paroxysmal non-valvular
      atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to assess the occurrence, severity and risk factors for
      silent white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in brain magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and to determine the potential
      relationship between WHM and cognitive decline. METHODS: Seventy-four patients
      with paroxysmal non-valvular AF were enrolled (age 59 (IQR 50-63)years, males
      45/61%). All patients were on adequate warfarin treatment before inclusion and
      had no history of stroke or TIA. The presence and severity of brain WMH were
      classified according to the Fazekas scale, while general neurocognitive function
      was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). RESULTS: WMH were
      found in 51 patients (67.6%; age: 59+/-7.9years; males: 29/58%). CHADS2-VASc
      score (OR for 1 point 2.18; 95% CI=1.3-3.65; p=0.003), age (OR for 1year 1.11;
      95% CI=1.04-1.18; p=0.001) and BMI (OR for 1kg/m(2) 1.23; 95% CI=1.04-1.45;
      p=0.017) were independent factors of any brain lesions. A positive correlation
      between Fazekas scale score and CHA2DS2-VASc score was shown in the entire group
      (Gamma 0.48; p<0.001). In the group with brain lesions, AF time (p=0.02) and
      LVEDD (p=0.03) significantly determined the Fazekas scale score (lesions
      severity). There were no differences in the MMSE score between patients with and
      without WMH (median: 28 (IQR 27-29) vs 29 (IQR 27.5-30); p=0.2). CONCLUSIONS:
      Both the presence and severity of brain WMH are related to the CHADS2-VASc score
      and are not connected with cognitive impairment in this population. Age, BMI, AF
      time and the indices of heart remodeling constitute important factors influencing
      brain lesions.

PMID- 27131769
TI  - Alpha2A adrenergic receptor genetic variation contributes to hyperglycemia after
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is frequently associated with
      transient hyperglycemia even in patients without pre-existing diabetes. Acute
      stress can lead to increased blood glucose through the effect of catecholamines
      on alpha2A-adrenergic receptors (alpha2A-ARs) present in pancreatic islet beta
      cells. Variation in the gene (ADRA2A) that encodes the alpha2A-AR affects insulin
      release and glucose control and may play a particularly important role during
      times of stress. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using de
      identified electronic medical records linked to a DNA repository in 521
      Caucasians and 55 African-American non-diabetic patients with AMI. We examined
      the association between admission blood glucose concentrations and ten selected
      ADRA2A SNPs in Caucasians. RESULTS: Three ADRA2A SNPS were associated with stress
      induced hyperglycemia in Caucasians. Individuals homozygous for the rs10885122
      variant (n=9) had a 23% lower admission glucose (geometric mean [95% CI], 99 [83
      118]mg/dl) compared with non-carriers (121 [118-125] mg/dl; n=401; P=0.001).
      Admission glucose was 14% higher in rs1800544 variant homozygotes (134 [119
      150]mg/dl; n=36) compared to non-carriers (118 [115-121]mg/dl; n=290, P=0.046).
      Furthermore, homozygotes of the rs553668 variant (n=13) had a 13% higher glucose
      (133 [110-160]mg/dl) compared to non-carriers (118 [115-122]mg/dl; n=366;
      P=0.056). Haplotypes including these ADRA2A SNPs were associated with higher
      admission glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS: Three ADRA2A genetic variants are
      associated with blood glucose and stress-induced hyperglycemia after AMI in
      Caucasians.

PMID- 27131771
TI  - Does left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion device alter the echocardiography and
      electrocardiogram parameters in patients with atrial fibrillation?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The alterations of echocardiography and electrocardiogram (ECG) in
      patients received left atrial appendage LAA occlusion therapy are still unclear.
      The present study was to evaluate the influence of LAA occlusion device on
      echocardiography and ECG changes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).
      METHODS: Seventy-three patients who had undergone Watchman, LAmbre and Lefort
      were enrolled in this study. Echocardiography and ECG results at pre- and post
      operation were collected. Besides, echocardiography was also performed during
      follow-up visits at 1, 6 and 12months after discharge. RESULTS: After LAA
      occlusion, a slight and measureable movement of QRS electric axis was observed in
      most patients. The significant differences were also observed in heart rate (HR)
      and the mean-mean QT interval between pre- and post-operation for all patients.
      There existed no significant difference in echocardiographic parameters between
      before and after device implantation. However, a larger left atrial (LA) diameter
      was detected by echocardiography during follow-up visit at 6months when compared
      with pre-operation parameters. Similarly, aortic root diameter (ARD) was also
      larger during follow-up at 12months than the baseline dimension in pre-operation.
      CONCLUSIONS: LAA occlusion device resulted in a slightly movement in QRS axis,
      reduced HR and increased the mean-mean QT interval duration. In addition, LA
      diameter and ARD seemed to be larger after device implantation.

PMID- 27131770
TI  - Objective measures of the frailty syndrome (hand grip strength and gait speed)
      and cardiovascular mortality: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength (HGS) and gait speed (GS) are objective components
      of the frailty syndrome in the elderly, and are associated with increased all
      cause mortality. However, their association with cardiovascular (CVD) mortality
      is less lucid. The present systematic review aims to summarize the available
      literature assessing HGS, GS and their association with CVD Mortality. METHODS:
      Medline and Embase databases were searched systematically using controlled
      vocabulary and free text terms. A total of 344 results were obtained and scanned
      for inclusion. Articles were included if they presented results of original
      research and provided information on HGS or GS and CVD mortality. RESULTS: A
      total of 19 studies (N=63,396) were included for review. Twelve studies examined
      hand grip strength with CVD mortality and 7 studies assessed gait speed. Almost
      all included studies demonstrated an association of HGS/GS with CVD mortality on
      univariate analyses. Decreased HGS or GS were associated with increased mortality
      in most studies (8/12 for HGS and 6/7 for GS). In most positive studies, the
      association of HGS/GS was usually found to be independent of traditional CVD risk
      factors. CONCLUSION: The present review demonstrates that decreased HGS and GS
      are associated with CVD mortality, with the association found to be more
      consistent for GS as compared to HGS. Both of these measures provide valuable
      prognostic information above and beyond traditional scoring methods and should be
      considered for implementation in clinical practice.

PMID- 27131772
TI  - The history of invasive EEG evaluation in epilepsy patients.
AB  - Modern invasive EEG recording techniques are the result of an interdisciplinary
      research process between neurologists and neurosurgeons that began in the 19th
      century. In the beginning, stimulation studies were the basis of our
      understanding of cortical functions. After the introduction of EEG in humans by
      Hans Berger and its implementation in diagnostic procedures in epilepsy patients,
      a new era began when Forster and Altenburger performed the first invasive EEG
      recording five years later. The fruitful work of Wilder Penfield and Herbert
      Jasper was the basis of a new understanding of epilepsy and influenced the
      investigations of the next generation of researchers. The development of
      stereotactic devices advanced by Jean Talairach and Jean Bancaud was fundamental
      to the understanding of deep brain functions and pathophysiological processes in
      epilepsy patients. In subsequent decades, new recording techniques were
      established and long-term video-EEG-recordings became the gold standard in
      presurgical evaluation. The development of imaging techniques allowed a
      combination of structural and electrophysiological data and restricted the
      indications for invasive evaluations, but also led to new concepts in the
      diagnostic process, including the epileptogenic network and the
      pathophysiological understanding of epileptogenic tissue. The following article
      provides an overview of the history of invasive EEG evaluation in epilepsy from
      the 19th century until today. 

PMID- 27131773
TI  - Accuracy of Total Corneal Astigmatism Measurements With a Scheimpflug Imager and
      a Color Light-Emitting Diode Corneal Topographer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of total corneal astigmatism measurements with
      a Scheimpflug imager and a color light-emitting diode corneal topographer, and to
      compare the accuracy of total corneal astigmatism measurements with the accuracy
      of measurements that are based only on the anterior corneal surface. DESIGN:
      Prospective validity assessment. METHODS: This study was conducted at the
      Rotterdam Ophthalmic Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands. The study population
      consisted of 91 eyes of 91 patients with monofocal, non-toric intraocular lenses
      (IOLs). Refractive astigmatism was measured with the ARK-530A autorefractor
      (Nidek, Gamagori, Japan). Anterior and total corneal astigmatism were measured
      with the Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and the Cassini (i-Optics, The
      Hague, Netherlands). Under the assumption that refractive astigmatism must equal
      total corneal astigmatism in these patients, accuracy of the corneal astigmatism
      measurements was defined as the vectorial difference with the refractive
      astigmatism, with lower vector differences denoting higher accuracy. RESULTS: The
      median refractive astigmatic magnitude was 0.84 diopter (D). The mean difference
      vector lengths were 0.61 D, 0.58 D, 0.49 D, and 0.45 D for Pentacam anterior,
      Cassini anterior, Pentacam total, and Cassini total corneal astigmatism,
      respectively. The mean difference vector length decreased by 0.12 and 0.13 D for
      Pentacam and Cassini, respectively, if the total instead of anterior corneal
      astigmatism was measured. These decreases were statistically significant (P <
      .001). CONCLUSIONS: With Pentacam as well as with Cassini, the accuracy of total
      corneal astigmatism measurements was higher than that of anterior corneal
      astigmatism measurements. Measuring total instead of anterior corneal astigmatism
      may therefore decrease the residual astigmatism in toric IOL implantation.

PMID- 27131775
TI  - What Determines How Much Your Patient Pays for Their Medication in the United
      States?
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the cost paid by patients in the United States for their
      branded, prescription medication, and the factors that determine the cost.
      DESIGN: Evaluation of publicly available information on the U.S. pharmaceutical
      distribution system. METHODS: Review of public information and interpretation
      based on the author's experience. RESULTS: The price paid for branded,
      prescription medication by an insured patient is set by the patient's insurance
      company-not the manufacturer, distributor, or pharmacy-and is typically a co-pay,
      which is a fraction of the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC). On the other hand,
      for an uninsured patient, the patient cost is higher than the WAC and may vary
      dramatically, depending on the pharmacy. Furthermore, lowering of the WAC by the
      manufacturer (eg, a new product in the same class) may not lower the patient
      payment, as that cost is set by the insurer and may depend on rebates from the
      manufacturer to the distributor and to the insurer. The proportion of patients in
      the United States covered by insurance is growing. CONCLUSION: In the same way
      that the mean (or median) may not accurately describe a bimodal population, the
      WAC does not accurately describe the cost of branded, prescription medication to
      patients. To reduce medication costs to patients, recommendations are as follows:
      (1) selection of insurance plans whose formularies cover their medications in a
      low tier (eg, "Preferred"), (2) for patients without insurance, price compare at
      multiple pharmacies; (3) use manufacturer-supplied coupons to reduce out-of
      pocket costs, and (4) consider therapeutics-optimal use of medications often
      executable with little or no cost to the patient.

PMID- 27131774
TI  - Defining a Minimum Set of Standardized Patient-centered Outcome Measures for
      Macular Degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: To define a minimum set of outcome measures for tracking, comparing, and
      improving macular degeneration care. DESIGN: Recommendations from a working group
      of international experts in macular degeneration outcomes registry development
      and patient advocates, facilitated by the International Consortium for Health
      Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM). METHODS: Modified Delphi technique, supported by
      structured teleconferences, followed by online surveys to drive consensus
      decisions. Potential outcomes were identified through literature review of
      outcomes collected in existing registries and reported in major clinical trials.
      Outcomes were refined by the working group and selected based on impact on
      patients, relationship to good clinical care, and feasibility of measurement in
      routine clinical practice. RESULTS: Standardized measurement of the following
      outcomes is recommended: visual functioning and quality of life (distance visual
      acuity, mobility and independence, emotional well-being, reading and accessing
      information); number of treatments; complications of treatment; and disease
      control. Proposed data collection sources include administrative data, clinical
      data during routine clinical visits, and patient-reported sources annually.
      Recording the following clinical characteristics is recommended to enable risk
      adjustment: age; sex; ethnicity; smoking status; baseline visual acuity in both
      eyes; type of macular degeneration; presence of geographic atrophy, subretinal
      fibrosis, or pigment epithelial detachment; previous macular degeneration
      treatment; ocular comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: The recommended minimum outcomes
      and pragmatic reporting standards should enable standardized, meaningful
      assessments and comparisons of macular degeneration treatment outcomes. Adoption
      could accelerate global improvements in standardized data gathering and reporting
      of patient-centered outcomes. This can facilitate informed decisions by patients
      and health care providers, plus allow long-term monitoring of aggregate data,
      ultimately improving understanding of disease progression and treatment
      responses.

PMID- 27131777
TI  - Randomized benchmarking of quantum gates implemented by electron spin resonance.
AB  - Spin systems controlled and probed by magnetic resonance have been valuable for
      testing the ideas of quantum control and quantum error correction. This paper
      introduces an X-band pulsed electron spin resonance spectrometer designed for
      high-fidelity coherent control of electron spins, including a loop-gap resonator
      for sub-millimeter sized samples with a control bandwidth ~40MHz. Universal
      control is achieved by a single-sideband upconversion technique with an I-Q
      modulator and a 1.2GS/s arbitrary waveform generator. A single qubit randomized
      benchmarking protocol quantifies the average errors of Clifford gates implemented
      by simple Gaussian pulses, using a sample of gamma-irradiated quartz.
      Improvements in unitary gate fidelity are achieved through phase transient
      correction and hardware optimization. A preparation pulse sequence that selects
      spin packets in a narrowed distribution of static fields confirms that
      inhomogeneous dephasing (1/T2(*)) is the dominant source of gate error. The best
      average fidelity over the Clifford gates obtained here is 99.2%, which serves as
      a benchmark to compare with other technologies.

PMID- 27131778
TI  - Recombinant expression, purification, and crystallization of the sterile alpha
      motif/histidine-aspartate domain-containing protein from chicken.
AB  - The sterile alpha-motif and HD domain containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) family is a
      newly identified protein family, involved in innate immunity restriction. This
      family possesses a broad-spectrum of antiviral activity. The SAMHD1 family in
      chicken has not been clearly documented. Here, we expressed chicken SAMHD1 (101
      614) fused with a SUMO tag in an Escherichia coli (E. coli) system. For the first
      time, chicken SAMHD1 (101-614) was found to possess dNTPase cleavage activities
      in vitro. This suggests that chicken SAMHD1 may be a potential antiviral factor
      against avian viruses. Through a unique purification method, the purity of the
      protein as estimated by SDS-PAGE was >95% after a double Ni affinity
      chromatography and gel filtration purification. Using a sitting-drop vapor
      diffusion method, protein crystals were obtained. This study provides some
      essential method and information for further structure and function
      determinations of chicken SAMHD1.

PMID- 27131776
TI  - Reward Processing and Risk for Depression Across Development.
AB  - Striatal response to reward has been of great interest in the typical development
      and psychopathology literatures. These parallel lines of inquiry demonstrate that
      although typically developing adolescents show robust striatal response to
      reward, adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and those at high risk
      for MDD show a blunted response to reward. Understanding how these findings
      intersect is crucial for the development and application of early preventative
      interventions in at-risk children, ideally before the sharp increase in the rate
      of MDD onset that occurs in adolescence. Robust findings relating blunted
      striatal response to reward and MDD risk are reviewed and situated within a
      normative developmental context. We highlight the need for future studies
      investigating longitudinal development, specificity to MDD, and roles of
      potential moderators and mediators.

PMID- 27131779
TI  - Nrf2/antioxidant defense pathway is involved in the neuroprotective effects of
      Sirt1 against focal cerebral ischemia in rats after hyperbaric oxygen
      preconditioning.
AB  - Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) is a class III histone deacetylase involved in neuroprotection
      induced by hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBO-PC) in animal models of
      ischemia. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be illustrated. In the
      present study, rats exposed to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were used
      to establish an ischemic stroke model. The infarct volume ratio, neurobehavioral
      score, and expressions of Sirt1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2
      (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) were evaluated
      at 7 days after reperfusion, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was used to
      assess oxidative stress. HBO-PC increased the expression of Sirt1 and reduced
      infarct volume ratio and neurobehavioral deficit in MCAO rats. Meanwhile, HBO-PC
      also increased expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD1 and decreased MDA content.
      Furthermore, either Sirt1 or Nrf2 knockdown by short interfering RNA (siRNA)
      inhibited the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD1 and eliminated the
      neuroprotective effects of HBO-PC. Taken together, the results suggest that the
      Nrf2/antioxidant defense pathway is involved in the long lasting neuroprotective
      effects of Sirt1 induced by HBO-PC against transient focal cerebral ischemia.

PMID- 27131780
TI  - Cannabidiol attenuates haloperidol-induced catalepsy and c-Fos protein expression
      in the dorsolateral striatum via 5-HT1A receptors in mice.
AB  - Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major non-psychoactive compound from Cannabis sativa
      plant. Given that CBD reduces psychotic symptoms without inducing extrapyramidal
      motor side-effects in animal models and schizophrenia patients, it has been
      proposed to act as an atypical antipsychotic. In addition, CBD reduced catalepsy
      induced by drugs with distinct pharmacological mechanisms, including the typical
      antipsychotic haloperidol. To further investigate this latter effect, we tested
      whether CBD (15-60mg/kg) would attenuate the catalepsy and c-Fos protein
      expression in the dorsal striatum induced by haloperidol (0.6mg/kg). We also
      evaluated if these effects occur through the facilitation of 5-HT1A receptor
      mediated neurotransmission. For this, male Swiss mice were treated with CBD and
      haloperidol systemically and then subjected to the catalepsy test. Independent
      groups of animals were also treated with the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635
      (0.1mg/kg). As expected, haloperidol induced catalepsy throughout the
      experiments, an effect that was prevented by systemic CBD treatment 30min before
      haloperidol administration. Also, CBD, administered 2.5h after haloperidol,
      reversed haloperidol-induced catalepsy. Haloperidol also increased c-Fos protein
      expression in the dorsolateral striatum, an effect attenuated by previous CBD
      administration. CBD effects on catalepsy and c-Fos protein expression induced by
      haloperidol were blocked by the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. We also evaluated the
      effects of CBD (60nmol) injection into the dorsal striatum on haloperidol-induced
      catalepsy. Similar to systemic administration, this treatment reduced catalepsy
      induced by haloperidol. Altogether, these results suggest that CBD acts in the
      dorsal striatum to improve haloperidol-induced catalepsy via postsynaptic 5-HT1A
      receptors.

PMID- 27131781
TI  - Statin use and risk of Parkinson's disease: A meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recent studies have suggested that use of statins was
      associated with risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), however, conclusions were
      inconsistent. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Web of
      Science, EMBASE and Cochrane Library was performed through March 2015. Studies
      that evaluated the association between statin use and risk of PD were included in
      this meta-analysis.Combined relative risk (RR) estimates and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses
      were also conducted. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies(2,787,249 patients) were
      included for meta-analysis(5 case-control and 6 cohort studies). Our results
      indicated a significant risk reduction of PD(adjusted RR, 0.74, 95% CI 0.62-0.90,
      P<0.001) for statin users. However, long-term statin use(RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.56
      1.07, P=0.12) and baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) level(RR
      0.58, 95% CI 0.31-1.07, P=0.08) did not significantly affect the risk of PD.
      Heterogeneity and publication bias was observed in this meta-analysis (I(2)=74%,
      P<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that the difference of the study location can
      partly affected the pooled estimate(Asian population n=2, adjusted RR, 0.67; 95%
      CI, 0.56-0.79; Western population n=9, adjusted RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.80-0.95).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggested that statin use is associated with a
      reduced risk of PD. Statins might be considered as an adjuvant therapy for PD.
      More randomized clinical trials and observational studies are warranted.

PMID- 27131782
TI  - Concurrent progressive ratio schedules: Effects of reinforcer probability on
      breakpoint and response allocation.
AB  - Although progressive ratio (PR) schedules have been used to explore effects of a
      range of reinforcer parameters (e.g., magnitude, delay), effects of reinforcer
      probability remain underexplored. The present project used independently
      progressing concurrent PR PR schedules to examine effects of reinforcer
      probability on PR breakpoint (highest completed ratio prior to a session
      terminating 300s pause) and response allocation. The probability of reinforcement
      on one lever remained at 100% across all conditions while the probability of
      reinforcement on the other lever was systematically manipulated (i.e., 100%, 50%,
      25%, 12.5%, and a replication of 25%). Breakpoints systematically decreased with
      decreasing reinforcer probabilities while breakpoints on the control lever
      remained unchanged. Patterns of switching between the two levers were well
      described by a choice-by-choice unit price model that accounted for the
      hyperbolic discounting of the value of probabilistic reinforcers. 

PMID- 27131783
TI  - Candidate gene prioritization with Endeavour.
AB  - Genomic studies and high-throughput experiments often produce large lists of
      candidate genes among which only a small fraction are truly relevant to the
      disease, phenotype or biological process of interest. Gene prioritization tackles
      this problem by ranking candidate genes by profiling candidates across multiple
      genomic data sources and integrating this heterogeneous information into a global
      ranking. We describe an extended version of our gene prioritization method,
      Endeavour, now available for six species and integrating 75 data sources. The
      performance (Area Under the Curve) of Endeavour on cross-validation benchmarks
      using 'gold standard' gene sets varies from 88% (for human phenotypes) to 95%
      (for worm gene function). In addition, we have also validated our approach using
      a time-stamped benchmark derived from the Human Phenotype Ontology, which
      provides a setting close to prospective validation. With this benchmark, using
      3854 novel gene-phenotype associations, we observe a performance of 82%.
      Altogether, our results indicate that this extended version of Endeavour
      efficiently prioritizes candidate genes. The Endeavour web server is freely
      available at https://endeavour.esat.kuleuven.be/.

PMID- 27131784
TI  - ICM: a web server for integrated clustering of multi-dimensional biomedical data.
AB  - Large-scale efforts for parallel acquisition of multi-omics profiling continue to
      generate extensive amounts of multi-dimensional biomedical data. Thus, integrated
      clustering of multiple types of omics data is essential for developing individual
      based treatments and precision medicine. However, while rapid progress has been
      made, methods for integrated clustering are lacking an intuitive web interface
      that facilitates the biomedical researchers without sufficient programming
      skills. Here, we present a web tool, named Integrated Clustering of Multi
      dimensional biomedical data (ICM), that provides an interface from which to fuse,
      cluster and visualize multi-dimensional biomedical data and knowledge. With ICM,
      users can explore the heterogeneity of a disease or a biological process by
      identifying subgroups of patients. The results obtained can then be interactively
      modified by using an intuitive user interface. Researchers can also exchange the
      results from ICM with collaborators via a web link containing a Project ID number
      that will directly pull up the analysis results being shared. ICM also support
      incremental clustering that allows users to add new sample data into the data of
      a previous study to obtain a clustering result. Currently, the ICM web server is
      available with no login requirement and at no cost at
      http://biotech.bmi.ac.cn/icm/.

PMID- 27131785
TI  - Loss of the mitochondrial protein-only ribonuclease P complex causes aberrant
      tRNA processing and lethality in Drosophila.
AB  - Proteins encoded by mitochondrial DNA are translated using mitochondrially
      encoded tRNAs and rRNAs. As with nuclear encoded tRNAs, mitochondrial tRNAs must
      be processed to become fully functional. The mitochondrial form of ribonuclease P
      (mt:RNase P) is responsible for 5'-end maturation and is comprised of three
      proteins; mitochondrial RNase P protein (MRPP) 1 and 2 together with
      proteinaceous RNase P (PRORP). However, its mechanism and impact on development
      is not yet known. Using homology searches, we have identified the three proteins
      composing Drosophila mt:RNase P: Mulder (PRORP), Scully (MRPP2) and Roswell
      (MRPP1). Here, we show that each protein is essential and localizes with
      mitochondria. Furthermore, reducing levels of each causes mitochondrial deficits,
      which appear to be due at least in part to defective mitochondrial tRNA
      processing. Overexpressing two members of the complex, Mulder and Roswell, is
      also lethal, and in the case of Mulder, causes abnormal mitochondrial morphology.
      These data are the first evidence that defective mt:RNase P causes mitochondrial
      dysfunction, lethality and aberrant mitochondrial tRNA processing in vivo,
      underscoring its physiological importance. This in vivo mt:RNase P model will
      advance our understanding of how loss of mitochondrial tRNA processing causes
      tissue failure, an important aspect of human mitochondrial disease.

PMID- 27131786
TI  - Evolview v2: an online visualization and management tool for customized and
      annotated phylogenetic trees.
AB  - Evolview is an online visualization and management tool for customized and
      annotated phylogenetic trees. It allows users to visualize phylogenetic trees in
      various formats, customize the trees through built-in functions and user-supplied
      datasets and export the customization results to publication-ready figures. Its
      'dataset system' contains not only the data to be visualized on the tree, but
      also 'modifiers' that control various aspects of the graphical annotation.
      Evolview is a single-page application (like Gmail); its carefully designed
      interface allows users to upload, visualize, manipulate and manage trees and
      datasets all in a single webpage. Developments since the last public release
      include a modern dataset editor with keyword highlighting functionality, seven
      newly added types of annotation datasets, collaboration support that allows users
      to share their trees and datasets and various improvements of the web interface
      and performance. In addition, we included eleven new 'Demo' trees to demonstrate
      the basic functionalities of Evolview, and five new 'Showcase' trees inspired by
      publications to showcase the power of Evolview in producing publication-ready
      figures. Evolview is freely available at: http://www.evolgenius.info/evolview/.

PMID- 27131787
TI  - Weighted enrichment method for prediction of transcription regulators from
      transcriptome and global chromatin immunoprecipitation data.
AB  - Predicting responsible transcription regulators on the basis of transcriptome
      data is one of the most promising computational approaches to understanding
      cellular processes and characteristics. Here, we present a novel method employing
      vast amounts of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experimental data to address
      this issue. Global high-throughput ChIP data was collected to construct a
      comprehensive database, containing 8 578 738 binding interactions of 454
      transcription regulators. To incorporate information about heterogeneous
      frequencies of transcription factor (TF)-binding events, we developed a flexible
      framework for gene set analysis employing the weighted t-test procedure, namely
      weighted parametric gene set analysis (wPGSA). Using transcriptome data as an
      input, wPGSA predicts the activities of transcription regulators responsible for
      observed gene expression. Validation of wPGSA with published transcriptome data,
      including that from over-expressed TFs, showed that the method can predict
      activities of various TFs, regardless of cell type and conditions, with results
      totally consistent with biological observations. We also applied wPGSA to other
      published transcriptome data and identified potential key regulators of cell
      reprogramming and influenza virus pathogenesis, generating compelling hypotheses
      regarding underlying regulatory mechanisms. This flexible framework will
      contribute to uncovering the dynamic and robust architectures of biological
      regulation, by incorporating high-throughput experimental data in the form of
      weights.

PMID- 27131788
TI  - Complex mitochondrial DNA rearrangements in individual cells from patients with
      sporadic inclusion body myositis.
AB  - Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) rearrangements are an important cause of mitochondrial
      disease and age related mitochondrial dysfunction in tissues including brain and
      skeletal muscle. It is known that different mtDNA deletions accumulate in single
      cells, but the detailed nature of these rearrangements is still unknown. To
      evaluate this we used a complementary set of sensitive assays to explore the
      mtDNA rearrangements in individual cells from patients with sporadic inclusion
      body myositis, a late-onset inflammatory myopathy with prominent mitochondrial
      changes. We identified large-scale mtDNA deletions in individual muscle fibres
      with 20% of cytochrome c oxidase-deficient myofibres accumulating two or more
      mtDNA deletions. The majority of deletions removed only the major arc but ~10% of
      all deletions extended into the minor arc removing the origin of light strand
      replication (OL) and a variable number of genes. Some mtDNA molecules contained
      two deletion sites. Additionally, we found evidence of mitochondrial genome
      duplications allowing replication and clonal expansion of these complex
      rearranged molecules. The extended spectrum of mtDNA rearrangements in single
      cells provides insight into the process of clonal expansion which is fundamental
      to our understanding of the role of mtDNA mutations in ageing and disease.

PMID- 27131789
TI  - PepComposer: computational design of peptides binding to a given protein surface.
AB  - There is a wide interest in designing peptides able to bind to a specific region
      of a protein with the aim of interfering with a known interaction or as starting
      point for the design of inhibitors. Here we describe PepComposer, a new pipeline
      for the computational design of peptides binding to a given protein surface.
      PepComposer only requires the target protein structure and an approximate
      definition of the binding site as input. We first retrieve a set of peptide
      backbone scaffolds from monomeric proteins that harbor the same backbone
      arrangement as the binding site of the protein of interest. Next, we design
      optimal sequences for the identified peptide scaffolds. The method is fully
      automatic and available as a web server at
      http://biocomputing.it/pepcomposer/webserver.

PMID- 27131790
TI  - Role of the RAD51-SWI5-SFR1 Ensemble in homologous recombination.
AB  - During DNA double-strand break and replication fork repair by homologous
      recombination, the RAD51 recombinase catalyzes the DNA strand exchange reaction
      via a helical polymer assembled on single-stranded DNA, termed the presynaptic
      filament. Our published work has demonstrated a dual function of the SWI5-SFR1
      complex in RAD51-mediated DNA strand exchange, namely, by stabilizing the
      presynaptic filament and maintaining the catalytically active ATP-bound state of
      the filament via enhancement of ADP release. In this study, we have strived to
      determine the basis for physical and functional interactions between Mus musculus
      SWI5-SFR1 and RAD51. We found that SWI5-SFR1 preferentially associates with the
      oligomeric form of RAD51. Specifically, a C-terminal domain within SWI5
      contributes to RAD51 interaction. With specific RAD51 interaction defective
      mutants of SWI5-SFR1 that we have isolated, we show that the physical interaction
      is indispensable for the stimulation of the recombinase activity of RAD51. Our
      results thus help establish the functional relevance of the trimeric RAD51-SWI5
      SFR1 complex and provide insights into the mechanistic underpinnings of homology
      directed DNA repair in mammalian cells.

PMID- 27131791
TI  - APID interactomes: providing proteome-based interactomes with controlled quality
      for multiple species and derived networks.
AB  - APID (Agile Protein Interactomes DataServer) is an interactive web server that
      provides unified generation and delivery of protein interactomes mapped to their
      respective proteomes. This resource is a new, fully redesigned server that
      includes a comprehensive collection of protein interactomes for more than 400
      organisms (25 of which include more than 500 interactions) produced by the
      integration of only experimentally validated protein-protein physical
      interactions. For each protein-protein interaction (PPI) the server includes
      currently reported information about its experimental validation to allow
      selection and filtering at different quality levels. As a whole, it provides easy
      access to the interactomes from specific species and includes a global uniform
      compendium of 90,379 distinct proteins and 678,441 singular interactions. APID
      integrates and unifies PPIs from major primary databases of molecular
      interactions, from other specific repositories and also from experimentally
      resolved 3D structures of protein complexes where more than two proteins were
      identified. For this purpose, a collection of 8,388 structures were analyzed to
      identify specific PPIs. APID also includes a new graph tool (based on
      Cytoscape.js) for visualization and interactive analyses of PPI networks. The
      server does not require registration and it is freely available for use at
      http://apid.dep.usal.es. 

PMID- 27131792
TI  - Evaluation of safety and efficacy of periprocedural use of rivaroxaban and
      apixaban in catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously reported that dabigatran increased the risk of
      microthromboembolism and hemopericardium compared with warfarin. The safety of
      non-vitamin-K-antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in the periprocedural use of
      atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is controversial. This study aimed to compare
      the incidence of asymptomatic cerebral microthromboembolism and hemopericardium
      in AF ablation among periprocedural use of rivaroxaban, apixaban, and warfarin.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: This study was a prospective, randomized registry. Patients
      taking NOACs upon visiting our hospital were randomly assigned into 2 groups;
      rivaroxaban and apixaban. Warfarin was continued in patients taking warfarin.
      Asymptomatic cerebral microthromboembolism was evaluated by magnetic resonance
      imaging on the day after the ablation procedure. In 176 consecutive patients (101
      paroxysmal, and 75 persistent AF), rivaroxaban was used in 55, apixaban in 51,
      and warfarin in 70. There were no symptomatic cerebral infarctions in this study.
      Asymptomatic cerebral microthromboembolism was detected in 32 (18.4%) patients;
      nine (16.4%) with rivaroxaban, 10 (20%, p=0.80; vs. rivaroxaban) with apixaban,
      and 13 (18.8%, p=0.81; vs. rivaroxaban) with warfarin. Hemopericardium occurred
      in 5 (2.8%) patients; 2 with rivaroxaban, 1 with apixaban (p=1.0; vs.
      rivaroxaban), and 2 with warfarin (p=1.0; vs. rivaroxaban). In multivariate
      analysis, concomitant coronary angiography (p<0.05, odds ratio 5.73) was a
      predictor of cerebral thromboembolism. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of asymptomatic
      cerebral microthromboembolism and hemopericardium in AF ablation is similar among
      the periprocedural use of rivaroxaban, apixaban, and warfarin.

PMID- 27131793
TI  - Relationships between concentrations of selected organohalogen contaminants and
      thyroid hormones and vitamins A, E and D in Faroese pilot whales.
AB  - Pilot whales (Globicephala melas) from the Faroe Islands, North-East Atlantic,
      have high body concentrations of organohalogenated compounds (OHCs), such as
      polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) and
      brominated flame retardants (BFRs). The aim of the present study was to examine
      if and to what extent blood plasma and liver concentrations of several groups of
      these OHCs are related to concentrations of relevant nutritional and hormonal
      biomarkers in pilot whales. Thyroid hormones (THs: total and free thyroxine and
      total and free triiodothyronine) and vitamin A (retinol), D (25-hydroxyvitamin
      D3) and E (alpha-tocopherol) were analysed in plasma (n=27) and vitamin A (total
      vitamin A, retinol and retinyl palmitate) and E (alpha- and gamma-tocopherol)
      were analysed in liver (n=37) of Faroe Island pilot whales. Correlative
      relationships between the biomarkers and OHC concentrations previously analysed
      in the same tissues in these individuals were studied. The TH concentrations in
      plasma were significantly higher in juveniles than in adults. Vitamin D
      concentrations in plasma and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol in liver were higher in
      adults than in juveniles. Multivariate statistical modelling showed that the age
      and sex influenced the relationship between biomarkers and OHCs. Some significant
      positive relationships were found between OHCs and thyroid hormone concentrations
      in the youngest juveniles (p<0.05). In plasma of juvenile whales alpha-tocopherol
      was also positively correlated with all the OHCs (p<0.05). Only few significant
      correlations were found between single OHCs and retinol and vitamin D in plasma
      within the age groups. There were significant negative relationships between
      hepatic PBDE concentrations and retinol (BDE-47) and gamma-tocopherol (BDE-49, 
      47, -100, -99, -153) in liver. The relationships between OHCs and THs or vitamins
      suggest that in pilot whales OHCs seem to have minor effects on TH and vitamin
      concentrations.

PMID- 27131794
TI  - The impact of psychological factors on self-reported sleep disturbance among
      people living in the vicinity of wind turbines.
AB  - Canada's wind energy capacity has grown from approximately 137MW (MW) in 2000 to
      over 9700MW in 2014, and this progressive development has made Canada the fifth
      largest market in the world for the installation of new wind turbines (WTs).
      Although wind energy is now one of the fastest growing sources of power in Canada
      and many other countries, the growth in both number and size of WTs has raised
      questions regarding potential health impacts on individuals who live close to
      such turbines. This study is the first published research using a prospective
      cohort design, with noise and sleep measurements obtained before and after
      installation of WTs to investigate effect of such turbines on self-reported sleep
      disturbances of nearby residents. Subjective assessment of sleep disturbance was
      conducted in Ontario, Canada through standard sleep and sleepiness scales,
      including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index
      (ISI), and Epworth daytime Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Both audible and infra-sound
      noises were also measured inside the bedroom. Descriptive and comparison analyses
      were performed to investigate the effect of WT exposure on sleep data. Results of
      the analysis show that participants reported poorer sleep quality if they had a
      negative attitude to WTs, if they had concerns related to property devaluation,
      and if they could see turbines from their properties. This study provides
      evidence for the role of individual differences and psychological factors in
      reports of sleep disturbance by people living in the vicinity of WTs.

PMID- 27131795
TI  - Assessment of air and water contamination by disinfection by-products at 41
      indoor swimming pools.
AB  - This study was aimed at assessing the profiles (occurrence and speciation) of
      disinfection by-product (DBP) contamination in air and water of a group of 41
      public indoor swimming pools in Quebec (Canada). The contaminants measured in the
      water included the traditional DBPs [i.e., four trihalomethanes (THMs), six
      haloacetic acids (HAAs)] but also several emergent DBPs [i.e., halonitriles,
      halonitromethanes, haloketones and nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)]. Those measured
      in the air comprised THMs and chloramines (CAMs). Overall, extremely variable DBP
      levels were found from one pool to another (both quantitatively and in terms of
      speciation). For instance, in water, among the four THMs, chloroform was usually
      the most abundant compound (37.9+/-25.7ug/L). Nevertheless, the sum of the three
      other brominated THMs represented more than 25% of total THMs at almost half the
      facilities visited (19 cases). In 13 of them, the levels of brominated THMs (66+/
      24.2ug/L) even greatly outweighed the levels of chloroform (15.2+/-6.31ug/L).
      Much higher levels of HAAs (294.8+/-157.6ug/L) were observed, with a consistent
      preponderance of brominated HAAs in the swimming pools with more brominated THMs.
      NDMA levels which were measured in a subset of 8 pools ranged between 2.8ng/L and
      105ng/L. With respect to air, chloroform was still the most abundant THM globally
      (119.4+/-74.2ug/m(3)) but significant levels of brominated THMs were also
      observed in various cases, particularly in the previously evoked group of 13
      swimming pools with preponderant levels of brominated THMs in water. CAM levels
      (0.23+/-0.15mg/m(3)) varied highly, ranging from not detected to 0.56mg/m(3).
      Overall, the levels were generally relatively high compared to current guidelines
      or reference values from several countries, and they point to a relatively
      atypical presence of brominated compounds, and to significant levels of emergent
      DBPs for which health risk is less documented.

PMID- 27131796
TI  - Second-hand smoke exposure in indoor and outdoor areas of cafes and restaurants:
      Need for extending smoking regulation outdoors?
AB  - Smoke-free legislation in indoor public places has concentrated smokers in the
      areas outside building entrances or other outdoor areas. This study assessed the
      drift of second-hand smoke between outdoor and indoor areas of cafes and
      restaurants in Barcelona, Spain, and characterized the exposure on outdoor
      terraces. Using a cross-sectional design, we monitored vapor-phase nicotine in
      indoor areas and outside entrances simultaneously (n=47), and on some outdoor
      terraces (n=51). We computed the median nicotine concentration and interquartile
      range (IQR) to describe the data and performed multivariate analysis to describe
      nicotine concentration and its determinants. The overall median nicotine
      concentration indoors was 0.65ug/m(3) (IQR: 0.29-1.17ug/m(3)), with significant
      differences based on the number of smokers at the entrance (p=0.039). At outside
      entrances, the overall median nicotine concentration was 0.41ug/m(3) (IQR: 0.21
      1.17ug/m(3)). The nicotine concentrations indoors and at the corresponding
      outside entrances were not significantly different, and the multivariate analysis
      confirmed the relationship between these variables. On terraces, the overall
      median nicotine concentration was 0.54ug/m(3) (IQR: 0.25-1.14ug/m(3)), but it
      increased to 0.60ug/m(3) when a tobacco smell was perceived, 0.72ug/m(3) on
      closed terraces, 1.24ug/m(3) when there were >6 smokers, and 1.24ug/m(3) when
      someone smoked >20min. Multivariate analysis confirmed the outdoor terrace area,
      the season, the type of enclosure, and the number of smokers as the most relevant
      variables explaining nicotine concentration (R(2)=0.396). These findings show
      that second-hand smoke exposure exists in indoor areas due to smokers smoking at
      the outside entrances. In addition, exposure may occur on outdoor terraces when
      smokers are present and the terrace is enclosed to some extent. Thus, the current
      Spanish law does not fully protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke and
      supports extending regulation to some outdoor areas.

PMID- 27131797
TI  - Integrated wetlands for food production.
AB  - The widespread use of compound pelleted feeds and chemical fertilizers in modern
      food production contribute to a vast amount of residual nutrients into the
      production system and adjacent ecosystem are major factors causing
      eutrophication. Furthermore, the extensive development and application of
      chemical compounds (such as chemical pesticides, disinfectants and hormones used
      in enhancing productivity) in food production process are hazardous to the
      ecosystems, as well as human health. These unsustainable food production patterns
      cannot sustain human living in the long run. Wetlands are perceived as self
      decontamination ecosystems with high productivities. This review gives an
      overview about wetlands which are being integrated with food production
      processes, focusing on aquaculture.

PMID- 27131798
TI  - Automotive airborne brake wear debris nanoparticles and cytokinesis-block
      micronucleus assay in peripheral blood lymphocytes: A pilot study.
AB  - Motor vehicle exhaust and non-exhaust processes play a significant role in
      environmental pollution, as they are a source of the finest particulate matter.
      Emissions from non-exhaust processes include wear-products of brakes, tires,
      automotive hardware, road surface, and traffic signs, but still are paid little
      attention to. Automotive friction composites for brake pads are composite
      materials which may consist of potentially hazardous materials and there is a
      lack of information regarding the potential influence of the brake wear debris
      (BWD) on the environment, especially on human health. Thus, we focused our study
      on the genotoxicity of the airborne fraction of BWD using a brake pad model
      representing an average low-metallic formulation available in the EU market. BWD
      was generated in the laboratory by a full-scale brake dynamometer and
      characterized by Raman microspectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and
      transmission electron microscopy showing that it contains nano-sized crystalline
      metal-based particles. Genotoxicity tested in human lymphocytes in different
      testing conditions showed an increase in frequencies of micronucleated
      binucleated cells (MNBNCs) exposed for 48h to BWD nanoparticles (NPs) (with 10%
      of foetal calf serum in culture medium) compared with lymphocytes exposed to
      medium alone, statistically significant only at the concentration 3ug/cm(2)
      (p=0.032).

PMID- 27131799
TI  - Embryonic stem cells markers Oct4 and Nanog correlate with perineural invasion in
      human salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary gland
      malignancy and is successfully treated by surgery and radiation. However, some
      patients have recurrent tumours and in these cases, few treatments options are
      available. Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been observed and isolated from different
      solid tumours based on the expression of stem cell markers. These cells are
      associated with tumour initiation, progression as well as treatment resistance.
      In this study, the expression of stem cell markers CD44, Bmi1, Oct4 and Nanog was
      evaluated in non-neoplastic salivary tissue and in MEC. METHODS: Twenty-eight
      samples of MEC and their corresponding non-neoplastic salivary tissue were
      examined by immunohistochemistry and the stem cell markers expression was
      correlated with histological and clinical parameters. RESULTS: CD44 was expressed
      in the membrane of serous and mucous acini as well as in the ductal cells in
      normal gland tissue. Bmi1, Oct4 and Nanog were mainly expressed in ductal
      structures. In MEC, CD44 and Bmi1 showed strong expression in all types of
      neoplastic cells and both markers revealed intense expression in tumour invasive
      front. Oct4 and Nanog protein expression was associated with desmoplasia and
      perineural invasion. Only Oct4 positive tumours were associated with dissociative
      growth pattern and committed margins. CONCLUSION: The stem cell markers CD44,
      Bmi1, Oct4 and Nanog are frequently expressed in MEC in relation to normal
      salivary gland and Oct4 and Nanog expression may contribute to aggressiveness and
      worst prognosis in MEC patients.

PMID- 27131800
TI  - Neurocognitive, psychiatric, and substance use characteristics in opioid
      dependent adults.
AB  - AIMS: To describe neurocognitive function among opioid-dependent adults seeking
      buprenorphine treatment and to explore the impact of lifetime psychiatric
      conditions on neurocognitive function. To explore the additive interaction of
      patient-based characteristics that may help to inform treatment. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional assessment of neurocognitive function, substance use, and psychiatric
      characteristics of adults seeking buprenorphine treatment within substance use
      treatment centers in New York City. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight opioid-dependent
      adults seeking buprenorphine treatment. MEASUREMENTS: A comprehensive battery,
      which included measures of executive functioning, learning, memory, verbal
      fluency, attention, processing speed, and motor functioning were administered.
      The Wide Range Achievement Test-Third Edition, the Composite International
      Diagnostic Interview, and an audio computer assisted structured interview were
      also completed. Correlations and independent sample t-tests were used to
      ascertain group differences. FINDINGS: Thirty-nine percent of participants were
      impaired in global neurocognitive function (n=15). Over one third were impaired
      in either: learning (n=28), memory (n=26), executive functioning (n=17), motor
      functioning (n=17), attention/working memory (n=14) or verbal fluency (n=12).
      Lifetime history of alcohol dependence was associated with impairment in global
      neurocognitive, executive functioning, and motor functioning. Lifetime history of
      cocaine dependence was associated with impairment in executive functioning and
      motor functioning (all p's<0.05). Major depressive disorder history was not
      associated with neurocognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Among this sample of
      opioid-dependent adults, there were high rates of global and domain-specific
      neurocognitive impairment, with severe impairment in learning and memory.
      Lifetime alcohol and cocaine dependence were associated with greater
      neurocognitive impairment, particularly in executive functioning. Because
      executive functioning is critical for decision-making and learning/memory
      dysfunction may interfere with information encoding, these findings suggest that
      opioid-dependent adults may require enhanced support for medical decision-making.

PMID- 27131802
TI  - Lower values of handgrip strength and adductor pollicis muscle thickness are
      associated with hepatic encephalopathy manifestations in cirrhotic patients.
AB  - Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a late complication of liver cirrhosis and is
      clearly associated with poor outcomes. Chronic liver insufficiency leads to
      progressive muscle wasting, impairing ammonia metabolism and thus increasing the
      risk for HE. Given the association between lean mass and adductor pollicis muscle
      thickness (APMT), it has been used to predict outcome and complications in many
      conditions, but not yet in cirrhotic patients. Therefore, this article aimed to
      study the association between HE manifestations and measures related to muscle
      mass and strength. This cross-sectional study included 54 cirrhotic outpatients
      with HE varying from subclinical to grade II according to the West-Haven
      criteria, who were submitted to neuropsychometric tests, electroencephalogram,
      brain Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), anthropometric
      measurements, handgrip strength (HGS) and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry exam
      (DXA). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the
      association between body composition measures and HE grade. Analysis of the area
      under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) curve revealed the values
      related to neurological manifestations (HE grades I and II). Reductions in APMT
      and HGS were associated with higher HE grades, suggesting a big impact caused by
      the loss of muscle mass and function on HE severity. The link between HE
      manifestations and anthropometric measures, namely APMT and HGS, point to a
      significant relation concerning skeletal muscles and the neurological impairment
      in this population.

PMID- 27131803
TI  - Femoral revision surgery using a fully hydroxyapatite-coated stem: a cohort study
      of twenty two to twenty seven years.
AB  - PURPOSE: Femoral component revision with either cemented or proximally coated
      stems has been disappointing, but revision with extensively coated stems has been
      promising. Our purpose was to evaluate the long-term outcome using an extensively
      hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stem in femoral revisions surgery. METHODS: During
      1988-1993 we performed 66 femoral revisions in 65 patients (49 women), mean age
      58 (range, 28-86) years. We used a grit-blasted straight stem made of TiAl6V4
      designed for press-fit insertion (Landos Corail; Landanger, Chaumont, France). In
      48 hips we used primary stems of size 10 in two cases, size 11 in two, size 12 in
      seven, size 13 in four, size 14 in 12, size 15 in eight, size 16 in 12 and size
      18 in one. In 18 cases, we used revision stems of size 12 in four cases, size 14
      in seven, size 16 in five and size 18 in two. RESULTS: During follow-up, 21
      patients have died. One patient had a traumatic fracture around the stem after
      six years, and another patient with osteoporosis developed fatigue fracture of
      the femoral bone after 22 years. In one patient the cup loosened after 23 years.
      The cup was revised, but deep infection occurred, and the patient underwent a two
      stage revision of both components. Then, 12 of the revised stems were followed
      for more than ten years and 24 for more than 20 years. During this time only one
      stem was revised due to mechanical failure. This patient had a femoral defect
      classified to Type IV, and a proximal fracture occurred when the prosthesis was
      inserted. The fracture was stabilised by wires, but primary stability of the stem
      could not be obtained. At control examinations no patients suffered from
      significant thigh pain, and we noticed a low degree of proximal bone loss and a
      low incidence of distal bone hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that a
      fully HA-coated stem in femoral revision surgery can provide reliable results for
      up to 27 years. The bone changes confirmed a well-fixed femoral component with a
      rather physiological transfer of stress from proximal to distal regions with no
      significant thigh pain.

PMID- 27131804
TI  - Comprehensive quantitative analysis of Chinese patent drug YinHuang drop pill by
      ultra high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - YinHuang drop pill (YHDP) is a new preparation, derived from the traditional
      YinHuang (YH) decoction. Since drop pills are one of the newly developed forms of
      Chinese patent drugs, not much research has been done regarding the quality and
      efficacy. This study aims to establish a comprehensive quantitative analysis of
      the chemical profile of YHDP. ultra high-performance liquid chromatography
      quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to
      identify 34 non-sugar small molecules including 15 flavonoids, 9 phenolic acids,
      5 saponins, 1 iridoid, and 4 iridoid glycosides in YHDP samples, and 26 of them
      were quantitatively determined. Sugar composition of YHDP in terms of fructose,
      glucose and sucrose was examined via a high performance liquid chromatography
      evaporative light scattering detector on an amide column (HPLC-NH2P-ELSD).
      Macromolecules were examined by high performance gel permeation chromatography
      coupled with ELSD (HPGPC-ELSD). The content of the drop pill's skeleton component
      PEG-4000 was also quantified via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography
      coupled with charged aerosol detector (UHPLC-CAD). The results showed that up to
      73% (w/w) of YHDP could be quantitatively determined. Small molecules accounted
      for approximately 5%, PEG-4000 represented 68%, while no sugars or macromolecules
      were found. Furthermore, YHDP showed no significant differences in terms of daily
      dosage, compared to YinHuang granules and YinHuang oral liquid; however, it has a
      higher small molecules content compared to YinHuang lozenge. 

PMID- 27131801
TI  - Hypertension Is a Key Feature of the Metabolic Syndrome in Subjects Aging with
      HIV.
AB  - With widespread and effective antiretroviral therapy, the life expectancy in the
      HIV population has dramatically improved over the last two decades. Consequently,
      as patients are aging with HIV, other age-related comorbidities, such as
      metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular disease (CVD), have emerged as
      important causes of morbidity and mortality. An overrepresentation of traditional
      cardiovascular risk factors (RF), toxicities associated with long exposure to
      antiretroviral therapy, together with residual chronic inflammation and immune
      activation associated with HIV infection are thought to predispose to these
      metabolic complications and to the excess risk of CVD observed in the HIV
      population. The metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a clustering of RF for CVD
      that includes abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and insulin
      resistance. Hypertension is a prevalent feature of the MS in HIV, in particular
      in the aging population, and constitutes an important RF for CVD. Physicians
      should screen their patients for metabolic and cardiovascular risk at the regular
      visits to reduce MS and the associated CVD risk among people aging with HIV,
      since many of RF are under-diagnosed and under-treated conditions. Interventions
      to reduce these RF can include lifestyle changes and pharmacological
      interventions such as antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy, and treatment
      of glucose metabolism disturbances. Changes in antiretroviral therapy to more
      metabolic neutral antiretroviral drugs may also be considered. 

PMID- 27131805
TI  - Associations of prenatal exposure to five chlorophenols with adverse birth
      outcomes.
AB  - Exposures to chlorophenols (CPs) have been linked with adverse health effects on
      wildlife and humans. This study aimed to evaluate prenatal exposure to five CP
      compounds using maternal urinary concentrations during pregnancy and the
      potential associations with birth outcomes of their infants at birth. A total of
      1100 mother-newborn pairs were recruited during June 2009 to January 2010 in an
      agricultural region, China. Urinary concentrations of five CPs from
      dichlorophenol (DCP) to pentachlorophenol (PCP), namely, 2,5-DCP, 2,4-DCP, 2,4,5
      trichlorophenol (2,4,5-TCP), 2,4,6-TCP and PCP, were measured using large-volume
      injection gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LVI-GC-MS-MS), and
      associations between CP levels and weight, length as well as head circumference
      at birth were examined. Median urinary creatinine-adjusted concentrations of 2,5
      DCP, 2,4-DCP, 2,4,5-TCP, 2,4,6-TCP and PCP were 3.34 MUg/g, 1.03 MUg/g, < LOD,
      1.78 MUg/g and 0.39 MUg/g creatinine, respectively. We found lower birth weight
      30 g [95% confidence interval (CI): -57, -3; p = 0.03] for per SD increase in
      log10-transformed concentrations of 2,4,6-TCP and lower birth weight 37 g (95%
      CI: -64, -10; p = 0.04) for PCP, respectively. Similarly, head circumference
      decrease in associations with creatinine-corrected 2,4,6-TCP and PCP
      concentrations were also achieved. Considering sex difference, the associations
      of lower birth weight were only found among male neonates, while head
      circumference was associated with 2,4-DCP and 2,5-DCP only found among female
      neonates. This study showed significant negative associations between CPs
      exposure and reduction in neonatal anthropometric measures. The biological
      mechanisms concerning CPs exposure on fetal growth deserved further
      investigations. 

PMID- 27131806
TI  - Current state, sources, and potential risk of heavy metals in sediments of Three
      Gorges Reservoir, China.
AB  - Heavy metal (HM) contamination in sediments of Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) is a
      particularly important issue for the safety of water quality due to the potential
      threats of metal toxicity to local and downstream human health. Surface sediments
      from riparian and submerged areas in the entire TGR mainstream were collected in
      2014 to investigate the spatial distribution of HMs (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn),
      identify their possible sources, and assess their potential risk by multiple
      indices and metal fraction. Results showed that the concentrations of HMs in the
      sediments increased after the TGR operation, but were lower than those in other
      Chinese rivers of developed areas. The acid-soluble Cd accounted for more than
      50% of total Cd in the sediments, whereas that of other HMs was very low. The Cd
      concentrations in the riparian sediments increased towards the dam; however,
      other metals in the riparian sediments and all HMs in the submerged sediments did
      not show any regular variation trend spatially. The stocks of HMs were
      significantly higher in the submerged sediments than in the riparian sediments.
      The high accumulation of HMs in the riparian sediments emerged between Fuling and
      Fengjie, and those in the submerged sediments existed in the near dam areas.
      Grain size and Fe/Mn oxides controlled the mobility and transfer of HMs in the
      sediments. Human activity in the catchment including industrial and agricultural
      production, shipping industry, mining, etc., increased inputs of HMs in the
      sediments, and altered their spatial distribution patterns. The sediments were
      moderately to highly contaminated by Cd, and slightly contaminated by other HMs.
      The results indicate the current priority of Cd contamination in the TGR, and
      will conduce to ecological protection in the TGR region. 

PMID- 27131807
TI  - Palladium nanoparticles exposure: Evaluation of permeation through damaged and
      intact human skin.
AB  - The intensified use of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) in many chemical
      reactions, jewellery, electronic devices, in car catalytic converters and in
      biomedical applications lead to a significant increase in palladium exposure. Pd
      can cause allergic contact dermatitis when in contact with the skin. However,
      there is still a lack of toxicological data related to nano-structured palladium
      and information on human cutaneous absorption. In fact, PdNPs, can be absorbed
      through the skin in higher amounts than bulk Pd because NPs can release more
      ions. In our study, we evaluated the absorption of PdNPs, with a size of 10.7 +/-
      2.8 nm, using intact and damaged human skin in Franz cells. 0.60 mg cm(-2) of
      PdNPs were applied on skin surface for 24 h. Pd concentrations in the receiving
      solutions at the end of experiments were 0.098 +/- 0.067 MUg cm(-2) and 1.06 +/-
      0.44 MUg cm(-2) in intact skin and damaged skin, respectively. Pd flux permeation
      after 24 h was 0.005 +/- 0.003 MUg cm(-2) h(-1) and 0.057 +/- 0.030 MUg cm(-2) h(
      1) and lag time 4.8 +/- 1.7 and 4.2 +/- 3.6 h, for intact and damaged skin
      respectively. This study indicates that Pd can penetrate human skin. 

PMID- 27131808
TI  - Warming increases methylmercury production in an Arctic soil.
AB  - Rapid temperature rise in Arctic permafrost impacts not only the degradation of
      stored soil organic carbon (SOC) and climate feedback, but also the production
      and bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) toxin that can endanger humans, as
      well as wildlife in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Currently little is known
      concerning the effects of rapid permafrost thaw on microbial methylation and how
      SOC degradation is coupled to MeHg biosynthesis. Here we describe the effects of
      warming on MeHg production in an Arctic soil during an 8-month anoxic incubation
      experiment. Net MeHg production increased >10 fold in both organic- and mineral
      rich soil layers at warmer (8  degrees C) than colder (-2  degrees C)
      temperatures. The type and availability of labile SOC, such as reducing sugars
      and ethanol, were particularly important in fueling the rapid initial
      biosynthesis of MeHg. Freshly amended mercury was more readily methylated than
      preexisting mercury in the soil. Additionally, positive correlations between
      mercury methylation and methane and ferrous ion production indicate linkages
      between SOC degradation and MeHg production. These results show that climate
      warming and permafrost thaw could potentially enhance MeHg production by an order
      of magnitude, impacting Arctic terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by increased
      exposure to mercury through bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food web.

PMID- 27131809
TI  - Pb uptake and toxicity to Iris halophila tested on Pb mine tailing materials.
AB  - Pb tolerant mechanisms, plant physiological response and Pb sub-cellular
      localization in the root cells of Iris halophila were studied in sand culture and
      the Pb mine tailings. Results showed that the activities of superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in the underground parts and the activity of catalase
      (CAT) in the aboveground and underground parts increased as Pb level was
      enhanced. Glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AsA) contents increased by Pb
      treatments. Pb deposits were found in the middle cell walls or along the inner
      side of epibiotic protoplasm of some cells which accumulated a large quantity of
      Pb and died. The dry weights (DWs) of aboveground parts under all Pb tailings
      treatments decreased insignificantly, while the DW of the underground parts
      growing in the pure Pb tailings decreased significantly. Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn
      contents increased significantly as the levels of Pb tailings were enhanced and
      Pb contents in the aboveground and underground parts reached 64.75 and 751.75
      MUg/g DW, respectively, at pure Pb tailings treatment. The results indicated that
      I. halophila is a promising plant in the phytoremediation of Pb contaminated
      environment. Some antioxidant enzymes, antioxidants and compartmentalization of
      Pb were played major roles in Pb tolerance of I. halophila. 

PMID- 27131810
TI  - High levels of microplastic ingestion by the semipelagic fish bogue Boops boops
      (L.) around the Balearic Islands.
AB  - For the first time this study reports on the presence of microplastics (1 nm to
      <5 mm) in the gastrointestinal tracts of small semipelagic fish (Boops boops) in
      the Balearic Islands (Mediterranean Sea) from March to May 2014. The results show
      microplastic ingestion in 68% of full stomach samples with an average of 3.75
      items per fish. Only filament type microplastics were observed in B. boops full
      gastrointestinal tracts. The frequency of occurrence of microplastics was high,
      with values ranging from 42% to 80%, in comparison to the other ingested items.
      Spatial variability among locations is high, which suggests that this type of
      contamination is ubiquitously distributed and originates from multiple sources.
      The results are important and indirectly provide further evidence of the presence
      of microplastics, which can be ingested by biota, in the marine environment. 

PMID- 27131811
TI  - Insight into the adsorption of PPCPs by porous adsorbents: Effect of the
      properties of adsorbents and adsorbates.
AB  - Adsorption is an efficient method for removal of pharmaceuticals and personal
      care products (PPCPs). Magnetic resins are efficient adsorbents for water
      treatment and exhibit potential for PPCP removal. In this study, the magnetic
      hypercrosslinked resin Q100 was used for adsorption of PPCPs. The adsorption
      behavior of this resin was compared with those of two activated carbons, namely,
      Norit and F400D. Norit exhibited the fastest adsorption kinetics, followed by
      Q100. Norit featured a honeycomb shape and long-range ordered pore channels,
      which facilitated the diffusion of PPCPs. Moreover, the large average pore size
      of Q100 reduced diffusion resistance. The adsorbed amounts of 11 PPCPs on the
      three adsorbents increased with increasing adsorbate hydrophobicity. For Q100, a
      significant linear correlation was observed between the adsorption performance
      for PPCPs and hydrophobicity (logD value) of adsorbates (R(2) = 0.8951); as such,
      PPCPs with high logD values (>1.69) could be efficiently removed. Compared with
      those of Norit and F400D, the adsorption performance of Q100 was less affected by
      humic acid because of the dominant hydrophobic interaction. Furthermore, Q100
      showed improved regeneration performance, which renders it promising for PPCP
      removal in practical applications. 

PMID- 27131812
TI  - Influence of non-detect data-handling on toxic equivalency quantities of PCDD/Fs
      and dioxin-like PCBs: A case study of major fish species purchased in Korea.
AB  - It has been known that substitution is not a suitable method to address non
      detect (ND) data and can result in significant errors. However, reports of
      reliable statistical methods for handling ND data of polychlorinated dibenzo-p
      dioxin/furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in
      fish are rare. This work examines US-EPA's recommended statistical methods and
      traditional substitution-based methods for handling ND data in PCDD/F and DL-PCB
      datasets obtained from 240 fish samples. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) method was
      confirmed as a suitable statistical approach for dealing with our fish datasets.
      The results of the KM and substitution methods were compared; a significant
      difference was found in TEQs derived from KM and substitution for PCDD/Fs,
      suggesting that the handling of ND data is a critical issue for PCDD/Fs. For
      example, the substitution by 1/2LOD resulted in 20-25% overestimation of PCDD/F
      TEQs for fish samples with ND data (60-70%). In conclusion, the use of KM method
      is preferable for average TEQs, and if the use of KM is not applicable,
      substitution by zero is preferred. Based on this conclusion, the characteristics
      of fish contamination by PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in Korea were investigated. 

PMID- 27131813
TI  - Effect of organochlorine pesticides exposure on the maize root metabolome
      assessed using high-resolution magic-angle spinning (1)H NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - (1)H-HRMAS NMR-based metabolomics was used to better understand the toxic effects
      on maize root tips of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), namely lindane (gammaHCH)
      and chlordecone (CLD). Maize seedlings were exposed to 2.5 MUM gammaHCH
      (mimicking basic environmental contaminations) for 7 days and compared to 2.5 MUM
      CLD and 25 MUM gammaHCH for 7 days (mimicking hot spot contaminations). The (1)H
      HRMAS NMR-based metabolomic profiles provided details of the changes in
      carbohydrates, amino acids, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates and
      fatty acids with a significant separation between the control and OCP-exposed
      root tips. First of all, alterations in the balance between
      glycolysis/gluconeogenesis were observed with sucrose depletion and with dose
      dependent fluctuations in glucose content. Secondly, observations indicated that
      OCPs might inactivate the TCA cycle, with sizeable succinate and fumarate
      depletion. Thirdly, disturbances in the amino acid composition (GABA,
      glutamine/glutamate, asparagine, isoleucine) reflected a new distribution of
      internal nitrogen compounds under OCP stress. Finally, OCP exposure caused an
      increase in fatty acid content, concomitant with a marked rise in oxidized fatty
      acids which could indicate failures in cell integrity and vitality. Moreover, the
      accumulation of asparagine and oxidized fatty acids with the induction of LOX3
      transcription levels under OCP exposure highlighted an induction of protein and
      lipid catabolism. The overall data indicated that the effect of OCPs on primary
      metabolism could have broader physiological consequences on root development.
      Therefore, (1)H-HRMAS NMR metabolomics is a sensitive tool for understanding
      molecular disturbances under OCP exposure and can be used to perform a rapid
      assessment of phytotoxicity. 

PMID- 27131814
TI  - Citizen science identifies the effects of nitrogen dioxide and other
      environmental drivers on tar spot of sycamore.
AB  - Elevated sulphur dioxide (SO2) concentrations were the major cause of the absence
      of symptoms of tar spot (Rhytisma acerinum) of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), in
      urban areas in the 1970s. The subsequent large decline in SO2 concentrations has
      not always been accompanied by increased tar spot symptoms, for reasons that have
      remained unresolved. We used a large citizen science survey, providing over 1000
      records across England, to test two competing hypotheses proposed in earlier
      studies. We were able to demonstrate the validity of both hypotheses; tar spot
      symptoms were reduced where there were fewer fallen leaves as a source of
      inoculum, and elevated nitrogen dioxide concentrations reduced tar spot symptoms
      above a threshold concentration of about 20 MUg m(-3). Symptom severity was also
      lower at sites with higher temperature and lower rainfall. Our findings
      demonstrate the power of citizen science to resolve competing hypotheses about
      the impacts of air pollution and other environmental drivers. 

PMID- 27131815
TI  - Assessment of vehicle emission programs in China during 1998-2013: Achievement,
      challenges and implications.
AB  - China has been embracing rapid motorization since the 1990s, and vehicles have
      become one of the major sources of air pollution problems. Since the late 1990s,
      thanks to the international experience, China has adopted comprehensive control
      measures to mitigate vehicle emissions. This study employs a local emission model
      (EMBEV) to assess China's first fifteen-year (1998-2013) efforts in controlling
      vehicles emissions. Our results show that China's total annual vehicle emissions
      in 2013 were 4.16 million tons (Mt) of HC, 27.4 Mt of CO, 7.72 Mt of NOX, and
      0.37 Mt of PM2.5, respectively. Although vehicle emissions are substantially
      reduced relative to the without control scenarios, we still observe significantly
      higher emission density in East China than in developed countries with longer
      histories of vehicle emission control. This study further informs China's policy
      makers of the prominent challenges to control vehicle emissions in the future.
      First, unlike other major air pollutants, total NOX emissions have rapidly
      increased due to a surge of diesel trucks and the postponed China IV standard
      nationwide. Simultaneous implementation of fuel quality improvements and vehicle
      engine emission standards will be of great importance to alleviate NOX emissions
      for diesel fleets. Second, the enforcement of increasingly stringent standards
      should include strict oversight of type-approval conformity, in-use complacence
      and durability, which would help reduce gross emitters of PM2.5 that are
      considerable among in-use diesel fleets at the present. Third, this study reveals
      higher HC emissions than previous results and indicates evaporative emissions may
      have been underestimated. Considering that China's overall vehicle ownership is
      far from saturation, persistent efforts are required through economic tools,
      traffic management and emissions regulations to lower vehicle-use intensity and
      limit both exhaust and evaporative emissions. Furthermore, in light of the
      complex technology for emerging new energy vehicles, their real-world emissions
      need to be adequately evaluated before massive promotion. 

PMID- 27131816
TI  - Effects of tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate exposure on endocrine systems and
      reproduction of zebrafish (Danio rerio).
AB  - Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEOP), a widely used organophosphate flame
      retardant, has frequently been detected both in the environment and the biota.
      However, limited information is available on the effects of TBEOP on the
      endocrine system and its underlying mechanisms. We exposed adult zebrafish pairs
      to TBEOP at concentrations of 0, 2.1, 11, and 118 MUg/L for 21 d, and
      investigated the effects on gene transcription and hormone production related to
      the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and on reproduction. The adverse
      effects on the F1 generation were further examined. In male fish, plasma
      concentrations of 17beta-estradiol were significantly increased along with up
      regulation of cyp19a. Exposure to TBEOP at 118 MUg/L led to a significant
      decrease in average egg production. Exposure of the F0 generation to TBEOP
      delayed hatching and lowered hatching rates in the F1 generation. The results
      demonstrate that exposure to TBEOP at environmentally relevant concentration
      levels could affect the sex hormone balance by altering regulatory circuits of
      the HPG axis, eventually leading to disruption of reproductive performance and
      the development of offspring. 

PMID- 27131817
TI  - Palaeo-pollution from mining activities in the Vosges Mountains: 1000 years and
      still bioavailable.
AB  - Mining and smelting activities have contaminated the environment with trace
      metals (TMs) at a worldwide scale for at least two millennia. A combination of
      chemical approaches and active biomonitoring was performed to analyse the
      environmental availability and bioavailability of TM palaeo-pollution in a former
      PbAg mining district in the Vosges Mountains, France. Along a soil TM
      contamination gradient that covered eight stations, including two archaeological
      mining sites, the toxicokinetics of six TMs (Pb, Cd, As, Ag, Co, Sb) in the snail
      Cantareus aspersus revealed that palaeo-pollution from the studied sites remains
      bioavailable. This study provides the first data on the accumulation kinetics of
      Ag and Co for C. aspersus. The environmental availability of the TMs was
      estimated with three chemical extraction methods (aqua regia, EDTA 50 mM, CaCl2
      10 mM). Univariate regression analyses showed that EDTA extraction is the best
      method for estimating the bioavailability of Pb, As, Ag, Co and Sb to snails.
      None of the three extractants was efficient for Cd. A multivariate analysis of
      bioaccumulation data revealed that TM bioavailability and transfer were modulated
      by exposure sources (soil, humus and vegetation) rather than by soil physico
      chemical characteristics. Hence, although the deposition of mining wastes dates
      back several centuries, these wastes still represent a source of contamination
      that must be considered to develop relevant site management and environmental
      risk assessment. 

PMID- 27131818
TI  - Marine debris ingestion and Thayer's law - The importance of plastic color.
AB  - In recent years marine plastic pollution has gained considerable attention as a
      significant threat to marine animals. Despite the abundant literature related to
      marine debris ingestion, only a few studies attempted to understand the factors
      involved in debris ingestion. Plastic ingestion is commonly attributed to visual
      similarities of plastic fragments to animal's prey items, such as plastic bags
      and jellyfish. However, this simple explanation is not always coherent with the
      variety of debris items ingested and with the species' main prey items. We assess
      differences in the conspicuousness of plastic debris related to their color using
      Thayer's law to infer the likelihood that visual foragers detect plastic
      fragments. We hypothesize that marine animals that perceive floating plastic from
      below should preferentially ingest dark plastic fragments, whereas animals that
      perceive floating plastic from above should select for paler plastic fragments. 

PMID- 27131819
TI  - Ozone exposure and cardiovascular-related mortality in the Canadian Census Health
      and Environment Cohort (CANCHEC) by spatial synoptic classification zone.
AB  - Our objective is to analyse the association between long term ozone exposure and
      cardiovascular related mortality while accounting for climate, location, and
      socioeconomic factors. We assigned subjects with 16 years of follow-up in the
      Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort (CanCHEC) to one of seven regions
      based on spatial synoptic classification (SSC) weather types and examined the
      interaction of exposure to both fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground level
      ozone and cause of death using survival analysis, while adjusting for
      socioeconomic characteristics and individual confounders. Correlations between
      ozone and PM2.5 varied across SSC zones from -0.02 to 0.7. Comparing zones using
      the most populated SSC zone as a reference, a 10 ppb increase in ozone exposure
      was associated with increases in hazard ratios (HRs) that ranged from 1.007 (95%
      CI 0.99, 1.015) to 1.03 (95% CI 1.02, 1.041) for cardiovascular disease, 1.013
      (95% CI 0.996, 1.03) to 1.058 (95% CI 1.034, 1.082) for cerebrovascular disease,
      and 1.02 (95% CI 1.006, 1.034) for ischemic heart disease. HRs remained
      significant after adjustment for PM2.5. Long term exposure to ozone is related to
      an increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases;
      the risk varies by location across Canada and is not attenuated by adjustment for
      PM2.5. This research shows that the SSC can be used to define geographic regions
      and it demonstrates the importance of accounting for that spatial variability
      when studying the long term health effects of air pollution. 

PMID- 27131820
TI  - Assessing the remobilization of Antimony in sediments by DGT: A case study in a
      tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir.
AB  - The Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) is one of the world's largest man-made
      hydropower projects, which has posed great challenges to the aquatic environment
      of the Yangtze River since the impoundment of water. As a non-essential toxic
      metalloid, information on the bioavailability of Antimony (Sb) in TGR sediments
      is lacking. Four sediment cores were collected from a tributary and the
      mainstream in the TGR to investigate the distribution and remobilization of Sb
      using the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique. The results showed
      that the concentrations of Sb obtained by DGT (CDGT-Sb) at all of the sampling
      stations were low (below 0.30 MUg/L), compared to the relatively high Sb
      concentrations in the sediments. The lateral and vertical distributions of CDGT
      Sb revealed different tendencies in overlying water and sediments at all of the
      sampling sites in the TGR, which may be attributed to anthropogenic impacts, the
      heterogeneity of sediments and the unevenness of the sediment-water interface
      (SWI) during the deployment of DGT probes. In addition, CDGT-Sb in the surface
      sediments were lower than those in the overlying water, and concentration
      gradients were found near the SWI, demonstrating that Sb has the potential to
      diffuse from the overlying water into the sediment. In the sediment cores,
      different peaks were discovered in the DGT probes and the remobilization of Sb
      simultaneously appeared in the vicinity of -10 cm. Correlation analysis showed
      that CDGT-Sb had no or negative correlation with CDGT-Fe and CDGT-Mn in all of
      the DGT probes, suggesting that the release of Sb was unassociated with Fe and Mn
      in the sediments in the study area. 

PMID- 27131821
TI  - Hepatic oxidative stress and metal subcellular partitioning are affected by
      selenium exposure in wild yellow perch (Perca flavescens).
AB  - Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) collected from 11 lakes in the Canadian mining
      regions of Sudbury (Ontario) and Rouyn-Noranda (Quebec) display wide ranges in
      the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and thallium (Tl)
      in their livers. To determine if these trace elements, as well as copper (Cu) and
      zinc (Zn), are causing oxidative stress in these fish, we measured three
      biochemical indicators (glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and
      thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS)) in their livers. We observed
      that 44% of the yellow perch that we collected were at risk of cellular oxidative
      stress and lipid peroxidation. Considering all fish from all lakes, higher liver
      Se concentrations were coincident with both lower proportions of GSSG compared to
      GSH and lower concentrations of TBARS, suggesting that the essential trace
      element Se acts as an antioxidant. Furthermore, fish suffering oxidative stress
      had higher proportions of Cd, Cu and Zn in potentially sensitive subcellular
      fractions (organelles and heat-denatured proteins) than did fish not suffering
      from stress. This result suggests that reactive oxygen species may oxidize metal
      binding proteins and thereby reduce the capacity of fish to safely bind trace
      metals. High Cd concentrations in metal-sensitive subcellular fractions likely
      further exacerbate the negative effects of lower Se exposure. 

PMID- 27131822
TI  - Subtleties of human exposure and response to chemical mixtures from spills.
AB  - Worldwide, chemical spills degrade drinking water quality and threaten human
      health through ingestion and inhalation. Spills are often mixtures of chemicals;
      thus, understanding the interaction of chemical and biological properties of the
      major and minor components is critical to assessing human exposure. The crude (4
      methylcyclohexyl)methanol (MCHM) spill provides an opportunity to assess such
      subtleties. This research determined the relative amounts, volatilization, and
      biological odor properties of minor components cis- and trans-methyl-4
      methylcyclohexanecarboxylate (MMCHC) isomers and major components cis- and trans
      4-MCHM, then compared properties and human exposure differences among them. (1)H
      nuclear magnetic resonance and chromatography revealed that the minor MMCHC
      isomers were about 1% of the major MCHM isomers. At typical showering temperature
      of 40  degrees C, Henry's law constants were 1.50 * 10(-2) and 2.23 * 10(-2) for
      cis- and trans-MMCHC, respectively, which is 20-50 fold higher than for 4-MCHM
      isomers. The odor thresholds were 1.83 and 0.02 ppb-v air for cis- and trans
      MMCHC, which were both described as predominantly sweet. These data are compared
      to the higher 120 ppb-v air and 0.06 ppb-v odor thresholds for cis- and trans-4
      MCHM, for which the trans-isomer had a dominant licorice descriptor. Application
      of a shower model demonstrated that while MMCHC isomers are only about 1% of the
      MCHM isomers, during showering, the MMCHC isomers are 13.8% by volume (16.3% by
      mass) because of their higher volatility. Trans-4-MCHM contributed about 82% of
      the odor because of higher volatility and lower odor threshold, trans-MMCHC,
      which represents 0.3% of the mass, contributed 18% of the odor. This study, with
      its unique human sensory component to assess exposure, reaffirmed that hazard
      assessment must not be based solely on relative concentration, but also consider
      the chemical fate, transport, and biological properties to determine the actual
      levels of exposure across different media. 

PMID- 27131823
TI  - Statewide surveillance of halogenated flame retardants in fish in Illinois, USA.
AB  - In order to better understand the exposure of aquatic systems to halogenated
      flame retardant contaminants, the present study investigated a variety of legacy
      and emerging flame retardants in common carp and largemouth bass collected from
      58 stations across Illinois (United States). The data revealed that
      polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) generally dominated the flame retardant
      residues in Illinois fish. Concentrations of SigmaPBDEs (including all detectable
      PBDE congeners) ranged from 24.7 to 8270 ng/g lipid weight (median: 135 ng/g lw)
      in common carp and 15-3870 ng/g lw (median: 360 ng/g lw) in largemouth bass. In
      addition to PBDEs, Dechlorane analogues (i.e. Dec-603, Dec-604, and Chlordane
      Plus) were also frequently detected. Median concentrations of SigmaDechloranes
      (including all detected Dechlorane analogues) were 34.4 and 23.3 ng/g lw in
      common carp and largemouth bass, respectively. Other emerging flame retardants,
      including tetrabromo-o-chlorotoluene (TBCT), hexabromobenzene (HBBZ), 2
      ethylhexyltetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB), and bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromo
      phthalate (BEH-TEBP), were also detected in 40-78% of the fish at the monitored
      stations. Spatial analysis revealed significantly greater PBDE concentrations in
      fish living in impaired urban streams and lakes compared to those from the
      impaired agricultural and unimpaired agricultural/urban waters, demonstrating a
      significant urban influence on PBDE contamination. Future studies and
      environmental monitoring are recommended to focus on temporal trends of PBDEs and
      alternative flame retardants, as well as human exposure risks via edible fishes,
      in the identified Areas of Concern within Illinois. 

PMID- 27131824
TI  - Ciprofloxacin residue and antibiotic-resistant biofilm bacteria in hospital
      effluent.
AB  - Discharge of antimicrobial residues and resistant bacteria in hospital effluents
      is supposed to have strong impacts on the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria
      in the environment. This study aimed to characterize the effluents of the Gabriel
      Montpied teaching hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France, by simultaneously measuring
      the concentration of ciprofloxacin and of biological indicators resistant to this
      molecule in biofilms formed in the hospital effluent and by comparing these data
      to ciprofloxacin consumption and resistant bacterial isolates of the hospital.
      Determination of the measured environmental concentration of ciprofloxacin by
      spot sampling and polar organic chemical integrative (POCIS) sampling over 2
      weeks, and comparison with predicted environmental concentrations produced a
      hazard quotient >1, indicating a potential ecotoxicological risk. A negative
      impact was also observed with whole hospital effluent samples using the
      Tetrahymena pyriformis biological model. During the same period, biofilms were
      formed within the hospital effluent, and analysis of ciprofloxacin-resistant
      isolates indicated that Gamma-Proteobacteria were numerous, predominantly
      Aeromonadaceae (69.56%) and Enterobacteriaceae (22.61%). Among the 115 isolates
      collected, plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone-resistant genes were detected, with
      mostly aac(6')-lb-cr and qnrS. In addition, 60% of the isolates were resistant to
      up to six antibiotics, including molecules mostly used in the hospital
      (aminosides and third-generation cephalosporins). In parallel, 1247 bacteria
      isolated from hospitalized patients and resistant to at least one of the
      fluoroquinolones were collected. Only 5 of the 14 species identified in the
      effluent biofilm were also found in the clinical isolates, but PFGE typing of the
      Gram-negative isolates found in both compartments showed there was no clonality
      among the strains. Altogether, these data confirm the role of hospital loads as
      sources of pollution for wastewater and question the role of environmental
      biofilms communities as efficient shelters for hospital-released resistance
      genes. 

PMID- 27131825
TI  - Atmospheric particulate matter (PM10) exposure-induced cell cycle arrest and
      apoptosis evasion through STAT3 activation via PKCzeta and Src kinases in lung
      cells.
AB  - Atmospheric particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <=10 MUm (PM10) is a
      risk factor for the development of lung cancer, but cellular pathways are not
      completely understood. STAT3 is a p21(Waf1/Cip1) transcription factor and is
      associated with proliferation and cell survival and is upregulated in lung
      cancer. PM10 exposure induces p21(Waf1/Cip1) expression, which could be related
      to STAT3 activation. The aims of this work were to investigate whether STAT3 was
      activated on lung epithelial cells after PM10 exposure and to determine whether
      or not STAT3 could have an impact on cell cycle distribution and cell survival.
      Our results showed that PM10 induced STAT3 activation through Src and PKCzeta
      kinases, and it is partially responsible for the p21(Waf1/Cip1) induction that
      was also observed. Moreover, PM10 induced G1-G0 cell cycle arrest. The inhibition
      of STAT3 phosphorylation prevented cell cycle arrest and triggered apoptosis.
      These results suggest that PM10 exposure might activate a survival pathway
      related to STAT3 activation, similar to what has been described as part of the
      immune system and apoptosis evasion during tumor promotion and development. 

PMID- 27131826
TI  - The High Impact of Penicillin Allergy Registration in Hospitalized Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suspected penicillin allergy (Pen-A) is often not verified or
      excluded by diagnostic testing. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and impact of
      Pen-A registration in a Dutch University Medical Center. METHODS: In a
      prospective matched cohort study, all admitted patients (July 2013-July 2014) who
      underwent a pharmacotherapeutic interview were selected. Patients with a
      registered Pen-A were matched on age, sex, and department of admission with up to
      3 patients without a registered Pen-A. Relative risks (RRs) of receiving a
      reserve antibiotic, death during hospitalization, and rehospitalization were
      compared in the 2 cohorts. The number and type of antibiotics prescribed during
      admission and duration of hospitalization were compared. RESULTS: Of 17,959
      patients, 1010 (5.6%) patients (66.7% women; median age, 55 years) had a Pen-A
      registration. These patients had a higher risk of receiving reserve antibiotics
      (RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.22-1.56) and of being rehospitalized within 12 weeks (RR,
      1.28; 95% CI, 1.10-1.49). A significantly larger proportion of Pen-A registered
      patients received reserve antibiotics such as tetracyclines (1.8% vs 0.8%),
      macrolides/lincosamides/streptogramins (12.5% vs 4.9%), and quinolones (7.9% vs
      4.3%) or received 2 or more types of antibiotics during hospitalization (21.7% vs
      16.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of Pen-A registration in hospitalized patients is
      high, has high impact on antibiotic prescribing, and is associated with a higher
      risk of readmission. Verification of the Pen-A in hospitalized patients might
      restrict the use of reserve antibiotics and improve patient outcome.

PMID- 27131827
TI  - Subcutaneous administration of liraglutide ameliorates learning and memory
      impairment by modulating tau hyperphosphorylation via the glycogen synthase
      kinase-3beta pathway in an amyloid beta protein induced alzheimer disease mouse
      model.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The
      glucagon-like peptide-1 analog liraglutide, a novel long-lasting incretin
      hormone, has been used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition,
      liraglutide has been shown to be neurotrophic and neuroprotective. Here, we
      investigated the effects of liraglutide on amyloid beta protein (Abeta)-induced
      AD in mice and explored its mechanism of action. The results showed that
      subcutaneous administration of liraglutide (25nmol/day), once daily for 8 weeks,
      prevented memory impairments in the Y Maze and Morris Water Maze following Abeta1
      42 intracerebroventricular injection, and alleviated the ultra-structural changes
      of pyramidal neurons and chemical synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region.
      Furthermore, liraglutide reduced Abeta1-42-induced tau phosphorylation via the
      protein kinase B and glycogen synthase kinase-3beta pathways. Thus liraglutide
      may alleviate cognitive impairment in AD by at least decreasing the
      phosphorylation of tau. 

PMID- 27131828
TI  - The role of transcranial magnetic stimulation in evaluation of motor cortex
      excitability in Rett syndrome.
AB  - Rett syndrome (RTT) is a frequent neurodevelopmental disorder confirmed by
      clinical criteria and supported by the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2)
      mutation. A short central motor conduction time (CMCT) was reported in
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies performed in RTT. This was
      attributed to hyperexcitability of the motor cortex and/or spinal motor neurons,
      but was not studied further. AIM: We performed TMS in RTT to evaluate motor
      cortex excitability by determining the cortical motor threshold (CMT) and motor
      cortex inhibition by the cortical silent period (CSP) besides measuring CMCT.
      METHODS: Single-pulse TMS was performed in 17 Rett patients, diagnosed by
      clinical criteria and MECP2 mutation testing, and the same number of healthy
      controls. The outcome measures were compared between RTT groups with different
      antiepileptic drugs (AED) and those with and without the MECP2 mutation. RESULTS:
      CMCT was shorter, but we found elevated CMT and shorter CSP, which suggests
      decreased excitatory and inhibitory motor cortical function. The outcome was
      independent of AED and the presence or absence of the MECP2 mutation.
      INTERPRETATION: Decreased excitatory and inhibitory motor cortical function could
      explain the short CMCT, with higher stimulus intensities needed to excite
      pyramidal neurons.

PMID- 27131829
TI  - Effects of donepezil on brain morphometric and metabolic changes in patients with
      Alzheimer's disease: A DARTEL-based VBM and (1)H-MRS.
AB  - A few studies have performed on the brain morphometric changes over the whole
      brain structure following donepezil treatment in patients with Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). We evaluated the gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volume
      alterations and cellular metabolic changes in patients with AD before and after
      donepezil treatment, and further to reveal the correlations of the scores of
      various neuropsychological scales with the volumetric and metabolic changes.
      Twenty-one subjects comprising of 11 patients with AD and 10 age-matched healthy
      controls participated in this study. All of the patients participated in the
      follow-up study 24weeks following donepezil treatment. In this study, a
      combination of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and proton magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) was used to assess the brain morphometric and metabolic
      alterations in AD. In the GM volumetric analysis, both of the untreated and
      treated patients with donepezil showed significantly reduced volumes in the
      hippocampus (Hip), parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), precuneus (PCu) and middle
      frontal gyrus compared with healthy controls. However, donepezil-treated patients
      showed significantly increased volumes in the Hip, PCu, fusiform gyrus and
      caudate nucleus compared to untreated patients. In the WM volumetric analysis,
      untreated and treated patients showed significant volume reductions in the
      posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC), cerebral peduncle of the midbrain and
      PHG compared to healthy controls. However, there was no significant WM
      morphological change after donepezil treatment in patients with AD. In MRS study,
      untreated patients with AD showed decreased N-acetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr)
      and increased myo-inositol (mI)/Cr compared to healthy controls, while treated
      patients showed only decreased NAA/Cr in the same comparison. However, the
      treated patients showed simultaneously increased NAA/Cr and decreased mI/Cr and
      choline (Cho)/Cr ratios compared to untreated patients. This study shows the
      regional GM and WM volume changes in combination with metabolic changes following
      donepezil treatment in AD. These findings would be helpful to aid our
      understanding of the neuroanatomical mechanisms associated with effects of
      donepezil on the cognitive function in AD.

PMID- 27131831
TI  - Learning of speckle statistics for in vivo and noninvasive characterization of
      cutaneous wound regions using laser speckle contrast imaging.
AB  - Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) provides a noninvasive and cost effective
      solution for in vivo monitoring of blood flow. So far, most of the researches
      consider changes in speckle pattern (i.e. correlation time of speckle intensity
      fluctuation), account for relative change in blood flow during abnormal
      conditions. This paper introduces an application of LSCI for monitoring wound
      progression and characterization of cutaneous wound regions on mice model.
      Speckle images are captured on a tumor wound region at mice leg in periodic
      interval. Initially, raw speckle images are converted to their corresponding
      contrast images. Functional characterization begins with first segmenting the
      affected area using k-means clustering, taking wavelet energies in a local region
      as feature set. In the next stage, different regions in wound bed are clustered
      based on progressive and non-progressive nature of tissue properties. Changes in
      contrast due to heterogeneity in tissue structure and functionality are modeled
      using LSCI speckle statistics. Final characterization is achieved through
      supervised learning of these speckle statistics using support vector machine. On
      cross evaluation with mice model experiment, the proposed approach classifies the
      progressive and non-progressive wound regions with an average sensitivity of
      96.18%, 97.62% and average specificity of 97.24%, 96.42% respectively. The
      clinical information yield with this approach is validated with the conventional
      immunohistochemistry result of wound to justify the ability of LSCI for in vivo,
      noninvasive and periodic assessment of wounds.

PMID- 27131830
TI  - The role of the melanoma gene MC1R in Parkinson disease and REM sleep behavior
      disorder.
AB  - The MC1R gene, suggested to be involved in Parkinson disease (PD) and melanoma,
      was sequenced in PD patients (n = 539) and controls (n = 265) from New York, and
      PD patients (n = 551), rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) patients
      (n = 351), and controls (n = 956) of European ancestry. Sixty-eight MC1R variants
      were identified, including 7 common variants with frequency > 0.01. None of the
      common variants was associated with PD or RBD in the different regression models.
      In a meta-analysis with fixed-effect model, the p.R160W variant was associated
      with an increased risk for PD (odds ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.02
      1.47, p = 0.03) but with significant heterogeneity (p = 0.048). Removing one
      study that introduced the heterogeneity resulted in nonsignificant association
      (odds ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval, 0.92-1.35, p = 0.27, heterogeneity p
      = 0.57). Rare variants had similar frequencies in patients and controls (10.54%
      and 10.15%, respectively, p = 0.75), and no cumulative effect of carrying more
      than one MC1R variant was found. The present study does not support a role for
      the MC1R p.R160W and other variants in susceptibility for PD or RBD.

PMID- 27131832
TI  - Topical menthol increases cutaneous blood flow.
AB  - Menthol, the active ingredient in several topically applied analgesics, activates
      transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) receptors on sensory nerves and
      on the vasculature inducing a cooling sensation on the skin. Ilex paraguariensis
      is also a common ingredient in topical analgesics that has potential vasoactive
      properties and may alter the mechanisms of action of menthol. We sought to
      characterize the microvascular effects of topical menthol and ilex application
      and to determine the mechanism(s) through which these compounds may independently
      and combined alter cutaneous blood flow. We hypothesized that menthol would
      induce vasoconstriction and that ilex would not alter skin blood flow (SkBF).
      Three separate protocols were conducted to examine menthol and ilex-mediated
      changes in SkBF. In protocol 1, placebo, 4% menthol, 0.7% ilex, and combination
      menthol+ilex gels were applied separately to the skin and red cell flux was
      continuously measured utilizing laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). In
      protocol 2, seven concentrations of menthol gel (0.04%, 0.4%, 1%, 2%, 4%, 7%, 8%)
      were applied to the skin to model the dose-response curve. In protocol 3,
      placebo, menthol, ilex, and menthol+ilex gels were applied to skin under local
      thermal control (34 degrees C) both with and without sensory nerve blockage
      (topical lidocaine 4%). Post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) and local
      heating (42 degrees C) protocols were conducted to determine the relative
      contribution of endothelium derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs)/sensory
      nerves and nitric oxide (NO), respectively. Red cell flux was normalized to mean
      arterial pressure expressed as cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC: flux.mmHg(
      1)) in all protocols. Topical menthol application increased SkBF compared to
      placebo (3.41+/-0.33 vs 1.1+/-0.19CVC: p<0.001). During the dose-response, SkBF
      increased with increasing doses of menthol (main effect, p<0.05) with an ED50 of
      1.0%. Similarly, SkBF was increased after menthol application during PORH (3.62+/
      0.29 vs. 2.50+/-0.21flux.mmHg(-1); p<0.001), but not local heating (2.98+/-0.24
      vs 2.86+/-0.32flux.mmHg(-1); p=0.44). Concurrent sensory nerve inhibition
      attenuated menthol-mediated vasodilation at thermoneutral baseline (1.29+/
      0.19flux.mmHg(-1); p<0.001) and during PORH (2.79+/-0.28flux.mmHg(-1); p<0.001),
      but not during local heating (3.45+/-0.21flux.mmHg(-1); p=0.1). Topically applied
      menthol, but not ilex, dose-dependently increases blood flow in the cutaneous
      microvasculature. This increase in blood flow is mediated, in-part by sensory
      nerves and EDHFs.

PMID- 27131834
TI  - Ischemic Stroke of the Spinal Cord: A Pediatric Emergency in an Otherwise Healthy
      Child.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal cord infarctions in children are rare, with few cases reported
      in the literature. Recognition is challenging, as children's clinical
      presentations and underlying pathological processes differ from those of adults.
      Most reported cases are in children with predisposing medical conditions, but
      spinal cord strokes can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. CASE REPORT: A 10
      year-old boy with no significant medical history presented with progressive left
      sided weakness and neck pain. He was diagnosed with ischemic infarction of his
      inferior medulla and cervical spinal cord. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE
      AWARE OF THIS?: Ischemic stroke of the spinal cord should be considered in
      children with clinical weakness, even in the absence of risk factors.

PMID- 27131833
TI  - New methods for cooling and storing oocytes and embryos in a clean environment of
      -196 degrees C.
AB  - It is well documented that oocyte vitrification using open systems provides
      better results than closed systems. However, its use is limited owing to risks of
      contamination posed by direct exposure to liquid nitrogen and cross-contamination
      when stored in liquid nitrogen tanks. A device that produces clean liquid air
      (CLAir) having similar a temperature as liquid nitrogen and a sterile storage
      canister device (Esther) that keeps samples sealed in their own compartment while
      in regular liquid nitrogen tanks were developed. The following experiments were
      performed: temperature measurements, bioburden tests, vitrification and storage
      experiments with mice embryos and human oocytes. Results showed similar cooling
      rates for liquid nitrogen and liquid air. Bioburden tests of CLAir and Esther
      showed no contamination, while massive contamination was found in "commercial"
      liquid nitrogen and storage canisters. Mice blastocysts had a survival rate of
      over 90%, with 80% hatching rate after vitirification in CLAir and 1 week storage
      in Esther, similar to the fresh (control) results. Human oocytes vitrified in
      CLAir and in liquid nitrogen for three consecutive vitrification/warming cycles
      showed 100% survival, seen as re-expansion in both groups. These new systems
      represent a breakthrough for safe vitrification using open systems and a safe
      storage process generally. 

PMID- 27131835
TI  - Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein (TXNIP) Suppresses Expression of Glutamine
      Synthetase by Inducing Oxidative Stress in Retinal Muller Glia Under Diabetic
      Conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease
      with early-stage symptoms such as dysfunction of Muller cells, which leads to
      ganglion cell death. Its pathogenesis is probably associated with oxidative
      stress and a recently discovered protein, thioredoxin-interacting protein
      (TXNIP). MATERIAL AND METHODS To explore the role of TXNIP in DR, we cultured
      Muller cells under diabetic conditions, and then used immunohistochemistry,
      Western blot, and RT-PCR to detect the expression level of TXNIP under diabetic
      conditions. We demonstrated the expression level of glutamine synthetase (GS)
      when TXNIP was inhibited. To explore the potential pathway of TXNIP-induced cell
      damage in DR, we confirmed the role of IL-1beta under diabetic conditions.
      RESULTS Diabetes induces TXNIP expressions at mRNA levels, but shows the opposite
      effect on GS. IL-1beta plays an important role in this pathway. Azaserine
      effectively increased the expression of GS via attenuating the expression of
      TXNIP. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the role of TXNIP and its mechanism in
      DR, provides a possible treatment for DR, and lays a new theoretical foundation
      for the clinical treatment of DR and other diabetic microvascular changes. 

PMID- 27131836
TI  - Monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus suis in the
      Netherlands, 2013-2015.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to analyse the in vitro antimicrobial
      susceptibility of Streptococcus suis isolates from post-mortem samples from pigs
      in the Netherlands. S. suis isolates originated from diagnostic submissions of
      pigs sent to the Pathology Department of GD Animal Health, from April 2013 till
      June 2015. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of in total 15 antimicrobials
      were assessed by broth microdilution following CLSI recommendations. MIC50 and
      MIC90 values were determined and MICs were interpreted as susceptible,
      intermediate and resistant using CLSI veterinary breakpoints (when available).
      Emergence of resistance among S. suis (n=1163) derived from clinical submissions
      of pigs appeared to be limited. Resistance to ampicillin, ceftiofur, clindamycin,
      enrofloxacin, florfenicol, penicillin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and
      tetracycline was 0.3%, 0.5%, 48.1%, 0.6%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 3.0%, and 78.4%,
      respectively. Cross-resistance between penicillin and ampicillin appeared to be
      incomplete. MIC values of erythromycin, clindamycin, neomycin, penicillin and
      tilmicosin for isolates originating from grower/finisher pigs were significantly
      more often lower than the MIC values of isolates from suckling/weaned piglets. It
      has to be kept in mind that these results represent only part of the Dutch pig
      population and it can be discussed whether this is a representative sample.
      Interpretation of the MIC results of (clinically relevant) antimicrobials tested
      for treatment of S. suis infection is strongly hampered by the lack of CLSI
      defined veterinary clinical breakpoints that are animal species- and body site
      specific. Therefore, and to conduct a clinically reliable monitoring of
      antimicrobial susceptibility of veterinary pathogens, more species- and organ
      specific veterinary breakpoints are urgently needed.

PMID- 27131837
TI  - Exaggerated blood pressure response to early stages of exercise stress testing
      and presence of hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Exaggerated exercise blood pressure (EEBP) recorded during exercise
      testing at moderate-intensity is independently associated with cardiovascular
      mortality. It is hypothesized that EEBP may be indicative of underlying
      hypertension unnoticed by standard clinic (resting) BP measures (thus explaining
      increased mortality risk), but this has never been confirmed by association with
      hypertension defined using ambulatory BP monitoring, which was the aim of this
      study. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: 100 consecutive patients free from
      coronary artery disease (aged 56+/-9 years, 72% male) underwent clinically
      indicated exercise stress testing. Exercise BP was recorded at each stage of the
      Bruce protocol. Presence of hypertension was defined as 24-hour systolic BP
      >=130mmHg or daytime systolic BP >=135mmHg. RESULTS: Exercise systolic BP at
      stage 1 and 2 of the test was significantly associated with the presence of
      hypertension (P<0.05), with the strongest association observed between stage 1
      exercise systolic BP and 24-h systolic BP >130mmHg (AUC=0.752, 95% CI's 0.649
      0.846, P<0.001). 79% of participants achieving systolic BP >=150mmHg at stage 1
      of the test were classified as having hypertension, with systolic BP >150mmHg
      predicting hypertension independently of age, sex and in-clinic hypertension
      status (OR=4.83, 95% CI's 1.62-14.39, P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of
      resting BP, systolic BP >=150mmHg during early stages of the Bruce exercise
      stress test is associated with presence of hypertension. EEBP should be a warning
      signal to health/exercise professionals on the presence of hypertension and the
      need to provide follow up care to reduce cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 27131838
TI  - Anal incontinence and vesico-sphincter events in systemic sclerosis: An
      epidemiologic bicentric cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency and severity of anal incontinence and vesico
      sphincter events, associated factors, and impact on the quality of life of
      patients with systemic sclerosis. METHODS: Questionnaires assessing anal
      incontinence (Miller score), vesico-sphincter events (Urogenital Distress
      Inventory) and quality of life [Short Form Health Survey 36v2 (SF-36), and
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale] were mailed to 139 patients with systemic
      sclerosis at the university hospitals of Besancon and Poitiers, France. Clinical
      data were collected from the medical records to identify risk factors. RESULTS:
      Among the 121 (87%) responders, severe vesico-sphincter events or severe anal
      incontinence occurred in 3.4% and 12.4% of cases, respectively. Frequent
      urination (66.3%) and anal incontinence to gas (50.4%) were the most frequent
      symptoms. Anal incontinence was associated positively with vesico-sphincter
      events, unrelated to obstetrical factors. No correlations were seen with age,
      sex, or systemic sclerosis characteristics. In multivariate analysis, moderate or
      severe vesico-sphincter events was associated with higher anxiety and depression
      scores and lower SF-36 scores; the same results were observed for anal
      incontinence, but did not reach significance. CONCLUSION: Vesico-sphincter events
      and anal incontinence are common in systemic sclerosis, and sometimes severe,
      with a potential negative impact in quality of life. These results will be
      confirmed by a case-control study with dynamic and manometric assessment, and
      could legitimate a systematic screening to ensure early therapy and
      multidisciplinary individual management.

PMID- 27131839
TI  - Diagnostic Accuracy of Computer-Aided Assessment of Intranodal Vascularity in
      Distinguishing Different Causes of Cervical Lymphadenopathy.
AB  - Ultrasound is useful in assessing cervical lymphadenopathy. Advancement of
      computer science technology allows accurate and reliable assessment of medical
      images. The aim of the study described here was to evaluate the diagnostic
      accuracy of computer-aided assessment of the intranodal vascularity index (VI) in
      differentiating the various common causes of cervical lymphadenopathy. Power
      Doppler sonograms of 347 patients (155 with metastasis, 23 with lymphoma, 44 with
      tuberculous lymphadenitis, 125 reactive) with palpable cervical lymph nodes were
      reviewed. Ultrasound images of cervical nodes were evaluated, and the intranodal
      VI was quantified using a customized computer program. The diagnostic accuracy of
      using the intranodal VI to distinguish different disease groups was evaluated and
      compared. Metastatic and lymphomatous lymph nodes tend to be more vascular than
      tuberculous and reactive lymph nodes. The intranodal VI had the highest
      diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing metastatic and tuberculous nodes with a
      sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 73%, positive predictive value of 91%,
      negative predictive value of 51% and overall accuracy of 68% when a cutoff VI of
      22% was used. Computer-aided assessment provides an objective and quantitative
      way to evaluate intranodal vascularity. The intranodal VI is a useful parameter
      in distinguishing certain causes of cervical lymphadenopathy and is particularly
      useful in differentiating metastatic and tuberculous lymph nodes. However, it has
      limited value in distinguishing lymphomatous nodes from metastatic and reactive
      nodes.

PMID- 27131840
TI  - Low-Frequency Ultrasound Enhances Antimicrobial Activity of Colistin-Vancomycin
      Combination against Pan-Resistant Biofilm of Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms in catheters are very difficult to treat. Low
      frequency ultrasound (LFU) may improve bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity.
      However, no previous studies have been reported on its efficacy against pan
      resistant biofilms of A. baumannii. This study was designed to investigate
      whether LFU can enhance the activity of colistin, vancomycin and colistin
      vancomycin combinations against pan-resistant biofilms of A. baumannii. The
      efficacy of colistin combinations was determined using the fractional inhibitory
      concentration index (FICI). The antibacterial effect was determined from bacteria
      counts in biofilms and the establishment of 24-h time-kill curves. A
      significantly synergistic effect was detected between colistin and vancomycin
      (FICI <0.05). We found that although application of LFU (40 kHz, 600 mW/cm(2), 30
      min, duty cycle 1:9) alone or in combination with a single agent failed to
      significantly reduce bacteria counts in biofilms, it apparently enhanced the
      antibacterial effectiveness of combinations of these agents. Moreover, higher
      concentrations of colistin in the combination treatments resulted in a better
      ultrasound-enhanced antibacterial effect. In 24-h time-kill curves, the
      combination of colistin (8 MUg/mL) plus vancomycin (4 MUg/mL) with LFU caused a
      significant reduction in bacteria counts in biofilms after 8 h and a continuing
      decline until 24 h. Bacterial counts were reduced by 3.77 log(CFU/mL) by LFU plus
      combinations, compared with combinations without LFU at 24 h. Our results
      indicate that LFU in combination with colistin plus vancomycin may be useful in
      treating pan-resistant A. baumannii infections.

PMID- 27131841
TI  - Breast Lesions Evaluated by Color-Coded Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI)
      Imaging.
AB  - The goal of our study was to investigate the value of color-coded Virtual Touch
      tissue imaging (VTI) using acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology in
      the characterization of breast lesions and to compare it with conventional
      ultrasound (US). Conventional US and color-coded VTI were performed in 196 solid
      breast lesions in 196 consecutive women (age range 17-91 y; mean 48.17 +/- 14.46
      y). A four-point scale VTI score was assigned for each lesion according to the
      color pattern both in the lesion and in the surrounding breast tissue. The mean
      VTI score was significantly higher for malignant lesions (3.80 +/- 0.66, range 1
      4) than for benign ones (2.02 +/- 1.20, range 1-4) (p < 0.001), and the optimal
      cut-off value was between score 3 and score 4. The area under the receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve for combined conventional US and VTI (0.945)
      was significantly higher than that for conventional US (0.902) and for VTI
      (0.871) (p = 0.0021 and p < 0.001, respectively). It was concluded that color
      coded VTI with the proposed four-point scale score system combined with
      conventional US might have the potential to aid in the characterization of benign
      and malignant breast lesions.

PMID- 27131842
TI  - Changes in chloroplast lipid contents and chloroplast ultrastructure in Sulla
      carnosa and Sulla coronaria leaves under salt stress.
AB  - The possible involvement of chloroplast lipids in the mechanisms of NaCl
      tolerance was studied in leaves of two varieties of Fabaceae: Sulla carnosa and
      Sulla coronaria, which were subjected to 200mM NaCl over 20days. Changes in
      membrane lipid peroxidation, chloroplast lipids content, fatty acids (FA)
      composition and the ultrastructure of chloroplasts under salt stress were
      investigated. Chloroplast lipids were separated and quantified by high
      performance liquid chromatography coupled to evaporative light scattering
      detection (HPLC/ELSD). The results showed that salinity induced a significant
      decrease in digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and
      sulfoquinovosylglycerol (SQDG) content in both S. carnosa and S. coronaria
      leaves, whereas monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) content did not change
      significantly in S. carnosa leaves. The MGDG/DGDG ratio remained stable in S.
      coronaria leaves but increased in those of S. carnosa. In addition, the
      unsaturated-to-saturated fatty acids ratio (UFAs:SFAs) did not change under salt
      stress in S. coronaria leaves, while it decreased significantly in S. carnosa
      leaves. Moreover, salinity did not induce significant changes in MGDG and DGDG
      unsaturation level in S. carnosa leaves, in contrast to S. coronaria, in which
      salinity seems to enhance the unsaturation level in MGDG, DGDG and PG.
      Furthermore, the level of membrane lipid peroxidation, as expressed by
      malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased at 200mM in S. carnosa leaves, while it
      did not change significantly in those of S. coronaria. With respect to the
      ultrastructure of chloroplasts at 200mM NaCl, investigated by transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM), salt-stress caused the swelling of thylakoids in S.
      carnosa mesophyll. These ultrastructural changes were observed especially in the
      spongy tissue in S. coronaria. Taken together, these findings suggest that the
      stability of MGDG/DGDG ratio, the unchanged unsaturation level, and increasing
      unsaturation level in MGDG, DGDG and PG may be effective to some degree in
      suppressing the ultrastructural damage caused by salinity effects and may
      contribute to protect the chloroplast membrane integrity against salt stress. 

PMID- 27131843
TI  - Ischemia reperfusion injury as a modifiable therapeutic target for
      cardioprotection or neuroprotection in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation.
AB  - AIMS: We sought to review cellular changes that occur with reperfusion to try to
      understand whether ischemia-reperfusion injury (RI) is a potentially modifiable
      therapeutic target for cardioprotection or neuroprotection in patients undergoing
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation. DATA SOURCES: Articles written in English and
      published in PubMed. RESULTS: Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) involves brief
      episodes of non-lethal ischemia and reperfusion applied to an organ or limb
      distal to the heart and brain. Induction of hypothermia involves cooling an
      ischemic organ or body. Both have pluripotent effects that reduce the potential
      harm associated with RI in the heart and brain by reduced opening of the
      mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Recent trials of RIC and induced
      hypothermia did not demonstrate these treatments to be effective. Assessment of
      the effect of these interventions in humans to date may have been modified by use
      of concurrent medications including propofol. CONCLUSIONS: Ongoing research is
      necessary to assess whether reduction of RI improves patient outcomes.

PMID- 27131844
TI  - Comparison of team-focused CPR vs standard CPR in resuscitation from out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest: Results from a statewide quality improvement initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Team-focused CPR (TFCPR) is a choreographed approach to
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with emphasis on minimally interrupted high
      quality chest compressions, early defibrillation, discourages endotracheal
      intubation and encourages use of the bag-valve-mask (BVM) and/or blind-insertion
      airway device (BIAD) with a ventilation rate of 8-10 breaths/min to minimize
      hyperventilation. Widespread incorporation of TFCPR in North Carolina (NC) EMS
      agencies began in 2011, yet its impact on outcomes is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine whether TFCPR improves survival with good neurological outcome in out
      of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients compared to standard CPR. METHODS:
      This retrospective cohort analysis of NC EMS agencies reporting data to the
      Cardiac Arrest Registry for Enhanced Survival (CARES) database from January 2010
      to June 2014 included adult, non-traumatic OHCA with presumed cardiac etiology
      where EMS performed CPR or patient received defibrillation. Exclusions were
      arrest terminated per EMS policy or DNR. EMS agencies self-reported the TFCPR
      implementation dates. Patients were categorized as receiving either TFCPR or
      standard CPR. The primary outcome was good neurologic outcome at time of hospital
      discharge defined as Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) 1-2. RESULTS:
      Of 14,994 OHCAs, 14,129 patients were included for analysis with a mean age 65
      (IQR 50-81) years, 61% male, 7.3% with good neurologic outcome, 24.3% with
      shockable initial rhythm, and 71.5% receiving TFCPR. Of the 3427 (24.3%) with an
      initial shockable rhythm, 739 (71.9%) had a good neurological outcome. Good
      neurologic outcome was higher with TFCPR [836 (8.3%, 95%CI 7.7-8.8%)] vs.
      standard CPR [193 (4.8%, 95%CI 4.2-5.5%)]. Logistic regression controlling for
      demographic and arrest characteristics revealed TFCPR (OR 1.5), witnessed arrest
      (OR 4.3), initial shockable rhythm (OR 7.1), and in-hospital hypothermia (OR 3.3)
      were associated with good neurologic outcome. Mechanical CPR device (OR 0.68),
      CPR feedback device (OR 0.47), and endotracheal intubation (OR 0.44) were
      associated with less likelihood for a good neurologic outcome. CONCLUSION: In our
      statewide OHCA cohort, TFCPR was associated with improved survival with good
      neurological outcome.

PMID- 27131845
TI  - Innovative cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator
      programs in schools: Results from the Student Program for Olympic Resuscitation
      Training in Schools (SPORTS) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rates are low. Our
      study objective was to encourage Philadelphia high school students to develop
      CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) training programs and to assess their
      efficacy. The focus was on developing innovative ways to learn the skills of
      CPR/AED use, increasing willingness to respond in an emergency, and retention of
      effective psychomotor resuscitation skills. METHODS AND RESULTS: Health education
      classes in 15 Philadelphia School District high schools were selected, with one
      Control and one Study Class per school. Both completed CPR/AED pre- and post
      tests to assess cognitive knowledge and psychomotor skills. After pre-tests, both
      were taught CPR skills and AED use by their health teacher. Study Classes
      developed innovative programs to learn, teach, and retain CPR/AED skills. The
      study culminated with Study Classes competing in multiple CPR/AED skills events
      at the CPR/AED Olympic event. Outcomes included post-tests, Mock Code, and
      presentation scores. All students' cognitive and psychomotor skills improved with
      standard classroom education (p<0.001). Competition with other schools at the
      CPR/AED Olympics and the development of their own student-directed education
      programs resulted in remarkable retention of psychomotor skill scores in the
      Study Class (88%) vs the Control Class (79%) (p<0.001). Olympic participants
      averaged 93.1% on the Mock Code with 10 of 12 schools >=94%. CONCLUSION: Students
      who developed creative and novel methods of teaching and learning resuscitation
      skills showed outstanding application of these skills in a Mock Code with
      remarkable psychomotor skill retention, potentially empowering a new generation
      of effectively trained CPR bystanders.

PMID- 27131846
TI  - Lobectomy versus stereotactic body radiotherapy in healthy patients with stage I
      lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Stereotactic body radiotherapy is an effective treatment for patients
      with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who are not healthy enough to undergo
      surgery; however, the relative efficacy versus surgery in healthy patients is
      unknown. The National Cancer Database contains information on patient health and
      eligibility for surgery, allowing the long-term survival associated with
      lobectomy and stereotactic body radiotherapy to be compared in healthy patients
      with clinical stage I disease. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried
      for patients who underwent lobectomy or stereotactic body radiotherapy for
      clinical stage I lung cancer between 2008 and 2012. Healthy patients were
      selected by excluding patients not offered surgery because of health-related
      reasons and only including patients documented to be free of comorbidities.
      RESULTS: A total of 13,562 comorbidity-free patients with clinical stage I lung
      cancer treated with lobectomy were compared with 1781 patients treated with
      stereotactic body radiotherapy. Time-stratified Cox proportional hazards models
      found lobectomy to be associated with a significantly better outcome than
      stereotactic body radiotherapy for both T1N0M0 tumors (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.33-0.43; P < .001) and T2N0M0 tumors 5 cm or less (hazard
      ratio, 0.38; confidence interval, 0.31-0.46; P < .001). In a propensity-matched
      analysis of 1781 pairs, lobectomy remained superior to stereotactic body
      radiotherapy (5-year survival 59% vs 29%, P < .001). Furthermore, when the subset
      of stereotactic patients who had refused a recommended surgery (n = 229) were
      propensity matched to lobectomy patients, lobectomy was associated with improved
      survival (5-year survival 58% vs 40%, P = .010). CONCLUSIONS: Among healthy
      patients with clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer in the National Cancer
      Database, lobectomy is associated with a significantly better outcome than
      stereotactic body radiotherapy. Further study is warranted to clarify the
      comparative effectiveness of surgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy across
      various strata of patient health.

PMID- 27131847
TI  - Late durability of decellularized allografts for aortic valve replacement: A word
      of caution.

PMID- 27131848
TI  - "Single coronary" in transposition of the great arteries: Why are we still
      talking about it?

PMID- 27131849
TI  - Don't look now! Risk stratify first.

PMID- 27131850
TI  - Index-matched measurements of the effect of cartilaginous rings on
      tracheobronchial flow.
AB  - We present a comparison of the flow characteristics in an idealized smooth
      trachea model and a second model which has a roughness simulating cartilaginous
      rings. We use refractive index-matched particle image velocimetry (PIV) to
      measure the velocity field in a two-generation model of the trachea and main
      bronchi. The flow rate has a trachea-based Reynolds number Re=2800, which is
      comparable to a resting state. Our results show considerable differences between
      both cases, the most important of which is the size and magnitude of
      recirculation zones at the inlet of both bronchi. The smooth case shows a larger
      separation bubble at the bronchi entrance, which may retain aerosols and have
      different effects on particles of different sizes. Furthermore, the smooth case
      displays a higher vorticity along the bottom walls of the bronchi, while a higher
      vorticity is seen along the trachea walls in the 'ringed' model. These findings
      suggest that modeling the trachea and main bronchi as smooth tubes may not be
      justified, since the flow conditions in lower generations will be affected by
      these differences.

PMID- 27131851
TI  - Sensitivity of subject-specific models to Hill muscle-tendon model parameters in
      simulations of gait.
AB  - Subject-specific musculoskeletal (MS) models of the lower extremity are essential
      for applications such as predicting the effects of orthopedic surgery. We
      performed an extensive sensitivity analysis to assess the effects of potential
      errors in Hill muscle-tendon (MT) model parameters for each of the 56 MT parts
      contained in a state-of-the-art MS model. We used two metrics, namely a Local
      Sensitivity Index (LSI) and an Overall Sensitivity Index (OSI), to distinguish
      the effect of the perturbation on the predicted force produced by the perturbed
      MT parts and by all the remaining MT parts, respectively, during a simulated gait
      cycle. Results indicated that sensitivity of the model depended on the specific
      role of each MT part during gait, and not merely on its size and length. Tendon
      slack length was the most sensitive parameter, followed by maximal isometric
      muscle force and optimal muscle fiber length, while nominal pennation angle
      showed very low sensitivity. The highest sensitivity values were found for the MT
      parts that act as prime movers of gait (Soleus: average OSI=5.27%, Rectus
      Femoris: average OSI=4.47%, Gastrocnemius: average OSI=3.77%, Vastus Lateralis:
      average OSI=1.36%, Biceps Femoris Caput Longum: average OSI=1.06%) and hip
      stabilizers (Gluteus Medius: average OSI=3.10%, Obturator Internus: average
      OSI=1.96%, Gluteus Minimus: average OSI=1.40%, Piriformis: average OSI=0.98%),
      followed by the Peroneal muscles (average OSI=2.20%) and Tibialis Anterior
      (average OSI=1.78%) some of which were not included in previous sensitivity
      studies. Finally, the proposed priority list provides quantitative information to
      indicate which MT parts and which MT parameters should be estimated most
      accurately to create detailed and reliable subject-specific MS models.

PMID- 27131852
TI  - The effect of introspection on judgment and decision making is dependent on the
      quality of conscious thinking.
AB  - That introspection may impair certain judgments and result in fabrication has
      been attributed to a distracting shift from more adaptive intuitive processing to
      more analytic and conscious processing. This phenomenon was studied in an
      experiment where participants made multidimensional visual choices. It was found
      that the effect of this shift on decision-making performance was dependent on the
      quality of the explanations during introspection, while the performance in silent
      conditions was not. Therefore, it appears that the effect of introspection on
      judgments is not only influenced by the thinking mode per se, but also by the
      individual's ability to approach the decision problem analytically.

PMID- 27131853
TI  - Daughter and mother with orofaciodigital syndrome type 1 and glomerulocystic
      kidney disease.
AB  - A 35-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of end-stage
      renal failure. Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasonography and magnetic
      resonance imaging, showed polycystic kidneys and peribiliary hepatic cysts, but
      the renal cysts were isointense and her kidneys were smaller than the end-stage
      kidneys of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
      Glomerulocystic kidney disease was diagnosed by renal biopsy. Clinical
      examination revealed findings such as a missing maxillary canine, lingual
      anomalies, and brachydactyly. Genetic testing gave a diagnosis of orofaciodigital
      syndrome type 1 with a 5 nucleotide deletion indicating a frameshift mutation in
      exon 9. The patient's mother had the same mutation and similar clinical findings.
      This case is useful for understanding kidney and liver involvement in
      orofaciodigital syndrome type 1.

PMID- 27131854
TI  - Influence of the New Cooperative Medical Scheme on hospitalization cost of
      patients with nephrotic syndrome in rural China.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rural residents are benefitting from the current New Cooperative
      Medical Scheme (NCMS) in China. Treatment of diseases has improved and the total
      cost of hospitalization has decreased significantly because of the application of
      NCMS. Most articles in this area have mainly focused on the policy of NCMS, but
      few studies have been relevant to the influence of NCMS on a specific disease and
      the cost. In the present study, the impact of NCMS on hospitalization costs of
      patient with nephrotic syndrome from the countryside was investigated and
      discussed. METHODS: Three hundred and ninety patients from China and with
      nephrotic syndrome were enrolled into the present study and were divided into two
      groups according to whether they had joined the NCMS. The total hospitalization
      cost, check cost (such as laboratory testing and ultrasound), drugs cost, length
      of stay in hospital and ratio of renal biopsy in all patients were analyzed.
      RESULTS: The expenses for individuals decreased significantly in patients who
      were part of the NCMS, in contrast with the patients without the NCMS (p<0.001).
      The ratio of renal biopsy increased significantly in patients who were part of
      the NCMS (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in cost and length of stay
      between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The NCMS contributes to reducing personal
      expenses and therapy of disease.

PMID- 27131855
TI  - The influence of age on Campylobacter jejuni infection in chicken.
AB  - Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni)-host-interaction may be affected by the
      maturation stage of the chicken's immune system and the developing gut microbiota
      composition. We compared these parameters between birds C. jejuni-inoculated at
      day one, 10, 22 and 31 post hatch. The highest C. jejuni-colonization rate and
      numbers of colony forming units (CFU) were detected in caecal content of day-one
      inoculated birds while the lowest was detected in 22-days-old birds. The low
      bacterial colonization of 22-days-old chickens correlated with the most prominent
      immune reactions in this age group in comparison to other age groups. Age and C.
      jejuni-inoculation had a significant effect on lymphocyte numbers and cytokine
      expression levels in caecum as well as on gut flora composition. Overall, the
      immune response to C. jejuni is significantly influenced by the age of the
      infected chickens leading to differences in C. jejuni-colonization pattern
      between age goups.

PMID- 27131856
TI  - Simultaneous occurrence of ankylosing spondylitis and diffuse idiopathic skeletal
      hyperostosis (Forestier-Rotes-Querol disease).

PMID- 27131857
TI  - Aortitis due to giant cell arteritis and psoriatic arthritis: An uncommon
      association.
AB  - We report the case of a 65-year-old woman with psoriatic arthritis who developed
      aortitis secondary to giant cell arteritis. She presented with a 2-mounth history
      of dry cough, fever and fatigue. There was no evidence of tumor or infectious
      processes. Abdominal computed tomographic and computed tomography coronary
      angiographic findings were suggestive of aortitis. Histological study of a
      temporal artery biopsy confirmed temporal arteritis. We also review the available
      literature on this uncommon condition.

PMID- 27131858
TI  - Immediate dentin sealing for indirect bonded restorations.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this article is to review available literature on the
      clinical procedure of immediate dentine sealing for indirect bonded restorations.
      STUDY SELECTION: More than 40 articles reporting the technique, studies,
      outcomes, etc. were reviewed after PUBMED/MEDLINE search, most of them addressing
      the specific situation of dentin bonding for indirect restorations. RESULTS: It
      is known that tooth preparation for indirect bonded restorations can result in
      significant dentin exposures. Immediate application and polymerization of the
      dentin bonding agent to the freshly cut dentin, prior to impression making is
      therefore recommended by some authors. Literature indicates that this procedure,
      immediate dentine sealing (IDS), appears to achieve improved bond strength, fewer
      gap formations, decreased bacterial leakage, and reduces post-cementation
      sensitivity. This rational approach to adhesion is also reported to have a
      positive influence on tooth structure preservation, patient comfort, and long
      term survival of indirect bonded restorations. CONCLUSION: In the extensive
      literature regarding advantages of using IDS technique significant differences
      have been shown when compared to Delayed Dentine Sealing. Although more research
      is required in this field, presently there are NO scientific reasons not to
      recommend IDS in routine practice.

PMID- 27131859
TI  - Genetic profiles of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and HLA ligands in
      Thai blood donors.
AB  - Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) play an important role in
      natural killer (NK) cell regulation. Interaction of KIRs with human leukocyte
      antigen (HLA) class I molecules can transmit signals to regulate the function of
      NK cells. In this study, the diversities of KIR genes and their ligands in 500
      Thai blood donors were investigated. The coexistence of inhibitory KIRs (iKIR),
      activating KIRs (aKIR) and their ligands in the same individuals were also
      analyzed. Overall, 36 KIR genotypes were identified. The most common genotype was
      genotype AA1 (40.8%). All individuals carried at least one iKIR-HLA pair whereas
      18% of the individuals lacked aKIR-HLA pair. The most common compound KIR-HLA
      profile was the presence of 3 iKIR-HLA pairs with 1 aKIR-HLA pair (21.4%). The
      most common compound gene profile of KIR-HLA pairs was the combined presence of
      KIR2DL3-C1, 3DL1-Bw4, 3DL2-A3/A11 and the full length KIR2DS4-its ligands (8%).
      This study provided a comprehensive analysis of the KIR-HLA profiles in Thai
      blood donors in regards to KIR genotypes, HLA ligands, KIR-HLA ligand pairs and
      compound gene profiles of both iKIRs and aKIRs and their ligands. These findings
      will be useful as baseline information for further studies in the associations of
      KIR genes and various diseases. 

PMID- 27131860
TI  - O-GlcNAcylation is associated with the development and progression of gastric
      carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: O-GlcNAcylation occurs via an O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O
      GlcNAc) moiety linked to the side chain hydroxyl of a serine or threonine residue
      on nucleocytoplasmic proteins. This reaction, which is catalyzed by O-GlcNAc
      transferase (OGT), is involved in a variety of human cancers; however, its
      clinical significance in gastric carcinomas (GC) has been poorly investigated in
      vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for O-GlcNAcylation and
      OGT was performed in 64 primary GCs, 40 gastric adenomas and nonneoplastic
      tissues adjacent to GCs, including 31 tissues of intestinal metaplasia and 24
      normal gastric tissues. Their expressions were also studied in 20 tissues of
      chronic gastritis according to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.
      RESULTS: O-GlcNAcylation was expressed in the nucleus and both the nuclear rim
      and cytoplasm. OGT was strongly expressed in the nucleus and weakly expressed in
      the cytoplasm. O-GlcNAcylation expression levels were significantly correlated
      with those of OGT. Their expression levels were progressively increased during
      the carcinogenesis of GC. O-GlcNAcylation expression was higher in GC with
      intestinal type, higher pT stage and nodal metastasis, while OGT expression was
      higher in GC with nodal metastasis. Nuclear O-GlcNAcylation expression was more
      frequently observed in tumors including GC and adenoma than in nonneoplastic
      tissues including intestinal metaplasia and normal tissue. Nuclear O
      GlcNAcylation expression in GC was closely associated with large size, moderate
      and poor differentiation, higher pT stage, nodal metastasis and higher clinical
      stage. In addition, the expression of O-GlcNAcylation and OGT was more elevated
      in H. pylori-infected chronic gastritis than in chronic gastritis without H.
      pylori infection. CONCLUSIONS: O-GlcNAcylation expression and its nuclear
      expression were associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of GC.

PMID- 27131861
TI  - Adhesion GPCRs in immunology.
AB  - Adhesion GPCRs (aGPCRs) form a subfamily of the large GPCR super family. Most
      aGPCRs are characterised by a non-covalent bipartite structure that consists of a
      large extracellular domain and a membrane-spanning 7 transmembrane domain.
      Typically, aGPCRs can combine cell adhesion by the large extracellular domain
      with intracellular signalling by the 7 transmembrane domain. Immune responses
      rely on cellular communication and subsequent defence reactions. Indeed, aGPCR
      ADGRB1 and members of the ADGRE class have been linked to processes like
      phagocytosis, leucocyte activation and migration. Nevertheless, research is
      hampered by absence of endogenous ligands, unknown activity of generated
      antibodies and non-identified signalling pathways. Yet, based on their membrane
      localisation and important function, aGPCRs could be novel drug targets to
      modulate leucocyte function.

PMID- 27131862
TI  - Basic characteristics of the neutrophil receptors that recognize formylated
      peptides, a danger-associated molecular pattern generated by bacteria and
      mitochondria.
AB  - Proper recruitment and activation of neutrophils to/at sites of
      infection/inflammation relies largely on the surface expression of
      chemoattractant receptors of which a formyl peptide receptor (FPR1) was the first
      to be cloned and characterized in more detail. This receptor displays high
      affinity for bacterial- or mitochondrial-derived peptides that contain a
      formylated methionine in the N-terminus. The neutrophil chemoattractant receptors
      belong to the group of 7-transmembrane domain receptors that signal through
      activation of heterotrimeric G proteins. These receptors have been shown to be
      important in host defense against microbial intruders and in regulating
      inflammatory reactions. The two FPRs (FPR1, FPR2) expressed in neutrophils share
      significant sequence homology and bind many structurally diverse activating
      (agonistic) and inhibiting (antagonistic) ligands, ranging from peptides to
      lipopeptides containing peptide sequences derived from intracellular regions of
      the FPRs. Recent structural and functional studies of the two neutrophil FPRs
      have generated important information for our understanding of general
      pharmacological principles, governing regulation of neutrophil function and
      inflammation and increased knowledge of more general G-protein coupled receptor
      features, such as ligand recognition, biased signaling, allosteric modulation,
      and a unique receptor cross-talk phenomenon. This article aims to summarize
      recent discoveries and pharmacological characterization of neutrophil FPRs and to
      discuss unmet challenges, including recognition by the receptors of diverse
      ligands and how biased signals mediate different biological effects.

PMID- 27131864
TI  - Increased Type 1 Immune Response in the Bone Marrow Immune Microenvironment of
      Patients with Poor Graft Function after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell
      Transplantation.
AB  - Poor graft function (PGF) is a severe complication after allogeneic hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The question of whether the bone marrow
      (BM) immune microenvironment is involved in the pathogenesis of PGF remains
      unresolved. In total, 10 patients with PGF, 30 matched patients with good graft
      function after allo-HSCT, and 15 healthy donors were enrolled in this nested case
      control study. The Th1, Th2, Tc1, Tc2, and active phenotypes were analyzed by
      flow cytometry. IFN-gamma and IL-4 levels in BM plasma were evaluated using
      cytometric beads assay. Relative to other subjects, patients with PGF had
      significantly higher proportions of stimulated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells that
      produced IFN-gamma (Th1 and Tc1 cells) but notably decreased proportions of IL-4
      producing T cells (Th2 and Tc2 cells), resulting in a shift of the IFN-gamma/IL-4
      ratio towards a type 1 response and an elevated percentage of activated CD8(+) T
      cells. Changes in IFN-gamma and IL-4 levels in BM plasma were consistent with the
      cellular results. Our results suggest that dysregulated T cell responses may
      contribute to the occurrence of PGF after HSCT.

PMID- 27131863
TI  - Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation as Curative Therapy for Patients
      with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Increasingly Successful Application to Older Patients.
AB  - Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) constitutes a collection of lymphoproliferative
      disorders with widely varying biological, histological, and clinical features.
      For the B cell NHLs, great progress has been made due to the addition of
      monoclonal antibodies and, more recently, other novel agents including B cell
      receptor signaling inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, and proteasome
      inhibitors. Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) offers the
      promise of cure or prolonged remission in some NHL patients. For some patients,
      however, auto-HCT may never be a viable option, whereas in others, the disease
      may progress despite auto-HCT. In those settings, allogeneic HCT (allo-HCT)
      offers the potential for cure. Over the past 10 to 15 years, considerable
      progress has been made in the implementation of allo-HCT, such that this approach
      now is a highly effective therapy for patients up to (and even beyond) age 75
      years. Recent advances in conventional lymphoma therapy, peritransplantation
      supportive care, patient selection, and donor selection (including the use of
      alternative hematopoietic cell donors), has allowed broader application of allo
      HCT to patients with NHL. As a result, an ever-increasing number of NHL patients
      over age 60 to 65 years stand to benefit from allo-HCT. In this review, we
      present data in support of the use of allo-HCT for patients with diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. These histologies
      account for a large majority of allo-HCTs performed for patients over age 60 in
      the United States. Where possible, we highlight available data in older patients.
      This body of literature strongly supports the concept that allo-HCT should be
      offered to fit patients well beyond age 65 and, accordingly, that this treatment
      should be covered by their insurance carriers.

PMID- 27131865
TI  - Consensus Opinion on Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Advanced
      Systemic Mastocytosis.

PMID- 27131866
TI  - [Influence of early amniotomy and parity on induction-to-delivery interval during
      termination of pregnancy].

PMID- 27131867
TI  - The physics of lipid droplet nucleation, growth and budding.
AB  - Lipid droplets (LDs) are intracellular oil-in-water emulsion droplets, covered by
      a phospholipid monolayer and mainly present in the cytosol. Despite their
      important role in cellular metabolism and growing number of newly identified
      functions, LD formation mechanism from the endoplasmic reticulum remains poorly
      understood. To form a LD, the oil molecules synthesized in the ER accumulate
      between the monolayer leaflets and induce deformation of the membrane. This
      formation process works through three steps: nucleation, growth and budding,
      exactly as in phase separation and dewetting phenomena. These steps involve
      sequential biophysical membrane remodeling mechanisms for which we present basic
      tools of statistical physics, membrane biophysics, and soft matter science
      underlying them. We aim to highlight relevant factors that could control LD
      formation size, site and number through this physics description. An emphasis
      will be given to a currently underestimated contribution of the molecular
      interactions between lipids to favor an energetically costless mechanism of LD
      formation. 

PMID- 27131868
TI  - Input and output budgets of radiocesium concerning the forest floor in the
      mountain forest of Fukushima released from the TEPCO's Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear
      power plant accident.
AB  - Estimations of radiocesium input and output concerning the forest floor within a
      mountain forest region have been conducted in the north and central part of the
      Abukuma Mountains of Fukushima, northeast Japan, after a 2-3 year period
      following the TEPCO Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident. The
      radiocesium input and output associated with surface washoff, throughfall,
      stemflow, and litterfall processes at experimental plots installed on the forest
      floor of evergreen Japanese cedars and deciduous Konara oaks have been monitored.
      Despite the high output potential in the mountainous forest of Fukushima, the
      results at both monitoring locations show the radiocesium input to be 4-50 times
      higher than the output during the summer monsoon in Fukushima. These results
      indicate that the radiocesium tends to be preserved in the forest ecosystem due
      to extremely low output ratios (0.05%-0.19%). Thus, the associated fluxes
      throughout the circulation process are key issues for the projecting the
      environmental fate of the radiocesium levels, along with the subsequent
      reconstruction of life emphasized within the setting. 

PMID- 27131869
TI  - Race and Gender Differences in the Use of Direct Acting Antiviral Agents for
      Hepatitis C Virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Direct acting antiviral agents (DAA) are highly effective yet
      expensive. Disparities by race and/or gender often exist in the use of costly
      medical advances as they become available. METHODS: We examined a cohort of
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients who received care at the Veterans Administration
      facilities nationwide. We evaluated the effect of race and gender on DAA receipt
      after adjusting for socioeconomic status, liver disease severity, comorbidity,
      and propensity for healthcare use. To determine if disparities had changed over
      time, we conducted a similar analysis of HCV patients who were seen in the
      previous standard of care treatment era. RESULTS: Of the 145 596 patients seen in
      the current DAA era, 17 791 (10.2%) received treatment during the first 16 months
      of DAA approval. Black patients had 21% lower odds of receiving DAA than whites
      (odds ratio [OR] = 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], .75, .84). Overall, women
      were as likely to receive treatment as men (OR = 0.99; 95% CI, .90-1.09).
      However, the odds of receiving DAAs were 29% lower for younger women compared
      with younger men (OR = 0.71, 95% CI, .54-.93). Similar to the DAA cohort, black
      patients had significantly lower odds of receiving treatment than whites (OR =
      0.74, 95% CI, .69-.79) in the previous treatment era. The racial difference
      between the 2 eras did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: There
      were unexplained differences among HCV population subgroups in the receipt of new
      DAA treatment. Targeted interventions are needed for black patients and younger
      women.

PMID- 27131870
TI  - Biological processes for advancing lignocellulosic waste biorefinery by
      advocating circular economy.
AB  - The actualization of a circular economy through the use of lignocellulosic wastes
      as renewable resources can lead to reduce the dependence from fossil-based
      resources and contribute to a sustainable waste management. The integrated
      biorefineries, exploiting the overall lignocellulosic waste components to
      generate fuels, chemicals and energy, are the pillar of the circular economy. The
      biological treatment is receiving great attention for the biorefinery development
      since it is considered an eco-friendly alternative to the physico-chemical
      strategies to increase the biobased product recovery from wastes and improve
      saccharification and fermentation yields. This paper reviews the last advances in
      the biological treatments aimed at upgrading lignocellulosic wastes, implementing
      the biorefinery concept and advocating circular economy. 

PMID- 27131871
TI  - Biochar-based nano-composites for the decontamination of wastewater: A review.
AB  - Synthesizing biochar-based nano-composites can obtain new composites and combine
      the advantages of biochar with nano-materials. The resulting composites usually
      exhibit great improvement in functional groups, pore properties, surface active
      sites, catalytic degradation ability and easy to separation. These composites
      have excellent abilities to adsorb a range of contaminants from aqueous
      solutions. Particularly, catalytic material-coated biochar can exert simultaneous
      adsorption and catalytic degradation function for organic contaminants removal.
      Synthesizing biochar-based nano-composites has become an important practice for
      expanding the environmental applications of biochar and nanotechnology. This
      paper aims to review and summarize the various synthesis techniques for biochar
      based nano-composites and their effects on the decontamination of wastewater. The
      characteristic and advantages of existing synthesis methods are summarized and
      discussed. Application of biochar-based nano-composites for different
      contaminants removal and the underlying mechanisms are reviewed. Furthermore,
      knowledge gaps that exist in the fabrication and application of biochar-based
      nano-composites are also identified. 

PMID- 27131872
TI  - Group 3 LEA protein model peptides protect enzymes against desiccation stress.
AB  - We tested whether model peptides for group 3 late embryogenesis abundant (G3LEA)
      proteins, which we developed previously, are capable of maintaining the catalytic
      activities of enzymes dried in their presence. Three different peptides were
      compared: 1) PvLEA-22, which consists of two tandem repeats of the 11-mer motif
      found in G3LEA proteins from an African sleeping chironomid; 2) PvLEA-44, which
      is made of four tandem repeats of the same 11-mer motif; and 3) a peptide whose
      amino acid composition is the same as that of PvLEA-22, but whose sequence is
      scrambled. We selected two enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and beta-d
      galactosidase (BDG), as targets because they have different isoelectric point
      (pI) values, in the alkaline and acidic range, respectively. While these enzymes
      were almost inactivated when dried alone, their catalytic activity was preserved
      at >=70% of native levels in the presence of any of the above three peptides.
      This degree of protection is comparable to that conferred by several full-length
      G3LEA proteins, as reported previously for LDH. Interestingly, the protective
      activity of the peptides was enhanced slightly when they were mixed with
      trehalose, especially when the molar content of the peptides was low. On the
      basis of these results, the G3LEA model peptides show promise as protectants for
      the dry preservation of enzymes/proteins with a wide range of pI values.

PMID- 27131874
TI  - A water-soluble and retrievable ruthenium-based probe for colorimetric
      recognition of Hg(II) and Cys.
AB  - A new ruthenium-based complex 1 [(bis(4,4'-dimethylphosphonic-2,2'-bipyridine)
      dithiocyanato ruthenium (II))] was developed as a colorimetric probe for the
      detection of Hg(II) and Cys (Cysteine). The obtained compound 1 can give
      interconversional color changes upon the alternating addition of Hg(II) and Cys
      in 100% aqueous solution. The specific coordination between NCS groups with
      Hg(II) can lead to the formation of 1-Hg(2+) complex, which can induce a
      remarkable spectral changes of probe 1. Afterwards the formed 1-Hg(2+) complex
      can act as effective colorimetric sensor for Cys. Owing to the stronger binding
      affinity of sulfhydryl group to Hg(2+), Cys can extract Hg(2+) from 1-Hg(2+)
      complex resulting in the release of 1 and the revival of absorption profile of
      the probe 1. By introducing the hydrophilic phosphonic acid groups, the proposed
      probe exhibited excellent water solubility. The limits of detection (LODs) of the
      assay for Hg(2+) and Cys are calculated to be 15nM and 200nM, respectively.

PMID- 27131873
TI  - Exploiting aberrant mRNA expression in autism for gene discovery and diagnosis.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by substantial phenotypic and
      genetic heterogeneity, which greatly complicates the identification of genetic
      factors that contribute to the disease. Study designs have mainly focused on
      group differences between cases and controls. The problem is that, by their
      nature, group difference-based methods (e.g., differential expression analysis)
      blur or collapse the heterogeneity within groups. By ignoring genes with variable
      within-group expression, an important axis of genetic heterogeneity contributing
      to expression variability among affected individuals has been overlooked. To this
      end, we develop a new gene expression analysis method-aberrant gene expression
      analysis, based on the multivariate distance commonly used for outlier detection.
      Our method detects the discrepancies in gene expression dispersion between groups
      and identifies genes with significantly different expression variability. Using
      this new method, we re-visited RNA sequencing data generated from post-mortem
      brain tissues of 47 ASD and 57 control samples. We identified 54 functional gene
      sets whose expression dispersion in ASD samples is more pronounced than that in
      controls, as well as 76 co-expression modules present in controls but absent in
      ASD samples due to ASD-specific aberrant gene expression. We also exploited
      aberrantly expressed genes as biomarkers for ASD diagnosis. With a whole blood
      expression data set, we identified three aberrantly expressed gene sets whose
      expression levels serve as discriminating variables achieving >70 %
      classification accuracy. In summary, our method represents a novel discovery and
      diagnostic strategy for ASD. Our findings may help open an expression variability
      centered research avenue for other genetically heterogeneous disorders.

PMID- 27131876
TI  - Characterization of Biosurfactant Produced by Bacillus licheniformis TT42 Having
      Potential for Enhanced Oil Recovery.
AB  - Bacillus licheniformis TT42 produced a low-molecular weight anionic biosurfactant
      that reduced the surface tension of water from 72 to 27 mN/m and the interfacial
      tension from 12 to 0.05 mN/m against crude oil. We have earlier reported
      significant enhancement in oil recovery in laboratory sand pack columns and core
      flood studies, by biosurfactant-TT42 compared to standard strain, Bacillus
      mojavensis JF2. In the context of this application of the biosurfactant-TT42, its
      characterization was deemed important. In the preliminary studies, the
      biosurfactant-TT42 was found to be functionally stable at under conditions of
      temperature, pH, and salinity generally prevalent in oil reservoirs. Furthermore,
      the purified biosurfactant-TT42 was found to have a CMC of 22 mg/l. A newly
      developed activity staining TLC method was used for the purification of
      biosurfactant-TT42. Structural characterization of biosurfactant-TT42 using TLC,
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), GC-MS, and matrix-assisted laser
      desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF)/TOF suggested that it was a
      mixture of lipopeptide species, all having a common hydrophilic cyclic
      heptapeptide head with the sequence, Gln-Leu/Ileu-Leu/Ileu-Val-Asp-Leu/Ileu
      Leu/Ileu linked to hydrophobic tails of different lengths of 3beta-OH-fatty acids
      bearing 1043, 1057 and 1071 Da molecular weight, where 3beta-OH-C19 fatty acid
      was predominant. This is the longest chain length of fatty acids reported in a
      lipopeptide. 

PMID- 27131875
TI  - Mismatch repair enhances convergent transcription-induced cell death at
      trinucleotide repeats by activating ATR.
AB  - Trinucleotide repeat (TNR) expansion beyond a certain threshold results in some
      20 incurable neurodegenerative disorders where disease anticipation positively
      correlates with repeat length. Long TNRs typically display a bias toward further
      expansion during germinal transmission from parents to offspring, and then are
      highly unstable in somatic tissues of affected individuals. Understanding
      mechanisms of TNR instability will provide insights into disease pathogenesis.
      Previously, we showed that enhanced convergent transcription at long CAG repeat
      tracks induces TNR instability and cell death via ATR activation. Components of
      TC-NER (transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair) and RNaseH enzymes that
      resolve RNA/DNA hybrids oppose cell death, whereas the MSH2 component of MMR
      (mismatch repair) enhances cell death. The exact role of the MMR pathway during
      convergent transcription-induced cell death at CAG repeats is not well
      understood. In this study, we show that siRNA knockdowns of MMR components-MSH2,
      MSH3, MLHI, PMS2, and PCNA-reduce DNA toxicity. Furthermore, knockdown of MSH2,
      MLH1, and PMS2 significantly reduces the frequency of ATR foci formation. These
      observations suggest that MMR proteins activate DNA toxicity by modulating ATR
      foci formation during convergent transcription.

PMID- 27131877
TI  - Refolded Recombinant Human Paraoxonase 1 Variant Exhibits Prophylactic Activity
      Against Organophosphate Poisoning.
AB  - Organophosphate (OP) compounds are neurotoxic chemicals, and current treatments
      available for OP-poisoning are considered as unsatisfactory and inadequate. There
      is an urgent need for the development of more effective treatment(s) for OP
      poisoning. Human paraoxonase 1 (h-PON1) is known to hydrolyze a variety of OP
      compounds and is a leading candidate for the development of prophylactic and
      therapeutic agent against OP-poisoning in humans. Non-availability of effective
      system(s) for the production of recombinant h-PON1 (rh-PON1) makes it hard to
      produce improved variant(s) of this enzyme and analyze their in vivo efficacy in
      animal models. Production of recombinant h-PON1 (rh-PON1) using an Escherichia
      coli expression system is a key to develop variant(s) of h-PON1. Recently, we
      have developed a procedure to produce active rh-PON1 enzymes by using E. coli
      expression system. In this study, we have characterized the OP-hydrolyzing
      properties of refolded rh-PON1(wt) and rh-PON1(H115W;R192K) variant. Our results
      show that refolded rh-PON1(H115W;R192K) variant exhibit enhanced OP-hydrolyzing
      activity in in vitro and ex vivo assays and exhibited prophylactic activity in
      mouse model of OP-poisoning, suggesting that refolded rh-PON1 can be developed as
      a therapeutic candidate. 

PMID- 27131878
TI  - Biological Degradation of Heterocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Naphthalene
      Enriched Consortium: Substrate Interaction Studies and Fate of Metabolites.
AB  - The current work has attempted to understand the substrate interaction between
      aromatic compounds of similar and divergent nature and the significance of their
      interactions on the biodegradation kinetics of compounds in a mixture. The chosen
      representative compounds for the present study are pyridine, quinoline,
      benzothiophene, benzofuran and naphthalene. Biodegradation studies were performed
      on binary, ternary, and multipollutant systems. Benzothiophene and benzofuran
      were the most persistent contaminants and they exhibit a significant inhibitory
      effect on the biodegradation of other co-contaminants, especially pyridine. The
      effects of different NSO compounds on naphthalene biodegradation and vice versa
      were also investigated. The presence of naphthalene (50 mg/L) enhanced the rate
      of biodegradation of both benzothiophene (50 mg/L) and benzofuran (50 mg/L) by
      40.4 and 23.91 %, respectively. Distinct variation in composition and
      biodegradability of transition metabolites were observed during multisubstrate
      degradation. The presence of benzothiophene and benzofuran also significantly
      inhibited the degradation of prominent metabolic intermediates resulting in their
      accumulation in the system for a very longer period of time. An attempt was also
      made to simulate the biodegradation kinetics in a multipollutant system using a
      mathematical model. The multisubstrate model predicted the behavior of these
      systems satisfactorily.

PMID- 27131879
TI  - Comparative Analysis of Proteins with Stimulating Activity on Ovarian Estradiol
      Biosynthesis from Four Different Dioscorea Species in vitro Using Both Phenotypic
      and Target-based Approaches: Implication for Treating Menopause.
AB  - Rhizomes of Dioscorea species are traditionally used for relieving menopausal
      syndromes in Chinese medicine. The estrogen-stimulating bioactive principles have
      been demonstrated in our previous study. In this study, the estrogen-stimulating
      effects of proteins isolated from four Dioscorea species [D. alata L. (DA), D.
      zingiberensis C.H. Wright (DH), D. collettii var. hypoglauca (Palib.) S.J. Pei &
      C.T. Ting (DH), and D. oppositifolia L. (DO)] have been investigated and
      compared. Microscopic authentication of four Dioscorea species was performed by
      using paraffin and powder sections of the rhizomes. The potential bioactive
      proteins of four Dioscorea species have been rapidly isolated by using a DOI
      antibody affinity column chromatography on immobilized antibodies against on
      estradiol-stimulating protein from DO (DOI), and their bioactivity has been
      rapidly confirmed and compared by phenotypic (i.e., estradiol-stimulating effect)
      and target-based (i.e., STAR, aromatase, estrogen receptors) screening
      approaches. The estrogen-stimulating activity of bioactive proteins from DO is
      the highest. In addition, bioactive proteins from DO upregulated the estradiol
      metabolizing enzymes (aromatase and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein).
      Meanwhile, bioactive proteins from DA, DH and DO upregulated estrogen receptor
      beta (ERbeta). All bioactive proteins did not change the expression of estrogen
      receptor beta (ERalpha). The estrogen-stimulating bioactive proteins isolated
      from DO increased biosynthesis of estradiol and upregulated the protein
      expression of aromatase, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, and ERbeta. The
      results scientifically support the traditional use of DO in Chinese medicine for
      relieving menopausal syndrome. Besides, proteins from DA and DZ could also
      upregulate the translational levels of ERbeta, and potentially reducing the risk
      of ovarian cancer, which also support the clinical use of them for treating
      female aging disorder. Graphical Abstract Comparative Analysis of DOI-like
      Proteins with Stimulating Activity on Ovarian Estradiol Biosynthesis from Four
      Different Dioscorea Species in vitro. 

PMID- 27131880
TI  - Complications in Infants of Diabetic Mothers Related to Glycated Albumin and
      Hemoglobin Levels During Pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate whether glycated albumin is a
      useful glycemic marker from the point of view of infant complications for
      monitoring glycemic control in pregnant women with diabetes or gestational
      diabetes mellitus. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 42 Japanese infants of
      diabetic mothers and their mothers at our facility between May 2010 and July
      2013. The mean glycated albumin and glycated hemoglobin levels were compared
      between mothers of infants with complications and those without complications. We
      used 15.8% as the cutoff value of glycated albumin and calculated the sensitivity
      and specificity of items that were significantly different between the two
      groups. RESULTS: Glycated albumin was significantly higher in mothers of infants
      with hypoglycemia (15.5+/-1.8 vs. 13.8+/-1.2%, p = 0.001), respiratory disorders
      (15.6+/-1.8 vs. 13.9+/-1.2%, p < 0.001), hypocalcemia (15.7+/-2.1 vs. 14+/-1.2%,
      p = 0.004), myocardial hypertrophy (15.2+/-1.9 vs. 13.7+/-1%, p = 0.007), and
      large-for-date status (15.8+/-1.9 vs. 14+/-1.3%, p = 0.002). By contrast,
      considering hypoglycemia, glycated hemoglobin was not significantly different
      between the two groups. The sensitivity and specificity with 15.8% as the cutoff
      value of glycated albumin were as follows: hypoglycemia (70% and 81.2%),
      respiratory disorders (61.5% and 82.8%), hypocalcemia (62.5% and 84.4%),
      myocardial hypertrophy (87.5% and 79.4%), and large-for-date status (75% and
      85.3%). CONCLUSION: Glycated albumin is a useful marker of glycemic control
      considering infant complications during pregnancy. This study also suggests that
      evaluating both glycated hemoglobin and glycated albumin levels can lead to
      better glycemic control in pregnant women.

PMID- 27131881
TI  - STAT5 Activation in the Dermal Papilla Is Important for Hair Follicle Growth
      Phase Induction.
AB  - Hair follicles are skin appendages that undergo periods of growth (anagen),
      regression (catagen), and rest (telogen) regulated by their mesenchymal
      component, the dermal papilla (DP). On the basis of the reports of its specific
      expression in the DP, we investigated signal transducer and activator of
      transcription (STAT5) activation during hair development and cycling. STAT5
      activation in the DP began in late catagen, reaching a peak in early anagen
      before disappearing for the rest of the cycle. This was confirmed by the
      expression profile of suppressor of cytokine signaling 2, a STAT5 target in the
      DP. This pattern of expression starts after the first postnatal hair cycle.
      Quantification of hair cycling using the Flash canonical Wnt signaling in vivo
      bioluminescence reporter found that conditional knockout of STAT5A/B in the DP
      targeted through Cre-recombinase under the control of the Sox18 promoter resulted
      in delayed anagen entry compared with control. Microarray analysis of STAT5
      deletion versus control revealed key changes in tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Wnt,
      and fibroblast growth factor ligands, known for their role in inducing anagen
      entry. We conclude that STAT5 activation acts as a mesenchymal switch to trigger
      natural anagen entry in postdevelopmental hair follicle cycling.

PMID- 27131882
TI  - The Olivetti Heart Study: Predictive value of a new adiposity index on risk of
      hypertension, blood pressure, and subclinical organ damage.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recently, some studies have indicated that a new
      anthropometric index, body adiposity index (BAI), could be more strongly
      correlated with the percentage of body fat than BMI. However, the results on its
      role in predicting cardiovascular risk were not univocal. Therefore, the aim of
      our study was to compare the predictive role of BMI and BAI on risk of
      hypertension (HP), blood pressure (BP) changes, and subclinical organ damage
      after an 8-year follow-up, in a sample of adult men participating in the Olivetti
      Heart Study. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants were 350 untreated normotensive
      men without diabetes, examined twice at baseline (1994-95) and after 8 years of
      follow-up [2002-04]. BMI was expressed as kg/m(2). BAI was calculated according
      to the following formula: [(hip circumference (cm)/height(1.5) (m)) - 18].
      Subclinical organ damage was detected by urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and left
      ventricular mass, evaluated by the Cornell product (CP). At baseline, BAI and BMI
      were both associated with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial
      pressure (MAP). After 8 years, both baseline BAI and BMI were associated with
      changes (Delta) in systolic BP, MAP and pulse pressure, while only BMI was also
      positively related to DeltaDBP. Analysis of HP incidence showed that both indices
      were significant predictors of HP. In addition, both BAI and BMI were
      significantly associated with DeltaUAE, but not with DeltaCP. Analysis of the
      changes in BAI and BMI confirmed these results, as the two indices were
      significantly associated with risk of HP and changes in BP and UAE, but not with
      changes in CP. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of healthy adult men, BAI and BMI were
      significant predictors of risk of HP and changes in BP, after an 8-years follow
      up. In addition both indices predicted UAE changes, but neither was associated
      with the CP changes.

PMID- 27131883
TI  - Parameters influencing local control of meningiomas treated with radiosurgery.
AB  - To identify parameters that influence local control after stereotactic
      radiosurgery (SRS) for meningiomas we retrospectively analyzed all meningiomas
      treated with Gamma Knife SRS at our institution from 1991 to 2007. Endpoints were
      measured from the date of SRS and estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method;
      subgroups were compared with log-rank tests. Sex, performance status, age, SRS
      setting, radiation dose, grade, volume and location were evaluated with
      univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses. Of 280 patients
      with 438 tumors, 264 patients with clinical follow-up and 406 tumors with imaging
      follow-up were analyzed (median follow-up: 75.9 months). Thirty-seven percent of
      the tumors had no tissue diagnosis, 32 % were benign (grade I), 12 % atypical
      (grade II), and 19 % malignant (grade III). Five-year freedom from progression
      (FFP) was 97 % for presumed meningiomas, 87 % for grade I tumors, 56 % for grade
      II tumors, and 47 % for grade III tumors (p < 0.0001). Five-year FFP
      probabilities for upfront SRS versus SRS at recurrence after surgery versus SRS
      at recurrence after RT were 97, 86, and 38 %, respectively (p < 0.0001).
      Univariate analysis revealed that higher grade, larger target volume (median
      diameter: 2.4 cm) and SRS setting were associated with poorer FFP. Only target
      volume and SRS setting remained significant on multivariate analysis. Local
      control of presumed and grade I meningiomas is excellent with Gamma Knife SRS,
      but is suboptimal with high-grade tumors as well as for those treated at
      recurrence after RT or of large volume.

PMID- 27131884
TI  - Skeletal biology: Where matrix meets mineral.
AB  - The skeleton is unique from all other tissues in the body because of its ability
      to mineralize. The incorporation of mineral into bones and teeth is essential to
      give them strength and structure for body support and function. For years,
      researchers have wondered how mineralized tissues form and repair. A major focus
      in this context has been on the role of the extracellular matrix, which harbors
      key regulators of the mineralization process. In this introductory minireview, we
      will review some key concepts of matrix biology as it related to mineralized
      tissues. Concurrently, we will highlight the subject of this special issue
      covering many aspects of mineralized tissues, including bones and teeth and their
      associated structures cartilage and tendon. Areas of emphasis are on the
      generation and analysis of new animal models with permutations of matrix
      components as well as the development of new approaches for tissue engineering
      for repair of damaged hard tissue. In assembling key topics on mineralized
      tissues written by leaders in our field, we hope the reader will get a broad view
      of the topic and all of its fascinating complexities.

PMID- 27131885
TI  - Multidrug resistance phenotypes are widespread over different bacterial taxonomic
      groups thriving in surface water.
AB  - The environment is the original and most ancient source of the antibiotic
      resistance determinants that threat the human health nowadays. In the
      environment, water is a privileged habitat and mode of dissemination of bacteria
      of different origins. Freshwater bodies that cross urban areas are supposed to
      hold a complex mixture of both human/animal origin and strictly environmental
      bacteria. In this study, we were interested in unveiling the bacterial diversity
      in urban river transects and, simultaneously, investigate the occurrence of
      antibiotic resistant bacteria, in particular the multidrug resistant (MDR). With
      this aim, water and sediments of two rivers were sampled from an urban transect
      and the bacterial diversity was assessed based on 16S rRNA gene-based community
      analysis and, simultaneously, total heterotrophic bacteria were isolated in the
      presence and in the absence of antibiotics. The three predominant phyla were
      Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria, in water, or Acidobacteria, in
      sediments. MDR bacteria were observed to belong to the predominant phyla observed
      in water, mostly of the classes Gamma- and Betaproteobacteria (Proteobacteria)
      and Sphingobacteriia and Flavobacteriia (Bacteroidetes) and belonged to genera of
      ubiquitous (Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Stenotrophomonas) or mainly environmental
      (Chitinophaga, Chryseobacterium) bacteria. The observation that MDR bacteria are
      widespread in the environment and over distinct phylogenetic lineages has two
      relevant implications: i) the potential of environmental bacteria as source or
      facilitators for antibiotic resistance acquisition; ii) the need to complement
      culture-independent methods with culture-based approaches in order to identify
      major sources of MDR profiles. 

PMID- 27131886
TI  - The prevalence of celiac disease in patients with geographic tongue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Geographic tongue (GT) is a benign inflammatory condition usually
      involving the dorsal surface and lateral borders of the tongue. Numerous
      etiological factors of GT have been suggested, including immunological factors;
      genetic; atopic or allergic predisposition; emotional stress; and hormonal
      disturbances. GT may also coexist as one of the possible manifestations of celiac
      disease (CD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence
      of CD, positive serologic tests for CD screening, and HLA-DQ presence in patients
      with GT. METHODS: Tissue transglutaminase antibodies (anti-tTG), antibodies
      against gliadin (AGA), and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing were assessed for
      60 GT patients and 60 healthy control subjects. The duodenal biopsy was performed
      in patients with positive serologic tests. RESULTS: We found that 9 (15%) GT
      patients were positive for IgA tTG, and in those patients histological changes
      consistent with CD were confirmed by duodenal biopsy. Only two of them reported
      the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms. There were statistically significant
      differences between the GT patients and control group for immunoglobulin (Ig) A
      tTG (P = 0.03), IgG tTG (P = 0.04), IgA AGA (P = 0.04), and IgG AGA (P = 0.02).
      CONCLUSION: The results of our study demonstrated the increased prevalence of CD
      in patients with GT. Therefore, the clinical oral examination should be
      considered a diagnostic tool, especially in atypical or silent forms of CD, since
      it may contribute to provide an early diagnosis.

PMID- 27131887
TI  - Combined effects of seawater acidification and salinity changes in Ruditapes
      philippinarum.
AB  - Due to human activities, predictions for the coming years indicate increasing
      frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (rainy and drought periods) and
      pollution levels, leading to salinity shifts and ocean acidification. Therefore,
      several authors have assessed the effects of seawater salinity shifts and pH
      decrease on marine bivalves, but most of these studies evaluated the impacts of
      both factors independently. Since pH and salinity may act together in the
      environment, and their impacts may differ from their effects when acting alone,
      there is an urgent need to increase our knowledge when these environmental
      changes act in combination. Thus, the present study assessed the effects of
      seawater acidification and salinity changes, both acting alone and in
      combination, on the physiological (condition index, Na and K concentrations) and
      biochemical (oxidative stress related biomarkers) performance of Ruditapes
      philippinarum. For that, specimens of R. philippinarum were exposed for 28days to
      the combination of different pH levels (7.8 and 7.3) and salinities (14, 28 and
      35). The results obtained showed that under control pH (7.8) and low salinity
      (14) the physiological status and biochemical performance of clams was negatively
      affected, revealing oxidative stress. However, under the same pH and at
      salinities 28 and 35 clams were able to maintain/regulate their physiological
      status and biochemical performance. Moreover, our findings showed that clams
      under low pH (7.3) and different salinities were able to maintain their
      physiological status and biochemical performance, suggesting that the low pH
      tested may mask the negative effects of salinity. Our results further
      demonstrated that, in general, at each salinity, similar physiological and
      biochemical responses were found in clams under both tested pH levels. Also,
      individuals under low pH (salinities 14, 28 and 25) and exposed to pH 7.8 and
      salinity 28 (control) tend to present a similar response pattern. These results
      indicate that pH may have a lower impact on clams than salinity. Thus, our
      findings point out that the predicted increase of CO2 in seawater and consequent
      seawater acidification will have fewer impacts on physiological and biochemical
      performance of R. philippinarum clams than salinity shifts. 

PMID- 27131888
TI  - Associations Between Sedentary Time, Physical Activity, and Dual-Energy X-ray
      Absorptiometry Measures of Total Body, Android, and Gynoid Fat Mass in Children.
AB  - Negative health outcomes are associated with excess body fat, low levels of
      physical activity (PA), and high sedentary time (ST). Relationships between PA,
      ST, and body fat distribution, including android and gynoid fat, assessed using
      dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) have not been measured in children. The
      purpose of this study was to test associations between levels of activity and
      body composition in children and to evaluate if levels of activity predict body
      composition by DXA and by body mass index percentile in a similar manner. PA, ST,
      and body composition from 87 children (8.8-11.8 yr, grades 3-5, 44 boys) were
      used to test the association among study variables. Accelerometers measured PA
      and ST. Body composition measured by DXA included bone mineral content (BMC) and
      fat and lean mass of the total body (TB, less head), android, and gynoid regions.
      ST (range: 409-685 min/wk) was positively associated with TB percent fat (0.03,
      95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00-0.05) and android fat mass (1.5 g, 95% CI: 0.4
      3.0), and inversely associated with the lean mass of the TB (-10.7 g, 95% CI: 
      20.8 to -0.63) and gynoid regions (-2.2 g, 95% CI: -4.3 to -0.2), and with BMC (
      0.43 g, 95% CI: 0.77-0.09). Moderate-to-vigorous PA was associated with lower TB
      (-53 g, 95% CI: -87 to -18), android (-5 g, 95% CI: -8 to -2]), and gynoid fat (
      6 g, 95% CI: -11 to -0.5). Vigorous activity results were similar. Light PA was
      associated with increased TB (17.1 g, 95% CI: 3.0-31.3) and gynoid lean mass (3.9
      g, 95% CI: 1.0-6.8) and BMC (0.59 g, 95% CI: 0.10-1.07). In boys, there were
      significant associations between activity and DXA percent body fat measures that
      were not found with the body mass index percentile. Objective measures of PA were
      inversely associated with TB, android, and gynoid fat, whereas ST was directly
      associated with TB percent fat and, in particular, android fat. Activity levels
      predict body composition measures by DXA and, in particular, android fat
      distribution.

PMID- 27131889
TI  - Non-coding RNAs as emerging molecular targets of gallbladder cancer.
AB  - Gallbladder cancer is one of the most common cancers of biliary tract with
      aggressive pathophysiology, now emerging as a global health issue. Although
      minority of gallbladder cancer patients could receive such curative resection due
      to late diagnosis, this increases the survival rate. Lack of potential target
      molecule (s) for early diagnosis, better prognosis and effective therapy of
      gallbladder cancer has triggered investigators to look for novel technological or
      high throughput approaches to identify potential biomarker for gallbladder
      cancer. Intervention of non-coding RNAs in gallbladder cancer has been revealed
      recently. Non-coding RNAs are now widely implicated in cancer. Recent reports
      have revealed association of non-coding RNAs (microRNAs or miRNAs and long non
      coding RNAs or lncRNAs) with gallbladder cancer. Here, we present an updated
      overview on the biogenesis, mechanism of action, role of non-coding RNAs, the
      identified cellular functions in gallbladder tumorigenesis, their prognostic &
      therapeutic potentials (efficacies) and future significance in developing
      effective biomarker(s), in future, for gallbladder. 

PMID- 27131890
TI  - Real-time kinetic method to monitor isopeptidase activity of transglutaminase 2
      on protein substrate.
AB  - Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a ubiquitously expressed multifunctional protein with
      Ca(2+)-dependent transamidase activity forming protease-resistant N(epsilon)
      (gamma-glutamyl) lysine crosslinks between proteins. It can also function as an
      isopeptidase cleaving the previously formed crosslinks. The biological
      significance of this activity has not been revealed yet, mainly because of the
      lack of a protein-based method for its characterization. Here we report the
      development of a novel kinetic method for measuring isopeptidase activity of
      human TG2 by monitoring decrease in the fluorescence polarization of a protein
      substrate previously formed by crosslinking fluorescently labeled glutamine donor
      FLpepT26 to S100A4 at a specific lysine residue. The developed method could be
      applied to test mutant enzymes and compounds that influence isopeptidase activity
      of TG2.

PMID- 27131891
TI  - Cutoff score and responsiveness of the 8-item Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire
      (CLDEQ-8) in a Large daily disposable contact lens registry.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report (1) results of the 8-item Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire
      (CLDEQ-8) among a large sample of SCL wearers before and during 1 year after
      fitting with one of 2 daily disposable (DD) lenses (etafilcon A or narafilcon B)
      in the TEMPO Registry, (2) the cut-off score to identify highly symptomatic SCL
      wearers and (3) the clinically important difference (CID) in the CLDEQ-8 score.
      METHODS: Demographics, CL history and patterns of SCL use were documented.
      Construct validity of the CLDEQ-8 was tested versus overall opinion (OO) of
      habitual SCLs, eye dryness and eye sensitivity at baseline. Responsiveness to
      change in OO was tested. Cutoff score, CID, and predictive accuracy were analyzed
      with general linear mixed models, adjusting for clustering by site with Bonferoni
      correction for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Baseline CLDEQ-8 data from 977
      habitual SCL wearers showed significant association with OO, eye dryness and
      sensitivity (p<0.0001, all). CLDEQ-8 scores improved significantly after
      refitting and reflected change in OO over time (p<0.0001). Diagnostic cutoff
      of>=12 and CID of 3 points performed best. CONCLUSIONS: The CLDEQ-8 score of >=12
      points is proposed to identify SCL wearers who could benefit from clinical
      management of their CL-related symptoms. The clinically important difference was
      +/-3 points. Refitting to these DD lenses in the TEMPO Registry provided
      significant and stable reduction in SCL-related symptoms across the year of
      follow-up. Use of the CLDEQ-8 in clinical practice and clinical research will
      help quantify and standardize symptom measures in SCL wearers.

PMID- 27131892
TI  - Quantitation of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-induced D and L enantiomers of 2
      hydroxyglutaric acid in biological fluids by a fully validated liquid tandem mass
      spectrometry method, suitable for clinical applications.
AB  - A recent update of the hallmarks of cancer includes metabolism with deregulating
      cellular energetics. Activating mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)
      metabolic enzymes leading to the abnormal accumulation of 2-hydroxyglutaric acid
      (2-HGA) have been described in hematologic malignancies and solid tumours. The
      diagnostic value of 2-HGA levels in blood to identify IDH mutations and its
      prognostic significance have been reported. We developed a liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry method allowing a rapid, accurate and precise
      simultaneous quantification of both L and D enantiomers of 2-HGA in blood samples
      from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients, suitable for clinical applications.
      The method was also develop for preclinical applications from cellular and
      tissues samples. Deuterated (R,S)-2-hydroxyglutaric acid, disodium salt was used
      as internal standard and added to samples before a solid phase extraction on
      Phenomenex STRATATM-XL-A (200mg-3mL) 33MUm cartridges. A derivatization step with
      (+)- o,o'-diacetyl-l-tartaric anhydride permitted to separate the two resulting
      diastereoisomers without chiral stationary phase, on a C18 column combined to a
      Xevo TQ-MS Waters mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization (ESI) source.
      This method allows standard curves to be linear over the range 0.34-135.04MUM
      with r(2) values>0.999 and low matrix effects (<11.7%). This method, which was
      validated according to current EMA guidelines, is accurate between-run (<3.1%)
      and within-run (<7.9%) and precise between-run (<5.3CV%) and within-run
      (<6.2CV%), and is suitable for clinical and preclinical applications. 

PMID- 27131893
TI  - Simultaneous determination of 22 cephalosporins drug residues in pork muscle
      using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A simple, sensitive and reliable analytical method was developed for the
      simultaneous determination of 22 common cephalosporins from the first generation
      to the fourth generation in pork muscle by liquid chromatographic-tandem mass
      spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method. Under the optimized extraction conditions,
      samples were directly purified through membrane filtration to separate all 22
      cephalosporins and the critical pairs of each parent drug were completely
      separated. Variables affecting the LC-MS/MS were optimized to get a better
      separation. The excellent selectivity and sensitivity achieved in multiple
      reactions monitoring (MRM) mode allowed satisfactory confirmation and
      quantitation for the 22 cephalosporins. The linear range of the 22 cephalosporins
      is 0.06-100.0MUg/L with good correlation coefficients (r(2)>0.9920). The limits
      of detection (LODs) and limits of quantitation (LOQs) of these compounds were in
      the range 0.04-3.0MUg/L and 0.06-10.0MUg/kg, respectively. The average intra-day
      recoveries at 3 spiked levels (LOQ, 2LOQ, 4LOQ) were all in the range 83.6-113.0%
      with RSDs (n=6) lower than 6.5%. The method of LC-MS/MS developed in this study
      was initially applied to the research of 22 cephalosporins in 12 retail pork
      samples and proved to be accurate, sensitive, minimum sample pre-treatment,
      convenient and practical. 

PMID- 27131894
TI  - High-throughput profiling of nucleotides and nucleotide sugars to evaluate their
      impact on antibody N-glycosylation.
AB  - Recent advances in miniaturized cell culture systems have facilitated the
      screening of media additives on productivity and protein quality attributes of
      mammalian cell cultures. However, intracellular components are not routinely
      measured due to the limited throughput of available analytical techniques. In
      this work, time profiling of intracellular nucleotides and nucleotide sugars of
      CHO-S cell fed-batch processes in a micro-scale bioreactor system was carried out
      using a recently developed high-throughput method based on matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS).
      Supplementation of various media additives significantly altered the
      intracellular nucleotides and nucleotide sugars that are inextricably linked to
      the process of glycosylation. The results revealed that UDP-Gal synthesis
      appeared to be particularly limiting whereas the impact of elevated UDP-GlcNAc
      and GDP-Fuc levels on the final glycosylation patterns was only marginally
      important. In contrast, manganese and asparagine supplementation altered the
      glycan profiles without affecting intracellular components. The combination of
      miniaturized cell cultures and high-throughput analytical techniques serves
      therefore as a useful tool for future quality driven media optimization studies. 

PMID- 27131895
TI  - In vivo selection of active deoxyribonucleoside kinase by a mutagenic nucleoside
      analog.
AB  - A novel in vivo selection method for active deoxyribonucleoside kinase proteins
      is described here. A pool of randomly mutated genes for deoxyribonucleoside
      kinase from Drosophila melanogaster (Dm-dNK) was prepared and inserted into an
      expression vector. Enzymatically active mutants were selected by repeated cycles,
      including (i) introduction into Escherichia coli, (ii) treatment of the E. coli
      pool with a mutagenic deoxyribonucleoside (2-hydroxy-dA), and (iii) selection of
      antibiotic-resistant colonies resulting from mutations by phosphorylated 2
      hydroxy-dA and the subsequent isolation of the plasmid DNAs. The ratio of the
      resistant colonies increased by two orders of magnitude from the first cycle to
      the fifth cycle, and then reached a plateau. Fifteen Dm-dNK mutants selected
      after the seventh and eighth evolution cycles were actually active in vivo.
      Moreover, one of the mutant proteins was as active as the wild-type protein in
      vitro. These results indicate that this novel in vivo evolution method was useful
      and that similar strategies would be applicable to other deoxyribonucleoside
      kinases. In addition, the distribution of mutated amino acids suggests important
      residues/regions in the Dm-dNK protein. 

PMID- 27131896
TI  - Association between cardiorespiratory fitness and body fat in girls.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of low cardiorespiratory fitness and its
      association with excess body fat, considering the sexual maturation and economic
      level in female adolescents. METHODS: Cross-sectional, epidemiological study of
      1,223 adolescents (10-17 years) from the public school system of Cascavel, PR,
      Brazil, in 2006. We analyzed the self-assessed sexual maturation level
      (prepubertal, pubertal and post-pubertal), the Economic Level (EL) (high and low)
      through a questionnaire and body fat (normal and high) through triceps and
      subscapular skinfolds. The 20-meter back-and-forth test was applied to estimate
      maximum oxygen consumption. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed according to
      reference criteria and considered low when the minimum health criterion for age
      and sex was not met. Chi-square test and logistic regression were applied, with a
      significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The prevalence of low cardiorespiratory
      fitness was 51.3%, being associated with all study variables (p<0.001). At the
      crude analysis, adolescents with high body fat were associated with low
      cardiorespiratory fitness, when compared to those with normal body fat (OR=2.76;
      95%CI: 2.17-3.52). After adjustment by sexual maturation, this association
      remained valid and showed an effect that was 1.8-fold higher (95%CI: 1.39-2.46)
      and after adjusting by EL, the effect was 1.9-fold higher (95%CI: 1.45-2.61).
      CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the assessed girls showed unsatisfactory
      levels of cardiorespiratory fitness for health, which was associated with high
      body fat, regardless of sexual maturation level and EL. Effective public health
      measures are needed, with particular attention to high-risk groups.

PMID- 27131897
TI  - Magistral drugs in hospitalized newborns and children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Study the use of magistral oral solutions and suspensions in infants
      and children at a university hospital. METHODS: This is a descriptive study based
      on the analysis of the assessed hospital's magistral drug request forms regarding
      the patients in the neonatal ICU, Obstetrics, Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency
      from January 2012 to December 2013. The frequency of drug requests and
      dispensation was evaluated and the consumption of each active ingredient of the
      preparations was expressed as number of "infant defined daily dose" (iDDD) and of
      iDDD/100 bed-days. RESULTS: A total of 657 forms were analyzed - a monthly
      average of 27 pediatric preparations. The neonatal ICU accounted for 69.6% of
      these requests. Twenty-one drug items were used, of which the most common were
      folinic acid (88 requests), sulfadiazine (85) and captopril (73). The consumption
      of the active principle in these preparations varied in number of iDDD, from 7.5
      (hydralazine) to 16,520.0 (folic acid), and in number of iDDD/100 bed-days in the
      neonatal ICU, from 0.1 (zinc sulfate) to 146.1 (folic acid). CONCLUSIONS: The
      constant consumption of magistral oral solutions and suspensions by newborns and
      children of the assessed hospital indicates the need for such preparations as a
      pediatric therapeutic alternative in this hospital.

PMID- 27131898
TI  - Human Factors and Human Nature in Cardiothoracic Surgery.

PMID- 27131899
TI  - The Future of the Academic Cardiothoracic Surgeon: Results of the TSRA/TSDA In
      Training Examination Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditionally cardiothoracic residents spent dedicated research time
      during general surgery equipping them for a potential academic career. Recent
      changes in training paradigms, including integrated programs that may not include
      research time, could affect the development of future academic cardiothoracic
      surgeons. METHODS: Responses to the 2015 Thoracic Surgery Directors'
      Association/Thoracic Surgery Residents' Association survey accompanying the in
      training examination taken by current cardiothoracic surgery residents were
      analyzed. Three hundred fifty-four residents were surveyed with a response rate
      of 100%, although one was excluded from the analysis because of inconsistencies
      in responses. Statistical analysis included chi(2), Fisher's exact test, and
      multinomial logistic regression with significance set at a probability value of
      0.05. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-seven of 353 residents (76%) intended on
      performing research as part of their careers. Integrated residents as opposed to
      traditional residents (85% versus 69%; p = 0.003), males (78% versus 65%; p =
      0.02), those pursuing additional training (85% versus 69%; p = 0.003), and those
      interested in academic careers (93% versus 33%; p < 0.001) were more likely to
      pursue research. Differences were also noted in specialty interest, with
      congenital and heart failure specialties most likely to pursue research careers
      (92% and 100%, respectively; p < 0.05). Residents intending on research careers
      were more likely to have had previous research experience, and the most common
      type of intended research was clinical outcomes (78%). On multinomial logistic
      regression, previous clinical outcomes research and academic practice were
      identified as predictors of a research career (odd ratios of 9.7 and 4.1,
      respectively; each p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of residents plan on
      pursuing research during their careers. Previous research experience appears to
      be a key determinant as well as specialty interest.

PMID- 27131900
TI  - Long-Term Outcome and Valve Surgery for Infective Endocarditis in the Systematic
      Analysis of a Community Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information on the long-term prognosis of patients with infective
      endocarditis (IE) and valve surgical procedures is scarce, and most analyses are
      based on registries. This study described outcomes and predictors of mortality in
      a cohort of consecutive patients with IE with a long-term follow-up. METHODS: A
      total of 616 of patients with IE seen in an academic institution between 1990 and
      2012 were identified and followed. The mean follow-up period was 4.8 +/- 5.7
      years (median, 2.6 years). RESULTS: Cardiac surgical procedures were performed in
      47% of the patients, among whom 77% had surgical procedures in the first 6
      months. Six-month and long-term (>=6 month) mortality rates were 15% and 40%,
      respectively. Older age, male sex, infection in a mechanical valve,
      Staphylococcus aureus infection, presence of vegetation, stroke, and
      atrioventricular block were independent predictors of mortality, whereas
      Streptococcus infection was independently associated with a better prognosis.
      Valve surgical procedures were independently associated with a decrease in
      mortality: hazard ratio (HR): 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26 to 0.56
      for surgical treatment within 45 days; HR 0.36; 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.61 for surgical
      treatment between 45 and 180 days; and HR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.73 for
      surgical treatment beyond 6 months. Decrease in mortality with valve surgical
      procedures was found in the two subgroups of patients with definite IE (adjusted
      HR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.54; p < 0.0001) and in those with possible IE (HR:
      0.40; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.67; p = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: In unselected patients with
      IE, prognostic factors for long-term mortality were consistent with those
      identified in previous studies for short-term mortality. These results confirm
      the apparent benefit associated with valve surgical procedures on long-term
      prognosis.

PMID- 27131901
TI  - Functional interaction of CCAAT/enhancer-binding-protein-alpha basic region
      mutants with E2F transcription factors and DNA.
AB  - The transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha)
      regulates cell cycle arrest and terminal differentiation of neutrophils and
      adipocytes. Mutations in the basic leucine zipper domain (bZip) of C/EBPalpha are
      associated with acute myeloid leukemia. A widely used murine transforming
      C/EBPalpha basic region mutant (BRM2) entails two bZip point mutations
      (I294A/R297A). BRM2 has been discordantly described as defective for DNA binding
      or defective for interaction with E2F. We have separated the two BRM2 mutations
      to shed light on the intertwined reciprocity between C/EBPalpha-E2F-DNA
      interactions. Both, C/EBPalpha I294A and R297A retain transactivation capacity
      and interaction with E2F-DP. The C/EBPalpha R297A mutation destabilized DNA
      binding, whereas the C/EBPalpha I294A mutation enhanced binding to DNA. The
      C/EBPalpha R297A mutant, like BRM2, displayed enhanced interaction with E2F-DP
      but failed to repress E2F-dependent transactivation although both mutants were
      readily suppressed by E2F1 for transcription through C/EBP cis-regulatory sites.
      In contrast, the DNA binding enhanced C/EBPalpha I294A mutant displayed increased
      repression of E2F-DP mediated transactivation and resisted E2F-DP mediated
      repression. Thus, the efficient repression of E2F dependent S-phase genes and the
      activation of differentiation genes reside in the balanced DNA binding capacity
      of C/EBPalpha. 

PMID- 27131902
TI  - Toll-like receptors in maraena whitefish: Evolutionary relationship among
      salmonid fishes and patterns of response to Aeromonas salmonicida.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) interact directly with particular pathogenic
      structures and are thus highly important to innate immunity. The present
      manuscript characterises a suite of 14 TLRs in maraena whitefish (Coregonus
      maraena), a salmonid species with increasing importance for aquaculture.
      Whitefish TLRs were structurally and evolutionary analysed. The results revealed
      a close relationship with TLRs from salmonid fish species rainbow trout and
      Atlantic salmon. Profiling the baseline expression of TLR genes in whitefish
      indicated that mainly members of the TLR11 family were highly expressed across
      all investigated tissues. A stimulation model with inactivated Aeromonas
      salmonicida was used to induce inflammation in the peritoneal cavity of
      whitefish. This bacterial challenge induced the expression of pro-inflammatory
      cytokine genes and evoked a strong influx of granulated cells of myeloid origin
      into the peritoneal cavity. As a likely consequence, the abundance of TLR
      encoding transcripts increased moderately in peritoneal cells, with the highest
      levels of transcripts encoding non-mammalian TLR22a and a soluble TLR5 variant.
      In the course of inflammation, the proportion of granulated cells increased in
      peripheral blood accompanied by elevated TLR copy numbers in spleen and
      simultaneously reduced TLR copy numbers in head kidney at day 3 post-stimulation.
      Altogether, the present study provides in-vivo evidence for relatively modest TLR
      response patterns, but marked trafficking of myeloid cells as an
      immunophysiological consequence of A. salmonicida inflammation in whitefish. The
      present results contribute to improved understanding of the host-pathogen
      interaction in salmonid fish. 

PMID- 27131903
TI  - The miiuy croaker microRNA transcriptome and microRNA regulation of RIG-I like
      receptor signaling pathway after poly(I:C) stimulation.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) as endogenous small non-coding RNAs play key regulatory roles
      in diverse biological processes via degrading the target mRNAs or inhibiting
      protein translation. Previously many researchers have reported the
      identification, characteristic of miRNAs and the interaction with its target
      gene. But, the study on the regulation of miRNAs to biological processes via
      regulatory the key signaling pathway was still limited. In order to comprehend
      the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs, two small RNA libraries from the spleen of
      miiuy croaker individuals with or without poly(I:C) infection were constructed.
      The 197 conserved miRNAs and 75 novel miRNAs were identified, and 14 conserved
      and 8 novel miRNAs appeared significant variations. Those differently expressed
      miRNAs relate to immune regulation of miiuy croaker. Furthermore, expressions of
      four differently expressed miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR, and the result was
      consistent with sequencing data. The target genes of the differently expressed
      miRNAs in the two libraries were predicted, and some candidate target genes were
      involved in the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway. The negative
      regulation of miRNAs to target genes were confirmed by comparing the expression
      pattern of miRNAs and their target genes. The results of regulating target genes
      were that firstly directly or indirectly activating the downstream signaling
      cascades and subsequent inducting the type I interferon, inflammatory cytokines
      and apoptosis. These studies could help us to deeper understand the roles of
      miRNAs played in the fish immune system, and provide a new way to investigate the
      defense mechanism of fish. 

PMID- 27131904
TI  - Transcriptomic gene-network analysis of exposure to silver nanoparticle reveals
      potentially neurodegenerative progression in mouse brain neural cells.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly used in daily living products. AgNPs
      can induce inflammatory response in neuronal cells, and potentially develop
      neurological disorders. The gene networks in response to AgNPs-induced
      neurodegenerative progression have not been clarified in various brain neural
      cells. This study found that 3-5nm AgNPs were detectable to enter the nuclei of
      mouse neuronal cells after 24-h of exposure. The differentially expressed genes
      in mouse brain neural cells exposure to AgNPs were further identified using
      Phalanx Mouse OneArray(r) chip, and permitted to explore the gene network pathway
      regulating in neurodegenerative progression according to Cytoscape analysis. In
      focal adhesion pathway of ALT astrocytes, AgNPs induced the gene expression of
      RasGRF1 and reduced its downstream BCL2 gene for apoptosis. In cytosolic DNA
      sensing pathway of microglial BV2 cells, AgNPs reduced the gene expression of
      TREX1 and decreased IRF7 to release pro-inflammatory cytokines for inflammation
      and cellular activation. In MAPK pathway of neuronal N2a cells, AgNPs elevated
      GADD45alpha gene expression, and attenuated its downstream PTPRR gene to
      interfere with neuron growth and differentiation. Moreover, AgNPs induced beta
      amyloid deposition in N2a cells, and decreased PSEN1 and PSEN2, which may disrupt
      calcium homeostasis and presynaptic dysfunction for Alzheimer's disease
      development. These findings suggested that AgNPs exposure reveals the potency to
      induce the progression of neurodegenerative disorder. 

PMID- 27131905
TI  - Binary and tertiary combination of alternariol, 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol and 15
      acetyl-deoxynivalenol on HepG2 cells: Toxic effects and evaluation of degradation
      products.
AB  - Fungi producers of mycotoxins are able to synthesize more than one toxin.
      Alternariol (AOH) is one of the mycotoxins produced by several Alternaria
      species, the most common one being Alternaria alternata. The toxins 3-Acetyl
      deoxynivalenol (3-ADON) and 15-Acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) are acetylated
      forms of deoxynivalenol (DON) produced by Fusarium graminearum. In the present
      work it is determined and evaluated the toxic effects of binary and tertiary
      combination treatment of HepG2 cells with AOH, 3-ADON and 15-ADON, by using the
      MTT assay (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), to
      subsequently apply the isobologram method and elucidate if the mixtures of these
      mycotoxins produced synergism, antagonism or additive effect; and lastly, to
      analyze mycotoxins conversion into metabolites produced and released by HepG2
      cells after applying the treatment conditions by liquid chromatography tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) equipment and extracted from culture media. HepG2
      cells were treated at different concentrations over 24, 48 and 72h. IC50 values
      detected at all times assayed, ranged from 0.8 to >25MUM in binary combinations;
      while in tertiary it ranged from 7.5 to 12MUM. Synergistic, antagonism or
      additive effect detected in the mixtures of these mycotoxins was different
      depending on low or high concentration. Among all four mycotoxins combinations
      assayed, 15-ADON+3-ADON presented the highest toxic potential. At all assayed
      times, recoveries values oscillated depending on the time and combination
      studied. 

PMID- 27131907
TI  - Clusterin in the eye: An old dog with new tricks at the ocular surface.
AB  - The multifunctional protein clusterin (CLU) was first described in 1983 as a
      secreted glycoprotein present in ram rete testis fluid that enhanced aggregation
      ('clustering') of a variety of cells in vitro. It was also independently
      discovered in a number of other systems. By the early 1990s, CLU was known under
      many names and its expression had been demonstrated throughout the body,
      including in the eye. Its homeostatic activities in proteostasis, cytoprotection,
      and anti-inflammation have been well documented, however its roles in health and
      disease are still not well understood. CLU is prominent at fluid-tissue
      interfaces, and in 1996 it was demonstrated to be the most highly expressed
      transcript in the human cornea, the protein product being localized to the apical
      layers of the mucosal epithelia of the cornea and conjunctiva. CLU protein is
      also present in human tears. Using a preclinical mouse model for desiccating
      stress that mimics human dry eye disease, the authors recently demonstrated that
      CLU prevents and ameliorates ocular surface barrier disruption by a remarkable
      sealing mechanism dependent on attainment of a critical all-or-none concentration
      in the tears. When the CLU level drops below the critical all-or-none threshold,
      the barrier becomes vulnerable to desiccating stress. CLU binds selectively to
      the ocular surface subjected to desiccating stress in vivo, and in vitro to
      LGALS3 (galectin-3), a key barrier component. Positioned in this way, CLU not
      only physically seals the ocular surface barrier, but it also protects the
      barrier cells and prevents further damage to barrier structure. CLU depletion
      from the ocular surface epithelia is seen in a variety of inflammatory conditions
      in humans and mice that lead to squamous metaplasia and a keratinized epithelium.
      This suggests that CLU might have a specific role in maintaining mucosal
      epithelial differentiation, an idea that can now be tested using the mouse model
      for desiccating stress. Most excitingly, the new findings suggest that CLU could
      serve as a novel biotherapeutic for dry eye disease.

PMID- 27131908
TI  - Pregnant Women's Access to Information About Perinatal Marijuana Use: A
      Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance in pregnancy.
      Little is known about how pregnant women who use marijuana obtain and understand
      information about perinatal marijuana use. We conducted a qualitative study among
      pregnant women who had used marijuana to understand their information-seeking
      patterns and perceptions of usefulness of available information about perinatal
      marijuana use. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted semistructured interviews with 26
      pregnant women who were receiving prenatal care and who either disclosed
      marijuana use or had urine samples testing positive for marijuana. Interviews
      assessed women's sources of information about risks of perinatal marijuana use
      and perceptions regarding the usefulness of such information. Interview data were
      coded independently by two coders who iteratively refined the codes and reviewed
      transcripts for themes. RESULTS: Commonly reported sources of information about
      perinatal marijuana use included Internet searching and anecdotal experiences or
      advice from family or friends. Few women reported receiving helpful information
      from a health care provider or social worker. Women perceived a lack of evidence
      about harms of perinatal marijuana use, and reported being dissatisfied with the
      quality of information. Most women said they desired information about the
      effects of perinatal marijuana use on infant health. CONCLUSIONS: Women who used
      marijuana before or during pregnancy did not find available information about
      perinatal marijuana use to be useful, and sought more information pertaining to
      infant health and well-being. Efforts to reduce perinatal marijuana use should
      focus on addressing this need in both clinical and public health settings.

PMID- 27131906
TI  - Gene transfer to the outflow tract.
AB  - Elevated intraocular pressure is the primary cause of open angle glaucoma.
      Outflow resistance exists within the trabecular meshwork but also at the level of
      Schlemm's canal and further downstream within the outflow system. Viral vectors
      allow to take advantage of naturally evolved, highly efficient mechanisms of gene
      transfer, a process that is termed transduction. They can be produced at
      biosafety level 2 in the lab using protocols that have evolved considerably over
      the last 15-20 years. Applied by an intracameral bolus, vectors follow
      conventional as well as uveoscleral outflow pathways. They may affect other
      structures in the anterior chamber depending on their transduction kinetics which
      can vary among species when using the same vector. Not all vectors can express
      long-term, a desirable feature to address the chronicity of glaucoma. Vectors
      that integrate into the genome of the target cell can achieve transgene function
      for the life of the transduced cell but are mutagenic by definition. The most
      prominent long-term expressing vector systems are based on lentiviruses that are
      derived from HIV, FIV, or EIAV. Safety considerations make non-primate lentiviral
      vector systems easier to work with as they are not derived from human pathogens.
      Non-integrating vectors are subject to degradation and attritional dilution
      during cell division. Lentiviral vectors have to integrate in order to express
      while adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) often persist as intracellular
      concatemers but may also integrate. Adeno- and herpes viral vectors do not
      integrate and earlier generation systems might be relatively immunogenic.
      Nonviral methods of gene transfer are termed transfection with few restrictions
      of transgene size and type but often a much less efficient gene transfer that is
      also short-lived. Traditional gene transfer delivers exons while some vectors
      (lentiviral, herpes and adenoviral) allow transfer of entire genes that include
      introns. Recent insights have highlighted the role of non-coding RNA, most
      prominently, siRNA, miRNA and lncRNA. SiRNA is highly specific, miRNA is less
      specific, while lncRNA uses highly complex mechanisms that involve secondary
      structures and intergenic, intronic, overlapping, antisense, and bidirectional
      location. Several promising preclinical studies have targeted the RhoA or the
      prostaglandin pathway or modified the extracellular matrix. TGF-beta and glaucoma
      myocilin mutants have been transduced to elevate the intraocular pressure in
      glaucoma models. Cell based therapies have started to show first promise. Past
      approaches have focused on the trabecular meshwork and the inner wall of
      Schlemm's canal while new strategies are concerned with modification of outflow
      tract elements that are downstream of the trabecular meshwork.

PMID- 27131909
TI  - Attentional mechanisms of social perception are biased in social phobia.
AB  - Previous studies of social phobia have reported an increased vigilance to social
      threat cues but also an avoidance of socially relevant stimuli such as eye gaze.
      The primary aim of this study was to examine attentional mechanisms relevant for
      perceiving social cues by means of abnormalities in scanning of facial features
      in patients with social phobia. In two novel experimental paradigms, patients
      with social phobia and healthy controls matched on age, gender and education were
      compared regarding their gazing behavior towards facial cues. The first
      experiment was an emotion classification paradigm which allowed for
      differentiating reflexive attentional shifts from sustained attention towards
      diagnostically relevant facial features. In the second experiment, attentional
      orienting by gaze direction was assessed in a gaze-cueing paradigm in which non
      predictive gaze cues shifted attention towards or away from subsequently
      presented targets. We found that patients as compared to controls reflexively
      oriented their attention more frequently towards the eyes of emotional faces in
      the emotion classification paradigm. This initial hypervigilance for the eye
      region was observed at very early attentional stages when faces were presented
      for 150ms, and persisted when facial stimuli were shown for 3s. Moreover, a
      delayed attentional orienting into the direction of eye gaze was observed in
      individuals with social phobia suggesting a differential time course of eye gaze
      processing in patients and controls. Our findings suggest that basic mechanisms
      of early attentional exploration of social cues are biased in social phobia and
      might contribute to the development and maintenance of the disorder.

PMID- 27131910
TI  - Telomere length in subjects with schizophrenia, their unaffected siblings and
      healthy controls: Evidence of accelerated aging.
AB  - Schizophrenia (SZ) is associated with broad burden. The clinical manifestations
      of SZ are related to pathophysiological alterations similar to what is seen in
      normal aging. Our aim was to evaluate the differences in telomere length (TL), a
      biomarker of cellular aging, in subjects with SZ (n=36), unaffected siblings (SB,
      n=36) and healthy controls (HC, n=47). SZ had shorter TL compared to HC, but no
      difference was found in SB comparing to SZ. These findings indicate that a
      pathological accelerated aging profile could be present in the course of SZ and
      further studies are needed to confirm TL as potential endophenotype, especially
      in at risk populations.

PMID- 27131911
TI  - High-risk diagnosis, social stress, and parent-child relationships: A moderation
      model.
AB  - Stress is related to symptom severity among youth at clinical high-risk (CHR) for
      psychosis, although this relation may be influenced by protective factors. We
      explored whether the association of CHR diagnosis with social stress is moderated
      by the quality of parent-child relationships in a sample of 96 (36 CHR; 60 help
      seeking controls) adolescents and young adults receiving mental health services.
      We examined self-reported social stress and parent-child relationships as
      measured by the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2),
      and determined CHR status from the clinician-administered Structured Interview
      for Psychosis-Risk Syndrome (SIPS). The social stress subscale, part of the
      clinical domain of the BASC-2, assesses feelings of stress and tension in
      personal relationships and the relations with parents subscale, part of the
      adaptive domain of the BASC-2, assesses perceptions of importance in family and
      quality of parent-child relationship. There was a modest direct relation between
      risk diagnosis and social stress. Among those at CHR, however, there was a
      significant relation between parent-child relationships and social stress (b=
      0.73, t[92]=-3.77, p<0.001, f(2)=0.15) that was not observed among non-CHR
      individuals, suggesting that a positive parent-child relationship may be a
      protective factor against social stress for those at risk for psychosis. Findings
      provide additional evidence to suggest that interventions that simultaneously
      target both social stress and parent-child relationships might be relevant for
      adolescents and young adults at clinical high-risk for psychosis.

PMID- 27131912
TI  - The course of negative symptom in first episode psychosis and the relationship
      with social recovery.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate trajectories of negative symptoms during the first 12months
      of treatment for first episode psychosis (FEP), their predictors and relationship
      to social recovery. METHOD: 1006 participants were followed up for 12months
      following acceptance into Early Intervention in Psychosis services. Negative
      symptom trajectories were modelled using latent class growth analysis (LCGA) and
      predictors of trajectories examined using multinomial regression. Social recovery
      trajectories - also modelled using LCGA - of members of each negative symptom
      trajectory were ascertained and the relationship between negative symptom and
      social recovery trajectories examined. RESULTS: Four negative symptom
      trajectories were identified: Minimal Decreasing (63.9%), Mild Stable (13.5%),
      High Decreasing (17.1%) and High Stable (5.4%). Male gender and family history of
      non-affective psychosis predicted stably high negative symptoms. Poor premorbid
      adolescent adjustment, family history of non-affective psychosis and baseline
      depression predicted initially high but decreasing negative symptoms. Members of
      the Mild Stable, High Stable and High Decreasing classes were more likely to
      experience stably low functioning than the Minimal Decreasing class. CONCLUSIONS:
      Distinct negative symptom trajectories are evident in FEP. Only a small subgroup
      present with persistently high levels of negative symptoms. A substantial
      proportion of FEP patients with elevated negative symptoms at baseline will
      achieve remission of these symptoms within 12months. However, elevated negative
      symptoms at baseline, whether or not they remit, are associated with poor social
      recovery, suggesting targeted interventions for service users with elevated
      baseline negative symptoms may help improve functional outcomes.

PMID- 27131913
TI  - Cortical processing during smartphone text messaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to report the EEG features of text
      messaging using smartphones. METHODS: One hundred twenty-nine patients were
      prospectively evaluated during video-EEG monitoring (VEM) over 16months. A
      reproducible texting rhythm (TR) present during active text messaging with a
      smartphone was compared with passive and forced audio telephone use, thumb/finger
      movements, cognitive testing/calculation, scanning eye movements, and
      speech/language tasks in patients with and without epilepsy. Statistical
      significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with a TR were
      identified from a cohort of 129 (93 female, mean age: 36; range: 18-71)
      unselected VEM patients. Fifty-three out of 129 patients had epileptic seizures
      (ES), 74/129 had nonepileptic seizures (NES), and 2/129 were dual-diagnosed. A
      reproducible TR was present in 27/129 (20.9%) specific to text messaging
      (p<0.0001) and present in 28% of patients with ES and 16% of patients with NES
      (p=NS). The TR was absent during independent tasks and audio cellular telephone
      use (p<0.0001). Age, gender, epilepsy type, MRI results, and EEG lateralization
      in patients with focal seizures were unrelated (p=NS). CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggest that the TR on scalp EEG represents a novel technology-specific
      neurophysiological alteration of brain networks. We propose that cortical
      processing in the contemporary brain is uniquely activated by the use of PEDs.
      SIGNIFICANCE: These findings have practical implications that could impact
      industry and research in nonverbal communication.

PMID- 27131914
TI  - Medication prescribing and patient-reported outcome measures in people with
      epilepsy in Bhutan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess medication prescribing and patient
      reported outcomes among people with epilepsy (PWE) in Bhutan and introduce
      criteria for evaluating unmet epilepsy care needs, particularly in resource
      limited settings. METHODS: People with epilepsy in Bhutan (National Referral
      Hospital, 2014-2015) completed a questionnaire, the Quality of Life in Epilepsy
      Inventory (QOLIE-31), and an electroencephalogram (EEG). Management gap was the
      proportion of participants meeting any of six prespecified criteria based on best
      practices and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
      guidelines. RESULTS: Among 253 participants (53% female, median: 24years), 93%
      (n=235) were treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Seventy-two percent (n=183)
      had active epilepsy (>=1 seizure in the prior year). At least one criterion was
      met by 55% (n=138) of participants, whereas the treatment gap encompassed only 5%
      (n=13). The criteria were the following: 1. Among 18 participants taking no AED,
      72% (n=13) had active epilepsy. 2. Among 26 adults on subtherapeutic monotherapy,
      46% (n=12) had active epilepsy. 3. Among 48 participants reporting staring
      spells, 56% (n=27) were treated with carbamazepine or phenytoin. 4. Among 101
      female participants aged 14-40years, 23% (n=23) were treated with sodium
      valproate. 5. Among 67 participants reporting seizure-related injuries, 87%
      (n=58) had active epilepsy. 6. Among 111 participants with a QOLIE-31 score below
      50/100, 77% (n=86) had active epilepsy. Years since first AED treatment (odds
      ratio: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.12) and epileptiform discharges on EEG (odds ratio:
      1.95, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.29) were significantly associated with more criteria met.
      CONCLUSIONS: By defining the management gap, subpopulations at greatest need for
      targeted interventions may be prioritized, including those already taking AEDs.

PMID- 27131915
TI  - Nonepileptic seizures in the pediatric population: A qualitative study of patient
      and family experiences.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize the experience of
      nonepileptic seizures (NES) in young people (0-19years) and their families,
      referred to a UK specialist (tertiary) pediatric hospital. The topics
      investigated include: accessing healthcare, how the diagnosis was first
      explained, impact on home life and school, coping strategies, and ideas about
      naming and causes. METHODS: Ten young people with NES and 29 family members took
      part in focus groups and telephone interviews. The data generated were analyzed
      qualitatively with thematic analysis. RESULTS: Six themes were identified from
      participant experiences: upset and afraid, missing out, feeling misunderstood,
      confusion and uncertainty, less than epilepsy, and making sense and moving on.
      Participants described severe disruption to multiple domains of functioning at
      home, educationally, and in social activities. Young people felt guilty but also
      overprotected, while family members felt that they were failing as parents. The
      journey to diagnosis and treatment was seen as unnecessarily tortuous, with
      access to care and treatment pathways poorly defined. Participants described
      feeling that a wide variety of professionals did not believe their experiences,
      showed pejorative attitudes, and left them feeling isolated and marginalized. The
      young people and family members found NES a difficult disorder to understand and
      sometimes could not differentiate it from epilepsy. Epilepsy was used as a
      benchmark for several comparisons, including highlighting the lack of support for
      and information about NES. Families disliked being told that it was "good news"
      that their child did not have epilepsy and questioned if their child should be
      present during initial diagnostic discussions. Participants described stressful
      situations as a common trigger for NES. Young people showed ambivalence towards
      the need to understand the condition or the choice of name used for it, whereas
      family members considered this crucial for achieving recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Young
      people and families who live with NES experience considerable distress and
      impairment. Pathways to diagnosis need to be streamlined, and better integration
      of pediatric, mental health, and educational services is required. The use of the
      "good news" story to discuss the diagnosis with families should be reconsidered,
      as families seem to interpret this as indicating that there is no effective
      treatment. Educational resources and support groups for young people and families
      are needed. Greater understanding of experiences may allow investigation of the
      pathogenic mechanism and inform possible management approaches. Training of
      health professionals in communicating with young people and families with NES
      must be improved.

PMID- 27131916
TI  - The see-saw brain: recovering consciousness after brain injury.

PMID- 27131917
TI  - Neural correlates of consciousness in patients who have emerged from a minimally
      conscious state: a cross-sectional multimodal imaging study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Between pathologically impaired consciousness and normal
      consciousness exists a scarcely researched transition zone, referred to as
      emergence from minimally conscious state, in which patients regain the capacity
      for functional communication, object use, or both. We investigated neural
      correlates of consciousness in these patients compared with patients with
      disorders of consciousness and healthy controls, by multimodal imaging. METHODS:
      In this cross-sectional, multimodal imaging study, patients with unresponsive
      wakefulness syndrome, patients in a minimally conscious state, and patients who
      had emerged from a minimally conscious state, diagnosed with the Coma Recovery
      Scale-Revised, were recruited from the neurology department of the Centre
      Hospitalier Universitaire de Liege, Belgium. Key exclusion criteria were
      neuroimaging examination in an acute state, sedation or anaesthesia during
      scanning, large focal brain damage, motion parameters of more than 3 mm in
      translation and 3 degrees  in rotation, and suboptimal segmentation and
      normalisation. We acquired resting state functional and structural MRI data and
      (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET data; we used seed-based functional MRI (fMRI)
      analysis to investigate positive default mode network connectivity (within
      network correlations) and negative default mode network connectivity (between
      network anticorrelations). We correlated FDG-PET brain metabolism with fMRI
      connectivity. We used voxel-based morphometry to test the effect of anatomical
      deformations on functional connectivity. FINDINGS: We recruited a convenience
      sample of 58 patients (21 [36%] with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, 24 [41%]
      in a minimally conscious state, and 13 [22%] who had emerged from a minimally
      conscious state) and 35 healthy controls between Oct 1, 2009, and Oct 31, 2014.
      We detected consciousness-level-dependent increases (from unresponsive
      wakefulness syndrome, minimally conscious state, emergence from minimally
      conscious state, to healthy controls) for positive and negative default mode
      network connectivity, brain metabolism, and grey matter volume (p<0.05 false
      discovery rate corrected for multiple comparisons). Positive default mode network
      connectivity differed between patients and controls but not among patient groups
      (F test p<0.0001). Negative default mode network connectivity was only detected
      in healthy controls and in those who had emerged from a minimally conscious
      state; patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome or in a minimally
      conscious state showed pathological between-network positive connectivity
      (hyperconnectivity; F test p<0.0001). Brain metabolism correlated with positive
      default mode network connectivity (Spearman's r=0.50 [95% CI 0.26 to 0.61];
      p<0.0001) and negative default mode network connectivity (Spearman's r=-0.52 [
      0.35 to -0.67); p<0.0001). Grey matter volume did not differ between the studied
      groups (F test p=0.06). INTERPRETATION: Partial preservation of between-network
      anticorrelations, which are seemingly of neuronal origin and cannot be solely
      explained by morphological deformations, characterise patients who have emerged
      from a minimally conscious state. Conversely, patients with disorders of
      consciousness show pathological between-network correlations. Apart from a deeper
      understanding of the neural correlates of consciousness, these findings have
      clinical implications and might be particularly relevant for outcome prediction
      and could inspire new therapeutic options. FUNDING: Belgian National Funds for
      Scientific Research (FNRS), European Commission, Natural Sciences and Engineering
      Research Council of Canada, James McDonnell Foundation, European Space Agency,
      Mind Science Foundation, French Speaking Community Concerted Research Action,
      Fondazione Europea di Ricerca Biomedica, University and University Hospital of
      Liege (Liege, Belgium), and University of Western Ontario (London, ON, Canada).

PMID- 27131919
TI  - Measuring the musculoskeletal aging phenotype.
AB  - The world is aging. The population aged over sixty years worldwide is predicted
      to rise from 841 million in 2013 to more than 2 billion by 2050. Musculoskeletal
      (MSK) disease is a significant burden on the aging population, contributing 7.5%
      of the disease burden in those aged over 60 years. MSK diseases have a pronounced
      effect on disability level and independence in old age, with a consequent
      significant public health burden and impact on quality of later life. As numbers
      of older individuals and their disease burden increase, it is important to
      examine MSK disease in older life in detail. The musculoskeletal aging phenotype
      comprises four often interwoven key elements - osteoporosis, osteoarthritis,
      sarcopenia and frailty - and this review will focus on these four themes. It is
      crucial that we are able to accurately measure each phenotype in order that we
      might identify those individuals at greatest risk of developing these conditions,
      and design trials of therapeutic agents that might impact their development.
      Accurate measurement of the musculoskeletal aging phenotype is necessary firstly
      to document the burden of each condition, and then to enable factors to be
      identified which may accelerate or retard their development or progression. In
      some areas of MSK disease, this work is more advanced (osteoporosis); in other
      areas (sarcopenia) the field is currently very rapidly evolving. We will explore
      the tools currently used to measure the musculoskeletal aging phenotype and how
      they compare, as well as highlight areas where more work is needed.

PMID- 27131918
TI  - Is hyperactivity ubiquitous in ADHD or dependent on environmental demands?
      Evidence from meta-analysis.
AB  - Hyperactivity, or excess gross motor activity, is considered a core and
      ubiquitous characteristic of ADHD. Alternate models question this premise, and
      propose that hyperactive behavior reflects, to a large extent, purposeful
      behavior to cope with environmental demands that interact with underlying
      neurobiological vulnerabilities. The present review critically evaluates the
      ubiquity and environmental modifiability of hyperactivity in ADHD through meta
      analysis of 63 studies of mechanically measured activity level in children,
      adolescents, and adults with ADHD relative to typically developing groups. Random
      effects models corrected for publication bias confirmed elevated gross motor
      activity in ADHD (d=0.86); surprisingly, neither participant age (child vs.
      adult) nor the proportion of each ADHD sample diagnosed with the inattentive
      subtype/presentation moderated this effect. In contrast, activity level assessed
      during high cognitive load conditions in general (d=1.14) and high executive
      functioning demands in particular (d=1.39) revealed significantly higher effect
      sizes than activity level during low cognitive load (d=0.36) and in-class
      schoolwork (d=0.50) settings. Low stimulation environments, more rigorous
      diagnostic practices, actigraph measurement of movement frequency and intensity,
      and ADHD samples that included fewer females were also associated with larger
      effects. Overall, the results are inconsistent with DSM-5 and ADHD models that a)
      describe hyperactivity as ubiquitous behavior, b) predict a developmental decline
      in hyperactivity, or c) differentiate subtypes/presentations according to
      perceived differences in hyperactive behavior. Instead, results suggest that the
      presence and magnitude of hyperactive behavior in ADHD may be influenced to a
      considerable extent by environmental factors in general, and cognitive/executive
      functioning demands in particular. 

PMID- 27131920
TI  - Kynurenic acid and zaprinast induce analgesia by modulating HCN channels through
      GPR35 activation.
AB  - Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels have a key
      role in the control of cellular excitability. HCN2, a subgroup of the HCN family
      channels, are heavily expressed in small dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and
      their activation seems to be important in the determination of pain intensity.
      Intracellular elevation of cAMP levels activates HCN-mediated current (Ih) and
      small DRG neurons excitability. GPR35, a Gi/o coupled receptor, is highly
      expressed in small DRG neurons, and we hypothesized that its activation, mediated
      by endogenous or exogenous ligands, could lead to pain control trough a reduction
      of Ih current. Patch clamp recordings were carried out in primary cultures of rat
      DRG neurons and the effects of GPR35 activation on Ih current and neuronal
      excitability were studied in control conditions and after adenylate cyclase
      activation with either forskolin or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). We found that both
      kynurenic acid (KYNA) and zaprinast, the endogenous and synthetic GPR35 agonist
      respectively, were able to antagonize the forskolin-induced depolarization of
      resting membrane potential by reducing Ih-mediated depolarization. Similar
      results were obtained when PGE2 was used to activate adenylate cyclase and to
      increase Ih current and the overall neuronal excitability. Finally, we tested the
      analgesic effect of both GPR35 agonists in an in vivo model of PGE2-induced
      thermal hyperalgesia. In accord with the hypothesis, both KYNA and zaprinast
      showed a dose dependent analgesic effect. In conclusion, GPR35 activation leads
      to a reduced excitability of small DRG neurons in vitro and causes a dose
      dependent analgesia in vivo. GPR35 agonists, by reducing adenylate cyclase
      activity and inhibiting Ih in DRG neurons may represent a promising new group of
      analgesic drugs.

PMID- 27131921
TI  - The structure and function of glutamate receptors: Mg2+ block to X-ray
      diffraction.
AB  - Experiments on the action of glutamate on mammalian and amphibian nervous systems
      started back in the 1950s but decades passed before it became widely accepted
      that glutamate was the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. The pace of
      research greatly accelerated in the 1980s when selective ligands that identified
      glutamate receptor subtypes became widely available, and voltage clamp
      techniques, coupled with rapid perfusion, began to resolve the unique functional
      properties of what cloning subsequently revealed to be a large family of
      receptors with numerous subtypes. More recently the power of X-ray
      crystallography and cryo-EM has been applied to the study of glutamate receptors,
      revealing their atomic structures, and the conformational changes that underlie
      their gating. In this review I summarize the history of this field, viewed
      through the lens of a career in which I spent 3 decades working on the structure
      and function of glutamate receptor ion channels. This article is part of the
      Special Issue entitled 'Ionotropic glutamate receptors'.

PMID- 27131922
TI  - Alternative access for endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Data regarding the role of alternative access routes in neuro
      endovascular interventions is limited. Our aim is to evaluate the safety and
      efficacy of alternative access in endovascular management of cerebrovascular
      diseases. METHODS: 29 patients who underwent endovascular interventions using
      alternative access techniques including transradial, transcervical with carotid
      cutdown and access through the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) to manage various
      intracranial pathologies were retrospectively identified. RESULTS: The mean
      patient age was 68 years. Mean follow-up was 6.6 months. The transradial approach
      was successfully used in the management of 3 aneurysms using the pipeline
      embolization device (PED), coiling and stent-assisted coiling, 2 arteriovenous
      malformations (AVMs) using Onyx embolization and 2 acute stroke interventions.
      This resulted in complete obliteration of 3 lesions and near complete occlusion
      (>90%) of 2 lesions and successful recanalization in the 2 patients with stroke.
      There were no access related complications. Transcervical access was successfully
      used to treat 6 aneurysms using the PED or coiling embolization without any
      complications. SOV cutdown followed by endovascular embolization was performed
      successfully in 16 patients harboring carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) using
      Onyx embolization alone in 12 cases and Onyx with coiling in 4 patients. Complete
      obliteration was achieved in 14CCFs and near complete obliteration in 2CCFs.
      Complications occurred in 1 patient who had transient elevated intra-ocular
      pressure postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: When transfemoral access fails,
      alternative access routes using transradial, transcervical with carotid cutdown
      and access through the SOV can be safe and effective for managing various
      cerebrovascular lesions.

PMID- 27131923
TI  - Quantification of abdominal aortic aneurysm stiffness using magnetic resonance
      elastography and its comparison to aneurysm diameter.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) wall stiffness has been suggested to
      be an important factor in the overall rupture risk assessment compared with
      anatomic measure. We hypothesize that AAA diameter will have no correlation to
      AAA wall stiffness. The aim of this study is to (1) determine magnetic resonance
      elastography (MRE)-derived aortic wall stiffness in AAA patients and its
      correlation to AAA diameter; (2) determine the correlation between AAA stiffness
      and amount of thrombus and calcium; and (3) compare the AAA stiffness
      measurements against age-matched healthy individuals. METHODS: In vivo abdominal
      aortic MRE was performed on 36 individuals (24 patients with AAA measuring 3-10
      cm and 12 healthy volunteers), aged 36 to 78 years, after obtaining written
      informed consent under the approval of the Institutional Review Board. MRE images
      were processed to obtain spatial stiffness maps of the aorta. AAA diameter,
      amount of thrombus, and calcium score were reported by experienced interventional
      radiologists. Spearman correlation, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and Mann-Whitney
      test were performed to determine the correlation between AAA stiffness and
      diameter and to determine the significant difference in stiffness measurements
      between AAA patients and healthy individuals. RESULTS: No significant correlation
      (P > .1) was found between AAA stiffness and diameter or amount of thrombus or
      calcium score. AAA stiffness (mean 13.97 +/- 4.2 kPa) is significantly (P <= .02)
      higher than remote normal aorta in AAA (mean 8.87 +/- 2.2 kPa) patients and in
      normal individuals (mean 7.1 +/- 1.9 kPa). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that
      AAA wall stiffness may provide additional information independent of AAA
      diameter, which may contribute to our understanding of AAA pathophysiology,
      biomechanics, and risk for rupture.

PMID- 27131924
TI  - Call for a new classification system and treatment strategy in blunt aortic
      injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) classification scheme
      for blunt aortic injury (BAI) is descriptive but does not guide therapy. We
      propose a simplified classification scheme based on our robust experience with
      BAI that is descriptive and guides therapy. METHODS: Patients presenting with BAI
      between January 1999 and September 2014 were identified from our institution's
      trauma registry. We divided patients into eras by time. Era 1: before the first
      United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved thoracic endovascular
      aortic repair (TEVAR) device (1999-2005); era 2: FDA-approved TEVAR devices (2005
      2010); and era 3: FDA-approved BAI-specific devices (2010-present). Baseline
      demographic information, Injury Severity Score, hospital details, and survival
      were collected and compared. Our classification scheme was minimal aortic injury,
      SVS grade 1 and 2; moderate aortic injury, SVS grade 3; and severe aortic injury,
      SVS grade 4. RESULTS: We identified 226 patients with a diagnosis of BAI: 75
      patients in era 1, 84 in era 2, and 67 in era 3. Mean Injury Severity Score was
      39.5 (range, 16-75). The BAI-related in-hospital mortality was significantly
      higher before endovascular introduction in era 1 (14.6% vs 4.8%; P = .03), but
      was not significantly different between eras 2 and 3 or before and after BAI
      specific devices were introduced (P = .43). Of 146 patients (64.6%) who underwent
      aortic intervention, 91 underwent endovascular repair, and 55 underwent open
      repair. All but nine patients (94%) had a moderate or severe injury. Survival
      across all three eras of patients undergoing operative intervention was 80.2%.
      Survival in eras 2 and 3 was higher than in era 1 (86.4% vs 73.8%) but was not
      significant (P = .38). Of 47 patients in eras 2 and 3 with minimal aortic injury,
      45 (96%) were managed nonoperatively, with no BAI-related deaths. After 2007,
      follow-up imaging was obtained in 38 patients (80%) with minimal aortic injury,
      and progression was not observed. Computed tomography scans showed the injury in
      13 patients appeared stable, 19 had complete resolution (50%), and 6 had a
      decreasing size of injury. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience confirms that BAI-related
      mortality for patients who survive to presentation is now 5%. From our findings
      during the past 15 years, we propose simplification of the SVS grading criteria
      of BAI into minimal, moderate, and severe based on treatment differences among
      the three groups. Minimal aortic injury can be successfully managed
      nonoperatively without mandatory follow-up imaging. Moderate aortic injury can be
      managed semielectively with TEVAR, and severe aortic injury, requires emergency
      TEVAR.

PMID- 27131925
TI  - Popliteal vein external banding at the valve-free segment to treat severe chronic
      venous insufficiency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Axial deep venous reflux causes skin changes or ulcers in patients
      with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The study aimed to review the results of
      correcting axial deep venous reflux using the novel valve-free popliteal vein
      external banding (PVEB) technique in patients with severe CVI. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed 1252 patients (1252 limbs) who underwent PVEB for
      treatment of severe CVI from 2000 to 2015. The number and position of popliteal
      vein valves (PVVs) and gastrocnemius vein entries were analyzed. Preprocedural
      and postprocedural intraluminal pressure and other hemodynamic parameters were
      measured and compared. Synchronous skin grafting was used for large ulcers. The
      healing time and ulcer and symptom recurrence rate were analyzed. Long-term
      Venous Clinical Severity Score was compared. RESULTS: One pair of PVV leaflets,
      gastrocnemius vein entries proximal to the PVV, and PVV located in the distal
      third popliteal vein segment were confirmed in 87.38% of cases in the venographic
      study. A total of 1252 patients underwent PVEB, and 1041 patients were followed
      up (mean follow-up, 55.12 months; range, 9-183 months). In the short term, limb
      swelling and pain were relieved in 1187 patients (94.81%) without use of
      compression therapy. The reflux time and reflux volume were significantly reduced
      (P < .001). All the ulcers were healed in an average of 18 days (95% confidence
      interval, 16.68-19.32). In the long term, the ulcer recurrence rate was 3.63%.
      The Venous Clinical Severity Score was significantly reduced (P < .001).
      CONCLUSIONS: PVEB, which neither opens the vein wall nor relies on the existing
      vein valves, can promote venous return, improve hemodynamic status, and heal
      venous ulcer in <2 months, with low complication and symptom recurrence rates.

PMID- 27131926
TI  - Durability of the balloon-expandable covered versus bare-metal stents in the
      Covered versus Balloon Expandable Stent Trial (COBEST) for the treatment of
      aortoiliac occlusive disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Covered vs Balloon Expandable Stent Trial (COBEST) is the first
      multicenter trial to investigate the patency of covered stents (CSs) and bare
      metal stents (BMSs) in the treatment of aortoiliac arterial disease. The short
      term results demonstrated that CSs were superior to BMSs in maintaining patency
      for TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C and D lesions at 18 months and
      were equivalent to BMSs for TASC B lesions. The current study was conducted to
      determine if the initial patency advantage of CSs over BMSs was sustained at the
      5-year follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective post hoc analysis of COBEST was
      performed. Originally, 125 patients with 168 iliac arteries were prospectively
      enrolled and randomly assigned to receive a CS or BMS. In this study, 77 of the
      125 patients (61.6%; 119 limbs) were assessed at 60 months for the primary and
      secondary end points, with particular attention paid to the outcomes stratified
      according to TASC lesion severity. The primary end point was the rate of binary
      stenosis or freedom from stent occlusion of the treated area, as determined by
      ultrasound imaging or quantitative visual angiography. RESULTS: The 5-year
      results of the COBEST showed that the CS had a significantly higher patency rate
      than the BMS at 18, 24, 48, and 60 months (95.1%, 82.1%, 79.9%, 74.7% for CS vs
      73.9%, 70.9%, 63% and 62.5% for BMS; log-rank test, P = .01). On multivariate
      analysis, the type of stent used (hazard ratio [HR], 2.797; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.471-5.318; P = .002) and the Rutherford classification (HR,
      2.019; 95% CI, 1.278-3.191; P = .026) significantly affected the adjusted primary
      patency. On subgroup analysis, the CS showed significantly higher patency and a
      survival benefit compared with the BMS in TASC C and D lesions (HR, 8.639; 95%
      CI, 54.253-75.753; P = .003). Moreover, fewer patients received target limb
      revascularization in the CS group than in the BMS group (odds ratio, 2.32; 95%
      CI, 1.47-3.36; P = .02); however, there was no statistically significant
      difference in the rate of amputations between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-year
      results of the COBEST demonstrated that the CS has an enduring patency advantage
      over the BMS in both the short and long terms. Furthermore, the CS showed
      acceptable patency rates for the treatment of more severe TASC C and D lesions,
      and patients who received a CS required fewer revascularization procedures.
      However, the choice of stent did not affect the rate of major limb amputations.

PMID- 27131927
TI  - Final results of the Endurant Stent Graft System in the United States regulatory
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the 5-year outcomes from the Endurant Stent Graft System in
      the U.S. regulatory trial (bifurcated Endurant; Medtronic Santa Rosa, Calif).
      METHODS: The study was a prospective, multicenter, regulatory trial performed at
      26 U.S. sites. From June 2008 to April 2009, 150 patients with abdominal aortic
      aneurysms (AAAs) were treated with the Endurant bifurcated graft. The main
      inclusion criteria included AAA diameter >5 cm (or 4-5 cm in diameter where the
      size increased more than 5 mm within the previous 6 months), neck length >=10 mm,
      and neck angulation <=60 degrees. A clinical events committee adjudicated all
      untoward events, and a core laboratory reviewed available imaging at 1, 6, 12,
      24, and 60 months. Outcomes were compared with the Talent enhanced Low Profile
      System (eLPS) study for regulatory purposes. At 5 years, clinical follow-up was
      available on 94% and imaging on 87% of 101 eligible patients. RESULTS: At 5
      years, all-cause mortality estimate by Kaplan-Meier was 17.7%, and freedom from
      aneurysm-related mortality was 99.2%. One aneurysm-related mortality was noted in
      a patient that refused treatment for a type I endoleak and died in year 4 from
      rupture. There were no endograft migrations, fractures, or open conversions. At 5
      years, endoleaks were identified in 7/83 patients (8.4%) and included six type II
      endoleaks and one of indeterminate origin. Maximum AAA diameter decreased by more
      than 5 mm in 53/83 patients (63.9%), remained stable in 25/83 (30.1%), and
      increased >5 mm in 5/83 (6.0%). Eighteen AAA-related secondary interventions were
      required in 15 patients (11%): 12 for endoleak management, 4 for limb occlusions,
      1 for stenosis, and 1 for thromboembolism. Four of 5 limb occlusions reported
      were in the first 6 months. Survival and reintervention rates were better than
      the Talent eLPS study, which was conducted under similar inclusion exclusion
      criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-year outcomes of the Endurant Stent Graft System in
      the U.S. regulatory trial continue to be positive. The device appears to be
      durable with limited adverse events through 5 years. Comparison with an older
      generation device suggests improving outcomes with newer devices.

PMID- 27131928
TI  - Operative Outcomes with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Repair: Experience with 586
      Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend mitral valve
      repair for myxomatous mitral regurgitation whenever possible to prevent LV
      dysfunction and early mortality. Here we review our early operative outcomes with
      mitral valve repair for myxomatous mitral regurgitation. METHODS: We collected
      data from 586 consecutive patients that underwent mitral repair for myxomatous
      disease at the Prince Henry and Prince of Wales Hospitals Sydney between 1997 and
      2012. All patients had pre- and postoperative transthoracic echocardiograms.
      RESULTS: In the first 30 days postoperatively there were five deaths (0.9%), four
      strokes (0.7%) and five transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) (0.9%). Repair
      involved resection in 55.5%, neochordal reconstruction in 41.6%, and in 2.9% a
      combination of both. There was increasing use of neochordae since 2006. At
      discharge 99% had mitral regurgitation (MR) <= mild and <= trivial in 79.5%. For
      posterior leaflet disease neochordae had improved MR at discharge compared with
      resection (85% vs 78%, P<0.05). Preoperative triscupid regurgitation (TR) and
      pulmonary hypertension > mild were associated with a greater degree of MR at
      discharge (P<0.05) for reasons that are unclear. CONCLUSION: We have shown
      excellent early results for mitral repair with very low operative mortality and
      excellent freedom from significant MR. Successful mitral repairs with low
      morbidity have resulted in a pattern of early referral in keeping with the
      current guidelines.

PMID- 27131929
TI  - Neighbourhood of residence and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 27131931
TI  - A case report of spontaneous contraction within a nasopharyngeal mesenchymal
      hamartoma.

PMID- 27131930
TI  - Long-term effects of neighbourhood deprivation on diabetes risk: quasi
      experimental evidence from a refugee dispersal policy in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although studies have shown associations between neighbourhood
      quality and chronic disease outcomes, such associations are potentially
      confounded by the selection of different types of people into different
      neighbourhood environments. We sought to identify the causal effects of
      neighbourhood deprivation on type 2 diabetes risk, by comparing refugees in
      Sweden who were actively dispersed by government policy to low-deprivation,
      moderate-deprivation, or high-deprivation neighbourhoods. METHODS: In this quasi
      experimental study, we analysed national register data for refugees who arrived
      in Sweden aged 25-50 years, at a time when the government policy involved quasi
      random dispersal of refugees to neighbourhoods with different levels of poverty
      and unemployment, schooling, and social welfare participation. Individuals in our
      sample were assigned to a neighbourhood categorised as high deprivation (>=1 SD
      above the mean), moderate deprivation (within 1 SD of the mean), or low
      deprivation (>=1 SD below the mean). The primary outcome was new diagnosis of
      type 2 diabetes between Jan 1, 2002, and Dec 31, 2010. We used multivariate
      logistic and linear regressions to assess the effects of neighbourhood
      deprivation on diabetes risk, controlling for potential confounders affecting
      neighbourhood assignment and assessing effects of cumulative exposure to
      different neighbourhood conditions. FINDINGS: We included data for 61 386
      refugees who arrived in Sweden during 1987-91 and who were assigned to one of
      4833 neighbourhoods. Being assigned to an area deemed high deprivation versus low
      deprivation was associated with an increased risk of diabetes (odds ratio [OR]
      1.22, 95% CI 1.07-1.38; p=0.001). In analyses that included fixed effects for
      assigned municipality, the increased diabetes risk was estimated to be 0.85
      percentage points (95% CI -0.030 to 1.728; p=0.058). Neighbourhood effects grew
      over time such that 5 years of additional exposure to high-deprivation versus low
      deprivation neighbourhoods was associated with a 9% increase in diabetes risk.
      INTERPRETATION: This study makes use of a pre-existing governmental natural
      experiment to show that neighbourhood deprivation increased the risk of diabetes
      in refugees in Sweden. This finding has heightened importance in the context of
      the current refugee crisis in Europe. FUNDING: US National Heart, Lung, and Blood
      Institute, US National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, US National
      Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Swedish Research Council.

PMID- 27131932
TI  - Laboratory tests used to help diagnose von Willebrand disease: an update.
AB  - von Willebrand disease (VWD) is due to quantitative deficiencies and/or
      qualitative defects in von Willebrand factor (VWF), and is reportedly the most
      common inherited bleeding disorder. However, diagnosis of VWD is problematic, and
      is subject to over-, under-, and misdiagnosis. This is due to many factors,
      including limitations in current test procedures and an over-reliance on these
      imperfect test systems for clinical diagnosis. VWF is a complex plasma protein
      with multiple functions, but essentially acts to assist in the formation of a
      platelet thrombus to stop blood loss from sites of injury. VWF achieves this by
      several activities, including binding to platelets [primarily through the
      glycoprotein Ib (GPIb) receptor], binding to subendothelial matrix components
      (primarily collagen), and binding to factor VIII (FVIII), thus protecting FVIII
      from degradation and enabling its delivery to sites of vascular injury.
      Laboratory assessment of VWD entails performance of a battery of tests, some of
      which aim to mimic in vivo VWF activity. VWD is classified into six separate
      types, based on quantitative deficiencies [types 1 (partial deficiency) and 3
      (total deficiency)] of VWF, or qualitative defects (type 2 VWD), which comprise
      four 'subtypes'. The current report briefly overviews the diagnosis of VWD,
      describing the currently available armamentarium of laboratory tests, as well as
      emerging options for laboratory-assisted diagnostics. Although some methodologies
      suffer from significant limitations that challenge the accurate diagnosis of VWD,
      newer methodologies and specific approaches can improve detection of this common
      bleeding disorder, and the appropriate characterisation and typing of patients. 

PMID- 27131933
TI  - A rare Xp11 translocation carcinoma with ossification: a case report with
      morphoproteomic insights into bone formation.

PMID- 27131934
TI  - Actinotignum (formerly Actinobaculum) schaalii: a review of MALDI-TOF for
      identification of clinical isolates, and a proposed method for presumptive
      phenotypic identification.
AB  - Actinotignum schaalii is a recognised cause of urinary tract infection. Following
      a case of urosepsis, 20 isolates of A. schaalii were collected over an initial 18
      month period from urine and blood culture. An additional 25 isolates were
      collected over the following 13 months. Actinotignum schaalii had likely been
      overlooked or dismissed as a contaminant in our laboratory prior to this study
      period. It grows slowly on blood agar with supplemental CO2 or anaerobically. It
      may not grow on MacConkey agar or chromogenic agars used for routine urine
      culture. Repeated attempts at identification by matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) may be
      required as the optimal age of cultures for testing is unclear. Utilising its
      characteristic antibiogram may assist phenotypic identification of this organism
      which is otherwise difficult to distinguish from other actinomycetes. 

PMID- 27131935
TI  - [Seeking excellence].

PMID- 27131936
TI  - [Microsatellite instability in patients with diagnostic of colorectal cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of microsatellite instability in patients
      with colorectal cancer using the molecular panel Bethesda and discuss its
      significance in patients with suspected hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer
      (HNPCC) or Lynch Syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We worked with samples of
      peripheral blood and tumor tissue of 28 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer
      referred to the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of the Instituto Nacional de
      Enfermedades Neoplasicas (INEN), Lima, with suspected of Lynch syndrome. DNA was
      extracted using kits of nucleic acid extraction of peripheral blood and paraffin
      embedded tumor tissue. Five microsatellite markers of Bethesda panel were
      amplified: BAT25, BAT26, D2S123, D5S346 and D17S250, by polymerase chain
      reaction. IMS analysis was performed by electrophoresis on chip in the
      Bioanalyzer Agilent 2100. RESULTS: Of the patients studied, 11 had high IMS(IMS
      H) and one could not be fully ranked, staying as MSI-H / IMS-L. In all cases of
      IMS-H both BAT26 and BAT25 were unstable. The IMS-H in these patients indicates
      high probability of HNPCC or Lynch syndrome; it must be contrasted with the
      genetic analysis of MMR genes. CONCLUSION: The technique allowed determine which
      patients have to continue with the study of system mismatch repair genes, for
      establish whether we facing to HNPCC or sporadic colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27131937
TI  - [Demographic and clinical aspects of hepatic fascioliasis between 2013-2010 in
      National Hospital Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic and clinical aspects of hepatic
      fascioliasis as well as the complications and associations between various
      factors and the disease in a reference hospital. METHODS: This is a descriptive
      and retrospective case series study; we included all patients who had a recent
      diagnosis of hepatic fascioliasis from 2003 to 2010 in the Hospital Nacional
      Cayetano Heredia. Demographic and clinical variables were analyzed including
      complications and treatment received. RESULTS: 68 medical records were found
      eligible for the study. The mean age was 36 years. Ancash department was the most
      frequent place of origin and residence. Most of them were diagnosed in the
      chronic phase, the most common symptom was abdominal pain and eight patients had
      complications: 3 hepatic abscess, 1 subcapsular hematoma, 1 cholangitis and 1
      cholangitis plus cholecystitis. There were the following associations: Age under
      15 years with chronic phase and hyporexia, being a student with a positive stool
      analysis; and between being born in an endemic area with the absence of
      complications. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic fascioliasis has unspecific clinical
      presentation so the epidemiological or dietary history and specially eosinophilia
      should guide the diagnosis.

PMID- 27131938
TI  - [Normality tables of the population in Cuba for the psychometric tests used in
      the diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the subclinical stage pre
      clinical development of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients, in addition
      to associated with impaired quality of life of these patients and an increased
      risk of accidents and disability of driving. The Psychometric Hepatic
      Encephalopathy Score (PHES) is currently considered the diagnostic method of
      choice in the diagnosis of MHE. The objective of this work was to design tables
      PHES normality for the Cuban population. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A sample composed
      of 520 healthy people in the provinces of Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus and
      Cienfuegos were studied. They made the 5 tests included in the PHES. The
      variables age, sex, years of education, origin, and daily alcohol consumption
      were analyzed. By t test of Student, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient
      univariate analysis. an analysis of multiple linear regression for each test was
      performed and normal tables were constructed. RESULTS: In the multivariate
      analysis (multiple linear regression) age and years of schooling were the two
      independent variables related to performance in each of the 5 tests. CONCLUSIONS:
      The availability of tables PHES normality will provide a diagnostic method
      applicable reference to patients with liver cirrhosis Cubans, without the need to
      configure controlled for age and education level regional groups.

PMID- 27131940
TI  - Estadiaje local del carcinoma rectal: imagenes de ecografia versus resonancia
      magnetica. Revision sistematica de la literatura y metaanalisis.
AB  - New surgical techniques in the treatment of rectal cancer have improved survival
      mainly by reducing local recurrences. A preoperative staging method is required
      to accurately identify tumor stage and planning the appropriate treatment. MRI
      and ERUS are currently being used for the local staging (T stage). In this
      review, the accuracy of MRI and ERUS with rigid probe was compared against the
      gold standard of the pathological findings in the resection specimens. Five
      studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. The
      accuracy was 91.0% to ERUS and 86.8% to MRI (p=0.27). The result has no
      statistical significance but with pronounced heterogeneity between the included
      trials as well as other published reviews. We can conclude that there is a clear
      need for good quality, larger scale and prospective studies. 

PMID- 27131939
TI  - Cancer colorrectal en los jovenes: factores pronosticos y caracteristicas clinico
      patologicas en un instituto del cancer de Peru.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine clinicopathological features and prognostic factors among
      young colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in a Peruvian Cancer Institute. METHODS:
      Data of patients 40 years or younger, admitted between January 2005 and December
      2010, were analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 196 young patients with
      CRC were admitted. The tumor was located in the rectum, left colon and right
      colon in 45.9%, 28.6% and 25.5% of cases. Family history of CRC was found in
      13.2% and an autosomal pattern of inheritance, in 8.6% of the cases. The most
      common symptoms were pain (67.9%) and bleeding (67.3%). The majority (63.1%) of
      colon cancer cases and more than a third (34.4%) of rectal cancer cases were
      diagnosed in stage III or IV. The histologic type was tubular, mucinous and
      signet ring cell adenocarcinoma in 73.5%, 14.8% and 8.6%, respectively. The depth
      of invasion was T3 in 21.4% and T4 in 53%. Nodal involvement was detected in
      44.5%. Five-year overall survival (OS) was 44.3%. In the multivariate analysis,
      only the stage resulted an independent prognostic factor for survival.
      CONCLUSIONS: CRC in Peruvian young patients is mostly sporadic. It presents more
      often in the distal colon or rectum and at advanced stages of the disease.
      Mucinous and signet ring cell carcinoma were requent histological types. Five
      year OS stage by stage is similar to that reported in the literature for older
      patients. Stage was the only independent prognostic factor for survival.

PMID- 27131941
TI  - [Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in symptomatic outpatients in Red Rebagliati
      (EsSalud) from 2010 to 2013, Lima, Peru].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in symptomatic
      outpatients in Red Rebagliati (EsSalud) from 2010 to 2013. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      An observational, transversal and analytical study. Records of outpatients with
      diagnostic 13C-urea breath test of Helicobacter pylori in the period 2010-2013
      were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 1711 patients, the overall prevalence of
      Helicobacter pylori was 45.5% (95% CI: 43.17-47.89) being higher in women than in
      men (47.1% vs. 42.1%, p=0.056). There were significant differences in age between
      infected and uninfected (44 vs. 39, p < 0.05), with association between age and
      the presence of Helicobacter pylori (p<0.001). The estimated prevalence in the
      pediatric population was 36.3% and was found positive in 201 (51.1%) women of
      childbearing age. Most (43.9%) came from the financial sector of the city.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the study population was
      similar in both sexes and is related to age. The average socioeconomic status of
      Lima maintains the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori reported in the last years.

PMID- 27131942
TI  - [Non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)].
AB  - In this review we show you all the advances in ethiology, epidemiology,
      phisiopatology, natural history, clinic aspects, treatment and complications of
      non alcoholic steatohepatitis. 

PMID- 27131943
TI  - [One staged laparoscopic surgery of colon cancer with liver metastasis in the
      Guillermo Almenara Hospital, Lima, Peru].
AB  - We report a patient who was diagnosed sigmoid colon cancer associated with liver
      metastases in segment III. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery where the
      sigmoid colon resection and hepatic metastasectomy were performed in a a?oeone
      stageda?? surgical procedure. The pathological results showed moderately
      differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon, tubular adenocarcinoma
      metastases also in liver. Oncological surgical results were obtained with free
      edges of neoplasia, R0 Surgery, T3N0M1. After the optimal surgical results, the
      patient is handled by oncology for adjuvant treatment. We report here the
      sequence of events and a review of the literature. 

PMID- 27131944
TI  - [Undifferentiated (embryonal) liver sarcoma: reviaew of 6 cases in National
      Cancer Institute, Lima, Peru. Review of the literature].
AB  - Undifferentiated (embryonal) liver sarcoma is a rare tumor about 2% of all
      malignant liver tumors with a poor prognosis and usually occurs in children, this
      review aims to assess cases of primary embryonal sarcoma of the liver presented
      at our institution the past 8 years and improve recognition of its variants and
      evaluate immunohistochemical characteristics that help differentiated it from
      other tumors. Six cases of undifferentiated liver sarcoma were histologically
      evaluated and investigated by immunohistochemistry with a panel of antibodies
      using the equipment a?oeAutostainer Link 48a??. Usually masses were on average
      more than 20 cm, with solid, cystic, mucinous areas. The microscopic features
      include cells of spindle cell appearance, oval, starry, epithelioid and
      multinucleated cells densely arranged in a myxoid matrix. Trapped bile ducts and
      hepatic cords often present in the periphery of tumors. Intracellular and
      extracellular PAS positive hyaline globules. Immunohistochemistry showed very
      divergent differentiation. 

PMID- 27131945
TI  - [Syndrome overlap: autoimmune hepatitis and autoimmune cholangitis].
AB  - Autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis
      and autoimmune cholangitis are chronic autoimmune liver disease, usually present
      separate, the cases where characteristics of two of the above is observed liver
      disease is commonly referred to as Overlap Syndromes (OS). Although there is no
      consensus on specific criteria for the diagnosis of OS identification of this
      association is important for initiating appropriate treatment and prevent its
      progression to cirrhosis or at least the complications of cirrhosis and death. We
      report the case of awoman aged 22 cirrhotic which debuted are edematous ascites,
      severe asthenia and jaundice compliant diagnostics SS criteria and initially
      present any response to treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid and oral
      corticosteroids, but ultimately finished performing a transplant orthotopic
      liver. 

PMID- 27131946
TI  - [Lynch syndrome, Muir Torre variant: 2 cases].
AB  - Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal-dominant inherited cancer predisposition
      syndrome caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2,
      MSH6 or PMS2). Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) is a phenotypic variant of LS that
      includes a predisposition to sebaceous glands tumors and keratoacanthomas. We
      report two patients with MTS, with more than one LS-related cancer, skin lesions,
      family history of cancer andmicrosatellite instability and immunohistochemistry
      analysis. 

PMID- 27131947
TI  - [Autoimmune hepatitis induced by isotretionine].
AB  - We describe a case of a teenage patient with the diagnosis of drug induced
      autoimmune hepatitis. The patient is a 16 years old female, with the past medical
      history of Hashimotoa?TMs hypothyroidism controlled with levothyroxine, who
      started treatment with Isotretionin (A(r)Accutane) 20 mg q/12 hours for a total
      of 3 months for the treatment of severe acne. The physical examination was within
      normal limits and the results of the laboratory exams are: Baseline values of ALT
      28 U/L, AST 28 U/L. Three months later: AST 756 U/L, ALT 1199U/L, alkaline
      phosphatase 114 U/L, with normal bilirrubin levels throughout the process. The
      serology studies were negative for all viral hepatitis; ANA titers were positive
      (1/160) and igG levels were also elevated. A liver biopsy was performed, and was
      compatible with the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. Corticosteroid therapy was
      started with Prednisone 40 mg per day one week after stopping the treatment with
      isotretionin, observing an improvement in the laboratory values. We describe this
      case and review the world literature since there are no reported cases of
      Isotretinoin-induced autoimmune hepatitis. 

PMID- 27131948
TI  - [Massive hookworm infection as a cause of intestinal bleeding and severe anemia].
AB  - Overt gastrointestinal bleeding caused by hookworm infection is rarely reported.
      We present a 34 year old male with lower gastrointestinal bleeding with evidence
      of massive hookworm infection on colonoscopy and discuss the need to consider
      hookworm infection as a possible etiology of gastrointestinal bleed in endemic
      areas. 

PMID- 27131949
TI  - [Translational research for the development of herbal medicine in Peru].

PMID- 27131950
TI  - Gastric cancer: a reality to be changed.

PMID- 27131951
TI  - Effect of chronic intake of liquid nutrition on stomach and duodenum morphology.
AB  - Changes in the quantity and/or quality of food intake have been shown to be
      associated with morphological and functional alterations of the gastrointestinal
      system. To examine this, we investigated the effect of chronic liquid nutrition
      intake (Fresubin) on stomach and duodenum morphology in Wistar rats fed liquid
      nutrition during different developmental periods. We used four groups of rats: a)
      control group (CON) fed pelleted chow for 130days; b) liquid nutrition group (LN)
      fed liquid nutrition for 130days; c) liquid nutrition juvenile group (LNJ) fed
      liquid nutrition for 70days and then pelleted food for 60days; d) liquid
      nutrition adult group (LNA) fed pelleted chow for 70days and then liquid
      nutrition for 60days. We found that LN and LNA rats showed a significant
      reduction of empty stomach mass compared to CON animals, while stomach and
      duodenal longitudinal muscle layer thickness did not differ between groups.
      Villus height was increased only in LNA animals, while villus width was increased
      in both LN and LNA rats. Crypt depth was reduced in LNJ. However, liquid
      nutrition intake did not affect villus height/crypt depth ratio, nor number of
      goblet cells. We found that chronic intake of liquid nutrition affects some
      morphological parameters of the stomach and duodenum but these changes were not
      homogenous between experimental groups. Interestingly, transition from liquid
      nutrition to solid food reversed the alterations of stomach weight as well as
      villus width induced by intake of liquid nutrition in LNA rats. Our data indicate
      that morphological and functional changes in the gastrointestinal system induced
      by qualitative and quantitative changes in food intake are at least partially
      reversible. Therefore, specific diets may be used potentially as adjuvant
      treatment for modulating the progression of gastrointestinal diseases by
      affecting stomach and small intestine morphology. 

PMID- 27131952
TI  - Reply to Kazutaka Saito's Words of Wisdom re: Nephron-sparing Techniques
      Independently Decrease the Risk of Cardiovascular Events Relative to Radical
      Nephrectomy in Patients with a T1a-T1b Renal Mass and Normal Preoperative Renal
      Function. Eur Urol. 2016;69:538.

PMID- 27131953
TI  - Acute Ipsilateral Renal Dysfunction after Partial Nephrectomy in Patients with a
      Contralateral Kidney: Spectrum Score to Unmask Ischemic Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic injury in the operated kidney after partial
      nephrectomy (PN) is often masked by a functional contralateral kidney; however,
      there is no practical method to assess this and its prognostic significance has
      not been defined. OBJECTIVE: We propose a spectrum score to reflect the degree of
      ischemic insult in the ipsilateral kidney and study its relationship to
      subsequent functional recovery. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: From 2007 to
      2014, 243 patients with a functional contralateral kidney underwent PN with
      necessary studies for detailed analysis of function and parenchymal mass before
      and after surgery in the ipsilateral kidney. Based on split function and percent
      parenchymal mass preserved in the ipsilateral kidney, we determined: serum
      creatinine (SCr)ideal-peak: expected peak SCr presuming no ischemic injury; and
      SCrworstcase-peak: expected peak SCr presuming temporary complete nonfunction of
      the ipsilateral kidney. The acute ipsilateral renal dysfunction spectrum score
      was defined: (observed peak SCr - SCrideal-peak)/(SCrworstcase-peak - SCrideal
      peak). Subsequent functional recovery was defined: (percent function
      preserved)/(percent mass saved). INTERVENTION: PN. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Factors associated with spectrum score and relationship
      between spectrum score and subsequent functional recovery were evaluated by
      linear regression. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Median duration of warm ischemia
      (n=152) was 21min (interquartile range [IQR] = 15-27) and hypothermia (n=91)
      26min (IQR=23-30). Median parenchymal mass preservation was 83% (IQR=74-91%).
      Warm ischemia and longer ischemia duration associated with higher spectrum score
      (both p<0.05). Increased spectrum score (<25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, and >75%
      quartiles) had decreased functional recovery (98%, 94%, 90%, and 89%,
      respectively, p<0.001). However, this trend was not observed in the hypothermia
      cohort. On multivariable analysis spectrum score and ischemia type significantly
      associated with functional recovery (both p<0.01), while age and comorbidities
      failed to associate (p=0.3-0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Acute ipsilateral renal dysfunction
      spectrum score unmasks the degree of ischemic insult in the operated kidney after
      PN and associates with functional recovery. While increased spectrum score
      associates with suboptimal recovery, even patients with a high spectrum score
      reached 89-90% recovery. PATIENT SUMMARY: Acute functional decline after partial
      nephrectomy is difficult to evaluate in patients with two kidneys, but a proposed
      spectrum score can be used to evaluate this. Increased spectrum score reflects
      increased ischemia and may impact the functional recovery of the kidney.

PMID- 27131954
TI  - Role of phosphogypsum and NPK amendments on the retention or leaching of metals
      in different soils.
AB  - Column leaching tests were conducted to investigate the effects of soil
      physicochemical characteristics on metal mobility in the subsurface. The metals
      investigated originated from disposed industrial waste byproducts and from
      agrochemicals spread over the farmlands. Soil column tests can provide insights
      into leaching of metals to underlying water compartments. The findings of this
      study can be used for prevention strategies and for setting risk assessment
      approaches to land-use and management, and soil and water quality and
      sustainability. Soils collected from an industrial (IS) watershed and an
      agricultural (AQ) hydrographic basin were used in soil column leaching
      experiments. The soil samples were characterized for mineralogy, functional
      groups, grain size, surface charge, soil type, porosity, and cation exchange
      capacity (CEC) along with elemental composition. Varying concentrations of
      phosphogypsum industrial waste or agrochemical (NPK fertilizer) was then added to
      the surface of the packed columns (n = 28). The columns were subjected to
      artificial rain over a period of 65 days. Leachates were collected and analyzed
      for dissolved Na(+), K(+), and Cd(2+) throughout the experimental period, whereas
      residual Cd content in the subsurface soil was measured at the end of the
      experiment. Physicochemical characterization indicated that the AQ soil has a
      higher potential for metal retention due to its fine clay texture, calcareous pH,
      high organic matter content and CEC. Metal release was more prominent in the IS
      soil indicating potential contamination of the surrounding soil and water
      compartments. The higher metal release is attributed to soil physicochemical
      characteristics. High calcium concentrations of phosphogypsum origin is expected
      to compete for adsorbed bivalent elements, such as Cd, resulting in their
      release. The physicochemical characteristics of the receiving media should be
      taken into consideration when planning land-use in order to achieve sustainable
      development. Soil physiochemical characteristics play a key role in determining
      the behavior and fate of elements upon application of amendments. Sandy soils
      should not be assigned to industrial zones or landfills due to their high
      permeability, unlike fine clay soils. Furthermore, application of fertilizers on
      sandy soils can threaten groundwater quality, whereas their extensive use on
      clayey soil can cause soil salinisation. 

PMID- 27131955
TI  - Transport and fluxes of terrestrial polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a small
      mountain river and submarine canyon system.
AB  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in the Gaoping River were
      investigated in the wet and dry seasons. PAH characteristics allowed us to trace
      the particulate matter transported in a river-sea system containing a small
      mountain river, continental shelf, and submarine canyon. PAH signatures of the
      Gaoping River showed that particles were rapidly transported from the high
      mountain to the Gaoping coastal areas in the wet season, even arriving at the
      deep ocean via the Gaoping Submarine Canyon. By contrast, in the dry season, the
      particles were delivered quite slowly and included mostly pyrogenic contaminants.
      The annual riverine flux estimates for PAHs were 2241 kg in the Gaoping river-sea
      system. Only 18.0 kg were associated with the dissolved phase; the rest was bound
      onto particles. The fluxes caused by typhoons and their effects accounted for
      20.2% of the dissolved and 68.4% of the particulate PAH fluxes from the river.
      Normalized partition coefficients for organic carbon suggested that PAHs were
      rigid on the particles. Distinct source characteristics were evident for PAHs on
      riverine suspended particles and coastal surface sediments: the particles in the
      wet season (as background signals) were similar to petrogenic sources, whereas
      the particles in the dry season had characteristics of coal burning and vehicular
      emissions. The sediments in the northwestern shelf were similar to pyrogenic
      sources (including vehicular emissions and coal and biomass burning), whereas the
      sediments in the canyon and southeastern shelf arose from mixed sources, although
      some diesel signature was also evident. 

PMID- 27131956
TI  - Dexmedetomidine reduces neuropathic pain in a rat model of skin/muscle incision
      and retraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine has been proposed as a novel anesthetic adjuvant.
      However, it remains unclear whether peripheral administration of dexmedetomidine
      is safe and effective to reduce acute postoperative pain. This study aimed to
      examine the effects of dexmedetomidine on neuropathic pain. METHODS: Adult male
      Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized and randomly allocated into four groups (n
      = 8): Groups S, R, RD1, and RD5 were injected with saline, 0.5% ropivacaine, 0.5%
      ropivacaine combined with 1 MUg dexmedetomidine, and 0.5% ropivacaine combined
      with 5 MUg dexmedetomidine, respectively, around the saphenous nerve. Then, the
      rats were subjected to skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR) surgery in the
      medial thigh. Mechanical and heat sensitivity was evaluated and morphology of the
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons was observed by electron microscopy. RESULTS:
      Some 62.5%, 50%, 12.5%, and 25% of rats developed mechanical hypersensitivity in
      Groups S, R, RD1, and RD5, respectively. The number of swollen mitochondria in
      DRG neurons was significantly more in Group S (257.2 +/- 60.9) and Group R (291.6
      +/- 82.1) than in Group RD1 (97.2 +/- 33.3) and Group RD5 (13.6 +/- 17.9). In
      addition, the edema in endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus was decreased in
      Group RD1 and Group RD5 compared with Group S and Group R. CONCLUSION: Peripheral
      administration of dexmedetomidine improves mechanical and heat hyperalgesia and
      mitigates postoperative pain.

PMID- 27131957
TI  - Tumor microenvironment: The culprit for ovarian cancer metastasis?
AB  - Despite chemotherapy and surgical debulking options, ovarian cancer recurs and
      disseminates frequently, with poor prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms
      underlying ovarian cancer metastasis still remain unelucidated. The tumor
      microenvironment, consisting of stromal cells (including fibroblasts,
      macrophages, regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, endothelial
      cells, pericytes and platelets), the extracellular matrix component (EMC)
      (including inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases,
      integrins, and other secreted molecules) and exosomes (small extracellular
      vesicles loaded with molecules), establishes an autocrine-paracrine communication
      circuit that reinforces invasion and cancer cell metastasis via reciprocal
      signaling. Recent evidences have unraveled the significant contribution of tumor
      microenvironment to ovarian cancer metastasis. In this review, we provide a
      comprehensive landscape of the reciprocity between tumor stroma and ovarian
      cancer cells upon metastasis, aiming to offer novel clues on the development of
      novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer in future
      clinical practice.

PMID- 27131958
TI  - Polarity, selectivity and performance of hydrophilic organic/salt-containing
      aqueous two-phase system on counter-current chromatography for polar compounds.
AB  - The essential attributes of a solvent system for separation polar compounds on
      CCC are polarity, selectively and performance. Here, hydrophilic organic/salt
      containing aqueous two-phase system (HO/S TPS) was evaluated as an alternative
      solvent system for CCC separation of polar compounds. Polarity measurements based
      on Rohrschneider-Snyder parameter was developed as quantitative assessing the
      polarity of HO/S TPS and comparing with an organic/aqueous system. All
      investigated 1-butanol/ethanol/saturated ammonium sulfate solution/water
      (BEAsWat) and 1-butanol/ethanol/saturated dipotassium hydrogen phosphate
      solution/water (BEDhpWat) systems with polarity values of organic phase from 4.5
      to 6.8, were more polar than chloroform/methanol/water (1/1/1). The considerable
      water content of BEAsWat and BEDhpWat (0/1/1/1/) was 45.4 and 42.6% (w%) of
      hydrophilic organic phase, and 66.4 and 51.2% (w%) of salt-containing aqueous
      phase, respectively, closed to conventional aqueous two-phase system. Therefore,
      the polarity of HO/S TPS is in the middle of organic/aqueous and aqueous two
      phase system. The LogKC values of twenty four polar compounds as model mixture
      confirmed that the polarities of HO/S TPSs were matched to that of the polar
      compounds and shown to be a very selective technique capable of separating
      positional isomers. Moreover, BEAsWat and BEDhpWat systems can be easily retained
      in CCC column with suitable elution mode. The hydrodynamic behavior reversion of
      HO/S TPS on hydrodynamic CCC was observed and was tentatively explained based on
      the density difference. Finally, caffeoylquinic acid isomers and dihydroxybenzoic
      acid isomers were successfully separated with HO/S TPS on CCC, respectively.
      Those results demonstrate that HO/S TPS on CCC is a performant and stable way to
      separate polar compounds from natural products. 

PMID- 27131959
TI  - Potential of hydrophilic interaction chromatography for the analytical
      characterization of protein biopharmaceuticals.
AB  - A new stationary phase based on wide-pore hybrid silica bonded with amide ligand
      has been used to explore the utility of HILIC for the analytical characterization
      of protein biopharmaceuticals. Various, highly-relevant samples were tested,
      including different insulins, interferon alpha-2b and trastuzumab. This work
      shows that HILIC can be successfully employed for the analysis of therapeutic
      proteins and mAbs, using mobile phase compositions comprised of between 65 and
      80% ACN and 0.1% TFA. In terms of elution order and selectivity, these HILIC
      separations have proven to be highly orthogonal to RPLC, while the kinetic
      performance remains comparable. In the case of characterizing trastuzumab, HILIC
      was uniquely able to resolve several important glycoforms at the middle-up level
      of analysis (fragments of 25-100kDa). Such a separation of glycoforms has been
      elusive by other separation mechanisms, such as RPLC and IEX. Besides showing
      orthogonality to RPLC and improved separations of glycoforms, HILIC offers
      several additional benefits for biopharmaceutical characterization: i) an
      inherent compatibility with MS, ii) a reduced requirement for very high mobile
      phase temperatures that are otherwise needed in RPLC to limit undesirably strong
      adsorption to the surface of the stationary phase, and iii) the possibility to
      couple several columns in series to improve resolving power, thanks to
      comparatively low mobile phase viscosity. 

PMID- 27131960
TI  - Application of porous membrane-protected chitosan microspheres to determine
      benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes and styrene in water.
AB  - Chitosan (CS) microspheres were synthesized by the precipitation method and cross
      linked with glutaraldehyde. The cross-linked CS microspheres (20mg) were used as
      sorbents for the micro-solid phase extraction (MU-SPE) of benzene, toluene,
      ethylbenzene, xylenes and styrene (BTEX-S) from water. The MU-SPE device
      consisted of a sealed polypropylene envelope housing the microspheres for the
      evaluation of the extraction efficiency. Analysis was by gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (GC-MS). Under the optimized conditions, the method provided
      linearity range of between 0.5 and 50MUgL(-1) with good correlation coefficients
      of between 0.985 and 0.998. The relative standard deviations of MU-SPE coupled
      with GC-MS were found to be between 2 and 3%. Method detection limits for BTEX-S
      were in the range of between 0.01 and 0.04MUgL(-1) while the relative recoveries
      were in the range of between 59 and 97%. The proposed method is a cost effective,
      fast and environmentally friendly extraction technique with ease of operation and
      minimal usage of organic solvent. 

PMID- 27131961
TI  - Improving the signal-to-noise ratio in gel permeation chromatography by Hadamard
      encoding.
AB  - Increasing sensitivity without further preconcentration steps is a major
      challenge in separation sciences. In this study a macro control approach that
      allows the implementation of Hadamard encoding on standard HPLC instrumentation
      was applied to the analysis of polysiloxane and polystyrene polymers by gel
      permeation chromatography. Here, the use of pseudo-random modulation sequences
      with 1023 elements (512 sample injections) improved the signal-to-noise ratio
      (S/N) by up to an order of magnitude. Comparison with conventional single
      injection confirmed the linearity and accuracy of the deconvolution process for
      the whole mass range of the column. 

PMID- 27131962
TI  - Polydopamine meets porous membrane: A versatile platform for facile preparation
      of membrane adsorbers.
AB  - Polydopamine, as an intermediate layer coated on PES membrane, was applied to
      fabricate various membrane adsorbers. Anion-exchange, hydrophobic interaction and
      affinity membrane adsorbers prepared by this facile method exhibited a high
      selectivity in fractionation of IgG (immunoglobulin)/HSA (human serum albumin)
      mixture. The anion-exchange membrane adsorber containing polyethylenimine (PEI)
      improved the HSA purity from 17.7% to 96.7%; The hydrophobic interaction membrane
      adsorber with Dodecyl mercaptan (DDM) as ligand obtained an IgG purity of 94.6%;
      Histidine attached affinity membrane chromatography achieved nearly a 100% purity
      of IgG. The present work indicated that the polydopamine layer not only activated
      membrane surface to attach various adsorptive ligands under the mild condition,
      but also reduced non-specific adsorption. Due to the versatile conjunction
      function, this facile mussel-inspired coating is also promising for the
      preparation of diverse membrane adsorbers. 

PMID- 27131963
TI  - EIder: A compound identification tool for gas chromatography mass spectrometry
      data.
AB  - We report software entitled EIder (EI mass spectrum identifier) that provides
      users with eight literature reported spectrum matching algorithms for compound
      identification from gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) data. EIder
      calculates retention index according to experimental conditions categorized by
      column class, column type and data type, where 9 empirical distribution functions
      of the absolute retention index deviation to its mean value were constructed
      using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 2011 retention
      index database to improve the accuracy of compound identification. EIder filters
      compound candidates based on elementary composition and derivatization reagent,
      and automatically adds the molecular information of the native compound to each
      derivatized compound using a manually created database. When multiple samples are
      analyzed together, EIder performs cross-sample alignment and provides an option
      of using an average mass spectrum for compound identification. Furthermore, a
      suite of graphical user interfaces are implemented in EIder to allow users to
      both manually and automatically modify the identification results using
      experimental information at various analysis stages. Analysis of three types of
      GC-MS datasets indicates that the developed EIder software can improve the
      accuracy of compound identification. 

PMID- 27131964
TI  - Corrigendum to "Purification of monoclonal antibody against Ebola GP1 protein
      expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana" [J. Chromatogr. A 1389 (2015) 128-132].

PMID- 27131965
TI  - An evaluation of oil spill responses for offshore oil production projects in
      Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Implications for seabird conservation.
AB  - Seabirds are vulnerable to oil pollution, particularly in cold-water regions. We
      investigated the response of small spills (<7.95m(3)) at offshore production
      platforms in Newfoundland, a region recognized for seabird diversity and
      abundance. In three environmental assessments for oil production operations
      Environment Canada requested monitoring and mitigation of small spills
      potentially impacting seabird populations; suggestions supported by two
      independent reviews. An industry spill response plan states that operators would
      collect systematic observations on spills and deploy countermeasures where
      possible. Operators' spill reports were obtained under an Access to Information
      request. There were 220 daytime spills with sheens (out of 381 spills; 1997
      2010). Of these, six reported time to oil dispersion and eleven the presence or
      absence of seabirds. Industry self-reporting has not permitted an evaluation of
      the impact of chronic oil spills on seabirds. We recommend that independent
      observers be placed on platforms to systematically collect data on spills and
      seabirds. 

PMID- 27131966
TI  - Three-year Follow-up Results of a Prospective, Multicenter Study in Overactive
      Bladder Subjects Treated With Sacral Neuromodulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic success rate, and changes in quality of
      life (QOL) and safety in subjects using sacral neuromodulation (InterStim System)
      at 36 months. Subjects with bothersome symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB)
      including urinary urge incontinence (UI) and/or urgency frequency (UF), who had
      failed at least 1 anticholinergic medication, and had at least 1 untried
      medication were included. METHODS: Subjects with successful test stimulation
      received an InterStim implant. Therapeutic success and quality of life through 36
      months was evaluated in implanted subjects with data at baseline and follow-up.
      Safety was evaluated using reported adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 340
      subjects received test stimulation resulting in 272 implanted subjects.
      Demographics include 91% female, mean age of 57 years, and baseline symptom
      severity of 3.1 +/- 2.7 leaks/day (UI) and 12.6 +/- 4.5 voids/day (UF). The
      analysis showed an OAB therapeutic success rate of 83% (95% confidence interval:
      78%-88%). UI subjects had a mean reduction from baseline of 2.3 +/- 2.3 leaks/day
      whereas UF subjects had a mean reduction of 5.3 +/- 4.0 voids/day (both P <
      .0001). Statistically significant improvements were observed in all measures of
      the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-OABqol (all
      P < .0001). Eighty percent of subjects reported improvements in their urinary
      symptom interference. Device-related adverse events occurred in 47% (127/272) of
      subjects post-implant; 91% were resolved at the time of this analysis.
      CONCLUSION: The 36-month follow-up data from the multicenter study demonstrate
      sustained safety, effectiveness, and improved QOL in subjects implanted with
      InterStim, without requiring failure of all medications.

PMID- 27131967
TI  - Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Modulators, BAY 41-2272 and BAY 60-2770, Inhibit Human
      and Rabbit Prostate Contractility.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the inhibitory effect of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)
      stimulator, BAY 41-2272 (5-cyclopropyl-2-[1-(2-fluorobenzyl)- 1H-pyrazolo[3,4
      b]pyridine-3-yl]pyrimidin-4-ylamine) or activator, BAY 60-2770 (4-({(4-
      carboxybutyl) [2- (5-fluoro-2-{[40-(trifluoromethyl) biphenyl- 4
      yl]methoxy}phenyl)ethyl] amino}methyl)benzoic acid), in human and rabbit prostate
      smooth muscle contractility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In rabbit or human prostate,
      contractions induced by electrical field stimulation or phenylephrine (PE) were
      carried out in the presence of sGC stimulator, BAY 41-2272, or sGC activator, BAY
      60-2770. The potency (pEC50) and maximal response (Emax) values were determined.
      Immunohistochemistry analysis for sGC alpha1-subunit and quantification of
      intracellular levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were also
      performed. RESULTS: In rabbit prostate, BAY 60-2770 (30 and 300 nM) inhibited the
      contractions induced by PE and electrical field stimulation. The coincubation
      with sGC inhibitor, ODQ, produced greater inhibitions on PE-induced contractions
      in comparison with BAY 60-2770 alone, mainly due to greater cGMP accumulation (70
      and 5.7-fold, respectively). BAY 41-2272 (300 nM) increased and decreased,
      respectively, cGMP levels and PE-induced contractions, but in the presence of ODQ
      these effects were reversed. In human prostate, immunohistochemistry analysis
      revealed the presence of sGC alpha1-subunit on the transition zone. BAY 60-2770
      (300 nM) reduced significantly Emax induced by PE in human prostate. CONCLUSION:
      sGC activator seems to be a promising alternative to treat benign prostatic
      hyperplasia because it increases cGMP levels even when sGC is oxidized.

PMID- 27131969
TI  - Key role of 5-HT3 receptors in the nucleus tractus solitarii in cardiovagal
      stress reactivity.
AB  - Serotonin plays a modulatory role in central control of the autonomic nervous
      system (ANS). The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) in the medulla is an area of
      viscerosomatic integration innervated by both central and peripheral serotonergic
      fibers. Influences from different origins therefore trigger the release of
      serotonin into the NTS and exert multiple influences on the ANS. This major
      influence on the ANS is also mediated by activation of several receptors in the
      NTS. In particular, the NTS is the central zone with the highest density of
      serotonin3 (5-HT3) receptors. In this review, we present evidence that 5-HT3
      receptors in the NTS play a key role in one of the crucial homeostatic responses
      to acute and chronic stress: inhibitory modulation of the parasympathetic
      component of the ANS. The possible functional interactions of 5-HT3 receptors
      with GABAA and NK1 receptors in the NTS are also discussed.

PMID- 27131968
TI  - The brain norepinephrine system, stress and cardiovascular vulnerability.
AB  - Chronic exposure to psychosocial stress has adverse effects on cardiovascular
      health, however the stress-sensitive neurocircuitry involved remains to be
      elucidated. The anatomical and physiological characteristics of the locus
      coeruleus (LC)-norepinephrine (NE) system position it to contribute to stress
      induced cardiovascular disease. This review focuses on cardiovascular dysfunction
      produced by social stress and a major theme highlighted is that differences in
      coping strategy determine individual differences in social stress-induced
      cardiovascular vulnerability. The establishment of different coping strategies
      and cardiovascular vulnerability during repeated social stress has recently been
      shown to parallel a unique plasticity in LC afferent regulation, resulting in
      either excitatory or inhibitory input to the LC. This contrasting regulation of
      the LC would translate to differences in cardiovascular regulation and may serve
      as the basis for individual differences in the cardiopathological consequences of
      social stress. The advances described suggest new directions for developing
      treatments and/or strategies for decreasing stress-induced cardiovascular
      vulnerability.

PMID- 27131972
TI  - Real-world Data on the Efficacy of Vernakalant for Pharmacological Cardioversion
      in Patients With Recent-onset Atrial Fibrillation.

PMID- 27131970
TI  - Pharmacological inhibition of FAAH activity in rodents: A promising
      pharmacological approach for psychological-cardiac comorbidity?
AB  - Numerous studies have documented a link between psychological disorders and
      cardiac disease. Yet, no systematic attempts have been made to develop
      pharmacological approaches for mood and anxiety disorders that could also be
      beneficial for cardiac health. The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in
      the regulation of stress, emotional behavior and cardiovascular function. General
      preclinical findings indicate that the endocannabinoid anandamide modulates
      physiological and behavioral stress responses and may also protect the heart from
      arrhythmias. Moreover, recent experimental studies suggest that pharmacological
      enhancement of anandamide signaling via inhibition of its degrading enzyme fatty
      acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) exerts anxiolytic- and antidepressive-like effects
      and improves cardiac autonomic function and the electrical stability of the
      myocardium in rodent models that reproduce aspects of human psychological/cardiac
      comorbidity. Here we summarize and discuss such experimental findings, which
      might guide future preclinical studies towards a systematic evaluation of the
      therapeutic potential of pharmacological approaches that target FAAH activity for
      the treatment of the comorbidity between psychological disorders and cardiac
      disease.

PMID- 27131971
TI  - Autoantigen-specific immunosuppression with tolerogenic peripheral blood cells
      prevents relapses in a mouse model of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells (DCs) rendered suppressive by treatment with
      mitomycin C and loaded with the autoantigen myelin basic protein demonstrated
      earlier their ability to prevent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE),
      the animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS). This provides an approach for
      prophylactic vaccination against autoimmune diseases. For clinical application
      such DCs are difficult to generate and autoantigens hold the risk of exacerbating
      the disease. METHODS: We replaced DCs by peripheral mononuclear cells and myelin
      autoantigens by glatiramer acetate (Copaxone((r))), a drug approved for the
      treatment of MS. Spleen cells were loaded with Copaxone((r)), incubated with
      mitomycin C (MICCop) and injected into mice after the first bout of relapsing
      remitting EAE. Immunosuppression mediated by MICCop was investigated in vivo by
      daily assessment of clinical signs of paralysis and in in vitro restimulation
      assays of peripheral immune cells. Cytokine profiling was performed by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Migration of MICCop cells after injection was
      examined by biodistribution analysis of (111)Indium-labelled MICCop. The number
      and inhibitory activity of CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells were analysed
      by histology, flow cytometry and in vitro mixed lymphocyte cultures. In order to
      assess the specificity of MICCop-induced suppression, treated EAE mice were
      challenged with the control protein ovalbumin. Humoral and cellular immune
      responses were then determined by ELISA and in vitro antigen restimulation assay.
      RESULTS: MICCop cells were able to inhibit the harmful autoreactive T-cell
      response and prevented mice from further relapses without affecting general
      immune responses. Administered MICCop migrated to various organs leading to an
      increased infiltration of the spleen and the central nervous system with
      CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) cells displaying a suppressive cytokine profile and
      inhibiting T-cell responses. CONCLUSION: We describe a clinically applicable cell
      therapeutic approach for controlling relapses in autoimmune encephalomyelitis by
      specifically silencing the deleterious autoimmune response.

PMID- 27131973
TI  - Additive Effects of Exenatide, Glucose-insulin-potassium, and Remote Ischemic
      Conditioning Against Reperfusion Ventricular Arrhythmias in Pigs.

PMID- 27131974
TI  - Membranous Ventricular Septal Aneurysm: to Be or not to Be.

PMID- 27131975
TI  - Examining regional variation in health care spending in British Columbia, Canada.
AB  - Examining regional variation in health care spending may reveal opportunities for
      improved efficiency. Previous research has found that health care spending and
      service use vary substantially from place to place, and this is often not
      explained by differences in the health status of populations or by better
      outcomes in higher-spending regions, but rather by differences in intensity of
      service provision. Much of this research comes from the United States. Whether
      similar patterns are observed in other high-income countries is not clear. We use
      administrative data on health care use, covering the entire population of the
      Canadian province of British Columbia, to examine how and why health care
      spending varies among health regions. Pricing and insurance coverage are constant
      across the population, and we adjust for patient-level age, sex, and recorded
      diagnoses. Without adjusting for differences in population characteristics, per
      capita spending is 50% higher in the highest-spending region than in the lowest.
      Adjusting for population characteristics as well as the very different
      environments for health service delivery that exist among metropolitan, non
      metropolitan, and remote regions of the province, this falls to 20%. Despite
      modest variation in total spending, there are marked differences in mortality. In
      this context, it appears that policy reforms aimed at system-wide quality and
      efficiency improvement, rather than targeted at high-spending regions, will
      likely prove most promising. 

PMID- 27131976
TI  - Improved patient survivals with colorectal cancer under multidisciplinary team
      care: A nationwide cohort study of 25,766 patients in Taiwan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The evidence of improved survival in patients of colorectal cancer
      (CRC) receiving multidisciplinary team (MDT) care remains inconclusive. METHODS:
      All patients with incident CRC but no prior cancer history in 2005-2008 were
      included and followed till 2010. A logistic regression model was used to predict
      the associated factors to participate in the MDT care model. The propensity score
      method was included under Cox proportional hazards model to reduce potential bias
      and to conduct survival analyses. RESULTS: In total, 25,766 patients were
      included; the mean follow-up period was 35.1 months. The factors associated with
      participating in MDT included receiving treatments at regional hospitals, at
      private hospitals, and stage III cancer (all p values <0.001). The favorable
      survival factors included participating in MDT (HR=0.91, p=0.001), age of 45-75,
      top-ranked income group, receiving treatments at district hospitals, or at
      hospitals or with doctors that had higher service volumes (all p values <0.05).
      Regarding individual stages, the risk of mortality was significantly lower at
      stage IV (HR=0.88, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Colorectal cancer patients with
      participation in MDT have a lower mortality risk; the improvements of survival
      exist in all colorectal cancer patients, especially in those with stage IV
      disease.

PMID- 27131977
TI  - [Surgical treatment of liver haemangiomas in a third level hospital in south-east
      Mexico].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver haemangiomas are the most common benign tumours, commonly
      presented in women and considered giant when their diameter surpasses 4cm. They
      are mostly asymptomatic and incidental findings. They manifest with abdominal
      pain and mass effect. These tumours can be managed by observation, enucleation,
      resection, and embolisation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the experience in our unit
      as regards the treatment and post-surgical outcomes of patients with liver
      haemangiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 14
      patients with a histopathological diagnosis of liver haemangioma. An analysis was
      made using the sociodemographic, tumour-related and surgical related variables,
      as well as any complications. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients analyse, there were 7
      males and 7 females, with a median age of 43.43+/-15.03 years, and a mean tumour
      size of 6.86+/-3.5cm. Eight (51.7%) of the tumours were located in the right
      lobe, 3 (21.4%) in the left lobe, and 3 (21.4%) in the caudate lobe. Resection
      was performed in 7 patients (50%), enucleation in 5 patients (35.7%), and biopsy
      in 2 patients (14.3). No relationship was found between sex, pathology, or tumour
      location. No morbidity or mortality was found. CONCLUSIONS: Liver haemangiomas in
      our unit have similar characteristics to those described in other studies.
      Surgical treatment in our hospital offers a positive outcome.

PMID- 27131978
TI  - [Round ligament cyst simulating incarcerated inguinal hernia. Report of a case].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Round ligament cysts are rare lesions, often diagnosed as irreducible
      inguinal hernias. Most patients are in the third to fourth decade of life, but
      they can occur in younger patients. They are usually clinically asymptomatic or
      tend to produce subtle symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or a feeling of
      heaviness, and swelling. Cysts should not be resized with the Valsalva manoeuvre.
      Ultrasound is the diagnostic method of choice. The definitive diagnosis is made
      during surgery, and confirmed by pathological examination. OBJECTIVE: To present
      a case of round ligament cyst, initially diagnosed as an incarcerated inguinal
      hernia, and a review of the literature. CLINICAL CASE: A 19 year-old female, who
      was admitted to the emergency department due to her current condition of 5 days
      of onset. She had an increased volume in right inguinal region that increased
      with physical exertion, throbbing pain, and nausea without vomiting. A right
      inguinal mass of approximately of 6cm in diameter was found, which was painful on
      mid-superficial palpation, reaching a pre-surgical diagnosis of incarcerated
      right inguinal hernia with an indication of surgical intervention. CONCLUSION:
      Round ligament cysts are a rare pathology, often confused with incarcerated
      inguinal hernias. Although ultrasound is the study of choice, the final diagnosis
      is usually made during surgery and confirmed by histopathology.

PMID- 27131979
TI  - [Efficacy of modified auriculotherapy for post-operative pain control in patients
      subjected to laparoscopic cholecystectomy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high frequency of post-operative pain in the patients after
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy has led to the need to use multiple analgesic
      therapies. These include auriculotherapy, although not very good results have
      been obtained with the traditional techniques. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      effectiveness of modified auriculotherapy for post-operative pain control in
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Double-blind
      controlled clinical trial. Experimental group: Different points ear puncture with
      xylocaine without needles vs. placebo group. Post-operative visual analogue scale
      (VAS) at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48h and rescue doses of analgesics, were measured
      in both groups. RESULTS: At 6h post-operative, 87% of the auriculotherapy group
      had a VAS of<4 vs. 48% of placebo group (p = 0.004), and 96 vs. 74% (p = 0.008)
      at 18hours. At 24, 36 and 48h after surgery there were no differences, and as all
      of the patients in both groups had a VAS<4, they were discharged to the hospital.
      CONCLUSIONS: Modified auriculotherapy was better to the conventional analgesics
      for post-operative pain control in patients subjected to laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy.

PMID- 27131980
TI  - [Celiac block in paediatric patients using endoscopic ultrasound for management
      of severe pain due to chronic pancreatitis. Review of the technique in 2 cases].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic diseases such as cancer, idiopathic recurrent
      pancreatitis, and chronic pancreatitis, can cause pain that is difficult to
      control. Pain is one of the most debilitating symptoms and demands increasing
      doses of analgesics and narcotics, as well as the number of hospital admissions,
      with a direct implication in the costs of medical treatments. OBJECTIVE: To
      describe the experience with 2 paediatric patients who were subjected to an
      ultrasound-guided endoscopic celiac ganglion block for difficult pain management,
      secondary to chronic pancreatitis disease. CLINICAL CASES: The first case
      concerns a 9-year-old male with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, and the
      second case is a 12-year-old female who developed episodes of intermittent acute
      pancreatitis. Both cases suffered from chronic abdominal pain, which was
      difficult to control with stronger painkillers, such as opioids. The pain
      decreased after patients were subjected to an ultrasound-guided endoscopic celiac
      ganglion block. CONCLUSIONS: This technique showed that both patients obtained
      satisfactory pain relief, with significant improvements in general symptomatology
      and the stopping of almost all analgesic medication. The authors suggest that
      celiac ganglion block must be considered, and implemented early before the usual
      complications, such as a consumption syndrome that is frequent in paediatric
      patients with chronic pancreatitis.

PMID- 27131981
TI  - Anti-apoptotic and Pro-survival Effects of Food Restriction on High-Fat Diet
      Induced Obese Hearts.
AB  - Food restriction and weight loss are known to prevent obesity-related heart
      diseases. This study investigates whether food restriction elicits anti-apoptotic
      and pro-survival effects on high-fat diet-induced obese hearts. Histopathological
      analysis, TUNEL assay, and Western blotting were performed on the excised hearts
      from three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats which were fed with regular chow diet
      (CON, 13.5 % fat), a high-fat ad libitum diet (HFa, 45 % fat), or a high-fat food
      restricted diet (HFr, 45 % fat, maintaining the same weight as CON) for 12 weeks.
      Body weight, blood pressure, heart weight, triglycerides, insulin, HOMAIR,
      interstitial spaces, cardiac fibrosis, and cardiac TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells
      were increased in HFa relative to CON, whereas these parameters were decreased in
      HFr relative to HFa. The protein levels of cardiac Fas ligand, Fas receptors, Fas
      associated death domain (FADD), activated caspase-8, and activated caspase-3 (Fas
      receptor-dependent apoptotic pathways), as well as t-Bid/Bid, Bax/Bcl-2, Bad/p
      Bad, Cytochrome c, activated caspase-9, and activated caspase-3 (mitochondria
      dependent apoptotic pathways) in HFr were lower than those in HFa. Moreover, the
      Bcl-xL and IGF-1-related components of IGF-1, p-PI3 K/PI3 K, p-Akt/Akt in HFr
      were higher than those in HFa. Our findings suggest that a restricted high-fat
      diet for maintaining weight control could diminish cardiac Fas receptor-dependent
      and mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways as well as might enhance IGF-1
      related pro-survival pathways. In sum, food restriction for maintaining normal
      weight could elicit anti-apoptotic and pro-survival effects on high-fat diet
      induced obese hearts.

PMID- 27131982
TI  - Role of Oxygen Free Radicals, Nitric Oxide and Mitochondria in Mediating Cardiac
      Alterations During Liver Cirrhosis Induced by Thioacetamide.
AB  - Thioacetamide (TAA) administration is widely used for induction of liver
      cirrhosis in rats, where reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO)
      participate in development of liver damage. Cardiac dysfunction is an important
      complication of liver cirrhosis, but the role of ROS or NO in cardiac
      abnormalities during liver cirrhosis is not well understood. This was
      investigated in animals after TAA-induced liver cirrhosis and temporal changes in
      oxidative stress, NO and mitochondrial function in the heart evaluated. TAA
      induced elevation in cardiac levels of nitrate before development of frank liver
      cirrhosis, without gross histological alterations. This was accompanied by an
      early induction of P38 MAP kinase, which is influenced by ROS and plays an
      important signaling role for induction of iNOS. Increased nitrotyrosine, protein
      oxidation and lipid peroxidation in the heart and cardiac mitochondria,
      suggestive of oxidative stress, also preceded frank liver cirrhosis. However,
      compromised cardiac mitochondrial function with a decrease in respiratory control
      ratio and increased mitochondrial swelling was seen later, when cirrhosis was
      evident. In conclusion, TAA induces elevations in ROS and NO in the heart in
      parallel to early liver damage. This leads to later development of functional
      deficits in cardiac mitochondria after development of liver cirrhosis.

PMID- 27131983
TI  - Re: Agarwal et al Stylomandibular fusion that complicates recurrent bilateral
      ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint.

PMID- 27131984
TI  - Does increasing the number of short implants reduce marginal bone loss in the
      posterior mandible? A prospective study.
AB  - Marginal bone loss is a concern in the long-term prognosis of short dental
      implants. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate the loss when
      variable numbers of short implants were used in the posterior mandible. The
      subjects were allocated into three groups according to the number of short
      implants. The first group was given two, the second three, and the third four.
      Each patient had radiographs taken immediately after loading and repeated 36
      months later. Twenty- three subjects with 65 implants were entered in the three
      groups. The mean (SD) marginal bone loss was 0.49 (0.04) mm in the two implant
      group, 0.41 (0.25) mm in the three implant group, and 0.35 (0.25) mm in the four
      implant group. There were significant differences in marginal bone loss among the
      three groups (p=0.001), in that the fewer the number of short implant-supported
      fixed prostheses in the posterior mandible, the greater the marginal bone loss.
      When we used more short implants the amount of marginal bone loss decreased. 

PMID- 27131985
TI  - Segmental mandibulectomies made easier: a simple drill guide.

PMID- 27131986
TI  - Intermaxillary fixation with sutures: RAI Modification.

PMID- 27131987
TI  - Gene therapy to target ER stress in brain diseases.
AB  - Gene therapy based on the use of Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) is emerging as a
      safe and stable strategy to target molecular pathways involved in a variety of
      brain diseases. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is proposed as a transversal
      feature of most animal models and clinical samples from patients affected with
      neurodegenerative diseases. Manipulation of the unfolded protein response (UPR),
      a major homeostatic reaction under ER stress conditions, had proved beneficial in
      diverse models of neurodegeneration. Although increasing number of drugs are
      available to target ER stress, the use of small molecules to treat chronic brain
      diseases is challenging because of poor blood brain barrier permeability and
      undesirable side effects due to the role of the UPR in the physiology of
      peripheral organs. Gene therapy is currently considered a possible future
      alternative to circumvent these problems by the delivery of therapeutic agents to
      selective regions and cell types of the nervous system. Here we discuss current
      efforts to design gene therapy strategies to alleviate ER stress on a disease
      context. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:ER stress.

PMID- 27131988
TI  - Regulation of angiotensinogen expression by angiotensin II in spontaneously
      hypertensive rat primary astrocyte cultures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiotensin (Ang) II, a bio-peptide of the renin-angiotensin system
      (RAS), plays a pivotal role in biological systems. It has been well established
      that in the brain, astrocytes are the predominant source for angiotensinogen
      (AGT), which is the precursor molecule for Ang II. The primary objective of this
      study was to determine the effect of Ang II on AGT mRNA and protein expression
      levels in primary cultures of astrocytes isolated from the brainstem and
      cerebellum regions of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive
      Wistar rats. METHODS: Astrocytes were treated with 100nM Ang II and the effect of
      time and the receptors involved in AGT mRNA and protein expression were measured
      using qPCR, and western blotting techniques, respectively. RESULTS: Ang II
      significantly downregulated AGT mRNA levels and upregulated AGT protein levels in
      both SHR and Wistar rat astrocytes. Basal AGT mRNA levels in SHR samples were
      significantly lower as compared to Wistar astrocytes isolated from brainstem and
      cerebellum. There was no difference in the basal AGT protein levels when SHR and
      Wistar samples were compared. There was a tendency for higher Ang II-induced AGT
      protein levels in SHR samples compared to normotensive controls, but the
      difference was not significant. Ang II tended to decrease AGT mRNA levels of
      Wistar samples to a greater degree than SHR samples. The Ang AT1 receptor
      mediated the actions of Ang II on AGT protein and mRNA levels. CONCLUSION: These
      findings highlight the complexity of AGT regulation and show that AGT protein and
      mRNA levels are responsive to Ang II in both SHR and Wistar astrocytes. Most
      importantly, our findings suggest that this peptide can induce its own synthesis
      by positively regulating AGT protein synthesis, an effect that was more robust in
      SHR astrocytes. Thus, dysregulation of this system may be important in preserving
      the hypertensive phenotype in this model.

PMID- 27131989
TI  - Salubrinal reduces oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and impulsive-like
      behavior in a rodent model of traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of trauma related morbidity in
      the developed world. TBI has been shown to trigger secondary injury cascades
      including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative stress, and
      neuroinflammation. The link between secondary injury cascades and behavioral
      outcome following TBI is poorly understood warranting further investigation.
      Using our validated rodent blast TBI model, we examined the interaction of
      secondary injury cascades following single injury and how these interactions may
      contribute to impulsive-like behavior after a clinically relevant repetitive TBI
      paradigm. We targeted these secondary pathways acutely following single injury
      with the cellular stress modulator, salubrinal (SAL). We examined the
      neuroprotective effects of SAL administration on significantly reducing ER
      stress: janus-N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and C/EBP homology protein
      (CHOP), oxidative stress: superoxide and carbonyls, and neuroinflammation:
      nuclear factor kappa beta (NFkappaB) activity, inducible nitric oxide synthase
      (iNOS) protein expression, and pro-inflammatory cytokines at 24h post-TBI. We
      then used the more clinically relevant repeat injury paradigm and observed
      elevated NFkappaB and iNOS activity. These injury cascades were associated with
      impulsive-like behavior measured on the elevated plus maze. SAL administration
      attenuated secondary iNOS activity at 72h following repetitive TBI, and most
      importantly prevented impulsive-like behavior. Overall, these results suggest a
      link between secondary injury cascades and impulsive-like behavior that can be
      modulated by SAL administration.

PMID- 27131992
TI  - Hydrazide d-luciferin for in vitro selective detection and intratumoral imaging
      of Cu(2.).
AB  - Copper is an essential micronutrient involved in fundamental life processes but
      using a bioluminescence (BL) probe to selectively sense Cu(2+)in vitro or image
      Cu(2+)in vivo is still unavailable. Herein, a latent BL probe hydrazide d
      luciferin (1) was rationally designed and successfully applied it for selective
      detection of Cu(2+)in vitro and imaging Cu(2+) in living cells and in tumors.
      Upon the catalysis of Cu(2+), 1 was converted to d-luciferin and turned on the BL
      in the presence of firefly luciferase (fLuc). In vitro tests indicated that 1
      could be applied for highly selective sensing Cu(2+) within the range of 0-80MUM
      with a limit of detection (LOD) of 39.0nM. Cell and animal experiments indicated
      that 1 could be applied for specific BL imaging of Cu(2+) in living cells and
      tumors and the BL signal of 1 was more stable and longer than that of d
      luciferin. We envision that this unique probe 1 might serve as an elucidative
      tool for further exploration of the biological roles of Cu(2+) in physiological
      and pathological processes in the near future. 

PMID- 27131990
TI  - Discovery of 3-aminopicolinamides as metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4
      (mGlu4) positive allosteric modulator warheads engendering CNS exposure and in
      vivo efficacy.
AB  - This letter describes the further chemical optimization of the picolinamide
      derived family of mGlu4 PAMs wherein we identified a 3-amino substituent to the
      picolinamide warhead that engendered potency, CNS penetration and in vivo
      efficacy. From this optimization campaign, VU0477886 emerged as a potent
      (EC50=95nM, 89% Glu Max) mGlu4 PAM with an attractive DMPK profile (brain:plasma
      Kp=1.3), rat CLp=4.0mL/min/kg, t1/2=3.7h) and robust efficacy in our standard
      preclinical Parkinson's disease model, haloperidol-induced catalepsy (HIC).

PMID- 27131991
TI  - The ties that bond: neurochemistry of attachment in voles.
AB  - In socially monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), mating induces three
      primary types of behavior; namely, partner preference, selective aggression
      toward conspecific strangers, and bi-parental care, making this rodent an ideal
      model system to study sociality and underlying neurochemical mechanisms
      associated with monogamous mating strategies. Here, we highlight species
      differences in neurochemical receptor distributions associated with mating
      experience leading to the establishment of stable pair-bonds. Specifically, we
      illustrate the role of nucleus accumbens dopamine in programming the formation
      and maintenance of monogamous bonds and describe the role of anterior
      hypothalamic vasopressin in the regulation of selective aggression. We conclude
      by discussing recent molecular work in voles and emphasize the importance of this
      rodent for future research in the behavioral neurobiology field.

PMID- 27131993
TI  - Lysosomal ATP imaging in living cells by a water-soluble cationic polythiophene
      derivative.
AB  - Lysosomes in astrocytes and microglia can release ATP as the signaling molecule
      for the cells through ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis in response to various stimuli.
      At present, fluorescent probes that can detect ATP in lysosomes have not been
      reported. In this work, we have developed a new water-soluble cationic
      polythiophene derivative that can be specifically localized in lysosomes and can
      be utilized as a fluorescent probe to sense ATP in cells. PEMTEI exhibits high
      selectivity and sensitivity to ATP at physiological pH values and the detection
      limit of ATP is as low as 10(-11)M. The probe has low cytotoxicity, good
      permeability and high photostability in living cells and has been applied
      successfully to real-time monitoring of the change in concentrations of ATP in
      lysosomes though fluorescence microscopy. We also demonstrated that lysosomes in
      Hela cells can release ATP through Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis in response to
      drug stimuli. 

PMID- 27131994
TI  - Target-protecting dumbbell molecular probe against exonucleases digestion for
      sensitive detection of ATP and streptavidin.
AB  - In this work, a versatile dumbbell molecular (DM) probe was designed and employed
      in the sensitively homogeneous bioassay. In the presence of target molecule, the
      DM probe was protected from the digestion of exonucleases. Subsequently, the
      protected DM probe specifically bound to the intercalation dye and resulted in
      obvious fluorescence signal which was used to determine the target molecule in
      return. This design allows specific and versatile detection of diverse targets
      with easy operation and no sophisticated fluorescence labeling. Integrating the
      idea of target-protecting DM probe with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) involved
      ligation reaction, the DM probe with 5'-end phosphorylation was successfully
      constructed for ATP detection, and the limitation of detection was found to be
      4.8 pM. Thanks to its excellent selectivity and sensitivity, this sensing
      strategy was used to detect ATP spiked in human serum as well as cellular ATP.
      Moreover, the proposed strategy was also applied in the visual detection of ATP
      in droplet-based microfluidic platform with satisfactory results. Similarly,
      combining the principle of target-protecting DM probe with streptavidin (SA)
      biotin interaction, the DM probe with 3'-end biotinylation was developed for
      selective and sensitive SA determination, which demonstrated the robustness and
      versatility of this design. 

PMID- 27131995
TI  - Highly fluorescent carbon dots as selective and sensitive "on-off-on" probes for
      iron(III) ion and apoferritin detection and imaging in living cells.
AB  - Highly blue luminescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) with a fluorescence
      quantum yield of 42.3% were prepared by an efficient one-step pyrolytic route
      from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and urea. The as-synthesized N-CDs were
      demonstrated as an effective fluorescent probe for label-free, selective and
      sensitive recognition of Fe(3+) with a linear range of 0.5MUM to 2mM and a
      detection limit of 13.6nM due to Fe(3+)-quenched fluorescence (turn-off). The
      quenched fluorescence could be turned on after the addition of apoferritin owing
      to the removal of ferric species from the surface of N-CDs by apoferritin, making
      complex N-CDs/Fe(3+) a selective apoferritin probe with a linear range of 0.1
      25MUM and a detection limit as low as 2.6nM. In addition, the application of this
      novel N-CDs-based probe for imaging Fe(3+) ions and apoferritin in living cells
      suggest that this sensing system has great potential applications in biosensing,
      bioimaging, and many other fields. 

PMID- 27131996
TI  - A novel pyrene based fluorescent probe for selective detection of cysteine in
      presence of other bio-thiols in living cells.
AB  - This manuscript reports the synthesis of pyrene-based fluorescent probe (PA-1)
      containing alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl moiety and its application towards the
      selective and sensitive detection of cysteine (Cys) over other bio-thiols. The
      probe, 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1-pyrenyl-2-propenone (PA-1) was synthesized through
      Claisen-Schmidt condensation between acetyl pyrene and salicylaldehyde. The
      formed product was characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and GC-MS techniques. The
      probe exhibited absorption maximum at 374nm and emission maximum at 467nm
      (lambdaex=342nm). The emission intensity of PA-1 was greatly enhanced while
      adding 2.5nM Cys. This can be attributed to the nucleophilic attack of Cys to the
      alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone resulting in switching off, intramolecular charge
      transfer (ICT) from pyrene moiety to the phenolic nucleus. This was confirmed by
      DFT measurements. The PA-1 exhibited an excellent selectivity towards the
      determination of 40nM cys in the presence of 250,000-fold higher concentration of
      common interferents. The emission intensity was linearly increased and the limit
      of detection was found to be 10pM/L (S/N=3). Interestingly, the response of the
      PA-1 towards Cys is less than 1min. The confocal laser scanning micrographs of
      HeLa cells confirmed the cell permeability of the PA-1 and its ability to
      selectively detect Cys in living cells. In addition, the proposed probe was
      successfully applied for the determination of Cys in blood serum samples. 

PMID- 27131997
TI  - A simple and rapid chemiluminescence aptasensor for acetamiprid in contaminated
      samples: Sensitivity, selectivity and mechanism.
AB  - Ultralow concentration and selective detection of pesticide residue is important
      to evaluate the environmental and biological pollution and the threat to human
      health which single component pesticide can bring. Herein, we report an amplified
      chemiluminescence (CL) sensing platform for ultrasensitive and selective
      acetamiprid (widely used pesticide) detection. It is based on aptamer's high
      binding affinity to target and the relevance between AuNPs' morphology and its
      catalytic effect to stimulate the generation of CL in the presence of H2O2 and
      luminol. Moreover, AuNPs morphological slight change induced by aptamers'
      conformation during targets binding could lead to the significant change of
      catalytic properties. Therefore, the proposed sensing platform for pesticide
      residue exhibited a high sensitivity toward acetamiprid with a detection limit of
      62pM, which was about 100-fold lower than that of other aptamer-based sensor for
      acetamiprid detection. Because of the intrinsic specificity of aptamer's
      recognization, this sensing platform has high selectivity. So, this sensing
      platform provides a label-free and cost-effective approach for sensitive and
      selective detection of single component pesticide residue. More importantly, this
      CL method was successfully used to determine acetamiprid in real contaminated
      samples. 

PMID- 27131998
TI  - A target-triggered dual amplification strategy for sensitive detection of
      microRNA.
AB  - The accurate and quantitative analysis of microRNA (miRNA) expression is critical
      for biomedical research and clinical theranostics. In this study, we report a
      novel sensor for the sensitive detection of miRNA based on a duplex-specific
      nuclease (DSN)-assisted dual signal amplification strategy. A chimeric probe
      (DNA/2-OMe-RNA) that consists of a miRNA recognition DNA sequence and a Taqman
      probe hybridization RNA sequence (2'-O-methyl RNA) was designed and synthesized.
      One molecule of target miRNA can trigger cyclical cleavage of the chimeric probes
      to produce 2'-O-methyl RNA by DSN in the first round of amplification. The 2'-O
      methyl RNA molecules can subsequently hybridize with Taqman probes and initiate
      the second round of cyclical amplification to generate detectable fluorescence by
      DSN. The proposed strategy exhibits high specificity in discriminating cognate
      miRNAs, and the dual signal transduction process enables the detection of miRNA
      concentrations as low as 7.3fM. We further applied this assay to miRNA
      quantification in cancer cells to confirm its applicability. The present study
      provides a sensitive, specific and simple method for miRNA detection and holds
      great potential for further application in biomedical research and in the
      clinical laboratory. 

PMID- 27131999
TI  - Detection of heavy metal by paper-based microfluidics.
AB  - Heavy metal pollution has shown great threat to the environment and public health
      worldwide. Current methods for the detection of heavy metals require expensive
      instrumentation and laborious operation, which can only be accomplished in
      centralized laboratories. Various microfluidic paper-based analytical devices
      have been developed recently as simple, cheap and disposable alternatives to
      conventional ones for on-site detection of heavy metals. In this review, we first
      summarize current development of paper-based analytical devices and discuss the
      selection of paper substrates, methods of device fabrication, and relevant
      theories in these devices. We then compare and categorize recent reports on
      detection of heavy metals using paper-based microfluidic devices on the basis of
      various detection mechanisms, such as colorimetric, fluorescent, and
      electrochemical methods. To finalize, the future development and trend in this
      field are discussed. 

PMID- 27132000
TI  - A versatile fluorescent biosensor based on target-responsive graphene oxide
      hydrogel for antibiotic detection.
AB  - A fluorescent sensing platform based on graphene oxide (GO) hydrogel was
      developed through a fast and facile gelation, immersion and fluorescence
      determination process, in which the adenosine and aptamer worked as the co
      crosslinkers to connect the GO sheets and then form the three-dimensional (3D)
      macrostructures. The as-prepared hydrogel showed high mechanical strength and
      thermal stability. The optimal hydrogel had a linear response for oxytetracycline
      (OTC) of 25-1000MUg/L and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 25MUg/L. Moreover,
      together with the high affinity of the aptamer for its target, this assay
      exhibited excellent sensitivity and selectivity. According to its design
      principle, the as-designed hydrogel was also tested to possess the generic
      detection function for other molecules by simply replacing its recognition
      element, which is expected to lay a foundation to realize the assembly of
      functionalized hierarchical graphene-based materials for practical applications
      in analytical field. 

PMID- 27132001
TI  - A fluorometric assay for alkaline phosphatase activity based on beta-cyclodextrin
      modified carbon quantum dots through host-guest recognition.
AB  - A convenient, reliable and highly sensitive assay for alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
      activity in the real-time manner is developed based on beta-cyclodextrin-modified
      carbon quantum dots (beta-CD-CQDs) nanoprobe through specific host-guest
      recognition. Carbon quantum dots were first functionalized with 3-aminophenyl
      boronic acid to produce boronic acid-functionalized CQDs, and then further
      modified with hydropropyl beta-cyclodextrins (beta-CD) through B-O bonds to form
      beta-CD-CQDs nanoprobe. p-Nitrophenol phosphate disodium salt is used as the
      substrate of ALP, and can hydrolyze to p-nitrophenol under the catalysis of ALP.
      The resulting p-nitrophenol can enter the cavity of beta-CD moiety in the
      nanoprobe due to their specific host-guest recognition, where photoinduced
      electron transfer process between p-nitrophenol and CQDs takes place to
      efficiently quench the fluorescence of the probe. The correlation between
      quenched fluorescence and ALP level can be used to establish quantitative
      evaluation of ALP activity in a broad range from 3.4 to 100.0U/L with the
      detection limit of 0.9U/L. This assay shows a high sensitivity to ALP even in the
      presence of a very high concentration of glucose. This study demonstrates a good
      electron donor/acceptor pair, which can be used to design general detection
      strategy through PET process, and also broadens the application of host-guest
      recognition for enzymes detection in clinical practice. 

PMID- 27132002
TI  - Initiator-catalyzed self-assembly of duplex-looped DNA hairpin motif based on
      strand displacement reaction for logic operations and amplified biosensing.
AB  - Here we program an initiator-catalyzed self-assembly of duplex-looped DNA hairpin
      motif based on strand displacement reaction. Due to the recycling of initiator
      and performance in a cascade manner, this system is versatilely extended to logic
      operations, including the construction of concatenated logic circuits with a
      feedback function and a biocomputing keypad-lock security system. Compared with
      previously reported molecular security systems, the prominent feature of our
      keypad lock is that it can be spontaneously reset and recycled with no need of
      any external stimulus and human intervention. Moreover, through integrating with
      an isothermal amplification technique of rolling circle amplification (RCA), this
      programming catalytic DNA self-assembly strategy readily achieves sensitive and
      selective biosensing of initiator. Importantly, a magnetic graphene oxide (MGO)
      is introduced to remarkably reduced background, which plays an important role in
      enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and improving the detection sensitivity.
      Therefore, the proposed sophisticated DNA strand displacement-based methodology
      with engineering dynamic functions may find broad applications in the
      construction of programming DNA nanostructures, amplification biosensing
      platform, and large-scale DNA circuits. 

PMID- 27132004
TI  - Electrochemical chip-based genomagnetic assay for detection of high-risk human
      papillomavirus DNA.
AB  - Cervical cancer, being the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women
      worldwide, predominantly originates from a persistent infection with a high-risk
      human papillomavirus (HPV). Detection of DNA sequences from these high-risk
      strains, mostly HPV-16 and HPV-18, represents promising strategy for early
      screening, which would help to identify women with higher risk of cervical
      cancer. In developing countries, inadequate screening options lead to
      disproportionately high mortality rates, making a fast and inexpensive detection
      schemes highly important. Electrochemical sensors and assays offer an alternative
      to current methods of detection. We developed an electrochemical-chip based
      assay, in which target HPV DNA is captured via magnetic bead-modified DNA probes,
      followed by an antidigoxigenin-peroxidase detection system at screen-printed
      carbon electrode chips, enabling parallel measurements of eight samples
      simultaneously. We show sensitive detection in attomoles of HPV DNA, selective
      discrimination between HPV-16 and HPV-18 and good reproducibility. Most
      importantly, we show application of the assay into both cancer cell lines and
      cervical smears from patients. The electrochemical results correlated well with
      standard methods, making this assay potentially applicable in clinical practice. 

PMID- 27132005
TI  - Biosensor for total antinuclear antibody determination at the point-of-care.
AB  - Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are important in diagnosis and follow-up of patients
      with autoimmune conditions. The current increase in ANA requests is driven by
      broadening the use of ANA from a test for lupus to a test for diverse autoimmune
      diseases, but the standard method is protracted, cumbersome and prone to error.
      We describe an electrochemical method for quantifying total ANA for use as a
      point-of-care diagnostic aid. In this technology the target autoantigens are
      derived from a protein/nucleoprotein mixture prepared from an inexpensive source
      and adsorbed to a porous membrane with high protein binding capacity. Serum is
      slowly drawn through the membrane comprising the high density autoantigen mixture
      to induce rapid binding of patient autoantibodies. After rinsing, peroxidase
      conjugated anti-IgG is drawn through the membrane followed by rinsing, insertion
      of an electrode assembly, and addition of the enzyme substrate. Substrate
      peroxidation is measured by microamperage-level current accompanying
      electrochemical reduction of the intermediate product. Values are comparable to a
      standard ANA test but require a total processing time of ~20min. This method has
      the promise to greatly expand ANA testing in clinical settings for initial
      patient assessment of autoimmune disease. 

PMID- 27132003
TI  - Ce-based metal-organic frameworks and DNAzyme-assisted recycling as dual signal
      amplifiers for sensitive electrochemical detection of lipopolysaccharide.
AB  - In this work, a sensitive electrochemical aptasensor was designed for
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) detection based on Ce-based metal-organic frameworks (Ce
      MOFs) and Zn(2+) dependent DNAzyme-assisted recycling as dual signal amplifiers.
      Herein, Ce-MOFs were decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to obtain AuNPs/Ce
      MOFs, and the resultant AuNPs/Ce-MOFs not only acted as nanocarriers to capture 
      SH terminated hairpin probes 2 (HP2) for acquiring HP2/AuNPs/Ce-MOFs signal
      probes, but also as catalysts to catalyze the oxidation of ascorbic acid (AA). In
      the presence of target LPS, report DNA was released from the prepared duplex DNA
      and then hybridized with hairpin probes 1 (HP1, which were immobilized on the
      electrode). With the help of Zn(2+), report DNA could act as Zn(2+) dependent
      DNAzyme to cleave HP1 circularly. Then a large amount of capture probes were
      produced on the electrode to combine with HP2/AuNPs/Ce-MOFs signal probes. When
      the detection solution contained electrochemical substrate of AA, AuNPs/Ce-MOFs
      could oxide AA to obtain enhanced signal. Under the optimized conditions, this
      proposed aptasensor for LPS exhibited a low detection limit of 3.3 fg/mL with a
      wide linear range from 10fg/mL to 100ng/mL. 

PMID- 27132006
TI  - Amperometric sensing of HIF1alpha expressed in cancer cells and the effect of
      hypoxic mimicking agents.
AB  - Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1alpha) overexpression was detected in
      cancerous cells using an amperometric immunosensor with a nano-bioconjugate. The
      sensor probe was fabricated by covalently immobilizing the antibody (anti
      HIF1alpha) onto a composite layer of functionalized conducting polymer [2,2:5,2
      terthiophene-3-(p-benzoic acid)] (pTTBA) formed on a layer of gold nanoparticles
      (AuNPs). A nano-bioconjugate with hydrazine and a secondary antibody of HIF1alpha
      (sec-Ab2) attached on AuNPs reveals the immunoreaction at the sensor probe
      through the catalytic reduction of H2O2 by hydrazine at -0.35V vs. Ag/AgCl.
      Morphology and performance of the sensor probe were characterized using FE-SEM,
      XPS, EIS, and cyclic voltammetry. The calibration plot at optimized experimental
      conditions shows a dynamic range of 25-350pM/mL with a detection limit of 5.35+/
      0.02pM/mL. The reliability of the sensor was evaluated using non-cancerous Vero
      and cancerous MCF-7 cell lysates, where the HIF1alpha expression was compared
      with three cancerous cell lines MCF-7, PC-3, and A549. Furthermore, the sensor
      probe confirms the stable expression of HIF1alpha in the A549 lung cancer cells
      when exposing them to hypoxic mimicking agents Co, Ni, and Mn ions. Of these, Co
      ions show the highest stabilization effect on HIF1alpha followed by Ni and Mn
      ions, respectively. 

PMID- 27132007
TI  - A novel label-free microfluidic paper-based immunosensor for highly sensitive
      electrochemical detection of carcinoembryonic antigen.
AB  - In this work, a highly sensitive label-free paper-based electrochemical
      immunosensor employing screen-printed working electrode (SPWE) for detection of
      carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was fabricated. In order to raise the detection
      sensitivity and immobilize anti-CEA, amino functional graphene (NH2-G)/thionine
      (Thi)/gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) nanocomposites were synthesized and coated on
      SPWE. The principle of the immunosensor determination was based on the fact that
      the decreased response currents of Thi were proportional to the concentrations of
      corresponding antigens due to the formation of antibody-antigen immunocomplex.
      Experimental results revealed that the immunoassay enabled the determination of
      standard CEA solutions with linear working ranges of 50pgmL(-1) to 500ngmL(-1),
      the limit of detections for CEA is 10pgmL(-1) (S/N=3) and its corresponding
      correlation coefficients were 0.996. Furthermore, the proposed immunosensor could
      be used for the determination of clinical serum samples. A large number of
      clinical serum samples were detected and the relative errors between measured
      values and reference concentrations were calculated. Results showed that this
      novel paper-based electrochemical immunosensor could provide a new platform for
      low cost, sensitive, specific, and point-of-care diagnosis in cancer detection. 

PMID- 27132008
TI  - Gaze direction detection in autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - Detecting where our partners direct their gaze is an important aspect of social
      interaction. An atypical gaze processing has been reported in autism. However, it
      remains controversial whether children and adults with autism spectrum disorder
      interpret indirect gaze direction with typical accuracy. This study investigated
      whether the detection of gaze direction toward an object is less accurate in
      autism spectrum disorder. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (n = 33) and
      intelligence quotients-matched and age-matched controls (n = 38) were asked to
      watch a series of synthetic faces looking at objects, and decide which of two
      objects was looked at. The angle formed by the two possible targets and the face
      varied following an adaptive procedure, in order to determine individual
      thresholds. We found that gaze direction detection was less accurate in autism
      spectrum disorder than in control participants. Our results suggest that the
      precision of gaze following may be one of the altered processes underlying social
      interaction difficulties in autism spectrum disorder.

PMID- 27132009
TI  - Validation of the Pictorial Infant Communication Scale for preschool-aged
      children with autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - Joint attention, or the shared focus of attention between objects or events and a
      social partner, is a crucial milestone in the development of social communication
      and a notable area of deficit in children with autism spectrum disorder. While
      valid parent-report screening measures of social communication are available, the
      majority of these measures are designed to assess a wide range of behaviors.
      Targeted assessment of joint attention and related skills is primarily limited to
      semi-structured, examiner-led interactions, which are time-consuming and
      laborious to score. The Pictorial Infant Communication Scale is an efficient
      parent-report measure of joint attention that can be used as a complement to
      structured assessments in fully characterizing early social communication
      development. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Pictorial
      Infant Communication Scale. Results revealed a high degree of internal
      consistency and strong intercorrelations between subscales. Additionally,
      confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor model of joint attention.
      Furthermore, significant correlations between the Pictorial Infant Communication
      Scale and direct clinical measures of child joint attention, language skills, and
      autism spectrum disorder symptom severity were suggestive of concurrent validity.
      Findings suggest that the Pictorial Infant Communication Scale is a promising
      tool for measuring joint attention skills in preschool-aged children with autism
      spectrum disorder.

PMID- 27132010
TI  - Comparison of nutritional status between children with autism spectrum disorder
      and typically developing children in the Mediterranean Region (Valencia, Spain).
AB  - This case-control study investigated nutrient intake, healthy eating index with
      10 items on foods and nutrients, on 3-day food diaries and anthropometric
      measurements in 105 children with autism spectrum disorder and 495 typically
      developing children (6-9 years) in Valencia (Spain). Children with autism
      spectrum disorder were at a higher risk for underweight, eating more legumes,
      vegetables, fiber, and some micronutrients (traditional Mediterranean diet) but
      fewer dairy and cereal products, and less iodine, sodium, and calcium than their
      typically developing peers. Differences existed in total energy intake but
      healthy eating index and food variety score differences were not significant.
      Autism spectrum disorder group failed to meet dietary recommendations for
      thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin C, or calcium. Risk of inadequate intake of fiber,
      vitamin E, and sodium was lower in children with autism spectrum disorder than
      typically developing children. Results suggest that (1) risk of inadequate intake
      of some micronutrients in children with autism spectrum disorder and (2) cultural
      patterns and environment may influence food intake and anthropometric
      characteristics in autism spectrum disorder. Primary care should include
      anthropometric and nutritional surveillance in this population to identify
      intervention on a case-by-case basis. Future research should explore dietary
      patterns and anthropometric characteristics in different autism spectrum disorder
      populations in other countries, enhancing our understanding of the disorder's
      impact.

PMID- 27132011
TI  - Whether the Autism Spectrum Quotient consists of two different subgroups? Cluster
      analysis of the Autism Spectrum Quotient in general population.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the individuals in the
      general population with high scores on the Autism Spectrum Quotient constituted a
      single homogeneous group or not. A cohort of university students (n = 4901) was
      investigated by cluster analysis based on the original five subscales of the
      Autism Spectrum Quotient. Based on the results of the analysis, the students
      could be divided into six clusters: the first with low scores on all the five
      subscales, the second with high scores on only the 'attention to detail'
      subscale, the third and fourth with intermediate scores on all the subscales, the
      fifth with high scores on four of the five subscales but low scores on the
      'attention to detail' subscale and the sixth with high scores on all the five
      subscales. The students with high total Autism Spectrum Quotient scores (n = 166)
      were divided into two groups: one with high scores on four subscales but low
      scores on the 'attention to detail' subscale and the other with high scores on
      all the five subscales. The results of this study suggested that individuals from
      the general population with high Autism Spectrum Quotient scores may consist of
      two qualitatively different groups.

PMID- 27132012
TI  - The influence of media suggestions about links between criminality and autism
      spectrum disorder.
AB  - We examined whether media reports linking criminal behaviour and autism spectrum
      disorder foster negative attitudes towards individuals with autism spectrum
      disorder. In a between-subjects design, participants were exposed to (a) a media
      story in which a murderer was labelled with autism spectrum disorder (media
      exposure condition) or not labelled with any disorder (control) and (b) an autism
      spectrum disorder-education condition attacking the myth that people diagnosed
      with autism spectrum disorder are likely to be violent criminals or a no-autism
      spectrum disorder-education condition. Participants attitudes towards three
      different crime perpetrators (one with autism spectrum disorder) described in
      separate vignettes were probed. The media exposure linking crime and autism
      spectrum disorder promoted more negative attitudes towards individuals with
      autism spectrum disorder, whereas the positive autism spectrum disorder-related
      educational message had the opposite effect.

PMID- 27132013
TI  - Psychometric analysis of the Systematic Observation of Red Flags for autism
      spectrum disorder in toddlers.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the Systematic
      Observation of Red Flags as an observational level-two screening measure to
      detect risk for autism spectrum disorder in toddlers when used with a video
      recorded administration of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales.
      Psychometric properties of the Systematic Observation of Red Flags were examined
      in a sample of 247 toddlers of 16- to 24 months old: 130 with autism spectrum
      disorder, 61 with developmental delays, and 56 typically developing. Individual
      items were examined for performance to create an algorithm with improved
      sensitivity and specificity, yielding a total Composite score and Domain scores
      for Social Communication and Restricted Repetitive Behaviors. Codes indicating
      clear symptom presence were collapsed to yield a count of the number of Red Flags
      for the overall scale and each symptom domain. Results indicated significant
      group differences with large effects for the Composite, both Domain scores, and
      Red Flags score, and good discrimination (area under the curve = 0.84-0.87)
      between autism spectrum disorder and nonspectrum groups for the Composite, Social
      Communication Domain, and Social Communication Red Flags score. The Systematic
      Observation of Red Flags provides an observational screening measure for 16- to
      24-month-olds with good discrimination, sensitivity, and specificity. A cutoff of
      20 on the Composite is recommended to optimally detect autism spectrum disorder
      risk.

PMID- 27132014
TI  - Reverse transcription genome exponential amplification reaction assay for rapid
      and universal detection of human rhinoviruses.
AB  - Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) have long been recognized as the cause of more than one
      half of acute viral upper respiratory illnesses, and they are associated with
      more-serious diseases in children, such as asthma, acute otitis media and
      pneumonia. A rapid and universal test for of HRV infection is in high demand. In
      this study, a reverse transcription genome exponential amplification reaction (RT
      GEAR) assay targeting the HRV 5' untranslated region (UTR) was developed for pan
      HRV detection. The reaction was performed in a single tube in one step at 65 
      degrees C for 60 min using a real-time fluorometer (Genie((r))II; Optigene). The
      RT-GEAR assay showed no cross-reactivity with common human enteroviruses,
      including HEV71, CVA16, CVA6, CVA10, CVA24, CVB5, Echo30, and PV1-3 or with other
      common respiratory viruses including FluA H3, FluB, PIV1-4, ADV3, RSVA, RSVB and
      HMPV. With in vitro-transcribed RNA containing the amplified regions of HRV-A60,
      HRV-B06 and HRV-C07 as templates, the sensitivity of the RT-GEAR assay was 5, 50
      and 5 copies/reaction, respectively. Experiments to evaluate the clinical
      performance of the RT-GEAR assay were also carried out with a panel of 143
      previously verified samples, and the results were compared with those obtained
      using a published semi-nested PCR assay followed by sequencing. The tested panel
      comprised 91 HRV-negative samples and 52 HRV-positive samples (18 HRV-A-positive
      samples, 3 HRV-B-positive samples and 31 HRV-C-positive samples). The sensitivity
      and specificity of the pan-HRVs RT-GEAR assay was 98.08 % and 100 %,
      respectively. The kappa correlation between the two methods was 0.985. The RT
      GEAR assay based on a portable Genie((r))II fluorometer is a sensitive, specific
      and rapid assay for the universal detection of HRV infection. 

PMID- 27132015
TI  - Prevalence of occult hepatitis C virus infection in Iranian patients with beta
      thalassemia major.
AB  - Occult hepatitis C virus infection (OCI) is a new pathological form of chronic
      hepatitis virus (HCV) infection characterized by the presence of HCV RNA in liver
      biopsy and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) specimens and the absence
      of HCV RNA and anti-HCV antibodies (Abs) in plasma samples. beta-thalassemia
      major is a hereditary recessive blood disease with deficiency in the hemoglobin
      beta chain. Thalassemic patients need blood transfusion therapy; repeated blood
      transfusion increases the risk of viral blood-borne infection. The aim of this
      study was to determine the prevalence of OCI in Iranian patients with beta
      thalassemia major. From February 2015 to November 2015, a total of 147 Iranian
      patients with beta-thalassemia major were enrolled in this cross-sectional study.
      After extraction of viral RNA from the plasma and PBMC samples, HCV genomic RNA
      in the specimens was amplified by RT-nested PCR using primers from the 5'-UTR.
      The HCV genotypes of the positive specimens were tested using the RFLP assay. To
      confirm the HCV genotypes, the 5'-UTR fragment was amplified and cloned into the
      pJET1.2/blunt cloning vector and then sequenced. Out of 147 patients, 106 (72.1
      %) were negative for anti-HCV Abs and HCV RNA. HCV RNA was found in PBMC
      specimens of six (5.7 %) patients, from a total of 106 patients with undetectable
      plasma HCV RNA and anti-HCV Abs. Therefore, six out of 106 patients had OCI. HCV
      genotyping revealed that three patients were infected with HCV subtype 1b, two
      patients were infected with HCV subtype 3a, and one patient was infected with HCV
      subtype 1a. These results revealed that Iranian patients with beta-thalassemia
      major might have OCI. Therefore, it seems that the design of a study to identify
      this infection in patients with beta-thalassemia major would provide valuable
      information. 

PMID- 27132016
TI  - Patient Satisfaction With Collagenase.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish patient satisfaction after collagenase clostridium
      histolyticum (CCH) injection. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 213 patients
      who had been treated for Dupuytren disease with CCH were reviewed between 37 and
      1421 days after injection. RESULTS: A total of 73% of the patients were very
      satisfied or satisfied, and 21% were dissatisfied; 75% would probably or
      definitely have CCH again, whereas 17% probably or definitely would not. We found
      that satisfaction and willingness to undergo a second treatment decreased over
      time and had a negative relationship with recurrence. Dissatisfaction was greater
      in those with a poor initial outcome but not in those with an initial
      complication. Of 212 patients, 78 had previously experienced surgery for
      Dupuytren disease of whom 71% would prefer CCH to surgery and 15% the converse.
      Satisfaction shows a relationship with function as measured by both QuickDASH and
      the Southampton Dupuytren Scoring Scheme. CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction with
      CCH is generally high but deteriorates over time as the disease recurs. To manage
      patient expectation, this issue should be made explicit to patients in the
      consent process. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Overall satisfaction with CCH is high, with
      initial satisfaction rates especially good. Forewarning of complications and
      recurrence can help maintain satisfaction levels.

PMID- 27132017
TI  - Characterization and influence of cardiac background sodium current in the
      atrioventricular node.
AB  - Background inward sodium current (IB,Na) that influences cardiac pacemaking has
      been comparatively under-investigated. The aim of this study was to determine for
      the first time the properties and role of IB,Na in cells from the heart's
      secondary pacemaker, the atrioventricular node (AVN). Myocytes were isolated from
      the AVN of adult male rabbits and mice using mechanical and enzymatic dispersion.
      Background current was measured using whole-cell patch clamp and monovalent ion
      substitution with major voltage- and time-dependent conductances inhibited. In
      the absence of a selective pharmacological inhibitor of IB,Na, computer modelling
      was used to assess the physiological contribution of IB,Na. Net background
      current during voltage ramps was linear, reversing close to 0mV. Switching
      between Tris- and Na(+)-containing extracellular solution in rabbit and mouse AVN
      cells revealed an inward IB,Na, with an increase in slope conductance in rabbit
      cells at -50mV from 0.54+/-0.03 to 0.91+/-0.05nS (mean+/-SEM; n=61 cells). IB,Na
      magnitude varied in proportion to [Na(+)]o. Other monovalent cations could
      substitute for Na(+) (Rb(+)>K(+)>Cs(+)>Na(+)>Li(+)). The single-channel
      conductance with Na(+) as charge carrier estimated from noise-analysis was 3.2+/
      1.2pS (n=6). Ni(2+) (10mM), Gd(3+) (100MUM), ruthenium red (100MUM), or amiloride
      (1mM) produced modest reductions in IB,Na. Flufenamic acid was without
      significant effect, whilst La(3+) (100MUM) or extracellular acidosis (pH6.3)
      inhibited the current by >60%. Under the conditions of our AVN cell simulations,
      removal of IB,Na arrested spontaneous activity and, in a simulated 1D-strand,
      reduced conduction velocity by ~20%. IB,Na is carried by distinct low conductance
      monovalent non-selective cation channels and can influence AVN spontaneous
      activity and conduction.

PMID- 27132019
TI  - Agriculture driving male expansion in Neolithic Time.

PMID- 27132018
TI  - Dual mechanisms of rapid expression of anxiety-related behavior in pilocarpine
      treated epileptic mice.
AB  - A mouse model of epilepsy was generated by inducing status epilepticus (SE) for
      either 1.5 or 4.5h with pilocarpine to study anxiety-related behaviors, changes
      in the electroencephalogram of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, and
      expression of hippocampal proteins. The viability and rate of success of SE
      induction were high in C57BL/6N mice but not in C57BL/6J mice. C57BL/6N mice were
      immotile during the first 2days after SE; however, by the third day, most mice
      were recovered and exhibited strong anxiety-related behaviors in response to the
      light/dark preference test and open field test. There was a striking difference
      in the temporal appearance of anxiety-related behavior between the two SE
      durations: 1.5h SE mice exhibited strong anxiety-related behavior 3days after SE
      that gradually attenuated over the next few weeks, whereas 4.5h SE mice exhibited
      strong anxiety-related behavior 3days after SE that persisted even at nearly
      1year after SE. Mice receiving both SE durations exhibited generalized seizures
      (GS) after SE; however, there was a marked difference in the timing and duration
      of GS appearance. Mice in the 4.5h SE group exhibited spontaneous GS from 4days
      to at least 96days after SE. In contrast, mice in the 1.5h SE group exhibited GS
      only within the first several days after SE; however, epileptic spike clusters
      continuously appeared in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus for up to twelve
      days after SE. Among the hippocampal proteins tested, only brain derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exhibited altered expression in parallel with anxiety
      related behavior. These results showed the possibility that BDNF expression in
      the hippocampus might cause anxiety-related behavior in adulthood.

PMID- 27132020
TI  - Different fates of avermectin and artemisinin in China.

PMID- 27132021
TI  - Estimated exposure to EU regulated mycotoxins and risk characterization of
      aflatoxin-induced hepatic toxicity through the consumption of the toasted cereal
      flour called "gofio", a traditional food of the Canary Islands (Spain).
AB  - "Gofio" is a type of flour made from toasted grain, which is part of the staple
      food in the Canary Islands, Spain, in which the occurrence of Aflatoxins B1, B2,
      G1 and G2 (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), Fumonisins B1 and B2 (FB1 and FB2) Ochratoxin
      A (OTA), Deoxynivalenol (DNV) and Zearalenone (ZEA) was evaluated. 83% of the
      samples were contaminated with at least one mycotoxin and 69.2% of the analyzed
      samples showed co-occurrence of mycotoxins (range 2 to 8). All the concentrations
      were well below the established limits (maximum values of AFs=0.42 MUg/kg;
      FBs=178.3 MUg/kg; OTA=0.3 MUg/kg; DON=92.5 MUg/kg; and ZEA=9.9 MUg/kg). The daily
      dietary exposure to total AFs was estimated to be 7.1% of the TDI. This value was
      almost double in children, and considering the upper-bound approach could reach
      35% of the TDI. For the rest of mycotoxins, the consumers would be exposed to
      less than 2% of their TDIs. The risk characterization indicates that there is a
      potential risk in developing aflatoxin induced liver cancer due to gofio
      consumption in the subpopulation which is simultaneously exposed to other
      hepatocarcinogens, such as the hepatitis B virus. 

PMID- 27132022
TI  - Recent advancements in understanding endogenous heart regeneration-insights from
      adult zebrafish and neonatal mice.
AB  - Enhancing the endogenous regenerative capacity of the mammalian heart is a
      promising strategy that can lead to potential treatment of injured cardiac
      tissues. Studies on heart regeneration in zebrafish and neonatal mice have shown
      that cardiomyocyte proliferation is essential for replenishing myocardium. We
      will review recent advancements that have demonstrated the importance of
      Neuregulin 1/ErbB2 and innervation in regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation
      using both adult zebrafish and neonatal mouse heart regeneration models. Emerging
      findings suggest that different populations of macrophages and inflammation might
      contribute to regenerative versus fibrotic responses. Finally, we will discuss
      variation in the severity of the cardiac injury and size of the wound, which may
      explain the range of outcomes observed in different injury models.

PMID- 27132024
TI  - Dependence of damage within 10min to myocardial cells by a photodynamic reaction
      with a high concentration of talaporfin sodium outside cells in vitro on
      parameters of laser irradiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the immediate occurrence of irreparable severe damage
      to myocardial cells up to 10min after a photodynamic reaction with a high
      concentration of photosensitizer outside cells, we measured the damage response
      time and the parameters that govern the response time via rat myocardial Ca(2+)
      concentration. In our proposed method for catheter ablation of tachyarrhythmia by
      photodynamic reaction, there are two components to the electrical conduction
      block: an immediate electrical conduction block of several tens of seconds to
      several minutes, and a permanent electrical conduction block. METHODS: Rat
      myocardial intracellular Ca(2+) concentration changes before, during and after
      the photodynamic reaction with a high concentration of photosensitizer outside
      myocardial cells were continuously observed using a Fluo-4 AM Ca(2+) probe.
      Talaporfin sodium with 663-nm excitation was used to induce the photodynamic
      reaction. Talaporfin concentration was 10-30MUg/ml, radiant exposure was 10
      40J/cm(2), and irradiance was 30-290mW/cm(2). We evaluated the response time of
      irreparable severe damage to myocardial cells, according to Ca(2+) concentration.
      RESULTS: The response time of the defined severe damage occurrence to myocardial
      cells ranged from 200 to 500s. The response time decreased with increasing
      irradiance and photosensitizer concentration, but exhibited no significant change
      with total radiant exposure. CONCLUSIONS: We found that severe myocardial cell
      damage caused by a photodynamic reaction with a high concentration of
      photosensitizer outside cells occurred within a few minutes, which might be
      useful for catheter ablation for tachyarrhythmia that needs immediate response
      during the ablation procedure.

PMID- 27132023
TI  - Co-administration of alpha-GalCer analog and TLR4 agonist induces robust CD8(+) T
      cell responses to PyCS protein and WT-1 antigen and activates memory-like
      effector NKT cells.
AB  - In the present study, the combined adjuvant effect of 7DW8-5, a potent alpha
      GalCer-analog, and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), a TLR4 agonist, on the
      induction of vaccine-induced CD8(+) T-cell responses and protective immunity was
      evaluated. Mice were immunized with peptides corresponding to the CD8(+) T-cell
      epitopes of a malaria antigen, a circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium yoelii,
      and a tumor antigen, a Wilms Tumor antigen-1 (WT-1), together with 7DW8-5 and
      MPLA, as an adjuvant. These immunization regimens were able to induce higher
      levels of CD8(+) T-cell responses and, ultimately, enhanced levels of protection
      against malaria and tumor challenges compared to the levels induced by
      immunization with peptides mixed with 7DW8-5 or MPLA alone. Co-administration of
      7DW8-5 and MPLA induces activation of memory-like effector natural killer T (NKT)
      cells, i.e. CD44(+)CD62L(-)NKT cells. Our study indicates that 7DW8-5 greatly
      enhances important synergistic pathways associated to memory immune responses
      when co-administered with MPLA, thus rendering this combination of adjuvants a
      novel vaccine adjuvant formulation.

PMID- 27132025
TI  - Oxidation of sitosterol and transport of its 7-oxygenated products from different
      tissues in humans and ApoE knockout mice.
AB  - The most common phytosterols in the human diet are sitosterol and campesterol,
      which originate exclusively from plant derived food. These phytosterols are taken
      up by NPC1L1 transport from the intestine into the enterocytes together with
      cholesterol and other xenosterols. Phytosterols are selectively pumped back from
      the enterocytes into the intestinal lumen and on the liver site from hepatocytes
      into bile by heterodimeric ABCG5/G8 transporters. Like cholesterol, both
      phytosterols are prone to ring and side chain oxidation. It could be shown that
      oxyphytosterols, found in atherosclerotic tissue, are most likely of in situ
      oxidation (Schott et al.; Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 2014 Apr 11;446(3):805
      10). However, up to now, the entire mechanism of phytosterol oxidation is not
      clearly understood. Here, we provide further information about the oxidation of
      sitosterol and the transport of its oxidation products out of tissue. Our survey
      includes data of 104 severe aortic stenosis patients that underwent an elective
      aortic valve cusp replacement. We studied their phytosterol concentrations, as
      well as absolute and substrate corrected oxyphytosterol levels in plasma and
      valve cusp tissue. In addition, we also examined phytosterol and oxyphytosterol
      concentrations in plasma and tissues (from brain and liver) of 10 male ApoE
      knockout mice. The ratio of 7-oxygenated-sitosterol-to-sitosterol exceeds the
      ratio for 7-oxygenated-campesterol-to-campesterol in plasma and tissue of both
      humans and mice. This finding indicates that sitosterol is oxidized to a higher
      amount than campesterol and that a selective oxidative mechanism might exist
      which can differentiate between certain phytosterols. Secondly, the
      concentrations of oxyphytosterols found in plasma and tissue support the idea
      that oxysitosterols are preferably transported out of individual tissues.
      Selective oxidation of sitosterol and preferred transport of sitosterol oxidation
      products out of tissue seem to be a metabolic pathway of forced sitosterol
      clearance from tissue compartments.

PMID- 27132026
TI  - In Response to ACE I/D Polymorphism and HAPE by Bhagi et al.

PMID- 27132027
TI  - Fatal Honey Poisoning Caused by Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F in Southwest China:
      A Case Series.
AB  - Mad honey poisoning has been reported in many countries, and it seldom results in
      death. We describe a rare case series of fatal honey poisoning caused by
      Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF) in Southwest China. Three male construction
      workers were delivered to the emergency department with symptoms of food
      poisoning after ingestion of wild raw honey. Laboratory results showed that the 3
      patients were at different degrees of renal damage, and 1 patient with severe
      symptoms died of acute renal failure 1 day after admission. Pollen analysis
      indicated that the suspected honey was heavily contaminated with TwHF pollen.
      Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for such poisoning. Pollen
      analysis is a practical approach to help diagnosis in remote areas where such
      honey poisoning occurs. 

PMID- 27132028
TI  - Extended spectrum beta-lactamase and plasmid mediated quinolone resistance in
      Escherichia coli fecal isolates from healthy companion animals in Algeria.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of fecal carriage of Escherichia
      coli strains producing Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and plasmid
      mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) isolated from healthy pets (dogs and cats)
      in Algeria. Fecal samples from 171 healthy pets (102 dogs and 69 cats) in one
      veterinary practice and private owners were included. After isolates
      identification, antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion
      procedure. ESBL were detected by combination disk tests. PCR and sequencing were
      used to characterize genes encoding ESBLs and PMQR. Transfer of ESBL and PMQR
      genes was assessed by conjugation experiments. Phylogenetic groups of E. coli
      were determined by PCR. Of the 171 animals, 20 carried an ESBL producing E. coli
      giving a prevalence of ESBL fecal carriage of 11.7%. All isolates were
      susceptible to carbapenems, cefoxitin, piperacillin-tazobactam, amikacin and
      fosfomycine. For the rest of the tested beta-lactams, susceptibility rates ranged
      from 35% to 70% for cefepime and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid respectively.
      Concerning the non-beta-lactams antibiotics, the rates of susceptibility ranged
      between 5% to trimethoprim and 95% for chloramphenicol. The beta-lactamase genes
      identified in E. coli isolates were blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-1, blaSHV-12 and blaTEM
      1. The PMQR determinants aac(6')-Ib-cr, qnrS1 and qnrB5 genes were identified in
      15 isolates. Transconjugants were obtained for two isolates. Phylogenetic
      analysis showed that E. coli isolates belong to commensal phylogroups of A and
      B1. We reported here for the first time in Algeria ESBL and PMQR-producing E.
      coli in healthy cats and dogs. 

PMID- 27132029
TI  - Elemental profiling of Noah's Ark shell (Arca noae, Linnaeus, 1758) by plasma
      optical spectrometry and chemometric tools.
AB  - Determination of metal content in biominerals provides essential information with
      respect to relations between biomineralization processes and environmental
      status. Mussels are species that have a great potential as bio-marker species and
      therefore, they are in the focus of numerous biomineralization and ecological
      studies. In this study, elemental profile of mussel shell of Noah's Ark (Arca
      noe, Linnaeus, 1758), which inhabit eastern Adriatic Sea was obtained by
      determination of seventeen elements content using inductively coupled plasma
      optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Shell samples were collected from marine
      protected area and from marine shipping route in eastern Adriatic Sea. The
      accuracy of applied analytical procedure based on microwave decomposition of
      shell samples was tested by use of reference materials of limestone and by matrix
      matched standards. By aid of chemometric methods, the elemental profile along
      with variability of elements content of shell was obtained. The impact of
      different environment on elements content was established by use of multivariate
      statistical PCA method. Discernment between two groups of samples was manifested.
      Among results of main, minor and trace elements content, the last one which
      denoted to Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, and Mn was expressed as principal distinctive feature
      of shell samples collected from different sampling sites. Elemental profiling of
      mussel shell Noah's Ark provides novel insight in species status as well as in
      environmental status on the observed locations.

PMID- 27132030
TI  - DEMAT: A multi-institutional dosimetry audit of rotational and static intensity
      modulated radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Static beam intensity-modulated-radiation-therapy (IMRT) and/or
      Volumetric-Modulated-Arc-Therapy (VMAT) are now available in many regional
      radiotherapy departments. The aim of this multi-institutional audit was to design
      a new methodology based on radiochromic films to perform an independent quality
      control. METHODS: A set of data were sent to all participating centres for two
      clinical localizations: prostate and Head and Neck (H&N) cancers. The agreement
      between calculations and measurements was verified in the Octavius phantom (PTW)
      by point measurements using ionization chambers and by 2D measurements using EBT3
      radiochromic films. Due to uncertainties in the whole procedure, criteria were
      set to 5% and 3% in local dose and 3mm in distance excluding doses lower than 10%
      of the maximum doses. No normalization point or area was used for the
      quantitative analysis. RESULTS: 13 radiotherapy centres participated in this
      audit involving 28 plans (12 IMRT, 16 VMAT). For point measurements, mean errors
      were -0.18+/-1.54% and 0.00+/-1.58% for prostate and H&N cases respectively. For
      2D measurements with 5%/3mm criteria, gamma map analysis showed a pixel pass rate
      higher than 95% for prostate and H&N. Mean gamma index was lower than 0.4 for
      prostate and 0.5 for H&N. Both techniques yielded similar results. CONCLUSION:
      This study showed the feasibility of an independent quality control by peers for
      conventional IMRT and VMAT. Results from all participating centres were found to
      be in good agreement. This regional study demonstrated the feasibility of our new
      methodology based on radiochromic films without dose normalization on a specific
      point.

PMID- 27132031
TI  - Liver vessel segmentation based on extreme learning machine.
AB  - Liver-vessel segmentation plays an important role in vessel structure analysis
      for liver surgical planning. This paper presents a liver-vessel segmentation
      method based on extreme learning machine (ELM). Firstly, an anisotropic filter is
      used to remove noise while preserving vessel boundaries from the original
      computer tomography (CT) images. Then, based on the knowledge of prior shapes and
      geometrical structures, three classical vessel filters including Sato, Frangi and
      offset medialness filters together with the strain energy filter are used to
      extract vessel structure features. Finally, the ELM is applied to segment liver
      vessels from background voxels. Experimental results show that the proposed
      method can effectively segment liver vessels from abdominal CT images, and
      achieves good accuracy, sensitivity and specificity. 

PMID- 27132032
TI  - A new method to gently place biopsy needles or treatment electrodes into tissues
      with high target precision.
AB  - We present a new core needle biopsy and treatment electrode precision placement
      technique which, regardless of needle size, target lesion hardness and
      elasticity, makes it possible to precisely place an image guided device inside
      the abnormal tissue. Once inside the abnormal lesion, multiple tissue samples can
      be collected using a dedicated trocar and collecting system. Our unique "Fourier"
      driver substitutes the commonly used spring-loaded device or complements the
      jerky insertion technique used by experienced interventional physicians. It
      enables the physician to precisely and with extreme tactility maneuver even large
      diameter core needles or treatment-electrodes into the lesion using only a
      diminutive external force. This is achieved by applying supporting servo
      controlled mechanical high-acceleration micro-pulses, proportional to the average
      vector directed by the physician. The Fourier-needle or Fourier-electrode stands
      completely non-moving when the system automatically goes into full idling. This
      means that the angle of attack successively and arbitrary can be aligned to hit
      the target, becoming successively symmetrically inserted into even small tumors
      to be treated as well as exactly hit any point outlined by real time ultrasound
      guiding. This kind of biopsy needle or treatment electrode placement results in a
      uniquely accurate and less traumatic procedure. Due to the risk of disseminating
      viable tumor cells the precision placement device can be combined with a computer
      controlled anti-seeding system, denaturizing tumor cells detached during
      penetration of the biopsy needle or treatment electrode. 

PMID- 27132033
TI  - Lactate dehydrogenase as a biomarker in oral cancer and oral submucous fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is the commonest cause of death in the Indian population,
      with a mortality rate of 0.3 million deaths per year. Oral submucous fibrosis
      (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder that has a high prevalence rate in
      India. It has been found that serum lactate dehydrogenase levels are increased in
      potentially malignant and malignant disorders. There are very few data on the
      application of salivary LDH in the detection of such disorders. AIMS AND
      OBJECTIVES: The estimation of LDH levels in saliva as diagnostic markers, using a
      noninvasive method in patients with OSMF, oral cancer, and in the controls.
      METHODS: A total of 60 subjects with the age range of 20-70 years were selected
      from the Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology and were grouped into three
      groups. Twenty-five subjects with clinically diagnosed OSMF (Group I), 25
      subjects with histopathologically diagnosed oral cancer (Group II), and 10
      subjects as control (Group III). Five milliliters of unstimulated whole saliva
      was aseptically collected. Following which, the collected saliva was centrifuged
      and then analyzed by ERBA-CHEM 5 semi auto-analyzer. The values obtained were
      statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test using the
      SPSS software version 22. P-value < 0.05- was taken as significant. RESULTS: The
      mean LDH levels were Group I 608.28 +/- 30.22, Group II 630.96 +/- 39.80, and
      Group III 182.21 +/- 34.85. The P-value obtained was 0.0009 for both Group I and
      Group II which was highly significant. CONCLUSION: Salivary LDH levels were
      consistently higher in OSMF and oral cancer; hence, it could be a future
      biomarker.

PMID- 27132034
TI  - A new model to predict remission status in AML patients based on day 14 bone
      marrow biopsy.
AB  - Although bone marrow evaluation on day 14 after initiation of induction
      chemotherapy (D14 BM) is a widely accepted practice in patients with acute
      myeloid leukemia (AML), it has suboptimal predictive value for predicting
      complete remission. We retrospectively analyzed pretreatment characteristics and
      post-induction response in a cohort of AML patients to determine if adding
      clinical and laboratory characteristics can improve the predictive value of the
      D14 BM evaluation. Among 297 patients treated for AML at the single institution
      183 patients (61%) had leukemia-positive D14 BM. Of those, 94 were given
      reinduction chemotherapy and 89 were not. Of the 89 patients who did not receive
      reinduction, 32 (36%) subsequently achieved complete remission (CR) or complete
      remission with incomplete count recovery (CRi), and 57 (64%) had persistent
      disease. Persistent disease after positive D14 BM was more likely associated with
      higher percentage of D14 myeloblasts, a history of relapsed disease before
      induction, and higher risk disease compared to patients who subsequently achieved
      CR. Age, diagnostic white blood cell count, and the D14 BM cellularity did not
      influence the subsequent likelihood of achieving remission in patients with a
      positive D14 BM. A new mathematical equation was created and resulted in a
      positive predictive value of 83%, negative predictive value 90% and accuracy 88%
      for correctly identifying remission status after positive D14 BM in AML. The
      accuracy of predicting response using these additional parameters was
      significantly higher than without (0.88 vs. 0.80, P=0.002). Our new model
      provides better accuracy for predicting the likelihood of achieving remission and
      if validated in future studies may be useful for managing AML patients.

PMID- 27132035
TI  - Arsenic-induced anti-angiogenesis via miR-425-5p-regulated CCM3.
AB  - Human exposure to drinking water contaminated with arsenic is a serious global
      health concern and it predisposes people to cardiovascular diseases, such as
      hypertension, atherosclerosis, and microvascular diseases. Although accumulating
      evidence supports a role for angiogenesis responses to arsenic in the
      pathogenesis of the cardiovascular disease, the detailed molecular mechanism is
      not well understood. We aimed to determine the role and mechanism of microRNA
      (miRNA) in arsenic-induced angiogenesis. In our present study, sodium arsenite
      (NaAsO2) inhibited angiogenesis by decreasing cells proliferation, migration and
      tube formation in HUVECs. After NaAsO2 treatment, we found the expression of
      microRNA-425-5p (miR-425-5p) was reduced in vitro and in vivo and over-expression
      of miR-425-5p reversed the NaAsO2-induced anti-angiogenesis through its direct
      target cerebral cavernous malformation 3 (CCM3). Furthermore, we showed that
      NaAsO2 up-regulated CCM3 expression in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we
      demonstrated that inhibition of Notch and activation of VEGF/p38 signaling were
      involved in miR-425-5p blocking NaAsO2-induced anti-angiogenesis. 

PMID- 27132036
TI  - Improved accuracy of K-wire positioning into the glenoid vault by intraoperative
      3D image intensifier-based navigation for the glenoid component in shoulder
      arthroplasty.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This article aimed to show that navigation, based on an
      intraoperative mobile 3D image intensifier, can improve the accuracy of central K
      wire placement into the glenoid vault for glenoid component. HYPOTHESIS: The
      navigated k-wire placement is more accurate and shows a smaller deviation angle
      to the standard centerline compared to the classical "free hand technic".
      METHODS: In 34 fresh frozen sheep scapulae, 17 K-wire placements using the
      navigation (group 1) were compared with 17 using standard "face plane technique"
      (group 2). The relation to glenoid standard and alternative centerlines (CL) and
      the position within the glenoid vault were analyzed. RESULTS: In groups 1 and 2
      the angle between the K-wire and standard CL was 2.2 degrees  and 4.7 degrees ,
      respectively (P=0.01). The angle between the K-wire and alternative CL was 14.4
      degrees  for group 1 and 17.2 degrees  for group 2 (P=0.02). More navigated K
      wire positions were identified within a 5mm corridor along the glenoid vault CL
      (52 vs. 39; P=0.004). DISCUSSION: Intraoperative 3D image intensifier-based
      navigation was more accurate and precise than standard K-wire placement. TYPE OF
      STUDY AND LEVEL OF PROOF: Basic science study, evidence level III.

PMID- 27132037
TI  - Too-long calcaneal process: Results of surgical treatment and prognostic factors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The too-long anterior process (TLAP) can be responsible for ankle
      pain or repeated sprains in children or adolescents. The objective of this study
      was to assess the results of TLAP surgical treatment and to analyze influencing
      factors in case of this surgery's failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective
      single-center study conducted from 2009 to 2012 including all patients under 18
      years of age for a TLAP with follow-up equal to or longer than 1 year. The
      results of surgical treatment were assessed using the AOFAS score. Failure was
      defined as no significant improvement in the AOFAS score at the last follow-up.
      HYPOTHESIS: Predictive factors of the result of surgical treatment for TLAP can
      be identified. RESULTS: At the mean follow-up of 2.5 years, 35 patients (43 feet)
      fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thirteen feet (30%) presented surgical failure.
      According to the AOFAS score, the results were excellent in 30 feet (70%), good
      in four (9%), fair in five (12%), and poor in four (9%). Surgical failure was
      influenced by the patient's age at the onset of symptoms and at the time of
      surgery, the degree of functional limitation, the duration of symptoms before
      surgery, the number of sprains, and gender (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Firstly, in this
      pediatric population with its high functional demand, the overall rate of failure
      of TLAP surgery was 30%. Secondly, the factors associated with failure
      demonstrated made it possible to identify the ideal patient for this surgery:
      male, with symptom onset between 7 and 10 years of age, who had experienced fewer
      than 15 sprains, and undergone surgery in the 3 years following the beginning of
      symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27132039
TI  - Hepatitis B virus basal core promoter mutations show lower replication fitness
      associated with cccDNA acetylation status.
AB  - In chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, variants with mutations in the
      basal core promoter (BCP) and precore region predominate and associate with more
      severe disease forms. Studies on their effect on viral replication remain
      controversial. Increasing evidence shows that epigenetic modifications of cccDNA
      regulate HBV replication and disease outcome. Here we determined the
      transcription and viral replication efficiency of well-defined BCP and precore
      mutations and their effect on cccDNA epigenetic control. HBV monomers bearing BCP
      mutations A1762T/G1764A and A1762T/G1764A/C1766T, and precore mutations G1896A,
      G1899A and G1896A/G1899A, were transfected into HepG2 cells using a plasmid-free
      approach. Viral RNA transcripts were detected by Northern blot hybridization and
      RT PCR, DNA replicative intermediates by Southern blotting and RT PCR, and viral
      release was measured by ELISA. Acetylation of cccDNA-bound histones was assessed
      by Chromatin ImmunoPrecipitation (ChIP) assay and methylation of cccDNA by
      bisulfite sequencing. BCP mutations resulted in low viral release, mRNA
      transcription and pgRNA/cccDNA ratios that paralleled the acetylation of cccDNA
      bound H4 histone and inversely correlated with the HDAC1 recruitment onto cccDNA.
      Independently of the mutations, cccDNA was a target for methylation, accompanied
      by the upregulation of DNMT1 expression and DNMT1 recruitment onto cccDNA. Our
      results suggest that BCP mutations decrease viral replication capacity possibly
      by modulating the acetylation and deacetylation of cccDNA-bound histones while
      precore mutations do not have a significant effect on viral replication. These
      data provide evidence that epigenetic factors contribute to the regulation of HBV
      viral replication.

PMID- 27132038
TI  - A comprehensive review of the role of zinc in normal prostate function and
      metabolism; and its implications in prostate cancer.
AB  - The human prostate gland contains extremely high zinc levels; which is due to the
      specialized zinc-accumulating acinar epithelial of the peripheral zone. These
      cells evolved for their unique capability to produce and secrete extremely levels
      of citrate, which is achieved by the high cellular zinc level effects on the cell
      metabolism. This review highlights the specific functional and metabolic
      alterations that result from the accumulation of the high zinc levels, especially
      its effects on mitochondrial citrate metabolism and terminal oxidation. The
      implications of zinc in the development and progression of prostate cancer are
      described, which is the most consistent hallmark characteristic of prostate
      cancer. The requirement for decreased zinc resulting from down regulation of ZIP1
      to prevent zinc cytotoxicity in the malignant cells is described as an essential
      early event in prostate oncogenesis. This provides the basis for the concept that
      an agent (such as the zinc ionophore, clioquinol) that facilitates zinc uptake
      and accumulation in ZIP1-deficient prostate tumors cells will markedly inhibit
      tumor growth. In the current absence of an efficacious chemotherapy for advanced
      prostate cancer, and for prevention of early development of malignancy; a zinc
      treatment regimen is a plausible approach that should be pursued.

PMID- 27132041
TI  - Detection of early hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients: An
      electrophysiological advance.

PMID- 27132040
TI  - Characterization of epitopes on the rabies virus glycoprotein by selection and
      analysis of escape mutants.
AB  - The glycoprotein (G) is the only surface protein of the lyssavirus particle and
      the only viral product known to be capable of eliciting the production of
      neutralizing antibodies. In this study, the isolation of escape mutants resistant
      to monoclonal antibody (Mab) neutralization was attempted by a selection strategy
      employing four distinct rabies virus strains: the extensively passaged Evelyn
      Rokitnicki Abelseth (ERA) strain and three field isolates representing two bat
      associated variants and the Western Canada skunk variant (WSKV). No escape
      mutants were generated from either of the bat-associated viral variants but two
      neutralization mutants were derived from the WSKV isolate. Seven independent ERA
      mutants were recovered using Mabs directed against antigenic sites I (four
      mutants) and IIIa (three mutants) of the glycoprotein. The cross-neutralization
      patterns of these viral mutants were used to determine the precise location and
      nature of the G protein epitopes recognized by these Mabs. Nucleotide sequencing
      of the G gene indicated that those mutants derived using Mabs directed to
      antigenic site (AS) III all contained amino acid substitutions in this site.
      However, of the four mutants selected with AS I Mabs, two bore mutations within
      AS I as expected while the remaining two carried mutations in AS II. WSKV mutants
      exhibited mutations at the sites appropriate for the Mabs used in their
      selection. All ERA mutant preparations were more cytopathogenic than the parental
      virus when propagated in cell culture; when in vivo pathogenicity in mice was
      examined, three of these mutants exhibited reduced pathogenicity while the
      remaining four mutants exhibited comparable pathogenic properties to those of the
      parent virus.

PMID- 27132042
TI  - Backpack-back pain complexity and the need for multifactorial safe weight
      recommendation.
AB  - The study analysed backpack-related back pain in school children by investigating
      the possibility of multiple interactions among causative factors, which may be
      responsible for the non-conclusive findings on the issue. Using data from 444
      prepubescent schoolchildren, a mixed method design combining survey, observation
      and direct measurement strategies was implemented. Using a multivariate
      structural equation modelling approach, the study investigated interactions among
      anthropometry, posture, backpack volume, rating and back pain constructs, with
      each construct made of 2-4 indicators. Additionally, regression analysis was used
      to determine the feasibility of considering the two additional factors of age and
      body mass index along with the globally accepted recommendation of a load of 10
      15% of body weight. Our model demonstrated an acceptable model fit and revealed
      direct and indirect effects of the factors. Obese children were recommended to
      carry a one-third lighter load than other children. The application of
      systematic/multiple strategies provided an explanation for some of the issues
      associated with school children's backpack-related back pain. 

PMID- 27132043
TI  - Innovative combination of therapeutic mammoplasty and expandable-implant breast
      augmentation for immediate partial breast reconstruction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic mammoplasty is used in the treatment of suitably-sized
      and appropriately-located breast cancers to achieve adequate cancer excision,
      resulting in well-shaped but smaller breasts. In patients wishing to maintain or
      increase their breast size, simultaneous augmentation will be required.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 48-year-old female underwent an "augmentation-therapeutic
      mastopexy". She required mastectomy for a multifocal cancer of the right breast
      and breast conservation for a unifocal localised cancer in the upper part of the
      left breast. She requested right immediate breast reconstruction and hoped for
      larger breasts than she had. Due to complications during neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy, the right reconstruction plan was changed from a deep inferior
      epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap to an implant-based technique. On the left, an
      extended superomedial pedicle therapeutic mammoplasty was combined with a
      subpectoral augmentation using an expandable-implant. DISCUSSION: The use of
      expandable-implants for reconstruction of partial mastectomy defects in
      combination with therapeutic mammoplasty has not been reported. This case report
      shows that such "augmentation-therapeutic mastopexy" is feasible. CONCLUSION: A
      "novel" oncoplastic technique herein termed "augmentation-therapeutic mastopexy"
      is described for partial breast reconstruction during the treatment of a patient
      with bilateral breast cancer. It enabled adequate treatment of her cancer while
      reshaping the breast and achieving the desired larger breast size. It should be
      considered in selected breast-conservation patients who wish to maintain or
      increase their breast size.

PMID- 27132044
TI  - Serotonin transporter polymorphism alters citalopram effects on human pain
      responses to physical pain.
AB  - Humans exhibit substantial inter-individual differences in pain perception, which
      contributes to variability in analgesic efficacy. Individual differences in pain
      sensitivity have been linked with variation in the serotonin transporter gene (5
      HTTLPR), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram
      have been increasingly used as treatments for multiple pain conditions. We
      combined genotyping, pharmacological challenge, and neuroimaging during painful
      electrical stimulation to reveal how serotonin genetics and pharmacology interact
      to influence pain perception and its underlying neurobiological mechanisms. In a
      double-blind, placebo-controlled procedure, we acutely administrated citalopram
      (30mgpo) to short/short (s/s) and long/long (l/l) healthy male 5-HTTLPR
      homozygotes during functional MRI with painful and non-painful electrical
      stimulation. 5-HTTLPR genotype modulated citalopram effects on pain-related brain
      responses in the thalamus, cerebellum, anterior insula, midcingulate cortex and
      inferior frontal cortex. Specifically, citalopram significantly reduced pain
      related brain responses in l/l but not in s/s homozygotes. Moreover, the
      interaction between 5-HTTLPR genotype and pain-related brain activity was a good
      predictor of the citalopram-induced reductions in pain reports. The genetic
      modulations of citalopram effects on brain-wide pain processing were paralleled
      by significant effects on the Neurological Pain Signature, a multivariate brain
      pattern validated to be sensitive and specific to physical pain. This work
      provides neurobiological mechanism by which genetic variation shapes brain
      responses to pain perception and treatment efficacy. These findings have
      important implications for the types of individuals for whom serotonergic
      treatments provide effective pain relief, which is critical for advancing
      personalized pain treatment.

PMID- 27132045
TI  - The influence of visual information on auditory processing in individuals with
      congenital amusia: An ERP study.
AB  - While most normal hearing individuals can readily use prosodic information in
      spoken language to interpret the moods and feelings of conversational partners,
      people with congenital amusia report that they often rely more on facial
      expressions and gestures, a strategy that may compensate for deficits in auditory
      processing. In this investigation, we used EEG to examine the extent to which
      individuals with congenital amusia draw upon visual information when making
      auditory or audio-visual judgments. Event-related potentials (ERP) were elicited
      by a change in pitch (up or down) between two sequential tones paired with a
      change in spatial position (up or down) between two visually presented dots. The
      change in dot position was either congruent or incongruent with the change in
      pitch. Participants were asked to judge (1) the direction of pitch change while
      ignoring the visual information (AV implicit task), and (2) whether the auditory
      and visual changes were congruent (AV explicit task). In the AV implicit task,
      amusic participants performed significantly worse in the incongruent condition
      than control participants. ERPs showed an enhanced N2-P3 response to incongruent
      AV pairings for control participants, but not for amusic participants. However
      when participants were explicitly directed to detect AV congruency, both groups
      exhibited enhanced N2-P3 responses to incongruent AV pairings. These findings
      indicate that amusics are capable of extracting information from both modalities
      in an AV task, but are biased to rely on visual information when it is available,
      presumably because they have learned that auditory information is unreliable. We
      conclude that amusic individuals implicitly draw upon visual information when
      judging auditory information, even though they have the capacity to explicitly
      recognize conflicts between these two sensory channels.

PMID- 27132046
TI  - Functional connectivity of the left and right hippocampi: Evidence for functional
      lateralization along the long-axis using meta-analytic approaches and ultra-high
      field functional neuroimaging.
AB  - Theories regarding the functional specialization of the hippocampus date back to
      over a century ago. Two main theories have dominated the field. First, evidence
      has supported the notion of hemispheric specialization, which appears to be
      preserved across species. Second, an emergent and mounting set of data has
      suggested an anterior-posterior neurofunctional gradient. However, no study has
      examined these theories, and their potential interaction, using objective, robust
      methodological approaches. Here, we employed an established meta-analytic
      technique and use ultra-high field, high-resolution functional and structural
      neuroimaging to examine hippocampal lateralization with consideration for a long
      axis differentiation. Data revealed strong support for an evolutionarily
      preserved hemispheric specialization. Specifically, we found intra- and
      interhemispheric differences with regard to anterior and posterior functional and
      structural connectivity, between the right and left hippocampi. For task
      independent functional connectivity, we found the right anterior hippocampus to
      have functional connectivity with a large, distributed network, whereas the left
      anterior hippocampus demonstrated primarily fronto-limbic connectivity. These
      patterns were reversed for the posterior segmentations. Not surprisingly, for
      task-dependent connectivity, we found interhemispheric differences within key
      ipsilateral structures (i.e., parahippocampal gyrus) for both anterior and
      posterior segmentations. Furthermore, we identified pivotal neural hubs that
      share connectivity across behavioral domains, and are supported by structural
      connectivity (i.e., posterior cingulate cortex). Thus, our data provide evidence
      for a hemisphere-specific, anterior-posterior specialization of the hippocampal
      formation.

PMID- 27132047
TI  - Multiple value signals in dopaminergic midbrain and their role in avoidance
      contexts.
AB  - The role of dopaminergic brain regions in avoidance behaviour is unclear. Active
      avoidance requires motivation, and the latter is linked to increased activity in
      dopaminergic regions. However, avoidance is also often tethered to the prospect
      of punishment, a state typically characterized by below baseline levels of
      dopaminergic function. Avoidance has been considered from the perspective of two
      factor theories where the prospect of safety is considered to act as a surrogate
      for reward, leading to dopamine release and enhanced motivational drive. Using
      fMRI we investigated predictions from two-factor theory by separating the neural
      representation of a conventional net expected value, which is negative in the
      case of avoidance, from an adjusted expected value which factors in a possibility
      of punishment and is larger for both big rewards and big (predictably avoidable)
      punishments. We show that neural responses in ventral striatum and ventral
      tegmental area/substantial nigra (VTA/SN) covaried with net expected value.
      Activity in VTA/SN also covaried with an adjusted expected value, as did activity
      in anterior insula. Consistent with two-factor theory models, the findings
      indicate that VTA/SN and insula process an adjusted expected value during
      avoidance behaviour.

PMID- 27132048
TI  - Reduced posterior parietal cortex activation after training on a visual search
      task.
AB  - Gaining experience on a cognitive task improves behavioral performance and is
      thought to enhance brain efficiency. Despite the body of literature already
      published on the effects of training on brain activation, less research has been
      carried out on visual search attention processes under well controlled
      conditions. Thirty-six healthy adults divided into trained and control groups
      completed a pre-post letter-based visual search task fMRI study in one day.
      Twelve letters were used as targets and ten as distractors. The trained group
      completed a training session (840 trials) with half the targets between scans.
      The effects of training were studied at the behavioral and brain levels by
      controlling for repetition effects using both between-subjects (trained vs.
      control groups) and within-subject (trained vs. untrained targets) controls. The
      trained participants reduced their response speed by 31% as a result of training,
      maintaining their accuracy scores, whereas the control group hardly changed.
      Neural results revealed that brain changes associated with visual search training
      were circumscribed to reduced activation in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC)
      when controlling for group, and they included inferior occipital areas when
      controlling for targets. The observed behavioral and brain changes are discussed
      in relation to automatic behavior development. The observed training-related
      decreases could be associated with increased neural efficiency in specific key
      regions for task performance.

PMID- 27132049
TI  - Relationships Between Program Size, Training Experience, and Career Intentions:
      Pediatrics Resident Reports From 2010 to 2014.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between pediatric residency program size
      and resident demographic characteristics, career intentions, and training
      experiences. METHODS: Annual national random samples of 1000 graduating
      pediatrics residents were surveyed between 2010 and 2014. Response years were
      pooled for analysis, and trends in resident demographic characteristics, career
      intentions and job search, and training experiences were compared across program
      class size: small (<10 residents per class), medium (10-19 residents per class),
      and large (>=20 residents per class). RESULTS: Overall response rate was 61%
      (3038 of 5000). Primary care goals at the end of residency varied according to
      program size: 45.9% for small programs, 43.4% for medium programs, and 35.1% for
      large programs. Reports of excellent or very good preparation for subspecialty
      fellowship and hospitalist positions increased across program size, whereas
      primary care preparation reports decreased. Only half of the residents in large
      programs who enter primary care believe they are prepared and less than half in
      small programs who accept subspecialty fellowship positions believe they are
      prepared for these new positions. Residents in medium and large programs report
      being most prepared for hospitalist work. CONCLUSIONS: Notable numbers of
      residents in small programs pursue subspecialties and notable numbers in large
      programs enter primary care. However, residents believe they are less prepared
      for primary care as program size increases and less prepared for subspecialty
      training as program size decreases. These findings suggest that the training
      experiences of some residents do not optimally align with their future practice.

PMID- 27132050
TI  - Shared Decision Making and Treatment Decisions for Young Children With Autism
      Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe influences on shared decision making between primary care
      pediatricians and parents of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
      METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using key informant interviews with 20
      pediatricians of varying experience from 10 primary care practices and 20 English
      speaking parents of young children (aged 2-5 years) with a parent-reported
      diagnosis of ASD. Subjects were recruited through purposive sampling. Interviews
      were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using an integrated approach
      to data analysis. Differences in coding were resolved by consensus. We achieved
      thematic saturation and ceased recruitment after 20 interviews were completed
      within each group. RESULTS: Three primary themes emerged: 1) pediatricians and
      parents reported knowledge gaps by pediatricians about ASD treatments and
      community resources as well as ambiguity regarding the pediatrician's role in ASD
      care; 2) there was little communication between parents and pediatricians about
      treatment choices; 3) use of complementary and alternative medical treatments
      created conflict between pediatricians and parents, and as a result, parents may
      independently pursue treatments, without the benefit of discussing safety and
      efficacy with pediatricians. Despite these barriers, parents desired increased
      support and guidance from their pediatricians, including for complementary and
      alternative medicine. CONCLUSIONS: Much work is needed to effectively foster
      shared decision making in the context of ASD treatment decisions in primary care,
      including pediatrician training in ASD to enhance knowledge about evidence-based
      and novel treatments, clinical practice guidelines, and community resources.

PMID- 27132051
TI  - Transcriptional changes of mouse splenocyte organelle components following acute
      infection with Toxoplasma gondii.
AB  - Toxoplasmosis is a globally spread zoonosis. The pathogen Toxoplasma gondii can
      hijack cellular organelles of host for replication. Although a number of
      important cellular life events are controlled by cell organelles, very little is
      known of the transcriptional changes of host cellular organelles after infection
      with T. gondii. Herein, we performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics
      analyses to study the global organelle component changes. It was found that many
      transcripts of the mouse spleen cellular organelle components were altered by
      acute T. gondii infection with the RH strain (Type I). Most differentially
      expressed transcripts of mitochondrial components were downregulated, especially
      those involved in biosynthetic and metabolic processes. Moreover, mitochondria
      based apoptosis process was downregulated. In terms of cytoskeleton, most
      differentially expressed transcript of cytoskeleton components were also
      downregulated, including septin cytoskeleton, cytoskeleton organization,
      centrosome and myosin. For endolysosomal system, ion transporters were
      downregulated at mRNA level, whereas the cytolytic components were increased,
      such as granzymes, Rab27a and perforin1 (Prf1). The main transcripts of Golgi
      apparatus components involved in sialylation or vesicle-mediated transportation
      were downregulated, while immune related components were upregulated. For
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER), posttranslational modification, drug metabolism and
      material transportation related transcripts were downregulated. In addition, T.
      gondii antigen cross-presentation by MHC-I complex could be downregulated by the
      downregulation of CD76 and ubiquitination related transcripts. The present study,
      for the first time, described the transcriptional changes of the mouse spleen
      cellular organelles following acute T. gondii infection, which provides a
      foundation to study the interaction between T. gondii and host cells at the sub
      cellular level. 

PMID- 27132052
TI  - Hysteroscopy before in-vitro fertilisation (inSIGHT): a multicentre, randomised
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hysteroscopy is often done in infertile women starting in-vitro
      fertilisation (IVF) to improve their chance of having a baby. However, no data
      are available from randomised controlled trials to support this practice. We
      aimed to assess whether routine hysteroscopy before the first IVF treatment cycle
      increases the rate of livebirths. METHODS: We did a pragmatic, multicentre,
      randomised controlled trial in seven university hospitals and 15 large general
      hospitals in the Netherlands. Women with a normal transvaginal ultrasound of the
      uterine cavity and no previous hysteroscopy who were scheduled for their first
      IVF treatment were randomly assigned (1:1) to either hysteroscopy with treatment
      of detected intracavitary abnormalities before starting IVF (hysteroscopy group)
      or immediate start of the IVF treatment (immediate IVF group). Randomisation was
      done with web-based concealed allocation and was stratified by centre with
      variable block sizes. Participants, doctors, and outcome assessors were not
      masked to the assigned group. The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy
      (detection of a fetal heartbeat at >12 weeks of gestation) within 18 months of
      randomisation and resulting in livebirth. Analysis was by intention to treat.
      This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01242852. FINDINGS:
      Between May 25, 2011, and Aug 27, 2013, we randomly assigned 750 women to receive
      either hysteroscopy (n=373) or immediate IVF (n=377). 209 (57%) of 369 women
      eligible for assessment in the hysteroscopy group and 200 (54%) of 373 in the
      immediate IVF group had a livebirth from a pregnancy during the trial period
      (relative risk 1.06, 95% CI 0.93-1.20; p=0.41). One (<1%) woman in the
      hysteroscopy group developed endometritis after hysteroscopy. INTERPRETATION:
      Routine hysteroscopy does not improve livebirth rates in infertile women with a
      normal transvaginal ultrasound of the uterine cavity scheduled for a first IVF
      treatment. Women with a normal transvaginal ultrasound should not be offered
      routine hysteroscopy. FUNDING: The Dutch Organisation for Health Research and
      Development (ZonMW).

PMID- 27132054
TI  - Hysteroscopy before IVF: can it improve outcomes?

PMID- 27132053
TI  - Hysteroscopy in recurrent in-vitro fertilisation failure (TROPHY): a multicentre,
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The success rate of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) remains low and many
      women undergo multiple treatment cycles. A previous meta-analysis suggested
      hysteroscopy could improve outcomes in women who have had recurrent implantation
      failure; however, studies were of poor quality and a definitive randomised trial
      was needed. In the TROPHY trial we aimed to assess whether hysteroscopy improves
      the livebirth rate following IVF treatment in women with recurrent failure of
      implantation. METHODS: We did a multicentre, randomised controlled trial in eight
      hospitals in the UK, Belgium, Italy, and the Czech Republic. We recruited women
      younger than 38 years who had normal ultrasound of the uterine cavity and history
      of two to four unsuccessful IVF cycles. We used an independent web-based trial
      management system to randomly assign (1:1) women to receive outpatient
      hysteroscopy (hysteroscopy group) or no hysteroscopy (control group) in the month
      before starting a treatment cycle of IVF (with or without intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection). A computer-based algorithm minimised for key prognostic variables:
      age, body-mass index, basal follicle-stimulating hormone concentration, and the
      number of previous failed IVF cycles. The order of group assignment was masked to
      the researchers at the time of recruitment and randomisation. Embryologists
      involved in the embryo transfer were masked to group allocation, but physicians
      doing the procedure knew of group assignment and had hysteroscopy findings
      accessible. Participants were not masked to their group assignment. The primary
      outcome was the livebirth rate (proportion of women who had a live baby beyond 24
      weeks of gestation) in the intention-to-treat population. The trial was
      registered with the ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN35859078. FINDINGS: Between Jan 1,
      2010, and Dec 31, 2013, we randomly assigned 350 women to the hysteroscopy group
      and 352 women to the control group. 102 (29%) of women in the hysteroscopy group
      had a livebirth after IVF compared with 102 (29%) women in the control group
      (risk ratio 1.0, 95% CI 0.79-1.25; p=0.96). No hysteroscopy-related adverse
      events were reported. INTERPRETATION: Outpatient hysteroscopy before IVF in women
      with a normal ultrasound of the uterine cavity and a history of unsuccessful IVF
      treatment cycles does not improve the livebirth rate. Further research into the
      effectiveness of surgical correction of specific uterine cavity abnormalities
      before IVF is warranted. FUNDING: European Society of Human Reproduction and
      Embryology, European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy.

PMID- 27132055
TI  - Circadian regulation of human peripheral neutrophils.
AB  - Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocytes in human blood. Beside being
      essential responders in bacterial and fungal infections, they also contribute to
      tissue reactions in many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Although several
      immune responses linked to neutrophil functions have been described to be
      rhythmic, the mechanism of the circadian regulation of these cells is still not
      understood. Characterization of the time-of-day-specific control of neutrophil
      responsiveness could help to better understand the pathomechanism of these
      inflammatory responses and design effective chronotherapy. Here we report that
      the time-dependent expression of core clock components in human neutrophils
      characteristically differs from that in mononuclear cells. Both the low
      expression and the reduced nuclear accumulation of the essential clock protein
      BMAL1 suggest that the molecular oscillator is down-regulated in neutrophils. By
      following the expression of the maturation marker Cxcr4 and morphological
      attributes (side-scattering properties and nuclear segmentation), we found that
      the distribution of young and aged cells within the peripheral neutrophil pool
      displays a daily rhythm. In addition, we detected synchronous fluctuations in the
      plasma level of the CXCR4 ligand CXCL12, an important regulator of cell
      trafficking within the bone marrow. We found that expression of another
      maturation marker, the core component of the superoxide generating NADPH oxidase,
      and parallelly, the superoxide producing capacity of neutrophils were also
      dependent on the time of the day. In line with this, number of opsonized bacteria
      engulfed by neutrophils also showed time-dependent differences, supporting that
      clearance of pathogens shows a daily rhythm. We suggest that maturation-dependent
      changes in neutrophil responsiveness rather than the cellular autonomous clock
      are involved in the daily regulation of human neutrophil functions. 

PMID- 27132057
TI  - Circulating progenitor cells are positively associated with cognitive function
      among overweight/obese children.
AB  - Recent evidence has indicated that overweight/obese children may experience
      cognitive and immune dysfunction, but the underlying mechanisms responsible for
      the association between overweight/obesity, immune dysfunction, and cognition
      have yet to be established. The present study aimed to identify a novel link
      between obesity-induced immune system dysregulation and cognition in
      preadolescent children. A total of 27 male children (age: 8-10years) were
      recruited and separated by body mass index (BMI) into healthy weight (HW: 5th
      84.9th percentile, n=16) and overweight/obese (OW: ?85th percentile, n=11)
      groups. Adiposity was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and
      aspects of executive function were assessed using the Woodcock-Johnson III Tests
      of Cognitive Abilities. Monocyte populations (CD14(+)CD16(-), CD14(+)CD16(+))
      with and without expression of chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2), and circulating
      progenitor cells (CPCs: CD34(+)CD45(dim)), in peripheral blood were quantified by
      flow cytometry. CPCs were isolated by flow sorting and cultured for 24h for
      collection of conditioned media (CM) that was applied to SH-SY5Y neuroblastomas
      to examine the paracrine effects of CPCs on neurogenesis. OW had significantly
      higher quantities of both populations of monocytes (CD14(+)CD16(-): 57% increase;
      CD14(+)CD16(+): 95% increase, both p<0.01), monocytes expressing CCR2
      (CD14(+)CD16(-)CCR2(+): 66% increase; CD14(+)CD16(+)CCR2(+): 168% increase, both
      p<0.01), and CPCs (47% increase, p<0.05) than HW. CPCs were positively correlated
      with abdominal adiposity in OW, and negatively correlated in HW with a
      significant difference between correlations (p<0.05). CPC content was positively
      correlated with executive processes in OW, and negatively correlated in HW with a
      significant difference in the strength of the correlations between groups (p<0.05
      for correlation between OW and HW). Finally, CPC-CM from OW trended to increase
      neuroblast viability in vitro relative to HW (1.79 fold, p=0.07). These novel
      findings indicate that increased content of CPCs among OW children may play a
      role in preventing decrements in cognitive function via paracrine mechanisms. 

PMID- 27132056
TI  - Neurons and astroglia govern microglial endotoxin tolerance through macrophage
      colony-stimulating factor receptor-mediated ERK1/2 signals.
AB  - Endotoxin tolerance (ET) is a reduced responsiveness of innate immune cells like
      macrophages/monocytes to an endotoxin challenge following a previous encounter
      with the endotoxin. Although ET in peripheral systems has been well studied,
      little is known about ET in the brain. The present study showed that brain immune
      cells, microglia, being different from peripheral macrophages, displayed non-cell
      autonomous mechanisms in ET formation. Specifically, neurons and astroglia were
      indispensable for microglial ET. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)
      secreted from these non-immune cells was essential for governing microglial ET.
      Neutralization of M-CSF deprived the neuron-glia conditioned medium of its
      ability to enable microglia to form ET when microglia encountered two
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatments. Recombinant M-CSF protein rendered enriched
      microglia refractory to the second LPS challenge leading to microglial ET.
      Activation of microglial M-CSF receptor (M-CSFR; also known as CSF1R) and the
      downstream ERK1/2 signals was responsible for M-CSF-mediated microglial ET.
      Endotoxin-tolerant microglia in neuron-glia cultures displayed M2-like polarized
      phenotypes, as shown by upregulation of M2 marker Arg-1, elevated production of
      anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10, and decreased secretion of pro
      inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor alpha, nitric oxide, prostaglandin
      E2 and interleukin 1beta). Endotoxin-tolerant microglia protected neurons against
      LPS-elicited inflammatory insults, as shown by reduced neuronal damages in LPS
      pre-treatment group compared with the group without LPS pre-treatment. Moreover,
      while neurons and astroglia became injured during chronic neuroinflammation,
      microglia failed to form ET. Thus, this study identified a distinct non-cell
      autonomous mechanism of microglial ET. Interactions of M-CSF secreted by neurons
      and astroglia with microglial M-CSFR programed microglial ET. Loss of microglial
      ET could be an important pathogenetic mechanism of inflammation-associated
      neuronal damages.

PMID- 27132058
TI  - Blood biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About 10% of reproductive-aged women suffer from endometriosis, a
      costly chronic disease causing pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopy is the
      gold standard diagnostic test for endometriosis, but is expensive and carries
      surgical risks. Currently, there are no non-invasive or minimally invasive tests
      available in clinical practice to accurately diagnose endometriosis. Although
      other reviews have assessed the ability of blood tests to diagnose endometriosis,
      this is the first review to use Cochrane methods, providing an update on the
      rapidly expanding literature in this field. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate blood
      biomarkers as replacement tests for diagnostic surgery and as triage tests to
      inform decisions on surgery for endometriosis. Specific objectives include:1. To
      provide summary estimates of the diagnostic accuracy of blood biomarkers for the
      diagnosis of peritoneal, ovarian and deep infiltrating pelvic endometriosis,
      compared to surgical diagnosis as a reference standard.2. To assess the
      diagnostic utility of biomarkers that could differentiate ovarian endometrioma
      from other ovarian masses. SEARCH METHODS: We did not restrict the searches to
      particular study designs, language or publication dates. We searched CENTRAL to
      July 2015, MEDLINE and EMBASE to May 2015, as well as these databases to 20 April
      2015: CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, LILACS, OAIster, TRIP,
      ClinicalTrials.gov, DARE and PubMed. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered published,
      peer-reviewed, randomised controlled or cross-sectional studies of any size,
      including prospectively collected samples from any population of reproductive
      aged women suspected of having one or more of the following target conditions:
      ovarian, peritoneal or deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). We included studies
      comparing the diagnostic test accuracy of one or more blood biomarkers with the
      findings of surgical visualisation of endometriotic lesions. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two authors independently collected and performed a quality assessment
      of data from each study. For each diagnostic test, we classified the data as
      positive or negative for the surgical detection of endometriosis, and we
      calculated sensitivity and specificity estimates. We used the bivariate model to
      obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity whenever sufficient
      datasets were available. The predetermined criteria for a clinically useful blood
      test to replace diagnostic surgery were a sensitivity of 0.94 and a specificity
      of 0.79 to detect endometriosis. We set the criteria for triage tests at a
      sensitivity of >= 0.95 and a specificity of >= 0.50, which 'rules out' the
      diagnosis with high accuracy if there is a negative test result (SnOUT test), or
      a sensitivity of >= 0.50 and a specificity of >= 0.95, which 'rules in' the
      diagnosis with high accuracy if there is a positive result (SpIN test). MAIN
      RESULTS: We included 141 studies that involved 15,141 participants and evaluated
      122 blood biomarkers. All the studies were of poor methodological quality.
      Studies evaluated the blood biomarkers either in a specific phase of the
      menstrual cycle or irrespective of the cycle phase, and they tested for them in
      serum, plasma or whole blood. Included women were a selected population with a
      high frequency of endometriosis (10% to 85%), in which surgery was indicated for
      endometriosis, infertility work-up or ovarian mass. Seventy studies evaluated the
      diagnostic performance of 47 blood biomarkers for endometriosis (44 single-marker
      tests and 30 combined tests of two to six blood biomarkers). These were
      angiogenesis/growth factors, apoptosis markers, cell adhesion molecules, high
      throughput markers, hormonal markers, immune system/inflammatory markers,
      oxidative stress markers, microRNAs, tumour markers and other proteins. Most of
      these biomarkers were assessed in small individual studies, often using different
      cut-off thresholds, and we could only perform meta-analyses on the data sets for
      anti-endometrial antibodies, interleukin-6 (IL-6), cancer antigen-19.9 (CA-19.9)
      and CA-125. Diagnostic estimates varied significantly between studies for each of
      these biomarkers, and CA-125 was the only marker with sufficient data to reliably
      assess sources of heterogeneity.The mean sensitivities and specificities of anti
      endometrial antibodies (4 studies, 759 women) were 0.81 (95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.76 to 0.87) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.46 to 1.00). For IL-6, with a cut-off value
      of > 1.90 to 2.00 pg/ml (3 studies, 309 women), sensitivity was 0.63 (95% CI 0.52
      to 0.75) and specificity was 0.69 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.82). For CA-19.9, with a cut
      off value of > 37.0 IU/ml (3 studies, 330 women), sensitivity was 0.36 (95% CI
      0.26 to 0.45) and specificity was 0.87 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.99).Studies assessed CA
      125 at different thresholds, demonstrating the following mean sensitivities and
      specificities: for cut-off > 10.0 to 14.7 U/ml: 0.70 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.77) and
      0.64 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.82); for cut-off > 16.0 to 17.6 U/ml: 0.56 (95% CI 0.24,
      0.88) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.75, 1.00); for cut-off > 20.0 U/ml: 0.67 (95% CI 0.50 to
      0.85) and 0.69 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.80); for cut-off > 25.0 to 26.0 U/ml: 0.73 (95%
      CI 0.67 to 0.79) and 0.70 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.77); for cut-off > 30.0 to 33.0 U/ml:
      0.62 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.79) and 0.76 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.00); and for cut-off > 35.0
      to 36.0 U/ml: 0.40 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.49) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.94).We could
      not statistically evaluate other biomarkers meaningfully, including biomarkers
      that were assessed for their ability to differentiate endometrioma from other
      benign ovarian cysts.Eighty-two studies evaluated 97 biomarkers that did not
      differentiate women with endometriosis from disease-free controls. Of these, 22
      biomarkers demonstrated conflicting results, with some studies showing
      differential expression and others no evidence of a difference between the
      endometriosis and control groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Of the biomarkers that
      were subjected to meta-analysis, none consistently met the criteria for a
      replacement or triage diagnostic test. A subset of blood biomarkers could prove
      useful either for detecting pelvic endometriosis or for differentiating ovarian
      endometrioma from other benign ovarian masses, but there was insufficient
      evidence to draw meaningful conclusions. Overall, none of the biomarkers
      displayed enough accuracy to be used clinically outside a research setting. We
      also identified blood biomarkers that demonstrated no diagnostic value in
      endometriosis and recommend focusing research resources on evaluating other more
      clinically useful biomarkers.

PMID- 27132059
TI  - Simple Indicator to Judge the Independence Level Required in Dressing in a
      Hospital Ward for Patients with Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to create a simple and objective indicator for use
      by inexperienced nurses and family members of patients to judge the assistance
      level required for dressing in a hospital, while encouraging independence in
      activities of daily living among inpatients with stroke using the Berg balance
      scale. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 108 hospitalized patients
      with first stroke in a rehabilitation hospital ward. Receiver operating
      characteristic curves were used to identify the Berg balance scale item with the
      highest discriminatory power against independence level in dressing. RESULTS: For
      comparisons between the independence and supervision or less level groups, the
      area under the curve of the sum score of "Retrieving object from floor" and
      "Standing with one foot in front" was .954, and the calculated cutoff value was
      6/5 (sensitivity, 86%; specificity, 94%). For comparisons between the supervision
      or higher level and dependence groups, the area under the curve of the score of
      "Retrieving object from floor" was .930, and the calculated cutoff value was 2/1
      (sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 81%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that
      Berg balance scale items are individually and in combination simple and useful
      indicators to judge independence level in dressing in a hospital ward for
      patients with stroke. These indices appear to be appropriate for individuals who
      are unfamiliar with Berg balance scale, such as inexperienced nurses and family
      members of patients.

PMID- 27132060
TI  - A telehealth approach to conducting clinical swallowing evaluations in children
      with cerebral palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate and timely evaluation of dysphagia in children with cerebral
      palsy (CP) is critical. For children with limited access to quality healthcare,
      telehealth is an option; however, its reliability needs to be investigated. AIM:
      To test the reliability of an asynchronous telehealth model for evaluating
      dysphagia in children with CP using a standardized clinical assessment. METHODS
      AND PROCEDURES: Nineteen children (age range 6.9-17.5) were assessed at three
      mealtimes via the Dysphagia Disorder Survey (DDS) by three clinicians (face-to
      face evaluations). Mealtimes were video-recorded to allow asynchronous
      evaluations by a remote clinician who also completed approximately 1/3 of face-to
      face evaluations. Agreement was tested on DDS variables and dysphagia severity.
      OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Results revealed substantial to excellent agreement between
      face-to-face and remote assessments by the same rater (78-100%, KW=0.64-1) on
      all, but two variables (oral transport and oral pharyngeal swallow) and by
      different raters (69-89%, KW=0.6-0.86) on all but one variable (orienting). For
      dysphagia severity, intrarater agreement was excellent (100%, KW=1); interrater
      agreement was substantial (85%; KW=0.76). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
      Asynchronous clinical swallowing evaluations using standardized tools have
      acceptable levels of agreement with face-to-face evaluations, and can be an
      alternative for children with limited access to expert swallowing care.

PMID- 27132061
TI  - Smad3-dependent regulation of type I collagen in human dermal fibroblasts: Impact
      on human skin connective tissue aging.

PMID- 27132062
TI  - [A complete atelectasis of the left lung due to a central bronchial mucous plug
      resembling an endobronchial neoplasia].

PMID- 27132063
TI  - [An example of cooperation for implementing programs associated with the
      promotion of exercise in the frail elderly. European Erasmus + "Vivifrail"
      program].

PMID- 27132064
TI  - Voice Campaigns in Brazil: Effective Practices in Health Education.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the health education practices
      used during Voice Campaigns in Brazil between 2005 and 2013. STUDY DESIGN: This
      was a descriptive retrospective research study. METHODS: We analyzed materials
      from 28 Voice Campaigns carried out between 2005 and 2013. The document analysis
      technique was used, and the campaigns were categorized as dialogic and
      unidirectional. The SPSS version 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis.
      RESULTS: The southeast region of the country had the highest number of campaigns;
      however, there were more institutions involved in the south region. A total of 19
      different strategies were used, involving nearly 10 million participants in
      total. There were 2.8-fold more unidirectional campaigns than dialogic campaigns.
      The trend analysis showed a significant increase in the number of campaigns over
      the years (average increase of 1.58 dialog campaigns/year and 4.13 unidirectional
      campaigns/year). CONCLUSIONS: The activities in the Voice Campaign, associated
      with dialog, followed the precepts of health education; however, these campaigns
      must be systematized according to the needs of the population to develop strong
      and efficient strategies.

PMID- 27132065
TI  - Do minimum wages improve early life health? Evidence from developing countries.
AB  - The impact of legislated minimum wages on the early-life health of children
      living in low and middle-income countries has not been examined. For our
      analyses, we used data from the Demographic and Household Surveys (DHS) from 57
      countries conducted between 1999 and 2013. Our analyses focus on height-for-age z
      scores (HAZ) for children under 5 years of age who were surveyed as part of the
      DHS. To identify the causal effect of minimum wages, we utilized plausibly
      exogenous variation in the legislated minimum wages during each child's year of
      birth, the identifying assumption being that mothers do not time their births
      around changes in the minimum wage. As a sensitivity exercise, we also made
      within family comparisons (mother fixed effect models). Our final analysis on 49
      countries reveal that a 1% increase in minimum wages was associated with 0.1%
      (95% CI = -0.2, 0) decrease in HAZ scores. Adverse effects of an increase in the
      minimum wage were observed among girls and for children of fathers who were less
      than 35 years old, mothers aged 20-29, parents who were married, parents who were
      less educated, and parents involved in manual work. We also explored
      heterogeneity by region and GDP per capita at baseline (1999). Adverse effects
      were concentrated in lower-income countries and were most pronounced in South
      Asia. By contrast, increases in the minimum wage improved children's HAZ in Latin
      America, and among children of parents working in a skilled sector. Our findings
      are inconsistent with the hypothesis that increases in the minimum wage
      unconditionally improve child health in lower-income countries, and highlight
      heterogeneity in the impact of minimum wages around the globe. Future work should
      involve country and occupation specific studies which can explore not only
      different outcomes such as infant mortality rates, but also explore the role of
      parental investments in shaping these effects.

PMID- 27132066
TI  - An examination of health selection among U.S. immigrants using multi-national
      data.
AB  - While migrants are widely believed to be positively selected on health, there has
      been very little empirical exploration of the actual health differential between
      migrants and non-migrants. This paper explored: 1) the extent of health selection
      by comparing US immigrants from 19 sending countries to their non-migrating
      counterparts still residing in the countries of origin; 2) country-level
      correlates of health selection; and 3) whether country-level health selection
      accounted for differences in self-rated health between immigrants and US-born
      Whites. We combined nationally-representative international data with data from
      US immigrants from the 2003-2007 Current Population Survey. The health
      selectivity measure was the Net Difference Index (NDI), which compares the
      distribution of self-rated health between migrants and non-migrants. We
      calculated Spearman correlation and bivariate regression coefficients between the
      NDI and economic, health, distance, and migration characteristics of the sending
      countries. We used generalized estimating equation models to examine the
      association between country-level health selection and immigrants' current self
      rated health. We found immigrants from South America to show the most positive
      health selection. Health selection was significantly correlated with visa mode of
      entry, where family networks decrease, but work-related networks increase health
      selection. There was little evidence that country-level health selection
      explained differences in the self-rated health of US immigrants relative to US
      born Whites. Our findings do not support the idea that country-level health
      selection underlies the "healthy immigrant effect".

PMID- 27132068
TI  - Scattered leaves.
AB  - Recent books and conference proceedings are surveyed, together with some lighter
      reading.

PMID- 27132067
TI  - Comparison of tinnitus and psychological aspects between the younger and older
      adult patients with tinnitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the differences in various tinnitus-related features and
      psychological aspects between the younger and older adult patients with tinnitus.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of the adult patients who
      visited our tinnitus clinic in 2013 and completed full tinnitus assessment
      including audiometry, tinnitus matching, standardized tinnitus questionnaires,
      and psychometric questionnaires. The younger group included patients aged 20-45
      years (n=64), and the older group, those older than 65 years (n=76). Clinical
      features, hearing levels, matched tinnitus pitches and loudness, self-report
      tinnitus severity scores, Beck depression inventory scores, and stress scores
      were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Tinnitus duration was longer in the
      older group (p=0.002). Mean PTAs were 16dB HL in the younger, and 38dB HL in the
      older groups (p<0.001). Eighty-nine percent of the younger patients had normal
      hearing, while 82% of the older patients had hearing loss (p<0.001). Matched
      tinnitus loudness was greater in the older group (64dB HL vs. 36dB HL, p<0.001).
      All of the self-report tinnitus, depression, and stress scores did not differ
      between the groups. CONCLUSION: The older patients seemed to be more receptive to
      tinnitus. The majority of older tinnitus patients had concomitant hearing loss,
      and thus hearing rehabilitation should be considered preferentially for tinnitus
      management in this age group. Subjective tinnitus severity, depressive symptoms,
      and the stress levels were similar between the younger and older tinnitus
      patients. Therefore, treatment could be planned based upon the comprehensive
      understanding of the tinnitus characteristics and psychological aspects in each
      patient irrespective of age.

PMID- 27132069
TI  - A workplace-based risk assessment improves predicted lifetime cardiovascular
      disease risk in male steelworkers.

PMID- 27132070
TI  - Intrinsic functional connectivity predicts individual differences in
      distractibility.
AB  - Distractor suppression, the ability to filter and ignore task-irrelevant
      information, is critical for efficient task performance. While successful
      distractor suppression relies on a balance of activity in neural networks
      responsible for attention maintenance (dorsal attention network; DAN),
      reorientation (ventral attention network; VAN), and internal thought (default
      mode network, DMN), the degree to which intrinsic connectivity within and between
      these networks contributes to individual differences in distractor suppression
      ability is not well-characterized. For the purposes of understanding these
      interactions, the current study collected resting-state fMRI data from 32
      Veterans and, several months later (7+/-5 months apart), performance on the
      additional singleton paradigm, a measure of distractor suppression. Using
      multivariate support vector regression models composed of resting state
      connectivity between regions of the DAN, VAN, and DMN, and a leave-one-subject
      out cross-validation procedure, we were able to predict an individual's task
      performance, yielding a significant correlation between the actual and predicted
      distractor suppression (r=0.48, p=0.0053). Network-level analyses revealed that
      greater within-network DMN connectivity was predictive of better distractor
      suppression, while greater connectivity between the DMN and attention networks
      was predictive of poorer distractor suppression. The strongest connection hubs
      were determined to be the right frontal eye field and temporoparietal junction of
      the DAN and VAN, respectively, and medial (ventromedial prefrontal and posterior
      cingulate cortices) and bilateral prefrontal regions of the DMN. These results
      are amongst a small but growing number of studies demonstrating that resting
      state connectivity is related to stable individual differences in cognitive
      ability, and suggest that greater integrity and independence of the DMN is
      related to better attentional ability.

PMID- 27132071
TI  - The effect of diverting stoma on long-term morbidity and risk for permanent stoma
      after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a severe complication after low anterior
      resection (LAR) in rectal cancer surgery. A diverting loop ileostomy has been
      reported to reduce early clinical AL and thereby decrease short-term morbidity.
      Less is known if long-term morbidity is affected by a loop ileostomy constructed
      at LAR. METHODS: At Ersta Hospital, Sweden, 287 consecutive patients were
      operated on with LAR, 2002-2011. Follow-up time was 3 years after LAR. Due to a
      shift in routines, 15% were diverted at LAR, 2002-2006 and 91%, 2007-2011. Data
      on long-term morbidity and permanent stoma in patients with or without a
      diversion at primary surgery were compared. RESULTS: During LAR, 139 patients
      were diverted (S+), 148 were not (S-). Total rate of AL, both early and late, was
      26% in S+ and 30% in S-, p 0.25. Late AL (>30 days after LAR) was found in 6% and
      15% were readmitted in the late postoperative period with no difference between
      the groups. Total length of hospital stay (30 days-3 years after LAR) was longer
      among S+ compared to S-, mean 7 vs. 4 days (p < 0.001). One out of six ended up
      with a permanent stoma (17% S+, 14% S-, p 0.47). Clinical AL was an independent
      risk factor and the most common cause for a permanent stoma in both groups.
      CONCLUSION: A diverting loop ileostomy at LAR did not reduce long-term morbidity
      but was associated with a longer total length of hospital stay during a 3-year
      follow up.

PMID- 27132072
TI  - Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in 1000
      patients with perforated appendiceal epithelial tumours.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report early and long term outcomes following cytoreductive surgery
      (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in 1000 patients with
      perforated appendiceal epithelial tumours, predominantly with pseudomyxoma
      peritonei (PMP). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of
      1000 consecutive patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for perforated appendiceal
      tumours between 1994 and 2014 in a UK National Peritoneal Malignancy unit.
      RESULTS: Overall 1000/1444 (69.2%) patients treated for peritoneal malignancy had
      appendiceal primary tumours. Of these 738/1000 (73.8%) underwent complete
      cytoreductive surgery (CCRS), 242 (24.2%) had maximal tumour debulking (MTD) and
      20 (2%) had laparotomy and biopsies only. Treatment related 30-day mortality was
      0.8% in CCRS and 1.7% in MTD group with major postoperative morbidity rates of
      15.2% (CCRS) and 14.5% (MTD). Five- and 10-year overall survival was 87.4% and
      70.3% in the 738 patients who had CCRS compared with 39.2% and 8.1% respectively
      in the MTD group. On multivariate analysis, significant predictors of reduced
      overall survival were male gender (p = 0.022), elevated CEA (p = 0.001), elevated
      CA125 (p = 0.001) and high tumour grade or adenocarcinoma (p = 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Perforated epithelial appendiceal tumours are rare, though may be
      increasing in incidence and can present unexpectedly at elective or emergency
      abdominal surgery, often with PMP. CRS and HIPEC results in good long term
      outcomes in most patients.

PMID- 27132073
TI  - Reduction of copper ions release by a novel ecofriendly electropolymerized
      nanolayer obtained from a natural compound (carvacrol).
AB  - The release of copper ions by copper-containing devices, equipments and
      facilities represents a potential risk for biological systems. Different
      inhibitory treatments (CuIT) that use organic compounds have been proposed to
      reduce this environmental hazard but many of them are not in accordance with new
      regulations. The development of an ecofriendly CuIT based on the use of
      carvacrol, a natural phenolic compound present in essential oils, is reported
      here. The effects of carvacrol adsorption (adCarv) and its electropolymerization
      (polyCarv) were examined. Electropolymerization was attained after cycling the
      copper electrode in the 0.3-1.0V potential range. Electrochemical techniques
      complemented by ATR-FTIR, XPS, SEM and AFM surface analyses were used to evaluate
      the composition and characteristics of the layers. Results demonstrated that
      adCarv includes cetonic structures while polyCarv additionally contains ether
      bonds. AFM and SEM observations showed the presence of round nanoglobules, larger
      for adCarv (close to 50nm diameter). Cytotoxicity of adCarv and polyCarv layers
      on copper was also evaluated. The comparative analysis of both treatments
      revealed that polyCarv nanolayer is highly protective while the adCarv layer is
      weakly protective and reduction in cell viability was found. It was concluded
      that CuIT that leads to polyCarv nanolayer is very effective and ecofriendly.

PMID- 27132074
TI  - The performance of ammonium exchanged zeolite for the biodegradation of petroleum
      hydrocarbons migrating in soil water.
AB  - Nitrogen deficiency has been identified as the main inhibiting factor for
      biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in low nutrient environments. This study
      examines the performance of ammonium exchanged zeolite to enhance biodegradation
      of petroleum hydrocarbons migrating in soil water within laboratory scale flow
      cells. Biofilm formation and biodegradation were accelerated by the exchange of
      cations in soil water with ammonium in the pores of the exchanged zeolite when
      compared with natural zeolite flow cells. These results have implications for
      sequenced permeable reactive barrier design and the longevity of media
      performance within such barriers at petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated sites
      deficient in essential soil nutrients.

PMID- 27132076
TI  - New strategies to improve both effectiveness and access to care.

PMID- 27132075
TI  - Effectiveness of an integrated telehealth service for patients with depression: a
      pragmatic randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many countries are exploring the potential of telehealth
      interventions to manage the rising number of people with chronic disorders.
      However, evidence of the effectiveness of telehealth is ambiguous. Based on an
      evidence-based conceptual framework, we developed an integrated telehealth
      service (the Healthlines Service) for chronic disorders and assessed its
      effectiveness in patients with depression. We aimed to compare the Healthlines
      Depression Service plus usual care with usual care alone. METHODS: This study was
      a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial with participants recruited
      from 43 general practices in three areas of England. To be eligible, participants
      needed to have access to the internet and email, a Patient Health Questionnaire 9
      (PHQ-9) score of at least 10, and a confirmed diagnosis of depression.
      Participants were individually assigned (1:1) to either the Healthlines
      Depression Service plus usual care or usual care alone. Random assignment was
      done by use of a web-based automated randomisation system, stratified by site and
      minimised by practice and PHQ-9 score. Participants were aware of their
      allocation, but outcomes were analysed masked. The Healthlines Service consisted
      of regular telephone calls from non-clinical, trained health advisers who
      followed standardised scripts generated by interactive software. After an initial
      assessment and goal-setting telephone call, the advisers called each participant
      on six occasions over 4 months, and then made up to three more calls at intervals
      of roughly 2 months to provide reinforcement and to detect relapse. Advisers
      supported participants in the use of online resources (including computerised
      cognitive behavioural therapy) and sought to encourage healthier lifestyles,
      optimise medication, and improve treatment adherence. The primary outcome was the
      proportion of participants responding to the intervention (defined as PHQ-9 <10
      and reduction in PHQ-9 of >=5 points) at 4 months after randomisation. The
      primary analysis was based on the intention-to-treat principle without imputation
      and all serious adverse events were investigated. This trial is registered with
      Current Controlled Trials, number ISRCTN 14172341. FINDINGS: Between July 24,
      2012, and July 31, 2013, we recruited 609 participants, randomly assigning 307 to
      the Healthlines Service plus usual care and 302 to usual care. Primary outcome
      data were available for 525 (86%) participants. At 4 months, 68 (27%) of 255
      individuals in the intervention group had a treatment response compared with 50
      (19%) of 270 individuals in the usual care group (adjusted odds ratio 1.7, 95% CI
      1.1-2.5, p=0.019). Compared with usual care alone, intervention participants
      reported improvements in anxiety, better access to support and advice, greater
      satisfaction with the support they received, and improvements in self-management
      and health literacy. During the trial, 70 adverse events were reported by
      participants, one of which was related to the intervention (increased anxiety
      from discussing depression) and was not serious. INTERPRETATION: This telehealth
      service based on non-clinically trained health advisers supporting patients in
      use of internet resources was both acceptable and effective compared with usual
      care. Our results provide support for the development and assessment of similar
      interventions in other chronic disorders to expand care provision. FUNDING:
      National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

PMID- 27132077
TI  - Should we include SPECT lung perfusion in radiotherapy treatment plans of
      thoracic targets? Evidences from the literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the available data about the potential impact of integrating
      lung perfusion SPECT/CT in treatment plans optimization for the irradiation of
      thoracic targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched in the PubMed and Scopus
      databases, English-written articles published from 2000 to June 2015 dealing with
      the integration of perfusion SPECT/CT in radiotherapy. RESULTS: We found and
      analyzed 16 research articles (10 dosimetric, 6 clinical) for a total of 578
      patients. Available data suggest dosimetric and clinical improvements when
      perfusion SPEC/CT is integrated in the radiotherapy treatment planing of selected
      patients with thoracic targets. In particular, patients presenting emphysema
      and/or large areas of deficit of perfusion show the most important improvements.
      Moreover, some studies show different risk of radiation pneumonitis (RP)
      depending on the localization of the tumor in the lungs: patients with low
      located tumors, present an increased risk of RP, and functional data could be a
      benefit in treatment plan optimization. Unfortunately, none of the available
      studies finally reports any dosimetric constraint, which could be used in the
      clinical practice, even if most of them used the cut-off of the 30% of the
      maximal perfusion value to define the well-functioning lung. CONCLUSIONS:
      Published data support the integration of lung perfusion scintigraphy in some
      selected categories of patients. Prospective studies should be designed to define
      the best candidates, and to assess the clinical advantage of this kind of
      optimization.

PMID- 27132078
TI  - Prediction of incomplete decompression after cervical laminoplasty on magnetic
      resonance imaging: The modified K-line.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The original K-line was developed on plain radiograph to predict
      incomplete indirect decompression for the patients with ossification of the
      posterior longitudinal ligament. The current study modified the K-line on
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine risk factors for incomplete
      decompression after laminoplasty and to provide a guide for predicting incomplete
      decompression after laminoplasty and making decisions regarding the surgical
      approach in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A retrospective review of 47 patients with CSM after laminoplasty was
      conducted. The modified K-line was defined as a line connecting both anterior
      points of the spinal cord at the level of the inferior vertebrae endplates of C2
      and C7 on sagittal T1-weighted MR image. Quantitative analysis of the interval
      between the maximal anterior compression factor and the modified K-line (IAK) was
      performed to investigate the efficiency and practicality of this modified K-line.
      Data analysis involved logistic regression and Spearman rank correlation
      coefficient. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (27.7%) had postoperative residual
      anterior compression of the spinal cord (ACS). Univariate logistic regression
      with backward stepwise procedure showed that only IAK (odds ratio: 0.301; 95%
      confidence interval: 0.134-0.673, P=0.003) was a significant risk factor for the
      occurrence of postoperative ACS. Incidence of ACS was 80% in patients with an IAK
      of less than 1.5mm and 96.2% in those whose IAK is 0mm. CONCLUSION: The modified
      k-line can provide a guide for predicting poor clinical outcome after
      laminoplasty and making decisions regarding the surgical approach in patients
      with CSM.

PMID- 27132079
TI  - The typical and atypical MR imaging findings of central neurocytomas: Report on
      eighteen cases and review of the literature.
AB  - There were few studies have documented the MRI features of typical and atypical
      CNCs for diagnosis and therapeutic modalities. Here, 18 histopathologically
      confirmed cases of intracranial CNCs (8 men and 10 women with a mean age of 28.3
      years, range 10-64 years) were retrospectively analyzed. The histopathological
      and immunohistochemical features were also assessed. On MR imaging, the 14
      typical cases of CNCs showed relatively round, lobulated tumor masses in the body
      of the right lateral ventricle (5 cases), left lateral ventricle (4 cases), third
      ventricles (2 cases), and midline (3 cases). These typical CNCs masses contained
      clusters of cysts of varying sizes and "soap bubble" appearance on T2WI; they
      showed mild to moderate heterogeneously enhancement on T1WI. The 4 atypical cases
      of CNCs showed as strongly contrast enhancement of the tumors with the attachment
      or infiltrate of the wall of the ventricle than the typical benign cases. These
      atypical CNCs were in the right lateral ventricle (2 cases), left lateral
      ventricle (1 case), and third ventricle (1 case). Microscopically, the typical
      CNCs were well-differentiated tumors with benign histological features. The
      typical and atypical CNCs were composed of uniform, small to medium-sized cells
      with rounded nuclei and scant cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, the typical CNCs
      were strong in Syn immunopositive (14/14) and neuron-specific enolase (12/14).
      The atypical CNC tumor cells showed malignant behavior and more positive
      expression of Ki67 than the benign cases. Surgery is the first choice of
      treatment, and radiotherapy may be beneficial to postoperative patients. 

PMID- 27132080
TI  - CD66 and CD49f expressing cells are associated with distinct neoplastic
      phenotypes and progression in human cervical cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, building on our recent work identifying a subset of
      CD66+ve cells with distinctive tumourigenic properties in human cervical cancers,
      we examine patterns of expression and function of these cells; to generate
      insights into the process of metastasis. METHODS: Our broad approach in this
      study has been to compare the expression and function of two subsets marked by
      CD66 and CD49f. We use a combination of histopathology, immunostaining and flow
      cytometry, functional analysis of an established cervical cancer cell line and a
      retrospective analysis of a cohort of cervical cancer. RESULTS: We noted CD66
      expression associated with clusters of cells which are spindle shaped, SMA+ve,
      podoplanin+ve, phalloidin high, fibronectin high, plakoglobin low, ki67-ve and
      CK10+ve at the migratory phase along with features of partial EMT. Further,
      TGFbeta1 a well known regulator of EMT, positively correlated with CD66
      expression. The additional CD49f+ve subset at the leading invading front of
      migration was SMA-ve, phalloidin low, fibronectin low, plakoglobin high, Ki67+ve
      and CK14+ve. These data are consistent with a role for CD66 cells in metastatic
      invasion with a collective cell migration process co-opting the CD49f subset. Our
      retrospective analysis of a cohort is consistent with a role for CD66 in
      metastasis. However, the broad analysis of CD66, CD49f and TGFbeta1 expression
      with patterns of overall survival points to a possible protective effect
      particularly for local recurrences. Hence, future studies focussing on potential
      heterogeneity within the CD66 subset along with the possible role of isoforms and
      intra-cellular roles would be essential.

PMID- 27132081
TI  - No association of GPNMB rs156429 polymorphism with Parkinson's disease,
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple system atrophy in Chinese population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rs156429 polymorphism in the glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma
      protein B (GPNMB) gene was found to be associated with the risk for Parkinson
      disease (PD) in Caucasian population by genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
      Recently, encoded protein, GPNMB, was identified as a novel neuro-protective
      factor in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The overlapping of clinical
      manifestations and pathologic characteristics among PD, ALS, and multiple system
      atrophy (MSA) are observed. OBJECT: This study aimed at investigating the
      possible associations of the polymorphism and the three neurodegenerative
      diseases: PD, ALS and MSA in a Chinese population. METHODS: All of the subjects,
      including PD (n=1096), sporadic ALS (SALS) (n=876) and MSA (n=356) patients, and
      829 health controls (HCs) were included. All subjects were genotyped for this
      polymorphism using Sequenom iPLEX Assay technology. RESULTS: No differences were
      found in the genotype distributions and minor allele frequency of GPNMB rs156429
      between PD patients and HCs, between SALS patients and HCs, between MSA patients
      and HCs, and between subgroups of PD, ALS and MSA patients with regard to
      clinical features such as sex, age of onset, presence or absence of cognitive
      abnormality, depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: Lack of association identified
      in our study suggests that it may be premature to conclude associations between
      GPNMB rs156429 and SALS, PD and MSA. More studies on such an association
      involving a larger number of participants are needed to confirm the present
      findings.

PMID- 27132082
TI  - Dose-dependent neuroprotective effect of caffeine on a rotenone-induced rat model
      of parkinsonism: A histological study.
AB  - Several lines of evidence have demonstrated an inverse relationship between
      caffeine utilization and Parkinson's disease (PD) progression. Caffeine is a
      methylxanthine known as a non-specific inhibitor of adenosine (A2A and A1)
      receptors in the cerebrum and demonstrated to be a neuroprotective medication. In
      this study, the neuroprotective efficacy of two different doses of caffeine
      ranging above the usual consumption dose and below the toxic dose was
      investigated using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. Thirty-two
      male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, with 8 in each group: vehicle
      control (1ml/kg/48h for 12 days), rotenone (1.5mg/kg/48h, s.c. for 12 days), low
      dose Caffeine-treated: (10mg/kg IP. daily for 12 days), high-dose Caffeine
      treated (20mg IP daily for 12 days). Twenty-four hours after the last rotenone
      injection, animals were sacrificed and brains were sectioned and prepared for
      histopathological staining with hematoxylinand eosin, cresyl violet and Mallory's
      phosphotungestic acid haematoxylinand for immunohistochemical staining of
      tyrosine hydroxylase. Our study showed that the treatment with caffeine improved
      histopathological degeneration in the substantia nigra parts compacta (SNpc)
      neurons and hindered the reduction in dopamine concentration caused by rotenone.
      We also found that a higher dose of caffeine was more effective against
      histopathological degeneration. These results suggest that caffeine has a dose
      dependent neuroprotective effect.

PMID- 27132083
TI  - Spatiotemporal differences of brain activation between internal and external
      strategies in mental rotation: A behavioral and ERD/ERS study.
AB  - Subjects may voluntarily implement an internal or external strategy during mental
      rotation (MR) task. However, few studies have reported the spatiotemporal
      differences of brain activation between the two MR strategies. This study aims to
      compare the two strategies from the perspective of behavioral performance and
      spatiotemporal brain activations in each cognitive sub-stage using EEG
      measurements. Both the internal (IN) and external (EX) groups showed a
      significant 'angle effect' on reaction time (RT) and accuracy (ACC). However, a
      smaller increase of RT with rotation angle was observed in the EX group. Event
      related (de)synchronization in the beta band revealed similar temporal patterns
      of brain activation in the two groups, but with a stronger activation in the MR
      sub-stage in the EX group. We speculate that MR of 3D abstract objects is easier
      when an external strategy is used, and would be promoted by an additional visual
      spatial process involving the parietal-occipital areas. Our results suggested
      that the differences between the two strategies were mainly induced by main MR
      rather than other cognitive processes.

PMID- 27132084
TI  - Time-dependent co-relation of BDNF and CREB mRNAs in adult rat brains following
      acute psychological stress in the communication box paradigm.
AB  - Psychological stress affects human health, and chronic stress leads to life
      threatening diseases, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
      Psychological stress coping mechanisms involve the brain-derived neurotrophic
      factor (BDNF) and downstream cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), which
      are targets of the adverse effects of stress paradigms. Fourty-seven adult male
      Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control, physical stress and six
      psychological stress groups which were assayed at 0h, 0.5h, 1h, 2h, 6h and 24h
      after communication box (CB) stress induction. Behavioral assessment using open
      field and elevated plus maze tests determined that CB stress significantly
      increased anxiety. After CB stress, the alternation of mRNA levels of BDNF and
      CREB were assessed at different time points by in situ hybridization. The mRNA
      levels of BDNF and CREB were significantly decreased, then gradually recovered
      over 24h to maximum levels in the hippocampus (CA1 region), prefrontal cortex
      (PFC), central amygdaloid nuclei (AG), shell of accumbens nucleus (NAC),
      periaqueductal gray (PAG) and ventral tegmental area, except for the ventral
      tegmental area (VTA). Moreover, mRNA levels of BDNF and CREB were positively
      correlated in all examined brain regions, except for the VTA region at 0 and 24h
      after CB stress induction. These findings suggest that BDNF and CREB may belong
      to the same pathway and be involved in psychological stress response mechanisms,
      and protect the organism from stress induced, aversive processes leading to
      disease.

PMID- 27132085
TI  - Direct exposure to N-methyl-d-aspartate alters mitochondrial function.
AB  - N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors have long been known to be associated with
      the plasma membrane, providing a channel for the passage of extracellular Ca(2+)
      into the cytosol during synaptic transmission. Recent results from our laboratory
      indicate that in addition to this classic location, an NMDA-sensitive site
      (NMDAm) may also exist within the inner mitochondrial membrane. We report direct
      exposure of mitochondrial to NMDA enhances the production of reactive oxygen
      species and attenuate ROS-induced cytochrome c release, all the while slowing the
      rate of Ca(2+)-induced mitochondrial swelling. Treatment with NMDA did not alter
      the mitochondrial membrane potential. The findings of this study lend further
      support for the existence of NMDAm and suggest that this site may serve to
      stabilize mitochondrial function.

PMID- 27132086
TI  - Add-on deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) for the treatment of chronic
      migraine: A preliminary study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) can be an alternative
      treatment to relieve pain in chronic migraine (CM). The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the effect of high-frequency dTMS in add-on to standard treatment for CM
      in patients not responding to effective abortive or preventive drug treatment.
      METHODS: We randomized 14 patients with International Classification of Headache
      Disorders, 3rd Edition (ICHD-3) treatment-resistant CM to add-on dTMS (n=7) or
      standard abortive or preventive antimigraine treatment (n=7). Three sessions of
      alternate day 10Hz dTMS consisting of 600 pulses in 10 trains were delivered to
      the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), bilaterally, but with left hemisphere
      prevalence, for 12 sessions spread over one month. RESULTS: The add-on dTMS
      treatment was well tolerated. Patients treated with dTMS showed significant
      reduction of pain intensity, frequency of attacks, analgesic overuse, and
      depressive symptoms during treatment and one month later, compared to the month
      preceding treatment and at the same time-points compared to the control group.
      CONCLUSIONS: As compared to standard pharmacological treatment alone, add-on high
      frequency dTMS of the bilateral DLPFC reduced the frequency and intensity of
      migraine attack, drug overuse, and depressive symptoms. This study supports the
      add-on dTMS treatment in treatment-resistant CM.

PMID- 27132087
TI  - Spontaneous neural activity in the primary visual cortex of retinal degenerated
      rats.
AB  - Retinal degeneration (RD) models have been widely used to study retinal
      degenerative diseases for a long time. The biological and electrophysiological
      presentations of changes in the retina during degeneration progress have been
      well investigated; thus, the present study is aimed at investigating the
      electrophysiological effects of RD in the primary visual cortex. We
      extracellularly recorded the spontaneous neural activities in the primary visual
      cortex of RD rats. The firing rate, interspike interval (ISI) and Lempel-Ziv (LZ)
      complexity of spontaneous neural activities were subsequently analyzed. When
      compared to the control group, it was found that the neurons in primary visual
      cortex of the RD model fired more frequently. In addition, there was a decrease
      in LZ complexity of spontaneous neural firing in the RD model. These results
      suggest that the progress of RD may not only affect the retina itself but also
      the primary visual cortex, which may result in an unbalanced inhibition
      excitation system as well as the decreased arising rate of new patterns of
      spontaneous activities.

PMID- 27132088
TI  - Impact of Migraine on the Family: Perspectives of People With Migraine and Their
      Spouse/Domestic Partner in the CaMEO Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of migraine on family members, activities, and
      relationships from the perspectives of the person with migraine and his or her
      spouse/domestic partner. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Chronic Migraine Epidemiology
      and Outcomes (CaMEO) study is a longitudinal, Web-based study conducted from
      September 2012 to November 2013. Quota sampling from an online panel identified
      respondents who met modified International Classification of Headache Disorders,
      version 3 beta migraine criteria. The Family Burden Module included 24 items
      covering 6 domains. Findings for respondents with episodic migraine (EM) and
      chronic migraine (CM) are presented for both the affected individuals and their
      partners. RESULTS: Among 13,064 Family Burden Module respondents (65.7% response
      rate), there were 4022 migraineur-spouse dyads, including 2275 dyads with
      children. Burden increased with headache frequency across all 6 domains. People
      with migraine reported higher family burden due to migraine than did their
      spouse/partner. Reduced participation in family activities due to migraine was
      reported 1 or more times a month among 48.2% to 57.4% of migraineurs, depending
      on headache frequency (days/month). Many (low-frequency to high-frequency EM,
      24.4%-40.4%; CM, 43.9%) perceived that their spouse/partner did not believe the
      severity/impact of their headaches. One-third of migraineurs stated that they
      worried about long-term financial security for themselves or their family because
      of their headaches. Many migraineurs felt they would be better parents without
      headaches (low-frequency to high-frequency EM, 29.9%-58.0%; CM, 71.7%).
      CONCLUSION: This analysis quantified the pervasive burden of migraine on the
      family, highlighting the impact on family activities and relationships. Not
      surprisingly, the impact was greatest in families of people with CM.

PMID- 27132089
TI  - Factors influencing primary treatment of midline vulvar cancers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Advanced vulvar cancers involving midline structures pose a
      therapeutic challenge. Our objectives were to review the management and outcomes,
      and identify factors influencing primary treatment modality. METHODS: Patients
      with midline vulvar cancers diagnosed from 1985 to 2012 were included in the
      analysis. Medical records were abstracted for demographics, clinico-pathological
      findings, treatment, and outcomes. Groin node status was defined by clinical
      findings or pathology. Survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and
      differences by log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model. Factors
      influencing treatment modality were evaluated using stepwise logistic regression.
      RESULTS: Forty-two patients were identified. Twenty-one underwent primary radical
      vulvectomy and 21 underwent primary radiation. Median tumor diameter was 3.4cm
      (range 2-9cm) for primary radical vulvectomy and 5cm (range 2.3-15cm) for primary
      radiation. Primary radiation was significantly associated with a tumor diameter
      >=5cm (p=0.02), or when 2 or more midline (p=0.008) or 1 or more mucosal
      structures (p=0.03) were involved. On multivariate analysis, age and tumor
      diameter were predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) (p=0.02 and p=0.0004,
      respectively) and overall survival (OS) (p=0.03 and p=0.0005, respectively).
      Thirty-month OS for primary surgery and primary radiation was 74% and 71%
      (p=0.78), respectively. There were no differences in PFS or recurrence rates
      between the two treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical tumor diameter and the
      number of midline or mucosal structures involved influence selection of primary
      treatment modality. Survival outcomes and recurrence rates did not differ between
      treatment groups. Age and tumor diameter are important prognostic factors for
      survival.

PMID- 27132090
TI  - Ligand determinants of nisin for its induction activity.
AB  - Nisin has been widely used in the food industry as a safe and natural
      preservative and has the potential to be used as a biomedicine. Improving nisin
      production is important for its enormous applications. Nisin A is produced in
      Lactococcus lactis and its biosynthesis is induced through the regulation of the
      2-component system NisKR. In this study, alanine-scanning mutagenesis was applied
      to study the key structure or AA in nisin for inducing the 2-component system
      NisKR to regulate downstream gene expression. Assay of beta-galactosidase
      activity revealed that either ring A or ring B was necessary for nisin to induce
      lacZ reporter gene expression. A substituted first ring formed by Thr2 and Cys7
      in S3A instead of ring A (formed by Ser3 and Cys7) fully retained nisin induction
      activity. Mutation of cationic AA and addition of cationic ions hardly affected
      nisin induction activity. These results demonstrated that the N-terminal ring
      structures in nisin were involved in activating NisKR to act as an inducing
      molecule, whereas the electrostatic force might not contribute to this process.
      In addition, 2 specific residues were revealed to have potential for improving
      both nisin induction and antimicrobial activity, which might be used for
      increasing nisin production. 

PMID- 27132091
TI  - Identification of surface-associated proteins of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp.
      lactis KLDS 2.0603 by enzymatic shaving.
AB  - Bifidobacteria are commensal microorganisms of the human and animal intestinal
      tract, and their surface proteins can mediate bacterial communication and
      chemical sensing in the environment, as well as facilitate interactions between
      bacteria and the host. However, a systematic study of the outer surface
      associated proteome of bifidobacteria has not been undertaken. In the present
      study, the proteins located on the surface of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp.
      lactis KLDS 2.0603 were systematically identified by a nongel proteomic approach,
      which consisted of the shaving of the bacterial surface with trypsin and an
      analysis of the released peptides by liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry. A total of 105 surface-associated proteins were found, of which 15
      proteins could potentially be involved in adhesion and interactions between
      bifidobacteria and the host. The proteins related to adhesion and interaction
      between bacteria and the host include pilus structure proteins (Fim A, Fim B), 10
      moonlighting proteins, an NLP/P60 family protein, an immunogenic secreted
      protein, and a putative sugar-binding secreted protein. The results provide the
      basis for future studies on the molecular mechanisms of the interactions between
      bifidobacteria and the host. 

PMID- 27132092
TI  - Milk production and fertility performance of Holstein, Friesian, and Jersey
      purebred cows and their respective crosses in seasonal-calving commercial farms.
AB  - There is renewed interest in dairy cow crossbreeding in Ireland as a means to
      further augment productivity and profitability. The objective of the present
      study was to compare milk production and fertility performance for Holstein,
      Friesian, and Jersey purebred cows, and their respective crosses in 40 Irish
      spring-calving commercial dairy herds from the years 2008 to 2012. Data on 24,279
      lactations from 11,808 cows were available. The relationship between breed
      proportion, as well as heterosis and recombination coefficients with performance,
      was quantified within a mixed model framework that also contained the fixed
      effects of parity; cow and contemporary group of herd-year-season of calving were
      both included as random effects in the mixed model. Breed proportion was
      associated with all milk production parameters investigated. Milk yield was
      greatest for Holstein (5,217kg), intermediate for Friesian (4,591kg), and least
      for Jersey (4,230kg), whereas milk constituents (i.e., fat and protein
      concentration) were greatest for Jersey (9.38%), intermediate for Friesian
      (7.91%), and least for Holstein (7.75%). Yield of milk solids in crossbred cows
      exceeded their respective parental average performance; greatest milk solids
      yield (i.e., fat kg + protein kg) was observed in the Holstein * Jersey first
      cross, yielding 25kg more than the mid-parent mean. There was no consistent breed
      effect on the reproductive traits investigated. Relative to the mid-parent mean,
      Holstein * Jersey cows calved younger as heifers and had a shorter calving
      interval. Friesian * Jersey first-cross cows also had a shorter calving interval
      relative to their mid-parent mean. Results were consistent with findings from
      smaller-scale controlled experiments. Breed complementarity and heterosis
      attainable from crossbreeding resulted in superior animal performance and,
      consequently, greater expected profitability in crossbred cows compared with
      their respective purebreds. 

PMID- 27132093
TI  - Short communication: Relationship between the level of bovine leukemia virus
      antibody and provirus in blood and milk of cows from a naturally infected herd.
AB  - We explored the relationship between the level of bovine leukemia virus
      antibodies and provirus load during natural infection. For that purpose, a set of
      50 blood and milk paired samples were analyzed for the presence of bovine
      leukemia virus provirus and antibodies. Additionally, provirus load and antibody
      titers were measured and the relationship between these variables was
      investigated. Bovine leukemia provirus was detected in 59% of milk samples and a
      negative correlation was observed between the level of milk provirus load and
      milk antibody titers. By the consumption of raw milk, calves might be exposed to
      bovine leukemia virus favoring the perinatal transmission of this disease. 

PMID- 27132094
TI  - Short communication: Urea induces T helper 2 (Th2) type environment at
      transcriptional level and prostaglandin E2 secretion in bovine oviduct epithelial
      cells in culture.
AB  - Excess dietary protein intake in early lactation dairy cows resulting in blood
      urea nitrogen of greater than 19 to 20mg/dL is associated with decreased
      fertility. Little is known about the local interference of urea in the normal
      immunological environment of the oviduct that provides optimal conditions for
      early reproductive events. A bovine oviduct epithelial cell (BOEC) culture was
      used to determine how urea influences immune environment. The BOEC monolayer was
      supplemented with low (20mg/dL) and high (40mg/dL) concentrations of urea
      together with ovarian steroids, estradiol (1ng/mL) and progesterone (1ng/mL), and
      LH (10ng/mL) at concentrations observed during the preovulatory period. The urea
      values used in this study were equivalent to 9.3 and 18.7mg/dL of blood urea
      nitrogen, which are typically common in lactating dairy cows with low or high
      protein intake, respectively. Stimulation of BOEC with 40mg/dL of urea induced
      gene expression of IL10 and IL4, epithelial-derived T helper type 2-driving (anti
      inflammatory) cytokines as well as mPGES-1 expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)
      secretion. However, urea concentrations of both 20 and 40mg/dL failed to alter
      the expression of IL1B and TNFA, Th1-driving cytokines, and the gene expression
      of TLR4. However, a concentration of 40mg/dL of urea stimulated alpha 1-acid
      glycoprotein expression, an acute phase protein. Data from this in vitro study
      suggest that urea, at least in part, contributes to influence the expression of
      some immune-related genes toward T helper type 2 type and prostaglandin E2
      secretion, leading to disruption in local environment for fertilization and early
      embryonic development. 

PMID- 27132095
TI  - Investigating cold gelation properties of recombined highly concentrated micellar
      casein concentrate and cream for use in cheese making.
AB  - Highly concentrated micellar casein concentrate (HC-MCC), a potential ingredient
      for cheese making, contains ~20% casein with ~70% of serum proteins removed by
      microfiltration and diafiltration of skim milk, followed by vacuum evaporation.
      Our objective was to investigate cold gelation properties of recombined
      concentrated milk (RCM) by mixing thawed frozen HC-MCC and cream under different
      casein levels, pH, and protein-to-fat ratios, and with addition of sodium citrate
      or calcium. The HC-MCC was recombined with cream using low shear at 50 degrees C
      for 30 min, and rheological measurements were conducted. Cold-gelling temperature
      [the temperature at which storage modulus (G')=loss modulus (G")] was linearly
      correlated with casein levels from 8.6 to 11.5% (R(2)=0.71), pH from 6.6 to 7.0
      (R(2)=0.96), and addition of sodium citrate from 0 to 0.36mmol/g of casein
      (R(2)=0.80). At pH 7.0, gelation occurred at 12, 26, and 38 degrees C with 9, 10,
      and 11% casein, respectively. At pH 6.6, 6.8, and 7.0, RCM with 12% casein gelled
      at a mean temperature of 12, 26, and 37 degrees C, respectively. Adding calcium
      chloride at 0.17mmol/g of casein significantly increased cold-gelling temperature
      from 18 to >=50 degrees C, whereas no significant change was observed at levels
      up to 0.12mmol/g of casein. Different protein to fat ratios ranging from 0.8 to
      1.2 did not significantly influence gelling temperature. In transmission electron
      micrographs of RCM with 12% casein, casein micelles were nonspherical and
      partially dissociated into small protein strands. Upon addition of calcium
      chloride at 0.21mmol/g of casein, casein micelles were more spherical and
      retained colloidal structure with the presence of aggregated casein micelles.
      These gelation processes of RCM with or without addition of trisodium citrate
      were both reversible. We propose that cold gelation of RCM occurs when protein
      strands that have been partially released from the casein micelles entangle,
      restrict their mobility, and form a fine-stranded gel network. Upon addition of
      high levels of calcium, cold gelation was promoted presumably through direct
      aggregation of casein micelles. Understanding cold gelation properties can
      facilitate potential use of RCM in cheese making. 

PMID- 27132096
TI  - Effects of DGAT1 K232A polymorphism and milking frequency on milk composition and
      spontaneous lipolysis in dairy cows.
AB  - Milk spontaneous lipolysis (SL) of milk triglycerides is induced by the
      lipoprotein lipase, a milk native enzyme, and leads to an accumulation of partial
      glycerides and free fatty acids that are responsible for the deterioration of the
      taste of milk products. The gene coding for diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1
      (DGAT1), an enzyme implicated in triglycerides synthesis, has an important
      polymorphic site at the K232A locus. This gene is well known to modulate milk
      composition. No data are available on the effects of DGAT1 on SL. Thus, a trial
      was carried out to evaluate the effects of DGAT1 K232A polymorphism on milk SL
      upon milking frequency variations [once- (ODM) and twice-daily milking (TDM)].
      Twenty-one cows were divided into 3 groups according their DGAT1 K232A genotype:
      8 cows had the KK genotype of DGAT1 (KK cows), 8 had the KA genotype (KA cows),
      and 5 had the AA genotype (AA cows). The trial consisted in 3 successive periods:
      3 wk of TDM, 3 of ODM, and 4 of TDM. Samples were collected for fat and protein
      contents, SL, fatty acid, and protein profiles determinations. The KK cows
      presented higher fat and protein contents, lower milk production, and higher
      kappa-casein percentage. No significant difference in fatty acid composition was
      noted between groups. The SL was twice as high for KK cows in TDM situations
      (1.13 vs. 0.59 and 0.63mEq/100g of fat, respectively, for KK, KA, and AA cows
      during the first period of TDM, and 0.46 vs. 0.25 and 0.21mEq/100g of fat,
      respectively, for KK, KA, and AA during the second period of TDM). The SL
      remained lower in TDM2 than in TDM1. During ODM, no difference in SL was found
      between groups and SL remained below 0.2mEq/100g of fat. These results
      demonstrate the existence of a correlation between DGAT1 genotypes and
      spontaneous lipolysis, in interaction with an environmental factor, milking
      frequency, although it has not been possible to clarify the causal mechanism at
      this stage. 

PMID- 27132097
TI  - Association of rumination time with subclinical ketosis in transition dairy cows.
AB  - The objective of this study was to characterize the relationship between
      rumination and subclinical ketosis (SCK) in transition dairy cows. A study was
      conducted on 4 commercial dairy farms in eastern Ontario, Canada. A total of 339
      Holstein dairy cows (107 primiparous and 232 multiparous) were monitored for
      rumination activity and SCK from 14 d before calving until 28 d after calving.
      Rumination was recorded daily using an automated monitoring system. A blood
      sample was taken from the coccygeal vein of each cow for measurement of beta
      hydroxybutyrate (BHB) once weekly throughout the 6-wk observation period. Cows
      with BHB >=1.2mmol/L in any of the 4 postpartum samples were considered to have
      SCK. Cases of retained placenta, metritis, milk fever, or mastitis during the
      study period were also recorded. Cows were categorized into 1 of 4 groups:
      healthy cows (HLT) that had no SCK or any other recorded health problem (n=139);
      cows treated for at least one health issue other than SCK (HLT+; n=50); cows with
      SCK (hyperketonemia; HYK) with no other health problems during transition (n=97);
      or cows (HYK+) that had SCK and one or more other health problems (n=53). Daily
      rumination time was summarized by week and comparisons were made between HLT and
      HYK and HYK+. From 2 wk before calving (wk -2) to 4 wk after calving (wk +4),
      there was no difference in rumination time (409+/-9.8min/d) among HLT, HYK, and
      HYK+ cows in their first lactation. Multiparous cows in HLT spent an average of
      459+/-11.3min/d ruminating from wk -2 to wk +4. Multiparous HYK cows ruminated
      25+/-12.8min/d less than HLT cows, whereas HYK+ cows ruminated 44+/-15.6min/d
      less than HLT cows. The largest differences in rumination time between HLT and
      HYK+ cows were seen during wk -1, +1, and +2, when HYK+ cows ruminated 48+/-17.2,
      73+/-16.0, and 65+/-19.4min/d less than HLT cows, respectively. In multiparous
      cows, increased odds of HYK were associated with greater milk yield in the
      previous lactation, greater loss of body condition over the transition period,
      greater stall stocking density in wk -1, and reduced rumination time in wk -1.
      Increased odds of HYK+ were associated with higher parity, longer dry period,
      greater stall stocking density in wk -1, and reduced rumination time in wk +1.
      These results suggest that rumination monitoring across the transition period
      might contribute to identification of SCK and other health problems in
      multiparous cows. 

PMID- 27132098
TI  - Dutch dairy farmers' need for microbiological mastitis diagnostics.
AB  - Although several microbiological mastitis diagnostic tools are currently
      available, dairy farmers rarely use them to base treatment decisions on. In this
      study, we conducted a telephone interview among 195 randomly selected Dutch dairy
      farmers to determine their current use of and their need for microbiological
      diagnostics for clinical mastitis (CM), subclinical mastitis (SCM), and dry-cow
      treatment (DCT), followed by the test characteristics they consider important. A
      structured questionnaire was used, based on face-to-face interviews previously
      held with other farmers. The answers were registered in a database and analyzed
      using descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable models.
      Antimicrobial treatment decisions for CM, SCM, and DCT were mainly based on
      clinical signs and somatic cell count. In case of CM, 34% of farmers indicated
      that they currently submit milk samples for bacteriological culture (BC). This
      would increase to 71% if an on-farm test resulting in treatment advice within 12
      h were available. For SCM, use would increase from 22 to 55%, and for DCT, from 7
      to 34%, if the same 12-h test were available. For CM and DCT, the preferred test
      outcome was advice on which antibiotic to use, according to 58 and 15% of the
      farmers, respectively. For SCM, the preferred test outcome was the causative
      bacterium for 38% of the farmers. Farmers who currently submit CM milk samples
      for BC were 13.1 times more likely to indicate, as the preferred test outcome,
      advice on which antibiotic to use, compared with farmers who do not currently
      submit CM milk samples for BC. Fourteen percent of the farmers indicated not
      being interested at all in microbiological mastitis diagnostics for CM. For SCM
      and DCT, 27 and 55%, respectively, were not interested in microbiological
      mastitis diagnostics. Regarding test characteristics that farmers considered
      important, reliability was most often indicated (44-51% of the farmers).
      Additionally, a preferred time-to-result of <=8 h for CM and <=20 to 24 h for SCM
      and DCT and <=7% false test outcomes were indicated as desired characteristics of
      microbiological mastitis diagnostics. Overall, a need seems to exist for
      microbiological mastitis diagnostic tests among Dutch dairy farmers, specifically
      for CM, and resulting in a treatment advice. The availability of a reliable
      diagnostic test, with a suitable time-to-result, will likely increase the use of
      microbiological mastitis diagnostics and eventually optimize antibiotic usage. 

PMID- 27132099
TI  - Deviation from the formulated target weight of ingredients loaded into high milk
      yield cow recipes on California dairies.
AB  - Nutrient composition of the feed and formulated ration often differ depending on
      uncertainties in DM content and nutrient composition of ingredients, as well as
      from feeder errors during loading. The objective of this study was to describe
      the deviation from target weight for the high-producing cow ration (HCR) and
      premix (HCP) on 26 California dairies ranging in size from 1,100 to 6,900 cows.
      Records from a consecutive 12-mo period were extracted from FeedWatch 7 (Valley
      Agricultural Software Inc., Tulare, CA), a feeding management software. Variables
      extracted and studied were date, recipe type, recipe number, ingredient, loading
      sequence, target weight, weight, and tolerance level (TL, deviation allowed per
      ingredient during loading). Based on the distribution of the deviation from
      target weight for the 8 most common ingredients, loading accuracy (quartile 1;
      small: |<10| kg; medium |10| to |20| kg; large |>20| kg), loading precision
      (interquartile range=quartile 3 to 1; small: <20kg; medium: 20 to 40kg; large
      >40kg), and extreme observations (quartile 3; small: |<25| kg; medium: |25| to
      |40| kg; large: |>40| kg) were described. Descriptive statistics were conducted
      with SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). The median TL assigned to
      ingredients across dairies ranged from 0 to 90kg. At the ingredient level, the TL
      allowed a deviation from the median ingredient target weight of 0 to 2 (53.9%),
      >2 to 5 (25.5%), >5 to 10 (11.6%), or >10% (8.9%). A total of 2.5% of the loads
      did not reach the target weight set by the TL, ranging from 0.1 to 21.1% loads
      across dairies. Ingredient deviation from the formulated target weight across
      dairies was below target 49.1% of the time [<-10 (2.5%), -10 to <-5 (4.8%), -5 to
      <-2 (8.9%), -2 to <0% (32.8%)] or at or above target 50.9% of the time [0 (3.9%),
      >0 to 2 (36.7%), >2 to 5 (8.9%), >5 to 10 (1.2%), >10% (0.2%)]. Five dairies
      loaded ingredients with adequate accuracy (small to medium, quartile 1) and
      adequate precision (small to medium, interquartile range), but accuracy and
      precision were very poor on 3 dairies (large, quartile 1 and interquartile
      range). Rolled corn and almond hulls were loaded with adequate precision (small
      to medium, interquartile range) on a minimum of 64% of the dairies and adequate
      accuracy (small, quartile 1) on at least 68% of the dairies. In contrast, alfalfa
      hay, corn silage, and canola were loaded with poor precision (large,
      interquartile range) on a minimum of 60% of the dairies. There was a large
      variation within and across dairies on the deviation from target weight.
      Readjusting the TL settings might reduce the deviation from target weight. On 5
      dairies, feeders were able to load ingredients with minimal deviation from target
      weight, setting achievable goals for the industry. Based on loading errors,
      opportunities exist to improve feeder performance on California dairies. 

PMID- 27132100
TI  - Short communication: Markers of oxidant status and inflammation relative to the
      development of claw lesions associated with lameness in early lactation cows.
AB  - Lameness is a major health disorder of dairy cattle and evidence suggests that it
      may be associated with oxidative stress (OS) during the transition period. Some
      debate exists, however, as to whether OS precedes the development of lameness or
      if OS occurs as a consequence of lameness. The purpose of this study was to test
      whether cows showing claw lesions during early lactation had a greater pro
      oxidant and inflammatory status throughout the dry period or at the start of the
      lactation. Blood samples were taken from 30 cows from the same herd at dry off,
      movement to the close-up pen, and between 3 and 7 d in milk. Sera were analyzed
      for concentrations of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, reactive oxygen and nitrogen
      species, and antioxidant potential. Blood samples also were subjected to total
      and differential white blood cell counts. Animals were monitored through 120 d in
      milk and grouped ex post into the following health categories: (1) exclusively
      hoof lesions; (2) other production diseases; or (3) nondiseased. Changes in
      oxidant status and inflammatory markers were significantly different with respect
      to metabolic and physiologic adaptations to calving and lactation. No differences
      in oxidant status, acute phase protein concentrations, or leukocyte populations
      were observed between the hoof lesions and the nondiseased categories. Thus, any
      associations between OS and lameness likely occurs closer to the onset of
      clinical signs or as a consequence of inflammatory responses due to localized
      tissue injury. 

PMID- 27132101
TI  - Short communication: Comparison of the GreenFeed system with the sulfur
      hexafluoride tracer technique for measuring enteric methane emissions from dairy
      cows.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare 2 commonly used techniques for
      measuring methane emissions from ruminant animals: the GreenFeed (GF) system and
      the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) technique. The study was part of a larger
      experiment in which a methane inhibitor, 3-nitrooxypropanol, fed at 4 application
      rates (0, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg of feed dry matter) decreased enteric methane
      emission by an average of 30% (measured by both GF and SF6) in a 12-wk experiment
      with 48 lactating Holstein cows fed a total mixed ration. The larger experiment
      used a randomized block design and was conducted in 2 phases (February to May,
      phase 1, and June to August, phase 2), with 2 sets of 24 cows in each phase.
      Using both GF and SF6 techniques, methane emission data were collected
      simultaneously during experimental wk 2, 6, and 12 (phase 1) and 2, 9, and 12
      (phase 2), which corresponded to a total of 6 sampling periods. During each
      sampling period, 8 spot samples of gas emissions (staggered over a 3-d period)
      were collected from each cow using GF, as well as 3*24-h collections using the
      SF6 technique. Methane emission data were averaged per cow for the statistical
      analysis. The mean methane emission was 373 (standard deviation=96.3) and 405
      (standard deviation=156) g/cow per day for GF and SF6, respectively. Coefficients
      of variation for the 2 methods were 25.8 and 38.6%, respectively; correlation and
      concordance between the 2 methods were 0.40 and 0.34, respectively. The
      difference in methane emission between the 2 methods (SF6 - GF) within treatment
      was from 46 to 144 and 24 to 27 g/d for phases 1 and 2, respectively. In the
      conditions of this experiment, the SF6 technique produced larger variability in
      methane emissions than the GF method. The overall difference between the 2
      methods was on average about 8%, but was not consistent over time, likely
      influenced by barn ventilation and background methane and SF6 concentrations. 

PMID- 27132102
TI  - Focused beam reflectance measurement as a tool for in situ monitoring of the
      lactose crystallization process.
AB  - Lactose accounts for about 75 and 85% of the solids in whey and deproteinized
      whey, respectively. Production of lactose is usually carried out by a process
      called crystallization. Several factors including rate of cooling, presence of
      impurities, and mixing speed influence the crystal size characteristics. To
      optimize the lactose crystallization process parameters to maximize the lactose
      yield, it is important to monitor the crystallization process. However, efficient
      in situ tools to implement at concentrations relevant to the dairy industry are
      lacking. The objective of the present work was to use a focused beam reflectance
      measurement (FBRM) system for in situ monitoring of lactose crystallization at
      supersaturated concentrations (wt/wt) 50, 55, and 60% at 20 and 30 degrees C. The
      FBRM data were compared with Brix readings collected using a refractometer during
      isothermal crystallization. Chord length distributions obtained from FBRM in the
      ranges of <50 um (fine crystals) and 50 to 300 um (coarse crystals) were recorded
      and evaluated in relation to the extent of crystallization and rate constants
      deduced from the refractometer measurements. Extent of crystallization and rate
      constants increased with increasing supersaturation concentration and
      temperature. The measured fine crystal counts from FBRM increased at higher
      supersaturated concentration and temperature during isothermal crystallization.
      On the other hand, coarse counts were observed to increase with decreasing
      supersaturated concentration and temperature. Square weighted chord length
      distribution obtained from FBRM showed that as concentration increased, a
      decrease in chord lengths occurred at 20 degrees C and similar observations were
      made from microscopic images. The robustness of FBRM in understanding isothermal
      lactose crystallization at various concentrations and temperatures was
      successfully assessed in the study. 

PMID- 27132103
TI  - Diurnal differences in milk composition and its influence on in vitro growth of
      Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in bovine quarter milk.
AB  - In experimental intramammary inoculation studies, it has been observed that
      mastitis susceptibility is influenced, among others, by cow factors. To identify
      milk characteristics leading to these differences, quarter milk samples of
      morning and evening milk were collected and analyzed for their composition
      (protein, fat, lactose, urea, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and beta
      lactoglobulin concentrations), somatic cell count, and antibodies against
      Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, in vitro growth of S. aureus and Escherichia
      coli in fresh quarter milk samples was determined. All measured parameters
      differed significantly between quarters and also between morning and evening milk
      with the exception of lactose levels. In addition, quantitative growth of S.
      aureus and E. coli was significantly different in morning milk compared with
      evening milk. Mixed model analysis revealed that replication of S. aureus was
      negatively associated with the presence of fat, S. aureus-specific IgG1
      antibodies, contamination of the milk sample and morning milk. Replication of E.
      coli was negatively associated with fat concentrations, and positively associated
      with morning milk. The significant difference between morning and evening milk
      supports the theory that changes in milk composition influence bacterial growth.
      Although all determined milk components differed significantly between quarters
      and in time no significant association with bacterial growth could be identified
      with the exception of fat for both studied species and IgG1 titers for S. aureus.
      The negative association of fat with bacterial growth was assumed to occur due to
      activation of lipolysis by milk handling and can most likely be neglected for in
      vivo relevance. The fact that S. aureus-specific IgG1 titers were negatively
      associated with S. aureus growth in vitro encourages the ongoing effort to
      develop a vaccine against S. aureus-induced mastitis. 

PMID- 27132104
TI  - Management characteristics, lameness, and body injuries of dairy cattle housed in
      high-performance dairy herds in Wisconsin.
AB  - The objective of this study was to benchmark the prevalence of lameness, hock and
      knee injuries, and neck and back injuries among high-performance, freestall
      housed dairy herds in Wisconsin. A random selection of 66 herds with 200 or more
      cows was derived from herds that clustered with high performance in year 2011
      Dairy Herd Improvement records for milk production, udder health, reproduction,
      and other health parameters. Herds were surveyed to collect information about
      management, facilities, and well-being. Well-being measures were obtained through
      direct observation of the high-producing mature cow group, surveying 9,690 cows
      in total. Total herd size averaged (mean +/- standard deviation) 851+/-717 cows,
      ranging 203 to 2,966 cows, with an energy-corrected milk production of 40.1+/
      4.4kg/cow per day. Prevalence of clinical lameness (5-point scale, locomotion
      score >=3) and severe lameness (locomotion score >=4) averaged 13.2+/-7.3 and
      2.5+/-2.7%, respectively. The prevalence of all hock and knee injuries, including
      hair loss, swelling, and ulceration, was similar at 50.3+/-28.3 and 53.0+/-24.0%,
      respectively. Severe (swelling and ulceration) hock and knee injury prevalence
      were 12.2+/-15.3 and 6.2+/-5.5%, respectively. The prevalence of all neck
      injuries (including hair loss, swelling and ulceration) was 8.6+/-16.3%; whereas
      the prevalence of swollen or abraded necks was low, averaging 2.0+/-4.1%. Back
      injuries (proportion of cows with missing or abraded spinous processes, hooks, or
      pins) followed a similar trend with a low mean prevalence of 3.6+/-3.4%. Overall,
      physical well-being characteristics of this selection of high-producing,
      freestall-housed dairy herds provide evidence that lameness and injury are not
      inevitable consequences of the confinement housing of large numbers of dairy
      cattle. In particular, lameness prevalence rivals that of lower-production
      grazing systems. However, hock and other injury risk remains a concern that can
      be addressed through a choice in stall surface type. Use of deep, loose bedding
      yielded significant advantages over a mat or mattress type surface in terms of
      lameness, hock and knee injury, and proportion of cows with dirty udders
      (distinct demarcated to confluent plaques of manure). The performance benchmarks
      achieved by these herds may be used to set standards by which similarly managed
      herds may be judged using welfare audit tools. 

PMID- 27132105
TI  - A process efficiency assessment of serum protein removal from milk using ceramic
      graded permeability microfiltration membrane.
AB  - Microfiltration (MF) is a well-known process that can be used in the dairy
      industry to separate caseins from serum proteins (SP) in skim milk using
      membranes with a pore diameter of 0.1MUm. Graded permeability ceramic membranes
      have been studied widely as means of improving milk fractionation by overcoming
      problems encountered with other MF membranes. The ideal operating parameters for
      process efficiency in terms of membrane selectivity, permeate flux, casein loss,
      SP transmission, energy consumption, and dilution with water remain to be
      determined for this membrane. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of
      transmembrane pressure (TMP), volumetric concentration factor (VCF), and
      diafiltration on overall process efficiency. Skim milk was processed using a
      pilot-scale MF system equipped with 0.72-m(2) graded permeability membranes with
      a pore size of 0.1MUm. In the first experiment, in full recycle mode, TMP was set
      at 124, 152, 179, or 207 kPa by adjusting the permeate pressure at the outlet.
      Whereas TMP had no significant effect on permeate and retentate composition, 152
      kPa was found to be optimal for SP removal during concentration and concentration
      or diafiltration experiments. When VCF was increased to 3*, SP rejection
      coefficient increased along with energy consumption and total casein loss,
      whereas SP removal rate decreased. Diafiltering twice allowed an increase in
      total SP removal but resulted in a substantial increase in energy consumption and
      casein loss. It also reduced the SP removal rate by diluting permeate. The
      membrane surface area required for producing cheese milk by blending whole milk,
      cream, and MF retentate (at different VCF) was estimated for different cheese
      milk casein concentrations. For a given casein concentration, the same quantity
      of permeate and SP would be produced, but less membrane surface area would be
      needed at a lower retentate VCF. Microfiltration has great potential as a process
      of adding value to conventional cheesemaking processes, but its cost
      effectiveness at a large scale remains to be demonstrated. 

PMID- 27132106
TI  - Effect of exposure to adverse climatic conditions on production in Manchega dairy
      sheep.
AB  - The present study aimed to examine the effects of exposure to adverse weather
      conditions on milk production to assess the thermotolerance capability of the
      Manchega breed, a dairy sheep reared in the Mediterranean area, and the extent of
      decline in production outside the thermal comfort zone. To achieve this purpose,
      we merged data from the official milk recording of the breed with weather
      information and used to describe the cold and heat stress response for production
      traits. Production data consisted of 1,094,804 test-day records from the first 3
      lactations of 177,605 ewes gathered between years 2000 to 2010. For each
      production trait and climate variable, the thermal load production response was
      characterized by the estimation of cold and heat stress thresholds that define a
      thermoneutral zone and the slopes of production decay outside this thermoneutral
      zone. Overall, we observed a comfort region between 10 and 22 degrees C for daily
      average temperature, 18 and 30 degrees C for daily maximum temperature, and from
      9 to 18 units for a temperature-humidity index (THI) for all traits. Decline in
      production due to cold stress effects was of a greater magnitude than heat stress
      effects, especially for milk yield. Production losses ranged between 7 and 16 and
      from 0.2 to 0.6g/d per  degrees C (or THI unit) for milk and for fat and protein
      yields, respectively. For heat stress, the observed decline in production was of
      1 to 5 and 0.1 to 0.3g/d per  degrees C (or THI unit) above the threshold for
      milk yield and for fat and protein yields, respectively. Highly productive
      animals showed a narrower comfort zone and higher slopes of decay. The study of
      lagged effects of thermal load showed how consequences of cold and heat stress
      are already visible in the first hours after exposure. Thus, production losses
      were due mainly to climate conditions on the day of control and the day before,
      with conditions on the previous days having a smaller effect. Annual economic
      losses due to thermal (cold and heat) stress ranged from 0.1 up to 4% of total
      profit depending on which climate variable was considered. Although of small
      magnitude, the effect of adverse climatic conditions on total annual farm profit
      is not negligible; thus, we consider the implementation of strategies aimed at
      reducing these losses to be important. These strategies could be target improving
      the mitigation strategies as well as obtaining more thermotolerant animals
      through selection. 

PMID- 27132107
TI  - The effect of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) on lactation and on
      proliferation of mammary epithelial cells from dairy cows.
AB  - Milk protein is an important component of milk and a nutritional source for human
      consumption. To better understand the molecular events underlying synthesis of
      milk proteins, the global gene expression patterns in mammary glands of dairy cow
      with high-quality milk (>3% milk protein; >3.5% milk fat) and low-quality milk
      (<3% milk protein; <3.5% milk fat) were examined via digital gene expression
      study. A total of 139 upregulated and 66 downregulated genes were detected in the
      mammary tissues of lactating cows with high-quality milk compared with the
      tissues of cows with low-quality milk. A pathway enrichment study of these genes
      revealed that the top 5 pathways that were differentially affected in the tissues
      of cows with high- versus low-quality milk involved metabolic pathways, cancer,
      cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton,
      and insulin signaling. We also found that the G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2
      (GRK2) was one of the most highly upregulated genes in lactating mammary tissue
      with low-quality milk compared with tissue with high-quality milk. The knockdown
      of GRK2 in cultured bovine mammary epithelial cells enhanced CSN2 expression and
      activated signaling molecules related to translation, including protein kinase B,
      mammalian target of rapamycin, and p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1),
      whereas overexpression of GRK2 had the opposite effects. However, expression of
      genes involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway was positively
      regulated by GRK2. Therefore, GRK2 seems to act as a negative mediator of milk
      protein synthesis via the protein kinase B-mammalian target of rapamycin
      signaling axis. Furthermore, GRK2 may negatively control milk-protein synthesis
      by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in dairy cow mammary
      epithelial cells. 

PMID- 27132108
TI  - Hypoxia Pre-Conditioned Embryonic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Reduces IL-10
      Production by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are important candidates for MSC-based
      cellular therapy. Current paradigm states that MSCs support local progenitor
      cells in damaged tissue through paracrine signaling. Therefore, study of
      paracrine effects and secretome of MSCs could lead to the appreciation of
      mechanisms and molecules associated with the therapeutic effects of these cells.
      This study analyzed anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects of MSC
      secretomes derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and bone marrow cells after
      hypoxia and normoxia preconditioning. METHODS: ESCs differentiated into MSCs and
      characterized by flow cytometry and differentiation into adipocytes and
      osteoblasts. The experimental groups consisted of individual groups of ESC-MSCs
      and BM-MSCs (bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells), which were
      preconditioned with either hypoxia or normoxia for 24, 48 and 72 h. After
      collecting the cell-free medium from each treatment, secretomes were concentrated
      by centrifugal filters. Using a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) assay
      and ELISA, IL-10 concentration in PBMCs was evaluated after their incubation with
      different secretomes from preconditioned and non-preconditioned MSCs. RESULTS: A
      significant difference was observed between ESC-MSC normoxia and ESC-MSC hypoxia
      in IL-10 concentration, and normoxia secretomes increased IL-10 secretion from
      PBMCs. Moreover, the strongest IL-10 secretion from PBMCs could be detected after
      the stimulation by ESC-MSC conditioned secretomes, but not BM-MSC conditioned
      medium. CONCLUSIONS: Human hypoxia preconditioned ESC-MSC secretome indicated
      stronger immune-modulatory effects compared to BM-MSC conditioned medium. It
      could be suggested that induced MSCs confer less immune-modulatory effects but
      produce more inflammatory molecules such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, which
      needs further investigation.

PMID- 27132109
TI  - Relationship between ketamine-induced developmental neurotoxicity and NMDA
      receptor-mediated calcium influx in neural stem cell-derived neurons.
AB  - Ketamine, a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, is used as a general
      anesthetic and recent data suggest that general anesthetics can cause neuronal
      damage when exposure occurs during early brain development. To elucidate the
      underlying mechanisms associated with ketamine-induced neurotoxicity, stem cell
      derived models, such as rodent neural stem cells harvested from rat fetuses
      and/or neural stem cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)
      can be utilized. Prolonged exposure of rodent neural stem cells to clinically
      relevant concentrations of ketamine resulted in elevated NMDA receptor levels as
      indicated by NR1subunit over-expression in neurons. This was associated with
      enhanced damage in neurons. In contrast, the viability and proliferation rate of
      undifferentiated neural stem cells were not significantly affected after ketamine
      exposure. Calcium imaging data indicated that 50MUM NMDA did not cause a
      significant influx of calcium in typical undifferentiated neural stem cells;
      however, it did produce an immediate elevation of intracellular free Ca2+ [Ca2+]i
      in differentiated neurons derived from the same neural stem cells. This paper
      reviews the literature on this subject and previous findings suggest that
      prolonged exposure of developing neurons to ketamine produces an increase in NMDA
      receptor expression (compensatory up-regulation) which allows for a higher/toxic
      influx of calcium into neurons once ketamine is removed from the system, leading
      to neuronal cell death likely due to elevated reactive oxygen species generation.
      The absence of functional NMDA receptors in cultured neural stem cells likely
      explains why clinically-relevant concentrations of ketamine did not affect
      undifferentiated neural stem cell viability.

PMID- 27132110
TI  - Impact of early gut microbiota on immune and metabolic development and function.
AB  - Microbial colonization of the infant intestine occurs in the first two years of
      life. Symbiotic host and microbe interactions are critical for host metabolic and
      immune development. Emerging evidence indicates that early microbiota
      colonization may influence the occurrence of metabolic and immune diseases.
      Further understanding of the importance of environmental factors, including fetal
      microbial exposure, diet, delivery mode, pre- and probiotic consumption, and
      antibiotic use on immune and metabolic programming will provide new opportunities
      for the development of therapeutic and prophylactic measures to improve infant
      health and reduce the risk of disease in post-infancy years.

PMID- 27132111
TI  - Immediate operative management of the fetus with airway anomalies resulting from
      congenital malformations.
AB  - Prenatal diagnosis has transformed the outcome of fetuses with airway
      obstruction. The thorough evaluation of prenatal imaging allows for categorizing
      fetuses with airway compromise into those who will require a special mode of
      delivery and those who can be delivered without any special resources. The ex
      utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) approach allows accessing the airway while the
      fetus is under placental support, converting a potentially catastrophic situation
      into a controlled one. An expert multidisciplinary team is the key to success. 

PMID- 27132112
TI  - Influence of ultrasound speckle tracking strategies for motion and strain
      estimation.
AB  - Speckle Tracking is one of the most prominent techniques used to estimate the
      regional movement of the heart based on ultrasound acquisitions. Many different
      approaches have been proposed, proving their suitability to obtain quantitative
      and qualitative information regarding myocardial deformation, motion and function
      assessment. New proposals to improve the basic algorithm usually focus on one of
      these three steps: (1) the similarity measure between images and the speckle
      model; (2) the transformation model, i.e. the type of motion considered between
      images; (3) the optimization strategies, such as the use of different
      optimization techniques in the transformation step or the inclusion of structural
      information. While many contributions have shown their good performance
      independently, it is not always clear how they perform when integrated in a whole
      pipeline. Every step will have a degree of influence over the following and hence
      over the final result. Thus, a Speckle Tracking pipeline must be analyzed as a
      whole when developing novel methods, since improvements in a particular step
      might be undermined by the choices taken in further steps. This work presents two
      main contributions: (1) We provide a complete analysis of the influence of the
      different steps in a Speckle Tracking pipeline over the motion and strain
      estimation accuracy. (2) The study proposes a methodology for the analysis of
      Speckle Tracking systems specifically designed to provide an easy and systematic
      way to include other strategies. We close the analysis with some conclusions and
      recommendations that can be used as an orientation of the degree of influence of
      the models for speckle, the transformation models, interpolation schemes and
      optimization strategies over the estimation of motion features. They can be
      further use to evaluate and design new strategy into a Speckle Tracking system.

PMID- 27132113
TI  - Mutant p97 exhibits species-specific changes of its ATPase activity and
      compromises the UBXD9-mediated monomerisation of p97 hexamers.
AB  - p97 (VCP) is a homo-hexameric triple-A ATPase that exerts a plethora of cellular
      processes. Heterozygous missense mutations of p97 cause at least five human
      neurodegenerative disorders. However, the specific molecular consequences of p97
      mutations are hitherto widely unknown. Our in silico structural models of human
      and Dictyostelium p97 showed that the disease-causing human R93C, R155H, and
      R155C as well as Dictyostelium R154C, E219K, R154C/E219K p97 mutations constitute
      variations in surface-exposed locations. In-gel ATPase activity measurements of
      p97 monomers and hexamers revealed significant mutation- and species-specific
      differences. While all human p97 mutations led to an increase in ATPase activity,
      no changes could be detected for the Dictyostelium R154C mutant, which is
      orthologous to human R155C. The E219K mutation led to an almost complete loss of
      activity, which was partially recuperated in the R154C/E219K double-mutant
      indicating p97 inter-domain communication. By means of co-immunoprecipitation
      experiments we identified an UBX-domain containing Dictyostelium protein as a
      novel p97 interaction partner. We categorized all UBX-domain containing
      Dictyostelium proteins and named the interaction partner UBXD9. Pull-down assays
      and surface plasmon resonance analyses of Dictyostelium UBXD9 or the human
      orthologue TUG/ASPL/UBXD9 demonstrated direct interactions with p97 as well as
      species-, mutation- and ATP-dependent differences in the binding affinities.
      Sucrose density gradient assays revealed that both human and Dictyostelium UBXD9
      proteins very efficiently disassembled wild-type, but to a lesser extent mutant
      p97 hexamers into monomers. Our results are consistent with a scenario in which
      p97 point mutations lead to differences in enzymatic activities and molecular
      interactions, which in the long-term result in a late-onset and progressive
      multisystem disease. 

PMID- 27132114
TI  - Test-retest reliability of 3D EPI MR elastography of the pancreas.
AB  - AIM: To determine the repeatability of three-dimensional echo planar imaging
      magnetic resonance (MR) elastography (3D EPI MRE) for assessing pancreatic
      stiffness in healthy volunteers, patients with chronic pancreatitis, and patients
      with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3D EPI MRE
      was used to assess pancreatic stiffness in five healthy volunteers, and five and
      three patients with histopathologically confirmed chronic pancreatitis and PDAC,
      respectively. The study participants underwent two scans, separated by a 1-day
      interval (referred to as time point 1 and time point 2). Scanning was performed
      using a 3 T MR machine using a multi-section EPI pulse sequence to assess the
      mean stiffness of the tumours in PDAC cases, and pancreatic parenchyma in chronic
      pancreatitis cases and healthy volunteers. A direct-inversion algorithm with 3D
      post-processing was used to estimate shear stiffness and generate elastograms.
      Stiffness was measured independently by two analysts. RESULTS: Between the two
      analysts, the mean stiffness of all 13 pancreases was highly reproducible, with
      an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.975 (95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 0.945-0.989) across the two time points (r=0.973, p<0.001). Bland-Altman
      analysis found a difference in mean stiffness of 0.01 kPa (95% agreement limits: 
      0.53-0.55 kPa). Between the two time points, the ICC was 0.973 (95% CI: 0.941
      0.988) across the two analysts (r=0.975, p<0.001), and the difference in
      stiffness by Bland-Altman analysis was 0.05 kPa (95% agreement limits: -0.51-0.60
      kPa). The mean stiffness value of pancreases with PDAC was 2.89+/-1.20 kPa, which
      was significantly higher than that of normal pancreases (1.11+/-0.08 kPa,
      p<0.001) and of pancreases with chronic pancreatitis (1.53+/-0.04 kPa, p<0.001).
      CONCLUSION: 3D-MRE is a highly reproducible method for assessing pancreatic
      stiffness.

PMID- 27132115
TI  - Autophagy as a target for hematological malignancy therapy.
AB  - Autophagy is an essential metabolic pathway by which the intracellular unwanted
      materials are digested within lysosomes for cellular homeostasis. It provides
      energy and building blocks upon starvation or other stresses. Autophagy even
      contributes to cell death especially under apoptosis incompetent conditions
      depending on the cellular contexts. Dysfunction of autophagy involves in the
      initiation and progression of multiple diseases and their treatments. But its
      principles and clinical applications have not been fully elucidated yet. Basal
      autophagy may serve as a tumor suppressive mechanism during tumorigenesis;
      nevertheless, excessive autophagy even works as a pro-survival pathway in already
      established cancers. Recently, mounting evidence highlighted its key roles in the
      genesis and therapy of various hematological malignancies. The combinations of
      autophagy inhibitors (such as chloroquine) with some first-line drugs, as well as
      novel autophagy-based manipulations, including Bcl-2 family regulation, caspase
      dependent cleavage of ATG proteins and microRNA replacement are clinically or
      experimentally applied, representing promising approaches for their clinical
      treatments. This review is therefore to discuss the recent progress in autophagy
      machinery and its association with hematological malignancy therapy.

PMID- 27132116
TI  - Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: The green light for myeloma immune escape.
AB  - Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous, immature myeloid
      cell population with the ability to suppress innate and adaptive immune responses
      that promote tumor growth. MDSCs are increased in patients with multiple myeloma
      (MM) and have bidirectional interaction with tumors within the MM
      microenvironment. MM-MDSCs promote MM tumor growth and induce immune suppression;
      conversely, MM cells induce MDSC development and survival. Although the role of
      MDSCs in infections, inflammatory diseases and solid tumors has been extensively
      characterized, their tumor-promoting and immune-suppressive role in MM and the MM
      microenvironment is only beginning to emerge. The presence and activation of
      MDSCs in MM patients has been well documented; however, the direct actions and
      functional consequences of MDSCs on cancer cells is poorly defined.
      Immunosuppressive MDSCs play an important role in tumor progression primarily
      because of their capability to promote immune-escape, angiogenesis, drug
      resistance and metastasis. However, their role in the bone marrow (BM), the
      primary MM site, is poorly understood. MM remains an incurable malignancy, and it
      is likely that the BM microenvironment protects MM against chemotherapy agents
      and the host immune system. A growing body of evidence suggests that host immune
      cells with a suppressive phenotype contribute to a myeloma immunosuppressive
      network. Among the known suppressor cells, MDSCs and T regulatory cells (Tregs)
      have been found to be significantly increased in myeloma patients and their
      levels correlate with disease stage and clinical outcome. Furthermore, it has
      been shown that MDSC can mediate suppression of myeloma-specific T-cell responses
      through the induction of T-cell anergy and Treg development in the MM
      microenvironment. Here, we review clinical correlations and the preclinical proof
      of-principle data on the role of MDSCs in myeloma immunotolerance and highlight
      the mechanistically relevant MDSC-targeted compounds and their potential utility
      in a new approach for anti-myeloma therapy.

PMID- 27132117
TI  - Cholesterol interactions with ceramide and sphingomyelin.
AB  - Sphingolipids contain in their polar heads chemical groups allowing them to
      establish a complex network of H-bonds (through different OH and NHgroups) with
      other lipids in the bilayer. In the recent years the specific interaction of
      sphingomyelin (SM) with cholesterol (Chol) has been examined, largely in the
      context of the "lipid raft" hypothesis. Formation of SM-Ceramide (Cer) complexes,
      proposed to exist in cell membranes in response to stress, has also been
      described. More recently, a delicate balance of phase formation and
      transformation in ternary mixtures of SM, Chol and Cer, with mutual displacement
      of Chol and Cer from their interaction with SM is considered to exist. In
      addition, data demonstrating direct Chol-Cer interaction are becoming available. 

PMID- 27132118
TI  - Cardiolipin as key lipid of mitochondria in health and disease. 2nd Edition,
      Florence, Italy, September 30-October 1, 2015.
AB  - The second edition of the workshop dedicated to cardiolipin, the signature lipid
      of mitochondria, was held as a satellite meeting of the 13th Euro Fed Lipid
      international congress in Florence, Italy, at the end of September 2015. During
      the workshop various aspects of basic cardiolipin functions in biomembranes of
      prokaryotes and animal cells were discussed, highlighting connections between
      cardiolipin research and human physiology in particular. Alteration of the
      cardiolipin species pattern and a parallel increase of monolysocardiolipin is the
      hallmark of Barth syndrome, an X linked genetic disease. Furthermore literature
      reports suggest the involvement of cardiolipin in other pathologies associated
      with an imbalance in bioenergetic functions, such as diabetes. The Cardiolipin
      Workshop was a low budget meeting sponsored by the University of Bari Aldo Moro
      and the Barth Syndrome Foundation. The organizers are grateful to the invited
      speakers, poster presenters and chairpersons as they supported the meeting by
      sustaining their travel and lodging expenses. Before the starting of the
      scientific sessions, the families of Italian boys affected by Barth syndrome
      (recently affiliated with the Barth Syndrome Foundation, USA) could meet
      scientists, biologists and pediatricians involved in research, diagnosis and cure
      of the disease. The family meeting was chaired by Daniela Toniolo, who discovered
      the tafazzin gene in 1997.

PMID- 27132119
TI  - No relevant excess prevalence of myotonic dystrophy type 2 in patients with
      suspected fibromyalgia syndrome.
AB  - Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2) is a rare, autosomal dominant, multisystem
      disorder with proximal weakness, myotonia, pain and cataract as important
      symptoms. Given the assumed underreporting of DM2 in the Netherlands combined
      with the predominant role of pain in DM2 as well as in fibromyalgia syndrome
      (FMS), we hypothesized there will be an excess prevalence of DM2 in patients with
      (suspected) FMS. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of DM2 in patients
      with suspected FMS. A prevalence of 2% was considered a relevant excess
      frequency. Between November 2011 and April 2014, 398 patients with suspected FMS
      who had been assessed by a rheumatologist participated in this cross-sectional
      study. 95% of the study population was female, with a mean age of 42 years. The
      final ICD-9 diagnoses were collected, in 96% the diagnosis was FMS. 92% met the
      2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria for FMS. A
      questionnaire including neuromuscular symptoms was completed. Creatine kinase was
      determined, and genetic testing for DM2 was conducted in all patients. DM2 was
      established in only one patient (0.25%, 95% CI 0.04-1.4%), thus disapproving our
      hypothesis of a relevant prevalence of 2%. Our results suggest that patients with
      suspected FMS should not routinely be tested for DM2.

PMID- 27132120
TI  - Dystrophic changes in masticatory muscles related chewing problems and
      malocclusions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
AB  - Dysphagia in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) worsens with age, with
      increasingly effortful mastication. The aims of this study were to describe
      mastication problems in consecutive stages in a group of patients with DMD and to
      determine related pathophysiological aspects of masticatory muscle structure,
      tongue thickness, bite force and dental characteristics. Data from 72 patients
      with DMD (4.3 to 28.0 years), divided into four clinical stages, were collected
      in a cross sectional study. Problems with mastication and the need for food
      adaptations, in combination with increased echogenicity of the masseter muscle,
      were already found in the early stages of the disease. A high percentage of open
      bites and cross bites were found, especially in the later stages. Tongue
      hypertrophy also increased over time. Increased dysfunction, reflected by
      increasingly abnormal echogenicity, of the masseter muscle and reduced occlusal
      contacts (anterior and posterior open bites) were mainly responsible for the
      hampered chewing. In all, this study shows the increasing involvement of various
      elements of the masticatory system in progressive Duchenne muscular dystrophy. To
      prevent choking and also nutritional deficiency, early detection of chewing
      problems by asking about feeding and mastication problems, as well as asking
      about food adaptations made, is essential and can lead to timely intervention.

PMID- 27132121
TI  - Elderly-onset familial myasthenia gravis in two siblings.
AB  - Myasthenia gravis (MG) occasionally occurs in a family, but elderly-onset (>=65
      years) familial MG has been rarely reported. We here report the case of two
      siblings with elderly-onset MG (mean onset age: 72.5 years) and present the human
      leukocyte antigen (HLA) profiles (HLA-A, -B, -DR) of their family. Both patients
      developed generalized MG with elevated serum acetylcholine receptor antibody
      titers at their seventies. Of six siblings, the two patients and one unaffected
      sibling shared the same HLA haplotypes. Our study indicates that elderly-onset MG
      can occur in a family and that familial occurrence of MG may be related to
      certain HLA alleles.

PMID- 27132122
TI  - Parenteral nutrition improves nutritional status, autonomic symptoms and quality
      of life in transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy.
AB  - Transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) is an inherited
      amyloidosis, leading to death in about ten years in most cases due to cardiac
      failure or wasting syndrome. Previous studies showed that modified body mass
      index was related to time before death, duration of gastrointestinal
      disturbances, malabsorption and functional capacity. We report two patients in
      whom nutritional status worsened despite diet modification, hypercaloric
      supplement and two relevant therapeutic approaches such as liver transplant and
      tafamidis meglumine, respectively. The first patient, a 52-year-old lady carrying
      Thr49Ala mutation, had a disease duration of twelve years and had lost weight up
      to 35 kg because of daily diarrhea. The second patient, a 63-year-old man with
      Glu89Gln mutation and a disease duration of fifteen years, was in the New York
      Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification class III and his weight was
      39 kg. In both cases, a peripherally inserted central catheter was placed for
      parenteral nutrition. It allowed to improve their nutritional status and clinical
      conditions, with body weight gains of 11 and 8 kg in a one year follow-up,
      respectively. Moreover, reduction of autonomic symptoms including postural
      hypotension, nausea and diarrhoea was recorded with ameliorated quality of life.
      Our experience suggests that parenteral nutrition may be useful in reducing
      complications and disabilities in TTR-FAP patients, even when all dietary
      adjustments have been ineffective. Reasonably, the improvement in nutritional
      status may prolong survival in TTR-FAP patients.

PMID- 27132123
TI  - Development of a commercial scale process for production of 1,4-butanediol from
      sugar.
AB  - A sustainable bioprocess for the production of 1,4-butanediol (BDO) from
      carbohydrate feedstocks was developed. BDO is a chemical intermediate that goes
      into a variety of products including automotive parts, electronics, and apparel,
      and is currently manufactured commercially through energy-intensive petrochemical
      processes using fossil raw materials. This review highlights the development of
      an Escherichia coli strain and an overall process that successfully performed at
      commercial scale for direct production of bio-BDO from dextrose. Achieving such
      high level performance required an integrated technology platform enabling
      detailed engineering of enzyme, pathway, metabolic network, and organism, as well
      as development of effective fermentation and downstream recovery processes.

PMID- 27132124
TI  - New developments in engineering plant metabolic pathways.
AB  - Plants contain countless metabolic pathways that are responsible for the
      biosynthesis of complex metabolites. Armed with new tools in sequencing and
      bioinformatics, the genes that encode these plant biosynthetic pathways have
      become easier to discover, putting us in an excellent position to fully harness
      the wealth of compounds and biocatalysts (enzymes) that plants provide. For
      overproduction and isolation of high-value plant-derived chemicals, plant
      pathways can be reconstituted in heterologous hosts. Alternatively, plant
      pathways can be modified in the native producer to confer new properties to the
      plant, such as better biofuel production or enhanced nutritional value. This
      perspective highlights a range of examples that demonstrate how the metabolic
      pathways of plants can be successfully harnessed with a variety of metabolic
      engineering approaches.

PMID- 27132125
TI  - RNA systems biology: uniting functional discoveries and structural tools to
      understand global roles of RNAs.
AB  - RNAs assume sophisticated structures that are active in myriad cellular
      processes. In this review, we highlight newly identified ribozymes, riboswitches,
      and small RNAs, some of which control the function of cellular metabolic and gene
      expression networks. We then examine recent developments in genome-wide RNA
      structure probing technologies that are yielding new insights into the structural
      landscape of the transcriptome. Finally, we discuss how these RNA 'structomic'
      methods can address emerging questions in RNA systems biology, from the
      mechanisms behind long non-coding RNAs to new bases for human diseases.

PMID- 27132126
TI  - Targeting the untargeted in molecular phenomics with structurally-selective ion
      mobility-mass spectrometry.
AB  - Systems-wide molecular phenomics is rapidly expanding through technological
      advances in instrumentation and bioinformatics. Strategies such as structural
      mass spectrometry, which utilizes size and shape measurements with molecular
      weight, serve to characterize the sum of molecular expression in biological
      contexts, where broad-scale measurements are made that are interpreted through
      big data statistical techniques to reveal underlying patterns corresponding to
      phenotype. The data density, data dimensionality, data projection, and data
      interrogation are all critical aspects of these approaches to turn data into
      salient information. Untargeted molecular phenomics is already having a dramatic
      impact in discovery science from drug discovery to synthetic biology. It is
      evident that these emerging techniques will integrate closely in broad efforts
      aimed at precision medicine.

PMID- 27132127
TI  - Esterase detoxication of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors using human liver
      samples in vitro.
AB  - Organophosphorus (OP) and N-methylcarbamate pesticides inhibit
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE), but differences in metabolism and detoxication can
      influence potency of these pesticides across and within species. Carboxylesterase
      (CaE) and A-esterase (paraoxonase, PON1) are considered factors underlying age
      related sensitivity differences. We used an in vitro system to measure
      detoxication of AChE-inhibiting pesticides mediated via these esterases.
      Recombinant human AChE was used as a bioassay of inhibitor concentration
      following incubation with detoxifying tissue: liver plus Ca(+2) (to stimulate
      PON1s, measuring activity of both esterases) or EGTA (to inhibit PON1s, thereby
      measuring CaE activity). AChE inhibitory concentrations of aldicarb, chlorpyrifos
      oxon, malaoxon, methamidophos, oxamyl, paraoxon, and methylparaoxon were
      incubated with liver homogenates from adult male rat or one of 20 commercially
      provided human (11-83 years of age) liver samples. Detoxication was defined as
      the difference in inhibition produced by the pesticide alone and inhibition
      measured in combination with liver plus Ca(+2) or liver plus EGTA. Generally, rat
      liver produced more detoxication than did the human samples. There were large
      detoxication differences across human samples for some pesticides (especially
      malaoxon, chlorpyrifos oxon) but not for others (e.g., aldicarb, methamidophos);
      for the most part these differences did not correlate with age or sex.
      Chlorpyrifos oxon was fully detoxified only in the presence of Ca(+2) in both rat
      and human livers. Detoxication of paraoxon and methylparaoxon in rat liver was
      greater with Ca(+2), but humans showed less differentiation than rats between
      Ca(+2) and EGTA conditions. This suggests the importance of PON1 detoxication for
      these three OPs in the rat, but mostly only for chlorpyrifos oxon in human
      samples. Malaoxon was detoxified similarly with Ca(+2) or EGTA, and the
      differences across humans correlated with metabolism of p-nitrophenyl acetate, a
      substrate for CaEs. This suggests the importance of CaEs in malaoxon
      detoxication. Understanding these individual differences in detoxication can
      inform human variability in pesticide sensitivity. 

PMID- 27132128
TI  - Long-term adverse effects on reproductive function in male rats exposed
      prenatally to the glucocorticoid betamethasone.
AB  - Betamethasone is the drug of choice for antenatal treatment, promoting fetal lung
      maturation, decreasing the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and
      neonatal mortality. Previous studies reported that prenatal treatment with this
      drug reduced testosterone levels, sperm quality and fertility in adult rats. We
      aimed to further evaluate the reproductive consequences of prenatal betamethasone
      exposure in male rats. Pregnant Wistar rats (n=13/group) were separated into two
      groups: control (vehicle) and betamethasone- treated (0.1mg/kg IM) and rats were
      injected on gestational days 12, 13, 18 and 19. Body weight, sexual behavior,
      reproductive organ weights, serum hormone levels, accessory glands contractility,
      sperm parameters, and fertility after in utero artificial insemination were
      evaluated. Our results showed that prenatal betamethasone exposure provoked a
      significant reduction in body weight at PND 01 and, at adulthood, decrease in FSH
      levels, sperm motility and production. Furthermore, seminal vesicle weight was
      decreased while testicular and ventral prostate weights were increased. Serum LH
      levels and the percentage of abnormal sperm were significantly increased.
      Although sexual behavior was not altered, a significant reduction in fertility in
      the adult rats exposed prenatally to betamethasone was noted. We concluded that
      prenatal betamethasone exposure leads to long-term reproductive impairment in
      male rats. These results may have important implications for humans, considering
      the use of this glucocorticoid in pregnant women.

PMID- 27132130
TI  - CT-guided fine-needle ago-biopsy of pulmonary nodules: predictive factors for
      diagnosis and pneumothorax occurrence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate variables that could predict diagnosis during CT-guided
      fine-needle aspiration. METHODS: Data from 249 patients who underwent FNAB from
      January 2010 to December 2012 were analyzed in a retrospective observational
      study. RESULTS: Mean age was 66.7 +/- 11.5 years, male/female ratio 158/91 (63
      vs. 37 %). The nodules were in right lung in 123 patients (49 %), in left lung in
      126 patients (51 %), the upper, lower and middle lobe localizations were,
      respectively in 122 (49 %), 100 (40 %) and 17 (6 %) patients. Mean nodule-chest
      wall distance was 63.89 +/- 21.38 mm. The tumor location, the needle diameter,
      the presence of necrosis or cavitation, the node-chest wall distance and the
      number of passages were not related to the diagnostic outcome (p = NS). The
      nodule diameter was predictive of diagnosis. Odds ratio for a 10-30 mm tumor was
      2.51 (95 % OR: 1.24-5.08, p value = 0.011), the odds ratio for a 30-50 mm tumor
      was 2.39 (95 % OR: 1.22-4.69, p value = 0.011), and the odds ratio for a tumor
      larger than 50 mm was 4.44 (95 % OR: 1.89-10.44, p value = 0.001). Post-procedure
      pneumothorax occurred in 62 cases (25 %). The determinant factors for
      pneumothorax occurrence were emphysema, odds ratio 6.87 (95 % CI 1.07-44.10, p
      value = 0.04), and the number of pleural passages, odds ratio of 5.47 (95 % OR:
      1.92-15.58), 7.44 (95 % OR: 2.58-21.5), 6.13 (95 % OR: 2.07-18.11) p value =
      0.001 for one, two, three or more of three passages, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      In our experience, nodule size is the most important diagnostic factor during
      fine-needle aspiration, while the number of passages and the presence of
      emphysema constitute risk factors for pneumothorax occurrence.

PMID- 27132129
TI  - Sodium nitrate decreases agrin-induced acetylcholine receptor clustering.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Humans are exposed to nitrate predominantly through diet with peak
      plasma concentrations within an hour after ingestion, but additional exposure is
      obtained from the environment, and minimally through de novo synthesis. Higher
      nitrate consumption has been associated with methemoglobinemia, spontaneous
      abortions, atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia, septic and distressed lung,
      inflammatory bowel disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and neural tube
      defects. However, skeletal muscle development has not been examined. METHODS:
      C2C12 skeletal muscle cell cultures were maintained, myoblasts were fused into
      myotubes, and then cultures were exposed to motor neuron derived agrin to enhance
      acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering. Untreated cultures were compared with
      cultures exposed to sodium nitrate at concentrations ranging from 10 ng/mL-100
      MUg/mL. RESULTS: The results reported here demonstrate that 1 MUg/mL sodium
      nitrate was sufficient to decrease the frequency of agrin-induced AChR clustering
      without affecting myotube formation. In addition, concentrations of sodium
      nitrate of 1 MUg/mL or 100 MUg/mL decreased gene expression of the myogenic
      transcription factor myogenin and AChR in correlation with the agrin-induced AChR
      clustering data. CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal that sodium nitrate decreases
      the frequency of agrin-induced AChR clustering by a mechanism that includes
      myogenin and AChR gene expression. As a consequence sodium nitrate may pose a
      risk for skeletal muscle development and subsequent neuromuscular synapse
      formation in humans.

PMID- 27132131
TI  - Central Spindle Self-Organization and Cytokinesis in Artificially Activated Sea
      Urchin Eggs.
AB  - The ability of microtubules of the mitotic apparatus to control the positioning
      and initiation of the cleavage furrow during cytokinesis was first established
      from studies on early echinoderm embryos. However, the identity of the
      microtubule population that imparts cytokinetic signaling is unclear. The two
      main--and not necessarily mutually exclusive--candidates are the central spindle
      and the astral rays. In the present study, we examined cytokinesis in ammonia
      activated sea urchin eggs, which lack paternally derived centrosomes and undergo
      mitosis mediated by unusual anastral, bipolar mini-spindles. Live cell imaging
      and immunolabeling for microtubules and the centralspindlin constituent and
      kinesin-related protein, MKLP1, demonstrated that furrowing in ammonia-activated
      eggs was associated with aligned arrays of centralspindlin-linked, opposed
      bundles of antiparallel microtubules. These autonomous, zipper-like arrays were
      not associated with a mitotic apparatus, but did possess characteristics similar
      to the central spindle region of control, fertilized embryos. Our results
      highlight the self-organizing nature of the central spindle region and its
      ability to induce cytokinesis-like furrowing, even in the absence of a complete
      mitotic apparatus.

PMID- 27132132
TI  - Closely Related Fishes Inhabiting Different Ecosystems Exhibit the Same Oocyte
      Production and Recruitment Pattern.
AB  - Information on oocyte production and recruitment in phylogenetically related
      species can help in understanding the evolution of reproductive life-history
      traits in fish of indeterminate fecundity. The present study compared, for the
      first time, oocyte production and recruitment patterns between two closely
      related species: Stellifer brasiliensis and Stellifer rastrifer (Perciformes,
      Sciaenidae), in the southwestern Atlantic, Brazil. Specimens of S. brasiliensis
      were sampled from the coastal waters of Ubatuba, and samples of S. rastrifer were
      taken from the Cananeia Lagoon Estuarine System. Ovaries were investigated using
      histology and model-based stereology. The total number of oocytes per individual
      (N) and stage-specific oocyte packing density did not differ significantly
      between S. brasiliensis and S. rastrifer The number of pre-vitellogenic and
      vitellogenic oocytes were positively correlated with female total weight and
      length, and ovary weight in both species. Analysis of oocyte recruitment across
      their development stages revealed that approximately 5.9% of the standing stock
      oocytes larger than 50 MUm in S. brasiliensis and 5.0% in S. rastrifer were
      recruited to form the next batches. Females of S. brasiliensis and S. rastrifer,
      in spawning-capable phase, exhibit the same oocyte production and recruitment
      patterns, showing no influences of the ecosystems on primary and secondary oocyte
      production.

PMID- 27132133
TI  - Persistence of Reduced Androgenic Glands after Protandric Sex Change Suggests a
      Basis for Simultaneous Hermaphroditism in a Caridean Shrimp.
AB  - The caridean shrimp Lysmata wurdemanni is a protandric simultaneous
      hermaphrodite. These individuals go through a male phase (MP) before changing sex
      to become female-phase simultaneous hermaphrodites (FPSH). The latter have an
      externally female phenotype, but retain a reduced male reproductive system and
      both male and female reproductive function. Previous studies have reported that
      the androgenic glands (AGs), whose hormones stimulate development of male
      characteristics in decapod crustaceans, are absent in the female phase of purely
      protandric species. We tested the hypothesis of androgenic gland persistence in
      FPSHs of L. wurdemanni by dissection and histology on the ejaculatory ducts.
      These glands were observed in FPSHs, although in a variably atrophied form.
      Androgenic glands of L. wurdemanni MPs are compact and replete with well
      developed cells, with large, deeply stained (hematoxylin-eosin) nuclei, as in
      males of gonochoric and protandric species. The AGs of simultaneous
      hermaphrodites were more reticulate in appearance due to the apparent breakdown
      and loss of cells, resulting in vacuolated areas, or empty spaces in the gland
      surrounded by connective tissue fibers or cell remnants. However, all FPSHs
      possessed numerous, or at least some possibly functional cells. The greatest
      atrophy of AGs was observed in the largest (i.e., oldest) FPSHs. However, the
      ovotestes of all FPSHs retained a small testicular portion with well developed
      ejaculatory ducts containing sperm. Our results suggest that the reduced
      androgenic glands of female-phase simultaneous hermaphrodites of L. wurdemanni
      allow them to maintain male reproductive function after sex change.

PMID- 27132134
TI  - Fatty Acids of Densely Packed Embryos of Carcinus maenas Reveal Homogeneous
      Maternal Provisioning and No Within-Brood Variation at Hatching.
AB  - Embryonic development of decapod crustaceans relies on yolk reserves supplied to
      offspring through maternal provisioning. Unequal partitioning of nutritional
      reserves during oogenesis, as well as fluctuating environmental conditions during
      incubation, can be sources of within-brood variability. Ultimately, this
      potential variability may promote the occurrence of newly hatched larvae with
      differing yolk reserves and an unequal ability to endure starvation and/or
      suboptimal feeding during their early pelagic life. The present study evaluated
      maternal provisioning by analyzing fatty acid (FA) profiles in newly extruded
      embryos of Carcinus maenas Also assessed were the dynamics of such provisioning
      during embryogenesis, such as embryo location within the regions of the brooding
      chamber (left external, left internal, right external, and right internal). The
      FA profiles surveyed revealed a uniform transfer of maternal reserves from the
      female to the entire mass of embryos, and homogeneous embryonic development
      within the brooding chamber. Although C. maenas produces a densely packed mass of
      embryos that are unevenly distributed within its brooding chamber, this factor is
      not a source of within-brood variability during incubation. This finding
      contrasts with data already recorded for larger-sized brachyuran crabs, and
      suggests that the maternal behavior of C. maenas promotes homogeneous lipid
      catabolism during embryogenesis.

PMID- 27132135
TI  - Lunar Phase Modulates Circadian Gene Expression Cycles in the Broadcast Spawning
      Coral Acropora millepora.
AB  - Many broadcast spawning corals in multiple reef regions release their gametes
      with incredible temporal precision just once per year, using the lunar cycle to
      set the night of spawning. Moonlight, rather than tides or other lunar-regulated
      processes, is thought to be the proximate factor responsible for linking the
      night of spawning to the phase of the Moon. We compared patterns of gene
      expression among colonies of the broadcast spawning coral Acropora millepora at
      different phases of the lunar cycle, and when they were maintained under one of
      three experimentally simulated lunar lighting treatments: i) lunar lighting
      conditions matching those on the reef, or lunar patterns mimicking either ii)
      constant full Moon conditions, or iii) constant new Moon conditions. Normal lunar
      illumination was found to shift both the level and timing of clock gene
      transcription cycles between new and full moons, with the peak hour of expression
      for a number of genes occurring earlier in the evening under a new Moon when
      compared to a full Moon. When the normal lunar cycle is replaced with nighttime
      patterns equivalent to either a full Moon or a new Moon every evening, the normal
      monthlong changes in the level of expression are destroyed for most genes. In
      combination, these results indicate that daily changes in moonlight that occur
      over the lunar cycle are essential for maintaining normal lunar periodicity of
      clock gene transcription, and this may play a role in regulating spawn timing.
      These data also show that low levels of light pollution may have an impact on
      coral biological clocks.

PMID- 27132136
TI  - The Molting Biomarker Metabolite N-acetylglucosamino-1,5-lactone in Female Urine
      of the Helmet Crab Telmessus cheiragonus.
AB  - N-acetylglucosamino-1,5-lactone (NAGL) is a molting biomarker in the blue crab
      Callinectes sapidus The concentration of this compound in urine is highest at the
      premolt stage. Since sexually mature premolt females release sex pheromone in
      their urine, NAGL is a candidate sex pheromone molecule in C. sapidus This
      compound has not been reported in other species. In the present study, we
      quantified the concentration of NAGL in the urine of the helmet crab Telmessus
      cheiragonus, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and found that the
      concentration increases toward the day of molting and decreases after molting.
      However, the total amount of NAGL collected from individual animals was greatest
      two to five days after molting, because the amount of urine collected was the
      lowest at the premolt stage, and it increased after molting. The highest median
      concentration of NAGL in T. cheiragonas was 29 MUmol l(-1), which is 75% of the
      highest concentration reported in C. sapidus This is the first report of NAGL as
      a molting biomarker in a species other than C. sapidus We assume that NAGL is
      part of a pheromone bouquet in these two species.

PMID- 27132137
TI  - Effects of Different Social and Environmental Conditions on Established Dominance
      Relationships in Crayfish.
AB  - Like most social animals, crayfish readily form dominance relationships and
      linear social hierarchies when competing for limited resources. Competition often
      entails dyadic aggressive interactions, from which one animal emerges as the
      dominant and one as the subordinate. Once dominance relationships are formed,
      they typically remain stable for extended periods of time; thus, access to future
      resources is divided unequally among conspecifics. We previously showed that
      firmly established dominance relationships in juvenile crayfish can be disrupted
      by briefly adding a larger conspecific to the original pair. This finding
      suggested that the stability of social relationships in crayfish was highly
      context-dependent and more transient than previously assumed. We now report
      results that further identify the mechanisms underlying the destabilization of
      crayfish dominance relationships. We found that rank orders remained stable when
      conspecifics of smaller or equal size were added to the original pair, suggesting
      that both dominant and subordinate must be defeated by a larger crayfish in order
      to destabilize dominance relationships. We also found that dominance
      relationships remained stable when both members of the original pair were
      defeated by larger conspecifics in the absence of their original opponent. This
      showed that dominance relationships are not destabilized unless both animals
      experience defeat together. Lastly, we found that dominance relationships of
      pairs were successfully disrupted by larger intruders, although with reduced
      magnitude, after all chemical cues associated with earlier agonistic experiences
      were eliminated. These findings provide important new insights into the
      contextual features that regulate the stability of social dominance relationships
      in crayfish and probably in other species as well.

PMID- 27132138
TI  - No Effects and No Control of Epibionts in Two Species of Temperate Pycnogonids.
AB  - Essentially all surfaces of marine plants and animals host epibionts. These
      organisms may harm their hosts in a number of ways, including impeding gas
      exchange or increasing the costs of locomotion. Epibionts can also be beneficial.
      For example, they may camouflage their hosts, and photosynthetic epibionts can
      produce oxygen. In general, however, the costs of epibionts appear to outweigh
      their benefits. Many organisms, therefore, shed epibionts by grooming, molting,
      or preventing them from initially attaching, using surface waxes and cuticular
      structures. In this study, we examined how epibionts affect local oxygen supply
      to temperate species of pycnogonids (sea spiders). We also tested the
      effectiveness of different methods that pycnogonids may use to control epibionts
      (grooming, cuticle wettability, and cuticular waxes). In two temperate species:
      Achelia chelata and Achelia gracilipes, epibionts consisted primarily of algae
      and diatoms, formed layers approximately 0.25-mm thick, and they colonized at
      least 75% of available surface area. We used microelectrodes to measure oxygen
      levels in and under the layers of epibionts. In bright light, these organisms
      produced high levels of oxygen; in the dark, they had no negative effect on local
      oxygen supply. We tested mechanisms of control of epibionts by pycnogonids in
      three ways: disabling their ovigers to prevent grooming, extracting wax layers
      from the cuticle, and measuring the wettability of the cuticle; however, none of
      these experiments affected epibiont coverage. These findings indicate that in
      temperate environments, epibionts are not costly to pycnogonids and, in some
      circumstances, they may be beneficial.

PMID- 27132139
TI  - A modified technique for strabismus surgery in the presence of a scleral buckle.
AB  - We describe a surgical technique to perform strabismus surgery in patients with a
      scleral buckle that allows for the use of adjustable sutures without removing or
      modifying the exoplant.

PMID- 27132140
TI  - Bilateral intermediate uveitis with appearance of frosted branch angiitis and
      association with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - A 12-year-old girl presented with acute bilateral visual loss following a mild
      upper respiratory tract infection. Clinical examination revealed bilateral severe
      peripheral retinal vasculitis with an appearance of frosted branch angiitis and
      cystoid macular edema. All tests for etiological diagnosis were negative, apart
      from positive IgM and IgG antibodies for Mycoplasma pneumoniae. She was treated
      with broad-spectrum antibiotics and intravenous corticosteroids. She responded to
      treatment, with dramatic improvement of her visual acuity, remission of angiitis,
      and a residual macular star formation. This is the first reported case of
      bilateral intermediate uveitis possibly associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae
      infection.

PMID- 27132141
TI  - Monitoring neovascularization in aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity
      using optical coherence tomography angiography.
AB  - We describe the use of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in
      detecting and monitoring regression of the neovascular complex (NVC) in a case of
      aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP). A premature Asian
      Indian girl with AP-ROP underwent laser photoablation at 26 days of life.
      Persistent NVC at the posterior border of the lasered retinal bed was detected
      clinically. On en face spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and
      OCTA, the NVC appeared as an arborizing vascular net in the superficial capillary
      plexus. The deep capillary plexus and outer retinal layers showed corresponding
      flow outlines that suggested deeper extensions of the lesion. Supplemental laser
      treatment of the NVC was performed. Ten days later repeat en face SD-OCT and OCTA
      of the identical retinal location revealed that the vascular tortuosity and
      dilatation had reduced and that the flow lesions in the deeper layers were
      undetectable. Our findings in this case suggest that the NVC in AP-ROP extends
      beyond the superficial retina.

PMID- 27132142
TI  - Profiling and Validation of the Circular RNA Repertoire in Adult Murine Hearts.
AB  - For several decades, cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death
      throughout all countries. There is a strong genetic component to many disease
      subtypes (e.g., cardiomyopathy) and we are just beginning to understand the
      relevant genetic factors. Several studies have related RNA splicing to
      cardiovascular disease and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are an emerging player.
      circRNAs, which originate through back-splicing events from primary transcripts,
      are resistant to exonucleases and typically not polyadenylated. Initial
      functional studies show clear phenotypic outcomes for selected circRNAs. We
      provide, for the first time, a comprehensive catalogue of RNase R-resistant
      circRNA species for the adult murine heart. This work combines state-of-the-art
      circle sequencing with our novel DCC software to explore the circRNA landscape of
      heart tissue. Overall, we identified 575 circRNA species that pass a beta
      binomial test for enrichment (false discovery rate of 1%) in the exonuclease
      treated sequencing sample. Several circRNAs can be directly attributed to host
      genes that have been previously described as associated with cardiovascular
      disease. Further studies of these candidate circRNAs may reveal disease-relevant
      properties or functions of specific circRNAs.

PMID- 27132143
TI  - Similarity Estimation Between DNA Sequences Based on Local Pattern Histograms of
      Binary Images.
AB  - Graphical representation of DNA sequences is one of the most popular techniques
      for alignment-free sequence comparison. Here, we propose a new method for the
      feature extraction of DNA sequences represented by binary images, by estimating
      the similarity between DNA sequences using the frequency histograms of local
      bitmap patterns of images. Our method shows linear time complexity for the length
      of DNA sequences, which is practical even when long sequences, such as whole
      genome sequences, are compared. We tested five distance measures for the
      estimation of sequence similarities, and found that the histogram intersection
      and Manhattan distance are the most appropriate ones for phylogenetic analyses.

PMID- 27132144
TI  - A Biobank for Long-term and Sustainable Research in the Field of Congenital Heart
      Disease in Germany.
AB  - Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most frequent birth defect (0.8%-1% of all
      live births). Due to the advance in prenatal and postnatal early diagnosis and
      treatment, more than 90% of these patients survive into adulthood today. However,
      several mid- and long-term morbidities are dominating the follow-up of these
      patients. Due to the rarity and heterogeneity of the phenotypes of CHD,
      multicenter registry-based studies are required. The CHD-Biobank was established
      in 2009 with the aim to collect DNA from patients and their parents (trios) or
      from affected families, as well as cardiovascular tissues from patients
      undergoing corrective heart surgery for cardiovascular malformations.
      Clinical/phenotype data are matched to the International Paediatric and
      Congenital Cardiac Code (IPCCC) and the International Statistical Classification
      of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10). The DNA
      collection currently comprises samples from approximately 4200 participants with
      a wide range of CHD phenotypes. The collection covers about 430 trios and 120
      families with more than one affected member. The cardiac tissue collection
      comprises 1143 tissue samples from 556 patients after open heart surgery. The CHD
      Biobank provides a comprehensive basis for research in the field of CHD with high
      standards of data privacy, IT management, and sample logistics.

PMID- 27132145
TI  - Up-regulation of Long Non-coding RNA TUG1 in Hibernating Thirteen-lined Ground
      Squirrels.
AB  - Mammalian hibernation is associated with multiple physiological, biochemical, and
      molecular changes that allow animals to endure colder temperatures. We
      hypothesize that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a group of non-coding
      transcripts with diverse functions, are differentially expressed during
      hibernation. In this study, expression levels of lncRNAsH19 and TUG1 were
      assessed via qRT-PCR in liver, heart, and skeletal muscle tissues of the
      hibernating thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus). TUG1
      transcript levels were significantly elevated 1.94-fold in skeletal muscle of
      hibernating animals when compared with euthermic animals. Furthermore, transcript
      levels of HSF2 also increased 2.44-fold in the skeletal muscle in hibernating
      animals. HSF2 encodes a transcription factor that can be negatively regulated by
      TUG1 levels and that influences heat shock protein expression. Thus, these
      observations support the differential expression of the TUG1-HSF2 axis during
      hibernation. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence for
      differential expression of lncRNAs in torpid ground squirrels, adding lncRNAs as
      another group of transcripts modulated in this mammalian species during
      hibernation.

PMID- 27132146
TI  - Characterization of a ligand-gated cation channel based on an inositol receptor
      in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.
AB  - Insect herbivores recognize non-volatile compounds in plants to direct their
      feeding behavior. Gustatory receptors (Gr) appear to be required for nutrient
      recognition by gustatory organs in the mouthparts of insects. Gr10 is expressed
      in Bombyx mori (BmGr10) mouthparts such as maxillary galea, maxillary palp, and
      labrum. BmGr10 is predicted to function in sugar recognition; however, the
      precise biochemical function remains obscure. Larvae of B. mori are monophagous
      feeders able to find and feed on mulberry leaves. Soluble mulberry leaf extract
      contains sucrose, glucose, fructose, and myo-inositol. In this study, we
      identified BmGr10 as an inositol receptor using electrophysiological analysis
      with the Xenopus oocyte expression system and Ca(2+) imaging techniques using
      mammalian cells. These results demonstrated that Xenopus oocytes or HEK293T cells
      expressing BmGr10 specifically respond to myo-inositol and epi-inositol but do
      not respond to any mono-, di-, or tri-saccharides or to some sugar alcohols.
      These inositols caused Ca(2+) and Na(+) influxes into the cytoplasm independently
      of a G protein-mediated signaling cascade, indicating that BmGr10 is a ligand
      gated cation channel. Overall, BmGr10 plays an important role in the myo-inositol
      recognition required for B. mori larval feeding behavior.

PMID- 27132147
TI  - Characterization of two coleopteran alpha-amylases and molecular insights into
      their differential inhibition by synthetic alpha-amylase inhibitor, acarbose.
AB  - Post-harvest insect infestation of stored grains makes them unfit for human
      consumption and leads to severe economic loss. Here, we report functional and
      structural characterization of two coleopteran alpha-amylases viz. Callosobruchus
      chinensis alpha-amylase (CcAmy) and Tribolium castaneum alpha-amylase (TcAmy)
      along with their interactions with proteinaceous and non-proteinaceous alpha
      amylase inhibitors. Secondary structural alignment of CcAmy and TcAmy with other
      coleopteran alpha-amylases revealed conserved motifs, active sites, di-sulfide
      bonds and two point mutations at spatially conserved substrate or inhibitor
      binding sites. Homology modeling and molecular docking showed structural
      differences between these two enzymes. Both the enzymes had similar optimum pH
      values but differed in their optimum temperature. Overall, pattern of enzyme
      stabilities were similar under various temperature and pH conditions. Further,
      CcAmy and TcAmy differed in their substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency
      towards starch and amylopectin. HPLC analysis detected common amylolytic products
      like maltose and malto-triose while glucose and malto-tetrose were unique in
      CcAmy and TcAmy catalyzed reactions respectively. At very low concentrations,
      wheat alpha-amylase inhibitor was found to be superior over the acarbose as far
      as complete inhibition of amylolytic activities of CcAmy and TcAmy was concerned.
      Mechanism underlying differential amylolytic reaction inhibition by acarbose was
      discussed.

PMID- 27132148
TI  - Altered virulence potential of Salmonella Enteritidis cultured in different
      foods: A cumulative effect of differential gene expression and immunomodulation.
AB  - Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is one of the most
      common causes of food borne illness. Bacterial growth environment plays an
      important role in regulating gene expression thereby affecting the virulence
      profile of the bacteria. Different foods present diverse growth conditions which
      may affect the pathogenic potential of the bacteria. In the present study, the
      effect of food environments on the pathogenic potential of S. Enteritidis has
      been evaluated. S. Enteritidis was grown in different foods e.g. egg white,
      peanut butter and milk, and virulent phenotypes were compared to those grown in
      Luria Bertani broth. In-vivo experiments in C57BL/6 mice revealed S. Enteritidis
      grown in egg white did not induce significant (p<0.001) production of
      proinflammatory cytokines in mice and were unable to cause colitis despite
      efficient colonization in cecum, mesenteric lymph node, spleen and liver. Further
      studies revealed that bacteria grown in LB activated MAP Kinase and NFkappaB
      pathways efficiently, while those grown in egg white poorly activated the above
      pathways which can account for the decreased production of proinflammatory
      cytokines. qRT PCR analysis revealed SPI-1 effectors were downregulated in
      bacteria grown in egg white. Interestingly, bacteria grown in egg white showed
      reversal of phenotype upon change in growth media to LB. Additionally, bacteria
      grown in milk and peanut butter showed different degrees of virulence in mice as
      compared to those grown in LB media. Thus, the present study demonstrates that,
      S. Enteritidis grown in egg white colonizes systemic sites without causing
      colitis in a mouse model, while bacteria grown in milk and peanut butter show
      different pathogenicity profiles suggesting that food environments significantly
      affect the pathogenicity of S. Enteritidis. 

PMID- 27132149
TI  - Nonlinear robust control of hypersonic aircrafts with interactions between flight
      dynamics and propulsion systems.
AB  - This paper addresses the nonlinear robust tracking controller design problem for
      hypersonic vehicles. This problem is challenging due to strong coupling between
      the aerodynamics and the propulsion system, and the uncertainties involved in the
      vehicle dynamics including parametric uncertainties, unmodeled model
      uncertainties, and external disturbances. By utilizing the feedback linearization
      technique, a linear tracking error system is established with prescribed
      references. For the linear model, a robust controller is proposed based on the
      signal compensation theory to guarantee that the tracking error dynamics is
      robustly stable. Numerical simulation results are given to show the advantages of
      the proposed nonlinear robust control method, compared to the robust loop-shaping
      control approach. 

PMID- 27132150
TI  - Focal impulse and rotor modulation as a stand-alone procedure for the treatment
      of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: A within-patient controlled study with
      implanted cardiac monitoring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Focal impulse and rotor modulation (FIRM) has been proposed as a
      novel approach for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVE: This
      study aimed to investigate the efficacy of FIRM as a stand-alone procedure for
      the treatment of paroxysmal AF. METHODS: A total of 27 patients with paroxysmal
      AF underwent sequential biatrial computational mapping. Sites with repetitive
      centrifugal or spiral reentry-like activity were considered to be AF-sustaining
      sources and targeted by irrigated radiofrequency (RF) ablation. All patients were
      seen in the outpatient clinic after 1, 3, and 6 months and thereafter every 6
      months. Cardiac monitors were implanted 3 months before ablation in 17 patients
      (63%). RESULTS: Repetitive activity interpreted as sustained AF sources was found
      in all patients, with an average of 3.0 +/- 1.1 sources located in the left
      atrium and 0.6 +/- 0.6 sources in the right atrium. The majority of sources were
      rotors (95%). The total source-ablation radiofrequency time was 20.0 +/- 9.0
      minutes. At 15.2 +/- 3.9 months of follow-up, the prespecified end point of <1%
      AF burden (outside a 3-month blanking period) was achieved in 2 of the 17
      continuously monitored patients (12%). Of all the 27 patients who underwent FIRM,
      AF episodes of >=30 minutes were recorded in 23 (85%), while AF episodes >=60
      minutes were recorded in 21 patients (78%). CONCLUSION: This study suggest that
      biatrial ablation of localized patient-specific sources alone, as detected by
      this method, is not sufficient to reduce paroxysmal AF burden in the majority of
      patients.

PMID- 27132151
TI  - Challenging the unifying pathophysiological concept of J-wave syndromes.

PMID- 27132152
TI  - Radiofrequency septal reduction in symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive
      cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol septal ablation remains the only approved nonsurgical
      therapeutic alternative for patients with drug-resistant hypertrophic obstructive
      cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Radiofrequency (RF) ablation offers another option for
      treating HOCM. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether
      irrigated RF ablation can reduce symptomatic outflow tract obstruction in adults
      with HOCM. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic HOCM and an outflow gradient of >50
      mm Hg despite medication were offered RF ablation. In 11 patients, the
      hypertrophied interventricular septum was localized on a 3-dimensional mapping
      system and ablated via a transmitral or retrograde aortic approach. RESULTS: Ten
      of 11(91%) patients had a significant and persistent reduction in resting and
      provocable left ventricular outflow tract gradients. Mean resting gradients at 12
      months postprocedure were reduced by 85% (66.7 mm Hg at baseline to 10.0 mm Hg at
      12 months); mean provocable gradients were reduced by 85% from baseline (136.2 mm
      Hg at baseline to 20.0 mm Hg at 12 months). Functional New York Heart Association
      heart classification improved from class 3.0 +/- 0.0 in all patients to class
      mean of 1.8 +/- 0.8. CONCLUSION: RF septal ablation for the treatment of HOCM is
      a safe therapeutic option that allows for significant reduction in left
      ventricular outflow tract gradients, improvement in symptoms, and increase in
      efficacy rates comparable to reported rates for alcohol septal ablation.

PMID- 27132153
TI  - Optimal kicking of a trampolinist.
AB  - This work aims to create a mathematical model by using kinematical equations that
      can describe the landing-jump of a trampoline performance. In this model, the
      trampolinist was assumed to be a combination of two parts of masses. The landing
      process (from the time trampolinist touches the net to the deepest location) was
      discretized into two stages. During these two stages, the trampolinist exerts
      different internal forces. Analyzing the kinematics of the abovementioned two
      stages, we obtained the numerical solutions for the optimum loading time and
      loading force of the trampolinist to get the deepest landing location. This work
      has potential for guiding a trampolinist in developing his/her personalized
      optimal strategy for exerting force during landing on the trampoline. 

PMID- 27132154
TI  - Adapting to the surface: A comparison of handwriting measures when writing on a
      tablet computer and on paper.
AB  - Our study addresses the following research questions: Are there differences
      between handwriting movements on paper and on a tablet computer? Can experienced
      writers, such as most adults, adapt their graphomotor execution during writing to
      a rather unfamiliar surface for instance a tablet computer? We examined the
      handwriting performance of adults in three tasks with different complexity: (a)
      graphomotor abilities, (b) visuomotor abilities and (c) handwriting. Each
      participant performed each task twice, once on paper and once on a tablet
      computer with a pen. We tested 25 participants by measuring their writing
      duration, in air time, number of pen lifts, writing velocity and number of
      inversions in velocity. The data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects
      modeling with repeated measures. Our results reveal differences between writing
      on paper and on a tablet computer which were partly task-dependent. Our findings
      also show that participants were able to adapt their graphomotor execution to the
      smoother surface of the tablet computer during the tasks. 

PMID- 27132155
TI  - Age-related effects of practice experience on collective behaviours of football
      players in small-sided games.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine whether offensive and defensive
      collective behaviours emerging in six-a-side football games (GK+5 vs. 5+GK)
      varied according to age-related practice experience of young, male players (U16,
      U17 and U19yrs). Players' were not instructed to implement specific tactical
      plans and their movement trajectories (2D analyses) were recorded using 10 GPS
      units. Four common measures of team dispersion investigated in previous research
      (surface area, stretch index, length and width of a team) were used to analyse
      team performance behaviours. After recording these collective variables, we used
      sample entropy (SampEn) and cross-sample entropy (Cross-SampEn) measures to
      assess the regularity and synchronization of participant actions in teams.
      Results demonstrated clear age-related variations in effects on the collective
      performance measures analysed. In attacking phases, older and more experienced
      players occupied a greater surface area and displayed higher values of team width
      and stretch index. In defensive phases, significant differences were observed in
      team length and stretch index. Cross-SampEn analysis demonstrated a greater
      synchronization between offensive and defensive surface areas and team width in
      older age groups (U17 and U19yrs). Data suggest how coaches can manipulate
      practice task constraints to enhance development of team tactical performance
      behaviours in developing footballers between 16 and 19yrs of age. 

PMID- 27132156
TI  - Long-term home mechanical ventilation due to obesity hypoventilation syndrome.

PMID- 27132157
TI  - Parkinson's disease, visual hallucinations and apomorphine: A review of the
      available evidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visual hallucinations (VH) occur in the clinical course of
      Parkinson's disease (PD) and are predictive for PD dementia. The genesis of VH is
      related to impaired bottom-up and/or top-down visual processing which can be
      linked to cholinergic dysfunction and mono-amine imbalance. The risk of
      developing VH with oral dopamine agonists seems to increase with advancing
      disease, while in contrast some clinical studies suggest that apomorphine does
      not worsen VH, or might even improve VH. METHODS: The aim of this study is to
      review the current evidence of apomorphine and its effects on VH in PD patients.
      RESULTS: Apomorphine is well-tolerated in PD patients with VH, also in long-term
      follow-up studies. Apomorphine is also suggested to have the potential to
      alleviate VH. Some data suggest that the positive effect of apomorphine on VH is
      related to its piperidine moiety, part of many anti-psychotics. Irrespective this
      piperidine moiety, apomorphine has a high D1-like receptor affinity, and acts as
      a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, which might explain the potential anti
      hallucinogenic properties as well. CONCLUSION: The anecdotal evidence suggesting
      that apomorphine has a relatively low proclivity to induce VH in PD may be due to
      its capacity to reduce serotonergic activity in particular. Therefore apomorphine
      is still an option to consider in fluctuating PD patients with VH, if they are
      treated properly with respect to their cholinergic deficits and existing VH.

PMID- 27132159
TI  - Telephone follow up of gynaecological malignancies: time to rethink our
      postoperative care?

PMID- 27132158
TI  - In vivo diagnosis with purified tropomyosin in mite and shellfish allergic
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tropomyosin is the most studied shellfish allergen and has been
      involved in cross-reactivity among different invertebrates (crustacean, mollusks,
      mites, insects, and nematodes). OBJECTIVE: To determine the relevance of
      tropomyosin in mite- and shellfish-sensitized patients using tropomyosin skin
      testing. METHODS: Patients were divided into 3 groups: group M included mite
      allergic patients (ie, individuals with respiratory symptoms and a positive
      result on skin prick testing [SPT] to house dust mites), group S included
      shellfish allergic patients (ie, individuals who reported symptoms with
      shellfish), and group MS included mite- and shellfish allergic patients (ie,
      individuals who simultaneously fulfilled the inclusion criteria for groups M and
      S). Tropomyosin was purified from shrimp, characterized, and used in SPT for
      diagnosis in the patient population. RESULTS: Eight hundred fifty patients were
      included in the study: 790 (92.9%) in group M, 21 (2.5%) in group S, and 39
      (4.6%) in group MS. Tropomyosin was purified from shrimp with a purity higher
      than 95%. Forty-two individuals tested positive to tropomyosin: the prevalence
      was 2.7% in group M, 28.6% in group S, and 38.5% in patients of group MS. Twenty
      one (50%) of the tropomyosin-positive individuals had symptoms with shellfish,
      and 3 (14.3%) reported anaphylaxis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of tropomyosin was
      low in mite-sensitized patients (2.7 %) and high in shellfish allergic patients
      (28.6%). The higher prevalence of tropomyosin was found in patients sensitized to
      both mite and shellfish (38.5%). The selection of tropomyosin-sensitized patients
      by SPT might help in the choice of appropriate treatments or management for these
      patients.

PMID- 27132160
TI  - Orthotic-Style Off-Loading Wheelchair Seat Cushion Reduces Interface Pressure
      Under Ischial Tuberosities and Sacrococcygeal Regions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of an off-loading wheelchair seat cushion in
      removing pressure from high-risk ischial tuberosities and the coccyx/sacrum in
      wheelchair sitting. DESIGN: Repeated-measures design. SETTING: Private research
      laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Manual wheelchair users with chronic spinal cord
      injuries (N=10). INTERVENTIONS: Three configurations of an off-loading wheelchair
      seat cushion compared with a flotation style (10-cm air inflation) wheelchair
      seat cushion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included peak pressure
      index (PPI), ischial tuberosity peak pressures, and the dispersion index or ratio
      of pressures under the ischial and sacral regions to the total of all pressures
      recorded. RESULTS: PPI and ischial tuberosities peak pressure ranged from a low
      of 39+/-18 and 68+/-46mmHg in the fully off-loaded cushion to a high of 97+/-30
      and 106+/-34mmHg, respectively, for the flotation style cushion (2-way analysis
      of variance main effect across 4 conditions, P<.001). Dispersion index ranged
      from a low of 8%+/-3% in the fully off-loaded cushion to a high of 16%+/-3% in
      the flotation style cushion. Pairwise comparisons yielded significance in all
      cushion-pair analyses (P<.05 after multiple corrections). CONCLUSIONS: The force
      removal approach of this orthotic off-loading cushion design effectively reduces
      a known extrinsic risk factor for pressure ulcers-interface pressure-in the high
      risk ischial tuberosity and sacral/coccygeal regions of the buttocks.

PMID- 27132161
TI  - Variability of perfluoroalkyl substance concentrations in pregnant women by socio
      demographic and dietary factors in a Spanish birth cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) might affect
      child health; but maternal determinants of PFAS exposure are unclear. We
      evaluated the socio-demographic and dietary factors of prenatal PFAS
      concentrations in a Spanish birth cohort. METHODS: We analyzed
      perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS),
      perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) in 1216 plasma
      samples collected during the 1(ST) trimester of pregnancy (2003-2008). We used
      multivariable linear regressions to assess the geometric mean (GM) ratios of PFAS
      concentrations by socio-demographic and dietary factors. We used analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) to assess the variability of PFAS concentrations by maternal
      factors. RESULTS: GM PFAS concentrations ranged from 0.55ng/mL for PFHxS to
      5.77ng/mL for PFOS. Women born outside of Spain had lower PFAS concentrations
      (e.g. GM ratio for PFHxS 0.53[95%CI: 0.46, 0.60] than Spanish women. PFHxS and
      PFOA concentrations were higher in mothers from the regions of Sabadell
      (2.13[1.93, 2.35] and 1.73[1.60, 1.88], respectively) and Valencia (1.40[1.28,
      1.54] and 1.42[1.31, 1.53], respectively) than Gipuzkoa. PFOA and PFNA
      concentrations decreased with parity (>=2 children: 0.79[0.67, 0.94] and
      0.82[0.68, 0.99], respectively). Younger women (i.e. <25years) had lower PFHxS
      (0.73[0.62, 0.86]) and PFOS (0.85[0.75, 0.96]) concentrations than older women.
      PFHxS and PFOA concentrations were lower in women who previously breastfed for
      >6months compared to those who never breastfed (0.79[0.67, 0.94] and 0.82[0.71,
      0.95], respectively). High intake of fish and shellfish during pregnancy (i.e.
      >=5.6 servings/week) was associated with 11% (1.11[1.04, 1.18]) higher PFOS
      concentrations than the lowest intake group. Our ANOVA models explained 26% to
      40% of PFAS concentrations variability. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal PFAS concentrations
      were mainly determined by maternal country of birth, region of residence,
      previous breastfeeding and age. Fish and shellfish intake also contributed to
      PFOS and PFOA concentrations.

PMID- 27132162
TI  - Prenatal exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants and female reproductive
      function in young adulthood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The biopersistent organochlorine pollutants
      dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and
      polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can be detected in humans worldwide. The
      chemicals can cross the placenta and may interfere with endogenous hormonal
      homeostasis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate effects on female reproduction following
      intrauterine exposure to selected biopersistent organochlorines. METHODS: We used
      data from a Danish pregnancy cohort with follow-up on 436 eligible daughters at
      approximately 20years of age. Information on age of menarche (n=335), menstrual
      cycle length (n=230) and serum concentrations of reproductive hormones (n=243)
      was obtained. Number of antral follicles was counted by vaginal ultrasound
      (n=147). Of 244 daughters who attended clinical examination, 170 used hormonal
      contraceptives and 74 were non-users. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE, HCB and six PCB
      congeners were analysed in maternal serum samples obtained in pregnancy week 30.
      RESULTS: Age of menarche and menstrual cycle length were found not to be
      statistically significant associated with prenatal organochlorine exposure. Among
      non-users of hormonal contraceptives with information on antral follicle number
      (n=43), daughters exposed to the highest tertile of p,p'-DDE had 28% (95%
      confidence interval (95% CI): 5; 46%) lower follicle number compared to the low
      level exposed reference group. Those exposed to medium and higher levels of HCB
      had 30% (95% CI: 5; 48%) and 28% (95% CI: 7; 44%) lower follicle number compared
      to the reference group. Furthermore, maternal serum HCB concentrations were
      inversely associated with free androgen index among non-users of hormonal
      contraceptives (n=73). These associations were not found in users of hormonal
      contraceptives. CONCLUSIONS: Among non-users of hormonal contraceptives, we found
      indications of adverse long-term effects on female reproduction following
      prenatal exposure to biopersistent organochlorines. These findings may have wide
      implications for public health as intrauterine exposure occurs worldwide.

PMID- 27132163
TI  - Occurrence, fate and ecological risk of chlorinated paraffins in Asia: A review.
AB  - Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), complex mixtures of polychlorinated alkanes, are
      widely used in various industries and are thus ubiquitous in the receiving
      environment. The present study comprehensively reviewed the occurrence, fate and
      ecological risk of CPs in various environmental matrices in Asia. Releases from
      the production and consumption of CPs or CP-containing materials, wastewater
      discharge and irrigation, sewage sludge application, long-range atmospheric
      transport and aerial deposition have been found to be most likely sources and
      transport mechanisms for the dispersion of CPs in various environmental matrices,
      such as air, water, sediment, soil and biota. CPs can be bioaccumulated in biota
      and biomagnified through food webs, likely causing toxic ecological effects in
      organisms and posing health risks to humans. Inhalation, dust ingestion and
      dietary intake are strongly suggested as the major routes of human exposure.
      Research gaps are discussed to highlight the perspectives of future research to
      improve future efforts regarding the analysis of CPs, the environmental
      occurrence and elimination of CPs, the total environmental pressure, and the
      risks to organisms and populations.

PMID- 27132164
TI  - Alkyne-substituted diminazene as G-quadruplex binders with anticancer activities.
AB  - G-quadruplex ligands have been touted as potential anticancer agents, however,
      none of the reported G-quadruplex-interactive small molecules have gone past
      phase II clinical trials. Recently it was revealed that diminazene (berenil, DMZ)
      actually binds to G-quadruplexes 1000 times better than DNA duplexes, with
      dissociation constants approaching 1 nM. DMZ however does not have strong
      anticancer activities. In this paper, using a panel of biophysical tools,
      including NMR, FRET melting assay and FRET competition assay, we discovered that
      monoamidine analogues of DMZ bearing alkyne substitutes selectively bind to G
      quadruplexes. The lead DMZ analogues were shown to be able to target c-MYC G
      quadruplex both in vitro and in vivo. Alkyne DMZ analogues display respectable
      anticancer activities (single digit micromolar GI50) against ovarian (OVCAR-3),
      prostate (PC-3) and triple negative breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cell lines and
      represent interesting new leads to develop anticancer agents. 

PMID- 27132165
TI  - Design, synthesis, anti-tumor activity, and molecular modeling of quinazoline and
      pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives targeting epidermal growth factor receptor.
AB  - Three series of novel quinazoline and pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives were
      designed, synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit EGFR tyrosine
      kinase and a panel of five human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, A549, BT-474, SK-BR-3,
      and MDA-MB-231). Bioassay results indicated that five of these prepared compounds
      (12c-12e and 13c-13d) exhibited remarkably higher inhibitory activities against
      EGFR and SK-BR-3 cell line. Compounds 12c and 12e displayed the most potent EGFR
      inhibitory activity (IC50 = 2.97 nM and 3.58 nM, respectively) and good anti
      proliferative effect against SK-BR-3 cell with the IC50 values of 3.10 MUM and
      5.87 MUM, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics
      simulation studies verified that compound 12c and 12e shared similar binding
      pattern with gefitinib in the binding pocket of EGFR. MM-GBSA binding free energy
      revealed that the compound 12c and 12e have almost the same inhibitory activity
      against EGFR as gefitinib, and that the dominating effect of van der Waals
      interactions drives the binding process. 

PMID- 27132166
TI  - A novel asymmetric membrane osmotic pump capsule with in situ formed delivery
      orifices for controlled release of gliclazide solid dispersion system.
AB  - In this study, a novel asymmetric membrane osmotic pump capsule of gliclazide
      (GLC) solid dispersion was developed to achieve a controlled drug release. The
      capsule shells were obtained by wet phase inversion process using cellulose
      acetate as semi-permeable membrane, glycerol and kolliphor P188 as pore formers,
      then filled with the mixture of GLC solid dispersion and pH modifiers.
      Differentiate from the conventional formulations, sodium carbonate was chosen as
      the osmotic agent and effervescent agent simultaneously to control the drug
      release, instead of the polymer materials. The ternary solid dispersion of GLC,
      with polyethylene glycol 6000 and kolliphor P188 as carriers, was prepared by
      solvent-evaporation method, realizing a 2.09-fold increment in solubility and
      dissolution rate in comparison with unprocessed GLC. Influence of the composition
      of the coating solution and pH modifiers on the drug release from the asymmetric
      membrane capsule (AMC) was investigated. The ultimate cumulative release of the
      optimal formulation reached 91.32% in an approximately zero-order manner. The
      osmotic pressure test and dye test were conducted to validate the drug release
      mechanism from the AMC. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study of the AMC indicated a
      102.66+/-10.95% relative bioavailability compared with the commercial tablet,
      suggesting the bioequivalence between the two formulations. Consequently, the
      novel controlled delivery system with combination of solid dispersion and AMC
      system is capable of providing a satisfactory alternative to release the water
      insoluble drugs in a controlled manner. 

PMID- 27132167
TI  - Polymeric prodrug of bufalin for increasing solubility and stability: Synthesis
      and anticancer study in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Bufalin (BUF) exhibits promising potential for the treatment of various human
      cancers. However, its poor water solubility and unsatisfying stability in water
      limit its further clinical applications. In the current study, we fabricated a
      novel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based polymeric prodrug of BUF, PEGS-BUF, to
      improve its water solubility and stability at the prerequisite of maintaining its
      original anticancer activity. Water soluble and biocompatible PEG was firstly
      reacted with maleic anhydride (MAH) to afford carboxyl-terminated PEG, PEG-MAH.
      Then the double bond was reacted with n-propyl mercaptan via the Michael addition
      reaction to afford PEGS-COOH. At last, the 3alpha-hydroxyl group of BUF was
      reacted with the terminal carboxyl group of PEGS-COOH via esterification reaction
      to afford the final polymeric prodrug, PEGS-BUF, endowing BUF good water
      solubility, stability, and anticancer activity. It was demonstrated that the
      water solubility and stability of PEGS-BUF improved dramatically compared with
      that of its small molecular counterpart, BUF. Besides, both in vitro and in vivo
      experiments showed that PEGS-BUF exhibited comparable anticancer activity in
      comparison with that of free BUF. 

PMID- 27132168
TI  - Response to "Comment on 'Piriformis muscle syndrome: Diagnostic criteria and
      treatment of a monocentric series of 250 patients"' by F. Michel et al.

PMID- 27132169
TI  - Reply to: "High mortality during direct acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C
      patients with Child's C cirrhosis: Results of the Irish Early Access Programme".

PMID- 27132170
TI  - Treatment of chronic hepatitis D with the entry inhibitor myrcludex B: First
      results of a phase Ib/IIa study.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The therapeutic option for patients with chronic hepatitis
      delta virus infection (CHD) is limited to interferon alpha with rare curative
      outcome. Myrcludex B is a first-in-class entry inhibitor inactivating the
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) receptor sodium taurocholate
      co-transporting polypeptide. We report the interim results of a pilot trial on
      chronically infected HDV patients treated with myrcludex B, or pegylated
      interferon alpha (PegIFNalpha-2a) or their combination. METHODS: Twenty-four
      patients with CHD infection were equally randomized (1:1:1) to receive myrcludex
      B, or PegIFNalpha-2a or their combination. Patients were evaluated for
      virological and biochemical response and tolerability of the study drugs at weeks
      12 and 24. RESULTS: Myrcludex B was well tolerated and no serious adverse event
      occurred. Although hepatitis B surface antigen levels remained unchanged, HDV RNA
      significantly declined at week 24 in all cohorts. HDV RNA became negative in two
      patients each in the Myrcludex B and PegIFNalpha-2a cohorts, and in five patients
      of the Myrcludex B+PegIFNalpha-2a cohort. ALT decreased significantly in the
      Myrcludex B cohort (six of eight patients), and HBV DNA was significantly reduced
      at week 24 in the Myrcludex B+PegIFNalpha-2a cohort. Virus kinetic modeling
      suggested a strong synergistic effect of myrcludex B and PegIFNalpha-2a on both
      HDV and HBV. CONCLUSIONS: Myrcludex B showed a strong effect on HDV RNA serum
      levels and induced ALT normalization under monotherapy. Synergistic antiviral
      effects on HDV RNA and HBV DNA in the Myr-IFN cohort indicated a benefit of the
      combination of entry inhibition with PegIFNalpha-2a to treat CHD patients. LAY
      SUMMARY: Myrcludex B is a new drug to treat hepatitis B and D infection. After
      24weeks of treatment with myrcludex B and/or pegylated interferon alpha-2a, HDV R
      NA, a relevant marker for hepatitis D infection, decreased in all patients with
      chronic hepatitis B and D. Two of eight patients which received either myrcludex
      B or pegylated interferon alpha-2a, became negative for HDV RNA, and five of
      seven patients who received both drugs at the same time became negative. The drug
      was well tolerated.

PMID- 27132171
TI  - Imagestream detection and characterisation of circulating tumour cells - A liquid
      biopsy for hepatocellular carcinoma?
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The lack of progress in developing and delivering new
      therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is in part attributed to the risk
      related avoidance of tumour biopsy at diagnosis. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs)
      are a potential source of tumour tissue that could aid biological or biomarker
      research, treatment stratification and monitoring. METHODS: An imaging flow
      cytometry method, using immunofluorescence of cytokeratin, EpCAM, AFP, glypican-3
      and DNA-PK together with analysis of size, morphology and DNA content, for
      detection of HCC CTCs was developed and applied to 69 patient and 31 control
      samples. The presence of CTCs as a prognostic indicator was assessed in
      multivariate analyses encompassing recognised prognostic parameters. RESULTS:
      Between 1 and 1642 CTCs were detected in blood samples from 45/69 HCC patients
      compared to 0/31 controls. CTCs positive for the epithelial markers cytokeratin
      and EpCAM were detected in 29% and 18% of patients respectively, while an
      additional 28% of patients had CTCs negative for all markers other than size and
      evidence of hyperploidy. CTC number correlated significantly with tumour size and
      portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The median survival of patients with >1 CTC was
      7.5months versus >34months for patients with <1 CTC (p<0.001, log-rank), with
      significance retained in a multivariate analysis (HR 2.34, 95% CI 1.005-5.425,
      p=0.049) including tumour size and PVT. CONCLUSIONS: The use of multiple
      parameters enhanced HCC CTC detection sensitivity, revealing biological
      associations and predictive biomarker potential that may be able to guide
      stratified medicine decisions and future research. LAY SUMMARY: Characteristics
      of tumour tissues can be used to predict outcomes for individual patients with
      cancer, as well as help to choose their best treatment. Biopsy of liver cancers
      carries risks, however, and is usually avoided. Some cancer cells enter the
      blood, and although they are very rare, we have developed a method of finding and
      characterising them in patients with liver cancer, which we hope will provide a
      low risk means of guiding treatment.

PMID- 27132172
TI  - First-in-human application of the novel hepatitis B and hepatitis D virus entry
      inhibitor myrcludex B.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Myrcludex B is a first-in-class compound, which blocks entry
      of hepatitis B and D virus into hepatocytes in vitro and in animal models. Based
      on the required preclinical data we aimed to translate this compound into the
      first application in humans. METHODS: Single ascending doses of myrcludex B, a 47
      amino acid peptide, were administered up to 20mg intravenously and 10mg
      subcutaneously in a prospective open first-in-human, phase I clinical trial to 36
      healthy volunteers. Safety, tolerability and plasma concentrations of myrcludex B
      were assessed and a pharmacokinetic model was derived. RESULTS: Myrcludex B was
      well tolerated and no serious or relevant AEs representing off-target effects,
      and no immunogenic effects were observed up to the highest applied dose of 20mg
      (intravenously). Myrcludex B showed dose-dependent pharmacokinetics, best
      described by a 2-compartment target-mediated drug disposition model.
      Bioavailability of the subcutaneous application was large (85%). Interindividual
      variability was moderate. The pharmacokinetic model suggested that subcutaneous
      doses of 10mg and above reach a target saturation of over 80% for at least 15h.
      CONCLUSIONS: Myrcludex B showed excellent tolerability up to high doses.
      Pharmacologic properties followed a 2-compartment target-mediated drug
      disposition model. These findings are vital for planning of further multiple dose
      efficacy trials in patients. LAY SUMMARY: After showing antiviral activity in
      cell culture and animal models, myrcludex B, a new drug intended for the
      treatment of hepatitis B and D, has been administered the first time in humans.
      Healthy volunteers received the drug intravenously and subcutaneously up to high
      doses (20mg). The drug was well tolerated and the characteristics of the drug
      determining its way in the human body could be described. These results will
      allow testing myrcludex B in hepatitis B and D patients.

PMID- 27132173
TI  - Reducing long-branch effects in multi-protein data uncovers a close relationship
      between Alveolata and Rhizaria.
AB  - Rhizaria is a major eukaryotic group of tremendous diversity, including amoebae
      with spectacular skeletons or tests (Radiolaria and Foraminifera), plasmodial
      parasites (Plasmodiophorida) and secondary endosymbionts (Chlorarachniophyta).
      Current phylogeny places Rhizaria in an unresolved trichotomy with Stramenopila
      and Alveolata (supergroup "SAR"). We assembled a 147-protein data set with
      extensive rhizarian coverage (M147), including the first transcriptomic data for
      a euglyphid amoeba. Phylogenetic pre-screening of individual proteins indicated
      potential problems with radically misplaced sequences due either to contamination
      of rhizarian sequences amplified from wild collected material and/or extremely
      long branches (xLBs). Therefore, two data subsets were extracted containing
      either all proteins consistently recovering rhizarian monophyly (M34) or
      excluding all proteins with ?3 xLBs (defined as ?2* the average terminal branch
      length for the tree). Phylogenetic analyses of M147 give conflicting results
      depending on the outgroup and method of analysis but strongly support an
      exclusive Rhizaria+Alveolata (R+A) clade with both data subsets (M34 and M37)
      regardless of phylogenetic method used. Support for an R+A clade is most
      consistent when a close outgroup is used and decreases with more distant
      outgroups, suggesting that support for alternative SAR topologies may reflect a
      long-branch attraction artifact. A survey of xLB distribution among taxa and
      protein functional category indicates that small "informational" proteins in
      particular have highly variable evolutionary rates with no consistent pattern
      among taxa.

PMID- 27132174
TI  - Identification of a new polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) producer Aquitalea sp. USM4
      (JCM 19919) and characterization of its PHA synthase.
AB  - Aquitalea sp. USM4 (JCM 19919) was isolated from a freshwater sample at Lata
      Iskandar Waterfall in Perak, Malaysia. It is a rod-shaped, gram-negative
      bacterium with high sequence identity (99%) to Aquitalea magnusonii based on 16S
      rRNA gene analysis. Aquitalea sp. USM4 also possessed a PHA synthase gene (phaC),
      which had amino acid sequence identity of 77-78% to the PHA synthase of
      Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC12472 and Pseudogulbenkiania sp. NH8B. PHA
      biosynthesis results showed that wild-type Aquitalea sp. USM4 was able to
      accumulate up to 1.5 g/L of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), [P(3HB)]. The heterologous
      expression of the PHA synthase gene of Aquitalea sp. USM4 (phaCAq) in Cupriavidus
      necator PHB-4 had resulted in PHA accumulation up to 3.2 g/L of P(3HB). It was
      further confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis that Aquitalea
      sp. USM4 and C. necator PHB-4 transformant were able to produce PHA containing 3
      hydroxyvalerate (3HV), 4-hydroxybutyrate (4HB) and 3-hydroxy-4-methylvalerate
      (3H4MV) monomers from suitable precursor substrates. Interestingly, relatively
      high PHA synthase activity of 863 U/g and 1402 U/g were determined in wild-type
      Aquitalea sp. USM4 and C. necator PHB-4 transformant respectively. This is the
      first report on the member of genus Aquitalea as a new PHA producer as well as in
      vitro and in vivo characterization of a novel PHA synthase from Aquitalea sp.
      USM4.

PMID- 27132175
TI  - Skills use and common treatment processes in dialectical behaviour therapy for
      borderline personality disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) trains
      participants to use behavioural skills for managing their emotions. The study
      aimed to evaluate whether skills use is associated with positive treatment
      outcomes independently of treatment processes that are common across different
      therapeutic models. METHOD: Use of the DBT skills and three common treatment
      processes (therapeutic alliance, treatment credibility and self-efficacy) were
      assessed every 2 months for a year in 70 individuals with borderline personality
      disorder receiving DBT. Mixed-multilevel modelling was used to determine the
      association of these factors with frequency of self-harm and with treatment
      dropout. RESULTS: Participants who used the skills less often at any timepoint
      were more likely to drop out of DBT in the subsequent two months, independently
      of their self-efficacy, therapeutic alliance or perceived treatment credibility.
      More frequent use of the DBT skills and higher self-efficacy were each
      independently associated with less frequent concurrent self-harm. Treatment
      credibility and the alliance were not independently associated with self-harm or
      treatment dropout. LIMITATIONS: The skills use measure could not be applied to a
      control group who did not receive DBT. The sample size was insufficient for
      structural equation modelling. CONCLUSION: Practising the DBT skills and building
      an increased sense of self-efficacy may be important and partially independent
      treatment processes in dialectical behaviour therapy. However, the direction of
      the association between these variables and self-harm requires further
      evaluation.

PMID- 27132176
TI  - Pituitary Adenoma and Non-acute Headache: Is There an Association, and Does
      Treatment Help?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Headache is a controversial indication for treatment of pituitary
      adenoma. We studied the possible relationship between pituitary adenomas and
      headache as well as the symptomatic effects of treatment. METHODS: Current and
      prior headache complaints were assessed in structured telephone interviews in 201
      patients with pituitary adenoma. Clinical variables and headache history were
      retrieved from medical records. Headache prevalence among patients was compared
      with a regional population-based cohort. RESULTS: The presence of headache was
      higher in patients before the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma compared with the
      general population (P < 0.001). At follow-up, overall prevalence was lower (P <
      0.001), but chronic headache was more prevalent (P = 0.001) than in the general
      population. With the exception of family history, no associations between
      headache and clinical or radiologic variables were identified. At follow-up
      evaluation, 77% of patients with headache reported improvement, 5% reported
      worsening, and 11% reported new headaches. Patients with nonfunctional adenoma
      who underwent surgical treatment reported improvement more often (85%) than
      patients who did not undergo surgery (58%) (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort
      with both treated and untreated patients with pituitary adenoma, headache
      prevalence was low compared with the general population. We found no link between
      clinical or radiologic variables and headache. Although a higher proportion of
      patients who underwent surgical treatment reported symptomatic relief, most
      patients who did not undergo treatment also improved. We believe that the
      unpredictable dynamics of headache over time and the lack of predictive and
      modifiable tumor-related variables associated with headache or treatment of
      headache weaken headache as a sole indication for pituitary adenoma treatment.

PMID- 27132177
TI  - Analysis of Multiple Intracranial Aneurysms with Different Outcomes in the Same
      Patient After Endovascular Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aneurysm recanalization after coiling, with or without stent
      assistance, is a major issue in the endovascular management of intracranial
      aneurysms. Multiple intracranial aneurysms with different outcomes after
      endovascular treatment may represent a useful disease model in which patient
      specific risk factors can be balanced to investigate possible features linked to
      aneurysm recanalization. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of
      aneurysm-specific, treatment-related, and hemodynamics-related factors on
      multiple aneurysms and to explore the reason why one aneurysm recanalized and the
      other did not. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2015, 763 multiple intracranial
      aneurysms in 326 patients were diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography. We
      retrospectively collected and analyzed 13 pairs of multiple aneurysms with
      different outcomes (recanalized or stable) in the same patient. Patient-specific
      models were constructed and analyzed by a computational fluid dynamics method.
      The virtual stent deployment method was used, and the coils were simulated by a
      porous medium model. Factors were evaluated for significance with respect to
      recanalization. RESULTS: Aneurysm size (P = 0.021), neck width (P = 0.027),
      ruptured aneurysms (P = 0.002), reduction ratio of averaged velocity (P = 0.008),
      and wall shear stress (P = 0.024) were significantly associated with aneurysm
      recanalization. By contrast, the aneurysm location, all of treatment-related
      factors (packing density, duration of follow-up, stent use, initial angiographic
      result) and the reduction ratio of averaged pressure were not significantly
      associated (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Small aneurysm size and neck width,
      unruptured aneurysm, and perianeurysmal hemodynamics with marked reduction may be
      important factors associated with the midterm durability of aneurysm
      embolization.

PMID- 27132178
TI  - Three-Dimensional Angiographic Evaluation of Middle Cerebral Artery Trunk
      Aneurysms: Demonstration of the Close Relationship Between the Early Frontal
      Cortical Branches and Lateral Lenticulostriate Arteries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For the treatment planning of a patient with a middle cerebral artery
      (MCA) trunk aneurysm, understanding the anatomic relationship among the aneurysm,
      branching vessels, and lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) is important. We aimed to
      demonstrate the branching-vessel anatomy related to an MCA trunk aneurysm using 3
      dimensional (3D) angiography. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 3D
      angiographic findings of 64 cases of MCA trunk aneurysms using a 3D workstation
      with various postprocessing conditions. We classified the aneurysms into 4 groups
      (early frontal cortical branch [EFCB], early temporal cortical branch [ETCB],
      LSA, and nonbranching aneurysms) and analyzed the relationship between the
      branching vessels and the LSAs. RESULTS: There were 30 EFCB aneurysms, 25 ETCB
      aneurysms, 7 LSA aneurysms, and 2 nonbranching aneurysms. Twenty-six (86.7%) of
      the 30 EFCB aneurysms shared common origins and were associated with the LSAs,
      but none of the 25 ETCB aneurysms were. Three of 24 patients who received
      clipping for an EFCB aneurysm experienced a postoperative infarction in the LSA
      territory. In these 3 patients, the LSA originated from the EFCB and was closely
      related with the aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified a clinically important
      anatomic relationship between the MCA trunk aneurysm and branching vessels,
      including the LSAs. EFCB aneurysms show a close relationship with the LSAs.
      Pretreatment identification of the origin of the LSAs is important to obviate any
      perforator injury in EFCB aneurysms.

PMID- 27132179
TI  - Rational Roots of Sympathetic Overactivity by Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema Modeling
      Arising from Sympathyco-Vagal Imbalance in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: An
      Experimental Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autonomous innervations of the lungs are maintained by cervical
      sympathetic and vagal nerves. Sympathetic overactivity-induced neurogenic
      pulmonary edema (NPE) is known as a serious complication of subarachnoid
      hemorrhage, but the rational neuronal mechanism of that overactivity has not yet
      been clarified fully. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is a
      relationship between vagal nerve ischemia related sympathetic overactivity and
      neurogenic pulmonary edema in subarachnoid hemorrhage. METHODS: This study was
      conducted on 27 rabbits. A control group was formed of 5 animals, a sham group of
      7 to which saline was administered, and a study group of 15 animals that were
      injected with homologous arterial blood into the cisterna magna.
      Electrocardiography and respiratory rhythm parameters were monitored for 3 weeks
      and the animals were then decapitated. Statistical analysis was made of the
      numbers of degenerated axons in the pulmonary branches of the vagal nerves, the
      neuron density of stellate ganglions and the vasospasm index of the pulmonary
      arteries. RESULTS: In the control group, the normal respiration rate was 34 +/- 6
      bpm, total axon number was 1600 +/- 270/mm(2), degenerated axon number was 10 +/-
      3/mm(2), and vasospasm index was 1.34 +/- 0.25. The sham group values were 30 +/-
      3 bpm, 163 +/- 47/mm(2), and 1.95 +/- 0.45 and the study group values were 45 +/-
      8 bpm, 530 +/- 92/mm(2), and 2.76 +/- 0.83. The mean stellate ganglion neuron
      density was evaluated as 8.112 +/- 1.230/mm(3) in all animals, as 7.420 +/-
      4.10/mm(3) in animals with slight NPE, and as 12.512 +/- 1.236/mm(3) in animals
      that developed severe NPE. CONCLUSION: High neuron density of stellate ganglion
      may have important roots in sympathetic overactivity-related NPE development in
      subarachnoid hemorrhage.

PMID- 27132180
TI  - Development of Three-Dimensional Printed Craniocerebral Models for Simulated
      Neurosurgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To use three-dimensional (3D) printed craniocerebral models to guide
      neurosurgery and design the best operative route preoperatively. METHODS:
      Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography angiography,
      and functional magnetic resonance images of the patients were collected as
      needed, reconstructed to form multicolor 3D craniocerebral images, and printed to
      form solid 3D models. The hollow aneurysm model was printed with rubberlike
      material; craniocerebral models were printed with resin or gypsum. RESULTS: The
      3D printed hollow aneurysm model was highly representative of what was observed
      during the surgery. The model had realistic texture and elasticity and was used
      for preoperative simulation of aneurysm clipping for clip selection, which was
      the same as was used during the surgery. The craniocerebral aneurysm model
      clearly showed the spatial relation between the aneurysm and surrounding tissues,
      which can be used to select the best surgical approach in the preoperative
      simulation, to evaluate the necessity of drilling the anterior clinoid process,
      and to determine the feasibility of using a contralateral approach. The
      craniocerebral tumor and anatomic model showed the spatial relation between tumor
      and intracranial vasculatures, tractus pyramidalis, and functional areas, which
      was helpful 1) when selecting the optimal surgical approach to avoid damage to
      brain function, 2) for learning the functional anatomy of the craniocerebral
      structure, and 3) for preoperative selection of surgical spaces in the sellar
      region. CONCLUSIONS: 3D printing provides neurosurgeons with solid craniocerebral
      models that can be observed and operated on directly and effectively, which
      further improves the accuracy of neurosurgeries.

PMID- 27132182
TI  - Intracerebral Hemorrhage as a Surgical Challenge-Where Should We Focus?

PMID- 27132181
TI  - Proposal and Validation of a Basic Progression Scoring System for Patients with
      Skull Base Chordoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To propose and further validate a basic progression scoring system for
      patients with skull base chordoma. METHODS: All patients (n = 170) undergoing
      operation for skull base chordoma were classified randomly into a training (n =
      113) or validation set (n = 57). In the training set, adverse factors for
      progression were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Significant
      independent factors were included into the scoring system. Scores for each risk
      category were allocated 1 point and each protection category 0 point. Three
      prognostic groups were formed on the basis of total score. The same scoring and
      grouping dispositions were made in the validation set. Analyses of the
      differences among the 3 groups in individual sets with regard to recurrence and
      the comparisons between the corresponding prognostic groups of both sets were all
      carried out by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: In the training set, age,
      treatment history, preoperative Karnofsky performance scale, pathology, and
      features on magnetic resonance imaging were all significant independent factors
      and were included into the scoring system. According to the total score, 3
      prognostic groups were formed, group A (0-1 points), group B (2-3 points), and
      group C (3-4 points), respectively. The pairwise comparisons between every 2 of 3
      groups in the training set showed significance with P < 0.001, whereas in
      validation set, a log-rank test showed significance, P <= 0.001 (log-rank test).
      The comparisons between the corresponding prognostic groups of both sets did not
      show significance. CONCLUSIONS: The basic progression scoring system for patients
      with skull base chordoma is valid and reproducible.

PMID- 27132183
TI  - Dual-Channel Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Port for Evacuation of Deep-Seated
      Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage with Obstructive Hydrocephalus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In minimally invasive endoscopic port surgery, the medium is air, and
      the image is clearer than in fluid. The most commonly used port is a single
      channel port, which accommodates the rod lens of the endoscope and 2
      microsurgical instruments. This setup decreases the freedom of movement of the 3
      instruments, making the bimanual procedure difficult. We describe a novel "dual
      channel" endoscopic port to facilitate a bimanual refinement procedure for
      removing deep-seated spontaneous intracerebral hematomas, and we demonstrate the
      feasibility of this method. METHODS: The small channel accommodates a 0 degrees 
      endoscope lens, and the large channel accommodates 2 microsurgical instruments.
      This method was used in 8 patients with deep-seated spontaneous intracerebral
      hematomas with obstructive hydrocephalus. It was necessary to evacuate the deep
      seated hematomas in these patients as soon as possible to recover the circulation
      of cerebrospinal fluid. RESULTS: Dual-channel port surgery was performed in 8
      patients with an average age of 55 years (range, 44-79 years). The time from
      ictus to surgery ranged from 4 hours to 12 days. The duration of drainage tube
      placement was 2-5 days. The hematomas in all patients, in the third ventricle or
      thalamus, were evacuated thoroughly. In each patient, improvements in Glasgow
      Coma Scale scores were observed from admission to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The
      dual-channel endoscopic port facilitated bimanual refinement microsurgery during
      the evacuation of deep-seated intracerebral hematomas, and it prevented the
      disturbance of the 3 instruments without restraining the scope of the operation
      during the microsurgical procedure.

PMID- 27132184
TI  - The mutation-drift balance in spatially structured populations.
AB  - In finite populations the action of neutral mutations is balanced by genetic
      drift, leading to a stationary distribution of alleles that displays a transition
      between two different behaviors. For small mutation rates most individuals will
      carry the same allele at equilibrium, whereas for high mutation rates of the
      alleles will be randomly distributed with frequencies close to one half for a
      biallelic gene. For well-mixed haploid populations the mutation threshold is
      MUc=1/2N, where N is the population size. In this paper we study how spatial
      structure affects this mutation threshold. Specifically, we study the stationary
      allele distribution for populations placed on regular networks where connected
      nodes represent potential mating partners. We show that the mutation threshold is
      sensitive to spatial structure only if the number of potential mates is very
      small. In this limit, the mutation threshold decreases substantially, increasing
      the diversity of the population at considerably low mutation rates. Defining kc
      as the degree of the network for which the mutation threshold drops to half of
      its value in well-mixed populations we show that kc grows slowly as a function of
      the population size, following a power law. Our calculations and simulations are
      based on the Moran model and on a mapping between the Moran model with mutations
      and the voter model with opinion makers.

PMID- 27132185
TI  - Mouse and Human Liver Contain Immunoglobulin A-Secreting Cells Originating From
      Peyer's Patches and Directed Against Intestinal Antigens.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The liver receives blood from the gastrointestinal tract
      through the portal vein, and thereby is exposed continuously to dietary antigens
      and commensal bacteria. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is associated with
      intestinal dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeability, release of microbes into
      the portal circulation, and increased serum levels and liver deposits of IgA. We
      characterized B-cell production of IgA in livers of mice at homeostasis, after
      oral immunization, in a mouse model of ALD and in human liver samples. METHODS:
      We performed studies with Balb/c and C57BL/6-Ly5.1 mice, as well as transgenic
      mice (quasimonoclonal, activation-induced [cytidine] deaminase-Cre-tamoxifen
      dependent estrogen receptor 2 [ERT2], Blimp-1-green fluorescent protein [GFP]).
      C57BL/6-Ly5.1 mice were fed chronic plus binge ethanol to create a model of ALD.
      Some mice also were given repeated injections of FTY720, which prevents egress of
      IgA-secreting cells from Peyer's patches. We obtained nontumor liver tissues from
      patients with colorectal carcinoma undergoing surgery for liver metastases or
      hepatocellular carcinoma. B cells were isolated from mouse and human liver
      tissues and analyzed by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked ImmunoSpot (ELISpot). In
      wild-type and transgenic mice, we traced newly generated IgA-secreting cells at
      steady state and after oral immunization with 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenylacetyl (NP)
      Ficoll or cholera toxin. IgA responses were also evaluated in our model of ALD.
      RESULTS: Livers of control mice contained proliferative plasmablasts that
      originated from Peyer's patches and produced IgAs reactive to commensal bacteria.
      After oral immunization with cholera toxin or a thymus-independent antigen, a
      substantial number of antigen-specific IgA-secreting cells was found in the
      liver. Mice fed ethanol had features of hepatitis and increased numbers of IgA
      secreting cells in liver, compared with mice given control diets, as well as
      higher levels of serum IgA and IgA deposits in liver sinusoids. Injection of
      FTY720 during ethanol feeding reduced liver and serum levels of IgA and IgA
      deposits in liver and prevented liver injury. Human liver tissues contained a
      significant proportion of IgA-producing plasma cells that shared phenotypic and
      functional attributes with those from mouse liver, including reactivity to
      commensal bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Based on studies of mice and human liver
      tissues, we found the liver to be a site of IgA production by B cells, derived
      from gut-associated lymphoid tissues. These IgAs react with commensal bacteria
      and oral antigens. Livers from mice with ethanol-induced injury contain increased
      numbers of IgA-secreting cells and have IgA deposits in sinusoids. IgAs in the
      liver could mediate clearance of gut-derived antigens that arrive through portal
      circulation at homeostasis and protect these organs from pathogens.

PMID- 27132186
TI  - Identification of striated muscle activator of Rho signaling (STARS) as a novel
      calmodulin target by a newly developed genome-wide screen.
AB  - To search for novel target(s) of the Ca(2+)-signaling transducer, calmodulin
      (CaM), we performed a newly developed genome-wide CaM interaction screening of
      19,676 GST-fused proteins expressed in human. We identified striated muscle
      activator of Rho signaling (STARS) as a novel CaM target and characterized its
      CaM binding ability and found that the Ca(2+)/CaM complex interacted
      stoichiometrically with the N-terminal region (Ala13-Gln35) of STARS in vitro as
      well as in living cells. Mutagenesis studies identified Ile20 and Trp33 as the
      essential hydrophobic residues in CaM anchoring. Furthermore, the CaM binding
      deficient mutant (Ile20Ala, Trp33Ala) of STARS further enhanced its stimulatory
      effect on SRF-dependent transcriptional activation. These results suggest a
      connection between Ca(2+)-signaling via excitation-contraction coupling and the
      regulation of STARS-mediated gene expression in muscles.

PMID- 27132187
TI  - Assessment of the amount of tooth wear on dental casts and intra-oral
      photographs.
AB  - Tooth wear is a multifactorial condition, leading to the loss of dental hard
      tissues. Many grading scales are available to assess the amount of tooth wear,
      one of which is the tooth wear evaluation system (TWES). A grading scale can be
      used chairside, on casts and on photographs. The aim was to test whether the
      grading scales of the TWES, used on casts and on photographs, resulted in
      comparable scores. In addition, it was tested whether these scales can be used to
      assess tooth wear reliably on photographs. Of 75 tooth wear patients, sets of
      casts and series of photographs were obtained and graded. Comparison of the
      grading on casts and on photographs revealed equal median values and percentiles
      for both occlusal/incisal grading and non-occlusal/non-incisal grading. The
      grading on casts and on photographs showed a high correlation for the
      occlusal/incisal grading and a low correlation for the non-occlusal/non-incisal
      grading (Spearman's rho = 0.74 and rho = 0.47; P < 0.001). Concerning the grading
      on photographs, the interexaminer reliability was fair-to-good (ICC = 0.41 to ICC
      = 0.55) while the intra-examiner reliability was fair-to-good to excellent (ICC =
      0.68 to ICC = 0.86) for the occlusal/incisal grading. For the non-occlusal/non
      incisal grading, the interexaminer reliability was poor to fair-to-good (ICC =
      0.22 to ICC = 0.59), while the intra-examiner reliability was fair-to-good to
      excellent (ICC = 0.64 to ICC = 0.82). It was concluded that the scores obtained
      with the grading scales of the TWES on casts and on photographs are comparable.
      The grading scales can be used in a reliable way on photographs, which is
      especially the case for occlusal/incisal grading. 

PMID- 27132188
TI  - Optimizing beta-lactam pharmacodynamics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in adult
      cystic fibrosis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) exhibit increased clearance of
      beta-lactams. The purpose of this study was to predict the probability of beta
      lactam target attainment (PTA) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in adult CF
      patients based on local microbiological data. METHODS: CF-specific
      pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained from published data for aztreonam,
      cefepime, ceftazidime, meropenem and piperacillin-tazobactam. Pharmacodynamic
      modeling was used to determine the PTA for bolus, prolonged infusion, and
      continuous infusion regimens. RESULTS: Prolonged infusion of meropenem 2g every
      8h performed the best among all regimens tested, with a PTA of 83%. The PTA was
      increased with both prolonged and continuous infusion; however, no regimen
      reached the target PTA of >90% against P. aeruginosa in CF patients at our
      institution. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged and continuous infusion provided higher PTA
      than bolus for all regimens. Further investigation of novel regimens in CF
      patients is needed.

PMID- 27132189
TI  - Maternal-fetal transfer of indocyanine green across the perfused human placenta.
AB  - Indocyanine green (ICG) is an FDA-approved near-infrared imaging probe, given
      also to pregnant women. We aimed to characterize ICG's transplacental transfer
      using the ex-vivo perfusion model. Placentas were obtained from caesarean
      deliveries. Cotyledons were cannulated and dually perfused. ICG, 9.6MUg/mL and
      antipyrine (50MUg/mL) were added to the maternal circulation in the absence (n=4)
      or the presence of the organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATPs) inhibitor
      rifampin (10MUg/mL; n=5) or the P-glycoprotein inhibitor valspodar (2MUg/mL;
      n=3). ICG's maternal-to-fetal transfer was evaluated over 180min. The cumulative
      percent of ICG in the fetal reservoir was minor. When ICG transfer was normalized
      to that of antipyrine, it was lower in the presence of rifampin (a 41% decrease;
      p<0.05). Valspodar did not appear to modify the kinetics of ICG. ICG's
      transplacental transfer is minimal and is probably OATP-mediated. The placenta is
      an effective protective barrier to ICG's distribution into the fetus.

PMID- 27132190
TI  - Aggregate entropy scoring for quantifying activity across endpoints with
      irregular correlation structure.
AB  - Robust computational approaches are needed to characterize systems-level
      responses to chemical perturbations in environmental and clinical toxicology
      applications. Appropriate characterization of response presents a methodological
      challenge when dealing with diverse phenotypic endpoints measured using in vivo
      systems. In this article, we propose an information-theoretic method named
      Aggregate Entropy (AggE) and apply it to scoring multiplexed, phenotypic
      endpoints measured in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) across a broad
      concentration-response profile for a diverse set of 1060 chemicals. AggE
      accurately identified chemicals with significant morphological effects, including
      single-endpoint effects and multi-endpoint responses that would have been missed
      by univariate methods, while avoiding putative false-positives that confound
      traditional methods due to irregular correlation structure. By testing AggE in a
      variety of high-dimensional real and simulated datasets, we have characterized
      its performance and suggested implementation parameters that can guide its
      application across a wide range of experimental scenarios.

PMID- 27132191
TI  - Detection of amino acid substitutions in the GyrA protein of fluoroquinolone
      resistant typhoidal Salmonella isolates using high-resolution mass spectrometry.
AB  - Infections with typhoidal Salmonella isolates that are resistant to
      fluoroquinolone antibiotics have become very common in several Asian countries.
      In the majority of these cases, resistance to fluoroquinolone-based antibiotics
      is associated with genetic mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining
      region (QRDR) of the bacterial DNA gyrase gene gyrA. The objective of this study
      was to detect these amino acid substitutions by high-resolution mass spectrometry
      instead of sequencing of the gyrA gene. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
      (LC-MS) methodology was developed and evaluated for the detection of amino acid
      substitutions in the GyrA protein of 23 typhoidal Salmonella isolates. These
      isolates included typhoidal Salmonella that possessed different antibiotic
      sensitivities to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The LC-MS methodology correctly
      identified peptide sequences associated with phenotypic QRDR mutations of the
      GyrA protein in all 23 phenotypically diverse typhoidal Salmonella isolates
      tested. In conclusion, a reliable and rapid LC-MS methodology has been developed
      that is able to identify GyrA QRDR mutations that are involved in the development
      of fluoroquinolone resistance in typhoidal Salmonella spp. Furthermore, this
      'proof of principle' study indicates the potential usefulness of LC-MS in future
      detection of antibiotic resistance. 

PMID- 27132192
TI  - [Cons: Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography].

PMID- 27132193
TI  - [Trend in inequalities in mortality due to external causes among the
      municipalities of Antioquia (Colombia)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse the trend in inequalities in mortality due to external
      causes among municipalities in Antioquia, department of Colombia, from 2000 to
      2010, and its association with socioeconomic conditions. External causes included
      violent deaths, such as homicides, suicides and traffic accidents, among others.
      METHODS: Ecological design of mortality trends, with the 125 municipalities of
      Antioquia as the unit of analysis. The age-adjusted smoothed standardized
      mortality ratio (SMR) was estimated for each of the municipalities by using an
      empirical Bayesian model. Differences in the SMR between the poorest and least
      poor municipalities were estimated by using a two-level hierarchical model (level
      1: year, level-2: municipality). RESULTS: Mortality due to external causes showed
      a downward trend in the department in the period under review, although the
      situation was not similar in all municipalities. The findings showed that the
      risk of death from external causes significantly increased in poor and
      underdeveloped municipalities. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention is required through
      policies that take into account local differences in mortality due to external
      causes.

PMID- 27132194
TI  - Response to the Letter to the Editor regarding "A pilot study investigating basic
      fibroblast growth factor for the repair of chronic tympanic membrane perforations
      in pediatric patients".

PMID- 27132195
TI  - International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus recommendations:
      Routine peri-operative pediatric tracheotomy care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop consensus recommendations for peri-operative tracheotomy
      care in pediatric patients. METHODS: Expert opinion by the members of the
      International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). The mission of the IPOG is
      to develop expertise-based consensus recommendations for the management of
      pediatric otolaryngologic disorders with the goal of improving patient care. The
      consensus recommendations herein represent the first publication by the group.
      RESULTS: Consensus recommendations including pre-operative, intra-operative, and
      post-operative considerations, as well as sedation and nutrition management are
      described. These recommendations are based on the collective opinion of the IPOG
      members and are targeted to (i) otolaryngologists who perform tracheotomies on
      pediatric patients, (ii) intensivists who are involved in the shared-care of
      these patients, and (iii) allied health professionals. CONCLUSION: Pediatric peri
      operative tracheotomy care consensus recommendations are aimed at improving
      patient-centered care in this patient population.

PMID- 27132196
TI  - Stability of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide as a spin-trap for quantification
      of hydroxyl radicals in processes based on Fenton reaction.
AB  - Fenton reaction was used to produce hydroxyl radicals under conditions similar to
      AOPs with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) as a spin trap agent in
      electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis. A theoretical kinetics model was
      developed to determine conditions under which the spin-adduct DMPO-OH is not
      further oxidized by Fe(3+) and excessive radicals, so that hydroxyl radicals
      concentration could be accurately inferred. Experiments were designed based upon
      the model and H2O2 and Fe(2+) concentrations were varied from 1 to 100 mM and
      from 0.1 to 10 mM, respectively, with a constant H2O2: Fe(2+) ratio of 10:1.
      Results confirmed that DMPO concentration should be at least 20 times higher than
      the concentration of H2O2 and 200 times higher than iron concentration to produce
      stable DMPO-OH EPR signal. When DMPO: H2O2 ratio varied from 1 to 10, DMPO-OH
      could generate intermediates and be further oxidized leading to the apparition of
      an additional triplet. This signal was attributed to a paramagnetic dimer: its
      structure and a formation mechanism were proposed. Finally, the utilization of
      sodium sulfite and catalase to terminate Fenton reaction was discussed. Catalase
      appeared to be compatible with DMPO. However, sodium sulfite should be avoided
      since it reacted with DMPO-OH to form DMPO-SO3.

PMID- 27132197
TI  - Hydrological conditions control in situ DOM retention and release along a
      Mediterranean river.
AB  - Uncertainties exist regarding the magnitude of in situ dissolved organic matter
      (DOM) processing in lotic systems. In addition, little is known about the effects
      of extreme hydrological events on in-stream DOM retention or release during
      downriver transport. This study quantified the net in-stream retention/release
      efficiencies (eta) of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and its humic and protein
      like fluorescent fractions along a Mediterranean river during drought, baseflow
      and flood conditions. High performance size exclusion chromatography was used to
      describe the apparent size distributions of the humic and protein-like DOM
      moieties. A snapshot mass balance allowed estimating the eta values of DOC and
      humic and protein-like fractions. Significant DOM net retention (eta < 0) was
      detected during the drought condition and the protein-like fraction was more
      retained than the humic-like fraction and bulk DOC. In addition, small substances
      were more efficiently retained than larger substances. DOC retention decreased
      under baseflow conditions, but it remained significant. The humic and protein
      like net efficiencies exhibited high variability, but the net retention were not
      significant. From a longitudinal perspective, the entire fluvial corridor
      contributed net retention of DOC and humic and protein-like moieties net
      retention during drought condition. In contrast, net retention/release
      efficiencies exhibited spatial variability during baseflow condition. The flood
      preferentially mobilized large size DOM molecules and the fluvial corridor
      behaved as a homogeneous passive DOM (eta = 0) conduit. This research highlights
      the relevance of hydrological extreme events on the magnitude of DOM
      retention/release mass balance and emphasizes the need to perform measurements
      during these conditions to quantify the impact of fluvial corridors on DOM fate
      and transport.

PMID- 27132198
TI  - Evaluation of exposure to lead from drinking water in large buildings.
AB  - Lead results from 78,971 water samples collected in four Canadian provinces from
      elementary schools, daycares, and other large buildings using regulatory and
      investigative sampling protocols were analyzed to provide lead concentration
      distributions. Maximum concentrations reached 13,200 and 3890 MUg/L following
      long and short stagnation periods respectively. High lead levels were persistent
      in some large buildings, reflected by high median values considering all taps, or
      specific to a few taps in the building. Simulations using the Integrated Uptake
      Biokinetic (IEUBK) model and lead concentrations after 30 min of stagnation in
      the dataset showed that, for most buildings, exposure to lead at the tap does not
      increase children's blood lead levels (BLLs). However, buildings or taps with
      extreme concentrations represent a significant health risk to young children
      attending school or daycare, as the estimated BLL far exceeded the 5 MUg/dL
      threshold. Ingestion of water from specific taps could lead to acute exposure.
      Finally, for a few taps, the total daily lead intake reached the former World
      Health Organization (WHO) tolerable level for adults, suggesting potential health
      risks.

PMID- 27132199
TI  - Simplified laparoscopic cervical cerclage after failure of vaginal suture:
      technique and results of a consecutive series of 100 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of simplified laparoscopic cervical cerclage
      (SLCC) in the prevention of miscarriage and preterm delivery in women with
      cervical incompetence who failed to have a live birth following a vaginal
      cervical cerclage in a previous pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: From Dec 2010 to January
      2015, a consecutive cases of 100 subjects with cervical incompetence but who
      failed to have a live birth following a vaginal cervical cerclage in a previous
      pregnancy underwent SLCC. Surgical outcome parameters (estimated total blood
      loss, operation time, complications) were recorded, the outcome of any subsequent
      pregnancy was evaluated. RESULTS: Among the 100 cases of SLCC, the mean+/-SD
      (range) surgical time was 26+/-4.7 (20-40)min. After the operation, 82 women
      conceived, 3 of them conceived twice. There were altogether 85 pregnancies,
      including 12 early miscarriages and one case of ectopic pregnancy. Among the 55
      pregnancies which progressed beyond the first trimester and in whom the final
      outcome was confirmed, the live birth rate was 53/55 (96.4%). The mean
      gestational age at delivery of this group of women was 37.5+/-1.8 weeks.
      CONCLUSIONS: The simplified laparoscopic cervical cerclage is a simple, safe, and
      effective procedure for the treatment of cervical incompetence which had
      previously failed to benefit from vaginal cervical cerclage.

PMID- 27132200
TI  - Mifepristone and misoprostol for cervical ripening in surgical abortion between
      12 and 14 weeks of gestation: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Misoprostol and mifepristone are the two substances recommended for
      cervical preparation during first-trimester surgical abortions to decrease
      intraoperative bleeding and complications. The objective of the study was to
      evaluate whether the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for cervical
      preparation in an elective surgical abortion between 12 and 14 weeks of gestation
      can reduce blood loss in comparison to misoprostol or mifepristone alone. STUDY
      DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was performed in Marseille, France between
      May 2013 and May 2014. Women requesting a surgical abortion under general
      anesthesia between 12 and 14 weeks of gestation were 198, randomized into three
      groups: one received 400MUg oral misoprostol 3h before surgery, one 200mg oral
      mifepristone 36h before surgery, and the other, both treatments. The main outcome
      was the quantity of intraoperative bleeding. The secondary outcomes were duration
      of intervention, ease of dilatation, and complications. RESULTS: The quantity of
      intraoperative bleeding differed significantly between the groups (p=0.001):
      222+/-64mL in the combination group, 329+/-129mL in the misoprostol group, and
      276+/-119mL in the mifepristone group. The combination was associated with a
      shorter operative duration (p=0.001): 5+/-2min in the combination group, 7+/-5min
      in the misoprostol group, and 7+/-3min in the mifepristone group. A hemorrhage
      was observed for 5 of 55 women (9%) in the combination group, 13 of 51 (25%) in
      the misoprostol group, and 9 of 56 (16%) in the mifepristone group (p=0.08). No
      cervical laceration or uterine perforation was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The
      combination of mifepristone and misoprostol in cervical preparation for elective
      surgical abortions between 12 and 14 weeks of gestation significantly reduced
      blood loss in comparison to misoprostol or mifepristone alone.

PMID- 27132201
TI  - Validation of the Child Feeding Questionnaire in Spanish Parents of
      Schoolchildren.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the reliability and factorial validity of the Child Feeding
      Questionnaire (CFQ) within a Spanish sample. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.
      SETTING: All schools in a Spanish Mediterranean city of about 100,000
      inhabitants. PARTICIPANTS: From a potential population of 1,623 children (mean
      age, 8.5 years), 960 parents (459 fathers and 501 mothers) of 515 children
      participated (32% response). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The Spanish version of the
      CFQ was completed by both parents. Body mass index of the children was obtained
      from measured heights and weights. Parents reported their anthropometric and
      employment data. ANALYSIS: Reliability was assessed using Cronbach alpha.
      Factorial validity was examined by Procrustes semi-confirmatory factor and
      confirmatory factor analyses. RESULTS: Seven major factors with loadings similar
      to those in the original questionnaire were found: perceived responsibility,
      perceived parent weight, perceived child weight, concern about child weight (CN),
      pressure to eat (PE), monitoring, and restriction. Reliability was adequate for
      each factor and overall CFQ (alpha = .86). Goodness of fit indexes for
      confirmatory factor analysis solutions was acceptable. Item loadings ranged from
      0.30 to 0.92. The factor of CN was associated with restriction [multivariate
      coefficient (R(2)) = 0.14; P < .001] and PE (R(2) = 0.36; P< .001). Child's body
      mass index showed a negative association with PE (R(2) = 0.11; P < .001) and a
      positive association with CN (R(2) = 0.25; P < .001) and factors related to
      feeding control (monitoring and restriction, R(2) = 0.04 and R(2) = 0.09,
      respectively; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Results support the
      reliability and validity of the CFQ for a Spanish population, allowing for
      comparisons across cultures. The CFQ may be useful to identify parental feeding
      attitudes that can contribute to preventing risky eating behaviors in their
      children.

PMID- 27132202
TI  - The effect of obesogenic diets on brain Neuropeptide Y.
AB  - Obesity is a major health problem characterized by accumulated fat mass. The
      availability of an energy-dense, highly palatable diet plays an important role in
      obesity development. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), an orexigenic peptide, is affected by
      dietary composition and NPY can affect dietary preference. The hypothalamic NPY
      system is well characterized and has been studied in several models of obesity.
      However, findings from models of diet-induced obesity are not straightforward. In
      addition, NPY plays a role in (food-)motivated behaviors and interacts with the
      mesolimbic dopamine system, both of which are altered in obesity. We here review
      the effect of obesogenic diets on NPY levels in the hypothalamus and reward
      related regions.

PMID- 27132204
TI  - Prediction of pork fat attributes using NIR Images of frozen and thawed pork.
AB  - The potential of NIR hyperspectral images of fresh, frozen, and frozen-thawed
      pork was investigated to quantify intramuscular fat (IMF) content and marbling
      score (MS) of pork. A Gabor filter which is a Gaussian function-based texture
      extraction algorithm was applied for image preprocessing after ROI (region of
      interest) selection. Both raw and Gabor filtered mean spectra of fresh, frozen,
      and frozen-thawed pork were calculated and their first derivatives at selected
      optimal wavelengths were used to establish multiple linear regression (MLR)
      models. The MLR models based on the first derivative of Gabor filtered mean
      spectra produced best results for both IMF content prediction and marbling score
      assessment. Models were used to visualize fat distribution in pork loin. The
      current study therefore demonstrated the potential of using NIR images of frozen
      thawed pork to assess IMF content and using frozen and frozen-thawed pork to
      evaluate MS of pork. 

PMID- 27132203
TI  - Musculoskeletal imaging in pediatric emergencies: the basics through three
      clinical scenarios.
AB  - A high percentage of the pediatric imaging studies requested during calls are
      related to musculoskeletal disease. Since bones and joints in children are
      immature, constantly growing and remodeling, they have physiological and
      anatomical peculiarities that make it necessary to use an approach specific for
      pediatric patients. In this article, we use three clinical scenarios (limping,
      fractures, and musculoskeletal infections) to summarize and transmit the concepts
      that are essential in emergency musculoskeletal imaging in children. 

PMID- 27132205
TI  - A sub-minute CZE method to determine nitrate and nitrite in meat products: An
      alternative for routine analysis.
AB  - A sub-minute capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method was optimized and a
      simple sample preparation procedure based on the extraction of the analytes with
      water and sodium tetraborate was developed for the simultaneous determination of
      nitrate and nitrite levels in meat products. The background electrolyte (BGE) was
      composed of 20mmolL(-1) perchloric acid and 65mmolL(-1) beta-alanine at pH3.83.
      Thiocyanate was used as the internal standard. The proposed method was validated
      and the uncertainty estimated according to Eurachem guidelines. The run time was
      only 30s, allowing analyzing more than 25samples/h, the good analytical
      performance confirms the suitability of the method for the analysis of meat
      products. One sample presented residual nitrite levels above the limit
      established by MERCOSUL legislation (150mgkg(-1)). The use of a fast method in
      association with a simple sample preparation step means that this procedure
      represents a possible alternative to fulfill the demand for high throughput in
      routine laboratory analysis. 

PMID- 27132206
TI  - Staphylococcus capitis chronic non-destructive septic arthritis without
      orthopedic implant.

PMID- 27132207
TI  - Allergy to transdermal fentanyl resulting in Staphylococcus aureus sepsis and
      fatal endocarditis with myocardial rupture.

PMID- 27132208
TI  - Evaluating the management of 493 patients presenting with bacteremia in 23
      northern French hospitals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aimed to update the epidemiology of bacteremia and evaluate their
      management and short-term outcome. METHODS: We conducted a prospective
      multicenter survey from October to November 2011. Consecutive patients with at
      least one positive blood culture (BC) were included in the study. We evaluated
      the type and adequacy of empirical and documented antibiotic therapy, time to
      active antibiotic therapy, compliance with guidelines, and 10-day outcome.
      RESULTS: A total of 23 public and private hospitals and 633 patients (493 true
      pathogens and 140 contaminants) were included in the study. Patients' wards were
      medicine (57%), surgery (19%), intensive care (14%), onco/hematology (3.7%),
      pediatrics (3.4%), infectious diseases (1.8%), and obstetrics (1.2%). Main
      pathogens were Escherichia coli (36%), Staphylococcus aureus (16%), coagulase
      negative staphylococci, and Klebsiella sp. (8% each). A total of 43 (8.7%)
      multidrug-resistant strains were observed, including 26 extended-spectrum beta
      lactamase strains and 15 methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains. An antibiotic
      active against the isolated pathogen was used in 74% of empirical and 96% of
      documented therapies. Median time between BC and administration of an active drug
      was 0.61 day. Empirical antibiotic therapies were protocol-compliant in 77% of
      cases. Few (4%) patients with contaminated BC received an antibiotic therapy (all
      inappropriate). Day-10 mortality was 12.1%, higher in patients presenting with
      severe sepsis or septic shock (22.5%) than in patients presenting with non-severe
      bacteremia (7.1%; P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The management of bacteremia seems
      satisfactory in these volunteer hospitals but bacteremia remains a severe
      infection.

PMID- 27132209
TI  - Pertussis vaccination coverage among French parents of infants after 10years of
      cocoon strategy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The cocoon strategy against pertussis has been recommended in France
      since 2004 to indirectly protect young infants who are not yet vaccinated. We
      aimed to measure vaccination coverage among French parents of infants. METHODS: A
      representative sample of 300 mothers and 200 fathers of infants aged <12 months
      completed a self-administered online questionnaire. They all provided their own
      vaccination records. RESULTS: Overall, 87% of mothers believed vaccination
      against pertussis to be important; 83% reported being immunized against pertussis
      but their vaccination records showed that a third of them was wrong (34%). On the
      basis of our sample, the 2009-2014 vaccination coverage against pertussis among
      mothers increased from 22 to 61% (P<0.005); over the same period of time,
      vaccination coverage against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio remained stable
      (80%). Vaccination coverage against pertussis among fathers increased from 21 to
      42% between 2010 and 2013 (P=0.009). In 2013, one couple out of four (26%) was
      adequately immunized against pertussis. CONCLUSION: The cocoon strategy was
      implemented 10years ago in France but vaccination coverage remains suboptimal
      among parents of young infants. Healthcare professionals must recommend
      vaccination against pertussis to young adults and check that their vaccination
      status is up to date.

PMID- 27132210
TI  - Importance of Madagascar's HIV/AIDS reference laboratory.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe the challenge faced by the national reference
      laboratory to support the national HIV/AIDS response in Madagascar. METHODS:
      Collaboration between the National Reference Laboratory of Madagascar (NRLM) and
      foreign partners (a laboratory and an international organization) on the basis of
      a tripartite agreement. The aim was to offer virological analysis to 259 HIV
      infected patients. RESULTS: An alarming proportion (13.9%) of drug resistance
      among HIV-infected patients was observed. CONCLUSION: The NRLM contributed to
      improving the fight against HIV in Madagascar and led to the revision of national
      therapeutic guidelines. Strengthening reference laboratories has to be a priority
      in developing countries.

PMID- 27132211
TI  - Post-operative survival of patients with lung cancer.

PMID- 27132214
TI  - [Unusual etiology of a sternal mass].

PMID- 27132213
TI  - [Necrotizing cervico-facial cellulitis of dental origin in a developing country].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing cellulitis of dental origin is a serious disease and
      requires prompt and effective management to avoid adverse outcomes. The purpose
      of this work is to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties
      encountered in this condition. METHODS: This was a prospective study in the
      thoracic surgery department of Mali Hospital from January 2011 to February 2015.
      We collected consecutively 19 cases of complicating cervico-facial cellulitis of
      dental origin. The anatomical and clinical aspects, therapeutic modalities and
      difficulties are described. RESULTS: Dental pain and fever were the predominant
      symptoms followed by cervical edema. Chest CT-scan was the basis for the
      diagnosis in all cases. Cervicotomy with debridement was the most performed
      surgical procedure. Pleural drainage was performed in 6 cases. Three patients
      (15.8%) died. CONCLUSION: Necrotizing cellulitis of dental origin is a serious
      disease with high morbidity and mortality. The key radiological examination is
      the thoracic CT-scan. Early medico-surgical management by emergency care,
      tailored antibiotic therapy, removal of necrotizing tissues and drainage of
      collections are required to deliver a good outcome.

PMID- 27132212
TI  - Efficacy of the MAGE-A3 cancer immunotherapeutic as adjuvant therapy in patients
      with resected MAGE-A3-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (MAGRIT): a randomised,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fewer than half of the patients with completely resected non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are cured. Since the introduction of adjuvant
      chemotherapy in 2004, no substantial progress has been made in adjuvant
      treatment. We aimed to assess the efficacy of the MAGE-A3 cancer
      immunotherapeutic in surgically resected NSCLC. METHODS: In this randomised,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited patients aged at least 18
      years with completely resected stage IB, II, and IIIA MAGE-A3-positive NSCLC who
      did or did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy from 443 centres in 34 countries
      (Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific). Patients were randomly assigned (2:1)
      to receive 13 intramuscular injections of recMAGE-A3 with AS15 immunostimulant
      (MAGE-A3 immunotherapeutic) or placebo during 27 months. Randomisation and
      treatment allocation at the investigator site was done centrally via internet
      with stratification for chemotherapy versus no chemotherapy. Participants,
      investigators, and those assessing outcomes were masked to group assignment. A
      minimisation algorithm accounted for the number of chemotherapy cycles received,
      disease stage, lymph node sampling procedure, performance status score, and
      lifetime smoking status. The primary endpoint was broken up into three co-primary
      objectives: disease-free survival in the overall population, the no-chemotherapy
      population, and patients with a potentially predictive gene signature. The final
      analyses included the total treated population (all patients who had received at
      least one treatment dose). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov,
      number NCT00480025. FINDINGS: Between Oct 18, 2007, and July 17, 2012, we
      screened 13 849 patients for MAGE-A3 expression; 12 820 had a valid sample and of
      these, 4210 (33%) had a MAGE-A3-positive tumour. 2312 of these patients met all
      eligibility criteria and were randomly assigned to treatment: 1515 received MAGE
      A3 and 757 received placebo and 40 were randomly assigned but never started
      treatment. 784 patients in the MAGE-A3 group also received chemotherapy, as did
      392 in the placebo group. Median follow-up was 38.1 months (IQR 27.9-48.4) in the
      MAGE-A3 group and 39.5 months (27.9-50.4) in the placebo group. In the overall
      population, median disease-free survival was 60.5 months (95% CI 57.2-not
      reached) for the MAGE-A3 immunotherapeutic group and 57.9 months (55.7-not
      reached) for the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.02, 95% CI 0.89-1.18;
      p=0.74). Of the patients who did not receive chemotherapy, median disease-free
      survival was 58.0 months (95% CI 56.6-not reached) in those in the MAGE-A3 group
      and 56.9 months (44.4-not reached) in the placebo group (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.80
      1.18; p=0.76). Because of the absence of treatment effect, we could not identify
      a gene signature predictive of clinical benefit to MAGE-A3 immunotherapeutic. The
      frequency of grade 3 or worse adverse events was similar between treatment groups
      (246 [16%] of 1515 patients in the MAGE-A3 group and 122 [16%] of 757 in the
      placebo group). The most frequently reported grade 3 or higher adverse events
      were infections and infestations (37 [2%] in the MAGE-A3 group and 19 [3%] in the
      placebo group), vascular disorders (30 [2%] vs 17 [3%]), and neoplasm (benign,
      malignant, and unspecified (29 [2%] vs 16 [2%]). INTERPRETATION: Adjuvant
      treatment with the MAGE-A3 immunotherapeutic did not increase disease-free
      survival compared with placebo in patients with MAGE-A3-positive surgically
      resected NSCLC. Based on our results, further development of the MAGE-A3
      immunotherapeutic for use in NSCLC has been stopped. FUNDING: GlaxoSmithKline
      Biologicals SA.

PMID- 27132215
TI  - [Relevance of circulating tumor DNA in lung cancer: A case report].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The identification of an activating mutation of the gene encoding
      the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a predictive factor of
      effectiveness of tyrosine kinase EGFR inhibitors (TKIs). In advanced stages of
      the disease, however, this identification is difficult due to the invasiveness of
      the biopsy and the small size of tumor samples. In that context, liquid biopsies
      could be useful. CLINICAL CASE: We report the case of a 79-year-old woman
      suffering from metastatic lung cancer. The molecular analysis of bronchial biopsy
      for the EGFR gene was not informative due to the low quantity and the poor
      quality of the extracted DNA. The poor condition of the patient and her refusal
      to tissue sampling did not allow us to practice another invasive biopsy. The
      analysis of the tumor DNA circulating (cDNA) allowed to detect exon 19 deletion
      and to propose her an TKI with in the outcome sustained response. CONCLUSION:
      Circulating DNA analysis allows the identification of activating mutations of the
      EGFR gene in pulmonary adenocarcinomas. It is useful for weakened patients and in
      case of failure or inability of tumor biopsies. Initiation of EGFR TKI is
      possible on the basis of this result, as stated in the marketing authorization of
      gefitinib.

PMID- 27132216
TI  - Contribution of early SPECT/CT to 99mTc-MIBI double phase scintigraphy in primary
      hyperparathyroidism: Diagnostic value and correlation between uptake and
      biological parameters.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the value of 99mTc-MIBI double-phase scintigraphy (DPS) and
      early SPECT/CT in the pre-surgical assessment of patients with primary
      hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Also, to calculate the correlation between uptake and
      some biological parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with PHPT were
      included: 37 solitary adenomas, 1 hyperplasia, and 2 double adenomas. Fifteen
      patients had ectopic glands. DPS and early SPECT/CT were acquired in all
      patients. Ultrasound was performed in 31/40. All patients underwent surgery,
      intra-operative iPTH measurements, and histopathological examinations.
      Qualitative DPS uptake was assessed and correlated to pre-surgical calcium, iPTH
      levels, gland weight, and maximum diameter. RESULTS: In the planar study, there
      were 23 positive cases, 8 doubtful, and 9 negatives. With the SPECT/CT, 8/9
      negatives cases were located. All doubtful cases were confirmed as positives.
      Gland location improved in 16 cases (12 ectopic). DPS+SPECT/CT failed to detect a
      solitary adenoma and at least one gland in three cases of multiglandular disease
      (MGD). The sensitivity by patient was: DPS 72.5%, DPS+SPECT/CT 90%, and
      ultrasound 42%. Ultrasound and scintigraphy (DPS+SPECT/CT) were concordant in
      16/31 patients. For the rest of them, scintigraphy proved correct in 14/15, and
      both techniques failed in one case. There was a significant correlation between
      level of uptake and iPTH level, gland weight, and maximum diameter. CONCLUSION:
      Early SPECT/CT improves sensitivity and the locating of parathyroid pathological
      glands and increases diagnostic confidence. iPTH level, glandular size, and
      weight are related to the qualitative assessment of 99mTc-MIBI uptake in early
      DPS.

PMID- 27132217
TI  - CMPF: A Biomarker for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Progression?
AB  - The factors that precipitate the transition from insulin resistance to type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain elusive. A recent study showed that circulating
      levels of the furan fatty acid (FA) metabolite 3-Carboxy-4-Methyl-5-Propyl-2
      Furanopropanoic Acid (CMPF) increase in individuals who progress from prediabetes
      to T2DM. CMPF increases oxidative stress and impairs insulin granule maturation
      and secretion.

PMID- 27132218
TI  - Calcineurin inhibitors impair neutrophil activity against Aspergillus fumigatus
      in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neutrophils are key effectors against the widely distributed mold
      Aspergillus fumigatus, which is a major threat for immunocompromised patients,
      including allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Yet
      little is known about neutrophil activity over time after cell transplantation,
      especially regarding A fumigatus. OBJECTIVE: We aimed at assessing the activity
      of neutrophils on A fumigatus in allogeneic HSCT recipients at different
      posttransplantation time points. METHODS: We performed a longitudinal study
      involving 37 patients undergoing HSCT, drawing blood samples at engraftment and
      at 2, 6, and 10 months after the HSCT. Posttransplantation neutrophil activity in
      the recipients was compared with that of the respective donors. Neutrophil/A
      fumigatus coculture, flow cytometry, and video microscopy were used to assess
      neutrophil inhibition of fungal growth, cell/fungus interactions, reactive oxygen
      species production, major surface molecule expression, and neutrophil
      extracellular trap (NET) formation. RESULTS: The ability of neutrophils to
      interfere with Aspergillus species hyphal growth was impaired after HSCT. The
      administration of calcineurin inhibitors appeared to play an important role in
      this impairment. We also observed that post-HSCT neutrophils produced less NETs,
      which was correlated with increased fungal growth. Tapering immunosuppression led
      to the recuperation of inhibition capacity 10 months after HSCT. CONCLUSION: In
      HSCT recipients neutrophil-driven innate immunity to fungi is altered in the
      early posttransplantation period (between recovery from neutropenia and up to 6
      months). This alteration is at least partly related to administration of
      calcineurin inhibitors and diminution of NETs production.

PMID- 27132219
TI  - Immunologic defects in severe mucocutaneous HSV-2 infections: Response to IFN
      gamma therapy.

PMID- 27132220
TI  - Improved aqueous extraction of microalgal lipid by combined enzymatic and thermal
      lysis from wet biomass of Nannochloropsis oceanica.
AB  - High moisture content in wet algal biomass hinders effective performance of
      current lipid extraction methods. An improved aqueous extraction method combing
      thermal and enzymatic lysis was proposed and performed in algal slurry of
      Nannochloropsis oceanica (96.0% moisture) in this study. In general, cell-wall of
      N. oceanica was disrupted via thermal lysis and enzymatic lysis and lipid
      extraction was performed using aqueous surfactant solution. At the optimal
      conditions, high extraction efficiencies for both lipid (88.3%) and protein
      (62.4%) were obtained, which were significantly higher than those of traditional
      hexane extraction and other methods for wet algal biomass. Furthermore, an
      excessive extraction of polar lipid was found for wet biomass compared with dry
      biomass. The advantage of this method is to efficiently extract lipids from high
      moisture content algal biomass and avoid using organic solvent, indicating
      immense potential for commercial microalgae-based biofuel production. 

PMID- 27132221
TI  - Optimization study on the hydrogen peroxide pretreatment and production of
      bioethanol from seaweed Ulva prolifera biomass.
AB  - The seaweed Ulva prolifera, distributed in inter-tidal zones worldwide, contains
      a large percentage of cellulosic materials. The technical feasibility of using U.
      prolifera residue (UPR) obtained after extraction of polysaccharides as a
      renewable energy resource was investigated. An environment-friendly and
      economical pretreatment process was conducted using hydrogen peroxide. The
      hydrogen peroxide pretreatment improved the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis.
      The resulting yield of reducing sugar reached a maximum of 0.42g/g UPR under the
      optimal pretreatment condition (hydrogen peroxide 0.2%, 50 degrees C, pH 4.0,
      12h). The rate of conversion of reducing sugar in the concentrated hydrolysates
      to bioethanol reached 31.4% by Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation, which
      corresponds to 61.7% of the theoretical maximum yield. Compared with other
      reported traditional processes on Ulva biomass, the reducing sugar and bioethanol
      yield are substantially higher. Thus, hydrogen peroxide pretreatment is an
      effective enhancement of the process of bioethanol production from the seaweed U.
      prolifera. 

PMID- 27132222
TI  - Effect of ozonolysis pretreatment parameters on the sugar release, ozone
      consumption and ethanol production from sugarcane bagasse.
AB  - A L9(3)(4) orthogonal array (OA) experimental design was applied to study the
      four parameters considered most important in the ozonolysis pretreatment
      (moisture content, ozone concentration, ozone/oxygen flow and particle size) on
      ethanol production from sugarcane bagasse (SCB). Statistical analysis highlighted
      ozone concentration as the highest influence parameter on reaction time and
      sugars release after enzymatic hydrolysis. The increase on reaction time when
      decreasing the ozone/oxygen flow resulted in small differences of ozone
      consumptions. Design optimization for sugars release provided a parameters
      combination close to the best experimental run, where 77.55% and 56.95% of
      glucose and xylose yields were obtained, respectively. When optimizing the grams
      of sugar released by gram of ozone, the highest influence parameter was moisture
      content, with a maximum yield of 2.98gSUGARS/gO3. In experiments on hydrolysates
      fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae provided ethanol yields around 80%, while
      Pichia stipitis was completely inhibited. 

PMID- 27132223
TI  - Utilization of simulated flue gas containing CO2, SO2, NO and ash for Chlorella
      fusca cultivation.
AB  - Microalgae can use the CO2 from coal power plants in their metabolic pathways.
      However, these microorganisms must be able to tolerate other residues produced
      from burning coal. This study evaluated the wastes addition (CO2, SO2, NO and
      ash) present in the flue gas from a coal power plant on the growth parameters
      during culture, CO2 biofixation and on the biomass characterization of Chlorella
      fusca LEB 111. The SO2 and NO injection (until 400ppm) in cultivations did not
      markedly affect CO2 biofixation by microalga. The best CO2 biofixation efficiency
      was obtained with 10% CO2, 200ppm SO2 and NO and 40ppm ash (50.0+/-0.8%, w w(
      1)), showing a specific growth rate of 0.18+/-0.01 d(-1). The C. fusca LEB 111
      biomass composition was similar in all experiments with around 19.7% (w w(-1))
      carbohydrates, 15.5% (w w(-1)) lipids and 50.2% (w w(-1)) proteins. 

PMID- 27132225
TI  - Effect of influent COD/SO4(2-) ratios on biodegradation behaviors of starch
      wastewater in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor.
AB  - A lab-scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) has been run for 250days to
      investigate the influence of influent COD/SO4(2-) ratios on the biodegradation
      behavior of starch wastewater and process performance. Stepwise decreasing
      COD/SO4(2-) ratio enhanced sulfidogenesis, complicating starch degradation routes
      and improving process stability. The reactor exhibited satisfactory performance
      at a wide COD/SO4(2-) range ?2, attaining stable biogas production of 1.15
      1.17LL(-1)d(-1) with efficient simultaneous removal of total COD (73.5-80.3%) and
      sulfate (82.6+/-6.4%). Adding sulfate favored sulfidogenesis process and
      diversified microbial community, invoking hydrolysis-acidification of starch and
      propionate degradation and subsequent acetoclastic methanogenesis; whereas
      excessively enhanced sulfidogenesis (COD/SO4(2-) ratios <2) would suppress
      methanogenesis through electrons competition and sulfide inhibition,
      deteriorating methane conversion. This research in-depth elucidated the role of
      sulfidogenesis in bioenergy recovery and sulfate removal, advancing the
      applications of UASB technology in water industry from basic science. 

PMID- 27132224
TI  - Optimization and microbial community analysis for production of biogas from solid
      waste residues of palm oil mill industry by solid-state anaerobic digestion.
AB  - This study investigated the improvement of biogas production from solid-state
      anaerobic digestion (SS-AD) of oil palm biomass by optimizing of total solids
      (TS) contents, feedstock to inoculum (F:I) ratios and carbon to nitrogen (C:N)
      ratios. Highest methane yield from EFB, OPF and OPT of 358, 280 and
      324m(3)CH4ton(-1)VS, respectively, was achieved at TS content of 16%, C:N ratio
      of 30:1 and F:I ratio of 2:1. The main contribution to methane from biomass was
      the degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose. The highest methane production of
      72m(3)CH4ton(-1) biomass was achieved from EFB. Bacteria community structure in
      SS-AD process of oil palm biomass was dominated by Ruminococcus sp. and
      Clostridium sp., while archaea community was dominated by Methanoculleus sp. Oil
      palm biomass has great potential for methane production via SS-AD. 

PMID- 27132226
TI  - Effect of thermal pretreatment on the biogas production and microbial communities
      balance during anaerobic digestion of urban and industrial waste activated
      sludge.
AB  - The effect of thermal pre-treatment on the microbial populations balance and
      biogas production was studied during anaerobic digestion of waste activated
      sludge (WAS) coming from urban (US: urban sludge) and industrial (IS: industrial
      sludge) wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). The highest biogas yields of
      0.42l/gvolatile solid (VS) removed and 0.37l/gVS removed were obtained with urban
      and industrial sludge pre-treated at 120 degrees C, respectively. Fluorescent in
      situ hybridization (FISH) was used to quantify the major Bacteria and Archaea
      groups. Compared to control trails without pretreatment, Archaea content
      increased from 34% to 86% and from 46% to 83% for pretreated IS and US,
      respectively. In fact, the thermal pre-treatment of WAS enhanced the growth of
      hydrogen-using methanogens (HUMs), which consume rapidly the H2 generated to
      allow the acetogenesis. Therefore, the stable and better performance of digesters
      was observed involving the balance and syntrophic associations between the
      different microbial populations. 

PMID- 27132227
TI  - Poly(vinyl alcohol) and alginate cross-linked matrix with immobilized Prussian
      blue and ion exchange resin for cesium removal from waters.
AB  - Cesium (Cs) removal from contaminated water bodies is an emerging issue after the
      disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The Prussian blue (PB) is
      an effective Cs adsorbent but will release hexacyanoferrate fragments from the
      adsorbent matrix during adsorption. Alginate is an affordable biopolymer for PB
      particles immobilization. This study synthesized poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and
      alginate cross-linked matrix for immobilization of PB nano-sized particles and a
      surface-modified styrene-ethyl styrene divinyl benzene resin and tested their
      swelling stability and Cs adsorption performance in fresh water and in seawater.
      The PVA-alginate granules have high structural stability in both fresh water and
      seawater, with the Cs adsorption capability higher for the former than the
      latter. The adopted resin effectively remove released PB fragments from the
      tested granules. The transport and reaction parameters for the granules and for
      the sand filter bed were estimated. 

PMID- 27132228
TI  - Improvement in lipids extraction processes for biodiesel production from wet
      microalgal pellets grown on diammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate
      combinations.
AB  - Biomass productivity and growth kinetics for microalgae grown on sodium
      bicarbonate and diammonium phosphate were investigated. Different carbon and
      nitrogen ratios have shown different growth rates and biomass productivity and
      C:N ratio 50:10 as mgL(-1) has shown the best production than all. For effective
      lipids extraction from biomass thermolysis and sonolysis were carried out from
      wet biomass. Sonolysis at 2.3W intensity for 5min has released 8.58mg at neutral
      pH. More quantity of lipids was extracted when extraction was made at pH 4 and 10
      which resulted 9mg and 9.28mg lipids respectively. Thermal treatment at 100
      degrees C for 10min has released 12.82mg lipid at neutral pH. In the same
      thermolysis at pH 4 and 10 more quantity of lipids was extracted which were
      15.16mg and 14.81mg respectively. Finally transesterified lipids were analyzed
      through GC-MS for FAME composition analysis. 

PMID- 27132229
TI  - Lentivirus-mediated PGC-1alpha overexpression protects against traumatic spinal
      cord injury in rats.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1alpha)
      is a crucial neuronal regulator in the brain. However, its role in the spinal
      cord and the underlying regulating mechanisms remain poorly understood. Our
      previous study demonstrated that PGC-1alpha is significantly down-regulated
      following acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. The current study aimed to
      explore the effects of PGC-1alpha overexpression on the injured spinal cord by
      establishing a contusive SCI model in adult Sprague-Dawley rats, followed by
      immediate intraspinal injection of lentiviral vectors at rostral and caudal sites
      3mm from the lesion epicenter. Hindlimb motor function was monitored using the
      Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale (BBB scores), and cords were
      collected. Transfection efficiency analysis showed that lentivirus successfully
      induced enhanced PGC-1alpha expression. This resulted in attenuated apoptotic
      changes and a greater number of surviving spinal neurons, as determined by
      transmission electron microscopy and Nissl staining, respectively. Western blot
      and immunofluorescence analyses revealed increased growth-associated protein 43
      and 5-hydroxytryptamine expression, two key markers of axonal regeneration.
      Importantly, BBB scores showed improved hindlimb motor functional recovery.
      Moreover, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated
      significantly inhibited RhoA, ROCK1, and ROCK2 mRNA expression, revealing a
      potential mechanism of PGC-1alpha overexpression following traumatic SCI.
      Altogether, these results suggest that gene delivery of PGC-1alpha exerts a
      significant neuroprotective effect following traumatic SCI, which could serve as
      a promising treatment for repair of the injured cord, and RhoA-ROCK pathway
      inhibition may partially underlie this neuroprotection.

PMID- 27132230
TI  - Distinct roles of Eps8 in the maturation of cochlear and vestibular hair cells.
AB  - Several genetic mutations affecting the development and function of mammalian
      hair cells have been shown to cause deafness but not vestibular defects, most
      likely because vestibular deficits are sometimes centrally compensated. The study
      of hair cell physiology is thus a powerful direct approach to ascertain the
      functional status of the vestibular end organs. Deletion of Epidermal growth
      factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (Eps8), a gene involved in actin remodeling,
      has been shown to cause deafness in mice. While both inner and outer hair cells
      from Eps8 knockout (KO) mice showed abnormally short stereocilia, inner hair
      cells (IHCs) also failed to acquire mature-type ion channels. Despite the fact
      that Eps8 is also expressed in vestibular hair cells, Eps8 KO mice show no
      vestibular deficits. In the present study we have investigated the properties of
      vestibular Type I and Type II hair cells in Eps8-KO mice and compared them to
      those of cochlear IHCs. In the absence of Eps8, vestibular hair cells show
      normally long kinocilia, significantly shorter stereocilia and a normal pattern
      of basolateral voltage-dependent ion channels. We have also found that while
      vestibular hair cells from Eps8 KO mice show normal voltage responses to injected
      sinusoidal currents, which were used to mimic the mechanoelectrical transducer
      current, IHCs lose their ability to synchronize their responses to the stimulus.
      We conclude that the absence of Eps8 produces a weaker phenotype in vestibular
      hair cells compared to cochlear IHCs, since it affects the hair bundle morphology
      but not the basolateral membrane currents. This difference is likely to explain
      the absence of obvious vestibular dysfunction in Eps8 KO mice.

PMID- 27132232
TI  - Changes in ganglion cells during retinal degeneration.
AB  - Inherited retinal degeneration such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is associated
      with photoreceptor loss and concomitant morphological and functional changes in
      the inner retina. It is not known whether these changes are associated with
      changes in the density and distribution of synaptic inputs to retinal ganglion
      cells (RGCs). We quantified changes in ganglion cell density in rd1 and age
      matched C57BL/6J-(wildtype, WT) mice using the immunocytochemical marker, RBPMS.
      Our data revealed that following complete loss of photoreceptors, (~3months of
      age), there was a reduction in ganglion cell density in the peripheral retina. We
      next examined changes in synaptic inputs to A type ganglion cells by performing
      double labeling experiments in mice with the ganglion cell reporter lines, rd1
      Thy1 and age-matched wildtype-Thy1. Ribbon synapses were identified by co
      labelling with CtBP2 (RIBEYE) and conventional synapses with the clustering
      molecule, gephyrin. ON RGCs showed a significant reduction in RIBEYE
      immunoreactive synapse density while OFF RGCs showed a significant reduction in
      the gephyrin-immmunoreactive synapse density. Distribution patterns of both
      synaptic markers across the dendritic trees of RGCs were unchanged. The change in
      synaptic inputs to RGCs was associated with a reduction in the number of
      immunolabeled rod bipolar and ON cone bipolar cells. These results suggest that
      functional changes reported in ganglion cells during retinal degeneration could
      be attributed to loss of synaptic inputs.

PMID- 27132233
TI  - On the nature of motor planning variables during arm pointing movement:
      Compositeness and speed dependence.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of the variables and
      rules underlying the planning of unrestrained 3D arm reaching. To identify
      whether the brain uses kinematic, dynamic and energetic values in an isolated
      manner or combines them in a flexible way, we examined the effects of speed
      variations upon the chosen arm trajectories during free arm movements. Within the
      optimal control framework, we uncovered which (possibly composite) optimality
      criterion underlays at best the empirical data. Fifteen participants were asked
      to perform free-endpoint reaching movements from a specific arm configuration at
      slow, normal and fast speeds. Experimental results revealed that prominent
      features of observed motor behaviors were significantly speed-dependent, such as
      the chosen reach endpoint and the final arm posture. Nevertheless, participants
      exhibited different arm trajectories and various degrees of speed dependence of
      their reaching behavior. These inter-individual differences were addressed using
      a numerical inverse optimal control methodology. Simulation results revealed that
      a weighted combination of kinematic, energetic and dynamic cost functions was
      required to account for all the critical features of the participants' behavior.
      Furthermore, no evidence for the existence of a speed-dependent tuning of these
      weights was found, thereby suggesting subject-specific but speed-invariant
      weightings of kinematic, energetic and dynamic variables during the motor
      planning process of free arm movements. This suggested that the inter-individual
      difference of arm trajectories and speed dependence was not only due to
      anthropometric singularities but also to critical differences in the composition
      of the subjective cost function.

PMID- 27132231
TI  - Inhibition of cerebral vascular inflammation by brain endothelium-targeted
      oligodeoxynucleotide complex.
AB  - The present study generated a novel DNA complex to specifically target
      endothelial NF-kappaB to inhibit cerebral vascular inflammation. This DNA complex
      (GS24-NFkappaB) contains a DNA decoy which inhibits NF-kappaB activity, and a DNA
      aptamer (GS-24), a ligand of transferrin receptor (TfR), which allows for
      targeted delivery of the DNA decoy into cells. The results indicate that GS24
      NFkappaB was successfully delivered into a murine brain-derived endothelial cell
      line, bEND5, and inhibited inflammatory responses induced by tumor necrosis
      factor alpha (TNF-alpha) or oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) via
      down-regulation of the nuclear NF-kappaB subunit, p65, as well as its downstream
      inflammatory cytokines, inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular
      cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1). The inhibitory effect of the GS24-NFkappaB was
      demonstrated by a significant reduction in TNF-alpha or OGD/R induced monocyte
      adhesion to the bEND5 cells after GS24-NFkappaB treatment. Intravenous (i.v.)
      injection of GS24-'NFkappaB (15mg/kg) was able to inhibit the levels of phoseph
      p65 and VCAM-1 in brain endothelial cells in a mouse lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      induced inflammatory model in vivo. In conclusion, our approach using DNA
      nanotechnology for DNA decoy delivery could potentially be utilized for
      inhibition of inflammation in ischemic stroke and other neuro-inflammatory
      diseases affecting cerebral vasculature.

PMID- 27132235
TI  - [Sociodemographic characteristics as risk factors for obesity and overweight in
      Spanish adult population].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the adult Spanish sociodemographic characteristics
      associated with a higher risk of excess weight and obesity. As a second aim, we
      analyze if there are gender differences regarding the development of overweight
      and obesity in different age groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Transversal study of
      the National Health Survey of 2012. Body mass index was calculated and a number
      of sociodemographic variables were analyzed. An analysis of multinomial logistic
      regression was conducted. RESULTS: In 2012 the prevalence of obesity in Spain was
      18.5% for obesity and 39.0% for being overweight. The greatest risk of being
      overweight or obese versus being of normal weight corresponded to men, married,
      between 65 and 74 years old, in social classes where unskilled work is performed,
      in the autonomous city of Ceuta, and the autonomous communities of Extremadura
      and Andalucia, and in municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. On the
      other hand, obesity risk is 2 times higher in men versus women between 25 and 64
      years while overweight risk is higher in all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The
      sociodemographic characteristics associated with a higher risk of being
      overweight or obese in Spain have changed compared to those published previously.
      In the year 2012, obesity was more common in males, the maximum peak was between
      65 and 74 years and the area with the highest prevalence of obesity was the
      autonomous city of Ceuta.

PMID- 27132236
TI  - HBK-7 - A new xanthone derivative and a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist with
      antidepressant-like properties.
AB  - Xanthone derivatives possess many biological properties, including
      neuroprotective, antioxidant or antidepressant-like. In this study we aimed to
      investigate antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like properties of a new xanthone
      derivative - 6-methoxy-4-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]-9H-xanthen-9-one
      (HBK-7), as well as its possible mechanism of action, and the influence on
      cognitive and motor function. HBK-7 in our earlier studies showed high affinity
      for serotonergic 5-HT1A receptor. We determined the affinity of HBK-7 for CNS
      receptors and transporters using radioligand assays and examined its intrinsic
      activity towards 5-HT1A receptor. We evaluated antidepressant- and anxiolytic
      like activity of HBK-7 in the mouse forced swim test, and four-plate test,
      respectively. We examined the influence on locomotor activity in mice to
      determine if the effect observed in the forced swim test was specific. We used
      step-through passive avoidance and rotarod tests to evaluate the influence of HBK
      7 on cognitive and motor function, respectively. HBK-7 showed moderate affinity
      for dopaminergic D2 receptor and very low for serotonergic 5-HT2A, adrenergic
      alpha2 receptors, as well as serotonin transporter. Functional studies revealed
      that HBK-7 was a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. HBK-7 (10mg/kg) decreased immobility
      time in the forced swim test. Combined treatment with sub-effective doses of HBK
      7 and fluoxetine reduced immobility of mice in the forced swim test. Pretreatment
      with p-chlorophenylalanine and WAY-100,635 antagonized the antidepressant-like
      effect of HBK-7. Neither of the treatments influenced locomotor activity of mice.
      HBK-7 at antidepressant-like dose did not impair memory or motor coordination in
      mice. We demonstrated that HBK-7 was a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist with potent,
      comparable to mianserin, antidepressant-like activity. HBK-7 mediated its effect
      through serotonergic system and its antidepressant-like action required the
      activation of 5-HT1A receptors. At active dose it did not influence cognitive and
      motor function. Since 5-HT1A receptor antagonists may accelerate the occurrence
      of antidepressant effect, our findings highlight their potential as future
      antidepressants.

PMID- 27132237
TI  - The effects of sildenafil after chronic L-NAME administration in male rat sexual
      behavior.
AB  - Ferraz MMD, Quintella SL, Parcial ALN, Ferraz MR. The effects of sildenafil
      citrate and L-NAME on male rat sexual behaviour. PHARMACOL BIOCHEM BEHAV.
      Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 50% of men between 40 and 70years of age.
      Significant advances in the pharmacological treatment of ED occurred in recent
      years, most notably the introduction of the first oral selective
      phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor, sildenafil. This study investigated the
      effectiveness of chronic oral treatment with L-NAME in rats as an experimental
      model of erectile dysfunction to evaluate new pharmacological agents that affect
      the sexual response. The effects of chronic oral L-NAME treatment, separately or
      in combination with sildenafil, on the sexual behaviour of male rats were
      evaluated. Filtered water was used as a control. Acute administration of L-NAME
      did not alter the sexual response compared with control, but sildenafil
      administration facilitated sexual behaviour after acute and chronic
      administration. Chronic L-NAME treatment inhibited motivational and consummatory
      measures of male rat sexual behaviour. Sildenafil prevented the inhibitory
      effects of L-NAME. The present results confirm that chronic oral treatment with a
      nitric oxide synthase inhibitor may be a relevant peripheral ED model to evaluate
      the effects of drugs on erectile function of male rats.

PMID- 27132238
TI  - Evaluation of the usefulness of modified biological fingerprints in chest
      radiographs for patient recognition and identification.
AB  - We have been developing an image-searching method to identify misfiled images in
      a PACS server. Developing new biological fingerprints (BFs) that would reduce the
      influence of differences in positioning and breathing phases to improve the
      performance of recognition is desirable. In our previous studies, the whole lung
      field (WLF) that included the shadows of the body and lungs was affected by
      differences in positioning and/or breathing phases. In this study, we showed the
      usefulness of a circumscribed lung with a rectangular region of interest and the
      upper half of a chest radiograph as modified BFs. We used 200 images as
      hypothetically misfiled images. The cross-correlation identifies the resemblance
      between the BFs in the misfiled images and the corresponding BFs in the database
      images. The modified BFs indicated better results than did WLF in a receiver
      operating characteristic analysis; therefore, they could be used as identifiers
      for patient recognition and identification. 

PMID- 27132239
TI  - Theoretical study of the regioselective cyclization of enaminones in the
      construction of benzofurans and indoles.
AB  - A theoretical study was undertaken regarding the regioselective Lewis acid
      promoted intramolecular cyclization of novel enaminones 1-3 leading to the
      corresponding benzofurans 4-5 and indoles 6. The density functional theory (DFT)
      and hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) principle provided data to describe the
      electronic effects of the substituents in the reactivity of the benzene ring and
      the enaminone moiety. The condensed and local Fukui functions for nucleophilic
      and electrophilic attacks of the reactants accounted for the experimentally
      observed preference, in regard to precursors 1-3, of the cyclization between the
      C6' carbon (rather than the C2' carbon) of the benzene ring and the C3 center of
      the enaminone moiety.

PMID- 27132234
TI  - Pharmacological treatment options for mast cell activation disease.
AB  - Mast cell activation disease (MCAD) is a term referring to a heterogeneous group
      of disorders characterized by aberrant release of variable subsets of mast cell
      (MC) mediators together with accumulation of either morphologically altered and
      immunohistochemically identifiable mutated MCs due to MC proliferation (systemic
      mastocytosis [SM] and MC leukemia [MCL]) or morphologically ordinary MCs due to
      decreased apoptosis (MC activation syndrome [MCAS] and well-differentiated SM).
      Clinical signs and symptoms in MCAD vary depending on disease subtype and result
      from excessive mediator release by MCs and, in aggressive forms, from organ
      failure related to MC infiltration. In most cases, treatment of MCAD is directed
      primarily at controlling the symptoms associated with MC mediator release. In
      advanced forms, such as aggressive SM and MCL, agents targeting MC proliferation
      such as kinase inhibitors may be provided. Targeted therapies aimed at blocking
      mutant protein variants and/or downstream signaling pathways are currently being
      developed. Other targets, such as specific surface antigens expressed on
      neoplastic MCs, might be considered for the development of future therapies.
      Since clinicians are often underprepared to evaluate, diagnose, and effectively
      treat this clinically heterogeneous disease, we seek to familiarize clinicians
      with MCAD and review current and future treatment approaches. 

PMID- 27132240
TI  - Bilateral primary histiocytoid eccrine sweat gland carcinoma of eyelids.

PMID- 27132241
TI  - Low profile halo head fixation in non-human primates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present a new halo technique for head fixation of non-human
      primates during electrophysiological recording experiments. Our aim was to build
      on previous halo designs in order to create a simple low profile system that
      provided long-term stability. NEW METHOD: Our design incorporates sharp skull
      pins that are directly threaded through a low set halo frame and are seated into
      implanted titanium foot plates on the skull. The inwardly directed skull pins
      provide an easily calibrated force against the skull. RESULTS: This device
      allowed for head fixation within 1 week after implantation surgery. The low
      profile design maximized the area of the skull available and potential implant
      orientations for electrophysiological experiments. It was easily maintained and
      was stable in 2 animals for the 6-8 months of testing. The quality of single unit
      neural recordings collected while using this device to head fix was
      indistinguishable from traditional head-post fixation. The foot plates used in
      this system did not result in significant MRI distortion in the location of deep
      brain targets (~0.5mm) of a 3D printed phantom skull. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING
      METHOD(S): The low profile design of this halo design allows greater access to
      the majority of the frontal, parietal, and occipital skull. It has fewer parts
      and can hold larger animals than previous halo designs. CONCLUSIONS: Given the
      stability, simplicity, immediate usability, and low profile of our head fixation
      device, we propose that it is a practical and useful means for performing
      electrophysiological recording experiments on non-human primates.

PMID- 27132242
TI  - Monitoring the stability of the standardization status of FT4 and TSH assays by
      use of daily outpatient medians and flagging frequencies.
AB  - Clinicians diagnose thyroid dysfunction based on TSH and FT4 testing. However,
      the current lack of comparability between assays limits the optimal use of
      laboratory data. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and
      Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) gave a mandate to the Committee for Standardization of
      Thyroid Function Tests (C-STFT) to resolve this limitation by standardization.
      Recently, the Committee members and their partners felt ready to set the step
      towards the technical recalibration. However, before implementation, they were
      furthered by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to develop a tool to assess
      the sustainability of the new calibration basis. C-STFT began to use 2 online
      applications, i.e., the "Percentiler" and "Flagger", with the intention to assess
      their utility for this purpose. The tools monitor the course of instrument
      specific moving medians of outpatient results (Percentiler) and flagging rates
      (Flagger) from data of individual laboratories grouped by instrument/assay peer.
      They additionally document the mid- to long-term medians, hence, are quality
      indicators of stability of performance of both laboratories and peers/assays.
      Here, the first experiences built up in the pre-standardization phase are
      reported. They suggest the suitability of both applications to document the
      sustainability of the calibration basis in the post-standardization phase.

PMID- 27132243
TI  - The posterior arcuate fasciculus and the vertical occipital fasciculus.

PMID- 27132244
TI  - Seasonality and toxins effects on oxidative/nitrosative metabolism in digestive
      glands of the bivalve Mytilus edulis platensis.
AB  - The hypothesis presented here is that oxidative and/or nitrosative metabolism in
      the bivalve Mytilus edulis platensis is altered by the presence of planktonic
      toxins. Digestive glands (DG) were isolated from specimens collected in the
      Argentinean Sea during summer, winter and spring (in the presence of harmful
      planktonic toxins). The labile iron pool content was not significantly different
      in DG from animals collected in summer and winter, but was 2.3-fold increased in
      samples from spring compared to summer collected mollusks. The 2',7'
      dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) oxidation, ascorbyl radical/ascorbate and
      lipid radical/alpha-tocopherol content ratios showed no significant differences
      between samples collected in winter and summer. However, spring collected samples
      showed significantly higher DCFH-DA oxidation rate and oxidative ratios in
      comparison to DG from mollusks collected in summer. Superoxide dismutase activity
      decreased by 75% in winter, and 93% in spring, compared to samples collected in
      summer. Glutathione S-transferase activity decreased by 89% in winter, and 30% in
      spring, compared to samples collected in summer. Catalase activity in winter
      animals increased by 3.8-fold in comparison to summer values, with no differences
      between spring and summer collected mollusks. Nitrite plus nitrate content was
      not significantly different among samples collected in the three seasons, but
      nitric oxide content was 8.5- and 2.7-fold higher in samples from winter and
      spring collected mollusks than values obtained in summer, respectively. These
      results showed the lack of effects of climatic changes on the integrative
      oxidative indexes; however, under exposure to toxins, both oxidative and
      nitrosative metabolisms were affected.

PMID- 27132245
TI  - Letter to the Editor: The Effect of Ventilation Strategy on Arterial and Cerebral
      Oxygenation During Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery.

PMID- 27132247
TI  - Developmental outcomes in children following placental abruption: novel methods
      to disentangle causes and mediators.

PMID- 27132246
TI  - Are validated outcome measures used in distal radial fractures truly valid? A
      critical assessment using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of
      health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are often used to evaluate
      the outcome of treatment in patients with distal radial fractures. Which PROM to
      select is often based on assessment of measurement properties, such as validity
      and reliability. Measurement properties are assessed in clinimetric studies, and
      results are often reviewed without considering the methodological quality of
      these studies. Our aim was to systematically review the methodological quality of
      clinimetric studies that evaluated measurement properties of PROMs used in
      patients with distal radial fractures, and to make recommendations for the
      selection of PROMs based on the level of evidence of each individual measurement
      property. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed,
      EMbase, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases to identify relevant clinimetric studies.
      Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the studies on
      measurement properties, using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of
      health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist. Level of evidence (strong /
      moderate / limited / lacking) for each measurement property per PROM was
      determined by combining the methodological quality and the results of the
      different clinimetric studies. RESULTS: In all, 19 out of 1508 identified unique
      studies were included, in which 12 PROMs were rated. The Patient-rated wrist
      evaluation (PRWE) and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire
      (DASH) were evaluated on most measurement properties. The evidence for the PRWE
      is moderate that its reliability, validity (content and hypothesis testing), and
      responsiveness are good. The evidence is limited that its internal consistency
      and cross-cultural validity are good, and its measurement error is acceptable.
      There is no evidence for its structural and criterion validity. The evidence for
      the DASH is moderate that its responsiveness is good. The evidence is limited
      that its reliability and the validity on hypothesis testing are good. There is no
      evidence for the other measurement properties. CONCLUSION: According to this
      systematic review, there is, at best, moderate evidence that the responsiveness
      of the PRWE and DASH are good, as are the reliability and validity of the PRWE.
      We recommend these PROMs in clinical studies in patients with distal radial
      fractures; however, more clinimetric studies of higher methodological quality are
      needed to adequately determine the other measurement properties.Cite this
      article: Dr Y. V. Kleinlugtenbelt. Are validated outcome measures used in distal
      radial fractures truly valid?: A critical assessment using the COnsensus-based
      Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist.
      Bone Joint Res 2016;5:153-161. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.54.2000462.

PMID- 27132248
TI  - Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic gait deviations in individuals with
      chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee: A systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered joint motion that occurs in people with an anterior cruciate
      ligament deficient knee is proposed to play a role in the initiation of knee
      osteoarthritis, however, the exact mechanism is poorly understood. Although
      several studies have investigated gait deviations in individuals with chronic
      anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee in the frontal and transverse planes,
      no systematic review has summarized the kinematic and kinetic deviations in these
      two planes. METHODS: We searched five electronic databases from inception to 14th
      October 2013, with key words related to anterior cruciate ligament, biomechanics
      and gait, and limited to human studies only. Two independent reviewers assessed
      eligibility based on predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria and
      methodological quality was evaluated using the Strengthening the Reporting of
      Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement checklist. FINDINGS: We
      identified 16 studies, totaling 183 subjects with anterior cruciate ligament
      deficient knee and 211 healthy subjects. Due to the variability in reported
      outcomes, we could only perform meta-analysis for 13 sagittal plane outcomes. The
      only significant finding from our meta-analysis showed that individuals with
      anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee demonstrated a significantly greater
      external hip flexor angular impulse compared to control (P=0.03). INTERPRETATION:
      No consensus about what constitutes a typical walking pattern in individuals with
      anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee can be made, nor can conclusions be
      derived to explain if gait deviations in the frontal and transverse plane
      contributed to the development of the knee osteoarthritis among this population.

PMID- 27132249
TI  - Predictors of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea severity and oral appliance
      therapy efficacy by using lateral cephalometric analysis.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea (OSAH) is a common disorder characterised by
      repetitive complete or partial closure of the upper airway during sleep, which
      results in sleep fragmentation and oxygen desaturation. There is growing interest
      in the use of oral appliances (OAs) to treat OSAH. The purpose of this study was
      to clarify the cephalometric factors that are associated with OSAH severity and
      that predict the outcome of OA therapy. Two hundred nine patients with OSAH were
      recruited and analysed retrospectively. They had a polysomnographically
      documented apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) of more than five respiratory events per
      hour. Lateral skull radiographs were used for cephalometric analysis. Only 67 of
      the 209 recruited patients underwent a second polysomnography (PSG) to evaluate
      the efficacy of OA therapy. In all recruited patients, the angle formed by the
      subspinal point (A) to the nasion (N) to the supramental point (B) (i.e. ANB
      angle) and the distance between the mandibular plane and hyoid bone (MP-H) were
      predictive factors of OSAH severity. In only 67 patients underwent PSG with an
      OA, the mean rate of decrease in the AHI was 47.8 +/- 29.1%. OA therapy
      effectively treated OSAH in some patients with a very severe form of OSAH.
      However, patients who had a high position of the hyoid bone had a poor response
      to OA therapy. This study suggested that cephalometric analysis is useful for
      predicting OSAH severity and OA therapy efficacy. 

PMID- 27132250
TI  - Open charcoal chamber method for mass measurements of radon exhalation rate from
      soil surface.
AB  - Radon exhalation rate from the soil surface can serve as an important criterion
      in the evaluation of radon hazard of the land. Recently published international
      standard ISO 11665-7 (2012) is based on the accumulation of radon gas in a closed
      container. At the same time since 1998 in Russia, as a part of engineering and
      environmental studies for the construction, radon flux measurements are made
      using an open charcoal chamber for a sampling duration of 3-5 h. This method has
      a well-defined metrological justification and was tested in both favorable and
      unfavorable conditions. The article describes the characteristics of the method,
      as well as the means of sampling and measurement of the activity of radon
      absorbed. The results of the metrological study suggest that regardless of the
      sampling conditions (weather, the mechanism and rate of radon transport in the
      soil, soil properties and conditions), uncertainty of method does not exceed 20%,
      while the combined standard uncertainty of radon exhalation rate measured from
      the soil surface does not exceed 30%. The results of the daily measurements of
      radon exhalation rate from the soil surface at the experimental site during one
      year are reported. 

PMID- 27132251
TI  - Introduce lichen Lepraria incana as biomonitor of Cesium-137 from Ramsar,
      northern Iran.
AB  - Lichens have been used as biomonitors of airborne radionuclides released in
      conjunction with nuclear bomb testing as well as nuclear power plant accidents.
      The potential of lichens for monitoringof radionuclides has been well documented.
      However, there are no studies that determine natural and artificial radionuclide
      monitoring by lichens, in Iran. Thus, as a first step, we have conducted a
      comparison of (137)Csactivity concentration capacity of three epiphytic lichen
      species including Lepraria incana, Xanthoria parietina and Ramalina farinacea
      from Ramsar Northern Iran. In this work, accumulation capacity of (137)Cs was
      determined in 36 lichen samples using a gamma spectrometer equipped with a high
      purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The results showed that highest accumulation
      capacity of (137)Cs in the lichen species was found in Lepraria incana and
      Xanthoria parietina, 30.2, 9.8 Bq/kg respectively, and lowest average
      accumulation capacity were found in Ramalina farinacea 2.7 Bq/kg (dry weight).
      This study showed that activity concentration (137)Cs is in crustose > foliose >
      fruticose lichens in the same biotope. Thus, crustose lichens are capable to
      accumulate higher (137)Cs than foliose and fruticose species because of different
      factors such as special morphological characteristics in these species and large
      surface/volume ratio or longer biological half-life of (137)Cs in lichen Lepraria
      incana. Therefore, Lepraria incana due to high concentration capability of
      (137)Cs (approximately 3 and 11 time higher than Xanthoria parietina and Ramalina
      farinacea, respectively), is introduced as biomonitor of Cesium-137 from Ramsar,
      North of Iran. 

PMID- 27132252
TI  - Atmospheric residence time of (210)Pb determined from the activity ratios with
      its daughter radionuclides (210)Bi and (210)Po.
AB  - The residence time of (210)Pb created in the atmosphere by the decay of gaseous
      (222)Rn is a key parameter controlling its distribution and fallout onto the
      landscape. These in turn are key parameters governing the use of this natural
      radionuclide for dating and interpreting environmental records stored in natural
      archives such as lake sediments. One of the principal methods for estimating the
      atmospheric residence time is through measurements of the activities of the
      daughter radionuclides (210)Bi and (210)Po, and in particular the (210)Bi/(210)Pb
      and (210)Po/(210)Pb activity ratios. Calculations used in early empirical studies
      assumed that these were governed by a simple series of equilibrium equations.
      This approach does however have two failings; it takes no account of the effect
      of global circulation on spatial variations in the activity ratios, and no
      allowance is made for the impact of transport processes across the tropopause.
      This paper presents a simple model for calculating the distributions of (210)Pb,
      (210)Bi and (210)Po at northern mid-latitudes (30 degrees -65 degrees N), a
      region containing almost all the available empirical data. By comparing modelled
      (210)Bi/(210)Pb activity ratios with empirical data a best estimate for the
      tropospheric residence time of around 10 days is obtained. This is significantly
      longer than earlier estimates of between 4 and 7 days. The process whereby
      (210)Pb is transported into the stratosphere when tropospheric concentrations are
      high and returned from it when they are low, significantly increases the
      effective residence time in the atmosphere as a whole. The effect of this is to
      significantly enhance the long range transport of (210)Pb from its source
      locations. The impact is illustrated by calculations showing the distribution of
      (210)Pb fallout versus longitude at northern mid-latitudes. 

PMID- 27132253
TI  - Long-term behavior of (90)Sr and (137)Cs in the environment: Case studies in
      Switzerland.
AB  - We present long-term records of the (137)Cs and (90)Sr activity concentrations in
      soil, grass and milk from two lowland and two alpine pastures of Switzerland. The
      data is used for better understanding the long-term behavior of these
      radionuclides in the environment. Transfer factors between compartments are used
      as qualitative indicators of the magnitude of transfer and as a way to compare
      different elements (e.g. Cs and Sr) in similar conditions. The long-term behavior
      was quantified by means of the effective half-life which integrates all processes
      that cause a decrease of activity in a given medium such as leaching, fixation,
      erosion and radioactive decay. Our study shows that (90)Sr is more likely
      transferred from alpine soil to grass than (137)Cs. This is explained by a
      stronger fixation of Cs in the soils. We observed higher transfers of (90)Sr to
      grass in soils with lower Ca concentrations, and vice versa. In contrast, the
      transfer of (137)Cs to grass was not affected by the variations of the K content
      in the soil. We provide evidence that shows that (137)Cs, after intake by dairy
      cattle, is more likely transferred to milk than (90)Sr. However, as the (90)Sr
      and Ca transfers to milk are influenced by parameters/processes that were not
      taken into account in our study, our result cannot be entirely validated. The
      effective half-lives of (137)Cs and (90)Sr in soil, grass and milk corresponded
      with previous estimates in alpine soils. We have found that processes other than
      radioactive decay are responsible for a major decrease of the (90)Sr activity in
      soil. For (137)Cs, on the other hand, radioactive decay is among the most
      relevant process. Our data shows to be of interest in studying the trends of
      behavior of radionuclides in alpine regions. 

PMID- 27132254
TI  - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Using Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice of
      Justice Professionals to Support their Educational Needs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) can be involved
      in high risk, socially unacceptable and harmful behaviours and are at high risk
      of engaging with the justice system. OBJECTIVE: To obtain baseline data on
      Western Australian justice professionals' knowledge, attitudes and practice
      relating to FASD to inform the development of FASD resources. METHODS: Cross
      sectional study using on-line survey methods, descriptive analysis of
      quantitative data and content analysis methods for qualitative data. RESULTS:
      1873 people were invited to complete the survey. A total of 427 (23%) judicial
      officers, lawyers, corrective services personnel and police completed the survey.
      The majority had heard of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (85%) but were less familiar
      with FASD (60%). Only 16% of respondents identified the key features of FASD as
      permanent and only 48.4% considered psychological difficulties as important. The
      majority of legal and judicial officers and approximately half the police
      officers considered that knowledge about FASD was very relevant to their work.
      CONCLUSION: There was widespread agreement of the need for more information and
      training about FASD to optimise outcomes for people with, or suspected of having
      a FASD, engaging with the justice system.

PMID- 27132255
TI  - Self-perceived versus objectively measured competence in performing clinical
      practical procedures by final year medical students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the self-perceived and objectively measured
      competence in performing 14 core-clinical practical procedures by Final Year
      Medical Students of the University of Zambia. METHODS: The study included 56 out
      of 60 graduating University of Zambia Medical Students of the 2012/2013 academic
      year. Self-perceived competence: students rated their competence on 14 core-
      clinical practical procedures using a self-administered questionnaire on a 5
      point Likert scale. Objective competence: it was measured by Objective Structured
      Clinical Examination (OSCE) by faculty using predetermined rating scales. Rank
      order correlation test was performed for self-perceived and objectively measured
      competence. RESULTS: Two thirds 36 (66.7%) of the participants perceived
      themselves as moderately competent, 15 (27.8%) rated themselves as highly
      competent while 3 (5.6%) had low self-perception. With objective competence, the
      majority 52 (92.8%) were barely competent while 4 (7.2%) were absolutely
      competent. When overall self-perception was compared to objectively measured
      competence, there was a discordance which was demonstrated by a negative
      correlation (Spearman rho -.123). CONCLUSIONS: Significant numbers of students
      reported low self-competence in performing procedures such as endotracheal
      intubation, gastric lavage and cardiopulmonary resuscitation which most never
      performed during the clinical years of medical education. In addition, the
      negative correlation between self-perceived and objectively measured competence
      demonstrated the inability of students to assess and rate themselves objectively
      due to fear that others may know their weaknesses and realize that they are not
      as competent as expected at a specific level of training.

PMID- 27132256
TI  - A multi-specialty surgical course for residents transitioning from early to
      intermediate training.

PMID- 27132257
TI  - Blood eosinophil count: a biomarker of an important treatable trait in patients
      with airway disease.

PMID- 27132258
TI  - Is exhaled nitric oxide a marker of air pollution effect?

PMID- 27132259
TI  - Are COPD and cardiovascular disease fundamentally intertwined?

PMID- 27132260
TI  - Searching for the happy medium in the therapeutic approach to childhood sleep
      disordered breathing.

PMID- 27132261
TI  - Guided duration of anticoagulation after unprovoked venous thromboembolism using
      D-dimer testing.

PMID- 27132262
TI  - Exercise pulmonary haemodynamics: a test in search of purpose.

PMID- 27132263
TI  - Central pulmonary arteries in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: size really matters.

PMID- 27132264
TI  - Targeted treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: one step at a time.

PMID- 27132265
TI  - What's it like to live with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? Ask the experts.

PMID- 27132266
TI  - Advancing global programmatic management of latent tuberculosis infection for at
      risk populations.

PMID- 27132267
TI  - The 5000% case: a glimpse into the financial issue of lung cancer treatment.

PMID- 27132268
TI  - Toward better management of rare and orphan pulmonary diseases.

PMID- 27132269
TI  - Increasing implementation and delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation: key messages
      from the new ATS/ERS policy statement.

PMID- 27132270
TI  - Clinical trials: registration and transparency.

PMID- 27132271
TI  - Efficacy, safety and tolerability of linezolid for the treatment of XDR-TB: a
      study in China.

PMID- 27132272
TI  - Benefit of treatment of latent tuberculosis infection in individual patients.

PMID- 27132273
TI  - Benefit of treatment of latent tuberculosis infection in individual patients.

PMID- 27132274
TI  - ERJ May Podcast: using resting pulmonary artery pressure to predict abnormal
      exercise haemodynamics.

PMID- 27132275
TI  - The rate of country-level improvements of the infant mortality rate is mainly
      determined by previous history.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies of country-level determinants of health have produced
      conflicting results even when the analyses have been restricted to high-income
      counties. Yet, most of these studies have not taken historical, country-specific
      developments into account. Thus, it is appropriate to separate the influence of
      current exposures from historical aspects. METHODS: Determinants of the infant
      mortality rate (IMR) were studied in 28 OECD countries over the period 1990-2012.
      Twelve determinants were selected. They refer to the level of general resources,
      resources that specifically address child health and characteristics that affect
      knowledge dissemination, including level of trust, and a health related
      behaviour: the rate of female smoking. RESULTS: Bivariate analyses with the IMR
      in year 2000 as outcome and the 12 determinants produced six statistically
      significant models. In multivariate analyses, the rate of decrease in the IMR was
      investigated as outcome and a history variable (IMR in 1990) was included in the
      models. The history variable alone explained 95% of the variation. None of the
      multivariate models, with the 12 determinants included, explained significantly
      more variation. CONCLUSION: Taking into account the historical development of the
      IMR will critically affect correlations between country-level determinants and
      the IMR.

PMID- 27132276
TI  - Next generation research and therapy in red blood cell diseases.

PMID- 27132277
TI  - Innovations in treatment and response evaluation in multiple myeloma.

PMID- 27132278
TI  - Nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.
AB  - Most hematological malignancies occur in older patients. Until recently these
      patients and those with comorbidities were not candidates for treatment with
      allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation because they were unable to tolerate the
      heretofore used high-dose conditioning regimens. The finding that many of the
      cures achieved with allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation were due to graft
      versus-tumor effects led to the development of less toxic and well-tolerated
      reduced intensity and nonmyeloablative regimens. These regimens enabled
      allogeneic engraftment, thereby setting the stage for graft-versus-tumor effects.
      This review summarizes the encouraging early results seen with the new regimens
      and discusses the two hurdles that need to be overcome for achieving even greater
      success, disease relapse and graft-versus-host disease.

PMID- 27132281
TI  - Why should hemophilia B be milder than hemophilia A?

PMID- 27132279
TI  - Role of the tumor microenvironment in mature B-cell lymphoid malignancies.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment is the cellular and molecular environment in which the
      tumor exists and with which it continuously interacts. In B-cell lymphomas, this
      microenvironment is intriguing in that it plays critical roles in the regulation
      of tumor cell survival and proliferation, fostering immune escape as well as the
      development of treatment resistance. The purpose of this review is to summarize
      the proceedings of the Second Annual Summit on the Immune Microenvironment in
      Hematologic Malignancies that took place on September 11-12, 2014 in Dublin,
      Ireland. We provide a timely overview of the composition and biological relevance
      of the cellular and molecular microenvironment interface and discuss the role of
      interactions between the microenvironment and neoplastic cells in a variety of B
      cell lymphomas. In addition, we focus on various novel therapeutic strategies
      that target the tumor microenvironment, including agents that modulate B-cell
      receptor pathways and immune-checkpoints, chimeric antigen receptor T cells and
      immunomodulatory agents.

PMID- 27132282
TI  - Failure to effectively treat chronic graft-versus-host disease: a strong call for
      prevention.

PMID- 27132283
TI  - Interleukin 6 Is a Stronger Predictor of Clinical Events Than High-Sensitivity C
      Reactive Protein or D-Dimer During HIV Infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interleukin 6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP),
      and D-dimer levels are linked to adverse outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) infection, but the strength of their associations with different clinical
      end points warrants investigation. METHODS: Participants receiving standard of
      care in 2 HIV trials with measured biomarker levels were followed to ascertain
      all-cause death, non-AIDS-related death, AIDS, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and
      non-AIDS-defining malignancies. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs) of each end point for quartiles and log2-transformed IL-6, hsCRP, and D
      dimer levels were calculated using Cox models. Marginal models modelling multiple
      events tested for equal effects of biomarker levels on different end points.
      RESULTS: Among 4304 participants, there were 157 all-cause deaths, 117 non-AIDS
      related deaths, 101 AIDS cases, 121 CVD cases, and 99 non-AIDS-defining
      malignancies. IL-6 was more strongly associated with most end points, compared
      with hsCRP. IL-6 appeared to be a stronger predictor than D-dimer for CVD and non
      AIDS-defining malignancies, but 95% CIs overlapped. Independent associations of
      IL-6 were stronger for non-AIDS-related death (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.43-2.04) and
      all-cause death (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.33-1.84) and similar for CVD (HR, 1.35; 95%
      CI, 1.12-1.62) and non-AIDS-defining malignancies (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06-1.61).
      There was heterogeneity of IL-6 (P < .001) but not hsCRP (P = .15) or D-dimer (P
      = .20) as a predictor for different end points. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 is a stronger
      predictor of fatal events than of CVD and non-AIDS-defining malignancies.
      Adjuvant antiinflammatory and antithrombotic therapies should be tested in HIV
      infected individuals.

PMID- 27132285
TI  - Association Analysis Suggests SOD2 as a Newly Identified Candidate Gene
      Associated With Leprosy Susceptibility.
AB  - Genetic studies have identified several genes and genomic regions contributing to
      the control of host susceptibility to leprosy. Here, we test variants of the
      positional and functional candidate gene SOD2 for association with leprosy in 2
      independent population samples. Family-based analysis revealed an association
      between leprosy and allele G of marker rs295340 (P = .042) and borderline
      evidence of an association between leprosy and alleles C and A of markers rs4880
      (P = .077) and rs5746136 (P = .071), respectively. Findings were validated in an
      independent case-control sample for markers rs295340 (P = .049) and rs4880 (P =
      .038). These results suggest SOD2 as a newly identified gene conferring
      susceptibility to leprosy.

PMID- 27132284
TI  - Diversity and Tropism of HIV-1 Rebound Virus Populations in Plasma Level After
      Treatment Discontinuation.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus-infected people discontinuing therapy experience a
      rebound in the virus level (hereafter, "rebound virus") from a persistent
      reservoir. We examined 10 samples from patients in AIDS Clinical Trials Group
      study A5068 with rebound virus, using single-genome amplification and Primer ID
      deep sequencing, to assess env genetic diversity of the virus population. Most
      rebound-virus populations showed significant diversity. All env examined required
      high levels of CD4 for entry, consistent with selection of replication in CD4(+)
      T cells. These results indicate that most people discontinuing therapy release a
      diverse population of virus and that this released virus has entry features of
      virus selected for replication in CD4(+) T cells, rather than in myeloid cells.

PMID- 27132286
TI  - Epidemic focus.

PMID- 27132280
TI  - Chronic myeloid leukemia: reminiscences and dreams.
AB  - With the deaths of Janet Rowley and John Goldman in December 2013, the world lost
      two pioneers in the field of chronic myeloid leukemia. In 1973, Janet Rowley,
      unraveled the cytogenetic anatomy of the Philadelphia chromosome, which
      subsequently led to the identification of the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene and its
      principal pathogenetic role in the development of chronic myeloid leukemia. This
      work was also of major importance to support the idea that cytogenetic changes
      were drivers of leukemogenesis. John Goldman originally made seminal
      contributions to the use of autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation
      from the late 1970s onwards. Then, in collaboration with Brian Druker, he led
      efforts to develop ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of patients
      with chronic myeloid leukemia in the late 1990s. He also led the global efforts
      to develop and harmonize methodology for molecular monitoring, and was an
      indefatigable organizer of international conferences. These conferences brought
      together clinicians and scientists, and accelerated the adoption of new
      therapies. The abundance of praise, tributes and testimonies expressed by many
      serve to illustrate the indelible impressions these two passionate and affable
      scholars made on so many people's lives. This tribute provides an outline of the
      remarkable story of chronic myeloid leukemia, and in writing it, it is clear that
      the historical triumph of biomedical science over this leukemia cannot be
      considered without appreciating the work of both Janet Rowley and John Goldman.

PMID- 27132289
TI  - Personal bias: the conflict of ego and its potential negative impact on our
      patients.

PMID- 27132287
TI  - Dracunculiasis eradication: global surveillance summary, 2015.

PMID- 27132290
TI  - John Samuel Gould, MD (May 10, 1939--September 29, 2015.

PMID- 27132291
TI  - [Finland is a pioneer in childhood growth monitoring--Is is evidence-based?].
AB  - In Finland, growth monitoring is a fundamental part of preventive child health
      care, aiming at an early detection of childhood illnesses as well as weight gain
      or loss. However, evidence-based studies on growth monitoring are practically
      lacking. Updated growth curves must be representative of the monitored
      population. Screening of Turner syndrome and celiac disease with novel growth
      monitoring methods could facilitate early diagnosis. Electronic health records
      provide an alternative to develop an automated growth monitoring program, which
      was found to be distinctly better than the manually orientated one in primary
      care. Systematic growth monitoring seems to be beneficial, although true
      population- based evidence on effectiveness is scarce.

PMID- 27132292
TI  - [Clinical significance of psychotic-like symptoms in youth].
AB  - Symptoms of the psychotic type are relatively common in young persons, but seldom
      result in the development of an actual psychotic disorder. Psychotic-like
      symptoms in the young are, however, associated with more severe psychiatric
      symptoms and a less favorable prognosis, whereby their identification is
      important in psychiatric treatment. A symptom-oriented approach is important in
      the treatment: instead of the possible risk of psychosis, focus will be on the
      actual situation, taking the total symptom picture and the person's life
      situation into consideration. Cognitive psychotherapy is the recommended first
      line treatment for psychotic-like symptoms.

PMID- 27132293
TI  - [Cough leading to the death of an infant].
AB  - Death from infections among previously healthy infants is rare in our country.
      Occasionally, warning of a severe disease may in the initial phase of the disease
      become manifest only from the parents' description of the condition of their
      child. We describe two infants under the age of 3 months with paroxysmal cough,
      whose whooping cough progressed to require intensive care. A suspicion of
      whooping cough was not roused neither among those making the emergency care
      assessment nor by the attending physicians before the patients had to be placed
      on a ventilator as the illness progressed. One of our patients succumbed to the
      illness despite of intensive care. Whooping cough should be suspected in all
      unimmunized infants having paroxysmal cough.

PMID- 27132294
TI  - [Up-to-date drug treatment of disseminated lung cancer--which other drugs are
      available in addition to conventional cytotoxic agents?].
AB  - In addition to conventional cytotoxic agents, novel drug treatments have in the
      last few years been introduced for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
      Whereas some of the novel treatments have brought significant improvement in
      treatment outcome, the benefit brought about by the treatment has in some cases
      been quite small in comparison with the costs and adverse effects. In the present
      review we explore the goals of drug treatments of disseminated lung cancer,
      assessment of therapeutic benefits as well as most significant research results
      of novel drug treatments of the lastfew years In addition, we evaluate the effect
      of the novel drug treatments on Finnish treatment practices.

PMID- 27132295
TI  - [Good specimens for the diagnosis and assessment of extent of lung cancer].
AB  - In the diagnosis of lung cancer, tissue and cytologic specimens are needed for
      confirmation of the diagnosis, elucidation of the histologic type of lung cancer,
      determination of the extent of the cancer, and increasingly also for the
      molecular biological investigations required for the planning of drug therapy.
      The site and method of specimen collection are chosen multidisciplinarily on the
      basis of imaging studies, taking the clinical picture and patient safety into
      consideration. High-quality and quantitatively representative specimens are
      required for molecular biological analyses, and assessment of the response to
      drug therapy or modifying the treatment may require a new sample, which can be a
      tissue or cytologic specimen or a liquid biopsy.

PMID- 27132296
TI  - [Stereotactic radiotherapy is established treatment in localized non-small cell
      lung cancer].
AB  - Surgery has been the standard treatment in localized non-small cell lung cancer.
      Some of the early stage lung cancer patients are not suitable for surgery owing
      to associated diseases or refusing surgery. Ninety percent of untreated patients
      die within five years. Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy is a technique in which
      highly focused radiation treatment is given at a couple of high single doses to
      the tumor region. The treatment results in an average of 90% local control of the
      cancer, and the adverse effects are minor. Treatment outcome is equivalent to
      those of surgical therapy and is better than obtained with conventional external
      radiation therapy.

PMID- 27132297
TI  - [Novel drug therapies and their cost-effectiveness in the treatment of lung
      cancer].
AB  - The treatments of lung cancer have progressed significantly during the past ten
      years through the enhanced understanding of the underlying biological processes.
      Treatment outcomes have become better in the era of targeted treatments, but
      these new treatments are more expensive than their predecessors. Cost
      effectiveness of the new treatments has been widely evaluated internationally.
      Nevertheless, the results from these analyses have been contradictory. Based on
      the published evaluations it is neither possible to rank the new treatments nor
      is it possible to unambiguously claim the cost-effectiveness of the new
      treatments compared with traditional treatments. National cost-effectiveness
      analyses of lung cancer treatments have not been published in Finland.

PMID- 27132298
TI  - [Developing surgical options for lung cancer].
AB  - The selection of correct treatment for lung cancer is multidisciplinary
      collaboration and requires careful assessment of the extent of the tumor and the
      condition of the patient. In localized non-small cell lung cancer, mere surgery
      or surgery in combination with adjuvant therapies are the best options for curing
      the disease. The trend in modern surgery is mini-invasiveness and preservation of
      lung tissue. Accordingly, any unit conducting lung cancer operations should have
      access to all modern techniques in order to provide each patient with optimal,
      patient-tailored surgical therapy.

PMID- 27132299
TI  - [Molecular pathologic diagnosis of lung cancer requires basic knowledge also from
      clinicians].
AB  - Besides histological classification of lung cancers, molecular biological
      examination of tumors is part of modern diagnostics of lung cancers, and cancer
      therapies are based on molecular biological diagnosis. Current laboratory
      technique enables the examination of many mutations as part of standard routine
      diagnosis, necessitating functional multidisciplinary collaboration, with the
      pathologist playing a central role in the handling of the specimens. In the
      future, especially pathologists, pulmonary specialists and oncologists are
      expected to need a good command of molecular biological data on lung cancer, but
      basic knowledge will be required also from other physicians working with lung
      cancer patients.

PMID- 27132300
TI  - Improving efficiency, securing savings.
AB  - The NHS in England could save L1 bn annually if all NHS acute Trustsachieved the
      median level of estates and facilities running costs, the second (and 'final')
      report by Lord Carter and his team into the 'productivity and efficiency' of
      acute NHS Trusts across England, published on 5 February,suggests. As HEJ,
      editor, Jonathan Baillie reports, Lord Carter's team'songoing recent discussions
      with senior personnel working in a range of disciplines at 32 NHS Trusts--which
      followed dialogue with an initial 22 Trusts--identified 'unwarranted variation'
      in the use of resources ranging from staff to land and buildings on such a scale
      that effectively addressing this 'variation' could, the DH-commissioned team
      says, potentially reduce by L5 bn annually the NHS in England's costs.

PMID- 27132301
TI  - Effective testing for mobile units.
AB  - In February's HEJ--in the first 'half' of a two-part article focusing on the
      design, installation, and testing of medical gas systems for mobile units,
      medical gas specialist, Geoff Dillow, examined some of the design and
      construction limitations particular to such units, and how these can the impact
      on the equipment's compliance with HTM guidance. In this second part, he
      considers some of the key requirements for effective testing of mobile unit
      medical gas installations.

PMID- 27132302
TI  - Supporting SMEs in public sector bids.
AB  - Edward James, workstream lead, Estates, Facilities and Professional Services
      Workstream, at NHS London Procurement Partnership (pictured), looks at the
      workings and benefits of Dynamic Purchasing Systems--electronic systems used by a
      public bodies to purchase commonly used goods, works, or services. One of the
      major benefits, he explains, is that under a 'DPS'--an 'open market' system
      revised in 2015--smaller businesses have a greater opportunity to win business
      than in traditional ('closed') framework agreements.

PMID- 27132303
TI  - Assessment unit meets Trust ambitions.
AB  - The quality of the care environment within a new 16-bedded modular-built ward,
      the Gilwern Assessment Unit, at Hereford County Hopsital, has won widespread
      praise from the clinicians and nurses staffing it--many of whom were recruited
      specially to work in it. The impressive new single-storey assessment unit for
      frail, older patients--which admitted its first patients just before Christmas-
      is formed from 14 separate modules erected offsite, delivered individually on low
      loaders, craned into position, and then finished and fitted out to an extremely
      high standard, by off-site building specialist, MTX. The new ward was completed
      on budget to an extremely tight schedule, met--thanks to excellent teamwork-
      despite the added complication of the unit being built over a former burial
      ground.

PMID- 27132304
TI  - Low temperature benefits discussed.
AB  - At a recent educational workshop event hosted by Advanced Sterilization Products,
      expert speakers including Authorising Engineers, and delegates, discussed some of
      their experiences of low temperature sterilisation of 'hi-tech' medical devices,
      and highlighted the benefits of a process which allows decontamination of
      instruments and, for example, parts of robotic surgery systems, that cannot be
      decontaminated using standard methods. Also examined,and reported on here in an
      article that first appeared in HEJ's sister publication, The Clinical Services
      Journal, were some of the disadvantages of low temperature sterilisation, the key
      considerations and options when choosing such a system, and a focus on how the
      technology's use had benefited a major London-based NHS Trust.

PMID- 27132305
TI  - Adding value and motivating employees.
AB  - Choosing or designing training that ensures that your engineers are meeting
      standards and gaining competencies to operate safely and effectively means that a
      lot rests on the skills and expertise of the training provider. John Thatcher,
      CEO at Eastwood Park, explains how the right training has the potential to
      improve service and organisational-level performance.

PMID- 27132306
TI  - Secure your BEMS and thwart the hackers.

PMID- 27132307
TI  - How 'Big data' will drive future innovation.
AB  - Giving the opening keynote speech at last year's Healthcare Estates conference,
      Mike Hobbs, managing director of Carillion Health, drew on his 25 years'
      experience to discuss how innovation can help drive the greater efficiency and
      productivity that the NHS is charged with delivering, in the process cutting
      costs at a time when the service faces the tightest economic pressures in its
      history. He argued that as we enter a new world of 'Big data', the availability
      of accurate, comprehensive data on which to base key decisions will be the major
      enabler for the design and construction of high quality healthcare facilities in
      the future. It will equally be key, he said, to their efficient, low-cost, and
      optimal utilisation to provide the higher 'productivity' the Government says is
      essential.

PMID- 27132308
TI  - Complex M&E for new orthopaedic centre.
AB  - Paul Briars, North West regional director for independent engineering, IT, and
      facilities services business, NG Bailey (pictured), discusses the company's part
      in a major redevelopment at one of the UK's top orthopaedic hospitals,
      Wrightington Hospital in Lancashire --famous as the site, in the early 1960s, of
      first ever hip replacement operations, by pioneering surgeon, Professor Sir John
      Charnley (HEJ --April 2013).

PMID- 27132309
TI  - Full marks achieved for Pinderfields eye clinic.
AB  - Jon Newman, managing director of Elliott, explains how an off-site construction
      system enabled the completion of a specialist eye clinic at Pinderfields Hospital
      in Wakefield in just 32 weeks.

PMID- 27132310
TI  - Preface. Hot Topics in Adolescent Health.

PMID- 27132311
TI  - Vitamin D: Recent Recommendations and Discoveries.
AB  - The evidence continues to mount for the important role of vitamin D as a hormone
      that provides protective benefits to the immune system. Guidelines have been
      developed recommending routine vitamin D supplementation in order to optimize
      bone health, including aiming for a goal 25(OH)D concentration greater than 30
      ng/mL among select patient groups who are at risk for skeletal deficits or
      vitamin D deficiency itself. Whether this level is the optimal one that confers
      the extraskeletal benefits of vitamin D remains unknown. Whether healthy children
      and adolescents may benefit from maintenance of 25(OH)D levels at higher
      thresholds also is unknown and under study. Adolescence is a critical time for
      the accrual of peak bone mass, and optimizing vitamin D during this important
      developmental period and throughout the life cycle may be beneficial for and
      beyond the skeleton. Although routine screening of 25(OH)D levels is not
      currently recommended, those individuals at higher risk for
      insufficiency/deficiency should be screened and appropriately supplemented.

PMID- 27132312
TI  - Medication-Assisted Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in Adolescents and Young
      Adults.

PMID- 27132313
TI  - Update on HIV Testing, Management, and Prevention in Adolescents and Young
      Adults.

PMID- 27132314
TI  - Bariatric Surgery for Adolescents.

PMID- 27132315
TI  - Update on the Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections.

PMID- 27132316
TI  - Antimicrobial Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

PMID- 27132317
TI  - Adolescents, Young Adults, and the Legalization of Marijuana.
AB  - Marijuana is the most common illicit drug of abuse in adolescents, nationally and
      globally. What is currently known about the effects of marijuana on adolescents
      and their lives reveals a number of concerns, ranging from acute physical effects
      to long-term physical, mental, and social consequences. As states begin to re
      evaluate marijuana policies, it is important that the health and well-being of
      adolescents and young adults remain a priority. Much about marijuana and its
      medicinal uses is still not known, nor is there adequate data about the long-term
      effects of use of stronger marijuana products over the life course. Although much
      research is needed on marijuana and its derivatives, enough is known about its
      effects on adolescents to recommend an increased focus on preventing marijuana
      use in this stage of life.

PMID- 27132318
TI  - Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives and Adolescents: Assessing Benefits and
      Overcoming Barriers.

PMID- 27132319
TI  - Child and Adolescent Feeding and Eating Disorders and the DSM-5: A Brave New
      World.

PMID- 27132320
TI  - Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth.

PMID- 27132321
TI  - Pediatric Bipolar Disorder and Mood Dysregulation: Diagnostic Controversies.
AB  - Pediatric bipolar disorder, once thought rare, has gone through stages of
      conceptualization. DSM criteria were reinterpreted such that children and
      adolescents, particularly those with ADHD, were commonly diagnosed with bipolar
      disorder and thought to be atypical by adult standards. Research criteria
      separated pediatric bipolar patients into 3 phenotypes, including a research
      diagnosis of "severe mood dysregulation." DSM-5 largely maintained previous
      criteria for bipolar disorder at all ages and created a new diagnosis called
      "disruptive mood dysregulation disorder," categorized as a depressive disorder,
      for persistently angry or irritable patients with symptoms of childhood onset.
      However, the controversy regarding the diagnosis of pediatric bipolar disorder
      continues. Progress has been made in the classification of children and
      adolescents with mood symptoms who are predominantly irritable or angry, but lack
      of clarity remains regarding classification of children and adolescents with
      "symptoms characteristic of bipolar disorder" who do not meet criteria for
      bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, or cyclothymia.

PMID- 27132322
TI  - Celiac Disease and Gluten-Related Disorders.

PMID- 27132323
TI  - Implementation of Health Care Transition in Clinical Practice.

PMID- 27132324
TI  - Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents.

PMID- 27132325
TI  - Mindfulness and Adolescence: A Clinical Review of Recent Mindfulness-Based
      Studies in Clinical and Nonclinical Adolescent Populations.

PMID- 27132326
TI  - Twenty Questions About Media Violence and Its Effect on Adolescents.

PMID- 27132328
TI  - Update on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

PMID- 27132327
TI  - Human Papillomavirus and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and
      Neck: A Growing Epidemic.

PMID- 27132329
TI  - The Forum for South Carolina Physicians.

PMID- 27132330
TI  - Presidential Inaugural Address--154th SCMA President Marshall L. Meadors, III,
      MD.

PMID- 27132331
TI  - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the New Doctor-Patient-Computer Relationship
      of the 21st Century.

PMID- 27132332
TI  - Disseminated Aspergillosis Following Treatment with Corticosteroids in a Patient
      with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia.

PMID- 27132333
TI  - Intraoperative Blood Loss Among Jehovah's Witnesses in Spinal Deformity Surgery:
      A Report of 5 Cases.

PMID- 27132334
TI  - Spontaneous Splenic Rupture Mimicking Placental Abruption in the Second
      Trimester: a Case Report and Review of the Literature.

PMID- 27132335
TI  - AnMed Health Compliance Study--Adjuvant Radiation Therapy Following Breast
      Conserving Surgery.

PMID- 27132336
TI  - The Euro-Confederate Doctors: The Impact of the 19th Century European Medical
      World on the Careers of Three Southern Physicians.

PMID- 27132337
TI  - AMA Annual Meeting 2015.

PMID- 27132338
TI  - Inaugural Address of the 2015-16 Alliance President.

PMID- 27132340
TI  - Message from the President.

PMID- 27132339
TI  - Violence Starting but Not Ending in the Home.

PMID- 27132341
TI  - Dangerous to Stay, Dangerous to Leave: Ethical and Legal Issues in Domestic
      Violence.

PMID- 27132342
TI  - South Carolina's Current Approach to Overcoming the Domestic Violence Epidemic.

PMID- 27132343
TI  - Psychological Impact of Domestic Violence on Victims.

PMID- 27132344
TI  - Domestic Violence and the Law: A Distinct Offense for a Distinct Wrong?

PMID- 27132345
TI  - Mandatory Reporting of Intimate Partner Violence is Too Dangerous for the Victim.

PMID- 27132347
TI  - Introduction. Scottish Medicine and Literary Culture. 1726-1832.

PMID- 27132346
TI  - Intimate Partner Violence: The Role of the Health Professions.

PMID- 27132348
TI  - 'Nothing is so soon forgot as pain': Reading Agony in Adam Smith's The Theory of
      Moral Sentiments.
AB  - Giving a rigorous philosophical explanation to the imagination's role in
      sympathy, Adam Smith's The Theory of Moral Sentiments became a central text in
      Romantic aesthetics. It not only justified the age's vogue for making suffering
      an object of artistic pleasure, it treated suffering's affectivity as the very
      foundation of society. Depicting agony as a spectacle to be read by others, Smith
      transformed morality into rhetoric, making human subjects into readers of a
      sentimentalised, textual world. Yet Smith's work restricted the bonds of
      sympathy, too, following established distinctions between mind and body that
      helped him to exclude physical pain from sympathetic response. This essay looks
      to Smith's context in the overlapping philosophical and medical discourses of the
      Scottish Enlightenment, exploring his moral theory's resonance with the nerve
      theories of Robert Whytt and William Cullen, then the leading figures in
      Scotland's rising medical community. Deepening our understanding of Smith's
      probable sources, it reframes Smith's intellectual and ideological legacy,
      foregrounding some of the ambivalent cultural and political implications of
      Smith's troubling censure of physical pain.

PMID- 27132349
TI  - The Origins of a Modern Medical Ethics in Enlightenment Scotland: Cheyne, Gregory
      and Cullen as Practitioners of Sensibility.
AB  - The foundations of a modern medical ethics does not appear in Britain until the
      late-eighteenth century, with the publication of John Gregory's Lectures on the
      Duties and Qualifications of a Physician in 1772. Focusing on the contemporary
      Moral Sense philosophical ideas formulated primarily by leading members of the
      Kirk, and the medical writings of the Scottish physicians, George Cheyne, John
      Gregory, and William Cullen, this chapter explores the fusion of classical and
      holistic Christian-based medical ethics. It is argued that it was the convergence
      of new theories of nervous sensibility, Scottish Enlightenment, Christian-based
      sentimental moral philosophies, and the rhetoric of the "man of feeling" that
      created a new modern medical ethics.

PMID- 27132350
TI  - The Demise of the Preformed Embryo: Edinburgh, Leiden, and the Physician-Poet
      Mark Akenside's Contribution to Re-Establishing Epigenetic Embryology.
AB  - Seventeenth-century advances in microscopy prompted a shift in the dominant
      theory of human reproduction from one of epigenesis, derived from such ancient
      authorities as Aristotle, which posited that the mixing of male and female
      reproductive material generated a being which had not existed before, to one of
      preformation, whereby embryologists argued that the offspring of an animal
      already existed in miniature in the reproductive material. This chapter reveals
      that the poet, Mark Akenside, anticipated the Enlightenment's challenge to the
      prevailing preformationist orthodoxy when a medical student at Edinburgh in the
      late 1730s, as evident in his May 1744 thesis entitled De ortu et incremento
      foetus humani ('On the Origin and Growth of the Human Foetus'). What prompted
      Akenside to take such a bold step? Faced with a scarcity of biographical sources,
      Akenside's major poem on The Pleasures of Imagination (1744) suggests how the
      poet had been thinking about reproductive processes in innovative contexts and
      that his medical research informed his concept of poetic creation.

PMID- 27132351
TI  - Benjamin Rush, Edinburgh Medicine and the Rise of Physician Autobiography.
AB  - This chapter explores the place of Scottish medicine in the autobiographical
      writing of the Philadelphia physician and signer of the American Declaration of
      Independence, Benjamin Rush, who studied at the University of Edinburgh from 1766
      to 1768. It focuses on Rush's 'Scottish journal' (his account of his period of
      study in Edinburgh), his protracted feud from 1797 over his treatment of yellow
      fever with the English journalist, politician and agriculturalist William
      Cobbett, and his account in 'Travels through Life' of that feud and of the
      influence of Cullen on his medical theory and practice. The different rhetorical
      strategies used by Rush to defend his character and practice and his role in the
      rise of physician autobiography are examined.

PMID- 27132352
TI  - The Construction of Robert Fergusson's Illness and Death.
AB  - This chapter charts the biographical, fictional and medical constructions of
      Robert Fergusson's (1750-74) illness and death from the late eighteenth to the
      twenty-first century. Fergusson died at the age of 24 in Edinburgh's Asylum for
      Pauper Lunatics. Thanks to this fact, commentators have become preoccupied with
      the legend of his illness and death. This chapter analyses the changing attitudes
      towards Fergusson's illness throughout the centuries by interrogating
      biographical constructions, fictional imaginings and modern diagnoses of his
      condition, in order to reflect on changing attitudes towards mental illness and
      artistic creativity.

PMID- 27132353
TI  - 'Groaning under the miseries of a diseased nervous System': Robert Burns and
      Melancholy.
AB  - Many currents in eighteenth-century Scotland--philosoph- ical, literary, medical
      and religious--served to influence how the poet, Robert Burns, understood his
      disturbed moods and how he described them in his poetry and letters. By tracking
      the chronology of his illness and the particular medical language he and his
      biographers drew upon in relation to the nervous theories current in Scotland and
      the cult of Romantic sensibility, this chapter examines how Burns' melancholy
      reflected and was related to the culture and historical period in which he lived.

PMID- 27132354
TI  - Phrenological Controversy and the Medical Imagination: 'A Modern Pythagorean' in
      Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine.
AB  - The periodical press in the early nineteenth century was a site of dynamic
      exchange between men of science and men of letters, and Blackwood's Edinburgh
      Magazine was a particularly rich site of expression for medical ideas. This
      chapter explores the symbiotic relationship between the Blackwoodian prose
      fiction and the scientific and medical investigations of the Glaswegian surgeon
      and writer, Robert Macnish (1802-37), and in particular, his explorations of
      altered states of consciousness and phrenology. It is argued that his prose tales
      reveal the Blackwoodian 'tale of terror' to be an experimental template for the
      medical theorist and budding phrenologist, revealing problematic sites for
      medical hermeneutics in early nineteenth-century Scotland.

PMID- 27132355
TI  - Blood and the Revenant in Walter Scott's The Fair Maid of Perth.
AB  - In Sir Walter Scott's The Fair Maid of Perth; or St Valentine's Day (1828), the
      resuscitated subject is referred to as a revenant, a term that Scott borrowed
      from Henry Thomson's Blackwoodian tale 'Le Revenant' (1827), meaning 'dead
      alive'. Taking its cue from the sanguinary subtext of The Fair Maid of Perth,
      which is fascinated with the shedding of blood and transfusion of fluids, this
      chapter reads the Scottish revenant as a literary reflection on the extraordinary
      promise of blood transfusion in the 1820s: that death could be understood as a
      process, rather than an absolute state, and that medical intervention could
      restore life to those on the brink of death and even to the recently deceased.

PMID- 27132356
TI  - Magic, Mind Control, and the Body Electric: "Materia Medica" in Sir Walter
      Scott's Library at Abbotsford.
AB  - This chapter examines the medical texts, or "Materia Medica", held by Sir Walter
      Scott in his library at Abbotsford. While the vast majority of Scott's medical
      texts are antiquarian, his library also contains rare tracts and ephemera
      relating to the medical practice of the infamous quack, Dr James Graham (1745
      94), and the Burke and Hare controversy of 1828 and its aftermath. Examining
      Scott's holdings of medical texts in relation to his own health and that of his
      family and friends, it is argued that the lack of contemporary medical self-help
      texts in his library is striking and indicative of his stoical attitude towards
      health, despite his clear interest in medical culture.

PMID- 27132357
TI  - An Account of ... William Cullen: John Thomson and the Making of a Medical
      Biography.
AB  - John Thomson's An Account of the Life, Lectures and Writings of William Cullen
      (1832; 1859) remains a primary source for the career of the most influential
      academic physician in eighteenth-century Scotland and is also a significant work
      of medical history. But this multi-authored text, begun around 1810 by the
      academic surgeon, John Thomson, but only completed in 1859 by Dr David Craigie,
      has its own complex history. This chapter addresses what this history can reveal
      about the development of medical biography as a literary genre. It argues that
      the Account is a hybrid work shaped by a complex array of practical, domestic,
      intellectual, and professional pressures, as Thomson, in seeking to bolster his
      own career, was caught between the demands of Cullen's children for a traditional
      "Life" and his own more theoretical and socio-cultural interests.

PMID- 27132358
TI  - Transatlantic Irritability: Brunonian sociology, America and mass culture in the
      nineteenth century.
AB  - The widespread influence exerted by the medical theories of Scottish doctor, John
      Brown, whose eponymously named Brunonianism radically simplified the ideas of his
      mentor, William Cullen, has not been generally recognised. However, the very
      simplicity of the Brunonian medical model played a key role in ensuring the
      dissemination of medical ideas about nervous irritability and the harmful effects
      of overstimulation in the literary culture of the nineteenth century and shaped
      early sociological thinking. This chapter suggests the centrality of these
      medical ideas, as mediated by Brunonianism, to the understanding of Romanticism
      in the nineteenth century, and argues that Brunonian ideas shaped nineteenth
      century thinking about the effects of mass print culture in ways which continue
      to influence contemporary thinking about the effects of media.

PMID- 27132359
TI  - [A history that's not always easy].

PMID- 27132360
TI  - [Archives of 200 years of Swiss veterinary medicine].

PMID- 27132361
TI  - [Admission into electronic journal memory].

PMID- 27132362
TI  - [The history of detained Polish veterinarians in Switzerland 1940-1947].
AB  - As part of the recent history of veterinary medicine in Switzerland, in Poland
      and in other countries biographies ofveterinarians among Polish soldiers detained
      to Switzerland during WWII are described. The information is derived from a
      number of Swiss and Ukrainian archives and personal contacts with descendants and
      colleagues of these veterinarians living in Switzerland and abroad.

PMID- 27132363
TI  - Introduction.

PMID- 27132364
TI  - Cornucopia Officinae Medicae: Medical Practice Records and Their Origin.

PMID- 27132365
TI  - Doctors and Their Patients in the Seventeenth to Nineteenth Centuries.
AB  - How can these finings be interpreted in conclusion? Analysis has revealed firstly
      that, depending on the chosen period, the socio-geographical situation and the
      profile of the individual doctor's practice, the clientele varied widely in terms
      of gender, age and social rank. The consultation behaviour of men and women
      changed noticeably. Findings overall suggest that up until t8o the gender
      distribution varied in the individual practices. There was a trend for women to
      be overrepresented in urban practices during the earlier period. But in general,
      from the mid-nineteenth century they predominated - in towns as well as in the
      country in allopathic as well as homeopathic practices. The absence of children,
      which was bemoaned by many physicians, did not apply to the practices under
      investigation. On the contrary: the percentage is consistently high while older
      patients remained underrepresented right up until the end of the period under
      investigation, even though their proportion increased in the individual practices
      during the course of the nineteenth century In each of the nineteenth century
      practices investigated - and increasingly among the lower and middle classes -
      the physicians' services were used by several members of the same family. We have
      found no evidence to support the thesis that up until the nineteenth century
      academic physicians were mainly consulted by aristocratic or wealthy bourgeois
      patients. The theory probably applies only to early modern urban doctors. In the
      practices examined here, from the middle of the eighteenth century, patients from
      all social strata went to consult physicians. The participation of members of the
      lower classes or from an artisanal, (proto) industrial or agricultural background
      clearly increased over time 'despite ubiquitous economic and cultural barriers.
      That the annual numbers of consultations per physician increased - despite the
      growing number of physicians available - suggests that for economically
      disadvantaged social groups also, the consultation of learned physicians became
      more common: in towns from the first half of the nineteenth century and in the
      country from the middle of the century. In addition, the individual findings
      reveal that, prior to the introduction of statutory health insurance for salaried
      persons, patients of more secure social standing consulted a physician
      considerably more frequently in the course of the year than lower class patients.
      While the patient structure clearly changed around 1800, the relationship between
      physician and patient continued without major changes from the seventeenth to the
      nineteenth century. The therapeutic encounter up until the end of the
      investigated period can be summarized as a negotiation process. Patients were
      discerning in their choice of healer and did not refrain from using rival
      services. They sought help for unpleasant symptoms such as indigestion, pain or
      fever, and only rarely in cases of emergency Therapy was decided on after an
      exchange between a critical and autonomous client and the medical specialist who
      was generally willing to compromise. While the patient structure clearly changed
      around 1800, the relationship between physician and patient continued without
      major changes from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century. The therapeutic
      encounter up until the end of the investigated period can be summarized as a
      negotiation process. Patients were discerning in their choice of healer and did
      not refrain from using rival services. they sought help for unpleasant symptoms
      such as indigestion, pain or fever, and only rarely in cases of emergency.
      Therapy was decided on after an exchange between critical and autonomous client
      and the medical specialist who was generally willing to compromise.

PMID- 27132366
TI  - Daily Business: The Organization and Finances of Doctors' Practices.

PMID- 27132367
TI  - Medicine in Practice: Knowledge, Diagnosis and Therapy.

PMID- 27132368
TI  - Medical Practice in Context: Religion, Family, Politics and Scientific Networks.

PMID- 27132369
TI  - 'What a Magnificent Work a Good Physician is': The Medical Practice of Johannes
      Magirus (1615-1697).

PMID- 27132370
TI  - Observationes et Curationes Nurimbergenses: The Medical Practice of Johann
      Christoph Gotz (1688-1733).

PMID- 27132371
TI  - Social Mobility and Medical Practice: Johann Friedrich Glaser (1707-1789).

PMID- 27132372
TI  - Medical Bedside Training and Healthcare for the Poor in the Wurzburg and
      Gottingen Policlinics in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century.

PMID- 27132373
TI  - Unlicensed Practice: A Lay Healer in Rural Switzerland.

PMID- 27132374
TI  - Administrative and Epistemic Aspects of Medical Practice: Caesar Adolf Bloesch
      (1804-1863).

PMID- 27132375
TI  - Franz von Ottenthal: Local Integration of an Alpine Doctor's Private Practice
      (1847-1899).

PMID- 27132376
TI  - A Special Kind of Practice? The Homeopath Friedrich von Boninghausen (1828-1910).

PMID- 27132377
TI  - The Sources.

PMID- 27132378
TI  - Peer Interactions of Parentally Bereaved Children and Adolescents: A Qualitative
      Study.
AB  - This study investigates peer interaction and peer support for parentally bereaved
      children and adolescents. Using data from an extensive study of bereaved families
      in southeastern Michigan, previously transcribed semistructured interviews on
      peer relationships from a sample of 35 parentally bereaved children aged 6 to 15
      were qualitatively analyzed using the constant comparative method. This analysis
      explores peer interaction in the context of parental loss, revealing the nearly
      ubiquitous desire of bereaved children to be perceived as "normal" and maintain
      their social life as it was before the death, the avoidance of bereavement
      related peer interaction, the nature of and possible reasons for the relative
      lack of peer support, deliberately hurtful peer behavior, the multiple functions
      of peer support, and the value of close friends in bereavement.

PMID- 27132379
TI  - Mourning 2.0--Continuing Bonds Between the Living and the Dead on Facebook.
AB  - This study examines the burgeoning phenomenon of Facebook memorial pages and how
      this research about online social networking environments can contribute to the
      existing literature related to Klass, Silverman, and Nickman (1996) continuing
      bonds thesis. I argue that memorial pages constitute a new ritualized and public
      space for maintaining these continued bonds and that individuals exhibit several
      types of bonding interactions with the deceased. I conducted a content analysis
      on a purposively selected sample of 12 public Facebook "pages" where I coded
      1,270 individual Wall postings. Analyses demonstrated that many individuals
      routinely used these Walls to continue their relationships with the deceased.
      Findings revealed several Wall posting categories, "guidance from beyond and
      reunion with the deceased," "messages and visitations from the deceased," and
      "conversations with the deceased," which I then combined under a central thematic
      heading of "paranormal copresence." There were 267 Wall postings coded under
      "guidance and reunion," 26 for "messages and visitations," and 340 for
      "conversations," with the total of 633 Wall postings under the central thematic
      heading of paranormal copresence. This research highlights how individuals have
      transcended the limitations of time and physical space in relation to traditional
      bereavement behavior and rituals and how data found on public websites, such as
      Facebook, can be used to further theorize bereavement and to demonstrate continue
      bonds between the living and the dead.

PMID- 27132380
TI  - Prolonged Grief in Palliative Family Caregivers: A Pilot Study in a Portuguese
      Sample.
AB  - Caregivers are particularly vulnerable to experience intense levels of distress
      following the loss. The aim of this prospective pilot study is to determine the
      incidence of prolonged grief disorder symptoms among caregivers. A total of 73
      bereaved families responded to the Prolonged Grief Disorder Evaluation Instrument
      (PG-13) at 6 and 12 months following their loss. The incidence of prolonged grief
      disorder at the first assessment was 28.8%, and it decreased to 15.1% at the
      second assessment. The prevalence of prolonged grief disorder declined
      significantly over time (p = .041). In the second evaluation, six bereaved
      individuals continued to meet criteria for a diagnosis of prolonged grief
      disorder, 15 remitted, and 4 new (incident) cases emerged. The important
      differences in values that occur after 12 months suggest time is important in
      distinguishing between those at risk for persistent distress and those whose
      grief symptomatology will decrease with time.

PMID- 27132381
TI  - Grief Experiences Among Female American and Arab Undergraduate College Students.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of grief among American
      and Arab female undergraduate students, the effects of their grief, and risk of
      prolonged grief disorder. A total of 471 female undergraduate students, 308
      (65.4%) from the United Arab Emirates and 163 (34.6%) from the United States,
      completed a survey about their grief experiences. Students experiencing a
      significant loss also completed the Prolonged Grief Disorder Questionnaire.
      Findings revealed that overall approximately 38.4% (n = 181) of all 471 students
      experienced the loss of a significant person in their lives within the past 24
      months; a similar percentage was found in each sub group. Students reported
      various grief effects with American students experiencing more effects related to
      sleep, relationships, academics, physical well-being, religion/spirituality, and
      outlook on life than Arab students. Only a small number (10, 5.52%) of students
      met the criteria for prolonged grief disorder; however, most students were female
      Arab students. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future research
      are provided.

PMID- 27132382
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27132383
TI  - DOCUMENTATION IS CRUCIAL DEFENDING CLINICAL DECISION MAKING.

PMID- 27132384
TI  - TAKING ENROLLED NURSING INTO A NEW ERA.

PMID- 27132386
TI  - NURSING STUDENTS GAIN LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE IN THE KINGDOM OF TONGA.

PMID- 27132385
TI  - UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY TRAVELLED BY PATIENTS AND CARERS LIVING WITH END STAGE
      KIDNEY DISEASE AND HAEMODIALYSIS.

PMID- 27132387
TI  - IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

PMID- 27132388
TI  - VIRAL HEPATITIS IN ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER COMMUNITIES.

PMID- 27132389
TI  - WORKING WITH OLDER INDIGENOUS GENERATIONS--AGED CARE PERSPECTIVES.

PMID- 27132390
TI  - INDIGENOUS HISTORY, HEALTH, WELLNESS AND CULTURE WITHIN NURSING CURRICULUM.

PMID- 27132391
TI  - UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE AMONG ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES.

PMID- 27132392
TI  - CREATING PATHWAYS IN NURSING EDUCATION TO INCREASE INDIGENOUS NURSING NUMBERS.

PMID- 27132393
TI  - NURSE PRACTITIONERS COULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE INDIGENOUS HEALTH OUTCOMES.

PMID- 27132394
TI  - WORKING TOWARDS 'CLOSING THE GAP' AT CENTRAL AUSTRALIA HEALTH SERVICE.

PMID- 27132395
TI  - WHAT IS ACUTE RHEUMATIC FEVER (ARF) AND RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE (RHD)?

PMID- 27132396
TI  - CALCULATOR MAKES ACCURATE AND SIMPLE DIAGNOSIS.

PMID- 27132397
TI  - STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE MATERNAL HEALTH FOR INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

PMID- 27132398
TI  - CULTURALLY SAFE MENTAL HEALTHCARE.

PMID- 27132399
TI  - QUESTIONS ABOUT DETENTION.

PMID- 27132400
TI  - ANNIE.

PMID- 27132401
TI  - Mid-luteal phase injection of subcutaneous leuprolide acetate improves live
      delivered pregnancy and implantation rates in younger women undergoing in vitro
      fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if a single injection of one-mg leuprolide acetate three
      days after embryo transfer (ET) in younger women causes an increase in pregnancy
      rates, and if so, is it associated with a higher initial serum hCG level?
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was initiated where women aged <= 35
      years were offered the option of taking the leuprolide or not. RESULTS: Though a
      significant difference was not found, there was a trend for higher live delivered
      pregnancy rates in those taking the leuprolide supplement (47.8%) vs. those not
      taking it (38.6%). There was no difference in the first serum beta hCG level.
      CONCLUSIONS: The trends is interesting enough to continue with a higher powered
      study.

PMID- 27132402
TI  - Correlation of ImmunoBead(r) and ImmunoSphereTM Immunoglobulin G (IGG) tests on
      detecting antisperm antibody (ASA) on sperm.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the correlation with detection of antibody on sperm by a
      new ImmunoSphereTM Immunoglobulin test vs. ImmunoBeads(r). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      A sampling of sperm tested for antisperm antibody (ASA) tested by direct
      Immunobead? assay with levels varying from zero to 100% were compared to the
      percentage of sperm positive for ASA by a new test using immunospheres. RESULTS:
      The correlation was not perfect but, in general, there was good correlation.
      CONCLUSION: Now that the manufacturer is curtailing the manufacture of
      immunobeads, it is comforting to see a good correlation with immunospheres.

PMID- 27132403
TI  - The use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor to enhance oocyte release in
      women with the luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if an injection of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G
      CSF) prevoulatory can enable oocyte release from the follicle in women who have
      failed to release in natural cycles despite an endogenous luteinizing hormone
      (LH) surge, and also despite treatment with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or
      a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single
      injection of 100 mg G-CSF was given in the late follicular phase followed by hCG
      10,000 units at peak follicular maturation in women with at least three
      consecutive cycles of luteinization without oocyte release. RESULTS: Six women
      had ten cycles with G-CSF and hCG. Definite release occurred in four,
      inconclusive in four, and definitely the luteinized unruptured follicle in two.
      Biochemical pregnancies occurred in two of the cycles where oocyte release
      occurred and a live delivered pregnancy in another cycle of release. CONCLUSIONS:
      Without controls one cannot state with certainty that G-CSF enabled oocyte
      release when hCG and leuprolide failed. Nevertheless, the data do support a trial
      with G-CSF before proceeding to IVF-ET.

PMID- 27132404
TI  - In vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome in women in overt menopause attempting to
      induce follicular maturation by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor down
      regulation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of ovulation induction, obtaining oocytes
      leading to embryos, and pregnancy rates per embryo transfer in women with
      premature menopause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective observational study of
      women hoping to have in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) with their
      own oocytes despite being in menopause. Ethinyl estradiol was used to lower
      follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and restore sensitivity of follicles to mild
      FSH stimulation. RESULTS: Three of five women had a live baby. Only one woman
      failed to induce ovulation and thus failed to have an embryo to transfer. One
      woman conceived two times and delivered a live healthy baby twice. The live
      delivered pregnancy rate per transfer was 20% (4/20) with generally one or
      occasionally two embryos transferred. The pregnancy rate per retrieval was 9.3%
      (4/43). CONCLUSIONS: These data can help other women in this circumstance to
      decide on IVF with their own eggs or switch to donor eggs.

PMID- 27132405
TI  - The effect of clomiphene citrate vs. letrozole on post-coital tests.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if letrozole is less likely to create a hostile cervical
      mucus than clomiphene citrate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Post-coital testing
      compared at time of peak follicular maturation in women attaining mature
      follicles in first or second cycle of these two drugs. The study was randomized.
      Intercourse occurred at least 8-16 hours before. RESULTS: Poor post-coital tests
      were found in twice the frequency in letrozole cycles than clomiphene citrate
      cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its shorter half-life, letrozole seems to be as
      least as likely, if not more, to adversely affect cervical mucus.

PMID- 27132406
TI  - Failed fertilization with conventional oocyte insemination can be overcome with
      the ability of ICSI according to binding or failing to bind to the zona
      pellucida.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of failed fertilization with conventional
      oocyte insemination and to determine the ability of intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection (ICSI) to overcome the failed fertilization according to binding or
      failing to bind to the zona pellucida. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective
      review of 12,448 in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle to identify cycles where
      failed fertilization occurred following conventional oocyte insemination with
      seemingly normal sperm. A number of three oocytes retrieved was required.
      RESULTS: There were only 12 cases of failed fertilization (0.1%). Six were
      related to failure of any or few sperm attaching to the zona pellucida These six
      had high fertilization rates with ICSI. Six had normal attachment and five
      attempted another cycle, this time with ICSI. Only 60% had good fertilization.
      CONCLUSIONS: When there is failed fertilization with normal sperm oocyte binding
      following conventional oocyte insemination, ICSI may still be effective in 60% of
      the cases, but it would be probably recommended to combine ICSI with artificial
      oocyte activation by calcium ionophore.

PMID- 27132407
TI  - The progesterone receptor antagonist mifepristone does not lower serum
      progesterone induced blocking factor (PIBF) in the presence of progesterone.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if mifepristone can lower serum levels of a progesterone
      (P) induced immunomodulatory protein believed to be needed for the fetus to
      escape immune surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A female volunteer had her
      serum P induced blocking factor (PIBF) increased by ingestion of oral micronized
      P. While remaining on P mifepristone, 200 mg/day was given for six days when
      another serum PIBF level was obtained. RESULTS: The serum PIBF was 273 ng/ml
      after five days of oral micronized P. It increased further to 737 ng/ml despite
      taking six days of 200 mg mifepristone. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism for inducing
      abortion by mifepristone does not seem to be related to decreasing serum levels
      of PIBF. This does not eliminate the possibility that the mechanism involves
      reducing the intracytoplasmic PIBF levels.

PMID- 27132408
TI  - The relationship between the daily step counts and low back pain during
      pregnancy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between the change of daily step counts
      and low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy. Materials and METHODS: Pregnant women
      at less than eight weeks of gestation (WG) were recruited. Daily step counts were
      measured with a pedometer. To assess LBP, the Oswestry disability index (ODI)
      score was recorded. Thirty-six individuals were divided into the LBP and non-LBP
      groups. The effect of step counts on LBP between the two groups was analyzed.
      RESULTS: At 16-19 WG, step counts were not considerably changed in the non-LBP
      group but were significantly increased in the LBP group. At 24-27 and 32-35 WG,
      step counts were increased in the non-LBP group but were significantly decreased
      in the LBP group. CONCLUSIONS: Acute increase of daily step counts in early
      pregnancy is a risk for LBP, and gradual increases of step counts after mid
      pregnancy is recommended for women.

PMID- 27132409
TI  - Safety, efficacy, and tolerability of differential treatment to prevent and treat
      vaginal dryness and vulvovaginitis in diabetic women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Problems affecting the vaginal tract in diabetic women are very often
      neglected. The efficacy and safety of three gynecological treatments in diabetic
      women have been assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blind randomized
      progressive trial on 48 diabetic women affected by vaginal dryness, dyspareunia,
      and recurrent Candida infections was carried out. The ICIQ Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ
      VS) questionnaire was administered. RESULTS: The analysis of the parameters of
      ICIQ-VS questionnaire among the three groups showed significant difference only
      for "dragging pain" (p = 0.0 19) and "soreness" (p = 0.028). In all groups and
      for all parameters of the questionnaire, improvement of symptoms was observed. In
      particular, in Group 1 for all symptoms a highly significant difference was
      observed, to support the already known benefits of the products and of the
      proposed combination. Significant improvement was also observed in Group 2.
      CONCLUSIONS: The proposed treatment with DermoXEN(r) Ultracalming Special for
      diabetics and DermoXEN(r) Vitexyl vaginal gel exert effective moisturizing and
      soothing action. Indeed, the aforementioned products have been proven effective
      for the main gynecological problems of diabetic women.

PMID- 27132410
TI  - Is urinary incontinence during and after pregnancy related to family history? A
      web-based survey among postpartum women (motherfit project).
AB  - PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The authors studied whether family history of urinary
      incontinence (UI) is associated with pre- and postpartum UI. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In 2010, Dutch postpartum women at three months were approached to fill
      in a Web-based questionnaire on UI and risk factors (body mass index, BMI),
      parity, pelvic organ prolapse, and family history. Results were analyzed with Chi
      square and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: 162 (61%) questionnaires were
      analyzed, 76 (47%) women reported UI before, during and/or after pregnancy, of
      which 34% also reported a UI family history. Sixteen (19%) out of 84 women
      without UI reported UI family history (p = 0.05). BMI was associated with
      prepartum UI (p = 0.035), but the association disappears when adding family
      history. Women with unknown UI family history had higher risk for postpartum U.
      CONCLUSION: UI family history is associated with UI during pregnancy. More
      awareness and research is needed whether adding family history questions on UI in
      prepartum consultations improves timely prevention.

PMID- 27132411
TI  - Complete longitudinal vaginal septum resection. Description of a bloodless new
      technique.
AB  - PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To describe a novel approach for longitudinal vaginal
      septum (LVS) resection. Materials and Methods: Two cases of young girls with a
      uterus didelphys and a longitudinal vaginal septum. The technique consisted in
      grasping the vaginal septum with a laparoscopic 33-cm long bipolar cutting
      forceps, five-mm in diameter, and divided it to its midportion towards the two
      cervices. RESULTS: In both cases, the procedure was straightforward,
      uncomplicated, completed within three minutes and the patients were discharged
      four hours later. It was associated with minimal blood loss, short recovery time,
      absence of local ischemia, and optimum healing process. CONCLUSION: The authors
      believe that surgical safety, efficacy and operative result make bipolar cutting
      forceps a tailored option for LVS resection.

PMID- 27132412
TI  - Comparing maternal and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by
      preeclampsia superimposed chronic hypertension and preeclampsia alone.
AB  - AIM: The study was to determine whether preeclampsia with superimposed chronic
      hypertension results in worse maternal and perinatal outcomes than preeclampsia
      alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study involving 850 pregnant women
      was conducted and divided into two groups: preeclampsia superimposed on chronic
      hypertension (group A, n = 84) and preeclampsia alone (group B, n = 766). The
      maternal and fetal outcomes of all subjects were collected and analyzed. RESULTS:
      There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline
      information. However, the systolic and diastolic blood pressures in group A were
      significantly higher than those in group B (p < 0.05). The average interval
      between the onset of preeclampsia and the termination of pregnancy was
      significantly longer in group A as compared to group B. The incidence of serious
      maternal complications showed no differences between the two groups (p > 0.05).
      It showed a higher rate of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and
      intracranial hemorrhage in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Women
      in group A had higher risks of maternal and perinatal outcomes as compared to
      women in group B.

PMID- 27132413
TI  - Unilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation (USLF) with a mesh stabilizing anchor
      set: clinical outcome and impact on quality of life.
AB  - Genital prolapse is one of the most significant problems which lowers the quality
      of life measures of middle and older aged women. A continuously growing number of
      women are being operated due to this indication. OBJECTIVE: This study intends to
      asses the clinical outcome and the impact on quality of life of uterine
      sacrospinous ligament fixation (USLF) conducted with a mesh stabilizing anchor
      set in the present clinic following vaginal hysterectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty-one patients, diagnosed with genital prolapse and for whom vaginal
      hysterectomy and (USLF) with the Surelift nesh stabilizing anchor set were
      performed from April 2010 to June 2013, were assesed in this study. Posterior
      colporrhaphy was performed in all cases, as well. The cuff level was used to
      asses the anatomical recovery one year following the surgery. Postoperative
      relaxation of the vaginal cuff line below the hymenal level was defined as
      failure. Quality of life (P-QOL) questionarries validated for Turkish women were
      used preoperatively and on their first year to asses patient satisfaction.
      Clinical outcome and impact on quality of life were analyzed in all these cases
      by using t-test for paired samples. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was
      67.4 (min-max:43-84) years; mean parity 5.4 (min-max: 2-13). The mean operation
      time was 56 +/- 12 minutes. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 21.4
      months. Preoperative mild bleeding (two), postoperative severe pain (three), and
      micturition problems (one) were found. Therapeutic results and patint
      satisfaction were evaluated in the 12th month postoperavely: In 18/21 (85%)
      patients, the cuff was located above the hymenal ring. P-QOL scores validated for
      Turkish women were 52.5 +/- 12.9 preoperatively and 11.08 +/- 7.9 postoperatively
      (t-test for paired samples revealed a significant difference; (p = 0.04).
      CONCLUSION: The treatment of genital prolapse through the abdominal route
      includes the sacrocolpopexy operation with or without hysterectomy. This method,
      most of the time, requires a laparotomy if not performed by a specifically
      trained laparoscopist. It has a longer operation time and mesh erosions are
      feared complications compared to vaginal route. In sacrospinous fixation cases
      added to vaginal hysterectomy, operation times are shorter and especially
      preferable in patients where medical problems coexist. Operative success and
      patients' satisfaction seems to be provided by this technique.

PMID- 27132414
TI  - Correlation of the system of cytokines in moderate and severe preeclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: To study the production of pro-inflammatory (IL-1beta, IL
      2, IL-6, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) cytokines in pregnancy
      complicated by preeclampsia in the third trimester. Institution: University
      Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Fifty women with pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia in the third
      trimester and 50 women with physiological pregnancy. Levels of IL-1beta, IL-2, IL
      6, IL-8, IL-4, and IL-10 were measured by using a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay.
      Statistical data processing was done using the application program SPSS for
      Windows 13.0. To describe the distribution of analyzed variables, descriptive
      methods (mean, median, minim and max) were used . RESULTS: In pregnancies
      complicated by preeclampsia, there are increased levels of proinflammatory
      cytokines and a change in the behaviour of opposing pools. Most pronounced
      changes in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines were observed in mild
      preeclampsia. In severe preeclampsia there was reduction of the concentration of
      anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. CONCLUSION: The use of assessment
      cytokine profile monitoring of health status of women with preeclampsia is
      expedient.

PMID- 27132415
TI  - Effects of piroxicam administration on pregnancy outcome in intrauterine
      insemination (IUI) cycles: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uterus contractibility is considered a powerful prognostic factor in
      predicting the embryo transfer outcome. Moreover, uterine contractions are known
      to be stimulated by prostaglandins which are produced by cyclooxygenase from
      arachidonic acid. As such, suppressing the inflammatory response and contractions
      using anti-inflammatory and relaxant agents is expected to result in increased
      success rate of embryo transfer and artificial insemination. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the effect of piroxicam administration on the success rate in
      intrauterine insemination (IU) cycles in patients presenting with unexplained
      infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical
      trial included 260 women with unexplained infertility undergoing IUI cycles.
      Patients were randomly assigned to receive either piroxicam ten mg/day on days 4
      6 after IUI or placebo (control group). The main outcome measures were number of
      IUI cycles, pregnancy, abortion, and multiple pregnancy rates. RESULTS: The
      pregnancy rate was found to be 25 (19.2%) and 16 (12.3%) in piroxicam and control
      groups, respectively (p = 0.039). Five patients (3.8%) in piroxicam group
      experienced twin pregnancy whereas only three patients (2.3%) in control group
      had twin pregnancy (p = 0.361). The pregnancy rate per cycle was also
      significantly higher in those who received piroxicam as compared to controls
      (11.16 vs. 6.66; p = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Administration of piroxicam after IUI is
      associated with decreased number of cycles, as well as increased pregnancy rate
      and pregnancy rate per cycle in IUI cycles. However, piroxicam did not have any
      effect on abortion, multiple pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy rates.

PMID- 27132416
TI  - Efficiency of GnRH analogues in treating large functional ovarian cysts.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the potential therapeutic benefit of
      a single administration of a GnRH analogue in pre- menopausal women presenting
      large functional ovarian cysts (FOCs) (diameter > five cm). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Fifty-one patients (median age 37.4 years) diagnosed with ovarian cysts,
      presumed benign based on transvaginal and/or transabdominal ultrasound, were
      divided in three study groups. Patients of group A received no medication whereas
      patients of groups B and C were treated with a single administration of a GnRH
      analogue and combined oral contraceptives, respectively. Patients were re
      examined after a three-month period. Three of the 51 patients were lost in follow
      up or stopped the treatment. RESULTS: Complete resolution of the ovarian cysts
      was observed in eight (50%), 14 (70%), and eight (67%) patients of groups A, B,
      and C, respectively. No side effects were observed in either of the three groups.
      The positive therapeutic effect in group B did not reach statistical significance
      compared with the two other groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Anew option of
      treating large FOCS through a single-dose of a GnRH analogue is proposed and
      should be carefully considered. Further research is needed in order to evaluate
      GnRH analogues as an alternative treatment.

PMID- 27132417
TI  - In vitro fertilization outcomes in obese women under and above 35 years of age.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the impact of obesity on in vitro fertilization (IVF)
      outcomes and comparing the results with regards to age groups. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This retrospective cohort recruited 780 women that underwent IVF. Women
      with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) were excluded from the study. Women under
      and above 35 years were categorized into three groups as normal weight,
      overweight, and obese. The main outcome measures were ovarian response, oocyte
      maturity, and clinical pregnancy rates. RESULTS: Despite oocyte count and
      fertilization rate that decreased in both younger and older obese women, this
      difference was not statistically significant. After age matched-normal weight
      controls, the clinical pregnancy rates were significantly decreased in older
      obese women. On the other hand, poor ovarian response observed significantly in
      young obese women without effect on pregnancy rates. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggested that obesity in young and old women has different outcomes and
      different steps of IVF process may be affected.

PMID- 27132418
TI  - Feasibility of prophylactic laparoscopic appendectomy in obese patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of prophylactic laparoscopic appendectomy
      in obese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in
      obese patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) along (66
      patients, TLH group) or in combination (55 patients, THL+LA group) with
      laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) between 2007 and 2012. Operation time,
      intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative exhaust time, analgesic use, and
      the incidence of major complications, hospital stay and cost of hospitalization
      were compared. RESULTS: The operation time was longer in THL+LA group than in TLH
      group (p < 0.05), while the intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative exhaust
      time, postoperative morbidity, the incidence of major postoperative
      complications, and hospitalization time were not significantly different between
      the two groups. CONCLUSION: It is safe and feasible for obese patients to undergo
      simultaneous LA and prophylactic appendectomy, and the combined procedure does
      not increase the risk of infection of hysterectomy and avoids reoperation of
      patients due to the recurrence of appendicitis.

PMID- 27132419
TI  - The early pregnancy volume measurements in predicting pregnancy outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The authors' aim was to develop a logistic regression model based on
      the ultrasonographic parameters on maternities which are showing a healthy
      improvement process during the first trimester of pregnancy. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Using 2D transvaginal ultrasound imaging, the crown rump length (CRL),
      yolk sac (YS), and gestational sac (GS) diameters were recorded in 225 women with
      gestational age < 11 weeks. Simplified V = 0.523 x length x height x width
      formula was used for the volume calculations. The results which ended in abortion
      were not included in the study. RESULTS: Linear regression analyses between yolk
      sac volume (YSV), YSV = 0.026 + 0.0018 x CRL (r2: 0.15; p < 0.001), gestational
      sac volume (GSV), GSV= -9.6 + 1.7 x CRL (r2: 0.52; p < 0.001), and embryo volume
      (EV), EV = -1.64 + 0.18 x CRL (r2: 0.4; p < 0.001), and CRL was made and a linear
      relationship was detected. The volume measurements showed a meaningful
      correlation with the week of pregnancy. The space in the GS (GS volume-embryo
      volume) increased as the age of pregnancy became older (r2 = 0.46; p < 0.001).
      DISCUSSION: The first volume value was made in the first trimester by
      transvaginal ultrasonography, which showed a correlation with the age of
      pregnancy.

PMID- 27132420
TI  - Early fetal heart ultrasonography as additional indicator for chromosomopathies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: First trial of estimating values of scans of fetal heart structures
      (FHS) in first trimester of pregnancy, as more primary facts of possible
      chromosomopathies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 2,643 fetuses that
      were examined in first trimester of pregnancy on Sono CT convex (C5-2MHz),
      endovaginal (ev 8-4MHz), and linear transducers (L12-5MHz) during a period of
      eight years. Fetal heart was evaluated using appropriate software with broad-band
      transducers and color Doppler, Sono CT, and HD ZOOM technologies. The scan was
      performed by three experienced physicians. FHS were based on: left and right
      ventricle morphology; AV valves (atrioventricular) position and existence of
      primal ostium; relationship of left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT) and right
      ventricle outflow tract (RVOT) and great vessels on three vessel view (3VV) and
      estimation of ductal and aortic arch. RESULTS: Several developments, one being
      the ability to identify fetuses at risk for cardiac defects combining nuchal
      translucency (NT), ductus venosus (DV) Doppler, and evaluation of tricuspid
      regurgitation, have prompted reconsideration of the role of the first trimester
      prognostic factor of fetal evaluation. In low-risk pregnancies group, 36 (1.8%)
      fetuses were found to have congenital heart disease (CHD), and in high-risk
      pregnancies the number of fetuses with CHD was 75 (12%). Genetic amniocentesis or
      chorionic villus sampling (CVS) was performed in all fetuses with CHD. Forty-two
      (37.8%) fetuses with CHD were found to have chromosomal anomalies. Out of 111
      fetuses with CHD 39 (35.1%) had an nuchal translucency (NT) above three mm. Out
      of 42 fetuses with chromosomal anomalies and CHD, 29 (69%) had an increased NT.
      CONCLUSION: Using first trimester fetal echosonography constitutes a further step
      in the earlier recognition of chromosomopathies, even in low risk groups. Still
      further steps are necessary as all facts of good clinical practice. In order to
      offer further benefits during pregnancies, improvements in diagnostics are still
      required.

PMID- 27132421
TI  - Analysis of rectal injuries resulting from laparoscopic peritoneal vaginoplasty
      (Luohu operation).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the causes of rectal injuries during laparoscopic
      peritoneal vaginoplasty (Luohu operation) and assess measures that can be taken
      to increase safety of the operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of patients with
      rectal injuries that occurred during Luohu vaginoplasty were analyzed
      retrospectively. RESULTS: Three hundred and six patients received Luohu
      vaginoplasty. Rectal injuries occurred in 13 patients (4.2%). All patients
      recovered after intraoperative repair or postoperative rectovaginal fistula
      repair, performed within three to six months. Full display of the anatomical
      structures at the bottom of the pelvic cavity and successful construction of the
      vaginal tunnel are the two most important requirements for reducing the risk of
      rectal injury in laparoscopic vaginoplasty. In repair of fistulae
      postoperatively, it is important that resection of tissues or scars around the
      fistulae be avoided in order to reduce the chance of a injuries caused by
      diverting colostomy or colostomy closure. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic vaginoplasty
      is a generally safe procedure, but rectal injury can occur. Retaining the tissues
      or scars around the rectovaginal fistula can be successfully repaired, either
      when they are recognized during the operation or within a few months
      postoperatively.

PMID- 27132422
TI  - -1195 A/G promoter variants of the cyclooxygenase-2 gene increases the risk of
      pain occurrence in endometriotic women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between -1195
      A/G polymorphism in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene and the risk of pain occurrence
      in women with endometriosis (EM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: -1195 A/G polymorphism
      in the promoter region of COX-2 gene was analyzed in 32 EM patients with pain, 28
      EM patients without pain, and 29 healthy controls in a Chinese population using a
      PCR-RFLP assay. RESULTS: AA homozygote carriers and A allelic frequencies for 
      1195 A/G polymorphism in COX-2 gene were significantly increased in EM patients
      compared with the healthy controls (p < 0.001). In addition, further subgroup
      analysis revealed that the AA genotype and A allele of the -1195 A/G variant were
      present at a significantly higher frequency in the severe pain group than those
      in the mild and moderate pain groups. Compared with the controls, the risk of
      developing EM was 2.86-fold higher in individuals with -1195 AA containing the
      haplotype, and the risk of developing pain was 2.33-fold higher in EM patients
      with -1195 AA containing the haplotype. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that
      the -1195 A/G on the promoter region of COX-2 gene may increase the risk of pain
      occurrence in EM women, possibly by affecting the rate of gene expression,
      especially in patients with the pain phenotype.

PMID- 27132423
TI  - Evaluation of female athlete triad and gynecological complaints in young Turkish
      female athletes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Female athlete triad (FAT) is a serious healthcare concern in the young
      female population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and
      clinical characteristics of FAT and its relationship with gynecologic complaints
      of young Turkish female athletes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross
      sectional survey and included 87 female athletes involved in a variety of sports
      as a case group and 85 sedentary female university students from Ege and Celal
      Bayar Universities. All subjects completed a questionnaire consisting of 32
      separate questions assessing eating behavior, menstrual status, gynecologic and
      systemic complaints, psychological problems, and sexual history. SPSS 21.0 was
      used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: This survey involved 172 females in
      between to 30 years of age. The age of menarche was found to be significantly
      lower in the sedentary group (p = 0.00). Late menstruation and oligoamenorrhea
      were notable complaints among the athletes, and body mass index (BMI) was found
      to be statistically lower in the athletic group (p = 0.00). Cold hands and hair
      loss were seen more often in the sedentary group compared to the athletic group
      (p < 0.05). According to a logistic regression analysis, independent variables
      (BMI, menstrual status, and bone fractures) were found to be statistically
      insignificant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Excessive sports activity can be hazardous
      in young female population. Lower BMI might be related to menstrual irregularity.
      Young female population should be informed about this relationship, especially
      athletes who are particularly at risk. Certain precautions should be taken into
      consideration in this population in order to get benefits of sports activity.

PMID- 27132424
TI  - Cesarean delivery via a transverse uterine fundal incision for the successful
      management of a low-lying placenta and aplastic anemia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present a case report on the successful management of a low-lying
      placenta and aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious disorder that
      is often characterized by severe pancytopenia. Because of the rarity of aplastic
      anemia, a pregnancy complicated by it is rarely encountered by obstetricians.
      Moreover, placenta previa (low-lying placenta) complicated by aplastic anemia has
      not been previously reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors present the
      first reported case of placenta previa with aplastic anemia in a patient who had
      undergone a previous cesarean delivery. RESULTS: They successfully managed this
      case by making a transverse uterine fundal incision during an elective cesarean
      delivery. This incision minimized blood loss and enabled good visualization of
      the source of bleeding in the lower uterine segment. Bleeding was stemmed by
      suturing the source of bleeding. CONCLUSION: The authors propose that this
      procedure should be considered for patients with low platelet counts and abnormal
      placentation.

PMID- 27132425
TI  - Ganglioneuroblastoma during pregnancy--A rare case report.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a rare case of ganglioneuroblastoma encountered rarely in
      adults, especially during pregnancy. Materials and METHODS: The authors present a
      case of ganglioneuroblastoma relapse during the third trimester of pregnancy in a
      patient previously treated for ganglioneuroblastoma who had a eight-year disease
      free interval. Late manifestation of neurological symptoms (vestibular syndrome,
      nystagmus, slightly right motor deficit) was perhaps influenced by the hormonal
      pregnancy effects. In this case the option was for caesarean section under
      general anesthesia at 36 weeks. RESULTS: Based on MRI result, the neurosurgical
      consultation stated the need of postpartum brain tumor excision. Recovery of the
      mother was complication-free with persistent, constant postoperative neurological
      symptoms. It resulted in a healthy newborn, not requiring special follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy and brain tumor have mutual negative effect on the
      patient. Therapeutic management in this case was a medical dilemma regarding mode
      setting and timing of delivery, taking into account the maternal-fetal risk
      benefit.

PMID- 27132426
TI  - Umbilical intra-abdominal vein varix: a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Fetal umbilical intra-abdominal vein varix (FIUV) is a rare congenital
      malformation characterized by focal dilatation of the umbilical vein. The authors
      report a case of pregnant woman at 32 weeks of gestation with a fetus affected by
      dilatation of an intra-abdominal portion of the umbilical vein. They performed
      continuous ultrasound and cardiotocographic monitoring, from admission to the
      delivery. They describe the case and perform a review of the literature.

PMID- 27132427
TI  - Rectovaginal fistula caused by retained colpotomy cup after surgery.
AB  - Colpotomizer instruments are commonly used in laparoscopic hysterectomy to easily
      manipulate the uterus. This is the case of a forgotten colpotomy cup retained in
      the vagina for five years, which led to a rectovaginal fistula. A 54-year-old
      woman without knowledge of presence of the foreign body visited with chronic
      abdominal pain and foul odorous discharge. Rectovaginal fistula caused by the
      retained forgotten colpotomy cup was found upon examination.

PMID- 27132428
TI  - Peripartum cardiomyopathy: a case of patient with triplet pregnancy.
AB  - Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but potentially devastating
      complication of pregnancy associated with heart failure due to left ventricular
      systolic dysfunction occurring within the last month of pregnancy and five month
      postpartum with no obvious other cause of heart failure and no pre-existing heart
      disease. In the present case report the authors present a woman who developed
      PPCM on the day after she delivered by cesarean section in 35th weeks of
      gestation of triplet pregnancy conceived after ovarian stimulation and
      insemination. A treatment with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, antiarrhythmics, low
      weight heparin, antibiotics and bromocriptine was applied and resulted in
      complete recovery. In conclusion, timely detection and initiation of treatment
      are important factors for complete recovery of patients with PPCM.

PMID- 27132429
TI  - Chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus type-II, and gestation: an overwhelming
      combination.
AB  - This case report highlights on a child-bearer with chronic renal failure and
      diabetes mellitus type-II. Chronic renal failure (CRF) with diabetes mellitus
      (DM) type I in gestation is a rare case of a high-risk pregnancy. What is of
      significance though in this gestation, is that conception was achieved with the
      patient treated by a dialysis program. Furthermore, neither hypertension nor
      intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) were detected and the patient was
      normotensive throughout gestation with no clinical signs of anemia. Strict and
      frequent application of the dialysis programs eradicates the uremic intrauterine
      environment, reduces the amniotic fluid volume, eliminates the chances of uterine
      rupture, leads to a longer gestation, increases the newborn's birth weight, and
      offers an optimal fetal survival rate; this is of note mainly in patients with
      cesarean sections reported in their medical history. To eliminate the
      complications of a premature delivery, the present authors had to find the right
      time point to give birth to this baby taking into account lung maturity, amniotic
      fluid volume, and preservation of the anatomical uterine integrity.

PMID- 27132430
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis of Binder's syndrome: report of two cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Binder syndrome is a rare congenital malformation presenting an
      abnormal maxilla's development associated to other characteristical facial
      features, like absence or decreased nasal bridge, short nasal columella, convex
      upper lip with associated dental Angle Class III malocclusion, atrophy of the
      nasal mucosa, and absence of the frontal sinus. Mental retardation and other
      clinical signs may also be present. Two cases of Binder syndrome were diagnosed
      at 22 weeks of gestation during the second trimester ultrasound (2D). CASES
      REPORT: The first feature detected, in both cases, was a flattened fetal nose in
      the mid-sagittal plane. Further controls objectivated absence of the naso-frontal
      angle and a mild hypertelorism. In both cases the parents were informed of the
      findings and the impossibility of excluding other associated features diagnosed
      after birth. Once the differential diagnosis was performed, one of the couples
      decided to terminate the pregnancy. The findings postmortem confirmed the
      diagnosis. In the second case, the newborn presented the phenotype previously
      detected, however, a normal psychomotor development was eventually evidenced.
      CONCLUSION: The Binder syndrome is an uncommon clinical entity with a
      recognizable congenital condition characterized by a retruded midface and an
      extremely flat nose. The exact birth prevalence remains unknown. It is important
      to understand that Binder's syndrome has a variable prognosis, depending on the
      other associated features it presents. When diagnosed, an accurate differential
      diagnosis has to be performed.

PMID- 27132431
TI  - Idiopathic massive fetomaternal hemorrhage in the third trimester of pregnancy
      causing neonatal death.
AB  - Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH), which can occur throughout pregnancy, is still a
      poorly understood clinical condition. It is very difficult to be timely diagnosed
      and often results in poor pregnancy outcomes. Here the authors reported two rare
      cases of silent massive FMH of unknown cause in the third trimester of pregnancy,
      which presented with non-reactive fetal heart rhythm or decreased fetal movement
      at the very beginning, and resulted in severe fetal anemia and neonatal deaths. A
      pregnant woman at late pregnancy with a com- plain of unspecific signs such as
      decreased fetal movement should arouse a high index of clinical suspicion of
      idiopathic FMH, and an urgent ultrasound or lab tests detecting FMH could be
      suggested. Considering emergent delivery versus expectantly management will de-
      pend upon acute or chronic FMH, gestational age, results of fetal testing,
      availability of experienced personnel, and procedural difficulty.

PMID- 27132432
TI  - A rare occurrence of three consecutive autosomal trisomic pregnancies in a couple
      without offspring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trisomies are the most common chromosomal abnormalities, being a
      major cause of pregnancy loss in the first trimester. Data from preimplantation
      embryos support the concept of recurrent aneuploidy in women with recurrent
      abortion. CASE: The authors report a rare case with three different consecutive
      trisomic pregnancies: 47,XY,+21, 47,XX,+9, and 47,XX,+18. All pregnancies
      resulted from the same relationship and no consanguinity was present. Standard
      clinical cytogenetic analysis indicated that both members had normal peripheral
      blood karyotype, with no evidence of mosaicism in either patient or her partner.
      CONCLUSION: The present report sup- ports the hypothesis that some women have a
      higher risk for nondisjunction than others of the same age. Counseling a couple
      with re- current trisomies is difficult and future research on genetics of cell
      division are required to assist them.

PMID- 27132433
TI  - Successful conservative treatment of a cervical ectopic pregnancy at 13 weeks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical ectopic pregnancy is a potentially life-threatening
      condition due to the unexpected occurrence of uncontrollable bleeding from the
      cervix. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old secundigravida was admitted with amenorrhea of
      12 weeks and four days due to suspected cervical pregnancy, without bleeding. The
      ultrasonography revealed a gestational sac at the anterior wall of the isthmic
      cervical part with a single viable fetus, with crown-rump length (CRL) of 59 mm
      and regular heart rate. The serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG)
      level on admission was 143.416 mIU/l. Two possible therapeutic options were
      considered, (1) systemic methotrexate treatment and (2) uterine artery
      embolization with gelatine sponge. The first was rejected due to gestational age,
      viable fetus, high beta-hCG level, and CRL, and the later was rejected by the
      vascular surgeons due to lack of experience. The curettage was performed. After
      the evacuation, prostin was administered into cervix accompanied with tamponade.
      On the next day beta-hCG level was 44.342 mIU/l and the following day
      ultrasonography revealed the oval non-homogenous formation in the cervical cavity
      (blood clots or residual trophoblastic tissue); beta-hCG level was 36.501 mIU/l.
      The reintervention was performed on the fifth day after the curettage and 200 ml
      of coagulated blood was aspirated; beta-hCG level was 16.432 mlU/l. Since the
      isthmic-cervical part was slightly dilated (23 mm) seven days after the
      curettage, systemic methotrexate treatment (100 mg intramuscular) was initiated.
      Serum beta-hCG level on the second and fourth day after methotrexate were 12.553
      mIU/l and 8.900 mIU/l, respectively. The second dose of 100 mg of methotrexate
      was administered intramuscular seven days after the first dose. Three days after,
      beta-hCG level was 2.329 U/l and ultrasound scan revealed normal isthmic-cervical
      finding. CONCLUSION: The present case report showed efficient fertility sparing
      conservative treatment, dilatation and curettage, of 13 week cervical pregnancy
      followed by systemic methotrexate.

PMID- 27132434
TI  - Abdominal lithopedion formation with 30 years of evolution: report of a case.
AB  - The incidence of abdominal pregnancy is very rare, long-retained abdominal
      pregnancy undergoing fetal death and evolving to a lithopaedion is even more
      scarce. The authors report the case of a 60-year-old woman who discovered an
      abdominal mass 31 years ago that was recently identified intraoperatively as
      lithopaedion. Although imaging had revealed a low-level echogenic mass in the
      cavity, nobody had considered the possibility of a lithopaedion before the
      operation. The authors strongly suggest identifying the small skeletal frame
      through imaging that will be a very important preoperative sign that will lead to
      a diagnosis, otherwise neglected in the past years.

PMID- 27132435
TI  - A rare complication of colporraphy anterior procedure: vesicovaginal fistula due
      to foreign body.
AB  - Iatrogenic vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) is one of the possible complications after
      gynecologic operations. However, fistula formation owing to a forgotten foreign
      body is a rare condition. Infectious complications and subsequent vesicovaginal
      perforation due to foreign body is difficult to diagnose since it is an unlikely
      condition. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious morbidities and
      even mortality. This paper aims to discuss a VVF case developed after anterior
      colporraphy owing to forgotten gauze.

PMID- 27132436
TI  - Successful management of recurrent pregnancy-related thrombotic thrombocytopenia
      purpura: case report and review.
AB  - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare but potentially devastating
      complication of pregnancy. The authors report a case of a successful treatment of
      recurrent TTP complicating pregnancy. A review of the literature shows that
      recurrent TTP complicating pregnancy is uncommon and fresh frozen plasma exchange
      is important treatment; if the patient was treated properly, the pregnant showed
      favorable prognosis.

PMID- 27132437
TI  - Uterine rupture in pregnancy: two case reports and review of literature.
AB  - Rupture of a gravid uterus is an obstetric emergency. Risks factors include a
      scarred uterus but also spontaneous rupture of an un- scarred uterus during
      pregnancy is possible. The authors present two cases of a spontaneous complete
      uterine rupture during pregnancy. The first case had only a past history of
      dilatation and curettage for abortion; the second case had a past history of
      dilatation and curettage for abortion and a monolateral laparoscopic
      salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy. They presented with abdominal pain and after
      ultrasound scan, uterine ruptures were diagnosed. These cases show that there
      should be a high index of suspicious of uterine rupture in a gravid woman with a
      history of curettage for the possible presence of misunderstood uterine scar and
      in women with a past history of salpingectomy with or without corneal resection.
      Appropriate counseling and close follow-up might help to avoid such obstetrical
      catastrophes. To provide more insight into the possible risk factors for prelabor
      uterine rupture in pregnancy, a literature review was performed.

PMID- 27132438
TI  - [Effect of prone position ventilation on respiratory mechanics and prognosis in
      patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome concurrent with interstitial
      lung disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of prone position ventilation (PPV) on
      respiratory mechanics and prognosis in patients with acute respiratory distress
      syndrome (ARDS) concurrent with interstitial lung disease (ILD). METHODS: The
      data of 36 severe ARDS patients admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine
      of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from February
      2013 to January 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. They were then divided into
      two groups according to the presence of ILD or not. The changes in respiratory
      mechanics and oxygenation indexes were compared before and after PPV treatment in
      all the patients. Kaplan-Meier method was applied to draw the 60-day survival
      curves of both groups. RESULTS: There were 17 cases with ILD among these 36
      severe ARDS patients. (1) No significant difference was found in baseline data
      between ILD group and non-ILD group. (2) Respiratory mechanics and oxygenation
      pre-PPV and post-PPV: compared with pre-PPV, oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2, mmHg,
      1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) post-PPV was significantly increased in both groups [ILD
      group : 132.0 (93.5, 172.0) vs. 118.7 (92.0, 147.8); non-ILD group: 126.1 (100.9,
      170.0) vs. 109.2 (89.0, 135.0), both P < 0.05]. Compared with pre-PPV, positive
      end-expiratory pressure (PEEP, cmH2O, 1 cmH2O = 0.098kPa) post-PPV was
      significantly higher in ILD group [10.0 (10.0, 12.0) vs. 10.0 (9.2, 12.0), P <
      0.05], and respiratory rate (RR, times/min) was significantly lower in non-ILD
      group [24.5 (22.0, 27.0) vs. 25.5 (22.8, 28.0), P < 0.05]. The compliance of the
      respiratory system (Crs, mL/cmH2O) post-PPV in non-ILD group was significantly
      lower than that of the ILD group [19.7 (16.1, 28.6) vs. 23.0 (19.0, 29.7), P <
      0.05]. (3) Respiratory mechanics and oxygenation pre-PPV and post-PPV in total:
      after all the PPV therapy, PaO2/FiO2 (mmHg) was significantly increased in non
      ILD group [135.0 (86.0, 200.0) vs. 97.4 (69.2, 127.5), P < 0.05], PaO2/FiO2 after
      all the PPV therapy in non-ILD group was also higher than that in ILD group
      [135.0 (86.0, 200.0) vs. 78.7 (59.3, 114.9), P < 0.05]. No significant difference
      in Crs (mL/cmH2O) before PPV treatment was found between non-ILD and ILD groups
      [24.3 (15.9, 48.9) vs. 18.9 (12.7, 27.3), P > 0.05], and Crs was lower after PPV
      treatment in both groups, but without significant difference [non-ILD group: 22.7
      (15.2, 27.1) vs. 24.3 (15.9, 48.9); ILD group: 16.2 (12.8, 25.6) vs. 18.9 (12.7,
      27.3), both P > 0.05]. (4) The 60-day mortality in ILD group was significantly
      higher than that in non-ILD group [88.2% (15/17) vs. 57.9% (11/19), P = 0.047).
      It was shown by Kaplan-Meier curves that 60-day survival patients in ILD group
      was significantly lower than those in non-ILD group (chi2 = 5.658, P = 0.017).
      CONCLUSIONS: PPV can improve oxygenation in severe ARDS. Compared with non-ILD
      group, though the compliance of respiratory system in ILD group is increased
      during PPV, long-term effect is better in non-ILD group.

PMID- 27132439
TI  - [Effect of location and type of exhalation valve on carbon dioxide rebreathing
      during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation: a experimental study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of exhalation valve location as well as
      its type on carbon dioxide (CO2) rebreathing during noninvasive positive pressure
      ventilation (NPPV). METHODS: With a standardized NPPV experimental model system,
      the exhalation valve was respectively installed between the ventilator tube and
      mask (position II), or on the mask (position II). This study included four groups
      according to the position and type of exhalation valve, namely: single-arch
      exhalation valve was installed on the position I (A group), and position II (C
      group, the distal end of single-arch exhalation valve was blocked); plateau
      exhalation valve was installed on the position I (B group) and position II (D
      group, the distal end of plateau exhalation valve was blocked). Under standard
      experimental condition, the pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (P(ET)CO2) was
      monitored in the trachea or the mask through adjusting the expiratory positive
      airway pressure (EPAP, EPAP was set at 5 cmH2O and 10 cmH2O, 1 cmH2O = 0.098 kPa)
      and tidal volume (V(T), V(T) was set at 300, 400, 500 mL). Leakage of exhalation
      RESULTS: (1) Under standard experimental condition, when EPAP was 5 cmH2O,
      P(ET)CO2 (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) in the trachea was 69.6 +/- 3.4, 61.4 +/-
      2.7, 54.8 +/- 1.5, 49.8 +/- 1.3 in A, B, C, D groups respectively; and it was
      24.8 +/- 1.9, 21.8 +/- 1.6, 2.8 +/- 0.8, 1.8 +/- 0.8 in the mask, respectively.
      When EPAP was 10 cmH2O, the P(ET)CO2 in the trachea was 64.2 +/- 3.6, 57.2 +/-
      3.7, 48.8 +/- 2.6, 41.8 +/- 2.6 in A, B, C, and D groups respectively; and it was
      23.0 +/- 1.6, 20.2 +/- 1.6, 2.2 +/- 0.8, 1.2 +/- 0.8 in the mask, respectively.
      For the same exhalation valve type, exhalation valve being installed on position
      II could induce significantly lower P(ET)CO2 in the trachea and mask than that
      being installed on position I (all P < 0.05). For the same expiratory valve
      position, plateau exhalation valve produced significantly lower P(ET)CO2 than
      single-arch valve (all P < 0.05). (2) As the V(T) increased, the P(ET)CO2 in the
      trachea of each group was reduced obviously. When V(T) was 500 mL, P(ET)CO2
      (mmHg) was significantly lower than V(T), which were 300 mL and 400 mL (A group:
      51.4 +/- 2.7 vs. 72.8 +/- 2.9, 69.6 +/- 3.4; B group: 44.8 +/- 2.4 vs. 65.4 +/-
      2.1, 61.4 +/- 2.7; C group: 36.8 +/- 1.9 vs. 59.0 +/- 1.6, 54.8 +/- 1.5; D group:
      28.8 +/- 1.9 vs. 52.6 +/- 2.0, 49.8 +/- 1.3; all P < 0.05). (3) When exhalation
      valve type was placed in position I, the air leakage of single-arch exhalation
      valve was increased to (15.8 +/- 1.9), (20.2 +/- 1.9), (23.8 +/- 2.8), (28.0 +/-
      1.6) L/min, and the plateau exhalation valve was essentially unchanged to (24.2
      +/- 1.6), (23.8 +/- 1.6), (25.2 +/- 1.6), (25.2 +/- 1.6) L/min as the IPAP was
      increased from 5, 10, 15, to 20 cmH2O. CONCLUSIONS: Exhalation valve fixing on
      mask is more appropriate for CO2 discharge than that fixed on tube-mask valve.
      Plateau exhalation valve as well as moderately increasing V(T) is beneficial for
      CO2 discharge and CO2 rebreathing prevention.

PMID- 27132440
TI  - [The significance of multi-criteria decision analysis for the bundle treatment of
      severe pneumonia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) on
      the effect of bundle treatment for severe pneumonia. METHODS: A prospective
      historical control observation was conducted. Seventy-five patients with severe
      pneumonia having received MCDA (from January 2013 to August 2014) were assigned
      as intervention group. MCDA group was set up by the medical staff. Bundled
      treatment plan was composed of the MCDA evaluation results, anti-infection,
      phlegm and other conventional treatment measures which was adjust on time until
      the patient was transferred out of the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) or
      died. Seventy patients with severe pneumonia before receiving MCDA (from August
      2010 to December 2012) were set as historical control group. Comparison of
      general condition before treatment and the incidence of hospital infection,
      average hospitalization cost, duration of RICU stay and mortality between these
      two groups were performed. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant
      differences in gender, age, past history, and acute physiology and chronic health
      evaluation II (APACHE II) score at admission between two groups. Compared with
      control group, the incidence of hospital infection [1.33% (1/75) vs. 11.43%
      (8/70), chi2 = 4.723, P = 0.030], mean hospitalization cost in RICU (10 thousand
      Yuan: 3.44 +/- 0.79 vs. 3.76 +/- 0.91, t = 2.265, P = 0.025), length of RICU stay
      (days: 15.01 +/- 4.22 vs. 16.92 +/- 4.79, t = 2.552, P = 0.012) and mortality in
      RICU [8.0% (6/75) vs. 21.4% (15/70 ), chi2 = 5.272, P = 0.032] in intervention
      group was significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Application of MCDA in the bundle
      treatment of severe pneumonia could elevate the scientificalness of decision, and
      reduce the medical cost. Additionally, MCDA is worth to be generalized because
      the implementation of guidelines can improve the clinical outcome and prognosis
      of the patients.

PMID- 27132441
TI  - [Effect of sivelestat sodium on the prognosis of patients with acute lung injury
      and acute respiratory distress syndrome: a meta-analysis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sivelestat sodium on the prognosis in
      patients with acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome
      (ARDS). METHODS: Databases including PubMed, EBSCO, Springer, Ovid, Wanfang data,
      CNKI and China Biology Medicine (CBM) were searched to identify randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) regarding sivelestat sodium treatment for ALI/ARDS
      published from 1985 to December 2014. The patients in treatment group received
      intravenous infusion of sivelestat sodium, and those in control group received
      normal saline. The items for analysis were 28-day mortality, duration of
      mechanical ventilation, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and oxygenation
      index on day 3. According to the evaluation method of Cochrane system, data
      extraction and quality assessment from the literature were carried out. Meta
      analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. The publication bias was analyzed with
      funnel plot. RESULTS: Five RCTs with a total of 780 participants were included,
      with 389 patients in sivelestat sodium group, and 391 in control group. Meta
      analysis showed: compared with control group, sivelestat sodium could not lower
      the 28-day mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 0.91, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) =
      0.66-1.26, P = 0.58], or shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation or length
      of ICU stay [duration of mechanical ventilation: mean difference (MD) = -0.02,
      95% CI = -0.29 to 0.24, P = 0.87; length of ICU stay: MD = -9.63, 95% CI = -23.34
      to 4.08, P = 0.17], but it could improve oxygenation index on day 3 (MD = 0.88,
      95% CI = 0.39 to 1.36, P = 0.000 4). Heterogeneity was not significant for the
      main analysis and no publication bias was shown on funnel plot. CONCLUSION:
      Sivelestat sodium gave rise to a better oxygenation on day 3, but did not change
      the length of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, and it did not improve 28-day
      mortality in ALI and ARDS.

PMID- 27132442
TI  - [Reproduction of a model of "two-hit" sepsis model with complication of pneumonia
      in rat].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To reproduce a clinically relevant "two-hit" model of sepsis
      complicated by pneumonia and to explore the correlation between "two-hit" and
      immune state. METHODS: Eighty-one male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into
      groups according to the random number table. Forty-five male rats were assigned
      respectively to sepsis-alone group, pneumonia 4 days and 7 days after sepsis
      groups, respectively. Survival rate of each group was observed. Another group of
      36 male rats were divided into normal control group, sepsis-alone for 1, 4 and 7
      days groups, and sepsis complicated by pneumonia for 4 days and 7 days after
      sepsis groups, each group consisted of 6 rats. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)
      was done in rats, and Streptococcus pneumoniae suspension (bacteria count 1 x
      10(10) cfu/mL) was injected via the nose on the 4th day or 7th day after CLP.
      Rats were sacrificed at corresponding time points, and 1 day after challenge of
      Streptococcus pneumoniae on the 4 days or 7 days post CLP for the collection of
      blood and tissue samples to make bacterial count of the blood, splenocyte count,
      biochemical indices, cytokines concentration, pathological changes in spleen and
      apoptotic cells. RESULTS: (1) Compared with the rats of sepsis-alone group, the
      rats in pneumonia 4 days after CLP group had poor survival rate (4 vs. 11, chi2 =
      6.533, P = 0.011), while no difference was found between pneumonia 7 days after
      CLP group and sepsis-alone group (9 vs. 11, chi2 = 0.600, P = 0.439). (2) The
      blood bacterial count and all the biochemical indexes were sharply increased on 1
      day post-CLP in the rats of sepsis-alone group, and then they gradually lowered.
      Compared with the rats of 1 day post-CLP, the proportion of splenocytes were
      decreased on the 4th day post-CLP [dendritic cells (DC): (0.69 +/- 0.09)% vs.
      (0.87 +/- 0.31)%, CD4+ T cells: (21.05 +/- 2.89)% vs. (24.84 +/- 4.59)%, CD8+ T
      cells: (10.62 +/- 1.79)% vs. (13.40 +/- 1.31 )%, all P < 0.05], but T-regulatory
      cell (Treg) count was higher on the 4th day after CLP compared with sepsis-alone
      rats [(3.14 +/- 0.74 )% vs. (2.87 +/- 1.08)%, P < 0.05]. The biochemical indices,
      including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood
      urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (SCr) were obviously lowered on 7 days
      post-CLP compared with 1 day after CLP [ALT (U/L): 35.33 +/- 11.52 vs. 81.00 +/-
      38.40, AST (U/L): 70.33 +/- 42.16 vs. 156.00 +/- 28.11, BUN (mmol/L): 5.30 +/-
      2.27 vs. 9.13 +/- 4.04, SCr (1MUmol/L): 55.33 +/- 10.67 vs. 96.67 +/- 45.79, all
      P < 0.05]. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and
      interleukins (IL-6, IL-1beta) peaked on the 1st day after CLP [TNF-alpha: (18.03
      +/- 2.88) ng/L, IL-6: ( 10.37 +/- 4.20) ng/L, IL-1beta: ( 102.44 +/- 51.46)
      ng/L], and high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) peaked on the 4th day after CLP
      [(1.76 +/- 0.71) MUg/L]. The levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines transforming
      growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-I
      (sTNFR-I) maintained at high levels [7 days post-CLP: TGF-beta1 was (0.90 +/-
      0.56) ng/L, sTNFR-I was (1.56 +/- 0.39) ng/L]. The spleen pathology became more
      marked with the time in the group of sepsis-alone, meanwhile the number of
      apoptotic spleencytes increased 4 days post-CLP as compared with that of the 1st
      day post-CLP (cells/HP: 52.99 +/- 20.79 vs. 16.05 +/- 3.28, P < 0.05). (3)
      Compared with the same period of sepsis-alone group, the rats with pneumonia 4
      days post-CLP group showed a higher blood bacterial count (log cfu/mL: 1.78 +/-
      0.54 vs. 0.25 +/- 0.18, P < 0.05), while no difference was found between 7-day of
      post-CLP pneumonia group and sepsis-alone group (log cfu/mL: 0.57 +/- 0.46 vs.
      0.13 +/- 0.12, P > 0.05). The same trend of changes, with slight reduction in
      splenocytes and biochemical indices were found between the groups of sepsis
      followed by pneumonia and sepsis-alone, but no significant difference was found.
      The level of HMGB1 in the 4-day group of sepsis with complication of pneumonia
      was further decreased compared with sepsis-alone group (MUg/L: 1.17 +/- 0.74 vs.
      1.76 +/- 0.71, P < 0.05), and IL-1beta in the 7-day group of sepsis complicated
      pneumonia was further higher than those of sepsis-alone group in the same period
      (ng/L: 105.73 +/- 25.06 vs. 61.04 +/- 31.29, P < 0.05), while there were no
      differences in levels of other cytokines between "two-hit" group and sepsis-alone
      group. Apoptosis of spleencytes in the 4-day group of sepsis complicated
      pneumonia was more marked than that of sepsis-alone group at the same period
      (cells/HP: 74.48 +/- 22.47 vs. 52.99 +/- 20.79, P < 0.05), while no difference
      was found between the 7-day groups of sepsis complicated pneumonia and the sepsis
      alone group (cells/HP: 28.70 +/- 4.13 vs. 30.43 +/- 14.55, P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The mortality of this "two-hit" model with complication of pneumonia
      4 days after CLP was significantly higher than that of single sepsis model. The
      ability of bacteria clearance was decreased, and immunocyte apoptosis was
      exacerbated. These findings may be with the result of the occurrence of
      immunoparalysis in the mid stage of sepsis. The "two-hit" model reproduced on 7
      days after CLP might suggest reconstruction of host immune function, and maybe
      associated with the recovery of immune response.

PMID- 27132443
TI  - [Anti-inflammatory effect of acetylcholine on lipopolysaccharide induced
      inflammatory response of alveolar macrophages].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) on lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) induced inflammatory model of rat alveolar macrophages, and to observe the
      effect of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine (Phy) on the anti
      inflammatory effect of ACh. METHODS: The rat alveolar macrophages NR8383 were
      cultured in vitro, which were divided into five groups: blank control group, LPS
      group (stimulated with 1 mg/L LPS for 12 hours), LPS + ACh group (0.01, 0.1, 1,
      10, 100 MUmol/L of ACh were added for 5 minutes before LPS stimulation), LPS +
      Phy group (1 mmol/L Phy was added for 5 minutes before LPS stimulation), and LPS
      + ACh + Phy group (1 mmol/L Phy and 10 MUmol/L ACh were added for 5 minutes
      before LPS stimulation). The supernatants were collected in each group, the
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assay the contents of tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukins (IL-1beta, and IL-6). The
      activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE ) in the supernatant was also
      determined. RESULTS: (1) The contents of TNF-alpha (ng/L: 605.09 +/- 57.13 vs.
      34.07 +/- 8.62), IL-1beta (ng/L: 377.09 +/- 28.55 vs. 32.33 +/- 10.62) and IL-6
      (ng/L: 558.04 +/- 77.45 vs. 42.62 +/- 11.21) in the LPS group were significantly
      higher than those in the blank control group (all P < 0.05). These results
      indicated that the inflammatory model of rat alveolar macrophages was constructed
      successfully. (2) ACh with the final concentrations of 0.01, 0.1, and 1 MUmol/L
      had less influence on the production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 in the
      culture supernatants of alveolar macrophages stimulated with LPS compared with
      LPS group (all P > 0.05). Nevertheless, 10 MUmol/L and 100 MUmol/L ACh notably
      reduced the production of TNF-alpha (ng/L: 451.19 +/- 30.67, 332.19 +/- 32.19 vs.
      604.96 +/- 22.56), IL-1beta (ng/L: 261.08 +/- 24.78, 143.98 +/- 28.39 vs. 367.06
      +/- 10.44) and IL-6 (ng/L: 342.75 +/- 54.60, 235.48 +/- 29.75 vs. 562.69 +/-
      63.34) in the culture supernatants compared with the LPS group (all P < 0.05).
      (3) The activity of AChE in the LPS group was significantly higher than that in
      the blank control group (kU/L: 5.21 +/- 0.63 vs. 3.09 +/- 0.10, P < 0.05). The
      activity of AChE was successfully inhibited by 1 mmol/L acetylcholinesterase
      inhibitor Phy pretreatment compared with that in the LPS group (1.51 +/- 0.12 vs.
      5.21 +/- 0.63, P < 0.05). (4) The level of TNF-alpha (ng/L: 183.17 +/- 35.44 vs.
      451.19 +/- 30.67), IL-1beta (ng/L: 91.49 +/- 12.27 vs. 261.08 +/- 24.78) and IL-6
      (ng/L: 108.17 +/- 22.82 vs. 342.75 +/- 54.60) in the culture supernatants of LPS
      + ACh + Phy group was significantly decreased as compared with LPS + ACh group
      (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ACh with the final concentrations of 10 MUmol/L and
      100 MUmol/L can inhibit the LPS induced inflammatory reaction in alveolar
      macrophages. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor Phy can reinforce the ACh
      mediated anti-inflammatory effect on alveolar macrophages inflammatory model.

PMID- 27132444
TI  - [Investigation of reference intervals of blood gas and acid-base analysis assays
      in China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate and analyze the upper and lower limits and their
      sources of reference intervals in blood gas and acid-base analysis assays.
      METHODS: The data of reference intervals were collected, which come from the
      first run of 2014 External Quality Assessment (EQA) program in blood gas and acid
      base analysis assays performed by National Center for Clinical Laboratories
      (NCCL). All the abnormal values and errors were eliminated. Data statistics was
      performed by SPSS 13.0 and Excel 2007 referring to upper and lower limits of
      reference intervals and sources of 7 blood gas and acid-base analysis assays,
      i.e. pH value, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), partial pressure of
      oxygen (PO2), Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Cl-. Values were further grouped based on
      instrument system and the difference between each group were analyzed. RESULTS:
      There were 225 laboratories submitting the information on the reference intervals
      they had been using. The three main sources of reference intervals were National
      Guide to Clinical Laboratory Procedures [37.07% (400/1 079)], instructions of
      instrument manufactures [31.23% (337/1 079)] and instructions of reagent
      manufactures [23.26% (251/1 079)]. Approximately 35.1% (79/225) of the
      laboratories had validated the reference intervals they used. The difference of
      upper and lower limits in most assays among 7 laboratories was moderate, both
      minimum and maximum (i.e. the upper limits of pH value was 7.00-7.45, the lower
      limits of Na+ was 130.00-156.00 mmol/L), and mean and median (i.e. the upper
      limits of K+ was 5.04 mmol/L and 5.10 mmol/L, the upper limits of PCO2 was 45.65
      mmHg and 45.00 mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa), as well as the difference in P2.5 and
      P97.5 between each instrument system group. It was shown by Kruskal-Wallis method
      that the P values of upper and lower limits of all the parameters were lower than
      0.001, expecting the lower limits of Na+ with P value 0.029. It was shown by Mann
      Whitney that the statistic differences were found among instrument system groups
      and between most of two instrument system groups in all assays. CONCLUSION: The
      difference of reference intervals of blood gas and acid-base analysis assays used
      in China laboratories is moderate, which is better than other specialties in
      clinical laboratories.

PMID- 27132446
TI  - [A comparison of degree of precision of auscultation, partial pressure of carbon
      dioxide in end-expiration, and transillumination technique in verifying accurate
      position of endotracheal tube].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of auscultation, partial pressure of carbon
      dioxide in end-expiration (P(ET)CO2), transillumination technique to judge
      whether the endotracheal tube is misplaced into the esophagus. METHODS: A blinded
      randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sixty patients with American Society
      of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade I - II undergoing endotracheal intubation in
      Fengxian Central Hospital admitted from September 2014 to February 2015 were
      enrolled. Two endotracheal tubes with the same size were respectively inserted
      into the trachea and esophagus for the same depth after general anesthesia by the
      same person. Two blinded anesthetists with different experience checked the tube
      position using three methods including auscultation, P(ET)CO2, and
      transillumination technique, respectively. The order of the tubes tested (trachea
      or esophagus) and the method used were randomized according to randomise numbers
      table. The experienced anesthetists conducted the test first, followed by an
      inexperienced anesthetist conducting the same methods. The numbers of right and
      wrong determinations with different methods by different anesthetists were
      recorded. RESULTS: Sixty patients underwent the procedures for 180 times, with
      intratracheal intubation for 90 times, and esophageal intubation for 90 times. It
      was shown that the results were not different in two groups [96.7% (174/180) vs.
      92.2% (166/180), chi2 = 3.500, P = 0.057]. By using auscultation, the correct
      rate of experienced anesthetist was higher than that of inexperienced (95.0% vs.
      78.3%, chi2 = 5.786, P = 0.013). Using P(ET)CO2, both anesthetists were correct
      in all cases, and the accuracy was 100%. Using transillumination, the experienced
      anesthetist was mistaken in 3 cases (accuracy was 95.0%), while the inexperienced
      mistook in 1 case (accuracy was 98.3%), and no significant difference was found
      between two groups chi2 = 0.500, P = 0.250). The correct rate of using
      transillumination was significantly higher than that of using auscultation chi2 =
      7.563, P = 0.004). The sensitivity and specificity of the auscultation was 70.0%
      and 80.0%, that of transillumination technique was 96.7% and 93.3%, and P(ET)CO2
      was 100%, respectively, for two groups. CONCLUSIONS: P(ET)CO2 is the most
      reliable method for determining tube position, and it is superior to auscultation
      and transillumination. Transillumination technique is superior to auscultation,
      irrespective of anesthetists' experience, while the accuracy of auscultation
      showed an obvious relationship with the anesthetists' experience.

PMID- 27132445
TI  - [Role and mechanism of the NOD-like receptor 3 inflammasome in ventilator-induced
      lung injury in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role and its mechanism of the NOD-like receptor 3
      (NLRP3) inflammasome in alveolar macrophages in ventilator-induced lung injury
      (VILI) in rats. METHODS: Thirty adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly
      divided into three groups, with 10 rats in each group: spontaneous breathing
      control group, normal tidal volume (V(T)) group (V(T) 8 mL/kg) and high V(T)
      group (V(T) 40 ml/kg). All of the rats underwent tracheotomy. Then rats in
      spontaneous breathing control group were kept to have spontaneous breathing,
      while rats in normal V(T) group and high V(T) group received mechanical
      ventilation. After 4 hours, the rats were sacrificed by carotid artery bleeding,
      and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), blood serum and lung tissue were
      collected. Lung wet/dry ratios (W/D) were measured. Light microscopy and electron
      microscopy were performed to observe the pathological changes in lung tissue, and
      the ultrastructural changes in alveolar macrophages. Enzyme linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the total protein content in the BALF and
      the interleukins (IL-1beta and IL-18) in the serum and BALF. The mRNA expressions
      and protein levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing
      CARD (ASC), caspase-1. and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in alveolar
      macrophages were assayed by real-time fluorescent quantization reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western Blot. RESULTS: The
      structure of lung tissue and alveolar macrophages of rats in spontaneous
      breathing control group and normal V(T) group appeared normal, while obvious
      inflammatory changes were found in high V(T) group. Compared with spontaneous
      breathing control group and normal V(T) group, the ratio of W/D (8.89 +/- 0.90 vs
      5.18 +/- 0.86, 5.71 +/- 0.82, both P < 0.05), contents of total protein, IL
      1beta, IL-18 in BALF were significantly increased [total protein (g/L): 2.34 0.41
      vs. 1.77 +/- 0.14, 1.81 +/- 0.06, IL-1beta (ng/L): 133.48 +/- 10.48 vs 81.54 +/-
      3.12, 83.80 +/- 5.22, IL-18 (MUg/L): 4.57 +/- 0.45 vs 3.04 +/- 0.51, 3.43 +/-
      0.43, aa P < 0.05], and IL-1beta and IL-18 in serum were also increased [IL-1beta
      (ng/L); 105.06 +/- 10.18 vs 65.11 +/- 8.58, 75.30 +/- 10.62, IL-18 (MUg/L); 2.27
      +/- 0.09 vs 1.18 +/- 0.34, 1.43 +/- 0.15, all P < 0.05]. The mRNA and protein
      expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and NF-kappaB in alveolar macrophages of
      high V(T) group were significantly increased compared with that of spontaneous
      breathing control group and normal V(T) group. The mRNA expressions of NLRPs,
      ASC, caspase-1 and NF-kappaB in high V(T) group were (8.53 +/- 2.21), (5.75 +/-
      1.17), (7.47 +/- 1.23) and (10.86 +/- 2.38) folds of those in spontaneous
      breathing control group, and the protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and
      NF-kappaB were (1.50 +/- 0.14), (1.49 +/- 0.04), 1.53 +/- 0.15) and (1.51 +/-
      0.110 folds of those in spontaneous breathing control group (all P < 0.01). There
      were no significant differences in all the indexes between normal V(T) group and
      spontaneous breathing control group. CONCLUSION: NLRP3 inflammasome in alveolar
      macrophages may be involved in the mechanism of occurrence of VILI.

PMID- 27132447
TI  - [The influence of continuous venovenous hemofiltration on parameter measurement
      by the transpulmonary thermodilution technique].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of continuous venovenous hemofiltration
      (CVVH) on measurement of transpulmonary thermodilution parameters. METHODS: A
      prospective observational study was conducted. Fifty-six patients who received
      CVVH and hemodynamic monitoring at the same time admitted to the Department of
      Critical Care Medicine of Tianjin Third Central Hospital from July 2012 to July
      2014 were enrolled. In all the patients, the dialysis catheter was inserted
      through the femoral vein, and transpulmonary thermodilution measurements were
      performed by pulse indicator continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) monitoring
      technology at the same time. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), central blood
      temperature, cardiac index (CI), global end-diastolic volume index (GEDVI),
      intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) and extravascular lung water index
      (EVLWI) were measured before CVVH, immediately after CVVH, and 30 minutes after
      CVVH, respectively. Results In the 56 patients, there were 36 males and 20
      females, (66 +/- 16) years of old, height of (172 +/- 6) cm, body weight of (68
      +/- 10) kg. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II)
      scores was 26 +/- 6. After CVVH, the central blood temperature was gradually
      decreased, and blood temperature at 30 minutes after CVVH was significantly lower
      than that before CVVH (degrees C : 37.17 +/- 1.06 vs. 37.57 +/- 1.26, P < 0.01).
      There were no significant changes in MAP and EVLWI before and after CVVH the MAP
      was (89 +/-20), (86 +/- 16), (90 +/- 17) mmHg ( 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) at three time
      points respectively, and EVLWI was (9.4 +/- 3.2, (9.3 +/- 3.0), (9.4 +/- 2.9)
      mL/kg, respectively. After CVVH, CI, GEDVI and ITBVI showed a gradual downward
      tendency. Compared with those before CVVH, the decline of CI, GEDVI, and ITBVI
      immediately after CVVH was not statistically significant [CI (mL x s (-1) x m(
      2): 62.18 +/- 24.34 vs 63.85 +/- 21.84, GEDVI (mL/m2): 705 +/- 103 vs 727 +/-
      100, ITBVI (mL/m2): 881 +/- 129 vs 908 +/- 125, all P > 0.05]. CI, GEDVI, ITBVI
      at 30 minutes after CVVH were significantly decreased [CI mL x s(-1) x m(-2)):
      57.84 +/- 20.50 vs 63.85 +/- 21.84, GEDVI (mL/m2): 681 +/- 106 vs. 727 +/- 100,
      ITBVI (mL/m2): 851 +/- 133 vs. 908 +/- 125, all P < 0.05]. CVVH was associated
      with a decline of 6.01 mL x s(-1) x m(-2) at 30 minutes after CVVH [95%
      confidence interval (95% CI)) = -10.67 to -1.50, P = 0.011]. The declines of
      GEEDVI and ITBVI were observed with 46 mL/m2 (95% CI = -81 to - 11, P = 0.014),
      57 mL/m2 (95% CI = -101 to -13, P = 0.014) respectively 30 minutes after CVVH.
      CONCLUSIONS: CVVH had no significant effect on the transpulmonary thermodilution
      measurement of CI, GEDVI, ITBVI and EVLWI. Thirty minutes after the start of
      CVVH, CI, GEDVI was decreased significantly, but had no effect on EVLWI.

PMID- 27132448
TI  - [A study of using dexmedetomidine in ventilator bundle treatment in an ICU].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the sedative effect and safety of dexmedetomidine and
      midazolam in the intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing ventilator bundle
      treatment. METHODS: A prospective single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT)
      was conducted. Ninety patients receiving ICU ventilator-assisted therapy and
      ventilator bundle treatments for more than 3 days in the First Department of
      Critical Care Medicine of the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University from January
      2013 to December 2014 were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into two
      groups for sedative treatment. The patients in dexmedetomidine group (n = 42)
      were given dexmedetomidine 0.2-0.7 MUg x kg(-1) x h(-1) to achieve a goal of
      satisfactory sedation [Richmond agitation-sedation scale (RASS) score 0 to - 2
      during the day, and -1 to -3 at night). The patients in midazolam group (n = 48)
      were given midazolam 2-3 mg intravenously first, and then 0.05 mg x kg(-1) x h(
      1) for maintenance. The drug dose was adjusted according to RASS every 4 hours to
      maintain the appropriate sedation depth. The patients in both groups received
      continuous intravenous infusion of fentanyl for analgesia. Ventilator bundle
      treatments included the head of a bed up 30 degrees to 45 degrees, awaken and
      extubation appraisal, daily use of proton pump inhibitors for peptic ulcer
      prevention, prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chlorhexidine mouth
      nursing, and removal of sputum by suction from subglottic area. When the patients
      in both groups obtained satisfactory target sedation, daily awakening was
      conducted, and spontaneous breathing test (SBT) was carried out to determine
      optional weaning time. When the condition was optimal, weaning was conducted,
      otherwise ventilator bundle treatments were continued. The systolic blood
      pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP),
      heart rate (HR), respiratory frequency (RR) were monitored before and 15, 30, 60,
      120, 180 minutes after the treatment, and at the moment of extubation and 30
      minutes after extubation. The duration of mechanical ventilation, extubation
      time, length of ICU stay, and the incidence of adverse events were also recorded.
      RESULTS: Both dexmedetomidine and midazolam could give rise to sedation with same
      score of analgesia in patients in both groups, and similar effect of sedation and
      analgesia could be achieved. Compared with midazolam, dexmedetomidine could
      significantly reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation (hours: 108.33 +/-
      21.96 vs. 119.85 +/- 20.29, t = -2.586, P = 0.011), earlier extubation time
      (hours: 112.95 +/- 22.20 vs. 128.58 +/- 26.18, = -3.031, P = 0.003), length of
      ICU stay (hours: 149.21 +/- 20.47 vs. 163.88 +/- 33.59, = -2.457, P = 0.016), the
      incidence of delirium [9.5% (4/42) vs. 31.2% (15/48 ), chi2 = 6.349, P = 0.012],
      but it would elevate the incidence of severe hypotension [28.6% (12/42) vs. 8.3%
      (4/48), chi2 = 6.277, P = 0.012] and severe bradycardia [19.0% (8/42) vs. 8.3%
      (4/48), chi2 = 2.225, P = 0.136]. Both drugs could lower SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR,
      and the effect in dexmedetomidine group was more significant from 60 minutes
      after treatment [SBP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 113.12 +/- 14.42 vs. 124.40 +/-
      15.79, DBP (mmHg): 69.02 +/- 9.62 vs. 76.94 +/- 10.41, MAP (mmHg): 83.76 +/-
      10.50 vs. 92.77 +/- 11.87, HR (bpm): 79.19 +/- 12.28 vs. 87.42 +/- 17.77, P <
      0.05 or P < 0.01]. Both sedatives could significantly lower the rate of
      spontaneous breathing, and the effect of midazolam group was more significant
      from 60 minutes after treatment compared with dexmedetomidine group (times/min:
      18.27 +/- 4.29 vs. 20.07 +/- 4.11, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The sedative effects
      of dexmedetomidine in the ICU patients treated with ventilator bundle treatment
      are satisfactory, and it can shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation,
      extubation time and length of ICU stay, reduce the incidence of delirium.
      However, monitoring should be strengthened in order to prevented and control the
      adverse effects such as severe hypotension and severe bradycardia.

PMID- 27132449
TI  - [The therapeutic effect of high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy for the first
      imported case of Middle East respiratory syndrome to China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in treating
      a patient with Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). METHODS: The effect of
      HFNC applied in the first imported MERS patient with complication of acute
      respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to China was observed. The patient was
      admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of Huizhou Municipal Central
      Hospital on May 28th, 2015, and the changes in various clinical parameters and
      their significance were analyzed. RESULTS: A 43-year old male was admitted to
      negative pressure isolation intensive care unit with the complaint of back ache
      for 7 days and fever for 2 days. Vital signs and saturation of pulse oximetry
      (SpO2) were monitored continuously. After admission, ribavirin was given orally
      for 12 days and alpha-interferon was administered once on the first day. However,
      after 2-week anti-virus therapy, the virus test was positive. Ceftriaxone was
      given on the 4th day, and it was changed to meropenem on the 3rd day for 2 weeks.
      Immune globulin was given on the 4th day and continued for 1 week. Thymosin
      alpha1 was given on the 8th day and continued for 2 weeks. According to his past
      history, methimazole had been given continuously for hyperthyroidism and other
      symptomatic treatment. Oxygen inhalation (6 L/min) was given immediately after
      admission, but the condition of patient worsened with the following symptoms:
      frequent cough and obvious shortness of breath. Moreover pleural effusion
      gradually increased as shown by X-ray. SPO2 was maintained only at about 0.91.
      Oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) decreased to 144 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa). So
      oxygen inhalation via nasal cannula was changed to HFNC after 2 days. The
      parameters were set as follows: temperature 34 degrees C, flow rate 20 L/min,
      fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) 0.50. The flow was raised 5 L/min every 10
      minutes, and was continued till the target value reached 60 L/min. FiO2 was
      modified according to SpO2 and PaO2/FiO2. FiO2 was set to 0.80 on the 5th day of
      admission. Shortness of breath of the patient was improved on the 7th day of
      admission after the application of HFNC. FiO2 was then decreased to 0.58 as
      PaO2/FiO2 rose. Then the flow was gradually decreased to 30 L/min. HFNC was
      reduced with continuous improvement in PaO2/FiO2. HFNC was changed to low flow
      oxygen inhalation nasal cannula (2-3 L/min) on the 20th day. Oxygen treatment was
      stopped on the 23rd day, and SpO2 was maintained at 0.98-1.00. Activities on bed
      were gradually increased. The patient was cured and discharged from hospital on
      June 26th. The patient showed good tolerance and high compliance during the
      treatment with HFNC. No nosocomial spread occurred during the treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: HFNC could improve respiratory function of the patient with MERS
      obviously, and complication ARDS was prevented. HFNC might reduce nosocomial
      spread.

PMID- 27132451
TI  - [Emergency disposal of chemical agents and toxic chemicals poisoning: consensus
      among Chinese experts in 2015].

PMID- 27132450
TI  - [The influence of the sedation based on remifentanil analgesia on the occurrence
      of delirium in critically ill patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of the midazolam sedation based on
      remifentanil analgesia on the occurrence of delirium in critically ill patients
      in intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A single-center prospective randomized
      controlled trial was conducted. 140 consecutive critically ill patients admitted
      to ICU of Peking University People's Hospital, undergoing mechanical ventilation
      longer than 24 hours, with the need of sedation, from February 2014 to January
      2015 were enrolled. They were randomly divided into two groups by computer
      generated random numbers table, each n = 70. The patients in observation group
      received midazolam 1 MUg x kg(-1) x min(-1) for sedation, and 1 mg/mL
      remifentanil for analgesia with 0.05 mg/kg intravenous bolus, then continuous
      infusion of 0.02-0.10 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1). The patients in control group received
      midazolam for sedation only. The data were recorded as follows: the main indices
      for observation included the occurrence of delirium and its duration; the second
      item for observation was consumption of drug for sedation, followed by the mean
      arterial pressure (MAP) before and after sedation, the time of wake-up, duration
      of mechanical ventilation, the length of ICU stay, and 28-day fatality rate. The
      28-day survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve. RESULTS: The dosage
      of remifentanil used in observation group was (98.6 +/- 24.9) mg/d, the dosage of
      midazolam was significantly lower than that of the control group (mg/d: 160.6 +/-
      33.3 vs. 178.9 +/- 43.4, t = 2.829, P = 0.005), the incidence of delirium was
      obviously lower than that of the control group [22.9% (16/70) vs. 57.1% (40/70),
      chi2 = 15.700, P < 0.001], and the time of delirium was slightly shorter than
      that of the control group (hours: 162.9 +/- 78.0 vs. 194.8 +/- 117.3, t = 0.947,
      P = 0.348). Among the patients with delirium, the dosage of dexmedetomidine used
      in observation group was significantly less than that of the control group (mg/d:
      0.54 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.64 +/- 0.14, t = 2.112, P = 0.041). The MAP before sedation
      was similar as the MAP after sedation in both groups, and there was no
      significant difference between observation group and control group [mmHg (1 mmHg
      = 0.133 kPa), before treatment: 84.7 +/- 16.2 vs. 89.5 +/- 37.7, after treatment:
      82.3 +/- 10.7 vs. 80.8 +/- 13.9, both P > 0.05]. There was no significant
      difference in the time of waking-up between observation group and control group
      (hours: 2.3 +/- 0.9 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.8, t = 0.487, P = 0.627). The duration of
      mechanical ventilation (hours: 143.4? 138.3 vs. 163.9? 158.9, t = 0.812, P =
      0.418), the length of ICU stay (days: 8.8 +/- 7.7 vs. 10.0 +/- 7.8, t = 0.917, P
      = 0.361) and 28-day fatality rate [11.4% (8/70) vs. 20.0% (14/70), chi2 = 1.941,
      P = 0.245] in observation group were slightly lower than those of the control
      group without significant difference. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the
      cumulative 28-day survival rate in observation group was slightly higher than
      that of control group (chi2 = 1.647, P = 0.199) CONCLUSION: Analgesia based on
      sedation may reduce the occurrence of delirium and its severity, furthermore,
      even if delirium occurs, it may be less severe.

PMID- 27132452
TI  - [Analysis of risk factor of hyperlactacidemia after gastrointestinal surgery: a
      clinical data analysis of 216 patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors that cause arterial blood lactate
      (Lac) elevation in patients after gastrointestinal operation. METHODS: The data
      of 216 patients who had undergone gastrointestinal operation, and transferred to
      intensive care unit (ICU) of Ningxia Medical University General Hospital from
      November 2013 to November 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the
      initial level of blood Lac after operation, the patients were divided into two
      groups: high Lac group (Lac > 2 mmol/L, n = 100) and normal Lac group (Lac <= 2
      mmol/L, n = 116). The baseline data of two groups were recorded as follows: (1)
      baseline data: gender, age, preoperative acute physiology and chronic health
      evaluation II (APACHE II ) score, previous diseases, initial Lac level after
      operation; (2) preoperative risk factors: 24-hour total amount of fluid, and the
      amount of colloid for resuscitation; (3) intraoperative risk factors: the
      proportion of emergency operation, operation time, site of operation, usage of
      antibacterial drug, the highest and lowest mean arterial pressure and its
      difference (MAPmax, MAPmin, A MAP), total amount of fluid and colloid for
      resuscitation. The risk factors of increasing Lac post gastrointestinal operation
      was evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: (1) There were
      no significant differences in baseline data such as gender, age, preoperative
      APACHE II score and previous diseases between the two groups (all P > 0.05).
      Initial Lac-level in high Lac group was significantly higher than that of normal
      Lac group (mmol/L: 5.1 +/- 3.6 vs. 1.3 +/- 0.4, t = 10.584, P = 0.000). (2) There
      were no significant differences in 24-hour amount of fluid and colloid for
      resuscitation before operation, and intraoperative MAPmax between two groups.
      Compared with normal Lac group, intraoperative A MAP [ mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa):
      35.8 +/- 14.4 vs. 28.7 +/- 13.7, t = 3.727, P = 0.000], the proportion of
      emergency operations (19.0% vs. 9.5%, chi2 = 9.869, P = 0.007), intraoperative
      transfusion volume [mL: 4 500 (3 500, 5 800) vs. 3,700 (2,812, 5,075), Z = 
      3.244, P = 0.001], intraoperative colloid volume [mL: 1,000 (1,000, 1,900) vs.
      1,000 (1,000, 1,787 ), Z = -2.347, P = 0.019], and operation time (minutes: 222.0
      +/- 91.5 vs. 187.0 +/- 75.9, t = 3.026, P = 0.003) in high Lac group were
      significantly increased, and the levels of intraoperative MAPmin (mmHg: 68.7 +/-
      11.6 vs. 75.9 +/- 10.6, t = -4.716, P = 0.000) and intraoperative antibiotics
      usage (62.0% vs. 86.2%, chi2 = 18.318, P = 0.000) were significantly decreased.
      (3) The patients undergoing operation of esophagus, stomach, duodenal and
      intestine, and colon accounted for 6.9%, 22.7%, 16.7%, and 53.7%, respectively,
      their Lac was 2.8 (1.6, 5.4), 2.3 (1.2, 5.8), 2.5 (1.5, 5.2), 1.7 (1.1, 2.9)
      mmol/L, respectively, indicating that surgical site had an influence on the
      occurrence of postoperative hyperlactacidemia (chi2 = 11.032, P = 0.012). (4) It
      was showed by multiple linear regression analysis that the operation site (t = 
      2.725, P = 0.007), MAPmin (t = -4.533, P = 0.000), non-antibiotics usage during
      operation (t = 2.441, P = 0.016) were the risk factors of Lac increase in
      patients after gastrointestinal operation. (5) The incidence of postoperative
      incipient procalcitonin (PCT) increase (PCT > 0.5 g/L) in patients and usage of
      antibiotics was significantly lower than that in patients who did not receive
      antibiotics during operation [17.89% (17/95) vs. 67.74% (21/31), chi2 = 27.572, P
      = 0.000]. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical site showed an influence on the occurrence of
      hyperlactacidemia in patients after gastrointestinal operation, and the lowest
      occurrence rate was found in the colonic operation. In patients suffering from
      gastrointestinal operation, antibiotics should be routinely used to improve MAP.
      Excessive preoperative and intraoperative fluid infusion cannot reduce the
      occurrence of hyperlactacidemia.

PMID- 27132453
TI  - [Statistics of causes of death and analysis of risk factors in a surgical
      intensive care unit].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the causes of death and to analyze the risk factors in a
      surgical intensive care unit (SICU). METHODS: The relevant information of
      patients died in the SICU of Xijing Hospital of Fourth Military Medical
      University in past 15 years (from December 1999 to February 2015) was
      retrospectively analyzed. The gender, age, reason and date of hospitalization,
      date of transfer SICU, past medical history, whether or not admitted directly
      from emergency department or transferred from other department, operated or not,
      date of death, the main cause of death, acute physiology and chronic health
      evaluation II (APACHE II) score, the history of undergoing mechanical
      ventilation, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), or antifungal therapy,
      as well as the ratio of the patients with body temperature higher than 39 
      degrees C, white blood cell (WBC) count higher than 10 x 109/L, platelet (PLT)
      count below 100 x 109/L, albumin (Alb) below 35 g/L of two periods, namely from
      December 1999 to July 2007 (the first period), and from August 2007 to February
      2015 (the second period) were compared. The above parameters were compared with
      those of 201 survivors in SICU, and the risk factors leading to death were
      analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: From December 1999 to February 2015, 4
      317 patients were taken care of in the SICU. Among them, the number of death was
      186, and the mortality rate was 4.3%. In the first time period (from December
      1999 to July 2007), the total number of patients was 1 356, and the number of
      death were 109 (the mortality rate was 8.0%). In the second period, i.e. from
      August 2007 to February 2015, the number of SICU patients was 2,961, and 77 died
      (the mortality rate was 2.6%). The difference of mortality rate between the two
      periods was statistically significant (chi2 = 66.707, P = 0.001 ). The death rate
      of patients transferred directly from emergency department in the first period
      was 79.8% (87/109), and it was lower in the second period (51.9%, 40/77, chi2 =
      16.181, P = 0.001 ). The death rate of the patients with blood A1b below 35 g/L
      in the second period (59.7%, 46/77) was higher than that of the first period
      (41.3%, 45/109, chi2 = 6.151, P = 0.017). The top three causes of death from
      December 1999 to February 2015 were sepsis (38.2%), trauma (16.7%), and operation
      for cancer (14.0%). In the first period, the top three causes of death were
      sepsis (35.8%), trauma (22.0%), and operation for cancer (13.8%). In the second
      period, the top three causes of death were sepsis (41.6%), damage of the central
      nervous system (16.9%), and operation for cancer (14.3%). Top three reasons for
      SICU admission were trauma (29.03%), abdominal pain (20.97%) and other reasons
      (18.82%). Top three departments from which the patients were transferred were the
      emergency department (19.35%), orthopedics department (17.20%), and hepatobiliary
      department (16.13%). Logistic regression analysis showed that age [odds ratio
      (OR) = 2.025, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.500-2.734, P = 0.000],
      mechanical ventilation (OR = 3.514, 95% CI = 1.701-7.259, P = 0.001), CRR T (OR =
      5.604, 95% CI = 3.003-10.459, P = 0.000 ), body temperature higher than 39 
      degrees C (OR = 1.992, 95%CI = 1.052-3.771, P = 0.034) were the risk factors of
      death in SICU patients. CONCLUSION: Sepsis and severe trauma are the leading
      causes of death in severe SICU patients, to whom with risk factors of death
      enough attention should be given.

PMID- 27132454
TI  - [Effect of esmolol on fluid responsiveness and hemodynamic parameters in patients
      with septic shock].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of esmolol on fluid responsiveness and
      hemodynamic parameters in patients with septic shock. METHODS: A prospective self
      control study was conducted. Fifteen septic shock patients undergoing mechanical
      ventilation admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of Yijishan Hospital
      from January 2015 to August 2015 were enrolled. All patients enrolled in this
      study were given the treatment based on American College of Chest
      Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine (ACCP/SCCM) Consensus 2012. Esmolol
      was intravenously injected at a beginning rate of 6 mg . kg-1 . h-1, and then the
      dose was adjusted to reduce heart rate by 10% from baseline. The changes in
      hemodynamic and systemic oxygen metabolism indexes were monitored by pulse
      indicator continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) before and 2 hours after the esmolol
      administration, and the fluid responsiveness was evaluated by stroke volume
      variation (SVV). SVV >= 10% was considered to be a positive fluid responsiveness.
      RESULTS: In 15 patients, 9 were male and 6 female, with an age of 65 +/- 16.
      Among them 10 patients suffered from pulmonary infection, and 5 patients with
      abdominal infection. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE
      II) score was 21 +/- 9; sequential organ failure score (SOFA) was 8 +/- 4.28-day
      mortality was 40.0%. SVV was significantly decreased after esmolol infusion as
      compared with baseline [(14 +/- 5)% vs. (17 +/- 7)%, t = 2.400, P = 0.031]. Heart
      rate [HR (bpm): 100 +/- 4 vs. 112 +/- 8, t = 8.161, P = 0.000], cardiac output
      [CO (L/min): 6.13 +/- 1.45 vs. 7.88 +/- 1.82, t = 4.046, P = 0.001], cardiac
      index [CI (mL . s-1 . m-2): 51.51 +/- 11.00 vs. 66.18 +/- 11.48, t = 4.131, P =
      0.001], stroke volume index [SVI (mL/m2): 31.0 +/- 6.4 vs. 35.4 +/- 6.5, t =
      2.577, P = 0.020], the maximum rate of left ventricular pressure rise [dp/dt max
      (mmHg/s): 927 +/- 231 vs. 1,194 +/- 294, t = 3.775, P = 0.002], global ejection
      fraction (GEF: 0.21 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.24 +/- 0.06, t = 3.091, P = 0.008), cardiac
      function index (CFI: 5.03 +/- 1.37 vs. 6.59 +/- 1.92, t = 4.769, P = 0.000)
      showed significant decrease during esmolol infusion. On the other hand, central
      venous pressure [CVP (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 9 +/- 3 vs. 8 +/- 3, t = -3.617,
      P = 0.003], diastolic blood pressure (DBP, mmHg: 69 +/- 15 vs. 66 +/- 13, t = 
      2.656, P = 0.019), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI, kPa . s . L-1 . m-2:
      206.8 +/- 69.8 vs. 206.8 +/- 69.8, t = -3.255, P = 0.006 ) were significantly
      increased during esmolol infusion. No significant difference was found in
      systolic blood pressure [SBP (mmHg): 120 +/- 25 vs. 123 +/- 18, t = 0.678, P =
      0.509], mean arterial pressure [MAP (mmHg): 86 +/- 18 vs. 85 +/- 14, t = -0.693,
      P = 0.500], global end diastolic volume index [GEDVI (mL/m2): 614 +/- 84 vs. 618
      +/- 64, t = 0.218, P = 0.830], extravascular lung water index [EVLWI (mL/kg):
      5.99 +/- 1.50 vs. 5.73 +/- 1.14, t = -1.329, P = 0.205], central venous oxygen
      saturation (ScvO2: 0.711 +/- 0.035 vs. 0.704 +/- 0.048, t = -0.298, P = 0.773),
      arterial blood lactate [Lac (mmol/L): 3.1 +/- 0.3 vs. 3.0 +/- 0.4, t = -0.997, P
      = 0.345], and difference of central venous-arterial carbon dioxide partial
      pressure [Pcv-aCO2 (mmHg): 4.1 +/- 0.9 vs. 4.7 +/- 0.5, t = 1.445, P = 0.182] as
      compared with those before esmolol treatment. CONCLUSION: Heart rate control with
      esmolol infusion may reduce fluid responsiveness, cardiac function, heart rate
      and cardiac output without adverse effect on systemic perfusion in septic shock
      patients.

PMID- 27132455
TI  - [A new score system for prediction of death in patients with severe trauma: the
      value of death warning score].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discuss a best predictive score index in predicting death in
      patients with severe trauma, death warning score, and to provide a simple score
      for clinical use. METHODS: The clinical data of 394 traumatic patients admitted
      to Department of Critical Care Medicine of Xi'nan Hospital of the Third Military
      Medical University, Daping Hospital of the Third Military Medical University, and
      Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College from January 2014 to December 2014
      were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into survival group (n =
      330) and non-survival group (n = 64). The clinical data in two groups were
      recorded as following: gender, age; respiratory rate, heart rate, and systolic
      blood pressure at admission; the lowest values of serum creatinine (SCr), white
      blood cell count (WBC), platelet count (PLT), hematocrit (Hct), respectively,
      within 24 hours after admission; acute physiology and chronic health evaluation
      II (APACHE II) score, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, sequential organ failure
      assessment (SOFA), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score, injury
      severity score (ISS) within 24 hours of final diagnosis; the performance of
      emergency operation or intubation within 24 hours; incidence of sepsis, and
      clinical outcomes. Each observed indicator was analyzed by univariate analysis,
      and factors leading to death were further analyzed by logistic regression. Risk
      factors of severe trauma patients were sorted, from which the meaningful
      indicators were included to calculate the warning score of death. Receiver
      operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to evaluate the predictive value
      of the warning score of death in severe trauma patients. RESULTS: Compared with
      the survival group, the age in non-survival group was older (years old: 51.50 +/-
      18.31 vs. 45.54 +/- 14.70, t = -2.456, P = 0.016); SCr was increased (umol/L:
      94.18 +/- 65.51 vs. 72.42 +/- 28.22, t = -2.611, P = 0.011); APACHE II score
      (24.30 +/- 6.23 vs. 16.38 +/- 6.19, t = -9.353, P < 0.001) and SOFA score were
      higher (7.84 +/- 3.68 vs. 4.43 +/- 2.75, t = -7.049, P < 0.001); and the
      incidence of emergency intubation [79.7% (51/64) vs. 42.7% (141/330), chi2 =
      29.309, P < 0.001] and sepsis was also higher [48.4% (31/64) vs. 30.3% (100/330),
      chi2 = 18.512, P < 0.001], but PLT count (X 109/L: 112.75 +/- 59.85 vs. 144.12 +/
      68.28, t = 3.428, P = 0.001) and GCS score (6.44 +/- 4.20 vs. 11.02 +/- 3.93, t
      = 8.449, P < 0.001) were significantly lower. There was no significant difference
      in gender, respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, WBC, Hct, SIRS
      score, ISS, or emergency operation between two groups. The indicators with
      statistically significant difference from the univariate analysis were further
      analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, and the indices included in the
      regression model were age >= 65 years [95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.176
      1.974, P = 0.019], APACHE II score >= 21 (95% CI = 0.121-2.725, P = 0.032), GCS <
      6 (95% CI = 0.201-3.221, P = 0.026), severe sepsis (95%CI = 0.421-2.735, P =
      0.008) or septic shock (95%CI = 0.430-3.636, P = 0.013), with assigning scores of
      1.0, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 2.0, respectively. Finally these five indicators were
      included into the warning score of death. It was shown by ROC curve analysis that
      the area under ROC curve (AUC) of warning score of death in predicting mortality
      in critically ill trauma patients was 0.867, which was significantly higher than
      that of the APACHE II score (AUC = 0.812, P = 0.022) and GCS score (AUC = 0.783,
      P = 0.001). When the cut-off value of warning score of death was 1.5, the
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predict value (+PV), negative predict value (
      PV), positive likelihood ratio (+LR), negative likelihood ratio (-LR), and Youden
      index was 75.00%, 85.40%, 50.0%, 94.6%, 5.16, 0.29, and 0.605, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Age >= 65 years, APACHE II score >= 21, GCS < 6, severe sepsis or
      septic shock were the risk factors of death in patients with severe trauma, and
      they can be considered as warning score of death in patients with severe trauma.
      With the score mortality can be better predicted than any other kind of score for
      patients with severe trauma.

PMID- 27132456
TI  - [The application of a small incision combined with improved percutaneous
      tracheostomy in difficult tracheostomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe an improved percutaneous tracheostomy combined with
      conventional tracheostomy technique with result of less trauma and fewer
      complications, and to explore its application in the patients for whom
      conventional tracheostomy is difficult to perform. METHODS: A prospective study
      was conducted. Fifty-seven hospitalized patients, in whom ordinal tracheostomy
      was difficult to perform, and admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine of
      the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2013 to
      December 2014 were enrolled. According to the random digital table method, the
      patients were divided into small incision combined with percutaneous tracheostomy
      group (small puncture incision group, n = 25) and conventional tracheostomy group
      (n = 32). Amount of blood loss, postoperative bleeding, incision size, operation
      time and wound healing time were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Compared
      with traditional surgical tracheostomy group, the blood loss and postoperative
      bleeding were decreased [blood loss (mL): 11.36 +/- 4.25 vs. 23.72 +/- 7.29, t = 
      7.201, P = 0.000; postoperative bleeding (mL): 11.60 +/- 6.57 vs. 26.77 +/-
      10.77, t = -5.834, P = 0.000 ], incision size was smaller (cm: 2.20 +/- 0.63 vs.
      4.06 +/- 1.19, t = -6.806, P = 0.000), and operation time and wound healing time
      were shortened [operative time (minutes): 18.16 3.61 vs. 29.09 +/- 6.77, t = 
      7.001, P = 0.000; incision healing time (days): 4.96 +/- 1.59 vs. 7.19 +/- 2.35,
      t = -3.975, P = 0.000] in small puncture incision group. CONCLUSION: Compared
      with the traditional method, small incision puncture tracheostomy is less time
      consuming, with fewer traumas, and fewer intraoperative and postoperative
      complications.

PMID- 27132457
TI  - [Improvement effect of early goal-directed therapy on the prognosis in patients
      with septic shock].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) on
      mortality in patients with septic shock, and to analyze the risk factors of
      mortality. METHODS: A retrospective controlled study was conducted. Complete
      clinical data of patients with septic shock admitted to emergency intensive care
      unit (EICU) of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from May 1994 to December
      2014 were recorded and analyzed. According to the International Guidelines for
      Management of Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock ( SSC ) with the time of
      promulgation as dividing point, the patients were divided into two groups as
      before and after the publication of the guideline, i.e. early group (from May
      1994 to April 2004) and late group (from May 2004 to December 2014). The patients
      of the late group were subdivided into 6-hour and 24-hour reaching standard
      groups and non-reaching standard group according to the time of reaching standard
      of EGDT. All patients were divided into death group and survival group according
      to the 28-day survival. The patients in early group were not treated according to
      EGDT guidance, so only age, the case history of chronic disease, the main site of
      infection, organ dysfunction, vital signs, urine output, the amount of fluid for
      resuscitation, blood routine, blood gas analysis, time for starting antibiotics
      treatment, the use of vasoactive drugs and hormone, etc. were recorded. The
      central venous pressure (CVP), central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2), blood
      lactate (Lac), and the monitor of other parameters of patients in late group were
      consummated late. The relationship of EGDT compliance standard time and tissue
      perfusion index recovery time between the two groups of patients was observed.
      The risk factor for mortality was analyzed by multiple factors logistic
      regression. RESULTS: (1) 134 patients were included, and the overall 28-day
      mortality was 49.25%. (2) The 6-hour EGDT compliance rate of early group was 0
      (0/58), and it was 28.95% (22/76) in late group (chi2 = 20.087, P = 0.000).
      Compared with the early group, the 6-hour urine volume in the late group was
      significantly increased (mL . h-1 . kg-1: 1.72 +/- 1.04 vs. 0.89 +/- 0.24, t =
      11.950, P = 0.001), 6-hour mean arterial pressure (MAP, mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa)
      was elevated (64.24 +/- 3.90 vs. 56.21 +/- 5.95, t = 6.444, P = 0.012), the use
      of antibiotics within 1 hour was increased (76.32% vs. 48.28%, chi2 = 11.250, P =
      0.001), the use of vasocative drugs (21.05% vs. 89.66%, chi2 = 61.942, P = 0.000)
      and hormone (8.57% vs. 34.48%, chi2 = 14.871, P = 0.000) were lowered, and the 28
      day mortality rate was lowered significantly [34.21% (26/76) vs. 68.96% (40/58),
      chi2 = 15.897, P = 0.000]. The difference was not statistically significant in
      the total recovery of liquid volume between late group and early group (mL:
      1,856.31 +/- 805.81 vs. 1,903.1 +/- 897.11, t = 0.101, P = 0.752). (3) In all
      patients, it was shown by single factor analysis that the age, infection sites ,
      altered mental status at admission, white blood cell (WBC) before treatment, 6
      hour urine output after treatment, the number of organ with failure, the use of
      antibiotics within 1 hour, and incidence of acute renal injury (AKI) or acute
      lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) within 24 hours were
      risk factors of 28-day death (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In the late group, it was
      shown by single factor analysis that the age, the case history of chronic
      disease, infection sites, WBC, pH value, Lac, and ScvO2 before treatment, 6-hour
      urine output after treatment, the number of organ with failure, the use of
      antibiotics within 1 hour, and incidence of AKI or ALI/ARDS within 24 hours were
      risk factors of 28-day death (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). It was shown by the logistic
      regression analysis that aging [odds ratio (OR) = 4.81, P = 0.02], failure of 2
      organs (OR = 28.63, P = 0.00) or >= 3 organs (OR = 62.69, P = 0.00) were the
      independent risk factors for mortality in patients with septic shock. (4) The 76
      patients of late group were subdivided into three groups, namely 6-hour reaching
      standard of EGDT group (n = 22), 24-hour reaching standard of EGDT group (n =
      28), and non-reaching standard of EGDT group (n = 28). Compared with those before
      treatment, the Lac after therapy was decreased obviously both in 6-hour EGDT
      group and 24-hour EGDT group, and the CVP, MAP, and ScvO2 were increased
      significantly. The Lac in 6-hour EGDT group was lowered more significantly as
      compared with that in 24-hour EGDT group (mmol/L: 1.64 +/- 0.40 vs. 3.01 +/-
      1.13, P < 0.01), while MAP and ScvO2 were increased significantly [MAP (mmHg):
      81.82 +/- 18.01 vs. 69.01 +/- 9.63; ScvO2: 0.718 +/- 0.034 vs. 0.658 +/- 0.036, P
      < 0.05 and P < 0.01]. The urine output in both reaching standard of EGDT groups
      was more than 0.5 mL . h-1 . kg-1 without statistically different significance.
      The 28-day mortality rate of 24-hour EGDT group was 14.29%, and it was 0 in 6
      hour EGDT group. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality was as high as 68.96% during 10 years
      when the period before the use of 2004 SSC, and the mortality rate was lowered to
      34.21% during 10 years during which the early fluid resuscitation treatment was
      based on EGDT. Aging and failure of more than 2 organs were independent risk
      factors for mortality in patients with septic shock. Compared with reaching the
      standard of EGDT within 24 hours, reaching the standard of EGDT within 6 hours
      can rapidly reverse hypoxic-ischemic tissue, thereby improving the prognosis of
      the patient with lowering of mortality rate.

PMID- 27132458
TI  - [Analysis of risk factors for prognosis of patients with acute paraquat
      intoxication].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors influencing the prognosis by analyzing
      clinical data of patients with acute paraquat intoxication, and to assess the
      prognostic values of acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE
      II) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and Acute Kidney
      Injury Network (AKIN) stage. METHODS: The clinical data of patients with acute
      paraquat intoxication admitted into the First People's Hospital of Xianyang City
      during October 2005 to May 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were
      divided into death group and survival group according to 28-day outcome after
      poisoning. The gender, age, body weight index, toxin dose, time elapsed from
      poisoning to gastric lavage, time elapsed from poisoning to hemoperfusion (HP),
      times of HP treatment, white blood cell count (WBC), alanine aminotransferase
      (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil), serum creatinine
      (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase (CK) were determined at
      admission. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), arterial partial pressure
      of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), arterial lactate (Lac), and APACHE II score, SOFA
      score and AKIN stage were recorded and compared between two groups. The receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted for APACHE II score, SOFA score
      and AKIN stage to analyze the prognostic value for patients with acute paraquat
      intoxication. RESULTS: There were 118 cases in total, with 64 survivors and 54
      deaths in 28 days, and the fatality rate was 45.76%. Compared with survival
      group, the toxic dose (mL: 66.29 +/- 27.40 vs. 29.16 +/- 19.40), time elapsed
      from poisoning to gastric lavage (minutes: 60.37 26.68 vs. 41.17 +/- 14.82), WBC
      count ( X 109/L: 16.86 +/- 2.77 vs. 10.25 +/- 2.60), ALT (U/L: 53.94 +/- 10.85
      vs. 36.40 +/- 9.21), SCr (MUmol/L: 159.69 +/- 42.85 vs. 81.73 +/- 34.40) at
      admission as well as Lac (mmol/L: 3.06 +/- 1.33 vs. 1.71 +/- 0.88), APACHE II
      score (6.46 +/- 2.38 vs. 3.31 +/- 1.51), SOFA score (3.31 +/- 1.06 vs. 2.21 +/-
      0.76) 48 hours after admission were significantly higher in the death group (all
      P < 0.01). PaO2 and PaCO2 48 hours after admission were significantly lower in
      death group than those in the survival group [PaO2 (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa):
      64.07 +/- 13.04 vs. 75.40 +/- 13.27, PaCO2 (mmHg): 26.20 +/- 8.89 vs. 31.25 +/-
      6.29, both P < 0.01]. There were 18, 15, 11 and 10 patients in AKIN 0, 1, 2, 3
      stage 48 hours after admission respectively in death group, and 38, 15, 7, 4 in
      survival group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant
      (P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age,
      body mass index, time elapsed from poisoning to HP, levels of HP, and AST, TBil,
      BUN and CK at admission between the two groups. At 48 hours after admission, the
      area under the ROC curve (AUC) of APACHE II score predicting the prognosis of
      patients with acute paraquat poisoning was 0.875 [95% confidence interval (95%CI)
      = 0.814-0.935, P = 0.000]. When the cut-off point of APACHE II score was 4, the
      sensitivity and specificity were 79.6% and 79.7%, and the best Youden index was
      0.593. The AUC of SOFA score was 0.776 (95% CI = 0.692-0.859, P = 0.000). When
      the cut-off point of FOFA score was 3, the sensitivity was 72.2%, the specificity
      67.2%, and the best Youden index 0.394. The AKIN stage of ROC curve had an area
      of 0.656 (95% CI = 0.556-0.755, P = 0.004). When the cut-off point of AKIN stage
      was 1, the sensitivity was 66.7%, the specificity was 59.4%, and the best Youden
      index was 0.261. CONCLUSIONS: Amount of the poison, time elapsed from poisoning
      to gastric lavage, and WBC, ALT, SCr at admission as well as PaO2, PaCO2 and Lac
      48 hours after admission are the risk factors for prediction of the prognosis of
      acute paraquat intoxication. APACHE II score, SOFA score and AKIN stage can be
      used to assess the prognosis of acute paraquat poisoning, and APACHE II score is
      better than SOFA score and AKIN stage.

PMID- 27132459
TI  - [Effects of hydrogen rich water on the expression of Nrf 2 and the oxidative
      stress in rats with traumatic brain injury].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of hydrogen rich water on the expression of
      nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and oxidative stress in rats
      with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: Ninety healthy male Sprague-Dawley
      (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, TBI group and hydrogen
      rich water treatment group (HW group), with 30 rats in each group. TBI model was
      reproduced by the modified Feeney weight dropping method. The skulls of rats in
      sham operation group underwent only craniotomy without direct hit. The rats in HW
      group received brain injury by hitting after craniotomy, followed by injection of
      hydrogen rich water (5 mL/kg) intraperitoneally once a day for 5 days after
      successful reproduction of the model. The rats in sham operation group and TBI
      group were given an equal amount of normal saline in same manner. Six rats from
      each group were sacrificed at 6, 12, 24, 48 hours and 5 days after evaluating
      neurological severity scores (NSS). The brain tissue in injured ipsilateral
      cortex was harvested. The activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH
      Px), and content of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by spectrophotometry.
      The expressions of mRNA and nucleoprotein of Nrf2 were determined by quantitative
      real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western Blot. The pathological
      changes were observed with microscopy after hematoxylin and cosin (HE) staining.
      RESULTS: (1) NSS score: compared with TBI group, NSS in HW group at 12, 24, 48
      hours and 5 days were significantly decreased (12 hours: 9.83 +/- 2.32 vs. 13.17
      +/- 2.71, 24 hours: 9.83 +/- 2.79 vs. 13.50 +/- 2.43, 48 hours: 7.50 +/- 2.07 vs.
      11.83 +/- 2.14, 5 days: 5.50 +/- 1.87 vs. 10.50 +/- 2.43, all P < 0.05). (2)
      Compared with sham operation group, the activity of GSH-Px and CAT in TBI group
      were markedly declined after operation, while the MDA content was elevated
      significantly, especially at 24 hours [CAT (kU/g): 1.080 +/- 0.312 vs. 3.571 +/-
      0.758, GSH-Px (kU/g): 9.195 +/- 3.173 vs. 32.385 +/- 10.619; MDA (umol/g): 12.282
      +/- 2.896 vs. 4.349 +/- 1.511, all P < 0.01]. Compared with TBI group, the
      parameters in HW group were improved, and they were similar as sham operation
      group. (3) RT-qPCR: no significant difference was found in the expression of Nrf2
      mRNA at each time point in three groups. (4) Western Blot: the expression of Nrf2
      nucleoprotein (gray value) in TBI group was apparently higher than that in sham
      operation group, and peaked at 24 hours (0.703 +/- 0.262 vs. 0.238 +/- 0.120, P <
      0.05), and the expression in HW group was obviously higher than that in TBI
      group, especially at 24 hours (1.110 +/- 0.372 vs. 0.703 +/- 0.262, P < 0.05).
      (5) HE staining: the brain structure in sham operation group was found to be
      intact. However, there were different degrees of pathological changes at each
      time in TBI group, especially at 24 hours. The pathological damage of brain
      tissue in HW group was significantly milder. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrogen rich water can
      up-regulate the expression of Nrf2, and reduce oxidative damage of traumatic
      brain injury in rats. Nrf2 can up-regulate the expression of its downstream
      antioxidant enzymes, which may be the mechanism of the upregulation expression of
      Nrf2 in the study.

PMID- 27132460
TI  - [The value of PiCCO monitor in guiding liquid treatment and nursing in patients
      with post-trauma capillary leak syndrome].

PMID- 27132461
TI  - Early-onset parkinsonism induced by pallidal deep brain stimulation in cervical
      dystonia.

PMID- 27132462
TI  - Micrographia following bilateral subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation.

PMID- 27132464
TI  - Segmentation Method of Time-Lapse Microscopy Images with the Focus on
      Biocompatibility Assessment.
AB  - Biocompatibility testing of new materials is often performed in vitro by
      measuring the growth rate of mammalian cancer cells in time-lapse images acquired
      by phase contrast microscopes. The growth rate is measured by tracking cell
      coverage, which requires an accurate automatic segmentation method. However,
      cancer cells have irregular shapes that change over time, the mottled background
      pattern is partially visible through the cells and the images contain artifacts
      such as halos. We developed a novel algorithm for cell segmentation that copes
      with the mentioned challenges. It is based on temporal differences of consecutive
      images and a combination of thresholding, blurring, and morphological operations.
      We tested the algorithm on images of four cell types acquired by two different
      microscopes, evaluated the precision of segmentation against manual segmentation
      performed by a human operator, and finally provided comparison with other freely
      available methods. We propose a new, fully automated method for measuring the
      cell growth rate based on fitting a coverage curve with the Verhulst population
      model. The algorithm is fast and shows accuracy comparable with manual
      segmentation. Most notably it can correctly separate live from dead cells.

PMID- 27132465
TI  - Thermal dosimetry for bladder hyperthermia treatment. An overview.
AB  - The urinary bladder is a fluid-filled organ. This makes, on the one hand, the
      internal surface of the bladder wall relatively easy to heat and ensures in most
      cases a relatively homogeneous temperature distribution; on the other hand the
      variable volume, organ motion, and moving fluid cause artefacts for most non
      invasive thermometry methods, and require additional efforts in planning accurate
      thermal treatment of bladder cancer. We give an overview of the thermometry
      methods currently used and investigated for hyperthermia treatments of bladder
      cancer, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages within the context of the
      specific disease (muscle-invasive or non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer) and the
      heating technique used. The role of treatment simulation to determine the thermal
      dose delivered is also discussed. Generally speaking, invasive measurement
      methods are more accurate than non-invasive methods, but provide more limited
      spatial information; therefore, a combination of both is desirable, preferably
      supplemented by simulations. Current efforts at research and clinical centres
      continue to improve non-invasive thermometry methods and the reliability of
      treatment planning and control software. Due to the challenges in measuring
      temperature across the non-stationary bladder wall and surrounding tissues, more
      research is needed to increase our knowledge about the penetration depth and
      typical heating pattern of the various hyperthermia devices, in order to further
      improve treatments. The ability to better determine the delivered thermal dose
      will enable clinicians to investigate the optimal treatment parameters, and
      consequentially, to give better controlled, thus even more reliable and
      effective, thermal treatments.

PMID- 27132463
TI  - Current state of pediatric sarcoma biology and opportunities for future
      discovery: A report from the sarcoma translational research workshop.
AB  - Sarcomas are a rare subgroup of pediatric cancers comprised of a variety of bone
      and soft-tissue tumors. While significant advances have been made in improving
      outcomes of patients with localized pediatric sarcomas since the addition of
      systemic chemotherapy to local control many decades ago, outcomes for patients
      with metastatic and relapsed sarcoma remain poor with few novel therapeutics
      identified to date. With the advent of new technologies to study cancer genomes,
      transcriptomes and epigenomes, our understanding of sarcoma biology has improved
      tremendously in a relatively short period of time. However, much remains to be
      accomplished in this arena especially with regard to translating all of this new
      knowledge to the bedside. To this end, a meeting was convened in Philadelphia,
      PA, on April 18, 2015 sponsored by the QuadW foundation, Children's Oncology
      Group and CureSearch for Children's Cancer that brought together sarcoma
      clinicians and scientists from North America to review the current state of
      pediatric sarcoma biology and ongoing/planned genomics based clinical trials in
      an effort to identify and bridge knowledge gaps that continue to exist at
      present. At the conclusion of the workshop, three key objectives that would
      significantly further our understanding of sarcoma were identified and a proposal
      was put forward to develop an all-encompassing pediatric sarcoma biology protocol
      that would address these specific needs. This review summarizes the proceedings
      of the workshop.

PMID- 27132466
TI  - Champions for social change: Photovoice ethics in practice and 'false hopes' for
      policy and social change.
AB  - Photovoice methodology is growing in popularity in the health, education and
      social sciences as a research tool based on the core values of community-based
      participatory research. Most photovoice projects state a claim to the third goal
      of photovoice: to reach policy-makers or effect policy change. This paper
      examines the concerns of raising false hopes or unrealistic expectations amongst
      the participants of photovoice projects as they are positioned to be the
      champions for social change in their communities. The impetus for social change
      seems to lie in the hands of those most affected by the issue. This drive behind
      collective social action forms, what could be termed, a micro-social movement or
      comparative interest group. Looking to the potential use of social movement
      theory and resource mobilisation concepts, this paper poses a series of
      unanswered questions about the ethics of photovoice projects. The ethical concern
      centres on the focus of policy change as a key initiative; yet, most projects
      remain vague about the implementation and outcomes of this focus.

PMID- 27132467
TI  - Association of retrospective time estimation and severity of cognitive
      impairment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Time perception has an important role in everyday life, but is not
      commonly measured in clinical routine assessment of suspected cognitive
      impairment, given the complexity of available assessment methods. Furthermore,
      evidence on the pattern of retrospective time perception in neurodegenerative
      diseases is contradictory. METHOD: We asked 321 patients referred to
      neuropsychological assessment to retrospectively estimate the duration of the
      neuropsychological assessment session. We calculated the session actual duration,
      ratio, and accuracy of response. Patients were grouped into three categories:
      subjective cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, and mild to moderate
      dementia. RESULTS: We found an overall tendency for underestimation of time, but
      no significant differences between groups regarding time estimation. There were
      significant, but weak, associations between time estimation and severity of
      cognitive impairment in several domains, with slightly different patterns across
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of etiology, the majority of patients
      underestimated time, which was weakly associated with the severity of cognitive
      impairment. Global retrospective estimation may be clinically informative,
      particularly in a minority of extreme cases.

PMID- 27132468
TI  - Anomalous Reactivity and Selectivity in the Intermolecular Diels-Alder Reactions
      of Multisubstituted Acyclic Dienes with Geometrical Isomers of Enals.
AB  - A Lewis-acid catalyzed intermolecular Diels-Alder reaction between
      multisubstituted acyclic dienes and the E and Z isomers of alpha,beta-enals was
      studied. It was found that the diene reacted selectively with the Z-isomer of the
      alpha,beta-enal.

PMID- 27132470
TI  - One small step for exosomes, one giant leap for Kawasaki disease.

PMID- 27132471
TI  - Arrhythmic storm: Short-coupled variant torsade de pointes.
AB  - A 49-year-old woman, with no relevant family history, was admitted in 1996 for
      arrhythmic storm with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (torsade de pointes)
      which degenerated into ventricular fibrillation. Iatrogenic causes were excluded,
      the electrocardiogram (ECG) was normal and there was no structural heart disease.
      She refused cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. Treatment was begun with
      amiodarone, which she took irregularly. She remained asymptomatic until 2014 when
      she was admitted for a new arrhythmic storm with torsade de pointes, refractory
      to antiarrhythmic therapy and aggravated by ventricular pacing (65
      defibrillations). She had frequent ventricular extrasystoles (with short-coupled
      period <300 ms) preceding the tachycardia. After administration of isoprenaline
      infusion electric stability was maintained. In this setting and in the absence of
      structural heart disease or iatrogenic cause, a diagnosis of short-coupled
      variant torsade de pointes was established. A cardioverter-defibrillator was
      implanted and she was treated with verapamil, without recurrence of arrhythmias. 

PMID- 27132472
TI  - Left heart failure, a challenging diagnosis in cardiology.

PMID- 27132473
TI  - Postoperative recurrence of postinfarction true and false ventricular aneurysms.
AB  - Progressive dyspnea after myocardial infarction can suggests the presence of left
      ventricular (LV) dysfunction or a left ventricular aneurysm (LVA). Surgical
      treatment of LVA aims to reduce its volume and to restore the ventricle.
      Recurrence of LVA after previous repair is extremely rare and the occurrence of
      concomitant postoperative true and false aneurysms is extraordinary. Surgery is
      usually challenging because of LV dysfunction and cardiac adherences in
      reoperations. We describe the simultaneous occurrence in a patient of a recurrent
      true and false LVA after surgical repair of a postinfarction LVA. Five years
      postoperatively, the patient remains alive and healthy. 

PMID- 27132469
TI  - Tight Junction Protein 1 Modulates Proteasome Capacity and Proteasome Inhibitor
      Sensitivity in Multiple Myeloma via EGFR/JAK1/STAT3 Signaling.
AB  - Proteasome inhibitors have revolutionized outcomes in multiple myeloma, but they
      are used empirically, and primary and secondary resistance are emerging problems.
      We have identified TJP1 as a determinant of plasma cell proteasome inhibitor
      susceptibility. TJP1 suppressed expression of the catalytically active
      immunoproteasome subunits LMP7 and LMP2, decreased proteasome activity, and
      enhanced proteasome inhibitor sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. This occurred
      through TJP1-mediated suppression of EGFR/JAK1/STAT3 signaling, which modulated
      LMP7 and LMP2 levels. In the clinic, high TJP1 expression in patient myeloma
      cells was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of responding to
      bortezomib and a longer response duration, supporting the use of TJP1 as a
      biomarker to identify patients most likely to benefit from proteasome inhibitors.

PMID- 27132474
TI  - Partial deletion of TCF4 in three generation family with non-syndromic
      intellectual disability, without features of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome.
AB  - Mutations in TCF4 (basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 4), a gene with
      complex organization and multiple transcription initiation sites, are usually
      associated with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS). However, a translocation
      encompassing the 5' end of TCF4 and several point mutations have been linked to
      non-syndromic intellectual disability (NSID). Here we describe a family with
      autosomal dominantly inherited NSID in seven relatives with a partial deletion of
      TCF4, disrupting the 5' end of the gene, predicted to result in the reduction of
      the number of mRNAs that can be produced by alternative transcription initiation.
      Functional studies indicate that it leads to reduced levels of transcripts coding
      for TCF4 protein isoforms with a nuclear localization signal, which may be
      relevant to the phenotype. The findings in our family support the notion that the
      position of the mutation in TCF4 is relevant to the phenotype, with those
      mutations in the 5' region, cassette exons and regions not affecting the
      important functional domains being linked to NSID rather than PTHS. We suggest
      that screening for mutations in TCF4 could be considered in the investigation of
      NSID. 

PMID- 27132475
TI  - Effects of acrylic resin monomers on porcine coronary artery reactivity.
AB  - The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the reactivity of porcine
      coronary arteries under in vitro conditions following their exposure to methyl
      methacrylate (MMA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomers. Confirming
      previous studies using rat aortas, both MMA and HEMA induced acute/direct
      relaxation of coronary ring preparations, which was partly dependent on the
      endothelium. With prolonged tissue exposure, both monomers caused time- and
      concentration-dependent inhibition of receptor-mediated contraction of the
      vascular smooth muscle caused by prostaglandin F2? (PGF2?), with HEMA causing
      more inhibition than MMA. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate, but not MMA, also produced
      impairment of non-receptor-mediated contraction of the coronary smooth muscle
      induced by KCl. On the other hand, neither HEMA nor MMA altered relaxation of the
      smooth muscle produced by the direct-acting pharmacological agent, sodium
      nitroprusside (SNP). While exposure to HEMA impaired endothelium-dependent
      vasorelaxation caused by bradykinin (BK), MMA markedly enhanced this endothelial
      mediated response of the arteries. The enhanced endothelial response produced by
      MMA was linked to nitric oxide (NO) release. In conclusion, with prolonged tissue
      exposure, MMA causes less pronounced effects/adverse consequences on coronary
      smooth muscle function relative to the effect of HEMA, while enhancing
      vasorelaxation associated with release of NO from the endothelium. Accordingly,
      MMA-containing resin materials appear to be safer for human applications than
      materials containing HEMA.

PMID- 27132476
TI  - Phenotypic characterization and clinical outcome in ampullary adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although various features of ampullary adenocarcinoma have been
      reported, the impact of genetic alterations and rare subtypes on clinical outcome
      remains unclear. METHODS: We determined the expression of proteins, including
      MUC1, MUC2, p53, p16, Smad/Dpc4, and beta-catenin, and genetic mutations such as
      KRAS, BRAF, and GNAS mutations in 69 patients with ampullary adenocarcinoma to
      clarify their relationships with clinicopathological findings and subtypes.
      RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that abnormal p53 labeling was
      significantly associated with a shorter overall survival. MUC1-positive and MUC2
      negative expressions were significantly associated with lymphatic invasion,
      pancreatic invasion, lymph node metastasis, and advanced UICC stage. The KRAS
      mutation was significantly associated with large tumor size and pancreatic
      invasion. There were 35 intestinal (50%), 15 pancreatobiliary (22%), and 11 mixed
      subtype (16%) tumors. Patients with the mixed subtype showed significantly poor
      outcome. The invasiveness of the mixed subtype was similar to that of the
      pancreatobiliary subtype; moreover, the mixed subtype showed a high incidence of
      abnormal beta-catenin immunolabeling (73%). CONCLUSIONS: Protein expression and
      genetic mutation are clinically associated with the characteristics of ampullary
      adenocarcinoma. The mixed subtype may have a distinct tumor nature as compared to
      other two major subtypes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:119-127. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27132477
TI  - Maternal separation followed by isolation-housing differentially affects prepulse
      inhibition of the acoustic startle response in C57BL/6 mice.
AB  - Exposure to chronic stress is associated with an increased incidence of
      neuropsychiatric dysfunction. The current study evaluated two competing
      hypotheses, the cumulative stress and the match/mismatch hypothesis of
      neuropsychiatric dysfunction, using two paradigms relating to exposure to
      "stress": pre-weaning maternal separation and post-weaning isolation-housing.
      C57BL/6 offspring were reared under four conditions: typical animal facility
      rearing (AFR, control), early handling (EH, daily 15 min separation from dam),
      maternal separation (MS, daily 4 hr separation from dam), and maternal and peer
      separation (MPS, daily 4 hr separation from dam and from littermates). After
      weaning, mice were either housed socially (2-3/cage) or in isolation (1/cage) and
      then tested for prepulse inhibition in adulthood. Isolation-housed MPS subjects
      displayed greater deficits in prepulse inhibition relative to socially-housed MPS
      subjects while socially-housed AFR subjects displayed greater deficits in
      prepulse inhibition relative to isolation-housed AFR subjects. The results
      indicate that these treatment conditions represent a potentially valuable model
      for evaluating the match/mismatch hypothesis in regards to neuropsychiatric
      dysfunction.

PMID- 27132478
TI  - Dairy consumption and CVD: a systematic review and meta-analysis - CORRIGENDUM.

PMID- 27132479
TI  - [Sociodemographic profile of femicide in Spain and its association with domestic
      abuse reporting].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse the characteristics associated with the risk of femicide in
      Spain among women exposed to domestic violence or similar aggression, and the
      possible association with filing judicial complaints against the aggressors.
      METHODS: A case-control study was carried out for the period 2010-2011. The cases
      included 135 adult women killed by their partners (or similar) during the period,
      identified through the webpage of the Federacion de Asociaciones de Mujeres
      Separadas y Divorciadas (Association of Separated and Divorced Women), and from
      the reports of the General Council of the Judiciary. The control cases included
      185 women exposed to domestic violence in the past year, from the Macrosurvey of
      Gender Violence 2011. The association between filing a complaint and the risk of
      femicide was estimated through multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS:
      There was no association found between the filing of a complaint against the
      aggressor and the risk of murder (OR: 1.38; 95% CI: 0.68-2.79). Immigrant women
      exposed to domestic violence were at greater risk of being murdered (ref.:
      Spanish women; OR: 5.38; 95% CI: 2.41-11.99). This association was also observed
      in women living in rural areas (ref.: urban areas; OR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.36-6.38).
      CONCLUSIONS: Filing a judicial complaint against the aggressor does not seem to
      affect the risk of murder among women exposed to domestic violence. Protection
      measures for women should be strengthened among immigrant women and women living
      in rural areas.

PMID- 27132480
TI  - [The biomonitoring of toxic substances in biological samples of general
      population].
AB  - Many of the world's most developed countries have adopted biomonitoring of toxic
      substances in order to ascertain their levels in biological samples. These
      substances get into the body through different environmental exposures.
      Monitoring toxic substances in biological samples should allow us to ascertain
      their levels in vulnerable groups, assess their evolution over time, make
      comparisons with levels observed in other countries, identify groups at risk or
      with high toxic levels and promote research. The main objective of biomonitoring
      is to act as a policy design tool to facilitate the implementation of particular
      measures in various sectors: health, environmental, agricultural and livestock or
      food industry sectors. In Spain, information on levels of toxic substances of
      environmental origin is provided by specific studies on health effects from
      environmental sources, such as the INMA project (INfancia y Medio Ambiente
      [childhood and environment]). In addition, biomonitoring projects have been
      implemented in Catalonia and the Canary Islands, together with a national
      biomonitoring programme in the adult working population. However, further
      progress is needed to develop a system that covers the general population as well
      as subgroups at risk, which relies on the collaboration of the involved
      authorities and the participation of professionals from different sectors and
      citizen organisations interested in the relationship between health and the
      environment.

PMID- 27132481
TI  - Are RA patients from a non-endemic HCV population screened for HCV? A cross
      sectional analysis of three different settings.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In Mexico, other risk factors are associated with hepatitis C virus
      (HCV): prior heroin users, living alone, widower, and northern region residence.
      Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are considered immunosuppressed and HCV
      testing is recommended before treatment. The aim of the study was to describe the
      characteristics of HCV testing in RA patients in three different medical care
      settings in a non-endemic area. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was
      performed using medical records from 960 RA patients describing the indications
      for HCV testing. RESULTS: The test was performed in 28.6% and the HCV overall
      frequency was 0.36%. Population characteristics were not associated with an
      increased risk of HCV infection; therefore, anti-HCV positivity was low. The main
      reason for testing was before starting biological agents. CONCLUSION: Due to the
      low pre-test probability, testing for HCV infection should be personalized; i.e.,
      according to disease prevalence in a particular geographical location and the
      individual risk factors.

PMID- 27132482
TI  - Complex regional pain syndrome type 1: Analysis of 108 patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type 1 is characterized by
      the presence of pain, edema, functional impotence, impaired mobility, trophic
      changes, vasomotor instability and bone demineralization. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      We carried out a retrospective and prospective, descriptive, observational study
      of 108 patients over 18 years of age with suspected CRPS who met Doury's
      criteria. We recorded demographic data, clinical characteristics, comorbidities,
      previous predisposing conditions and triggering factors, such as injury or
      fracture. We evaluated laboratory data, serial plain X-rays, 3-phase bone
      scintigraphy with technetium 99 and bone density scan, as well as drug treatment,
      rehabilitation and disease course. RESULTS: In all, 89% of the 108 patients were
      women with an average age of 54.8+/-12.4 years. The time between the onset of the
      symptoms and the first visit to a physician was 3.1 months. The most common
      triggering factor was injury (91.7%). The most frequent psychological factor was
      anxiety (42.6%). All the patients reported pain and 99.07% had impaired mobility.
      The most frequently affected part of the body was the hand (75%; 81/108 patients)
      followed by the shoulder, in the shoulder-hand syndrome. All the patients had
      serial X-rays and changes were observed in 93.5%. Three-phase bone scintigraphy
      revealed evidence of disease in all 32 of the patients who underwent this study.
      Bone density scanning was performed in 54 patients (50%). All the patients were
      treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, mainly diclofenac (60%).
      Calcium therapy was initiated in 106 patients (98.2%) and vitamin D3 therapy in
      97.2%. All the patients received bisphosphonates, primarily alendronate and
      ibandronate (67.6% and 27.8%, respectively). Thirty-six patients (33.3%) received
      corticosteroids. All of the evaluated patients underwent rehabilitation involving
      occupational therapy. The average time to recovery was 6.31 months (range, 4-24).
      The outcome was favorable in 88.9% of the patients. CONCLUSION: This paper
      describes the clinical characteristics, therapeutic features and outcome of CRPS
      type 1 in 108 patients. This syndrome is known to be heterogeneous, and does not
      always present with the well-known symptoms. We recommend establishing a
      differential diagnosis including other infectious and inflammatory conditions,
      and point out the importance of early referral, which enables early treatment.

PMID- 27132483
TI  - Altered circadian clock gene expression in patients with schizophrenia.
AB  - Impaired circadian rhythmicity has been reported in several psychiatric
      disorders. Schizophrenia is commonly associated with aberrant sleep-wake cycles
      and insomnia. It is not known if schizophrenia is associated with disturbances in
      molecular rhythmicity. We cultured fibroblasts from skin samples obtained from
      patients with chronic schizophrenia and from healthy controls, respectively, and
      analyzed the circadian expression during 48h of the clock genes CLOCK, BMAL1,
      PER1, PER2, CRY1, CRY2, REV-ERBalpha and DBP. In fibroblasts obtained from
      patients with chronic schizophrenia, we found a loss of rhythmic expression of
      CRY1 and PER2 compared to cells from healthy controls. We also estimated the
      sleep quality in these patients and found that most of them suffered from poor
      sleep in comparison with the healthy controls. In another patient sample, we
      analyzed mononuclear blood cells from patients with schizophrenia experiencing
      their first episode of psychosis, and found decreased expression of CLOCK, PER2
      and CRY1 compared to blood cells from healthy controls. These novel findings show
      disturbances in the molecular clock in schizophrenia and have important
      implications in our understanding of the aberrant rhythms reported in this
      disease.

PMID- 27132485
TI  - Modulation of neurophysiological auditory processing measures by bilateral
      transcranial direct current stimulation in schizophrenia.
AB  - This study used bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to
      target neural generators of auditory Mismatch Negativity (MMN) and oddball P300
      in schizophrenia patients. tDCS was applied to the pre-frontal cortex in a
      parallel between-group design. There was a significant main effect of stimulation
      resulting in modulation of MMN amplitude. This effect was mainly driven by a non
      significant, but large, effect-size decrease in MMN amplitude with anodal
      stimulation. This is the first study to demonstrate that tDCS is able to engage
      and modulate an EEG-based auditory processing measure in schizophrenia.

PMID- 27132486
TI  - Nonradiative Relaxation of Photoexcited Black Phosphorus Is Reduced by Stacking
      with MoS2: A Time Domain ab Initio Study.
AB  - Black phosphorus (BP) is an appealing material for applications in electronics
      and optoelectronics because of its tunable direct band gap and high charge
      carrier mobility. For real optoelectronic device utilization, nonradiative
      electron-hole recombination should be slow because it constitutes a major pathway
      for charge and energy losses. Using time-domain density functional theory
      combined with nonadiabatic (NA) molecular dynamics, we show that nonradiative
      electron-hole recombination occurs within several tens of picoseconds in bilayer
      BP, agreeing well with experimental data. When a single layer of BP is stacked
      with monolayer MoS2, the recombination is reduced because of the increased band
      gap and reduced electron-phonon NA coupling compared to bilayer BP. The slow
      electron-phonon energy losses in BP-MoS2 van der Waals heterojunction relative to
      bilayer BP indicate that rationally stacking BP with other two-dimensional
      materials is an attractive route for designing novel and efficient photovoltaic
      materials.

PMID- 27132484
TI  - Prioritizing schizophrenia endophenotypes for future genetic studies: An example
      using data from the COGS-1 family study.
AB  - Past studies describe numerous endophenotypes associated with schizophrenia (SZ),
      but many endophenotypes may overlap in information they provide, and few studies
      have investigated the utility of a multivariate index to improve discrimination
      between SZ and healthy community comparison subjects (CCS). We investigated 16
      endophenotypes from the first phase of the Consortium on the Genetics of
      Schizophrenia, a large, multi-site family study, to determine whether a subset
      could distinguish SZ probands and CCS just as well as using all 16. Participants
      included 345 SZ probands and 517 CCS with a valid measure for at least one
      endophenotype. We used both logistic regression and random forest models to
      choose a subset of endophenotypes, adjusting for age, gender, smoking status,
      site, parent education, and the reading subtest of the Wide Range Achievement
      Test. As a sensitivity analysis, we re-fit models using multiple imputations to
      determine the effect of missing values. We identified four important
      endophenotypes: antisaccade, Continuous Performance Test-Identical Pairs 3-digit
      version, California Verbal Learning Test, and emotion identification. The
      logistic regression model that used just these four endophenotypes produced
      essentially the same results as the model that used all 16 (84% vs. 85%
      accuracy). While a subset of endophenotypes cannot replace clinical diagnosis nor
      encompass the complexity of the disease, it can aid in the design of future
      endophenotypic and genetic studies by reducing study cost and subject burden,
      simplifying sample enrichment, and improving the statistical power of locating
      those genetic regions associated with schizophrenia that may be the easiest to
      identify initially.

PMID- 27132487
TI  - Use of HERFD-XANES at the U L3- and M4-Edges To Determine the Uranium Valence
      State on [Ni(H2O)4]3[U(OH,H2O)(UO2)8O12(OH)3].
AB  - We report and discuss here the unambiguous uranium valence state determination on
      the complex compound [Ni(H2O)4]3[U(OH,H2O)(UO2)8O12(OH)3] by using high-energy
      resolution fluorescence detection-X-ray absorption near-edge structure
      spectroscopy (HERFD-XANES). The spectra at both U L3- and M4-edges confirm that
      all five nonequivalent U atoms are solely in the hexavalent form in this
      compound, as previously suggested by bond-valence-sum analysis and X-ray
      diffraction pattern refinement. Moreover, the presence of the preedge feature,
      due to the 2p3/2-5f quadrupole transition, has been observed in the U L3-edge
      HERFD-XANES spectrum, in agreement with theoretical and experimental observations
      of other uranium-based compounds. Recently, this feature has been proposed as a
      possible tool to determine the uranium oxidation state in a manner similar to
      that of 3d and 4d metals. Nevertheless, this feature is also very sensitive to
      the uranium local environment, as revealed by our theoretical calculations, and
      consequently could not be used to attribute without ambiguity the uranium valence
      state. In contrast, U M4-edge HERFD-XANES appears to be the most straightforward
      and reliable way to assess the uranium valence state in very complex materials
      such as [Ni(H2O)4]3[U(OH,H2O)(UO2)8O12(OH)3] or a mixture of compounds.

PMID- 27132488
TI  - Mexican Americans are Less Likely to Return to Work Following Stroke: Clinical
      and Policy Implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Greater poststroke disability and U.S. employment policies may
      disadvantage minority stroke survivors from returning to work. We explored ethnic
      differences in return to work among Mexican Americans (MAs) and non-Hispanic
      whites (NHWs) working at the time of their stroke. METHODS: Stroke patients were
      identified from the population-based BASIC (Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus
      Christi) study from August 2011 to December 2013. Employment status was obtained
      at baseline and 90-day interviews. Sequential logistic regression models were
      built to assess ethnic differences in return to work after accounting for the
      following: (1) age (<65 versus >=65); (2) sex; (3) 90-day National Institutes of
      Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS); and (4) education (lower than high school versus
      high school or higher). RESULTS: Of the 729 MA and NHW stroke survivors who
      completed the baseline interview, 197 (27%) were working at the time of their
      stroke, of which 125 (63%) completed the 90-day outcome interview. Forty-nine
      (40%) stroke survivors returned to work by 90 days. MAs were less likely to
      return to work (OR = .45, 95% CI .22-.94) than NHWs. The ethnic difference became
      nonsignificant after adjusting for NIHSS (OR = .59, 95% CI .24-1.44) and further
      attenuated after adjusting for education (OR = .85, 95% CI .32- 2.22).
      CONCLUSIONS: The majority of stroke survivors did not return to work within 90
      days of their stroke. MA stroke survivors were less likely to return to work
      after stroke than NHW stroke survivors which was due to their greater
      neurological deficits and lower educational attainment compared with that of NHW
      stroke survivors. Future work should focus on clinical and policy efforts to
      reduce ethnic disparities in return to work.

PMID- 27132489
TI  - A Stroke Registry Data on the Use of Intravenous Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen
      Activator in Stroke of Unknown Time of Onset.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stroke of unknown time of onset (SUTO) constitutes one fifth of all
      ischemic stroke admissions, and routine use of intravenous recombinant tissue
      plasminogen activator (IV rtPA) is recommended only in patients with a symptom
      onset time of less than 4.5 hours. There are limited data on clinical outcome in
      patients with SUTO versus patients with symptoms onset less than 4.5 hours from
      onset time. We hypothesized that efficacy and safety outcomes of IV rtPA therapy
      in selected SUTO patients are comparable to those with known onset time. METHODS:
      We compared 90 days' modified Rankin Scale (mRS), rates of symptomatic
      intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), in-hospital mortality, and death due to sICH
      between 3 groups treated with IV rtPA: SUTO, 3 hours or less, and 3.0-4.5 hours
      from prospective patient admissions between April 1, 2012, and July 31, 2013.
      RESULTS: There were 65 participants in the SUTO group, 186 in the 3 hours or less
      group, and 51 in the 3.0-4.5 hours group. In-hospital mortality rates were 14.5%,
      13.5%, and 11.8%, respectively. sICH risks were 1.5%, 1.6%, and 5.8%, and death
      rates due to sICH were 0%, 1.1%, and 1.9%, respectively. Ninety days' odds of
      excellent clinical outcome (mRS score 0-1) were not different between the SUTO
      group (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .63-2.10), the 3 hours
      or less group (OR .87, 95% CI: .48-1.60), and the 3.0-4.5 hours group (OR .79,
      95% CI: .48-1.60) (P = .82). CONCLUSION: Thrombolytic therapy outcome in SUTO is
      not different from in-license use in our patient population. There is an urgent
      need to include this patient group in ongoing randomized multicenter trials.

PMID- 27132490
TI  - Case report: Orbital epithelioid haemangioendothelioma.
AB  - CASE REPORT: A 13-year-old boy presented with right eye proptosis and lateral
      dystopia. A soft non-pulsatile mass was found in the superomedial orbital region.
      An excisional biopsy was performed, for which the histopathology reported an
      epithelioid haemangioendothelioma. DISCUSSION: Haemangioendothelioma is a
      borderline vascular lesion within the spectrum of clinically benign and malignant
      tumours. These can arise from soft tissue or bone. There are few reports of these
      tumours located in the orbit.

PMID- 27132491
TI  - Large pterygium surgery: When coverage of the scleral bed justifies graft
      rotation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform a 12 month follow-up study to assess the safety and
      effectiveness of resection and conjunctival autograft fixed with Tissucol(r) in
      selected cases of large pterygium. The orientation of the graft was adapted to
      the morphology of the scleral bed for a better coverage free of traction, with
      limbal position being lost. METHODS: A prospective, non-comparative study of 10
      cases of grade II or superior pterygium (7 primary, 3 recurrent) with at least
      8mm of limbal extension. A wide scleral bed was obtained after pterygium and
      Tenon resection, with larger grafts being required to cover the defects. A
      superior conjunctival autograft was harvested and fixed to bare sclera using
      Tissucol. The orientation was adapted to the morphology of the scleral bed and
      limbal position was lost. Patients were periodically assessed for recurrence and
      complications for a period of 12 months. RESULTS: Minor complications occurred in
      4 eyes. In one case a buttonhole was formed during dissection of the graft. Two
      presented with small limbal dehiscence, but epithelialisation was completed in
      the first week. In a third case, it was necessary to increase topical
      corticosteroids for pyogenic granuloma on the donor site, with secondary
      increased intraocular pressure (IOP). There were no recurrences after 12 months
      follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A conjunctival graft of appropriate size adapted to the
      morphology of the scleral bed to ensure good coverage free of tension, provides
      good surgical results in selected cases of pterygium, regardless of the
      conservation the limbal orientation, with no recurrences after one year follow
      up.

PMID- 27132492
TI  - Contacts between Two- and Three-Dimensional Materials: Ohmic, Schottky, and p-n
      Heterojunctions.
AB  - After a decade of intensive research on two-dimensional (2D) materials inspired
      by the discovery of graphene, the field of 2D electronics has reached a stage
      with booming materials and device architectures. However, the efficient
      integration of 2D functional layers with three-dimensional (3D) systems remains a
      significant challenge, limiting device performance and circuit design. In this
      review, we investigate the experimental efforts in interfacing 2D layers with 3D
      materials and analyze the properties of the heterojunctions formed between them.
      The contact resistivity of metal on graphene and related 2D materials deserves
      special attention, while the Schottky junctions formed between metal/2D
      semiconductor or graphene/3D semiconductor call for careful reconsideration of
      the physical models describing the junction behavior. The combination of 2D and
      3D semiconductors presents a form of p-n junctions that have just marked their
      debut. For each type of the heterojunctions, the potential applications are
      reviewed briefly.

PMID- 27132493
TI  - Focus, Prioritize, Collaborate.

PMID- 27132494
TI  - Reduced oxytocin receptor gene expression and binding sites in different brain
      regions in schizophrenia: A post-mortem study.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder with impairments in social
      cognition. Several brain regions have been implicated in social cognition,
      including the nucleus caudatus, prefrontal and temporal cortex, and cerebellum.
      Oxytocin is a critical modulator of social cognition and the formation and
      maintenance of social relationships and was shown to improve symptoms and social
      cognition in schizophrenia patients. However, it is unknown whether the oxytocin
      receptor is altered in the brain. Therefore, we used qRT-PCR and Ornithine
      Vasotocin Analog ([125I]OVTA)-based receptor autoradiography to investigate
      oxytocin receptor expression at both the mRNA and protein level in the left
      prefrontal and middle temporal cortex, left nucleus caudatus, and right posterior
      superior vermis in 10 schizophrenia patients and 6 healthy controls. Furthermore,
      to investigate confounding effects of long-term antipsychotic medication we
      treated rats with clozapine or haloperidol for 12weeks and assessed expression of
      the oxytocin receptor in cortical and subcortical brain regions. In schizophrenia
      patients, we found a downregulation of oxytocin receptor mRNA in the temporal
      cortex and a decrease in receptor binding in the vermis. In the other regions,
      the results showed trends in the same direction, without reaching statistical
      significance. We found no differences between antipsychotic-treated rats and
      controls. Downregulated expression and binding of the oxytocin receptor in brain
      regions involved in social cognition may lead to a dysfunction of oxytocin
      signaling. Our results support a dysfunction of the oxytocin receptor in
      schizophrenia, which may contribute to deficits of social cognition.

PMID- 27132495
TI  - Predictors of engagement in first-episode psychosis.
AB  - Engagement with psychiatric services is critical for ensuring successful outcomes
      in patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis (FEP). However, it is not
      known how sociodemographic factors and patient beliefs about the causes of mental
      illness affect engagement. This study explored predictors of engagement in a
      cohort of 103 FEP patients presenting to an early-intervention service. Beliefs
      that mental illness is caused by social stress or thinking odd thoughts predicted
      higher engagement scores. Patients with no qualifications were found to have
      higher engagement scores than those educated to a higher level. Ethnicity,
      gender, age and socioeconomic factors were not significantly correlated with
      engagement scores. Duration of untreated illness (DUI) significantly predicted
      higher engagement scores, but only for values >1220days. Duration of untreated
      psychosis (DUP) was not a significant predictor of patient engagement scores.
      Patient beliefs about the causes of mental illness are an important factor to be
      taken into consideration and may represent a target of interventions to increase
      engagement in FEP.

PMID- 27132496
TI  - UriSed - Preliminary reference intervals and optimal method for urine sediment
      analysis in newborns and infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for urine
      sediment in newborns and infants in the second month of life for the UriSed
      automated analyser and for bright field microscopy. We also aimed to provide an
      optimal protocol for UriSed analysis, which best corresponds to the results of
      manual microscopy. DESIGN AND METHODS: Urine sediment analyses of 75 healthy
      newborns and infants in the second month of life were performed by manual
      microscopy and UriSed automated analyser (two modes: 15 and 20 images per
      sample). Images were then reviewed and manually corrected by an operator when
      needed. RESULTS: We observed statistically significant differences between bright
      field microscopy and UriSed (when manual correction was not performed) for
      squamous epithelial cells and red blood cells counts (P<0.0001). There were no
      differences based on the number of images per sample (P>0.05). Upper reference
      values for bright-field microscopy and UriSed analyser taking 15 images per
      sample with manual correction (method we recommend) were as follows: squamous
      epithelial cells: microscope 8.7*10(6)/l, UriSed 6.4*10(6)/l, non-squamous
      epithelial cells: microscope 4.3*10(6)/l, UriSed 3.9*10(6)/l; erythrocytes:
      microscope 5.9*10(6)/l, UriSed: 4.6*10(6)/l; leukocytes: microscope 8.6*10(6)/l,
      UriSed 9.9*10(6)/l; hyaline casts: microscope 0*10(6)/l, UriSed (no correction)
      0.7*10(6)/l. CONCLUSIONS: We established preliminary reference intervals for
      urine sediment analysis in newborns and infants for UriSed and bright-field
      microscopy. We concluded that for routine laboratory examination of non
      pathological urine it is enough to use the faster mode, with 15 images per
      sample, followed by a manual correction.

PMID- 27132497
TI  - Performance evaluation of the Sysmex Cystatin C assay on the Roche Modular P
      Analyzer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Serum Cystatin C (CysC) is a promising endogenous marker for
      estimation of glomerular filtration rate. This study evaluated the analytical
      performance of the Sysmex CysC assay on the Roche Modular P Chemistry Analyzer
      (Modular P). DESIGN AND METHODS: The evaluation of imprecision, linearity,
      recovery, and interference were performed in accordance with the relevant
      Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines protocols, using quality
      controls and patient samples. Comparison studies were conducted against the
      Siemens and Roche assay for CysC. RESULTS: At CysC concentrations of 0.45 and
      1.80mg/L, the within-run coefficient of variations (CVs) were 2.81% and 2.04%,
      respectively, and the between-run CVs were 3.14% and 3.26%. The CysC assay was
      proven throughout the measuring range from 0.10 to 8.00mg/L. Good correlations
      were achieved among the 3 CysC assays. The Sysmex assay appeared to report higher
      results than the Siemens assay. No interference was detected from hemoglobin
      5g/L, bilirubin (free or conjugated) 200mg/L, or chyle 1500 formazin turbidity
      units. CONCLUSIONS: The Sysmex CysC assay performed well with regard to basic
      performance, including precision, dilution linearity, and effects of interfering
      substances, and is an acceptable assay for the determination of CysC on the
      Modular P.

PMID- 27132498
TI  - How stable are Parkinson's disease subtypes in de novo patients: Analysis of the
      PPMI cohort?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and stability over time of the subgroup
      characterization of the tremor dominant (TD) versus postural instability gait
      disorder dominant (PIGD) Parkinson's disease (PD) in de novo patients.
      BACKGROUND: There is a substantial body of literature on the clinical sub
      classification of PD into TD versus PIGD subtype. However, there are limited data
      on the stability of this classification especially in early disease. METHODS:
      Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) is a longitudinal case control
      study of de novo, untreated PD participants at enrollment. Participants undergo a
      number of assessments including the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's
      Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). TD versus PIGD subtype was defined based on the
      previously published formula. We report one-year analysis data. RESULTS: 320 of
      423 PD recruited subjects had data on subtype classification at year 1 and were
      included in the analysis. 228 (71%) were classified as TD, 56 (18%) as PIGD and
      36 (11%) as indeterminate at baseline. At 12 months, 39% PIGD and 18% TD shifted
      subtypes: 29% PIGD shifted to TD and 11% to Indeterminate; 10% TD shifted to PIGD
      and 8% to Indeterminate. The classification was not affected by the dopaminergic
      treatment (p = 0.59). CONCLUSIONS: TD versus PIGD subtype classification has
      substantial variability over first year in PD de novo cohort specifically for
      PIGD subtype. Dopaminergic therapy does not impact the change of the PD subtype.
      This instability has to be taken into consideration specifically when
      establishing correlations with the biomarkers and for long term prognostication.

PMID- 27132499
TI  - DCTN1 p.K56R in progressive supranuclear palsy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mutations in dynactin DCTN1 (p150(glued)) have previously been
      linked to familial motor neuron disease or Perry syndrome (PS) consisting of
      depression, parkinsonism and hypoventilation. METHODS: We sequenced DCTN1 in 636
      Caucasian patients with parkinsonism (Parkinson's disease and Parkinson-plus
      syndromes) and 508 healthy controls. Variants (MAF < 0.01) were subsequently
      genotyped in Caucasian (1360 cases and 1009 controls) and Asian cohorts (1046
      cases and 830 controls), and the functional implications of pathogenic variants
      were assessed. RESULTS: We identified 17 rare variants leading to non-synonymous
      amino-acid substitutions. Four of the variants were only observed in control
      subjects, four in both cases and controls and the remaining nine in cases only.
      One of the variants, DCTN1 p.K56R, was present in two patients with progressive
      supranuclear palsy (PSP) with a shared minimal 2.2 Mb haplotype. Both subjects
      have parkinsonism as the most prominent symptom with abnormal ocular movements,
      moderate cognitive impairment and little to no l-dopa response. Neither subject
      presents with depression, central hypoventilation or weight loss. For one of the
      subjects MRI shows symmetrical atrophy of temporal and frontoparietal lobes. In
      HEK293 cells mutant p150(glued) (p.K56R) shows less affinity for microtubules
      than wild-type, with a more diffuse cytoplasmic distribution. CONCLUSIONS: We
      have identified DCTN1 p.K56R in patients with PSP. This variant is immediately
      adjacent to the N-terminal p150(glued) 'CAP-Gly' domain, affects a highly
      conserved amino acid and alters the protein's affinity to microtubules and its
      cytoplasmic distribution.

PMID- 27132500
TI  - Hypertrophic olivary degeneration: A clinico-radiologic study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The frequency and causes of hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD)
      are unknown. We compared the clinical and radiological characteristics of
      unilateral HOD and bilateral HOD. METHODS: We performed a search of a radiologic
      report database for patients who were radiologically diagnosed as having HOD.
      This database includes the patients examined at the Mayo Clinic in Florida and
      Arizona. We used the search terms "hypertrophic olivary degeneration", "HOD", and
      "olivary" in the reports recorded from 1995 to 2015. Pertinent medical records
      and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain for those with HOD were
      reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: We identified 142 MRI studies on 95 cases who
      had radiologically proven HOD, 39 cases had unilateral HOD and 56 with bilateral
      HOD. In symptomatic cases, the most common symptom was ataxia. Palatal tremor was
      observed in almost half of all HOD cases. While cerebrovascular diseases were the
      most frequent etiology in both types of HOD (n = 24, 62% in unilateral; n = 17,
      30% in bilateral), more than half of bilateral HOD cases had an unknown etiology
      (52%, n = 29), whereas only 13% (n = 5) of the unilateral cases had an unknown
      etiology (chi(2) test, P < 0.001). The lesions of unilateral HOD had a tendency
      to improve radiologically over time, whereas those associated with bilateral HOD
      were likely to worsen (chi(2) test, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that
      bilateral HOD is more common than unilateral HOD. Half of bilateral HOD cases had
      no obvious cause and some worsened over time. This may implicate a possible
      primary neurodegenerative process.

PMID- 27132502
TI  - Taste-masking properties of solid lipid based micropellets obtained by cold
      extrusion-spheronization.
AB  - Taste-masked properties of micropellets based on hard fat and/or solid lipid
      mixtures (prepared by solvent-free cold extrusion/spheronization), containing
      metformin hydrochloride were investigated. An in-line and an on-line drug release
      profile evaluation of the pellets was performed and further correlated with an
      electronic tongue investigation. The pellets based on more than 30% of lipid
      binders showed metformin HCl releases below 10% after 30s of dissolution.
      Micropellets based on 20 and 30% of lipids showed immediate drug release
      profiles. Likewise, the electronic tongue assay showed a decrease in the sensor
      responses related to the increase of lipid amount in the formulations denoting a
      significant improvement in the taste masking properties of pellets based on more
      than 30% of lipid binders. A slight difference between pellets based on hard fat
      only and pellets based on ternary lipid mixtures was evidenced. Solvent-free cold
      extrusion/spheronization using solid lipids showed to be a robust method to
      obtain high drug loaded metformin HCl micropellets with adequate taste-masked
      properties and immediate drug release profile. 

PMID- 27132501
TI  - Clinical correlates of longitudinal brain atrophy in progressive supranuclear
      palsy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are no effective treatments for progressive supranuclear
      palsy (PSP). Volumetric MRI (vMRI) may be a useful surrogate outcome measure in
      PSP clinical trials. The goal of the study was to evaluate the potential of vMRI
      to correlate with clinical outcomes from an international clinical trial
      population. METHODS: PSP patients (n = 198) from the AL-108-231 trial who had
      high quality vMRI and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale (PSPRS),
      Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS),
      Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (SEADL), Color Trails Test,
      Geriatric Depression Screen (GDS) and one year Clinician Global Impression of
      Change (CGIC) data from the baseline and 52 week visits were included. Linear
      regression was used to relate baseline values and annual clinical rating scale
      changes to annual regional vMRI changes (whole brain, ventricular, midbrain and
      superior cerebellar peduncle volumes). RESULTS: Effect sizes (Cohen's d)
      measuring disease progression over one year were largest for vMRI (midbrain
      [1.27] and ventricular volume [1.31]) but similar to PSPRS (1.26). After multiple
      comparison adjustment, annual changes in PSPRS, RBANS, SEADL, Color Trails Test,
      GDS and one year CGIC were modestly correlated with annual vMRI changes (p <
      0.05). Baseline neuropsychological status on RBANS (p = 0.019) and Color Trails
      (p < 0.01) predicted annual midbrain atrophy rates. CONCLUSION: Standard vMRI
      measurements are sensitive to disease progression in large, multicenter PSP
      clinical trials, but are not well correlated with clinical changes. vMRI changes
      may be useful as supportive endpoints in PSP trials.

PMID- 27132503
TI  - Long-term Clinical Morbidity in Patients With Renal Angiomyolipoma Associated
      With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence rates of kidney-related clinical outcomes
      among patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-related angiomyolipoma (AML)
      compared to an age-matched control cohort in the United States. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study. Administrative data from
      the MarketScan Research Databases were used to select patients with TSC and renal
      AML. An age-matched group with no TSC or renal AML was identified for comparison.
      Outcomes were incidence rates per 100 patient-years and number of months to
      development of hematuria, chronic kidney disease, renal hemorrhage, kidney
      failure, and inpatient death. RESULTS: Among the commercially insured TSC-renal
      AML patients (N = 605) and matched controls (N = 1815), 37.2% were <18 years old.
      Among Medicaid TSC-renal AML patients (N = 246) and matched controls (N = 738),
      38.6% were aged <18. In the commercial sample, in both age groups (<18 and >=18),
      the incidence rate of each clinical outcome measured was higher in the TSC-renal
      AML cohort than in the control cohort, with several differences reaching
      statistical significance. Compared with younger patients, older TSC-renal AML
      patients had higher incidence rates of clinical outcomes (hematuria: 20.4 vs 8.7;
      chronic kidney disease: 9.6 vs 3.5; renal hemorrhage 2.7 vs 0.7; kidney failure:
      1.9 vs 0.4) and took less time on average to develop each clinical outcome. A
      similar pattern of results was observed among patients with Medicaid insurance.
      CONCLUSION: TSC-renal AML patients are at significantly higher risk for renal
      morbidity relative to the general population.

PMID- 27132504
TI  - Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Bilateral Nerve Sparing and Apex Preserving
      Cystoprostatectomy in Young Men With Bladder Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe our technique and outcomes of robotic-assisted nerve
      sparing cystoprostatectomy with prostatic apex preservation and orthotopic ileal
      conduit urinary diversion in young men undergoing robotic-assisted radical
      cystectomy (RARC) for the management of urothelial carcinoma. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Young men (<40 years old) with the diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma
      undergoing RARC with orthotopic neobaldder formation were eligible for our
      technique of nerve-sparing cystoprostatectomy with prostatic apex preservation at
      the time of orthotopic ileal conduit urinary diversion. During the apical
      prostatic dissection step of the RARC, the plane of dissection is directed under
      the dorsal vein complex and through anterior prostatic fibromuscular stroma. This
      plane is further carried through the prostatic urethra, transecting the most
      caudal aspect of prostatic peripheral zone posteriorly, to create a long urethra
      and a posterior urethral plate formed by peripheral zone of the prostate, which
      serves as a robust, long stump for the subsequent vesicourethral anastomosis.
      RESULTS: From January 2013 to January 2014, 3 men were treated with RARC and
      intracorporeal neobladder urinary diversion based on the described technique.
      There were no intraoperative complications. Two patients experienced grade II
      complications postoperatively. Pathologic assessment demonstrated negative
      surgical margins in all 3 cases. With mean follow-up time of 28.2 months, 2 out
      of 3 patients are free from disease recurrence. All patients report daytime
      urinary continence with no pad usage and potency without the need for
      phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. CONCLUSION: RARC with bilateral nerve and apical
      preservation can be performed safely in appropriately selected young patients
      with excellent functional and acceptable short-term oncologic results.

PMID- 27132505
TI  - Role of Ultrasonography for Testicular Injuries in Penetrating Scrotal Trauma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review our 12-year experience with penetrating scrotal trauma in
      civilians and to evaluate the diagnostic utility of scrotal ultrasound prior to
      operative intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied all
      patients who had sustained penetrating scrotal trauma between 2002 and 2014.
      Charts were reviewed for demographic data, mechanism of injury, scrotal
      ultrasound findings, patient treatment, and outcomes. The sensitivity,
      specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of scrotal
      ultrasound in relation to scrotal exploration findings were calculated. RESULTS:
      We reviewed the charts of 91 patients who had sustained penetrating scrotal
      injuries between 2002 and 2012. A total of 28 charts were excluded due to death
      from other injuries or incomplete information. Of the remaining 63 patients, 25
      (40%) underwent immediate surgical intervention whereas 38 (60%) underwent
      scrotal ultrasound. Sixteen patients had a positive ultrasound, of which 12 (80%)
      were found to have testicular injuries upon scrotal exploration. Of the 22
      patients with a negative ultrasound, 14 were managed expectantly and 8 underwent
      exploration, all of which (100%) were negative for testicular injury. Of the 14
      patients who were managed with observation, none had developed complications of
      an inaccurate or delayed diagnosis. Scrotal ultrasound sensitivity and
      specificity in this series were 100% and 84.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the
      setting of penetrating trauma. a well-performed scrotal ultrasound is highly
      sensitive and specific for scrotal content injuries, making nonoperative
      management an appropriate treatment option in otherwise stable patients.

PMID- 27132506
TI  - Oncogenic mutations and dysregulated pathways in obesity-associated
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Epidemiological studies showed that obesity and its related non-alcoholic fatty
      liver disease (NAFLD) promote hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. We
      aimed to uncover the genetic alterations of NAFLD-HCC using whole-exome
      sequencing. We compared HCC development in genetically obese mice and dietary
      obese mice with wild-type lean mice fed a normal chow after treatment with
      diethylnitrosamine. HCC tumor and adjacent normal samples from obese and lean
      mice were then subjected to whole-exome sequencing. Functional and mechanistic
      importance of the identified mutations in Carboxyl ester lipase (Cel) gene and
      Harvey rat sarcoma virus oncogene 1 (Hras) was further elucidated. We
      demonstrated significantly higher incidences of HCC in both genetic and dietary
      obese mice with NAFLD development as compared with lean mice without NAFLD. The
      mutational signatures of NAFLD-HCC and lean HCC were distinct, with <3%
      overlapped. Eight metabolic or oncogenic pathways were found to be significantly
      enriched by mutated genes in NAFLD-HCC, but only two of these pathways were
      dysregulated by mutations in lean HCC. In particular, Cel was mutated
      significantly more frequently in NAFLD-HCC than in lean HCC. The multiple-site
      mutations in Cel are loss-of-function mutations, with effects similar to Cel
      knock-down. Mutant Cel caused accumulation of cholesteryl ester in liver cells,
      which led to induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and consequently activated
      the IRE1alpha/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/c-Jun/activating protein-1 (AP-1)
      signaling cascade to promote liver cell growth. In addition, single-site
      mutations in Hras at codon 61 were found in NAFLD-HCC but none in lean HCC. The
      gain-of-function mutations in Hras (Q61R and Q61K) significantly promoted liver
      cell growth through activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and
      phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K)/3-phosphoinositide
      dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1)/Akt pathways. In conclusion, we have identified
      mutation signature and pathways in NAFLD-associated HCC. Mutations in Cel and
      Hras have important roles in NAFLD-associated hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27132508
TI  - Abrogating cholesterol esterification suppresses growth and metastasis of
      pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Cancer cells are known to execute reprogramed metabolism of glucose, amino acids
      and lipids. Here, we report a significant role of cholesterol metabolism in
      cancer metastasis. By using label-free Raman spectromicroscopy, we found an
      aberrant accumulation of cholesteryl ester in human pancreatic cancer specimens
      and cell lines, mediated by acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1)
      enzyme. Expression of ACAT-1 showed a correlation with poor patient survival.
      Abrogation of cholesterol esterification, either by an ACAT-1 inhibitor or by
      shRNA knockdown, significantly suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in an
      orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Mechanically, ACAT-1 inhibition
      increased intracellular free cholesterol level, which was associated with
      elevated endoplasmic reticulum stress and caused apoptosis. Collectively, our
      results demonstrate a new strategy for treating metastatic pancreatic cancer by
      inhibiting cholesterol esterification.

PMID- 27132507
TI  - FOXO1 is a TXN- and p300-dependent sensor and effector of oxidative stress in
      diffuse large B-cell lymphomas characterized by increased oxidative metabolism.
AB  - Molecular profiling has led to identification of subtypes of diffuse large B-cell
      lymphomas (DLBCLs) differing in terms of oncogenic signaling and metabolic
      programs. The OxPhos-DLBCL subtype is characterized by enhanced mitochondrial
      oxidative phosphorylation. As increased oxidative metabolism leads to
      overproduction of potentially toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), we sought to
      identify mechanisms responsible for adaptation of OxPhos cells to these
      conditions. Herein, we describe a mechanism involving the FOXO1-TXN-p300 redox
      dependent circuit protecting OxPhos-DLBCL cells from ROS toxicity. We identify a
      BCL6-dependent transcriptional mechanism leading to relative TXN overexpression
      in OxPhos cells. We found that OxPhos cells lacking TXN were uniformly more
      sensitive to ROS and doxorubicin than control cells. Consistent with this, the
      overall survival of patients with high TXN mRNA expression, treated with
      doxorubicin-containing regimens, is significantly shorter than of those with low
      TXN mRNA expression. TXN overexpression curtails p300-mediated FOXO1 acetylation
      and its nuclear translocation in response to oxidative stress, thus attenuating
      FOXO1 transcriptional activity toward genes involved in apoptosis and cell cycle
      inhibition. We also demonstrate that FOXO1 knockdown in cells with silenced TXN
      expression markedly reduces ROS-induced apoptosis, indicating that FOXO1 is the
      major sensor and effector of oxidative stress in OxPhos-DLBCLs. These data
      highlight dynamic, context-dependent modulation of FOXO1 tumor-suppressor
      functions via acetylation and reveal potentially targetable vulnerabilities in
      these DLBCLs.

PMID- 27132509
TI  - A causal link from ALK to hexokinase II overexpression and hyperactive glycolysis
      in EML4-ALK-positive lung cancer.
AB  - A high rate of aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of malignant transformation.
      Accumulating evidence suggests that diverse regulatory mechanisms mediate this
      cancer-associated metabolic change seen in a wide spectrum of cancer. The
      echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (EML4
      ALK) fusion protein is found in approximately 3-7% of non-small cell lung
      carcinomas (NSCLC). Molecular evidence and therapeutic effectiveness of FDA
      approved ALK inhibitors indicated that EML4-ALK is a driving factor of lung
      tumorigenesis. A recent clinical study showed that NSCLC harboring EML4-ALK
      rearrangements displayed higher glucose metabolism compared with EML4-ALK
      negative NSCLC. In the current work, we presented evidence that EML4-ALK is
      coupled to overexpression of hexokinase II (HK2), one of the rate-limiting
      enzymes of the glycolytic pathway. The link from EML4-ALK to HK2 upregulation is
      essential for a high rate of glycolysis and proliferation of EML4-ALK-rearranged
      NSCLC cells. We identified hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF1alpha) as a key
      transcription factor to drive HK2 gene expression in normoxia in these cells.
      EML4-ALK induced hypoxia-independent but glucose-dependent accumulation of
      HIF1alpha protein via both transcriptional activation of HIF1alpha mRNA and the
      phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-AKT pathway to enhance HIF1alpha protein synthesis.
      The EML4-ALK-mediated upregulation of HIF1alpha, HK2 and glycolytic metabolism
      was also highly active in vivo as demonstrated by fluorodeoxyglucose-positron
      emission tomography imaging of xenografts grown from EML4-ALK-positive NSCLC
      cells. Our data reveal a novel EML4-ALK-HIF1alpha-HK2 cascade to enhance glucose
      metabolism in EML4-ALK-positive NSCLC.

PMID- 27132510
TI  - Targeting TYRO3 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and increases drug
      sensitivity in colon cancer.
AB  - Colon cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer worldwide with less
      than 10% survival rate at the late stage. Although mutations of certain genes
      have been implicated in familial colon cancer development, the etiology of the
      majority of colon cancer remains unknown. Herein, we identified TYRO3 as a
      potential oncogene. Immunohistochemical staining results demonstrated that levels
      of TYRO3 were markedly elevated in polyps and colon cancer cells and were
      negatively correlated with prognosis. Overexpression of TYRO3 enhanced cell
      motility, invasion, anchorage-independent growth and metastatic ability, while
      knockdown of TYRO3 impaired all these processes. Results from meta-analysis
      showed that TYRO3 was associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      signatures. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that
      expression of SNAI1, the master regulator of EMT, was regulated by TYRO3 and
      played a major role in mediating TYRO3-induced EMT processes. The murine model
      also demonstrated that Tyro3 and Snai1 were upregulated in the early stage of
      colon cancer development. To provide a proof-of-concept that TYRO3 is a druggable
      target in colon cancer therapy, we raised anti-TYRO3 human antibodies and showed
      that treatment with the human antibody abolished TYRO3-induced EMT process. More
      importantly, administration of this anti-TYRO3 antibody increased drug
      sensitivity in primary cultured colon cancer cells and xenografted mouse tumors.
      These findings demonstrate that TYRO3 is a novel oncogene and a druggable target
      in colon cancer.

PMID- 27132511
TI  - Tumor suppressor SET9 guides the epigenetic plasticity of breast cancer cells and
      serves as an early-stage biomarker for predicting metastasis.
AB  - During the course of cancer progression, neoplastic cells undergo dynamic and
      reversible transitions between multiple phenotypic states, and this plasticity is
      enabled by underlying shifts in epigenetic regulation. Our results identified a
      negative feedback loop in which SET9 controls DNA methyltransferase-1 protein
      stability, which represses the transcriptional activity of the SET9 promoter in
      coordination with Snail. The modulation of SET9 expression in breast cancer cells
      revealed a connection with E2F1 and the silencing of SET9 was sufficient to
      complete an epigenetic program that favored epithelial-mesenchymal transition and
      the generation of cancer stem cells, indicating that SET9 plays a role in
      modulating breast cancer metastasis. SET9 expression levels were significantly
      higher in samples from patients with pathological complete remission than in
      samples from patients with disease recurrence, which indicates that SET9 acts as
      a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and that its expression may serve as a
      prognostic marker for malignancy.

PMID- 27132512
TI  - Tumour cell-derived exosomes endow mesenchymal stromal cells with tumour
      promotion capabilities.
AB  - Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a major component of the tumour
      microenvironment. A plethora of elegant studies focusing on tumour-derived MSCs
      have shown that they, unlike normal MSCs in other tissue, exhibit a strong
      ability to promote tumour progression. However, the mechanisms underlying the
      conversion of normal MSCs into tumour-associated MSCs are unknown. We report here
      a critical role of tumour cell-derived exosomes in endowing bone marrow-derived
      MSCs (BM-MSCs) with a tumour-favourable phenotype. Tumour cell-derived exosomes
      affected neither the growth factor production nor the immunosuppressive property
      of MSCs; rather, they endowed MSCs with a strong ability to promote macrophage
      infiltration into B16-F0 melanoma or EL-4 lymphoma. Ablation of macrophages by
      clodronate liposome administration reversed the tumour-promoting effect of MSCs
      educated by tumour cell-derived exosomes (TE-MSCs) on the tumour growth. By
      comparing the chemokine profile of BM-MSCs with that of TE-MSCs, we found that TE
      MSCs produced a large amount of CCR2 ligands, CCL2 and CCL7, which are
      responsible for macrophage recruitment. CCR2-specific inhibitor was found to
      block the tumour-promoting effect of TE-MSCs. Thus, our investigations
      demonstrated that tumour cell-derived exosomes confer BM-MSCs the ability to
      enhance tumour growth. Therefore, we uncovered a novel mechanism underlying the
      conversion of normal MSCs to tumour-associated MSCs.

PMID- 27132513
TI  - TNF-alpha modulates genome-wide redistribution of DeltaNp63alpha/TAp73 and NF
      kappaB cREL interactive binding on TP53 and AP-1 motifs to promote an oncogenic
      gene program in squamous cancer.
AB  - The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) network study of 12 cancer types (PanCancer 12)
      revealed frequent mutation of TP53, and amplification and expression of related
      TP63 isoform DeltaNp63 in squamous cancers. Further, aberrant expression of
      inflammatory genes and TP53/p63/p73 targets were detected in the PanCancer 12
      project, reminiscent of gene programs comodulated by cREL/DeltaNp63/TAp73
      transcription factors we uncovered in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
      (HNSCCs). However, how inflammatory gene signatures and cREL/p63/p73 targets are
      comodulated genome wide is unclear. Here, we examined how the inflammatory factor
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) broadly modulates redistribution of cREL
      with DeltaNp63alpha/TAp73 complexes and signatures genome wide in the HNSCC model
      UM-SCC46 using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq). TNF-alpha
      enhanced genome-wide co-occupancy of cREL with DeltaNp63alpha on TP53/p63 sites,
      while unexpectedly promoting redistribution of TAp73 from TP53 to activator
      protein-1 (AP-1) sites. cREL, DeltaNp63alpha and TAp73 binding and
      oligomerization on NF-kappaB-, TP53- or AP-1-specific sequences were
      independently validated by ChIP-qPCR (quantitative PCR), oligonucleotide-binding
      assays and analytical ultracentrifugation. Function of the binding activity was
      confirmed using TP53-, AP-1- and NF-kappaB-specific REs or p21, SERPINE1 and IL-6
      promoter luciferase reporter activities. Concurrently, TNF-alpha regulated a
      broad gene network with cobinding activities for cREL, DeltaNp63alpha and TAp73
      observed upon array profiling and reverse transcription-PCR. Overlapping target
      gene signatures were observed in squamous cancer subsets and in inflamed skin of
      transgenic mice overexpressing DeltaNp63alpha. Furthermore, multiple target genes
      identified in this study were linked to TP63 and TP73 activity and increased gene
      expression in large squamous cancer samples from PanCancer 12 TCGA by CircleMap.
      PARADIGM inferred pathway analysis revealed the network connection of TP63 and NF
      kappaB complexes through an AP-1 hub, further supporting our findings. Thus,
      inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha mediates genome-wide redistribution of the
      cREL/p63/p73, and AP-1 interactome, to diminish TAp73 tumor suppressor function
      and reciprocally activate NF-kappaB and AP-1 gene programs implicated in
      malignancy.

PMID- 27132514
TI  - Leukemic survival factor SALL4 contributes to defective DNA damage repair.
AB  - SALL4 is aberrantly expressed in human myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute
      myeloid leukemia (AML). We have generated a SALL4 transgenic (SALL4B Tg) mouse
      model with pre-leukemic MDS-like symptoms that transform to AML over time. This
      makes our mouse model applicable for studying human MDS/AML diseases.
      Characterization of the leukemic initiation population in this model leads to the
      discovery that Fancl (Fanconi anemia, complementation group L) is downregulated
      in SALL4B Tg leukemic and pre-leukemic cells. Similar to the reported Fanconi
      anemia (FA) mouse model, chromosomal instability with radial changes can be
      detected in pre-leukemic SALL4B Tg bone marrow (BM) cells after DNA damage
      challenge. Results from additional studies using DNA damage repair reporter
      assays support a role of SALL4 in inhibiting the homologous recombination
      pathway. Intriguingly, unlike the FA mouse model, after DNA damage challenge,
      SALL4B Tg BM cells can survive and generate hematopoietic colonies. We further
      elucidated that the mechanism by which SALL4 promotes cell survival is through
      Bcl2 activation. Overall, our studies demonstrate for the first time that SALL4
      has a negative impact in DNA damage repair, and support the model of dual
      functional properties of SALL4 in leukemogenesis through inhibiting DNA damage
      repair and promoting cell survival.

PMID- 27132517
TI  - A new species of Ornithodoros (Acari: Argasidae) from desert areas of northern
      Chile.
AB  - Ornithodoros atacamensis n. sp. is described from larvae collected on the lizard
      Liolaemus bisignatus and from free-living adults collected in desert areas from
      the Pan de Azucar and Llanos de Challe National Parks, in Northern Chile.
      Additionally, unengorged larvae were obtained from fertilized females, which laid
      eggs in the laboratory. Morphological and mitochondrial 16S rDNA sequence
      analyses were performed in order to compare this new soft tick species with other
      congeneric Neotropical representatives. Larvae of O. atacamensis are
      morphologically closely related to Ornithodoros talaje sensu stricto,
      Ornithodoros puertoricensis, Ornithodoros rioplatensis, Ornithodoros guaporensis
      and Ornithodoros hasei, all belonging to the O. talaje species group. The larval
      diagnostic characters for this species are a combination of a large pyriform
      dorsal plate with a length of approximately 300MUm, 17 pairs of dorsal setae with
      five central pairs, hypostome with apex pointed and dental formula 2/2 in most
      rows, 3/3 apically, and capsule of the Haller's organ oval in shape without
      reticulations. Phylogenetic analyses inferred from the mitochondrial 16S rRNA
      gene and a Principal Component Analysis based on morphometric characters provide
      additional support to the description of O. atacamensis as an independent lineage
      within the genus clustering within the O. talaje species group.

PMID- 27132515
TI  - The B-cell tumor promoter Bcl-3 suppresses inflammation-associated colon
      tumorigenesis in epithelial cells.
AB  - Bcl-3 is an atypical member of the inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene
      enhancer in B-cells (IkappaB) family. It associates with p50/nuclear factor
      kappaB1 (NF-kappaB1) and p52/NF-kappaB2 homodimers in nuclei where it modulates
      transcription in a context-dependent manner. A subset of B-cell tumors exhibits
      recurrent translocations of Bcl-3, resulting in overexpression. Elevated
      expression without translocations is also observed in various B-cell lymphomas
      and even some solid tumors. Here we investigated the role of Bcl-3 in
      azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced colon tumors, a mouse model
      for colitis-associated colorectal cancers in humans. Contrary to expectations,
      Bcl-3 suppressed colorectal tumor formation: Bcl-3-deficient mice were relatively
      protected from DSS-induced epithelial damage and developed more polyps after
      AOM/DSS treatment, although polyp size was unaffected. DSS-challenged mutant mice
      exhibited increased recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, consistent
      with protection of the epithelium. Loss of Bcl-3 in intestinal epithelial cells
      was sufficient to increase tumorigenesis. The added tumor burden in mutant mice
      was dependent on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), a tumorigenic, NF-kappaB
      mediated signaling pathway that was dampened by Bcl-3. These findings reveal a
      tumor-suppressive role for Bcl-3 in this inflammation-associated cancer model.
      Bcl-3 thus functions as a tumor promoter or suppressor, depending on the cellular
      and environmental context.

PMID- 27132516
TI  - Molecular detection and characterization of Anaplasma platys in dogs and ticks in
      Cuba.
AB  - Canine cyclic thrombocytopenia, an infectious disease caused by Anaplasma platys
      is a worldwide dog health problem. This study aimed to detect and characterize A.
      platys deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in dogs and ticks from Cuba using molecular
      methods. The study was conducted in four cities of Cuba (Habana del Este,
      Boyeros, Cotorro and San Jose de las Lajas). Blood samples were collected from
      100 dogs in these cities. The animals were inspected for the detection of tick
      infestation and specimens were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from dog
      blood and ticks using a commercial kit. Genomic DNA samples from blood and ticks
      were tested by a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) to amplify 678 base
      pairs (bp) from the 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of A. platys. Positive samples in
      nPCR were also subjected to PCR to amplify a fragment of 580bp from the citrate
      synthase (gltA) gene and the products were sequenced. Only Rhipicephalus
      sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) was found on dogs, and 10.20% (n=5/49) of these
      ticks plus sixteen percent (16.0%, n=16/100) of dogs were considered positive for
      A. platys by nPCR targeting the 16S rDNA gene. All analyzed gltA and 16S rDNA
      sequences showed a 99-100% identity with sequences of A. platys reported in
      around the world. Phylogenetic analysis showed two defined clusters for the 16S
      rDNA gene and three defined clusters for the gltA gene. Based on the gltA gene,
      the deduced amino acid sequence showed two mutations at positions 88 and 168
      compared with the sequence DQ525687 (GenBank ID from Italian sample), used as a
      reference in the alignment. A preliminary study on the epidemiological aspects
      associated with infection by A. platys showed no statistical association with the
      variables studied (p>0.05). This is the first evidence of the presence of A.
      platys in dogs and ticks in Cuba. Further studies are needed to evaluate the
      epidemiological aspects of A. platys infection in Cuban dogs.

PMID- 27132518
TI  - Bacterial community in Haemaphysalis ticks of domesticated animals from the Orang
      Asli communities in Malaysia.
AB  - Ticks are vectors in the transmission of many important infectious diseases in
      human and animals. Ticks can be readily found in the semi-forested areas such as
      the settlements of the indigenous people in Malaysia, the Orang Asli. There is
      still minimal information available on the bacterial agents associated with ticks
      found in Malaysia. We performed a survey of the bacterial communities associated
      with ticks collected from domestic animals found in two Orang Asli villages in
      Malaysia. We collected 62 ticks, microscopically and molecularly identified as
      related to Haemaphysalis wellingtoni, Haemaphysalis hystricis and Haemaphysalis
      bispinosa. Bacterial 16s rRNA hypervariable region (V6) amplicon libraries
      prepared from the tick samples were sequenced on the Ion Torrent PGM platform. We
      detected a total of 392 possible bacterial genera after pooling and sequencing 20
      samples, indicating a diverse bacterial community profile. Dominant taxa include
      the potential tick endosymbiont, Coxiella. Other dominant taxa include the tick
      associated pathogen, Rickettsia, and environmental bacteria such as Bacillus,
      Mycobacterium, Sphingomonas and Pseudomonas. Other known tick-associated bacteria
      were also detected, including Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsiella and Wolbachia,
      albeit at very low abundance. Specific PCR was performed on selected samples to
      identify Rickettsia and Coxiella. Sequence of Rickettsia felis, which causes
      spotted fever in human and cats, was identified in one sample. Coxiella
      endosymbionts were detected in three samples. This study provides the baseline
      knowledge of the microbiome of ticks in Malaysia, focusing on tick-associated
      bacteria affecting the Orang Asli communities. The role of the herein found
      Coxiella and Rickettsia in tick physiology or disease transmission merits further
      investigation.

PMID- 27132519
TI  - Bioengineered cell culture systems of central nervous system injury and disease.
AB  - Cell culture systems, either 2D or explant based, have been pivotal to better
      understand the pathophysiology of several central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
      Recently, bioengineered cell culture systems have been proposed as an alternative
      to the traditional setups. These innovative systems often combine different cell
      populations in 3D environments that more closely recapitulate the different
      niches that exist within the developing or adult CNS. Given the importance of
      such systems for the future of CNS-related research, we discuss here the most
      recent advances in the field, particularly those dealing with neurodegeneration,
      neurodevelopmental disorders, and trauma.

PMID- 27132520
TI  - Engineered miniaturized models of musculoskeletal diseases.
AB  - The musculoskeletal system is an incredible machine that protects, supports and
      moves the human body. However, several diseases can limit its functionality,
      compromising patient quality of life. Designing novel pathological models would
      help to clarify the mechanisms driving such diseases, identify new biomarkers and
      screen potential drug candidates. Miniaturized models in particular can mimic the
      structure and function of basic tissue units within highly controlled
      microenvironments, overcoming the limitations of traditional macroscale models
      and complementing animal studies, which despite being closer to the in vivo
      situation, are affected by species-specific differences. Here, we discuss the
      miniaturized models engineered over the past few years to analyze osteochondral
      and skeletal muscle pathologies, demonstrating how the rationale design of novel
      systems could provide key insights into the pathological mechanisms behind
      diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

PMID- 27132521
TI  - The pathophysiological role of astrocytic endothelin-1.
AB  - In the normal central nervous system, endothelin-1 (ET-1) is found in some types
      of neurons, epithelial cells of the choroid plexus, and endothelial cells of
      microvessels, but it is usually not detectable in glial cells. However, in
      different pathological conditions, astrocytes adapting a reactive phenotype
      express high levels of ET-1 and its receptors, mainly the ETB receptor. ET-1
      released by reactive astrocytes appears mainly to have neurodeleterious effects
      by mechanisms that include constriction of cerebral arterioles leading to
      impairment of the cerebral microcirculation, increase of blood brain barrier
      permeability, inflammation, excitotoxicity, impairment of fast axonal transport,
      and astrogliosis. A few studies in rodents found that ET-1 increased the
      astrocytic expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glial cell-line
      derived neurotrophic factor and neurotropin-3, and the production of
      endocannabinoids. However, whether this occurs in physiological or pathological
      conditions is unclear. This review summarizes current knowledge about the role of
      the astrocytic ET-1 system in acute and chronic neurological conditions,
      including multiple sclerosis, ischemic stroke and hypoxic/ischemic brain injury,
      traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, Alzheimer's disease,
      Binswanger's disease and post-stroke dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and
      CNS infections. Counteracting the harmful effects of astrocytic ET-1 may
      represent a promising therapeutic target for mitigating secondary brain damage in
      a variety of neurological diseases. We also briefly address the role of
      astrocytic ET-1 in astrocytic tumors and pain.

PMID- 27132522
TI  - Introduction: Neurorestoration: re-animating the CNS.

PMID- 27132524
TI  - Radiation-induced brain injury: low-hanging fruit for neuroregeneration.
AB  - Brain radiation is a fundamental tool in neurooncology to improve local tumor
      control, but it leads to profound and progressive impairments in cognitive
      function. Increased attention to quality of life in neurooncology has accelerated
      efforts to understand and ameliorate radiation-induced cognitive sequelae. Such
      progress has coincided with a new understanding of the role of CNS progenitor
      cell populations in normal cognition and in their potential utility for the
      treatment of neurological diseases. The irradiated brain exhibits a host of
      biochemical and cellular derangements, including loss of endogenous neurogenesis,
      demyelination, and ablation of endogenous oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. These
      changes, in combination with a state of chronic neuroinflammation, underlie
      impairments in memory, attention, executive function, and acquisition of motor
      and language skills. Animal models of radiation-induced brain injury have
      demonstrated a robust capacity of both neural stem cells and oligodendrocyte
      progenitor cells to restore cognitive function after brain irradiation, likely
      through a combination of cell replacement and trophic effects. Oligodendrocyte
      progenitor cells exhibit a remarkable capacity to migrate, integrate, and
      functionally remyelinate damaged white matter tracts in a variety of preclinical
      models. The authors here critically address the opportunities and challenges in
      translating regenerative cell therapies from rodents to humans. Although valiant
      attempts to translate neuroprotective therapies in recent decades have almost
      uniformly failed, the authors make the case that harnessing human radiation
      induced brain injury as a scientific tool represents a unique opportunity to both
      successfully translate a neuroregenerative therapy and to acquire tools to
      facilitate future restorative therapies for human traumatic and degenerative
      diseases of the central nervous system. 

PMID- 27132525
TI  - Neuromodulation in intractable pain management: outcomes and predictors of
      revisions of spinal cord stimulators.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Spinal cord stimulators (SCSs) appear to be safe and efficacious for
      chronic intractable back pain. Although there are many reports on percutaneous
      SCSs, there are very few studies on outcomes of paddle lead SCSs. In addition,
      the predictors of requirement for SCS revision have not been well established.
      Here, the authors review the outcome of a case series and attempt to identify the
      predictors of SCS revisions. METHODS The clinical and radiological information of
      141 patients with intractable chronic pain who underwent SCS implantation within
      the past 20 years was retrospectively reviewed. Paddle lead SCSs were used in
      this series. Statistical analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox
      proportional-hazards regression. RESULTS Among 141 cases, 90 (64%) did not
      require any revision after SCS implantations. Removal of the SCS was required in
      14 patients. The average pain score was significantly reduced (preimplantation
      score of 8 vs postimplantation score of 1.38; p < 0.0001). Younger age, male sex,
      obesity, a preimplantation pain score >= 8, and the presence of neuromuscular
      pain were identified as predictors of the overall requirement for SCS revision.
      However, only a preimplantation pain score >= 8 was identified as a predictor of
      early failure of the SCS. CONCLUSIONS Implantation of a paddle lead SCS is a
      relatively less invasive, safe, and effective procedure for patients with
      intractable back pain. Revision of the procedure depends on many factors,
      including younger age, male sex, associated neuromuscular pain, and severity of
      the pain. Therefore, patients with these factors, for whom implantation of an SCS
      is planned, should be closely followed for the possible requirement for revision.

PMID- 27132526
TI  - Neuromodulation for restoring memory.
AB  - Disorders of learning and memory have a large social and economic impact in
      today's society. Unfortunately, existing medical treatments have shown limited
      clinical efficacy or potential for modification of the disease course. Deep brain
      stimulation is a successful treatment for movement disorders and has shown
      promise in a variety of other diseases including psychiatric disorders. The
      authors review the potential of neuromodulation for the treatment of disorders of
      learning and memory. They briefly discuss learning circuitry and its involvement
      in Alzheimer disease and traumatic brain injury. They then review the literature
      supporting various targets for neuromodulation to improve memory in animals and
      humans. Multiple targets including entorhinal cortex, fornix, nucleus basalis of
      Meynert, basal ganglia, and pedunculopontine nucleus have shown a promising
      potential for improving dysfunctional memory by mechanisms such as altering
      firing patterns in neuronal networks underlying memory and increasing synaptic
      plasticity and neurogenesis. Significant work remains to be done to translate
      these findings into durable clinical therapies. 

PMID- 27132523
TI  - Neurorestoration after stroke.
AB  - Recent advancements in stem cell biology and neuromodulation have ushered in a
      battery of new neurorestorative therapies for ischemic stroke. While the
      understanding of stroke pathophysiology has matured, the ability to restore
      patients' quality of life remains inadequate. New therapeutic approaches,
      including cell transplantation and neurostimulation, focus on reestablishing the
      circuits disrupted by ischemia through multidimensional mechanisms to improve
      neuroplasticity and remodeling. The authors provide a broad overview of stroke
      pathophysiology and existing therapies to highlight the scientific and clinical
      implications of neurorestorative therapies for stroke. 

PMID- 27132527
TI  - Optogenetic modulation in stroke recovery.
AB  - Stroke is one of the leading contributors to morbidity, mortality, and health
      care costs in the United States. Although several preclinical strategies have
      shown promise in the laboratory, few have succeeded in the clinical setting.
      Optogenetics represents a promising molecular tool, which enables highly specific
      circuit-level neuromodulation. Here, the conceptual background and preclinical
      body of evidence for optogenetics are reviewed, and translational considerations
      in stroke recovery are discussed. 

PMID- 27132528
TI  - The evolution of endovascular electroencephalography: historical perspective and
      future applications.
AB  - Current standard practice requires an invasive approach to the recording of
      electroencephalography (EEG) for epilepsy surgery, deep brain stimulation (DBS),
      and brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). The development of endovascular techniques
      offers a minimally invasive route to recording EEG from deep brain structures.
      This historical perspective aims to describe the technical progress in
      endovascular EEG by reviewing the first endovascular recordings made using a wire
      electrode, which was followed by the development of nanowire and catheter
      recordings and, finally, the most recent progress in stent-electrode recordings.
      The technical progress in device technology over time and the development of the
      ability to record chronic intravenous EEG from electrode arrays is described.
      Future applications for the use of endovascular EEG in the preoperative and
      operative management of epilepsy surgery are then discussed, followed by the
      possibility of the technique's future application in minimally invasive operative
      approaches to DBS and BMI. 

PMID- 27132529
TI  - Risk assessment and usefulness of musculocutaneous flap transposition for
      recurrent septic arthritis of the hip in adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: Septic arthritis of the hip joint in adults often progresses to
      recurrent infections that require repeated surgeries for treatment. The purpose
      of the present study was to assess the risk of a recalcitrant hip infection and
      the usefulness of musculocutaneous flap transposition. METHODS: 15 adult patients
      who underwent surgeries for the treatment of hip infections were retrospectively
      analysed. Patients who recovered from infection by undergoing arthroscopy, open
      irrigation, debridement, continuous irrigation, resection arthroplasty, and/or
      the placement of antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement were classified into Group A (n
      = 10). Patients who showed residual infection after multiple surgeries and
      ultimately recovered after undergoing musculocutaneous flap transposition were
      classified into Group B (n = 5). The age at onset, sex, incidence of multi-drug
      resistant organisms, incidence of infection at other sites, compromising factors,
      peak preoperative C-reactive protein level, and period from onset to initial
      surgery were compared between groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically
      significant difference in the period from onset to initial surgery (p = 0.024).
      The infections remained chronic after multiple surgeries in most patients who had
      complications and/or a poor general or local condition. All of the patients
      recovered after musculocutaneous flap transposition without the need for
      additional surgery and did not experience recurrence during the follow-up period
      in Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed diagnosis and/or treatment and compromised host
      caused recurrent septic arthritis of the hip in adults. Musculocutaneous flap
      transposition may be a useful method for the treatment of recalcitrant hip
      infection.

PMID- 27132530
TI  - Quantification of neutrophil polymorphs in infected and noninfected second-stage
      revision hip arthroplasties.
AB  - AIMS: In the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), a heavy
      neutrophil polymorph (NP) infiltrate (>5 per high-power field [HPF] by MSIS
      criteria) is characteristically seen in periprosthetic tissues. PJI is commonly
      treated by a two-stage procedure with surgical clearance of infected tissues
      followed by intensive antibiotic treatment before re-implantation; tissues are
      sampled at the time of second stage but whether MSIS histological criteria can be
      used to diagnose the presence or absence of infection in second stage samples has
      not been established. METHODS: Periprosthetic tissues from 31 cases of second
      stage revision hip arthroplasty (including 3 cases fulfilling the microbiological
      MSIS criteria for PJI), were analysed histologically after haematoxylin-eosin and
      chloroacetate esterase (CAE) staining. The extent of the NP infiltrate was
      determined semiquantitatively and correlated with the microbiological diagnosis.
      RESULTS: CAE staining facilitated identification of NPs in arthroplasty tissues
      and showed that in those cases where an organism was cultured in 2 or more
      samples, meeting the MSIS microbiological criteria for definite diagnosis of PJI,
      there was a heavy polymorph infiltrate (>5 NP per HPF on average). It was noted
      that isolated or scattered NPs were seen in 42.8% of periprosthetic tissues from
      noninfected second-stage revisions. CONCLUSIONS: The MSIS histological criteria
      which support a diagnosis of PJI in specimens from a primary revision hip
      arthroplasty (i.e. >5 NPs per HPF on average) are also valid for the assessment
      of a second-stage specimens. NPs can be seen in samples of periprosthetic tissue
      from uninfected second-stage revisions, indicating that strict histological
      criteria should be used in evaluating their significance in this context.

PMID- 27132531
TI  - A comparison of acetabular impaction grafting and trabecular metal for revision
      arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acetabular defect reconstruction in revision hip arthroplasty may be
      achieved with acetabular impaction bone grafting (AIBG) or porous trabecular
      metal (TM) implantation. We sought to compare clinical and radiological outcomes
      of both methods at a single institution. METHODS: 36 patients that were revised
      using AIBG and 17 patients that were revised with TM were retrospectively
      reviewed from local joint registry data. 82% of the TM group and 64% of the AIBG
      group were >= Paprosky 2c. Rerevision was considered failure. Radiographs
      demonstrating 5 mm of migration of femoral head and 5 degrees  of acetabular
      component inclination change were considered loose. RESULTS: Age at surgery was
      earlier in the AIBG group (median 68 years vs. 74 years). Median follow-up was
      5.9 years for AIBG and 5.4 years for TM. Harris Hip Scores improved significantly
      for both groups (mean improvement: 32 vs. 31). There were 4 failures (11%) in the
      AIBG group and none in the TM group. 3 of the 4 AIBG failures occurred following
      second-stage revision for prosthetic joint infection. 4 (11%) and 2 (12%) hip
      reconstructions demonstrated radiological evidence of loosening in AIBG and TM
      groups respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AIBG and TM acetabular defect reconstructions
      achieve good clinical outcome but there is greater success with TM in higher
      grades of acetabular deficiency regardless of prior infection.

PMID- 27132532
TI  - Leg length discrepancy in computer navigated total hip arthroplasty - how
      accurate are we?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The success of total hip arthroplasty (THA) depends on the
      restoration of 2 important parameters - hip offset and leg length. Leg length
      discrepancy (LLD) after THA is associated with back pain, gait disorder, general
      patient dissatisfaction and aseptic loosening. Hence it is of utmost importance
      to minimise LLD. METHODS: This is a retrospective study where we compared the
      reproduction of leg lengths between navigated THA group (152 patients) and
      nonnavigated THA group (57 patients). The leg lengths were measured
      radiologically using Ranawat technique on AP pelvic radiograph. RESULTS: In the
      navigated group, the leg lengths of the reconstructed hips were restored to
      within 6 mm of the opposite leg in 146 patients (96.05%) while 6 patients (3.94%)
      had LLD of more than 6 mm. In the nonnavigated group, 29 patients (51%) had their
      leg lengths restored within 6 mm of the opposite leg while the remaining 28
      patients (49%) had their LLD greater than 6 mm. Statistical analysis of the 2
      pairs of LLD measurements (navigated hip and nonnavigated group) using Mann
      Whitney U-test revealed significant difference between these two groups
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results we conclude that computer navigation
      is an excellent tool to facilitate the successful reproduction of leg length in
      THA.

PMID- 27132533
TI  - Single-component revisions are associated with dislocation after revision total
      hip arthroplasty at intermediate-term follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: Dislocation is the most frequent complication following revision total
      hip arthroplasty (THA). Although several risk factors for dislocation in revision
      THA have been described, many cannot be modified at the time of surgery.
      Identifying modifiable risk factors for subsequent dislocation after revision THA
      provides opportunity for orthopedic surgeons to decrease instability. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis of 203 consecutive revision THA procedures performed by a
      single surgeon with a minimum 2-year follow-up between May 2003 and June 2012 was
      performed. 2 (1.0%) died and 14 (6.9%) were lost to follow-up leaving 187 (92%)
      revision procedures in 123 men and 64 women. Univariate and multivariate logistic
      regression was used to identify risk factors for dislocation. RESULTS: 9 (4.8%)
      of all patients reviewed experienced a dislocation episode. Of those, 8 (89%) had
      a single component revised, 6 (67%) were women, and 4 (44%) had a history of
      recurrent dislocation. 2 of 14 (14%) patients with a constrained liner
      dislocated. Univariate analysis demonstrated that single-component revisions were
      at higher risk for dislocation after the surgery (p value = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS:
      Identifying modifiable risk factors for dislocation after revision THA provide
      opportunity to decrease rates of instability. Based on our data, single-component
      revision THA is a risk factor for subsequent dislocation.

PMID- 27132534
TI  - The Permeation of Cork Revisited.

PMID- 27132535
TI  - Patient preferences for total knee replacement surgery: Relationship to clinical
      outcomes and stability of patient preferences over 2 years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the relationship between patient preferences for total knee
      replacement (TKR) with receipt of TKR, and assess participant characteristics
      that may influence change in willingness to undergo TKR. METHODS: Structured
      interviews of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients were conducted. Logistic
      regression models were conducted to assess the association between baseline
      willingness and eventual receipt of TKR, adjusted for sociodemographic and
      clinical variables. Mixed models for repeated measures were used to estimate the
      effects of sex, race, social support, Delta WOMAC, and orthopedic consult on
      change in willingness. RESULTS: A total of 589 participants were willing, and 215
      participants were unwilling to undergo TKR. Willing participants, compared to
      others, were more often White (69.4% vs. 48.4%), with more than a high school
      education (60.8% vs. 47.0%) and employed (39.1% vs. 26.5%). At follow-up, the
      odds of having TKR were twice as high among those who were willing to have the
      procedure at baseline, but this was no longer significant when adjusted for
      demographic variables (adjusted OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 0.89-3.69). Willingness to
      undergo TKR declined over 2 years. Among those who were willing to undergo TKR at
      baseline but did not obtain one, only 66.5% were still willing at the 2-year
      follow-up. This decline was less among those who had a greater increase (>median)
      in WOMAC disability (adjusted Delta = -0.34, 95% CI: -0.47 to -0.20) than those
      who had minimal change in their WOMAC disability (p = 0.08). The decline in
      willingness was also less among those who had seen an orthopedic surgeon
      (adjusted Delta = -0.32, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.17) than those who did not (p =
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preference for TKR was consistent with TKR surgery
      utilization, but not after controlling for patient demographic characteristics.
      Willingness to undergo TKR declined over time, but this decrease was mitigated by
      worsening OA-related disability and by consultation with an orthopedic surgeon.

PMID- 27132536
TI  - Impaired quality of life in systemic sclerosis and patient perception of the
      disease: A large international survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess health-related quality of
      life (HRQoL) and disease perception in a large, international group of patients
      with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: We placed a standardized questionnaire on
      a website for patient access. Socio-demographic information, disease
      characteristics, and self-assessment questionnaires-the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and
      the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R)-were collected. RESULTS: A
      total of 1902 patients from 60 countries were included. HRQoL appeared to be
      impaired in SSc, particularly for physical health (PCS, mean +/- SD = 43.4 +/-
      23.4). SSc patients also had strong perceptions about the chronic nature and
      negative consequence of the disease, and experienced negative emotions due to
      SSc. Patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc had a poorer HRQoL than those with
      limited cutaneous SSc, for both physical (PCS, mean +/- SD = 46.6 +/- 23.7 vs.
      39.8 +/- 22.3; p < 0.0001) and mental components (MCS, mean +/- SD = 53.8 +/-
      23.0 vs. 50.3 +/- 23.2; p = 0.003). Late-stage SSc patients were more likely to
      perceive their disease chronic (p < 0.0001), less controllable (p = 0.03) and
      with more consequences (p = 0.008), but they had a better understanding of their
      disease and experienced fewer negative emotions. Raynaud's phenomenon and
      gastrointestinal complications were the organ involvements with the greatest
      impact on QoL, they were the two variables associated with the most negative
      perception of illness severity. CONCLUSION: This study, performed on the largest
      group ever set up for this purpose, confirms the major impact on QoL and the
      negative perceptions of their disease expressed by SSc patients. However, the
      perception of this illness tended to improve with disease duration, suggesting
      that patients find effective coping strategies.

PMID- 27132537
TI  - Asthma related medication use and exacerbations in children and adolescents with
      type 1 diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the use of asthma medication and occurrence of asthma
      exacerbations up to 5 years before and after the onset of type 1 diabetes
      mellitus (T1DM) in children and adolescents. METHODS: Children and adolescents
      younger than 19 years with at least 2 insulin prescriptions between 1999 and 2009
      classified as T1DM cohort (n = 915) and a 4 times larger reference cohort (n =
      3,590) with the same age and gender were identified from the Dutch PHARMO Record
      Linkage System. The date of first insulin dispensing was selected as the index
      date. RESULTS: The 5-year prevalence rate of asthma medication use in the T1DM
      cohort (23.2%) was significantly higher than the reference cohort (18.3%) after
      the onset of diabetes. No statistically significant difference between the two
      cohorts was observed in the use of specific types of asthma medication except for
      short acting muscarinic antagonists that were significantly more used in the T1DM
      cohort (5.5%) compared with the reference cohort (0.62%) after the onset of
      diabetes. The incidence rate of asthma medication use declined over time with a
      peak in the T1DM cohort the 1st year after the onset of diabetes. Furthermore, 1
      year after the index date there was a peak in incidence rate of asthma
      exacerbations in both T1DM (7.8 per 1,000 person year) and reference (6.8 per
      1,000 person year) cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: T1DM is associated with statistically
      significantly higher asthma medication use after the onset of T1DM, especially in
      the 1st year after the onset of diabetes. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1113-1121.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27132538
TI  - Development of antiviral gene therapy for Monodon baculovirus using dsRNA loaded
      chitosan-dextran sulfate nanocapsule delivery system in Penaeus monodon post
      larvae.
AB  - In the present study, a suitable carrier system was developed for the delivery of
      dsRNA into Penaeus monodon (P. monodon) post larvae to silence the Monodon
      baculovirus (MBV) structural gene of p74. The carrier system was developed by
      layer by layer adsorption of oppositely charged chitosan-dextran sulfate, on
      charged silica nanoparticles. The silica template was removedto produce
      multilayered hollow nanocapsules (CS-DS) that were utilized for dsRNA loading at
      an alkaline pH. The capsule's surface was modified by conjugating with shrimp
      feed for enhanced cellular uptake. In vivo cellular uptake of CS-DS/FITC loaded
      nanocapsules conjugated with feed was studied after oral administration into post
      larvae. The results revealed that the encapsulated FITC was effectively delivered
      and exhibited a sustained release into the cytoplasm of shrimp post-larvae. The
      MBV challenge study for structural gene p74was conducted after 3-25 days of post
      infection (dpi) with respective CS-DS/dsRNA coated with feed. The results showed
      a significant survival rate of 86.63% and effective gene silencing in P. monodon.
      Our findings indicated that the delivery of dsRNA using shrimp feed coatedCS
      DSnanocapsules could be a novel approach to prevent viral infections in shrimp.

PMID- 27132539
TI  - Pediatric and adult trauma centers differ in evaluation, treatment, and outcomes
      for severely injured adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate differences in imaging,
      procedure utilization, and clinical outcomes of severely injured adolescents
      treated at adult versus pediatric trauma centers. METHODS: The National Trauma
      Data Bank was queried retrospectively for adolescents, 15-19years old, with a
      length of stay (LOS) >1day and Injury Severity Score (ISS) >25 treated at adult
      (ATC) or pediatric (PTC) Level 1 trauma centers from 2007 to 2011. Patient
      demographics and utilization of imaging and procedures were analyzed. Univariate
      and multivariate regression analysis was used to compare outcomes. RESULTS: Of
      12,861 adolescents, 51% were treated at ATC. Older age and more nonwhites were
      seen at ATC (p<0.01). Imaging and invasive procedures were more common at ATC
      (p<0.01). Shorter LOS (p=0.03) and higher home discharge rates (p<0.01) were seen
      at PTC. ISS and mortality did not differ. Age, race, ATC care (all p<0.01), and
      admission systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p=0.03) were predictors of CT
      utilization. ISS, SBP, and race (p<0.01) were risk factors for overall mortality;
      SBP (p=0.03) and ISS (p<0.01) predicted death from penetrating injury.
      CONCLUSIONS: Severely injured adolescents experience improved outcomes and
      decreased imaging and invasive procedures without additional mortality risk when
      treated at PTC. PTC is an appropriate destination for severely injured
      adolescents.

PMID- 27132540
TI  - Results of intraoperative gamma probe survey and frozen section in surgical
      treatment of parathyroid adenoma in children.

PMID- 27132541
TI  - Surgical site infections in the NICU.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSI) increase morbidity and mortality. In
      adult and pediatric populations, the incidence ranges from 1.5-12%. Studies in
      neonates have shown an association between preoperative stay in an intensive care
      unit and development of SSI. To date, there has only been a single study looking
      exclusively at SSI in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Additionally,
      there has been a suggestion that prematurity may be a risk factor for SSI, but
      this has come from studies looking at all neonates less than 28days, rather than
      only neonates hospitalized in a NICU. OBJECTIVE: Primary outcome variable was to
      calculate the incidence of SSI in a NICU population. Secondary outcome variables
      were to determine if SSI is more common in premature infants and to identify
      additional risk factors for the development of SSI. METHODS: An IRB-approved
      retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing surgical procedures in a
      level IIIC NICU over a 2-year period was used. We utilized the CDC's definitions
      of surgical procedures and SSI. An epidemiologist reviewed charts if the
      diagnosis of SSI was questionable. Statistical analysis was done with t test and
      Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: We identified 165 patients who underwent 264
      surgical procedures. Incidence of SSI was 11.7%. There were 31 SSI that occurred
      in 29 neonates over the 2-year period, with no mortality in that group. In
      patients who developed an SSI, 34.5% occurred after the 1st procedure, 41.4%
      occurred after a 2nd procedure, and 24.1% occurred after the 3rd or later
      procedure. There was no difference in perioperative antibiotic usage.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study describes SSI in a strictly neonatal population in a
      large academic NICU. Prematurity does not appear to be a risk factor for SSI. SSI
      is more common in neonates who have undergone an abdominal procedure or multiple
      procedures. Perioperative antibiotics are not significantly associated with
      prevention of SSI.

PMID- 27132542
TI  - Bayesian exponential random graph modeling of whole-brain structural networks
      across lifespan.

PMID- 27132543
TI  - Category-selective patterns of neural response in the ventral visual pathway in
      the absence of categorical information.
AB  - Neuroimaging studies have revealed distinct patterns of response to different
      object categories in the ventral visual pathway. These findings imply that object
      category is an important organizing principle in this region of visual cortex.
      However, object categories also differ systematically in their image properties.
      So, it is possible that these patterns of neural response could reflect
      differences in image properties rather than object category. To differentiate
      between these alternative explanations, we used images of objects that had been
      phase-scrambled at a local or global level. Both scrambling processes preserved
      many of the lower-level image properties, but rendered the images unrecognizable.
      We then measured the effect of image scrambling on the patterns of neural
      response within the ventral pathway. We found that intact and scrambled images
      evoked distinct category-selective patterns of activity in the ventral stream.
      Moreover, intact and scrambled images of the same object category produced highly
      similar patterns of response. These results suggest that the neural
      representation in the ventral visual pathway is tightly linked to the statistical
      properties of the image.

PMID- 27132544
TI  - Taste intensity modulates effective connectivity from the insular cortex to the
      thalamus in humans.
AB  - Evaluation of taste intensity is one of the most important perceptual abilities
      in our daily life. In contrast with extensive research findings regarding the
      spatial representation of taste in the insula and thalamus, little is known about
      how the thalamus and insula communicate and reciprocally influence their
      activities for processing taste intensity. To examine this neurophysiological
      relationship, we investigated the modulatory effect of intensity of saltiness on
      connections in the network processing taste signals in the human brain. These
      "effective connectivity" relationships refer to the neurophysiological influence
      (including direction and strength of influence) of one brain region on another.
      Healthy adults (N=34), including 17 males and 17 females (mean age=21.3years,
      SD=2.4; mean body mass index (BMI)=20.2kg/m(2), SD=2.1) underwent functional
      magnetic resonance imaging as they tasted three concentrations of sodium chloride
      solutions. By effective connectivity analysis with dynamic causal modeling, we
      show that taste intensity enhances top-down signal transmission from the insular
      cortex to the thalamus. These results are the first to demonstrate the modulatory
      effect of taste intensity on the taste network in the human brain.

PMID- 27132545
TI  - How concepts are encoded in the human brain: A modality independent, category
      based cortical organization of semantic knowledge.
AB  - How conceptual knowledge is represented in the human brain remains to be
      determined. To address the differential role of low-level sensory-based and high
      level abstract features in semantic processing, we combined behavioral studies of
      linguistic production and brain activity measures by functional magnetic
      resonance imaging in sighted and congenitally blind individuals while they
      performed a property-generation task with concrete nouns from eight categories,
      presented through visual and/or auditory modalities. Patterns of neural activity
      within a large semantic cortical network that comprised parahippocampal, lateral
      occipital, temporo-parieto-occipital and inferior parietal cortices correlated
      with linguistic production and were independent both from the modality of
      stimulus presentation (either visual or auditory) and the (lack of) visual
      experience. In contrast, selected modality-dependent differences were observed
      only when the analysis was limited to the individual regions within the semantic
      cortical network. We conclude that conceptual knowledge in the human brain relies
      on a distributed, modality-independent cortical representation that integrates
      the partial category and modality specific information retained at a regional
      level.

PMID- 27132546
TI  - Quantitative susceptibility mapping of striatum in children and adults, and its
      association with working memory performance.
AB  - Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      technique in which the magnetic susceptibility characteristic of molecular and
      cellular components, including iron and myelin, is quantified. Rapid iron
      accumulation in subcortical nuclei and myelination of the white matter tracts are
      two important developmental processes that contribute to cognitive functions.
      Both also contribute to the magnetic susceptibility of the brain tissues. Here,
      we used the QSM as indirect measures of iron in subcortical nuclei and myelin in
      caudo-frontal white matter pathways. We included two groups of participants; 21
      children aged 6-7years and 25 adults aged 21-40years. All subjects also performed
      tests estimating their visuo-spatial working memory capacity. Adults had higher
      magnetic susceptibility in all subcortical nuclei, compared to children. The
      magnetic susceptibility of these nuclei highly correlated with their previously
      reported iron content. Moreover, working memory performance correlated
      significantly with the magnetic susceptibility in caudate nucleus in both
      children and adults, while the correlation was not significant for gray matter
      density. QSM of white matter in the caudo-frontal tract also differed between
      children and adults, but did not correlate with working memory scores. These
      results indicate that QSM is a feasible technique to measure developmental
      aspects of changes in the striatum, possibly related to iron content that is
      relevant to cognition. 

PMID- 27132547
TI  - Brain responses to uncertainty about upcoming rectal discomfort in quiescent
      Crohn's disease - a fMRI study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) in remission are exposed to
      chronic psychological distress, due to the constant risk of relapse. This
      permanent situation of anticipation and uncertainty can lead to anxiety, which
      may, in turn, trigger relapse. We aimed to investigate the effects of uncertainty
      on behavioral and brain responses to anticipation of visceral discomfort in
      quiescent CD patients. METHODS: Barostat-controlled rectal distensions were
      preceded by cued uncertain or certain anticipation in nine CD patients and nine
      matched healthy volunteers. Brain responses obtained before distension across the
      different anticipation conditions in regions of interest (ROI) involved in
      (anticipation of) pain were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging
      and compared between CD and controls. The association between anxiety-related
      psychological variables and cerebral anticipatory activity was tested. KEY
      RESULTS: During uncertainty, CD patients had significantly stronger activations
      than controls in the cingulate cortex, insula, amygdala, and thalamus with trends
      in the hippocampus, prefrontal, and secondary somatosensory cortex. In patients,
      brain responses to uncertainty in the majority of ROI correlated positively with
      gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, trait-anxiety, and intolerance of
      uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: In a context of uncertainty regarding
      occurrence of uncomfortable visceral sensations, CD is associated with excessive
      reactivity in brain regions known to be involved in sensory, cognitive and
      emotional aspects of pain processing and modulation, and threat appraisal. Our
      findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of emotional and
      cognitive processes in CD. This may, in turn, lead to the development of new
      (psycho)therapeutic approaches for management of symptoms and related anxiety.

PMID- 27132548
TI  - Myocardial Injury Biomarkers in Newborns with Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Troponin I, myoglobin, and creatine kinase-MB mass (CK-MB) are
      biomarkers of cardiomyocyte injury widely used in the management of adult
      patients. The role of these biomarkers in newborns is still not established. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of cardiac injury biomarkers in
      newborns with congenital heart disease. METHODS: From August 2012 to January
      2014, 34 newborns with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease were
      admitted consecutively to a neonatal intensive care unit. As controls, 20 healthy
      newborns were recruited. Plasma levels of cardiac biomarkers (troponin I,
      myoglobin, and CK-MB) were evaluated, and echocardiography was performed to
      evaluate cardiac function on D 1. Patients were followed during the first 28 days
      of life and, according to outcome, categorized as surgical or conservative
      treatment group. RESULTS: Median (P25-75) levels of CK-MB were higher in patients
      who underwent cardiac surgery in the neonatal period [7.35 (4.90-13.40) ng/mL]
      than in patients who were discharged home without surgery [4.2 (2.60-5.90) ng/mL;
      p = 0.032]. A CK-MB cutoff of >= 4.6 ng/mL showed sensitivity of 87.5% and
      specificity of 63.6%. Troponin I and myoglobin levels were not significantly
      different between conservative and surgical treatment groups. CK-MB levels
      correlated with the tissue Doppler image of the mitral valve lateral annulus peak
      early/late diastolic velocity ratio (rho = -0.480, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: CK-MB
      levels during the first hours of life were higher in newborns that needed
      neonatal cardiac surgery, and these levels may be an indicator of myocardial
      diastolic function.

PMID- 27132549
TI  - Impact of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation on Acute Fulminant Myocarditis
      related Hemodynamic Compromise Arrhythmia in Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM) commonly presents as abrupt
      cardiogenic shock with or without dysrhythmia. This study evaluated the impact of
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on AFM-related hemodynamic compromise
      dysrhythmias. We also reported the clinical experience of AFM at our hospital.
      METHODS: Eighteen children diagnosed with AFM were enrolled. Demographic
      variables, laboratory data, and clinical courses were reviewed. Thirteen
      surviving patients with hemodynamic compromise arrhythmia [complete
      atrioventricular block (CAVB) or ventricular tachycardia (VT)] during
      hospitalization were divided into Group A (ECMO group; n = 7) and Group B (non
      ECMO group; n = 6). RESULTS: The overall survival rate was 78% (14/18). There
      were no cases of mortality after ECMO was introduced at our hospital. Common
      symptoms at diagnosis included general malaise (94%), gastrointestinal symptoms
      (89%), chest pain (56%), shortness of breath (56%), and seizure/syncope (56%). In
      addition to abnormal cardiac enzyme levels, all patients displayed elevated
      alanine aminotransferase levels during early disease stages. Electrocardiography
      at diagnosis revealed dysrhythmia in 15 patients, namely, CAVB in 11 patients
      (61%) and VT in four patients (22%). During hospitalization, the dysrhythmia
      shifted from CAVB to VT in 10 patients and from sinus tachycardia to VT in one
      patient. New episodes of VT were common (overall occurrence rate, 83%). Although
      myocardial damage and dysfunction were more severe in Group A, the time to rhythm
      recovery in this group was shorter than that in Group B (median time, 1.7 days
      vs. 7.35 days, p = 0.045). All surviving patients had normal ventricular function
      at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Hemodynamic compromise arrhythmia is common in
      AFM patients and may cause rapid deterioration. Simply correcting sinus rhythm is
      not always sufficient because of myocardium instability. Timely use of ECMO can
      improve the survival rate and shorten the time to recapture sinus rhythm in AFM
      patients with CAVB or VT.

PMID- 27132550
TI  - Prevalence of Recommendations Made Within Dental Research Articles Using
      Uncontrolled Intervention or Observational Study Designs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence to inform clinical practice is reliant on research carried
      out using appropriate study design. The objectives of this work were to (i)
      identify the prevalence of articles reporting on human studies using uncontrolled
      intervention or observational research designs published in peer-reviewed dental
      journals and (ii) determine the nature of recommendations made by these articles.
      METHODS: Six peer-reviewed dental journals were selected. Issues published in
      January to June 2013 were examined and the types of articles published
      categorized. Following pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria, human studies
      classified as using uncontrolled intervention or observational research designs
      were subject to detailed review by two independent investigators, to examine if
      they presented clinical, policy or research recommendations and if these
      recommendations were supported by the data presented. RESULTS: 52.9% (n = 156) of
      studies published during the time period met the inclusion criteria. Studies with
      uncontrolled intervention or observational research designs comprised a larger
      proportion of the primary research studies published in the journals with lower
      impact factors (73.3%; n = 107) compared to the high impact journals (38.9%; n =
      49). Analysis showed that 60.9% (n = 95) of the included studies made
      recommendations for clinical practice/dental policy. In 28.2% (n = 44) of
      studies, the clinical/policy recommendations made were judged to not be fully
      supported by the data presented. CONCLUSIONS: Many studies published in the
      current dental literature, which are not considered to produce strong evidence,
      make recommendations for clinical practice or policy. There were some cases when
      the recommendations were not fully supported by the data presented.

PMID- 27132551
TI  - Practical Implementation of Evidence-Based Dentistry Into Daily Dental Practice
      Through a Short Time Dependent Searching Method.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite the fact that the benefits of implementation of Evidence
      Based Dentistry (EBD) into clinical practice is increasingly being highlighted,
      there are still clear limitations in its implementation into daily dental
      practice. One potentially important barrier to effective implementation into
      practice is the perception of EBD as a time-consuming process. The aim of the
      present study is to increase the familiarity of dental practitioners with the
      benefits of different time-dependent 'practical' search strategies important to
      EBD using a clinical question from the field of dental implantology as an
      example. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PICO (population, intervention, comparison,
      outcome) question used in this study was: "In young adults with anterior single
      tooth implant what is the effect of immediate or delayed loading on success?" A
      bibliographic search according to the Haynes 5S pyramid, together with 3
      different time-dependent strategies (5-min, 30-min and more than 60-min), were
      applied. RESULTS: Both the Haynes 5S Pyramid and time-dependent search strategies
      revealed promising results for enhancing decision-making for determining the
      feasibility of immediate or conventional loading of anterior single dental
      implants. Results clearly showed that selection of the loading protocol would be
      case (patient)-specific and also indicated high primary implant stability and
      bone quality as the most important prerequisites for a successful immediate/early
      loading. From among the 3 different time-dependent strategies (5 min, 30 min and
      more than 60 min), the 60+ min search results were quite comparable with the
      Haynes pyramid search results. CONCLUSION: It is likely that the different time
      dependent search strategies may have the potential to support the clinical
      decision making process and may improve the implementation of EBD into daily
      dental practice. Increased time spent searching naturally seems to increase the
      extent of this support. However, even with short time-dependent searches, busy
      dental clinicians may get an improved idea/opinion regarding a clinical question.

PMID- 27132552
TI  - Medical Providers' Oral Health Knowledgeability, Attitudes, and Practice
      Behaviors: An Opportunity for Interprofessional Collaboration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of current knowledgeability, attitudes, and practice
      behaviors of medical providers from a large health care system toward oral health
      was undertaken as a pilot effort to better understand and integrate oral health
      into the overall health care delivery. METHODS: Invitations to complete a 28
      question survey, designed in a web-based platform (SurveyMonkey((r))), were
      emailed to 1407 medical multispecialty physicians, residents, and nurses within
      the health system. The questionnaire included sections on provider demographics,
      oral health knowledgeability and attitudes, and current practice conducting oral
      health screenings. RESULTS: A 14% (n = 199/1407) response rate was achieved for
      survey completion. There were 16% who reported good coverage of oral/dental
      health topics in their medical training curriculum. Competency level was <30% for
      identifying tooth decay and oral pathology. There were 95% who reported never
      applying fluoride varnish in their practice, while >80% answered knowledge-based
      questions correctly. Frequency rates for dental referral by the medical providers
      were 32% 'frequently' and 68% 'infrequently.' Perceptions of optimal frequency
      for conducting oral health assessment in their professional practices ranged from
      69% indicating 'frequently' to 25% indicating 'infrequently.' CONCLUSION:
      Overall, positive attitudes were observed toward incorporation of oral health
      examination into medical practice. The study identified lack of oral health
      treatment and infrequent referral by medical providers to dental providers.
      Results support likelihood for acceptance of care models that incorporate a
      medical/dental team-based approach complemented by oral health training for
      medical providers to enhance holistic health care delivery. Limitations of this
      pilot study include potential selection bias and lack of generalizability beyond
      our institution; further studies are planned in additional settings statewide to
      validate findings.

PMID- 27132553
TI  - A Risk of Bias Assessment of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on Periodontal
      Regeneration Published in 2013.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this assessment is to evaluate the degree of risk of
      bias in randomized controlled trials published in 2013 and focusing on
      periodontal regeneration. METHODS: Three reviewers searched and selected the
      trials based on pre-defined inclusion criteria. Predictor variables [number of
      authors, primary objective of the study, biomaterial employed, follow-up time
      periods, split mouth study (yes/no), journal, year of publication, country, scale
      (single/multi-center) and nature of funding] were extracted and risk of bias
      assessment using Cochrane risk of bias tool were performed independently by the
      three reviewers. RESULTS: Seventeen RCTs were included in this assessment. The
      risk of bias in RCTs published in 2013 with a focus in periodontal regeneration
      varied significantly with only in less than 30% of the included trials, the
      overall risk of bias was found to be low, while 41% of trials were designated to
      have a higher degree of bias. Specifically, when looking at the domains assessed,
      70% of the included trials reported an accepted method of sequence generation,
      blinding (whenever possible), completeness of outcome data or avoided selective
      outcome reporting. Meanwhile, only 47% of the included trials reported some form
      of allocation concealment. CONCLUSION: In this assessment, of the included 17
      trials, slightly more than 40% of them had a high risk of bias, underscoring the
      importance of careful appraisal of trials before implementing the study
      interventions in clinical practice and the need for more detailed analyses.

PMID- 27132554
TI  - Canine-guide Occlusion and Group Function Occlusion are Equally Acceptable When
      Restoring the Dentition.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Impact of lateral occlusion schemes:
      A systematic review. Abduo J, Tennant M. J Prosthet Dent 2015;114(2):193-204
      SOURCE OF FUNDING: Not reported TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review.

PMID- 27132555
TI  - Limited Evidence Suggests a Single Implant Overdenture as an Alternative to Two
      implant-Supported Mandibular Overdentures.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Survival in 1- versus 2-implant
      mandibular overdentures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Srinivasan M,
      Makarov NA, Herrmann FR, Muller F. Clin Oral Implants Res 2016;27(1):63-72.
      SOURCE OF FUNDING: The authors reported no external funding sources TYPE OF
      STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 27132556
TI  - Retention of Asymptomatic Third Molars May be Unwise.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: What is the risk of future
      extraction of asymptomatic third molars? A systematic review. Bouloux GF, Busaidy
      KF, Beirne OR, Chuang S-K, Dodson TB. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2015;73(5):806-11.
      SOURCE OF FUNDING: No external funding source is identified although all 5
      authors appear to be on the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial
      Surgery 3rd Molar Task Force TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review.

PMID- 27132557
TI  - Treponema spp. Shown to be Important Pathogens in Primary Endodontic Infections.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Prevalence of Treponema species
      detected in endodontic infections: systematic review and meta-regression
      analysis. Leite FRM, Nascimento GG, Demarco FF, Gomes BPFA, Pucci CR, Martinho
      FC. J Endod 2015;41(5):579-87. SOURCE OF FUNDING: No sources of funding are
      listed for this study TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: This study was a systematic review
      and meta-regression analysis.

PMID- 27132558
TI  - No Clear Evidence of the Effect of Cantilevered Implant Supported Fixed
      Restorations on the Marginal Bone or the Prosthetic Complications.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Effect of cantilevers for implant
      supported prostheses on marginal bone loss and prosthetic complications:
      systematic review and meta-analysis. Torrecillas-Martinez L, Monje A, Lin G,
      Suarez F, Ortega-Oller I, Galindo-Moreno P, Wang H. Int J Oral Maxillofac
      Implants 2014;29(6):1315-21. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Not reported STUDY DESIGN:
      Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID- 27132559
TI  - Scaling and Root Planning is Recommended in the Nonsurgical Treatment of Chronic
      Periodontitis.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Systematic review and meta-analysis
      on the nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis by means of scaling and
      root planing with or without adjuncts. Smiley CJ, Tracy SL, Abt E, Michalowicz
      BS, John MT, Gunsolley J, Cobb CM, Rossmann J, Harrel SK, Forrest JL, Hujoel PP,
      Noraian KW, Greenwell H, Frantsve-Hawley J, Estrich C, Hanson N. J Am Dent Assoc
      2015;146(7):508-524.e5. SOURCE OF FUNDING: The study was funded by the American
      Dental Association TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis.

PMID- 27132560
TI  - Buffered Lidocaine With Sodium Bicarbonate did not Increase Inferior Alveolar
      Nerve Block Success Rate in Patients Having Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Effect of buffered 4% lidocaine on
      the success of the inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with symptomatic
      irreversible pulpitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.
      Schellenberg J, Drum M, Reader A, Nusstein J, Fowler S, Beck M. J Endod
      2015;41(6):791-6. SOURCE OF FUNDING: The study was supported by Meyers/Reader
      Graduate Endodontic Support Fund TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Double blinded randomized
      controlled trial.

PMID- 27132561
TI  - Although Cast Post and Cores Present Acceptable Survival, Patient-related Factors
      May Influence Survival.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Survival of teeth treated with cast
      post and cores: A retrospective analysis over an observation period of up to 19.5
      years. Raedel M, Fiedler C, Jacoby S, Boening KW. J Prosthet Dent 2015;114(1):40
      5. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Information not available TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN:
      Retrospective cohort study.

PMID- 27132562
TI  - Pulpotomy With Calcium Hydroxide May be an Effective Alternative to Root Canal
      Therapy in Vital Teeth.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Permanent teeth pulpotomy survival
      analysis: retrospective follow-up Kunert GG, Kunert IR, da Costa Filho LC, de
      Figueiredo JA. J Dent. 2015 Sep;43(9):1125-31. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Information not
      available TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Historical cohort study.

PMID- 27132563
TI  - There is a Positive Long-term Effect of the Nexo-method on Caries Prevention.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Outcomes 18 years after
      implementation of a nonoperative caries preventive program-the Nexo-method-on
      children in Moscow, Russia. Kuzmina I, Ekstrand KR. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol
      2015;43(4):308-16. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Information not available TYPE OF
      STUDY/DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 27132564
TI  - Consumption of Xylitol Gummy Bears May not Provide Additional Caries Prevention
      for School Children.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: The effectiveness of xylitol in a
      school-based cluster-randomized clinical trial. Lee W, Spiekerman C, Heima M,
      Eggertsson H, Ferretti G, Milgrom P, Nelson S. Caries Res 2015;49(1):41-9. SOURCE
      OF FUNDING: Government: Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and
      Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, grant no.
      R40MC07838 TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Double-blind, cluster-randomized controlled
      trial.

PMID- 27132565
TI  - Severe Periodontitis May Result in Higher Numbers of Oral Polymorphonuclear
      (oPMN) Leukocytes in Oral Rinse Samples.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Quantifying oral inflammatory load:
      oral neutrophil counts in periodontal health and disease. Landzberg M, Doering H,
      Aboodi GM, Tenenbaum HC, Glogauer M. J Periodontal Res 2015;50(3):330-6. SOURCE
      OF FUNDING: Not reported TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN: Case series. The design of the
      current report needs to be regarded as a case series. There was no a priori power
      calculation or pilot data available. The current study is also not a true cross
      sectional study, as participants were not consecutively recruited. Inclusion and
      exclusion criteria have been described rather weakly and do not follow
      established "case definitions."

PMID- 27132566
TI  - An Increased Rate for Major Birth Anomalies was not Found Following Dental
      Treatment Requiring Local Anesthesia During Pregnancy.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Pregnancy outcome after in utero
      exposure to local anesthetics as part of dental treatment: a prospective
      comparative cohort study. Hagai A, Diav-Citrin O, Shechtman S, Ornoy A. J Am Dent
      Assoc 2015;146(8):572-80. SOURCE OF FUNDING: Not reported TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN:
      Comparative cohort study.

PMID- 27132567
TI  - Patients With Manifest Caries Lesions Have Higher Levels of Salivary Matrix
      Metalloproteinase-8 Than Patients With no Caries Lesions.
AB  - ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Caries correlates strongly to
      salivary levels of matrix metalloproteinase-8. Hedenbjork-Lager A, Bjorndal L,
      Gustafsson A, Sorsa T, Tjaderhane L, Akerman S, Ericson D. Caries Res
      2015;49(1):1-8. SOURCE OF FUNDING: The study was funded by faculty grants and by
      the Regional Board of Public Dental Health in the county of Skane, Sweden TYPE OF
      STUDY/DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

PMID- 27132568
TI  - Erratum to: Farooqia OA, Wehlerb CJ, Gibsond G, Jurasic M, Jones JA. Appropriate
      Recall Interval for Periodontal Maintenance: A Systematic Review. J Evid Based
      Dent Pract 2014;15(4):171-81.

PMID- 27132569
TI  - PIP4K2B: Coupling GTP Sensing to PtdIns5P Levels to Regulate Tumorigenesis.
AB  - Although guanine nucleotides are essential for cell growth, how their levels are
      sensed in mammalian cells is unknown. Sumita et al. show that PIP4K2B, a
      phosphoinositide kinase, is a molecular sensor that transduces changes in GTP
      into changes in the levels of the phosphoinositide PtdIns5P to modulate tumour
      cell growth.

PMID- 27132571
TI  - Erratum to "Comment on: "Fire in the vein: Heroin acidity and its proximal effect
      on users' health" by Ciccarone and Harris" [Int. J. Drug Policy 27 (2016) 182
      183].
AB  - The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an
      article that has already been published in Int. J. Drug Policy 26 (2015) 1111
      1112, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2015.08.009. The duplicate article has
      therefore been withdrawn. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be
      found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

PMID- 27132570
TI  - Metabolic Syndrome and Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited literature suggests that sexual dysfunction in women covaries
      with the metabolic syndrome. This study examined the association of sexual
      function with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in healthy older
      women. METHODS: There were 376 postmenopausal, community-dwelling women from the
      Rancho Bernardo Study (mean baseline age = 73 years) that completed a clinic
      visit during 1999-2002 and returned the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)
      questionnaire mailed in 2002. RESULTS: Thirty-nine percent reported being
      sexually active; 41.5% met a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The number of
      metabolic syndrome components was strongly associated with decreased sexual
      activity, desire, and low sexual satisfaction. Waist girth, diabetes, and
      hypertension were associated with decreased sexual activity. Elevated
      triglycerides were associated with low desire. Among the cardiovascular
      endpoints, heart attack, coronary artery bypass, and angina were associated with
      decreased sexual activity, but not with sexual desire or satisfaction. Past
      diagnosis of heart failure, poor circulation, and stroke were not associated with
      sexual function. Sexually active women with metabolic syndrome met criteria for
      sexual dysfunction in desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction domains. The FSFI
      Total Score did not differ significantly between sexually active and inactive
      women. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome was associated with decreased sexual
      activity, desire, and satisfaction in all women and with sexual dysfunction in
      most domains in sexually active women. Coronary artery disease was more prevalent
      in women with low sexual activity.

PMID- 27132572
TI  - Physiology of the Hypothalamic Pituitary Gonadal Axis in the Male.
AB  - Testosterone synthesis and male fertility are the results of the perfect
      coordination of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. A negative feedback
      finely controls the secretion of hormones at the 3 levels. Congenital or acquired
      disturbance at any level leads to an impairment of reproductive function and the
      clinical syndrome of hypogonadism. In some cases, this condition is reversible.
      Once the diagnosis is made, testosterone replacement therapy is the standard
      therapy; however, novel therapies may improve spermatogenesis while elevating
      testosterone levels. 

PMID- 27132573
TI  - Hypogonadism: Its Prevalence and Diagnosis.
AB  - Hypogonadism is a clinical syndrome, which results from the failure of the testes
      to produce physiologic levels of testosterone and a normal number of spermatozoa
      due to defects at one or more levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
      Primary hypogonadism results from malfunction at the level of the testes due to a
      genetic cause, injury, inflammation, or infection. Hypothalamic and/or pituitary
      failure leads to secondary hypogonadism, most often as a result of genetic
      defects, neoplasm, or infiltrative disorders. The signs and symptoms of
      hypogonadism depend on the age of onset, severity of androgen deficiency, and
      underlying cause of androgen deficiency. 

PMID- 27132574
TI  - Assays of Serum Testosterone.
AB  - The diagnosis of male hypogonadism depends on an assessment of the clinical signs
      and symptoms of hypogonadism and serum testosterone level. Current clinical
      laboratory testosterone assay platforms include immunoassays and mass
      spectrometry. Despite significant advances to improve the accuracy and precision
      of the currently available assays, limited comparability exists between assays at
      the lower and upper extremes of the testosterone range. Because of this lack of
      comparability, there is no current gold standard assay for the assessment of
      total testosterone levels. 

PMID- 27132575
TI  - Testosterone Therapies.
AB  - There are numerous testosterone formulations now available, and patients and
      clinicians should take into account the "4 Cs": cost, compliance, convenience,
      and concentration levels. Testosterone is a natural contraceptive and should not
      be used in men trying to achieve a pregnancy. All testosterone gels and solutions
      have an increased risk of transference, and there should be increased caution
      when in contact with children and pregnant women. 

PMID- 27132576
TI  - Testosterone and Male Infertility.
AB  - Hypogonadism and its therapies have a significant impact on male fertility
      potential. It is necessary to determine the etiology to treat and counsel the
      patient appropriately on therapeutic options. For the hypogonadal male on
      exogenous testosterone, management should begin with cessation of the exogenous
      testosterone and supplemental subcutaneous human chorionic gonadotropin and an
      oral follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-inducing agent to allow reestablishment
      of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and spermatogenesis. Further
      supplemental therapy with recombinant FSH in some patients may be necessary to
      achieve optimal semen parameters. 

PMID- 27132577
TI  - Testosterone Deficiency and the Prostate.
AB  - Male hormonal physiology plays an important role in the function and development
      of the prostate. Moreover, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, two
      common and bothersome conditions of the prostate, are also influenced by hormonal
      activity. This article reviews the existing data regarding these complex
      relationships. 

PMID- 27132578
TI  - Testosterone Therapy and Prostate Cancer.
AB  - Changes in understanding regarding the relationship of androgens and prostate
      cancer have led to changes in the use of testosterone therapy. The evidence
      supports a finite ability of androgens to stimulate prostate cancer growth, with
      a maximum achieved at low testosterone concentrations, called the saturation
      model. The saturation point corresponds with maximal androgenic stimulation at
      250 ng/dL. Evidence is reviewed herein regarding the relationship of testosterone
      to prostate cancer and the relatively new practice of offering testosterone
      therapy to men with a history of prostate cancer. Although no prospective
      controlled trials have been performed, results have been reassuring. 

PMID- 27132579
TI  - Testosterone and Sexual Function.
AB  - Testosterone and sexual function are related. Current evidence suggests that
      testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may improve sexual dysfunction. Sexual
      dysfunction in men who are hypogonadal, mixed, or eugonadal have all been
      examined through numerous studies. The most recent large analysis showed an
      overall improvement in sexual function outcomes in men treated with TRT. This
      improvement is difficult to measure and seems to differ based on the baseline
      hormonal status of the patient at the beginning of treatment. 

PMID- 27132580
TI  - Testosterone and Varicocele.
AB  - Varicocele is defined as an excessive dilation of the pampiniform plexus. The
      association between varicocele and infertility has been well-established as
      evidenced by negative effects on spermatogenesis. Accumulating evidence now
      suggests that varicocele presents a pantesticular insult, with resultant
      impairment of Leydig cell function. The presence of a varicocele has been linked
      to lower serum testosterone levels and varicocelectomy may reverse some of the
      adverse effects on androgen production. In this review, the evidence linking
      varicoceles to impaired steroidogenesis and which cohorts of men may benefit most
      from varicocele repair are discussed. 

PMID- 27132581
TI  - Testosterone Deficiency and Sleep Apnea.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common condition among middle-aged men and is
      often associated with reduced testosterone (T) levels. OSA can contribute to
      fatigue and sexual dysfunction in men. There is suggestion that T supplementation
      alters ventilatory responses, possibly through effects on central chemoreceptors.
      Traditionally, it has been recommended that T replacement therapy (TRT) be
      avoided in the presence of untreated severe sleep apnea. With OSA treatment,
      however, TRT may not only improve hypogonadism, but may also alleviate
      erectile/sexual dysfunction. 

PMID- 27132582
TI  - Obesity and Hypogonadism.
AB  - The relationship between obesity and hypogonadism is complicated. The
      relationship is bidirectional and there are numerous causative and correlative
      factors on both sides of the equation. Obesity is increasing in prevalence in
      epidemic proportions. Likewise, we are beginning to see the rapid increase in the
      incidence of male hypogonadism. It is only recently that we are learning the ways
      in which these 2 conditions exacerbate each other, and we are only beginning to
      understand how by treating one of these conditions, we can help to treat the
      other as well. 

PMID- 27132583
TI  - Management of Hypogonadism in Cardiovascular Patients: What Are the Implications
      of Testosterone Therapy on Cardiovascular Morbidity?
AB  - Testosterone replacement therapy is recommended for men with clinical androgen
      deficiency with decades of evidence supporting its use for treatment of sexual,
      physical, and psychological consequences of male hypogonadism. In this updated
      review, the authors discuss the implications of testosterone deficiency and
      conflicting evidence regarding testosterone replacement therapy and its effects
      on the cardiovascular system. Based on mounting evidence, the authors conclude
      that testosterone therapy can be safely considered in men with appropriately
      diagnosed clinical androgen deficiency and concurrent cardiovascular risk factors
      and even manifest cardiovascular disease after a thorough discussion of potential
      risks and with guideline-recommended safety monitoring. 

PMID- 27132584
TI  - Trends in Testosterone Prescription and Public Health Concerns.
AB  - Testosterone supplementation therapy (TST) has become increasingly popular since
      the turn of the century. Most prescriptions in the U.S. are written by primary
      care providers, endocrinologists, or urologists. The FDA has requests
      pharmaceutical companies provide more long term data on efficacy and safety of
      testosterone products. Results from these studies will help define the
      appropriate population for TST going forward. It is hoped that these data
      combined with physician and public education will minimize inappropriate
      prescribing and allow those likely to benefit from TST to receive it. 

PMID- 27132585
TI  - Hypogonadism.

PMID- 27132586
TI  - Hypogonadism.

PMID- 27132587
TI  - Scale up of nutrition and health programs in Ethiopia and their overlap with
      reductions in child stunting.
AB  - The prevalence of stunting in Sub-Saharan Africa has changed little since 2000,
      and the number of stunted children has increased. In contrast, Ethiopia is an
      example where the national stunting prevalence and number of stunted children
      have decreased consistently. We compare regional differences and temporal
      patterns in stunting with large-scale program coverage to identify where and when
      programs may have led to reductions in stunting. Data from three national
      demographic and health surveys and population statistics illustrate, at the
      regional level, where and when the prevalence and number of stunted children
      changed since 2000. Reports from large-scale nutrition and health programs were
      used to identify ecologic associations between geographic program coverage and
      reductions in stunting. From 2000 to 2005, the decline in the national stunting
      prevalence was mainly a result of reductions in Oromiya, SNNP and Tigray. Few
      nutrition programs had high coverage during this time, and economic growth may
      have contributed to stunting reduction by increasing household wealth and
      investments in sanitation. From 2005 to 2011, declines in stunting prevalence in
      Amhara, SNNP, Somali and Oromiya were largely responsible for national
      reductions. Numerous programs were implemented at scale and could have plausibly
      improved stunting. While ecologic relationships suggest that economic growth and
      large-scale programs may have contributed to the reduction in stunting in
      Ethiopia, stunting did not decrease in all regions despite increased program
      coverage expansion of the health system. Additional impact evaluations are needed
      identify the most effective programs to accelerate the reduction in the
      prevalence and number of stunted children. (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27132589
TI  - [Use of proton pump inhibitors and the risk of chronic kidney disease].

PMID- 27132588
TI  - The experiences of caregivers of patients with delirium, and their role in its
      management in palliative care settings: an integrative literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences of caregivers of terminally ill patients
      with delirium, to determine the potential role of caregivers in the management of
      delirium at the end of life, to identify the support required to improve
      caregiver experience and to help the caregiver support the patient. METHODS: Four
      electronic databases were searched-PsychInfo, Medline, Cinahl and Scopus from
      January 2000 to July 2015 using the terms 'delirium', 'terminal restlessness' or
      'agitated restlessness' combined with 'carer' or 'caregiver' or 'family' or
      'families'. Thirty-three papers met the inclusion criteria and remained in the
      final review. RESULTS: Papers focused on (i) caregiver experience-distress,
      deteriorating relationships, balancing the need to relieve suffering with desire
      to communicate and helplessness versus control; (ii) the caregiver role-detection
      and prevention of delirium, symptom monitoring and acting as a patient advocate;
      and (iii) caregiver support-information needs, advice on how to respond to the
      patient, interventions to improve caregiver outcomes and interventions delivered
      by caregivers to improve patient outcomes. CONCLUSION: High levels of distress
      are experienced by caregivers of patients with delirium. Distress is heightened
      because of the potential irreversibility of delirium in palliative care settings
      and uncertainty around whether the caregiver-patient relationship can be re
      established before death. Caregivers can contribute to the management of patient
      delirium. Additional intervention studies with informational, emotional and
      behavioural components are required to improve support for caregivers and to help
      the caregiver support the patient. Reducing caregiver distress should be a goal
      of any future intervention.(c) 2016 The Authors. Psycho-Oncology Published by
      John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27132590
TI  - Preoperative detection of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer: Prospective
      comparison of contrast-enhanced ultrasound and multidetector-row computed
      tomography (MDCT).
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to prospectively compare the sensitivity of
      contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) with that of multiphase multidetector-row
      computed tomography (MDCT) in the preoperative detection of hepatic metastases.
      MATERIALS AND METHOD: Forty-eight patients, with a mean age of 62years old
      (range: 43-85years) were prospectively included. All patients underwent CEUS
      following intravenous administration of 2.4mL of an ultrasound contrast agent
      (Sonovue((r)), Bracco, Milan, Italy) and multiphase MDCT. Intraoperative
      ultrasound examination (IOUS) was used as the standard of reference. RESULTS: A
      total of 158 liver metastases were identified by IOUS, 127 by preoperative MDCT
      (sensitivity; 80.4%) and 102 by CEUS (sensitivity, 64.5%). The 15.9% difference
      in sensitivity between CEUS and MDCT was statistically significant (P=0.002).
      There was a disagreement between IOUS and CEUS in 23 patients (47%) and in 13
      patients (27%) between IOUS and MDCT. MDCT identified one or more additional
      metastases in 10 patients (20%) resulting in a change in the surgical strategy.
      CONCLUSION: Based on an unselected patient cohort and using multiphase MDCT, CEUS
      is significantly inferior to MDCT for the preoperative detection of hepatic
      metastases of colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27132591
TI  - Integrative Multi-omic Analysis of Human Platelet eQTLs Reveals Alternative Start
      Site in Mitofusin 2.
AB  - Platelets play a central role in ischemic cardiovascular events. Cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) is a major cause of death worldwide. Numerous genome-wide
      association studies (GWASs) have identified loci associated with CVD risk.
      However, our understanding of how these variants contribute to disease is
      limited. Using data from the platelet RNA and expression 1 (PRAX1) study, we
      analyzed cis expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in platelets from 154
      normal human subjects. We confirmed these results in silico by performing allele
      specific expression (ASE) analysis, which demonstrated that the allelic
      directionality of eQTLs and ASE patterns correlate significantly. Comparison of
      platelet eQTLs with data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project
      revealed that a number of platelet eQTLs are platelet specific and that platelet
      eQTL peaks localize to the gene body at a higher rate than eQTLs from other
      tissues. Upon integration with data from previously published GWASs, we found
      that the trait-associated variant rs1474868 coincides with the eQTL peak for
      mitofusin 2 (MFN2). Additional experimental and computational analyses revealed
      that this eQTL is linked to an unannotated alternate MFN2 start site
      preferentially expressed in platelets. Integration of phenotype data from the
      PRAX1 study showed that MFN2 expression levels were significantly associated with
      platelet count. This study links the variant rs1474868 to a platelet-specific
      regulatory role for MFN2 and demonstrates the utility of integrating multi-omic
      data with eQTL analysis in disease-relevant tissues for interpreting GWAS
      results.

PMID- 27132592
TI  - Recessive Mutations in TRMT10C Cause Defects in Mitochondrial RNA Processing and
      Multiple Respiratory Chain Deficiencies.
AB  - Mitochondrial disorders are clinically and genetically diverse, with mutations in
      mitochondrial or nuclear genes able to cause defects in mitochondrial gene
      expression. Recently, mutations in several genes encoding factors involved in mt
      tRNA processing have been identified to cause mitochondrial disease. Using whole
      exome sequencing, we identified mutations in TRMT10C (encoding the mitochondrial
      RNase P protein 1 [MRPP1]) in two unrelated individuals who presented at birth
      with lactic acidosis, hypotonia, feeding difficulties, and deafness. Both
      individuals died at 5 months after respiratory failure. MRPP1, along with MRPP2
      and MRPP3, form the mitochondrial ribonuclease P (mt-RNase P) complex that
      cleaves the 5' ends of mt-tRNAs from polycistronic precursor transcripts.
      Additionally, a stable complex of MRPP1 and MRPP2 has m(1)R9 methyltransferase
      activity, which methylates mt-tRNAs at position 9 and is vital for folding mt
      tRNAs into their correct tertiary structures. Analyses of fibroblasts from
      affected individuals harboring TRMT10C missense variants revealed decreased
      protein levels of MRPP1 and an increase in mt-RNA precursors indicative of
      impaired mt-RNA processing and defective mitochondrial protein synthesis. The
      pathogenicity of the detected variants-compound heterozygous c.542G>T
      (p.Arg181Leu) and c.814A>G (p.Thr272Ala) changes in subject 1 and a homozygous
      c.542G>T (p.Arg181Leu) variant in subject 2-was validated by the functional
      rescue of mt-RNA processing and mitochondrial protein synthesis defects after
      lentiviral transduction of wild-type TRMT10C. Our study suggests that these
      variants affect MRPP1 protein stability and mt-tRNA processing without affecting
      m(1)R9 methyltransferase activity, identifying mutations in TRMT10C as a cause of
      mitochondrial disease and highlighting the importance of RNA processing for
      correct mitochondrial function. 

PMID- 27132593
TI  - A Syndromic Intellectual Disability Disorder Caused by Variants in TELO2, a Gene
      Encoding a Component of the TTT Complex.
AB  - The proteins encoded by TELO2, TTI1, and TTI2 interact to form the TTT complex, a
      co-chaperone for maturation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related protein
      kinases (PIKKs). Here we report six affected individuals from four families with
      intellectual disability (ID) and neurological and other congenital abnormalities
      associated with compound heterozygous variants in TELO2. Although their
      fibroblasts showed reduced steady-state levels of TELO2 and the other components
      of the TTT complex, PIKK functions were normal in cellular assays. Our results
      suggest that these TELO2 missense variants result in loss of function, perturb
      TTT complex stability, and cause an autosomal-recessive syndromic form of ID.

PMID- 27132622
TI  - Management and Long-Term Outcome of Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Presenting
      with Heart Failure in a Contemporary New Zealand Cohort (ANZACS-QI 4).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute heart failure (HF) associated with an acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS) predicts adverse outcome. There have been important recent improvements in
      ACS management. Our aim was to describe the management and outcomes in those with
      and without HF in a contemporary ACS cohort. METHODS: Consecutive patients
      presenting with ACS between 2007 and 2011 were enrolled in the All New Zealand
      Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement (ANZACS-QI) registry. Outcomes and
      medication dispensing were obtained using anonymised linkage to national data
      sets. A summary pharmacotherapy measure of "quadruple therapy" was defined as
      dispensing of at least one agent from each of the four evidence-based classes -
      anti-platelet, statin, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin
      receptor blocker and beta blocker. RESULTS: Of 3743 ACS patients 14% had acute
      HF. Acute heart failure patients were older (69.2+/-12.6 vs 62.3+/-12.8 years,
      p<0.001), less likely to have coronary angiography (66% vs 86%, p<0.001) and
      revascularisation (46% vs 62%, p<0.001). Immediate post-discharge quadruple
      therapy was higher for those with than without HF (61% vs 55%, p=0.02) but fell
      to similar levels by one-year (45% vs 53%, p=0.55). At four years follow-up
      nearly half of those presenting with ACS and HF had died. After adjustment, HF
      remained a strong predictor of death within 28 days (OR 2.9, 95%CI 1.5 - 5.5) and
      beyond 28 days (HR 1.8, 95%CI 1.5 - 2.3). CONCLUSION: Acute heart failure
      complicating ACS is associated with heightened risk of short-term and long-term
      mortality. One in three ACS patients with HF did not have coronary angiography
      and less than half received quadruple therapy a year after presentation.

PMID- 27132594
TI  - Identification of Common Genetic Variants Influencing Spontaneous Dizygotic
      Twinning and Female Fertility.
AB  - Spontaneous dizygotic (DZ) twinning occurs in 1%-4% of women, with familial
      clustering and unknown physiological pathways and genetic origin. DZ twinning
      might index increased fertility and has distinct health implications for mother
      and child. We performed a GWAS in 1,980 mothers of spontaneous DZ twins and
      12,953 control subjects. Findings were replicated in a large Icelandic cohort and
      tested for association across a broad range of fertility traits in women. Two
      SNPs were identified (rs11031006 near FSHB, p = 1.54 * 10(-9), and rs17293443 in
      SMAD3, p = 1.57 * 10(-8)) and replicated (p = 3 * 10(-3) and p = 1.44 * 10(-4),
      respectively). Based on ~90,000 births in Iceland, the risk of a mother
      delivering twins increased by 18% for each copy of allele rs11031006-G and 9% for
      rs17293443-C. A higher polygenic risk score (PRS) for DZ twinning, calculated
      based on the results of the DZ twinning GWAS, was significantly associated with
      DZ twinning in Iceland (p = 0.001). A higher PRS was also associated with having
      children (p = 0.01), greater lifetime parity (p = 0.03), and earlier age at first
      child (p = 0.02). Allele rs11031006-G was associated with higher serum FSH
      levels, earlier age at menarche, earlier age at first child, higher lifetime
      parity, lower PCOS risk, and earlier age at menopause. Conversely, rs17293443-C
      was associated with later age at last child. We identified robust genetic risk
      variants for DZ twinning: one near FSHB and a second within SMAD3, the product of
      which plays an important role in gonadal responsiveness to FSH. These loci
      contribute to crucial aspects of reproductive capacity and health. 

PMID- 27132623
TI  - Role of Renal Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of the Cardiorenal Syndrome.
AB  - Renal dysfunction and heart failure commonly co-exist; it is termed the
      cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). This combination of renal and cardiac impairment
      presents a substantial clinical challenge and is associated with adverse
      prognosis. The pathogenesis of the CRS is complex, including chronic activation
      of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the sympathetic nervous
      system, together with reduced renal perfusion. Chronic activation of the RAAS can
      impair mitochondrial function, and increase mitochondrial derived oxidative
      stress which in turn can lead to renal injury and sodium and water retention. For
      example, it has been shown that exogenous Ang II augments renal mitochondrial
      oxidative stress, reduces GFR and induces albuminuria in rats with heart failure.
      Administration of Ang II also augmented renal mitochondrial dysfunction in aged
      mice. Current treatments for CRS, including angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors, exert limited renal protection if any at all. Therefore, novel
      treatments particularly those that can target renal mechanisms downstream to
      chronic activation of the renal renin-angiotensin system are likely to exert
      renoprotection in the setting of CRS. 

PMID- 27132595
TI  - A Common Polymorphism in HIBCH Influences Methylmalonic Acid Concentrations in
      Blood Independently of Cobalamin.
AB  - Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a by-product of propionic acid metabolism through the
      vitamin B12 (cobalamin)-dependent enzyme methylmalonyl CoA mutase. Elevated MMA
      concentrations are a hallmark of several inborn errors of metabolism and
      indicators of cobalamin deficiency in older persons. In a genome-wide analysis of
      2,210 healthy young Irish adults (median age 22 years) we identified a strong
      association of plasma MMA with SNPs in 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA hydrolase (HIBCH,
      p = 8.42 * 10(-89)) and acyl-CoA synthetase family member 3 (ACSF3, p = 3.48 *
      10(-19)). These loci accounted for 12% of the variance in MMA concentration. The
      most strongly associated SNP (HIBCH rs291466; c:2T>C) causes a missense change of
      the initiator methionine codon (minor-allele frequency = 0.43) to threonine.
      Surprisingly, the resulting variant, p.Met1?, is associated with increased
      expression of HIBCH mRNA and encoded protein. These homozygotes had, on average,
      46% higher MMA concentrations than methionine-encoding homozygotes in young
      adults with generally low MMA concentrations (0.17 [0.14-0.21] MUmol/L; median
      [25(th)-75(th) quartile]). The association between MMA levels and HIBCH rs291466
      was highly significant in a replication cohort of 1,481 older individuals (median
      age 79 years) with elevated plasma MMA concentrations (0.34 [0.24-0.51] MUmol/L;
      p = 4.0 * 10(-26)). In a longitudinal study of 185 pregnant women and their
      newborns, the association of this SNP remained significant across the gestational
      trimesters and in newborns. HIBCH is unique to valine catabolism. Studies
      evaluating flux through the valine catabolic pathway in humans should account for
      these variants. Furthermore, this SNP could help resolve equivocal clinical tests
      where plasma MMA values have been used to diagnose cobalamin deficiency. 

PMID- 27132624
TI  - Saddle Pulmonary Embolism: Laboratory and Computed Tomographic Pulmonary
      Angiographic Findings to Predict Short-term Mortality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Saddle pulmonary embolism (SPE) is rare type of acute pulmonary
      embolism and there is debate about its treatment and prognosis. Our aim is to
      assess laboratory and computed tomographic pulmonary angiographic (CTPA) findings
      to predict short-term mortality in patients with SPE. METHODS: This was a five
      centre, retrospective study. The clinical information, laboratory and CTPA
      findings of 88 consecutive patients with SPE were collected. One-month mortality
      after diagnosis of SPE was the primary end-point. The correlation of laboratory
      and CTPA findings with one-month mortality was analysed with area under curve
      (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression
      analysis. RESULTS: Eighteen patients with SPE died within one month. Receiver
      operating characteristic curves revealed that the cutoff values for the right and
      left atrial diameter ratio, the right ventricular area and left ventricular area
      ratio (RVa/LVa ratio), Mastora score, septal angle, N-terminal pro-brain
      natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) for detecting early mortality
      were 2.15, 2.13, 69%, 57 degrees , 3036 pg/mL and 0.18ng/mL, respectively. Using
      logistic regression analysis of laboratory and CTPA findings with regard to one
      month mortality of SPE, RVa/LVa ratio and cTnI were shown to be independently
      associated with early death. A combination of cTnI and RVa/LVa ratio revealed an
      increase in the AUC value, but the difference did not reach significance compared
      with RVa/LVa or cTnI, alone (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with SPE, both the
      RVa/LVa ratio on CTPA and cTnI appear valuable for the prediction of short-term
      mortality.

PMID- 27132625
TI  - Transthoracic Subarterial Ventricular Septal Defect Occlusion Using a Minimally
      Invasive Incision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study sought to investigate the feasibility of transthoracic
      occlusion of a subarterial ventricular septal defect using a minimally invasive
      incision. METHODS: Between January 2009 and June 2014, we performed transthoracic
      subarterial ventricular septal defect occlusion for 81 patients via a minimally
      invasive incision. A special delivery sheath was used during surgery, and an
      eccentric occluder was implanted in the ventricular septal defect. RESULTS:
      Successful defect closure was achieved in 74 cases, perioperative arrhythmia
      occurred in five cases, and a large pericardial effusion was observed in two
      cases. Open heart surgery was performed for two patients to repair postoperative
      dislocation of the occluder. Intraoperative conversion to surgical repair was
      required in seven cases. During one to five years of follow-up, there was no late
      occluder dislocation, residual leakage, or thrombus-related complications.
      CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic subarterial ventricular septal defect occlusion using
      a minimally invasive incision may be an alternative to open surgical repair in
      selected patients. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12754 (J Card Surg 2016;31:398-402).

PMID- 27132626
TI  - EphA2 is a key effector of the MEK/ERK/RSK pathway regulating glioblastoma cell
      proliferation.
AB  - EphA2, a member of the Eph receptor tyrosine kinases, is frequently overexpressed
      in a variety of malignancies, including glioblastoma, and its expression is
      correlated with poor prognosis. EphA2 acts as a tumor promoter through a ligand
      ephrin-independent mechanism, which requires phosphorylation of EphA2 on serine
      897 (S897), leading to increased cell migration and invasion. In this study, we
      show that ligand-independent EphA2 signaling occurs downstream of the MEK/ERK/RSK
      pathway and mediates epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced cell proliferation in
      glioblastoma cells. Suppression of EphA2 expression by long-term exposure to
      ligand ephrinA1 or EphA2-targeted shRNA inhibited EGF-induced cell proliferation.
      Stimulation of the cells with EGF induced EphA2 S897 phosphorylation, which was
      suppressed by MEK and RSK inhibitors, but not by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase
      (PI3K) and Akt inhibitors. The RSK inhibitor or RSK2-targeted shRNA also
      suppressed EGF-induced cell proliferation. Furthermore, overexpression of wild
      type EphA2 promoted cell proliferation without EGF stimulation, whereas
      overexpression of EphA2-S897A mutant suppressed EGF- or RSK2-induced
      proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that EphA2 is a key
      downstream target of the MEK/ERK/RSK signaling pathway in the regulation of
      glioblastoma cell proliferation.

PMID- 27132627
TI  - Effect of hyaluronic acid on bone formation in the expanded interpremaxillary
      suture in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the histomorphometric effects of different molecular
      weight hyaluronic acid on bone formation in rats after expansion of the
      interpremaxillary suture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague Dawley
      rats were divided into three groups. Each group was subjected to expansion for 5
      days and retention for 10 days. Group 1 received 50 MUl of high molecular weight
      hyaluronic acid (HMWHA), group 2 received 50 MUl of low molecular weight
      hyaluronic acid (LMWHA), and the control group received same amount of saline
      solution to the interpremaxillary suture. Ten days after injection, the rats were
      killed and their maxillas dissected. For the histomorphometric evaluation, blocks
      were serially sectioned at 10-MUm intervals. Sections were stained with
      hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and evaluated with image analysis software. Bone area
      (MUm2) (BA), bone perimeter of suture borders (MUm) (BP), and ratio of osteoblast
      cells and capillary cells to BA and BP parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: HMWHA
      showed a statistically higher ratio of osteoblast and capillary cell scores
      compared with the LMWHA and control groups (p < 0.05). There were no
      statistically significant differences in between LMWHA and control groups (p >
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Local injection of HMWHA in the interpremaxillary suture
      after rapid maxillary expansion stimulated new bone formation, which may shorten
      the retention period and may reduce the risk of relapse. LMWHA has no effect on
      bone formation in interpremaxillary suture.

PMID- 27132629
TI  - Fetal Diagnosis of Abnormal Origin of the Left Pulmonary Artery.
AB  - Isolated anomalies of the branch pulmonary arteries are rare, more often
      occurring in the setting of complex congenital heart disease. These isolated
      anomalies are often not identified in the prenatal period. We describe two cases
      of isolated anomalies of the left pulmonary artery which were identified on fetal
      echocardiography and confirmed postnatally, an anomalous left pulmonary artery
      arising from the base of the left-sided brachiocephalic artery in the setting of
      a right-sided aortic arch, and a left pulmonary artery sling. These two cases
      support our current understanding of normal and abnormal development of the
      extrapericardial arterial vessels and highlight the importance of meticulous
      attention when sweeping from the three-vessel tracheal view. 

PMID- 27132631
TI  - Rehabilitative bodywork: cleaning up the dirty work of homecare.
AB  - Care work for elderly people has been characterised as dirty work, owing to its
      proximity to the (dys)functions and discharges of aged bodies and the notions of
      disease, decay and death associated with the idea of old age. However, a wave of
      reform programmes in Danish municipalities promoting rehabilitative care
      practices aiming to empower, train and activate elderly citizens provides
      opportunities for homecare workers to renegotiate their status and reconstruct
      their work and occupational identities with a cleaner and more optimistic image.
      Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork in two Danish homecare units, this article
      analyses how rehabilitative care practices, drawing on a narrative of the third
      age, provide an optimistic and anti-ageist framing of homecare work that informs
      the development of new occupational identities for care workers as coaches rather
      than carers in relation to citizens. Furthermore, rehabilitation efforts change
      the bodywork of care, rendering it more distanced and physically passive, and
      rehabilitation efforts also involve extensive motivational work aiming to help
      citizens to see themselves as capable, resourceful and self-reliant. However,
      while rehabilitation efforts become a new resource in care workers' taint
      management; they also entail potentially negative consequences in terms of
      responsibilising and disciplinary approaches to elderly citizens.

PMID- 27132628
TI  - Follow-Up of Abnormal Breast and Colorectal Cancer Screening by Race/Ethnicity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Timely follow-up of abnormal tests is critical to the effectiveness
      of cancer screening, but may vary by screening test, healthcare system, and
      sociodemographic group. METHODS: Timely follow-up of abnormal mammogram and fecal
      occult blood testing or fecal immunochemical tests (FOBT/FIT) were compared by
      race/ethnicity using Population-Based Research Optimizing Screening through
      Personalized Regimens consortium data. Participants were women with an abnormal
      mammogram (aged 40-75 years) or FOBT/FIT (aged 50-75 years) in 2010-2012.
      Analyses were performed in 2015. Timely follow-up was defined as colonoscopy <=3
      months following positive FOBT/FIT; additional imaging or biopsy <=3 months
      following Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Category 0, 4, or 5
      mammograms; or <=9 months following Category 3 mammograms. Logistic regression
      was used to model receipt of timely follow-up adjusting for study site, age,
      year, insurance, and income. RESULTS: Among 166,602 mammograms, 10.7% were
      abnormal; among 566,781 FOBT/FITs, 4.3% were abnormal. Nearly 96% of patients
      with abnormal mammograms received timely follow-up versus 68% with abnormal
      FOBT/FIT. There was greater variability in receipt of follow-up across healthcare
      systems for positive FOBT/FIT than for abnormal mammograms. For mammography,
      black women were less likely than whites to receive timely follow-up (91.8% vs
      96.0%, OR=0.71, 95% CI=0.51, 0.97). For FOBT/FIT, Hispanics were more likely than
      whites to receive timely follow-up than whites (70.0% vs 67.6%, OR=1.12, 95%
      CI=1.04, 1.21). CONCLUSIONS: Timely follow-up among women was more likely for
      abnormal mammograms than FOBT/FITs, with small variations in follow-up rates by
      race/ethnicity and larger variation across healthcare systems.

PMID- 27132630
TI  - Comparison of efficacy of cryotherapy and chlorhexidine to oral nutrition
      transition time in chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of cryotherapy and
      chlorhexidine to oral nutrition transition time in chemotherapy-induced oral
      mucositis. This randomised controlled trial with random assignments to the
      experimental and control groups was conducted with cancer patients. Study data
      were collected from 90 cancer patients. The first experimental group (n = 30)
      received chlorhexidine mouthwash, the second experimental group (n = 30) received
      oral cryotherapy and the control group (n = 30) received routine care. To collect
      data we used the 'Mucositis Rating Index'. Changes in patients' oral mucosa in
      each group were checked and oral feeding transition periods were recorded. There
      was an important statistical difference between the times of transition to oral
      nutrition for patients (P < 0.01). Oral nutrition transition time of patients in
      the first experimental group who had applied chlorhexidine was shorter than in
      other groups. Following the tests, we detected a significant shortening in oral
      nutrition transition time of patients in first group who used chlorhexidine
      gargle as compared to the second group and control group. There was no
      significant difference between cryotherapy application and control group. In
      parallel with these findings, we detected that the degree of oral mucositis
      decreased.

PMID- 27132632
TI  - Improving health in the Arctic region through safe and affordable access to
      household running water and sewer services: an Arctic Council initiative.
AB  - Important health disparities have been documented among the peoples of the Arctic
      and subarctic, including those related to limited access to in-home improved
      drinking water and sanitation services. Although improving water, sanitation and
      hygiene (WASH) has been a focus of the United Nations for decades, the Arctic
      region has received little attention in this regard. A growing body of evidence
      highlights inequalities across the region for the availability of in-home
      drinking WASH services and for health indicators associated with these services.
      In this review, we highlight relevant data and describe an initiative through the
      Arctic Council's Sustainable Development Working Group to characterize the extent
      of WASH services in Arctic nations, the related health indicators and climate
      related vulnerabilities to WASH services. With this as a baseline, efforts to
      build collaborations across the Arctic will be undertaken to promote innovations
      that can extend the benefits of water and sanitation services to all residents. 

PMID- 27132633
TI  - Ammonia level at admission predicts in-hospital mortality for patients with
      alcoholic hepatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Alcoholic hepatitis (AH), a unique clinical syndrome among patients
      with chronic and active alcohol use, is associated with high short-term
      mortality. An elevated ammonia level is associated with mortality in patients
      with acute liver failure; however, its impact in AH has not been well-studied.
      METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on patients admitted to a tertiary
      care hospital with the discharge diagnosis of AH. Patients meeting criteria for
      AH were included in the final data analysis. Multivariate logistic regression
      models were built to examine the impact of serum ammonia in predicting in
      hospital mortality (IHM) and 30-day mortality (TDM). Subgroup analysis was also
      performed, which was limited to patients who had hepatic encephalopathy. RESULTS:
      Of the 105 AH patients included, 26 (25%) died during the initial
      hospitalization. Among the 79 patients who survived initial hospitalization, 30
      (39%) died within 30 days. Information about ammonia levels at admission was
      available for 82 patients. Of these, 25 patients had IHM and significantly higher
      ammonia level (97 vs. 69 MUmol/L, P < 0.01). Among the 57 who survived
      hospitalization, ammonia levels were not significantly different (71 vs. 67
      MUmol/L, P = 0.69) in patients with and without TDM. The addition of ammonia to
      the multivariate regression models including age, sex, cirrhosis, treatment and
      model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score improved the C statistics for IHM
      from 0.708 to 0.801 and for TDM from 0.756 to 0.766, respectively. These results
      were identical, even when limited to patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
      CONCLUSION: AH patients with elevated ammonia levels at admission have higher
      IHM; however, they do not seem to play a significant role in 30-day mortality for
      patients who survived hospitalization.

PMID- 27132634
TI  - Co-production as an approach to developing stakeholder partnerships to reduce
      mental health inequalities: an evaluation of a pilot service.
AB  - : Aim This study aimed to evaluate a pilot cross-sector initiative - bringing
      together public health, a community group, primary mental health teams and
      patients - in using co-production approaches to deliver a mental health service
      to meet the needs of the black and minority ethnic communities. BACKGROUND: Black
      and minority ethnic communities continue to face inequalities in mental health
      service access and provision. They are under-represented in low-level
      interventions as they are less likely to be referred, and more likely to
      disengage from mainstream mental health services. Effective models that lead to
      improved access and better outcomes are yet to be established. It has long been
      recognised that to be effective, services need to be more culturally competent,
      which may be achieved through a co-production approach. METHODS: This study aimed
      to evaluate the role of co-production in the development of a novel community
      mental health service for black and minority ethnic service users. Qualitative
      research methods, including semi-structured interviews and focus groups, were
      used to collect data to examine the use of co-production methods in designing and
      delivering an improved mental health service. Findings Twenty-five patients
      enrolled into the study; of these, 10 were signposted for more intensive
      psychological support. A 75% retention rate was recorded (higher than is
      generally the case for black and minority ethnic service users). Early
      indications are that the project has helped overcome barriers to accessing mental
      health services. Although small scale, this study highlights an alternative model
      that, if explored and developed further, could lead to delivery of patient
      centred services to improve access and patient experience within mental health
      services, particularly for black and minority ethnic communities.

PMID- 27132635
TI  - Outcomes of weight management in obese pet dogs: what can we do better?
AB  - Obesity is arguably the biggest health and welfare issue affecting pet dogs.
      Although successful weight loss has health benefits, current strategies are far
      from ideal. Many obese dogs that start a weight programme fail to lose weight, or
      subsequently regain the weight they have lost. Given that current weight loss
      strategies are not perfect, clinicians need to focus carefully on tailoring the
      programme, perhaps setting a pragmatic target for weight loss, so as to ensure
      the benefits are maximised. This review will summarise key findings from recent
      clinical research into pet obesity, and present a framework for improving
      success, by better tailoring weight management regimens and end points to the
      individual.

PMID- 27132637
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27132636
TI  - Quantitative assessment of videolaryngostroboscopic images in patients with
      glottic pathologies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Digital imaging techniques enable exploration of novel
      visualization modalities of the vocal folds during phonation and definition of
      parameters, facilitating more precise diagnosis of voice disorders. AIM:
      Application of computer vision algorithms for analysis of
      videolaryngostroboscopic (VLS) images aimed at qualitative and quantitative
      description of phonatory vibrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VLS examinations were
      conducted for 45 females, including 15 subjects with vocal nodules, 15 subjects
      with glottal incompetence, and 15 normophonic females. The recorded VLS images
      were preprocessed, the glottis area was segmented out, and the glottal cycles
      were identified. The glottovibrograms were built, and then the glottal area
      waveforms (GAW) were quantitatively described by computing the following
      parameters: open quotient (OQ), closing quotient (CQ), speed quotient (SQ),
      minimal relative glottal area (MRGA), and a new parameter termed closure
      difference index (CDI). RESULTS: Profiles of the glottal widths assessed along
      the glottal length differentiated the study groups (P < 0.001). Moreover, it was
      shown that the OQ, CQ, CDI, and MRGA indices can be considered as viable
      parameters for quantifying kinematics of the vocal folds for normophonic subjects
      and patients with diagnosed vocal nodules and glottal incompetence (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Computer image processing and analysis methods applied to
      videolaryngostroboscopic images allow for their quantitative assessment.
      Computation of the size-related and time-related parameters characterizing
      glottic pathologies is of interest for evidence-based voice diagnostics. Results
      of the performed ROC curve analysis suggest that the evaluated parameters can
      distinguish patients with voice disorders from normophonic subjects.

PMID- 27132638
TI  - [The Management of the Vertiginous Patient].
AB  - In neuro-otology, history taking still represents the most important instrument.
      It comprises type, direction, duration, intensity and influencing factors of
      dizziness, vertigo and balance problems as well as accompanying symptoms of the
      otologic and neurologic systems. A distinction in a) acute persisting, b)
      episodic with or without positioning dependence and c) chronic vertigo can
      provide a first diagnostic differentiation. The clinical exam contains an
      otolaryngologic and neurologic assessment with focus on ocular motor function,
      nystagmus, head impulse testing, balance function tests, cerebellar signs and
      positioning tests. Helpful laboratory tests are tests of orthostatic function,
      pure tone audiometry, bithermal calorics, video head impulse test and in specific
      situations nystagmography and the recording of vestibular-evoked myogenic
      potentials. Often a brain magnetic resonance tomography needs to be added. In
      several cases a multi-disciplinary approach is recommended. Therapeutical options
      are physical therapy as vestibular rehabilitation or repositioning procedures,
      drugs or surgery, albeit the level of evidence of some therapies currently being
      applied is far from satisfactory.

PMID- 27132639
TI  - [Conservative and surgical management of chronic Rhinosinustitis].
AB  - Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common complex medical condition associated with high
      therapy costs and quality of life impairment. The European Position Paper on
      Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) 2012 delineates the current standard of
      management of the patient with chronic rhinosinusitis for both defined disease
      forms: with and without polyps. Medical history and endoscopic or CT findings are
      needed for the correct diagnosis. Therapy of chronic rhinosinusitis aims at
      achieving a local disease control and reducing patients' symptoms. The center
      point of conservative therapy of both forms is the topical application of
      steroids together with nasal saline irrigations. In case of persistence of
      symptoms or in severe chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps, different local
      application methods of steroids or short systemic steroid cures should be
      considered. In case of insufficient disease control with conservative treatment,
      functional endoscopic sinus surgery is the accepted as "gold standard". Purpose
      of the surgical management is opening of the sinus ostia in order to improve
      sinus ventilation and mucociliary clearance as well as to facilitate a wide
      distribution of topical drugs. Due to technical advances, endoscopic sinus has
      been reported to be a safe and effective procedure.

PMID- 27132640
TI  - [Thyroid nodules - how to proceed?].
AB  - Asymptomatic thyroid nodules are very common and detected with increasing
      frequency by radiological investigations of the neck as so-called
      "incidentalomas". If a thyroid nodule is found, the question arises how to
      proceed with this case. The goal is to recognize the very rare malignant nodules
      and to perform an adequate therapy. Every work-up of a thyroid nodule includes
      functional evaluation by determination of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Is
      the level of the hormone suppressed, a scintigraphy is indicated to rule out a
      hot thyroid nodule implying a benign finding. Ultrasound is the imaging of choice
      for the thyroid gland and provides information with respect to size, number and
      configuration of the nodes. Depending on sonographic evaluation and other
      possible risk factors, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the node is performed.
      Based on the cytologic findings further therapeutic procedures are determined.

PMID- 27132641
TI  - [Conservative and surgical rehabilitation of hearing loss].
AB  - According to WHO 360 million people are hard of hearing. Hearing disorders are
      not only seen in elderly but also in children. Clinically we differentiate
      between hearing disorders concerning the transmission of sound from the outer ear
      to the cochlea (conductive hearing loss) and disorders with reduced sound
      perception concerning the inner ear an related structures (sensorineural hearing
      loss). This article summarizes common surgical and technical possibilities for
      rehabilitation. For each pathology we graphically illustrate the generic working
      principle of the rehabilitation including the indication range in an exemplary
      audiogram.

PMID- 27132642
TI  - [Diagnosis and Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome].
AB  - Sleep-related breathing disorders range from habitual snoring to severe
      obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The prevalence of habitual snoring is high and
      up to 60 % depending on age, sex and body weight. However, in contrast to
      habitual snoring obstructive sleep apnea syndrome may be associated with medical
      complications. The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is 2 - 5 % of the adult
      population. The article presents an overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic
      options. Continous positiv pressure therapy (CPAP) is the standard treatment for
      obstructive sleep apnea. However, long-term compliance of CPAP therapy is
      limited. Alternative therapeutic possibilities are presented and discussed.

PMID- 27132643
TI  - [Long-term sequelae after chemoradiation in head neck tumors].
AB  - The most common type of head and neck tumors are squamous cell cancer of the
      pharynx, the oral cavity and the larynx. These tumors can be treated by primary
      radio(chemo)therapy or surgery as well as a combination of both modalities
      depending on the site and extent of disease. This article will outline the recent
      developments in radiation therapy and give an overview of the potential long-term
      sequelae and their influencing factors.

PMID- 27132644
TI  - [Olfactory disorders - history, classification and implications].
AB  - Smell disorders are common and can be found in 3 - 5 % of the population under 65
      years. With growing age these numbers increase up to 50 % and more. Qualitative
      disorders which cannot be measured are differentiated from quantitative
      disorders. Self-assessment of olfactory function is rather poor therefore
      olfactory testing is mandatory in cases of patients complaining about an
      olfactory disorder. Olfactory screening smell tests are available for
      orientation, however, for detailed testing or in cases of a pathological
      screening test an extensive psychophysical olfactory test battery such as the
      Sniffin' Sticks Test battery should be used. According to the result of the test
      battery olfactory function can be qualified as norm, hyp- or anosmic.
      Additionally, in cases of medicolegal questions, olfactory evoked potentials can
      be recorded. Smell disorders are classified according to the history, clinical
      and endoscopic examination of the nose. Imaging techniques such as magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) or computertomography may contribute to classify the
      disorder. Sinunasal olfactory disorders are considered to be the most common
      ones. If the etiology remains unclear a neurological examination has to be
      performed in order to rule out a concomitant neurodegenerative disease. Olfactory
      disorders in the elderly might have to be considered as a sign of a reduced
      regeneration capacity in general being depicted in an increase in overall
      mortality in affected subjects.

PMID- 27132646
TI  - A Message from the Guest Editor.

PMID- 27132645
TI  - Beyond engagement in working with children in eight Nairobi slums to address
      safety, security, and housing: Digital tools for policy and community dialogue.
AB  - This article studies the ways in which researchers working in the area of health
      and social research and using participatory visual methods might extend the reach
      of participant-generated creations such as photos and drawings to engage
      community leaders and policy-makers. Framed as going 'beyond engagement', the
      article explores the idea of the production of researcher-led digital dialogue
      tools, focusing on one example, based on a series of visual arts-based workshops
      with children from eight slums in Nairobi addressing issues of safety, security,
      and well-being in relation to housing. The authors conclude that there is a need
      for researchers to embark upon the use of visual tools to expand the life and use
      of visual productions, and in particular to ensure meaningful participation of
      communities in social change.

PMID- 27132647
TI  - Mental slowness in patients with Parkinson's disease: Associations with cognitive
      functions?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Motor slowness (bradykinesia) is a core feature of Parkinson's
      disease (PD). It is often assumed that patients show mental slowness
      (bradyphrenia) as well; however, evidence for this is debated. The aims of this
      study were to determine whether PD patients show mental slowness apart from motor
      slowness and, if this is the case, to what extent this affects their performance
      on neuropsychological tests of attention, memory, and executive functions (EF).
      METHOD: Fifty-five nondemented PD patients and 65 healthy controls were assessed
      with a simple information-processing task in which reaction and motor times could
      be separated. In addition, all patients and a second control group (N = 138) were
      assessed with neuropsychological tests of attention, memory, and EF. RESULTS:
      While PD patients showed significantly longer reaction times than healthy
      controls, their motor times were not significantly longer. Reaction and motor
      times were only moderately correlated and were not related to clinical measures
      of disease severity. PD patients performed significantly worse on tests of
      attention and EF, and for the majority of neuropsychological tests 11-51% of the
      patients showed a clinically impaired performance. Reaction times did not,
      however, predict patients' test performance, while motor times were found to have
      a significant negative influence on tests of attention. CONCLUSIONS: PD patients
      show mental slowness, which can be separated from motor slowness.
      Neuropsychological test performance is not influenced by mental slowness;
      however, motor slowness can have a negative impact. When interpreting
      neuropsychological test performance of PD patients in clinical practice, motor
      slowness needs to be taken into account.

PMID- 27132648
TI  - Sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification with eggshell for nitrate-contaminated
      synthetic groundwater treatment.
AB  - Eggshell is considered to be a waste and a significant quantity of eggshell waste
      is generated from food processing, baking and hatching industries. In this study,
      the effect of different sulfur/eggshell (w/w) ratios and temperatures was
      investigated to evaluate the feasibility of the sulfur-based autotrophic
      denitrification with eggshell (SADE) process for nitrate removal. The results
      showed eggshell can maintain a neutral condition in a range of pH 7.05-7.74 in
      the SADE process, and remove 97% of nitrate in synthetic groundwater. Compared
      with oyster shell and limestone, eggshell was found to be a desirable alkaline
      material for sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification (SAD) with no nitrite
      accumulation and insignificant sulfate production. Denitrification reaction was
      found to follow the first-order kinetic models (R(2) > .9) having nitrate removal
      rate constants of 0.85 and 0.93 d(-1) for raw eggshell and boiled eggshell,
      respectively. Sulfur/eggshell ratio of 2:3 provided the best efficiency on
      nitrate removal. Nitrate was removed completely by the SADE process at a low
      temperature of 15 degrees C. Eggshell could be used for the SAD process due to
      its good effect for nitrate removal from groundwater. 

PMID- 27132649
TI  - Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Flooding-Tolerance Mechanism in Mutant and
      Abscisic Acid-Treated Soybean.
AB  - Flooding negatively affects the growth of soybean, and several flooding-specific
      stress responses have been identified; however, the mechanisms underlying
      flooding tolerance in soybean remain unclear. To explore the initial flooding
      tolerance mechanisms in soybean, flooding-tolerant mutant and abscisic acid (ABA)
      treated plants were analyzed. In the mutant and ABA-treated soybeans, 146
      proteins were commonly changed at the initial flooding stress. Among the
      identified proteins, protein synthesis-related proteins, including nascent
      polypeptide-associated complex and chaperonin 20, and RNA regulation-related
      proteins were increased in abundance both at protein and mRNA expression.
      However, these proteins identified at the initial flooding stress were not
      significantly changed during survival stages under continuous flooding. Cluster
      analysis indicated that glycolysis- and cell wall-related proteins, such as
      enolase and polygalacturonase inhibiting protein, were increased in abundance
      during survival stages. Furthermore, lignification of root tissue was improved
      even under flooding stress. Taken together, these results suggest that protein
      synthesis- and RNA regulation-related proteins play a key role in triggering
      tolerance to the initial flooding stress in soybean. Furthermore, the integrity
      of cell wall and balance of glycolysis might be important factors for promoting
      tolerance of soybean root to flooding stress during survival stages.

PMID- 27132650
TI  - Investigation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression in
      hypothalamus of obese rats: Modulation by omega-3 fatty acids.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was investigating the effect of omega-3 fatty
      acids (omega-3 FAs) on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression,
      using in vivo and in vitro models, to unravel the potential mechanisms of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids use in obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine
      Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups; lean controls fed normal chow
      diet for 14 weeks, obese controls fed 60% of their diet as saturated fats for 14
      weeks, and omega-3 FAs-treated rats fed 60% saturated fat diet for 14 weeks with
      concomitant oral administration of 400 mg/kg/day omega-3 FAs, mainly
      docosahexaenoic acid and EPA, from week 12 to week 14. For the in vitro
      experiment, hypothalamic cells from six obese rats were cultured in the presence
      of different concentrations of omega-3 FAs to determine its direct effect on BDNF
      expression. RESULTS: In vivo results showed that obesity has negative effect on
      BDNF gene expression in rat hypothalamus that was reversed by administration of
      omega-3 FAs. Obese rats showed hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia,
      normoinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and hyperleptinemia. Treatment with omega-3 FAs
      showed significant decrease in serum total cholesterol and TAG. Also serum
      glucose level and HOMA index were decreased significantly. In vitro results
      demonstrated the increase in BDNF expression by omega-3 FAs in a dose-dependent
      manner. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity causes down-regulation of BDNF gene expression that
      can be reversed by omega-3 FAs treatment, making them an interesting treatment
      approach for obesity and metabolic disease.

PMID- 27132651
TI  - Rebuttal to "The Permeation of Cork Revisited".

PMID- 27132652
TI  - The NF-kappaB family: Key players during embryonic development and HSC emergence.
AB  - The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) family is a crucial transcription factor
      group known mainly for its role in the regulation of the immune system and its
      response to infection in vertebrates. The signaling pathway leading to NF-kappaB
      activation and translocation to the nucleus to exert its function as a
      transcription factor is well conserved among Kingdom Animalia, which has helped
      to elucidate other roles that NF-kappaB plays in other biological contexts such
      as developmental biology. The manipulation of NF-kappaB members in a diverse
      range of animal models results in severe developmental defects during
      embryogenesis, very often leading to embryonic lethality. Defects include dorsal
      ventral patterning and limb, liver, skin, lung, neural, notochord, muscle,
      skeletal, and hematopoietic defects. Here, we recapitulate the research that has
      been done to address the role that NF-kappaB plays during embryonic development,
      in particular to emphasize its recently discovered role in the specification of
      hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the foundation of the hematopoietic system in
      vertebrates.

PMID- 27132653
TI  - Limb-kinetic apraxia affects activities of daily living in Parkinson's disease: a
      multi-center study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Impaired dexterity (fine hand movements) is often present
      in Parkinson's disease (PD), even at early to moderate disease stages. It has a
      detrimental impact on activities of daily living (ADL) such as buttoning,
      contributing to reduced quality of life. Limb-kinetic apraxia, a loss of the
      ability to make precise, independent but coordinated finger and hand movements,
      may contribute to impaired dexterity even more than bradykinesia per se. However,
      the impact of limb-kinetic apraxia on ADL remains controversial. Our aim was to
      identify the strongest predictor of buttoning and unbuttoning in PD. It was
      hypothesized that coin rotation (a surrogate of limb-kinetic apraxia) represents
      the most important determinant. METHODS: Sixty-four right-handed, early to
      moderate PD patients were recruited from three movement disorder centers (Hoehn
      andYahr stages 1-3). Buttoning, unbuttoning and coin rotation (right and left
      hand) represented the target tasks. Motor impairment was assessed according to
      the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression
      analysis showed that coin rotation with the right hand was the only significant
      predictor of buttoning (P < 0.001) and unbuttoning (P = 0.002). Notably, measures
      of bradykinesia or overall motor impairment did not represent significant
      predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Constituting the novel key finding, limb-kinetic apraxia
      seems to be particularly relevant for ADL requiring dexterity skills in PD, even
      at early to moderate disease stages. Our results prompt research into the
      pathophysiological background and therapeutic options to treat limb-kinetic
      apraxia. The simple coin rotation test provides valuable information about ADL
      related dexterity skills.

PMID- 27132654
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of palliative surgery versus nonsurgical procedures in
      gastrointestinal cancer patients.
AB  - Palliative care is an essential component to multidisciplinary cancer care.
      Improved symptom control, quality of life (QOL), and survival have resulted from
      its utilization. Cost-effectiveness and utility analyses are significant
      variables that should be considered in comparing benefits and costs of medical
      interventions to determine if certain treatments are economically justified. This
      is a review on the cost-effectiveness of palliative surgery compared to other
      nonsurgical palliative procedures in patients with unresectable gastrointestinal
      cancers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:316-322. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27132655
TI  - Fractal-like kinetics of the solid-state anaerobic digestion.
AB  - Total solid content (TS) negatively impacts the methane production efficiency
      (MPE) of solid-state anaerobic digestion (SS-AD), to which the classic mass
      action-based kinetics failed to provide a unified explanation. This study
      revealed that SS-AD reactions actually follow the fractal-like kinetics in light
      of the surface reactions in crowded SS-AD environment packed with heterogeneous
      media. The fractal characteristics of the SS-AD kinetics were found increasingly
      pronounced as TS increased. This study represents the first attempt to resolve
      the dilemma in SS-AD kinetics with the application of fractal theory. Employing
      this new concept allows explaining the reduced MPE at high TS and offers an easy
      assessment of the fractal characteristics of the SS-AD media. 

PMID- 27132656
TI  - Health expenditure and catastrophic spending among older adults living with HIV.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The burden of HIV is increasing among adults aged over 50, who
      generally experience increased risk of cormorbid illnesses and poorer financial
      protection. We compared patterns of health utilisation and expenditure among HIV
      positive and HIV-negative adults over 50. METHODS: Data were drawn from the Study
      on global AGEing and adult health in South Africa with analysis focusing on
      individual and household-level data of 147 HIV-positive and 2725 HIV-negative
      respondents. RESULTS: HIV-positive respondents reported lower utilisation of
      private health-care facilities (11.8%) than HIV-negative respondents (25.0%) (p =
      .03) and generally had more negative attitudes towards health system
      responsiveness than HIV-negative counterparts. Less than 10% of HIV-positive and
      HIV-negative respondents experienced catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). Women
      (OR 1.8; p < .001) and respondents from rural settings (OR 2.9; p < .01) had
      higher odds of CHE than men or respondents in urban settings. Over half the
      respondents in both groups indicated that they had received free health care.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that although HIV-positive and HIV-negative
      older adults in South Africa are protected to some extent from CHE, inequalities
      still exist in access to and quality of care available at health-care services -
      which can inform South Africa's development of a national health insurance
      scheme.

PMID- 27132684
TI  - Alterations in the cardiac proteome of the spontaneously hypertensive rat induced
      by transgenic expression of CD36.
AB  - Fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) plays an important role in fatty acid uptake by
      different cell types and may also participate in regulation of calcium
      homeostasis and eicosanoid production. CD36 deficiency or polymorphisms in the
      CD36 gene are linked to some physiological irregularities. It is known that the
      expression of FAT/CD36 is aberrant in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR),
      one of the most widely studied rat strains in cardiovascular research. In this
      work, we compared the cardiac proteome of SHR and transgenic SHR-Cd36 rats, who
      carry a copy of the wild type CD36 gene. Protein expression profiling was based
      on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry
      and label-free LC/MS. These two complementary proteomic approaches allowed us to
      investigate proteome differences in the left and right heart ventricles of SHR
      and SHR-Cd36 rats. In total, we identified 26 differently expressed myocardial
      proteins, out of which 18 were found in the right ventricles and 8 in the left
      ventricles. Besides that, we determined a great number of proteins uniquely
      expressed either in the left or right ventricles. These data indicate a large
      qualitative disparity between the left and right ventricles. Genetic
      manipulations may affect different proteins in both heart ventricles. Biological
      significance: This is the first report revealing a relatively broad impact of
      transgenic expression of CD36 on the heart at the proteome level. Comparison of
      the protein profiles in both the left and right ventricles revealed differences
      in several proteins involved especially in energy metabolism. The observed
      downregulation of the respiratory chain enzymes in transgenic SHR-Cd36 rats may
      suggest a shift in regulation of energy metabolism due to expression of fatty
      acid translocase FAT/CD36. This study highlights the important role of cardiac
      tissue proteomic profiling for mapping of proteins which might be altered by
      targeted genetic manipulations.

PMID- 27132686
TI  - Corrigendum to "Public transit generates new physical activity: Evidence from
      individual GPS and accelerometer data before and after light rail construction in
      a neighborhood of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA" [Health Place 36 (2015) 8-17].

PMID- 27132685
TI  - Data Independent Acquisition analysis in ProHits 4.0.
AB  - : Affinity purification coupled with mass spectrometry (AP-MS) is a powerful
      technique for the identification and quantification of physical interactions. AP
      MS requires careful experimental design, appropriate control selection and
      quantitative workflows to successfully identify bona fide interactors amongst a
      large background of contaminants. We previously introduced ProHits, a Laboratory
      Information Management System for interaction proteomics, which tracks all
      samples in a mass spectrometry facility, initiates database searches and provides
      visualization tools for spectral counting-based AP-MS approaches. More recently,
      we implemented Significance Analysis of INTeractome (SAINT) within ProHits to
      provide scoring of interactions based on spectral counts. Here, we provide an
      update to ProHits to support Data Independent Acquisition (DIA) with
      identification software (DIA-Umpire and MSPLIT-DIA), quantification tools
      (through DIA-Umpire, or externally via targeted extraction), and assessment of
      quantitative enrichment (through mapDIA) and scoring of interactions (through
      SAINT-intensity). With additional improvements, notably support of the iProphet
      pipeline, facilitated deposition into ProteomeXchange repositories and enhanced
      export and viewing functions, ProHits 4.0 offers a comprehensive suite of tools
      to facilitate affinity proteomics studies. SIGNIFICANCE: It remains challenging
      to score, annotate and analyze proteomics data in a transparent manner. ProHits
      was previously introduced as a LIMS to enable storing, tracking and analysis of
      standard AP-MS data. In this revised version, we expand ProHits to include
      integration with a number of identification and quantification tools based on
      Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA). ProHits 4.0 also facilitates data deposition
      into public repositories, and the transfer of data to new visualization tools.

PMID- 27132687
TI  - The double burden of neoliberalism? Noncommunicable disease policies and the
      global political economy of risk.
AB  - The growing prevalence of NCDs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is now
      recognized as one of the major global health policy issues of the early 21st
      century. Current official approaches reflect ambivalence about how health policy
      should approach the social determinants of health identified by the WHO
      Commission on the topic that released its report in 2008, and in particular the
      role of macro-scale economic and social processes. Authoritative framing of
      options for NCD prevention in advance of the September, 2011 UN high-level
      meeting on NCDs arguably relied on a selective reading of the scientific
      (including social scientific) evidence, and foregrounded a limited number of risk
      factors defined in terms of individual behavior: tobacco use, unhealthy diet,
      alcohol (ab)use and physical inactivity. The effect was to reproduce at a
      transnational level the individualization of responsibility for health that
      characterizes most health promotion initiatives in high-income countries,
      ignoring both the limited control that many people have over their exposure to
      these risk factors and the contribution of macro-scale processes like trade
      liberalization and the marketing activities of transnational corporations to the
      global burden of NCDs. An alternative perspective focuses on "the inequitable
      distribution of power, money, and resources" described by the WHO Commission, and
      the ways in which policies that address those inequities can avoid unintentional
      incorporation of neoliberal constructions of risk and responsibility.

PMID- 27132688
TI  - Hypermethylation of HLA-C may be an epigenetic marker in psoriasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no published studies that describe the DNA methylation of
      human leukocyte antigen class I molecules in psoriasis despite the fact that
      their association to disease has been known for several decades. OBJECTIVE: we
      investigated the methylation status of HLA-A, -B and -C loci in psoriatic
      epidermis. METHODS: The DNA and RNA specimens were obtained from the involved and
      uninvoled epidermis of 56 patients with plaque psoriasis and 28 healthy persons
      as the control group. Methylation of HLA was examined by MSP and Bisulfite
      sequencing. HLA-C mRNA expression was examined by Q-PCR. The severity of disease
      was evaluated by psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). RESULTS: In psoriatic
      lesions and psoriatic non-lesions, the percentage of promoter methylation for HLA
      B was 3.57% (2/56) and 3.57% (2/56), while it was 14.28% (8/56) and 23.21%
      (13/56) for HLA-C, respectively. Methylation of HLA-A was not be detected in both
      psoriatic lesions and non-lesions. Methylation of HLA-A, -B and -C loci was not
      found in healthy controls. The frequency of promoter methylation for HLA-C in the
      psoriatic epidermis was significantly increased compared with healthy controls
      (p<0.05). Interestingly, there was no significant difference in HLA-C methylation
      between psoriatic lesions and non-lesions (chi(2)=1.465, p=0.167), which was
      further confirmed by using bisulfite sequencing (t=1.958, p=0.055). HLA-C
      methylation was not found in healthy controls. The mean methylation rate of HLA-C
      in psoriatic lesions is relative to PASI score (r=0.316, p=0.018). The mean
      methylation rate of HLA-C in psoriatic lesions and non-lesions of the patients
      (onset age <=18 years) are higher than the other patients, respectively (t=6.884,
      p<0.001; t=6.551, p<0.001). The mean HLA-C mRNA expression was significantly
      higher in psoriatic non-lesions than normal skin (t=2.895, p=0.005), while there
      is no significant difference between psoriatic lesions and non-lesions (t=1.966,
      p=0.054). The mean value of HLA-C mRNA expression is not relative to the promoter
      methylation of HLA-C in psoriatic lesions and non-lesions, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: We first demonstrate hypermethylation of HLA-C gene in psoriatic
      epidermis, suggesting that HLA-C hypermethylation may be an epigenetic marker in
      psoriasis.

PMID- 27132689
TI  - Inter-rater reliability of the German version of the Nurses' Global Assessment of
      Suicide Risk scale.
AB  - In comparison to the general population, the suicide rates of psychiatric
      inpatient populations in Germany and Switzerland are very high. An important
      preventive contribution to the lowering of the suicide rates in mental health
      care is to ensure that the risk of suicide of psychiatric inpatients is assessed
      as accurately as possible. While risk-assessment instruments can serve an
      important function in determining such risk, very few have been translated to
      German. Therefore, in the present study, we reported on the German version of
      Nurses' Global Assessment of Suicide Risk (NGASR) scale. After translating the
      original instrument into German and pretesting the German version, we tested the
      inter-rater reliability of the instrument. Twelve video case studies were
      evaluated by 13 raters with the NGASR scale in a 'laboratory' trial. In each
      case, the observer's agreement was calculated for the single items, the overall
      scale, the risk levels, and the sum scores. The statistical data analysis was
      conducted with kappa and AC1 statistics for dichotomous (items, scale) scales. A
      high-to-very high observers' agreement (AC1: 0.62-1.00, kappa: 0.00-1.00) was
      determined for 16 items of the German version of the NGASR scale. We conclude
      that the German version of the NGASR scale is a reliable instrument for
      evaluating risk factors for suicide. A reliable application in the clinical
      practise appears to be enhanced by training in the use of the instrument and the
      right implementation instructions. 

PMID- 27132690
TI  - Straying from the target.

PMID- 27132691
TI  - Defining optimal initial therapy for primary CNS lymphoma.

PMID- 27132692
TI  - Edoxaban in the secondary prevention of VTE.

PMID- 27132693
TI  - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: gaining knowledge.

PMID- 27132694
TI  - Is complete remission key in elderly patients with AML?

PMID- 27132695
TI  - 42nd Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

PMID- 27132696
TI  - Chemoimmunotherapy with methotrexate, cytarabine, thiotepa, and rituximab (MATRix
      regimen) in patients with primary CNS lymphoma: results of the first
      randomisation of the International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group-32 (IELSG32)
      phase 2 trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Standard treatment for patients with primary CNS lymphoma remains to
      be defined. Active therapies are often associated with increased risk of
      haematological or neurological toxicity. In this trial, we addressed the
      tolerability and efficacy of adding rituximab with or without thiotepa to
      methotrexate-cytarabine combination therapy (the MATRix regimen), followed by a
      second randomisation comparing consolidation with whole-brain radiotherapy or
      autologous stem cell transplantation in patients with primary CNS lymphoma. We
      report the results of the first randomisation in this Article. METHODS: For the
      international randomised phase 2 International Extranodal Lymphoma Study Group-32
      (IELSG32) trial, HIV-negative patients (aged 18-70 years) with newly diagnosed
      primary CNS lymphoma and measurable disease were enrolled from 53 cancer centres
      in five European countries (Denmark, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and the UK) and
      randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive four courses of methotrexate 3.5 g/m(2) on
      day 1 plus cytarabine 2 g/m(2) twice daily on days 2 and 3 (group A); or the same
      combination plus two doses of rituximab 375 mg/m(2) on days -5 and 0 (group B);
      or the same methotrexate-cytarabine-rituximab combination plus thiotepa 30
      mg/m(2) on day 4 (group C), with the three groups repeating treatment every 3
      weeks. Patients with responsive or stable disease after the first stage were then
      randomly allocated between whole-brain radiotherapy and autologous stem cell
      transplantation. A permuted blocks randomised design (block size four) was used
      for both randomisations, and a computer-generated randomisation list was used
      within each stratum to preserve allocation concealment. Randomisation was
      stratified by IELSG risk score (low vs intermediate vs high). No masking after
      assignment to intervention was used. The primary endpoint of the first
      randomisation was the complete remission rate, analysed by modified intention to
      treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01011920.
      FINDINGS: Between Feb 19, 2010, and Aug 27, 2014, 227 eligible patients were
      recruited. 219 of these 227 enrolled patients were assessable. At median follow
      up of 30 months (IQR 22-38), patients treated with rituximab and thiotepa had a
      complete remission rate of 49% (95% CI 38-60), compared with 23% (14-31) of those
      treated with methotrexate-cytarabine alone (hazard ratio 0.46, 95% CI 0.28-0.74)
      and 30% (21-42) of those treated with methotrexate-cytarabine plus rituximab
      (0.61, 0.40-0.94). Grade 4 haematological toxicity was more frequent in patients
      treated with methotrexate-cytarabine plus rituximab and thiotepa, but infective
      complications were similar in the three groups. The most common grade 3-4 adverse
      events in all three groups were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia, and
      febrile neutropenia or infections. 13 (6%) patients died of toxicity.
      INTERPRETATION: With the limitations of a randomised phase 2 study design, the
      IELSG32 trial provides a high level of evidence supporting the use of MATRix
      combination as the new standard chemoimmunotherapy for patients aged up to 70
      years with newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma and as the control group for
      future randomised trials. FUNDING: Associazione Italiana del Farmaco, Cancer
      Research UK, Oncosuisse, and Swiss National Foundation.

PMID- 27132697
TI  - Extended duration of anticoagulation with edoxaban in patients with venous
      thromboembolism: a post-hoc analysis of the Hokusai-VTE study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few data on the relative efficacy and safety of direct oral
      anticoagulants, such as edoxaban, compared with vitamin K antagonists during
      extended therapy for venous thromboembolism. This analysis evaluates the risk
      benefit of extended treatment for up to 12 months with edoxaban compared with
      warfarin among patients enrolled in the Hokusai-VTE study who continued therapy
      beyond 3 months. METHODS: The Hokusai-VTE trial (NCT00986154) was a randomised,
      double-blind, event driven non-inferiority trial in 8292 patients comparing
      edoxaban with warfarin in the treatment of patients with acute venous
      thromboembolism. All patients were treated for at least 3 months and treatment
      was continued for up to 12 months. The outcomes at 12 months were documented in
      all patients irrespective of treatment duration. 3633 patients treated with
      edoxaban and 3594 treated with warfarin who completed 3 months of treatment were
      eligible for this analysis. The primary efficacy outcome was the incidence of
      adjudicated symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism evaluated for each of
      the time intervals of 3 months, greater than 3 months to 6 months, greater than 6
      months to less than 12 months, and at 12 months, as well as the cumulative
      incidence occurring between 3 and 12 months. The principal safety outcome was the
      incidence of clinically relevant bleeding (composite of major or clinically
      relevant non-major bleeding). Both on-treatment and intention-to-treat analyses
      were done. FINDINGS: In the on-treatment analysis, the incidence of recurrent
      venous thromboembolism at 3 months was 1.1% (0.8-1.4; 44 of 4118 patients) in the
      edoxaban-treated group versus 1.2% (0.9-1.6; 51 of 4122) in the warfarin-treated
      group; between greater than 3 months and 6 months, 0.7% (0.3-1.5; eight of 1076)
      versus 0.5% (0.2-1.1; five of 1084); between greater than 6 months and less than
      12 months, 0.2% (0.0-0.8; two of 896) versus 0.8% (0.03-1.7; seven of 851); and
      at 12 months, <0.1% (0.0-0.3; one of 1661) versus 0.1% (0.0-0.4; two of 1659). In
      the on-treatment analysis, the cumulative incidence of recurrent venous
      thromboembolism between 3 and 12 months was 0.3% (95% CI 0.2-1.5; 11 of 3633
      patients) in the edoxaban-treated group and 0.4% (0.2-1.7; 14 of 3594) in the
      warfarin-treated group (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.36-1.72). The cumulative incidence of
      clinically relevant bleeding (major or non-major) between 3 and 12 months was
      3.9% (95% CI 3.3-4.6; 143 of 3633 patients) in the edoxaban-treated group and
      4.1% (3.5-4.8; 147 of 3594 patients) in the warfarin-treated group (HR 0.97, 95%
      CI 0.77-1.22); cumulative incidence of major bleeding was 0.3% (95% CI 0.2-0.5;
      11 of 3633 patients) in the edoxaban-treated group and 0.7% (0.4-1.0; 24 of 3594
      patients) in the warfarin-treated group (HR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22-0.92). Similar
      results were obtained in the intention-to-treat analysis. INTERPRETATION:
      Extended treatment with edoxaban is effective and associated with less major
      bleeding than warfarin. Edoxaban once daily provides an attractive alternative to
      warfarin for patients with venous thromboembolism who require extended treatment
      for prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism. FUNDING: Daiichi Sankyo.

PMID- 27132698
TI  - Epidemiology and pathophysiology of adulthood-onset thrombotic microangiopathy
      with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura): a cross
      sectional analysis of the French national registry for thrombotic
      microangiopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a thrombotic microangiopathy
      related to a severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease
      with thrombospondin type 1 repeats, member 13; activity <10%). We aimed to
      investigate the association between mechanisms for ADAMTS13 deficiency and the
      epidemiology and pathophysiology of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura at
      initial presentation. METHODS: Between Jan 1, 1999, and Dec 31, 2013, we did a
      cross-sectional analysis of the French national registry for thrombotic
      microangiopathy to identify all patients with adult-onset thrombotic
      microangiopathy (first episode after age 18 years) who had severe ADAMTS13
      deficiency at presentation. ADAMTS13 activity, anti-ADAMTS13 IgG, and ADAMTS13
      gene mutations were investigated by a central laboratory. We collected patients'
      clinical data for correlation with their ADAMTS13 phenotype and genotype. We used
      logistic regression analysis to identify variables significantly associated with
      idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, as measured by estimated odds
      ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov,
      number NCT00426686. FINDINGS: We enrolled 939 patients with adult-onset
      thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, of whom 772 (82%) patients had available
      data and samples at presentation and comprised the cohort of interest. The
      prevalence of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in France was 13 cases per
      million people. At presentation, 378 (49%) patients had idiopathic thrombotic
      thrombocytopenic purpura, whereas 394 (51%) patients had disease associated with
      miscellaneous clinical situations (infections, autoimmunity, pregnancy, cancer,
      organ transplantation, and drugs). Pathophysiologically, three distinct forms of
      thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura were observed: 585 (75%) patients had
      autoimmune disease with anti-ADAMTS13 IgG, 166 (22%) patients had acquired
      disease of unknown cause and 21 (3%) patients had inherited disease (Upshaw
      Schulman syndrome) with mutations of the ADAMTS13 gene. Idiopathic thrombotic
      thrombocytopenic purpura were mainly autoimmune (345 [91%] cases), whereas non
      idiopathic diseases were heterogeneous, including a high rate of unexplained
      mechanisms for ADAMTS13 deficiency (133 [34%] cases). Obstetrical thrombotic
      thrombocytopenic purpura cases (n=62) were specifically remarkable because of the
      high rate of patients with Upshaw-Schulman syndrome (21 [34%] patients).
      INTERPRETATION: Our study shows that thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a
      heterogeneous syndrome, and that features of the disease at presentation are
      strongly associated with the mechanisms of ADAMTS13 deficiency. In addition to
      mechanistic insight, our findings could have implications for the initial
      therapeutic management of patients with this disorder. FUNDING: Assistance
      Publique-Hopitaux de Paris.

PMID- 27132699
TI  - Red blood cell processing methods and in-hospital mortality: a transfusion
      registry cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality of red blood cells (RBCs) varies depending on the method of
      processing the whole blood donation, and the method of processing might affect
      outcomes in patients transfused RBCs. We aimed to establish whether an
      association exists between in-hospital mortality and RBC processing method and
      duration of storage. METHODS: We did a retrospective registry cohort study using
      data from three acute care hospitals in Hamilton, ON, Canada, and Canadian Blood
      Services over a 6-year period (2008-14). Adult patients (>=18 years) who were
      admitted to hospital and who received RBC transfusions were included in the
      study. All transfused RBCs were characterised by the method of processing (red
      cell filtered or whole blood filtered) and storage age (fresh 1-7 days, mid 8-35
      days, and old 36-42 days). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We used
      Cox proportional hazards regression with time-dependent stratification variables
      and fixed stratification variables, and controlled for patient covariates.
      FINDINGS: Between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2014, 91 065 RBC transfusions were
      given to 23 634 adults who were included in the analyses. When storage duration
      was included in the model, in-hospital mortality was significantly increased with
      fresh whole blood filtered units compared with the reference group of mid-age red
      cell filtered units (hazard ratio 2.19, 95% CI 1.09-4.42; p=0.033). Differences
      between other age and processing categories were not significant. INTERPRETATION:
      The potential effect of whole blood processing methods on patient outcomes is
      worthy of further investigation, since adverse outcomes could be reduced by minor
      changes to blood processing methods and inventory management policies. FUNDING:
      Canadian Blood Services, Health Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health
      Research.

PMID- 27132700
TI  - Assume nothing! Staphylococcus aureus resistance to daptomycin may occur in
      patients not previously exposed to daptomycin or glycopeptides.

PMID- 27132701
TI  - Sleep Tracking, Wearable Technology, and Opportunities for Research and Clinical
      Care.
AB  - Consumer-driven sleep-tracking technologies are becoming increasingly popular
      with patients with sleep disorders and the general population. As the list of
      sleep-tracking technologies continues to grow, clinicians and researchers are
      faced with new challenges and opportunities to incorporate these technologies
      into current practice. We review diagnostic tools used in sleep medicine clinical
      practice, discuss categories of consumer sleep-tracking technologies currently
      available, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of each. Potential uses
      of consumer sleep-tracking technologies to enhance sleep medicine patient care
      and research are also discussed.

PMID- 27132702
TI  - Variation in Warfarin Use at Hospital Discharge After Isolated Bioprosthetic
      Mitral Valve Replacement: An Analysis of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult
      Cardiac Surgery Database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anticoagulation with warfarin following bioprosthetic mitral valve
      replacement (BMVR) is recommended by multiple practice guidelines. We assessed
      practice variability and patient characteristics associated with warfarin
      prescription following BMVR. METHODS: We analyzed 7,637 patients in the Society
      of Thoracic Surgeons Database (January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011) who were
      discharged following isolated primary nonemergent BMVR. Patients requiring
      preoperative warfarin, those with preoperative atrial fibrillation, or those with
      a contraindication to warfarin were excluded. The association between patient,
      hospital, and surgeon characteristics and warfarin prescription were evaluated.
      RESULTS: Fifty-eight percent of this cohort (median age, 66 years; female sex,
      58.7%) was prescribed warfarin. Patients receiving warfarin were older (67 vs 65
      years; P < .0001), were less likely to have had preoperative stroke (9.3% vs
      12.1%; P < .001), CHF (51.4% vs 54.1%; P < .02), or dialysis (4.9% vs 9.0%; P <
      0.001), and had a longer postoperative length of stay (8.0 vs 7.0 days; P <
      0.01). Warfarin was prescribed less often for patients with postoperative GI
      events (44.4% vs 55.6%; P < .001) but more often for patients with postoperative
      myocardial infarction (75.8% vs 24.2%; P < .001) or new atrial fibrillation (68%
      vs 32%; P < .001) and those requiring blood transfusions intraoperatively (55.7%
      vs 44.3%; P < .001) or postoperatively (57% vs 43%; P < .03). Similar rates of
      warfarin prescription were observed in patients requiring reoperation for
      bleeding (54.9% vs 45.1%; P = .20) and those with postoperative stroke (53.6 % vs
      46.4 %; P = .30). After adjusting for patient characteristics, significant
      surgeon and hospital variation in warfarin prescription at hospitals was
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although patient characteristics and postoperative events
      may be associated with the prescription of warfarin following BMVR, substantial
      surgeon and hospital variability remains. This variability largely ignores the
      established practice guidelines and warrants further study to define the optimal
      anticoagulation strategy in patients undergoing BMVR.

PMID- 27132703
TI  - Impact of Acute Changes in CPAP Flow Route in Sleep Apnea Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CPAP is the gold standard treatment for OSA and was conceived to be
      applied through a nasal interface. This study was designed to determine the acute
      effects of changing the nasal CPAP route to oronasal and oral in upper airway
      patency during sleep in patients with OSA. We hypothesized that the oronasal
      route may compromise CPAP's effectiveness in treating OSA. METHODS: Eighteen
      patients (mean +/- SD age, 44 +/- 9 years; BMI, 33.8 +/- 4.7 kg/m2; apnea
      hypopnea index, 49.0 +/- 39.1 events/hour) slept with a customized oronasal mask
      with nasal and oral sealed compartments connected to a multidirectional valve.
      Sleep was monitored by using full polysomnography and induced by low doses of
      midazolam. Nasal CPAP was titrated up to holding pressure. Flow route was acutely
      changed to the oronasal (n = 18) and oral route (n = 16) during sleep.
      Retroglossal area was continuously observed by using nasoendoscopy. RESULTS:
      Nasal CPAP (14.8 +/- 4.1 cm H2O) was able to stabilize breathing in all patients.
      In contrast, CPAP delivered by the oronasal and oral routes promoted obstructive
      events in 12 (66.7%) and 14 (87.5%) patients, respectively. Compared with stable
      breathing during the nasal route, there was a significant and progressive
      reduction in the distance between the epiglottis and tongue base and the
      retroglossal area when CPAP was delivered by the oronasal and oral routes.
      CONCLUSIONS: CPAP delivered through the oronasal route may compromise CPAP's
      effectiveness in treating OSA.

PMID- 27132704
TI  - Impact of a health education tool on enhancing communication between health
      providers and parents of neonates in intensive care in Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Admission of an infant to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is
      a stressful experience for parents. Parents' education improves knowledge and
      satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of using a
      family information guide about the NICU as a communication intervention between
      the healthcare providers and parents having their infants in the unit. METHODS:
      An interventional study was conducted among 100 fathers with their neonates
      inside the NICU-Kasr Al Ainy Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. The study passed
      through three stages: pre-intervention, intervention using a family information
      guide, and post-intervention. RESULTS: After using the guide, fathers showed
      significant improvement in their knowledge, with a change in their feelings
      towards the admission of their neonates to the NICU. CONCLUSION: Providing
      sufficient information and increasing awareness of parents about the NICU in the
      form of a written guide is an effective way of improving communication between
      healthcare providers and parents.

PMID- 27132705
TI  - Histochemical analysis of collagen fibers in giant cell fibroma and inflammatory
      fibrous hyperplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate collagen fibers in giant cell fibroma,
      inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, and oral normal mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Sixty-six cases were stained with picrosirius red. The slides were observed under
      polarization, followed by the measurement of the area and the percentage of the
      type I and type III collagens. The age and gender were obtained from the clinical
      records. RESULTS: No differences could be observed in both the area and
      percentage of the type I and type III collagens within the categories of lesions
      and normal mucosa. In the giant cells fibroma, a greater area and percentage of
      type I collagen could be identified in individuals of less than 41.5 years
      (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The distribution of type I and type III collagen fibers in
      the studied lesions followed a similar pattern to that observed in the normal
      mucosa, indicating a normal collagen maturation process of type III to I. The
      study supports that multinucleated and stellate cells of the giant cell fibroma
      appear to be functional within collagen types III and I turnover. The greater
      amount of type I collagen identified in giant cell fibroma in individuals of less
      than 41.5 years reinforce the neoplastic nature of lesion.

PMID- 27132706
TI  - Neuroticism and extraversion moderate neural responses and effective connectivity
      during appetitive conditioning.
AB  - Classical appetitive conditioning constitutes a basic learning process through
      which environmental stimuli can be associated with reward. Previous studies
      showed that individual differences in neuroticism and extraversion influence
      emotional processing and have been shown to modulate neural activity in
      subcortical and prefrontal areas in response to emotional stimuli. However, the
      role of individual differences in appetitive conditioning has so far not been
      investigated in detail. The aim of this study was to assess the association
      between neuroticism and extraversion with neural activity and connectivity during
      appetitive conditioning. The conditioned stimulus (CS) was either a picture of a
      dish or a cup. One stimulus (CS+) was paired with a monetary reward and the other
      stimulus (CS-) was associated with its absence while hemodynamic activity was
      measured by means of functional magnetic resonance imaging. A significant
      negative correlation of neuroticism scores with amygdala activity was observed
      during appetitive conditioning. Further, extraversion was positively associated
      with responses in the hippocampus and the thalamus. In addition, effective
      connectivity between the amygdala as a seed region and the anterior cingulate
      cortex, the insula, and the thalamus was negatively correlated with neuroticism
      scores and positively correlated with extraversion scores. The results may
      indicate a neural correlate for the deficits in appetitive learning in subjects
      with high neuroticism scores and point to a facilitating effect of extraversion
      on reward-related learning. Hum Brain Mapp 37:2992-3002, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27132707
TI  - Feasibility of nitrogen multiple-breath washout in inexperienced children younger
      than 7 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple breath washout (MBW) is an attractive test to assess
      ventilation inhomogeneity, a marker of peripheral lung disease. Systematic
      research on MBW feasibility in preschool children is scanty. OBJECTIVES: We
      assessed feasibility of nitrogen MBW in children aged 3-7 years in a clinical
      setting applying current ERS/ATS consensus. METHODS: Sixty-two children with
      asthma were enrolled in the Swiss rehabilitation center Hochgebirgsklinik Davos
      without MBW experience and prior to consensus release. Age range was 3.1-6.7
      years. All children were naive to MBW, received training, and then aimed for
      triplicate nitrogen MBW within 20 min. We afterward assessed the number of MBW
      attempts and successful tests according to consensus asking for three technically
      acceptable trials with functional residual capacity (FRC) measurements within 25%
      of median FRC. Secondly, factors related to success rate and FRC variability were
      assessed. RESULTS: Out of 205 MBW attempts in 62 children, 103 trials (50%) in 51
      children were successful. Only 15 children (24%) achieved three valid trials as
      suggested by consensus. At least two valid trials were obtained in 37 children
      (60%). Age was positively correlated with success rate. FRC variability was
      inversely correlated with variability of tidal volume. CONCLUSIONS: MBW was only
      feasible in one quarter of inexperienced children <7 years applying strict
      consensus criteria. Low FRC variability and low breathing variability seem to be
      mutually exclusive at this age group. Specific consensus recommendations for MBW
      in preschool children seem, thus, warranted. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1183-1190.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27132708
TI  - Position Statement from the European Board and College of Obstetrics &
      Gynaecology (EBCOG) : The use of medicines during pregnancy: call for action.
AB  - Less than 10% of medicines approved by the FDA since 1980 have provided enough
      information as regard risks for birth defects associated with their use [1].
      Nevertheless, it is estimated that over 90% of pregnant women take over-the
      counter (OTC) or prescription medication [2]. Considering the fact that the use
      of medication in the period before conception and during lactation can also
      influence the development of the child, information on the impact of their usage
      during reproductive life is important for everyone. The lack of clear information
      on this topic results in situations where life-saving medication is discontinued,
      withheld or used in a reduced dosage by pregnant women, while on the other hand
      medicines with (potential) toxic effects are taken. This is unacceptable and it
      is a major public concern that must be addressed. Currently, Europe lacks a
      robust and comprehensive information system about medication use in reproductive
      life (preconception, pregnancy and lactation). In order to improve maternal
      health, and subsequently the health of our next generation, reliable and up to
      date information should be made available. It should be readily accessible for
      both health care providers and women who are considering getting pregnant or who
      are already pregnant. In order to tackle this gap in public health, this paper
      describes current knowledge of the use of medicines before and during pregnancy.
      It calls upon all stakeholders involved in medical care, research and medicine
      regulation, such as policy makers, regulators and governmental agencies, to take
      action to protect patients and improve public health. 

PMID- 27132709
TI  - Position statement from the European Board and College of Obstetrics &
      Gynaecology (EBCOG): The use of medicines during pregnancy - call for action.
AB  - Less than 10% of medicines approved by the FDA since 1980 have provided enough
      information as regards risks for birth defects associated with their use (Adam et
      al. (2011) [1]). Nevertheless, it is estimated that over 90% of pregnant women
      take over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication (Ke et al., 2014 [2]).
      Considering the fact that the use of medication in the period before conception
      and during lactation can also influence the development of the child, information
      on the impact of their usage during reproductive life is important for everyone.
      The lack of clear information on this topic results in situations where life
      saving medication is discontinued, withheld or used in a reduced dosage by
      pregnant women, while on the other hand medicines with (potential) toxic effects
      are taken. This is unacceptable and it is a major public concern that must be
      addressed. Currently, Europe lacks a robust and comprehensive information system
      about medication use in reproductive life (from preconception, during pregnancy
      and during lactation). In order to improve maternal health, and subsequently the
      health of our next generation, reliable and up to date information should be made
      available. It should be readily accessible for both health care providers and
      women who are considering getting pregnant or who are already pregnant. In order
      to tackle this gap in public health, this paper describes current knowledge of
      the use of medicines before and during pregnancy. It calls upon all stakeholders
      involved in medical care, research and medicine regulation, such as policy
      makers, regulators and governmental agencies, to take action to protect patients
      and improve public health. 

PMID- 27132710
TI  - Spontaneous salpingo-appendiceal fistula.

PMID- 27132711
TI  - Imaging of congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries.
AB  - Congenital abnormalities of the coronary arteries are extremely variable and
      include anomalies of their origin (atresia, anomalies of origin from the aorta or
      from the pulmonary artery), the course of the epicardiac coronary branches
      (intramural, myocardial bridge) and distal connections (coronary-cardiac chamber
      fistulae). In pediatric practice, the diagnosis relies on ultrasound which should
      be supplemented by additional cardiac imaging in most cases. Multidetector CT is
      the most widely used imaging technique to identify abnormal courses and
      relationships with the greater vessels. In this paper, the important diagnostic
      and prognostic features in the interpretation of coronary imaging in pediatric
      practice is discussed. 

PMID- 27132712
TI  - Multimodality imaging of aortic coarctation: From the fetus to the adolescent.
AB  - Aortic coarctation is a local narrowing of the aortic lumen, which is located at
      the level of the isthmus in 95% of patients. Aortic coarctation accounts for 5 to
      8% of all congenital heart diseases. It may have an acute presentation in the
      form of heart failure in the neonate or may be discovered incidentally in adult
      because of severe treatment-resistant hypertension. Ultrasound may reveal the
      presence of aortic coarctation during the antenatal period. In this situation,
      associated abnormalities should be investigated (including karyotype), because
      they influence prognosis and indicates whether or not the birth should occur in a
      center with pediatric cardiology expertise. Postnatally, ultrasound and chest
      radiography are the basic imaging work-up. Computed tomography is often the
      second line imaging investigation in infants and young children for whom magnetic
      resonance imaging fails to confirm the diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging with
      cardiac synchronization is the preferred imaging tool in the post-treatment
      period. Aortic coarctation may be treated surgically or by endovascular
      techniques. Potential complications should be searched for using ultrasound and
      magnetic resonance imaging. 

PMID- 27132713
TI  - Protective effect of n-butyl alcohol extracts from Rhizoma Pinelliae Pedatisectae
      against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rhizoma Pinelliae Pedatisectae (RPP) has been
      commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of various
      neurological related diseases. However, the mechanisms have not been fully
      clarified yet. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic
      effect of RPP against cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats models,
      and more importantly, to explore the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Cerebral ischemia and reperfusion was established through the classic middle
      cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2h, followed by 24h reperfusion. Rats were
      orally given different doses of n-butyl alcohol extracts (NBES) of RPP or saline
      for one week before induction of ischemia. Neurological defect scoring, cerebral
      infarct volume, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory reaction and nerve cell
      apoptosis were then estimated. RESULTS: It showed that NBES could alleviate in a
      dose-dependent manner neurological deficit and reduce the infarct volume in vivo.
      The protective effects of NBES were associated with increased Superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malonaldehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) levels. In addition, ischemia
      induced neuron apoptosis was inhibited by NBES pretreatment, and western blot
      showed NBES upregulated expressions of B-cell leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and
      downregulated Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) expression. CONCLUSION: NBES prevent
      cerebral I/R injury by alleviating neuronal oxidative injury, inflammatory
      reaction and neuron apoptosis. The research for the traditional use of RPP
      provided certain theoretical basis.

PMID- 27132714
TI  - Wayanin and guaijaverin, two active metabolites found in a Psidium acutangulum
      Mart. ex DC (syn. P. persoonii McVaugh) (Myrtaceae) antimalarial decoction from
      the Wayana Amerindians.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Psidium acutangulum Mart. ex DC is a small tree
      used by the Wayana Amerindians from the Upper-Maroni in French Guiana for the
      treatment of malaria. AIM OF THE STUDY: In a previous study, we highlighted the
      in vitro antiplasmodial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of the
      traditional decoction of P. acutangulum aerial parts. Our goal was then to
      investigate on the origin of the biological activity of the traditional remedy,
      and eventually characterize active constituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liquid
      liquid extractions were performed on the decoction, and the antiplasmodial
      activity evaluated against chloroquine-resistant FcB1 ([(3)H]-hypoxanthine
      bioassay) and 7G8 (pLDH bioassay) P. falciparum strains, and on a chloroquine
      sensitive NF54 ([(3)H]-hypoxanthine bioassay) P. falciparum strain. The ethyl
      acetate fraction (D) was active and underwent bioguided fractionation. All the
      isolated compounds were tested on P. falciparum FcB1 strain. In vitro anti
      inflammatory activity (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNFalpha) of the ethyl acetate
      fraction and of an anti-Plasmodium active compound, was concurrently assessed on
      LPS-stimulated human PBMC and NO secretion inhibition was measured on LPS
      stimulated RAW murine macrophages. Cytotoxicity of the fractions and pure
      compounds was measured on VERO cells, L6 mammalian cells, PBMCs, and RAW cells.
      RESULTS: Fractionation of the ethyl acetate soluble fraction (IC50 ranging from
      3.4 to <1ug/mL depending on the parasite strain) led to the isolation of six pure
      compounds: catechin and five glycosylated quercetin derivatives. These compounds
      have never been isolated from this plant species. Two of these compounds (wayanin
      and guaijaverin) were found to be moderately active against P. falciparum FcB1 in
      vitro (IC50 5.5 and 6.9uM respectively). We proposed the name wayanin during
      public meetings organized in June 2015 in the Upper-Maroni villages, in homage to
      the medicinal knowledge of the Wayana population. At 50ug/mL, the ethyl acetate
      fraction (D) significantly inhibited IL-1beta secretion (-46%) and NO production
      (-21%), as previously observed for the decoction. The effects of D and
      guiajaverin (4) on the secretion of other cytokines or NO production were not
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: The confirmed antiplasmodial activity of the ethyl
      acetate soluble fraction of the decoction and of the isolated compounds support
      the previous results obtained on the P. acutangulum decoction. The antiplasmodial
      activity might be due to a mixture of moderately active non-toxic flavonoids. The
      anti-inflammatory activities were less marked for ethyl acetate fraction (D) than
      for the decoction.

PMID- 27132715
TI  - Evaluation of the effects of the water-soluble total flavonoids from Isodon
      lophanthoides var.gerardianus (Benth.) H. Hara on apoptosis in HepG2 cell:
      Investigation of the most relevant mechanisms.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The water-soluble total flavonoids (WSTF) were
      extracted from Isodon lophanthoides var. gerardianus (Benth.) H. Hara, a common
      folk herbal medicine in China, which has been recorded by the "Chinese
      Pharmacopoeia" in 2015 and used for prevention and clinical treatment of common
      diseases of liver and gall for many years. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: The aim of
      this study is to evaluate the effects of WSTF on apoptosis in HepG2 cell and
      investigate the relevant mechanisms underlying. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Cytotoxicity was evaluated in HepG2 cells (human hepatoma cell lines) using MTT
      assay. The influence of the WSTF on the intracellular reactive oxygen species
      (iROS) and the mitochondrial membrane potential were also determinated. We used
      flow cytometry analysis to detect the effects of WSTF on apoptosis, cell cycle.
      Then we applied RT-PCR for genetic expression of main effectors and western blot
      analysis for activation of main effectors involved in the potential apoptosis
      signaling pathways. RESULTS: WSTF inhibited cell growth in HepG2 cells. Moreover,
      WSTF stimulates to increase amount of iROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, and
      the apoptotic relevant factors (cytochrome c, caspase-3) in HepG2 cells. WSTF
      could significantly induce apoptosis through downregulating apoptosis
      antagonizing protein (Bcl-2, Survivin, mcl-1) and upregulating apoptosis
      promoting proteins (Bax) and cell cycle G0/G1 arrest in HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION:
      The results indicate that WSTF induces cell apoptosis through mitochondrial
      pathway in the HepG2 cells. Therefore, these studies suggest that WSTF could be
      used as a chemotherapeutic agent to treat hepatoma.

PMID- 27132716
TI  - Chinese vegetative materia medica in a venereological treatise by Jean Astruc
      from 1740.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Historical medical sources can be still queried
      for forgotten cures and remedies. Traditional Chinese medicine has dealt with
      lues venerea (syphilis) since the Five Dynasties period (10th century). Chinese
      indigenous materia medica and remedies recorded, studied or imported by the
      Europeans can reveal known or quite unknown medicinal plants. The studied Jean
      Astruc's work is a published ethnopharmacological survey carried out in Beijing
      in the 1730s and it deserves a modern interpretation. AIM OF THE STUDY: This is
      the first proposal to identify historical Chinese medicinal plants listed in a
      scarcely known medical treatise De Morbis venereis... ('On venereal diseases...')
      by Jean Astruc from 1740. I searched for the current uses and position of the
      taxonomically identified herbal stock in both traditional Chinese and official
      medical knowledge, with special attention to syphilis. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Chinese names of drugs and their botanical identities (originally expressed by
      means of pre-Linnaean polynomials, and now interpreted as accepted binomials)
      were independently cross-checked with younger till most recent taxonomical and
      ethnopharmacological sources. Plants and drugs identified this way were queried
      for their modern applications in traditional Chinese and official medicine with
      special attention to sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and other uses which are
      similar to the 18th-century understanding of venereology. RESULTS: For 24 items
      of medicinal stock, 34 medicinal plants have been identified or suspected: Acacia
      catechu, Achyranthes bidentata, Akebia quinata, Angelica dahurica, A. sinensis,
      Aquilaria sinensis, Aralia cordata, Aristolochia fangchi, Chaenomeles sinensis,
      Ch. speciosa, Clematis vitalba, Coix lacryma-jobi, Commiphora myrrha, Cydonia
      oblonga, Daemonorops draco, D. jenkinsiana, Dictamnus dasycarpus, Dryobalanops
      sumatrensis, Forsythia suspensa, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Lonicera confusa, L.
      hypoglauca, L. japonica, Ligusticum striatum (=L. chuanxiong), Piper kadsura,
      Pterocarpus officinalis, Saposhnikovia divaricata, Sassafras tzumu, Smilax china,
      S. glabra, Stephania tetrandra, Styphnolobium japonicum, Trichosanthes japonica,
      T. kirilowii; China wax is also mentioned. Out of them, only Lonicera japonica is
      being used in China in late syphilis, Achyranthes bidentata in gonorrhoea, and
      Dictamnus dasycarpus in gynaecological problems. In the Astruc's study, 3
      medicinal plant species and 5 further plant genera are correctly determined;
      other plant parts were misidentified. CONCLUSIONS: Antisyphilitic actions
      ascribed to the Chinese medical formulas and their constituents studied by
      Astruc, seem to have come from Hg or As compounds rather than from vegetative
      materia medica. The formulas contained only one species still known in TCM as a
      remedy for syphilis.

PMID- 27132717
TI  - Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the genus Acer (maple): A
      review.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Acer (Aceraceae), commonly known as
      maple, comprises approximately 129 species that primarily grow in the northern
      hemisphere, especially in the temperate regions of East Asia, eastern North
      America, and Europe. These plants have been traditionally used to treat a wide
      range of diseases in East Asia and North America. Moreover, clinical studies have
      shown that medicinal plants belonging to Acer are highly effective in the
      treatment of rheumatism, bruises, hepatic disorders, eye disease, and pain, and
      in detoxification. This review provides a systematic and constructive overview of
      the traditional uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of
      plants of the genus Acer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This review is based on a
      literature study of scientific journals and books from libraries and electronic
      sources such as SciFinder, ScienceDirect, Springer, PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar,
      Baidu Scholar, and Web of Science. The literature in this review related to
      chemical constituents and pharmacological activities dates from 1922 to the end
      of October 2015. Furthermore, ethnopharmacological information on this genus was
      obtained from libraries and herbaria in China and USA. RESULTS: In traditional
      medicine, 40 species, 11 subspecies, and one varieta of the genus Acer are known
      to exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities. To date, 331 compounds have
      been identified from 34 species of the genus Acer, including flavonoids, tannins,
      phenylpropanoids, diarylheptanoids, terpenoids, benzoic acid derivatives, and
      several other types of compounds, such as phenylethanoid glycosides and
      alkaloids. Preliminary pharmacological studies have shown that the extracts and
      compounds isolated from this genus exhibit a broad spectrum of biological
      activities such as antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic,
      hepatoprotective, and antiobesity activities, as well as promoting osteoblast
      differentiation. To date, reports on the toxicity of Acer species to humans are
      very limited, and the major safety concern of these plants is in the veterinary
      field. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our systematic review, Acer species can be used to
      treat rheumatism, hepatic disorders, eye disease, pain, etc. effectively. Some
      indications from ethnomedicine have been validated by pharmacological activities,
      such as the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of the species. The
      available literature showed that most of the activities of these species can be
      attributed to flavonoids and tannins. To ensure the safety and efficacy in
      clinical practice in the future, studies identifying active molecules and
      clarifying their pharmacological mechanisms as well as toxicity are needed.

PMID- 27132718
TI  - The potential mechanism of Bawei Xileisan in the treatment of dextran sulfate
      sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bawei Xileisan (BXS), a traditional Chinese
      compound medicine, has been historically used in the treatment of ulcers and
      inflammation. BXS is also used as a topical agent for the treatment of ulcerative
      colitis in China. The underlying mechanism, however, remains elusive. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Thirty-six female C57BL/6 mice with average weight of 20+/-2g were
      used for an in vivo study. The present work was conducted in accordance with the
      protocols approved by the Ethics Committee of Animal Experiments of Lanzhou
      University. The mice were induced to develop acute colitis by treating these with
      3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution for 5 days. Subsequently, BXS
      (200,400mg/kg) was rectally administered daily for one week. All mice were killed
      at day 12 and their body weight, colon length, and histological changes were all
      recorded. Serum T helper 17 (Th17) cytokine levels were determined by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Th17 and regulatory T cell (Treg) in
      splenocyte mononuclear cells were isolated and identified via flow cytometry.
      Stool DNA was extracted and the absolute number of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus
      were measured by using real-time Q-PCR. RESULTS: Shortened colon and damaged
      tissue structure were profoundly ameliorated by BXS enema. The expression level
      of Th17-related cytokines IL-17A/F and IL-22 was significantly and dose
      dependently reduced, resulting in the restoration of Th17/Treg balance. Moreover,
      BXS also improved the feces Lactobacillus levels and manifested beneficial
      effects on Bacteroides. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest
      that BXS is curative in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis, and the underlying
      mechanism might involve disruption of the Th17 pathway and the induction of a
      Th17/Treg imbalance, as well as an the development of an opsonic effect on
      specific gut microbiota.

PMID- 27132719
TI  - Correction: Corrigendum.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.7448/IAS.18.1.20526.].

PMID- 27132720
TI  - Insight into the Structural Requirements of Theophylline-Based Aldehyde
      Dehydrogenase lAl (ALDHlAl) Inhibitors Through Multi-QSAR Modeling and Molecular
      Docking Approaches.
AB  - Over expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1A1) is one of the vital hallmarks
      of the self-renewal and differentiational cancer stem cells (CSCs). Till now, no
      selective ALDH1A1 inhibitor is commercially available in the market. So there is
      an urgent need to explore some novel molecules which can selectively inhibit
      ALDH1A1 to combat cancer. Presently, our work deals with the development of QSAR
      models of some theophylline-based molecules by conventional 2D-QSAR, hologram
      QSAR (HQSAR), and Bayesian classification modeling. The descriptors identified
      from these QSAR models give avenues to modulate the structure of theophylline
      based compounds to a desirable biological end point. Molecular docking study
      reveals the selectivity of these molecules towards ALDH1A1 (PDB: 4WP7) and
      important binding residues (GLY 125, 458; THR 129; TRP 178; TYR 297; PHE 171,
      466; VAL 174, 460; MET 175; HIS 293 etc.) for the interaction with the receptors.
      The current study may help to design novel compounds as selective ALDH1A1
      inhibitors.

PMID- 27132721
TI  - Trends in Energy Intake from Alcoholic Beverages among US Adults by
      Sociodemographic Characteristics, 1989-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term US trends in alcoholic beverage calorie intakes remain
      unexamined, particularly with respect to changes in population subgroup-specific
      patterns over time. OBJECTIVE: This study examined shifts in the consumption of
      alcoholic beverages, in total and by beverage type, on any given day among US
      adults in relation to sociodemographic characteristics. DESIGN: This study was a
      repeated cross-sectional analysis of data from the 1989-1991 and 1994-1996
      Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals and the 2003-2006 and 2009-2012
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING:
      Adults aged >=19 years (N=39,298) were targeted. A subset of alcoholic beverage
      consumers (n=7,081) were studied. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Survey weighted
      mean per capita per day intakes (among all participants, both consumers of
      alcoholic beverages and nonconsumers) and contributions of beer, wine, and
      liquor/mixed drinks to total alcoholic beverage energy were determined.
      Multivariable regression models were used to examine trends in the proportion of
      alcoholic beverage consumers and the per consumer intakes (among consumers of
      alcoholic beverages only). RESULTS: Per capita intakes from alcoholic beverages
      increased from 49 kcal/capita/day in 1989-1991 to 109 kcal/capita/day in 2003
      2006 (P<0.001). The proportion consuming alcoholic beverages on any given day
      increased significantly from 1989-1991 to 2009-2012 (P for overall increasing
      trend <0.0001) for most sociodemographic subgroups. Per consumer, alcoholic
      beverage calories increased between 1989-1991 and 1994-1996 (P<0.05) for many
      subpopulations. Adults with less than high school education were less likely to
      consume alcohol, yet had higher per consumer calorie intakes compared with adults
      with a college degree. Women and adults aged >=60 years experienced a shift away
      from liquor/mixed drinks toward wine between 2003-2006 and 2009-2012. Beer
      contributed roughly 70% to total alcoholic beverage intake for less educated
      consumers across time. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate there has been an
      increase in the proportion of US adults who drink on any given day and an
      increase in calories consumed from alcoholic beverages when drinking occurs.

PMID- 27132722
TI  - Mortality and morbidity from diarrhoea in India: An opportunity to overcome the
      perennial health challenge.

PMID- 27132723
TI  - Sociodemographic characteristics and aggression quotient among children in
      conflict with the law in India: A case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of juvenile delinquency has increased in the past
      decade in India and juvenile crimes are increasingly being reported. This has
      been attributed to many biopsychosocial factors. It is essential to understand
      these issues in the context of India to determine the response of acts of
      children in conflict with the law. We aimed to assess the sociodemographic
      characteristics and the aggression quotient of children in conflict with the law
      (juvenile delinquents) in observation homes across India and compare them with
      those who were not. METHODS: We did a case-control study in five juvenile homes
      in the cities of Hyderabad, Lucknow and Pune. Ninety inmates (74 boys, 16 girls)
      were included in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics and aggression
      quotient of children in conflict with the law were evaluated using two separate
      questionnaires, i.e. a sociodemographic questionnaire and the modified Buss and
      Perry aggression questionnaire. These were compared with a control group of
      similar age, sex and income status. RESULTS: All the children in conflict with
      the law surveyed belonged to the lower socioeconomic strata, had a significantly
      higher chance (p<0.05) of coming from broken homes, have addictions, jailed
      family members and suffered physical and sexual abuse than controls. They also
      scored higher on all domains of the aggression questionnaire than controls.
      CONCLUSION: A collection of sociodemographic attributes such as broken homes,
      addictions and abuse seem to have an important association with juvenile
      delinquency. Children in conflict with the law are also more likely to be
      associated with a higher aggression quotient as compared to children who were
      not.

PMID- 27132724
TI  - Coeliac disease in patients with short stature: A tertiary care centre
      experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the prevalence of coeliac disease among
      children with short stature at a tertiary care centre and to define the
      predictors for coeliac disease, if any, in them. METHODS: In this retrospective
      study, we reviewed the case records of children and adolescents with growth
      retardation attending the Paediatric Endocrinology Clinic from January 2008 to
      June 2011. All patients underwent the multi-tier stratified diagnostic protocol
      for complete evaluation of short stature. Coeliac disease was screened using IgA
      anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody. The diagnosis of coeliac disease was made
      on the basis of the modified European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology,
      Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) criteria. RESULTS: Of 432 patients (238 boys)
      who presented with short stature, 72 (16.7%) had physiological, while 360 (83.3%)
      had pathological causes. Endocrine causes were growth hormone deficiency (86
      patients, 19.9%), hypopituitarism (31, 7.2%), hypothyroidism (22, 5.1%) and
      others (7, 1.6%). The systemic causes were: coeliac disease (47, 10.9%),
      haematological diseases (14, 3.2%), renal diseases (11, 2.5%) and others (24,
      5.6%). Chronic diarrhoea (OR 15.7, 95% CI 7.8-31.5) and anaemia (OR 4.9, 95% CI
      1.9-12.7]) were significant predictors for coeliac disease in patients with short
      stature. There was a definite response to gluten-free diet in them and the mean
      (SD) growth velocity measured over at least 6 months of gluten-free diet was 8.1
      (3.0) cm/year. CONCLUSION: Nearly 11% of patients presenting with short stature
      have coeliac disease. In these patients chronic diarrhoea and anaemia were
      significant predictors of coeliac disease.

PMID- 27132725
TI  - Health-seeking behaviour of elderly individuals: A community-based cross
      sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The health-seeking behaviour of elderly individuals can help in
      ascertaining the determinants and in developing appropriate policies for their
      healthcare. METHODS: In this community-based cross-sectional study, we included
      250 elderly persons above 60 years of age living in the urban field practice area
      of Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal, Maharashtra. We used
      a structured proforma to collect information about their health-seeking
      behaviour. RESULTS: Overall, 48% of the study subjects chose an allopathic
      practitioner. The difference in the health-seeking behaviour for self-treatment,
      treatment from traditional healers and paraprofessionals as one group and
      allopathic treatment as another group was significant for the determinants of age
      (p<0.001), educational level (p<0.0001) and poverty status (p=0.0007) and
      registration under any government scheme (p=0.0446). The average expenditure on
      health was significantly more among those who were above 75 years of age,
      employed, educated and above the poverty line, irrespective of gender.
      CONCLUSION: Elderly persons who prefer allopathic treatment are likely to be
      above 75 years of age, those having some education and those above poverty line.

PMID- 27132726
TI  - Chandipura virus infection causing encephalitis in a tribal population of Odisha
      in eastern India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The sudden death of 10 children in a tribal village of Kandhamal
      district, Odisha in eastern India led to this investigation. METHODS: We
      conducted a door-to-door survey to identify cases. Antibodies for Chandipura,
      Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chikungunya and West Nile viruses were tested by
      ELISA in probable cases. Chandipura virus RNA was tested from both human blood
      samples and sand flies by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. We
      conducted vector surveys in domestic and peridomestic areas, and collected sand
      flies. RESULTS: Entomological investigations revealed the presence of Phlebotomus
      argentipes and Sergentomiya sp. Thirty-five patients presented with fever, 12 of
      them had altered sensorium including 4 who had convulsions. The blood samples of
      21 patients were tested; four samples revealed Chandipura virusspecific IgM
      antibody. CONCLUSION: Chandipura virus infection causing encephalitis affected
      this tribal population in eastern India at 1212 m above sea level.

PMID- 27132727
TI  - Successful management of difficult-to-treat irritable bowel syndrome
      incorporating a psychological approach.
AB  - Irritable bowel syndrome is a common gastrointestinal condition with underlying
      psychological factors. Its management can be challenging, sometimes necessitating
      a multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, psychiatrists and clinical
      psychologists. Non-pharmacological interventions are gaining attention for the
      management of chronic irritable bowel syndrome. We present a difficult-to-treat
      case of chronic irritable bowel syndrome, which was managed successfully with
      psychological interventions. 

PMID- 27132728
TI  - Neck dissection in lymph node-negative oral cancer.

PMID- 27132729
TI  - Community-based management of neonatal infections: New field trials.

PMID- 27132730
TI  - Teaching professional values in medical education.

PMID- 27132731
TI  - Post-traumatic stress disorder: Psychiatric management, atonement and justice.

PMID- 27132732
TI  - Letter from Chennai.

PMID- 27132733
TI  - Letter from Glasgow.

PMID- 27132734
TI  - Inderbir Singh.

PMID- 27132741
TI  - Migration of a 'cut' central venous catheter.

PMID- 27132742
TI  - Strengthening subcentres for universal health coverage: A study.

PMID- 27132743
TI  - Reforming the Central Government Health Scheme into a 'Universal Health Coverage'
      model.

PMID- 27132744
TI  - Manjunath.

PMID- 27132745
TI  - Body donation for anatomy dissection in India.

PMID- 27132746
TI  - Complete viral history of a person revealed in a single drop of blood.

PMID- 27132747
TI  - 'Make in India': Dialysis technology.

PMID- 27132748
TI  - Violence against doctors on the increase in India.

PMID- 27132749
TI  - Online search engines unlikely to be the best tool for self-diagnosis.

PMID- 27132751
TI  - Region-specific activation of the AMPK system by cocaine: The role of D1 and D2
      receptors.
AB  - The 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) functions as an
      intracellular energy sensor that regulates and maintains energy balance. The
      psychostimulant drug cocaine has profound effects on behavior that are
      accentuated with repeated use, which is a process termed sensitization. Thus, the
      present study examined whether the sensitizing effects of cocaine could be
      observed in the AMPK system and aimed to determine whether these effects were
      mediated by dopamine (DA) D1 or D2 receptors. In the first set of experiments,
      rats were injected daily for 5days with either cocaine (15mg/kg, intraperitoneal
      [IP]) or saline. On the day 6, each group was divided into two subgroups and
      given either cocaine or saline. In the second set of experiments, rats were
      pretreated with SCH23390 (0.5mg/kg, IP), haloperidol (1mg/kg, IP), or both agents
      in combination, followed by cocaine or saline treatment. In the drug-naive state,
      acute treatment with cocaine produced an increase in locomotor activity and
      increased AMPK phosphorylation in the frontal cortex but decreased it in the
      dorsal striatum. In the drug-sensitized state (following repeated treatment), the
      behavioral responsiveness to cocaine was augmented and accompanied by alterations
      in AMPK activity. The phosphorylation levels of the upstream kinases Ser-431-LKB1
      and Thr-196-CaMK4 were congruent with the changes in AMPK activity. Thr-184/187
      TAK1 was phosphorylated after chronic cocaine treatment in the dorsal striatum
      but not in the frontal cortex. The opposite effects induced by cocaine in the
      AMPK system in the dorsal striatum and frontal cortex may be explained by the
      differential activations of DA D1 and D2 receptors in these brain regions.

PMID- 27132752
TI  - Management of the colonic volvulus in 2016.
AB  - Colonic volvulus is the third leading cause of colonic obstruction worldwide,
      occurring at two principal locations: the sigmoid colon and cecum. In Western
      countries, sigmoid volvulus preferentially affects elderly men whereas cecal
      volvulus affects younger women. Some risk factors, such as chronic constipation,
      high-fiber diet, frequent use of laxatives, personal past history of laparotomy
      and anatomic predispositions, are common to both locations. Clinical
      symptomatology is non-specific, including a combination of abdominal pain,
      gaseous distention, and bowel obstruction. Abdominopelvic computerized tomography
      is currently the gold standard examination, allowing positive diagnosis as well
      as detection of complications. Specific management depends on the location,
      patient comorbidities and colonic wall viability, but treatment is an emergency
      in every case. If clinical or radiological signs of gravity are present,
      emergency surgery is mandatory, but is associated with high morbidity and
      mortality rates. For sigmoid volvulus without criteria of gravity, the ideal
      strategy is an endoscopic detorsion procedure followed, within 2 to 5 days, by
      surgery that includes a sigmoid colectomy with primary anastomosis. Exclusively
      endoscopic therapy must be reserved for patients who are at excessive risk for
      surgical intervention. In cecal volvulus, endoscopy has no role and surgery is
      the rule. 

PMID- 27132753
TI  - [Quality of Psychiatrists in Colombia].

PMID- 27132754
TI  - [Implementation of a Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Adults
      With Schizophrenia in Colombia].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To present overall strategies and activities for the implementation
      process of the recommendations contained in the clinical practice guideline for
      the management of adults with schizophrenia (GPC_E) published by the Colombian
      Ministry of Health and Welfare (MSPS). Prioritize the proposed recommendations,
      identify barriers and solving strategies to implement the GPC_E, and develop a
      monitoring and evaluation system for the key recommendations. METHOD: The
      Guideline Developer Group (GDG) included professionals with primary dedication to
      implementation issues that accompanied the entire process. During the GDG
      meetings implementation topics were identified and discussed, and later
      complemented by literature reviews concerning the experience of mental health
      guidelines implementation at national and international level. Additionally,
      feedback from the discussions raised during the socialization meetings, and joint
      meetings with the MSPS and the Institute of Technology Assessment in Health
      (IETS) were included. The prioritization of recommendations was made in
      conjunction with the GDG, following the proposed steps in the methodological
      guide for the development of Clinical Practice Guidelines with Economic
      Evaluation in the General System of Social Security in Colombian Health (GMEGPC)
      using the tools 13 and 14. the conclusions and final adjustments were discussed
      with the GPC_E leaders. RESULTS: The implementation chapter includes a
      description of the potential barriers, solution strategies, facilitators and
      monitoring indicators. The identified barriers were categorized in the following
      3 groups: Cultural context, health system and proposed interventions. The issues
      related to solving strategies and facilitating education programs include
      community mental health, mental health training for health workers in primary
      care, decentralization and integration of mental health services at the primary
      care level, use of technologies information and communication and telemedicine.
      To monitor and evaluate o the implementation process, five (5) indicators were
      designed one (1) structure, two (2) process and two (2)outcome indicators.
      CONCLUSION: The GPC_E implementation within the Colombian General health System
      of Social Security (SGSSSC) poses multiple challenges. Potential barriers,
      enabling strategies and indicators for monitoring and evaluation described in
      this article, can provide efficient support to ensure the success of this process
      in the institutions that will adopt the guideline.

PMID- 27132755
TI  - [Cost-effectiveness of Antipsychotics in the Maintenance Treatment of
      Schizophrenia in Colombia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assess the cost-effectiveness of the antipsychotics for treatment of
      schizophrenia. METHODS: A five-year Markov model was built form patients with
      schizophrenia on the stage of maintenance. Costs were taken from the perspective
      of the Colombian health care system (Sistema General de Seguridad Social en
      Salud). The effectiveness was measured in years of life under the same
      maintenance plan. RESULTS: The Markov model indicated clozapine as the as the
      most cost-effective alternative between the first line antipsychotics and
      haloperidol is it when comparing other antipsychotics. CONCLUSION: Clozapine it's
      the cost-effectiveness strategy among the first line of antipsychotics and
      haloperidol is it among the other antipsychotics. Strategies prioritizing the use
      of cost-effective antipsychotics could improve the resources allocation in the
      Colombian health care system.

PMID- 27132756
TI  - [Relation Between Stress During Pregnancy and Spontaneous Preterm Birth].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preterm birth occurs before 37 completed weeks, its causes are
      multifactorial and vary according to the gestational age, ethnicity and
      geographical context. Although several medical/social factors have been clearly
      identified, over 50% of cases are unknown or unclear; however, psychopathological
      components emerge as potentially important risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      the relationship between the presence of stress during pregnancy and spontaneous
      preterm birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Through a study of cases and controls in a
      level III hospital, with a sample of 360 patients during the period from March to
      November of 2013, where sociodemographic characteristics were collected. In
      addition, they were applied scales social adjustment, coping strategies and
      social support. Logistic regression models were developed; psychological,
      biological and social. Based on the significant variables in each of these
      generated a final one. RESULTS: The final model was found that stress during
      pregnancy increases the odds of spontaneous preterm birth 1.91 times (adjusted
      OR=2.91; 95%CI, 1.67-5.08; P<.05). Other significant variables were: history of
      preterm delivery, unplanned pregnancy, no emotional support, rural residence,
      inadequate prenatal care and non-stable partner. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      support the hypothesis that stress during pregnancy is associated with
      spontaneous preterm delivery.

PMID- 27132757
TI  - [Comprehensive Metaphors About the Phenomenon That a Family System Lives When it
      Takes Care of One of Its Members With Oncological Disease in Advanced Stage:
      Study of Three Antioquia Families (Colombia)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To interpret the meanings in the transformations affecting the family
      system when it takes care of one of its members with oncological disease in
      advanced stage. METHODS: Hermeneutic phenomenological study. Nine in-depth
      interviews were conducted. The narrative was used to reach a more genuine
      appreciation of people as active social beings, and to consider the way to build
      personal and cultural realities through stories and tales. RESULTS: the
      comprehensive metaphors that emerged were the experience of the disease as
      acceptance that generates learning; disease as possibility of internal renewal;
      and family breakdown in the middle of a vulnerable social structure. CONCLUSIONS:
      In the interviewees emerge feelings, attitudes and wisdom itself, that allows
      them to understand what it means for them the experience of a disease such as
      cancer, which requires mobilizing forces at all levels. Capabilities articulated
      with some limitations emerged; competencies to learn to care basing on the
      knowledge, skills and courage to do so were developed; care experience is
      reconfigured with acts of bravery to overcome the feeling of pain caused by the
      disease and by difficult family relationships.

PMID- 27132758
TI  - [Experiences of Individuals With Suicidal Ideation and Attempts].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Suicide is a major public health problem. It covers about half of
      violent deaths and results in approximately one million deaths annually. Although
      completed suicide rates in Colombia are relatively low when compared with other
      countries, suicidal behavior, represented not only by completed suicide, is a
      significant mental health problem. OBJECTIVE: To understand life experiences of a
      group of subjects related to the phenomenon of ideation and suicide attempt.
      METHODOLOGY: A qualitative study with a psychodynamic approach. In-depth
      interviews were conducted in order to explore thought processes, emotions,
      motivations and experiences that underlie and accompany the suicide attempt.
      RESULTS: Five women and 3 men were interviewed. The average age was 29 years. The
      exploration of subjective experiences in the present study showed that loneliness
      and psychic pain were linked to hopelessness, pessimism and discouragement. Also,
      the illusion of death represents an invitation to suicide attempt. CONCLUSIONS:
      It is important to consider the subjective assessment that patients with suicidal
      risk make of their depression and stressful life situations. Additionally, the
      concepts of loneliness and psychic pain have a leading role in the interaction
      between discourse and the experiences of the participants interviewed.

PMID- 27132759
TI  - [A Teaching Experience: Psychiatric Interview on a Simulated Scenario With the
      Participation of Actors of the Altergesto Theater Group].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Simulation has been used as a learning tool in different
      disciplines and professions, including medicine and its specialties. Its
      usefulness is directly related to the integration of objectives, contents,
      methodologies and specific resources in each area of knowledge. OBJECTIVE: To
      describe the development of an educational experience implemented in the
      Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali (Cali, Colombia) with medical students of
      Human Behavior II program, between 2012 and 2013. This experience was performed
      with simulated patients played by actors of the Altergesto theater group, that
      were interviewed by students under the supervision of psychiatrists and teachers
      of the subject, using the Simulated Hospital of the University. METHODS: A
      historical development recall of the teaching sequence was made from the first
      half of 2012 to the second half of 2013, a statement of pedagogical objectives,
      and a description of the teaching-learning strategies. RESULTS: 158 interviews
      were conducted over a period of two years during which it was necessary to raise
      methodological solutions to adapt this teaching sequence to the content and
      objectives of the subject. CONCLUSIONS: The high-fidelity simulation, integrating
      actors who represent psychiatric patients mixed with the technology of a
      Simulated Hospital was useful to achieve compliance with the objectives proposed
      in the course of Human Behavior II, as a part of the program of Medicine at the
      Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Cali. In parallel, the construction of
      experience as an interdisciplinary project and the practical approach of this
      strategy may impact on cognitive, emotional, behavioral dimensions of the
      participants, encouraging meaningful learning. An easy access database for the
      collected material and the study of the effects of this strategy in the formation
      of long-term students is needed.

PMID- 27132760
TI  - [Dual Pathology in General Population of Itagui, Colombia].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of dual diagnosis (presence of a substance
      use disorder and an associated mental disorder) in the general population of a
      small town in the department of Antioquia in Colombia, through secondary analysis
      of survey data on Mental Health held in this city in 2011. METHODS: With a sample
      of 415 subjects, the interview Composite International Diagnostic Interview
      (CIDI), WHO CAPI version, was used and statistical analysis was performed using
      SPSS v.21. RESULTS: The prevalence of dual diagnosis, considering that the
      presence of a diagnosis of mental disorder and a disorder snuff use of different
      substances was 7.2%. Substances with higher prevalence of use in life for
      individuals with dual diagnosis were alcohol (96.7%), marijuana (80.0%), cocaine
      and derivatives (33.3%), heroin (23.3%) and finally no prescription tranquilizers
      (13.3%), finding statistical association between drug use and dual diagnosis.
      Major depression (40%), oppositional defiant disorder (36.7%), posttraumatic
      stress (33.3%), specific phobia and attention deficit (26.7%) are the most
      prevalent disorders in individuals with dual diagnosis of this sample. Alcohol or
      drugs consumption and fulfilling diagnostic criteria for dual diagnosis have a
      significant statistical association for consumption of drugs like marijuana,
      cocaine, heroin and prescription medications (P<0.001), all with disparity ratios
      of >1.00, very high when the drug is heroin consumed (RD=38.754) or non
      prescription medications (RD=29.462). A family history of disease and drug use
      has a high statistical association with dual diagnosis, with a higher association
      with a history of mental illness (P<.001; RD=3.677). CONCLUSIONS: The study
      reports on the prevalence of subjects with dual diagnosis in a Colombian
      population. Alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and heroin are derivatives and substances
      mostly consumed by these patients and the most prevalent mental disorders are
      depression, TOD and posttraumatic stress. These findings motivate clinicians to
      more actively seek the presence of dual diagnosis, directing a more appropriately
      treatment plans.

PMID- 27132761
TI  - [Integrated management of patients with schizophrenia: beyond psychotropic
      drugs].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia is a complex disease with severe functional
      repercussions; therefore it merits treatment which goes beyond drugs. THEME
      DEVELOPMENT: It requires an approach that considers a diathesis-stress process
      that includes rehabilitation, psychotherapeutic strategies for persistent
      cognitive, negative and psychotic symptoms, psychoeducation of patient and
      communities, community adaptation strategies, such as the introduction to the
      work force, and the community model, such as a change in the asylum paradigm.
      DISCUSSION: It is necessary to establish private and public initiatives for the
      integrated care of schizophrenia in the country, advocating the well-being of
      those with the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The integrated management of schizophrenic
      patients requires a global view of the patient and his/her disease, and its
      development is essential.

PMID- 27132762
TI  - [Psychiatric manifestations by prions. A narrative review].
AB  - Prion diseases are a group of rare and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative
      conditions that may cause neuropsychiatric symptoms. This group of diseases has
      been described since the 18(th) century, but they were recognized decades later,
      when it became clear that the humans were affected by infected animals. There was
      controversy when the problem was attributed to a single protein with infective
      capacity. The common pathological process is characterized by the conversion of
      the normal cellular prion protein into an abnormal form. In humans, the illness
      has been classified as idiopathic, inherited and acquired through exposure to
      exogenous material containing abnormal prions. The most prominent neurological
      manifestation of prion diseases is the emergence of a rapidly progressive
      dementia, mioclonus associated with cerebellar ataxia and also extra pyramidal
      symptoms. Psychiatric symptoms occur in early stages of the illness and can
      contribute to timely diagnosis of this syndrome. Psychiatric symptoms have
      traditionally been grouped in three categories: affective symptoms, impaired
      motor function and psychotic symptoms. Such events usually occur during the
      prodromal period prior to the neurological manifestations and consists in the
      presence of social isolation, onset of delusions, irritability/aggression, visual
      hallucinations, anxiety and depression, and less frequent first-rank symptoms
      among others. Definite diagnosis requires post mortem examination. The
      possibility that a large number of cases may occur in the next years or that many
      cases have not been considered with this diagnosis is a fact. In our opinion,
      psychiatrists should be aware of symptoms of this disease. The main objective of
      this research consisted of assessing the correlation between this disturbance and
      neuro-psychiatric symptoms and particularly if this psychiatric manifestations
      integrate a clinical picture suggestive for the diagnosis of these diseases, but
      firstly reviewed taxonomic, pathogenic and pathological aspects. The authors of
      this project also added an element in relation to some diagnostic considerations
      based on scientific evidence. For the search controlled descriptors applied to
      the research for indexing scientific articles in databases were used. The
      electronic data bases used were PubMed, EMBASE and also PsycInfo. The descriptors
      were prion diseases, psychotic disorders, depression, mood disorders, pathology,
      classification, prion protein, history, neurological manifestations, and
      psychiatric manifestations. The selection criteria for the material were
      qualitative. To conclude, and based on the extensive literature review, the
      authors propose that the period where the evidence is more robust for mental
      impaired is named "psychiatric symptoms phase, which can be extended for a few
      months, being the psychiatric affective symptoms the most characteristic of this
      phase. In conclusion, we considered that the identification of these symptoms in
      a patient with risk factors for developing the disease will contribute to the
      early identification, and would regulate the guidelines in suspected diagnosis of
      this group of disorders. The intention is provide a better quality of life to the
      sick people. 

PMID- 27132763
TI  - [Fratricide and Schizophrenia].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fratricide is the killing of one's own bother. It's a type of
      homicide rarely seen on psychiatric practice. This is still a theme which is
      poorly studied, and not well understood by the scientific literature. OBJECTIVE:
      To report a case of a men, with paranoid schizophrenia that murdered his own
      bother and had a psychiatric forensic evaluation to establish his penal
      responsibility. METHODS: A psychiatric interview was carried out and the
      psychiatric diagnosis was established based on the interview and analysis of
      forensic and medical records, using the DSM-IV-TR criteria. Literature review was
      held about the theme. RESULTS: The examinee was considered not guilty by reason
      of insanity, due to the presence of a mental disorder that affected her entire
      understanding and volition of the practiced act. CONCLUSIONS: The study of such
      cases may illustrate and identify motivating factors related to homicidal
      behavior in individuals with severe mental disorders.

PMID- 27132764
TI  - [Some Drops of Logic in the Fog of Depression].
AB  - From two semi-popularised, but scientifically correct, texts, that provide a
      typical look of academic awareness of depressive phenomena, an attempt will be
      made to show what spontaneous medical naturalism involves, including the moral
      aspect of mental symptoms. The concept of moral from its common use that circles
      around the social and relational rules that make up the fabric of civilisation.
      This medical naturalism disqualifies, as an epiphenomenon, this fact: the
      intentional dimension of psychic facts, but also cases where the intention
      contained in a state of mind counts as intended, i.e. precisely the case where
      this state has a moral value. This is how depression is presented, as a moral
      pain. On the one hand, it is shown how a vision rejects and disavows
      intentionality in depressive states, rooting depression in a neurobiological
      state, and on the other, another one that tries to recover this intentionality
      through evolutionary postulates, but without actually achieving it. It is the
      ignorance of the moral grammar of depressive expressions and emotions, and of
      acts, as symbolic facts, that lead to naturalist illusions. 

PMID- 27132765
TI  - Effects of the inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor aminoguanidine in two
      different rat models of schizophrenia.
AB  - Several lines evidence indicate that the non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate
      (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine and the mixed dopamine (DA) D1/D2 receptor
      agonist apomorphine induce schizophrenia-like symptoms in rodents, including
      memory impairments and social withdrawal. Nitric oxide (NO) has been proposed to
      act as an intracellular messenger in the brain and its overproduction is
      associated with schizophrenia. The current study was designed to investigate the
      ability of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor aminoguanidine (AG) to
      counteract schizophrenia-like behavioural deficits produced by ketamine and
      apomorphine in rats. The efficacy of AG to antagonize extinction of recognition
      memory, ketamine and apomorphine-induced recognition memory impairments was
      tested utilizing the novel object recognition task (NORT). Further, the efficacy
      of AG to attenuate ketamine-induced social withdrawal was examined in the social
      interaction test. AG (25 and 50mg/kg) antagonized extinction of recognition
      memory and reversed ketamine (3mg/kg) and apomorphine (1mg/kg)-induced
      recognition memory deficits. In contrast, AG (50 and 100mg/kg) did not counteract
      the ketamine (8mg/kg)-induced social isolation. The present data show that the
      iNOS inhibitor AG counteracted extinction of recognition memory and reversed
      recognition memory deficits produced by dysfunction of the glutamatergic and the
      dopaminergic (DAergic) system in rats. Therefore, AG may be efficacious in
      attenuating memory impairments often observed in schizophrenia patients.

PMID- 27132766
TI  - On mining latent topics from healthcare chat logs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Public and internet-based social media such as online healthcare
      oriented chat groups provide a convenient channel for patients and people
      concerned about health to communicate and share information with each other. The
      chat logs of an online healthcare-oriented chat group can potentially be used to
      extract latent topics, to encourage participation, and to recommend relevant
      healthcare information to users. OBJECTIVE: This paper addresses the use of
      online healthcare chat logs to automatically discover both underlying topics and
      user interests. METHOD: We present a new probabilistic model that exploits
      healthcare chat logs to find hidden topics and changes in these topics over time.
      The proposed model uses separate but associated hidden variables to explore both
      topics and individual interests such that it can provide useful insights to the
      participants of online healthcare chat groups about their interests in terms of
      weighted topics or vice versa. RESULTS: We evaluate the proposed model on a real
      world chat log by comparing its performance to benchmark topic models, i.e.,
      latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) and Author Topic Model (ATM), on the topic
      extraction task. The chat log is obtained from an online chat group of pregnant
      women, which consists of 233,452 chat word tokens contributed by 118 users. Both
      detected individual interests and underlying topics with their progressive
      information over time are demonstrated. The results show that the performance of
      the proposed model exceeds that of the benchmark models. CONCLUSION: The
      experimental results illustrate that the proposed model is a promising method for
      extracting healthcare knowledge from social media data.

PMID- 27132767
TI  - Abnormal stress echocardiography findings in cardiac amyloidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac involvement in immunoglobulin light chain (amyloid light
      chain, AL) amyloidosis is characterized by myocardial interstitial deposition but
      can also cause obstructive deposits in the coronary microvasculature. METHODS: We
      retrospectively identified 20 patients who underwent stress echocardiography
      within 1 year prior to the histologic diagnosis of AL amyloidosis. Only patients
      with cardiac amyloidosis and no known obstructive coronary disease were included.
      RESULTS: Stress echocardiograms (13 exercise; 7 dobutamine) were performed for
      evaluation of dyspnea and/or chest pain. Stress-induced wall motion abnormalities
      (WMAs) occurred in 11 patients (55%), 4 of whom had normal left ventricular wall
      thickness. Coronary angiogram was performed in 9 of 11 patients and demonstrated
      no or mild epicardial coronary artery disease. Seven (54%) patients had an
      abnormal exercise blood pressure which occurred with similar likelihood between
      those with and without stress-induced WMAs. CONCLUSIONS: Stress-induced WMAs and
      abnormal exercise blood pressure may occur in patients with cardiac AL
      amyloidosis despite the absence of significant epicardial coronary artery
      disease. This finding should raise the possibility of cardiac amyloidosis even in
      the absence of significant myocardial thickening.

PMID- 27132768
TI  - Variability in the Patellar Attachment of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe and quantify the variability of the attachments of the
      medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). METHODS: Thirty-three cadaveric knees were
      dissected, and the MPFL was identified from the articular side after anterior
      reflection of the extensor mechanism and removal of the synovium. The width of
      the MPFL at its femoral origin and anterior attachment was measured using digital
      calipers once by 1 examiner. The percentage of fibers that attached to the
      patella versus the quadriceps tendon was calculated relative to the width of the
      total attachment. The length of the MPFL fibers was measured from the femoral
      origin to (1) the patella and (2) the quadriceps tendon and compared using paired
      t tests. RESULTS: Four knees had no identifiable MPFL fibers, and 1 was excluded
      because of the presence of osteophytes. In 28 knees, the mean width of the MPFL
      was 10.7 +/- 1.8 mm at the femoral origin and 30.4 +/- 5.5 mm at the patellar
      attachment. One knee had all MPFL fibers attaching to the patella, and another
      had all fibers attaching to the quadriceps tendon. The remainder had attachments
      to both structures, with 57.3% +/- 19.5% (range, 0% to 100%) of fibers attaching
      to the patella. Mean length of the MPFL fibers was 62.6 +/- 5.2 mm from the
      femoral origin to the patella and 69.7 +/- 5.5 mm from the femoral origin to the
      quadriceps tendon (7.1-mm difference; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: MPFL fibers vary
      in their width and percentage of attachments to the patella and quadriceps
      tendon. Further studies are needed to identify the appropriate fixation points to
      re-create the anatomy and isometry of the MPFL during reconstruction for patellar
      stabilization. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Variability in the anatomy of the MPFL
      suggests that optimal anatomic graft placement may vary during reconstruction of
      this ligament.

PMID- 27132769
TI  - Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Simplified Chinese Version of the
      Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale.
AB  - PURPOSE: To perform a cross-cultural adaptation and translation of the original
      version of the Activities of Daily Living Scale of the Knee Outcome Survey into
      Simplified Chinese and validate of the Simplified Chinese version. METHODS: The
      original version was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Simplified
      Chinese according to the guidelines and the recommendations of the American
      Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Outcome Committee. A total of 213 patients (96
      male, 117 female) were selected to participate in our investigation. The
      inclusion criteria were as follows: 18 years of age and older, able to speak
      Chinese Mandarin and read Simplified Chinese, and referred to physical therapy
      for evaluation and treatment for a knee disorder. The exclusion criteria were as
      follows: patients who had disorders or impairments involving both knees, patients
      who had other conditions that could affect lower extremity function, patients
      with physical therapy related to the knee in the previous 1 month, and patients
      with psychological problems. Each participant was asked to complete the Knee
      Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS), International Knee
      Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form, Western Ontario and McMaster
      Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and Short Form 36 forms and to provide
      baseline demographic data. Each participant completed the KOS-ADLS twice on 2
      nonconsecutive days for reliability evaluation. A portion of the participants (n
      = 161) finished the KOS-ADLS a third time 4 weeks after physical treatment to
      test responsiveness. RESULTS: The original version of the KOS-ADLS was well
      adapted and translated into Simplified Chinese. Simplified Chinese of KOS-ADLS
      was shown to have good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.855 to 0.929),
      great test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.935 to
      0.961), high construct validity as we hypothesized (significant correlations with
      Short Form 36 subscales, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis
      Index, and International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form), and
      high responsiveness (standard response means = 0.97 to 1.23, standard effect size
      = 0.81 to 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Simplified Chinese of KOS-ADLS was shown to have
      good reliability, validity, and responsiveness for use in patients with knee
      disorders in China. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, testing of previously developed
      diagnostic criteria in a series of consecutive patients with universally applied
      gold standard.

PMID- 27132770
TI  - Revision Arthroscopic Repair Versus Latarjet Procedure in Patients With Recurrent
      Instability After Initial Repair Attempt: A Cost-Effectiveness Model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the cost-effectiveness of arthroscopic revision instability
      repair and Latarjet procedure in treating patients with recurrent instability
      after initial arthroscopic instability repair. METHODS: An expected-value
      decision analysis of revision arthroscopic instability repair compared with
      Latarjet procedure for recurrent instability followed by failed repair attempt
      was modeled. Inputs regarding procedure cost, clinical outcomes, and health
      utilities were derived from the literature. RESULTS: Compared with revision
      arthroscopic repair, Latarjet was less expensive ($13,672 v $15,287) with
      improved clinical outcomes (43.78 v 36.76 quality-adjusted life-years). Both
      arthroscopic repair and Latarjet were cost-effective compared with nonoperative
      treatment (incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of 3,082 and 1,141,
      respectively). Results from sensitivity analyses indicate that under scenarios of
      high rates of stability postoperatively, along with improved clinical outcome
      scores, revision arthroscopic repair becomes increasingly cost-effective.
      CONCLUSIONS: Latarjet procedure for failed instability repair is a cost-effective
      treatment option, with lower costs and improved clinical outcomes compared with
      revision arthroscopic instability repair. However, surgeons must still
      incorporate clinical judgment into treatment algorithm formation. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level IV, expected value decision analysis.

PMID- 27132771
TI  - Clinical Outcomes After Revision Meniscus Repair.
AB  - PURPOSE: To (1) report outcomes for patients who underwent revision meniscal
      repair and (2) define both clinical and surgical risk factors for recurrent
      failure. METHODS: The records of all patients who underwent revision meniscal
      repair between 1997 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgical technique of
      primary and revision meniscus repair was detailed, and tears were characterized
      by type and location. Clinical examination and International Knee Documentation
      Committee (IKDC) and Tegner scores were used to determine outcomes after revision
      meniscus repair. Radiographs were reviewed and graded for degenerative changes.
      Risk factors for failure were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients (24 male/10
      female) with an average age of 22 +/- 6 years (range, 14 to 38) were included in
      this study. Twelve lateral menisci and 22 medial meniscal repairs were revised at
      mean 25 +/- 20 months (range, 2 to 76) after primary repair for 11 simple, 9
      bucket-handle, and 14 complex tear patterns. Twenty-one tears occurred in the red
      red zone and 13 in the red-white zone. At 72 +/- 56-month follow-up (range, 2 to
      17 years), 7 (21%) cases had documented failure of revision repairs and underwent
      subsequent partial meniscectomy. Mean Tegner score for all patients was 6.2 +/-
      1.5 (range, 3 to 9) and IKDC score was 84.8 +/- 13.1 (range, 51.7 to 100) at
      final follow-up. Affected side joint space on radiographs remained stable from a
      baseline of 4.26 +/- 0.88 mm to a final of 4.01 +/- 0.84 mm. Multivariable
      regression identified younger patient age as an independent risk factor for
      failed revision meniscal repair (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: In this study of select
      revision meniscus repairs, 79% of patients were pain free, without any mechanical
      symptoms or additional surgeries at a mean of 6 years after revision repair.
      Younger patients may be at higher risk of failure of the revision meniscus
      repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

PMID- 27132772
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Versus Arthroscopic
      Rotator Cuff Repair for Symptomatic Large and Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the cost-effectiveness within the United States health care
      system of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair versus reverse total shoulder
      arthroplasty in patients with symptomatic large and massive rotator cuff tears
      without cuff-tear arthropathy. METHODS: An expected-value decision analysis was
      constructed comparing the costs and outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic
      rotator cuff repair and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for large and massive
      rotator cuff tears (and excluding cases of cuff-tear arthropathy). Comprehensive
      literature search provided input data to extrapolate costs and health utility
      states for these outcomes. The primary outcome assessed was that of incremental
      cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty versus
      rotator cuff repair. RESULTS: For the base case, both arthroscopic rotator cuff
      repair and reverse total shoulder were superior to nonoperative care, with an
      ICER of $15,500/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and $37,400/QALY, respectively.
      Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was dominant over primary reverse total shoulder
      arthroplasty, with lower costs and slightly improved clinical outcomes.
      Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was the preferred strategy as long as the
      lifetime progression rate from retear to end-stage cuff-tear arthropathy was less
      than 89%. However, when the model was modified to account for worse outcomes when
      reverse shoulder arthroplasty was performed after a failed attempted rotator cuff
      repair, primary reverse total shoulder had superior outcomes with an ICER of
      $90,000/QALY. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair-despite high rates of
      tendon retearing-for patients with large and massive rotator cuff tears may be a
      more cost-effective initial treatment strategy when compared with primary reverse
      total shoulder arthroplasty and when assuming no detrimental impact of previous
      surgery on outcomes after arthroplasty. Clinical judgment should still be
      prioritized when formulating treatment plans for these patients. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level II, economic decision analysis.

PMID- 27132773
TI  - Epidemiologic Comparison of Pitching Mechanics, Pitch Type, and Pitch Counts
      Among Healthy Pitchers at Various Levels of Youth Competition.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine differences among healthy pitchers at various levels of
      competition regarding pitching history, pitching mechanics, and prevalence of
      breaking pitches. METHODS: Demographic, anthropometric, pitching history, and
      kinematic data were collected on healthy youth pitchers using dual orthogonal
      high-speed video analysis. Players were grouped by maturity level (9 to 12
      [prepubescent], 13 to 15 [pubescent], 16 to 17 [mature], and 18 to 22 years
      [adult]). Groups were compared regarding pitch counts, pitching mechanics, and
      use of breaking pitches. Mechanics were assessed for favorable observational
      parameters (e.g., closed foot orientation at foot-strike) and measurable
      parameters at cocking, foot-strike, and ball release (e.g., knee flexion).
      RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-five pitchers were included. Sixty-three were 9 to
      12, 130 were 13 to 15, 78 were 16 to 17, and 24 were 18 to 22 years of age. Older
      pitchers threw more pitches per game (41, 52, 69, and 50 by age group; P < .001),
      per season (766, 975, 1,079, and 881; P = .017), and per year (901, 1,343, 2,064,
      and 1,302; P < .001). They were more likely to pitch for multiple teams, for more
      than 9 months, in showcases, and in violation of pitch count recommendations.
      Older pitchers were more likely to maintain their hand on top of the ball,
      maintain closed shoulders at foot-strike, achieve hip and shoulder separation,
      and lead with their hips. Older pitchers achieved greater relative stride-length,
      greater knee flexion at front-foot contact, and increased lead hip flexion at
      ball release. Pitchers began throwing curveballs and sliders at 12.6 and 13.5
      years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: As pitchers age, they throw more pitches per
      game, per season, and per year and are more likely than younger pitchers to
      violate pitch count recommendations. Older pitchers tend to pitch with improved
      mechanics and velocity. The proportion of pitchers throwing breaking pitches
      increases with age, with the greatest increase occurring between ages 12 and 13.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, cross-sectional study.

PMID- 27132774
TI  - Intra-articular Diagnostic Injection Exhibits Poor Predictive Value for Outcome
      After Hip Arthroscopy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether the amount of pain relief after preoperative intra
      articular (IA) anesthetic injection predicts clinical and functional outcomes
      after hip arthroscopy, especially when controlling for the presence of chondral
      degeneration. METHODS: We identified patients who underwent IA injection and
      subsequent hip arthroscopy for labral pathology between 2007 and 2013 performed
      by a single surgeon. Inclusion criteria were ultrasound- or fluoroscopic-guided
      IA anesthetic injection performed at our institution, prospectively documented
      pre- and postinjection numerical rating scale pain scores, and minimum 1-year
      follow-up postoperatively. Patients were divided into 2 groups, those who
      received >50% pain relief from preoperative IA anesthetic injection and those who
      received <=50% relief. Preoperative radiographs were reviewed, and degree of
      osteoarthritis was determined using the Tonnis classification system. Outcomes
      were assessed with Modified Harris Hip Score and Hip Outcome Score (HOS).
      Univariate and multivariate models were performed to assess whether percent pain
      relief correlated with outcome. RESULTS: Of the 319 arthroscopic hip surgeries
      performed between 2007 and 2013, 115 (37%) patients were lost to follow-up, 16
      (5%) patients did not receive an IA injection, 16 (5%) patients had an injection
      containing gadolinium, and 40 (13%) patients completed injections at an outside
      institution. Five (2%) patients were excluded for a history of ipsilateral hip
      surgery, and 3 (1%) for a history of contralateral hip surgery, leaving 96 hips
      in 96 patients. There were 71 females (74%) and 25 males (26%) with a mean age of
      37.6 +/- 14.0 years. Tonnis was grade 0, 1, and 2 for 26 (27%), 55 (56%), and 16
      (17%) patients, respectively. Fifty-one (53%) of the injections contained a
      corticosteroid. The mean pain relief after IA injection was 73% +/- 36% (range,
      0% to 100%). Twenty-six hips (26%) had <=50% pain relief, whereas 70 (73%) had
      >50% pain relief, and the median time interval from injection to surgery was 3
      (range, <1 to 20) months. Outcome scores were obtained at a mean 14.8 (range, 11
      to 30) months after arthroscopic surgery. Postoperative mean Modified Harris Hip
      Score, HOS activities of daily living, and HOS-Sport scores were 79.2 +/- 17.3,
      82.6 +/- 17.3, and 67.4 +/- 28.2, respectively. There was no statistical
      correlation between percent pain relief and outcome. There was no significant
      difference in outcome scores between those with <=50% and >50% pain relief.
      Multivariate regression analysis showed no significant predictors of outcome,
      including age, gender, Tonnis grade, percent relief with IA injection, or type of
      surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for
      labral pathology, our data indicate that the amount of pain relief from IA
      injection may be a poor predictor of short-term outcome, even when adjusting for
      chondral degeneration. Although anesthetic injections can be an important
      diagnostic tool in select patients, a combination of the clinical history,
      physical examination, and imaging findings is fundamental. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level IV, therapeutic case series.

PMID- 27132775
TI  - Two-Year Outcomes After Arthroscopic Lateral Meniscus Centralization.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of arthroscopic
      centralization for lateral meniscal extrusion. METHODS: Twenty-one patients who
      underwent arthroscopic centralization of the lateral meniscus were included. In
      cases with an extruded lateral meniscus (9 patients) or discoid meniscus (12
      patients), the capsule at the margin between the midbody of the lateral meniscus
      and the capsule was sutured to the lateral edge of the lateral tibial plateau and
      centralized using suture anchors to reduce or prevent meniscal extrusion.
      Clinical outcomes included clinical examination findings, Lysholm score, Knee
      Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and subjective rating scales regarding
      patient satisfaction and sports performance level. Radiographic outcomes included
      meniscal extrusion width (MEW) on magnetic resonance imaging and lateral joint
      space width on a standing 45 degrees  flexion posteroanterior view. All clinical
      and radiographic outcomes were reported pre-operatively and at 2 years post
      operatively, whereas MEW was reported at 1 year; outcomes were compared with
      baseline. RESULTS: Clinical outcomes were significantly improved at 2 years
      postoperatively compared with baseline: Lysholm score (97 v 69, P < .0001) and
      all subscores of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score except
      activities of daily living (pain, 89 v 72, P = .0010; symptoms, 91 v 74, P =
      .0002; activities of daily living, 94 v 89, P = .091; sport and recreational
      function, 79 v 42, P = .0028; and quality of life, 78 v 46, P = .0029). Patient
      satisfaction (84 v 22, P < .0001) and sports performance level (82 v 15, P <
      .0001) were also improved. At 1 year, MEW was significantly reduced compared with
      baseline for both the extrusion group (1.0 mm v 5.0 mm, P < .0001) and the
      discoid group (0.3 mm v 1.6 mm, P = .047). Lateral joint space width increased at
      2 years in the extrusion group (5.6 mm v 4.8 mm, P = .041) and was maintained in
      the discoid group (5.5 mm v 5.4 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic centralization of
      the lateral meniscus improved clinical and radiographic outcomes for meniscal
      extrusion as well as for discoid menisci at 2-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level IV, therapeutic case series.

PMID- 27132776
TI  - Short-Term Outcomes of Glenoid Bone Block Augmentation for Complex Anterior
      Shoulder Instability in a High-Risk Population.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the short-term clinical outcomes of glenoid bone block
      augmentation in a high-demand population, as well as to describe its clinical
      success and complications at greater than 2 years' follow-up in an at-risk
      military population. METHODS: All patients undergoing anterior capsulorrhaphy
      with coracoid process transfer or anterior bone block augmentation (Current
      Procedural Terminology code 23662 or 23460) for shoulder instability between 2006
      and 2012 were isolated from the Military Health System Management Analysis and
      Reporting Tool. Demographic and occupational parameters were identified, and
      multiple surgical factors and clinical outcomes were extracted from the medical
      record and US Defense Manpower Data Center. RESULTS: A total of 64 service
      members (65 shoulders) underwent anterior bone block procedures, including
      coracoid transfer (n = 59, 90.8%), distal tibial allograft (n = 3, 4.6%), and
      autologous or allograft iliac crest bone graft (n = 3, 4.6%). This group was
      predominately comprised of men (n = 59), and the mean age was 25.9 years (range,
      19 to 45 years). A total of 19 perioperative complications, including 8
      neurologic injuries, 6 infections, and 4 hardware failures, occurred in 16
      patients (25%). At a mean 2.4-year follow-up, 21 patients (32.8%) reported
      persistent shoulder pain and 15 patients (23.4%) disclosed subjective
      apprehension or recurrent instability. Secondary surgical procedures were
      performed in 12 patients (18.8%), including 4 revisions (6.3%). Ultimately, 20
      patients (31.3%) underwent a medical discharge for persistent shoulder
      disability. Univariate analysis showed that the presence of a perioperative
      complication (P = .049) and tobacco use (P = .038) were associated with increased
      risk of subsequent surgical failure. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior glenoid bone block
      procedures for shoulder instability with concomitant bone loss enable a return to
      high-demand physical function. The short-term complication profile (25%),
      recurrence rate (23%), and persistence of shoulder pain (33%) should be
      emphasized during preoperative counseling, particularly in an active military
      population and revision setting. Although moderately successful in the military,
      anterior bone block procedures for complex shoulder instability can be associated
      with significant short-term complications and morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level
      IV, therapeutic case series.

PMID- 27132777
TI  - Safe Angle of Anchor Insertion for Labral Repair During Hip Arthroscopy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the use of the distal anterolateral accessory (DALA) portal
      with the anterolateral (AL) and midanterior (MA) portals during arthroscopic hip
      labral repair. METHODS: Standard AL, MA, and DALA portals were created on 6
      cadaveric hip specimens. Four 2.4-mm pins were placed in the acetabular rim to
      the depth of a standard anchor using a drill guide. Pins were placed in the 12 to
      3 o'clock positions. The specimens then underwent computed tomographic scans with
      the pins left in place, and the distance from the pin to the articular surface
      was calculated at different depths of insertion. RESULTS: In the anterior
      location, the average starting distance for the DALA pin was 2.05 mm and for the
      MA pin it was 2.51 mm from the articular surface (P = .29). Statistically
      significant differences between the DALA and MA pins were found at depths of 6 mm
      (P = .04) and 9 mm (P = .03). In the superior location, the average starting
      distance for the DALA pin was 2.40 mm and for the AL pin it was 2.62 mm from the
      articular surface (P = .34). Statistically significant differences between the
      DALA and AL pins were found at depths of 6 mm (P = .02), 9 mm (P = .01), 12 mm (P
      = .01), 15 mm (P = .04), and 18 mm (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: The DALA portal allows
      pins to be placed at a greater distance from the articular surface than the MA
      and AL portals when using a straight drill guide. This may decrease the incidence
      of intra-articular penetration during arthroscopic hip labral repair. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Intra-articular penetration of a drill bit or anchor is an iatrogenic
      complication that can occur during labral repair. By using the DALA portal
      instead of the AL and MA, the anchor can be safely placed on the acetabular rim
      and directly away from the articular surface, decreasing the chance for this
      complication.

PMID- 27132778
TI  - Effects of Multiple Intra-articular Injections of 0.5% Bupivacaine on Normal and
      Osteoarthritic Joints in Rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the in vivo effects of multiple local anesthetic injections
      of 0.5% bupivacaine on normal and osteoarthritic articular cartilage. METHODS:
      Rats with normal knee joints received an intra-articular injection of 0.9% saline
      solution or 0.5% bupivacaine in their right knees joint once a week for 5
      consecutive weeks, starting 4 weeks after the beginning of the experiment. Rats
      were humanely killed at 8, 16, and 24 weeks. In a parallel experiment, rats
      underwent anterior cruciate ligament transection to induce osteoarthritic
      changes. These rats were subjected to the same protocol as those with normal knee
      joints, starting 4 weeks after the procedure. Static weight-bearing tests were
      performed on both hind limbs to evaluate changes in weight-bearing ability
      throughout the experiments. Rats were humanely killed at 8 and 16 weeks. Cell
      viability was assessed with confocal microscopy, using samples from the distal
      femur. Histologic assessment of osteoarthritis was performed using samples from
      the tibial plateau based on the Osteoarthritis Research Society International
      (OARSI) cartilage histopathology assessment system (i.e., OARSI score). RESULTS:
      Static weight-bearing tests showed no significant changes after intra-articular
      injection of saline solution or bupivacaine, and bupivacaine injection did not
      increase weight bearing compared with saline solution injection, regardless of
      whether there were osteoarthritic changes. There were also no significant
      differences in cell viability, cell density, or OARSI scores between the saline
      solution and bupivacaine groups at each time point, regardless of whether
      osteoarthritic changes were induced. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that
      single or intermittent intra-articular bupivacaine injections might not have
      deleterious effects on either osteoarthritic or normal joints. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: There is no strong evidence that intra-articular bupivacaine injection
      induces degenerative changes in articular cartilage. Therefore, these results may
      apply to normal and osteoarthritic joints.

PMID- 27132779
TI  - Prospective In Vivo Comparison of Damaged and Healthy-Appearing Articular
      Cartilage Specimens in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement: Comparison of
      T2 Mapping, Histologic Endpoints, and Arthroscopic Grading.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe T2 mapping values in arthroscopically determined
      International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grades in damaged and healthy
      appearing articular cartilage waste specimens from arthroscopic femoroacetabular
      impingement (FAI) treatment. Furthermore, we sought to compare ICRS grades of the
      specimens with biochemical, immunohistochemistry and histologic endpoints and
      assess correlations with T2 mapping. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were
      prospectively enrolled, consecutively, between December 2011 and August 2012.
      Patients were included if they were aged 18 years or older and met criteria that
      followed the clinical indications for arthroscopy to treat FAI. Patients with
      prior hip trauma including fracture or dislocation or who have undergone prior
      hip surgery were excluded. All patients received a preoperative sagittal T2
      mapping scan of the hip joint. Cartilage was graded intraoperatively using the
      ICRS grading system, and graded specimens were collected as cartilage waste for
      histologic, biochemical, and immunohistochemistry analysis. RESULTS: Forty-four
      cartilage specimens (22 healthy-appearing, 22 damaged) were analyzed. Median T2
      values were significantly higher among damaged specimens (55.7 +/- 14.9 ms) than
      healthy-appearing specimens (49.3 +/- 12.3 ms; P = .043), which was most
      exaggerated among mild (grade 1 or 2) defects where the damaged specimens (58.1
      +/- 16.4 ms) were significantly higher than their paired healthy-appearing
      specimens (48.7 +/- 15.4 ms; P = .026). Severely damaged specimens (grade 3 or 4)
      had significantly lower cumulative H&E than their paired healthy-appearing
      counterparts (P = .02) but was not statistically significant among damaged
      specimens with mild (grade 1 or 2) defects (P = .198). Among healthy-appearing
      specimens, median T2 and the percentage of collagen fibers oriented parallel were
      significantly correlated (rho = 0.425, P = .048). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      outlines the potential for T2 mapping to identify early cartilage degeneration in
      patients undergoing arthroscopy to treat FAI. Findings in ICRS grade 1 and 2
      degeneration corresponded to an increase in T2 values. Further biochemical
      evaluation revealed a significant difference between healthy-appearing cartilage
      and late degeneration in cumulative H&E as well as significantly lower percentage
      of collagen fibers oriented parallel and a higher percentage of collagen fibers
      oriented randomly when considering all grades of cartilage damage. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

PMID- 27132780
TI  - Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Using a Synthetic Graft With
      Arthroscopic Control of Patellofemoral Congruence.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the results of reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral
      ligament (MPFL) using a synthetic graft (Poly-Tape) between knee joints in which
      the patella was reduced to the strict center and those in which it was slightly
      lateral to the center of the trochlea to determine whether patellar position
      within this range affects the results. METHODS: Forty-six knee joints in 46
      patients were examined retrospectively with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The
      position of the patellar central ridge in the trochlea on arthroscopy immediately
      after reconstruction of the MPFL was measured. The joints were classified into
      group 1 (6 male and 12 female patients), in which the patella was reduced to the
      strict center of the trochlea, and group 2 (10 male and 18 female patients), in
      which the patella was reduced slightly lateral to the center. The mean age was
      20.7 years in group 1 and 20.3 years in group 2. Knee joints were assessed using
      the Kujala score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC)
      subjective evaluation score. RESULTS: The mean Kujala and IKDC scores improved
      significantly in both groups after surgery (both P < .001). There was no
      significant difference between the groups for any assessment before surgery or in
      the Kujala score after surgery (P = .075). However, the IKDC score after surgery
      was significantly better in group 2 (91.3 +/- 9.1) than in group 1 (82.8 +/-
      13.1) (P = .012). CONCLUSIONS: When recurrent dislocation of the patella was
      treated with MPFL reconstruction using a synthetic graft, subjective evaluations
      were better in knee joints in which the patella was repositioned slightly lateral
      to the center of the trochlea than in those in which the patella was reduced to
      the strict center, although there was no significant difference in knee function
      between them. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

PMID- 27132781
TI  - The Clinical Impact of Bicipital Tunnel Decompression During Long Head of the
      Biceps Tendon Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: (1) To identify existing outcomes studies and (2) to use meta-analysis
      techniques to summarize pooled clinical outcomes for surgical techniques that
      decompress the bicipital tunnel and those that do not, to identify important
      areas for future clinical investigation. METHODS: A systematic review of the
      PubMed database was performed in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting
      Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. Patients were
      categorized into 2 groups for analysis. Group 1, the "tunnel decompressed" group,
      included open subpectoral tenodesis, long head of the biceps tendon transfer
      procedures, and proximal tenodesis techniques that explicitly released the
      bicipital sheath. Group 2, the "tunnel not decompressed" group, included proximal
      tenodesis techniques and tenotomy. Validated clinical outcome measures (Constant;
      University of California, Los Angeles; Simple Shoulder Test; visual analog scale
      for pain; and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) and revision rates were
      summarized using inverse-variance weighting in a random-effects model. Because
      the constituent studies were largely single-cohort observational studies, direct
      between-group statistical comparisons could not be made. RESULTS: Thirty studies
      (comprising 1,881 patients) met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The
      Constant score was the most commonly reported outcome measure (16 cohorts, 961
      patients) and was seemingly higher in group 1 (88.3 v 81.7). Revision rates;
      University of California, Los Angeles scores; Simple Shoulder Test scores; visual
      analog scale scores for pain; and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores
      appeared to be similar between groups. The mean patient age was 50.7 +/- 5.7
      years for group 1 and 58.9 +/- 6.3 years for group 2. The Egger intercept method
      showed an intercept of -13.29 (P < .001) for the Constant score, indicating a
      high likelihood of publication bias in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS:
      Bicipital tunnel-decompressing techniques showed apparently higher Constant
      scores compared with non-decompressing techniques but may have been affected by
      differences in mean patient age between groups. Existing literature consists of
      largely single-cohort retrospective observational Level IV studies, which are
      likely influenced by significant publication bias. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV,
      systematic review of Level II through IV studies.

PMID- 27132782
TI  - Neurocognitive clinical outcome assessments for inborn errors of metabolism and
      other rare conditions.
AB  - Well-defined and reliable clinical outcome assessments are essential for
      determining whether a drug provides clinically meaningful treatment benefit for
      patients. In 2015, FDA convened a workshop, "Assessing Neurocognitive Outcomes in
      Inborn Errors of Metabolism." Topics covered included special challenges of
      clinical studies of inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) and other rare diseases;
      complexities of identifying treatment effects in the context of the dynamic
      processes of child development and disease progression; and the importance of
      natural history studies. Clinicians, parents/caregivers, and participants from
      industry, academia, and government discussed factors to consider when developing
      measures to assess treatment outcomes, as well as tools and methods that may
      contribute to standardizing measures. Many issues examined are relevant to the
      broader field of rare diseases in addition to specifics of IEMs.

PMID- 27132783
TI  - Surgical treatment of the adductor longus muscle's distal tendon total rupture in
      a soccer player.
AB  - Only a few cases of adductor longus tendon ruptures have been reported in the
      literature and - there are no clear criteria for conservative or surgical
      treatment. A case of traumatic rupture of the right distal adductor longus tendon
      is presented in an elite soccer player, which was surgically repaired. The
      condition was managed conservatively primarily. However, after 2 months, a
      palpable mass remained on the medial side of the thigh, and the patient had pain
      after moderate everyday load and insufficient strength of the right leg during
      physical exercise. It was decided to explore ruptured tendon surgically and
      reattach to the femur. Full function of the right leg was achieved at 3 months
      after surgical repair. At 6 months postoperatively, the patient had returned to
      soccer at the same level.

PMID- 27132784
TI  - A revised prosthetic classification of surgical impairment due to mandibulectomy.

PMID- 27132785
TI  - Simplified treatment of severe dental erosion with ultrathin CAD-CAM composite
      occlusal veneers and anterior bilaminar veneers.
AB  - Restorative treatment for patients with dental erosion requires an analysis of
      the degree of structural damage. Patients affected by moderate to severe dental
      erosion are particularly challenging because complex occlusal reconstruction will
      be needed. Ultrathin bonded occlusal veneers represent a conservative alternative
      to traditional onlays and complete coverage crowns for the treatment of severe
      erosion. This article describes a complete mouth rehabilitation with ultrathin
      computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) composite resin
      occlusal veneers in a patient with a severely eroded dentition. In the maxillary
      anterior teeth, the bilaminar approach was chosen with lingual composite resin
      veneers and labial porcelain veneers. The main benefit of this approach is the
      possibility of using additive adhesive techniques, allowing only strategic
      reduction of sound dental structure or no preparation.

PMID- 27132786
TI  - Two anterior wide-diameter implants using the All-on-4 concept in a predictable
      maxillary rehabilitation: A clinical report.
AB  - The quality of maxillary bone is generally lower than that of mandibular bone;
      consequently, complete arch immediate implant-loading treatment is not as
      predictable in the maxillary as in the mandibular arch. The All-on-4 concept has
      proven to be an effective and successful treatment protocol. However, the
      survival rate of All-on-4 implants in the maxilla is lower than of those in the
      mandible. In this report, 2 anterior wide-diameter implants were used with the
      All-on-4 concept for a maxillary rehabilitation to provide biomechanical benefits
      with better primary stability while still achieving a functional and esthetic
      result. The clinical challenges of using wide-diameter implants in the anterior
      region are also discussed and should be considered during treatment planning.

PMID- 27132787
TI  - Implant therapy for a patient with Down syndrome and oral habits: A clinical
      report.
AB  - This clinical report describes prosthodontic therapy with an implant-supported
      partial fixed dental prosthesis for a patient with Down syndrome and concomitant
      oral habits, including tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. 

PMID- 27132788
TI  - Keep Intact Intact.

PMID- 27132789
TI  - National French survey on tele-transmission of EEG recordings: More than a simple
      technological challenge.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Assessment of current practice and the need for tele-transmission and
      remote interpretation of EEG in France. Transmission of EEG to a distant center
      could be a promising solution to the problem of decreasing availability of
      neurophysiologists for EEG interpretation, in order to provide equity within
      health care services in France. This practice should logically follow the legal
      framework of telemedicine and the recommendations that were recently edited by
      the Societe de neurophysiologie clinique de langue francaise (SNCLF) and the
      Ligue francaise contre l'epilepsie (LCFE). METHODS: A national survey was
      designed and performed under the auspices of the SNCLF. RESULTS: This survey
      reveals that there is an important gap between the official recommendations and
      the "reality on the ground". These local organizations were mainly established
      through the impulse of individual initiatives, rarely driven by health regulatory
      authorities and sometimes far from legal frameworks. For the majority, they
      result from a need to improve medical care, especially in pediatrics and
      neonatology, and to ensure continuity of care. When present, tele-transmission of
      EEG is often only partially satisfactory, since many technical procedures have to
      be improved. Conversely, the lack of tele-transmission of EEG would penalize
      medical care for some patients. CONCLUSIONS: The survey shows both the wealth of
      local initiatives and the fragility of most existing networks, emphasizing the
      need for better cooperation between regulatory authorities and health care
      professionals to establish or improve the transmission of EEG in France.

PMID- 27132790
TI  - Balancing truth-telling: relatives acting as translators for older adult cancer
      patients of Turkish or northwest African origin in Belgium.
AB  - The first generation of Turkish and Northwest African immigrants in Belgium are
      ageing and at risk for developing cancer. Relatives play an important role and
      provide both emotional and practical care, including mental support and acting as
      a contact person and/or a translator for improving access to healthcare, as most
      patients and their spouses have only a limited command of the language. Although
      access to professional interpreters has shown to be the best guarantee for
      qualitative healthcare, oncology health providers working with relatives as
      interpreters is much more common than professional interpreters. The aim of this
      study was to provide insight into the process wherein relatives balance truth
      telling in translating for an older family member diagnosed with cancer. This was
      a qualitative research study, with elements of constructivist grounded theory.
      Twenty-eight loosely structured interviews were conducted. Most relatives
      consider it their responsibility to contribute to a positive attitude of the
      patient. Relatives decided to what extent they inform the patient, based on
      several motives and embedded in their assessment of the patient's emotional
      strength, understanding and need to be informed. What they decide influences the
      way they act as a translator and/or a contact person between the patient and
      health professional(s). Some considered it best to omit medical information while
      others considered it best to inform the patient fully. The results emphasise the
      importance for healthcare providers to take into account the complexity and
      unpredictable character of the process of balancing truth-telling when family
      members translate for their ill older relative.

PMID- 27132791
TI  - Kidney Injury Molecule Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine the diagnostic role of urinary
      kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1 levels in renal damage in patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus according to the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio. METHODS:
      Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted to different polyclinics in our
      hospital enrolled in the study and were subdivided into three groups according to
      albumin/creatinine ratio - normalbuminuric (n: 20); microalbuminuric (n: 20);
      albuminuric (n: 18) - and compared with the control group. Urine albumin was
      analyzed using the immunoturbidimetric method (Architect C16000, Abbott
      Diagnostics). uKIM-1 was determined using a commercially available enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay test kit (USCN Life Science, Hankou, Wuhan, China). One
      sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Spearman correlation and Kruskal-Wallis non
      parametric tests were performed. Post hoc comparisons were made using Bonferroni
      corrected Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The differences between the controls and
      normalbuminuric, microalbuminuric and albuminuric groups were highly significant
      for KIM-1. Positive correlation was found between KIM-1 and urine microalbumin
      urine microalbumin/creatinine (r = 0.479 P < 0.001; r = 0. 400, P < 0.001;
      respectively). CONCLUSION: In our study, KIM-1 levels were significantly
      different suggesting that urinary KIM-1 levels may be an early marker in patients
      with diabetic nephropathy. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 00:1-6, 2016.

PMID- 27132792
TI  - Repurposing of Anti-Diabetic Agents for the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment and
      Mood Disorders.
AB  - Impairments in cognitive function represent a consistent, non-specific, and
      clinically significant feature in metabolic, mood, and dementing disorders. The
      foregoing observation is instantiated by evidence demonstrating that these
      disorders share pathophysiological mechanisms including, but not limited to,
      aberrant insulin signaling, inflammation, and glucocorticoid activity. Moreover,
      these mechanisms have been consistently reported to increase vulnerability to
      and/or exacerbate impairments in cognitive function. Notwithstanding evidence
      suggesting a bidirectional relationship between disturbances in the metabolic
      milieu, mood, and increased risk for dementia, efficacious treatments that target
      cognitive impairments in these populations do not presently exist. Taken
      together, it is proposed that anti-diabetic agents may aid the management of mood
      disorders and future risk for dementia through disease modification by targeting
      underlying pathophysiological mechanisms (e.g., aberrant metabolic function)
      rather than focusing solely on symptom mitigation. The current aim is to provide
      a brief narrative review of extant studies that report on the potential
      neurotherapeutic effects of anti-diabetic agents on disturbances in mood and
      impairments in cognitive function.

PMID- 27132793
TI  - Crosstalk Between the Autophagy-Lysosome Pathway and the Ubiquitin-Proteasome
      Pathway in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The accumulation of damaged or misfolded proteins in retinal pigment
      epithelial (RPE) cells was considered a contributing factor for RPE dysfunction
      in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The ubiquitinproteasome pathway (UPP)
      and the autophagy-lysosome pathway (ALP) are the two major proteolytic systems
      for clearance of misfolded or damaged proteins. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to
      investigate how these two systems communicate and coordinate with each other in
      RPE cells for eliminating intracellular misfolded and damaged proteins. METHODS:
      Cultured ARPE-19 cells were treated with proteasome inhibitor MG132 and
      lysosomotropic agent chloroquine (CQ), respectively. The levels and cellular
      distributions of ubiquitinated proteins, LC3-I, LC3-II, LAMP1 and p62 were
      analyzed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Proteasome activity was
      determined using Suc-LLVY-AMC as a substrate. RESULTS: The level of ubiquitinated
      protein aggregations was significantly increased after the treatment of MG132 in
      RPE cells. The levels of LC3-I, LC3-II and LAMP1 increased in MG132 treated
      cells. The levels of gamma-tubulin and p62 also increased in MG132 treated cells,
      suggesting that inhibition of the UPP up-regulates autophagy-lysosome pathway.
      Inhibition of lysosomal activity with CQ also increased the levels of high mass
      ubiquitin conjugates, LC3-II and p62. In addition, proteasome activity was
      compromised upon prolonged lysosomal inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate
      that the UPP and the ALP are interrelated and that dysfunction of the ALP would
      also result in dysfunction of the UPP and severely compromise the capacity of
      eliminating misfolded and other forms of damaged proteins.

PMID- 27132794
TI  - Serum miRNAs Signature Plays an Important Role in Keloid Disease.
AB  - The molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of keloid is largely unknown.
      MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of small regulatory RNA that has emerged as a group
      of posttranscriptional gene repressors, participating in diverse
      pathophysiological processes of skin diseases. We investigated the expression
      profiles of miRNAs in the sera of patients to decipher the complicated factors
      involved in the development of keloid disease. MiRNA expression profiling in the
      sera from 9 keloid patients and 7 normal controls were characterized using a
      miRNA microarray containing established human mature and precursor miRNA
      sequences. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to confirm the expression of
      miRNAs. The putative targets of differentially expressed miRNAs were functionally
      annotated by bioinformatics. MiRNA microarray analysis identified 37
      differentially expressed miRNAs (17 upregulated and 20 downregulated) in keloid
      patients, compared to the healthy controls. Functional annotations revealed that
      the targets of those differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched in signaling
      pathways essential for scar formation and wound healing. The expression profiling
      of miRNAs is altered in the keloid, providing a clue for the molecular mechanisms
      underlying its initiation and progression. MiRNAs may partly contribute to the
      etiology of keloids by affecting the critical signaling pathways relevant to
      keloid pathogenesis.

PMID- 27132795
TI  - Lysosomal Acid Phosphatase Biosynthesis and Dysfunction: A Mini Review Focused on
      Lysosomal Enzyme Dysfunction in Brain.
AB  - Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that are responsible for degrading and
      recycling macromolecules. Lysosomal dysfunction occurs in enzymatic and non
      enzymatic deficiencies, which result in abnormal accumulation of materials.
      Although lysosomal storage disorders affect different organs, the central nervous
      system is the most vulnerable. Evidence shows the role of lysosomal dysfunction
      in different neurodegenerative diseases, such as Niemann-Pick Type C disease,
      juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's
      disease. Lysosomal enzymes such as lysosomal acid phosphatase 2 (Acp2) play a
      critical role in mannose-6-phosphate removal and Acp2 controls molecular and
      cellular functions in the brain during development and adulthood. Acp2 is
      essential in cerebellar development, and mutations in this gene cause severe
      cerebellar neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. In this mini
      review, we highlight lysosomal dysfunctions in the pathogenesis of
      neurodevelopmental and/or neurodegenerative diseases with special attention to
      Acp2 dysfunction.

PMID- 27132796
TI  - Preoperative atrial fibrillation may not increase thromboembolic events in left
      ventricular assist device recipients on midterm follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-established risk factor for
      thromboembolic (TE) complications. AF is frequently found in patients with
      advanced heart failure, including patients undergoing left ventricular assist
      device (LVAD) implantation. However, reports on whether preoperative AF increases
      the risk of TE events after LVAD implantation are scarce and limited to single
      center or 2-center studies. We sought to evaluate the association of preoperative
      AF with TE events and patient survival using the Interagency Registry for
      Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS). METHODS: A retrospective
      analysis of INTERMACS data of primary continuous-flow LVADs implanted between May
      2012 and December 2013 was performed. Adult patients were dichotomized as having
      AF or no AF (NAF). TE events were defined as cerebrovascular accident, transient
      ischemic attack, hemolysis, arterial non-central nervous system embolism, or
      explant because of pump thrombosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox
      regression were performed for freedom from TE and patient survival. RESULTS: Of
      3,909 patients identified during the study period, 838 (21.4%) had preoperative
      AF. Patients with AF were older, were likely to be male, and had more
      comorbidities (p < 0.01). In the AF group, 236 TE events occurred in 175 (20.9%)
      patients. In the NAF group, 900 TE events occurred in 691 (22.5%) patients. The
      TE event rate was not significantly different between the 2 groups (0.36
      events/patient-year in AF group vs 0.37 events/patient-year in NAF group, p =
      0.60). On univariate analysis, AF was not significantly associated with freedom
      from TE but was associated with decreased patient survival (log-rank test p =
      0.03). On multivariate analysis, AF was not significantly associated with either
      TE (adjusted hazard ratio 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-1.13) or patient
      survival (adjusted hazard ratio 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.91-1.31).
      CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of INTERMACS suggests that preoperative AF may not increase
      the risk of postoperative TE complications or patient mortality on midterm follow
      up. Longer follow-up to confirm these findings is warranted.

PMID- 27132797
TI  - Religiousness, social support and subjective well-being: An exploratory study
      among adolescents in an Asian atheist country.
AB  - Few studies have focused on the relationships among religiousness, social support
      and subjective well-being in Chinese adolescent populations. This study tries to
      fill this gap. Using cluster sampling, we selected two groups: Group A, which
      included 738 Tibetan adolescents with a formal religious affiliation and
      represented adolescents from a religious culture, and Group B, which included 720
      Han adolescents without a religious affiliation and represented adolescents from
      an irreligious culture. Structural equation modelling showed that only in Group A
      did social support mediate (partially) the relationship between religious
      experience and subjective well-being; furthermore, the results of a hierarchical
      regression analysis showed that only in Group A did social support moderate the
      relationship between religious ideology and subjective well-being. Possible
      explanations for the discrepancies between the findings obtained in this study
      and those obtained in previous studies are discussed.

PMID- 27132798
TI  - Facial biometry of Amazon indigenous people of the Xingu River - Perspectives on
      genetic and environmental contributions to variation in human facial morphology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate facial morphology of non-mixed indigenous people living in
      the Xingu region. Studies on these populations report that the total genetic
      diversity is as high as that observed for other continental populations. On the
      other hand, eating habits are different between indigenous and urban population,
      as indigenous people still have traditional habits. SETTING AND SAMPLE
      POPULATION: The sample consisted of 106 indigenous subjects, in permanent
      dentition stage, belonging to four groups: Arara-Laranjal (n = 35), Arara-Iriri
      (n = 20), Xikrin-Kaiapo (n = 24), and Assurini (n = 27). MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Standardized facial photographs were obtained, and fourteen measurements were
      analyzed. Intra- and intergroup homogeneities were examined by discriminant
      analysis, followed by anova and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Sexual dimorphism to each
      village was analyzed by Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney test, at p < 0.05.
      RESULTS: Significant facial differences were found between male and female,
      indicating that sex data should not be grouped for intergroup comparison.
      Discriminant analysis showed a large intergroup heterogeneity, while an
      intragroup homogeneity was found, especially for females. It was also observed
      that some morphological features of the face are specific to some villages,
      regardless of ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Facial morphological characteristics were
      strongly different among groups, even comparing villages from the same ethnicity.
      Furthermore, a low diversity within groups was observed. Our findings, supported
      by previous reports on genetics and eating habits in these populations, reinforce
      the role of the genetic determination on craniofacial morphology.

PMID- 27132799
TI  - Brazilian Maternal Weight Perception and Satisfaction With Toddler Body Size: A
      Study in Primary Health Care.
AB  - Maternal perception and satisfaction with child's weight status are important to
      detect early and to successfully treat the extremes in weight, especially during
      early childhood, when the child is more dependent on maternal care. OBJECTIVES:
      To assess the inaccuracy of maternal perception of toddler body size and its
      associated factors and to analyze maternal dissatisfaction with toddler body
      size. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 135 mother-toddler dyads attending
      Primary Health Care Facilities, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Children's actual weight
      status was classified using body mass index-for-age. Inaccuracy and
      dissatisfaction were assessed using an image scale. We used logistic regression
      to identify the factors associated with inaccuracy of maternal perception of
      toddler body size. RESULTS: Inaccuracy in maternal perception was observed in
      34.8% of participants. Mothers of excessive weight children were more likely to
      have inaccurate perceptions (OR=4.6; 95% CI 2.0-10.7), and mothers of children
      who attended well-child care were less likely to have inaccurate perceptions
      (OR=0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.9). More than half of mothers (52.6%) were dissatisfied
      with their toddler's size and desired a larger child (75.0% of mothers of
      underweight children, 25.0% of mothers whose children were at risk for overweight
      and 23.0% of mothers of overweight children). CONCLUSION: The majority of mothers
      were inaccurate in their perception and was dissatisfied with their toddler's
      body size. Maternal inaccuracy and dissatisfaction differed by the weight status
      of the toddler. Attendance at well-child visits was an effective way to decrease
      maternal inaccuracy, which reinforces the importance of the influence of health
      professionals.

PMID- 27132800
TI  - Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Technology for Screening and Treatment.

PMID- 27132801
TI  - Factors Affecting Hemoglobin A1C in the Diagnosis of Diabetes and Prediabetes in
      Youth.
AB  - We sought to examine the correlation between variables and A1C levels to
      determine if prediction modeling could be used in the screening and diagnosis of
      diabetes and prediabetes in youth. We also sought to test relationships between
      A1C levels to insulin sensitivity indices and beta-cell function indices. DESIGN
      AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 904 medical records from
      youth deemed at-risk for the disease. We performed Pearson correlation, multiple
      regression, and simple regression testing to determine the relationship between
      variables and A1C levels. In addition, we performed Pearson correlation testing
      on insulin sensitivity indices and beta-cell function indices to determine the
      strength of correlation to A1C levels. RESULTS: Statistical analysis did not show
      a strong relationship between the variables tested and the A1C. When racial and
      ethnic groups were tested together, the results from African American
      participants resulted in bias estimates, and as a result, a statistical model for
      the entire sample could not be performed. Results indicate that A1C is correlated
      with all beta-cell function proxy measurements and correlated to the corrected
      insulin level at 30minutes, but not the fasting insulin or insulinogenic index.
      DISCUSSION: The results from this study underline the multi-dimensional causes of
      diabetes and prediabetes and further stress the difficulties in predicting the
      diseases. The causes of diabetes and prediabetes are multifaceted, often
      individualized, and often difficult to ascertain. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:
      Clinicians should continue to examine a variety of variables prior to determining
      the need for diabetes diagnostic testing.

PMID- 27132802
TI  - Influence of exposure parameters on the detection of simulated root fractures in
      the presence of various intracanal materials.
AB  - AIM: To investigate how the exposure parameters used when producing CBCT scans
      affect diagnostic accuracy when detecting simulated vertical root fractures and
      how various filling materials affect image quality. METHODOLOGY: A total of 160
      extracted single-rooted human teeth were divided into four groups based on the
      materials within the root canals: unrestored, gutta-percha, metallic post and
      fibreglass post. Half of the sample of each group was selected for the induction
      of vertical root fractures. Each tooth was placed in an empty socket of a dry
      skull which was scanned on a CBCT unit (9000 3D scanner; Kodak Dental Systems,
      Carestream Health, Rochester, NY, USA) using the following exposure parameters:
      74 kV/12 mA; 74 kV/10 mA; 74 kV/8 mA; 74 kV/6.3 mA; 70 kV/12 mA; 70 kV/10 mA; 70
      kV/8 mA; 70 kV/6.3 mA. Two observers assessed all images using a 5-point
      confidence scale for fracture detection and a 4-point score for the presence of
      artefacts. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under ROC curve were
      compared by two-way anova and Tukey's test. Artefact formation was evaluated by
      descriptive statistics. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the
      sensitivity (P = 0.370), specificity (P = 0.660), accuracy (P = 0.084) and area
      under the ROC curve (P = 0.674) values amongst the various exposure parameters
      within the same group. There were some significant differences when the groups
      were compared for each intracanal material. The sensitivity and accuracy of the
      group containing metallic posts were significantly lower than the unrestored and
      fibreglass post groups (P <= 0.017). CONCLUSION: The variations in exposure
      parameters did not interfere with the diagnosis of vertical root fractures,
      independent of the root canal restorative status. Metallic posts were associated
      with greater artefact formation and compromised the diagnostic performance. It is
      possible to decrease the kVp/mA settings to reduce the probability of biological
      effects due to radiation, without losing diagnostic accuracy.

PMID- 27132803
TI  - Are the Myokines the Mediators of Physical Activity-Induced Health Benefits?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept of the muscle as a secretory organ, developed during the
      last decades, partially answers to the issue of how the crosstalk between
      skeletal muscle and distant tissues happens. The beneficial effects of exercise
      transcend the simple improved skeletal muscle functionality: systemic responses
      to exercise have been observed in distal organs like heart, kidney, brain and
      liver. Increasing data have accumulated regarding the synthesis, the kinetics of
      release and the biological roles of muscular cytokines, now called myokines. The
      most recent techniques have meaningfully improved the identification of the
      muscle cell secretome, but several issues regarding the extent of secretion from
      the muscle as well as the actions of the myokines remain unexplained. METHODS:
      The goal of this review is to provide an update about the secretory properties of
      skeletal muscle during and after an acute bout of exercise and after exercise
      training, showing the main experimental evidences, but also speculate about the
      possible therapeutic use of the physical training-induced circulating factors,
      especially in some categories of patients in which the baseline conditions are
      heavily damaged by one or more pathological conditions. RESULTS: studies on
      myokines are relatively recent, and to date most of the evidence available in
      humans has focused on the biological role of Il-6 during muscle contraction.
      Regarding to the myokines more recently identified, for example myostatin,
      fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine
      (SPARC) or follistatin-like 1 some of these seem to be promising therapeutic
      agents, but our awareness about their potential benefits towards human health is
      only at the beginning. CONCLUSION: for many of the myokines identified to date,
      the information available is limited and not enough to characterize precise
      functions and activities carried out by those in man. Several issues need to be
      addressed by future studies, tailored to ascertain accurately and surely the
      biological role and the therapeutic potential of some myokines.

PMID- 27132804
TI  - Sensitization of androgen refractory prostate cancer cells to anti-androgens
      through re-expression of epigenetically repressed androgen receptor - Synergistic
      action of quercetin and curcumin.
AB  - Epigenetic repression of Androgen Receptor (AR) gene by hypermethylation of its
      promoter causes resistance in prostate cancer (CaP) to androgen deprivation
      therapy with anti-androgens. Some dietary phytocompounds like quercetin (Q) and
      curcumin (C) with reported DNMT-inhibitory activity were tested for their ability
      to re-express the AR in AR-negative CaP cell lines PC3 and DU145. Combined
      treatment with Q+C was much more effective than either Q or C in inhibiting DNMT,
      causing global hypomethylation, restoring AR mRNA and protein levels and causing
      apoptosis via mitochondrial depolarization of PC3 and DU145. The functional AR
      protein expressed in Q+C treated cells sensitized them to dihydrotestosterone
      (DHT)-induced proliferation, bicalutamide-induced apoptosis, bound to androgen
      response element to increase luciferase activity in gene reporter assay and was
      susceptible to downregulation by AR siRNA. Bisulfite sequencing revealed high
      methylation of AR promoter CpG sites in AR-negative DU145 and PC3 cell lines that
      was significantly demethylated by Q+C treatment, which restored AR expression.
      Notable synergistic effects of Q+C combination in re-sensitizing androgen
      refractory CaP cells to AR-mediated apoptosis, their known safety in clinical
      use, and epidemiological evidences relating their dietary consumption with lower
      cancer incidences indicate their potential for use in chemoprevention of androgen
      resistance in prostate cancer.

PMID- 27132805
TI  - Set7/9, a methyltransferase, regulates the thermogenic program during brown
      adipocyte differentiation through the modulation of p53 acetylation.
AB  - Brown adipose tissue, which is mainly composed of brown adipocytes, plays a key
      role in the regulation of energy balance via dissipation of extra energy as heat,
      and consequently counteracts obesity and its associated-disorders. Therefore,
      brown adipocyte differentiation should be tightly controlled at the multiple
      regulation steps. Among these, the regulation at the level of post-translational
      modifications (PTMs) is largely unknown. Here, we investigated the changes in the
      expression level of the enzymes involved in protein lysine methylation during
      brown adipocyte differentiation by using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) array
      analysis. Several enzymes showing differential expression patterns were
      identified. In particular, the expression level of methyltransferase Set7/9 was
      dramatically repressed during brown adipocyte differentiation. Although there was
      no significant change in lipid accumulation, ectopic expression of Set7/9 led to
      enhanced expression of several key thermogenic genes, such as uncoupling protein
      1 (UCP-1), Cidea, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator
      1alpha (PGC-1alpha), and PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16). In contrast, knockdown
      of endogenous Set7/9 led to significantly reduced expression of these thermogenic
      genes. Furthermore, suppressed mitochondrial DNA content and decreased oxygen
      consumption rate were also detected upon Set7/9 knockdown. We found that p53
      acetylation was regulated by Set7/9-dependent interaction with Sirt1. Based on
      these results, we suggest that Set7/9 acts as a fine regulator of the thermogenic
      program during brown adipocyte differentiation by regulation of p53 acetylation.
      Thus, Set7/9 could be used as a valuable target for regulating thermogenic
      capacity and consequently to overcome obesity and its related metabolic diseases.

PMID- 27132806
TI  - Triiodothyronine enhances accumulation of intracellular lipids in adipocytes
      through thyroid hormone receptor alpha via direct and indirect mechanisms.
AB  - Triiodothyronine (T3) enhanced the expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes
      with elevation of the intracellular lipids through thyroid hormone receptor (TR)
      alpha in mouse 3T3-L1 cells. However, the transcription of the SREBP-1c and HSL
      genes was decreased by T3. Such T3-mediated alterations were negated by TRalpha
      siRNA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that the binding of TRalpha to
      the TR-responsive element (TRE) of the FAS promoter was elevated by T3. In
      contrast, the ability of TRalpha to bind to the TRE of the SREBP-1c promoter was
      decreased by T3. In addition, the binding of SREBP-1c to the SRE of the HSL
      promoter was lowered by T3. These results indicate that T3 increased the
      accumulation of intracellular lipids by enhancing the expression of the FAS gene
      through direct binding of TRalpha to the FAS promoter and simultaneously lowered
      the amount of lipolysis via reduced binding of T3-decreased SREBP-1c to the HSL
      promoter.

PMID- 27132807
TI  - Eight mutations including 5 novel ones in the COL1A1 gene in Czech patients with
      osteogenesis imperfecta.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also called brittle bone
      disease, is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by
      decreased bone density. Autosomal dominant forms result from mutations in either
      the COL1A1 (collagen type I alpha-1 chain) or COL1A2 (collagen type I alpha-2
      chain) genes encoding the type I collagen. The aim of this study was to identify
      mutations and allelic variants of the COL1A1 gene in patients with osteogenesis
      imperfecta (OI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Molecular genetic analysis of the COL1A1
      gene was performed in a cohort of 34 patients with OI. The DNA samples were
      analysed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. DNA changes in coding sequences of the
      gene were compared with Type 1 Collagen Mutation Database. Genetic variants
      resulting in either quantitatively or structurally defective protein production
      were found in 6 unrelated patients. Four identified mutations are connected to
      decreased protein production (Tyr47X, Arg131X, Arg415X, Gln1341X), 2 result in
      amino acid substitution (Cys61Phe, Pro1186Ala) and the last affects splicing
      (c.1057-1G>T). Further, one silent mutation (Gly794Gly) was detected. No protein
      analysis was performed. CONCLUSION: Of the 8 identified mutations, 5 were novel
      and have not been reported before. Only one causes substitution of glycine
      located within the Gly-X-Y triplets in the triple helical domain. Two mutations
      are located in major ligand binding regions (MLBR) which are important for bone
      strength and flexibility. Although the genotype-phenotype correlation is still
      unclear, our findings should contribute to elucidating this relationship in
      patients diagnosed with OI.

PMID- 27132808
TI  - A patient with Charlie M Syndrome: Differential diagnosis of Oromandibular Limb
      Hypogenesis Syndromes.
AB  - AIM: In order to provide adequate treatment to a patient with a subtype of
      Oromandibular Limb Hypogenesis Syndromes (OLHS), this study aimed to review and
      to analyze the current literature and treatment options of OLHS. METHODS:
      Literature review in PubMed and Sciencedirect. Due to the small number of
      results, all available references were analyzed precisely. RESULTS: Cases of OLHS
      are formerly rare and often incomplete. There are various classifications
      available, which, however, often seem confusing and are of little practical
      relevance. Furthermore, we present a complete case report of a patient with
      Charlie M syndrome, a type IV (Chicarilli)/ V (Hall) OLHS malformation. We also
      describe embryologic pathogenesis and differential diagnoses. CONCLUSION: As a
      result of our literature review, we recommend an adjusted classification for
      OLHS.

PMID- 27132809
TI  - The Streptococcus milleri group in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: S. anginosus, constellatus and intermedius, also known as
      the Streptococcus milleri group (SMG) are three streptococcal species more
      frequently detected in cases of invasive disease, abscesses and empyema in
      particular. Recent research suggests they play a role in exacerbations of cystic
      fibrosis (CF). Owing to poor recovery on standard culture media and difficult
      differentiation from non-pathogenic streptococci, SMG may be underdiagnosed in
      routine settings. We aimed to establish the incidence of SMG in chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients compared to CF patients and to
      examine possible links of SMG to exacerbations that plays a key role in
      progression of COPD. METHODS: Altogether, 90 respiratory tract samples of
      patients suffering from CF or COPD were examined during the period from July 2012
      to December 2013. Semi-selective McKay agar was used for primary cultivation of
      SMG and MALDI TOF MS was used for species identification that was confirmed by
      biochemical profiling and specific PCR. RESULTS: We confirmed the presence of SMG
      in CF (17.6% incidence in adult patients) and newly established its presence in
      COPD (10.3% incidence). In COPD, SMG was detected in 4 cases of acute
      exacerbations, where no other bacterial pathogen was detected. In 3/4 cases,
      increased CRP level indicated bacterial infection as a cause of the exacerbation
      and in all 3 cases, patients recovered during antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our data indicate SMG may act as opportunist pathogens able to cause
      exacerbations in COPD.

PMID- 27132810
TI  - The impact of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor antibodies on morbidity and
      mortality in Heart Mate II supported recipients.
AB  - AIMS: One of the proposed limitations of left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
      therapy is high degree of sensitization. Apart from human leukocyte antigen
      (HLA), antibodies against Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor (AT1R) have been
      associated with adverse outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare
      complications and survival of anti - AT1R positive versus negative Heart Mate II
      (HMII) recipients. METHODS: Altogether 96 patients received HMII at our
      institution between 2008 and 2012. These were stratified into three groups:
      antibody positive before implantation (AT1R+), antibody conversion during support
      (AT1R-/+) and patients who remained antibody negative (AT1R-). Survival, major on
      device adverse events and post-transplant rejections were assessed with Kaplan
      Meier and log-rank tests. RESULTS: Two year on-device and overall survival was 78
      +/- 12% and 75 +/- 10% in AT1R-, 60 +/- 23% and 60 +/- 15% in AT1R+ and 92 +/- 6%
      and 87 +/- 5% in AT1R-/+ group (P = 0.409, P = 0.185). Freedom from major adverse
      event at two years for AT1R-, AT1R+ and AT1R-/+ was 49 +/- 14%, 53 +/- 16% and 41
      +/- 11% (P = 0.875). Freedom from rejection was 63 +/- 17% in patients who were
      both anti-AT1R and HLA negative and 65 +/- 13% in those who were antibody
      positive (P = 0.788). CONCLUSION: Patients who were anti-AT1R antibody positive
      had similar on-device survival and rate of complications in comparison to those
      who were antibody negative. In transplanted patients, there were no differences
      in the overall survival and rejection between the groups.

PMID- 27132811
TI  - A microstructural study of water effects in lipid-based pharmaceutical
      formulations for liquid filling of capsules.
AB  - Water is known to exhibit pronounced effects on lipid-based formulations (LBFs)
      and much research has focused on aqueous dispersion and dilution behavior
      regarding biopharmaceutical performance. From a product quality perspective, it
      is also critical to study a range of lower water amounts in formulations with
      respect to capsule filling. The present work addressed the need for a better
      understanding of LBF microstructure by taking percolation theory into account.
      The effects of increasing amounts of water on LBFs were analyzed by conductivity,
      water activity, time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance, and diffusing wave
      spectroscopy. Results were interpreted using percolation theory and preliminary
      mechanical tests were conducted on gelatin and hypromellose (HPMC) capsule
      shells. For both LBF systems, increasing water amounts led to marked changes in
      the microstructure of the formulations. Percolation laws could be fitted
      adequately to the data and thresholds were identified for the formation of
      continuous water channels (phiwc~0.02-0.06). A new theoretical model was proposed
      for water activity. The preliminary shell material studies showed that the
      threshold for generating water channels in the formulation could be correlated to
      mechanical changes of the capsule shell that were relatively more pronounced in
      the case of gelatin. This mechanistic study demonstrated the importance of
      understanding and monitoring of microstructural changes occurring in LBFs with
      increasing amounts of water, which will help to design quality into the final
      dosage form. 

PMID- 27132812
TI  - PEG capped methotrexate silver nanoparticles for efficient anticancer activity
      and biocompatibility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nanocarriers endow tremendous benefits to the drug delivery systems
      depending upon the specific properties of either component. These benefits
      include, increase in the drug blood retention time, reduced efflux, additional
      toxicity and targeted delivery. Methotrexate (MTX) is clinically used for cancer
      treatment. Higher dosage of MTX results in hepatic and renal toxicity. In this
      study methotrexate silver nanoparticles (Ag-MTX) coated with polyethylene glycol
      (PEG) are synthesized and characterized. Their anticancer activity and
      biocompatibility is also evaluated. RESULTS: Ag-MTX nanoparticles are synthesized
      by chemical reduction method. They are characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible
      Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Average size of PEG
      coated Ag-MTX nanoparticles (PEG-Ag-MTX nanoparticles) is 12nm. These particles
      exhibited improved anticancer activity against MCF-7 cell line. Hemolytic
      activity of these particles was significantly less than MTX. CONCLUSION: PEG-Ag
      MTX nanoparticles are potential nanocarrier of methotrexate which may offer MTX
      based cancer treatment with reduced side effects. In-vivo investigations should
      be carried out to explore them in detail.

PMID- 27132813
TI  - Oxalicumone A, a new dihydrothiophene-condensed sulfur chromone induces apoptosis
      in leukemia cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway.
AB  - Oxalicumone A (POA1), a novel dihydrothiophene-condensed sulfur chromone isolated
      from the marine fungus Penicillium oxalicum SCSGAF 0023, showed cytotoxicity
      against several cancer cells previously. In this study, its anti-cancer activity
      and underlying mechanism of this action were investigated in leukemia cells like
      KG-1a, HL60, U937, and K562. The results showed that POA1 inhibited dose-/time
      dependently cell growth and induced apoptosis in leukemia cells. Also, POA1
      caused cleavages of caspase-3, 8, 9 and PARP1, loss of mitochondrial membrane
      potential, up-regulations of phosphorylated p38 and JNK, and activation of
      endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress). Furthermore, 4-PBA (an ER stress
      inhibitor) but not SP600125 and SB203580 (JNK and p38 inhibitor, respectively)
      could largely inhibit POA1-induced growth suppression. Additionally, 4-PBA
      obstructed mitochondrial depolarization and cleavage of PARP1. These data
      suggested that ER stress pathway might be an important mediator in POA1-induced
      apoptosis. In conclusion, POA1 may have antitumor effects in leukemia cells
      through the induction of ER stress pathway. 

PMID- 27132814
TI  - Inhibition of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 suppresses tumor growth and
      angiogenesis in experimental non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGlu1 receptor) is expressed in many cancer
      cell types as compared to normal counterparts underscoring its potential role in
      tumor behavior. The aim of present study was to test the role of mGlu1 receptor
      in experimental non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). First, protein expression of
      mGlu1 receptor was higher in human NSCLC cell lines, including both
      adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma subtypes, when compared to normal bronchial
      epithelial cells. Inhibition of mGlu1 receptor by BAY36-7620 (an mGlu1 receptor
      specific inhibitor) inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival of mice with
      tumors of A549 or H1299. Treatment with BAY36-7620 suppressed AKT phosphorylation
      in A549 tumors and pre-treatment with BAY36-7620 blocked the L-quisqualate (a
      potent mGlu1 receptor agonist)-induced AKT phosphorylation in A549 cells.
      Treatment with BAY36-7620 reduced cellular proliferation of A549 cells. Treatment
      with BAY36-7620 enhanced cleaved PARP levels and reduced protein expression of
      bcl-2, HIF-1alpha, and VEGF. In contrast, treatment with L-quisqualate reduced
      cleaved PARP levels and enhanced protein expression of bcl-2, HIF-1alpha, VEGF,
      and IL-8, which was reversed by co-incubation with MK2206 (an AKT inhibitor). Pre
      treatment with BAY36-7620 blocked the VEGF-induced AKT phosphorylation in HUVECs.
      Treatment of HUVECs with L-quisqualate resulted in enhancement of capillary tube
      formation, which was reversed by co-incubation with MK2206. Furthermore, mGlu1
      receptor knockdown suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival of mice with
      tumors of A549 or H1299. Collectively, inhibition of mGlu1 receptor suppressed
      tumor growth and angiogenesis in experimental NSCLC. 

PMID- 27132815
TI  - Management of cytomegalovirus infection in solid organ transplant recipients:
      SET/GESITRA-SEIMC/REIPI recommendations.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a major complication of solid organ
      transplantation. Because of management of CMV is variable among transplant
      centers, in 2011 the Spanish Transplantation Infection Study Group (GESITRA) of
      the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC)
      developed consensus guidelines for the prevention and treatment of CMV infection
      in solid organ transplant recipients. Since then, new publications have clarified
      or questioned the aspects covered in the previous document. For that reason, a
      panel of experts revised the evidence on CMV management, including immunological
      monitoring, diagnostics, prevention, vaccines, indirect effects, treatment, drug
      resistance, immunotherapy, investigational drugs, and pediatric issues. This
      document summarizes the recommendations.

PMID- 27132816
TI  - Linking state regulation, brain laterality, and self-reported attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Many clinical studies have shown that performance of subjects with
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is impaired when stimuli are
      presented at a slow rate compared to a medium or fast rate. According to the
      cognitive-energetic model, this finding may reflect difficulty in allocating
      sufficient effort to regulate the motor activation state. Other studies have
      shown that the left hemisphere is relatively responsible for keeping humans
      motivated, allocating sufficient effort to complete their tasks. This leads to a
      prediction that poor effort allocation might be associated with an affected left
      hemisphere functioning in ADHD. So far, this prediction has not been directly
      tested, which is the aim of the present study. METHOD: Seventy-seven adults with
      various scores on the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale performed a lateralized
      lexical decision task in three conditions with stimuli presented in a fast, a
      medium, and a slow rate. The left-hemisphere functioning was measured in terms of
      visual field advantage (better performance for the right than for the left visual
      field). RESULTS: All subjects showed an increased right visual field advantage
      for word processing in the slow presentation rate of stimuli compared to the fast
      and the medium rate. Higher ADHD scores were related to a reduced right visual
      field advantage in the slow rate only. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest
      that ADHD symptomatology is associated with less involvement of the left
      hemisphere when extra effort allocation is needed to optimize the low motor
      activation state.

PMID- 27132817
TI  - Corn starch ferulates with antioxidant properties prepared by N,N'
      carbonyldiimidazole-mediated grafting procedure.
AB  - This work presents novel synthesis processes and properties of corn starch
      ferulates. First, N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole, a green activating reagent, was used
      to transform ferulic acid into ferulate-imidazolide. The ferulate-imidazolide was
      then further reacted with corn starch to produce corn starch ferulates. The
      grafting reaction of ferulic acid onto corn starch was confirmed by FT-IR and
      (1)H NMR. The degree of substitution (DS), relating products and reaction
      parameters, depended on the molar ratio of the anhydroglucose unit to ferulic
      acid (nAGU/FA), the temperature of the reaction, and the time that elapsed. The
      dependence of the degree of substitution was optimized by response surface
      methodology. Results implied the greatest DS (0.389) was obtained under the
      conditions of nAGU/FA 1:3.6, 90 degrees C and 7.12h. The morphological,
      crystalline, and in vitro antioxidant properties were evaluated. The DPPH radical
      scavenging activity, reducing power, and ferric reducing power of the corn starch
      ferulates showed potential for antioxidant properties. 

PMID- 27132818
TI  - Polymeric tannins significantly alter properties and in vitro digestibility of
      partially gelatinized intact starch granule.
AB  - Excess calorie intake is a growing global problem. This study investigated effect
      of complexing partially gelatinized starch with condensed tannins on in vitro
      starch digestibility. Extracts from tannin and non-tannin sorghum, and cellulose
      control, were reacted with normal and waxy maize starch in 30% (30E) and 50%
      ethanol (50E) solutions at 70 degrees C/20min. More tannins complexed with the
      30E than 50E starches (mean 6.2 vs 3.5mg/g, respectively). In the 30E treatments,
      tannins significantly increased crystallinity, pasting temperature, peak
      viscosity, and slow digesting starch (from 100 to 274mg/g) in normal, but not
      waxy starch, suggesting intragranular cross-linking with amylose. Tannins doubled
      resistant starch (RS) to approx. 300mg/g in both starches. In 50E treatments,
      tannins made both maize starches behave like raw potato starch (>90% RS),
      suggesting granule surface interactions dominated. Non-tannin treatments
      generally behaved similar to cellulose. Condensed tannins could be used to
      favorably alter starch digestion profile. 

PMID- 27132819
TI  - In vitro digestion-assisted development of a beta-cryptoxanthin-rich functional
      beverage; in vivo validation using systemic response and faecal content.
AB  - Bioavailability of carotenoids is low and significant amounts reach the colon
      where they may be biologically active. We aimed to optimize a previously
      developed beverage designed to improve cardiovascular and bone remodelling
      markers in post-menopausal women. By assessing different lipid emulsions (soy
      lecithin, milkfat globule membrane (MFGM) and olive oil) on the in vitro
      bioaccessibility of beta-Cryptoxanthin and phytosterols, a MFGM containing
      beverage was selected and resulted stable over time (recovery >95%) under in
      vitro digestion and simulated anaerobic conditions. This beverage was tested in a
      randomized human trial (n=38) by evaluating systemic response and the colonic
      availability of beta-Cryptoxanthin. Consumption for six weeks provoked an
      increment in serum beta-Cryptoxanthin of 38.9MUg/dl (CI 95%; 31.0, 46.8;
      p<0.001). In faeces, free beta-Cryptoxanthin, tentatively identified beta
      Cryptoxanthin esters and the ratio cis-/trans-beta-carotene approached the
      profile in the beverage and after in vitro digestion but it was different from
      serum. In conclusion, in vitro digestion-assisted approach appears adequate to
      develop functional foods although in vivo validation should consider both
      systemic response and the availability at the colon. 

PMID- 27132820
TI  - Evaluating the role of metal ions in the bathochromic and hyperchromic responses
      of cyanidin derivatives in acidic and alkaline pH.
AB  - In many food products, colorants derived from natural sources are increasingly
      popular due to consumer demand. Anthocyanins are one class of versatile and
      abundant naturally occurring chromophores that produce different hues in nature,
      especially with metal ions and other copigments assisting. The effects of
      chelation of metal ions (Mg(2+), Al(3+), Cr(3+), Fe(3+), and Ga(3+)) in factorial
      excesses to anthocyanin concentration (0-500*) on the spectral characteristics
      (380-700nm) of cyanidin and acylated cyanidin derivatives were evaluated to
      better understand the color evolution of anthocyanin-metal chelates in pH 3-8. In
      all pH, anthocyanins exhibited bathochromic and hyperchromic shifts. Largest
      bathochromic shifts most often occurred in pH 6; while largest hyperchromic
      shifts occurred in pH 5. Divalent Mg(2+) showed no observable effect on
      anthocyanin color while trivalent metal ions caused bathochromic shifts and hue
      changes. Generally, bathochromic shifts on anthocyanins were greatest with more
      electron rich metal ions (Fe(3+)~Ga(3+)>Al(3+)>Cr(3+)). 

PMID- 27132821
TI  - Physicochemical characterization of a navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) protein
      fraction produced using a solvent-free method.
AB  - A solvent-free electrostatic separation method was employed to separate navy bean
      flour (NBF) into protein-rich (PR) and starch-rich (SR) fractions. The
      physicochemical properties of NBF and separated fractions were compared to
      proteins (navy bean isolate (NBI) and 7S globulin) prepared using a wet process.
      Gel electrophoresis confirmed that the protein distribution in the isolated
      fractions was similar to that of NBF. The protein profile of NBI and 7S globulin
      was found to be devoid of certain proteins that were found in the NBF and PR
      fraction. Amino acid analysis revealed that the NBI and 7S globulin had a lower
      content of sulfur-containing amino acids compared to NBF and the
      electrostatically isolated fractions. CD and fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed
      that denaturation of the proteins during the acid precipitation is likely. This
      novel solvent-free electrostatic separation process preserves the native protein
      structure found in NBF and improves the recovery of some of the smaller MW
      proteins. 

PMID- 27132822
TI  - Towards generation of bioactive peptides from meat industry waste proteins:
      Generation of peptides using commercial microbial proteases.
AB  - Five commercially available food-grade microbial protease preparations were
      evaluated for their ability to hydrolyse meat myofibrillar and connective tissue
      protein extracts to produce bioactive peptides. A bacterial-derived protease (HT)
      extensively hydrolysed both meat protein extracts, producing peptide hydrolysates
      with significant in vitro antioxidant and ACE inhibitor activities. The
      hydrolysates retained bioactivity after simulated gastrointestinal hydrolysis
      challenge. Gel permeation chromatography sub-fractionation of the crude protein
      hydrolysates showed that the smaller peptide fractions exhibited the highest
      antioxidant and ACE inhibitor activities. OFFGEL electrophoresis of the small
      peptides of both hydrolysates showed that low isoelectric point peptides had
      antioxidant activity; however, no consistent relationship was observed between
      isoelectric point and ACE inhibition. Cell-based assays indicated that the
      hydrolysates present no significant cytotoxicity towards Vero cells. The results
      indicate that HT protease hydrolysis of meat myofibrillar and connective tissue
      protein extracts produces bioactive peptides that are non-cytotoxic, should be
      stable in the gastrointestinal tract and may contain novel bioactive peptide
      sequences. 

PMID- 27132823
TI  - Interactions between polyphenols in thinned young apples and porcine pancreatic
      alpha-amylase: Inhibition, detailed kinetics and fluorescence quenching.
AB  - Young apple polyphenols (YAP) and nine types of phenolic compounds were
      investigated regarding the inhibitory activity against porcine pancreatic alpha
      amylase (PPA) in vitro. Tannic acid, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid in YAP
      showed relatively high inhibition with the IC50 values of 0.30, 1.96 and
      3.69mg/mL, respectively. A detailed kinetics of inhibition study revealed that
      YAP and tannic acid were competitive inhibitors of PPA, whereas chlorogenic acid
      and caffeic acid were mixed inhibitors, exhibiting both competitive and
      uncompetitive characteristics. The fluorescence of PPA could be significantly
      quenched by YAP and the three polyphenols, and their quenching constants were
      determined. The results showed that for the polyphenols investigated, the order
      of the apparent static quenching constants (KFQ) was in agreement with that of
      the reciprocal competitive inhibition constants (1/Kic) (tannic acid>chlorogenic
      acid>caffeic acid>epicatechin); both of the parameters were contrary to the order
      of the IC50 values. Thus, combining detailed kinetics and fluorescence quenching
      studies can be applied to characterise the interactions between polyphenols in
      young apples and alpha-amylase.

PMID- 27132824
TI  - Antioxidants and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ipomoea batatas leaves
      identified by bioassay-guided approach and structure-activity relationships.
AB  - Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaf (SPL) is an underused commercial vegetable
      with considerable bio-activities. By means of DPPH scavenging ability and alpha
      glucosidase inhibitory oriented isolation, 9 and 7 compounds were isolated and
      identified, respectively. Among them, trans-N-(p-coumaroyl)tyramine (1), trans-N
      feruloyltyramine (2), cis-N-feruloyltyramine (3), 4,5-feruloylcourmaoylquinic
      acid (8), caffeic acid ethyl ester (10), 7-hydroxy-5-methoxycoumarin (11), 7,3'
      dimethylquercetin (13) and indole-3-carboxaldehyde (15), were firstly identified
      from SPL, and four of them (1, 2, 3 and 10) were firstly identified from genus
      Ipomoea. Phenethyl cinnamides and 3,4,5-triCQA exhibited the strongest alpha
      glucosidase inhibition, while 3,4,5-triCQA and diCQAs were the dominant
      antioxidants. Structure-activity relationship revealed that higher caffeoylation
      of quinic acid and lower methoxylation of flavonols resulted in stronger
      antioxidant activity, and methylation and cis-configuration structure of
      phenethyl cinnamides weaken the alpha-glucosidase inhibition. Aforementioned
      results could help to explain the antioxidant activity and anti-diabetic activity
      of SPL, and provide theoretical basis for its further application. 

PMID- 27132825
TI  - Regional features of northern Italian sparkling wines, identified using solid
      phase micro extraction and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography
      coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - We carried out comprehensive mapping of volatile compounds in 70 wines, from 48
      wineries and 6 vintages, representative of the two main production areas for
      Italian sparkling wines, by HS-SPME-GCxGC-TOF-MS and multivariate analysis. The
      final scope was to describe the metabolomics space of these wines, and to verify
      whether the grape cultivar signature, the pedoclimatic influence of the
      production area, and the complex technology were measurable in the final product.
      The wine chromatograms provided a wealth of information, with 1695 compounds
      being found. A large number of putative markers influenced by the cultivation
      area was observed. A subset of 196 biomarkers fully discriminated between the two
      types of sparkling wines investigated. Among the new compounds, safranal and
      alpha-isophorone were observed. We showed how correlation-based network analysis
      could be used as a tool to detect the differences in compound behaviour based on
      external/environmental influences. 

PMID- 27132826
TI  - A novel method for beef bone protein extraction by lipase-pretreatment and its
      application in the Maillard reaction.
AB  - Five beef bone hydrolysates were obtained by different enzyme treatment schemes,
      including papain (M), combination of porcine pancreatic lipase and papain (Z+M,
      combination of lipase and papain (Y+M), Protamex (F), combination of porcine
      pancreatic lipase and Protamex (Z+F). The degree of hydrolysis (DH), free amino
      acids and molecular weight distribution of these hydrolysates were evaluated. To
      further explore the differences between these five hydrolysates, Maillard
      reaction products (MRPs) were prepared using a xylose/cysteine/hydrolysate model.
      It was found that the DH, content of low molecular weight peptides and amino
      acids of hydrolysates increased significantly after lipase pre-treatment. GC-MS
      showed that the total content of furans, pyrroles and thioethers in MRPs Y+M
      increased by 78.0% compared with MRPs M, while in MRPs Z+F, pyrazines increased
      by 44.1% compared with MRPs F. Examining the sensory characteristics of the MRPs,
      the MRP from the hydrolysate of Y+M had the best mouthful, umami and meaty
      characteristics. The correlation analysis further confirmed that an appropriate
      lipase pre-treatment could improve the flavour of MRPs. 

PMID- 27132827
TI  - Flour from Prosopis alba cotyledons: A natural source of nutrient and bioactive
      phytochemicals.
AB  - The Prosopis alba seed is a waste material in the process to produce pod flour.
      To suggest a potential use of these seeds it is necessary to determine the
      nutritional, phytochemical and functional quality of cotyledon flour from
      Prosopis alba. This flour showed high level of proteins (62%), low content of
      total carbohydrate and fat. Free polyphenol (1150+/-20mg GAE/100g flour) and
      carotenoids (10.55+/-0.05mg beta-CE/100g flour) compounds were the dominant
      compounds. The main identified constituents in the polyphenolic extracts were C-
      glycosyl flavones, including schaftoside, isoschaftoside, vicenin II, vitexin and
      isovitexin. The extract enriched in polyphenolic compounds exhibited ABTS(+)
      reducing capacity and scavenging activity of H2O2; and was able to inhibit
      phospholipase, lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, three pro-inflammatory enzymes.
      According to our results, the P. alba cotyledon flour could be considered as a
      new alternative in the formulation of functional foods or food supplements. 

PMID- 27132828
TI  - Dissolution behaviour of ferric pyrophosphate and its mixtures with soluble
      pyrophosphates: Potential strategy for increasing iron bioavailability.
AB  - Ferric pyrophosphate (FePP) is a widely used iron source in food fortification
      and in nutritional supplements, due to its white colour, that is very uncommon
      for insoluble Fe salts. Although its dissolution is an important determinant of
      Fe adsorption in human body, the solubility characteristics of FePP are complex
      and not well understood. This report is a study on the solubility of FePP as a
      function of pH and excess of pyrophosphate ions. FePP powder is sparingly soluble
      in the pH range of 3-6 but slightly soluble at pH<2 and pH>8. In the presence of
      pyrophosphate ions the solubility of FePP strongly increases at pH 5-8.5 due to
      formation a soluble complex between Fe(III) and pyrophosphate ions, which leads
      to an 8-10-fold increase in the total ionic iron concentration. This finding is
      beneficial for enhancing iron bioavailability, which important for the design of
      fortified food, beverages, and nutraceutical products. 

PMID- 27132829
TI  - In-line monitoring of the coffee roasting process with near infrared
      spectroscopy: Measurement of sucrose and colour.
AB  - In this work, a real-time and in-situ analytical tool based on near infrared
      spectroscopy is proposed to predict two of the most relevant coffee parameters
      during the roasting process, sucrose and colour. The methodology was developed
      taking in consideration different coffee varieties (Arabica and Robusta), coffee
      origins (Brazil, East-Timor, India and Uganda) and roasting process procedures
      (slow and fast). All near infrared spectroscopy-based calibrations were developed
      resorting to partial least squares regression. The results proved the suitability
      of this methodology as demonstrated by range-error-ratio and coefficient of
      determination higher than 10 and 0.85 respectively, for all modelled parameters.
      The relationship between sucrose and colour development during the roasting
      process is further discussed, in light of designing in real-time coffee products
      with similar visual appearance and distinct organoleptic profile. 

PMID- 27132830
TI  - Linseed oil presents different patterns of oxidation in real-time and accelerated
      aging assays.
AB  - This study aimed at verifying if the hypothesis that one day at 60 degrees C is
      equivalent to one month at 20 degrees C could be confirmed during linseed oil
      aging for 6months at 20 degrees C and 6days at 60 degrees C using the "Schaal
      oven stability test". Tests were conducted with linseed oil supplemented or not
      with myricetin or butyl-hydroxytoluene as antioxidants. Oxidation was evaluated
      with the peroxide and p-anisidine values, as well as the content in conjugated
      dienes and aldehydes. All four indicators of oxidation showed very different
      kinetic behaviors at 20 and 60 degrees C. The hypothesis is thus not verified for
      linseed oil, supplemented or not with antioxidant. In the control oil, the
      conjugated dienes and the peroxide value observed were respectively of 41.8+/-0.8
      Absorbance Unit (AU)/g oil and 254.3+/-5.8meq.O2/kg oil after 6months at 20
      degrees C. These values were of 18.2+/-1.3AU/g oil and 65.2+/-20.3meq.O2/kg after
      6days at 60 degrees C. 

PMID- 27132831
TI  - The revisited levels of free and bound phenolics in rice: Effects of the
      extraction procedure.
AB  - The effects of the type of solvolytic solution and number of extraction steps on
      the recovery of free phenolics, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins from different
      rice samples were evaluated. Moreover, bound phenolic acids were determined as a
      function of enzymatic and/or alkaline hydrolysis treatment of the rice residue
      obtained after the extraction of free phenolics. The Acetone/Water (70:30 v/v)
      was the most effective solvolytic solution for extracting free phenolics from
      pigmented rice, as well as anthocyanins from black and wild rice, and
      proanthocyanidins from red rice. The application of three extraction steps
      increased the recovery of free phenolics up to 10%. The adoption of an enzymatic
      treatment, with alpha-amylase in order to reduce the paste viscosity of the
      residue, increased the extractability of bound phenolics. alpha-Amylase at 37
      degrees C during 15min followed by an alkaline hydrolysis at 37 degrees C was the
      best treatment for the recovery of bound phenolics. 

PMID- 27132832
TI  - Increasing solubility of red bell pepper carotenoids by complexation with 2
      hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin.
AB  - Red bell pepper carotenoids were complexed with 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin
      (2-HPbetaCD) in different mass ratios (1:4, 1:6, 1:8 and 1:10) through ultrasonic
      homogenization in order to increase carotenoid solubility and their use as
      natural pigment in food. Inclusion complexes, red bell pepper extract and
      physical mixtures were analyzed by DSC, FT-IR, (1)H NMR and DLS. Solubility assay
      was performed to identify the effect of complexation on the solubility of
      carotenoids. From characterization assays, results showed that inclusion process
      occurred for all tested ratios. Results for water solubility assays demonstrated
      clear differences between solubility index of inclusion complexes (8.06+/-2.59
      16.55+/-4.40mg/mL) and physical mixtures (3.53+/-1.44-7.3+/-1.88mg/mL), while
      carotenoid extract was no water soluble, as expected. These results indicated
      that molecular inclusion of carotenoids in 2-HPbetaCD was efficient to enhance
      their solubility in water, enabling application of red bell pepper carotenoid as
      natural pigment and/or bioactive substances in food. 

PMID- 27132833
TI  - Novel formulation of low-fat spread using rice starch modified by 4-alpha
      glucanotransferase.
AB  - Low-fat spreads were developed using a thermoreversible gelling agent, the 4
      alpha-glucanotransferase (4alphaGT)-modified rice starch. The low-fat spreads
      consisted of the modified starch paste (or rice starch or maltodextrin), olive
      oil (0-30% w/w), egg yolk, salt, xanthan gum, and butter flavor, and were
      produced by homogenization, ultrasonic processing at 50% amplitude for 2min, and
      cold-gel setting at 4 degrees C for 24h. Formulations with 15% and 20% of the
      modified starch paste resulted in highly stable oil-in-water low-fat spreads
      having varied textural properties and acceptable spreadability, whereas
      formulations with rice starch and maltodextrin did not yield enough stability and
      consistency. Moreover, the modified starch-based low-fat spreads showed high
      thermoreversibility. These results indicated that 4alphaGT-modified starch could
      be used in the preparation of low-fat spreads, allowing the formulation of
      functional products for healthy diets. 

PMID- 27132834
TI  - Development of a novel gold nanoparticle-based method to determine antioxidant
      capacity of Brassica oilseeds, white flakes and meal.
AB  - Antioxidant capacity (AC) of Brassica oilseeds, white flakes and meal was
      determined by a new spectrophotometric method. The proposed assay (AuNP) based on
      the formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in an acetic buffer medium (pH=4.6)
      was compared with the previously described silver nanoparticle-based (AgNP),
      ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)
      and Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) procedures. The novel AuNP method was validated using
      standard antioxidants such as phenolic acids and quercetin. The AC of rapeseed,
      white flakes and meal varied from 10.0 to 86.7MUmolsinapicacid(SA)/g, 26.5
      160.3MUmolSA/g, 6.8-103.0MUmolSA/g, 23.0-259.3MUmolSA/g and 6.9-92.1MUmolSA/g for
      AuNP, AgNP, FRAP, DPPH and FC methods, respectively. The proposed AuNP method is
      simple, precise (intra-day RSD=0.27-2.11% and inter-day RSD=2.05-4.87%) and
      accurate (recovery=96.2-104.3%) and can be useful in the routine analysis of the
      AC. 

PMID- 27132835
TI  - A new simplex chemometric approach to identify olive oil blends with potentially
      high traceability.
AB  - Olive oil blends (OOBs) are complex matrices combining different cultivars at
      variable proportions. Although qualitative determinations of OOBs have been
      subjected to several chemometric works, quantitative evaluations of their
      contents remain poorly developed because of traceability difficulties concerning
      co-occurring cultivars. Around this question, we recently published an original
      simplex approach helping to develop predictive models of the proportions of co
      occurring cultivars from chemical profiles of resulting blends (Semmar & Artaud,
      2015). Beyond predictive model construction and validation, this paper presents
      an extension based on prediction errors' analysis to statistically define the
      blends with the highest predictability among all the possible ones that can be
      made by mixing cultivars at different proportions. This provides an interesting
      way to identify a priori labeled commercial products with potentially high
      traceability taking into account the natural chemical variability of different
      constitutive cultivars. 

PMID- 27132836
TI  - Evaluation of food grade solvents for lipid extraction and impact of storage
      temperature on fatty acid composition of edible seaweeds Laminaria digitata
      (Phaeophyceae) and Palmaria palmata (Rhodophyta).
AB  - This study evaluated the impact of different food- and non-food grade extraction
      solvents on yield and fatty acid composition of the lipid extracts of two seaweed
      species (Palmaria palmata and Laminaria digitata). The application of
      chloroform/methanol and three different food grade solvents (ethanol, hexane,
      ethanol/hexane) revealed significant differences in both, extraction yield and
      fatty acid composition. The extraction efficiency, in terms of yields of total
      fatty acids (TFA), was in the order:
      chloroform/methanol>ethanol>hexane>ethanol/hexane for both species. Highest
      levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were achieved by the extraction with
      ethanol. Additionally the effect of storage temperature on the stability of PUFA
      in ground and freeze-dried seaweed biomass was investigated. Seaweed samples were
      stored for a total duration of 22months at three different temperatures (-20
      degrees C, 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C). Levels of TFA and PUFA were only stable
      after storage at -20 degrees C for the two seaweed species. 

PMID- 27132837
TI  - Molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction for the determination of ten
      macrolide drugs residues in animal muscles by liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - A simple and sensitive method based on molecularly imprinted solid-phase
      extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was
      developed for the determination of the residues of ten macrolide drugs in swine,
      cattle and chicken muscles samples. The molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs)
      were synthesized using tylosin as a template and methacrylic acid as a functional
      monomer. Samples were extracted with sodium borate buffer solution and ethyl
      acetate, and purified by the MIP cartridge. The results showed that the cartridge
      exhibited good recognition performance for macrolides, and better purification
      effect than the traditional solid-phase extraction cartridges. Recoveries of
      analytes at three spiking levels 1, 5 and 20MUgkg(-1) ranged from 60.7% to 100.3%
      with the relative standard deviations less than 14%. The limits of detection of
      the method were between 0.1 and 0.4MUgkg(-1). The method is useful for the
      routine monitoring of the residues of macrolide drugs in animal muscles. 

PMID- 27132838
TI  - Assessment of flavanol stereoisomers and caffeine and theobromine content in
      commercial chocolates.
AB  - Assessment of the flavanol composition of 41 commercial chocolates was by HPLC
      DAD. Among individual flavonols ranged from 0.095 to 3.264mgg(-1), epicatechin
      was the predominant flavanol accounting for 32.9%. Contrary to catechin,
      epicatechin was a reliable predictive value of the polyphenol content. Conversely
      the percentage of theobromine used as a proxy measure for nonfat cocoa solids
      (NFCS) was not a good predictor of epicatechin or flavanol content. In a further
      chiral analysis, the naturally occurring forms of cocoa flavanols, (-)
      epicatechin and (+)-catechin, was determined joint the occurrence of (+)
      epicatechin and (-)-catechin due to the epimerization reactions produced in
      chocolate manufacture. (-)-Epicatechin, the most bioactive compound and
      predominant form accounted of 93%. However, no positive correlation was found
      with% cocoa solids, the most significant quality parameter. 

PMID- 27132839
TI  - Non-thermal plasma as preparative technique to evaluate olive oil adulteration.
AB  - In recent years adulteration of pure extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with other
      types of vegetable oils has become an important issue. In this study, non-thermal
      plasma (NTP) is investigated as an innovative preparative analytical technique
      enabling classification of adulterated olive oil from an ascertained authentic
      batch of olive oil in a more sensitive manner. Non-thermal plasma discharges are
      a source of highly oxidative species such as singlet oxygen, and atomic oxygen.
      It was assumed that NTP-induced oxidation triggers unique lipid oxidation
      mechanisms depending on the specific composition of the oil matrix and minor
      constituents. In this work EVOO samples were adulterated with sunflower oil (1
      3%) and submitted to NTP treatment. Results showed that while untreated samples
      could not be classified from the authentic olive oil reference, NTP treatments of
      60min (Ar/O2 0.1%) on the oil batches resulted in the formation of a unique set
      of secondary volatile lipid oxidation products enabling classification of
      adulterated oil samples. 

PMID- 27132840
TI  - Structure-activity relationship study between baicalein and wogonin by
      spectrometry, molecular docking and microcalorimetry.
AB  - Flavones (e.g. baicalein and wogonin) extensively used worldwide in food
      preparation and traditional medicine. In this study, a systematically comparative
      study of their structure-activity relationships (SAR) on their interaction with
      BSA, antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity has been carried out by
      spectrometry, molecular docking and microcalorimetry. Our results show that the
      skeleton structure of flavones, the number of hydroxyl groups, the type of
      functional group, conjugated system and the steric hindrance may be responsible
      for their different biological activity. These findings not only would lay a
      scientific foundation for discovering and designing flavones-based food and drug,
      may also help us to understanding the structure-activity relationship between
      flavones at the molecular level. 

PMID- 27132841
TI  - Assessment of metal bioavailability in the vineyard soil-grapevine system using
      different extraction methods.
AB  - This study was focused on the assessment of single and sequential extraction
      methods to predict the bioavailability of metals in the vineyard soil-grapevine
      system. The modified BCR sequential extraction method and two single-step
      extraction methods based on the use of EDTA and acetic acid were applied to
      differently amended vineyard soils. The variety effect was studied on the uptake
      of metals by leaves and grapes. Most of the elements studied (Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn,
      Zn and Pb) were weakly mobilized from vineyard soils, with the exception of Cu
      and Mn. The determination of total metal content in leaves and grapes showed a
      different accumulation pattern in the two parts of the vine. A significant
      relationship was observed, for all the elements studied except for Fe, between
      the content bioavailable in the soil and the accumulated in both leaves and
      grapes (R=0.602-0.775, p<0.01). 

PMID- 27132842
TI  - Response surface methodology applied to Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) of
      carotenoids from Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.).
AB  - Supercritical carbon dioxide with ethanol as co-solvent was used to extract
      carotenoids from persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki L.). Based on a response
      surface methodology (RSM), a predicting model describing the effects of CO2
      temperature, pressure, flow rate, ethanol percentage and extraction time was set
      up for each of the four carotenoids of interest. The best extraction yields in
      our experimental domain were found at 300 bars, 60 degrees C, 25% (w/w) ethanol,
      3mL/min flow rate and 30min for xanthophylls (all-trans-lutein, all-trans
      zeaxanthin and all-trans-beta-cryptoxanthin). The yields were 15.46+/-0.56,
      16.81+/-1.74 and 33.23+/-2.91MUg/g of persimmon powder for all-trans-lutein, all
      trans-zeaxanthin and all-trans-beta-cryptoxanthin, respectively. As a non
      oxygenated carotenoid, all-trans-beta-carotene was better extracted using 100
      bars, 40 degrees C, 25% (w/w) ethanol, 1mL/min flow rate and 30min extraction
      time, with an extraction yield of 11.19+/-0.47MUg/g of persimmon powder. 

PMID- 27132843
TI  - Non-fermented and fermented jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora Mart.) pomaces as
      valuable sources of functional ingredients.
AB  - Jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora. Mart) is a highly perishable fruit native to
      Brazil, which is consumed both fresh and industrially processed in the form of
      juices, jams, wines and distilled liqueurs. This processing generates a large
      amount of waste by-products, which represent approximately 50% of the fruit
      weight. The by-products are of interest for obtaining valuable bioactive
      compounds that could be used as nutraceuticals or functional ingredients. In this
      study, fermented and non-fermented jabuticaba pomaces were studied regarding
      their hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds, as well as their antioxidant
      properties, including: soluble sugars, organic acids and tocopherols (using high
      performance liquid chromatography coupled to refraction index, diode array and
      fluorescence detector, respectively); phenolics and anthocyanins, (using liquid
      chromatography coupled to diode array detection, and mass spectrometry with
      electrospray ionization); and fatty acids (using gas-liquid chromatography with
      flame ionization detection). The analytical data demonstrated that jabuticaba
      pomaces are a rich source of bioactive compounds such as tocopherols,
      polyunsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds (namely hydrolyzable tannins
      and anthocyanins) with antioxidant potential. Therefore, jabuticaba pomace may
      have good potential as a functional ingredient in the fabrication of human foods
      and animal feed. 

PMID- 27132844
TI  - From grape to wine: Changes in phenolic composition and its influence on
      antioxidant activity.
AB  - The evolution of phenolic compounds and their relationship with the antioxidant
      capacity (AC) of samples taken along the winemaking process of three Vitis
      vinifera L. cv., Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Argentina were
      studied. Forty-five compounds were identified by HPLC-PDA-MS/MS, while the AC was
      determined by FRAP, ABTS and DPPH assays. Results show that phenolic composition
      and AC vary along the winemaking process and between varieties. Multiple
      regression analysis showed a high correlation between phenolic composition and AC
      of samples, being anthocyanins the main family with significant contribution to
      AC. In addition, quantitative differences in specific phenolic compounds help to
      explain differences in AC observed between varieties. A high phenolic content and
      bioactivity still remain in pomaces which support its use as an inexpensive
      source of antioxidants. 

PMID- 27132845
TI  - Simultaneous determination of plant growth regulator and pesticides in bean
      sprouts by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A simple and sensitive analytical method based on QuEChERS approach using liquid
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the
      determination of 6-benzylaminopurine, carbendazim and thiabendazole in bean
      sprouts. Sodium chloride and sodium acetate were used for salting-out step and
      magnesium sulfate for clean-up. The validation of optimized method was
      satisfactory with recoveries, between 89.5% and 103.2% for the three compounds,
      and relative standard deviation (RSD) values less than 3.3% at 20 and 40ng/g
      fortification levels (n=5). Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification
      (LOQ) was 2.1-3.7ng/g and 6.3-11.1ng/g, respectively. Monitoring of 126 bean
      sprout samples collected from local markets was performed to verify the
      adaptability in real samples. No pesticides were detected but 6-benzylaminopurine
      was found in 3 samples at the level of 15-20ng/g. The optimized method should be
      applicable for monitoring of 6-benzylaminopurine, carbendazim and thiabendazole
      in bean sprouts in short time. 

PMID- 27132846
TI  - Parameters affecting enzyme-assisted aqueous extraction of extruded sunflower
      meal.
AB  - Microscopic observation of sunflower meal before and after extraction indicated
      that extensive cellular disruption was achieved by extrusion, but that
      unextracted oil remained sequestered as coalesced oil within the void spaces of
      disrupted cotyledon cells. A full factorial design experiment was defined to
      develop aqueous extraction processing (AEP) with and without enzymes to improve
      vegetable oil extraction yields of extruded sunflower meal. This experimental
      design studied the influence of four parameters, agitation, liquid/solid (L/S)
      ratio, and cellulase and protease addition, on extraction yield of lipid and
      protein. Agitation and addition of cellulases increased oil extraction yield,
      indicating that emulsification of oil and alteration of the geometry of the
      confining cellular matrix were important mechanisms for improving yields.
      Protease and liquid-solid ratio of the extraction mixture did not have
      significant effects, indicating key differences with previously established soy
      oil extraction mechanisms. Maximum yields attained for oil and protein extraction
      were 39% and 90%, respectively, with the aid of a surfactant. 

PMID- 27132847
TI  - Stabilization by multipoint covalent attachment of a biocatalyst with
      polygalacturonase activity used for juice clarification.
AB  - Derivatized-agarose supports are suitable for enzyme immobilization by different
      methods, taking advantage of different physical, chemical and biological
      conditions of the protein and the support. In this study, agarose particles were
      modified with MANAE, PEI and glyoxyl groups and evaluated to stabilize
      polygalacturonase from Streptomyces halstedii ATCC 10897. A new immobilized
      biocatalyst was developed using glyoxyl-agarose as support; it exhibited high
      performance in degrading polygalacturonic acid and releasing oligogalacturonides.
      Maximal enzyme activity was detected at 5h of reaction using 0.05g/mL of
      immobilized biocatalyst, which released 3mg/mL of reducing sugars and allowed the
      highest product yield conversion and increased stability. These results are very
      favorable for pectin degradation with reusability up to 18 successive reactions
      (90h) and application in juice clarification. Plum (4.7 degrees Bx) and grape
      (10.6 degrees Bx) juices were successfully clarified, increasing reducing sugars
      content and markedly decreasing turbidity and viscosity. 

PMID- 27132848
TI  - The inclusion complex of rosmarinic acid into beta-cyclodextrin: A thermodynamic
      and structural analysis by NMR and capillary electrophoresis.
AB  - This work focuses on the characterization of the rosmarinic acid (RA)-beta
      cyclodextrin (CD) complex in aqueous solution by (1)H NMR (1D- and 2D-ROESY),
      completed with studies by capillary electrophoresis (CE). From the (1)H NMR data,
      the stoichiometry of the complex was determined by a Job's plot and the binding
      constant was estimated from a linear regression (Scott's method). At pH 2.9, the
      results showed that RA binds CD with a 1:1 stoichiometry and a binding constant
      Kb of 445 (+/-53) M(-1) or 465 (+/-81) M(-1) depending on the CD protons (H-5 or
      H-3) selected for the evaluation. The Kb value was also calculated from the CD
      induced chemical shifts of each RA proton in order to collect information on the
      structure of the complex. The pH dependence of Kb revealed that the RA carboxylic
      form displays the highest affinity for CD. An investigation by capillary
      electrophoresis fully confirmed these results. 2D ROESY analysis provided
      detailed structural information on the complex and showed a strong correlation
      between H-3 and H-5 of CD and most RA protons. In conclusion, RA, an efficient
      phenolic antioxidant from rosemary with a marketing authorization, spontaneously
      forms a relatively stable inclusion complex with CD in water. 

PMID- 27132849
TI  - Effects of grain species and cultivar, thermal processing, and enzymatic
      hydrolysis on gluten quantitation.
AB  - Gluten from wheat, rye, and barley can trigger IgE-mediated allergy or Celiac
      disease in sensitive individuals. Gluten-free labeled foods are available as a
      safe alternative. Immunoassays such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) are commonly used to quantify gluten in foods. However, various non-assay
      related factors can affect gluten quantitation. The effect of gluten-containing
      grain cultivars, thermal processing, and enzymatic hydrolysis on gluten
      quantitation by various ELISA kits was evaluated. The ELISA kits exhibited
      variations in gluten quantitation depending on the gluten-containing grain and
      their cultivars. Acceptable gluten recoveries were obtained in 200mg/kg wheat,
      rye, and barley-spiked corn flour thermally processed at various conditions.
      However, depending on the enzyme, gluten grain source, and ELISA kit used,
      measured gluten content was significantly reduced in corn flour spiked with
      200mg/kg hydrolyzed wheat, rye, and barley flour. Thus, the gluten grain source
      and processing conditions should be considered for accurate gluten analysis. 

PMID- 27132850
TI  - Involvement of energy metabolism to chilling tolerance induced by hydrogen
      sulfide in cold-stored banana fruit.
AB  - In this study, the effect of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on energy metabolism in
      postharvest banana fruit under chilling stress was investigated. Banana fruit,
      fumigated with optimal concentration (0.5mM) of aqueous sodium hydrosulfide
      (NaHS) solution for 24h, were initially stored at 7 degrees C for 14d and 20
      degrees C for another 6d. H2S treated banana fruit showed both higher value of
      firmness and Hue angle, as well as lower value of electrolyte leakage,
      malondialdehyde (MDA) content and ethylene production. These indicated slower
      development of chilling injury compared with the control. Decrease in adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) and energy charge was not noticeable in H2S treated banana
      fruit. Moreover, the activity of H(+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)-ATPase, cytochrome C oxidase
      (CCO) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), associated with energy metabolism, were
      significantly enhanced by H2S treatment. Therefore, it can be deduced that H2S
      can potentially alleviate chilling development in banana fruit by increasing
      enzymes activities, involved in energy metabolism, to maintain energy charge. 

PMID- 27132851
TI  - Concentrations of oligomers and polymers of proanthocyanidins in red and purple
      rice bran and their relationships to total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant
      capacity and whole grain color.
AB  - Proanthocyanidins, a flavonoids subgroup, are proposed to have chronic disease
      modulation properties. With the eventual goal of enhancing rice phytonutrient
      concentrations, we investigated the genotypic variation of the concentrations of
      individual oligomers and polymers of proanthocyanidins in red and purple rice
      brans. A 4.3-fold variation in total proanthocyanidins (sum of oligomers and
      polymers) in the extractable fraction was found and the concentration was highly
      correlated with total phenolics, total flavonoids and antiradical capacity.
      Variation in the proportion of oligomers and polymers existed, with monomers to
      trimers, 4-6mers, 7-10mers and polymers accounting for 7, 18, 26.5 and 48.7%,
      respectively, of the total. The redness value a(*) of whole grain rice measured
      in CIE L(*)a(*)b(*) color space was negatively and positively correlated with
      extractable and non-extractable proanthocyanidins, respectively. The variation
      found indicates it is possible to select rice with bran containing high levels of
      total proanthocyanidins and specific degree of polymerization profiles. 

PMID- 27132852
TI  - Enzyme bread improvers affect the stability of deoxynivalenol and deoxynivalenol
      3-glucoside during breadmaking.
AB  - The stability of deoxynivalenol (DON) and deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (DON-3
      glucoside) during the breadmaking process was studied. Some enzymes used in the
      bakery industry were examined to evaluate their effects on DON and DON-3
      glucoside. The level of DON in breads without added enzymes was reduced (17-21%).
      Similarly, the addition of cellulase, protease, lipase and glucose-oxidase did
      not modify this decreasing trend. The effect of xylanase and alpha-amylase on DON
      content depended on the fermentation temperature. These enzymes reduced the DON
      content by 10-14% at 45 degrees C. In contrast, at 30 degrees C, these enzymes
      increased the DON content by 13-23%. DON-3-glucoside levels decreased at the end
      of fermentation, with a final reduction of 19-48% when no enzymes were used.
      However, the presence of xylanase, alpha-amylase, cellulase and lipase resulted
      in bread with greater quantities of DON-3-glucoside when fermentation occurred at
      30 degrees C. The results showed that wheat bran and flour may contain hidden DON
      that may be enzymatically released during the breadmaking process when the
      fermentation temperature is close to 30 degrees C. 

PMID- 27132853
TI  - Resistant starch analysis of commonly consumed potatoes: Content varies by
      cooking method and service temperature but not by variety.
AB  - Resistant starch (RS) has unique digestive and absorptive properties which may
      provide health benefits. We conducted a study to determine the contributions of
      cultivar, cooking method and service temperature on the RS contents of potatoes
      (Solanum tuberosum L.). We hypothesized that the RS content would vary by
      variety, cooking method and service temperature. Potatoes of three common
      commercial varieties (Yukon Gold, Dark Red Norland, and Russet Burbank) were
      subjected to two methods of cooking (baking or boiling) and three service
      temperatures: hot (65 degrees C), chilled (4 degrees C) and reheated (4 degrees C
      for 6d; reheated to 65 degrees C) and analyzed the starch content by modification
      of a commercially available assay. Results showed that RS content (g/100g) varied
      by cooking method and service temperature but not variety. Baked potatoes had
      higher RS contents than boiled; chilled potatoes had more RS than either hot or
      reheated. These results may assist in dietary choices for reducing chronic
      disease risk. 

PMID- 27132854
TI  - Antioxidant activity of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) in a lipid-rich model
      system.
AB  - Ribose-lysine (RL), ribose-glycine (RG), fructose-lysine (FL) and fructose
      glycine (FG) Maillard models (whole mixture (WM) pH 4 and 9) were heated at 60,
      80, 121 degrees C for 30, 60, 120min, and dialysed into low (LMW) and high
      molecular weight (HMW) fractions. Reducing power (RP), DPPH and peroxyl radical
      scavenging (PRS) evaluated indirect antioxidant activity (AA). Direct AA in a
      water-in-oil emulsion was evaluated through peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine,
      TBARs inhibition and oxidative stability (OS). PRS and RP increased significantly
      with temperature and time from FL<FG<RL<RG and LMW<WM<HMW for all pHs. MRPs
      showed higher PRS and RP than BHA. DPPH decreased (p<0.05) with temperature and
      time from LMW>WM>HMW. With DPPH, only MRPs at 121 degrees C exhibited higher AA
      than BHA. MRPs exhibited low PV, p-anisidine and inhibited the formation of
      TBARs. BHA showed the highest OS, with p-anisidine, PV and inhibition of TBARS
      similar to that of MRPs. 

PMID- 27132855
TI  - Antioxidant activity of proanthocyanidins-rich fractions from Choerospondias
      axillaris peels using a combination of chemical-based methods and cellular-based
      assay.
AB  - An extract isolated from Choerospondias axillaris peels was separated into five
      fractions using size-exclusion chromatography. The structural composition and
      mean degree of polymerization (mDP) of these fractions were then characterized by
      acid-catalysis followed by HPLC analysis. The antioxidant activity of each
      fraction was determined using a combination of chemical-based methods (DPPH,
      ABTS(+) radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and
      phosphomolybdate assay) and a cellular-based assay. All fractions tested were
      found to have high total phenolics contents and were rich in proanthocyanidins.
      The mDP of fractions (F1-F5) ranged from 1.92 to 9.25. When tested by the
      chemical-based assays, the antioxidant activity of the fractions did not depend
      on molecular weight of the phenolics. Conversely, when tested by the cellular
      based assay the antioxidant activity actually decreased with increasing molecular
      weight of the proanthocyanidins. These experiments highlight the limitations of
      using chemical-based assays to establish the antioxidant activity of
      proanthocyanidins within biological systems. 

PMID- 27132856
TI  - Staling of white wheat bread crumb and effect of maltogenic alpha-amylases. Part
      1: Spatial distribution and kinetic modeling of hardness and resilience.
AB  - Bread staling is one of the most costly food deterioration processes. This study
      presents an in-depth, multivariate, statistical assessment of the differences in
      the staling process of white wheat bread as a function of storage time, usage of
      maltogenic alpha-amylases and spatial position in the loaf by texture
      measurements and non-linear fitting (Avrami). This study demonstrates the effects
      of anti-staling enzymes upon bread staling, where significant changes in the
      spatial staling kinetics occur. While the spatial development of staling is
      reduced in the outer crumb by anti-staling enzymes, the staling is retarded in
      the middle. The Avrami model suggests that this happens by two different
      competing mechanisms: one which increases the initial staling rate, and one which
      slows the convergence towards the limiting hardness. The two enzyme treated
      breads differed widely in early and ultimate resilience, despite the fact that
      they were adjusted to provide the same ultimate hardness. 

PMID- 27132857
TI  - Pre-fermentation fining effects on the aroma chemistry of Marlborough Sauvignon
      blanc press fractions.
AB  - In the wine industry, fining agents are commonly used with many choices now
      commercially available. Here the influence of pre-fermentation fining on wine
      aroma chemistry has been explored. Free run and press fraction Sauvignon blanc
      juices from two vineyards were fined using gelatin, activated carbon,
      polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) and a combination agent which included bentonite,
      PVPP and isinglass. Over thirty aroma compounds were quantified in the
      experimental wines. Results showed that activated carbon fining led to a
      significant (p<0.05) concentration decrease of hexan-1-ol and linalool in the
      experimental wines when compared to a control, consistent across all vineyard and
      fraction combinations. Other aroma compounds were also influenced by fining
      agent, even if vineyards and press fractions played a crucial role. This study
      confirmed that fining agents used pre-fermentation can influence wine aroma
      profiles and therefore needs specific tailoring addressing style and origin of
      grape. 

PMID- 27132858
TI  - Corrigendum to "Effect of roasting time of buckwheat groats on the formation of
      Maillard reaction products and antioxidant capacity" [Food Chem. 196 (2016) 355
      358].

PMID- 27132859
TI  - Corrigendum to "Effects of chicken-liver hydrolysates on lipid metabolism in a
      high-fat dietary habit" [Food Chem. 160 (2014) 148-156].

PMID- 27132860
TI  - Corrigendum to "Inhibitory effects of chickpea and Tribulus terrestris on lipase,
      alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase" [Food Chem. 205 (2016) 163-169].

PMID- 27132861
TI  - Corrigendum to "Identification of red pepper powder irradiated with different
      types of radiation using luminescence methods: A comparative study" [Food Chem.
      200 (2016) 293-300].

PMID- 27132862
TI  - Corrigendum to "Multiresidue analysis of environmental pollutants in edible
      vegetable oils by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry" [Food Chem. 207
      (2016) 43-50].

PMID- 27132863
TI  - Oral medicine in academia.

PMID- 27132864
TI  - The association between age at first calving and survival of first lactation
      heifers within dairy herds.
AB  - The objective of this research was to evaluate the survival rate of primiparous
      heifers within a large sample of herds across the United Kingdom and specifically
      to assess the association between age at first calving (AFC) on their survival.
      Data from 437 herds were re-structured for analysis. Descriptive statistics were
      calculated, and a multilevel logistic regression model was used to explore
      factors associated with the risk of first lactation culling. Potential
      explanatory variables included AFC, herd size, culling rate within the whole
      herd, calving season, herd mean 305-day yield and herd mean calving interval. The
      mean within-herd culling rate for the primiparous heifers was 15.9%. The mean
      within-herd AFC was 29.6 months, with 35.9% of heifers having an AFC >30 months
      of age. Multivariable analysis revealed a negative association between survival
      rate of primiparous heifers and increasing AFC, and also associations with herd
      culling rate in older cows and calving season. This study highlights the
      importance of AFC for survival of primiparous heifers, as well as the need to
      address heifer wastage in herds with high culling rates.

PMID- 27132865
TI  - Sulfone-stabilized carbanions for the reversible covalent capture of a
      posttranslationally-generated cysteine oxoform found in protein tyrosine
      phosphatase 1B (PTP1B).
AB  - Redox regulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) involves oxidative
      conversion of the active site cysteine thiolate into an electrophilic sulfenyl
      amide residue. Reduction of the sulfenyl amide by biological thiols regenerates
      the native cysteine residue. Here we explored fundamental chemical reactions that
      may enable covalent capture of the sulfenyl amide residue in oxidized PTP1B.
      Various sulfone-containing carbon acids were found to react readily with a model
      peptide sulfenyl amide via attack of the sulfonyl carbanion on the electrophilic
      sulfur center in the sulfenyl amide. Both the products and the rates of these
      reactions were characterized. The results suggest that capture of a peptide
      sulfenyl amide residue by sulfone-stabilized carbanions can slow, but not
      completely prevent, thiol-mediated generation of the corresponding cysteine
      containing peptide. Sulfone-containing carbon acids may be useful components in
      the construction of agents that knock down PTP1B activity in cells via transient
      covalent capture of the sulfenyl amide oxoform generated during insulin signaling
      processes.

PMID- 27132866
TI  - Discovery, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships of 20S-dammar-24-en
      2alpha,3beta,12beta,20-tetrol (GP) derivatives as a new class of
      AMPKalpha2beta1gamma1 activators.
AB  - As a follow-up discovery of AMPK activators from natural products, 20S-dammar-24
      en-2alpha,3beta,12beta,20-tetrol (GP, 1), a dammarane-type triterpenoid, was
      found to have some favorable metabolic effects on dyslipidemia in Golden Syrian
      hamsters, and activate AMPKalpha2beta1gamma1 by around 2.4 fold with an EC50 of
      5.1MUM on molecular level. In order to enhance its potency at AMPK and structure
      activity relationship study, GP derivatives were designed, synthesized, and
      evaluated in pharmacological AMPK activation assays. Structure-activity
      relationship analysis showed that amine at the 24-position (groups I-IV)
      effectively and significantly increased the potency and efficacy. GP derivatives
      12 and 17-19 exhibited better potency (EC50: 0.3, 0.8, 0.8, and 1.0MUM) and
      efficacy (fold: 3.2, 2.7, 3.0, and 2.8) in the activation of AMPK heterotrimer
      alpha2beta1gamma1 than positive control (AMP, EC50: 1.6MUM, fold: 3.2).
      Furthermore, the most potent compounds 12 and 17 obviously inhibited glucose
      output through increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK, without affecting
      mitochondrial membrane potential or producing cytotoxicity.

PMID- 27132867
TI  - Structure-guided development of dual beta2 adrenergic/dopamine D2 receptor
      agonists.
AB  - Aiming to discover dual-acting beta2 adrenergic/dopamine D2 receptor ligands, a
      structure-guided approach for the evolution of GPCR agonists that address
      multiple targets was elaborated. Starting from GPCR crystal structures, we
      describe the design, synthesis and biological investigation of a defined set of
      compounds leading to the identification of the benzoxazinone (R)-3, which shows
      agonist properties at the adrenergic beta2 receptor and substantial G protein
      promoted activation at the D2 receptor. This directed approach yielded molecular
      probes with tuned dual activity. The congener desOH-3 devoid of the benzylic
      hydroxyl function was shown to be a beta2 adrenergic antagonist/D2 receptor
      agonist with Ki values in the low nanomolar range. The compounds may serve as a
      promising starting point for the investigation and treatment of neurological
      disorders.

PMID- 27132868
TI  - Plasmid DNA delivery by arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptides containing
      unnatural amino acids.
AB  - Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been developed as drug, protein, and gene
      delivery tools. In the present study, arginine (Arg)-rich CPPs containing
      unnatural amino acids were designed to deliver plasmid DNA (pDNA). The
      transfection ability of one of the Arg-rich CPPs examined here was more effective
      than that of the Arg nonapeptide, which is the most frequently used CPP. The
      transfection efficiencies of Arg-rich CPPs increased with longer post-incubation
      times and were significantly higher at 48-h and 72-h post-incubation than that of
      the commercially available transfection reagent TurboFect. These Arg-rich CPPs
      were complexed with pDNA for a long time in cells and effectively escaped from
      the late endosomes/lysosomes into the cytoplasm. These results will be helpful
      for designing novel CPPs for pDNA delivery.

PMID- 27132869
TI  - American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2016.

PMID- 27132870
TI  - PD-1 inhibition in advanced Merkel-cell carcinoma.

PMID- 27132871
TI  - The added effect of depression on patients with cancer.

PMID- 27132872
TI  - Trastuzumab cardiotoxicity in early-stage breast cancer.

PMID- 27132873
TI  - New European guidance on patient-reported outcomes.

PMID- 27132874
TI  - Functional organization of the fusiform gyrus revealed with connectivity
      profiles.
AB  - Within the object recognition-related ventral visual stream, the human fusiform
      gyrus (FG), which topographically connects the striate cortex to the inferior
      temporal lobe, plays a pivotal role in high-level visual/cognitive functions.
      However, though there are many previous investigations of distinct functional
      modules within the FG, the functional organization of the whole FG in its full
      functional heterogeneity has not yet been established. In the current study, a
      replicable functional organization of the FG based on distinct anatomical
      connectivity patterns was identified. The FG was parcellated into medial (FGm),
      lateral (FGl), and anterior (FGa) regions using diffusion tensor imaging. We
      validated the reasonability of such an organizational scheme from the perspective
      of resting-state whole brain functional connectivity patterns and the involvement
      of functional subnetworks. We found corroborating support for these three
      distinct modules, and suggest that the FGm serves as a transition region that
      combines multiple stimuli, the FGl is responsible for categorical recognition,
      and the FGa is involved in semantic understanding. These findings support two
      organizational functional transitions of the ventral temporal gyrus, a
      posterior/anterior direction of visual/semantic processing, and a media/lateral
      direction of high-level visual processing. Our results may facilitate a more
      detailed study of the human FG in the future. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3003-3016, 2016.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27132875
TI  - Positive selection of B10 cells is determined by BCR specificity and signaling
      strength.
AB  - B10 cells, a regulatory B cell subset, negatively regulate immune responses in an
      IL-10-dependent manner. However, the mechanism of B10 cell development is
      unclear. We found that B10 cells mainly identified self-antigens. TgVH3B4
      transgenic mice, whose VH was derived from an actin-reactive natural antibody,
      exhibit elevated numbers of actin-binding B10 cells. Immunization of TgVH3B4 mice
      with actin induced elevated B10 cell numbers in an antigen-specific manner,
      indicating positive selection of B10 cells by self-antigens. Furthermore, higher
      BCR signaling strength facilitated B10 cell development. We also observed that
      actin-reactive IgG levels were unchanged in TgVH3B4 mice after immunization with
      actin in contrast to the elevated OVA-reactive IgG level after immunization with
      OVA, indicating that B10 cells acted in an antigen-specific manner to inhibit the
      immune response. Our data demonstrate for the first time that B10 cells are
      positively selected by self-reactivity and that higher BCR signaling strength
      promotes B10 cell development.

PMID- 27132876
TI  - A morphometric analysis of prognathism and evaluation of the gnathic index in
      modern humans.
AB  - Subnasal prognathism is a morphological feature often described in studies of
      paleoanthropology, bioarchaeology, and forensic anthropology. This trait is
      commonly quantified using the gnathic index, which compares basion-prosthion and
      basion-nasion lengths. This study used geometric morphometrics to assess whether
      the gnathic index is a reliable indicator of subnasal prognathism and to explore
      the effects of sex, population, and allometry on this trait. Nineteen
      craniofacial landmarks were collected from three-dimensional cranial surface
      scans of 192 individuals across five population groups. Generalized Procrustes
      analysis and principal components analysis were employed to identify shape
      components related to changes in subnasal prognathism, comparing component scores
      to gnathic index values. M/ANOVAs were used to determine the effects of sex and
      population on prognathism, and linear regression served to assess static
      allometry. The gnathic index was significantly correlated with PCs 1 and 3, which
      appeared to capture prognathic shape change, but also with PCs 2 and 6, which
      reflected other craniofacial shape changes. Population differences in levels of
      prognathism were identified, but no significant effects of sex or allometry were
      found. The results show that, although the gnathic index correlates with
      prognathic shape variation, it is also influenced by other variables, such as the
      relative position of basion. In this sense, the gnathic index serves to
      illustrate the shortcomings of linear measurement analysis as compared to
      landmark configurations. Further, the results demonstrate that subnasal
      prognathism is a complex feature in need of redefinition. 

PMID- 27132877
TI  - Genetic Characteristics of Polycythemia Vera and Essential Thrombocythemia in
      Korean Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in the investigation of myeloproliferative
      neoplasms (MPN), the impact of genetic heterogeneity on its molecular
      pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Thus, in this study, we aim to
      characterize the genetic complexity in Korean patients with polycythemia vera
      (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). METHODS: We conducted association
      studies using 84 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 229 patients (96 with
      PV and 133 with ET) and 170 controls. Further, whole-genome sequencing was
      performed in six patients (two with JAK2 V617F and four with wild-type JAK2), and
      putative somatic mutations were validated in a further 69 ET patients. Clinical
      and laboratory characteristics were also analyzed. RESULTS: Several germline SNPs
      and the 46 haplotype were significantly associated with PV and ET. Three somatic
      mutations in MPDZ, IQCH, and CALR genes were selected and validated. The
      frequency of the CALR mutation was 58.0% (40/69) in ET patients, who did not
      carry JAK2/MPL mutations. Moreover, compared with JAK2 V617F-positive patients,
      those with CALR mutations showed lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (P =
      0.004 and P = 0.002, respectively), higher platelet counts (P =0.008), and a
      lower frequency of cytoreductive therapy (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: This study was
      the first comprehensive investigation of the genetic characteristics of Korean
      patients with PV and ET. We found that somatic mutations and the 46 haplotype
      contribute to PV and ET pathogenesis in Korean patients.

PMID- 27132878
TI  - Gender difference in the use of coronary interventions for patients with acute
      coronary syndrome: Experience from a major metropolitan hospital in Melbourne,
      Australia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Literature suggests an ongoing gender disparity in the use of
      coronary angiography and subsequent interventions among patients with acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS). OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to examine gender
      differences in the use of coronary interventions amongst patients with acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted to a major metropolitan hospital in Melbourne
      during the period 2009-2012. METHODS: We undertook a retrospective analysis of a
      hospital database of 2096 ACS patients. ACS included unstable angina (UA), ST
      segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI). RESULTS:
      The mean age of the patients was 64.3 years and 624 (30%) were women. Half of
      them were diagnosed as NSTEMI, 23% as STEMI and 25% as UA. Compared to men, women
      were older at admission, less likely to be diagnosed with STEMI and less likely
      to smoke. No gender difference was observed for severe co-morbidities or use of
      coronary angiography. Women diagnosed with STEMI were 39% less likely to receive
      an angioplasty stent (adjusted odds ratio 0.61, 95% confidence intervals 0.39
      0.96) and 66% less likely to receive grafts (adjusted OR 0.34, 95% CIs 0.13
      0.93). Women diagnosed with NSTEMI were 44% less likely to receive grafts
      (adjusted OR 0.56, 95% CIs 0.37-0.83). Younger women aged 35-49 years were less
      likely to receive an angioplasty stent, and older women >50 years were less
      likely to receive grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to guideline based treatment
      will help to ensure knowledge translation from guideline to practice. Further
      research investigating symptom presentation, use of non-invasive tests and
      medical management of ACS by gender may further explain gender difference for
      coronary interventions.

PMID- 27132879
TI  - Validation of Gold and Silver Nanoparticle Analysis in Fruit Juices by Single
      Particle ICP-MS without Sample Pretreatment.
AB  - With the increasing use of nanoparticles in consumer products, the need for
      validated quantitation methods also rises. This becomes even more urgent because
      the risks of nanomaterials are still not conclusively assessed. Fast, accurate,
      and robust single-particle (sp) ICP-MS is a promising technique as it is capable
      of counting and sizing particles at very low concentrations at the same time.
      Another feature is the simultaneous distinction between dissolved and particulate
      analytes. The present study shows, for the first time to our knowledge, a method
      validation for the rapid analysis of silver and gold nanoparticles with sp-ICP-MS
      in fruit juices without sample preparation. The investigated matrices water,
      orange juice, and apple juice were spiked with particles and only diluted prior
      to measurement without using a digestion reagent. The validations regarding
      particle size are successful according to the German GTFCh's guideline with
      deviations of accuracy and precision below 15%. 

PMID- 27132880
TI  - Deportation and mental health among migrants who inject drugs along the US-Mexico
      border.
AB  - This study describes the prevalence and factors of depressive symptoms among a
      sample of persons who inject drugs (PWID) with a history of deportation from the
      US in Tijuana, Mexico. In 2014, 132 deported PWID completed a structured
      questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for
      Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale (CESD-10) screening instrument.
      Eligible participants were >=18 years old, injected drugs in the past month,
      spoke English or Spanish, and resided in Tijuana. Multivariate analyses
      identified factors associated with depressive symptoms. Among deported PWID, 45%
      reported current symptoms of depression. Deported PWID who were initially
      detained in the US for a crime-related reason before being deported (adjusted
      odds ratio (AOR): 5.27; 95% CI: 1.79-15.52) and who perceived needing help with
      their drug use (AOR: 2.15; 95% 1.01-4.61) had higher odds of reporting depressive
      symptoms. Our findings highlight the need for effective strategies targeting
      deported migrants who inject drugs to treat mental health and drug abuse in
      Tijuana. Investing in the mental health of deported PWID may also be a viable HIV
      prevention strategy.

PMID- 27132881
TI  - Preparation, characterization and toxicology properties of alpha- and beta
      chitosan Maillard reaction products nanoparticles.
AB  - In this study, beta-chitosan (CS) Maillard reaction (MR) NPs was prepared to
      improve the water solubility of CS NPs. The alpha- and beta-CS MR was firstly
      induced by high intensity ultrasound-assisted (UA) water-bath heating at 80
      degrees C for 8h. The alpha- and beta-CS Maillard reaction products (MRPs NPs
      were then prepared by ionic gelation method between the positively charged
      primary amino groups of CS and the negatively charged groups of sodium
      tripolyphosphate (TPP). The alpha- and beta-CS MRPs NPs had particle size of
      42.49 and 61.74nm, and Zeta-potential of 27.43 and 35.13mV, respectively. The
      prepared alpha- and beta-CS MRPs NPs was characterized by transmission electron
      microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)-differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC) to verify whether alpha- and beta-CS MRPs has been incorporated
      into the CS NPs. The alpha- and beta-CS MRPs NPs exhibited no significant
      difference (p>0.05) in antioxidant activity compared with alpha- and beta-CS MRPs
      at the same concentration based on reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging
      activity, and ORAC values. The cytotoxicity test of alpha- and beta-CS MRPs NPs
      showed good cell viability (70.86-99.16%) of human pulmonary microvascular
      endothelial cells (HLMVEC) at the concentration range from 0.12 to 1mg/mL, and
      fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC)-alpha- and beta-CS MRPs NPs maintained the
      morphological characteristics of living cells. These results showed that alpha-
      and beta-CS MRPs NPs can be used as water-soluble antioxidant substances for
      applications in food and other fields. 

PMID- 27132882
TI  - Physicochemical and structural evaluation of alkali extracted chickpea starch as
      affected by gamma-irradiation.
AB  - In this study, starch isolated from chickpea was exposed to gamma-irradiation at
      0, 4, 8 and 12kGy doses. The irradiated starches were evaluated for their
      physicochemical, morphological and pasting properties. The results revealed
      significant (p<=0.05) reduction in apparent amylose content, swelling power,
      turbidity, syneresis, L (lightness) value, and pasting parameters whereas
      solubility and b (yellowness) value increased with increase in irradiation dose.
      X-ray diffraction showed C-type of crystallographic pattern. Relative
      crystallinity (RC) of irradiated starches was different at different irradiation
      doses. Prominent changes were recorded in the FT-IR spectra of irradiated starch
      samples with respect to intensity and shifting of major bands in specific
      regions. Analysis of O - H and C - H stretches, bending mode of water and
      glycoside bonds of irradiated starches revealed marked decrease in their
      absorbance intensities. Scanning electron microscopy revealed cracking and
      clumping of starch granules at elevated doses of gamma-irradiation. Radiation
      doses were negatively correlated to swelling power, pasting parameters (peak
      viscosity, hold viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity and pasting
      temperature), turbidity, syneresis and apparent amylose content except
      solubility. 

PMID- 27132883
TI  - Structure formation in pH-sensitive hydrogels composed of sodium caseinate and
      N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan.
AB  - The pH-sensitive hydrogels composed of sodium caseinate (SC) and N,O
      carboxymethyl chitosan (NOCC) were prepared and a new method to characterize the
      gelation process was presented in this work. Reological tests suggested that
      RSC/NOCC=3/7 (the weight ratio of SC and NOCC) was the best ratio of hydrogel.
      The well-developed three-dimensional network structures in the hydrogel were
      confirmed by AFM. Two structural parameters, tIS and tCS, denoted as the initial
      and critical structure formation time, respectively, were used to provide an
      exact determination of the start of structure formation and description of
      gelation process. The gelation process strongly depended on temperature changes,
      a high temperature resulted in an early start of gelation. The non-kinetic model
      suggested the higher activation energy in the higher temperatures was
      disadvantageous to structure formation, and vice versa. Due to the smart gel
      reported here was very stable at room temperature, we believed that the gel is
      required for applications in drug delivery or could be exploited in the
      development of potential application as molecular switches in the future. 

PMID- 27132884
TI  - Modification of physicochemical and thermal properties of starch films by
      incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles.
AB  - In this research, potato starch and TiO2 nanoparticles (0.5, 1 and 2wt%) films
      were developed. Influences of different concentrations of TiO2 on the functional
      properties of nanocomposite films (water-related properties, mechanical
      characteristics, and UV transmittance) were investigated. XRD, FTIR, and DSC
      analyses were used to characterize the morphology and thermal properties of the
      films. The results revealed that TiO2 nanoparticles dramatically decreased the
      values of water-related properties (water vapor permeability: 11-34%; water
      solubility: 1.88-9.26%; moisture uptake: 2.15-11.18%). Incorporation of TiO2 led
      to a slight increment of contact angle and tensile strength, and a decrease in
      elongation at break of the films. TiO2 successfully blocked more than 90% of UV
      light, while opacity and white index of the films were enhanced. Glass transition
      temperature and melting point of the films were positively affected by the
      addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. The result of XRD study exhibited that due to a
      limited agglomeration of TiO2 nanoparticles, the mean crystal size of TiO2
      increased. Formation of new hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of starch
      and nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. In conclusion, TiO2
      nanoparticles improved the functional properties of potato starch film and
      extended the potential for food packaging applications. 

PMID- 27132885
TI  - Differential foraging success across a light level spectrum explains the
      maintenance and spatial structure of colour morphs in a polymorphic bird.
AB  - Detectability of different colour morphs under varying light conditions has been
      proposed as an important driver in the maintenance of colour polymorphism via
      disruptive selection. To date, no studies have tested whether different morphs
      have selective advantages under differing light conditions. We tested this
      hypothesis in the black sparrowhawk, a polymorphic raptor exhibiting a discrete
      white and dark morph, and found that prey provisioning rates differ between the
      morphs depending on light condition. Dark morphs delivered more prey in lower
      light conditions, while white morphs provided more prey in brighter conditions.
      We found support for the role of breeding season light level in explaining the
      clinal pattern of variation in morph ratio across the species range throughout
      South Africa. Our results provide the first empirical evidence supporting the
      hypothesis that polymorphism in a species, and the spatial structuring of morphs
      across its distribution, may be driven by differential selective advantage via
      improved crypsis, under varying light conditions. 

PMID- 27132886
TI  - GABAergic drug use and global, cognitive, and motor functional outcomes after
      stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In animal models and healthy volunteers, the use of GABA A receptor
      agonists (GABA-AGs) seem deleterious for functional recovery. The agents are
      widely used for subacute stroke, but their effect on functional recovery remains
      unclear. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the association between GABA-AG use and
      functional recovery after stroke. METHODS: We retrospectively recruited 434
      survivors of subacute stroke admitted for inpatient rehabilitation between 2000
      and 2013 in our institution (107 with and 327 without GABA-AG use). We used
      multivariate regression to assess the association of GABA-AG use and successful
      functional recovery, defined as reaching, between admission and discharge, the
      minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 22 points on the global
      Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Secondary analyses were the associations
      of GABA-AG with cognitive and motor FIM MCID and constant GABA-AG exposure
      (24h/24 GABA-AG) with global, cognitive and motor FIM MCID. A new estimation of
      the MCID was performed with the standard error of measurement. RESULTS: Reaching
      the global FIM MCID was associated with GABA-AG use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]
      0.54 [95% CI 0.31-0.91], P=0.02) as well as 24h/24 GABA-AG use (aOR 0.25 [0.08
      0.83]; P=0.02). Furthermore, GABA-AG and 24h/24 GABA-AG use was inversely but not
      always significantly associated with reaching the cognitive FIM MCID (aOR 0.56,
      P=0.07; aOR 0.26, P=0.06, respectively) and motor FIM MCID (aOR 0.51, P=0.07; aOR
      0.13, P=0.01, respectively). The estimated MCID was 19 for global FIM, 4 for
      cognitive FIM, and 16 for motor FIM. CONCLUSIONS: GABA-AG use is associated with
      not reaching successful functional recovery during stroke rehabilitation.
      Randomised trials are needed to formally establish the potential deleterious
      effect of GABA-AG use on functional recovery.

PMID- 27132887
TI  - Optimized Approaches for Generation of Integration-free iPSCs from Human Urine
      Derived Cells with Small Molecules and Autologous Feeder.
AB  - Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from human urine-derived
      cells (hUCs) provides a convenient and non-invasive way to obtain patient
      specific iPSCs. However, many isolated hUCs exhibit very poor proliferation and
      are difficult to reprogram. In this study, we optimized reprogramming approaches
      for hUCs with very poor proliferation. We report here that a compound cocktail
      containing cyclic pifithrin-a (a P53 inhibitor), A-83-01, CHIR99021, thiazovivin,
      NaB, and PD0325901 significantly improves the reprogramming efficiency (170-fold
      more) for hUCs. In addition, we showed that replacement of Matrigel with
      autologous hUC feeders can overcome the reprogramming failure due to the massive
      cell death that occurs during delivery of reprogramming factors. In summary, we
      describe improved approaches to enable iPSC generation from hUCs that were
      otherwise difficult to reprogram, a valuable asset for banking patient-specific
      iPSCs.

PMID- 27132888
TI  - Mechanism and Role of SOX2 Repression in Seminoma: Relevance to Human Germline
      Specification.
AB  - Human male germ cell tumors (GCTs) are derived from primordial germ cells (PGCs).
      The master pluripotency regulator and neuroectodermal lineage effector
      transcription factor SOX2 is repressed in PGCs and the seminoma (SEM) subset of
      GCTs. The mechanism of SOX2 repression and its significance to GC and GCT
      development currently are not understood. Here, we show that SOX2 repression in
      SEM-derived TCam-2 cells is mediated by the Polycomb repressive complex (PcG) and
      the repressive H3K27me3 chromatin mark that are enriched at its promoter.
      Furthermore, SOX2 repression in TCam-2 cells can be abrogated by recruitment of
      the constitutively expressed H3K27 demethylase UTX to the SOX2 promoter through
      retinoid signaling, leading to expression of neuronal and other lineage genes.
      SOX17 has been shown to initiate human PGC specification, with its target PRDM1
      suppressing mesendodermal genes. Our results are consistent with a role for SOX2
      repression in normal germline development by suppressing neuroectodermal genes.

PMID- 27132891
TI  - Pulmonary manifestations of prolidase deficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prolidase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disease, in which
      pulmonary manifestations have been sporadically reported. AIMS: We have
      encountered two patients who presented with severe pulmonary cystic lesions
      leading to respiratory failure. This led us to retrospectively evaluate pulmonary
      involvement in patients with prolidase deficiency treated in our hospital.
      RESULTS: Of 21 patients (including the 2 mentioned above), 12 had a history of
      recurrent pulmonary infections and 10 were diagnosed as having chronic lung
      disease. Of seven chest CT scans performed, four patients had subpleural cysts,
      two patients had bronchiectatic changes, and one had diffused ground glass
      attenuation and minor linear atelectasis. Three patients died, with all deaths
      being attributed to respiratory insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Prolidase deficiency
      is frequently associated with various pulmonary manifestations, including
      extensive cystic changes that may be life endangering. The differential diagnosis
      of bilateral cystic changes should include prolidase deficiency, and pulmonary
      evaluation should be performed in patients with prolidase deficiency. Pediatr
      Pulmonol. 2016;51:1229-1233. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27132890
TI  - Intercellular Adhesion-Dependent Cell Survival and ROCK-Regulated Actomyosin
      Driven Forces Mediate Self-Formation of a Retinal Organoid.
AB  - In this study we dissected retinal organoid morphogenesis in human embryonic stem
      cell (hESC)-derived cultures and established a convenient method for isolating
      large quantities of retinal organoids for modeling human retinal development and
      disease. Epithelialized cysts were generated via floating culture of clumps of
      Matrigel/hESCs. Upon spontaneous attachment and spreading of the cysts, patterned
      retinal monolayers with tight junctions formed. Dispase-mediated detachment of
      the monolayers and subsequent floating culture led to self-formation of retinal
      organoids comprising patterned neuroretina, ciliary margin, and retinal pigment
      epithelium. Intercellular adhesion-dependent cell survival and ROCK-regulated
      actomyosin-driven forces are required for the self-organization. Our data
      supports a hypothesis that newly specified neuroretina progenitors form
      characteristic structures in equilibrium through minimization of cell surface
      tension. In long-term culture, the retinal organoids autonomously generated
      stratified retinal tissues, including photoreceptors with ultrastructure of outer
      segments. Our system requires minimal manual manipulation, has been validated in
      two lines of human pluripotent stem cells, and provides insight into optic cup
      invagination in vivo.

PMID- 27132889
TI  - A Multi-Lineage Screen Reveals mTORC1 Inhibition Enhances Human Pluripotent Stem
      Cell Mesendoderm and Blood Progenitor Production.
AB  - Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) exist in heterogeneous micro-environments
      with multiple subpopulations, convoluting fate-regulation analysis. We patterned
      hPSCs into engineered micro-environments and screened responses to 400 small
      molecule kinase inhibitors, measuring yield and purity outputs of
      undifferentiated, neuroectoderm, mesendoderm, and extra-embryonic populations.
      Enrichment analysis revealed mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition as a
      strong inducer of mesendoderm. Dose responses of mTOR inhibitors such as
      rapamycin synergized with Bone Morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and activin A to
      enhance the yield and purity of BRACHYURY-expressing cells. Mechanistically,
      small interfering RNA knockdown of RAPTOR, a component of mTOR complex 1,
      phenocopied the mesendoderm-enhancing effects of rapamycin. Functional analysis
      during mesoderm and endoderm differentiation revealed that mTOR inhibition
      increased the output of hemogenic endothelial cells 3-fold, with a concomitant
      enhancement of blood colony-forming cells. These data demonstrate the power of
      our multi-lineage screening approach and identify mTOR signaling as a node in
      hPSC differentiation to mesendoderm and its derivatives.

PMID- 27132939
TI  - Domino Cyclization of 1,n-Enynes (n = 7, 8, 9) Giving Derivatives of Pyrane,
      Chromene, Fluorene, Phenanthrene and Dibenzo[7]annulene by Ruthenium Complexes.
AB  - Cyclization of the ether enyne 1 catalyzed by [Ru]NCCH3(+) ([Ru] = Cp(PPh3)2Ru)
      in CHCl3 generates a diastereomeric mixture of the substituted tetrahydropyran
      11. Presumably, formation of an allenylidene complex is followed by a cyclization
      by nucleophilic addition of the olefinic group to Cgamma of the ligand giving a
      boat-like six-membered ring. The diastereoselectivity is controlled by the 1,3
      diaxial interaction. The vinylidene complex 7, a precursor of 11, is obtained
      from 1 and [Ru]Cl. In a mixture of MeOH/CHCl3, the domino cyclization of 1
      further affords 14a, a chromene product catalytically. The second cyclization
      proceeds via nucleophilic addition of the resulting olefinic unit to Calpha of 7.
      But the ether enyne 3 with a cyclopentyl ring on the olefinic unit undergoes only
      single cyclization due to steric effect. The propargyl alcohol and the two
      terminal methyl groups on the olefinic unit shape the cyclization. Thus, similar
      all-carbon 1,n-enynes (n = 7, 8, 9) 4-6 each with an aromatic linker undergo
      direct domino cyclization catalyzed by [Ru]NCCH3(+), to give derivatives of
      tricyclic fluorene, phenanthrene and dibenzo[7]annulene, respectively, with no
      intermediate observed.

PMID- 27132941
TI  - Organ burden and pulmonary toxicity of nano-sized copper (II) oxide particles
      after short-term inhalation exposure.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Increased use of nanomaterials has raised concerns about the
      potential for undesirable human health and environmental effects. Releases into
      the air may occur and, therefore, the inhalation route is of specific interest.
      Here we tested copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) after repeated inhalation as
      hazard data for this material and exposure route is currently lacking for risk
      assessment. METHODS: Rats were exposed nose-only to a single exposure
      concentration and by varying the exposure time, different dose levels were
      obtained (C * T protocol). The dose is expressed as 6 h-concentration equivalents
      of 0, 0.6, 2.4, 3.3, 6.3, and 13.2 mg/m(3) CuO NPs, with a primary particle size
      of 10 9.2-14 nm and an MMAD of 1.5 MUm. RESULTS: Twenty-four hours after a 5-d
      exposure, dose-dependent lung inflammation and cytotoxicity were observed.
      Histopathological examinations indicated alveolitis, bronchiolitis, vacuolation
      of the respiratory epithelium, and emphysema in the lung starting at 2.4 mg/m(3).
      After a recovery period of 22 d, limited inflammation was still observed, but
      only at the highest dose of 13.2 mg/m(3). The olfactory epithelium in the nose
      degenerated 24 h after exposure to 6.3 and 13.2 mg/m(3), but this was restored
      after 22 d. No histopathological changes were detected in the brain, olfactory
      bulb, spleen, kidney and liver. CONCLUSION: A 5-d, 6-h/day exposure equivalent to
      an aerosol of agglomerated CuO NPs resulted in a dose-dependent toxicity in rats,
      which almost completely resolved during a 3-week post-exposure period.

PMID- 27132942
TI  - [Beware of immunoglobulin's passive transfer when interpreting serological
      analyses!].
AB  - Due to their extended indications, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) are
      increasingly used in hospital setting. After injection, classical IVIg half-life
      reaches more than 3weeks. IVIg result from the pooling of many blood donations
      and contain all natural antibodies usually found in the general population.
      Administered antibodies are known to interfere with many diagnostic assays,
      particularly those used for infectious serology. It is not recommended to perform
      serological determination after IVIg infusion. It is recommended to keep a delay
      of at least 4months after IVIg infusion before doing any serological assay;
      failure to do so will result in misinterpretation of biological findings.
      Interpretation of any serological test after IVIg administration should be
      particularly cautious. 

PMID- 27132940
TI  - ATXN7L3 and ENY2 Coordinate Activity of Multiple H2B Deubiquitinases Important
      for Cellular Proliferation and Tumor Growth.
AB  - Histone H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub1) is centrally involved in gene regulation.
      The deubiquitination module (DUBm) of the SAGA complex is a major regulator of
      global H2Bub1 levels, and components of this DUBm are linked to both
      neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Unexpectedly, we find that ablation of
      USP22, the enzymatic center of the DUBm, leads to a reduction, rather than an
      increase, in global H2bub1 levels. In contrast, depletion of non-enzymatic
      components, ATXN7L3 or ENY2, results in increased H2Bub1. These observations led
      us to discover two H2Bub1 DUBs, USP27X and USP51, which function independently of
      SAGA and compete with USP22 for ATXN7L3 and ENY2 for activity. Like USP22, USP51
      and USP27X are required for normal cell proliferation, and their depletion
      suppresses tumor growth. Our results reveal that ATXN7L3 and ENY2 orchestrate
      activities of multiple deubiquitinating enzymes and that imbalances in these
      activities likely potentiate human diseases including cancer.

PMID- 27132943
TI  - The taxonomic position and the unexpected divergence of the Habu viper,
      Protobothrops among Japanese subtropical islands.
AB  - There are four Habu species currently recognized in Japan: Protobothrops
      flavoviridis from the Amami Islands and the Okinawa Islands, P. tokarensis from
      the Tokara Islands, P. elegans from the Yaeyama Islands and Ovophis okinabvensis
      from the Amami Islands and the Okinawa Islands. To clarify their taxonomic
      positions, we determined the complete mitochondria genome sequence (approx. 17kb)
      from two specimens from two different islands each for P. flavoviridis, P.
      tokarensis and P. elegans as well as one specimen of O. okinavensis and
      reconstructed the molecular phylogeny of Protobothrops using the published
      sequences of related species. The maximum likelihood tree showed four major
      species groups within Protbothrops: Group I consisting of P. cornutus, P.
      dabieshanensis, P. jerdonii and P. xiangchengensis; Group II consisting of P.
      flavoviridis and P. tokarensis; Group III consisting of P. maolensis, P.
      mucrosquamatus and P. elegans; Group IV consisting of P. himalayanus and P.
      kaubacki. Since we observed an unexpected divergence and the paraphyly of the two
      samples of P. flavoviridis collected from different islands, Amami-Oshima and
      Okinawajima within the Group II, we expanded the analysis by increasing the
      number of P. flavoviridis and P. tokarensis collected from 10 islands: Amami
      Oshima (5 specimens), Kakeromajima (4) and Tokunoshima (4) from the Amami
      Islands, Okinawajima (4), Iheyajima (4), Iejima (4), Tokashikijima (4) and
      Kumejima (4) from the Okinawa Islands, Kodakarajima (P. tokarensis) (4) and
      Takarajima (P. tokarensis) (4) from the Tokara Islands. The maximum likelihood
      tree of the 44 samples replicated the significant divergence of P. flavoviridis
      between the Amami Clade including Amami-Oshima, Kakeromajima and Tokunoshima and
      the Okinawa Clade including Okinawajima, Iheyajima, Iejima, Tokashikijima and
      Kumejima. The Amami Clade also include all specimens from the Tokara Islands
      currently known as an independent species, P. tokarensis, suggesting the
      paraphyly of the taxon, P. flavoviridis. In contrast, we observed a distinct
      lineage of the two specimens from the Yaeyama Islands, supporting the validity of
      the taxon, P. elegans as an independent species. By MCMC method, we estimated the
      divergence time between the Amami Clade and the Okinawa Clade to be 6.51MYA,
      suggesting that the vicariance of the two clades preceded the geological
      separation of the Amami Islands and the Okinawa Islands (~1.5MYA). As expected
      from the limited mobility of terrestrial reptiles including snakes, we observed
      high genetic divergence in Habu mtDNA among Japanese subtropical island
      populations.

PMID- 27132945
TI  - Practitioner Review: Treatments for Tourette syndrome in children and young
      people - a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tourette syndrome (TS) and chronic tic disorder (CTD) affect 1-2% of
      children and young people, but the most effective treatment is unclear. To
      establish the current evidence base, we conducted a systematic review of
      interventions for children and young people. METHODS: Databases were searched
      from inception to 1 October 2014 for placebo-controlled trials of
      pharmacological, behavioural, physical or alternative interventions for tics in
      children and young people with TS or CTD. Certainty in the evidence was assessed
      with the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Forty trials were included [pharmacological
      (32), behavioural (5), physical (2), dietary (1)]. For tics/global score there
      was evidence favouring the intervention from four trials of alpha2-adrenergic
      receptor agonists [clonidine and guanfacine, standardised mean difference (SMD) =
      -0.71; 95% CI -1.03, -0.40; N = 164] and two trials of habit reversal training
      (HRT)/comprehensive behavioural intervention (CBIT) (SMD = -0.64; 95% CI -0.99, 
      0.29; N = 133). Certainty in the effect estimates was moderate. A post hoc
      analysis combining oral clonidine/guanfacine trials with a clonidine patch trial
      continued to demonstrate benefit (SMD = -0.54; 95% CI -0.92, -0.16), but
      statistical heterogeneity was high. Evidence from four trials suggested that
      antipsychotic drugs improved tic scores (SMD = -0.74; 95% CI -1.08, -0.40; N =
      76), but certainty in the effect estimate was low. The evidence for other
      interventions was categorised as low or very low quality, or showed no conclusive
      benefit. CONCLUSIONS: When medication is considered appropriate for the treatment
      of tics, the balance of clinical benefits to harm favours alpha2-adrenergic
      receptor agonists (clonidine and guanfacine) as first-line agents. Antipsychotics
      are likely to be useful but carry the risk of harm and so should be reserved for
      when alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonists are either ineffective or poorly
      tolerated. There is evidence that HRT/CBIT is effective, but there is no evidence
      for HRT/CBIT alone relative to combining medication and HRT/CBIT. There is
      currently no evidence to suggest that the physical and dietary interventions
      reviewed are sufficiently effective and safe to be considered as treatments.

PMID- 27132946
TI  - Mathematical aspects of the kinetics of formation and degradation of linear
      peptide or protein aggregates.
AB  - In cells, peptides and proteins are sometimes prone to aggregation. In neurons,
      for example, amyloid beta peptides form plaques related to Alzheimer's disease
      (AD). The corresponding kinetic models either ignore or do not pay attention to
      degradation of these species. Here, the author proposes a generic kinetic model
      describing formation and degradation of linear aggregates. The process is assumed
      to occur via reversible association of monomers and attachment of monomers to or
      detachment from terminal parts of aggregates. Degradation of monomers is
      described as a first-order process. Degradation of aggregates is considered to
      occur at their terminal and internal parts with different rates and these steps
      are described by first-order equations as well. Irrespective of the choice of the
      values of the rate constants, the model predicts that eventually the system
      reaches a stable steady state with the aggregate populations rapidly decreasing
      with increasing size at large sizes. The corresponding steady-state size
      distributions of aggregates are illustrated in detail. The transient kinetics are
      also shown. The observation of AD appears, however, to indicate that the peptide
      production becomes eventually unstable, i.e., the growth of the peptide
      population is not properly limited. This is expected to be related to the
      specifics of the genetic networks controlling the peptide production. Following
      this line, two likely general networks with, respectively, global negative and
      positive feedbacks in the peptide production are briefly discussed.

PMID- 27132944
TI  - Surgery in disorders of sex development (DSD) with a gender issue: If (why),
      when, and how?
AB  - Ten years after the consensus meeting on disorders of sex development (DSD),
      genital surgery continues to raise questions and criticisms concerning its
      indications, its technical aspects, timing and evaluation. This standpoint
      details each distinct situation and its possible management in 5 main groups of
      DSD patients with atypical genitalia: the 46,XX DSD group (congenital adrenal
      hyperplasia); the heterogeneous 46,XY DSD group (gonadal dysgenesis, disorders of
      steroidogenesis, target tissues impairments ...); gonosomic mosaicisms
      (45,X/46,XY patients); ovo-testicular DSD; and "non-hormonal/non chromosomal"
      DSD. Questions are summarized for each DSD group with the support of literature
      and the feed-back of several world experts. Given the complexity and
      heterogeneity of presentation there is no consensus regarding the indications,
      the timing, the procedure nor the evaluation of outcome of DSD surgery. There
      are, however, some issues on which most experts would agree: 1) The need for
      identifying centres of expertise with a multidisciplinary approach; 2) A
      conservative management of the gonads in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome
      at least until puberty although some studies expressed concerns about the
      heightened tumour risk in this group; 3) To avoid vaginal dilatation in children
      after surgical reconstruction; 4) To keep asymptomatic mullerian remnants during
      childhood; 5) To remove confirmed streak gonads when Y material is present; 6) It
      is likely that 46,XY cloacal exstrophy, aphallia and severe micropenis would do
      best raised as male although this is based on limited outcome data. There is
      general acknowledgement among experts that timing, the choice of the individual
      and irreversibility of surgical procedures are sources of concerns. There is,
      however, little evidence provided regarding the impact of non-treated DSD during
      childhood for the individual development, the parents, society and the risk of
      stigmatization. The low level of evidence should lead to design collaborative
      prospective studies involving all parties and using consensual protocols of
      evaluation. 

PMID- 27132947
TI  - Preparation of imprinted cryogel cartridge for chiral separation of l
      phenylalanine.
AB  - l-Phe-imprinted cryogel cartridge was prepared for the chiral separation of l
      Phe. N-Methacryloyl l-phenylalanine (MAPA) was used as a functional monomer for
      complexing with l-Phe. The selectivity of the membranes was investigated by using
      d-Phe, l-Trp, and d-Trp as competitor molecules. The PHEMAPA-l-Trp membranes were
      6.4, 4.3, and 5.5 times more selective for l-Phe than d-Phe, l-Trp, and d-Trp,
      respectively. The PHEMAPA-l-Phe cryogel cartridge was incorporated into the fast
      protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) equipment and was able to separate D,l-Phe
      racemic mixture efficiently. The PHEMAPA-l-Phe membranes were shown to be
      reusable many times without significant loss of the adsorption capacity.

PMID- 27132948
TI  - Screening Transfusions for Hepatitis E Virus: Is it needed in India?

PMID- 27132949
TI  - Treatment of end-stage renal disease in the 21st century: Wide gap between access
      and demand.

PMID- 27132950
TI  - Anaemia among schoolchildren from southern Kerala, India: A cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anaemia remains a major nutritional problem among
      adolescents in India. The weekly iron and folic acid supplementation programme
      was launched in Kerala in 2013-14. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of anaemia
      among schoolchildren in Kollam district, Kerala and determine the associated
      factors. METHODS: The haemoglobin level of 1600 boys and 1600 girls belonging to
      class V to IX in 32 randomly selected schools in Kollam district was measured
      using HemoCue 301 photometers by trained nurses. They also recorded details about
      the intake of food as well as iron tablets by the students. The anaemia status
      was evaluated as per the WHO guidelines. Univariate analysis for factors
      associated with anaemia was done and selected variables were entered into a
      logistic regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of anaemia among the students
      was estimated to be 31.4% (95% CI 29.76-33.04). About 1% had severe, 11.9% had
      moderate and 18.5% had mild anaemia. Among them 35.3%, 22.3% and 45.3% reported
      that they were not in the habit of consuming meat, green leafy vegetables and
      citrus fruits, respectively, at least once a week. Anaemia among schoolgoing
      children was associated with irregular consumption of weekly iron folic acid
      supplementation tablets (adjusted OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.08-1.82) and regular intake
      of tea/coffee along with major meals (adjusted OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21-1.66).
      CONCLUSION: Anaemia among schoolgoing adolescents in Kollam district is a public
      health problem and is more among those who consumed less quantities of weekly
      iron and folic acid supplementation tablets and those who regularly consumed
      tea/coffee along with major meals. It may be helpful to introduce a comprehensive
      school health anaemia prevention package with effective behaviour change
      communication for dietary modification as well as strategies to improve the
      coverage of the iron and folic acid supplementation programme along with its
      monitoring and evaluation.

PMID- 27132951
TI  - Relation of cerebrospinal fluid/plasma HIV-RNA discordance with neurocognitive
      impairment.
AB  - Neurological involvement is common in patients infected with HIV. The
      effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs in lowering the levels of HIV-RNA in
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is limited by their inability to cross the blood-brain
      barrier. Discordance in CSF/plasma HIV-RNA levels may have a bearing on the
      progression of neurological disease in these patients. We report a woman with
      subacute neurocognitive impairment and abnormal findings on brain MRI, in whom
      there was a discordance between CSF/plasma HIV-RNA levels. The patient improved
      after a change in her highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen. We
      also reviewed the available literature on the subject and found seven articles
      describing 27 patients. 

PMID- 27132952
TI  - Parkinsonian syndromes presenting with circadian rhythm sleep disorder- advanced
      sleep-phase type.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circadian rhythm sleep disorder-advanced sleep-phase type is a
      relatively uncommon disorder, mostly seen among the elderly population. Impaired
      circadian rhythms have been reported in neurodegenerative conditions; however,
      there are no reports of any circadian rhythm sleep disorder among patients with
      Parkinsonian syndromes. We report two patients who presented with this circadian
      rhythm disorder, and were then diagnosed with a Parkinsonian syndrome. The cases.
      A 65-year-old retired man presented with history of abrupt change in sleep
      schedules, sleeping around 6.30-7 p.m. and waking up around 3-4 a.m. for the last
      2 months. On detailed examination, the patient was observed to have symmetrical
      bradykinesia and cogwheel rigidity of limbs. A diagnosis of multiple system
      atrophy was made, supported by MRI findings and evidence of autonomic
      dysfunction. Symptoms of change in sleep-wake cycles resolved over the next 1
      year, while the patient was treated with dopaminergic therapy. A 47-year-old man,
      who was being evaluated for presurgical investigation for refractory temporal
      lobe epilepsy, presented with complaints suggestive of dysarthria, bradykinesia
      of limbs and frequent falls for 5 months. Simultaneously, he began to sleep
      around 7 p.m. and wake up at about 2-3 a.m. Examination revealed severe axial
      rigidity, restricted vertical gaze and bradykinesia of limbs. A diagnosis of
      progressive supranuclear palsy was made. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of
      Parkinson's plus syndromes presenting with a circadian rhythm sleep disorder
      advanced sleep-phase type. More prospective assessment for circadian sleep
      disorders may introduce useful insights into similar associations.

PMID- 27132953
TI  - A comparison of procedures for varicose veins.

PMID- 27132954
TI  - Breastfeeding and an overweight child: A linkage?

PMID- 27132955
TI  - Spot urine sample for estimating sodium intake of a population.

PMID- 27132956
TI  - Gay rights and bigotry.

PMID- 27132957
TI  - Learning styles and evidence-based healthcare professional education.

PMID- 27132958
TI  - The Institute of History of Medicine in Bengaluru: A lost opportunity.

PMID- 27132959
TI  - Subimal Roy.

PMID- 27132960
TI  - Letter from Ganiyari.

PMID- 27132961
TI  - Letter from Bristol.

PMID- 27132962
TI  - Letter from Mumbai.

PMID- 27132968
TI  - Bilateral exudative retinal detachment with choroidopathy in malignant
      hypertension.

PMID- 27132969
TI  - Academics not a priority in a conference.

PMID- 27132970
TI  - Top trending #ThankYouDoctor in India.

PMID- 27132971
TI  - Medical education: Teaching, but also embodying bioethics.

PMID- 27132972
TI  - Comparison of two modes of gathering information on tobacco use.

PMID- 27132973
TI  - Plasmodium vivax malaria poses new lethal threat to India.

PMID- 27132974
TI  - Foldscope: An innovative microscope.

PMID- 27132975
TI  - Only 5%-7% of Indians use alternative medicine options such as AYUSH.

PMID- 27132976
TI  - Hazards of using carbide for ripening fruits.

PMID- 27132978
TI  - Automated Droplet Manipulation Using Closed-Loop Axisymmetric Drop Shape
      Analysis.
AB  - Droplet manipulation plays an important role in a wide range of scientific and
      industrial applications, such as synthesis of thin-film materials, control of
      interfacial reactions, and operation of digital microfluidics. Compared to micron
      sized droplets, which are commonly considered as spherical beads, millimeter
      sized droplets are generally deformable by gravity, thus introducing nonlinearity
      into control of droplet properties. Such a nonlinear drop shape effect is
      especially crucial for droplet manipulation, even for small droplets, at the
      presence of surfactants. In this paper, we have developed a novel closed-loop
      axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA), integrated into a constrained drop
      surfactometer (CDS), for manipulating millimeter-sized droplets. The closed-loop
      ADSA generalizes applications of the traditional drop shape analysis from a
      surface tension measurement methodology to a sophisticated tool for manipulating
      droplets in real time. We have demonstrated the feasibility and advantages of the
      closed-loop ADSA in three applications, including control of drop volume by
      automatically compensating natural evaporation, precise control of surface area
      variations for high-fidelity biophysical simulations of natural pulmonary
      surfactant, and steady control of surface pressure for in situ Langmuir-Blodgett
      transfer from droplets. All these applications have demonstrated the accuracy,
      versatility, applicability, and automation of this new ADSA-based droplet
      manipulation technique. Combining with CDS, the closed-loop ADSA holds great
      promise for advancing droplet manipulation in a variety of material and surface
      science applications, such as thin-film fabrication, self-assembly, and
      biophysical study of pulmonary surfactant.

PMID- 27132980
TI  - 24. Jahrestagung der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Dermatologische Histologie (ADH).

PMID- 27132979
TI  - A comprehensive geriatric assessment screening questionnaire (CGA-GOLD) for older
      people undergoing treatment for cancer.
AB  - Oncology services do not routinely assess broader needs of older people with
      cancer. This study evaluates a comprehensive geriatric assessment and comorbidity
      screening questionnaire (CGA-GOLD) covering evidence-based domains and quality of
      life (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Patients aged 65+ attending oncology services were
      recruited into (1) Observational cohort (completed CGA-GOLD, received standard
      oncology care), (2) Intervention cohort (responses categorised 'low-risk', 'high
      risk', 'possible need' by geriatricians). N = 417 observational patients (1002
      invited by post, 418 consented, age 73.9 +/- 5.4) completed CGA-GOLD in 11.7 +/-
      7.9 min, 86.3% required no assistance, 3.1% overall missing responses. Multiple
      problems reported: hypertension (18.1%), diabetes (16.9%), dyspnoea on flat
      surfaces (27.6%), polypharmacy (46%), difficulty walking (14.9%), fatigue
      (40.5%), living alone (30.9%), social isolation (11.2%), recent functional
      dependence (27.8%), urinary incontinence (21.4%), falls (13.3%). 237/239
      intervention patients completed CGA-GOLD and consecutive subsets examined. The
      doctor and nurse specialist independently identified same need level in 87.3%
      (high inter-rater reliability kappa = 0.80), taking 1-2 min per questionnaire.
      Need level remained unchanged following hospital notes review against responses
      in 90% (75/83). 'Possible need' patients were telephoned with change in 29%
      (16/55) to low-risk and none to high-risk, confirming high need was not being
      missed. CGA-GOLD screening questionnaire was acceptable to older patients,
      feasibly administered in NHS cancer services, described comorbidities, CGA and
      QOL needs, and reliably identified higher risk patients requiring further input
      for optimal cancer treatment.

PMID- 27132981
TI  - Label-Free Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Approach for High-Throughput
      Screening of Biocatalysts.
AB  - Biocatalyst discovery and directed evolution are central to many pharmaceutical
      research programs, yet the lack of robust high-throughput screening methods for
      large libraries of enzyme variants generated (typically 10(6)-10(8)) has hampered
      progress and slowed enzyme optimization. We have developed a label-free generally
      applicable approach based on Raman spectroscopy which results in significant
      reductions in acquisition times (>30-fold). Surface enhanced Raman scattering
      (SERS) is employed to monitor the enzyme-catalyzed conversion by xanthine oxidase
      of hypoxanthine to xanthine to uric acid. This approach measures the substrates
      and products directly and does not require chromogenic substrates or lengthy
      chromatography, was successfully benchmarked against HPLC, and shows high levels
      of accuracy and reproducibility. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this SERS
      approach has utility in monitoring enzyme inhibition illustrating additional
      medical significance to this high-throughput screening method.

PMID- 27132982
TI  - Accuracy of transcranial brain parenchyma sonography in the diagnosis of dementia
      with Lewy bodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Transcranial sonography (TCS) of the brain parenchyma is
      used to visualize alterations in the substantia nigra (SN) and it is applied for
      early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Our aim was to explore specific echogenic
      alterations of the SN in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) compared to Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). METHODS: Seventy-one subjects underwent TCS: 22 DLB, 28 AD and 21
      healthy elderly controls. Cognitive impairment, extrapyramidal signs, visual
      hallucinations, fluctuations and rapid eye movement sleep behaviour symptoms were
      investigated. TCS assessed SN hyperechogenicity and symmetry. RESULTS:
      Transcranial sonography revealed SN hyperechogenicity in 100% of DLB compared to
      50% of AD and 30% of controls. Mean SN echogenic area (cm(2) ) was 0.22 +/- 0.03
      in DLB, 0.15 +/- 0.03 in AD and 0.14 +/- 0.03 in controls (P < 0.0001). More than
      50% of DLB presented a marked hyperechogenicity (cutoff value >0.22 cm(2) )
      compared to only 10% of AD (P < 0.0003). DLB had symmetrical SN enlargement,
      whereas AD were mostly asymmetrical (P = 0.015). A combination of SN echogenic
      area and asymmetry index had a sensitivity of 88.9% and a specificity of 81.2% in
      discriminating DLB from AD (positive predictive value 85.7%, negative predictive
      value 85.7%). No association was found between SN hyperechogenicity and Unified
      Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III, Mini Mental State Examination or the
      presence of visual hallucinations. CONCLUSIONS: Transcranial sonography may be a
      valid supportive tool in the diagnostic workup of neurodegenerative dementia
      helping clinicians to distinguish DLB from AD even at the early stages.

PMID- 27132983
TI  - Cloning and characterization of the first actinomycete beta-propeller phytase
      from Streptomyces sp. US42.
AB  - A gene encoding an extracellular phytase was cloned for the first time from an
      Actinomycete, Streptomyces sp. US42 and sequenced. The sequence of this gene
      revealed an encoded polypeptide (PHY US42) exhibiting one and six residues
      difference with the putative phytases of Streptomyces lividans TK24 and
      Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), respectively. The molecular modeling of PHY US42
      indicated that this phytase belongs to the group of beta-propeller phytases that
      are usually calcium-dependent. PHY US42 was purified and characterized. Its
      activity was calcium-dependent and maximal at pH 7 and 65  degrees C. The enzyme
      was perfectly stable at pH ranging from 5 to 10 and its thermostability was
      greatly enhanced in the presence of calcium. Indeed, PHY US42 maintained 80% of
      activity after 10 min of incubation at 75  degrees C in the presence of 5 mM
      CaCl2 . PHY US42 was also found to exhibit high stability after incubation at 37 
      degrees C for 1 h in the presence of bovine bile and digestive proteases like of
      pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Considering its biochemical properties, PHY
      US42 could be used as feed additive in combination with an acid phytase for
      monogastric animals.

PMID- 27132984
TI  - Applying surface energy derived cohesive-adhesive balance model in predicting the
      mixing, flow and compaction behaviour of interactive mixtures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the applicability of cohesive-adhesive
      balance (CAB) model to predict the interactive mixing behaviour of small
      excipient particles. Further, we also investigated the application of this CAB
      model to predict the flow and compactibility of resultant blends. METHODS:
      Excipients created by co-spraying polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, a model
      pharmaceutical binder) with various l-leucine concentrations were used for this
      study. Paracetamol was used as model active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The
      surface energy was used to derive the work of cohesion (wco) and work of adhesion
      (wad) to predict the interactive mixing behaviour of the excipients with
      paracetamol. The blends were visualised under a scanning electron microscopy
      microscope to assess the interactive mixing behaviour. In addition, the flow
      performance and tabletting behaviour of various blends were characterised.
      RESULTS: The surface-energy derived work of adhesion (wad) between excipient and
      paracetamol particles increased, while the corresponding work of cohesion (wco)
      between excipient particles decreased, with increasing l-leucine concentrations.
      In blends for which the work of cohesion was higher than the work of adhesion
      (wco>wad), small excipient particles were apparent as agglomerates. For
      excipients with 5% and higher l-leucine concentrations, the work of adhesion
      between excipient and paracetamol particles was higher than or equivalent to the
      work of cohesion between excipient particles (wad?wco) and agglomerates were less
      apparent. This is an indicator of formation of homogeneous interactive mixtures.
      At 5% (w/w) excipient proportions, blends for which wad?wco demonstrated higher
      compactibility than other blends. Furthermore, at 10% (w/w) and higher excipient
      proportions, these blends also demonstrated better flow performance than other
      blends. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate that
      surface-energy derived CAB data effectively predict the interactive mixing
      behaviour of small excipient particles. Furthermore, at certain proportions of
      small excipient particles the CAB model also predicts the flow and compaction
      behaviour of the API/excipient blends.

PMID- 27132986
TI  - The neonatal-fetal airway.

PMID- 27132985
TI  - Accelerated ageing and renal dysfunction links lower socioeconomic status and
      dietary phosphate intake.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have sought to explore the impact of dietary Pi intake on human
      age related health in the pSoBid cohort (n=666) to explain the disparity between
      health and deprivation status in this cohort. As hyperphosphataemia is a driver
      of accelerated ageing in rodent models of progeria we tested whether variation in
      Pi levels in man associate with measures of biological ageing and health.
      RESULTS: We observed significant relationships between serum Pi levels and
      markers of biological age (telomere length (p=0.040) and DNA methylation content
      (p=0.028), gender and chronological age (p=0.032). When analyses were adjusted
      for socio-economic status and nutritional factors, associations were observed
      between accelerated biological ageing (telomere length, genomic methylation
      content) and dietary derived Pi levels among the most deprived males, directly
      related to the frequency of red meat consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Accelerated ageing
      is associated with high serum Pi levels and frequency of red meat consumption.
      Our data provide evidence for a mechanistic link between high intake of Pi and
      age-related morbidities tied to socio-economic status.

PMID- 27132987
TI  - Modern contraceptive methods: a new misleading definition.

PMID- 27132988
TI  - Response to letter.

PMID- 27132989
TI  - CCR4 is critically involved in effective antitumor immunity in mice bearing
      intradermal B16 melanoma.
AB  - CCR4 is a major chemokine receptor expressed by Treg cells and Th17 cells. While
      Treg cells are known to suppress antitumor immunity, Th17 cells have recently
      been shown to enhance the induction of antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Here,
      CCR4-deficient mice displayed enhanced tumor growth upon intradermal inoculation
      of B16-F10 melanoma cells. In CCR4-deficient mice, while IFN-gamma+CD8+ effector
      T cells were decreased in tumor sites, IFN-gamma+CD8+ T cells and Th17 cells were
      decreased in regional lymph nodes. In wild-type mice, CD4+IL-17A+ cells, which
      were identified as CCR4+CD44+ memory Th17, were found to be clustered around
      dendritic cells expressing MDC/CCL22, a ligand for CCR4, in regional lymph nodes.
      Compound 22, a CCR4 antagonist, also enhanced tumor growth and decreased Th17
      cells in regional lymph nodes in tumor-bearing mice treated with Dacarbazine. In
      contrast, CCR6 deficiency did not affect the tumor growth and the numbers of Th17
      cells in regional lymph nodes. These findings indicate that CCR4 is critically
      involved in regional lymph node DC-Th17 cell interactions that are necessary for
      Th17 cell-mediated induction of antitumor CD8+ effector T cells in mice bearing
      B16 melanoma.

PMID- 27132990
TI  - Metabolic alterations and drug sensitivity of tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistant
      leukemia cells with a FLT3/ITD mutation.
AB  - Internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the juxtamembrane region of FMS-like
      tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) receptor is a common type of mutation in adult acute
      myeloid leukemia (AML), and patient response to FLT3 inhibitors appears to be
      transient due to the emergence of drug resistance. We established two sorafenib
      resistant cell lines carrying FLT3/ITD mutations, including the murine BaF3/ITD-R
      and human MV4-11-R cell lines. Gene expression profile analysis of the resistant
      and parental cells suggests that the highest ranked molecular and cellular
      functions of the differentially expressed genes are related to mitochondrial
      dysfunction. Both murine and human resistant cell lines display a longer doubling
      time, along with a significant inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain
      activity and substantial upregulation of glycolysis. The sorafenib-resistant
      cells exhibit increased expression of a majority of glycolytic enzymes, including
      hexokinase 2, which is also highly expressed in the mitochondrial fraction and is
      associated with resistance to apoptotic cell death. The sorafenib-resistant cells
      are collaterally sensitive to a number of glycolytic inhibitors including 2
      deoxyglucose and 3-bromopyruvate propylester. Our study reveals a metabolic
      signature of sorafenib-resistant cells and suggests that glycolytic inhibition
      may override such resistance and warrant further clinical investigation.

PMID- 27132991
TI  - Substantial changes in hemocyte parameters of Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum
      two years after the Hebei Spirit oil spill off the west coast of Korea.
AB  - Two years after the Hebei Spirit oil spill occurred off the west coast of Korea,
      we determined sub-lethal effects of the spilled oil on hemocyte parameters of
      Ruditapes philippinarum in the damaged areas. Clams in the spilled sites
      displayed unusually high proportion of granulocytes, which may result in higher
      phagocytosis capacity and reactive oxygen species production. Hemocytes in clams
      from the polluted sites also displayed less DNA damage and mortality than in the
      control site, possibly due to a faster phagocytosis of the impaired cells.
      Glycogen, the major energetic reserve, was depleted in clams from the spilled
      sites, potentially due to energetic consumption for maintenance of a large pool
      of granulocytes, detoxification processes and oxidative stress. Modified hemocyte
      parameters in clams in the spilled area, may reflect sub-lethal physiological
      stresses caused by the residual oils in the sediment, in conjunction with
      environmental modifications such as food availability and pathogens pattern. 

PMID- 27132992
TI  - Chemical composition of floating and sunken in-situ burn residues from the
      Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
AB  - In-situ burning during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill generated tens of
      thousands of barrels of in-situ burn (ISB) residues in the northern Gulf of
      Mexico (GoM), most or all of which eventually sank to the seafloor. Chemical
      analyses showed that floating and sunken (~1400m deep) ISB residues (1) exhibited
      distinct n-alkanes and UCM profiles inconsistent with vapor-pressure driven
      evaporation, (2) were relatively enriched in pyrogenic PAHs, particularly less
      stable (mostly) linear PAH isomers formed during burning, and (3) had lost
      petroleum biomarkers, relative to their volatility. PAH concentrations in ISB
      residues indicate that between 26,800 and 37,800kg of total PAHs (TPAH51) and
      2880 and 4060kg of 16 Priority Pollutant PAHs were potentially deposited on the
      seafloor in discrete ISB residue particles. Despite this additional benthic
      impact, ISB reduced the total mass loadings of PAH from the burned oil to the GoM
      by 89% (ignoring any re-deposition from atmospheric emissions). 

PMID- 27132993
TI  - The alpha9alpha10 nicotinic receptor antagonist alpha-conotoxin RgIA prevents
      neuropathic pain induced by oxaliplatin treatment.
AB  - Oxaliplatin, a third-generation diaminocyclohexane platinum drug, is widely used
      alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin to treat metastatic
      colorectal, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. Oxaliplatin long-term treatment is
      associated with the development of a dose-limiting painful neuropathy that
      dramatically impairs the patient's quality of life and therapy possibility. To
      study novel strategies to treat oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy, we evaluated
      alpha-conotoxin RgIA, a peptide that potently blocks the alpha9alpha10 nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype in a rat model of oxaliplatin-dependent
      neurotoxicity (2.4mgkg(-1) oxaliplatin intraperitoneally daily for 21days). The
      administration of RgIA (2 and 10nmol injected intramuscularly once a day
      concomitantly with oxaliplatin treatment), reduced the oxaliplatin-dependent
      hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal noxious and non-noxious stimuli.
      Moreover, morphological modifications of L4-L5 dorsal root ganglia were
      significantly prevented. In the spinal cord the numerical increase of astrocyte
      cell density present in oxaliplatin-treated rats is partially prevented by RgIA
      treatment. Nevertheless, the administration of the alpha-conotoxin is able per se
      to elicit a numerical increase and a morphological activation of microglia and
      astrocytes in specific brain areas.

PMID- 27132995
TI  - AGC1/2, the mitochondrial aspartate-glutamate carriers.
AB  - In this review we discuss the structure and functions of the aspartate/glutamate
      carriers (AGC1-aralar and AGC2-citrin). Those proteins supply the aspartate
      synthesized within mitochondrial matrix to the cytosol in exchange for glutamate
      and a proton. A structure of an AGC carrier is not available yet but comparative
      3D models were proposed. Moreover, transport assays performed by using the
      recombinant AGC1 and AGC2, reconstituted into liposome vesicles, allowed to
      explore the kinetics of those carriers and to reveal their specific transport
      properties. AGCs participate to a wide range of cellular functions, as the
      control of mitochondrial respiration, calcium signaling and antioxydant defenses.
      AGC1 might also play peculiar tissue-specific functions, as it was found to
      participate to cell-to-cell metabolic symbiosis in the retina. On the other hand,
      AGC1 is involved in the glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in neurons and AGC gene
      or protein alterations were discovered in rare human diseases. Accordingly, a
      mice model of AGC1 gene knock-out presented with growth delay and generalized
      tremor, with myelinisation defects. More recently, AGC was proposed to play a
      crucial role in tumor metabolism as observed from metabolomic studies showing
      that the asparate exported from the mitochondrion by AGC1 is employed in the
      regeneration of cytosolic glutathione. Therefore, given the central role of AGCs
      in cell metabolism and human pathology, drug screening are now being developed to
      identify pharmacological modulators of those carriers. This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled: Mitochondrial Channels edited by Pierre Sonveaux, Pierre
      Maechler and Jean-Claude Martinou.

PMID- 27132994
TI  - Raphe gene expression changes implicate immune-related functions in ventilatory
      plasticity following carotid body denervation in rats.
AB  - The regulation of blood gases in mammals requires precise feedback mechanisms
      including chemoreceptor feedback from the carotid bodies. Carotid body
      denervation (CBD) leads to immediate hypoventilation (increased PaCO2) in adult
      rats, but over a period of days and weeks ventilation normalizes due in part to
      central (brain) mechanisms. Here, we tested the hypothesis that functional
      ventilatory recovery following CBD correlated with significant shifts in
      medullary raphe gene expression of molecules/pathways associated with known or
      novel forms of neuroplasticity. Tissue punches were obtained from snap frozen
      brainstems collected from rats 1-2days or 14-15days post-sham or post-bilateral
      CBD surgery (verified by physiologic measurements), and subjected to mRNA
      sequencing to identify, quantify, and statistically compare gene expression level
      differences among these groups of rats. We found the greatest number of gene
      expression changes acutely after CBD (154 genes), with fewer changes in the weeks
      after CBD (69-80 genes) and the fewest changes in expression among the time
      control groups (39 genes). Little or no changes were observed for multiple genes
      associated with serotonin- or glutamate receptor-dependent forms of
      neuroplasticity. However, an unbiased assessment of gene expression changes using
      a bioinformatics pathway analysis highlighted multiple changes in gene expression
      in signaling pathways associated with immune function. These included several
      growth factors and cytokines associated with peripheral and innate immune
      systems. Thus, these medullary raphe gene expression data support a role for
      immune-related signaling pathways in the functional restoration of blood gas
      control after CBD, but little or no role for serotonin- or glutamate receptor
      mediated plasticity.

PMID- 27132996
TI  - Reticulon-4B/Nogo-B acts as a molecular linker between microtubules and actin
      cytoskeleton in vascular smooth muscle cells.

PMID- 27132997
TI  - Highly selective colorimetric and electrochemical sensing of iron (III) using
      Nile red functionalized graphene film.
AB  - We report a highly selective method for identification and detection of iron
      (III) (ferric iron, Fe3+) using Nile red (NR) as a complexing agent. Fe3+
      preferentially binds with NR in dimethylformamide (DMF)/water (1:1) solution over
      other cations such as Fe2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Hg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Co2+ and Cd2+ at
      room temperature. In the presence of Fe3+, the color of NR solution changes from
      purple to dark brown, which is detectable with bare eyes. Using UV-vis
      spectroscopy, we could measure the amount of Fe3+ in the sample solution by
      monitoring changes in absorption from 540 to 580nm; the linear range and the
      limit of detection are 30-1000uM and 24.9uM, respectively. Taking advantage of
      the NR selectivity, we treated partially oxidized graphene sheets (po-Gr) with NR
      to obtain po-Gr-NR dispersion by ultrasonication. The NR-treated po-Gr flakes (po
      Gr-NR) were characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopies and FE-SEM,
      which indicated attachment of NR on po-Gr sheets. The po-Gr-NR hybrid film
      deposited glassy carbon electrode (po-Gr-NR/GCE) served as the Fe3+ sensor.
      Differential pulse voltammetry was used to investigate the detection of Fe3+ in
      0.05M HCl+0.05M KCl solution. The linear range and the limit of detection of Fe3+
      were from 37.5nM to 21.53uM and 18.7nM, respectively. Furthermore, this sensor
      was successfully used to measure Fe3+ content in red wine samples.

PMID- 27132998
TI  - Stimuli-enabled zipper-like graphene interface for auto-switchable
      bioelectronics.
AB  - Graphene interfaces with multi-stimuli responsiveness are of particular interest
      due to their diverse super-thin interfacial behaviour, which could be well suited
      to operating complex physiological systems in a single miniaturised domain. In
      general, smart graphene interfaces switch bioelectrodes from the hydrophobic to
      hydrophilic state, or vice versa, upon triggering. In the present work, a stimuli
      encoded zipper-like graphene oxide (GrO)/polymer interface was fabricated with in
      situ poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-diethylaminoethylmethylacrylate), i.e.,
      poly(NIPAAm-co-DEAEMA) directed hierarchical self-assembly of GrO and glucose
      oxidase (GOx). The designed interface exhibited reversible on/off-switching of
      bio-electrocatalysis on changing the pH between 5 and 8, via phase transition
      from super hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The study further indicated that the
      zipper-like interfacial bioelectrochemical properties could be tuned over a
      modest change of temperature (i.e., 20-40 degrees C). The resulting auto
      switchable interface has implications for the design of novel on/off-switchable
      biodevices with 'in-built' self-control.

PMID- 27132999
TI  - Beyond graphene: Electrochemical sensors and biosensors for biomarkers detection.
AB  - Graphene's success has stimulated great interest and research in the synthesis
      and characterization of graphene-like 2D materials, single and few-atom-thick
      layers of van der Waals materials, which show fascinating and technologically
      useful properties. This review presents an overview of recent electrochemical
      sensors and biosensors based on graphene and on graphene-like 2D materials for
      biomarkers detection. Initially, we will outline different electrochemical
      sensors and biosensors based on chemically derived graphene, including graphene
      oxide and reduced graphene oxide, properly functionalized for improved
      performances and we will discuss the various strategies to prepare graphene
      modified electrodes. Successively, we present electrochemical sensors and
      biosensors based on graphene-like 2D materials, such as boron nitride (BN),
      graphite-carbon nitride (g-C3N4), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs),
      transition metal oxides and graphane, outlining how the new modified 2D
      nanomaterials will improve the electrochemical performances. Finally, we will
      compare the results obtained with different sensors and biosensors for the
      detection of important biomarkers such as glucose, hydrogen peroxide and cancer
      biomarkers and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the use of graphene
      and graphene-like 2D materials in different sensing platforms.

PMID- 27133000
TI  - Effect of MP4 Therapy Videos on Adherence to Voice Therapy Home Practice in
      Children With Dysphonia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Voice disorders in children are often treated with
      behavioral voice therapy, which requires home practice of exercises. Previous
      studies with adults demonstrated increased practice frequency when patients were
      given videos of a clinician and patient performing therapy tasks. The purpose of
      this study was to determine whether videos of practice exercises would increase
      adherence to therapy in children. STUDY DESIGN: The study used a randomized
      double crossover research design. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients, aged 6-18,
      referred for voice therapy were included in the study. Two conditions were
      alternated on a weekly basis: standard-of-care therapy and standard-of-care
      therapy with video models added. Participants recorded practice frequency and
      participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed for themes.
      RESULTS: Participants practiced an average of 1.79 times per day without videos
      and 1.72 with videos (P = 0.743), indicating no significant difference between
      conditions. There was also no age group effect (P = 0.314). Qualitative analysis
      of interview responses established the following themes: (1) I knew how to do my
      exercises, (2) I didn't like seeing/hearing myself, (3) Videos helped me remember
      to practice, (4) I didn't like the video player itself, (5) The videos didn't
      make a difference with practice, and (6) Practicing was no fun. CONCLUSIONS:
      Video models of therapy tasks do not appear to influence adherence to home
      practice frequency in children with voice disorders, in contrast to findings in
      adults. Videos were found useful by several participants as reminders to
      practice.

PMID- 27133001
TI  - Characterization of Flow-resistant Tubes Used for Semi-occluded Vocal Tract Voice
      Training and Therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize the pressure-flow relationship of
      tubes used for semi-occluded vocal tract voice training/therapy, as well as to
      answer these major questions: (1) What is the relative importance of tube length
      to tube diameter? (2) What is the range of oral pressures achieved with tubes at
      phonation flow rates? (3) Does mouth configuration behind the tubes matter?
      METHODS: Plastic tubes of various diameters and lengths were mounted in line with
      an upstream pipe, and the pressure drop across each tube was measured at stepwise
      increments in flow rate. Basic flow theory and modified flow theory equations
      were used to describe the pressure-flow relationship of the tubes based on
      diameter and length. Additionally, the upstream pipe diameter was varied to
      explore how mouth shape affects tube resistance. RESULTS: The modified equation
      provided an excellent prediction of the pressure-flow relationship across all
      tube sizes (6% error compared with the experimental data). Variation in upstream
      pipe diameter yielded up to 10% deviation in pressure for tube sizes typically
      used in voice training/therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Using the presented equations, we
      can characterize resistance for any tube based on diameter, length, and flow
      rate. With regard to the original questions, we found that (1) For commonly used
      tubes, diameter is the critical variable for governing flow resistance; (2) For
      phonation flow rates, a range of tube dimensions produced pressures between 0 and
      7.0 kPa; and (3) The mouth pressure behind the lips will vary slightly with
      different mouth shapes, but this effect can be considered relatively
      insignificant.

PMID- 27133002
TI  - A theoretical and experimental NMR study of BODIPY 493/503: difluoro{2-[1-(3,5
      dimethyl-2H-pyrrol-2-ylidene-N)ethyl]-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrolato-N}boron.

PMID- 27133003
TI  - Technical note: use of internal transcribed spacer for ruminal yeast
      identification in dairy cows.
AB  - Molecular techniques are important tools for microbiological studies in different
      habitats, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) has been proved to be useful
      for analyzing fungal diversity. The aim of this study was to use the ITS region
      to generate ruminal yeast profile and to identify ruminal yeast. DNA from ruminal
      digesta was extracted to amplify the ribosomal ITS region. The profile from the
      PCR products was visualized and the excised bands from the profile were
      identified as the genera Millerozyma, Pichia, Rhizomucor and Hyphopichia.
      Overall, the ITS resulted to be a simple, fast and sensitive approach that
      allowed profiling and identification of ruminal yeast that have not been
      previously described (Millerozyma and Hyphopichia) in the rumen microbial
      community.

PMID- 27133004
TI  - Lessons of History: The Medical Gaze.

PMID- 27133007
TI  - Single abnormal value on 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test during pregnancy is
      associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes: a systematic review and
      metaanalysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE DATA: The purpose of this study was to determine whether women with 1
      abnormal value on 3-hour 100-g oral glucose tolerance test are at an increased
      risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. STUDY: Gestational diabetes mellitus is
      diagnosed by a 2-step method, with a 3-hour, 100-g oral glucose tolerance test
      that is reserved for women with an abnormal 1-hour, 50-g glucose challenge test.
      Although the increased maternal-fetal morbidity with gestational diabetes
      mellitus is well established, controversy remains about the risk that is
      associated with an isolated abnormal value during a 3-hour, 100-g oral glucose
      tolerance test. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Prospective and
      retrospective studies that evaluated the maternal and perinatal impact of 1
      abnormal glucose value during a 3-hour, 100-g oral glucose tolerance test were
      identified with the use of computerized databases. Data were extracted and
      quantitative analyses were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies (7 prospective
      and 18 retrospective) that met criteria for metaanalysis included 4466 women with
      1 abnormal glucose value on oral glucose tolerance test. Patients with 1 abnormal
      glucose value had significantly worse pregnancy outcomes compared with women with
      zero abnormal values with the following pooled odds ratios: macrosomia, 1.59 (95%
      confidence interval, 1.16-2.19); large for gestational age, 1.38 (95% confidence
      interval, 1.09-1.76); increased mean birthweight, 44.5 g (95% confidence
      interval, 8.10-80.80 g); neonatal hypoglycemia, 1.88 (95% confidence interval,
      1.05-3.38); total cesarean delivery, 1.69 (95% confidence interval, 1.40-2.05);
      pregnancy-induced hypertension, 1.55 (95% confidence interval, 1.31-1.83), and
      Apgar score of <7 at 5 minutes, 6.10 (95% confidence interval, 2.65-14.02). There
      was also an increase in neonatal intensive care unit admission and respiratory
      distress syndrome. Similar results were seen that compared 1 abnormal glucose
      value to a population with a normal 1-hour 50-g glucose challenge test (normal
      glucose screen). With the exception of birthweight, outcomes of patients with 1
      abnormal glucose value were similar to outcomes of patients with gestational
      diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: Women with 1 abnormal value on 3-hour, 100-g oral
      glucose tolerance test have a significantly increased risk for poor outcomes
      comparable with women who have gestational diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 27133006
TI  - Nutritional status and social behavior in preschool children: the mediating
      effects of neurocognitive functioning.
AB  - Early malnutritional status has been associated with reduced cognitive ability in
      childhood. However, there are almost no studies on the effect of malnutrition on
      positive social behavior, and no tests of possible mediating mechanisms. This
      study tests the hypothesis that poor nutritional status is associated with
      impaired social functioning in childhood, and that neurocognitive ability
      mediates this relationship. We assessed 1553 male and female 3-year-olds from a
      birth cohort on measures of malnutrition, social behavior and verbal and spatial
      neurocognitive functions. Children with indicators of malnutrition showed
      impaired social behavior (p < .0001) as compared with children in the control
      group with adequate nutritional status. These associations even persisted after
      controlling for social adversity and parental education. Findings were not
      moderated by gender or ethnicity, and there was no interaction effect with
      parental education. A dose-response relationship was observed between degree of
      malnutrition and degree of social behavior, with increased malnutrition
      associated with more impaired social behavior. Neurocognitive ability was found
      to mediate the nutrition-social behavior relationship. The mediation effect of
      neurocognitive functioning suggests that poor nutrition negatively impacts brain
      areas that play important roles in developing positive social behavior. Findings
      suggest that reducing poor nutrition, alternatively promoting good nutrition, may
      help promote positive social behavior in early childhood during a critical period
      for social and neurocognitive development, with implications for improving
      positive health in adulthood.

PMID- 27133008
TI  - The effect of major depression on quality of life after surgery for stress
      urinary incontinence: a secondary analysis of the Trial of Midurethral Slings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression has been associated with symptom amplification, functional
      impairment, and lower incontinence-specific quality of life in women with urinary
      incontinence. Although depression has been shown to impact both subjective and
      objective outcomes after many different surgeries, there are limited data on the
      effects of major depression on postoperative outcomes after antiincontinence
      surgery. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether major
      depression affects urinary incontinence severity and quality of life after
      midurethral sling surgery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of the
      Trial of Midurethral Slings. Participants were assigned randomly either to a
      retropubic or transobturator sling for stress urinary incontinence. Each was
      classified as having major depression or not by the validated depression
      screening Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Pre- and postoperative urinary
      incontinence severity (which was assessed by the International Consultation on
      Incontinence Questionnaire), urinary incontinence-specific quality of life (which
      was assessed by the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and the Urinary Distress
      Inventory), and sexual function (which was assessed by the Prolapse/Urinary
      Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire) was compared between groups at baseline and at
      12 months. RESULTS: Five hundred twenty-six patients were included: 79 patients
      (15%) had major depression before surgery; 447 patients (85%) did not. Baseline
      incontinence severity was higher in women with major depression than in those
      without (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire, 14.7 +/- 4.1
      vs 12.9 +/- 4.0; P < .001). Similarly, baseline quality of life and sexual
      function were worse in depressed women than in nondepressed women (Incontinence
      Impact Questionnaire, 235.6 +/- 95.8 vs 134.8 +/- 89.8; P < .001; Urinary
      Distress Inventory, 162.7 +/- 46 vs 128.6 +/- 41.3; P < .001; and
      Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12, 27.2 +/- 7.3 vs 33.9 +/-
      6.4; P < .001). After adjustment for differences between groups, baseline major
      depression did not negatively affect 12-month incontinence severity or quality of
      life. However, at 12 months after surgery, despite significant improvement in
      sexual function scores in depressed women, the 12-month scores were still
      significantly worse in the major depression group (Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence
      Sexual Questionnaire-12, 34.1 +/- 7.1 vs 37.7 +/- 6.1; P < .001); multivariable
      analysis showed independent association of baseline major depression with 12
      month sexual function. At 12 months, 83% of those women (66/79) with baseline
      major depression were no longer depressed. CONCLUSION: Women with major
      depression who are planning surgery for stress urinary incontinence have worse
      quality of life than nondepressed women. However, women with major depression
      improve significantly more than those without major depression such that, at 12
      months postoperatively, incontinence severity and quality of life are not
      different between groups. Sexual function is worse before and after the operation
      for depressed women.

PMID- 27133005
TI  - Computer-aided Detection of Prostate Cancer with MRI: Technology and
      Applications.
AB  - One in six men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. Early detection and
      accurate diagnosis of the disease can improve cancer survival and reduce
      treatment costs. Recently, imaging of prostate cancer has greatly advanced since
      the introduction of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI). Mp-MRI
      consists of T2-weighted sequences combined with functional sequences including
      dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI, diffusion-weighted MRI, and magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy imaging. Because of the big data and variations in imaging
      sequences, detection can be affected by multiple factors such as observer
      variability and visibility and complexity of the lesions. To improve quantitative
      assessment of the disease, various computer-aided detection systems have been
      designed to help radiologists in their clinical practice. This review paper
      presents an overview of literatures on computer-aided detection of prostate
      cancer with mp-MRI, which include the technology and its applications. The aim of
      the survey is threefold: an introduction for those new to the field, an overview
      for those working in the field, and a reference for those searching for
      literature on a specific application.

PMID- 27133009
TI  - Safety of ovarian preservation in women with stage I and II cervical
      adenocarcinoma: a retrospective study and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The safety of ovarian preservation remains uncertain in women with
      cervical adenocarcinoma and significant risk factors for ovarian metastases vary
      among different studies. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the impact of ovarian
      preservation on prognosis in women with cervical adenocarcinoma and to assess
      clinical factors associated with ovarian metastases. STUDY DESIGN: A
      retrospective study of 194 women with cervical adenocarcinoma was conducted and
      159 women were followed up until the end of the study. To compare the impact of
      ovarian preservation on prognosis, women with successful follow-up were studied,
      including 33 women with ovarian preservation and 126 women who underwent
      bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. For women who underwent radical hysterectomy,
      pelvic lymphadenectomy, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, the risk factors for
      ovarian metastases were identified. A meta-analysis of the literature was carried
      out to further validate the findings. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference in survival between women with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and
      ovarian preservation (P = .423 for disease-free survival; P = .330 for overall
      survival). Tumor size (>4 cm), deep cervical stromal invasion, and lymph node
      metastasis were significant independent prognostic factors related to poor
      disease-free survival, and lymph node metastasis was significantly associated
      with overall survival. Of 153 women with cervical adenocarcinoma who underwent
      bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, a significant difference was found in the
      relationship between ovarian metastasis and deep cervical stromal invasion, lymph
      node metastasis, and parametrial invasion. The meta-analysis showed that clinical
      stage IIB vs I-IIA (odds ratio, 4.64; 95% confidence interval, 2.11-10.23), deep
      stromal invasion (odds ratio, 10.63; 95% confidence interval, 3.12-36.02), lymph
      node metastasis (odds ratio, 8.54; 95% confidence interval, 4.15-17.57), corpus
      uteri invasion (odds ratio, 7.39; 95% confidence interval, 3.69-14.78), and
      parametrial invasion (odds ratio, 9.72; 95% confidence interval, 4.67-20.22) were
      significantly related to ovarian metastasis. CONCLUSION: Ovarian preservation has
      no effect on prognosis in women with early-stage cervical adenocarcinoma. Risk
      factors for ovarian metastases were stage IIB, deep cervical stromal invasion,
      lymph node metastasis, corpus uteri invasion, and parametrial invasion. In women
      with early-stage cervical adenocarcinoma without these risk factors, ovarian
      conservation can be considered.

PMID- 27133010
TI  - Urinary congophilia in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and
      preexisting proteinuria or hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congophilia indicates the presence of amyloid protein, which is an
      aggregate of misfolded proteins, that is implicated in the pathophysiologic
      condition of preeclampsia. Recently, urinary congophilia has been proposed as a
      test for the diagnosis and prediction of preeclampsia. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of
      this study was to determine whether urine congophilia is present in a cohort of
      women with preeclampsia and in pregnant and nonpregnant women with renal disease.
      STUDY DESIGN: With the use of a preeclampsia, chronic hypertension, renal
      disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus cohort, we analyzed urine samples from
      healthy pregnant control subjects (n = 31) and pregnant women with preeclampsia
      (n = 23), gestational hypertension (n = 10), chronic hypertension (n = 14),
      chronic kidney disease; n = 28), chronic kidney disease with superimposed
      preeclampsia (n = 5), and chronic hypertension and superimposed preeclampsia (n =
      12). Samples from nonpregnant control subjects (n = 10) and nonpregnant women
      with either systemic lupus erythematosus with (n = 25) and without (n = 14) lupus
      nephritis were analyzed. For each sample, protein concentration was standardized
      before it was mixed with Congo Red, spotted to nitrocellulose membrane, and
      rinsed with methanol. The optical density of the residual Congo Red stain was
      determined; Congo red stain retention was calculated, and groups were compared
      with the use of the Mann-Whitney test or Kruskal-Wallis analysis of Variance
      test, as appropriate. RESULTS: Congophilia was increased in urine from women with
      preeclampsia (median Congo red stain retention, 47%; interquartile range, 22-68%)
      compared with healthy pregnant control subjects (Congo red stain retention: 16%;
      interquartile range, 13-21%; P = .002), women with gestational hypertension
      (Congo red stain retention, 20%; interquartile range, 13-27%; P = .008), or women
      with chronic hypertension (Congo red stain retention, 17%; interquartile range,
      12-28%; P = .01). There were no differences in Congo red retention between
      pregnant women with chronic hypertension and normal pregnant control subjects
      (Congo red stain retention, 17% [interquartile range, 12-28%] vs 16%
      [interquartile range, 13-21%], respectively; P = .72). Congophilia was present in
      pregnant women with chronic kidney disease (Congo red stain retention, 32%;
      interquartile range, 14-57%), being similar to values found in women with
      preeclampsia (P = .22) and for women with chronic kidney disease and superimposed
      preeclampsia (Congo red stain retention, 57%; [interquartile range, 29-71%; P =
      .18). Nonpregnant women with lupus nephritis had higher congophilia levels
      compared with nonpregnant female control subjects (Congo red stain retention, 38%
      [interquartile range, 17-73%] vs 9% [7-11%], respectively; P < .001) and
      nonpregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus without nephritis (Congo red
      stain retention, 38% [interquartile range, 17-73%] vs 13% [interquartile range,
      11-17%], respectively; P = .001). A significant positive correlation was observed
      between congophilia and protein:creatinine ratio (Spearman rank correlations,
      0.702; 95% confidence interval, 0.618-0.770; P < .001). CONCLUSION: This study
      confirms that women with preeclampsia and chronic kidney disease without
      preeclampsia have elevated urine congophilia levels compared with healthy
      pregnant women. Nonpregnant women with lupus nephritis also have elevated urine
      congophilia levels compared with healthy control subjects. An elevated Congo Red
      stain retention may not be able to differentiate between these conditions;
      further research is required to explore the use of congophilia in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 27133011
TI  - The role of routine cervical length screening in selected high- and low-risk
      women for preterm birth prevention.
AB  - Preterm birth remains a major cause of neonatal death and short and long-term
      disability in the US and across the world. The majority of preterm births are
      spontaneous and cervical length screening is one tool that can be utilized to
      identify women at increased risk who may be candidates for preventive
      interventions. The purpose of this document is to review the indications and
      rationale for CL screening to prevent preterm birth in various clinical
      scenarios. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommends (1) routine
      transvaginal cervical length screening for women with singleton pregnancy and
      history of prior spontaneous preterm birth (grade 1A); (2) routine transvaginal
      cervical length screening not be performed for women with cervical cerclage,
      multiple gestation, preterm premature rupture of membranes, or placenta previa
      (grade 2B); (3) practitioners who decide to implement universal cervical length
      screening follow strict guidelines (grade 2B); (4) sonographers and/or
      practitioners receive specific training in the acquisition and interpretation of
      cervical imaging during pregnancy (grade 2B). 

PMID- 27133012
TI  - Fetal fibronectin testing for prevention of preterm birth in singleton
      pregnancies with threatened preterm labor: a systematic review and metaanalysis
      of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE DATA: Fetal fibronectin is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that is
      produced by amniocytes and cytotrophoblasts and has been shown to predict
      spontaneous preterm birth. STUDY: The aim of this systematic review and
      metaanalysis of randomized clinical trials was to evaluate the effect of the use
      of fetal fibronectin in the prevention of preterm birth in singleton pregnancies
      with threatened preterm labor. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: The
      research was conducted with the use of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Sciences, Scopus,
      ClinicalTrial.gov, OVID, and Cochrane Library as electronic databases from the
      inception of each database to February 2016. Selection criteria included
      randomized clinical trials of singleton gestations with threatened preterm labor
      that were assigned randomly to management based on fetal fibronectin results (ie,
      intervention group) or not (ie, comparison group). Types of participants included
      women with singleton gestations at 23 0/7 to 34 6/7 weeks with threatened preterm
      labor. Studies that included management that was also based on the use of
      sonographic cervical length were excluded. The primary outcome was preterm birth
      at <37 weeks of gestation. The summary measures were reported as relative risk or
      as mean differences with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Six trials that
      included 546 singleton gestations with symptoms of preterm labor were included in
      the metaanalysis. The overall risk of bias of the included trials was low. Women
      were eligible for the random assignment in case of symptoms that suggested
      preterm labor at 23-34 weeks of gestation. During admission, before digital
      examination, a Dacron swab was rotated in the posterior fornix for 10 seconds to
      absorb cervicovaginal secretions that were then analyzed for the fetal
      fibronectin qualitative method, with results reported as either positive or
      negative. Women who were assigned randomly to the fetal fibronectin group had a
      similar incidence of preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation (20.7% vs 29.2%;
      relative risk, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-1.01), at <34 weeks of
      gestation (8.3% vs 7.9%; relative risk, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.54
      2.18), at <32 weeks of gestation (3.3% vs 5.6%; relative risk, 0.64; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.24-1.74), and at <28 weeks of gestation (1.1% vs 1.7%;
      relative risk, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-3.67) compared with the
      control group. No differences were found in the number of women who delivered
      within 7 days (12.8% vs 14.5%; relative risk, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.47
      1.21), in the mean of gestational age at delivery (mean difference, 0.20 week;
      95% confidence interval, -0.26 to 0.67), in the rate of maternal hospitalization
      (27.4% vs 26.9%; relative risk, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-1.44), in the
      use of tocolysis (25.3% vs 28.2%; relative risk, 0.97; 95% confidence interval,
      0.75-1.24), antenatal steroids (29.2% vs 29.2%; relative risk, 1.05; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.79-1.39), in the mean time in the triage unit (mean
      difference, 0.60 hour; 95% confidence interval, -0.03 to 1.23) and in neonatal
      outcomes that included respiratory distress syndrome (1.3% vs 1.5%; relative
      risk, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-14.06), and admission to the neonatal
      intensive care unit (19.4% vs 8.1%; relative risk, 2.48; 95% confidence interval,
      0.96-6.46). Management based on the fetal fibronectin test required higher
      hospitalization charges (mean difference, $153; 95% confidence interval, 24.01
      281.99). CONCLUSION: Fetal fibronectin testing in singleton gestations with
      threatened preterm labor is not associated with the prevention of preterm birth
      or improvement in perinatal outcome but is associated with higher costs.

PMID- 27133014
TI  - Long-term Surgical Outcomes of Augmented Bilateral Lateral Rectus Recession in
      Children With Intermittent Exotropia.

PMID- 27133013
TI  - Brainstem Developmental Venous Anomaly Causing Hemifacial Spasm - Case Report and
      Review of the Literature.

PMID- 27133015
TI  - Association Between Platelet Function and Disc Hemorrhage in Patients With Normal
      Tension Glaucoma: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

PMID- 27133016
TI  - The Prevalence of Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy and Toxic Dosing, and the Role
      of the Ophthalmologist in Reducing Both.

PMID- 27133017
TI  - Do All Disc Hemorrhages Have the Same Causative Mechanism and Same Influence on
      Glaucoma Prognosis?

PMID- 27133018
TI  - A Chemical-Genetic Criterion for Identifying Disease Biomarkers.

PMID- 27133019
TI  - Cognitive deficits early in the course of rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine the severity and prevalence of cognitive
      difficulties in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) within the first three
      years of diagnosis. METHOD: One hundred consecutive RA patients aged 28-67 years
      (90% women) were administered a battery of 6 neuropsychological tests yielding 14
      cognitive indices. Self-reported measures of trait anxiety, depression, impact of
      disease on daily activities, and pain severity were also obtained along with
      physician-rated disease severity. RESULTS: Twenty percent of RA patients were
      classified as cognitively impaired, defined as age- and education-adjusted scores
      at least 1.5 standard deviations below the population mean on 3 or more cognitive
      indices. Impaired performance, controlling for age, education, and premorbid
      cognitive capacity, was detected primarily on measures of short-term memory,
      immediate and delayed episodic recall, and phonemic fluency. There were modest
      negative associations between cognitive indices and measures of perceived disease
      severity (pain level, impact of disease on daily functionality, and overall
      health quality). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive deficits on several domains are
      frequently encountered in relatively young RA patients during the first few years
      of the disease and may need to be taken into account as important correlates of
      disease severity and progression.

PMID- 27133020
TI  - A letter to the editor regarding "Serratus anterior or pectoralis minor: Which
      muscle has the upperhand during protraction exercises?".

PMID- 27133021
TI  - Functional integration changes in regional brain glucose metabolism from
      childhood to adulthood.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the age-related changes in resting-state
      neurometabolic connectivity from childhood to adulthood (6-50 years old). Fifty
      four healthy adult subjects and twenty-three pseudo-healthy children underwent
      [(18) F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography at rest. Using
      statistical parametric mapping (SPM8), age and age squared were first used as
      covariate of interest to identify linear and non-linear age effects on the
      regional distribution of glucose metabolism throughout the brain. Then, by
      selecting voxels of interest (VOI) within the regions showing significant age
      related metabolic changes, a psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis was
      used to search for age-induced changes in the contribution of VOIs to the
      metabolic activity in other brain areas. Significant linear or non-linear age
      related changes in regional glucose metabolism were found in prefrontal cortices
      (DMPFC/ACC), cerebellar lobules, and thalamo-hippocampal areas bilaterally.
      Decreases were found in the contribution of thalamic, hippocampal, and cerebellar
      regions to DMPFC/ACC metabolic activity as well as in the contribution of
      hippocampi to preSMA and right IFG metabolic activities. Increases were found in
      the contribution of the right hippocampus to insular cortex and of the cerebellar
      lobule IX to superior parietal cortex metabolic activities. This study evidences
      significant linear or non-linear age-related changes in regional glucose
      metabolism of mesial prefrontal, thalamic, mesiotemporal, and cerebellar areas,
      associated with significant modifications in neurometabolic connectivity
      involving fronto-thalamic, fronto-hippocampal, and fronto-cerebellar networks.
      These changes in functional brain integration likely represent a metabolic
      correlate of age-dependent effects on sensory, motor, and high-level cognitive
      functional networks. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3017-3030, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27133022
TI  - Death-Associated Protein Kinase Activity Is Regulated by Coupled
      Calcium/Calmodulin Binding to Two Distinct Sites.
AB  - The regulation of many protein kinases by binding to calcium/calmodulin connects
      two principal mechanisms in signaling processes: protein phosphorylation and
      responses to dose- and time-dependent calcium signals. We used the
      calcium/calmodulin-dependent members of the death-associated protein kinase
      (DAPK) family to investigate the role of a basic DAPK signature loop near the
      kinase active site. In DAPK2, this loop comprises a novel dimerization-regulated
      calcium/calmodulin-binding site, in addition to a well-established
      calcium/calmodulin site in the C-terminal autoregulatory domain. Unexpectedly,
      impairment of the basic loop interaction site completely abolishes
      calcium/calmodulin binding and DAPK2 activity is reduced to a residual level,
      indicative of coupled binding to the two sites. This contrasts with the generally
      accepted view that kinase calcium/calmodulin interactions are autonomous of the
      kinase catalytic domain. Our data establish an intricate model of multi-step
      kinase activation and expand our understanding of how calcium binding connects
      with other mechanisms involved in kinase activity regulation.

PMID- 27133023
TI  - Mechanism of 3'-Matured tRNA Discrimination from 3'-Immature tRNA by Class-II CCA
      Adding Enzyme.
AB  - CCA-adding enzyme adds the 3'-CCA of tRNA, using CTP and ATP as substrates, and
      terminates RNA synthesis after completion of CCA addition, without using a
      nucleic acid template. The complex structure of class-II Thermotoga maritima CCA
      adding enzyme and mature tRNA with 3'-CCA revealed the mechanisms by which the
      enzyme terminates RNA synthesis after completion of 3'-CCA addition, and
      discriminates 3'-mature tRNA from 3'-immature tRNA. After completion of 3'-CCA
      addition at the catalytic site, the 3'-CCA refolds and relocates to the release
      site, which is discrete from the catalytic site. The 3'-CCA forms a continuously
      stacked, stable conformation together with the enzyme. Consequently, the 3'
      mature tRNA rotates relative to the surface of the enzyme, and only the 3'-mature
      tRNA is ready for release. The 3'-regions of immature tRNAs cannot form the
      stable stacking conformation in the release site; thus, the 3' end is relocated
      in the catalytic site, and the 3'-CCA is reconstructed.

PMID- 27133024
TI  - Structural Mechanism of Allosteric Activity Regulation in a Ribonucleotide
      Reductase with Double ATP Cones.
AB  - Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) reduce ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides.
      Their overall activity is stimulated by ATP and downregulated by dATP via a
      genetically mobile ATP cone domain mediating the formation of oligomeric
      complexes with varying quaternary structures. The crystal structure and solution
      X-ray scattering data of a novel dATP-induced homotetramer of the Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa class I RNR reveal the structural bases for its unique properties,
      namely one ATP cone that binds two dATP molecules and a second one that is non
      functional, binding no nucleotides. Mutations in the observed tetramer interface
      ablate oligomerization and dATP-induced inhibition but not the ability to bind
      dATP. Sequence analysis shows that the novel type of ATP cone may be widespread
      in RNRs. The present study supports a scenario in which diverse mechanisms for
      allosteric activity regulation are gained and lost through acquisition and
      evolutionary erosion of different types of ATP cone.

PMID- 27133025
TI  - The Structural Basis for Class II Cytokine Receptor Recognition by JAK1.
AB  - JAK1 is a member of the Janus kinase (JAK) family of non-receptor tyrosine
      kinases that are activated in response to cytokines and interferons. Here, we
      present two crystal structures of the human JAK1 FERM and SH2 domains bound to
      peptides derived from the class II cytokine receptors IFN-lambda receptor 1 and
      IL-10 receptor 1 (IFNLR1 and IL10RA). These structures reveal an interaction site
      in the JAK1 FERM that accommodates the so-called "box1" membrane-proximal
      receptor peptide motif. Biophysical analysis of the JAK1-IFNLR1 interaction
      indicates that the receptor box1 is the primary driver of the JAK1 interaction,
      and identifies residues conserved among class II receptors as important for
      binding. In addition, we demonstrate that a second "box2" receptor motif further
      stabilizes the JAK1-IFNLR1 complex. Together, these data identify a conserved JAK
      binding site for receptor peptides and elucidate the mechanism by which class II
      cytokine receptors interact with JAK1.

PMID- 27133026
TI  - Indirect DNA Sequence Recognition and Its Impact on Nuclease Cleavage Activity.
AB  - LAGLIDADG meganucleases are DNA cleaving enzymes used for genome engineering.
      While their cleavage specificity can be altered using several protein engineering
      and selection strategies, their overall targetability is limited by highly
      specific indirect recognition of the central four base pairs within their
      recognition sites. In order to examine the physical basis of indirect sequence
      recognition and to expand the number of such nucleases available for genome
      engineering, we have determined the target sites, DNA-bound structures, and
      central four cleavage fidelities of nine related enzymes. Subsequent
      crystallographic analyses of a meganuclease bound to two noncleavable target
      sites, each containing a single inactivating base pair substitution at its
      center, indicates that a localized slip of the mutated base pair causes a small
      change in the DNA backbone conformation that results in a loss of metal occupancy
      at one binding site, eliminating cleavage activity.

PMID- 27133027
TI  - Sensitive electrochemical detection of rutin and isoquercitrin based on SH-beta
      cyclodextrin functionalized graphene-palladium nanoparticles.
AB  - In this study, a sensitive electrochemical method based on thio-beta-cyclodextrin
      functionalized graphene/palladium nanoparticles (SH-beta-CD-Gr/PdNPs) was
      developed to detect rutin and isoquercitrin, respectively. The obtained SH-beta
      CD-Gr/PdNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy. The results confirm that SH-beta-CD and PdNPs were successfully
      deposited on the surface of graphene nanosheets (GNs). The peak currents of rutin
      and isoquercitrin on the SH-beta-CD-Gr/PdNPs modified glassy carbon electrode
      (GCE) are dramatically increased compared with that on the bare GCE and SH-beta
      CD-Gr/GCE. It indicated that the nanocomposite integrated the excellent electric
      conductivity and electrocatalytic activity of graphene and PdNPs, as well as the
      host-guest recognition and enrichment ability of SH-beta-CD. Under optimum
      conditions, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to measure the peak
      currents of the two drugs. The linear response ranges for rutin and isoquercitrin
      are 1.0*10-9-3.0*10-5molL-1 and 5.0*10-12-5.0*10-6molL-1, with low detection
      limits of 3.0*10-10molL-1 and 1.6*10-12molL-1, respectively. The proposed method
      might offer a new possibility for electrochemical analysis of rutin and
      isoquercitrin in pharmaceuticals or human serum owing to its low cost,
      simplicity, high sensitivity and good stability.

PMID- 27133028
TI  - Fine-tuning of the mucosal barrier and metabolic systems using the diet-microbial
      metabolite axis.
AB  - The human intestinal microbiota has profound effects on human physiology,
      including the development and maintenance of the host immune and metabolic
      systems. Under physiological conditions, the intestinal microbiota maintains a
      symbiotic relationship with the host. Abnormalities in the host-microbe
      relationship, however, have been implicated in multiple disorders such as
      inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), metabolic syndrome, and autoimmune diseases.
      There is a close correlation between dietary factors and the microbial
      composition in the gut. Long-term dietary habits influence the composition of the
      gut microbial community and consequently alter microbial metabolic activity. The
      diet-microbiota axis plays a vital role in the regulation of the host immune
      system, at least partly through altering microbial metabolism. In this review, we
      will describe the current findings regarding how dietary factors and microbial
      metabolites regulate the host immune system. 

PMID- 27133029
TI  - Comparing the actions of lanicemine and ketamine in depression: key role of the
      anterior cingulate.
AB  - Intravenous infusion of lanicemine (formerly AZD6765), a low trapping non
      selective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, induces antidepressant
      effects with a similar time course to ketamine. We investigated whether a single
      dose lanicemine infusion would reproduce the previously reported decrease in
      subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) activity evoked by ketamine, a
      potential mechanism of antidepressant efficacy. Sixty un-medicated adults meeting
      the criteria for major depressive disorder were randomly assigned to receive
      constant intravenous infusions of ketamine, lanicemine or saline during a 60min
      pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) scan. Both ketamine and
      lanicemine gradually increased the blood oxygen level dependent signal in sgACC
      and rostral ACC as the primary outcome measure. No decreases in signal were seen
      in any region. Interviewer-rated psychotic and dissociative symptoms were minimal
      following administration of lanicemine. There was no significant antidepressant
      effect of either infusion compared to saline. The previously reported
      deactivation of sgACC after ketamine probably reflects the rapid and pronounced
      subjective effects evoked by the bolus-infusion method used in the previous
      study. Activation of the ACC was observed following two different NMDA compounds
      in both Manchester and Oxford using different 3T MRI scanners, and this effect
      predicted improvement in mood 1 and 7 days post-infusion. These findings suggest
      that the initial site of antidepressant action for NMDA antagonists may be the
      ACC (NCT01046630. A Phase I, Multi-centre, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled
      Parallel Group Study to Assess the pharmacoMRI Effects of AZD6765 in Male and
      Female Subjects Fulfilling the Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder;
      http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01046630).

PMID- 27133030
TI  - Genetic blockade of adenosine A2A receptors induces cognitive impairments and
      anatomical changes related to psychotic symptoms in mice.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a chronic severe mental disorder with a presumed
      neurodevelopmental origin, and no effective treatment. Schizophrenia is a
      multifactorial disease with genetic, environmental and neurochemical etiology.
      The main theories on the pathophysiology of this disorder include alterations in
      dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in limbic and cortical areas of
      the brain. Early hypotheses also suggested that nucleoside adenosine is a
      putative affected neurotransmitter system, and clinical evidence suggests that
      adenosine adjuvants improve treatment outcomes, especially in poorly responsive
      patients. Hence, it is important to elucidate the role of the neuromodulator
      adenosine in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. A2A adenosine receptor (A2AR)
      subtypes are expressed in brain areas controlling motivational responses and
      cognition, including striatum, and in lower levels in hippocampus and cerebral
      cortex. The aim of this study was to characterize A2AR knockout (KO) mice with
      complete and specific inactivation of A2AR, as an animal model for schizophrenia.
      We performed behavioral, anatomical and neurochemical studies to assess psychotic
      like symptoms in adult male and female KO and wild-type (WT) littermates. Our
      results show impairments in inhibitory responses and sensory gating in A2AR KO
      animals. Hyperlocomotion induced by d-amphetamine and MK-801 was reduced in KO
      animals when compared to WT littermates. Moreover, A2AR KO animals show motor
      disturbances, social and cognitive alterations. Finally, behavioral impairments
      were associated with enlargement of brain lateral ventricles and decreased BDNF
      levels in the hippocampus. These data highlight the role of adenosine in the
      pathophysiology of schizophrenia and provide new possibilities for the
      therapeutic management of schizophrenia.

PMID- 27133031
TI  - Enhance placebo, avoid nocebo: How contextual factors affect physiotherapy
      outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Placebo and nocebo represent complex and distinct
      psychoneurobiological phenomena in which behavioural and neurophysiological
      modifications occur together with the application of a treatment. Despite a
      better understanding of this topic in the medical field, little is known about
      their role in physiotherapy. PURPOSE: The aim of this review is: a) to elucidate
      the neurobiology behind placebo and nocebo effects, b) to describe the role of
      the contextual factors as modulators of the clinical outcomes in rehabilitation
      and c) to provide clinical and research guidelines on their uses. IMPLICATIONS:
      The physiotherapist's features, the patient's features, the patient
      physiotherapist relationship, the characteristics of the treatment and the
      overall healthcare setting are all contextual factors influencing clinical
      outcomes. Since every physiotherapy treatment determines a specific and a
      contextual effect, physiotherapists should manage the contextual factors as a
      boosting element of any manual therapy to improve placebo effects and avoid
      detrimental nocebo effects.

PMID- 27133032
TI  - An Unusual Presentation of Gallstone Ileus: A Red-Herring or Missed Diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of chronic calcular
      cholecystitis and an uncommon etiological entity responsible for mechanical
      intestinal obstruction. The most common obstructed part is the narrow terminal
      ileum, whereas the jejunum is rarely affected. The gallstone is postulated to
      reach the small bowel by gradual erosion from the gall bladder, most commonly
      into the duodenum, forming a cholecysto-duodenal fistula. CASE REPORT: Herein, we
      report a 72-year-old male who presented with intestinal obstruction of a 5-day
      duration, with a clinical diagnosis of an irreducible inguinal hernia. However,
      the patient continued to be symptomatic following an uncomplicated hernioplasty.
      A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed a small bowel lesion,
      which intra-operatively was confirmed to be an impacted gallstone in the jejunum
      with a cholecysto-duodenal fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Despite gallstone is uncommon
      cause of intestinal obstruction, a high index of suspicion with a careful CT scan
      interpretation is the key to the diagnosis, especially when there is a red
      herring distracting the attention, like irreducible hernia in this case.

PMID- 27133033
TI  - Effects of endurance and endurance-strength exercise on biochemical parameters of
      liver function in women with abdominal obesity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a risk factor of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
      Although the standard therapy for obesity involves physical exercise, well
      planned studies of the changes in liver function in response to different
      exercise intensities in obese subjects are scarce. The aim of the present study
      was to examine a question of how does exercise mode affect the liver function.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: 44 women with abdominal obesity were randomized into two
      exercise groups: endurance (group A) and endurance-strength (group B). Women in
      each group exercised for 60min 3 times/week for a 3-month period. Markers of
      liver function: serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase
      (AST), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities,
      and bilirubin levels were quantified. RESULTS: We found significant differences
      in ALT (p<0.01) and AST (p<0.05) activities between group A and B after training
      exercise. Blood ALT and AST tended to decrease in group B, increase in group A.
      Significant reduction in serum GGT level after exercise in both groups was
      observed (p<0.001, group A; p<0.01, group B). Neither endurance nor endurance
      strength exercise led to changes in serum ALP activity and total or direct
      bilirubin level. However, endurance-strength training resulted in significant
      decreases in serum indirect bilirubin (p<0.05). Strong positive correlations
      between serum indirect bilirubin and body mass (r=0.615; p=0.0085) and BMI
      (r=0.576; p=0.0154) were found after endurance-strength exercise (group B).
      CONCLUSION: The mode of exercise does matter: endurance-strength exercise led to
      a greater improvement, compared to endurance exercise, in the liver function in
      women with abdominal obesity.

PMID- 27133034
TI  - MicroRNA-143 promotes apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells by caspase-3 activation via
      targeting Bcl-2.
AB  - Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor. In recent years, although a
      lot of research in the mechanism of osteosarcoma development and metastasis had
      been done, the molecular mechanisms are still elusive. MicroRNAs (miRs), as small
      noncoding RNA sequences, are dysregulated in various diseases, including cancer,
      negatively modulating the target genes expression by posttranscriptional
      repression. MicroRNA-143 (miR-143) has been reported to be reduced in cancers,
      including pituitary, colorectal, prostate cancer and cervical. We were aimed to
      detect the effects of miR-143 on osteosarcoma cell invasion and migration as well
      as to indicate the potential molecular mechanisms by which miR-143 regulated
      osteosarcoma. After miR-143 transfection, the cancer cells migration and invasion
      were examined. And Western blot, RT-PCR, flow cytometry and immunochemistry
      assays were performed to analyze the role of miR-143 in osteosarcoma progression.
      The results suggested that miR-143 expressed lessly in osteosarcoma cell lines
      and could suppress cell migration and invasion in U2-OS and MG-63 cells. To our
      knowledge, it was the first time to target Bcl-2 directly to explore the
      underlying mechanism by which miR-143 performed its role to induce apoptosis in
      tumor cells, thus improving osteosarcoma progression. The present study indicated
      that miR-143 could inhibit Bcl-2 expression, causing Caspas3 activation, thus
      inducing apoptosis in osteosarcoma cells. MiR-143 may therefore sreve as a
      potential biomarker for osteosarcoma, and the regulation of its expression might
      be a novel therapeutic strategy for osteosarcoma treatment. 

PMID- 27133035
TI  - The amelioration effect of tranexamic acid in wrinkles induced by skin dryness.
AB  - Tranexamic acid (trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid) is a medical
      amino acid widely used as an anti-inflammatory and a whitening agent. This study
      examined the effect of tranexamic acid administration in wrinkle formation
      following skin dryness. We administered tranexamic acid (750mg/kg/day) orally for
      20 consecutive days to Naruto Research Institute Otsuka Atrichia (NOA) mice,
      which naturally develop skin dryness. In these NOA mice, deterioration of
      transepidermal water loss (TEWL), generation of wrinkles, decrease of collagen
      type I, and increases in mast cell proliferation and tryptase and matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP-1) release were observed. However, these symptoms were
      improved by tranexamic acid treatment. Moreover, the increase in the beta
      endorphin level in the blood and the expression of MU-opioid receptor on the
      surface of fibroblasts increased by tranexamic acid treatment. In addition, when
      the fibroblasts induced by tranexamic acid treatment were removed, the
      amelioration effect by tranexamic acid treatment was halved. On the other hand,
      tranexamic acid treated NOA mice and mast cell removal in tranexamic acid treated
      NOA mice did not result in changes in the wrinkle amelioration effect.
      Additionally, the amelioration effect of mast cell deficient NOA mice was half
      that of tranexamic acid treated NOA mice. These results indicate that tranexamic
      acid decreased the proliferation of mast cells and increases the proliferation of
      fibroblasts, subsequently improving wrinkles caused by skin dryness. 

PMID- 27133036
TI  - Promoter methylation and expression of SOCS-1 affect clinical outcome and
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormal DNA methylation can cause gene silencing in colorectal
      cancer (CRC) patients. A gene that is suspected to have a crucial role in various
      types of cancers is the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1). Thus, this
      study will analyze the ramifications of SOCS-1 promoter methylation in CRC
      patients. This study will also test the therapeutic effects of hypomethylation as
      a possible CRC therapy. METHODS: First, 97CRC patients' tumor and adjacent normal
      tissues were collected. Next, the methylation status of the SOCS-1 promoter
      region was assessed by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR);
      SOCS-1 protein and mRNA expression were also measured. A 48-month median follow
      up period was used for the survival analysis of research participants. Lastly, to
      analyze the changes in cell invasion and migration in conjunction with protein
      and mRNA expression, the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine was applied in vitro
      to human CRC cells. RESULTS: The results showed increased SOCS-1 hypermethylation
      in CRC samples compared to controls. Methylated SOCS-1 was associated with
      significant suppression of SOCS-1 expression in tumors. Additionally, SOCS-1
      hypermethylation was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and TNM
      stage. The study also found a poor overall survival rate to be significantly
      correlated with reduced expression of SOCS-1. After 5-azacytidine treatment,
      reduced in vitro DNA methylation and increased SOCS-1 expression were observed,
      and decreased cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition biomarker
      expression alteration were further confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: In colorectal cancer
      tissues, the rate of methylation in the SOCS-1 promoter region is high. Through
      promoter hypermethylation, the SOCS-1 gene was severely down-regulated in the CRC
      tissue samples, thereby revealing a plausible therapeutic target for CRC therapy.

PMID- 27133037
TI  - Utilization of nanoparticle technology in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the common and severe autoimmune diseases
      related to joints. This chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease, leads to
      functional limitation and reduced quality of life, since as there is bone and
      cartilage destruction, joint swelling and pain. Current advances and new
      treatment approaches have considerably postponed disease progression and improved
      the quality of life for many patients. In spite of major advances in therapeutic
      options, restrictions on the routes of administration and the necessity for
      frequent and long-term dosing often result in systemic adverse effects and
      patient non-compliance. Unlike usual drugs, nanoparticle systems are planned to
      deliver therapeutic agents especially to inflamed synovium, so avoiding systemic
      and unpleasant effects. The present review discusses about some of the most
      successful drugs in RA therapy and their side effects and also focuses on key
      design parameters of RA-targeted nanotechnology-based strategies for improving RA
      therapies. 

PMID- 27133038
TI  - Mixed surfactant based (SNEDDS) self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system
      presenting efavirenz for enhancement of oral bioavailability.
AB  - This study aims to develop a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS)
      based on non-ionic surfactant mixtures to improve the oral bioavailability of
      efavirenz (EFZ) categorized as a class II according to the BCS, for HIV- therapy.
      The result of solubility studies of EFZ in various excipients utilized for
      construction of the pseudo ternary phase diagram containing surfactant mixtures.
      Surfactants in 1:1 combination are used with different co-surfactants in
      different ratio to delineate the area of monophasic region of the pseudo ternary
      phase diagram. Different accelerated physical stability studies and self
      emulsification assessment were performed on the formulations. The formulations
      clearing the above studies are considered for percentage transmittance and
      turbidity analysis. The globule size distributions of post diluted SNEDDS having
      percentage transmittance above 90 were estimated. The TEM analysis of two
      optimized post diluted SNEDDS formulations further confirm the size in nanometric
      range (below 50nm). FT-IR studies showed the retention of the characteristic
      peaks of EFZ in the preconcentrate. The in vitro dissolution profile of SNEDDS
      established advantages of SNEDDS over plain drug as more than 80% drug was
      released within 30min in case of optimized SNEDDS while it was approximately
      18.3% in the case of plain drug powder. Pharmacokinetic parameters were
      calculated after performing the in vivo studies of best optimized formulation in
      rats. The Pharmacokinetic data reveal a 2.63 fold increase in AUC(0-infinity) in
      comparison to plain EFZ suspension. The designed delivery system showed the faith
      in generating an effective formulation of EFZ for HIV treatment. 

PMID- 27133039
TI  - Identification of novel FAK and S6K1 dual inhibitors from natural compounds via
      ADMET screening and molecular docking.
AB  - Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and human p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (S6K1) are non
      receptor protein tyrosine plays a vital role in cell signaling pathways, such as
      cell proliferation, survival, and migration. In this study, the 3D structure of
      FAK (PDB ID: 2AL6) and S6K1 (3A60) were chosen for docking 60 natural compounds
      attempted to identify novel and specific inhibitors from them. The 30 selected
      molecules with high scores were further analyzed using DSSTox tools and DS 3.5
      ADMET software. Based on a high docking score and energy interaction, 3 of the 9
      candidate compounds, neferine B, neferine A, and antroquinonol D, were identified
      and the inhibitory activity of these compounds were subsequently validated in the
      C6 glioma cell line. All three selected compounds show potential effects on cell
      viability by MTT assay. Neferine B, neferine A, and antroquinonol D showed an
      IC50 value of 10-, 12-, and 16-MUM, respectively. Moreover, these compounds
      decreased the p-FAk and p-S6k1 proteins in a dose-dependent manner. The results
      of best docked neferine B, neferine A, and antroquinonol D have the potential for
      further development as a supplement to treat tumorigenesis and metastasis. 

PMID- 27133040
TI  - Alpha-lipoic acid defends homocysteine-induced endoplasmic reticulum and
      oxidative stress in HAECs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play vital
      roles in the development of atherosclerosis. And hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) has
      been recognized as an independent risk factor for this process. Alpha-lipoic
      acid, a disulphide-containing compound, can scavenge reactive oxygen species,
      inhibit the formation of free radicals and chelate metal to maintain the
      homeostasis in the cells. This study aimed to determine the protecting effects of
      Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on homocysteine (HCY) induced injuries to human aortic
      endothelial cells (HAECs) and uncover the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: HAECs
      were treated with ALA in the presence/absence of HCY. The mechanism of ALA
      against HCY-induced cell injury was evaluated using Western blotting, real-time
      RT-PCR. Reactive oxygen Species (ROS) was detected by flow cytometry analysis.
      Mitochondrial membrane potential in HCY-treated HAECs was measured by Rhodamine
      123 staining, and the samples were observed by confocal laser scanning
      microscopy. RESULTS: ALA suppressed the HCY-stimulated ROS generation, as well as
      the NF-kappaB transcriptional activation, and ICAM-1, VCAM-1 expression. ALA also
      elevated the bcl-2 and reduced caspase3, 9 expressions in the HCY- induced HAECs.
      Simultaneously, ALA could inhibit activation of ER stress-associated sensors
      GRP78, IRE1alpha, ATF6, P-PERK, P-eIF2alpha, CHOP and ATF4 induced by HCY. In
      addition, using GSH inhibitor, we proved ALA reduced the expressions of GRP78,
      ATF4 and IRE1alpha by generating GSH. CONCLUSIONS: ALA ameliorated HCY-induced ER
      stress and oxidation then reduced cells apoptosis and inflammation. These results
      suggested ALA played a key role in regulating ER homeostasis in atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27133041
TI  - Long noncoding RNA SNHG1 predicts a poor prognosis and promotes hepatocellular
      carcinoma tumorigenesis.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main cause of cancer mortality worldwide.
      Its poor prognosis is mainly ascribed to high recurrence rate. Identifying novel
      prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets would be vital for HCC management.
      Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of RNA with various roles in
      tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance
      and functions of lncRNA-small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) in HCC. In this
      study, we found SNHG1 was upregulated in HCC tissues in comparison with adjacent
      liver tissues in both publicly available microarray data and our own cohort. High
      SNHG1 expression was correlated with large tumor size, poor differentiation, and
      aggressive BCLC stage. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that high
      SNHG1 expression predicts poor prognosis of HCC patients. Gain-of-function and
      loss-of function experiments showed that SNHG1 promotes HCC cells proliferation,
      cell cycle progression, and inhibits HCC cells apoptosis. Further experiments
      revealed that SNHG1 promotes HCC cells proliferation through inhibiting p53 and
      p53-target genes expression. Collectively, our results demonstrated the clinical
      prognostic significance and roles of SNHG1 in HCC, and suggested that SNHG1 may
      be considered as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC. 

PMID- 27133042
TI  - Cryptotanshinone downregulates the profibrotic activities of hypertrophic scar
      fibroblasts and accelerates wound healing: A potential therapy for the reduction
      of skin scarring.
AB  - Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a skin fibrotic disease that causes major clinically
      problematic symptoms. Cryptotanshinone (CT) is an important ingredient of Danshen
      (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extract) that has been used to treat cardio-cerebral
      vascular diseases. Its clinical efficacy in HS remains unclear. To investigate
      whether CT can inhibit HS fibrosis, HS-derived fibroblastic cells (HSFs) were
      established and treated with or without CT. Type-collagen-I (Col1), type-collagen
      III (Col3) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) expression were measured by
      western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HSFs migration
      and contraction were assessed with the scratch assay and the fibroblast-populated
      collagen lattice (FPCL) contraction assay, respectively. Wound healing in CT
      treated Balb/c mice was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis of collagen
      expression and Masson's trichrome staining analysis of collagen deposition. CT
      treatment of HSFs down-regulated Col1, Col3 and alpha-SMA mRNA and protein
      expression, HSFs migration, and HSFs contraction, and improved FPCL architecture.
      In mice, CT treatment accelerated wound healing: the scar margins were narrow and
      there was less collagen deposition in the regenerated tissue. Thus, CT promotes
      wound healing and decreases excessive deposition of extracellular matrix
      components. CT may help to prevent and reduce scarring. 

PMID- 27133043
TI  - Study on cerebroprotective actions of Clerodendron glandulosumleaves extract
      against long term bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in rats.
AB  - Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. The resulting burden
      on the society continues to grow, with increase in the incidence of stroke.
      Oxidative stress has been involved in the pathogenesis of several neurological
      diseases including acute stroke.Focal and global cerebral ischemia represents
      diseases that are common in the human population.In recent years much attention
      is being paid towards the exploration of herbal preparation, antioxidant agents
      and combination therapies including COX-2 inhibitors in experimental model of
      stroke.Possible effect of a hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Clerodendron
      glandulosumColeb (C. glandulosum)on oxidant-antioxidant status in ischemia
      hypoperfusion injury in the rat forebrain has been investigated.Healthy adult
      male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups (n=8). Group I was served
      as Sham control (normal saline 1ml/kg, orally), group II was served hypoperfusion
      control (normal saline 1ml/kg, orally), group III, group IV were served as
      hydroalcoholic extract treated (200 and 400mg/kg, orally) and group V was treated
      with Quercetin (10mg/kg, orally) for 14days to assess preventive and curative
      effects of C. glandulosum. Flavonoid and phenolic compounds exhibit a broad
      spectrum of biological activity, including antioxidant. C. glandulosum extract
      (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o) was administered orally, once daily for a period of 2
      weeks after the occlusion of BCCA. After 14th days rats were subjected to
      behavioral studies. After behavioral studies animals were sacrificed and brain
      was removed and homogenized. Estimation of Lipid peroxidation (LPO)
      Myeloperoxidase (MPO), estimation of protein levels and the activities of
      Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), were performed. Infarct size and
      histopathological changes were observed in treated groups. 

PMID- 27133044
TI  - miR-195 inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis through modulating IRS1 in breast
      cancer.
AB  - Angiogenesis has been found as an attractive target for drug therapy as it is
      necessary for tumor growth. Accumulating evidences show that microRNAs (miRNAs),
      which are a group of highly conserved, single-stranded, short non-coding RNAs,
      play important roles through directly targeting angiogenic factors and protein
      kinases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of miR-195 in
      breast cancer development and angiogenesis through targeting IRS1. We show that
      miR-195 is inversely related with Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) in both
      breast cancer cells and breast cancer tissues. Induction of miR-195 could
      suppress IRS1 protein expression through binding to its 3'UTR regions either by
      transfection with miR-195 oligo or by infection with lentivirus encoding miR-195
      gene. Moreover, re-expression of IRS1 reverses miR-195-mediated repression of
      tumor cell growth and miR-195 inhibits tumor angiogenesis through suppressing
      IRS1-VEGF axis. These data suggest that miR-195 mimics are potential therapeutic
      agents for breast cancer diagnose. 

PMID- 27133045
TI  - Leukemia inhibitory factor promote trophoblast invasion via urokinase-type
      plasminogen activator receptor in preeclampsia.
AB  - Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related syndrome which can cause perinatal mortality
      and morbidity. Inadequate invasion by trophoblast cells may lead to poor
      perfusion of the placenta, even result in preeclampsia. Understanding the
      molecular mechanisms underlying placentation facilitates the better intervention
      of preeclampsia. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is involved
      in the physiological and pathological processes. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)
      is an important regulator in the establishment of pregnancy. However, the
      expression of uPAR in preeclamptic patients and its relationship with LIF remains
      unclear. In the current study, we found that the level of uPAR was relatively
      lower in the placentas from preeclamptic patients as compared with normal
      pregnant women. LIF promoted trophoblast cell outgrowth by upregulating uPAR in
      an explants culture, and LIF also enhanced migration and invasion potential
      through uPAR in trophoblast JAR and JEG-3 cell lines, and with increased
      gelatinolytic activities of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2). The effect of LIF
      and uPAR on trophoblast migration and invasion was mediated by PI3K/AKT signaling
      pathway. Our data indicates the roles of LIF in promoting trophoblast migration
      and invasion through uPAR and suggest that abnormal expression of uPAR might be
      associated with the etiology of preeclampsia. 

PMID- 27133046
TI  - MiR-486-3p targeting ECM1 represses cell proliferation and metastasis in cervical
      cancer.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are involved in cervical cancer.
      But the molecular mechanism is still unclear. Here, miRNA profile of cervical
      cancer was performed and demonstrated that miR-486-3p decreased in specimens of
      cervical cancer patients. In addition, our clinical data show that decreased miR
      486-3p was associated with metastasis in cervical cancer patients. ECM1 was
      predicted and velified as a target gene of miR-486-3p. Overexpression of miR-486
      3p inhibited cell growth and metastasis by targeting ECM1. In a conclusion, these
      findings suggest that miR-486-3p is a tumor suppressor miRNA and induction of miR
      486-3p is a potential strategy to inhibit cervical cancer progression. 

PMID- 27133047
TI  - ABCB1 variants confer susceptibility to primary open-angle glaucoma and predict
      individual differences to latanoprost treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether ABCB1 variants confer susceptibility to
      primary open-angle glaucoma and predict individual differences to latanoprost
      treatment. METHODS: Between May 2013 and May 2015, 129 POAG patients enrolled in
      the Department of Ophthalmology, the Second People's Hospital of Yunnan Province
      were identified as the case group and 121 healthy individuals were included as
      the control group. Direct DNA sequencing was used to detect four ABCB1 gene
      polymorphisms, namely, -129T>C (rs3213619), 1236C>T (rs1128503), 2677G>T/A
      (rs2032582) and 3435C>T (rs1045642). All POAG patients received latanoprost eye
      drops once daily. The differences in intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity
      (VA) before and 1 month after latanoprost treatment were compared in different
      SNPs genotypes. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in genotype
      frequency were found in ABCB1 gene polymorphism 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T between the
      case group and the control group (both P<0.05). No significant difference in
      genotype frequency was found in -129T> C and 1236C>T between the two groups (both
      P>0.05). Importantly, ABCB1 gene 3435C>T polymorphism was associated with a
      remarkably reduced IOP and an improved VA in POAG patients before and after
      latanoprost eye drops treatment (both P < 0.05). However, no significant
      differences in IOP and VA were found in other three genotypes between the two
      groups (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that ABCB1 gene
      polymorphisms 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T may confer to associated with the
      susceptibility to POAG. The ABCB1 gene polymorphism 3435C>T may be linked to
      individual differences in response to latanoprost eye drops treatment in POAG
      patients.

PMID- 27133048
TI  - MiR-595 targeting regulation of SOX7 expression promoted cell proliferation of
      human glioblastoma.
AB  - Increasing evidence indicated that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) were
      involved with human disease including cancer. Recently, miR-595 was reported as a
      tumor promoter in malignant mesothelioma. However, the underlying mechanism of
      miR-595 in human glioblastoma (GBM) cells have not been well elucidated.
      Therefore, in this study, we investigated the biological functions and molecular
      mechanisms of miR-595 in human GBM. MiR-595 expression was significantly
      upregulated in GBM tissues and cells. We modified miR-595 levels in GBM cells and
      investigated their effects on the cell proliferation by MTT, colony formation and
      anchorage-independent growth assays. We found that miR-595 significantly
      increased GBM cell proliferation. Bioinformatic analysis predicted that miR-595
      may target the 3'-UTR of SOX7and suppressed its translation, and further
      confirmed by luciferase assay. In sum, these observations together indicated that
      miR-595 played a critical role in carcinogenesis by suppression of SOX7, and may
      serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM. 

PMID- 27133049
TI  - The hypoxia-related signaling pathways of vasculogenic mimicry in tumor
      treatment.
AB  - Tumors require a blood supply for survival, growth, and metastasis. It is widely
      accepted that the development of the tumor microcirculation compartment need the
      production of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an
      alternative type of blood supplement independent of endothelial vessels which
      refers to the formation of tumor cell-lined vessels and is associated with tumor
      invasion, metastasis and poor cancer patient prognosis. Although a variety of
      proteins and microenvironmental factors are known to contribute to VM, the
      mechanisms underlying its formation remain unclear. The induction of VM seems to
      be related to hypoxia, which may promote the plastic, transendothelial phenotype
      of tumor cells capable of VM. Here, with regard to the above aspects, we review
      the advanced research on VM including molecular mechanisms and its clinical
      significance; and explore the development of VM-related strategies which are
      being utilized for anticancer treatment. 

PMID- 27133050
TI  - Reinforcing B16F10/GPI-IL-21 vaccine efficacy against melanoma by injecting mice
      with shZEB1 plasmid or miR200c agomir.
AB  - In this study, we hypothesized that the inhibition of epithelial to mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) program by knockdown of Zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1
      (ZEB1) or administration of miR200c agomir would strengthen the B16F10 cells
      transfected with GPI-anchored IL-21 (B16F10/GPI-IL-21) vaccine efficacy in
      inhibiting the melanoma metastasis. Our findings from the current study indicated
      that, when compared with the mice immunized with the B16F10/GPI-IL-21 vaccine
      alone, the mice immunized with B16F10/GPI-IL-21 vaccine combined with injection
      of shZEB1 plasmid or miR200c agomir not only meaningfully inhibited EMT of
      melanoma, reduced the EMT characteristic molecular expression in tumor tissues,
      but also significantly decreased the Treg cells and TGF-beta1, enhanced the
      cytotoxicities of NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes and the IFN-gamma level.
      Furthermore, the immunotherapeutic combination resulted in inhibiting the
      melanoma growth and lung metastasis. Our study demonstrated that using the
      B16F10/GPI-IL-21 vaccine in combination with the down-regulated ZEB1 or miR200c
      administration effectively elicited anti-tumor immunity and reduced melanoma
      metastasis by inhibiting the EMT program in the B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice. 

PMID- 27133051
TI  - Antiangiogenic activity of 2-formyl-8-hydroxy-quinolinium chloride.
AB  - Tumour growth is closely related to the development of new blood vessels to
      supply oxygen and nutrients to cancer cells. Without the neovascular formation,
      tumour volumes cannot increase and undergo metastasis. Antiangiogenesis is one of
      the most promising approaches for antitumour therapy. The exploration of new
      antiangiogenic agents would be helpful in antitumour therapy. Quinoline is an
      aromatic nitrogen compound characterized by a double-ring structure which
      exhibits a benzene ring fused to pyridine at two adjacent carbon atoms. The high
      stability of quinoline makes it preferable in a variety of therapeutic and
      pharmaceutical applications, including antitumour treatment. This work is to
      examine the potential antiangiogenic activity of the synthetic compound 2-Formyl
      8-hydroxy-quinolinium chloride. We found that 2-Formyl-8-hydroxy-quinolinium
      chloride could inhibit the growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in
      vitro. Using the diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis model, 2-Formyl
      8-hydroxy-quinolinium chloride showed strong antiangiogenic activity.
      Furthermore, 2-Formyl-8-hydroxy-quinolinium chloride could inhibit the growth of
      large Hep3B xenografted tumour from the nude mice. We assume that 2-Formyl-8
      hydroxy-quinolinium chloride could be a potential antiangiogenic and antitumour
      agent and it is worthwhile to further study its underlying working mechanism. 

PMID- 27133052
TI  - CA-1H, a novel oxazole bearing analogue of combretastatin A-4, disrupts the tumor
      vasculatures and inhibits the tumor growth via inhibiting tubulin polymerization.
AB  - Vascular disrupting agents destroy established tumor vasculatures selectively,
      and have achieved encouraging antitumor activity in both pre-clinical and
      clinical trials. In the present study, we reported the vascular disruption and
      antitumor effects of CA-1H and its prodrug CA-1HP, oxazole bearing analogues of
      combretastatin A-4 (CA4). CA-1H was a tighter binder of tubulin than CA4 with the
      same binding site to chochcine and CA4, and inhibited tubulin polymerization both
      in cell free system and in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
      Furthermore, CA-1H significantly disrupted the microtubulin skeleton in
      proliferating HUVECs rather than the quiescent ones, damaged the HUVECs-preformed
      tubes markedly, and lead to necrosis in tumor tissues in NCI-H1975 xenograft
      mice. Continuous administration for 19 days, CA-1HP could inhibit the NCI-H1975
      xenograft tumor growth significantly without obvious weight loss and normal
      tissue damage, in addition, CA-1HP also inhibited the tumor growth in H22
      hepatocellular carcinoma bearing mice; and combination CA-1HP with cisplatin
      showed more potent antitumor activity than used alone. Taken together, our
      present investigation suggested that CA-1H was a potential vascular disrupting
      agent for further development of antitumor drugs. 

PMID- 27133053
TI  - Improved tumor targeting and antitumor activity of camptothecin loaded solid
      lipid nanoparticles by preinjection of blank solid lipid nanoparticles.
AB  - This study aimed to enhance the in vivo antitumor effects of camptothecin (CPT),
      a strong antitumor agent whose delivery is limited by poor aqueous solubility and
      instability of the active lactone form. CPT was loaded into sterically
      stabilized, solid lipid nanoparticles (CPT-SLNs) formulated for intravenous
      administration. The influence of preinjected blank SLNs on the tumor targeting,
      pharmacokinetics and antitumor activity of CPT-SLNs was investigated. The CPT
      SLNs composed of trilaurin-based lipid matrix containing poloxamer188 and
      pegylated phospholipid as stabilizers were prepared by hot homogenization method
      and evaluated for in vitro characteristics and in vivo performance. The CPT-SLNs
      showed an in vitro long-term sustained release pattern and effectively protected
      the CPT lactone form from hydrolysis under physiological conditions. Notable
      tumor targeting and tumor growth inhibition were observed after intravenous
      administration of CPT-SLNs to mice with subcutaneous transplants of CT26
      carcinoma cells. In pharmacokinetic studies in rats, CPT-SLNs markedly elevated
      plasma CPT level and prolonged blood circulation compared to free CPT.
      Nonetheless, high uptake of CPT-SLNs by reticuloendothelial system (RES)-rich
      tissues resulted in limited tumor targeting of CPT-SLNs and plasma CPT levels.
      Preinjection of blank SLNs before administration of CPT-SLNs to tumor-bearing
      mice substantially reduced the accumulation of CPT-SLNs in RES organs. This led
      to significantly enhanced tumor targeting, improved pharmacokinetic parameters
      and increased antitumor efficacy of CPT-SLNs. These results suggested that the in
      vivo antitumor effects of CPT-SLNs could be further enhanced by preinjection of
      blank SLNs. Therefore, CPT-SLNs with preinjected blank SLNs could be a potential
      approach for stable and effective CPT-based cancer therapy. 

PMID- 27133054
TI  - Formation and characterization of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) -
      polyethyleneglycol (PEG) - polyethyleneimine (PEI) coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles for
      loading and releasing 5-Fluorouracil drug.
AB  - In this work, beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) - polyethyleneglycol (PEG) -
      polyethyleneimine (PEI) coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-beta-CD-PEG-PEI)
      were developed as drug carriers for drug delivery applications. The 5-
      Fluorouracil (5-FU) was chosen as model drug molecule. The developed
      nanoparticles (Fe3O4-beta-CD-PEG-PEI) were characterized by various techniques
      such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD),
      Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and
      vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The average particles size range of 5-FU
      loaded Fe3O4-beta-CD, Fe3O4-beta-CD-PEG and Fe3O4-beta-CD-PEG-PEI nanoparticles
      were from 151 to 300nm and zeta potential value of nanoparticles were from -43mV
      to -20mV as measured using Malvern Zetasizer. Finally, encapsulation efficiency
      (EE), loading capacity (LC) and in-vitro drug release performance of 5-FU drug
      loaded Fe3O4-beta-CD, Fe3O4-beta-CD-PEG and Fe3O4-beta-CD-PEG-PEI nanoparticles
      was evaluated by UV-vis spectroscopy. In-vitro cytotoxicity tests investigated by
      MTT assay indicate that 5-FU loaded Fe3O4-beta-CD-PEG-PEI nanoparticles were
      toxic to cancer cells and non-toxic to normal cells. The in-vitro release
      behavior of 5-FU from drug (5-FU) loaded Fe3O4-beta-CD-PEG-PEI composite at
      different pH values and temperature was studied. It was found that 5-FU was
      released faster in pH 6.8 than in the acidic mediums (pH 1.2), and the released
      quantity was higher. Therefore, the newly prepared Fe3O4-beta-CD-PEG-PEI carrier
      exhibits a promising potential capability for anticancer drug delivery in tumor
      therapy. 

PMID- 27133055
TI  - 15d-PGJ2 alleviates ConA-induced acute liver injury in mice by up-regulating HO-1
      and reducing hepatic cell autophagy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study, we confirmed a protective effect of 15d-PGJ2 in
      concanavalin A (ConA)-induced fulminant hepatitis in mice and investigated the
      potential mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Balb/C mice were injected with ConA
      (25mg/kg) to induce acute fulminant hepatitis, and 15d-PGJ2 (2.5-10MUg) was
      administered 30min after the ConA injection. The histological grade, pro
      inflammatory cytokine and ROS levels, apoptosis and autophagy activity, the
      expression of HO-1, Nrf2, JNK and Bcl-2 activity were determined 2, 4, and 8h
      after the ConA injection. RESULTS: Following ConA challenge, the expression of
      cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1beta (IL
      1beta) was up-regulated. Treatment with 15d-PGJ2 reduced the pathological effects
      of ConA-induced fulminant hepatitis and significantly reduced the levels of TNF
      alpha, IL-1beta and ROS after injection. 15d-PGJ2 inhibited apoptosis and
      autophagic cell death, facilitated Nrf2 nuclear translocation, increased HO-1
      expression and suppressed the JNK activation. CONCLUSION: 15d-PGJ2 alleviates
      ConA-induced acute liver injury in mice by up-regulating the anti-oxidative
      stress factor HO-1 and reducing the production of cytokines and ROS, thereby
      inhibiting hepatic cell autophagy probably induced by ROS.

PMID- 27133056
TI  - Caspase dependent apoptotic inhibition of melanoma and lung cancer cells by
      tropical Rubus extracts.
AB  - Rubus fairholmianus Gard. inhibits human melanoma (A375) and lung cancer (A549)
      cell growth by the caspase dependent apoptotic pathway. Herbal products have a
      long history of clinical use and acceptance. They are freely available natural
      compounds that can be safely used to prevent various ailments. The plants and
      plant derived products became the basis of traditional medicine system throughout
      the world for thousands of years. The effects of R. fairholmianus root acetone
      extract (RFRA) on the proliferation of A375 and A549 cells was examined in this
      study. RFRA led to a decrease in cell viability, proliferation and an increase in
      cytotoxicity in a dose dependent manner when compared with control and normal
      skin fibroblast cells (WS1). The morphology of treated cells supported apoptotic
      cell death. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining indicated that RFRA induced
      apoptosis in A375 and A549 cells and the percentages of early and late apoptotic
      populations significantly increased. Moreover, the apoptotic inducing ability of
      RFRA when analysing effector caspase 3/7 activity, indicated a marked increase in
      treated cells. In summary, we have shown the anticancer effects of RFRA in A375
      and A549 cancer cells via induction of caspase dependent apoptosis in vitro. The
      extract is more effective against melanoma; which may suggest the usefulness of
      RFRA-based anticancer therapies. 

PMID- 27133057
TI  - Paeoniflorin attenuates cardiac dysfunction in endotoxemic mice via the
      inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB.
AB  - The impaired cardiac function caused by reduced myocardial contractility is a
      typical manifestation of sepsis/septic shock. Paeoniflorin (Pae) has reportedly
      exhibited anti-inflammatory effect and protection against LPS-induced cardiac
      dysfunction in mice, but the molecular mechanism is still not fully understood.
      This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Pae on
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic cardiac dysfunction and inflammation
      response in mice. Mice were intraperitoneal injection with Pae (15mg/kg) for 3d
      before the LPS challenge (10mg/kg, i.p.). Pae significantly protected against LPS
      induced cardiac dysfunction and damage. Pae decreased production of inflammatory
      cytokines, e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, MCP-1, IFN-gamma, and
      inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in the heart of LPS-treated mice.
      Furthermore, Pae prevented NF-kappaB activation in endotoxemic mice. Pae
      pretreatment preserved the level of phospho-Akt. Pae effectively improved cardiac
      function during endotoxemia in mice. This action is attributed to Pae-induced
      reduction of inflammatory cytokine release and NF-kappaB activation, which
      possibly occurred via the activation PI3K/Akt signaling. 

PMID- 27133058
TI  - Long noncoding RNA BDNF-AS protects local anesthetic induced neurotoxicity in
      dorsal root ganglion neurons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) BDNF-AS was recently identified to
      regulate neurotrophin signaling pathway. In this study, we examined the
      functional role of BDNF-AS in regulating local anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity
      in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. METHODS: Neonatal mouse DRG neurons were
      cultured in vitro, and treated with local anesthetic, bupivacaine, to induce
      neurotoxicity. The corresponding change in BDNF-AS expression level in DRG was
      probed by qRT-PCR. BDNF-AS was knocked down by siRNA in DRG. The effects of BDNF
      AS downregulation on neurite regrowth, neuronal apoptosis and activating TrkB
      signaling pathway in bupivacaine-injured DRG neurons were probed by neurite
      outgrowth assay, TUNEL assay and western blot assay, respectively. RESULTS:
      During the process of bupivacaine-induce neurotoxicity in DRG, BDNF-AS was
      significantly upregulated in both dosage- and time- dependent manners. In DRG
      neurons, siRNA-mediated BDNF-AS downregulation promoted neurite outgrowth,
      reduced neuronal apoptosis, and phosphorylated TrkB signaling pathway after
      bupivacaine-induce neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: BDNF-AS downregulation rescued
      local anesthetic-induce neurotoxicity in DRG neurons, probably through the
      activation of neurotrophin TrkB signaling pathway.

PMID- 27133059
TI  - Effect of MicroRNA-218 on the viability, apoptosis and invasion of renal cell
      carcinoma cells under hypoxia by targeted downregulation of CXCR7 expression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of microRNA-218 on the viability, apoptosis
      and invasion of renal cell carcinoma cells under hypoxia by targeted regulation
      of expression of chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7). METHODS: The expression of miR-218
      in renal cell carcinoma cell lines under normal and hypoxia conditions, as well
      in normal renal tubular epithelial cells (HK2) was measured using RT-PCR. MiR-218
      mimic and NC were transfected into renal cell carcinoma cell line ACHN using
      LipofectamineTM 2000. The expression of miR-218 was analyzed using RT-PCR. The
      viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion of the transfected cells were
      assayed using the MTT assay, flow cytometry and transwell assays. The expression
      of CXCR7 was assayed using RT-PCR and Western blot. Luciferase reporter was used
      to verify the downstream target of miR-218. RESULTS: The expression of miR-218
      was lower than in renal cell carcinoma cell lines ACHN, 769-p and Caki-1 that in
      HK-2. The expression of miR-218 in the renal carcinoma cell lines was lower under
      hypoxia than under normal oxygen conditions. The expression of miR-218 in ACHN
      cells under normal and hypoxic conditions was significantly increased after
      transfection with miR-218 mimic. Compared with NC transfected cells under normal
      oxygen condition, the mimic-transfected cells had reduced viability, migration
      ability and invasion ability, and increased apoptosis, and mimic transfected
      cells under hypoxia had significantly reduced viability, migration ability and
      invasion ability, and increased apoptosis. Overexpression of miR-218 mimic
      resulted in significant reduction in the expression of CXCR7 at protein and mRNA
      levels under normal and hypoxic conditions. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed
      that CXCR7 is the target protein of miR-218. CONCLUSION: Up-regulation of miR-218
      expression in renal cell carcinoma under hypoxia can result in significant and
      targeted down-regulation of CXCR7 expression, which could reduce cell viability,
      migration and invasion ability and induce apoptosis in the cancer cells.

PMID- 27133060
TI  - miR-486-5p inhibits cell growth of papillary thyroid carcinoma by targeting
      fibrillin-1.
AB  - Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-486-5p functions as a tumor
      suppressor or oncogene in various types of cancer. In the present study, we
      showed that miR-486-5p was significantly down-regulated in papillary thyroid
      carcinoma (PTC) tissues and cell lines, whereas miR-486-5p down-regulation
      inhibited PTC cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Conversely, under
      expression of miR-486-5p enhanced PTC cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis.
      Fibrillin-1 (FBN1) was shown to be a direct target of miR-486-5p and inversely
      regulated by miR-486-5p. FBN1 silencing led to decreased PTC cell proliferation
      and enhanced apoptosis in vitro, similar to that mediated by miR-486-5p.
      Furthermore, miR-486-5p over-expression or FBN1 knock-down inhibited, while up
      regulation of FBN1 boosted xenograft tumor formation in vivo. Our data suggest
      that miR-486-5p induces PTC cell growth inhibition and apoptosis by targeting and
      suppressing FBN1. Thus, miR-486-5p/FBN1 might provide a promising therapeutic
      target for PTC treatment. 

PMID- 27133061
TI  - Punica granatum (pomegranate) leaves extract induces apoptosis through
      mitochondrial intrinsic pathway and inhibits migration and invasion in non-small
      cell lung cancer in vitro.
AB  - Most conventional treatments on non-small cell lung carcinoma always accompany
      with awful side effects, and the incidence and mortality rates of this cancer are
      increasing rapidly worldwide. The objective of this study was to examine the
      anticancer effects of extract of Punica granatum (pomegranate) leaves extract
      (PLE) on the non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line A549, H1299 and mouse Lewis
      lung carcinoma cell line LL/2 in vitro, and explore its mechanisms of action. Our
      results have shown that PLE inhibited cell proliferation in non-small cell lung
      carcinoma cell line in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry
      (FCM) assay showed that PLE affected H1299 cell survival by arresting cell cycle
      progression in G2/M phase in a dose-dependent manner and inducing apoptosis.
      Moreover, PLE could also decrease the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the
      mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaYm), indicating that PLE may induce
      apoptosis via mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway. Furthermore, PLE blocked
      H1299 cell migration and invasion, and the reduction of matrix metalloproteinase
      (MMP) MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression were also observed in vitro. These results
      suggested that PLE could be an effective and safe chemotherapeutic agent in non
      small cell lung carcinoma treatment by inhibiting proliferation, inducing
      apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and impairing cell migration and invasion. 

PMID- 27133062
TI  - Methylglyoxal (MGO) inhibits proliferation and induces cell death of human
      glioblastoma multiforme T98G and U87MG cells.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most malignant and invasive human brain
      tumor and it is characterized by a poor prognosis and short survival time.
      Current treatment strategies for GBM using surgery, chemotherapy and/or
      radiotherapy are ineffective. Thus new therapeutic strategies to target GBM are
      urgently needed. The effect of methylglyoxal (MGO) on the cell cycle, cell death
      and proliferation of human GBM cells was investigated. The T98G and U87MG cell
      lines were cultured in modified EMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and
      maintained at 37 degrees C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. Cells
      were exposed to methylglyoxal (0.025mM) per 72h. The influence of MGO on T98G and
      U87MG cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis was evaluated as well. Cell cycle
      phase distribution, proliferation, apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. MGO
      causes changes in cell cycle and induces accumulation of G1/G0-phase cells and
      reduced fraction of cells in S and G2/M phases. We have also observed inhibition
      of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. We have also
      revealed that MGO induces senescence of U87MG but not T98G cells, but further
      studies are necessary in order to clarify and check mechanism of action of
      methylglyoxal and it Is a positive phenomenon for the treatment of GBM. 

PMID- 27133063
TI  - Amelioratory effect of flavonoids rich Pergularia daemia extract against CFA
      induced arthritic rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pergularia daemia Forsk. (Asclepiadaceae) is a traditionally reported
      medicinal herb used to treat joint pain and arthritis. However, there are no
      scientific reports about anti-arthritic activity of P. daemia methanolic extract
      on rats as animal model. This study identifies bioactive compounds present in the
      P. daemia methanolic extract and evaluates its anti-arthritic potential in CFA
      induced arthritic rats. METHODS AND RESULTS: Phytoconstituents of P. daemia
      extract were examined using LC-ESI/MS method. Anti-arthritic activity of P.
      daemia extract was determined by various biochemical experiments (RF, ESR and
      CRP), ultrasonography and histological analysis. LC-ESI/MS analysis resulted in
      the identification of major flavonoids compounds such as formononetin, qurecetin,
      chrysoeriol, taxifolin and naringenin. Serum biomarker analysis, after the
      treatment with PDME (500mg/kg b.w.) revealed that the hemoglobin (11.84+/
      0.42g/dL) and RBC (8.38+/-0.67million/mm(3)) levels were significantly increased
      whereas WBC (8.91+/-0.38thousands/mm(3)), RF (17.94+/-0.45IU/mL), ESR (7.91+/
      0.12mm/h) and CRP (22.56+/-0.26mg/L) levels were decreased when compared with the
      CFA induced arthritic control group. Histology results revealed that treatment
      with PDME has resulted in significant prevention against bony destruction by
      decreasing soft tissue swelling and narrowing of joint spaces (250 and 500mg/kg
      b.w.). CONCLUSION: Anti-arthritic effect of P. daemia might be due to the
      presence of these bioactive flavonoids. These findings lend pharmacological
      support to the reported folkloric use of P. daemia in the treatment and
      management of painful, arthritic inflammatory conditions.

PMID- 27133064
TI  - Costunolide, an active sesquiterpene lactone, induced apoptosis via ROS-mediated
      ER stress and JNK pathway in human U2OS cells.
AB  - Costunolide, an active sesquiterpene lactone, is derived from many herbal
      medicines and it exhibits a broad spectrum of bioactivities such as anti
      inflammatory, potential anti-tumor activity. Herein we assessed the anti-cancer
      effects of costunolide on U2OS cells and explored the underlying molecular
      mechanisms. The experiment data show that Costunolide exhibited significant anti
      tumor activity by apoptosis related assays including Annexin V-FITC/PI flow
      cytometric analysis and 4,6-diamino-2-phenyl indole (DAPI) staining morphological
      analysis. Furthermore, we found Costunolide induced the loss of mitochondrial
      transmembrane potential, down-regulated Bcl-2/Bax ratio, encouraged Cyt-c release
      and caspase activation. All those effects are contributed by reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) generation and ER stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction which
      are also responsible for c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation. After the
      treatment of JNK inhibitor SP600125, it obviously reversed costunolide-induced
      apoptosis. Given N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) effectively blocked the activation of
      JNK. Taken together, our results demonstrate that costunolide induces apoptosis
      in human U2OS cells through ROS generation and p38 MAPK/JNK activation. 

PMID- 27133065
TI  - Liguzinediol protects against cardiac fibrosis in rats in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - Cardiac fibrosis plays a causal role in the development of heart failure, and
      anti-fibrotic therapy represents a promising strategy to mitigate heart failure.
      The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a new drug
      liguzinediol on cardiac fibrosis of heart failure Male Sprague-Dawley rats (SD)
      rats and the underlying mechanisms. Liguzinediol was administered to rats that
      were injected with doxorubicin (Dox) for four weeks. Two weeks later, its effects
      on cardiac fibrosis were assessed by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and
      Masson staining. The collagen content was determined by Elisa, and protein
      expression was detected by western blot in vitro and in vivo. Liguzinediol
      decreased cardiac muscle fiber break evidenced by HE staining and it
      significantly reduced cardiac fibrosis evidenced by Masson staining in DOX
      treated rats. In addition, the hydroxyproline level and the ratio of type I/III
      collagens were also significantly decreased, and western blot assays showed that
      liguzinediol regulated the balance between matrix matalloproteinases (MMPs) and
      tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) to protect cardiac remodeling in
      vivo and in vitro. These data collectively indicated that liguzinediol could
      protect against cardiac fibrosis in rats. Liguzinediol could be exploited to be a
      promising candidate for cardiac fibrosis. 

PMID- 27133066
TI  - MiR-194 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion via repression of RAP2B in
      bladder cancer.
AB  - Bladder cancer is the 7th most common cancer type in the world, and microRNAs
      (miRNAs) play important roles in cancer progression. In the present study, we
      investigated the roles and molecular mechanisms of miR-194 in bladder cancer. The
      results demonstrated that the expression level of miR-194 is significantly down
      regulated in bladder cancer cell lines and clinical tissues. Overexpression of
      miR-194 inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in J82 and T24 cells. Further
      mechanistic study showed that overexpression of miR1-94 induced G0/G1 phase
      arrest as well as apoptosis in J82 and T24 cells. In addition, by using
      bioinformatics tool (Targetscan), RAP2B is found to be a target of miR-194, and
      miR-194 down-regulates the expression level of RAP2B via directly targeting its
      3'UTR. Knockdown of RAP2B also inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in J28
      cells. More importantly, restoration of RAP2B activity rescued the inhibitory
      effects of miR-194 on cell proliferation and invasion in J82 cells. Further
      analysis of bladder cancer clinical samples showed that miR-194 is inversely
      correlated with RAP2B. Collectively, our study may implicate that miR-194 plays
      an important role in the regulation of bladder cancer progression. In summary,
      our study may implicate that miR-194 acts as a tumor suppressor and plays an
      important role in the regulation of bladder cancer progression. 

PMID- 27133067
TI  - An experimental evaluation of the anti-atherogenic potential of the plant, Piper
      betle, and its active constitutent, eugenol, in rats fed an atherogenic diet.
AB  - Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for systemic atherosclerosis and
      subsequent cardiovascular disease. Lipoperoxidation-mediated oxidative damage is
      believed to contribute strongly to the progression of atherogenesis. In the
      current investigation, putative anti-atherogenic and antioxidative properties of
      an ethanolic extract of Piper betle and of its active constituent, eugenol, were
      sought in an experimental animal model of chronic hypercholesterolemia.
      Atherogenic diet-fed rats that received either Piper betle extract orally
      (500mg/kg b.wt) or eugenol orally (5mg/kg b.wt) for 15days (commencing 30days
      after the atherogenic diet had been started) exhibited the following variations
      in different parameters, when compared to atherogenic diet-fed rats that received
      only saline: (1) significantly lower mean levels of total cholesterol,
      triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low density
      lipoprotein cholesterol in both serum and hepatic tissue samples; (2) lower mean
      serum levels of aspartate amino-transferase, alanine amino-transferase, alkaline
      phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and lipid-metabolizing enzymes (lipoprotein
      lipase, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase; (3) significantly lower mean
      levels of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione
      peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced
      glutathione, vitamin C and vitamin E) and significantly higher mean levels of
      malondialdehyde in haemolysate and hepatic tissue samples. Histopathological
      findings suggested a protective effect of the Piper betle extract and a more
      pronounced protective effect of eugenol on the hepatic and aortic tissues of
      atherogenic diet-fed (presumed atherosclerotic) rats. These results strongly
      suggest that the Piper betle extract and its active constituent, eugenol, exhibit
      anti-atherogenic effects which may be due to their anti-oxidative properties. 

PMID- 27133068
TI  - CD147 stimulates hepatoma cells escaping from immune surveillance of T cells by
      interaction with Cyclophilin A.
AB  - T cells play an important role in tumor immune surveillance. CD147 is a member of
      immunoglobulin superfamily present on the surface of many tumor cells and
      mediates malignant cell behaviors. Cyclophilin A (CypA) is an intracellular
      protein promoting inflammation when released from cells. CypA is a natural ligand
      for CD147. In this study, CD147 specific short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) were
      transfected into murine hepatocellular carcinoma Hepa1-6 cells to assess the
      effects of CD147 on hepatoma cells escaping from immune surveillance of T cells.
      We found extracellular CypA stimulated cell proliferation through CD147 by
      activating ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Downregulation of CD147 expression on Hepa1
      6 cells significantly suppressed tumor progression in vivo, and decreased cell
      viability when co-cultured with T cells in vitro. Importantly, knockdown of CD147
      on Hepa1-6 cells resulted in significantly increased T cells chemotaxis induced
      by CypA both in vivo and in vitro. These findings provide novel mechanisms how
      tumor cells escaping from immune surveillance of T cells. We provide a potential
      therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting CD147 or CD147-CypA
      interactions. 

PMID- 27133069
TI  - Biological activities of skin and parotoid gland secretions of bufonid toads
      (Bufo bufo, Bufo verrucosissimus and Bufotes variabilis) from Turkey.
AB  - Toad glandular secretions and skin extractions contain numerous natural agents
      which may provide unique resources for novel drug development. Especially the
      skin-parotoid gland secretions of toads from genus Bufo contain as many as 86
      different types of active compounds, each with the potential of becoming a potent
      drug. In the present study, crude skin-parotoid gland secretions from Bufo bufo,
      Bufo verrucosissimus and Bufotes variabilis from Turkey were screened against
      various cancer cells together with normal cells using MTT assay. Furthermore, the
      antimicrobial properties of skin secretions were tested on selected bacterial and
      fungal species for assessing the possible medical applications. Antimicrobial
      activity of skin secretions was studied by determining minimal inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) in broth dilution method. Hemolytic activity of each skin
      secretion was also estimated for evaluating pharmaceutical potential. Both skin
      parotoid gland secretions showed high cytotoxic effect on all cancerous and non
      cancerous cell lines with IC50 values varying between <0.1MUg/ml and 6.02MUg/ml.
      MIC results of antimicrobial activity tests were found to be between 3.9MUg/ml
      and 250MUg/ml. No hemolytic activities on rabbit red blood cells at
      concentrations between 0.5MUg/ml and 50MUg/ml were observed. In conclusion, skin
      parotoid secretions of bufonid toads might be remarkable candidates for anti
      cancer and antimicrobial agents without hemolytic activities. 

PMID- 27133070
TI  - MicroR-760 suppresses cancer stem cell subpopulation and breast cancer cell
      proliferation and metastasis: By down-regulating NANOG.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Emerging evidences suggest that cancer stem cells are
      responsible for tumor aggressive, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. To data,
      the mechanism underlying breast cancer stem cell (BCSC) population within tumor
      metastasis remains to be fully elucidated. The current study was to investigate
      the potential role of microRNA-760 (miR-760) and its associated target gene in
      population and metastasis of BCSC. METHODS: Characteristic BCSCs surface markers
      (CD44(+)/CD24(-/low)) were determined by flow cytometry in breast cancer MCF-7
      and BT-549 cells. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to evaluate miR-760 and NANOG mRNA
      expression. Expression of NANOG protein was determined using western blot. Cell
      proliferation was determined by MTT assay. The model of breast cancer cell
      xenograft was used to evaluate the effect of miR-760 on tumor growth. RESULTS: BT
      549 cell has substantially more CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) subpopulation than MCF-7
      cell. Moreover, BT-549 cell expressed lower level of miR-760 and higher level of
      NANOG than MCF-7cell. By result from cellular miR-760 modulation, we found that
      miR-760 overexpression suppressed CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) population as well as
      inhibited cell proliferation and migration of BT-549. On the contrary, knockdown
      of miR-760 promoted CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) population and migration of MCF-7 cells.
      By luciferase reporter assay, miR-760 was proved to be functional associated with
      NANOG via regulating its expression. This functional interaction was showed to be
      involved in controlling proliferation and migration of MCF-7 and BT-549 cell.
      CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the target of miR-760/NANOG axis may
      represent a new therapeutic approach to suppress breast cancer stem cell
      subpopulation thereby prevent cancer metastasis.

PMID- 27133071
TI  - The effects of Micro-429 on inhibition of cervical cancer cells through targeting
      ZEB1 and CRKL.
AB  - MicroRNA-429 (miR-429) has been suggested to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT), mainly due to targeting of ZEB1 and ZEB2, which are repressors
      of the cell to cell contact protein, E-cadherin. In this study, we indicated that
      regulation of miR-429 in cervical cancer cells modulates cell migration,
      elongation, as well as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)-induced stress
      fiber formation through regulating the cytoskeleton reorganization which is
      likely independent of the zinc finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB)/E-cadherin
      axis. ZEB1 and Crk-like adapter protein (CRKL), as novel targets of miR-429 and
      direct regulators of the actin cytoskeleton were identified. Remarkably,
      expression levels of ZEB1 and CRKL were inversely associated with the level of
      miR-429 in cervical cancer cell lines. In addition, individual knockdown and over
      expression of these targeting genes phenocopied the roles of miR-429 over
      expression and inhibition on cell elongation, migration, stress fiber formation,
      and invasion. Targeting of ZEB1 by miR-429 led to a decreased expression and
      transcriptional activity of CRB3, regulated by interference with the
      translocation of the CRB3. This finally led to decreasing of the expression of
      Crumbs 3 (CRB3), which is needed for the formation of stress fiber and
      contractility. Therefore, miR-429 affects cervical cancer by modulating some EMT
      related processes. And in this study, evidences were provided to support a role
      for miR-429 as a novel target suppressing invasion and migration of human
      cervical cancer cells through modulation of its targeting genes ZEB1 and CRKL.
      Taken together, our data indicate that miR-429 plays a pivotal role in cervical
      cancer progression, which is a potential therapeutic target for patients. 

PMID- 27133072
TI  - Anticoagulant properties and cytotoxic effect against HCT116 human colon cell
      line of sulfated glycosaminoglycans isolated from the Norway lobster (Nephrops
      norvegicus) shell.
AB  - Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (SGNL) were extracted for the first time from Norway
      lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) shell. The monosaccharide composition analysed by
      GC/MS revealed the presence of galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid, N
      acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine. The analysis of SGNL with acetate
      cellulose electrophoresis in Zn-acetate revealed the presence of heparan sulfate
      (HS) and dermatan sulfate (DS). SGNL were evaluated for their anticoagulant
      activities using activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), thrombin time (TT)
      and prothrombine time (PT) tests. After 21h incubation, HCT116 cell proliferation
      was inhibited (p<0.05) between 39.7 and 54.8% at 1.5-7.5mg/mL of SGNL. SGNL don't
      show hemolytic activity towards bovine erythrocytes and no cytotoxicity against
      the normal lymphocytes. The antiproliferative efficacy of these lobster
      glycosaminoglycans were probably related with the higher sulfate content. SGNL
      demonstrated promising antiproliferative and anticoagulant potential, which may
      be used as a novel, effective and promising antithrombotic agent. 

PMID- 27133073
TI  - MiR-128 and miR-125 regulate expression of coagulation Factor IX gene with
      nonsense mutation by repressing nonsense-mediated mRNA decay.
AB  - Hemophilia could be caused by a nonsense mutation of the Factor IX gene, leading
      to a deficiency of Factor IX (F9). The nonsense mutation frequency of F9 is more
      than 10% according to the database. Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a
      defined cellular response that can potentially prevent the production of such
      deleterious C-terminal truncated proteins from aberrant mRNA. Here, we
      constructed a mini-gene of Factor IX (Mini-hF9) and some nonsense mutants and
      characterized the mini-gene splicing pattern. We discovered that NMD regulated
      mini-hF9 expression in two nonsense mutants: E7a (nt 34 G>T in exon 7) and E7b
      (nt 52 G>T in exon 7), but not in another nonsense mutants: E7c (nt 85 G>T in
      exon 7) and E8 (nt 42 C>T in exon 8). In addition, mini-hF9 transcripts were
      accumulated after transfection with miR-128 or miR-125 mimics in E7a and E7b. Our
      results suggest that PTC (premature termination codon) location is a key
      determination for triggering NMD; miR-128 and miR-125 could help to increase the
      nonsense-mutant F9 levels by repressing NMD. 

PMID- 27133074
TI  - Betulinic acid inhibits cell proliferation and fibronectin accumulation in rat
      glomerular mesangial cells cultured under high glucose condition.
AB  - Glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM)
      accumulation have been recognized as major pathogenic events in the progression
      of diabetic nephropathy. Betulinic acid (BA), (3beta-hydroxy-lup-20(29)-en-28-oic
      acid), is a naturally occurring pentacyclic lupane group triterpenoid, and it has
      been shown to possess glucose-lowering property. However, the role of BA on MC
      proliferation and ECM accumulation in diabetic condition remains unclear. So, in
      the present study, we investigated the role of BA on cell proliferation and ECM
      accumulation in rat glomerular MCs cultured under high glucose (HG) condition. In
      the current study, we demonstrated that BA suppressed HG-induced MC
      proliferation, arrested HG-induced cell-cycle progression, reversed HG-inhibited
      expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1) and p27(Kip1). It also suppressed HG-induced
      fibronectin (FN) expression in MCs. Furthermore, BA inhibited HG-induced
      phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38MAPK in MCs. In conclusion, our present study
      demonstrated that BA inhibited HG-induced cell proliferation and FN expression in
      MCs via inhibiting ERK1/2 and p38MAPK pathways. Thus, BA may serve as a potential
      drug for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. 

PMID- 27133075
TI  - Isoquercetin ameliorates tunicamycin-induced apoptosis in rat dorsal root
      ganglion neurons via suppressing ROS-dependent endoplasmic reticulum stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies showed that Isoquercetin (Iso), a novel extracts of
      plants and fruits could protect neuronal cells from neurotoxicity and neuro
      inflammation. However, its role in acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) have not been
      elucidated. In the present study, we investigated whether Iso could prevent
      Tunicamycin (TUN)-induced rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from apoptosis
      and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. METHODS: DRG neurons were pre-treated with
      different doses of Iso for 24h (h) and then were stimulated with TUN (0.75MUg/ml)
      for 24h. The cytotoxic effects and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay and TUNEL
      staining. The protein and mRNA expression levels were detected by Real Time PCR
      and Western blot, respectively. The localization of cleaved caspase-12 was
      evaluated by immunofluorescent staining and Western blot. The activation of
      caspase were measured by colorimetric assays and Western blot. Lactate
      Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) leakage were detected by the LDH or
      MDA Detection Kit PLUS. RESULTS: Iso protected TUN-associated DRG neurons from
      being damaged by cytotoxicity and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Increased
      LDH and MDA leakage and proportion of TUNEL-positive cells, activation of caspase
      3 and -9, increased Bcl-2 Assaciated X protein (Bax)/B cell lymphoma/lewkmia-2
      (Bcl-2) ratio and mRNA levels of p53 Upregulated Modulator Of Apoptosis (PUMA)
      and DP5, and mitochondrial Cytochrome c release. Additionally, Iso down-regulated
      mRNA levels of ER stress genes, such as glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78),
      GRP94, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and cleaved caspase-12 in TUN-induced DRG
      neurons. Moreover, Iso blocked the activation of three key branches of unfolded
      protein response in DRG neurons, including phosphorylation of pancreatic ER
      stress kinase (PERK), eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2alpha), inositol
      requiring enzyme 1alpha (IRE1alpha), and transcription factor 6 (ATF6).
      CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, Iso prevented TUN-induced DRG neurons apoptosis by
      inhibiting mitochondrial and ER stress-associated apoptotic signaling cascades,
      suggesting that Iso possessed neuro-protective ability which could be beneficial
      in the prevention of ASCI.

PMID- 27133076
TI  - Virtual screening based on pharmacophore model followed by docking simulation
      studies in search of potential inhibitors for p38 map kinase.
AB  - P38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitors are closely involved in the
      production of inflammatory cytokines. These compounds are considered promising
      therapeutic agents for chronic inflammatory disorders. In this study, a ligand
      based pharmacophore model of p38 map kinase inhibitors was developed. The best
      five features pharmacophore model includes two hydrogen bond acceptors, two
      hydrophobic and an aromatic hydrophobic features, which has the highest
      correlation coefficient (0.822), cost difference (134.158), low root mean square
      (RMS) of error (1.315). As well as the developed model shows a high goodness of
      fit and enrichment factor. The pharmacophore hypothesis has been validated by
      using a series of similar structures with varying affinities for the p38 map
      kinase. It also has been employed as a search query in different database
      searching with the ultimate goal of finding novel compounds which have the
      possibility to be modified into novel lead molecules. As a result, some hit
      compounds were introduced as final candidates by employing virtual screening and
      molecular docking procedure simultaneously. The results from pharmacophore
      modeling and molecular docking are complementary to each other and could serve as
      a useful approach for the discovery of potent small molecules as p38 map kinase
      inhibitors. 

PMID- 27133077
TI  - miR-125b inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and promotes keratinocyte apoptosis
      in oral lichen planus by targeting MMP-2 expression through PI3K/Akt/mTOR
      pathway.
AB  - Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucosal disease that involves
      the degeneration of keratinocytes. However, the etiology and mechanisms of OLP
      pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used keratinocytes
      HaCaT stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic a local OLP immune
      environment, and investigated the regulatory role of miR-125b in keratinocyte
      proliferation and apoptosis under OLP conditions. Immunohistochemical analysis
      and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay showed that MMP-2 expression was
      up-regulated and miR-125b expression was down-regulated in both OLP mucosa
      tissues and LPS-incubated HaCaT cells. Western blot analysis indicated that miR
      125b overexpression suppressed LPS-induced MMP-2 expression in HaCaT cells.
      Molecularly, our results confirmed that MMP-2 is a target gene of miR-125b in
      HaCaT cells. The effect of miR-125b on cell proliferation was revealed by CCK-8
      assay, BrdU assay and cell cycle analysis, which illustrated that miR-125b
      overexpression impeded LPS-induced HaCaT cell proliferation. Flow cytometry
      analysis further demonstrated that miR-125b overexpression promoted HaCaT cell
      apoptosis. Moreover, these effects were involved in PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation, as
      miR-125b overexpression inhibited LPS-enhanced expression of p-Akt and p-mTOR
      proteins. Taken together, these data confirm that miR-125b might inhibit
      keratinocyte proliferation and promote keratinocyte apoptosis in OLP pathogenesis
      by targeting MMP-2 through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. 

PMID- 27133078
TI  - MiR-125a regulates ovarian cancer proliferation and invasion by repressing
      GALNT14 expression.
AB  - Increasing evidence has suggested that dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) could
      contribute to tumor progression. The miR-125a was downregulated in several types
      of cancer, however, the molecular mechanism of miR-125a in the ovarian cancer
      remains unclear. The aim of the paper was to reveal the mechanism of miR-125a
      regulating cell proliferation and metastasis in ovarian cancer. In this study,
      western blotting, immunohistochemistry and serum-ELISA assay revealed that
      polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase 14 (GALNT14) expression was
      upregulated and correlated with the cancer stage in ovarian cancer. The
      expression levels of miR-125a were downregulated and negatively related to
      GALNT14 expression in clinical ovarian cancer tissues. Moreover, luciferase
      reporter assay identified polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase 14
      (GALNT14) as a direct target of miR-125a, and overexpression of miR-125a markedly
      reduced the expression of GALNT14 in ovarian cancer. Functional characterization
      of miR-125a was accomplished by reconstitution of miR-125a and silencing GALNT14
      expression in ovarian cancer cells to determine changes in proliferation and
      invasion. The MTT assay and transwell assay revealed that miR-125a transfectant
      significantly inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, by repressing GALNT14
      expression. Furthermore, the gelatin zymography assay miR-125a mimics and GALNT14
      siRNA suppressed the activity of MMP2 and MMP9. Taken together, our findings show
      that miR-125a functions as tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer by targeting
      GALNT14, and miR-125a may therefore serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and
      therapeutics in ovarian cancer. 

PMID- 27133079
TI  - Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of derivative (E)-N-(4-bromophenyl)-2
      (thiophen-2-ylmethylene)-thiosemicarbazone.
AB  - The present study aimed to further investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of
      (E)-N-(4-bromophenyl)-2-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)-thiosemicarbazone (BTTSC) as
      well as its antinociceptive effects. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed
      using the model of ear edema induced by croton oil-induced and also evaluated in
      models of paw edema carrageenan-induced and by compound 48/80. Evaluation of the
      antinociceptive effect was performed through formalin test. In the nociception
      test induced by formalin the BTTSC showed activity in both phases of the pain,
      highlighting inflammatory pain, where it was able to reduce the time to paw lick
      62.3, 84.30 and 100% at doses of 30, 100 and 300mgkg(-1). The anti-inflammatory
      activity was performed ear edema induced by croton oil, where none of the doses
      tested was capable of significantly regress edema. The paw edema carrageenan
      induced showed activity compound, where the edema was reduced by 81.9 and 83.2%
      in the first two times of the experiment at the highest dose used. The paw edema
      assay induced by compound 48/80, showed that BTTSC after 15min of the inoculum
      phlogistic agent showed significant reduction of edema with values of 56.53% at a
      dose of 30mgkg(-1). Our results suggesting this compound exerts its
      antinociception effects connected with peripheral mechanisms. Furthermore, the
      compound was able to act in two phases of inflammation carrageenan-induced,
      highlighting the initial phase. This suggests an action on the early mediators of
      inflammation. The paw edema assay induced by compound 48/80 confirmed our
      hypothesis indicating action of the compound via histamine. 

PMID- 27133080
TI  - The mechanism between epithelial mesenchymal transition in breast cancer and
      hypoxia microenvironment.
AB  - Hypoxia microenvironment widely exists in solid tumor tissues, which is mainly
      due to the rapid growth of cells within the tumor more than the speed of
      capillary in neoplasm, resulting in tumor tissue hypoxia. In hypoxia, hypoxia
      inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is activated and regulate the expression of a series
      of hypoxia inducible genes, resulting in a series of hypoxia adaptation reaction.
      Researchs proved that, HIF-1 is closely related to the invasion, metastasis,
      prognosis of the tumor, and the expression of HIF-1 is higher in metastatic
      tissues compared with primary cancer tissues. In the evolution process of breast
      cancer, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) define the characteristics of
      migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, which can also allow cancer cells
      to acquire the ability of self-renewing and stemness, so as to promote the
      generation of breast cancer stem cells. The incidence of EMT cancer stem cells
      are higher within the resistant to conventional treatment. This review focuses on
      breast cancer (stem cells), targeting the mechanism between hypoxia and EMT in
      tumor (stem cells), with the purpose of finding the new therapy to breast cancer.

PMID- 27133081
TI  - Clinical Studies Using Biological and Synthetic Materials for Meniscus
      Replacement.
AB  - Meniscal injury is a common problem among sportsmen and increasingly seen in the
      older and more active population. The traditional treatment options include a
      partial meniscectomy, which provides good mechanical and pain relief to the
      patient. However, the focus of treatment is shifting towards repairing meniscal
      tears where possible and replacement of the lost meniscal tissue where
      appropriate. Replacement can be total or partial. Total meniscal replacement
      using an allograft, is usually reserved for young patients, who meet certain
      criteria and who have undergone several subtotal meniscectomies or a single stage
      total meniscectomy and are still symptomatic. Partial meniscal replacement can be
      utilized in conjunction with a partial meniscectomy to fill the resulting space
      left by the resection. Collagen based implants and synthetic scaffolds have
      entered the European market but have demonstrated mixed results in clinical
      trials. Tissue engineering to create an implant that mimics the biomechanical
      properties holds much potential for future research.

PMID- 27133082
TI  - The Effect of Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha on Periodontal Ligament Stem Cell
      Differentiation and the Related Signaling Pathways.
AB  - Periodontal regeneration plays an integral role in the treatment of periodontal
      diseases, with important clinical significance for the preservation and
      functional recovery of affected teeth. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs),
      which were found in the periodontal ligament tissues possessing properties of
      pluripotency and self-renewing, could repair damaged periodontium with great
      promise. However, in a chronic inflammatory micro-environment, these cells
      suffered from reduced capacity to differentiate and regenerate. There has been a
      growing appreciation that tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in periodontal
      tissues drives cellular responses to chronic periodontitis. Several new advances,
      including an increased understanding of the mechanism of interaction between TNF
      alpha and PDLSCs provides insight into inflamed cell regeneration, which in turn
      reveal strategies to improve the effectiveness of therapy. Here we gave a
      comprehensive review on the role of TNF-alpha in chronic periodontitis, its
      effect on PDLSCs differentiation and periodontal regeneration, related signaling
      pathways and concluded with future perspectives of research on PDLSCs-based
      periodontal tissue regeneration. 

PMID- 27133083
TI  - The Effects of Ageing on Differentiation and Characterisation of Human
      Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are unique in their ability to self
      renew and differentiate into one of many lineage possibilities. It is therefore
      integral to preserve these qualities to prevent the far reaching effects of a
      defective stem cell. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are precursors for and
      can differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes and chondrocytes. They were
      originally found in the bone marrow, but have also been located in the umbilical
      cord, adipose tissue and muscle. Few studies have been conducted into the in vivo
      effects of age on these cells. This contribution reviews current knowledge
      surrounding the effects of age on the characteriation and differentiation of
      human mesenchymal stem cells. METHOD: 471 articles were found using a combination
      of Online published articles from January 1983 to January 2016 were searched
      using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Science
      Direct databases. There were no existing systematic reviews on this research
      topic. RESULTS: Nine studies were identified that met the predefined selection
      criteria. Three studies were used to assess the effects of ageing on
      characterisation of hMSC with no conclusive results. The cumulative results of
      these studies show that the effect of ageing on characterisation of hMSC remains
      inconclusive. Seven studies were used to assess the differentiation potentials of
      hMSC showing that age either decreased or altered lineage preference in hMSC
      differentiation. CONCLUSION: There is indication that ageing affects hMSC
      characterisation and differentiation, however it is not conclusive. There are not
      enough high quality controlled clinical trials to make reliable conclusions.

PMID- 27133084
TI  - The Role of 3D Modelling and Printing in Orthopaedic Tissue Engineering: A Review
      of the Current Literature.
AB  - Orthopaedic surgery lends itself well to advances in technology. An area of
      interest and ongoing research is that of the production of scaffolds for use in
      trauma and elective surgery. 3D printing provides unprecedented accuracy in terms
      of micro- and macro-structure and geometry for scaffold production. It can also
      be utilised to construct scaffolds of a variety of different materials and more
      recently has allowed for the construction of bio-implants which recapitulate bone
      and cartilage tissue. This review seeks to look at the various methods of 3DP,
      the materials used, elements of functionality and design, as well as
      modifications to increase the biomechanics and bioactivity of 3DP scaffolds.

PMID- 27133085
TI  - Cell Surface Markers on Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the discovery and isolation of a mesenchymal stem cell
      population from within the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue,
      there has been a concerted effort to discover the characteristics of these cells.
      Particular attention has been paid to their morphology, selfrenewal capacity,
      multi-lineage differentiation capabilities and, as is of greatest interest in
      this instance, their cell surface profile. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study
      is to analyze and summarize the available literature that pertains to the cell
      surface characterization of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). The identification
      of a common set of positive and negative cell surface markers would allow for a
      much more consistent and reliable method of identifying this stem cell population
      both in vitro and in vivo. SEARCH METHODS: The keywords "adipose-derived stem
      cells; stromal cells; surface markers" were searched in the following electronic
      databases: Medline, PubMed, ZETOC, Web of Knowledge, AMED, EMBASE, Ovid in
      process & other non-indexed citations and PsychINFO. RESULTS: The most commonly
      reported positive markers were found to be CD90, CD44, CD29, CD105, CD13, CD34,
      CD73, CD166, CD10, CD49e and CD59, while the most commonly found negative markers
      were CD31, CD45, CD14, CD11b, CD34, CD19, CD56 and CD146. In addition, a number
      of other markers appeared in the literature including HLA-ABC, HLA-DR, SH2, SH3,
      STRO-1, VEGF2, vWF, ABCG2, SSEA-1 (CD15), PDGFR, alpha- SMA, c-Kit (CD117), OCT4+
      and CCR5X (CD195). CONCLUSION: A minimum panel of positive and negative markers
      for identifying ASCs can be recommended. The following markers should be
      positive: CD90, CD44, CD29, CD105, CD13, CD34, CD73, CD166, CD10, CD49e and CD59.
      The following markers should be negative: CD31, CD45, CD14, CD11b, CD19, CD56 and
      CD146. In addition to this, the positive expression of HLA- ABC and STRO- 1
      should be seen along with the negative expression on HLA-DR. This review,
      however, has also found that there are a number of disagreements over the
      expression and existence of various markers, namely CD31, CD34, c- Kit (CD117)
      and STRO-1.

PMID- 27133086
TI  - Underlying Mechanism of Trigeminal Neuralgia: Central? Peripheral? Or Both?

PMID- 27133087
TI  - Perioperative Outcomes, Health Care Costs, and Survival After Robotic-assisted
      Versus Open Radical Cystectomy: A National Comparative Effectiveness Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy is the gold-standard management for muscle
      invasive bladder cancer, and there is debate concerning the comparative
      effectiveness of robotic-assisted (RARC) versus open radical cystectomy (ORC).
      OBJECTIVE: To compare utilization, perioperative, cost, and survival outcomes of
      RARC versus ORC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We identified bladder
      urothelial carcinoma treated with RARC (n=439) or ORC (n=7308) during 2002-2012
      using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program-Medicare linked
      data. INTERVENTION: Comparison of RARC versus ORC. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We used propensity score matching to compare perioperative
      and survival outcomes, including lymph node yield, perioperative complications,
      and healthcare costs. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Utilization of RARC increased from
      0.7% of radical cystectomies in 2002 to 18.5% in 2012 (p<0.001). Women comprised
      13.9% versus 18.1% (p=0.007) of RARC versus ORC, respectively. RARC was
      associated with greater lymph node yield with 41.5% versus 34.9% having >=10
      lymph nodes removed (relative risk 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.22,
      p=0.03) and shorter mean length of hospitalization at 10.1 (+/- standard
      deviation 7.1) d versus 11.2 (+/- 8.6) d (p=0.004). While inpatient costs were
      similar, RARC was associated with increased home healthcare utilization (relative
      risk 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.26, p=0.009) and higher 30-d (p<0.01) and 90-d (p<0.01)
      costs. With a median follow-up of 44 mo (interquartile range 16-78), overall
      survival (hazard ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.74-1.05) and cancer-specific survival
      (hazard ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.66-1.26) were similar. CONCLUSIONS: RARC provides
      equivalent perioperative and intermediate term outcomes to ORC. Additional long
      term and randomized studies are needed for continued comparative effectiveness
      assessment of RARC versus ORC. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our population-based US study
      demonstrates that robotic-assisted radical cystectomy has similar perioperative
      and survival outcomes albeit at higher costs.

PMID- 27133088
TI  - Reaction Mechanisms of Metals with Hydrogen Sulfide and Thiols in Model Wine.
      Part 2: Iron- and Copper-Catalyzed Oxidation.
AB  - Sulfidic off-odors arising during wine production are frequently removed by
      Cu(II) fining. In part 1 of this study ( 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b00641 ), the reaction
      of H2S and thiols with Cu(II) was examined; however, the interaction of iron and
      copper is also known to play an important synergistic role in mediating non
      enzymatic wine oxidation. The interaction of these two metals in the oxidation of
      H2S and thiols (cysteine, 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol, and 6-sulfanylhexan-1-ol) was
      therefore examined under wine-like conditions. H2S and thiols (300 MUM) were
      reacted with Fe(III) (100 or 200 MUM) alone and in combination with Cu(II) (25 or
      50 MUM), and concentrations of H2S and thiols, oxygen, and acetaldehyde were
      monitored over time. H2S and thiols were shown to be slowly oxidized in the
      presence of Fe(III) alone and were not bound to Fe(III) under model wine
      conditions. However, Cu(II) added to model wine containing Fe(III) was quickly
      reduced by H2S and thiols to form Cu(I) complexes, which then rapidly reduced
      Fe(III) to Fe(II). Oxidation of Fe(II) in the presence of oxygen regenerated
      Fe(III) and completed the iron redox cycle. In addition, sulfur-derived oxidation
      products were observed, and the formation of organic polysulfanes was
      demonstrated. 

PMID- 27133089
TI  - Closing the Gate with High-Frequency Spinal Cord Stimulation.

PMID- 27133090
TI  - Coronary Artery Disease and Occurrence of Intracranial Aneurysms.

PMID- 27133091
TI  - June 2016 Editor-in-Chief Letter.

PMID- 27133092
TI  - War on Glioblastoma Multiforme: 2-Pronged Siege on Glutamine.

PMID- 27133093
TI  - Modified Antiplatelet Regimen Trial for Elective Coil Embolization for Unruptured
      Intracranial Aneurysms.

PMID- 27133094
TI  - Molecular cloning and functional analysis of duck ubiquitin-specific protease 18
      (USP18) gene.
AB  - In mammals, ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) is an interferon (IFN)
      inducible gene and is a negative regulator of Toll-like receptor-mediated nuclear
      factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activation. The role of USP18 in ducks (duUSP18)
      remains poorly understood. In the present study, we cloned and characterized the
      full-length coding sequence of duUSP18 from duck embryo fibroblasts (DEFs). In
      healthy ducks, duUSP18 transcripts were broadly expressed in different tissues,
      with higher expression levels in the spleen, lung and kidney. Quantitative real
      time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that duUSP18 could be induced by treatment
      with Poly(I:C) or LPS. Overexpression of duUSP18 inhibited NF-kappaB and IFN-beta
      expression. Furthermore, deletion mutant analysis revealed that the duUSP18
      region between aa 75 and 304 was essential for inhibiting NF-kappaB. In addition,
      overexpression of duUSP18 also suppressed the secretion of NF-kappaB-dependent
      proinflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these results suggest that duUSP18
      regulates duck innate immune responses.

PMID- 27133095
TI  - Changes in Food-Specific IgE Over Time in the National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey (NHANES).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food allergy prevalence appears to have recently risen, with larger
      increases among non-Hispanic blacks. However, it is unclear whether these trends
      represent shifts in recognition of food allergy or in sensitization. OBJECTIVE:
      The objective of this study was to determine whether sensitization to common food
      allergens increased in US children from 1988-1994 to 2005-2006 and whether these
      trends differed by race and/or ethnicity. METHODS: Food-specific immunoglobulin E
      (IgE; to peanut, milk, egg, and shrimp) was measured by ImmunoCAP in stored sera
      from subjects aged 6-19 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      (NHANES) III (1988-1994) and was compared with NHANES 2005-2006. Sensitization to
      foods was defined as overall (IgE >= 0.35 kU/L), moderate level (IgE >= 2 kU/L),
      and high level (IgE >= commonly used 95% predictive values). Sensitization to
      individual and combined foods was compared between surveys, with analyses further
      stratified by race and/or ethnicity. RESULTS: A total of 7896 subjects (NHANES
      III: n = 4995, NHANES 2005-2006: n = 2901) were included. In NHANES III, the
      prevalence of food sensitization was 24.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.1
      26.5) compared with 21.6% (95% CI: 19.5-23.7) in NHANES 2005-2006. There were no
      significant changes in the prevalence of any level of milk, egg, or peanut
      sensitization, but shrimp sensitization at all levels decreased markedly; overall
      sensitization NHANES III: 11.2% (95% CI: 10.0-12.5) versus NHANES 2005-2006: 6.1%
      (95% CI: 4.5-7.7). There was a trend toward the increased prevalence of moderate-
      and high-level sensitization to the combination of milk, egg, and peanut among
      non-Hispanic blacks but not other groups. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to our
      expectations, sensitization to common food allergens did not increase between the
      late 1980s/early 1990s and the mid-2000s among US 6-19 year olds, and in fact
      decreased to shrimp.

PMID- 27133126
TI  - Optimization of a method for preparing solid complexes of essential clove oil
      with beta-cyclodextrins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clove oil (CO) is an aromatic oily liquid used in the food, cosmetics
      and pharmaceutical industries for its functional properties. However, its
      disadvantages of pungent taste, volatility, light sensitivity and poor water
      solubility can be solved by applying microencapsulation or complexation
      techniques. RESULTS: Essential CO was successfully solubilized in aqueous
      solution by forming inclusion complexes with beta-cyclodextrins (beta-CDs).
      Moreover, phase solubility studies demonstrated that essential CO also forms
      insoluble complexes with beta-CDs. Based on these results, essential CO-beta-CD
      solid complexes were prepared by the novel approach of microwave irradiation
      (MWI), followed by three different drying methods: vacuum oven drying (VO),
      freeze-drying (FD) or spray-drying (SD). FD was the best option for drying the CO
      beta-CD solid complexes, followed by VO and SD. CONCLUSION: MWI can be used
      efficiently to prepare essential CO-beta-CD complexes with good yield on an
      industrial scale. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27133096
TI  - Identification of a Chlamydomonas plastidial 2-lysophosphatidic acid
      acyltransferase and its use to engineer microalgae with increased oil content.
AB  - Despite a strong interest in microalgal oil production, our understanding of the
      biosynthetic pathways that produce algal lipids and the genes involved in the
      biosynthetic processes remains incomplete. Here, we report that Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii Cre09.g398289 encodes a plastid-targeted 2-lysophosphatidic acid
      acyltransferase (CrLPAAT1) that acylates the sn-2 position of a 2
      lysophosphatidic acid to form phosphatidic acid, the first common precursor of
      membrane and storage lipids. In vitro enzyme assays showed that CrLPAAT1 prefers
      16:0-CoA to 18:1-CoA as an acyl donor. Fluorescent protein-tagged CrLPAAT1 was
      localized to the plastid membrane in C. reinhardtii cells. Furthermore,
      expression of CrLPAAT1 in plastids led to a > 20% increase in oil content under
      nitrogen-deficient conditions. Taken together, these results demonstrate that
      CrLPAAT1 is an authentic plastid-targeted LPAAT in C. reinhardtii, and that it
      may be used as a molecular tool to genetically increase oil content in
      microalgae.

PMID- 27133127
TI  - Optimising the benefits of community health workers' unique position between
      communities and the health sector: A comparative analysis of factors shaping
      relationships in four countries.
AB  - Community health workers (CHWs) have a unique position between communities and
      the health sector. The strength of CHWs' relationships with both sides influences
      their motivation and performance. This qualitative comparative study aimed at
      understanding similarities and differences in how relationships between CHWs,
      communities and the health sector were shaped in different Sub-Saharan African
      settings. The study demonstrates a complex interplay of influences on trust and
      CHWs' relationships with their communities and actors in the health sector.
      Mechanisms influencing relationships were feelings of (dis)connectedness,
      (un)familiarity and serving the same goals, and perceptions of received support,
      respect, competence, honesty, fairness and recognition. Sometimes, constrained
      relationships between CHWs and the health sector resulted in weaker relationships
      between CHWs and communities. The broader context (such as the socio-economic
      situation) and programme context (related to, for example, task-shifting,
      volunteering and supervision) in which these mechanisms took place were
      identified. Policy-makers and programme managers should take into account the
      broader context and could adjust CHW programmes so that they trigger mechanisms
      that generate trusting relationships between CHWs, communities and other actors
      in the health system. This can contribute to enabling CHWs to perform well and
      responding to the opportunities offered by their unique intermediary position.

PMID- 27133128
TI  - Verification of the radiometric map of the Czech Republic.
AB  - The radiometric map of the Czech Republic is based on uniform regional airborne
      radiometric total count measurements (1957-1959) which covered 100% of the
      country. The airborne radiometric instrument was calibrated to a 226Ra point
      source. The calibration facility for field gamma-ray spectrometers, established
      in the Czech Republic in 1975, significantly contributed to the subsequent
      radiometric data standardization. In the 1990's, the original analogue airborne
      radiometric data were digitized and using the method of back-calibration (IAEA,
      2003) converted to dose rate. The map of terrestrial gamma radiation expressed in
      dose rate (nGy/h) was published on the scale 1:500,000 in 1995. Terrestrial
      radiation in the Czech Republic, formed by magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic
      rocks of Proterozoic to Quaternary age, ranges mostly from 6 to 245 nGy/h, with a
      mean of 65.6 +/- 19.0 nGy/h. The elevated terrestrial radiation in the Czech
      Republic, in comparison to the global dose rate average of 54 nGy/h, reflects an
      enhanced content of natural radioactive elements in the rocks. The 1995 published
      radiometric map of the Czech Republic was successively studied and verified by
      additional ground gamma-ray spectrometric measurements and by comparison to
      radiometric maps of Germany, Poland and Slovakia in border zones. A ground dose
      rate intercomparison measurement under participation of foreign and domestic
      professional institutions revealed mutual dose rate deviations about 20 nGy/h and
      more due to differing technical parameters of applied radiometric instruments.
      Studies and verification of the radiometric map of the Czech Republic illustrate
      the magnitude of current deviations in dose rate data. This gained experience can
      assist in harmonization of dose rate data on the European scale.

PMID- 27133130
TI  - Differential Glutamate Metabolism in Proliferating and Quiescent Mammary
      Epithelial Cells.
AB  - Mammary epithelial cells transition between periods of proliferation and
      quiescence during development, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy, and as a result
      of oncogenic transformation. Utilizing an organotypic 3D tissue culture model
      coupled with quantitative metabolomics and proteomics, we identified significant
      differences in glutamate utilization between proliferating and quiescent cells.
      Relative to quiescent cells, proliferating cells catabolized more glutamate via
      transaminases to couple non-essential amino acid (NEAA) synthesis to alpha
      ketoglutarate generation and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle anaplerosis. As cells
      transitioned to quiescence, glutamine consumption and transaminase expression
      were reduced, while glutamate dehydrogenase (GLUD) was induced, leading to
      decreased NEAA synthesis. Highly proliferative human tumors display high
      transaminase and low GLUD expression, suggesting that proliferating cancer cells
      couple glutamine consumption to NEAA synthesis to promote biosynthesis. These
      findings describe a competitive and partially redundant relationship between
      transaminases and GLUD, and they reveal how coupling of glutamate-derived carbon
      and nitrogen metabolism can be regulated to support cell proliferation.

PMID- 27133129
TI  - Chronic Activation of gamma2 AMPK Induces Obesity and Reduces beta Cell Function.
AB  - Despite significant advances in our understanding of the biology determining
      systemic energy homeostasis, the treatment of obesity remains a medical
      challenge. Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been proposed as
      an attractive strategy for the treatment of obesity and its complications. AMPK
      is a conserved, ubiquitously expressed, heterotrimeric serine/threonine kinase
      whose short-term activation has multiple beneficial metabolic effects. Whether
      these translate into long-term benefits for obesity and its complications is
      unknown. Here, we observe that mice with chronic AMPK activation, resulting from
      mutation of the AMPK gamma2 subunit, exhibit ghrelin signaling-dependent
      hyperphagia, obesity, and impaired pancreatic islet insulin secretion. Humans
      bearing the homologous mutation manifest a congruent phenotype. Our studies
      highlight that long-term AMPK activation throughout all tissues can have adverse
      metabolic consequences, with implications for pharmacological strategies seeking
      to chronically activate AMPK systemically to treat metabolic disease.

PMID- 27133131
TI  - Mapping the Human Platelet Lipidome Reveals Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 as a
      Regulator of Mitochondrial Bioenergetics during Activation.
AB  - Human platelets acutely increase mitochondrial energy generation following
      stimulation. Herein, a lipidomic circuit was uncovered whereby the substrates for
      this are exclusively provided by cPLA2, including multiple fatty acids and
      oxidized species that support energy generation via beta-oxidation. This
      indicates that acute lipid membrane remodeling is required to support energetic
      demands during platelet activation. Phospholipase activity is linked to energy
      metabolism, revealing cPLA2 as a central regulator of both lipidomics and energy
      flux. Using a lipidomic approach (LipidArrays), we also estimated the total
      number of lipids in resting, thrombin-activated, and aspirinized platelets.
      Significant diversity between genetically unrelated individuals and a wealth of
      species was revealed. Resting platelets demonstrated ~5,600 unique species, with
      only ~50% being putatively identified. Thrombin elevated ~900 lipids >2-fold with
      86% newly appearing and 45% inhibited by aspirin supplementation, indicating COX
      1 is required for major activation-dependent lipidomic fluxes. Many lipids were
      structurally identified. With ~50% of the lipids being absent from databases, a
      major opportunity for mining lipids relevant to human health and disease is
      presented. 

PMID- 27133133
TI  - Extranuclear Actions of the Androgen Receptor Enhance Glucose-Stimulated Insulin
      Secretion in the Male.
AB  - Although men with testosterone deficiency are at increased risk for type 2
      diabetes (T2D), previous studies have ignored the role of testosterone and the
      androgen receptor (AR) in pancreatic beta cells. We show that male mice lacking
      AR in beta cells (betaARKO) exhibit decreased glucose-stimulated insulin
      secretion (GSIS), leading to glucose intolerance. The AR agonist
      dihydrotestosterone (DHT) enhances GSIS in cultured male islets, an effect that
      is abolished in betaARKO(-/y) islets and human islets treated with an AR
      antagonist. In beta cells, DHT-activated AR is predominantly extranuclear and
      enhances GSIS by increasing islet cAMP and activating the protein kinase A. In
      mouse and human islets, the insulinotropic effect of DHT depends on activation of
      the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor, and accordingly, DHT amplifies the
      incretin effect of GLP-1. This study identifies AR as a novel receptor that
      enhances beta cell function, a finding with implications for the prevention of
      T2D in aging men. 

PMID- 27133134
TI  - The emergency patient's participation in medical decision-making.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to explore the medical
      decision-making processes of patients in emergency departments. BACKGROUND:
      Studies indicate that patients should be given enough time to acquire relevant
      information and receive adequate support when they need to make medical
      decisions. It is difficult to satisfy these requirements in emergency situations.
      Limited research has addressed the topic of decision-making among emergency
      patients. DESIGN: This qualitative study used a broadly defined grounded theory
      approach to explore decision-making in an emergency department in Taiwan.
      METHODS: Thirty emergency patients were recruited between June and December 2011
      for semi-structured interviews that were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim.
      RESULTS: The study identified three stages in medical decision-making by
      emergency patients: predecision (interpreting the problem); decision (a balancing
      act) and postdecision (reclaiming the self). Transference was identified as the
      core category and pattern of behaviour through which patients resolved their main
      concerns. This transference around decision-making represents a type of
      bricolage. CONCLUSIONS: The findings fill a gap in knowledge about the decision
      making process among emergency patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The
      results inform emergency professionals seeking to support patients faced with
      complex medical decision-making and suggest an emphasis on informed patient
      decision-making, advocacy, patient-centred care and in-service education of
      health staff.

PMID- 27133132
TI  - Age-Dependent Pancreatic Gene Regulation Reveals Mechanisms Governing Human beta
      Cell Function.
AB  - Intensive efforts are focused on identifying regulators of human pancreatic islet
      cell growth and maturation to accelerate development of therapies for diabetes.
      After birth, islet cell growth and function are dynamically regulated; however,
      establishing these age-dependent changes in humans has been challenging. Here, we
      describe a multimodal strategy for isolating pancreatic endocrine and exocrine
      cells from children and adults to identify age-dependent gene expression and
      chromatin changes on a genomic scale. These profiles revealed distinct
      proliferative and functional states of islet alpha cells or beta cells and
      histone modifications underlying age-dependent gene expression changes.
      Expression of SIX2 and SIX3, transcription factors without prior known functions
      in the pancreas and linked to fasting hyperglycemia risk, increased with age
      specifically in human islet beta cells. SIX2 and SIX3 were sufficient to enhance
      insulin content or secretion in immature beta cells. Our work provides a unique
      resource to study human-specific regulators of islet cell maturation and
      function.

PMID- 27133135
TI  - Outdoor workers and sun protection strategies: two case study examples in
      Queensland, Australia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Outdoor workers are at risk of developing skin cancer because they
      are exposed to high levels of harmful ultraviolet radiation. The Outdoor Workers
      Sun Protection Project investigated sun protection strategies for high risk
      outdoor workers in rural and regional Australia. METHODS: Fourteen workplaces
      (recruitment rate 37%) across four industries in rural and regional Queensland,
      Australia were recruited to the OWSPP. In 2011-2012, data were collected using
      pre- and post-intervention interviews and discussion groups. This article
      presents two workplaces as case study examples. RESULTS: The flat organisational
      structure of workplace 1 supported the implementation of the Sun Safety Action
      Plan (SSAP), whilst the hierarchical organisational nature of workplace 2 delayed
      implementation of the SSAP. Neither workplace had an existing sun protection
      policy but both workplaces adopted one. An effect related to the researchers'
      presence was seen in workplace 1 and to a lesser degree in workplace 2. Overt
      reciprocity was seen between management and workers in workplace 1 but this was
      not so evident in workplace 2. In both workplaces, the role of the workplace
      champion was pivotal to SSAP progression. CONCLUSIONS: These two case studies
      highlight a number of contextually bound workplace characteristics related to sun
      safety. These issues are (1) the structure of workplace, (2) policy, (3) an
      effect related to the researchers' presence, (4) the workplace champion and (5)
      reciprocity. There are several recommendations from this article. Workplace
      health promotion strategies for sun safety need to be contextualised to
      individual workplaces to take advantage of the strengths of the workplace and to
      build capacity.

PMID- 27133136
TI  - [Femtosecond-assisted Ferrara intrastromal corneal ring implantation for
      treatment of keratoconus: Functional outcomes at one year].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intrastromal corneal rings (ICR) have been used for several years
      for the correction of irregular astigmatism in patients with keratoconus.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of femtosecond-assisted ICR implantation
      for treatment of keratoconus and to define predictive factors of success.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We undertook a retrospective study of patients with
      keratoconus who underwent femtosecond-assisted Ferrara ICR implantation between
      December 2012 and May 2014 at the University Hospital of Besancon. To determinate
      predictive factors of success, we divided patients into 2 groups based on the
      gain of at least two lines of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1 year after
      surgery ("good responders") or the gain of only one line of BCVA, no change, or
      the loss of lines of BCVA ("poor responders"). For each group, we analyzed
      preoperative refractive and keratometric values. Moreover, to verify if
      preoperative visual acuity could be a predictive factor of success, four groups
      were created based on initial visual acuity, and postoperative BCVA was compared.
      RESULTS: We retrospectively studied 32 eyes of 29 patients with keratoconus who
      underwent femtosecond-assisted Ferrara ICR implantation between December 2012 and
      May 2014 at the University Hospital of Besancon. From one month to 1 year
      postoperatively, we observed a significant improvement in BCVA and a significant
      decrease in cylinder and keratometry values (P<0.05). In total, 90.6% of patients
      had an increase in visual acuity (VA) of at least one line within 1 year while
      9.4% had a decrease or stability of their VA. The average cylinder value
      decreased from -4.81+/-2.45 diopters (D) preoperatively to -2.39+/-1.94 D
      (P<0.001) at 1 year postoperatively, and the average of the maximum keratometry
      from 51.14+/-3.89 D to 48.52+/-4.00 D (P<0.05). Four predictive factors of
      success were statistically significant: type of ectasia (type 1 or 2), stage of
      keratoconus (Krumeich 1 or 2), implantation of only 1 ICR and a preoperative VA
      less than 0.4 (decimal scale). Eighty-six percent of patients with an initial
      VA<0.4 (decimal scale) gained 2 lines of BCVA within 1 year and 80% 3 lines
      versus 52% and 41%, respectively for patients with initial VA>=0.4 (decimal
      scale). CONCLUSION: Femtosecond-assisted Ferrara ICR implantation for treatment
      of keratoconus is a reliable and reversible technique. Implantation results in
      greater efficiency for patients with moderately advanced asymmetric keratoconus
      with an initial VA<0.4 (decimal scale).

PMID- 27133137
TI  - Deletion of microRNA miR-146a does not prevent streptozotocin-induced murine
      autoimmune type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 27133138
TI  - The (68)Ge phantom-based FDG-PET site qualification program for clinical trials
      adopted by FIL (Italian Foundation on Lymphoma).
AB  - PURPOSE: The quantitative assessment of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans
      using standardized uptake value and derived parameters proved to be superior to
      traditional qualitative assessment in several retrospective or mono-centric
      prospective reports. Since different scanners give different quantitative
      readings, a program for clinical trial qualification (CTQ) is mandatory to
      guarantee a reliable and reproducible use of quantitative PET in prospective
      multi-centre clinical trials and in every-day clinical life. METHODS: We set up,
      under the auspices of Italian Foundation on Lymphoma (FIL), a CTQ program
      consisting of the PET/CT scan acquisition and analysis of (18)F and (68)Ge
      NEMA/IEC image quality phantoms for the reduction of inter-scanner variability.
      Variability was estimated on background activity concentration (BAC) and sphere
      to background ratio (SBR). RESULTS: The use of a (68)Ge phantom allowed reducing
      the inter-scanner variability among different scanners from 74.0% to 20.5% in BAC
      and from 63.3% to 17.4% in SBR compared to using the (18)F phantom. The CTQ
      criteria were fulfilled at first round in 100% and 28% of PET scanners with
      (68)Ge and (18)F respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The (68)Ge phantom proved a reliable
      tool for PET scanner qualification, able to significantly reduce the potential
      sources of error while increasing the reproducibility of PET derived quantitative
      parameter measurement.

PMID- 27133139
TI  - Comparison of the extent of hippocampal sparing according to the tilt of a
      patient's head during WBRT using linear accelerator-based IMRT and VMAT.
AB  - In this paper, we report the results of our investigation into whole brain
      radiotherapy (WBRT) using linear accelerator-based intensity-modulated radiation
      therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in lung cancer
      patients with a high risk of metastasis to the brain. Specifically, we assessed
      the absorbed dose and the rate of adverse effects for several organs at risk
      (OAR), including the hippocampus, according to the tilt of a patient's head. We
      arbitrarily selected five cases where measurements were made with the patients'
      heads tilted forward and five cases without such tilt. We set the entire brain as
      the planning target volume (PTV), and the hippocampi, the lenses, the eyes, and
      the cochleae as the main OAR, and formulated new plans for IMRT (coplanar, non
      coplanar) and VMAT (coplanar, non-coplanar). Using the dose-volume histogram
      (DVH), we calculated and compared the effective uniform dose (EUD), normal tissue
      complication probability (NTCP) of the OAR and the mean and the maximum doses of
      hippocampus. As a result, if the patient tilted the head forward when receiving
      the Linac-based treatment, for the same treatment effect in the PTV, we confirmed
      that a lower dose entered the OAR, such as the hippocampus, eye, lens, and
      cochlea. Moreover, the damage to the hippocampus was expected to be the least
      when receiving coplanar VMAT with the head tilted forward. Accordingly, if
      patients tilt their heads forward when undergoing Linac-based WBRT, we anticipate
      that a smaller dose would be transmitted to the OAR, resulting in better quality
      of life following treatment. 

PMID- 27133140
TI  - Cancer risk estimation in Digital Breast Tomosynthesis using GEANT4 Monte Carlo
      simulations and voxel phantoms.
AB  - The aim of this work was to estimate the risk of radiation induced cancer
      following the Portuguese breast screening recommendations for Digital Mammography
      (DM) when applied to Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) and to evaluate how the
      risk to induce cancer could influence the energy used in breast diagnostic exams.
      The organ doses were calculated by Monte Carlo simulations using a female voxel
      phantom and considering the acquisition of 25 projection images. Single organ
      cancer incidence risks were calculated in order to assess the total effective
      radiation induced cancer risk. The screening strategy techniques considered were:
      DBT in Cranio-Caudal (CC) view and two-view DM (CC and Mediolateral Oblique
      (MLO)). The risk of cancer incidence following the Portuguese screening
      guidelines (screening every two years in the age range of 50-80years) was
      calculated by assuming a single CC DBT acquisition view as standalone screening
      strategy and compared with two-view DM. The difference in the total effective
      risk between DBT and DM is quite low. Nevertheless in DBT an increase of risk for
      the lung is observed with respect to DM. The lung is also the organ that is
      mainly affected when non-optimal beam energy (in terms of image quality and
      absorbed dose) is used instead of an optimal one. The use of non-optimal energies
      could increase the risk of lung cancer incidence by a factor of about 2. 

PMID- 27133141
TI  - A Brief Introduction to the History and Controversies of Clinical Trials in
      Diabetic Neuropathy.

PMID- 27133142
TI  - Neuropathy in the DCCT/EDIC-What Was Done Then and What We Would Do Better Now.
AB  - The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and its epidemiological
      follow-up, the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC)
      provide important insight on the natural history of distal symmetrical
      polyneuropathy and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with type 1
      diabetes and on the impact of intensive treatment of hyperglycemia on disease
      progression. This chapter summarizes the design and methods used for neuropathy
      evaluations both in the DCCT and in EDIC, the characteristics of the DCCT/EDIC
      patient population, and summarizes the findings of the DCCT/EDIC relative to
      neuropathic complications of type 1 diabetes. Lessons learned from the DCCT and
      EDIC experiences of longitudinal assessments of neuropathic complications are
      also reviewed.

PMID- 27133143
TI  - The Perfect Clinical Trial.
AB  - Multiple phase III clinical trials have failed to show disease-modifying benefits
      for diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP) and this may be due to the design
      of the clinical trials. The perfect clinical trial in DSP would enroll
      sufficiently large numbers of patients having early or minimal disease, as
      demonstrated by nerve conduction studies (NCS). These patients would be treated
      with an intervention given at an effective and well-tolerated dose for a
      sufficient duration of time to show change in the end points selected. For
      objective or surrogate measures such as NCS and for some small fiber measures,
      the duration needed to show positive change may be as brief as 6-12 months, but
      subsequently, trials lasting 5-8 years will be required to demonstrate clinical
      benefits.

PMID- 27133144
TI  - An Introduction to the History and Controversies of Animal Models of Diabetic
      Neuropathy.

PMID- 27133145
TI  - Can Diabetic Neuropathy Be Modeled In Vitro?
AB  - Diabetic neuropathy is a common secondary complication of diabetes that impacts
      on patient's health and well-being. Distal axon degeneration is a key feature of
      diabetic neuropathy, but the pathological changes which underlie axonal die-back
      are incompletely understood; despite decades of research a treatment has not yet
      been identified. Basic research must focus on understanding the complex
      mechanisms underlying changes that occur in the nervous system during diabetes.
      To this end, tissue culture techniques are invaluable as they enable researchers
      to examine the intricate mechanistic responses of cells to high glucose or other
      factors in order to better understand the pathogenesis of nerve dysfunction. This
      chapter describes the use of in vitro models to study a wide range of specific
      cellular effects pertaining to diabetic neuropathy including apoptosis, neurite
      outgrowth, neurodegeneration, activity, and bioenergetics. We consider problems
      associated with in vitro modeling and future refinement such as use of induced
      pluripotent stem cells and microfluidic technology.

PMID- 27133147
TI  - An Introduction to the History and Controversies of the Pathogenesis of Diabetic
      Neuropathy.

PMID- 27133148
TI  - Glucotoxic Mechanisms and Related Therapeutic Approaches.
AB  - Neuropathy is the earliest and commonest complication of diabetes. With
      increasing duration of diabetes, frequency and severity of neuropathy are
      worsened. Long-term hyperglycemia is therefore implicated in the development of
      this disorder. Nerve tissues require glucose energy to function and survive. Upon
      excessive glucose entry into the peripheral nerve, the glycolytic pathway and
      collateral glucose-utilizing pathways are overactivated and initiate adverse
      effects on nerve tissues. During hyperglycemia, flux through the polyol pathway,
      formation of advanced glycation end-products, production of free radicals, flux
      into the glucosamine pathway, and protein kinase C activity are all enhanced to
      negatively influence nerve function and structure. Suppression of these aberrant
      metabolic pathways has succeeded in prevention and inhibition of the development
      of neuropathy in animal models with diabetes. Satisfactory results were not
      attained, however, in patients with diabetes and further clinical trials are
      required. In this review, the author summarizes the hitherto proposed theories on
      the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy related to glucose metabolism and future
      prospects for the effective treatment of neuropathy.

PMID- 27133146
TI  - Alternatives to the Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rodent.
AB  - The study of diabetic neuropathy has relied primarily on the use of
      streptozotocin-treated rat and mouse models of type 1 diabetes. This chapter will
      review the creation and use of other rodent models that have been developed in
      order to investigate the contribution of factors besides insulin deficiency to
      the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy as it occurs in obesity,
      type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a complex disorder
      with multiple mechanisms contributing to its development and progression. Even
      though many animal models have been developed and investigated, no single model
      can mimic diabetic peripheral neuropathy as it occurs in humans. Nonetheless,
      animal models can play an important role in improving our understanding of the
      etiology of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and in performing preclinical
      screening of potential new treatments. To date treatments found to be effective
      for diabetic peripheral neuropathy in rodent models have failed in clinical
      trials. However, with the identification of new endpoints for the early detection
      of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the understanding that a successful
      treatment may require a combination therapeutic approach there is hope that an
      effective treatment will be found.

PMID- 27133149
TI  - Sensory Neurodegeneration in Diabetes: Beyond Glucotoxicity.
AB  - Diabetic polyneuropathy in humans is of gradual, sometimes insidious onset, and
      is more likely to occur if glucose control is poor. Arguments that the disorder
      arises chiefly from glucose toxicity however ignore the greater complexity of a
      unique neurodegenerative disorder. For example, sensory neurons regularly thrive
      in media with levels of glucose at or exceeding those of poorly controlled
      diabetic persons. Also, all of the linkages between hyperglycemia and neuropathy
      develop in the setting of altered insulin availability or sensitivity. Insulin
      itself is recognized as a potent growth, or trophic factor for adult sensory
      neurons. Low doses of insulin, insufficient to alter blood glucose levels,
      reverse features of diabetic neurodegeneration in animal models. Insulin
      resistance, as occurs in diabetic adipose tissue, liver, and muscle, also
      develops in sensory neurons, offering a mechanism for neurodegeneration in the
      setting of normal or elevated insulin levels. Other interventions that "shore up"
      sensory neurons prevent features of diabetic polyneuropathy from developing
      despite persistent hyperglycemia. More recently evidence has emerged that a
      series of subtle molecular changes in sensory neurons can be linked to
      neurodegeneration including epigenetic changes in the control of gene expression.
      Understanding the new complexity of sensory neuron degeneration may give rise to
      therapeutic strategies that have a higher chance of success in the clinical trial
      arena.

PMID- 27133152
TI  - New Directions in Diabetic Neuropathy: Evolution or Extinction?

PMID- 27133151
TI  - Painful Diabetic Neuropathy: Prevention or Suppression?
AB  - Pain-sensing sensory neurons (nociceptors) of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and
      dorsal horn (DH) can become sensitized (hyperexcitable) in response to
      pathological conditions such as diabetes, which in turn may lead to the
      development of painful peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Because of
      incomplete knowledge about the mechanisms underlying painful PDN, current
      treatment for painful PDN has been limited to somewhat nonspecific systemic drugs
      that have significant side effects or potential for abuse. Recent studies have
      established that several ion channels in DRG and DH neurons are dysregulated and
      make a previously unrecognized contribution to sensitization of pain responses by
      enhancing excitability of nociceptors in animal models of type 1 and type 2 PDN.
      Furthermore, it has been reported that targeting posttranslational modification
      of nociceptive ion channels such as glycosylation and methylglyoxal metabolism
      can completely reverse mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in diabetic animals
      with PDN in vivo. Understanding details of posttranslational regulation of
      nociceptive channel activity may facilitate development of novel therapies for
      treatment of painful PDN. We argue that pharmacological targeting of the specific
      pathogenic mechanism rather than of the channel per se may cause fewer side
      effects and reduce the potential for drug abuse in patients with diabetes.

PMID- 27133153
TI  - Alternative Quantitative Tools in the Assessment of Diabetic Peripheral and
      Autonomic Neuropathy.
AB  - Here we review some seldom-discussed presentations of diabetic neuropathy,
      including large fiber dysfunction and peripheral autonomic dysfunction,
      emphasizing the impact of sympathetic/parasympathetic imbalance. Diabetic
      neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes and contributes additional
      risks in the aging adult. Loss of sensory perception, loss of muscle strength,
      and ataxia or incoordination lead to a risk of falling that is 17-fold greater in
      the older diabetic compared to their young nondiabetic counterparts. A fall is
      accompanied by lacerations, tears, fractures, and worst of all, traumatic brain
      injury, from which more than 60% do not recover. Autonomic neuropathy has been
      hailed as the "Prophet of Doom" for good reason. It is conducive to increased
      risk of myocardial infarction and sudden death. An imbalance in the autonomic
      nervous system occurs early in the evolution of diabetes, at a stage when active
      intervention can abrogate the otherwise relentless progression. In addition to
      hypotension, many newly recognized syndromes can be attributed to cardiac
      autonomic neuropathy such as orthostatic tachycardia and bradycardia. Ultimately,
      this constellation of features of neuropathy conspire to impede activities of
      daily living, especially in the patient with pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep
      disorders. The resulting reduction in quality of life may worsen prognosis and
      should be routinely evaluated and addressed. Early neuropathy detection can only
      be achieved by assessment of both large and small- nerve fibers. New noninvasive
      sudomotor function technologies may play an increasing role in identifying early
      peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, allowing rapid intervention and potentially
      reversal of small-fiber loss.

PMID- 27133150
TI  - Promoting Neuronal Tolerance of Diabetic Stress: Modulating Molecular Chaperones.
AB  - The etiology of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) involves an interrelated
      series of metabolic and vascular insults that ultimately contribute to sensory
      neuron degeneration. In the quest to pharmacologically manage DPN, small-molecule
      inhibitors have targeted proteins and pathways regarded as "diabetes specific" as
      well as others whose activity are altered in numerous disease states. These
      efforts have not yielded any significant therapies, due in part to the
      complicating issue that the biochemical contribution of these targets/pathways to
      the progression of DPN does not occur with temporal and/or biochemical uniformity
      between individuals. In a complex, chronic neurodegenerative disease such as DPN,
      it is increasingly appreciated that effective disease management may not
      necessarily require targeting a pathway or protein considered to contribute to
      disease progression. Alternatively, it may prove sufficiently beneficial to
      pharmacologically enhance the activity of endogenous cytoprotective pathways to
      aid neuronal tolerance to and recovery from glucotoxic stress. In pursuing this
      paradigm shift, we have shown that modulating the activity and expression of
      molecular chaperones such as heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) may provide
      translational potential for the effective medical management of insensate DPN.
      Considerable evidence supports that modulating Hsp70 has beneficial effects in
      improving inflammation, oxidative stress, and glucose sensitivity. Given the
      emerging potential of modulating Hsp70 to manage DPN, the current review
      discusses efforts to characterize the cytoprotective effects of this protein and
      the benefits and limitations that may arise in drug development efforts that
      exploit its cytoprotective activity.

PMID- 27133155
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27133154
TI  - Wherefore Art Thou, O Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy?
AB  - As of March 2016, we continue to advocate the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy
      using a simple foot examination or monofilament, which identifies only those with
      severe neuropathy and hence risk of foot ulceration. Given the fact that the 5
      year mortality rate of diabetic patients with foot ulceration is worse than that
      of most common cancers, surely we should be identifying patients at an earlier
      stage of neuropathy to prevent its progression to a stage with such a high
      mortality? Of course, we lament that there is no licensed treatment for diabetic
      neuropathy. Who is to blame? As researchers and carers, we have a duty of care to
      our patients with diabetic neuropathy. So, we have to look forward not backwards,
      and move away from our firmly entrenched views on the design and conduct of
      clinical trials for diabetic neuropathy. Relevant organizations such as
      Neurodiab, the American Diabetes Association and the Peripheral Nerve Society
      have to acknowledge that they cannot continue to endorse a bankrupt strategy. The
      FDA needs an open and self-critical dialogue with these organizations, to give
      pharmaceutical companies at least a fighting chance to deliver effective new
      therapies for diabetic neuropathy.

PMID- 27133156
TI  - Children with lower respiratory tract infections and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3
      levels: A case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children under age of 5
      years worldwide. The role of vitamin D in respiratory infections including
      pneumonia is unclear; therefore, we aimed to determine if children with lower
      respiratory tract infections had low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 . METHODS: We
      performed a case-control study of children ages 3-60 months from the Guatemala
      City metropolitan area, hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia between
      September and December 2012. Controls were selected from the well-baby/care
      immunization clinics serving the population from which cases emerged. We analyzed
      serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and conducted parental interviews to assess
      subject age, sex, race, feeding type, vitamin D supplementation, frequency of sun
      exposure, and maternal education. Height and weight were ascertained from medical
      records. Complete information was available for 70 (83%) of 84 eligible cases and
      68 (60%) of 113 eligible controls. RESULTS: The median (IQR) serum 25
      hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration for cases was 23.2 ng/ml (14.4-29.9) compared to
      27.5 ng/ml (21.4-32.3) in controls (P = 0.006). Multiple regression analysis
      using an a priori cut-point for vitamin D of <20 ng/ml showed that children with
      lower respiratory tract infections were more likely to have low 25-hydroxyvitamin
      D3 levels than controls (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1
      5.2, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Children with lower respiratory tract infections in
      Guatemala had low 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1080
      1087. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27133157
TI  - Improving the rigor of psychophysiology research.
AB  - Psychology as a field is in the midst of what is sometimes called a "crisis"
      because false findings are prevalent. Although the focus of the methodological
      and substantive criticisms of psychology has focused on social psychology,
      psychophysiology research is not without its problems. The author discusses (a)
      researcher flexibility and its impact on the stability of conclusions and (b) the
      role power plays in the probability that a finding is true and the precision of
      estimates. The author uses examples and data from psychophysiological research to
      illustrate the problems. The author concludes with a discussion of ways to shift
      the practice of science to improve the reliability of findings. Suggestions for
      improvement include: increased power through collaboration, improved statistical
      and methodological training, pre-registration of studies, improved reporting
      standards, and shifting incentives surrounding hiring and promotion.

PMID- 27133158
TI  - Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted MRI of cervical cancer -
      Correlated with tumor differentiation and perfusion.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the value of parameters derived from IVIM model in
      grading of uterine cervical cancer and the relationship between perfusion
      parameters derived from IVIM and that from DCE-MRI. METHODS: Parameters of DWI
      (ADC, D, f, D*) and semi-quantitative parameters of DCE-MRI (Slop, Maxslop, CER,
      Washout, AUC90) were assessed in 24 female with cervical cancers. Except for ROIs
      encompassed all of the area of tumors in axial plane (A_all), ROIs on tumor edge
      (A_peri) and tumor center (A_central) were drawn. All of the parameters were
      compared among three pathology grades. Perfusion parameters derived from IVIM
      were correlated with that from DCE-MRI. RESULTS: For G1, G2 and G3 tumors, on
      tumor edge ADC=(1.03+/-0.11), (1.05+/-0.10), (0.90+/-0.05)*10(-3)mm(2)/s,
      D=(0.80+/-0.11), (0.78+/-0.07), (0.69+/-0.06)*10(-3)mm(2)/s, and f=(0.19+/-0.03),
      (0.22+/-0.02), (0.24+/-0.03). The differences among groups were significant
      (P<0.05). On tumor center, ADC=(0.90+/-0.10), (0.85+/-0.03), (0.80+/-0.07)*10(
      3)mm(2)/s with significant differences (P=0.027). The other parameter, D and f of
      tumor center, as well as D* of all tumor areas, were of no statistic
      significance. Most of the DCE-MRI parameters negatively correlated with tumor
      volume. Although the correlation between f and slop was statistic significant,
      R=0.277 meant a negligible correlation. f had week correlation with Maxslop, CER
      and AUC90 (R=0.361, 0.400 and 0.405; P<0.001). D* showed no statistic significant
      correlation with all of the DCE parameters. CONCLUSION: IVIM model could possibly
      be used to evaluate tumor differentiation and perfusion, providing an alternative
      for DCE-MRI.

PMID- 27133159
TI  - Letter to the Editor on "Cartilage Status at Time of Arthroscopy Predicts Failure
      in Patients With Hip Dysplasia.".

PMID- 27133160
TI  - Perioperative Complications in Patients With Inflammatory Arthropathy Undergoing
      Total Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited information exists comparing the short-term complications of
      the different inflammatory arthropathies (IAs) after total hip arthroplasty
      (THA). Our objectives were to (1) compare perioperative complications and (2)
      determine the most common complications between the different IA subtypes
      compared with patients with osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing primary THA. METHODS:
      The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify 2,102,238 patients
      undergoing elective, unilateral THA between 2002 and 2011. Of these, 86,671 (4%)
      had an IA, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE). Preoperative diagnosis, comorbidities, and postoperative
      complications were determined using International Classification of Disease
      Clinical Modification version 9 codes. The prevalence of in-hospital medical and
      orthopedic complications was compared between patients with an IA and OA.
      RESULTS: When compared with patients with OA, patients with RA, JIA, SLE, and AS
      had significantly more inpatient medical and orthopedic complications immediately
      after THA (P < .01). Patients with JIA had the highest orthopedic complication
      rate (2.8%). Specific orthopedic complications by subtype included wound
      dehiscence for RA and AS periprosthetic fractures for JIA and increased mortality
      for SLE patients. There were no significant differences in medical or orthopedic
      complications seen in patients with psoriatic arthritis. CONCLUSION: Differences
      exist in postoperative inpatient medical and orthopedic complications among
      patients with different types of IAs after THA. Our results point out the
      importance of preoperative optimization in patients with IA and monitoring for
      selective postoperative complications.

PMID- 27133161
TI  - Assessing In-Hospital Outcomes and Resource Utilization After Primary Total Joint
      Arthroplasty Among Underweight Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor nutritional status is a preventable condition frequently
      associated with low body mass index (BMI). The purpose of this study is to
      comparatively analyze low (<=19 kg/m(2)) and normal (19-24.9 kg/m(2)) BMI
      cohorts, examining if a correlation between BMI, postoperative outcomes, and
      resource utilization exists. METHODS: Discharge data from the 2006-2012 National
      Inpatient Sample were used for this study. A total of 3550 total hip arthroplasty
      (THA) and 1315 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patient samples were divided into 2
      cohorts, underweight (<=19 kg/m(2)) and normal BMI (19-24.9 kg/m(2)). Using the
      Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, all cohorts were matched for 27 comorbidities. In
      hospital postoperative outcomes and resource utilization among the cohorts was
      then comparatively analyzed. Multivariate analyses and chi-squared tests were
      generated using SAS software. Significance was assigned at P < .05. RESULTS:
      Underweight patients undergoing THA were at higher risk of developing
      postoperative anemia and sustaining cardiac complications. In addition,
      underweight patients had a decreased risk of developing postoperative infection.
      Resource utilization in terms of length of stay and hospital charge were all
      higher in the underweight THA cohort. Similarly, in the underweight TKA cohort, a
      greater risk for the development of hematoma/seroma and postoperative anemia was
      observed. Underweight TKA patients incurred higher hospital charge and were more
      likely to be discharged to skilled nursing facilities. CONCLUSION: Our results
      indicate that low-BMI patients were more likely to have postoperative
      complications and greater resource utilization. This serves a purpose in allowing
      orthopedic surgeons to better predict patient outcomes and improve treatment
      pathways designed toward helping various patient demographics.

PMID- 27133162
TI  - Author's Reply.

PMID- 27133163
TI  - Detection of Borrelia, Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia spp. in ticks in northeast
      Missouri.
AB  - We evaluated Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) and Dermacentor variabilis
      (American dog tick) in northeast Missouri for the presence of Borrelia,
      Ehrlichia, and Rickettsia bacteria. We collected actively questing ticks from
      four sites within Adair County, Missouri. A total of 15,162 ticks were collected,
      of which 13,980 were grouped in 308 pools (lone star ticks, 288 pools; American
      dog ticks, 20 pools) and tested for presence/absence of bacteria using polymerase
      chain reaction. Infection rates were calculated as the maximum likelihood
      estimation (MLE) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Of the 308 pools tested, 229
      (74.4%) were infected with bacteria and the overall MLE of the infection rate per
      100 ticks was calculated as 2.9% (CI 2.61-3.21). Infection rates varied among
      life stages, 28.6% (CI 23.89-33.97) in adults, 7.0% (CI 5.10-9.86) in nymphs, and
      1.0% (CI 0.75-1.20) in larvae. In the 116 adult lone star pools, infection rates
      were calculated for Borrelia lonestari (1.4%), Borrelia spp. (2.7%), Ehrlichia
      chaffeensis (6.1%), Ehrlichia ewingii (3.3%), Rickettsia amblyommii (18.3%), and
      Rickettsia montanensis (0.4%). Infection rates for the 52 nymphal lone star pools
      were calculated as B. lonestari (1.03%), Borrelia spp. (0.40%), E. chaffeensis
      (2.02%), E. ewingii (0.24%), and R. amblyommii (2.70%). In the 20 adult American
      dog tick pools, infection rates were determined as E. chaffeensis (9.47%), E.
      ewingii (5.47%), and R. montanensis (8.06%). Eight Borrelia samples were
      sequenced with five 99-100% identical to B. burgdorferi (s.l.) and three 99%
      identical to B. lonestari. Eight samples were sequenced for E. chaffeensis (all
      99-100% identical) and one sample was sequenced for E. ewingii (99% identical).
      Seven samples were sequenced for Rickettsia and three were 99% identical to R.
      montanensis and four were 100% identical to R. amblyommii. This study
      demonstrates B. lonestari, E. chaffeensis, E. ewingii, R. amblyommii, and R.
      montanensis in northeast Missouri ticks for the first time. Understanding the
      presence and epidemiology of these causative (E. chaffeensis and E. ewingii) and
      suspected (B. lonestari and R. amblyommii) agents in Missouri should increase
      awareness of potential tick-borne disease in the medical community.

PMID- 27133164
TI  - Fanconi Anemia Proteins Function in Mitophagy and Immunity.
AB  - Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway genes are important tumor suppressors whose best
      characterized function is repair of damaged nuclear DNA. Here, we describe an
      essential role for FA genes in two forms of selective autophagy. Genetic deletion
      of Fancc blocks the autophagic clearance of viruses (virophagy) and increases
      susceptibility to lethal viral encephalitis. Fanconi anemia complementation group
      C (FANCC) protein interacts with Parkin, is required in vitro and in vivo for
      clearance of damaged mitochondria, and decreases mitochondrial reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) production and inflammasome activation. The mitophagy function of
      FANCC is genetically distinct from its role in genomic DNA damage repair.
      Moreover, additional genes in the FA pathway, including FANCA, FANCF, FANCL,
      FANCD2, BRCA1, and BRCA2, are required for mitophagy. Thus, members of the FA
      pathway represent a previously undescribed class of selective autophagy genes
      that function in immunity and organellar homeostasis. These findings have
      implications for understanding the pathogenesis of FA and cancers associated with
      mutations in FA genes. 

PMID- 27133165
TI  - Effector T Cells Abrogate Stroma-Mediated Chemoresistance in Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - Effector T cells and fibroblasts are major components in the tumor
      microenvironment. The means through which these cellular interactions affect
      chemoresistance is unclear. Here, we show that fibroblasts diminish nuclear
      accumulation of platinum in ovarian cancer cells, resulting in resistance to
      platinum-based chemotherapy. We demonstrate that glutathione and cysteine
      released by fibroblasts contribute to this resistance. CD8(+) T cells abolish the
      resistance by altering glutathione and cystine metabolism in fibroblasts. CD8(+)
      T-cell-derived interferon (IFN)gamma controls fibroblast glutathione and cysteine
      through upregulation of gamma-glutamyltransferases and transcriptional repression
      of system xc(-) cystine and glutamate antiporter via the JAK/STAT1 pathway. The
      presence of stromal fibroblasts and CD8(+) T cells is negatively and positively
      associated with ovarian cancer patient survival, respectively. Thus, our work
      uncovers a mode of action for effector T cells: they abrogate stromal-mediated
      chemoresistance. Capitalizing upon the interplay between chemotherapy and
      immunotherapy holds high potential for cancer treatment. 

PMID- 27133166
TI  - Mitochondrial Stress Induces Chromatin Reorganization to Promote Longevity and
      UPR(mt).
AB  - Organisms respond to mitochondrial stress through the upregulation of an array of
      protective genes, often perpetuating an early response to metabolic dysfunction
      across a lifetime. We find that mitochondrial stress causes widespread changes in
      chromatin structure through histone H3K9 di-methylation marks traditionally
      associated with gene silencing. Mitochondrial stress response activation requires
      the di-methylation of histone H3K9 through the activity of the histone
      methyltransferase met-2 and the nuclear co-factor lin-65. While globally the
      chromatin becomes silenced by these marks, remaining portions of the chromatin
      open up, at which point the binding of canonical stress responsive factors such
      as DVE-1 occurs. Thus, a metabolic stress response is established and propagated
      into adulthood of animals through specific epigenetic modifications that allow
      for selective gene expression and lifespan extension. 

PMID- 27133167
TI  - Variation in Microbiome LPS Immunogenicity Contributes to Autoimmunity in Humans.
AB  - According to the hygiene hypothesis, the increasing incidence of autoimmune
      diseases in western countries may be explained by changes in early microbial
      exposure, leading to altered immune maturation. We followed gut microbiome
      development from birth until age three in 222 infants in Northern Europe, where
      early-onset autoimmune diseases are common in Finland and Estonia but are less
      prevalent in Russia. We found that Bacteroides species are lowly abundant in
      Russians but dominate in Finnish and Estonian infants. Therefore, their
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposures arose primarily from Bacteroides rather than
      from Escherichia coli, which is a potent innate immune activator. We show that
      Bacteroides LPS is structurally distinct from E. coli LPS and inhibits innate
      immune signaling and endotoxin tolerance; furthermore, unlike LPS from E. coli,
      B. dorei LPS does not decrease incidence of autoimmune diabetes in non-obese
      diabetic mice. Early colonization by immunologically silencing microbiota may
      thus preclude aspects of immune education. 

PMID- 27133168
TI  - Two Conserved Histone Demethylases Regulate Mitochondrial Stress-Induced
      Longevity.
AB  - Across eukaryotic species, mild mitochondrial stress can have beneficial effects
      on the lifespan of organisms. Mitochondrial dysfunction activates an unfolded
      protein response (UPR(mt)), a stress signaling mechanism designed to ensure
      mitochondrial homeostasis. Perturbation of mitochondria during larval development
      in C. elegans not only delays aging but also maintains UPR(mt) signaling,
      suggesting an epigenetic mechanism that modulates both longevity and
      mitochondrial proteostasis throughout life. We identify the conserved histone
      lysine demethylases jmjd-1.2/PHF8 and jmjd-3.1/JMJD3 as positive regulators of
      lifespan in response to mitochondrial dysfunction across species. Reduction of
      function of the demethylases potently suppresses longevity and UPR(mt) induction,
      while gain of function is sufficient to extend lifespan in a UPR(mt)-dependent
      manner. A systems genetics approach in the BXD mouse reference population further
      indicates conserved roles of the mammalian orthologs in longevity and UPR(mt)
      signaling. These findings illustrate an evolutionary conserved epigenetic
      mechanism that determines the rate of aging downstream of mitochondrial
      perturbations. 

PMID- 27133170
TI  - Extensive yellowish plaques over eyelids.

PMID- 27133169
TI  - Myeloid-Cell-Derived VEGF Maintains Brain Glucose Uptake and Limits Cognitive
      Impairment in Obesity.
AB  - High-fat diet (HFD) feeding induces rapid reprogramming of systemic metabolism.
      Here, we demonstrate that HFD feeding of mice downregulates glucose transporter
      (GLUT)-1 expression in blood-brain barrier (BBB) vascular endothelial cells
      (BECs) and reduces brain glucose uptake. Upon prolonged HFD feeding, GLUT1
      expression is restored, which is paralleled by increased expression of vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in macrophages at the BBB. In turn, inducible
      reduction of GLUT1 expression specifically in BECs reduces brain glucose uptake
      and increases VEGF serum concentrations in lean mice. Conversely, myeloid-cell
      specific deletion of VEGF in VEGF(Deltamyel) mice impairs BBB-GLUT1 expression,
      brain glucose uptake, and memory formation in obese, but not in lean mice.
      Moreover, obese VEGF(Deltamyel) mice exhibit exaggerated progression of cognitive
      decline and neuroinflammation on an Alzheimer's disease background. These
      experiments reveal that transient, HFD-elicited reduction of brain glucose uptake
      initiates a compensatory increase of VEGF production and assign obesity
      associated macrophage activation a homeostatic role to restore cerebral glucose
      metabolism, preserve cognitive function, and limit neurodegeneration in obesity. 

PMID- 27133171
TI  - Curbing the obesity epidemic in China.

PMID- 27133173
TI  - Autonomic arousal in children of parents with and without social anxiety
      disorder: a high-risk study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Autonomic hyperarousal in social situations is considered a genetic
      vulnerability factor for social anxiety disorder (SAD), but so far it is
      unstudied in children at risk for developing SAD. We examined autonomic activity
      during socially stressful tasks in children of mothers and fathers with and
      without lifetime SAD to reveal possible biological mechanisms of
      intergenerational transmission of SAD. METHODS: One hundred ten children aged 4.5
      years were asked to sing a song in front of an audience and watch back their
      performance in the presence of that audience. Heart rate (HR), heart rate
      variability (HRV), electrodermal activity (EDA), and blushing (cheek blood flow
      and temperature) were measured in anticipation of, during, and after the tasks.
      Both parents' lifetime SAD status was assessed, and both parents reported about
      their own and their child's social anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: Children of parents
      with lifetime SAD blushed more during the socially challenging tasks than
      children of parents without SAD. Moreover, children of parents with more social
      anxiety symptoms showed increased EDA throughout the tasks. Finally, more
      blushing, increased EDA, and reduced HRV were associated with greater child
      social anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to the current knowledge on the
      intergenerational transmission of SAD by providing evidence that children at risk
      for SAD are characterized by excessive blushing in socially challenging
      situations. The findings also demonstrate that heightened autonomic activity is a
      characteristic of social anxiety already during early childhood. Hence, autonomic
      hyperarousal, and blushing in particular, is likely to play an etiological role
      in the development of SAD.

PMID- 27133172
TI  - BMI, leisure-time physical activity, and physical fitness in adults in China:
      results from a series of national surveys, 2000-14.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity, physical inactivity, and reduced physical fitness contribute
      to the rising burden of chronic diseases in China. We investigated these factors
      in Chinese adults over a 14-year period (2000-14) using data from randomised
      national surveys. METHODS: We did four national surveys in 2000, 2005, 2010, and
      2014 among Chinese adults aged 20-59 years. We used BMI to assess underweight
      (<18.5 kg/m(2)), overweight (>=23.0 to <27.5 kg/m(2)), and obesity (>=27.5
      kg/m(2)). Central obesity was defined as a waist circumference greater than 90 cm
      in men and greater than 85 cm in women. We assessed leisure-time physical
      activity (LTPA) by whether or not participants had completed the recommended
      minimum 150 min of moderate or 75 min of vigorous exercise per week. Indices for
      assessment of physical fitness were forced vital capacity, resting heart rate,
      hand grip strength, sit and reach distance, and time standing on one leg.
      FINDINGS: 151 656 (78%) of 193 440 adults responded to the survey in 2000, 163
      386 (84%) in 2005, 154 931 (80%) in 2010, and 146 703 (76%) in 2014. The
      prevalence of obesity increased from 8.6% in 2000, to 10.3% in 2005, 12.2% in
      2010, and 12.9% in 2014 (estimated increase 0.32% per year, 95% CI 0.30-0.33;
      p<0.0001). The equivalent estimates were 37.4%, 39.2%, 40.7%, and 41.2% for
      overweight (estimated increase 0.27% per year, 95% CI 0.25-0.30; p<0.0001) and
      13.9%, 18.3%, 22.1%, and 24.9% for central obesity (estimated increase 0.78% per
      year, 0.76-0.80; p<0.0001). The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and central
      obesity increased with age (all p<0.0001) and was higher in men than in women
      (all p<0.0001). We noted a simultaneous decrease in the prevalence of underweight
      (estimated decrease of 0.06% per year, 95% CI 0.04-0.07; p<0.0001). The
      proportion of adults meeting the minimum LTPA recommendation increased over time
      (17.2% in 2000, 18.1% in 2005, and 22.8% in 2014), with the estimated prevalence
      change per year being 0.33% (95% CI 0.24-0.42; p<0.0001) for underweight people,
      0.50% (0.47-0.53; p<0.0001) for normal-weight people, 0.37% (0.34-0.40; p<0.0001)
      for overweight people, and 0.06% (0.00-0.13; p=0.044) for obese people. We noted
      deteriorations over time in all measures of physical fitness in normal-weight
      adults (all p<0.0001), apart from resting heart rate (p=0.69). INTERPRETATION:
      Despite increased participation in LTPA, we noted increases in overweight or
      obesity and a decrease in physical fitness in Chinese adults. Continued
      nationwide interventions are needed to promote physical activity and other
      healthy lifestyle behaviours in China. FUNDING: National Physical Fitness
      Surveillance Center and Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's
      Republic of China.

PMID- 27133174
TI  - [Pulmonary tuberculosis revealed by chronic osteoarthritis of the ankle].

PMID- 27133175
TI  - [Place of the microscopic examination in the diagnosis of costal fibrous
      dysplasia].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibrous dysplasia of bone is a rare benign lesion characterized by
      the coexistence of a fibrous tissue and an immature osteogenesis. Costal
      localization is rare and may be monostotic or polyostotic. The diagnosis may be
      suspected based on clinical and radiological findings. Facing the development of
      radiological investigations, we tried to highlight the diagnostic role of the
      microscopic examination through the experience of our department. METHODS: We
      describe a retrospective study about 12 costal fibrous dysplasias diagnosed over
      a 17-year-period. Clinical records were retrieved from the department of thoracic
      surgery of the same hospital. RESULTS: Costal fibrous dysplasia is equally
      observed in men and women with predominance in the third and fourth decades.
      Clinical symptoms consist mainly in chest pain. Physical examination was normal
      in almost all cases. Based on the radiological findings, the diagnosis was
      suspected in 33% of the cases. Microscopic examination highlighted the diagnosis
      in all cases but it was challenging in one case and necessitated a multi
      disciplinary approach. The difficulties encountered were due to artifact
      decalcification. CONCLUSION: Costal fibrous dysplasia is a benign lesion which
      diagnosis is based on microscopic features. Radiologic investigations show
      nonspecific features but allow to rule out a malignant tumor. The outcome of the
      patients is generally good except in rare cases with a malignant transformation.

PMID- 27133176
TI  - [Association of sarcoidosis and Takayasu's disease: A case report].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vascular lesion of sarcoidosis is rare, it may precede, follow or
      occur with the symptoms of a Takayasu's disease. Many pathogenic mechanisms
      (infectious, genetic and immunological) participate in associating those two
      diseases. OBSERVATION: We describe the case of a 24-year-old female patient,
      hospitalized for a check up for mediastinal and cervical adenopathies, nasal
      obstruction with intermittent claudication in the upper limbs evolving over eight
      months the clinic examination shows an abolition of radial pulses. The final
      diagnosis was sarcoidosis with mediastinal and peripheral lymphadenopathy and a
      nasal lesion associated to a Takayasu arteritis (4 ACR criteria for Takayasu
      disease). We noticed a good clinical and radiological evolution after one year of
      oral corticotherapy. CONCLUSION: The association between sarcoidosis and
      Takayasu's disease remains rare, thus a differential diagnosis.

PMID- 27133177
TI  - [Azygos vein aneurysm: An unusual and rare diagnostic].

PMID- 27133178
TI  - In vitro effect of imatinib mesylate loaded on polybutylcyanoacrylate
      nanoparticles on leukemia cell line K562.
AB  - The study aimed to prepare imatinib mesylate-loaded polybutylcyanoacrylate (PBCA)
      nanoparticles and evaluate their efficacy on leukemia cell line K562. The
      formulation was prepared by miniemulsion polymerization technique. Nanoparticles
      were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), spectrophotometry, Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dialysis membrane, and 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) techniques. Nanoscale
      particles with high encapsulation efficiency (86%) and physical entrapment of
      drug were observed. In addition, nanoparticles showed suitable drug retention
      capability and potentiate the cytotoxicity effects of imatinib mesylate. Findings
      of study suggested PBCA nanoparticles are promising carrier for imatinib mesylate
      delivery to leukemia cell line K562.

PMID- 27133179
TI  - Presence of photoperiod-melatonin-induced, sexually-activated rams in spring
      advances puberty in autumn-born ewe lambs.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the effect of sexually activated (by
      specific photoperiodic treatments) vasectomized rams on the onset of puberty in
      autumn-born ewe lambs in spring. Photoperiodic-treated rams were assigned to one
      of three groups, which were sequentially exposed to two months of long days (16h
      light/d) and given three melatonin implants at the end of the long days (sexually
      activated-rams; SAR): SAR1 (n=5; 1 December-31 January), SAR2 (n=5; 1 Jan-28
      February), and SAR3 (n=5; 1 February-31 March). Control rams (CR; n=4) were
      exposed to the natural photoperiod. On 1 March, 50 ewe lambs born in September
      were assigned to the SAR rams (SAR-treated; n=25) or the CR rams (CR-treated;
      n=25). SAR-treated ewe lambs were housed with SAR1 rams from 1 March. SAR2 rams
      replaced SAR1 rams (14 April), which were replaced by SAR3 rams (22 May) until 30
      June. CR-treated ewe lambs were housed with the unstimulated rams. Ovulation was
      identified by weekly plasma progesterone concentrations and estrous behavior, as
      indicated by colored rumps. A greater proportion of SAR than CR ewe lambs
      ovulated in April (52% vs. 0%) and May (68% vs. 0%) (P<0.0001), and were in
      estrus in May (64% vs. 0%) and June (92% vs. 24%) (P<0.0001). The presence of SAR
      rams reduced (P<0.0001) mean (+/-SD) age (d) at first ovulation and estrus (235+/
      28 [7 May] and 257+/-24 [29 May], respectively), compared to that of CR-treated
      ewe lambs (277+/-5 [18 June] and 302+/-16 [14 July], respectively). In
      conclusion, the presence of photoperiod-melatonin-induced, sexually activated
      rams in spring, advanced puberty in autumn-born ewe lambs. Using this technique
      might provide an effective and sustainable means of increasing the productive
      life of ewes, while avoiding the use of hormonal treatments. 

PMID- 27133180
TI  - Comparison of methods to improve induction of spermiation in wild-caught carp
      (Cyprinus carpio carpio), a threatened species from the Caspian Sea basin.
AB  - Wild carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio) forms the basis of an important fishery in the
      Southern Caspian Sea Basin which is increasingly underpinned by the release of
      cultured juveniles. A significant bottleneck to hatchery-rearing of juveniles is
      the spermiation of male broodstock. Therefore, four approaches to improving
      spermiation were investigated. The effectiveness of two delivery methods for the
      sustained release of salmon gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (sGnRHa;
      i.e., via intramuscular cholesterol pellet vs emulsion injection) on the
      spermiation success and duration, sperm quality and quantity over 14days in wild
      caught carp were compared to single injection of sGnRHa with Pimozide((r)) (Linpe
      method) or carp pituitary extract (CPE). The consequence of the spermiation
      treatments on resulting embryonic quality was evaluated for subsequent
      fertilization and hatching success from wild male carp (mean weight+/-S.D. 1021+/
      112g). All hormonal treatments, except for Linpe method, led to 100% spermiation
      of treated fish compared to only 25% in the control with no hormone intervention.
      The duration of spermiation, as well as the various quantitative variables of the
      sperm and the mean total sperm production were all generally improved with the
      sustained hormone delivery compared with the acute treatments. The GnRHa-FIA was
      the most effective method for improving spermiation. 

PMID- 27133181
TI  - Induction chemotherapy with dose-modified docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5
      fluorouracil in Asian patients with borderline resectable or unresectable head
      and neck cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Significant ethnic differences in susceptibility to the
      effects of chemotherapy exist. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the safety and
      efficacy of induction chemotherapy (ICT) with dose-modified docetaxel, cisplatin,
      and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) in Asian patients with borderline resectable or
      unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: Based on the
      incidence of adverse events that occurred during daily practice, TPF90 (90% of
      the original TPF dosage; docetaxel 67.5 mg/m2 on Day 1, cisplatin 67.5 mg/m2 on
      Day 1, and 5-fluorouracil 675 mg/m2 on Days 1-5) was used for HNSCC patients who
      were scheduled to receive ICT TPF. RESULTS: Between March 2011 and May 2014, 52
      consecutive patients with borderline resectable or unresectable HNSCC were
      treated with ICT TPF90 followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Forty-four
      patients (84.6%) received at least three cycles of ICT TPF90. The most commonly
      observed Grade 3-4 adverse events included neutropenia (35%), anemia (25%),
      stomatitis (35%), diarrhea (16%), and infections (13.5%). In an intention-to
      treat analysis, the complete and partial response rates after ICT TPF90 were
      13.5% and 59.6%, respectively. The complete and partial response rates following
      radiotherapy and salvage surgery were 42.3% and 25.0%, respectively. The
      estimated 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 41%
      [95% confidence interval (CI): 25-56%] and 23% (95% CI: 10-39%), respectively.
      The observed median overall survival and progression-free survival were 21.0
      months (95% CI: 13.3-28.7 months) and 16.0 months (95% CI: 10.7-21.3 months),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: TPF90 is a suitable option for Asian patients with
      borderline resectable or unresectable HNSCC who are scheduled for ICT.

PMID- 27133183
TI  - A survey of natal and neonatal teeth in newborn infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Since there is no comprehensive research of natal and
      neonatal teeth in Taiwan, careful investigation of natal or neonatal teeth is
      worthy of being studied. This retrospective study investigated the prevalence and
      clinical characteristics of natal or neonatal teeth in a hospital setting, and
      analyzed the possible relationships between investigated variables of the natal
      or neonatal teeth. METHODS: All of the 12,019 infants born at an assigned
      hospital between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2014 were investigated for
      natal or neonatal teeth. The identified individuals were reviewed for systemic
      diseases. Dental examinations included the location, clinical appearance, and
      degree of mobility. A positive family history of natal or neonatal teeth and
      mother's physical condition before delivery were also investigated. The collected
      data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Thirty infants were
      identified with a total of 43 natal or neonatal teeth (females, 19; males, 11).
      Most of the teeth were in the mandibular primary incisor position (97.6%). A
      radiographic examination confirmed that not all of the natal or neonatal teeth
      were supernumerary. No significant differences were observed between males and
      females in tooth morphology, positive family history, and treatment methods (p >
      0.05) or between normal and conical shapes in positive family history, premature
      infant, mother's physical condition before delivery, and treatment methods (p >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Most of the natal or neonatal teeth were in the mandibular
      primary incisor position and not all of them were supernumerary. No gender
      differences were found in tooth morphology, positive family history, and
      treatment methods. The tooth morphology was not significantly related to a
      positive family history, premature delivery, or the mother's physical condition
      before delivery.

PMID- 27133182
TI  - Clinical characteristics and psychosocial impact of different reflux time in
      gastroesophageal reflux disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an emerging
      disease, and can impair quality of life and sleep. This study aimed to
      investigate whether GERD patients with different timings of reflux symptoms have
      different clinical characteristics. METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled
      individuals who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during a health
      checkup. Each participant completed all questionnaires including Reflux Disease
      Questionnaire, Nighttime GERD questionnaire, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index,
      Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Combined
      reflux was defined as the timing of reflux symptoms occurring at both daytime and
      nighttime. RESULTS: A total of 2604 participants were enrolled. Of them, 651
      symptomatic GERD patients, according to the Reflux Disease Questionnaire score,
      were recruited for final analysis. Of them, 224 (34.4%) had erosive esophagitis
      on endoscopy. According to the timing of reflux symptoms, 184 (28.3%) were
      assigned to the daytime reflux group, 71 (10.9%) to the nighttime reflux group,
      and 396 (60.8%) to the combined reflux group. In post hoc analysis, the combined
      reflux group had a significantly higher Reflux Disease Questionnaire score than
      the daytime reflux group (p < 0.0001). Combined and nighttime reflux groups had
      higher body mass index and longer duration (> 12 years) of education than the
      daytime reflux group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in Pittsburg Sleep
      Quality Index, Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire, and State-Trait Anxiety
      Inventory scores among three groups. CONCLUSION: GERD patients with combined
      daytime and nighttime reflux of have more troublesome symptoms than those with
      daytime reflux. GERD patients with different timings of reflux symptoms have
      different clinical characteristics in terms of body mass index and duration of
      education, but not in terms of esophageal inflammation, quality of sleep, and
      psychosocial status.

PMID- 27133184
TI  - Chemometrics and the identification of counterfeit medicines-A review.
AB  - This review article provides readers with a number of actual case studies dealing
      with verifying the authenticity of selected medicines supported by different
      chemometric approaches. In particular, a general data processing workflow is
      discussed with the major emphasis on the most frequently selected instrumental
      techniques to characterize drug samples and the chemometric methods being used to
      explore and/or model the analytical data. However, further discussion is limited
      to a situation in which the collected data describes two groups of drug samples -
      authentic ones and counterfeits. 

PMID- 27133185
TI  - Anatomical variations in the brachial plexus roots: implications for diagnosis of
      neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.
AB  - Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is the most common type of TOS.
      Typically it results from impingement of the neurovasculature as it passes
      between the anterior and middle scalene muscles; this classic anatomical
      relationship being the foundation of clinical diagnosis. Positional testing
      relies on vascular compromise occurring when the subclavian artery is compressed
      in this space. This study describes several anatomical variations observed in
      this relationship. Sixty-five cadavers (35m/30f) were assessed to determine the
      frequency and extent of brachial plexus branching variants. A total of thirty-one
      variations from "classic" anatomy were observed (47.7%). In two specimens (3.1%),
      the entire superior trunk coursed completely anterior to the anterior scalene in
      a position of relative vulnerability. In 27 instances, a portion of or the entire
      superior trunk pierced the anterior scalene muscle, and in two, the middle trunk
      also pierced the muscle belly. Interestingly, while two bilateral branching
      variations were observed, the majority occurred unilaterally, and almost
      exclusively on the left side. There were no sex differences in frequency. The
      high frequency of these variations and their potential to predispose patients to
      neurogenic TOS suggest that current diagnostic methods may be insufficient in
      clinical diagnosis. Due to lack of vascular compromise, patients with the
      piercing variant would not display positive signs on the traditional positional
      tests. The use of ultrasound to determine the route of the brachial plexus could
      determine whether this variation is present in patients who suffer from TOS
      symptoms but lack a diagnosis based on traditional positional testing. 

PMID- 27133186
TI  - Structured training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator leads to improvement in
      technical performance of robotic novices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increasing use of minimally invasive techniques such as robotic
      assisted devices raises the question of how to acquire robotic surgery skills.
      The da Vinci Skills Simulator has been demonstrated to be an effective training
      tool in previous reports. To date, little data are available on how to acquire
      proficiency through simulator training. We investigated the outcome of a
      structured training programme for robotic surgical skills by robotic novices.
      METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from January to December 2013 using
      the da Vinci Skills Simulator. Twenty participants, all robotic novices, were
      enrolled in a 4-week training curriculum. After a brief introduction to the
      simulator system, three consecutive repetitions of five selected exercises (Match
      Board 1, 2, 3 and Ring and Rail 1, 2) were performed in a defined order on days
      1, 8, 15 and 22. On day 22, one repetition of a previously unpractised more
      advanced module (Needle Targeting) was also performed. After completion of each
      study day, the overall performance, time to completion, economy in motion,
      instrument collisions, excessive instrument force, instruments out of view,
      master workspace range and number of drops were analysed. RESULTS: Comparing the
      first and final repetition, overall score and time needed to complete all
      exercises, economy of motion and instrument collisions were significantly
      improved in nearly all exercises. Regarding the new exercise, a positive training
      effect could be demonstrated. While its overall entry score was significantly
      higher, the time to completion and economy of motion were significantly lower
      than the scores on the first repetition of the previous 5 exercises. CONCLUSIONS:
      It could be shown that training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator led to an
      improvement in technical performance of robotic novices. With regard to a new
      exercise, the training had a positive effect on the technical performance.

PMID- 27133187
TI  - Keep Up the Good (Bench) Work!
AB  - Professor Silvia Moreno studies toxoplasmosis, one of the most common parasitic
      infections in the world, caused by Toxoplasma gondii. About one-third of the
      human population is chronically infected with T. gondii cysts, the dormant form
      of the parasite. Although most immunocompetent infected individuals remain
      asymptomatic throughout life, serious complications such as loss of vision,
      mother-to-fetus transmission, and fatal cases can occur. The drugs currently
      available to treat toxoplasmosis are unable to clear the cyst form of the
      parasite and have severe side effects like bone marrow suppression and liver
      toxicity. Silvia has studied parasite metabolism for more than 20 years and has
      been at the University of Georgia since 2005. Her goal is to uncover unique
      aspects of parasite metabolism that can be targeted for designing more effective,
      less toxic drugs against T. gondii. In this short interview, Silvia highlights
      the importance of staying true to one's identity and of learning to say 'no', and
      advises young researchers to not stay away from the bench.

PMID- 27133188
TI  - Optimizing particle size of docetaxel-loaded micelles for enhanced treatment of
      oral epidermoid carcinoma.
AB  - Understanding how the size of nanocarriers affects their fate in biological
      systems in vivo is of fundamental importance for rational design of drug delivery
      systems. In this study, five docetaxel (DTX)-loaded methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)
      poly(lactide) micelles of different sizes (30-230nm) were prepared. It was
      observed that the permeation of micelles within both the multicellular tumor
      spheroids and tumor xenografts in mice was dependent on the size of the micelle.
      In addition, the size of micelles influenced their pharmacokinetic behavior. DTX
      loaded pH-sensitive micelle based on poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide)
      poly(beta-amino ester) (DTX-pHPM) was constructed to further illustrate the
      effect of particle size. As expected, DTX-pHPM improved tumor penetration, uptake
      by tumor cells, and prolonged circulation time, consequently demonstrating the
      highest inhibition of in vivo tumor growth (84.4%) in oral epidermoid carcinoma.
      Taken together, our findings can aid in designing nano-scale drug delivery
      systems for cancer therapy by optimizing the particle size.

PMID- 27133189
TI  - Development of near-infrared photoactivable phthalocyanine-loaded nanoparticles
      to kill tumor cells: An improved tool for photodynamic therapy of solid cancers.
AB  - Conventional photodynamic therapy has shown to be beneficial in the treatment of
      a variety of tumors. However, one of its major limitations is the inadequate
      penetration depth of visible light. In order to overcome this constraint, we
      developed 80nm poly-methylmethacrylate core-shell fluorescent nanoparticles (FNP)
      loaded with the photosensitizer tetrasulfonated aluminum phthalocyanine (Ptl). To
      demonstrate the efficacy of our Ptl@FNP we performed in vitro and in vivo studies
      using a human prostate tumor model. Our data reveal that Ptl@FNP are internalized
      by tumor cells, favour Ptl intracellular accumulation, and efficiently trigger
      cell death through the generation of ROS upon irradiation with 680nm light. When
      directly injected into tumors intramuscularly induced in SCID mice, Ptl@FNP upon
      irradiation significantly reduce tumor growth with higher efficiency than the
      bare Ptl. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the newly developed
      nanoparticles may be utilized as a delivery system for antitumor phototherapy in
      solid cancers.

PMID- 27133190
TI  - Inflammatory response to implantation of transparent nanocrystalline yttria
      stabilized zirconia using a dorsal window chamber model.
AB  - The long-range goal of the windows to the brain (WttB) is to improve patient care
      by providing a technique for delivery and/or collection of light into/from the
      brain, on demand, over large areas, and on a chronically-recurring basis without
      the need for repeated craniotomies. To evaluate the potential of nanocrystalline
      yttria-stabilized-zirconia (nc-YSZ) cranial implant for optical therapy and
      imaging, in vivo biocompatibility was studied using the dorsal window chamber
      model in comparison with control (no implant) and commercially available cranial
      implant materials (PEEK and PEKK). The host tissue response to implant was
      characterized by using transillumination and fluorescent microscopy to measure
      leukocyte adhesion, blood vessel diameter, blood flow rate, and vascular
      permeability over two weeks. The results indicated the lack of inflammatory
      reaction of the host tissue to nc-YSZ at the microscopic level, suggesting that
      nc-YSZ is a good alternative material for cranial implants.

PMID- 27133191
TI  - Theranostic tumor targeted nanoparticles combining drug delivery with dual near
      infrared and 19F magnetic resonance imaging modalities.
AB  - Combining imaging and drug delivery of "theranostic" nanoparticles has enabled
      concurrent diagnosis and therapy of diseases. Here, we describe a novel
      theranostic system that combines two imaging tracers, perfluorooctyl bromide
      (PFOB) for 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and indocyanine green (ICG) for
      near infrared (NIR) imaging, with the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (Dox)
      into poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)- poly (ethylene-glycol)-folate (PLGA-PEG
      folate) nanoparticles. Cell culture studies using flow cytometry, confocal laser
      scanning microscope imaging, and 19F MRI showed enhanced uptake of nanoparticles
      via folate receptors expressed on human nasopharyngeal epidermal carcinoma (KB)
      cells. In vivo, higher MRI and fluorescence signals were obtained from tumors
      with 19F MRI and NIR, respectively, using folate-receptor-targeted nanoparticles
      compared with non-targeted equivalents. An in vitro cytotoxicity assay showed
      that folate-targeted nanoparticles were able to kill cancer cells more
      efficiently than non-folate conjugated particles. Our results suggest a potential
      use of PLGA-PEG-folate PFOB/ICG/Dox nanoparticles as a targeted chemotherapy
      agent traceable by either 19F MRI or NIR imaging.

PMID- 27133192
TI  - Formulation and antitumorigenic activities of nanoencapsulated nifetepimine: A
      promising approach in treating triple negative breast carcinoma.
AB  - Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most common invasive
      malignancies among women, associated with poor prognosis. Standard chemotherapy
      targets all dividing cells, resulting in dose-limiting toxicities. In this study,
      we demonstrated a strategy of encapsulating a hydrophobic synthetic compound,
      nifetepimine, having anticancer properties, in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)
      nanoparticles to increase selectivity of drug to cancerous cells with minimum
      toxicity towards normal cells. Nanoencapsulated nifetepimine (30-100nm) having
      loading and encapsulation efficiency of 7.45% and 75% respectively, was
      successfully internalized inside TNBC cells upon sustained release resulting in
      apoptosis. An in vivo bio-distribution study indicated that nanonifetepimine
      selectively accumulated into breast tumor sites of mice, primarily due to
      prolonged blood circulation time and binding of nifetepimine to epidermal growth
      factor receptor that remains overexpressed in most of the TNBC tumors. Moreover,
      we observed significant reduction in breast tumor volume with improved survival
      implying high tumor targetability of nanonifetepimine.

PMID- 27133193
TI  - Microsurgical reconstruction of oncological scalp defects in the elderly.
AB  - The incidence of scalp tumors requiring radical excision increases with age. Free
      flap surgery is the standard reconstructive option for large defects; however,
      there is an ongoing uncertainty about its safety in the elderly. We conducted a
      review of data and report on 19 patients aged >=75 years and 13 < 75 years. Data
      regarding patient demographics, types of tumors, surgery, size of defect, flaps
      used, and prevalence of complications were analyzed. The patients in the elderly
      group had more accompanying medical conditions and a higher ASA score. Squamous
      cell carcinoma was the predominant tumor in the elderly and sarcoma in the
      younger patients. The defect size was similar in both groups. The latissimus
      dorsi (LD) and the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps were flaps of first choice,
      with temporal vessels most commonly used for anastomosis. Surgery lasted longer
      in the younger patients. There was no difference in the duration of hospital
      stay. No significant correlation was found between age and the flap-related or
      medical complications. Revision surgery was more often required in the younger
      patients. We conclude that free flap surgery is safe and reliable in the elderly
      population. The LD and the ALT are the most commonly used flaps. Advanced age
      should not be considered a risk factor for free flap surgery in these patients. 

PMID- 27133194
TI  - Amyloid beta accumulation and inner retinal degenerative changes in Alzheimer's
      disease transgenic mouse.
AB  - The APP-PS1DeltaE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibits age dependent
      amyloid beta (Abeta) plaque formation in their central nervous system due to high
      expression of mutated human APP and PSEN1 transgenes. Here we evaluated Abeta
      deposition and changes in soluble Abeta accumulation in the retinas of aged APP
      PS1 mice using a combination of immunofluorescence, retinal flat mounts and
      western blotting techniques. Abeta accumulation in the retina has previously been
      shown to be associated with retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in animal models of
      glaucoma. This study investigated changes in the inner retinal function and
      structure in APP-PS1 mice using electrophysiology and histological approaches
      respectively. We report for the first time a significant decline in scotopic
      threshold response (STR) amplitudes which represents inner retinal function in
      transgenic animals compared to the wild type counterparts (p<0.0001). Thinning of
      the retina particularly involving inner retinal layers and reduction in axonal
      density in the optic nerve was also observed. TUNEL staining was performed to
      examine neuronal apoptosis in the inner retina. Intraocular pressure (IOP)
      measurements showed that APP-PS1DeltaE9 mice had a slightly elevated IOP, but the
      significance of this finding is not yet known. Together, these results
      substantiate previous observations and highlight that APP-PS1DeltaE9 mice show
      evidence of molecular, functional and morphological degenerative changes in the
      inner retina.

PMID- 27133195
TI  - The association between the LRRK2 R1628P variant and the risk of Parkinson's
      disease in Asian: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Many published case-control studies have investigated the association between
      Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2(LRRK2) R1628P and the susceptibility of Parkinson's
      disease (PD). However, controversial results were obtained. Herein we performed
      this meta-analysis to assess the association between the LRRK2 R1628P variants
      and the risk of PD. Up to January of 2016, 5 databases were searched to identify
      case-control studies involving LRRK2 R1628P variants and PD risk. A total of 5736
      PD patients and 4786 controls in 14 case-control studies were included in this
      meta-analysis. And STATA 12.0 statistics software was used to calculate available
      data from each study. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval
      (CI) were calculated to assess the genetic association between LRRK2 R1628P
      polymorphism and the risk of PD. The results indicated that LRRK2 R1628P variants
      were increased risk of PD when all studies were pooled (C vs. G OR=1.983, 95% CI
      1.640-2.399; GC+CC vs. GG OR=1.971, 95% CI 1.625-2.391). Moreover, in the
      subgroup analysis by ethnicity, increased risks were identified among Chinese
      (GC+CC vs. GG, OR=1.96, 95% CI 1.60-2.41) as well as in non-Chinese Asian races
      (GC+CC vs. GG, OR=2.03, 95% CI 1.13-3.65). Therefore, our results suggest that
      the C allele, GC and CC genotype of LRRK2 R1628P variants contribute to the
      susceptibility of PD in Asian. 

PMID- 27133196
TI  - A comparison of back propagation and Generalized Regression Neural Networks
      performance in neutron spectrometry.
AB  - The process of unfolding the neutron energy spectrum has been subject of research
      for many years. Monte Carlo, iterative methods, the bayesian theory, the
      principle of maximum entropy are some of the methods used. The drawbacks
      associated with traditional unfolding procedures have motivated the research of
      complementary approaches. Back Propagation Neural Networks (BPNN), have been
      applied with success in neutron spectrometry and dosimetry domains, however, the
      structure and learning parameters are factors that highly impact in the networks
      performance. In ANN domain, Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN) is one
      of the simplest neural networks in term of network architecture and learning
      algorithm. The learning is instantaneous, requiring no time for training.
      Opposite to BPNN, a GRNN would be formed instantly with just a 1-pass training on
      the development data. In the network development phase, the only hurdle is to
      optimize the hyper-parameter, which is known as sigma, governing the smoothness
      of the network. The aim of this work was to compare the performance of BPNN and
      GRNN in the solution of the neutron spectrometry problem. From results obtained
      it can be observed that despite the very similar results, GRNN performs better
      than BPNN.

PMID- 27133197
TI  - National prevalence, causes, and risk factors for bariatric surgery readmissions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Readmissions are often used as a quality metric particularly in
      bariatric surgery. METHODS: Laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic
      adjustable gastric banding, and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were identified
      using Current Procedure Terminology codes in the 2012 National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program public use file. RESULTS: A total of 18,296 patients were
      included, 10,080 (55.1%) were laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass, 1,829
      (10.0%) were laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, and 6,387 (34.9%) were
      laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Among all patients, 955 (5.22%) were readmitted.
      Patients with readmissions had a higher proportion of body mass index greater
      than 50 (30.2% vs 24.6%, P < .001), higher index operative time (132 minutes vs
      115, P < .001) and greater proportion with length of stay greater than 4 days
      (9.57% vs 3.36%, P < .001). Readmitted patients were more likely to have diabetes
      (31.1% vs 27.7%, P = .02), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2.63% vs 1.72%,
      P = .04), and hypertension (54.5% vs 50.8%, P = .03). Overall, 40.6% of
      readmitted patients had a complication. Common readmissions were gastrointestinal
      related (45.0%), dietary (33.5%), and bleeding (6.57%). Readmission was
      independently associated with African-American race (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53, P =
      .02), complication (OR = 11.3, 95%, P < .001), and resident involvement (OR =
      .53, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: A 30-day readmission after bariatric surgery is
      prevalent and closely associated with complications.

PMID- 27133198
TI  - Response to Letter to the Editor on comments on Use of metformin and risk of
      kidney cancer in patients with type 2 diabetes Chin-Hsiao Tseng, Eur J Cancer,
      2016, No. 52, pp. 19-25.

PMID- 27133199
TI  - Scopoletin, an active principle of tree tobacco (Nicotiana glauca) inhibits human
      tumor vascularization in xenograft models and modulates ERK1, VEGF-A, and FGF-2
      in computer model.
AB  - We recently reported the antineovascularization effect of scopoletin on rat aorta
      and identified its potential anti-angiogenic activity. Scopoletin could be useful
      as a systemic chemotherapeutic agent against angiogenesis-dependent malignancies
      if its antitumorigenic activity is investigated and scientifically proven using a
      suitable human tumor xenograft model. In the present study, bioassay-guided (anti
      angiogenesis) phytochemical investigation was conducted on Nicotiana glauca
      extract which led to the isolation of scopoletin. Further, anti-angiogenic
      activity of scopoletin was characterized using ex vivo, in vivo and in silico
      angiogenesis models. Finally, the antitumorigenic efficacy of scopoletin was
      studied in human colorectal tumor xenograft model using athymic nude mice. For
      the first time, an in vivo anticancer activity of scopoletin was reported and
      characterized using xenograft models. Scopoletin caused significant suppression
      of sprouting of microvessels in rat aortic explants with IC50 (median inhibitory
      concentration) 0.06MUM. Scopoletin (100 and 200mg/kg) strongly inhibited (59.72
      and 89.4%, respectively) vascularization in matrigel plugs implanted in nude
      mice. In the tumor xenograft model, scopoletin showed remarkable inhibition on
      tumor growth (34.2 and 94.7% at 100 and 200mg/kg, respectively). Tumor histology
      revealed drastic reduction of the extent of vascularization. Further,
      immunostaining of CD31 and NG2 receptors in the histological sections confirmed
      the antivascular effect of scopoletin in tumor vasculature. In computer modeling,
      scopoletin showed strong ligand affinity and binding energies toward the
      following angiogenic factors: protein kinase (ERK1), vascular endothelial growth
      factor A (VEGF-A), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2). These results suggest
      that the antitumor activity of scopoletin may be due to its strong anti
      angiogenic effect, which may be mediated by its effective inhibition of ERK1,
      VEGF-A, and FGF-2.

PMID- 27133200
TI  - MicroRNA-421 Gene Polymorphism in Gastric Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND As a common malignant tumor, gastric carcinoma requires early
      diagnosis to improve treatment efficacy. MicroRNA (miR) molecules have highly
      conserved nucleotide sequences and can negatively regulate target gene expression
      at the translational level. miR-421 has been suggested to be related with gastric
      cancer occurrence. The gene polymorphism of miR-421, however, has not been
      reported. This study thus investigated the G/C polymorphism of miR-421 and its
      role in progression and prognosis of gastric cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total
      of 96 gastric cancer patients were recruited in this study and tumor samples were
      collected from surgical resection. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of miR
      421 was determined by DNA sequencing for analyzing the correlation between lymph
      node metastasis and miR-421 genotypes. Logistic regression analysis was used to
      determine the relationship between genotype and risk factors of gastric cancer.
      Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was also performed to compare GG and GC carriers.
      RESULTS Differential expression patterns existed between gastric cancer tissues
      and normal gastric mucosa. Logistic regression analysis showed GC and GG
      genotypes were risk factors for gastric cancer. Patients with lymph node
      metastasis had higher GG genotype frequency compared to those without metastasis.
      In survival analysis, GG carriers had shorter survival time than GC carriers.
      Furthermore, GG genotype was correlated with tumor prognosis (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS G allele of miR-421 is a risk factor for gastric cancer. GG genotype
      is correlated with lymph node metastasis and prognosis, indicating it is a risk
      factor for gastric cancer. 

PMID- 27133201
TI  - Timing and Causes of Readmission After Acute Heart Failure Hospitalization
      Insights From the Heart Failure Network Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Readmission or death after heart failure (HF) hospitalization is a
      consequential and closely scrutinized outcome, but risk factors may vary by
      population. We characterized the risk factors for post-discharge
      readmission/death in subjects treated for acute heart failure (AHF). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: A post hoc analysis was performed on data from 744 subjects enrolled in
      3 AHF trials conducted within the Heart Failure Network (HFN): Diuretic
      Optimization Strategies Evaluation in Acute Heart Failure (DOSE-AHF), Cardiorenal
      Rescue Study in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (CARRESS-HF), and Renal
      Optimization Strategies Evaluation in Acute Heart Failure (ROSE-AHF). All-cause
      readmission/death occurred in 26% and 38% of subjects within 30 and 60 days of
      discharge, respectively. Non-HF cardiovascular causes of readmission were more
      common in the <=30-day timeframe than in the 31-60-day timeframe (23% vs 10%, P =
      .016). In a Cox proportional hazards model adjusting a priori for left
      ventricular ejection fraction <50% and trial, the risk factors for all-cause
      readmission/death included: elevated baseline blood urea nitrogen, angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) non-use,
      lower baseline sodium, non-white race, elevated baseline bicarbonate, lower
      systolic blood pressure at discharge or day 7, depression, increased length of
      stay, and male sex. CONCLUSIONS: In an AHF population with prominent congestion
      and prevalent renal dysfunction, early readmissions were more likely to be due to
      non-HF cardiovascular causes compared with later readmissions. The association
      between use of ACEI/ARB and lower all-cause readmission/death in Cox proportional
      hazards model suggests a role for these drugs to improve post-discharge outcomes
      in AHF.

PMID- 27133202
TI  - Intracerebroventricular injections of dronabinol, a cannabinoid receptor agonist,
      does not attenuate serotonin-induced apnea in Sprague-Dawley rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that vagal nerve activity may play a role in sleep
      apnea induction. In anesthetized rats, dronabinol, a cannabinoid (CB) receptor
      agonist, injected into the nodose ganglia attenuates reflex apnea and increases
      genioglossus activity, and reflex apnea attenuation is blocked by systemic pre
      treatment with cannabinoid type 1 and/or type 2 receptor antagonists. However, it
      is unclear whether dronabinol has similar effects in the central nervous system;
      CB receptors are widely distributed in the brain, especially on neuronal
      circuitry important for respiration and upper airway activation. Here, we examine
      the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of dronabinol on serotonin
      (5-HT)-induced apnea. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized
      and instrumented with bilateral electrodes to monitor genioglossi EMG and with a
      piezoelectric strain gauge to monitor respiratory pattern. Serotonin was
      intravenously infused into a femoral vein to induce reflex apnea. After baseline
      recordings, rats were placed in a stereotaxic apparatus. A unilateral osteotomy
      was made to allow access for injection to the right lateral ventricle, and the
      dura were carefully removed. Dronabinol (100, 10, 1, or 0.1 MUg/3 MUl DMSO) or
      control (3 MUl DMSO) was injected into the right lateral ventricle and 5-HT
      infusion was repeated. Data (mean +/- SEM) were analyzed using a mixed model
      analysis with a repeated/fixed measure. RESULTS: There was no main effect in 5-HT
      induced apnea or breath duration, or in breath instability, between ICV
      dronabinol injected and ICV vehicle control injected groups. Moreover, there was
      no main effect in phasic or tonic genioglossus activity between ICV dronabinol
      injected and ICV vehicle control injected groups. CONCLUSION: Our data show that
      ICV injection of dronabinol did not decrease 5-HT-induced apneas, and did not
      increase genioglossus activity. This in contrast to published results of
      dronabinol's effect on apnea via the vagus nerve. Our results suggest that the
      effects of dronabinol on reflex apneas are peripherally mediated via suppression
      of vagal nerve activity.

PMID- 27133204
TI  - A high-throughput fluorescence-based assay for Plasmodium dihydroorotate
      dehydrogenase inhibitor screening.
AB  - Plasmodium dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a mitochondrial membrane
      associated flavoenzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step of de novo
      pyrimidine biosynthesis. DHODH is a validated target for malaria, and DSM265, a
      potent inhibitor, is currently in clinical trials. The enzyme catalyzes the
      oxidation of dihydroorotate to orotate using flavin mononucleotide (FMN) as
      cofactor in the first half of the reaction. Reoxidation of FMN to regenerate the
      active enzyme is mediated by ubiquinone (CoQD), which is the physiological final
      electron acceptor and second substrate of the reaction. We have developed a
      fluorescence-based high-throughput enzymatic assay to find DHODH inhibitors. In
      this assay, the CoQD has been replaced by a redox-sensitive fluorogenic dye,
      resazurin, which changes to a fluorescent state on reduction to resorufin.
      Remarkably, the assay sensitivity to find competitive inhibitors of the second
      substrate is higher than that reported for the standard colorimetric assay. It is
      amenable to 1536-well plates with Z' values close to 0.8. The fact that the human
      enzyme can also be assayed in the same format opens additional applications of
      this assay to the discovery of inhibitors to treat cancer, transplant rejection,
      autoimmune diseases, and other diseases mediated by rapid cellular growth.

PMID- 27133203
TI  - Deregulation of XBP1 expression contributes to myocardial vascular endothelial
      growth factor-A expression and angiogenesis during cardiac hypertrophy in vivo.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been reported to be involved in many
      cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, myocardial ischemia,
      and hypertension that ultimately result in heart failure. XBP1 is a key ER stress
      signal transducer and an important pro-survival factor of the unfolded protein
      response (UPR) in mammalian cells. The aim of this study was to establish a role
      for XBP1 in the deregulation of pro-angiogenic factor VEGF expression and
      potential regulatory mechanisms in hypertrophic and failing heart. Western blots
      showed that myocardial XBP1s protein was significantly increased in both
      isoproterenol (ISO)-induced and pressure-overload-induced hypertrophic and
      failing heart compared to normal control. Furthermore, XBP1 silencing exacerbates
      ISO-induced cardiac dysfunction along with a reduction of myocardial capillary
      density and cardiac expression of pro-angiogenic factor VEGF-A in vivo.
      Consistently, experiments in cultured cardiomyocytes H9c2 (2-1) cells showed that
      UPR-induced VEGF-A upregulation was determined by XBP1 expression level.
      Importantly, VEGF-A expression was increased in failing human heart tissue and
      blood samples and was correlated with the levels of XBP1. These results suggest
      that XBP1 regulates VEGF-mediated cardiac angiogenesis, which contributes to the
      progression of adaptive hypertrophy, and might provide novel targets for
      prevention and treatment of heart failure.

PMID- 27133205
TI  - Evaluation of in situ valine production by Bacillus subtilis in young pigs.
AB  - Mutants of Bacillus subtilis can be developed to overproduce Val in vitro. It was
      hypothesized that addition of Bacillus subtilis mutants to pig diets can be a
      strategy to supply the animal with Val. The objective was to investigate the
      effect of Bacillus subtilis mutants on growth performance and blood amino acid
      (AA) concentrations when fed to piglets. Experiment 1 included 18 pigs (15.0+/
      1.1 kg) fed one of three diets containing either 0.63 or 0.69 standardized ileal
      digestible (SID) Val : Lys, or 0.63 SID Val : Lys supplemented with a Bacillus
      subtilis mutant (mutant 1). Blood samples were obtained 0.5 h before feeding and
      at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h after feeding and analyzed for AAs. In Experiment 2, 80
      piglets (9.1+/-1.1 kg) were fed one of four diets containing 0.63 or 0.67 SID Val
      : Lys, or 0.63 SID Val : Lys supplemented with another Bacillus subtilis mutant
      (mutant 2) or its parent wild type. Average daily feed intake, daily weight gain
      and feed conversion ratio were measured on days 7, 14 and 21. On day 17, blood
      samples were taken and analyzed for AAs. On days 24 to 26, six pigs from each
      dietary treatment were fitted with a permanent jugular vein catheter, and blood
      samples were taken for AA analysis 0.5 h before feeding and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and
      6 h after feeding. In experiment 1, Bacillus subtilis mutant 1 tended (P<0.10) to
      increase the plasma levels of Val at 2 and 3 h post-feeding, but this was not
      confirmed in Experiment 2. In Experiment 2, Bacillus subtilis mutant 2 and the
      wild type did not result in a growth performance different from the negative and
      positive controls. In conclusion, results obtained with the mutant strains of
      Bacillus subtilis were not better than results obtained with the wild-type
      strain, and for both strains, the results were not different than the negative
      control.

PMID- 27133206
TI  - The essential functions of endoplasmic reticulum chaperones in hepatic lipid
      metabolism.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an essential organelle for protein and lipid
      synthesis in hepatocytes. ER homeostasis is vital to maintain normal hepatocyte
      physiology. Perturbed ER functions causes ER stress associated with accumulation
      of unfolded protein in the ER that activates a series of adaptive signalling
      pathways, termed unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR regulates ER chaperone
      levels to preserve ER protein-folding environment to protect the cell from ER
      stress. Recent findings reveal an array of ER chaperones that alter the protein
      folding environment in the ER of hepatocytes and contribute to dysregulation of
      hepatocyte lipid metabolism and liver disease. In this review, we will discuss
      the specific functions of these chaperones in regulation of lipid metabolism,
      especially de novo lipogenesis and lipid transport and demonstrate their
      homeostatic role not only for ER-protein synthesis but also for lipid metabolism
      in hepatocyte. 

PMID- 27133207
TI  - Gluten-free diet does not influence the occurrence and the Th1/Th17-Th2 nature of
      immune-mediated diseases in patients with coeliac disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Coeliac disease (CD) is the most common Th1-mediated enteropathy,
      frequently associated with other immune-mediated disorders (IMD). AIMS: To
      evaluate: (1) the prevalence of IMD at the time of and after CD diagnosis; (2) a
      possible change in immune response to gluten free diet (GFD); (3) the potential
      role of GFD in reducing and/or preventing IMD in CD. METHODS: Prospective study
      including all consecutive adult CD patients who underwent investigations for Th1
      Th17/Th2-IMD at the time of CD diagnosis and after a 5-year follow-up period.
      RESULTS: 1255 CD were enrolled. Of these, 257 patients (20.5%) showed IMD at the
      time of CD diagnosis, with 58.4% presenting a Th1/Th17-IMD. After a 5-year follow
      up period, 682 patients (54.3%) showed new IMD despite GFD. Of these, 57.3%
      presented a Th1/Th17-IMD and 42.7% a Th2-IMD (p=0.8). When compared the
      prevalence of each type of IMD before and after CD diagnosis, we did not identify
      any significant "switch" from Th1/Th17- to Th2-IMD or vice versa. The number of
      patients with Th1/Th17- and/or Th2-IMD increased during the GFD period (20.5% vs
      54.3%; p<0.01; OR 1.9). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IMD at the time of CD
      diagnosis is high and it seems to increase in the follow-up period despite GFD.

PMID- 27133208
TI  - Glucocorticoid treatment alters systemic bile acid homeostasis by regulating the
      biosynthesis and transport of bile salts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of systemic bile acid homeostasis can lead to
      cholestatic liver diseases and metabolic syndromes. As important anti
      inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are
      used to treat several cholestatic disorders, including biliary atresia (BA),
      because of their effects on the regulation of bile acid metabolism. However, the
      molecular mechanisms that underlie GCs regulation of bile acid homeostasis remain
      unclear. AIMS: To provide a mechanistic basis for the effects of GCs on bile acid
      homeostasis. METHODS: Male rats were treated with methylprednisolone for 7 days
      with slow-release osmotic pumps under physiological and cholestatic status that
      was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Expression of glucocorticoid receptor
      (GR) and genes related to bile acid metabolism was investigated using western
      blotting, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: We show here that sustained
      treatment with GCs in rats disrupts the normal changes in systemic bile acid
      distribution by elevating plasma bile acid levels and reducing faecal bile acid
      loss. Treatment with GCs stimulated bile acid absorption in the ileum by
      increasing expression of the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter
      (Asbt). Concomitantly, administration of GCs enhanced liver bile acid uptake by
      increasing the expression of the major hepatocyte basolateral bile transporter
      (Ntcp). The reduced expression of a bile acid synthesis rate-controlling enzyme,
      Cyp7a1, suggests that treatment with GCs suppressed hepatic bile acid synthesis.
      CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that GCs can increase enterohepatic bile
      acid circulation through regulation of the biosynthesis and transport of bile
      salts, which suggests that plasma bile acid levels should be monitored during
      treatment with GCs in patients with BA.

PMID- 27133209
TI  - Hepatic encephalopathy: A call to action to optimize patient outcomes.

PMID- 27133210
TI  - Transfer RNA maturation in Chlamydomonas mitochondria, chloroplast and the
      nucleus by a single RNase P protein.
AB  - The maturation of tRNA precursors involves the 5' cleavage of leader sequences by
      an essential endonuclease called RNase P. Beyond the ancestral ribonucleoprotein
      (RNP) RNase P, a second type of RNase P called PRORP (protein-only RNase P)
      evolved in eukaryotes. The current view on the distribution of RNase P in cells
      is that multiple RNPs, multiple PRORPs or a combination of both, perform
      specialised RNase P activities in the different compartments where gene
      expression occurs. Here, we identify a single gene encoding PRORP in the green
      alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii while no RNP is found. We show that its product,
      CrPRORP, is triple-localised to mitochondria, the chloroplast and the nucleus.
      Its downregulation results in impaired tRNA biogenesis in both organelles and the
      nucleus. CrPRORP, as a single-subunit RNase P for an entire organism, makes up
      the most compact and versatile RNase P machinery described in either prokaryotes
      or eukaryotes.

PMID- 27133211
TI  - A voxel-based meta-analysis of diffusion tensor imaging in mild traumatic brain
      injury.
AB  - Microstructural damage to white matter and resultant abnormal structural
      connectivity are a potential underlying pathophysiological mechanism of mild
      traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Many Tract-Based Spatial Statics studies have
      investigated the pathophysiology of mTBI, but they yielded inconsistent results
      potentially due to insufficient statistical power in spite of methodological
      homogeneity. We used anisotropic effect size signed differential mapping (AES
      SDM) to integrate previous studies that recruited patients without a psychiatric
      history. AES-SDM revealed that fractional anisotropy values were significantly
      lower in mTBI patients than in control in three clusters. The peak of the largest
      cluster was in the left thalamus and the cluster extended to the splenium of the
      corpus callosum and to the anterior thalamic radiation. The second largest
      cluster was situated in the left forceps minor, and the third largest cluster was
      in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus III. These results suggest that the
      pathophysiology of mTBI includes abnormal structural connectivity between the
      thalamus and the prefrontal cortex, and abnormal intra- and inter-hemispheric
      structural connectivity involving the prefrontal cortex.

PMID- 27133212
TI  - Profiling of Coumarins in Peucedanum palustre (L.) Moench Populations Growing in
      Finland.
AB  - The coumarin composition of Peucedanum palustre (L.) Moench populations growing
      in Finland was investigated. A total of 132 flowering P. palustre specimens from
      43 locations in southern and central Finland were collected, divided into root,
      stem, leaf, and umbel samples, and analyzed by HPLC. HPLC coupled to high
      resolution mass spectrometry was used to aid the identification of coumarins. A
      total of 13 coumarin-structured compounds were quantitatively analyzed from the
      samples. The coumarin profile of root samples was found to differ from the aerial
      plant parts. The main coumarins in roots were oxypeucedanin and columbianadin. In
      aerial parts, peulustrin isomers were the most abundant coumarin components.
      Umbels and leaves also contained a considerable amount of umbelliprenin, which
      was only found in traces in roots. Based on hierarchical cluster analysis of the
      coumarin profiles, some populations shared common characteristics. The most
      distinct property connecting certain populations was their high peulustrin
      content. Another notable common property between some populations was the high
      umbelliprenin content in aerial plant parts. Some populations were clustered
      together due to their low overall coumarin content. 

PMID- 27133214
TI  - Solid-state 13 C, 15 N and 29 Si NMR characterization of block copolymers with
      CO2 capture properties.
AB  - Natural abundance solid-state multinuclear (13 C, 15 N and 29 Si) cross
      polarization magic-angle-spinning NMR was used to study structures of three block
      copolymers based on polyamide and dimethylsiloxane and two polyamides, one of
      which including ferrocene in its structure. Assignment of most of the resonance
      lines in 13 C, 15 N and 29 Si cross-polarization magic-angle-spinning NMR spectra
      were suggested. A comparative analysis of 13 C isotropic chemical shifts of
      polyamides with and without ferrocene has revealed a systematic shift towards
      higher delta -values (de-shielding) explained as the incorporation of
      paramagnetic ferrocene into the polyamide backbone. In addition, the 13 C NMR
      resonance lines for ferrocene-based polyamide were significantly broadened,
      because of paramagnetic effects from ferrocene incorporated in the structure of
      this polyamide polymer. Single resonance lines with chemical shifts ranging from
      88.1 to 91.5 ppm were observed for 15 N sites in all of studied polyamide
      samples. 29 Si chemical shifts were found to be around -22.4 ppm in
      polydimethylsiloxane samples that falls in the range of chemical shifts for
      alkylsiloxane compounds. The CO2 capture performance of polyamide
      dimethylsiloxane-based block copolymers was measured as a function of temperature
      and pressure. The data revealed that these polymeric materials have potential to
      uptake CO2 (up to 9.6 cm3  g-1 ) at ambient pressures and in the temperature
      interval 30-40  degrees C. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27133213
TI  - Sonochemically-Produced Metal-Containing Polydopamine Nanoparticles and Their
      Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity.
AB  - A facile one-pot sonochemical synthesis of Cu-, Ag-, and hybrid Cu/Ag-based
      polydopamine nanoparticles (Cu-, Ag-, and Cu/Ag-PDA-NPs) and the mechanisms by
      which they exert antibacterial and antibiofilm activities are reported. We showed
      that the nanoparticles are spherical with a core-shell structure. Whereas Cu is
      chelated to the shell of Cu-PDA-NPs in oxidation states of +1/+2, the core of Ag
      PDA-NPs is filled with elemental Ag degrees . Sonochemical irradiation of
      dopamine in the presence of both Cu(2+) and Ag(+) generates hybrid Cu/Ag-PDA-NPs,
      whose shells are composed of Cu-chelated PDA with Ag degrees  in the core. The
      redox potential of the metals was found to be the main determinant of the
      location and oxidation state of the metals. Leaching studies under physiological
      conditions reveal a relatively fast release of Cu ions from the shell, whereas Ag
      leaches very slowly from the core. The metal-containing PDA-NPs are highly
      microbicidal and exhibit potent antibiofilm activity. The combination of both
      metals in Cu/Ag-PDA-NPs is especially effective against bacteria and robust
      biofilms, owing to the dual bactericidal mechanisms of the metals. Most
      importantly, both Ag- and Cu/Ag-PDA-NPs proved to be significantly more
      antibacterial than commercial Ag-NPs while exhibiting lower toxicity toward NIH
      3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Mechanistically, the metal-containing PDA-NPs
      generate stable PDA-semiquinone and reactive oxygen species under physiological
      conditions, which contribute at least partly to the antimicrobial activity. We
      also demonstrated that simple treatment of surfaces with Ag-PDA-NPs converts them
      to antibacterial, the activity of which was preserved even after prolonged
      storage under ambient conditions.

PMID- 27133215
TI  - E-cigarettes and smoking cessation - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27133216
TI  - E-cigarettes and smoking cessation.

PMID- 27133217
TI  - E-cigarettes and smoking cessation.

PMID- 27133218
TI  - E-cigarettes and smoking cessation.

PMID- 27133219
TI  - Simple sequence repeat variations expedite phage divergence: Mechanisms of indels
      and gene mutations.
AB  - Phages are the most abundant biological entities and influence prokaryotic
      communities on Earth. Comparing closely related genomes sheds light on molecular
      events shaping phage evolution. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) variations impart
      over half of the genomic changes between T7M and T3, indicating an important role
      of SSRs in accelerating phage genetic divergence. Differences in coding and
      noncoding regions of phages infecting different hosts, coliphages T7M and T3,
      Yersinia phage phiYeO3-12, and Salmonella phage phiSG-JL2, frequently arise from
      SSR variations. Such variations modify noncoding and coding regions; the latter
      efficiently changes multiple amino acids, thereby hastening protein evolution.
      Four classes of events are found to drive SSR variations: insertion/deletion of
      SSR units, expansion/contraction of SSRs without alteration of genome length,
      changes of repeat motifs, and generation/loss of repeats. The categorization
      demonstrates the ways SSRs mutate in genomes during phage evolution. Indels are
      common constituents of genome variations and human diseases, yet, how they occur
      without preexisting repeat sequence is less understood. Non-repeat-unit-based
      misalignment-elongation (NRUBME) is proposed to be one mechanism for indels
      without adjacent repeats. NRUBME or consecutive NRUBME may also change repeat
      motifs or generate new repeats. NRUBME invoking a non-Watson-Crick base pair
      explains insertions that initiate mononucleotide repeats. Furthermore, NRUBME
      successfully interprets many inexplicable human di- to tetranucleotide repeat
      generations. This study provides the first evidence of SSR variations expediting
      phage divergence, and enables insights into the events and mechanisms of genome
      evolution. NRUBME allows us to emulate natural evolution to design indels for
      various applications.

PMID- 27133220
TI  - Reprint of "DNA, the central molecule of aging".
AB  - Understanding the molecular mechanism of aging could have enormous medical
      implications. Despite a century of research, however, there is no universally
      accepted theory regarding the molecular basis of aging. On the other hand, there
      is plentiful evidence suggesting that DNA constitutes the central molecule in
      this process. Here, we review the roles of chromatin structure, DNA damage, and
      shortening of telomeres in aging and propose a hypothesis for how their interplay
      leads to aging phenotypes.

PMID- 27133222
TI  - Oral magnesium reduces gastric mucosa susceptibility to injury in experimental
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of magnesium on the gastric defence mechanism
      in alloxan-diabetic male Wistar rats. Sixty rats were randomly divided into 2
      groups, A (n=40) and B (n=20). Each group was subdivided into control, diabetic
      untreated (DU), diabetic magnesium (250mg/kg) treated (DMg250) and diabetic
      insulin (3IU/kgs.c) treated (DI). Diabetes was induced with alloxan (120mg/kg)
      and both groups were treated for 14days. By day 14, group A rats were sacrificed,
      the stomach excised and evaluated for histopathology, mucus content, parietal and
      mucus cell counts. Blood was withdrawn from the orbital sinus of group B rats for
      biochemical evaluation (blood glucose, superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid
      peroxidation (LP) and nitric oxide (NO)) and later sacrificed for gastric SOD, LP
      and NO evaluation. Blood glucose level was reduced (p<0.05) in all treatment
      groups compared to DU. Gastric SOD, parietal and mucus cell counts were increased
      (p<0.05) in the DMg250 and DI compared to DU. Serum LP and NO were reduced while
      gastric LP was increased in the DMg250 compared to DU. Gastric NO and mucous
      content were significantly reduced (p<0.05) in all diabetic groups compared to
      control. The gastric mucosa of the DU group had haemorrhage, inflammation and
      parasites embedded. The DMg250 and DI had normal submucus and muscle layers with
      reduced inflammation. Oral magnesium treatment in diabetes exerts hypoglycaemic
      effects, reduces serum nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation, increases gastric
      superoxide dismutase, mucous cell count and reduces the susceptibility of the
      gastric mucosa to ulceration. 

PMID- 27133221
TI  - Axon density and axon orientation dispersion in children born preterm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Very preterm birth (VPT, <32 weeks' gestation) is associated with
      altered white matter fractional anisotropy (FA), the biological basis of which is
      uncertain but may relate to changes in axon density and/or dispersion, which can
      be measured using Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI).
      This study aimed to compare whole brain white matter FA, axon dispersion, and
      axon density between VPT children and controls (born >=37 weeks' gestation), and
      to investigate associations with perinatal factors and neurodevelopmental
      outcomes. METHODS: FA, neurite dispersion, and neurite density were estimated
      from multishell diffusion magnetic resonance images for 145 VPT and 33 control 7
      year-olds. Diffusion values were compared between groups and correlated with
      perinatal factors (gestational age, birthweight, and neonatal brain
      abnormalities) and neurodevelopmental outcomes (IQ, motor, academic, and
      behavioral outcomes) using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. RESULTS: Compared with
      controls, VPT children had lower FA and higher axon dispersion within many major
      white matter fiber tracts. Neonatal brain abnormalities predicted lower FA and
      higher axon dispersion in many major tracts in VPT children. Lower FA, higher
      axon dispersion, and lower axon density in various tracts correlated with poorer
      neurodevelopmental outcomes in VPT children. CONCLUSIONS: FA and NODDI measures
      distinguished VPT children from controls and were associated with neonatal brain
      abnormalities and neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study provides a more
      detailed and biologically meaningful interpretation of white matter
      microstructure changes associated with prematurity. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3080-3102,
      2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27133224
TI  - Variant isoforms of CD44 expression in upper tract urothelial cancer as a
      predictive marker for recurrence and mortality.
AB  - PURPOSE: The variant isoforms of CD44 (CD44v), which has been associated with
      treatment resistance and tumor recurrence, are contributed to the feature of some
      of the new cell surface markers for cancer stem cells. The aim of this study is
      to address the prognostic significant of CD44v expression in upper tract
      urothelial cancer (UTUC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the
      medical records of 110 patients treated surgically for>=pT2 UTUC. To determine
      the biological significance of CD44v in UTUC, we examined the immunohistochemical
      expression of CD44v9 and its association with clinical features and oncological
      outcomes. RESULTS: During the mean follow-up of 4.8 years, tumor recurrence,
      including local and distant metastasis, was observed in 57 patients (51.8%), and
      42 patients (38.2%) died of the disease. The incidence of ureter cancers was
      significantly higher in patients expressing CD44v9. In this series, 37 patients
      in the CD44v9-positive group (45.1%) and 5 (17.9%) in the CD44v9-negative group
      died of the disease. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that cancer-specific survival
      and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly lower in the CD44v9
      positive group than in the CD44v9-negative group (P = 0.032 and P = 0.038,
      respectively). A multivariate analysis identified the expression of CD44v9 as one
      of the independent risk factors for cancer-specific survival (P = 0.040, hazard
      ratio = 2.67) in addition to tumor grade G3, and also for recurrence-free
      survival (P = 0.028, hazard ratio = 2.33), in addition to tumor grade G3 and
      lymphovascular invasion. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of CD44v9 may be a new
      biomarker of malignant potential in muscle invasive UTUC and provide additional
      prognostic information in patients with UTUC.

PMID- 27133223
TI  - miR-301a expression: A prognostic marker for prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer (CaP) continues to be
      challenging, as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) appears to be overly sensitive
      and biopsy is the only reliable method for confirmation. Hence, the goal of the
      study is to identify a biomarker that could distinguish malignant cancer from
      benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) during the early diagnosis of the disease.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 75 formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) with
      matching controls, 4 paired metastatic tumors, 6 fresh tumor tissues and BPH (13
      cases) with their clinical diagnosis were selected for this study. Prostate
      cancer cell lines and normal prostate epithelial cell lines were obtained from
      ATCC and subjected to phenotypic analysis. RESULTS: We observed significant
      differential expression of miR-301a in CaP samples in comparison to BPH and
      adjacent benign samples. The overexpression of miR-301a activates the
      invasion/migration of CaP cells. In contrast, silencing miR-301a expression
      inhibited the colony-forming ability, adhesion, invasion and migration of CaP
      cells. Similarly, the overexpression of miR-301a increased cell motility in
      normal RWPE-1 prostate epithelial cells. Our results suggest that miR-301a is
      differentially expressed between BPH and CaP specimens and that the expression of
      miR-301a correlates with biochemical recurrence and/or metastasis in CaP
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of miR-301a could be a potential marker for
      metastasis in CaP patients. Detecting miR-301a expression during diagnosis will
      avoid wait and watch timelines, thus preventing morbidity.

PMID- 27133225
TI  - Psychomotor Dance Therapy Intervention (DANCIN) for people with dementia in care
      homes: a multiple-baseline single-case study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A Psychomotor DANCe Therapy INtervention (DANCIN) using Latin
      Ballroom (Danzon) in care homes has previously been shown to enhance well-being
      for both residents with dementia and staff. The aim of this study was to
      understand the effect of this approach on the mood and behavior of individual
      people living with mild to moderate dementia. METHOD: A multiple-baseline single
      case study across two care homes and one nursing home with 3-6 weeks baseline, 12
      weeks DANCIN (30 minutes/twice-weekly sessions), and 12-weeks follow-up was
      conducted. Seventeen items from the Dementia Mood Assessment Scale (DMAS) outcome
      measure were adapted with input from senior staff to match participants' behavior
      and mood symptoms. Daily monitoring diaries were collected from trained staff on
      reporting individualized items for ten residents. Data were analyzed, using a non
      parametric statistical method known as Percentage of All Non-Overlapping Data
      (PAND) which provides Phi effect size (ES). Medication use, falls, and life
      events were registered. RESULTS: Seven residents participated throughout DANCIN
      whilst three became observers owing to health deterioration. One participant
      showed adverse effects in three DMAS items. Nine participants, dancers and
      observers, showed a small to medium magnitude of change (PAND) in 21 DMAS items,
      indicating a decrease in the frequency of behavior and mood indices which were
      regarded as problematic; eight items showed no change. CONCLUSION: Despite
      methodological challenges, the DANCIN model has the potential to facilitate and
      sustain behavior change and improve mood (e.g. decrease irritability, increase
      self-esteem) of the residents living with dementia. The study was conducted in
      two care homes and one nursing home, strengthening the interventions' validity.
      Findings suggest DANCIN is appropriate for a larger controlled feasibility study.

PMID- 27133226
TI  - Nanomechanical and Thermophoretic Analyses of the Nucleotide-Dependent
      Interactions between the AAA(+) Subunits of Magnesium Chelatase.
AB  - In chlorophyll biosynthesis, the magnesium chelatase enzyme complex catalyzes the
      insertion of a Mg(2+) ion into protoporphyrin IX. Prior to this event, two of the
      three subunits, the AAA(+) proteins ChlI and ChlD, form a ChlID-MgATP complex. We
      used microscale thermophoresis to directly determine dissociation constants for
      the I-D subunits from Synechocystis, and to show that the formation of a ChlID
      MgADP complex, mediated by the arginine finger and the sensor II domain on ChlD,
      is necessary for the assembly of the catalytically active ChlHID-MgATP complex.
      The N-terminal AAA(+) domain of ChlD is essential for complex formation, but some
      stability is preserved in the absence of the C-terminal integrin domain of ChlD,
      particularly if the intervening polyproline linker region is retained. Single
      molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) was used to determine the factors that
      stabilize formation of the ChlID-MgADP complex at the single molecule level; ChlD
      was attached to an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe in two different
      orientations, and the ChlI subunits were tethered to a silica surface; the
      probability of subunits interacting more than doubled in the presence of MgADP,
      and we show that the N-terminal AAA(+) domain of ChlD mediates this process, in
      agreement with the microscale thermophoresis data. Analysis of the unbinding data
      revealed a most probable interaction force of around 109 pN for formation of
      single ChlID-MgADP complexes. These experiments provide a quantitative basis for
      understanding the assembly and function of the Mg chelatase complex.

PMID- 27133227
TI  - Decoding the Nature of Emotion in the Brain.
AB  - A central, unresolved problem in affective neuroscience is understanding how
      emotions are represented in nervous system activity. After prior localization
      approaches largely failed, researchers began applying multivariate statistical
      tools to reconceptualize how emotion constructs might be embedded in large-scale
      brain networks. Findings from pattern analyses of neuroimaging data show that
      affective dimensions and emotion categories are uniquely represented in the
      activity of distributed neural systems that span cortical and subcortical
      regions. Results from multiple-category decoding studies are incompatible with
      theories postulating that specific emotions emerge from the neural coding of
      valence and arousal. This 'new look' into emotion representation promises to
      improve and reformulate neurobiological models of affect.

PMID- 27133228
TI  - Malignant giant solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura metastatic to the thyroid
      gland.
AB  - PURPOSE: Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the pleura is a rare mesenchymal
      neoplasm arising from mesenchymal cells in the areolar tissue subjacent to the
      mesothelial-lined pleura and accounting for less than 5% of primary pleural
      tumors. SFTs are generally benign and asymptomatic, with 10-year survival rates
      of up to 98%. Unfortunately, approximately 10% have malignant potential, leading
      to local recurrence after radical surgery and/or metastatic spread. Of note,
      giant pleural SFT, which consists of a tumor occupying at least 40% of the
      affected hemithorax, is even less common with only anecdotal cases reported in
      the medical literature. METHODS: We describe a unique case of giant SFT of the
      pleura that metastasized to the thyroid gland 1 year after complete resection,
      focusing on its clinical and pathological features of presentation. RESULTS: En
      bloc resection remains the mainstay of therapy with curative intent. Patients
      with large tumors may undergo preoperative angiography with percutaneous
      embolization of the tumor, which allows to reduce perioperative bleeding. In case
      of local recurrence, surgery still remains the best treatment option. However,
      surgery can also be considered in patients with isolated metastatic spread.
      CONCLUSIONS: Every suspected and proven SFT of the pleura should undergo surgical
      resection, as clinical and radiological criteria cannot accurately distinguish
      benign from malignant forms. Moreover, the peculiar histological features of SFT
      should not be neglected when planning clinicoradiological follow-up.
      Additionally, suspicious clinical findings during follow-up should always be
      thoroughly investigated in order to exclude or confirm the diagnosis of recurrent
      disease.

PMID- 27133229
TI  - Three radiation-induced metachronous pelvic tumors in a patient who underwent
      radiotherapy for cervical cancer: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients treated with radiotherapy are under increased long-term
      risk of developing radiation-induced tumors. In this report we present an
      exceptionally rare case of a patient who, following radiotherapy for cervical
      cancer, developed 3 radiation-induced metachronous pelvic tumors. CASE
      PRESENTATION: In 1997, a 37-year-old patient with cervical adenocarcinoma (FIGO
      stage IB2) was subjected to adjuvant conventionally fractionated external-beam
      radiation therapy and brachytherapy following surgical treatment. Eleven, 14 and
      15 years later, 3 radiation-induced malignant tumors developed: a leiomyosarcoma
      of the gluteus and 2 separate carcinomas of the rectum. DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma increases the standardized
      incidence ratios for rectal cancer and soft tissue sarcoma. Unfortunately, the
      current guidelines on contraindications to radiotherapy appear insufficient as
      they take into account a very limited number of clinical states and associated
      conditions, which is in disproportion to the rather high risk of radiation
      induced malignancies of 0.45%. Information on the molecular characteristics of
      human radiation-induced tumors is still of no relevance for everyday clinical
      practice. Although radiotherapy is one of the most important modalities of
      oncological treatment, it should be judiciously used in cases where the benefits
      clearly outweigh the risk of serious untoward effects. In the case of patients
      undergoing pelvic irradiation, careful follow-up is needed for years.

PMID- 27133230
TI  - Semirational Approach for Ultrahigh Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Accumulation in
      Escherichia coli by Combining One-Step Library Construction and High-Throughput
      Screening.
AB  - As a product of a multistep enzymatic reaction, accumulation of poly(3
      hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) can be achieved by
      overexpression of the PHB synthesis pathway from a native producer involving
      three genes phbC, phbA, and phbB. Pathway optimization by adjusting expression
      levels of the three genes can influence properties of the final product. Here, we
      reported a semirational approach for highly efficient PHB pathway optimization in
      E. coli based on a phbCAB operon cloned from the native producer Ralstonia
      entropha (R. entropha). Rationally designed ribosomal binding site (RBS)
      libraries with defined strengths for each of the three genes were constructed
      based on high or low copy number plasmids in a one-pot reaction by an oligo
      linker mediated assembly (OLMA) method. Strains with desired properties were
      evaluated and selected by three different methodologies, including visual
      selection, high-throughput screening, and detailed in-depth analysis. Applying
      this approach, strains accumulating 0%-92% PHB contents in cell dry weight (CDW)
      were achieved. PHB with various weight-average molecular weights (Mw) of 2.7-6.8
      * 106 were also efficiently produced in relatively high contents. These results
      suggest that the semirational approach combining library design, construction,
      and proper screening is an efficient way to optimize PHB and other multienzyme
      pathways.

PMID- 27133231
TI  - Introduction of Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine in National Immunization Program
      and Polio Endgame Strategy.
AB  - The World Health Organization declared India among other 10 countries in South
      East Region - as 'polio-free' in 2014. Since then, the Government of India (GoI)
      has scaled up its initiatives against polio endgame which targets virus
      eradication and sequential withdrawal of type 2 virus from oral polio vaccine
      (OPV). However, prior to choosing the switch from trivalent OPV (t-OPV) to
      bivalent OPV (b-OPV), it was suggested to include inactivated poliovirus vaccine
      (IPV) in the national immunization schedule to protect vaccine naive population
      against type 2 poliovirus. The GoI declared introduction of single dose of
      intramuscular IPV at 14 weeks since October 2015. In addition, anticipating the
      scarcity of IPV at present in India, GoI also recommended two intradermal doses
      of IPV in few states since April 2016. This review discusses the programmatic
      implications of these strategies along with recommendations by the Advisory
      Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices of Indian Academy of Pediatrics
      (IAP-ACVIP) on polio endgame strategy.

PMID- 27133232
TI  - Taxonomic and functional diversity of the culturable microbiomes of epigeic
      earthworms and their prospects in agriculture.
AB  - Eisenia foetida and Perionyx excavatus are potent vermicomposting earthworms
      having immense importance in organic matter recycling under tropical conditions,
      particularly in India. Comparative assessment of the cultivable gut microbiome of
      these two epigeic earthworms after growth on lignocellulosic biomass, revealed
      populations of 3.2-8.3 * 10(9) CFU. Diversity analyses using 16S rDNA sequences
      revealed that the major dominating classes were Firmicutes (50-60%), followed by
      Actinobacteria (26.7-33%), and Alphaproteobacteria (5.6-6.7%). Despite exhibiting
      similar diversity indices and species richness, Betaproteobacteria (6.7%) and
      Gammaproteobacteria (11.1%) were solely present in E. foetida and P. excavatus,
      respectively. A set of 33 distinct morphotypes, including 18 from E. foetida and
      15 from P. excavatus were selected. Carbohydrate utilization profiles generated
      using Hi-CarboTM kits revealed that the isolates from the gut of P. excavatus -
      Arthrobacter pascens IARI-L13 and Bacillus subtilis IARIC were able to utilize 54
      and 51.4% of the carbohydrates tested. Sorbose was not utilized, while unusual
      carbohydrates - adonitol and methyl-d-mannoside were utilized only by members
      from the gut of P. excavatus, while melizitose was utilized by those uniquely by
      E. foetida microbiome. Functional characterization revealed that beta-glucosidase
      activity was most prevalent in the culturable microbial community. Alkaline and
      acid phosphatase activity was more widespread in the E. foetida gut microbiome.
      All the culturable gut bacterial isolates produced ammonia, but IAA was detected
      only in five cultures. The unique functional attributes of the two culturable
      microbiomes, grown on a similar diet, reveals the significance of proper
      selection of earthworm substrate combinations for effective vermicomposting. 

PMID- 27133233
TI  - Environment and genotype effects on antioxidant properties of organically grown
      wheat varieties: a 3-year study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.) possesses significant amounts of
      antioxidants that contribute to the dietary antiradical protection against a
      number of chronic diseases. Despite the increasing interest in organic food among
      both consumers and scientists, the availability of literature studies concerning
      the environment effect under organic management is still scarce. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of wheat varieties by
      considering the genotype response to different environmental factors under
      biodynamic management. RESULTS: The soluble fraction of phenolic compounds was
      mainly determined by the environment, whereas a major genotypic effect was
      observed for the bound forms, which were present at higher amounts in red grain
      varieties. Moreover, a predominant effect of genotype was observed for yellow
      pigment content and antioxidant activity determined by the FRAP method. Despite
      some changes induced by environment, most genotypes had stable antioxidant
      properties and different phenolic profiles as determined by high-performance
      liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, except for the old variety
      Inallettabile, which was the most sensitive to environmental fluctuations.
      CONCLUSION: The red grain varieties Andriolo, Gentil rosso and Verna were
      identified as the most promising breeding material for the development of
      varieties with high nutraceutical value under low-input management. (c) 2016
      Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27133234
TI  - First identification of kdr allele F1534S in VGSC gene and its association with
      resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Aedes albopictus populations from Haikou
      City, Hainan Island, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aedes albopictus is distributed widely in China, as a primary vector
      of Dengue fever and Chikungunya fever in south of China. Chemical insecticide
      control is one of the integrated programmes to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
      Long-term applications of pyrethroids have resulted in the development of
      resistance in Ae. albopictus populations in China. However, the susceptibility of
      Ae. albopictus to pyrethroids in Hainan Island was unclear. Knockdown resistance
      (kdr), caused by point mutations in the VGSC gene, is one of the mechanisms that
      confer resistance to DDT and pyrethroids. This study was to investigate the
      resistance level of Ae. albopictus populations in Haikou City to three pyrethroid
      insecticides, and elucidate the relationship between the resistant phenotype and
      kdr mutations. METHODS: The Aedes albopictus samples were collected in Xinbu
      Island (XI), Longtang Town (LT), Shishan Town (ST), Baishamen Park (BP), and
      Flower Market (FM) from Haikou City, Hainan Island, China. The larval
      susceptibility to deltamethrin, permethrin and beta-cypermethrin was tested by
      larval bioassays, and adult susceptibility to deltamethrin and DDT was determined
      by adult bioassays. The degree of resistance was determined by resistance ratio
      value (RR50 > 3) for larvae and by mortality for adult. The kdr alleles at codon
      1534 of the VGSC gene were genotyped. The relationship between kdr genotypes and
      resistant phenotypes was analyzed by Chi-square test. RESULTS: Out of five
      populations, assessed by larval bioassays, XI was susceptible to deltamethrin and
      permethrin; LT was susceptible to permethrin and beta-cypermethrin; and ST was
      susceptible to permithrin. FM and BP both were resistant to all of the three
      pyrethroids, and FM showed the highest degree of resistance, with RR50 values
      from 65.17 to 436.36. A total of 493 individuals from the larval bioassays were
      genotyped for kdr alleles. Five alleles were detected, including two wildtype
      alleles, TTC(F) (67.04 %) and TTT(F) (0.41 %), and three mutant alleles, TGC(C)
      (0.30 %), TCC(S) (31.54 %) and TTG(L) (0.71 %). There was a clear correlation
      between mutant alleles (or F1534S) and resistant phenotypes (P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: Two novel kdr mutant alleles F1534S and F1534L were detected in the
      pyrethroid resistant populations of Ae. albopictus in Haikou Hainan, China. For
      the first time, the mutant F1534S was associated with pyrethroid resistance in
      Ae. albopictus.

PMID- 27133235
TI  - Anxiety and stress among anaesthesiology and critical care residents during high
      fidelity simulation sessions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: High-fidelity simulation (HFS) calls heavily upon cognitive
      capacities and generates stress and anxiety. The objectives of this prospective,
      observational study were to assess trait anxiety and fear of negative evaluation
      (FNE) in anaesthesiology and critical care residents and appraise their state
      anxiety levels and cardiovascular responses during HFS training sessions.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: First-year anaesthesiology and critical care residents
      completed the French-Canadian adaptation of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory
      (IASTA Y-1: state anxiety, IASTA Y-2: trait anxiety) and the French adaptation of
      the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE). Their heart rate (HR) and blood
      pressure (BP) were assessed before and after the training session. RESULTS:
      Twenty-three residents (8 women, 15 men) were included in the study. IASTA Y-1
      and Y-2 scores were low (respectively 40.2+/-9.9 and 39.7+/-8) and FNE scores
      were moderate (16.7+/-5.5). HR measurements before and after the training
      sessions were significantly higher than at rest (respectively 78+/-19, 80+/-17
      and 63+/-9b/min; P<0.001). BP measurements before and after the HFS sessions were
      not significantly different. The IASTA Y-2 and FNE scores of female residents
      were significantly higher than those of male residents (respectively P=0.004 and
      P=0.049). CONCLUSION: First-year anaesthesiology and critical care residents had
      low trait anxiety and FNE. HFS training increased their HR but not their BP.
      Their state anxiety also remained low. Several differences between individuals
      were noted, particularly between men and women.

PMID- 27133236
TI  - Assessment of the National French recommendations regarding the dosing regimen of
      8mg/kg of gentamicin in patients hospitalised in intensive care units.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To assess the French National Agency for Medicines and Health
      Products Safety (ANSM) guidelines concerning the peak plasma concentration (Cmax)
      of gentamicin when using a loading dose of 8mg/kg administered in patients
      hospitalised in the intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      prospective observational cohort study conducted in one ICU. RESULTS: During the
      study period, 34 patients with a median simplified acute physiology score 2 of 54
      [44-70] received a median dose of 8 [7.9-8.1] mg/kg of gentamicin. The median
      Cmax was 17.5 [15.4-20.7] mg/L and no patient had a Cmax>30mg/L. Twenty-four of
      34 patients (71%) had a Cmax>16mg/L. Following multivariate analysis, the only
      factor associated with Cmax<16mg/L was a positive fluid balance 24hours before
      gentamicin administration (per 1000mL increment) (OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18-0.77,
      P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a Cmax>30mg/L [which
      corresponds to approximately 8 times the minimal inhibiting concentrations (MIC)
      breakpoints for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae with intermediate
      sensitivity] of gentamicin as recommended by ANSM guidelines seems impossible to
      obtain with a loading dose of 8mg/kg in the ICU. A loading dose of 8mg/kg should
      probably not be used in the empiric antibiotic treatment of infection due to non
      fermenting Gram-negative bacilli and Enterobacteriaceae with intermediate
      sensitivity whose MIC breakpoint is 4mg/L. A Cmax>16mg/L was not reached in
      almost 30% of patients, particularly in the group with a positive fluid balance
      who require higher doses than currently recommended.

PMID- 27133237
TI  - The Doppler renal resistive index for early detection of acute kidney injury
      after hip fracture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is linked to an increase in
      morbidity and mortality, particularly in elderly populations. This study's aim
      was to assess the accuracy of the Doppler renal resistive index (RI) in detecting
      AKI at an early stage after hip fracture surgery. METHODS: This prospective
      single-centre study included 48 patients suffering hip fractures requiring
      surgery and who presented risk factors for the development of AKI. The RI was
      calculated preoperatively and postoperatively in patients without pain and with
      haemodynamic and respiratory stability. The occurrence of AKI was determined by
      measurements of serum creatinine according to AKIN criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-nine
      patients (60%) developed AKI during the first five postoperative days, without
      need for dialysis. The RI was increased in patients who developed postoperative
      AKI 0.68 (0.67-0.71) vs. 0.72 (0.7-0.73); P=0.014 for the preoperative index; and
      0.6 (0.58-0.68) vs. 0.74 (0.71-0.76); P<0.0001 for the postoperative index. A
      postoperative index superior or equal to 0.706 is a marker for the early
      detection of AKI with a high sensitivity and a high specificity (76% and 89%,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: The calculation of the RI during the perioperative
      periods of hip fracture surgery predicts early and effectively the postoperative
      occurrence of AKI, thus allowing treatment to be anticipated so as to improve
      patient prognosis.

PMID- 27133238
TI  - Dementia risk after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage: a prospective cohort
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dementia occurs in at least 10% of patients within 1 year after
      stroke. However, the risk of dementia after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage
      that accounts for about 15% of all strokes has not been investigated in
      prospective studies. We aimed to determine the incidence of dementia and risk
      factors after an intracerebral haemorrhage. METHODS: We did a prospective
      observational cohort study in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage
      from the Prognosis of Intracerebral Haemorrhage (PITCH) cohort who were admitted
      to Lille University Hospital, Lille, France. We included patients aged 18 years
      and older with parenchymal haemorrhage on the first CT scan. Exclusion criteria
      were pure intraventricular haemorrhage; intracerebral haemorrhage resulting from
      intracranial vascular malformation, intracranial venous thrombosis, head trauma,
      or tumour; haemorrhagic transformation within an infarct; and referral from other
      hospitals. Median follow-up was 6 years. We studied risk factors (clinical and
      neuroradiological [MRI] biomarkers) of new-onset dementia as per a prespecified
      subgroup analysis, according to intracerebral haemorrhage location. Dementia
      diagnosis was based on the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association
      criteria for all-cause dementia. We did multivariable analyses using competing
      risk analyses, with death during follow-up as a competing event. FINDINGS: From
      the 560 patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage enrolled in the PITCH
      cohort between Nov 3, 2004 and March 29, 2009, we included 218 patients (median
      age 67.5 years) without pre-existing dementia who were alive at 6 months follow
      up. 63 patients developed new-onset dementia leading to an incidence rate of
      14.2% (95% CI 10.0-19.3) at 1 year after intracerebral haemorrhage, and incidence
      reached 28.3% (22.4-34.5) at 4 years. The incidence of new-onset dementia was
      more than two times higher in patients with lobar intracerebral haemorrhage
      (incidence at 1 year 23.4%, 14.6-33.3) than for patients with non-lobar
      intracerebral haemorrhage (incidence at 1 year 9.2%, 5.1-14.7). Disseminated
      superficial siderosis (subhazard ratio [SHR] 7.45, 95% CI 4.27-12.99), cortical
      atrophy score (SHR per 1-point increase 2.61, 1.70-4.01), a higher number of
      cerebral microbleeds (SHR for >5 cerebral microbleeds 2.33, 1.38-3.94), and older
      age (SHR per 10-year increase 1.34, 1.00-1.79) were risk factors of new-onset
      dementia. INTERPRETATION: There is a substantial risk of incident dementia in
      dementia-free survivors of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage; our results
      suggest that underlying cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a contributing factor to
      the occurrence of new-onset dementia. Future clinical trials including patients
      with intracerebral haemorrhage should assess cognitive endpoints. FUNDING: French
      Ministry of Education, Research, and Technology, Adrinord, Inserm U1171.

PMID- 27133239
TI  - Evidence-Based Medicine Approach to Abdominal Pain.
AB  - The chief complaint of abdominal pain accounts for 5% to 10% of all presentations
      in the emergency department. With such broad differential and diagnostic
      modalities available, this article focuses on a systematic approach to evaluating
      abdominal pain, essential to providing patients with efficient and accurate care.

PMID- 27133240
TI  - Approach to Patients with Epigastric Pain.
AB  - Epigastric pain is an extremely common complaint in the emergency department and
      has an associated broad differential diagnosis. In the differential it is
      important to consider cardiac causes that may be mistaken for gastrointestinal
      disorders as well as various serious intra-abdominal causes. This article
      highlights the limitations in laboratory testing and guides providers through the
      appropriate considerations for advanced imaging. Special attention is focused on
      acute pancreatitis, esophageal emergencies, and peptic ulcer disease/gastritis
      and their associated complications. 

PMID- 27133241
TI  - Evaluating the Patient with Right Upper Quadrant Abdominal Pain.
AB  - Right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain is among the most common complaints in the
      emergency department. The differential diagnosis is broad and includes
      gastrointestinal (GI) and non-GI causes for pain. Evaluation of patients requires
      a combination of history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and
      diagnostic imaging. This article details the anatomy and physiology of the right
      upper abdomen and approach to the history and physical examination of the most
      common diseases encountered in the emergency department. "Can't miss," non-GI
      diagnoses are discussed. Best practices of laboratory and imaging, and treatment
      of most common diagnoses of RUQ pain are reviewed. 

PMID- 27133242
TI  - Lower Abdominal Pain.
AB  - Although most frequently presenting with lower abdominal pain, appendicitis,
      colitis, and diverticulitis can cause pain throughout the abdomen and can cause
      peritoneal and retroperitoneal symptoms. Evaluation and management of lower
      intestinal disease requires a nuanced approach by the emergency physician,
      sometimes requiring computed tomography, ultrasonography, MRI, layered imaging,
      shared decision making, serial examination, and/or close follow-up. Once a
      presumed or confirmed diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment is initiated, and
      may include surgery, antibiotics, and/or steroids. Appendicitis patients should
      be admitted. Diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease can frequently be
      managed on an outpatient basis, but may require admission and surgical
      consultation. 

PMID- 27133243
TI  - Anorectal Complaints in the Emergency Department.
AB  - Patients commonly present to the emergency department with anorectal complaints.
      Most of these complaints are benign and can be managed conservatively; however,
      there are a few anorectal emergencies that clinicians must be aware of in order
      to prevent further complications. The history and physical examination are
      especially important so that critical disorders can be recognized and specific
      treatment plans can be determined. It is important to maintain a broad
      differential diagnosis of anorectal disease and to distinguish benign from
      serious processes. 

PMID- 27133244
TI  - The Vomiting Patient: Small Bowel Obstruction, Cyclic Vomiting, and
      Gastroparesis.
AB  - Vomiting and abdominal pain are common in patients in the emergency department.
      This article focuses on small bowel obstruction (SBO), cyclic vomiting, and
      gastroparesis. Through early diagnosis and appropriate management, the morbidity
      and mortality associated with SBOs can be significantly reduced. Management of
      SBOs involves correction of physiologic and electrolyte disturbances, bowel rest
      and removing the source of the obstruction. Treatment of acute cyclic vomiting is
      primarily directed at symptom control, volume and electrolyte repletion, and
      appropriate specialist follow-up. The mainstay of therapy for gastroparesis is
      metoclopramide. 

PMID- 27133245
TI  - Diarrhea: Initial Evaluation and Treatment in the Emergency Department.
AB  - Diarrhea generates a wide range of diagnostic considerations and has profound
      individual and public health significance. The setting and circumstances under
      which a patient presents with diarrhea drastically influences the concern brought
      to the encounter. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are often provisionally labeled
      "gastroenteritis" with appropriate expectant management. In resource-poor
      countries, the significance of diarrhea is even greater. This review focuses on
      diarrhea and its initial evaluation and management in the emergency department. 

PMID- 27133246
TI  - Gastrointestinal Bleeding.
AB  - Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is a commonly encountered chief complaint with a
      high morbidity and mortality. The emergency physician is challenged with prompt
      diagnosis, accurate risk assessment, and appropriate resuscitation of patients
      with gastrointestinal bleeding. Goals of care aim to prevent end-organ injury,
      manage comorbid illnesses, identify the source of bleeding, stop continued
      bleeding, support oxygen carrying capacity, and prevent rebleeding. This article
      reviews current strategies for risk stratification, diagnostic modalities,
      localization of bleeding, transfusion strategies, adjunct therapies, and reversal
      of anticoagulation. 

PMID- 27133247
TI  - Abdominal Vascular Catastrophes.
AB  - Abdominal vascular catastrophes are among the most challenging and time sensitive
      for emergency practitioners to recognize. Mesenteric ischemia remains a highly
      lethal entity for which the history and physical examination can be misleading.
      Laboratory tests are often unhelpful, and appropriate imaging must be quickly
      obtained. A multidisciplinary approach is required to have a positive impact on
      mortality rates. Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm likewise may present in a
      cryptic fashion. A specific type of ruptured aneurysm, the aortoenteric fistula,
      often masquerades as the more common routine gastrointestinal bleed. The astute
      clinician recognizes that this is a more lethal variant of gastrointestinal
      hemorrhage. 

PMID- 27133248
TI  - Pediatric Abdominal Pain: An Emergency Medicine Perspective.
AB  - Abdominal pain is a common complaint that leads to pediatric patients seeking
      emergency care. The emergency care provider has the arduous task of determining
      which child likely has a benign cause and not missing the devastating condition
      that needs emergent attention. This article reviews common benign causes of
      abdominal pain as well as some of the cannot-miss emergent causes. 

PMID- 27133249
TI  - Abdominal Pain in the Geriatric Patient.
AB  - Abdominal pain in the elderly can be a challenging and difficult condition to
      diagnose and treat. The geriatric population has significant comorbidities and
      often takes polypharmacy that can mask symptoms. The presentation of common
      conditions can be different than that in the younger population, often lacking
      the traditional indicators of disease, making it of pivotal importance for the
      clinician to consider a wide differential during their workup. It is also
      important to consider extra-abdominal abnormality that may manifest as abdominal
      pain. 

PMID- 27133250
TI  - Abdominal Pain in the Immunocompromised Patient-Human Immunodeficiency Virus,
      Transplant, Cancer.
AB  - Patients with human immunodeficiency virus, those who are posttransplant, and
      those undergoing chemotherapy are populations who are immunocompromised and
      present to the emergency department with abdominal pain related to their disease
      processes, opportunistic infections, and complications of treatment. Emergency
      department practitioners must maintain vigilance, as the physical examination is
      often unreliable in these patients. Cross-sectional imaging and early treatment
      of symptoms with aggressive resuscitation is often required. 

PMID- 27133251
TI  - Acute Abdominal Pain in the Bariatric Surgery Patient.
AB  - Obesity is present in epidemic proportions in the United States, and bariatric
      surgery has become more common. Thus, emergency physicians will undoubtedly
      encounter many patients who have undergone one of these procedures. Knowledge of
      the anatomic changes specific to these procedures aids the clinician in
      understanding potential complications and devising an organized differential
      diagnosis. This article reviews common bariatric surgery procedures, their
      complications, and the approach to acute abdominal pain in these patients. 

PMID- 27133252
TI  - Abdominal Pain Mimics.
AB  - Emergency department providers have become skilled at triaging patients with
      abdominal pain requiring surgical interventions. Abdominal pain mimics, medical
      conditions that cause the sensation of abdominal pain without abdominal
      abnormality, continue to puzzle the best physicians. 

PMID- 27133253
TI  - The Opioid Epidemic in the United States.
AB  - There is an epidemic of opioid abuse. This article discusses the history of
      opioid use. Abusers of opioids are at great risk of harm. There have been
      increasing legislative efforts to curb this abuse and we present a review of the
      current state of these laws. Naloxone has made a profound impact in the care of
      these patients if they present for medical care early enough. This paper
      discusses naloxone pharmacodynamics, its use in the medical setting, and how its
      use is now being expanded to include nontraditional providers with take home
      naloxone programs. 

PMID- 27133254
TI  - "Oh, My Aching Belly!".

PMID- 27133255
TI  - Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Emergencies.

PMID- 27133256
TI  - Blood flow and mass transfer regulation of coagulation.
AB  - Blood flow regulates coagulation and fibrin formation by controlling the
      transport, or mass transfer, of zymogens, co-factors, enzymes, and inhibitors to,
      from, and within a growing thrombus. The rate of mass transfer of these solutes
      relative to their consumption or production by coagulation reactions determines,
      in part, the rate of thrombin generation, fibrin deposition, and thrombi growth.
      Experimental studies on the influence of blood flow on specific coagulation
      reactions are reviewed here, along with a theoretical framework that predicts how
      flow influences surface-bound coagulation binding and enzymatic reactions. These
      flow-mediated transport mechanisms are also used to interpret the role of binding
      site densities and injury size on initiating coagulation and fibrin deposition.
      The importance of transport of coagulation proteins within the interstitial
      spaces of thrombi is shown to influence thrombi architecture, growth, and arrest.

PMID- 27133258
TI  - Blockade of STAT3 in T Cells Inhibits Germinal Center Reactions against
      Intranasal Allergens.
AB  - Understanding the developmental mechanisms of humoral immunity against intranasal
      antigens is essential for the development of therapeutic approaches against air
      borne pathogens as well as allergen-induced pulmonary inflammation. Follicular
      helper T (Tfh) cells expressing CXCR5 are required for humoral immunity by
      providing IL-21 and ICOS costimulation to activated B cells. However, the
      regulation of Tfh cell responses against intranasal antigens remains unclear.
      Here, we found that the generation of Tfh cells and germinal center B cells in
      the bronchial lymph node against intranasal proteinase antigens was independent
      of TGF-beta. In contrast, administration of STAT3 inhibitor STA-21 suppressed the
      generation of Tfh cells and germinal center B cells. Compared with wild-type OT
      II T cells, STAT3-deficient OT-II T cells transferred into recipients lacking T
      cells not only showed significantly reduced frequency Tfh cells, but also induced
      diminished IgG as well as IgE specific for the intranasal antigens. Cotransfer
      study of wild-type OT-II and STAT3-deficient OT-II T cells revealed that the
      latter failed to differentiate into Tfh cells. These findings demonstrate that T
      cell-intrinsic STAT3 is required for the generation of Tfh cells to intranasal
      antigens and that targeting STAT3 might be an effective approach to ameliorate
      antibody-mediated pathology in the lung. 

PMID- 27133259
TI  - Enhanced Expression of TREK-1 Is Related with Chronic Constriction Injury of
      Neuropathic Pain Mouse Model in Dorsal Root Ganglion.
AB  - Neuropathic pain is a complex state showing increased pain response with
      dysfunctional inhibitory neurotransmission. The TREK family, one of the two pore
      domain K+ (K2P) channel subgroups were focused among various mechanisms of
      neuropathic pain. These channels influence neuronal excitability and are thought
      to be related in mechano/thermosensation. However, only a little is known about
      the expression and role of TREK-1 and TREK-2, in neuropathic pain. It is
      performed to know whether TREK-1 and/ or 2 are positively related in dorsal root
      ganglion (DRG) of a mouse neuropathic pain model, the chronic constriction injury
      (CCI) model. Following this purpose, Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain
      Reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analyses were performed using mouse DRG of CCI
      model and compared to the sham surgery group. Immunofluorescence staining of
      isolectin- B4 (IB4) and TREK were performed. Electrophysiological recordings of
      single channel currents were analyzed to obtain the information about the
      channel. Interactions with known TREK activators were tested to confirm the
      expression. While both TREK-1 and TREK-2 mRNA were significantly overexpressed in
      DRG of CCI mice, only TREK-1 showed significant increase (~9 fold) in western
      blot analysis. The TREK-1-like channel recorded in DRG neurons of the CCI mouse
      showed similar current-voltage relationship and conductance to TREK-1. It was
      easily activated by low pH solution (pH 6.3), negative pressure, and riluzole.
      Immunofluorescence images showed the expression of TREK-1 was stronger compared
      to TREK-2 on IB4 positive neurons. These results suggest that modulation of the
      TREK-1 channel may have beneficial analgesic effects in neuropathic pain
      patients. 

PMID- 27133260
TI  - Anti-Allergic Effect of Oroxylin A from Oroxylum indicum Using in vivo and in
      vitro Experiments.
AB  - Oroxylum indicum has long been used in Asian traditional medicine to prevent and
      treat respiratory diseases, diabetes, diarrhea and other conditions. Oroxylin A
      is a flavone that is present in Oroxylum indicum and in Scutellaria baicalensis.
      Because the root extracts of both plants have been shown to have anti-allergic
      effects, the authors investigated whether oroxylin A is likely to have beneficial
      effects on allergic asthma using female Balb/c mice and rat RBL-2H3 mast cells.
      Antigen-induced degranulation was measured in vitro by measuring beta
      hexosaminidase activity. A murine ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model was
      used to test the in vivo efficacy of oroxylin A. Sensitization and challenge of
      ovalbumin induced allergic asthma responses, the accumulations of eosinophils and
      Th2 cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues. Oroxylin A
      administration decreased numbers of inflammatory cells, especially eosinophils,
      and reduced the expression and secretion of Th2 cytokines, including IL-4 and IL
      13, in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histologic studies showed
      oroxylin A reduced inflammatory signs and mucin production in lungs. These
      findings provide evidence that oroxylin A has potential use as an anti-allergic
      therapeutic. 

PMID- 27133261
TI  - Cognitive-Enhancing Effect of Dianthus superbus var. Longicalycinus on
      Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice.
AB  - Dianthus superbus (D. superbus) is a traditional crude drug used for the
      treatment of urethritis, carbuncles and carcinomas. The objective of this study
      was to confirm the cognitive enhancing effect of D. superbus in memory impairment
      induced mice and to elucidate the possible potential mechanism. Effect of D.
      superbus on scopolamine induced memory impairment on mice was evaluated using the
      Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests. We also investigated
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF)
      expression in scopolamine-induced mice. HPLC-DAD analysis was performed to
      identify active compounds in D. superbus. The results revealed that D. superbus
      attenuated the learning and memory impairment induced by scopolamine. D. superbus
      also inhibited AChE levels in the hippocampi of the scopolamine-injected mice.
      Moreover, D. superbus increased BDNF expression in the hippocampus. Eight
      compounds were identified using HPLC-DAD analysis. The content of 4-hydroxyphenyl
      acetic acid was higher than contents of other compounds. These results indicated
      that D. superbus improved memory functioning accompanied by inhibition of AChE
      and upregulation of BDNF, suggesting that D. superbus may be a useful therapeutic
      agent for the prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's disease. 

PMID- 27133262
TI  - Wogonin Attenuates Hippocampal Neuronal Loss and Cognitive Dysfunction in
      Trimethyltin-Intoxicated Rats.
AB  - We examined whether wogonin (WO) improved hippocampal neuronal activity,
      behavioral alterations and cognitive impairment, in rats induced by
      administration of trimethyltin (TMT), an organotin compound that is neurotoxic to
      these animals. The ability of WO to improve cognitive efficacy in the TMT-induced
      neurodegenerative rats was investigated using a passive avoidance test, and the
      Morris water maze test, and using immunohistochemistry to detect components of
      the acetylcholinergic system, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and cAMP
      response element-binding protein (CREB) expression. Rats injected with TMT showed
      impairments in learning and memory and daily administration of WO improved memory
      function, and reduced aggressive behavior. Administration of WO significantly
      alleviated the TMT-induced loss of cholinergic immunoreactivity and restored the
      hippocampal expression levels of BDNF and CREB proteins and their encoding mRNAs
      to normal levels. These findings suggest that WO might be useful as a new therapy
      for treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases. 

PMID- 27133264
TI  - Erratum to "Aloe-Emodin Protects RIN-5F (Pancreatic beta-cell) Cell from
      Glucotoxicity via Regulation of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine and Downregulation of
      Bax and Caspase 3" [Biomol. Ther. 24 (2016) 49-56].
AB  - The authors request to change the corresponding author's name as Ali A Alshatwi*
      from P. Subash-Babu in author list. 

PMID- 27133263
TI  - The Neuro-Protective Effect of the Methanolic Extract of Perilla frutescens var.
      japonicaand Rosmarinic Acid against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in C6 Glial
      Cells.
AB  - Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with oxidative damage in neuronal
      cells. This study was conducted to investigate the neuro-protective effect of
      methanolic (MeOH) extract of Perilla frutescens var. japonica and its one of the
      major compounds, rosmarinic acid, under oxidative stress induced by hydrogen
      peroxide (H2O2) in C6 glial cells. Exposure of C6 glial cells to H2O2 enhanced
      oxidative damage as measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance assays.
      The MeOH extract and rosmarinic acid prevented oxidative stress by increasing
      cell viability and inhibiting cellular lipid peroxidation. In addition, the MeOH
      extract and rosmarinic acid reduced H2O2-induced expression of inducible nitric
      oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) at the transcriptional level.
      Moreover, iNOS and COX-2 protein expression was down-regulated in H2O2-indcued C6
      glial cells treated with the MeOH extract and rosmarinic acid. These findings
      suggest that P. frutescens var. japonica and rosmarinic acid could prevent the
      progression of neurodegenerative diseases through attenuation of neuronal
      oxidative stress. 

PMID- 27133257
TI  - Clinical and Neurobiological Relevance of Current Animal Models of Autism
      Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by
      social and communication impairments, as well as repetitive and restrictive
      behaviors. The phenotypic heterogeneity of ASD has made it overwhelmingly
      difficult to determine the exact etiology and pathophysiology underlying the core
      symptoms, which are often accompanied by comorbidities such as hyperactivity,
      seizures, and sensorimotor abnormalities. To our benefit, the advent of animal
      models has allowed us to assess and test diverse risk factors of ASD, both
      genetic and environmental, and measure their contribution to the manifestation of
      autistic symptoms. At a broader scale, rodent models have helped consolidate
      molecular pathways and unify the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying each
      one of the various etiologies. This approach will potentially enable the
      stratification of ASD into clinical, molecular, and neurophenotypic subgroups,
      further proving their translational utility. It is henceforth paramount to
      establish a common ground of mechanistic theories from complementing results in
      preclinical research. In this review, we cluster the ASD animal models into
      lesion and genetic models and further classify them based on the corresponding
      environmental, epigenetic and genetic factors. Finally, we summarize the symptoms
      and neuropathological highlights for each model and make critical comparisons
      that elucidate their clinical and neurobiological relevance. 

PMID- 27133265
TI  - Antifungal activity of chitinase obtained from Paenibacillus ehimensis MA2012
      against conidial of Collectotrichum gloeosporioides in vitro.
AB  - To investigate the expression patterns of chitinase on SDS-PAGE gel,
      Paenibacillus ehimensis MA2012 was incubated in gelatin-chitin medium (GCM) at 30
      degrees C for 7 days. Six major bands (Ch3, Ch4, Ch5, Ch6, Ch7, and Ch8) of
      chitinase isozymes in GC medium appeared on SDS-PAGE gel during the incubation
      period. Chitinase activity staining of P. ehimensis MA2012 was detected on 2-DE
      with different pI values (4-11). After DEAE-Sephadex chromatography, eight bands
      (Ch1 to Ch8) of chitinase isozymes were stained strongly with Calcofluor white
      M2R at fraction 45. After Sephadex G-75 gel filtration, six bands (Ch3 to Ch8) of
      chitinase isozymes were stained with Calcofluor white M2R at fractions of 11-12.
      The specific activity of the purified chitinase was 3.8 units mg(-1) protein with
      a purification factor of 0.27. Inhibition rate of the conidial germination of
      Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was 87% in partial purified chitinase treatment
      compared with control. 

PMID- 27133266
TI  - Occurrence and analysis of irp2 virulence gene in isolates of Klebsiella
      pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp. from microbiota and hospital and community
      acquired infections.
AB  - Eighty-five isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp., originating
      from hospital- and community-acquired infections and from oropharyngeal and
      faecal microbiota from patients in Recife-PE, Brazil, were analyzed regarding the
      presence of irp2 gene. This is a Yersinia typical gene involved in the synthesis
      of siderophore yersiniabactin. DNA sequencing confirmed the identity of irp2 gene
      in five K. pneumoniae, five Enterobacter aerogenes and one Enterobacter amnigenus
      isolates. To our knowledge in the current literature, this is the first report of
      the irp2 gene in E. amnigenus, a species considered an unusual human pathogen,
      and in K. pneumoniae and E. aerogenes isolates from the normal microbiota and
      from community infections, respectively. Additionally, the analyses of nucleotide
      and amino acid sequences suggest the irp2 genes derived from isolates used in
      this study are more closely related to that of Yersinia pestis P.CE882 than to
      that of Yersinia enterocolitica 8081. These data demonstrated that K. pneumoniae
      and Enterobacter spp. from normal microbiota and from community- and hospital
      acquired infections possess virulence factors important for the establishment of
      extra-intestinal infections. 

PMID- 27133267
TI  - Impact of direct and indirect application of rising furfural concentrations on
      viability, infectivity and reproduction of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne
      incognita in Pisum sativum.
AB  - The gradual withdraw of several broadly used nematicides from market has enhanced
      the need to develop sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives with nematicidal
      properties. Furfural is one of the promising alternatives to fill this need.
      Baseline information about the impact of furfural on egg hatch, penetration
      potential and ultrastructure of nematode is lacking. In this study, the reagent
      grade (purity >= 99.0%) of furfural was applied against Meloidogyne incognita. In
      vitro tests showed gradual reduction in either the rate of egg hatch or second
      stage juvenile (J2) viability of M. incognita when immersed in concentrations
      ranging from 0 to 10.0 MUl/ml furfural. The mean EC50 for J2 and egg hatch was
      0.37 and 0.27 MUl/ml furfural, respectively. Furfural, even at low
      concentrations, resulted in a considerable suppression in egg hatch. Hatch was
      <5% after 8 days at 0.63 MUl/ml furfural. The same furfural concentrations after
      12 h caused 57.25% loss of viability in J2. Moreover, the penetration rate of
      juveniles to pea roots was suppressed when furfural was even applied at low
      rates. In pot experiments, furfural was applied as liquid (direct) or vapor
      (indirect) treatments at rates of 0-1.5 ml/kg soil. Significant reduction in
      galling, egg production and population density of M. incognita observed when
      furfural was applied at rates >0.2 ml/kg soil. No adverse effect was detected on
      plants or free-living nematodes as a result of furfural application. Liquid
      furfural proved to have superior juvenile-suppressive effect whereas its vapor
      has such superiority against eggs. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) study
      showed irregular appearance of the body surface accompanied with some cuticle
      disfigurement of furfural-treated juveniles. These results indicated that
      furfural can adversely affect egg hatch, juvenile viability, penetration
      potential and ultrastructure of M. incognita. Furfural may therefore be of a
      considerable potential as an appropriate alternative for class I nematicides. 

PMID- 27133268
TI  - Mucosal immunization with purified OmpA elicited protective immunity against
      infections caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a rapidly emerging
      pathogen causing infections with high mortality rates due to inadequate medical
      treatment. New ways to prevent and treat such infections are of a critical
      medical need. In this study, intranasal vaccination with A. baumannii outer
      membrane protein A (OmpA) induced both systemic and mucosal antibodies. After
      challenge intraperitoneally by clinical strains of multidrug-resistant A.
      baumannii, mice immunized with OmpA had a significantly higher survival rate than
      control mice. The OmpA protein level tested positive by western blot in clinical
      strains of A. baumannii. Furthermore, characterization of human sera for anti
      OmpA immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels demonstrated that OmpA protein was
      immunogenic in healthy individuals and patients with A. baumannii invasive
      infections. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study
      protective efficacy of mucosal immunization with OmpA as a protein antigen
      against multidrug-resistant A. Baumannii. 

PMID- 27133269
TI  - A self-taught artificial agent for multi-physics computational model
      personalization.
AB  - Personalization is the process of fitting a model to patient data, a critical
      step towards application of multi-physics computational models in clinical
      practice. Designing robust personalization algorithms is often a tedious, time
      consuming, model- and data-specific process. We propose to use artificial
      intelligence concepts to learn this task, inspired by how human experts manually
      perform it. The problem is reformulated in terms of reinforcement learning. In an
      off-line phase, Vito, our self-taught artificial agent, learns a representative
      decision process model through exploration of the computational model: it learns
      how the model behaves under change of parameters. The agent then automatically
      learns an optimal strategy for on-line personalization. The algorithm is model
      independent; applying it to a new model requires only adjusting few hyper
      parameters of the agent and defining the observations to match. The full
      knowledge of the model itself is not required. Vito was tested in a synthetic
      scenario, showing that it could learn how to optimize cost functions generically.
      Then Vito was applied to the inverse problem of cardiac electrophysiology and the
      personalization of a whole-body circulation model. The obtained results suggested
      that Vito could achieve equivalent, if not better goodness of fit than standard
      methods, while being more robust (up to 11% higher success rates) and with faster
      (up to seven times) convergence rate. Our artificial intelligence approach could
      thus make personalization algorithms generalizable and self-adaptable to any
      patient and any model.

PMID- 27133270
TI  - [Editor's commentary].

PMID- 27133271
TI  - [Invasive methods in the treatment of obesity].
AB  - Treatment of obesity and concomitant diseases have a significant burden on the
      health care system. Due to the lack of efficacy of conservative treatment
      methods, attention has shifted towards invasive methods. Surgical and endoscopic
      treatments of obesity are based on two different methods: restrictive and
      malabsorptive procedures or their combination. The author reviews the most
      effective surgical and endoscopic procedures in the treatment of obesity.

PMID- 27133272
TI  - [Hyper-free fatty acidemia - insulin resistance and beta-cell death].
AB  - The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes correlates with the rapid spread of
      obesity worldwide. Adipocytes are strained by the demand of excessive storage,
      and the local inflammation accelerates triglyceride turnover, which elevates the
      plasma levels of free fatty acids. Sustained hyper-free fatty acidemia leads to
      disturbances in cellular functions (lipotoxicity) or even to programmed cell
      death. Activated stress kinases interfere with insulin signaling, and often
      facilitate apoptosis. Hyper-free fatty acidemia, therefore, links obesity to
      diabetes through insulin resistance and beta-cell damage. Lipotoxicity research -
      including the comparison of the effects exerted by saturated, unsaturated and
      trans fatty acids - provides explanations for long-known phenomena. Our widening
      knowledge in the field offers new strategies for prevention and treatment of the
      metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

PMID- 27133273
TI  - [Stem-cell therapy, beta-cell- and islet cell-neogenesis: possible treatments of
      type 1 diabetes in the future?].
AB  - In type 1 diabetic patients perfect normoglycaemia can only be achieved by
      successful transplantation of the pancreas or Langerhans' islets. Surgical
      transplantation of the whole pancreas is an invasive operation exerting great
      burden on the patients. Transplantation of the islets of Langerhans does not
      burden the patients but the survival of the islet grafts is limited. Both
      interventions are hampered by the lack of donor organs. However, much of these
      difficulties could be overcome by the use of "artificial beta-cells" which ought
      to have an ultrastructure identical with that of natural beta-cells and produce
      and secrete insulin in a glucose dependent manner. At present three such methods
      are at our disposal: transformation of the ductal cells of the exocrine pancreas
      into beta-cells, development of beta-cells from stem-cells, and neogenesis of
      Langerhans' islets induced by viral delivery of transcription factors. The author
      summarises the experience and experimental results obtained with the use of the
      three methods.

PMID- 27133274
TI  - [Diabetic dyslipidaemia and the atherosclerosis].
AB  - The incidence and the public health importance of diabetes mellitus are growing
      continuously. Despite the improvement observed in recent years, the leading cause
      of morbidity and mortality of diabetics are cardiovascular diseases. The
      diagnosis of diabetes mellitus constitutes such a high risk as the known presence
      of vascular disease. Diabetic dyslipidaemia is characterised by high fasting and
      postprandial triglyceride levels, low HDL level, and slightly elevated LDL
      cholesterol with domination of atherogenic small dense LDL. These are not
      independent components of the atherogenic dyslipidaemia, but are closely linked
      to each other. Beside the known harmful effects of low HDL and small dense LDL,
      recent findings confirmed the atherogenicity of the triglyceride-rich
      lipoproteins and their remnants. It has been shown that the key of this process
      is the overproduction and delayed clearance of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in
      the liver. In this metabolism the lipoprotein lipase has a determining role; its
      function is accelerated by ApoA5 and attenuated by ApoC3. The null mutations of
      the ApoC3 results in a reduced risk of myocardial infarction, the loss-of
      function mutation of ApoA5 was associated with a 60% elevation of triglyceride
      level and 2.2-times increased risk of myocardial infarction. In case of diabetes
      mellitus, insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney
      disease the non-HDL-cholesterol is a better marker of the risk than the LDL
      cholesterol. Its value can be calculated by subtraction of HDL-cholesterol from
      total cholesterol. Target values of non-HDL-cholesterol can be obtained by adding
      0.8 mmol/L to the LDL-cholesterol targets (this means 3.3 mmol/L in high, and 2.6
      mmol/L in very high risk patients). The drugs of first choice in the treatment of
      diabetic dyslipidaemia are statins. Nevertheless, it is known that even if statin
      therapy is optimal (treated to target), a considerable residual (lipid) risk
      remains. For its reduction treatment of low HDL-cholesterol and high triglyceride
      levels is obvious by the administration of fibrates. In addition to statin
      therapy, fenofibrate can be recommended.

PMID- 27133275
TI  - [Measurement of hemoglobin A1c: analytical principles and their significance in
      clinical decision making].
AB  - Appropriate care and monitoring of the condition of patients with diabetes is
      indispensable from the regular measurement of hemoglobin A1c levels. Under well
      defined criteria hemoglobin A1c levels may also support the diagnosis of
      diabetes. This review provides a short description of the major principles of
      methods used for hemoglobin A1c determination and it reviews conditions
      interfering with the results. It also presents cut-off values for therapeutic
      decision making. As the results of world-wide efforts for standardization of
      hemoglobin A1c values obtained with different tests in different laboratories,
      the hemoglobin A1c results are comparable and can be used for clinical decisions.
      However, hemoglobin A1c should be considered with a particular caution in
      patients with hemoglobinopathies and in those with conditions affecting the
      average life-time of red cells.

PMID- 27133277
TI  - [Evaluation of structural models, beyond fit indices].

PMID- 27133281
TI  - Impact of standard test protocols on sporicidal efficacy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been an increase in the availability of commercial
      sporicidal formulations. Any comparison of sporicidal data from the literature is
      hampered by the number of different standard tests available and the use of
      diverse test conditions including bacterial strains and endospore preparation.
      AIM: To evaluate the effect of sporicidal standard tests on the apparent activity
      of eight biocides against Clostridium difficile and Bacillus subtilis. METHODS:
      The activity of eight biocidal formulations including two oxidizing agents, two
      aldehydes, three didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) and amine formulations,
      and sodium hypochlorite were evaluated using four standard sporicidal tests (BS
      EN 14347, BS EN13704, ASTM E2197-11, and AOAC MB-15-03) against B. subtilis (ACTC
      19659) and C. difficile (NCTC 11209) spores. FINDINGS: C. difficile spores were
      more susceptible to the sporicides than were B. subtilis spores, regardless of
      the method used. There were differences in sporicidal activity between methods at
      5 min but not at 60 min exposure. DDAC and amine-based products were not
      sporicidal when neutralized appropriately. Neutralization validation was
      confirmed for these biocides using the reporting format described in the BS EN
      standard tests, although the raw data appear to indicate that neutralization
      failed. CONCLUSION: The different methods, whether based on suspension or carrier
      tests, produced similar sporicidal inactivation data. This study suggests that
      detailed neutralization validation data should be reported to ensure that
      neutralization of active spores is effective. Failure to do so may lead to
      erroneous sporicidal claims.

PMID- 27133282
TI  - Reaction Mechanisms of Metals with Hydrogen Sulfide and Thiols in Model Wine.
      Part 1: Copper-Catalyzed Oxidation.
AB  - Sulfidic off-odors as a result of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and low-molecular-weight
      thiols are commonly encountered in wine production. These odors are usually
      removed by the process of Cu(II) fining, a process that remains poorly
      understood. The present study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by
      which Cu(II) interacts with H2S and thiol compounds (RSH) under wine-like
      conditions. Copper complex formation was monitored along with H2S, thiol, oxygen,
      and acetaldehyde concentrations after the addition of Cu(II) (50 or 100 MUM) to
      air-saturated model wine solutions containing H2S, cysteine, 6-sulfanylhexan-1
      ol, or 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol (300 MUM each). The presence of H2S and thiols in
      excess to Cu(II) led to the rapid formation of ~1.4:1 H2S/Cu and ~2:1 thiol/Cu
      complexes, resulting in the oxidation of H2S and thiols and reduction of Cu(II)
      to Cu(I), which reacted with oxygen. H2S was observed to initially oxidize rather
      than form insoluble copper sulfide. The proposed reaction mechanisms provide
      insight into the extent to which H2S can be selectively removed in the presence
      of thiols in wine. 

PMID- 27133283
TI  - Comment on "Decreased serum betatrophin levels correlate with improved fasting
      plasma glucose and insulin secretion capacity after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in
      obese Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: a 1-year follow-up".

PMID- 27133284
TI  - Adding active surveillance as a treatment option for low risk skin cancers in
      patients with limited life expectancy.

PMID- 27133286
TI  - Poor persistence with hormonal therapy among women with breast cancer.

PMID- 27133285
TI  - Comparing attitudes of younger and older patients towards cancer clinical trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the attitudes of patients towards cancer clinical trials
      (CCTs) and assess the differences between older and younger patients. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Patients with cancer, receiving treatment or in follow-up in
      University Hospital Waterford, Ireland were eligible. Patients completed a self
      administered questionnaire. To determine attitudes towards CCTs, patients
      indicated their preference if offered participation in three hypothetical studies
      (cancer prevention/screening trial; CCT comparing standard to new treatment; a
      trial of new drug where no standard exists). Patients' reasons to or not to
      participate in CCTs were explored. RESULTS: From May 2014 to March 2015, 219
      patients were accrued, 119 <65years and 100 >=65years. Twenty-two (18%) younger
      and 4 (4%) older patients had been/were actively enrolled on a CCT (p=0.0012). No
      older patient and 5 (4%) of younger patients had enquired about CCT availability.
      For the CCT questions, 85 (71%) younger vs 57 (57%) older patients would
      participate in a prevention/screening CCT (p=0.033); 60 (50%) vs 44 (44%) for
      standard vs new drug (p=0.415), and 83 (69%) vs 78 (78%) for a CCT where no
      standard exists (p=0.218). The most common reason to participate in a CCT was a
      recommendation from the oncologist -98% <65years vs 87% >=65years (p=0.001), with
      health problems being the leading reason not to participate, 86% vs 72% (p=0.01),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Older and younger patients in this study gave similar
      importance to reasons for and against participation in CCTs. Most patients did
      not actively seek out a CCT, which may reflect a lack of awareness and a need for
      better education.

PMID- 27133287
TI  - Preoperative evaluation of the older patient with cancer.
AB  - The lack of knowledge has helped us in progressing with the aim of offering the
      right surgical treatment to the right patient at the right time. Preoperative
      assessment of frailty identifies those patients who are at a higher operative
      risk, more prone to develop complications, spend more time in hospital and cost
      more to the community. Phase IV trials are becoming essential in expanding our
      understanding, while randomized clinical trials are unlikely to add substantial
      value in this field of clinical research.

PMID- 27133288
TI  - Discovery of urine biomarkers for bladder cancer via global metabolomics.
AB  - Bladder cancer (BC) is latent in its early stage and lethal in its late stage.
      Therefore, early diagnosis and intervention are essential for successful BC
      treatment. Considering the limitations of current diagnostic tools, noninvasive
      biomarkers that are both highly sensitive and specific are needed to improve the
      overall survival and quality of life of patients. With the advent of systems
      biology, "-omics" technologies have been developed over the past few decades. As
      a promising member, global metabolomics has increasingly been found to have clear
      potential for biomarker discovery. However, urinary metabolomics studies related
      to BC have lagged behind those of other urinary cancers, and major findings have
      not been systematically reported. The objective of this review is to
      comprehensively list the currently identified potential urinary metabolite
      biomarkers for BC. 

PMID- 27133289
TI  - The contribution of anterior deltoid ligament to ankle stability in isolated
      lateral malleolar fractures.
AB  - The treatment of isolated lateral malleolar fractures with deltoid ligament
      rupture remains controversial. We prospectively analysed 35 patients with
      isolated lateral malleolar fractures during 2006-2013. Radiography and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to assess the degree of reduction,
      ligament damage, and stability. Internal fixation was performed for all unstable
      valgus fractures with unacceptable fracture parameters. Fractures with residual
      valgus instability after fixation underwent anterior deltoid repair. The mean
      anterior deltoid ligament grade based on MRI was significantly different between
      the high-grade unstable group and the stable and low-grade unstable groups
      (p=0.037 and 0.004, respectively). Postoperative medial clear space measurements
      were not significantly different between groups. MRI was shown to be a useful
      tool in the preoperative identification of isolated lateral malleolus fractures
      prone to valgus instability. In the case of high-grade unstable fractures of the
      lateral malleolus, repair of the anterior deltoid ligament is adequate for
      restoring medial stability. 

PMID- 27133290
TI  - Risk factors for infection after operative fixation of Tibial plateau fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tibial plateau fractures are challenging to treat due to the high
      incidence of postoperative infections. Treating physicians should be aware of
      risk factors for postoperative infection in patients who undergo operative
      fixation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken to identify
      all patients with tibial plateau fractures over a 10 year period (2003-2012) who
      underwent open reduction internal fixation. A total of 532 patients were
      identified who met the inclusion criteria. Several patient and clinical
      characteristics were recorded, and those variables with a significant association
      (p<0.05) with postoperative infection after a univariate analysis were further
      analyzed using a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-nine (11.1%) of the 532
      patients developed a deep infection. The average length of follow-up for patients
      was 19.5 months. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was the most common
      species, and it was isolated in 26 (44.1%) patients. Open fractures, the presence
      of compartment syndrome, and a Schatzker type IV-VI were found to be independent
      risk factors for deep infection. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of deep infection remains
      high after operative fixation of tibial plateau fractures. Patients with risk
      factors for infection should be counseled on the possibility of reoperation, and
      surgeons should consider MRSA prophylaxis in those patients who are at higher
      risk.

PMID- 27133291
TI  - An unusual case of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis presenting with
      retropharyngeal edema.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute neck swelling with pharyngeal signs often triggers emergency
      consultation. Treatment and diagnosis are usually multidisciplinary. Failing to
      find a possible etiology may lead to misdiagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A young man
      presented to the emergency room with a 4-day history of cough, neck swelling and
      sore throat. Laboratory testing showed a leukocyte count of 9200 without left
      shift. Mild elevated CRP with 1.7 was noted and computed tomography (CT) showed
      fluid accumulation in the retropharyngeal space and neck edema down to thyroid
      region. Antibiotic was prescribed and admitted to infection ward under the
      impression of deep neck infection. During hospitalization, needle aspiration was
      performed where water fluid was collected without pus. Investigations showed
      massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia and hypercholesterolemia. The early focal
      segmental glomerulosclerosis was found by renal biopsy. After prednisolone 60mg
      daily and albumin supplement, the neck swelling, swallowing pain and general
      edema had completely resolved. DISCUSSION: The purpose of this case is to raise
      awareness of nephrotic syndrome as an unusual but possibly cause of
      retropharyngeal edema. We highlight the diagnostic features that will allow the
      physicians to make the correct diagnosis, avoid unnecessary incision and
      drainage, and commence effective treatment early in the disease course.

PMID- 27133292
TI  - Interest of video-assisted minimally invasive surgery in primary
      hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Surgery is the only radical and definitive treatment for primary
      hyperparathyroidism. Exploration of the four parathyroid sites is giving way to
      minimally invasive techniques. The present study sought to compare two minimally
      invasive parathyroidectomy techniques, by classical cervicotomy (MIP-C) and by
      video-assistance (MIP-VA), in terms of success rate, complications rate,
      operating time, and patient and community physician satisfaction. MATERIALS AND
      METHOD: A non-randomized retrospective comparative study included 112 patients
      presenting with primary hyperparathyroidism with identified parathyroid adenoma,
      operated on between January 2005 and October 2010. The two groups were
      constituted according to the surgeons' habitual practice: 54 cases of MIP-VA and
      58 of MIP-C. RESULTS: Results for MIP-VA and MIP-C were respectively: success,
      96.3% vs. 100% (P=0.09); mean scar size, 1.47 vs. 3.43cm (P<0.01); hypocalcemia,
      2 vs. 3 cases (P=0.1); theater time, 94.25 vs. 76min (P=0.02); and postoperative
      stay, 1.08 vs. 1.37 days (P=0.07). Patient satisfaction was comparable between
      groups, while 93.3% of community physicians found MIP-VA preferable to MIP-C,
      although only 39.3% had known the MIP-VA technique. CONCLUSION: With efficacy,
      morbidity and patient satisfaction comparable to classical surgery, MIP-VA
      significantly reduced cervicotomy size and hospital stay. Community physicians
      considered it to be preferable to MIP-C.

PMID- 27133293
TI  - "Ubermedicine": The return of home ENT visits?

PMID- 27133294
TI  - Protrusion-localized STAT3 mRNA promotes metastasis of highly metastatic
      hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro.
AB  - AIM: Recent evidence shows that localization of mRNAs and their protein products
      at cellular protrusions plays a decisive function in the metastasis of cancer
      cells. The aim of this study was to identify the variety of proteins encoded by
      protrusion-localized mRNAs and their roles in the metastasis and invasion of
      liver cancer cells. METHODS: Highly metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma cell line
      HCCLM3 and non-metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 were
      examined. Cell protrusions (Ps) were separated from cell bodies (CB) using a
      Boyden chamber assay; total mRNA population in CB and Ps fractions was analyzed
      using high-throughput direct RNA sequencing. The localization of STAT3 mRNA and
      protein at Ps was confirmed using RT-qPCR, RNA FISH, and immunofluorescence
      assays. Cell migration capacity and invasiveness of HCCLM3 cells were evaluated
      using MTT, wound healing migration and in vitro invasion assays. The interaction
      between Stat3 and growth factor receptors was explored with co
      immunoprecipitation assays. RESULTS: In HCCLM3 cells, 793 mRNAs were identified
      as being localized in the Ps fraction according to a cut-off value (Ps/CB ratio)
      >1.6. The Ps-localized mRNAs could be divided into 4 functional groups, and were
      all closely related to the invasive and metastatic properties. STAT3 mRNA
      accumulated in the Ps of HCCLM3 cells compared with non-metastatic SMMC-7721
      cells. Treatment of HCCLM3 cells with siRNAs against STAT3 mRNA drastically
      decreased the cell migration and invasion. Moreover, Ps-localized Stat3 was found
      to interact with pseudopod-enriched platelet-derived growth factor receptor
      tyrosine kinase (PDGFRTK) in a growth factor-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: This
      study reveals STAT3 mRNA localization at the Ps of metastatic hepatocellular
      carcinoma HCCLM3 cells by combining application of genome-wide and gene specific
      description and functional analysis.

PMID- 27133295
TI  - Silibinin and indocyanine green-loaded nanoparticles inhibit the growth and
      metastasis of mammalian breast cancer cells in vitro.
AB  - AIM: To improve the therapeutic efficacy of cancer treatments, combinational
      therapies based on nanosized drug delivery system (NDDS) has been developed
      recently. In this study we designed a new NDDS loaded with an anti-metastatic
      drug silibinin and a photothermal agent indocyanine green (ICG), and investigated
      its effects on the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells in vitro.
      METHODS: Silibinin and ICG were self-assembled into PCL lipid nanoparticles
      (SIPNs). Their physical characteristics including the particle size, zeta
      potential, morphology and in vitro drug release were examined. 4T1 mammalian
      breast cancer cells were used to evaluate their cellular internalization,
      cytotoxicity, and their influences on wound healing, in vitro cell migration and
      invasion. RESULTS: SIPNs showed a well-defined spherical shape with averaged size
      of 126.3+/-0.4 nm and zeta potential of -10.3+/-0.2 mV. NIR laser irradiation
      substantially increased the in vitro release of silibinin from the SIPNs (58.3%
      at the first 8 h, and 97.8% for the total release). Furthermore, NIR laser
      irradiation markedly increased the uptake of SIPNs into 4T1 cells. Under the NIR
      laser irradiation, both SIPNs and IPNs (PCL lipid nanoparticles loaded with ICG
      alone) caused dose-dependent ablation of 4T1 cells. The wound healing, migration
      and invasion experiments showed that SIPNs exposed to NIR laser irradiation
      exhibited dramatic in vitro anti-metastasis effects. CONCLUSION: SIPNs show
      temperature-sensitive drug release following NIR laser irradiation, which can
      inhibit the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells in vitro.

PMID- 27133296
TI  - Post-transcriptional modulation of protein phosphatase PPP2CA and tumor
      suppressor PTEN by endogenous siRNA cleaved from hairpin within PTEN mRNA 3'UTR
      in human liver cells.
AB  - AIM: Increasing evidence shows that mRNAs exert regulatory function along with
      coding proteins. Recently we report that a hairpin within YAP mRNA 3'UTR can
      modulate the Hippo signaling pathway. PTEN is a tumor suppressor, and is mutated
      in human cancers. In this study we examined whether PTEN mRNA 3'UTR contained a
      hairpin structure that could regulate gene regulation at the post-transcriptional
      level. METHODS: The secondary structure of PTEN mRNA 3'UTR was analyzed using
      RNAdraw and RNAstructure. Function of hairpin structure derived from the PTEN
      mRNA 3'UTR was examined using luciferase reporter assay, RT-PCR and Western
      blotting. RNA-immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay was used to analyze the interaction
      between PTEN mRNA and microprocessor Drosha and DGCR8. Endogenous siRNA (esiRNA)
      derived from PTEN mRNA 3'UTR was identified by RT-PCR and rt-PCR, and its target
      genes were predicted using RNAhybrid. RESULTS: A bioinformatics analysis revealed
      that PTEN mRNA contained a hairpin structure (termed PTEN-sh) within 3'UTR, which
      markedly increased the reporter activities of AP-1 and NF-kappaB in 293T cells.
      Moreover, treatment with PTEN-sh (1 and 2 MUg) dose-dependently inhibited the
      expression of PTEN in human liver L-O2 cells. RIP assay demonstrated that the
      microprocessor Drosha and DGCR8 was bound to PTEN-sh in L-O2 cells, leading to
      the cleavage of PTEN-sh from PTEN mRNA 3'UTR. In addition, microprocessor Dicer
      was involved in the processing of PTEN-sh. Interestingly, esiRNA (termed PTEN-sh
      3p21) cleaved from PTEN-sh was identified in 293T cells and human liver tissues,
      which was found to target the mRNA 3'UTRs of protein phosphatase PPP2CA and PTEN
      in L-O2 cells. Treatment of L-O2 or Chang liver cells with PTEN-sh-3p21 (50, 100
      nmol/L) promoted the cell proliferation in dose- and time-dependent manners.
      CONCLUSION: The endogenous siRNA (PTEN-sh-3p21) cleaved from PTEN-sh within PTEN
      mRNA 3'UTR modulates PPP2CA and PTEN at the post-transcriptional level in liver
      cells.

PMID- 27133297
TI  - Dexamethasone suppresses the growth of human non-small cell lung cancer via
      inducing estrogen sulfotransferase and inactivating estrogen.
AB  - AIM: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a widely used synthetic glucocorticoid, which has
      shown anti-cancer efficacy and anti-estrogenic activity. In this study we
      explored the possibility that DEX might be used as an endocrine therapeutic agent
      to treat human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: The viability and
      proliferation of human NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299 were assessed in vitro.
      Anti-tumor action was also evaluated in A549 xenograft nude mice treated with DEX
      (2 or 4 mg.kg(-1).d(-1), ig) or the positive control tamoxifen (50 mg.kg(-1).d(
      1), ig) for 32 d. The expression of estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) in tumor
      cells and tissues was examined. The intratumoral estrogen levels and uterine
      estrogen responses were measured. RESULTS: DEX displayed mild cytotoxicity to the
      NSCLC cells (IC50 >500 MUmol/L) compared to tamoxifen (IC50 <50 MUmol/L), but it
      was able to inhibit the cell proliferation at low micromolar ranges. Furthermore,
      DEX (0.1-10 MUmol/L) dose-dependently up-regulated EST expression in the cells,
      and inhibited the cell migration in vitro. Triclosan, a sulfation inhibitor, was
      able to diminish DEX-caused inhibition on the cell viability. In A549 xenograft
      nude mice, DEX or tamoxifen administration remarkably suppressed the tumor
      growth. Moreover, DEX administration dose-dependently increased EST expression in
      tumor tissues, and reduced intratumoral estrogen levels as well as the volumes
      and weights of uterine. CONCLUSION: DEX suppresses the growth of A549 xenograft
      tumors via inducing EST and decreasing estradiol levels in tumor tissues,
      suggesting that DEX may be used as anti-estrogenic agent for the treatment of
      NSCLC.

PMID- 27133298
TI  - Activation of Wnt3a signaling promotes myogenic differentiation of mesenchymal
      stem cells in mdx mice.
AB  - AIM: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked genetic muscular disorder
      with no effective treatment at present. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)
      transplantation has been used to treat DMD, but the efficiency is low. Our
      previous studies show that activation of Wnt3a signaling promotes myogenic
      differentiation of MSCs in vitro. Here we report an effective MSC transplantation
      therapy in mdx mice by activation of Wnt3a signaling. METHODS: MSCs were isolated
      from mouse bone marrow, and pretreated with Wnt3a-conditioned medium (Wnt3a-CM),
      then transplanted into mdx mice. The recipient mice were euthanized at 4, 8, 12,
      16 weeks after the transplantation, and muscle pathological changes were
      examined. The expression of dystrophin in muscle was detected using
      immunofluorescence staining, RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Sixteen weeks
      later, transplantation of Wnt3a-pretreated MSCs in mdx mice improved the
      characteristics of dystrophic muscles evidenced by significant reductions in
      centrally nucleated myofibers, the variability range of cross-sectional area
      (CSA) and the connective tissue area of myofibers. Furthermore, transplantation
      of Wnt3a-pretreated MSCs in mdx mice gradually and markedly increased the
      expression of dystrophin in muscle, and improved the efficiency of myogenic
      differentiation. CONCLUSION: Transplantation of Wnt3a-pretreated MSCs in mdx mice
      results in long-term amelioration of the dystrophic phenotype and restores
      dystrophin expression in muscle. The results suggest that Wnt3a may be a
      promising candidate for the treatment of DMD.

PMID- 27133299
TI  - Associations of CYP3A4, NR1I2, CYP2C19 and P2RY12 polymorphisms with clopidogrel
      resistance in Chinese patients with ischemic stroke.
AB  - AIM: There is a high incidence of the antiplatelet drug clopidogrel resistance
      (CR) in Asian populations. Because clopidogrel is a prodrug, polymorphisms of
      genes encoding the enzymes involved in its biotransformation may be the primary
      influential factors. The goal of this study was to investigate the associations
      of polymorphisms of CYP3A4, NR1I2, CYP2C19 and P2RY12 genes with CR in Chinese
      patients with ischemic stroke. METHODS: A total of 191 patients with ischemic
      stroke were enrolled. The patients were treated with clopidogrel for at least 5
      days. Platelet function was measured by light transmission aggregometry. The SNPs
      NR1I2 (rs13059232), CYP3A4(*)1G (rs2242480), CYP2C19(*)2 (rs4244285) and P2RY12
      (rs2046934) were genotyped. RESULTS: The CR rate in this population was 36%. The
      CYP2C19(*)2 variant was a risk factor for CR ((*)2/(*)2+wt/(*)2 vs wt/wt, OR:
      2.366, 95% CI: 1.180-4.741, P=0.014), whereas the CYP3A4(*)1G variant had a
      protective effect on CR ((*)1/(*)1 vs (*)1G/(*)1G+(*)1/(*)1G, OR: 2.360, 95% CI:
      1.247-4.468, P=0.008). The NR1I2 (rs13059232) polymorphism was moderately
      associated with CR (CC vs TT+TC, OR: 0.533, 95% CI: 0.286-0.991, P=0.046). The C
      allele in P2RY12 (rs2046934) was predicted to be a protective factor for CR
      (CC+TC vs TT, OR: 0.407, 95% CI: 0.191-0.867, P=0.018). In addition, an
      association was found between hypertension and CR (P=0.022). CONCLUSION: The
      individuals with both the CYP2C19(*)2 allele and hypertension are at high risk of
      CR during anti-thrombosis therapy. The CYP3A4(*)1G allele, P2RY12 (rs2046934) C
      allele and NR1I2 (rs13059232) CC genotype may be protective factors for CR. The
      associated SNPs studied may be useful to predict clopidogrel resistance in
      Chinese patients with ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27133300
TI  - Chinese medicine CGA formula ameliorates DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rats via
      inhibiting MMP2/9, TIMP1/2 and the TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathways.
AB  - AIM: Chinese medicine CGA formula consists of polysaccharide from Cordyceps
      sinensis mycelia (CS-PS), gypenosides and amygdalin, which is derived from
      Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) capsule for treating liver fibrosis. In this study we
      attempted to confirm the therapeutic effects of CGA formula in
      dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in rats, and to identify the
      mechanisms of anti-fibrotic actions. METHODS: Rats were injected with DMN (10
      mg.kg(-1).d(-1), ip) for 3 consecutive days per week over a 4-week period. The
      rats then were orally administered with CGA formula (CS-PS 60 mg.kg(-1).d(-1),
      gypenosides 50 mg.kg(-1).d(-1) and amygdalin 80 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)) daily in the
      next 2 weeks. CS-PS, gypenosides or amygdalin alone were administered as
      individual component controls, whereas colchicine and FZHY were used as positive
      controls. Serum biomarkers were measured. Hepatic injury, collagen deposition and
      stellate cell activation were examined. The MMP activities, expression of TIMP
      protein and proteins involved in the TGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathways in liver
      tissues were assayed. RESULTS: In DMN-treated rats, administration of CGA formula
      significantly decreased serum ALT, AST and total bilirubin and hepatic
      hydroxyproline levels, increased serum albumin level, and attenuated liver
      fibrosis as shown by histological examination. Furthermore, these effects were
      comparable to those caused by administration of FZHY, and superior to those
      caused by administration of colchicine or the individual components of CGA
      formula. Moreover, administration of CGA formula significantly decreased the
      protein levels of alpha-SMA, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta1 receptor (TbetaR-I), p-TbetaR
      I, p-TbetaR-II, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, TIMP1 and TIMP2, as well as MMP2 and MMP9
      activities in liver tissues of DMN-treated rats. CONCLUSION: Chinese medicine CGA
      formula ameliorates DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rats, and this effect was
      likely associated with the down-regulation of MMP2/9 activities, TIMP1/2 protein
      expression and the TGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathways in the liver.

PMID- 27133301
TI  - Ergosterol-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles with enhanced in vitro
      antitumor activity and oral bioavailability.
AB  - AIM: Ergosterol is a plant sterol with anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities,
      but is poorly soluble. In this study, we attempted to enhance its anti-tumor
      action and oral bioavailability via poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)
      nanoparticle encapsulation. METHODS: Ergosterol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles
      (NPs/Erg) were prepared using the emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. Their
      physicochemical properties were characterized, and their cytotoxicity against
      human cancer cell lines was evaluated with MTT assay. The pharmacokinetics and
      tissue distribution of NPs/Erg were investigated in rats and mice, respectively.
      RESULTS: NPs/Erg were spherical in shape with a particle size of 156.9+/-4.8 nm
      and a Zeta potential of -19.27+/-1.13 mV, and had acceptable encapsulation
      efficiency and loading capacity. NPs/Erg exerted much stronger cytotoxicity
      against human cancer cells than the free ergosterol, and showed significantly
      reduced IC50 values (14.69+/-0.48 MUg/mL in glioma U251 cells; 9.43+/-0.52 MUg/mL
      in breast cancer MCF-7 cells; 4.70+/-0.41 MUg/mL in hepatoma HepG2 cells). After
      oral administration of a single dose in rats, NPs/Erg displayed a prolonged
      plasma circulation with a 4.9-fold increase of oral bioavailability compared with
      the free ergosterol. After mice received NPs/Erg, the ergosterol in NPs/Erg was
      rapidly distributed in stomach, kidneys, liver, brain, spleen, and virtually non
      existent in heart and lungs. The presence of NPs/Erg in brain was particularly
      improved compared with the free ergosterol. CONCLUSION: The PLGA nanoparticles
      serve as a promising carrier for the poorly soluble ergosterol and significantly
      improve its bioavailability, biodistribution and in vitro anti-tumor activities.

PMID- 27133303
TI  - Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of the antitumor effect of TM208 and
      EGFR-TKI resistance in human breast cancer xenograft mice.
AB  - AIM: The novel anticancer compound TM208 is an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor
      (EGFR-TKI). Since the development of resistance to EGFR-TKIs is a major challenge
      in their clinical usage, we investigated the profiles of resistance following
      continuous treatment with TM208 in human breast cancer xenograft mice, and
      identified the relationship between the tumor pEGFR levels and tumor growth
      inhibition. METHODS: Female BALB/c nude mice were implanted with human breast
      cancer MCF-7 cells, and the xenograft mice received TM208 (50 or 150 mg.kg(-1).d(
      1), ig) or vehicle for 18 d. The pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD)
      of TM208 were evaluated. RESULTS: The PK properties of TM208 were described by a
      one-compartment model with first-order absorption kinetics. Our study showed the
      inhibitory effects of TM208 on tumor pEGFR levels gradually reached a maximum
      effect, after which it became weaker over time, which was characterized by a
      combined tolerance/indirect response PD model with an estimated EC50 (55.9
      MUg/L), as well as three parameters ('a' of 27.2%, 'b' of 2730%, 'c' of 0.58 h(
      1)) denoting the maximum, extent and rate of resistance, respectively. The
      relationship between the tumor pEGFR levels and tumor growth inhibition was
      characterized by a combined logistic tumor growth/transit compartment model with
      estimated parameters associated with tumor growth characteristics kng (0.282 day(
      1)), drug potency kTM208 (0.0499 cm(3)/day) and the kinetics of tumor cell death
      k1 (0.141 day(-1)), which provided insight into drug mechanisms and behaviors.
      CONCLUSION: The proposed PK/PD model provides a better understanding of the
      pharmacological properties of TM208 in the treatment of breast cancer.
      Furthermore, simulation based on a tolerance model allows prediction of the
      occurrence of resistance.

PMID- 27133302
TI  - Paeoniflorin suppresses TGF-beta mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in
      pulmonary fibrosis through a Smad-dependent pathway.
AB  - AIM: Paeoniflorin has shown to attenuate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
      (PF) in mice. Because the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in type 2 lung
      endothelial cells contributes to excessive fibroblasts and myofibroblasts during
      multiple fibrosis of tissues, we investigated the effects of paeoniflorin on TGF
      beta mediated pulmonary EMT in bleomycin-induced PF mice. METHODS: PF was induced
      in mice by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (5 mg/kg). The mice were
      orally treated with paeoniflorin or prednisone for 21 d. After the mice were
      sacrificed, lung tissues were collected for analysis. An in vitro EMT model was
      established in alveolar epithelial cells (A549 cells) incubated with TGF-beta1 (2
      ng/mL). EMT identification and the expression of related proteins were performed
      using immunohistochemistry, transwell assay, ELISA, Western blot and RT-qPCR.
      RESULTS: In PF mice, paeoniflorin (50, 100 mg.kg(-1).d(-1)) or prednisone (6
      mg.kg(-1).d(-1)) significantly decreased the expression of FSP-1 and alpha-SMA,
      and increased the expression of E-cadherin in lung tissues. In A549 cells, TGF
      beta1 stimulation induced EMT, as shown by the changes in cell morphology, the
      increased cell migration, and the increased vimentin and alpha-SMA expression as
      well as type I and type III collagen levels, and by the decreased E-cadherin
      expression. In contrast, effects of paeoniflorin on EMT disappeared when the A549
      cells were pretreated with TGF-beta1 for 24 h. TGF-beta1 stimulation markedly
      increased the expression of Snail and activated Smad2/3, Akt, ERK, JNK and p38
      MAPK in A549 cells. Co-incubation with paeoniflorin (1-30 MUmol/L) dose
      dependently attenuated TGF-beta1-induced expression of Snail and activation of
      Smad2/3, but slightly affected TGF-beta1-induced activation of Akt, ERK, JNK and
      p38 MAPK. Moreover, paeoniflorin markedly increased Smad7 level, and decreased
      ALK5 level in A549 cells. CONCLUSION: Paeoniflorin suppresses the early stages of
      TGF-beta mediated EMT in alveolar epithelial cells, likely by decreasing the
      expression of the transcription factors Snail via a Smad-dependent pathway
      involving the up-regulation of Smad7.

PMID- 27133304
TI  - Jungermannenone A and B induce ROS- and cell cycle-dependent apoptosis in
      prostate cancer cells in vitro.
AB  - AIM: Jungermannenone A and B (JA, JB) are new ent-kaurane diterpenoids isolated
      from Chinese liverwort Jungermannia fauriana, which show anti-proliferation
      activities in cancer cells. In this study we investigated the mechanisms
      underlying the anticancer action of JA and JB in PC3 human prostate cancer cells
      in vitro. METHODS: A panel of 9 human cancer cell lines was tested. Cell
      proliferation was assessed with a real-time cell analyzer and MTT assay. Cell
      apoptosis, cell cycle distribution and ROS levels were measured using cytometry.
      Mitochondrial damage was examined by transmission electron microscopy. DNA damage
      was detected with comet assay. Apoptotic, DNA damage- and cell cycle-related
      proteins were analyzed using Western blotting. The expression of DNA repair genes
      was measured with qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Both JA and JB exerted potent anti
      proliferative action against the 9 cancer cell lines, and PC3 cells were more
      sensitive with IC50 values of 1.34+/-0.09 and 4.93+/-0.20 MUmol/L, respectively.
      JA (1.5 MUmol/L) and JB (5 MUmol/L) induced PC3 cell apoptosis, which was
      attenuated by the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD. Furthermore, both JA and JB caused
      mitochondrial damage and ROS accumulation in PC3 cells, whereas vitamin C blocked
      the ROS accumulation and attenuated the cytotoxicity of JA and JB. Moreover, both
      JA and JB induced DNA damage, accompanied by downregulated DNA repair proteins
      Ku70/Ku80 and RDA51. JA induced marked cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase,
      which was related to c-Myc suppression, whereas JB enforced the cell cycle
      blockade in the G2/M phase, which associated with activation of the JNK
      signaling. CONCLUSION: Both JA and JB induce prostate cancer apoptosis via ROS
      accumulation and induction of cell cycle arrest.

PMID- 27133305
TI  - Discordant diagnostic results due to a hepatitis B virus T123A HBsAg mutant.
AB  - HBsAg immunoassay results are occasionally discordant among primary and
      confirmatory assays or with respect to other markers of HBV infection. Such
      discordance has been observed repeatedly in Canada with samples having a mutation
      at HBsAg codon 123 (sT123A). Detection of recombinant expressed HBsAg protein
      having either sT123 or sA123 was evaluated with one manual and six automated
      HBsAg immunoassays. The recombinant mutant HBsAg was non-reactive by Abbott
      AxSYM, while the Abbott ARCHITECT Quantitative and Qualitative II, ADVIA Centaur,
      and VITROS ECi detection signal was reduced compared with the wild-type protein,
      approaching the assay cut-off for certain assays, dependent upon the level of
      protein. The Roche Elecsys and manual immunoassays detected both wild-type and
      mutant proteins comparatively. The sT123A mutation leads to loss of detection by
      immunoassays commonly used in Canadian diagnostic laboratories, which may produce
      misleading results and diagnoses. 

PMID- 27133306
TI  - Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus (MRSA) clones with high-level mupirocin resistance.
AB  - A high proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates
      recovered in one year period showed high-level mupirocin-resistance (HLMUPR-MRSA)
      in our environment (27.2%). HLMUPR-MRSA isolates were mainly collected from skin
      and soft tissue samples, and diabetes was the main related comorbidity condition.
      These isolates were more frequently found in vascular surgery. HLMUPR-MRSA was
      more resistant to aminoglycosides than mupirocin-susceptible MRSA, linked to the
      presence of bifunctional and/or nucleotidyltransferase enzymes with/without
      macrolide resistance associated with the msr(A) gene. Most of HLMUPR-MRSA
      isolates belonged to ST125/t067. Nine IS257-ileS2 amplification patterns (p3 was
      the most frequent) were observed in HLMUPR-MRSA isolates, suggesting the presence
      of several mupirocin-resistance-carrying plasmids in our environment and
      promoting the emergence of mupirocin resistance. The presence of the same IS257
      ileS2 amplification pattern p3 in 65% of HLMUPR-MRSA, all of them ST125/t067,
      suggests a clonal spread in our hospital and community environment which could
      explain the high prevalence of HLMUPR-MRSA during the study period. An outbreak
      situation or an increase in mupirocin consumption was not observed. 

PMID- 27133307
TI  - High prevalence of Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus
      in environmental samples of a Tunisian hospital.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of detection of coagulase
      negative staphylococci (CoNS) in environmental samples of 17 services in a
      Tunisian hospital, determining the antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and
      genotypes of recovered isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first study that
      determines the prevalence of CoNS with correlation of antibiotic resistance in
      the hospital environment in Tunisia. CoNS were obtained from 83 of the 200 tested
      samples (41.5%). Staphylococcus haemolyticus was the most prevalent species
      (45.8%), followed by S. saprophyticus (36.1%). The remaining CoNS species
      detected were S. epidermidis, S. cohnii, S. warneri, S. sciuri, S. simulans, S.
      pasteuri, S. arlettae, and S. xilosus. Methicillin-resistant CoNS were detected
      in 20 of the 200 tested samples (10%), and the mecA gene was demonstrated in 18
      S. haemolyticus, one S. epidermidis and one S. saprophyticus isolates.
      Methicillin susceptible isolates were detected in 63 samples (31.5%).
      Antimicrobial resistance genes detected were as follows (number of isolates):
      erythromycin [msr(A) (n = 32); erm(C) (n = 8)], tetracycline [tet(K) and/or
      tet(M) (n = 21)], gentamicin [aac(6')-Ie-aph(2")-Ia (n = 16)], kanamycin
      [(aph(3')-IIIa (n = 19)], tobramycin [ant(4')-Ia (n = 14)], and streptomycin
      [ant(6')-Ia (n = 3)]. The high frequency of detection of multi-drug-resistant
      CoNS in the hospital environment, especially S. haemolyticus and S.
      saprophyticus, is of relevance and could be due to cross-transmission between
      patients, staff, and environment. 

PMID- 27133308
TI  - A multicenter study of viable PCR using propidium monoazide to detect Legionella
      in water samples.
AB  - Legionella quantification in environmental samples is overestimated by qPCR.
      Combination with a viable dye, such as Propidium monoazide (PMA), could make qPCR
      (named then vPCR) very reliable. In this multicentre study 717 artificial water
      samples, spiked with fixed concentrations of Legionella and interfering bacterial
      flora, were analysed by qPCR, vPCR and culture and data were compared by
      statistical analysis. A heat-treatment at 55  degrees C for 10 minutes was also
      performed to obtain viable and not-viable bacteria. When data of vPCR were
      compared with those of culture and qPCR, statistical analysis showed significant
      differences (P < 0.001). However, although the heat-treatment caused an abatement
      of CFU/mL <=1 to 1 log10 unit, the comparison between untreated and heat-treated
      samples analysed by vPCR highlighted non-significant differences (P > 0.05).
      Overall this study provided a good experimental reproducibility of vPCR but also
      highlighted limits of PMA in the discriminating capability of dead and live
      bacteria, making vPCR not completely reliable. 

PMID- 27133309
TI  - A fatal case of pulmonary infection by Mycobacterium colombiense in Para State,
      Amazon Region, Brazil.
AB  - Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a heterogeneous group of species found in
      several environmental sources and that exhibit variable degrees of pathogenicity.
      Among the MAC members, Mycobacterium colombiense has been related to pulmonary
      disease and disseminated infection in HIV-infected patients in Colombia.
      Lymphadenopathy cases have also been reported. We have described a fatal case of
      M. colombiense pulmonary disease in a Brazilian patient without evidence of HIV
      infection or other known causes of immunosuppression. 

PMID- 27133310
TI  - Clarifications to questions on an incisional hernia cost-benefit study.

PMID- 27133311
TI  - Adjunctive loading dose of cilostazol in preventing periprocedural myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) is a common complication
      of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study evaluated the safety and
      efficacy of adjunctive loading dose of cilostazol in preventing PMI in patients
      with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: A total of 113 patients with ACS
      undergoing PCI were randomized to receive loading doses of dual (aspirin plus
      clopidogrel; DAPT group; n=57) or triple antiplatelet therapy (aspirin plus
      clopidogrel plus cilostazol; TAPT group; n=56). The loading and maintenance doses
      were 100 and 50 mg bid for cilostazol. Patients in the TAPT group received
      adjunctive cilostazol for 1 week. Cardiac biomarkers were measured before PCI, 8
      and 24 hours after PCI to determine the incidence of PMI. RESULTS: There was no
      significant difference in the incidence of PMI between the TAPT and DAPT groups
      (32.1% vs 47.4%, P=.098). However, in the antiplatelet-naive subgroup, TAPT
      significantly lowered the incidence of PMI compared to DAPT (17.9% vs 42.9%,
      P=.042). In the antiplatelet-treated subgroup, the incidences of PMI were
      comparable (46.4% vs 51.7%, P=.698). Multivariable logistic analysis showed that
      antiplatelet-treated (vs antiplatelet-naive) (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.45; 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-5.52; P=.030) subgroup was independently
      associated with PMI. However, TAPT (vs DAPT) (HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.23-1.14;
      P=.102) was not an independent protective factor of PMI. CONCLUSIONS: The present
      single-center, randomized study indicates that TAPT with adjunctive cilostazol
      was not associated with lower incidence of PCI-related PMI in patients with ACS.
      Further study with large study population is needed to get definite conclusions.

PMID- 27133312
TI  - Combining bioinformatics, chemoinformatics and experimental approaches to design
      chemical probes: Applications in the field of blood coagulation.
AB  - Bioinformatics and chemoinformatics approaches contribute to the discovery of
      novel targets, chemical probes, hits, leads and medicinal drugs. A vast
      repertoire of computational methods has indeed been reported over the years and
      in this review, I will briefly introduce some concepts and approaches, namely the
      analysis of potential therapeutic target binding pockets, the preparation of
      compound collections and virtual screening. An example of application is provided
      for two proteins acting in the blood coagulation system. Overall, in silico
      methods have been shown to improve R and D productivity in both, academic
      settings and in the private sector, if they are integrated in a rational manner
      with experimental approaches. However, integration of tools and
      pluridisciplinarity are seldom achieved. Efforts should be done in this direction
      as pluridisciplinarity and a true acknowledgment of all the contributing actors
      along the value chain could enhance innovation and reduce skyrocketing costs. 

PMID- 27133313
TI  - A Non-canonical Melanin Biosynthesis Pathway Protects Aspergillus terreus Conidia
      from Environmental Stress.
AB  - Melanins are ubiquitous pigments found in all kingdoms of life. Most organisms
      use them for protection from environmental stress, although some fungi employ
      melanins as virulence determinants. The human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus
      fumigatus and related Ascomycetes produce dihydroxynaphthalene- (DHN) melanin in
      their spores, the conidia, and use it to inhibit phagolysosome acidification.
      However, biosynthetic origin of melanin in a related fungus, Aspergillus terreus,
      has remained a mystery because A. terreus lacks genes for synthesis of DHN
      melanin. Here we identify genes coding for an unusual NRPS-like enzyme (MelA) and
      a tyrosinase (TyrP) that A. terreus expressed under conidiation conditions. We
      demonstrate that MelA produces aspulvinone E, which is activated for
      polymerization by TyrP. Functional studies reveal that this new pigment, Asp
      melanin, confers resistance against UV light and hampers phagocytosis by soil
      amoeba. Unexpectedly, Asp-melanin does not inhibit acidification of
      phagolysosomes, thus likely contributing specifically to survival of A. terreus
      conidia in acidic environments.

PMID- 27133315
TI  - Do medical conferences have a role to play? Sharpen the saw.
AB  - Medical conferences are supposed to fulfill a critically important role in the
      ongoing education of physicians, technicians, nurses, and other health care
      providers. There are many functions which these conferences meet apart from
      merely imparting education: sharpening the skills, ability to interact with peers
      and KOLs, trying new equipment, evolving novel and locally relevant ideas,
      developing consensus in contentious areas all leading to improvement in health
      care delivery, and patient outcomes. However, at the moment, the conferences are
      too many and not very effective in delivering the purported benefit. Further,
      there is need to reconcile the entanglement of interests between the organizers
      (usually physicians) and the fund donors (industry). 

PMID- 27133314
TI  - Chemogenetic Characterization of Inositol Phosphate Metabolic Pathway Reveals
      Druggable Enzymes for Targeting Kinetoplastid Parasites.
AB  - Kinetoplastids cause Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, and
      leishmaniases. Current treatments for these diseases are toxic and inefficient,
      and our limited knowledge of drug targets and inhibitors has dramatically
      hindered the development of new drugs. Here we used a chemogenetic approach to
      identify new kinetoplastid drug targets and inhibitors. We conditionally knocked
      down Trypanosoma brucei inositol phosphate (IP) pathway genes and showed that
      almost every pathway step is essential for parasite growth and infection. Using a
      genetic and chemical screen, we identified inhibitors that target IP pathway
      enzymes and are selective against T. brucei. Two series of these inhibitors acted
      on T. brucei inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK) preventing Ins(1,4,5)P3
      and Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 phosphorylation. We show that IPMK is functionally conserved
      among kinetoplastids and that its inhibition is also lethal for Trypanosoma
      cruzi. Hence, IP enzymes are viable drug targets in kinetoplastids, and IPMK
      inhibitors may aid the development of new drugs.

PMID- 27133316
TI  - A data driven approach for optimizing cardiac care: Acute coronary syndromes and
      beyond.

PMID- 27133317
TI  - Multicenter HP ACS Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No population representative data on characteristics, treatment, and
      outcome were available in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. METHODS: The
      clinical characteristics, treatment, and in-hospital outcome of 5180 ACS patients
      registered in multicenter ACS Registry across 33 hospitals in the state since
      January 2012 to December 2014 are reported. ACS was diagnosed using standard
      criteria. RESULT: 70.8% were men; mean age was 60.9+/-12.1. NSTEMI was more
      frequent than STEMI (54.5% vs. 45.5%). 83.3% of the ACS population were from
      rural area. Pre-hospital delay was long, with a median of 780min. 35.6% of STEMI
      patients received thrombolytic therapy. Evidence-based treatment was prescribed
      in more than 80% of ACS patients, and the treatment was similar in men and women
      across all types of health care centers. In-hospital mortality was 7.6%, and was
      more frequent in STEMI than in NSTEMI (10.8% vs. 5.0%, p<0.001). INTERPRETATION:
      Pre-hospital delay was long, and use of reperfusion therapy was significantly
      lower. The in-hospital death rates are higher.

PMID- 27133318
TI  - Spectrum of acute coronary syndrome in North Eastern India - A study from a major
      center.
AB  - AIM: Spectrum of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been reported from North
      Eastern India. The present study was undertaken to study the clinical spectrum of
      ACS. METHODS: We prospectively collected data of 704 ACS patients from February
      2011 to August 2012 in Gauhati Medical College, a tertiary care center. We
      evaluated data on clinical characteristic, treatment, and outcome in ACS
      patients. RESULTS: Of the 704 ACS patients, 72.4% presented with STEMI and 27.6%
      presented with NSTEMI/UA. Mean age of presentation was 56.5 years. Mean time to
      presentation was 11.42h and was higher in NSTEMI/UA than STEMI (12.86h vs. 9.98h,
      p<0.001). Treatment for STEMI did not differ much from NSTEMI/UA with >=90% of
      patients in both groups receiving antiplatelets, statin, and anticoagulants. 39%
      of STEMI received thrombolytic therapy and percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) rates were higher in STEMI. The 30-day mortality was found to be 10.22%,
      with STEMI having higher mortality than NSTEM/UA (11.76% vs. 6.18%, p=0.03).
      CONCLUSION: These data represent the first reported study on spectrum of ACS in
      North Eastern India and has noted few key differences from the national registry
      CREATE, with greater percentage of STEMI patients, greater delay in seeking
      treatment, greater 30-day mortality, and lesser percentage of patients receiving
      reperfusion therapy.

PMID- 27133319
TI  - Leptin as an important link between obesity and cardiovascular risk factors in
      men with acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The levels of leptin, a major regulator of lipid metabolism, may
      increase in obesity, and contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome.
      Leptin is produced by adipose tissue and is a peptide hormone, which has strong
      association with obesity, elevated cardiovascular risk, and morbidity. The
      present study was designed to evaluate the relationships between leptin levels,
      obesity, and cardiovascular risk factors in men with acute myocardial infarction.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-four obese and twenty-three nonobese male patients,
      who had experienced their first myocardial infarction, were included in the
      study. Their leptin levels, biochemical parameters, and anthropometric measures
      were obtained. Mean leptin levels were significantly higher in the obese group
      compared to the nonobese group (2.53ng/mL versus 1.23ng/mL; p<0.01). Leptin
      levels correlated positively with anthropometric measurements, triglyceride,
      fasting glucose, C-reactive protein, and uric acid levels, and negatively with
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate high
      leptin levels to be positively correlated with obesity and diastolic blood
      pressure in male patients with myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27133320
TI  - Does the preoperative mild renal dysfunction effect mortality and morbidity
      following valve cardiac surgery?
AB  - AIMS: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of preoperative
      mild renal dysfunction (RD), not requiring dialysis, on mortality and morbidity
      after valve cardiac surgery (VCS). POPULATION: We studied 340 consecutive
      patients (2008-2012), who underwent VCS with or without coronary artery bypass
      graft (CABG). METHODS: Preoperative RD was calculated with the abbreviated
      Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula and was defined as a glomerular
      filtration rate <60ml/min/1.73m(2). Logistic regression analysis was used to
      assess the effect of preoperative renal dysfunction (RD) on operative and adverse
      outcomes. RESULTS: 80 patients (30%) had preoperative mild RD. Patients with
      preoperative RD were older, had a higher rate of preoperative anemia (43% vs.
      25%, p<0.001), and more comorbidities. Patients with preoperative RD had worse
      outcomes with more reoperation (6.8% vs. 2.3%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative
      RD was significantly and independently associated with more red blood cell
      transfusions and longer hospital stay (median 9 vs. 8 days, p<0.001). Mortality
      was similar in both groups (3.4% vs. 2.3%, p=0.43). Preoperative mild RD in
      patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery is an independent marker of
      postoperative morbidity.

PMID- 27133321
TI  - Correlation of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with left atrial pressure in
      patients with mitral stenosis undergoing balloon valvotomy.
AB  - AIMS: We sought to evaluate the correlation between PCWP and LAP and to compare
      transmitral gradients obtained with LAP and PCWP in MS, before and after balloon
      mitral valvotomy (BMV). METHODS: Consecutive patients with MS for BMV were
      included in this prospective cohort study. Simultaneous PCWP and LAP were
      recorded followed by simultaneous left atrium-left ventricular (LA-LV) and
      pulmonary capillary wedge pressure-left ventricular (PCWP-LV) gradients before
      and after BMV. RESULTS: There were 30 patients with a mean age of 41 yrs (males
      10 (33.3%), females 20 (66.7%)). There was no significant difference between mean
      LAP and mean PCWP before BMV (21.3mmHg and 22.3mmHg, respectively) or after BMV
      (15.3mmHg and 17.3mmHg, respectively). There was excellent correlation between
      mean PCWP and mean LAP before BMV (r=0.95) (p<0.001) and after BMV (r=0.85)
      (p<0.001). The phasic components of the pressures (a and v waves) of LAP and PCWP
      also showed good correlation before and after BMV. Further, transmitral gradients
      assessed by LA-LV and PCWP-LV pressures showed excellent correlation before BMV
      (r=0.95) (p<0.001) and after BMV (r=0.95) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with
      MS undergoing balloon valvotomy, PCWP shows good correlation with LAP.
      Transmitral gradients obtained with PCWP and LAP also correlate well after
      correction of phase lag in PCWP tracing. Hence, PCWP can be used for reliable
      measurement of transmitral gradient.

PMID- 27133322
TI  - Morphological study of fossa ovalis and its clinical relevance.
AB  - AIMS: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been implicated in the etiology of a number
      of different pathologies, including cryptogenic stroke, decompression sickness in
      divers, etc. It can act as a channel for paradoxical embolism. PFO is not an
      uncommon condition, with a probe-patency in 15-35% population. The fossa ovalis
      (FOv) varies in size and shape from heart to heart; the prominence of annulus FOv
      also varies. The entire FOv may be redundant and aneurysmal. The anatomico
      functional characterization of interatrial septum seems to be of paramount
      importance for both atrial septal defect (ASD) and PFO, not only for the device
      selection, but also for the evaluation of the outcome of this procedure. METHOD:
      This study was conducted in 50 apparently normal hearts available in Department
      of Anatomy. After opening the right atrium, the shape of FOv was observed. The
      size was measured with the digital vernier caliper; the prominence and extent of
      limbus, and the redundancy or otherwise of FOv were noted; probe patency was
      confirmed. RESULTS: In the majority, FOv was oval (82%); average transverse
      diameter was 14.53mm and vertical 12.60mm. In 90%, the rim of the annulus was
      raised; in 20%, a recess was found deep to the margin of the annulus; and 18%
      showed probe patency. CONCLUSION: As no study of this nature has been carried out
      in the Indian population, this provides pertinent information on the morphology
      of FOv, which may be useful for device selection in treating ASD and PFO.

PMID- 27133323
TI  - Reduced parasympathetic tone in newly diagnosed essential hypertension.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to compare heart rate variability (HRV) of newly
      diagnosed essential hypertensive subjects with controls. METHODS: The study was
      conducted on 120 hypertensive subjects and 120 controls. RESULTS: The time-domain
      measures, standard deviation of all RR intervals (SDNN), the square root of the
      mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent RR intervals
      (RMSSD), and percentage of consecutive RR intervals that differ by more than 50ms
      (pNN50) which reflect parasympathetic activity were significantly less in
      hypertensive subjects. In frequency-domain measures, high frequency [HF (ms(2))]
      and [HF (nu)], which reflects parasympathetic activity, was significantly less in
      hypertensive subjects while LF (nu) and LF/HF (%), which reflect sympathetic
      activity, were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest
      that HRV is reduced in subjects with newly diagnosed essential hypertension and
      the parasympathetic dysregulation is present in the early stage of essential
      hypertension.

PMID- 27133324
TI  - Severity of coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Does the timing
      matter?
AB  - AIM: The aim of our study was to compare the angiographic changes in 53
      nondiabetic patients, 54 type 2 diabetic patients of less than 5 years of
      duration, 41 patients with 5-10 years of diabetes, and 27 with more than 10 years
      of diabetic duration. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 175 patients, who
      underwent coronary angiogram for the evaluation of the coronary artery disease
      (CAD), were recruited. Based on the angiographic findings, syntax score, vessel
      score, and coronary collaterals grading were analyzed. The biochemical analysis
      was done by using the auto analyzer. RESULTS: A significant increase in the mean
      syntax score (p=0.019), vessel score (p=0.007), and coronary collateral grade
      (p=0.008) was observed in the patients with 5-10 years of diabetes when compared
      to those with less than 5 years of diabetic duration. There was no significant
      difference in the mean syntax score (p=0.979), vessel score (p=0.299), and
      collateral grade (p=0.842) between the patients with 5-10 years and more than 10
      years of diabetes. The difference in the mean syntax score (p=0.791), vessel
      score (p=0.098), and collateral grade (p=0.661) between the nondiabetic and the
      patients with less than 5 years of diabetes was not significant. CONCLUSION: A
      significant structural change in the coronary arteries was found among the
      patients with 5-10 years of diabetes.

PMID- 27133325
TI  - Clinical profile and 30-day outcome of women with acute coronary syndrome as a
      first manifestation of ischemic heart disease: A single-center observational
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gender disparity, with respect to women receiving less medical
      therapy, undergoing fewer invasive procedures, and experiencing worse outcome
      than men, has been noted in various observational and randomized trials, though
      guidelines on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are gender-neutral. Indian data with
      focus on women with ACS are lacking. AIM: This study was undertaken to give us an
      insight on the clinical presentation, risk factors, and in-hospital outcome of
      ACS in women and at 30 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 133 successive cases of women
      presenting with ACS, who met the inclusion criteria between 2012 and 2014, were
      included. Cases were grouped into ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non
      ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina (UA). RESULTS
      AND CONCLUSION: The mean age was 64.4+/-11 years. The mean BMI was 23.64+/
      3.23kg/m(2). Diabetes was present in 58.3% in NSTEMI, 65.1% in STEMI, and 57.1%
      in UA group. Hypertension was found in 75% of NSTEMI, 60.2% of STEMI, and 71.4%
      of UA group. Severe MR was found in 11.1% of NSTEMI and 3.6% of STEMI patients.
      8.3% of NSTEMI and 15.7% of STEMI patients presented in Killips class IV. Single
      vessel disease was most commonly found across the spectrum of ACS. 68.7% patients
      in STEMI group underwent primary angioplasty. 5.6% of NSTEMI and 7.2% in STEMI
      group had contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). All deaths were noted in STEMI
      group with eight in-hospital deaths and three during 30-day follow-up period.
      Killips class III and IV and higher grace score (>150) were predictors of in
      hospital mortality. Chronic kidney disease, ischemic mitral regurgitation, LV
      clot, and in-hospital cardiac arrest were associated with higher risk.

PMID- 27133326
TI  - Two-year follow-up data from the STEPP-AMI study: A prospective, observational,
      multicenter study comparing tenecteplase-facilitated PCI versus primary PCI in
      Indian patients with STEMI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A pharmacoinvasive strategy may alleviate the logistical and
      geographical barriers in timely reperfusion of ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI), especially in a developing country like India. AIM: To assess
      the safety and efficacy of pharmacoinvasive strategy versus primary PCI in STEMI
      patients at 2 years. METHODS: Patients enrolled in STEPP-AMI, an observational,
      multicenter, prospective study of 200 patients presenting with STEMI, were
      followed up for 2 years. Group 'A' comprised of patients with pharmacoinvasive
      strategy (n=45), and patients who underwent primary PCI (n=155) formed group 'B'.
      Primary endpoint was composite of death, cardiogenic shock, reinfarction, repeat
      revascularization of the culprit artery, or congestive heart failure at 30 days,
      with follow-up till 2 years. RESULTS: The primary endpoint occurred in 11.1% and
      17.8% in group A and in 3.9% and 13.6% in group B, at 30 days and 2 years,
      respectively (p=0.07, RR=2.87; 95% CI: 0.92-8.97 at 30 days and p=0.47, RR=1.31;
      95% CI: 0.62-2.76). There was no difference in bleeding risk between groups, 2.2%
      in group A and 0.6% in group B ('p'=0.4). The infarct-related artery patency
      varied at angiogram; it was 82.2% in arm A and 22.6% in arm B ('p'<0.001). In
      group A, failed fibrinolysis occurred in 12.1%. CONCLUSION: A pharmacoinvasive
      strategy resulted in outcomes that were comparable with primary PCI at 2 years,
      suggesting it might be a viable option in India. Larger studies are required to
      confirm these findings.

PMID- 27133327
TI  - Inadequacy of fluoroscopy and electrocardiogram in predicting septal position in
      RVOT pacing - Validation with cardiac computed tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electrocardiographic (ECG) and fluoroscopic criteria, which are the
      only available guides to achieve a true septal position during right ventricular
      outflow tract (RVOT) pacing, have been infrequently validated. We sought to
      validate these using cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CTA) to confirm
      lead position within the RVOT septum. METHODS: Forty-four patients with permanent
      pacemaker leads in the RVOT position underwent CTA. Lead positions in RVOT were
      classified as anterior, free wall, or septal location. Fluoroscopic images were
      obtained in 4 standard views. RESULTS: Only 19 (43%) patients had lead in true
      septal position within the RVOT in CTA while 25 patients (57%) were found to have
      an anterior lead location. Mean QRS axis, QRS duration, negative QRS in lead I,
      and notching in inferior leads were not significantly different between the two
      groups. The standard fluoroscopic LAO view showed a rightward-directed lead not
      only in all 19 patients with septal location, but also in 14/25 patients in the
      anterior location (p=0.22), and thus had a sensitivity of 100% but specificity of
      only 16% in predicting true septal position. The posteriorly directed lead in
      left lateral view was more accurate in predicting true septal position with good
      sensitivity (73.7%) and excellent specificity (80%). CONCLUSIONS: This study,
      using validation with CTA, showed that conventional ECG criteria and fluoroscopy
      are inaccurate in differentiating septal from anterior RVOT pacing. The
      fluoroscopic lateral view, as corroborated by CTA, is more reliable than the LAO
      view in predicting septal lead placement.

PMID- 27133328
TI  - Unsuitability of the radial artery as a bypass conduit after trans radial
      coronary angiogram.

PMID- 27133329
TI  - In vivo delamination of coronary guidewire polytetrafluoroethylene layer - A
      dreaded complication.
AB  - Coronary guidewires are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer to
      decrease resistance and enhance trackability. Delamination and embolization of
      PTFE material can be detrimental during percutaneous coronary interventions. We
      report an occurrence of such delamination and discuss the implications and
      possible mechanism of this dreaded complication. 

PMID- 27133330
TI  - Spontaneous left main coronary artery dissection.
AB  - Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a very rare clinical condition.
      Physiopathology of SCAD is still mostly unclear. Clinical presentation of SCAD
      ranges from atypical symptoms to sudden cardiac death. The diagnosis of
      dissection is generally made by using conventional coronary angiography. Invasive
      or conservative treatment is reasonable. 

PMID- 27133331
TI  - Is delayed presentation in acute myocardial infarction common even in 2014?

PMID- 27133332
TI  - Remarkable regression of coronary atherosclerosis: An interplay of
      pharmacotherapeutic and lifestyle factors.
AB  - Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world today.
      Regression of coronary atherosclerosis using a combination of drugs and lifestyle
      interventions has been reported. This letter describes three patients with
      remarkable reduction in angiographic stenosis of coronary arteries that is
      generally not considered feasible. 

PMID- 27133333
TI  - An unusual etiological agent of implantable cardioverter device endocarditis:
      Corynebacterium mucifaciens.
AB  - Cardiac pacing devices and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) are
      becoming the mainstay of therapy in cardiology and infective endocarditis (IE)
      and pocket infection; however, these devices require careful monitoring. Here, we
      describe a case of a 68-year-old female with an ICD presenting with a previously
      unknown etiological agent of IE, Corynebacterium mucifaciens. 

PMID- 27133334
TI  - A case of coronary microfistula: A newborn microfistula.
AB  - Coronary artery fistula is an abnormal connection between a coronary artery and a
      cardiac chamber, a great artery or the vena cava. Although coronary artery
      fistulas are known to be congenital malformations they might occur due to
      infection, trauma or may be iatrogenic. We present a case with acquired coronary
      microfistula, without any history of interventional procedure. 

PMID- 27133335
TI  - Oxidative stress is associated with not only coronary artery disease on statin
      therapy but also diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

PMID- 27133336
TI  - Cardiac manifestations in mucopolysaccharoidosis.
AB  - Through this case, we want to highlight, that in patients with
      mucopolysaccharoidosis (MPS), coronary arteries need to be screened in patients
      with LV dysfunction. Further, CT scan may not be a good modality and newer
      diagnostic modalities like IVUS must be offered to delineate concentric
      obstruction. Also, meticulous screening for hypertension must be carried out in
      all MPS patients. 

PMID- 27133337
TI  - Fragmented QRS is associated with ventricular tachycardia in patients with apical
      aneurysm with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 27133338
TI  - Late embolization of the atrial septal occluder device into the abdominal aorta.
AB  - Although early device embolization is a well-known complication of percutaneous
      atrial septal defect (ASD) closure, late device embolization is rarely
      encountered and information about management of it are very limited. Herein, we
      reported a case of late ASD device embolization into the abdominal aorta at the
      level of the superior mesenteric artery, 8 months after percutaneous closure. 

PMID- 27133339
TI  - Modified revisiting of old balloon inflation technique during PCI for dealing
      with thrombus laden lesion in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27133340
TI  - The leading role of thrombolysis in the management of prosthetic valve
      thrombosis.

PMID- 27133341
TI  - The anchored heart appearance.

PMID- 27133342
TI  - Anomalous origin of RCA from left coronary sinus presenting as PSVT and recurrent
      acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva and
      coursing between the aorta and pulmonary artery is a rare congenital abnormality
      representing less than 3% of the congenital coronary anomalies. Patients can
      present with myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death (SCD).
      This diagnosis should be suspected in young patients without risk factors for
      coronary artery disease and the diagnosis can be confirmed easily by 64-slice
      MDCT angiography. Surgery is generally recommended in symptomatic patients
      whereas conservative management in asymptomatic patients. Incidence of SCD is
      rare after the age of 35 years and hence conservative treatment may be advised in
      asymptomatic patients over the age of 35 years. 

PMID- 27133343
TI  - The three-dimensional fossa ovalis.

PMID- 27133344
TI  - Administration of low molecular weight and unfractionated heparin during
      percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - This systematic review with meta-analysis sought to determine the efficacy and
      safety of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on
      clinical outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention. Medline, Embase,
      Elsevier, and web of knowledge as well as Google scholar literature were used for
      selecting appropriate studies with randomized controlled design. After screening
      445 studies, a total of 23 trials (including a total of 43,912 patients) were
      identified that reported outcomes. Pooled analysis revealed that LMWH compared to
      UFH could significantly increase thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 3
      flow (p<0.001), which was associated with similar target vessel revascularization
      (p=0.6), similar incidence of stroke (p=0.7), and significantly lower incidence
      of re-myocardial infarction (p<0.001), major bleeding (p=0.02) and mortality
      (p<0.001). Overall, LMWH was shown to be a useful type of heparin for patients
      with MI undergoing PCI, due to its higher efficacy and lower rate of complication
      compared to UFH. It is also associated with increased myocardial perfusion,
      decreased major hemorrhage, and mortality. 

PMID- 27133345
TI  - Evidence for existence of thyroid hormone inducible semicarbazide-sensitive amine
      oxidase (SSAO) in rat heart cytosol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO; EC; 1.4.3.6.) has
      widespread tissue distribution, and the physiological role of SSAO is quite well
      known through its involvement in several pathological states. AIMS: The present
      study examined modulators of SSAO which might be present in the rat heart cytosol
      and looked for changes in SSAO modulatory activity. METHODS: An endogenous
      inhibitor of SSAO was separated by gel filtration from 105,000g supernate of T4
      treated rat heart cytosol. SSAO inhibition fraction was referred to as
      "endogenous SSAO inhibitor". RESULTS: The inhibition by this inhibitor was
      concentration-dependent. Inhibition of SSAO was not enhanced by varying the time
      of preincubation of the enzyme, indicating reversible inhibition of SSAO. The
      molecular weight of this inhibitor was estimated to be 1000-1100 by gel
      filtration. The isoelectric point (pI) value was determined to be 4.8 isoelectric
      focusing. This inhibitor was found to be heat-stable and resistant to protease
      treatment. SSAO inhibition activity was much lower in the cytosol of
      thyroidectomized, non-T4-treated rats than T4-treated rats, suggesting that this
      inhibitor was induced by thyroid hormone T4. SSAO activity in rat heart might be
      regulated by the level of this inhibitor. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the
      presence of SSAO inhibitor in T4-treated rat cytosol and that the level of this
      inhibitor is regulated by thyroid hormone.

PMID- 27133346
TI  - Is changing curriculum sufficient to curb violence against doctors?

PMID- 27133347
TI  - Author's disclosure.

PMID- 27133348
TI  - The story of 'STENT': From noun to verb.

PMID- 27133349
TI  - Postgraduate cardiovascular disease training in India requires standardization.

PMID- 27133350
TI  - History of cardiology in India.

PMID- 27133352
TI  - My Journey in Cardiology - So far.

PMID- 27133351
TI  - Consensus statement on the management of dyslipidemia in Indian subjects: Our
      perspective.

PMID- 27133354
TI  - How to use an AED to help save a life.

PMID- 27133353
TI  - Down the memory lane - The Cardiological Society of India.

PMID- 27133355
TI  - Digital breast tomosynthesis (3D-mammography) for screening women with dense
      breasts.

PMID- 27133356
TI  - Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index/Assistive Technology Short Forms.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spinal Cord Injury
      Functional Index/Assistive Technology (SCI-FI/AT) short forms (SFs) in the
      domains of basic mobility, self-care, fine motor function, and ambulation based
      on internal consistency; correlations between SFs and full item banks, and a 10
      item computerized adaptive test (CAT) version; magnitude of ceiling and floor
      effects; and measurement precision across a broad range of function in a sample
      of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study.
      SETTING: Nine national Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems programs. PARTICIPANTS: A
      sample of adults with traumatic SCI (N=460) stratified by level of injury
      (paraplegia/tetraplegia), completeness of injury, and time since SCI.
      INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SCI-FI/AT full item bank,
      10-item CAT, and SFs (with separate Self-Care and Fine Motor Function SFs for
      persons with tetraplegia and paraplegia). RESULTS: The SCI-FI/AT SFs demonstrated
      very good internal consistency, group-level reliability, and excellent
      correlations between SFs and scores based on the CAT version and the total item
      bank. Ceiling and floor effects are acceptable (except for unacceptable ceiling
      effects for persons with paraplegia on the Self-Care and Fine Motor Function
      SFs). The test information functions are excellent across a broad range of
      functioning typical of persons with paraplegia and tetraplegia. CONCLUSIONS:
      Clinicians and researchers should consider using the SCI-FI/AT SFs to assess
      functioning with the use of assistive technology when CAT applications are not
      available.

PMID- 27133357
TI  - Spectroscopic analysis of LYSO:Ce crystals.
AB  - Rare earth orthosilicates are among the most widely used scintillator materials
      in the last decades. Particularly, lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) is
      known to exhibit great potentialities in the field of radiation detectors for
      medical imaging. Consequently, an in-depth knowledge of the material properties
      is of utmost interest for the mentioned applications. In this work the
      spectroscopic properties of commercial cerium doped lutetium-yttrium
      oxyorthosilicate crystals (LYSO:Ce) were investigated by Raman spectroscopy,
      steady state photoluminescence, photoluminescence excitation and time resolved
      photoluminescence. Site selective excitation was used under steady state (325nm)
      and pulsed (266nm) conditions to separately investigate the temperature
      dependence of the 5d->4f Ce1 and Ce2 luminescence, allowing to establish the
      thermal quenching dependence of the Ce2 optical center. In the case of the Ce1
      optical center, a luminescence quantum efficiency of 78% was obtained from 14K to
      room temperature with 266nm photon excitation.

PMID- 27133358
TI  - Microwave pyrolysis of oily sludge with activated carbon.
AB  - The aim of this study is to explore catalytic microwave pyrolysis of crude oil
      storage tank sludge for fuels using granular activated carbon (GAC) as a
      catalyst. The effect of GAC loading on the yield of pyrolysis products was also
      investigated. Heating rate of oily sludge and yield of microwave pyrolysis
      products such as oil and fuel gas was found to depend on the ratio of GAC to oily
      sludge. The optimal GAC loading was found to be 10%, while much smaller and
      larger feed sizes adversely influenced production. During oily sludge pyrolysis,
      a maximum oil yield of 77.5% was achieved. Pyrolytic oils with high
      concentrations of diesel oil and gasoline (about 70 wt% in the pyrolytic oil)
      were obtained. The leaching of heavy metals, such as Cr, As and Pb, was also
      suppressed in the solid residue after pyrolysis. This technique provides
      advantages such as harmless treatment of oily sludge and substantial reduction in
      the consumption of energy, time and cost. 

PMID- 27133360
TI  - ?

PMID- 27133359
TI  - [Ichthyosis and social stigma in Burkina Faso].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Through the story of two families presenting ichthyosis, we report
      the support and social integration difficulties inherent in these genetic
      diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Family No. 1: a 38-year-old shepherd and his wife
      of 25 years both had lamellar ichthyosis that had been present continually since
      childhood. They had had 2 stillborn infants as well as a live newborn that were
      all presenting lamellar ichthyosis. Family No. 2: a 45-year-old housewife was
      seen at our consultation with her 3 youngest children aged 8 years, 6 years and
      18 months. According to the mother, at birth, all 3 children were covered with a
      membrane resembling plastic that crackled during movement, and they had red eyes.
      Examination of the 3 children revealed a clinical picture of lamellar ichthyosis
      with ectropion, malformed ears and brachydactyly. Although they presented delayed
      growth and weight development, psychomotor development was normal. There was no
      consanguinity between the parents. DISCUSSION: In both families, the visible
      nature of the dermatosis resulted in discrimination and ostracism. The precarious
      living conditions of the parents and the high cost of treatment in an African
      setting resulted in degradation of quality of life with exacerbation of the
      difficulties of social integration, resulting in a lack of schooling and a bleak
      future for these children.

PMID- 27133361
TI  - [Melanosis of the areola and vulva].

PMID- 27133362
TI  - Biomethanation of vegetable market waste in an anaerobic baffled reactor: Effect
      of effluent recirculation and carbon mass balance analysis.
AB  - In the present study, feasibility of biomethanation of vegetable market waste in
      a 4-chambered anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) was investigated at 30d hydraulic
      retention time and organic loading rate of 0.5gVS/L/d for one year. Indicators of
      process stability viz., butyrate/acetate and propionate/acetate ratios were
      consistent with phase separation in the different chambers, which remained
      unaltered even during recirculation of effluent. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and
      volatile solids (VS) removal efficiencies were observed to be consistently high
      (above 90%). Corresponding biogas and methane yields of 0.7-0.8L/g VS added/d and
      0.42-52L/g VS added/d respectively were among the highest reported in case of AD
      of vegetable waste in an ABR. Process efficiency of the ABR for vegetable waste
      methanation, which is indicated by carbon recovery factor showed that, nearly
      96.7% of the input carbon considered for mass balance was accounted for in the
      product. 

PMID- 27133363
TI  - Microbial Fuel Cell-driven caustic potash production from wastewater for carbon
      sequestration.
AB  - This work reports on the novel formation of caustic potash (KOH) directly on the
      MFC cathode locking carbon dioxide into potassium bicarbonate salt (kalicinite)
      while producing, instead of consuming electrical power. Using potassium-rich
      wastewater as a fuel for microorganisms to generate electricity in the anode
      chamber, has resulted in the formation of caustic catholyte directly on the
      surface of the cathode electrode. Analysis of this liquid has shown to be highly
      alkaline (pH>13) and act as a CO2 sorbent. It has been later mineralised to
      kalicinite thus locking carbon dioxide into potassium bicarbonate salt. This work
      demonstrates an electricity generation method as a simple, cost-effective and
      environmentally friendly route towards CO2 sequestration that perhaps leads to a
      carbon negative economy. Moreover, it shows a potential application for both
      electricity production and nutrient recovery in the form of minerals from
      nutrient-rich wastewater streams such as urine for use as fertiliser in the
      future. 

PMID- 27133364
TI  - How should prevalence of alcohol use disorders be assessed globally?
AB  - Alcohol is a major risk factor for global burden of disease, and alcohol use
      disorders make up a considerable portion of this burden. Up to now, prevalence of
      alcohol use disorders has been estimated based on general population surveys with
      the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) as the gold standard for
      assessment. However, three major problems have been identified with the current
      conceptualization of alcohol use disorders and its measurement via CIDI: cultural
      specificity of key criteria measured such as loss of control; lack of convergence
      of diagnoses identified by CIDI with clinically relevant diagnoses in primary
      health care; and impact of stigma on measurement. As a solution, it is proposed
      to measure alcohol use disorders via heavy drinking over time, with thresholds
      taken from the European Medicines Agency (60 and more grams on average per day of
      pure alcohol for men, and 40+ grams for women). Current data on level of drinking
      (per capita consumption) assessed via taxation and other means allow for a
      measure of less bias. If these thresholds are considered too low and there is
      more emphasis on need for specialized treatment, then thresholds for very heavy
      drinking can be taken as alternatively (100+, and 60+ grams per day pure alcohol
      for men and women, respectively). Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27133365
TI  - [Comparison of palliative care representations between pediatrician residents and
      oncologist residents: A qualitative study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatrics residents treat patients who are particularly vulnerable
      and they care for many patients in palliative situations. The purpose of this
      study was to build a typology detailing the representations of pediatrics and
      oncology residents on palliative care and how these transfer to their practice,
      and to determine their knowledge of euthanasia and end-of-life legislation.
      METHODS: To draw up this typology, we used a semidirective interview method. The
      topics treated were their definition of palliative care, end of life, the
      emotions involved in these situations, and their daily practice. Then we asked
      them to speak about their opinions and knowledge of euthanasia and end-of-life
      legislation. RESULTS: Thirteen residents were interviewed: eight pediatrics
      residents, two oncologists, and three hemato-oncologists. Interviews lasted
      around 45min. Pediatrics and oncology residents had common representations based
      on "care giving." Nevertheless, pediatrics residents remained within the
      technical aspects to protect themselves from their negative emotions and stayed
      away from their patients. Oncology residents set their emotions aside to be able
      to carry on taking care of their patients. CONCLUSION: It seems necessary to
      disseminate a palliative culture, particularly in pediatrics, to improve
      management of children in palliative situations and to improve resident's
      feelings.

PMID- 27133366
TI  - [Two case reports of meningococcemia. Review of the literature on chronic
      meningococcemia].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neisseria meningitidis is a Gram-negative bacteria that can be
      highly pathogenic in humans and responsible for life-threatening and acute
      diseases. In a few cases, it can lead to an atypical form of sepsis-acute,
      subacute, or chronic-which, even if progression is slower, may carry the same
      risks for patients as conventional acute forms. CASES: Case 1 presented with
      recurrent fever, polyarthralgia, and generalized macular rash. Case 2 had fever
      for the previous 10days with neck pain and macular rash. Blood cultures were
      positive for group B meningococcus in both cases. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      analysis for the same pathogen was also positive in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      of Case 2. Following intravenous antibiotic treatment, the progression was
      favorable in both cases. DISCUSSION: Chronic meningococcemia is characterized by
      a triad of clinical features, including a fever lasting for at least 1week,
      arthralgia, and a cutaneous rash. This condition evolves positively without any
      sequelae if treated properly. PCR and blood culture are two complimentary tools
      that support the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Meningococcal infection can manifest in a
      variety of ways. Chronic meningococcemia diagnosis should be considered in a
      triad of prolonged fever, rash, and arthralgia. Better access to state-of-the-art
      techniques such as PCR is recommended in the future so as to provide optimal care
      of patients suffering from this condition.

PMID- 27133367
TI  - [Feeding disorders in infants and toddlers: At-risk situations and predisposing
      factors].
AB  - Feeding disorders and food refusal can be found in 25% of infants, with a
      minority of them having an organic explanation. Failure to thrive and/or severe
      malnutrition are found in 3-5% of infants in this population. The objective of
      this study was to analyze the risk factors of feeding disorders in infants and
      children less than 3 years of age. This study was conducted from January 2011 to
      December 2014 and included 103 children, 57 with feeding and/or eating disorders
      and 46 healthy children considered to be normal eaters. Parents participated in a
      structured interview and completed a data sheet to record the mode of delivery,
      neonatal status, medical history, milk feeding, and medical treatment.
      Statistical analysis indicated that cesarean delivery, prematurity, neonatal
      diseases, history of eating disorders in the family, consumption of protein
      hydrolysates, and treatment with proton pump inhibitors were highly significant
      risk factors in children with eating disorders. In the present study, we showed
      that several prenatal and postnatal conditions or interventions were associated
      with the development of eating disorders in young children. Recommendations for
      future studies include identifying environmental risk factors and implementing
      prevention programs focused on family, caregivers, as well as healthcare
      professionals. The objective is to allow physicians to efficiently sort out the
      wide variety of conditions, categorize them for therapy, and when necessary refer
      patients to specialists in the field. 

PMID- 27133368
TI  - [Rotavirus immunization: The French exception].

PMID- 27133369
TI  - [How sociocultural aspects influence health and mental health care: A case study
      on a young gypsy girl with autism].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In some cases, cultural and social aspects are important
      determinants in health care access. Some authors have found that bilingualism and
      loss of cultural markers due to immigration or misunderstanding of the
      institutions of another country result in patients losing the opportunity to
      receive good care. In this article, we analyze these cultural aspects through the
      description of an 11-year-old gypsy girl who had autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
      with mild intellectual disability. CASE REPORT: An 11-year-old girl lived with
      her mother, grandmother, and two brothers. She had ASD with mild intellectual
      disability. The diagnostic procedure was hard to initiate and contact with her
      mother had been lost twice. Then the mother received help from a psychologist,
      who played a key role in facilitating the healthcare procedures. During the
      follow-up, it appeared that each healthcare decision made for the patient (on
      treatment, type of care) led to a meeting of at least 20 members of the family,
      who discussed and debated the best decision to make. DISCUSSION: Taking into
      account gypsy cultural habits, the psychiatrist's intervention facilitated the
      initiation and follow-up of care for this patient. Her mother, assisted by the
      psychologist, better understood institutional procedures and could also change
      some of her habits to optimize care. Some other members of the family were
      included in the care procedure, because we understood that it was very important
      for the mother and to improve alliance and ongoing care. CONCLUSION: Taking into
      account cultural and social aspects is highly important for the management of
      care and the therapeutic alliance, especially in child and adolescent psychiatry.

PMID- 27133370
TI  - Intravenous immunoglobulins for severe gastrointestinal involvement in pediatric
      Henoch-Schonlein purpura: A French retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Severe gastrointestinal involvement of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)
      is rare but potentially life-threatening. Management of severe gastrointestinal
      involvement in HSP is not codified. Symptomatic care and steroids are a first
      line therapy. Nonsteroidal immunomodulatory therapies have been anecdotally used
      to treat steroid-refractory forms. The aim of this study was to describe the
      outcome of patients with severe gastrointestinal involvement of HSP who required
      nonsteroidal immunomodulatory therapy. METHODS: A French retrospective case
      series study was conducted. Pediatric consultants at 31 French academic pediatric
      centers were contacted. Patients were identified from memory or via an
      informatics diagnosis-related code system. Clinical, paraclinical, and
      therapeutic data were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-nine responding centers provided
      nine cases, one of which was excluded. Five boys and three girls, aged 3-15years
      (median: 5.5years) from seven centers were included. Severe gastrointestinal
      involvement of HSP mainly included intense pain, digestive bleeding, and protein
      losing enteropathy. All children had been treated with steroids at first line and
      intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg) at second line. Six out of eight showed a
      complete response to IVIg within 7days and two out of eight had a partial
      response. Two out of eight relapsed with less severe gastrointestinal involvement
      requiring a second dose of IVIg and they did not relapse thereafter. Tolerance
      was good, but two out of eight developed high proteinuria on the day following
      IVIg infusion. CONCLUSION: Although a possible link with a flare-up of
      proteinuria needs to be addressed, IVIg appears to be a good candidate for
      treatment of severe gastrointestinal involvement of HSP.

PMID- 27133371
TI  - [Pseudoxanthoma elasticum: A rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in
      children].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a rare autosomal recessive
      connective tissue disorder, characterized by calcification and progressive
      fragmentation of elastic fibers. Gastrointestinal lesions are rare in children
      and may be responsible for serious complications. This article reports two
      pediatric cases of PXE revealed by gastrointestinal bleeding. CASE REPORTS: An 11
      year-old boy and a 12-year-old girl were hospitalized for gastrointestinal
      bleeding. Digestive endoscopy showed hemorrhagic gastroenteritis bulbitis in the
      first case and it was normal in the second. Abdominal ultrasound showed diffuse
      linear calcifications in both cases. The diagnosis of PXE was retained based on
      the presence of vascular disease in both patients, a skin lesion in the girl, and
      an ocular lesion in the boy. The genetic study confirmed the diagnosis of PXE
      identifying two ABCC6 mutations in the composite state in the boy: the c.2263G> A
      (p.G755R) mutation on exon 18 and the c.3421C> T (pR1141X) mutation on exon 24
      and the 4021G> A (R1164Q) mutation in the homozygous state of ABCC6 exon 24 in
      the girl. CONCLUSION: Digestive manifestations are unusual ; however,
      pseudoxanthoma elasticum should be considered in all cases of gastrointestinal
      bleeding for no apparent reason. Early diagnosis allows prevention and measures
      to control the risk factors and limit the progression of complications.

PMID- 27133372
TI  - [Inhaled corticosteroids: Which regimens are appropriate?].
AB  - Inhaled corticosteroids are the cornerstone of asthma management. Inhaled
      corticosteroid regimens differ slightly in various international guidelines on
      asthma management but are based on the principles of continuous treatment and
      titration to the lowest effective dose. Several recent studies, nevertheless,
      appear to demonstrate the potential value of preemptive or "pro re nata" regimens
      in infants and children. These studies were included in GINA 2015 for children 5
      years of age and younger in whom discontinuous treatment is proposed as a second
      line option. Should we change our practices after a critical reading of these
      studies? 

PMID- 27133373
TI  - [Narcolepsy in sleepy obese children. Two case reports].
AB  - Narcolepsy is a disabling disorder, characterized by excessive daytime
      sleepiness, irresistible sleep attacks, and partial or complete cataplexy. Many
      cases of obesity and precocious puberty have been reported in narcoleptic
      children, suggesting that the deficiency of hypocretin in narcolepsy could also
      be implicated in appetite stimulation. We report the observations of two young
      girls, who were referred for obesity and who developed narcolepsy accompanied by
      an abrupt weight gain. In both cases, specific drugs promoted wakefulness and
      overweight stabilization. Narcolepsy has to be suspected in sleepy obese children
      and not misdiagnosed as obstructive apnea. A nocturnal polysomnography with
      multiple sleep latency tests should be performed to confirm the diagnosis and
      begin specific treatment that is effective for sleep disorders and weight gain. 

PMID- 27133375
TI  - Transient ischemic attack: an unusual presentation of a carotid body tumor.

PMID- 27133374
TI  - Qualitative Analysis of Sexually Experienced Female Adolescents: Attitudes about
      Vaginal Health.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To explore adolescent's perceptions of vaginal health,
      practices, and vaginally-placed products. DESIGN: Semistructured interviews were
      audio-recorded and transcribed until theoretical saturation was achieved.
      SETTING: Adolescent medicine clinics in New York City. PARTICIPANTS: Female
      adolescents (N = 22) who were sexually experienced, predominately Hispanic (73%,
      n = 16) with a mean age of 17.7 years (range, 15-20 years). INTERVENTIONS: None.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Interviews were used to assess perspectives on vaginal
      health, specific vaginal hygiene practices, and attitudes about vaginally-placed
      products (contraceptive rings, intrauterine devices), and proposed multipurpose
      technologies administered as ring or gel). The interviews were transcribed and
      coded for relevant themes. RESULTS: Overlapping themes included young women's
      view of their vagina as a space that needed to be healthy for sexual partners and
      future fertility. The vagina could not be presumed to be healthy and
      conversations about vaginal health were limited to include only specific
      individuals. All reported a variety of practices to maintain their vaginal
      health, including showering 1-5 times a day and using soaps specifically for the
      vagina. Attitudes about vaginally-placed products revealed concerns about the
      sensory experience of having a product in the vagina, safety concerns and
      interest in the product's objective (prevention of pregnancy or infection).
      CONCLUSION: Adolescents have very specific views and practices about their
      vaginas. Clinicians should initiate conversations about vaginal health and
      hygiene with adolescents and focus on the normalcy of the vagina. Development of
      vaginally-placed products should focus on the sensory experience, safety, and
      purpose of the product.

PMID- 27133376
TI  - Alpha-linolenic acid given as enteral or parenteral nutritional intervention
      against sensorimotor and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of ischemic stroke.
AB  - Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. Numerous
      therapeutics applied acutely after stroke have failed to improve long-term
      clinical outcomes. An emerging direction is nutritional intervention with omega-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acids acting as disease-modifying factors and targeting
      post-stroke disabilities. Our previous studies demonstrated that the omega-3
      precursor, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) administrated by injections or dietary
      supplementation reduces stroke damage by direct neuroprotection, and triggering
      brain artery vasodilatation and neuroplasticity. Successful translation of
      putative therapies will depend on demonstration of robust efficacy on common
      deficits resulting from stroke like loss of motor control and memory/learning.
      This study evaluated the value of ALA as adjunctive therapy for stroke recovery
      by comparing whether oral or intravenous supplementation of ALA best support
      recovery from ischemia. Motor and cognitive deficits were assessed using rotarod,
      pole and Morris water maze tests. ALA supplementation in diet was better than
      intravenous treatment in improving motor coordination, but this improvement was
      not due to a neuroprotective effect since infarct size was not reduced. Both
      types of ALA supplementation improved spatial learning and memory after stroke.
      This cognitive improvement correlated with higher survival of hippocampal
      neurons. These results support clinical investigation establishing therapeutic
      plans using ALA supplementation.

PMID- 27133377
TI  - Activation of AMPK-induced autophagy ameliorates Huntington disease pathology in
      vitro.
AB  - The expansion of a polyglutamine repeat in huntingtin (HTT) causes Huntington
      disease (HD). Although the exact pathogenesis is not entirely understood, mutant
      huntingtin (mHTT) causes disruption of various cellular functions, formation of
      aggregates and ultimately cell death. The process of autophagy is the main
      degradation pathway for mHTT, and various studies have demonstrated that the
      induction of autophagy leads to an amelioration of aggregate formation and an
      increase in cell viability. Commonly, this is achieved by inhibition of the
      mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a prominent regulator of cell metabolism.
      Alternatively, non-canonical AMPK or mTOR-independent autophagy regulation has
      been recognized. Given mTOR's involvement in major cellular pathways besides
      autophagy, its inhibition may come with potentially detrimental effects. Here, we
      investigated if AMPK activation may provide a target for the induction of
      autophagy in an mTOR-independent manner. We demonstrate that activation of AMPK
      by A769662 and overexpression of a constitutively active form of AMPKalpha in
      STHdh cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), leads to increased expression
      of the autophagosomal markers LC3 and p62, suggesting efficient autophagy
      induction. The induction of autophagy was independent of mTOR, and accompanied by
      a decrease of mHTT-containing aggregates as well as improved cell viability.
      Therefore, we validated AMPK as a promising therapeutic target to treat HD, and
      identified A769662 as a potential therapeutic compound to facilitate the
      clearance of mHTT.

PMID- 27133378
TI  - [Role of radiotherapy in the management of non-Hodgkin lymphomas].
AB  - The purpose of this review was to summarize recent data about lastest
      retrospective and prospective studies dealing with radiotherapy of non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma, in order to precise the schedule and the role of this treatment. A
      systematic review was done by searching studies on the website
      http://www.pubmed.gov (Medline) using the following keywords: radiotherapy,
      radiation therapy, non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The management of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
      varies a lot according to the histological type and stage. The dose of
      radiotherapy has been studied in only one randomized trial, which concluded that
      there was no difference between the low dose and the high dose arms. Radiotherapy
      is a very good option in follicular, cutaneous, digestive or orbital non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma. A recent post hoc analysis of randomized trials on radiotherapy for
      high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma strongly suggested a benefit of additional
      radiotherapy after chemotherapy in some situations. Radiotherapy of low-grade non
      Hodgkin lymphoma is a very good option, while its use on high-grade non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma is sometimes recommended but further randomized trials are ongoing to
      better understand its role. 

PMID- 27133379
TI  - Detection of Colorectal Cancer Using a Simplified SEPT9 Gene Methylation Assay Is
      a Reliable Method for Opportunistic Screening.
AB  - SEPT9 gene methylation was validated as a biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC)
      for >10 years and available as the Epi proColon test as an aid in CRC detection
      for >6 years. It was proven to be an accurate, reliable, fast, and convenient
      molecular test. In this opportunistic screening study, we validated a further
      simplified SEPT9 gene methylation assay in 1031 subjects in Chinese hospitals.
      The sensitivity for CRC detection was 76.6% at a specificity of 95.9%, and the
      results showed a satisfactory detection rate for each CRC stage, including early
      stages. The new SEPT9 assay, with enhanced technical simplicity, convenience, and
      lower cost, did not differ in performance compared with Epi proColon 2.0, the
      commercialized SEPT9 assay. The CRC detection sensitivity was further enhanced
      when the assay was combined with carcinoembryonic antigen (sensitivity, 86.4%) or
      fecal immunochemical test (sensitivity, 94.4%), suggesting that the combined
      tests may be an effective option for future opportunistic screening. In brief,
      our study has validated a new SEPT9 assay and combined testing as an aid in
      cancer detection, providing a new approach for opportunistic CRC screening.

PMID- 27133380
TI  - Delayed intracerebral and subdural hematomas after ventriculo-peritoneal shunt in
      a child: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS) continues to remain the main diverted method to
      drain the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the ventricles to the peritoneal cavity.
      It has some complications that must be managed promptly to avoid any eventual
      fatal evolution. The association of delayed intracerebral and subdural hematomas
      after VPS insertion is a very rare complication and has, to our knowledge, never
      previously been reported in the literature. We report a very uncommon association
      of this entity occurring 11months after a shunt placement in a 13-year-old boy
      and discuss the likely pathogenesis, as well as the clinical and the radiological
      data. 

PMID- 27133381
TI  - [Surgery for pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer: Predictive factors for
      survival].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is the 3rd commonest cause of death from cancer:
      5% of patients will develop lung metastases. The management of oligometastatic
      disease is based on the objective of optimal local control. STATE OF THE ART: To
      date, no results from randomized control trials support the resection of
      pulmonary metastases in oligometastastic colorectal cancer patients. However,
      numerous series, mainly retrospective, report long-term survival for highly
      selected patients, with 5-year survival ranging from 45 to 65% in the most recent
      series. The consensual predictive factors of a good prognosis are: a disease free
      interval>36 months, a number of metastases<=3, a normal level of carcino
      embryonic antigen and the absence of hilar or mediastinal lymph node involvement.
      PERSPECTIVES: Around 20 to 40% of patients will develop recurrence, probably
      linked to the presence of undetectable micrometastases. Therefore, experimental
      work is being undertaken to develop new treatment techniques such as isolated
      lung perfusion, radiofrequency ablation and stereotactic radiation therapy.
      CONCLUSION: Highly selected patients suffering from colorectal cancer lung
      metastases could benefit from resection with improved survival and disease
      control.

PMID- 27133382
TI  - Changes to a pediatric sleep disordered breathing clinic improve wait-times and
      clinic efficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recognition of the impact of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) on
      health has increased referrals in pediatric respiratory medicine with a
      concomitant increase in wait-times. METHODS: To reduce wait-time (primary
      outcome), we developed a rapid SDB clinic (RSC) to identify, diagnose, and treat
      patients with few to no comorbidities (uncomplicated) and presumed SDB based on
      the referral letter. The RSC uses 1) parent-report questionnaires to capture the
      patients' medical history and 2) sleep testing (e.g., overnight oximetry)
      completed prior to the initial consultation. RESULTS: The combination of pre
      clinic electronic-questionnaires and testing increased patient consult capacity
      by 100%. Of the 256 patients referred to the RSC over 28 months, 130 patients
      were seen through the RSC, 17 patients were re-triaged to a standard sleep clinic
      (SSC) after questionnaire review, 51 patients were completing the RSC process,
      and 75 patients had their referral cancelled. An electronic-questionnaire RSC (n
      = 45) reduced wait-times by 34% to 142.8 (SD 57) days compared to a paper
      questionnaire RSC (P < 0.001). The electronic RSC was also associated with 77.4
      (SD 74.1) days reduction in wait-time (P = 0.04) for SSC patients seen during the
      same timeframe. RSC patients were 75% less likely to require a follow-up visit (P
      < 0.001) compared to SSC patients seen during the same timeframe. CONCLUSION: A
      targeted, streamlined clinic using electronic-questionnaires for uncomplicated
      patients can improve wait-times for children being referred to pediatric
      respiratory medicine for evaluation of sleep disordered breathing. Pediatr
      Pulmonol. 2016;51:1234-1241. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27133383
TI  - Factors differentiating callous-unemotional children with and without conduct
      problems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are a risk factor for a severe,
      aggressive, and persistent pattern of conduct problems (CP). This study
      investigated characteristics that might differentiate children with elevated CU
      traits with and without CP in an effort to identify factors that may reduce the
      risk for CP in children with limited prosocial emotions. METHODS: Utilizing a
      sample of 1,366 children from Cyprus, five groups were identified for further
      study based on latent profile analysis: low-risk (67.2%), high-CP/low-CU (7.9%),
      high-CU (9.4%), moderate-CP/CU (8.4%), and high-CP/CU (7.2%). The identified
      groups were compared on behavioral and social measures. RESULTS: There were
      significant main effects of group for: impulsivity and executive functioning;
      parenting; and connectedness to school. The high-CU group had significantly lower
      hyperactivity-impulsivity and executive functioning deficits, significantly
      higher self-regulation, and their mothers reported more maternal involvement and
      positive parenting than those in the high-CP/CU group. Also, the high-CU group
      showed more school connectedness than those in the high-CP/CU group. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings highlight several factors in the child and in his or her social
      environment that are associated with CU traits in the absence of serious CP and
      that may suggest targets for intervention for youth who may lack prosocial
      emotions.

PMID- 27133385
TI  - Oxysterols in adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and
      death.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells characterized by self-renewal
      and cellular differentiation capabilities. Oxysterols comprise a very
      heterogeneous group derived from cholesterol through enzymatic and non-enzymatic
      oxidation. Potent effects in cell death processes, including cytoxicity and
      apoptosis induction, were described in several cell lines. Very little is known
      about the effects of oxysterols in MSCs. 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC), one of the
      most important oxysterols, was shown to be cytotoxic to human adipose tissue
      derived MSCs. Here, we describe the short-term (24h) cytotoxic effects of
      cholestan-3alpha-5beta-6alpha-triol, 3,5 cholestan-7-one, (3alpha-5beta-6alpha)-
      cholestane-3,6-diol, 7-oxocholest-5-en-3beta-yl acetate, and 5beta-6beta epoxy
      cholesterol, on MSCs derived from human adipose tissue. MSCs were isolated from
      adipose tissue obtained from three young, healthy women. Oxysterols, with the
      exception of 3,5 cholestan-7-one and 7-oxocholest-5-en-3beta-yl acetate, led to a
      complex mode of cell death that include apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy,
      depending on the type of oxysterol and concentration, being cholestan-3alpha
      5beta-6alpha-triol the most effective. Inhibition of proliferation was also
      promoted by these oxysterols, but no changes in cell cycle were observed.

PMID- 27133384
TI  - Lessons from tissue compartment-specific analysis of androgen receptor
      alterations in prostate cancer.
AB  - Androgen receptor (AR) splice variants (AR-Vs) are constitutively active
      transcription factors that function in the absence of ligand. AR-Vs represent one
      of several AR re-activation mechanisms utilized by prostate cancer to circumvent
      first-line androgen deprivation therapy. Second line therapies such as
      enzalutamide and abiraterone are treatments that re-target components of the
      androgen/AR axis. However, these second line therapies do not benefit all
      patients, and patients that do receive initial benefit can develop resistance
      rapidly. Alterations in components of the androgen/AR axis, including expression
      of AR-Vs, appear to be linked to primary as well as secondary resistance to
      second line therapies. However, some key conclusions appear to differ depending
      on the tissue compartment and measurement platform utilized for analysis. In this
      review, alterations in AR and the broader AR pathway will be examined in the
      context of primary prostate cancer tissue, metastatic castration-resistant
      prostate cancer tissue, circulating tumor cells, and circulating cell-free tumor
      DNA. Questions regarding the utility of AR-V measurements to provide prognostic
      information or predict patient responses to AR-targeted therapies will be
      addressed.

PMID- 27133386
TI  - Stem cell-based therapy: Improving myocardial cell delivery.
AB  - Stem cell-based therapies form an exciting new class of medicine that attempt to
      provide the body with the building blocks required for the reconstruction of
      damaged organs. However, delivering cells to the correct location, while
      preserving their integrity and functional properties, is a complex undertaking.
      These challenges have led to the development of a highly dynamic
      interdisciplinary research field, wherein medical, biological, and chemical
      sciences have collaborated to develop strategies to overcome the physiological
      barriers imposed on the cellular therapeutics. In this respect, improving the
      acute retention and subsequent survival of stem cells is key to effectively
      increase the effect of the therapy, while proper tissue integration is imperative
      for stem cells to functionally replace lost cells in damaged organs. In this
      review, we will use the heart as an example to highlight the current knowledge of
      therapeutic stem cell utilization, the existing pitfalls and limitations, and the
      approaches that have been developed to overcome them.

PMID- 27133388
TI  - Perception of iron deficiency from oral mucosa alterations that show a high
      prevalence of Candida infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common cause of anemia. The
      aim of this study was to investigate patients with oral mucosa alterations as the
      initial manifestation of ID or ID anemia (IDA). METHODS: Sixty-four patients (50
      IDA and 14 ID) with a wide range of sore mouth were diagnosed and treated. The
      oral and physical manifestations as well as iron studies and anemia
      classification based on the mean and heterogeneity of red cell size were
      assessed. RESULTS: ID predisposed 64 patients to a high incidence of Candida
      infection (85%) and showed a variety of oral manifestations including angular
      cheilitis (63%), atrophic glossitis (AG; 59%), pseudomembranous candidosis (44%),
      erythematous candidosis (41%), median rhomboid glossitis (5%), chronic
      mucocutaneous candidosis (5%), papillary hyperplastic candidosis (3%), and
      cheilocandidosis (3%). Others included pale oral mucosa (31%), burning mouth
      (28%), and recurrent oral ulcers (6%). Colorectal cancers in two patients were
      diagnosed. The values of hemoglobin (Hb) in 64 ID patients varied from normal to
      life-threatening levels, but none had developed advanced systemic symptoms except
      fatigue. All had low serum iron and ferritin. Sixty (94%) patients had
      transferrin saturation < 16%; however, 19 (30%) patients remained normocytic and
      14 (22%) patients were nonanemic. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that oral
      mucosa alterations accompanying oral candidosis are a sensitive indicator of ID.
      All oral changes can be successfully ameliorated by iron therapy plus antifungals
      when candidosis exists. Investigating the origin of IDA is necessary, because it
      may be the first sign of a more serious disease, particularly malignancy.

PMID- 27133389
TI  - Results of Infrainguinal Bypass in Acute Limb Ischaemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: To assess the outcomes of infrainguinal bypass performed
      for acute limb ischaemia, as well as the predictors of patency, mortality, and
      amputation. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing
      infrainguinal bypass between 1998 and 2014. The cohort was stratified according
      to the indication for surgery into two groups: group A (acute limb ischaemia) and
      group B (chronic lower extremity ischaemia). Comparative analysis was performed
      on comorbidities, surgical technique, and outcomes, as well as prognostic factors
      in group A. RESULTS: In total, 702 bypasses were performed (group A, n = 107;
      group B, n = 595). Differences between groups were detected in age (65.9 vs. 70.9
      years; p = .03), diabetes (16% vs. 49%; p < .01), renal insufficiency (6% vs.
      13%; p = .05), stroke (7% vs. 14%; p = .04), and coronary artery disease (13% vs.
      28%; p < .01). Patients with acute limb ischaemia more often required general
      anaesthesia (47% vs. 12%; p < .01) and a short bypass was more often performed
      (32% vs. 7%; p < .01). Median follow up was 23 and 24 months for groups A and B,
      respectively. No differences were found in patency rates at 1, 12, and 24 months
      between groups, but group B had a higher re-intervention rate during follow up.
      Primary patency in group A was 84%, 63%, and 58%, and in group B it was 88%, 62%,
      and 53% at 1, 12, and 24 months, respectively (p = .77). Assisted primary patency
      in group A was 85%, 72%, and 67%, and in group B it was 90%, 74%, and 66% at 1,
      12, and 24 months, respectively (p = .61). Secondary patency in group A was 90%,
      78%, and 75%, and in group B it was 94%, 80%, and 74% at 1, 12, and 24 months,
      respectively (p = .80). The freedom from re-intervention rate in group A was 91%,
      74%, and 68%, and in group B it was 92%, 76%, and 71%, respectively (p = .04).
      Acute limb ischaemia was an independent risk factor for amputation (odds ratio
      [OR] 4.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74-14.09; p < .01) and mortality (OR
      4.13, 95% CI 1.53-11.14; p = .01) at 30 days. In group A, female sex, prosthetic
      conduit, and need of distal thrombectomy were independently associated with worse
      patency rates. Poor intra-operative runoff was correlated with higher amputation
      rates. CONCLUSION: Among those undergoing infrainguinal bypass, patients who
      present with acute limb ischaemia constitute a subset showing higher early rates
      of amputation and death. In this subset of patients, worse outcomes may be
      expected for women, prosthetic conduits, need for distal thrombectomy, and
      patients with poor intra-operative runoff.

PMID- 27133390
TI  - Free-floating Thrombus Formation in the Inferior Vena Cava.

PMID- 27133391
TI  - Colistin-sparing regimens against Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing
      K. pneumoniae isolates: Combination of tigecycline or doxycycline and gentamicin
      or amikacin.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: In vitro studies of the combination of an aminoglycoside with
      tigecycline or doxycycline against Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)
      producing K. pneumoniae isolates are rarely published. The goal of this study was
      to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the combination regimens. METHODS:
      Thirteen genetically different KPC-producing K. pneumoniae isolates were randomly
      selected. Drug concentrations of amikacin, gentamicin, tigecycline, and
      doxycycline were adjusted to 1-, 1/2-, and 1/4-fold of respective minimum
      inhibitory concentrations (MICs). Each drug alone or the combinations of amikacin
      or gentamicin with tigecycline or doxycycline were tested by combination studies.
      RESULTS: Treatment with the 1* MIC concentration in combinations of amikacin or
      gentamicin and tigecycline or doxycycline for 24 hours resulted in bactericidal
      activity of 84-100% in the isolates. Treatment with 1/2* MIC combinations
      resulted in synergism of 69-100% in the isolates. Notably, doxycycline plus
      gentamicin or amikacin was synergistic for all tested isolates. However,
      bactericidal or synergistic effect was barely evident following 1/4* MIC
      combinations. There was no antagonism in any of the combination regimens.
      CONCLUSION: Enhanced activity was noted following treatment with doxycycline
      combined with gentamicin or amikacin against KPC-producing K. pneumoniae
      isolates, warranting further in vitro and animal investigations before clinical
      application.

PMID- 27133387
TI  - Lipoproteins and lipoprotein mimetics for imaging and drug delivery.
AB  - Lipoproteins are a set of natural nanoparticles whose main role is the transport
      of fats within the body. While much work has been done to develop synthetic
      nanocarriers to deliver drugs or contrast media, natural nanoparticles such as
      lipoproteins represent appealing alternatives. Lipoproteins are biocompatible,
      biodegradable, non-immunogenic and are naturally targeted to some disease sites.
      Lipoproteins can be modified to act as contrast agents in many ways, such as by
      insertion of gold cores to provide contrast for computed tomography. They can be
      loaded with drugs, nucleic acids, photosensitizers or boron to act as
      therapeutics. Attachment of ligands can re-route lipoproteins to new targets.
      These attributes render lipoproteins attractive and versatile delivery vehicles.
      In this review we will provide background on lipoproteins, then survey their
      roles as contrast agents, in drug and nucleic acid delivery, as well as in
      photodynamic therapy and boron neutron capture therapy.

PMID- 27133393
TI  - Management of Hepatorenal Syndrome in the Era of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure:
      Terlipressin and Beyond.

PMID- 27133392
TI  - A Randomized Trial Testing the Effect of Narrative Vignettes Versus Guideline
      Summaries on Provider Response to a Professional Organization Clinical Policy for
      Safe Opioid Prescribing.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: Clinical guidelines are known to be underused by practitioners.
      In response to the challenges of treating pain amid a prescription opioid
      epidemic, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) published an
      evidence-based clinical policy for opioid prescribing in 2012. Evidence-based
      narratives, an effective method of communicating health information in a variety
      of settings, offer a novel strategy for disseminating guidelines to physicians
      and engaging providers with clinical evidence. We compare whether narrative
      vignettes embedded in the ACEP daily e-newsletter improved dissemination of the
      clinical policy to ACEP members, and engagement of members with the clinical
      policy, compared with traditional summary text. METHODS: A prospective randomized
      controlled study, titled Stories to Promote Information Using Narrative trial,
      was performed. Derived from qualitative interviews with 61 ACEP physicians, 4
      narrative vignettes were selected and refined, using a consensus panel of
      clinical and implementation experts. All ACEP members were then block randomized
      by state of residence to receive alternative versions of a daily e-mailed
      newsletter for a total of 24 days during a 9-week period. Narrative newsletters
      contained a selection of vignettes that referenced opioid prescription dilemmas.
      Control newsletters contained a selection of descriptive text about the clinical
      policy, using length and appearance similar to that of the narrative vignettes.
      Embedded in the newsletters were Web links to the complete vignette or
      traditional summary text, as well as additional links to the full ACEP clinical
      policy and a Web site providing assistance with prescription drug monitoring
      program enrollment. The newsletters were otherwise identical. Outcomes measured
      were the percentage of subjects who visited any of the Web pages that contained
      additional guideline-related information and the odds of any unique physician
      visiting these Web pages during the study. RESULTS: There were 27,592 physicians
      randomized, and 21,226 received the newsletter during the study period. When each
      physician was counted once during the study period, there were 509 unique
      visitors in the narrative group and 173 unique visitors in the control group
      (4.8% versus 1.6%; difference 3.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7% to 3.7%).
      There were 744 gross visits from the e-newsletter to any of the 3 Web pages in
      the narrative group compared with 248 in the control group (7.0% versus 2.3%;
      odds ratio 3.2; 95% CI 2.7 to 3.6). During the study, the odds ratio of any
      physician in the narrative group visiting one of the 3 informational Web sites
      compared with the control group was 3.1 (95% CI 2.6 to 3.6). CONCLUSION: Among a
      national sample of emergency physicians, narrative vignettes outperformed
      traditional guideline text in promoting engagement with an evidence-based
      clinical guideline related to opioid prescriptions.

PMID- 27133394
TI  - Lipase Genetic Variants in Chronic Pancreatitis: When the End Is Wrong, All's Not
      Well.

PMID- 27133396
TI  - The Hunting of the Snark: Whither Genome-Wide Association Studies for Colorectal
      Cancer?

PMID- 27133397
TI  - Whole exome sequencing reveals de novo pathogenic variants in KAT6A as a cause of
      a neurodevelopmental disorder.
AB  - Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are common, with 1-3% of general population
      being affected, but the etiology is unknown in most individuals. Clinical whole
      exome sequencing (WES) has proven to be a powerful tool for the identification of
      pathogenic variants leading to Mendelian disorders, among which NDD represent a
      significant percentage. Performing WES with a trio-approach has proven to be
      extremely effective in identifying de novo pathogenic variants as a common cause
      of NDD. Here we report six unrelated individuals with a common phenotype
      consisting of NDD with severe speech delay, hypotonia, and facial dysmorphism.
      These patients underwent WES with a trio approach and de novo heterozygous
      predicted pathogenic novel variants in the KAT6A gene were identified. The KAT6A
      gene encodes a histone acetyltransfrease protein and it has long been known for
      its structural involvement in acute myeloid leukemia; however, it has not
      previously been associated with any congenital disorder. In animal models the
      KAT6A ortholog is involved in transcriptional regulation during development.
      Given the similar findings in animal models and our patient's phenotypes, we
      hypothesize that KAT6A could play a role in development of the brain, face, and
      heart in humans. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27133398
TI  - The Visceral Adiposity Index in Comparison with Easily Measurable Anthropometric
      Markers Did Not Improve Prediction of Diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the ability of the visceral adiposity index (VAI)
      compared to hypertriglyceridemic-waist (HTGW) phenotype, body mass index (BMI),
      waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and waist-to-hip ratio
      (WHR) as a possible predictor of diabetes in a nondiabetic high-risk population.
      METHODS: We analyzed 7-year follow-up data in nondiabetic first-degree relatives
      of consecutive patients 30 to 70 years of age with type 2 diabetes and with at
      least 1 follow-up examination (N=1720). The primary outcome was the diagnosis of
      type 2 diabetes based on repeated oral glucose tolerance tests. We examined the
      incidence of type 2 diabetes across quintiles of the VAI and plotted a receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve to compare the abilities of predicting type
      2 diabetes of the VAI, BMI, WC, WHR and WHtR. RESULTS: The highest quintile of
      VAI compared with the lowest quintile was associated with type 2 diabetes in age-
      and gender-adjusted models (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.56, 3.86). Those with the HTGW
      phenotype were 2.36 times (OR 2.36; 95% CI: 161, 3.44) more likely to develop
      type 2 diabetes than those with normal WCs and normal triglyceride levels. On ROC
      curve analysis, almost similar areas under the ROC were found for BMIs (60.9%;
      95% CI: 57.1, 64.6); WC (61.0%, 95% CI 57.4, 64.5); WHtR (62.6%; 95% CI: 59.1,
      66.2); WHR (55.7%; 95% CI 52.2, 59.3) and VAI (58.3%; 95% CI: 54.5, 62.1).
      CONCLUSIONS: These data provide further evidence that VAI and HTGW are robust
      predictors of type 2 diabetes, but the predictive power was similar to that of
      BMI, WC, WHtR and WHR in our study population.

PMID- 27133395
TI  - The Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Brain-Gut Axis.
AB  - The actions of cannabis are mediated by receptors that are part of an endogenous
      cannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of the naturally
      occurring ligands N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2
      arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, and the
      cannabinoid (CB) receptors CB1 and CB2. The ECS is a widely distributed
      transmitter system that controls gut functions peripherally and centrally. It is
      an important physiologic regulator of gastrointestinal motility. Polymorphisms in
      the gene encoding CB1 (CNR1) have been associated with some forms of irritable
      bowel syndrome. The ECS is involved in the control of nausea and vomiting and
      visceral sensation. The homeostatic role of the ECS also extends to the control
      of intestinal inflammation. We review the mechanisms by which the ECS links
      stress and visceral pain. CB1 in sensory ganglia controls visceral sensation, and
      transcription of CNR1 is modified through epigenetic processes under conditions
      of chronic stress. These processes might link stress with abdominal pain. The ECS
      is also involved centrally in the manifestation of stress, and endocannabinoid
      signaling reduces the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal pathways via
      actions in specific brain regions, notably the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and
      hypothalamus. Agents that modulate the ECS are in early stages of development for
      treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Increasing our understanding of the ECS
      will greatly advance our knowledge of interactions between the brain and gut and
      could lead to new treatments for gastrointestinal disorders.

PMID- 27133399
TI  - Compositae Plants Differed in Leaf Cuticular Waxes between High and Low
      Altitudes.
AB  - We sampled eight Compositae species at high altitude (3482 m) and seven species
      at low altitude (220 m), analyzed the chemical compositions and contents of leaf
      cuticular wax, and calculated the values of average chain length (ACL), carbon
      preference index (CPI), dispersion (d), dispersion/weighted mean chain length
      (d/N), and C31 /(C31  + C29 ) (Norm31). The amounts of total wax and compositions
      were significantly higher at high altitude than at low altitude, except for
      primary alcohol, secondary alcohol, and ketone. The main n-alkanes in most
      samples were C31 , C29 , and C33 . Low altitude had more C31 and C33 , whereas
      more C29 occurred at high altitude. The ACL, CPI, d, d/N, and Norma 31 were
      higher at low altitude than at high altitude. The fatty acid and primary alcohol
      at low altitude contained more C26 homologous than at high altitude. More short
      chain primary alcohols were observed at high altitude. At low altitude, the
      primary alcohol gave on average the largest amount, while it was n-alkane at high
      altitude. These results indicated that the variations of leaf cuticular waxes
      benefited Compositae plants to adapt to various environmental stresses and
      enlarge their distribution. 

PMID- 27133400
TI  - Disentangling the Treatment of Agitation in Alzheimer's Disease.

PMID- 27133401
TI  - Optimizing Adherence and Outcomes in Psychotherapy.

PMID- 27133402
TI  - An Opioid for Depression?

PMID- 27133403
TI  - Brain GABA Function and Psychosis.

PMID- 27133404
TI  - Searching for the Seeds of Psychosis.

PMID- 27133405
TI  - The Emergence of a Generalist Model to Meet Public Health Needs for Patients With
      Borderline Personality Disorder.

PMID- 27133406
TI  - Abbe Faria (1756-1819): From Lucid Sleep to Hypnosis.

PMID- 27133407
TI  - The American Journal of Psychiatry Residents' Journal: Training the Next
      Generation of Academic Psychiatrists.

PMID- 27133408
TI  - Response to Amos: Addressing Purported Methodological Flaws in RAISE-ETP Results.

PMID- 27133409
TI  - Selection Bias Effects on RAISE-ETP Results.

PMID- 27133410
TI  - Comment on Analyses and Conclusions of "Microglial Activity in People at Ultra
      High Risk of Psychosis and in Schizophrenia: An [(11)C]PBR28 PET Brain Imaging
      Study".

PMID- 27133411
TI  - Response to Narendran and Frankle: The Interpretation of PET Microglial Imaging
      in Schizophrenia.

PMID- 27133412
TI  - Mental Health Services Research in the Military Health System.

PMID- 27133416
TI  - The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline on the Use of
      Antipsychotics to Treat Agitation or Psychosis in Patients With Dementia.

PMID- 27133417
TI  - [Incidence of dependence-related lesions in a population of critical patients].
AB  - AIM: To determine the incidence of various types of dependence-related lesions
      (DRL) on a population of critically ill patients. METHOD: Descriptive,
      longitudinal and prospective study in an Intensive Care Unit from January 2014 to
      January 2015. Adult patients who did not present DRL at the moment of admission
      were included. Those with brain death and/or stay at the unit for more than two
      days were excluded. Patients were studied till they developed DRL, were exitus,
      discharged or stayed for more than 14 days. Each patient was evaluated daily till
      DRL did develop or was excluded from the study. If DRL did develop it was
      photographed and related data were recorded. The comparison between quantitative
      variables of normal distribution was done with the t de Student. The Mann-Whitney
      U was used to compare the other variables. Qualitative variables were compared
      through Pearson's chi square. In both cases p<=.05 was considered significant.
      RESULTS: 295 patients were included, 27.45% of them developed DRL. The density of
      incidence was 41 DRL/1,000 days at risk. 50.62% of DRL were categorized as PU.
      17.28% were moisture injuries, 13.58% were due to friction and the rest were
      combined injuries. The risk according to EMINA and Braden scale was significantly
      different in the group of patients with lesions compared to the group without
      them. CONCLUSIONS: Not all injuries were caused by pressure. Specific prevention
      strategies based on different causal mechanisms are required.

PMID- 27133418
TI  - Potential of tocotrienols in the prevention and therapy of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease (AD); clinical trials are
      underway to reduce amyloid generation and deposition, a neuropathological
      hallmark in brains of AD patients. While genetic factors and neuroinflammation
      contribute significantly to AD pathogenesis, whether increased cholesterol level
      is a causative factor or a result of AD is equivocal. Prenylation of proteins
      regulating neuronal functions requires mevalonate-derived farnesyl pyrophosphate
      (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). The observation that the levels of
      FPP and GGPP, but not that of cholesterol, are elevated in AD patients is
      consistent with the finding that statins, competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3
      methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase, reduce FPP and GGPP levels and
      amyloid beta protein production in preclinical studies. Retrospective studies
      show inverse correlations between incidence of AD and the intake and serum levels
      of the HMG CoA reductase-suppressive tocotrienols; tocopherols show mixed
      results. Tocotrienols, but not tocopherols, block the processing and nuclear
      localization of sterol regulatory element binding protein-2, the transcriptional
      factor for HMG CoA reductase and FPP synthase, and enhance the degradation of HMG
      CoA reductase. Consequently, tocotrienols deplete the pool of FPP and GGPP and
      potentially blunt prenylation-dependent AD pathogenesis. The antiinflammatory
      activity of tocotrienols further contributes to their protection against AD. The
      mevalonate- and inflammation-suppressive activities of tocotrienols may represent
      those of an estimated 23,000 mevalonate-derived plant secondary metabolites
      called isoprenoids, many of which are neuroprotective. Tocotrienol-containing
      plant foods and tocotrienol derivatives and formulations with enhanced
      bioavailability may offer a novel approach in AD prevention and treatment.

PMID- 27133419
TI  - Impact of high-fat diet on the proteome of mouse liver.
AB  - Chronic overnutrition, for instance, high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, is a major
      cause of rapidly growing incidence of metabolic syndromes. However, the
      mechanisms underlying HFD-induced adverse effects on human health are not clearly
      understood. HFD-fed C57BL6/J mouse has been a popular model employed to
      investigate the mechanisms. Yet, there is no systematic and comprehensive study
      of the impact of HFD on the protein profiles of the animal. Here, we present a
      proteome-wide study of the consequences of long-term HFD feeding. Utilizing a
      powerful technology, stable isotope labeling of mammals, we detected and
      quantitatively compared 965 proteins extracted from livers of chow-diet-fed and
      HFD-fed mice. Among which, 122 proteins were significantly modulated by HFD.
      Fifty-four percent of those 122 proteins are involved in metabolic processes and
      the majority participate in lipid metabolism. HFD up-regulates proteins that play
      important roles in fatty acid uptake and subsequent oxidation and are linked to
      the transcription factors PPARalpha and PGC-1alpha. HFD suppresses lipid
      biosynthesis-related proteins that play major roles in de novo lipogenesis and
      are linked to SREBP-1 and PPARgamma. These data suggest that HFD-fed mice tend to
      develop enhanced fat utilization and suppressed lipid biosynthesis,
      understandably a self-protective mechanism to counteract to excessive fat
      loading, which causes liver steatosis. Enhanced fatty acid oxidation increases
      reactive oxygen species and inhibits glucose oxidation, which are associated with
      hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. This proteomics study provides molecular
      understanding of HFD-induced pathology and identifies potential targets for
      development of therapeutics for metabolic syndromes.

PMID- 27133420
TI  - Oral supplementation of 2'-fucosyllactose during lactation improves memory and
      learning in rats.
AB  - Human milk oligosaccharides have been proposed to exert beneficial effects on
      brain development. During the last decades, most of the studies have focused on
      the evaluation of sialylated structures but recent experiments have also tested
      fucosylated oligosaccharides, i.e. 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL). The present study
      aimed to determine whether oral 2'-FL has an effect on the development of newborn
      brain, contributing to enhance cognitive skills later in life. Rat pups received
      an oral supplementation of 2'-FL (2'-FL group) or water (control group) during
      the lactation period. Thereafter, animals were maintained on a rodent standard
      diet. Rats (n=12 rats/group) were evaluated twice, at age 4-6weeks and again at
      age 1year, using classical behavioral tests. In vivo long-term potentiation (LTP)
      was also performed at the same ages (n=10 rats/group). Both groups showed similar
      behavior when the animals were assessed just after weaning (age 4-6weeks),
      although the 2'-FL group seemed to perform slightly better in Morris Water Maze.
      At age 1year, 2'-FL rats performed significantly better in the Novel Object
      Recognition and Y maze paradigms, when compared to controls. In addition, LTP was
      more intense and longer lasting in the rats supplemented with 2'-FL than in
      control animals, both in young and adult animals. Oral administration of 2'-FL
      exclusively during lactation enhanced cognitive abilities, not only in childhood
      but also in adulthood.

PMID- 27133421
TI  - Gamma-tocotrienol acts as a BH3 mimetic to induce apoptosis in neuroblastoma SH
      SY5Y cells.
AB  - Bcl-2 family proteins are crucial regulators of apoptosis. Both pro- and
      antiapoptotic members exist, and overexpression of the latter facilitates evasion
      of apoptosis in many cancer types. Bcl-2 homology domain 3 (BH3) mimetics are
      small molecule inhibitors of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, and these
      inhibitors are promising anticancer agents. In this study, we report that gamma
      tocotrienol (gammaT3), an isomer of vitamin E, can inhibit Bcl-2 to induce
      apoptosis. We demonstrate that gammaT3 induces cell death in human neuroblastoma
      SH-SY5Y cells by depolarising the mitochondrial membrane potential, enabling
      release of cytochrome c to the cytosol and increasing the activities of caspases
      9 and -3. Treatment of cells with inhibitors of Bax or caspase-9 attenuated the
      cell death induced by gammaT3. Simulated docking analysis suggested that gammaT3
      binds at the hydrophobic groove of Bcl-2, while a binding assay showed that
      gammaT3 competed with a fluorescent probe to bind at the hydrophobic groove. Our
      data suggest that gammaT3 mimics the action of BH3-only protein by binding to the
      hydrophobic groove of Bcl-2 and inducing apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway in a
      Bax- and caspase-9-dependent manner.

PMID- 27133422
TI  - Metabolic disturbances in plasma as biomarkers for Huntington's disease.
AB  - Huntington's disease (HD), caused by expanded CAG repeats encoding a
      polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin protein, presents with a predominant
      degeneration of neurons in the striatum and cortex. Although a few studies have
      identified substantial metabolite alterations in plasma, the picture of plasma
      metabolomics of HD has not been clearly depicted yet. Using a global metabolomics
      screening for plasma from 15 HD patients and 17 controls, HD patient group was
      separated from the control group by a panel of metabolites belonging to
      carnitine, amino acid and phosphatidylcholine species. The quantification of 184
      related metabolites (including carnitine, amino acid and phosphatidylcholine
      species) in 29 HD patients, 9 presymptomatic HD carriers and 44 controls further
      showed one up-regulated (glycine) and 9 down-regulated metabolites (taurine,
      serotonin, valine, isoleucine, phosphatidylcholine acyl-alkyl C36:0 and C34:0 and
      lysophosphatidylcholine acyl C20:3). To understand the biosynthetic alterations
      of phosphatidylcholine in HD, we examined the expression levels and activities of
      a panel of key enzymes responsible for phosphatidylcholine metabolism. The
      results showed down-regulation of PCYT1A and increased activity of phospholipase
      A2 in HD leukocytes. These metabolic profiles strongly indicate that disturbed
      metabolism is involved in pathogenesis of HD and provide clue for the development
      of novel treatment strategies for HD.

PMID- 27133423
TI  - Alcohol-free fermented blueberry-blackberry beverage phenolic extract attenuates
      diet-induced obesity and blood glucose in C57BL/6J mice.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the potential of phenolic compounds from a
      fermented blackberry-blueberry beverage to reduce diet-induced obesity and
      hyperglycemia in mice fed a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) for 10weeks after 1week of
      pretreatment. C57BL/6J mice were randomized into six groups and allowed to drink
      (ad libitum) an alcohol-free blackberry-blueberry beverage [alcohol-free
      fermented beverage (AFFB), 8.4mg anthocyanin (ANC)/kg body weight (BW)/day];
      three doses of a phenolic extract [postamberlite extract (PAE)] from AFFB at
      0.1*, 1* and 2* ANC concentrations; sitagliptin (hypoglycemic positive control);
      or water (negative control). Weight and fat mass gain were attenuated in mice
      receiving the highest doses of PAE (18.9mg ANC/kg BW/day, P<.05). There were also
      reductions (P<.05) in percent fat mass, epididymal fat pad weights, mean
      adipocyte diameters and plasma triglycerides and cholesterol associated with PAE
      treatments. By the end of the study, fasting blood glucose for mice receiving 9mg
      (1*) or 18.9mg (2*) ANC/kg BW/day was significantly lower than in the water and
      the sitagliptin groups (P<.05). Histological and histochemical analyses revealed
      an unexpected change in liver of mice fed ANC at 1* or 2* doses consisting of
      liver enlargement and increased lipid deposition. PAE also induced the most
      differential gene expression changes, including highly significant downstream
      effects at all doses to reduce d-glucose concentrations. Overall, phenolic
      compounds from the fermented blueberry-blackberry beverage had an impact to
      attenuate the development of obesity and fasting blood glucose in C57BL/6J mice.

PMID- 27133424
TI  - Ruminant and industrial trans-fatty acid uptake in the heart.
AB  - Dietary trans-fats are strongly associated with heart disease. However, the
      capacity for the tissues of the body, and specifically the heart, to take up
      trans-fats is unknown. It is also unknown if different trans-fats have different
      uptake capacities in the heart and other tissues of the body. Diets of low
      density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice were supplemented for 14weeks with
      foods that contained 1.5% of the trans-fat elaidic acid or vaccenic acid. Tissues
      were extracted and frozen in liquid nitrogen, and then lipids were analyzed by
      gas chromatography for fatty acid content. Isolated cardiomyocytes were also
      exposed to elaidic or vaccenic acid in cell culture media for 24h. Dietary
      supplementation with vaccenic or elaidic acid resulted in a 20-fold higher
      accumulation of these TFAs in fat deposits in the body in comparison to liver.
      Liver tissue accumulated about twice as much per gram tissue as heart. Similar
      quantities of both elaidic acid and vaccenic acid were taken up by the tissues.
      Isolated cardiomyocytes exhibited an unusually large uptake of trans-fat, and
      this was dependent upon both the concentration and duration of exposure to the
      trans-fats but not upon the type of trans-fat. Expression levels of CD36 and
      FATP4 were not significantly changed during dietary interventions or exposure of
      cells to trans-fats. We conclude that fat, liver and heart (including
      cardiomyocytes) are all capable of accumulating trans-fat in response to dietary
      supplementation without changes in fatty acid transport protein expression.

PMID- 27133425
TI  - Preventive effect of dietary quercetin on disuse muscle atrophy by targeting
      mitochondria in denervated mice.
AB  - Quercetin is a major dietary flavonoid in fruits and vegetables. We aimed to
      clarify the preventive effect of dietary quercetin on disuse muscle atrophy and
      the underlying mechanisms. We established a mouse denervation model by cutting
      the sciatic nerve in the right leg (SNX surgery) to lack of mobilization in hind
      limb. Preintake of a quercetin-mixed diet for 14days before SNX surgery prevented
      loss of muscle mass and atrophy of muscle fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle
      (GM). Phosphorylation of Akt, a key phosphorylation pathway of suppression of
      protein degradation, was activated in the quercetin-mixed diet group with and
      without SNX surgery. Intake of a quercetin-mixed diet suppressed the generation
      of hydrogen peroxide originating from mitochondria and elevated mitochondrial
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1alpha mRNA
      expression as well as NADH dehydrogenase 4 expression in the GM with SNX surgery.
      Quercetin and its conjugated metabolites reduced hydrogen peroxide production in
      the mitochondrial fraction obtained from atrophied muscle. In C2C12 myotubes,
      quercetin reached the mitochondrial fraction. These findings suggest that dietary
      quercetin can prevent disuse muscle atrophy by targeting mitochondria in skeletal
      muscle tissue through protecting mitochondria from decreased biogenesis and
      reducing mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide release, which can be related to
      decreased hydrogen peroxide production and/or improvements on antioxidant
      capacity of mitochondria.

PMID- 27133427
TI  - Urinary metabolic profile predicts high-fat diet sensitivity in the C57Bl6/J
      mouse.
AB  - To prevent the development of adiposity-associated metabolic diseases, early
      biomarkers are needed. Such markers could bring insight to understand the
      complexity of susceptibility to obesity. Urine and plasma metabolomics
      fingerprints have been successfully associated with metabolic dysfunctions. Fat
      resistance (FR) was found to be associated with higher urinary levels of
      acylglycines and leucine. However, no differences were observed before the diet
      switch. In this context, we aimed at characterizing metabolic signatures
      predictive of resistance or sensitivity to fat in the C57Bl6/J mouse model.
      Urinary metabolic profiles of FR (n=15) and fat sensitivity (FS) mice (n=14) were
      performed on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Urinary and plasma
      metabolic profiles were first collected at baseline (during low-fat diet), then
      after 10weeks of high-fat (HF) feeding. Mice were sorted a posteriori into FS and
      FR based on their final adiposity. After HF feeding for 10weeks, FS mice tended
      to have lower plasma levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate than FR ones. Urinary
      metabolic profiles showed that baseline levels of octanoylglycine, leucine and
      valine were significantly lower in FS mice. Moreover, expressions in the adipose
      tissue of Baat and Glyat mRNA were lower in FS than in FR mice. In muscle, mRNA
      encoding CaD and UbE2b tended to be lower in FS mice than in FR mice (P=.056 and
      P=.071, respectively). The data show that lower levels of urinary
      octanoylglycine, leucine and valine are potential predictive biomarkers of FS and
      could be related to a lower stimulation in adipose acyl-coenzyme A conjugation to
      glycine and to muscle protein breakdown.

PMID- 27133426
TI  - Small molecule tolfenamic acid and dietary spice curcumin treatment enhances
      antiproliferative effect in pancreatic cancer cells via suppressing Sp1,
      disrupting NF-kB translocation to nucleus and cell cycle phase distribution.
AB  - Combination of dietary/herbal spice curcumin (Cur) and COX inhibitors has been
      tested for improving therapeutic efficacy in pancreatic cancer (PC). The
      objective of this study was to identify agent with low toxicity and COX
      independent mechanism to induce PC cell growth inhibition when used along with
      Cur. Anticancer NSAID, tolfenamic acid (TA) and Cur combination were evaluated
      using PC cell lines. L3.6pl and MIA PaCa-2 cells were treated with Cur (5-25MUM)
      or TA (25-100MUM) or combination of Cur (7.5MUM) and TA (50MUM). Cell viability
      was measured at 24-72h posttreatment using CellTiter-Glo kit. While both agents
      showed a steady/consistent effect, Cur+TA caused higher growth inhibition.
      Antiproliferative effect was compared with COX inhibitors, Ibuprofen and
      Celebrex. Cardiotoxicity was assessed using cordiomyocytes (H9C2). The expression
      of Sp proteins, survivin and apoptotic markers (western blot), caspase 3/7
      (caspase-Glo kit), Annexin-V staining (flow cytometry), reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) and cell cycle phase distribution (flow cytometry) was measured. Cells were
      treated with TNF-alpha, and NF-kB translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus was
      evaluated (immunofluorescence). When compared to individual agents, combination
      of Cur+TA caused significant increase in apoptotic markers, ROS levels and
      inhibited NF-kB translocation to nucleus. TA caused cell cycle arrest in G0/G1,
      and the combination treatment showed mostly DNA synthesis phase arrest. These
      results suggest that combination of Cur+TA is less toxic and effectively enhance
      the therapeutic efficacy in PC cells via COX-independent mechanisms.

PMID- 27133428
TI  - Purple rice anthocyanin extract protects cardiac function in STZ-induced diabetes
      rat hearts by inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) often causes chronic inflammation, hypertrophy, apoptosis
      and fibrosis in the heart and subsequently leads to myocardial remodeling,
      deteriorated cardiac function and heart failure. Anthocyanins are strong
      antioxidants that show effective cardioprotective properties. Our aim was to
      determine whether anthocyanin extracted from purple rice provides protective
      effects in DM hearts. Five-week-old male Wistar rats were administered with
      streptozotocin (STZ) to induce type 1 diabetes. Animals were randomly divided
      into normal group, DM group (induced by 55mg/kg STZ, i.p.) and DM with
      anthocyanin group (250mg/kg/day, feeding 4 weeks). After treatment, the left
      ventricular tissues were collected to observe the relevant changes in the heart
      and the associated molecular events were determined by Western blotting assay.
      STZ-induced DM increased the proinflammatory signaling proteins in the heart and
      triggered the development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Significant
      reduction in the heart function index such as left ventricular end-diastolic
      dimension and left ventricular end-systolic dimension was observed in the STZ
      induced DM rat hearts, suggesting myocardial tissue damage and loss of heart
      function. Treatment with anthocyanin from purple rice extract, however, reduced
      the effect of DM and showed significant reduction in cardiac hypertrophy and
      fibrosis. Anthocyanin therefore restores the deteriorating cardiac functions in
      DM rats as evident from their heart functional parameters.

PMID- 27133429
TI  - Improvement of blood glucose levels and obesity in mice given aronia juice by
      inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV and alpha-glucosidase.
AB  - Aronia berries have many potential effects on health. Previous human studies have
      shown that aronia juice may be useful for treatment of obesity disorders.
      Recently, we have reported that aronia juice has an inhibitory effect on
      dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP IV) activity and that the DPP IV inhibitor in aronia
      juice was identified as cyanidin 3,5-diglucoside. In this study, we found that
      body weights and blood glucose levels were reduced in diabetes model KK-Ay mice
      given aronia juice. We also found that weights of white adipose tissues were
      reduced in KK-Ay mice given aronia juice. Furthermore, levels of DPP IV activity
      in the serum and liver from KK-Ay mice were lower than those in the serum and
      liver from C57BL/6JmsSlc mice. Interestingly, although levels of DPP IV activity
      were not changed in the serum and liver from aronia-juice-administered KK-Ay
      mice, levels of DPP IV activity were increased in those from aronia-juice
      administered C57BL/6JmsSlc mice. Furthermore, alpha-glucosidase activity was
      inhibited in the upper region of the small intestine from aronia-juice
      administered KK-Ay mice but not in the lower region. Inhibition of alpha
      glucosidase activity in the upper portion of the small intestine induced a
      reduction of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) level. The
      results suggest that DPP IV activity in diabetic mice is inhibited by aronia
      juice, that the GIP level in the upper region of the small intestine is reduced
      by inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activity and that weights of adipose tissues
      are reduced by aronia juice.

PMID- 27133430
TI  - Decreased beige adipocyte number and mitochondrial respiration coincide with
      increased histone methyl transferase (G9a) and reduced FGF21 gene expression in
      Sprague-Dawley rats fed prenatal low protein and postnatal high-fat diets.
AB  - We have shown that prenatal low-protein (LP) followed by postnatal high-fat (HF)
      diets result in a rapid increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue (subc-AT) mass in
      the offspring, contributing to development of obesity and insulin resistance.
      Studies have shown that a key transcription factor, PR domain containing 16
      (PRDM16), and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) are involved in conversion of
      precursor cells into mitochondria (mt)-enriched beige adipocytes (BA). Our
      hypothesis is that a maternal LP and postnatal HF diets increase the risk of
      obesity and insulin resistance in offspring, in part, by reducing the conversion
      of precursor cell into BA in the subc-AT of offspring. Using obese-prone Sprague
      Dawley rats fed 8% LP or 20% normal-protein (NP) diets for 3 weeks prior to
      conception and throughout pregnancy and lactation followed by 12 weeks of 10%
      normal-fat (NF) or 45% HF diet feeding, we investigated whether prenatal LP and
      postnatal HF diets affect BA number and oxidative respiratory function in subc
      AT. Results showed that subc-AT and liver FGF21, PRDM16 and BA marker CD137 mRNA
      increase with postnatal HF diet in maternal NP group rats. In contrast, rats fed
      maternal LP and postnatal HF diets showed no increase in subc-AT mt copy number,
      oxygen consumption rate, FGF21, PRDM16 and CD137 mRNA, whereas protein expression
      of an inhibitor for FGF21 transcription (histone methyltransferase, G9a)
      increased. These findings suggest that LPHF diets cause offspring metabolic
      alterations by reduced BA and FGF21 mRNA and increased G9a protein expression in
      subc-AT.

PMID- 27133431
TI  - Linoleic acid attenuates cardioprotection induced by resolvin D1.
AB  - We previously observed that resolvin D1 (RvD1), a metabolite of the omega-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) docosahexaenoic acid, reduces infarct size by a
      mechanism involving the PI3-K/Akt pathway. In parallel, the beneficial effect of
      a high omega-3 PUFA diet on infarct size can be attenuated by increased omega-6
      PUFA consumption. The present study was designed to determine if augmented
      linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 PUFA administered at the same time, attenuates the
      cardioprotective action of RvD1. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received 0.1MUg RvD1
      alone or with one of three LA doses (1, 5 or 10MUg) directly into the left
      ventricle chamber 5min before ischemia. The animals underwent 40min of ischemia
      by occlusion of the left descending coronary artery followed by 30min or 24h of
      reperfusion. Infarct size and neutrophil accumulation were evaluated after 24h of
      reperfusion, while caspase-3, -8 and -9 and Akt activities were assessed at 30min
      of reperfusion. LA attenuated cardioprotection afforded by RvD1, resulting in
      significantly increased infarct size. Neutrophil accumulation and Akt activity
      were similar between groups. Caspase activities, especially caspase-9, which
      could be activated by ischemia, were stimulated in the presence of LA, suggesting
      that this omega-6 PUFA accentuates ischemia intensity. The present results
      indicate that LA significantly attenuates the beneficial effect of RvD1 on
      infarct size. Therefore, reduction of omega-6 intake should be considered to
      maintain the protection afforded by RvD1.

PMID- 27133432
TI  - Diet-induced obesity, energy metabolism and gut microbiota in C57BL/6J mice fed
      Western diets based on lean seafood or lean meat mixtures.
AB  - High protein diets may protect against diet-induced obesity, but little is known
      regarding the effects of different protein sources consumed at standard levels.
      We investigated how a mixture of lean seafood or lean meat in a Western
      background diet modulated diet-induced obesity, energy metabolism and gut
      microbiota. Male C57BL/6J mice fed a Western diet (WD) containing a mixture of
      lean seafood (seafood WD) for 12weeks accumulated less fat mass than mice fed a
      WD containing a mixture of lean meat (meat WD). Meat WD-fed mice exhibited
      increased fasting blood glucose, impaired glucose clearance, elevated fasting
      plasma insulin and increased plasma and liver lipid levels. We observed no first
      choice preference for either of the WDs, but over time, mice fed the seafood WD
      consumed less energy than mice fed the meat WD. Mice fed the seafood WD exhibited
      higher spontaneous locomotor activity and a lower respiratory exchange ratio
      (RER) than mice fed the meat WD. Thus, higher activity together with the
      decreased energy intake contributed to the different phenotypes observed in mice
      fed the seafood WD compared to mice fed the meat WD. Comparison of the gut
      microbiomes of mice fed the two WDs revealed significant differences in the
      relative abundance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to the orders
      Bacteroidales and Clostridiales, with genes involved in metabolism of aromatic
      amino acids exhibiting higher relative abundance in the microbiomes of mice fed
      the seafood WD.

PMID- 27133433
TI  - Palmitic acid interferes with energy metabolism balance by adversely switching
      the SIRT1-CD36-fatty acid pathway to the PKC zeta-GLUT4-glucose pathway in
      cardiomyoblasts.
AB  - Metabolic regulation is inextricably linked with cardiac function. Fatty acid
      metabolism is a significant mechanism for creating energy for the heart. However,
      cardiomyocytes are able to switch the fatty acids or glucose, depending on
      different situations, such as ischemia or anoxia. Lipotoxicity in obesity causes
      impairments in energy metabolism and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. We utilized the
      treatment of H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells palmitic acid (PA) as a model for
      hyperlipidemia to investigate the signaling mechanisms involved in these
      processes. Our results show PA induces time- and dose-dependent lipotoxicity in
      H9c2 cells. Moreover, PA enhances cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) and
      reduces glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) pathway protein levels following a
      short period of treatment, but cells switch from CD36 back to the GLUT4 pathway
      after during long-term exposure to PA. As sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and protein kinase
      Czeta (PKCzeta) play important roles in CD36 and GLUT4 translocation, we used the
      SIRT1 activator resveratrol and si-PKCzeta to identify the switches in
      metabolism. Although PA reduced CD36 and increased GLUT4 metabolic pathway
      proteins, when we pretreated cells with resveratrol to activate SIRT1 or
      transfected si-PKCzeta, both were able to significantly increase CD36 metabolic
      pathway proteins and reduce GLUT4 pathway proteins. High-fat diets affect energy
      metabolism pathways in both normal and aging rats and involve switching the
      energy source from the CD36 pathway to GLUT4. In conclusion, PA and high-fat
      diets cause lipotoxicity in vivo and in vitro and adversely switch the energy
      source from the CD36 pathway to the GLUT4 pathway.

PMID- 27133435
TI  - Diverse pathways of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in algae as estimated by
      labeling studies and genomic sequence analysis.
AB  - Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is an almost ubiquitous phospholipid in eukaryotic algae
      and plants but is not found in a few species, for example Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii. We recently found that some species of the genus Chlamydomonas
      possess PC. In the universal pathway, PC is synthesized de novo by methylation of
      phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) or transfer of phosphocholine from cytidine
      diphosphate (CDP)-choline to diacylglycerol. Phosphocholine, the direct precursor
      to CDP-choline, is synthesized either by methylation of phosphoethanolamine or
      phosphorylation of choline. Here we analyzed the mechanism of PC biosynthesis in
      two species of Chlamydomonas (asymmetrica and sphaeroides) as well as in a red
      alga, Cyanidioschyzon merolae. Comparative genomic analysis of enzymes involved
      in PC biosynthesis indicated that C. merolae possesses only the PE methylation
      pathway. Radioactive tracer experiments using [(32) P]phosphate showed delayed
      labeling of PC with respect to PE, which was consistent with the PE methylation
      pathway. In Chlamydomonas asymmetrica, labeling of PC was detected from the early
      time of incubation with [(32) P]phosphate, suggesting the operation of
      phosphoethanolamine methylation pathway. Genomic analysis indeed detected the
      genes for the phosphoethanolamine methylation pathway. In contrast, the labeling
      of PC in C. sphaeroides was slow, suggesting that the PE methylation pathway was
      at work. These results as well as biochemical and computational results uncover
      an unexpected diversity of the mechanisms for PC biosynthesis in algae. Based on
      these results, we will discuss plausible mechanisms for the scattered
      distribution of the ability to biosynthesize PC in the genus Chlamydomonas.

PMID- 27133434
TI  - A polyphenol-rich fraction obtained from table grapes decreases adiposity,
      insulin resistance and markers of inflammation and impacts gut microbiota in high
      fat-fed mice.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine if consuming an extractable or
      nonextractable fraction of table grapes reduced the metabolic consequences of
      consuming a high-fat, American-type diet. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a low fat
      (LF) diet, a high fat (HF) diet, or an HF diet containing whole table grape
      powder (5% w/w), an extractable, polyphenol-rich (HF-EP) fraction, a
      nonextractable, polyphenol-poor (HF-NEP) fraction or equal combinations of both
      fractions (HF-EP+NEP) from grape powder for 16weeks. Mice fed the HF-EP and HF
      EP+NEP diets had lower percentages of body fat and amounts of white adipose
      tissue (WAT) and improved glucose tolerance compared to the HF-fed controls. Mice
      fed the HF-EP+NEP diet had lower liver weights and triglyceride (TG) levels
      compared to the HF-fed controls. Mice fed the HF-EP+NEP diets had higher hepatic
      mRNA levels of hormone sensitive lipase and adipose TG lipase, and decreased
      expression of c-reactive protein compared to the HF-fed controls. In epididymal
      (visceral) WAT, the expression levels of several inflammatory genes were lower in
      mice fed the HF-EP and HF-EP+NEP diets compared to the HF-fed controls. Mice fed
      the HF diets had increased myeloperoxidase activity and impaired localization of
      the tight junction protein zonula occludens-1 in ileal mucosa compared to the HF
      EP and HF-NEP diets. Several of these treatment effects were associated with
      alterations in gut bacterial community structure. Collectively, these data
      demonstrate that the polyphenol-rich, EP fraction from table grapes attenuated
      many of the adverse health consequences associated with consuming an HF diet.

PMID- 27133436
TI  - Management of the Hemodialysis Unit: Core Curriculum 2016.

PMID- 27133437
TI  - Hydroxyurea for Treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome Associated With Polycythemia
      Vera.
AB  - Myeloproliferative disorders are a rare cause of focal segmental
      glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), although the mechanism is unclear. Hydroxyurea is
      commonly used in these disorders for its cytoreductive properties; however, the
      effect of this treatment on proteinuria or kidney function remains unclear in
      cases of myeloproliferative disorder-associated FSGS. We describe the clinical
      course of a patient with polycythemia vera and nephrotic-range proteinuria,
      demonstrated to have FSGS on biopsy. The patient had a distant history of
      granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's), for which he routinely had his
      kidney function and proteinuria measured, allowing for early detection of
      nephrotic syndrome soon after being diagnosed with polycythemia vera. Treatment
      with hydroxyurea resulted in rapid improvement in proteinuria that correlated
      with a decrease in hematocrit. This response was replicated 2 additional times
      when the patient was taken off and then restarted on hydroxyurea therapy. He now
      maintains a steady dose of hydroxyurea with favorable kidney measures
      (proteinuria with <1g/d of protein excretion and serum creatinine of 1.27mg/dL
      [corresponding to estimated glomerular filtration rate of 56mL/min/1.73 m(2)]).
      This case suggests that early screening and treatment for myeloproliferative
      disorder-associated FSGS may lead to improved long-standing kidney function. 

PMID- 27133438
TI  - Tributyltin induces mitochondrial fission through Mfn1 degradation in human
      induced pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Organotin compounds, such as tributyltin (TBT), are well-known endocrine
      disruptors. TBT is also known to cause various forms of cytotoxicity, including
      neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity. However, TBT toxicity has not been identified
      in normal stem cells. In the present study, we examined the effects of TBT on
      cell growth in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We found that
      exposure to nanomolar concentrations of TBT decreased intracellular ATP levels
      and inhibited cell viability in iPSCs. Because TBT suppressed energy production,
      which is a critical function of the mitochondria, we further assessed the effects
      of TBT on mitochondrial dynamics. Staining with MitoTracker revealed that
      nanomolar concentrations of TBT induced mitochondrial fragmentation. TBT also
      reduced the expression of mitochondrial fusion protein mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), and
      this effect was abolished by knockdown of the E3 ubiquitin ligase membrane
      associated RING-CH 5 (MARCH5), suggesting that nanomolar concentrations of TBT
      could induce mitochondrial dysfunction via MARCH5-mediated Mfn1 degradation in
      iPSCs. Thus, mitochondrial function in normal stem cells could be used to assess
      cytotoxicity associated with metal exposure. 

PMID- 27133439
TI  - Rotenone down-regulates HSPA8/hsc70 chaperone protein in vitro: A new possible
      toxic mechanism contributing to Parkinson's disease.
AB  - HSPA8/hsc70 (70-kDa heat shock cognate) chaperone protein exerts multiple
      protective roles. Beside its ability to confer to the cells a generic resistance
      against several metabolic stresses, it is also involved in at least two critical
      processes whose activity is essential in preventing Parkinson's disease (PD)
      pathology. Actually, hsc70 protein acts as the main carrier of chaperone-mediated
      autophagy (CMA), a selective catabolic pathway for alpha-synuclein, the main
      pathogenic protein that accumulates in degenerating dopaminergic neurons in PD.
      Furthermore, hsc70 efficiently fragments alpha-synuclein fibrils in vitro and
      promotes depolymerization into non-toxic alpha-synuclein monomers. Considering
      that the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone, used to generate PD animal
      models, induces alpha-synuclein aggregation, this study was designed in order to
      verify whether rotenone exposure leads to hsc70 alteration possibly contributing
      to alpha-synuclein aggregation. To this aim, human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
      were treated with rotenone and hsc70 mRNA and protein expression were assessed;
      the effect of rotenone on hsc70 was compared with that exerted by hydrogen
      peroxide, a generic oxidative stress donor with no inhibitory activity on
      mitochondrial complex I. Furthermore, the effect of rotenone on hsc70 was
      verified in primary mouse cortical neurons. The possible contribution of
      macroautophagy to rotenone-induced hsc70 modulation was explored and the
      influence of hsc70 gene silencing on neurotoxicity was assessed. We demonstrated
      that rotenone, but not hydrogen peroxide, induced a significant reduction of
      hsc70 mRNA and protein expression. We also observed that the toxic effect of
      rotenone on alpha-synuclein levels was amplified when macroautophagy was
      inhibited, although rotenone-induced hsc70 reduction was independent from
      macroautophagy. Finally, we demonstrated that hsc70 gene silencing up-regulated
      alpha-synuclein mRNA and protein levels without affecting cell viability and
      without altering rotenone- and hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity. These
      findings demonstrate the existence of a novel mechanism of rotenone toxicity
      mediated by hsc70 and indicate that dysfunction of both CMA and macroautophagy
      can synergistically exacerbate alpha-synuclein toxicity, suggesting that hsc70 up
      regulation may represent a valuable therapeutic strategy for PD.

PMID- 27133440
TI  - Lead toxicity promotes autonomic dysfunction with increased chemoreceptor
      sensitivity.
AB  - Mortality and morbidity by toxic metals is an important issue of occupational
      health. Lead is an ubiquitous heavy metal in our environment despite having no
      physiological role in biological systems. Being an homeostatic controller is
      expected that the autonomic nervous system would show a degree of impairment in
      lead toxicity. In fact, sympathoexcitation associated to high blood pressure and
      tachypnea has been described together with baroreflex dysfunction. However, the
      mechanisms underlying the autonomic dysfunction and the interplay between baro-
      and chemoreflex are not yet fully clarified. The angiotensinogenic PVN-NTS axis
      (paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus - nucleus tractus solitarius axis)
      is a particularly important neuronal pathway that could be responsible for the
      autonomic dysfunction and the cardiorespiratory impairment in lead toxicity.
      Within the current work, we addressed in vivo, baro- and chemoreceptor reflex
      behaviour, before and after central angiotensin inhibition, in order to better
      understand the cardiorespiratory autonomic mechanisms underlying the toxic
      effects of long-term lead exposure. For that, arterial pressure, heart rate,
      respiratory rate, sympathetic and parasympathetic activity and baro- and
      chemoreceptor reflex profiles of anaesthetized young adult rats exposed to lead,
      from foetal period to adulthood, were evaluated. Results showed increased
      chemosensitivity together with baroreceptor reflex impairment, sympathetic over
      excitation, hypertension and tachypnea. Chemosensitivity and sympathetic
      overexcitation were reversed towards normality values by NTS treatment with A
      779, an angiotensin (1-7) antagonist. No parasympathetic changes were observed
      before and after A-799 treatment. In conclusion, angiotensin (1-7) at NTS level
      is involved in the autonomic dysfunction observed in lead toxicity. The increased
      sensitivity of chemoreceptor reflex expresses the clear impairment of autonomic
      outflow to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems induced by putative
      persistent, long duration, alert reaction evoked by the long term exposure to
      lead toxic effects. The present study brings new insights on the central
      mechanisms implicated in the autonomic dysfunction induced by lead exposure which
      are relevant for the development of additional therapeutic options to tackle lead
      toxicity symptoms.

PMID- 27133441
TI  - Do vervets and macaques respond differently to BMAA?
AB  - Vervets with chronic dietary exposure to BMAA develop neurofibrillary tangles
      (NFT) and sparse beta-amyloid plaque-like deposits in the brain. Macaques dosed
      via oral gavage with BMAA developed marked neurological signs in the absence of
      cell death. These differences may result from increased vulnerability of macaques
      to BMAA, the higher effective dose they received via oral gavage, and the
      possibility of stable adducts due to the bicarbonate used to neutralize their
      BMAA dose. Confirmation of chromatolysis and cell death in macaque brains was
      visualized using toluidine staining. In contrast, immunological staining with AT8
      and beta-amyloid (1-42) antibodies and thioflavine-S stain in vervet brains
      suggests early stage labeling of neurites and NFT and plaque-like formation in
      the absence of neuronal loss. The lack of neurologic deficits reported in vervets
      is in keeping with early preclinical pathology observed with these
      immunohistochemical methods. BMAA toxicity in vervet brains causes the early
      events that occur in the genesis of neurofibrillary pathology. Taken together,
      these different studies of vervets and macaques demonstrate BMAA toxicity in the
      brain due to chronic exposures. The use of more sensitive immunohistochemical
      methods in the vervet study most likely explains the differences in
      neuropathology reported for vervets and macaques.

PMID- 27133442
TI  - DNP sensitivity of 19 F-NMR signals in hexafluorobenzene depending on polarizing
      agent type.
AB  - Low field dynamic nuclear polarization or low field magnetic double resonance
      technique enables enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance signals to be detected
      without increasing the strength of the polarizing field. The study reports that
      the dynamic nuclear polarization of 19 F nuclei in hexafluorobenzene solutions
      doped with nitroxide, BDPA, MC800 asphaltene and MC30 asphaltene free radicals at
      15 G. The 19 F nuclei in all solutions gave positive DNP enhancements changing
      between 3.42 and 189.54, corresponding to predominantly scalar interactions with
      the unpaired electrons in the radicals. DNP sensitivity of 19 F nuclei in
      hexafluorobenzene was observed to be changed significantly depending on the
      radical type. Nitroxide was found to have the best DNP performance among the
      polarizing agents. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27133443
TI  - A Series of Layered Assemblies of Hydrogen-Bonded, Hexagonal Networks of C3
      Symmetric pi-Conjugated Molecules: A Potential Motif of Porous Organic Materials.
AB  - Hydrogen-bonded porous organic crystals are promising candidates for functional
      organic materials due to their easy construction and flexibility arising from
      reversible bond formation-dissociation. However, it still remains challenging to
      form porous materials with void spaces that are well-controlled in size, shape,
      and multiplicity because even well-designed porous frameworks often fail to
      generate pores within the crystal due to unexpected disruption of hydrogen
      bonding networks or interpenetration of the frameworks. Herein, we demonstrate
      that a series of C3-symmetric pi-conjugated planar molecules (Tp, T12, T18, and
      Ex) with three 4,4'-dicarboxy-o-terphenyl moieties in their periphery can form
      robust hydrogen-bonded hexagonal networks (H-HexNets) with dual or triple pores
      and that the H-HexNets stack without interpenetration to yield a layered assembly
      of H-HexNet (LA-H-HexNet) with accessible volumes up to 59%. Specifically, LA-H
      HexNets of Tp and T12 exhibit high crystallinity and permanent porosity after
      desolvation (activation): SABET = 788 and 557 m(2) g(-1), respectively, based on
      CO2 sorption at 195 K. We believe that the present design principle can be
      applied to construct a wide range of two-dimensional noncovalent organic
      frameworks (2D-nCOFs) and create a pathway to the development of a new class of
      highly porous functional materials.

PMID- 27133444
TI  - Yeast trehalases: Two enzymes, one catalytic mission.

PMID- 27133445
TI  - Interactions of GFAP with ceftriaxone and phenytoin: SRCD and molecular docking
      and dynamic simulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: GFAP is the major intermediate filament protein in mature astrocytes.
      Its increased expression and aggregation was firstly associated to Alexander's
      disease, and successively in different neurological diseases including scrapie,
      Alzheimer's and Creutzfeld-Jacob diseases. Recently, ceftriaxone a multi-potent
      beta-lactam antibiotic able to overcome the blood-brain barrier, successfully
      eliminated the cellular toxic effects of misfolded mutated GFAP, similarly to
      phenytoin sodium, in a cellular model of Alexander's disease and inhibited alpha
      synuclein aggregation protecting PC12 cells from the exposure to 6
      hydroxydopamine. METHODS: In this study, synchrotron radiation circular dichroism
      spectroscopy has been used to obtain structural information about the GFAP
      ceftriaxone (phenytoin) interactions, while computational methods allowed the
      identification of the relevant putative binding site of either ceftriaxone or
      phenytoin on the dimer structure of GFAP, permitting to rationalize the
      spectroscopic experimental results. RESULTS: We found that GFAP exhibited
      enhanced stability upon the addition of two equivalents of each ligands with
      ceftriaxone imparting a more spontaneous interactions and a more ordered complex
      system than phenytoin. CONCLUSIONS: SRCD data and MD models indicate a stronger
      protective effect of ceftriaxone in neurological disorders characterized by an
      increased production and polymerization of GFAP. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This
      result, in addition to our previous works in which we documented that ceftriaxone
      interacts with alpha-synuclein inhibiting its pathological aggregation and that a
      cyclical treatment with this molecule in a patient with adult-onset Alexander's
      disease halted, and partly reversed, the progression of neurodegeneration,
      suggests the possibility of a chaperone-like effect of ceftriaxone on protein
      involved in specific neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27133446
TI  - Pioglitazone inhibits growth of human retinoblastoma cells via regulation of NF
      kappaB inflammation signals.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aimed to study the antitumor effects of the PPARgamma agonist
      pioglitazone on human retinoblastoma. METHODS: The effects of pioglitazone on
      cell proliferation and apoptosis of the human retinoblastoma Y79 cells were
      investigated by MTT assay and Hoechst 33258 staining assay. The apoptosis related
      protein levels were detected by western blot. Inflammationary factors analysis
      was evaluated by western blot and ELISA. The effect of pioglitazone on nuclear
      factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB)-dependent reporter gene transcription induced by LPS
      was analyzed by NF-kappaB-luciferase assay. Then human retinoblastoma Y79 cells
      were subcutaneously transplanted in BALB/c nude mice and the animals were treated
      with pioglitazone to verify its antitumor effect in vivo. RESULTS: Our data
      revealed that pioglitazone suppressed the viability of Y79 cells dose- and time
      dependently and induced apoptosis in Y79 cells in vitro. Molecular biology
      analysis found that pioglitazone could affect the apoptosis and inflammation
      related signal via modulating the activity of NF-kappaB signal. Also we found
      that pioglitazone could markedly reduce the growth of Y79 cells transplanted into
      the mice without causing significant side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggested that pioglitazone demonstrated antitumor activity against the human
      retinoblastoma Y79 cells by inhibiting cell growth, inducing apoptosis and
      modulating NF-kappaB pathway, and thus delayed tumor growth in vivo.

PMID- 27133447
TI  - Intermediate- and long-term follow-up of device closure of patent arterial duct
      with severe pulmonary hypertension: factors predicting outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with large patent arterial ducts and severe pulmonary
      hypertension, the natural history of progression of pulmonary hypertension is
      very variable. Whether to close or not to close is often a difficult decision, as
      there are no established haemodynamic parameters predicting reversibility.
      OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the results of device
      closure of large patent arterial ducts with severe pulmonary hypertension after 2
      years of age and to determine haemodynamic variables associated with its
      regression during long-term follow-up. METHODS: A total of 45 patients, with
      median age of 10 (2-27) years, with large patent arterial ducts and severe
      pulmonary hypertension, were considered. Haemodynamic variables were assessed in
      air, oxygen, and after occlusion. The follow-up was performed to assess
      regression of pulmonary hypertension. RESULTS: Device closure was successful in
      43 (96%) patients. Pulmonary artery systolic and mean pressures decreased from 79
      to 67 mmHg and from 59 to 50 mmHg, respectively (p25% (both in oxygen) (p=0.007).
      CONCLUSIONS: Device closure of large patent arterial ducts with severe pulmonary
      hypertension is safe and effective. Pulmonary vascular resistance index and
      systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressures in oxygen are the key prognostic
      variables predicting regression of pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 27133448
TI  - The use of dimethyl sulfoxide in contact lens disinfectants is a potential
      preventative strategy against contracting Acanthamoeba keratitis.
AB  - Acanthamoeba castellanii is the causative agent of blinding keratitis. Though
      reported in non-contact lens wearers, it is most frequently associated with
      improper use of contact lens. For contact lens wearers, amoebae attachment to the
      lens is a critical first step, followed by amoebae binding to the corneal
      epithelial cells during extended lens wear. Acanthamoeba attachment to surfaces
      (biological or inert) and migration is an active process and occurs during the
      trophozoite stage. Thus retaining amoebae in the cyst stage (dormant form) offers
      an added preventative measure in impeding parasite traversal from the contact
      lens onto the cornea. Here, we showed that as low as 3% DMSO, abolished A.
      castellanii excystation. Based on the findings, it is proposed that DMSO should
      be included in the contact lens disinfectants as an added preventative strategy
      against contracting Acanthamoeba keratitis. 

PMID- 27133449
TI  - A Burkholderia Type VI Effector Deamidates Rho GTPases to Activate the Pyrin
      Inflammasome and Trigger Inflammation.
AB  - Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen of the cystic fibrosis lung
      that elicits a strong inflammatory response. B. cenocepacia employs a type VI
      secretion system (T6SS) to survive in macrophages by disarming Rho-type GTPases,
      causing actin cytoskeletal defects. Here, we identified TecA, a non-VgrG T6SS
      effector responsible for actin disruption. TecA and other bacterial homologs bear
      a cysteine protease-like catalytic triad, which inactivates Rho GTPases by
      deamidating a conserved asparagine in the GTPase switch-I region. RhoA
      deamidation induces caspase-1 inflammasome activation, which is mediated by the
      familial Mediterranean fever disease protein Pyrin. In mouse infection, the
      deamidase activity of TecA is necessary and sufficient for B. cenocepacia
      triggered lung inflammation and also protects mice from lethal B. cenocepacia
      infection. Therefore, Burkholderia TecA is a T6SS effector that modifies a
      eukaryotic target through an asparagine deamidase activity, which in turn elicits
      host cell death and inflammation through activation of the Pyrin inflammasome. 

PMID- 27133450
TI  - Salivary gland malignancies - an update on current management for oral healthcare
      practitioners.
AB  - Salivary gland tumours represent a diverse range of tumours with many
      histological subtypes which occur in major and minor salivary glands. The
      management of these tumours is complex owing to their heterogeneity. Surgery
      together with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy remains the treatment strategy for
      these tumours. The aim of this review is to examine the current management of
      these tumours.

PMID- 27133451
TI  - Youth with type 1 diabetes have worse strain and less pronounced sex differences
      in early echocardiographic markers of diabetic cardiomyopathy compared to their
      normoglycemic peers: A RESistance to InSulin in Type 1 ANd Type 2 diabetes
      (RESISTANT) Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a major cause of morbidity, but limited
      data are available on early cardiac abnormalities in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We
      investigated differences in myocardial strain in adolescents with and without
      T1D. We hypothesized that adolescents with T1D would have worse strain than their
      normoglycemic peers, which boys would have worse strain than girls, and that
      strain would correlate with glycemic control and adipokines. METHODS: We
      performed fasting laboratory measures and echocardiograms with speckle tracking
      to evaluate traditional echocardiographic measures in addition to longitudinal
      (LS) and circumferential (CS) strain, and in adolescents (15+/-2years) with (19
      boys; 22 girls) and without (16 boys; 32 girls) type 1 diabetes. RESULTS:
      Compared to controls, adolescents with type 1 diabetes had significantly lower CS
      (-20.9 vs. -22.7%, p=0.02), but not LS (p=0.83). Boys with T1D had significantly
      lower LS than girls with T1D (-17.5 vs. -19.7%, p=0.047), adjusted for Tanner
      stage. The significant sex differences observed in indexed left ventricular mass,
      left end-diastolic volume, diastolic septal and posterior wall thickness in our
      controls were lacking in adolescents with T1D. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations
      suggest that youth with T1D have worse myocardial strain than normoglycemic
      peers. In addition, the relatively favorable cardiac profile observed in girls
      vs. boys in the control group, was attenuated in T1D. These early cardiovascular
      changes in youth with T1D are concerning and warrant longitudinal and mechanistic
      studies.

PMID- 27133452
TI  - Pioglitazone (Actos) and bladder cancer: Legal system triumphs over the evidence.
AB  - In preclinical studies, pioglitazone was associated with bladder cancer in male
      rats (but not in female rats, mice dogs or monkeys). Because of this association,
      the Federal Drug Administration requested a large 10year epidemiological study to
      evaluate whether there was an association between bladder cancer and exposure to
      pioglitazone in patients. A 5-year interim report published in 2011 showed no
      significant association between ever vs never exposure to the drug but a
      significant association in patients exposed to pioglitazone for >2years.
      Importantly, the final 10year report did not confirm the 5year interim report
      finding no association between bladder cancer and pioglitazone, even after
      >4years of exposure to the drug. However, as would be expected, following the 5
      year interim report, many epidemiological studies were carried out and civil
      litigation lawsuits began to be filed. Of the 23 epidemiological studies that
      have been published to date, 18 showed no association between bladder cancer and
      pioglitazone (5 with a combination of rosiglitazone and pioglitazone). Of the
      five that did show a significant association with pioglitazone, three could not
      be confirmed in the same population and in one of them there were significantly
      more risk factors for bladder cancer in the patients exposed to pioglitazone. In
      the fourth one, a significant association became non-significant when patients
      >79years were included. In the fifth one, detection bias was a major flaw.
      Currently, >11,000 legal cases have been filed, many of which claim emotional
      distress due to the fear of bladder cancer. To limit their legal costs, the
      pharmaceutical company has established a 2.4 billion dollar settlement pool. So
      much for evidence-based medicine.

PMID- 27133453
TI  - Hydrophobic Silica Nanoparticles Induce Gel Phases in Phospholipid Monolayers.
AB  - Silica nanoparticles (SiNP) can be incorporated in phospholipid layers to form
      hybrid organic-inorganic bidimensional mesostructures. Controlling the dynamics
      in these mesostructures paves the way to high-performance drug-delivery systems.
      Depending on the different hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of SiNP, recent X-ray
      reflectivity experiments have demonstrated opposite structural effects. While
      these are reasonably well understood, less is known about the effects on the
      dynamics, which in turn determine molecular diffusivity and the possibility of
      drug release. In this work we characterize the dynamics of a mixed Langmuir layer
      made of phospholipid and hydrophobic SiNP. We combine X-ray photon correlation
      spectroscopy and epifluorescence discrete Fourier microscopy to cover more than 2
      decades of Q-range (0.3-80 MUm(-1)). We obtain evidence for the onset of an
      arrested state characterized by intermittent stress-relaxation rearrangement
      events, corresponding to a gel dominated by attractive interactions. We compare
      this with our previous results from phospholipid/hydrophilic SiNP films, which
      show an arrested glassy phase of repulsive disks.

PMID- 27133454
TI  - How Local Annular Force and Collagen Density Govern Mitral Annuloplasty Ring
      Dehiscence Risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Annuloplasty ring dehiscence is a well described mode of mitral valve
      repair failure. Defining the mechanisms underlying dehiscence may facilitate its
      prevention. METHODS: Factors that govern suture dehiscence were examined with an
      ovine model. After undersized ring annuloplasty in live animals (n = 5), cyclic
      force (FC) that acts on sutures during cardiac contraction was measured with
      custom transducers. FC was measured at ten suture positions, throughout cardiac
      cycles with peak left ventricular pressure (LVPmax) of 100, 125, and 150 mm Hg.
      Suture pullout testing was conducted on explanted mitral annuli (n = 12) to
      determine suture holding strength at each position. Finally, relative collagen
      density differences at suture sites around the annulus were assessed by two
      photon excitation fluoroscopy. RESULTS: Anterior FC exceeded posterior FC at each
      LVPmax (eg, 2.8 +/- 1.3 N versus 1.8 +/- 1.2 N at LVPmax = 125 mm Hg, p < 0.01).
      Anterior holding strength exceeded posterior holding strength (6.4 +/- 3.6 N
      versus 3.9 +/- 1.6 N, p < 0.0001). On the basis of FC at LVPmax of 150 mm Hg,
      margin of safety before suture pullout was vastly higher between the trigones
      (exclusive) versus elsewhere (4.8 +/- 0.9 N versus 1.9 +/- 0.5 N, p < 0.001).
      Margin of safety exhibited strong correlation to collagen density (R(2) = 0.947).
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite lower cyclic loading on posterior sutures, the weaker
      posterior mitral annular tissue creates higher risk of dehiscence, apparently
      because of reduced collagen content. Sutures placed atop the trigones are less
      secure than predicted, because of a combination of reduced collagen and higher
      overall rigidity in this region. These findings highlight the inter-trigonal
      tissue as the superior anchor and have implications on the design and
      implantation techniques for next-generation mitral prostheses.

PMID- 27133455
TI  - Associations between physical activity and health-related fitness - volume versus
      pattern.
AB  - Approximately 3.2 million people die of non-communicable diseases (NCD) each year
      due to insufficient physical activity. Physical activity guidelines are possibly
      perceived as too demanding and might thus pose a barrier. We addressed the
      question if a more stable physical activity pattern is associated with higher
      levels of health-related fitness than one with high and low intensities,
      regardless of the physical activity level (PAL). Physical activity was
      objectively measured in 296 men and women (53.7 +/- 8.94 years) with the
      SenseWear Pro Armband(r). Using this data, the PAL and a Gini index were
      calculated to report the physical activity pattern. Health-related fitness was
      expressed as a fitness index. PAL was weakly correlated to health-related fitness
      (r = 0.38, P < .0001). The Gini index was also weakly correlated to the fitness
      index (r = 0.23, P < .0001). Results of the ANCOVA showed that participants in
      the first quartile of PAL always scored significantly lower for health-related
      fitness than participants in quartile four, after adjustment for the Gini index.
      These results suggest that as long as the volume of physical activity is high,
      health-related fitness will be high as well, independent of the physical activity
      pattern or variability in intensities throughout the day.

PMID- 27133456
TI  - A double-layer patch design for local and controlled drug delivery as an
      intraoperative custom-made implant-coating technology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The specific biological need of patients frequently becomes obvious
      just in the intraoperative setting. We hypothesized that a double-layer patch
      approach that allowed rapid attachment to an implant surface would represent a
      potential solution for technically challenging intraoperative personalized local
      drug delivery. METHODS: Dexamethasone-loaded poly[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide]
      (PLGA) microparticles were embedded within a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) patch that
      was attached to metal implant surfaces by in situ polymerization of alkyl-2
      cyanoacrylates (CAs). Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were also embedded in the
      PVA patch. RESULTS: Very rapid dexamethasone-release profiles were observed from
      the PLGA microparticles / PVA patches. The incorporation of HA nanoparticles into
      the PVA enabled control of CA penetration within the patch, and improved
      significantly its attachment, while no interference with the drug release was
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: Double-layered patches with 1 layer for drug delivery and
      1 as gluing interface could represent a solution for safe and controlled local
      drug delivery from implant surfaces or other, even biological, materials. The
      technology platform presented here opens the opportunity for personalized
      medicine by allowing local administration of drugs with customized release based
      on an intraoperative application.

PMID- 27133457
TI  - HS-SPME-GC-MS/MS Method for the Rapid and Sensitive Quantitation of 2-Acetyl-1
      pyrroline in Single Rice Kernels.
AB  - Demand for aromatic rice varieties (e.g., Basmati) is increasing in the US.
      Aromatic varieties typically have elevated levels of the aroma compound 2-acetyl
      1-pyrroline (2AP). Due to its very low aroma threshold, analysis of 2AP provides
      a useful screening tool for rice breeders. Methods for 2AP analysis in rice
      should quantitate 2AP at or below sensory threshold level, avoid artifactual 2AP
      generation, and be able to analyze single rice kernels in cases where only small
      sample quantities are available (e.g., breeding trials). We combined headspace
      solid phase microextraction with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HS
      SPME-GC-MS/MS) for analysis of 2AP, using an extraction temperature of 40 
      degrees C and a stable isotopologue as internal standard. 2AP calibrations were
      linear between the concentrations of 53 and 5380 pg/g, with detection limits
      below the sensory threshold of 2AP. Forty-eight aromatic and nonaromatic, milled
      rice samples from three harvest years were screened with the method for their 2AP
      content, and overall reproducibility, observed for all samples, ranged from 5%
      for experimental aromatic lines to 33% for nonaromatic lines. 

PMID- 27133458
TI  - Prevalence of General Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in the Spanish Adult
      Population (Aged 25-64 Years) 2014-2015: The ENPE Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: According to the 2013 analysis of the Institute of
      Health Metrics, high body mass index values are the most important risk factor
      for disease in Spain. Consequently, we describe the prevalence of total obesity
      and abdominal obesity in the Spanish adult population (25-64 years) for 2014
      2015. METHODS: The sample was taken from the ENPE study, a cross-sectional study
      with a representative sample of the noninstitutionalized population (n = 6800)
      carried out between May 2014 and May 2015. This analysis refers to the population
      between age 25 and 64 years (n = 3966). The anthropometric measurements were
      performed by trained observers at participants' homes according to standard
      international protocols. Body mass index >= 25 was defined as overweight and >=
      30 as obesity. Abdominal obesity was classified as waist > 102 cm in men and > 88
      cm in women. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of overweight in the Spanish adult
      population (25-64 years) was 39.3% 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 35.7%-42.9%).
      The prevalence of general obesity was 21.6% (95%CI, 19.0%-24.2%) and, more
      specifically, was 22.8% (95%CI, 20.6%-25.0%) among men and 20.5% (95%CI, 18.5%
      22.5%) among women, and rose with age. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was
      estimated at 33.4% (95%CI, 31.1%-35.7%) and was higher among women (43.3%; 95%CI,
      41.1%-45.8%) than among men (23.3%; 95%CI, 20.9%-25.5%), and also rose with age.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of general obesity and abdominal obesity in Spain is
      high, although the distribution differs according to autonomous community. A
      comparison with earlier data reveals a considerable increase in overweight,
      indicating the need for routine monitoring and comprehensive initiatives.

PMID- 27133459
TI  - Cor Medusae: Giant Coronary Arteriovenous Fistula.

PMID- 27133460
TI  - Assuring high-quality evidence reviews for chemical risk assessment: Five lessons
      from guest editing the first environmental health journal special issue dedicated
      to systematic review.

PMID- 27133461
TI  - Calibration and seasonal adjustment for matched case-control studies of vitamin D
      and cancer.
AB  - Vitamin D measurements are influenced by seasonal variation and specific assay
      used. Motivated by multicenter studies of associations of vitamin D with cancer,
      we formulated an analytic framework for matched case-control data that accounts
      for seasonal variation and calibrates to a reference assay. Calibration data were
      obtained from controls sampled within decile strata of the uncalibrated vitamin D
      values. Seasonal sine-cosine series were fit to control data. Practical findings
      included the following: (1) failure to adjust for season and calibrate increased
      variance, bias, and mean square error and (2) analysis of continuous vitamin D
      requires a variance adjustment for variation in the calibration estimate. An
      advantage of the continuous linear risk model is that results are independent of
      the reference date for seasonal adjustment. (3) For categorical risk models,
      procedures based on categorizing the seasonally adjusted and calibrated vitamin D
      have near nominal operating characteristics; estimates of log odds ratios are not
      robust to choice of seasonal reference date, however. Thus, public health
      recommendations based on categories of vitamin D should also define the time of
      year to which they refer. This work supports the use of simple methods for
      calibration and seasonal adjustment and is informing analytic approaches for the
      multicenter Vitamin D Pooling Project for Breast and Colorectal Cancer. Published
      2016. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their
      work is in the public domain in the USA.

PMID- 27133462
TI  - Network Homeostasis and State Dynamics of Neocortical Sleep.
AB  - Sleep exerts many effects on mammalian forebrain networks, including homeostatic
      effects on both synaptic strengths and firing rates. We used large-scale
      recordings to examine the activity of neurons in the frontal cortex of rats and
      first observed that the distribution of pyramidal cell firing rates was wide and
      strongly skewed toward high firing rates. Moreover, neurons from different parts
      of that distribution were differentially modulated by sleep substates. Periods of
      nonREM sleep reduced the activity of high firing rate neurons and tended to
      upregulate firing of slow-firing neurons. By contrast, the effect of REM was to
      reduce firing rates across the entire rate spectrum. Microarousals, interspersed
      within nonREM epochs, increased firing rates of slow-firing neurons. The net
      result of sleep was to homogenize the firing rate distribution. These findings
      are at variance with current homeostatic models and provide a novel view of sleep
      in adjusting network excitability.

PMID- 27133463
TI  - Protons Regulate Vesicular Glutamate Transporters through an Allosteric
      Mechanism.
AB  - The quantal nature of synaptic transmission requires a mechanism to transport
      neurotransmitter into synaptic vesicles without promoting non-vesicular efflux
      across the plasma membrane. Indeed, the vesicular transport of most classical
      transmitters involves a mechanism of H(+) exchange, which restricts flux to
      acidic membranes such as synaptic vesicles. However, vesicular transport of the
      principal excitatory transmitter glutamate depends primarily on membrane
      potential, which would drive non-vesicular efflux, and the role of protons is
      unclear. Adapting electrophysiology to record currents associated with the
      vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs), we characterize a chloride conductance
      that is gated by lumenal protons and chloride and supports glutamate uptake.
      Rather than coupling stoichiometrically to glutamate flux, lumenal protons and
      chloride allosterically activate vesicular glutamate transport. Gating by protons
      serves to inhibit what would otherwise be substantial non-vesicular glutamate
      efflux at the plasma membrane, thereby restricting VGLUT activity to synaptic
      vesicles.

PMID- 27133464
TI  - Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptors Mediate a Cell Type-Specific Plasticity in the
      Hippocampus.
AB  - Endocannabinoids (eCBs) exert major control over neuronal activity by activating
      cannabinoid receptors (CBRs). The functionality of the eCB system is primarily
      ascribed to the well-documented retrograde activation of presynaptic CB1Rs. We
      find that action potential-driven eCB release leads to a long-lasting membrane
      potential hyperpolarization in hippocampal principal cells that is independent of
      CB1Rs. The hyperpolarization, which is specific to CA3 and CA2 pyramidal cells
      (PCs), depends on the activation of neuronal CB2Rs, as shown by a combined
      pharmacogenetic and immunohistochemical approach. Upon activation, they modulate
      the activity of the sodium-bicarbonate co-transporter, leading to a
      hyperpolarization of the neuron. CB2R activation occurred in a purely self
      regulatory manner, robustly altered the input/output function of CA3 PCs, and
      modulated gamma oscillations in vivo. To conclude, we describe a cell type
      specific plasticity mechanism in the hippocampus that provides evidence for the
      neuronal expression of CB2Rs and emphasizes their importance in basic neuronal
      transmission.

PMID- 27133465
TI  - Functional Properties of Dendritic Gap Junctions in Cerebellar Golgi Cells.
AB  - The strength and variability of electrical synaptic connections between GABAergic
      interneurons are key determinants of spike synchrony within neuronal networks.
      However, little is known about how electrical coupling strength is determined due
      to the inaccessibility of gap junctions on the dendritic tree. We investigated
      the properties of gap junctions in cerebellar interneurons by combining paired
      somato-somatic and somato-dendritic recordings, anatomical reconstructions,
      immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and modeling. By fitting detailed
      compartmental models of Golgi cells to their somato-dendritic voltage responses,
      we determined their passive electrical properties and the mean gap junction
      conductance (0.9 nS). Connexin36 immunofluorescence and freeze-fracture replica
      immunogold labeling revealed a large variability in gap junction size and that
      only 18% of the 340 channels are open in each plaque. Our results establish that
      the number of gap junctions per connection is the main determinant of both the
      strength and variability in electrical coupling between Golgi cells.

PMID- 27133466
TI  - Transsynaptic Modulation of Kainate Receptor Functions by C1q-like Proteins.
AB  - Postsynaptic kainate-type glutamate receptors (KARs) regulate synaptic network
      activity through their slow channel kinetics, most prominently at mossy fiber
      (MF)-CA3 synapses in the hippocampus. Nevertheless, how KARs cluster and function
      at these synapses has been unclear. Here, we show that C1q-like proteins C1ql2
      and C1ql3, produced by MFs, serve as extracellular organizers to recruit
      functional postsynaptic KAR complexes to the CA3 pyramidal neurons. C1ql2 and
      C1ql3 specifically bound the amino-terminal domains of postsynaptic GluK2 and
      GluK4 KAR subunits and the presynaptic neurexin 3 containing a specific sequence
      in vitro. In C1ql2/3 double-null mice, CA3 synaptic responses lost the slow, KAR
      mediated components. Furthermore, despite induction of MF sprouting in a temporal
      lobe epilepsy model, KARs were not recruited to postsynaptic sites in C1ql2/3
      double-null mice, leading to reduced recurrent circuit activities. C1q family
      proteins, broadly expressed, are likely to modulate KAR function throughout the
      brain and represent promising antiepileptic targets.

PMID- 27133467
TI  - Estimation of the leucine and histidine requirements for piglets fed a low
      protein diet.
AB  - Reduction of the CP content in the diets of piglets requires supplementation with
      crystalline essential amino acids (AA). Data on the leucine (Leu) and histidine
      (His) requirements of young pigs fed low-CP diets are limited and have primarily
      been obtained from nonlinear models. However, these models do not consider the
      possible decline in appetite and growth that can occur when pigs are fed
      excessive amounts of AA such as Leu. Therefore, two dose-response studies were
      conducted to estimate the standardised ileal digestible (SID) Leu : lysine (Lys)
      and His : Lys required to optimise the growth performance of young pigs. In both
      studies, the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and gain
      to-feed ratio (G : F) were determined during a 6-week period. To ensure that the
      diets had sub-limiting Lys levels, a preliminary Lys dose-response study was
      conducted. In the Leu study, 60 35-day-old piglets of both sexes were randomly
      assigned to one of five treatments and fed a low-CP diet (15%) with SID Leu : Lys
      levels of 83%, 94%, 104%, 115% or 125%. The His study used 120 31-day-old piglets
      of both sexes, which were allotted to one of five treatments and fed a low-CP
      diet (14%) with SID His : Lys levels of 22%, 26%, 30%, 34% or 38%. Linear broken
      line, curvilinear-plateau and quadratic-function models were used for estimations
      of SID Leu : Lys and SID His : Lys. The minimum SID Leu : Lys level needed to
      maximise ADG, ADFI and G : F was, on average, 101% based on the linear broken
      line and curvilinear-plateau models. Using the quadratic-function model, the
      minimum SID Leu : Lys level needed to maximise ADG, ADFI and G : F was 108%. Data
      obtained from the quadratic-function analysis further showed that a +/-10%
      deviation from the identified Leu requirement was accompanied by a small decline
      in the ADG (-3%). The minimum SID His : Lys level needed to maximise ADG, ADFI
      and G : F was 27% and 28% using the linear broken-line and curvilinear-plateau
      models, respectively, and 33% using the quadratic-function model. The preferred
      model to estimate the His requirement was the curvilinear-plateau model. However,
      a 10% reduction in the SID His : Lys level was associated with an 11% reduction
      in the ADG. In conclusion, the SID Leu : Lys level needed to maximise growth was
      108% when using the quadratic-function model as the best-fitting model. The
      minimum SID His : Lys level required to optimise growth was 28% when using the
      curvilinear-plateau model as the best-fitting model.

PMID- 27133468
TI  - Data-driven analysis of simultaneous EEG/fMRI reveals neurophysiological
      phenotypes of impulse control.
AB  - Response inhibition is the ability to suppress inadequate but prepotent or
      ongoing response tendencies. A fronto-striatal network is involved in these
      processes. Between-subject differences in the intra-individual variability have
      been suggested to constitute a key to pathological processes underlying impulse
      control disorders. Single-trial EEG/fMRI analysis allows to increase sensitivity
      for inter-individual differences by incorporating intra-individual variability.
      Thirty-eight healthy subjects performed a visual Go/Nogo task during simultaneous
      EEG/fMRI. Of 38 healthy subjects, 21 subjects reliably showed Nogo-related ICs
      (Nogo-IC-positive) while 17 subjects (Nogo-IC-negative) did not. Comparing both
      groups revealed differences on various levels: On trait level, Nogo-IC-negative
      subjects scored higher on questionnaires regarding attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder; on a behavioral level, they displayed slower
      response times (RT) and higher intra-individual RT variability while both groups
      did not differ in their inhibitory performance. On the neurophysiological level,
      Nogo-IC-negative subjects showed a hyperactivation of left inferior frontal
      cortex/insula and left putamen as well as significantly reduced P3 amplitudes.
      Thus, a data-driven approach for IC classification and the resulting presence or
      absence of early Nogo-specific ICs as criterion for group selection revealed
      group differences at behavioral and neurophysiological levels. This may indicate
      electrophysiological phenotypes characterized by inter-individual variations of
      neural and behavioral correlates of impulse control. We demonstrated that the
      inter-individual difference in an electrophysiological correlate of response
      inhibition is correlated with distinct, potentially compensatory neural activity.
      This may suggest the existence of electrophysiologically dissociable phenotypes
      of behavioral and neural motor response inhibition with the Nogo-IC-positive
      phenotype possibly providing protection against impulsivity-related dysfunction.
      Hum Brain Mapp 37:3114-3136, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27133470
TI  - Transcriptomic signatures decode Th17 cell pathogenicity.

PMID- 27133469
TI  - Substance use in individuals with mild to borderline intellectual disability: A
      comparison between self-report, collateral-report and biomarker analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Individuals with mild or borderline intellectual disability
      (MBID) are at risk of substance use (SU). At present, it is unclear which
      strategy is the best for assessing SU in individuals with MBID. This study
      compares three strategies, namely self-report, collateral-report, and biomarker
      analysis. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: In a sample of 112 participants with MBID from
      six Dutch facilities providing care to individuals with intellectual
      disabilities, willingness to participate, SU rates, and agreement between the
      three strategies were explored. The Substance use and misuse in Intellectual
      Disability - Questionnaire (SumID-Q; self-report) assesses lifetime use, use in
      the previous month, and recent use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and stimulants.
      The Substance use and misuse in Intellectual Disability - Collateral-report
      questionnaire (SumID-CR; collateral-report) assesses staff members' report of
      participants' SU over the same reference periods as the SumID-Q. Biomarkers for
      SU, such as cotinine (metabolite of nicotine), ethanol, tetrahydrocannabinol
      (THC), and its metabolite THCCOOH, benzoylecgonine (metabolite of cocaine), and
      amphetamines were assessed in urine, hair, and sweat patches. RESULTS:
      Willingness to provide biomarker samples was significantly lower compared to
      willingness to complete the SumID-Q (p<0.001). Most participants reported
      smoking, drinking alcohol, and using cannabis at least once in their lives, and
      about a fifth had ever used stimulants. Collateralreported lifetime use was
      significantly lower. However, self-reported past month and recent SU rates did
      not differ significantly from the rates from collateral-reports or biomarkers,
      with the exception of lower alcohol use rates found in biomarker analysis. The
      agreement between self-report and biomarker analysis was substantial (kappas 0.60
      0.89), except for alcohol use (kappa 0.06). Disagreement between SumID-Q and
      biomarkers concerned mainly over-reporting of the SumID-Q. The agreement between
      SumID-CR and biomarker analysis was moderate to substantial (kappas 0.48 - 0.88),
      again with the exception of alcohol (kappa 0.02). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
      In this study, the three strategies that were used to assess SU in individuals
      with MBID differed significantly in participation rates, but not in SU rates.
      Several explanations for the better-than-expected performance of self- and
      collateral-reports are presented. We conclude that for individuals with MBID,
      self-report combined with collateralreport can be used to assess current SU, and
      this combination may contribute to collaborative, early intervention efforts to
      reduce SU and its related harms in this vulnerable group.

PMID- 27133471
TI  - Myeloid-derived suppressor cells promote B-cell production of IgA in a TNFR2
      dependent manner.
AB  - Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are well known for their capacity to
      suppress antitumor T-cell responses, but their effects on B-cell function and
      antibody production remain unclear. Here, we found that MDSCs that accumulated
      around the germinal center in the spleen of tumor-bearing mice co-located with B
      cells. In the presence of MDSCs, the antibody reaction to a surrogate antigen was
      significantly enhanced in mice, especially the immunoglobulin (Ig)A subtype. Co
      culture with MDSCs promoted both proliferation and differentiation of B cells
      into IgA-producing plasma cells in vitro. Interestingly, the cross talk between
      MDSCs and B cells required cell-cell contact. MDSCs from tumor necrosis factor
      receptor (TNFR) 2-/- mice, but not from TNFR1-/- mice, failed to promote B-cell
      responses. Further investigation suggested that interleukin-10 and transforming
      growth factor-beta1 were crucial for the MDSC-mediated promotion of IgA
      responses. These results demonstrate a novel mechanism of MDSC-mediated immune
      regulation during tumor growth.

PMID- 27133472
TI  - Poly-gamma-glutamic acid from Bacillus subtilis upregulates pro-inflammatory
      cytokines while inhibiting NLRP3, NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasome activation.
AB  - Poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) is a natural, edible and non-toxic polymer
      synthesized by Bacillus subtilis and is suggested as a safe biomaterial for the
      use in hydrogels and vaccine adjuvants. However, the effect of gamma-PGA on
      inflammasome activation has not yet been studied in macrophages. Inflammasomes,
      which are intracellular multi-protein complexes, promote acute and chronic
      inflammation via interleukin-1beta or interleukin-18 maturation, and they are
      known targets for metabolic syndromes and cancer. In this study, we observed that
      gamma-PGA attenuated NLRP3, NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasome activation, whereas it
      upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in human and murine macrophages.
      Although gamma-PGA had conflicting effects on cytokine production and maturation,
      it clearly alleviated the severity of lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxin shock
      in an animal model. Thus, we suggest gamma-PGA as a candidate to control
      inflammasome-mediated disorders.

PMID- 27133473
TI  - NPR-9 regulates the innate immune response in Caenorhabditis elegans by
      antagonizing the activity of AIB interneurons.
AB  - npr-9 encodes a homologue of the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) and is
      expressed in AIB interneurons. In this study, we investigated the role of NPR-9
      in the neuronal control of innate immunity using the model system Caenorhabditis
      elegans. After exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14, npr-9(tm1652) mutants
      showed resistance to infection, decreased PA14 colonization and increased
      expression of immunity-related genes. Nematodes overexpressing NPR-9 exhibited
      increased susceptibility to infection, increased PA14 colonization and reduced
      expression of immunity-related genes. In nematodes, ChR2-mediated AIB interneuron
      activation strengthened the innate immune response and decreased PA14
      colonization. Overexpression of NPR-9 suppressed the innate immune response and
      increased PA14 colonization in nematodes with the activation of AIB interneurons
      mediated by ChR2 or by expressing pkc-1(gf) in AIB interneurons. We, therefore,
      hypothesize that NPR-9 regulates the innate immune response by antagonizing the
      activity of AIB interneurons. Furthermore, expression of GRPR, the human
      homologue of NPR-9, could largely mimic NPR-9 function by regulating innate
      immunity in nematodes. Our results provide insight into the pivotal role of
      interneurons in controlling innate immunity and the complex biological functions
      of GRPRs.

PMID- 27133474
TI  - Natural variation of sucrose, glucose and fructose contents in Colombian
      genotypes of Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja at harvest.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Potato frying quality is a complex trait influenced by sugar content
      in tubers. Good frying quality requires low content of reducing sugars to avoid
      the formation of dark pigments. Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja is a valuable
      genetic resource for breeding and for genetic studies. The sugar content after
      harvest was analyzed in a germplasm collection of Group Phureja to contribute to
      the understanding of the natural variation of this trait. RESULTS: Sucrose,
      glucose and fructose genotypic mean values ranged from 6.39 to 29.48 g kg(-1)
      tuber dry weight (DW), from 0.46 to 28.04 g kg(-1) tuber DW and from 0.29 to
      27.23 g kg(-1) tuber DW, respectively. Glucose/fructose and sucrose/reducing
      sugars ratios ranged from 1.01 to 6.67 mol mol(-1) and from 0.15 to 7.78 mol mol(
      1) , respectively. Five clusters of genotypes were recognized, three of them with
      few genotypes and extreme phenotypic values. CONCLUSION: Sugar content showed a
      wide variation, representing the available variability useful for potato
      breeding. The results provide a quantitative approach to analyze the frying
      quality trait and are consistent with frying color. The analyzed germplasm
      presents extreme phenotypes, which will contribute to the understanding of the
      genetic basis of this trait. (c) 2016 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food
      and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of
      Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27133479
TI  - The extent of atherosclerotic lesions in crural arteries predicts survival of
      patients with lower limb peripheral artery disease: A new classification of
      crural atherosclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several studies report correlation of ankle brachial index
      (ABI) values and mortality. However, no studies exist on the predictive value of
      anatomical distribution of atherosclerotic lesions and the extent of
      atherosclerosis at defined arterial segments on life expectancy. The aim of the
      present study was to evaluate the significance of both extent and localisation of
      atherosclerotic lesions to mid-term patient survival. METHODS: Digital
      subtraction angiography (DSA) images of 887 consecutive patients admitted to the
      Department of Vascular Surgery at Turku University Hospital (Turku, Finland) were
      retrospectively analysed. Each angiography was classified according to the TASC
      II classification for aorto-iliac and femoro-popliteal segments, and a similar
      four-grade index was created for crural arteries. Patients were followed until 36
      months post DSA. RESULTS: During 36-month follow-up 295 (33%) deaths occurred.
      Death during follow-up was strongly associated with extensive crural disease, but
      not with extensive proximal disease (Crural Index III-IV, p = 0.044 and < 0.001,
      respectively). In a Cox regression analysis incorporating baseline variables,
      Crural Index IV and most severe atherosclerosis on crural vessels were the
      strongest predictors of poor prognosis (HR 2.20 95% CI 1.3-3.7, p = 0.003 and HR
      2.45 95% CI 1.5-4.0, p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of crural
      atherosclerosis is independently associated with poor mid term life expectancy.
      Therefore, a classification of the extent of crural atherosclerosis could serve
      as an indicator of mortality among PAD patients and aid in clinical decision
      making.

PMID- 27133480
TI  - Is increased arterial stiffness a cause or consequence of atherosclerosis?

PMID- 27133481
TI  - Synthesis and optimization of N-heterocyclic pyridinones as catechol-O
      methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors.
AB  - A series of N-heterocyclic pyridinone catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
      inhibitors were synthesized. Physicochemical properties, including ligand
      lipophilic efficiency (LLE) and clogP, were used to guide compound design and
      attempt to improve inhibitor pharmacokinetics. Incorporation of heterocyclic
      central rings provided improvements in physicochemical parameters but did not
      significantly reduce in vitro or in vivo clearance. Nevertheless, compound 11 was
      identified as a potent inhibitor with sufficient in vivo exposure to
      significantly affect the dopamine metabolites homovanillic acid (HVA) and
      dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and indicate central COMT inhibition.

PMID- 27133482
TI  - Structure-based optimization and derivatization of 2-substituted quinolone-based
      non-nucleoside HCV NS5B inhibitors with submicromolar cellular replicon potency.
AB  - HCV NS5B polymerase is an attractive and validated target for anti-HCV therapy.
      Starting from our previously identified 2-aryl quinolones as novel non-nucleoside
      NS5B polymerase inhibitors, structure-based optimization furnished 2-alkyl-N
      benzyl quinolones with improved antiviral potency by employing privileged
      fragment hybridization strategy. The N-(4-chlorobenzyl)-2
      (methoxymethyl)quinolone derivative 5f proved to be the best compound of this
      series, exhibiting a selective sub-micromolar antiviral effect (EC50=0.4MUM,
      SI=10.8) in Huh7.5.1 cells carrying a HCV genotype 2a. Considering the
      undesirable pharmacokinetic property of the highly substituted quinolones, a
      novel chemotype of 1,6-naphthyridine-4,5-diones were evolved via scaffold
      hopping, affording brand new structure HCV inhibitors with compound 6h (EC50
      (gt2a)=2.5MUM, SI=7.2) as a promising hit. Molecular modeling studies suggest
      that both of 2-alkyl quinolones and 1,6-naphthyridine-4,5-diones function as HCV
      NS5B thumb pocket II inhibitors.

PMID- 27133483
TI  - Synthesis of N-1', N-3'-disubstituted spirohydantoins and their anticonvulsant
      activities in pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - Herein we report the synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of a library of
      eighteen new compounds that are structural mimics of phenytoin. These class of
      compounds contain a N-1', N-3'-disubstituted spirohydantoin scaffold, where the N
      1' and N-3' positions are modified with an alkyl group or aryl group. Of the
      eighteen compounds synthesized and tested, compound 5c showed the best
      anticonvulsant activity. It completely prevented the precursor events of motor
      seizure in the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Additionally, ten of
      the analogs were more effective than phenytoin when compared using the Racine's
      score in the pilocarpine model. Based on the structure activity relationship
      (SAR), we concluded that alkyl groups (ethyl, propyl or cyclopropyl) at N-3'
      position and 4-nitro phenyl group at N-1' position are desirable.

PMID- 27133485
TI  - The History of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Rheumatology.
AB  - The rheumatology community began incorporating patient-reported outcomes in the
      early 1980s, helping shift the care of chronic diseases from a narrower
      biomedical model to a broader biopsychosocial model of health. Early efforts were
      focused primarily in clinical trials and clinical research, but over the last
      decade there has been increasing use in routine rheumatology clinical care. More
      than 250 valid and reliable scales to assess domains of importance to patients
      with rheumatic conditions have been developed. The approach to measurement
      continues to be refined. Rheumatology has much to be proud of in contributions to
      the important field of patient-reported outcomes.

PMID- 27133486
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AB  - Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and their measures have a long and important
      history for determining the status and treatment of patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA). This article describes the history and evolution of PROs for RA
      and the current state of the field, with key examples of accepted and widely used
      measures, and offers some reflection on the roles of PROs for the study and
      management of RA.

PMID- 27133484
TI  - RNA-binding proteins in eye development and disease: implication of conserved RNA
      granule components.
AB  - The molecular biology of metazoan eye development is an area of intense
      investigation. These efforts have led to the surprising recognition that although
      insect and vertebrate eyes have dramatically different structures, the orthologs
      or family members of several conserved transcription and signaling regulators
      such as Pax6, Six3, Prox1, and Bmp4 are commonly required for their development.
      In contrast, our understanding of posttranscriptional regulation in eye
      development and disease, particularly regarding the function of RNA-binding
      proteins (RBPs), is limited. We examine the present knowledge of RBPs in eye
      development in the insect model Drosophila as well as several vertebrate models
      such as fish, frog, chicken, and mouse. Interestingly, of the 42 RBPs that have
      been investigated for their expression or function in vertebrate eye development,
      24 (~60%) are recognized in eukaryotic cells as components of RNA granules such
      as processing bodies, stress granules, or other specialized ribonucleoprotein
      (RNP) complexes. We discuss the distinct developmental and cellular events that
      may necessitate potential RBP/RNA granule-associated RNA regulon models to
      facilitate posttranscriptional control of gene expression in eye morphogenesis.
      In support of these hypotheses, three RBPs and RNP/RNA granule components Tdrd7,
      Caprin2, and Stau2 are linked to ocular developmental defects such as congenital
      cataract, Peters anomaly, and microphthalmia in human patients or animal models.
      We conclude by discussing the utility of interdisciplinary approaches such as the
      bioinformatics tool iSyTE (integrated Systems Tool for Eye gene discovery) to
      prioritize RBPs for deriving posttranscriptional regulatory networks in eye
      development and disease. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:527-557. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1355 For
      further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 27133487
TI  - Patient-Reported Measures of Physical Function in Knee Osteoarthritis.
AB  - Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of an array of functional limitations in
      older adults, and the accurate assessment of such limitations is critical for
      practicing clinicians and scientists. Patient-reported measures are a valuable
      resource to track the type and severity of limitation, although the psychometric
      performance of each instrument should be thoroughly evaluated before adoption.
      This article reviews the validity, reliability, sensitivity to change, and
      responsiveness of 3 patient-reported measures of physical function: the Western
      Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Knee Injury and
      Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement
      Information System Physical Function scale.

PMID- 27133488
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
AB  - Successful management of complex conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus
      (SLE) and comorbid conditions benefit from patient-reported outcomes (PRO).
      Measuring health-related quality of life with PROs provides SLE patients with an
      opportunity to participate in their treatment and to facilitate better
      communication with the multidisciplinary team involved in their care. Health
      outcomes research has produced well-validated instruments that can be used across
      diseases; others have been specifically developed for SLE. The use of generic and
      SLE-specific PROs depends on needs, including population monitoring, treatment
      decision making, clinical trials research, and for evaluating and comparing the
      effect of therapies.

PMID- 27133490
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcomes in Axial Spondyloarthritis.
AB  - Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), a subtype of spondyloarthritis, is a
      debilitating inflammatory condition involving the spinal and sacroiliac joints,
      contributing to a significant diminution in quality of life. Historically,
      characterization of patient outcomes in axSpA has been a challenge due to the
      lack of data from longitudinal epidemiologic studies and the nonspecific nature
      of inflammatory laboratory markers to monitor disease activity. In this review,
      measures developed to address these clinical domains are discussed and compared,
      of which 3 are commonly used in diagnosis and therapeutic planning. Provider data
      regarding utilization of these measures are also included to clarify current
      clinical practice trends.

PMID- 27133489
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcomes in Psoriatic Arthritis.
AB  - Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures are an important component to assessing
      disease impact and therapy response in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
      Overall, there are few PsA-specific PROs. Most PROs used in PsA are borrowed from
      other diseases (eg, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis) or general
      population PROs. PROs are used in PsA clinical trials and in the clinical
      management of PsA. In this review, we discuss the most commonly used PRO in PsA,
      including their inclusion in composite measures. Future studies may be helpful to
      determine the best performing PROs in patients with PsA.

PMID- 27133491
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma).
AB  - Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease
      that can damage multiple organs and reduce quality of life. Patient-reported
      outcome measures capture the patient's perspective. Some measures are specific to
      systemic sclerosis and others are general. Patient-reported outcomes in systemic
      sclerosis are important to aid in understanding the impact of systemic sclerosis
      on patients.

PMID- 27133492
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcomes and Fibromyalgia.
AB  - Fibromyalgia (FM) is classified as a chronic pain condition accompanied by
      symptoms of fatigue, sleep problems, problems with cognition, negative mood,
      limited functional status, and the presence of other chronic overlapping pain
      conditions. Comprehensive assessment of all of these components can be
      challenging. This paper provides an overview of patient-reported approaches that
      can be taken to assess FM in the contexts of diagnosis, symptom monitoring,
      phenotyping/characterization, and for purposes of clinical trials.

PMID- 27133493
TI  - Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to Capture the Patient's Voice in
      Research and Care of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
AB  - Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures provide a valuable window into how
      patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their parents perceive their
      functioning, quality of life, and medication side effects in the context of their
      disease and treatment. Momentum behind adoption of PRO measures is increasing as
      these patient-relevant tools capture information pertinent to taking a patient
      centered approach to health care and research. This article reviews the clinical
      and research utility of obtaining PROs across domains applicable to the
      experience of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and summarizes available self-report
      and parent-proxy PRO measures. Current challenges and limitations of PRO usage
      are discussed.

PMID- 27133494
TI  - The Challenge and Opportunity of Capturing Patient Reported Measures of
      Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity in Vulnerable Populations with Limited
      Health Literacy and Limited English Proficiency.
AB  - Limited health literacy and limited English proficiency are widely prevalent and
      contribute to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) health care disparities. The RA Patient
      Global Assessment of Disease Activity often introduces complexity to the health
      care encounters of patients and research subjects with limited health literacy
      and limited English proficiency. Important work is being done to ensure that
      patient-reported outcomes are validated and appropriate for diverse and
      vulnerable populations.

PMID- 27133495
TI  - Challenges and Opportunities in Using Patient-reported Outcomes in Quality
      Measurement in Rheumatology.
AB  - Use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) in rheumatology research is
      widespread, but use of PRO data to evaluate the quality of rheumatologic care
      delivered is less well established. This article reviews the use of PROs in
      assessing health care quality, and highlights challenges and opportunities
      specific to their use in rheumatology quality measurement. It first explores
      other countries' experiences collecting and evaluating national PRO data to
      assess quality of care. It describes the current use of PROs as quality measures
      in rheumatology, and frames an agenda for future work supporting development of
      meaningful quality measures based on PROs.

PMID- 27133496
TI  - The Promise of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Turning
      Theory into Reality: A Uniform Approach to Patient-Reported Outcomes Across
      Rheumatic Diseases.
AB  - PROMIS, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, is opening
      new possibilities to explore and learn how patient (or proxy) self-report of core
      symptoms and health-related quality of life can meaningfully advance clinical
      research and patient care. PROMIS leverages Item Response Theory to agnostically
      assess, across diseases and conditions or clinical settings, numerous universally
      applicable core "domains" of health (symptoms and functioning) from the patient
      perspective. Importantly, PROMIS is enabling the testing and adoption of
      computerized adaptive testing, which holds great potential to minimize patient
      burden while maximizing accuracy.

PMID- 27133497
TI  - Patient-Reported Outcomes in Rheumatic Diseases.

PMID- 27133498
TI  - The Patient Experience: Patient-Reported Outcomes in Rheumatology.

PMID- 27133499
TI  - Optical coherence tomography findings after chronic total occlusion
      interventions: Insights from the "AngiographiC evaluation of the everolimus
      eluting stent in chronic Total occlusions" (ACE-CTO) study (NCT01012869).
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is limited information on optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      findings after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total
      occlusions (CTOs). OCT allows high resolution imaging that can enhance
      understanding of the vascular response after stenting of chronically occluded
      vessels. METHODS: The Angiographic Evaluation of the Everolimus-Eluting Stent in
      Chronic Total Occlusions (ACE-CTO) study collected angiographic and clinical
      outcomes from 100 patients undergoing CTO PCI with the everolimus-eluting stent
      (EES). OCT was performed 8-months post stenting in 62 patients. Every third frame
      was analyzed throughout the course of the stented arterial segment. Lumen
      contours were semi-automatically traced and stent struts were manually
      delineated, with automatic measurement of the strut to lumen distance. Struts on
      the luminal side of the lumen contour were classified as malapposed if the
      distance to the lumen contour exceeded 0.108mm. RESULTS: A total of 44,450 struts
      in 6047 frames were analyzed, of which 4113 9.3%, 95% confidence intervals [CI]
      9.0% to 9.5%) were malapposed and 1230 (2.8%, 95% CI 2.6% to 2.9%) were
      uncovered. Fifty-five of 62 patients (88.7%, 95% CI 78.5% to 98.4%) had at least
      one malapposed stent strut and 50 patients (80.7%, 95% CI 69.2% to 88.6%) had at
      least one uncovered stent strut. Mean strut-intimal thickness of the apposed and
      malapposed struts was 0.126+/-0.140mm and -0.491+/-0.440mm, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: High rates of stent strut malapposition and incomplete stent strut
      coverage were observed after CTO PCI using EES, highlighting unique challenges
      associated with stent implantation in CTOs.

PMID- 27133500
TI  - Comparison of clinical outcomes with the utilization of monitored anesthesia care
      vs. general anesthesia in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve
      replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no clear consensus in regard to the optimal anesthesia
      utilization during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The aim was to
      compare outcomes of transfemoral (TF) TAVR under monitored anesthesia care (MAC)
      vs. general anesthesia (GA) and evaluate the rates and causes of intra-procedural
      MAC failure. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent TF TAVR from April
      2007 through March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed and dichotomized into two
      groups: TAVR under MAC vs. GA. The main endpoints of the study included 30-day
      and 1-year mortality, the rates and reasons for failure of MAC, in-hospital
      clinical safety outcomes, and post-procedural hospital and intensive care unit
      length-of-stays. RESULTS: A total of 533 patients (51% male, mean-age 83years)
      underwent TF TAVR under MAC (n=467) or GA (n=66). Fifty-six patients (12%) in the
      MAC group required conversion to GA. The MAC group had significantly shorter post
      procedural hospital (6.0 vs. 7.9, p=0.023) and numerically shorter ICU (2.4 vs.
      2.8, p=0.355) mean length-of-stays in days. The clinical safety outcomes were
      similar in both groups. Kaplan-Meier unadjusted cumulative in-hospital and 30-day
      mortality rates were higher in the GA group but similar in both groups at 1-year.
      CONCLUSIONS: TF TAVR under MAC is feasible and safe, results in shorter hospital
      stays, can be performed in the majority of cases, and should be utilized as the
      default strategy. Trans-esophageal echocardiography utilization during TAVR with
      MAC is safe and feasible. The most common cause for conversion of MAC to GA is
      cardiac instability and hypotension. The complete heart team should be available
      at all times in case the need arises for a rapid conversion to GA.

PMID- 27133501
TI  - Study on the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in raccoon dogs in Brandenburg,
      Germany.
AB  - In recent years the raccoon dog population in Germany has risen dramatically and
      a steady westward expansion can still be seen. In addition to the highest
      Trichinella prevalence in wild boar and the most reported Trichinella cases in
      domestic swine from backyard farms, the North-Eastern part of Germany also has
      the highest raccoon dog density in the country. Due to their distinct scavenging
      behavior, raccoon dogs play a significant role as Trichinella reservoir.
      Therefore, to increase the knowledge on Trichinella spp. in raccoon dogs, we
      performed a study on the occurrence of Trichinella in the North-Eastern federal
      state of Brandenburg. In total 1527 raccoon dogs were examined between 2000 and
      2014. An average of 1.9% of the raccoon dogs were Trichinella spp. positive. 90%
      of the positive animals were infected with Trichinella spiralis and one animal
      each with Trichinella britovi and Trichinella pseudospiralis. In T. spiralis
      infected animals, the number of larvae found in the muscle tissue ranged between
      0.5 and 235 larvae per gram (lpg), with a median of 14 larvae. A tentative
      temporal increase in Trichinella occurrence was seen between the time periods
      2008 to 2010 and 2011 to 2014. Based on the size of the raccoon dog hunting bags
      of the past decade, the species spread in westerly and north-westerly direction
      is evident. An interesting question is how the raccoon dog will influence the
      Trichinella prevalence in the sylvatic cycle in these regions in the years to
      come.

PMID- 27133502
TI  - The Prognosis of Altered Sensation after Extrusion of Root Canal Filling
      Materials: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to systematically review and evaluate the
      literature regarding the prognosis of altered sensation after extrusion of root
      canal filling materials and the possible factors influencing it. METHODS: A
      systematic search of the literature was performed to identify studies that
      reported on altered sensation after extrusion of root canal filling materials
      during endodontic treatments. The articles were evaluated for their relevance
      based on strict inclusion criteria, and the identified suitable articles were
      subject to data extraction and analysis. RESULTS: Initially, 109 possibly
      relevant articles were identified. After screening and full-text evaluations, 28
      articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed, reporting on a total of
      84 patients with altered sensation after extrusion of root canal filling
      materials. All the included studies, except 1 case series, were case reports.
      Under the limited available data, the extracted data showed that 91% of the
      patients had fully or partially recovered over time. Most of the cases in the
      lower molars as well as most of the cases in which the obturation was performed
      using paraformaldehyde-containing sealer or cases in which an immediate treatment
      was not performed did not fully recover. CONCLUSIONS: The current scientific
      knowledge regarding the prognosis of nerve injuries caused by overextruded
      endodontic materials relies primarily on case reports. Within the limitations of
      the published data, it seems that the tooth locations, types of extruded
      materials and the obturation technique, and treatment after the injury may affect
      the nerve injury prognosis.

PMID- 27133503
TI  - Multiple Apical Radiolucencies and External Cervical Resorption Associated with
      Varicella Zoster Virus: A Case Report.
AB  - Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is responsible for the primary infection chickenpox.
      After the initial infection, it remains latent but can reactivate, resulting in
      shingles (herpes zoster). Previous reports have implicated VZV in the
      pathogenesis of apical periodontitis, but the involvement of the virus has not
      been investigated fully. The present case describes a patient who suffered from a
      severe episode of shingles and subsequently developed periapical radiolucencies
      of all the teeth in the affected nerve distribution. Molecular and culture
      techniques showed the presence of VZV DNA in the root canal system in the absence
      of bacteria. This confirms that VZV can cause localized pulp necrosis and apical
      periodontitis. The lesions healed after endodontic treatment, implying
      chemomechanical debridement using sodium hypochlorite irrigation and a calcium
      hydroxide interim dressing may be effective against the virus. 

PMID- 27133504
TI  - Electron transfer and docking between cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase and
      different redox partners - A comparative study.
AB  - Cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductases (cd1NiRs) catalyze the reduction of nitrite to
      nitric oxide in denitrifying bacteria, such as Marinobacter
      hydrocarbonoclasticus. Previous work demonstrated that the enzymatic activity
      depends on a structural pre-activation triggered by the entry of electrons
      through the electron transfer (ET) domain, which houses a heme c center. The
      catalytic activity of M. hydrocarbonoclasticus cd1NiR (Mhcd1NiR) was tested by
      mediated electrochemistry, using small ET proteins and chemical redox mediators.
      The rate of enzymatic reaction depends on the nature of the redox partner, with
      cytochrome (cyt) c552 providing the highest value. In situations where cyt c552
      is replaced by either a biological (cyt c from horse heart) or a chemical
      mediator the catalytic response was only observed at very low scan rates,
      suggesting that the intermolecular ET rate is much slower. Molecular docking
      simulations with the 3D model structure of Mhcd1NiR and cyt c552 or cyt c showed
      that hydrophobic interactions favor the formation of complexes where the heme c
      domain of the enzyme is the principal docking site. However, only in the case of
      cyt c552 the preferential areas of contact and Fe-Fe distances between heme c
      groups of the redox partners allow establishing competent ET pathways. The
      coupling of the enzyme with chemical redox mediators was also found not to be
      energetically favorable. These results indicate that although low activity
      functional complexes can be formed between Mhcd1NiR and different types of redox
      mediators, efficient ET is only observed with the putative physiological electron
      donor cyt c552.

PMID- 27133505
TI  - Carotenoid-induced non-photochemical quenching in the cyanobacterial chlorophyll
      synthase-HliC/D complex.
AB  - Chl synthase (ChlG) is an important enzyme of the Chl biosynthetic pathway
      catalyzing attachment of phytol/geranylgeraniol tail to the chlorophyllide
      molecule. Here we have investigated the Flag-tagged ChlG (f.ChlG) in a complex
      with two different high-light inducible proteins (Hlips) HliD and HliC. The
      f.ChlG-Hlips complex binds a Chl a and three different carotenoids, beta
      carotene, zeaxanthin and myxoxanthophyll. Application of ultrafast time-resolved
      absorption spectroscopy performed at room and cryogenic temperatures revealed
      excited-state dynamics of complex-bound pigments. After excitation of Chl a in
      the complex, excited Chl a is efficiently quenched by a nearby carotenoid
      molecule via energy transfer from the Chl a Qy state to the carotenoid S1 state.
      The kinetic analysis of the spectroscopic data revealed that quenching occurs
      with a time constant of ~2ps and its efficiency is temperature independent. Even
      though due to its long conjugation myxoxanthophyll appears to be energetically
      best suited for role of Chl a quencher, based on comparative analysis and
      spectroscopic data we propose that beta-carotene bound to Hlips acts as the
      quencher rather than myxoxanthophyll and zeaxanthin, which are bound at the
      f.ChlG and Hlips interface. The S1 state lifetime of the quencher has been
      determined to be 13ps at room temperature and 21ps at 77K. These results
      demonstrate that Hlips act as a conserved functional module that prevents
      photodamage of protein complexes during photosystem assembly or Chl biosynthesis.

PMID- 27133506
TI  - The landscape of viral proteomics and its potential to impact human health.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomic technologies are
      enhancing studies of viral pathogenesis. Identification and quantification of
      host and viral proteins and modifications in cells and extracellular fluids
      during infection provides useful information about pathogenesis, and will be
      critical for directing clinical interventions and diagnostics. AREAS COVERED:
      Herein we review and discuss a broad range of global proteomic studies conducted
      during viral infection, including those of cellular responses, protein
      modifications, virion packaging, and serum proteomics. We focus on viruses that
      impact human health and focus on experimental designs that reveal disease
      processes and surrogate markers. Expert commentary: Global proteomics is an
      important component of systems-level studies that aim to define how the
      interaction of humans and viruses leads to disease. Viral-community resource
      centers and strategies from other fields (e.g., cancer) will facilitate data
      sharing and platform-integration for systems-level analyses, and should provide
      recommended standards and assays for experimental designs and validation.

PMID- 27133507
TI  - Introduction to Public Health and Incarceration: Social Justice Matters.

PMID- 27133508
TI  - A Call to Action: A Blueprint for Academic Health Sciences in the Era of Mass
      Incarceration.
AB  - Over 100 million Americans have criminal records, and the U.S. incarcerates seven
      times more citizens than most developed countries. The burden of incarceration
      disproportionately affects people of color and ethnic minorities, and those
      living in poverty. While 95% of incarcerated people return to society, recidivism
      rates are high with nearly 75% arrested again within five years of release.
      Criminal records impede access to employment and other social services such as
      shelter and health care. Justice-involved people have higher rates of substance,
      mental health, and some chronic medical disorders than the general population;
      furthermore, the incarcerated population is rapidly aging. Only a minority of
      academic health science centers are engaged in health services research,
      workforce training, or correctional health care. This commentary provides
      rationale and a blueprint for engagement of academic health science institutions
      to harness their capabilities to tackle one of the country's most vexing public
      health crises.

PMID- 27133509
TI  - Ethical and Social Issues in Health Research Involving Incarcerated People.
AB  - The use of inmates in research in the U.S. was restricted by the recommendations
      of the National Commission and by federal regulations and guidelines that
      followed. By the 1980s, many health care officials became concerned about the
      exclusion of inmates from experimental treatments for human immunodeficiency
      virus infection (HIV). These developments in ethics occurred in the context of
      racial/ethnic disparities in health. In this article, ethical considerations in
      clinical and public health research on HIV in prison and jail settings are
      considered. Ethical considerations in mental health research are summarized as
      well as issues pertaining to research involving female inmates. Issues related to
      oversight of research involving incarcerated people are considered along with the
      ethics of public health research. The ethics of research involving incarcerated
      people extends beyond traditional issues in human subjects ethics to include
      issues within the domains of bioethics and public health ethics.

PMID- 27133510
TI  - Better Prescribing in Correctional Facilities.
AB  - Serious mental illness is highly prevalent in jails and prisons, and treatment
      with psychiatric medications is often required. However, operational factors and
      patient characteristics make prescribing in correctional settings uniquely
      challenging. The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law has approved the
      formation of a working group to create a Resource Document examining best
      practices for prescribing psychiatric medications in these settings.

PMID- 27133511
TI  - A Call to Develop Evidence-based Interventions to Reduce Sexually Transmitted
      Infections in Juvenile Justice Populations.
AB  - Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) risk, are a significant health issue for young women (ages 16-21),
      especially African Americans with a juvenile justice history. Studies have found
      that 44% of young African American women have had at least one STI compared to
      24.1% for all young women. The rate of STIs among young women with juvenile
      justice histories, particularly African Americans, is likely much higher than
      their non-detained peers. Yet, there are few evidence-based interventions (EBIs)
      designed specifically for the detained population. In 2014, the Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention's Compendium of Evidence-Based Interventions and
      Best Practices for HIV Prevention listed few programs that comprehensively
      included components related to mental health, intimate relationships and high
      risk sexual behaviors that would be salient for a detained population. Further,
      many EBIs have had limited or no long-term protective effect. We propose that
      interrelated factors (mental health, substance use, trauma and intimate
      relationships) can effectively decrease risk and increase protective behaviors
      for the detained population most at risk.

PMID- 27133512
TI  - Psychosocial Determinants of Health among Incarcerated Black Women: A Systematic
      Literature Review.
AB  - Black women are disproportionately incarcerated and experience worse health
      outcomes compared with White and Hispanic women. This systematic literature
      review aims to identify the major psychosocial determinants of health and service
      utilization among incarcerated Black women. The ecological model for health
      behavior was used to frame the literature presented and explain how individual,
      interpersonal, and societal factors affect health. Nineteen articles met
      inclusion criteria for this review. Psychosocial factors were identified at each
      level, including mental health problems (individual); sexual behavior
      (interpersonal); and dysfunctional/negative relationships (community). The
      factors interact in a dynamic relationship that influences the health and service
      utilization of Black women. Future research should examine within-group
      differences to highlight the unique needs and culture within the Black community
      in the context of psychosocial determinants. This synthesis of relevant studies
      can serve to inform change in correctional policies, practices, and help reduce
      health disparities.

PMID- 27133513
TI  - Can TasP Approaches Be Implemented in Correctional Settings?: A review of HIV
      testing and linkage to community HIV treatment programs.
AB  - High rates of HIV in correctional populations makes evaluation of programs that
      increase HIV testing in correctional settings and linkage to HIV treatment upon
      release, and understanding key implementation issues of these programs, essential
      to reducing new HIV infection. We conducted a systematic search for studies of
      outcomes or implementation issues of programs that promote HIV testing or that
      promote linkage to community HIV treatment post-release. Thirty-five articles met
      inclusion criteria: nine HIV testing initiatives and four linkage programs. HIV
      testing uptake rates were between 22% and 98% and rates of linkage to community
      treatment were between 79% and 84%. Findings suggest that some programs may be
      effective at reducing HIV transmission within the communities to which inmates
      return. However, attention to implementation factors, such as organizational
      culture and staff collaborations, appears critical to the success of these
      programs. Future research using rigorous design and adequate comparison groups is
      needed.

PMID- 27133514
TI  - An Exploratory Study Examining Risk Communication among Adolescent Children,
      Their Incarcerated Mothers, and Their Caregivers.
AB  - Adolescent children of incarcerated mothers (ACIM) are typically left in the care
      of adults (primary caregivers) who play a crucial role in children's care and
      guidance, as well as in the facilitation of contact and communication with
      incarcerated mothers. The purpose of this study was to explore the nature of
      relationships and communication among adolescent children of incarcerated
      mothers, primary caregivers, and incarcerated mothers using pilot data. Semi
      structured individual interviews were conducted with youth aged 12-17 (n=7) and
      caregivers (n=6) recruited through a non-profit organization working with
      incarcerated mothers and their children. Incarcerated mothers and primary
      caregivers represent an important family unit for ACIMs and may play a role in
      preventing risk behavior. A conceptual framework is offered for further
      consideration of mother and caregiver communication with youth and youth risk.

PMID- 27133515
TI  - African American Female Offender's Use of Alternative and Traditional Health
      Services After Re-Entry: Examining the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable
      Populations.
AB  - This is the first known study to use the Gelberg-Andersen Behavioral Model for
      Vulnerable Populations to predict African American women's use of three types of
      health services (alternative, hospitalization, and ambulatory) in the 18 months
      after release from prison. In the multivariate models, the most robust predictors
      of all three types of service utilization were in the vulnerable theoretical
      domains. Alternative health services were predicted by ethnic community
      membership, higher religiosity, and HIV/HCV. Hospitalizations were predicted by
      the lack of barriers to health care and disability. Ambulatory office visits were
      predicted by more experiences of gendered racism, a greater number of physical
      health problems, and HIV/HCV. Findings highlight the importance of cultural
      factors and HIV/HCV in obtaining both alternative and formal health care during
      community re-entry. Clinicians and policymakers should consider the salient role
      that the vulnerable domain plays in offender's accessing health services.

PMID- 27133516
TI  - History of Sex Exchange in Women with a History of Incarceration.
AB  - Sex exchange among incarcerated women is not well-described in the literature.
      Sex exchange can lead to numerous adverse health outcomes, especially when
      combined with individual factors (e.g., depression and homelessness) and larger
      systemic inequalities. The purpose of this study was to explore factors
      associated with having a history of sex exchange among a sample of incarcerated
      women. Of 257 women surveyed in this study, 68 women (26.5%) reported a history
      of sex exchange. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, physical abuse
      history (p=.05, OR 2.20), history of two or more sexually transmitted infections
      (p=.01, OR 2.90), injection drug use (p=.04, OR 2.46) and crack-cocaine use
      (p<.01, OR 3.42) were associated with prior sex exchange. This is one of only two
      studies to examine factors associated with prior sex exchange among incarcerated
      women. Our study has important implications for corrections providers to provide
      more comprehensive care, directly addressing the unique needs of this population.

PMID- 27133517
TI  - 'Other than that, I'm Good': Formerly Incarcerated Young Black Men's Self
      Perceptions of Health Status.
AB  - Black men are incarcerated at higher rates than men from other racial groups, and
      there are significant health disparities disfavoring Black men overall. Reentry
      from incarceration is an important time period for health risks. However, health
      studies among recently released Black male youth populations are limited. This
      mixed methods study examined perceived health status and health care utilization
      among recently released Black men ages 18-25 years. Qualitative interviews (N=20)
      and quantitative surveys (N= 170) were conducted. Qualitative findings described
      several health concerns, including chronic conditions. Quantitative results
      indicated most survey respondents rated their health status as excellent or good
      despite reporting having a health concern within the past year. Health status
      ranking was examined by how men felt vs. an objective measure such as a medical
      report. In addition, men indicated having problems finding health care since
      their release. This study may be beneficial for addressing ways to promote health
      and health care utilization among formerly incarcerated young Black men.

PMID- 27133518
TI  - Substance Use Correlates of Depression among African American Male Inmates.
AB  - Substance use correlates of depressive symptoms among incarcerated adult male
      African American substance users were examined in the current study. Frequency of
      drug use was assessed with 12 items specific to an individual's substance use.
      The Patient Depression Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess symptoms of
      depression. Approximately 90% of the sample displayed symptoms of depression
      ranging from minimal to severe. Regression models revealed that three substance
      use variables demonstrated a significant predictor of depression, including
      alcohol (beta = .16, p= .03), hallucinogens (beta =-.17, p =.021), and ecstasy
      (beta =-.14, p= .05). The study findings indicate a need to consider the role of
      specific substances with regard to symptoms of depression. The results are
      discussed in the context of transition planning for jail inmates.

PMID- 27133519
TI  - Program Success of Mental Health Clients in Day Reporting Centers.
AB  - Day-reporting centers (DRCs) provide programming for probationers with a history
      of non-compliant behavior related to substance abuse, who are overrepresented
      among justice-involved men and women. While evaluations of DRCs demonstrate some
      effectiveness, results are mixed and less is known about predictors of program
      success. This evaluation compared indicators of program success between adult
      offenders with a substance use disorder (n = 144) and those with co-morbid mental
      illness (n = 113) at three DRCs. Analyses examined differences between and within
      groups on program completion, personal characteristics and subjective measures of
      well-being. Results indicated that program completers were more likely to be
      participants with substance use disorders only and to have a drug-related
      referring charge. No significant differences between groups on most measures of
      well-being were observed. Future investigations should consider tracking program
      dropouts to better understand program attrition and explore readiness to change
      in treatment programming.

PMID- 27133520
TI  - A Pilot Study of Rapid Hepatitis C Testing in Probation and Parole Populations in
      Rhode Island.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects between five and seven million individuals in the
      United States and chronic infection can lead to liver disease, cirrhosis, and
      hepatocellular carcinoma. Probation/parole offices are a novel setting for rapid
      HCV testing, providing outreach to populations at increased risk for HCV
      infection and/or transmitting HCV to others. While some correctional facilities
      offer HCV testing, many individuals who present to probation/parole offices are
      never or briefly incarcerated and may not access medical services. We conducted a
      rapid HCV testing pilot at probation/parole offices in Rhode Island. Overall, 130
      people accepted rapid HCV testing, of whom 12 had reactive tests. Only four of
      these individuals presented to a community-based clinic for confirmatory testing,
      despite being offered a monetary incentive. Identifying and addressing barriers
      to HCV confirmatory testing and follow-up care is critical to increasing the
      uptake of HCV care and treatment in this vulnerable population.

PMID- 27133521
TI  - [Modified technique of autologous transplantation of internal limiting membrane
      for macular hole].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autologous internal limiting membrane transplantation has allowed
      some cases of macular holes refractory to conventional surgery techniques to be
      treated. The purpose of this study is to describe the anatomical and functional
      outcomes of a modification of this technique in a case series of naive macular
      hole patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A consecutive case series study was
      performed on patients with naive macular holes with a diameter greater than 600
      MU. Best corrected visual acuity, clinical features of the macular area, and
      optical coherence tomography were recorded before the operation and at the end of
      follow-up in all patients studied. All patients underwent 23 Ga core vitrectomy,
      posterior hyaloid separation, and brilliant-blue assisted internal limiting
      membrane peeling. A small piece of the internal limiting membrane was peeled off
      to make a free flap, and this was trasplanted and placed inside the macular hole
      under perfluorocarbon liquids. Air-fluid exchange was performed and SF6 gas was
      injected at a non-expansile concentration. RESULTS: The study included 5 eyes of
      5 patients who underwent internal limiting membrane autograft. The mean age was
      50.6 (SD 12.3) years. Four of the 5 cases had macular hole closure. The case
      where there was no closure of the macular hole was secondary to trauma. There was
      an improvement in visual acuity in all patients where the closing of the macular
      hole was achieved at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this cases series of
      macular hole patients, the autologous internal limiting membrane transplantation
      was associated with an anatomical closure of the macular hole and functional
      improvement in most of the patients studied.

PMID- 27133522
TI  - [Elective laparoscopic right colectomy for caecal volvulus: case report and
      literature review].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caecal volvulus is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. Its
      clinical presentation is non-specific, with the diagnosis usually confirmed by
      barium enema and abdominal computed tomography. Treatment depends on many
      factors, and minimally invasive approaches are becoming the treatment of choice.
      CLINIC CASE: A 54 years old female, admitted to the Emergency Department with
      clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction. On physical examination she had a
      palpable, firm, and tympanitic mass in the right abdomen, with peritoneal
      irritation. The radiographs of the abdomen, barium enema and abdominal computed
      tomography showed caecal volvulus. As she showed a full remission after the
      barium enema, with no clinical or biochemical data of systemic inflammatory
      response syndrome or peritoneal irritation, she was discharged to her home. Two
      weeks later, a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed with an ileo
      transverse extracorporeal anastomosis. Her progress was satisfactory, and she was
      discharged 4 days after surgery due to improvement. CONCLUSION: Caecal volvulus
      is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction, with high mortality rates, and is
      caused by excessive mobility of the caecum. Its incidence is increasing.
      Treatment depends on many factors. Early non-surgical untwisting, followed by an
      elective laparoscopic surgical procedure offers several advantages and reduces
      mortality.

PMID- 27133523
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Does Dose to an Oral Mucosa Organ at Risk Predict the Duration of
      Grade 3 Mucositis after Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy for Oropharyngeal
      Cancer?
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- 27133524
TI  - The ISE symposium 2015.

PMID- 27133525
TI  - Controversial and similar aspects of the Brugada and J wave patterns: The
      vectorcardiogram point of view-Revision 2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The J-wave electrocardiographic patterns include early repolarization
      (ER) and Brugada syndrome; especially when ER is located in the anteroseptal
      leads (V1-V3), it can mimic the Brugada syndrome (BrS) ECG pattern and therefore
      mislead the diagnosis. We aimed to define the vectorcardiographic characteristics
      of BrS and ER using aspects of QRS complex loop, J-point and ST-segment.
      METHODS/RESULTS: Vectorcardiographic loops in the transverse plane (TP) of 14 BrS
      patients and 26 individuals with ER were analyzed and defined, and then a third
      group of 17 patients with non-characteristic ECG patterns were analyzed and
      compared with them. All QRS loops showed end-conduction delay (ECD) located in
      the right posterior-anterior quadrant (BrS) or left posterior-anterior quadrant
      (ER). In 100% cases a "break" in the QRS loop end, resembling a "nose" identified
      BrS, and a "fish-hook" shape identified ER. Non-coincidental QRS complex onset
      end defined J-point resulting vector. BrS showed a significantly longer end
      conduction delay (100% right anterior quadrant), shorter J-point amplitude
      oriented to the right, and "nose-like" QRS end loop. Analysis of group 3
      confirmed the accuracy of the qualitative aspects to distinguish this "atypical"
      population: "fish-hook" shape of ER in the transverse plane in 6 individuals; and
      the "nose" shape of BrS in 14 patients, among which 2 patients had both patterns
      simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Vectorcardiographic characteristics could clearly
      differentiate BrS from ER qualitatively and quantitatively even in atypical ECGs.

PMID- 27133526
TI  - Associative reinstatement memory measures hippocampal function in Parkinson's
      Disease.
AB  - In Parkinson's Disease (PD), hippocampal atrophy is associated with rapid
      cognitive decline. Hippocampal function is typically assessed using memory tests
      but current clinical tools (e.g., free recall) also rely on executive functions
      or use material that is not optimally engaging hippocampal memory networks.
      Because of the ubiquity of executive dysfunction in PD, our ability to detect
      true memory deficits is suboptimal. Our previous behavioural and neuroimaging
      work in other populations suggests that an experimental memory task - Associative
      Reinstatement Memory (ARM) - may prove useful in investigating hippocampal
      function in PD. In this study, we investigated whether ARM is compromised in PD
      and we assessed its convergent and divergent validity by comparing it to
      standardized measures of memory and of attention and executive functioning in PD,
      respectively. Using fMRI, we also investigated whether performance in PD relates
      to degree of hippocampal engagement. Fifteen participants with PD and 13 age
      matched healthy controls completed neuropsychological testing as well as an ARM
      fMRI recognition paradigm in which they were instructed to identify word pairs
      comprised of two studied words (intact or rearranged pairs) and those containing
      at least one new word (new or half new pairs). ARM is measured by the differences
      in hit rates between intact and rearranged pairs. Behaviourally, ARM was poorer
      in PD relative to controls and was correlated with verbal memory measures, but
      not with attention or executive functioning in the PD group. Hippocampal
      activation associated with ARM was reduced in PD relative to controls and
      covaried with ARM scores in both groups. To conclude, ARM is a sensitive measure
      of hippocampal memory function that is unaffected by attention or executive
      dysfunction in PD. Our study highlights the benefit of integrating cognitive
      neuroscience frameworks and novel experimental tasks to improve the practice of
      clinical neuropsychology in PD.

PMID- 27133527
TI  - 5-HT 2 receptor mediates high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis and very low
      density lipoprotein overproduction in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 5-HT has been shown to mediate abnormality of hepatic lipid
      metabolism through activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). However,
      it is unclear whether 5-HT is directly involved in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced
      hepatic steatosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats were allocated into seven
      groups with control, either HFD feeding, 5-HT treatment, or HFD feeding and 5-HT
      treatment with or without sarpogrelate treatment, all of which were executed for
      4 weeks. HepG2 cells were exposed to 5-HT or palmitic acid (PA) with or without
      rapamycin or Sar treatment. RESULTS: Rats fed with HFD or exposed to 5-HT led to
      abnormalities with activated hepatic mTOR-S6K pathway, overproduction of hepatic
      triglycerides and VLDL with steatosis, and hyperlipidemia, which were exacerbated
      by a combination of HFD and 5-HT. Sarpogrelate significantly inhibited above
      abnormalities induced by HFD and 5-HT, alone or in a combination. Additionally,
      HFD caused up-regulation of 5-HT2 receptors (5-HT2R), including 5-HT2AR and 5
      HT2BR, and 5-HT synthesis in the liver, without obvious influence on other 5-HT
      receptors gene expression. In HepG2 cells, both PA and 5-HT induced
      overproduction of triglycerides and VLDL with lipid droplets, and PA up-regulated
      5-HT2AR and 5-HT2BR expression and 5-HT synthesis as well. Rapamycin fully
      abolished PA or 5-HT-induced mTOR activation, which was more effective than
      sarpogrelate. However, the inhibitory effects of rapamycin on PA or 5-HT-induced
      overproduction of triglycerides and VLDL were less than sarpogrelate.
      CONCLUSIONS: Up-regulation of hepatic 5-HT2R and 5-HT synthesis by HFD is crucial
      for HFD-induced overproduction of hepatic triglycerides and VLDL with
      hyperlipidemia.

PMID- 27133528
TI  - Visceral adiposity predicts subclinical white matter hyperintensities in middle
      aged adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Growing prevalence of neuropathology and cognitive impairment are
      emerging consequences of the obesity epidemic. Adiposity indices used in
      examining the relationships between obesity, neuropathology, and cognition vary
      substantially in the literature leading to incongruent findings. Our aim was to
      determine the anthropometric measures most strongly associated with early white
      matter disease and cognitive function at midlife. METHOD: Multiple adiposity
      indices were measured in 126 adults aged 40-62 who also completed a magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) scan to quantify white matter disease and a cognitive
      test battery. Anthropometric indices of obesity were compared to image-based
      estimates of visceral adipose tissue with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)
      as predictors of current white matter disease and cognitive function. We also
      explored sex as a potential moderator of these relationships. RESULTS: Waist
      circumference (WC) was most strongly correlated with DEXA estimates of visceral
      adipose tissue (r=0.871, p<0.001). Increasing WC (beta=0.231, p=0.034), percent
      body fat (beta=0.230, p=0.045), and VAT (beta=0.247, p=0.027) significantly
      predicted subclinical white matter hyperintensities in the absence of cognitive
      impairment after accounting for age, sex, years of education, and cardiovascular
      risk factors. Sex was not a significant moderator of any of the observed
      relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Of the anthropometric indices used in this study, WC,
      BF, and VAT successfully predicted subclinical white matter disease in
      cognitively normal adults at midlife. Increasing VAT may independently
      insidiously affect cerebral white matter prior to detectable cognitive changes,
      necessitating early intervention.

PMID- 27133529
TI  - Dual CD3 and CD4 positive plasma cell neoplasm with indistinct morphology: a
      diagnostic pitfall.

PMID- 27133530
TI  - Naevoid hyperkeratosis of the nipple/areola with mycosis fungoides-like changes.

PMID- 27133531
TI  - Comparison of near-infrared spectroscopy and head CT interpretations of the ED
      patients with minor head injury.

PMID- 27133532
TI  - Diagnostic performance of initial serum lactate for predicting bacteremia in
      female patients with acute pyelonephritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic
      value of lactate for predicting bacteremia in female patients with acute
      pyelonephritis (APN). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of female
      patients with APN who visited the study hospital emergency department. The
      demographics, comorbidities, physiologies, and laboratory variables including
      white blood cell count and segmented neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, and
      initial serum lactate levels were collected and analyzed to identify associations
      with the presence of bacteremia. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 314
      patients were enrolled. One hundred twenty-three patients (39.2%) had bacteremia.
      Escherichia coli was the most frequent pathogen. Logistic regression analysis
      demonstrated that the lactate level was independently associated with the
      presence of bacteremia (odds ratio, 1.39 [95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.78]).
      The C-statistic of the lactate level was 0.67 (95% CI, 0.60-0.73). At a cutoff
      value of 1.4mmol/L, the lactate level predicted bacteremia with a sensitivity
      (53.7%), specificity (72.3%), positive predictive value (55.5%), negative
      predictive value (70.8%), positive likelihood ratio (1.93), and negative
      likelihood ratio (0.64). CONCLUSION: The initial serum lactate level showed poor
      discriminative performance for predicting bacteremia in female patients with APN.

PMID- 27133533
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for central diabetes insipidus in cardiac arrest
      survivor treated with targeted temperature management.
AB  - PURPOSE: Central diabetes insipidus (CDI) is a marker of severe brain injury.
      Here we aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of CDI in cardiac
      arrest survivors treated with targeted temperature management (TTM). METHODS:
      This retrospective observational study included consecutive adult cardiac arrest
      survivors treated with TTM between 2008 and 2014. Central diabetes insipidus was
      confirmed if all of the following criteria were met: urine volume >50 cc kg(-1)
      d(-1), serum osmolarity >300 mmol/L, urine osmolarity <300 mmol/L, and serum
      sodium >145 mEq/L. The primary outcome was the incidence of CDI. RESULTS: Of the
      385 included patients, 45 (11.7%) had confirmed central CDI. Univariate analysis
      showed that younger age, nonwitness of collapse, nonshockable rhythm, a high
      incidence of asphyxia arrest, longer downtime, and lower initial core temperature
      were associated with CDI development. Patients with CDI had a higher incidence of
      poor neurologic outcomes at discharge and higher in-hospital mortality rate
      (20/45 vs 76/340, P= .001) as well as 180-day mortality (44/45 vs 174/340, P<
      .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR], 0.963; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.942-0.984), shockable rhythm (OR, 0.077; 95% CI,
      0.009-0.662), downtime (OR, 1.025; 95% CI, 1.006-1.044), and asphyxia etiology
      (OR, 6.815; 95% CI, 2.457-18.899) were independently associated with CDI
      development. CONCLUSION: Central diabetes insipidus developed in 12% of cardiac
      arrest survivors treated with TTM, and those with CDI showed poor neurologic
      outcomes and high mortality rates. Younger age, nonshockable rhythm, long
      downtime, and asphyxia arrest were significant risk factors for development of
      CDI.

PMID- 27133534
TI  - Outcomes of emergency department placement of transvenous pacemakers.
AB  - PURPOSE: Placement of TVPs is a core EM procedure. Despite this, there is no
      specific outcome data on this procedure in the ED setting. This study examines
      the success of Emergency Physician (EP) attempted TVPs as well as their hospital
      courses and survivals. METHODS: The charts of patients undergoing TVP placement
      in the ED of an urban community hospital were prospectively collected by a
      department billing abstractor and then underwent a structured review. All
      patients had a TVP placed by a board eligible or board certified EP or by a PGY2
      EM resident under the direct supervision of an attending EP. All TVPs were placed
      utilizing a 5 Fr balloon tipped bi-polar pacer without fluoroscopic
      visualization. RESULTS: Over a 36 month period, 43 patients met the study
      criteria. The mean age was 76.6 (+/- 1.49) years with 27 females (62.7%).
      Successful pacemaker capture was achieved in 41(95.4%) of TVP attempts. All of
      the patients were transferred from the ED with vital signs, 41 (95.4%) to a
      critical care unit and 2 (4.6%) to the electrophysiology laboratory. A total of
      26 (60%) patients received permanent pacemakers. Four patients (9.3%) expired
      during their hospital stay. The remaining patients were discharged to the
      following: 31 (72%) to home, 5 (11.6%) to a subacute rehabilitation facility, 3
      (7%) to a nursing home. CONCLUSION: EP placed TVPs have a high rate of successful
      capture and patients undergoing this procedure have a good prognosis.

PMID- 27133535
TI  - Author response to comments regarding "ST depression in lead aVL differentiates
      inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction from pericarditis".

PMID- 27133536
TI  - Prospective validation of a biomarker panel to identify pediatric ED patients
      with abdominal pain who are at low risk for acute appendicitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to prospectively validate the
      diagnostic accuracy of a biomarker panel consisting of white blood cell, C
      reactive protein, and myeloid-related protein 8/14 levels in identifying
      pediatric patients with abdominal pain who are at low risk for appendicitis.
      METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled subjects aged 2 to 20
      years presenting to 29 US emergency departments with abdominal pain suggesting
      possible acute appendicitis. Blood samples were analyzed for white blood cell, C
      reactive protein, and myeloid-related protein 8/14 levels from which the
      composite biomarker panel results were calculated, then correlated with the final
      diagnosis either positive or negative for acute appendicitis. RESULTS: A total of
      2201 patients were enrolled, with 1887 completing all aspects of the study.
      Prevalence of appendicitis in this cohort was 25.3%. The biomarker panel
      exhibited a sensitivity of 97.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95.1%-98.2%),
      negative predictive value of 97.4% (95% CI, 95.8%-98.5%), negative likelihood
      ratio of 0.08 (95% CI, 0.05-0.13), with a specificity of 37.9% (95% CI, 35.4%
      40.4%) for appendicitis. The panel correctly identified 534 (37.8%) of 1410
      patients who did not have appendicitis with 14 false negatives (2.9%). Overall,
      23.7% (132/557) of computed tomographic (CT) scans were done for patients with
      negative biomarker panel results, including 31.2% (131/420) of patients who had
      CT but did not have appendicitis. CONCLUSION: This biomarker panel exhibited high
      sensitivity and negative predictive value for acute appendicitis in this large
      prospective cohort. This panel may be useful in identifying pediatric patients
      who are at low risk for appendicitis and might be followed clinically,
      potentially reducing the dependence on CT in the evaluation for acute
      appendicitis.

PMID- 27133537
TI  - Electronic cigarette explosion injuries.

PMID- 27133538
TI  - Antiplatelet and oral anticoagulant therapies in chronic hemodialysis patients:
      prescribing practices and bleeding risk.
AB  - PURPOSE: Results of previous studies assessing the risk of bleeding associated
      with prescription of antiplatelet (AP) and/or oral anticoagulant (AC) therapy to
      hemodialysis patients are conflicting. Our purpose was to describe practices for
      prescription of AP and AC in hemodialysis patients in the Lorraine region, and to
      assess their effect on the risk of major bleeding events. METHODS: All adults
      with chronic kidney disease who began a first renal replacement therapy by
      hemodialysis in 2009 or 2010 in one of the 12 dialysis centers in Lorraine were
      included in the Thrombosis and Hemorrhage in HemoDialysis patients (T2HD) study
      and followed up until 30 June 2013. The association of each treatment (AP, AC, AP
      + AC) with the risk of major bleeding was estimated by three Cox proportional
      hazard models with an inverse probability of treatment weighting on a propensity
      score, considering the untreated patients as the reference. RESULTS: Among 502
      patients included, 227 (45.2%) received an AP, 68 (13.5%) an AC, 81 (16.1%) a
      combination AP + AC, and 126 (25.1%) were untreated. As compared with untreated
      patients, those given AP (HR 5.52, 95% CI [3.11-9.80]), AC (HR: 4.15, 95% CI:
      [3.46-4.99]), and AP + AC (HR: 5.59, 95% CI [2.62-11.91]) were at greater risk of
      major bleeding events. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of major bleeding is higher in
      patients receiving an oral AC compared with untreated patients and those
      receiving an AP agent. A combination of the two drugs does not seem to increase
      the risk. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27133539
TI  - Sequential Serum Let-7 Is a Novel Biomarker to Predict Accelerated
      Reproliferation During Fractional Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accelerated reproliferation, usually deemed to occur late during the
      course of radiation therapy, is an important factor resulting in radiotherapy
      failure. The identification of strategies that accurately reflect accelerated
      reproliferation might help to determine radiotherapy strategy, and thus
      implementation of individualized treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with
      lung cancer were enrolled from Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute in China
      between March 2014 and March 2015. Tumor tissue and sequential peripheral blood
      samples were obtained before treatment and during radiotherapy to detect Ki-67
      and let-7 expression. RESULTS: We found a strong correlation between serum let-7
      and tissue Ki-67 before treatment (r = -0.773; P = .003). Patients with a high
      level of baseline serum let-7 expression level had significantly better overall
      survival (the overall survival were 100% and 27.3%, respectively; P = .024). For
      patients with a relatively low expression level of baseline serum let-7, there
      was a peak of expression levels at week 4 (the mean expression levels were 1.40,
      5.01, and 1.36, respectively). However, for patients with relatively high
      expression levels of baseline serum let-7, the expression levels were constantly
      downregulated at week 4 and 6 compared with the original (the mean expression
      levels were 6.16 vs. 1.34 vs. 0.80, respectively). CONCLUSION: The study showed
      that serum let-7 expression level could reflect the proliferation of tumor tissue
      reliably in patients with lung cancer. Furthermore, the study might change
      conventional views of accelerated reproliferation. We showed that initial
      accelerated proliferation exists in patients with a relatively slow proliferation
      rate before radiotherapy, and late course accelerated reproliferation exists in
      patients with relatively fast proliferation before radiotherapy.

PMID- 27133540
TI  - Assessment of Selection Criteria for Low-Dose Lung Screening CT Among Asian
      Ethnic Groups in Taiwan: From Mass Screening to Specific Risk-Based Screening for
      Non-Smoker Lung Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) showed low-dose screening
      chest computed tomography (CT) reduced the lung cancer mortality rate up to 20%
      in high-risk patients in the United States. We aimed to investigate the impact of
      applying the NLST eligibility criteria to the population in Taiwan, and to
      identify additional risk factors to select subjects at risk for lung cancer.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 1763
      asymptomatic healthy subjects (age range, 40-80 years) who voluntarily underwent
      low-dose chest CT (1029 male, 734 female) from August 2013 to August 2014.
      Clinical information and nodule characteristics were recorded. The results of
      subsequent follow-up and outcome were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 8.4%
      (148/1763) of subjects would have been eligible for lung cancer screening based
      on the NLST criteria. However, only 1 of these eligible subjects would have a
      lung cancer detected at baseline. Among the 1615 subjects who did not meet the
      NLST criteria, the detection rates of lung cancer were 2.6% in women and 0.56% in
      men. Logistic regression showed that female gender and a family history of lung
      cancer were the 2 most important predictors of lung cancer in Taiwan (odds ratio,
      6.367; P = .003; odds ratio, 3.017; P = .016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In
      conclusion, NLST eligibility criteria may not be effective in screening for lung
      cancer in Taiwan. A risk-based prediction model based on the family history of
      lung cancer and female gender can potentially improve the efficiency of lung
      cancer screening programs in Taiwan.

PMID- 27133541
TI  - Surface sensing and signaling networks in plant pathogenic fungi.
AB  - Pathogenic fungi have evolved highly varied and remarkable strategies to invade
      and infect their plant hosts. Typically, such fungal pathogens utilize highly
      specialized infection structures, morphologies or cell types produced from
      conidia or ascospores on the cognate host surfaces to gain entry therein. Such
      diverse infection strategies require intricate coordination in cell signaling and
      differentiation in phytopathogenic fungi. Here, we present an overview of our
      current understanding of cell signaling and infection-associated development that
      primes host penetration in the top ten plant pathogenic fungi, which utilize
      specific receptors to sense and respond to different surface cues, such as
      topographic features, hydrophobicity, hardness, plant lipids, phytohormones,
      and/or secreted enzymes. Subsequently, diverse signaling components such as G
      proteins, cyclic AMP/Protein Kinase A and MAP kinases are activated to enable the
      differentiation of infection structures. Recent studies have also provided
      fascinating insights into the spatio-temporal dynamics and specialized
      sequestration and trafficking of signaling moieties required for proper
      development of infection structures in phytopathogenic fungi. Molecular insight
      in such infection-related morphogenesis and cell signaling holds promise for
      identifying novel strategies for intervention of fungal diseases in plants.

PMID- 27133542
TI  - Electron Microscopy of Contact Between a Monocyte and a Multinucleated Giant Cell
      in Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

PMID- 27133543
TI  - SQAB 2015: Choice and Consequences.

PMID- 27133544
TI  - Structural and functional diversity of nonapeptide hormones from an evolutionary
      perspective: A review.
AB  - The article presents an overview of the comparative distribution, structure and
      functions of the nonapeptide hormones in chordates and non chordates. The review
      begins with a historical preview of the advent of the concept of neurosecretion
      and birth of neuroendocrine science, pioneered by the works of E. Scharrer and W.
      Bargmann. The sections which follow discuss different vertebrate nonapeptides,
      their distribution, comparison, precursor gene structures and processing,
      highlighting the major differences in these aspects amidst the conserved features
      across vertebrates. The vast literature on the anatomical characteristics of the
      nonapeptide secreting nuclei in the brain and their projections was briefly
      reviewed in a comparative framework. Recent knowledge on the nonapeptide hormone
      receptors and their intracellular signaling pathways is discussed and few grey
      areas which require deeper studies are identified. The sections on the functions
      and regulation of nonapeptides summarize the huge and ever increasing literature
      that is available in these areas. The nonapeptides emerge as key homeostatic
      molecules with complex regulation and several synergistic partners. Lastly, an
      update of the nonapeptides in non chordates with respect to distribution, site of
      synthesis, functions and receptors, dealt separately for each phylum, is
      presented. The non chordate nonapeptides share many similarities with their
      counterparts in vertebrates, pointing the system to have an ancient origin and to
      be an important substrate for changes during adaptive evolution. The article
      concludes projecting the nonapeptides as one of the very first common molecules
      of the primitive nervous and endocrine systems, which have been retained to
      maintain homeostatic functions in metazoans; some of which are conserved across
      the animal kingdom and some are specialized in a group/lineage-specific manner.

PMID- 27133545
TI  - Nontraumatic posterior urethral stenosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Posterior urethral stenoses and contractures are complications
      after treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), localised prostate cancer
      (PCa), and orthotopic neobladder formation, compromising prognosis and functional
      outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To identify factors related to aetiology, prevention and
      treatment of non-traumatic posterior urethral stenosis and contractures.
      ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: Review of the published evidence related to posterior
      urethral stenosis and contractures after PCa treatment, BPH therapies and
      orthotopic neobladder formation. PubMed database search with English and Spanish
      papers considered. Cohort studies, case series, prospective and retrospective
      studies and review papers were included. SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE: Posterior
      urethral stenoses and contractures are common, leading to significant morbidity.
      A worsening on voiding quality should rise some concerns. Careful surgical and/or
      radiotherapic techniques prevent their development. Endoscopic therapies are the
      initial approach, with complex urethroplasties often required. Subsequent urinary
      incontinence, the most important sequelae, may need artificial sphincters.
      CONCLUSIONS: Non-traumatic posterior urethral stenoses could be important
      complications, potentially compromising the outcomes of initial therapy. They
      could require complex surgeries leading to urinary incontinence.

PMID- 27133546
TI  - Commercial pharmacogenetic-based decision-support tools in psychiatry.
AB  - Despite a compendium of pharmacotherapies available for treating psychiatric
      illnesses, suboptimal response to these therapies is typical and thought to be in
      part a result of genetic variation. This notion has sparked a personalised
      psychiatry movement, which has in turn led to the development of several
      commercial pharmacogenetic-based decision support tools marketed to psychiatrists
      as an alternative to typical, trial-and-error, prescribing. However, there is
      considerable uncertainty about the validity and usefulness of these tools and
      whether there is sufficient evidence to support their adoption. In this Personal
      View, we provide an introduction to these tools and assess their potential
      usefulness in psychiatry practice. We conclude with clinical considerations and
      development strategies for improving future pharmacogenetic-based decision
      support tools for clinical use. 

PMID- 27133547
TI  - The importance of developmental field trials in the revision of psychiatric
      classifications.
AB  - Field trials of diagnostic classification systems can be divided into two types:
      developmental field trials, which are designed to collect performance data from
      users during the revision process, and summative field trials, which aim to
      assess what users can expect in terms of the classification's psychometric
      properties after the classification has been completed. A crucial component of an
      empirically guided diagnostic revision process is the use of developmental field
      trials in which data are collected from users regarding the feasibility,
      reliability, validity, and clinical utility of proposed changes that can assist
      in refining the proposals before they are finalised. The DSM-III and ICD-10
      reliability field trials are best considered summative as they were done
      primarily to establish whether clinicians using operationalised definitions could
      achieve adequate diagnostic reliability. The DSM-III-R and DSM-IV field trials,
      which collected performance data targeting specific diagnostic categories,
      heralded the use of developmental field trial data as an important component in
      the construction of diagnostic criteria sets, a process being continued in the
      ICD-11 revision process. Although initially presented as developmental in nature,
      the DSM-5 field trials ended up being essentially summative. Although reliability
      estimates with highly sophisticated methodology were provided for 23 mental
      disorders, the absence of information regarding the reliability of specific
      diagnostic items and the reasons for diagnostic disagreement prevented this
      information from being used to address identified reliability issues.
      Developmental field trials enhance the empirical basis for stating that
      psychiatric classifications are evidence based and they ultimately contribute to
      the improvement of clinical care for patients. 

PMID- 27133548
TI  - [Cardiogenic shock due to spontaneous neonatal thrombosis of the abdominal
      aorta].
AB  - Neonatal arterial thrombosis is unusual and generally associated with an arterial
      umbilical catheter. Spontaneous aortic thrombosis is exceptional but its severity
      is related to high mortality rate and renovascular morbidity. We report here the
      observation of a 10-day-old term infant showing a large abdominal aortic
      thrombosis revealed by cardiogenic shock induced by systemic arterial
      hypertension. The resolution was fast following anticoagulant and
      antihypertensive therapy. Etiologic investigations showed renal failure and
      moderate hyperhomocysteinemia controlled by a vitamin supplement. Following this
      observation, we did a brief review of the neonatal spontaneous arterial
      thrombosis literature to discuss the neonatal hemostasis specific aspects.
      Management of infants presenting an arterial thrombosis varies depending on the
      hospital and there are no guidelines at this time concerning the etiologic
      investigation and treatment in France or internationally. 

PMID- 27133549
TI  - The relationship between maternal feeding beliefs and practices and perceptions
      of infant eating behaviours at 4 months.
AB  - Parental feeding practices and children's eating behaviours are inter-related and
      both have been implicated in the development of childhood obesity. However,
      research on the parent-child feeding relationship during the first few months of
      life is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the cross-sectional
      relationship between maternal feeding beliefs and practices and infant eating
      behaviours in a community sample. Mothers (N = 413) of 4 month old infants
      recruited during pregnancy for the New Beginnings: Healthy Mothers and Babies
      study self-reported feeding beliefs/practices and eating behaviours of their
      infants on established tools. Data on a comprehensive range of maternal and
      infant characteristics were also collected. Multivariable regression models were
      used to assess the associations between five feeding beliefs and practices and
      four eating behaviours, adjusting for key maternal and infant covariates. Mothers
      concerned about their infant becoming underweight rated the infant higher on
      satiety responsiveness and lower on enjoyment of food. Higher awareness of infant
      feeding cues was associated with higher infant enjoyment of food. Mothers
      concerned about their infant becoming overweight and those who used food to calm
      their baby rated the infant as higher on food responsiveness. Feeding to a
      schedule (vs on demand) was not associated with any of the infant eating
      behaviours. A relationship between maternal feeding beliefs and practices and
      infant eating behaviours is apparent early in life, therefore longitudinal
      investigation to establish the directions of this relationship is warranted.

PMID- 27133550
TI  - Intergenerational transmission of dietary behaviours: A qualitative study of
      Anglo-Australian, Chinese-Australian and Italian-Australian three-generation
      families.
AB  - Family food choice is complex with a number of people within the family sharing
      food choice and preparation responsibilities. Differences in dietary behaviours
      also exist between various ethnic groups worldwide, and are apparent within
      multicultural nations such as Australia. This study examined the
      intergenerational transmission of eating behaviour through semi-structured family
      interviews with 27 three generation families (Anglo-Australian: n = 11, Chinese
      Australian: n = 8, Italian-Australian: n = 8; N = 114). The influence of
      generation (grandparent, parent, child), role (grandmother, grandfather, mother,
      father, daughter, son), and ethnic background were considered. Thematic analysis
      identified that regardless of ethnic background, grandmothers and mothers
      dominated family food choice decisions even in families where fathers were
      primarily responsible for the preparation of family meals. The women in each
      generation influenced fruit and vegetable intake by controlling purchasing
      decisions (e.g., by shopping for food or editing family grocery shopping lists),
      insisting on consumption, monitoring and reminding, utilizing food as a
      prerequisite for conditional treats (e.g., eating fruit before being allowed
      snacks), instigating and enforcing food rules (e.g., fast food only on weekends),
      and restricting others' food choices. Grandparents and children shared a
      relationship that skipped the parent generation and influenced dietary behaviours
      bi-directionally. These findings have implications for the delivery of dietary
      health messages used in disease prevention interventions designed to successfully
      reach culturally and linguistically diverse populations and all members of
      multigenerational families.

PMID- 27133551
TI  - Food preferences and weight change during low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets.
AB  - Understanding associations between food preferences and weight loss during
      various effective diets could inform efforts to personalize dietary
      recommendations and provide insight into weight loss mechanisms. We conducted a
      secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial in which participants were
      randomized to either a 'choice' arm, in which they were allowed to select between
      a low-fat diet (n = 44) or low-carbohydrate diet (n = 61), or to a 'no choice'
      arm, in which they were randomly assigned to a low-fat diet (n = 49) or low
      carbohydrate diet (n = 53). All participants were provided 48 weeks of lifestyle
      counseling. Food preferences were measured at baseline and every 12 weeks
      thereafter with the Geiselman Food Preference Questionnaire. Participants were
      73% male and 51% African American, with a mean age of 55. Baseline food
      preferences, including congruency of food preferences with diet, were not
      associated with weight outcomes. In the low-fat diet group, no associations were
      found between changes in food preferences and weight over time. In the low
      carbohydrate diet group, increased preference for low-carbohydrate diet congruent
      foods from baseline to 12 weeks was associated with weight loss from 12 to 24
      weeks. Additionally, weight loss from baseline to 12 weeks was associated with
      increased preference for low-carbohydrate diet congruent foods from 12 to 24
      weeks. Results suggest that basing selection of low-carbohydrate diet or low-fat
      diet on food preferences is unlikely to influence weight loss. Congruency of food
      preferences and weight loss may influence each other early during a low
      carbohydrate diet but not low-fat diet, possibly due to different features of
      these diets. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: NCT01152359.

PMID- 27133552
TI  - Inhalation of tobramycin using simulated cystic fibrosis patient profiles.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: TOBI(r) PodhalerTM is a capsule-based drug-device combination
      (tobramycin inhalation powder [TIP] 28 mg capsules via unit-dose dry powder T-326
      Inhaler [PodhalerTM]) developed for treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
      in cystic fibrosis (CF). We explored how inspiratory flow profiles and mouth
      throat geometries affect drug delivery with the T-326 Inhaler. METHODS:
      Inspiratory flow profiles were recorded from 38 subjects aged 6-71 who had CF and
      varying degrees of lung function impairment. Ten of the inspiratory flow profiles
      were simulated in the laboratory using a custom breath simulator to determine
      delivered dose (DD) from the T-326 Inhaler. In vitro total lung dose (TLDin vitro
      ) was measured using four anatomical throat models, ranging from a child to a
      large adult. RESULTS: Aerosol performance was assessed across a range of
      inspiratory flow profiles. Mean DD ranged from 88.8% to 97.0% of declared capsule
      content. TLDin vitro ranged from 54.8% to 72.4% of capsule content between the
      flow profile/throat options tested, and the mean TLDin vitro across the range of
      flow profiles and anatomical throats tested was 63 +/- 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings indicate that the T-326 Inhaler provides reliable drug delivery at flow
      rates likely to be achieved by a broad spectrum of patients with CF. Importantly,
      forceful inhalation was not required to achieve a robust TLDin vitro . Pediatr
      Pulmonol. 2016;51:1159-1167. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27133553
TI  - Label-free analysis of GPCR-stimulation: The critical impact of cell adhesion.
AB  - Label-free cell-based assays have been attracting growing attention in drug
      research. Optical approaches based on evanescent electric fields (e.g. EPIC,
      RWG/DMR, SPR) and electrochemical impedance analysis (ECIS, xCELLigence) are by
      far the most widespread techniques for such purposes. We compared three label
      free approaches (ECIS, RWG/DMR and SPR) with respect to the activation of the
      human histamine H1 receptor (H1R) expressed by U-373 MG glioblastoma and
      genetically engineered HEK 293T cells. HEK 293T cells were either expressing the
      hH1R alone or in combination with the adhesion protein hMSR1. The beta2
      adrenergic receptor (beta2-AR) expressed by bovine aortic endothelial cells
      (BAEC) served as a second cell model. Reduced cell adhesion to the surface of the
      sensing devices affected both, the optical and the impedance-based readout, but
      became much more obvious in case of RWG- or SPR-based assays. By contrast, the co
      expression of hH1R and hMSR1 in HEK 293T cells strongly enhanced the signal
      compared to hH1R expression alone. As the sensitivity of the optical readouts is
      confined to a distance of 100-200nm from the surface, depending on the wavelength
      of the incident light, this observation is in accordance with tighter adhesion of
      the co-transfectants, inducing a shorter distance between the cell membrane and
      the substrate. Combining ECIS and SPR, allowing for simultaneous registration of
      both signals for a single cell population, provided a direct correlation of both
      readouts, when H1R or beta2-AR stimulation was investigated for the same cell
      populations. Cell adhesion was found to have a critical impact on the results of
      label-free cell monitoring, in particular when techniques based on evanescent
      electric fields are applied.

PMID- 27133554
TI  - Association between immigrant background and ADHD: a nationwide population-based
      case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information about psychiatric disorders among those with immigrant
      parents is important for early detection and service development. The aim of this
      study is to examine the association between parental immigration and the
      diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring in
      Finland. METHODS: This matched case-control study was based on a national birth
      cohort. The sample included all singletons who were born in Finland in 1991-2005
      and diagnosed with ADHD by the year 2011 (n = 10,409) and their matched controls
      (n = 39,124). Nationwide registers were used to identify participants and to
      gather information on the parents' country of birth and native language.
      Conditional logistic regression analyses were conducted using maternal and
      paternal migration status and region of birth as well as time since maternal
      migration as exposure factors. RESULTS: The likelihood of being diagnosed with
      ADHD was significantly increased among children of two immigrant parents
      [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.7, 95% CI 3.4-6.6] and children of an immigrant
      father (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6-2.2). The likelihood of receiving an ADHD diagnosis
      was equal among children whose mother was a recent immigrant when she gave birth
      and those whose mother had stayed in Finland at least for a year before birth.
      The association between parental migration and ADHD diagnosis was strongest among
      fathers born in sub-Saharan Africa or Latin America and among mothers born in sub
      Saharan Africa or North Africa and Middle East. Children, whose parents were born
      in countries with low Human Development Index (HDI), were more often diagnosed
      with ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: The increased likelihood of ADHD diagnosis among children
      of immigrants indicates increased exposure to environmental risk factors,
      differences in the use of health services, or challenges in diagnosing
      immigrants' children.

PMID- 27133555
TI  - Papillary Serous Carcinoma of the Peritoneum Mimicking an Ovarian Cyst in
      Pregnancy.

PMID- 27133556
TI  - Is there really a relationship between serum vitamin D (25OHD) levels and the
      musculoskeletal pain associated with statin intake? A systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal pain associated to statin use, is the most common
      adverse event, leading to cessation of treatment. Several studies proposed
      Vitamin D deficiency to increase the risk of pain associated to statin intake.
      OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether vitamin D status is linked to musculoskeletal
      pain associated to statin use. METHODS: We performed a systematic review based on
      electronic searches through MEDLINE, Cochrane Central and EMBASE to identify
      studies that 1) included patients on statin therapy 2) with vitamin D serum
      levels assessment, 3) in relation to musculoskeletal pain. RESULTS: The
      electronic search identified 127 potentially eligible studies, of which three
      were included and analysed in the present study. The heterogeneity of studies did
      not allow metanalysis. A systematic review and two cohort studies not included in
      the previous systematic review, revealed a statistically significant association
      of vitamin D deficit in patients with musculoskeletal pain on statin therapy.
      CONCLUSION: The displayed evidence suggests a significant association between
      25OHD serum levels<30ng/ml and the presence of musculoskeletal pain in patients
      on statin therapy.

PMID- 27133557
TI  - Alleviation of salt stress by halotolerant and halophilic plant growth-promoting
      bacteria in wheat (Triticum aestivum).
AB  - In the current study, 18 halotolerant and halophilic bacteria have been
      investigated for their plant growth promoting abilities in vitro and in a
      hydroponic culture. The bacterial strains have been investigated for ammonia,
      indole-3-acetic acid and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate-deaminase production,
      phosphate solubilisation and nitrogen fixation activities. Of the tested
      bacteria, eight were inoculated with Triticum aestivum in a hydroponic culture.
      The investigated bacterial strains were found to have different plant-growth
      promoting activities in vitro. Under salt stress (200mM NaCl), the investigated
      bacterial strains significantly increased the root and shoot length and total
      fresh weight of the plants. The growth rates of the plants inoculated with
      bacterial strains ranged from 62.2% to 78.1%. Identifying of novel halophilic and
      halotolerant bacteria that promote plant growth can be used as alternatives for
      salt sensitive plants. Extensive research has been conducted on several
      halophilic and halotolerant bacterial strains to investigate their plant growth
      promoting activities. However, to the best of my knowledge, this is the first
      study to inoculate these bacterial strains with wheat. 

PMID- 27133558
TI  - Isolation and identification by 16S rRNA sequence analysis of plant growth
      promoting azospirilla from the rhizosphere of wheat.
AB  - The main objective of the present study was to isolate phytohormone-producing,
      phosphate-solubilizing strains of Azospirillum from wheat to be used as
      inoculants for plant growth promotion. Five Azospirillum strains were isolated
      from the rhizosphere of field-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and it was
      confirmed by BOX-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that the isolates were different
      and not re-isolates of the same strain. Sequence analysis of the PCR-amplified
      16S rRNA gene indicated that four isolates showed maximum similarity to
      Azospirillum brasilense and one isolate showed maximum similarity to Azospirillum
      zeae. This is the first report indicating the presence of an A. zeae like isolate
      in the wheat rhizosphere in Pakistan. The bacterial isolates were characterized
      for their plant growth-promoting traits, phosphate solubilization, and indole-3
      acetic acid (IAA) production. None of the isolates showed phosphate
      solubilization activity in the commonly used Pikovskaya medium. However, all
      strains (except AzoK4) exhibited ability to solubilize tricalcium phosphate (TCP)
      in modified Pikovskaya medium in which sucrose was replaced by Na-malate, as well
      as in TCP-supplemented Luria-Bertani (LB) medium. Organic acids, such as acetic,
      citric, lactic, malic, and succinic acids, were detected in culture supernatants
      of the tested Azospirillum strains. All strains exhibited ability to produce IAA
      in the growth medium, except Azospirillum sp. AzoK1. Among the strains tested,
      the maximum IAA production (30.49+/-1.04mgL(-1)) and phosphate solubilization
      (105.50+/-4.93mgL(-1)) were shown by a pure culture of Azospirillum sp. AzoK2. In
      pot experiments, single-strain inocula of Azospirillum sp. AzoK1 and AzoK2
      improved wheat plant growth. 

PMID- 27133559
TI  - Time-to-reporting of blood culture positivity and central venous catheter
      associated Candida glabrata fungemia in cancer patients.
AB  - Among cancer patients with Candida glabrata (the Candida species with the slowest
      in-vitro growth) fungemia, time-to-positive blood culture reporting (TTR) was
      shorter in catheter-associated candidemia (mean+/-standard deviation: 67+/-35 h)
      than in candidemia from other sources (79+/-31, P<.01). TTR<48 h was 92% specific
      for catheter-associated C. glabrata fungemia. 

PMID- 27133560
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase
      producing Enterobacteriaceae among patients prior to bowel surgery.
AB  - Prophylactic antibiotics are an important measure in preventing perioperative
      infection, Failure to cover multidrug-resistant pathogens may place carriers at
      increased risk of infection. We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study in
      patients prior to bowel surgery to measure the carriage prevalence of extended
      spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and identify risk factors
      for carriage in this population. During an 11-month period, 150 patients were
      eligible for inclusion. 27 patients (18%) were found to be carriers of extended
      spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Factors independently
      associated with carriage were immunosuppressive therapy (OR, 4.09; 95% CI 1.55
      10.81; P = 0.005) and receipt of antibiotics in the prior 3 months (OR, 2.59; 95%
      CI 1.08-6.24; P = 0.033). Detection of a population at risk for carriage may help
      in devising and modifying appropriate antibiotic regimens for surgical
      prophylaxis in carriers of multidrug-resistant bacteria. 

PMID- 27133562
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27133561
TI  - Syndrome disintegration: Exome sequencing reveals that Fitzsimmons syndrome is a
      co-occurrence of multiple events.
AB  - In 1987 Fitzsimmons and Guilbert described identical male twins with progressive
      spastic paraplegia, brachydactyly with cone shaped epiphyses, short stature,
      dysarthria, and "low-normal" intelligence. In subsequent years, four other
      patients, including one set of female identical twins, a single female child, and
      a single male individual were described with the same features, and the eponym
      Fitzsimmons syndrome was adopted (OMIM #270710). We performed exome analysis of
      the patient described in 2009, and one of the original twins from 1987, the only
      patients available from the literature. No single genetic etiology exists that
      explains Fitzsimmons syndrome; however, multiple different genetic causes were
      identified. Specifically, the twins described by Fitzsimmons had heterozygous
      mutations in the SACS gene, the gene responsible for autosomal recessive spastic
      ataxia of Charlevoix Saguenay (ARSACS), as well as a heterozygous mutation in the
      TRPS1, the gene responsible in Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type 1 (TRPS1 type
      1) which includes brachydactyly as a feature. A TBL1XR1 mutation was identified
      in the patient described in 2009 as contributing to his cognitive impairment and
      autistic features with no genetic cause identified for his spasticity or
      brachydactyly. The findings show that these individuals have multiple different
      etiologies giving rise to a similar phenotype, and that "Fitzsimmons syndrome" is
      in fact not one single syndrome. Over time, we anticipate that continued careful
      phenotyping with concomitant genome-wide analysis will continue to identify the
      causes of many rare syndromes, but it will also highlight that previously
      delineated clinical entities are, in fact, not syndromes at all. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27133564
TI  - Effect of probiotic yoghurt on animal-based diet-induced change in gut
      microbiota: an open, randomised, parallel-group study.
AB  - Diet has a significant influence on the intestinal environment. In this study, we
      assessed changes in the faecal microbiota induced by an animal-based diet and the
      effect of the ingestion of yoghurt supplemented with a probiotic strain on these
      changes. In total, 33 subjects were enrolled in an open, randomised, parallel
      group study. After a seven-day pre-observation period, the subjects were
      allocated into three groups (11 subjects in each group). All of the subjects were
      provided with an animal-based diet for five days, followed by a balanced diet for
      14 days. Subjects in the first group ingested dairy in the form of 200 g of
      yoghurt supplemented with Bifidobacterium longum during both the animal-based and
      balanced diet periods (YAB group). Subjects in the second group ingested yoghurt
      only during the balanced diet period (YB group). Subjects who did not ingest
      yoghurt throughout the intervention were used as the control (CTR) group. Faecal
      samples were collected before and after the animal-based diet was provided and
      after the balanced diet was provided, followed by analysis by high-throughput
      sequencing of amplicons derived from the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. In
      the YB and CTR groups, the animal-based diet caused a significant increase in the
      relative abundance of Bilophila, Odoribacter, Dorea and Ruminococcus (belonging
      to Lachnospiraceae) and a significant decrease in the level of Bifidobacterium
      after five days of intake. With the exception of Ruminococcus, these changes were
      not observed in the YAB group. No significant effect was induced by yoghurt
      supplementation following an animal-based diet (YB group vs CTR group). These
      results suggest that the intake of yoghurt supplemented with bifidobacteria
      played a role in maintaining a normal microbiota composition during the ingestion
      of a meat-based diet. This study protocol was registered in the University
      Hospital Medical Information Network: UMIN000014164. 

PMID- 27133563
TI  - Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-905 treatment reduces intestinal damage in a
      murine model of irinotecan-induced mucositis.
AB  - Indigenous microbiota plays a crucial role in the development of several
      intestinal diseases, including mucositis. Gastrointestinal mucositis is a major
      and serious side effect of cancer therapy, and there is no effective therapy for
      this clinical condition. However, some probiotics have been shown to attenuate
      such conditions. To evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFMG A-905
      (Sc-905), a potential probiotic yeast, we investigated whether pre- or post
      treatment with viable or inactivated Sc-905 could prevent weight loss and
      intestinal lesions, and maintain integrity of the mucosal barrier in a mucositis
      model induced by irinotecan in mice. Only post-treatment with viable Sc-905 was
      able to protect mice against the damage caused by chemotherapy, reducing the
      weight loss, increase of intestinal permeability and jejunal lesions (villous
      shortening). Besides, this treatment reduced oxidative stress, prevented the
      decrease of goblet cells and stimulated the replication of cells in the
      intestinal crypts of mice with experimental mucositis. In conclusion, Sc-905
      protects animals against irinotecan-induced mucositis when administered as a post
      treatment with viable cells, and this effect seems to be related with the
      reduction of oxidative stress and preservation of intestinal mucosa. 

PMID- 27133565
TI  - Retraction.

PMID- 27133566
TI  - [External sphincterotomy in neurological patients: A monocentric experience].
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, efficacy and tolerance
      of GreenlightTM and Holmium sphincterotomy for treating detrusor-sphincter
      dyssynergia. METHODS: All men treated with this two techniques between may 2012
      and june 2015 were analyzed. Preoperative evaluation included kidney ultrasound
      scan, urodynamic, retrograde and voiding urethrocystography. Postoperative
      assessment was composed of a post-void residual volume measurement when the
      urethral catheter was removed and 1 year after the procedure, a retrograde and
      voiding urethrocystography at 3 months and telephonic Likert scale questionnaire.
      RESULTS: Twelve patients were operated with GreenlightTM and 12 with Holmium.
      Eleven had a memocath urethral stent preoperatively. Post-void residual volume
      median for both techniques was 285 cc preoperatively vs 137.5 cc postoperatively
      (P<0.001). Likert scale global satisfaction was 75%. Five stenosis (20.8%) were
      observed within a median of 4 months. CONCLUSION: GreenligthTM and Holmium
      procedures are efficient techniques with low morbidity. However, superiority
      toward monopolar incision remains to be demonstrated through complementary
      studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27133567
TI  - Evolutionary trajectory of phytoalexin biosynthetic gene clusters in rice.
AB  - Plants frequently possess operon-like gene clusters for specialized metabolism.
      Cultivated rice, Oryza sativa, produces antimicrobial diterpene phytoalexins
      represented by phytocassanes and momilactones, and the majority of their
      biosynthetic genes are clustered on chromosomes 2 and 4, respectively. These
      labdane-related diterpene phytoalexins are biosynthesized from geranylgeranyl
      diphosphate via ent-copalyl diphosphate or syn-copalyl diphosphate. The two gene
      clusters consist of genes encoding diterpene synthases and chemical-modification
      enzymes including P450s. In contrast, genes for the biosynthesis of gibberellins,
      which are labdane-related phytohormones, are scattered throughout the rice genome
      similar to other plant genomes. The mechanism of operon-like gene cluster
      formation remains undefined despite previous studies in other plant species. Here
      we show an evolutionary insight into the rice gene clusters by a comparison with
      wild Oryza species. Comparative genomics and biochemical studies using wild rice
      species from the AA genome lineage, including Oryza barthii, Oryza glumaepatula,
      Oryza meridionalis and the progenitor of Asian cultivated rice Oryza rufipogon
      indicate that gene clustering for biosynthesis of momilactones and phytocassanes
      had already been accomplished before the domestication of rice. Similar studies
      using the species Oryza punctata from the BB genome lineage, the distant FF
      genome lineage species Oryza brachyantha and an outgroup species Leersia perrieri
      suggest that the phytocassane biosynthetic gene cluster was present in the common
      ancestor of the Oryza species despite the different locations, directions and
      numbers of their member genes. However, the momilactone biosynthetic gene cluster
      evolved within Oryza before the divergence of the BB genome via assembly of
      ancestral genes.

PMID- 27133569
TI  - Understanding the progression of atherosclerosis through gene profiling and co
      expression network analysis in Apob(tm2Sgy)Ldlr(tm1Her) double knockout mice.
AB  - The objective of the study was to gain molecular insights into the progression of
      atherosclerosis in Apob(tm2Sgy)Ldlr(tm1Her) mice, using transcriptome profiles.
      Weighted gene co network analysis (WGCNA) and time course analysis using limma
      were used to study disease progression from 0 to 20weeks. Five co-expression
      modules were identified by WGCNA using the expression values of 2153 genes. Genes
      associated with autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation and lipid
      metabolism were differentially expressed at early stages of atherosclerosis. Time
      course analysis highlighted activation of inflammatory gene signaling at 4weeks,
      cell proliferation and calcification at 8weeks, amyloid like structures and
      oxidative stress at 14weeks and enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines at
      20weeks. Our results suggest that maximum gene perturbations occur during early
      atherosclerosis which could be the danger signals associated with subclinical
      disease. Understanding these genes and associated pathways can help in
      improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27133568
TI  - Molecular Effects of cTnC DCM Mutations on Calcium Sensitivity and Myofilament
      Activation-An Integrated Multiscale Modeling Study.
AB  - Mutations in cardiac troponin C (D75Y, E59D, and G159D), a key regulatory protein
      of myofilament contraction, have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy
      (DCM). Despite reports of altered myofilament function in these mutants, the
      underlying molecular alterations caused by these mutations remain elusive. Here
      we investigate in silico the intramolecular mechanisms by which these mutations
      affect myofilament contraction. On the basis of the location of cardiac troponin
      C (cTnC) mutations, we tested the hypothesis that intramolecular effects can
      explain the altered myofilament calcium sensitivity of force development for D75Y
      and E59D cTnC, whereas altered cardiac troponin C-troponin I (cTnC-cTnI)
      interaction contributes to the reported contractile effects of the G159D
      mutation. We employed a multiscale approach combining molecular dynamics (MD) and
      Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations to estimate cTnC calcium association and
      hydrophobic patch opening. We then integrated these parameters into a Markov
      model of myofilament activation to compute the steady-state force-pCa
      relationship. The analysis showed that myofilament calcium sensitivity with D75Y
      and E59D can be explained by changes in calcium binding affinity of cTnC and the
      rate of hydrophobic patch opening, if a partial cTnC interhelical opening angle
      (110 degrees ) is sufficient for cTnI switch peptide association to cTnC. In
      contrast, interactions between cTnC and cTnI within the cardiac troponin complex
      must also be accounted for to explain contractile alterations due to G159D. In
      conclusion, this is the first multiscale in silico study to elucidate how direct
      molecular effects of genetic mutations in cTnC translate to altered myofilament
      contractile function.

PMID- 27133570
TI  - Why drugs fail in clinical trials in pulmonary arterial hypertension, and
      strategies to succeed in the future.
AB  - The past three decades have witnessed a welcome expansion of the therapeutic
      armamentarium for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
      However, against this backdrop, there have been some notable disappointments in
      drug development. Here we use these as case studies to emphasize the importance
      of informed drug target selection, the early evaluation of dose-response
      relationships in human studies, and the value of the deep phenotyping of patients
      in clinical studies to better understand inter-individual variation in patient
      response. The integration of "omics" technologies and advanced clinical imaging
      offer the potential to reduce the risk, and so cost, of drug development in PAH
      and bring much needed new medicines to those patients most likely to benefit with
      greater efficiency.

PMID- 27133571
TI  - Targeting PCSK9 as a promising new mechanism for lowering low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol.
AB  - Statins and other lipid-lowering drugs have dominated the market for many years
      for achievement of recommended levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL
      C). However, a substantial number of high-risk patients are unable to achieve the
      LDL-C goal. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) has recently emerged
      as a new, promising key therapeutic target for hypercholesterolemia. PCSK9 is a
      protease involved in chaperoning the low-density lipoprotein receptor to the
      process of degradation. PCSK9 inhibitors and statins effectively lower LDL-C. The
      PCSK9 inhibitors decrease the degradation of the LDL receptors, whereas statins
      mainly interfere with the synthetic machinery of cholesterol by inhibiting the
      key rate limiting enzyme, the HMG CoA reductase. PCSK9 inhibitors are currently
      being developed as monoclonal antibodies for their primary use in lowering LDL-C.
      They may be especially useful for patients with homozygous familial
      hypercholesterolemia, who at present receive minimal benefit from traditional
      statin therapy. The monoclonal antibody PCSK9 inhibitors, recently granted FDA
      approval, show the most promising safety and efficacy profile compared to other,
      newer LDL-C lowering therapies. This review will primarily focus on the safety
      and efficacy of monoclonal antibody PCSK9 inhibitors in comparison to statins.
      The review will also address new, alternative PCSK9 targeting drug classes such
      as small molecules, gene silencing agents, apolipoprotein B antisense
      oligonucleotides, and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitors.

PMID- 27133572
TI  - A new lignan from Zygophyllum aegyptium.

PMID- 27133573
TI  - Mapping of mitochondrial ferritin in the brainstem of Macaca fascicularis.
AB  - Mitochondrial ferritin (FtMt), a recently-studied iron storage protein, which we
      suspect is an important defense against oxidative stress in neurons and
      elsewhere. The 242-amino acid FtMt precursor protein is cleaved to mature protein
      (of molecular weight about 22-kDa) in the mitochondrial matrix. Compared with the
      ubiquitously expressed traditional ferritin (H-ferritin and L-ferritin), FtMt has
      been found in fewer locations including the testis, heart and brain. Previous
      studies have reported that the expression of FtMt in mouse and human brain is
      predominantly localized to neurons and partly to glial cells, and FtMt exerts
      protective effects on neurons by maintaining normal function and regulates
      apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. To find out the
      function of FtMt in neurodegenerative disease, we had a novel antibody made
      against human FtMt and characterized it via Western blot analysis,
      immunoabsorption testing, and double immunofluorescence histochemistry. Then we
      used this new FtMt antibody to map the distribution of FtMt in the monkey
      brainstem. We demonstrated widespread distribution of FtMt immunoreactivity
      throughout the monkey brainstem, with variable staining intensity. FtMt
      immunoreactivity was observed in the extrapyramidal system, sensory trigeminal
      nerve nuclei, some motor nuclei including ambiguous nucleus, dorsal motor nucleus
      of the vagus and hypoglossal nucleus, and some dorsal column nuclei such as the
      gracile nucleus and cuneate nucleus. In addition, double immunohistochemical
      stainings confirmed that FtMt immunoreactivity was co-localized with
      catecholaminergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (63.64%), substantia nigra pars
      compacta (69.18%), and ventral tegmental area (56.89%). The distribution of FtMt
      which we found in the brainstem implies possible involvement of FtMt in several
      physiological mechanisms, especially in the catecholaminergic neurons, and the
      possibility of significant involvement in neurodegenerative disease.

PMID- 27133574
TI  - Interleukin-1 receptor is a target for adjunctive control of diazepam-refractory
      status epilepticus in mice.
AB  - Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) may accumulate in the
      brain during status epilepticus, but whether it contributes to the progressive
      refractoriness of SE remains unclear. By using a kainic acid-induced SE mice
      model, we tested whether pharmacological blockade or knock-out of interleukin-1
      receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) could influence the diazepam-refractory phenomenon of
      prolonged SE. We confirmed diazepam failed to terminate prolonged SE (allowed to
      continue for 40min before diazepam administration). The expression level of IL
      1beta in the hippocampus during prolonged SE was significantly higher than that
      of baseline. Interestingly, prolonged SE was not diazepam-refractory in IL-1R1
      knock-out mice. Moreover, administration of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL
      1RA) combined with diazepam terminated established prolonged SE, while IL-1RA
      alone is not capable to terminate prolonged SE. On the contrary, administration
      of recombinant human IL-1beta weakens the efficacy of diazepam by prolonging its
      latency to terminate non-prolonged SE. Thus, the present study provides direct
      evidence that accumulated IL-1beta contributed to the diazepam refractoriness of
      prolonged SE, and suggests that interleukin-1 receptor is a target for adjunctive
      control of diazepam-refractory SE.

PMID- 27133576
TI  - Tandem Olefin Metathesis/Oxidative Cyclization: Synthesis of Tetrahydrofuran
      Diols from Simple Olefins.
AB  - A tandem olefin metathesis/oxidative cyclization has been developed to synthesize
      2,5-disubstituted tetrahydrofuran (THF) diols in a stereocontrolled fashion from
      simple olefin precursors. The ruthenium metathesis catalyst is converted into an
      oxidation catalyst in the second step and is thus responsible for both catalytic
      steps. The stereochemistry of the 1,5-diene intermediate can be controlled
      through the choice of catalyst and the type of metathesis conducted. This olefin
      stereochemistry then controls the THF diol stereochemistry through a highly
      stereospecific oxidative cyclization.

PMID- 27133577
TI  - Gender and cultural issues in psychiatric nosological classification systems.
AB  - Much has changed since the two dominant mental health nosological systems, the
      International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and the Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), were first published in 1900 and 1952,
      respectively. Despite numerous modifications to stay up to date with scientific
      and cultural changes (eg, exclusion of homosexuality as a disorder) and to
      improve the cultural sensitivity of psychiatric diagnoses, the ICD and DSM have
      only recently renewed attempts at harmonization. Previous nosological iterations
      demonstrate the oscillation in the importance placed on the biological focus,
      highlighting the tension between a gender- and culture-free nosology (solely
      biological) and a contextually relevant understanding of mental illness. In light
      of the release of the DSM 5, future nosological systems, such as the ICD 11,
      scheduled for release in 2017, and the Research Development Criteria (RDoC), can
      learn from history and apply critiques. This article aims to critically consider
      gender and culture in previous editions of the ICD and DSM to inform forthcoming
      classifications. 

PMID- 27133575
TI  - Higher-order Brain Areas Associated with Real-time Functional MRI Neurofeedback
      Training of the Somato-motor Cortex.
AB  - Neurofeedback (NFB) allows subjects to learn self-regulation of neuronal brain
      activation based on information about the ongoing activation. The implementation
      of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) for NFB training now
      facilitates the investigation into underlying processes. Our study involved 16
      control and 16 training right-handed subjects, the latter performing an extensive
      rt-fMRI NFB training using motor imagery. A previous analysis focused on the
      targeted primary somato-motor cortex (SMC). The present study extends the
      analysis to the supplementary motor area (SMA), the next higher brain area within
      the hierarchy of the motor system. We also examined transfer-related functional
      connectivity using a whole-volume psycho-physiological interaction (PPI) analysis
      to reveal brain areas associated with learning. The ROI analysis of the pre- and
      post-training fMRI data for motor imagery without NFB (transfer) resulted in a
      significant training-specific increase in the SMA. It could also be shown that
      the contralateral SMA exhibited a larger increase than the ipsilateral SMA in the
      training and the transfer runs, and that the right-hand training elicited a
      larger increase in the transfer runs than the left-hand training. The PPI
      analysis revealed a training-specific increase in transfer-related functional
      connectivity between the left SMA and frontal areas as well as the anterior
      midcingulate cortex (aMCC) for right- and left-hand trainings. Moreover, the
      transfer success was related with training-specific increase in functional
      connectivity between the left SMA and the target area SMC. Our study demonstrates
      that NFB training increases functional connectivity with non-targeted brain
      areas. These are associated with the training strategy (i.e., SMA) as well as
      with learning the NFB skill (i.e., aMCC and frontal areas). This detailed
      description of both the system to be trained and the areas involved in learning
      can provide valuable information for further optimization of NFB trainings.

PMID- 27133578
TI  - Impact of Humidity on the Biological Development of Aphidoletes aphidimyza
      (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae).
AB  - Aphidoletes aphidimyza Rondani (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is one of the most
      important predators used in the augmentative biological control of aphids
      worldwide. However, due to its particular life history, mass rearing A.
      aphidimyza remains difficult. Our results show that a high relative humidity
      level during pupation optimizes the development of A. aphidimyza By improving
      humidity levels during pupae storage, we improved the production efficiency and
      nearly achieved a 100% adult emergence rate. These results allow us to suggest a
      new rearing method for the aphid predator A. aphidimyza.

PMID- 27133579
TI  - Adult Exposure to Bt Toxin Cry1Ac Reduces Life Span and Reproduction of Resistant
      and Susceptible Pink Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae).
AB  - Insecticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are used widely in sprays
      and transgenic plants to control insect pests. Although much research has
      elucidated the effects of Bt toxins on larvae, relatively little is known about
      their effects on adults. Here, we evaluated the effects of exposing adults to Bt
      toxin Cry1Ac on the life span and reproduction of two strains of pink bollworm
      (Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders)). In larval diet bioassays, the
      concentration of Cry1Ac killing 50% of larvae (LC50) was 640 times higher for the
      laboratory-selected resistant strain (AZP-R) than the susceptible strain (APHIS
      S). In experiments with adults, the highest concentrations of Cry1Ac tested (160
      and 640 ug Cry1Ac per ml of 5% honey water) reduced life span for both strains.
      Treatments with 10, 40, and 160 ug Cry1Ac per ml reduced the duration of the
      oviposition period as well as the number of eggs laid by both strains, but did
      not affect the percentage of pairs producing eggs, the duration of the
      preoviposition period, or the percentage of eggs hatching for either strain.
      Adult life span did not differ between strains at low to moderate concentrations
      of Cry1Ac, but it was significantly greater for the resistant strain than the
      susceptible strain at the two highest concentrations of Cry1Ac tested. The
      reduced susceptibility to high concentrations of Cry1Ac in adults of the AZP-R
      strain relative to the APHIS-S strain provides the first evidence of expression
      of resistance to a Bt toxin in adult Lepidoptera.

PMID- 27133580
TI  - Field Response of Monochamus scutellatus scutellatus and Monochamus notatus
      (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to the Male-Produced Pheromone, 2-(Undecyloxy)
      Ethanol, and Host Volatiles.
AB  - Monochamus scutellatus scutellatus (Say) and Monochamus notatus (Drury) are pests
      of pines due to their ability to vector pinewood nematode, the causal agent of
      pine wilt disease. Several species of the genus Monochamus use the male-produced
      aggregation pheromone monochamol, which could potentially be an important
      component of lures for monitoring these species. In this study, investigations
      were conducted to determine if traps baited with monochamol were more attractive
      to male and female M. s. scutellatus and M. notatus with addition of two host
      volatiles, alpha-pinene and ethanol. In field tests, traps baited with monochamol
      + alpha-pinene or monochamol + alpha-pinene + ethanol caught significantly more
      M. s. scutellatus and M. notatus than either controls or monochamol alone. The
      mean female to male sex ratios of captured beetles increased with the addition of
      monochamol to alpha-pinene or alpha-pinene + ethanol for M. s. scutellatus, but
      only increased for M. notatus when added to alpha-pinene + ethanol. These results
      indicate monochamol can be utilized in formulating highly attractive lures with
      host volatiles for detection and monitoring of these species.

PMID- 27133581
TI  - Dosage Response Mortality of Japanese Beetle, Masked Chafer, and June Beetle
      (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Adults When Exposed to Experimental and Commercially
      Available Granules Containing Metarhizium brunneum.
AB  - Field-collected adults of three genera of turf-infesting scarabs, Japanese beetle
      (Popillia japonica Newman), June beetles (Phyllophaga spp.), and masked chafers
      (Cyclocephala spp.), were exposed to experimental and commercial granule
      formulations of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum (Petch) strain
      F52 to determine their relative susceptibility. Experimental granules contained
      microsclerotia produced by liquid fermentation with the ability to produce fresh
      conidia when rehydrated and commercial granules were Met 52 granular
      bioinsecticide. All three groups of scarab adults showed a positive dosage
      response to the fungus when exposed in cups of potting mix treated with the
      granules. LC50 values for microsclerotia granules were 1.9 * 107, 7.1 * 106, and
      3.2 * 106 conidia cup-1 for P. japonica, Phyllophaga spp., and Cyclocephala spp.,
      respectively. LC50 values for Met 52 granules were 5.9 * 107, 5.1 * 107, and 7.6
      * 106 conidia cup-1, respectively. The experimental granules containing
      microsclerotia show promise as a viable commercial control agent. They can be
      produced using lower cost fermentation methods and applied at lower dosages (97 g
      for 100 m2 as opposed to 489 g per 100 m2 for Met 52). If M. brunneum is applied
      to control the aforementioned white grubs, our data indicate the potential for
      the adult beetles to also be infected as they enter the soil to lay eggs.

PMID- 27133582
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27133583
TI  - Selection for Surgical Training: An Evidence-Based Review.
AB  - PURPOSE: The predictive relationship between candidate selection criteria for
      surgical training programs and future performance during and at the completion of
      training has been investigated for several surgical specialties, however there is
      no interspecialty agreement regarding which selection criteria should be used.
      Better understanding the predictive reliability between factors at selection and
      future performance may help to optimize the process and lead to greater
      standardization of the surgical selection process. METHODS: PubMed and Ovid
      MEDLINE databases were searched. Over 560 potentially relevant publications were
      identified using the search strategy and screened using the Cochrane
      Collaboration Data Extraction and Assessment Template. RESULTS: 57 studies met
      the inclusion criteria. Several selection criteria used in the traditional
      selection demonstrated inconsistent correlation with subsequent performance
      during and at the end of surgical training. The following selection criteria,
      however, demonstrated good predictive relationships with subsequent resident
      performance: USMLE examination scores, Letters of Recommendation (LOR) including
      the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), academic performance during
      clinical clerkships, the interview process, displaying excellence in
      extracurricular activities, and the use of unadjusted rank lists. CONCLUSIONS:
      This systematic review supports that the current selection process needs to be
      further evaluated and improved. Multicenter studies using standardized outcome
      measures of success are now required to improve the reliability of the selection
      process to select the best trainees.

PMID- 27133584
TI  - A reappraisal of Kendell and Jablensky's account of validity.
AB  - Kendell and Jablensky argue that validity in psychiatry requires either unique
      biological characteristics or a zone of rarity, where few symptoms of one
      syndrome are present in another syndrome. Meeting either of these criteria allows
      the inference that the syndrome is caused by a specific biological mechanism not
      present in other syndromes. Failing to meet either of these criteria means the
      syndrome has been arbitrarily grouped and is invalid. Kendell and Jablensky's
      account of validity is too restrictive. Scientific phenomena are generally
      produced by a multiplicity of unstable overlapping causes, the causes for one
      phenomenon typically also present in other phenomena. Despite this, scientific
      phenomena are not automatically arbitrary. Science employs idealistic models that
      can successfully describe phenomena produced by overlapping causes and can gain
      approximately true knowledge of that phenomenon. The specific biological
      mechanisms that Kendell and Jablensky see as delivering validity are only
      specific in an idealized sense. Also, approximate truth means Kendell and
      Jablensky are mistaken to see validity as invariant and independent of context.
      An alternative approach to inferring causes is the common cause and unifications.
      Scientists often see otherwise unrelated phenomena regularly co-occur, and this
      legitimizes inferring common causes responsible for the phenomena. Applied to
      psychiatry, I show how syndromes that cover many different unrelated phenomena
      allow an inference to common causes, and this delivers validity. Zones of rarity
      can actually decrease validity. Idealized models often produce more information
      about causes by covering more phenomena, whereas zones of rarity often reduce the
      number of symptoms covered by a syndrome. Ignoring zones of rarity in favour of
      syndromes that cover many symptoms can sometimes increase validity. This can also
      occur when validating syndromes through corroborations with other factors.
      Increasing corroborations may require reducing the number of symptoms,
      potentially reducing validity. 

PMID- 27133585
TI  - Coadsorption of Doxorubicin and Selected Dyes on Carbon Nanotubes. Theoretical
      Investigation of Potential Application as a pH-Controlled Drug Delivery System.
AB  - This work shows results of a theoretical survey, based on molecular dynamics
      simulation, of potential applicability of doxorubicin coadsorption with various
      dyes molecules on/in carbon nanotubes as a drug delivery system. The central idea
      is to take advantage of the dyes charge distribution change upon switching the pH
      of the environment from neutral (physiological 7.4) to acidic one (~5.5 which is
      typical for tumor tissues). This work discusses results obtained for four dye
      molecules revealing more or less interesting behavior. These were bromothymol
      blue, methyl red, neutral red, and p-phenylenediamine. All of them reveal pKa in
      the range 5-7 and thus will undergo protonation in that pH range. We considered
      coadsorption on external walls of carbon nanotubes and sequential filling of the
      nanotubes inner hollow space by drug and dyes. The latter approach, with the
      application of neutral red and p-phenylenediamine as blockers of doxorubicin, led
      to the most promising results. Closer analysis of these systems allowed us to
      state that neutral red can be particularly useful as a long-term blocker of
      doxorubicin encapsulated in the inner cavity of (30,0) carbon nanotube at neutral
      pH. At acidic pH we observed a spontaneous release of neutral red from the
      nanotube and unblocking of doxorubicin. We also confirmed, by analysis of free
      energy profiles, that unblocked doxorubicin can spontaneously leave the nanotube
      interior at the considered conditions. Thus, that system can realize pH
      controlled doxorubicin release in acidic environment of tumor tissues.

PMID- 27133586
TI  - Do stiffness and asymmetries predict change of direction performance?
AB  - Change of direction speed (CODS) underpins performance in a wide range of sports
      but little is known about how stiffness and asymmetries affect CODS. Eighteen
      healthy males performed unilateral drop jumps to determine vertical, ankle, knee
      and hip stiffness, and a CODS test to evaluate left and right leg cutting
      performance during which ground reaction force data were sampled. A step-wise
      regression analysis was performed to ascertain the determinants of CODS time. A
      two-variable regression model explained 63% (R2 = 0.63; P = 0.001) of CODS
      performance. The model included the mean vertical stiffness and jump height
      asymmetry determined during the drop jump. Faster athletes (n = 9) exhibited
      greater vertical stiffness (F = 12.40; P = 0.001) and less asymmetry in drop jump
      height (F = 6.02; P = 0.026) than slower athletes (n  = 9); effect sizes were
      both "large" in magnitude. Results suggest that overall vertical stiffness and
      drop jump height asymmetry are the strongest predictors of CODS in a healthy, non
      athletic population.

PMID- 27133587
TI  - How we diagnose and treat vitreoretinal lymphoma.
AB  - The eye is a rare site for the development of malignant lymphoma. Based on cell
      type and involved intraocular structures, which as a whole represent an immune
      privileged site, several subtypes of primary intraocular lymphoma need to be
      discerned. Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), the most common form, is an
      aggressive B-cell malignancy and considered a subtype of primary central nervous
      system (CNS) lymphoma. Ocular symptoms are non-specific and often mimic uveitis,
      frequently resulting in delayed diagnosis. Bilateral ocular involvement and
      dissemination/relapse in the CNS are common. Diagnosis of PVRL is usually based
      on the analysis of vitreous biopsy material. In addition to cytological and
      immunocytochemical examination, measurements of cytokine levels and molecular
      determination of B-cell clonality and recurrent mutations increase the diagnostic
      yield. Both systemic chemotherapy and exclusively local treatment, including
      ocular radiotherapy and intravitreal chemotherapy, are successful approaches for
      the management of PVRL, although it is currently not predictable which patients
      require systemic treatment in order to avoid cerebral dissemination, a
      complication associated with a considerably worse prognosis. 

PMID- 27133588
TI  - Development of a Quantitative GC-MS Method for the Detection of Cyclopropane
      Fatty Acids in Cheese as New Molecular Markers for Parmigiano Reggiano
      Authentication.
AB  - Cyclopropane fatty acids (CPFA), as lactobacillic acid and dihydrosterculic acid,
      are components of bacterial membranes and have been recently detected in milk and
      in dairy products from cows fed with corn silage. In this paper, a specific
      quantitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the
      detection of CPFA in cheeses was developed, and the quality parameters of the
      method (limit of detection, limit of quantitation, and intralaboratory precision)
      were assessed. Limit of detection and quantitation of CPFA were, respectively, 60
      and 200 mg/kg of cheese fat, and the intralaboratory precision, determined on
      three concentration levels, satisfied the Horwitz equation. This method was
      applied to 304 samples of PDO cheeses of certified origin, including Parmigiano
      Reggiano (Italy), Grana Padano (Italy), Fontina (Italy), Comte (France), and
      Gruyere (Switzerland). Results showed that CPFA were absent in all of the cheeses
      whose Production Specification Rules expressly forbid the use of silages
      (Parmigiano Reggiano, Fontina, Comte, and Gruyere). CPFA were instead present in
      variable concentrations (300-830 mg/kg of fat) in all of the samples of Grana
      Padano cheese (silages admitted). A mix of grated Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana
      Padano was also prepared, showing that the method is able to detect the
      counterfeiting of Parmigiano Reggiano with other cheeses up to 10-20% Grana
      Padano content. These results support the hypothesis that CPFA can be used as a
      marker of silage feedings for cheeses, and the data reported can be considered a
      first attempt to create a database for CPFA presence in PDO cheeses. 

PMID- 27133589
TI  - High pitch third generation dual-source CT: Coronary and cardiac visualization on
      routine chest CT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chest CT scans are frequently performed in radiology departments but
      have not previously contained detailed depiction of cardiac structures.
      OBJECTIVES: To evaluate myocardial and coronary visualization on high-pitch non
      gated CT of the chest using 3rd generation dual-source computed tomography (CT).
      METHODS: Cardiac anatomy of patients who had 3rd generation, non-gated high pitch
      contrast enhanced chest CT and who also had prior conventional (low pitch) chest
      CT as part of a chest abdomen pelvis exam was evaluated. Cardiac image features
      were scored by reviewers blinded to diagnosis and pitch. Paired analysis was
      performed. RESULTS: 3862 coronary segments and 2220 cardiac structures were
      evaluated by two readers in 222 CT scans. Most patients (97.2%) had chest CT for
      oncologic evaluation. The median pitch was 2.34 (IQR 2.05, 2.65) in high pitch
      and 0.8 (IQR 0.8, 0.8) in low pitch scans (p < 0.001). High pitch CT showed
      higher image visualization scores for all cardiovascular structures compared with
      conventional pitch scans (p < 0.0001). Coronary arteries were visualized in 9
      coronary segments per exam in high pitch scans versus 2 segments for conventional
      pitch (p < 0.0001). Radiation exposure was lower in the high pitch group compared
      with the conventional pitch group (median CTDIvol 10.83 vs. 12.36 mGy and DLP 790
      vs. 827 mGycm respectively, p < 0.01 for both) with comparable image noise (p =
      0.43). CONCLUSION: Myocardial structure and coronary arteries are frequently
      visualized on non-gated 3rd generation chest CT. These results raise the question
      of whether the heart and coronary arteries should be routinely interpreted on
      routine chest CT that is otherwise obtained for non-cardiac indications.

PMID- 27133590
TI  - Phenethyl isothiocyanate and indole-3-carbinol from cruciferous vegetables, but
      not furanocoumarins from apiaceous vegetables, reduced PhIP-induced DNA adducts
      in Wistar rats.
AB  - SCOPE: We previously showed that apiaceous but not cruciferous vegetables reduced
      DNA adducts formed by 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4, 5-b]pyridine (PhIP) in
      rats. Here, we report the effects of the putative chemopreventive phytochemicals
      from these vegetables on PhIP metabolism and DNA adduct formation. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Rats received three supplemented diets: P + I (phenethyl isothiocyanate
      and indole-3-carbinol), furanocoumarins (FC, 5-methoxypsoralen, 8
      methoxypsoralen, and isopimpinellin), and combination (P + I and FC).
      Phytochemical supplementation matched the levels in vegetables fed in our
      previous study. After 6 days, rats were injected with PhIP (10 mg/kg body wt) and
      killed after 24-h urine collection. Compared to the control, P + I increased
      activity of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 (10.1-fold), CYP1A2 (3.62-fold),
      and sulfotransferase 1A1 (2.70-fold). The combination diet also increased CYP1A1
      and CYP1A2 activity. Urinary metabolomics revealed that PhIP metabolite profiles
      generally agreed with biotransformation enzyme activities. P + I and combination
      diets reduced PhIP-DNA adducts by 43.5 and 24.1%, respectively, whereas FC had no
      effect on adducts, compared to the control diet. CONCLUSION: Effects of
      phytochemicals on metabolic outcomes and markers of carcinogenesis might differ
      from fresh vegetables, thus limiting the inferences that one can draw from the
      effects of purified phytochemicals on the health benefits of the vegetables from
      which they derive.

PMID- 27133591
TI  - Assent for children's participation in research: why it matters and making it
      meaningful.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are gaps in the existing evidence base about assent, with
      conflicting and unhelpful views prevalent. We contend that appropriate assent is
      a valuable process that has important consequences for children's/young people's
      participation in research. Furthermore, there is a need for a model to support
      researchers in making decisions about who to assent and how to do this is a
      meaningful way. METHODS: We undertook a scoping review of the literature to
      assess the body of opinion on assent in research with children/young people. An
      anonymous online survey was conducted to gather views from the wider community
      undertaking research with children/young people. We also sought to gather
      examples of current and effective practice that could be shared beyond the level
      of a single institution and our own experience. Survey participants included 48
      health professionals with varied levels of experience, all actively involved in
      research with children. RESULTS: Published work, the findings from the online
      survey and our knowledge as experienced researchers in the field have confirmed
      four domains that should be considered in order for assent to be meaningful and
      individualized: child-related factors, family dynamics, study design and
      complexity and researcher and organizational factors. Mapping these domains onto
      the three paradigm cases for decision-making around children and young people's
      assent/consent as recommended by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics has resulted
      in a model that will aid researchers in understanding the relationship between
      assent and consent and help them make decisions about when assent is appropriate.
      CONCLUSIONS: The debate about assent needs to move away from terminology,
      definition and legal issues. It should focus instead on practical ways of
      supporting researchers to work in partnership with children, thus ensuring a more
      informed, voluntary and more robust and longer lasting commitment to research.

PMID- 27133592
TI  - Insights into the structure-activity relationship of the anticancer compound ZJ
      101: A critical role played by the cyclohexene ring.
AB  - Compound ZJ-101, a structurally simplified analog of the marine natural product
      superstolide A, was previously developed in our laboratory. In the subsequent
      structure-activity relationship study, a new analog ZJ-102 was designed and
      synthesized to probe the importance of the cyclohexenyl group through its
      replacement to a phenyl group using a concise and convergent synthetic approach.
      The biological evaluation showed that this new analog ZJ-102 is significantly
      less active against cancer cells in vitro than ZJ-101, suggesting that the
      cyclohexenyl ring (along with its two stereogenic centers) present in ZJ-101 is
      important for its anticancer activity.

PMID- 27133593
TI  - Kaurane and abietane diterpenoids from the roots of Tripterygium wilfordii and
      their cytotoxic evaluation.
AB  - Kaurane diterpenoids and abietane diterpenoids are the major anti-tumor
      components in Tripterygium wilfordii (Celastraceae). Extraction of Tripterygium
      wilfordii afforded a new diterpenoid and twenty known diterpenoids belonging to
      the abietane and ent-kaurane families. The structures of all these compounds were
      characterized by spectroscopic techniques. All compounds were evaluated using the
      MTT method for in vitro cytotoxicity against six human cancer cell lines (HepG2,
      Hep3B, Bcap37, U251, MCF-7 and A549). Compounds 7 and 12 exhibited marked
      cytotoxicity against a six cell lines with IC50 values in the range 5.10
      23.30MUM. The structure-cytotoxic activity relationships of these diterpenoids
      are also discussed.

PMID- 27133594
TI  - Piperidine derivatives as nonprostanoid IP receptor agonists 2.
AB  - We searched for a strong and selective nonprostanoid IP agonist bearing
      piperidine and benzanilide moieties. Through optimization of substituents on the
      benzanilide moiety, the crucial part of the agonist, 43 (2-((1-(2-(N-(4
      tolyl)benzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-carboxamido)ethyl)piperidin-4-yl)oxy)acetic acid
      monohydrate monohydrochloride) was discovered and exhibited strong platelet
      aggregation inhibition (IC50=21nM) and 100-fold selectivity for IP receptor over
      other PG receptors. The systemic exposure level and bioavailability after oral
      administration of 43 were also good in dog.

PMID- 27133595
TI  - Anti-gout nor-oleanane triterpenoids from the leaves of Stauntonia brachyanthera.
AB  - With the aim of finding more potential anti-gout compounds from natural
      resources, a phytochemical study on the leaves of Stauntonia brachyanthera was
      carried out, which led to the isolation of 11 nor-oleanane triterpenoids,
      including 4 new ones. Their structures were determined by the comprehensive 1D,
      2D NMR, HRMS, and HPLC analysis after acid hydrolysis. Brachyantheraoside B4 (3)
      and 3-O-alpha-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1->2)-alpha-l-arabinopyranosyl-30-norolean
      12,20(29)-dien-28-oic acid (8) exhibited significant inhibitory activities on
      xanthine oxidase with IC50 values of 0.20 and 18.5MUM, respectively.
      Brachyantheraoside C2 (2) also showed moderate effects on XO. A primary structure
      activity relationship was also summarized, which revealed the anti-gout abilities
      of three nor-oleanane triterpenoids and their potential possibilities as the
      candidate compounds for the treatment of gout. The discovery of nor-oleanane
      triterpenoids also widens people's idea for the study of anti-gout agents and
      promotes the comprehensive development of S. brachyanthera.

PMID- 27133596
TI  - State of affairs: Design and structure-activity relationships of reversible P2Y12
      receptor antagonists.
AB  - Myocardial infarction and stroke are the most common causes of mortality and
      morbidity in the developed world. Therefore the search for antiplatelet therapy
      has been in focus for the last decades, in particular the search for new P2Y12R
      antagonists. The first P2Y12R drug developed, clopidogrel, is a major success but
      there is still room for improvement with respect to bleeding profile and non
      responders. These liabilities could be due to the fact that clopidogrel is a pro
      drug and upon activation binds covalently to the receptor. Therefore a lot of
      effort has gone into identifying reversible inhibitors. One recent example is
      ticagrelor, which in clinical studies have been shown to be safer and even reduce
      rate of death from vascular events as compared head to head with clopidogrel. We
      here review the medicinal chemistry strategies used in the design of new
      reversible P2Y12R antagonists. In addition, we also present structure based
      design studies based on the recently published agonist and antagonist X-ray
      structures of P2Y12R.

PMID- 27133597
TI  - Regulatory T cell therapy for type 1 diabetes: May the force be with you.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) results from autoimmune destruction of insulin
      producing beta cells. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to be defective
      in this setting. Immuno-therapies targeting T cells, and resetting the balance
      between T effectors and Tregs, have had some initial success in preserving beta
      cell function. With a goal to use Tregs themselves as a novel therapeutic, we
      developed a technique to isolate and expand Tregs from patients with T1DM. These
      ex vivo expanded CD4(+)CD127(lo/-)CD25(+) cells exhibit improved function and
      retain their T cell receptor diversity. These cells have subsequently been used
      in phase I clinical trials in patients with recent onset T1DM. The infusions were
      well tolerated, with no safety concerns. The studies are too small to assess
      efficacy definitively, although some individuals exhibit stable beta cell
      function over intervals as long as 2 years. These efforts set the stage for a
      larger phase II effort in new onset T1DM, and combination studies with other
      drugs, as well as efforts in other autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 27133599
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27133600
TI  - Increasing Access to Health Administrative Data with ICES Data & Analytic
      Services.
AB  - The Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) is one of only a few
      organizations in Ontario permitted to access, link and analyze health
      administrative data for the purpose of generating evidence to inform decisions in
      policy and practice. Although ICES is a leading research institute, its access to
      the data has historically been restricted to scientists with an ICES affiliation.
      This requirement, designed to meet ICES' data privacy and security obligations,
      created barriers with respect to the widespread use of Ontario's data assets. In
      2014, as part of the government's commitment to the Strategy for Patient-Oriented
      Research, ICES launched the Data & Analytic Services platform, which is aimed at
      increasing access to data and analytic services to investigators external to
      ICES. In making the data widely available to the broader research community, this
      initiative engages investigators involved in front-line care, stimulates new
      avenues of research and fosters collaboration that was previously challenging or
      unfeasible. 

PMID- 27133598
TI  - Replicative capacity of beta-cells and type 1 diabetes.
AB  - Efforts to restore beta-cell number or mass in type 1 diabetes (T1D) must combine
      an intervention to stimulate proliferation of remaining beta-cells and an
      intervention to mitigate or control the beta-cell-directed autoimmunity. This
      review highlights features of the beta-cell, including it being part of a
      pancreatic islet, a mini-organ that is highly vascularized and highly innervated,
      and efforts to promote beta-cell proliferation. In addition, the beta-cell in T1D
      exists in a microenvironment with interactions and input from other islet cell
      types, extracellular matrix, vascular endothelial cells, neuronal projections,
      and immune cells, all of which likely influence the beta-cell's capacity for
      replication. Physiologic beta-cell proliferation occurs in human and rodents in
      the neonatal period and early in life, after which there is an age-dependent
      decline in beta-cell proliferation, and also as part of the beta-cell's
      compensatory response to the metabolic challenges of pregnancy and insulin
      resistance. This review reviews the molecular pathways involved in this beta-cell
      proliferation and highlights recent work in two areas: 1) Investigators, using
      high-throughput screening to discover small molecules that promote human beta
      cell proliferation, are now focusing on the dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated
      kinase-1a and cell cycle-dependent kinase inhibitors CDKN2C/p18 or CDKN1A/p21as
      targets of compounds to stimulate adult human beta-cell proliferation. 2) Local
      inflammation, macrophages, and the local beta-cell microenvironment promote beta
      cell proliferation. Future efforts to harness the responsible mechanisms may lead
      to new approaches to promote beta-cell proliferation in T1D.

PMID- 27133601
TI  - Care for Children and Youth with Mental Disorders in Canada.

PMID- 27133602
TI  - In Conversation with Barry Telford.

PMID- 27133603
TI  - The Case for Information Brokering During Major Change: The Experience of the
      Transition Support Office of the McGill University Health Centre.
AB  - This paper describes the emergence of an "information brokerage" in the project
      management office of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) in Montreal. This
      process evolved during unprecedented transformation linked to a redevelopment
      project. Information brokering became a core function in the MUHC's context of
      major change. To develop an information brokering model, the paper draws upon the
      literature on knowledge brokering, applies Daft and Lengel's (1986) seminal
      framework on information processing in organizations, and builds on the MUHC
      experience. The paper proposes that knowledge brokering and information brokering
      are related, yet distinct in content, purpose and structure. 

PMID- 27133604
TI  - Repeated Diagnostic Imaging Studies in Ontario and the Impact of Health
      Information Exchange Systems.
AB  - Health information exchange systems can link the results of diagnostic imaging
      tests across hospitals and geographic areas. One of the potential benefits of
      these systems is a reduction in imaging studies ordered by physicians who do not
      know about or have access to the previous imaging results. We used administrative
      data from Ontario, Canada (from the year 2013), to measure how frequently the
      same cross-sectional imaging study is repeated in a patient. Overall, 12.8% of
      the specified imaging tests were repeated within 90 days. An area of Southwestern
      Ontario with a health information exchange system for diagnostic imaging tests
      had a 13% lower rate of repeat cross-sectional imaging compared with the rest of
      the province (11.2 vs 12.8%, p < 0.01). The use of linked radiology systems may
      be able to reduce the number of repeated imaging tests and improve patient safety
      and hospital efficiency. 

PMID- 27133605
TI  - Process Improvements to Reform Patient Flow in the Emergency Department.
AB  - Emergency departments (ED) function to diagnose, stabilize, manage and dispose
      patients as efficiently as possible. Although problems may be suspected at
      triage, ED physician input is required at each step of the patient journey
      through the ED, from diagnosis to disposition. If we want timely diagnosis,
      appropriate treatment and great outcomes, then ED processes should connect
      patients and physicians as quickly as possible. This article discusses the key
      concepts of ED patient flow, value and efficiency. Based on these fundamentals,
      it describes the significant impact of ED process improvements implemented on
      measures of ED efficiency at a large community ED in Ontario, Canada. 

PMID- 27133606
TI  - Lean Transformation of the Eye Clinic at The Hospital for Sick Children:
      Challenging an Implicit Mental Model and Lessons Learned.
AB  - Long patient dwell time (i.e., the time between patients arriving and leaving the
      clinic) has been a long-standing issue in the eye clinic at The Hospital for Sick
      Children. By applying the Lean principles of eliminating waste and enhancing
      flow, we achieved a 26% reduction in the mean patient dwell time over an eight
      month period. Importantly, the average time a patient spent with healthcare
      providers (value-added time) increased from 21% to 31%. In this paper, we
      summarized our experience by illustrating how an implicit mental model (conscious
      or unconscious conceptual framework from which we understand the world) pervades
      in the healthcare system based on deeply held but unexamined assumptions that
      arise from heuristics (general rules of thumb) and biases; how these assumptions
      can be tested by objective data; and how we can build a new mental model based on
      objective findings to improve the healthcare system. 

PMID- 27133607
TI  - Implementing Patient-Oriented Discharge Summaries (PODS): A Multisite Pilot
      Across Early Adopter Hospitals.
AB  - Communication gaps when patients transition from hospital to either home or
      community can be problematic. Partnership between Toronto Central Local Health
      Integration Network (TC LHIN) and OpenLab addressed this through the Patient
      Oriented Discharge Summaries (PODS) project. From January through March 2015,
      eight hospital departments across Toronto came together to implement the PODS, a
      tool previously developed through a co-design process involving patients,
      caregivers and providers. This paper presents data on how the hospitals came
      together and the impact of PODS on the patient and provider experience across
      these hospitals and discusses it implications. 

PMID- 27133608
TI  - Decentralizing the Team Station: Simulation before Reality as a Best-Practice
      Approach.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to share the logistical planning requirements and
      simulation experience of one Canadian hospital as it prepared its staff for the
      change from a centralized inpatient unit model to the decentralized design
      planned for its new community hospital. With the commitment and support of senior
      leadership, project management resources and clinical leads worked
      collaboratively to design a decentralized prototype in the form of a pod-style
      environment in the hospital's current setting. Critical success factors included
      engaging the right stakeholders, providing an opportunity to test new workflows
      and technology, creating a strong communication plan and building on lessons
      learned as subsequent pod prototypes are launched. 

PMID- 27133609
TI  - Standard of Care in Pediatrics: Integrating Family-Centred Care and Social
      Determinants of Health.
AB  - In pediatric healthcare, there is a recognized need to address social
      determinants of health (SDOH) to positively influence child health and
      development. In addition, family-centred care (FCC) recognizes the value of the
      family unit in affecting individual patient experiences of illness and care.
      However, pediatric healthcare that incorporates principles of FCC and SDOH may be
      interpreted as calling on clinicians to deviate from or add to practices that
      form an accepted standard of care. This paper explores the legal and ethical
      considerations of doing so and describes practical responses to these challenging
      situations. 

PMID- 27133610
TI  - Yes Doctors, You Were Right. The Data Were Wrong: One Organization's Data Quality
      Journey.
AB  - In 2012, publicly released reports indicated that the health outcomes at St.
      Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto (SJHC), may not be of the same quality when
      compared with those at peer hospitals. This surprised the leaders within the
      organization given that SJHC had a sound reputation for quality and patient
      safety within the sector. As a result, SJHC's senior management and medical
      leadership identified clinical outcomes and data quality as items to be addressed
      within its enterprise risk management framework with a focus on the methods by
      which data were collected, coded and used by clinicians. The following article
      describes the approach SJHC used to improve the quality of its clinical data and
      how it changed physician participation in examining data designed to help inform
      and improve care. 

PMID- 27133611
TI  - Advancing Interprofessional Collaborative Teams in the Winnipeg Health Region.
AB  - This project developed an evaluation platform aimed at diagnosing team
      functioning using evidence-informed, measurable indicators to provide an
      actionable roadmap to guide teams in improving their interprofessional
      collaborative team performance. A scoping literature review, stakeholder
      consultation, survey and focus groups were conducted to inform both the final
      selection of eight indicators of effective, high-performing teams and the process
      to assess and evaluate teams against these indicators. The program was piloted
      with two interprofessional teams in the Winnipeg Health Region. Focus groups and
      questionnaires were used to evaluate the program. 

PMID- 27133612
TI  - Bringing Person- and Family-Centred Care Alive in Home, Community and Long-Term
      Care Organizations.
AB  - It is now more important than ever for person- and family-centred care (PFCC) to
      be at the forefront of program and service design and delivery; yet, to date,
      very little guidance is available to assist home, community and long-term care
      (LTC) organizations to operationalize this concept and overcome inherent
      challenges. This article provides a list of practical strategies for healthcare
      leaders to promote and support a culture shift towards PFCC in their
      organizations and identifies and addresses five common concerns. The unique
      opportunities and challenges for practicing PFCC in home, community and LTC
      settings are also discussed. 

PMID- 27133613
TI  - Large-scale brain networks are distinctly affected in right and left mesial
      temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) with hippocampus sclerosis (HS) is
      associated with functional and structural alterations extending beyond the
      temporal regions and abnormal pattern of brain resting state networks (RSNs)
      connectivity. We hypothesized that the interaction of large-scale RSNs is
      differently affected in patients with right- and left-MTLE with HS compared to
      controls. We aimed to determine and characterize these alterations through the
      analysis of 12 RSNs, functionally parceled in 70 regions of interest (ROIs), from
      resting-state functional-MRIs of 99 subjects (52 controls, 26 right- and 21 left
      MTLE patients with HS). Image preprocessing and statistical analysis were
      performed using UF(2) C-toolbox, which provided ROI-wise results for intranetwork
      and internetwork connectivity. Intranetwork abnormalities were observed in the
      dorsal default mode network (DMN) in both groups of patients and in the posterior
      salience network in right-MTLE. Both groups showed abnormal correlation between
      the dorsal-DMN and the posterior salience, as well as between the dorsal-DMN and
      the executive-control network. Patients with left-MTLE also showed reduced
      correlation between the dorsal-DMN and visuospatial network and increased
      correlation between bilateral thalamus and the posterior salience network. The
      ipsilateral hippocampus stood out as a central area of abnormalities. Alterations
      on left-MTLE expressed a low cluster coefficient, whereas the altered connections
      on right-MTLE showed low cluster coefficient in the DMN but high in the posterior
      salience regions. Both right- and left-MTLE patients with HS have widespread
      abnormal interactions of large-scale brain networks; however, all parameters
      evaluated indicate that left-MTLE has a more intricate bihemispheric dysfunction
      compared to right-MTLE. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3137-3152, 2016. (c) 2016 The Authors
      Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27133614
TI  - Phonetic Approaches of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: A Prospective Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to explore the impact of the selection of the
      analyzed time interval on the significance of acoustic measurements used to
      investigate laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) treatment efficacy, and based on these
      results to develop an alternative statistical approach in data analysis focusing
      on individual patient vocal behavior. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective case
      series. METHODS: From September 2013 to July 2015, 41 patients with a reflux
      finding score (RFS) > 7 and a reflux symptom index (RSI) > 13 were enrolled and
      treated with pantoprazole 20 mg twice daily and diet behavioral changes for 3
      months. Voice recordings were performed at baseline and after 3 months of
      treatment. Most stable time intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 seconds, and a 1
      second time interval positioned at mid-production, were subjected to acoustic
      analysis. Based on the latter, we developed an "informativeness coefficient" for
      each acoustic parameter that aimed at assessing its sensitivity to clinical
      resolution in the case of LPR disease. RESULTS: Significant clinical improvement
      (RSI and RFS) was observed after treatment (P < 0.05). The acoustic analysis
      revealed that acoustic parameters significantly improving from pre- to
      posttreatment varied across time intervals. The duration and the position of the
      analyzed time interval in the production yielded considerable differences in the
      results. Analysis of the informativeness coefficient indicated that jitter,
      jitter percent, relative average perturbation (RAP), pitch perturbation quotient
      (PPQ), shimmer (ShdB), shimmer percent (Shim), amplitude perturbation quotient
      (APQ), and smoothed amplitude perturbation quotient (sAPQ) were the indices most
      sensitive to medical treatment efficacy, with a coefficient ranging from 75.86%
      to 86.21%. CONCLUSIONS: Depending on the selection of the time interval over
      which the acoustic parameters are measured, the potential effect of the treatment
      may or may not be statistically demonstrated. Future studies are needed to
      establish standardized methodological procedures for acoustic data analysis.

PMID- 27133615
TI  - The Potential Role of Subglottal Convergence Angle and Measurement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore subglottal convergence angle measurement.
      We hypothesize that the angle will change with glottis closure condition. Changes
      to the angle may alter vocal fold stress distribution, which could result in
      vocal fold pathologies. METHODS: Three vocal fold positions were evaluated by the
      degree of glottal closure and divided into three groups. Neck computed
      tomographic images of the subjects were gathered, and three-dimensional (3D)
      models of the vocal folds and the airway were reconstructed using Mimics
      software, through which the subglottal convergence angle was measured. Using one
      way factor analysis of variance, we compared the angle among three groups. We
      explored the effect of the angle on vibration based on the material oblique
      section stress analysis. RESULTS: The subglottal convergence angle was
      effectively measured from 3D models. The angle changed with degree of glottal
      closure, with statistically significant differences among the three groups (P <
      0.01). Changes to the angle alter subglottal stress distribution in the
      subglottal shear or normal direction by the material oblique section stress
      analysis theory. Larger subglottal convergence angle might reduce subglottal
      pressure in the shear direction below the vocal folds, which would make vibration
      and vocal fold mucosal wave generation more difficult. CONCLUSION: 3D model
      generation from computed tomographic data is an effective method of measuring the
      subglottal convergence angle, which changes with the degree of glottis closure,
      and may affect subglottal pressure distribution in the subglottal shear or normal
      direction and influence vocal fold vibration.

PMID- 27133616
TI  - An ICF Perspective on Voice-related Quality of Life of American Transgender
      Women.
AB  - PURPOSE: The factors and correlates of voice-related quality of life (vQOL) in
      American transgender women (ie, male-to-female) were examined using two
      questionnaires and were reviewed in the context of the International
      Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) model. This
      information will assist clinicians to be culturally and clinically competent
      providers of voice and communication feminization services. METHODS: A diverse
      group of 81 transgender women completed a survey to report relevant demographic
      information, as well as the Voice Handicap Index and the Transgender Self
      evaluation Questionnaire (TSEQ). Descriptive statistics for the overall levels of
      vQOL were calculated. Items from the TSEQ were sorted to correspond to the ICF
      components to allow for description and ranking of factors impacting health
      function. Spearman correlations were used to examine the relationships between
      questionnaire scores and to select demographic and gender transition
      characteristics (ie, personal factors in the ICF). RESULTS: These transgender
      women reported a wide range of vQOL; some are severely restricted by their voice
      and communication, whereas others are not. The most common concerns are emotional
      reactions to activity limitations and participation restrictions. Personal
      factors related to demographics and gender transition generally were not
      significant contributors to the vQOL scores. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to
      addressing the physiological functions of the voice, speech language pathologists
      should cultivate cultural competence and consider transgender clients' emotional
      reactions to voice function impairments and related life participation
      restrictions.

PMID- 27133617
TI  - Healthy obesity is not safe obesity.

PMID- 27133618
TI  - The acute effects of time-of-day-dependent high fat feeding on whole body
      metabolic flexibility in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both circadian disruption and timing of feeding have important roles
      in the development of metabolic disease. Despite growing acceptance that the
      timing of food consumption has long-term impact on metabolic homeostasis, little
      is known regarding the immediate influence on whole body metabolism, or the
      mechanisms involved. We aimed to examine the acute effects of time-of-day
      dependent high fat feeding on whole body substrate metabolism and metabolic
      plasticity, and to determine the potential contribution of the adipocyte
      circadian clock. METHODS: Mice were fed a regimen of 4-h meal at the beginning
      and end of the dark (waking) cycle, separated by 4 h of fasting. Daily
      experimental conditions consisted of either an early very high fat or high fat
      (EVHF or EHF, 60 or 45% kcals from fat, respectively) or late (LVHF or LHF) meal,
      paired with a low fat (LF, 10% kcals from fat) meal. Metabolic parameters,
      glucose tolerance, body fat composition and weight were assessed. To determine
      the role of the adipocyte circadian clock, an aP2-CLOCK mutant (ACM) mouse model
      was used. RESULTS: Mice in the EVHF or EHF groups showed a 13.2 or 8.84 higher
      percentage of caloric intake from fat and had a 0.013 or 0.026 lower daily
      average respiratory exchange ratio, respectively, compared with mice eating the
      opposite feeding regime. Changes in glucose tolerance, body fat composition and
      weight were not significant at the end of the 9-day restricted feeding period.
      ACM mice did not exhibit different metabolic responses to the feeding regimes
      compared with wild-type littermates. Circadian clock disruption did not influence
      the short-term response to timed feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Both the total fat
      composition of diet and the timing of fat intake may differentially mediate the
      effect of timed feeding on substrate metabolism, but may not induce acute changes
      in metabolic flexibility.

PMID- 27133619
TI  - Weight and cardiometabolic health: new perspectives.

PMID- 27133620
TI  - Movers and stayers: how residential selection contributes to the association
      between female body mass index and neighborhood characteristics.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To examine how a woman's current body mass index (BMI) is
      associated with nonrandom residential migration that is based on the average BMI
      of her origin and destination neighborhoods. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Among women having
      at least two children, all birth certificates from Salt Lake county from 1989 to
      2010 (n=34 010) were used to obtain prepregnancy weights before the first and
      second births, residential location and sociodemographic information. Census data
      were used for measures of walkability of neighborhoods. RESULTS: After
      adjustments for age, education, race/ethnicity and marital status, obese women
      living in the leanest neighborhoods are found to be three times more likely (odds
      ratio (OR)=3.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.06-4.47) to move to the heaviest
      neighborhoods relative to women with healthy weight (BMI between 18 and 25 kg m(
      2)). Conversely, obese women in the heaviest neighborhoods are 60% less likely
      (OR=0.39, 95% CI 0.22-0.69) to move to the leanest neighborhoods relative to
      healthy weight women. Indicators of relatively greater walkability (older
      housing, greater proportion of residents who walk to work) and higher median
      family income characterize leaner neighborhoods. CONCLUSIONS: The findings are
      consistent with the hypothesis that nonrandom selection into and out of
      neighborhoods accounts for some of the association between BMI and neighborhood
      characteristics.

PMID- 27133622
TI  - In response to 'Capsaicinoids: a spicy solution to the management of obesity?'.

PMID- 27133621
TI  - Inter-relationships between the severity of metabolic syndrome, insulin and
      adiponectin and their relationship to future type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The severity of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is related to future
      incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However,
      the relationship between MetS severity and levels of fasting insulin and
      adiponectin-markers of insulin resistance-is unclear. METHODS: We used linear and
      logistic regression to analyze data from 711 participants of the Princeton Lipid
      Research Cohort with information regarding levels of insulin, adiponectin and
      MetS severity during 1998-2003 (mean age 39.5 years); 595 participants had MetS
      severity data from childhood (1973-1976, mean age 12.9 years) and 417 had updated
      disease status from 2010 to 2014 (mean age 50.9 years). RESULTS: Childhood MetS Z
      scores were positively associated with adult insulin levels (P<0.001) and
      negatively associated with adiponectin levels (P=0.01). In individual analyses,
      higher insulin levels and MetS Z-score as adults were related to higher odds of
      incident diabetes and CVD over the next 11.2 years (all P<0.001), whereas lower
      adiponectin levels were only related to odds of future T2DM (P<0.0001). In a
      model including insulin, adiponectin and MetS Z-score, adiponectin was not linked
      to future disease; both insulin (P=0.027) and MetS Z-score (P=0.002) were related
      to risk of future T2DM, while only MetS Z-score was related to future CVD
      (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of MetS exhibits long-term links to levels
      of insulin and adiponectin, suggesting potential genetic and environmental
      influences on insulin resistance over time. As a long-term predictor of T2DM and
      CVD, the severity of MetS exhibited consistent independent correlations. This
      supports clinical utility in evaluating MetS severity as a predictor of risk for
      future disease.

PMID- 27133624
TI  - Sensitization potential of hydrolysed wheat proteins.

PMID- 27133623
TI  - Maternal diet quality in pregnancy and neonatal adiposity: the Healthy Start
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Poor maternal diet in pregnancy can influence fetal growth
      and development. We tested the hypothesis that poor maternal diet quality during
      pregnancy would increase neonatal adiposity (percent fat mass (%FM)) at birth by
      increasing the fat mass (FM) component of neonatal body composition. METHODS: Our
      analysis was conducted using a prebirth observational cohort of 1079 mother
      offspring pairs. Pregnancy diet was assessed via repeated Automated Self
      Administered 24-h dietary recalls, from which Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI
      2010) scores were calculated for each mother. HEI-2010 was dichotomized into
      scores of ?57 and >57, with low scores representing poorer diet quality. Neonatal
      %FM was assessed within 72 h after birth with air displacement plethysmography.
      Using univariate and multivariate linear models, we analyzed the relationship
      between maternal diet quality and neonatal %FM, FM, and fat-free mass (FFM) while
      adjusting for prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), physical activity, maternal
      age, smoking, energy intake, preeclampsia, hypertension, infant sex and
      gestational age. RESULTS: Total HEI-2010 score ranged between 18.2 and 89.5
      (mean: 54.2, s.d.: 13.6). An HEI-2010 score of ?57 was significantly associated
      with higher neonatal %FM (beta=0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07-1.1,
      P<0.05) and FM (beta=20.74; 95% CI 1.49-40.0; P<0.05) but no difference in FFM.
      CONCLUSIONS: Poor diet quality during pregnancy increases neonatal adiposity
      independent of maternal prepregnancy BMI and total caloric intake. This further
      implicates maternal diet as a potentially important exposure for fetal adiposity.

PMID- 27133625
TI  - Allergy risks with laptop computers - nickel and cobalt release.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laptop computers may release nickel and cobalt when they come into
      contact with skin. Few computer brands have been studied. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate
      nickel and cobalt release from laptop computers belonging to several brands by
      using spot tests, and to quantify the release from one new computer by using
      artificial sweat solution. METHODS: Nickel and cobalt spot tests were used on the
      lid and wrist supports of 31 laptop computers representing five brands. The same
      surfaces were tested on all computers. In addition, one new computer was bought
      and dismantled for release tests in artificial sweat according to the standard
      method described in EN1811. RESULTS: Thirty-nine per cent of the laptop computers
      were nickel spot test-positive, and 6% were positive for cobalt. The nickel on
      the surface could be worn off by consecutive spot testing of the same surface.
      The release test in artificial sweat of one computer showed that nickel and
      cobalt were released, although in low concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: As they
      constitute a potential source of skin exposure to metals, laptop computers should
      qualify as objects to be included within the restriction of nickel in REACH,
      following the definition of 'prolonged skin contact'. Skin contact resulting from
      laptop use may contribute to an accumulated skin dose of nickel that can be
      problematic for sensitized individuals.

PMID- 27133626
TI  - A case of occupational contact dermatitis caused by N-acetylcysteine.

PMID- 27133627
TI  - Patch testing with didecyldimethylammonium chloride.

PMID- 27133629
TI  - Sensitization to and allergic contact dermatitis caused by Mirvaso((r))
      (brimonidine tartrate) for treatment of rosacea - 2 cases.

PMID- 27133628
TI  - The unsuspected power of mare's milk.

PMID- 27133630
TI  - Nickel released from children's toys is deposited on the skin.

PMID- 27133631
TI  - Reliability of dispensers for patch testing.

PMID- 27133632
TI  - Allergic contact dermatitis caused by resorcinol and sodium dehydroacetate in a
      patient with leg ulcers.

PMID- 27133659
TI  - A numerical investigation of the healthy abdominal wall structures.
AB  - The present work aims to assess, via numerical modeling, the global passive
      mechanical behavior of the healthy abdominal wall under the action of pressures
      that characterize different daily tasks and physiological functions. The
      evaluation of a normal range of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during activities
      of daily living is fundamental because pressure alterations can cause several
      adverse effects. At this purpose, a finite element model is developed from
      literature histomorphometric data and from diagnostic images of Computed
      Tomography (CT), detailing the different anatomical regions. Numerical
      simulations cover an IAP up to the physiological limit of 171 (0.0223MPa) mmHg
      reached while jumping. Numerical results are in agreement with evidences on
      physiological abdomens when evaluating the local deformations along the
      craniocaudal direction, the transversal load forces in different regions and the
      increase of the abdominal area at a IAP of 12mmHg. The developed model can be
      upgraded for the investigation of the abdominal hernia repair and the assessment
      of prostheses mechanical compatibility, correlating stiffness and tensile
      strength of the abdominal tissues with those of surgical meshes.

PMID- 27133660
TI  - The immune system continues to knock at the ALS door.

PMID- 27133661
TI  - Characterization of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase pumps in muscle of
      patients with myotonic dystrophy and with hypothyroid myopathy.
AB  - Sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA) pumps play the major
      role in lowering cytoplasmic calcium concentration in skeletal muscle by
      catalyzing the ATP-dependent transport of Ca(2+) from the cytosol to the lumen of
      the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Although SERCA abnormalities have been
      hypothesized to contribute to the dysregulation of intracellular Ca(2+)
      homeostasis and signaling in muscle of patients with myotonic dystrophy (DM) and
      hypothyroid myopathy, the characterization of SERCA pumps remains elusive and
      their impairment is still unclear. We assessed the activity of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase,
      expression levels and fiber distribution of SERCA1 and SERCA2, and
      oligomerization of SERCA1 protein in muscle of patients with DM type 1 and 2, and
      with hypothyroid myopathy. Our data provide evidence that SR Ca(2+) ATPase
      activity, protein levels and muscle fiber distribution of total SERCA1 and
      SERCA2, and SERCA1 oligomerization pattern are similar in patients with both DM1
      and DM2, hypothyroid myopathy and in control subjects. We prove that SERCA1b, the
      neonatal isoform of SERCA1, is expressed at protein level in muscle of patients
      with DM2 and, in lower amount, of patients with DM1. Our present study
      demonstrates that SERCA function is not altered in muscle of patients with DM and
      with hypothyroid myopathy.

PMID- 27133662
TI  - Myasthenia gravis with muscle specific kinase antibodies mimicking amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) myasthenia gravis (MG) is hallmarked by the
      predominant involvement of bulbar muscles and muscle atrophy. This might mimic
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) presenting with bulbar weakness. We
      encountered four cases of MuSK MG patients with an initial misdiagnosis of ALS.
      We analyzed the clinical data of the four misdiagnosed MuSK MG patients, and
      investigated the presence of MuSK autoantibodies in a group of 256 Dutch bulbar
      onset ALS patients using a recombinant MuSK ELISA and a standard MuSK
      radioimmunorecipitation assay. Clues for changing the diagnosis were slow
      progression, clinical improvement, development of diplopia and absence of signs
      of upper motor neuron involvement. No cases of MuSK MG were identified among a
      group of 256 bulbar ALS patients diagnosed according to the revised El Escorial
      criteria. A misdiagnosis of ALS in patients with MuSK MG is rare. We recommend to
      carefully consider the diagnosis of MuSK MG in patients presenting with bulbar
      weakness without clear signs of upper motor neuron dysfunction.

PMID- 27133663
TI  - 1st Workshop on Upper-Extremity Assistive Technology for People with Duchenne:
      State of the art, emerging avenues, and challenges: April 27th 2015, London,
      United Kingdom.

PMID- 27133664
TI  - A 52-week pilot study of the effects of exenatide on body weight in patients with
      hypothalamic obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hypothalamic obesity (HO) is a common complication of hypothalamic
      tumors, and effective therapies are lacking. The objective of this pilot study
      was to investigate changes in body weight before and during treatment with
      exenatide. METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label, 52-week pilot study of
      exenatide (10 mcg b.i.d.) in adults with HO. Ten patients enrolled, and eight
      completed the study. Study measures included indirect calorimetry, body
      composition, buffet meals, diet recall, actigraphy, and hormone assays. RESULTS:
      Participants had obesity with a baseline weight of 137.2 +/- 37.6 kg. Exenatide
      therapy was well tolerated. Change in weight with exenatide therapy was not
      significant (-1.4 +/- 4.3 kg [95% CI -4.9 to 2.2], P = 0.40), but six out of
      eight completers lost weight (-6.2 to -0.2 kg). Participants reported
      significantly lower intake on food recall during treatment compared with baseline
      (7837.8 +/- 2796.6 vs. 6258.4 +/- 1970.7 kJ [95% CI -2915.8 to -242.6], P =
      0.027), but there was no change in intake during buffet meals. CONCLUSIONS:
      Significant weight loss was not observed in patients with HO treated with
      exenatide, but 75% of completers had stable or decreasing weight. Further studies
      are needed to evaluate weight loss efficacy in patients with HO.

PMID- 27133665
TI  - Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of gallbladder adenocarcinoma:
      analysis with emphasis on histologic grade.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for
      differentiating gallbladder adenocarcinoma from adenoma, and predicting
      histologic grades of gallbladder adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourty
      three gallbladder adenocarcinomas and 8 adenomas were included. We compared
      apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between adenocarcinoma and adenoma,
      and ADC values of gallbladder adenocarcinoma among the histologic grade. RESULTS:
      Gallbladder adenocarcinoma (1.041*10(-3)mm(2)/s) showed significantly lower ADC
      values than adenoma (2.039*10(-3)mm(2)/s) (P<.001). Well-differentiated
      adenocarcinoma (1.290*10(-3)mm(2)/s) showed significantly higher ADC values than
      higher-grades (1.104*10(-3) and 0.915*10(-3)mm(2)/s in moderately- and poorly
      differentiated, respectively) (P<.001). CONCLUSION: DWI can help to differentiate
      gallbladder adenocarcinoma from adenoma, and well-differentiated from higher
      grade adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27133666
TI  - Comparison of MRI features of pathologically proven hepatocellular carcinoma
      between patients with hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare MRI features of pathologically-proven hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) between patients with hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV)
      infection. METHODS: Two radiologists assessed 51 confirmed HCCs on MRI in HBV
      (n=18) or HCV (n=33) patients; a third, more experienced, radiologist resolved
      discrepancies. RESULTS: Arterial hyperenhancement occurred more frequently in HCV
      (90.9% vs. 66.7%; P=.032), DWI/T2WI hyperintensity more frequently in HBV [(DWI:
      78.6% vs. 45.8%, T2WI: 77.8% vs. 48.5%; P=.073-0.088)]. Tumors were larger in HBV
      (P<=.016). Washout, pseudocapsule, homogeneity, circumscribed margins, lipid,
      iron, and visually low ADC were not different. CONCLUSION: Larger studies are
      required to confirm these preliminary findings.

PMID- 27133667
TI  - Bilateral parotid oncocytoma with spontaneous intratumoral hemorrhage: a rare
      hypervascular parotid tumor with ASL perfusion.
AB  - We present a rare case of bilateral parotid oncocytoma with spontaneous
      intratumoral hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple, bilateral,
      well-defined masses within the parotid glands with increased vascularity based on
      arterial spin labeling Magnetic Resonance (MR) perfusion imaging and restricted
      diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging. During the clinical follow-up, the
      patient developed extensive hemorrhage from the largest tumor, presumably due to
      a combination of the hypervascular nature of oncocytoma and hemodialysis. 

PMID- 27133668
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging findings of intramammary metastases.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      findings of intramammary metastases (IM). We identified 8 cases with IM, which
      were investigated by breast MRI (1.5T). In every case, the diagnosis of IM was
      proven histopathologically on breast biopsy specimens. Overall, 187 IM were
      identified. IM had inconsistent MRI features, which cannot be clearly classify as
      benign or malignant. IM should be taken into consideration in the differential
      diagnosis of breast lesions to avoid possible misinterpretations. 

PMID- 27133669
TI  - Prostate cancer with a pseudocapsule at MR imaging: a marker of high grade and
      stage disease?
AB  - Clinicopathological correlates of prostate cancer associated with a pseudocapsule
      at T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are presented in a retrospective
      series of 15 patients. Of 15 tumors, 14 involved the peripheral zone.
      Extracapsular extension was seen in 14 cases. Tumor Gleason score was 8 or above
      in 12 of 15 cases, and ductal type adenocarcinoma was identified in 4 cases. Step
      section histopathological correlation (n=5) demonstrated that the pseudocapsule
      corresponded with dense compressive or reactive peritumoral fibrosis. A
      pseudocapsule around prostate cancer at T2-weighted MR imaging is a rare finding
      that appears to be associated with high grade and stage disease. 

PMID- 27133670
TI  - 3.0Tesla magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for comprehensive renal evaluation
      of living renal donors: pilot study with computerized tomography angiography
      (CTA) comparison.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most living related donor (LRD) kidneys are harvested laparoscopically.
      Renal vascular anatomy helps determine donor suitability for laparoscopic
      nephrectomy. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the current gold standard
      for preoperative imaging; magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) offers advantages
      including lack of ionizing radiation and lower incidence of contrast reactions.
      We evaluated 3.0T MRA for assessing renal anatomy of LRDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Thirty consecutive LRDs underwent CTA followed by 3.0T MRA. Data points included
      number and branching of vessels, incidental findings, and urothelial
      opacification. Studies were individually evaluated by three readers blinded to
      patient data. Studies were reevaluated in consensus with discrepancies revealed,
      and final consensus results were labeled "truth". RESULTS: Compared with
      consensus "truth", both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging
      were highly accurate for assessment of arterial and venous anatomy, although CT
      was superior for detection of late venous confluence as well as detection of
      renal stones. Both modalities were comparable in opacification of lower ureters
      and bladder; MRA underperformed CTA for opacification of upper urinary tracts.
      CONCLUSIONS: 3.0T MRA enabled excellent detection of comprehensive renal anatomy
      compared to CTA in LRDs.

PMID- 27133671
TI  - Radiation dose reduction utilizing noise reduction technology during uterine
      artery embolization: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the radiation dose reduction during uterine artery
      embolization utilizing dose reduction technology. METHODS: A total of 58 women
      underwent uterine artery embolization. A total of 26 procedures were performed in
      a standard fluoroscopy suite; 32 procedures were performed utilizing a novel
      imaging platform. Radiation dose data and acquisition parameters were compared.
      RESULTS: The new platform provided significant reduction in the median radiation
      dose (P<.001): from 389Gy cm(2) to 145Gy cm(2). There were no differences between
      the groups with regard to acquisition parameters. CONCLUSION: The new imaging
      platform provided a 61% dose reduction during uterine artery embolization without
      a significant change in acquisition parameters.

PMID- 27133672
TI  - Thin-section chest CT findings in polymyalgia rheumatica: a comparison between
      with and without rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - We retrospectively compared the thin-section chest computed tomography (CT)
      findings between 25 patients of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) and 29 patients of PMR without RA. PMR patients showed high
      frequency CT abnormalities (68.5%) regardless of the association with RA. Ground
      glass opacity (56% vs. 24%), traction bronchiectasis (44% vs. 3%), architectural
      distortion (32% vs. 0%), centrilobular nodules (32% vs. 7%), and honeycombing
      (20% vs. 0%) were significantly more common in the PMR with RA group than in the
      PMR without RA group (P<.01). PMR patients with RA have more increased prevalence
      of chest CT abnormalities than those without RA. 

PMID- 27133673
TI  - Volumetric segmentation of ADC maps and utility of standard deviation as measure
      of tumor heterogeneity in soft tissue tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Determine interobserver concordance of semiautomated three-dimensional
      volumetric and two-dimensional manual measurements of apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC) values in soft tissue masses (STMs) and explore standard
      deviation (SD) as a measure of tumor ADC heterogeneity. RESULTS: Concordance
      correlation coefficients for mean ADC increased with more extensive sampling.
      Agreement on the SD of tumor ADC values was better for large regions of interest
      and multislice methods. Correlation between mean and SD ADC was low, suggesting
      that these parameters are relatively independent. CONCLUSION: Mean ADC of STMs
      can be determined by volumetric quantification with high interobserver agreement.
      STM heterogeneity merits further investigation as a potential imaging biomarker
      that complements other functional magnetic resonance imaging parameters.

PMID- 27133674
TI  - Bone marrow cellularity MRI calculation and correlation with bone marrow biopsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To calculate bone marrow cellularity from MRI and correlate with bone
      marrow biopsy. METHODS: Twenty-seven lymphoma patients with staging bone marrow
      biopsies and lumbar MRI were reviewed. Cellularity was calculated from T1 signal
      intensity measurements=100 - {[(marrow - CSF)/(subcutaneous fat - CSF)] X 100}.
      RESULTS: The histologic cellularities demonstrated significant correlation with
      iliac bone MRI cellularity (r=0.59, P=.001). Cellularities increased from T11 to
      S1. Cellularity decreased with age=67.6 - (age X 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Marrow
      cellularity from MRI shows statistically significant correlation with biopsy and
      significant differences between vertebral levels and changes with age.

PMID- 27133675
TI  - Does a normal screening ultrasound of the abdominal aorta reduce the likelihood
      of rupture in emergency department patients?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development is a multifactorial
      process that is more prevalent among people >=65years of age. Major risk factors
      are obesity, male sex, history of smoking (at least 100 cigarettes in a person's
      lifetime), and history of AAA in a first-degree relative. The United States
      Preventative Task Force has recommended a one-time ultrasound screening for men
      aged 65-75years. Based on studies, negative results on a single ultrasound
      examination around the age of 65years appear to virtually exclude the risk for
      future AAA rupture or death. While ultrasonography (US) is the confirmatory study
      of choice, computed tomography (CT) can also be used in the diagnosis of AAA. The
      goal of this study is to determine if AAA rupture can reliably be excluded in
      individuals with abdominal pain who have had a normal caliber aorta on CT or US
      after the age of 65years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study (approved
      by institutional review board) of emergency department (ED) patients in an urban
      academic center was performed. Subjects were included if they met the following
      criteria: age >=65years; an initial CT or US as an ED patient, inpatient, or
      outpatient for any indication, which identified an abdominal aorta <3cm; and a
      second CT or US during an ED visit. The incidence of ruptured AAA on the second
      CT or US with a history of normal aortic caliber was identified. RESULTS: During
      the study period, 606 subjects were enrolled. Demographic data are listed in
      Table 1. Three subjects (0.5%) exhibited an abnormal-sized aorta on ED
      evaluation. None of these three subjects had an AAA intervention. The average
      size of the abnormal aorta in these three subjects was 3.3cm (S.D. 0.17).
      CONCLUSION: Based on these results, it appears that AAA and rupture may reliably
      be excluded in ED patients with abdominal pain who have previously had a normal
      caliber aorta on CT or US after the age of 65years. A prospective, multicenter
      study would help validate these findings.

PMID- 27133676
TI  - Clinical value of dynamic 3-dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging for
      the assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma ablation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the performance of dynamic 3
      dimensional contrast-enhanced ultrasound (3D-CEUS) on assessment of efficacy of
      local ablation therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with contrast-enhanced
      computed tomography (CT) as reference standard. METHODS: Eighty-nine HCC lesions
      from 75 patients undergoing ultrasound-guided percutaneous thermal ablation or
      chemical ablation were studied by both dynamic 3D-CEUS and contrast-enhanced CT
      1month after ablation. Imaging results from two imaging modalities were evaluated
      independently by experienced readers to determine whether the treated lesions
      were ablated incompletely (residual unablated tumor) or completely. Sensitivity,
      specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy to identify
      incomplete ablation were calculated for dynamic 3D-CEUS imaging with contrast
      enhanced CT as reference standard. RESULTS: Contrast-enhanced CT reported that
      80.9% (72/89) of all the treated lesions were completely ablated and 19.1%
      (17/89) were incompletely ablated. The dynamic 3D-CEUS identified 82.0% (73/89)
      and 18.0% (16/89) of lesions as completely and incompletely ablated,
      respectively. With contrast-enhanced CT as the reference standard, the
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value,
      and accuracy of dynamic 3D-CEUS for identifying residual unablated tumor were
      88.2% (15/17), 98.6% (71/72), 93.8% (15/16), 97.3% (71/73), and 96.6% (86/89),
      respectively. The Kappa value for identifying residual unablated tumor between
      contrast-enhanced CT and dynamic 3D-CEUS was 0.89. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic 3D-CEUS
      is highly consistent with contrast-enhanced CT in assessment of efficacy of HCC
      ablation and has potential to serve as an alternative to contrast-enhanced CT in
      the follow-up assessment after HCC ablation.

PMID- 27133677
TI  - Comparison of high-resolution T1W 3D GRE (LAVA) with 2-point Dixon fat/water
      separation (FLEX) to T1W fast spin echo (FSE) in prostate cancer (PCa).
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare T1-weighted (T1W) fast spin echo (FSE) to T1W 3-dimensional
      gradient recalled echo (LAVA) with fat water separation (FLEX) in prostate cancer
      (PCa). METHODOLOGY: With institutional review board waiver, 39 patients underwent
      3-T magnetic resonance imaging including T1W LAVA FLEX (157s)/T1W FSE (316s). Two
      radiologists assessed (a) image quality/sharpness, (b) presence/severity of
      artifacts, and (c) skeletal (N=22)/nodal (N=9) metastases. Results were compared
      using Wilcoxon signed-rank test/receiver operator characteristic analysis.
      RESULTS: With T1W LAVA FLEX, image quality/sharpness improved (P<.001) with less
      motion (P=.002-.03) and no difference in phase-encoding artifact (P>.05). One
      patient had moderate fat/water swap. Detection of skeletal metastases was
      unchanged (P>.05) and nodal metastases either improved (P=.002) or were
      comparable (P=.16) using T1W LAVA FLEX. CONCLUSION: T1W LAVA FLEX improves image
      quality, lessens motion artifact, and is comparable or improves detection of
      metastases in PCa with reduction in acquisition time.

PMID- 27133678
TI  - Gadolinium-free MR in coarctation-can contrast-enhanced MR angiography be
      replaced?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the difference in vessel measurements, signal-to-noise
      ratio (SNR), and voxel size between contrast-enhanced and noncontrast magnetic
      resonance techniques in patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: In 39 patients, vessel size, SNR, and voxel size were compared in
      cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), gadolinium-free magnetic resonance
      angiography (Gd-free MRA), and contrast-enhanced MRA (ce-MRA). RESULTS: There was
      no significant difference in measurement and SNR, but there was a significant
      difference in voxel size (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that, in CoA
      patients, monitoring of vessel size using cine MRI and Gd-free MRA is equivalent
      to ce-MRA while being less invasive.

PMID- 27133679
TI  - Change of hepatic arterial systolic/diastolic ratio predicts ischemic type
      biliary lesion after orthotropic liver transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We conducted this prospective nested case-control study for the
      hepatic artery and portal vein hemodynamic changes after orthotopic liver
      transplantation. METHODS: A total 128 cases of orthotropic liver transplantation
      were analyzed, including 25 cases of ischemic type biliary lesions (ITBL). The
      portal vein and hepatic artery flow velocities were detected by ultrasound on
      days 28, 42, and 84 after liver transplantation. In the GLM analysis of Lg(S/D),
      the P values of Group Effect, Time Effect, and Time*Group were 0.014, 0.376, and
      0.008, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results show a relatively reduced hepatic
      artery S/D in ITBL, especially in extrahepatic ITBL.

PMID- 27133680
TI  - Degree of colonic distension: intrapatient comparison between CT colonography and
      CT with water enema.
AB  - PURPOSE: Compare colonic distension using CT colonography (CTC) and CT with water
      enema (CTWE) in the same patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-seven patients
      who underwent both CTC and CTWE, considering separately supine (CTC-S) and prone
      (CTC-P) acquisition of CTC were included. The colon was divided into six
      segments, performing both a qualitative and quantitative analysis. RESULTS:
      Adequate distension of sigmoid colon was more frequently achieved with CTC-P and
      CTWE compared to CTC-S (P<.05). CTC-P and CTWE showed better distension of the
      left colon compared to CTC-S (P<.01 and P=.03 regarding sigmoid colon,
      respectively; P=.01 and P=.03 regarding descending colon, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography (CT) studies of the colon should be customized
      to fulfill the clinical query.

PMID- 27133681
TI  - CT versus ultrasound guidance for percutaneous drainages in the pediatric
      population: an institutional review meant to limit radiation.
AB  - Computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous drainage is a minimally invasive
      procedure that allows for accurate diagnosis and therapy with minimal
      complications. The drawback is that CT guidance carries a significant amount of
      radiation exposure. CT-guided percutaneous drainages have been widely used in
      adults and have been gaining momentum within the pediatric population. Through a
      thorough review of our institution's (Montefiore Medical Center) CT-guided
      percutaneous drainages within our pediatric patients, we assessed the radiation
      exposure per study as well as which studies were deemed possible under ultrasound
      guidance as a possible alternative. 

PMID- 27133682
TI  - Frequency of hemorrhagic complications on abdominal CT in patients with warfarin
      therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of hemorrhagic complications on abdominal
      computed tomography (CT) in patients with warfarin therapy and its correlation
      with intensity of anticoagulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 646
      patients who received warfarin therapy with international normalized ratio (INR)
      greater than 3.0 and abdominal CT within 1month after INR measurement. RESULTS:
      Seventy-four patients (11.5%) showed hemorrhagic complications on abdominal CT.
      Frequency of hemorrhagic complications significantly correlated with intensity of
      anticoagulation (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Hemorrhagic complications on abdominal CT
      in patients with warfarin therapy were not rare, and it occurred more frequently
      in patients with higher INR.

PMID- 27133683
TI  - Ultrasound strain elastography in assessment of resting biceps brachii muscle
      stiffness in patients with Parkinson's disease: a primary observation.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound strain
      elastography (SE) for the assessment of resting biceps brachii muscle (BBM)
      stiffness in patients with Parkinson's diseases (PD). From May 2014 to December
      2014, we prospectively performed SE of BBM in 14 patients with PD and 10 healthy
      controls. Based on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale for scoring
      muscle rigidity (UPDRS, part III), muscle rigidity scores in 14 patients with PD
      included 3 patients with high rigidity (UPDRS III-IV) and 11 patients with low
      rigidity (UPDRS I-II). Ultrasound strain was represented by the deformation of
      the BBM and subcutaneous soft tissues that was produced by external compression
      with a sand bag (1.5 kg) tied onto an ultrasound transducer. Deformation was
      estimated with two-dimensional speckle tracking. The difference in strain ratio
      (SR, defined as mean BBM strain divided by mean subcutaneous soft tissue strain)
      between PD and healthy controls was tested by unpaired t test. The correlation
      between SR and muscle rigidity score was analyzed by Pearson correlation
      coefficient. The reliability of SR in assessment of BBM stiffness was tested
      using intraclass correlation coefficient. In our result, the SR in PD and healthy
      controls measured 2.65+/-0.36 and 3.30+/-0.27, respectively. A significant
      difference in SR was noted between the healthy controls and PD (P=.00011). A
      negative correlation was found between SR and UPDRS rigidity score (r=-0.78). Our
      study suggests that the SR of BBM to reference tissue can be used as a
      quantitative biomarker in assessing resting muscle stiffness associated with
      muscle rigidity in PD. 

PMID- 27133684
TI  - Prostate cancer: correlation of intravoxel incoherent motion MR parameters with
      Gleason score.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging
      to predict histological prognostic parameters by investigating whether IVIM
      parameters correlate with Gleason score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The institutional
      review board approved this retrospective study, and informed consent was waived.
      A total of 41 patients with histologically proven prostate cancer who underwent
      prostate MRI using a 3T MRI machine were included. For eight diffusion-weighted
      imaging b-values (0, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 800s/mm(2)), a spin-echo echo
      planar imaging sequence was performed. D, f, D(*), and ADCfit values were
      compared among three groups of patients with prostate cancer: Gleason score 6
      (n=9), 7 (n=16), or 8 or higher (n=16). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
      curves were generated for D, f, D(*), and ADCfit to assess the ability of each
      parameter to distinguish cancers with low Gleason scores from cancers with
      intermediate or high Gleason scores. RESULTS: Pearson's coefficient analysis
      revealed significant negative correlations between Gleason score and ADCfit (r=
      0.490, P=.001) and Gleason score and D values (r=-0.514, P=.001). Gleason score
      was poorly correlated with f (r=0.168, P=.292) and D(*) values (r=-0.108,
      P=.500). The ADCfit and D values of prostate cancers with Gleason scores 7 or >=8
      were significantly lower than values for prostate cancers with Gleason score 6
      (P<.05). ROC curves were constructed to assess the ability of IVIM parameters to
      discriminate prostate cancers with Gleason score 6 from cancers with Gleason
      scores 7 or >=8. Areas under the curve were 0.671 to 0.974. ADCfit and D yielded
      the highest Az value (0.960-0.956), whereas f yielded the lowest Az value
      (0.633). CONCLUSIONS: The pure molecular diffusion parameter, D, was the IVIM
      parameter that best discriminated prostate cancers with low Gleason scores from
      prostate cancers with intermediate or high Gleason scores.

PMID- 27133686
TI  - Correlation of MRI-detected extramural vascular invasion with regional lymph node
      metastasis in rectal cancer.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging-detected extramural
      vascular invasion (MR-EMVI) in predicting regional lymph node metastasis (RLNM)
      in patients with rectal cancer. METHODS: A total of 183 patients were included. A
      set of clinical and imaging factors including MR-EMVI were evaluated using
      univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the risk factors for RLNM.
      RESULTS: Among the clinical and imaging factors evaluated, MR-EMVI, pathologic
      EMVI, nodal size, and diffusion-weighted imaging-detected positive nodes were
      independent predictors of RLNM. CONCLUSIONS: MR-EMVI may be an independent
      predictor of RLNM in patients with rectal cancer.

PMID- 27133685
TI  - Infiltrative pattern of carcinomatosis in extremity muscles on MRI.
AB  - Carcinomas can cause an unusual, infiltrative pattern of metastatic carcinoma in
      extremity muscles on MRI. To assess this pattern, reports of MRI exams of 907
      consecutive patients with a diagnosis of carcinoma were reviewed retrospectively
      to identify those that mentioned muscle metastasis or myositis in an extremity.
      Thirty-six (4%) of those reports described muscle metastasis (n=18) or myositis
      (n=18); based on medical record review and imaging follow-up, 17 cases
      represented metastases. Metastases manifested as an infiltrative carcinomatosis
      pattern in five patients, resulted from primary esophageal or gastric
      adenocarcinomas, and often were misdiagnosed as myositis. 

PMID- 27133687
TI  - Application of digital tomosynthesis in diagnosing spinal tuberculosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the value of digital tomosynthesis (DTS) applied in
      diagnosing spinal tuberculosis. METHODS: Images of digital radiology (DR) and DTS
      were retrospectively analyzed in patients with spinal tuberculosis, and image
      quality and ratio of detection of lesions were compared. RESULTS: Excellent ratio
      was higher for DTS images than DR images; ratios of detection of bone
      destruction, sequestration, and paraspinal abscess were higher for DTS than DR.
      CONCLUSIONS: DTS had better image quality and ratios of detection of lesions and
      could be applied in diagnosing and following spinal tuberculosis and other spinal
      conditions such as infections or suspected tumors.

PMID- 27133688
TI  - Evaluation of the left neck distal thoracic duct in cirrhosis with computed
      tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the left distal thoracic duct (DTD) in the lower neck area
      by using contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) in patients with liver
      cirrhosis (LC). METHODS: In 156 consecutive subjects who performed the contrast
      enhanced chest CT, examinations were retrospectively reviewed. The diameters of
      the left DTD were measured by using CT. Depending on the diameter of the left
      DTD, the left DTD configurations were classified into four grades: grade 0 (no
      identification of DTD), grade I (diameter <5mm), grade II (diameters >=5mm and
      <10mm), and grade III (diameter >=10mm). Depending on the liver status, all 156
      subjects were divided into three groups: (a) noncirrhotic liver group (n=55), (b)
      compensated LC group (n=88), and (c) decompensated LC group (n=13). RESULTS:
      Among the 156 left DTD configurations, 81 (52%), 60 (39%), 10 (6%), and only 4
      (3%) were assigned to the grade 0, I, II, and III, respectively. The noncirrhotic
      liver group included 45 (82%) grade 0 and 10 (18%) grade I subjects. The
      compensated LC group included 37 (42%) grade 0, 50 (57%) grade I, and 1 (1%)
      grade II subjects. In contrast, the decompensated LC group included 9 (69%) grade
      II and 4 (31%) grade III subjects. CONCLUSION: When reviewed the contrast
      enhanced chest CT, the left DTD can be identified more frequently in subjects
      with LC than in those with noncirrhotic liver. Furthermore, the degree of left
      DTD dilation may be associated with the severity of LC.

PMID- 27133689
TI  - Imaging of Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Instability: A 10 year retrospective case
      series.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Detail the imaging findings in patients with proximal tibiofibular
      instability treated with surgical stabilization. METHODS: Retrospective analysis
      of preoperative imaging in patients with clinically confirmed tibiofibular
      instability. RESULTS: Operative fixation of the 16 patients was as follows: 11
      using a fiberwire suture construct and 5 using screw fixation. Proximal
      tibiofibular ligamentous abnormalities were present in 100% of acute (< 6 months)
      and 85.7% of chronic (>6 months) instability cases who underwent MRI. CONCLUSION:
      MRI is sensitive in the evaluation of tibiofibular ligamentous integrity in
      proximal tibiofibular instability. Chronic instability should be considered in
      younger adults with isolated tibiofibular osteoarthritis.

PMID- 27133690
TI  - Correlation between epicardial adipose tissue and severity of coronary artery
      stenosis evaluated by 64-MDCT.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose was to investigate the correlation between epicardial
      adipose tissue (EAT) thickness, EAT volume, and severity of coronary artery
      stenosis. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 188 patients that underwent
      coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography for clinically suspected coronary
      artery disease using 64-MDCT. Images were reconstructed using a retrospective
      electrocardiogram-gated algorithm with 0.625-mm-thick sections. EAT thickness and
      volume were calculated. RESULTS: The coronary CT angiography showed 106 patients
      who had coronary artery pathology (178 lesions), 21 patients with moderate
      stenosis (27 lesions), 12 patients with severe stenosis (18 lesions), and 6
      patients with complete occlusion (8 lesions). EAT thickness, EAT volume, and
      Gensini score were statistically different among groups (FT=32.306, FV=27.743,
      F=110.483, P=.000). Pearson correlation analysis showed that Gensini score had
      significantly positive correlation with EAT thickness and volume, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: EAT thickness and volume demonstrated a positive correlation with
      severity of coronary artery stenosis.

PMID- 27133691
TI  - Additional benefit of computed diffusion-weighted imaging for detection of
      hepatic metastases at 1.5T.
AB  - The aim is to investigate the added value of computed diffusion-weighted magnetic
      resonance imaging (DWI) at 1.5T in detecting hepatic metastases. Fifty-six
      patients with a total of 100 hepatic metastases were included. Computed DWI was
      synthesized from lower b values. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The sensitivity was calculated and
      analyzed. The area under the ROC curve of the computed DWI was larger than that
      of acquired DWI. Both readers detected significantly more hepatic metastases with
      combined acquired DWI/computed DWI. Combined use of computed DWI with acquired
      DWI helped to provide higher sensitivity at 1.5T. 

PMID- 27133692
TI  - Dual-phase (18)F-fluorocholine PET/CT to detect locoregional recurrence of
      prostate cancer: comparison between each time point of imaging and a summation
      scan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Prostate carcinoma is a major health problem, and routine imaging
      shows only modest results in detecting and restaging clinically localized
      prostate cancer recurrence. Recent studies have shown promise of radiolabeled
      analogues of choline for positron emission tomography (PET) scans in patients of
      biochemical recurrence and that sequentially incremental Fluorocholine (FCH)
      uptake is associated with malignancy, whereas decreasing tracer activity suggests
      a benign aetiology. However, this pattern of tracer uptake has not been fully
      validated, and no standardized (18)F-Fluorocholine ((18)F-FCH) scan protocol is
      in place yet. This study aimed to better define the role of dual-phase (18)F-FCH
      PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging using retrospective masked reading focusing
      on detection of locoregional recurrence/metastasis in patients with biochemical
      failure after definitive local primary treatment. METHODS: A total of 32 subjects
      were enrolled during the period 04/2010 to 05/2014 with histologically proven
      prostate cancer that was treated with curative intent and had biochemical
      recurrence. Early scans and delayed imaging of the pelvis were graded separately
      by blinded readers. Final evaluation using the combination of information from
      dual-phase studies as a "summation scan" was also performed. Maximum standardized
      uptake value was computed using regions of interest constructed over focal
      hyperactivity. Calculations were performed using Statistical Product and Service
      Solutions, Version 20 for Windows. A composite reference consisting of
      histopathology, correlation with other imaging, or serum prostate specific
      antigen (PSA) trend with clinical follow-up of at least 6months was used to
      determine the true disease status of the patient. RESULTS: Early-phase pelvis
      imaging sensitivity and specificity were calculated to be 73.1% and 90.9%,
      respectively. Late-phase pelvis imaging sensitivity and specificity were 80.8%
      and 100%, respectively. Summation scan sensitivity and specificity were 76.9% and
      100%, respectively. The odds ratio of having recurrent disease with an uptrend of
      SUVmax on dual-phase imaging was 33.3. The optimal cutoff value of PSA was
      1.85ng/mL with 80% sensitivity and 62.5% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Single late
      phase FCH PET/CT imaging is a reliable scan modality which can detect sites of
      disease at low levels of PSA which still fulfil the criteria of biochemical
      recurrence. This will allow clinicians to identify sites for potential biopsy or
      start locoregional treatment.

PMID- 27133693
TI  - Magnetic resonance enterography in Crohn's disease: new simple proposal to assess
      disease activity.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim is to determine the accuracy of magnetic resonance enterography
      (MRE) in evaluating Crohn's disease (CD) activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy
      seven patients with CD underwent MRE. The primary analysis was to determine
      associations between MRE findings, Harvey-Bradshaw Index, and C-reactive protein
      (CRP), then we have created a new MRE score that it was also correlated with
      clinical and laboratory data. RESULTS: MRE score for CD significantly correlates
      with CRP (P=.003). Significant associations were found between degree of contrast
      enhancement and CRP (P=.002) and between comb sign and CRP (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      These results make MRE an important instrument for evaluation of CD activity.

PMID- 27133694
TI  - Testing a dual-modality system that combines full-field digital mammography and
      automated breast ultrasound.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test a novel dual-modality imaging system
      that combines full-field digital mammography (FFDM) and automated breast
      ultrasound (ABUS) in a single platform. Our Aceso system, named after the Greek
      goddess of healing, was specifically designed for the early detection of cancer
      in women with dense breast tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aceso was first tested
      using two industry standards: a Contrast Detail Mammography (CDMAM) phantom as
      endorsed by European Reference Organisation for Quality Assured Breast Screening
      and Diagnostic Services was used to assess the FFDM images; and the CIRS 040GSE
      ultrasound phantom was imaged to evaluate the quality of the ABUS images. In
      addition, 58 women participated in a clinical trial: 51 were healthy volunteers
      aged between 40 and 65, while 7 were patients referred by the breast clinic, 6 of
      whom had biopsy-proven breast cancer. RESULTS: The CDMAM tests showed that the
      FFDM results were "acceptable" but fell short of "achievable" which was
      attributed to the low dose used. The ABUS images had good depth penetration (80
      mm) and adequate axial resolution (0.5 mm), but the lateral resolution of 2 mm
      was judged to be too coarse. In a 42-year-old volunteer with extremely dense
      breast tissue, the ABUS modality detected a lesion (a benign cyst) that was
      mammographically occult in the FFDM image. For a 73-year-old patient with fatty
      breasts, a malignant lesion was successfully detected and co-registered in the
      FFDM and ABUS images. On average, each woman spent less than 11 min in the
      acquisition room. CONCLUSIONS: While there is room for improvement in the quality
      of both the FFDM and ABUS images, Aceso has demonstrated its ability to acquire
      clinically meaningful images for a range of women with varying breast densities
      and, therefore, has potential as a screening device.

PMID- 27133695
TI  - Diffusion tensor imaging in the normal breast: influences of fibroglandular
      tissue composition and background parenchymal enhancement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of fibroglandular tissue (FGT) composition and
      background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
      parameters in normal breast tissue. METHODS: DTI analysis was performed on 35
      breasts with regions of interest drawn to include only normal tissue. Breasts
      were dichotomized by FGT composition and by BPE; DTI parameters were compared.
      RESULTS: The lambda1 principal diffusion coefficient was lower in breasts with
      moderate/marked BPE versus those with minimal/mild BPE (P=.039). All other
      parameters were unaffected. CONCLUSION: lambda1 is sensitive to differences in
      BPE within normal breast tissue that should be taken into account in DTI
      evaluation.

PMID- 27133696
TI  - Imaging findings, diagnosis, and clinical outcomes in patients with mycotic
      aneurysms: single center experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review the presentation, imaging, clinical management, and outcomes
      in patients with mycotic aneurysm (MA). METHODS: Fifty-five cases in 49 patients
      (33 men, 16 women, average age: 66.2years) were identified. RESULTS: Of 49
      patients, only 20% presented with the classic clinical triad of fever, elevated
      white count, and pain. Computed tomography was the most utilized imaging
      modality; focal vascular outpouching was the most frequent imaging finding (76%).
      There was 17% mortality rate within 6months of diagnosis despite intervention.
      CONCLUSIONS: Clinical presentation and blood cultures can be nonspecific,
      highlighting the importance of imaging diagnosis of MA to expedite treatment.

PMID- 27133697
TI  - Cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung in adult patients:
      clinicoradiological features and management.
AB  - PURPOSE: Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the lung in adults
      is very rare. We aimed to evaluate the clinicoradiological features of adult
      patients with CCAM. METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with CCAM were evaluated
      for clinicoradiological presentation and management. METHODS: Nine patients were
      diagnosed with CCAM (four were incidentally diagnosed on chest imaging). Most
      cases appeared on computed tomography as thin-walled multiseptated cystic
      lesions. Two patients had another concurrent pulmonary developmental anomaly.
      Five patients were surgically treated and three conservatively. CONCLUSIONS:
      CCAMs might be incidentally diagnosed on routine chest imaging in adults and can
      be safely treated with minimally invasive techniques.

PMID- 27133698
TI  - MR enterography with oral contrast agent composed of methylcellulose, low-dose
      barium sulfate, sorbitol, and lactulose: assessment of diagnostic performance,
      reliability, image quality, and patient tolerance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to show efficiency of magnetic resonance
      enterography (MRE) with our previously assessed new oral contrast agent.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each bowel segments was evaluated for luminal distension,
      wall conspicuity, wall thickening, and hyperintensity on fat-saturated (FS) T2
      weighted and contrast enhancement on postcontrast FS T1-weighted images. Also,
      consensus scoring results of MRE exams were compared with the gold standard tests
      in terms of active inflammatory bowel disease detection. RESULTS: Sensitivity,
      specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value
      of MRE for active inflammatory bowel disease detection were 62%, 98%, 80%, 96%,
      and 71.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MRE obtained with the new mixture has a high
      reliability and shows good correlation with endoscopic examination+/-biopsy.

PMID- 27133699
TI  - Public transparency Web sites for radiology practices: prevalence of price,
      clinical quality, and service quality information.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess information regarding radiology practices on public
      transparency Web sites. METHODS: Eight Web sites comparing radiology centers'
      price and quality were identified. Web site content was assessed. RESULTS: Six of
      eight Web sites reported examination prices. Other reported information included
      hours of operation (4/8), patient satisfaction (2/8), American College of
      Radiology (ACR) accreditation (3/8), on-site radiologists (2/8), as well as
      parking, accessibility, waiting area amenities, same/next-day reports,
      mammography follow-up rates, examination appropriateness, radiation dose,
      fellowship-trained radiologists, and advanced technologies (1/8 each).
      CONCLUSION: Transparency Web sites had a preponderance of price (and to a lesser
      extent service quality) information, risking fostering price-based competition at
      the expense of clinical quality.

PMID- 27133700
TI  - Acute and delayed bleeding requiring embolization after image-guided liver biopsy
      in patients with cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report incidence of acute versus delayed presentations of bleeding
      requiring embolization after focal liver biopsy, in correlation with angiographic
      findings and treatment success rates. The available literature will be reviewed
      as well. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
      Act-compliant institutional review board approved retrospective review of 2180
      consecutive patients undergoing 2335 targeted liver biopsies at a tertiary-care
      cancer center. Hepatic arterial embolization episodes within 30days from biopsy
      were identified via radiology PACS. Electronic medical record review was
      performed for indication of embolization and postembolization clinical course.
      RESULTS: The incidence of postbiopsy bleeding requiring embolization was 0.5%
      (12/2335 biopsies). In those with bleeding, 1/12 (8%) had no hepatic arterial
      findings at angiography. Angiographic hepatic arterial findings resolved after
      embolization in 11/11 patients (100% technical success). Bleeding ceased after
      embolization in 10/12 patients (83% clinical success). Complications were seen in
      2/12 (17%) patients: cholecystitis and hepatic infarct, respectively. Delayed
      presentation of bleeding (defined as >24h postbiopsy) occurred in 5/12 (42%)
      patients; the longest latency was 12days. CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of
      bleeding requiring embolization in our population was 0.5%. This complication
      rate compares favorably to the 0-4.2% (median: 0.29%) rate quoted in the
      available, heterogeneous, literature on this topic. Delayed presentation occurred
      in almost half of patients. Arterial embolization carries excellent technical and
      clinical success rates.

PMID- 27133701
TI  - Neuroendocrine tumors of the small bowel: evaluation with MR-enterography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the sensitivity of magnetic resonance (MR)-enterography for
      the detection of neuroendocrine tumors of the small-bowel (NETSB) and analyze the
      imaging presentation of NETSB on MR-enterography. PATIENTS & METHODS: The MR
      enterography studies (including HASTE, TruFISP, and 3D VIBE MR sequences before
      and after intravenous administration of a gadolinium-chelate) of 19 patients with
      pathologically confirmed NETSB were blindly reviewed. Images were analyzed with
      respect to imaging presentation. Sensitivity of MR-enterography as well as that
      of each individual MR-enterography sequence for the diagnosis of NETSB was
      estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Comparisons between individual MR
      enterography sequences were performed using the McNemar test. RESULTS: Twenty
      seven NETSBs were confirmed in 19 patients. Overall sensitivity of MR
      enterography for NETSB detection was 74% (20/27; 95% CI: 54-89%) on a per-lesion
      basis. On a per-patient basis, MR-enterography had a sensitivity of 95% (18/19;
      95% CI: 74-100%) for the detection of NETSB. Best degrees of sensitivity were
      achieved with 3D VIBE MR-enterography sequences after intravenous administration
      of a gadolinium-chelate (Se=95%; 18/19) by comparison with HASTE (Se=26%; 5/19)
      and TruFISP (Se=26%; 5/19) sequences (P=.00022). Visible focal small-bowel mass,
      mesenteric stranding, and mesenteric mass were found in 16/19 (84%), 17/19 (89%),
      and 15/19 (79%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: MR-enterography shows highly
      suggestive features for the diagnosis of NETSB and has high degrees of
      sensitivity for the diagnosis of NETSB on a per-patient basis.

PMID- 27133702
TI  - Clinical and radiologic characteristics of pancreatic head carcinoma without main
      pancreatic duct dilatation: using dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT scan.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose was to evaluate characteristics of pancreatic cancer without
      main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation on dual-phase computed tomographic (CT)
      scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 16 patients with pancreatic head cancer
      without accompanying MPD dilatation and 39 patients with MPD dilatation RESULTS:
      Elevation of serum amylase level and peripancreatic fluid collection were more
      frequently seen in the MPD(-). Common bile duct dilatation and atrophy of the
      upstream pancreatic parenchyma were more frequently seen in MPD(+). CONCLUSION:
      Pancreatic cancers without MPD dilatation were more frequently related to acute
      pancreatitis and had fewer secondary signs. Thus, early diagnosis of pancreatic
      cancer with these characteristics could be difficult.

PMID- 27133703
TI  - Endorectal multiparametric MRI of the prostate: incremental effect of perfusion
      imaging on biopsy target identification.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the incremental effect of perfusion imaging on biopsy target
      identification at endorectal multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively 52 patients who underwent
      endorectal multiparametric prostate MRI for suspected or untreated prostate
      cancer. Two readers independently identified biopsy targets without and with
      perfusion images. RESULTS: Reader 1 identified 36 targets without and 39 targets
      with perfusion imaging (P>.05). The corresponding numbers for reader 2 were 38
      and 38, respectively (P=.5). CONCLUSION: Perfusion imaging does not significantly
      increase the number of biopsy targets identified at endorectal multiparametric
      prostate MRI.

PMID- 27133704
TI  - CT perfusion imaging of the stomach: a quantitative analysis according to
      different degrees of adenocarcinoma cell differentiation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical usefulness of computed tomography perfusion
      imaging (CTPI) in gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty subjects without
      gastric diseases (control group) and fifty patients with gastric cancer were
      studied prospectively using CTPI examinations. Four perfusion parameter values,
      i.e., blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time, and permeability
      surface (PS), were calculated. The gastric cancer group was divided into three
      groups: well differentiated, moderately differentiated, and poorly differentiated
      gastric adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: Comparing the three groups, differences between
      the well-differentiated group and the moderately differentiated group or the
      poorly differentiated group were all statistically significant for BF, BV, and
      PS. CONCLUSION: The BF, BV, and PS values could serve as indicators of the degree
      of malignancy of gastric cancer.

PMID- 27133705
TI  - Preoperative diffusion-weighted imaging value of rectal cancer: preoperative T
      staging and correlations with histological T stage.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the ability of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for evaluating
      T stage and correlation with histological T stage of rectal cancer. METHOD: The
      diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of T2WI and DWI combined with
      T2WI for T stage were evaluated. Mean tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)
      was compared with histological T stage. RESULT: There were no significant
      differences in the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity no matter
      what kind of T stage was concerned. The difference between ADC values and
      histological T stage were significantly different. CONCLUSION: DWI was useful for
      evaluating T stage of rectal cancer. The ADC may predict the histological grade.

PMID- 27133706
TI  - Corrigendum to "The radiological findings of chordoid glioma: report of two
      cases, one case with MR spectroscopy" [Clin Imaging 39 (2015) 1086-1089].

PMID- 27133707
TI  - Effect of aluminum stress on the expression of calmodulin and the role of
      calmodulin in aluminum tolerance.
AB  - Calmodulin (CaM) is a calcium ion-binding protein that regulates a variety of
      cellular functions through its downstream target proteins. Previous studies have
      reported that overexpression of CaM enhances tolerance to stress, including
      resistance to salt, heat, cold, drought and plant pathogens. In this study, the
      growth of Cryptococcus humicola was inhibited by the CaM inhibitor,
      trifluoperazine, under aluminum (Al) stress. The expression of CaM of C. humicola
      (ChCaM) was upregulated when the concentration and treatment time with Al was
      increased. These results indicate that Al stress affects the transcription and
      translation of ChCaM and that ChCaM may play an important role in Al tolerance.
      Transgenic ChCaM Saccharomyces cerevisiae was constructed and designated as Sc
      ChCaM. The ability of Sc-ChCaM to develop resistance to Al was significantly
      higher than that of control yeast containing the empty vector pYES3/CT designated
      as Sc. The residual Al content in the medium containing ChCaM transgenic yeast in
      culture was significantly lower than the initial amount of Al added in the medium
      or the residual Al content in the medium containing the control yeast in culture.
      This finding suggests that ChCaM confers Al tolerance in transgenic yeast, and
      the absorption of active Al from the culture may be one reason for Al tolerance.
      These results indicate that ChCaM may be a candidate gene for Al tolerance in
      engineered plants.

PMID- 27133708
TI  - Enhancement of denitrifying phosphorus removal and microbial community of long
      term operation in an anaerobic anoxic oxic-biological contact oxidation system.
AB  - A two-sludge system consisting of anaerobic anoxic oxic-biological contact
      oxidation (A(2)/O-BCO) was developed to treat domestic wastewater with a low
      carbon/nitrogen (COD/TN) ratio (around 3.21) by shortening sludge retention time
      (SRT) for phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAOs) in the A(2)/O reactor and
      prolonging SRT for nitrifiers in the BCO reactor. Specifically, the BCO reactor
      was composed of three stages in series (N1, N2 and N3), so that simultaneous
      nitrogen and phosphorus removals by denitrifying PAOs (DNPAOs) was achieved in
      the A(2)/O reactor with [Formula: see text] as the electron acceptor from the BCO
      reactor. Long term operational tests (600 days) were conducted with various
      operational parameters [e.g., hydraulic retention time (HRTs), nitrate recycling
      ratio (Rs), volume ratio (Vs)] to examine the denitrifying phosphorus removal
      performance. The system exhibited the highest removal of TN and [Formula: see
      text] at the HRTs of 8 h, Rs of 300% and Vs of 2:4:1. The optimal TN and
      [Formula: see text] removals were 80.30% and 96.61% at low COD/TN of 3.21. The
      species diversity and microbial community examined by the Illumina MiSeq method
      demonstrated the fact of two-sludge system, and the improved community structure
      by long-term optimization was prominent comparing with the seed sludge.
      Additionally, Accumulibacter and Dechloromonas were the dominant functional PAOs
      with 25.74% in the A(2)/O reactor, while nitrifiers (including Nitrosomonas and
      Nitrospira) were gradually enriched with 13.10%, 21.33%, and 31.10% in the three
      stages of the BCO reactor. 

PMID- 27133709
TI  - Clinical and Genetic Characterization of 26 Tunisian Patients with Allgrove
      Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Allgrove syndrome is characterized by achalasia, alacrima,
      and adrenal insufficiency as well as being associated with progressive
      neurological signs. This is an autosomal recessive disorder due to mutations in
      the AAAS gene located on chromosome 12q13. The AAAS gene encodes a protein of 546
      amino acids, ALADIN. Mutations in this genwere reported in families from North
      Africa and Europe. Our objective is to conduct a clinical, molecular and genetic
      study of 26 Tunisian patients with Allgrove syndrome. METHODS: We report 26
      Tunisian patients with between two and four clinical features associated with
      Allgrove syndrome. Blood samples were collected and isolated DNA derived from
      subjects was amplified. The entire sequence of the AAAS gene was analyzed by PCR
      and sequencing. PCR-RFLP method was performed to identify the frequent mutations
      found. RESULTS: Sequencing of the AAAS gene revealed a major homozygous mutation
      (c.1331+1G>A) in 25 patients and R286X mutation in one patient. The presence of a
      major mutation in several unrelated affected individuals suggests the presence of
      a founder effect in Tunisia and allows for a fast and targeted molecular
      diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: We created an easy and rapid molecular enzymatic protocol
      based on PCR-RFLP using MvaI restriction enzyme that directly targets this major
      mutation and can be used for prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for
      Tunisian families at risk. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first major
      series report of Allgrove syndrome in Tunisia.

PMID- 27133710
TI  - Helicobacter pylori Infection Increases Frequency of PDCA-1(+) (CD317(+)) B-cell
      Subsets.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: As a newly discovered B-cell subset, PDCA-1(+) B cells have
      been shown to participate in the immune clearance of invading pathogens. The
      prominence of PDCA-1(+) B cell immunity in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter
      pylori infection prompted us to explore the potential role of this subset in
      gastric H. pylori infection. METHODS: H. pylori infection was determined by (14)C
      urea breath test and Western blot. The frequency of the different sub
      compartments of PDCA-1(+) B cells and their relation to serum cytokines was
      determined in 33 H. pylori-infected and 14 uninfected patients and in 12 healthy
      controls (HC). RESULTS: In comparison to uninfected individuals, there was a
      significantly increased frequency of PDCA-1(+) B cells, PDCA-1(+)IgM(+) B cells,
      CD93(+)PDCA-1(+) B cells, CD93(+)PDCA-1(+)IgM(+) B cells, CD137(+)PDCA-1(+) B
      cells and CD137(+)PDCA-1(+)IgM(+) B cells were detected in patients with H.
      pylori infection, corresponding to increased levels of serum IFN-alpha and IgM in
      this group. Compared with H. pylori-positive (HP(+)) chronic non-atrophic
      gastritis patients, a larger proportion of PDCA-1(+) B cells, CD93(+)PDCA-1(+) B
      cells and CD137(+)PDCA-1(+) B cells were observed in HP(+) patients suffering
      from atrophic gastritis or HP(+) peptic ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of the
      PDCA-1(+) B cell compartment is increased during H. pylori infection. Our data
      support the potential role of this B-cell subset in the pathogenesis of H. pylori
      dependent gastritis.

PMID- 27133711
TI  - Rapid Detection of the GSTM3 A/B Polymorphism Using Real-time PCR with
      TaqMan((r)) Probes.
AB  - Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a group of phase II detoxification enzymes,
      which catalyze the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) with carcinogens, among other
      xenobiotics. The GSTM3 gene is part of the GSTs gene family, and its polymorphism
      A/B has been associated with risk and protective effects of several cancers. This
      genetic variant is a deletion of 3 bp (AGG) in intron 6. Previous association
      studies have performed genotyping using techniques such as polymerase chain
      reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In this study, we
      took advantage of the TaqMan((r)) probes features and developed a reliable,
      faster, more simple and economic method to identify the 3-bp deletion. Our
      allelic discrimination method was able to distinguish between homozygous A/A,
      heterozygous A/B and homozygous B/B samples, as shown by TaqMan((r)) based real
      time PCR. Results were validated by Sanger Sequencing. In conclusion, we
      developed a specific and rapid method to detect the 3-bp deletion from the GSTM3
      A/B polymorphism.

PMID- 27133712
TI  - GLCCI1 Variation Is Associated with Asthma Susceptibility and Inhaled
      Corticosteroid Response in a Chinese Han Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: GLCCI1 variations are found to be associated with response
      to glucocorticoid therapy in non-Hispanic white subjects with asthma. However,
      there are also other relevant studies that were not consistent with this finding.
      In this study we aimed to evaluate the association of GLCCI1 variations with
      asthma susceptibility and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) response in a Chinese
      adult Han population. METHODS: We genotyped 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms of
      GLCCI1 in 182 asthmatic patients and 180 healthy controls. Furthermore, we
      analyzed the association of GLCCI1 variations with ICS response in 30 mild-to
      moderate asthmatics. RESULTS: rs11976862 homozygote mutant genotype GG was
      nominally associated with increased asthma risk (OR = 2.435, 95% CI: 1.221-4.854,
      p = 0.01148, p(corr) = 0.0127). Recessive model of rs37972, rs37973 and
      rs11976862 showed that the rare alleles were correlated with less improvement in
      FEV1 after fluticasone treatment for 12 weeks (p = 0.004, p = 0.009 and p =
      0.039, respectively). The GLCCI1 mRNA expression level decreased obviously in
      asthmatics than in healthy controls (0.037663 +/- 0.0216833 vs. 0.046352 +/-
      0.0235812, p = 0.000). For asthmatics, GLCCI1 mRNA expression level significantly
      increased after fluticasone treatment for 12 weeks (0.067641 +/- 0.031547 vs.
      0.030048 +/- 0.014613, p = 0.000). Moreover, changes of GLCCI1 mRNA expression
      were significantly related with rs37973 and rs11976862 in a recessive model (p =
      0.014 and p = 0.033, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: GLCCI1 variations are associated
      with asthma susceptibility and ICS response in a Chinese Han adult population.
      GLCCI1 variations may affect ICS response by modulating GLCCI1 expression.

PMID- 27133713
TI  - Congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunt diagnosed during intrauterine life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report a patient with prenatal diagnosis of portosystemic shunt; a
      rare condition in humans. CASE DESCRIPTION: 17-day-old female infant admitted for
      investigation of suspected diagnosis of portosystemic shunt, presumed in
      obstetric ultrasound. The hypothesis was confirmed after abdominal angiography
      and liver Doppler. Other tests such as echocardiography and electroencephalogram
      were performed to investigate possible co-morbidities or associated
      complications, and were normal. We chose conservative shunt treatment, as there
      were no disease-related complications and this was intrahepatic shunt, which
      could close spontaneously by the age of 2 years. COMMENTS: Portosystemic shunt
      can lead to various complications such as hepatic encephalopathy,
      hypergalactosemia, liver tumors, and hepatopulmonary syndrome. Most diagnoses are
      done after one month of age, after such complications occur. The prenatal
      diagnosis of this patient provided greater security for the clinical picture
      management, as well as regular monitoring, which allows the anticipation of
      possible complications and perform interventional procedures when needed.

PMID- 27133714
TI  - Burden of burns in Portugal, 2000-2013: A clinical and economic analysis of
      26,447 hospitalisations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of recent and nation-wide epidemiological studies
      of burns in Europe, mainly in southern Europe. There are no recent studies
      describing the clinical and economic burden of burns in this European area.
      Hence, this research aimed to describe the clinical and economic burden of burn
      hospitalisations in Portugal. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was
      performed and the Portuguese hospitalisation database of public hospitals was
      used; all inpatients, discharged between 2000 and 2013, with a main or secondary
      diagnosis of burns (ICD-9-CM: 940.xx-949.xx) were taken into account.
      Furthermore, admissions to hospitals with and without burn centres were compared.
      RESULTS: A total of 26,447 burn hospitalisations were registered (mean of
      1889burn admissions/year). The total hospitalisation rate was of
      18.9hospitalisations/100,000inhabitants/year, and there was a higher incidence of
      male patients. Burn hospitalisations and hospitalisation rates are significantly
      decreasing - mostly in 0-14-year-old patients - and children below the age of 5
      years represented a fifth of all admissions. Besides the important morbidity, the
      in-hospital mortality rate was of 4.4%. With a total annual charge of almost
      13million Euros, the average cost per burn admission is increasing, and reached
      8032Euros in 2013. Additionally, more than half of the patients admitted to
      hospitals without burn centres were not transferred to hospitals with burn
      centres, not following the European Burns Association transferral criteria.
      CONCLUSIONS: As the largest southern European nation-wide epidemiological study
      of burn patients, this research highlights that burn admissions, as well as
      hospitalisation rates, are decreasing significantly. This was particularly
      obvious among the youngest patients despite the fact that the numbers still
      remain very high. Moreover, the in-hospital mortality rate is still excessively
      high and the burn transferral criteria are not being followed. Thus, it is
      important to improve preventive measures, reach out to and educate providers
      about the burn transferral criteria, and develop specific health care strategies
      for children with these injuries.

PMID- 27133715
TI  - Limitations of in vitro antimicrobial dressings study.

PMID- 27133716
TI  - A novel nuclear DnaJ protein, DNAJC8, can suppress the formation of
      spinocerebellar ataxia 3 polyglutamine aggregation in a J-domain independent
      manner.
AB  - Polyglutamine (polyQ) diseases comprise neurodegenerative disorders caused by
      expression of expanded polyQ-containing proteins. The cytotoxicity of the
      expanded polyQ-containing proteins is closely associated with aggregate
      formation. In this study, we report that a novel J-protein, DNAJ (HSP40) Homolog,
      Subfamily C, Member 8 (DNAJC8), suppresses the aggregation of polyQ-containing
      protein in a cellular model of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), which is
      also known as Machado-Joseph disease. Overexpression of DNAJC8 in SH-SY5Y
      neuroblastoma cells significantly reduced the polyQ aggregation and apoptosis,
      and DNAJC8 was co-localized with the polyQ aggregation in the cell nucleus.
      Deletion mutants of DNAJC8 revealed that the C-terminal domain of DNAJC8 was
      essential for the suppression of polyQ aggregation, whereas the J-domain was
      dispensable. Furthermore, 22-mer oligopeptide derived from C-termilal domain
      could suppress the polyQ aggregation. These results indicate that DNAJC8 can
      suppress the polyQ aggregation via a distinct mechanism independent of HSP70
      based chaperone machinery and have a unique protective role against the
      aggregation of expanded polyQ-containing proteins such as pathogenic ataxin-3
      proteins.

PMID- 27133717
TI  - Smurf1 represses TNF-alpha production through ubiquitination and destabilization
      of USP5.
AB  - Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 5 (USP5) has been demonstrated to be critical for
      the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a pivotal mediator for
      inflammatory responses. Besides, USP5 regulates p53 activation and DNA repair.
      However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of USP5, especially its
      responsible E3 ligase is still unclear. Here we found that Smad ubiquitination
      regulatory factor 1 (Smurf1) down regulated protein expression of USP5, and the
      E3 enzyme activity of Smurf1 was required for this function. We also revealed
      that Smurf1 interacted with USP5 and mediated its degradation via the ubiquitin
      proteasome pathway. Consequently, Smurf1 inhibited the production of TNF-alpha
      through down-regulation of USP5. Taken together, our study for the first time
      clarified that the E3 ligase Smurf1 regulates USP5 protein stability and USP5
      mediated TNF-alpha production through the ubiquitin proteasome pathway.

PMID- 27133718
TI  - Therapeutic effect of ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid on neutrophilic lung
      inflammation and sepsis is mediated by Nrf2.
AB  - Kaurenoic acid (ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid: KA) is a key constituent found in the
      roots of Aralia continentalis Kitagawa (Araliaceae), a remedy to treat patients
      with inflammatory diseases in traditional Asian medicine. Since KA activates
      Nrf2, a key anti-inflammatory factor, at the cellular level, we explored a
      possible therapeutic usage of KA against neutrophilic inflammatory lung disease
      such as acute lung injury (ALI). Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to C57BL/6 mice induced lung inflammation as in ALI. 2 h
      after i.p. LPS, intratracheal (i.t.) delivery of KA (0.3, 3, or 30 MUg/kg body
      weight) improved lung structure and significantly suppressed neutrophil
      infiltrations to mouse lungs, with concomitant reduction of myeloperoxidase
      activity and of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. While
      activating Nrf2 and expressing Nrf2-dependent genes in mouse lungs, KA did not
      significantly suppress neutrophil lung inflammation in Nrf2 KO mice. In a mouse
      model of sepsis, a major cause of ALI, single i.t. KA (3 MUg/kg) 2 h after the
      onset of sepsis significantly decreased the mortality of mice. Together, these
      results suggest that KA has a therapeutic potential against inflammatory lung
      disease, the effect of which is associated with Nrf2 activation.

PMID- 27133720
TI  - Implementation of Age-Specific Services for Transition-Age Youths in California.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined the implementation of age-specific services for
      transition-age youths in California under the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).
      METHODS: This study employed a sequential, exploratory mixed-methods design.
      Qualitative interviews with 39 mental health service area administrators in
      California were analyzed to develop an understanding of how the MHSA has
      facilitated the development of youth-specific programs or services. A
      quantitative survey of 180 youth-focused programs was also used to describe the
      range of services that were implemented, the use of evidence-based and promising
      practices, and the role of youths in the design, planning, delivery, and
      evaluation of services. RESULTS: Administrators described the MHSA as providing a
      programmatic focus and financial support for youth-specific services, outlining a
      stakeholder process to create buy-in and develop a vision for services, and
      emphasizing the role of youths in service delivery and planning. Youth-specific
      programs implemented a diverse array of services, including general medical care;
      employment and education support; housing placement and support; and family,
      mentoring, and social support. Programs described implementing evidence-based and
      promising practices and involving youths in service planning, implementation, or
      quality improvement activities. CONCLUSIONS: The MHSA has had a substantial
      impact on the landscape of youth-specific services in California by expanding
      both the number of programs and the diversity in types of services and by
      promoting the engagement of youths in the planning and delivery of services.
      Additional efforts are necessary to determine the extent to which youth-specific
      services yield greater improvements in youths' outcomes compared with services
      designed for adults.

PMID- 27133719
TI  - Lys63/Met1-hybrid ubiquitin chains are commonly formed during the activation of
      innate immune signalling.
AB  - We have reported previously that activation of the MyD88-signaling network
      rapidly induces the formation of hybrid ubiquitin chains containing both Lys63
      linked and Met1-linked ubiquitin (Ub) oligomers, some of which are attached
      covalently to Interleukin Receptor Associated kinase 1. Here we show that
      Lys63/Met1-Ub hybrids are also formed rapidly when the TNFR1/TRADD, TLR3/TRIF-
      and NOD1/RIP2-signaling networks are activated, some of which are attached
      covalently to Receptor-Interacting Protein 1 (TNFR1 pathway) or Receptor
      Interacting Protein 2 (NOD1 pathway). These observations suggest that the
      formation of Lys63/Met1-Ub hybrids are of general significance for the regulation
      of innate immune signaling systems, and their potential roles in vivo are
      discussed. We also report that TNFalpha induces the attachment of Met1-linked Ub
      chains directly to TNF receptor 1, which do not seem to be attached covalently to
      Lys63-linked or other types of ubiquitin chain.

PMID- 27133721
TI  - Electronic Health Record Availability and Anxiety Treatment in Office-Based
      Practices.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study compared the probability of receiving anxiety treatment
      during a physician visit to primary care practices with and without an electronic
      health record (EHR). METHODS: The 2007-2010 National Ambulatory Medical Care
      Survey was used to identify visits for anxiety (N=290). The outcome was receipt
      of anxiety treatment. The independent variable was the presence of a fully
      functioning EHR. Logistic regression was used to conduct the analysis. RESULTS:
      Patients who were seen in practices with a fully functioning EHR had lower odds
      of being offered antianxiety medication (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=.37, 95%
      confidence interval [CI]=.15-.90, p=.028), mental health counseling (AOR=.43,
      CI=.18-1.04, p=.061), and any anxiety treatment (AOR=.40, CI=.15-1.05, p=.062)
      compared with patients at practices without a fully functioning EHR. CONCLUSIONS:
      EHRs may have a negative impact on the delivery of care for anxiety during
      primary care visits. Future studies should monitor the impact of EHRs on delivery
      and quality of care.

PMID- 27133722
TI  - Reducing Disparities in Timely Autism Diagnosis Through Family Navigation:
      Results From a Randomized Pilot Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Emerging evidence suggests that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be
      diagnosed by age 18 months and that early intensive behavioral intervention
      positively affects ASD core deficits. This pilot randomized controlled trial
      examined the feasibility of using an adapted form of patient navigation, Family
      Navigation (FN), to improve timely diagnosis of ASD in low-income families from
      racial-ethnic minority groups. METHODS: Forty children referred for an ASD
      diagnostic assessment were randomly allocated to receive FN or usual care. The
      primary outcome, time to diagnostic resolution, was assessed with survival
      analysis. RESULTS: Nineteen of 20 FN children completed the diagnostic
      assessment, compared with 11 of 19 children receiving usual care (hazard
      ratio=3.21, 95% confidence interval=1.47-6.98, p<.01). In regard to engagement of
      participants, 17 of 20 families (85%) met with the navigator for the targeted
      three in-person visits (median=4, range 1-9). CONCLUSIONS: FN may be a promising
      intervention to address barriers that impede timely ASD diagnosis.

PMID- 27133723
TI  - A Learning Behavioral Health Care System: Opportunities to Enhance Research.
AB  - Sweeping changes in health care financing combined with the increased use of
      technology across health care systems are making it possible to address long
      standing challenges to the behavioral health services delivery system. This Open
      Forum outlines opportunities and challenges facing health services researchers in
      this rapidly changing landscape. Inspired by a 2012 report by the Institute of
      Medicine, the authors discuss innovative research endeavors, promising study
      designs, and challenges involved in integrating high-impact behavioral health
      services research within a learning behavioral health care framework. The Open
      Forum concludes with a discussion of the critical next steps in this process:
      building consensus around common metrics for high-quality care, relevant
      outcomes, and contextual factors; connecting researchers to community and
      clinical settings; creating a data commons to pool information across sites; and
      designing and evaluating evidence-based decision support tools to drive improved
      care and outcomes.

PMID- 27133724
TI  - An Evaluation of SOAR: Implementation and Outcomes of an Effort to Improve Access
      to SSI and SSDI.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Accessing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security
      Disability Insurance (SSDI) is challenging for people experiencing or at risk of
      homelessness. The federally funded SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR)
      project aims to improve access to SSI and SSDI through technical assistance (TA)
      to communities for promoting collaboration among agencies that serve this
      population and training professionals to assist people with applications. This
      study examined how SOAR TA has influenced community implementation efforts and
      the outcomes of these efforts. METHODS: Data were collected through site visits,
      a social network survey, and a management information system (MIS) in 13 states
      that began receiving TA in 2010 or 2011 and from Social Security Administration
      (SSA) administrative files on all applications (N=2,438,944) nationwide that were
      filed initially in fiscal year 2010. RESULTS: About 13% of trainees completed an
      application with the SOAR process. These trainees achieved a 73% approval rate
      for initial applications (including those approved after reconsideration),
      according to the MIS. Initial applications were approved almost twice as often
      among SOAR participants than among all homeless applicants (50% versus 28%),
      according to SSA. The odds of approval of the initial application were
      significantly higher (odds ratio=2.30) for SOAR participants compared with other
      homeless applicants, when other variables were held constant. CONCLUSIONS:
      Clients achieved better application outcomes when practitioners provided
      application assistance by using concepts from SOAR. However, training alone was
      not sufficient for successful SOAR implementation. Careful systems planning and
      dedicated staff resources are critical for improved outcomes.

PMID- 27133725
TI  - A National Survey of State Medicaid Psychotropic-Monitoring Programs Targeting
      Youths.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe state Medicaid psychotropic-monitoring
      programs targeting youths. METHODS: Key informants from each state Medicaid
      administration and the District of Columbia were invited to participate in a
      telephone-administered survey designed to assess the implementation strategies of
      the state psychotropic-monitoring program. Data were collected from August 2011
      through December 2012. A total of 38 states participated, four declined, and nine
      did not respond to the invitation. Descriptive statistics were used to
      characterize monitoring programs. RESULTS: Key informants from 28 of the 38
      states (74%) reported a program in place, mostly prior authorization (68%). One
      third of the programs (32%) had a two-tier review involving pharmacists and child
      psychiatrists. CONCLUSIONS: Although variability in psychotropic-monitoring
      programs may limit comparison of program impact across states, the variability
      provides an opportunity to investigate the impact of different models on best
      practices and the quality of care.

PMID- 27133726
TI  - Racial-Ethnic Differences in Health Service Use in a Large Sample of Homeless
      Adults With Mental Illness From Five Canadian Cities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined factors associated with health care use in an
      ethnically diverse Canadian sample of homeless adults with mental illness, a
      particularly disadvantaged group. METHODS: Baseline survey data were available
      from five sites across Canada for 2,195 At Home/Chez Soi demonstration project
      participants. Negative binomial regression models examined the relationship
      between racial-ethnic or cultural group membership (white, N=1,085; Aboriginal,
      N=476; black, N=244; and other ethnoracial minority groups, N=390) and self
      reported emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in the past six
      months and past-month visits to a medical, other clinical, or social service
      provider. Adjusted models included other predisposing, enabling, and need
      factors, based on Andersen's behavioral model for vulnerable populations.
      RESULTS: Compared with white participants, black participants had a lower rate of
      ED visits (adjusted rate ratio [ARR]=.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]=.43-.69)
      and Aboriginal participants had a lower rate of medical visits (ARR=.84, CI=.71
      .99) and a higher rate of visits to social service providers (ARR=1.54, CI=1.18
      2.01). Participants in other ethnoracial minority groups had a higher rate of
      social service provider visits than white participants (ARR=1.44, CI=1.10-1.89).
      Access to a family physician, having at least high school education, and high
      needs for mental health services were associated with greater use of ED and
      medical visits and hospitalizations. Rates of ED and medical visits were lower
      with increased age and better physical health. CONCLUSIONS: In a system of
      universal health insurance that prioritizes access to and quality of care, the
      presence of racial-ethnic disparities experienced by this vulnerable population
      merits further attention.

PMID- 27133728
TI  - Multicomponent Treatment in a Day Hospital for Adolescents: A Case of Good
      Practice.
AB  - The dynamics of adolescence require adjustments in psychiatric treatment because
      of the challenges of this developmental stage in life. This column describes the
      Day Hospital for Adolescents (DHA) of the Institute of Mental Health in Belgrade,
      Serbia, which was established in December 2007. The DHA is a holistic program for
      the treatment of youths ages 15-25 with emotional disorders. The multicomponent
      therapeutic program includes individual treatment, several group therapeutic
      activities, and work with patients' families and the school system. An evaluation
      of data obtained for 102 patients indicated that DHA treatment was associated
      with significant reductions in depression symptom severity and improved
      functioning. The adolescents reported a high level of treatment satisfaction. The
      results suggest that a multicomponent day hospital is an effective treatment
      modality for adolescents with emotional disorders.

PMID- 27133727
TI  - Sustained Use of Benzodiazepines and Escalation to High Doses in a Canadian
      Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: "Antibenzodiazepine" campaigns have been conducted worldwide to limit
      the prescribing of these drugs because of concerns about inappropriate use and
      addiction. The causal relationship between long-term use and escalation to high
      doses has not been proven. This study assessed the extent of dose escalation
      among individuals who were long-term users of benzodiazepines or Z-hypnotics.
      METHODS: A population-based study was conducted in the Canadian province of
      Manitoba using administrative health databases. Sustained use was defined as
      continuous use for at least two years (N=12,598). Dose escalation, measured in
      diazepam milligram equivalents (DMEs) per day and observed at six-month
      intervals, was assessed by using latent-class trajectory analysis.
      Characteristics of individuals with sustained use were described. RESULTS: The
      analysis revealed four distinct groups. Two groups (<8% of the cohort) showed
      escalation to high doses (over 40 DMEs). More than 55% of high-dose escalators
      were in the 0- to 44-year age group, 75% lived in urban areas, and approximately
      75% had a diagnosis of depression. Clonazepam was the drug most commonly involved
      with dose escalation; among individuals escalating to doses higher than 60 DMEs,
      91% were using clonazepam. Rates of "doctor shopping" and "pharmacy hopping" were
      higher among younger adults, compared with older adults. Younger adults also had
      higher rates of concomitant antidepressant therapy. CONCLUSIONS: A limited
      segment of a population that received benzodiazepine prescriptions was classified
      as sustained users, and a small proportion of that group escalated to doses
      higher than those recommended by product monographs and clinical guidelines.

PMID- 27133729
TI  - Low calorie sweeteners: Evidence remains lacking for effects on human gut
      function.
AB  - The importance of nutrient induced gut-brain signalling in the regulation of
      human food intake has become an increasing focus of research. Much of the caloric
      excess consumed comes from dietary sugars, but our knowledge about the mechanisms
      mediating the physiological and appetitive effects of sweet tastants in the human
      gut and gut-brain axis is far from complete. The comparative effects of natural
      sugars vs low calorie sweeteners are also poorly understood. Research in animal
      and cellular models has suggested a key functional role in gut endocrine cells
      for the sweet taste receptors previously well described in oral taste. However
      human studies to date have very consistently failed to show that activation of
      the sweet taste receptor by low calorie sweeteners placed in the human gut fails
      to replicate any of the effects on gastric motility, gut hormones or appetitive
      responses evoked by caloric sugars.

PMID- 27133730
TI  - Esculetin attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory processes
      and depressive-like behavior in mice.
AB  - Esculetin is one of the major bioactive compounds of Cichorium intybus L. The
      main purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects and possible
      underlying mechanism of esculetin (Esc) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced
      neuroinflammatory processes and depressive-like behavior in mice. Mice were
      pretreatment with esculetin (Esc, 20, 40mg/kg, intragastric administration) and a
      positive control drug fluoxetine (Flu, 20mg/kg, intragastric administration) once
      daily for 7 consecutive days. At the 7th day, LPS (0.83mg/kg) was intraperitoneal
      injection 30min after drug administration. Higher dose (40mg/kg) of esculetin and
      fluoxetine significantly decreased immobility time in TST and FST. There was no
      significant effect on locomotor activity in mice by the drugs. Esculetin
      significantly reduced LPS-induced elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines
      including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in serum and hippocampus. Esculetin attenuated inducible
      nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression by
      inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway in hippocampus. In addition,
      neuroprotection of esculetin was attributed to the upregulations of Brain derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated tyrosine kinase B (p-TrkB) protein
      expression in hippocampus. The obtained results demonstrated that esculetin
      exhibited antidepressant-like effects which might be related to the inhibition of
      NF-kappaB pathway and the activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling.

PMID- 27133731
TI  - The relation of hedonic hunger and restrained eating to lateralized frontal
      activation.
AB  - Asymmetrical alpha activation in the prefrontal cortex (frontal asymmetry) in
      electroencephalography (EEG) has been related to eating behavior. Prior studies
      linked dietary restraint with right frontal asymmetry [1] and disinhibition with
      left frontal asymmetry [2]. The current study simultaneously assessed restrained
      eating and hedonic hunger (drive for food reward in the absence of hunger) in
      relation to frontal asymmetry. Resting-state EEG and measures of restrained
      eating (Revised Restraint Scale; RRS) and hedonic hunger (Power of Food Scale;
      PFS) were assessed in 61 non-obese adults. Individually, hedonic hunger predicted
      left asymmetry. However, PFS and RRS were correlated (r=0.48, p<0.05) and there
      was a significant interaction between PFS and RRS on frontal asymmetry, p<0.01.
      Results indicated that those high in hedonic hunger exhibited left asymmetry
      irrespective of RRS scores; among those low in PFS, only those high in RRS showed
      right asymmetry. Results were consistent with literature linking avoidant
      behaviors (restraint) with right-frontal asymmetry and approach behaviors (binge
      eating) with left-frontal asymmetry. It appears that a strong drive toward
      palatable foods predominates at a neural level even when restraint is high.
      Findings suggest that lateralized frontal activity is an indicator of motivation
      both to consume and to avoid consuming highly palatable foods.

PMID- 27133732
TI  - Targeting Estrogen Receptor Beta in a Phase 2 Study of High-Dose Estradiol in
      Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Wisconsin Oncology Network Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) is expressed by 50% to 80% of triple
      negative breast cancers (TNBC). Agonism of ERbeta has antiproliferative effects
      in TNBC cells expressing ERbeta. This phase 2 study evaluated single-agent high
      dose estradiol in patients with advanced TNBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult women
      with measurable advanced TNBC were treated with estradiol 10 mg oral 3 times
      daily provided continuously for 28-day cycles. A Simon optimal 2-stage design was
      used. The primary end point was objective response (OR). Secondary end points
      included progression-free survival (PFS), clinical benefit (CB), and safety. OR,
      CB, and PFS by ERbeta status were also examined. RESULTS: Seventeen evaluable
      women were enrolled. Median age was 58 years (range, 34-90 years); the median
      number of prior systemic therapies was 2 (range, 0-6). One patient had a
      confirmed partial response (OR rate, 5.9%) and remained on the study for > 24
      weeks. Three patients had stable disease, with one lasting more than 16 weeks.
      ERbeta expression was detected in 77% (13 patients). The CB rate at 16 weeks was
      15% (2 of 13) in ERbeta-positive patients and 0% (0 of 4) in ERbeta-negative
      patients (P = 1). PFS was poor (median, 1.9 months) and not statistically
      significantly different between ERbeta-positive versus -negative patients. No new
      adverse events from estradiol were identified. The study closed after the first
      stage as a result of limited responses in these unselected patients. CONCLUSION:
      In unselected TNBC, high-dose estradiol has limited efficacy. However, further
      evaluation of ERbeta selective agonists in TNBC selected by ERbeta expression may
      be warranted.

PMID- 27133734
TI  - Reptile thermogenesis and the origins of endothermy.
AB  - Extant endotherms have high rates of metabolism, elevated body temperatures,
      usually tight control over body temperature, and a reasonable scope for further
      increases in metabolism through locomotor activity. Vertebrate ectotherms, on the
      other hand, rely on behavioural thermoregulation and cardiovascular adjustments
      to facilitate warming, and generally lack specific biochemical and cellular
      mechanisms for sustained, elevated metabolism. Nevertheless, the ancestral
      condition to endothermy is thought to resemble that of many extant reptiles,
      which raises the question of the origins and selection pressures relevant to the
      transitional state. Numerous hypotheses have emerged to explain the multiple
      origins of endothermy in vertebrates, including thermoregulatory, locomotory, and
      reproductive activity as possible drivers for these sustained and elevated
      metabolic rates. In this article, I discuss recent evidence for facultative
      endothermy in an extant lepidosaur, the tegu lizard. Since lepidosaurs are a
      sister group to the archosaurs, understanding how a novel form of endothermy
      evolved will open up opportunities to test the compatibility or incompatibility
      of the various endothermy hypotheses, with potential to elucidate and resolve
      long contentious ideas in evolutionary physiology.

PMID- 27133733
TI  - Behavioral Interventions to Enhance Adherence to Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer
      Survivors: A Systematic Literature Review.
AB  - Adjuvant hormone therapy contributes to reductions in recurrence and mortality
      for women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. However, adherence to
      hormone therapy is suboptimal. This is the first systematic literature review
      examining interventions aimed at improving hormone therapy adherence. Researchers
      followed the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed-Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Ovid-Medline,
      and EMBASE were searched for behavioral interventions that aimed to enhance
      adherence to adjuvant hormone therapy in breast cancer survivors. A total of 376
      articles were screened for eligibility. Five articles met the study criteria. All
      interventions presented adherence outcomes after 1-year follow-up. None
      significantly enhanced adherence compared to the usual care in the primary
      analysis (odds ratios ranged from 1.03 to 2.06 for adherence and from 1.11 to
      1.18 for persistence). All studies targeted patients, and only 3 studies included
      postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Three tested the same intervention
      consisting of educational materials. Only one was conducted in the United States.
      Only one reported participants' ethnicity. Overall, it was unclear whether the
      studies contained bias. The use of different terminology and operationalization
      of adherence made comparisons challenging. Interventions to improve adherence to
      adjuvant hormone therapy in US breast cancer populations that include survivors
      who are ethnically diverse, premenopausal, and receiving tamoxifen therapy are
      necessary to inform future interventions. Adoption of consistent adherence
      definitions/measurements will provide a clearer framework to consolidate
      aggregate findings. Given the limited efficacy of tested interventions, it is
      important to engage oncologists and researchers to develop approaches that target
      different components associated with hormone therapy adherence, such as doctor
      patient communication or social support.

PMID- 27133735
TI  - Gum-Elastic Bougie Efficacy for Tracheal Intubation During Continuous Chest
      Compression in Infants-A Crossover Simulation Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines for infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation emphasize
      that all rescuers should minimize interruption of chest compression, even for
      endotracheal intubation. OBJECTIVE: We compared the utility of application of a
      gum-elastic bougie (GEB) plus Miller laryngoscope (Mil) with the Mil alone during
      chest compression on an infant mannequin. METHODS: Sixteen anesthesiologists with
      more than 2 years of experience performed tracheal intubation on an infant
      mannequin using the Mil or Mil plus 6Fr GEB, with or without chest compression.
      Intubation success rate, intubation time, and subjective difficulty scores of
      laryngoscopy and tube passage through the glottis were measured. RESULTS: In Mil
      trials, none of the participants failed without compression, whereas four failed
      with compression (p = 0.03). In Mil-plus-GEB trials, all participants succeeded
      regardless of chest compression. Intubation time was significantly longer with
      chest compression in both Mil and Mil-plus-GEB trials (p < 0.001). The intubation
      time during chest compression was significantly longer in Mil than in Mil-plus
      GEB trials (p < 0.001). Difficulty of operation on a visual analog scale (VAS)
      for laryngoscopy did not significantly differ between Mil and Mil-plus-GEB trials
      during chest compression, whereas the VAS for tube passage through the glottis
      was significantly higher in Mil than in Mil-plus-GEB trials. CONCLUSIONS: GEB use
      shortened the intubation time and improved the success rate of infant tracheal
      intubation during chest compression by anesthesiologists in simulations.

PMID- 27133736
TI  - An Electronic Emergency Triage System to Improve Patient Distribution by Critical
      Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient triage is necessary to manage excessive patient volumes and
      identify those with critical conditions. The most common triage system used
      today, Emergency Severity Index (ESI), focuses on resources utilized and critical
      outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study derives and validates a computer-based electronic
      triage system (ETS) to improve patient acuity distribution based on serious
      patient outcomes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study of 25,198 (97 million
      weighted) adult emergency department visits from the 2009 National Hospital
      Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. The ETS distributes patients by using a composite
      outcome based on the estimated probability of mortality, intensive care unit
      admission, or transfer to operating room or catheterization suite. We compared
      the ETS with the ESI based on the differentiation of patients, outcomes,
      inpatient hospitalization, and resource utilization. RESULTS: Of the patients
      included, 3.3% had the composite outcome and 14% were admitted, and 2.52
      resources/patient were used. Of the 90% triaged to low-acuity levels, ETS
      distributed patients evenly (Level 3: 30%; Level 4: 30%, and Level 5: 29%)
      compared to ESI (46%, 34%, and 7%, respectively). The ETS better-identified
      patients with the composite outcome present in 40% of ETS Level 1 vs. 17% for ESI
      and the ETS area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.83
      vs. ESI 0.73. Similar results were found for hospital admission (ETS AUC = 0.83
      vs. ESI AUC = 0.72). The ETS demonstrated slight improvements in discriminating
      patient resource utilization. CONCLUSIONS: The ETS is a triage system based on
      the frequency of critical outcomes that demonstrate improved differentiation of
      patients compared to the current standard ESI.

PMID- 27133737
TI  - Importance of Pelvic Radiography for Initial Trauma Assessment: An Orthopedic
      Perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many institutions have abandoned the routine for selective pelvic x
      ray (PXR) for initial imaging in blunt trauma patients undergoing computed
      tomography (CT) scanning. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine the association
      between selective use of PXR and time to diagnosis of (major) pelvic fractures,
      as well as prioritization of key immediate interventions (including hip reduction
      and pelvic arterial embolization). METHODS: We conducted a 1-year review of early
      management of pelvic fracture patients undergoing pelvic CT scanning. Time
      interval and sequence of initial imaging and key immediate interventions were
      recorded. RESULTS: Of 218 pelvic fracture patients, 79 (36%) had no initial PXR,
      and instead had an initial CT scan. Time to first pelvic imaging in those
      patients was 48 min (standard deviation [SD] = 47 min vs. 2 min [SD = 6 min] with
      PXR; p < 0.001). Of 40 hip dislocations, 15 (38%) were detected first on CT scan.
      Overall, 22 (55%) required a second CT scan after reduction in the emergency
      department. No initial PXR was performed in 42 of 120 (35%) pelvic ring fracture
      patients and in 16 of 61 (26%) unstable pelvic ring fractures. Time to pelvic
      arterial embolization was longer in 4 patients without initial PXR than in 14
      patients with PXR (296 min [SD = 206 min] vs. 170 min [SD = 76 min],
      respectively, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Selective PXR was associated with a
      significant delay in recognition of (major) pelvic fractures, including those
      with associated hip dislocations and (potential) pelvic bleeding. PXR remains a
      useful screening tool to rapidly determine the need for immediate interventions
      and to allow early planning before CT scanning.

PMID- 27133738
TI  - Nonoperative Management of a Large Extrapleural Hematoma after Blunt Chest
      Trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An extrapleural hematoma (EH) is an uncommon and potentially life
      threatening condition defined as the accumulation of blood in the extrapleural
      space between the parietal pleura and the endothoracic fascia. EH usually occurs
      after blunt thoracic trauma causing fractures of the sternum and ribs, which can
      tear the intercostal or internal mammary vessels. Typical radiological findings
      of EH are a biconvex opacity on the involved hemithorax and the so-called
      displaced "extrapleural fat sign." CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 36-year
      old man with an isolated scapular fracture after a high-energy blunt chest trauma
      complicated with a large contralateral EH that was successfully managed
      nonoperatively with transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and image-guided
      drainage with a pig-tail catheter. To the best of our knowledge there is only one
      previous report describing a large EH after blunt thoracic trauma without rib
      fractures. Only two previous cases of large EHs have been treated initially with
      TAE, but both patients ultimately required open surgery. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY
      PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Patients with EH can present with respiratory
      distress and hypotension, so early identification is important to facilitate
      proper treatment. EH has characteristic radiological findings, and contrast
      enhanced computed tomography is not only the best imaging tool for confirming an
      EH, but also the best technique for detecting the source of the bleeding and
      other serious thoracic complications that may not be evident on chest x-ray
      studies.

PMID- 27133739
TI  - Dual inhibition of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 production by
      polysubstituted 2-aminopyrimidines.
AB  - The present in vitro experiments demonstrate inhibitory effects of
      polysubstituted 2-aminopyrimidines on high output production of nitric oxide (NO)
      and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stimulated by interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) in peritoneal macrophages of mouse and rat origin. PGE2 production was
      inhibited also in LPS-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A tight
      dependence of the suppressive activities on chemical structure of pyrimidines was
      observed. Derivatives containing hydroxyl groups at the C-4 and C-6 positions of
      pyrimidine ring were devoid of any influence on NO and PGE2. Remarkable
      inhibitory potential was acquired by the replacement of hydroxyl groups with
      chlorine, the 4,6-dichloro derivatives being more effective than the monochloro
      analogues. The effects were further intensified by modification of the amino
      group at the C-2 position, changing it to the (N,N-dimethylamino)methyleneamino
      or the formamido ones. There was no substantial difference in the expression of
      NO-inhibitory effects among derivatives containing distinct types of substituents
      at the C-5 position (hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, phenyl, and benzyl).
      In contrast to NO, larger substituents then methyl were required to inhibit PGE2
      production. Overall, no significant correlation between the extent of NO and PGE2
      suppression was observed. The IC50s of derivatives with the strongest effects on
      both NO and PGE2 were within the range of 2-10 MUM. Their NO-inhibitory potential
      of pyrimidines was stronger than that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs) aspirin and indomethacin. The PGE2-inhibitory effectiveness of
      pyrimidines was about the same as that of aspirin, but weaker as compared to
      indomethacin. The NO- and PGE2-inhibitory activity of tested pyrimidines has been
      found associated with decreased expression of iNOS mRNA and COX-2 mRNA,
      respectively, and with post-translation interactions. Selected NO-/PGE2
      inhibitory derivatives decreased severity of intestinal inflammation in murine
      model of ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 27133740
TI  - Inter-practice variation in polypharmacy prevalence amongst older patients in
      primary care.
AB  - PURPOSE: Complex medication management in older people with multiple chronic
      conditions can introduce practice variation in polypharmacy prevalence. This
      study aimed to determine the inter-practice variation in polypharmacy prevalence
      and examine how this variation was influenced by patient and practice
      characteristics. METHODS: This cohort study included 45,731 patients aged 55
      years and older with at least one prescribed medication from 126 general
      practices that participated in NIVEL Primary Care Database in the Netherlands.
      Medication dispensing data of the year 2012 were used to determine polypharmacy.
      Polypharmacy was defined as the chronic and simultaneous use of at least five
      different medications. Multilevel logistic regression models were constructed to
      quantify the polypharmacy prevalence variation between practices. Patient
      characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic status, number, and type of chronic
      conditions) and practice characteristics (practice location and practice
      population) were added to the models. RESULTS: After accounting for differences
      in patient and practice characteristics, polypharmacy rates varied with a factor
      of 2.4 between practices (from 12.4% to 30.1%) and an overall mean of 19.8%. Age
      and type of conditions were highly positively associated with polypharmacy, and
      to a lesser extent a lower socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable
      variation in polypharmacy rates existed between general practices, even after
      accounting for patient and practice characteristics, which suggests that there is
      not much agreement concerning medication management in this complex patient
      group. Initiatives that could reduce inappropriate heterogeneity in medication
      management can add value to the care delivered to these patients. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27133741
TI  - Analysis of expression of PTEN/PI3K pathway and programmed cell death ligand 1
      (PD-L1) in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) frequently express elevated
      AKT/mTOR activity. Previous reports in gliomas, colon, breast and prostate cancer
      suggest that PTEN/PI3K pathway may be important for the induction of PD-L1
      expression. This study explored the expression of PTEN/PI3K pathway and PD-L1 in
      MPM and its relationship with the patients prognosis MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty
      seven consecutive MPM patients were reviewed. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded
      tissue biopsies were used for immunohistochemical analysis of PTEN/PI3K pathway
      and PD-L1 RESULTS: Expression of PTEN, mTOR, pAKT, p4EBP1, peif4E, pS6 and FOXO3a
      was found in 88.5%, 92.3%, 78.3%, 38.5%, 100%, 52.2% and 100% of tumors and PD-L1
      in 23%. We found a significant correlation between pAKT, FOXO3a and PD-L1
      expression and longer overall survival (p <0.05). We did not identify significant
      association between the level of PD-L1 expression and alterations in PI3K pathway
      CONCLUSIONS: This study shows PTEN/PI3K pathway and PD-L1 in MPM are frequently
      activated. Our results suggests that there is not association between PD-L1 and
      the involvement of the PI3K pathway in MPM.

PMID- 27133742
TI  - Nintedanib (BIBF 1120) blocks the tumor promoting signals of lung fibroblast
      soluble microenvironment.
AB  - RATIONALE: Nintedanib is a potent, triple angiokinase inhibitor of vascular
      endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and platelet-derived growth
      factor, and has been recently approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC), following first-line chemotherapy. It is well established that
      microenvironment plays an important role in tumor progression. Therefore,
      targeting tumor microenvironment-cancer cell interaction may provide a
      significant therapeutic target. In this study we tested the effect of Nintedanib
      on NSCLC cells directly and in the presence of normal and tumor soluble
      microenvironment. METHODS: Primary fibroblast cultures derived from NSCLC tumors
      and normal lung tissues were established and their supernatants were collected.
      These supernatants were added to NSCLC cell lines (H1299, H460 and A549) cultured
      with/without Nintedanib (0.1-10MUM) for 24 and 48h. Cell death (AnnexinV-PI, flow
      cytometry), cell number, proliferation (PCNA), protein expression
      (immunoblotting) and cell migration (scratch test), were tested. Expression of 10
      pro-angiogenic cytokines was measured by ELISA-based quantitative array. RESULTS:
      Tumor and normal supernatants demonstrated similar pro-metastatic effects on the
      NSCLC phenotype: both elevated cancer cell number, PCNA levels, reduced total and
      apoptotic cell death and facilitated cell migration. Nintedanib had limited but
      significant effects on the NSCLC cell number, cell death and migration, but
      required high doses. However, at lower doses Nintedanib caused cell detachment
      and elevated integrin-alpha 5 and EGFR levels, both markers of anoikis
      resistance. This suggests them as possible targets in combination with
      Nintedanib. Moreover, Nintedanib completely blocked the supernatants ability to
      facilitate the aggressive cancer cell characteristics. While cytokine array
      analysis showed no significant changes in FGF, PDGF or VEGF, we found that both
      supernatants contained high HGF levels, suggesting it as the facilitator of cell
      migration and proliferation. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that tumor
      microenvironment-cancer cell interaction is a therapeutic target and should be
      considered when new drugs are tested.

PMID- 27133743
TI  - Alectinib induced CNS radiation necrosis in an ALK+NSCLC patient with a remote (7
      years) history of brain radiation.
AB  - Alectinib is a second generation ALK inhibitor that has significant clinical
      activity in central nervous system (CNS) metastases in anaplastic lymphoma kinase
      (ALK)-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pseudoprogression (PsP) due
      to radiation necrosis during alecitnib treatment of central nervous system (CNS)
      metastases from ALK-rearranged NSCLC as been reported. Hence, distinguishing
      radiation-related PsP from alectinib-induced radiographic changes is important to
      avoid erroneous early trial discontinuation and abandonment of an effective
      treatment. However, it remains difficult to assess casuality of radiation
      necrosis is related to recent direct radiation or induced by alectinib treatment
      or both. It is also unknown how long from previous radiation can alectinib still
      induce radiation necrosis. Here we reported a crizotinib-refractory ALK-positive
      NSCLC patient who develop radiation necrosis in one of his metastatic CNS lesions
      after approximately 12 months of alectinib treatment who otherwise had on-going
      CNS response on alectinib. His most recent radiation to his CNS metastases was 7
      years prior to the start of alectinib. This case illustrates that in the setting
      of pror CNS radiation, given the significant clinical activity of alectinib in
      CNS metastases in ALK-positive NSCLC patients the risk of CNS radiation necrosis
      remains long after previous radiation to the CNS metastases has been completed
      and can occur after durable response of treatment.

PMID- 27133744
TI  - The relationship between lung cancer histology and the clinicopathological
      characteristics of bone metastases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Lung cancer is the leading cause of death due to cancer, and bone is
      one of the most frequent sites of metastasis. However, there is no published
      evidence regarding an association between lung cancer histology and skeletal
      complications. Therefore, we evaluated the influence of lung cancer histology on
      the frequency of bone metastases (BMs), skeletal-related events (SREs), and
      survival after BM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated
      medical records from 413 patients who were diagnosed with lung cancer between
      2003 and 2012. The prevalences of BMs and SREs were calculated, and their
      associations with the histological subtypes were evaluated using the chi-square
      test, odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Overall survivals and
      associations with the histological subtypes were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier
      method and the log-rank test. RESULTS: The prevalences of BM, synchronous BM, and
      SREs were 28.2%, 70.4%, and 68.7%, respectively. Adenocarcinoma was the most
      common histological subtype (46.7%), and was significantly more frequent among
      patients with BM (58.3% vs. 42.1%; p=0.003; OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.29-2.97).
      Squamous cell was significantly less frequent among patients with BM (13.0% vs.
      29.8%; p=0.0004; OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.19-0.64). The median survival time after the
      first BM diagnosis was 4 months, and there was no significant difference in the
      survival periods for the various histological subtypes. CONCLUSION:
      Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell were significantly associated with higher and
      lower risks of developing BM, respectively.

PMID- 27133745
TI  - Endobronchial lesions as a predictor of impaired cough-related quality of life in
      lung cancer.

PMID- 27133746
TI  - Malignant pleural disease is highly associated with subsequent peritoneal
      metastasis in patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer independent of
      oncogene status.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal metastasis from lung cancer is an uncommon clinical
      event and there are limited data on what factors predict peritoneal progression.
      This study retrospectively investigated whether patterns of metastatic spread and
      oncogene status in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are
      associated with peritoneal metastasis. METHODS: Patients with metastatic non
      squamous NSCLC (n=410) were identified at the University of Colorado Cancer
      Center. Sites of metastatic disease and baseline oncogene status (EGFR, ALK,
      KRAS, or triple negative) were documented via a retrospective chart review. In
      patients with EGFR mutations who developed peritoneal disease, we documented the
      presence of known resistance mechanisms. Median time to peritoneal metastasis,
      time from peritoneal disease to death, and overall survival were collected.
      RESULTS: Eight percent (33/410) patients in this study developed peritoneal
      metastasis. Malignant pleural disease at baseline was significantly associated
      with subsequent peritoneal spread. There was no association between oncogene
      status and peritoneal metastasis. Three patients with EGFR mutations who
      developed peritoneal metastasis had documented resistance to tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKIs) in the ascitic fluid. Median time from stage IV disease to
      peritoneal metastasis was 16.5 months (range 0.6-108 months). There were no
      differences in overall survival between patients who developed peritoneal
      metastasis and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant pleural disease is
      highly associated with peritoneal metastasis in patients with advanced NSCLC. The
      underlying mechanism is not clear. The presence of resistance mutations in
      ascitic fluid implies that poor drug penetration is unlikely to be the dominant
      mechanism. Despite being a late clinical finding, there were no differences in
      overall survival between patients who developed peritoneal metastasis and those
      who did not. Additional studies exploring treatment related factors in patients
      with malignant pleural disease that can reduce risk of peritoneal metastasis are
      warranted.

PMID- 27133747
TI  - Which patients are assessed by lung cancer nurse specialists? A national lung
      cancer audit study of over 128,000 patients across england.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer nurse specialists (LCNS) are integral to the
      multidisciplinary clinical team, providing personalised physical and psycho
      social interventions, and care management for people with lung cancer. The
      National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend that all
      patients have access to a LCNS. We conducted a national study assessing whether
      there is variation in access to and timing of LCNS assessment. METHODS: The
      National Cancer Action Team's LCNS workforce census in England was linked with
      patient and hospital Trust data from the English National Lung Cancer Audit.
      Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess features associated with LCNS
      assessment. RESULTS: 128,124 lung cancer patients were seen from 2007 to 2011.
      LCNS assessment confirmation was 'yes' in 62%, 'no' in 6% and 'missing' in 32%.
      Where (in clinic versus ward) and when (before versus after diagnosis) patients
      were assessed by a LCNS also varied. Older patients with poor performance status,
      early cancer stage, and comorbidities were less likely to be assessed; there was
      no difference with sex or socioeconomic group. Patients receiving any anti-cancer
      treatment were more likely to be assessed. Assessment was lower in Trusts with
      high annual patient numbers (odds ratio=0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.37-0.91)
      and where LCNS caseload>250 (0.69, 0.41-1.16, although not statistically
      significant), but increased where workload was conducted mostly by band 8 nurses
      (2.22, 1.22-4.02). CONCLUSION: LCNS assessment varied by patient and Trust
      features, which may indicate unmet need for some patients. The current workforce
      needs to expand as well as retain experienced LCNSs.

PMID- 27133748
TI  - Advanced nodal stage predicts venous thromboembolism in patients with locally
      advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are known to be at
      high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), but previous studies have not
      specifically analyzed locally advanced disease. We performed a retrospective VTE
      risk analysis in a cohort of locally advanced NSCLC treated with definitive
      intent including radiation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cohort consisted
      of 629 patients with stage II-III NSCLC treated at a single institution from
      January 2003 to December 2012. All patients received treatment with curative
      intent, including radiation therapy. Fine and Gray's competing-risks regression
      model, accounting for death and distant metastasis as competing risks, was used
      to identify significant predictors of VTE risk, and cumulative incidence
      estimates were generated using the competing-risks model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:
      At a median follow-up of 31 months, 127 patients developed a VTE, with 80% of
      events occurring in the first year after treatment initiation. 1-year and 3-year
      overall cumulative incidence estimates were 13.5% and 15.4%, respectively. On
      univariate analysis, stage IIIB and N3 nodal disease were associated with
      increased VTE risk. In the final multivariable model, N3 nodal disease was
      associated with increased VTE risk (Hazard ratio 1.64; 95% CI 1.06-2.54;
      p=0.027). In conclusion, patients with locally advanced NSCLC are at high risk
      for VTE, especially in the first year after treatment initiation, with a 1-year
      cumulative incidence of 13.5%. N3 nodal staging was associated with significantly
      higher VTE risk compared to N0-N2 staging.

PMID- 27133749
TI  - Assessment of objective responses in thymic epithelial tumors using ITMIG
      modified criteria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Pleural metastases of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are relatively
      common, and this unique growth pattern makes the use of RECIST (response
      evaluation criteria in solid tumors) response criteria difficult. To standardize
      tumor measurement in TETs, the International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group
      (ITMIG) has proposed newly developed criteria. We compared evaluation of
      objective response between ITMIG modified criteria and RECIST 1.1 in patients
      with TET treated with systemic chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively evaluated the tumor response of 40 patients with unresectable TET
      who were enrolled in a phase II clinical trial using ITMIG modified criteria, and
      compared the findings with prospectively evaluated tumor response assessed by
      RECIST 1.1. Agreement analyses for the response at each time point, including
      overall response and declaring progression, were performed and the time to
      progression (TTP) was also assessed using the two different measurements.
      RESULTS: The overall response rate assessed by the two methods did not differ
      significantly, with kappa value of 0.897. Agreement analysis for declaring
      progression of disease (PD) at the date of RECIST 1.1-designated PD showed 95%
      concordance rate with ITMIG modified criteria (p=1.000, kappa index=0.875). The
      median TTP according to RECIST 1.1 and ITMIG modified criteria was 8.4 and 7.9
      months (p=0.983), respectively. Validation with another cohort of 27 TET patients
      treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy also showed a 96% concordance rate in
      overall response between the two different criteria. CONCLUSIONS: ITMIG modified
      criteria showed a high concordance rate with RECIST 1.1 criteria in response
      assessment of TETs. Given the rarity of TETs, further evaluation of ITMIG
      modified criteria in a larger number of patients will be required before their
      implementation in clinical trials.

PMID- 27133750
TI  - Morphological and genetic heterogeneity in multifocal lung adenocarcinoma: The
      case of a never-smoker woman.
AB  - Discrimination of multifocal primary lung cancers from lung metastases is crucial
      to allow for an appropriate clinical management. We report here a case of
      multifocal lung adenocarcinomas with different morphological and molecular
      patterns. Radical surgery of one lung nodule was performed at the time of
      diagnosis, and subsequently on two other lung nodules. At the time of distant
      relapse, biopsy was repeated for molecular characterization. The patient was
      treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor according to the detection of EGFR
      exon 21 mutation in metastatic sample and in one of the three lung tumors,
      characterized by lower mutated allele frequency. The progression free survival
      was three months according to radiological criteria and the treatment was
      provided for six months, until clinical progression. Following the assessment of
      EGFR mutations by pyrosequencing, tumor samples were analyzed by a 30-gene next
      generation sequencing (NGS) panel, allowing to study intra- and inter-tumor
      heterogeneity and to confirm the three lung tumors as independent. Different
      molecular profiles of synchronous tumors and identical EGFR, PIK3CA and TP53
      mutations in one of three primary lung tumors and the metachronous metastasis
      were identified. In conclusion, morphological and molecular characterization of
      multiple lung nodules by NGS may help to define synchronous and metachronous
      adenocarcinomas, thus affecting surgical indication and systemic treatment.
      Intratumor heterogeneity may be associated with differential sensitivity to
      targeted treatment.

PMID- 27133751
TI  - Outcomes of neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for non
      small-cell lung cancer with N2 disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes
      and prognostic factors of neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT)
      followed by surgical resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with N2
      disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with N2
      disease who underwent neoadjuvant CCRT followed by surgery at our institution was
      performed and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the
      factors associated with survival outcomes. RESULTS: From 1997 to 2013, 574
      patients underwent curative-intent surgery after neoadjuvant CCRT for NSCLC with
      N2 disease. The mean age was 59 years (444 men, 77%). The extent of surgery
      included lobectomy in 418 patients (73%), pneumonectomy in 73 (13%), and sleeve
      resection in 25 (4.3%). Complete resection was obtained in 543 patients (95%).
      Postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality occurred in 199 patients
      (35%) and 21 (3.7%), respectively. Pathologic complete response was achieved in
      72 patients (13%) and 304 (53%) experienced mediastinal clearance. With a mean
      follow-up of 36 months, median overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival
      (RFS) were 56 months and 18 months, respectively. The 5-year OS rates were 61% in
      ypN0, 49% in ypN1, and 35% in ypN2 (p=0.001). The 5-year RFS rates were 45% in
      ypN0, 23% in ypN1, and 17% in ypN2 (p<0.001). Older age, advanced pT stage,
      persistent N2, large cell carcinoma, and pneumonectomy were independent
      prognostic factors associated with worse OS and poorer RFS. CONCLUSION:
      Neoadjuvant CCRT followed by surgery could be performed with acceptable early
      postoperative outcomes, satisfactory local control, and encouraging long-term
      survival. Care should be taken in selecting patients when necessitating
      pneumonectomy after neoadjuvant CCRT. Further efforts to improve outcomes in
      patients with persistent N2 disease are required.

PMID- 27133752
TI  - Low forced vital capacity predicts cytotoxic chemotherapy-associated acute
      exacerbation of interstitial lung disease in patients with lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although acute exacerbation of pre-existing interstitial lung disease
      (AE-ILD) associated with cytotoxic chemotherapy has been recognized as a severe
      complication in lung cancer treatment, its risk factors have not been fully
      studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among lung cancer patients receiving cytotoxic
      chemotherapy, patients with pre-existing ILD were identified based on the
      pretreatment high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings. Chemotherapy
      associated AE-ILD was defined as deterioration or development of dyspnea and HRCT
      findings of new bilateral ground-glass attenuations with/without non-segmental
      consolidation superimposed on pre-existing interstitial shadows, without evidence
      of pulmonary infection, congestion, or pulmonary embolism, within four weeks
      after the last administration of chemotherapy. Baseline characteristics were
      reviewed and the risk factors for chemotherapy-associated AE-ILD were evaluated
      by logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Among 85 patients identified as having
      pre-existing ILD, chemotherapy-associated AE-ILD occurred in 26 patients (30.6%);
      8 patients died and 11 patients had a severely deteriorated general condition
      despite intensive treatment. Compared with those without AE-ILD, patients with AE
      ILD had significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC) (median: 91.1% versus
      76.6%, P=0.01). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses
      identified baseline lower FVC and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as the risk
      factors for this severe event (odds ratio of FVC: 0.97, 95% confidence interval:
      0.94-0.99; odds ratio of NSCLC: 4.65, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-19.76).
      CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy-associated AE-ILD was a frequent and lethal complication
      in lung cancer treatment for patients with pre-existing ILD. Spirometric
      assessment of pulmonary function may be useful to predict the event.

PMID- 27133754
TI  - EGFR and KRAS mutation status in non-small-cell lung cancer occurring in HIV
      infected patients.
AB  - Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common non-acquired immune
      deficiency syndrome-related malignancy responsible for death. Mutational status
      is crucial for choosing treatment of advanced NSCLC, yet no data is available on
      the frequency of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Kirsten ras (KRAS)
      mutations and their impact on NSCLC in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      infected patients (HIV-NSCLC). All consecutive HIV-NSCLC patients diagnosed
      between June 1996 and August 2013 at two Paris university hospitals were
      reviewed, with tumor samples analyzed for EGFR and KRAS mutational status.
      Overall, 63 tumor samples were analyzed out of 73 HIV-NSCLC cases, with 63% of
      advanced NSCLC. There were 60 non-squamous and nine squamous cell carcinomas,
      with EGFR and KRAS mutations identified in two (3.3%) and seven (11.5%) tumors,
      respectively. The proportion of KRAS mutations was 29% if solely the more
      sensitive molecular techniques were considered. The two patients with advanced
      adenocarcinoma harboring EGFR mutations exhibited lasting partial response to
      EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Overall survival for patients with advanced
      NSCLC were >30 months for those with EGFR mutations, <3 months for KRAS mutations
      (n=2), and the median was 9 months [4.1-14.3] for wild-type (n=34). In
      multivariate analysis, KRAS mutation and CD4<200 cells/MUL were associated with
      poor prognosis (hazard ratio (HR): 24 [4.1-140.2], p=0.0004; HR: 3.1 [1.3-7.5],
      p=0.01, respectively). EGFR mutation must be investigated in HIV-NSCLC cases due
      to its predictive and prognostic impact, whereas KRAS mutation is of poor
      prognostic value. Clinicians should search for drugs dedicated to this target
      population.

PMID- 27133753
TI  - Evaluation of the combination of oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil or gemcitabine in
      patients with sporadic metastatic pulmonary carcinoid tumors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the efficacy of
      gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (gemox) or 5-fluorouracil-oxaliplatin (folfox) in the
      treatment of metastatic pulmonary carcinoid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 45
      patients were included in two tertiary referral centers between January 1999 and
      January 2013. Typical, atypical carcinoids or not otherwise specified carcinoids
      were diagnosed according to WHO criteria in 19%, 57%, and 24% of cases by two
      expert pathologists. Patients had synchronous (38%) or metachronous (62%)
      metastastic disease (median of 2 (1-5) metastatic sites). Seventy-nine percent
      had progressive disease before start of chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of:
      gemcitabine 1000mg/m(2) and oxaliplatin 100mg/m(2) every 2 weeks (gemox regimen,
      n=24) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (400mg/m(2) in bolus injection and 5-FU
      2400mg/m(2) in 46h-infusion) and oxaliplatin 85mg/m(2) (folfox regimen, n=21)
      every 2 weeks. Tumor response was assessed according to RECIST criteria every 8
      12 weeks. Progression free survival and overall survival were assessed using
      Kaplan Meier curves. RESULTS: Patients received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in
      first-line (20%), second-line (33%), or post-second-line (47%) systemic
      treatment. The median number of cycles was 8 (1-12). Nine (20%) stopped
      oxaliplatin before 8 cycles because of toxicity. Nine patients (20%) had a
      partial response and 29 (64%) had stable disease. Median progression free
      survival (PFS) was 15 (6-25) months. Median overall survival (OS) was 34 (21-49)
      months. No significant difference was observed in response and PFS between either
      regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that either gemcitabine-oxaliplatin or
      5-fluorouracil-oxaliplatin combinations are attractive chemotherapy regimen in
      metastatic pulmonary carcinoid tumors.

PMID- 27133755
TI  - Usefulness of four dimensional (4D) PET/CT imaging in the evaluation of thoracic
      lesions and in radiotherapy planning: Review of the literature.
AB  - In the past decade, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has become a routinely
      used methodology for the assessment of solid tumors, which can detect functional
      abnormalities even before they become morphologically evident on conventional
      imaging. PET imaging has been reported to be useful in characterizing solitary
      pulmonary nodules, guiding biopsy, improving lung cancer staging, guiding
      therapy, monitoring treatment response and predicting outcome. This review
      focuses on the most relevant and recent literature findings, highlighting the
      current role of PET/CT and the evaluation of 4D-PET/CT modality for radiation
      therapy planning applications. Current evidence suggests that gross tumor volume
      delineation based on 4D-PET/CT information may be the best approach currently
      available for its delineation in thoracic cancers (lung and non-lung lesions). In
      our opinion, its use in this clinical setting is strongly encouraged, as it may
      improve patient treatment outcome in the setting of radiation therapy for cancers
      of the thoracic region, not only involving lung, but also lymph nodes and
      esophageal tissue. Literature results warrants further investigation in future
      prospective studies, especially in the setting of dose escalation.

PMID- 27133756
TI  - EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in patients with advanced non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring uncommon EGFR mutations: A real-world study in
      China.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are a number of uncommon EGFR mutations whose associations
      with TKIs are not well clarified. Here, we summarize the clinical data of
      patients with multiple uncommon EGFR mutations and their sensitivity to EGFR
      TKIs. METHODS: Between January 2009 and September 2014, we retrospectively
      examined stage IIIB/IV NSCLC patients harboring uncommon mutations in EGFR at the
      Shanghai Chest Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 123 NSCLC patients harboring
      uncommon EGFR mutations with treatment and survival details were included in this
      analysis. 95 Patients who received therapy that consisted of EGFR TKIs
      experienced a significantly improved overall survival (OS) compared with those
      who did not receive EGFR TKIs (18.96 months, 95% CI, 16.65-21.26 vs 12.22, 95%
      CI, 9.17-15.27, p=0.017). The median progression-free survival (PFS) for patients
      who harbored the L861Q, G719X, 20ins, Del-19+L858R, Del-19 or L858R+T790M, and
      the Del-19 or L858R+other mutations were 8.90 months (95% CI, 4.47-13.34), 5.98
      months (95% CI, 1.53-10.42), 2.00 months (95% CI, 0.00-5.41), 9.53 months (95%
      CI, 0.00-19.41), 1.94 months (95% CI, 0.00-4.43), and 9.79 months (95% CI, 0.73
      18.85), respectively. The best objective response rates (ORRs) for patients who
      harbored L861Q, G719X, 20ins, Del-19+L858R, Del-19 or L858R+T790M, Del-19 or
      L858R+others were 46.7%, 42.9%, 8.3%, 71.4%, 22.2%, and 55.6%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that EGFR TKI therapy is effective in patients
      with L861Q/G719X/Del-19+L858R/Del-19 or L858R+other mutations; less effective in
      patients with 20ins/Del-19 or L858R+T790M.

PMID- 27133757
TI  - Impact of whole brain radiation therapy on CSF penetration ability of Icotinib in
      EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases: Results
      of phase I dose-escalation study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and epidermal growth factor
      receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are both treatment options for
      EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases.
      However, the dose-escalation toxicity and efficacy of combination therapy, and
      the effect of WBRT on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) penetration of EGFR-TKIs are
      still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients with brain
      metastases were enrolled in this study, and the cohorts were constructed with a
      3+3 design. The patients received icotinib with escalating doses (125-625mg,
      tid), and the concurrent WBRT (37.5Gy/15f/3weeks) started a week later. The CSF
      penetration rates of icotinib were tested before, immediately after, and 4 weeks
      after WBRT, respectively. Potential toxicities and benefits from dose-escalation
      treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included in this study, 3
      at each dose level from 125mg-375mg and 6 at 500mg with 3 occurred dose-limiting
      toxicities. The maximal tolerated dose of icotinib was 375mg tid in this
      combination therapy. There was a significant correlation between icotinib
      concentration in the CSF and plasma (R(2)=0.599, P<0.001). The CSF penetration
      rate of icotinib, from 1.2% to 9.7%, reached a maximum at 375mg (median, 6.1%).
      There was no significant difference for CSF penetration rates among the three
      test points (median, 4.1% vs. 2.8% vs. 2.8%, P=0.16). The intracranial objective
      response rate and median intracranial progression free survival are 80% and 18.9
      months. CONCLUSIONS: WBRT plus concurrent icotinib is well tolerated in EGFR
      mutated NSCLC patients with brain metastases, up to an icotinib dose of 375mg
      tid. The icotinib CSF concentration seemed to have a potential ceiling effect
      with the dose escalation, and WBRT seemed to have no significant impact on CSF
      penetration of icotinib till 4 weeks after the treatment.

PMID- 27133758
TI  - EGFR mutation status on brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of EGFR mutations
      on the incidence of brain metastases in patients with advanced non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, population-based
      study was conducted using a provincial cancer registry to identify patients with
      metastatic NSCLC. Patients with diagnostic EGFR mutation testing were divided
      into EGFR mutation positive (EGFR+) and EGFR wild type (WT) cohorts. The primary
      endpoint was the incidence of brain metastases. Cumulative incidence curves were
      estimated using the competing risk method. The secondary endpoint was overall
      survival. RESULTS: For 543 patients there were 121 EGFR+ and 422 EGFR WT. The
      cumulative incidence of brain metastases was 39.2% for EGFR+ patients compared to
      28.2% for EGFR WT (p=0.038; HR 1.4). In multivariate analysis, younger age and
      EGFR+ status were significant factors for developing brain metastases. The median
      survival for the EGFR+ and EGFR WT cohorts were 22.4 and 7.9 months (p<0.001),
      respectively. In multivariate analysis, poor performance status and brain
      metastases were factors significant for worse survival. CONCLUSIONS: There is a
      higher incidence of brain metastases for patients with EGFR+ metastatic NSCLC,
      even when adjusted for differences in survival, compared to EGFR WT. For patients
      with and without brain metastases, survival prognosis with stage IV NSCLC is much
      longer with EGFR+ disease.

PMID- 27133759
TI  - A phase II study of nintedanib in patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Nintedanib is an oral triple angiokinase inhibitor. This study was
      conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nintedanib in patients (pts)
      with relapsed/refractory small cell lung cancer (SCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pts
      with an ECOG PS from 0 to 2 who exhibited progression after one or two prior
      chemotherapy or chemo/radiotherapy were enrolled. Pts received nintedanib 200mg
      BID daily in a 4-week cycle until progression or intolerable toxicity. The
      primary end point was the objective response rate (ORR). A two-stage design was
      employed. To continue to stage 2, >=2 responders out of 22 pts were required.
      RESULTS: From Dec 2011 to June 2014, 24 pts were enrolled. Twenty-two pts
      completed treatment and were evaluable for response. The median follow-up was 9.7
      (0.5-19.8) months. The median age was 64 (46-77) years. Twenty-two pts were male.
      Six pts had sensitive relapse. Eight pts received one prior chemotherapy. A
      median of one (range 1-5) cycle was administered. One pt had a partial response,
      and seven pts exhibited stable disease. The ORR was 5% (95% confidence interval
      [CI], 0.1-22.8). Median progression-free survival was 1.0 (95% CI, 0.9-1.1)
      month, and overall survival was 9.8 (95% CI, 8.4-11.2) months. The response
      criteria to proceed to full accrual were not met. The most frequent drug-related
      adverse events (AE) included hepatic enzyme elevation (86%), anemia (73%),
      anorexia (59%), and nausea (50%). Most AEs were mild and manageable. Grade 3
      hepatic enzyme elevation occurred in 5 pts (23%). CONCLUSIONS: Nintedanib
      exhibited only limited activity with a manageable AE profile in relapsed or
      refractory SCLC (NCT01441297).

PMID- 27133761
TI  - Retraction notice to "beta-elemene against human lung cancer via up-regulation of
      P53 protein expression to promote the release of exosome": LUNG 86/2 (2014) 144
      150.

PMID- 27133760
TI  - Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) change on repeated diffusion-weighted
      magnetic resonance imaging during radiochemotherapy for non-small cell lung
      cancer: A pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Serial diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) during
      radiochemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is analyzed to
      investigate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) as a potential biomarker for
      tumor response. METHODS: Ten patients underwent DW-MRI prior to and at three and
      six weeks during radiochemotherapy. Three methods of contouring primary tumors
      (PT) were performed to evaluate the impact of tumor heterogeneity on ADC values:
      PTT: whole tumor volume; PTT-N: PTT-necrosis; PTL: small volume of presumed
      active tumor with low ADC value. Pretreatment and during-treatment absolute ADC
      values and ADC value changes were analyzed for PT and involved lymph nodes (LN).
      RESULTS: ADC values for PTT, PTT-N, PTL and LN increased by 8-14% (PT) and 15%
      (LN) at three weeks, and 19-26% and 23% at 6 weeks post initial treatment (p=0.04
      0.002). Average percent ADC value increase was smaller than tumor volume
      regression (p=0.06-0.0005). Patients with overall survival <12 months had a lower
      increase of ADC values compared to longer surviving patients (p=0.008 for PTT).
      CONCLUSIONS: Significant ADC value increases during radiochemotherapy for non
      small cell lung cancer were observed. ADC value change during treatment appears
      to be an independent marker of patient outcome and warrants further
      investigation.

PMID- 27133762
TI  - GC/TOF-MS-based metabolomic profiling in cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes
      from rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease
      characterized by synovial inflammation and hyperplasia. Fibroblast-like
      synoviocytes (FLS) in RA exhibit a tumor cell-like aggressive phenotype. Thus,
      gas chromatography/time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (GC/TOF-MS) was employed to
      identify the characteristic metabolic profiling of RA FLS. METHODS: Metabolite
      profiling of RA FLS and osteoarthritis (OA) FLS was performed using GC/TOF-MS in
      conjunction with statistical analyses. We performed metabolite set enrichment
      analysis to establish which pathways are affected. RESULTS: A total of 129
      metabolites were identified. A principal component analysis and hierarchical
      clustering analysis demonstrated clear differentiation of the metabolic profiling
      between RA FLS and OA FLS. The levels of 35 metabolites that belonged to the
      amines, fatty acids, phosphates, and organic acids class were significantly
      increased in RA FLS compared to those in OA FLS. Also, the levels of 26
      metabolites that belonged to the amino acids, sugars, and sugar alcohols class
      were significantly decreased in RA FLS compared to those in OA FLS. The sugar
      metabolism (glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway) and amino acid metabolism
      (tyrosine and catecholamine biosynthesis, and protein biosynthesis) were severely
      disturbed in RA FLS compared to those in OA FLS. CONCLUSIONS: Our metabolic
      results suggested that the alteration of sugar metabolism, lipolysis, and amino
      acid metabolism in RA FLS is related to synovial hyperplasia and inflammation.
      This is the first metabolomic study to determine metabolic changes characteristic
      of RA FLS, which will provide valuable information to gain in-depth insights into
      the pathogenesis of RA.

PMID- 27133763
TI  - Pembrolizumab-induced polymyalgia rheumatica in two patients with metastatic
      melanoma.

PMID- 27133764
TI  - [Hyperbilirubinemia asymptomatic as presentation of autoimmune hepatitis in an
      elderly patient].

PMID- 27133765
TI  - [The Octabaix study. Baseline assessment and 5 years of follow-up].
AB  - This is a review of a prospective, community-based study with a follow-up period
      of 5years. It is a study of 328 participants aged 85 at baseline, of which 62%
      were female, 53% widows, and a third of them living alone. High blood pressure
      was observed in 75.9%, dyslipidaemia in 51.2%, and diabetes in 17.7%. At baseline
      the median Barthel Index was 95, the Spanish version of the Mini-Mental State
      Examination was 28, the Charlson index 1, the Mini Nutritional Assessment 25, the
      Gijon test 10, the visual analogue scale of the Quality of Life Test was 60, and
      with a mean of 6.1 prescription drugs. A lower quality of life was also
      associated with female gender, a phenotype of frailty, heart failure, and a high
      level of social risk. At 5years of follow-up, the mortality rate was high, with
      138 (42.1%) of the population sample dying at the end of the period. It
      represents an annual mortality rate of 8.4%. Thus, a common denominator of this
      review has been the high importance of functionality and overall comorbidity
      factors associated with mortality in this very old age group, compared to other
      more traditional factors in younger populations. Several studies of frailty have
      also been assessed in this group, as well as falls, nutritional risk, diabetes
      and successful aging, including important aspects to better understand this
      population group.

PMID- 27133766
TI  - Recent adaptations of fluorescence techniques for the determination of
      mechanistic parameters of helicases and translocases.
AB  - Helicases and translocases are nucleic acid (NA)-based molecular motors that use
      the free energy liberated during the nucleoside triphosphate (NTP, usually ATP)
      hydrolysis cycle for unidirectional translocation along their NA (DNA, RNA or
      heteroduplex) substrates. Determination of the kinetic and thermodynamic
      parameters of their mechanoenzymatic cycle serves as a basis for the exploration
      of their physiological behavior and various cellular functions. Here we describe
      how recent adaptations of fluorescence-based solution kinetic methods can be used
      to determine practically all important mechanistic parameters of NA-based motor
      proteins. We outline practically useful analysis procedures for equilibrium,
      steady-state and transient kinetic data. This analysis can be used to
      quantitatively characterize the enzymatic steps of the NTP hydrolytic cycle, the
      binding site size, stoichiometry and energetics of protein-NA interactions, the
      rate and processivity of translocation along and unwinding of NA strands, and the
      mechanochemical coupling between these processes. The described methods yield
      insights into the functional role of the enzymes, and also greatly aid the design
      and interpretation of single-molecule experiments as well as the engineering of
      enzymatic properties for biotechnological applications.

PMID- 27133768
TI  - Moving microbiota research toward establishing causal associations that represent
      viable targets for effective public health interventions.
AB  - PURPOSE: There appears to be great promise in developing targeted interventions
      that exploit the complex interactions between commensal microbiota colonizing
      various anatomic sites and the health of the human host. Although data about
      variations in microbiota composition across various population groups are
      accumulating, there remains a limited understanding of the driving forces behind
      the observed intraindividual and interindividual differences in microbiota.
      METHODS: Using information derived from research on gut microbiota, the anatomic
      site that harbors the highest numbers of bacteria and associated microbial
      functions, we emphasize the need for establishing causality of observed
      correlations. Progress to date in establishing microbiota-based targets for novel
      prevention and treatment approaches is reviewed, suggesting avenues for future
      research endeavors. RESULTS: The complexities associated with the diverse
      interactions among environmental exposures, microbiota composition and activities
      and health of the human host require multidisciplinary study approaches to move
      knowledge beyond current descriptions of correlations without considerations of
      temporality and mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Information gleaned from studies of the
      potential contributions of diet-mediated microbiota effects on colorectal
      carcinogenesis will be useful in designing future large population-based studies
      for determining the causal pathways for microbiota contributions to human health
      and disease.

PMID- 27133767
TI  - Transitioning HIV-Positive Adolescents to Adult Care: Lessons Learned From Twelve
      Adolescent Medicine Clinics.
AB  - To maximize positive health outcomes for youth with HIV as they transition from
      youth to adult care, clinical staff need strategies and protocols to help youth
      maintain clinic engagement and medication adherence. Accordingly, this paper
      describe transition processes across twelve clinics within the Adolescent
      Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions (ATN) to provide lessons
      learned and inform the development of transition protocols to improve health
      outcomes as youth shift from adolescent to adult HIV care. DESIGN AND METHODS:
      During a large multi-method Care Initiative program evaluation, three annual
      visits were completed at each site from 2010-2012 and conducted 174 semi
      structured interviews with clinical and program staff (baseline n=64, year 1
      n=56, year 2=54). RESULTS: The results underscore the value of adhering to recent
      American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) transition recommendations, including:
      developing formal transition protocols, preparing youth for transition,
      facilitating youth's connection to the adult clinic, and identifying necessary
      strategies for transition evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Transitioning youth with HIV
      involves targeting individual-, provider-, and system-level factors.
      Acknowledging and addressing key barriers is essential for developing
      streamlined, comprehensive, and context-specific transition protocols. PRACTICE
      IMPLICATIONS: Adolescent and adult clinic involvement in transition is essential
      to reduce service fragmentation, provide coordinated and continuous care, and
      support individual and community level health.

PMID- 27133770
TI  - Neutrophils: Friend, foe, or contextual ally in myocardial healing.

PMID- 27133769
TI  - mTOR inactivation in myocardium from infant mice rapidly leads to dilated
      cardiomyopathy due to translation defects and p53/JNK-mediated apoptosis.
AB  - Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of cell growth,
      proliferation, survival and metabolism, as part of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and
      mTORC2. While partial inhibition of mTORC1 using rapamycin was shown to be
      cardioprotective, genetic studies in mouse models revealed that mTOR is essential
      for embryonic heart development and cardiac function in adults. However, the
      physiological role of mTOR during postnatal cardiac maturation is not fully
      elucidated. We have therefore generated a mouse model in which cardiac mTOR was
      inactivated at an early postnatal stage. Mutant mTORcmKO mice rapidly developed a
      dilated cardiomyopathy associated with cardiomyocyte growth defects, apoptosis
      and fibrosis, and died during their third week. Here, we show that reduced
      cardiomyocyte growth results from impaired protein translation efficiency through
      both 4E-BP1-dependent and -independent mechanisms. In addition, infant mTORcmKO
      hearts displayed markedly increased apoptosis linked to stretch-induced ANKRD1
      (Ankyrin repeat-domain containing protein 1) up-regulation, JNK kinase activation
      and p53 accumulation. Pharmacological inhibition of p53 with pifithrin-alpha
      attenuated caspase-3 activation. Cardiomyocyte death did not result from
      activation of the MST1/Hippo pro-apoptotic pathway as reported in adult
      rictor/mTORC2 KO hearts. As well, mTORcmKO hearts showed a strong downregulation
      of myoglobin content, thereby leading to a hypoxic environment. Nevertheless,
      they lacked a HIF1alpha-mediated adaptive response, as mTOR is required for
      hypoxia-induced HIF-1alpha activation. Altogether, our results demonstrate that
      mTOR is critically required for cardiomyocyte growth, viability and oxygen supply
      in early postnatal myocardium and provide insight into the molecular mechanisms
      involved in apoptosis of mTOR-depleted cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 27133771
TI  - Clinical Deterioration and Early Imaging Changes after Intravenous Tissue
      Plasminogen Activator Administration in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Clinical worsening is a known complication following
      acute ischemic stroke. This study attempted to determine the mechanism of
      deterioration by correlating clinical findings with changes on computed
      tomography or magnetic resonance. METHODS: From a single university medical
      center, 30 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who received intravenous
      tissue plasminogen activator within 3 hours of symptom onset during a 3-year
      period were identified from a quality database that included all hospitalized
      patients either admitted with strokes or with in-hospital strokes. Images were
      reviewed by a single neuroradiologist for changes including edema, extension of
      infarct, hemorrhage, herniation, and midline shift and were correlated to
      National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores obtained from data in
      the medical chart. RESULTS: Ten patients had documented clinical deterioration
      with a corresponding increase in the NIHSS score. Of these, 4 patients had follow
      up scans that showed worsening changes concurrent with deterioration. In the 20
      patients who remained clinically stable, 3 patients had worsening changes on
      follow-up scans. Patients who deteriorated were no more likely to have imaging
      changes than those who had a stable clinical course. Appearance of herniation,
      both subfalcine and uncal, was the only specific imaging change associated with
      clinical deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that processes
      besides hemorrhage, including edema, midline shift, herniation, extension of
      infarct, and new infarct, are neither frequent nor specific for predicting
      clinical course. Other factors associated with these processes that may or may
      not be quantifiable on imaging are likely involved. Furthermore, in over half of
      the cases of worsening, deterioration occurs without associated imaging,
      metabolic, or infectious etiologies.

PMID- 27133772
TI  - A New Approach of Short Wave Protection against Middle Cerebral Artery
      Occlusion/Reperfusion Injury via Attenuation of Golgi Apparatus Stress by
      Inhibition of Downregulation of Secretory Pathway Ca(2+)-ATPase Isoform 1 in
      Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Short wave (SW), a pattern of electromagnetic therapy, achieves an
      oscillating electromagnetic field. It has been reported that it may have a
      potential effect on cerebral injury. The present study was designed to
      investigate the potential role and possible mechanism of SW in focal cerebral
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Secretory pathway Ca(2+)/Mn(2+) ATPase
      isoform 1 is a major component of Golgi apparatus stress. It has been reported as
      representative of Golgi apparatus stress. METHODS: Up to 120 minutes of middle
      cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion injury was induced in male
      Sprague-Dawley rats. Different sessions of SW daily were administered over head
      after reperfusion from day 1 to day 7. Functional recovery scores, survival
      rates, infarct volume analysis, electron microscope test, and western blotting
      studies were used to analyze the therapy. RESULTS: SW protected against neuronal
      death and apoptosis in cornu ammon 1 region of hippocampus by reducing neuronal
      deficit, infarct volume, and ultrastructure. SW partly inhibited upregulation of
      caspase3. In addition, the expression of secretory pathway Ca(2+)-ATPase isoform
      1 (SPCA1) was upregulated by SW. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that SW can be
      protected against focal cerebral I/R injury, and the influence on Golgi apparatus
      stress might provide us a new perspective in further study. To the authors'
      knowledge, this is the first report using SW to increase expression of SPCA1
      indicating modulate Golgi apparatus stress in MCAO and reperfusion model.

PMID- 27133773
TI  - Scombroid Poisoning: A Practical Approach.
AB  - Scombroid poisoning is a common cause of food poisoning worldwide. It is caused
      by ingestion of oily fish contaminated with bacteria that trigger the formation
      of high concentrations of histamine. Scombroid poisoning manifests mainly as a
      skin complaint (flushing that spreads downward and/or an erythematous urticarial
      rash affecting the face and upper trunk). Although the clinical course is usually
      self-limiting and benign, vascular compromise, bronchospasm, and arrhythmias have
      been described. It is important to establish a differential diagnosis that
      includes conditions such as fish allergy. Oral antihistamines are the mainstay of
      treatment. Scombroid poisoning is best prevented by refrigerating fish properly.
      The practical review of scombroid poisoning provided here is intended for
      dermatologists. 

PMID- 27133775
TI  - Abrupt ecological changes in the last 800 years inferred from a mountainous bog
      using testate amoebae traits and multi-proxy data.
AB  - Mountainous peatlands of Western Sudetes are considered a unique habitat in
      Central Europe. The region contains one of the largest raised bog complexes in
      temperate Europe and is thus of great importance for biodiversity conservation.
      In this first high-resolution study from this region we use long-term ecological
      data to assess how these mountain wetland ecosystems responded to anthropogenic
      impacts and climate change. We used testate amoebae morphological traits, micro-
      and macroscopic charcoal, pollen and plant macrofossils to reconstruct the
      history of peatland development over 800 years, illustrating shifts in its
      development and fire dynamics. Five hydrological stages of peatland development
      were recognized. Testate amoebae morphological traits reflected several abrupt
      ecological changes linked to anthropogenic modifications of landscape openness. A
      shift towards mixotrophic taxa, linked to hydrological change or shrubs expansion
      and shading, preceded aperture position change, which was associated to dust
      input through surrounding deforestation and simultaneous water-table increase.
      Fire reconstruction revealed increasing burning together with intensifying human
      activity, including the expansion of a nearby settlement. This study confirms the
      potential of testate amoeba communities and the use of morpho-functional traits
      as indicators of ecological effects of land-use change over long-temporal scales.

PMID- 27133776
TI  - The biomechanical overload of the upper limb: a neglected occupational hazard in
      animal facility operators.
AB  - Data on biomechanical overload of the upper limb in animal facility operators are
      currently scanty. We decided to study this risk in a university animal facility.
      Eleven different tasks performed by operators were identified. For each of them,
      the biomechanical overload of the upper limb was evaluated by applying 4
      different methods frequently used, hypothesising a task duration of 4 and 8 h.
      Then two 'typical' real working days of the examined facility were reconstructed,
      and the risk for operators was calculated using the OCRA Index, Checklist and
      Mini-Checklist. Considering the specific tasks, the results show some difference
      among methods, but the overall results show an acceptable/slight risk of
      biomechanical overload of the upper limb in animal facility operators during
      typical working days. Practitioner Summary: Upper limb biomechanical overload (UL
      BO) is a neglected risk in animal facilities. In a university facility, 11
      different tasks were identified, and 2 typical working days were analysed. Even
      if some task at increased risk may exist, during typical working days,  the
      overall results show that the risk of UL-BO in operators can be considered
      usually acceptable or, at worst, slight.

PMID- 27133774
TI  - Is the Canonical RAF/MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway a Therapeutic Target in SCLC?
AB  - The activity of the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is critical for the
      proliferation of normal and cancerous cells. Oncogenic mutations driving the
      development of lung adenocarcinoma often activate this signaling pathway. In
      contrast, pathway activity levels and their biological roles are not well
      established in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a fast-growing neuroendocrine lung
      cancer subtype. Here we discuss the function of the RAF/MEK/ERK kinase pathway
      and the mechanisms leading to its activation in SCLC cells. In particular, we
      argue that activation of this pathway may be beneficial to the survival,
      proliferation, and spread of SCLC cells in response to multiple stimuli. We also
      consider evidence that high levels of RAF/MEK/ERK pathway activity may be
      detrimental to SCLC tumors, including in part by interfering with their
      neuroendocrine fate. On the basis of these observations, we examined when small
      molecules targeting kinases in the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway may be useful
      therapeutically in patients with SCLC, including in combination with other
      therapeutic agents.

PMID- 27133777
TI  - Plasma soluble neuregulin-1 as a diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - To identify some apparent biomarker candidates for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) pathology, we investigated whether there would be a significant
      difference between the levels of the plasma proteins of AD patients and healthy
      people. A total of 115 subjects were enrolled, 60 individuals with AD and 55
      healthy controls. There was a statistical difference in the mini-mental status
      exam (MMSE) scores and the clinical dementia rating (CDR) scores between the two
      groups. We used the immunoblotting assay to analyze several plasma proteins in
      the subjects. Amyloid-beta (Abeta), S100a9, and soluble neuregulin-1 (sNRG-1),
      including alpha-synuclein (alpha-Syn) as a detection control were detected in the
      plasma samples. Unlike Abeta, S100a9 and alpha-Syn, the level of sNRG-1 of the AD
      patients was significantly higher than that of the healthy control subjects. The
      AD patients were divided into mild and moderate groups according to their MMSE
      and CDR scores. We found a significant correlation between the level of sNRG-1
      and MMSE scores. The sNRG-1 level was significantly higher in mild AD patients as
      well as in moderate AD patients compared with that of the control subjects. These
      new findings indicate that increased plasma sNRG-1 levels might be a novel and
      reliable biological marker for the early diagnosis of AD.

PMID- 27133779
TI  - South Asian-White health inequalities in Canada: intersections with gender and
      immigrant status.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We apply intersectionality theory to health inequalities in Canada by
      investigating whether South Asian-White health inequalities are conditioned by
      gender and immigrant status in a synergistic way. DESIGN: Our dataset comprised
      10 cycles (2001-2013) of the Canadian Community Health Survey. Using binary
      logistic regression modeling, we examined South Asian-White inequalities in self
      rated health, diabetes, hypertension and asthma before and after controlling for
      potentially explanatory factors. Models were calculated separately in subsamples
      of native-born women, native-born men, immigrant women and immigrant men.
      RESULTS: South Asian immigrants had higher odds of fair/poor self-rated health,
      diabetes and hypertension than White immigrants. Native-born South Asian men had
      higher odds of fair/poor self-rated health than native-born White men and native
      born South Asian women had lower odds of hypertension than native-born White
      women. Education, household income, smoking, physical activity and body mass
      index did little to explain these associations. The three-way interaction between
      racial identity, gender and immigrant status approached statistical significance
      for hypertension but not for self-rated health and asthma. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings provide modest support for the intersectionally inspired principle that
      combinations of identities derived from race, gender and nationality constitute
      sui generis categories in the manifestation of health outcomes.

PMID- 27133778
TI  - Microbial therapeutic interventions.
AB  - The microbiome comprises all the microbes living in and on the human body. Human
      cells are greatly outnumbered by bacterial cells; thus human health depends on
      the health of the microbial ecosystem. For the immature preterm infant, the
      microbiome also influences intestinal and immune system development. This has
      implications for short term morbidities such as neonatal necrotizing
      enterocolitis and sepsis, but also long term health outcomes. Optimization of the
      preterm infant microbiome is a growing topic of interest. The microbial world is
      not one of good versus evil, but rather one of community; thus optimization
      includes not only minimizing pathogens, but also enhancing beneficial organisms.
      Options for optimization include judicious antibiotic use, administration of
      supplements such as prebiotics or probiotics, and transfaunation procedures such
      as fecal microbial transplant or microbial ecosystem therapeutics. Potential for
      benefit as well as risk for each of these options will be discussed.

PMID- 27133780
TI  - Epilepsy surgery in a liver-transplanted girl with temporal lobe epilepsy and
      hippocampal sclerosis following PRES with status epilepticus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) with status
      epilepticus may occur after liver transplant. This may rarely lead to refractory
      epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis (HS). CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the first
      case of epilepsy surgery in a liver-transplanted patient with refractory temporal
      lobe epilepsy. A 3-year-old girl underwent liver transplant for congenital
      biliary atresia. Four days after transplant she manifested PRES with status
      epilepticus, but she recovered within a couple of weeks. At the age of 5 years
      she started presenting complex partial seizures, that became refractory to
      antiepileptic drugs (AED), worsening psychosocial performances. The pre-surgical
      work-up identified a left HS and temporal pole alterations. A left antero-mesial
      temporal lobectomy was performed, leading to epilepsy remission and allowing AED
      withdrawal. CONCLUSION: Drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy and HS may occur as
      sequelae of PRES with status epilepticus related to liver transplant and
      cyclosporine use. In this setting early epilepsy surgery may reduce the time of
      chronic exposure to AED and severe illness due to repeated seizures. This option
      might have additional advantages in the subgroup of epileptic patients with liver
      transplant, preserving the liver from the potential damage due to multiple AED
      trials and their interaction with commonly used immunosuppressant drugs.

PMID- 27133781
TI  - Epilepsy Transition: Let's start planting the seed.

PMID- 27133782
TI  - Using fetal cells for prenatal diagnosis: History and recent progress.
AB  - The potential to use fetal cells in the mother's circulation during the first or
      second trimester for prenatal diagnosis was described in 1968, but it has not
      been possible do develop a routine clinical prenatal test despite extensive
      commercial and academic research efforts. Early attention focused on the
      detection of aneuploidy, but more recent technology opens the possibility of high
      resolution detection of copy number abnormalities and even whole genome or exome
      sequencing to detect both inherited and de novo mutations. In the interim, cell
      free noninvasive prenatal testing NIPT has allowed improved detection of
      aneuploidy, but this has led to a sharp reduction in the number of amniocentesis
      and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) procedures, which inevitably implies reduced
      detection of serious de novo deletion abnormalities. Attention has focused of
      both fetal nucleated red blood cells (fnRBCs) and trophoblasts. Recent progress
      presented at meetings, but not yet published, suggests that it will soon be
      possible to perform genome-wide relatively high resolution detection of deletions
      and duplications by recovering fetal trophoblasts during the first trimester and
      analyzing them by whole gene genome amplification followed by copy number
      analysis using arrays or next generation sequencing. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc.

PMID- 27133783
TI  - Accessing rehabilitation after stroke - a guessing game?
AB  - AIM: To explore the use, meaning and value of the term "rehabilitation
      potential". METHOD: The authors of this commentary met to discuss concerns
      relating to the pressure on health service staff created by reduced length of
      stay in acute settings of those who have suffered a stroke and the need to
      determine the potential of a patient for rehabilitation in order to inform
      discharge arrangements. Points raised at this meeting were shared with an email
      group who over a 12-month period contributed to this paper. RESULTS: The group
      agreed that: (a) Given that there is very limited evidence to guide judgements
      regarding rehabilitation potential following stroke at an early stage the need
      for rehabilitation needs to be reviewed on a regular basis over a long period and
      that this needs to be reflected in clinical guidelines. (b) Rehabilitation needs
      to be available in a broad range of care settings, in order that discharge from
      hospital is not equated with a lack of rehabilitation potential. (c) Research
      related to rehabilitation potential needs to be conducted. This should examine
      influences of decision-making and the algorithms associated with recovery and
      local policy on rehabilitation potential. (d) The economic benefits of
      rehabilitation needs further exploration. (e) Assessment of rehabilitation
      potential should be made more explicit and supported by appropriate evidence.
      CONCLUSION: Whilst further research is required to assist in determining the
      right time for people to benefit from formal rehabilitation this gives the
      impression that one dose of rehabilitation at a specific time will meet all
      needs. It is likely that a rehabilitation pathway identifying features required
      in the early stages following stroke as well as that required over many years in
      order to prevent readmission, maintain fitness and prevent secondary sequelae
      such as depression and social isolation would be beneficial. Implications for
      Rehabilitation The potential of a patient to benefit from rehabilitation may be
      overlooked due to other pressures. Some patients following a stroke will
      demonstrate potential to benefit from rehabilitation later than the majority and
      this is not always easy to predict. Regular reassessment is required in order to
      identify whether an individual will benefit from rehabilitation at a particular
      time.

PMID- 27133784
TI  - Imprinted gene OsFIE1 modulates rice seed development by influencing nutrient
      metabolism and modifying genome H3K27me3.
AB  - Imprinted Polycomb group (PcG) genes play a critical role in seed development in
      Arabidopsis. However, the role of the imprinted gene in cereal plants remains
      obscure. Here, a transgenic approach was conducted to study the function of the
      imprinted gene Oryza sativa Fertilization-Independent Endosperm 1 (OsFIE1) during
      seed development in rice (Oryza sativa ssp. japonica 'ZhongHua11'). RNAi of
      OsFIE1 and homozygous T-DNA insertion mutant osfie1 led to smaller seeds, delayed
      embryo development, smaller aleurone layer cells, and decreased seed set rate.
      OsFIE1 was specifically expressed in endosperm, and mRNA of OsFIE1 was also
      enriched in the inner seed coat together with the corresponding PcG members
      OsiEZ1 and OsCLF. Meanwhile, the contents of seed storage proteins and Ile, Leu,
      and Val were decreased, accompanied by the down-regulation of multiple
      transcription factors, storage protein synthesis and amino acid metabolism
      related genes in OsFIE1-RNAi lines and osfie1. Western blot analysis showed that
      the complex OsFIE1-PcG in endosperm regulated the expression of target genes by
      genome H3K27me3 modification. We conclude that the OsFIE1-PcG complex, which was
      enriched in the inner seed coat and endosperm linked the development of embryo
      and endosperm by influencing transcription factors and nutrient metabolism and
      induced a highly differential effect when compared with the OsFIE2-PcG complex.

PMID- 27133785
TI  - Light-Driven Reconfiguration of a Xanthophyll Violaxanthin in the Photosynthetic
      Pigment-Protein Complex LHCII: A Resonance Raman Study.
AB  - Resonance Raman analysis of the photosynthetic complex LHCII, immobilized in a
      polyacrylamide gel, reveals that one of the protein-bound xanthophylls, assigned
      as violaxanthin, undergoes light-induced molecular reconfiguration. The
      phototransformation is selectively observed in a trimeric structure of the
      complex and is associated with a pronounced twisting and a trans-cis molecular
      configuration change of the polyene chain of the carotenoid. Among several
      spectral effects accompanying the reconfiguration there are ones indicating a
      carotenoid triplet state. Possible physiological importance of the light-induced
      violaxanthin reconfiguration as a mechanism associated with making the pigment
      available for enzymatic deepoxidation in the xanthophyll cycle is discussed.

PMID- 27133786
TI  - Psychological stress promotes neutrophil infiltration in colon tissue through
      adrenergic signaling in DSS-induced colitis model.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic intestinal inflammatory condition.
      Psychological stress has been postulated to affect the clinical symptoms and
      recurrence of IBD. The exact molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In
      the present study, we demonstrate that psychological stress promotes neutrophil
      infiltration into colon tissues in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis
      model. The psychological stress resulted in abnormal expression of the
      proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-22) and neutrophil
      chemokines (CXCL1 and CXCL2) and overactivation of the STAT3 inflammatory
      signaling pathway. Under chronic unpredictable stress, the adrenergic nervous
      system was markedly activated, as the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, the
      rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, in bone marrow and colonic
      epithelium was enhanced, especially in the myenteric ganglia. The beta-AR agonist
      isoproterenol mimicked the effects of psychological stress on neutrophilia,
      neutrophil infiltration, and colonic damage in DSS-induced colitis. The beta1
      AR/beta2-AR inhibitor propranolol reduced the numbers of the neutrophils in the
      circulation, suppressed neutrophil infiltration into colonic tissues, and
      attenuated the colonic tissue damage promoted by chronic stress. Propranolol also
      abolished stress-induced upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophil
      chemokines. Our data reveal a close linkage between the beta1-AR/beta2-AR
      activation and neutrophil trafficking and also suggest the critical roles of
      adrenergic nervous system in exacerbation of inflammation and damage of colonic
      tissues in experimental colitis. The current study provides a new insight into
      the mechanisms underlying the association of psychological stress with excessive
      inflammatory response and pathophysiological consequences in IBD. The findings
      also suggest a potential application of neuroprotective agents to prevent
      relapsing immune activation in the treatment of IBD. 

PMID- 27133787
TI  - Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic: Intra-hepatic arterio-biliary fistula caused by
      blunt abdomen trauma.

PMID- 27133788
TI  - Isoprenoid generating systems in plants - A handy toolbox how to assess
      contribution of the mevalonate and methylerythritol phosphate pathways to the
      biosynthetic process.
AB  - Isoprenoids comprise an astonishingly diverse group of metabolites with numerous
      potential and actual applications in medicine, agriculture and the chemical
      industry. Generation of efficient platforms producing isoprenoids is a target of
      numerous laboratories. Such efforts are generally enhanced if the native
      biosynthetic routes can be identified, and if the regulatory mechanisms
      responsible for the biosynthesis of the compound(s) of interest can be
      determined. In this review a critical summary of the techniques applied to
      establish the contribution of the two alternative routes of isoprenoid production
      operating in plant cells, the mevalonate and methylerythritol pathways, with a
      focus on their co-operation (cross-talk) is presented. Special attention has been
      paid to methodological aspects of the referred studies, in order to give the
      reader a deeper understanding for the nuances of these powerful techniques. This
      review has been designed as an organized toolbox, which might offer the
      researchers comments useful both for project design and for interpretation of
      results obtained.

PMID- 27133789
TI  - Iterative Reductive Aromatization/Ring-Closing Metathesis Strategy toward the
      Synthesis of Strained Aromatic Belts.
AB  - The construction of all sp(2)-hybridized molecular belts has been an ongoing
      challenge in the chemistry community for decades. Despite numerous attempts,
      these double-stranded macrocycles remain outstanding synthetic challenges. Prior
      approaches have relied on late-state oxidations and/or acid-catalyzed processes
      that have been incapable of accessing the envisaged targets. Herein, we describe
      the development of an iterative reductive aromatization/ring-closing metathesis
      approach. Successful syntheses of nanohoop targets containing benzo[k]tetraphene
      and dibenzo[c,m]pentaphene moieties not only provide proof of principle that
      aromatic belts can be derived by this new strategy but also represent some of the
      largest aromatic belt fragments reported to date.

PMID- 27133791
TI  - Effect of Healing Time on New Bone Formation After Tooth Extraction and Ridge
      Preservation With Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft: A Randomized
      Controlled Clinical Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinicians and patients continually search for procedures to decrease
      time from tooth extraction to restoration. Evidence to date is limited concerning
      timing of ridge preservation healing and reentry for implant placement. The first
      objective of this study is to histologically evaluate new bone formation 8 to 10
      weeks versus 18 to 20 weeks after extraction of non-molar teeth and ridge
      preservation using demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA). The second
      objective is to compare dimensional changes including ridge width and height at
      the two healing time points. METHODS: Forty-four patients had tooth extraction
      and ridge preservation with DFDBA that was obtained from a single donor. Clinical
      measurements were made to evaluate ridge height and width. Patients were randomly
      allocated to short-term (8 to 10 weeks) and long-term (18 to 20 weeks) healing
      groups. Sites were reentered at the appropriate healing time, core biopsy was
      obtained, and a dental implant was placed. The same ridge dimensions were
      measured at time of implant placement. Histomorphometric analysis was performed
      to determine percentage of new vital bone formation, residual graft, and
      connective tissue (CT)/other. RESULTS: A significantly higher percentage (47.41%)
      of new vital bone formation was found in the long-term healing group compared
      with the short-term healing group (32.63%) (P = 0.01). There was no significant
      difference in percentage of residual graft, percentage of CT/other, or ridge
      dimensional changes. CONCLUSION: This study indicates significantly greater new
      vital bone formation occurs after tooth extraction and ridge preservation with
      DFDBA when sites healed for 18 to 20 weeks compared with 8 to 10 weeks prior to
      dental implant placement.

PMID- 27133792
TI  - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychosis in High Secure Services: An Exploratory
      Hermeneutic Review of the International Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mainstream psychological interventions may need adaptation in High
      Secure (HS) healthcare contexts to enable better recovery, safeguard the public
      and offer economic value. One specific psychological intervention, cognitive
      behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp), has an already proven efficacy in
      aiding recovery in non-forensic populations, yet its impact in HS settings has
      received considerably less research attention. AIMS: This exploratory review
      catalogues CBTp approaches used in HS hospitals and appraises impact through the
      inclusion of both fugitive literature and peer reviewed research. METHOD: A
      pragmatic approach was utilized through an iterative literature search strategy
      and hermeneutic source analysis of the identified studies. RESULTS: Fourteen
      studies were identified from HS contexts from within the UK and internationally.
      These included group, individual therapy and CBTp linked milieus. CONCLUSIONS:
      CBTp is an active component of treatment in HS contexts. Some modes of delivery
      seem to have greater levels of efficacy with more typical HS patients. The
      literature indicates key differences between HS and non-HS applied CBTp.
      Continued application and evaluation of CBTp in HS conditions is warranted.

PMID- 27133790
TI  - Physiological and pathological roles of the gamma-secretase complex.
AB  - Gamma-secretase (GS) is an enzyme complex that cleaves numerous substrates, and
      it is best known for cleaving amyloid precursor protein (APP) to form amyloid
      beta (Abeta) peptides. Aberrant cleavage of APP can lead to Alzheimer's disease,
      so much research has been done to better understand GS structure and function in
      hopes of developing therapeutics for Alzheimer's. Therefore, most of the
      attention in this field has been focused on developing modulators that reduce
      pathogenic forms of Abeta while leaving Notch and other GS substrates intact, but
      GS provides multiple avenues of modulation that could improve AD pathology. GS
      has complex regulation, through its essential subunits and other associated
      proteins, providing other targets for AD drugs. Therapeutics can also alter GS
      trafficking and thereby improve cognition, or move beyond Abeta entirely,
      effecting Notch and neural stem cells. GS also cleaves substrates that affect
      synaptic morphology and function, presenting another window by which GS
      modulation could improve AD pathology. Taken together, GS presents a unique cross
      road for neural processes and an ideal target for AD therapeutics.

PMID- 27133793
TI  - Selection of a novel peptide aptamer with high affinity for TiO2-nanoparticle
      through a direct electroporation with TiO2-binding phage complexes.
AB  - We have developed an easy and rapid screening method of peptide aptamers with
      high affinity for a target material TiO2 using M13 phage-display and panning
      procedure. In a selection step, the phage-substrate complexes and Escherichia
      coli cells were directly applied by electric pulse for electroporation, without
      separating the objective phages from the TiO2 nanoparticles. Using this simple
      and rapid method, we obtained a novel peptide aptamer (named ST-1 with the
      sequence AYPQKFNNNFMS) with highly strong binding activity for TiO2. A cage
      shaped protein fused with both ST-1 and an available carbon nanotube-affinity
      peptide was designed and produced in E. coli. The multi-functional supraprotein
      could efficiently mineralize a titanium-compound around the surface of single
      wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), indicating that the ST-1 is valuable in the
      fabrication of nano-composite materials with titanium-compounds. The structural
      analysis of ST-1 variants indicated the importance of the N-terminal region (as a
      motif of AXPQKX6S) of the aptamer in the TiO2-binding activity.

PMID- 27133794
TI  - Pharmacological Reprogramming of Fibroblasts into Neural Stem Cells by Signaling
      Directed Transcriptional Activation.
AB  - Cellular reprogramming using chemically defined conditions, without genetic
      manipulation, is a promising approach for generating clinically relevant cell
      types for regenerative medicine and drug discovery. However, small-molecule
      approaches for inducing lineage-specific stem cells from somatic cells across
      lineage boundaries have been challenging. Here, we report highly efficient
      reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts into induced neural stem cell-like cells
      (ciNSLCs) using a cocktail of nine components (M9). The resulting ciNSLCs closely
      resemble primary neural stem cells molecularly and functionally. Transcriptome
      analysis revealed that M9 induces a gradual and specific conversion of
      fibroblasts toward a neural fate. During reprogramming specific transcription
      factors such as Elk1 and Gli2 that are downstream of M9-induced signaling
      pathways bind and activate endogenous master neural genes to specify neural
      identity. Our study provides an effective chemical approach for generating neural
      stem cells from mouse fibroblasts and reveals mechanistic insights into
      underlying reprogramming processes.

PMID- 27133795
TI  - Chemical Control of Grafted Human PSC-Derived Neurons in a Mouse Model of
      Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Transplantation of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neurons is a
      promising avenue for treating disorders including Parkinson's disease (PD).
      Precise control over engrafted cell activity is highly desired, as cells do not
      always integrate properly into host circuitry and can cause suboptimal graft
      function or undesired outcomes. Here, we show tunable rescue of motor function in
      a mouse model of PD, following transplantation of human midbrain dopaminergic
      (mDA) neurons differentiated from hPSCs engineered to express DREADDs (designer
      receptors exclusively activated by designer drug). Administering clozapine-N
      oxide (CNO) enabled precise DREADD-dependent stimulation or inhibition of
      engrafted neurons, revealing D1 receptor-dependent regulation of host neuronal
      circuitry by engrafted cells. Transplanted cells rescued motor defects, which
      could be reversed or enhanced by CNO-based control of graft function, and
      activating engrafted cells drives behavioral changes in transplanted mice. These
      results highlight the ability to exogenously and noninvasively control and refine
      therapeutic outcomes following cell transplantation.

PMID- 27133797
TI  - Medication errors: electronic vs. paper-based prescribing. Experience at a
      tertiary care university hospital.
AB  - PURPOSE: It has been estimated that medication errors (ME) are responsible for
      7000 deaths each year. Some studies show that electronic prescribing systems have
      achieved health benefits and patient safety, resulting in a saving of resources.
      Other studies suggest that they may increase adverse events. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of this study was to compare medication errors between electronic and
      paper-based prescription detected during pharmacovigilance. METHODS: This was an
      observational, cross-sectional comparative study of 600 randomized medical
      records that were systematically reviewed by a pharmacovigilance team, with a
      deliberate search for ME. Each error was classified according to its severity,
      National Coordinating Council for Medication Error and Prevention taxonomy and
      high-risk medications. The number of errors was calculated per 100 prescribed
      medications, number of errors per record and number of records with an error as a
      quality indicator. RESULTS: A total of 229 ME were found with a mean per record
      of 0.38 (SD = 0.7), of which 155 corresponded to the paper-based method (1.04, SD
      = 1.67) and 74 to the electronic-based method (0.29, SD = 0.57) P = <0.001. The
      use of the electronic method was associated with an OR of 0.59 (95% CI 0.41-0.85)
      for the recording of at least one ME (P = 0.005), but to a greater severity of ME
      (<0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of the electronic system was associated with a
      reduction in ME, compared with the paper-based method. Despite this, it was
      associated with more severe ME.

PMID- 27133798
TI  - The New Interventional Radiology Pathways: Options for Implementation.
AB  - The new interventional radiology (IR) pathways have generated much discussion
      with articles and editorials pointing out perceived advantages and disadvantages
      compared to the current pathways. To briefly review, under the new system, there
      are three pathways to enter IR: the integrated (INT) IR residency, the
      independent (IND) IR residency, and the early specialization in interventional
      radiology (ESIR) program. The pathways have been designed to provide maximum
      flexibility to programs for implementation and to radiology residents for
      planning their subspecialty training. As a result, there are many potential
      permutations for these training programs, and understanding the variety of
      options can be a challenge at first. We offer three potential solutions, based on
      the different circumstances or requirements a department might face. The first
      two solutions involve integrated programs created through newly funded and
      converted diagnostic radiology slots, respectively. The third involves
      establishing ESIR and IND programs only. Hopefully, the examples provided will be
      useful for those currently planning for the future of their IR training programs.

PMID- 27133796
TI  - Genome Editing of Lineage Determinants in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Reveals
      Mechanisms of Pancreatic Development and Diabetes.
AB  - Directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into somatic
      counterparts is a valuable tool for studying disease. However, examination of
      developmental mechanisms in hPSCs remains challenging given complex multi
      factorial actions at different stages. Here, we used TALEN and CRISPR/Cas
      mediated gene editing and hPSC-directed differentiation for a systematic analysis
      of the roles of eight pancreatic transcription factors (PDX1, RFX6, PTF1A, GLIS3,
      MNX1, NGN3, HES1, and ARX). Our analysis not only verified conserved gene
      requirements between mice and humans but also revealed a number of previously
      unsuspected developmental mechanisms with implications for type 2 diabetes. These
      include a role of RFX6 in regulating the number of pancreatic progenitors, a
      haploinsufficient requirement for PDX1 in pancreatic beta cell differentiation,
      and a potentially divergent role of NGN3 in humans and mice. Our findings support
      use of systematic genome editing in hPSCs as a strategy for understanding
      mechanisms underlying congenital disorders.

PMID- 27133799
TI  - A Comparative Study of the Influence of Sugars Sucrose, Trehalose, and Maltose on
      the Hydration and Diffusion of DMPC Lipid Bilayer at Complete Hydration:
      Investigation of Structural and Spectroscopic Aspect of Lipid-Sugar Interaction.
AB  - It is well-known that sugars protect membrane structures against fusion and
      leakage. Here, we have investigated the interaction between different sugars
      (sucrose, trehalose, and maltose) and phospholipid membrane of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn
      glycero-3-phoshpocholine (DMPC) using dynamic light scattering (DLS),
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and other various spectroscopic
      techniques. DLS measurement reveals that the addition of sugar molecule results a
      significant increase of the average diameter of DMPC membrane. We have also
      noticed that in the presence of different sugars the rotational relaxation and
      solvation time of coumarin 480 (C480) and coumarin 153 (C153) surrounding DMPC
      membrane increases, suggesting a marked reduction of the hydration behavior at
      the surface of phospholipid membrane. In addition, we have also investigated the
      effect of sugar molecules on the lateral mobility of phospholipids.
      Interestingly, the relative increase in rotational, solvation and lateral
      diffusion is more prominent for C480 than that of C153 because of their different
      location in lipid bilayer. It is because of preferential location of
      comparatively hydrophilic probe C480 in the interfacial region of the lipid
      bilayer. Sugars intercalate with the phospholipid headgroup through hydrogen
      bonding and replace smaller sized water molecules from the membrane surface.
      Therefore, overall, we have monitored a comparative analysis regarding the
      interaction of different sugar molecules (sucrose, trehalose, and maltose) with
      the DMPC membrane through DLS, TEM, solvation dynamics, time-resolved anisotropy,
      and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) measurements to explore the
      structural and spectroscopic aspect of lipid-sugar interaction.

PMID- 27133800
TI  - Childhood, adolescent and young adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma: state of the science.
AB  - The 5th International Symposium on Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult (CAYA)
      Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) was held in Varese, Italy, from 21-25 October 2015.
      This review represents a summary of the scientific sessions of this international
      symposium including childhood, adolescent and young adult (AYA) NHL in countries
      with limited socio-economic resources, AYA NHL, anaplastic large cell lymphoma,
      post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, B-cell NHL, lymphoblastic lymphoma,
      T/natural killer cell NHL and immunological therapies in NHL. Most importantly,
      the new International Paediatric NHL Staging System (IPNHLSS) and International
      Paediatric NHL Response Criteria (IPNHLRC) were introduced during the symposium.
      The symposium brought together a multinational and multidisciplinary group of
      clinicians and basic scientists focused in this field of haematological
      malignancies.

PMID- 27133801
TI  - Ascorbate and Apple Phenolics Affect Protein Oxidation in Emulsion-Type Sausages
      during Storage and in Vitro Digestion.
AB  - The effect of sodium ascorbate and apple phenolics on the oxidative stability of
      emulsion-type sausages during storage and digestion was investigated. Emulsion
      type sausages containing 0.05% sodium ascorbate or 3% freeze-dried apple pomace
      were subjected to chilled illuminated storage and subsequent in vitro digestion.
      Lipid oxidation was assessed as TBARS, and protein oxidation was evaluated as
      thiol oxidation, total carbonyls, and gamma-glutamic and alpha-amino adipic
      semialdehyde. Proteolysis was measured after digestion to evaluate protein
      digestibility. The results suggest the presence of protein-ascorbate and protein
      phenol interactions, which may decrease protein digestibility and may interfere
      with spectrophotometric methods for measuring oxidation. 

PMID- 27133802
TI  - Multifunctional quinoline-triazole derivatives as potential modulators of amyloid
      beta peptide aggregation.

PMID- 27133803
TI  - Oxidative stress protection by manganese complexes of tail-tied aza-scorpiand
      ligands.
AB  - The Mn2+ coordination chemistry of double scorpiand ligands in which two
      polyazacyclophane macrocycles have been connected by pyridine, phenanthroline and
      bipyridine spacers has been studied by potentiometry, paramagnetic NMR and
      electrochemistry. All ligands show high stability with Mn2+ and the complexes
      were formed in a wide pH range. DFT calculations support the structures and
      coordination geometries derived from the study. A remarkable antioxidant activity
      was evidenced for these systems by the McCord-Fridovich assay and in
      Escherichiacoli sodAsodB deficient bacterial cells. The three systems were tested
      as anti-inflammatory drugs in human macrophages measuring the accumulation of
      cytokines upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pro-inflammatory effect. All complexes
      showed anti-inflammatory effect, being [Mn2L1]4+ the most efficient one.

PMID- 27133804
TI  - Is Motor Cortical Excitability Altered in People with Chronic Pain? A Systematic
      Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is characterised by maladaptive neuroplasticity in many
      systems, including the motor system. There is evidence that patients with chronic
      pain demonstrate altered corticospinal and intracortical excitability; however,
      findings are inconsistent and existing literature in this area has not been
      systematically reviewed. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review studies examining
      corticospinal and intracortical excitability using transcranial magnetic
      stimulation in people with chronic pain compared to healthy controls and to
      provide a meta-analysis of study outcomes. METHODS: Databases were searched for
      controlled studies evaluating corticospinal and intracortical excitability in
      chronic pain conditions. Outcome measure data were entered into separate meta
      analyses and effect sizes calculated. A subgroup analysis based on the type of
      chronic pain population was also performed. RESULTS: Forty-three studies were
      included, encompassing a pooled total of 1009 people with chronic pain and 658
      control participants. Significant effect sizes (P < 0.05) indicated that in
      chronic pain populations the duration of the silent period and the extent of
      short-interval intracortical inhibition were both reduced and short-interval
      intracortical facilitation was enhanced. The subgroup analysis revealed that only
      the neuropathic pain group exhibited significant effect sizes for these outcome
      measures. Effect sizes for the remaining outcome measures were not significant
      CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of motor cortex disinhibition in chronic pain
      populations, suggestive of a disruption in GABA-mediated intracortical
      inhibition. Disinhibition was more pronounced in populations with neuropathic
      pain. These findings provide new insights into the relationship between chronic
      pain and motor cortex excitability, which may have meaningful implications for
      the future treatment of chronic pain conditions.

PMID- 27133806
TI  - Prof. John Urquhart.

PMID- 27133805
TI  - Gene promoter DNA methylation patterns have a limited role in orchestrating
      transcriptional changes in the fetal liver in response to maternal folate
      depletion during pregnancy.
AB  - SCOPE: Early-life exposures are critical in fetal programming and may influence
      function and health in later life. Adequate maternal folate consumption during
      pregnancy is essential for healthy fetal development and long-term offspring
      health. The mechanisms underlying fetal programming are poorly understood, but
      are likely to involve gene regulation. Epigenetic marks, including DNA
      methylation, regulate gene expression and are modifiable by folate supply. We
      observed transcriptional changes in fetal liver in response to maternal folate
      depletion and hypothesized that these changes are concomitant with altered gene
      promoter methylation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Female C57BL/6J mice were fed diets
      containing 2 or 0.4 mg folic acid/kg for 4 wk before mating and throughout
      pregnancy. At 17.5-day gestation, genome-wide gene expression and promoter
      methylation were measured by microarray analysis in male fetal livers. While 989
      genes were differentially expressed, 333 promoters had altered methylation (247
      hypermethylated, 86 hypomethylated) in response to maternal folate depletion.
      Only 16 genes had both expression and methylation changes. However, most
      methylation changes occurred in genomic regions neighboring expression changes.
      CONCLUSION: In response to maternal folate depletion, altered expression at the
      mRNA level was not associated with altered promoter methylation of the same gene
      in fetal liver.

PMID- 27133807
TI  - Jacopo Meldolesi: Redefining Extracellular Vesicles.

PMID- 27133808
TI  - Unravelling the Actin Cytoskeleton: A New Competitive Edge?
AB  - Dynamic rearrangements in the actin cytoskeleton underlie a wide range of cell
      behaviours, which in turn contribute to many aspects of human health including
      embryogenesis, cancer metastasis, wound healing, and inflammation. Precise
      control of the actin cytoskeleton requires the coordinated activity of a diverse
      set of different actin regulators. However, our current understanding of the
      actin cytoskeleton has focused on how individual actin regulatory pathways
      function in isolation from one another. Recently, competition has emerged as a
      means by which different actin assembly factors can influence each other's
      activity at the cellular level. Here such findings will be used to explore the
      possibility that competition within the actin cytoskeleton confers cellular
      plasticity and the ability to prioritise multiple conflicting stimuli.

PMID- 27133809
TI  - Beneficial role of vitamin K supplementation on insulin sensitivity, glucose
      metabolism, and the reduced risk of type 2 diabetes: A review.
AB  - Micronutrients are gaining acceptance as an important nutritional therapy for the
      prevention and/or management of diabetes and its associated health risks.
      Although a very small quantity of micronutrients are required for specific
      functions in our bodies, moderate deficiencies can lead to serious health issues.
      Impaired insulin sensitivity and glucose intolerance play a major role in the
      development of diabetic pathophysiology. Vitamin K is well known for its function
      in blood coagulation. Moreover, several human studies reported the beneficial
      role of vitamin K supplementation in improving insulin sensitivity and glucose
      tolerance, preventing insulin resistance, and reducing the risk of type 2
      diabetes (T2 D). Both animal and human studies have suggested that vitamin K
      dependent protein (osteocalcin [OC]), regulation of adipokine levels,
      antiinflammatory properties, and lipid-lowering effects may mediate the
      beneficial function of vitamin K in insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
      This review for the first time provides an overview of the currently available
      preclinical and clinical evidences on the effect of vitamin K supplementation in
      the management of insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. The outcome of this
      review will increase understanding for the development of a novel adjuvant
      therapy to achieve better control of glycemia and improve the lives of diabetic
      patients. 

PMID- 27133810
TI  - Chrysin induces brown fat-like phenotype and enhances lipid metabolism in 3T3-L1
      adipocytes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Many studies have to do with promising therapeutic phytochemicals
      such as flavonoids to treat obesity and related complications, and a number of
      dietary compounds have been proposed as tools for increasing energy expenditure
      and decreasing fat accumulation in mammals. Here, we show that the flavonoid
      chrysin induces browning of 3T3-L1 adipocytes via enhanced expression of brown
      fat-specific genes and proteins as well as enhances lipid metabolism. METHODS:
      Chrysin-induced fat browning was investigated by determining expression levels of
      brown fat-specific genes and proteins by real-time polymerase chain reaction and
      immunoblot analysis, respectively. RESULTS: Chrysin enhanced expression of brown
      fat-specific markers and increased protein levels of peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor (PPAR)alpha, PPARgamma, PPARdelta, phosphorylated AMP
      activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase, hormone
      sensitive lipase, perilipin, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, acyl-coenzyme A
      oxidase 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-1 alpha (PGC-1alpha), and
      uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1), suggesting its possible role in augmentation of
      lipolysis, fat oxidation, and thermogenesis as well as reduction of lipogenesis.
      Increased expression of UCP-1 and other brown fat-specific markers was possibly
      mediated by chrysin-induced activation of AMPK based on the fact that inhibition
      of AMPK by dorsomorphin abolished expression of PR domain-containing 16, UCP-1,
      and PGC-1alpha while the activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide
      elevated expression of these brown marker proteins. CONCLUSION: Our findings
      suggest that chrysin plays a dual modulatory role in the form of inducing the
      brown-like phenotype as well as enhancing lipid metabolism and thus may be
      explored as a potentially promising food additive for prevention of obesity.

PMID- 27133811
TI  - The effects of diet on the severity of central nervous system disease: One part
      of lab-to-lab variability.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Many things can impact the reproducibility of results from laboratory
      to laboratory. For example, food from various sources can vary markedly in
      composition. We examined the effects of two different food sources, the Teklad
      Global Soy Protein-Free Extruded Rodent Diet (irradiated diet) and the Teklad
      Sterilizable Rodent Diet (autoclaved diet), on central nervous system disease.
      METHODS: Three preclinical models for human disease: Two different experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis models (multiple sclerosis) and the Theiler's murine
      encephalomyelitis virus-induced seizure model (epilepsy), were examined for the
      effects of two different food sources on disease. RESULTS: We found that mice fed
      the irradiated diet had more severe clinical disease and enhanced seizures
      compared with animals provided the autoclaved diet in both experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis models examined and in the Theiler's murine
      encephalomyelitis virus-induced seizure model, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Therefore, just altering the source of food (lab chow) can have marked effects on
      disease severity and outcome.

PMID- 27133812
TI  - A new food frequency questionnaire to assess chocolate and cocoa consumption.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cocoa has been highlighted as a food with potential benefits to human
      health because of its polyphenol content. However, few studies show the
      contribution of cocoa and chocolate products in polyphenol intake. The aim of
      this work was to develop a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for evaluating the
      intake of food products containing cocoa (C-FFQ). METHODS: A sample of 50
      university students was recruited to complete the 90-item questionnaire, a
      validated questionnaire (called here European Food Safety Authority [EFSA]-Q) as
      well as a 24-hour dietary recall (24 HDR). Spearman correlation test, Bland
      Altman plots, and quintile classification analysis were conducted together with
      the Wilcoxon test and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Significant correlations
      between the C-FFQ and the EFSA-Q for the most common cocoa/chocolate products
      were observed (P < 0.05), as well as between data from the C-FFQ and 24 HDR (P <
      0.05). However, a number of cocoa/chocolate products frequently consumed by the
      participants were detected by the C-FFQ and 24 HDR which were not included in the
      EFSA-Q. According to the C-FFQ, chocolate bars were the main source of cocoa in
      university students, but dairy products also provided an important amount of
      cocoa. CONCLUSION: The developed C-FFQ questionnaire can be considered as a valid
      option for assessing the consumption frequency of cocoa/chocolate-derived
      products, thereby allowing the evaluation of cocoa polyphenol intake in further
      studies.

PMID- 27133813
TI  - Balloon dilatation in esophageal strictures in epidermolysis bullosa and the role
      of anesthesia.
AB  - Esophageal involvement, which causes stricture, is a complication in
      epidermolysis bullosa. This causes dysphagia and malnutrition and leads to
      deterioration of skin lesions in these patients. The charts of 11 patients with
      epidermolysis bullosa and esophageal stricture who were included into dilatation
      program between 2003 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Seven of the
      patients were female and four were male. The median age was 14 (2-32) years. The
      mean body weight of patients was 27.8 (9-51) kg. The location and number of
      strictured parts of the esophagus were previously evaluated with upper
      gastrointestinal contrast study and after that flexible endoscopy was used for
      dilatation. Eight patients had middle esophageal, three patients had proximal
      esophageal and one of them had both proximal and middle esophageal strictures.
      The strictures were dilated 56 times in total (mean 5 times). One patient
      underwent gastrostomy and was medically followed-up after a perforation
      occurrence during the dilatation procedure. In a 32-year-old female patient,
      colon interposition was performed after four dilatations since optimal
      nutritional and developmental status could not be achieved. The dilatation
      program of nine patients is still in progress. Seven of them can easily swallow
      solid food but two of them have some difficulties in swallowing between
      dilatations. One patient rejected the program and quitted, while one patient
      refused colon interposition and died because of complications related to
      amyloidosis during the dilatation program. After resolution of the swallowing
      problem, skin lesions were observed to heal quickly. Epidermolysis bullosa is a
      rare cause of dysphagia. Esophageal balloon dilatation with flexible endoscopy is
      a safe and efficient method in patients with this condition.

PMID- 27133814
TI  - Evaluating Acupuncture and Standard carE for pregnant women with Back pain (EASE
      Back): a feasibility study and pilot randomised trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many pregnant women experience low back pain. Acupuncture appears to
      be a safe, promising intervention but evidence is needed about its clinical
      effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of a
      future large randomised controlled trial (RCT) testing the additional benefit of
      adding acupuncture to standard care (SC) for pregnancy-related back pain. DESIGN:
      Phase 1: a questionnaire survey described current care for pregnancy-related back
      pain. Focus groups and interviews with midwives, physiotherapists and pregnant
      women explored acceptability and feasibility of acupuncture and the proposed RCT.
      Phase 2: a single-centre pilot RCT. Participants were identified using six
      methods and randomised to SC, SC plus true acupuncture or SC plus non-penetrating
      acupuncture. PARTICIPANTS: Phase 1: 1093 physiotherapists were surveyed and 15
      midwives, 21 physiotherapists and 17 pregnant women participated in five focus
      groups and 20 individual interviews. Phase 2: 125 women with pregnancy-related
      back pain participated. INTERVENTIONS: SC: a self-management booklet and onward
      referral for one-to-one physiotherapy (two to four sessions) for those who needed
      it. SC plus true acupuncture: the self-management booklet and six to eight
      treatments with a physiotherapist comprising true (penetrating) acupuncture,
      advice and exercise. SC plus non-penetrating acupuncture: the self-management
      booklet and six to eight treatments with a physiotherapist comprising non
      penetrating acupuncture, advice and exercise. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pilot RCT
      outcomes included recruitment rates, treatment fidelity, follow-up rate, patient
      reported pain and function, quality of life and health-care resource use. Birth
      and neonatal outcomes were also assessed. Staff overseeing outcome data
      collection were blind to treatment allocation. RESULTS: Phase 1: 629 (57.5%)
      physiotherapists responded to the survey, 499 were experienced in treating
      pregnancy-related back pain and reported 16 advice and 18 treatment options.
      Typical treatment comprised two to four individual sessions of advice and
      exercise over 6 weeks. Acupuncture was reported by 24%. Interviews highlighted
      the impact of back pain and paucity of effective interventions. Women and
      midwives strongly supported a RCT and expressed few concerns. Physiotherapists'
      concerns about acupuncture in pregnancy informed a training programme prior to
      the pilot RCT. Phase 2: We recruited 125 of 280 potentially eligible women (45%)
      in 6 months and randomised 41 to SC and 42 each to the SC plus true acupuncture
      and SC plus non-penetrating acupuncture arms. Analysis was conducted with 124
      participants (41, 42 and 41, respectively) as one participant was randomised in
      error. Three of six recruitment methods were the most successful. In total, 10%
      of women (n = 4) randomised to SC alone accessed one-to-one physiotherapy and
      received an average of two treatments. The average number of treatments was six
      for both SC plus true acupuncture and SC plus non-penetrating acupuncture.
      Treatments were in line with protocols. Eight-week follow-up was 74%. Patient
      reported outcomes (pain, function and quality of life) favoured the addition of
      acupuncture. There was no evidence of serious adverse events on mothers or birth
      and neonatal outcomes. The Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire was found to be an
      appropriate outcome measure for a future trial. CONCLUSIONS: A future main RCT is
      feasible and would be welcomed by women and clinicians. Longer-term follow-up and
      further follow-up efforts are recommended for a main trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN49955124. FUNDING: This project was funded by the
      National Institute of Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and
      will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 20, No. 33. See
      the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

PMID- 27133815
TI  - Use of Dexteria application to improve fine motor coordination in the nondominant
      hand.
AB  - The authors report improved fine motor coordination when using Dexteria with a
      healthy population. Technology may improve patient engagement and participation
      when incorporated into treatment programs. - Kristin Valdes, OTD, OT, CHT,
      Practice Forum Editor, Journal of Hand Therapy.

PMID- 27133816
TI  - Haploidentical transplant for myelodysplastic syndrome: registry-based comparison
      with identical sibling transplant.
AB  - Encouraging results from a small sample of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome
      (MDS) undergoing haploidentical donor (HID) hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) must be extended. Furthermore, an algorithm derived from a
      comparison of the outcomes of HID and identical-sibling donor (ISD) HSCT must be
      established. Therefore, the outcomes of 454 MDS patients who underwent HSCT from
      HIDs (n=226) or ISDs (n=228) between 2003 and 2013 that were reported to the
      Chinese Bone Marrow Transplantation Registry were analyzed. Among the 3/6 HID
      (n=136), 4-5/6 HID (n=90) and ISD patient groups, the 4-year adjusted cumulative
      incidences of non-relapse mortality were 34, 29 and 16%, respectively (overall
      P=0.004), and of relapse were 6, 7 and 10%, respectively (overall P=0.36). The 4
      year adjusted probabilities of overall survival were 58, 63 and 73%, respectively
      (overall P=0.07), and of relapse-free-survival were 58, 63 and 71%, respectively
      (overall P=0.14); pairwise comparison showed that the difference was only
      statistically significant in the 3/6 HID vs ISD pair. The data suggest that ISDs
      remain the best donor source for MDS patients while HIDs (perhaps 4-5/6 HID in
      particular) could be a valid alternative when an ISD is not available; human
      leukocyte antigen disparity had no effect on survival among the HID patients.

PMID- 27133817
TI  - Effect of first-line treatment on second primary malignancies and Richter's
      transformation in patients with CLL.
AB  - This study aimed to assess the frequency of and the contributing factors for
      second primary malignancies (SPMs) and Richter's transformations (RTs) following
      first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia within four phase II/III
      trials of the GCLLSG evaluating fludarabine (F) vs F+cyclophosphamide (FC),
      chlorambucil vs F, FC without or with rituximab, and bendamustine+R (BR). Among
      1458 patients, 239 (16.4%) experienced either an SPM (N=191) or a RT (N=75).
      Solid tumors (N=115; 43.2% of all second neoplasias) appeared most frequently,
      followed by RTs (N=75; 28.2%). Patients showed a 1.23-fold increased risk of
      solid tumors in comparison to the age-matched general population from the German
      cancer registry. Age>65 (hazard ratio (HR) 2.1; P<0.001), male sex (HR 1.7;
      P=0.01), co-morbidities (HR 1.6; P=0.01) and number of subsequent treatments?1
      (HR 12.1; P<0.001) showed an independent adverse prognostic impact on SPM-free
      survival. Serum thymidine kinase>10 U/l at trial enrollment (HR 3.9; P=0.02), non
      response to first-line treatment (HR 3.6; P<0.001) and number of subsequent
      treatments?1 (HR 30.2; P<0.001) were independently associated with increased risk
      for RT.

PMID- 27133818
TI  - Novel regulators in hematopoietic stem cells can be revealed by a functional
      approach under leukemic condition.

PMID- 27133819
TI  - PML-RARalpha kinetics and impact of FLT3-ITD mutations in newly diagnosed acute
      promyelocytic leukaemia treated with ATRA and ATO or ATRA and chemotherapy.
AB  - The APL0406 study showed that arsenic trioxide (ATO) and all-trans retinoic acid
      (ATRA) are not inferior to standard ATRA and chemotherapy (CHT) in newly
      diagnosed, low-intermediaterisk acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). We analysed
      the kinetics of promyelocytic leukaemia-retinoic acid receptor-alpha (PML
      RARalpha) transcripts by real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) in bone marrow
      samples from 184 patients and assessed the prognostic impact of fms-related
      tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) in 159 patients enrolled
      in this trial in Italy. After induction therapy, the reduction of PML-RARalpha
      transcripts was significantly greater in patients receiving ATRA-CHT as compared
      with those treated with ATRA-ATO (3.4 vs 2.9 logs; P=0.0182). Conversely, at the
      end of consolidation, a greater log reduction of PML-RARalpha transcripts was
      detected in the ATRA-ATO as compared with the ATRA-CHT group (6.3 vs 5.3 logs;
      P=0.0024). FLT3-ITD mutations had no significant impact on either event-free
      survival (EFS) or cumulative incidence of relapse in patients receiving ATRA-ATO,
      whereas a trend for inferior EFS was observed in FLT3-ITD-positive patients
      receiving ATRA-CHT. Our study shows at the molecular level that ATRA-ATO exerts
      at least equal and probably superior antileukaemic efficacy compared with ATRA
      CHT in low-intermediaterisk APL. The data also suggest that ATRA-ATO may abrogate
      the negative prognostic impact of FLT3-ITD.

PMID- 27133820
TI  - JAK2V617F-mutant megakaryocytes contribute to hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell
      expansion in a model of murine myeloproliferation.
AB  - The myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are characterized by hematopoietic
      stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) expansion and overproduction of mature blood cells.
      The JAK2V617F mutation is present in hematopoietic cells in a majority of
      patients with MPNs, but the mechanism(s) responsible for MPN stem cell expansion
      remain incomplete. One hallmark feature of the marrow in patients with MPNs is
      megakaryocyte (MK) hyperplasia. We report here that mice bearing a human
      JAK2V617F gene restricted exclusively to the MK lineage develop many of the
      features of a MPN. Specifically, these mice exhibit thrombocytosis, splenomegaly,
      increased numbers of marrow and splenic hematopoietic progenitors and a
      substantial expansion of HSPCs. In addition, wild-type mice transplanted with
      cells from JAK2V617F-bearing MK marrow develop a myeloproliferative syndrome with
      thrombocytosis and erythrocytosis as well as pan-hematopoietic progenitor and
      stem cell expansion. As marrow histology in this murine model of
      myeloproliferation reveals a preferentially perivascular localization of
      JAK2V617F-mutant MKs and an increased marrow sinusoid vascular density, it adds
      to accumulating data that MKs are an important component of the marrow HSPC
      niche, and that MK expansion might indirectly contribute to the critical role of
      the thrombopoietin/c-Mpl signaling pathway in HSPC maintenance and expansion.

PMID- 27133821
TI  - Safety and efficacy of the combination of pegylated interferon-alpha2b and
      dasatinib in newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia patients.
AB  - Dasatinib (DAS) and interferon-alpha have antileukemic and immunostimulatory
      effects and induce deep responses in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). We assigned
      40 newly diagnosed chronic-phase CML patients to receive DAS 100 mg o.d. followed
      by addition of pegylated interferon-alpha2b (PegIFN) after 3 months (M3). The
      starting dose of PegIFN was 15 MUg/week and it increased to 25 MUg/week at M6
      until M15. The combination was well tolerated with manageable toxicity. Of the
      patients, 84% remained on PegIFN at M12 and 91% (DAS) and 73% (PegIFN) of
      assigned dose was given. Only one patient had a pleural effusion during first
      year, and three more during the second year. After introduction of PegIFN we
      observed a steep increase in response rates. Major molecular response was
      achieved in 10%, 57%, 84% and 89% of patients at M3, M6, M12 and M18,
      respectively. At M12, MR(4) was achieved by 46% and MR(4.5) by 27% of patients.
      No patients progressed to advanced phase. In conclusion, the combination
      treatment appeared safe with very promising efficacy. A randomized comparison of
      DAS+/-PegIFN is warranted.

PMID- 27133822
TI  - Loss of Dnmt3b accelerates MLL-AF9 leukemia progression.
AB  - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematopoietic disorder with a
      poor prognosis. Abnormal DNA methylation is involved in the initiation and
      progression of AML. The de novo methyltransferases Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b are
      responsible for the generation of genomic methylation patterns. While DNMT3A is
      frequently mutated in hematological malignancies, DNMT3B is rarely mutated.
      Although it has been previously reported that Dnmt3b functions as a tumor
      suppressor in a mouse model of Myc-induced lymphomagenesis, its function in AML
      is yet to be determined. In this study, we demonstrated that deletion of Dnmt3b
      accelerated the progression of MLL-AF9 leukemia by increasing stemness and
      enhancing cell cycle progression. Gene profiling analysis revealed upregulation
      of the oncogenic gene set and downregulation of the cell differentiation gene
      set. Furthermore, loss of Dnmt3b was able to synergize with Dnmt3a deficiency in
      leukemia development. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Dnmt3b plays
      a tumor suppressive role in MLL-AF9 AML progression, thereby providing new
      insights into the roles of DNA methylation in leukemia development.

PMID- 27133823
TI  - A recurrent immunophenotype at diagnosis independently identifies high-risk
      pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: a report from Children's Oncology Group.

PMID- 27133824
TI  - The concept of treatment-free remission in chronic myeloid leukemia.
AB  - The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) into the management of patients
      with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has profoundly improved prognosis. Survival
      of responders is approaching that of the general population but lifelong
      treatment is still recommended. In several trials, TKI treatment has been stopped
      successfully in approximately half of the patients with deep molecular response.
      This has prompted the development of a new concept in the evaluation of CML
      patients known as 'treatment-free remission'. The future in CML treatment will be
      to define criteria for the safe and most promising discontinuation of TKI on one
      hand, and, on the other, to increase the number of patients available for such an
      attempt. Until safe criteria have been defined, discontinuation of therapy is
      still experimental and should be restricted to clinical trials or registries.
      This review will provide an overview of current knowledge as well as an outlook
      on future challenges.

PMID- 27133825
TI  - Prevalence, clonal dynamics and clinical impact of TP53 mutations in patients
      with myelodysplastic syndrome with isolated deletion (5q) treated with
      lenalidomide: results from a prospective multicenter study of the german MDS
      study group (GMDS).

PMID- 27133826
TI  - Bence Jones proteinuria in smoldering multiple myeloma as a predictor marker of
      progression to symptomatic multiple myeloma.
AB  - The diagnosis of smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) includes patients with a
      heterogeneous risk of progression to active multiple myeloma (MM): some patients
      will never progress, whereas others will have a high risk of progression within
      the first 2 years. Therefore, it is important to improve risk assessment at
      diagnosis. We conducted a retrospective study in a large cohort of SMM patients,
      in order to investigate the role of Bence Jones (BJ) proteinuria at diagnosis in
      the progression to active MM. We found that SMM patients presenting with BJ
      proteinuria had a significantly shorter median time to progression (TTP) to MM
      compared with patients without BJ proteinuria (22 vs 88 months, respectively;
      hazard ratio=2.3, 95% confidence interval=1.4-3.9, P=0.002). We also identified
      risk subgroups based on the amount of BJ proteinuria: ?500 mg/24 h, <500 mg/24 h
      and without it, with a significantly different median TTP (13, 37 and 88 months,
      P<0.001). Thus, BJ proteinuria at diagnosis is an independent variable of
      progression to MM that identifies a subgroup of high-risk SMM patients (51% risk
      of progression at 2 years) and ?500 mg of BJ proteinuria may allow, if validated
      in another series, to reclassify these patients to MM requiring therapy before
      the end-organ damage development.

PMID- 27133827
TI  - Effect of measurable ('minimal') residual disease (MRD) information on prediction
      of relapse and survival in adult acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 27133828
TI  - Germline heterozygous DDX41 variants in a subset of familial myelodysplasia and
      acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 27133829
TI  - Interactions between candidate probiotics and the immune and antioxidative
      responses of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvae.
AB  - The use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as probiotics in aquaculture may improve
      the quality of seed production and limit the use of antibiotics in fish
      hatcheries. This study attempted to further characterize the candidate probiotic
      Lactobacillus casei X2, and the immune and physiological responses of the sea
      bass larvae. L. casei X2 was confirmed as a good candidate, due to its wide
      antibacterial spectrum against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and
      its free radical scavenging activity. In addition, if the strain did not seem
      able to form biofilm on abiotic surfaces, it adhered strongly to Hep-2 cells.
      However, these characteristics did not seem efficient in vivo. At 20 days post
      hatch (dph), the expression level of CAT gene was significantly different between
      group fed without probiotic and the two groups treated with either Pediococcus
      acidilactici or L. casei. This gene was upregulated in the group treated with
      strain X2 and downregulated in the group with a commercial probiotic strain P.
      acidilactici, suggesting a better antioxidant activity with the later strain. At
      the same sampling date, the IL-1beta gene was upregulated in the group treated
      with P. acidilactici, and the HSP70 gene was overexpressed at 41 dph. As the
      stimulation of these two last genes, such transcriptomic indicators must be
      cautiously interpreted.

PMID- 27133862
TI  - Determination of chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol, florfenicol and florfenicol
      amine in poultry, swine, bovine and fish by liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - A simple, rapid and sensitive method for confirmatory and quantitative purposes
      using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC
      ESI-MS/MS) was developed and validated for determination of chloramphenicol,
      thiamphenicol, florfenicol and its metabolite, florfenicol amine, in poultry,
      swine, bovine and fish muscle. Sample preparation was based on extraction with
      organic solvent (ethyl acetate: ammonium hydroxide, 98:2) followed by evaporation
      and fat removal using hexane. The chromatographic separation was carried out with
      an XTerra C18 column with a gradient elution using water and acetonitrile both
      with 2mM of ammonium acetate. Mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization was
      operated in positive or negative polarity using selected-reaction monitoring
      (SRM) analysis mode, achieving the requirements of four identification points for
      each compound. Chloramphenicol-D5 was added as internal standard. Method
      validation was performed according to the criteria of Commission Decision
      2002/657/EC. Parameters as precision, reproducibility, trueness, CCalpha and
      CCbeta were determined. Trueness values were within the range 82-108% and 84-111%
      for bovine and fish, respectively. Precision ranged from 1.1% to 10.1% and within
      laboratory reproducibility ranged from 4.3 to 18.1%, depending on matrix. The
      CCalpha and CCbeta for bovine muscle, for instance, were established as 0.06 and
      0.11MUgkg(-1), respectively. The method was successfully applied for several
      interlaboratory proficiency testing programs, achieving 100% of satisfactory
      results. 

PMID- 27133863
TI  - Corrigendum to "Analysis of anabolic steroids in urine by gas chromatography
      microchip atmospheric pressure photoionization-mass spectrometry with
      chlorobenzene as dopant" [J. Chromatogr. A 1312 (2013) 111-117].

PMID- 27133864
TI  - Use of liquid chromatography- quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for
      enantioselective separation and determination of pyrisoxazole in vegetables,
      strawberry and soil.
AB  - The present work firstly described the enantio-separation and determination of
      pyrisoxazole enantiomers in vegetables, strawberry and soil samples by chiral
      liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC
      Q-TOF/MS). Pyrisoxazole has two chiral carbon atoms and consists of four
      stereoisomers. Taking the specific optical rotation measurement and MS analysis
      data into consideration, the four enantiomers were discriminated as (-)-A, (+)-A,
      (+)-B and (-)-B corresponding to their elution order under the optimum
      chromatographic condition. Influences of the mobile phase and column temperature
      on the enantio-separation selectivity of pyrisoxazole were explored. The perfect
      baseline separation of pyrisoxazole enantiomers can be achieved within 10min
      using methanol- water (70:30, v/v) as mobile phase on chiral Lux Cellulose-3
      column. The thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that the enantioseparation of (-)
      A and (+)-A, (+)-A and (+)-B were enthalpy driven separation, while the
      enantioseparation of (+)-B and (-)-B was entropy driven separation. Under the
      optimum method, method validation including matrix effect, linearity, sensitivity
      and precision were performed. At the spiked concentration of 10, 50 and 100MUgkg(
      1), the recoveries of the pyrisoxazole enantiomers in cucumber, tomato, pakchoi,
      pepper and strawberry samples were 64.2-100% (RSD<=14%); While they were
      relatively higher in soil samples and all around 120% (RSD <=10%). The limits of
      detection are in the range from 0.2 to 1.0MUgkg(-1) for cucumber, tomato,
      pakchoi, pepper, strawberry and soil samples. The developed method was then
      utilized for monitoring the degradation kinetics of pyrisoxazole enantiomers in
      strawberry under field trials, which provided the environmental behavior data of
      chiral pyrisoxazole enantiomers and consequently for further health risk
      assessment of the chiral pesticides. 

PMID- 27133865
TI  - Whole-Genome Hitchhiking on an Organelle Mutation.
AB  - Strong selection on a beneficial mutation can cause a selective sweep, which
      fixes the mutation in the population and reduces the genetic variation in the
      region flanking the mutation [1-3]. These flanking regions have increased in
      frequency due to their physical association with the selected loci, a phenomenon
      called "genetic hitchhiking" [4]. Theoretically, selection could extend the
      hitchhiking to unlinked parts of the genome, to the point that selection on
      organelles affects nuclear genome diversity. Such indirect selective sweeps have
      never been observed in nature. Here we show that strong selection on a
      chloroplast gene in the wild plant species Arabidopsis thaliana has caused
      widespread and lasting hitchhiking of the whole nuclear genome. The selected
      allele spread more than 400 km along the British railway network, reshaping the
      genetic composition of local populations. This demonstrates that selection on
      organelle genomes can significantly reduce nuclear genetic diversity in natural
      populations. We expect that organelle-mediated genetic draft is a more common
      occurrence than previously realized and needs to be considered when studying
      genome evolution.

PMID- 27133866
TI  - Regional Variations in Brain Gyrification Are Associated with General Cognitive
      Ability in Humans.
AB  - Searching for a neurobiological understanding of human intellectual capabilities
      has long occupied those very capabilities. Brain gyrification, or folding of the
      cortex, is as highly evolved and variable a characteristic in humans as is
      intelligence. Indeed, gyrification scales with brain size, and relationships
      between brain size and intelligence have been demonstrated in humans [1-3].
      However, gyrification shows a large degree of variability that is independent
      from brain size [4-6], suggesting that the former may independently contribute to
      cognitive abilities and thus supporting a direct investigation of this parameter
      in the context of intelligence. Moreover, uncovering the regional pattern of such
      an association could offer insights into evolutionary and neural mechanisms. We
      tested for this brain-behavior relationship in two separate, independently
      collected, large cohorts-440 healthy adults and 662 healthy children-using high
      resolution structural neuroimaging and comprehensive neuropsychometric batteries.
      In both samples, general cognitive ability was significantly associated (pFDR <
      0.01) with increasing gyrification in a network of neocortical regions, including
      large portions of the prefrontal cortex, inferior parietal lobule, and
      temporoparietal junction, as well as the insula, cingulate cortex, and fusiform
      gyrus, a regional distribution that was nearly identical in both samples (Dice
      similarity coefficient = 0.80). This neuroanatomical pattern is consistent with
      an existing, well-known proposal, the Parieto-Frontal Integration Theory of
      intelligence [7], and is also consistent with research in comparative
      evolutionary biology showing rapid neocortical expansion of these regions in
      humans relative to other species. These data provide a framework for
      understanding the neurobiology of human cognitive abilities and suggest a
      potential neurocellular association.

PMID- 27133867
TI  - The Spinal Cord Has an Intrinsic System for the Control of pH.
AB  - For survival of the organism, acid-base homeostasis is vital [1, 2]. The
      respiratory and renal systems are central to this control. Here we describe a
      novel mechanism, intrinsic to the spinal cord, with sensors that detect pH
      changes and act to restore pH to physiological levels by reducing motor activity.
      This pH sensor consists of somatostatin-expressing cerebrospinal fluid-contacting
      (CSF-c) neurons, which target the locomotor network. They have a low level of
      activity at pH 7.4. However, at both alkaline and acidic pH, the activity of the
      individual CSF-c neuron is markedly enhanced through the action of two separate
      channel subtypes. The alkaline response depends on PKD2L1 channels that have a
      large conductance and an equilibrium potential around 0 mV, both characteristics
      of mouse PKD2L1 channels [3-5]. The acidic response is due to an activation of
      ASIC3 [6]. The discharge pattern of the CSF-c neurons is U-shaped with a minimum
      frequency around pH 7.4 and a marked increase already at slightly lower and
      higher pH. During ongoing locomotor activity in the isolated spinal cord, both an
      increase and as a decrease of pH will reduce the locomotor burst rate. A
      somatostatin antagonist blocks these effects, suggesting that CSF-c neurons are
      responsible for the suppression of locomotor activity. CSF-c neurons thus
      represent a novel innate homeostatic mechanism, designed to sense any deviation
      from physiological pH and to respond by causing a depression of the motor
      activity. Because CSF-c neurons are found in all vertebrates, their pH-sensing
      function is most likely conserved.

PMID- 27133868
TI  - Disproportionate Climate-Induced Range Loss Forecast for the Most Threatened
      African Antelopes.
AB  - Despite increasing evidence that climatic changes are having a widespread effect
      on the global distribution and abundance of wildlife [1, 2], the key question of
      whether the ranges of species that are already threat-listed are likely to be
      disproportionately affected lacks quantitative assessment. According to the
      "small-range climate-hypersensitivity hypothesis," we predict small range size to
      be directly linked to large climate-induced range reduction. Antelopes, an
      exemplary macroecological model due to their striking ecological diversity and
      species richness, present an ideal opportunity to test this. Here we provide the
      first empirical evidence that climate change will cause a disproportionate
      decline in African antelopes with small geographic ranges, which places the most
      threatened taxa in double jeopardy. This substantiates our theoretical
      expectation that the link between small range size and large climate-induced
      range reduction is a general phenomenon. Our empirically based models also allow
      specific recommendations for mitigating climate-induced species declines. Gap
      analysis shows high priorities for antelope conservation to include creation of
      new protected areas in the horn of Africa and Liberia, as well as improved
      connectivity between existing protected areas. Predicted extinction of four
      species unable to reach areas with suitable climatic conditions by 2080 moreover
      highlights a potentially important role for ex situ conservation. The study
      emphasizes the urgent need to incorporate climate change into the IUCN threat
      assessment by extending the timeframe over which population trends are assessed
      [3].

PMID- 27133869
TI  - The Social Origins of Sustained Attention in One-Year-Old Human Infants.
AB  - The ability to sustain attention is a major achievement in human development and
      is generally believed to be the developmental product of increasing self
      regulatory and endogenous (i.e., internal, top-down, voluntary) control over
      one's attention and cognitive systems [1-5]. Because sustained attention in late
      infancy is predictive of future development, and because early deficits in
      sustained attention are markers for later diagnoses of attentional disorders [6],
      sustained attention is often viewed as a constitutional and individual property
      of the infant [6-9]. However, humans are social animals; developmental pathways
      for seemingly non-social competencies evolved within the social group and
      therefore may be dependent on social experience [10-13]. Here, we show that
      social context matters for the duration of sustained attention episodes in one
      year-old infants during toy play. Using head-mounted eye tracking to record
      moment-by-moment gaze data from both parents and infants, we found that when the
      social partner (parent) visually attended to the object to which infant attention
      was directed, infants, after the parent's look, extended their duration of visual
      attention to the object. Looks to the same object by two social partners is a
      well-studied phenomenon known as joint attention, which has been shown to be
      critical to early learning and to the development of social skills [14, 15]. The
      present findings implicate joint attention in the development of the child's own
      sustained attention and thus challenge the current understanding of the origins
      of individual differences in sustained attention, providing a new and potentially
      malleable developmental pathway to the self-regulation of attention.

PMID- 27133870
TI  - The MC1R Gene and Youthful Looks.
AB  - Looking young for one's age has been a desire since time immemorial. This desire
      is attributable to the belief that appearance reflects health and fecundity.
      Indeed, perceived age predicts survival [1] and associates with molecular markers
      of aging such as telomere length [2]. Understanding the underlying molecular
      biology of perceived age is vital for identifying new aging therapies among other
      purposes, but studies are lacking thus far. As a first attempt, we performed
      genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of perceived facial age and wrinkling
      estimated from digital facial images by analyzing over eight million SNPs in
      2,693 elderly Dutch Europeans from the Rotterdam Study. The strongest genetic
      associations with perceived facial age were found for multiple SNPs in the MC1R
      gene (p < 1 * 10(-7)). This effect was enhanced for a compound heterozygosity
      marker constructed from four pre-selected functional MC1R SNPs (p = 2.69 * 10(
      12)), which was replicated in 599 Dutch Europeans from the Leiden Longevity Study
      (p = 0.042) and in 1,173 Europeans of the TwinsUK Study (p = 3 * 10(-3)).
      Individuals carrying the homozygote MC1R risk haplotype looked on average up to 2
      years older than non-carriers. This association was independent of age, sex, skin
      color, and sun damage (wrinkling, pigmented spots) and persisted through
      different sun-exposure levels. Hence, a role for MC1R in youthful looks
      independent of its known melanin synthesis function is suggested. Our study
      uncovers the first genetic evidence explaining why some people look older for
      their age and provides new leads for further investigating the biological basis
      of how old or young people look.

PMID- 27133871
TI  - Foraging Bumble Bees Weigh the Reliability of Personal and Social Information.
AB  - Many animals, including insects, make decisions using both personally gathered
      information and social information derived from the behavior of other, usually
      conspecific, individuals [1]. Moreover, animals adjust use of social versus
      personal information appropriately under a variety of experimental conditions [2
      5]. An important factor in how information is used is the information's
      reliability, that is, how consistently the information is correlated with
      something of relevance in the environment [6]. The reliability of information
      determines which signals should be attended to during communication [6-9], which
      types of stimuli animals should learn about, and even whether learning should
      evolve [10, 11]. Here, we show that bumble bees (Bombus impatiens) account for
      the reliability of personally acquired information (which flower color was
      previously associated with reward) and social information (which flowers are
      chosen by other bees) in making foraging decisions; however, the two types of
      information are not treated equally. Bees prefer to use social information if it
      predicts a reward at all, but if social information becomes entirely unreliable,
      flower color will be used instead. This greater sensitivity to the reliability of
      social information, and avoidance of conspecifics in some cases, may reflect the
      specific ecological circumstances of bee foraging. Overall, the bees' ability to
      make decisions based on both personally acquired and socially derived
      information, and the relative reliability of both, demonstrates a new level of
      sophistication and flexibility in animal, particularly insect, decision-making.

PMID- 27133872
TI  - A Fish-Eating Enantiornithine Bird from the Early Cretaceous of China Provides
      Evidence of Modern Avian Digestive Features.
AB  - Modern birds differ from their theropod ancestors in lacking teeth and heavily
      constructed bony jaws, having evolved a lightly built beak and a specialized
      digestive system capable of processing unmasticated food [1, 2]. Enantiornithes,
      the most successful clade of Mesozoic birds, represents the sister group of the
      Ornithuromorpha, which gave rise to living birds [3]. Nevertheless, the feeding
      habits of enantiornithines have remained unknown because of a lack of fossil
      evidence. In contrast, exceptionally preserved fossils reveal that derived avian
      features were present in the digestive systems of some non-enantiornithine birds
      with ages exceeding 125 million years [4, 5]. Here, we report a new piscivorous
      enantiornithine from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota of China. This specimen
      preserves a gastric pellet that includes fish bones. The new enantiornithine,
      like many modern piscivores and raptors, seems to have swallowed its prey whole
      and regurgitated indigestible materials such as bones, invertebrate exoskeletons,
      scales, and feathers. This fossil represents the oldest unambiguous record of an
      avian gastric pellet and the only such record from the Mesozoic. The pellet
      points to a fish diet and suggests that the alimentary tract of the new
      enantiornithine resembled that of extant avians in having efficient
      antiperistalsis and a two-chambered stomach with a muscular gizzard capable of
      compacting indigestible matter into a cohesive pellet. The inferred occurrence of
      these advanced features in an enantiornithine implies that they were widespread
      in Cretaceous birds and likely facilitated dietary diversification within both
      Enantiornithes and Ornithuromorpha.

PMID- 27133873
TI  - Lower omental t-regulatory cell count is associated with higher fasting glucose
      and lower beta-cell function in adults with obesity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: T-lymphocytes are potential initiators and regulators of adipose
      tissue (AT) inflammation, but there is limited human data on omental AT. The aim
      of this study was to assess the relationship between T cells, particularly Foxp3+
      regulatory T (Treg) cells, in human subcutaneous (subQ) and omental AT and type 2
      diabetes risk. METHODS: SubQ and deep subQ (DsubQ) abdominal and omental AT
      biopsies were collected from 44 patients (body mass index, BMI >=25) undergoing
      elective abdominal surgery. Flow cytometry was used to quantify CD4+ T cell (T
      effector and Treg) and macrophages (M1 and M2), and systemic inflammation was
      measured in fasting blood. RESULTS: Tregs were significantly lower in omental
      versus subQ and DsubQ AT, and M1 cell counts were significantly higher in the
      omental and DsubQ depot relative to the subQ. Only omental AT Tregs were
      negatively associated with fasting glucose and MCP-1 and positively associated
      with homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-beta. M1 and M2 cell counts across
      multiple depots had significant relationships with HOMA-insulin resistance, tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha, insulin, and HOMA-beta. All relationships were consistent
      across ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS: Tregs were significantly lower in omental versus
      both subQ adipose depots. Fewer omental Tregs may have metabolic implications
      based on depot-specific relationships with higher fasting glucose and lower beta
      cell function.

PMID- 27133874
TI  - A healthy degree of suspicion: A discussion of the implementation of transmission
      based precautions in the emergency department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency department (ED) presentations have increased significantly
      domestically and internationally. Swift identification and implementation of
      transmission based precautions (TBP) for patients known or suspected of having an
      epidemiologically important pathogen is important. ED staff, particularly triage
      nurses, are pivotal in detecting and preventing infection, including healthcare
      associated infections (HAI). METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed and Ovid were
      searched for articles published between 2004 and 2015 using key search terms:
      infection control/prevention and emergency department(s), triage, and
      transmission based precautions and emergency department(s), and triage, to
      identify common themes for discussion. Systematic review/meta-analysis was not in
      the scope of this exploration. FINDINGS: Themes were identified relating to HAI
      and ED practices and grouped into: assisted detection of conditions for which TBP
      is required, ED and TBP, mass-causality event/bioterrorism/pandemic/epidemic,
      infection control not TBP and multi-resistant organisms not TBP. The literature
      is heavily influenced by worldwide epidemic/pandemics and bioterrorist risks
      resulting in increased awareness of the importance of swift identification of
      syndromes that require TBP, but only in these situations. CONCLUSION:
      Implementation of appropriate TBP, changing triage practices, training and
      measures to assist decision-making could assist in preventing HAI in the ED
      context. A systematic quantitative review of the literature is recommended to
      guide practice change research.

PMID- 27133875
TI  - Fracture toughness of chairside CAD/CAM materials - Alternative loading approach
      for compact tension test.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This in-vitro study determined plane-strain fracture toughness (KIC)
      of five different chairside CAD/CAM materials used for crown fabrication,
      following alternative innovative loading approach of compact tension test
      specimens. METHODS: Rectangular-shaped specimens were cut from CAD/CAM blocks
      (n=10): Vita Mark II (Vident) (VMII); Lava-Ultimate (3M/ESPE) (LU); Vita Enamic
      (Vident) (VE); IPS e.max CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent); crystallized and un-crystallized
      (E-max and E-max-U, respectively); and Celtra Duo (Dentsply) fired and unfired
      (CD and CD-U, respectively). Specimens were notched with thin diamond disk prior
      to testing. Instead of applying tensile loading through drilled holes, a
      specially-made wedge-shaped steel loading-bar was used to apply compressive load
      at the notch area in Instron universal testing machine. The bar engaged the top
      1/4 of the notch before compressive load was applied at a cross-head speed of
      0.5mm/min. Fracture load was recorded and KIC calculated. Data was statistically
      analyzed with one-way ANOVA at 95% confidence level and Tukey's tests. RESULTS:
      Means and SDs of KIC in MPam(1/2) for VMII, LU, VE, E-max, E-max-U, CD and CD-U
      were: 0.73 (0.13), 0.85 (0.21), 1.02 (0.19), 1.88 (0.62), 0.81 (0.25), 2.65
      (0.32) and 1.01 (0.15), respectively. ANOVA revealed significant difference among
      the groups (p<0.001). CD and E-max had significantly highest mean KIC values.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Mean KIC values of the tested materials varied considerably,
      however, none of them reached mean KIC of dentin (3.08MPam(1/2)) previously
      reported. For E-max and CD, specimens firing significantly increased mean KIC.
      The modified test arrangement was found to be easy to follow and simplified
      specimen preparation process.

PMID- 27133876
TI  - Vaccine escape of piliated Streptococcus pneumoniae strains.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Type1-pilus proteins were suggested as targets of future protein
      based vaccines. Here we studied the effect of pneumococcal-conjugate vaccine
      (PCV7) implementation on the prevalence of piliated strains in a unique study
      setting which controls for typical confounders; the Palestinian-Israeli
      Collaborative Research (PICR). METHODS: Annual cross-sectional surveys of
      pneumococcal carriage were performed during 2009-2011 among two closely related
      population that live under different health policies (a) Palestinian-Authority
      (PA) (n=1773), where PCV7 was not yet introduced (b) East-Jerusalem (EJ) (n=983)
      where PCV7 was rapidly implemented. Clinical data were collected, pneumococci
      identified and characterized and the presence of Type1-pilus genes was determined
      by rrgC PCR. RESULTS: Following PCV7 implementation in EJ, overall carriage
      prevalence did not change (~30%), but VT7 strains decreased from 61.5% to 33.8%.
      While prevalence of non-piliated-VT7 isolates decreased from 37% to 10%, p<0.001,
      the prevalence of piliated-VT7 strains persisted ~25%. Additionally, piliated non
      VT13 strains emerged (1-15%, p<0.001). These changes were not observed in PA.
      These dynamics were independent of the bacteria's resistance pattern.
      CONCLUSIONS: A differential effect of PCV7 was observed with a relative
      resistance of piliated strains to the vaccine. This suggests that Type1-pilus
      confers an intrinsic advantage for colonization and may be an attractive vaccine
      target.

PMID- 27133877
TI  - Phase I, randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled studies to evaluate the
      safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of an investigational non-typeable
      Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) protein vaccine in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a major cause of
      various respiratory diseases. The development of an effective vaccine against
      NTHi mandates new approaches beyond conjugated vaccines as this opportunistic
      bacterium is non-encapsulated. Here we report on the safety, reactogenicity and
      immunogenicity of a multi-component investigational vaccine based on three
      conserved surface proteins from NTHi (proteins D [PD], E [PE] and Pilin A [PilA])
      in two observer-blind phase I studies. METHODS: In the first study (NCT01657526),
      48 healthy 18-40 year-olds received two vaccine formulations (10 or 30MUg of each
      antigen [PD and a fusion protein PE-PilA]) or saline placebo at months 0 and 2.
      In the second study (NCT01678677), 270 50-70 year-olds, current or former
      smokers, received eight vaccine formulations (10 or 30MUg antigen/dose non
      adjuvanted or adjuvanted with alum, AS01E or AS04C) or saline placebo at months
      0, 2 and 6 (plain and alum-adjuvanted groups) and at months 0 and 2 (AS
      adjuvanted groups). Solicited and unsolicited adverse events (AEs) were recorded
      for 7 and 30 days post-vaccination, respectively; potential immune-mediated
      diseases (pIMDs) and serious AEs (SAEs) throughout the studies. Humoral and
      antigen-specific T-cell immunity (in study 2 only) responses were assessed up to
      12 months post-vaccination. RESULTS: Observed reactogenicity was highest in the
      AS-adjuvanted groups but no safety concerns were identified with any of the NTHi
      vaccine formulations. One fatal SAE (cardiac arrest) not considered related to
      vaccination, and one pIMD (non-serious psoriasis) in the Placebo group, were
      reported post-dose 3 in Study 2. All formulations generated a robust antibody
      response while the AS01-adjuvanted formulations produced the highest humoral and
      cellular immune responses. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that the NTHi vaccine
      formulations had an acceptable reactogenicity and safety profile and were
      immunogenic in adults. These results justify further clinical development of this
      NTHi vaccine candidate.

PMID- 27133878
TI  - Induction of long term mucosal immunological memory in humans by an oral
      inactivated multivalent enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli vaccine.
AB  - We have evaluated the capacity of an oral multivalent enterotoxigenic Escherichia
      coli (ETEC) vaccine (MEV) to induce mucosal immunological memory. MEV consists of
      four inactivated E. coli strains over-expressing the major colonization factors
      (CFs) CFA/I, CS3, CS5 and CS6 and the LTB-related toxoid LCTBA. Memory responses
      were analyzed by comparing the magnitudes and kinetics of intestine-derived
      antibody-secreting cell responses to a single dose of MEV in three groups of
      adult Swedish volunteers (n=16-19 subjects per group) in a Phase I trial: non
      immunized controls (I) and subjects who in a previous Phase I trial 13-23 months
      earlier had received two biweekly doses of MEV (II) or MEV+double mutant LT
      (dmLT) adjuvant (III). Responses against CFs and LTB were analyzed in antibodies
      in lymphocyte secretions (ALS) of blood mononuclear cells collected before (day
      0) and 4/5 and 7 days after immunization. Specific circulating memory B cells
      present at the time of the single dose vaccination were also studied to determine
      if such cells may reflect mucosal memory. Considerably higher and significantly
      more frequent IgA ALS responses against all CFs and LTB were induced by the
      single vaccine dose in the previously immunized than in non-immunized volunteers.
      Furthermore, peak IgA ALS responses against all antigens were observed on days
      4/5 in most of the previously immunized subjects whereas only a few previously
      non-vaccinated individuals responded before day 7. Priming with adjuvant did not
      influence memory responses. Circulating vaccine specific IgA memory B cells were
      not detected, whereas anti-toxin IgG memory B cells were identified 13-23 months
      after priming vaccination. We conclude that MEV induces functional mucosal
      immunological memory which remains at least 1-2 years. Furthermore, our results
      support that analysis of antibody-secreting cell responses after booster
      vaccination may be a useful approach to evaluate longstanding mucosal
      immunological memory in humans. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: ISRCTN27096290.

PMID- 27133879
TI  - Differential regulation of polysaccharide-specific antibody responses to isolated
      polysaccharides, conjugate vaccines, and intact Gram-positive versus Gram
      negative extracellular bacteria.
AB  - Bacterial capsular polysaccharides are major virulence factors and are key
      targets in a number of licensed anti-bacterial vaccines. Their major
      characteristics are their large molecular weight and expression of repeating
      antigenic epitopes that mediate multivalent B cell receptor cross-linking. In
      addition, since the majority of these antigens cannot associate with MHC-II they
      fail to recruit CD4+ T cell help and are referred to as T cell-independent
      antigens. In this review I will discuss a series of studies from my laboratory
      that have underscored the importance of understanding polysaccharide-specific
      antibody responses within the context in which the PS is expressed (i.e. in
      isolation, as a component of conjugate vaccines, and expressed naturally by
      intact bacteria). We have shown that multivalent B cell receptor crosslinking, as
      mediated by polysaccharides, uniquely determines the qualitative response of the
      B cell to subsequent stimuli, but by itself is insufficient to induce antibody
      secretion or class switching. For these latter events to occur, second signals
      must act in concert with primary signals derived from the B cell receptor. The co
      expression of polysaccharide and protein within intact bacteria promotes
      recruitment of CD4+ T cell help for the associated PS-specific IgG response, in
      contrast to isolated polysaccharides. Further, the particulate nature of
      extracellular bacteria confers properties to the polysaccharide-specific IgG
      response that makes it distinct immunologically from soluble conjugate vaccines.
      Finally, the underlying biochemical and/or structural differences that
      distinguish Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria appear to play critical
      roles in differentially regulating the associated polysaccharide-specific IgG
      responses to these groups of pathogens. These studies have a number of
      implications for the understanding and future design of polysaccharide-based
      vaccines.

PMID- 27133880
TI  - Comparison of image quality between conventional VIBE and radial VIBE in free
      breathing paediatric abdominal MRI.
AB  - AIM: To compare the image quality between conventional volume interpolated breath
      hold examination (VIBE) and radial VIBE in contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1
      weighted images of paediatric abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during
      free-breathing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Images from paediatric patients who
      underwent contrast-enhanced abdominal MRI with a 3 T magnet using conventional
      VIBE (conventional group) and radial VIBE (radial group) while freely breathing
      were reviewed retrospectively. For objective analysis, the mean values of noise
      and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the liver on contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed
      T1-weighted images were compared. For subjective analysis, overall image quality,
      respiratory motion, portal vein clarity, and hepatic margin sharpness were
      assessed using four-point scales. RESULTS: Nine patients (mean age of 2.8+/-2.3
      years) in the conventional and 17 patients (mean age of 2.4+/-2.8 years) in the
      radial groups were included. According to the objective analysis, the noise was
      significantly lower and the SNR was significantly higher in the radial group than
      those in the conventional group (all, p<0.001). In the subjective analysis,
      overall image quality, respiratory motion, portal vein clarity, and hepatic
      margin sharpness were all significantly higher in the radial group (all,
      p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Paediatric abdominal MRI images with radial VIBE showed
      lower noise with higher SNR in objective analysis and higher image quality in
      subjective analysis, compared to conventional VIBE.

PMID- 27133881
TI  - Migration and danger: ethnicity and health.

PMID- 27133882
TI  - [Comparison of the Conventional Centrifuged and Filtrated Preparations in Urine
      Cytology].
AB  - The urine cytology test is one of the most important tools for the diagnosis of
      malignant urinary tract tumors. This test is also of great value for predicting
      malignancy. However, the sensitivity of this test is not high enough to screen
      for malignant cells. In our laboratory, we were able to attain a high sensitivity
      of urine cytology tests after changing the preparation method of urine samples.
      The differences in the cytodiagnosis between the two methods are discussed here.
      From January 2012 to June 2013, 2,031 urine samples were prepared using the
      conventional centrifuge method (C method) ; and from September 2013 to March
      2015, 2,453 urine samples were prepared using the filtration method (F method)
      for the cytology test. When the samples included in category 4 or 5, were defined
      as cytological positive, the sensitivities of this test with samples prepared
      using the F method were significantly high compared with samples prepared using
      the C method (72% vs 28%, p<0.001). The number of cells on the glass slides
      prepared by the F method was significantly higher than that of the samples
      prepared by the C method (p<0.001). After introduction of the F method, the
      number of f alse negative cases was decreased in the urine cytology test because
      a larger number of cells was seen and easily detected as atypical or malignant
      epithelial cells. Therefore, this method has a higher sensitivity than the
      conventional C method as the sensitivity of urine cytology tests relies partially
      on the number of cells visualized in the prepared samples. 

PMID- 27133883
TI  - [A Study of the Efficacy of the Additional Administration of Tadalafil in
      Japanese Men with alpha1-Blocker-Resistant LUTS/BPH].
AB  - Alpha 1-blockers are widely used at present for lower urinary tract symptoms
      (LUTS)/benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, some patients experience
      little improvement of symptoms, and it is difficult to provide additional
      treatment. We have additionally administered tadalafil to patients with
      inadequate symptom improvement, despite treatment with alpha-1 blockers. The
      subjects were 57 patients with a diagnosis of LUTS/BPH who showed a poor response
      to treatment with alpha-1 blockers for 1 month or more (international prostate
      symptom score [IPSS] >=8 and/or quality of life [QOL] index >=3). Tadalafil 5 mg
      was administered on consecutive days to patients orally receiving alpha-1
      blockers. We determined IPSS, the QOL index, overactive bladder symptom scores
      (OABSS), maximum urine flow, residual urine volume, and the sexual health
      inventory for men (SHIM) before, and 4, 8, and 12 weeks after administration, and
      then evaluated improvement effects. IPSS, the QOL index, OABSS, and SHIM showed
      significant improvement (P <0.05) at 4 weeks after the start of treatment and
      onward. IPSS and the QOL index showed greater improvement effects at 8 and 12
      weeks. Residual urinary volume was significantly improved only at 8 weeks.
      However, the maximum urine flow showed no improvement at any time point. Our
      results demonstrated the additional administration of tadalafil to patients with
      LUTS showing poor responses to alpha-1 blockers to improve LUTS/BPH symptoms as
      well as sexual function. 

PMID- 27133884
TI  - [Solitary Fibrous Tumor in the Retroperitoneum : A Case Report].
AB  - A 55-year-old man was diagnosed with an abdominal tumor and referred to our
      department. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a 15-cm
      tumor in the retroperitoneum. The inferior vena cava was compressed ventrally,
      the right ureter laterally, and the right kidney toward the head. Part of the
      tumor was situated on the dorsal side of the abdominal aorta. A preoperative
      diagnosis of neurogenic tumor or a type of sarcoma was made. We performed en bloc
      resection of the tumor. The right kidney was also resected. We exfoliated between
      the tumor and inferior vena cava without temporary interruption. The final
      diagnosis was a solitary fibrous tumor. The patient received no adjuvant therapy.
      Neither recurrence nor metastasis has been detected for 8 months postoperatively.

PMID- 27133885
TI  - [A Case of Arteriovenous Malformation Located in Retroperitoneum].
AB  - A 67-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for precise examination and
      treatment as an abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scan showed a retroperitoneal
      tumor located below the hilus of the right kidney. The enhanced CT and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) revealed contrast enhancement in both early and late
      phase, which confirmed that the tumor showed abundant blood perfusion and adhered
      to the duodenum. We performed open surgery in order to remove the tumor and make
      a precise diagnosis. The tumor was excised en bloc with a part of the gonadal
      vein because the right gonadal vein was adjacent to the tumor in the craniocaudal
      direction. The pathological diagnosis was arteriovenous malformation.
      Arteriovenous malformation located in the retroperitoneum is very rare.

PMID- 27133886
TI  - [A Case of Primary Renal Malignant Lymphoma Initially Managed as Severe
      Pyelonephritis in a Patient Undergoing Hemodialysis].
AB  - A 75-year-old male undergoing hemodialysis because of diabetic nephropathy was
      referred to our hospital complaining of high fever and swelling of the left
      kidney. Our initial clinical diagnosis was severe pyelonephritis. He was
      initially treated with intravenous antibiotics and his clinical symptoms
      subsequently improved but only temporarily. The high fever soon recurred,
      accompanied by progressive thrombocytopenia. His general condition deteriorated
      despite conservative treatment. He then underwent nephrectomy of the left kidney.
      However, the thrombocytopenia persisted and his general condition did not
      improve. The pathological diagnosis was malignant lymphoma (non-Hodgkin's
      lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell type). He received chemotherapy, but his status
      rapidly deteriorated and he died 1.5 months after the operation. Primary renal
      malignant lymphoma is very rare, because the kidney lacks lymphatic tissue.

PMID- 27133887
TI  - [A Subcutaneous Metastasis from Renal Pelvic Carcinoma Growing Rapidly after
      radical Nephrectomy : A Case Report].
AB  - A 78-year-old man was admitted to our department for a right renal mass detected
      by computed tomography which was accompanied by right hypochondriac pain. Dynamic
      computed tomography demonstrated a 7cm hypovascular right renal mass invading the
      liver. No metastatic disease was evident. Transabdominal nephrectomy and partial
      hepatectomy were performed under the diagnosis of right renal cell carcinoma in
      July 2014. Pathological examination revealed right renal pelvic carcinoma with
      liver invasion. After the operation, a subcutaneous nodule in the right forearm
      rapidly grew in one week. A needle biopsy revealed that it was a metastasis of
      the urothelial carcinoma. Additionally, lung metastases and lymph node swelling
      were detected. The patient received two courses of combination chemotherapy
      (gemcitabine, carboplatin) in August 2014. The subcutaneous metastasis was
      decreased, but it was not effective for other metastases. Two courses of another
      combination chemotherapy (methotrexate, vinblastine, epirubicin, calboplatin)
      were performed. It was effective for all metastatic lesions. During the third
      course, the patient developed melancholia and rejected additional therapy. He
      died in March 2015 due to disease progression.

PMID- 27133888
TI  - [Removal of a Foreign Body in the Urinary Bladder in a Patient Four Times in the
      Past Thirty Years].
AB  - We report a case of recurring foreign bodies in the urinary bladder. A 67-year
      old male inserted a foreign body into the urinary bladder during masturbation.
      Eight months later, he experienced a fever and went to a hospital where
      ultrasonography revealed a foreign body in his urinary bladder. Then, he was
      referred to our hospital for surgical treatment. The patient's surgical record
      indicated that he had undergone the same operation 3 times in the past thirty
      years. The inserted foreign body was successfully removed by suprapubic
      cystotomy, and he was discharged 13 days after the operation. He was also
      evaluated by psychiatrists, but they diagnosed that he had no mental disorder. To
      our knowledge, this is the first report on the removal of a foreign body in the
      urinary bladder four times in the same patient. 

PMID- 27133889
TI  - Sleep disorders in Cornelia de Lange syndrome.
AB  - Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by
      growth retardation, intellectual disability, limb defects, typical facial
      dysmorphism, and other systemic involvement. Sleep disturbances have been
      frequently reported in CdLS, but these have not been completely characterized,
      and prevalence data are conflicting. The aim of this paper is to characterize and
      determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in CdLS patients by means of a
      validated questionnaire. From November 2012 to November 2013, we asked 46
      consecutive parents/caregivers of CdLS patients aged more than 3 years old to
      fill out the sleep disturbances scale for children (SDSC). The subjects were also
      characterized by the presence of epilepsy, intellectual disability (ID),
      behavioral problems, CdLS severity score, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
      and genetic test results. An abnormal total sleep score was found in 7 patients
      (15.2%), 26 (56.5%) showed a borderline total score, and 18 (39.1%) had an
      abnormal score for at least one SDSC factor. In our study sleep disorders were
      found to be positively associated to presence of epilepsy, GERD, ID, and
      behavioral disturbances. No correlation was evident with specific mutations of
      the different genes, BMI, and severity score. Our results confirm that sleep
      disorders represent a common problem in CdLS, with higher incidence than in the
      normal population. In these patients sleep disorders seem to be more prevalent in
      comorbid settings, representing a clinical indicator for different medical and
      neuropsychiatric disorders. Better knowledge and characterization of typology of
      sleep disorders in CdLS patients could permit a more specific therapeutic
      approach. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27133890
TI  - Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) as the successor of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
      (TDF).
AB  - Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) can be considered a new prodrug of tenofovir (TFV),
      as successor of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). It is in vivo as potent
      against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at a 30-fold lower dose (10mg) than
      TDF (300mg). TAF has been approved in November 2015 (in the US and EU), as a
      single-tablet regimen (STR) containing 150mg elvitegravir (E), 150mg cobicistat
      (C), 200mg emtricitabine [(-)FTC] (F) and 10mg TAF, marketed as Genvoya(r), on 01
      March 2016 in the US as an STR containing 25mg rilpivirine (R), 200mg F and 25mg
      TAF, marketed as Odefsey(r), and on 4 April 2016 in the US, as an STR containing
      200mg F and 25mg TAF, marketed as Descovy(r), for the treatment of HIV
      infections. STR combinations containing TAF and emtricitabine could be paired
      with a range of third agents, for example, darunavir and cobicistat. TAF has a
      much lower risk of kidney toxicity or bone density changes than TDF, and also
      offers long-term potential in the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV
      infections. TAF is specifically accumulated in lymphatic tissue, and in the
      liver, and hence also holds great potential for the treatment of hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) infections. Akin to TDF, TAF is converted intracellularly to TFV. Its
      active diphosphate metabolite (TFVpp) is targeted at the RNA-dependent DNA
      polymerase (reverse transcriptase) of either HIV or HBV.

PMID- 27133891
TI  - Rounding the bases with a secure base.
AB  - Parental availability and responsiveness were experimentally manipulated to
      determine the effects on children's athletic performance. Fifty children (3-12
      year-olds) ran as fast as possible around a softball diamond twice: once while
      parents were available and responsive and once while parents were unavailable and
      unresponsive (engrossed in mobile phone; order randomized and counterbalanced).
      Children ran about three seconds faster and were 17% less likely to trip, fall,
      or false start in the parental available and responsive condition. In addition,
      during only the available and responsive condition in which parents were
      instructed to watch their child and respond as they normally would, children ran
      faster as their parents' sensitivity increased. Similarly, children ran faster as
      parents' harshness decreased.

PMID- 27133892
TI  - Hyperphosphorylation determines both the spread and the morphology of tau
      pathology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neurofibrillary pathology of abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau (P
      tau) is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies. Tau
      pathology can be experimentally induced and propagated. However, what induces the
      prion-like transmission character to tau and produces morphologically distinct
      tau lesions remains elusive. METHODS: We investigated the role of
      hyperphosphorylation in the spread of tau pathology in hTau transgenic mice.
      RESULTS: We found that intrahippocampal injection with AD P-tau, but not
      nonphosphorylated tau, produced numerous P-tau tangles and neuropil threads
      locally and in neocortex lateral to injection and upstream to the hippocampus.
      Dephosphorylation of AD P-tau with protein phosphatase-2A dramatically reduced
      and switched tau pathology from neurofibrillary tangles to argyrophilic grain
      like morphology. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that abnormal
      hyperphosphorylation of tau determines the spread and morphology of tau lesions
      and that the propagation of tau pathology takes place both locally and in
      axonally connected areas and highlight tau hyperphosphorylation as a potential
      drug target.

PMID- 27133893
TI  - Screening for Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - To evaluate the effectiveness of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in
      asymptomatic adults. A search was conducted of the Medline, Embase, and the
      Cochrane Library databases. A targeted search of PubMed was conducted for on
      topic randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Meta-analysis across 4 RCTs for guaiac
      fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening
      showed a reduction of 18% (risk ratio [RR], 0.82; 95% CI [CI], 0.73-0.92) and 26%
      (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.67-0.83) in CRC mortality for the screening group compared
      to controls, respectively. The number needed to screen (NNS) were 377 (95% CI,
      249-887) and 864 (95% CI, 672-1266) for gFOBT and FS screening, respectively. A
      reduction of 8% and 27% in incidence of late-stage CRC was also observed for
      gFOBT and FS screening, respectively, but both had no significant effect on all
      cause mortality. A single RCT found that screening with immunochemical fecal
      occult blood test (iFOBT) had no significant impact on CRC mortality (RR, 0.88;
      95% CI, 0.72-1.07). Screening with FS has potential harms such as perforation,
      major and minor bleeding, and death from the procedure or from follow-up
      colonoscopy. gFOBT and FS screening reduce CRC mortality and incidence of late
      stage disease. The absolute effect and NNS were much more favorable for older
      adults (>= 60 years), suggesting that a targeted screening approach may avoid
      exposing younger adults to the harms of CRC screening, from which they are
      unlikely to derive any significant benefit. Although there is insufficient RCT
      evidence on the impact of iFOBT on mortality outcomes. compared to gFOBT, this
      test showed higher sensitivity and comparable specificity, indicating the need to
      update and reevaluate the evidence in light of future high-quality research. The
      protocol for this systematic review have been published with PROSPERO 2014:
      CRD42014009777.

PMID- 27133894
TI  - Implementing radiotherapy in Africa: Focus on the needs in Rwanda.
AB  - Cancer care is a concern in low- and middle-income countries. The needs of
      structure to treat patients are huge. Because of the cost of radiotherapy, and
      the need for highly specialized workers, providing radiation therapy in these
      nations is a challenge. However, some solutions exist that can dramatically
      improve future care. In this article, we reviewed the plight of cancer treatment
      organization in Africa, and more specifically, the status of radiotherapy needs
      and concerns within Rwanda. 

PMID- 27133895
TI  - MD Study of Stokes Shifts in Ionic Liquids: Temperature Dependence.
AB  - Effects of temperature on Stokes shifts, solvation structure, and dynamics in
      ionic liquids EMI(+)Tf2N(-), EMI(+)PF6(-), and BMI(+)PF6(-) (EMI(+) = 1-ethyl-3
      methylimidazolium, BMI(+) = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium, Tf2N(-) =
      bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and PF6(-) = hexafluorophosphate) are
      investigated via molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations in the temperature
      range 350 K <= T <= 500 K. Two different types of solutes are considered: a
      simple model diatomic solute and realistic coumarin 153, both of which are
      characterized by more polar S1 and less polar S0 states. In all three ionic
      liquids studied, the Stokes shift tends to decrease with increasing temperature.
      For coumarin 153, as T increases, the Franck-Condon energy for steady-state
      absorption decreases, whereas that for steady-state emission increases. Our
      findings indicate that the effective polarity of ionic liquids decreases as T
      increases. Their solvation dynamics are characterized by an ultrafast initial
      decay in the subpicosecond time scale, followed by slow dissipative relaxation,
      regardless of temperature. For both solutes, the solvent frequency that
      quantifies initial ultrafast dynamics shows little temperature dependence. By
      contrast, the long-time dissipative dynamics become significantly faster with
      rising T. Variations of solvation structure with temperature and their connection
      to Stokes shift and solvation dynamics are briefly examined.

PMID- 27133896
TI  - Differential effector gene expression underpins epistasis in a plant fungal
      disease.
AB  - Fungal effector-host sensitivity gene interactions play a key role in determining
      the outcome of septoria nodorum blotch disease (SNB) caused by Parastagonospora
      nodorum on wheat. The pathosystem is complex and mediated by interaction of
      multiple fungal necrotrophic effector-host sensitivity gene systems. Three
      effector sensitivity gene systems are well characterized in this pathosystem;
      SnToxA-Tsn1, SnTox1-Snn1 and SnTox3-Snn3. We tested a wheat mapping population
      that segregated for Snn1 and Snn3 with SN15, an aggressive P. nodorum isolate
      that produces SnToxA, SnTox1 and SnTox3, to study the inheritance of sensitivity
      to SnTox1 and SnTox3 and disease susceptibility. Interval quantitative trait
      locus (QTL) mapping showed that the SnTox1-Snn1 interaction was paramount in SNB
      development on both seedlings and adult plants. No effect of the SnTox3-Snn3
      interaction was observed under SN15 infection. The SnTox3-Snn3 interaction was
      however, detected in a strain of SN15 in which SnTox1 had been deleted (tox1-6).
      Gene expression analysis indicates increased SnTox3 expression in tox1-6 compared
      with SN15. This indicates that the failure to detect the SnTox3-Snn3 interaction
      in SN15 is due - at least in part - to suppressed expression of SnTox3 mediated
      by SnTox1. Furthermore, infection of the mapping population with a strain deleted
      in SnToxA, SnTox1 and SnTox3 (toxa13) unmasked a significant SNB QTL on 2DS where
      the SnTox2 effector sensitivity gene, Snn2, is located. This QTL was not observed
      in SN15 and tox1-6 infections and thus suggesting that SnToxA and/or SnTox3 were
      epistatic. Additional QTLs responding to SNB and effectors sensitivity were
      detected on 2AS1 and 3AL.

PMID- 27133897
TI  - Exploratory analysis of preventable first day mortality in Colombia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to inform public health policy which can
      reduce Colombia's estimated infant mortality rate (IMR), 17.78 deaths for 1000
      live births (2011), by lowering preventable first day mortality (PFDM). STUDY
      DESIGN: This study combined a time series analysis, using a linear regression
      method, for the period 2001-2012 with a cross-sectional analysis, using odds
      ratios and bi-variate methods, for the year 2012 to study first day mortality
      (FDM) and PFDM classified by biological, socio-economic, and medical correlates.
      METHODS: The study examined the trends for 2001-2012 in Colombia's infant
      mortality rate per 1000, and in the relative significance of PFDM by cause. It
      established the relative odds of PFDM for 2012 by major risk categories, defined
      by birthweight and gestational age, and within those by biological,
      sociodemographic risk factors or groups and by potential access to and use of
      care. Then, the study established the major causes of PFDM within major risk
      categories and groups. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2012, the average annual rate of
      FDM declined by 6.30%, while overall infant mortality only declined by 4.20%.
      Yet, in 2012, 37.04% of FDM was preventable by using proper pregnancy control
      (7.00% of total preventable), proper care during childbirth (37.20%), and
      handling causes associated with late diagnosis and treatment (55.80%). PFDM is
      primarily a socio-economic phenomenon, even among normal weight and gestational
      age newborns, who account for 32.73% of PFDM due to improper management of
      pregnancy and delivery among lower socio-economic and outlying populations,
      specifically in rural areas and among members of the inferior subsidised social
      insurance regime. CONCLUSION: From efficacy and probable cost effectiveness
      perspectives, intervention priority should be given to handling babies with
      normal gestation age and birthweight, and then to babies with very low gestation
      age and birthweight. At the same time, more prenatal visits could lead to fewer
      very high-risk situations at the outset. In view of the Colombian regulation to
      the contrary, the use of foetal monitoring and echography methods by all general
      practitioners should be considered. They should be trained accordingly. Policies
      should focus on members of the underprovided subsidised health insurance regime,
      rural areas, young, low-educated and single mothers during pregnancy, mainly
      delivery.

PMID- 27133899
TI  - Orange sputum in a kidney transplant patient with Legionella micdadei pneumonia.

PMID- 27133898
TI  - Mineral metabolism disorders, vertebral fractures and aortic calcifications in
      stable kidney transplant recipients: The role of gender (EMITRAL study).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The relationship between mineral metabolism disorders,
      bone fractures and vascular calcifications in kidney transplant recipients has
      not been established. METHOD: We performed a cross-sectional study in 727 stable
      recipients from 28 Spanish transplant clinics. Mineral metabolism parameters, the
      semi-quantification of vertebral fractures and abdominal aortic calcifications
      were determined centrally. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency (25OHD3<15ng/ml) was
      more common in female recipients at CKD-T stages I-III (29.6% vs 44.4%; p=0.003).
      The inverse and significant correlation between 25OHD3 and PTH was gender
      specific and women exhibited a steeper slope than men (p=0.01). Vertebral
      fractures (VFx) with deformity grade >=2 were observed in 15% of recipients.
      Factors related to VFx differed by gender; in males, age (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01
      1.06) and CsA treatment (OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.6-6.3); in females, age (OR 1.07; 95%
      CI: 1.03-1.12) and PTH levels (OR per 100pg/ml increase: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.043
      1.542). Abdominal aortic calcifications were common (67.2%) and related to
      classical risk factors but not to mineral metabolism parameters. CONCLUSIONS:
      Vitamin D deficiency is more common among female kidney transplant recipients at
      earlier CKD-T stages, and it contributes to secondary hyperparathyroidism.
      Prevalent vertebral fractures are only related to high serum PTH levels in female
      recipients.

PMID- 27133900
TI  - A novel dissociative steroid VBP15 reduces MUC5AC gene expression in airway
      epithelial cells but lacks the GRE mediated transcriptional properties of
      dexamethasone.
AB  - Overproduction of secretory mucins contributes to morbidity/mortality in
      inflammatory lung diseases. Inflammatory mediators directly increase expression
      of mucin genes, but few drugs have been shown to directly repress mucin gene
      expression. IL-1beta upregulates the MUC5AC mucin gene in part via the
      transcription factors NFkappaB while the glucocorticoid Dexamethasone (Dex)
      transcriptionally represses MUC5AC expression by Dex-activated GR binding to two
      GRE cis-sites in the MUC5AC promoter in lung epithelial cells. VBP compounds
      (ReveraGen BioPharma) maintain anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of
      NFkappaB but exhibit reduced GRE-mediated transcriptional properties associated
      with adverse side-effects and thus have potential to minimize harmful side
      effects of long-term steroid therapy in inflammatory lung diseases. We
      investigated VBP15 efficacy as an anti-mucin agent in two types of airway
      epithelial cells and analyzed the transcription factor activity and promoter
      binding associated with VBP15-induced MUC5AC repression. VBP15 reduced MUC5AC
      mRNA abundance in a dose- and time-dependent manner similar to Dex in the
      presence or absence of IL-1beta in A549 and differentiated human bronchial
      epithelial cells. Repression was abrogated in the presence of RU486,
      demonstrating a requirement for GR in the VBP15-induced repression of MUC5AC.
      Inhibition of NFkappaB activity resulted in reduced baseline expression of MUC5AC
      indicating that constitutive activity maintains MUC5AC production. Chromatin
      immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated lack of GR and of p65 (NFkappaB)
      binding to composite GRE domains in the MUC5AC promoter following VBP15 exposure
      of cells, in contrast to Dex. These data demonstrate that VBP15 is a novel anti
      mucin agent that mediates the reduction of MUC5AC gene expression differently
      than the classical glucocorticoid, Dex.

PMID- 27133901
TI  - Aspergillus niger-mediated biotransformation of methenolone enanthate, and
      immunomodulatory activity of its transformed products.
AB  - Two fungal cultures Aspergillus niger and Cunninghamella blakesleeana were used
      for the biotransformation of methenolone enanthate (1). Biotransformation with A.
      niger led to the synthesis of three new (2-4), and three known (5-7) metabolites,
      while fermentation with C. blakesleeana yielded metabolite 6. Substrate 1 and the
      resulting metabolites were evaluated for their immunomodulatory activities.
      Substrate 1 was found to be inactive, while metabolites 2 and 3 showed a potent
      inhibition of ROS generation by whole blood (IC50=8.60 and 7.05MUg/mL), as well
      as from isolated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) (IC50=14.0 and 4.70MUg/mL),
      respectively. Moreover, compound 3 (34.21%) moderately inhibited the production
      of TNF-alpha, whereas 2 (88.63%) showed a potent inhibition of TNF-alpha produced
      by the THP-1 cells. These activities indicated immunomodulatory potential of
      compounds 2 and 3. All products were found to be non-toxic to 3T3 mouse
      fibroblast cells.

PMID- 27133902
TI  - Chronic stress and excessive glucocorticoid exposure both lead to altered
      Neuregulin-1/ErbB signaling in rat myocardium.
AB  - Exposure to chronic stress or excess glucocorticoids is associated with the
      development of depression and heart disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain
      equivocal. While recent evidence has indicated that Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) and its
      ErbB receptors play an essential role in cardiac function, much is still unknown
      concerning the biological link between NRG1/ErbB pathway and the stress-induced
      comorbidity of depression and cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, we examined the
      protein expression of NRG1 and ErbB receptors in the myocardium of rats following
      chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) or rats treated with two different doses
      (0.2 and 2mg/kg/day, respectively) of dexamethasone (Dex). The stressed rats
      showed elevated expression of NRG1 and phosphorylated ErbB4 (pErbB4) in the
      myocardium, whereas ErbB2 and pErbB2 were inhibited. The lower dose of Dex
      enhanced myocardial NRG1/ErbB signaling, but as the dose is increased, while
      ErbB4 remained activated, the expression of ErbB2 and pErbB2 became compromised.
      Both CUMS and 2mg/kg of Dex suppressed the downstream Akt and ERK
      phosphorylation. Although the lower dose of Dex increased myocardial
      antiapoptotic Bcl-xl expression, a significant decrease of Bcl-xl expression was
      found in rats treated with the higher dose. Meanwhile, both CUMS and two
      different doses of Dex induced proapoptotic Bax level. Combined, our data firstly
      showed (mal)adaptive responses of NRG1/ErbB system in the stressed heart,
      indicating the potential involvement of NRG1/ErbB pathway in the stress-induced
      cardiac dysfunction.

PMID- 27133903
TI  - Biotransformation of 6-dehydroprogesterone with Aspergillus niger and Gibberella
      fujikuroi.
AB  - Microbial transformation of 6-dehydroprogesterone (1) with Aspergillus niger
      yielded three new metabolites, including 6beta-chloro-7alpha,11alpha
      dihydroxypregna-4-ene-3,20-dione (2), 7alpha-chloro-6beta,11alpha-dihydroxypregna
      4-ene-3,20-dione (3), and 6alpha,7alpha-epoxy-11alpha-hydroxypregna-4-ene-3,20
      dione (4), and two known metabolites; 6alpha,7alpha-epoxypregna-4-ene-3,20-dione
      (5), and 11alpha-hydroxypregna-4,6-diene-3,20-dione (6). Compounds 2, and 3
      contain chlorohydrin moiety at C-6, and C-7, respectively. The biotransformation
      of 1 with Gibberella fujikuroi yielded a known compound, 11alpha,17beta
      dihydroxyandrosta-4,6-dien-3-one (7).

PMID- 27133904
TI  - Folate deprivation modulates the expression of autophagy- and circadian-related
      genes in HT-22 hippocampal neuron cells through GR-mediated pathway.
AB  - Folic acid (FA) is an extremely important nutrient for brain formation and
      development. FA deficiency is highly linked to brain degeneration and age-related
      diseases, which are also associated with autophagic activities and circadian
      rhythm in hippocampal neurons. However, little is known how autophagy- and
      circadian-related genes in hippocampal neurons are regulated under FA deficiency.
      Here, hippocampal neuroncells (HT-22) were employed to determine the effect of FA
      deprivation (FD) on the expression of relevant genes and to reveal the potential
      role of glucocorticoid receptor (GR). FD increased autophagic activities in HT-22
      cells, associated with significantly (P<0.05) enhanced GR activation indicated by
      higher ratio of GR phosphorylation. Out of 17 autophagy-related genes determined,
      8 was significantly (P<0.05) up-regulated in FD group, which includes ATG2b,
      ATG3, ATG4c, ATG5, ATG10, ATG12, ATG13 and ATG14. Meanwhile, 4 out of 7 circadian
      related genes detected, Clock, Cry1, Cry2 and Per2, were significantly (P<0.05)
      up-regulated. The protein content of autophagy markers, LC3A and LC3B, was also
      increased significantly (P<0.05). ChIP assay showed that FD promoted (P<0.05) GR
      binding to the promoter sequence of ATG3 and Per2. Moreover, MeDIP analysis
      demonstrated significant (P<0.05) hypomethylation in the promoter sequence of
      ATG12, ATG13 and Per2 genes. Together, we speculate that FD increases the
      transcription of autophagy- and circadian-related genes through, at least partly,
      GR-mediated pathway. Our results provide a basis for future investigations into
      the intracellular regulatory network in response to folate deficiency.

PMID- 27133905
TI  - A possible cause of epistaxis: increased masked hypertension prevalence in
      patients with epistaxis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Epistaxis and hypertension are frequent conditions in the adult
      population. Masked hypertension is defined as a clinical condition in which a
      patient's office blood pressure level is <140/90mmHg, but the ambulatory or home
      blood pressure readings are in the hypertensive range. Many studies have proved
      that hypertension is one of the most important causes of epistaxis. The
      prevalence of this condition in patients with epistaxis is not well defined.
      OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of masked hypertension
      using the results of office blood pressure measurement compared with the results
      of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. METHODS: Sixty patients with epistaxis
      and 60 control subjects were enrolled in the study. All patients with epistaxis
      and controls without history of hypertension underwent physical examination,
      including office blood pressure measurement, ambulatory or home blood pressure,
      and measurement of anthropometric parameters. RESULTS: Mean age was similar
      between the epistaxis group and the controls - 21-68 years (mean 42.9) for the
      epistaxis group and 18-71 years (mean 42.2) for the control group. A total of 20
      patients (33.3%) in the epistaxis group and 7 patients (11.7%) in the control
      group (p=0.004) had masked hypertension. Night-time systolic blood pressure was
      significantly higher in patients with epistaxis than in the control group
      (p<0.005). However, no significant difference was found in daytime systolic blood
      pressure between the control group and the patients with epistaxis (p=0.517).
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates increased masked hypertension prevalence in
      patients with epistaxis. We suggest that all patients with epistaxis should
      undergo ambulatory or home blood pressure to detect masked hypertension, which
      could be a possible cause of epistaxis.

PMID- 27133906
TI  - Stafne bone cavity containing ectopic parotid gland.

PMID- 27133907
TI  - Quality of life impairment in patients with head and neck cancer and their
      caregivers: a comparative study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Head and neck cancer represents 3% of all the types of malignant
      neoplasms and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is responsible for 90% of these
      cases. There have been some studies evaluating the quality of life of these
      patients, but little is known about the physical and emotional effects on their
      caregivers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life of patients with head and
      neck cancer and their caregivers by applying validated questionnaires. METHODS:
      Thirty patients with advanced tumors (SCC stage III or IV) and their 30
      caregivers were included. Specific questionnaires (Coop/Wonca, EORTC QLQ-C30,
      EORTC H&N35, Coop/Wonca, and Caregiver Strain Index - CSI) were applied during
      routine medical consultations. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients, 28 were males and 25
      had stage IV tumors, with mean age of 56.6 years. 36.7% had the primary tumor in
      the oropharynx and 70% reported pain. The functional cognitive, physical, and
      emotional scales were the most affected. Pain, fatigue, and sleep disorders were
      the most prevalent symptoms. Of the 30 caregivers, 23 were females and 70% were
      the primary caregivers. 36.7% of the caregivers had high levels of stress, mainly
      related to the feeling of incapacity. The comparison between patients and
      caregivers demonstrated that the two groups had similar quality of life
      impairment: physical fitness (p=0.487), mental health (p=0.615), daily activities
      (p=0.793), social activities (p=0.301), changes in health (p=0.649), and overall
      health (p=0.168). CONCLUSION: Quality of life impairment is similar between
      patients and their caregivers. This result demonstrates that not only the
      patients show quality of life impairment, but their caregivers also have it and
      at similar proportions.

PMID- 27133908
TI  - Management of hyperacusis in children - two case reports.

PMID- 27133909
TI  - A case of bilateral inferior concha bullosa connecting to maxillary sinus.

PMID- 27133910
TI  - [Resynchronization therapy in Catalonia, Spain: Cost effectiveness of beating
      together or separately].

PMID- 27133911
TI  - Bacterial resistance and immunological profiles in HIV-infected and non-infected
      patients at Mbouda AD LUCEM Hospital in Cameroon.
AB  - This study investigated the variations in some cells of the immune system, as
      well as the antibiotic resistance of the bacteria responsible for enteric
      infections among HIV+ patients compared to HIV- patients in Mbouda AD LUCEM
      Hospital, Cameroon. A cross-sectional study was performed from September 2014 to
      February 2015 in 67 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive (HIV+) and 37
      HIV-seronegative (HIV-) patients. Blood collected from these patients was used to
      perform cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) and cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8)
      lymphocyte blood counts and a white blood cell count, as well as to measure C
      reactive protein (CRP) blood by flow cytometry and perform optical and immuno
      turbidimetric detection. Enteric bacteria were isolated from the stool of
      patients, and their antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined using agar
      diffusion methods. The results showed that Escherichia coli was the main
      pathogenic bacteria in the digestive tracts of HIV+ (85.3%) and HIV- (81.1%)
      patients, and infections with Klebsiella sp. were also predominant among HIV-
      patients (29.4%). Resistance of Klebsiella sp. to ceftriaxone (CRO; P=0.001),
      gentamicin (GEN; P=0.005), chloramphenicol (CHL; P=0.0004), ciprofloxacin (CIP;
      P=0.005) and doxycycline (DOX; P<0.0001) was significantly higher in HIV+
      patients than in HIV- patients. Enterobacter sp. showed high resistance to GEN
      (P=0.009) and CIP (P=0.001) in HIV+ patients compared to HIV- patients.
      Citrobacter sp. was resistant to GEN (P=0.009) in HIV+ patients compared to HIV-
      patients. Salmonella sp. showed high resistance to CHL (P<0.0001) and DOX
      (P<0.0001) in HIV+ patients compared to HIV- patients. Resistance of Serratia sp.
      to AMO (P=0.005), AMC (P=0.005) and CHL (P=0.005) was significantly higher in
      HIV+ patients than in HIV- patients. Lymphopenia was higher in HIV+ patients
      (36.8%) than in HIV- patients (2.7%). In 45.9% of the HIV- patients, the CRP rate
      was higher than 6mg/L compared to 16.2% in HIV+ patients. In general, bacterial
      multi-drug resistance in HIV+ patients (79.4%) was significantly higher
      (P<0.0001) than in HIV- patients (29.7%). The present study revealed that the
      resistance profiles of bacteria should be considered in HIV-infected patients to
      improve their health care.

PMID- 27133912
TI  - Passing a seawater challenge test is not indicative of hatchery-reared Atlantic
      salmon Salmo salar smolts performing as well at sea as their naturally produced
      conspecifics.
AB  - Despite satisfactory reactions to seawater challenge tests indicative of
      appropriate physiological state, hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon Salmo salar
      smolts stocked in the Eira River in Norway between 2001 and 2011 performed less
      well at sea in terms of growth, age at maturity and survival than smolts of
      natural origin. The mean rates of return to the river for hatchery-reared and
      naturally produced S. salar were 0.98 and 2.35%. In the Eira River, c. 50 000
      hatchery-reared S. salar smolts of local origin were stocked annually to
      compensate for reduced natural smolt production following regulation for
      hydroelectric purposes, while a mean of 17 262 smolts were produced naturally in
      the river. This study demonstrates that, although captive S. salar perform well
      in seawater challenge tests, hatchery-reared smolts are not necessarily as
      adaptable to marine life as their naturally produced counterparts. These findings
      suggest that production of hatchery-reared smolts more similar to naturally
      produced individuals in morphology, physiology and behaviour will be necessary to
      improve success of hatchery releases. Where possible, supplementary or
      alternative measures, including habitat restoration, could be implemented to
      ensure the long-term viability of wild stocks. 

PMID- 27133913
TI  - Off-label use of oral fluoroquinolone antibiotics in outpatient settings in the
      United States, 2006 to 2012.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the practice pattern of off-label
      use of fluoroquinolones (FQs) in ambulatory settings and to identify the related
      risk factors. METHODS: The National Ambulatory Medical Care Surveys from 2006
      through 2012 was used to identify subjects who received FQ off-label
      prescriptions. We defined off-label use as the use of FQs for indications other
      than those in the FDA-approved drug label. Descriptive statistics were calculated
      by using a series of weighted chi-squared statistics. Multivariate logistic
      regression was conducted to identify factors associated with off-label FQ drug
      use. RESULTS: There were 93 million ambulatory visits in which an FQ was
      prescribed, and 53.16% of these visits involved the prescribing of FQs in an off
      label manner. The percentage of off-label prescriptions was the highest among
      individuals >=80 years old (61.6%) and male patients (60.9%). The FQ drug
      prescribed most for an off-label indication in our study was ciprofloxacin (29.5%
      of the total visits). The multivariate analysis showed that age of >=80 years and
      male patient was significantly associated with off-label use of FQs (adjusted
      odds ratio (OR) 3.66, 1.72-7.80 and OR 3.26, 2.32-4.56, respectively). Medicaid
      or private insurance versus Medicare were associated with significantly higher
      off-label prescribing of FQs (OR 2.53, 1.28-5.01 and 1.77, 1.03-3.03,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: The percentage of visits involving off-label FQs in US
      ambulatory settings is substantial. Efforts are needed consolidate and evaluate
      what high-quality scientific evidence is available and what is needed to support
      the safety and effectiveness of such off-label uses. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27133914
TI  - Low dose monoethyl phthalate (MEP) exposure triggers proliferation by activating
      PDX-1 at 1.1B4 human pancreatic beta cells.
AB  - Phthalate plasticizers used in a wide range of common plastic products are
      released into the environment and may pose a risk of increased incidence of type
      2 diabetes. In this work, we studied the effects of monoethyl phthalate (MEP),
      the metabolite of diethyl phthalate, exposure on 1.1B4 human pancreatic beta
      cells at low doses (1-1000 nM). We showed that MEP treatment induced
      proliferation in 1.1B4 cells. Also PCNA protein expression levels were increased
      related to proliferation induction. It has been noted that phthalates can exert
      estrogen mediated response by interacting with ER. In our study 24 h MEP
      treatment decreased ERalpha protein expression level conversely it increased the
      same protein expression level after 72 h treatment. Also MEP treatment decreased
      ERbeta expression after 72 h at 1.1B4 cells. Our results further show that
      insulin content of 1.1B4 cells were increased with low dose MEP treatment. Along
      with our insulin content results, PDX- 1 expression levels were also increased at
      1.1B4 cells with MEP treatment. These findings suggest that MEP acts as an
      estrogenic compound and PPARgamma agonist at lower concentrations. Also it should
      be noted that PDX-1 may be a critical regulator of 1.1B4 cells treated with MEP. 

PMID- 27133915
TI  - The combination of 1alpha,25dihydroxyvitaminD3 with resveratrol improves neuronal
      degeneration by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress, insulin signaling and
      inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation in SH-SY5Y cells.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a critical factor involved in the
      pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Vitamin D and resveratrol are two
      nutritional factors that have reported neuroprotective effects, and findings from
      cellular models suggest that resveratrol could potentiate vitamin D's effects. We
      aimed to determine the effects of vitamin D & resveratrol on ER stress mediated
      neurodegeneration and whether synergistic effects existed. Tunicamycin and
      Abeta25-35 was utilized to induce ER stress in SH-SY5Y cells, cells were then
      incubated with vitamin D and resveratrol. The combination of vitamin D &
      resveratrol completely reversed tunicamycin and Abeta25-35 induced cytotoxicity
      in SH-SY5Y cells, as well as elevation in ER stress markers (i.e.GRP78, p
      eIF2alpha and CHOP), insulin signaling disruption (i.e. elevation in p-IRS
      1serine307 and reduction in p-Akt serine473) and tau phosphorylation (i.e.
      reduction in p-GSK3beta serine9, and elevation in p-Tau serine396 &404). Further
      studies are required to clarify whether the observed synergistic effects in the
      present study would also existed in vivo, this will lay scientific foundation
      whether the combination of vitamin D with resveratrol might be an effective
      maneuver in the treatment of AD in human subjects. 

PMID- 27133916
TI  - Secretory production of designed multipeptides displayed on a thermostable
      bacterial thioredoxin scaffold in Pichia pastoris.
AB  - Internal grafting of designed peptides to scaffold proteins is a valuable
      strategy for a variety of applications including recombinant peptide antigen
      construction. A peptide epitope from human papillomavirus (HPV) minor capsid
      protein L2 displayed on thioredoxin (Trx) has been validated preclinically as a
      broadly protective and low-cost alternative HPV vaccine. Focusing on thioredoxin
      from the hyperthermophilic archaebacterium Pyrococcus furiosus (PfTrx) as a
      scaffold, we have constructed a modified Pichia pastoris expression vector and
      used a PfTrx fusion derivative containing three tandemly repeated copies of a 19
      amino acids peptide epitope from HPV-L2 for expression optimization and
      biochemical-immunological characterization of the Pichia-produced PfTrx-L2
      antigen. We show that PfTrx-L2 is produced at high levels (up to 100 mg from a
      100 ml starting culture using a multi-cycle induction protocol) and secreted into
      the culture medium as a highly enriched (>70% pure), non-glycosylated polypeptide
      that can be purified to homogeneity in a single step. Oxidation and aggregation
      state, thermal stability and immunogenicity of the endotoxin-free PfTrx-L2
      antigen produced in P. pastoris were tested and found to be identical to those of
      the same antigen produced in Escherichia coli. Secretory production of endotoxin
      free PfTrx-peptides in P. pastoris represents a cost- and time-effective
      alternative to E. coli production. Specifically designed for peptide antigens,
      the PfTrx-expression vector and conditions described herein are easily
      transferable to a variety of applications centred on the use of structurally
      constrained bioactive peptides as immune as well as target-specific binder
      reagents.

PMID- 27133917
TI  - [The Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) is simple to use].

PMID- 27133918
TI  - The influence of the 'cancer effect' on young women's responses to overdiagnosis
      in cervical screening.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the 'cancer effect' (higher risk perceptions and negative
      emotion in cancer-related contexts) on young women's responses to overdiagnosis
      (identification and treatment of inconsequential disease) in cervical cancer
      screening. METHODS: In a randomised experimental study, 168 women aged 17-24 read
      1 of 4 texts outlining benefits and harms of cervical cancer screening or a
      fictitious non-cancer screening test; each presented with or without
      overdiagnosis information. Screening intentions and psychosocial outcomes were
      measured (T1). Overdiagnosis information was then presented to participants who
      did not receive it initially and intentions reassessed (T2). RESULTS: Mean
      screening intentions were not significantly different across groups. The
      distribution of intentions for cancer vs non-cancer screening differed
      significantly. Cancer information led to more extreme responses. Participants
      receiving overdiagnosis information at T2 reduced their screening intentions
      significantly. Perceived risk of disease was lower when overdiagnosis information
      was presented (non-cancer condition only). Higher negative emotion predicted
      higher screening intentions (cancer condition only). CONCLUSIONS: This pattern of
      results suggests that a 'cancer effect' may be present among young women given
      identical information about cancer and non-cancer screening. PRACTICE
      IMPLICATIONS: The 'cancer effect' may contribute to community eagerness for
      cancer screening despite provision of information about harms like overdiagnosis.

PMID- 27133919
TI  - "Are you eating healthy?" Nutrition discourse in Midwestern clinics for the
      underserved.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate nutrition information provided and exchanged between
      patients and health providers in Midwestern clinics for underserved populations.
      METHODS: Forty-six clinic visits were observed to determine content and direction
      of nutrition information. In-depth data were collected with clinicians and clinic
      administrators regarding nutrition education provided to patients. RESULTS: All
      patients were diagnosed with multiple obesity-related morbidities. Although women
      more often posed nutrition questions, few patients asked about dietary intake.
      Two-thirds of healthcare professionals initiated discussion about dietary intake;
      however, nutrition education was not provided regardless of clinician's
      profession. CONCLUSIONS: Patients did not appear to link morbidity with diet.
      Providers did not share comprehensive nutrition knowledge during clinic visits.
      Dietitians, who specialize in nutrition education, rarely had access to patients.
      IMPLICATIONS: Nutrition education during clinic visits is essential for reducing
      obesity rates. Nutrition students need clinic experience and could provide
      important patient education at low cost.

PMID- 27133920
TI  - Medication adherence among pregnant women with hypothyroidism-missed
      opportunities to improve reproductive health? A cross-sectional, web-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patterns of and factors associated with a lack of
      pharmacotherapy as well as low adherence to treatment of hypothyroidism in
      pregnancy. METHODS: This multinational, cross-sectional, internet-based study
      recruited pregnant woman in 18 countries. Data about women's socio-demographic
      and medical characteristics, medication adherence (8-item Morisky Medication
      Adherence Scale), beliefs about medication (Beliefs about Medicine
      Questionnaire), and personality traits (Big Five Personality Trait questionnaire)
      were collected via an online questionnaire. RESULTS: 229 of 5095 women had
      hypothyroidism during pregnancy; of these, 93% reported hypothyroidism
      pharmacotherapy. Adherence was low among 17% (95% CI: 12.5-22.5%) of medicated
      women, whilst it was moderate and high among 44% and 39%, respectively. Not using
      folic acid and not living in a stable relationship were associated with an
      increased likelihood for untreated hypothyroidism. Younger maternal age and not
      using folic acid in pregnancy were factors significantly associated with low
      adherence. Conscientiousness and the perception that the benefit of
      pharmacotherapy outweighed the risks were associated with higher levels of
      adherence. CONCLUSION: There is room for improvement of adherence to
      hypothyroidism treatment in pregnancy. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Counselling of
      women with hypothyroidism in pregnancy should include a proper risk communication
      and information framing, to ameliorate maternal and foetal health.

PMID- 27133921
TI  - Serogenotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Salmonella spp.
      isolated from retail meat samples in Lagos, Nigeria.
AB  - Microarray-based serogenotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility tests and the
      detection of relevant resistance genes were performed on isolates of Salmonella
      spp. from retail meat samples obtained in Lagos, Nigeria. Out of 151 meat
      samples, 33 Salmonella isolates were obtained. Nine different Salmonella serovars
      (S. Amoutive, S. Bargny, S. Drac, S. Ealing, S. Urbana, S. Hadar, S. Nyborg, S.
      Anatum and S. Havana) were identified by microarray-based serogenotyping and
      confirmed afterwards using classical serotyping. Antibiotic susceptibility tests
      with 17 antibiotics showed that almost all isolates were fully susceptible to
      this panel. The results of this study indicated a high prevalence of Salmonella
      in retail meat, the presence of some previously rather rarely described Serovars
      in retail meat samples from Lagos, and a need to monitor for Salmonella and their
      antibiotic resistance determinants. The microarray-based system used herein
      proved to be perfectly suited as epidemiological tool to replace classical
      serotyping.

PMID- 27133922
TI  - Thermal acclimation in a small Afrotropical Bird.
AB  - Wild-caught animals are regularly used in physiological studies, yet the length
      of time it takes for completion of their acclimation to laboratory conditions
      remains largely unknown. In particular, Afrotropical species are relatively
      understudied compared with temperate and Holarctic species. Thus, we measured a
      number of metabolic variables in a 10g Afrotropical bird, the Cape White-eye
      (Zosterops virens), at weekly intervals, over an 8-week period, while birds were
      acclimating to two different constant thermal environments; 25 degrees C and 29
      degrees C. Body mass increased significantly in the first three weeks, remaining
      approximately constant thereafter, with no significant difference between birds
      housed at 25 degrees C and those housed at 29 degrees C. However, whole animal
      resting metabolic rates remained constant throughout the eight-week study period,
      with values for birds housed at 29 degrees C lower than for birds housed at 25
      degrees C. Rather than pointing to a minimum time period necessary for thermal
      acclimation, these results suggest that in some instances, freshly wild-caught
      small passerines may not need to be acclimated to laboratory conditions or
      respirometry equipment, prior to measurements of their resting metabolic rate. 

PMID- 27133923
TI  - Right-sided electrocardiogram usage in acute pulmonary embolism.

PMID- 27133924
TI  - A clinical score to obviate the need for cardiac stress testing in patients with
      acute chest pain and negative troponins.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although cardiac stress testing may help establish the safety of
      early discharge in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes and negative
      troponins, more cost-effective strategies are necessary. We aimed to develop a
      clinical prediction rule to safely obviate the need for cardiac stress testing in
      this setting. METHODS: A decision rule was derived in a prospective cohort of
      3001 patients with acute chest pain and negative troponins, and validated in a
      set of 1473 subjects. The primary end point was a composite of positive cardiac
      stress testing (in the absence of a subsequent negative coronary angiogram),
      positive coronary angiography, or any major coronary events within 3 months.
      RESULTS: A score chart was built based on 7 variables: male sex (+2), age (+1 per
      decade from the fifth decade), diabetes mellitus (+2), hypercholesterolemia (+1),
      prior coronary revascularization (+2), type of chest pain (typical angina, +5;
      non-specific chest pain, -3), and non-diagnostic repolarization abnormalities
      (+2). In the validation set, the model showed good discrimination (c statistic =
      0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.87) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow
      goodness-of-fit test, P= .34). If stress tests were avoided in patients in the
      validation sample with a sum score of 0 or lower, the number of referrals would
      be reduced by 23.4%, yielding a negative predictive value of 98.8% (95%
      confidence interval, 97.0%-99.7%). CONCLUSION: This novel prediction rule based
      on a combination of readily available clinical characteristics may be a valuable
      tool to decide whether stress testing can be reliably avoided in patients with
      acute chest pain and negative troponins.

PMID- 27133925
TI  - Serious conditions for ED elderly fall patients: a secondary analysis of the
      Basel Non-Specific Complaints study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Falls among older adults are a public health problem and are
      multifactorial. We sought to determine whether falls predict more serious
      conditions in older adult patients presenting to the emergency department (ED)
      with a "nonspecific complaint" (NSC). A secondary objective was to examine what
      factors predicted serious conditions among older adult patients with a fall.
      METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of a prospective delayed-type cross
      sectional diagnostic study that included a 30-day follow-up. We included patients
      65 years and older who presented to the ED from May 2007 and July 2011 with a NSC
      and had an Emergency Severity Index score of 2 or 3. We then compared the serious
      conditions among older adults who presented to the ED with a fall with those who
      did not fall in a cohort of patients with NSC. RESULTS: We had 1111 patients
      enrolled in our study; 518 (47%) of them had fallen. We found that 310 (60%) of
      elderly fall patients vs 349 (59%) of nonfall patients had a 30-day serious
      condition (P=.74). In multiple logistic regression analysis, falls did not
      predict serious conditions or 30-day mortality among all NSC patients. Among fall
      patients, male sex, diuretic use, and generalized weakness predicted serious
      conditions. CONCLUSION: Fall patients share many features with nonfall NSC
      patient. However, falls did not increase the risk of serious conditions. Falls in
      the elderly could be considered under the broader entity of NSC.

PMID- 27133926
TI  - Navigated vs Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty: Is There a Difference in the
      Rate of Respiratory Complications and Transfusions?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proponents of navigation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) report
      lower rates of systemic embolization and perioperative bleeding compared to
      conventional TKA given that breeching the intramedullary canal is not required.
      METHODS: We queried the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to compare
      perioperative respiratory complications and transfusions between navigated and
      conventional TKA. We identified 2008 patients who underwent navigated TKA. These
      patients were matched 4:1 to a control group of 8026 patients. RESULTS:
      Conventional TKA resulted in similar odds of having a respiratory complication
      compared to navigated TKA (odds ratio = 1.35, P = .44). However, conventional TKA
      was found to be an independent predictor for requiring a transfusion
      perioperatively (odds ratio = 1.90, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Use of navigation in
      TKA results in less perioperative transfusions but has no influence on the rate
      of respiratory complications.

PMID- 27133928
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27133927
TI  - Which Hospital and Clinical Factors Drive 30- and 90-Day Readmission After TKA?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the hospital, clinical, and
      patient factors associated with inpatient readmission after total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) in the Medicare population and to understand the primary
      reasons for readmission. METHODS: The Medicare 100% national hospital claims
      database was used to identify 952,593 older patients (65+) with a primary TKA in
      3848 hospitals between 2010 and 2013. A multilevel logistic regression analysis
      with a clustered data structure was used to investigate the risk of all-cause 30-
      and 90-day readmission, incorporating hospital, clinical, and patient factors.
      RESULTS: At 30 days, readmission ranged from 0% to 22% (median, 4.9%), whereas at
      90 days, readmission ranged from 0% to 32% (median, 8.6%). Geographic census
      region, hospital procedure volume, rural hospital location, and nonprofit
      ownership were the only significant hospital factors among those we studied.
      Evaluation of clinical factors showed use of a perioperative transfusion was
      associated with 13% greater risk; patients discharged to home had 25% lower risk;
      and surgeon volume and length of stay were also significant. These effect sizes
      were at least comparable to patient factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities,
      and socioeconomic status. The top 5 most frequently reported primary reasons for
      30- or 90-day readmission in TKA were surgery and medical related: wound
      infection, deep infection, atrial fibrillation, cellulitis and abscess of leg, or
      pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support further
      optimization of anti-infection measures, both intraoperative and postoperative,
      to reduce the broad variation in hospital readmissions.

PMID- 27133929
TI  - Severely Obese Patients Have a Higher Risk of Infection After Direct Anterior
      Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The orthopedic literature documents that obesity can place patients
      at increased risk for complications. This is the first study to document the
      increased risk of infection in obese patients after direct anterior approach
      (DAA) primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated
      1621 consecutive primary THAs performed with a DAA. Patients were stratified by
      body mass index <35 kg/m(2) (group 1) or >=35 kg/m(2) (group 2). Rates of
      postoperative infection requiring revision, superficial wound dehiscence, return
      to the operating room, and total wound complications were compared. There were
      1417 cases in group 1 and 204 in group 2. RESULTS: Five cases in each group had a
      deep infection, resulting in a significantly higher rate in group 2 (0.35% vs
      2.5%, P = .0044, relative risk = 7.1). Superficial wound dehiscence was diagnosed
      in 13 (0.92%) THA in group 1 and 4 (1.96%) in group 2 (P = .256). The all-cause
      reoperation rate was 0.92% and 3.43% in each group, respectively (P = .008). The
      total rate of all studied complications was 1.27% compared to 4.41% (P = .0040,
      relative risk = 3.5). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report on
      significantly increased rates of postoperative infection requiring revision in
      patients with body mass index >=35 kg/m(2) after anterior approach hip
      arthroplasty. We believe it is the combination of immune dysfunction and
      proximity of the anterior incision to the inguinal crease and genitalia with
      overlying abdominal pannus that contributes to this risk. Further studies
      comparing other surgical approaches in obese patients are needed to determine if
      this complication is truly attributable to the DAA alone.

PMID- 27133930
TI  - Favorable Results of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With Acetabular Impaction
      Bone Grafting for Large Segmental Bone Defects in Dysplastic Hips.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess midterm results after
      acetabular impaction bone grafting (IBG) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA)
      for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with large acetabular segmental
      defect. METHODS: Primary THA with IBG for DDH with large acetabular segmental
      defect was performed in 40 hips of 38 patients. The average age was 61.6 years
      (range: 33-82 years), and the average follow-up period was 7.5 years (range: 3
      10.3 years). The Merle d'Aubigne and Postel hip score and complications were
      assessed. For radiological assessment, postoperative location of the hip rotation
      center, the socket inclination angle, and the socket center-edge angle were
      assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed with the end points of any
      type of reoperation and aseptic acetabular loosening. RESULTS: The mean Merle
      d'Aubigne and Postel hip score improved from 10.4 points to 16.2 points at the
      final follow-up. Reoperation was performed in 1 case for acute infection without
      loosening. In 39 out of 40 hips (97.5%), the center of hip rotation was located
      beneath the "high hip center." The average socket inclination angle was 39.3
      degrees  (range: 30 degrees -54 degrees ), and the average socket center-edge
      angle was -11.8 degrees  (range: -23 degrees  to 9 degrees ). Survival rate of
      acetabular component at 8 years with the end point of any reoperation and of
      aseptic loosening was 96.6% (95% confidence interval: 89.9%-100%) and 100%,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Acetabular IBG represents one of the useful options for
      restoring a normal hip center and acetabular bone stock in primary THA for DDH
      with large acetabular defect.

PMID- 27133931
TI  - Comparison of seven fall risk assessment tools in community-dwelling Korean older
      women.
AB  - This study aimed to compare seven widely used fall risk assessment tools in terms
      of validity and practicality, and to provide a guideline for choosing appropriate
      fall risk assessment tools for elderly Koreans. Sixty community-dwelling Korean
      older women (30 fallers and 30 matched non-fallers) were evaluated. Performance
      measures of all tools were compared between the faller and non-faller groups
      through two sample t-tests. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were
      generated with odds ratios for discriminant analysis. Results showed that four
      tools had significant discriminative power, and the shortened version of Falls
      Efficacy Scale (SFES) showed excellent discriminant validity, followed by Berg
      Balance Scale (BBS) with acceptable discriminant validity. The Mini Balance
      Evaluation System Test and Timed Up and Go, however, had limited discriminant
      validities. In terms of practicality, SFES was also excellent. These findings
      suggest that SFES is the most suitable tool for assessing the fall risks of
      community-dwelling Korean older women, followed by BBS. Practitioner Summary:
      There is no general guideline on which fall risk assessment tools are suitable
      for community-dwelling Korean older women. This study compared seven widely used
      assessment tools in terms of validity and practicality. Results suggested that
      the short Falls Efficacy Scale is the most suitable tool, followed by Berg
      Balance Scale.

PMID- 27133932
TI  - A novel recombinant multi-epitope protein against Brucella melitensis infection.
AB  - Live, attenuated Brucella vaccines are considered effective but can induce
      abortions in pregnant animals and are potentially infectious to humans. There is
      a strong need to improve the immunoprotective effects and safety of vaccines
      against Brucella. Currently, subunit vaccines have been demonstrated to be safe
      and efficacious alternatives in both humans and animals. In this study, we
      employed bioinformatics tools to predict B and T cell epitopes to aid development
      of a novel recombinant multi-epitope antigen for brucellosis vaccination. To
      evaluate the protective capacity of the recombinant antigen, the antigen's
      efficacy was studied in a mouse model of brucellosis. Our results indicated that
      BALB/c mice immunized with this recombinant multi-epitope antigen showed mixed
      Th1-Th2 immune responses with high levels of specific IgG and exhibited high
      degrees of IFN-gamma and IL-6 and significantly higher CD3, CD4, and CD8
      frequencies compared to the control group. The recombinant antigen and vaccine
      strain M5-90 also provided protection against Brucella melitensis 16 M infection.
      Using bioinformatics tools to develop candidate vaccines is a promising strategy
      for the development of Brucella vaccines.

PMID- 27133933
TI  - Crowding Modulates the Conformation, Affinity, and Activity of the Components of
      the Bacterial Disaggregase Machinery.
AB  - Chaperone-mediated protein aggregate reactivation is a complex reaction that
      depends on the sequential association of molecular chaperones on their
      interaction with protein aggregates and on substrate refolding. This process
      could be modulated by the highly crowded intracellular environment, which is
      known to affect protein conformational change, enzymatic activity, and protein
      protein interactions. Here, we report that molecular crowding shapes the
      chaperone activity of bacterial disaggregase composed of the DnaK system (DnaK,
      DnaJ, and GrpE) and the molecular motor ClpB. A combination of biophysical and
      biochemical methods shows that the excluded volume conditions modify the
      conformation of DnaK and DnaJ without affecting that of GrpE. These crowding
      induced conformational rearrangements activate DnaK, enhance the affinity of DnaK
      for DnaJ, but not for GrpE, and increase the sensitivity of the chaperone
      activity to cochaperone concentration, explaining the tight control of their
      relative intracellular amounts. Furthermore, crowding-mediated disordering of the
      G/F domain of DnaJ facilitates the reversible formation of intermolecular DnaJ
      conglomerates. These assemblies could drive the formation of Hsp70 clusters at
      the aggregate surface with the consequent enhancement of the disaggregation
      efficiency through their coordinated action via entropic pulling. Finally,
      crowding helps ClpB to outcompete GrpE for DnaK binding, a key aspect of
      DnaK/ClpB cooperation given the low affinity of the disaggregase for DnaK.
      Excluded volume conditions promote the formation of the bichaperone complex that
      disentangles aggregates, enhancing the efficiency of the disaggregation reaction.

PMID- 27133934
TI  - Ozonation of ranitidine: Effect of experimental parameters and identification of
      transformation products.
AB  - This study focuses on the effect of experimental parameters on the removal of
      ranitidine (RAN) during ozonation and the identification of the formed
      transformation products (TPs). The influence of pH value, the initial
      concentrations, the inorganic and the organic matter on RAN's removal were
      evaluated. Results indicated high reactivity of RAN with molecular aqueous ozone.
      Initial ozone concentration and pH were proven the major process parameters.
      Alkaline pH values promoted degradation and overall mineralization. Dissolved
      organic matter reacts competitively to RAN with the oxidants (ozone and/or
      radicals), influencing the target compound's removal. The presence of inorganic
      ions in the matrix did not seem to affect RAN ozonation. A total of eleven TPs
      were identified and structurally elucidated, with the complementary use of both
      Reversed Phase (RP) and Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC)
      quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (Q-ToF-MS/MS). Most of the TPs
      (TP-304, TP-315b, TP-299b, TP-333, TP-283) were generated by the attack of ozone
      at the double bond or the adjacent secondary amine, with the abstraction of NO2
      moiety, forming TPs with an aldehyde group and an imine bond. Oxidized
      derivatives with a carboxylic group (TP-315a, TP-331a, TP-331b, TP-299a) were
      also formed. RAN S-oxide was identified as an ozonation TP (TP-330) and its
      structure was confirmed through the analysis of a reference standard. TP-214 was
      also produced during ozonation, through the CN bond rupture adjacent to the NO2
      moiety. HILIC was used complementary to RP, either for the separation and
      identification of TPs with isomeric structures that may have been co-eluted in
      RPLC or for the detection of new TPs that were not eluted in the RP
      chromatographic system. Retention time prediction was used as a supporting tool
      for the identification of TPs and results were in accordance with the
      experimental ones in both RP and HILIC.

PMID- 27133935
TI  - Lunar mineral extraction to correct for potential loss of Earth mass caused by
      fossil fuel consumption.

PMID- 27133936
TI  - Exploit and ignore the consequences: A mother of planetary issues.
AB  - Many environmental and planetary issues are due to an exploitation strategy based
      on exploit, consume and ignore the consequences. As many natural and
      environmental resources are limited in time and space, such exploitation approach
      causes important damages on earth, in the sea and maybe soon in the space. To
      sustain conditions under which humans and other living species can coexist in
      productive and dynamic harmony with their environments, terrestrial and space
      exploration programs may need to be based on 'scrutinize the consequences,
      prepare adequate solutions and then, only then, exploit'. Otherwise, the
      exploitation of planetary resources may put the environmental stability and
      sustainability at a higher risk than it is currently predicted.

PMID- 27133937
TI  - Comments on the article: Re-evaluation of groundwater monitoring data for
      glyphosate and bentazone by taking detection limits into account.

PMID- 27133938
TI  - Reply to: Comments on the paper: Re-evaluation of groundwater monitoring data for
      glyphosate and bentazone by taking detection limits into account.

PMID- 27133941
TI  - Are Small Effects for Back Pain Interventions Really Surprising?
AB  - There is reasonably strong evidence that some physical therapy interventions are
      effective (compared to minimal or no intervention) for patients with low back
      pain (LBP); however, the effect sizes are typically small. Many clinicians argue
      that this evidence is at odds with their daily clinical experience. There are
      several reasons that likely contribute to small effects in clinical trials of LBP
      and other musculoskeletal conditions. In this Viewpoint, the authors look at
      which of these reasons are beyond our control as clinicians and simply need to be
      acknowledged and understood, and which may provide insights into improving the
      design of future clinical trials of LBP and ultimately delivering better care to
      our patients. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(5):317-319.
      doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0604. 

PMID- 27133939
TI  - Perceived and geographic food access and food security status among households
      with children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of both perceived and geographic
      neighbourhood food access with food security status among households with
      children. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study in which participants'
      perceptions of neighbourhood food access were assessed by a standard survey
      instrument, and geographic food access was evaluated by distance to the nearest
      supermarket. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the
      associations. SUBJECTS: The Midlands Family Study included 544 households with
      children in eight counties in South Carolina, USA. Food security status among
      participants was classified into three categories: food secure (FS), food
      insecure (FI) and very low food security among children (VLFS-C). RESULTS:
      Compared with FS households, VLFS-C households had lower odds of reporting easy
      access to adequate food shopping. VLFS-C households also had lower odds of
      reporting neighbourhood access to affordable fruits and vegetables compared with
      FS households and reported worse selection of fruits and vegetables, quality of
      fruits and vegetables, and selection of low-fat products. FI households had lower
      odds of reporting fewer opportunities to purchase fast food. None of the
      geographic access measures was significantly associated with food security
      status. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers with children who experienced hunger perceived
      that they had less access to healthy affordable food in their community, even
      though grocery stores were present. Approaches to improve perceived access to
      healthy affordable food should be considered as part of the overall approach to
      improving food security and eliminating child hunger.

PMID- 27133942
TI  - Impact of Radius Malunion on Wrist Contact Mechanics.
AB  - The patient was a 15-year-old adolescent girl with a chief complaint of
      intermittent pain and clicking at her right distal radioulnar joint, after having
      fractured her forearm 5 months previously. Radiographs of the patient's forearm
      indicated a midshaft radial deformity. Given the patient's pain and limited range
      of motion, computed tomography imaging was requested to assess whether the
      midshaft malunion resulted in distal radioulnar joint instability and to plan the
      corrective osteotomy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(5):399.
      doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0406. 

PMID- 27133943
TI  - Metastatic Hip Tumor in a Middle-Aged Woman.
AB  - A 44-year-old woman was referred to physical therapy by a podiatrist for
      "iliotibial band syndrome." No imaging had been done, and she denied all
      constitutional symptoms, but reported having breast cancer 5 years earlier.
      Following an increase in pain, radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were
      performed, and biopsy confirmed a metastatic breast cancer tumor. J Orthop Sports
      Phys Ther 2016;46(5):400. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.0407. 

PMID- 27133944
TI  - Preserving the longevity of long-lived type II collagen and its implication for
      cartilage therapeutics.
AB  - Human life expectancy has been steadily increasing at a rapid rate, but this
      increasing life span also brings about increases in diseases, dementia, and
      disability. A global burden of disease 2010 study revealed that hip and knee
      osteoarthritis ranked the 11th highest in terms of years lived with disability.
      Wear and tear can greatly influence the quality of life during ageing. In
      particular, wear and tear of the articular cartilage have adverse effects on
      joints and result in osteoarthritis. The articular cartilage uses longevity of
      type II collagen as the foundation around which turnover of proteoglycans and the
      homeostatic activity of chondrocytes play central roles thereby maintaining the
      function of articular cartilage in the ageing. The longevity of type II collagen
      involves a complex interaction of the scaffolding needs of the cartilage and its
      biochemical, structural and mechanical characteristics. The covalent cross
      linking of heterotypic polymers of collagens type II, type IX and type XI hold
      together cartilage, allowing it to withstand ageing stresses. Discerning the
      biological clues in the armamentarium for preserving cartilage appears to be
      collagen cross-linking. Therapeutic methods to crosslink in in-vivo are non
      existent. However intra-articular injections of polyphenols in vivo stabilize the
      cartilage and make it resistant to degradation, opening a new therapeutic
      possibility for prevention and intervention of cartilage degradation in
      osteoarthritis of aging.

PMID- 27133945
TI  - Should Treatment with Radiation and Androgen Deprivation Therapy be Considered
      the 'Gold Standard' for Men with Unfavourable Intermediate- to High-risk and
      Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer?

PMID- 27133946
TI  - Pattern of Progression after Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Oligometastatic
      Prostate Cancer Nodal Recurrences.
AB  - AIMS: To report the relapse pattern of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for
      oligorecurrent nodal prostate cancer (PCa). MATERIALS AND METHODS: PCa patients
      with <=3 lymph nodes (N1/M1a) at the time of recurrence were treated with SBRT.
      SBRT was defined as a radiotherapy dose of at least 5 Gy per fraction to a
      biological effective dose of at least 80 Gy to all metastatic sites. Distant
      progression-free survival was defined as the time interval between the first day
      of SBRT and appearance of new metastatic lesions, outside the high-dose region.
      Relapses after SBRT were recorded and compared with the initially treated site.
      Secondary end points were local control, time to palliative androgen deprivation
      therapy and toxicity scored using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse
      Events v4.0. RESULTS: Overall, 89 metastases were treated in 72 patients. The
      median distant progression-free survival was 21 months (95% confidence interval
      16-25 months) with 88% of patients having <=3 metastases at the time of
      progression. The median time from first SBRT to the start of palliative androgen
      deprivation therapy was 44 months (95% confidence interval 17-70 months). Most
      relapses (68%) occurred in nodal regions. Relapses after pelvic nodal SBRT (n =
      36) were located in the pelvis (n = 14), retroperitoneum (n = 1), pelvis and
      retroperitoneum (n = 8) or in non-nodal regions (n = 13). Relapses after SBRT for
      extrapelvic nodes (n = 5) were located in the pelvis (n = 1) or the pelvis and
      retroperitoneum (n = 4). Late grade 1 and 2 toxicity was observed in 17% (n = 12)
      and 4% of patients (n = 3). CONCLUSION: SBRT for oligometastatic PCa nodal
      recurrences is safe. Most subsequent relapses are again nodal and
      oligometastatic.

PMID- 27133947
TI  - Oral r-(-)-11-o-valeryl-n-n-propylnoraporphine reverses motor deficits in mptp
      treated marmosets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The D1/D2 dopamine agonist apomorphine has poor oral bioavailability,
      necessitating subcutaneous administration in the treatment of Parkinson's disease
      (PD). Acute subcutaneous injection is used as rescue therapy from "off" periods,
      whereas continuous subcutaneous infusion is used to increase "on" periods and to
      reduce dyskinesia when oral treatment fails. An orally active derivative of
      apomorphine would avoid the need for parenteral administration. We now describe
      the effects of the orally active compound R-(-)-11-O-valeryl-N-n
      propylnoraporphine (11-OH-NPa valerate) on reversal of motor disability and
      expression of dyskinesia in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)
      treated, l-dopa-primed dyskinetic common marmosets. METHODS: Locomotor activity,
      motor disability, and dyskinesia were assessed in MPTP-treated marmosets
      following the administration of apomorphine (0.075 mg/kg, subcutaneous and 0.28
      to 1.12 mg/kg, oral) and 11-OH-NPa valerate (0.19, 0.38, and 0.75mg/kg, oral).
      RESULTS: Subcutaneous administration of apomorphine (0.075 mg/kg) produced a
      short-lasting reversal of motor disability and the expression of established
      dyskinesia, but when administered orally (0.28-1.12 mg/kg) it had no effect. In
      contrast, oral treatment with 11-OH-NPa valerate (0.19 and 0.75 mg/kg) induced a
      dose-related reversal of motor disability and increased locomotor activity with
      only mild to moderate dyskinesia. Only at the highest dose (0.75 mg/kg) was
      marked dyskinesia seen accompanying an extended period of motor disability
      reversal and increased locomotor activity. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of 11
      OH-NPa valerate produced a rapid reversal of motor disability and, at effective
      dose levels, had a limited propensity to induce dyskinesia. 11-OH-NPa valerate is
      the first orally active derivative of apomorphine with potential for use in PD.
      (c) 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

PMID- 27133948
TI  - Cross-Intolerance With Dasatinib Among Imatinib-Intolerant Patients With Chronic
      Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: BCR-ABL inhibitors have improved the prognosis of patients with
      chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, imatinib, the first approved BCR-ABL
      inhibitor, must be discontinued in many patients because of resistance or
      intolerance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present retrospective, pooled analysis of
      phase II and III data explored the extent of cross-intolerance between imatinib
      and dasatinib, a second-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor, in 271 CML imatinib
      intolerant patients. RESULTS: Overall, 47 patients (17%) had cross-intolerance to
      dasatinib, determined by recurrence of grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs). Of the
      228 patients who discontinued imatinib because of nonhematologic intolerance, 10
      (4%) experienced the same severe nonhematologic AEs with dasatinib, with 4 of
      these patients (2%) discontinuing dasatinib because of cross-intolerance. Of the
      43 patients who discontinued imatinib because of hematologic intolerance, 37
      (86%) experienced a recurrence of grade 3 or 4 hematologic AEs with dasatinib,
      with 8 patients (19%) discontinuing dasatinib because of cross-intolerance. Of
      the 43 patients taking dasatinib at the optimized dose of 100 mg/d, 1 (2%)
      discontinued therapy because of recurrence of nonhematologic AEs and 3 (7%)
      because of recurrence of hematologic AEs. With a median treatment duration of 22
      months, the estimated rates of progression-free survival and overall survival at
      2 years were greater for patients with nonhematologic versus hematologic
      intolerance to imatinib who switched to dasatinib (progression-free survival, 94%
      vs. 68%, respectively; overall survival, 98% vs. 88%, respectively). CONCLUSION:
      Dasatinib could be an appropriate treatment option for imatinib-intolerant
      patients with CML, with cross-intolerance resulting in discontinuation in a few
      patients.

PMID- 27133949
TI  - Short-term effects of a computer-based nutritional nursing training program for
      inpatient hospital care.
AB  - RATIONALE: This study aimed to explore whether a computer-based training in
      eating and nutrition for hospital nursing staff can influence the precision in
      nutritional treatment and care. METHOD: A pre-intervention and post-intervention
      study was conducted with a cross-sectional design at each time point. The
      settings were one intervention (IH) and two control hospitals (CH1 and CH2).
      Hospital inpatients >18 years old at baseline (2012; n = 409) and follow-up
      (2014; n = 456) were included. The computer-based training was implemented during
      a period of 3 months in the IH with 297 (84%) participating registered nurses and
      nurse assistants. Nutritional risk was screened for using the Minimal Eating
      Observation and Nutrition Form. Nutritional treatment and care was recorded using
      a standardized protocol RESULTS: In the IH, there was an increase in the share of
      patients at UN risk that received energy-dense food (+16.7%) and dietician
      consultations (+17.3%) between baseline and follow-up, while fewer received
      feeding assistance (-16.2%). There was an increase in the share of patients at UN
      risk that received energy-dense food (+19.5%), a decrease in oral nutritional
      supplements (-30.5%) and food-registrations (-30.6%) in CH1, whereas there were
      no changes in CH2. 'Overtreatment' (providing nutritional treatment to those not
      at UN risk) was significantly higher in CH2 (52.7%) than in CH1 (14.3%) and in
      the IH (25.2%) at follow-up. CONCLUSION: The computer-based training seemed to
      increase the probability for patients at UN risk in the IH to receive nutritional
      treatment without increasing overtreatment.

PMID- 27133950
TI  - Multifunctional Mixed Micelles Cross-Assembled from Various Polyurethanes for
      Tumor Therapy.
AB  - A challenge in the development of multifunctional drug delivery systems is to
      establish a reasonable and effective synthetic route for multifunctional polymer
      preparation. Herein, we propose a unique protocol to prepare multifunctional
      micelles by a cross-assembly process using three different functional
      polyurethanes incorporating acidic sensitive hydrazone, folic acid for active
      targeting, and gemini quaternary ammonium (GQA) as efficient cell uptake ligands,
      respectively. These multifunctional mixed micelles (GFHPMs) have been endowed
      tunable particle sizes and zeta potential and a unique three-order-layer cross
      assemble structure. Their drug-loading contents have been significantly improved,
      and drug release profiles displayed controlled release of their payloads under
      acid condition. The folate and GQA ligands showed a synergistic effect to enhance
      the cell uptake. Biodistribution and antitumor effect of these micelles were
      systematically investigated in vivo, the mixed micelles could penetrate into the
      depths of tumors, and drug concentrations in tumors reached the maximum of 6.5%
      ID/g at 24 h, resulting in an excellent therapeutic effect that the volumes of
      tumors treated with GFHPM are five times smaller than those treated with blank
      micelles. Our present work provides an effective approach to the design of
      multifunctional nanocarriers for tumor-targeted and programmed intracellular drug
      delivery.

PMID- 27133951
TI  - Is preoperative anemia a risk factor for upper tract urothelial carcinoma
      following radical nephroureterectomy?
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to identify the effect of preoperative anemia on oncologic
      outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who had
      different levels of renal function. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2013, we enrolled
      370 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for nonmetastatic UTUC.
      Preoperative anemia was defined as hemoglobin <130g/l in men and <120g/l in women
      based on the World Health Organization classification. Kaplan-Meier method was
      applied to estimate the effect anemia on survival, and hazard ratios (HR) of
      anemia and other clinicopathological parameters were evaluated by Cox regression
      model. The analyses were also performed in patients with different chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) stages. RESULTS: In all, 242 (65.4%) patients were anemic before
      surgery. Those with preoperative anemia had worse CKD stage (P<0.001) and higher
      pathological tumor stage (P = 0.023). In univariate analysis, metastasis-free and
      cancer-specific survival rates were not significantly associated with
      preoperative anemia (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 0.93-2.44, P = 0.093 and HR = 1.59, 95%
      CI: 0.93-2.72, PP = 0.094, respectively). However, in patients without stage 5
      CKD, those with preoperative anemia had apparently inferior metastasis-free and
      cancer-specific survival than those without (HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.14-3.01, P =
      0.014 and HR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.16-3.56, P = 0.010, respectively). A multivariate
      Cox proportional hazards model indicated that preoperative anemia was an
      independent predictor for both metastasis-free (HR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.21-3.90, P =
      0.010) and cancer-specific survival (HR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.15-4.21, P = 0.017).
      CONCLUSIONS: Among patients without stage 5 CKD, preoperative anemia was a
      significant prognostic factor to predict metastatic progression and cancer
      specific death in UTUC following radical nephroureterectomy. It was important to
      be aware of patients' renal function while evaluating the effect of anemia on
      outcome of UTUC.

PMID- 27133952
TI  - Prostate cancer among East Asian men: Screening and management strategies.

PMID- 27133953
TI  - The comparative oncologic effectiveness of available management strategies for
      clinically localized prostate cancer.
AB  - The primary goal of modern prostate cancer treatment paradigms is to optimize the
      balance of predicted benefits associated with prostate cancer treatment against
      the predicted harms of therapy. However, given the limitations in the existing
      evidence as well as the significant tradeoffs posed by each treatment, there
      remain myriad challenges associated with individualized prostate cancer treatment
      decision-making. In this review, we summarize the existing comparative
      effectiveness evidence of treatments for localized prostate cancer with an
      emphasis on oncologic control. While we focus on the major treatment categories
      of radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and observation, we also provide a
      review of emerging therapies such as cryotherapy and high-intensity frequency
      ultrasound (HIFU).

PMID- 27133955
TI  - Effect of Salt on Phosphorylcholine-based Zwitterionic Polymer Brushes.
AB  - A quantitative investigation of the responses of surface-grown biocompatible
      brushes of poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) to different
      types of salt has been carried out using ellipsometry, quartz crystal
      microbalance (QCM) measurements, and friction force microscopy. Both cations and
      anions of varying valency over a wide range of concentrations were examined.
      Ellipsometry shows that the height of the brushes is largely independent of the
      ionic strength, confirming that the degree of swelling of the polymer is
      independent of the ionic character of the medium. In contrast, QCM measurements
      reveal significant changes in mass and dissipation to the PMPC brush layer,
      suggesting that ions bind to phosphorylcholine (PC) groups in PMPC molecules,
      which results in changes in the stiffness of the brush layer, and the binding
      affinity varies with salt type. Nanotribological measurements made using friction
      force microscopy show that the coefficient of friction decreases with increasing
      ionic strength for a variety of salts, supporting the conclusion drawn from QCM
      measurements. It is proposed that the binding of ions to the PMPC molecules does
      not change their hydration state, and hence the height of the surface-grown
      polymeric brushes. However, the balance of the intra- and intermolecular
      interactions is strongly dependent upon the ionic character of the medium between
      the hydrated chains, modulating the interactions between the zwitterionic PC
      pendant groups and, consequently, the stiffness of the PMPC molecules in the
      brush layer.

PMID- 27133954
TI  - Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Modulates Hypothalamic Pituitary Axis Activity and
      Anxiety Behavior Through Glucocorticoid Receptors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite strong evidence linking fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)
      with anxiety and depression in both rodents and humans, the molecular mechanisms
      linking FGF2 with anxiety are not understood. METHODS: We compare 1) mice that
      lack a functional Fgf2 gene (Fgf2 knockout [KO]), 2) wild-type mice, and 3) Fgf2
      KO with adult rescue by FGF2 administration on measures of anxiety, depression,
      and motor behavior, and further investigate the mechanisms of this behavior by
      cellular, molecular, and neuroendocrine studies. RESULTS: We demonstrate that
      Fgf2 KO mice have increased anxiety, decreased hippocampal glucocorticoid
      receptor (GR) expression, and increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
      activity. FGF2 administration in adulthood was sufficient to rescue the entire
      phenotype. Blockade of GR in adult mice treated with FGF2 precluded the
      therapeutic effects of FGF2 on anxiety behavior, suggesting that GR is necessary
      for FGF2 to regulate anxiety behavior. The level of Egr-1/NGFI-A was decreased in
      Fgf2 KO mice and was reestablished with FGF2 treatment. By chromatin
      immunoprecipitation studies, we found decreased binding of EGR-1 to the GR
      promoter region in Fgf2 KO mice. Finally, we examined anxiety behavior in FGF
      receptor (FGFR) KO mice; however, FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3 KO mice did not mimic
      the phenotype of Fgf2 KO mice, suggesting a role for other receptor subtypes
      (i.e., FGFR5). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that FGF2 levels are critically
      related to anxiety behavior and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity,
      likely through modulation of hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor expression, an
      effect that is likely receptor mediated, albeit not by FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3.

PMID- 27133956
TI  - Behavioral and Electrophysiological Differences in Executive Control Between
      Monolingual and Bilingual Children.
AB  - This study examined executive control in sixty-two 5-year-old children who were
      monolingual or bilingual using behavioral and event-related potentials (ERPs)
      measures. All children performed equivalently on simple response inhibition (gift
      delay), but bilingual children outperformed monolinguals on interference
      suppression and complex response inhibition (go/no-go task). On the go/no-go
      task, ERPs showed larger P3 amplitudes and shorter N2 and P3 latencies for
      bilingual children than for monolinguals. These latency and amplitude data were
      associated with better behavioral performance and better discrimination between
      stimuli for bilingual children but not for monolingual children. These results
      clarify the conditions that lead to advantages for bilingual children in
      executive control and provide the first evidence linking those performance
      differences to electrophysiological brain differences in children.

PMID- 27133957
TI  - Determination of 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol and 2-Monochloropropane-1,3-diol
      (MCPD) Esters and Glycidyl Esters by Microwave Extraction in Different
      Foodstuffs.
AB  - This paper describes a method for the determination of 3-monochloropropane-1,2
      diol and 2-monochloropropane-1,3-diol (MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters in
      various foodstuffs, which are isolated using microwave extraction. The next step
      is based on alkaline-catalyzed ester cleavage. The released glycidol is
      transformed into monobromopropanediol (MBPD). All compounds are derivatized in
      free diols (MCPD and MBPD) with phenylboronic acid and analyzed by gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method was validated for oils with
      a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.1 mg/kg, for chips and crisps with a LOQ of
      0.02 mg/kg, and for infant formula with a LOQ of 0.0025 mg/L. Recoveries of each
      sample were controlled by standard addition on extracts before derivatization.
      Quantitation was performed by the addition of isotopically labeled glycidyl and 3
      monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters. 

PMID- 27133958
TI  - Progressive Transformation of Germinal Centers: Single-Center Experience of 33
      Turkish Patients.
AB  - Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGCs) is a benign disease of the
      lymph nodes that is rarely associated with Hodgkin disease. We reviewed the
      clinical and pathologic features of PTGCs and the relationship of PTGCs with
      lymphoid neoplasia in an adult population. The data from 33 patients who were
      diagnosed with PTCGs were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 33 PTGC patients,
      48.5% were men and 51.5% were women, with a mean age of 43.8 years at diagnosis.
      Most of the enlarged and excised lymph nodes were cervical and axillary. Diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma was
      detected concurrent with PTGC in 2 patients. Also, PTGCs was detected 3 years
      after the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, nodular lymphocyte
      predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, and T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma in 3 patients. No
      relapse was found in the patients with lymphoma, and no progression to lymphoma
      was detected during the follow-up of the other patients. PTGCs is not considered
      a premalignant entity; however, the development of lymphoma has been reported
      rarely. If PTGCs occurs in the follow-up process of patients with lymphoma, the
      follow-up intervals should be shortened.

PMID- 27133959
TI  - Human Herpesvirus Type 8-positive Multicentric Castleman Disease.
AB  - Castleman disease (CD) is rare lymphoproliferative disorder with local lesionsor
      with multiple lessions (multicentric CD [MCD]-usually with plasma cell or mix
      cell morphology). Patients with human herpesvirus (HHV) type 8-positive MCD were
      included in a separate group owing to its extremely aggressive course and the
      high risk of transformation into HHV8(+) plasmablastic lymphoma. At our
      hematologic center, from 1996 to the present, the clinical and morphologic
      features of 87 patients with CD were analyzed. Immunohistochemical examination
      revealed DNA HHV8(+) lymph node tissue in patients with plasma cell and mixed
      cell morphology. In 45 patients, plasma cell or mixed cell variant CD was
      diagnosed. In 21 patients (8%), the manifestation of CD was local and in 29 (9%),
      it was multicentric. HHV8 was identified in only 6 cases (23.1%) of MCD (5 men
      and 1 woman, with a median age of 48.2 years; range, 36-77 years). The median
      follow-up point was 39.2 months. In 4 patients, the mixed cell variant was
      diagnosed and in 2, the plasma cell variant was diagnosed. In all the patients,
      constitutional symptoms, generalized lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly were
      detected. Various laboratory changes were observed, but the most significant were
      anemia, thrombocytopenia, hypergammaglobulinemia, M-component, increased
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and circulating immune complexes. In 2 cases of
      HHV8(+) CD, MCD was combined with autoimmune hemolytic anemia and in 2 cases with
      non-Hodgkin lymphoma. At the last follow-up point, 2 patients were still alive
      after CHOP (cyclophosphamide, prednisone, Adriamycin, vincristine) and R-CHOP
      (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine sulfate
      [Oncovin], prednisone) therapy with rituximab maintenance. HHV8(+) MCD results in
      aggressive multiorgan lesions and pronounced changes in laboratory test results.
      It is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis with a high risk of
      transformation to plasmablastic lymphoma and a lethal outcome. Timely
      chemotherapy for patients with HHV8(+) MCD can result in remission and prolong
      life.

PMID- 27133960
TI  - Quantitative and fingerprinting analysis of Atractylodes rhizome based on gas
      chromatography with flame ionization detection combined with chemometrics.
AB  - This study assessed the feasibility of gas chromatography with flame ionization
      detection fingerprinting combined with chemometrics for quality analysis of
      Atractylodes rhizome. We extracted essential oils from 20 Atractylodes lancea and
      Atractylodes koreana samples by hydrodistillation. The variation in extraction
      yields (1.33-4.06%) suggested that contents of the essential oils differed
      between species. The volatile components (atractylon, atractydin, and
      atractylenolide I, II, and III) were quantified by gas chromatography with flame
      ionization detection and confirmed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry,
      and the results demonstrated that the number and content of volatile components
      differed between A. lancea and A. koreana. We then calculated the relative peak
      areas of common components and similarities of samples by comparing the
      chromatograms of A. lancea and A. koreana extracts. Also, we employed several
      chemometric techniques, including similarity analysis, hierarchical clustering
      analysis, principal component analysis, and partial least-squares discriminate
      analysis, to analyze the samples. Results were consistent across analytical
      methods and showed that samples could be separated according to species. Five
      volatile components in the essential oils were quantified to further validate the
      results of the multivariate statistical analysis. The method is simple, stable,
      accurate, and reproducible. Our results provide a foundation for quality control
      analysis of A. lancea and A. koreana. 

PMID- 27133961
TI  - Pain prevalence, socio-demographic and clinical features in patients with chronic
      ulcers.
AB  - Chronic wounds are considered a worldwide epidemic and pain is the most
      frequently symptom referred by the patients who have this type of wound. The aim
      was to assess the prevalence of pain in chronic wounds and relate socio
      demographic and clinical variables to pain. This is an analytical cross-sectional
      study, carried out in Basic Health Units (BHU), Family Health Strategy (ESF) and
      in a university hospital in two cities of Minas Gerais. 200 individuals who had
      chronic ulcers of different etiologies participated. Data collection took place
      between October 2012 and January 2013. The majority of participants (69%)
      reported they were in pain during the interview. Subjects with higher education
      had more pain. Patients with venous ulcers had less severe pain, and arterial
      ulcers were responsible for scoring the highest value of pain. It was found that
      most patients with chronic wounds feel pain; its intensity depends on the type of
      wound and this symptom should be recognized while caring for these patients. 

PMID- 27133962
TI  - Endocuff-Assisted Colonoscopy-A Novel Accessory in Improving Adenoma Detection
      Rate: A Review of the Literature.
AB  - Endocuff (Arc Medical Design) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved
      device that is attached like a cap to the distal tip of the colonoscope; it is
      used to improve adenoma detection rates during colonoscopy. The aim of this
      review was to summarize and evaluate the clinical and technical efficacy of
      Endocuff in improving adenoma detection rate. A comprehensive literature review
      was performed to identify studies describing this technique. In this review
      article, we have summarized case series and reports describing Endocuff use and
      results. The reported indications, results, limitations, and complications are
      discussed.

PMID- 27133963
TI  - Population pharmacokinetics of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in singleton
      gestation.
AB  - AIMS: 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) reduces the rate of preterm
      birth in women with a prior preterm birth. Limited data exist on the
      pharmacokinetics (PK) of 17-OHPC or the plasma concentrations achieved during
      therapy. In this study, we evaluated the population PK of 17-OHPC in pregnant
      subjects with singleton gestation and also evaluated intrinsic and extrinsic
      factors that may potentially affect 17-OHPC PK in this patient population.
      METHODS: Sixty-one women with singleton pregnancies participated in this trial.
      Subjects received weekly intramuscular injections of 250 mg 17-OHPC in 1 ml
      castor oil from the time of enrolment (16 0/7 weeks - 20 6/7 weeks) up to 35
      weeks gestation or until delivery. Blood samples were obtained between 24 and 28
      weeks, between 32 and 35 weeks and over a 28-day period beyond the last
      injection. Maternal and/or cord blood were obtained at delivery. Data analysis
      was performed by nonlinear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM((r)) ). RESULTS: The
      17-OHPC PK were best described by a model with one maternal compartment and one
      fetal compartment, with first-order absorption and elimination from the maternal
      compartment. Maternal body weight was a significant covariate for both clearance
      (CL/F) and volume of distribution (Vmaternal /F). The final population mean
      estimates were: CL/F 1797 l/d, Vmaternal /F 32 610 l and mother to cord rate
      constant 0.005 day(-1) . This report describes for the first time the population
      PK of 17-OHPC in singleton pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The population PK study
      reported here represents the initial steps in understanding and optimizing 17
      OHPC therapy for preventing preterm birth.

PMID- 27133964
TI  - Optineurin suppression activates the mediators involved in the terminal effector
      pathways of human labour and delivery.
AB  - Spontaneous preterm birth remains the major cause of neonatal death and
      morbidity. Studies in non-gestational tissues report that optineurin (OPTN) is
      critical in the termination of NFKB1 activity and control of inflammation,
      central features of spontaneous preterm birth. The aims of the present study were
      to determine: (1) OPTN expression in fetal membranes and the myometrium during
      labour; (2) the effects of IL1B on OPTN expression in primary myometrial cells;
      and (3) the effects of OPTN short interference (si) RNA on IL1B-stimulated
      proinflammatory and prolabour mediators. OPTN mRNA and protein expression was
      significantly decreased with spontaneous term labour in fetal membranes and the
      myometrium. Although there was no effect of spontaneous preterm labour on OPTN
      expression in fetal membranes, there was decreased OPTN expression in membranes
      with chorioamnionitis and myometrial cells treated with 1ng mL-1 IL1B for 1 or
      6h. In cells transfected with OPTN siRNA, significant increases were seen in IL1B
      stimulated IL6, tumour necrosis factor, CXCL8 and monocyte chemoattractant
      protein-1 mRNA expression and release, cyclo-oxygenase-2 and prostanoid PTGFR
      receptor mRNA expression and the release of prostaglandin F2alpha. There was no
      change in IL1B-stimulated NFKBIA expression; however, there was increased NFKB1
      p65 DNA-binding activity. The results of the present study suggest that OPTN is a
      negative regulator of inflammation-induced prolabour mediators.

PMID- 27133965
TI  - Rapid and Efficient Stable Gene Transfer to Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Using a
      Modified Foamy Virus Vector.
AB  - Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) hold great promise for regenerative medicine.
      Stable ex vivo gene transfer to MSCs could improve the outcome and scope of MSC
      therapy, but current vectors require multiple rounds of transduction, involve
      genotoxic viral promoters and/or the addition of cytotoxic cationic polymers in
      order to achieve efficient transduction. We describe a self-inactivating foamy
      virus vector (FVV), incorporating the simian macaque foamy virus envelope and
      using physiological promoters, which efficiently transduces murine MSCs (mMSCs)
      in a single-round. High and sustained expression of the transgene, whether GFP or
      the lysosomal enzyme, arylsulphatase A (ARSA), was achieved. Defining MSC
      characteristics (surface marker expression and differentiation potential), as
      well as long-term engraftment and distribution in the murine brain following
      intracerebroventricular delivery, are unaffected by FVV transduction. Similarly,
      greater than 95% of human MSCs (hMSCs) were stably transduced using the same
      vector, facilitating human application. This work describes the best stable gene
      transfer vector available for mMSCs and hMSCs.

PMID- 27133966
TI  - Characterization of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) immune response
      under a natural lymphocystis disease virus outbreak.
AB  - Lymphocystis or lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) is distributed worldwide and
      affects many fresh and marine water fish species. LCDV is commonly found in
      aquaria fish species but also in farmed fish species, among them the gilthead
      seabream (Sparus aurata L.). The immune status of gilthead seabream (S. aurata)
      specimens under a natural outbreak of LCDV was studied. The replication of the
      virus was demonstrated in infected fish, but not in control fish. The results
      showed decreased total serum IgM levels and increased innate cellular immune
      response (peroxidase and respiratory burst activities) of head kidney leucocytes
      in LCDV-infected fish, compared to the values obtained in uninfected specimens.
      In addition, transcription of antiviral genes (ifn and irf3) was down-regulated
      in the skin of LCDV-positive fish as well as genes involved in cellular immunity
      (csf1r, mhc2a, tcra and ighm) that were down-regulated in skin and head kidney of
      infected fish. By contrast, the transcription of nccrp1 was up-regulated in head
      kidney after LCDV infection. These present results show that head kidney
      leucocytes are activated to encounter the virus at the sites of replication.

PMID- 27133967
TI  - Investigating nutrient profiling and Health Star Ratings on core dairy products
      in Australia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the ratings from the Australian front-of-pack
      labelling scheme, Health Star Rating (HSR), and the ability to carry health
      claims using the Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criterion (NPSC) for core dairy
      products promote foods consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. DESIGN:
      The Australian nutrient profiling model used for assessing eligibility for health
      claims was compared with the nutrient profiling model underpinning the HSR system
      to determine their agreement when assessing dairy products. Agreement between the
      extent to which products met nutrient profiling criteria and scored three stars
      or over using the HSR calculator was determined using Cohen's kappa tests.
      SETTING: The four largest supermarket chains in Sydney, Australia. SUBJECTS: All
      available products in the milk, hard cheese, soft cheese and yoghurt categories
      (n 1363) were surveyed in March-May 2014. Nutrition composition and ingredients
      lists were recorded for each product. RESULTS: There was 'good' agreement between
      NPSC and HSR overall (kappa=0.78; 95 % CI 0.75, 0.81; P<0.001), for hard cheeses
      (kappa=0.72; 95 % CI 0.65, 0.79; P<0.001) and yoghurt (kappa=0.79; 95 % CI 0.73,
      0.86; P<0.001). There was 'fair' agreement for milk (kappa=0.33; 95 % CI 0.20,
      0.45; P<0.001) and 'very good' agreement for soft cheese (kappa=0.84; 95 % CI
      0.75, 0.92; P<0.001). Generally, products tended to have HSR consistent with
      other products of a similar type within their categories. CONCLUSIONS: For dairy
      products, the HSR scheme largely aligned with the NPSC used for determining
      eligibility for health claims. Both systems appeared be consistent with the
      Australian Dietary Guidelines for dairy products, with lower-fat products rating
      higher.

PMID- 27133968
TI  - Plasmablastic plasmacytoma-like post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in
      an orthotopic liver transplant.

PMID- 27133969
TI  - Molecular confirmation of Anisakis pegreffii as a causative agent of anisakidosis
      in France.

PMID- 27133970
TI  - Simple pharmacological prophylaxis for post-ERCP pancreatitis.

PMID- 27133972
TI  - Acute respiratory distress syndrome.
AB  - Acute respiratory distress syndrome presents as hypoxia and bilateral pulmonary
      infiltrates on chest imaging in the absence of heart failure sufficient to
      account for this clinical state. Management is largely supportive, and is focused
      on protective mechanical ventilation and the avoidance of fluid overload.
      Patients with severe hypoxaemia can be managed with early short-term use of
      neuromuscular blockade, prone position ventilation, or extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation. The use of inhaled nitric oxide is rarely indicated and both beta2
      agonists and late corticosteroids should be avoided. Mortality remains at
      approximately 30%.

PMID- 27133971
TI  - Routine pre-procedural rectal indometacin versus selective post-procedural rectal
      indometacin to prevent pancreatitis in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography: a multicentre, single-blinded, randomised controlled
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rectal indometacin decreases the occurrence of pancreatitis after
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, the population
      most at risk and the optimal timing of administration require further
      investigation. We aimed to assess whether pre-procedural administration of rectal
      indometacin in all patients is more effective than post-procedural use in only
      high-risk patients to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis. METHODS: We did a
      multicentre, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial at six centres in China.
      Eligible patients with native papilla undergoing ERCP were randomly assigned in a
      1:1 ratio (with a computer-generated list) to universal pre-procedural
      indometacin or post-procedural indometacin in only high-risk patients, with
      stratification by trial centres and block size of ten. In the universal
      indometacin group, all patients received a single dose (100 mg) of rectal
      indometacin within 30 min before ERCP. In the risk-stratified, post-procedural
      indometacin group, only patients at predicted high risk received rectal
      indometacin, immediately after ERCP. Investigators, but not patients, were masked
      to group allocation. The primary outcome was overall ocurrence of post-ERCP
      pancreatitis. The analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle. This study
      was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02002650. FINDINGS: Between Dec
      15, 2013, and Sept 21, 2015, 2600 patients were randomly assigned to universal,
      pre-procedural indometacin (n=1297) or risk-stratified, post-procedural
      indometacin (n=1303). Overall, post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 47 (4%) of 1297
      patients assigned to universal indometacin and 100 (8%) of 1303 patients assigned
      to risk-stratified indometacin (relative risk 0.47; 95% CI 0.34-0.66; p<0.0001).
      Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 18 (6%) of 305 high-risk patients in the
      universal group and 35 (12%) of 281 high-risk patients in the risk-stratified
      group (p=0.0057). Post-ERCP pancreatitis was also less frequent in average-risk
      patients in the universal group (3% [29/992]), in which they received
      indometacin, than in the risk-stratified group (6% [65/1022]), in which they did
      not receive the drug (p=0.0003). Other than pancreatitis, adverse events occurred
      in 41 (3%; two severe) patients in the universal indometacin group and 48 (4%;
      one severe) patients in the risk-stratified group. The most common adverse events
      were biliary infection (22 [2%] patients vs 33 [3%] patients) and
      gastrointestinal bleeding (13 [1%] vs ten [1%]). INTERPRETATION: Compared with a
      risk-stratified, post-procedural strategy, pre-procedural administration of
      rectal indometacin in unselected patients reduced the overall occurrence of post
      ERCP pancreatitis without increasing risk of bleeding. Our results favour the
      routine use of rectal indometacin in patients without contraindications before
      ERCP. FUNDING: National Key Technology R&D Program, National Natural Science
      Foundation of China.

PMID- 27133973
TI  - Atypical performance patterns on Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System Color
      Word Interference Test: Cognitive switching and learning ability in older adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cognitive set shifting requires flexible application of lower level
      processes. The Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System (DKEFS) Color-Word
      Interference Test (CWIT) is commonly used to clinically assess cognitive set
      shifting. An atypical pattern of performance has been observed on the CWIT; a
      subset of individuals perform faster, with equal or fewer errors, on the more
      difficult inhibition/switching than the inhibition trial. This study seeks to
      explore the cognitive underpinnings of this atypical pattern. It is hypothesized
      that atypical patterns on CWIT will be associated with better performance on
      underlying cognitive measures of attention, working memory, and learning when
      compared to typical CWIT patterns. METHOD: Records from 239 clinical referrals
      (age: M = 68.09 years, SD = 10.62; education: M = 14.87 years, SD = 2.73) seen
      for a neuropsychological evaluation as part of diagnostic work up in an
      outpatient dementia and movement disorders clinic were sampled. The standard
      battery of tests included measures of attention, learning, fluency, executive
      functioning, and working memory. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were conducted to
      compare the cognitive performance of those with typical versus atypical CWIT
      patterns. RESULTS: An atypical pattern of performance was confirmed in 23% of our
      sample. Analyses revealed a significant group difference in acquisition of
      information on both nonverbal (Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised, BVMT-R
      total recall), F(1, 213) = 16.61, p < .001, and verbal (Hopkins Verbal Learning
      Test-Revised, HVLT-R total recall) learning tasks, F(1, 181) = 6.43, p < .01, and
      semantic fluency (Animal Naming), F(1, 232) = 7.57, p = .006, with the atypical
      group performing better on each task. Effect sizes were larger for nonverbal
      (Cohen's d = 0.66) than verbal learning (Cohen's d = 0.47) and semantic fluency
      (Cohen's d = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals demonstrating an atypical pattern of
      performance on the CWIT inhibition/switching trial also demonstrated relative
      strengths in semantic fluency and learning.

PMID- 27133974
TI  - Role of FDG-PET scan in the management of pediatric mature B cell non-Hodgkin's
      lymphoma. CCHE experience.
AB  - AIM OF WORK: To evaluate the sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and predictive
      values (PV) of PET scan during management of pediatric mature B cell non
      Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in comparison with conventional computed tomography (CT)
      scan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study enrolled on pediatric NHL
      patients at Children Cancer Hospital Egypt (CCHE) during the period from July
      2007 to the end of June 2013. RESULTS: For 115 pediatric patients diagnosed with
      mature B cell NHL, 152 PET and 152 CT scans were done simultaneously. Median age
      was 5.7years. They were 85 males (74%) and 30 females (26%). One hundred twenty
      six scans (82.9%) were done for 100 (87%) Burkitt lymphoma (BL) patients, while
      26 scans (17.1%) were done for 15 (13.0%) patients with diffuse large B cell NHL
      (DLBC). Nineteen examination (12.5%) were done before starting chemotherapy
      (group 1), 107 (70.3%) at time of evaluation (group 2), and 26 (17.1%) during
      follow up (group C). Overall sensitivity was 91.6% for PET and 70.0% for
      conventional CT (p=0.02). Specificity was 84.1% for PET and 58.9% for CT
      (p<0.001). Positive predictive value (PPV) for PET was 50%, while was 22% for CT
      scan (p<0.001). Negative predictive value (NPV) for PET was 98%, and 92% for CT
      (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: PET scan is significantly more sensitive than conventional
      CT in the management of aggressive pediatric mature B cell NHL. PET negativity is
      an excellent indicator of tumor response.

PMID- 27133975
TI  - Hypofractionated Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiotherapy with simultaneous Elective
      Nodal Irradiation is feasible in prostate cancer patients: A single institution
      experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess feasibility, toxicity and biochemical relapse-free survival (b
      RFS) for a group of organ confined (OC) Saudi prostate cancer patients treated by
      hypo-fractionated Volumetric Modulated Arc Radiation Therapy (VMAT) Simultaneous
      Integrated Boost (SIB) Elective Nodal Irradiation (ENI) whole pelvic radiotherapy
      (WPRT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and January 2014, 29 OC prostate
      cancer patients; median age 64years, PS 0-1 were treated in King Faisal
      Specialist Hospital - Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using VMAT-SIB-ENI-WPRT, to
      a total dose of 70Gy in 28 fractions. Twenty Four patients (83%) were treated
      with neo-adjuvant; concurrent androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Median follow
      up (FU) was 42months (range: 18-72months). RESULTS: The 3-year actuarial b-RFS
      for low/intermediate and high risk groups were 100%, and 48%, respectively
      (p=0.09) with a median FU period of 34months (range: 14-53months). Gleason Score
      (p=0.02), and pretreatment PSA (p=0.01) were predictive for biochemical failure
      on univariate analysis; with no observed prostate cancer-related deaths. Grade 2
      acute/late GI and GU toxicities were 28%/0% and 17%/10% respectively with no
      reported grade 3/4 toxicities. Four (50%) out of the 8 patients with baseline
      partial potency, retained sexual function on long term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      Hypo-fractionation dose escalation VMAT-SIB-ENI-WPRT using 2 arcs is a feasible
      technique for intermediate/high risk OC prostate cancer patients, with acceptable
      rates of acute/late toxicities, much favorable planning target volume (PTV)
      coverage, and shorter overall treatment time. Prospective randomized controlled
      trials are encouraged to confirm its equivalence to other fractionation schemes.

PMID- 27133976
TI  - Brown Rot Strikes Prunus Fruit: An Ancient Fight Almost Always Lost.
AB  - Brown rot (BR) caused by Monilinia spp., has been an economic problem for the
      stone fruit market due to dramatic losses, mainly during the postharvest period.
      There is much literature about basic aspects of Monilinia spp. infection, which
      indicates that environment significantly influences its occurrence in the
      orchard. However, progress is needed to sustainably limit this disease: the
      pathogen is able to develop resistance to pesticides, and most of BR resistance
      research programs in plant models perish. Solving this problem becomes important
      due to the need to decrease chemical treatments and reduce residues on fruit.
      Thus, research has recently increased, exploring a wide range of disease control
      strategies (e.g., genetic, chemical, physical). Summarizing this information is
      difficult, as studies evaluate different Monilinia and Prunus model species, with
      diverse strategies and protocols. Thus, the purpose of this review is to present
      the diversity and distribution of agents causing BR, focusing on the biochemical
      mechanisms of Monilinia spp. infection both of the fungi and of the fruit, and
      report on the resistance sources in Prunus germplasm. This review comprehensively
      compiles the information currently available to better understand mechanisms
      related to BR resistance. 

PMID- 27133977
TI  - Return to recreational sport and clinical outcomes with at least 2years follow-up
      after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The main objective of the study was to assess return to sports in
      recreational athletes after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear (RCT).
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center study included all
      recreational athletes operated between 2008 and 2012 for arthroscopic repair of
      RCT, with regular sports activity, and aged less than 70 years. All were
      recontacted at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The main outcome was return to
      sports (yes/no). The secondary criteria were return to sports, time to return to
      sports, number of hours per week of sports activity, and at the last follow-up
      the subjective assessment of sports level, patient satisfaction, and the Western
      Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients (37 females, 39
      males) with a mean age of 57.0+/-7.3 years were included. Of these 76 patients,
      53 (69.7%) patients participated in a sport that specifically involved the upper
      limb. The mean follow-up was 45+/-14 months. Postoperatively, 67 of 76 (88.2%)
      patients returned to a sports activity, the same sport for 52 out of 76 (68.4%).
      The mean time to return to sports was 6+/-4.9 months. For patients who had taken
      up their sport again, the mean number of hours a week was not significantly
      modified (P=0.58). At the last follow-up, the subjective sports level was judged
      better or identical to the preoperative level by 52 of 67 (77.6%) patients. The
      factors significantly associated with absence of return to the previous sport
      were pain symptoms evolving for more than 9 months before surgery (OR=3.6 [1.01
      12.5], P=0.04) and preoperative sports intensity less than 2h/week (OR=4.1 [1.4
      12.3], P=0.01). At the last follow-up, the functional improvement evaluated by
      the WORC Index was strongly significant (P<0.00001) and 73 of 76 (96%) patients
      were satisfied. CONCLUSION: The majority of the recreational athletes returned to
      sports after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, most often at the same level and
      with equivalent intensity compared to before surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV,
      retrospective study.

PMID- 27134004
TI  - FIRT: Filtered iterative reconstruction technique with information restoration.
AB  - Electron tomography (ET) combining subsequent sub-volume averaging has been
      becoming a unique way to study the in situ 3D structures of macromolecular
      complexes. However, information missing in electron tomography due to limited
      angular sampling is still the bottleneck in high-resolution electron tomography
      application. Here, based on the understanding of smooth nature of biological
      specimen, we present a new iterative image reconstruction algorithm, FIRT
      (filtered iterative reconstruction technique) for electron tomography by
      combining the algebra reconstruction technique (ART) and the nonlinear diffusion
      (ND) filter technique. Using both simulated and experimental data, in comparison
      to ART and weight back projection method, we proved that FIRT could generate a
      better reconstruction with reduced ray artifacts and significant improved
      correlation with the ground truth and partially restore the information at the
      non-sampled angular region, which was proved by investigating the 90 degrees  re
      projection and by the cross-validation method. This new algorithm will be
      subsequently useful in the future for both cellular and molecular ET with better
      quality and improved structural details.

PMID- 27134005
TI  - Is a decentralized continuing medical education program feasible for Chinese
      rural health professionals?
AB  - PURPOSE: Rural health professionals in township health centers (THCs) tend to
      have less advanced educational degrees. This study aimed to ascertain the
      perceived feasibility of a decentralized continuing medical education (CME)
      program to upgrade their educational levels. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of
      THC health professionals was conducted using a self-administered, structured
      questionnaire in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. RESULTS: The health
      professionals in the THCs were overwhelmingly young with low education levels.
      They had a strong desire to upgrade their educational degrees. The decentralized
      CME program was perceived as feasible by health workers with positive attitudes
      about the benefit for license examination, and by those who intended to improve
      their clinical diagnosis and treatment skills. The target groups of such a
      program were those who expected to undertake a bachelor's degree and who rated
      themselves as "partially capable" in clinical competency. They reported that 160
      400 USD annually would be an affordable fee for the program. CONCLUSION: A
      decentralized CME program was perceived feasible to upgrade rural health workers'
      education level to a bachelor's degree and improve their clinical competency.

PMID- 27134006
TI  - Determinants and outcomes of motivation in health professions education: a
      systematic review based on self-determination theory.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed at conducting a systematic review in health professions
      education of determinants, mediators and outcomes of students' motivation to
      engage in academic activities based on the self-determination theory's
      perspective. METHODS: A search was conducted across databases (MEDLINE, CINHAL,
      EMBASE, PsycINFO, and ERIC databases), hand-search of relevant journals, grey
      literature, and published research profile of key authors. Quantitative and
      qualitative studies were included if they reported research in health professions
      education focused on determinants, mediators, and/or outcomes of motivation from
      the self-determination and if meeting the quality criteria. RESULTS: A total of
      17 studies met the inclusion and quality criteria. Articles retrieved came from
      diverse locations and mainly from medical education and to a lesser extent from
      psychology and dental education. Intrapersonal (gender and personality traits)
      and interpersonal determinants (academic conditions and lifestyle, qualitative
      method of selection, feedback, and an autonomy supportive learning climate) have
      been reported to have a positive influence on students' motivation to engage in
      academic activities. No studies were found that tested mediation effects between
      determinants and students' motivation. In turn, students' self-determined
      motivation has been found to be positively associated with different cognitive,
      affective, and behavioural outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study has found that
      generally, motivation could be enhanced by changes in the educational environment
      and by an early detection of students' characteristics. Doing so may support
      future health practitioners' self-determined motivation and positively influence
      how they process information and their emotions and how they approach their
      learning activities.

PMID- 27134007
TI  - Remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED).
AB  - With increasing indications and access to cardiac implantable electronic devices
      (CIEDs) worldwide, the number of patients needing CIED follow-up continues to
      rise. In parallel, the technology available for managing these devices has
      advanced considerably. In this setting, remote monitoring (RM) has emerged as a
      complement to routine in-office care. Rigorous studies, randomized and otherwise,
      have demonstrated advantages to patient with CIED management systems, which
      incorporates RM resulting in authoritative guidelines from relevant professional
      societies recommending RM for all eligible patients. In addition to clinical
      benefits, CIED management programs that include RM have been shown to be cost
      effective and associated with high patient satisfaction. Finally, RM programs
      hold promise for the future of CIED research in light of the massive data
      collected through RM databases converging with unprecedented computational
      capability. This review outlines the available data associated with clinical
      outcomes in patients managed with RM with an emphasis on randomized trials; the
      impact of RM on patient satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, and healthcare
      utilization; and possible future directions for the use of RM in clinical
      practice and research.

PMID- 27134008
TI  - rpiCOOL: A tool for In Silico RNA-protein interaction detection using random
      forest.
AB  - Understanding the principle of RNA-protein interactions (RPIs) is of critical
      importance to provide insights into post-transcriptional gene regulation and is
      useful to guide studies about many complex diseases. The limitations and
      difficulties associated with experimental determination of RPIs, call an urgent
      need to computational methods for RPI prediction. In this paper, we proposed a
      machine learning method to detect RNA-protein interactions based on sequence
      information. We used motif information and repetitive patterns, which have been
      extracted from experimentally validated RNA-protein interactions, in combination
      with sequence composition as descriptors to build a model to RPI prediction via a
      random forest classifier. About 20% of the "sequence motifs" and "nucleotide
      composition" features have been selected as the informative features with the
      feature selection methods. These results suggest that these two feature types
      contribute effectively in RPI detection. Results of 10-fold cross-validation
      experiments on three non-redundant benchmark datasets show a better performance
      of the proposed method in comparison with the current state-of-the-art methods in
      terms of various performance measures. In addition, the results revealed that the
      accuracy of the RPI prediction methods could vary considerably across different
      organisms. We have implemented the proposed method, namely rpiCOOL, as a stand
      alone tool with a user friendly graphical user interface (GUI) that enables the
      researchers to predict RNA-protein interaction. The rpiCOOL is freely available
      at http://biocool.ir/rpicool.html for non-commercial uses.

PMID- 27134009
TI  - Breaking bad news: A communication competency for ophthalmology training
      programs.
AB  - As the ophthalmology accreditation system undergoes major changes, training
      programs must evaluate residents in the 6 core competencies, including
      appropriately communicating bad news. Although the literature is replete with
      recommendations for breaking bad news across various non-ophthalmology
      specialties, no formal training programs exist for ophthalmology. There are many
      valuable lessons to be learned from our colleagues regarding this important
      skill. We examine the historic basis for breaking bad news, explore current
      recommendations among other specialties, and then evaluate a pilot study in
      breaking bad news for ophthalmology residents. The results of this study are
      limited by a small number of residents at a single academic center. Future
      studies from multiple training programs should be conducted to further evaluate
      the need and efficacy of formal communication skills training in this area, as
      well as the generalizability of our pilot training program. If validated, this
      work could serve as a template for future ophthalmology resident training and
      evaluation in this core competency.

PMID- 27134010
TI  - Esterification of essential and non-essential fatty acids into distinct lipid
      classes in ruminant and non-ruminant tissues.
AB  - Extensive microbial biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the
      rumen reduces the essential fatty acids (EFA) available for absorption in
      ruminant animals, but there is no published documentation of ruminants developing
      EFA deficiency. In ruminants, most circulating PUFA are found in the phospholipid
      (PL) and cholesteryl ester lipid classes that have slow turn-over compared to
      other lipid classes. The objective of this experiment was to measure fatty acid
      esterification patterns of the non-EFA palmitic (16:0) and oleic acid (18:1), and
      the EFA linoleic (18:2) and linolenic acid (18:3) in small intestine, liver, and
      muscle tissue of cows and pigs to identify tissues participating in sequestration
      of these FA in less metabolically active lipid classes in ruminants. Bovine and
      porcine small intestine, liver, and muscle explants were prepared and incubated
      in media containing radiolabeled 16:0, 18:1, 18:2, or 18:3 to measure
      esterification of fatty acids into PL and TG. Neither bovine nor porcine small
      intestine explants preferentially incorporated non-EFA compared to EFA into PL vs
      TG. Bovine liver explants esterified a larger proportion of EFA than non-EFA into
      PL compared to TG, while incorporation was similar among the FA tested in porcine
      liver explants. Bovine muscle explants showed preferential incorporation of EFA
      into PL rather than TG. Results show that bovine and porcine liver and muscle
      esterify EFA and non-EFA differently and that the conservation of EFA in
      ruminants is a result of preferential incorporation of EFA into PL mediated by
      bovine liver and muscle, but not the small intestine. 

PMID- 27134011
TI  - Evaluation of crown discoloration induced by endodontic sealers and colour change
      ratio determination after bleaching.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate tooth discoloration after the use of root
      canal sealers and the effect of internal bleaching on sealer discoloration. The
      crowns of 56 incisors were cut and randomly filled with four sealers (n = 14):
      Pulpispad, AH26, MTA Fillapex, EndoREZ. The colour measurement was taken with a
      spectrophotometer prior and after placement of sealers. Colour changes (DeltaE)
      were recorded after 4 weeks then sealers were removed and an internal bleaching
      treatment was performed. After bleaching treatment colour changes (DeltaE) were
      measured. Data were analysed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha = 0.05). All
      tested sealers induced varying chromatic alterations. Pulpispad showed
      statistically more discoloration than other sealers (P < 0.05). After bleaching,
      EndoREZ showed statistically more bleaching ratio than MTA Fillapex and AH26 (P <
      0.05). Internal bleaching was efficient in discoloured teeth induced by root
      canal sealers.

PMID- 27134012
TI  - Assessment of pulse arrival time for arterial stiffness monitoring on body
      composition scales.
AB  - This study presents a system that aims to estimate changes in arterial health
      status in an unobtrusive way. It might be especially useful in long-term self
      monitoring of cardiovascular performance for successful treatment and empowerment
      of patients. This system applies the electrocardiographic and impedance
      plethysmographic signals acquired using modified body composition scales for the
      calculation of pulse arrival time, which is directly related to arterial
      stiffness. The proposed device was tested in a cohort of 14 subjects. The
      modified scales were compared to the commercial PulsePen tonometer and the
      results showed significant relationship between these different devices (rs=0.93,
      p<0.01). The system also showed the ability to track small pulse arrival time
      variations induced by paced respiration. These findings suggest that scales
      evaluating parameters of cardiovascular function have potential to become a
      convenient device for self-monitoring of arterial stiffness.

PMID- 27134013
TI  - Hyaluronic acid-fibrin interpenetrating double network hydrogel prepared in situ
      by orthogonal disulfide cross-linking reaction for biomedical applications.
AB  - To strengthen the mechanical properties of a fibrin gel and improve its
      applicability as a scaffold for tissue engineering (TE) applications, a strategy
      for the in situ preparation of the interpenetrating network (IPN) of fibrin and
      hyaluronic acid (HA) was developed on the basis of simultaneous and orthogonal
      fibrinogenesis and disulfide cross-linking. The synthetic pathway included the
      preparation of mutually reactive HA derivatives bearing thiol and 2-dithiopyridyl
      groups. Combining thiol-derivatized HA with thrombin and 2-dithiopyridyl-modified
      HA with fibrinogen and then mixing the obtained liquid formulations afforded IPNs
      with fibrin-resembling fibrillar architectures at different ratios between fibrin
      and HA networks. The formation of two networks was confirmed by conducting
      reference experiments with the compositions lacking one of the four components.
      The composition of 2% (w/v) fibrin and 1% (w/v) HA showed the highest storage
      modulus (G'), as compared with the single network counterparts. The degradation
      of fibrin in IPN hydrogels was slower than that in pure fibrin gels both during
      incubation of the hydrogels in a fibrin-cleaving nattokinase solution and during
      the culturing of cells after their encapsulation in the hydrogels. Together with
      the persistence of HA network, it permitted longer cell culturing time in the
      IPN. Moreover, the proliferation and spreading of MG63 cells that express the
      hyaluronan receptor CD44 in IPN hydrogel was increased, as compared with its
      single network analogues. These results are promising for tunable ECM-based
      materials for TE and regenerative medicine. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The
      present work is devoted to in situ fabrication of injectable extracellular matrix
      hydrogels through simultaneous generation of networks of fibrin and hyaluronic
      acid (HA) that interpenetrate each other. This is accomplished by combination of
      enzymatic fibrin cross-linking with orthogonal disulphide cross-linking of HA.
      High hydrophilicity of HA prevents compaction of the fibrin network, while fibrin
      provides an adhesive environment for in situ encapsulated cells. The
      interpenetrating network hydrogel shows an increased stiffness along with a lower
      degradation rate of fibrin in comparison to the single fibrin network. As a
      result, the cells have sufficient time for the remodelling of the scaffold. This
      new approach can be applied for modular construction of in vitro tissue models
      and tissue engineering scaffolds in vivo.

PMID- 27134014
TI  - Hydrolysis-controlled protein adsorption and antifouling behaviors of mixed
      charged self-assembled monolayer: A molecular simulation study.
AB  - Understanding the mechanism of the antimicrobial and antifouling properties of
      mixed charged materials is of great significance. The interactions between human
      gamma fibrinogen (gammaFg) and mixed carboxylic methyl ether-terminated (COOCH3-)
      and trimethylamino-terminated (N(CH3)3(+)-) SAMs and the influence of hydrolysis
      were studied by molecular simulations. After hydrolysis, the mixed SAMs exhibit
      behaviors from antimicrobial to antifouling, since the COOCH3-thiols were
      translated into carboxylic acid (COO(-)-) terminated thiols, which carried a net
      charge of -1 e. Simulation results showed that the main differences between
      COOCH3-/N(CH3)3(+)-SAM and COO(-)-/N(CH3)3(+)-SAM are the charged property and
      the hydration layer above the surface. gammaFg could stably adsorb on the
      positively-charged COOCH3-/N(CH3)3(+)-SAM. The adsorption behavior is mainly
      induced by the strong electrostatic attraction. There is a single hydration layer
      bound to the surface, which is related to the N(CH3)3(+) groups. The van der
      Waals repulsion between gammaFg and the single hydration layer are not strong
      enough to compensate the strong electrostatic attraction. After hydrolysis, the
      positively-charged SAM was transferred to a neutral mixed charged surface, the
      electrostatic attraction between gammaFg and the surface disappears. Meanwhile,
      the SAM surface is covered by double hydration layers, which is induced by the
      N(CH3)3(+) and COO(-) groups; water molecules around COO(-) groups are obviously
      denser than that around N(CH3)3(+) groups. With the combined contribution from
      double hydration layers and the vanishment of electrostatic attraction, gammaFg
      is forced to desorb from the surface. After hydrolysis, the internal structure of
      mixed SAM appears more ordered due to the electrostatic interactions between
      charged groups on the top of SAMs. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The antimicrobial
      and antifouling materials are of great importance in many biological
      applications. The strong hydration property of surfaces and the interactions
      between proteins and surfaces play a key role in resisting protein adsorption.
      The mixed SAMs, constructed from a 1:1 combination of COOCH3- and N(CH3)3(+)
      terminated thiols, can induce protein adsorption mainly through the electrostatic
      interaction. When the COOCH3-terminated thiols were hydrolyzed to negatively
      charged COO(-)-terminated thiols, the mixed-charged SAMs switched from
      antimicrobial to antifouling. Due to the strong hydration property of the mixed
      charged SAMs, the adsorbed gammaFg moved away from the surface. Understanding the
      interactions between protein and mixed-charged SAMs in the atomistic level is
      important for the practical design and development of new antimicrobial and
      antifouling materials.

PMID- 27134015
TI  - Heparin-gelatin mixture improves vascular reconstruction efficiency and hepatic
      function in bioengineered livers.
AB  - Whole organ decellularization is a cell removal process that creates a natural
      extracellular matrix for use in transplantation. A lack of an intact endothelial
      layer in the vascular network of decellularized organs results in blood clotting
      even with anti-coagulation treatment. Furthermore, shear stress caused by blood
      flow may affect reseeded parenchymal cells. We hypothesized that a heparin
      gelatin mixture (HG) can act as an antithrombotic coating reagent and induce
      attachment and migration of endothelial cells (ECs) on vascular wall surfaces
      within decellularized livers, with subsequent parenchymal cell function
      enhancement. Portal vein (PV) perfusion was performed for right lateral lobe
      decellularization of porcine livers. We tested if HG-precoating of isolated
      decellularized PV could increase EC attachment and migration. Additionally, we
      coated PV and hepatic artery walls in decellularized liver with HG, and then
      repopulated it with ECs and maintained it under vascular flow in a bioreactor for
      10days. Re-endothelialized scaffolds were perfused with porcine blood for
      thrombogenicity evaluation. We then co-cultured hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2)
      cells and ECs to evaluate the effect of endothelialization on parenchymal cells.
      Finally, we transplanted these scaffolds heterotopically in pigs. HG improved
      ECs' ability to migrate and adhere to vessel discs. ECs efficiently covered the
      vascular compartments within decellularized scaffolds and maintained function and
      proliferation after HG-precoating. No thrombosis was observed after 24h blood
      perfusion in HG-precoated scaffolds, indicating an efficiently endothelialized
      vascular tree. HepG2 cells displayed a higher function in scaffolds
      endothelialized after HG-precoating compared to uncoated scaffolds in vitro and
      after in vivo transplantation. Our results lay the groundwork for engineering
      human-sized whole-liver scaffolds for clinical applications. STATEMENT OF
      SIGNIFICANCE: A major obstacle to successful organ bioengineering is vasculature
      reconstruction to avoid thrombosis and deliver nutrients through blood to the
      whole scaffold after in vivo transplantation. Although many attempts have been
      made to construct endothelial cell layers on the vascular network within
      decellularized organs, complete coverage has not be achieved. Here, we describe
      an effective approach for endothelial cell seeding to reconstruct a patent
      vascular tree within decellularized livers by coating the vasculature using
      heparin-gelatin mixture. Our results have demonstrate that enhancement of
      endothelial cell attachment by heparin-gelatin treatment could improve vascular
      patency and parenchymal cell function in vitro and in vivo. These results
      represent a significant advancement toward bioengineering functional liver tissue
      that maintains vascular patency for transplantation.

PMID- 27134016
TI  - Surface functionalization superparamagnetic nanoparticles conjugated with
      thermoresponsive poly(epsilon-lysine) dendrons tethered with carboxybetaine for
      the mild hyperthermia-controlled delivery of VEGF.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the growth factor responsible for
      the triggering of angiogenesis, the process of blood vessel formation supporting
      the long-term viability of any repaired or regenerated tissue. As the growth
      factor is effective only when concentration gradients are generated, new shuttles
      need to be developed that ensure both the control of gradients at the site of
      tissue repair and the release of VEGF at physiological levels. Magnetic
      hyperthermia is the production of heat induced by magnetic materials through
      their exposure to an external oscillating magnetic field. In this paper, magnetic
      nanoparticles capable of generating controllable hyperthermia were functionalised
      with hyperbranched poly(epsilon-lysine) peptides integrating in their core
      parallel thermoresponsive elastin-like peptide sequences and presenting an
      uppermost branching generation tethered by the zwitterionic amino acid
      carboxybetaine. The results show that these functionalised magnetic nanoparticles
      avidly bind VEGF and release it only upon generation of mild-hyperthermic pulses
      generated by oscillating magnetic filed. The VEGF release occurred in a
      temperature range at which the elastin-like peptides collapse. It is proposed
      that, through the application of an external magnetic field, these magnetic
      carriers could generated gradients of VEGF in vivo and allow its tuned delivery
      in a number of clinical applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The present
      paper for the first time reveals the possibility to control the delivery of VEGF
      through mild hyperthermia stimuli generated by a oscillating magnetic field. To
      this purpose, magnetic nanoparticles of high size homogeneity and coated with a
      thin coating of poly(acrylic acid) were functionalised with a novel class of
      poly(epsilon lysine) dendrimers integrating in their structure a thermoresponsive
      amino acid sequence mimicking elastin and exposing at high density a zwitterionic
      modified amino acid, the carboxybetaine, known to be able to bind macromolecules.
      Physicochemical and biochemical characterisation elegantly show the link between
      the thermal properties of the nanoparticles and of the dendrimer change of
      conformation and how this enable the release of VEGF at temperature values
      compatible with the growth factor stability.

PMID- 27134017
TI  - The Long-Term Benefit of Liver Transplantation for Hepatic Metastases From
      Neuroendocrine Tumors.
AB  - Selection criteria and benefit of liver transplantation for hepatic metastases
      from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) remain uncertain. Eighty-eight consecutive
      patients with metastatic NETs eligible for liver transplantation according to
      Milan-NET criteria were offered transplant (n = 42) versus nontransplant options
      (n = 46) depending on list dynamics, patient disposition, and age. Tumor burden
      between groups did not differ. Transplant patients were younger (40.5 vs. 55.5
      years; p < 0.001). Long-term outcomes were compared after matching between groups
      made on multiple Cox models adjusted for propensity score built on logistic
      models. Survival benefit was the difference in mean survival between transplant
      versus nontransplant options. No patients were lost or died without recurrence.
      Median follow-up was 122 months. The transplant group showed a significant
      advantage over nontransplant strategies at 5 and 10 years in survival (97.2% and
      88.8% vs. 50.9% and 22.4%, respectively; p < 0.001) and time-to-progression
      (13.1% and 13.1% vs. 83.5% and 89%; p < 0.001). After adjustment for propensity
      score, survival advantage of the transplant group was significant (hazard ratio =
      7.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4-23.0; p = 0.001). Adjusted transplant
      related survival benefit was 6.82 months (95% CI: 1.10-12.54; p = 0.019) and
      38.43 months (95% CI: 21.41-55.45; p < 0.001) at 5 and 10 years, respectively.
      Liver transplantation for metastatic NETs under restrictive criteria provides
      excellent long-term outcome. Transplant-related survival benefit increases over
      time and maximizes after 10 years.

PMID- 27134018
TI  - Musculoskeletal interventional radiology: ultrasound and CT.
AB  - We aim to describe imaging-guided (ultrasound and CT) interventional techniques
      in the musculoskeletal system that can be performed by general radiologists,
      whether in hospitals, primary care clinics, private offices, or other settings.
      The first requirement for doing these procedures is adequate knowledge of the
      anatomy of the musculoskeletal system. The second requirement is to inform the
      patient thoroughly about the technique, the risks involved, and the alternatives
      available in order to obtain written informed consent. The third requirement is
      to ensure that the procedure is performed in accordance with the principles of
      asepsis in relation to the puncture zone and to all the material employed
      throughout the procedure. The main procedures that can be done under ultrasound
      guidance are the following: fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), core needle
      biopsy (CNB), diagnostic and/or therapeutic arthrocentesis, drainage of juxta
      articular fluid collections, drainage of abscesses, drainage of hematomas,
      treatment of Baker's cyst, treatment of ganglia, treatment of bursitis,
      infiltrations and treatment of plantar fasciitis, plantar fibrosis,
      epicondylitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and Morton's neuroma, puncture and lavage
      of calcifications in calcifying tendinopathy. We also review the following CT
      guided procedures: diagnosis of spondylodiscitis, FNAC of metastases,
      arthrography, drainages. Finally, we also mention more complex procedures that
      can only be done in appropriate settings: bone biopsies, treatment of facet joint
      pain, radiofrequency treatment. 

PMID- 27134019
TI  - Unraveling the effect of adiposity on health: The epidemiology paradoxes.

PMID- 27134020
TI  - Oxygen and Nitrate Respiration in Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2).
AB  - Streptomyces species belong to the phylum Actinobacteria and can only grow with
      oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor. Like other members of this phylum, such
      as corynebacteria and mycobacteria, the aerobic respiratory chain lacks a soluble
      cytochrome c. It is therefore implicit that direct electron transfer between the
      cytochrome bc1 and the cytochrome aa3 oxidase complexes occurs. The complex
      developmental cycle of streptomycetes manifests itself in the production of
      spores, which germinate in the presence of oxygen into a substrate mycelium that
      greatly facilitates acquisition of nutrients necessary to support their
      saprophytic lifestyle in soils. Due to the highly variable oxygen levels in
      soils, streptomycetes have developed means of surviving long periods of hypoxia
      or even anaerobiosis but they fail to grow under these conditions. Little to
      nothing is understood about how they maintain viability under conditions of
      oxygen limitation. It is assumed that they can utilise a number of different
      electron acceptors to help them maintain a membrane potential, one of which is
      nitrate. The model streptomycete remains Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2), and it
      synthesises three nonredundant respiratory nitrate reductases (Nar). These Nar
      enzymes are synthesised during different phases of the developmental cycle and
      they are functional only under oxygen-limiting (<5% oxygen in air) conditions.
      Nevertheless, the regulation of their synthesis does not appear to be responsive
      to nitrate and in the case of Nar1, it appears to be developmentally regulated.
      This review highlights some of the novel aspects of our current, but somewhat
      limited, knowledge of respiration in these fascinating bacteria.

PMID- 27134021
TI  - Anaerobic Metabolism in Haloferax Genus: Denitrification as Case of Study.
AB  - A number of species of Haloferax genus (halophilic archaea) are able to grow
      microaerobically or even anaerobically using different alternative electron
      acceptors such as fumarate, nitrate, chlorate, dimethyl sulphoxide, sulphide
      and/or trimethylamine. This metabolic capability is also shown by other species
      of the Halobacteriaceae and Haloferacaceae families (Archaea domain) and it has
      been mainly tested by physiological studies where cell growth is observed under
      anaerobic conditions in the presence of the mentioned compounds. This work
      summarises the main reported features on anaerobic metabolism in the Haloferax,
      one of the better described haloarchaeal genus with significant potential uses in
      biotechnology and bioremediation. Special attention has been paid to
      denitrification, also called nitrate respiration. This pathway has been studied
      so far from Haloferax mediterranei and Haloferax denitrificans mainly from
      biochemical point of view (purification and characterisation of the enzymes
      catalysing the two first reactions). However, gene expression and gene regulation
      is far from known at the time of writing this chapter.

PMID- 27134022
TI  - Mechanisms of Bacterial Extracellular Electron Exchange.
AB  - The biochemical mechanisms by which microbes interact with extracellular soluble
      metal ions and insoluble redox-active minerals have been the focus of intense
      research over the last three decades. The process presents two challenges to the
      microorganism. Firstly, electrons have to be transported at the cell surface,
      which in Gram-negative bacteria presents an additional problem of electron
      transfer across the ~6nm of the outer membrane. Secondly, the electrons must be
      transferred to or from the terminal electron acceptors or donors. This review
      covers the known mechanisms that bacteria use to transport electrons across the
      cell envelope to external electron donors/acceptors. In Gram-negative bacteria,
      electron transfer across the outer membrane involves the use of an outer membrane
      beta-barrel and cytochrome. These can be in the form of a porin-cytochrome
      protein, such as Cyc2 of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, or a multiprotein porin
      cytochrome complex like MtrCAB of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. For mineral
      respiring organisms, there is the additional challenge of transferring the
      electrons from the cell to mineral surface. For the strict anaerobe Geobacter
      sulfurreducens this requires electron transfer through conductive pili to
      associated cytochrome OmcS that directly reduces Fe(III)oxides, while the
      facultative anaerobe S. oneidensis MR-1 accomplishes mineral reduction through
      direct membrane contact, contact through filamentous extensions and soluble
      flavin shuttles, all of which require the outer membrane cytochromes MtrC and
      OmcA in addition to secreted flavin.

PMID- 27134023
TI  - Cooperation of Secondary Transporters and Sensor Kinases in Transmembrane
      Signalling: The DctA/DcuS and DcuB/DcuS Sensor Complexes of Escherichia coli.
AB  - Many membrane-bound sensor kinases require accessory proteins for function. The
      review describes functional control of membrane-bound sensors by transporters.
      The C4-dicarboxylate sensor kinase DcuS requires the aerobic or anaerobic C4
      dicarboxylate transporters DctA or DcuB, respectively, for function and forms
      DctA/DcuS or DcuB/DcuS sensor complexes. Free DcuS is in the permanent (ligand
      independent) ON state. The DctA/DcuS and DcuB/DcuS complexes, on the other hand,
      control expression in response to C4-dicarboxylates. In DctA/DcuS, helix 8b of
      DctA and the PASC domain of DcuS are involved in interaction. The stimulus is
      perceived by the extracytoplasmic sensor domain (PASP) of DcuS. The signal is
      transmitted across the membrane by a piston-type movement of TM2 of DcuS which
      appears to be pulled (by analogy to the homologous citrate sensor CitA) by
      compaction of PASP after C4-dicarboxylate binding. In the cytoplasm, the signal
      is perceived by the PASC domain of DcuS. PASC inhibits together with DctA the
      kinase domain of DcuS which is released after C4-dicarboxylate binding. DcuS
      exhibits two modes for regulating expression of target genes. At higher C4
      dicarboxylate levels, DcuS is part of the DctA/DcuS complex and in the C4
      dicarboxylate-responsive form which stimulates expression of target genes in
      response to the concentration of the C4-dicarboxylates (catabolic use of C4
      dicarboxylates, mode I regulation). At limiting C4-dicarboxylate concentrations
      (<=0.05mM), expression of DctA drops and free DcuS appears. Free DcuS is in the
      permanent ON state (mode II regulation) and stimulates low level (C4
      dicarboxylate independent) DctA synthesis for DctA/DcuS complex formation and
      anabolic C4-dicarboxylate uptake.

PMID- 27134024
TI  - Pivotal Role of Iron in the Regulation of Cyanobacterial Electron Transport.
AB  - Iron-containing metalloproteins are the main cornerstones for efficient electron
      transport in biological systems. The abundance and diversity of iron-dependent
      proteins in cyanobacteria makes those organisms highly dependent of this
      micronutrient. To cope with iron imbalance, cyanobacteria have developed a survey
      of adaptation strategies that are strongly related to the regulation of
      photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism and other central electron transfer pathways.
      Furthermore, either in its ferrous form or as a component of the haem group, iron
      plays a crucial role as regulatory signalling molecule that directly or
      indirectly modulates the composition and efficiency of cyanobacterial redox
      reactions. We present here the major mechanism used by cyanobacteria to couple
      iron homeostasis to the regulation of electron transport, making special emphasis
      in processes specific in those organisms.

PMID- 27134025
TI  - Bacterial Electron Transfer Chains Primed by Proteomics.
AB  - Electron transport phosphorylation is the central mechanism for most prokaryotic
      species to harvest energy released in the respiration of their substrates as ATP.
      Microorganisms have evolved incredible variations on this principle, most of
      these we perhaps do not know, considering that only a fraction of the microbial
      richness is known. Besides these variations, microbial species may show
      substantial versatility in using respiratory systems. In connection herewith,
      regulatory mechanisms control the expression of these respiratory enzyme systems
      and their assembly at the translational and posttranslational levels, to
      optimally accommodate changes in the supply of their energy substrates. Here, we
      present an overview of methods and techniques from the field of proteomics to
      explore bacterial electron transfer chains and their regulation at levels ranging
      from the whole organism down to the Angstrom scales of protein structures. From
      the survey of the literature on this subject, it is concluded that proteomics,
      indeed, has substantially contributed to our comprehending of bacterial
      respiratory mechanisms, often in elegant combinations with genetic and
      biochemical approaches. However, we also note that advanced proteomics offers a
      wealth of opportunities, which have not been exploited at all, or at best
      underexploited in hypothesis-driving and hypothesis-driven research on bacterial
      bioenergetics. Examples obtained from the related area of mitochondrial oxidative
      phosphorylation research, where the application of advanced proteomics is more
      common, may illustrate these opportunities.

PMID- 27134026
TI  - Nitrous Oxide Metabolism in Nitrate-Reducing Bacteria: Physiology and Regulatory
      Mechanisms.
AB  - Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important greenhouse gas (GHG) with substantial global
      warming potential and also contributes to ozone depletion through photochemical
      nitric oxide (NO) production in the stratosphere. The negative effects of N2O on
      climate and stratospheric ozone make N2O mitigation an international challenge.
      More than 60% of global N2O emissions are emitted from agricultural soils mainly
      due to the application of synthetic nitrogen-containing fertilizers. Thus,
      mitigation strategies must be developed which increase (or at least do not
      negatively impact) on agricultural efficiency whilst decrease the levels of N2O
      released. This aim is particularly important in the context of the ever expanding
      population and subsequent increased burden on the food chain. More than two
      thirds of N2O emissions from soils can be attributed to bacterial and fungal
      denitrification and nitrification processes. In ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, N2O
      is formed through the oxidation of hydroxylamine to nitrite. In denitrifiers,
      nitrate is reduced to N2 via nitrite, NO and N2O production. In addition to
      denitrification, respiratory nitrate ammonification (also termed dissimilatory
      nitrate reduction to ammonium) is another important nitrate-reducing mechanism in
      soil, responsible for the loss of nitrate and production of N2O from reduction of
      NO that is formed as a by-product of the reduction process. This review will
      synthesize our current understanding of the environmental, regulatory and
      biochemical control of N2O emissions by nitrate-reducing bacteria and point to
      new solutions for agricultural GHG mitigation.

PMID- 27134027
TI  - The Model [NiFe]-Hydrogenases of Escherichia coli.
AB  - In Escherichia coli, hydrogen metabolism plays a prominent role in anaerobic
      physiology. The genome contains the capability to produce and assemble up to four
      [NiFe]-hydrogenases, each of which are known, or predicted, to contribute to
      different aspects of cellular metabolism. In recent years, there have been major
      advances in the understanding of the structure, function, and roles of the E.
      coli [NiFe]-hydrogenases. The membrane-bound, periplasmically oriented,
      respiratory Hyd-1 isoenzyme has become one of the most important paradigm systems
      for understanding an important class of oxygen-tolerant enzymes, as well as
      providing key information on the mechanism of hydrogen activation per se. The
      membrane-bound, periplasmically oriented, Hyd-2 isoenzyme has emerged as an
      unusual, bidirectional redox valve able to link hydrogen oxidation to quinone
      reduction during anaerobic respiration, or to allow disposal of excess reducing
      equivalents as hydrogen gas. The membrane-bound, cytoplasmically oriented, Hyd-3
      isoenzyme is part of the formate hydrogenlyase complex, which acts to detoxify
      excess formic acid under anaerobic fermentative conditions and is geared towards
      hydrogen production under those conditions. Sequence identity between some Hyd-3
      subunits and those of the respiratory NADH dehydrogenases has led to hypotheses
      that the activity of this isoenzyme may be tightly coupled to the formation of
      transmembrane ion gradients. Finally, the E. coli genome encodes a homologue of
      Hyd-3, termed Hyd-4, however strong evidence for a physiological role for E. coli
      Hyd-4 remains elusive. In this review, the versatile hydrogen metabolism of E.
      coli will be discussed and the roles and potential applications of the spectrum
      of different types of [NiFe]-hydrogenases available will be explored.

PMID- 27134028
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27134030
TI  - Muscle profiling to improve the value of retail meat cuts.
AB  - Nutrition and meat quality are always important to consumers, but vary by
      individual muscle or muscle groups in retail meat cuts. Muscle profiling of
      nutrient content and palatability for all retail beef cuts is necessary to
      suggest healthy and tasty beef cuts and to inform consumers of the benefits of
      beef consumption. The current paper reviews numerous studies that provide muscle
      profiles for nutrients and palatability attributes of muscles or muscle groups in
      retail beef cuts. The composition of nutrients including protein, fat, moisture,
      vitamins, and minerals in beef cuts is documented as well as the nutritive role
      as a part of a healthy diet. In addition, this review presents knowledge in
      relation to innovative carcass fabrication and value-added cuts to improve the
      value of beef carcass. Finally, the current work emphasize the palatability
      assessment of individual beef muscles, and concludes that all retail beef cuts
      should be merchandised for proper cooking according to the palatability profiles
      of beef muscles. 

PMID- 27134029
TI  - Structural Insights into Ring Formation of Cohesin and Related Smc Complexes.
AB  - Cohesin facilitates sister chromatid cohesion through the formation of a large
      ring structure that encircles DNA. Its function relies on two structural
      maintenance of chromosomes (Smc) proteins, which are found in almost all
      organisms tested, from bacteria to humans. In accordance with their ubiquity, Smc
      complexes, such as cohesin, condensin, Smc5-6, and the dosage compensation
      complex, affect almost all processes of DNA homeostasis. Although their precise
      molecular mechanism remains enigmatic, here we provide an overview of the
      architecture of eukaryotic Smc complexes with a particular focus on cohesin,
      which has seen the most progress recently. Given the evident conservation of many
      structural features between Smc complexes, it is expected that architecture and
      topology will have a significant role when deciphering their precise molecular
      mechanisms.

PMID- 27134031
TI  - Functional activity of the porcine Gnrhr2 gene promoter in testis-derived cells
      is partially conferred by nuclear factor-kappaB, specificity protein 1 and 3
      (SP1/3) and overlapping early growth response 1/SP1/3 binding sites.
AB  - Unlike the classical gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH1), the second mammalian
      isoform (GnRH2) is ubiquitously expressed, suggesting a divergent function.
      Indeed, we demonstrated that GnRH2 governs LH-independent testosterone secretion
      in porcine testes via interaction with its receptor (GnRHR2) on Leydig cells.
      Transient transfections with luciferase reporter vectors containing 3009bp of 5'
      flanking sequence for the porcine Gnrhr2 gene (-3009pGL3) revealed promoter
      activity in all 15 cell lines examined, including swine testis-derived (ST)
      cells. Therefore, ST cells were utilized to explore the molecular mechanisms
      underlying transcriptional regulation of the porcine Gnrhr2 gene in the testis.
      Reporter plasmids containing progressive 5' deletions of the Gnrhr2 promoter
      indicated that the -708/-490 region contained elements critical to promoter
      activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) with radiolabeled
      oligonucleotides spanning the -708/-490bp region and ST nuclear extracts,
      identified specific binding complexes for the -513/-490, -591/-571 and -606/
      581bp segments of promoter. Antibody addition to EMSAs indicated that the p65 and
      p52 subunits of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) comprised the specific complex
      bound to the oligonucleotide probe for the -513/-490bp promoter region,
      specificity protein (SP) 1 and 3 bound the -591/-571bp probe and early growth
      response 1 (EGR1), SP1 and SP3 bound the -606/-581 radiolabeled oligonucleotide.
      Transient transfections with vectors containing mutations of the NF-kappaB (-499/
      493), SP1/3 (-582/-575) or overlapping EGR1/SP1/3 (-597/-587) binding sites
      reduced luciferase activity by 26%, 61% and 56%, respectively (P<0.05). Thus, NF
      kappaB, SP1/3 and overlapping EGR1/SP1/3 binding sites are critical to expression
      of the porcine Gnrhr2 gene in ST cells. 

PMID- 27134032
TI  - Differences in clinical characteristics between patients with and without type 2
      diabetes hospitalized with a first myocardial infarction.
AB  - AIMS: To explore differences in clinical characteristics of patients with and
      without type 2 diabetes (T2DM) hospitalized with a first myocardial infarction
      (MI). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we examined differences between
      patients with and without T2DM hospitalized with a first MI (n=563). Multiple
      linear regression modeling was used to examine the association between T2DM and
      age of occurrence of MI. We adjusted for gender, systolic blood pressure (BP),
      lipids and creatinine level to examine whether these variables explained the
      association between T2DM and age of occurrence of MI. RESULTS: Among 563 patients
      with a first MI, T2DM patients (n=77) were older than non-diabetic patients
      (67.8+/-10.9 vs. 64.4+/-13.4years, p<0.05), had lower LDL (2.5+/-0.8 vs. 3.4+/
      1.1mmol/l, p<0.001) and total cholesterol levels (4.4+/-0.9 vs. 5.4+/-1.2mmol/l,
      p<0.001), but higher systolic BP (150.3+/-29.9 vs. 141.7+/-27.5mmHg, p<0.05). The
      association between T2DM and age of occurrence of MI was largely explained by
      cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM patients were older when hospitalized with
      a first MI. This difference was largely explained by differences in cholesterol
      levels. The lower cholesterol levels in T2DM patients compared to non-diabetic
      patients, and maybe also the older age of occurrence of MI, might reflect the
      results successful primary prevention and systematic monitoring in T2DM.

PMID- 27134033
TI  - Effects of insulin on peripheral nerves.
AB  - AIMS: To assess the effects of insulin on peripheral nerve under normoglycemic
      and hyperglycemic conditions in the presence and absence of anoxia. METHODS: This
      study uses the in-vitro sciatic nerve model to assess the effect of insulin on
      peripheral nerve with the nerve action potential (NAP) as an index of nerve
      function. RESULTS: Under normoglycemic conditions, low concentrations of regular
      insulin (0.01nM) reduced the conduction velocity of oxygenated nerves.
      Hyperglycemia increased the duration of the NAP and this increase was nearly
      completely eliminated by insulin in the 0.1nM-100nM concentration range. Insulin
      (1nM) also had effects on normoglycemic nerves exposed to intermittent anoxia,
      producing a decrease in the paired-pulse response and NAP amplitude and an
      increase in peak duration. This was associated with a reduced time to anoxia
      induced conduction block. Similar effects were seen when regular insulin was
      replaced by insulin detemir, but the latter required much higher concentrations.
      CONCLUSIONS: Insulin has concentration dependent effects on the peripheral nerve
      that are dependent on glucose and anoxia. These effects may be important in
      modulating neuropathic consequences of diabetes.

PMID- 27134034
TI  - ER chaperones in neurodegenerative disease: Folding and beyond.
AB  - Proteins along the secretory pathway are co-translationally translocated into the
      lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as unfolded polypeptide chains.
      Afterwards, they are usually modified with N-linked glycans, correctly folded and
      stabilized by disulfide bonds. ER chaperones and folding enzymes control these
      processes. The accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER activates a signaling
      response, termed the unfolded protein response (UPR). The hallmark of this
      response is the coordinated transcriptional up-regulation of ER chaperones and
      folding enzymes. In order to discuss the importance of the proper folding of
      certain substrates we will address the role of ER chaperones in normal
      physiological conditions and examine different aspects of its contribution in
      neurodegenerative disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:ER
      stress.

PMID- 27134035
TI  - C9orf72 isoforms in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Lobar
      Degeneration.
AB  - A hexanucleotide (G4C2) repeat expansion in the 5' non-coding region C9orf72 is
      the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal
      lobar degeneration. Three modes of toxicity have been proposed: gain of function
      through formation of RNA foci and sequestration of RNA binding proteins;
      expression of dipeptide repeat proteins generated by repeat-associated non-ATG
      translation; and loss of function due to C9orf72 haploinsufficiency. Much is
      known about the proposed gain of function mechanisms, but there is little
      knowledge of the normal function of C9orf72 and the cellular consequences if its
      activity is perturbed. Here we will review what is known of C9orf72 at the
      transcript and protein levels and how changes in C9orf72 expression could
      contribute to disease pathogenesis. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled SI:RNA Metabolism in Disease.

PMID- 27134036
TI  - Glibenclamide enhances the effects of delayed hypothermia after experimental
      stroke in rats.
AB  - In order to evaluate whether glibenclamide can extend the therapeutic window
      during which induced hypothermia can protect against stroke, we subjected adult
      male Sprague-Dawley rats to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). We first
      verified the protective effects of hypothermia induced at 0, 2, 4 or 6h after
      MCAO onset, and then we assessed the effects of the combination of glibenclamide
      and hypothermia at 6, 8 or 10h after MCAO onset. At 24h after MCAO, we assessed
      brain edema, infarct volume, modified neurological severity score, Evans Blue
      leakage and expression of Sulfonylurea receptor 1 (SUR1) protein and pro
      inflammatory factors. No protective effects were observed when hypothermia was
      induced too long after MCAO. At 6h after MCAO onset, hypothermia alone failed to
      decrease cerebral edema and infarct volume, but the combination of glibenclamide
      and hypothermia decreased both. The combination also improved neurological
      outcome, ameliorated blood-brain barrier damage and decreased levels of COX-2,
      TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. These results suggest that glibenclamide enhances and
      extends the therapeutic effects of delayed hypothermia against ischemia stroke,
      potentially by ameliorating blood-brain barrier damage and declining levels of
      pro-inflammatory factors.

PMID- 27134037
TI  - Modality-specific spectral dynamics in response to visual and tactile sequential
      shape information processing tasks: An MEG study using multivariate pattern
      classification analysis.
AB  - Brain regions that respond to more than one sensory modality are characterized as
      multisensory regions. Studies on the processing of shape or object information
      have revealed recruitment of the lateral occipital cortex, posterior parietal
      cortex, and other regions regardless of input sensory modalities. However, it
      remains unknown whether such regions show similar (modality-invariant) or
      different (modality-specific) neural oscillatory dynamics, as recorded using
      magnetoencephalography (MEG), in response to identical shape information
      processing tasks delivered to different sensory modalities. Modality-invariant or
      modality-specific neural oscillatory dynamics indirectly suggest modality
      independent or modality-dependent participation of particular brain regions,
      respectively. Therefore, this study investigated the modality-specificity of
      neural oscillatory dynamics in the form of spectral power modulation patterns in
      response to visual and tactile sequential shape-processing tasks that are well
      matched in terms of speed and content between the sensory modalities. Task
      related changes in spectral power modulation and differences in spectral power
      modulation between sensory modalities were investigated at source-space (voxel)
      level, using a multivariate pattern classification (MVPC) approach. Additionally,
      whole analyses were extended from the voxel level to the independent-component
      level to take account of signal leakage effects caused by inverse solution. The
      modality-specific spectral dynamics in multisensory and higher-order brain
      regions, such as the lateral occipital cortex, posterior parietal cortex,
      inferior temporal cortex, and other brain regions, showed task-related modulation
      in response to both sensory modalities. This suggests modality-dependency of such
      brain regions on the input sensory modality for sequential shape-information
      processing.

PMID- 27134038
TI  - Neural activity related to discrimination and vocal production of consonant and
      dissonant musical intervals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Relationships between musical pitches are described as either
      consonant, when associated with a pleasant and harmonious sensation, or
      dissonant, when associated with an inharmonious feeling. The accurate singing of
      musical intervals requires communication between auditory feedback processing and
      vocal motor control (i.e. audio-vocal integration) to ensure that each note is
      produced correctly. The objective of this study is to investigate the neural
      mechanisms through which trained musicians produce consonant and dissonant
      intervals. METHODOLOGY: We utilized 4 musical intervals (specifically, an octave,
      a major seventh, a fifth, and a tritone) as the main stimuli for auditory
      discrimination testing, and we used the same interval tasks to assess vocal
      accuracy in a group of musicians (11 subjects, all female vocal students at
      conservatory level). The intervals were chosen so as to test for differences in
      recognition and production of consonant and dissonant intervals, as well as
      narrow and wide intervals. The subjects were studied using fMRI during
      performance of the interval tasks; the control condition consisted of passive
      listening. RESULTS: Singing dissonant intervals as opposed to singing consonant
      intervals led to an increase in activation in several regions, most notably the
      primary auditory cortex, the primary somatosensory cortex, the amygdala, the left
      putamen, and the right insula. Singing wide intervals as opposed to singing
      narrow intervals resulted in the activation of the right anterior insula.
      Moreover, we also observed a correlation between singing in tune and brain
      activity in the premotor cortex, and a positive correlation between training and
      activation of primary somatosensory cortex, primary motor cortex, and premotor
      cortex during singing. When singing dissonant intervals, a higher degree of
      training correlated with the right thalamus and the left putamen.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results indicate that singing dissonant intervals
      requires greater involvement of neural mechanisms associated with integrating
      external feedback from auditory and sensorimotor systems than singing consonant
      intervals, and it would then seem likely that dissonant intervals are intoned by
      adjusting the neural mechanisms used for the production of consonant intervals.
      Singing wide intervals requires a greater degree of control than singing narrow
      intervals, as it involves neural mechanisms which again involve the integration
      of internal and external feedback.

PMID- 27134039
TI  - Cloning and localization of immediate early response 2 (ier2) gene in the brain
      of medaka.
AB  - Immediate early response (IER) 2 gene, a member of the IER family, is a gene of
      unknown function which is affected by external stimuli in the brain. In the
      present study, the full length sequence and localization of medaka (Oryzias
      latipes) ier2 was investigated in the brain to understand the functions of Ier2
      in the future studies. The full length sequence of medaka ier2 was identified
      using a 3'-, 5'- rapid amplification of cDNA ends method, and distribution in the
      brain was identified using in situ hybridization. The identified full length ier2
      mRNA consisted of 939 nucleotides spanning along 1 exon. The deduced amino acid
      sequence consisted of 171 amino acid residues which contains a highly conserved
      sequence, nuclear localization signal. ier2 mRNA was distributed in the
      telencephalon, midbrain and the hypothalamus. This highly conserved primary
      response gene Ier2 can be used to visualize and map functionally activated
      neuronal circuitry in the brain of medaka.

PMID- 27134040
TI  - Screening municipal wastewater effluent and surface water used for drinking water
      production for the presence of ampicillin and vancomycin resistant enterococci.
AB  - The emergence of clinical enterococcal isolates that are resistant to both
      ampicillin and vancomycin is a cause of great concern, as therapeutic
      alternatives for the treatment of infections caused by such organisms are
      becoming limited. Aquatic environments could play a role in the dissemination of
      antibiotic resistant enterococci. This study investigated the presence of
      ampicillin and vancomycin resistant enterococci in the treated effluent of six
      wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and in surface water used as a source for
      drinking water production in the Netherlands. Membrane filtration in combination
      with selective media with ampicillin or vancomycin was applied to determine the
      presence of ampicillin resistant Enterococcus (ARE) and vancomycin resistant
      Enterococcus (VRE) species. Ampicillin resistant Enterococcus faecium (minimal
      inhibitory concentration (MIC) >16MUg/mL; n=1033) was observed in all studied
      WWTP effluents. In surface water used for drinking water production (intake
      locations), no ARE or VRE were observed. At both types of location, intrinsic
      vancomycin resistant Pediococcus spp., Leuconostoc spp. and Lactobacillus spp.
      were isolated with the vancomycin medium. The ampicillin resistant E. faecium
      (AREfm) isolates (n=113) did not contain the vanA or vanB gene, but MIC testing
      for vancomycin showed intermediate vancomycin resistance (2-8MUgmL(-1)) to occur
      in these AREfm strains. This study documents the discharge of ampicillin
      resistant E. faecium strains with intermediate vancomycin resistance by the WWTPs
      into the surface water, but no presence of these strains downstream at intake
      locations for drinking water production.

PMID- 27134041
TI  - Mutation in ADORA1 identified as likely cause of early-onset parkinsonism and
      cognitive dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify the genetic cause of neurological disease in an
      Iranian family whose manifestations include symptoms of parkinsonism and
      cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: Clinical data on the patients were gathered by
      interviews with parents, neurological examinations, and laboratory tests. Genetic
      analysis was performed by genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism homozygosity
      mapping and exome sequencing. The effect of putative disease-causing mutation was
      assessed by immunocytochemistry on HEK293 cells and Western blotting on proteins
      extracted from HEK293 cells transfected with wild-type and mutated genes.
      RESULTS: Homozygosity mapping and exome sequencing led to identification of a
      mutation in ADORA1 that causes p.Gly279Ser in the encoded protein, adenosine A1
      receptor (A1 R), as the probable cause of disease. The mutation segregated with
      disease status in the family, affects a highly conserved amino acid, and was
      absent in 700 controls. CONCLUSIONS: The known biological activities of A1 R in
      brain functions including its physical interaction with and inhibitory effect on
      dopamine receptor D1 provide supportive evidence that disruptions of A1 R may
      result in neurological dysfunction. Also, recent evidence on the related
      adenosine A2B receptor marks the domain in which the mutation is positioned as
      important for function. Finally, ADORA1 is located within the Parkinson's disease
      locus PARK16, which has been identified in several populations. ADORA1 may be the
      PD susceptibility gene within this locus. The molecular mechanism by which
      p.Gly279Ser disrupts A1 R function remains unknown, but a quantitative effect on
      interaction with the dopamine receptor was not shown. (c) 2016 International
      Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

PMID- 27134042
TI  - Implementation and evaluation of a transit dosimetry system for treatment
      verification.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate a formalism for transit dosimetry using a phantom study and
      prospectively evaluate the protocol on a patient population undergoing 3D
      conformal radiotherapy. METHODS: Amorphous silicon EPIDs were calibrated for dose
      and used to acquire images of delivered fields. The measured EPID dose map was
      back-projected using the planning CT images to calculate dose at pre-specified
      points within the patient using commercially available software, EPIgray
      (DOSIsoft, France). This software compared computed back-projected dose with
      treatment planning system dose. A series of tests were performed on solid water
      phantoms (linearity, field size effects, off-axis effects). 37 patients were
      enrolled in the prospective study. RESULTS: The EPID dose response was stable and
      linear with dose. For all tested field sizes the agreement was good between EPID
      derived and treatment planning system dose in the central axis, with performance
      stability up to a measured depth of 18cm (agreement within -0.5% at 10cm depth on
      the central axis and within -1.4% at 2cm off-axis). 126 transit images were
      analysed of 37 3D-conformal patients. Patient results demonstrated the potential
      of EPIgray with 91% of all delivered fields achieved the initial set tolerance
      level of DeltaD of 0+/-5-cGy or %DeltaD of 0+/-5%. CONCLUSIONS: The in vivo dose
      verification method was simple to implement, with very few commissioning
      measurements needed. The system required no extra dose to the patient, and
      importantly was able to detect patient position errors that impacted on dose
      delivery in two of cases.

PMID- 27134043
TI  - Tetrahydropalmatine protects rat pulmonary endothelial cells from irradiation
      induced apoptosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and the calcium sensing
      receptor/phospholipase C-gamma1 pathway.
AB  - The aim of this study was to confirm the protective effect of tetrahydropalmatine
      (THP) against irradiation-induced rat pulmonary endothelial cell apoptosis and to
      explore the underlying mechanism, with a focus on the calcium-sensing receptor
      (CaSR)/phospholipase C-gamma1 (PLC-gamma1) pathway. We established a model of
      irradiation-induced primary rat pulmonary endothelial cell injury. Cell apoptosis
      and mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsim) were measured by flow cytometry.
      The expression of CaSR, cytochrome c, PLC-gamma1, reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      and [Ca(2+)]i was also determined. Caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities were
      measured using commercial kits. Inositol triphosphate (IP3) and the production of
      inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The
      results showed that THP significantly inhibited irradiation-induced cell
      apoptosis and intracellular accumulation of ROS. Pretreatment with THP
      significantly decreased the expression of CaSR, inhibited the CaSR/PLC-gamma1
      pathway and subsequent [Ca(2+)]i overload stimulated by irradiation. THP, NPS2390
      (inhibitor of CaSR), U73122 (inhibitor of PLC-gamma1) and 2-APB (inhibitor of
      IP3) further decreased cell apoptosis, along with down-regulation of cytochrome
      c, caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation, disruption of Deltapsim and the production
      of inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that THP protects primary rat
      pulmonary endothelial cells against irradiation-induced apoptosis by inhibiting
      oxidative stress and the CaSR/PLC-gamma1 pathway. 

PMID- 27134044
TI  - Osteoarthritis biomarkers derived from cartilage extracellular matrix: Current
      status and future perspectives.
AB  - Specific soluble biomarkers can be powerful tools for the diagnosis, prognosis
      and personalized management of osteoarthritis (OA). Biomarkers are potential
      indicators of the effect of a drug on cartilage metabolism and provide crucial
      information about the mechanisms of drug action. In this review, we address key
      questions concerning the use of biomarkers in OA management: Why do we need
      soluble biomarkers? What are the most widely investigated biomarkers derived from
      cartilage extracellular matrix? What are the most common pitfalls in interpreting
      soluble biomarker measurements? What are the perspectives and future research
      directions in this field? We review current evidence to propose that cartilage
      derived soluble biomarkers are complementary "drug development tools" that can be
      applied during drug development from preclinical research to clinical evaluation.
      In the future, such biomarkers could be surrogate markers of clinical and/or
      imaging outcomes. Successful standardization and implementation of automated
      biomarker assays will facilitate their use in companion diagnostics in the
      context of personalized medicine for enhanced management of OA. 

PMID- 27134045
TI  - Validation of a new, specific, complete, and short OHRQoL scale (QoLFAST-10) for
      wearers of implant overdentures and fixed-detachable hybrid prostheses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To validate a new index for assessing the whole concept of oral
      health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of implant-prosthesis wearers. METHODS:
      113 patients who were not requesting dental treatment were assigned to: Group 1
      (CD; n=38): complete denture users (control); Group 2 (IO; n=38): implant
      overdenture wearers; and Group 3 (HP; n=37): hybrid implant prosthesis users.
      Patients answered the newly-designed 'Quality of Life related to Function,
      Aesthetics, Socialization, and Thoughts about health-behavioural habits' (QoLFAST
      10) and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-20sp) questionnaires. Information on
      global oral satisfaction, socio-demographic, clinical, and prosthetic-related
      data were gathered. The QoLFAST-10 was investigated for reliability and validity.
      The Spearman's test determined the correlations between both indices' scores.
      Descriptive and non-parametric probes were run to assess the influence of the
      study variables on the OHRQoL (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: The QoLFAST-10 confirmed its
      psychometric capacity. HP wearers reported significantly better global and
      functional satisfaction than did IO wearers. The latter revealed significantly
      less consciousness about the importance of health-behavioural habits than did CD
      and HP groups. The level of education, complaints about the mouth, and the global
      oral satisfaction measures significantly modulated the QoLFAST-10 scores.
      CONCLUSIONS: Implant overdentures supplied lower functional and global
      satisfaction than did hybrid prostheses, and represent the least predictable
      option concerning the maintenance of the restoration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The
      QoLFAST-10 may help in estimating the impact of implant restorations on patients'
      well-being. In this regard, hybrid prostheses seem to be the implant treatment of
      choice when compared with overdentures.

PMID- 27134046
TI  - A multi-centre retrospective study of mandibular fractures: do occlusal support
      and the mandibular third molar affect mandibular angle and condylar fractures?
AB  - This retrospective study was performed to investigate the influence of occlusal
      support and the presence, state, and position of mandibular third molars on the
      incidence of mandibular angle and condylar fractures. The following variables
      were investigated: age, sex, cause of fracture, presence and state (impaction,
      angulation, and the number of roots) of the mandibular third molars, site of the
      mandibular fracture, presence of occlusal support, duration of intermaxillary
      fixation, and postoperative complications. Various risk factors for mandibular
      angle and condylar fractures were investigated by univariate analysis. The risk
      of mandibular angle fracture was significantly higher in patients with occlusal
      support and mandibular third molars. The risk of condylar fracture was
      significantly higher in patients without occlusal support or mandibular third
      molars. The position and angulation of the mandibular third molars were not
      significant risk factors in mandibular angle and condylar fractures. This study
      demonstrated the influence of occlusal support and the presence of mandibular
      third molars on the incidence of mandibular angle and condylar fractures. The
      presence of occlusal support may be a more important factor affecting mandibular
      angle or condylar fractures than the position of the mandibular third molars. 

PMID- 27134047
TI  - Minimally invasive intraoral condylectomy: proof of concept report.
AB  - A significant proportion of facial asymmetry cases are caused by abnormal growth
      of the mandibular condyles. Surgical management is generally based on a
      condylectomy performed through a pre-auricular transcutaneous access. However,
      this approach entails potential neurovascular, salivary, and aesthetic
      complications. In this study, a proof-of-concept evaluation was performed of a
      novel minimally invasive technique for condylectomy performed through an
      intraoral approach. Based on precise three-dimensional virtual planning to define
      intraoperative references, this technique provides an excellent access for total
      or partial condylectomy through a limited intraoral incision. Piezoelectric
      surgery with customized attachments enables the safe, accurate execution of the
      condylectomy. In addition, experience gained in seven consecutive cases suggests
      that the need for coronoidectomy can be obviated, surgical time is reduced to an
      average of 16.9min, and postoperative morbidity is minimal. This alternative
      intraoral approach could become the treatment of choice for most condylar
      hyperplastic conditions. 

PMID- 27134048
TI  - Upconversion Nanoparticles and Monodispersed Magnetic Polystyrene Microsphere
      Based Fluorescence Immunoassay for the Detection of Sulfaquinoxaline in Animal
      Derived Foods.
AB  - A novel fluorescence immunoassay for detecting sulfaquinoxaline (SQX) in animal
      derived foods was developed using NaYF4:Yb/Tm upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)
      conjugated with antibodies as fluorescence signal probes, and monodisperse
      magnetic polystyrene microspheres (MMPMs) modified with coating antigen as immune
      sensing capture probes for trapping and separating the signal probes. Based on a
      competitive immunoassay format, the detection limit of the proposed method for
      detecting SQX was 0.1 MUg L(-1) in buffer and 0.5 MUg kg(-1) in food samples. The
      recoveries of SQX in spiked samples ranged from 69.80 to 133.00%, with
      coefficients of variation of 0.24-25.06%. The extraction procedure was fast,
      simple, and environmentally friendly, requiring no organic solvents. In
      particular, milk samples can be analyzed directly after simple dilution. This
      method has appealing properties, such as sensitive fluorescence response, a
      simple and fast extraction procedure, and environmental friendliness, and could
      be applied to detecting SQX in animal-derived foods. 

PMID- 27134049
TI  - CCAT1: a pivotal oncogenic long non-coding RNA in human cancers.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) compose a group of non-protein-coding RNAs - more
      than 200 nucleotides in length. Recent studies have shown that lncRNAs play
      important roles in different cellular processes, including proliferation,
      differentiation, migration and invasion. Deregulation of lncRNAs has been widely
      reported in human tumours, in which they are able to function as either oncogenes
      (on the one hand) or tumour suppressor genes (on the other). Deregulation of
      CCAT1 (colon cancer-associated transcript-1), an oncogenic lncRNA, has been
      documented in different types of malignancy, such as gastric cancer, colorectal
      cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this regard, enforced expression of CCAT1
      exerts potent tumorigenic effects by promoting cell proliferation, invasion and
      migration. Recent evidence has also shown that CCAT1 may serve as a prognostic
      cancer biomarker. In this review, we provide an overview of current evidence
      relating to the role and biological function of CCAT1 in tumour development. 

PMID- 27134050
TI  - At-home monitoring after surgery/anaesthesia - a challenge.
AB  - RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Day surgery is evolving, with a majority of
      recoveries occurring at home. There is, in parallel, an evolution in telemedical
      technology. The aim of the present project was to identify patients' willingness
      to use predefined follow-up techniques and to clinically test preferred
      techniques at home using a two-step study.? METHODS: In Part I, a paper-based
      questionnaire study of identified patients' attitudes with three follow-up
      techniques was used. In Part II, a feasibility test of a mobile (smart-phone)
      application for follow-up at home was used. RESULTS: Part I showed overall
      positive attitudes to telemedical follow-ups. Part II showed the preference for a
      follow-up technique with a mobile application was not fully consistent with the
      clinical study of the smart-phone app, where there was a large non-response. The
      application provided safe transfer of data to the hospital and helped make it
      easy to retrieve and analyse patient self-assessment of recovery. This
      application is one-way directed, and no feedback to the patient was given, which
      may have influenced the non-response. CONCLUSION: Bringing telemedicine into
      follow-up after surgery/anaesthesia is requested, and furthermore, the
      feasibility study on day surgery presented here shows that it is technically easy
      to perform and will provide robust information. It should be noted that further
      studies are needed in order to find better patient cooperation.

PMID- 27134051
TI  - Effects of micro- and subtle-expression reading skill training in medical
      students: A randomized trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to investigate the effectiveness of the Micro Expression Training Tool
      (METT) and the Subtle Expression Training Tool (SETT) to help improve the non
      verbal communication skills of medical students. METHODS: In a randomized
      controlled trial, all participants were randomly allocated to either a training
      (n=41) or control group (n=41) and were pre-tested before education with METT and
      SETT at baseline. Then, training students took second tests after a 1-h class
      about interpreting micro and subtle expressions and control students took the
      second tests without the class. RESULTS: METT pre-test scores were positively
      related with female gender, agreeableness, whereas SETT pre-test scores were
      negatively related with age and positively related with female gender. Mean METT
      score increases of 29.3% and mean SETT score increases of 36.2% were observed
      after training, whereas the control group achieved only a mean METT score
      increase of 11.0% at second testing. Increases in both test scores in the
      training group were significantly higher than in the control group. CONCLUSION:
      METT and SETT are effective, simple tools for improving the micro- and subtle
      expression reading skills of medical students. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: METT and
      SETT can be effective for improving the non-verbal communication skills of
      medical students.

PMID- 27134052
TI  - [Phenobarbital in Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1: A therapeutic option].

PMID- 27134053
TI  - Long-term Clinical Outcome and Functional Status After Arterial Reconstruction in
      Upper Extremity Injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: To analyse long term outcome, including functional status
      and prognostic factors, in patients who have undergone arterial repair of
      civilian upper limb injury. Retrospective data analysis of prospectively
      collected data was performed. METHODS: This was a retrospective data analysis of
      prospectively collected data. Records of all patients who had undergone repair of
      traumatic arterial lesions in the upper limb between 1989 and 2010 were reviewed,
      and clinical follow up was performed. End points were: long term patency,
      measured by color Doppler ultrasound; vascular re-intervention; limb salvage
      rate; and long term functional status using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder,
      and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The DASH questionnaire is an instrument used to
      identify a patient's disabilities, in which everyday activities are assessed by
      30 questions. The DASH answers are summarized and, using a conversion formula,
      lead to a score between 0 (full recovery) and 100 (severe disability). The DASH
      questionnaire was sent to all German-speaking individuals for data
      supplementation after completion of a clinical follow up study. RESULTS: A total
      of 117 arterial repairs were performed in 108 patients (87 men, median age 35.7
      years). Blunt trauma was the predominant cause of injury (n = 96; 82%).
      Accompanying nerve lesions (n = 39; 36%) and/or orthopedic injuries (n = 65; 60%)
      were present in 84 patients (78%). After a median follow up time of 5.3 years
      (range 0.5-19.7 years), 65 patients (60%) were re-investigated: long-term patency
      was 97%. The DASH questionnaire was answered by 57 patients (53%). Functional
      impairment was frequently seen, and determined by neurological injury (including
      neurological lesions, median DASH score was 40.3 [range 3.5-69.8] vs. 0.8 [range
      0-5.8] without; p < .001) and ischemia at time of injury (median DASH score with
      ischemia 4.2 [range 0-16.9] vs. 0.0 [0-1.7] without; p < .04). CONCLUSION:
      Favorable long term patency rates after arterial repair in upper extremity
      injuries can be achieved. Long term functional impairment is a significant
      problem and determined by associated neurological injury, as well as ischemia at
      time of injury.

PMID- 27134054
TI  - Environmental factors associated with childhood eczema: Findings from a national
      web-based survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic and environmental factors are known to be related to the
      development of childhood eczema. Our aim was to assess the environmental factors
      associated with the prevalence of eczema among children using a web-based survey.
      METHODS: In June 2012, we conducted a nation-wide web-based survey to identify
      the prevalence and characteristics of allergic diseases among Japanese children.
      The prevalence of allergic diseases including eczema was assessed using the
      International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood core questionnaire. The
      associations between eczema prevalence and environmental factors, as well as
      those between background characteristics and comorbid allergic diseases among 6
      12 year old children were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 28,348 children were
      included in the analysis. The prevalence of current eczema was 13.0%. Current
      eczema was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of wheeze, rhinitis,
      and food allergy. In multiple logistic regression models, birth during autumn
      (aOR: 1.18 95%CI: 1.06-1.31) or winter (aOR: 1.21 95%CI: 1.08-1.34), duration of
      exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months (aOR: 1.14 95%CI: 1.06-1.23), and
      ownership of a pet from infancy (aOR: 2.61 95%CI: 1.68-4.07) were also associated
      with a higher prevalence of eczema. The prevalence was lower in those with a high
      annual household income (aOR: 0.90 95%CI: 0.81-0.99) and 2 or more siblings (aOR:
      0.86 95%CI: 0.76-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Duration of breastfeeding, season of birth,
      pet ownership, household income, and the number of siblings were associated with
      the prevalence of childhood eczema in a nationwide web survey.

PMID- 27134055
TI  - Kinetic analysis of internalization of white spot syndrome virus by haemocyte
      subpopulations of penaeid shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone), and the outcome
      for virus and cell.
AB  - Little is known about the innate antiviral defence of shrimp haemocytes. In this
      context, the haemocytes of penaeid shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) were
      separated by iodixanol density gradient centrifugation into five subpopulations
      (sub): sub 1 (hyalinocytes), sub 2 and 3 (prohyalinocytes), sub 4
      (semigranulocytes) and sub 5 (granulocytes) and exposed to beads, white spot
      syndrome virus (WSSV) and ultraviolet (UV)-killed WSSV. In a first experiment,
      the uptake of beads, white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and UV-killed WSSV by these
      different haemocyte subpopulations was investigated using confocal microscopy.
      Only haemocytes of sub 1, 4 and 5 were internalizing beads, WSSV and UV-killed
      WSSV. Beads were engulfed by a much larger percentage of cells (91.2 in sub 1;
      84.1 in sub 4 and 58.1 in sub 5) compared to WSSV (9.6 in sub 1; 10.5 in sub 4
      and 7.9 in sub 5) and UV-killed WSSV (12.9 in sub 1; 13.3 in sub 4; and 11.8 in
      sub 5). In a second experiment, it was shown that upon internalization, WSS
      virions lost their envelope most probably by fusion with the cellular membrane of
      the endosome (starting between 30 and 60 min post-inoculation) and that
      afterwards the capsid started to become disintegrated (from 360 min post
      inoculation). Expression of new viral proteins was not observed. Incubation of
      haemocyte subpopulations with WSSV but not with UV-killed WSSV and polystyrene
      beads resulted in a significant drop in haemocyte viability. To find the
      underlying mechanism, a third experiment was performed in which haemocyte
      subpopulations were exposed to a short WSSV DNA fragment (VP19) and CpG ODNs.
      These small DNA fragments induced cell death. In conclusion, WSSV is efficiently
      internalized by hyalinocytes, semigranulocytes and granulocytes, after which the
      virus loses its envelope; as soon as the capsids start to disintegrate, cell
      death is activated, which in part may be explained by the exposure of viral DNA
      to cellular-sensing molecules.

PMID- 27134056
TI  - Sentinel site active surveillance of safety of first-line antiretroviral
      medicines in Namibia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Active surveillance pharmacovigilance systems better estimate the burden
      of adverse events (AEs) and can generate useful information on risk factors of
      AEs for more effective medicine use, especially in conjunction with introduction
      of new medicines and/or changes in treatment guidelines. This project aimed to
      implement an active surveillance pilot program for first-line antiretroviral
      therapy (ART) at sentinel sites in Namibia. METHODS: Sentinel sites were
      outpatient ART clinics at the Windhoek Central Hospital and Katutura Intermediate
      Hospital. An active surveillance data collection form was developed and placed
      into patient charts. HIV+ adults naive to ART were enrolled. Physicians recorded
      ART and health information during each follow-up visit, including presence or
      absence of AEs. RESULTS: A total of 413 patients were included from August 2012
      to April 2013. Average age was 37 years; 51% of patients were at WHO clinical
      stage 1; and mean baseline CD4 count was 216. The most common ART regimen was
      tenofovir/lamivudine/nevirapine. Presence or absence of AEs was recorded in
      active surveillance forms for 94% of first follow-up visits. In total, 66
      patients experienced 119 AEs of any severity. Incidence of experiencing at least
      one AE was 33/100 person-years. Most common AEs were rash and abdominal pain. On
      active surveillance forms, demographic variables were missing in 14% of patients,
      and follow-up visits were recorded for 82% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Completeness
      of AE recording on active surveillance forms was high. With improved logistical
      considerations, such as incorporation of active surveillance forms into medical
      records, long-term active surveillance programs could be successful. Copyright
      (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27134057
TI  - Meta-Analysis of the Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients Treated
      With Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to evaluate the optimal duration of dual
      antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention, especially
      in the era of second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES). The work was conducted
      from November 2014 to April 2015. All randomized controlled trials comparing
      short (<12 months) versus long (>=12 months) DAPT in patients treated with second
      generation DES were analyzed. Sensitivity analyses were performed for length of
      DAPT and type of DES. All-cause death was the primary end point, whereas
      cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST), and
      major bleeding were secondary end points. Results were pooled and compared with
      random-effect models and meta-regression analysis. Eight randomized controlled
      trials with 18,810 randomized patients were included. The studies compared 3
      versus 12 months of DAPT (2 trials), 6 versus 12 months (3 trials), 6 versus 24
      months (1 trial), 12 versus 24 months (1 trial), and 12 versus 30 months (1
      trial). Comparing short versus long DAPT, there were no significant differences
      in all-cause death (odds ratio [OR] 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66 to
      1.44), cardiovascular death (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.65 to 1.37), and ST (OR 1.20; 95%
      CI 0.79 to 1.83), and no differences were present when considering everolimus
      eluting and fast-release zotarolimus-eluting stents separately. Shorter DAPT was
      inferior to longer DAPT in preventing MI (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.77).
      Conversely, major bleeding was reduced by shorter DAPT (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.42 to
      0.96). Baseline features did not influence these results in meta-regression
      analysis. In conclusion, DAPT for <=6 months is reasonable for patients treated
      with everolimus-eluting and fast-release zotarolimus-eluting stents, with the
      benefit of less major bleeding at the cost of increased MI, with similar survival
      and ST rates. An individualized patient approach to DAPT duration should take
      into account the competing risks of bleeding and ischemic complications after
      present-generation DES. 

PMID- 27134058
TI  - Comparison of Quantity of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques Detected by Computed
      Tomography Versus Angiography.
AB  - Numerous clinical studies using coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA)
      and conventional invasive coronary angiography (ICA) confirmed the strong
      relation between atherosclerotic disease burden and risk of adverse events. Few
      studies have compared coronary CTA and ICA regarding semiquantitative plaque
      burden measurements, reproducibility, and cardiovascular risk assessment. We
      enrolled 71 consecutive patients (mean age 62 +/- 9 years, 37% women) from the
      Genetic Loci and the Burden of Atherosclerotic Lesions study (NCT01738828), who
      underwent 256-slice multidetector row coronary CTA and ICA at a single site. On
      average, 42 +/- 32 days passed between the 2 examinations. A total of 1,016
      coronary segments were imaged by both CTA and ICA according the 18-segment
      Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography classification. We excluded 16
      segments treated with coronary stents. Overall, 1,000 segments were evaluated for
      the presence of stenosis severity (<25%: minimal, 25% to 49%: mild, 50% to 70%:
      moderate, 70% to 99%: severe, 100%: occlusion). We calculated the segment
      involvement score (SIS) and segment stenosis score. Patients were classified into
      4 groups: extensive obstructive (SIS >4 and >=50% stenosis), extensive
      nonobstructive (SIS >4 and <50% stenosis), nonextensive obstructive (SIS <=4 and
      >=50% stenosis), or nonextensive nonobstructive (SIS <=4 and <50% stenosis). CTA
      detected coronary artery plaques in 49%, whereas ICA showed coronary plaques in
      24% of the analyzed 1,000 segments (p <0.001). CTA detected atherosclerotic
      plaque in 35% of coronary segments where ICA was negative, whereas ICA detected
      plaque only in 3% of segments where CTA was negative. CTA-based segment scores
      were significantly greater, SIS: 6.9 +/- 3.0 versus 3.3 +/- 2.0, segment stenosis
      score: 16.4 +/- 8.8 versus 9.4 +/- 6.8 (p <0.001 for both). In conclusion,
      coronary CTA detected approximately twice as many coronary segments with plaque
      compared to ICA, which resulted in 52% of the patients being assigned to a
      greater risk category. 

PMID- 27134059
TI  - Usefulness of Neuron-Specific Enolase to Detect Silent Neuronal Ischemia After
      Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
AB  - Increased plasma levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) are related to damage of
      neurons and neuroendocrine cells. We aimed to investigate elevation of NSE after
      elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the prediction of silent
      cerebral infarct (SCI). Study population consisted of 2 groups of patients. Group
      1 included 92 consecutive patients with normal coronary angiograms, whereas group
      2 consisted of 89 patients who underwent elective coronary stenting. NSE levels
      were studied before and 12 hours after the procedure. Elevation of >0.12 MUg/L
      was considered as SCI. Forty-seven of 181 study patients (26%) had SCI after the
      procedure. NSE elevation was significantly more prevalent in patients with PCI
      than that of controls. Elevation of NSE was observed in 42% of patients who
      underwent elective PCI (n = 37) and 11% of the normal coronary artery group (n =
      10) (p <0.001). The incidence of SCI was higher in active smokers and patients
      who had history of myocardial infarction (MI) (55% vs 10%, p <0.001 for active
      smokers and 40% vs 8%, p <0.001 for history of MI, respectively). Multivariate
      analysis demonstrated history of smoking (odds ratio [OR] 9.9; 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 3.7 to 26.9; p <0.001) and previous MI (OR 4.4; 95% CI 1.7 to 11.4;
      p = 0.01) as independent predictors of SCI. For patients who underwent elective
      PCI, NSE levels after procedure increases. Invasive coronary procedures have risk
      of SCIs, even in patients with normal coronary arteries. In conclusion, increased
      diagnosis of SCIs might improve understanding of their relation with invasive
      cardiac procedures, facilitate to prevent occurrence of silent microemboli and
      decrease the risk of adverse neurologic events.

PMID- 27134060
TI  - Usefulness of Intraprocedural Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography During
      Intervention for Chronic Total Coronary Occlusion.
AB  - Although intraprocedural coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) allows
      for scanning during intervention without relocation of the patient, studies have
      yet to report on its use during chronic total occlusion (CTO) intervention.
      Therefore, we investigated the role of CCTA during CTO intervention, particularly
      whether CCTA could be used to evaluate the location of guidewires. A total of 61
      patients scheduled for elective CTO intervention were consecutively enrolled and
      underwent CCTA and on-site analyses during intervention. Transverse axial and the
      curved multiplanar images in a 360-degree view were interactively used together
      to identify the location of guidewires, along with the adjustment of window
      condition. Intracoronary contrast injection was used for specific cases requiring
      enhancement of the distal part of the CTO. Most CCTAs were performed to confirm
      the location of a single guidewire; CCTA was also performed to evaluate parallel
      (3 patients) or retrograde wires (5 patients). The initial identification rate
      for guidewire location was 56% with immediate transaxial images, but it
      significantly increased to 87% after interactive on-site uses of the curved
      multiplanar images (p <0.001). Cases in which guidewire location could be
      predicted with CCTA evaluation show a numerically higher success rate than those
      that could not (83% vs 63%) but not statistical significance (p = 0.174). The
      mean time for CCTA evaluation and mean radiation dose were 8.6 minutes and 2.9
      mSv, respectively. No specific complications occurred after CCTA and CTO
      procedures. Intraprocedural CCTA for identifying the location of the guidewires
      is feasible and safe when used for various CTO procedural steps.

PMID- 27134061
TI  - Branched-chain and aromatic amino acids, insulin resistance and liver specific
      ectopic fat storage in overweight to obese subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Amino acids may interfere with insulin action, particularly in
      obese individuals. We hypothesized that increased circulating branched-chain and
      aromatic amino acids herald insulin resistance and ectopic fat storage,
      particularly hepatic fat accumulation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured fasting
      branched-chain and aromatic amino acids (tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine)
      by mass spectrometry in 111 overweight to obese subjects. We applied abdominal
      magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to assess adipose tissue distribution
      and ectopic fat storage, respectively. Plasma branched-chain amino acids
      concentrations were related to insulin sensitivity and intrahepatic fat
      independent from adiposity, age and gender, but not to abdominal adipose tissue
      or intramyocellular fat. CONCLUSIONS: In weight stable overweight and obese
      individuals, branched-chain amino acid concentrations are specifically associated
      with hepatic fat storage and insulin resistance.

PMID- 27134062
TI  - Insulin resistance, postprandial GLP-1 and adaptive immunity are the main
      predictors of NAFLD in a homogeneous population at high cardiovascular risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The role of the different factors associated with fatty
      liver is still poorly defined. We evaluated the relationships between liver fat
      content (LF) and metabolic, inflammatory and nutritional factors in a homogeneous
      cohort of individuals at high cardio-metabolic risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 70
      individuals with high waist circumference and at least one more criterion for
      metabolic syndrome enrolled in a nutritional intervention study, LF was evaluated
      at baseline by hepatic/renal echo intensity ratio (H/R), together with dietary
      habits (7-day dietary record), insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function
      (fasting and OGTT-derived indices), fasting and postprandial plasma GLP-1 and
      lipoproteins, and plasma inflammatory markers. H/R correlated positively with
      fasting and OGTT plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, HOMA-IR and beta-cell
      function, and IL-4, IL-17, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, FGF and GCSF plasma
      concentrations (p < 0.05 for all), and negatively with insulin sensitivity
      (OGIS), dietary, polyphenols and fiber (p < 0.05 for all). By multiple stepwise
      regression analysis, the best predictors of H/R were OGIS (beta = -0.352 p =
      0.001), postprandial GLP-1 (beta = -0.344; p = 0.001), HDL-cholesterol (beta = 
      0.323; p = 0.002) and IFN-gamma (beta = 0.205; p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: A
      comprehensive evaluation of factors associated with liver fat, in a homogeneous
      population at high cardio-metabolic risk, indicated a pathogenic combination of
      the same pathways underlying the atherosclerotic process, namely whole body
      insulin sensitivity and inflammation. The higher predictive value of postprandial
      variables suggests that liver fat is essentially a postprandial phenomenon, with
      a relevant role possibly played by GLP-1. REGISTRATION NUMBER FOR CLINICAL
      TRIALS: NCT01154478.

PMID- 27134063
TI  - Serum uric acid levels during dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor or
      clopidogrel: Results from a single-centre study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: New antithrombotic therapies have significantly improved the
      outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), where the introduction
      of ticagrelor has provided the greatest mortality benefits. However, ticagrelor
      treatment has been associated with a potential increase in the serum uric acid
      (SUA) levels, which may influence endothelial dysfunction and prothrombotic
      status, thereby affecting the risk of acute cardiovascular events in patients
      requiring dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The present study aimed to compare
      the impact of antiplatelet agents such as ticagrelor or clopidogrel on SUA levels
      and their effect on platelet reactivity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included
      patients admitted for ACS or elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
      and discharged with ASA (acetylsalicylic acid; 100-160 mg) and clopidogrel (75
      mg) or ticagrelor (90 mg twice a day). Chemistry was assessed at admission
      (baseline) and after a 30-90-day period of DAPT (together with platelet
      reactivity). The absolute and percentage variations of SUA after DAPT
      introduction were considered. Multiple-electrode aggregometry was used to assess
      platelet function. A total of 378 patients were enrolled, with 145 treated with
      aspirin and clopidogrel (AC) and 233 with aspirin and ticagrelor (AT). The AC
      patients were older (p = 0.003) and more often showed elective PCI as an
      indication to DAPT (<0.001); they received chronic therapy with ARB (angiotensin
      II receptor blocker; p = 0.001), nitrates (p = 0.044), CCB (calcium channel
      blocker; p = 0.005) and diuretics (p = 0.044). The AT patients displayed a higher
      percentage of ACS diagnosis (p < 0.001) and received chronic therapy with ACE
      (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors (p = 0.001), beta blockers (p = 0.001)
      and statins (p = 0.013). The AC patients displayed higher platelet reactivity at
      COL (collagen) test, ASPI test and ADP (adenosine diphosphate) test (p = 0.03,
      0.001 and <0.001, respectively) and a higher percentage of HRPR (high residual
      platelet reactivity) in the ADP test (p = 0.001). No difference was found in the
      baseline uric acid and creatinine levels between AC and AT patients. At 30-90
      days, a significant absolute and percentage increase in the SUA levels was found
      in AT as compared to AC patients (0.204 mg/dl vs. -0.165 mg/dl, p = 0.034; 6.26%
      vs. -0.005%, p = 0.018, respectively). Results were not influenced by variations
      in renal function. At multivariate analysis, in fact, ticagrelor therapy emerged
      as an independent predictor of increase in the uric acid levels (odds ratio (OR;
      95% confidence interval (CI)) = 2.79 (1.66-4.67), p < 0.001). However, the
      variation in the SUA levels did not affect platelet reactivity or HRPR in both AC
      and AT patients. CONCLUSION: An increase in the SUA levels at 30-90 days was
      observed in patients receiving chronic DAPT with ticagrelor, but not clopidogrel
      treatment. However, the changes in the SUA levels do not influence platelet
      aggregation.

PMID- 27134064
TI  - Are elevated plasma amino acids causally linked to type 2 diabetes, or are they
      rather innocent bystanders?

PMID- 27134065
TI  - Injection sclerotherapy using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid in the
      treatment of symptomatic rectocele: A prospective case series.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although various surgical techniques have been described for the
      treatment of rectocele, there is currently no method exhibiting overall
      superiority because of the different types of complications and varying rate of
      recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of injection
      sclerotherapy using aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid in the management
      of symptomatic rectocele. METHODS: Twelve patients were recruited and treated
      using injection sclerotherapy. Efficacy measures included changes in the
      Constipation Scoring System value and rectocele size. RESULTS: The median
      operative duration was 7.5 min (range, 3-16 min). Three months after treatment,
      the mean Constipation Scoring System value decreased significantly in comparison
      with the baseline value (8.9 +/- 4.1 vs. 4.9 +/- 2.8, P = 0.0014) and the mean
      rectocele size reduced significantly in comparison with the baseline size (3.8 +/
      0.5 vs. 1.7 +/- 0.9, P < 0.001). Regarding complications, a patient showed
      temporary fecal impaction after treatment. The recurrence rate at 4 years was 29%
      (95% confidence interval, 10%-66%). CONCLUSIONS: Injection sclerotherapy is
      quick, easy to perform, and offers reasonable mid-term outcomes; furthermore, it
      is associated with a low rate of complications. Therefore, it appears to be a
      reasonable alternative for patients with symptomatic rectocele.

PMID- 27134066
TI  - Investigating the effect of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      on postoperative pain intensity in adolescents undergoing surgery: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
      for postoperative pain management in adolescents. BACKGROUND: Eye Movement
      Desensitization and Reprocessing is an inexpensive, non-pharmacological
      intervention that has successfully been used to treat chronic pain. It holds
      promise in the treatment of acute, postsurgical pain based on its purported
      effects on the brain and nervous system. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial
      was used. METHODS: Fifty-six adolescent surgical patients aged between 12-18
      years were allocated to gender-balanced Eye Movement Desensitization and
      Reprocessing (treatment) or non-Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
      (control) groups. Pain was measured using the Wong-Baker FACES((r)) Pain Rating
      Scale (WBFS) before and after the intervention (or non-intervention for the
      control group). FINDINGS: A Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated that the Eye
      Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing group experienced a significant
      reduction in pain intensity after treatment intervention, whereas the control
      group did not. Additionally, a Mann-Whitney U-test showed that, while there was
      no significant difference between the two groups at time 1, there was a
      significant difference in pain intensity between the two groups at time 2, with
      the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing group experiencing lower levels
      of pain. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Eye Movement Desensitization and
      Reprocessing may be an effective treatment modality for postoperative pain.

PMID- 27134067
TI  - Regulation of the neural niche by the soluble molecule Akhirin.
AB  - Though the adult central nervous system has been considered a comparatively
      static tissue with little turnover, it is well established today that new neural
      cells are generated throughout life. Neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) can
      self-renew and generate all types of neural cells. The proliferation of NS/PCs,
      and differentiation and fate determination of PCs are regulated by extrinsic
      factors such as growth factors, neurotrophins, and morphogens. Although several
      extrinsic factors that influence neurogenesis have already been reported, little
      is known about the role of soluble molecules in neural niche regulation. In this
      review, we will introduce the soluble molecule Akhirin and discuss its role in
      the eye and spinal cord during development. 

PMID- 27134068
TI  - Co-occurrence of aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and citrinin in "egusi" melon
      (Colocynthis citrullus L.) seeds consumed in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
AB  - The natural co-occurrence of aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin
      (CIT) in melon seed samples obtained from retailers and households in Ireland and
      the United Kingdom (UK) was evaluated. AFs and OTA were determined by HPLC with
      fluorescence detection while CIT was analysed by HPLC-MS/MS. AFB1 was detected in
      all (100%) samples (mean = 9.7 MUg kg(-1); range = 0.2-66.5 MUg kg(-1)). Mean
      total AFs was 12.0 MUg kg(-1) (range = 0.3-82 MUg kg(-1)). Commercially retailed
      samples showed a significantly higher AFB1 contamination (p < 0.05) than the
      household samples. OTA occurred in 3 (13.6%) samples, while 4 (18.2%) were
      contaminated with CIT at very low levels. In this study, 68% of the melon seed
      samples were contaminated above the 2 MUg kg(-1) EU limit for AFB1 in oilseeds.
      These results highlight the need for the development of strategies to reduce AF
      contamination in "egusi" for human consumption. 

PMID- 27134069
TI  - Young and Free: Over 25 Years of Seminal Contributions to Complex Congenital
      Heart Disease From Australia & New Zealand.

PMID- 27134070
TI  - Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Before Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery:
      Is It Ready for Risk Stratification?

PMID- 27134071
TI  - Reverse transcription-PCR assays for the differentiation of various US porcine
      epidemic diarrhea virus strains.
AB  - Concurrently, several porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) variants are
      circulating in US swine farms, including the original US and the spike insertion
      deletion (S-INDEL) strains. In this study, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays
      for the detection and differentiation of different US PEDV variants were
      developed based on the differences in the S1 domain of the spike (S) gene. This
      assay successfully differentiated three PEDV strains: PC22A (the original US
      virulent), Iowa106 (S-INDEL), and PC177 (S-197DEL) that was derived from cell
      culture adaptation and has a 197 amino acid-deletion in the S1 domain. The assays
      did not amplify the porcine deltacoronavirus OH-FD22 strain or transmissible
      gastroenteritis virus Miller strain. It is the first report on the development of
      RT-PCR assays allowing the detection and differentiation of all major types of US
      PEDV variants.

PMID- 27134072
TI  - The impact of ageing and gender on visual mental imagery processes: A study of
      performance on tasks from the Complete Visual Mental Imagery Battery (CVMIB).
AB  - In this study we aim to evaluate the impact of ageing and gender on different
      visual mental imagery processes. Two hundred and fifty-one participants (130
      women and 121 men; age range = 18-77 years) were given an extensive
      neuropsychological battery including tasks probing the generation, maintenance,
      inspection, and transformation of visual mental images (Complete Visual Mental
      Imagery Battery, CVMIB). Our results show that all mental imagery processes with
      the exception of the maintenance are affected by ageing, suggesting that other
      deficits, such as working memory deficits, could account for this effect.
      However, the analysis of the transformation process, investigated in terms of
      mental rotation and mental folding skills, shows a steeper decline in mental
      rotation, suggesting that age could affect rigid transformations of objects and
      spare non-rigid transformations. Our study also adds to previous ones in showing
      gender differences favoring men across the lifespan in the transformation
      process, and, interestingly, it shows a steeper decline in men than in women in
      inspecting mental images, which could partially account for the mixed results
      about the effect of ageing on this specific process. We also discuss the
      possibility to introduce the CVMIB in clinical assessment in the context of
      theoretical models of mental imagery. 

PMID- 27134073
TI  - Whole-arm translocation of der(5;17)(p10;q10) with concurrent TP53 mutations in
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS): A unique
      molecular-cytogenetic subgroup.
AB  - Der(5;17)(p10;q10) is a recurrent but rare aberration reported in myeloid
      neoplasms (MNs). We report 48 such patients including 19 acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML) and 29 myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), to characterize their
      clinicopathological features. There were 29 men and 19 women, with a median age
      of 61 years (range, 18-80). 62.5% patients had therapy-related diseases (t-MNs),
      70.8% had multilineage dysplasia and 83.3% showed complex karyotypes. In 39
      patients tested, FLT3, NPM1, CEBPA, KIT were all wild type and NRAS, KRAS, IDH1,
      APC, TET2 mutations were detected in single case(s) respectively. TP53 mutations
      were identified in 8 of 10 cases (80%) tested. Median disease-free survival (DFS)
      and overall survival (OS) were 3 and 10 months, respectively and did not differ
      between AML or MDS cases, or between de novo versus therapy-related cases, or
      between the groups with or without complex karyotypes. In 19 patients who
      achieved complete remission after chemotherapy, and in 9 patients who underwent
      stem cell transplantation, the OS was better (14 and 17.5 months, P = 0.0128 and
      P = 0.0086, respectively). The der(5;17)(p10;q10) represents a unique molecular
      cytogenetic subgroup in t-MNs and, associated with complex karyotypes. TP53
      inactivation, resulting from 17p deletion coupled with TP53 mutation, likely
      contributes to the poor clinical outcome of these patients.

PMID- 27134074
TI  - BCR-JAK2 fusion in a myeloproliferative neoplasm with associated eosinophilia.
AB  - Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) is located on chromosome 9 at band p24 and JAK2V617F is the
      most common mutation in Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative
      neoplasms (Ph-MPN). However, rearrangement of JAK2 is a rare event. We report a
      case of myeloproliferative neoplasm, unclassifiable (MPN-U) with BCR-JAK2 fusion
      confirmed by molecular studies. Conventional chromosome analysis (CC) revealed
      t(9;22)(p24;q11.2) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed a JAK2
      gene rearrangement in 88% of interphase nuclei. The BCR-JAK2 fusion was confirmed
      by multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and
      demonstrated two in-frame 5'BCR/3'JAK2 transcripts with BCR exon 1 juxtaposed to
      JAK2 exon 15 and exon 17, respectively. Our results, together with literature
      review, reveal BCR-JAK2 fusions as oncogenic genetic alterations that are
      associated with myeloid or lymphoid neoplasms and are frequently characterized by
      eosinophilia. Further, patients with BCR-JAK2 are candidates for JAK2 inhibitor
      therapy. Given the distinct clinical and pathological characteristics, we believe
      that hematological neoplasms harboring BCR-JAK2 should be included as an
      additional distinct entity to the current WHO category of "myeloid and lymphoid
      neoplasms with eosinophilia and abnormalities of PDGFRA, PDGFRB, or FGFR", and
      testing for a JAK2 fusion should be pursued in neoplasms with a karyotypic 9p24
      abnormality. 

PMID- 27134075
TI  - Corrigendum to "EphB2 reverse signaling regulates learned opiate tolerance via
      hippocampal function" [Behav. Brain Res. 300 (2016) 85-96].

PMID- 27134076
TI  - Cellular responses of the tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon haemocytes after
      lipopolysaccharide injection.
AB  - This study was aimed at investigating the in vivo effects of lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) injection on Penaeus monodon haemocytes at a cellular level. Cellular
      responses of LPS-injected shrimp were analysed using flow cytometry. Results
      showed that LPS injection caused total haemocyte count (THC) and count of large
      cells (semigranular and granular cells) decline. In LPS-injected shrimp,
      percentage of large cells decreased at the initial stage, and returned to the
      original level later. After LPS infection, non-specific esterase activity,
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and nitric oxide (NO) production in
      haemocytes were significantly induced, while apoptotic cell ratio of haemocytes
      increased. PO activity in plasma increased in shrimp received LPS at 2 MUg g(-1)
      after 3-12 h and at 8 MUg g(-1) after 3-6 h, and then returned to the initial
      levels. These results demonstrated that LPS induced immune responses on
      haemocytes, including production of ROS and NO, and release of esterase and PO.
      On the other hand, THC reduction might be due to the ROS/NO-induced apoptosis.
      Haemocyte apoptosis which would eliminate damaged or weak cells and contribute to
      haemocyte renewal, may be a defending strategie against pathogens. 

PMID- 27134077
TI  - The role of shrimp miR-965 in virus infection.
AB  - RNAi, mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs), has attracted increasing attention for its
      important role in cross-talk between host and virus. However, the role of host
      miRNA in the virus infection in vivo has not been intensively investigated. In
      this study, the effects of a shrimp miRNA (miR-965) on the white spot syndrome
      virus (WSSV) infection were characterized. The results indicated that the
      expression of miR-965 was significantly upregulated in shrimp in response to the
      WSSV challenge, suggesting its involvement in the virus infection. The miR-965
      silencing led to significant increases of WSSV copies and virus-infected shrimp
      mortality, while the miR-965 overexpression resulted in the decreased WSSV copies
      and virus-infected shrimp mortality, indicating that miR-965 played a negative
      role in the WSSV infection. The further data revealed that miR-965 inhibited the
      virus infection by targeting the viral wsv240 gene, an important gene required
      for the WSSV infection in shrimp. The results demonstrated that miR-965 could
      promote the shrimp phagocytosis against virus infection by targeting the shrimp
      ATG5 (autophagy related 5) gene. Therefore, our findings presented novel evidence
      to better understand the anfractuous host-virus interactions in vivo. 

PMID- 27134078
TI  - Identification and characterization of a ferritin gene involved in the immune
      defense response of scallop Chlamys farreri.
AB  - Scallop Chlamys farreri is an important aquaculture species in northern China.
      However, its mass mortality caused by several pathogens can result in great
      economic loss and negative impacts to the sustainable development of the scallop
      industry. Thus, improving the overall understanding of immune response mechanisms
      involved in host-pathogen interactions is necessary. Ferritins are conserved
      molecules in organisms that are involved in diverse biological processes, such as
      mediating host-pathogen responses. In this study, we report a novel ferritin gene
      from C. farreri (denoted as CfFER). The full length of CfFER is 848 bp and
      contains a 5'-UTR of 113 bp, a 3'-UTR of 219 bp, and a complete open reading
      frame (ORF) of 516 bp. The ORF encodes a polypeptide of 171 amino acid residues
      with a molecular weight of approximately 19.95 kDa and an isoelectric point of
      5.07. The CfFER protein exhibited typical ferritin structures, namely, a
      ferroxidase diiron center, a ferrihydrite nucleation center, and an iron-binding
      response signature. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CfFER was closely related
      to other mollusk ferritin proteins. Expression of CfFER in different tissues was
      analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR, and results showed that CfFER was
      ubiquitously expressed in all examined tissues. The highest and lowest expression
      levels of CfFER were measured in the muscle and hemocyte, respectively. The
      relative mRNA expression of CfFER in response to bacterial (Vibrio anguillarum)
      and viral (acute viral necrobiotic virus) challenges sharply increased by ca. 5
      fold about12 h post-infection (hpi) and then normalized at 48 hpi. Western blot
      analysis with polyclonal antibodies generated from the recombinant product of
      CfFER also demonstrated the presence of ferritin protein in hemocytes. These
      findings strongly suggest that CfFER is involved in the immune response of C.
      farreri and protection against pathogen challenge. 

PMID- 27134079
TI  - Frailty and food insecurity in older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current work was to determine the association
      between food insecurity and frailty in older adults, within the context of a
      country with accelerated ageing and nutritional problems. DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      analysis of a representative nationwide survey on health and nutrition. SETTING:
      Mexican nationwide survey. SUBJECTS: A sample of 7108 adults aged 60 years or
      older living in communities, representative of Mexican older adults. RESULTS:
      Multivariate regression and descriptive analyses of food insecurity and frailty
      were performed. From a total of 7108 adults aged 60 years or older, with a mean
      age of 70.7 years, most (54.7 %) were women. Food security categories were: 26.3
      % had food security, 40.3 % had mild food insecurity, 20.5 % had moderate food
      insecurity and 12.9 % had severe food insecurity. Food insecurity categories were
      associated with frailty, with the severe category having the highest odds ratio
      of 2.41 (95 % CI 2.03, 2.86; P<0.001) after adjustment for confounding factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, food insecurity is associated to frailty,
      which in turn is a condition that renders the older adult at a higher risk of
      developing adverse outcomes. Targeted food programmes for older adults with a
      high risk of having food insecurity or of being frail may improve health in this
      population group.

PMID- 27134080
TI  - Cd(2+) sensitivity and permeability of a low voltage-activated Ca(2+) channel
      with CatSper-like selectivity filter.
AB  - CatSper is a sperm-specific Ca(2+) channel that plays an essential role in the
      male fertility. However, its biophysical properties have been poorly
      characterized mainly due to its deficient heterologous expression. As other
      voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (CaVs), CatSper possesses a conserved Ca(2+)
      selective filter motif ([T/S]x[D/E]xW) in the pore region. Interestingly, CatSper
      conserves four aspartic acids (DDDD) as the negatively charged residues in this
      motif while high voltage-activated CaVs have four glutamic acids (EEEE) and low
      voltage-activated CaVs possess two glutamic acids and two aspartic acids (EEDD).
      Previous studies based on site-directed mutagenesis of L- and T-type channels
      showed that the number of D seems to have a negative correlation with their
      cadmium (Cd(2+)) sensitivity. These results suggest that CatSper (DDDD) would
      have low sensitivity to Cd(2+). To explore Cd(2+)-sensitivity and -permeability
      of CatSper, we performed two types of experiments: 1) Electrophysiological
      analysis of heterologously expressed human CaV3.1 channel and three pore mutants
      (DEDD, EDDD and DDDD), 2) Cd(2+) imaging of human spermatozoa with FluoZin-1.
      Electrophysiological studies showed a significant increase in Cd(2+) and
      manganese (Mn(2+)) currents through the CaV3.1 mutants as well as a reduction in
      the inhibitory effect of Cd(2+) on the Ca(2+) current. In fluorescence imaging
      with human sperm, we observed an increase in Cd(2+) influx potentiated by
      progesterone, a potent activator of CatSper. These results support our
      hypothesis, namely that Cd(2+)-sensitivity and -permeability are related to the
      absolute number of D in the Ca(2+)-selective filter independently to the type of
      the Cav channels.

PMID- 27134081
TI  - Insights into Global Health Practice from the Agile Software Development
      Movement.
AB  - Global health practitioners may feel frustration that current models of global
      health research, delivery, and implementation are overly focused on specific
      interventions, slow to provide health services in the field, and relatively ill
      equipped to adapt to local contexts. Adapting design principles from the agile
      software development movement, we propose an analogous approach to designing
      global health programs that emphasizes tight integration between research and
      implementation, early involvement of ground-level health workers and program
      beneficiaries, and rapid cycles of iterative program improvement. Using examples
      from our own fieldwork, we illustrate the potential of 'agile global health' and
      reflect on the limitations, trade-offs, and implications of this approach. 

PMID- 27134082
TI  - Lead ions abrogate lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric monoxide toxicity by
      reducing the expression of STAT1 and iNOS.
AB  - Lead is a widespread environmental pollutant and the highly poisonous metal
      compromises multiple organs in the body. Among other tissues and cells, lead ions
      (Pb(2+)) can affect macrophages and microglia cells. The present study observed a
      concentration-dependent protection of BV-2 microglia and RAW 264.7 macrophages by
      Pb(2+) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced toxicity. Both cell lines are
      potent producers of two substances that have previously been shown to mediate
      cytotoxic effects of LPS. These are the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha and nitric monoxide (NO), which creates nitrosative stress,
      hampering the distribution of invading pathogens and tumor cells. While the
      expression of TNF-alpha was unaffected by Pb(2+), the production of NO was
      significantly inhibited. Moreover, blocking NO synthesis by low molecular weight
      inhibitors prevented LPS-mediated toxicity, confirming the role of NO in these
      events. Pb(2+) exposure led to a downregulation of LPS-induced expression of the
      transcription factor STAT1, which is involved in iNOS transcription. Moreover,
      iNOS mRNA and protein levels were reduced in the presence of Pb(2+), explaining
      the reduced formation of NO and a subsequent increase of cellular viability in
      vitro. In vivo, the effect might limit collateral damage caused by excessive NO
      production, but also impair the efficiency of NO as a central mediator of the
      defense against various pathogens. 

PMID- 27134109
TI  - Safety and Short-Term Complication Rates Using Single-Puncture T-Fastener
      Gastropexy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a single operator's experience using a modified single
      puncture gastrostomy technique deploying up to three nonabsorbable gastropexy
      anchors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 69 consecutive patients
      undergoing gastrostomy, gastrojejunostomy, or jejunostomy tube insertion between
      March 2012 and January 2014 was performed. Technical success and 30-day local,
      major, and minor complication rates were assessed according to the Society of
      Interventional Radiology (SIR) Standards of Practice for Gastrointestinal Access.
      Procedure time was also recorded. RESULTS: Primary technical success of the
      procedure was 98.6% (68/69). In one patient, the procedure was aborted because
      the stomach could not be safely accessed. Major complications occurred in one of
      69 (1.4%) patients, minor complications occurred in 10 of 69 (13%) patients, and
      local complications occurred in three of 69 (4.3%) patients. Local complications
      consisted of redness and mild tenderness at the enteric access site. Mean
      procedure time was 5 minutes (range, 3.1-36 min). CONCLUSIONS: Single-puncture,
      multianchor gastrostomy is a feasible technique for radiologically guided enteric
      access tube insertion with technical success and complication rates similar to
      conventional gastrostomy techniques. This technique could be considered when
      expeditious performance of a procedure is required.

PMID- 27134110
TI  - Overdiagnosis of HSIL on cervical biopsy: errors in p16 immunohistochemistry
      implementation.
AB  - In 2012, the lower anogenital squamous terminology (LAST) project introduced new
      nomenclature for human papillomavirus-related squamous lesions of the lower
      genital tract: low-grade and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL and
      HSIL). Biomarker p16(INK4a) immunohistochemistry (IHC) was also recommended to
      assist classification: block-like positive staining supports the diagnosis of
      HSIL. We aim to assess the impact of LAST recommendations on our practice as well
      as to identify challenges and errors in p16 IHC implementation. We studied 262
      cervical biopsies meeting 3 criteria: (1) HSIL diagnosis; (2) p16 IHC performed
      at time of diagnosis; and (3) patient's follow-up more than 12 months, including
      cervical cytology, biopsy, and excision. Among these patients, subsequent loop
      electrosurgical excision procedure and surveillance revealed 163 HSILs (62%), 28
      LSILs (11%), and 71 "nondysplastic changes" (27%). We reviewed the latter 2
      groups' original hematoxylin and eosin and p16 IHC slides. The diagnosis of HSIL
      was confirmed in 49 cases (49%), whereas 50 (51%) were reclassified as LSIL
      (n=46) or negative for dysplasia (n=4). These cases were initially overdiagnosed
      as HSIL because pathologists (1) overused p16 IHC on unequivocal LSIL (n=27) or
      (2) upgraded questionable lesions to HSIL based on nonblock p16 staining patterns
      (patchy or focal, n=23). To implement LAST recommendations successfully, we
      advocate judicious use of p16 in the designated circumstances and careful
      interpretation of staining patterns in the context of morphology. A standardized
      threshold for p16 positivity and supplementary guidance will help clarify the
      biomarker's utility and will facilitate LAST implementation in routine practice.

PMID- 27134111
TI  - Two cases of histiocytic sarcoma with BCL2 translocations and occult or
      subsequent follicular lymphoma.
AB  - Histiocytic sarcoma is rare and difficult to distinguish from histologic mimics
      such as myeloid sarcoma due to its relatively nonspecific immunoprofile. A subset
      of histiocytic sarcomas are clonally related to synchronous or metachronous
      follicular lymphomas. Interestingly, the histiocytic tumor component has been
      shown to harbor BCL2 gene translocations that are identical to those found in the
      lymphoma. We present one case of histiocytic sarcoma and initially occult
      follicular lymphoma in which detection of a BCL2 gene translocation helped
      support the diagnosis. We also provide follow-up regarding a previously published
      case of histiocytic sarcoma with IGH/BCL2 fusion gene in which the patient
      subsequently developed follicular lymphoma and, later, diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma. Our findings suggest that BCL2 gene translocations are a recurrent
      feature of a distinct subset of histiocytic sarcomas that are associated with
      follicular lymphoma; the follicular lymphoma component may be clinically occult
      at the time of diagnosis. Testing for an IGH/BCL2 translocation should be
      considered in the diagnostic workup of difficult-to-characterize neoplasms with
      histiocytic/monocytic morphology and immunoprofile.

PMID- 27134112
TI  - Identification of long chain specific aldehyde reductase and its use in enhanced
      fatty alcohol production in E. coli.
AB  - Long chain fatty alcohols have wide application in chemical industries and
      transportation sector. There is no direct natural reservoir for long chain fatty
      alcohol production, thus many groups explored metabolic engineering approaches
      for its microbial production. Escherichia coli has been the major microbial
      platform for this effort, however, terminal endogenous enzyme responsible for
      converting fatty aldehydes of chain length C14-C18 to corresponding fatty
      alcohols is still been elusive. Through our in silico analysis we selected 35
      endogenous enzymes of E. coli having potential of converting long chain fatty
      aldehydes to fatty alcohols and studied their role under in vivo condition. We
      found that deletion of ybbO gene, which encodes NADP(+) dependent aldehyde
      reductase, led to >90% reduction in long chain fatty alcohol production. This
      feature was found to be strain transcending and reinstalling ybbO gene via
      plasmid retained the ability of mutant to produce long chain fatty alcohols.
      Enzyme kinetic study revealed that YbbO has wide substrate specificity ranging
      from C6 to C18 aldehyde, with maximum affinity and efficiency for C18 and C16
      chain length aldehyde, respectively. Along with endogenous production of fatty
      aldehyde via optimized heterologous expression of cyanobaterial acyl-ACP
      reductase (AAR), YbbO overexpression resulted in 169mg/L of long chain fatty
      alcohols. Further engineering involving modulation of fatty acid as well as of
      phospholipid biosynthesis pathway improved fatty alcohol production by 60%.
      Finally, the engineered strain produced 1989mg/L of long chain fatty alcohol in
      bioreactor under fed-batch cultivation condition. Our study shows for the first
      time a predominant role of a single enzyme in production of long chain fatty
      alcohols from fatty aldehydes as well as of modulation of phospholipid pathway in
      increasing the fatty alcohol production.

PMID- 27134113
TI  - Bleak allergy: First case report.

PMID- 27134114
TI  - Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and
      systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS): 11 years retrospective study in Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a
      rare but life-threatening adverse drug reaction. Several criteria have been
      established to aid the diagnosis. However, patients with DRESS remained
      underdiagnosis and undertreatment. METHODS: Medical records of hospitalized
      patients at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from January 2004-December
      2014 due to DRESS were enrolled retrospectively using RegiSCAR diagnostic
      criteria. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were included. Thirty-seven patients
      (71.2%) were female. The four most common causative agents were phenytoin
      (23.1%), nevirapine (17.3%), allopurinol (15.4%), and cotrimoxazole (13.5%). The
      overall prevalence was 9.63 cases per 100,000 inpatients. Median onset time (IQR)
      was 16 (9-27) days. Allopurinol was associated with longer onset time than others
      (p = 0.014). CLINICAL PRESENTATION: skin rash 100%, fever 78.8%, and
      lymphadenopathy 50%. The majority (84.6%) had single internal organ involvement.
      The most common internal organ involvement was liver (94.2%). Allopurinol was
      associated with higher incidence of renal involvement (p = 0.01). Up to 60% of
      patients had eosinophilia. Allopurinol was associated with higher eosinophilia (p
      = 0.003). A half of patients received systemic corticosteroids. Two mortality
      cases were reported (omeprazole-fulminant hepatitis and phenytoin-nosocomial
      infection). CONCLUSIONS: DRESS is associated with severe morbidity and mortality.
      Phenytoin, nevirapine, allopurinol, and cotrimoxazole were the major causes.
      Allopurinol-induced DRESS had the longest onset time, and was associated with
      higher eosinophilia and incidence of renal involvement. Raising awareness among
      both health care providers and public for early detection and withdrawal of the
      causative agent is critical to save life and reduce morbidity.

PMID- 27134115
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of 4-(2-hydroxypropyl)piperazin-1-yl) derivatives as
      Hsp90 inhibitors.
AB  - We previously reported 4-(3-((6-bromonaphthalen-2-yl)oxy)-2-hydroxypropyl)-N,N
      dimethylpiperazine-1-sulfonamide (1) as a novel heat shock protein 90 inhibitor
      with moderate activity. In our ongoing efforts for the discovery of Hsp90
      modulators we undertake structural investigations on 1. Series of the titled
      compound were designed, synthesized and evaluated. We have found that compounds
      with a hydroxyl group at C-4 of the aryl ring on the piperazine moiety possess
      Hsp90 inhibition properties. Compound 6f with improved activity could be further
      developed and optimized as Hsp90 inhibitor.

PMID- 27134116
TI  - 2-Arylacetamido-4-phenylamino-5-substituted pyridazinones as formyl peptide
      receptors agonists.
AB  - N-Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs: FPR1, FPR2, and FPR3) are G protein-coupled
      receptors that play key roles in modulating immune cells. FPRs represent
      potentially important therapeutic targets for the development of drugs that could
      enhance endogenous anti-inflammation systems associated with various pathologies,
      thereby reducing the progression of inflammatory conditions. Previously, we
      identified 2-arylacetamide pyridazin-3(2H)-ones as FPR1- or FPR2-selective
      agonists, as well as a large number of FPR1/FPR2-dual agonists and several mixed
      agonists for the three FPR isoforms. Here, we report a new series of 2
      arylacetamido-4-aniline pyridazin-3(2H)-ones substituted in position 5 as a
      further development of these FPR agonists. Chemical manipulation presented in
      this work resulted in mixed FPR agonists 8a, 13a and 27b, which had EC50 values
      in nanomolar range. In particular, compound 8a showed a preference for FPR1
      (EC50=45nM), while 13a and 27b showed a moderate preference for FPR2 (EC50=35 and
      61nM, respectively). Thus, these compounds may represent valuable tools for
      studying FPR activation and signaling.

PMID- 27134117
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of benzyloxyphenyl-methylaminophenol
      derivatives as STAT3 signaling pathway inhibitors.
AB  - STAT3 signaling pathway has been validated as a vital therapeutic target for
      cancer therapy. Based on the novel STAT3 inhibitor of a benzyloxyphenyl
      methylaminophenol scaffold hit (1) discovered through virtual screening, a series
      of analogues had been designed and synthesized for more potent inhibitors. The
      preliminary SAR had been discussed and the unique binding site in SH2 domain was
      predicted by molecular docking. Among them, compounds 4a and 4b exhibited
      superior activities than hit compound (1) against IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway
      with IC50 values as low as 7.71MUM and 1.38MUM, respectively. Compound 4a also
      displayed potent antiproliferative activity against MDA-MB-468 cell line with an
      IC50 value of 9.61MUM. We believe that these benzyloxyphenyl-methylaminophenol
      derivatives represent a unique mechanism for interrogating STAT3 as well as a
      potential structure type for further exploration.

PMID- 27134118
TI  - Highly efficient method for 125I-radiolabeling of biomolecules using inverse
      electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction.
AB  - In this report, we present a rapid and highly efficient method for radioactive
      iodine labeling of trans-cyclooctene group conjugated biomolecules using inverse
      electron-demand Diels-Alder reaction. Radioiodination reaction of the tetrazine
      structure was carried out using the stannylated precursor 2 to give 125I-labeled
      azide ([125I]1) with high radiochemical yield (65+/-8%) and radiochemical purity
      (>99%). For radiolabeling application of [125I]1, trans-cyclooctene derived cRGD
      peptide and human serum albumin were prepared. These substrated were reacted with
      [125I]1 under mild condition to provide the radiolabeled products [125I]6 and
      [125I]8, respectively, with excellent radiochemical yields. The biodistribution
      study of [125I]8 in normal ICR mice showed significantly lower thyroid uptake
      values than that of 125I-labeled human serum albumin prepared by a traditional
      radiolabeling method. Therefore [125I]8 will be a useful radiolabeled tracer in
      various molecular imaging and biological studies. Those results clearly
      demonstrate that [125I]1 will be used as a valuable prosthetic group for
      radiolabeling of biomolecules.

PMID- 27134119
TI  - Antibacterial sulfur-containing platensimycin and platencin congeners from
      Streptomyces platensis SB12029.
AB  - The platensimycin (PTM) and platencin (PTN) class of natural products are
      promising drug leads that target bacterial and mammalian fatty acid synthases.
      Natural congeners and synthetic analogues of PTM and PTN have been instrumental
      in determining their structure-activity relationships, with only a few analogues
      retaining the potencies of PTM and PTN. Here we describe the identification and
      isolation of two new sulfur-containing PTM congeners (3 and 5) from the
      engineered dual PTM-PTN overproducing Streptomyces platensis SB12029. Structure
      elucidation of platensimycin D1 (5), a sulfur-containing PTM pseudo-dimer,
      revealed the existence of its presumptive thioacid precursor (3). The unstable
      thioacid 3 was isolated and confirmed by structural characterization of its
      permethylated product (6). LC-MS analysis of crude extracts of SB12029 confirmed
      the presence of the thioacid analogue of PTN (4). The minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) was determined for 5 revealing retention of the strong
      antibacterial activity of PTM.

PMID- 27134120
TI  - Synthesis, anticancer activity, and SAR analyses of compounds containing the 5:7
      fused 4,6,8-triaminoimidazo[4,5-e][1,3]diazepine ring system.
AB  - Described herein are our limited structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies on
      a 5:7-fused heterocycle (1), containing the 4,6,8-triaminoimidazo[4,5
      e][1,3]diazepine ring system, whose synthesis and potent broad-spectrum
      anticancer activity we reported a few years ago. Our SAR efforts in this study
      are mainly focused on judicial attachment of substituents at N-1 and N(6)
      positions of the heterocyclic ring. Our results suggest that there is some subtle
      correlation between the substituents attached at the N-1 position and those
      attached at the N(6)-position of the heterocycle. It is likely that there is a
      common hydrophobic binding pocket on the target protein that is occupied by the
      substituents attached at the N-1 and N(6)-positions of the heterocyclic ligand.
      This pocket appears to be large enough to hold either a C-18 alkyl chain of N(6)
      and no attachment at N-1, or a combined C-10 at N(6) and a CH2Ph at N-1. Any
      alkyl chain shorter or longer than C-10 at N(6) with a CH2Ph attached at N-1,
      would result in decrease of biological activity.

PMID- 27134121
TI  - Temporal proteomic profiling of Chlamydia trachomatis-infected HeLa-229 human
      cervical epithelial cells.
AB  - Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading causative agent of bacterial sexually
      transmitted infections worldwide which can lead to female pelvic inflammatory
      disease and infertility. A greater understanding of host response during
      chlamydial infection is essential to design intervention technique to reduce the
      increasing incidence rate of genital chlamydial infection. In this study, we
      investigated proteome changes in epithelial cells during C. trachomatis infection
      by using an isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling
      technique coupled with a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS(3)
      ) analysis. C. trachomatis (serovar D, MOI 1)-infected HeLa-229 human cervical
      carcinoma epithelial cells (at 2, 4 and 8 h) showed profound modifications of
      proteome profile which involved 606 host proteins. MGST1, SUGP2 and ATXN10 were
      among the top in the list of the differentially upregulated protein. Through
      pathway analysis, we suggested the involvement of eukaryotic initiation factor 2
      (eIF2) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in host cells upon C. trachomatis
      infection. Network analysis underscored the participation of DNA repair mechanism
      during C. trachomatis infection. In summary, intense modifications of proteome
      profile in C. trachomatis-infected HeLa-229 cells indicate complex host-pathogen
      interactions at early phase of chlamydial infection.

PMID- 27134122
TI  - Recommendations for aetiological diagnosis of bronchiectasis.
AB  - The number of bronchiectasis diagnoses has increased in the last two decades due
      to several factors. Research carried out over the last years showed that an
      aetiological diagnosis could change the approach and treatment of a relevant
      percentage of patients and consequently the prognosis. Currently, systematic
      investigation into aetiology, particularly of those disorders that can be subject
      to specific treatment, is recommended. Given the complexity of the aetiological
      diagnosis, the Pulmonology Portuguese Society Bronchiectasis Study Group
      assembled a working group which prepared a document to guide and standardize the
      aetiologic investigation based on available literature and its own expertise. The
      goal is to facilitate the investigation, rationalize resources and improve the
      delivery of care, quality of life and prognosis of patients with bronchiectasis. 

PMID- 27134123
TI  - COPD patients with severe diffusion defect in carbon monoxide diffusing capacity
      predict a better outcome for pulmonary rehabilitation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of pulmonary
      rehabilitation (PR) on six-minute walk test (6mWT) between chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with moderate or severe carbon monoxide
      diffusion defects. We also evaluated dyspnea sensation, pulmonary functions,
      blood gases analysis, quality of life parameters and psychological symptoms in
      both groups before and after pulmonary rehabilitation. METHODS: Patients with
      COPD underwent a comprehensive 8-week out-patient PR program participated in this
      study. Patients grouped according to diffusion capacity as moderate or severe.
      Outcome measures were exercise capacity (6mWT), dyspnea sensation, pulmonary
      function tests, blood gases analysis, quality of life (QoL) and psychological
      symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients enrolled in the study. Thirty-two (47%)
      of them had moderate diffusion defect [TlCO; 52 (47-61)mmol/kPa] and 36 (53%) of
      them had severe diffusion defect [TlCO; 29 (22-34)mmol/kPa]. At the end of the
      program, PaO2 (p=0.001), Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale
      (p=0.001), 6mWT (p<0.001) and quality of life parameters improved significantly
      in both groups (p<0.05). Also the improvement in DlCO (p=0.04) value and FEV1%
      (p=0.01) reached a statistically significant level in patients with severe
      diffusion defect. When comparing changes between groups, dyspnea reduced
      significantly in patients with severe diffusion defect (p=0.04). CONCLUSION:
      Pulmonary rehabilitation improves oxygenation, severity of dyspnea, exercise
      capacity and quality of life independent of level of carbon monoxide diffusion
      capacity in patents with COPD. Furthermore pulmonary rehabilitation may improve
      DlCO values in COPD patients with severe diffusion defect.

PMID- 27134124
TI  - Transbronchial cryobiopsy in the diagnosis of desquamative interstitial
      pneumonia.

PMID- 27134126
TI  - The repair of large ventral hernias in patients with severe cardio-respiratory
      disease: Volume transposition technique.
AB  - Massive hernias of the abdominal wall present a major challenge to the general
      surgeon. In some extreme cases of patients with severe cardio-respiratory
      disease, the repair of such hernias may be impracticable. In these cases, we
      believe the volume transposition technique is appropriate. In this approach, the
      hernia volume is calculated and the wall repaired with mesh to accommodate the
      estimated volume of the hernia sac, thus avoiding any increase in intra-abdominal
      pressure. We believe this technique is simple, reproducible and useful in cases
      that are inoperable due to cardio-respiratory problems that make any loss of lung
      volume unacceptable. 

PMID- 27134125
TI  - Early life adversity in piglets induces long-term upregulation of the enteric
      cholinergic nervous system and heightened, sex-specific secretomotor neuron
      responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early life adversity (ELA) is a risk factor for the later-life onset
      of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS);
      however, the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we utilized a porcine model
      of ELA, early weaning stress (EWS), to investigate the influence of ELA on the
      development and function of the enteric nervous system (ENS). METHODS: Female and
      castrated male (Male-C) piglets were weaned from their sow either at 15 days of
      age (EWS) or 28 days of age (late weaning control, LWC). At 60 and 170 days of
      age, ileal mucosa-submucosa preparations were mounted in Ussing chambers and
      veratridine- and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-releasing factor-evoked
      short circuit current (Isc ) responses were recorded as indices of secretomotor
      neuron function. Enteric neuron numbers and the expression of select
      neurotransmitters and their receptors were also measured. KEY RESULTS: Compared
      with LWC pigs, female, but not Male-C EWS, pigs exhibited heightened veratridine
      induced Isc responses at 60 and 170 days of age that were inhibited with
      tetrodotoxin and atropine. Ileum from EWS pigs had higher numbers of enteric
      neurons that were choline acetyltransferase positive. Markers of increased
      cholinergic signaling (increased acetylcholinesterase) and downregulated mucosal
      muscarinic receptor 3 gene expression were also observed in EWS pigs. CONCLUSIONS
      & INFERENCES: This study demonstrated that EWS in pigs induces lasting and sex
      specific hypersensitivity of secretomotor neuron function and upregulation of the
      cholinergic ENS. These findings may represent a mechanistic link between ELA and
      lifelong susceptibility to GI diseases such as IBS.

PMID- 27134127
TI  - Subxiphoid vs intercostal single-incision video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
      for spontaneous pneumothorax: A randomised controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The conventional video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is
      performed through the intercostals incisions. In this study, we reported our
      current experience of thoracoscopic surgery using a subxiphoid single-incision
      and compared it with the intercostal uniport VATS in the operation time and
      postoperative pain for spontaneous pneumothorax. METHODS: From July 2014 to
      September 2015, 43 consecutive patients with spontaneous pneumothorax underwent
      the unilateral or bilateral bullectomy vie VATS. Among these, 22 patients were
      treated by the subxiphoid single-incision VATS, and 21 patients were treated
      using the conventional intercostals uniport VATS. The duration of operation,
      hospital stay days and inpatient pain scores were compared between each group.
      RESULTS: The postoperative pain scores on postoperative days (POD) 0, 1, 2 and 3
      were significantly lower for patients who underwent the subxiphoid single
      incision VATS than those who underwent the intercostal uniport VATS (p < 0.05).
      However, the subxiphoid single-incision VATS needed longer surgical time than the
      intercostal uniport VATS (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: The subxiphoid uniport VATS
      could decrease the postoperative pain and was safe and effective for performing
      the unilateral or bilateral bullectomy, but, demanded longer surgical time
      comparing with the intercostal uniport VATS. CONCLUSIONS: Subxiphoid single
      incision VATS, as a new method for bullectomy, could provide a good choice of the
      incision position for these young patients with spontaneous pneumothorax.

PMID- 27134128
TI  - Accounting for regional variation in both natural environment and human
      disturbance to improve performance of multimetric indices of lotic benthic
      diatoms.
AB  - Regional variation in both natural environment and human disturbance can
      influence performance of ecological assessments. In this study we calculated 5
      types of benthic diatom multimetric indices (MMIs) with 3 different approaches to
      account for variation in ecological assessments. We used: site groups defined by
      ecoregions or diatom typologies; the same or different sets of metrics among site
      groups; and unmodeled or modeled MMIs, where models accounted for natural
      variation in metrics within site groups by calculating an expected reference
      condition for each metric and each site. We used data from the USEPA's National
      Rivers and Streams Assessment to calculate the MMIs and evaluate changes in MMI
      performance. MMI performance was evaluated with indices of precision, bias,
      responsiveness, sensitivity and relevancy which were respectively measured as MMI
      variation among reference sites, effects of natural variables on MMIs, difference
      between MMIs at reference and highly disturbed sites, percent of highly disturbed
      sites properly classified, and relation of MMIs to human disturbance and
      stressors. All 5 types of MMIs showed considerable discrimination ability. Using
      different metrics among ecoregions sometimes reduced precision, but it
      consistently increased responsiveness, sensitivity, and relevancy. Site specific
      metric modeling reduced bias and increased responsiveness. Combined use of
      different metrics among site groups and site specific modeling significantly
      improved MMI performance irrespective of site grouping approach. Compared to
      ecoregion site classification, grouping sites based on diatom typologies improved
      precision, but did not improve overall performance of MMIs if we accounted for
      natural variation in metrics with site specific models. We conclude that using
      different metrics among ecoregions and site specific metric modeling improve MMI
      performance, particularly when used together. Applications of these MMI
      approaches in ecological assessments introduced a tradeoff with assessment
      consistency when metrics differed across site groups, but they justified the
      convenient and consistent use of ecoregions. 

PMID- 27134129
TI  - Leptin, pre-existing vascular disease, and increased arteriovenous fistula
      maturation failure in dialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The adipocytokine leptin is an independent cardiovascular risk factor
      and exerts proatherogenic effect. Pre-existing vascular disease is an important
      cause of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation failure. We explored the
      association between serum leptin, pre-existing vascular disease, and AVF
      maturation failure in incident hemodialysis patients. METHODS: Vein samples from
      62 patients were collected at the time of AVF creation. Pre-existing vascular
      disease was evaluated with histologic changes and immunohistochemical
      characteristics of cellular phenotypes in intima. AVF maturation failure was
      defined as an AVF that could not be used successfully by the third month after
      its creation. RESULTS: The prevalence of body mass index >=30 kg/m2 was 17%, and
      AVF maturation failure occurred in 28 (45%) patients. Patients within the highest
      leptin tertile showed significantly higher maturation failure rate, independent
      of age, gender, diabetes, and body mass index. On histologic examination,
      significant differences in intimal hyperplasia (13.3 +/- 4.5 vs 18.2 +/- 5.2 vs
      30.3 +/- 14.3 MUm) and medial thickening (76.8 +/- 23.7 vs 103.9 +/- 33.6 vs
      109.3 +/- 36.5 MUm) were observed across leptin tertiles. Similarly, medial
      fibrosis was most severe in the highest tertile. According to the
      immunohistochemical staining, most intimal cells were alpha-smooth muscle actin
      positive, vimentin-positive, desmin-negative myofibroblasts. However, in the
      lowest tertile, desmin-positive contractile smooth muscle cells were also
      frequently observed, suggesting relatively slow phenotypic changes in this group.
      Furthermore, as leptin tertiles increased, the expression of leptin receptor in
      the luminal border of intima was significantly decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity
      related higher fistula maturation failure rate may be partly mediated by higher
      leptin level-associated pre-existing vascular diseases in end-stage renal disease
      patients. Decreased expression of leptin receptor may be related to this
      association.

PMID- 27134130
TI  - A systematic review of regional hyperthermia therapy in bladder cancer.
AB  - CONTEXT: Bladder cancer therapy remains suboptimal as morbidity and mortality
      remain high amongst those with non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive disease.
      Regional hyperthermia therapy (RHT) is a promising adjunctive therapy being
      tested in multiple clinical contexts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      systematically review the literature on the efficacy and toxicity of RHT.
      EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This systematic review was registered with the PROSPERO
      database (Registration number: CRD42015025780) and was conducted according to the
      Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)
      guidelines. We queried PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries. Two reviewers
      reviewed abstracts independently and a third reviewer arbitrated disagreements.
      The last search was performed on 28 August 2015. A descriptive analysis was
      performed and quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality
      Assessment Scale for observational studies, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias
      Assessment Tool for trials. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We identified 859 publications in
      the initial search, of which 24 met inclusion criteria for full-text review. Of
      these, we were able to obtain data on the outcomes of interest for 15
      publications. CONCLUSIONS: The review underscores the limited nature of the
      evidence; definitive conclusions are elusive. However, the promising results of
      RHT in the setting of intravesical chemotherapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy
      show a trend towards legitimate efficacy.

PMID- 27134131
TI  - Membrane binding of peptide models for early stages of amyloid formation: Lipid
      packing counts more than charge.
AB  - Amyloid formation is related to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's
      disease or Parkinson's disease. In the molecular onset of the diseases, soluble
      peptides adopt conformations that are rich in beta-sheet and ultimately form
      aggregates. How this process is triggered or influenced by membrane binding, or
      how the membrane integrity is disturbed by the peptide binding and conformational
      transition is still under debate. In the present study, we systematically examine
      the effects of beta-sheet prone model peptides on zwitterionic and negatively
      charged lipids in both mono- and bilayers and in various lipid phase states by
      infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction,
      and small and wide angle X-ray scattering. No difference in the interaction of
      the peptides with zwitterionic or negatively charged lipids was observed.
      Furthermore, the interaction of beta-sheet prone model peptides leaves the lipid
      structure largely unaffected. However, the lipid phase state decides upon the
      mode of interaction. Peptides insert into liquid-expanded layers and interact
      only with the head groups of liquid-condensed lipid layers. Using a zoo of
      complementary techniques and critically examining preparation procedures we are
      able to obtain an unambiguous picture of peptide binding to membranes. 

PMID- 27134132
TI  - Muscle glycogen utilisation during Rugby match play: Effects of pre-game
      carbohydrate.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although the physical demands of Rugby League (RL) match-play are
      well-known, the fuel sources supporting energy-production are poorly understood.
      We therefore assessed muscle glycogen utilisation and plasma metabolite responses
      to RL match-play after a relatively high (HCHO) or relatively low CHO (LCHO)
      diet. DESIGN: Sixteen (mean+/-SD age; 18+/-1 years, body-mass; 88+/-12kg, height
      180+/-8cm) professional players completed a RL match after 36-h consuming a non
      isocaloric high carbohydrate (n=8; 6gkgday-1) or low carbohydrate (n=8; 3gkgday
      1) diet. METHODS: Muscle biopsies and blood samples were obtained pre- and post
      match, alongside external and internal loads quantified using Global Positioning
      System technology and heart rate, respectively. Data were analysed using effects
      sizes +/-90% CI and magnitude-based inferences. RESULTS: Differences in pre-match
      muscle glycogen between high and low carbohydrate conditions (449+/-51 and 444+/
      81mmolkg-1d.w.) were unclear. High (243+/-43mmolkg-1d.w.) and low carbohydrate
      groups (298+/-130mmolkg-1d.w.) were most and very likely reduced post-match,
      respectively. For both groups, differences in pre-match NEFA and glycerol were
      unclear, with a most likely increase in NEFA and glycerol post-match. NEFA was
      likely lower in the high compared with low carbohydrate group post-match (0.95+/
      0.39mmoll-1 and 1.45+/-0.51mmoll-1, respectively), whereas differences between
      the 2 groups for glycerol were unclear (98.1+/-33.6mmoll-1 and 123.1+/-39.6mmoll
      1) in the high and low carbohydrate groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Professional RL players can utilise ~40% of their muscle glycogen during a
      competitive match regardless of their carbohydrate consumption in the preceding
      36-h.

PMID- 27134133
TI  - Effect of intermittent normobaric hypoxia on aerobic capacity and cognitive
      function in older people.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Physical exercise, especially aerobic training, improves physical
      performance and cognitive function of older people. Furthermore, it has been
      speculated that age-associated deteriorations in physical performance and
      cognitive function could be counteracted through exposures to passive
      intermittent normobaric hypoxia (IH). Thus, the present investigation aimed at
      investigating the effect of passive IH combined with subsequent aerobic training
      on hematological parameters and aerobic physical performance (VO2max) as well as
      peripheral levels of the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
      and cognitive function. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial in a repeated measure
      design. METHODS: 34 older participants were randomly assigned to an intervention
      group (IG) or control group (CG). While IG was supplied with passive IH for
      90min, CG breathed ambient air. Subsequently, both groups underwent 30min of
      aerobic training three times per week for four consecutive weeks. Aerobic
      physical performance and cognitive function was tested with spiroergometry and
      the Stroop test. Blood samples were taken to measure hematological parameters and
      the peripheral serum BDNF-level. RESULTS: We found increases in the values of
      hematological parameters, the time to exhaustion in the load test and an
      augmented and sustainable improvement in cognitive function within the IG of the
      older people only. However, in both groups, the VO2max and serum BDNF-level did
      not increase. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, hypoxic training seems to be
      beneficial to enhance hematological parameters, physical performance and
      cognitive function in older people. The current hypoxic-dose was not able to
      enhance the serum BDNF-level or VO2max.

PMID- 27134134
TI  - Protein biomarkers in Parkinson's disease: Focus on cerebrospinal fluid markers
      and synaptic proteins.
AB  - Despite extensive research, to date, no validated biomarkers for PD have been
      found. This review seeks to summarize studies approaching the detection of
      biomarker candidates for PD and introduce promising ones in more detail, with
      special attention to synaptic proteins. To this end, we performed a PubMed search
      and included studies using proteomic tools (2-dimensional difference in gel
      electrophoresis and/or mass spectrometry) for the comparison of samples from PD
      and control patients. We found 27 studies reporting more than 500 differentially
      expressed proteins in which a total of 28 were detected in 2 and 17 in 3 or more
      independent studies, including posttranslationally modified proteins. In
      addition, of these 500 proteins, 25 were found to be brain specific, and 14 were
      enriched in synapses. Special attention was given to the applicability of the
      biomarker regarding sampling procedures, that is, using CSF/serum material for
      diagnosis. Furthermore, presynaptic proteins involved in vesicle membrane fusion
      seem to be interesting candidates for future analyses. Nonetheless, even though
      such promising biomarker candidates for PD exist, validation of these biomarkers
      in large-scale clinical studies is necessary to evaluate the diagnostic
      potential. (c) 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

PMID- 27134135
TI  - Microbial contamination of transplant solutions during pancreatic islet
      autotransplants is not associated with clinical infection in a pediatric
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplant (TP-IAT) is
      a potential treatment for children with severe refractory chronic pancreatitis.
      Cultures from the resected pancreas and final islet preparation are frequently
      positive for microbes. It is unknown whether positive cultures are associated
      with adverse outcomes in pediatric patients. METHODS: We reviewed the medical
      records of children (n = 86) who underwent TP-IAT from May 2006-March 2015 with
      emphasis on demographics, previous pancreatic interventions, culture results,
      islet yield, hospital days, posttransplant islet function, and posttransplant
      infections. We compared outcomes in patients with positive (n = 57) and negative
      (n = 29) cultures. RESULTS: Patients with positive cultures had higher rates of
      previous pancreas surgery (P = 0.007) and endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography (P < 0.0001). Positive cultures were not associated with
      posttransplant infections (P = 1.00) or prolonged hospital length of stay (P =
      0.29). Patients with positive final islet preparation culture showed increased
      rates of graft failure at 2 years posttransplant (P = 0.041), but not when
      adjusted for islet mass transplanted (P = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: Positive cultures
      during pediatric TP-IATs do not increase the risk of posttransplant infections or
      prolong hospital length of stay. Endocrine function depends on islet mass
      transplanted.

PMID- 27134136
TI  - Adult patients with Fontan circulation: What we know and how to manage adults
      with Fontan circulation?
AB  - Most of patients after the Fontan operation can reach their adulthood, however,
      the management strategy for this complex pathophysiology has not been yet
      established. In general, elevated central venous pressure (CVP) and low cardiac
      output (CO) due to impaired ventricular preload characterize the Fontan
      circulation and the ideal hemodynamics could be a combination of a lower CVP with
      a higher CO. Thus, preserved functional systemic ventricle with low pulmonary
      artery resistance is thought to be crucial for better long-term outcome. However,
      on the other hand, because of the unique hemodynamics, these patients have
      significantly higher incidence of complications, sequelae, and even mortality.
      The major complications are supraventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, and
      Fontan-related problems, including protein-losing enteropathy and pulmonary
      arteriovenous fistulae, both of which are refractory to the treatments, and most
      of these "Fontan inconveniences" increase as patients age. In addition, one of
      the recent emerging problems is Fontan-associated liver disease that includes
      liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, women with Fontan
      circulation also reach childbearing age and there have been increasing numbers of
      reports showing a high incidence of pregnancy-associated complications. All these
      problems may be a part of "Fontan inconveniences" because most of the current
      Fontan patients are still "young" i.e. in their twenties or thirties and it may
      be not surprising that more new Fontan-associated pathophysiology emerges as
      patients age. Recent evidence reminds us of the concept that adult Fontan
      pathophysiology is not just a cardiovascular disease, rather, a multiorgan
      disease with many interactions between cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular
      organs. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to take care of and
      anticipate the better long-term outcome.

PMID- 27134137
TI  - Baseline risk has greater influence over behavioral attrition on the real-world
      clinical effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Few studies have examined the correlates of real-world cardiac
      rehabilitation (CR) effectiveness. The objective of this study was to determine
      the relationship between baseline risk, behavioral attrition, and the number
      needed to treat (NNT) associated with CR. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A
      retrospective study was conducted among 16,061 CR patients between 1995 and 2011
      in Canada. Multiple logistic regression models were derived from patient
      characteristics and measured baseline risk (individual's risk of death within 3
      years) and behavioral attrition (individual's risk of premature dropout). We
      examined the treatment efficacy of CR among nondropouts using a 20% relative risk
      reduction. Further sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness
      of our assumptions. We assumed no efficacy among dropouts. RESULTS: Both baseline
      risk and behavioral attrition were independently associated with NNT, although
      baseline risk had a stronger association with NNT than behavioral attrition.
      Increasing age, lower baseline fitness, history of diabetes, hypertension, and
      greater comorbidities were associated with lower NNT. Being female, living alone,
      living in the lowest neighborhood income quintile, and greater adiposity were
      associated with higher NNT. CONCLUSION: The clinical effectiveness of CR is
      largely driven by the baseline risk rather than the behavioral attrition of the
      populations they serve. These findings have implications for risk stratification
      among those with greatest survival yields and programmatic needs.

PMID- 27134138
TI  - Recurrent event frailty models reduced time-varying and other biases in
      evaluating transfusion protocols for traumatic hemorrhage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Transfusion research seeks to improve survival for severely injured
      and hemorrhaging patients using optimal plasma and platelet ratios over red blood
      cells (RBCs). However, most published studies comparing different ratios are
      plagued with serious bias and ignore time-varying effects. We applied joint
      recurrent event frailty models to increase validity and clinical utility. STUDY
      DESIGN AND SETTING: Using the PRospective Observational Multicenter Major Trauma
      Transfusion study data, our joint random-effects models estimated the association
      of (1) clinical covariates with transfusion rate intensities and (2) varying
      plasma:RBC and platelet:RBC ratios with survival over the 24 hours after hospital
      admission. Along with survival time, baseline patient vital signs, laboratory
      values, and longitudinal data on types and volumes of transfusions were included.
      RESULTS: Baseline systolic blood pressure, heart rate, pH, and hemoglobin were
      significantly associated with RBC transfusion rates. Increased transfusion rates
      (per hour) of plasma (P = 0.05), platelets (P < 0.001), or RBCs were associated
      with increased 24-hour mortality. Higher ratios of plasma:RBC (P = 0.107) and
      platelet:RBC (P < 0.001) were associated with reduced mortality in a time-varying
      pattern (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed joint analysis of transfusion
      rates and ratios offers a more valid statistical approach to evaluate survival
      effects in the presence of informative censoring by early death.

PMID- 27134139
TI  - N-of-1 trials to enhance patient outcomes: identifying effective therapies and
      reducing harms, one patient at a time.

PMID- 27134140
TI  - Prayer and the Registered Nurse (PRN): nurses' reports of ease and dis-ease with
      patient-initiated prayer request.
AB  - AIMS: To explore nurse comfort with patient-initiated prayer request scenarios.
      BACKGROUND: Spiritual care is fundamental to patient care evidenced by Joint
      Commission requirement of a spiritual assessment on a patient's hospital
      admission. Prayer is an assessment component. Patients may seek solace and
      support by requesting prayer from the bedside nurse, the nurse may lack
      confidence in responding. Absent in the literature are reports specific to
      nurses' comfort when patients initiate prayer requests. DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      mixed methods study. METHODS: Data were collected in early 2014 from 134 nurses
      in the USA via an online survey using QuestionPro. The qualitative results
      reported here were collated by scenario and analysed using thematic analysis.
      RESULTS/FINDINGS: The scenario responses revealed patterns of ease and dis-ease
      in response to patient requests for prayer. The pattern of ease of prayer with
      patients revealed three themes: open to voice of calm or silence; physical or
      spiritual; can I call the chaplain. For these nurses, prayer is a natural
      component of nursing care, as the majority of responses to all scenarios
      demonstrated an overwhelming ease in response and capacity to pray with patients
      on request. The pattern of dis-ease of prayer with patients distinguished two
      themes: cautious hesitancy and whose God. These nurses experienced dis-ease with
      the patient's request no matter the situation. CONCLUSION: Educators and
      administrators must nurture opportunities for students and nurses to learn about
      and engage in the reflective preparation needed to respond to patient prayer
      requests.

PMID- 27134141
TI  - Sp7/Osterix Is Restricted to Bone-Forming Vertebrates where It Acts as a Dlx Co
      factor in Osteoblast Specification.
AB  - In extant species, bone formation is restricted to vertebrate species.
      Sp7/Osterix is a key transcriptional determinant of bone-secreting osteoblasts.
      We performed Sp7 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis identifying a
      large set of predicted osteoblast enhancers and validated a subset of these in
      cell culture and transgenic mouse assays. Sp family members bind GC-rich target
      sequences through their zinc finger domain. Several lines of evidence suggest
      that Sp7 acts differently, engaging osteoblast targets in Dlx-containing
      regulatory complexes bound to AT-rich motifs. Amino acid differences in the Sp7
      zinc finger domain reduce Sp7's affinity for the Sp family consensus GC-box
      target; Dlx5 binding maps to this domain of Sp7. The data support a model in
      which Dlx recruitment of Sp7 to osteoblast enhancers underlies Sp7-directed
      osteoblast specification. Because an Sp7-like zinc finger variant is restricted
      to vertebrates, the emergence of an Sp7 member within the Sp family was likely
      closely coupled to the evolution of bone-forming vertebrates.

PMID- 27134142
TI  - Multi-layered Regulation of SPL15 and Cooperation with SOC1 Integrate Endogenous
      Flowering Pathways at the Arabidopsis Shoot Meristem.
AB  - Flowering is initiated in response to environmental and internal cues that are
      integrated at the shoot apical meristem (SAM). We show that SPL15 coordinates the
      basal floral promotion pathways required for flowering of Arabidopsis in non
      inductive environments. SPL15 directly activates transcription of the floral
      regulators FUL and miR172b in the SAM during floral induction, whereas its
      paralog SPL9 is expressed later on the flanks of the SAM. The capacity of SPL15
      to promote flowering is regulated by age through miR156, which targets SPL15
      mRNA, and gibberellin (GA), which releases SPL15 from DELLAs. Furthermore, SPL15
      and the MADS-box protein SOC1 cooperate to promote transcription of their target
      genes. SPL15 recruits RNAPII and MED18, a Mediator complex component, in a GA
      dependent manner, while SOC1 facilitates active chromatin formation with the
      histone demethylase REF6. Thus, we present a molecular basis for assimilation of
      flowering signals and transcriptional control at the SAM during flowering. 

PMID- 27134143
TI  - Ability of paramedics to perform intraosseous access. A randomized cadaver study
      comparing EZ-IO((r)) and NIO((r)) devices.

PMID- 27134144
TI  - The utility of electrocardiogram for evaluation of clinical cardiac arrest in
      neonatal resuscitation.

PMID- 27134145
TI  - Randomized clinical trial comparing ten day concomitant and sequential therapies
      for Helicobacter pylori eradication in a high clarithromycin resistance area.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently only a few studies compare sequential and concomitant non
      bismuth Helicobacter pylori therapies referring to high antibiotic resistance
      populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter prospective randomized
      clinical trial included 353 H. pylori positive, treatment naive, patients. All
      patients had positive CLO-test and/or histology and culture. They received
      sequential (esomeprazole 40mg, amoxicillin 1g/bid for 5days, followed by 5days of
      esomeprazole 40mg, clarithromycin 500mg and metronidazole 500mg bid), or
      concomitant treatment (all drugs taken concomitantly bid for 10days). Eradication
      was confirmed by (13)C-urea breath test or histology 4-6weeks after treatment.
      Adverse events and adherence were evaluated. RESULTS: Allocated to concomitant
      were 175 (72F/103M, mean 52.3years, 38.3% smokers, 25.7% ulcer disease) and 178
      (87F/91M, mean 52years, 31% smokers, 19.1% ulcer disease) patients to sequential
      treatment. There were 303/353 (85.8%) positive cultures, with the following
      resistances: 34% metronidazole, 27.7% clarithromycin, and 7.9% dual. Eradication
      rates were, respectively, 89.1% (156/175) vs. 78.7% (140/178) by intention to
      treat (p=0.01, 95% CI=2.7-18) and 93.4%(156/167) vs. 82.8% (140/169) per protocol
      (p=0.004, 95% CI=3.6-17.6). Overall, adherence was (98.9%, 95% CI=97-100).
      Eradication rates according to resistance were the following: dual susceptible
      strains 67/69 (97.1%), 62/67 (92%) (p=0.4), metronidazole single resistant 38/39
      (97.4%), 31/39 (79.5%) (p=0.03, 95% CI=3.5-33), clarithromycin single resistant
      25/28 (89.3%), 26/31 (83.9%) (p=0.8), and dual resistant 9/12 (75%), 4/11 (36.4%)
      (p=0.1) for concomitant and sequential regimens, respectively. Side effects were
      comparable among regimens, except from diarrhea being more frequent among
      patients treated with concomitant treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant treatment
      eradication rate overcomes 90% per protocol and has a significant advantage over
      sequential therapy. This is probably due to its better efficacy on metronidazole
      resistant strains. Both regimens were well tolerated and safe.

PMID- 27134146
TI  - Sudden chest pain two months after a motor vehicle accident.

PMID- 27134147
TI  - Effect of intraperitoneal chemotherapy and peritoneal lavage in positive
      peritoneal cytology in gastric cancer. Systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The most common cause of tumour progression in advanced gastric
      cancer is peritoneal carcinosis (PC). The necessity to increase the survival in
      advanced diseases suggested to deliver the chemotherapy directly in the
      peritoneal cavity also in Cy+/PC- and to experiment the effect of massive
      peritoneal lavage to wash out the tumour cells. The aim of this study is to
      investigate the gain in term of survival and peritoneal recurrence rate of the
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy and/or peritoneal lavage in patients with Cy+/PC-.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis of trials about the
      effect of intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) and/or peritoneal lavage (PL) on
      positive cytology in gastric cancer without carcinosis. RESULTS: Three trials
      have been included (164 patients: 76 received surgery alone, 51 surgery + IPC and
      37 surgery + IPC + PL). Two- and five-years survival is increased by IPC (RR =
      1.62, RR = 3.10). 2 and 5 years survival is further increased by IPC + PL (RR =
      2.33, RR = 6.19). Peritoneal recurrence is reduced by IPC (OR = 0.45) and by IPC
      + PL (OR = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Two- and five-years overall survival in patients
      with free cancer cells without carcinosis is incremented by intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy. Peritoneal lavage further increases these survival rates and also
      it further decreases the peritoneal recurrence rate.

PMID- 27134148
TI  - Evaluation of mastectomy with immediate autologous latissimus dorsi breast
      reconstruction following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy: A single
      institution study of 111 cases of invasive breast carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate morbidity and patient satisfaction
      following surgically treated skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with immediate breast
      reconstruction (IBR) following mastectomy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT),
      and preoperative radiotherapy (RT), for operable invasive breast cancer. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: This retrospective single-institution study included 111 patients
      who underwent a mastectomy with IBR after RT and/or NACT for invasive breast
      carcinoma at the Institut de Cancerologie de l'Ouest Paul Papin from January 1997
      to January 2012. Only patients with breast reconstruction by autologous
      latissimus dorsi flap with (LDI) or without (ALD) implant were considered. The
      primary endpoints were the delay in therapeutic sequence, post-operative
      complication rate, surgical revision rate, time of hospitalization and the
      anonymous analysis of the patient satisfaction survey. RESULTS: 111 patients
      underwent mastectomy after RT. The median age was 48 years old and the median
      body mass index (BMI) was 23.6. SSM were performed in 94.5% of cases. The median
      interval between the end of chemotherapy (CT) and the beginning of RT was 30 days
      while the median interval between the end of RT and surgery was 41 days. The rate
      of primary complications was 66.6% including seroma secretion (reduced to 10.8%
      when seroma secretion was excluded). The necrosis rate was 5.4%. The average
      patient satisfaction score for the reconstruction was 17 out of 20. Five-year
      disease-free and overall survival rates were 93.2% and 98.3% respectively with a
      median follow-up of 31.6 months. There was only one case of local relapse
      diagnosed after seven years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study shows that our
      therapeutic sequence does not appear to increase IBR morbidity and remains within
      the acceptable safety margins of oncological treatment. It also gives a high
      quality aesthetic result that helps to maintain patient self-esteem.

PMID- 27134149
TI  - Structural equation modeling identifies markers of damage and function in the
      aging male Fischer 344 rat.
AB  - The male Fischer 344 rat is an established model to study progressive renal
      dysfunction that is similar, but not identical, to chronic kidney disease (CKD)
      in humans. These studies were designed to assess age-dependent alterations in
      renal structure and function at late-life timepoints, 16-24 months. Elevations in
      BUN and plasma creatinine were not significant until 24 months, however,
      elevations in the more sensitive markers of function, plasma cystatin C and
      proteinuria, were detectable at 16 and 18 months, respectively. Interestingly,
      cystatin C levels were not corrected by caloric restriction. Urinary Kim-1, a
      marker of CKD, was elevated as early as 16 months. Klotho gene expression was
      significantly decreased at 24 months, but not at earlier timepoints. Alterations
      in renal structure, glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, were
      noted at 16 months, with little change from 18 to 24 months. Tubulointerstitial
      inflammation was increased at 16 months, and remained similar from 18 to 24
      months. A SEM (structural equation modeling) model of age-related renal
      dysfunction suggests that proteinuria is a marker of renal damage, while urinary
      Kim-1 is a marker of both damage and function. Taken together, these results
      demonstrate that age-dependent nephropathy begins as early as 16 months and
      progresses rapidly over the next 8 months.

PMID- 27134150
TI  - The carotid artery as an alternative site for dynamic autoregulation measurement:
      an inter-observer reproducibility study.
AB  - The internal carotid artery (ICA) has been proposed as an alternative site to the
      middle cerebral artery (MCA) to measure dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA)
      using transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). Our aim was to test the inter
      operator reproducibility of dCA assessment in the ICA and the effect of
      interaction amongst different variables (artery source * operator * intra-subject
      variability). Two operators measured blood flow velocity using TCD at the ICA and
      MCA simultaneously on each side in 12 healthy volunteers. The autoregulation
      index (ARI) was estimated by transfer function analysis. A two-way repeated
      measurements ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey tested the difference between ARI by
      different operators and interaction effects were analysed based on the
      generalized linear model. In this healthy population, no significant differences
      between operator and no interaction effects were identified amongst the different
      variables. This study reinforced the validity of using the ICA as an alternative
      site for the assessment of dCA. Further work is needed to confirm and extend our
      findings, particularly to disease populations.

PMID- 27134151
TI  - Shoulder pain and time dependent structure in wheelchair propulsion variability.
AB  - Manual wheelchair propulsion places considerable repetitive mechanical strain on
      the upper limbs leading to shoulder injury and pain. While recent research
      indicates that the amount of variability in wheelchair propulsion and shoulder
      pain may be related. There has been minimal inquiry into the fluctuation over
      time (i.e. time-dependent structure) in wheelchair propulsion variability.
      Consequently the purpose of this investigation was to examine if the time
      dependent structure in the wheelchair propulsion parameters are related to
      shoulder pain. 27 experienced wheelchair users manually propelled their own
      wheelchair fitted with a SMARTWheel on a roller at 1.1m/s for 3min. Time
      dependent structure of cycle-to-cycle fluctuations in contact angle and inter
      push time interval was quantified using sample entropy (SampEn) and compared
      between the groups with/without shoulder pain using non-parametric statistics.
      Overall findings were, (1) variability observed in contact angle fluctuations
      during manual wheelchair propulsion is structured (Z=3.15;p<0.05), (2)
      individuals with shoulder pain exhibited higher SampEn magnitude for contact
      angle during wheelchair propulsion than those without pain
      (chi(2)(1)=6.12;p<0.05); and (3) SampEn of contact angle correlated significantly
      with self-reported shoulder pain (rs (WUSPI) =0.41;rs (VAS)=0.56;p<0.05). It was
      concluded that the time-dependent structure in wheelchair propulsion may provide
      novel information for tracking and monitoring shoulder pain.

PMID- 27134152
TI  - Bioactive glass surface for fiber reinforced composite implants via surface
      etching by Excimer laser.
AB  - Biostable fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) prepared from bisphenol-A
      glycidyldimethacrylate (BisGMA)-based thermosets reinforced with E-glass fibers
      are promising alternatives to metallic implants due to the excellent fatigue
      resistance and the mechanical properties matching those of bone. Bioactive glass
      (BG) granules can be incorporated within the polymer matrix to improve the
      osteointegration of the FRC implants. However, the creation of a viable surface
      layer using BG granules is technically challenging. In this study, we
      investigated the potential of Excimer laser ablation to achieve the selective
      removal of the matrix to expose the surface of BG granules. A UV-vis
      spectroscopic study was carried out to investigate the differences in the
      penetration of light in the thermoset matrix and BG. Thereafter, optimal Excimer
      laser ablation parameters were established. The formation of a calcium phosphate
      (CaP) layer on the surface of the laser-ablated specimens was verified in
      simulated body fluid (SBF). In addition, the proliferation of MG63 cells on the
      surfaces of the laser-ablated specimens was investigated. For the laser-ablated
      specimens, the pattern of proliferation of MG63 cells was comparable to that in
      the positive control group (Ti6Al4V). We concluded that Excimer laser ablation
      has potential for the creation of a bioactive surface on FRC-implants.

PMID- 27134153
TI  - Quantifying Domestic Used Electronics Flows using a Combination of Material Flow
      Methodologies: A US Case Study.
AB  - This paper describes the scope, methods, data, and results of a comprehensive
      quantitative analysis of generation, stock, and collection of used computers and
      monitors in the United States , specifically desktops, laptops, CRT monitors, and
      flat panel monitors in the decade leading up to 2010. Generation refers to used
      electronics coming directly out of use or postuse storage destined for disposal
      or collection, which encompasses a variety of organizations gathering used
      electronics for recycling or reuse. Given the lack of actual statistics on flows
      of used electronics, two separate approaches, the sales obsolescence method (SOM)
      and the survey scale-up method (SSUM), were used in order to compare the results
      attained and provide a range for estimated quantities. This study intentionally
      sought to capture the uncertainty in the estimates. To do so, uncertainty in each
      data set was incorporated at each stage using Monte Carlo simulations for SOM and
      establishing scenarios for SSUM. Considering the average results across both
      methods, we estimate that in 2010 the U.S. generated 130-164 thousand metric tons
      of used computers and 128-153 thousand tons of used monitors, of which 110-116
      thousand tons of used computers and 105-106 thousand tons of used monitors were
      collected for further reuse, recycling, or export. While each approach has its
      strengths and weaknesses, both the SOM and the SSUM appear to be capable of
      producing reasonable ranges of estimates for the generation and collection of
      used electronics.

PMID- 27134154
TI  - Does the Amount of Screw Fixation Utilized for the Condylar Component of the TMJ
      Concepts Total Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction Predispose to Hardware Loss
      or Postoperative Complications?
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether the number of screws used to fixate a TMJ Concepts
      total joint prosthesis correlates with loss of hardware fixation or postoperative
      complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients
      undergoing total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction with the TMJ
      Concepts custom prosthesis at the Mayo Clinic from 2005 to 2015 was undertaken.
      The primary predictor variable was the percentage of screw fixation used in the
      condylar component. The primary outcome variable was loss of hardware fixation.
      Secondary outcome variables included postoperative wound infection, removal of
      hardware, and return to the operating room. Covariates abstracted included
      patient demographics, comorbidity indices, preoperative occlusion, contralateral
      TMJ reconstruction, performing surgeon, duration of procedure and anesthesia,
      intraoperative fluid administration, concomitant surgical procedures,
      perioperative antibiotics, prior TMJ surgeries, prior Proplast Teflon
      implantation, prior head and neck radiation, use of heterotopic ossification
      radiation protocol, and use of the 2 most superior screw holes in the condylar
      component. RESULTS: The study sample was composed of 45 patients representing 64
      TMJ Concepts reconstructions. Mean age was 49.1 years (standard deviation, 13.4
      yr; range, 19 to 85 yr). The female distribution was 86%. There were 15
      simultaneous bilateral reconstructions, 26 unilateral reconstructions, and 4
      staged bilateral reconstructions. Eighteen reconstructions (28%) were placed
      using 100% of the available screw holes in the condylar component. Forty-six
      reconstructions (72%) were placed using fewer than 100% of the available screw
      holes in the condylar component (range of screw fixation, 56 to 89%). The minimum
      number of screws used to fixate the condylar component was 5, which was observed
      in 9 reconstructions (14%). There was no postoperative loss of hardware fixation
      in any reconstruction under study. Six reconstructions showed a postoperative
      complication defined by the secondary outcomes. Univariable or multivariable
      modeling was precluded for the primary and secondary outcomes owing to the low
      frequency of observed complications. CONCLUSION: Fixating the condylar component
      of the TMJ Concepts total joint prosthesis using fewer than 100% of the available
      screw holes does not predispose the reconstruction to hardware loss, particularly
      if greater than 50% screw fixation can be achieved or a minimum of 5 screws are
      used.

PMID- 27134155
TI  - Does the Excision of Overlying Oral Mucosa Reduce the Recurrence Rate in the
      Treatment of the Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor? A Systematic Review and Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify whether there is scientific
      evidence to support excision of the overlying mucosa (EOM) in conjunction with
      cyst enucleation to decrease the recurrence rate (RR) of keratocystic odontogenic
      tumors (KOTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis
      conforming to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta
      Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. A comprehensive search of 3 major
      databases through PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL was conducted to identify
      all relevant articles published without date or language restrictions from
      inception to December 2015. Eligible articles were selected based on the
      following inclusion criteria: randomized, prospective, or retrospective studies
      comparing enucleation with EOM to enucleation without EOM for patients with KOTs.
      The predictor variable was treatment group (enucleation with EOM vs enucleation
      without EOM). The outcome variables were RR of KOTs, presence of epithelial
      islands and microcysts in the excised overlying mucosa, and correlation between
      recurrent cortically perforated KOTs. A weighted RR and odds ratio (OR; using a
      random- or fixed-effect model) and the Mantel-Haenszel test with 95% confidence
      interval (CI) were performed using comprehensive meta-analysis software. RESULTS:
      Eleven studies were included in this review. There was no significant difference
      between enucleation with and without EOM (random; OR = 3.259; 95%, 0.975-10.901,
      P = 0.055). The weighted event rates for enucleation with Carnoy's solution plus
      EOM and enucleation without EOM in cortically perforated lesions were 6.2%
      (random; 95% CI, 2.6-14) and 9.1% (random; 95% CI, 1.6-38.2), respectively. The
      weighted event rate for the presence of epithelial islands and microcysts in
      overlying mucosa of KOTs was 68.8% (random; 95% CI, 27.2-92.9). CONCLUSION: The
      results of this study suggest that enucleation of KOTs plus the use of Carnoy's
      solution or liquid nitrogen (when indicated) should be combined with EOM to
      obtain the lowest RR, specifically for retromandibular trigone, posterior
      maxillary, and cortically perforated lesions. However, the results from this
      study do not provide sufficient scientific evidence for EOM in combination with
      enucleation of KOTs.

PMID- 27134156
TI  - Efficacy of Retromandibular Transparotid Approach for the Management of
      Extracapsular Subcondylar Mandibular Fractures Using 2-mm Titanium Miniplates: A
      Prospective Clinical Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and
      radiologic results of the retromandibular transparotid approach to displaced
      extracapsular subcondylar mandibular fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      prospective cohort study was conducted over a period of 5 years on patients
      surgically treated for displaced extracapsular subcondylar mandibular fractures
      by the retromandibular transparotid approach. Variables including the type of
      fracture, degree of mouth opening, fracture displacement, deviation, excursive
      movements of the mandible, and facial nerve function were monitored before and
      after treatment. Appropriate statistics were computed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine
      patients with 47 fractures were evaluated. There were 34 subcondylar fractures
      (located below the sigmoid notch) (87%), and 5 fractures were located in the head
      region in bilateral cases. Of the fractures, 31 (79%) were unilateral and 8 (21%)
      were bilateral. In a multivariate study, condylar coronal displacement, coronal
      sagittal displacement, difference in the ramal height, maximal interincisal
      distance, protrusive movements, and deviation of the mandible on opening showed
      statistically significant differences in pretreatment and post-treatment patients
      (P = .001). The interincisal distance was 46.8 mm (SD, 5.2 mm) postoperatively
      versus 24.1 mm (SD, 6.7 mm) before treatment. The average range of protrusion was
      significantly lower (P = .001) in patients before treatment, at 1.9 mm (SD, 1.2
      mm), when compared with 6.1 mm (SD, 2.0 mm) postoperatively. During mouth
      opening, deviation of the mandible is often a sign of compensatory movement of
      the contralateral joint due to shortening of the ascending ramal height on the
      affected joint. The mean deviation of the mandible from the midline was 4.2 mm
      (SD, 1.0 mm) in patients before treatment, with a significant difference (P =
      .001) in patients after treatment, with a mean of 1.9 mm (SD, 0.995 mm).
      Temporary injuries to the facial nerve branches were observed in 3 cases (8%) 1
      week after treatment, which later resolved within 3 weeks to 3 months.
      CONCLUSIONS: The retromandibular transparotid approach provides good exposure and
      facilitates accurate reduction and fixation of the subcondylar fragment with
      positive outcomes, good cosmetic results, and rare major complications. Most
      facial nerve injuries are transient in nature after this approach. A Synthes 2-mm
      titanium single mini-plate (West Chester, PA) provides stable results after
      fixation.

PMID- 27134157
TI  - Can Resorbable Fixation Screws Replace Titanium Fixation Screws? A Nano
      Indentation Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the nano-hardness and elastic
      modulus of titanium and resorbable screws and determine whether resorbable screws
      could completely replace titanium screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mechanical
      properties (nano-hardness and decreased elastic modulus) of TriMed titanium,
      resorbable Inion CPS, and Synthes RapidSorb samples were measured using a nano
      indentation technique. In this study, a Hysitron TriboIndenter TI 950 with a
      resolution less than 1 nN and a displacement resolution of 0.04 nm was used for
      the nano-indentation tests. The unloading segments of the nano-indentation curves
      were analyzed using the method of Oliver and Pharr (J Mater Res 7:1564, 1992).
      RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that the values of the elastic modulus and
      nano-hardness of the TriMed titanium screws were significantly higher than those
      of the resorbable Inion CPS and Synthes RapidSorb screws (P < .05). A statistical
      difference was not observed between the values of the elastic modulus and the
      nano-hardness of the Inion CPS and Synthes RapidSorb screws (P > .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the resorbable screws were found to be soft and
      flexible compared with the titanium screw. According to the results of this nano
      indentation study, resorbable and titanium screws cannot be used interchangeably.

PMID- 27134158
TI  - Management of infections in critically ill returning travellers in the intensive
      care unit-I: considerations on infection control and transmission of resistance.
AB  - Depending on their destinations and activities, international travellers are at a
      significant risk of contracting both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
      On return to their home countries, such travellers may require intensive care.
      The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and
      Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and more recently Ebola
      haemorrhagic fever, has highlighted the risks. Other well-known communicable
      pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and carbapenemase
      producing Enterobacteriaceae have been described previously. However, malaria
      remains by far the most important cause of death. The issues related to imported
      antibiotic resistance and protection from highly contagious diseases are reviewed
      here. Surveillance strategies based on epidemiological data (country visited,
      duration of travel, and time elapsed since return) and clinical syndromes,
      together with systematic search policies, are usually mandatory to limit the risk
      of an outbreak. Single-bed hospital rooms and isolation according to symptoms
      should be the rule while awaiting laboratory test results. Because person-to
      person contact is the main route of transmission, healthcare workers should
      implement specific prevention strategies. 

PMID- 27134159
TI  - Management of infections in critically ill returning travellers in the intensive
      care unit-II: clinical syndromes and special considerations in immunocompromised
      patients.
AB  - This position paper is the second ESCMID Consensus Document on this subject and
      aims to provide intensivists, infectious disease specialists, and emergency
      physicians with a standardized approach to the management of serious travel
      related infections in the intensive care unit (ICU) or the emergency department.
      This document is a cooperative effort between members of two European Society of
      Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) study groups and was
      coordinated by Hakan Leblebicioglu and Jordi Rello for ESGITM (ESCMID Study Group
      for Infections in Travellers and Migrants) and ESGCIP (ESCMID Study Group for
      Infections in Critically Ill Patients), respectively. A relevant expert on the
      subject of each section prepared the first draft which was then edited and
      approved by additional members from both ESCMID study groups. This article
      summarizes considerations regarding clinical syndromes requiring ICU admission in
      travellers, covering immunocompromised patients. 

PMID- 27134160
TI  - [Risk factors associated with mother negligence in child care].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with the risk of negligence in
      child care during the first year of rearing in adolescent and adult mothers.
      METHOD: This was cross-sectional correlation study with a non-probabilistic
      sample composed of 250 mothers during their first year of child rearing. The
      information was collected through the Parenting Inventory for Teenagers and
      Adults. RESULTS: 88 teenager mothers and 162 adult mothers participated in this
      study. In general low scores were found in all dimensions in both adolescent
      mothers group and adult mother group, which indicate the existence of
      deficiencies in the adequate maternal behavior and risk of negligent care to
      their children. In the group of teenage mothers there was an evident and
      significant correlation between the factors: maternal age and occupation
      dimension belief in punishment and occupation with inappropriate expectations
      dimension. The group of adult mothers showed significant correlation between:
      educational level with the dimensions of role reversal, belief in punishment and
      lack of empathy; socioeconomic dimension with the belief in punishment and age of
      the child with the lack of empathy dimension. CONCLUSIONS: Child rearing
      expectations of mothers show a high risk of negligence in child care. Therefore,
      nurses should promote the strengthening of the maternal role.

PMID- 27134161
TI  - Career Alternatives for Radiologists Beyond Clinical Practice.
AB  - Radiologists may choose or need to leave radiology as a career. The purpose of
      this article is to discuss options available to radiologists beyond their
      clinical careers. 

PMID- 27134162
TI  - Promoter Hypomethylation and Expression Is Conserved in Mouse Chronic Lymphocytic
      Leukemia Induced by Decreased or Inactivated Dnmt3a.
AB  - DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3A) catalyzes the formation of 5-methyl-cytosine in
      mammalian genomic DNA, and it is frequently mutated in human hematologic
      malignancies. Bi-allelic loss of Dnmt3a in mice results in leukemia and lymphoma,
      including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here, we investigate whether mono
      allelic loss of Dnmt3a is sufficient to induce disease. We show that, by 16
      months of age, 65% of Dnmt3a(+/-) mice develop a CLL-like disease, and 15% of
      mice develop non-malignant myeloproliferation. Genome-wide methylation analysis
      reveals that reduced Dnmt3a levels induce promoter hypomethylation at similar
      loci in Dnmt3a(+/-) and Dnmt3a(Delta/Delta) CLL, suggesting that promoters are
      particularly sensitive to Dnmt3a levels. Gene expression analysis identified 26
      hypomethylated and overexpressed genes common to both Dnmt3a(+/-) and
      Dnmt3a(Delta/Delta) CLL as putative oncogenic drivers. Our data provide evidence
      that Dnmt3a is a haplo-insufficient tumor suppressor in CLL and highlights the
      importance of deregulated molecular events in disease pathogenesis.

PMID- 27134163
TI  - Myriad Triple-Helix-Forming Structures in the Transposable Element RNAs of Plants
      and Fungi.
AB  - The ENE (element for nuclear expression) is a cis-acting RNA structure that
      protects viral or cellular noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) from nuclear decay through
      triple-helix formation with the poly(A) tail or 3'-terminal A-rich tract. We
      expanded the roster of nine known ENEs by bioinformatic identification of ~200
      distinct ENEs that reside in transposable elements (TEs) of numerous non-metazoan
      and one fish species and in four Dicistrovirus genomes. Despite variation within
      the ENE core, none of the predicted triple-helical stacks exceeds five base
      triples. Increased accumulation of reporter transcripts in human cells
      demonstrated functionality for representative ENEs. Location close to the poly(A)
      tail argues that ENEs are active in TE transcripts. Their presence in intronless,
      but not intron-containing, hAT transposase genes supports the idea that TEs
      acquired ENEs to counteract the RNA-destabilizing effects of intron loss, a
      potential evolutionary consequence of TE horizontal transfer in organisms that
      couple RNA silencing to splicing deficits.

PMID- 27134164
TI  - SUMO-Dependent Relocalization of Eroded Telomeres to Nuclear Pore Complexes
      Controls Telomere Recombination.
AB  - In budding yeast, inactivation of telomerase and ensuing telomere erosion cause
      relocalization of telomeres to nuclear pore complexes (NPCs). However, neither
      the mechanism of such relocalization nor its significance are understood. We
      report that proteins bound to eroded telomeres are recognized by the SUMO (small
      ubiquitin-like modifier)-targeted ubiquitin ligase (STUbL) Slx5-Slx8 and become
      increasingly SUMOylated. Recruitment of Slx5-Slx8 to eroded telomeres facilitates
      telomere relocalization to NPCs and type II telomere recombination, a counterpart
      of mammalian alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Moreover, artificial
      tethering of a telomere to a NPC promotes type II telomere recombination but
      cannot bypass the lack of Slx5-Slx8 in this process. Together, our results
      indicate that SUMOylation positively contributes to telomere relocalization to
      the NPC, where poly-SUMOylated proteins that accumulated over time have to be
      removed. We propose that STUbL-dependent relocalization of telomeres to NPCs
      constitutes a pathway in which excessively SUMOylated proteins are removed from
      "congested" intermediates to ensure unconventional recombination.

PMID- 27134165
TI  - EdnrB Governs Regenerative Response of Melanocyte Stem Cells by Crosstalk with
      Wnt Signaling.
AB  - Delineating the crosstalk between distinct signaling pathways is key to
      understanding the diverse and dynamic responses of adult stem cells during tissue
      regeneration. Here, we demonstrate that the Edn/EdnrB signaling pathway can
      interact with other signaling pathways to elicit distinct stem cell functions
      during tissue regeneration. EdnrB signaling promotes proliferation and
      differentiation of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs), dramatically enhancing the
      regeneration of hair and epidermal melanocytes. This effect is dependent upon
      active Wnt signaling that is initiated by Wnt ligand secretion from the hair
      follicle epithelial niche. Further, this Wnt-dependent EdnrB signaling can rescue
      the defects in melanocyte regeneration caused by Mc1R loss. This suggests that
      targeting Edn/EdnrB signaling in McSCs can be a therapeutic approach to promote
      photoprotective-melanocyte regeneration, which may be useful for those with
      increased risk of skin cancers due to Mc1R variants.

PMID- 27134166
TI  - Metabolic Symbiosis Enables Adaptive Resistance to Anti-angiogenic Therapy that
      Is Dependent on mTOR Signaling.
AB  - Therapeutic targeting of tumor angiogenesis with VEGF inhibitors results in
      demonstrable, but transitory efficacy in certain human tumors and mouse models of
      cancer, limited by unconventional forms of adaptive/evasive resistance. In one
      such mouse model, potent angiogenesis inhibitors elicit compartmental
      reorganization of cancer cells around remaining blood vessels. The glucose and
      lactate transporters GLUT1 and MCT4 are induced in distal hypoxic cells in a
      HIF1alpha-dependent fashion, indicative of glycolysis. Tumor cells proximal to
      blood vessels instead express the lactate transporter MCT1, and p-S6, the latter
      reflecting mTOR signaling. Normoxic cancer cells import and metabolize lactate,
      resulting in upregulation of mTOR signaling via glutamine metabolism enhanced by
      lactate catabolism. Thus, metabolic symbiosis is established in the face of
      angiogenesis inhibition, whereby hypoxic cancer cells import glucose and export
      lactate, while normoxic cells import and catabolize lactate. mTOR signaling
      inhibition disrupts this metabolic symbiosis, associated with upregulation of the
      glucose transporter GLUT2.

PMID- 27134167
TI  - Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Regulate Tumor-Initiating Cell Plasticity in
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma through c-Met/FRA1/HEY1 Signaling.
AB  - Like normal stem cells, tumor-initiating cells (T-ICs) are regulated
      extrinsically within the tumor microenvironment. Because HCC develops primarily
      in the context of cirrhosis, in which there is an enrichment of activated
      fibroblasts, we hypothesized that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) would
      regulate liver T-ICs. We found that the presence of alpha-SMA(+) CAFs correlates
      with poor clinical outcome. CAF-derived HGF regulates liver T-ICs via activation
      of FRA1 in an Erk1,2-dependent manner. Further functional analysis identifies
      HEY1 as a direct downstream effector of FRA1. Using the STAM NASH-HCC mouse
      model, we find that HGF-induced FRA1 activation is associated with the fibrosis
      dependent development of HCC. Thus, targeting the CAF-derived, HGF-mediated c
      Met/FRA1/HEY1 cascade may be a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC.

PMID- 27134168
TI  - Targeting Metabolic Symbiosis to Overcome Resistance to Anti-angiogenic Therapy.
AB  - Despite the approval of several anti-angiogenic therapies, clinical results
      remain unsatisfactory, and transient benefits are followed by rapid tumor
      recurrence. Here, we demonstrate potent anti-angiogenic efficacy of the multi
      kinase inhibitors nintedanib and sunitinib in a mouse model of breast cancer.
      However, after an initial regression, tumors resume growth in the absence of
      active tumor angiogenesis. Gene expression profiling of tumor cells reveals
      metabolic reprogramming toward anaerobic glycolysis. Indeed, combinatorial
      treatment with a glycolysis inhibitor (3PO) efficiently inhibits tumor growth.
      Moreover, tumors establish metabolic symbiosis, illustrated by the differential
      expression of MCT1 and MCT4, monocarboxylate transporters active in lactate
      exchange in glycolytic tumors. Accordingly, genetic ablation of MCT4 expression
      overcomes adaptive resistance against anti-angiogenic therapy. Hence, targeting
      metabolic symbiosis may be an attractive avenue to avoid resistance development
      to anti-angiogenic therapy in patients.

PMID- 27134169
TI  - Systematic Cellular Disease Models Reveal Synergistic Interaction of Trisomy 21
      and GATA1 Mutations in Hematopoietic Abnormalities.
AB  - Chromosomal aneuploidy and specific gene mutations are recognized early hallmarks
      of many oncogenic processes. However, the net effect of these abnormalities has
      generally not been explored. We focused on transient myeloproliferative disorder
      (TMD) in Down syndrome, which is characteristically associated with somatic
      mutations in GATA1. To better understand functional interplay between trisomy 21
      and GATA1 mutations in hematopoiesis, we constructed cellular disease models
      using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and genome-editing
      technologies. Comparative analysis of these engineered iPSCs demonstrated that
      trisomy 21 perturbed hematopoietic development through the enhanced production of
      early hematopoietic progenitors and the upregulation of mutated GATA1, resulting
      in the accelerated production of aberrantly differentiated cells. These effects
      were mediated by dosage alterations of RUNX1, ETS2, and ERG, which are located in
      a critical 4-Mb region of chromosome 21. Our study provides insight into the
      genetic synergy that contributes to multi-step leukemogenesis.

PMID- 27134170
TI  - Symmetry Breaking in an Edgeless Epithelium by Fat2-Regulated Microtubule
      Polarity.
AB  - Planar cell polarity (PCP) information is a critical determinant of organ
      morphogenesis. While PCP in bounded epithelial sheets is increasingly well
      understood, how PCP is organized in tubular and acinar tissues is not. Drosophila
      egg chambers (follicles) are an acinus-like "edgeless epithelium" and exhibit a
      continuous, circumferential PCP that does not depend on pathways active in
      bounded epithelia; this follicle PCP directs formation of an ellipsoid rather
      than a spherical egg. Here, we apply an imaging algorithm to "unroll" the entire
      3D tissue surface and comprehensively analyze PCP onset. This approach traces
      chiral symmetry breaking to plus-end polarity of microtubules in the germarium,
      well before follicles form and rotate. PCP germarial microtubules provide chiral
      information that predicts the direction of whole-tissue rotation as soon as
      independent follicles form. Concordant microtubule polarity, but not microtubule
      alignment, requires the atypical cadherin Fat2, which acts at an early stage to
      translate plus-end bias into coordinated actin-mediated collective cell
      migration. Because microtubules are not required for PCP or migration after
      follicle rotation initiates, while dynamic actin and extracellular matrix are,
      polarized microtubules lie at the beginning of a handoff mechanism that passes
      early chiral PCP of the cytoskeleton to a supracellular planar polarized
      extracellular matrix and elongates the organ.

PMID- 27134171
TI  - Slx5/Slx8 Promotes Replication Stress Tolerance by Facilitating Mitotic
      Progression.
AB  - Loss of minichromosome maintenance protein 10 (Mcm10) causes replication stress.
      We uncovered that S. cerevisiae mcm10-1 mutants rely on the E3 SUMO ligase Mms21
      and the SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase complex Slx5/8 for survival. Using
      quantitative mass spectrometry, we identified changes in the SUMO proteome of
      mcm10-1 mutants and revealed candidates regulated by Slx5/8. Such candidates
      included subunits of the chromosome passenger complex (CPC), Bir1 and Sli15,
      known to facilitate spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) activation. We show here
      that Slx5 counteracts SAC activation in mcm10-1 mutants under conditions of
      moderate replication stress. This coincides with the proteasomal degradation of
      sumoylated Bir1. Importantly, Slx5-dependent mitotic relief was triggered not
      only by Mcm10 deficiency but also by treatment with low doses of the alkylating
      drug methyl methanesulfonate. Based on these findings, we propose a model in
      which Slx5/8 allows for passage through mitosis when replication stress is
      tolerable.

PMID- 27134172
TI  - Crystal Structure and Substrate Specificity of PTPN12.
AB  - PTPN12 is an important tumor suppressor that plays critical roles in various
      physiological processes. However, the molecular basis underlying the substrate
      specificity of PTPN12 remains uncertain. Here, enzymological and crystallographic
      studies have enabled us to identify two distinct structural features that are
      crucial determinants of PTPN12 substrate specificity: the pY+1 site binding
      pocket and specific basic charged residues along its surface loops. Key
      structurally plastic regions and specific residues in PTPN12 enabled recognition
      of different HER2 phosphorylation sites and regulated specific PTPN12 functions.
      In addition, the structure of PTPN12 revealed a CDK2 phosphorylation site in a
      specific PTPN12 loop. Taken together, our results not only provide the working
      mechanisms of PTPN12 for desphosphorylation of its substrates but will also help
      in designing specific inhibitors of PTPN12.

PMID- 27134173
TI  - Polarizing the Neuron through Sustained Co-expression of Alternatively Spliced
      Isoforms.
AB  - Alternative splicing (AS) is an important source of proteome diversity in
      eukaryotes. However, how this affects protein repertoires at a single-cell level
      remains an open question. Here, we show that many 3'-terminal exons are
      persistently co-expressed with their alternatives in mammalian neurons. In an
      important example of this scenario, cell polarity gene Cdc42, a combination of
      polypyrimidine tract-binding, protein-dependent, and constitutive splicing
      mechanisms ensures a halfway switch from the general (E7) to the neuron-specific
      (E6) alternative 3'-terminal exon during neuronal differentiation. Perturbing the
      nearly equimolar E6/E7 ratio in neurons results in defects in both axonal and
      dendritic compartments and suggests that Cdc42E7 is involved in axonogenesis,
      whereas Cdc42E6 is required for normal development of dendritic spines. Thus, co
      expression of a precise blend of functionally distinct splice isoforms rather
      than a complete switch from one isoform to another underlies proper structural
      and functional polarization of neurons.

PMID- 27134174
TI  - beta-Catenin Activation in Muscle Progenitor Cells Regulates Tissue Repair.
AB  - Skeletal muscle regeneration relies on a pool of resident muscle stem cells
      called satellite cells (MuSCs). Following injury-induced destruction of the
      myofibers, quiescent MuSCs are activated and generate transient amplifying
      progenitors (myoblasts) that will fuse to form new myofibers. Here, we focus on
      the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and find that either conditional beta-catenin
      disruption or activation in adult MuSCs results in perturbation of muscle
      regeneration. Using both in vivo and in vitro approaches, we observed that
      myoblasts lacking beta-catenin show delayed differentiation, whereas myoblasts
      with constitutively active beta-catenin undergo precocious growth arrest and
      differentiation. Transcriptome analysis further demonstrated that Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling interacts with multiple pathways and, more specifically, TGF
      beta signaling. Indeed, exogenous TGF-beta2 stimulation restores the regenerative
      potential of muscles with targeted beta-catenin disruption in MuSCs. We conclude
      that a precise level of beta-catenin activity is essential for regulating the
      amplification and differentiation of MuSC descendants during adult myogenesis.

PMID- 27134175
TI  - Human iPSC-Derived Immature Astroglia Promote Oligodendrogenesis by Increasing
      TIMP-1 Secretion.
AB  - Astrocytes, once considered passive support cells, are increasingly appreciated
      as dynamic regulators of neuronal development and function, in part via secreted
      factors. The extent to which they similarly regulate oligodendrocytes or
      proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) is
      less understood. Here, we generated astrocytes from human pluripotent stem cells
      (hiPSC-Astros) and demonstrated that immature astrocytes, as opposed to mature
      ones, promote oligodendrogenesis in vitro. In the PVL mouse model of neonatal
      hypoxic/ischemic encephalopathy, associated with cerebral palsy in humans,
      transplanted immature hiPSC-Astros promoted myelinogenesis and behavioral
      outcome. We further identified TIMP-1 as a selectively upregulated component
      secreted from immature hiPSC-Astros. Accordingly, in the rat PVL model,
      intranasal administration of conditioned medium from immature hiPSC-Astros
      promoted oligodendrocyte maturation in a TIMP-1-dependent manner. Our findings
      suggest stage-specific developmental interactions between astroglia and
      oligodendroglia and have important therapeutic implications for promoting
      myelinogenesis.

PMID- 27134176
TI  - Targeted Delivery of Immunomodulators to Lymph Nodes.
AB  - Active-targeted delivery to lymph nodes represents a major advance toward more
      effective treatment of immune-mediated disease. The MECA79 antibody recognizes
      peripheral node addressin molecules expressed by high endothelial venules of
      lymph nodes. By mimicking lymphocyte trafficking to the lymph nodes, we have
      engineered MECA79-coated microparticles containing an immunosuppressive
      medication, tacrolimus. Following intravenous administration, MECA79-bearing
      particles showed marked accumulation in the draining lymph nodes of transplanted
      animals. Using an allograft heart transplant model, we show that targeted lymph
      node delivery of microparticles containing tacrolimus can prolong heart allograft
      survival with negligible changes in tacrolimus serum level. Using MECA79
      conjugation, we have demonstrated targeted delivery of tacrolimus to the lymph
      nodes following systemic administration, with the capacity for immune modulation
      in vivo.

PMID- 27134177
TI  - OVOL2 Maintains the Transcriptional Program of Human Corneal Epithelium by
      Suppressing Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition.
AB  - In development, embryonic ectoderm differentiates into neuroectoderm and surface
      ectoderm using poorly understood mechanisms. Here, we show that the transcription
      factor OVOL2 maintains the transcriptional program of human corneal epithelium
      cells (CECs), a derivative of the surface ectoderm, and that OVOL2 may regulate
      the differential transcriptional programs of the two lineages. A functional
      screen identified OVOL2 as a repressor of mesenchymal genes to maintain CECs.
      Transduction of OVOL2 with several other transcription factors induced the
      transcriptional program of CECs in fibroblasts. Moreover, neuroectoderm
      derivatives were found to express mesenchymal genes, and OVOL2 alone could induce
      the transcriptional program of CECs in neural progenitors by repressing these
      genes while activating epithelial genes. Our data suggest that the difference
      between the transcriptional programs of some neuroectoderm- and surface ectoderm
      derivative cells may be regulated in part by a reciprocally repressive mechanism
      between epithelial and mesenchymal genes, as seen in epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transition.

PMID- 27134178
TI  - Myosin Va and Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium Channel Complex Regulates Membrane
      Export during Axon Guidance.
AB  - During axon guidance, growth cones navigate toward attractive cues by inserting
      new membrane on the cue side. This process depends on Ca(2+) release from
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) channels, but the Ca(2+) sensor and effector
      governing this asymmetric vesicle export remain unknown. We identified a protein
      complex that controls asymmetric ER Ca(2+)-dependent membrane vesicle export. The
      Ca(2+)-dependent motor protein myosin Va (MyoVa) tethers membrane vesicles to the
      ER via a common binding site on the two major ER Ca(2+) channels, inositol 1,4,5
      trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors. In response to attractive cues, micromolar
      Ca(2+) from ER channels triggers MyoVa-channel dissociation and the movement of
      freed vesicles to the cue side, enabling growth cone turning. MyoVa-Ca(2+)
      channel interactions are required for proper long-range axon growth in developing
      spinal cord in vivo. These findings reveal a peri-ER membrane export pathway for
      Ca(2+)-dependent attraction in axon guidance.

PMID- 27134179
TI  - Augmentation of Recipient Adaptive Alloimmunity by Donor Passenger Lymphocytes
      within the Transplant.
AB  - Chronic rejection of solid organ allografts remains the major cause of transplant
      failure. Donor-derived tissue-resident lymphocytes are transferred to the
      recipient during transplantation, but their impact on alloimmunity is unknown.
      Using mouse cardiac transplant models, we show that graft-versus-host recognition
      by passenger donor CD4 T cells markedly augments recipient cellular and humoral
      alloimmunity, resulting in more severe allograft vasculopathy and early graft
      failure. This augmentation is enhanced when donors were pre-sensitized to the
      recipient, is dependent upon avoidance of host NK cell recognition, and is partly
      due to provision of cognate help for allo-specific B cells from donor CD4 T cells
      recognizing B cell MHC class II in a peptide-degenerate manner. Passenger donor
      lymphocytes may therefore influence recipient alloimmune responses and represent
      a therapeutic target in solid organ transplantation.

PMID- 27134180
TI  - Resistance to Antiangiogenic Therapies by Metabolic Symbiosis in Renal Cell
      Carcinoma PDX Models and Patients.
AB  - Antiangiogenic drugs are used clinically for treatment of renal cell carcinoma
      (RCC) as a standard first-line treatment. Nevertheless, these agents primarily
      serve to stabilize disease, and resistance eventually develops concomitant with
      progression. Here, we implicate metabolic symbiosis between tumor cells distal
      and proximal to remaining vessels as a mechanism of resistance to antiangiogenic
      therapies in patient-derived RCC orthoxenograft (PDX) models and in clinical
      samples. This metabolic patterning is regulated by the mTOR pathway, and its
      inhibition effectively blocks metabolic symbiosis in PDX models. Clinically,
      patients treated with antiangiogenics consistently present with histologic
      signatures of metabolic symbiosis that are exacerbated in resistant tumors.
      Furthermore, the mTOR pathway is also associated in clinical samples, and its
      inhibition eliminates symbiotic patterning in patient samples. Overall, these
      data support a mechanism of resistance to antiangiogenics involving metabolic
      compartmentalization of tumor cells that can be inhibited by mTOR-targeted drugs.

PMID- 27134181
TI  - Image guided brachytherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer: Improved pelvic
      control and survival in RetroEMBRACE, a multicenter cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Image guided brachytherapy (IGBT) for locally advanced cervical cancer
      allows dose escalation to the high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV) while
      sparing organs at risk (OAR). This is the first comprehensive report on clinical
      outcome in a large multi-institutional cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From twelve
      centres 731 patients, treated with definitive EBRT+/-concurrent chemotherapy
      followed by IGBT, were analysed. Kaplan-Meier estimates at 3/5years were
      calculated for local control (LC, primary endpoint), pelvic control (PC), overall
      survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS). In 610 patients, G3-4 late
      toxicity (CTCAEv3.0) was reported. RESULTS: Median follow up was 43months,
      percent of patients per FIGO stage IA/IB/IIA 22.8%, IIB 50.4%, IIIA-IVB 26.8%.
      84.8% had squamous cell carcinomas; 40.5% lymph node involvement. Mean EBRT dose
      was 46+/-2.5Gy; 77.4% received concurrent chemotherapy. Mean D90 HRCTV was 87+/
      15Gy (EQD210), mean D2cc was: bladder 81+/-22Gy, rectum 64+/-9Gy, sigmoid 66+/
      10Gy and bowel 64+/-9Gy (all EQD23). The 3/5-year actuarial LC, PC, CSS, OS were
      91%/89%, 87%/84%, 79%/73%, 74%/65%. Actuarial LC at 3/5years for IB, IIB, IIIB
      was 98%/98%, 93%/91%, 79%/75%. Actuarial PC at 3/5years for IB, IIB, IIIB was
      96%/96%, 89%/87%, 73%/67%. Actuarial 5-year G3-G5 morbidity was 5%, 7%, 5% for
      bladder, gastrointestinal tract, vagina. CONCLUSION: IGBT combined with radio
      chemotherapy leads to excellent LC (91%), PC (87%), OS (74%), CSS (79%) with
      limited severe morbidity.

PMID- 27134182
TI  - Corrigendum to 'MicroRNAs in CD4+ T cell subsets are markers of disease risk and
      T cell dysfunction in individuals at risk for type 1 diabetes' [J. Autoimmun. 68C
      (2016) 52-61].

PMID- 27134183
TI  - RETRACTED: Abduction external rotation position in magnetic resonance
      arthrography for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article aims at evaluating the effectiveness of abduction and
      external rotation (ABER) position used in magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography
      for diagnosing rotator cuff tears. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was
      performed using 183 MR arthrography images of shoulder joint. Each patient was
      either examined in a neutral position or ABER position. Then the imaging results
      were compared with those diagnostic results obtained from shoulder arthroscopy.
      Also the specificity, sensitivity, negative predictive value, positive predictive
      value, and accuracy of MR arthrography in the two positions described above were
      evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients were diagnosed with rotator cuff tears
      using arthroscopy and the diagnostic results include 16 complete rotator cuff
      tears and 48 partial tears; 47 supraspinatus tendon tears and 17 posterosuperior
      cuff tears; 22 delamination tears and 26 tears complicated with anteroinferior
      labrum-ligament complex injuries. The differences in specificity, sensitivity,
      negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy between neutral
      position and ABER position using MR arthrography were not statistically
      significant (all P > 0.05). For diagnosing posterosuperior cuff tears, the
      sensitivity of ABER position was significantly higher than that of the neutral
      position (94.12% vs. 64.71%, P = 0.034). For diagnosing delamination tears, the
      sensitivity and negative predictive value of ABER position were significantly
      higher than those of the neutral position (P = 0.009 and P = 0.036 respectively).
      For diagnosing rotator cuff tears complicated with anteroinferior labrum-ligament
      complex injuries, the sensitivity of ABER position was statistically higher than
      that of the neutral position (96.15% vs. 73.08%, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: This
      study suggests that MR arthrography in ABER position is a superior tool for
      diagnosing certain types of rotator cuff tears. Apart from that, MR arthrography
      in ABER position improved the detection rate of posterosuperior cuff tears,
      delamination tears and rotator cuff tears complicated with anteroinferior labrum
      ligament complex injuries.

PMID- 27134184
TI  - Tenacibaculosis induction in the Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) and studies
      of Tenacibaculum maritimum survival against host mucus and plasma.
AB  - Tenacibaculum maritimum, the aetiological agent for marine tenacibaculosis, is
      one of the most significant pathogens that threaten Senegalese sole, Solea
      senegalensis (Kaup), aquaculture. Because no immersion challenge with T.
      maritimum has been reported previously for this flatfish species, this study
      aimed to optimize bacterial yields as well as to establish a challenge model for
      tenacibaculosis induction. Several approaches were performed to optimize
      bacterial culture conditions, including treatment with non-ionic surfactants,
      detergents, cellulase hydrolysis and strong shaking. A prolonged bath challenge
      was performed for 24 h under two different temperatures, 16 and 23  degrees C.
      Moreover, mucus and plasma bactericidal activities against T. maritimum were also
      assessed. Culturing bacteria with strong shaking and continuous shaking provided
      suitable culture conditions to obtain higher bacterial yields without aggregation
      and fluctuation, contrary to most other treatments that showed a huge amount of
      bacterial aggregates. A prolonged bath method for 24 h, without skin or gill
      scarification, was considered suitable for disease induction with high mortality
      rates. Moreover, data regarding mucus and plasma bactericidal activities
      suggested that there is a lack of host innate immune response against T.
      maritimum or that this particular pathogen presents evading strategies against
      Senegalese sole.

PMID- 27134185
TI  - "You Don't Have to Be a Drinker to Get Gout, But It Helps": A Content Analysis of
      the Depiction of Gout in Popular Newspapers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the depiction of gout and its management in popular
      newspapers. METHODS: We conducted a content analysis of popular newspaper
      articles for reporting about the causes, management, and depictions of gout. The
      Factiva database was used to identify articles from the 21 highest circulation
      newspapers in the UK and US from August 2010 to August 2015. Articles with a
      primary focus on gout were analyzed (n = 114). RESULTS: Overindulgence of certain
      foods and beverages was most commonly reported as the cause of gout (72 of 114
      articles). The range of dietary advice for gout management was extensive, with
      advice to decrease intake of 44 different food and beverage items and increase
      intake of 17 different food and beverage items. Strong advice was given for 23 of
      40 dietary strategies (58%), 13 of 29 antiinflammatory strategies (45%), and 4 of
      42 urate-lowering therapy strategies (10%) (P < 0.0001). Serum urate monitoring
      or treatment targets were rarely reported. Social embarrassment due to gout was
      reported in 27 of 114 articles (23.7%). Jokes or humorous references to gout were
      reported in 30 of 114 articles (26.3%), often highlighting causal beliefs related
      to lifestyle and drinking alcohol. CONCLUSION: Popular newspaper articles depict
      gout as a self-inflicted condition that is socially embarrassing and the focus of
      humor. Dietary solutions are overemphasized compared to effective urate-lowering
      strategies. Initiatives that challenge popular perceptions of gout may play an
      important role in changing public understanding about the disease, ultimately
      increasing the uptake of effective urate-lowering therapy and reducing reliance
      on unproven strategies.

PMID- 27134186
TI  - Campylobacter jejuni in Musca domestica: An examination of survival and
      transmission potential in light of the innate immune responses of the house
      flies.
AB  - The house fly, Musca domestica, has been implicated as a vector of Campylobacter
      spp., a major cause of human disease. Little is known whether house flies serve
      as biological amplifying hosts or mechanical vectors for Campylobacter jejuni. We
      investigated the period after C. jejuni had been ingested by house flies in which
      viable C. jejuni colonies could be isolated from whole bodies, the vomitus and
      the excreta of adult M. domestica and evaluated the activation of innate immune
      responses of house flies to ingested C. jejuni over time. C. jejuni could be
      cultured from infected houseflies soon after ingestion but no countable C. jejuni
      colonies were observed > 24 h postingestion. We detected viable C. jejuni in
      house fly vomitus and excreta up to 4 h after ingestion, but no viable bacteria
      were detected >= 8 h. Suppression subtractive hybridization identified pathogen
      induced gene expression in the intestinal tracts of adult house flies 4-24 h
      after ingesting C. jejuni. We measured the expression of immune regulatory (thor,
      JNK, and spheroide) and effector (cecropin, diptericin, attacin, defensing, and
      lysozyme) genes in C. jejuni-infected and -uninfected house flies using
      quantitative real time PCR. Some house fly factor, or combination of factors,
      eliminates C. jejuni within 24 h postingestion. Because C. jejuni is not
      amplified within the body of the housefly, this insect likely serves as a
      mechanical vector rather than as a true biological, amplifying vector for C.
      jejuni, and adds to our understanding of insect-pathogen interactions.

PMID- 27134187
TI  - Challenges in biomarker discovery with MALDI-TOF MS.
AB  - MALDI-TOF MS technique is commonly used in system biology and clinical studies to
      search for new potential markers associated with pathological conditions. Despite
      numerous concerns regarding a sample preparation or processing of complex data,
      this strategy is still recognized as a popular tool and its awareness has risen
      in the proteomic community over the last decade. In this review, we present
      comprehensive application of MALDI mass spectrometry with special focus on
      profiling research. We also discuss major advantages and disadvantages of
      universal sample preparation methods such as micro-SPE columns, immunodepletion
      or magnetic beads, and we show the potential of nanostructured materials in
      capturing low molecular weight subproteomes. Furthermore, as the general protocol
      considerably affects spectra quality and interpretation, an alternative solution
      for improved ion detection, including hydrophobic constituents, data processing
      and statistical analysis is being considered in up-to-date profiling pattern. In
      conclusion, many reports involving MALDI-TOF MS indicated highly abundant
      proteins as valuable indicators, and at the same time showed the inaccuracy of
      available methods in the detection of low abundant proteome that is the most
      interesting from the clinical perspective. Therefore, the analytical aspects of
      sample preparation methods should be standardized to provide a reproducible, low
      sample handling and credible procedure. 

PMID- 27134188
TI  - Delaying surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy does not significantly
      influence postoperative morbidity or oncological outcome in patients with
      oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with resectable oesophageal cancer are treated with
      neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery within 3-8 weeks. In
      practice, surgery is often delayed for various reasons. The aim of this study was
      to evaluate whether delaying surgery beyond 8 weeks has an effect on
      postoperative morbidity, long-term survival, and pathologic response in patients
      treated for oesophageal ADC. METHODS: Patients who underwent nCRT followed by
      surgery, for cT1-3, N0-3, M0 ADC between 2001 and 2014 were retrospectively
      included from a prospectively obtained database. Patients with a time from the
      end of nCRT to surgery (TTS) <=8 weeks were compared with patients with a TTS >8
      weeks. RESULTS: Of 190 patients, 65 had a TTS <=8 weeks, and 125 had a TTS >8
      weeks. Patient characteristics were comparable for both groups, but patients with
      TTS >8 weeks exhibited higher ASA scores (p = 0.013) and more comorbidities (p =
      0.007). Multivariate analysis revealed that TTS did not significantly influence
      postoperative morbidity, pathologic complete response rates, and five-year
      survival rates (42% in patients with TTS <=8 weeks and 37% in patients with TTS
      >8 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: Delaying surgery beyond 8 weeks after nCRT did not
      significantly influence postoperative morbidity, pathologic response, and
      survival in patients with non-metastatic ADC. Therefore, it appears reasonable to
      postpone surgery beyond 8 weeks in patients who have not yet recovered from nCRT.
      However, if the patient is fit for surgery, postponing surgery does not have any
      additional advantages.

PMID- 27134189
TI  - Factors influencing survival after hepatectomy for metastases from gastric
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate clinical factors influencing the prognosis of patients
      submitted to hepatectomy for metastases from gastric cancer and their clinical
      role. METHODS: Retrospective multi-center chart review. We evaluated how survival
      from surgery was influenced by patient-related, gastric cancer-related,
      metastasis-related and treatment-related candidate prognostic factors. RESULTS:
      One hundred and five patients submitted to hepatectomy for metastases from
      gastric cancer, in the synchronous and metachronous setting of the disease. In 89
      cases a R0 resection was achieved, while in 16 a R+ hepatic resection was
      performed. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 29 patients. Surgical
      mortality was 1% and morbidity 13.3%. Median disease-free survival was 10 months,
      median overall survival was 14.6 months. Overall 1, 3, and 5-year survival rates
      were 58.2%, 20.3%, and 13.1%, respectively. Survival was influenced independently
      by the factor T of the gastric primary (p < 0.001), by the curativity of surgical
      procedure (p = 0.001), by the timing of hepatic involvement (p < 0.001) and by
      adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001). T4 gastric cancer, R+ resection, synchronous
      metastases, and abstention from adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with a
      worse prognosis; T4 gastric cancer and R+ resections displayed a cumulative
      effect (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that R0 resection must be pursued
      whenever possible. Furthermore, in the synchronous setting, the coexistence of T4
      gastric primaries and R+ resections suggests prudence and probably abstention
      from hepatectomy. Finally, a multimodal treatment associating surgery and
      chemotherapy offers the best survival results.

PMID- 27134190
TI  - Primary resistance of Helicobacter pylori is still low in Southern Austria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We determined primary and secondary resistance rates of H. pylori in
      different regions of Austria and potential bacterial and host factors associated
      with resistance. METHODS: In a prospective multicentre study H. pylori was
      cultivated from biopsies and susceptibility testing was performed according to
      EUCAST. Resistance to clarithromycin and levofloxacin was determined by
      sequencing of the resistance-determining regions of 23S rRNA and gyrA genes.
      cagA, vacA and babA2 genotypes were determined. RESULTS: A total of 1266 patients
      were included. 178 isolates were cultured: 128 from patients without prior
      eradication therapy, 50 from patients after failed eradication. Primary
      resistance to clarithromycin, levofloxacin and metronidazole were 17.2%, 9.4% and
      10.2%, respectively. Secondary resistance to clarithromycin, levofloxacin and
      metronidazole were 64%, 18% and 44%, respectively. Prior eradication was
      associated with a higher risk of clarithromycin as well as metronidazole
      resistance (OR=8.1; 95% CI 3.8-17.1 and OR 5.7; 95% CI 2.5-13, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: Primary resistance to both clarithromycin and levofloxacin was
      markedly lower in Southern Austria than recently reported.

PMID- 27134191
TI  - Remnant-Preserving Tibial Tunnel Positioning Using Anatomic Landmarks in Double
      Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess (1) if 6 anatomic landmarks (ALs) could be arthroscopically
      confirmed with remnant preservation and (2) if creating tibial tunnels using
      these landmarks reduces individual variation and improves reproducibility in
      double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed data of patients who chronologically underwent double
      bundle ACL reconstruction by either referencing the footprint after remnant
      dissection (non-AL group) or subsequently with the ALs (AL group). Using
      operative videos, 3 independent observers judged whether they could confirm 6 ALs
      (medial intercondylar ridge, medial and lateral intercondylar tubercles, anterior
      horn of lateral meniscus, Parsons' knob, and L-shaped ridge) in 20 patients
      randomly selected from the AL group. We then compared tunnel positions between
      the 2 groups, measured from the anterior and medial borders of the proximal tibia
      and expressed as percentage of the total depth and width of the proximal tibia
      using 3-dimensional computed tomography. RESULTS: One hundred four patients (non
      AL group, n = 54; AL group, n = 50) were included. All 6 ALs were
      arthroscopically confirmed in most cases (89.7% to 100%). The mean percentages of
      the anteroposterior (AP) depth for anteromedial (AM) tunnel, mediolateral (ML)
      width for AM tunnel, AP depth for posterolateral (PL) tunnel, and ML width for PL
      tunnel, respectively, were 27.8% +/- 6.6%, 46.7% +/- 2.8%, 41.4% +/- 7.3%, and
      46.1% +/- 2.6% for the non-AL group and 30.7% +/- 4.5%, 45.7% +/- 2.2%, 45.2% +/-
      4.5%, and 46.9% +/- 2.1% for the AL group, revealing significantly less variation
      in the AL group compared with the non-AL group, excluding the ML width of the PL
      tunnel (P = .007, .046, .002, .209, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Six landmarks
      could be reliably confirmed in cases with remnant preservation, and creating
      tibial tunnels using these landmarks were reproducible and resulted in less
      individual variation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative
      study.

PMID- 27134192
TI  - Factors Associated With Severity of Intra-articular Lesions in Patients With
      Severe Hip Dysplasia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify demographic and morphologic factors associated with the
      severity of intra-articular lesions in patients with severe hip dysplasia.
      METHODS: One hundred twenty-one patients (134 hips) with symptomatic hip
      dysplasia were retrospectively reviewed. The cartilage and labral lesions were
      scored according to the Outerbridge and the original classification systems,
      respectively. The association of the cartilage and labrum scores with patient
      demographics (age, gender, body mass index, bilateral hip dysplasia, and
      treatment history for developmental hip dislocation) and morphologic factors (the
      lateral center-edge angle, Sharp angle, acetabular index, acetabular head index,
      acetabular depth ratio, Shenton line disruption, roundness index of the femoral
      head, and femoral neck shaft angle) were determined using a multiple linear
      regression analysis. RESULTS: The cartilage and labral scores were significantly
      associated with radiographic osteoarthritis; however, these scores showed wide
      distribution among hips with equivalent degrees of radiographic osteoarthritis.
      Age (38.4 +/- 12.8 years) (P < .001), lateral center-edge angle (0.2 +/- 9.0
      degrees ) (P = .014), acetabular head index (54.4 +/- 9.1%) (P = .001), and the
      roundness index of the femoral head (55.6 +/- 4.6%) (P = .022) were identified as
      independent factors associated with the cartilage score. Age (P < .001), having a
      medical history of developmental hip dislocation (P = .002), acetabular index
      (27.8 +/- 6.8 degrees ) (P = .011), and the roundness index of the femoral head
      (P = .022) were identified as independent factors associated with the labral
      score. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the morphologic factors responsible
      for severe intra-articular lesions differ for cartilage degeneration and labral
      tears in patients with severe hip dysplasia. Decreased acetabular coverage of the
      femoral head was responsible for cartilage degeneration severity, whereas an
      increased acetabular index was responsible for labral tear severity. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

PMID- 27134193
TI  - Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block.

PMID- 27134195
TI  - Differentiating mini-gastric bypass/one-anastomosis gastric bypass from the
      single-anastomosis duodenoileal bypass procedures.

PMID- 27134194
TI  - Impact of sleeve gastrectomy volumes on weight loss results: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Causes of weight loss failure after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are still
      controversial. The impact of the size of the sleeve continues to be debated.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the impact of sleeve volumes
      assessed at 3 months using gastric computed tomography (CT) on weight loss at 18
      months. SETTING: University Hospital, France. METHODS: Sixty-seven obese patients
      eligible for SG were prospectively evaluated. Sleeve volumes were assessed
      postsurgery using 3-dimensional gastric CT with gas at 3 months and weight loss
      outcomes recorded up to 18 months. The population was divided into 2 groups: the
      first tertile (n = 22) with the smallest gastric volume was defined as the "small
      sleeve" group (SSG) and the rest of the population (n = 45) was defined as the
      "without small sleeve" group (WSSG). RESULTS: No patients were lost to follow-up.
      In the SSG, overall gastric volume was 133+/-7 mL versus 264+/-11 mL for the WSSG
      (P<.0001). Percentage excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) during the first
      postoperative 18 months was significantly greater in the SSG compared with the
      WSSG (P = .04). Although the volume of the gastric tube was not correlated with
      weight loss (r =-.04, P = .78), there was a negative linear correlation between
      the volume of the antrum and the %EBMIL at 18 months (r =-.39, P = .005). A
      narrow gastric tube was also associated with a high digestive intolerance and
      reflux. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that performing the sleeve with a not-too
      small bougie size and a radical antrectomy could improve weight loss and
      digestive tolerance.

PMID- 27134196
TI  - Retrograde filling of the afferent limb as a cause of chronic nausea after single
      anastomosis loop duodenal switch.

PMID- 27134197
TI  - Leg to leg bioelectrical impedance analysis of percentage fat mass in obese
      patients-Can it tell us more than we already know?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is well tolerated,
      inexpensive, and readily available, but can it be used to detect with clinical
      precision aberrant changes in the proportion of fat mass to fat-free mass during
      weight loss? OBJECTIVES: To assess the variance in percentage body fat mass
      explained by the readily available inputs and assess residual variance provided
      by leg-to-leg BIA scales. METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from a cohort of
      665 patients of Indian ethnicity presenting for bariatric surgery, we examine the
      determinants of percentage body fat as provided by leg-to-leg output from Tanita
      SC-330 BIA scales. RESULTS: Four input factors-sex, weight, height, and age
      contributed to provide 92% and 95% explanation in output variance for percentage
      fat mass (%FM) and actual fat mass, respectively, in 665 patients. Body mass
      index alone explained 89% and 81% of variance in %FM output for women and men,
      respectively. Neither weight distribution, as indicated by waist and hip
      circumference or waist to hip ratio, nor plasma lipids or markers of glucose
      metabolism contributed additional variance in %FM when controlled for the 4 key
      inputs. CONCLUSIONS: Simple, known input variables dominate the leg-to-leg BIA
      output of %FM, and this may compromise the detection of aberrant changes in %FM
      and fat-free mass with substantial weight loss. For clinical research, validated
      methods not largely dependent on known inputs should be used for evaluating
      changes in body composition after substantial weight loss.

PMID- 27134198
TI  - Characteristics of adolescents with poor mental health after bariatric surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About 20% of adolescents experience substantial mental health
      problems after bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to
      explore differences between adolescents with poor mental health (PMH) 2 years
      after surgery and those with average/good mental health. SETTING: Three
      university hospitals in Sweden. METHODS: Mental health and health-related quality
      of life were assessed in 82 of 88 adolescents (mean age: 16.8 yr, 67% female) at
      baseline and 1 and 2 years after laparoscopic gastric bypass. Possible
      associations among mental health, weight, and biochemical outcomes were explored.
      RESULTS: Two years after surgery 16 (20%) adolescents were identified as having
      PMH. More symptoms of anxiety and depression and worse mental health at baseline
      significantly predicted PMH 2 years later. The decline in mental health for the
      PMH group happened mainly during the second year after surgery. Suicidal ideation
      was reported in 14% of the total sample 2 years postsurgery and was more frequent
      in the PMH group. Weight outcomes between groups were comparable at all time
      points, and physical health was equally improved 2 years after surgery.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although adolescents with PMH after surgery lose as much weight and
      have similar improvements in physical health compared with other adolescents,
      special attention should be given to adolescents who report mental health
      problems at baseline and follow-up, especially during the second year after
      gastric bypass. The high prevalence of suicidal ideation in adolescents 2 years
      after bariatric surgery is another indication that longer follow-up is necessary.

PMID- 27134199
TI  - Concomitant removal of gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy: analysis of outcomes
      and complications from the ACS-NSQIP database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conversion of adjustable gastric band to laparoscopic sleeve
      gastrectomy (LSG) is feasible, but multiple reports have indicated higher
      morbidity and staple line leak rates when this is performed as a single-stage
      procedure. The objective of this study is to compare the safety profile and
      outcomes of LSG with concomitant gastric band removal (LSG/GBR) versus LSG using
      the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
      (ACS-NSQIP). METHODS: Using the ACS-NSQIP database (2010-2012), LSG cases were
      identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 43775 and concomitant
      LSG/LGBR using CPT code 43775+(43772 or 43774). Baseline patient characteristics
      and perioperative variables including postoperative mortality and morbidity rates
      were retrieved. The primary endpoint was sepsis within 30 days. Bivariate and
      multivariate analyses were carried out. RESULTS: During the study period, 11,189
      (96.9%) patients had LSG and 357 (3.1%) had LSG/GBR for a total of 11,546
      patients. On bivariate analyses, the rate of sepsis was higher after LSG/GBR
      (1.68% versus .58%; P = .022), and the mean operative time was longer (124.6+/
      52.3 versus 98.6+/-49.0 min; P<.001). There was no statistically significant
      difference in the rate of postoperative mortality (.28% versus .08 %; P = .27) or
      that of other outcomes such as return to the operating room, wound infection, or
      venous thromboembolism. After multivariate analysis, the odds of developing
      postoperative sepsis remained significantly higher for patients undergoing
      LSG/GBR compared with LSG alone (odds ratio [OR] 3.32; confidence interval [CI]
      1.41-7.84; P = .006). CONCLUSION: LSG/GBR can be performed with low morbidity and
      mortality. However, this procedure carries a higher rate of postoperative sepsis.

PMID- 27134200
TI  - Single-incision laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: Is it worth it?

PMID- 27134201
TI  - Graze eating among bariatric surgery candidates: prevalence and psychosocial
      correlates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Graze eating is defined as repetitive, unplanned eating of small
      amounts of food throughout the day. Little consensuses exist regarding whether
      graze eating, like binge eating disorder (BED), is characterized by feelings of
      loss of control (LOC). Furthermore, little is known about how patients who graze
      eat with and without LOC differ psychologically. OBJECTIVES: The present study
      seeks to better characterize graze eating by examining differences between graze
      eating with LOC (+LOC) and without LOC (-LOC) among presurgical bariatric
      patients. SETTING: A large, Midwestern academic medical center. METHODS: The
      sample consisted of 288 adult bariatric surgery candidates (mean age 45.8,
      standard deviation [SD] 12.57) who underwent a presurgical psychological
      evaluation. Graze eating, BED, and other mental health diagnoses were evaluated
      using a semistructured interview. Participants were also administered the
      Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) and
      binge eating scale (BES). Data were collected using a retrospective chart review.
      RESULTS: Among the 33% (n = 95) of the sample who reported preoperative graze
      eating, 32% (n = 30) also endorsed LOC. Graze eating, particularly with LOC, was
      associated with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th
      Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) diagnoses of anxiety disorders and BED, and
      multiple measures of internalizing dysfunction on the MMPI-2-RF. CONCLUSIONS:
      Bariatric surgery candidates who graze eat experience a greater degree of overall
      distress and psychopathology including anxiety and depression. The minority who
      experience grazing+LOC appear to have even greater risk of psychopathology.
      Moreover, there appears to be significant overlap with BED. Future research
      should explore whether these 2 maladaptive eating patterns benefit from similar
      treatment.

PMID- 27134202
TI  - Three-year follow-up comparing metabolic surgery versus medical weight management
      in patients with type 2 diabetes and BMI 30-35. The role of sRAGE biomarker as
      predictor of satisfactory outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and body mass index (BMI)<35 may
      benefit from metabolic surgery. The soluble form of the receptor for advanced
      glycation end products (sRAGE) may identify patients at greater chance for T2D
      remission. OBJECTIVES: To study long-term outcomes of patients with T2D and BMI
      30-35 treated with metabolic surgery or medical weight management (MWM) and
      search for predictors of T2D remission. SETTING: University METHODS:
      Retrospective review of the original cohort, including patients who crossed over
      from MWM to surgery. Repeated-measures linear models were used to model weight
      loss (%WL), change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and association with baseline
      sRAGE. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients with T2D and BMI 30-35 were originally
      randomly assigned to metabolic surgery versus MWM. Mean BMI and HbA1C was 32.6%
      and 7.8%, respectively. A total of 30 patients underwent surgery (19 sleeves, 8
      bypasses, 3 bands). Three-year follow-up in the surgery group and MWM group was
      75% and 86%, respectively. Surgery resulted in higher T2D remission (63% versus
      0%; P<.001) and lower HbA1C (6.9% versus 8.4%; P<.001) for up to 3 years. There
      was no difference in %WL in those with versus those without T2D remission (21.7%
      versus 20.6%, P = .771), suggesting that additional mechanisms other than %WL
      play an important role for the studied outcome. Higher baseline sRAGE was
      associated with greater change in HbA1C and greater %WL after surgery (P< .001).
      CONCLUSION: Metabolic surgery was effective in promoting remission of T2D in 63%
      of patients with BMI 30-35; higher baseline sRAGE predicted T2D remission with
      surgery. Larger-scale randomly assigned trials are needed in this patient
      population.

PMID- 27134203
TI  - Retinoids have therapeutic action in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with a compromised antioxidant
      state of the body. Consequentially, the reactive oxygen species generated lead to
      oxidative insult and associated complications. Based on this paradigm, exogenous
      antioxidant supplementation is thought to exert a therapeutic role in type 2
      diabetes (T2-D) biology. METHODS: In the present study, the effect of vitamin A
      supplementation was assessed on disease progression in T2-D BALB/c mice. Animals
      were divided into three groups. With the exception of control, the mice in
      remaining groups were induced with experimental T2-D. After a 15-day treatment
      protocol, the mice were sacrificed and various parameters were analyzed. RESULTS:
      The treated group evidenced a considerable improvement in total antioxidant
      potential and glycemic control. A therapeutic effect on beta cell degeneration as
      compared to the diabetic group was also found. CONCLUSIONS: The study illustrates
      the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant potential of vitamin A in vivo, which has
      potential to serve as a dietary intervention in T2-D.

PMID- 27134204
TI  - S-1-Propenylcysteine promotes the differentiation of B cells into IgA-producing
      cells by the induction of Erk1/2-dependent Xbp1 expression in Peyer's patches.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: S-Allylcysteine (SAC) and S-1-propenylcysteine (S1PC) are the
      characteristic sulfur-containing amino acids in aged garlic extract. In this
      study, we investigated the effect of SAC and S1PC on intestinal immunoglobulin
      (Ig)A production to gain insight into the immunomodulatory effect of aged garlic
      extract. METHODS: In vitro study: Mouse splenic lymphocytes were treated with
      S1PC (0.1 and 0.3 mM) or SAC (0.1 and 0.3 mM) for 3 d, and IgA concentration in
      the culture medium was examined. In vivo study: Mice were orally administrated
      S1PC (7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg) for 5 d and the IgA level in the intestinal lavage
      fluids as well as the population of IgA-producing cells in Peyer's patches were
      measured using mouse IgA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay quantification set and
      flow cytometer, respectively. RESULTS: S1PC enhanced IgA production in mouse
      splenic lymphocytes in culture. However, SAC was ineffective. In addition, oral
      administration of S1PC to mice increased the IgA level and number of IgA
      producing cells in Peyer's Patches. Furthermore, S1PC induced the expression of X
      box binding protein 1 (Xbp1) mRNA, an inducer of plasma cell differentiation, in
      Peyer's patches. This induction was accompanied by the degradation of paired box
      protein 5 and the activation of mitogen activated protein/extracellular signal
      regulated kinase signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that S1PC
      increases IgA-producing cells via the enhancement of Erk1/2-mediated Xbp1
      expression in the intestine.

PMID- 27134205
TI  - Effects of fish oil containing eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on
      dystrophic mdx mice hearts at later stages of dystrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we investigated whether omega-3 would be
      effective against dystrophic cardiomyopathy at later stages (13 and 17 mo) of the
      disease. METHODS: Mdx mice (8 mo old) received omega-3 oil (commercially
      available fish oil; FDC vitamins; omega-3) for 5 mo. Untreated-mdx mice received
      mineral oil. Heart and diaphragm muscle were evaluated by morphometric
      (fibrosis), molecular (western blot, inflammatory markers), biochemical (creatine
      kinase), and functional (electrocardiogram) analyses. RESULTS: Mdx mice presented
      elevated plasma levels of cardiac creatine kinase (41.2 U/L in normal * 119.6 U/L
      in untreated-mdx mice), which were significantly decreased by omega-3 treatment.
      Heart fibrosis was significantly ameliorated by omega-3 treatment at 17 mo of age
      (untreated-mdx: 20.8% of fibrosis; omega-3-treated: 15.7% of fibrosis in right
      ventricle). Omega-3 improved some electrocardiogram parameters. Markers of
      inflammation (tumor necrosis factor alpha, matrix metalloprotease-9, and tissue
      inhibitor of metalloprotease 1) in mdx heart were significantly decreased by
      omega-3 treatment. Omega-3 increased beta-dystroglycan levels in mdx heart and
      did not affect the levels of the profibrotic transforming growth factor beta.
      Omega-3 ameliorated the dystrophic diaphragm in almost all of the parameters
      evaluated (fibrosis, transforming growth factor beta, metalloprotease-9, and
      tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease 1). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests
      that omega-3 may be useful in ameliorating dystrophic cardiomyopathy and
      diaphragm dystrophy in mdx mice at later stages of the disease, further
      supporting the use of omega-3 in DMD clinical trials.

PMID- 27134206
TI  - Nutrition-dependent eicosapentaenoic acid deficiency in care house residents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We have identified that vital prognosis of adults in a group home (GH)
      in their mid-80s is associated with lower eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels. We
      investigated the cause of EPA deficiency in residents in a GH and the effect of
      EPA treatment on cardiac function and nutritional function in 130 older adults.
      METHODS: We compared blood chemistry data among three age- and sex-matched groups
      outpatient clinic (OPC) attendees (n = 54, 87 +/- 5 y old), GH residents (n = 40,
      85 +/- 8 y old), and older adults in a geriatric welfare home for the elderly
      (GWHE) (n = 36, 87 +/- 6 y old)-using non-parametric test. Furthermore, we
      investigated the sequential changes in blood chemistry and cardiac function at 4
      to 12 mo after the initiation of EPA administration (1800 mg/d). RESULTS: Non
      parametric test revealed that the EPA/arachidonic acid ratio as well as EPA
      levels were lower in the GH and GWHE residents than in the OPC attendees (OPC:
      0.56 +/- 0.3, GH: 0.23 +/- 0.12, GWHE: 0.31 +/- 0.1). Fish consumption was lower
      in the GH and GWHE group than in the OPC group. Repeated measured analyses using
      analysis of variance revealed that EPA administration increased serum EPA levels
      (54.0 +/- 29.0 to 210.5 +/- 50.6 MUg/mL, P < 0.001); decreased arachidonic acid,
      docosahexaenoic acid, triacylglycerol, and LDL cholesterol levels at 4.5 +/- 3.4
      mo after administration; and reduced the severity of supraventricular arrhythmias
      on ambulatory electrocardiogram at 12.5 +/- 4.5 mo (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EPA
      deficiency in GH residents could be related to the nutritional characteristics of
      older adults in care facilities. EPA treatment induced changes in various lipids
      and reduced the severity of supraventricular arrhythmias.

PMID- 27134207
TI  - Insights Into Resting Behavior of Malaria Vector Mosquitoes in Mutare and Mutasa
      Districts of Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe.
AB  - A study was conducted to investigate the current resting behavior of malaria
      vectors in Mutare and Mutasa districts, Zimbabwe. Mosquitoes were captured using
      pyrethrum spray collection, prokopac aspirator, pit shelter, and exit trap
      methods. Mosquitoes were sorted and identified using morphological key and
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The Anopheles funestus group
      constituted 97%, whereas Anopheles gambiae complex mosquitoes were few (3%).
      Endophilic collections in both species were five times greater than exophilic
      catches. The endophilic trait was further demonstrated by gravid to fed index
      (gravid/fed) of constantly more than 1. Nearly 90% endophilic An. funestus
      populations were collected on sprayable and 10% collected on unsprayable
      surfaces. Of the sprayable surfaces, 56% were collected on the roofs, with 44% on
      the walls. Of those on the walls, 44, 22, and 34% were caught on wall heights >1,
      1.0-1.5, <1.5 m from the ground, respectively. Of the gravid An. funestus caught,
      nearly two-thirds were collected exiting pyrethroid-treated structures, with a 24
      h mortality of less than 10%. The PCR analysis of 120 specimens taken randomly
      from the An. funestus group was all An. funestus s.s. The present work indicates
      that for effective malaria control in Mutare and Mutasa districts using indoor
      residual spraying, both walls and roofs must be sprayed.

PMID- 27134208
TI  - Socioeconomical Factors Associated With Pediculosis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae)
      in Athens, Greece.
AB  - Pediculosis in humans and especially in children is a very common dermatological
      disorder caused by the ectoparasite Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer. We
      investigated the socioeconomic factors affecting the prevalence of pediculosis in
      the Greek urban area of Athens during 2004-2006. The target population consisted
      of children from kindergartens. In total, 434 children from single- or two-parent
      families were investigated with respect to socioeconomic factors such as
      education, income and family composition, and the prevalence of pediculosis. The
      overall pediculosis rate was 5.30%. Head louse infestations were significantly
      higher in female children and in two-parent families. Lice infestations peaked in
      low- and medium-income families. Head louse infestation rates were influenced by
      income, parents' education, and nationality.

PMID- 27134209
TI  - Ultrastructural Morphology of the Antenna and Maxillary Palp of Sarcophaga
      tibialis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).
AB  - A scanning electron microscopy investigation of the antenna and maxillary palp of
      the adult of Sarcophaga tibialis Macquart (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), a species of
      medical, veterinary, and forensic relevance, is presented for the first time.
      Adults of both sexes used in this study were obtained from larvae collected in a
      case of traumatic myiasis in a domestic cat in northern Italy. The antenna of S.
      tibialis is that typical of cyclorrhaphan Diptera, consisting of three segments:
      the scape, the pedicel, and the postpedicel, bearing the arista. The scape is
      covered by microtrichia and has a row of long chaetic sensilla. The pedicel is
      also covered by microtrichia and has three types of chaetic sensilla and a
      cluster of setiferous plaques. Trichoid, styloconic, clavate, and basiconic
      sensilla are distributed among the microtrichia on the postpedicel. Invaginated
      basiconic-like sensilla and olfactory pits are also present, the latter ones more
      numerous in the female. Our results are compared with those obtained for other
      calyptrate flies, mainly in the family Sarcophagidae. The data obtained may
      represent a basis for electrophysiological studies on the sensorial activity of
      the species related to the search for food sources, mates, and suitable
      larviposition sites, and for comparative morphological studies with other
      Diptera.

PMID- 27134210
TI  - Reliability of levator scapulae index in subjects with and without scapular
      downward rotation syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to introduce levator scapulae (LS)
      measurement using a caliper and the levator scapulae index (LSI) and to
      investigate intra- and interrater reliability of the LSI in subjects with and
      without scapular downward rotation syndrome (SDRS). DESIGN: Two raters measured
      LS length twice in 38 subjects (19 with SDRS and 19 without SDRS). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: For reliability testing, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs),
      standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were
      calculated. RESULTS: Intrarater reliability analysis resulted with ICCs ranging
      from 0.94 to 0.98 in subjects with SDRS and 0.96 to 0.98 in subjects without
      SDRS. These results represented that intrarater reliability in both groups were
      excellent for measuring LS length with the LSI. Interrater reliability was good
      (ICC: 0.82) in subjects with SDRS; however, interrater reliability was moderate
      (ICC: 0.75) in subjects without SDRS. Additionally, SEM and MDC were 0.13% and
      0.36% in subjects with SDRS and 0.35% and 0.97% in subjects without SDRS. In
      subjects with SDRS, low dispersion of the measurement errors and MDC were shown.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that the LSI is a reliable method to measure LS
      length and is more reliable for subjects with SDRS.

PMID- 27134211
TI  - Influence of pectoralis minor and upper trapezius lengths on observable scapular
      dyskinesis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although a relationship between short pectoralis minor and upper
      trapezius and scapular dyskinesis has been postulated, no studies have
      investigated this theory. Understanding the effect of these muscle lengths on
      observable scapular dyskinesis may aid in determining risks and therefore making
      treatment decisions. Being aware of the magnitude of this effect would help gauge
      the significance of risks involved. Our aim was to evaluate the influence of
      pectoralis minor and upper trapezius lengths on scapular dyskinesis. DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS:
      Asymptomatic participants (n = 148; 296 arms) were evaluated. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT) was used to identify scapular
      dyskinesis, Pectoralis Minor Index (PMI) and Upper Trapezius Length Testing were
      used to determine muscle length. RESULTS: SDT+ arms had shorter pectoralis minor
      resting length (PMI: 7.49 +/- 0.38) (p < 0.001) and greater incidence of short
      upper trapezius (ISUT) (66.7%) (p < 0.001) compared to SDT- arms (PMI:8.58 +/-
      0.75, ISUT:22.5%). With each decrease in PMI, the likelihood of having scapular
      dyskinesis increased 96% (p < 0.001). Arms with short upper trapezius were 2.049
      times more likely to exhibit scapular dyskinesis than those with normal length (p
      = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Having a shorter pectoralis minor and upper trapezius
      length substantially increased the likelihood of having visually observable
      scapular dyskinesis.

PMID- 27134212
TI  - Physiotherapists' experiences of the management of anterior cruciate ligament
      injuries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While extensive research has been reported for management of anterior
      cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, variation in treatment by physiotherapists is
      evident. OBJECTIVES: To explore physiotherapists' experiences regarding ACL
      injury rehabilitation and factors that influenced physiotherapists' decision
      making for ACL rehabilitation, and to elicit what research physiotherapists
      perceived would support their management of these patients. DESIGN: Qualitative
      study. METHODS: Fifteen physiotherapists from six private clinics in New Zealand
      participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded,
      transcribed verbatim and the general inductive approach was used to develop key
      themes. RESULTS: Participant's management strengths were evident by their intent
      and commitment to provide expert rehabilitation, using a biopsychosocial approach
      and evidence-informed practice. The lengthy management process (including
      prolonged rehabilitation and referral processes) and interprofessional disconnect
      concerned participants. Translational research was needed for clear directions
      for exercise prescription and milestones for return to sports and occupation
      following ACL injury. CONCLUSIONS: Participants provided a biopsychosocial and
      evidence-based approach to ACL injury management. Potential areas of improvement
      include simplifying the referral process and enhancing communication between
      physiotherapists and other health professionals. Future research should focus on
      clarifying areas of ACL rehabilitation uncertainty, or collating results in an
      accessible and usable format for clinical practice.

PMID- 27134213
TI  - A case report of a completely displaced stress fracture of the femoral shaft in a
      middle-aged male athlete - A precursor of things to come?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Displaced stress fractures of the femoral shaft are very uncommon.
      The proportion of middle-aged and older age groups participating in long-distance
      running, triathlon and other high intensity sports is increasing. As a
      consequence stress fracture of the femoral shaft may be on the rise in the
      future. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was 43 years old male caucasian
      triathlete. The authors met the patient after he was admitted with a displaced
      femoral shaft fracture. The fracture occurred during running at the national
      championship in 1/2 Ironman. The patient reported that his symptoms had gradually
      developed over the last month before the fracture with pain localized anterior to
      the thigh. The patient interpreted the symptoms as local muscle damage. A
      clinical examination was conducted by a physiotherapist and the symptoms were
      interpreted as a simple muscle injury in the quadriceps. CONCLUSION: When
      presented with a patient with non-traumatic, diffuse anterior thigh pain in an
      individual of this age, who is participating in high-level endurance running;
      clinicians should consider the possibility that the cause of the symptoms may be
      a femoral shaft stress fracture.

PMID- 27134214
TI  - Clinical methods to quantify trunk mobility in an elite male surfing population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thoracic mobility in the sagittal and horizontal planes are key
      requirements in the sport of surfing; however to date the normal values of these
      movements have not yet been quantified in a surfing population. OBJECTIVES: To
      develop a reliable method to quantify thoracic mobility in the sagittal plane; to
      assess the reliability of an existing thoracic rotation method, and quantify
      thoracic mobility in an elite male surfing population. DESIGN: Clinical
      Measurement, reliability and comparative study. METHODS: A total of 30 subjects
      were used to determine the reliability component. 15 elite surfers were used as
      part of a comparative analysis with age and gender matched controls. RESULTS:
      Intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged between 0.95-0.99 (95% CI; 0.89
      0.99) for both thoracic methods. The elite surfing group had significantly (p <=
      0.05) greater rotation than the comparative group (mean rotation 63.57 degrees 
      versus 40.80 degrees , respectively). CONCLUSION: This study has illustrated
      reliable methods to assess the thoracic spine in the sagittal plane and thoracic
      rotation. It has also quantified ROM in a surfing cohort; identifying thoracic
      rotation as a key movement. This information may provide clinicians, coaches and
      athletic trainers with imperative information regarding the importance of
      maintaining adequate thoracic rotation.

PMID- 27134215
TI  - Cervical range of motion, cervical and shoulder strength in senior versus age
      grade Rugby Union International front-row forwards.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide normative values for cervical range of motion (CROM),
      isometric cervical and shoulder strength for; International Senior professional,
      and International Age-grade Rugby Union front-row forwards. DESIGN: Cross
      sectional population study. SETTING: All international level front-row players
      within a Rugby Union Tier 1 Nation. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen Senior and 21 Age
      grade front-row forwards underwent CROM, cervical and shoulder strength testing.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: CROM was measured using the CROM device and the Gatherer
      System was used to measure multi-directional isometric cervical and shoulder
      strength. RESULTS: The Age-grade players had significantly lower; cervical
      strength (26-57% deficits), cervical flexion to extension strength ratios (0.5
      vs. 0.6), and shoulder strength (2-36% deficits) than the Senior players.
      However, there were no differences between front-row positions within each age
      group. Additionally, there were no differences between age groups or front-row
      positions in the CROM measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Senior Rugby Union front-row
      forwards have greater cervical and shoulder strength than Age-grade players, with
      the biggest differences being in cervical strength, highlighting the need for age
      specific normative values. Importantly, Age-grade players should be evaluated to
      ensure they have developed sufficient cervical strength prior to entering
      professional level Rugby Union.

PMID- 27134216
TI  - Descriptive profile of hip range of motion in elite tennis players.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the range of motion (ROM) profile (flexion, extension,
      abduction, internal and external rotation) of the hip in elite tennis players;
      and (b) to analyse if there are sex-related differences in the hip ROM. DESIGN:
      Cohort study. SETTING: Controlled laboratory environment. PARTICIPANTS: 81 male
      and 28 female tennis players completed this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Descriptive measures of passive hip flexion, extension and abduction, and
      internal and external active and passive hip rotation ROM were taken. Magnitude
      based inferences on differences between sex (males vs. females) and hip (dominant
      vs. non-dominant) were made by standardising differences. RESULTS: No clinically
      meaningful bilateral and sex-related differences in any of the hip ROM measures.
      In addition, it was found that both males and females had restricted mobility
      measures on hip flexion (<80 degrees ), extension (<0 degrees ) and abduction
      (<40 degrees ). Furthermore, the 30% of males also presented restricted active
      and passive hip internal rotation ROM values (<25 degrees ). Finally, both males
      and females had normal mobility measures of hip external rotation ROM (active
      [>25 degrees ] and passive [35 degrees ]) CONCLUSIONS: Asymmetric hip joint ROM
      measures found during clinical examination and screening may indicate
      abnormalities and the need of rehabilitation (e.g., flexibility training). In
      addition, clinicians should include specific exercises (e.g., stretching) in
      their conditioning, prevention and rehabilitation programmes aiming to avoid
      restricted mobility of hip flexion (males = 74 degrees ; females = 78 degrees ),
      extension (males = -1.5; females = -0.4), abduction (males = 35 degrees ; females
      = 34 degrees ) and internal rotation (males = 30 degrees ; females = 35) that
      might be generated as a consequence of playing tennis.

PMID- 27134217
TI  - Re: The effect of air pollution on lung function in children.

PMID- 27134218
TI  - Narrowing the 17-Year Research to Practice Gap.

PMID- 27134219
TI  - Reminding Us That We Are "Tough and Competent".

PMID- 27134220
TI  - Accuracy of Electromagnetic Placement Devices.

PMID- 27134221
TI  - Response.

PMID- 27134224
TI  - Critical Care Nurses' Perceived Need for Guidance in Addressing Spirituality in
      Critically Ill Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The term spirituality is highly subjective. No common or universally
      accepted definition for the term exists. Without a clear definition, each nurse
      must reconcile his or her own beliefs within a framework mutually suitable for
      both nurse and patient. OBJECTIVES: To examine individual critical care nurses'
      definition of spirituality, their comfort in providing spiritual care to
      patients, and their perceived need for education in providing this care. METHODS:
      Individual interviews with 30 nurses who worked in a critical care unit at a
      large Midwestern teaching hospital. RESULTS: Nurses generally feel comfortable
      providing spiritual care to critically ill patients but need further education
      about multicultural considerations. Nurses identified opportunities to address
      spiritual needs throughout a patient's stay but noted that these needs are
      usually not addressed until the end of life. CONCLUSIONS: A working definition
      for spirituality in health care was developed: That part of person that gives
      meaning and purpose to the person's life. Belief in a higher power that may
      inspire hope, seek resolution, and transcend physical and conscious constraints.

PMID- 27134225
TI  - Spirituality and Care for Patients and Families.

PMID- 27134226
TI  - Underestimation of Pupil Size by Critical Care and Neurosurgical Nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection of pupillary changes in patients with head injuries
      can alert the care team to increasing intracranial pressure. Previous research
      has shown inconsistencies in pupil measurement that are most likely due to the
      subjective nature of measuring pupils without the assistance of technology.
      OBJECTIVES: To evaluate nurses' abilities to assess pupil diameter accurately and
      detect unequal pupils. METHODS: In a 3-part study, the accuracy of critical care
      and neurosurgical nurses' assessments of pupils was determined. The study
      included assessment of drawings of eyes with an iris and pupil, examination of
      photographs of human eyes, and bedside examination of patients with a head
      injury. RESULTS: Subjective assessments of pupil diameter and symmetry were not
      accurate. Across all phases of the study, pupil diameters were underestimated and
      the rate of error increased as pupil size increased. Nurses also failed to detect
      anisocoria and misidentified pupil reactivity. In addition, nearly all nurses
      relied on subjective estimation, even when tools were available. CONCLUSIONS:
      Critical care and neurosurgical nurses underestimated pupil size, were unable to
      detect anisocoria, and incorrectly assessed pupil reactivity. Standardized use of
      pupil assessment tools such as a pupillometer is necessary to increase accuracy
      and consistency in pupil measurement and to potentially contribute to earlier
      detection of subtle changes in pupils. If pupillary changes are identified early,
      diagnostic and treatment intervention can be delivered in a more timely and
      effective manner.

PMID- 27134227
TI  - Evidence-Based Review and Discussion Points.

PMID- 27134228
TI  - Critical Care Nurses' Knowledge of Confidentiality Legislation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health care legislation can be difficult to understand and apply in
      critical situations where patients may not be physically capable of autonomous
      control of confidential health information. Nurses are often the first to
      encounter confidential information about patients. OBJECTIVES: To explore
      critical care nurses' knowledge of federal and North Carolina state legislation
      regarding confidentiality. METHODS: This descriptive, qualitative study included
      12 critical care nurses who were asked to describe their knowledge of federal
      confidentiality legislation and specific knowledge of North Carolina's
      confidentiality legislation. RESULTS: Critical care nurses were knowledgeable
      about federal confidentiality laws but demonstrated a need for further education
      about state-specific legislation. CONCLUSION: Nurses' application of
      confidentiality legislation demonstrates their knowledge of confidentiality
      legislation. To continue the trusting relationship that nurses have traditionally
      held with patients and patients' families, it is imperative for nurses to remain
      current about confidentiality legislation. Through education both before and
      after licensure, correct application of legislation can be achieved. Further
      research can aid in exploring the intersection between health care legislation
      and ethics.

PMID- 27134229
TI  - Prophylactic Sacral Dressing for Pressure Ulcer Prevention in High-Risk Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients in intensive care units are likely to have limited mobility
      owing to hemodynamic instability and activity orders for bed rest. Bed rest is
      indicated because of the severity of the disease process, which often involves
      intubation, sedation, paralysis, surgical procedures, poor nutrition, low flow
      states, and poor circulation. These patients are predisposed to the development
      and/or the progression of pressure ulcers not only because of their underlying
      diseases, but also because of limited mobility and deconditioned states of
      health. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether treating high-risk patients with a
      prophylactic sacral dressing decreases the incidence of unit-acquired sacral
      pressure ulcers. METHODS: An evidence-based tool for identifying patients at high
      risk for pressure ulcers was used in 3 intensive care units at an urban tertiary
      care hospital and academic medical center. Those patients deemed at high risk had
      a prophylactic sacral dressing applied. Incidence rates were collected and
      compared for the 7 months preceding use of the dressings and for 7 months during
      the trial period when the dressing was used. RESULTS: After the sacral dressing
      began being used, the number of unit-acquired sacral pressure ulcers decreased by
      3.4 to 7.6 per 1000 patient days depending on the unit. CONCLUSIONS: A
      prophylactic sacral dressing may help prevent unit-acquired sacral pressure
      ulcers. Implementation of an involved care team with heightened awareness and
      increased education along with a prophylactic sacral dressing in patients deemed
      high risk for skin breakdown are all essential for success.

PMID- 27134231
TI  - Measurement of Oxygen Consumption in Critically Ill Children: Breath-by-Breath
      Method vs Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measurement of oxygen consumption (Vo2) is difficult in children but
      is essential to calculate cardiac index and systemic vascular resistance.
      OBJECTIVE: To compare measurements of Vo2 using respiratory mass spec trometry
      and the breath-by-breath method. METHODS: Vo2 was measured simultaneously and
      continuously for 10 minutes by using respiratory mass spectrometry and the breath
      by-breath method in children receiving mechanical ventilation via cuffed
      endotracheal tubes. RESULTS: Sixteen children (7 boys; median [range]: age, 1.5
      [0.2-6] years; weight, 11.5 [2.8-23.5] kg; body surface area, 0.55 [0.18-0.98]
      m(2)) were studied. The correlation between measurements of Vo2 by the 2 methods
      was good (R = 0.924). Mean Vo2 measured by mass spectrometry was 63 (95% CI, 47
      78) mL/min vs 65 (95% CI, 47-83) mL/min measured by the breath-by-breath method.
      The mean Vo2 difference between the 2 methods was 3 (95% CI, -9 to 5) mL/min and
      statistically insignificant. Bland-Altman analysis showed that the 95% limits of
      agreement were between -28 and +23. Cardiac index did not differ significantly
      when calculated using Vo2 measured with one method or the other (mean difference,
      0.1; 95% CI, -0.2 to 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Measurements of Vo2 did not differ
      between mass spectrometry and the breath-by-breath method. Use of the breath-by
      breath method may facilitate calculation of cardiac index and systemic vascular
      resistance in critically ill children.

PMID- 27134230
TI  - Cause of Death of Infants and Children in the Intensive Care Unit: Parents'
      Recall vs Chart Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More than 55 000 children die annually in the United States, most in
      neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. Because of the stress and emotional
      turmoil of the deaths, the children's parents have difficulty comprehending
      information. OBJECTIVES: To compare parents' reports and hospital chart data on
      cause of death and examine agreement on cause of death according to parents' sex,
      race, participation in end-of-life decisions, and discussion with physicians;
      deceased child's age; unit of care (neonatal or pediatric); and hospital and
      intensive care unit lengths of stay. METHODS: A descriptive, correlational design
      was used with a structured interview of parents 1 month after the death and
      review of hospital chart data. Parents whose children died in intensive care were
      recruited from 4 South Florida hospitals and from Florida Department of Health
      death records. RESULTS: Among 230 parents, 54% of mothers and 40% of fathers
      agreed with the chart cause of death. Agreement did not differ significantly for
      mothers or fathers by race/ethnicity, participation in end-of-life decisions,
      discussions with physicians, or mean length of hospital stay. Agreement was
      better for mothers when the stay in the intensive care unit was the shortest.
      Fathers' agreement with chart data was best when the deceased was an infant and
      death was in the pediatric intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Death of a child is
      a time of high stress when parents' concentration, hearing, and information
      processing are diminished. Many parents have misconceptions about the cause of
      the death 1 month after the death.

PMID- 27134232
TI  - Ethnographic Investigation of Oral Care in the Intensive Care Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral care plays a clear and important role in the prevention of
      ventilator-associated pneumonia. However, few studies have explored the actual
      work of oral care by nurses in the intensive care unit. OBJECTIVE: To explore
      intensive care nurses' knowledge of and experiences with the delivery of oral
      care to reveal less visible aspects of this work. METHODS: In an institutional
      ethnography, go-along and semistructured interview methods were used to explore
      the oral care practices and perspectives of 12 bedside nurses and 12
      interprofessional (intensivist, allied health, and management) participants in an
      intensive care unit at a large urban teaching hospital in Ontario, Canada.
      RESULTS: Nurses described how obstacles frequently inhibited the delivery of oral
      care. Technical barriers included oral crowding with tubes and aversive responses
      by patients, such as biting. Contextual impediments to oral care included time
      constraints, lack of training, and limited opportunities for interprofessional
      collaboration. A key discovery was the presence of an informal unit-based nursing
      curriculum, whereby nurses acquired strategies to overcome barriers to oral care.
      Although the nurses did extensive problem solving in providing oral care, the
      interprofessional participants had limited knowledge of how oral care was
      accomplished. CONCLUSION: These data suggest the complexity of performing oral
      care in intensive care is underestimated and perhaps undervalued. Future research
      is needed to address technical and contextual barriers to optimize current
      guideline expectations for the provision of regular and effective oral care.

PMID- 27134233
TI  - Noninvasive Monitoring of Cardiac Output During Weaning From Mechanical
      Ventilation: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac dysfunction is one of many causes for unsuccessful weaning
      from mechanical ventilation. Although cardiac dysfunction can be detected via
      direct measurement of cardiac output during weaning, available methods are not
      feasible. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of noninvasive monitoring of cardiac
      output during weaning and determine if a relationship exists between serial
      measurements during the spontaneous breathing trial and weaning outcomes.
      METHODS: A prospective, observational study was conducted in the intensive care
      unit at a university-affiliated teaching hospital. The sample consisted of
      patients intubated for more than 24 hours who were being weaned off of mechanical
      ventilation according to a validated weaning protocol. Before the first
      spontaneous breathing trial, a noninvasive cardiac output monitor was connected
      to the ventilator circuit. Measurements were made before, at the beginning of,
      and at the end of the trial. RESULTS: Among the 85 patients tested, baseline
      cardiac output was similar (P = .93) for those in whom the first trial was
      successful (mean [SD], 5.7 [2.1] L/min) and those in whom the trial was
      unsuccessful (5.6 [1.8] L/ min). Unlike patients with unsuccessful trials,
      patients with successful trials were able to augment their cardiac output from
      baseline. Mean cardiac output increased to 7.1 (SD, 3.1) L/min for patients in
      whom weaning was successful and to 6.2 (SD, 2.3) L/min for those in whom weaning
      was unsuccessful (P = .001). CONCLUSION: A noninvasive method of monitoring
      cardiac output can be easily applied while patients are being weaned off of
      mechanical ventilation.

PMID- 27134235
TI  - Long-Acting Insulin on the Road to Recovery With Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

PMID- 27134234
TI  - Long-Term Survival after Cardiac Surgery in Patients with Chronic Obstructive
      Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) require a prolonged length of stay (PLOS) following coronary artery bypass
      grafting (CABG), the impact of PLOS on long-term survival has not been examined
      in this population. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between PLOS and
      long-term survival among COPD and non-COPD patients after CABG and to examine
      consequent policy and practice-based implications. METHODS: A retrospective
      cohort study of CABG patients was conducted between 2002 and 2011. Long-term
      survival was compared in patients with and without COPD and stratified by PLOS.
      Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using a Cox
      regression model. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients (4.2%) had PLOS after
      nonemergent CABG (N = 4801). PLOS was an important independent predictor of
      decreased long-term survival (no COPD, no PLOS: HR = 1.0; COPD, no PLOS: adjusted
      HR [95% CI], 1.8 [1.5-2.1]; no COPD, PLOS: 3.3 [2.5-4.4]; COPD, PLOS: 6.0 [4.4
      8.2]; PTrend < .001). CONCLUSIONS: COPD and PLOS are 2 of many factors that
      affect long-term mortality in postoperative CABG patients. Aggressive treatment
      strategies aimed at early weaning off of mechanical ventilation and prevention of
      reintubation among COPD patients must be considered carefully as a means to
      reduce length of stay after CABG. Our results also have important implications
      for the long-term management of these patients and strategies for containing
      costs over the life course of the patient.

PMID- 27134236
TI  - Syncope With Profound Bradycardia.

PMID- 27134237
TI  - Enhancing the Communication of Suddenly Speechless Critical Care Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sudden speechlessness is common in critically ill patients who are
      intubated or have had surgery for head and neck cancer. Sudden inability to speak
      poses challenges for hospitalized patients because strategies to facilitate
      communication are often limited and unreliable. OBJECTIVE: To determine the
      impact of a technology-based communication intervention on patients' perception
      of communication difficulty, satisfaction with communication methods, and
      frustration with communication. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, 4-cohort (control
      and intervention) repeated-measures design was used. Data were collected daily
      for up to 10 days. Patients in adult critical care units were followed up as they
      were transferred to other units within the institutions selected for the study.
      The impact of a technology-based communication system (intervention) was compared
      with usual care (control). Patients' communication outcomes pertinent to
      communication with nursing staff that were evaluated included perception of
      communication ease, satisfaction with methods used for communication, and
      frustration with communication. RESULTS: Compared with participants in the
      control group, participants in the intervention group reported lower mean
      frustration levels (-2.68; SE, 0.17; 95% CI, -3.02 to -2.34; P < .001) and higher
      mean satisfaction levels (0.59; SE, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.91; P < .001) with
      use of the communication intervention. Participants in the intervention group
      reported a consistent increase in perception of communication ease during the
      hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: The results facilitated evaluation of a bedside
      technology-based communication intervention tailored to the needs of suddenly
      speechless critically ill patients.

PMID- 27134238
TI  - Stimulation of Critically Ill Patients: Relationship to Sedation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the number and type of stimulation events and the
      relationship of stimulation to sedation level in patients receiving mechanical
      ventilation. METHODS: A 4-hour direct observation was conducted in 103 patients
      receiving mechanical ventilation. Stimulation events and sedation level before
      and after the stimulation were documented. Eight categories of stimulation events
      were developed in a previous pilot study of 36 patients receiving mechanical
      ventilation. Sedation was measured continuously by using a processed
      electroencephalographic score (patient state index [PSI]) and intermittently by
      using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale. RESULTS: Patients were mostly
      alert/mildly sedated (54.4%) at study enrollment. During the 349 hours of
      observation, 58.8% of the time included stimulation events. General auditory
      types of stimulation were most common (41.2% of observed time), followed by
      respiratory management and tactile family stimulation. For all events, auditory
      talking, tactile-general, tactile-noxious, and tactile-highly noxious stimuli
      were associated with higher PSIs (all P < .001) after stimulation; other stimuli
      were not. Level of consciousness influenced response to stimuli, with almost all
      types of stimuli increasing PSI for patients more deeply sedated (PSI < 60) just
      before the stimuli. However, the effect of stimulation on PSI for more alert
      patients (PSI > 60) was small and variable. DISCUSSION: Critically ill patients
      receiving mechanical ventilation are subjected to various forms of auditory and
      tactile stimulation frequently throughout the day. All types of stimuli increased
      arousal in patients who were more deeply sedated. The effect of stimulation in
      patients who were not deeply sedated was minimal and inconsistent.

PMID- 27134240
TI  - 2016 National Teaching Institute Research Abstracts: Presented at the AACN
      National Teaching Institute in New Orleans, Louisiana, May 16-19, 2016.

PMID- 27134241
TI  - Chromosomal breaks during mitotic catastrophe trigger gammaH2AX-ATM-p53-mediated
      apoptosis.

PMID- 27134239
TI  - Backrest Elevation and Tissue Interface Pressure by Anatomical Location During
      Mechanical Ventilation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Backrest elevations less than 30 degrees  are recommended to reduce
      pressure ulcers, but positions greater than 30 degrees  are recommended during
      mechanical ventilation to reduce risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
      Interface pressure may vary with level of backrest elevation and anatomical
      location (eg, sacrum, heels). OBJECTIVE: To describe backrest elevation and
      anatomical location and intensity of skin pressure across the body in patients
      receiving mechanical ventilation. METHODS: In a longitudinal study, patients from
      3 adult intensive care units in a single institution receiving mechanical
      ventilation were enrolled within 24 hours of intubation from February 2010
      through May 2012. Backrest elevation (by inclinometer) and pressure (by a
      pressure-mapping system) were measured continuously for 72 hours. Mean tissue
      interface pressure was determined for 7 anatomical areas: left and right scapula,
      left and right trochanter, sacrum, and left and right heel. RESULTS: Data on 133
      patients were analyzed. For each 1 degrees  increase in backrest elevation, mean
      interface pressure decreased 0.09 to 0.42 mm Hg. For each unit increase in body
      mass index, mean trochanter pressure increased 0.22 to 0.24 mm Hg. Knee angle
      (lower extremity bent at the knee) and mobility were time-varying covariates in
      models of the relationship between backrest elevation and tissue interface
      pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Individual factors such as patient movement and body mass
      index may be important elements related to risk for pressure ulcers and
      ventilator-associated pneumonia, and a more nuanced approach in which positioning
      decisions are tailored to optimize outcomes for individual patients appears
      warranted.

PMID- 27134242
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27134243
TI  - LDL-cholesterol targets: perspectives for the use of PCSK9 inhibitors.

PMID- 27134244
TI  - CardioPulse Articles.

PMID- 27134245
TI  - Risk Factors for Permanent Visual Loss in Biopsy-proven Giant Cell Arteritis: A
      Study of 339 Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for permanent visual loss (PVL) in
      patients with biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) and the usefulness of the
      factors in clinical practice. METHODS: From 1976 through 2015, the clinical
      charts and laboratory results of 339 patients with biopsy-proven GCA were
      recorded prospectively at the time of diagnosis. We used multivariable logistic
      regression analysis to determine which of 24 pretreatment characteristics were
      associated with PVL. RESULTS: Visual ischemic manifestations occurred in 108
      patients, including PVL in 53 (16%), bilaterally in 15 patients (28%). The
      independent predictors associated with an increased risk of PVL were age (OR
      1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.12, p = 0.01), a history of transient visual ischemic
      symptoms (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.29-5.29, p < 0.01), and jaw claudication (OR 2.11,
      95% CI 1.09-4.10, p = 0.03). The presence of fever (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.14-0.64, p
      < 0.01) and rheumatic symptoms (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.10-0.57, p = 0.001) were
      associated with a markedly reduced risk of developing visual loss (3.7% if
      features were both present). No laboratory variables were independently
      associated with PVL. CONCLUSION: The visual ischemic risk of untreated GCA can be
      readily estimated upon simple clinical findings, but not laboratory variables.
      However, we did not identify a subgroup of patients carrying no risk of
      developing visual loss. Glucocorticoid treatment remains, therefore, urgent for
      any patient with a high clinical suspicion index.

PMID- 27134246
TI  - Associations of the Levels of C4d-bearing Reticulocytes and High-avidity Anti
      dsDNA Antibodies with Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are no laboratory tools that detect early flares in systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our aim was to validate in our population the previous
      findings of the association of C4d-bearing reticulocytes (R-C4d) compared to anti
      dsDNA antibodies, with disease activity assessed by the Safety of Estrogens in
      Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease
      Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) and the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group
      (BILAG) 2004 scales. METHODS: All patients who met the 1987 American College of
      Rheumatology classification criteria and were seen consecutively in 2013 at a
      specialized SLE care clinic were included. Disease activity was established by
      the SELENA-SLEDAI and BILAG 2004. Anti-dsDNA and R-C4d were quantified in
      peripheral blood. Comparisons were made between values of active and inactive
      patients, and the correlations between the SELENA-SLEDAI and serum levels of anti
      dsDNA and R-C4d were measured. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (83.9% women) were
      included. A total of 32.3% had active disease according to the SELENA-SLEDAI.
      There was a significant statistical difference (p = 0.0001) in the distribution
      of R-C4d between disease activity groups. The correlation coefficient between R
      C4d and the SELENA-SLEDAI score was rs = 0.738 (p = 0.0001). R-C4d differed
      between patients with and without activity in the BILAG 2004 constitutional,
      mucocutaneous, gastrointestinal, renal, and hematological domains. CONCLUSION: R
      C4d showed a higher correlation with SLE activity measured by the SELENA-SLEDAI
      and BILAG 2004 than anti-dsDNA did, suggesting a possible involvement in
      diagnosing disease activity. Prospective studies that confirm these findings and
      evaluate its involvement in followup are needed.

PMID- 27134247
TI  - Incidence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis in Denmark: A
      Nationwide Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and
      SLE with concomitant or subsequent lupus nephritis (LN) in Denmark during 1995
      2011, using data from the Danish National Patient Registry (NPR). METHODS: To
      assess the incidence of SLE, we identified all persons aged >= 18 years in the
      NPR with at least 1 International Classification of Diseases, 10th ed (ICD-10)
      code of SLE and at least 365 days of followup under this diagnosis.
      Identification of LN cases was based on fulfillment of these criteria and >= 1
      registration under an ICD-10 code of nephritis concomitantly with or after first
      SLE registration. RESULTS: The overall annual incidence rate per 100,000 for SLE
      was 2.35 (95% CI 2.24-2.49); 0.69 (95% CI 0.60-0.78) for men and 3.96 (95% CI
      3.75-4.17) for women. For LN, the mean annual incidence rate per 100,000 was
      estimated to be 0.45 (95% CI 0.38-0.53); 0.20 (95% CI 0.13-0.28) for men and 0.69
      (95% CI 0.57-0.83) for women. The differences in SLE incidence rates between
      sexes decreased by age, and the incidence did not differ between men and women
      after the age of 60 years for LN. The estimated incidences showed no trends by
      calendar time. Estimated overall point prevalence (December 31, 2011) per 100,000
      was 45.2 (95% CI 43.3-47.4) and 6.4 (95% CI 5.7-7.2) for SLE and LN,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Our Danish population-based data showed a stable
      incidence of SLE and LN. As expected, we found higher incidence rates among women
      than among men, particularly in younger persons.

PMID- 27134248
TI  - Effect of Autoantibodies to Erythropoietin Receptor in Systemic Lupus
      Erythematosus with Biopsy-proven Lupus Nephritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined the clinical significance of autoantibodies to the
      erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
      (SLE) who had biopsy-proven lupus nephritis (LN). METHODS: Forty-six Japanese
      patients with SLE with LN who had undergone renal biopsy during 1993-2014 were
      enrolled in this study and followed for a mean of 83 months. Sera from those
      patients were screened for anti-EPOR antibodies using ELISA. RESULTS: Anti-EPOR
      antibodies were detected in 18 (39%) of the 46 patients with SLE with anemia.
      Anti-EPOR antibodies were associated with low hemoglobin concentrations and
      reticulocytopenia. In addition, anti-EPOR antibodies were positively correlated
      with SLE disease activity, even though serum levels of the complement factors 3
      and 4 did not differ between the 2 groups. In patients with International Society
      of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society 2003 class IV LN, anti-EPOR antibodies were
      associated with active lesions including cellular crescents in glomeruli.
      Decrease in renal function was more frequently observed in patients without
      complete or partial renal response than in patients with it, and serum levels of
      the antibodies as well as renal response to treatment were significant risk
      factors for progression of renal dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The present study
      suggests that anti-EPOR antibodies might be involved in overall disease activity
      and active renal lesions, as well as in the impaired erythropoiesis in patients
      with SLE with LN. Further, the levels of anti-EPOR antibodies may be an
      additional predictor for renal injury.

PMID- 27134249
TI  - Comparison of Etanercept Monotherapy and Combination Therapy with Methotrexate in
      Psoriatic Arthritis: Results from 2 Clinical Trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical/functional outcomes associated with
      etanercept (ETN) monotherapy versus combination therapy in psoriatic arthritis
      (PsA). METHODS: Data from patients with PsA who received ETN alone (n = 322) or
      combined with methotrexate (MTX; n = 152) for 24 weeks in 2 placebo-controlled
      clinical trials were summarized across studies. RESULTS: Similar proportions of
      patients in the monotherapy and combination therapy groups achieved the PsA
      Response Criteria (80% and 83%) and the American College of Rheumatology
      improvements of 20% (ACR20; both 70%); numerically higher proportions receiving
      monotherapy achieved ACR50 (55% vs 48%) and ACR70 (35% vs 27%). Little between
      group difference was observed in the 28-joint Disease Activity Score with C
      reactive protein, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and the Health
      Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index improvement. CONCLUSION: ETN with and
      without MTX provided similar benefits in active PsA.

PMID- 27134250
TI  - The Modified Hand Mobility in Scleroderma Test and Skin Involvement - A Followup
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the change in the modified Hand Mobility in Scleroderma
      (mHAMIS) test from early to advanced stages of systemic sclerosis (SSc), and the
      relationship between mHAMIS and skin involvement during followup. METHODS: This
      retrospective study includes 65 patients with baseline disease duration of <= 3
      years who were assessed with the mHAMIS test at baseline and at 1 or 2 predefined
      followup points (3.1-5 yrs and 5.1-9 yrs after disease onset). Studied measures
      were the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), mRSS of the hand, serum cartilage
      oligomeric matrix protein, and digital vascular lesions. RESULTS: The mHAMIS and
      the mRSS hand changed synchronously during the first 5 years after disease onset
      (rs = 0.44, p = 0.001). In the group with high mHAMIS at baseline, both mHAMIS
      and mRSS hand improved significantly at the first followup (p < 0.05), and the
      improvement sustained during the followup in the mRSS hand. Patients with
      antitopoisomerase I and anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies had significantly
      higher mHAMIS at baseline (p = 0.003) and at the second followup (p = 0.030)
      compared to patients with anticentromere antibodies. Patients with digital
      vascular lesions at baseline had significantly higher mHAMIS during the followup
      (p < 0.05) compared to patients without. The mHAMIS improved significantly during
      the followup in patients with immunosuppressive treatment in early disease (p <
      0.05), but not in patients without this treatment. CONCLUSION: The mHAMIS
      reflects disease activity in fibrosis in early stages of SSc. In later stages it
      can be regarded as a measure of damage arising from fibrotic and vascular
      involvement, making it suitable as an endpoint in followup examinations.

PMID- 27134251
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Bone Edema at Enrollment Predicts Rapid Radiographic
      Progression in Patients with Early RA: Results from the Nagasaki University Early
      Arthritis Cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) bone edema
      predicts the development of rapid radiographic progression (RRP) in the Nagasaki
      University Early Arthritis Cohort of patients with early-stage rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA). METHODS: Patients with early-stage RA (n = 76) were enrolled and
      underwent 1.5-T MRI of both wrists and finger joints. Synovitis, bone edema, and
      bone erosion were evaluated using the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging Scoring (RAMRIS). RRP was defined as an annual increment > 3 at 1 year by
      the Genant-modified Sharp score of plain radiographs. A multivariate logistic
      regression analysis was performed to establish the risk factors for RRP. RESULTS:
      Median disease duration at enrollment was 3 months. RRP was found in 12 of the 76
      patients at 1 year. A univariate analysis revealed that matrix metalloprotease-3,
      RAMRIS bone edema score, and RAMRIS bone erosion score were associated with RRP.
      Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the RAMRIS bone edema
      score at enrollment (5-point increase, OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.32-3.59, p = 0.002) was
      the only independent predictor of the development of RRP at 1 year. A receiver
      operating characteristic analysis identified the best cutoff value for RAMRIS
      bone edema score as 5. RRP was significantly rare among the patients with a
      RAMRIS bone edema score < 5 at enrollment (2 from 50 patients). CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggest that MRI bone edema is closely associated with the development
      of RRP in patients with early-stage RA. Physicians should carefully control the
      disease activity when MRI bone edema is observed in patients with early RA.

PMID- 27134252
TI  - The Frequency of Scleroderma Renal Crisis over Time: A Metaanalysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) leads to a high mortality from internal organ
      involvement. Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) usually occurs in the diffuse
      cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) subset early in the disease, often with acute severe
      hypertension and renal failure. Prevalence of SRC since its classification in the
      early 1970s was determined in publications to assess whether the prevalence of
      SRC has changed over time because the proportion with the dcSSc subset is smaller
      in contemporary cohorts. METHODS: A review of the literature was conducted up to
      May 2015 using the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases.
      Articles were included if they mentioned the prevalence of SRC and were cohort or
      cross-sectional studies with 50 or more patients with SSc. Articles were excluded
      if they were not in English or were a case series of SRC or case-control studies.
      RESULTS: Of the 5317 citations identified, 22 qualified. Years of publication
      were from 1983 to 2011, and cohort size varied from 68 to 8554 patients with SSc
      totaling 21,908 patients (9248 with dcSSc, 42%). There was no statistical
      reduction in the temporal prevalence of SRC noticed in the overall patients (4%),
      patients with dcSSc (7%-9%), or patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc; 0.5%
      0.6%) based on either the start date of the cohort or publication date.
      CONCLUSION: It appears that SRC remains uncommon in lcSSc and the rate in the
      dcSSc group may be stable over time. However, increasing awareness of SRC could
      lead to higher rates in more recent years and/or better survival from SRC, but
      this was not observed.

PMID- 27134253
TI  - Bone Marrow Megakaryocytes May Predict Therapeutic Response of Severe
      Thrombocytopenia in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictive value of megakaryocyte counts in bone marrow
      (BM-MK) for determining the therapeutic response of severe thrombocytopenia (TP)
      in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Thirty-five
      patients with SLE with severe TP (platelet count <= 50 * 10(9)/l) from the Peking
      Union Medical College Hospital admitted between 2007 and 2014 with appreciable
      bone marrow aspiration results were analyzed retrospectively. The associations
      between therapeutic response and clinical manifestations, laboratory findings
      including BM-MK counts, were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventeen (49%) and 8 (23%)
      patients achieved a complete response (CR) and a partial response (PR),
      respectively, and 10 had no response (NR). The BM-MK counts in each group were
      102 +/- 25 (0-322), 136 +/- 48 (2-419), and 28 +/- 12 (0-105) per slide,
      respectively. Significant differences were observed in the counts of BM-MK
      between patients who achieved a clinical response (CR + PR) and those who did not
      (NR; p = 0.007). Patients in the NR group exhibited fewer BM-MK compared with
      those in the CR and PR groups (p = 0.017 and p = 0.006, respectively). A receiver
      operation characteristic analysis identified that a cutoff value of BM-MK counts
      at 20 performed pretty well in discriminating patients with differential
      responses to immunotherapy, with sensitivity and specificity and area under the
      curve of 88%, 70%, and 0.798, respectively. CONCLUSION: BM-MK count may serve as
      a good predicting factor for immunotherapeutic response in patients with SLE with
      severe TP. Patients with BM-MK counts < 20 per slide tend to exhibit poor
      clinical response.

PMID- 27134254
TI  - NLRP3 A439V Mutation in a Large Family with Cryopyrin-associated Periodic
      Syndrome: Description of Ophthalmologic Symptoms in Correlation with Other Organ
      Symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is a group of inherited
      autoinflammatory disorders caused by mutations in the NLRP3 gene resulting in the
      overproduction of interleukin 1beta. NLRP3 mutations cause a broad clinical
      phenotype of CAPS. The aims of the study were to evaluate clinical, laboratory,
      and genetic features of a 5-generation family with CAPS focusing in detail on
      ocular symptoms. METHODS: In a retrospective observational cohort study,
      consecutive family members were screened for the presence of the NLRP3 mutation.
      Patients underwent standardized clinical, laboratory, and ophthalmological
      assessments. The genotype-specific risk of ophthalmological findings and other
      organ symptoms was determined. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were clinically
      affected. The A439V mutation encoded by exon 3 of the NLRP3 gene was found in 15
      of 37 family members (41%). The most common clinical features were
      musculoskeletal symptoms, headaches, and ophthalmological symptoms. The mutation
      positive patients were characterized by more frequent skin rashes, ocular
      symptoms, arthralgia, arthritis, and severe Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS) Disease
      Activity Score. Rosacea was diagnosed in 8 patients. CONCLUSION: The NLRP3
      mutation A439V is associated with a heterogeneous clinical spectrum of familial
      cold autoinflammatory syndrome/MWS-overlap syndrome. Skin rash and eye diseases,
      such as conjunctivitis and uveitis, were positively correlated with this
      mutation.

PMID- 27134255
TI  - Adapting Knowledge Translation Strategies for Rare Rheumatic Diseases.
AB  - Rare rheumatic diseases present unique challenges to knowledge translation (KT)
      researchers. There is often an urgent need to transfer knowledge from research
      findings into clinical practice to facilitate earlier diagnosis and better
      outcomes. However, existing KT frameworks have not addressed the specific
      considerations surrounding rare diseases for which gold standard evidence is not
      available. Several widely adopted models provide guidance for processes and
      problems associated with KT. However, they do not address issues surrounding
      creation or synthesis of knowledge for rare diseases. Additional problems relate
      to lack of awareness or experience in intended knowledge users, low motivation,
      and potential barriers to changing practice or policy. Strategies to address the
      challenges of KT for rare rheumatic diseases include considering different levels
      of evidence available, linking knowledge creation and transfer directly,
      incorporating patient and physician advocacy efforts to generate awareness of
      conditions, and selecting strategies to address barriers to practice or policy
      change.

PMID- 27134256
TI  - Agreement between Rheumatologist and Patient-reported Adherence to Methotrexate
      in a US Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Rheumatologists have limited tools to assess medication adherence. The
      extent to which methotrexate (MTX) adherence is overestimated by rheumatologists
      is unknown. METHODS: We deployed an Internet survey to patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) participating in a US registry. Patient self-report was the gold
      standard compared to MTX recorded in the registry. RESULTS: Response rate to the
      survey was 44%. Of 228 patients whose rheumatologist reported current MTX at the
      time of the most recent registry visit, 45 (19.7%) had discontinued (n = 19,
      8.3%) or missed >= 1 dose in the last month (n = 26, 11.4%). For the subgroup
      whose rheumatologist also confirmed at the next visit that they were still taking
      MTX (n = 149), only 2.6% reported not taking it, and 10.7% had missed at least 1
      dose. CONCLUSION: MTX use was misclassified for 13%-20% of patients, mainly
      because of 1 or more missed doses rather than overt discontinuation. Clinicians
      should be aware of suboptimal adherence when assessing MTX response.

PMID- 27134257
TI  - The Prevalence of Dental Implants and Related Factors in Patients with Sjogren
      Syndrome: Results from a Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate prevalence and patient-reported outcomes of dental
      implants in patients with Sjogren syndrome (SS). METHODS: A total of 205 female
      patients from an observational cohort study answered oral health questionnaires
      about periodontal signs and symptoms, dentures, dental implants, comorbidities,
      and therapies that may interfere with bone remodeling. Data were compared with
      the reports of 87 female healthy controls. RESULTS: The patients were older than
      the controls (58 +/- 12 and 54 +/- 14 yrs, respectively) and differed
      substantially in the prevalence of self-reported gingivitis (60% and 35%), self
      reported periodontitis (19% and 8%), and in the numbers of remaining teeth (21 +/
      7 and 24 +/- 5). Patients more frequently had removable prostheses (36% compared
      with 23%) and dental implants (16% compared with 7%). The 32 patients with SS
      with dental implants had a mean number of 3.1 +/- 2.0 implants. Notably, for
      patients with implants, their oldest existing implant survived for a mean period
      of 4.9 +/- 5.4 years. A total of 5 of 104 (4.8%) implants in the patients and
      none of the 14 implants in the controls had to be removed. A total of 75% of the
      patients were highly satisfied with the implants and 97% would recommend them to
      other patients with SS. CONCLUSION: A substantial portion of patients with SS
      have dental complications and require subsequent implants. The majority were
      satisfied with the implants and would recommend them to other patients. The high
      implant survival rate may encourage patients, rheumatologists, and dentists to
      consider dental implants for the treatment of patients with SS.

PMID- 27134258
TI  - Analysis of Systemic Sclerosis-associated Genes in a Turkish Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the genetic background of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in the
      Turkish population. METHODS: There were 354 cases and 718 unaffected controls
      from Turkey genotyped for the most relevant SSc genetic markers (IRF5-rs10488631,
      STAT4-rs3821236, CD247-rs2056626, DNASE1L3-rs35677470, IL12A-rs77583790, and ATG5
      rs9373839). Association tests were conducted to identify possible associations.
      RESULTS: Except for ATG5, all the analyzed genes showed either significant
      associations (IRF5: p = 1.32E-05, OR 1.76; CD247: p = 2.20E-03, OR 0.75) or
      trends of association (STAT4: p = 0.066, OR 1.21; IL12A: p = 0.079, OR 4.07;
      DNASE1L3: p = 0.097, OR 1.41) with the overall disease or with specific
      phenotypes. CONCLUSION: The genetic component of SSc seems to be similar between
      Turks and Europeans.

PMID- 27134259
TI  - Patients' Perspectives and Experiences Living with Systemic Sclerosis: A
      Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease
      with major end-organ involvement. Much attention has been focused on the
      management of physical and clinical manifestations; however, the effect of the
      disease and treatment on the patient's identity, relationships, functioning, and
      mental well-being are less known. We aimed to describe the patients' perspectives
      and experiences of living with SSc. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched
      to October 2014. Thematic synthesis was used to analyze the findings. RESULTS: We
      included 26 studies involving 463 patients. Six key themes were identified:
      distressing appearance transformation (disturbing facial changes, stigmatizing
      sickness, unrecognizable self), palpable physical limitations (bodily
      restrictions, frustrating mind-body disconnect, pervasive fatigue, disabling
      pain), social impairment (breaking intimacy, struggling to fulfill family
      responsibilities, maintaining work, losing independence), navigating uncertainty
      (diagnostic ambiguity, medically fending for oneself, unpredictable course of
      illness), alone and misunderstood (fearful avoidance of fellow patients,
      invisible suffering), and gradual acceptance and relative optimism (adapting to
      change and accepting limitations, taking a positive spin, cautious hoping,
      empowering relationships, valuing medical support). CONCLUSION: SSc is a rare and
      unpredictable illness that undermines patients' sense of certainty and control
      and impairs their self-image, identity, and daily functioning. Patient-centered
      care that encompasses strategies to promote self-esteem, resilience, and self
      efficacy may help to improve treatment satisfaction and health and quality of
      life outcomes for patients with SSc.

PMID- 27134260
TI  - Time Trends, Predictors, and Outcome of Emergency Department Use for Gout: A
      Nationwide US Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess gout-related emergency department (ED) use/charges and
      discharge disposition. METHODS: We used the US National ED Sample (NEDS) data to
      examine the time trends in total ED visits and charges and ED-related
      hospitalizations with gout as the primary diagnosis. We assessed multivariable
      adjusted predictors of ED charges and hospitalization for gout-related visits
      using the 2012 NEDS data. RESULTS: There were 180,789, 201,044, and 205,152 ED
      visits in 2009, 2010, and 2012 with gout as the primary diagnosis, with total ED
      charges of $195 million, $239 million, and $287 million, respectively; these
      accounted for 0.14%-0.16% of all ED visits. Mean/median 2012 ED charges/visit
      were $1398/$956. Of all gout-related ED visits, 7.7% were admitted to the
      hospital in 2012. Mean/median length of hospital stay was 3.9/2.6 days and
      mean/median inpatient charge/admission with gout as the primary diagnosis was
      $22,066/$15,912 in 2012. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, these factors were
      associated with higher ED charges: older age, female sex, highest income
      quartile, being uninsured, metropolitan residence, Western United States hospital
      location, heart disease, renal failure, heart failure, hypertension (HTN),
      diabetes, osteoarthritis (OA), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
      These factors were associated with higher odds of hospitalization: older age,
      Northeast location, metropolitan teaching hospital, higher income quartile, heart
      disease, renal failure, heart failure, hyperlipidemia, HTN, diabetes, COPD, and
      OA, whereas self-pay insurance status was associated with lower odds of
      hospitalization, following an ED visit for gout. CONCLUSION: Absolute ED use and
      charges for gout increased over time, but relative use remained stable.
      Modifiable comorbidity factors associated with higher gout-related use should be
      targeted to reduce morbidity and healthcare use.

PMID- 27134261
TI  - Total Hip Arthroplasty in 6690 Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis: Effect of
      Medical Comorbidities and Age on Early Mortality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We analyzed early mortality after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in
      patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA), adjusting for medical comorbidities
      and socioeconomic background. METHODS: Data on 6690 patients with IA who
      underwent THA during 1992-2012 were extracted from the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty
      Register. Data on comorbidity, measured using the Charlson Comorbidity Index
      (CCI), and socioeconomic data were gathered from the Swedish National Inpatient
      Register and Statistics Sweden. The CCI was divided into low (0), moderate (1-2),
      and high (> 2). Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to calculate adjusted
      HR of early mortality, with 95% CI. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (0.4%) died
      within 0-90 days, giving a 90-day unadjusted survival rate of 99.6% (CI 99.5
      99.8). Comorbidity was associated with an increased risk of death within 90 days
      postoperatively [high vs low CCI: adjusted HR 9.0 (CI 1.6-49.9)]. There was a
      trend toward lower risk of death during the period 1999-2005, although patients
      operated on during this period had more comorbidities than those operated on from
      1992 to 1998. A large proportion of patients was re-admitted to hospital within
      90 days after the index procedure (30.2%), but rarely for cardiovascular reasons.
      CONCLUSION: Medical comorbidity and an age above 75 years are associated with a
      substantial increase in the risk of early death after THA in patients with IA.
      Awareness of potential risk factors may alert clinicians and thus improve
      perioperative care.

PMID- 27134262
TI  - Disparities in Psychiatric Diagnosis and Treatment for Youth with Systemic Lupus
      Erythematosus: Analysis of a National US Medicaid Sample.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the national prevalence and racial/ethnic differences in
      psychiatric diagnoses and pharmacologic treatment in a US Medicaid beneficiary
      population of youth with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: We included
      youth aged 10 to 18 years with a diagnosis of SLE (defined as >= 3 outpatient
      visit claims with an International Classification of Diseases, 9th ed. code of
      710.0, each > 30 days apart) in the US Medicaid Analytic Extract database from
      2006 and 2007. This database contains all inpatient and outpatient Medicaid
      claims from 49 states and the District of Columbia. We calculated the prevalence
      of psychiatric diagnoses and treatment, and used logistic regression to compare
      depression and anxiety diagnoses, antidepressant, and anxiolytic use among
      racial/ethnic groups. RESULTS: Of 970 youth with SLE, 15% were white, 42% were
      African American, 27% were Latino, and 16% were of other races/ethnicities.
      Diagnoses of depression were present for 19%, anxiety for 7%, acute
      stress/adjustment for 6%, and other psychiatric disorders for 18%. Twenty percent
      were prescribed antidepressants, 7% were prescribed anxiolytics, 6% were
      prescribed antipsychotics, and 5% were prescribed stimulants. In adjusted
      analyses, African Americans were less likely than whites to be diagnosed with
      depression (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34-0.90) or anxiety (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.98), or
      to be prescribed anxiolytics (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.11-0.48). CONCLUSION: We present
      population-level estimates showing high psychiatric morbidity in youth with SLE,
      but less prevalent diagnosis and treatment in African Americans. Mental health
      interventions should address potential racial/ethnic disparities in care.

PMID- 27134263
TI  - Bariatric Surgery: What the Rheumatologist Needs to Know.
AB  - A staggering 76 million adults are obese in the United States. It is known that
      obesity contributes to increased incidence and worse disease outcomes in many
      rheumatic conditions. Bariatric surgery has emerged as the most effective
      treatment modality for the morbidly obese, leading to substantial and sustained
      weight loss. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the findings of
      studies investigating the effect of substantial weight loss achieved through
      bariatric surgery on rheumatic disease and outcomes. Second, with an increasing
      number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery, it is important for the
      rheumatologist to have a basic understanding of the commonly performed bariatric
      procedures and to be aware of important nutritional deficiencies and medication
      restrictions that apply to this patient population.

PMID- 27134264
TI  - Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy and Joint-replacement Surgery: Are We Making a
      Difference?

PMID- 27134265
TI  - Are the New ACR/EULAR Criteria the Ultimate Answer for Polymyalgia Rheumatica
      Classification?

PMID- 27134266
TI  - Synovial Chondromatosis of the Suprapatellar Pouch of the Knee in a Patient with
      Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PMID- 27134267
TI  - Prologue: 2015 Annual Meeting of the Group for Research and Assessment of
      Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA).
AB  - The 2015 Annual Meeting of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and
      Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) was held in Stockholm, Sweden, and attended by
      rheumatologists, dermatologists, and representatives of biopharmaceutical
      companies and patient groups. In this prologue, we introduce the articles that
      summarize that meeting. As in previous years, GRAPPA members held a Trainees
      Symposium, providing an opportunity for trainees to discuss their research in
      psoriatic disease with experts in the field. Two dermatology sessions were held:
      an update on the International Dermatology Outcome Measures group; and a
      description of a new tool, the Comprehensive Assessment of the Psoriasis Patient,
      to more accurately assess the full burden of plaque psoriasis and its subtypes.
      Four distinct plenary sessions were held to update members on the status of the
      Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) initiative. GRAPPA's patient research
      partners discussed their 2 years of involvement in GRAPPA activities and were
      active in several sessions before and during the 2015 annual meeting. New work
      was presented toward developing a patient-reported instrument to measure flare in
      psoriatic disease, and the status of GRAPPA's multiple research and continuing
      education programs in psoriasis and PsA was summarized. Finally, a Presidential
      Round Table was held in which the past, current, and incoming presidents
      reflected on GRAPPA's history and provided insights about its future.

PMID- 27134268
TI  - GRAPPA Trainees Symposium 2015: A Report from the GRAPPA 2015 Annual Meeting.
AB  - At the 2015 annual meeting of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis
      and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) in Stockholm, Sweden, rheumatology and
      dermatology trainees engaged in psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis research
      presented their work to meeting attendees in a trainees symposium. This report
      briefly reviews 6 oral presentations and 20 posters presented at the meeting.

PMID- 27134269
TI  - International Dermatology Outcome Measures Initiative as Applied to Psoriatic
      Disease Outcomes: An Update.
AB  - Previous publications have described the International Dermatology Outcome
      Measures (IDEOM) group, comprising patients, physicians, health economists,
      participating pharmaceutical industry partners, payers, and regulatory agencies.
      The goal of IDEOM is to create patient-centered, validated measures of
      dermatologic disease progression and treatment efficacy for use in both clinical
      trials and clinical practice. We provide an update of IDEOM activities as of our
      2015 IDEOM meeting in Washington, DC, USA.

PMID- 27134270
TI  - Comprehensive Assessment of the Psoriasis Patient (CAPP): A Report from the
      GRAPPA 2015 Annual Meeting.
AB  - Outcome measures for psoriasis severity are complex because of the heterogeneous
      presentation of the disease. At the 2015 annual meeting of the Group for Research
      and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), members introduced
      the Comprehensive Assessment of the Psoriasis Patient (CAPP), a novel disease
      severity measure to more accurately assess the full burden of plaque psoriasis
      and subtypes, including inverse, scalp, nail, palmoplantar, and genital
      psoriasis. The CAPP is based on a 5-point physician's global assessment for 7
      psoriasis phenotypes and incorporates visual analog scale-based, patient-derived,
      patient-reported outcomes. By quantifying disease effects of plaque psoriasis, 6
      other psoriasis subtypes, as well as quality of life and daily function, the CAPP
      survey identifies a subset of psoriasis patients with moderate to severe
      psoriasis that would not be considered moderate to severe when assessed by the
      Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. The current version of CAPP is focused
      entirely on psoriasis. Feedback from our industry colleagues and collaborators
      has suggested that a psoriatic arthritis (PsA) measure may be important to
      include in the CAPP. At the 2015 GRAPPA meeting, we administered a survey to 106
      GRAPPA members to determine whether a PsA measure should be included. A majority
      (74%) of respondents across all professions agreed that the CAPP should include a
      measure of PsA. Although responses varied widely on how PsA should be measured, a
      majority of the respondents reported that presence of PsA in both peripheral and
      axial joint assessment was important.

PMID- 27134271
TI  - Report of the GRAPPA-OMERACT Psoriatic Arthritis Working Group from the GRAPPA
      2015 Annual Meeting.
AB  - The GRAPPA-OMERACT psoriatic arthritis (PsA) working group is in the process of
      updating the PsA core domain set to improve and standardize the measurement of
      PsA outcomes. Work streams comprise literature reviews of domains and outcome
      measurement instruments, an international qualitative research project with PsA
      patients to generate domains important to patients, outcome measurement
      instrument assessment, conduct of domain consensus panels with patients and
      physicians, and evidence-based selection of instruments. Patient research
      partners are involved in each of the projects. The working group will present
      findings and seek endorsement for the new PsA core domain set, outcome
      measurement set, and research agenda at the OMERACT meeting in May 2016.

PMID- 27134272
TI  - Let's Talk about Inclusion: A Report on Patient Research Partner Involvement in
      the GRAPPA 2015 Annual Meeting.
AB  - Members of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic
      Arthritis (GRAPPA) have worked since 2012 to include the patient perspective in
      their psoriatic arthritis (PsA) research as well as in their annual meetings.
      Herein, patient research partners (PRP) report the progress made in their
      experience at these GRAPPA meetings and discuss their perception of the
      challenges that remain in ensuring that patients have a voice in PsA outcome
      research.

PMID- 27134273
TI  - Development of a Flare Instrument for Use in Psoriatic Disease: A Report from the
      2015 GRAPPA Annual Meeting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis
      and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) initiative is to develop a questionnaire to
      determine the presence of a flare of disease activity in psoriatic disease (PsD),
      for use in clinical care and research settings. METHODS: In 2014 and 2015, 2
      online Delphi surveys of patients and physicians attempted to achieve consensus
      about items that might discriminate a flare of disease. In the first round, items
      were derived from previous qualitative studies with patients; in the second
      round, new items, suggested by both patients and physicians, were added. Survey
      results were discussed at the 2015 GRAPPA annual meeting, and 8 breakout groups
      discussed specific aspects of PsD flares. RESULTS: Survey participants were
      patients (n = 103 and n = 57 in rounds 1 and 2) and physicians (n = 125 and n =
      81). Items for flare covered 6 domains (joints, skin, emotion, participation,
      fatigue, and unclassified). Patients agreed that 20 items were important (10
      joints, 1 participation, 8 fatigue, 1 unclassified), and physicians agreed on 23
      items (5 skin, 11 joints, 4 participation, 3 unclassified). Eight items were
      selected as important by both groups: 7 joint items and 1 unclassified. Patients
      emphasized fatigue and physicians emphasized skin and participation. Breakout
      groups concluded that the components of a flare instrument should be derived from
      patients. A flare should be defined as a change in disease state requiring
      intervention. CONCLUSION: The concept of flare in PsD covers articular, skin,
      emotional, participation, and fatigue domains. Further work is required to
      specify items that represent these domains.

PMID- 27134274
TI  - GRAPPA 2015 Research and Education Project Reports.
AB  - At the 2015 annual meeting of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis
      and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), attendees were presented with brief updates on
      several ongoing initiatives, including educational projects. Updates were
      presented on the treatment recommendations project, the development of simple
      criteria to identify inflammatory musculoskeletal disease, new patient/physician
      Delphi exercises, and BIODAM (identifying biomarkers that predict progressive
      structural joint damage). The publication committee also gave a report. Herein we
      summarize those project updates.

PMID- 27134275
TI  - Presidential Round Table: A Report from the GRAPPA Annual Meeting.
AB  - In preparation for strategic planning of the Group for Research and Assessment of
      Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA), a special session titled the
      Presidential Round Table took place during the GRAPPA annual meeting in
      Stockholm, Sweden, in July 2015. During this session, past, current, and incoming
      presidents of GRAPPA reflected on GRAPPA's history and provided insights about
      GRAPPA's future, followed by general discussion by the membership.

PMID- 27134276
TI  - Consensus Statement on the Management of Comorbidity in Patients with Rheumatoid
      Arthritis and Psoriasis.

PMID- 27134277
TI  - No Evidence for Depression Screening in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, or
      Psoriatic Arthritis.

PMID- 27134278
TI  - Dr. Roubille, et al reply.

PMID- 27134279
TI  - Limitations in the Full Reporting of Systematic Literature Review.

PMID- 27134280
TI  - Stabilization of Microcirculation in Patients with Early Systemic Sclerosis with
      Diffuse Skin Involvement following Rituximab Treatment: An Open-label Study.

PMID- 27134281
TI  - Heart Involvement in a Woman Treated with Hydroxychloroquine for Systemic Lupus
      Erythematosus Revealing Fabry Disease.

PMID- 27134282
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib in Japanese Patients with Active Rheumatoid
      Arthritis Receiving Background Methotrexate Therapy: A 12-week, Double-blind,
      Randomized Placebo-controlled Study.

PMID- 27134284
TI  - Environmental Health Risks and Housing Values: Evidence from 1,600 Toxic Plant
      Openings and Closings.
AB  - Regulatory oversight of toxic emissions from industrial plants and understanding
      about these emissions' impacts are in their infancy. Applying a research design
      based on the openings and closings of 1,600 industrial plants to rich data on
      housing markets and infant health, we find that: toxic air emissions affect air
      quality only within 1 mile of the plant; plant openings lead to 11 percent
      declines in housing values within 0.5 mile or a loss of about $4.25 million for
      these households; and a plant's operation is associated with a roughly 3 percent
      increase in the probability of low birthweight within 1 mile.

PMID- 27134285
TI  - Something in the water: contaminated drinking water and infant health.
AB  - This paper provides estimates of the effects of in utero exposure to contaminated
      drinking water on fetal health. To do this, we examine the universe of birth
      records and drinking water testing results for the state of New Jersey from 1997
      to 2007. Our data enable us to compare outcomes across siblings who were
      potentially exposed to differing levels of harmful contaminants from drinking
      water while in utero. We find small effects of drinking water contamination on
      all children, but large and statistically significant effects on birth weight and
      gestation of infants born to less educated mothers. We also show that those
      mothers who were most affected by contamination were the least likely to move
      between births in response to contamination.

PMID- 27134283
TI  - Identification of Candidate Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) Substrates in
      Mitosis by Quantitative Phosphoproteomics.
AB  - Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) is an essential regulator of many mitotic
      processes including the reorganization of the cytoskeleton, chromosome
      segregation, and formation and separation of daughter cells. Deregulation of Cdk1
      activity results in severe defects in these processes. Although the role of Cdk1
      in mitosis is well established, only a limited number of Cdk1 substrates have
      been identified in mammalian cells. To increase our understanding of Cdk1
      dependent phosphorylation pathways in mitosis, we conducted a quantitative
      phosphoproteomics analysis in mitotic HeLa cells using two small molecule
      inhibitors of Cdk1, Flavopiridol and RO-3306. In these analyses, we identified a
      total of 24,840 phosphopeptides on 4,273 proteins, of which 1,215 phosphopeptides
      on 551 proteins were significantly reduced by 2.5-fold or more upon Cdk1
      inhibitor addition. Comparison of phosphopeptide quantification upon either
      inhibitor treatment revealed a high degree of correlation (R(2) value of 0.87)
      between the different datasets. Motif enrichment analysis of significantly
      regulated phosphopeptides revealed enrichment of canonical Cdk1 kinase motifs.
      Interestingly, the majority of proteins identified in this analysis contained two
      or more Cdk1 inhibitor-sensitive phosphorylation sites, were highly connected
      with other candidate Cdk1 substrates, were enriched at specific subcellular
      structures, or were part of protein complexes as identified by the CORUM
      database. Furthermore, candidate Cdk1 substrates were enriched in G2 and M phase
      specific genes. Finally, we validated a subset of candidate Cdk1 substrates by in
      vitro kinase assays. Our findings provide a valuable resource for the cell
      signaling and mitosis research communities and greatly increase our knowledge of
      Cdk1 substrates and Cdk1-dependent signaling pathways.

PMID- 27134286
TI  - Mutations in Durum Wheat SBEII Genes affect Grain Yield Components, Quality, and
      Fermentation Responses in Rats.
AB  - Increased amylose in wheat (Triticum ssp.) starch is associated with increased
      resistant starch, a fermentable dietary fiber. Fermentation of resistant starch
      in the large intestine produces short-chain fatty acids that are associated with
      human health benefits. Since wheat foods are an important component of the human
      diet, increases in amylose and resistant starch in wheat grains have the
      potential to deliver health benefits to a large number of people. In three
      replicated field trials we found that mutations in starch branching enzyme II
      genes (SBEIIa and SBEIIb) in both A and B genomes (SBEIIa/b-AB) of durum wheat
      [T. turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] resulted in large increases of
      amylose and resistant starch content. The presence of these four mutations was
      also associated with an average 5% reduction in kernel weight (P = 0.0007) and
      15% reduction in grain yield (P = 0.06) compared to the wild type. Complete
      milling and pasta quality analysis showed that the mutant lines have an
      acceptable quality with positive effects on pasta firmness and negative effects
      on semolina extraction and pasta color. Positive fermentation responses were
      detected in rats (Rattus spp.) fed with diets incorporating mutant wheat flour.
      This study quantifies benefits and limitations associated with the deployment of
      the SBEIIa/b-AB mutations in durum wheat and provides the information required to
      develop realistic strategies to deploy durum wheat varieties with increased
      levels of amylose and resistant starch.

PMID- 27134287
TI  - After the Dividend: Caring for a Greying India.

PMID- 27134289
TI  - Comment on the New DGGG AWMF S3-Guideline on Hysterectomy, or a Plea for LAVH as
      the Gold Standard for Total Hysterectomy Procedures.

PMID- 27134288
TI  - Measurement Matters: Assessing Personal Qualities Other Than Cognitive Ability
      for Educational Purposes.
AB  - There has been perennial interest in personal qualities other than cognitive
      ability that determine success, including self-control, grit, growth mindset, and
      many others. Attempts to measure such qualities for the purposes of educational
      policy and practice, however, are more recent. In this article, we identify
      serious challenges to doing so. We first address confusion over terminology,
      including the descriptor "non-cognitive." We conclude that debate over the
      optimal name for this broad category of personal qualities obscures substantial
      agreement about the specific attributes worth measuring. Next, we discuss
      advantages and limitations of different measures. In particular, we compare self
      report questionnaires, teacher-report questionnaires, and performance tasks,
      using self-control as an illustrative case study to make the general point that
      each approach is imperfect in its own way. Finally, we discuss how each measure's
      imperfections can affect its suitability for program evaluation, accountability,
      individual diagnosis, and practice improvement. For example, we do not believe
      any available measure is suitable for between-school accountability judgments. In
      addition to urging caution among policymakers and practitioners, we highlight
      medium-term innovations that may make measures of these personal qualities more
      suitable for educational purposes.

PMID- 27134290
TI  - Response to the "Comment on the New DGGG AWMF S3-Guideline on Hysterectomy, or a
      Plea for LAVH as the Gold Standard for Total Hysterectomy Procedures" by Prof.
      Rudy Leon De Wilde.

PMID- 27134291
TI  - Considerations on the Improved Integration of Medical Guidelines into Routine
      Clinical Practice - a Review and Concept Proposal.
AB  - Medical guidelines have become established as the standard for the comprehensive
      synopsis of all available information (scientific trials, expert opinion) on
      diagnosis and treatment recommendations. The transfer of guidelines to clinical
      practice and subsequent monitoring has however proven difficult. In particular
      the potential interaction between guideline developers and guideline users has
      not been fully utilised. This review article analyses the status quo and existing
      methodological and technical information solutions supporting the guideline life
      cycle. It is shown that there are numerous innovative developments that in
      isolation do not provide comprehensive support. The vision of the "Living
      Guidelines 2.0" is therefore presented. This outlines the merging of guideline
      development and implementation on the basis of clinical pathways and guideline
      based quality control, and building on this, the generation of information for
      guideline development and research.

PMID- 27134292
TI  - Diagnostic Methods of Ectopic Pregnancy and Early Pregnancy Loss: a Review of the
      Literature.
AB  - This review article presents recent evidence on early pregnancy loss and ectopic
      pregnancy. In the light of recent evidence, the beta-hCG discriminatory zone may
      be extended in clinically stable cases without evidence of bleeding. A possible
      cut-off is 4300 mIU/ml, which corresponds to when a sonographer should detect an
      intrauterine pregnancy. Embryonic demise can be confirmed when a transvaginal
      ultrasound finding shows no heartbeat in an embryo of more than 7 mm CRL, no
      embryo in a gestational sac having a mean sac diameter of more than 25 mm, or no
      appearance of an embryo within 7-10 days after the primary examination. These are
      considered definitive signs of embryonic demise. Suggestive signs of embryonic
      demise require closer monitoring of the pregnancy.

PMID- 27134293
TI  - Influence of the Preoperative Decision-Making Process on the Postoperative
      Outcome after Hysterectomy for Benign Uterine Pathologies.
AB  - Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess whether the preoperative
      decision-making process might influence treatment success in premenopausal women
      undergoing hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies Materials and Methods: All
      premenopausal women treated with hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies
      between April 2011 and June 2013 at a tertiary university center were enrolled in
      this prospective observational cohort study. Five parameters of the preoperative
      decision-making process were assessed upon their correlation with postoperative
      quality of life, sexual function and patients' satisfaction. These outcome
      measures were assessed for the pre- and postoperative (six months after surgery)
      status using two validated questionnaires (EQ-5D and "female sexual function
      index" (FSFI). Patients' satisfaction with the postoperative outcome was assessed
      with a self-developed questionnaire. Results: 255 of 402 (63 %) patients
      completed the study. A correlation between the co-variables "interval between
      first counseling and decision to surgery", "subjectively perceived quality of the
      preoperative counseling" and "certainty in the decision for the intervention" and
      postoperative outcomes were found. The co-variables "person mainly responsible
      for election of hysterectomy mode" and "discussion of decision for surgery with
      others" showed no influence on postoperative patients-reported outcomes.
      Conclusion: We found a correlation between certain parameters of the preoperative
      decision-making process and postoperative patient-reported sexual function,
      quality of life and patients' satisfaction in premenopausal women undergoing
      hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies. An optimization of these factors
      could contribute to an improvement in treatment outcomes.

PMID- 27134294
TI  - Comparison of Conservative and Surgical Therapy Concepts for Synechia of the
      Labia in Pre-Pubertal Girls.
AB  - Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the primary and secondary
      therapeutic successes of different therapy schemes for the treatment of synechia
      of the labia in pre-pubertal girls. Materials and Methods: The treatment courses
      of 47 pre-pubertal girls who were treated between February 2007 and February 2013
      in the special outpatient clinic for paediatric gynaecology of a department for
      gynaecology at a German university hospital and for whom information on the
      course of the disease was available for at least the six months following end of
      the treatment. 23 of these children were treated with a topical estriol therapy
      (treatment group A). For 24 of the girls a manual separation of the adhering
      labia minora was undertaken (treatment group B). Statistical evaluation was
      performed using the chi2 test, Fischer's exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test.
      Results: For 18 of the 23 (80 %) girls in treatment group A topical estriol
      therapy alone led to a resolution of the synechia. Five of these 23 children (20
      %) required a secondary manual separation. All girls for whom treatment was not
      successful were under 5 years of age. For all 24 girls (100 %) of treatment group
      B the primary manual separation was performed with success. The recurrence rates
      after >= 6 months in cases with identical after-care did not differ between the
      two treatment groups (treatment group A: 34 %, treatment group B: 33 %, chi2
      test: p = 0.853). 16 of the 17 recurrences occurred >= 3 months after the end of
      the therapy. Conclusion: Our results show that for children < 5 years of age a 4
      week topical therapy with estriol is a promising therapy option for synechia of
      the labia that is less of a burden for the family situation. Especially for girls
      >= 5 years of age, primary therapy fails in up to 20 % of the cases. Primary
      manual separation represents a more effective therapeutic option. Irrespective of
      the treatment applied, a recurrence after >= 3 must be expected in one-third of
      the treated girls.

PMID- 27134295
TI  - Surgical Interventions on the External Female Genitalia in Switzerland.
AB  - Introduction: With this online survey, data on surgical interventions on the
      external female genitalia in Switzerland, differentiated according to functional,
      aesthetic and psychological reasons, were collected for the first time. Materials
      and Methods: In September 2013 an invitation to respond to the quantitative and
      qualitative questions of a comprehensive, anonymous online survey was sent by e
      mail to a total of 1740 members of the Swiss Society of Gynaecology and
      Obstetrics (Schweizerische Gesellschaft fur Gynakologie und Geburtshilfe) and the
      Swiss Society of Plastic Surgery (Schweizerische Gesellschaft fur Plastische
      Chirurgie). Follow-up enquiries were made in June 2014. Results: By far the most
      frequently requested intervention was, as expected, reduction of the labia
      minora. The numbers of this operation had increased significantly between 1992
      and 2012 (p = 0.003). Reduction of the labia minora for functional reasons
      decreased continuously in this period (from 50 to 40 %) while interventions for
      aesthetic reasons increased continuously (from 20 to 40 %). The proportion of
      interventions for psychological reasons remained surprisingly low during the
      entire investigated period of time (highest value in 2012 of 3.5 %). Evaluation
      of the quantitative results on the most frequently stated aesthetic, functional
      and psychological reasons, however, revealed a high overlap especially in the
      field of aesthetic and psychological reasons. This overlap points to considerable
      uncertainties in the medical indications for treatment. Conclusion: The most
      interesting results of this study concerns the empirical evidence that it is
      often difficult in clinical routine to come to a clear aesthetic, functional or
      psychological indication and thus there is a need for an instrument to facilitate
      and improve the indication-making process.

PMID- 27134296
TI  - What Are the Risk Factors for Lymphocyst Formation Apart From Lymphnode
      Dissection and Lymphnode Count in Gynecologic Malignancy?
AB  - Aim: Lymphocyst is one of the most common complications of lymphadenectomy and
      generally encountered during uro-gynecological oncology surgeries. We aimed to
      define the risk factors for formation of a lymphocyst in patients with various
      gynecological cancer types in whom a lymphadenectomy was performed. Methods: This
      retrospective study was performed on 206 patients. Of the 206 patients, 100 were
      diagnosed with a lymphocyst, and 106 were assigned to a control group. Laboratory
      findings and surgical characteristics of the patients were compared. Results: No
      differences were observed in age, pre-operative hemoglobin; platelet, white blood
      cell, and lymphocyte counts; or pre-operative albumin level (p = 0.315, 0.500,
      0.525, 0.683, 0.740, and 0.97, respectively). A significant effect of the heparin
      dose * heparin days interaction and lymphocyst formation was observed (p =
      0.002). Lymphocysts were most frequently detected in the ovarian cancer subgroup
      (49 %). Significant differences were detected between the groups in the
      percentages of patients who underwent CT only and RT only treatments (p = 0.001
      and 0.002, respectively). The logistic regression analysis revealed a
      relationship between the LMWH dose * days interaction and formation of a
      lymphocyst (OR, 1.10; 95 % CI, 1.0-1.13; p = 0.01). Conclusion: The association
      between total LMWH dose administered and the formation of lymphocysts in patients
      with gynecological pelvic cancer was investigated for the first time. Significant
      relationship between heparin dose * days and lymphocyst formation was found.
      Although anticoagulation with LMWH is essential for preventing thromboembolism,
      it should be used appropriately to prevent other complications, such as bleeding
      and lymphocysts.

PMID- 27134297
TI  - Effects of Anesthetic Agent Propofol on Postoperative Sex Hormone Levels.
AB  - Introduction: Several studies have found anesthetic agents including propofol in
      ovarian follicular fluid. However, little is known about the effect of anesthetic
      agents on ovarian function. We aimed to investigate whether there were
      differences in the postoperative levels of sex hormones when propofol was used as
      the anesthetic agent. Methods: A retrospective review was done of 80 patients who
      underwent ovarian surgery, with 72 infertile women serving as controls. Patients
      were included in the study if their serum estradiol (E2) and follicle stimulating
      hormone (FSH) levels were measured during their first postoperative menstrual
      cycle. Results: Patients were grouped according to the use or non-use of propofol
      as follows: propofol group (n = 39) and non-propofol group (n = 41). The control
      group did not undergo surgery. Postoperative E2 levels did not differ between the
      three groups, but FSH levels were significantly higher in the patients who had
      undergone surgery compared to controls (p < 0.05). Post-hoc analysis of E2 and
      FSH levels in the propofol and non-propofol groups did not show any significant
      differences. Conclusions: The use of propofol did not result in any differences
      compared to other anesthetic agents in terms of postoperative sex hormone levels
      after gynecologic surgery. The type of anesthetic agent does not seem to affect
      the postoperative levels of female sex hormones.

PMID- 27134298
TI  - Spontaneous Bilateral Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: Incidental Finding During
      Laparoscopy - Brief Report and Review of Literature.
AB  - Objective: Bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancies are rare; the reported incidence
      is only 1 in 200 000 pregnancies. Detecting bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy is
      urgent because of the associated morbidity and mortality. The appropriate
      fertility-preserving surgery must also be considered, as preservation of both
      tubes is presumed to offer better fertility prospects. Case Report: A 39-year-old
      gravida 2, para 1 presented with vaginal bleeding at 8 + 4 weeks of gestation. An
      approximately 18 mm adnexal mass in the right fallopian tube was detected on
      ultrasound. Laparoscopy was performed because ectopic pregnancy was suspected.
      This suspicion was confirmed during laparoscopy; the right fallopian tube was
      found to contain a mass measuring 20 mm in the isthmic part. Ultrasound of the
      left fallopian tube also showed a mass in the ampullary region (diameter: 10 mm),
      also suspicious for ectopic pregnancy. Bilateral salpingotomy was performed
      laparoscopically. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusions
      for Practice: Although ectopic tubal pregnancy is seen more often after assisted
      reproductive techniques, bilateral spontaneous ectopic pregnancies must also be
      considered in other cases. Laparoscopic surgery is effective to confirm the
      diagnosis and treat heterotopic pregnancies. Further studies will be needed to
      confirm whether unilateral or bilateral conservative fertility-preserving surgery
      is more appropriate.

PMID- 27134299
TI  - Diagnostics and Therapy for Malignant (Degenerate) Colon Endometriosis - Three
      Case Reports.
AB  - Malignant degeneration of colon endometriosis is a very rare event. We report
      here on three cases. A 48-year-old woman with a 10-year history of endometriosis
      was treated for a rectal adenocarcinoma, a 61-year-old G1P1, who was operated at
      the age of 40 years for ovarian endometriosis and again at the age of 53 years
      for an endometriosis-associated endometroid ovarian carcinoma, presented for
      therapy for a lymph node recurrence of the ovarian cancer and, secondly, due to a
      malignantly degenerated rectum-sigmoid colon endometriosis; furthermore a 54-year
      old woman with a 21-year history of endometriosis was operated for malignant
      colon endometriosis. The tumour occurred during an adjuvant anti-oestrogen
      treatment with an aromatase inhibitor following surgical and radiotherapy for
      breast cancer. In all cases a radical cancer operation was followed by adjuvant
      chemotherapy and in one case with an additional radiotherapy. In the follow-up
      periods of 18 months, 2 and 5 years, respectively, all women remained free of
      recurrences. Although this is not a randomised controlled study due to the rare
      occurrence of such cases, a radical operation followed by individualised adjuvant
      therapy appears to be the treatment of choice.

PMID- 27134300
TI  - 3D-Printing inside the Glovebox: A Versatile Tool for Inert-Gas Chemistry
      Combined with Spectroscopy.
AB  - 3D-Printing with the well-established 'Fused Deposition Modeling' technology was
      used to print totally gas-tight reaction vessels, combined with printed cuvettes,
      inside the inert-gas atmosphere of a glovebox. During pauses of the print, the
      reaction flasks out of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene were filled with various
      reactants. After the basic test reactions to proof the oxygen tightness and
      investigations of the influence of printing within an inert-gas atmosphere, scope
      and limitations of the method are presented by syntheses of new compounds with
      highly reactive reagents, such as trimethylaluminium, and reaction monitoring via
      UV/VIS, IR, and NMR spectroscopy. The applicable temperature range, the choice of
      solvents, the reaction times, and the analytical methods have been investigated
      in detail. A set of reaction flasks is presented, which allow routine inert-gas
      syntheses and combined spectroscopy without modifications of the glovebox, the 3D
      printer, or the spectrometers. Overall, this demonstrates the potential of 3D
      printed reaction cuvettes to become a complementary standard method in inert-gas
      chemistry.

PMID- 27134302
TI  - Arterial Limb Microemboli during Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Observations from a
      Congenital Cardiac Surgery Practice.
AB  - Gaseous microemboli (GME) are known to be delivered to the arterial circulation
      of patients during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). An increased number of GME
      delivered during adult CPB has been associated with brain injury and
      postoperative cognitive dysfunction. The GME load in children exposed to CPB and
      its consequences are not well characterized. We sought to establish a baseline of
      arterial limb emboli counts during the conduct of CPB for our population of
      patients requiring surgery for congenital heart disease. We used the emboli
      detection and counting (EDAC) device to measure GME activity in 103 consecutive
      patients for which an EDAC machine was available. Emboli counts for GME <40 MU
      and >40 MU were quantified and indexed to CPB time (minutes) and body surface
      area (BSA) to account for the variation in patient size and CPB times. Patients
      of all sizes had a similar embolic burden when indexed to bypass time and BSA.
      Furthermore, patients of all sizes saw a three-fold increase in the <40 MU
      embolic burden and a five-fold increase in the >40 MU embolic burden when regular
      air was noted in the venous line. The use of kinetic venous-assisted drainage did
      not significantly increase arterial limb GME. Efforts for early identification
      and mitigation of venous line air are warranted to minimize GME transmission to
      congenital cardiac surgery patients during CPB. 

PMID- 27134303
TI  - Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Bleeding and Transfusion Protocol
      Significantly Decreases Perioperative Blood Product Utilization and Improves Some
      Bleeding Outcomes.
AB  - Perioperative transfusion of blood products is associated with increased
      morbidity and mortality after pediatric cardiac surgery. We report the results of
      a quality improvement project aimed at decreasing perioperative blood product
      administration and bleeding after pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery.
      A multidisciplinary team evaluated baseline data from 99 consecutive CPB
      patients, focusing on the variability in transfusion management and bleeding
      outcomes, to create a standardized bleeding and transfusion management protocol.
      A total of 62 subsequent patients were evaluated after implementation of the
      protocol: 17 with single pass hemoconcentrated (SPHC) blood transfusion and 45
      with modified ultrafiltration (MUF). Implementation of the protocol with SPHC
      blood led to significant decrease in transfusion of every blood product in the
      cardiovascular operating room and first 6 hours in cardiovascular intensive care
      unit ([CVICU] p < .05). Addition of MUF to the protocol led to further decrease
      in transfusion of all blood products compared to preprotocol. Patients <2 months
      old had 49% decrease in total blood product administration: 155 mL/kg
      preprotocol, 117 mL/kg protocol plus SPHC, and 79 mL/kg protocol plus MUF (p <
      .01). There were significant decreases in postoperative bleeding in the first
      hour after CVICU admission: 6 mL/kg preprotocol, 3.8 mL/kg protocol plus SPHC,
      and 2 mL/kg protocol plusMUF (p = .02). There was also significantly decreased
      incidence of severe postoperative bleeding (>10 mL/kg) in the first CVICU hour
      for protocol plus MUF patients (p < .01). Implementation of a multidisciplinary
      bleeding and transfusion protocol significantly decreases perioperative blood
      product transfusion and improves some bleeding outcomes. 

PMID- 27134305
TI  - Novel Applications of Modified Ultrafiltration and Autologous Priming Techniques
      to Reduce Blood Product Exposure on ECMO.
AB  - Patients needing the assistance of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are
      at risk of hemodilution and, in some instances, may require exposure to large
      amounts of allogeneic blood products. Patient outcomes can be improved by taking
      steps to reduce transfusions and hemodilution. Currently, modified
      ultrafiltration (MUF) is used across the world to reduce hemodilution after
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Another common technique during bypass initiation
      is autologous priming. By applying modified versions of these techniques, ECMO
      patients may potentially benefit. Usually, patients requiring immediate
      transition from CPB to ECMO are not stable enough to tolerate MUF. Through
      alterations of the CPB and ECMO circuit tubing, MUF can be performed once on
      ECMO. Another technique to potentially lower the transfusion requirements for
      ECMO patients is a complete circuit blood transfer during an ECMO circuit
      exchange. While selective component changes are preferred if possible,
      occasionally a complete circuit change must be done. To minimize hemodilution or
      prevent priming with blood products, the original ECMO circuit's blood can be
      transferred to the new ECMO circuit before connecting to the patient. Both of
      these techniques, in our opinion, helped to reduce the number of transfusions
      that our ECMO patients have seen during these critical time periods. 

PMID- 27134304
TI  - Removal of Gross Air Embolization from Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits with
      Integrated Arterial Line Filters: A Comparison of Circuit Designs.
AB  - Advances in technology, the desire to minimize blood product transfusions, and
      concerns relating to inflammatory mediators have lead many practitioners and
      manufacturers to minimize cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) circuit designs. The
      oxygenator and arterial line filter (ALF) have been integrated into one device as
      a method of attaining a reduction in prime volume and surface area. The
      instructions for use of a currently available oxygenator with integrated ALF
      recommends incorporating a recirculation line distal to the oxygenator. However,
      according to an unscientific survey, 70% of respondents utilize CPB circuits
      incorporating integrated ALFs without a path of recirculation distal to the
      oxygenator outlet. Considering this circuit design, the ability to quickly remove
      a gross air bolus in the blood path distal to the oxygenator may be compromised.
      This in vitro study was designed to determine if the time required to remove a
      gross air bolus from a CPB circuit without a path of recirculation distal to the
      oxygenator will be significantly longer than that of a circuit with a path of
      recirculation distal to the oxygenator. A significant difference was found in the
      mean time required to remove a gross air bolus between the circuit designs (p =
      .0003). Additionally, There was found to be a statistically significant
      difference in the mean time required to remove a gross air bolus between Trial 1
      and Trials 4 (p = .015) and 5 (p =.014) irrespective of the circuit design. Under
      the parameters of this study, a recirculation line distal to an oxygenator with
      an integrated ALF significantly decreases the time it takes to remove an air
      bolus from the CPB circuit and may be safer for clinical use than the same
      circuit without a recirculation line. 

PMID- 27134306
TI  - Multi-Targeted Antithrombotic Therapy for Total Artificial Heart Device Patients.
AB  - To prevent thrombotic or bleeding events in patients receiving a total artificial
      heart (TAH), agents have been used to avoid adverse events. The purpose of this
      article is to outline the adoption and results of a multi-targeted antithrombotic
      clinical procedure guideline (CPG) for TAH patients. Based on literature review
      of TAH anticoagulation and multiple case series, a CPG was designed to prescribe
      the use of multiple pharmacological agents. Total blood loss,
      Thromboelastograph((r)) (TEG), and platelet light-transmission aggregometry (LTA)
      measurements were conducted on 13 TAH patients during the first 2 weeks of
      support in our institution. Target values and actual medians for postimplant days
      1, 3, 7, and 14 were calculated for kaolinheparinase TEG, kaolin TEG, LTA, and
      estimated blood loss. Protocol guidelines were followed and anticoagulation
      management reduced bleeding and prevented thrombus formation as well as
      thromboembolic events in TAH patients postimplantation. The patients in this
      study were susceptible to a variety of possible complications such as mechanical
      device issues, thrombotic events, infection, and bleeding. Among them all it was
      clear that patients were at most risk for bleeding, particularly on postoperative
      days 1 through 3. However, bleeding was reduced into postoperative days 3 and 7,
      indicating that acceptable hemostasis was achieved with the anticoagulation
      protocol. The multidisciplinary, multi-targeted anticoagulation clinical
      procedure guideline was successful to maintain adequate antithrombotic therapy
      for TAH patients.

PMID- 27134307
TI  - A Modified EXIT-to-ECMO with Optional Reservoir Circuit for Use during an EXIT
      Procedure Requiring Thoracic Surgery.
AB  - A 34 year old mother with a history of polyhydraminos and premature rupture of
      membranes presented for an ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure to
      deliver her 34 week gestation fetus. The fetus had been diagnosed with a large
      cervical mass which significantly extended into the right chest. The mass
      compressed and deviated the airway and major neck vessels posteriorly. Imaging
      also revealed possible tumor involvement with the superior vena cava and right
      atrium. The plan was for potential extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
      during the EXIT procedure (EXIT-to-ECMO) and the potential for traditional
      cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for mediastinal tumor resection. A Modified EXIT-To
      ECMO with Optional Reservoir (METEOR) circuit was devised to satisfy both
      therapies. A fetal airway could not be established during the EXIT procedure and
      so the EXIT-to-ECMO strategy was utilized. The fetus was then delivered and
      transferred to an adjoining operating room (OR). Traditional cardiopulmonary
      bypass with a cardiotomy venous reservoir (CVR) was utilized during the
      establishment of an airway, tumor biopsy and partial resection. The patient was
      eventually transitioned to our institution's standard ECMO circuit and then
      transferred to the intensive care unit. The patient was weaned from ECMO on day
      of life (DOL) eight and had a successful tumor resection on DOL 11. The patient
      required hospitalization for numerous interventions including cardiac surgery at
      4 months of age. She was discharged to home at 5 months of age. 

PMID- 27134308
TI  - Bivalirudin Anticoagulation for a Pediatric Patient with Heparin-Induced
      Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis Requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass for Ventricular
      Assist Device Placement.
AB  - The direct thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin is an option for anticoagulation in
      patients with heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) requiring cardiopulmonary
      bypass (CPB). There are a limited number of reports of pediatric patients in
      which bivalirudin has been used for anticoagulation for CPB. We present the case
      of an 11 year old male with acute onset heart failure secondary to idiopathic
      dilated cardiomyopathy that developed heparin induced thrombocytopenia with
      thrombosis (HITT). The patient was anticoagulated in the operating room with
      bivalirudin and placed on CPB for insertion of a HeartWare((r)) Ventricular
      Assist Device (Heartware((r))). Modified techniques were utilized. This included
      use of the Terumo CDI 500 (Terumo Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.) in-line blood gas
      monitor which contains a heparin coated arterial shunt sensor. We flushed this
      sensor with buffered saline preoperatively and noted no significant decrease in
      platelet count postoperatively. The patient was successfully placed on the
      ventricular assist device and was subsequently listed for heart transplantation.

PMID- 27134309
TI  - Erratum.
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 113 in vol. 47, PMID: 26405360.]. 

PMID- 27134310
TI  - Structural Properties and Phase Behavior of Crosslinked Networks in Polymer
      Solutions.
AB  - Structural properties and phase behavior of crosslinked networks embedded in
      polymer solutions are theoretically investigated. The partial structure factor of
      the network is calculated using a matrix formulation of the random phase
      approximation and the forward scattering limit is correlated with the phase
      behavior. Swelling and deswelling processes are analyzed in terms of the polymer
      concentration, the mismatch of solvent quality with respect to polymer and
      network, the polymers incompatibility and their characteristic sizes. Most
      studies reported so far in the literature have focussed on the swelling of
      crosslinked networks and gels in pure solvents but the correlation of the
      structural properties with the phase behavior in the presence of high molecular
      weight polymers in solution has not been given sufficient attention. The present
      work is intended to fill this gap in view of the current efforts to develop novel
      drug encapsulating and targeted delivery devices.

PMID- 27134311
TI  - A Robust Cross-Linking Strategy for Block Copolymer Worms Prepared via
      Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly.
AB  - A poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) (PGMA) chain transfer agent is chain-extended
      by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) statistical
      copolymerization of 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) with glycidyl
      methacrylate (GlyMA) in concentrated aqueous solution via polymerization-induced
      self-assembly (PISA). A series of five free-standing worm gels is prepared by
      fixing the overall degree of polymerization of the core-forming block at 144
      while varying its GlyMA content from 0 to 20 mol %. 1H NMR kinetics indicated
      that GlyMA is consumed much faster than HPMA, producing a GlyMA-rich sequence
      close to the PGMA stabilizer block. Temperature-dependent oscillatory rheological
      studies indicate that increasing the GlyMA content leads to progressively less
      thermoresponsive worm gels, with no degelation on cooling being observed for
      worms containing 20 mol % GlyMA. The epoxy groups in the GlyMA residues can be
      ring-opened using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) in order to prepare core
      cross-linked worms via hydrolysis-condensation with the siloxane groups and/or
      hydroxyl groups on the HPMA residues. Perhaps surprisingly, 1H NMR analysis
      indicates that the epoxy-amine reaction and the intermolecular cross-linking
      occur on similar time scales. Cross-linking leads to stiffer worm gels that do
      not undergo degelation upon cooling. Dynamic light scattering studies and TEM
      analyses conducted on linear worms exposed to either methanol (a good solvent for
      both blocks) or anionic surfactant result in immediate worm dissociation. In
      contrast, cross-linked worms remain intact under such conditions, provided that
      the worm cores comprise at least 10 mol % GlyMA.

PMID- 27134312
TI  - Morphology and Proton Transport in Humidified Phosphonated Peptoid Block
      Copolymers.
AB  - Polymers that conduct protons in the hydrated state are of crucial importance in
      a wide variety of clean energy applications such as hydrogen fuel cells and
      artificial photosynthesis. Phosphonated and sulfonated polymers are known to
      conduct protons at low water content. In this paper, we report on the synthesis
      phosphonated peptoid diblock copolymers, poly-N-(2-ethyl)hexylglycine-block-poly
      N-phosphonomethylglycine (pNeh-b-pNpm), with volume fractions of pNpm (phiNpm)
      values ranging from 0.13 to 0.44 and dispersity (D) <= 1.0003. The morphologies
      of the dry block copolypeptoids were determined by transmission electron
      microscopy and in both the dry and hydrated states by synchrotron small-angle X
      ray scattering. Dry samples with phiNpm > 0.13 exhibited a lamellar morphology.
      Upon hydration, the lowest molecular weight sample transitioned to a hexagonally
      packed cylinder morphology, while the others maintained their dry morphologies.
      Water uptake of all of the ordered samples was 8.1 +/- 1.1 water molecules per
      phosphonate group. In spite of this, the proton conductivity of the ordered pNeh
      b-pNpm copolymers ranged from 0.002 to 0.008 S/cm. We demonstrate that proton
      conductivity is maximized in high molecular weight, symmetric pNeh-b-pNpm
      copolymers.

PMID- 27134313
TI  - Interference of ATP with the fluorescent probes YOYO-1 andYOYO-3 modifies the
      mechanical properties of intercalator-stained DNA confined in nanochannels.
AB  - Intercalating fluorescent probes are widely used to visualize DNA in studies on
      DNA-protein interactions. Some require the presence of adenosine triphosphate
      (ATP). We have investigated the mechanical properties of DNA stained with the
      fluorescent intercalating dyes YOYO-1 and YOYO-3 as a function of ATP
      concentrations (up to 2 mM) by stretching single molecules in nanofluidic
      channels with a channel cross-section as small as roughly 100*100 nm2. The
      presence of ATP reduces the length of the DNA by up to 11 %. On the other hand,
      negligible effects are found if DNA is visualized with the minor groove-binding
      probe 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole. The apparent drop in extension under
      nanoconfinement is attributed to an interaction of the dye and ATP, and the
      resulting expulsion of YOYO-1 from the double helix.

PMID- 27134314
TI  - Bayesian hierarchical modelling for inferring genetic interactions in yeast.
AB  - Quantitative fitness analysis (QFA) is a high throughput experimental and
      computational methodology for measuring the growth of microbial populations. QFA
      screens can be used to compare the health of cell populations with and without a
      mutation in a query gene to infer genetic interaction strengths genomewide,
      examining thousands of separate genotypes. We introduce Bayesian hierarchical
      models of population growth rates and genetic interactions that better reflect
      QFA experimental design than current approaches. Our new approach models
      population dynamics and genetic interaction simultaneously, thereby avoiding
      passing information between models via a univariate fitness summary. Matching
      experimental structure more closely, Bayesian hierarchical approaches use data
      more efficiently and find new evidence for genes which interact with yeast
      telomeres within a published data set.

PMID- 27134315
TI  - Are Smart People Less Racist? Verbal Ability, Anti-Black Prejudice, and the
      Principle-Policy Paradox.
AB  - It is commonly hypothesized that higher cognitive abilities promote racial
      tolerance and a greater commitment to racial equality, but an alternative
      theoretical framework contends that higher cognitive abilities merely enable
      members of a dominant racial group to articulate a more refined legitimizing
      ideology for racial inequality. According to this perspective, ideological
      refinement occurs in response to shifting patterns of racial conflict and is
      characterized by rejection of overt prejudice, superficial support for racial
      equality in principle, and opposition to policies that challenge the dominant
      group's status. This study estimates the impact of verbal ability on a
      comprehensive set of racial attitudes, including anti-black prejudice, views
      about black-white equality in principle, and racial policy support. It also
      investigates cohort differences in the effects of verbal ability on these
      attitudes. Results suggest that high-ability whites are less likely than low
      ability whites to report prejudicial attitudes and more likely to support racial
      equality in principle. Despite these liberalizing effects, high-ability whites
      are no more likely to support a variety of remedial policies for racial
      inequality. Results also suggest that the ostensibly liberalizing effects of
      verbal ability on anti-black prejudice and views about racial equality in
      principle emerged slowly over time, consistent with ideological refinement
      theory.

PMID- 27134316
TI  - High School Substance Use as a Predictor of College Attendance, Completion, and
      Dropout: A National Multi-cohort Longitudinal Study.
AB  - National data from Monitoring the Future were used to examine patterns and
      predictors of college attendance. Samples of American 12th-grade students from
      1977-2003 were followed for seven years (modal ages 18-25; N=10,020). College
      attendance and graduation patterns varied considerably over historical time and
      based on family background. Substance use during high school predicted a greater
      likelihood of never attending (for cigarettes, illegal drugs), of graduating from
      a 2-year rather than a 4-year school (for cigarettes), and of dropping out versus
      graduating from a 4-year school (for cigarettes, marijuana, and other illegal
      drugs). High school binge drinking predicted lower college dropout, but only in
      models also controlling for cigarette, marijuana, and other illicit drug use.
      This study provides a needed overview of adolescent predictors of patterns of
      college attendance among American young adults over the past three decades.

PMID- 27134317
TI  - Asymmetries in perceptions of self and others' hypocrisy: Rethinking the meaning
      and perception of the construct.
AB  - This article examines how people recall and describe instances of hypocrisy in
      their own and others' behaviour. N = 302 participants provided two written
      examples. The first example recalled a time when someone called the participant a
      hypocrite, while the other recalled an instance when the participant perceived
      someone else's behaviour as hypocritical. One goal of the study was to discover
      if real-world examples of hypocrisy reflect only mere inconsistency, consistent
      with the construct's narrow use in psychology, or if they contain other
      distinctive defining features. A typology was used to code the examples, based
      loosely on Crisp and Cowton's philosophical distinction between four forms of
      hypocrisy: direct inconsistency, pretence, blame, and complacency. A second goal
      was to uncover reliable actor-observer differences in perceptions of hypocrisy.
      Results indicated that the four forms occur in real-world examples of both self
      and others' hypocrisy. Interestingly, a new fifth form, indirect inconsistency,
      emerged from the data, adding nuance to the initial hypothesis. Finally, several
      actor-observer differences in perceptions of hypocrisy arose and are discussed.
      The results indicate that hypocrisy is a much more complicated phenomenon than
      previously considered and provide the impetus for new areas of research.

PMID- 27134318
TI  - Adult-onset offenders: Is a tailored theory warranted?
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe official adult-onset offenders, investigate their antisocial
      histories and test hypotheses about their origins. METHODS: We defined adult
      onset offenders among 931 Dunedin Study members followed to age 38, using
      criminal-court conviction records. RESULTS: Official adult-onset offenders were
      14% of men, and 32% of convicted men, but accounted for only 15% of convictions.
      As anticipated by developmental theories emphasizing early-life influences on
      crime, adult-onset offenders' histories of antisocial behavior spanned back to
      childhood. Relative to juvenile-offenders, during adolescence they had fewer
      delinquent peers and were more socially inhibited, which may have protected them
      from conviction. As anticipated by theories emphasizing the importance of
      situational influences on offending, adult-onset offenders, relative to non
      offenders, during adulthood more often had schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and
      alcohol-dependence, had weaker social bonds, anticipated fewer informal
      sanctions, and self-reported more offenses. Contrary to some expectations, adult
      onset offenders did not have high IQ or high socioeconomic-status families
      protecting them from juvenile conviction. CONCLUSIONS: A tailored theory for
      adult-onset offenders is unwarranted because few people begin crime de novo as
      adults. Official adult-onset offenders fall on a continuum of crime and its
      correlates, between official non-offenders and official juvenile-onset offenders.
      Existing theories can accommodate adult-onset offenders.

PMID- 27134319
TI  - Anthropogenic aerosols and the distribution of past large-scale precipitation
      change.
AB  - The climate response of precipitation to the effects of anthropogenic aerosols is
      a critical while not yet fully understood aspect in climate science. Results of
      selected models that participated the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase
      5 and the data from the Twentieth Century Reanalysis Project suggest that,
      throughout the tropics and also in the extratropical Northern Hemisphere,
      aerosols have largely dominated the distribution of precipitation changes in
      reference to the preindustrial era in the second half of the last century.
      Aerosol-induced cooling has offset some of the warming caused by the greenhouse
      gases from the tropics to the Arctic and thus formed the gradients of surface
      temperature anomaly that enable the revealed precipitation change patterns to
      occur. Improved representation of aerosol-cloud interaction has been demonstrated
      as the key factor for models to reproduce consistent distributions of past
      precipitation change with the reanalysis data.

PMID- 27134320
TI  - Role of surface heat fluxes underneath cold pools.
AB  - The role of surface heat fluxes underneath cold pools is investigated using cloud
      resolving simulations with either interactive or horizontally homogenous surface
      heat fluxes over an ocean and a simplified land surface. Over the ocean, there
      are limited changes in the distribution of the cold pool temperature, humidity,
      and gust front velocity, yet interactive heat fluxes induce more cold pools,
      which are smaller, and convection is then less organized. Correspondingly, the
      updraft mass flux and lateral entrainment are modified. Over the land surface,
      the heat fluxes underneath cold pools drastically impact the cold pool
      characteristics with more numerous and smaller pools, which are warmer and more
      humid and accompanied by smaller gust front velocities. The interactive fluxes
      also modify the updraft mass flux and reduce convective organization. These
      results emphasize the importance of interactive surface fluxes instead of
      prescribed flux boundary conditions, as well as the formulation of surface heat
      fluxes, when studying convection.

PMID- 27134321
TI  - ToF-SIMS analysis of a polymer microarray composed of poly(meth)acrylates with C6
      derivative pendant groups.
AB  - Surface analysis plays a key role in understanding the function of materials,
      particularly in biological environments. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass
      spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) provides highly surface sensitive chemical information
      that can readily be acquired over large areas and has, thus, become an important
      surface analysis tool. However, the information-rich nature of ToF-SIMS
      complicates the interpretation and comparison of spectra, particularly in cases
      where multicomponent samples are being assessed. In this study, a method is
      presented to assess the chemical variance across 16 poly(meth)acrylates.
      Materials are selected to contain C6 pendant groups, and ten replicates of each
      are printed as a polymer microarray. SIMS spectra are acquired for each material
      with the most intense and unique ions assessed for each material to identify the
      predominant and distinctive fragmentation pathways within the materials studied.
      Differentiating acrylate/methacrylate pairs is readily achieved using secondary
      ions derived from both the polymer backbone and pendant groups. Principal
      component analysis (PCA) is performed on the SIMS spectra of the 16 polymers,
      whereby the resulting principal components are able to distinguish phenyl from
      benzyl groups, mono-functional from multi-functional monomers and acrylates from
      methacrylates. The principal components are applied to copolymer series to assess
      the predictive capabilities of the PCA. Beyond being able to predict the
      copolymer ratio, in some cases, the SIMS analysis is able to provide insight into
      the molecular sequence of a copolymer. The insight gained in this study will be
      beneficial for developing structure-function relationships based upon ToF-SIMS
      data of polymer libraries.

PMID- 27134322
TI  - Physical and Psychological Aggression towards a Child among Homeless, Doubled-up,
      and Other Low-income Families.
AB  - This study examines the extent of adverse parenting behaviors among low-income
      families with children and determines whether housing instability, measured by
      homelessness and doubling up with relatives or friends due to economic hardship,
      increases the likelihood of physical and psychological aggression towards a
      child, after considering the contribution of other relevant characteristics.
      Using data from 3 waves of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, this
      study followed 2,332 low-income children in 20 large U.S. cities. Multivariate
      analyses involved logistic regression with generalized estimating equations.
      Adverse parenting behaviors were common among all low-income families regardless
      of their having experienced housing instability. Nonetheless, mothers with a
      homeless or doubled-up episode reported higher rates of physically and
      psychologically aggressive behaviors towards a child compared to the housed
      group. Having a homeless episode was significantly associated with a greater
      likelihood of reporting a high level of physical aggression towards a child.
      Child's behavioral issues, maternal depression, and parental stress also
      contributed to adverse parenting behaviors. Findings suggest that housing
      instability can be a marker of adverse parenting behaviors and service
      professionals need to respond to parenting needs as well as housing needs for
      families in unstable housing. Areas of future research were discussed.

PMID- 27134323
TI  - Empowering Patients and Community Online: Evaluation of the AIDS Community
      Information Outreach Program.
AB  - The AIDS Community Information Outreach Program (ACIOP) was created in 1994 to
      assist the affected community in utilizing electronic HIV/AIDS information
      resources. Nearly 300 competitive awards have been made to mostly community-based
      organizations. A formal evaluation was undertaken to determine the performance
      and impact of the ACIOP. A mixed methods design combined quantitative
      abstractions and summarization of 47 awardee final reports from 44 organizations,
      and qualitative telephone interviews with 17 individuals representing 20
      projects. Findings revealed that project objectives were mostly met; high-risk
      populations were reached; low resource organizations were funded; community
      partnerships were significant; projects built on existing efforts; information
      resources and training were tailored to local needs; and most projects overcame
      barriers experienced. Needed modifications centered on: 1) enhancing evaluation
      capacity at the individual project level and 2) revising project reporting
      requirements to increase the amount of information available to assess the ACIOP;
      both have been implemented.

PMID- 27134324
TI  - The need to do it all: Exploring the ways in which Treatment Foster Parents enact
      their complex role.

PMID- 27134325
TI  - The need to belong and its association with fully satisfying relationships: A
      tale of two measures.
AB  - The current research compares the Need to Belong Scale (NTBS; Leary et al., 2013)
      and the Antecedents subscale of the Sense of Belongingness Inventory (SOBI-A;
      Hagerty & Putusky, 1995) to determine whether they represent approach or
      neuroticism-driven avoidance orientations in the need to belong. This research
      also extends previous research on these constructs to examine direct and
      moderating associations involving the need to belong and the quantity and quality
      of personal close relationships. Students (N=869) from a large university in the
      Southwest USA completed a battery of measures. Results indicated that the NTBS
      was associated with lower quality "partial" relationships rather than those of
      high quality "whole" relationships; this was not the case for the comparative
      SOBI-A. In addition, greater numbers of whole relationships buffered the effects
      of the NTBS on depression. The results are discussed in terms of the
      Belongingness Orientation Model.

PMID- 27134326
TI  - Marital Strain Exacerbates Health Risks of Filial Caregiving: Evidence from the
      2005 National Survey of Midlife in the U.S.
AB  - This study examined linkages between providing care for a parent (in contrast to
      not providing any care to other kin or nonkin) and four dimensions of physical
      health (self-rated health, functional limitations, physical symptoms, chronic
      conditions), as well as moderation of these linkages by gender and a negative
      dimension of marital quality--marital strain. Regression models were estimated
      using telephone and self-administered questionnaire data from 1080 married men
      and women who participated in the National Survey of Midlife in the U.S. (MIDUS)
      2005. Although providing filial care was not found to be a global health risk for
      all married caregivers, marital strain was a critical factor in determining risk.
      Contrary to hypothesis, robust gender differences were not in evidence. But among
      both women and men, caregiving for a parent in the presence of high levels of
      marital strain was associated with significantly poorer health across all four
      evaluated outcomes.

PMID- 27134327
TI  - Poetry therapy, men and masculinities.
AB  - Therapists have long utilized poetry with various at risk male populations. Yet,
      in spite of its use, therapists have also been aware of the dilemmas associated
      with using poetry in a population whose behavior and identity may at times run
      counter to the core tenants of poetry therapy. However, the literature of poetry
      therapy does not fully explore what therapists need to know about men and
      masculinities in order to work with them. This article helps prepare therapists
      using poetry to become more sensitive to gender issues and utilize this
      understanding in their practice with men. It explores some of the key concepts
      from gender and masculinities studies and provides examples for how these
      concepts can be used in practice.

PMID- 27134328
TI  - Undocumented Migration and the Wages of Mexican Immigrants.
AB  - Prior work has documented the remarkable decline in the real wages of Mexican
      immigrant workers in the United States over the past several decades. Although
      some of this trend might be attributable to the changing characteristics of the
      migrants themselves, we argue that a more important change was the circumstances
      under within Mexican immigrants competed for jobs in the United States. After
      1986 a growing share of Mexican immigrants were undocumented, discrimination
      against them was mandated by federal law, and enforcement efforts rose in
      intensity. We combined data from the Mexican Migration Project with independent
      estimates of the percentage undocumented among Mexicans living in the United
      States to estimate a series of regression models to test this hypothesis.
      Controlling for individual characteristics helps to explain the decline in the
      wages of immigrants, but does not eliminate the trend, which is only explained
      fully when the percentage undocumented is added to the model. A key date is 1986,
      confirmed by a Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition analysis, when undocumented hiring
      was criminalized and undocumented migration revived after IRCA's legalization
      programs ended. As the percentage undocumented rose to new heights in the face of
      employer sanctions, immigrant wages fell below what we would have observed under
      the former policy regime. Using newly available data from Warren and Warren
      (2013), we examined how variation in the percentage undocumented by state and
      year from 1990 through 2009 affected immigrant wages and confirmed a strong
      negative effect, but the addition of an interaction term to the model indicated
      that the negative effect was confined largely to undocumented migrants, whose
      wage penalty rose from 8% to 18% as the percentage undocumented rose from its
      observed minimum to maximum.

PMID- 27134330
TI  - Travelling Planning Educators: The Flow of Planning Knowledge Across Borders.

PMID- 27134329
TI  - Resistance Exercise to Prevent and Manage Sarcopenia and Dynapenia.
AB  - For well over twenty centuries the muscle wasting (sarcopenia) and weakness
      (dynapenia) that occurs with old age has been a predominant concern of mankind.
      Exercise has long been suggested as a treatment to combat sarcopenia and
      dynapenia, as it exerts effects on both the nervous and muscular systems that are
      critical to positive physiological and functional adaptations (e.g., enhanced
      muscle strength). For more than two decades scientists have recognized the
      profound role that progressive resistance exercise training can have on
      increasing muscle strength, muscle size and functional capacity in older adults.
      In this review article we discuss how resistance exercise training can be used in
      the management and prevention of sarcopenia and dynapenia. We first provide an
      overview of the evidence for this notion and highlight certain critical factors-
      namely exercise intensity, volume and progression- that are key to optimizing the
      resistance exercise prescription. We then highlight how many, if not most, of the
      commonly prescribed exercise programs for seniors are not the 'best practices',
      and subsequently present easy-to-read guidelines for a well-rounded resistance
      exercise training program designed for the management and prevention of
      sarcopenia and dynapenia, including example training programs for the beginner
      through the advanced senior resistance exerciser. These guidelines have been
      written for the academician as well as the student and health care provider
      across a variety of disciplines, including those in the long term care industry,
      such as wellness instructors or activity directors.

PMID- 27134331
TI  - Linguistic Predictors of Mindfulness in Written Self-Disclosure Narratives.
AB  - This study investigated whether relative changes in cognitive, emotion, temporal,
      and self-reference word frequencies in repeated narratives predicted improvements
      in mindfulness skills (i.e., nonjudgmental acceptance of present-moment
      experiences, observing and describing present stimuli, and acting with awareness)
      subsequent to narrative self-disclosure. Participants wrote repeated narratives
      of traumatic or daily events over 3 days. Mindfulness was assessed at baseline
      and 4 to 8 weeks posttask. Results indicated that relative increases in cognitive
      processing words (among traumatic events participants and women in both
      conditions) and present tense words (among all participants) significantly
      predicted increases in nonjudgmental acceptance, describing, or overall
      mindfulness. Increases in present tense words appeared to partially mediate the
      higher mindfulness outcomes of participants writing about daily events when
      compared with those writing about trauma. The findings suggest that linguistic
      changes in self-disclosure narratives are associated with improvements in
      specific mindfulness skills.

PMID- 27134332
TI  - The Evolution of Primate Communication and Metacommunication.
AB  - Against the prior view that primate communication is based only on signal
      decoding, comparative evidence suggests that primates are able, no less than
      humans, to intentionally perform or understand impulsive or habitual
      communicational actions with a structured evaluative nonconceptual content. These
      signals convey an affordance-sensing that immediately motivates conspecifics to
      act. Although humans have access to a strategic form of propositional
      communication adapted to teaching and persuasion, they share with nonhuman
      primates the capacity to communicate in impulsive or habitual ways. They are also
      similarly able to monitor fluency, informativeness and relevance of messages or
      signals through nonconceptual cues.

PMID- 27134333
TI  - Inhibition of Ecto-Apyrase and Ecto-ATPase by Pyridoxal Phosphate-Related
      Compounds.
AB  - Studies of nucleotide receptors (P2-receptors) in cells and tissues are
      complicated by cleavage of phosphate groups from nucleotide agonist ligands by
      ecto-nucleotidases. Some P2 receptor antagonists may also inhibit ecto
      nucleotidases, making these studies even more complex. In order to systematically
      approach this problem, we investigated structure-activity relationships of
      pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2,4-disulfonate (PPADS) and 14 derivatives,
      many potent as antagonists at P2 receptors, as inhibitors of ecto-nucleotidases.
      The compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit enzymatic nucleotide
      breakdown by CHO cells stably transfected with plasmids containing the cDNA for
      rat ecto-apyrase (NTPDase1) and rat ecto-ATPase (NTPDase2). All inhibitors were
      tested at a concentration of 100 uM and ATP hydrolysis was quantified by HPLC.
      Maximal inhibition obtained for ecto-apyrase and ecto-ATPase was 60% and 35%,
      respectively. Most PPADS analogs were better inhibitors of ecto-apyrase than of
      ecto-ATPase. Compound 8, a phosphate derivative, inhibited ecto-apyrase with no
      inhibition evident at ecto-ATPase. Comparison of pharmacological data of PPADS
      analogs at P2 receptors as previously determined showed that four PPADS analogs
      exhibited selectivity for P2X nucleotide receptors. None of these compounds
      inhibited ecto-ATPase, while two inhibited the ecto-apyrase. Compound 14, a
      bisphosphate derivative, inhibited ecto-ATPase without inhibition of ecto
      apyrase. This compound only weakly antagonized P2X1 receptors and was inactive at
      P2X2 and P2Y1 receptors, thus bearing some selectivity for ecto-ATPase. Compound
      7, a 5-methylphosphonate derivative, a potent antagonist of P2X1 receptors, was
      inactive at ecto-apyrase and only weakly inhibitory at ecto-ATPase. Thus, PPADS
      modifications that enhance selectivity among ecto-nucleotidases and P2 receptors
      have been identified.

PMID- 27134334
TI  - Actions of a Series of PPADS Analogs at P2X1 and P2X3 Receptors.
AB  - [Table: see text] Seven PPADS (Pyridoxal-5'-Phosphate 6-Azophenyl 2',4'
      DiSulfonate) analogs were investigated at Group 1 P2X receptors expressed in
      Xenopus oocytes. All seven analogs potently inhibited P2X1 (IC50 range, 5-32 nM)
      and P2X3 (IC50 range, 22-345 nM), the two Group I P2X receptor subtypes. Analogs
      showed greater inhibitory activity where the pyridoxal moiety of PPADS contained
      a 5'-phosphonate group, rather than a 5'-phosphate group. Analogs also showed
      greater potency where disulfonate groups were removed from, or substituted at,
      the azophenyl moiety. The most active analog was MRS 2257 (pyridoxal-5'
      phosphonate 6-azophenyl 3',5'-bismethylenephosphonate) at P2X1 (IC50, 5 nM) and
      P2X3 (IC50, 22 nM) receptors, being 14-fold and 10-fold more potent than PPADS
      itself. MRS 2257 produced a nonsurmountable inhibition when tested against a
      range of ATP concentrations, although blockade was reversed by about 85% after 20
      minutes of washout. TNP-ATP and Ip5I were equipotent with MRS 2257 at P2X1
      receptors, whereas TNP-ATP was 64-fold more potent than MRS 2257 at P2X3
      receptors. In conclusion, the PPADS template can be altered at the pyridoxal and
      phenyl moieties to produce P2X1 and P2X3 receptor antagonists showing higher
      potency and greater degree of reversibility than the parent compound at these
      Group I P2X receptors.

PMID- 27134335
TI  - CONTINUITY AND CHANGE IN THE AMERICAN CLASS STRUCTURE: WORKPLACE OWNERSHIP AND
      AUTHORITY RELATIONS FROM 1972 TO 2010.
AB  - This study investigates changes in the American class structure-defined in terms
      of workplace ownership and authority relations-and trends in status group
      disparities in class attainment from 1972 to 2010. Although theory and prior
      research suggest a variety of appreciable changes in class structure and class
      attainment, data from the General Social Survey indicate that the sizes of
      different classes remained fairly stable during this time period and that status
      group disparities in access to ownership and authority persisted largely intact.
      The 1970s witnessed a decline in the proportion of workers and growth in the
      proportion of managers and proprietors, but these trends reversed in the 1980s.
      As a result, by the late 2000s, the ownership and authority structure of the U.S.
      economy closely resembled that of the early 1970s. Racial and gender disparities
      in class attainment also did not change significantly over time: blacks and women
      remained underrepresented (relative to whites and men) in positions of ownership
      and authority throughout this period. Even after controlling for an extensive set
      of human capital characteristics, family constraints, and structural economic
      factors, there is little evidence of status group integration across these key
      dimensions of economic power.

PMID- 27134336
TI  - Quantitative structural markers of colorectal dysplasia in a cross sectional
      study of ex vivo murine tissue using label-free multiphoton microscopy.
AB  - Two-photon excitation of label-free tissue is of increasing interest, as advances
      have been made in endoscopic clinical application of multiphoton microscopy, such
      as second harmonic generation (SHG) scanning endoscopy used to monitor cervical
      collagen in mice1. We used C57BL mice as a model to investigate the progression
      of gastrointestinal structures, specifically glandular area and circularity. We
      used multiphoton microscopy to image ex-vivo label-free murine colon, focusing on
      the collagen structure changes over time, in mice ranging from 10 to 20 weeks of
      age. Series of images were acquired within the colonic and intestinal tissue at
      depth intervals of 20 microns from muscularis to the epithelium, up to a maximum
      depth of 180 microns. The imaging system comprised a two-photon laser tuned to
      800nm wavelength excitation, and the SHG emission was filtered with a 400/40
      bandpass filter before reaching the photomultiplier tube. Images were acquired at
      15 frames per second, for 200 to 300 cumulative frames, with a field of view of
      261um by 261um, and 40mW at sample. Image series were compared to histopathology
      H&E slides taken from adjacent locations. Quantitative metrics for determining
      differences between murine glandular structures were applied, specifically
      glandular area and circularity.

PMID- 27134338
TI  - An excursion approach to maxima of the Brownian bridge.
AB  - Distributions of functionals of Brownian bridge arise as limiting distributions
      in non-parametric statistics. In this paper we will give a derivation of
      distributions of extrema of the Brownian bridge based on excursion theory for
      Brownian motion. The idea of rescaling and conditioning on the local time has
      been used widely in the literature. In this paper it is used to give a unified
      derivation of a number of known distributions, and a few new ones. Particular
      cases of calculations include the distribution of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov
      statistic and the Kuiper statistic.

PMID- 27134337
TI  - In vivo measurement of non-keratinized squamous epithelium using a spectroscopic
      microendoscope with multiple source-detector separations.
AB  - In the non-keratinized epithelia, dysplasia typically arises near the basement
      membrane and proliferates into the upper epithelial layers over time. We present
      a non-invasive, multimodal technique combining high-resolution fluorescence
      imaging and broadband sub-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (sDRS) to monitor
      health at various tissue layers. This manuscript focuses on characterization of
      the sDRS modality, which contains two source-detector separations (SDSs) of 374
      MUm and 730 MUm, so that it can be used to extract in vivo optical parameters
      from human oral mucosa at two tissue thicknesses. First, we present empirical
      lookup tables (LUTs) describing the relationship between reduced scattering
      (MUs') and absorption coefficients (MUa) and absolute reflectance. LUTS were
      shown to extract MUs' and MUa with accuracies of approximately 4% and 8%,
      respectively. We then present LUTs describing the relationship between MUs', MUa
      and sampling depth. Sampling depths range between 210-480 and 260-620 MUm for the
      374 and 730 MUm SDSs, respectively. We then demonstrate the ability to extract in
      vivo MUs', MUa, hemoglobin concentration, bulk tissue oxygen saturation,
      scattering exponent, and sampling depth from the inner lip of thirteen healthy
      volunteers to elucidate the differences in the extracted optical parameters from
      each SDS (374 and 730 MUm) within non-keratinized squamous epithelia.

PMID- 27134339
TI  - Coalmining and the National Scheme for Disabled Ex-Servicemen after the First
      World War.
AB  - After the First World War, disabled British veterans returned home to an
      uncertain future of work. In addition to voluntary efforts, the government's
      response to the national employment crisis - the National Scheme for Disabled Ex
      Servicemen (commonly known as the King's Roll) - was established in 1919 to
      encourage employers to hire a five per cent quota of disabled ex-servicemen.
      Historians have recently revisited the scheme, noting that in many cases the
      process was slow and fraught, with many disabled veterans facing the prospect of
      unemployment, yet few have paid attention to soldiers' pre-war working
      backgrounds and the specific requests of British industries. This article focuses
      on British coalminers returning from war. What role was there in this national
      situation for an industry known for its own high rate of accident and injury?
      Although the King's Roll made some attempt to find veterans specifically targeted
      jobs above and below ground according to their impairments, it proved unable to
      incorporate coalmining. Instead, many disabled ex-servicemen returned to the
      workplace and utilized their existing identities as miners to navigate the
      process. With the industry beginning to decline, many faced potential regression
      in job status, exploitation or unemployment. By shifting to an industry-specific
      focus, this case study explores the contested nature of work for disabled people
      after the First World War, and highlights the interrelation and importance of
      workplace identity for the returning disabled veteran.

PMID- 27134341
TI  - "We can't provide season tickets to the opera": Staff perceptions of providing
      preference based person centered care.
AB  - : Knowledge of a nursing home resident's everyday living preferences provides the
      foundation for ongoing individualized care planning. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of
      this study is to identify nursing home (NH) staff perceptions of facilitators and
      barriers to learning about and meeting residents' preferences and reasons why
      staff feel residents change their minds about preferences. METHODS: Focus group
      sessions and interviews were conducted with 36 NH staff members working in a
      facility that has been actively assessing resident preferences for five years.
      RESULTS: Thematic codes classifying facilitators, barriers, and dependencies were
      identified. Staff shared ways they are able to help meet residents' preferences
      as well as barriers to fulfilling resident preferences through their own
      behaviors, facility characteristics, the social environment, and resident
      characteristics. In addition, staff believe that residents change their minds
      about important preferences 'depending on' several factors including; global
      environmental characteristics, social environment, resident characteristics, and
      general staff perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: This work identifies key facilitators and
      barriers to consider when implementing quality improvement efforts designed to
      improve the person-centered nature of care in nursing homes and is intended to
      further inform the culture change movement, which aims to transform NHs by
      empowering staff and delivering person-centered care.

PMID- 27134342
TI  - Technologically Reflective Individuals as Enablers of Social Innovation.
AB  - This paper identifies technologically reflective individuals and demonstrates
      their ability to develop innovations that benefit society. Technological
      reflectiveness (TR) is the tendency to think about the societal impact of an
      innovation, and those who display this capability in public are individuals who
      participate in online idea competitions focused on technical solutions for social
      problems (such as General Electric's eco-challenge, the James Dyson Award, and
      the BOSCH Technology Horizon Award). However, technologically reflective
      individuals also reflect in private settings (e.g., when reading news updates),
      thus requiring a scale to identify them. This paper describes the systematic
      development of an easy-to-administer multi-item scale to measure an individual's
      level of TR. Applying the TR scale in an empirical study on a health monitoring
      system confirmed that individuals' degree of TR relates positively to their
      ability to generate (1) more new product features and uses, (2) features with
      higher levels of societal impact, and (3) features that are more elaborated. This
      scale allows firms seeking to implement co-creation in their new product
      development (NPD) process and sustainable solutions to identify such individuals.
      Thus, this paper indicates that companies wishing to introduce new technological
      products with a positive societal impact may profit from involving
      technologically reflective individuals in the NPD process.

PMID- 27134340
TI  - A review of snapshot multidimensional optical imaging: measuring photon tags in
      parallel.
AB  - Multidimensional optical imaging has seen remarkable growth in the past decade.
      Rather than measuring only the two-dimensional spatial distribution of light, as
      in conventional photography, multidimensional optical imaging captures light in
      up to nine dimensions, providing unprecedented information about incident
      photons' spatial coordinates, emittance angles, wavelength, time, and
      polarization. Multidimensional optical imaging can be accomplished either by
      scanning or parallel acquisition. Compared with scanning-based imagers, parallel
      acquisition-also dubbed snapshot imaging-has a prominent advantage in maximizing
      optical throughput, particularly when measuring a datacube of high dimensions.
      Here, we first categorize snapshot multidimensional imagers based on their
      acquisition and image reconstruction strategies, then highlight the snapshot
      advantage in the context of optical throughput, and finally we discuss their
      state-of-the-art implementations and applications.

PMID- 27134343
TI  - Non-Biological (Fictive Kin and Othermothers): Embracing the Need for a
      Culturally Appropriate Pedigree Nomenclature in African-American Families.
AB  - Although the Family Health History (FHH) is the most cost-effective tool in the
      staratification of disense risk, it is not designed to collect information from
      non-biological family members (NBFM). Significant NBFM, defined as "fictive kin
      and othermothers," tend to play a major role in the transmission of culture,
      health promotion, and decision-making; yet, their influence cannot be captured
      using the standard FHH. Participants attending the National Black Nurses
      Association (NBNA) 2012 genetic workshop were divided into groups to role-play
      FHH. All participants (N = 50) indicated difficulties with the standard FHH,
      ranking collection of sensitive data as the number 1 challenge. Consequently, a
      new symbol was developed with support from NBNA genetics workshop participants.
      Having such a symbol afforts an apportunity for inclusion of all NBFM to help
      guide risk-specific recommendations for disense management, prevention, and
      health promotion of common chronic diseases. This report will describe the
      process, presentation, and adoption of the symbol.

PMID- 27134344
TI  - Children's Exposure to Partner Violence in Homes Where Men Seek Help for Partner
      Violence Victimization.
AB  - In the last several decades, the field of family violence has paid increasing
      attention to children's exposure to partner violence (CEPV). Most of this
      research has focused on the children of women seeking help for partner violence
      (PV) victimization. In this paper we examine exposure to PV among children of men
      who sought help for PV victimization (n=408), as compared with children of men in
      a population-based sample (n=666). We examined children's exposure to
      psychological, physical, and sexual PV and also examined CEPV that is perpetrated
      by women, men, or both partners. The results show that CEPV is higher among
      children of helpseeking men than among children of men from the population-based
      sample, and that most of that PV is perpetrated by the female partner. We did not
      find differences in CEPV based in child age or gender. We discuss implications
      for the field of family violence professionals.

PMID- 27134345
TI  - A perfect flower from the Jurassic of China.
AB  - Flower, enclosed ovule and tetrasporangiate anther are three major characters
      distinguishing angiosperms from other seed plants. Morphologically, typical
      flowers are characterised by an organisation with gynoecium and androecium
      surrounded by corolla and calyx. Theoretically, flowers are derived from their
      counterparts in ancient ancestral gymnosperms. However, as for when, how and from
      which groups, there is no consensus among botanists yet. Although angiosperm-like
      pollen and angiosperms have been claimed in the Triassic and Jurassic, typical
      flowers with the aforesaid three key characters are still missing in the pre
      Cretaceous age, making many interpretations of flower evolution tentative. Thus
      searching for flower in the pre-Cretaceous has been a tantalising task for
      palaeobotanists for a long time. Here, we report a typical flower, Euanthus
      paniigen. et sp. nov., from the Middle-Late Jurassic of Liaoning, China. Euanthus
      has sepals, petals, androecium with tetrasporangiate dithecate anthers and
      gynoecium with enclosed ovules, organised just like in perfect flowers of extant
      angiosperms. The discovery of Euanthus implies that typical angiosperm flowers
      have already been in place in the Jurassic, and provides a new insight
      unavailable otherwise for the evolution of flowers.

PMID- 27134346
TI  - The relationships of waist and mid-thigh circumference with performance of
      college golfers.
AB  - [Purpose] Our aim was to evaluate the relationships between waist and mid-thigh
      circumference, used as proxy measures of trunk and lower limb strengths,
      respectively, and selected parameters of driver and putting performance in Korean
      college golfers. [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 103 college golfers
      (81 male, 20 to 27 years old). Measurements of body composition, waist and mid
      thigh circumference, and grip strength, as well as assessment of golf
      performance, including driver distance, driver swing speed, putting accuracy, and
      putting consistency, were performed at the golf performance laboratory at Konkuk
      University in Chungju-si, Republic of Korea. Average round score was obtained
      from 10 rounds of golf completed during the study period. The relationships
      between strength measures and golf performance were evaluated by partial
      correlation analysis, with adjustment for age, golf experience, and body mass
      index. [Results] Waist circumference did not correlate with any of the
      performance variables in both males and females. Mid-thigh circumference
      correlated with putting consistency (r = 0.364) in males and with putting
      consistency (r = 0.490) and accuracy (r = 0.547) in females. No other significant
      correlations between waist and mid-thigh circumference and golf performance were
      identified. [Conclusion] Lower limb strength may be an important component of
      putting performance. Further studies are needed to fully characterize the
      contributions of trunk strength to performance. 

PMID- 27134347
TI  - Test-retest reliability of an active range of motion test for the shoulder and
      hip joints by unskilled examiners using a manual goniometer.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze test-retest reliability of an
      active range of motion test using a manual goniometer by unskilled examiners.
      [Subjects and Methods] Active range of motion was measured in 30 students
      attending U university (4 males, 26 females). Range of motion during flexion and
      extension of the shoulder and hip joints were measured using a manual goniometer.
      [Results] Flexion and extension of the shoulder joint (ICC=0.906 and ICC=0.808)
      and (ICC=0.946 and ICC=0. 955) of the hip joint showed excellent reliabilities.
      [Conclusion] The active range of motion test using a manual goniometer showed
      very high test-retest reliability in unskilled examiners. When examiners are
      aware of the method of the test, an objective assessment can be conducted. 

PMID- 27134348
TI  - Osteoporosis, vitamin C intake, and physical activity in Korean adults aged 50
      years and over.
AB  - [Purpose] To investigate associations between vitamin C intake, physical
      activity, and osteoporosis among Korean adults aged 50 and over. [Subjects and
      Methods] This study was based on bone mineral density measurement data from the
      2008 to 2011 Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. The study
      sample comprised 3,047 subjects. The normal group was defined as T-score >= -1.0,
      and the osteoporosis group as T-score <= -2.5. The odds ratios for osteoporosis
      were assessed by logistic regression of each vitamin C intake quartile. [Results]
      Compared to the lowest quartile of vitamin C intake, the other quartiles showed a
      lower likelihood of osteoporosis after adjusting for age and gender. In the multi
      variate model, the odds ratio for the likelihood of developing osteoporosis in
      the non-physical activity group significantly decreased to 0.66, 0.57, and 0.46
      (p for trend = 0.0046). However, there was no significant decrease (0.98, 1.00,
      and 0.97) in the physical activity group. [Conclusion] Higher vitamin C intake
      levels were associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis in Korean adults aged
      over 50 with low levels of physical activity. However, no association was seen
      between vitamin C intake and osteoporosis risk in those with high physical
      activity levels. 

PMID- 27134349
TI  - Pain syndromes in hemiplegic patients and their effects on rehabilitation
      results.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, type, and
      location of pain in hemiplegic patients and the effects on rehabilitation results
      in our inpatient rehabilitation unit. [Subjects and Methods] Patients
      rehabilitated between January 2010 and July 2012 were investigated
      retrospectively. Properties of pain were recorded. Pre- and post-rehabilitation
      motor evaluation and achievement in daily activities were considered, and
      differences in scores between groups classified as with and without pain were
      examined. [Results] The number of patients included in the study was 156. The
      mean age was 64.28 +/- 12.45 years, the mean disease duration was 11.10 months,
      and the gender distribution was 75 males (48%) and 81 females (52%). Fortysix
      (29.5%) patients had pain complaints. The nociceptive pain ratio was 86.7%, and
      the neuropathic pain ratio was 13.3%. Pain was mostly localized at the shoulder
      joint, with the proportion being 86.9%. In the pain group, statistically
      significant improvement was found in pain scores after the treatment. There was
      no significant difference between groups in the pre- and post-rehabilitation
      Brunnstrom motor evaluation and functional independence measurement scores.
      [Conclusion] Nociceptive pain is more common than neuropathic pain in patients
      with hemiplegia, and the shoulder joint is the most frequent location of
      nociceptive pain. 

PMID- 27134350
TI  - Evaluation of electromyographic signals in children with bruxism before and after
      therapy with Melissa Officinalis L-a randomized controlled clinical trial.
AB  - [Purpose] Bruxism is a repetitive muscle activity involving the clenching or
      grinding of one's teeth during sleep or waking hours. Melissa officinalis L. may
      be employed as a natural therapy due to the sedative, anxiolytic, anti
      inflammatory, and anti-spasm properties of the chemical constituents of the
      essential oil obtained from its leaves. The aim of the present study was to
      evaluate electromyographic signals in the temporal muscle using the
      BiteStrip((r)) test on children with sleep bruxism before and after therapy with
      Melissa officinalis L. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly
      allocated to two groups. Group 1 (n = 12) ingested a tincture containing Melissa
      officinalis L. for 30 days. Group 2 (n = 12) received a placebo solution with the
      same dose and frequency as Group 1. The Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were
      employed for statistical analysis. [Results] The sample was made up of 24
      children aged 6 to 10 years. No statistically significant differences were found
      between initial and final muscle activity in either group or in an intergroup
      comparison. [Conclusion] Use of the Melissa officinalis L. tincture at the dose
      employed did not lead to a reduction in muscle activity in children with bruxism.

PMID- 27134351
TI  - The initial effects of an upper extremity neural mobilization technique on muscle
      fatigue and pressure pain threshold of healthy adults: a randomized control
      trial.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an upper
      extremity neural mobilization technique on delayed onset muscle soreness.
      [Subjects] Forty-five healthy subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: a
      nerve mobilization group (experimental) and a control group. [Methods] The
      subjects of the experimental group were administered a median nerve mobilization
      technique and ultrasound for the biceps brachii muscle. The subjects in the
      control group were only administered ultrasound for the biceps brachii muscle.
      Muscle fatigue and the pressure pain threshold were assessed before and after the
      intervention. [Results] The experimental group showed significant improvements in
      all variables, compared to pre-intervention. Furthermore, the control group
      showed significant improvements in the pressure pain threshold, compared to pre
      intervention. Significant differences in the post-intervention gains in muscle
      fatigue and pressure pain threshold were found between the experimental group and
      the control group. [Conclusion] Application of the upper extremity neural
      mobilization technique is considered to have a positive effect on recovery from
      delayed onset muscle soreness. 

PMID- 27134352
TI  - The effect of an active vibration stimulus according to different shoulder joint
      angles on functional reach and stability of the shoulder joint.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of an active
      vibration stimulus exercise according to shoulder joint angles on functional
      reach and stability of the shoulder joint. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty healthy
      male students participated in this study. Upper limb length of each subject was
      measured to obtain normalized measurement values. The exercise groups were as
      follows: group I (n=10, shoulder joint angle of 90 degrees ), group II (n=10,
      shoulder joint angle of 130 degrees ), and group III (n=10, shoulder joint angle
      of 180 degrees ). After warm-up, an active vibration stimulus was applied to the
      subjects with a Flexi-Bar. The Functional Reach Test and Y-balance test were
      conducted for measurement of shoulder stability. [Results] Analysis of covariance
      was conducted with values before the intervention as covariates to analyze the
      differences among the groups in the two tests. There were significant differences
      among the groups. According to Bonferroni post hoc comparison, group I showed
      greater improvement than group III in the Functional Reach Test, and group II
      showed greater improvement than group I and group III in the Y-balance test.
      [Conclusion] The effect of the exercise with different shoulder joint angles
      revealed that the shoulder joint has a certain effective joint angle for its
      functionality and stability. In addition, application of an active vibration
      stimulus with a Flexi-Bar can be a very effective tool for improvement of
      functionality and stability of the shoulder joint. 

PMID- 27134354
TI  - The relationship between pelvic alignment and dysmenorrhea.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between
      pelvic alignment and dysmenorrhea in general women. [Subjects and Methods] One
      hundred two females participated in this study. They were divided into a
      dysmenorrhea group and a normal group based on the results of a Visual Analogue
      Scale (VAS) assessment of pain and the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ).
      The survey data was collecting from 5th July to 20th September, 2014. Formetric
      4D was used to measure the pelvic alignment, including the values of Trunk
      Imbalance, Pelvic Tilt, Surface Rotation, Lateral Deviation, Kyphosis Angle,
      Lordosis Angle. [Results] There was a difference in the spine alignments of each
      group. The value of pelvic torsion was 2.4 +/- 1.8 degree in those with
      dysmenorrhea, while it was 1.7 +/- 1.1 degree in those without. [Conclusion] In
      conclusion, the results suggest that there is a relationship between menstrual
      pain and pelvic torsion. 

PMID- 27134353
TI  - Acute effect of a complex training protocol of back squats on 30-m sprint times
      of elite male military athletes.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the acute effect temporal of a
      complex training protocol on 30 meter sprint times. A secondary objective was to
      evaluate the fatigue indexes of military athletes. [Subjects and Methods] Seven
      military athletes were the subjects of this study. The variables measured were
      times in 30-meter sprint, and average power and peak power of squats. The
      intervention session with complex training consisted of 4 sets of 5 repetitions
      at 30% 1RM + 4 repetitions at 60% 1RM + 3 repetitions of 30 meters with 120
      second rests. For the statistical analysis repeated measures of ANOVA was used,
      and for the post hoc analysis, student's t-test was used. [Results] Times in 30
      meter sprints showed a significant reduction between the control set and the four
      experimental sets, but the average power and peak power of squats did not show
      significant changes. [Conclusion] The results of the study show the acute
      positive effect of complex training, over time, in 30-meter sprint by military
      athletes. This effect is due to the post activation potentiation of the lower
      limbs' muscles in the 30 meters sprint. 

PMID- 27134355
TI  - Improvements in cognition, quality of life, and physical performance with
      clinical Pilates in multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effects of clinical Pilates
      in multiple sclerosis patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty multiple sclerosis
      patients were enrolled in this study. The participants were divided into two
      groups as the clinical Pilates and control groups. Cognition (Multiple Sclerosis
      Functional Composite), balance (Berg Balance Scale), physical performance (timed
      performance tests, Timed up and go test), tiredness (Modified Fatigue Impact
      scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and quality of life (Multiple
      Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire) were measured before and
      after treatment in all participants. [Results] There were statistically
      significant differences in balance, timed performance, tiredness and Multiple
      Sclerosis Functional Composite tests between before and after treatment in the
      clinical Pilates group. We also found significant differences in timed
      performance tests, the Timed up and go test and the Multiple Sclerosis Functional
      Composite between before and after treatment in the control group. According to
      the difference analyses, there were significant differences in Multiple Sclerosis
      Functional Composite and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life
      Questionnaire scores between the two groups in favor of the clinical Pilates
      group. There were statistically significant clinical differences in favor of the
      clinical Pilates group in comparison of measurements between the groups. Clinical
      Pilates improved cognitive functions and quality of life compared with
      traditional exercise. [Conclusion] In Multiple Sclerosis treatment, clinical
      Pilates should be used as a holistic approach by physical therapists. 

PMID- 27134356
TI  - Changes in skeletal muscle perfusion and spasticity in patients with poststroke
      hemiparesis treated by robotic assistance (Gloreha) of the hand.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this case series was to determine the effects of robot
      assisted hand rehabilitation with a Gloreha device on skeletal muscle perfusion,
      spasticity, and motor function in subjects with poststroke hemiparesis. [Subjects
      and Methods] Seven patients, 2 women and 5 men (mean +/- SD age: 60.5 +/-6.3
      years), with hemiparesis (>6 months poststroke), received passive mobilization of
      the hand with a Gloreha (Idrogenet, Italy), device (30 min per day; 3 sessions a
      week for 3 weeks). The outcome measures were the total hemoglobin profiles and
      tissue oxygenation index (TOI) in the muscle tissue evaluated through near
      infrared spectroscopy. The Motricity Index and modified Ashworth Scale for upper
      limb muscles were used to assess mobility of the upper extremity. [Results]
      Robotic assistance reduced spasticity after the intervention by 68.6% in the
      upper limb. The Motricity Index was unchanged in these patients after treatment.
      Regarding changes in muscle perfusion, significant improvements were found in
      total hemoglobin. There were significant differences between the pre- and
      posttreatment modified Ashworth scale. [Conclusion] The present work provides
      novel evidence that robotic assistance of the hand induced changes in local
      muscle blood flow and oxygen supply, diminished spasticity, and decreased subject
      reported symptoms of heaviness and stiffness in subjects with post-stroke
      hemiparesis. 

PMID- 27134357
TI  - Efficacy of neurodevelopmental treatment combined with the Nintendo((r)) Wii in
      patients with cerebral palsy.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of
      Nintendo((r)) Wii games in addition to neurodevelopmental treatment in patients
      with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty hemiparetic cerebral palsy
      patients (16 females, 14 males; mean age, 6-15 years) were included in the study
      and divided into two groups: a neurodevelopmental treatment+Nintendo Wii group
      (group 1, n=15) and a neurodevelopmental treatment group (group 2, n=15). Both
      groups received treatment in 45-minute sessions 2 days/week for six weeks. Use of
      the upper extremities, speed, disability and functional independence were
      evaluated using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, Jebsen Taylor Hand
      Function Test, ABILHAND-Kids test, and Pediatric Functional Independence Measure
      (self-care) before and after treatment. [Results] There were statistically
      significant improvements in all parameters for group 1 and group 2 (except
      quality of function) after six weeks of treatment. Intergroup analysis showed
      that group 1 was superior to group 2 in mean change differences in the Jebsen
      Taylor Hand Function Test. [Conclusion] Our results showed that
      neurodevelopmental treatment is effective for improving hand functions in
      hemiplegic cerebral palsy. To provide a enjoyable, motivational, safe, and
      effective rehabilitation program, the Nintendo((r)) Wii may be used in addition
      to neurodevelopmental treatment. 

PMID- 27134359
TI  - Effects of a walking exercise program for obese individuals with intellectual
      disability staying in a residential care facility.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to confirm the critical importance of active
      obesity management through a fitness program, and to provide foundational data
      required for effective obesity management of disabled persons residing in
      residential carse facilities. [Subjects and Methods] The study period lasted 16
      weeks, from August 1 to November 30, 2014. The study participants comprised 9
      individuals and they participated in a walking exercise program. An occupational
      therapist assessed each participant's body weight, body composition (body mass
      index [BMI], body fat, and abdominal fat), basic fitness (muscle strength and
      flexibility), and waist circumference. Collected data were encoded by items and
      analyzed with SPSS ver.18.0. [Results] It was found that the body weight, body
      composition (BMI, body fat, and abdominal fat), and waist circumference decreased
      significantly, while baseline fitness (muscle strength and flexibility) improved
      significantly. [Conclusion] Obesity management is critically important for
      intellectually disabled persons residing in residential care facilities. Active
      care through continuous program implementation is needed. Accordingly, walking
      exercise programs should be offered to obese intellectually disabled persons
      residing in residential care facilities. 

PMID- 27134358
TI  - Effects of hallux valgus deformity on rear foot position, pain, function, and
      quality of life of women.
AB  - [Purpose] To investigate the relationship between hallux valgus (HV) deformity
      and the position of rearfoot joints, and its effects on the quality of life,
      pain, and related functional status of women with bilateral hallux valgus (HV).
      [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 27 right-dominant women. Demographic
      data, HV angle, weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing subtalar pronation (SP),
      and navicular height were recorded. Visual Analog Pain Scale, Foot Function Index
      (FFI), and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) first
      metatarsophalangeal- interphalangeal (MTP-IP) and AOFAS Mid foot (MF) Scales, and
      SF-36 were also used. [Results] HV angle, weight-bearing SP, and pain intensity
      of the left foot were higher. HV angle of left foot was correlated with all sub
      scales of FFI, the pain parameter of AOFAS MTP-IP, and pain and total scores of
      AOFAS-MF Scale. HV angle of the left foot correlated with physical role, pain,
      and social function sub-domains of SF-36. Right HV angles were correlated with
      right foot pain and non-weight-bearing SP. [Conclusion] Increasing HV angle and
      pathomechanical changes in the rear foot are correlated, resulting in increasing
      pain and thus decreasing functional status as well as decreasing quality of life.
      Although all the participants were right-dominant, their left foot problems were
      more prominent. 

PMID- 27134360
TI  - Age-related differences in muscle control of the lower extremity for support and
      propulsion during walking.
AB  - [Purpose] This study examined age-related differences in muscle control for
      support and propulsion during walking in both males and females in order to
      develop optimal exercise regimens for muscle control. [Subjects and Methods]
      Twenty elderly people and 20 young people participated in this study. Coordinates
      of anatomical landmarks and ground reaction force during walking were obtained
      using a 3D motion analysis system and force plates. Muscle forces during walking
      were estimated using OpenSim. Muscle modules were obtained by using non-negative
      matrix factorization analysis. A two-way analysis of covariance was performed to
      examine the difference between the elderly and the young in muscle weightings
      using walking speed as a covariate. The similarities in activation timing
      profiles between the elderly and the young were analyzed by cross-correlation
      analysis in males and females. [Results] In the elderly, there was a change in
      the coordination of muscles around the ankle, and muscles of the lower extremity
      exhibited co-contraction in late stance. Timing and shape of these modules were
      similar between elderly and young people. [Conclusion] Our results suggested that
      age-related alteration of muscle control was associated with support and
      propulsion during walking. 

PMID- 27134361
TI  - Effect of pelvic forward tilt on low back compressive and shear forces during a
      manual lifting task.
AB  - [Purpose] To examine the effect of an instruction to increase pelvic forward tilt
      on low back load during a manual lifting task in the squat and stoop postures.
      [Subjects] Ten healthy males who provided informed consent were the subjects.
      [Methods] Kinetic and kinematic data were captured using a 3-dimensional motion
      analysis system and force plates. Low back compressive and shear forces were
      chosen as indicators of low back load. The subjects lifted an object that weighed
      11.3 kg, under the following 4 conditions: squat posture, stoop posture, and
      these lifting postures along with an instruction to increase pelvic forward tilt.
      [Results] In the squat posture, the instruction to increase pelvic forward tilt
      reduced the low back compression and shear forces. [Conclusion] The present
      results suggest that a manual lifting task in the squat posture in combination
      with an instruction to increase pelvic forward tilt can decrease low back
      compression and shear forces, and therefore, might be an effective preventive
      method for low back pain in work settings. 

PMID- 27134362
TI  - Effect of increasing maximal aerobic exercise on serum gonadal hormones and alpha
      fetoprotein in the luteal phase of professional female soccer players.
AB  - [Purpose] The performance of female athletes during their menstrual period has
      attracted the attention of researchers for many years. It is known that the
      menstrual period changes with exercise. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an oncofetal
      protein. In this study, the effect of maximal aerobic exercise in the luteal
      phase on some hormones and AFP in female athletes was researched. [Subjects and
      Methods] Twelve volunteers and healthy female footballers with normal menstrual
      cycles volunteered for this study as subjects. All the participants performed a
      shuttle run test. Blood samples were taken before, after, and one hour after
      exercise. Serum AFP, estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH),
      and luteinizing hormone (LH) values were measured using an auto analyzer and
      original kits. Heart rate measurements were performed before and after the
      exercise. [Results] AFP activity had significantly decreased after 1 h of
      recovery from the exercise in the female soccer players, and estrogen and LH
      activity had significantly increased immediately after the exercise. Progesterone
      activity had significantly decreased immediately after the exercise. FSH values
      had significantly increased immediately after the exercise. [Conclusion] The
      results of the present study show there were significant decreases in the values
      of AFP, which is a cancer parameter, 1 hour after the exercise. This result may
      be valuable in future physiotherapy studies on the relationship between exercise
      and cancer. 

PMID- 27134363
TI  - The effects of game-based virtual reality movement therapy plus mental practice
      on upper extremity function in chronic stroke patients with hemiparesis: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of game-based
      virtual reality movement therapy plus mental practice on upper extremity function
      in chronic stroke patients with hemiparesis. [Subjects] The subjects were chronic
      stroke patients with hemiparesis. [Methods] Thirty subjects were randomly
      assigned to either the control group or experimental group. All subjects received
      20 sessions (5 days in a week) of virtual reality movement therapy using the
      Nintendo Wii. In addition to Wii-based virtual reality movement therapy,
      experimental group subjects performed mental practice consisting of 5 minutes of
      relaxation, Wii games imagination, and normalization phases before the beginning
      of Wii games. To compare the two groups, the upper extremity subtest of the Fugl
      Meyer Assessment, Box and Block Test, and quality of movement subscale of the
      Motor Activity Log were performed. [Results] Both groups showed statistically
      significant improvement in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Box and Block Test, and
      quality of the movement subscale of Motor Activity Log after the interventions.
      Also, there were significant differences in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Box and
      Block Test, and quality of movement subscale of the Motor Activity Log between
      the two groups. [Conclusion] Game-based virtual reality movement therapy alone
      may be helpful to improve functional recovery of the upper extremity, but the
      addition of MP produces a lager improvement. 

PMID- 27134364
TI  - The effects of hip external rotator exercises and toe-spread exercises on lower
      extremity muscle activities during stair-walking in subjects with pronated foot.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of toe
      spread (TS) exercises and hip external rotator strengthening exercises for
      pronated feet on lower extremity muscle activities during stair-walking.
      [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 20 healthy adults with no present or
      previous pain, no past history of surgery on the foot or the ankle, and no foot
      deformities. Ten subjects performed hip external rotator strengthening exercises
      and TS exercises and the remaining ten subjects performed only TS exercises five
      times per week for four weeks. [Results] Less change in navicular drop height
      occurred in the group that performed hip external rotator exercises than in the
      group that performed only TS exercises. The group that performed only TS
      exercises showed increased abductor hallucis muscle activity during both stair
      climbing and -descending, and the group that performed hip external rotator
      exercises showed increased muscle activities of the vastus medialis and abductor
      hallucis during stair-climbing and increased muscle activity of only the abductor
      hallucis during stair-descending after exercise. [Conclusion] Stair-walking can
      be more effectively performed if the hip external rotator muscle is strengthened
      when TS exercises are performed for the pronated foot. 

PMID- 27134365
TI  - A preliminary study of the measurement of external ischial tuberosity width and
      its gender differences.
AB  - [Purpose] Using two measurement methods, this study measured the external ischial
      tuberosity widths (EITW) of both males and females and investigated gender
      differences in these EITW values. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen male and 15
      female Taiwanese were recruited for this study. Their EITWs were measured using
      the impress and the seated pressure methods, and compared. [Results] The results
      show that the EITW values obtained using the impress method were similar to those
      reported by previous studies, but gender differences were observed in the
      measurements when that method was used (male: 11.96 cm; female: 13.53 cm).
      However, the males had non-significantly greater EITW values than the females
      when the seated pressure method was used (male: 13.42 cm; female: 13.30 cm), and
      this was probably due to the distinct characteristics of the buttocks of the two
      sexes and the seated pressure method. [Conclusion] The authors of this study
      propose that 12.0 and 13.5 cm are respectively the ideal design parameters for
      male and female EITWs in Taiwan, although13.5 cm might be more appropriate for
      male EITWs in the design of relatively hard seat or saddle surfaces. 

PMID- 27134366
TI  - Influence of parity, type of delivery, and physical activity level on pelvic
      floor muscles in postmenopausal women.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of parity,
      type of delivery, and physical activity level on pelvic floor muscles in
      postmenopausal women. [Subjects and Methods] This was an observational analytic
      cross-sectional study with a sample of 100 postmenopausal women, aged between 45
      and 65 years, divided into three groups according to menopausal stage:
      hysterectomized and early and late postmenopause. Patients were assessed for
      sociodemographic and gyneco-obstetric factors and subjected to a muscle strength
      test and perineometry. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and multiple
      regression were applied. [Results] The results showed homogeneity in
      sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics. There was no difference in
      pelvic floor muscle function among the three groups. Type of delivery, parity and
      physical activity level showed no influence on muscle function. [Conclusion] The
      findings demonstrate that parity, type of delivery, and physical activity level
      had no influence on pelvic floor muscle pressure in postmenopausal women. One
      hypothesis to explain these results is the fact that the decline in muscle
      function in postmenopausal women is related to the female aging process. 

PMID- 27134367
TI  - Comparison of knee laxity and isokinetic muscle strength in patients with a
      posterior cruciate ligament injury.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to compare knee laxity and isokinetic muscle
      strength in patients with an isolated posterior cruciate ligament injury.
      [Subjects and Methods] Twenty high school rugby players with a previous posterior
      cruciate ligament injury and abnormal findings higher than surgical grade I were
      included. Laxity with 132 N of pressure was measured using Kneelax 3 to assess
      the stability of the posterior cruciate ligament, and flexor and extensor torques
      were measured at 60 degrees /sec, 180 degrees /sec, and 240 degrees /sec to
      measure the isokinetic muscle strength of the knee joint. The average and
      standard deviation values were extracted from all data to assess the measured
      data. [Results] Regarding the ipsilateral and contralateral laxity, the deviation
      value at the peak force and maximum manual drawer was statistically significant.
      The peak torque and peak torque per body weight in isokinetic measurements were
      significantly different only for knee extensor torque at 60 degrees /sec, 180
      degrees /sec, and 240 degrees /sec. [Conclusion] Return to normal activities post
      injury is important. Thus base data gathered by comparing patients' ipsilateral
      and contralateral sides will serve as essential criteria for structuring future
      rehabilitation programs to facilitate functional improvements. 

PMID- 27134368
TI  - The effects of cervical traction, cranial rhythmic impulse, and Mckenzie exercise
      on headache and cervical muscle stiffness in episodic tension-type headache
      patients.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cervical
      traction treatment, cranial rhythmic impulse treatment, a manual therapy, and
      McKenzie exercise, a dynamic strengthening exercise, on patients who have the
      neck muscle stiffness of the infrequent episodic tension-type (IETTH) headache
      and frequent episodic tension-type headache(FETTH), as well as to provide the
      basic materials for clinical interventions. [Subjects] Twenty-seven subjects
      (males: 15, females: 12) who were diagnosed with IETTH and FETTH after treatment
      by a neurologist were divided into three groups: (a cervical traction group (CTG,
      n=9), a cranial rhythmic contractiongroup (CRIG, n=9), and a McKenzie exercise
      group (MEG, n=9). An intervention was conducted for each group and the
      differences in their degrees of neck pain and changes in muscle tone were
      observed. [Results] In the within-group comparison of each group, headache
      significantly decreased in CTG. According to the results of the analysis of the
      muscle tone of the upper trapezius, there was a statistically significant
      difference in MEG on the right side and in CRIG on the left side. According to
      the results of the analysis of the muscle tone of the sternocleidomastoid muscle,
      there was a statistically significant difference in MEG on the right side and in
      CRIG on the left side. [Conclusion] In the comparison of the splenius capitis
      muscle between the groups, there was a statistically significant difference on
      the right side. Hence, compared to the other methods, cervical traction is
      concluded to be more effective at reducing headaches in IETTH and FETTH patients.

PMID- 27134369
TI  - Effect of unilateral exercise on spinal and pelvic deformities, and isokinetic
      trunk muscle strength.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to collect basic data regarding the
      prevention of spinal and pelvic deformities by investigating the spinal shape and
      muscular function characteristics of imbalance reduction and functional
      improvement following asymmetric activities. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects
      were 14 archery athletes who mostly perform unilateral motion with spinal and
      pelvic pain, and 19 healthy subjects. All the participants were evaluated using
      spinal structure analysis and for 60 degrees /sec isokinetic muscular strength of
      the trunk. [Results] Between the two groups, there were significant differences
      in the interaction effect of trunk inclination deformities, and flexor and
      extensor 60 degrees /sec isokinetic muscular strength of the trunk. Also, the
      main effects of gender comparison showed significant differences in the trunk
      inclination deformities, pelvic rotation deformities, lordosis angles, and flexor
      and extensor 60 /sec isokinetic muscular strengths of the trunk. [Conclusion] The
      basic data obtained in this study can be used to help develop a strategic
      exercise program for improving unilateral movement and malalignment of the spine
      and pelvis. 

PMID- 27134370
TI  - Effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation neck pattern exercise on the
      ability to control the trunk and maintain balance in chronic stroke patients.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of proprioceptive
      neuromuscular facilitation neck pattern exercise on the ability to control the
      trunk and balance in chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of
      30 study subjects were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group
      of 15 subjects, who received the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation neck
      pattern exercise, and a control group of 15 subjects, who received a traditional
      rehabilitation treatment. [Results] Statistically significant changes in all the
      items of the Trunk Impairment Scale, the Trunk Impairment Scale total score, and
      the Berg Balance Scale were observed in both the experimental group and the
      control group. significant between-group differences were found in all items
      among the subitems of the Trunk Impairment Scale except the static sitting
      balance. [Conclusion] Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation neck pattern
      exercise was shown to have a positive effect on increasing the ability to control
      the trunk and maintain balance in chronic stroke patients. 

PMID- 27134371
TI  - Differences in maximal isometric tongue strength and endurance of healthy young
      vs. older adults.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to measure and compare the maximal tongue
      strength and endurance of young and older adults. [Subjects and Methods] This
      study recruited 60 healthy young (aged 20 to 39 years) and older adults (aged 67
      to 75 years) at a university and in public places. The Iowa Oral Performance
      Instrument was used to measure maximal tongue strength and endurance. [Results]
      Maximal tongue strength was significantly higher in the young adult group than
      the older adult group. Maximal tongue endurance was longer in the young adult
      group than in the older adult group, but the difference between the groups was
      not significant. [Conclusion] This study confirmed that older adults have a lower
      maximal tongue strength and endurance than young adults. 

PMID- 27134372
TI  - Correlation between head posture and proprioceptive function in the cervical
      region.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate correlation between
      head posture and proprioceptive function in the cervical region. [Subjects and
      Methods] Seventy-two subjects (35 males and 37 females) participated in this
      study. For measurement of head posture, the craniovertebral angle was calculated
      based on the angle between a horizontal line passing through C7 and a line
      extending from the tragus of the ear to C7. The joint position sense was
      evaluated using a dual digital inclinometer (Acumar, Lafayette Instrument,
      Lafayette, IN, USA), which was used to measure the joint position error for
      cervical flexion and extension. [Results] A significant negative correlation was
      observed between the craniovertebral angle and position sense error for flexion
      and extension. [Conclusion] Forward head posture is correlated with greater
      repositioning error than a more upright posture, and further research is needed
      to determine whether correction of forward head posture has any impact on
      repositioning error. 

PMID- 27134373
TI  - Biomechanical alterations of gait termination in middle-aged and elderly women.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the biomechanical changes and
      patterns of the lower extremities after gait termination in middle-aged and
      elderly women. [Subjects] The study population comprised an elderly group and
      middle-aged group. [Methods] To collect kinematic and kinetic data related to
      gait termination, six infrared cameras and one force platform were used, and
      variables were calculated by using Visual 3D. [Results] During the termination
      phase, the elderly group generated less braking force than the middle-aged group.
      During initiation of the termination phase and after the center of gravity
      completely stopped moving, there was a difference between the two groups in the
      hip joint angle. During the termination phase, the maximum angular velocity and
      extension moment of the ankle joint and those of the knee joint were higher in
      the elderly group than in the middle-aged group. [Conclusion] In contrast to the
      middle-aged group that showed a rapid increase and then decrease of the initial
      extension moment during gait termination, the maximum extension moment that was
      created during the early stage of the termination phase in the elderly group
      continued until the center of gravity completely stopped. 

PMID- 27134374
TI  - Effect of the different ages and visual display terminal use on repositioning and
      lumbar muscle activity during continuous sitting.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different
      ages and visual display terminal (VDT) use on repositioning and lumbar muscle
      activity during continuous sitting. [Subjects] Thirteen males two groups: 7 males
      in their 20s, 6 males in their 40s participated in this study. [Methods] The two
      groups watched a lecture in a seated position under different conditions. L4
      paraspinal muscle activity was recorded using a surface electromyography system.
      Repositioning was assessed using a video camera and Tekscan system. [Results] The
      repositioning times decreased significantly in the order to without a VDT in
      males in their 20s and 40s > with a VDT in males in their 20s > with a VDT in
      males in their 40s. The L4 paraspinal muscle activity significantly increased in
      order to without a VDT in males in their 20s and 40s < with a VDT in males in
      their 20s < with a VDT in males in their 40s. [Conclusion] The results of this
      study suggest that the number of repositioning movements during continuous
      sitting could affect lumbar muscle activity and could be an important factor for
      prevention of low back pain. 

PMID- 27134375
TI  - Two-point discrimination of the upper extremities of healthy Koreans in their
      20's.
AB  - [Purpose] The present study attempted to measure two-point discrimination in the
      upper extremities of healthy Koreans in their 20's. [Subjects and Methods] Using
      a three-point esthesiometer, we conducted an experiment with a group of 256
      college students (128 male and 128 female), attending N University in Chonan,
      Republic of Korea. [Results] Females showed two-point discrimination at a shorter
      distance than males at the following points: (i) 5 cm above the elbow joint, the
      middle part, and 5 cm below the shoulder joint of the anterior upper arm; (ii) 5
      cm above the elbow joint and 5 cm below the shoulder joint of the posterior upper
      arm; (iii) 5 cm above the front of the wrist joint of the forearm; 5 cm below the
      elbow joint, the palmar part of the distal interphalangeal joint of the thumb,
      the dorsal part of the distal interphalangeal joint of the middle and little
      fingers. It was also found that females showed greater two-point discrimination
      than males in distal regions rather than proximal regions. [Conclusion] The
      findings of this study will help establish normal values for two-point
      discrimination of upper extremities of young Koreans in their 20's. 

PMID- 27134376
TI  - Effect of dual-task training on postural stability in children with infantile
      hemiparesis.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of using a selected
      dual-task training program to improve postural stability in infantile
      hemiparesis. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty patients participated in this study;
      patients were classified randomly into two equal groups: study and control
      groups. Both groups received conventional physical therapy treatment including
      mobility exercises, balance exercises, gait training exercises, and exercises to
      improve physical conditioning. In addition, the study group received a selected
      dual-task training program including balance and cognitive activities. The
      treatment program was conducted thrice per week for six successive weeks. The
      patients were assessed with the Biodex Balance System. These measures were
      recorded two times: before the application of the treatment program (pre) and
      after the end of the treatment program (post). [Results] There was a significant
      improvement for both groups; the improvement was significantly higher in the
      study group compared to the control group. [Conclusion] The selected dual-task
      training program is effective in improving postural stability in patients with
      infantile hemiparesis when added to the conventional physical therapy program. 

PMID- 27134377
TI  - Muscle activity and mood state during simulated plant factory work in individuals
      with cervical spinal cord injury.
AB  - [Purpose] The present study investigated the physical and mental effects of plant
      factory work in individuals with cervical spinal cord injury and the use of a
      newly developed agricultural working environment. [Subjects] Six males with C5-C8
      spinal cord injuries and 10 healthy volunteers participated. [Methods] Plant
      factory work involved three simulated repetitive tasks: sowing, transplantation,
      and harvesting. Surface electromyography was performed in the dominant upper arm,
      upper trapezius, anterior deltoid, and biceps brachii muscles. Subjects' moods
      were monitored using the Profile of Mood States. [Results] Five males with C6-C8
      injuries performed the same tasks as healthy persons; a male with a C5 injury
      performed fewer repetitions of tasks because it took longer. Regarding muscle
      activity during transplantation and harvesting, subjects with spinal cord injury
      had higher values for the upper trapezius and anterior deltoid muscles compared
      with healthy persons. The Profile of Mood States vigor scores were significantly
      higher after tasks in subjects with spinal cord injury. [Conclusion] Individuals
      with cervical spinal cord injury completed the plant factory work, though it
      required increased time and muscle activity. For individuals with C5-C8 injuries,
      it is necessary to develop an appropriate environment and assistive devices to
      facilitate their work. 

PMID- 27134378
TI  - The effect of using welfare IT convergence contents on physical function,
      depression, and social participation in the elderly.
AB  - [Purpose] This study investigates the effects of welfare IT convergence contents
      on physical function, depression, and social participation among the elderly. It
      also aims to provide material for future activity mediation for the elderly.
      [Subjects] Two hundred subjects >65 years were selected from six elderly welfare
      facilities and related institutions in the Busan and Gyeongbuk areas and were
      evaluated from 2014 to 2015. [Methods] This study assessed physical function,
      depression, and social participation; 100 subjects who utilized commercialized
      welfare IT convergence contents were included in an experimental group and 100
      subjects who had no experience thereof were included in a control group.
      [Results] When comparing differences in physical function between the groups,
      balance maintenance was better in the experimental group. There were also
      significant differences in depression and social participation. The experimental
      group displayed higher physical function, lower depression levels, and higher
      social participation levels compared to the control group. [Conclusion] Welfare
      IT convergence contents positively influence occupational performance in the
      elderly. Future research is necessary to provide information to the elderly
      through various routes, so that they can understand welfare IT convergence
      contents and actively utilize them. 

PMID- 27134379
TI  - Comparison of basic physical fitness, aerobic capacity, and isokinetic strength
      between national and international level high school freestyle swimmers.
AB  - [Purpose] This study aimed to compare basic physical fitness, aerobic capacity,
      and isokinetic strength between international and national level freestyle high
      school student swimmers. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 28 participants (14
      international level swimmers and 14 national level freestyle high school student
      swimmers) with no known pathology were included. We used a cross-sectional study
      to examine three variables: basic physical fitness, aerobic capacity, and
      isokinetic strength. [Results] The mean values of these variables in the
      international level swimmers were higher than those in the national level
      swimmers. Swimmers are generally physically fit with a good competition record.
      [Conclusion] An appropriate training program, which considers specific individual
      characteristics is likely to have a positive impact on the improvement of total
      physical fitness, and subsequently, on the performance of the freestyle high
      school swimmer. 

PMID- 27134380
TI  - Effects of horizontal- and vertical-vibration exercises using a blade on the
      balance ability of patient with hemiplegic.
AB  - [Purpose] This study aimed to compare the effects of horizontal-vibration with
      those of vertical-vibration training on the balance and gait of patients with
      stroke. [Subjects and Methods] A sample population of 20 subjects was randomly
      divided into 2 groups: the horizontal-vibration group and the vertical-vibration
      group. We evaluated the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score, Timed Up-and-Go (TUG)
      test results, and 10-meter Walk Test (10MWT) results at 3 times points: before
      the training, 3 weeks after the training, and 6 weeks after the training.
      [Results] The BBS score, TUG test result, and 10MWT result differed significantly
      among the subjects in the vertical-vibration group. However, only the BBS score
      differed significantly among the subjects in the horizontal-vibration group.
      [Conclusion] The vibration training used in this study heightened the activity of
      the trunk muscles and improved balance ability of the patients. In particular, we
      recommend the vertical-vibration training because dynamic movements such as gait
      improved the balance ability through activation of the trunk stabilizer muscles. 

PMID- 27134381
TI  - Deep abdominal muscle thickness measured under sitting conditions during
      different stability tasks.
AB  - [Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate ultrasonically determined
      changes in the thickness of the transversus abdominis and internal oblique
      muscles during different sitting conditions. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty
      healthy men volunteered to participate in this study. Four different sitting
      conditions including (A) sitting, (B) sitting with left hip flexion, (C) sitting
      with an abdominal hollowing maneuver (AHM), and (D) sitting with an AHM and left
      hip flexion, were used. Subjective exercise difficulty was evaluated. [Results]
      Transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscle thicknesses significantly
      differed between conditions, with significantly greater thickness between
      positions from (A) to (D). Stability of the surface when sitting had no effect on
      the muscle thickness of the transversus abdominis. By contrast, sitting on an
      unstable surface caused an increase in muscle thickness of the internal oblique
      in each condition. The subjects reported progressively increasing difficulty in
      performing each exercise in a stable position from (A) to (D), while the
      difficulty in an unstable position was significantly different between (A) and
      (B), and between (C) and (D). [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that task (B) on
      a stable surface should be chosen for maximal activation of transversus abdominis
      without inducing overactivation of the internal oblique muscle. 

PMID- 27134382
TI  - One-year results of voluntary-based supervised exercise or treatment at
      orthopedic clinic for radiographic severe knee osteoarthritis.
AB  - [Purpose] In this study, we investigated the efficacy of supervised physical
      exercise or conventional treatment on symptomatic knee osteoarthritis with severe
      morphological degeneration. [Subjects] Sixty-six patients with severe
      radiographic knee osteoarthritis were enrolled. [Methods] Participants were
      separated into two groups: in one group patients conducted physical exercise
      under supervision; while in the other group they were treated by conventional
      clinical methods for one year. Participants filled out two types of
      questionnaires; the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure and the Pain Disability
      Assessment Scale at baseline and one year following enrollment in the study. Two
      way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effects over
      time and by group for a total of 43 participants; consisting of an exercise group
      (n=20) and a clinical group (n=23) excluding 23 dropouts. [Results] Analysis did
      not show a significant time-course effect or interaction between time-course and
      the groups in both questionnaires. On the other hand, there were significant
      group effects in both questionnaires with an advantage in the exercise group.
      [Conclusion] These results indicate that patients with knee osteoarthritis under
      supervised exercise conditions are more likely to maintain a better clinical
      outcome at one-year follow-up, despite the severe morphological degeneration in
      their knees. 

PMID- 27134383
TI  - The effects of gluteus maximus and abductor hallucis strengthening exercises for
      four weeks on navicular drop and lower extremity muscle activity during gait with
      flatfoot.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of the present study is to examine the effects of abductor
      hallucis and gluteus maximus strengthening exercises on pronated feet. [Subjects
      and Methods] The present study was conducted with 18 adults without no history of
      surgery on the foot or ankle. One group performed both gluteus maximus
      strengthening exercises and abductor hallucis strengthening exercises, while the
      other group performed only abductor hallucis strengthening exercises five times
      per week for four weeks. [Results] The group that performed both gluteus maximus
      and abductor hallucis strengthening exercises showed smaller values in the height
      of navicular drop than the group that performed only abductor hallucis
      strengthening exercises. The muscle activity of the gluteus maximus and the
      vastus medialis increased during heel-strike in the group that added gluteus
      maximus exercises, and the muscle activity of the abductor hallucis significantly
      increased in both groups. [Conclusion] Given the results of the present study, it
      can be suggested that strengthening the gluteus maximus while also performing
      exercises to correct the pronated foot is an effective method for achieving
      normal gait. 

PMID- 27134385
TI  - Effects of the Schroth exercise on the Cobb's angle and vital capacity of
      patients with idiopathic scoliosis that is an operative indication.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Schroth
      exercise on the Cobb's angle and vital capacity of patients with growing
      idiopathic scoliosis, an operative indication. [Subjects] Five idiopathic
      scoliosis patients with a Cobb's angle of the thoracic vertebra of 40 degrees or
      higher and Risser sign stage 3 or higher. [Methods] The Schroth exercise was
      applied 3 times a week for 12 weeks. We measured the thoracic trunk inclination,
      Cobb's angle, and vital capacity before and after the exercise program. [Results]
      The thoracic trunk rotation angle decreased from 11.86 +/- 3.32 degrees  to 4.90
      +/- 1.91 degrees  on average, the thoracic Cobb's angle decreased from 42.40 +/-
      7.86 degrees  to 26.0 +/- 3.65 degrees  on average, and the vital capacity also
      increased from 2.83 +/- 1.23 degrees  to 4.04 degrees  +/- 1.67 degrees  on
      average. All these effects were significant. [Conclusion] The 12-week Schroth
      exercise caused significant effects in the thoracic trunk inclination, Cobb's
      angle, and vital capacity. The conservative treatment method was found to be
      effective even at a 40 degree or higher Cobb's angle. In the future, universal
      exercise approach methods and preventive training for the treatment of scoliosis
      should be developed further. 

PMID- 27134384
TI  - Range of motion, muscle length, and balance performance in older adults with
      normal, pronated, and supinated feet.
AB  - [Purpose] To compare the lower limb joint range of motion and muscle length
      between different types of foot posture, and determine the correlation of range
      of motion and muscle length with balance performance. [Subjects and Methods]
      Ninety individuals (age, 65.2+/-4.6 years) were assessed using the Foot Posture
      Index to determine their type of foot (Normal [0 to +5], pronated [+6 to +9], and
      supinated [-1 to -4]; n=30 per group). The range of motion (goniometer), muscle
      length (goniometer and tape measure), and balance performance (functional reach
      test and four square step test) were measured for each participant. Data were
      analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's rank-order correlation.
      [Results] No significant differences were found in range of motion, muscle
      length, and balance performance among different types of foot posture, except for
      right and left ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. Balance performance was
      significantly correlated with selected muscle length and range of motion,
      especially in the supinated foot. [Conclusion] Range of motion and muscle length
      of the lower limb may be associated with balance performance in older adults with
      foot deformities. These findings may guide physiotherapists in choosing
      intervention based on specific assessments for older adults with foot deformity. 

PMID- 27134386
TI  - The effects of breathing with mainly inspiration or expiration on pulmonary
      function and chest expansion.
AB  - [Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effects of inspiration- and
      expiration-oriented breathing on pulmonary function and chest expansion.
      [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy male university students were divided
      randomly into inspiration-oriented and expiration-oriented breathing groups.
      Their pulmonary function and chest size during inspiration or expiration were
      evaluated and then re-evaluated after 15 minutes of breathing exercise five times
      a week for four weeks. [Results] The breathing with mainly inspiration group
      (BMIG) showed significant differences in chest size during inspiration (CSI),
      chest expansion values (CEVs), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory
      volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) after four weeks. The
      breathing with mainly expiration group (BMEG) showed significant differences in
      all measured variables except CSI. Comparison of the groups after exercise showed
      that the BMEG demonstrated differences from the BMIG in chest size during
      expiration (CSE), CEV, and PEF. Comparison of the changes in variables after
      exercise showed that the BMEG demonstrated significantly different changes in
      CSE, CEV, FEV1/FVC, and PEF. The BMIG showed a significantly different change in
      FVC. [Conclusion] Although both groups demonstrated improvements in pulmonary
      function and chest expansion, inter-group differences were observed. Therefore,
      inspiration- or expiration-oriented breathing may be recommended differently
      according to the desired outcome. 

PMID- 27134387
TI  - The effect of hip abductor exercise on muscle strength and trunk stability after
      an injury of the lower extremities.
AB  - [Purpose] The gluteus medius, a hip abductor, controls femoral movement and
      stabilizes the pelvis during lower extremity mobilization. [Subjects] This study
      enrolled 24 subjects into control and experimental groups. [Methods] This
      randomized controlled study included patients who underwent arthroscopy after
      meniscus injury and started a rehabilitative exercise program 8 weeks after
      surgery. Subjects were divided into the experimental gluteus medius resistance
      exercise group (n=12) and the control group (n=12). The study investigated muscle
      strength and balance of the flexors, extensors, and abductors of the knee for 8
      weeks. [Results] Strengths of knee extensors in patients who underwent
      rehabilitative exercise for 8 weeks were measured. Strength of the knee extensors
      of the experimental and control groups increased by 40% and 31%, respectively;
      strength of the hip flexors of the experimental and control groups increased by
      31% and 18%, respectively. Strength of the hip joint muscles showed a 40%
      increase in the experimental group and a 14% increase in the control group.
      However, there was a significant difference (18%) in muscle strength of the hip
      abductors between the groups. Measurements of trunk lateral flexion showed a
      difference within a group, but no intergroup difference was found. [Conclusion]
      This study investigated the effect of hip abductor exercise on muscular strength
      and trunk stability in patients with a meniscus injury. 

PMID- 27134388
TI  - Same-session and between-day intra-rater reliability of hand-held dynamometer
      measurements of isometric shoulder extensor strength.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of present study was to establish the same-session and
      between-day intra-rater reliability of measurements of extensor strength in the
      maximum abducted position (MABP) using hand-held dynamometer (HHD). [Subjects]
      Thirteen healthy volunteers (10 male, 3 female; mean +/- SD: age 19.8 +/- 0.8 y)
      participated in the study. [Methods] Participants in the prone position with
      maximum abduction of shoulder were instructed to hold the contraction against the
      ground reaction force, and peak isometric force was recorded using the HHD on the
      floor. Participants performed maximum isometric contractions lasting 3 s, with 3
      trials in one session. Between-day measurements were performed in 2 sessions
      separated by a 1-week interval. Intra-rater reliability was determined using
      intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Systematic errors were assessed using
      Bland-Altman analysis for between-day data. [Results] ICC values for same-session
      data and between-day data were found to be "almost perfect". Systematic errors
      not existed and only random error existed. [Conclusion] The measurement method
      used in this study can easily control for experimental conditions and allow
      precise measurement because the lack of stabilization and the impact of tester
      strength are removed. Thus, extensor strength in MABP measurement is beneficial
      for muscle strength assessment. 

PMID- 27134389
TI  - Trunk exercises performed on an unstable surface improve trunk muscle activation,
      postural control, and gait speed in patients with stroke.
AB  - [Purpose] This study examined the effects of trunk exercises performed on an
      unstable surface on trunk muscle activation, postural control, and gait speed in
      stroke patients. [Subjects] Twenty-four participants with stroke were recruited
      in this study and randomly distributed into experimental (n = 12) and control
      groups (n = 12). [Methods] Subjects in the experimental group participated in
      trunk exercises on the balance pad for 30 min, five times a week for 4 weeks;
      those in the control group performed trunk exercises on a stable surface for 30
      min, five times a week for 4 weeks. Trunk muscle activation was measured by using
      surface electromyography, and trunk control was evaluated with the Trunk
      Impairment Scale (TIS). Gait speed was measured with the 10-Meter Walk Test.
      [Results] Activity of the external and internal oblique muscles in the
      experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The
      TIS score of the experimental group showed significantly greater improvement than
      did that of the control group. The 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) score also
      significantly improved in the experimental group. [Conclusion] Trunk exercises on
      an unstable surface improve trunk muscle activation, postural control, and gait
      speed in patients with hemiparetic stroke. 

PMID- 27134390
TI  - Effect of core muscle thickness and static or dynamic balance on prone bridge
      exercise with sling by shoulder joint angle in healthy adults.
AB  - [Purpose] To date, core muscle activity detected using ultrasonography during
      prone bridge exercises has not been reported. Here we investigated the effects of
      core muscle thickness and balance on sling exercise efficacy by shoulder joint
      angle in healthy individuals. [Subjects and Methods] Forty-three healthy
      university students were enrolled in this study. Ultrasonography thickness of
      external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis during sling
      workouts was investigated. Muscle thickness was measured on ultrasonography
      imaging before and after the experiment. Dynamic balance was tested using a
      functional reaching test. Static balance was tested using a Tetrax Interactive
      Balance System. [Results] Different muscle thicknesses were observed during the
      prone bridge exercise with the shoulder flexed at 60 degrees , 90 degrees  or 120
      degrees . Shoulder flexion at 60 degrees  and 90 degrees  in the prone bridge
      exercise with a sling generated the greatest thickness of most transversus
      abdominis muscles. Shoulder flexion at 120 degrees  in the prone bridge exercise
      with a sling generated the greatest thickness of most external oblique muscles.
      [Conclusion] The results suggest that the prone bridge exercise with shoulder
      joint angle is an effective method of increasing global and local muscle
      strength. 

PMID- 27134391
TI  - Effects of scapular stabilization exercise on neck posture and muscle activation
      in individuals with neck pain and forward head posture.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of scapular
      stabilization exercise on neck posture, muscle activity, pain, and quality of
      life in individuals with neck pain and forward head posture. [Subjects and
      Methods] Fifteen participants were recruited according to the selection criteria
      and were randomly allocated to the scapular stabilization group (n=8) and the
      control group (n=7). The scapular stabilization group underwent training for 30
      minutes a day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks; the control group performed relaxation
      exercises for 4 weeks. [Results] After training the scapular stabilization group
      showed significant improvement on the craniovertebral angle, upper trapezius
      muscle activity, serratus anterior muscle activity, Neck Disability Index scores,
      Visual Analog Scale scores, and World Health Organization Quality of Life
      Assessment-BREF scores compared to those in the control group. [Conclusion]
      Scapular stabilization exercise can help improve the head posture and pain in the
      patients with neck pain and forward head posture. Controlling the muscular
      activities through scapular stabilization exercise also improves the patients'
      quality of life. 

PMID- 27134392
TI  - Effects of the height of shoe heels on muscle activation of cervical and lumbar
      spine in healthy women.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different
      height of high heels on muscle activation of the paraspinalis cervicis and
      erector spinae in healthy young women. [Subjects and Methods] Thirteen healthy
      women were recruited in this study. To examine the effects of different heights
      of heels on muscle activation, the paraspinalis cervicis (cervical spine) and
      erector spinae (lumbar spine) were measured at the time of heel strike and toe
      off during gait on three different conditions (barefoot, 4 cm high heels, and 10
      cm high heels). There are no previous trials or reports that have evaluated this
      approach in patients with chronic neck pain. [Results] A significant increase in
      muscle activation of the paraspinalis cervicis and erector spinae at heel strike
      and toe off (except that of the paraspinalis cervicis at toe off in healthy
      subjects) was observed in the under 10 cm high heel condition as, compared to
      that with barefoot condition, in all the subjects. [Conclusion] The height of the
      high heels affects to the activation demand of the paraspinalis cervicis and
      erector spinae in patients with neck pain. 

PMID- 27134393
TI  - Effects of combined open kinetic chain and closed kinetic chain training using
      pulley exercise machines on muscle strength and angiogenesis factors.
AB  - [Purpose] This study investigated the effects of combined open kinetic chain and
      closed kinetic chain training using pulley exercise machines on muscle strength,
      anaerobic power, and blood levels of angiogenesis factors. [Subjects and Methods]
      Twenty male university students were equally divided between control and pulley
      training groups. The pulley-training group underwent 8 weeks of combined
      training. Open kinetic chain training consisted of 2 sets of 10 repetitions at
      60% of one repetition maximum; closed kinetic chain training consisted of 2 sets
      of 10 repetitions of resistance exercise using the subject's own body weight.
      Isokinetic strength (trunk and knee), anaerobic power, vascular endothelial
      growth factor, angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2, and follistatin were analyzed.
      [Results] After 8 weeks, flexor and extensor muscle strength significantly
      increased in the trunk and knee; average and peak power also increased
      significantly. Angiopoietin 1 increased 25% in the control group and 48% in the
      pulley training group; vascular endothelial growth factor and follistatin
      increased significantly in the pulley-training group after 8 weeks. [Conclusion]
      Eight weeks of combined training using pulley exercise machines effectively
      increased biochemical factors related to muscle growth, as well as muscle
      strength in the trunk and knees. 

PMID- 27134394
TI  - The immediate effect of PNF pattern on muscle tone and muscle stiffness in
      chronic stroke patient.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of
      proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on muscle tone and muscle stiffness in
      stroke patients. [ Subjects and Methods] The subjects consisted of 15 patients
      with chronic stroke (stroke group) and 15 healthy persons (healthy group). We
      measured the effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation intervention on
      the lower extremity using a muscle tone measurement device; this detected changes
      in muscle tone and stiffness in the lower extremity muscles. [Results]
      Measurements taken before the intervention showed that, on average, the lower
      extremity muscles of the stroke group showed abnormally increased muscle tone and
      stiffness compared to the lower extremity muscles of the healthy group. After the
      intervention, the average muscle tone and stiffness in the lower extremity
      muscles of the stroke group decreased, but this change was insignificant, and the
      differences between the two groups were also insignificant. [Conclusion] Based on
      the findings of this study, we recommend proprioceptive neuromuscular
      facilitation treatment of both affected and non-affected sides to decrease the
      abnormally increased muscle tone and stiffness in the lower extremity muscles of
      chronic stroke patients. 

PMID- 27134395
TI  - Development of clinical competence assessment tool for novice physical and
      occupational therapists-a mixed Delphi study.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to clarify essential abilities of novice
      physical and occupational therapists for independent execution of their duties
      and to develop a clinical competence assessment tool. [Subjects] Forty-five
      experienced therapists participated in this study. [Methods] A two-phase mixed
      methods design was used. First, semi structured interviews were conducted on 15
      experienced therapists to create a comprehensive list of essential abilities that
      novice therapists need. Second, 30 experienced therapists participated in a two
      round Delphi study to select items for the assessment tool being developed.
      [Results] Fifty-five items were extracted and classified into three categories:
      basic attitudes, therapeutic skills, and clinical practice-related thoughts.
      [Conclusion] Present results suggest that not only knowledge of execution of
      therapy-related duties and therapeutic skills is essential in novice therapist,
      but also appropriate abilities in social adjustment, self-management, and self
      education. The newly developed tool might be useful for postgraduate education in
      clinical practice. 

PMID- 27134396
TI  - Effects of a good posture belt on buttock pressure during cross-legged sitting.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of wearing
      a good posture belt on buttock pressure during cross-legged sitting. [Subjects]
      The study subjects were 34 adults who were divided into a good posture belt group
      (7 men, and 10 women) and a control group (7 men, and 10 women), with 17 subjects
      each. [Methods] Sensor mats were used to measure buttock pressure and changes in
      the total travel distance of the center of pressure, maximum pressure, and mean
      pressure. [Results] The good posture belt group showed smaller increments in
      center of pressure, maximum pressure, and mean pressure than the control group.
      [Conclusion] The use of the good posture belt during cross-legged sitting is
      considered to control the increment of buttock pressure, thereby greatly helping
      the maintenance of efficient postures. 

PMID- 27134397
TI  - In vivo ultrasound imaging of the popliteus muscle: investigation of functional
      characteristics.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to use ultrasound imaging equipment for in
      vivo observation of the popliteus muscle thickness during rest and exercise to
      examine its functional characteristics and to establish a training method for
      this muscle. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects included 30 healthy adults (15
      men and 15 women). The measurement tasks, consisting of isometric knee flexion
      and extension and internal rotation of the lower leg were performed in an
      arbitrary order. The popliteus muscle thickness was measured using an ultrasound.
      [Results] The popliteus muscle thickness significantly increased in the internal
      rotation in 27 subjects (90%), whereas, it remained unchanged in the remaining
      three subjects (10%). [Conclusion] This study differed from most of the previous
      studies because it involved in vivo observation of the popliteus muscle. We found
      that ultrasound was an effective method for the measurement of popliteus muscle
      thickness. The results suggest that internal rotation of the lower leg is the
      most effective exercise for working the popliteus muscle. 

PMID- 27134399
TI  - Strength and muscle activities during the toe-gripping action: comparison of
      ankle angle in the horizontal plane between the sitting upright and standing
      positions.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate whether toe grip strength and
      muscle activities are affected by the ankle angle in the horizontal plane in the
      sitting upright and standing positions. [Subjects] The subjects were 16 healthy
      young women. [Methods] We measured toe grip strength and the maximum voluntary
      contraction activities of the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, anterior tibialis,
      and medial head of the gastrocnemius. In addition, we calculated the percent
      integrated electromyography during foot gripping in 3 different ankle joint
      positions between the long axis of the foot and the line of progression on the
      horizontal plane, namely 10 degrees  of internal rotation, 0 degrees , and 10
      degrees  of external rotation. [Results] Two-way analysis of variance revealed
      significant differences. A significant main effect was observed in the
      measurement conditions for the percent integrated electromyography of the rectus
      femoris muscle and long head of the biceps femoris. However, two-way analysis of
      variance did not reveal any significant difference, and a significant main effect
      was not observed in toe grip strength. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that
      exerted toe grip strength is only slightly affected by the ankle angle in the
      horizontal plane in the sitting upright and standing positions. Therefore, the
      current measurement positions were shown to be optimal for measurement. 

PMID- 27134398
TI  - Exercise intervention as a protective modulator against metabolic disorders in
      cigarette smokers.
AB  - [Purpose] assess the impact of exercise intensity on desire to smoke, serum
      cotinine, stress hormones, total antioxidant capacity, and oxidative free
      radicals as potential markers of cardiopulmonary metabolic disorders were
      measured.in cigarette smokers. [Subjects and Methods] The participants (150
      randomly selected healthy men, aged 18-55 years) were classified into 4 smoking
      groups: control (non-smokers; N= 30); mild (N = 33); moderate (N = 42), and heavy
      (N = 45). The participants were assigned to either moderate (8 weeks) or short
      term (20-45 min) exercise training. The desire to smoke, Mood and Physical
      Symptoms Scale, and Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale scores, cotinine,
      stress hormones (cortisol and testosterone), free radicals (malondialdehyde,
      nitric oxide), and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated. [Results]
      Significant increases in serum cotinine, cortisol, testosterone, nitric oxide,
      and malondialdehyde levels and a reduction in total antioxidant capacity activity
      were observed in all smoker groups; heavy smokers showed a higher change in
      metabolites. In all smoker groups, both short and moderate- intensity exercises
      significantly reduce cotinine, cortisol, testosterone, and malondialdehyde and
      increased nitric oxide levels and total antioxidant capacity activity; further,
      the desire to smoke, Mood and Physical Symptoms Scale, and Subjective Exercise
      Experiences Scale scores were reduced. This supports the ability of exercise to
      increase nitric oxide bioavailability, enhance of blood vessels function and
      ultimately decrease the incidence of cardiopulmonary disorders. [Conclusion]
      Exercise interventions with varying intensities may be used as nicotine
      replacement therapy or protective aids against smoking-related cardiopulmonary
      disorders. 

PMID- 27134400
TI  - Does short-term whole-body vibration training affect arterial stiffness in
      chronic stroke? A preliminary study.
AB  - [Purpose] Previous studies have shown that stroke is associated with increased
      arterial stiffness that can be diminished by a program of physical activity. A
      novel exercise intervention, whole-body vibration (WBV), is reported to
      significantly improve arterial stiffness in healthy men and older sedentary
      adults. However, little is known about its efficacy in reducing arterial
      stiffness in chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Six participants with chronic
      stroke were randomly assigned to 4 weeks of WBV training or control followed by
      cross-over after a 2-week washout period. WBV intervention consisted of 3
      sessions of 5 min intermittent WBV per week for 4 weeks. Arterial stiffness
      (carotid arterial stiffness, pulse wave velocity [PWV], pulse and wave analysis
      [PWA]) were measured before/after each intervention. [Results] No significant
      improvements were reported with respect to carotid arterial stiffness, PWV, and
      PWA between WBV and control. However, carotid arterial stiffness showed a
      decrease over time following WBV compared to control, but this was not
      significant. [Conclusion] Three days/week for 4 weeks of WBV seems too short to
      elicit appropriate changes in arterial stiffness in chronic stroke. However, no
      adverse effects were reported, indicating that WBV is a safe and acceptable
      exercise modality for people with chronic stroke. 

PMID- 27134401
TI  - The comparison of abdominal muscle activation on unstable surface according to
      the different trunk stability exercises.
AB  - [Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effect of abdominal muscle activities
      and the activation ratio related to trunk stabilization to compare the effects
      between the abdominal drawing-in maneuver and lumbar stabilization exercises on
      an unstable base of support. [Subjects and Methods] Study subjects were 20 male
      and 10 female adults in their 20s without lumbar pain, who were equally and
      randomly assigned to either the abdominal drawing-in maneuver group and the
      lumbar stabilization exercise group. Abdominal muscle activation and ratio was
      measured using a wireless TeleMyo DTS during right leg raise exercises while
      sitting on a Swiss ball. [Results] Differences in rectus abdominis, external
      oblique abdominis, and internal oblique abdominis muscle activation were observed
      before and after treatment. Significant differences were observed between the
      groups in the muscle activation of the external oblique abdominis and internal
      oblique abdominis, and the muscle activation ratio of external oblique
      abdominis/rectus abdominis and internal oblique abdominis/rectus abdominis.
      [Conclusion] Consequently trunk stability exercise enhances internal oblique
      abdominis activity and increases trunk stabilization. In addition, the abdominal
      drawing-in maneuver facilitates the deep muscle more than LSE in abdominal
      muscle. Therefore, abdominal drawing-in maneuver is more effective than lumbar
      stabilization exercises in facilitating trunk stabilization. 

PMID- 27134403
TI  - Effects of Schroth and Pilates exercises on the Cobb angle and weight
      distribution of patients with scoliosis.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of Schroth and
      Pilates exercises on the Cobb angle and body weight distribution of patients with
      idiopathic scoliosis. [Subjects] Twenty-four scoliosis patients with a Cobb angle
      of >=20 degrees  were divided into the Schroth exercise group (SEG, n = 12) and
      the Pilates exercise group (PEG, n = 12). [Methods] The SEG and PEG performed
      Schroth and Pilates exercises, respectively, three times a week for 12 weeks. The
      Cobb angle was measured in the standing position with a radiography apparatus,
      and weight load was measured with Gait View Pro 1.0. [Results] In the intragroup
      comparison, both groups showed significant changes in the Cobb angle. For weight
      distribution, the SEG showed significant differences in the total weight between
      the concave and convex sides, but the PEG did not show significant differences.
      Furthermore, in the intragroup comparison, the SEG showed significant differences
      in the changes in the Cobb angle and weight distribution compared with the PEG.
      [Conclusion] Both Schroth and Pilates exercises were effective in changing the
      Cobb angle and weight distribution of scoliosis patients; however, the intergroup
      comparison showed that the Schroth exercise was more effective than the Pilates
      exercise. 

PMID- 27134402
TI  - Effect of thigh muscle fatigue on the biomechanical factors of the lower limbs
      when walking in a squatted position.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the effects of
      thigh muscle fatigue caused by walking in a squatted position on biomechanical
      factors, to evaluate the risk of a job performed sitting in a squatted position
      for a long period of time. [Subjects and Methods] Eighteen right foot dominant
      women without any injuries in their joints and body in the last 6 months were
      selected. They walked in a squatted position, and then muscle fatigue was induced
      by using an isokinetic muscular function measuring device (CSMI, USA). After the
      CSMI measurement, the participants performed walking in a squatted position
      again. [Results] After inducing thigh muscle fatigue, the knee joint maximum
      adduction moment significantly increased and the required duration was reduced.
      The muscle fatigue index was positively correlated with adduction moment and
      negatively with the duration. It influenced the changes of maximum adduction
      moment; 55.0% of the adduction moment change was explained by the degree of
      fatigue. [Conclusion] A quantitative analysis of working in a squatted position
      was performed. The thigh muscle fatigue index negatively the knee joint during
      walking in a squatted position. Therefore, this experiment can be used as an
      ergonomic analysis tool of general farm work. 

PMID- 27134404
TI  - Association of older women's limb circumferences and muscle mass as estimated
      with bioelectrical impedance.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between
      three practical measures used to characterize muscle mass: mid-arm circumference,
      maximum calf circumference, and muscle mass index determined using bioimpedance
      analysis. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-eight ambulatory women residing in a
      senior center (mean age, 83 years) participated in this cross-sectional study.
      Their mid-arm circumference and maximum calf circumference were measured
      bilaterally and they all underwent bioimpedance analysis. Relationships were
      examined by using Pearson (r) correlations, Cronbach's alpha, and factor
      analysis. [Results] Circumferential measures correlated significantly with one
      another (r = 0.745-0.968) and with the muscle mass index determined with
      bioimpedance analysis (r = 0.480-0.628). The Cronbach's alpha for the measures
      was 0.905. Factor analysis confirmed that all of the measures were reflective of
      a common construct. [Conclusion] On the basis of their correlations with one
      another and the muscle mass index determined with bioimpedance analysis,
      circumferential measures of the mid-arm or calf may be considered crude
      indicators of reduced muscle mass. 

PMID- 27134405
TI  - Regional lung volume differences between the side-lying and semi-prone positions.
AB  - [Purpose] This study aimed to clarify the differences in regional lung volume
      between the semi-prone (Sim's position) and side-lying position, and the optimal
      position for increasing lung volume. [Methods] Measurements were performed in
      both positions on both sides. Sim's position was inclined 45 degrees  forward
      from the side-lying position. A 1.5-T system with a fast advanced spin-echo
      sequence in the coronal plane was used for magnetic resonance imaging. [Results]
      The two positions did not significantly differ in total lung capacity and its
      subdivisions on both sides, except the left lung in the right side-lying position
      and right Sim's position. In the nondependent lung, the percentage lung volume of
      the dorsal segment was significantly higher in the right Sim's position than in
      the right side-lying position. However, no significant difference was observed
      between the left side-lying and left Sim's position. [Conclusion] The heart was
      displaced ventrally by gravity in Sim's position and leaned on the ventral
      parapet. The spaces for the expansion of the ventral and dorsal segments of the
      lung were decreased and increased in Sim's position, respectively. With a
      nondependent left lung, the increase in the percentage lung volume of the dorsal
      segment was greater in Sim's position than in the side-lying position. 

PMID- 27134407
TI  - Effect of 12-month rehabilitation with low loading program on chronic respiratory
      disease.
AB  - [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 12-month
      rehabilitation with low loading program on chronic respiratory disease. [Subjects
      and Methods] Twelve patients with chronic respiratory disease participated in
      this study, in which the effect of long-term rehabilitation for 12 months was
      assessed. Nine patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, two had
      asthma, and one had interstitial pneumonia. In all patients, symptoms, lower
      extremity strength, walking distance, activities of daily living, and quality of
      life were investigated to examine the effect of respiratory rehabilitation.
      [Results] After 12 months, the isometric knee extension strength and weight
      bearing index both showed a significant increase. [Conclusion] The findings of
      this study suggested that improvement in lower-limb muscle strength can be
      achieved through long-term intervention, and indicated the validity of repetitive
      standing and walking exercises. 

PMID- 27134406
TI  - Screening preschool children for fine motor skills: environmental influence.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of gender and
      family factors on performance in the fine motor domain of the Denver II
      developmental screening test. [Subjects and Methods] Data were obtained from 2038
      healthy children, 999 boys (49%) and 1039 girls (51%) in four age groups: 0-24
      months (57%), 25-40 months (21.1%), 41-56 months (10.4%), and 57-82 months
      (11.5%). [Results] Female gender, higher maternal age, especially in children
      older than 24 months, and higher maternal education were associated with earlier
      accomplishment of fine motor items. Higher socioeconomic status was correlated
      with fine motor skills more noticeably at young ages. [Conclusion] The results of
      this study support the role of environmental factors in the interpretation of
      fine motor test results and point to target groups for intervention, such as
      infants in the low socioeconomic group and preschool children of less educated
      mothers. Studies in different populations may reveal particular patterns that
      affect child development. 

PMID- 27134408
TI  - Validity of muscle-to-fat ratio as a predictor of adult metabolic syndrome.
AB  - [Purpose] This study was aimed at determining the validity of the muscle-to-fat
      ratio as an indicator for the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome by
      establishing an optimal cutoff value. [Subjects and Methods] Data from the first
      and second year of the fifth Korea National Health Nutrition Examination Survey,
      conducted by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare and Korean Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention, were used. A total of 6,256 subjects were
      included in the study. Diagnostic accuracy was measured by using the area under
      the receiver operating characteristic curve. [Results] The receiver operating
      characteristic curve for the muscle-to-fat ratio, which represents the diagnostic
      power for predicting metabolic syndrome, was 0.713 in men and 0.721 in women. The
      optimal cutoff value for the prediction and diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was
      3.09 kg/kg in men and 1.83 kg/kg in women. Intergroup differences based on the
      muscle-to-fat ratio indicated that the low-ratio group had higher values for all
      indicators of metabolic syndrome than the high-ratio group. [Conclusion] The
      muscle-to-fat ratio can be used as an indicator for the prediction and diagnosis
      of metabolic syndrome, and early prevention and management of metabolic syndrome
      can help in improving public health. 

PMID- 27134409
TI  - Relative activity of respiratory muscles during prescribed inspiratory muscle
      training in healthy people.
AB  - [Purpose] This study aimed to determine the effects of different intensities of
      inspiratory muscle training on the relative respiratory muscle activity in
      healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] Thirteen healthy male volunteers were
      instructed to perform inspiratory muscle training (0%, 40%, 60%, and 80% maximal
      inspiratory pressure) on the basis of their individual intensities. The
      inspiratory muscle training was performed in random order of intensities. Surface
      electromyography data were collected from the right-side diaphragm, external
      intercostal, and sternocleidomastoid, and pulmonary functions (forced expiratory
      volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, and their ratio; peak expiratory flow; and
      maximal inspiratory pressure) were measured. [Results] Comparison of the relative
      activity of the diaphragm showed significant differences between the 60% and 80%
      maximal inspiratory pressure intensities and baseline during inspiratory muscle
      training. Furthermore, significant differences were found in sternocleidomastoid
      relative activity between the 60% and 80% maximal inspiratory pressure
      intensities and baseline during inspiratory muscle training. [Conclusion] During
      inspiratory muscle training in the clinic, the patients were assisted (verbally
      or through feedback) by therapists to avoid overactivation of their accessory
      muscles (sternocleidomastoid). This study recommends that inspiratory muscle
      training be performed at an accurate and appropriate intensity through the
      practice of proper deep breathing. 

PMID- 27134410
TI  - Muscle activity in the lower limbs during push-down movement with a new active
      exercise apparatus for the leg.
AB  - [Purpose] Lower-limb deep vein thrombosis is a complication of orthopedic
      surgery. A leg-exercise apparatus named "LEX" was developed as a novel active
      exercise apparatus for deep vein thrombosis prevention. Muscle activity was
      evaluated to assess the effectiveness of exercise with LEX in the prevention.
      [Subjects] Eight healthy volunteers participated in this study. [Methods] Muscle
      activities were determined through electromyography during exercise with LEX [LEX
      (+)] and during active ankle movements [LEX (-)]. The end points were peak %
      maximum voluntary contraction and % integrated electromyogram of rectus femoris,
      vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, and soleus.
      [Results] LEX (+) resulted in higher average values in all muscles except the
      tibialis anterior. Significant differences were noted in the peak of the biceps
      femoris and gastrocnemius and in the integrated electromyogram of the rectus
      femoris, vastus lateralis, gastrocnemius, and soleus. The LEX (+)/LEX (-) ratio
      of the peak was 2.2 for the biceps femoris and 2.0 for the gastrocnemius . The
      integrated electromyogram was 1.8 for the gastrocnemius, 1.5 for the rectus
      femoris, 1.4 for the vastus lateralis, and 1.2 for the soleus. [Conclusion]
      Higher muscle activity was observed with LEX (+). LEX might be a good tool for
      increasing lower-limb blood flow and deep vein thrombosis prevention. 

PMID- 27134412
TI  - Influence of mental practice on upper limb muscle activity and activities of
      daily living in chronic stroke patients.
AB  - [Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effects of mental practice
      on muscle activity of the upper extremity and performance of daily activities in
      chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] In this research, mental practice
      was conducted by 2 chronic hemiplegic stroke patients. Mental practice was
      conducted 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week, for 2 weeks. Evaluation was conducted
      4 times before and after intervention. Muscle activity was measured using a
      surface electromyogram test, and the Modified Barthel Index was used to measure
      changes in the ability to carry out daily activities. [Results] Both the muscle
      activity of the upper extremity and capability to perform daily activities showed
      improved outcomes after mental practice was conducted. [Conclusion] Through this
      research, mental practice was proven to be effective in improving the muscle
      activity of upper extremity and capability to perform daily activities in chronic
      hemiplegic stroke patients. 

PMID- 27134411
TI  - Improved perioperative analgesia with ultrasound-guided
      ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve or transversus abdominis plane block for open
      inguinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled
      trials.
AB  - [Purpose] Ultrasound-guided ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric (II/IH) nerve and
      transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks have been increasingly utilized in
      patients for perioperative analgesia. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate
      the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided II/IH nerve or TAP blocks for
      perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing open inguinal surgery. [Subjects
      and Methods] A systematic search was conducted of 7 databases from the inception
      to March 5, 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the clinical
      efficacy of ultrasound-guided vs. landmark-based techniques to perform II/IH
      nerve and TAP blocks in patients with open inguinal surgery were included. We
      constructed random effects models to pool the standardized mean difference (SMD)
      for continuous outcomes and the odds ratio (OR) for dichotomized outcomes.
      [Results] Ultrasound-guided II/IH nerve or TAP blocks were associated with a
      reduced use of intraoperative additional analgesia and a significant reduction of
      pain scores during day-stay. The use of rescue drugs was also significantly lower
      in the ultrasound-guided group. [Conclusion] The use of ultrasound-guidance to
      perform an II/IH nerve or a TAP block was associated with improved perioperative
      analgesia in patients following open inguinal surgery compared to landmark-based
      methods. 

PMID- 27134413
TI  - lower limbs kinematic assessment of the effect of a gym and hydrotherapy
      rehabilitation protocol after knee megaprosthesis: a case report.
AB  - [Purpose] To quantitatively assess the effect of a personalized rehabilitation
      protocol after knee megaprosthesis. [Subject and Methods] The gait patterns of a
      33-year-old male patient with knee synovial sarcoma were assessed by a
      computerized analysis before and after 40 rehabilitation sessions. [Results] The
      rehabilitation protocol improved the gait pattern. After rehabilitation, hip
      flexion was nearly symmetric, with normalized affected limb hip flexion, and
      improved ankle flexion. Ankle in/eversion was asymmetric and did not improve
      after physiotherapy. Before physiotherapy, the hip flexion on the affected side
      anticipated the movement but nearly normalized in the follow-up assessment. Hip
      abduction range of motion increased, with wider movements and good balance. Knee
      range of motion nearly symmetrized, but maintained an anticipated behavior,
      without shock absorption at heel-strike. [Conclusion] Instrumental gait analysis
      allowed us to gain evidence about the training and how to expand rehabilitative
      interventions to improve efficacy. In particular, we recommend quadriceps and
      gastrocnemius eccentric contraction training (to improve the shock absorption
      phase, preventing early failures of the prosthesis); one-leg standing performance
      (to improve the support phase of the affected limb); adductor strength training
      (to aid in hip control during the swing phase); and peroneus strength training
      (to increase ankle joint stabilization). 

PMID- 27134414
TI  - Analysis of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis oblique muscle activation during
      squat exercise with and without a variety of tools in normal adults.
AB  - [Purpose] The present study investigated the effects of squat exercises with and
      without a variety of tools including a gym ball, wedge, and elastic band on the
      vastus lateralis and vastus medialis oblique muscles. [Subjects and Methods] A
      total of twenty healthy subjects with no history of neurological, musculoskeletal
      injury, or pain in the lower extremities were recruited. All subjects performed
      four types of exercise (conventional squat exercise, squat exercise with a gym
      ball, squat exercise with a wedge, squat exercise with an elastic band).
      [Results] There were no significant differences between exercises in comparison
      of the vastus lateralis muscle activity. In the squat exercise with a wedge,
      significantly higher activity of the vastus medialis oblique muscle was found
      compared with in the squat exercise with an elastic band. [Conclusion] The
      present study suggests that the conventional squat exercise can be one of the
      useful interventions for patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. 

PMID- 27134416
TI  - Improving the Prediction of Risk for Anxiety Development in Temperamentally
      Fearful Children.
AB  - Pediatric anxiety disorders are among the most common disorders in children and
      adolescence resulting in both short-term and long-term negative consequences
      across a variety of domains including social and academic. Early fearful
      temperament has emerged as a strong predictor of anxiety development in
      childhood; however, not all fearful children become anxious. The current article
      summarizes theory and evidence for heterogeneity in the identification of
      temperamentally fearful children and trajectories of risk for anxiety. The
      findings presented in this article reveal that identification of subgroups of
      fearful temperament improves prediction of who is at risk for developing anxiety
      problems.

PMID- 27134417
TI  - Going public: reflections on developing the DoBra research program for health
      promoting palliative care in Sweden.
AB  - Introduction: Public health approaches to end-of-life (EoL) research and care are
      relatively rare in Sweden, and health-promoting palliative care (HPPC) remains a
      foreign concept for most. We recently consolidated our HPPC endeavors into a
      cohesive research program, DoBra, to promote constructive change and awareness to
      support better quality of life and death among the general population, in
      specific sub-groups, and in interventions directed to professional groups caring
      for dying individuals, their friends and families. Objectives: In this article,
      we aim to share ideas, experiences, and reflections from the early stages of this
      research program, particularly in relation to how we try to work with new
      'publics', to contribute to the development of HPPC as a new research field.
      Methods and Results: We discuss some considerations which arise in the Swedish
      context, and present the underlying ideas and approaches used in the research
      program, with examples of their application. HPPC, based on ideas from new public
      health, is essential as an umbrella for the DoBra program. Action research,
      experience-based co-design, and knowledge exchange, all aim to bring together a
      variety of stakeholders to exchange ideas and expertise, and co-create experience
      based evidence through knowledge generation, dissemination, and sharing.
      Discussion: In reflecting on what we have learned about publics and partnerships
      in EoL research to date, we question distinctions made between professionals and
      publics, concluding that including publics in public health research, means also
      including ourselves and making public many of the reflections, the mistakes, and
      the experiences we all have, to foster collective learning.

PMID- 27134418
TI  - Research reorientation.

PMID- 27134419
TI  - Sequacity.

PMID- 27134420
TI  - Applications of cone beam computed tomography for a prosthodontist.
AB  - Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a medical imaging technique of X-ray
      computed tomography where the X-rays are divergent, forming a cone. CBCT systems
      have been designed for imaging hard tissues of the maxillofacial region. The
      increasing availability of this technology provides the dental clinician with an
      imaging modality capable of providing a three-dimensional representation of the
      maxillofacial skeleton with minimal distortion. This article is intended to
      elaborate and enunciate on the various applications and benefits of CBCT, in the
      realm of maxillofacial prosthodontics, over and beyond its obvious benefits in
      the rehabilitation of patients with implants. With the onus of meticulous
      reconstruction of near ideal occlusion resting on the prosthodontist, CBCT
      provides a unique imaging option, which can be a boon in various aspects of
      prosthodontic practice - from imaging of the temporomandibular joint for accurate
      movement simulation, to template assisted maxillofacial reconstruction or even
      over denture therapy. CBCT could play a crucial role in lessening the burden of a
      hectic prosthodontic routine for the clinician and critically contribute to
      accurate and effective treatment for the patient. Apart from the authors'
      clinical experiences shared here, a web-based search for relevant articles in
      this specific area of interest was also conducted. The selected articles were
      critically reviewed and the data acquired were systematically compiled. 

PMID- 27134421
TI  - Concepts of occlusion in prosthodontics: A literature review, part II.
AB  - This series of articles describes about concepts of occlusion in the complete
      denture, fixed partial denture, and implants. This article discusses about the
      evolution of different concepts of nonbalanced occlusion and occlusal schemes in
      complete denture occlusion. 

PMID- 27134422
TI  - Outcome of single maxillary complete dentures opposing mandibular teeth: A need
      to introspect on the prosthodontic treatment protocol.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the era of implant supported restorations, conventional complete
      denture (CD) for isolated edentulous maxilla still remains the first choice of
      treatment despite being its frequent mechanical failures. STATEMENT OF PROBLEM:
      Edentulous maxillary arch restored with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) based CDs
      when opposed by natural and/or restored dentition is biomechanically and
      functionally a compromised rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients
      (4 males, 3 females) in the age range of 55-75 years were treated for their
      frequent fracture of the single maxillary denture. They were asked to rate their
      prosthodontic experience on a scale of 1-10. They were further inquired about the
      awareness of their clinical condition and knowledge on the alternative treatment
      options available to them, number of different dentists they have been treated by
      and frequency of their re-visits to the dental office after being edentulous.
      RESULTS: Removable PMMA based CD in maxilla was the first choice of treatment for
      all the restorative dentists who treated these patients. No attempt was ever made
      to treat the opposing dentition in any of the seven patients. Despite being under
      regular prosthodontic care for fabrication and repairs by as many as 23 dentists,
      none of the patients was aware of their clinical situation and the alternative
      treatment options available. CONCLUSION: It is imperative that the restorative
      dentist be aware of the perils of such inter-arch relationships. Appropriate
      treatment done on time may avert a situation where the oral conditions become
      incompatible for the longevity of treatment done even with the aid of dental
      implants.

PMID- 27134423
TI  - Lateral throat form re-classified using a customized gauge: A clinical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A common problem faced by prosthodontists is achieving adequate
      retention and stability in the mandibular dentures. Recording the lateral throat
      form (LTF) correctly can aid in the retention and stability. Till date, Neil's
      classification has been considered as the gold standard in measuring the depth of
      the LTF. This is a subjective classification and varies among different
      operators. In this study, a customized tool was used to measure the depth of the
      LTF, and a classification was proposed according to the measured depths.
      OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to measure the exact depth of LTF
      using customized gauge and to propose a classification based on the measured
      depth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A customized gauge was made to measure the depth of
      the LTF. Two different observers classified the LTFs according to Neil's
      classification and according to the proposed classification in a total group of
      50 patients. The customized gauge was inserted into the alveolo-lingual sulcus to
      measure the depth. The Pearson's correlation statistics was carried out to
      observe the inter-observer relationships of sulcus depth using this customized
      gauge. ANOVA test was used to compare the mean depth of the sulcus as measured by
      observers 1 and 2. RESULTS: There was more inter-observer variability when Neil's
      classification was used as compared to the one with the proposed classification
      using the gauge. The inter-observer agreement for the proposed new classification
      was assessed by Cohen's kappa value, with P < 0.001. The mean depth of the sulcus
      as calculated by observers 1 and 2 was compared with ANOVA test and found to be
      significant with P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The proposed new classification for LTF
      gave consistent results and was easier to use with less variability when compared
      to the Neil's classification.

PMID- 27134424
TI  - Retrospective study on the 7.5-year survival of resin-bonded dental prostheses in
      single missing second premolar cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report retrospectively the clinical
      results of cast metal slot-retained resin-bonded fixed dental prostheses (RBFDPs)
      used in the restoration of single missing second premolar teeth, as this kind of
      prostheses provides acceptable clinical outcomes in a minimally invasive and
      esthetic treatment for the average patient requiring cheaper and faster treatment
      alternative for a single missing posterior tooth. However, the data present in
      the literature are scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical follow-up was reported
      up to 7.5 years in nine different cast metal slot-retained RBFDPs patients of
      both genders between 21 and 49 years of age. Routine clinical controls were
      performed 6 and 12 months after treatment, followed by regular intervals every
      year afterward. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimation method was used to determine
      the overall and functional survival rates and times of the RBFDPs at the end of
      the observation period. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up, all of the RBFDPs
      were still functional with a mean follow-up of 6.7 years. The Kaplan-Meier
      estimation for the overall survival was calculated as 89% for up to 7.5 years
      with one failure due to debonding. The functional survival rate was 100% with the
      lowest and highest observation periods being 5.8 and 7.5 years, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this retrospective clinical study, it
      seems that the design and cementation regimen used for the RBFDPs presented can
      guarantee clinical success in the restoration of single missing second premolar
      teeth.

PMID- 27134415
TI  - Stimulus-responsive hydrogels: Theory, modern advances, and applications.
AB  - Over the past century, hydrogels have emerged as effective materials for an
      immense variety of applications. The unique network structure of hydrogels
      enables very high levels of hydrophilicity and biocompatibility, while at the
      same time exhibiting the soft physical properties associated with living tissue,
      making them ideal biomaterials. Stimulus-responsive hydrogels have been
      especially impactful, allowing for unprecedented levels of control over material
      properties in response to external cues. This enhanced control has enabled
      groundbreaking advances in healthcare, allowing for more effective treatment of a
      vast array of diseases and improved approaches for tissue engineering and wound
      healing. In this extensive review, we identify and discuss the multitude of
      response modalities that have been developed, including temperature, pH,
      chemical, light, electro, and shear-sensitive hydrogels. We discuss the
      theoretical analysis of hydrogel properties and the mechanisms used to create
      these responses, highlighting both the pioneering and most recent work in all of
      these fields. Finally, we review the many current and proposed applications of
      these hydrogels in medicine and industry.

PMID- 27134426
TI  - An in-vitro study to compare the temperature rise in the pulp chamber by direct
      method using three different provisional restorative materials.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The provisional restorative materials in fixed
      prosthodontics are basically bis-GMA resins which releases exothermic temperature
      while polymerization which can damage the pulp. Intrapulpal temperature exceeding
      42.5 degrees C found to result in irreversible damage to the pulp. The remaining
      thickness of dentine after tooth preparation control the conduction of heat
      released by the resins. PURPOSE: (1) To quantify the temperature changes in the
      pulp chamber using different provisional restorative materials. (2) To evaluate
      the peak temperature time of different materials used. (3) To compare the
      intrapulpal temperature changes with a variation in the width of the finish line.
      METHODOLOGY: Two intact mandibular molars were selected and designated as
      Specimen A and B. Tooth preparation was done to prepare a finish line of 1.2 mm
      and 1 mm width, respectively. Three provisional restorative materials were
      considered and they were grouped as Group I-Cool temp, Group II-Protemp-4, Group
      III-Integrity. A J thermocouple probe was placed into the pulp chamber to
      determine the rise in temperature. The temperature was recorded during
      polymerization at 30-s intervals until the peak temperature was reached. The same
      procedure was repeated for fabricating remaining provisional crowns. A total of
      45 provisional crowns were fabricated for each specimen. RESULTS: Kruskal-Wallis
      test revealed that there was a significant difference in the temperature changes
      associated with the provisional restorative materials used. All the three
      provisional restorative materials were compared for 1.2 mm and 1 mm wide finish
      line. Integrity produced the highest temperature rise and the maximum temperature
      recorded was 40.2 degrees C in 1.2 mm wide finish line. However, for a 1 mm wide
      finish line, Protemp-4 produced the highest temperature rise and the maximum
      temperature recorded was 40.3 degrees C. It was observed that peak temperatures
      with Specimen B were more when compared with Specimen A. CONCLUSION: Cool temp
      showed least temperature rise in the pulp chamber. The order of rise in
      intrapulpal temperature in tested provisional materials using direct technique
      would be Cool temp, Integrity, and Protemp-4.

PMID- 27134425
TI  - Denture hygiene knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward patient education in
      denture care among dental practitioners of Jabalpur city, Madhya Pradesh, India.
AB  - CONTEXT: Researchers have concentrated their focus on denture wearer's attitude
      and practice toward denture cleansing despite the fact that they should be more
      focused on the attitudes of the dentists' themselves towards patient education at
      the time of denture delivery. It is an obligation of every dentist to motivate,
      instruct and provide the means and methods of plaque control for their patients.
      AIMS: The aim was to assess the denture hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practice
      towards patient education in denture care among dental practitioners (DPs) of
      Jabalpur city, Madhya Pradesh, India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 168 dental
      practitioners completed a comprehensive questionnaire. All participants signed an
      informed consent before answering the questionnaire. The institutional review
      committee approved the study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test for non
      parametric study was employed to determine the statistical difference between the
      two groups. A P-value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
      RESULTS: Most of the subjects were qualified with a bachelor degree 142 (85%). 25
      (18%) subjects did not associate oral biofilms on complete denture with
      conditions like denture stomatitis and other serious systemic diseases.
      Approximately half of the DPs 69 (48%) and specialists 8 (31%) agreed that
      explaining denture hygiene instructions to old patients can be very time
      consuming. A recall program for their patients is of importance according to 39
      (27%) of DPs and 3 (12%) specialists. CONCLUSIONS: It may be concluded that the
      study subjects had limited knowledge of denture cleansing materials and denture
      hygiene importance. Attitudes varied among the subjects when it came to sharing
      information with their patients.

PMID- 27134427
TI  - Comparative evaluation of marginal leakage of provisional crowns cemented with
      different temporary luting cements: In vitro study.
AB  - BACKGROUND OR STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: As, the longevity of provisional restorations
      is related to, a perfect adaptation and a strong, long-term union between
      restoration and teeth structures, therefore, evaluation of marginal leakage of
      provisional restorative materials luted with cements using the standardized
      procedures is essential. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the marginal leakage of
      the provisional crowns fabricated from Autopolymerizing acrylic resin crowns and
      bisphenol A-glycidyl dimethacrylate (BIS-GMA) resin crowns. To compare the
      marginal leakage of the provisional crowns fabricated from autopolymerizing
      acrylic resin crowns and BIS-GMA resin crowns cemented with different temporary
      luting cements. To compare the marginal leakage of the provisional crowns
      fabricated from autopolymerizing acrylic resin (SC-10) crowns cemented with
      different temporary luting cements. To compare the marginal leakage of the
      provisional crowns fabricated from BIS-GMA resin crowns (Protemp 4) cemented with
      different temporary luting cements. METHODOLOGY: Freshly extracted 60 maxillary
      premolars of approximately similar dimensions were mounted in dental plaster.
      Tooth reduction with shoulder margin was planned to use a customized handpiece
      holding jig. Provisional crowns were prepared using the wax pattern fabricated
      from computer aided designing/computer aided manufacturing milling machine
      following the tooth preparation. Sixty provisional crowns were made, thirty each
      of SC-10 and Protemp 4 and were then cemented with three different luting
      cements. Specimens were thermocycled, submerged in a 2% methylene blue solution,
      then sectioned and observed under a stereomicroscope for the evaluation of
      marginal microleakage. A five-level scale was used to score dye penetration in
      the tooth/cement interface and the results of this study was analyzed using the
      Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis H-test and the results were
      statistically significant P < 0.05 the power of study - 80%. RESULTS: Marginal
      leakage was significant in both provisional crowns cemented with three different
      luting cements along the axial walls of teeth (P < 0.05) confidence interval -
      95%. CONCLUSION: The temporary cements with eugenol showed more microleakage than
      those without eugenol. SC-10 crowns showed more microleakage compared to Protemp
      4 crowns. SC-10 crowns cemented with Kalzinol showed maximum microleakage and
      Protemp 4 crowns cemented with HY bond showed least microleakage.

PMID- 27134428
TI  - Effect of metal type and surface treatment on shear bond strength of resin cement
      (in vitro study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resin-bonded fixed partial dentures appeared to prevent the excessive
      preparation of dental tissue. Investigation of surface treatments to improve the
      bond of resin cements to metals may contribute to the longevity of these
      restorations. Due to the potential lack of ideal preparation form, the type of
      alloy and its surface pretreatment may have clinically relevant correlations with
      the retentive strength of castings to minimally retentive preparations. AIM: The
      aim of this search is to study the bonding resin cement strength to different
      types of the metal alloy due to the surface treatment. PURPOSE: Evaluate the
      effects of two different surface treatments on shear bond strength (SBS) between
      a palladium-silver alloy (Pb-Ag) and commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) cast
      alloy with resin luting cements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 cylinders
      having 5 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height were divided into two different main
      groups of metal type: 60 cylinders cast from CP Ti Grade I (Tritan - Reintitan -
      Germany-Dentaurum) as a base metal and 60 cylinders cast from Pb-Ag (Status
      Yamakin, Japan) as a noble metal. 30 cylinders from each type were embedded in
      acrylic resin, and the rest were left without embedded in acrylic resin. All of
      the cylinders were smoothed with silicon carbide papers and sandblasting with 50
      MUm aluminum oxide. Specimens of each metal type were divided into two subgroups,
      which received one of the following luting techniques: (1) Multilink (Ivoclar
      Vivadent), (2) Multilink (Ivoclar Vivadent) plus metal zirconia primer (MZP).
      Every two cylinders from the same metal type and surface treatment were bonded to
      each other. All specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 degrees C for 24 h
      and then thermal cycled (500 cycles, 5-55 degrees C). After thermal cycling, the
      specimens were stored in 37 degrees C distilled water for an additional 24 h
      before being tested in shear strength. Data (MPa) were analyzed using T-s tests
      to study the significance of various - means among groups and perform a
      comparison between each two groups of them. RESULTS: The T-s tests indicated
      significant effect of combination of the sandblasting technique (aluminum oxide
      particles 50 MUm) with the application of primer MZP before using resin cement (P
      < 0.05) independent of the metal type used. The metal type did not significantly
      affect SBS for any of the compared surface pretreatments. CONCLUSION: Metal
      primer application significantly enhanced SBS to base and a noble metal. No
      significant differences in shear strength were found between alloys.

PMID- 27134429
TI  - A comparative evaluation of effect on water sorption and solubility of a
      temporary soft denture liner material when stored either in distilled water,
      5.25% sodium hypochlorite or artificial saliva: An in vitro study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Soft denture liners have a key role in modern removable
      prosthodontics since they restore health to inflamed and abused mucosa by
      redistribution of forces transmitted to the edentulous ridges. The most common
      problems encountered using soft denture liners are water sorption and solubility
      when in contact with saliva or storage media. These problems are associated with
      swelling, distortion, support of Candida albicans growth, and stresses at the
      liner/denture base interface that reduces the bond strength. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the water sorption and solubility of commercially available acrylic
      based self cure soft denture lining material (GC RELINETM Tissue Conditioner)
      after immersion in three different storage media (distilled water, Shellis
      artificial saliva, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite disinfectant solution) at time
      interval of 4, 7, 11, and 15 days. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved
      preparation of artificial saliva using Shellis formula. A total 45 standardized
      samples of the material (GC RELINETM) were prepared in disk form (15 mm in
      diameter and 2 mm in thickness). The study was divided into three groups with
      storage in Control (distilled water), Shellis artificial saliva, and 5.25% sodium
      hypochlorite. Samples were dried in a desiccator and weighed in the analytical
      balance to measure the initial weight (mg/cm2) of the disks (W1). The first
      groups (15 samples) were placed in 30 ml distilled water (Group A) at 37oC,
      second group 30 ml of artificial saliva (Group B) and third group in 5.25% sodium
      hypochlorite (Group C). Disks were removed from disinfectant after 5 min and
      placed in 30 ml distilled water. On days 4, 7, 11, and 15, all samples were
      removed from their containers and reweighed to measure the weight (mg/cm2) of the
      disks after sorption (W2). The solubility was measured by placing the disks back
      in the desiccator after each sorption cycle and drying them to constant weight in
      the desiccator. These values were weight after desiccation (W3). Water sorption
      and solubility was calculated: 1. Sorption (mg/cm2) = (W2-W1)/Surface area 2.
      Solubility (mg/cm2) = (W1-W3)/Surface area. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical
      Analysis was done using one way analysis of variance and the intercomparison
      between each group was done using Tukey's honestly significance difference (HSD)
      test. RESULTS: Within the limitations of this study it was concluded that water
      sorption of the GC RELINETM soft denture liner material was highest in distilled
      water followed by 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and least in Shellis artificial
      saliva at 4, 7, and 11 day interval. However, on the 15th day, the results showed
      maximum water sorption in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite followed by distilled water
      and least in artificial saliva. The results on solubility showed highest
      solubility of GC RELINE soft denture liner in artificial saliva followed by
      distilled water and least in 5.25% sodium hypochlorite at 4, 7, 11, and 15 day
      interval. DISCUSSION: The least water uptake of the soft liner in artificial
      saliva was due to its ionic properties and supports the theory that water uptake
      of these materials is osmotically driven. However, the solubility was highest in
      artificial saliva since it is a mix of various salts and other additives, so
      there is a possibility of interaction with soft denture lining material.

PMID- 27134430
TI  - Spectrophotometric evaluation of shade reproduction of pressable all-ceramic
      system on un-stained and stained tooth: An in vitro study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the shade reproduction of a pressable all-ceramic system
      placed on unstained and stained extracted maxillary central incisor using a color
      measurement spectrophotometer. In addition, to compare shade reproduction of this
      material with low translucency and medium opacity on unstained tooth and medium
      and high opacity on stained tooth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 45 discs, with
      difference in the opacity of core, were used. After spectrophotometric
      evaluation, shade reproduction of the discs was compared and calculated by
      formula: Delta E* = ([Delta L*](2)+ [Delta a*](2)+ [Delta b*](2))(1/2). RESULTS:
      Student's t-test showed that in a sample of 15, the values of Delta E* for Group
      I - LT (Us.T.) lie between 0 and l, for Group II - MO (for Us. as well as S.T.)
      between l and 2, for Group III - HO (S.T.) are all above 5. Comparison among
      groups after t-test showed that mean Delta E* values of Group I - LT is less than
      Group II - MO for the unstained tooth, Delta E* for Group II - MO is less than
      average Delta E* value of Group III - HO for stained tooth. CONCLUSION: All
      ceramic with low translucency can be used for the fabrication of restoration on
      the unstained tooth as it gives the best shade reproduction. The medium opacity
      material may be used on the unstained as well as on stained tooth. However, the
      clinical implication of high opacity is limited when applied over the stained
      tooth as it is giving a shade reproduction, which is not within acceptable
      limits.

PMID- 27134431
TI  - Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the stress distribution in the
      endodontically treated maxillary central incisor by glass fiber post and dentin
      post.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: From the point of dental practice, the restoration of
      endodontically treated teeth has become an important aspect as it involves a
      range of treatment options of variable complexity. Restoring teeth with
      insufficient coronal tooth structure, it is always indicated to use the post to
      retain a core for definitive restoration. Fiber post has a modulus of elasticity
      in analogs to dentin structure, thus reducing the stress areas at the dowel
      dentin interface. However, the only material that can substantiate all these
      properties can be none other than dentin itself. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Three
      dimensional (3D) models of the maxillary central incisor were developed
      incorporating all the nonlinearities. Continuum 3D elements were used in three
      dimensions. Maxillary central incisor was laser scanned, duplicated with the help
      of reverse engineering into STL format, and it was converted into 3D model for
      finite element analysis (FEA). For the model, fixed boundary conditions were
      applied at the outer bone, while 100 N static vertical occlusal loads were
      prescribed at 135 degrees  on the loading component of the simulated tooth. The
      stress distribution was evaluated using dentin and fiber post with prescribed
      materials, loading and boundary conditions in endontically treated teeth by 3D
      FEA. RESULTS: The analysis for von Misses stress for dentin post showed that the
      stress in the dentin post at the cervical area was 127 MPa. The displacement in
      the dentin post was <0.025 mm. Von Misses stress for the fiber post at the
      cervical area was approximately 182 MPa and the displacement was <0.035 mm.
      CONCLUSION: The FEA results showed that the stress in the cervical area of the
      dentin was more for fiber post when compared to dentin post, and maximum
      displacement values were less for dentin post in comparison to fiber post.

PMID- 27134432
TI  - Single implant supported mandibular overdenture: A literature review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible by implant-supported
      prosthesis is a successful and satisfying treatment as suggested by many clinical
      trials. However, the minimum number of implants required for this restoration is
      debatable. Single implant retained overdenture (SIROD) has gained popularity as a
      simple protocol. The purpose of this review is to systematically analyze the
      literature on SIROD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was done in the
      PubMed and Medline databases using the key words "central single implant
      overdenture," "implant overdenture retained by one implant," "implant overdenture
      retained by single implant," "mandibular single implant overdenture," "mandibular
      SIRODs." Articles from 1993 to November 2012 were included in the review. Out of
      208 articles, only 18 had relevant data pertaining to mandibular single implant
      overdenture. Two more were hand-picked from journals that are non-PubMed indexed
      but from reputed publishing houses. RESULTS: Majority of studies supported the
      concept of SIROD. Success outcome was addressed in relation to surgical,
      prosthetic, functional parameters, and patient satisfaction. 65% studies
      evaluated the primary stabilities of the placed implants, 50% of studies assessed
      the marginal bone loss quarterly across a 1-year period. Prosthesis outcome was a
      criterion for evaluation of success rate in 45% of studies. CONCLUSION: The SIROD
      is proved to be successful and an economic treatment protocol. However, the
      clinical parameters such as masticatory efficiency bite force, retention, and
      stability needs to be investigated.

PMID- 27134433
TI  - Rehabilitation of long-span Kennedy class IV partially edentulous patient with a
      custom attachment-retained prosthesis.
AB  - The rehabilitation of a patient in the Kennedy class IV situation demands
      biomechanical balance and aesthetic improvement. The long-span condition
      complicates the problem because of the unavailability of sufficient number of
      abutments to support the prosthesis. Conventional removable prosthesis and fixed
      partial denture are not advised for the same reason. This report describes a
      novel technique for the fabrication of a custom attachment to retain prosthesis.
      An acrylic resin removable partial denture (RPD) is retained by a custom
      attachment. The patrix part of the custom attachment is fabricated using molar
      bands, prefabricated circumferential clasp, and straight die pins. The matrix
      part of the attachment is constituted by the plastic sleeves of the straight die
      pins, which are embedded inside the tissue-fitting surface of the prosthesis.
      This article describes an inexpensive custom attachment for rehabilitating the
      long-span Kennedy class IV situation. The entire technique is reversible,
      inexpensive, and demands less skill compared to semi-precision and precision
      attachments. 

PMID- 27134434
TI  - Rehabilitation of post-traumatic total nasal defect using silicone and acrylic
      resin.
AB  - Facial defects resulting from neoplasms, congenital abnormalities or trauma can
      affect the patient esthetically, psychologically, and even financially. Surgical
      reconstruction of large facial defects is sometimes not possible and frequently
      demands prosthetic rehabilitation. For success of such prosthesis, adequate
      replication of natural anatomy, color matching and blending with tissue interface
      are important criteria. Variety of materials and retention methods are advocated
      to achieve a functionally and esthetically acceptable restoration. Silicones are
      the most commonly used materials because of flexibility, lifelike appearance and
      ability to be used in combination with acrylic resin which is hard, provides body
      and helps in achieving retention to the prosthesis by engaging mechanical
      undercuts. Furthermore, the acrylic portion can be relined easily, thus helping
      comfortable wear and removal of the prosthesis by patient without traumatizing
      nasal mucosa. This case report describes time saving and cost effective
      prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with total nasal defect using custom
      sculpted nasal prosthesis made up of silicone elastomer and acrylic resin, which
      is retained by engaging mechanical undercut and use of biocompatible silicone
      adhesive. 

PMID- 27134435
TI  - Prosthetic rehabilitation of an orbital defect for a patient with hemifacial
      atrophy.
AB  - Removal of an eye may be indicated in cases of congenital abnormality, severe
      trauma, or disease such as an infection, tumor, or malignancy. The disfigurement
      associated with a loss of an eye is often accompanied with physical problems,
      psychological trauma, and a poor quality of life. A prosthetic replacement is the
      treatment of choice to return the individual to his normal vocation by producing
      an acceptable and life-like appearance. This article describes prosthetic
      rehabilitation of a 19-year-old male suffering from facial hemiatrophy with the
      loss of his left eye due to retinoblastoma when he was 2-year-old using medically
      graded silicone material. The technique used is simple, cost effective, and easy
      way for fabrication and rehabilitation of an orbital defect using silicone
      prosthesis where retention is achieved by a combination of silicone adhesives and
      tapes, and to a very small extent by bony and soft tissue undercut, hence
      providing better esthetic and psychological outcome. The acrylic part of the
      prosthesis was adhered to the socket with the help of a two-way silicon adhesive
      tape. Since the patient had lost his eye when he was 2-year-old, the development
      of eye and periorbital tissue on the defect side lead to hemiatrophy; in our
      approach, we have attempted to build the prosthesis in par with the normal side
      so that the fullness on the defect side was restored to that of the contralateral
      side. The fabricated facial prosthesis was durable, esthetic, and had good
      retention. 

PMID- 27134436
TI  - Computer-assisted design/computer-assisted manufacturing systems: A revolution in
      restorative dentistry.
AB  - For the better part of the past 20 years, dentistry has seen the development of
      many new all-ceramic materials and restorative techniques fueled by the desire to
      capture the ever elusive esthetic perfection. This has resulted in the fusion of
      the latest in material science and the pen ultimate in computer-assisted
      design/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. This case report
      describes the procedure for restoring the esthetic appearance of both the left
      and right maxillary peg-shaped lateral incisors with a metal-free sintered finely
      structured feldspar ceramic material using the latest laboratory CAD/CAM system.
      The use of CAD/CAM technology makes it possible to produce restorations faster
      with precision- fit and good esthetics overcoming the errors associated with
      traditional ceramo-metal technology. The incorporation of this treatment modality
      would mean that the dentist working procedures will have to be adapted in the
      methods of CAD/CAM technology. 

PMID- 27134437
TI  - Rehabilitation of orbital cavity after orbital exenteration using polymethyl
      methacrylate orbital prosthesis.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid is the second most common malignant
      neoplasm of the eye with the incidence of 0.09 and 2.42 cases/100 000 people.
      Orbital invasion is a rare complication but, if recognized early, can be treated
      effectively with exenteration. Although with advancements in technology such as
      computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, material science, and
      retentive methods like implants, orbital prosthesis with stock ocular prosthesis
      made of methyl methacrylate retained by anatomic undercuts is quiet effective and
      should not be overlooked and forgotten. This clinical report describes prosthetic
      rehabilitation of two male patients with polymethyl methacrylate resin orbital
      prosthesis after orbital exenteration, for squamous cell carcinoma of the upper
      eyelid. The orbital prosthesis was sufficiently retained by hard and soft tissue
      undercuts without any complications. The patients using the prosthesis are quite
      satisfied with the cosmetic results and felt comfortable attending the social
      events. 

PMID- 27134438
TI  - 4:2:1 conduction of an AF initiating trigger.
AB  - A 44 year old male with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was undergoing
      persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Following antral ablation, AF
      terminated into a regular narrow complex rhythm. Earliest activation was mapped
      to a focus in the superior vena cava (SVC) which was conducted in a 2:1 ratio to
      the atria which in turn was conducted with 2:1 ratio to the ventricles, resulting
      in an unusual 4:2:1 conduction of the SVC tachycardia. 1:1 conduction of the SVC
      tachycardia to the atrium preceded initiation of AF. During AF, SVC tachycardia
      continued unperturbed. Sinus rhythm was restored following catheter ablation of
      the focus. 

PMID- 27134439
TI  - Age-related location of manifest accessory pathway and clinical consequences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accessory pathway (AP) ablation is not always easy. Our purpose was
      to assess the age-related prevalence of AP location, electrophysiological and
      prognostic data according to this location. METHODS: Electrophysiologic study
      (EPS) was performed in 994 patients for a pre-excitation syndrome. AP location
      was determined on a 12 lead ECG during atrial pacing at maximal preexcitation and
      confirmed at intracardiac EPS in 494 patients. RESULTS: AP location was
      classified as anteroseptal (AS)(96), right lateral (RL)(54), posteroseptal
      (PS)(459), left lateral (LL)(363), nodoventricular (NV)(22). Patients with ASAP
      or RLAP were younger than patients with another AP location. Poorly-tolerated
      arrhythmias were more frequent in patients with LLAP than in other patients
      (0.009 for ASAP, 0.0037 for RLAP, <0.0001 for PSAP). Maximal rate conducted over
      AP was significantly slower in patients with ASAP and RLAP than in other
      patients. Malignant forms at EPS were more frequent in patients with LLAP than in
      patients with ASAP (0.002) or PSAP (0.001). Similar data were noted when AP
      location was confirmed at intracardiac EPS. Among untreated patients, poorly
      tolerated arrhythmia occurred in patients with LLAP (3) or PSAP (6). Failures of
      ablation were more frequent for AS or RL AP than for LL or PS AP. CONCLUSIONS: AS
      and RLAP location in pre-excitation syndrome was more frequent in young patients.
      Maximal rate conducted over AP was lower than in other locations. Absence of
      poorly-tolerated arrhythmias during follow-up and higher risk of ablation failure
      should be taken into account for indications of AP ablation in children with few
      symptoms.

PMID- 27134441
TI  - An uncommon case of spontaneous conversion from AV re-entry tachycardia to AV
      nodal re-entry tachycardia in a patient with dual tachycardia.
AB  - We report the case of a 46-year old patient in whom an electrophysiology study
      (EP) was performed due to paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia documented in
      12-lead ECG. During the EP study, supraventricular tachycardia was induced easily
      and it corresponded to orthodromic AV reentry tachycardia (AVRT) using a
      concealed left free wall accessory pathway. However, during the study AVRT
      spontaneously and repeatedly converted to the typical slow-fast AV node reentry
      tachycardia (AVNRT). Both accessory and AV nodal slow pathways were ablated, due
      to the finding that both AVRT and AVNRT were independently inducible during the
      EP study. 

PMID- 27134440
TI  - ICD discrimination of SVT versus VT with 1:1 V-A conduction: A review of the
      literature.
AB  - Inappropriate ICD shocks are associated with increased mortality. They also
      impair patients' quality of life, increase hospitalizations, and raise health
      care costs. Nearly 80% of inappropriate ICD shocks are caused by supraventricular
      tachycardia. Here we report the case of a patient who received a single-lead dual
      chamber sensing ICD for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death and
      experienced inappropriate ICD shocks. V-A time, electrogram morphology, and
      response to antitachycardia pacing suggested atrioventricular nodal reentry
      tachycardia, which was confirmed in an electrophysiology study. Inspired by this
      case, we performed a literature review to discuss mechanisms for discrimination
      of supraventricular tachycardia with 1:1 A:V relationship from ventricular
      tachycardia with 1:1 retrograde conduction. 

PMID- 27134442
TI  - Management of paroxysmal ectopic atrial tachycardia with long sinus pauses in a
      teenager.
AB  - Sinus pauses in the setting of supraventricular tachycardia is rare in children.
      We describe an asymptomatic teen with irregular heart rate detected during an
      incidental exam who was found to have short runs of a slow ectopic atrial
      tachycardia on electrocardiogram and prolonged sinus pauses on routine ambulatory
      ECG. Successful catheter ablation of the ectopic atrial tachycardia led to
      resolution of the sinus pauses. 

PMID- 27134443
TI  - Bundle-branch reentry ventricular tachycardia after transcatheter aortic valve
      replacement.
AB  - An 83-year-old male suffering from severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis
      received an implant of a biological aortic prosthesis through the femoral artery
      without complications. Seven days after dischargement he experienced a syncope.
      The patient was wearing an ECG holter monitor that day, which showed a wide QRS
      complex tachycardia of 300 beats per minute. The electrophysiological study
      revealed a bundle-branch reentry ventricular tachycardia as the cause of the
      syncope. Radio-frequency was applied on the right-bundle branch. Twelve months
      later, the patient has remained asymptomatic. 

PMID- 27134444
TI  - Catheter ablation of atrial tachycardia in a patient with extracardiac Fontan
      repair: The utility of transaortic approach and pulmonary artery recording.

PMID- 27134445
TI  - A case of 'tachy-brady syndrome': What is the mechanism?
AB  - A young male presented with incessant narrow QRS tachycardia and left ventricular
      dysfunction. 24-Holter monitoring revealed multiple episodes of sustained and
      nonsustained episodes of tachycardia with prolonged sinus pauses at termination.
      The analysis of the electrocardiogram, followed by an invasive
      electrophysiological study, suggested an unusual mechanism for this tachy-brady
      syndrome. 

PMID- 27134446
TI  - An update on early repolarization(ER) syndrome.

PMID- 27134447
TI  - Comparative analysis of the retention of maxillary denture base with and without
      border molding using zinc oxide eugenol impression paste.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of
      border molding on the retention of the maxillary denture base. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Two special trays, one with full extensions to the periphery and one 2
      mm short from the borders were made on the cast obtained from the preliminary
      impression. Border molding was done on the tray which was short from borders. On
      both trays, the final impression was made with zinc oxide eugenol impression
      paste. Heat cure denture bases were fabricated on the prepared casts and
      retention was measured using specially designed instrument. OBSERVATIONS AND
      RESULTS: Mean force with border molding (2765.0 g) was larger than mean force
      without border molding (1805.0 g) at P < 0.01 level. In terms of percentage, too,
      the mean improvement (59.4%) in force of dislodgement was statistically highly
      significant (i.e. P < 0.01). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of the present
      study suggest that the dentures made with border molding will provide better
      retentive force than the dentures made without border molding.

PMID- 27134448
TI  - Quantitative assessment of healthy and reconstructed cleft lip using
      ultrasonography.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study is conducted to investigate the feasibility of echographic
      imaging of tissue thickness of healthy and reconstructed cleft lip. DESIGN:
      Prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in SDM
      Craniofacial Unit, Dharwad and was approved by Local Institutional Review Board.
      A total of 30 patients, age group ranging from 4 to 25 years, of which 15
      postoperative unilateral cleft lip constituted the test group. The remaining 15
      with no cleft deformities, no gross facial asymmetry, constituted the control
      group. The thickness of the mucosa, submucosa, muscle and full thickness of the
      upper lip were measured with the transversal images using ultrasonography at
      midpoint of philtrum, right and left side philtral ridges and vermillion border,
      at 1, 3, 6 months interval. RESULTS: There was an increase in muscle thickness at
      the vermillion border (mean = 6.9 mm) and philtral ridge (5.9 mm). Equal muscle
      thickness were found between the normal and test group at 6 months follow-up in a
      relaxed position, which was statistically significant (P = 0.0404). CONCLUSION:
      Quantitative assessment of thickness and echo levels of various lip tissues are
      done with proper echographic calibration. Diagnostic potentials of this method
      for noninvasive evaluation of cleft lip reconstructions were achieved by this
      study.

PMID- 27134449
TI  - A comparative evaluation of the effect of diclofenac sodium with and without per
      orally administered methylprednisolone on the sequelae of impacted mandibular
      third molar removal: A cohort randomized double-blind clinical trial.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the efficacy of oral methylprednisolone
      and diclofenac sodium on post-operative sequelae after third molar surgery.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted (with
      institutional and university approval for dissertation) to evaluate the effect of
      methylprednisolone with diclofenac sodium (group A) as compared with diclofenac
      sodium and placebo (group B) on three variables: Pain, swelling and trismus,
      after third molar surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive consenting
      patients for surgical removal of mandibular impacted third molar were randomly
      placed into two groups of 15 each (groups A and B). Pain, swelling and trismus
      were observed by visual analog scale, facial measurements and inter-incisal
      opening. Scores were recorded after 24 and 72 h and on the seventh post-operative
      day. Results were subjected to the Chi-square test and independent sample t-test
      (P = 0.05). RESULTS: Mean difference in pain experienced between the two groups
      was statistically significant at 24 h (P = 0.015) and 72 h (P = 0.001) and on the
      seventh day (P = 0.005). Difference in inter-incisal distance was insignificant
      (P = 0.239) pre-operatively, but significant after 24 h (P = 0.014) and 72 h (P =
      0.001) and on the seventh post-operative day (P = 0.001). Mean difference in
      swelling was highly significant after 24 h (P = 0.001) and 72 h (P = 0.0001) and
      on the seventh post-operative day (P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of
      oral dose of methylprednisolone (a corticosteroid) diclofenac sodium (a non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) was found to be more effective than diclofenac
      sodium alone on the sequelae of surgical removal of impacted mandibular third
      molar.

PMID- 27134450
TI  - Immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in
      keratocystic odontogenic tumor, dentigerous cyst, and radicular cyst: A
      comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cyst and tumors arise from tissue remains of odontogenesis, these
      interactions have been considered to play an important role in the tumorigenesis
      of odontogenic lesions. The connective tissue stroma has an essential role in the
      preservation of epithelial tissues and minor alterations in the epithelium are
      followed by corresponding changes in the stroma, such as angiogenesis. Vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered the first factor which maintains
      its position as the most critical driver of vascular formation and is required to
      initiate the formation of immature vessels, with this aim, present study was
      executed to evaluate VEGF expression in kertocystic odontogenic tumor,
      dentigerous cyst and radicular cyst (RC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective
      study was carried out comprising a total of 31 cases; 13 cases of keratocystic
      odontogenic tumor (KCOT), nine cases of dentigerous cyst (DC) and nine cases of
      RC. The sections were stained immunohistochemically with VEGF antibody and were
      evaluated for the presence and intensity of the immuno reactive cells.
      Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square test to inter-compare the
      VEGF expression between KCOT, DC, and RC. RESULTS: VEGF expression in the
      epithelium and connective tissue was significantly higher in KCOT compared to
      dentigerous and RC. One case of KCOT with carcinomatous change also revealed
      positive results for the VEGF expression in the dysplastic epithelium, tumor
      islands, and connective tissue. The significant difference was observed on inter
      comparison of the VEGF expression in the connective tissue of KCOT and DC,
      whereas no significant difference was observed in the VEGF expression in the
      connective tissue of KCOT and DC. CONCLUSION: The present study data supports the
      literature finding that angiogenesis can be important in the progression and
      enlargement of odontogenic cysts similarly to what occurs in neoplastic
      conditions and further it can be concluded that the higher positivity for VEGF of
      KCOT could help to explain in part the aggressive biological behavior of the
      lesion. The stroma of KCOT could be regarded not only as a structural support of
      the cyst wall but also as playing a part in the neoplastic behavior of cyst.

PMID- 27134451
TI  - To estimate the efficacy of 0.1% tacrolimus with Colgate Oraguard-B paste for the
      treatment of patients with symptomatic oral lichen planus.
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of 0.1% tacrolimus with Colgate
      Oraguard-B paste for the treatment of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients with symptomatic OLP
      participated in the study, who had clinically and histopathologically proven OLP.
      In this study, patients were provided with 0.1% tacrolimus ointment with Colgate
      Oraguard-B paste as the study medication. Patients were asked to use the
      medication over the areas three times a day until resolution of the lesion.
      Patients were recalled to assess the drug response every 15 days. The duration of
      treatment ranged from 3 months to 4 months, with follow-up of 2 years and 6
      months. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed, which
      is a nonparametric statistical hypothesis test for comparing two related samples,
      matched samples or repeated measurements on a single sample to assess whether
      their population mean ranks differ (i.e., it is a paired difference test). In our
      study, the pre- and post-Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) values were compared and the
      mean, standard deviation and P values were calculated. RESULTS: Of 150 patients,
      71 (47.33%) patients had complete resolution of the lesion to the topical
      tacrolimus therapy. Sixty-five (43.33%) patients had marked resolution of their
      lesions, i.e., the size of the lesion was decreased. Fourteen (9.33%) patients
      had remission of lesion (reduction in burning sensation and size of lesion) in
      symptoms as recorded by the VAS. CONCLUSION: Topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1% in
      Oraguard-B paste is an effective treatment for different types of OLP.

PMID- 27134453
TI  - Glandular odontogenic cyst: A diagnostic dilemma.
AB  - Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare and uncommon jaw bone cyst of
      odontogenic origin described in 1987 by Gardener et al. as a distinct entity. It
      is a cyst having an unpredictable, potentially aggressive behavior, and has the
      propensity to grow in large size with relatively high recurrence rate. It poses a
      diagnostic challenge as it can be clinically and histopathologically confused
      with lateral periodontal cyst, botryoid odontogenic cyst, radicular and residual
      cysts with mucous metaplasia, and low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The present
      case report describes GOC in both male and female patients with intra-oral
      swelling following extraction of 36 and 46, respectively. Careful
      histopathological examination is needed to diagnose GOC, and a careful long-term
      follow-up is advocated. 

PMID- 27134454
TI  - Psammomatoid juvenile ossifying fibroma of mandible in a 6-year-old child.
AB  - Juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) is a rare fibro-osseous lesion of the jaw occurs
      at the early age of onset frequently under 15 years with a propensity to recur.
      It appears as a unilobulated/multilobulated lesion at an early stage followed by
      radiopaque appearance surrounded by radiolucent rimming at advanced stages. The
      psammomatous type of JOF (PsJOF) principally involves the bones of the orbit and
      paranasal sinuses. However in some cases, maxilla or rarely the mandible may be
      pretentious. Here, we report a challenging case of PsJOF in a 6-year-old child
      with a complaint of swelling imitating a cystic lesion in left back region of the
      lower jaw for 2 months. The authors propose that a careful examination and
      correlations of clinical, radiological, and histopathological features are
      essential to arrive at correct diagnosis and play a vital role in management of
      such patients. 

PMID- 27134452
TI  - Evaluation of bone morphogenic proteins in periodontal practice.
AB  - Forty years ago Marshal R. Urist discovered a substance in bone matrix that had
      inductive properties for the development of bone and cartilage, until date, at
      least 20 bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been identified, some of which
      have been shown in vitro to stimulate the process of stem cell differentiation
      into osteoblasts in human and animal models. The purpose of this paper is to give
      a brief overview of BMPs and to review critically the clinical data currently
      available on the use of BMPs in various periodontal applications. The literature
      on BMPs was reviewed. A comprehensive search was designed. The articles were
      independently screened for eligibility. Articles with authentic controls and
      proper randomization and pertaining specifically to their role in periodontal
      applications were included. The available literature was analyzed and compiled.
      The analysis indicates BMPs to be a promising, as well as an effective novel
      approach to reconstruct and engineer the periodontal apparatus. Here, we
      represent several articles, as well as recent texts that make up a special and an
      in-depth review on the subject. On the basis of the data provided in the studies
      that were reviewed BMPs provide revolutionary therapies in periodontal practice. 

PMID- 27134455
TI  - A unique functional craniofacial suture that may normally never ossify: A cone
      beam computed tomography-based report of two cases.
AB  - The premise of complete ossification of midpalatal suture in early adulthood
      still has its popularity, though conflicting data are emerging in the literature.
      A 49-year-old male and a 54-year-old female Iranian patient, both dentulous, were
      referred to a Maxillofacial Radiology Center to be evaluated for implant
      insertion. In cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) evaluation, an in-ossified
      suture was found in anterior two-third of midpalatal region of both individuals.
      The application of clinical vignettes from CBCT findings for maxillofacial
      orthodontic and orthopedic purposes is of value. Existing cases of successful
      nonsurgical rapid palatal expansion of maxilla in adults could surrogate this
      dogma about timing for ossification of midpalatal suture which is considered as a
      purely chronologic-related phenomenon and transmitted masticatory forces may be
      one possible cause (functional hypothesis). 

PMID- 27134456
TI  - Adult-onset cystic hygroma: A case report of rare entity.
AB  - Cystic hygroma is a benign congenital malformation of the lymphatic system that
      occurs in infant or children younger than 2 years of age. Although cystic hygroma
      is well recognized in pediatric practice, it seldom presents de novo in
      adulthood. These are commonly present in head and neck but can be present
      anywhere. Cystic hygroma is very rare in adults, but it should be considered in
      the differential diagnosis of adult neck swellings. Patients presenting with a
      painless, soft, fluctuant, and enlarging neck mass should have a careful history
      and physical examination along with radiological imaging to assist with
      diagnosis. Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice for this rare
      condition. Here, we are reporting a case of cystic hygroma in a 32-year-old male
      patient in the neck region. The objectives of this case report are to discuss the
      clinical presentation, diagnosis, histopathological findings and management of
      this malformation. 

PMID- 27134457
TI  - Custom fabrication of reinforced lithium disilicate ceramic ingot.
AB  - A method of formulating a reinforcement lithium disilicate ceramic ingot was
      proposed. The ceramic ingot was broken manually with a mallet to finer particles.
      The sectioned ingot is ball milled along with 10% of nano zirconia by weight to
      obtain the desired powder. The reinforced powder is condensed in a 5 ml
      disposable syringe by powder slurry technique. The compacted ceramic were
      sintered at 900 degrees C to obtain ceramic ingots. The reinforced ceramic ingots
      were used in pressable ceramic machines to obtain the desired advantages of
      zirconia reinforcement and pressable ceramic system. 

PMID- 27134458
TI  - Exploring the ocean for new drug developments: Marine pharmacology.
AB  - Disease ailments are changing the patterns, and the new diseases are emerging due
      to changing environments. The enormous growth of world population has
      overburdened the existing resources for the drugs. And hence, the drug
      manufacturers are always on the lookout for new resources to develop effective
      and safe drugs for the increasing demands of the world population. Seventy-five
      percentage of earth's surface is covered by water but research into the
      pharmacology of marine organisms is limited, and most of it still remains
      unexplored. Marine environment represents countless and diverse resource for new
      drugs to combat major diseases such as cancer or malaria. It also offers an
      ecological resource comprising a variety of aquatic plants and animals. These
      aquatic organisms are screened for antibacterial, immunomodulator, anti-fungal,
      anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, analgesic, and
      antimalarial properties. They are used for new drug developments extensively
      across the world. Marine pharmacology offers the scope for research on these
      drugs of marine origin. Few institutes in India offer such opportunities which
      can help us in the quest for new drugs. This is an extensive review of the drugs
      developed and the potential new drug candidates from marine origin along with the
      opportunities for research on marine derived products. It also gives the
      information about the institutes in India which offer marine pharmacology related
      courses. 

PMID- 27134459
TI  - Forensic pharmacology: An important and evolving subspecialty needs recognition
      in India.
AB  - With training in pharmacology, a pharmacologist has an expert knowledge as well
      as working experience in the subjects of therapeutics, pharmacokinetics, and
      toxicology along with exposure to subjects such as forensic medicine during the
      medical education. All these knowledge domains can be applied and act as an
      interface to the forensic situations. The skills and expertise of a forensic
      pharmacologist can be useful in a large and diverse number of legal cases. With
      an ever increasing incidence of criminal and civil cases in India, the
      development and inclusion of forensic pharmacologist in the judicial system of
      India are the need of the hour. The research in pharmacology has witnessed great
      technological advancement that allows it to expand its scope beyond the domain of
      therapeutics, thus enabling Indian pharmacologists to explore the niche area of
      Forensic Pharmacology. Differing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs
      in living and dead, drug interactions, abuse of drugs, personal injury or death
      due to drug exposure leading to medico-legal issues, environmental exposure to
      chemicals, and doping and forensic pharmacovigilance are the diverse aspects of
      Forensic Pharmacology. 

PMID- 27134460
TI  - Vorapaxar: A novel agent to be considered in the secondary prevention of
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - Patients receiving therapy for the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction
      (MI) are still at high risk of a major cardiovascular event or death despite the
      use of currently available treatment strategy. Vorapaxar, an oral protease
      activated receptor antagonist, is a novel antiplatelet drug that has been
      recently approved to provide further risk reduction. The results of two Phase III
      trials (thrombin receptor antagonists for clinical event reduction and the TRA 2
      degrees P-TIMI 50) have showed that vorapaxar, in addition to standard of care
      therapy, has the potential to provide further risk reduction in patients with
      prior MI. A search was made on PubMed on articles related to clinical trials and
      clinical consideration with the use of vorapaxar. This review article summarizes
      the results of Phase II trials, Phase III trials, subgroup analysis, precautions,
      and drug interaction with the use of vorapaxar. 

PMID- 27134461
TI  - Severity and clustering of menopausal symptoms among obese and nonobese
      postmenopausal women in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The symptoms of menopause have a negative impact on quality of life,
      especially in women transitioning to menopause and earlier transitions. This
      study was conducted with the objective of assessing the effect of obesity on the
      severity of menopausal symptoms and the clustering of symptoms in postmenopausal
      women in India. METHODOLOGY: The Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) was used to assess
      the severity of menopausal symptoms of postmenopausal women of Chennai, visiting
      Saveetha Medical College, Chennai, India. This cross-sectional study was
      conducted from August to November 2013 in Chennai, India. Sociodemographic
      characteristics, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure level, menopausal
      history, personal health history, and hormonal disorder issues were investigated.
      RESULTS: The results have shown that 24% of the participants had complaint of
      mild to severe hot flushes, half of them had reported heart ailments (49%; n =
      74), and disturbed sleep (48%; n = 72). The proportion of overweight/obese
      participants was higher in married (64%) than widows (41%), and this difference
      was found statistically significant (P = 0.005). There were no significant
      differences in MRS scores of obese and nonobese postmenopausal participants.
      CONCLUSION: There is a need of developing interactive, user friendly, technology
      based education module for addressing the chronic ailments of postmenopausal
      women.

PMID- 27134462
TI  - Antihyperlipidemic effects of Citrus sinensis, Citrus paradisi, and their
      combinations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hyperlipidemia, extensively contributes in the progression of coronary
      heart diseases and atherosclerosis, but may be managed through alterations in the
      nutritional pattern. Several studies show that diet rich in polyphenols and
      antioxidants have antiatherogenic effects. Citrus sinensis and Citrus paradisi
      are widely known for health benefits and have found to produce antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects, hence current research was planned to
      determine the hypolipidemic effects of C. sinensis and C. paradisi in rats
      receiving diet rich in cholesterol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All rats were divided
      into 11 groups each comprising 10 animals: Normal control group and
      hyperlipidemic control. C. sinensis treated three groups, C. paradisi treated
      three groups, C. sinensis and C. paradisi combination treated two groups, and
      group treated atorvastatin. All rats in the respective groups were treated orally
      with sterile water, juices, and standard drug for 8 weeks and lipid profile was
      estimated at the end of dosing. RESULTS: Cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), and
      low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were decreased at all the three doses of C.
      sinensis and C. paradisi but rise in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was only
      significant at 8 ml/kg, and 0.3 ml/kg, respectively. Animals received the
      combination doses of C. sinensis and C. paradisi also showed a highly significant
      fall in cholesterol, LDL, and TGs, however HDL level was significantly elevated
      by SPJ-2 combination. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that C. sinensis and C.
      paradisi possess antihyperlipidemic activity due to phytochemicals and other
      essential nutrients, hence may serve as cardioprotective by preventing
      thrombosis.

PMID- 27134463
TI  - Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Manihot esculenta Crantz in wistar rats.
AB  - AIMS: The study aimed to explore the antioxidant activity of ethanolic leaf
      extract of Manihot esculenta Crantz leaves (MEC) in wistar rats. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Ethanolic extract of MEC leaves in the doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and
      200 mg/kg were used in wistar rats of either sex. The oxidative stress was
      produced by overdose of acetaminophen and estimation of serum concentration of
      various enzymes such as malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced
      glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) were measured by standard biochemical
      methods. Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was used as a standard drug for assessment of
      antioxidant status. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Results were analyzed by one-way
      analysis of variance followed by Student's unpaired t-test. RESULTS: When
      compared with the standard antioxidant silymarin, MEC extract did not exhibit
      antioxidant activity in terms of MDA level reduction. However, it significantly
      increased serum levels of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH, and CAT) exerting a
      potent antioxidant effect in a graded manner. CONCLUSIONS: The observed results
      suggest that MEC could be a potential source of antioxidants. However, further
      studies are required to explore this therapeutic property of plant.

PMID- 27134464
TI  - Nonadherence and factors affecting adherence of diabetic patients to anti
      diabetic medication in Assela General Hospital, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a major global health problem covering
      approximately 347 million persons worldwide. Glycemic control has a main role in
      its management which mainly depends upon patient adherence to the treatment plan.
      Accurate assessment of medication adherence is necessary for effective management
      of diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To assess nonadherence and factors affecting adherence of
      diabetic patients to anti-diabetic medication in Assela General Hospital (AGH),
      Oromia Region, Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional
      study was conducted on patients seeking anti-diabetic drug treatment and follow
      up at AGH using structured questionnaire and reviewing the patient record card
      using check list from January 24, 2014 to February 7, 2014. Descriptive analysis
      was used to describe the percentages and number of distributions of the variables
      in the study; and association was identified for categorical data. P <= 0.05 was
      considered as statistically significant. RESULT: Of all respondents, 149 (52.3%)
      and 136 (47.7%) were female and male, respectively. The majority of the study
      participants 189 (66.3%) were in the age group of 30-60 years. Two-hundred
      nineteen (76.8%) of respondents were married currently. The majority, 237 (83.2%)
      of respondents did not have blood glucose self-monitoring equipment (glucometer).
      A total of 196 (68.8%) respondents were adhered to anti-diabetic medication.
      There was a significant association between adherence to the medication and side
      effect, level of education, monthly income and presence of glucometer at home (P
      < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The participants in the area of study were moderately
      adherent to their anti-diabetic medications with nonadherence rate of 31.2%.
      Different factors of medication nonadherence were identified such as side effect
      and complexity of regimen, failure to remember, and sociodemographic factors such
      as educational level and monthly income.

PMID- 27134465
TI  - Therapeutic effects of Citrullus colocynthis fruit in patients with type II
      diabetes: A clinical trial study.
AB  - AIM: Citrullus colocynthis plant was traditionally used for the treatment of
      diabetes in Sabzevar city, Iran. This study aimed to investigate the effects of
      C. colocythis on fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1c in patients with type II
      diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally 70 patients with type II diabetes
      attending the diabetes clinic in Sabzevar city were investigated. Patients were
      divided into two groups of intervention and placebo randomly and were studied for
      2 months. Mean serum level of FBS and HbA1c was compared within and between
      groups at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using student and paired t
      tests via SPSS software version 16. RESULTS: A significant difference was
      revealed between before and after intervention for HbA1c and FBS levels in the
      intervention group (P = 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). The difference between
      before and after intervention for FBS and HbA1c levels in the placebo group were
      not significant (P = 0.8, P = 0.68 respectively). This study showed a negative
      relationship between either the mean +/- standard deviation serum level of FBS or
      HbA1c and body mass index in the treatment group significantly (P = 0.03, 0.008,
      respectively). The present study did not identify any side effects during the
      study period among the treatment group. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of
      this study, application of 125 mg C. colocynthis once per day for 2 months can
      lead to considerable decrease in the mean levels of HbA1c and FBS among the
      patients with type II diabetes without any side effects.

PMID- 27134466
TI  - Development of pH sensitive polymeric nanoparticles of erythromycin stearate.
AB  - CONTEXT: Bioavailability of conventional tablet of erythromycin stearate is low
      as it is unstable at acidic pH and also shows a low dissolution rate. OBJECTIVE:
      It was proposed to protect it from the acidic condition of the stomach along with
      an increase in dissolution rate by formulating pH sensitive nanoparticles.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nanoparticles were prepared by the solvent evaporation
      technique using different quantities of Eudragit L100-55 and polyvinyl alcohol
      (PVA). Size reduction was achieved by high speed homogenization technique using
      Digital Ultra Turrax homogenizer. The formulation was optimized using 3(2)
      factorial design, keeping drug polymer ratio and surfactant concentration as
      independent variables. Particle size, entrapment efficiency, and drug-release
      (DR) were studied as dependent variables. RESULTS: Optimized batch containing
      1:0.3 erythromycin stearate: Eudragit L100-55 ratio and 1.0% PVA showed 8.24 +/-
      0.71% DR in pH 1.2 in 1-h and 90.38 +/- 5.97% in pH 5.5 and pH 6.8 within 2-h,
      respectively. DISCUSSION: The optimized batch exhibited lower release in acidic
      pH and faster release in higher pH compared to the marketed preparation.
      CONCLUSION: Thus the present study concludes that pH sensitive nanoparticles of
      erythromycin stearate increases the dissolution of the drug in intestinal pH and
      also protect it from acidic pH, which may help in improving the bioavailability
      of erythromycin.

PMID- 27134468
TI  - Knowledge and perception about health risks of cigarette smoking among Iraqi
      smokers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking is a major public health problem, especially in Iraq. There
      is very little information had been documented regarding smoking risk factors and
      quit intention among Iraqi smokers. OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of this study
      are to determine smokers' knowledge and perception about smoking health risks;
      and to determine smoking behavior and quitting intentions among Iraqi smokers; as
      well as to predict the factors that may associate with quit intentions. METHODS:
      A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinic in Tikrit Teaching
      Hospital, Tikrit City, Iraq. Adult smokers who are smoking cigarette everyday and
      able to communicate with the researcher were invited to participate in the study.
      A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 386 participants.
      RESULTS: This study showed that smokers had low awareness about some risk effects
      of smoking such as lung cancer in nonsmokers (30.1%), impotence in male smokers
      (52.6%), premature ageing (64%), and stroke (66.3%). In addition, the high score
      of knowledge and perception was significantly associated with quitting intention.
      CONCLUSION: Smokers' knowledge and perception regarding smoking health effects
      were low, especially in terms of secondhand smokers. Many efforts needed from
      health policy-makers and health care professionals to disseminate information
      about the risks of smoking and health benefits of give up smoking.

PMID- 27134467
TI  - In vitro screening on amyloid beta modulation of aqueous extracts from plant
      seeds.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Glycation process might contribute to both extensive protein cross
      linking and oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The amyloid-like
      aggregation of glycated bovine serum albumin induces apoptosis in the neuronal
      cell. Dietary supplementation of antioxidants, vitamins, and polyphenols are
      beneficial to AD, and consumption of fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of AD.
      We conducted a screening of 14 aqueous extracts from plant seeds (PSAE) for
      inhibitory activity on amyloid beta (Abeta). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To examine
      the effects of PSAE on the Abeta (1-42) concentration, PSAE were analyzed by
      Abeta (1-42) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, we carried out an
      antiglycation experiment of PSAE and an antiaggregation experiment of PSAE to
      confirm the modification mechanism of PSAE. PSAE were added to buffer containing
      D-ribose and albumins. The solutions were incubated at 37 degrees C for 10 days.
      After incubation, the products were assayed on a fluorophotometer. RESULTS: PSAE
      associated differential reduction in the levels of Abeta (1-42) (lettuce; 98.7%
      +/- 2.4%, bitter melon; 95.9% +/- 2.6%, and corn; 93.9% +/- 2.1%), demonstrating
      that treatment with lettuce seeds extracts (LSE) effectively decreases Abeta (1
      42) concentration. Among the 14 PSAE, LSE exhibited the second greatest potential
      for antiglycation. Inhibition of aggregates was not recognized in LSE.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest that LSE reduces the toxicity of Abeta by
      modifying Abeta.

PMID- 27134469
TI  - Diffuse reflectance near infrared-chemometric methods development and validation
      of amoxicillin capsule formulations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to establish near infrared-chemometric
      methods that could be effectively used for quality profiling through
      identification and quantification of amoxicillin (AMOX) in formulated capsule
      which were similar to commercial products. In order to evaluate a large number of
      market products easily and quickly, these methods were modeled. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thermo Scientific Antaris II near infrared analyzer with TQ Analyst
      Chemometric Software were used for the development and validation of the
      identification and quantification models. Several AMOX formulations were composed
      with four excipients microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate,
      croscarmellose sodium and colloidal silicon dioxide. Development includes
      quadratic mixture formulation design, near infrared spectrum acquisition,
      spectral pretreatment and outlier detection. According to prescribed guidelines
      by International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and European Medicine Agency
      (EMA) developed methods were validated in terms of specificity, accuracy,
      precision, linearity, and robustness. RESULTS: On diffuse reflectance mode, an
      identification model based on discriminant analysis was successfully processed
      with 76 formulations; and same samples were also used for quantitative analysis
      using partial least square algorithm with four latent variables and 0.9937
      correlation of coefficient followed by 2.17% root mean square error of
      calibration (RMSEC), 2.38% root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), 2.43%
      root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV). CONCLUSION: Proposed model
      established a good relationship between the spectral information and AMOX
      identity as well as content. Resulted values show the performance of the proposed
      models which offers alternate choice for AMOX capsule evaluation, relative to
      that of well-established high-performance liquid chromatography method.
      Ultimately three commercial products were successfully evaluated using developed
      methods.

PMID- 27134470
TI  - Characterization of pioglitazone cyclodextrin complexes: Molecular modeling to in
      vivo evaluation.
AB  - AIMS: The objective of present study was to study the influence of different beta
      cyclodextrin derivatives and different methods of complexation on aqueous
      solubility and consequent translation in in vivo performance of Pioglitazone
      (PE). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three cyclodextrins: beta-cyclodextrin (BCD),
      hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) and Sulfobutylether-7-beta-cyclodextrin
      (SBEBCD) were employed in preparation of 1:1 Pioglitazone complexes by three
      methods viz. co-grinding, kneading and co-evaporation. Complexation was confirmed
      by phase solubility, proton NMR, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy,
      Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). Mode of
      complexation was investigated by molecular dynamic studies. Pharmacodynamic study
      of blood glucose lowering activity of PE complexes was performed in Alloxan
      induced diabetic rat model. RESULTS: Aqueous solubility of PE was significantly
      improved in presence of cyclodextrin. Apparent solubility constants were observed
      to be 254.33 M(-1) for BCD-PE, 737.48 M(-1) for HPBCD-PE and 5959.06 M(-1) for
      SBEBCD-PE. The in silico predictions of mode of inclusion were in close agreement
      with the experimental proton NMR observation. DSC and XRD demonstrated complete
      amorphization of crystalline PE upon inclusion. All complexes exhibited >95%
      dissolution within 10 min compared to drug powder that showed <40% at the same
      time. Marked lowering of blood glucose was recorded for all complexes.
      CONCLUSION: Complexation of PE with different BCD significantly influenced its
      aqueous solubility, improved in vitro dissolution and consequently translated
      into enhanced pharmacodynamic activity in rats.

PMID- 27134471
TI  - Management of burning mouth syndrome.

PMID- 27134472
TI  - Lycopene in cancer therapy.

PMID- 27134473
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27134474
TI  - Risk factors of transient ischemic attack: An overview.
AB  - Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient episode of neurologic dysfunction
      caused due to loss of blood flow to the brain or spinal cord without acute
      infarction. Depending on the area of the brain involved, symptoms of TIA vary
      widely from patient to patient. Since the blockage period in TIA is very short
      lived, there is no permanent damage. Risk factors for TIA include family history
      of stroke or TIA, age above 55 years or older, higher risk of TIA in males than
      females, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and tobacco smoking. Genetics,
      race, and imbalance in lipid profile are other risk factors of TIA. TIA is
      usually diagnosed after taking a thorough history and a physical examination.
      Several radiological tests such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance
      imaging are useful in the evaluation of patients who have had a TIA. Ultrasound
      of the neck and an echocardiogram of the heart are other tests useful in the
      diagnosis and evaluation of the attack. The treatment following acute recovery
      from a TIA depends on the underlying cause. Patients who have more than 70%
      stenosis of the carotid artery, removal of atherosclerotic plaque is usually done
      by carotid endarterectomy surgery. One-third of the people with TIA can later
      have recurrent TIAs and one-third can have a stroke because of permanent nerve
      cell loss. Having a TIA is a risk factor for eventually having a stroke.
      Educating the patients and inculcating lifestyle modifications in them are
      initial steps to minimize the prevalence of transient ischemic attack. 

PMID- 27134475
TI  - Dynamics of urinary oxidative stress biomarkers: 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and
      8-isoprostane in uterine leiomyomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perturbations of antioxidant levels and lipid peroxidation, but not
      oxidative DNA damage as a biomarker of oxidative stress have been reported in
      uterine myoma patients. AIMS: The study aimed at examining the patterns and
      influence of oxidative stress/damage biomarkers, 8-isoprostane (8-IP) and 8
      hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), on the ovulatory and luteal phases of normal
      and fibroid women. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Twenty women diagnosed of fibroids (1-5
      years) and 20 nonfibroid women were age-matched. Selection was randomly done at
      the National Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three
      successive samples of urine were taken at 8:00 am on the 14(th), 18(th), and
      21(st) days of the menstrual cycle. Mid-stream urine was collected from subjects,
      after they had cleaned genitals. The samples were kept in an ice chest,
      transported to the laboratory, and stored at - 70 degrees C until the time of
      analysis. Samples were analyzed by ELISA technique using commercial kits for
      8OHdG and 8-IP. Results were calculated using a computer program. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS USED: Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20.0, was used
      for data management and statistical analysis. The results were expressed as mean
      +/- standard deviation. Differences in continuous data were compared using
      Student's t-test (two groups) and one-way ANOVA (three or more groups) followed
      by Bonferroni post hoc test. Relationship between variables was ascertained by
      Spearman's correlation coefficient. All results were considered significant at 5%
      level of probability. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between day
      14 and day 21 in control and test groups' estrogen levels (P = 0.0047 and P =
      0.004, respectively). Significant progesterone differences were observed between
      control and test groups on the same days (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively).
      A positive correlation was observed between day 21 estrogen and progesterone
      levels (P = 0.0003) of the control group. Test group had higher levels of 8-IP
      and 8OHdG than control groups on day 21, with 8OHdG at maximum in the test group
      but minimum in the control group. The influence of 8OHdG was seen by a negative
      correlation with estrogen and progesterone on day 21 (P = 0.0002) and a positive
      correlation between 8OHdG and 8-IP on the same day in the test group. Finally,
      there was a positive correlation between 8-IP and 8OHdG on day 14, but a negative
      correlation on day 21 (P = 0.0016). CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative damage was absent in
      the control group but was very much present in the test group on day 14 and day
      21 with progesterone and estrogen acting in concert with oxidative damage
      biomarkers. An inverse pattern of biomarkers was observed between control and
      fibroid groups. Oxidative stress biomarkers influenced hormonal levels and
      pattern of the fibroid group.

PMID- 27134476
TI  - Correlates of the health statuses of the faculty at midlife.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Between the school years of 2009-2012, the turnover record of the
      University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), Cebu City, Philippines showed that
      permanent faculty members who left the institution were all midlifers. Their
      reasons varied from health issues to greener pasture elsewhere. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This study then sought to explore the health statuses of the faculty
      midlifers of the USJ-R. The data were collected through survey conducted among
      the 106 faculty midlifers of the university. This study applied multivariate
      analyses to the survey data using Pearson-moment of correlation to determine the
      relationship between the sociodemographic profile of the research participants
      and their health statuses. RESULTS: This research revealed that faculty midlifers
      are generally well physically. They showed emotional maturity and have positive
      outlook toward midlife. More so, their health conditions are significantly
      related with their sex, age, years of teaching, educational attainment, and
      income. CONCLUSION: At midlife, the faculty members of USJ-R can still generally
      be considered physically well. Thus, if they are well-managed, they can become
      relevant and better contributors to the attainment of the basic goals and
      objectives of the educational institution and the educational system in general.

PMID- 27134477
TI  - Uterine Leiomyomas: An ENIGMA.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Leiomyomas are benign tumors composed of smooth muscle cells and
      varying amounts of fibrous connective tissue commonly encountered in women of
      reproductive age group. Leiomyomas need hormonal milieu for their growth and
      maintenance. Unopposed estrogenic stimulation manifests as leiomyomas undergoing
      secondary changes, endometrial proliferation or hyperplasia, and other associated
      pathological findings. OBJECTIVE: To study and analyze various histopathological
      changes within uterine leiomyomas in hysterectomy specimens. And also, to analyze
      the associated endometrial and adnexal structures pathology. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A 4 years retrospective study from June 2010 to June 2014 conducted in
      the Department of Pathology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Medical College
      and PGIMSR, wherein 820 hysterectomy specimens clinically diagnosed as uterine
      leiomyomas were subjected to histopathological examination and relevant clinical
      data were analyzed. RESULTS: Leiomyomas occurred mostly in women aged 31-50 years
      (90.23%). Menorrhagia (49.36%) and pain abdomen (30.6%) were the chief clinical
      manifestations. Endometrial patterns commonly seen were proliferative and
      hyperplastic endometrium together accounting for 73.4% and dual pathology with
      adenomyosis was 29.1%. Four cases of tubercular etiology and a single case of
      granulosa cell tumor of ovary was noted. CONCLUSION: Though hysterectomy is a
      routine procedure in the management of uterine leiomyomas, occasional cases of
      tumor or infective pathology may be missed. Therefore, histopathology is
      mandatory and conscientious quest must be done for confirmed diagnosis and
      ensuring optimal management.

PMID- 27134478
TI  - Laparoscopic management of tumor in supernumerary ovary.
AB  - Laparoscopic management of most of the adnexal masses has become feasible in the
      present era of advancing endoscopic techniques. A postmenopausal lady presented
      with lump in the abdomen, appeared to be a solid ovarian mass on ultrasound, and
      magnetic resonance imaging. On laparoscopy, both the ovaries were normal and the
      mass was not connected to uterus or adnexa. The mass was removed and
      histopathology confirmed it to be ovarian tissue thus confirming it to be a tumor
      in a supernumerary ovary. Examples of supernumerary ovary are among the rarest of
      gynecological abnormalities. 

PMID- 27134479
TI  - Unusual presentation of twisted ovarian cyst.
AB  - Ovarian torsion (also termed as adnexal torsion) refers to partial or complete
      rotation of the ovary and a portion of fallopian tube along its supplying
      vascular pedicle. It occurs commonly in reproductive age group; more on the right
      side (60%) and often presents with acute lower abdominal pain lasting for few
      hours and up to 24 h, accounting for 2.7% of acute gynecological conditions. It
      is one of the devastating conditions, hampering blood supply of ovary which may
      lead to total necrosis of ovarian tissue and complications, if not diagnosed and
      managed in time. Hence, we present a case on a twisted ovarian cyst in
      postmenopausal woman with unusual symptomatology leading to delayed diagnosis and
      loss of an ovary. 

PMID- 27134480
TI  - Bilateral primary fallopian tube papillary serous carcinoma in postmenopausal
      woman: Report of two cases.
AB  - Primary carcinoma of the fallopian tube is rare and accounts for about 0.14-1.8%
      of all gynecological malignancies. Correct diagnosis is rarely made
      preoperatively as clinically tubal carcinoma closely resembles ovarian carcinoma.
      Here, we report two cases of bilateral primary fallopian tube carcinomas. Case 1:
      A 54-year-old female presented with postmenopausal bleeding, abdominal pain, and
      pervaginal watery discharge for 10 days. Ultrasonography (USG) of pelvis showed
      endometrial thickening and multiple tiny echogenic foci in omentum suggestive of
      omental cake. With a provisional diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma, total
      abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and omentectomy was
      done. On gross examination, small and rudimentary right ovary was adherent to the
      fimbrial end of the tube. Left-sided tubo-ovarian mass was present, cut section
      of which showed yellowish solid area in tubal wall and encroaching on ovarian
      surface. On histological examination, sections from the fimbrial end of both
      fallopian tubes showed features of papillary serous adenocarcinoma. Case 2: 70
      year-old lady, 15 years postmenopausal presented with gradual onset pain and
      swelling of abdomen, urinary incontinence since 4 days. USG showed bulky uterus,
      5 cm * 2 cm fibroid, bilateral tubes, and ovaries were not visualized. Serum
      cancer antigen-125 was raised (159.7 U/ml). Total hysterectomy and bilateral
      salpingo-oophorectomy with infracolic omentectomy was done. On gross examination,
      ovaries were firmly attached to tubes and no apparent solid area was noted. On
      microscopy, papillary serous adenocarcinoma arising from tubal wall was seen
      infiltrating focally into ovarian stroma; tubal epithelium showed dysplastic
      change. Sections from omentum showed numerous psammoma bodies. 

PMID- 27134481
TI  - Zidovudine-induced nail hyper-pigmentation in 45-year-old women prescribed for
      HIV/tuberculosis co-infection.
AB  - Zidovudine is an important component of first-line antiretroviral treatment
      regimens used to manage HIV and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection. Nail pigmentation
      is documented both in adult as well as pediatric HIV patients, but to the best of
      our knowledge, it has not been reported in 45-year-old women of HIV/TB co
      infection. Such an adverse drugs reactions (ADR), although is harmless and
      reversible, psychological aspects of such ADR may be immense to the extent that
      it can negatively affect the compliance and result in therapeutic failure. Thus,
      it is worth reporting. 

PMID- 27134482
TI  - Giant mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of ovary: A case report and review of
      literature.
AB  - Giant cystadenocarcinomas of the ovary are rarely described. Huge ovarian masses
      are mostly benign, but malignancy should be ruled out by investigations and
      clinical assessment. Giant cysts require resection because of compressive
      symptoms or risk of malignancy and their management invariably requires
      laparotomy to prevent perforation and spillage of the cyst fluid into peritoneal
      cavity. Here, we present a case of a 42-year-old female with severe and rapidly
      growing abdominal distension operated for exploratory laparotomy for cystic mass
      excision. On histology, mass was found to be metastatic mucinous
      cystadenocarcinoma with omental metastasis. The diagnostic and management
      challenges posed by this unexpected and unusual presentation of an ovarian
      cystadenocarcinoma are discussed. The main aim of this report is to draw
      attention to huge ovarian epithelial cysts with unsuspected presentation
      contributing to a decrease in any underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, and mismanagement
      that might occur. 

PMID- 27134483
TI  - Fibrosarcomatous change in the background of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans in
      male breast: Study of a rare case and review of the entity.
AB  - Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a cutaneous soft tissue neoplasm with
      potential for local recurrence but distant metastasis is rare. Trunk and
      extremities are most commonly involved. This case presented as left-sided breast
      lump in a male patient. The patient underwent left-sided modified radical
      mastectomy. Tissues were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical
      test subsequently. The tumor cells showed storiform arrangement with nuclear
      pleomorphism and increased mitotic figures at places. They were reactive to CD34
      and non-reactive to S-100, smooth muscle actin, desmin, cytokeratin and
      epithelial membrane antigen. The diagnosis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
      with areas of fibrosarcomatous change was given. Though trunk is a common site
      for this tumor but its presentation as male breast lump has made the case unique.

PMID- 27134484
TI  - Diagnosis and Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease.
AB  - Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms; their isolation from
      clinical specimens does not always indicate clinical disease. The incidence of
      NTM lung diseases has been increasing worldwide. Although the geographic
      diversity of NTM species is well known, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), M.
      abscessus complex (MABC), and M. kansasii are the most commonly encountered and
      important etiologic organisms. Two distinct types of NTM lung diseases have been
      reported, namely fibrocavitary and nodular bronchiectatic forms. For laboratory
      diagnosis of NTM lung diseases, both liquid and solid media cultures and species
      level identification are strongly recommended to enhance growth detection and
      determine the clinical relevance of isolates. Treatment for NTM lung diseases
      consists of a multidrug regimen and a long course of therapy, lasting more than
      12 months after negative sputum conversion. For MAC lung disease, several new
      macrolide-based regimens are now recommended. For nodular bronchiectatic forms of
      MAC lung diseases, an intermittent three-time-weekly regimen produces outcomes
      similar to those of daily therapy. Treatment of MABC lung disease is very
      difficult, requiring long-term use of parenteral agents in combination with new
      macrolides. Treatment outcomes are much better for M. massiliense lung disease
      than for M. abscessus lung disease. Thus, precise identification of species in
      MABC infection is needed for the prediction of antibiotic response. Likewise,
      increased efforts to improve treatment outcomes and develop new agents for NTM
      lung disease are needed. 

PMID- 27134486
TI  - Knowledge and Perception about Clinical Research Shapes Behavior: Face to Face
      Survey in Korean General Public.
AB  - Considering general public as potential patients, identifying factors that hinder
      public participation poses great importance, especially in a research environment
      where demands for clinical trial participants outpace the supply. Hence, the aim
      of this study was to evaluate knowledge and perception about clinical research in
      general public. A total of 400 Seoul residents with no previous experience of
      clinical trial participation were selected, as representative of population in
      Seoul in terms of age and sex. To minimize selection bias, every fifth passer-by
      was invited to interview, and if in a cluster, person on the very right side was
      asked. To ensure the uniform use of survey, written instructions have been added
      to the questionnaire. Followed by pilot test in 40 subjects, the survey was
      administered face-to-face in December 2014. To investigate how perception shapes
      behavior, we compared perception scores in those who expressed willingness to
      participate and those who did not. Remarkably higher percentage of responders
      stated that they have heard of clinical research, and knew someone who
      participated (both, P < 0.001) compared to India. Yet, the percentage of
      responders expressed willingness to participate was 39.3%, a significantly lower
      rate than the result of the India (58.9% vs. 39.3%, P < 0.001). Treatment benefit
      was the single most influential reason for participation, followed by financial
      gain. Concern about safety was the main reason for refusal, succeeded by fear and
      lack of trust. Public awareness and educational programs addressing these
      negative perceptions and lack of knowledge will be effective in enhancing public
      engaged in clinical research. 

PMID- 27134485
TI  - Specialist Bibliographic Databases.
AB  - Specialist bibliographic databases offer essential online tools for researchers
      and authors who work on specific subjects and perform comprehensive and
      systematic syntheses of evidence. This article presents examples of the
      established specialist databases, which may be of interest to those engaged in
      multidisciplinary science communication. Access to most specialist databases is
      through subscription schemes and membership in professional associations. Several
      aggregators of information and database vendors, such as EBSCOhost and ProQuest,
      facilitate advanced searches supported by specialist keyword thesauri. Searches
      of items through specialist databases are complementary to those through
      multidisciplinary research platforms, such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Google
      Scholar. Familiarizing with the functional characteristics of biomedical and
      nonbiomedical bibliographic search tools is mandatory for researchers, authors,
      editors, and publishers. The database users are offered updates of the indexed
      journal lists, abstracts, author profiles, and links to other metadata. Editors
      and publishers may find particularly useful source selection criteria and apply
      for coverage of their peer-reviewed journals and grey literature sources. These
      criteria are aimed at accepting relevant sources with established editorial
      policies and quality controls. 

PMID- 27134487
TI  - Methodological Quality Appraisal of 27 Korean Guidelines Using a Scoring Guide
      Based on the AGREE II Instrument and a Web-based Evaluation.
AB  - This study evaluated the methodological quality of CPGs using the Korean AGREE II
      scoring guide and a web-based appraisal system and was conducted by qualified
      appraisers. A total of 27 Korean CPGs were assessed under 6 domains and 23 items
      on the AGREE II instrument using the Korean scoring guide. The domain scores of
      the 27 guidelines were as following: the mean domain score was 82.7% (median
      84.7%, ranging from 55.6% to 97.2%) for domain 1 (scope and purpose); 53.4%
      (median 56.9%, ranging from 11.1% to 95.8%) for domain 2 (stakeholder
      involvement); 63.0% (median 71.4%, ranging from 13.5% to 90.6%) for domain 3
      (rigor of development); 88.9% (median 91.7%, ranging from 58.3% to 100.0%) for
      domain 4 (clarity of presentation); 30.1% (median 27.1%, ranging from 3.1% to
      67.7%) for domain 5 (applicability); and 50.2% (median 58.3%, ranging from 0.0%
      to 93.8%) for domain 6 (editorial independence). Three domains including scope
      and purpose, rigor of development, and clarity of presentation were rated at more
      than 60% of the scaled domain score. Three domains including stakeholder
      involvement, applicability, and editorial independence were rated at less than
      60% of the scaled domain score. Finally, of the 27 guidelines, 18 (66.7%) were
      rated at more than 60% of the scaled domain score for rigor of development and
      were categorized as high-quality guidelines. 

PMID- 27134488
TI  - Silencing of Long Non-Coding RNA MALAT1 Promotes Apoptosis of Glioma Cells.
AB  - The metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcription 1 (MALAT1) is a
      highly conserved long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) gene. However, little is known
      about the pathological role of lncRNA MALAT1 in glioma. In the present study, we
      explored the expression level of lncRNA MALAT1 in primary glioma tissues as well
      as in U87 and U251 glioma cell lines. Using qRT-PCR, we found that the expression
      of lncRNA MALAT1 was significantly increased in glioma tissues compared with that
      of paracancerous tissues. Meanwhile, the expression of MALAT1 was highly
      expressed in U98 and U251 cells. In order to explore the function of MALAT1, the
      expression of MALAT1 was greatly reduced in U87 and U251 cells transfected with
      siRNA specifically targeting MALAT1. Consequently, cell viability of U87 and U251
      cells were drastically decreased after the knockdown of MALAT1. Concomitantly,
      the apoptosis rate of the two cell lines was dramatically increased. Furthermore,
      the expression levels of some tumor markers were reduced after the knockdown of
      MALAT1, such as CCND1 and MYC. In summary, the current study indicated a
      promoting role of MALAT1 in the development of glioma cell. 

PMID- 27134490
TI  - Modifying Effect of Heat Waves on the Relationship between Temperature and
      Mortality.
AB  - Studies conducted to evaluate temporal trends of heat-related mortality have not
      considered the effects of heat waves; although it is known they can affect
      mortality and act as a modifying factor. After adjusting for long-term trends and
      seasonality, the effects of temperature on non-accidental deaths in Seoul and
      Busan (inland and coastal cities, respectively) were analyzed using a generalized
      additive model of Poisson distribution. We evaluated temporal trends of heat
      related mortalities in four periods (1991-1995, 1996-2000, 2001-2005, and 2006
      2012). The effects of temperature on mortality were evaluated according to the
      occurrence of a heat wave and results were compared in the two cities. The effect
      of temperature on mortality was the greatest in 1991-1995 in Seoul; no
      significant change was observed in Busan. When we stratified the study period by
      heat wave status, the risk increase in mortality was 15.9% per 1C during years
      with a heat wave in Seoul, which was much higher than 0.31% increase observed
      during years without a heat wave. On the other hand, Busan showed a linear
      relationship between temperature and mortality and no significant difference
      between years with or without a heat wave. Variations in the relationship between
      temperature and mortality could be misunderstood if heat waves are not
      considered. Furthermore, heterogeneity was found in the modifying effect of heat
      waves on heat-related mortality in inland and coastal cities. The findings of
      this study help understand relations between temperature and mortality. 

PMID- 27134489
TI  - Hospital Qualities Related to Return to Work from Occupational Injury after
      Controlling for Injury Severity as Well as Occupational Characteristics.
AB  - We examined associations between hospital quality in the workers' compensation
      system and injured patients' return to work after controlling for injury
      severity, occupational factors, and demographic factors. Return to work data of
      injured workers were constructed from 2 datasets: 23,392 patients injured in 2009
      2011 from the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service and return to work
      data from Korea Employment Information Services. After de-identifying the data,
      quality scores were matched for each hospital that cared for injured patients.
      Injury severity was measured by Abbreviated Injury Scales. Relative risk and 95%
      confidence interval were calculated using log binomial regression models. After
      adjusting for age, sex, injury severity, occupation, factory size, city, and
      hospital type, the relative risk (95% confidence interval) for the total score
      was 1.04 (1.02-1.06), 1.06 (1.04-1.09), and 1.07 (1.05-1.10) in the 2(nd), 3(rd),
      and 4(th) quartiles, respectively, compared to the 1(st) quartile. The RR (95%
      CI) in the 2(nd), 3(rd), and 4(th) quartiles was 1.05 (1.02-1.07), 1.05 (1.02
      1.08), and 1.06 (1.04-1.09) for the process score; and 1.02 (1.01-1.04), 1.05
      (1.03-1.07), and 1.06 (1.04-1.09) for the outcome score compared to the 1(st)
      quartile score, respectively. In conclusion, our study design with blinded merge
      methods shows that total, process, and outcome qualities are related to the
      return to work of injured workers after controlling for other factors. 

PMID- 27134491
TI  - Influenza Vaccination Coverage Rate according to the Pulmonary Function of Korean
      Adults Aged 40 Years and Over: Analysis of the Fifth Korean National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey.
AB  - Influenza vaccination is an effective strategy to reduce morbidity and mortality,
      particularly for those who have decreased lung functions. This study was to
      identify the factors that affect vaccination coverage according to the results of
      pulmonary function tests depending on the age. In this cross-sectional study,
      data were obtained from 3,224 adults over the age of 40 who participated in the
      fifth National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and underwent pulmonary
      function testing in 2012. To identify the factors that affect vaccination rate,
      logistic regression analysis was conducted after dividing the subjects into two
      groups based on the age of 65. Influenza vaccination coverage of the entire
      subjects was 45.2%, and 76.8% for those aged 65 and over. The group with abnormal
      pulmonary function had a higher vaccination rate than the normal group, but any
      pulmonary dysfunction or history of COPD did not affect the vaccination coverage
      in the multivariate analysis. The subjects who were 40-64 years-old had higher
      vaccination coverage when they were less educated or with restricted activity
      level, received health screenings, and had chronic diseases. Those aged 65 and
      over had significantly higher vaccination coverage only when they received
      regular health screenings. Any pulmonary dysfunction or having COPD showed no
      significant correlation with the vaccination coverage in the Korean adult
      population. 

PMID- 27134493
TI  - Translation and Validation of a Korean Version of the Xerostomia Inventory in
      Patients with Primary Sjogren's Syndrome.
AB  - This study was conducted to generate and validate a cross-culturally adapted
      Korean version of the xerostomia inventory (XI), an 11-item questionnaire
      designed to measure the severity of xerostomia. The original English version of
      the XI was translated into Korean according to the guidelines for cross-cultural
      adaptation of health-related quality-of-life measures. Among a prospective cohort
      of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) in Korea, 194 patients were analyzed.
      Internal consistency was evaluated by using Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest
      reliability was obtained by using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)
      analysis. Construct validity was investigated by performing a correlation
      analysis between XI total score and salivary flow rate (SFR). Cronbach's alpha
      for internal consistency was 0.868, and the ICC for test-retest reliability
      ranged from 0.48 to 0.827, with a median value of 0.72. Moderate negative
      correlations between XI score and stimulated SFR, unstimulated SFR, and
      differential (stimulated minus unstimulated) SFR were observed (Spearman's rho,
      rho = -0.515, -0.447, and -0.482, respectively; P < 0.001). The correlation
      analysis between the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of overall dryness and SFR
      indicated a smaller rho value (-0.235 [P = 0.006], -0.243 [P = 0.002], and -0.252
      [P = 0.003], respectively), which supports that XI more accurately reflects the
      degree of xerostomia in the pSS patients. In conclusion, the Korean version of
      the XI is a reliable tool to estimate the severity of xerostomia in patients with
      pSS. 

PMID- 27134492
TI  - Serotype Distribution and Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Invasive
      Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates from Adults in Korea from 1997 to 2012.
AB  - In Republic of Korea, a 7-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV7) was
      licensed for use in infants in 2003, and 13-valent PCV (PCV13) replaced it since
      2010. We investigated trends in serotype distribution and antibiotic
      susceptibility of pneumococcal isolates from adult patients with invasive
      pneumococcal diseases (IPD). Invasive pneumococcal isolates from adult patients
      of >= 16 years of age were collected from 1997 to 2012. Serotypes of the isolates
      were determined by the Quellung reaction. Distribution of serotypes was analyzed
      according to the vaccine types. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested by using E
      test strips. A total of 272 invasive pneumococcal isolates were included. The
      most common serotypes were serotype 19F (8.5%, 23/272), and serotype 3 (8.1%,
      22/272), and 24.6% (67/272) of the isolates were of non-vaccine serotypes. Of the
      272 isolates, 2.6% (7/272) were penicillin MICs of >= 4 ug/mL. The proportion of
      the PCV13 serotypes decreased from 63.3% (50/79) in 1997-2003 to 48.6% (17/35) in
      2011-2012, whereas that of non-vaccine serotypes was 26.6% (21/79) and 25.7%
      (9/35), respectively, for the same periods. The proportion of the PCV13 serotypes
      showed a decreasing trend among adult patients with IPD over the study period. 

PMID- 27134494
TI  - Impact of Childbearing Decisions on Family Size of Korean Women with Systemic
      Lupus Erythematosus.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects women in their
      reproductive years and has a significant impact on childbearing. We investigated
      the influence of personal decision on family size among Korean women with SLE and
      factors that affect the decisions. A case-control study comparing childbearing
      history and decisions of 112 SLE patients and 135 controls was performed. Women
      with SLE participating in the Network for Lupus Clinical Research in South Korea
      and matching controls between ages of 18-45, who are/were married or living with
      a partner were included. Data regarding socio-demographics, reproductive history,
      and childbearing decisions were collected through a survey using a standardized
      questionnaire and medical record review. More women with SLE reported at least
      one pregnancy (85.7% vs. 71.9%, P = 0.009) or at least one live birth (85.7% vs.
      71.9%, P = 0.003) compared with controls. Mean number of pregnancies was
      significantly higher (2.4 +/- 1.6 vs. 1.4 +/- 1.3, P < 0.001), and mean number of
      live births was significantly lower in women with SLE (1.2 +/- 0.8 vs. 1.6 +/-
      0.8, P < 0.001). Significantly more women with SLE made the decision not to have
      children compared with controls (54.5% vs. 40.7%, P = 0.031), and health-related
      concerns were the major cause of the decision. Other socio-demographic factors
      did not influence the decision to limit childbearing in SLE women. The disease
      related concerns had significant impact on family size and childbearing decisions
      among Korean women with SLE. 

PMID- 27134495
TI  - Identification of the Mutations in the Prostaglandin Transporter Gene, SLCO2A1
      and Clinical Characterization in Korean Patients with Pachydermoperiostosis.
AB  - Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP), or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, is a rare
      genetic disease affecting both skin and bones. Both autosomal dominant with
      incomplete penetrance and recessive inheritance of PDP have been previously
      confirmed. Recently, hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD) and solute carrier
      organic anion transporter family member 2A1 (SLCO2A1) were reported as pathogenic
      genes responsible for PDP. Both genes are involved in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)
      degradation. We aimed to identify responsible genes for PDP and the clinical
      features in Korean patients with PDP. Six affected individuals and their
      available healthy family members from three unrelated Korean families with PDP
      were studied. All of the patients displayed complete phenotypes of PDP with
      finger clubbing, pachydermia, and periostosis. Mutation analysis revealed a novel
      heterozygous mutation in the SLCO2A1 gene at nucleotide 302 causing a
      substitution of the amino acid isoleucine to serine at codon 101 (p.IIe101Ser) in
      affected individuals. We also identified known SLCO2A1 mutations, one homozygous
      for c.940+1G>A, and another compound heterozygous for c.940+1G>A and c.1807C>T
      (p.Arg603*) from two PDP families. Genetic analyses of the PDP patients showed no
      abnormality in the HPGD gene. Our study further supports the role of mutations in
      the SLCO2A1 gene in the pathogenesis of PDP and could provide additional clues to
      the genotype-phenotype relations of PDP. 

PMID- 27134496
TI  - Comparison of Renal Function between Robot-Assisted and Open Partial Nephrectomy
      as Determined by Tc 99m-DTPA Renal Scintigraphy.
AB  - We compared postoperative renal function impairment between patients undergoing
      robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and those undergoing open partial
      nephrectomy (OPN) by using Tc-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) renal
      scintigraphy. Patients who underwent partial nephrectomy by a single surgeon
      between 2007 and 2013 were eligible and were matched by propensity score, based
      on age, tumor size, exophytic properties of tumor, and location relative to the
      polar lines. Of the 403 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy, 114 (28%)
      underwent RAPN and 289 (72%) underwent OPN. Mean follow-up duration was 35.2
      months. Following propensity matching, there were no significant differences
      between the two groups in tumor exophytic properties (P = 0.818) or nephrometry
      score (P = 0.527). Renal ischemic time (24.4 minutes vs. 17.8 minutes, P < 0.001)
      was significantly longer in the RAPN group than in the OPN group, while the other
      characteristics were similar. Multivariate analysis showed that greater
      preoperative renal unit function (P = 0.011) and nephrometry score (P = 0.041)
      were independently correlated with a reduction in glomerular filtration rate. The
      operative method did not correlate with renal function impairment (P = 0.704).
      Postoperative renal function impairment was similar between patients who
      underwent OPN and those who underwent RAPN, despite RAPN having a longer ischemic
      time. 

PMID- 27134497
TI  - Daily Mean Temperature Affects Urolithiasis Presentation in Seoul: a Time-series
      Analysis.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the overall cumulative exposure-response and the
      lag response relationships between daily temperature and urolithiasis
      presentation in Seoul. Using a time-series design and distributing lag nonlinear
      methods, we estimated the relative risk (RR) of urolithiasis presentation
      associated with mean daily temperature, including the cumulative RR for a 20 days
      period, and RR for individual daily lag through 20 days. We analyzed data from
      14,518 patients of 4 hospitals emergency department who sought medical evaluation
      or treatment of urolithiasis from 2005-2013 in Seoul. RR was estimated according
      to sex and age. Associations between mean daily temperature and urolithiasis
      presentation were not monotonic. Furthermore, there was variation in the exposure
      response curve shapes and the strength of association at different temperatures,
      although in most cases RRs increased for temperatures above the 13 degrees C
      reference value. The RRs for urolothiasis at 29 degrees C vs. 13 degrees C were
      2.54 in all patients (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67-3.87), 2.59 in male (95%
      CI, 1.56-4.32), 2.42 in female (95% CI, 1.15-5.07), 3.83 in male less than 40
      years old (95% CI, 1.78-8.26), and 2.47 in male between 40 and 60 years old (95%
      CI, 1.15-5.34). Consistent trends of increasing RR of urolithiasis presentation
      were observed within 5 days of high temperatures across all groups. Urolithiasis
      presentation increased with high temperature with higher daily mean temperatures,
      with the strongest associations estimated for lags of only a few days, in Seoul,
      a metropolitan city in Korea. 

PMID- 27134498
TI  - Serotonin Transporter and COMT Polymorphisms as Independent Predictors of Health
      related Quality of Life in Patients with Panic Disorder.
AB  - There is growing evidence of poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in
      patients with panic disorder (PD). However, little is known about the factors
      affecting HRQOL in patients with PD. The authors examined whether 5-HTTLPR tri
      allelic approach and Cathechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val(158)Met
      polymorphism can predict HRQOL in patients with PD controlling for
      sociodemographic factors and disorder-related symptom levels. The sample
      consisted of 179 patients with PD consecutively recruited from an outpatient
      clinic and age- and gender ratio-matched 110 healthy controls. The SF-36 was used
      to assess multiple domains of HRQOL. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis
      was performed to determine the independent effect of the 5-HTTLPR and COMT
      Val(158)Met on the SF-36 in panic patients. Patients with PD showed lowered HRQOL
      in all sub-domains of the SF-36 compared to healthy controls. The 5-HTTLPR
      independently and additively accounted for 2.2% of variation (6.7% of inherited
      variance) of perceived general health and the COMT Val(158)Met independently and
      additively accounted for 1.5% of variation (5.0% of inherited variance) of role
      limitation due to emotional problems in patient group. The present study suggests
      that specific genetic polymorphisms are associated with certain domains of HRQOL
      and provides a new insight on exploring the factors that predict HRQOL in
      patients with PD. 

PMID- 27134499
TI  - The Effect of Home-based Daily Journal Writing in Korean Adolescents with
      Smartphone Addiction.
AB  - Despite the benefits of smartphones, many adverse effects have emerged. However,
      to date, there was no particular approach to treat or prevent smartphone
      addiction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of
      a home-based daily journal of smartphone use (HDJ-S) in Korean adolescents. Three
      hundred thirty five middle school students participated in this study. The
      severity of smartphone addiction was measured using the Korean Smartphone
      Addiction Proneness Scale. The ability to control smartphone use was evaluated
      with the Motive Scale for Smartphone Regulation. We used the Parents' Concerns
      for Children's Smartphone Activities Scale to measure parental monitoring and
      supervision of adolescents' smartphone activities. The Korean Smartphone
      Addiction Proneness Scale classified subjects into high risk and non-high risk
      for smartphone addiction, according to total scores. Forty six participants (14%)
      were high risk for smartphone addiction. The high risk group performed the HDJ-S
      for two weeks, and the same scales were subsequently assessed. After performing
      the HDJ-S, the total scores of the Korean Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale
      decreased significantly in the high risk group (P < 0.001). There was a
      significant increase in the total scores of the Parents' Concerns for Children's
      Smartphone Activities Scale in the high risk group between baseline and following
      two weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). The HDJ-S was effective for adolescents with
      smartphone addiction and increased the parents' concerns for their children's
      smartphone activities. We suggested that HDJ-S would be considered as a treatment
      and prevention for smartphone addiction. 

PMID- 27134500
TI  - Utilization of Western and Traditional Korean Medicine for Children and
      Adolescents with Mental Disorders: a Nationwide Population-based Study from 2010
      to 2012.
AB  - When in need of medical treatment, Korean citizens have a choice of practitioners
      of western medicine (WM) or Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM). However, the two
      branches frequently conflict with one another, particularly with regard to mental
      disorders. This study was designed to compare the utilization of WM and TKM,
      focusing on child/adolescent patients with mental disorders. We analyzed F-code
      (Mental and behavioral disorders) claims from the Korean Health Insurance Review
      and Assessment Service, including data from 0-18-year-old patients from 2010 to
      2012. Slightly more men than women utilized WM, while TKM use was almost evenly
      balanced. WM claims increased with advancing age, whereas utilization of TKM was
      common for the 0-6 age group. In WM and TKM, the total number of claims relying
      on the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) was 331,154 (92.78%) and 73,282
      (97.85%), respectively, and the number of claims relying on medical aid was
      25,753 (7.22%) and 1,610 (2.15%), respectively. The most frequent F-coded claim
      in WM was F90 (Hyperkinetic disorders), with 64,088 claims (17.96%), and that in
      TKM was F45 (Somatoform disorders), with 28,852 claims (38.52%). The prevalence
      of a single disorder without comorbidities was 168,764 (47.29%) in WM and 52,615
      (70.25%) in TKM. From these data, we conclude that WM takes prevalence over TKM
      in cases of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as in
      psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. On the other hand,
      patients utilizing TKM more commonly present with physical health problems
      including somatoform problems, sleep, and eating disorders. 

PMID- 27134501
TI  - Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Symptom Checklist-Post
      Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale.
AB  - The Symptom Checklist - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale (SCL-PTSD), also
      known as Crime-Related PTSD Scale has been validated in survivors of
      interpersonal trauma in the general population. However, the psychometric
      properties have not been investigated in a clinical setting for patients with
      PTSD from diverse traumatic events. This study investigates the reliability and
      validity of the Korean version of the SCL-PTSD among 104 psychiatric outpatients
      with PTSD, caused by interpersonal (n = 50) or non-interpersonal trauma (n = 54).
      Self-report data of the SCL-PTSD, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait
      Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R) were
      gathered. The Korean version of the SCL-PTSD showed excellent internal
      consistency and moderate-to-good four-week temporal stability in both the
      interpersonal and non-interpersonal trauma groups. In comparison with other
      diagnostic groups, the scores of the SCL-PTSD were significantly higher compared
      to those of adjustment disorder, depression, other anxiety disorders, and
      schizophrenia, demonstrating its criteria-related validity. Convergent validity
      was confirmed because the scores of the SCL-PTSD were significantly correlated
      with BDI, SAI and TAI scores. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by significant
      correlation with the IES-R score. This study demonstrated the favorable
      psychometric prosperities of the Korean version of the SCL-PTSD, supporting its
      use in clinical research and practice. 

PMID- 27134502
TI  - The Effects of Alcohol on Visual Evoked Potential and Multifocal
      Electroretinography.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of ethanol
      administration on pattern-reversal visual evoked potential (VEP) and multifocal
      electroretinography (mfERG). Fifteen healthy subjects with no ocular or general
      disease were recruited. VEP (0.25 degrees  pattern sizes) and mfERG with 19
      elements in two recording segments were performed before ethanol administration
      to obtain baseline for each participant. A few days later, the participants
      visited again for VEP and mfERG measurements after ethanol administration.
      Ethanol (0.75 g/kg) was administered orally over the course of 30 minutes. VEP
      and blood alcohol concentration were evaluated one hour after ethanol
      administration, and mfERG was conducted after pupil dilation. The Wilcoxon signed
      rank test was used to compare parameter changes after randomized eye selection.
      The mean blood alcohol concentration was 0.034% +/- 0.05% by volume. VEP revealed
      a P100 latency delay (109.4 +/- 5.3; 113.1 +/- 8.2; P = 0.008) after alcohol
      administration. The P1 implicit time of ring 1 on mfERG showed a trend of
      shortening after alcohol administration (37.9 +/- 1.0; 37.2 +/- 1.5; P = 0.048).
      However, the changes did not show statistical significance after Bonferroni
      correction. In conclusion, orally administrated ethanol (0.75 g/kg) appears to
      suppress the central nervous system, but it is not clear whether alcohol intake
      affects the retina. 

PMID- 27134503
TI  - Is There an Association between Restless Legs Syndrome and Urticaria?
AB  - Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disease characterized by the urge to move the
      legs and sleep disturbances. Similarly, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a
      dermatological disease characterized by pruritus and sleep disorders. In this
      study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of RLS in patients with
      chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to compare the quality of sleep of
      patients with and without RLS in the CSU group using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
      Index. A total of 130 patients with CSU and 100 healthy controls were included in
      this study. The frequency of RLS, frequency of sleep disturbances, and average
      score of RLS in patients with CSU were statistically significantly higher than
      control groups (respectively P = 0.008, P = 0.009, P = 0.004). Subjective sleep
      quality, sleep latency and habitual sleep efficiency scores in patients with RLS
      were statistically significantly higher than patients without RLS (respectively P
      = 0.016, P = 0.007, P = 0.035). We claimed that pruritus of urticaria may
      decrease the quality of sleep in patients with RLS and it may trigger and worsen
      the restless legs syndrome. Furthermore, RLS and CSU may share a common etiology.

PMID- 27134504
TI  - The Effects of Adherence to Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Factors
      Influencing Drug Adherence in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.
AB  - We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of knee osteoarthritis patients
      according to drug adherence; and to find out the factors the affecting those
      outcomes. We analyzed the drug adherence and clinical outcomes in 1,334 primary
      knee osteoarthritis patients who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs) for 3 weeks. Clinical outcomes of Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Knee
      injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and EQ-5D were compared at
      baseline and 3 weeks' follow-up between the two groups of adherent group and non
      adherent group (1,167 vs. 167 patients). Logistic regression analysis was
      performed to examine the factors affecting the adherence, and the reasons for the
      non-adherence were asked. The follow-up clinical outcomes of NRS and KOOS
      symptom, pain and activity of daily life were significantly higher in the
      adherence group (P = 0.003, P = 0.048, P = 0.005, and P = 0.003, respectively).
      The adherence was better in the elderly and in the male group (P = 0.042 and P =
      0.034, respectively) and the top reason for no strict adherence was "symptom
      improved" (21.5%) followed by side effects. In this study, the patients with
      better adherence to NSAIDs showed better outcomes compared to those with poor
      adherence. This study can contribute to the patient education for the
      pharmacological treatment in knee OA patients. 

PMID- 27134505
TI  - Trends of Incidence, Mortality, and Future Projection of Spinal Fractures in
      Korea Using Nationwide Claims Data.
AB  - Spinal fractures have been recognized as a major health concern. Our purposes
      were to evaluate the trends in the incidence and mortality of spinal fractures
      between 2008 and 2012 and predict the number of spinal fractures that will occur
      in Korea up to 2025, using nationwide data from the National Health Insurance
      Service (NHIS). A nationwide data set was evaluated to identify all new visits to
      medical institutes for spinal fractures in men and women aged 50 years or older
      between 2008 and 2012. The incidence, mortality rates and estimates of the number
      of spinal fractures were calculated using Poisson regression. The number of
      spinal fractures increased over the time span studied. Men and women experienced
      14,808 and 55,164 vertebral fractures in 2008 and 22,739 and 79,903 in 2012,
      respectively. This reflects an increase in the incidence of spinal fractures for
      both genders (men, 245.3/100,000 in 2008 and 312.5/100,000 in 2012; women,
      780.6/100,000 in 2008 and 953.4/100,000 in 2012). The cumulative mortality rate
      in the first year after spinal fractures decreased from 8.51% (5,955/69,972) in
      2008 to 7.0% (7,187/102,642) in 2012. The overall standardized mortality ratio
      (SMR) of spinal fractures at 1 year post-fracture was higher in men (7.76, 95%
      CI: 7.63-7.89) than in women (4.70, 95% CI: 4.63-4.76). The total number of
      spinal fractures is expected to reach 157,706 in 2025. The incidence of spinal
      fractures increased in Korea in the last 5 years, and the socioeconomic burden of
      spinal fractures will continue to increase in the near future. 

PMID- 27134506
TI  - New Intervention Model of Regional Transfer Network System to Alleviate Crowding
      of Regional Emergency Medical Center.
AB  - Emergency department (ED) crowding is a serious problem in most tertiary
      hospitals in Korea. Although several intervention models have been established to
      alleviate ED crowding, they are limited to a single hospital-based approach. This
      study was conducted to determine whether the new regional intervention model
      could alleviate ED crowding in a regional emergency medical center. This study
      was designed as a "before and after study" and included patients who visited the
      tertiary hospital ED from November 2011 to October 2013. One tertiary hospital
      and 32 secondary hospitals were included in the study. A transfer coordinator
      conducted inter-hospital transfers from a tertiary hospital to a secondary
      hospital for suitable patients. A total of 1,607 and 2,591 patients transferred
      from a tertiary hospital before and after the study, respectively (P < 0.001). We
      found that the median ED length of stay (LOS) decreased significantly from 3.68
      hours (interquartile range [IQR], 1.85 to 9.73) to 3.20 hours (IQR, 1.62 to 8.33)
      in the patient group after implementation of the Regional Transfer Network System
      (RTNS) (P < 0.001). The results of multivariate analysis showed a negative
      association between implementation of the RTNS and ED LOS (beta coefficient 
      0.743; 95% confidence interval -0.914 to -0.572; P < 0.001). In conclusion, the
      ED LOS in the tertiary hospital decreased after implementation of the RTNS. 

PMID- 27134507
TI  - Calculation of the Residual Blood Volume after Acute, Non-Ongoing Hemorrhage
      Using Serial Hematocrit Measurements and the Volume of Isotonic Fluid Infused:
      Theoretical Hypothesis Generating Study.
AB  - Fluid resuscitation, hemostasis, and transfusion is essential in care of
      hemorrhagic shock. Although estimation of the residual blood volume is crucial,
      the standard measuring methods are impractical or unsafe. Vital signs, central
      venous or pulmonary artery pressures are inaccurate. We hypothesized that the
      residual blood volume for acute, non-ongoing hemorrhage was calculable using
      serial hematocrit measurements and the volume of isotonic solution infused. Blood
      volume is the sum of volumes of red blood cells and plasma. For acute, non
      ongoing hemorrhage, red blood cell volume would not change. A certain portion of
      the isotonic fluid would increase plasma volume. Mathematically, we suggest that
      the residual blood volume after acute, non-ongoing hemorrhage might be calculated
      as 0.25N/[(Hct1/Hct2)-1], where Hct1 and Hct2 are the initial and subsequent
      hematocrits, respectively, and N is the volume of isotonic solution infused. In
      vivo validation and modification is needed before clinical application of this
      model. 

PMID- 27134508
TI  - The First Successful Heart-Lung Transplant in a Korean Child with Humidifier
      Disinfectant-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease.
AB  - From 2006 to 2011, an outbreak of a particular type of childhood interstitial
      lung disease occurred in Korea. The condition was intractable and progressed to
      severe respiratory failure, with a high mortality rate. Moreover, in several
      familial cases, the disease affected young women and children simultaneously.
      Epidemiologic, animal, and post-interventional studies identified the cause as
      inhalation of humidifier disinfectants. Here, we report a 4-year-old girl who
      suffered from severe progressive respiratory failure. She could survive by 100
      days of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and finally, underwent heart
      lung transplantation. This is the first successful pediatric heart-lung
      transplantation carried out in Korea. 

PMID- 27134509
TI  - Letter to the Editor: Should We Really Take Anti-Viral Therapy into Account in
      Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Normal Liver Function?

PMID- 27134511
TI  - Friends First? The Peer Network Origins of Adolescent Dating.
AB  - The proximity of dating partners in peer friendship networks has important
      implications for the diffusion of health-risk behaviors and adolescent social
      development. We derive two competing hypotheses for the friendship-romance
      association. The first predicts that daters are proximally positioned in
      friendship networks prior to dating and that opposite-gender friends are likely
      to transition to dating. The second predicts that dating typically crosses group
      boundaries and opposite-gender friends are unlikely to later date. We test these
      hypotheses with longitudinal friendship data for 626 9th grade PROSPER
      heterosexual dating couples. Results primarily support the second hypothesis:
      romantic partners are unlikely to be friends in the previous year or share the
      same cohesive subgroup, and opposite-gender friends are unlikely to transition
      into dating.

PMID- 27134510
TI  - The Author's Response: Anti-Viral Therapy for Compensated Liver Cirrhosis
      Patients with Normal Alanine Aminotransferase.

PMID- 27134512
TI  - The Growing Racial and Ethnic Divide in U.S. Marriage Patterns.
AB  - The United States shows striking racial and ethnic differences in marriage
      patterns. Compared to both white and Hispanic women, black women marry later in
      life, are less likely to marry at all, and have higher rates of marital
      instability. Kelly Raley, Megan Sweeney, and Danielle Wondra begin by reviewing
      common explanations for these differences, which first gained momentum in the
      1960s (though patterns of marital instability diverged earlier than patterns of
      marriage formation). Structural factors-for example, declining employment
      prospects and rising incarceration rates for unskilled black men-clearly play a
      role, the authors write, but such factors don't fully explain the divergence in
      marriage patterns. In particular, they don't tell us why we see racial and ethnic
      differences in marriage across all levels of education, and not just among the
      unskilled. Raley, Sweeney and, Wondra argue that the racial gap in marriage that
      emerged in the 1960s, and has grown since, is due partly to broad changes in
      ideas about family arrangements that have made marriage optional. As the
      imperative to marry has fallen, alongside other changes in the economy that have
      increased women's economic contributions to the household, socioeconomic standing
      has become increasingly important for marriage. Race continues to be associated
      with economic disadvantage, and thus as economic factors have become more
      relevant to marriage and marital stability, the racial gap in marriage has grown.

PMID- 27134513
TI  - Informal and Formal Help Seeking Among Older Black Male Foster Care Youth and
      Alumni.
AB  - Using the behavioral model for vulnerable populations as a framework, this study
      examined predisposing, enabling, and need factors related to seeking help from
      formal and informal sources among older Black male foster youth and alumni.
      Results of logistic regression analyses showed that emotional control, a
      predisposing variable, was related to help-seeking. Specifically, greater
      adherence to the norm of emotional control was related to lower likelihood of
      using informal or formal sources of help. These results support the literature on
      males, in general, and Black males, in particular, that posits that inhibitions
      to express emotions are a barrier to their help seeking. Implications for help
      seeking among vulnerable populations of adolescent and young adult Black males
      are discussed.

PMID- 27134514
TI  - Leveraging Healthcare to Promote Responsive Parenting: Impacts of the Video
      Interaction Project on Parenting Stress.
AB  - We sought to determine impacts of a pediatric primary care intervention, the
      Video Interaction Project, on 3-year trajectories of parenting stress related to
      parent-child interactions in low socioeconomic status (SES) families. A
      randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted, with random assignment to one of
      two interventions (Video Interaction Project [VIP]; Building Blocks [BB]) or
      control (C). As part of VIP, dyads attended one-on-one sessions with an
      interventionist who facilitated interactions in play and shared reading through
      review of videotaped parent-child interactions made on primary care visit days;
      learning materials and parenting pamphlets were also provided to facilitate
      parent-child interactions at home. Parenting stress related to parent-child
      interactions was assessed for VIP and Control groups at 6, 14, 24, and 36 months
      using the Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction subscale of the Parenting Stress
      Index- Short Form, with 378 dyads (84%) assessed at least once. Group differences
      emerged at 6 months with VIP associated with lower parenting stress at 3 of 4
      ages considered cross-sectionally and an 17.7% reduction in parenting stress
      overall during the study period based on multi-level modeling. No age by group
      interaction was observed, indicating persistence of early VIP impacts. Results
      indicated that VIP, a preventive intervention targeting parent-child
      interactions, is associated with decreased parenting stress. Results therefore
      support the expansion of pediatric interventions such as VIP as part of a broad
      public health strategy to address poverty-related disparities in school
      readiness.

PMID- 27134516
TI  - Sociocultural Factors and School Engagement among African American Youth: The
      Roles of Racial Discrimination, Racial Socialization and Ethnic Identity.
AB  - This study investigated the links between racial discrimination and school
      engagement and the roles of racial socialization and ethnic identity as
      protective factors in those linkages in a sample of 148, 6th through 12th grade
      African American adolescents from working and middle class two-parent families.
      In home interviews youth described their ethnic identity, discrimination
      experiences at school, and school engagement (school bonding, school grades,
      school self-esteem), and parents rated their racial socialization practices.
      Analyses revealed that discrimination was negatively related to school self
      esteem and school bonding. Racial socialization had additive effects on school
      self-esteem and school bonding, but did not moderate the discrimination -- school
      engagement association. For boys, ethnic identity had additive effects on school
      bonding, but for girls, ethnic identity moderated the relation between
      discrimination and school bonding: When girls experienced more discrimination and
      had lower ethnic identity, they reported lower school bonding. Discrimination,
      racial socialization, and ethnic identity were not related to school grades.

PMID- 27134515
TI  - Treatments for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy of current treatment options for adults with
      obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: Review of the literature. RESULTS: OSA,
      characterized by repetitive >= 10-second interruptions (apnea) or reductions
      (hypopnea) in airflow, is initiated by partial or complete collapse in the upper
      airway despite respiratory effort. When left untreated, OSA is associated with
      comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The current
      "gold standard" treatment for OSA is continuous positive air pressure (CPAP),
      which pneumatically stabilizes the upper airways. CPAP has proven efficacy and
      potential cost savings via decreases in health comorbidities and/or motor-vehicle
      crashes. However, CPAP treatment is not well-tolerated due to various side
      effects, and adherence among OSA subjects can be as low as 50% in certain
      populations. Other treatment options for OSA include improving CPAP tolerability,
      increasing CPAP adherence through patient interventions, weight loss/exercise,
      positional therapy, nasal expiratory positive airway pressure, oral pressure
      therapy, oral appliances, surgery, hypoglossal nerve stimulation, drug treatment,
      and combining 2 or more of the aforementioned treatments. Despite the many
      options available to treat OSA, none of them are as efficacious as CPAP. However,
      many of these treatments are tolerable, and adherence rates are higher than those
      of the CPAP, making them a more viable treatment option for long-term use.
      CONCLUSION: Patients need to weigh the benefits and risks of available treatments
      for OSA. More large randomized controlled studies on treatments or combination of
      treatments for OSA are needed that measure parameters such as treatment
      adherence, apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation, subjective sleepiness,
      quality of life, and adverse events.

PMID- 27134517
TI  - Negative Social Contextual Stressors and Somatic Symptoms Among Young Black
      Males: An Exploratory Study.
AB  - This study examines whether negative social contextual stressors were associated
      with somatic symptoms among young Black males (N = 74) after accounting for
      background and psychological characteristics. Using Cunningham and Spencer's
      Black Male Experiences Measure, negative social contextual stressors connoted
      those experiences connected to the personal attributes, devaluation, and negative
      imagery of young Black males, such as being followed when entering a store or
      police or security guards asking them what they are doing when hanging out (e.g.,
      in the park or playground or on the street corner). Results showed that such
      stressors made a unique and significant contribution to the experience of somatic
      symptoms. Future research directions and implications for addressing the larger
      societal perceptions of young Black males are discussed.

PMID- 27134518
TI  - Adoptive and Nonadoptive Mother-Child Behavioral Interaction: A Comparative Study
      at 4 Years of Age.
AB  - Comparable samples of low-risk adopted and nonadopted children and mothers were
      observed during 3 tasks at age 4 years. Quality of mother-child interactions,
      child level of functioning in 4 domains, and maternal parenting satisfaction and
      social support were assessed. Adopted children were as competent as nonadopted
      children on measures of developmental functioning. Both groups of mothers
      expressed high satisfaction and support as parents. However, ratings of child,
      maternal, and dyadic behavior when interacting were all lower for adoptive dyads
      than for nonadoptive dyads, and adoptive dyads with boys accounted for the
      maternal and dyadic group differences.

PMID- 27134519
TI  - Hydrolysable core crosslinked particle for receptor-mediated pH-sensitive
      anticancer drug delivery.
AB  - Biodegradable micelle systems with both extracellular stabilities and specific
      targeting properties are highly desirable for anti-cancer drug delivery. Here, we
      report a biodegradable and crosslinkable poly(propylene fumarate)-co-poly(lactide
      co-glycolide)-co-poly(ethylene glycol) (PPF-PLGA-PEG) copolymer conjugated with
      folate (FA) molecules for receptor-mediated delivery of doxorubicin. Micelles
      with folate ligands on surface and fumarate bonds within the core were self
      assembled and crosslinked, which exhibited better stability against potential
      physiological conditions during and after drug administration. A pH sensitive
      drug release profile was observed showing robust release at acidic environment
      due to the ester hydrolysis of PLGA (50:50). Further, micelles with folate
      ligands on surface showed strong targeting ability and therapeutic efficacy
      through receptor-mediated endocytosis, as evidenced by efficacious cancer killing
      and fatal DNA damage. These results imply promising potential for ligand
      conjugated core crosslinked PPF-PLGA-PEG-FA micelles as carrier system for
      targeted anti-cancer drug delivery.

PMID- 27134521
TI  - Virtual Non-Contrast CT Using Dual-Energy Spectral CT: Feasibility of Coronary
      Artery Calcium Scoring.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of coronary artery calcium scoring based
      on three virtual noncontrast-enhanced (VNC) images derived from single-source
      spectral dual-energy CT (DECT) as compared with true noncontrast-enhanced (TNC)
      images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted with the
      approval of our Institutional Review Board. Ninety-seven patients underwent
      noncontrast CT followed by contrast-enhanced chest CT using single-source
      spectral DECT. Iodine eliminated VNC images were reconstructed using two kinds of
      2-material decomposition algorithms (material density iodine-water pair [MDW],
      material density iodine-calcium pair [MDC]) and a material suppressed algorithm
      (material suppressed iodine [MSI]). Two readers independently quantified calcium
      on VNC and TNC images. The Spearman correlation coefficient test and Bland-Altman
      method were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Coronary artery calcium
      scores from all three VNC images showed excellent correlation with those from the
      TNC images (Spearman's correlation coefficient [rho] = 0.94, 0.88, and 0.89 for
      MDW, MDC, and MSI, respectively; p < 0.001 for all pairs). Measured coronary
      calcium volumes from VNC images also correlated well with those from TNC images
      (rho = 0.92, 0.87, and 0.91 for MDW, MDC, and MSI, respectively; p < 0.001 for
      all pairs). Among the three VNC images, coronary calcium from MDW correlated best
      with that from TNC. The coronary artery calcium scores and volumes were
      significantly lower from the VNC images than from the TNC images (p < 0.001 for
      all pairs). CONCLUSION: The use of VNC images from contrast-enhanced CT using
      dual-energy material decomposition/suppression is feasible for coronary calcium
      scoring. The absolute value from VNC tends to be smaller than that from TNC.

PMID- 27134520
TI  - Physiologic Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease: Focus on Fractional Flow
      Reserve.
AB  - The presence of myocardial ischemia is the most important prognostic factor in
      patients with ischemic heart disease. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a gold
      standard invasive method used to detect the stenosis-specific myocardial
      ischemia. FFR-guided revascularization strategy is superior to angiography-guided
      strategy. The recently developed hyperemia-free index, instantaneous wave free
      ratio is being actively investigated. A non-invasive FFR derived from coronary CT
      angiography is now used in clinical practice. Due to rapid expansion of invasive
      and non-invasive physiologic assessment, comprehensive understanding of the role
      and potential pitfalls of each modality are required for its application. In this
      review, we focus on the basic and clinical aspects of physiologic assessment in
      ischemic heart disease.

PMID- 27134523
TI  - How to Develop, Validate, and Compare Clinical Prediction Models Involving
      Radiological Parameters: Study Design and Statistical Methods.
AB  - Clinical prediction models are developed to calculate estimates of the
      probability of the presence/occurrence or future course of a particular
      prognostic or diagnostic outcome from multiple clinical or non-clinical
      parameters. Radiologic imaging techniques are being developed for accurate
      detection and early diagnosis of disease, which will eventually affect patient
      outcomes. Hence, results obtained by radiological means, especially diagnostic
      imaging, are frequently incorporated into a clinical prediction model as
      important predictive parameters, and the performance of the prediction model may
      improve in both diagnostic and prognostic settings. This article explains in a
      conceptual manner the overall process of developing and validating a clinical
      prediction model involving radiological parameters in relation to the study
      design and statistical methods. Collection of a raw dataset; selection of an
      appropriate statistical model; predictor selection; evaluation of model
      performance using a calibration plot, Hosmer-Lemeshow test and c-index; internal
      and external validation; comparison of different models using c-index, net
      reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement; and a
      method to create an easy-to-use prediction score system will be addressed. This
      article may serve as a practical methodological reference for clinical
      researchers.

PMID- 27134522
TI  - Comparison of Iohexol-380 and Iohexol-350 for Coronary CT Angiography: A
      Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind Phase 3 Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This multi-center, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial was
      conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of contrast agents iohexol-380 and
      iohexol-350 for coronary CT angiography in healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Volunteers were randomized to receive 420 mgI/kg of either iohexol-350
      or iohexol-380 using a flow rate of 4 mL/sec. All adverse events were recorded.
      Two blinded readers independently reviewed the CT images and conflicting results
      were resolved by a third reader. Luminal attenuations (ascending aorta, left main
      coronary artery, and left ventricle) in Hounsfield units (HUs) and image quality
      on a 4-point scale were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 225 subjects were given
      contrast media (115 with iohexol-380 and 110 with iohexol-350). There was no
      difference in number of adverse drug reactions between groups: 75 events in 56
      (48.7%) of 115 subjects in the iohexol-380 group vs. 74 events in 51 (46.4%) of
      110 subjects in the iohexol-350 group (p = 0.690). No severe adverse drug
      reactions were recorded. Neither group showed an increase in serum creatinine.
      Significant differences in mean density between the groups was found in the
      ascending aorta: 375.8 +/- 71.4 HU with iohexol-380 vs. 356.3 +/- 61.5 HU with
      iohexol-350 (p = 0.030). No significant differences in image quality scores
      between both groups were observed for all three anatomic evaluations (all, p >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Iohexol-380 provides improved enhancement of the ascending
      aorta and similar attenuation of the coronary arteries without any increase in
      adverse drug reactions, as compared with iohexol-350 using an identical amount of
      total iodine.

PMID- 27134524
TI  - Interventional Radiology in the Management of Visceral Artery Pseudoaneurysms: A
      Review of Techniques and Embolic Materials.
AB  - Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms occur mostly as a result of inflammation and
      trauma. Owing to high risk of rupture, they require early treatment to prevent
      lethal complications. Knowledge of the various approaches of embolization of
      pseudoaneurysms and different embolic materials used in the management of
      visceral artery pseudoaneurysms is essential for successful and safe
      embolization. We review and illustrate the endovascular, percutaneous and
      endoscopic ultrasound techniques used in the treatment of visceral artery
      pseudoaneurysm and briefly discuss the embolic materials and their benefits and
      risks.

PMID- 27134525
TI  - Retrograde Endovenous Laser Ablation through Saphenopopliteal Junctional Area for
      Incompetent Small Saphenous Vein: Comparison with Antegrade Approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of retrograde endovenous laser
      ablation (EVLA) and to compare it with the conventional antegrade EVLA for
      incompetent small saphenous vein (SSV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Small saphenous
      vein was cannulated via two approaches under ultrasound-guidance. One method
      involved puncturing the SSV cranially at mid-calf (the antegrade group). If the
      antegrade puncture into the SSV failed twice, the other approach for puncture was
      selected that involved puncturing the SSV toward the ankle (the retrograde
      group). Patients were evaluated in terms of technical & clinical success, closure
      rates of the SSV, and complications including pain, bruising, or paresthesia at
      all follow-up visits. RESULTS: The 1470 nm endovenous laser was used in all
      limbs. Technical success was seen in all limbs in both groups (100%). Closure
      rate in both groups showed about 95%, without significant difference (p = 0.685).
      Similar linear endovenous energy density was supplied during the EVLA in both
      groups (p = 0.876). Three frequent complications including bruising, pain, and
      paresthesia did not show statistical significance between groups (p = 0.465,
      0.823, 1.000, respectively). Major complications were absent in both groups.
      CONCLUSION: The EVLA for the incompetent SSV using a retrograde approach is safe
      and effective and should be considered the alternative method if the antegrade
      access fails due to vasospasm or small SSV diameter.

PMID- 27134527
TI  - Liver Shear-Wave Velocity and Serum Fibrosis Markers to Diagnose Hepatic Fibrosis
      in Patients with Chronic Viral Hepatitis B.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare several noninvasive indices of fibrosis in chronic viral
      hepatitis B, including liver shear-wave velocity (SWV), hyaluronic acid (HA),
      collagen type IV (CIV), procollagen type III (PCIII), and laminin (LN). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) was performed in 157
      patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and in 30 healthy volunteers to measure
      hepatic SWV (m/s) in a prospective study. Serum markers were acquired on the
      morning of the same day of the ARFI evaluation. Receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate and compare the accuracies of SWV and
      serum markers using METAVIR scoring from liver biopsy as a reference standard.
      RESULTS: The most accurate test for diagnosing fibrosis F >= 1 was SWV with the
      area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.913, followed by LN (0.744), HA (0.701), CIV
      (0.690), and PCIII (0.524). The best test for diagnosing F >= 2 was SWV (AUC of
      0.851), followed by CIV (0.671), HA (0.668), LN (0.562), and PCIII (0.550). The
      best test for diagnosing F >= 3 was SWV (0.854), followed by CIV (0.693), HA
      (0.675), PCIII (0.591), and LN (0.548). The best test for diagnosing F = 4 was
      SWV (0.965), followed by CIV (0.804), PCIII (0.752), HA (0.744), and LN (0.662).
      SWV combined with HA and CIV did not improve diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.931 for
      F >= 1, 0.863 for F >= 2, 0.855 for F >= 3, 0.960 for F = 4). CONCLUSION: The
      performance of SWV in diagnosing liver fibrosis is superior to that of serum
      markers. However, the combination of SWV, HA, and CIV does not increase the
      accuracy of diagnosing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

PMID- 27134528
TI  - Factors Affecting Radiation Exposure during Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection: A
      Prospective Study in 759 Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate and compare radiation exposure and intervention time
      during lumbar epidural steroid injection (ESI) 1) under different practitioners
      and methods with continuous fluoroscopic monitoring, and 2) under one
      practitioner with different methods and monitoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      consecutively recruited 804 patients who underwent lumbar ESI and 759 patients
      who underwent 922 interventions were included for analysis in this investigation.
      Three different practitioners (a senior faculty member, junior faculty member,
      trainee) performed lumbar ESI using different methods (caudal, interlaminar,
      transforaminal). The senior faculty member performed lumbar ESI under two
      different methods of fluoroscopic monitoring (continuous [CM] and intermittent
      monitoring [IM]). The dose area product (DAP) fluoroscopy time, and intervention
      time during lumbar ESI were compared for 1) ESI methods and practitioners under
      CM, and 2) ESI methods and monitoring. RESULTS: With CM, interaction between the
      effects of the practitioner and the intervention on DAP was significant (p <
      0.001), but not fluoroscopy time (p = 0.672) or intervention time (p = 0.852).
      The significant main effects included the practitioner and intervention on DAP,
      fluoroscopy time, and intervention time with CM (p < 0.001). DAPs and fluoroscopy
      time for caudal, interlaminar, and transforaminal ESI were higher with CM than
      with IM (p < 0.001). Intervention time did not differ between CM and IM.
      CONCLUSION: Radiation exposure is dependent on the practitioners and methods and
      within the established safety limits during lumbar ESIs under CM. With an
      experienced practitioner, IM leads to less radiation exposure than CM.

PMID- 27134529
TI  - Total Ankle Arthroplasty: An Imaging Overview.
AB  - With advances in implant technology, total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) has become an
      increasingly popular alternative to arthrodesis for the management of end-stage
      ankle arthritis. However, reports in the literature do not focus on the imaging
      features of TAA. Through a literature review, we demonstrate basic design
      features of the current ankle arthroplasty system, and the normal and abnormal
      postoperative imaging features associated with such devices. Pre- and
      postoperative evaluations of ankle arthroplasty mainly include radiography; in
      addition, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging provide further
      characterization of imaging abnormalities. Familiarization with multimodal
      imaging features of frequent procedural complications at various postoperative
      intervals is important in radiological practice.

PMID- 27134530
TI  - Imaging Spectrum and Pitfalls of (11)C-Methionine Positron Emission Tomography in
      a Series of Patients with Intracranial Lesions.
AB  - (11)C-methionine (Met) positron emission tomography (PET) is one of the most
      commonly used PET tracers for evaluating brain tumors. However, few reports have
      described tips and pitfalls of (11)C-Met PET for general practitioners.
      Physiological (11)C-Met uptake, anatomical variations, vascular disorders, non
      tumorous lesions such as inflammation or dysplasia, benign brain tumors and
      patient condition during (11)C-Met PET examination can potentially affect the
      image interpretation and cause false positives and negatives. These pitfalls in
      the interpretation of (11)C-Met PET images are important for not only nuclear
      medicine physicians but also general radiologists. Familiarity with the spectrum
      and pitfalls of (11)C-Met images could help prevent unfavorable clinical results
      caused by misdiagnoses.

PMID- 27134526
TI  - Ultrasonography Diagnosis and Imaging-Based Management of Thyroid Nodules:
      Revised Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology Consensus Statement and
      Recommendations.
AB  - The rate of detection of thyroid nodules and carcinomas has increased with the
      widespread use of ultrasonography (US), which is the mainstay for the detection
      and risk stratification of thyroid nodules as well as for providing guidance for
      their biopsy and nonsurgical treatment. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology
      (KSThR) published their first recommendations for the US-based diagnosis and
      management of thyroid nodules in 2011. These recommendations have been used as
      the standard guidelines for the past several years in Korea. Lately, the
      application of US has been further emphasized for the personalized management of
      patients with thyroid nodules. The Task Force on Thyroid Nodules of the KSThR has
      revised the recommendations for the ultrasound diagnosis and imaging-based
      management of thyroid nodules. The review and recommendations in this report have
      been based on a comprehensive analysis of the current literature and the
      consensus of experts.

PMID- 27134531
TI  - Maturation Disparity between Hand-Wrist Bones in a Chinese Sample of Normal
      Children: An Analysis Based on Automatic BoneXpert and Manual Greulich and Pyle
      Atlas Assessment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the maturation disparity of hand-wrist bones using the
      BoneXpert system and Greulich and Pyle (GP) atlas in a sample of normal children
      from China. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 229 boys and 168 girls aged
      2-14 years. The bones in the hand and wrist were divided into five groups: distal
      radius and ulna, metacarpals, proximal phalanges, middle phalanges and distal
      phalanges. Bone age (BA) was assessed separately using the automatic BoneXpert
      and GP atlas by two raters. Differences in the BA between the most advanced and
      retarded individual bones and bone groups were analyzed. RESULTS: In 75.8% of
      children assessed with the BoneXpert and 59.4% of children assessed with the GP
      atlas, the BA difference between the most advanced and most retarded individual
      bones exceeded 2.0 years. The BA mean differences between the most advanced and
      most retarded individual bones were 2.58 and 2.25 years for the BoneXpert and GP
      atlas methods, respectively. Furthermore, for both methods, the middle phalanges
      were the most advanced group. The most retarded group was metacarpals for
      BoneXpert, while metacarpals and the distal radius and ulna were the most
      retarded groups according to the GP atlas. Overall, the BAs of the proximal and
      distal phalanges were closer to the chronological ages than those of the other
      bone groups. CONCLUSION: Obvious and regular maturation disparities are common in
      normal children. Overall, the BAs of the proximal and distal phalanges are more
      useful for BA estimation than those of the other bone groups.

PMID- 27134532
TI  - RE: Afferent Loop Syndrome: A Rare Clinical Condition Diagnosed with Magnetic
      Resonance Cholangiopancreatography.

PMID- 27134533
TI  - Diabetes treatment: A rapid review of the current and future scope of stem cell
      research.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is a major health concern of the developing and developed
      nations across the globe. This devastating disease accounts for the 5% deaths
      around the world annually. The current treatment methods do not address the
      underlying causes of the disease and have severe limitations. Stem cells are
      unique cells with the potential to differentiate into any type of specialized
      cells. This feature of both adult and embryonic stem cells was explored in great
      detail by the scientists around the world and are successful in producing insulin
      secreting cells. The different type of stem cells (induced pluripotent stem cells
      (iPSCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and adult stem cells) proves to be potent in
      treating diabetes with certain limitations. This article precisely reviews the
      resources and progress made in the field of stem cell research for diabetic
      treatment. 

PMID- 27134534
TI  - Evaluation of anti-metastatic potential of Cisplatin polymeric nanocarriers on
      B16F10 melanoma cells.
AB  - Nanoparticles are being increasingly used in the field of cancer treatment due to
      their unique properties and advantages. The aim of the present research work was
      to prepare and characterize a polymeric albumin nanosystem for Cisplatin and
      evaluate its in-vitro efficacy against B16F10 melanoma. The developed
      nanoparticles were almost spherical in shape with a particle size in the range of
      150-300 nm, low polydispersity values and about 80% drug entrapment efficiency.
      Albumin nanocarriers sustained the release of Cisplatin for more than 48 h,
      suggesting the reduction in dosing schedule for this drug. The results from in
      vitro cell line studies indicated the dose dependent cytotoxic potential of drug
      loaded albumin nanoparticles, their potential to inhibit cell proliferation and
      induce morphological changes. In addition, these nanoparticles exhibited
      superiority to Cisplatin in hampering the cell migration. Developed nanoparticles
      caused cell cycle arrest along with time and concentration dependent cellular
      uptake in B16F10 cell line. These results signify that the prepared Cisplatin
      albumin nanoparticles could serve as a promising approach for B16F10 melanoma
      treatment. 

PMID- 27134535
TI  - Revealing facts behind spray dried solid dispersion technology used for
      solubility enhancement.
AB  - Poor solubility and bioavailability of an existing or newly synthesized drug
      always pose challenge in the development of efficient pharmaceutical formulation.
      Numerous technologies can be used to improve the solubility and among them
      amorphous solid dispersion based spray drying technology can be successfully
      useful for development of product from lab scale to commercial scale with a wide
      range of powder characteristics. Current review deals with the importance of
      spray drying technology in drug delivery, basically for solubility and
      bioavailability enhancement. Role of additives, selection of polymer, effect of
      process and formulation parameters, scale up optimization, and IVIVC have been
      covered to gain the interest of readers about the technology. Design of
      experiment (DoE) to optimize the spray drying process has been covered in the
      review. A lot more research work is required to evaluate spray drying as a
      technology for screening the right polymer for solid dispersion, especially to
      overcome the issue related to drug re-crystallization and to achieve a stable
      product both in vitro and in vivo. Based on the recent FDA recommendation, the
      need of the hour is also to adopt Quality by Design approach in the manufacturing
      process to carefully optimize the spray drying technology for its smooth transfer
      from lab scale to commercial scale. 

PMID- 27134536
TI  - Clinical relevancy and risks of potential drug-drug interactions in intensive
      therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evaluate the potential Drug-Drug Interactions (pDDI) found in
      prescription orders of adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Brazilian public
      health system hospital; quantify and qualify the pDDI regarding their severity
      and risks to the critical patient, using the database from Micromedex(r).
      METHODS: Prospective study (January-December of 2011) collecting and evaluating
      369 prescription orders (convenient sampling), one per patient. RESULTS: During
      the study 1844 pDDIs were identified and distributed in 405 pairs (medication A *
      medication B combination). There was an average of 5.00 +/- 5.06 pDDIs per
      prescription order, the most prevalent being moderate and important interactions,
      present in 74% and 67% of prescription orders, respectively. In total, there were
      9 contraindicated, 129 important and 204 moderate pDDIs. Among them 52 had as
      management recommendation to "avoid concomitant use" or "suspension of
      medication", while 306 had as recommendation "continuous and adequate
      monitoring". CONCLUSION: The high number of pDDIs found in the study combined
      with the evaluation of the clinical relevancy of the most frequent pDDIs in the
      ICU shows that moderate and important interactions are highly incident. As the
      majority of them demand monitoring and adequate management, being aware of these
      interactions is major information for the safe and individualized risk
      management.

PMID- 27134537
TI  - Targeted study to evaluate the cardiovascular risk factor status among patients
      and efficacy of statins in attaining goal lipid levels in a regional hospital in
      Sultanate of Oman.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Elevated LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is a
      major cause of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and LDL lowering therapy reduces the
      risk for CHD. The study was conducted with the aim of assessing the prescribing
      pattern of statins based on cardiovascular risk factor category, pattern of lipid
      monitoring followed among the patients and extent of attainment of goal Low
      Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C) observed among the patients. METHODS: A group of
      patient files (among those on statin agent during the year 2011) from the
      Department of Medicine in Nizwa Hospital were selected for targeted evaluation on
      the risk factor status of patients and efficacy of statins in attaining goal
      lipid levels. Goal LDL-C levels were estimated for each patient depending on
      their risk factor status. Subsequent follow ups of the patients were reviewed
      from the patient files and accordingly the attainment and maintenance of goal-LDL
      C in the patients were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 183 patients were
      identified. Mean age of the evaluated patients was 63.6 +/- 11.58 years.
      Evaluating the status of patients on the presence of risk factors, majority
      (63.9%) of them had presence of CHD. Simvastatin was the most commonly used agent
      and titration of dose was done in only 3.3% of patients. Mean LDL-C level of the
      patient before initiation of treatment was 3.74 +/- 1.9 mmol/L. Only in 59 (32.2
      %) of the total evaluated 183 patients, there was evidence of attaining goal-LDL
      C levels. Among them, there was evidence of maintenance of goal LDL-C in 16
      (27.1%) of the patients. CONCLUSION: Statins were used less frequently for
      primary prevention of CHD. Absence of lipid monitoring; base line and follow up
      in a good number of patients as well as lack of dose titration among the patients
      were observed. Importance of adequate lipid monitoring and follow up to ensure
      attainment of goal LDL-C needs to be stressed to serve the objective of use of
      statins; primary and secondary prevention of CHD.

PMID- 27134538
TI  - Clinical treatment of pandrug-resistant bacterial infection consulted by clinical
      pharmacist.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pandrug-resistant (PDR) bacterial infections are associated with
      considerable prolongation of hospitalization and mortality in clinical practice.
      METHOD: This case-series study was conducted during a 3-year period from 2011 to
      2013. A total of 30 PDR patients consulted by clinical pharmacist were recorded
      to evaluate the anti-infection treatment. RESULTS: All isolates of PDR bacteria
      from patients were identified as pan-drug resistant acine-tobacter baumannii
      (63.3%), pan-drug resistant klebsiella pneumonia (20.0%), and pandrug-resistant
      pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.7%). Of the 30 patients, 96.7% therapeutic regimens
      supposed by clinical pharmacists were applied to treat the infectious patients up
      to 82.8% clinical cure rates. 30 patients completed the prescribed treatment, of
      which 19 underwent monotherapy that the clinical cure rate was 78.9%, and 10
      underwent combination therapy that the clinical cure rate was 90.0%. In the
      following therapy, doxycycline, cefoperazone shubatan and amikacin have the
      certain effect on anti-infection therapy. Combination therapy combined with
      doxycycline was better treatment option for PDR infectious patients. CONCLUSION:
      In a word, it appears to be effective for the successful therapy of PDR
      infections upon tetracyclines administration.

PMID- 27134539
TI  - Assessing prescribing patterns for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea
      and vomiting in the national center for cancer care and research.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chemotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment; however, chemotherapy
      treatment may cause nausea and vomiting, which could cause 25-50% of patients to
      consider delaying or refusing further cancer treatment. Chemotherapy-induced
      nausea and vomiting (CINV), can be prevented in 70-80% of patients with evidence
      based anti-emetic regimen. The purpose of this study is to assess prescribing
      patterns with regard to prevention of CINV, in the national center for cancer
      care and research (NCCCR), and develop and implement a standardized evidence
      based guideline for the management of CINV. METHODS: 25 anti-emetic prescriptions
      were audited to assess their conformity with either of the published guidelines;
      Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), American Society
      of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), or the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN),
      to establish baseline data. A multidisciplinary team of clinical pharmacists and
      oncologists developed and implemented a guideline for the prevention of CINV. The
      guideline was promoted using a variety of strategies; education, pocket cards,
      academic detailing and pharmacist intervention. Physician anti-emetic orders were
      audited by pharmacists, to assess their conformity with NCCCR anti-emetic
      guidelines. A data collection form was developed to capture relevant information
      including; patient demographics, type and emetogenic level of chemotherapy, and
      the conformity of anti-emetic order with NCCCR guidelines. SPSS statistical
      software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The conformity of anti-emetic
      physician order with NCCCR anti-emetic guidelines increased from 0% baseline in
      June 2008 to an average of 60.006% (n = 331) by December 2010 and consistently
      increased reaching 94.3827% (n = 792) by December 2013, (p value 0.0002).
      CONCLUSION: The introduction of anti-emetic guidelines succeeded in standardizing
      CINV management, toward an evidence-based approach.

PMID- 27134541
TI  - Perception and attitude of physicians toward local generic medicines in Saudi
      Arabia: A questionnaire-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to explore the knowledge, perception, and
      attitude of physicians toward generic medicines in Saudi Arabia. BACKGROUND: The
      local market of generic medicine share in Saudi Arabia is low compared to global
      and regional statistics. The reason for this low market share and the role of
      physicians has not previously been investigated. The purpose of this study was to
      assess health practitioner level of perceived knowledge, opinions and attitudes
      about local generic medication, and identify factors that influence infrequency
      of generic prescriptions. METHODS: A random sample of 231 physicians was
      recruited from two hospitals in Riyadh (one government one private) and 178 (77%)
      responded. Information on the physicians' perceived knowledge, opinions and
      attitude toward local generic medication was extracted, analyzed and interpreted.
      Factors that influence infrequent prescription of local generic drugs were
      identified. RESULTS: Among the 178 participants in the physicians' survey, 76%
      and 47% reported that they are knowledgeable about the terms "generic" and
      "bioequivalence" respectively, while 44% reported that they are able to explain
      bioequivalence to their patients. Approximately 52% of physicians reported that
      local generics should be substituted for brands if suitable for the case, and
      21.9% reported that they believe SFDA approved local generics are therapeutically
      equivalent to their brands. Clinical effectiveness was reported by 71.9% of
      physicians as the most influential factor effecting prescription of brand over
      local generic medication. The three independent significant predictors for
      infrequent prescription of local generics among physicians: Government sector
      employment (OR = 3.74, [95%CI 1.50-9.43]), consultant level (OR = 3.94, [95%CI
      1.50-10.31]) and low level of knowledge about local generics (OR = 4.11, [95%CI
      1.56-10.84]). CONCLUSION: The low market share of local generics medicines
      attributed to low prescription rates is significantly more among senior-level
      physicians working in governmental hospitals. Low level of knowledge about
      generic drugs among physicians was the strongest predictive factor for low
      prescription. Future bigger studies are needed to confirm these results.

PMID- 27134542
TI  - Tau protein as a target for Alzheimer's disease management.

PMID- 27134540
TI  - Association between Total Daily Doses with duration of hospitalization among
      readmitted patients in a multi-ethnic Asian population.
AB  - Increased length of stay (LOS) in the hospital incurs substantial financial costs
      on the healthcare system. Multiple factors are associated with LOS. However, few
      studies have been done to associate the impact of Total Daily Doses (TDD) and
      LOS. Hence, the aim of this study is to examine the association between patients'
      LOS upon readmission and their TDD before readmission. A retrospective cross
      sectional study of readmission cases occurring from 1st January to 31st March
      2013 was conducted at a regional hospital. Demographics and clinical variables
      were collected using electronic medical databases. Univariable and multiple
      linear regressions were used. Confounders such as comorbidities and drug related
      problems (DRP) were controlled for in this study. There were 432 patients and 649
      readmissions examined. The average TDD and LOS were 18.04 +/- 8.16 and 7.63 days
      +/- 7.08 respectively. In the univariable analysis, variables that were
      significantly associated with the LOS included age above 75 year-old, race,
      comorbidity, number of comorbidities, number of medications, TDD and
      thrombocytopenia as DRPs. In the multiple linear regression, there was a
      statistically significant association between TDD (beta = 0.0733, p = 0.030) and
      LOS. Variables that were found significant were age above 75 year-old (beta =
      1.5477, p = 0.008), Malay (beta = -1.5123, p = 0.033), other races (beta = 
      2.6174, p = 0.007), depression (beta = 2.1551, p = 0.031) and thrombocytopenia as
      a type of DRP (beta = 7.5548, p = 0.027). When TDD was replaced with number of
      medications, number of medications (beta = 0.1487, p = 0.021), age of 75 year-old
      (beta = 1.5303, p = 0.009), Malay (beta = -1.4687, p = 0.038), race of others
      (beta = -2.6499, p = 0.007), depression (beta = 2.1951, p = 0.028) and
      thrombocytopenia as a type of DRP (beta = 7.5260, p = 0.028) were significant. In
      conclusion, a significant relationship between TDD and number of medications
      before readmission and the LOS upon readmission was established. This finding
      highlights the importance of optimizing patients' TDD in the attempt of reducing
      their LOS. 

PMID- 27134543
TI  - Characterization of new eye drops with choline salicylate and assessment of their
      irritancy by in vitro short time exposure tests.
AB  - The aim of our study was to examine the irritation potential of new eye drops
      containing 2% choline salicylate (CS) as an active pharmaceutical ingredient
      (API) and various polymers increasing eye drop viscosity (hydroxyethylcellulose,
      hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol,
      polyvinylpyrrolidone). The standard method for assessing the potential of
      irritating substances has been the Draize rabbit eye test. However the European
      Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods and the Coordinating Committee for
      Validation of Alternative Methods recommend, short time exposure (STE) in vitro
      tests as an alternative method for assessing eye irritation. The eye irritation
      potential was determined using cytotoxicity test methods for rabbit corneal cell
      line (SIRC) after 5 min exposure. The viability of cells was determined using two
      cytotoxicity assays: MTT and Neutral Red Uptake. According to the irritation
      rankings for the short time exposure test, all tested eye drops are classified as
      non-irritating (cell viability >70%). 

PMID- 27134544
TI  - Permeation measurement of gestodene for some biodegradable materials using Franz
      diffusion cells.
AB  - Biodegradable poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA), Poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC),
      polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(caprolactone-co-d,l-lactide) (PCDLLA) and
      poly(trimethylene carbonate-co-caprolactone) (PTCL) are recently used for
      clinical drug delivery system such as subcutaneous contraceptive implant capsule
      due to their biodegradable properties that they could possess long-term stable
      performance in vivo without removal, however their permeation rate is unknown. In
      the work, biodegradable material membranes were prepared by solvent evaporation
      using chloroform, and commercial silicone rubber membrane served as a control.
      Gestodene was used as a model drug. Gestodene has high biologic progestational
      activity which allows for high contraceptive reliability at very low-dose levels.
      The permeation rate of gestodene for several biodegradable materials was
      evaluated. In vitro diffusion studies were done using Franz diffusion cells with
      a diffusion area of 1.33 cm(2). Phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.4), 10%
      methanol solution and distilled water were taken in donor and receiver chambers
      at temperature of 37  degrees C respectively. The in vitro experiments were
      conducted over a period of 24 h during which samples were collected at regular
      intervals. The withdrawn samples were appropriately diluted and measured on UV
      vis spectrophotometer at 247 nm. Conclusion data from our study showed that
      permeation rate of PCDLLA with CL ratio more than 70% could be more excellent
      than commercial silicone rubber membrane. They may be suitable as a candidate
      carrier for gestodene subcutaneous contraceptive implants in contraceptive
      fields. 

PMID- 27134545
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of biocompatibility of tenorite nanoparticles and
      potential property against biofilm formation.
AB  - Aim is to assess the anti-biofilm property of tenorite nanoparticles and to study
      their suitability as a possible coating material for medical implants. Tenorite
      (CuO) nanoparticles were synthesized by the optimized thermal decomposition
      method and characterized using TEM, XRD, FTIR and UV-Vis analysis. Their
      influence on biofilm formation of microbes was studied by growing multi drug
      resistant bacterial strains in the presence or absence of these nanoparticles at
      various concentrations. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles on mammalian cells was
      studied at the corresponding concentrations. The nanoparticles were found to be
      uniformly dispersed, spherical shaped and <50 nm in size. They showed various
      degrees of anti-biofilm property against clinically isolated, biofilm forming
      multi drug resistant microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas
      fluorescens, Burkholderia mallei, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli.
      Furthermore, Hep-2 cells showed excellent viability at tenorite nanoparticles
      concentration toxic to microbial growth. These results indicate that tenorite
      nanoparticles may be ideal candidates for being utilized as coating on medical
      implants in general and dental implants in particular. 

PMID- 27134546
TI  - Designing polymeric microparticulate drug delivery system for hydrophobic drug
      quercetin.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate pharmaceutical potentialities of a
      polymeric microparticulate drug delivery system for modulating the drug profile
      of poorly water-soluble quercetin. In this research work two cost effective
      polymers sodium alginate and chitosan were used for entrapping the model drug
      quercetin through ionic cross linking method. In vitro drug release, swelling
      index, drug entrapment efficiency, Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy
      (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and
      Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) studies were also done for
      physicochemical characterization of the formulations. Swelling index and drug
      release study were done at a pH of 1.2, 6.8 and 7.4 to evaluate the GI mimetic
      action which entails that the swelling and release of the all the Formulation1
      (F1), Formulation2 (F2) and Formulation3 (F3) at pH 1.2 were minimal confirming
      the prevention of drug release in the acidic environment of stomach.
      Comparatively more sustained release was seen from the formulations F2 & F3 at pH
      6.8 and pH 7.4 after 7 h of drug release profiling. Drug entrapment efficiency of
      the formulations shows in F1 (D:C:A = 2:5:30) was approximately 70% whereas the
      increase in chitosan concentration in F2 (D:C:A = 2:10:30) has shown an
      entrapment efficiency of 81%. But the comparative further increase of chitosan
      concentration in F3 (D:C:A = 2:15:30) has shown a entrapment of 80% which is not
      having any remarkable difference from F2. The FTIR analysis of drug, polymers and
      the formulations indicated the compatibility of the drug with the polymers. The
      smoothness of microspheres in F2 & F3 was confirmed by Scanning Electron
      Microscopy (SEM). However F1 microsphere has shown more irregular shape
      comparatively. The DSC studies indicated the absence of drug-polymer interaction
      in the microspheres. Our XRD studies have revealed that when pure drug exhibits
      crystalline structure with less dissolution profile, formulated microparticles
      can help us to obtain amorphous form of the same drug that is likely to have more
      dissolution property. The findings of the study suggest that the microsphere
      formulations were a promising carrier for quercetin delivery and can be
      considered as a favorable oral controlled release dosage form for hydrophobic
      drug quercetin. 

PMID- 27134547
TI  - The practical approach to the evaluation of methods used to determine the
      disintegration time of orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs).
AB  - Even that orodispersible tablets (ODTs) have been successfully used in therapy
      for more than 20 years, there is still no compendial method of their
      disintegration time evaluation other than the pharmacopoeial disintegration test
      conducted in 800-900 mL of distilled water. Therefore, several alternative tests
      more relevant to in vivo conditions were described by different researchers. The
      aim of this study was to compare these methods and correlate them with in vivo
      results. Six series of ODTs were prepared by direct compression. Their mechanical
      properties and disintegration times were measured with pharmacopoeial and
      alternative methods and compared with the in vivo results. The highest
      correlation with oral disintegration time was found in the case of own
      construction apparatus with additional weight and the employment of the method
      proposed by Narazaki et al. The correlation coefficients were 0.9994 (p < 0.001),
      and 0.9907 (p < 0.001) respectively. The pharmacopoeial method correlated with
      the in vivo data much worse (r = 0.8925, p < 0.05). These results have shown that
      development of novel biorelevant methods of ODT's disintegration time
      determination is eligible and scientifically justified. 

PMID- 27134549
TI  - Cell cultures in drug development: Applications, challenges and limitations.

PMID- 27134548
TI  - Optimization of HPLC method for determination of cefixime using 2
      thiophenecarboxaldehyde as derivatizing reagent: A new approach.
AB  - The determination of cefixime 1 has clinical and analytical importance due to its
      broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and stability. Cefixime is a significant
      member of orally active third generation cephalosporin and has excellent activity
      against many pathogens. It is for first time that we have developed a new HPLC
      DAD method for analysis of imine derivative 3 of cefixime by using reflux method
      at 100  degrees C for 50 min without any buffer solution. 2
      Thiophenecarboxaldehyde (2TCA) 2 was used first time as a derivatizing reagent
      for cefixime drug. Furthermore, separation of three components, i.e. drug
      (cefixime), reagent (2TCA) and derivative was carried out using kromasil 100 C-18
      (15 mm * 0.46 mm, 5 MUm) column with isocratic elution of methanol: 0.1% aqueous
      formic acid (70:30 v/v) with flow rate of 1 ml min(-) (1) at retention time of
      1.8, 2.4 and 3.3 min, respectively; while, total run time was 5 min. The
      developed method was repeatable with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.81
      1.88% for imine derivative. The limit of detection and quantification of imine
      derivative 3 were obtained within the range of 0.132-0.401 MUg ml(-) (1) and
      compared with cefixime drug as 0.30-0.90 MUg ml(-1), respectively. However, the
      formation of imine derivative 3 was confirmed by comparing peak height, retention
      time and spectral changes. The method is rapid, simple, very stable and accurate
      for the separation and determination of imine derivative 3 of cefixime 1. 

PMID- 27134550
TI  - Kawasaki disease with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase deficiency, case report.
AB  - Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited vasculitis of unknown etiology
      that occurs predominantly in infants and children younger than 5 years of age.
      Coronary artery abnormalities are the most serious complication. Based on the
      literatures infusion of Intravenous Immunoglobulin of 2 g/kg and a high dose of
      oral aspirin up to 100 mg/kg/day are the standard treatment for Kawasaki disease
      in the acute stage, and should be followed by antiplatelet dose of aspirin for
      thrombocytosis. Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an
      inherited X-linked hereditary disorder, and aspirin can induce hemolysis in
      patients with G6PD deficiency. We report a case of a 5 year and 8 month old male
      with KD and G6PD deficiency. 

PMID- 27134551
TI  - Sampling time and indications appropriateness for therapeutically monitored drugs
      at a teaching university hospital in Oman.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prospectively the appropriateness of indications, sampling
      time and outcome of TDM requests at a teaching university hospital in Oman.
      METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted over a four months
      period; October 2013-January 2014 at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital
      (SQUH), an 855 bed university teaching hospital. Appropriateness criteria for
      indications and sampling time were defined a priori. The evaluated drug's
      requests were for carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid,
      digoxin, gentamicin, amikacin, vancomycin, tobramycin, theophylline, lithium, and
      cyclosporine. RESULTS: Of 733 evaluated TDM requisitions, the majority were for
      antibiotics (75.0%) followed by antiepileptics (10.5%) and cyclosporine (8.9%).
      Most of the requests had appropriate indication (78.2%), however, only 28.5% had
      appropriate sampling time. RESULTS were applied by dosage adjustments in 65.8% of
      requests and some of the inappropriately sampled requests (15.3%) were used as a
      basis for modifying the dosage regimen. Of all the reported plasma concentrations
      42.3%, 41.2%, and 16.5% were within, below and above the reference range,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: TDM service is much less than optimal in SQUH. A lot of
      effort needs to be carried out to improve TDM use in the developing countries as
      adjusting the doses on results that are based on wrong sampling time might expose
      patients to toxicity or therapeutic failure.

PMID- 27134552
TI  - Polymer - Nanoparticle Assemblies for Array Based Sensing.
AB  - Sensing clinically relevant biomolecules is crucial for the detection and
      prevention of disease. Currently used detection methods tend to be expensive,
      time intensive, and specific for only one particular biomolecule of interest.
      Nanoparticle-based arrays using conjugated polymers have emerged as an analytical
      and potential clinical tool, allowing detection of a wide range of biomolecules
      using selective, not specific, sensor components. In this report, we highlight
      recent progress in nanoparticle - polymer sensor arrays in both the fundamental
      understanding of how the sensor arrays function as well as the detection of
      clinically relevant bacteria and cells.

PMID- 27134553
TI  - Ambient-Temperature Synthesis of 2-Phosphathioethynolate, PCS-, and the Ligand
      Properties of ECX- (E = N, P; X = O, S).
AB  - A synthesis of the 2-phosphathioethynolate anion, PCS-, under ambient conditions
      is reported. The coordination chemistry of PCO-, PCS- and their nitrogen
      containing congeners is also explored. Photolysis of a solution of W(CO)6 in the
      presence of PCO- [or a simple ligand displacement reaction using W(CO)5(MeCN)]
      affords [W(CO)5(PCO)]- (1). The cyanate and thiocyanate analogues, [W(CO)5(NCO)]-
      (2) and [W(CO)5(NCS)]- (3), are also synthesised using a similar methodology,
      allowing for an in-depth study of the bonding properties of this family of
      related ligands. Our studies reveal that, in the coordination sphere of
      tungsten(0), the PCO- anion preferentially binds through the phosphorus atom in a
      strongly bent fashion, while NCO- and NCS- coordinate linearly through the
      nitrogen atom. Reactions between PCS- and W(CO)5(MeCN) similarly afford
      [W(CO)5(PCS)]-; however, due to the ambidentate nature of the anion, a mixture of
      both the phosphorus- and sulfur-bonded complexes (4a and 4b, respectively) is
      obtained. It was possible to establish that, as with PCO-, the PCS- ion also
      coordinates to the metal centre in a bent fashion.

PMID- 27134554
TI  - The First Coordination Polymers Based on 1,3-Diphosphaferrocenes and 1,1',2,3',4
      Pentaphosphaferrocenes.
AB  - Phosphaferrocenes in combination with coinage metal salts proved to be excellent
      building blocks in supramolecular chemistry for the buildup of oligomeric and
      polymeric assemblies. The synthesis of a series of novel phosphaferrocenes
      containing the 1,3-P2C3iPr3 and/or the 1,2,4-P3C2iPr2 ligand is described herein.
      The self-assembly processes of the 1,3-diphospha-, 1,2,4-triphospha-, and
      1,1',2,3',4-pentaphosphaferrocenes with CuI halides led to the formation of 1D or
      2D polymers. With [Cp*Fe(eta5-P2C3iPr3)] (Cp* = eta5-C5Me5), infinite chains are
      formed, whereas with [(eta5-P3C2iPr2)Fe(eta5-P2C3iPr3)] 1D ladderlike structures
      are obtained. These are the first polymers containing such a di- and
      pentaphosphaferrocene, respectively. On the other hand, the use of [Cp*Fe(eta5
      P3C2iPr2)] leads to the construction of 2D networks with intact sandwich
      complexes, which is uncommon for this class of complexes.

PMID- 27134555
TI  - Selective Internal Radiation Therapy in Metastatic Carcinoma of the Colon: A
      Story of Nonintegrated Care?

PMID- 27134556
TI  - The Influence of Antithyroid Drug Discontinuation to the Therapeutic Efficacy of
      (131)I in Hyperthyroidism.
AB  - The influence of antithyroid drugs (ATDs) on the therapeutic efficacy of
      radioactive iodine in hyperthyroidism is still controversial. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the effect of ATD discontinuation to the therapeutic
      efficacy of I-131 in hyperthyroidism patients with long-term ATD treatment.
      Retrospective study was done to 39 subjects with hyperthyroidism who had been
      treated with doses of 300 MBq radioactive iodine. The subjects were divided into
      three groups: Group I (n = 14) had been using ATDs for more than one year and
      discontinued more than three days; group II (n = 14) had been using ATDs for more
      than one year but discontinued only for three days or less, and group III (n =
      11) has never been used any ATD before radioactive iodine treatment. There was a
      significant difference in the therapeutic efficacy after three months of
      radioactive iodine treatment between group I and group II (P = 0.018), group II
      and group III (P = 0.017), but not between group I and group III (P = 1.0). There
      was no observed difference on the therapeutic efficacy between the three groups
      at 6 months after radioactive iodine therapy (P = 0.143). Administration of ATDs
      more than 1 year without discontinuation decreased response of radioactive iodine
      treatment in 3 months follow-up. Discontinuation of ATDs for more than 3 days
      before radioactive iodine treatment is recommended. 

PMID- 27134557
TI  - (18)F-Sodium Fluoride PET-CT Hybrid Imaging of the Lumbar Facet Joints: Tracer
      Uptake and Degree of Correlation to CT-graded Arthropathy.
AB  - We aim to evaluate (18)F-NaF uptake by facet joints with hybrid PET-CT technique.
      Specifically, we evaluate NaF uptake in the facet joints of the lower lumbar
      spine, and correlate with the morphologic grade of facet arthropathy on CT. 30
      consecutive patients who underwent standard vertex to toes NaF PET-CT for re
      staging of primary neoplastic disease without measurable or documented bony
      metastases were identified. Maximum (SUVmax) and average (SUVavg) standardized
      uptake values were calculated for each L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1 facet joint (n =
      180) and normalized to average uptake in the non-diseased femur. A Pathria grade
      (0-3) was assigned to each facet based upon the CT morphology. Spearman's rank
      correlation was performed for normalized SUVmax and SUVavg with Pathria grade.
      ANOVA was performed with Tukey-Kramer pairwise tests to evaluate differences in
      uptake between Pathria groups. Facet normalized SUVmax (r = 0.31, P < 0.001) and
      SUVavg (r = 0.28, P < 0.001) demonstrated a mild positive correlation with CT
      Pathria grade. There was a wide range of uptake values within each Pathria grade
      subgroup with statistically significant differences in uptake only between
      Pathria grade 3 as compared to grades 0, 1, and 2. In conclusion, NaF uptake and
      morphologic changes of the facet joint on CT are weakly correlated. Physiologic
      information provided by NaF uptake is often discrepant with structural findings
      on CT suggesting NaF PET may supplement conventional structural imaging for
      identification of pain generating facet joints. Prospective investigation into
      the relationship of facet joint NaF uptake with pain and response to pain
      interventions is warranted. 

PMID- 27134558
TI  - Effect of Radionuclide Activity Concentration on PET-CT Image Uniformity.
AB  - Assessment of radionuclide activity concentration on positron emission tomography
      computedr tomography (PET-CT) image uniformity has been carried out
      quantitatively. Tomographic PET-CT images of cylindrical phantom containing F-18
      fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) activity concentration was acquired and used for the
      assessment. Activity concentrations were varied and PET-CT images were acquired
      at the constant acquisition parameters of time, matrix size, and reconstruction
      algorithm, respectively. Using midtransaxial image slices, quantitative index of
      nonuniformity (NU), and coefficient of uniformity variation were estimated for
      the different activity concentrations. Maximum NUs of 17.6%, 26.3%, 32.7%, 36.2%,
      and 38.5% were estimated for activity concentrations of 16.87 kBq/mL, 14.06
      kBq/mL, 11.25 kBq/mL, 8.43 kBq/mL, and 5.62 kBq/mL, respectively. The coefficient
      of uniformity variation established an inverse quadratic relationship with
      activity concentration. Activity concentrations of 16.87 kBq/mL, 14.06 kBq/mL,
      11.25 kBq/mL, 8.43 kBq/mL, and 5.62 kBq/mL produced uniformity variations of
      1.47%, 2.52%, 4.23%, 5.12%, and 4.98%, respectively. Increasing activity
      concentration resulted in decreasing coefficient of uniformity and hence, an
      increase in image uniformity. The uniformity estimates compared well with the
      standards set internationally. 

PMID- 27134559
TI  - Comparison Between Postprocessing Software and Repeated Scanning to Eliminate
      Subdiaphragmatic Activity in Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy.
AB  - Myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a
      powerful test of evaluation for coronary artery disease, but subdiaphragmatic
      radiotracer activity often interferes with the interpretation of inferior wall
      findings. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using software
      elimination of the subdiaphragmatic activity for the assessment of its efficacy
      in the correctness of image interpretation and the overall image quality of
      myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS). MPS studies from January 2010 to October
      2012 at our institution were reviewed. Thirty-two SPECT studies were included,
      all of which had significant subdiaphragmatic activity in the first scan and
      needed to be delayed to let the activity clear. Each scan was interpreted by
      using semiquantitative scoring in 17 segments according to the degree of
      radiotracer uptake. The first scan, which had interfering activity, was
      manipulated by masking out the unwanted activity with software native to our
      image processing software suite. The manipulated images were then compared with
      delayed images of the same patient, of which the subdiaphragmatic activity was
      spontaneously cleared with time. The first scan masked by software correlated
      with the delayed scan for myocardial regions supplied by the left circumflex
      (LCx) and right coronary artery (RCA), but not the left anterior descending
      (LAD). However, the quality of the masked scans was perceived by the observer to
      be better in terms of quality and ease of interpretation. Using software to mask
      out unwanted subdiaphragmatic activity has no detrimental effect on the
      interpretation of MPS images when compared with delayed scanning, but it can
      improve subjective scan quality and ease of interpretation. 

PMID- 27134560
TI  - (18)F Sodium Fluoride PET/CT in Patients with Prostate Cancer: Quantification of
      Normal Tissues, Benign Degenerative Lesions, and Malignant Lesions.
AB  - Understanding the range and variability of normal, benign degenerative, and
      malignant (18)F sodium fluoride ((18)F NaF) positron emission tomography/computed
      tomography (PET/CT) uptake is important in influencing clinical interpretation.
      Further, it is essential for the development of realistic semiautomated
      quantification techniques and simulation models. The purpose of this study is to
      determine the range of these values in a clinically relevant patient population
      with prostate cancer. (18)F NaF PET/CT scans were analyzed in patients with
      prostate cancer (n = 47) referred for evaluation of bone metastases. Mean and
      maximum standardized uptake values [SUVs (SUVmean and SUVmax)] were made in
      normal background regions (n = 470) including soft tissues (liver, aorta,
      bladder, adipose, brain, and paraspinal muscle) and osseous structures (T12
      vertebral body, femoral diaphyseal cortex, femoral head medullary space, and
      ribs). Degenerative joint disease (DJD; n = 281) and bone metastases (n = 159)
      were identified and quantified by an experienced reader using all scan
      information including coregistered CT. For normal bone regions, the highest (18)F
      NaF PET SUVmean occurred in T12 (6.8 +/- 1.4) and it also showed the lowest
      coefficient of variation (cv = 21%). For normal soft tissues, paraspinal muscles
      showed very low SUVmean (0.70 +/- 0.11) and also showed the lowest variability
      (cv = 16%). Average SUVmean in metastatic lesions is higher than uptake in benign
      degenerative lesions but values showed a wide variance and overlapping values
      (16.3 +/- 13 vs 11.1 +/- 3.8; P < 0.00001). The normal (18)F NaF PET uptake
      values for prostate cancer patients in normal background, benign degenerative
      disease, and osseous metastases are comparable to those reported for a general
      population with a wide variety of diagnoses. These normal ranges, specifically
      for prostate cancer patients, will aid in clinical interpretation and also help
      to establish the basis of normal limits in a semiautomated data analysis
      algorithm. 

PMID- 27134561
TI  - Correlation between Transient Ischemic Dilation Index and Endothelin-1 Level in
      Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Transient ischemic dilation (TID) is a sensitive and specific marker for
      detecting the severity and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is
      closely associated with endothelial dysfunction. TID can be observed on stress
      rest myocardial perfusion scan (MPS) due to subendocardial hypoperfusion.
      Hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) could lead to micro- and
      macrovascular complications and begins with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelin-1
      (ET-1), a potent vasocontrictor, increases in endothelial dysfunction. The aim of
      this study was to examine the correlation between TID index and ET-1 levels in
      T2DM patients without any sign or symptom of cardiovascular complication. An
      analytic-correlational cross-sectional study was done on T2DM patients who met
      the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate by signing an informed consent
      form. The TID index was calculated automatically using standard software provided
      by the gamma camera GE-Infinia. Stress-rest MPS was done using technetium-99m
      ((99m)Tc)-tetrofosmin and a pharmacological stress test using adenosine. The ET-1
      level was determined by radioimmunoassay. Data distribution was analyzed using
      the Shapiro-Wilk normality test. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the
      average difference of the variables and Spearman's rank for correlation analysis.
      A total of 47 subjects consisting of 24 (51%) males and 23 (49%) females were
      included in this study. The age range was 37-74 years (54.3 +/- 8.4). The TID
      index range was 0.86-1.26 (median = 1.12) and abnormal TID index was found in
      23/47 (49%) subjects. ET-1 levels range 8.02-17.91 pg/mL (median = 11.08). The
      results showed no significant differences in age, ET-1 levels, and TID index
      based on age and sex (P > 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation
      between TID index and ET-1 level with r = 0.7 and P < 0.001. There was a positive
      correlation between TID index and ET-1 plasma level in patients with T2DM. 

PMID- 27134563
TI  - The Accuracy of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed
      Tomography in the Evaluation of Bone Lesions of Undetermined Origin.
AB  - The aim of the current study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of whole
      body fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed
      tomography (FDG-PET/CT) in detecting carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) with bone
      metastases. We evaluated 87 patients who were referred to FDG-PET/CT imaging and
      reported to have skeletal lesions with suspicion of malignancy. The sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy
      were calculated. The median survival rate was measured to evaluate the prognostic
      value of the FDG-PET/CT findings. In the search for a primary, FDG-PET/CT
      findings correctly diagnosed lesions as the site of the primary true positive
      (TP) in 64 (73%) cases, 4 (5%) findings diagnosed no site of a primary, and none
      were subsequently proven to be true negative (TN); 14 (16%) diagnoses were false
      positive (FP) and 5 (6%) diagnoses were false negative (FN). Life expectancy was
      between 2 months and 25 months. Whole-body FDG-PET/CT imaging may be a useful
      method in assessing the bone lesions with suspicion of bone metastases. 

PMID- 27134564
TI  - Multimodality Molecular Imaging (FDG-PET/CT, US Elastography, and DWI-MRI) as
      Complimentary Adjunct for Enhancing Diagnostic Confidence in Reported
      Intermediate Risk Category Thyroid Nodules on Bethesda Thyroid Cytopathology
      Reporting System.
AB  - The potential complimentary role of various molecular imaging modalities
      [fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG
      PET/CT), ultrasound (US)-elastography, and diffusion weighted imaging-magnetic
      resonance imaging (DWI-MRI)] in characterizing thyroid nodules, which have been
      designated as "intermediate risk category" on the Bethesda thyroid cytopathology
      reporting system (BTCRS), is illustrated in this communication. The clinical
      cases described (category III thyroid nodules on BTCRS) show the imaging features
      and the final diagnostic impressions rendered by the interpreting physicians with
      the modalities that have been independently compared in a tabular format at the
      end; of particular note is the high negative predictive value of these
      (specifically FDG-PET/CT), which could aid in enhancing the diagnostic confidence
      in the reported "intermediate risk category" thyroid nodules, a "gray zone" from
      the patient management viewpoint. 

PMID- 27134562
TI  - A 3D Monte Carlo Method for Estimation of Patient-specific Internal Organs
      Absorbed Dose for (99m)Tc-hynic-Tyr(3)-octreotide Imaging.
AB  - Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)-based tracers are easily
      available and more widely used than positron emission tomography (PET)-based
      tracers, and SPECT imaging still remains the most prevalent nuclear medicine
      imaging modality worldwide. The aim of this study is to implement an image-based
      Monte Carlo method for patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) absorbed dose
      calculation in patients after injection of (99m)Tc-hydrazinonicotinamide (hynic)
      Tyr(3)-octreotide as a SPECT radiotracer. (99m)Tc patient-specific S values and
      the absorbed doses were calculated with GATE code for each source-target organ
      pair in four patients who were imaged for suspected neuroendocrine tumors. Each
      patient underwent multiple whole-body planar scans as well as SPECT imaging over
      a period of 1-24 h after intravenous injection of (99m)hynic-Tyr(3)-octreotide.
      The patient-specific S values calculated by GATE Monte Carlo code and the
      corresponding S values obtained by MIRDOSE program differed within 4.3% on an
      average for self-irradiation, and differed within 69.6% on an average for cross
      irradiation. However, the agreement between total organ doses calculated by GATE
      code and MIRDOSE program for all patients was reasonably well (percentage
      difference was about 4.6% on an average). Normal and tumor absorbed doses
      calculated with GATE were slightly higher than those calculated with MIRDOSE
      program. The average ratio of GATE absorbed doses to MIRDOSE was 1.07 +/- 0.11
      (ranging from 0.94 to 1.36). According to the results, it is proposed that when
      cross-organ irradiation is dominant, a comprehensive approach such as GATE Monte
      Carlo dosimetry be used since it provides more reliable dosimetric results. 

PMID- 27134565
TI  - A Case of Lingual Thyroid Presenting with Severe Hematemesis in Pregnancy.
AB  - Lingual thyroid is a rare anomaly with symptoms such as upper airway obstruction,
      dysphagia, or hypothyroidism. However, bleeding is a very rare manifestation.
      This report describes a case of lingual thyroid in women with 28 weeks of
      amenorrhea and hematemesis, and its course of diagnosis and treatment. The
      pathogenesis of lingual thyroid is unknown. Although ectopic lingual thyroid is
      usually not managed surgically, excision of ectopic lingual thyroid can be
      lifesaving when it is causing bleeding or airway obstruction. However, during
      pregnancy, surgery is the preferred mode of treatment. 

PMID- 27134566
TI  - Unusual False Positive Radioiodine Uptake on (131)I Whole Body Scintigraphy in
      Three Unrelated Organs with Different Pathologies in Patients of Differentiated
      Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Series.
AB  - Three cases with unusual false positive radioiodine uptake in three different
      organs and pathologies (infective old fibrotic lesion in the lung, simple liver
      cyst, and benign breast lesion) on iodine-131 ((131)I) whole body scintigraphy.
      Clinicoradiological correlation was undertaken in all three cases and the
      pathologies were ascertained. In all the three cases, single-photon emission
      computerized tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) and ancillary imaging
      modalities were employed and were helpful in arriving at the final diagnosis. 

PMID- 27134567
TI  - Detection of Diffuse Infiltrative Primary Hepatic Lymphoma on FDG PET-CT:
      Hallmarks of Hepatic Superscan.
AB  - Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is an extremely rare entity with scarce
      information in evidence-based literature. Few case reports have described the
      role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography
      (FDG PET-CT) in the diagnosing and staging of PHL. We report the case of a 78
      year-old man with PHL who initially presented with weight loss and nonspecific
      fatigue. FDG PET-CT proved to be a beneficial tool in arriving at the diagnosis
      of this patient with nonspecific clinical presentation and also in the staging of
      PHL. Physiological uptake of FDG in the liver can be a potential cause of
      misinterpretation in such cases. Hence, knowing the imaging hallmarks can
      increase the accuracy in PET image interpretation. 

PMID- 27134568
TI  - Exploring the post-genomic world: differing explanatory and manipulatory
      functions of post-genomic sciences.
AB  - Richard Lewontin proposed that the ability of a scientific field to create a
      narrative for public understanding garners it social relevance. This article
      applies Lewontin's conceptual framework of the functions of science (manipulatory
      and explanatory) to compare and explain the current differences in perceived
      societal relevance of genetics/genomics and proteomics. We provide three examples
      to illustrate the social relevance and strong cultural narrative of
      genetics/genomics for which no counterpart exists for proteomics. We argue that
      the major difference between genetics/genomics and proteomics is that genomics
      has a strong explanatory function, due to the strong cultural narrative of
      heredity. Based on qualitative interviews and observations of proteomics
      conferences, we suggest that the nature of proteins, lack of public
      understanding, and theoretical complexity exacerbates this difference for
      proteomics. Lewontin's framework suggests that social scientists may find that
      omics sciences affect social relations in different ways than past analyses of
      genetics.

PMID- 27134569
TI  - Effects of common groundwater ions on chromate removal by magnetite: importance
      of chromate adsorption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reductive precipitation of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) with
      magnetite is a well-known Cr(VI) remediation method to improve water quality. The
      rapid (<a few hr) reduction of soluble Cr(VI) to insoluble Cr(III) species by
      Fe(II) in magnetite has been the primary focus of the Cr(VI) removal process in
      the past. However, the contribution of simultaneous Cr(VI) adsorption processes
      in aged magnetite has been largely ignored, leaving uncertainties in evaluating
      the application of in situ Cr remediation technologies for aqueous systems. In
      this study, effects of common groundwater ions (i.e., nitrate and sulfate) on
      Cr(VI) sorption to magnetite were investigated using batch geochemical
      experiments in conjunction with X-ray absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: In both
      nitrate and sulfate electrolytes, batch sorption experiments showed that Cr(VI)
      sorption decreases with increasing pH from 4 to 8. In this pH range, Cr(VI)
      sorption decreased with increasing ionic strength of sulfate from 0.01 to 0.1 M
      whereas nitrate concentrations did not alter the Cr(VI) sorption behavior. This
      indicates the background electrolyte specific Cr(VI) sorption process in
      magnetite. Under the same ionic strength, Cr(VI) removal in sulfate containing
      solutions was greater than that in nitrate solutions. This is because the
      oxidation of Fe(II) by nitrate is more thermodynamically favorable than by
      sulfate, leaving less reduction capacity of magnetite to reduce Cr(VI) in the
      nitrate media. X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis supports the macroscopic
      evidence that more than 75 % of total Cr on the magnetite surfaces was adsorbed
      Cr(VI) species after 48 h. CONCLUSION: This experimental geochemical study showed
      that the adsorption process of Cr(VI) anions was as important as the reductive
      precipitation of Cr(III) in describing the removal of Cr(VI) by magnetite, and
      these interfacial adsorption processes could be impacted by common groundwater
      ions like sulfate and nitrate. The results of this study highlight new
      information about the large quantity of adsorbed Cr(VI) surface complexes at the
      magnetite-water interface. It has implications for predicting the long-term
      stability of Cr at the magnetite-water interface.Graphical abstractEffects of
      background anions (sulfate and nitrate) on the Cr(VI) surface coverage at the
      magnetite-water interface at pH 4 and 9.

PMID- 27134570
TI  - Transnational migration, changing care arrangements and left-behind children's
      responses in South-east Asia.
AB  - Recent increases in the volume of labour migration from South-east Asia - and in
      particular the feminisation of these movements - suggest that millions of
      children are growing up in transnational families, separated from their migrant
      parents. Drawing on both quantitative and qualitative data collected in
      Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, the study seeks to elucidate
      care arrangements for left-behind children and to understand the ways in which
      children respond to shifts in intimate family relations brought about by
      (re)configurations of their care. Our findings emphasise that children, through
      strategies of resistance, resilience and reworking, are conscious social actors
      and agents of their own development, albeit within constrained situations
      resulting from their parents' migration.

PMID- 27134571
TI  - A humanized anti-CD26 monoclonal antibody inhibits cell growth of malignant
      mesothelioma via retarded G2/M cell cycle transition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is a highly aggressive tumor with poor
      prognosis. Multimodal treatments and novel molecular targeted therapies against
      MM are in high demand in order treat this disease effectively. We have developed
      a humanized monoclonal antibody YS110 against CD26 expressed in 85 % of MM cases.
      CD26 is thought to be involved in tumor growth and invasion by interacting with
      collagen and fibronectin, or affecting signal transduction processes. METHODS: We
      evaluated the direct anti-tumor effect of YS110 against MM cell lines, NCI-H2452
      and JMN, and investigated its effects on cell cycle and on the cell cycle
      regulator molecules. In addition, we investigated synergistic effects of YS110
      and anti-tumor agent pemetrexed (PMX) against MM cell line both in vitro and in
      vivo. RESULTS: YS110 suppressed the proliferation of NCI-H2452 cells by
      approximately 20 % in 48 h. Based on cell cycle analysis, percentage of cells in
      G2/M phase increased 8.0 % on the average after YS110 treatment; in addition,
      cell cycle regulator p21 cip/waf1 was increased and cyclin B1 was decreased after
      YS110 treatment. Inhibitory phosphorylation of both cdc2 (Tyr15) and cdc25C
      (Ser216) were elevated. Furthermore, activating phosphorylation of p38 MAPK
      (Thr180/Tyr182) and ERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) were augmented at 24 h after YS110
      treatment. PMX rapidly induced CD26 expression on cell surface and the treatment
      with both YS110 and PMX inhibited in vivo tumor growth accompanied by a
      synergistic reduction in the MIB-1 index. CONCLUSION: This is a first report of a
      novel anti-proliferative mechanism of the humanized anti-CD26 monoclonal antibody
      YS110, which resulted in G2/M cell cycle delay through regulation of quantity and
      activity of various cell cycle regulating molecules.

PMID- 27134572
TI  - 'This is the country of premature old men' Ageing and Aged Miners in the South
      Wales Coalfield, c.1880-1947.
AB  - This article considers the effects of work in the south Wales coal industry
      either side of the turn of the twentieth century and, specifically, the ways in
      which work aged workers prematurely. It examines the consequences of working
      practices for miners' bodies, the expedients utilized by miners to try and cope
      with the effects of premature ageing, and the consequences for their living
      standards, experiences and status. It situates these phenomena in the contexts of
      industrial relations and welfare provision. In so doing, the article engages with
      historiographies of the life-cycle, the aged, and pensions provision in modern
      Britain.

PMID- 27134573
TI  - Free Viewing Gaze Behavior in Infants and Adults.
AB  - The current study investigated age differences in free viewing gaze behavior.
      Adults and 6-, 9-, 12-, and 24-month-old infants watched a 60-s Sesame Street
      video clip while their eye movements were recorded. Adults displayed high inter
      subject consistency in eye movements; they tended to fixate the same places at
      the same. Infants showed weaker consistency between observers and inter-subject
      consistency increased with age. Across age groups, the influence of both bottom
      up features (fixating visually-salient areas) and top-down features (looking at
      faces) increased. Moreover, individual differences in fixating bottom-up and top
      down features predicted whether infants' eye movements were consistent with those
      of adults, even when controlling for age. However, this relation was moderated by
      the number of faces available in the scene, suggesting that the development of
      adult-like viewing involves learning when to prioritize looking at bottom-up and
      top-down features.

PMID- 27134575
TI  - On Quantile Regression in Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces with Data Sparsity
      Constraint.
AB  - For spline regressions, it is well known that the choice of knots is crucial for
      the performance of the estimator. As a general learning framework covering the
      smoothing splines, learning in a Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Space (RKHS) has a
      similar issue. However, the selection of training data points for kernel
      functions in the RKHS representation has not been carefully studied in the
      literature. In this paper we study quantile regression as an example of learning
      in a RKHS. In this case, the regular squared norm penalty does not perform
      training data selection. We propose a data sparsity constraint that imposes
      thresholding on the kernel function coefficients to achieve a sparse kernel
      function representation. We demonstrate that the proposed data sparsity method
      can have competitive prediction performance for certain situations, and have
      comparable performance in other cases compared to that of the traditional squared
      norm penalty. Therefore, the data sparsity method can serve as a competitive
      alternative to the squared norm penalty method. Some theoretical properties of
      our proposed method using the data sparsity constraint are obtained. Both
      simulated and real data sets are used to demonstrate the usefulness of our data
      sparsity constraint.

PMID- 27134574
TI  - Information Resources for Hospital Administrator Healthcare Management Decision
      Making.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify information used by hospital
      administrators for healthcare management decision-making and what barriers hinder
      their practice of evidence-based management (EBMgt). A cross-sectional and non
      experimental design was utilized. One hundred eight questionnaires were
      distributed to potential participants. Data analyses were performed using
      Spearman's correlation. The findings showed that the main resources hospital
      administrators used for decision-making was organizational data and personal
      experience. Lack of time was the top barrier to hospital administrators' practice
      of EBMgt. There was a significant correlation between lack of information
      searching skills and unfamiliarity with EBMgt (p<0.01) among hospital
      administrators.

PMID- 27134576
TI  - The Superstrong Black Mother.
AB  - Baltimore mother Toya Graham became a viral video sensation after being filmed
      yelling at and hitting her teen son. Graham, who is Black, was trying to stop her
      son from joining the protests following Freddie Gray's death in police custody in
      Baltimore in April 2015. Dubbed "mother of the year," news outlets applauded
      Graham for her fierce determination to keep her son out of harm's way by any
      means necessary. The media and ensuing public response to the video are
      illuminating for what they say about cultural notions of Black motherhood: the
      good Black mom should be superstrong to protect her children, but she is also
      responsible for controlling her children and preventing them from getting into
      trouble. In celebrating Graham, the media was implicitly condemning all the other
      mothers whose children participated in the protests-that is, the mothers who did
      not prevent their children from "senseless" rioting against institutional racism
      in policing.

PMID- 27134577
TI  - Social Media Representation of Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency
      Intervention for Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We conducted a rigorous review of videos related to multiple
      sclerosis (MS) and chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) treatment
      posted by people with MS on one social media website (YouTube) that describe
      symptoms before and after the surgical procedure, as well as videos presented by
      health-care professionals (HCPs). METHODS: All relevant videos posted from
      December 2009 to July 2011 were downloaded, viewed, and systematically organized.
      Categorical data were classified, and dominant messages were gleaned. RESULTS: A
      total of 1789 videos were extracted. A total of 621 videos by people with MS and
      238 by HCPs were included. Eighty-six percent of people with MS anecdotally
      reported experiencing some improvement in at least one symptom. The most common
      message was that "CCSVI is not a miracle but worth trying." Most HCPs posting
      videos recommended the procedure but called for continued research. CONCLUSIONS:
      Social media are conveying an anecdotal favorable message about CCSVI treatment
      for MS. The relative absence of videos offering a negative or more balanced
      perspective is a concern. Social persuasion through these videos creates a strong
      positive impression of CCSVI treatment, but the videos do not acknowledge the
      lack of supporting scientific evidence and the possible role of the placebo
      effect. Given the strong influence of social media on health-care decision
      making, researchers and clinicians should actively use social media to reach out
      to people with MS and describe the state of the evidence for MS treatments, both
      positive and negative.

PMID- 27134578
TI  - Three-Month Test-Retest Reliability of Center of Pressure Motion During Standing
      Balance in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Balance impairment and an increased rate of falls are commonly
      reported in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Force platform-generated
      center of pressure (COP) metrics have previously been recommended as an outcome
      measure to quantify balance deficits and distinguish between fallers and
      nonfallers in MS. Information is limited regarding the preservation of postural
      control in individuals with MS over extended time frames in the absence of an
      intervention. This report examines the test-retest reliability and magnitude of
      change of COP motion during standing balance over 3 months. METHODS: Twenty
      individuals with MS and a history of falling underwent testing on two occasions 3
      months apart in the absence of an intervention. On both occasions, participants
      completed two 30-second trials of three conditions: eyes open, eyes closed, and
      eyes open with concurrent cognitive challenge (dual task). Measures of COP area,
      velocity, and temporal structure were calculated and included in the reliability
      analysis. RESULTS: The COP metrics displayed fair-to-excellent reliability over 3
      months without an intervention. Reliability was maintained across the three
      commonly used balance conditions. CONCLUSIONS: These results offer insight into
      the reliability of COP measures over a 3-month period in MS and can inform the
      use of COP metrics for future study design (eg, sample size estimates) and
      balance outcome assessment during randomized controlled trials and fall
      prevention studies in individuals with MS.

PMID- 27134579
TI  - Development of a Bilingual MS-Specific Health Classification System: The
      Preference-Based Multiple Sclerosis Index.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The global aim of this study was to contribute to the development of
      the Preference-Based Multiple Sclerosis Index (PBMSI). The specific objective of
      this foundational work was to qualitatively review the items selected for
      inclusion in the PBMSI using expert and patient feedback. METHODS: Cognitive
      interviews were conducted with patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in English
      and French. The verbal probing method was used to conduct the interviews. For
      each PBMSI item, the interviewer probed for specific information on what types of
      difficulty participants had with the item and the basis for their response for
      each item. Furthermore, respondents were asked to provide information on the
      clarity of the item, the meaning of the item, the appropriateness of the response
      options, and the recall period. All interviews were recorded using a digital
      voice recorder and were transcribed onto a computer. RESULTS: The mean age of the
      22 respondents was 52 years, and 82% were women. Mean time since diagnosis was 12
      years, and the highest level of education completed was university or college for
      86% of the sample. Modifications were made to each item in terms of recall
      period, instructions, and phrasing. CONCLUSIONS: Patient and expert feedback
      allowed us to clarify items, simplify language, and make items more uniform in
      terms of their instructions and response options. This qualitative review process
      will increase accuracy of reporting and reduce measurement error for the PBMSI.

PMID- 27134580
TI  - Associations Between Fatigue and Disability, Functional Mobility, Depression, and
      Quality of Life in People with Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a common symptom in people with multiple sclerosis (MS),
      but its associations with disability, functional mobility, depression, and
      quality of life (QOL) remain unclear. We aimed to determine the associations
      between different levels of fatigue and disability, functional mobility,
      depression, and physical and mental QOL in people with MS. METHODS: Eighty-nine
      individuals with MS (mean [SD] disease duration = 13.6 [9.8] years, mean [SD]
      Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score = 5.3 [1.5]) and no concurrent
      relapses were retrospectively analyzed. Participants were divided into two groups
      based on five-item Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS-5) scores: group LF (n =
      32, MFIS-5 score <=10 [low levels of fatigue]) and group HF (n = 57, MFIS-5 score
      >10 [high levels of fatigue]). RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of the sample reported
      high levels of fatigue. Compared with group LF, group HF demonstrated
      significantly (P < .05) greater impairments in the Timed Up and Go test,
      Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale, and 12-item Multiple Sclerosis
      Walking Scale scores; depression; and QOL but not in the EDSS scores, which were
      not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue was found to be
      a predominant symptom in the study participants. Individuals reporting higher
      levels of fatigue concomitantly exhibited greater impairments in functional
      mobility, depression, and physical and mental QOL. Disability was not found to be
      related to level of fatigue. These findings can be important for appropriate
      assessment and management of individuals with MS with fatigue.

PMID- 27134581
TI  - An Exploratory Investigation of Social Stigma and Concealment in Patients with
      Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We conducted a preliminary investigation into dimensions of stigma and
      their relation to disease concealment in a sample of American adults living with
      multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Fifty-three adults with MS in the United States
      completed an online survey assessing anticipated, internalized, and isolation
      stigma, as well as concealment. RESULTS: Responses to all the scales were
      relatively low, on average, but above scale minimums (P < .001). Ratings of
      isolation stigma and concealment were highest. Anticipated stigma strongly
      predicted concealment. CONCLUSIONS: Many adults living with MS may be concerned
      that they will be the target of social stigma because of their illness. These
      concerns are associated with disease concealment. More research is needed to
      investigate how MS stigma and concealment may be independent contributors to
      health in patients with MS.

PMID- 27134582
TI  - Interrater Reliability of Four Sensory Measures in People with Multiple
      Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sensory disturbances are a major problem for people with multiple
      sclerosis (MS), and up to 80% of people with MS present with various sensory
      deficits. To date, only one study has investigated the reliability of sensory
      measures in people with MS. We sought to determine the interrater reliability of
      the verbal analogue scale (VAS), the Erasmus MC modifications to the revised
      Nottingham Sensory Assessment (EmNSA), Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWMs), and
      the neurothesiometer (NT) in people with MS. METHODS: A random sample of 34
      people with MS who could walk independently with or without a device was tested
      by two raters on the same day. For categorical data, percentage agreement,
      Cohen's kappa, and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa were used. For
      continuous data, interclass correlation coefficient (ICC[2,1]) with 95%
      confidence intervals (95% CIs), Bland and Altman analysis, and standard error of
      measurement (SEM) were calculated. RESULTS: For NT, ICC(2,1) values were good,
      with the highest for first metatarsophalangeal joint (ICC[2,1] = 0.84, 95% CI =
      0.69-0.92, SEM = 4.98). The highest ICC(2,1) for VAS was for the question
      relating to feeling numbness in the hand (ICC[2,1] = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.86-0.96,
      SEM = 0.64). Findings for EmNSA and SWMs need further verification owing to
      possible ceiling effects. CONCLUSIONS: The NT and VAS had good interrater
      reliability and should be considered for measuring sensation in ambulatory people
      with MS. Findings for EmNSA and SWMs revealed either questionable or poor
      reliability, suggesting the need for further investigation.

PMID- 27134584
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27134585
TI  - NLM Workshop Marks 20 Years of Community Outreach and Capacity Building in
      HIV/AIDS.
AB  - The National Library of Medicine's (NLM) AIDS Community Information Outreach
      Program (ACIOP) was launched in 1994 to provide the HIV/AIDS affected community
      with access to vital health information resources increasingly becoming available
      on the Internet. Three hundred awards have been made mostly to community-based
      organizations. An evaluation in 2012 found that most program objectives are being
      met; a principal recommendation going forward was that NLM seek to enhance the
      capacity of community-based awardees to conduct evaluations of their own
      projects. This article reports on a workshop whose invitees were drawn from AIDS
      serving organizations, along with scientists, clinicians, and information
      technologists, to review the evaluation findings and recommendations. They
      considered alternatives for improving awardees' evaluation capabilities with the
      help of expert consultation, identified additional steps that could be taken to
      make individual project results more transparent and sharable, and looked at
      external influences ranging from mobile health devices to the latest HIV/AIDS
      scientific research findings that could be used to align future awards with unmet
      needs in the community. The paper identifies efforts subsequently made by ACIOP
      managers to prioritize and operationalize guidance from the evaluation and the
      workshop, and discusses the benefits of community engagement.

PMID- 27134583
TI  - Fatigue and Comorbidities in Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatigue is commonly reported by people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
      Comorbidity is also common in MS, but its association with the presence of
      fatigue or fatigue changes over time is poorly understood. METHODS: Nine hundred
      forty-nine people with definite MS were recruited from four Canadian centers. The
      Fatigue Impact Scale for Daily Use and a validated comorbidity questionnaire were
      completed at three visits over 2 years. Participants were classified into groups
      with no fatigue versus any fatigue. Logistic regression was used to determine the
      relationship between fatigue and each comorbidity at baseline, year 1, year 2,
      and overall. RESULTS: The incidence of fatigue during the study was 38.8%. The
      prevalence of fatigue was greater in those who were older (P = .0004), had a
      longer time since symptom onset (P = .005), and had greater disability (P <
      .0001). After adjustment, depression (odds ratio [OR], 2.58; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 2.03-3.27), irritable bowel syndrome (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.18
      2.48), migraine (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.27-2.27), and anxiety (OR, 1.57; 95% CI,
      1.15-2.16) were independently associated with fatigue that persisted during the
      study. There was also an individual-level effect of depression on worsening
      fatigue (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.08-2.07). CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidity is associated
      with fatigue in MS. Depression is associated with fatigue and with increased risk
      of worsening fatigue over 2 years. However, other comorbid conditions commonly
      associated with MS are also associated with persistent fatigue, even after
      accounting for depression. Further investigation is required to understand the
      mechanisms by which comorbidities influence fatigue.

PMID- 27134587
TI  - GASTRO-HEP News.

PMID- 27134588
TI  - Esophageal Chest Pain.

PMID- 27134586
TI  - Effects of Anatomical Differences on Electromagnetic Fields, SAR, and Temperature
      Change.
AB  - Electromagnetic field simulations are increasingly used to assure RF safety of
      patients during MRI exams. In practice, however, tissue property distribution of
      the patient being imaged is not known, but may be represented with a pre-existing
      model. Repeatedly, agreement in transmit magnetic (B1+) field distributions
      between two geometries has been used to suggest agreement in heating
      distributions. Here we examine relative effects of anatomical differences on B1+
      distribution, Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and temperature change (DeltaT).
      Numerical simulations were performed for a single surface coil positioned
      adjacent a homogeneous phantom and bovine phantom, each with slight geometric
      variations, and adjacent two different human body models. Experimental
      demonstration was performed on a bovine phantom using MR thermometry and B1+
      mapping. Simulations and experiments demonstrate that B1+ distributions in
      different samples can be well correlated, while notable difference in maximum SAR
      and DeltaT occur. This work illustrates challenges associated with utilizing
      simulations or experiments for RF safety assurance purposes. Reliance on B1+
      distributions alone for validation of simulations and/or experiments with a
      sample or subject for assurance of safety in another should be performed with
      caution.

PMID- 27134591
TI  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease Findings From the Nurses' Health Study I and II.

PMID- 27134590
TI  - A Review of Esophageal Chest Pain.
AB  - Noncardiac chest pain is a term that encompasses all causes of chest pain after a
      cardiac source has been excluded. This article focuses on esophageal sources for
      chest pain. Esophageal chest pain (ECP) is common, affects quality of life, and
      carries a substantial health care burden. The lack of a systematic approach
      toward the diagnosis and treatment of ECP has led to significant disability and
      increased health care costs for this condition. Identifying the underlying
      cause(s) or mechanism(s) for chest pain is key for its successful management.
      Common etiologies include gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal
      hypersensitivity, dysmotility, and psychological conditions, including panic
      disorder and anxiety. However, the pathophysiology of this condition is not yet
      fully understood. Randomized controlled trials have shown that proton pump
      inhibitor therapy (either omeprazole, lansoprazole, or rabeprazole) can be
      effective. Evidence for the use of antidepressants and the adenosine receptor
      antagonist theophylline is fair. Psychological treatments, notably cognitive
      behavioral therapy, may be useful in select patients. Surgery is not recommended.
      There remains a large unmet need for identifying the phenotype and prevalence of
      pathophysiologic mechanisms of ECP as well as for well-designed multicenter
      clinical trials of current and novel therapies. 

PMID- 27134592
TI  - Endoscopic Cryotherapy for Barrett Esophagus.

PMID- 27134593
TI  - Tests for Evaluating Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

PMID- 27134594
TI  - Current Issues Involving Screening for Hepatitis C Virus Infection.

PMID- 27134589
TI  - Infectious Complications After Liver Transplantation.
AB  - Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the standard of care for patients with
      decompensated cirrhosis and for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. More than
      6000 liver transplants are performed annually in the United States. High patient
      and graft survival rates have been achieved in great part due to the availability
      of potent immunosuppressive agents. Systemic immunosuppression has rendered the
      liver recipient susceptible to de novo infections as well as reactivation of
      preexisting latent infections. Infections occurring during the first month post
      OLT are usually nosocomial, donor-derived, or the result of a perioperative
      complication. The development of opportunistic infections (OIs) such as
      Aspergillus and the reactivation of latent infections such as Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis are more frequent 1 to 6 months posttransplant, when the net state
      of immunosuppression is the highest. Immunosuppressive therapy is tapered 6 to 12
      months post-OLT; therefore, infections occurring during that time period and
      afterward generally resemble those of the general population. Screening
      strategies applied to determine the risk of an infection after transplantation
      and the use of prophylactic antimicrobial therapy have reduced the incidence of
      OIs after OLT. This article will review the various causes of infection post-OLT
      and the therapies used to manage complications. 

PMID- 27134595
TI  - The Importance of Sleep.

PMID- 27134596
TI  - GASTRO-HEP News.

PMID- 27134598
TI  - Esophageal Squamous Cell Papilloma: A Not-So-Rare Cause of Dysphagia.

PMID- 27134600
TI  - Evolving Techniques for Bariatric Surgery and Endoscopy.

PMID- 27134597
TI  - Impact of Weight Loss Surgery on Esophageal Physiology.
AB  - Bariatric surgery has come to the forefront of weight loss treatment due to its
      complex interactions via anatomic, physiologic, and neurohormonal changes leading
      to sustained weight loss. Unlike lifestyle and pharmacologic options, which fail
      to show long-term sustained weight loss, bariatric surgery has been shown to
      decrease overall mortality and morbidity. Bariatric surgery can be purely
      restrictive, such as laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) or laparoscopic
      sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), or restrictive-malabsorptive, such as Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass (RYGB). These surgeries cause specific anatomic changes that promote
      weight loss; however, they also have unintended effects on the esophagus,
      particularly in terms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal
      motility. Via restrictive surgery, LAGB has been widely reported to cause
      significant weight loss, although studies have also shown an increase and
      worsening of GERD as well as elevated rates of esophageal dilation, aperistalsis,
      and alterations in lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Along with LAGB, LSG has
      shown not only a worsening of GERD, but also the formation of de novo GERD in
      patients who were asymptomatic before the operation. In a restrictive
      malabsorptive approach, RYGB has been reported to improve GERD and preserve
      esophageal motility. Bariatric surgery is a burgeoning field with immense
      implications on overall mortality. Future randomized, controlled trials are
      needed to better understand which patients should undergo particular surgeries,
      with greater emphasis on esophageal health and prevention of GERD and esophageal
      dysmotility. 

PMID- 27134601
TI  - The Use of Genetic Alterations in the Development of Liver Cancer Drugs.

PMID- 27134599
TI  - Sleep Dysfunction and Gastrointestinal Diseases.
AB  - Sleep deprivation and impaired sleep quality have been associated with poor
      health outcomes. Many patients experience sleep disturbances, which can increase
      the risk of medical conditions such as hypertension, obesity, stroke, and heart
      disease as well as increase overall mortality. Recent studies have suggested that
      there is a strong association between sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal
      diseases. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor, interleukin
      1, and interleukin-6, have been associated with sleep dysfunction. Alterations in
      these cytokines have been seen in certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as
      gastroesophageal reflux disease, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disorders, and
      colorectal cancer. It is important for gastroenterologists to be aware of the
      relationship between sleep disorders and gastrointestinal illnesses to ensure
      good care for patients. This article reviews the current research on the
      interplay between sleep disorders, immune function, and gastrointestinal
      diseases. 

PMID- 27134602
TI  - Predicting Outcomes of Primary Biliary Cholangitis Using the GLOBE Score.

PMID- 27134603
TI  - The Use of Endoscopy and Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of GERD.

PMID- 27134604
TI  - Optimizing the Use of Biologic Therapies in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel
      Disease.

PMID- 27134605
TI  - Pain and Psychological Outcomes After Rehabilitative Treatment for a Woman With
      Chronic Pelvic Pain With Stage III Cervical Cancer: A Case Report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic pelvic pain and sexual dysfunction are adverse effects of
      treatment of cervical cancer. Surgery and radiation therapies may result in soft
      tissue pain and dysfunction, including spasms and trigger points of the pelvic
      floor muscles that result in pain. In addition to physical restrictions, negative
      mood associated with pain is believed to intensify and prolong the pain
      experience. STUDY DESIGN: The purpose of this case report was to describe
      outcomes of pelvic physical therapy in a 58-year-old woman with chronic pelvic
      pain after medical treatments for cervical cancer. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient
      reported dyspareunia, hip pain, and lower abdominal, pelvic pain, and fatigue
      with activities lasting greater than 30 minutes. Interventions included pelvic
      floor massage, dilator use, and patient education. Symptoms were assessed at
      baseline and completion of physical therapy, using the Female Sexual Function
      Index, Fear of Pain Questionnaire-III, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and Numerical
      Pain Rating Scale. OUTCOMES: The Female Sexual Function Index score decreased
      from 7.8 to 2.8, the Fear of Pain Questionnaire- III score decreased from 85 to
      73, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale score decreased from 18 to 8, and lower
      abdominal and pelvic pain decreased from 4 of 10 to 0 of 10, while bilateral hip
      pain remained at 4 of 10. In addition, she exhibited increased tolerance to
      mechanical pressure, evidenced by progression in size of a vaginal dilator.
      DISCUSSION: These results suggest that pelvic physical therapy may be useful in
      treating chronic pelvic pain after cervical cancer treatments and may also help
      decrease the magnitude of negative mood aspects such as pain-related fear and
      catastrophizing.

PMID- 27134606
TI  - The Value of Delaying Alzheimer's Disease Onset.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) extracts a heavy societal toll. The value of medical
      advances that delay onset of AD could be significant. Using data from nationally
      representative samples from the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2008) and Aging
      Demographics and Memory Study (2001-2009), we estimate the prevalence and
      incidence of AD and the formal and informal health care costs associated with it.
      We use microsimulation to project future prevalence and costs of AD under
      different treatment scenarios. We find from 2010 to 2050, the number of
      individuals ages 70+ with AD increases 153%, from 3.6 to 9.1 million, and annual
      costs increase from $307 billion ($181B formal, $126B informal costs) to $1.5
      trillion. 2010 annual per person costs were $71,303 and double by 2050. Medicare
      and Medicaid are paying 75% of formal costs. Medical advances that delay onset of
      AD for 5 years result in 41% lower prevalence and 40% lower cost of AD in 2050.
      For one cohort of older individuals, who would go on to acquire AD, a 5-year
      delay leads to 2.7 additional life years (about 5 AD-free), slightly higher
      formal care costs due to longer life but lower informal care costs for a total
      value of $511,208 per person. We find Medical advances delaying onset of AD
      generate significant economic and longevity benefits. The findings inform
      clinicians, policymakers, businesses and the public about the value of
      prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of AD.

PMID- 27134607
TI  - Developing Methods of Repurposing Electronic Health Record Data for
      Identification of Older Adults at Risk of Unintentional Falls.
AB  - Nationally, nearly 40 percent of community-dwelling adults age 65 and older fall
      at least once a year, making unintentional falls the leading cause of both fatal
      and nonfatal injuries among this age group. Addressing this public health problem
      in primary care offers promise. However, challenges in incorporating fall risk
      screening into primary care result in a problem of missed opportunities for
      screening, counseling, intervention, and ultimately prevention. Given these
      barriers, this study examines the potential for the innovative use of routinely
      collected electronic health record data to provide enhanced clinical decision
      support in busy, often resource-thin primary care environments. Using de
      identified data from a sample of West Virginia primary care centers, we find that
      it is both feasible and worthwhile to repurpose routinely collected data for the
      purpose of identification of older adults at risk of falls. Searching of both
      free-text and semistructured data was particularly valuable.

PMID- 27134608
TI  - Characteristics of Hospitals Associated with Complete and Partial Implementation
      of Electronic Health Records.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the proportion of hospitals with and without
      implementation of electronic health records (EHRs). (2) To examine
      characteristics of hospitals that report implementation of EHRs partially or
      completely versus those that report no implementation. (3) To identify hospital
      characteristics associated with nonimplementation to help devise future policy
      initiatives. METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using the
      2012 American Hospital Association Annual Survey Database. The outcome variable
      was the implementation of EHRs completely or partially. Independent variables
      were hospital characteristics, such as staffing, organization structure,
      accreditations, ownership, and services and facilities provided at the hospitals.
      Descriptive frequencies were determined, and multinomial logistic regression was
      used to determine variables independently associated with complete or partial
      implementation of EHRs. RESULTS: In this study, 12.6 percent of hospitals
      reported no implementation of EHRs, while 43.9 percent of hospitals implemented
      EHRs partially and 43.5 percent implemented EHRs completely. Overall
      characteristics of hospitals with complete and partial implementation were
      similar. The multinomial regression model revealed a positive association between
      the number of licensed beds and complete implementation of EHRs. A positive
      association was found between children's general medical, surgical, and heart
      hospitals and complete implementation of EHRs. Conversely, psychiatric and
      rehabilitation hospitals, limited service hospitals, hospitals participating in a
      network, service hospitals, government nonfederal hospitals, and nongovernment
      not-for-profit hospitals showed less likelihood of complete implementation of
      EHRs. CONCLUSION: Study findings suggest a disparity of EHR implementation
      between larger, for-profit hospitals and smaller, not-for-profit hospitals. Low
      rates of implementation were observed with psychiatric and rehabilitation
      hospitals. EHR policy initiatives need to target smaller institutions in
      particular to bridge this possible gap.

PMID- 27134609
TI  - Health Information Management Leaders and the Practice of Leadership through the
      Lens of Bowen Theory.
AB  - Even though leadership is one of the most examined topics in the organizational
      literature, its application in the field of health information management (HIM)
      has not been studied extensively. This descriptive, mixed-methodology study
      examined HIM leadership through the lens of Bowen theory. The researchers
      conducted surveys of HIM directors and managers, administrators and colleagues of
      HIM leaders, and HIM staff using focus groups, observations of meetings, and face
      to-face interviews. Results showed that HIM leaders are valued for HIM expertise
      in electronic health records, privacy, security, and coding; for being the center
      or heart of the organization; and for commonly valued leadership behaviors and
      skills including dependability, strategic planning, project management, listening
      ability, and fairness. Leadership was seen as a reciprocal process, and a team
      approach was preferred. Good communication, education, and training on HIM topics
      were also valued. However, HIM leaders believed that they spend more time on
      management activities than on leadership activities, although they would prefer
      the reverse. Future research is needed to examine how HIM leadership can be
      practiced more consistently in the workplace across different HIM functions.

PMID- 27134610
TI  - Why Patient Matching Is a Challenge: Research on Master Patient Index (MPI) Data
      Discrepancies in Key Identifying Fields.
AB  - Patient identification matching problems are a major contributor to data
      integrity issues within electronic health records. These issues impede the
      improvement of healthcare quality through health information exchange and care
      coordination, and contribute to deaths resulting from medical errors. Despite
      best practices in the area of patient access and medical record management to
      avoid duplicating patient records, duplicate records continue to be a significant
      problem in healthcare. This study examined the underlying causes of duplicate
      records using a multisite data set of 398,939 patient records with confirmed
      duplicates and analyzed multiple reasons for data discrepancies between those
      record matches. The field that had the greatest proportion of mismatches
      (nondefault values) was the middle name, accounting for 58.30 percent of
      mismatches. The Social Security number was the second most frequent mismatch,
      occurring in 53.54 percent of the duplicate pairs. The majority of the mismatches
      in the name fields were the result of misspellings (53.14 percent in first name
      and 33.62 percent in last name) or swapped last name/first name, first
      name/middle name, or last name/middle name pairs. The use of more sophisticated
      technologies is critical to improving patient matching. However, no amount of
      advanced technology or increased data capture will completely eliminate human
      errors. Thus, the establishment of policies and procedures (such as standard
      naming conventions or search routines) for front-end and back-end staff to follow
      is foundational for the overall data integrity process. Training staff on
      standard policies and procedures will result in fewer duplicates created on the
      front end and more accurate duplicate record matching and merging on the back
      end. Furthermore, monitoring, analyzing trends, and identifying errors that occur
      are proactive ways to identify data integrity issues.

PMID- 27134611
TI  - Usability of Web-based Personal Health Records: An Analysis of Consumers'
      Perspectives.
AB  - Personal health records (PHRs) have many benefits, including the ability to
      increase involvement of patients in their care, which provides better healthcare
      outcomes. Although issues related to usability of PHRs are a significant barrier
      to adoption, there is a paucity of research in this area. Thus, the researchers
      explored consumers' perspective on the usability of two commercially available
      web-based PHRs. Data from the Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use
      questionnaire were collected from a sample of health information management
      students (N = 90). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that Microsoft
      HealthVault had higher scores in most usability categories when compared to
      Health Companion. Study results indicated that PHR developers should evaluate
      Microsoft HealthVault as a model for improving PHR usability.

PMID- 27134612
TI  - The Crossroads between Workforce and Education.
AB  - Concern is growing among industry leaders that students may not be obtaining the
      necessary skills for entry into the labor market. To gain an understanding of the
      perceived disconnect in the skill set of graduates entering the health
      information workforce, a survey was developed to examine the opinions of
      educators and employers related to graduate preparedness. The concern related to
      graduate preparedness is supported by findings in this research study, in which
      those working in industry and those in academia noted a disconnect between
      academic training and preparedness to enter the labor market. A statistically
      significant difference was found between labor leaders and academics in their
      assessment of graduates' preparation in the areas of technical, communication,
      and leadership skills. Educators noted higher levels of preparedness of students
      with regard to professional and technical skills and leadership skills, while
      both educators and industry respondents noted a need for improved employability
      skills (e.g., communication skills and workplace etiquette). No difference was
      found between the two groups with regard to the need to increase apprenticeships
      and professional practice experience to cover this gap in formal training.
      Finally, when asked how the federal government might assist with preparing
      students, more than half of the respondents noted the importance of
      apprenticeships and funding for these opportunities.

PMID- 27134613
TI  - Personal Health Records: Beneficial or Burdensome for Patients and Healthcare
      Providers?
AB  - Personal health records (PHRs) have been mandated to be made available to
      patients to provide increased access to medical care information, encourage
      participation in healthcare decision making, and enable correction of errors
      within medical records. The purpose of this study was to analyze the usefulness
      of PHRs from the perspectives of patients and providers. The methodology of this
      qualitative study was a literature review using 34 articles. PHRs are powerful
      tools for patients and healthcare providers. Better healthcare results and
      correction of medical records have been shown to be positive outcomes of the use
      of PHRs. PHRs have also been shown to be difficult for patients to use and
      understand, and providers had concerns about correct information transferring to
      the portals and patients eliminating information from the record. Concerns
      regarding patient understanding of medical records, legal liability, and the
      response time required of providers were also identified. For the PHR to succeed
      in the US healthcare system, assurance that the information will be protected,
      useful, and easily accessed is necessary.

PMID- 27134614
TI  - Visual and associated affective processing of face information in schizophrenia:
      A selective review.
AB  - Perception of facial features is crucial in social life. In past decades,
      extensive research showed that the ability to perceive facial emotion expression
      was compromised in schizophrenia patients. Given that face perception involves
      visual/cognitive and affective processing, the roles of these two processing
      domains in the compromised face perception in schizophrenia were studied and
      discussed, but not clearly defined. One particular issue was whether face
      specific processing is implicated in this psychiatric disorder. Recent
      investigations have probed into the components of face perception processes such
      as visual detection, identity recognition, emotion expression discrimination and
      working memory conveyed from faces. Recent investigations have further assessed
      the associations between face processing and basic visual processing and between
      face processing and social cognitive processing such as Theory of Mind. In this
      selective review, we discuss the investigative findings relevant to the issues of
      cognitive and affective association and face-specific processing. We highlight
      the implications of multiple processing domains and face-specific processes as
      potential mechanisms underlying compromised face perception in schizophrenia.
      These findings suggest a need for a domain-specific therapeutic approach to the
      improvement of face perception in schizophrenia.

PMID- 27134616
TI  - Impact of Vocal Tract Resonance on the Perception of Voice Quality Changes Caused
      by Varying Vocal Fold Stiffness.
AB  - Experiments using animal and human larynx models are often conducted without a
      vocal tract. While it is often assumed that the absence of a vocal tract has only
      small effects on vocal fold vibration, it is not actually known how sound
      production and quality are affected. In this study, the validity of using data
      obtained in the absence of a vocal tract for voice perception studies was
      investigated. Using a two-layer self-oscillating physical model, three series of
      voice stimuli were created: one produced with conditions of left-right symmetric
      vocal fold stiffness, and two with left-right asymmetries in vocal fold body
      stiffness. Each series included a set of stimuli created with a physical vocal
      tract, and a second set created without a physical vocal tract. Stimuli were re
      synthesized to equalize the mean F0 for each series and normalized for amplitude.
      Listeners were asked to evaluate the three series in a sort-and-rate task.
      Multidimensional scaling analysis was applied to examine the perceptual
      interaction between the voice source and the vocal tract resonances. The results
      showed that the presence or absence of a vocal tract can significantly affect
      perception of voice quality changes due to parametric changes in vocal fold
      properties, except when the parametric changes in vocal fold properties produced
      an abrupt shift in vocal fold vibratory pattern resulting in a salient quality
      change.

PMID- 27134615
TI  - V. Amygdalina: Folk Medicine, Analysis, and Potential Application for Cancer
      Treatment.
AB  - Folk medicine (FM) is practiced by people without access to conventional medical
      services; it usually involves the use of natural remedies such as herbs or
      vegetable substances. Before the use of pharmaceutical drugs, and surgical
      procedures, these healing methods were used, and are still in use today. It is
      estimated that twenty five percent of all therapeutic drugs trace their origins
      to plants, and almost two-thirds of the people of the world rely on their healing
      powers. One hundred years ago, health care in the U.S. was provided by a highly
      competitive medical sect, and quite infrequently, folk medicine practitioners
      were patronized. However, FM usage in the U.S. has increased drastically during
      the past decade. National surveys of adults (18 years of age or older) show that
      one in three adults use unconventional therapies or Complementary and Alternative
      Medicine (CAM) in the U.S. The rate of CAM usage is more than eighty percent
      among cancer patients. Vernonia amygdalina (VA) is well known for its medicinal
      importance. Fractionation of the VA extracts with solvents of varying polarities,
      by silica gels analyses, UV Spectrophotometer, HPLC, TLC and NMR techniques have
      yielded some biologically-active fractions.

PMID- 27134617
TI  - Layered Na-Ion Cathodes with Outstanding Performance Resulting from the
      Synergetic Effect of Mixed P- and O-Type Phases.
AB  - Herein, the synthesis of new quaternary layered Na-based oxides of the type Na x
      Mn y Ni z Fe0.1Mg0.1O2 (0.67<= x <= 1.0; 0.5<= y <= 0.7; 0.1<= z <= 0.3) is
      described. The synthesis can be tuned to obtain P2- and O3-type as well as mixed
      P-/O-type phases as demonstrated by structural, morphological, and
      electrochemical properties characterization. Although all materials show good
      electrochemical performance, the simultaneous presence of the P- and O-type
      phases is found to have a synergetic effect resulting in outstanding performance
      of the mixed phase material as a sodium-ion cathode. The mixed P3/P2/O3-type
      material, having an average elemental composition of
      Na0.76Mn0.5Ni0.3Fe0.1Mg0.1O2, overcomes the specific drawbacks associated with
      the P2- and O3-type materials, allowing the outstanding electrochemical
      performance. In detail, the mixed phase material is able to deliver specific
      discharge capacities of up to 155 mAh g-1 (18 mA g-1) in the potential range of
      2.0-4.3 V. In the narrower potential range of 2.5-4.3 V the material exhibits
      high average discharge potential (3.4 V versus Na/Na+), exceptional average
      coulombic efficiencies (>99.9%), and extraordinary capacity retention (90.2%
      after 601 cycles). The unexplored class of P-/O-type mixed phases introduces new
      perspectives for the development of layered positive electrode materials and
      powerful Na-ion batteries.

PMID- 27134618
TI  - Extraordinary Performance of Carbon-Coated Anatase TiO2 as Sodium-Ion Anode.
AB  - The synthesis of in situ polymer-functionalized anatase TiO2 particles using an
      anchoring block copolymer with hydroxamate as coordinating species is reported,
      which yields nanoparticles (~11 nm) in multigram scale. Thermal annealing
      converts the polymer brushes into a uniform and homogeneous carbon coating as
      proven by high resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman
      spectroscopy. The strong impact of particle size as well as carbon coating on the
      electrochemical performance of anatase TiO2 is demonstrated. Downsizing the
      particles leads to higher reversible uptake/release of sodium cations per formula
      unit TiO2 (e.g., 0.72 eq. Na+ (11 nm) vs only 0.56 eq. Na+ (40 nm)) while the
      carbon coating improves rate performance. The combination of small particle size
      and homogeneous carbon coating allows for the excellent electrochemical
      performance of anatase TiO2 at high (134 mAh g-1 at 10 C (3.35 A g-1)) and low
      (~227 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C) current rates, high cycling stability (full capacity
      retention between 2nd and 300th cycle at 1 C) and improved coulombic efficiency
      (~99.8%).

PMID- 27134619
TI  - Rhodium(I)-Catalyzed Intermolecular Hydroacylation of alpha-Keto Amides and
      Isatins with Non-Chelating Aldehydes.
AB  - The application of the bidentate, electron-rich bisphosphine ligand, 1,3
      bis(dicyclohexyl)phosphine-propane (dcpp), in rhodium(I)-catalyzed intermolecular
      ketone hydroacylation is herein described. Isatins and alpha-keto amides are
      shown to undergo hydroacylation with a variety of non-chelating linear and
      branched aliphatic aldehydes. Also reported is the synthesis of new bidentate
      chiral phosphine ligands, and their application in hydroacylation is discussed.

PMID- 27134620
TI  - Aligned carbon nanotube-based flexible gel substrates for engineering bio-hybrid
      tissue actuators.
AB  - Muscle-based biohybrid actuators have generated significant interest as the
      future of biorobotics but so far they move without having much control over their
      actuation behavior. Integration of microelectrodes into the backbone of these
      systems may enable guidance during their motion and allow precise control over
      these actuators with specific activation patterns. Here, we addressed this
      challenge by developing aligned CNT forest microelectrode arrays and incorporated
      them into scaffolds for stimulating the cells. Aligned CNTs were successfully
      embedded into flexible and biocompatible hydrogel exhibiting excellent
      anisotropic electrical conductivity. Bioactuators were then engineered by
      culturing cardiomyocytes on the CNT microelectrode-integrated hydrogel
      constructs. The resulting cardiac tissue showed homogeneous cell organization
      with improved cell-to-cell coupling and maturation, which was directly related to
      the contractile force of muscle tissue. This centimeter-scale bioactuator has
      excellent mechanical integrity, embedded microelectrodes and is capable of
      spontaneous actuation behavior. Furthermore, we demonstrated that a biohybrid
      machine can be controlled by an external electrical field provided by the
      integrated CNT microelectrode arrays. In addition, due to the anisotropic
      electrical conductivity of the electrodes provided from aligned CNTs,
      significantly different excitation thresholds were observed in different
      configurations such as the ones in parallel vs. perpendicular direction to the
      CNT alignment.

PMID- 27134621
TI  - Modular and Versatile Spatial Functionalization of Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
      through Fiber-Initiated Controlled Radical Polymerization.
AB  - Native tissues are typically heterogeneous and hierarchically organized, and
      generating scaffolds that can mimic these properties is critical for tissue
      engineering applications. By uniquely combining controlled radical polymerization
      (CRP), end-functionalization of polymers, and advanced electrospinning
      techniques, a modular and versatile approach is introduced to generate scaffolds
      with spatially organized functionality. Poly-epsilon-caprolactone is end
      functionalized with either a polymerization-initiating group or a cell-binding
      peptide motif cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (cRGDS), and are each sequentially
      electrospun to produce zonally discrete bilayers within a continuous fiber
      scaffold. The polymerization-initiating group is then used to graft an
      antifouling polymer bottlebrush based on poly(ethylene glycol) from the fiber
      surface using CRP exclusively within one bilayer of the scaffold. The ability to
      include additional multifunctionality during CRP is showcased by integrating a
      biotinylated monomer unit into the polymerization step allowing postmodification
      of the scaffold with streptavidin-coupled moieties. These combined processing
      techniques result in an effective bilayered and dual-functionality scaffold with
      a cell-adhesive surface and an opposing antifouling non-cell-adhesive surface in
      zonally specific regions across the thickness of the scaffold, demonstrated
      through fluorescent labelling and cell adhesion studies. This modular and
      versatile approach combines strategies to produce scaffolds with tailorable
      properties for many applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

PMID- 27134623
TI  - Presentation.

PMID- 27134624
TI  - Rare diseases in orthopedics: algodystrophy and aseptic osteonecrosis.

PMID- 27134622
TI  - Highly scalable, closed-loop synthesis of drug-loaded, layer-by-layer
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly is a versatile technique from which
      multicomponent and stimuli-responsive nanoscale drug carriers can be constructed.
      Despite the benefits of LbL assembly, the conventional synthetic approach for
      fabricating LbL nanoparticles requires numerous purification steps that limit
      scale, yield, efficiency, and potential for clinical translation. In this report,
      we describe a generalizable method for increasing throughput with LbL assembly by
      using highly scalable, closed-loop diafiltration to manage intermediate
      purification steps. This method facilitates highly controlled fabrication of
      diverse nanoscale LbL formulations smaller than 150 nm composed from solid
      polymer, mesoporous silica, and liposomal vesicles. The technique allows for the
      deposition of a broad range of polyelectrolytes that included native
      polysaccharides, linear polypeptides, and synthetic polymers. We also explore the
      cytotoxicity, shelf life and long-term storage of LbL nanoparticles produced
      using this approach. We find that LbL coated systems can be reliably and rapidly
      produced: specifically, LbL-modified liposomes could be lyophilized, stored at
      room temperature, and reconstituted without compromising drug encapsulation or
      particle stability, thereby facilitating large scale applications. Overall, this
      report describes an accessible approach that significantly improves the
      throughput of nanoscale LbL drug-carriers that show low toxicity and are amenable
      to clinically relevant storage conditions.

PMID- 27134625
TI  - Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) type I: historical perspective and critical
      issues.
AB  - The history of algodystrophy is controversial and its denomination has changed
      significantly over time. Silas Weir Mitchell described several cases of causalgia
      due to gunshot wounds that occurred during the American Civil War, increasing
      knowledge about this clinical condition. A later key milestone in the history of
      CRPS is tied to the name of Paul Sudeck that, using X-ray examinations, described
      findings of bone atrophy following a traumatic event or infection of the upper
      limb. The most widely accepted pathogenic hypothesis, proposed by Rene Leriche,
      supported a key role of the sympathetic nervous system in the onset of the
      typical clinical picture of the disease, which was thus defined as "reflex
      sympathetic dystrophy". In the 50s John J. Bonica proposed a staging of CRPS. In
      a consensus conference held in Budapest in 2003, it was proposed a new
      classification system that included the presence of at least two clinical signs
      included in the four categories and at least three symptoms in its four
      categories. There have been other classification systems proposed for the
      diagnosis of CRPS, such as Veldman diagnostic criteria based on the presence of
      at least 4 signs and symptoms of the disease associated with a worsening of the
      same following the use of the limb and their location in the same area distal to
      the one that suffered the injury. On the other hand, the Atkins diagnostic
      criteria are much more objective than those proposed by IASP and are specifically
      applicable to an orthopaedic context. However, current classification systems and
      related criteria proposed to make a diagnosis of CRPS, do not include
      instrumental evaluations and imaging, but rely solely on clinical findings. This
      approach does not allow an optimal disease staging especially in orthopaedics. 

PMID- 27134627
TI  - Algodystrophy in major orthopaedic surgery.
AB  - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) describes a diversity of painful conditions
      following trauma, associated with abnormal regulation of blood flow and sweating,
      trophic changes, and edema of skin. Epidemiology of this disease is not
      convincing because of the difficulties and inaccuracies in the diagnosis. Several
      mechanisms are involved in the genesis of CRPS. The higher incidence of CRPS in
      women over 65 suggests that some changes involving natural and pathologic
      processes of aging predispose to onset a CRPS. Many features of the orthopaedic
      management (surgical time, immobilization, surgical incision, fracture
      osteosynthesis or prosthetic implants) might influence inflammation status in
      different way. It is mandatory to improve the understanding of both the
      pathogenesis of CRPS and the conditions that play a decisive role in its genesis.
      Furthermore it is important to find some biomarkers that allow early diagnosis
      before the onset of typical clinical signs. 

PMID- 27134628
TI  - Algodystrophy (CRPS) in minor orthopedic surgery.
AB  - Algodystrophy or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a painful disorder that
      develops especially at upper or lower extremities of the limbs after a fracture.
      This syndrome is probably due to bone microvascular changes with subsequent
      sympathetic nervous system involvement. The pain that characterizes CRPS is
      spontaneous, disproportionate to the traumatic event and is associated with
      hyperalgesia, and a variety of autonomic and trophic disorders. This condition
      has a variable incidence up to 37% of the cases, increasing along with the
      severity of the fracture. CRPS has a higher chance of developing in women, in
      older individuals, in smokers, and in patients with reduced bone strength. Early
      diagnosis is associated with remission in 80-90% of cases. Since the typical
      onset of the disease is insidious over 2 weeks after surgery, a diagnostic and
      therapeutic delay may occur. These are the major causes of a high percentage of
      chronic and disabling complications leading to impaired functional outcomes. In
      the acute or subacute phase, infusion of bisphosphonates has proven to be the
      first-choice of treatment with a high percentage of remissions. Moreover, it has
      been suggested the utility of vitamin C in prevention of CRPS. Furthermore, in
      the chronic phase electroanalgesia seems to provide promising results. 

PMID- 27134626
TI  - Post-traumatic complex regional pain syndrome: clinical features and
      epidemiology.
AB  - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that occurs
      after a tissue injury (fractures, sprain, surgery) of the upper or lower
      extremities. A clear pathophysiological mechanism has not been established yet
      and different patterns are considered to play a role in the genesis of the
      disease. The diagnosis is made by different diagnosis criteria and a gold
      standard has not been established yet. Incidence of CRPS is unclear and large
      prospective studies on the incidence and prevalence of CRPS are scarce. The aim
      of this review is to give an overview on the prevalent data regarding this
      chronic syndrome. 

PMID- 27134629
TI  - Treatment of complex regional pain syndrome.
AB  - Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a multifactorial and disabling disorder
      with complex etiology and pathogenesis. Goals of therapy in CRPS should be pain
      relief, functional restoration, and psychological stabilization, but early
      interventions are needed in order to achieve these objectives. Several drugs have
      been used to reduce pain and to improve functional status in CRPS, despite the
      lack of scientific evidence supporting their use in this scenario. They include
      anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, anesthetics, anticonvulsants,
      antidepressants, oral muscle relaxants, corticosteroids, calcitonin,
      bisphosphonates, calcium channel blockers and topical agents. NSAIDs showed no
      value in treating CRPS. Glucocorticoids are the only anti-inflammatory drugs for
      which there is direct clinical trial evidence in early stage of CRPS. Opioids are
      a reasonable second or third-line treatment option, but tolerance and long term
      toxicity are unresolved issues. The use of anticonvulsants and tricyclic
      antidepressants has not been well investigated for pain management in CRPS.
      During the last years, bisphosphonates have been the mostly studied pharmacologic
      agents in CRPS treatment and there are good evidence to support their use in this
      condition. Recently, the efficacy of intravenous (IV) administration of
      neridronate has been reported in a randomized controlled trial. Significant
      improvements in VAS score and other indices of pain and quality of life in
      patients who received four 100 mg IV doses of neridronate versus placebo were
      reported. These findings were confirmed in the open-extension phase of the study,
      when patients formerly enrolled in the placebo group received neridronate at the
      same dosage, and these results were maintained at 1 year follow-up. The current
      literature concerning sympathetic blocks and sympathectomy techniques lacks
      evidence of efficacy. Low evidence was recorded for a free radical scavenger,
      dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) cream (50%). The same level of efficacy was noted for
      vitamin C (500 mg per day for 50 days) in prevention of CRPS in patients affected
      by wrist fracture. In conclusion, the best available therapeutic approach to CRPS
      is multimodal and is based on the use of several classes of drugs, associated to
      early physiotherapy. Neridronate at appropriate doses is associated with
      clinically relevant and persistent benefits in CRPS patients. 

PMID- 27134630
TI  - The role of imaging in diagnosis and management of femoral head avascular
      necrosis.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to critically review the literature documenting the
      imaging approach in adult Femoral Head Avascular Necrosis (FHAVN). For this
      purpose we described and evaluated different radiological techniques, such as X
      ray, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Nuclear
      Medicine. Plain films are considered the first line imaging technique due to its
      ability to depict femoral head morphological changes, to its low costs and high
      availability. CT is not a routinely performed technique, but is useful to rule
      out the presence of a subchondral fracture when MRI is doubtful or
      contraindicated. MRI is unanimously considered the gold standard technique in the
      early stages, being capable to detect bone marrow changes such as edema and
      sclerosis. It may be useful also to guide treatment and, as CT, it is a validated
      technique in follow-up of patients with FHAVN. Nuclear medicine imaging is mostly
      applied in post-operative period to detect graft viability or infective
      complications. More advanced techniques may be useful in particular conditions
      but still need to be validated; thus new research trials are desirable. In
      conclusion, X-ray examination is the first line approach, but lacks of
      sensitivity in early stage whereas MRI is indicated. CT easily depicts late stage
      deformation and may decrease MRI false positive results in detecting the
      subchondral fracture. However, the role of both Nuclear Medicine Imaging and
      advanced MR techniques in FHAVN still need to be investigated. 

PMID- 27134631
TI  - Aseptic osteonecrosis of the hip in the adult: current evidence on conservative
      treatment.
AB  - Treatment of Avascular Osteonecrosis (AVN) of the femoral head to prevent
      progression to an arthritic hip is a challenging subject. Many conservative
      treatment options have been proposed in the literature. Weight bearing
      restriction as a stand-alone therapy is insufficient in preventing disease
      progression but it may be useful when combined with pharmacological agents or
      surgery. Bisphosphonate treatment in AVN might be efficient in early stages of
      disease, however there are no clear recommendations on length of treatment and
      therapeutic dosage and, considered the limited evidence and potential side
      effects of treatment, it could be considered in a pre-collapse stage in selected
      cases. Current literature suggests that low molecular weight heparin could lower
      disease progression in idiopathic AVN with quality of evidence being very low.
      Also the evidence to support the use of statins or vasodilators in the treatment
      of osteonecrosis is very low and their use cannot be recommended. Extracorporeal
      shock wave therapy may improve pain and function in early stages of disease with
      a low evidence, but there doesn't seem to be a significant change in time to the
      occurrence of femoral head collapse. Only one study has been conducted with
      pulsed electromagnetic fields therefore no recommendation can be given on
      clinical use of PEF in AVN. Evidence on hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the
      treatment of AVN is very limited and the high cost of treatment and the limited
      availability of structures that can provide the service poses other concerns
      about its feasibility. Based on current evidence, conservative treatment may be
      considered in early stages of asymptomatic AVN instead of observation only. 

PMID- 27134632
TI  - Conservative surgery for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head:
      current options.
AB  - The prevention of femoral head collapse and the maintenance of hip function would
      represent a substantial achievement in the treatment of osteonecrosis of the
      femoral head; however it is difficult to identify appropriate treatment protocols
      to manage patients with pre-collapse avascular necrosis in order to obtain a
      successful outcome in joint preserving procedures. Conservative treatments,
      including pharmacological management and biophysical modalities, are not
      supported by any evidence and require further investigation. The appropriate
      therapeutic approach has not been identified. The choice of surgical procedures
      is based on patient clinical conditions and anatomopathological features;
      preservation of the femoral head by core decompression may be attempted in
      younger patients without head collapse. Biological factors, such as bone
      morphogenetic proteins and bone marrow stem cells, would improve the outcome of
      core decompression. Another surgical procedure proposed for the treatment of
      avascular necrosis consists of large vascularized cortical bone grafts, but its
      use is not yet common due to surgical technical issues. Use of other surgical
      technique, such as osteotomies, is controversial, since arthroplasty is
      considered as the first option in case of severe femoral head collapse without
      previous intervention. 

PMID- 27134633
TI  - Hip replacement in femoral head osteonecrosis: current concepts.
AB  - Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a destructive disease that usually affects
      young adults with high functional demands and can have devastating effects on hip
      joint. The treatment depends on extent and location of the necrosis lesion and on
      patient's factors, that suggest disease progression, collapse probability and
      also implants survival. Non-idiopathic osteonecrosis patients had the worst
      outcome. There is not a gold standard treatment and frequently it is necessary a
      multidisciplinary approach. Preservation procedures of the femoral head are the
      first choice and can be attempted in younger patients without head collapse.
      Replacement procedure remains the main treatment after failure of preserving
      procedures and in the late-stage ONFH, involving collapse of the femoral head and
      degenerative changes to the acetabulum. Resurfacing procedure still has good
      results but the patient selection is a critical factor. Total hip arthroplasties
      had historically poor results in patients with osteonecrosis. More recently,
      reports have shown excellent results, but implant longevity and following
      revisions are still outstanding problems. 

PMID- 27134634
TI  - Locking plate fixation of distal femoral fractures is a challenging technique: a
      retrospective review.
AB  - Distal femoral fractures have typically a bimodal occurrence: in young people due
      to a high-energy trauma and in older people related to a low-energy trauma. These
      fractures are associated to a very high morbidity and mortality in elderly.
      Distal femoral fractures might be treated with plates, intramedullary nails,
      external fixations, and prosthesis. However, difficulties in fracture healing and
      the rate of complications are important clinical issues. The purpose of this
      retrospective review was to present our experience in treatment of distal femoral
      fracture in a sample of older people in order to evaluate the technical pitfalls
      and strategies used to face up the fractures unsuccessfully treated with locking
      plates. We included people aged more than 65 years, with a diagnosis of distal
      femoral fracture, treated with locking plates. We considered 'unsuccessfully
      treated' the cases with healing problems or hardware failures. Of the 12 patients
      (9 females and 3 males; mean aged 68.75 +/- 3.31 years) included, we observed 3
      'unsuccessfully cases', 2 due to nonunions and 1 due to an early hardware
      failure, all treated using a condylar blade plate with a bone graft. One patient
      obtained a complete fracture healing after 1 year and in the other cases there
      was a nonunion. We observed as most common technical pitfalls: inadequate plate
      lengthening, fracture bridging, and number of locking screws. The use of locking
      plates is an emerging technique to treat these fractures but it seems more
      challenging than expected. In literature there is a lack of evidences about the
      surgical management of distal femoral fractures that is still an important
      challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon that has to be able to use all the fixation
      devices available. 

PMID- 27134635
TI  - The insulin receptor substrate Chico regulates antibacterial immune function in
      Drosophila.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Molecular and genetic studies in model organisms have recently
      revealed a dynamic interplay between immunity and ageing mechanisms. In the fruit
      fly Drosophila melanogaster, inhibition of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor
      signaling pathway prolongs lifespan, and mutations in the insulin receptor
      substrate Chico extend the survival of mutant flies against certain bacterial
      pathogens. Here we investigated the immune phenotypes, immune signaling
      activation and immune function of chico mutant adult flies against the virulent
      insect pathogen Photorhabdus luminescens as well as to non-pathogenic Escherichia
      coli bacteria. RESULTS: We found that D. melanogaster chico loss-of-function
      mutant flies were equally able to survive infection by P. luminescens or E. coli
      compared to their background controls, but they contained fewer numbers of
      bacterial cells at most time-points after the infection. Analysis of immune
      signaling pathway activation in flies infected with the pathogenic or the non
      pathogenic bacteria showed reduced transcript levels of antimicrobial peptide
      genes in the chico mutants than in controls. Evaluation of immune function in
      infected flies revealed increased phenoloxidase activity and melanization
      response to P. luminescens and E. coli together with reduced phagocytosis of
      bacteria in the chico mutants. Changes in the antibacterial immune function in
      the chico mutants was not due to altered metabolic activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results indicate a novel role for chico in the regulation of the antibacterial
      immune function in D. melanogaster. Similar studies will further contribute to a
      better understanding of the interconnection between ageing and immunity and lead
      to the identification and characterization of the molecular host components that
      modulate both important biological processes.

PMID- 27134636
TI  - High-throughput Toroidal Grating Beamline for Photoelectron Spectroscopy at CAMD.
AB  - A 5 meter toroidal grating (5m-TGM) beamline has been commissioned to deliver 28
      mrad of bending magnet radiation to an ultrahigh vacuum endstation chamber to
      facilitate angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy. The 5m-TGM beamline is
      equipped with Au-coated gratings with 300, 600 and 1200 lines/mm providing
      monochromatized synchrotron radiation in the energy ranges 25-70 eV, 50-120 eV
      and 100-240 eV, respectively. The beamline delivers excellent flux (~1014-1017
      photons/sec/100mA) and a combined energy resolution of 189 meV for the beamline
      (at 1.0 mm slit opening) and HA-50 hemispherical analyzer was obtained at the
      Fermi level of polycrystalline gold crystal. Our preliminary photoelectron
      spectroscopy results of phenol adsorption on TiO2 (110) surface reveals the metal
      ion (Ti) oxidation.

PMID- 27134637
TI  - The role of I-FABP as a biomarker of intestinal barrier dysfunction driven by gut
      microbiota changes in obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal fatty-acid binding protein (I-FABP) is expressed in
      epithelial cells of the mucosal layer of the small intestine tissue. When
      intestinal mucosal damage occurs, I-FABP is released into the circulation and its
      plasma concentration increases. In the context of obesity, the gut barrier
      integrity can be disrupted by dietary fat while intestinal permeability
      increases. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether intestinal fatty acid binding
      protein (I-FABP) is a suitable plasma marker of intestinal injury and
      inflammation in obesity. METHODS: Twelve male Wistar rats were randomly divided
      into two groups of six animals each: standard (St) and high-fat (HF) diet fed
      groups for 12 weeks. RESULTS: HF fed animals developed obesity, insulin
      resistance and seemed to present increased plasma levels of proinflammatory
      cytokines (MCP-1 and IL1beta). The gut microbiota composition of these animals
      was also altered, with lower number of copies of Bacteroidetes, Prevotella spp.
      and Lactobacillus spp., in comparison with those from St diet group. Fecal
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations tended to be increased in HF fed animals.
      Intestinal expression of TLR4 seemed to be also increased in HF fed animals
      suggesting that HF diet-induced dysbiosis may be behind the systemic inflammation
      observed. However, in contrast to other intestinal inflammatory diseases, plasma
      I-FABP levels were decreased in HF fed rats whereas I-FABP expression in jejunum
      tended to be increased. CONCLUSIONS: HF diet-induced obesity is characterized by
      dysbiosis, insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. In this context,
      plasmatic I-FABP should not be used as a marker of the intestinal barrier
      dysfunction and the low-grade chronic inflammatory status.

PMID- 27134638
TI  - ExactSearch: a web-based plant motif search tool.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plant biologists frequently need to examine if a sequence motif bound
      by a specific transcription or translation factor is present in the proximal
      promoters or 3' untranslated regions (3' UTR) of a set of plant genes of
      interest. To achieve such a task, plant biologists have to not only identify an
      appropriate algorithm for motif searching, but also manipulate the large volume
      of sequence data, making it burdensome to carry out or fulfill. RESULT: In this
      study, we developed a web portal that enables plant molecular biologists to
      search for DNA motifs especially degenerate ones in custom sequences or the
      flanking regions of all genes in the 50 plant species whose genomes have been
      sequenced. A web tool like this is demanded to meet a variety of needs of plant
      biologists for identifying the potential gene regulatory relationships. We
      implemented a suffix tree algorithm to accelerate the searching process of a
      group of motifs in a multitude of target genes. The motifs to be searched can be
      in the degenerate bases in addition to adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G),
      and thymine (T). The target sequences to be searched can be custom sequences or
      the selected proximal gene sequences from any one of the 50 sequenced plant
      species. The web portal also contains the functionality to facilitate the search
      of motifs that are represented by position probability matrix in above-mentioned
      species. Currently, the algorithm can accomplish an exhaust search of 100 motifs
      in 35,000 target sequences of 2 kb long in 4.2 min. However, the runtime may
      change in the future depending on the space availability, number of running jobs,
      network traffic, data loading, and output packing and delivery through electronic
      mailing. CONCLUSION: A web portal was developed to facilitate searching of motifs
      presents in custom sequences or the proximal promoters or 3' UTR of 50 plant
      species with the sequenced genomes. This web tool is accessible by using this
      URL: http://sys.bio.mtu.edu/motif/index.php.

PMID- 27134639
TI  - Systematic Review of Educational Interventions to Improve Glaucoma Medication
      Adherence: an update in 2015.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the current state of the research on educational
      interventions whose aim is to improve glaucoma medication adherence. METHODS: A
      systematic review of Pubmed, Embase and CINAHL was conducted to identify research
      studies evaluating educational interventions to improve glaucoma medication
      adherence. Studies were included if the intervention was described, the outcomes
      assessed glaucoma medication adherence, and the focus of the research was on
      adults with glaucoma. The search was conducted on June 2, 2015. RESULTS:
      Seventeen studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. These included
      nine randomized controlled trials and eight observational studies. Eight of the
      studies demonstrated an impact on glaucoma medication adherence, though their
      outcome measures were too heterogeneous to estimate a pooled effect size..
      CONCLUSION: The interventions that successfully improved glaucoma medication
      adherence used an adequate dose of face-to-face counseling to overcome barriers
      to health behavior change alongside education about glaucoma.

PMID- 27134641
TI  - A front-end readout Detector Board for the OpenPET electronics system.
AB  - We present a 16-channel front-end readout board for the OpenPET electronics
      system. A major task in developing a nuclear medical imaging system, such as a
      positron emission computed tomograph (PET) or a single-photon emission computed
      tomograph (SPECT), is the electronics system. While there are a wide variety of
      detector and camera design concepts, the relatively simple nature of the acquired
      data allows for a common set of electronics requirements that can be met by a
      flexible, scalable, and high-performance OpenPET electronics system. The analog
      signals from the different types of detectors used in medical imaging share
      similar characteristics, which allows for a common analog signal processing. The
      OpenPET electronics processes the analog signals with Detector Boards. Here we
      report on the development of a 16-channel Detector Board. Each signal is
      digitized by a continuously sampled analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which is
      processed by a field programmable gate array (FPGA) to extract pulse height
      information. A leading edge discriminator creates a timing edge that is "time
      stamped" by a time-to-digital converter (TDC) implemented inside the FPGA. This
      digital information from each channel is sent to an FPGA that services 16 analog
      channels, and then information from multiple channels is processed by this FPGA
      to perform logic for crystal lookup, DOI calculation, calibration, etc.

PMID- 27134640
TI  - Using the Power of Organic Synthesis for Engineering the Interactions of
      Nanoparticles with Biological Systems.
AB  - The surface properties of nanoparticles (NPs) dictate their interaction with the
      outside world. The use of precisely designed molecular ligands to control NP
      surface properties provides an important toolkit for modulating their interaction
      with biological systems, facilitating their use in biomedicine. In this review we
      will discuss the application of the atom-by-atom control provided by organic
      synthesis to the generation of engineered nanoparticles, with emphasis on how the
      functionalization of NPs with these "small" organic molecules (Mw < 1,000) can be
      used to engineer NPs for a wide range of applications.

PMID- 27134642
TI  - Carl Linnaeus's botanical paper slips (1767-1773).

PMID- 27134643
TI  - Discriminating from species of Curcumae Radix (Yujin) by a UHPLC/Q-TOFMS-based
      metabolomics approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chinese medicinal herbs may use more than one species of Curcumae
      Radix (Yujin) is the tuberous roots of Curcumae wenyujin, C. kwangsiensis, C.
      phaeocaulis and C. longa. This study aimed to characterize the chemical profiles
      of these different species of Curcumae Radix, and develop a method for rapid
      discrimination of these species by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography
      quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOFMS) combined with
      multivariate statistical analysis. METHODS: The metabolomes of 33 different
      batches of Curcumae Radix derived from four Curcumae species were profiled by
      UHPLC/Q-TOFMS. The resulting sample codes, t R-m/z pairs and ion intensities were
      processed by unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) and supervised
      orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to characterize
      the chemical composition of Curcumae Radix across the four different species.
      RESULTS: Obvious differences were observed in the chemical compositions of the
      Curcumae Radix samples derived from the four different species according to PCA
      and OPLS-DA. These results suggested that curcumin, curcumenone, curcumenol and
      zederone could be used as unique chemical markers for C. longa, C. wenyujin, C.
      phaeocaulis and C. kwangsiensis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study developed
      a UHPLC/Q-TOFMS method coupled with multivariate statistical analysis to
      discriminate between Curcumae Radix samples from four different Curcumae species,
      i.e., C. longa, C. wenyujin, C. phaeocaulis and C. kwangsiensis. Notably, this
      new approach resulted in the identification of curcumin (a), curcumenone (b),
      curcumenol (c) and zederone (d) as unique chemical markers for the
      identification.

PMID- 27134644
TI  - Loki zupa (Luooukezupa) decoction reduced airway inflammation in an OVA-induced
      asthma mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Loki zupa (Luooukezupa) decoction, consisting of the roots of
      Hyssopuscuspidatus Boriss (Shenxiangcao) and Irishalophila Pall root
      (Yuanweigen), is commonly used in Uygur medicine to treat asthma. However, the
      mode of action of this material has yet to be elucidated. This study aims to
      investigate the effects of Loki zupa decoction on the airway inflammation of an
      ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model. METHODS: Mice were divided into
      normal control (NC), asthma (A), high, medium and low doses of Loki zupa
      decoction (L 14.0, L 7.0, L 3.5), water extract (LW), n-butanol extract (LN),
      ethyl acetate extract (LE) and dexamethasone (DEX) groups. Antiasthmatic model
      was induced by OVA sensitization and challenged using BALB/c mice. Airway
      hyperresponsiveness (AHR) toward methacholine (Mch) was assessed using Buxco
      equipment. Lung inflammation was measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining and
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count and classification. Inflammatory
      cytokines in BALF and serum were analyzed by Bio-Plex assay, and mRNA levels were
      investigated by qPCR analysis. The roots of H. Boriss (250 g) and I. Pall (250 g)
      were decocted, concentrated and diluted to 14.0, 7.0 and 3.5 g crude herb/kg body
      weight. The LW, LN and LE of the Loki zupa decoction were prepared and diluted to
      a dose equivalent to 7 g of crude herb/kg body weight. RESULTS: Loki zupa
      decoction and its extracts significantly attenuated the AHR towards Mch (all P <
      0.05). Treatment with Loki zupa decoction and its extracts relieved the
      infiltration of inflammatory cells in and around the airways, and reduced the
      total white blood cell (all P < 0.05), neutrophil (all P < 0.05), monocyte (all P
      < 0.05) and eosinophil (all P < 0.05) counts in the BALF. The BALF samples
      collected from the mice treated with the Loki zupa decoction and its extracts had
      lower levels of IL-1beta (all P < 0.05), TNF-alpha (all P < 0.05), IL-2 (all P <
      0.05), IL-4 (P = 0.047) and IL-5 (all P < 0.05). The serum samples of these mice
      also had lower IL-1beta (all P < 0.05), TNF-alpha (all P < 0.05), IL-4 (all P <
      0.05) and IL-5 (all P < 0.05) levels and higher levels of IFN-gamma (P < 0.001)
      compared with the OVA-induced asthma mouse model. qPCR analysis revealed that
      Loki zupa decoction and its extracts inhibited mRNA expression of IL-4 (all P <
      0.05), IL-5 (all P < 0.05) and IL-13 (all P < 0.05) and promoted mRNA expression
      of IFN-gamma (all P < 0.05) in asthmatic mice. CONCLUSION: Loki zupa decoction
      reduced AHR, attenuated airway inflammation, promoted Th1 and suppressed Th2 cell
      functions in an OVA-induced asthma mouse model.

PMID- 27134646
TI  - Pollution and Infant Health.
AB  - In this article, I review recent research showing that even relatively low levels
      of pollution can affect infants' health. This research attempts to go beyond
      documenting correlations by using sharp changes in pollution levels, carefully
      selecting control groups (including unexposed siblings as controls for exposed
      children), and considering behavioral responses to pollution such as maternal
      mobility. Poor and minority children are more likely to be affected and
      differential exposure could be responsible for some of the observed group-level
      differences in health at birth. Policymakers concerned about the roots of
      inequality should consider the role played by environmental exposures of pregnant
      mothers.

PMID- 27134645
TI  - Anti-inflammatory activities of Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi) and San-Miao-San
      supplements in MRL/lpr mice for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi; LZ) and San-Miao-San (SMS) are Chinese
      medicines (CMs) used to treat inflammatory ailments and numbing
      syndrome/arthralgia syndrome (Bi Zheng), respectively. Given that the main
      symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) include inflammation of the
      joints, joint pain, edema and palpitations of the heart because of problems
      associated with Bi Zheng, it was envisaged that LZ and SMS could be used as
      potential treatments for this autoimmune disease. This study aims to investigate
      the anti-inflammatory activity of a combination formulation containing LZ and SMS
      (LZ-SMS) in SLE mice. METHODS: Female adult Balb/c mice of 20-24 weeks of age
      were used as normal mice (n = 10), whereas female MRL/lpr mice of 12-24 weeks of
      age were divided into three groups (n = 10 in each group), including mild,
      moderate and severe SLE mice groups. The clinical characteristics of the SLE and
      Babl/c mice (i.e., body weight, joint thickness, lupus flare, proteinuria,
      leukocyturia and lymphadenopathy) were assessed. The plasma concentrations of
      anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-double stranded DNA antibody (anti-ds-DNA)
      were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas the concentration
      of several key cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, IL-2, IL-27, IL
      12P70, IL-17A and IL-21) were analyzed by a Luminex multiplex assay. The gene
      expression profiles for differentiation of the T helper (Th) lymphocytes in
      splenic CD4(+) Th cells were assessed by RT-qPCR. Flow cytometry was used to
      measure the percentages of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Treg cells and
      CD19(+)CD5(+)CD1d(+)IL-10(+) regulatory B (Breg) cells (IL-10(+) Bregs). RESULTS:
      Concentrations of anti-ds-DNA in the plasma samples collected from the LZ-SMS
      treated (500 mg/kg/day oral administration for 7 days followed with 50 mg/kg/day
      intraperitoneal administration for 7 days), moderate and severe SLE mice
      decreased significantly compared with the PBS treated mice (P < 0.05). The gene
      expression levels of the induced regulatory T (iTreg) and natural Treg (nTreg)
      cells were significantly higher than those of the Th17, Th1 and "conventional Th
      cells vs. Treg cells" regulated genes following the LZ-SMS treatment (P < 0.05).
      The percentages of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Treg cells collected from the splenic,
      thymic and peripheral blood cells, as well as the percentages of IL-10(+) Bregs
      collected from the splenic and thymic cells increased significantly in the LZ-SMS
      treated SLE mice (P < 0.05) compared with the untreated PBS group. The ratio of
      the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Treg cells to the percentage of
      CD4(+)CD25(-) effector T cells collected from the splenic, thymic and peripheral
      blood cells in LZ-SMS-treated moderate and severe SLE mice increased
      significantly compared with the untreated PBS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a
      comparison with the PBS treatment group revealed significant decreases in the
      concentrations of several inflammatory cytokines, including IL-21, IL-10 and IL
      17A (P < 0.05), as well as significant increases in the concentrations of IL-2
      and IL-12P70 in the LZ-SMS treated SLE mice (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: LZ-SMS
      treatment led to significant increases in the percentages of
      CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Treg and IL-10(+) Breg cells, together with a reduction in
      the plasma concentrations of several inflammatory cytokines and the down
      regulated expression of the corresponding cytokine related genes in SLE mice. The
      clinical characteristics of the LZ-SMS-treated SLE mice also improved
      significantly.

PMID- 27134647
TI  - Psychosomatic problems in dentistry.
AB  - Many dental patients complain of oral symptoms after dental treatment, such as
      chronic pain or occlusal discomfort, for which the cause remains undetermined.
      These symptoms are often thought to be mental or emotional in origin, and
      patients are considered to have an "oral psychosomatic disorder". Representative
      medically unexplained oral symptoms/syndromes (MUOS) include burning mouth
      syndrome, atypical odontalgia, phantom bite syndrome, oral cenesthopathy, or
      halitophobia. With an increasing prevalence of these MUOS, dentists are being
      asked to develop new approaches to dental treatment, which include taking care of
      not only the patient's teeth but also the patient's suffering. Progress in the
      understanding of mind-body interactions will lead to investigations on the
      pathophysiology of MUOS and the development of new therapeutic approaches. 

PMID- 27134648
TI  - Synthesis, inhibition effects and quantum chemical studies of a novel coumarin
      derivative on the corrosion of mild steel in a hydrochloric acid solution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The acid corrosion inhibition process of mild steel in 1 M HCl by 4
      [(2-amino-1, 3, 4-thiadiazol-5-yl)methoxy]coumarin (ATC), has been investigated
      using weight loss technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ATC was
      synthesized, and its chemical structure was elucidated and confirmed using
      spectroscopic techniques (infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy).
      FINDINGS: The results indicated that inhibition efficiencies were enhanced with
      an increase in concentration of inhibitor and decreased with a rise in
      temperature. The adsorption equilibrium constant (K) and standard free energy of
      adsorption (DeltaGads) were calculated. Quantum chemical parameters such as
      highest occupied molecular orbital energy, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital
      energy (EHOMO and ELUMO, respectively) and dipole moment (MU) were calculated and
      discussed. The results showed that the corrosion inhibition efficiency increased
      with an increase in both the EHOMO and MU values but with a decrease in the ELUMO
      value. CONCLUSIONS: Our research show that the synthesized macromolecule
      represents an excellent inhibitor for materials in acidic solutions. The
      efficiency of this macromolecule had maximum inhibition efficiency up to 96 % at
      0.5 mM and diminishes with a higher temperature degree, which is revealing of
      chemical adsorption. An inhibitor molecule were absorbed by metal surface and
      follow Langmuir isotherms low and establishes an efficient macromolecule
      inhibitor having excellent inhibitive properties due to entity of S (sulfur)
      atom, N (nitrogen) atom and O (oxygen) atom.

PMID- 27134649
TI  - Enhancing the lives of older refugees: an evaluation of a training resource.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resources and training for aged care workers who are working with
      older people from refugee backgrounds are limited. Thus, a resource titled
      'Enhancing the Lives of Older Refugees: A self-Improvement Resource for Community
      Service Providers' was developed in 2011, and later accompanied by a training
      program developed in 2012. The aim of the resource and accompanying training was
      to assist community aged care service providers, based in South Western Sydney
      and surrounding areas, to recognise an older refugee, increase their knowledge
      and skills in working with older refugees, have a greater understanding of older
      refugees' life experiences, and provide additional information that would allow
      them to offer appropriate services to those in their care. This paper reports on
      the evaluation of the training package provided to community aged care personnel.
      METHODS: Eleven training sessions were conducted with all participants invited to
      take part in the research. One hundred and twenty-eight consenting participants
      completed a pre and post training evaluation questionnaire. RESULTS: Analysis of
      the data indicated a positive change in participant's ability to define an older
      refugee, understanding older refugee's life experiences, loss and grief, the
      impact of the refugees' experience in old age and the capacity to locate and
      access information to support the care of older refugees. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings lend support that this mode of training can provide information and
      resources to increase the capacity of aged care workers to better meet the needs
      of older people from a refugee background.

PMID- 27134650
TI  - Building a Definition of Irritability From Academic Definitions and Lay
      Descriptions.
AB  - The current work builds a definition of irritability from both academic
      definitions and lay perspectives. In Study 1, a quantitative content analysis of
      academic definitions resulted in eight main content categories (i.e., behaviour,
      emotion or affect, cognition, physiological, qualifiers, irritant, stability or
      endurance, and other). In Study 2, a community sample of 39 adults participated
      in qualitative interviews. A deductive thematic analysis resulted in two main
      themes. The first main theme dealt with how participants positioned irritability
      in relation to other negative states. The second dealt with how participants
      constructed irritability as both a loss of control and as an experience that
      should be controlled. The discussion integrates the findings of both studies and
      provides a concise, but comprehensive definition.

PMID- 27134651
TI  - Seamless site-directed mutagenesis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome using
      CRISPR-Cas9.
AB  - CRISPR assisted homology directed repair enables the introduction of virtually
      any modification to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. Of obvious interest is
      the marker-free and seamless introduction of point mutations. To fulfill this
      promise, a strategy that effects single nucleotide changes while preventing
      repeated recognition and cutting by the gRNA/Cas9 complex is needed. We
      demonstrate a two-step method to introduce point mutations at 17 positions in the
      S. cerevisiae genome. We show the general applicability of the method, enabling
      the seamless introduction of single nucleotide changes at any location, including
      essential genes and non-coding regions. We also show a quantifiable phenotype for
      a point mutation introduced in gene GSH1. The ease and wide applicability of this
      general method, combined with the demonstration of its feasibility will enable
      genome editing at an unprecedented level of detail in yeast and other organisms. 

PMID- 27134652
TI  - Co-production of hydrogen and ethanol by pfkA-deficient Escherichia coli with
      activated pentose-phosphate pathway: reduction of pyruvate accumulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fermentative hydrogen (H2) production suffers from low carbon-to-H2
      yield, to which problem, co-production of ethanol and H2 has been proposed as a
      solution. For improved co-production of H2 and ethanol, we developed Escherichia
      coli BW25113 DeltahycA DeltahyaAB DeltahybBC DeltaldhA DeltafrdAB Deltapta-ackA
      DeltapfkA (SH8*) and overexpressed Zwf and Gnd, the key enzymes in the pentose
      phosphate (PP) pathway (SH8*_ZG). However, the amount of accumulated pyruvate,
      which was significant (typically 0.20 mol mol(-1) glucose), reduced the co
      production yield. RESULTS: In this study, as a means of reducing pyruvate
      accumulation and improving co-production of H2 and ethanol, we developed and
      studied E. coli SH9*_ZG with functional acetate production pathway for conversion
      of acetyl-CoA to acetate (pta-ackA (+)). Our results indicated that the presence
      of the acetate pathway completely eliminated pyruvate accumulation and
      substantially improved the co-production of H2 and ethanol, enabling yields of
      1.88 and 1.40 mol, respectively, from 1 mol glucose. These yields, significantly,
      are close to the theoretical maximums of 1.67 mol H2 and 1.67 mol ethanol. To
      better understand the glycolytic flux distribution, glycolytic flux prediction
      and RT-PCR analyses were performed. CONCLUSION: The presence of the acetate
      pathway along with activation of the PP pathway eliminated pyruvate accumulation,
      thereby significantly improving co-production of H2 and ethanol. Our strategy is
      applicable to anaerobic production of biofuels and biochemicals, both of which
      processes demand high NAD(P)H.

PMID- 27134653
TI  - Engineering a natural Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain for ethanol production from
      inulin by consolidated bioprocessing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an important eukaryotic
      workhorse in traditional and modern biotechnology. At present, only a few S.
      cerevisiae strains have been extensively used as engineering hosts. Recently, an
      astonishing genotypic and phenotypic diversity of S. cerevisiae was disclosed in
      natural populations. We suppose that some natural strains can be recruited as
      superior host candidates in bioengineering. This study engineered a natural S.
      cerevisiae strain with advantages in inulin utilization to produce ethanol from
      inulin resources by consolidated bioprocess. Rational engineering strategies were
      employed, including secretive co-expression of heterologous exo- and endo
      inulinases, repression of a protease, and switch between haploid and diploid
      strains. RESULTS: Results from co-expressing endo- and exo-inulinase genes showed
      that the extracellular inulinase activity increased 20 to 30-fold in engineered
      S. cerevisiae strains. Repression of the protease PEP4 influenced cell physiology
      in late stationary phase. Comparison between haploid and diploid engineered
      strains indicated that diploid strains were superior to haploid strains in
      ethanol production albeit not in production and secretion of inulinases. Ethanol
      fermentation from both inulin and Jerusalem artichoke tuber powder was
      dramatically improved in most engineered strains. Ethanol yield achieved in the
      ultimate diploid strain JZD-InuMKCP was close to the theoretical maximum.
      Productivity achieved in the strain JZD-InuMKCP reached to 2.44 and 3.13 g/L/h in
      fermentation from 200 g/L inulin and 250 g/L raw Jerusalem artichoke tuber
      powder, respectively. To our knowledge, these are the highest productivities
      reported up to now in ethanol fermentation from inulin resources. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although model S. cerevisiae strains are preferentially used as hosts in
      bioengineering, some natural strains do have specific excellent properties. This
      study successfully engineered a natural S. cerevisiae strain for efficient
      ethanol production from inulin resources by consolidated bioprocess, which
      indicated the feasibility of natural strains used as bioengineering hosts. This
      study also presented different properties in enzyme secretion and ethanol
      fermentation between haploid and diploid engineering strains. These findings
      provided guidelines for host selection in bioengineering.

PMID- 27134654
TI  - Wearable Devices and Smartphones for Activity Tracking Among People with Serious
      Mental Illness.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: People with serious mental illness, including schizophrenia
      spectrum and mood disorders, are more physically inactive than people from the
      general population. Emerging wearable devices and smartphone applications afford
      opportunities for promoting physical activity in this group. This exploratory
      mixed methods study obtained feedback from participants with serious mental
      illness to assess the acceptability of using wearable devices and smartphones to
      support a lifestyle intervention targeting weight loss. METHODS: Participants
      with serious mental illness and obesity enrolled in a 6-month lifestyle
      intervention were given Fitbit activity tracking devices and smartphones to use
      for the study. Participants completed quantitative post-intervention usability
      and satisfaction surveys, and provided qualitative feedback regarding
      acceptability of using these devices and recommendations for improvement through
      in-depth interviews. RESULTS: Eleven participants wore Fitbits for an average of
      84.7% (SD=18.1%) of the days enrolled in the study (median=93.8% of the days
      enrolled, interquartile range=83.6-94.3%). Participants were highly satisfied,
      stating that the devices encouraged them to be more physically active and were
      useful for self-monitoring physical activity and reaching daily step goals. Some
      participants experienced challenges using the companion mobile application on the
      smartphone, and recommended greater technical support, more detailed training,
      and group tutorials prior to using the devices. DISCUSSION: Participants'
      perspectives highlight the feasibility and acceptability of using commercially
      available mHealth technologies to support health promotion efforts targeting
      people with serious mental illness. This study offers valuable insights for
      informing future research to assess the effectiveness of these devices for
      improving health outcomes in this high-risk group.

PMID- 27134655
TI  - Karyotype features of trematode Himasthla elongata.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trematodes have a complex life cycle with animal host changes and
      alternation of parthenogenetic and hermaphrodite generations. The parthenogenetic
      generation of the worm (rediae) from the first intermediate host Littorina
      littorea was used for chromosome spreads production. Karyotype description of
      parasitic flatworm Himasthla elongata Mehlis, 1831 (Digenea: Himasthlidae) based
      on fluorochrome banding and 18S rDNA mapping. RESULTS: Chromosome spreads were
      obtained from cercariae embryos and redial tissue suspensions with high pressure
      squash method.74.4 % of the analysed spreads contained 12 chromosome pairs (2n =
      24). Chromosome classification was performed according to the morphometry and
      nomenclature published. H. elongata spread chromosomes had a rather bead-like
      structure. Ideograms of DAPI-banded chromosomes contained 130 individual bands.
      According to flow cytometry data, the H. elongata genome contains 1.25 pg of DNA,
      so one band contains, on average, 9.4 Mb of DNA. Image bank captures of
      individual high-resolution DAPI-banded chromosomes were provided. Differential
      DAPI- and CMA3-staining revealed the chromatin areas that differed in AT- or GC
      content. Both dyes stained chromosomes all along but with varying intensities in
      different areas. FISH revealed that vast majority (95.0 %) of interphase nuclei
      contained one signal for 18S rDNA. This corresponded to the number of nucleoli
      per cell detected by observations in vivo. The rDNA signal was observed on one or
      two homologs of chromosome 10 in 72.2 % of analysed chromosome spreads, therefore
      chromosome 10 possessed the main rDNA cluster and minor ones on chromosomes 3 and
      6, that corresponds with AgNOR results. CONCLUSIONS: Himasthla elongata
      chromosomes variations presented as image bank. Differential chromosome staining
      with fluorochromes and FISH used for 18S rDNA mapping let us to conclude: (1)
      Himasthla elongata karyotype is 2n = 24; (2) chromosome number deviates from the
      previously studied echinostomatids (2n = 14-22); (3). Chromosome 10 possesses the
      main rDNA cluster with the minor ones existing on chromosomes 3 and 6.

PMID- 27134656
TI  - Predictors for postoperative esophageal stricture after balloon-based
      radiofrequency ablation for early esophageal squamous neoplasia: a multicenter
      validation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a rapidly evolving
      therapeutic modality for early flat esophageal squamous cell neoplasms (ESCNs),
      but the risk factors for postoperative stricture have not been elucidated. The
      objective of this study was to identify and validate a predictor for post-RFA
      stenosis. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled patients with flat-type 'large'
      (length no less than 3 cm extending no less than half the circumference of the
      esophagus), early ESCNs, treated with balloon-based RFA (12 J/cm(2)-clean-12
      J/cm(2) regimen). The tumor and technical factors for postoperative stricture
      were investigated and we validated the results externally with a society-based
      multicenter cohort using the same ablation regimen. RESULTS: A total of 51
      patients were enrolled (30 in the development set and 21 in the validation set).
      The complete remission rate at 12 months was 93%, and the rates of perforation
      and postoperative stenosis were 0% and 17%, respectively. Patients with post-RFA
      stenosis had a significantly larger longitudinal tumor size (mean 115 versus 61
      mm, p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in age, body mass index,
      tumor circumferential extension, pretreatment histological grade, treatment
      efficacy or size of balloon catheter between the groups with or without stenosis.
      The optimal cut-off value was set as 9 cm to predict post-RFA stenosis by
      receiver operating characteristic curve [area under curve (AUC) = 0.881], which
      was then confirmed to be a reliable predictor by multivariate analysis (odds
      ratio, 12.7, 95% confidence interval, 1.18-136.28, p = 0.03) and have a good
      predictive performance in the validation set (AUC = 0.876). CONCLUSIONS: The most
      frequent adverse event of RFA was esophageal stenosis, for which the longitudinal
      tumor size was a significant predictive factor. Early intervention or prevention
      for stricture should be applied for those with long segment (?9 cm) ESCNs.

PMID- 27134657
TI  - Refining small intestinal bacterial overgrowth diagnosis by means of carbohydrate
      specificity: a proof-of-concept study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) remains
      challenging. This study aimed at proving the diagnostic concept of carbohydrate
      specific SIBO (cs-SIBO) using glucose, fructose and sorbitol hydrogen
      (H2)/methane (CH4) breath testing (HMBT). METHODS: In this study 125 patients
      referred to our outpatient clinic for SIBO testing were included. All individuals
      underwent glucose (50 g), fructose (25 g) and sorbitol (12.5 g) HMBT at 3
      consecutive days. Patients with cs-SIBO (i.e. early H2/CH4 peak) were given
      rifaximin (600 mg/day) in a 10-day treatment. HMBT results were reassessed in a
      subset of patients 3-6 months after antibiotic therapy. In view of cs-SIBO
      diagnosis, agreements between HMBT results obtained for different sugars were
      calculated using Cohen's kappa (kappa) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
      RESULTS: A total of 59 (47.2%) patients presented an early H2/CH4 peak with one
      or more sugars. Among these, 21 (16.8%), 10 (8.0%) and 7 (5.6%) individuals had a
      positive HMBT result with either glucose, fructose or sorbitol, respectively.
      Another 21 (16.8%) patients with a positive glucose HMBT result were also found
      positive with an early H2/CH4 peak obtained after ingestion of fructose and/or
      sorbitol. Fair agreement was observed between glucose and fructose (kappa = 0.26,
      p = 0.0018) and between glucose and sorbitol (kappa = 0.18, p = 0.0178) HMBT
      results. Slight agreement was observed between fructose and sorbitol (kappa =
      0.03, p = 0.6955) HMBT results only. Successful antibiotic therapy with rifaximin
      could be demonstrated in 26/30 (86.7%) of patients as indicated by normal HMBT
      results and symptom remission. CONCLUSIONS: Combined glucose, fructose and
      sorbitol HMBT has the potential to optimize cs-SIBO diagnosis. Furthermore, the
      majority of patients with cs-SIBO seem to benefit from rifaximin therapy
      regardless of its carbohydrate specificity.

PMID- 27134658
TI  - Fecal microbiota transplant for Clostridium difficile infection in older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to describe the safety of fecal
      microbiota transplant (FMT) for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) among older
      adults. METHODS: We performed a case review of all FMT recipients aged 65 or
      older treated at Emory University Hospital, a tertiary care and referral center
      for Georgia and surrounding states. RESULTS: CDI resolved in 27 (87%) of 31
      respondents, including three individuals who received multiple FMTs. Among four
      whose CDI was not resolved at follow up, three respondents did well initially
      before CDI recurred, and one individual never eradicated his CDI despite
      repeating FMT. During the study, five deaths and eight serious adverse events
      requiring hospitalization were reported within the study group during the follow
      up period. Fecal transplant was not a causative factor in these events. The most
      common adverse event reported in 4 (13%) of 31 respondents was subjective
      worsening of arthritis. CONCLUSION: FMT is a generally safe and effective
      treatment option for older adults with CDI.

PMID- 27134659
TI  - What about clonidine for diarrhoea? A systematic review and meta-analysis of its
      effect in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clonidine is considered an alternative treatment for refractory
      diarrhoea. The evidence in the literature is scarce and not conclusive. The
      present paper's purpose is to gather available evidence and provide a systematic
      answer regarding the effectiveness of clonidine for diarrhoea. METHOD: We
      performed a systematic review of clonidine and its effect on diarrhoea. Meta
      analysis was performed with a random effects model of the standardized mean
      difference (SMD) or the weighted mean difference and heterogeneity was quantified
      with I (2) and publication bias was assessed with Egger's and Begg's test.
      Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to investigate sources of
      heterogeneity. Any empirical study describing use of clonidine for diarrhoea in
      humans independent of age was included. For the meta-analysis, papers had to
      provide sufficient data to produce an effect measure, while case reports were not
      included in the meta-analysis and are discussed narratively only. RESULTS: A
      total of 24 trials and seven case reports were identified. Clonidine (median dose
      300 MUg/day) has been used for treatment of diarrhoea in irritable bowel
      syndrome, faecal incontinence, diabetes, withdrawal-associated diarrhoea,
      intestinal failure, neuroendocrine tumours and cholera; studies were also
      performed on healthy volunteers. Results indicate a strong effect of clonidine on
      diarrhoea (SMD = -1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.46 to -0.58) with a
      decrease of stool volume by 0.97 l/day, stool frequency by 0.4 times/day and
      increase in transit time by 31 minutes. In a sensitivity analysis of studies with
      functional diarrhoea and sample size over 10 subjects, the effect was similar 
      0.99 (95% CI -1.54 to -0.43). There is however significant heterogeneity and
      publication bias. Heterogeneity decreased in subgroup analyses by condition but
      not with other factors examined. A limitation of the present study includes small
      study effects. CONCLUSION: Clonidine is effective for treatment of diarrhoea and
      should be considered as an alternative when all other medications have failed.

PMID- 27134660
TI  - EUS-guided FNA for biliary disease as first-line modality to obtain histological
      evidence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few reports have described endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine
      needle aspiration (FNA) for biliary lesions. In addition, adverse events were not
      completely examined in previous reports, due to the inclusion of cases in which
      biliary stents had already been placed. The present study aimed to investigate
      the diagnostic yield and adverse events of EUS-FNA for biliary lesions as the
      first-line diagnostic modality for consecutive prospectively registered patients.
      METHODS: Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) patients with suspected
      cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) based on computed tomography or other imaging
      modalities; (2) patients who had not previously undergone endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography or EUS-FNA; (3) absence of surgically altered anatomy,
      such as Roux-en-Y anastomosis or duodenal obstruction caused by tumor invasion,
      through which an endoscope could not pass; and (4) provision of written informed
      consent to all procedures associated with the study. RESULTS: A total of 47
      consecutive patients with suspected CCA were registered to this study.
      Sensitivity and accuracy were 89% and 87%, respectively. On multivariate
      analysis, puncture site was the only factor associated with reduced diagnostic
      yield (hazard ration, 6.879; 95% confidence interval, 1.172-40.374; P = 0.033).
      Remarkably, no adverse events such as bleeding or bile leakage were associated
      with EUS-FNA in any of the 47 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that EUS
      FNA can be safely performed for biliary disease without biliary stenting.
      Furthermore, this procedure may warrant use as the first-line diagnostic method,
      although our results need to be validated in future prospective studies.

PMID- 27134661
TI  - Current and future role of magnetically assisted gastric capsule endoscopy in the
      upper gastrointestinal tract.
AB  - Capsule endoscopy first captivated the medical world when it provided a means to
      visualize the small bowel, which was previously out of endoscopic reach. In the
      subsequent decade and a half we continue to learn of the true potential that
      capsule endoscopy has to offer. Of particular current interest is whether capsule
      endoscopy has any reliable investigative role in the upper gastrointestinal
      tract. Much research has already been dedicated to enhancing the diagnostic and
      indeed therapeutic properties of capsule endoscopy. Specific modifications to
      tackle the challenges of the gut have already been described in the current
      literature. In the upper gastrointestinal tract, the capacious anatomy of the
      stomach represents one of many challenges that capsule endoscopy must overcome.
      One solution to improving diagnostic yield is to utilize external magnetic
      steering of a magnetically receptive capsule endoscope. Notionally this would
      provide a navigation system to direct the capsule to different areas of the
      stomach and allow complete gastric mucosal examination. To date, several studies
      have presented promising data to support the feasibility of this endeavour.
      However the jury is still out as to whether this system will surpass conventional
      gastroscopy, which remains the gold standard diagnostic tool in the foregut.
      Nevertheless, a minimally invasive and patient-friendly alternative to
      gastroscopy remains irresistibly appealing, warranting further studies to test
      the potential of magnetically assisted capsule endoscopy. In this article the
      authors would like to share the current state of magnetically assisted capsule
      endoscopy and anticipate what is yet to come. 

PMID- 27134662
TI  - Clinical experience with infliximab biosimilar Remsima (CT-P13) in inflammatory
      bowel disease patients.
AB  - Many reference biological therapies have now reached or are near to patent
      expiry, and therefore a number of biosimilars have been or will be developed. The
      term biosimilar can be defined as a biotherapeutic product that is similar in
      efficacy, safety and quality to the licensed reference product. Biosimilars may
      lead to a reduced price and significant cost savings for the health community and
      hopefully more patients globally will have easier access to biological therapy
      when indicated. CT-P13, which is a TNF-alfa inhibitor, is the first monoclonal
      antibody biosimilar being used in clinical practice. The drug is approved for all
      indications as an innovator product although clinical efficacy has only been
      demonstrated in rheumatic diseases. Until now the number of patients with
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with CT-P13 is confined, but experience
      is continuously growing. Based on current data, CT-P13 seems to be efficacious
      and generally well tolerated in IBD especially in patients who are naive to
      biological therapy. Knowledge with regard to interchangeability between CT-P13
      and the originator infliximab is however, still rather sparse and more data are
      desired. Immunogenicity and long-term safety related to CT-P13 are other areas of
      great importance and good and reliable postmarketing pharmacovigilance is
      therefore required in the coming years. 

PMID- 27134663
TI  - The role of vedolizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease and
      ulcerative colitis.
AB  - Vedolizumab, an alpha4beta7-integrin antagonist, is the first gut-selective
      monoclonal antibody that has been approved for the treatment of moderate-to
      severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in many countries in the world.
      However, questions still remain regarding its appropriate use and placement in
      current treatment algorithms. Therefore, we sought out to evaluate the existing
      literature on the use of vedolizumab in inflammatory bowel disease. From
      inception to 21 June 2015 we searched MEDLINE for phase III randomized control
      trials assessing the utility of vedolizumab in inflammatory bowel disease, of
      which three were identified. The GEMINI trials demonstrate that vedolizumab is an
      effective and safe treatment for patients suffering from moderate-to-severe
      ulcerative colitis (GEMINI I) and Crohn's disease (GEMINI II and III). However,
      further studies are needed comparing its efficacy directly with anti-tumor
      necrosis factor therapies to allow for further delineation of current treatment
      algorithms as well as ensuring its long-term safety profile. 

PMID- 27134664
TI  - What goes around comes around: novel pharmacological targets in the gut-brain
      axis.
AB  - The gut and the brain communicate bidirectionally through anatomic and humoral
      pathways, establishing what is known as the gut-brain axis. Therefore,
      interventions affecting one system will impact on the other, giving the
      opportunity to investigate and develop future therapeutic strategies that target
      both systems. Alterations in the gut-brain axis may arise as a consequence of
      changes in microbiota composition (dysbiosis), modifications in intestinal
      barrier function, impairment of enteric nervous system, unbalanced local immune
      response and exaggerated responses to stress, to mention a few. In this review we
      analyze and discuss several novel pharmacological targets within the gut-brain
      axis, with potential applications to improve intestinal and mental health. 

PMID- 27134666
TI  - Novel bile acid therapeutics for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
AB  - Recent developments in understanding the role of bile acids (BAs) as signalling
      molecules in human metabolism and inflammation have opened new avenues in the
      field of hepatology research. BAs are no longer considered as simple molecules
      helping in fat digestion but as agents with real therapeutic value in treating
      complex autoimmune and metabolic liver diseases. BAs and their receptors such as
      farnesoid X receptor, transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor 5 and peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor have been identified as novel targets for drug
      development. Some of these novel pharmaceuticals are already in clinical
      evaluation with the most advanced drugs having reached phase III trials. Chronic
      liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing
      cholangitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, for which there is no or
      limited pharmacotherapy, are most likely to gain from these developments. In this
      review we discuss recent and the most relevant basic and clinical research
      findings related to BAs and their implications for novel therapy for chronic
      liver diseases. 

PMID- 27134665
TI  - New and emerging therapies for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: an
      update for gastroenterologists.
AB  - Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional bowel disorder with gastrointestinal
      symptoms (e.g. abdominal pain, straining, urgency, incomplete evacuation, nausea,
      and bloating) that occur alongside bowel function alterations (i.e. constipation,
      diarrhea, or both). Patients with irritable bowel syndrome may also experience
      comorbid anxiety and depression. Irritable bowel syndrome is common, with a
      prevalence estimated between 3% and 28%, affecting patient health and quality of
      life. Patients with moderate or severe irritable bowel syndrome generally seek
      medical care, whereas those with milder symptoms may choose self-management. Most
      patients with irritable bowel syndrome receive outpatient care, but irritable
      bowel syndrome-related hospitalizations do occur. The pathophysiology of
      irritable bowel syndrome is multifactorial (i.e. genetics, immune components,
      changes in the gut microbiota, disturbances in physiologic stress response
      systems, and psychosocial factors). Management of irritable bowel syndrome can
      include lifestyle changes, dietary interventions, counseling, psychologic
      medication, and agents that affect gastrointestinal motility. A number of
      therapies have emerged in recent years with clinical trial data demonstrating
      efficacy and safety for patients with irritable bowel syndrome, including agents
      that target gastrointestinal motility (i.e. linaclotide), gastrointestinal opioid
      receptors (i.e. asimadoline, eluxadoline), and gut microbiota (i.e. rifaximin).
      Linaclotide has been shown to significantly improve stool frequency and abdominal
      pain compared with placebo in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
      (number needed to treat, 5.1). Asimadoline shows efficacy in patients with
      moderate-to-severe irritable bowel syndrome-related pain. Rifaximin provided
      adequate relief of global irritable bowel syndrome symptoms versus placebo for a
      significantly greater percentage of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable
      bowel syndrome (p < 0.001). Management that encompasses all aspects of irritable
      bowel syndrome (gastrointestinal symptoms) and comorbid psychologic symptoms
      (e.g. anxiety or depression) is important for improving overall patient health
      and well-being. 

PMID- 27134669
TI  - Coffee, caffeine and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

PMID- 27134668
TI  - The new kid on the block for advanced imaging in Barrett's esophagus: a review of
      volumetric laser endomicroscopy.
AB  - Advanced imaging techniques used in the management of Barrett's esophagus include
      electronic imaging enhancement (e.g. narrow band imaging, flexible spectral
      imaging color enhancement, and i-Scan), chromoendoscopy, and confocal laser
      endomicroscopy. Electronic imaging enhancement is used frequently in daily
      practice, but use of the other advanced technologies is not routine. High
      definition white light endoscopy and random four quadrant biopsy remain the
      standard of care for evaluation of Barrett's esophagus; this is largely due to
      the value of advanced imaging technologies not having been validated in large
      studies or in everyday practice. A new advanced imaging technology called
      volumetric laser endomicroscopy is commercially available in the United States.
      Its ease of use and rapid acquisition of high-resolution images make this
      technology very promising for widespread application. In this article we review
      the technology and its potential for advanced imaging in Barrett's esophagus. 

PMID- 27134670
TI  - A case of Barrett's oesophagus in pernicious anaemia: acid is not the only
      culprit!

PMID- 27134667
TI  - Lifestyle changes for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a review
      of observational studies and intervention trials.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as a major public health
      problem because of its association with increased cardiovascular and liver
      related morbidity and mortality. Both genetic factors and lifestyle contribute to
      the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Lifestyle, including dietary habits and physical
      activity, is a modifiable risk factor and thus represents the main target for the
      prevention and treatment of NAFLD. In this review, we summarize the evidence
      regarding nutritional aspects (i.e. total energy intake, saturated fat and
      carbohydrates intake, certain foods or drinks and dietary patterns as a whole) in
      the treatment of NAFLD. In addition, we analyze the evidence concerning the
      independent effect of physical activity, including aerobic and resistance
      training, in the treatment of NAFLD. A therapeutic algorithm according to results
      from intervention trials is also provided for clinicians and other healthcare
      professionals involved in the management of NAFLD. 

PMID- 27134671
TI  - A pilot study on the benefit of cognitive rehabilitation in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) show inefficiencies in cognitive
      performance including working memory functions. Since these problems impact on
      quality of life and overall well-being, the current study was aimed at improving
      patients' situations by evaluating the computerized cognitive training tool,
      BrainStim. METHOD: A total of 19 healthy controls (HCs) and six patients with PD
      were included in the study. While all PD patients received cognitive training,
      the HC sample was subdivided into 12 subjects with training (HC-T) and 10
      subjects without (HC-NT). Participants underwent a double baseline assessment, a
      post-training assessment, and a 3-month follow up on neuropsychological tests and
      self-report measures on fatigue and depression. Training was administered between
      the second baseline and postassessment. It comprised 16 supervised sessions
      according to a standardized training protocol over 4 weeks. RESULTS: Significant
      improvements in verbal and visuospatial short-term and long-term memory were
      found in both training groups. In addition, the HC-T improved on mental speed,
      and verbal and visuospatial working memory. Both training groups showed stable
      results for all short-term visuospatial measures after 3 months. Further, the HC
      T showed stable results for working memory, verbal, and visuospatial short-term
      and long-term memory. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of the applied computerized
      cognitive training tool BrainStim could be verified in patients with PD and
      healthy age-matched controls. The preliminary findings highlighted the
      suitability of a specific cognitive intervention to improve cognitive
      inefficiencies in patients with PD as well as in healthy older people. Further
      research on cognitive training in combination with PD drug therapy is needed to
      better understand the mutual interaction and to offer optimal therapeutic
      approaches to patients.

PMID- 27134672
TI  - Treatment of patients with multifocal motor neuropathy with immunoglobulins in
      clinical practice: the SIGNS registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The management of patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN)
      under everyday clinical conditions has been insufficiently studied. We therefore
      collected comprehensive observational data on patients with MMN who received
      intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) immunoglobulins (IGs) as maintenance
      therapy. METHODS: This was a prospective, noninterventional study (registry) in
      neurological centres (hospitals and offices) throughout Germany. RESULTS: As of 1
      December 2015, 80 patients with MMN were included (mean age 55.4 +/- 9.8 years,
      67% males, mean disease duration 10.7 +/- 10.2 years). The affected limb regions
      were predominantly distal muscle groups of the upper extremities. On the
      inflammatory neuropathy cause and treatment (INCAT) scale, 94% of the patients
      had some disability in the arms and 61% in the legs. At inclusion, 98.8% received
      IVIG and 1.3% SCIG. Substantial variation was observed between IVIG treatment
      intervals (every 0.7 to 17.3 weeks) and dosage (0.2-2.1 g/kg body weight received
      during a single administration; mean monthly dosage, 0.9 g/kg body weight).
      However, the mean monthly dosage was steady over time. At 1-year follow up,
      improvement was seen in muscle strength, INCAT and quality of life (QoL) scores
      (SF-36 questionnaire). CONCLUSIONS: The management of patients with MMN in
      everyday clinical practice demonstrates a wide range of absolute dosages and
      treatment intervals of IG, supporting the recommended practice of determining
      treatment dose on an individual patient basis. The improvements in muscle
      strength and reduction in disability, accompanied by increased QoL, strengthen
      the case for use of IG as a maintenance treatment for MMN.

PMID- 27134673
TI  - An update on the evidence for the efficacy and safety of rituximab in the
      management of neuromyelitis optica.
AB  - Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) is a new concept which includes
      classical neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and partial forms of NMO such as recurrent
      optic neuritis with positive aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4) or brainstem symptoms
      (intractable hiccups or vomiting). This disease is clearly distinguished from
      multiple sclerosis (MS) and the therapeutic approach is clearly different.
      Rituximab is actually considered to be one of the most efficient treatments of
      NMOSD, even if class I studies are clearly lacking. In the present review, we
      describe the state of the art about rituximab treatment in NMOSD, including
      adults and children, plus its efficacy and tolerance and we also underline the
      questions that should be addressed in the near future. 

PMID- 27134674
TI  - Clinical experience with repository corticotropin injection in patients with
      multiple sclerosis experiencing mood changes with intravenous methylprednisolone:
      a case series.
AB  - The elevated prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms and disorders among patients
      with multiple sclerosis (MS) is well recognized, as are potential
      neuropsychiatric side effects of treatment with corticosteroids. Both
      methylprednisolone (MP) and repository corticotropin injection (HP Acthar((r))
      gel) have demonstrated efficacy in reducing short-term disability after
      exacerbations of MS. Although historical data are limited, repository
      corticotropin injection has not generally been associated with detrimental
      neuropsychiatric effects. We describe six cases of patients with relapsing
      remitting MS who had previously experienced detrimental mood changes with MP
      treatment. Some of these patients had previous histories of mood disorders or
      other neuropsychiatric symptoms prior to MS diagnosis. All six patients were
      subsequently treated with repository corticotropin injection for MS exacerbations
      and each demonstrated improvements in MS symptoms. This clinical experience
      suggests that repository corticotropin injection should be considered as an
      alternative for patients who do not tolerate corticosteroids or have difficulties
      associated with intravenous medication. Furthermore, the rate of neuropsychiatric
      side effects observed in these patients was low. These observations support
      repository corticotropin injection as a viable alternative for the treatment of
      acute exacerbations of MS, particularly in patients who have a history of
      neuropsychiatric disorders or symptoms either independently or in response to MP
      treatment. In reviewing both the published data and our own clinical experience
      regarding potential neuropsychiatric adverse events with treatment for MS
      exacerbations, we hope to stimulate further research into the potential efficacy
      and safety of repository corticotropin injection among patients with some form of
      neuropsychiatric complications that must be considered when establishing a
      treatment plan for MS. 

PMID- 27134676
TI  - Use of interleukin-2 for management of natalizumab-associated progressive
      multifocal leukoencephalopathy: case report and review of literature.
AB  - A 51-year-old woman with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 3-year
      history of natalizumab use developed expressive aphasia. A brain magnetic
      resonance image (MRI) showed left frontotemporal and right parietal lesion with
      mild contrast enhancement and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was positive for John
      Cunningham virus (JCV) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The patient received
      five cycles of plasmapheresis followed by intravenous immunoglobulin. Despite
      this intervention, her speech deteriorated and she developed right hemiparesis.
      Upon referral to our institution, CSF quantitative JCV PCR was notable for 834
      copies/ml. The patient was given an initial dose of 50,000 units of interleukin-2
      (IL-2) subcutaneously (SQ) followed by 1 million units IL-2 SQ daily. Due to
      concern for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), the patient also
      received intravenous methylprednisone weekly. The regimen was tolerated well by
      the patient with no severe adverse effects. Clinically, the patient showed some
      improvement, and became more responsive and regained right lower extremity
      antigravity strength. After 12 weeks of IL-2 therapy, JCV quantitative PCR was
      notable for 31 copies/ml and the patient was more responsive. Due to persistence
      of JCV, IL-2 therapy was changed to mefloquine. At follow up after 6 months, the
      patient showed no clinical deterioration. 

PMID- 27134675
TI  - Management of women with multiple sclerosis through pregnancy and after
      childbirth.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a major acquired neurologic disease of young adults.
      The prototypic patient is a young woman of reproductive age. Gender preference is
      becoming more pronounced, since MS is increasing specifically among women. Any
      healthcare provider who deals with MS must be prepared to discuss pregnancy
      issues, and provide appropriate counseling. This is now complicated by the
      availability of multiple treatment options. There is growing literature on which
      to base recommendations, particularly regarding washout periods. After a brief
      background introduction, this review will discuss state-of-the-art family
      planning counseling in the treatment era, divided into prepregnancy, pregnancy,
      and postpartum MS issues. 

PMID- 27134678
TI  - Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation in the management of cluster headache:
      clinical evidence and practical experience.
AB  - The efficacy of invasive vagal nerve stimulation as well as other invasive
      neuromodulatory approaches such as deep brain stimulation, occipital nerve
      stimulation, and ganglion sphenopalatine stimulation has been shown in the
      treatment of headache disorders in several studies in the past. However, these
      invasive treatment options were quite costly and often associated with
      perioperative and postoperative side effects, some severe. As such, they were
      predominantly restricted to chronic and therapy refractory patients.
      Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation now offers a new, noninvasive
      neuromodulatory treatment approach. Recently published studies showed encouraging
      results of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS), especially with respect to
      cluster headache, with high tolerability and a low rate of side effects; however,
      randomized controlled trials are needed to prove its efficacy. Further data also
      indicate therapeutic benefits regarding treatment of migraine and medication
      overuse headache. This review summarizes current knowledge and personal
      experiences of nVNS in the treatment of cluster headache. 

PMID- 27134679
TI  - Regulation of chaperone binding and nucleosome dynamics by key residues within
      the globular domain of histone H3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nucleosomes have an important role in modulating access of DNA by
      regulatory factors. The role specific histone residues have in this process has
      been shown to be an important mechanism of transcription regulation. Previously,
      we identified eight amino acids in histones H3 and H4 that are required for
      nucleosome occupancy over highly transcribed regions of the genome. RESULTS: We
      investigate the mechanism through which three of these previously identified
      histone H3 amino acids regulate nucleosome architecture. We find that histone H3
      K122, Q120, and R49 are required for Spt2, Spt6, and Spt16 occupancies at genomic
      locations where transcription rates are high, but not over regions of low
      transcription rates. Furthermore, substitution at one residue, K122, located on
      the dyad axis of the nucleosome, results in improper reassembly and disassembly
      of nucleosomes, likely accounting for the transcription rate-dependent regulation
      by these mutant histones. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that when specific amino
      acids of histone proteins are substituted, Spt2, Spt6, and Spt16 occupancies are
      reduced and nucleosome dynamics are altered. Therefore, these data support a
      mechanism for histone chaperone binding where these factors interact with histone
      proteins to promote their activities during transcription.

PMID- 27134677
TI  - Diagnostic workup and management of patients with suspected Niemann-Pick type C
      disease.
AB  - Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C) disease is a neurovisceral disorder caused by
      mutations in the NPC1 and NPC2 genes. It is characterized by lysosomal storage of
      a broad range of lipids as a result of abnormal intracellular lipid trafficking.
      Typically patients develop neurodegeneration; however, the speed of disease
      progression is variable. The exact functions of NPC1 and NPC2 proteins have not
      been determined and therefore the molecular pathophysiology of NP-C is still not
      clearly understood. Due to the disease's rarity and clinical heterogeneity,
      delays from symptom onset to diagnosis and treatment initiation are common.
      Current therapeutic approaches focus on multidisciplinary symptom control and
      deceleration (rather than reversal) of disease progression. Thus identification
      of cases at early stages of disease is particularly important. Recent advances in
      genetic and biochemical testing have resulted in the generation of relatively non
      invasive, quick and cost-effective laboratory assays that are highly sensitive
      and specific and have the capacity to enhance the clinicians' ability to reach a
      diagnosis earlier. Miglustat is a compound recently licensed in many countries
      for the treatment of NP-C that has been shown to decelerate neurological
      regression, whereas many other promising drugs are currently being trialled in
      preclinical models or human studies. This review summarizes key clinical, genetic
      and biochemical features of NP-C, suggests a simple diagnostic investigation
      strategy and gives an overview of available therapeutic options as well as
      potential novel treatments currently under development. 

PMID- 27134681
TI  - Terminology spectrum analysis of natural-language chemical documents: term-like
      phrases retrieval routine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study seeks to develop, test and assess a methodology for
      automatic extraction of a complete set of 'term-like phrases' and to create a
      terminology spectrum from a collection of natural language PDF documents in the
      field of chemistry. The definition of 'term-like phrases' is one or more
      consecutive words and/or alphanumeric string combinations with unchanged spelling
      which convey specific scientific meanings. A terminology spectrum for a natural
      language document is an indexed list of tagged entities including: recognized
      general scientific concepts, terms linked to existing thesauri, names of chemical
      substances/reactions and term-like phrases. The retrieval routine is based on n
      gram textual analysis with a sequential execution of various 'accept and reject'
      rules with taking into account the morphological and structural information.
      RESULTS: The assessment of the retrieval process, expressed quantitatively with a
      precision (P), recall (R) and F1-measure, which are calculated manually from a
      limited set of documents (the full set of text abstracts belonging to 5 EuropaCat
      events were processed) by professional chemical scientists, has proved the
      effectiveness of the developed approach. The term-like phrase parsing efficiency
      is quantified with precision (P = 0.53), recall (R = 0.71) and F1-measure (F1 =
      0.61) values. CONCLUSION: The paper suggests using such terminology spectra to
      perform various types of textual analysis across document collections. This sort
      of the terminology spectrum may be successfully employed for text information
      retrieval, for reference database development, to analyze research trends in
      subject fields of research and to look for the similarity between
      documents.Graphical abstractTerminology spectrum building process with term-like
      phrases retrieval.

PMID- 27134680
TI  - Spatiotemporal gait parameters and plantar pressure distribution during barefoot
      walking in people with gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia: comparison with
      healthy individuals with normal serum urate concentrations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To identify spatiotemporal gait parameters and plantar pressure
      distribution during barefoot walking in people with gout and people with
      asymptomatic hyperuricemia by comparing them to healthy individuals with normal
      serum urate concentrations. METHODS: Eighty-seven participants were included: 24
      with gout, 29 with asymptomatic hyperuricemia and 34 age- and sex-matched
      normouricemic control participants. Spatiotemporal parameters of gait were
      assessed during level barefoot walking using a GAITRite(r) walkway. Peak plantar
      pressure and pressure time integrals were recorded using a TekScan MatScan(r).
      Results were adjusted for age and body mass index. RESULTS: Compared to
      normouricemic control participants, participants with gout demonstrated increased
      step time (P = 0.022) and stance time (P = 0.022), and reduced velocity (P =
      0.050). Participants with gout also walked with decreased peak pressure at the
      heel (P = 0.012) and hallux (P = 0.036) and increased peak pressure (P < 0.001)
      and pressure time integrals (P = 0.005) at the midfoot. Compared to normouricemic
      control participants, participants with asymptomatic hyperuricemia demonstrated
      increased support base (P = 0.002), double support time (P < 0.001) and cadence
      (P = 0.028) and reduced swing time (P = 0.019) and single support time (P =
      0.020) as well as increased pressure at the midfoot (P = 0.013), first metatarsal
      (P = 0.015) and second metatarsal (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: During barefoot
      walking, people with gout walk slower with plantar pressure patterns suggestive
      of apropulsive and antalgic gait strategies. Individuals with asymptomatic
      hyperuricemia also demonstrate altered barefoot gait patterns when compared to
      normouricemic control participants. Clinicians may consider dynamic gait outcomes
      when assessing and managing foot and lower limb related pain and disability in
      individuals with gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

PMID- 27134682
TI  - Improving cardiovascular health and metabolic comorbidities in patients with
      psoriatic arthritis.
AB  - Numerous studies have suggested a link between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and
      comorbidities, in particular cardiovascular disease and metabolic comorbidities
      such as diabetes. The co-existence of these comorbidities is likely the result of
      systemic inflammation. In order to improve the health of patients with PsA and
      provide optimal care, these comorbidities must be addressed. However, little is
      known about how to improve metabolic and cardiovascular health in patients with
      PsA. In this perspective, we describe the research needs in the area of improving
      cardiovascular disease and metabolic comorbidities among patients with PsA.

PMID- 27134683
TI  - Seborrheic keratoses and severe hypoinsulinemic hypoglycemia associated with
      insulin grow factor 2 secretion by a malignant solitary fibrous tumor.
AB  - A rare sign of some malignant tumors is a sudden eruption of multiple seborrheic
      keratoses called Leser-Trelat sign. Overproduction of insulin-like growth factor
      2 (IGF2) or its precursor is the main mechanism related to non-islet cell tumor
      hypoglycemia. Doege-Potter syndrome is the name given to paraneoplastic
      hypoinsulinemic hypoglycemia in presence of a solitary fibrous tumor. This report
      describes a case of a patient with hypoinsulinemic hypoglycemia and Leser-Trelat
      sign associated with a malignant solitary fibrous tumor with IGF2 secretion. Both
      conditions have improved after tumor excision. 

PMID- 27134684
TI  - The generation of amplified spontaneous emission in high-power CPA laser systems.
AB  - An analytical model is presented describing the temporal intensity contrast
      determined by amplified spontaneous emission in high-intensity laser systems
      which are based on the principle of chirped pulse amplification. The model
      describes both the generation and the amplification of the amplified spontaneous
      emission for each type of laser amplifier. This model is applied to different
      solid state laser materials which can support the amplification of pulse
      durations <=350 fs . The results are compared to intensity and fluence
      thresholds, e.g. determined by damage thresholds of a certain target material to
      be used in high-intensity applications. This allows determining if additional
      means for contrast improvement, e.g. plasma mirrors, are required for a certain
      type of laser system and application. Using this model, the requirements for an
      optimized high-contrast front-end design are derived regarding the necessary
      contrast improvement and the amplified "clean" output energy for a desired
      focussed peak intensity. Finally, the model is compared to measurements at three
      different high-intensity laser systems based on Ti:Sapphire and Yb:glass. These
      measurements show an excellent agreement with the model.

PMID- 27134686
TI  - Differential methylation at the RELN gene promoter in temporal cortex from
      autistic and typically developing post-puberal subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reelin plays a pivotal role in neurodevelopment and in post-natal
      synaptic plasticity and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD). The reelin (RELN) gene expression is significantly
      decreased in ASD, both in the brain and peripherally. Methylation at the RELN
      gene promoter is largely triggered at puberty, and hypermethylation has been
      found in post-mortem brains of schizophrenic and bipolar patients. METHODS: In
      this study, we assessed RELN gene methylation status in post-mortem
      temporocortical tissue samples (BA41/42 or 22) of six pairs of post-puberal
      individuals with ASD and typically developing subjects, matched for sex
      (male:female, M:F = 5:1), age, and post-mortem interval. RESULTS: ASD patients
      display a significantly higher number of methylated CpG islands and heavier
      methylation in the 5' region of the RELN gene promoter, spanning from -458 to 
      223 bp, whereas controls have more methylated CpG positions and greater extent of
      methylation at the 3' promoter region, spanning from -222 to +1 bp. The most
      upstream promoter region (-458 to -364 bp) is methylated only in ASD brains,
      while the most downstream region (-131 to +1 bp) is methylated exclusively in
      control brains. Within this general framework, three different methylation
      patterns are discernible, each correlated with different extents of reduction in
      reelin gene expression among ASD individuals compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS:
      The methylation pattern is different in ASD and control post-mortem brains. ASD
      specific CpG positions, located in the most upstream gene promoter region, may
      exert a functional role potentially conferring ASD risk by blunting RELN gene
      expression.

PMID- 27134687
TI  - Diarylmethanes through an Unprecedented Palladium-Catalyzed C-C Cross-Coupling of
      1-(Aryl)methoxy-1 H-Benzotriazoles with Arylboronic Acids.
AB  - 1-(Aryl)methoxy-1H-benzotriazoles (ArCH2OBt) are bench-stable reagents that are
      prepared readily from 1H-benzotriazol-1-yl-4-methylbenzenesulfonate (BtOTs) and
      benzylic alcohols. These compounds, which contain a N-O-C bond, undergo cross
      coupling with arylboronic acids by C-O bond scission with catalysts that comprise
      Pd(OAc)2 and biarylphosphine ligands. Such reactivity of ArCH2OBt derivatives,
      leading to diarylmethanes, has not been described previously and constitutes a
      new activation of benzylic alcohols. With regard to the various ligands-metal
      complexes that support catalytic activity, it appears that those with smaller
      "percent buried volumes" (%Vbur) provide better outcomes. This factor has been
      evaluated in the initial optimization studies and in further reactions with
      difficult coupling partners. Ligand electronics of the biaryl moiety seem to play
      a lesser role in this type of reaction. The bis-coordinating bis[(2
      diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether appears to be suitable to improve the yields of
      low-yielding reactions.

PMID- 27134685
TI  - Effects of sex and DTNBP1 (dysbindin) null gene mutation on the developmental
      GluN2B-GluN2A switch in the mouse cortex and hippocampus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders and
      schizophrenia differentially impact males and females and are highly heritable.
      The ways in which sex and genetic vulnerability influence the pathogenesis of
      these disorders are not clearly understood. The n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)
      receptor pathway has been implicated in schizophrenia and autism spectrum
      disorders and changes dramatically across postnatal development at the level of
      the GluN2B-GluN2A subunit "switch" (a shift from reliance on GluN2B-containing
      receptors to reliance on GluN2A-containing receptors). We investigated whether
      sex and genetic vulnerability (specifically, null mutation of DTNBP1 [dysbindin;
      a possible susceptibility gene for schizophrenia]) influence the developmental
      GluN2B-GluN2A switch. METHODS: Subcellular fractionation to enrich for
      postsynaptic density (PSD), together with Western blotting and kinase assay, were
      used to investigate the GluN2B-GluN2A switch in the cortex and hippocampus of
      male and female DTNBP1 null mutant mice and their wild-type littermates. Main
      effects of sex and DTNBP1 genotype, and interactions with age, were assessed
      using factorial ANOVA. RESULTS: Sex differences in the GluN2B-GluN2A switch
      emerged across development at the frontal cortical synapse, in parameters related
      to GluN2B. Males across genotypes displayed higher GluN2B:GluN2A and GluN2B:GluN1
      ratios (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively), higher GluN2B phosphorylation at
      Y1472 (p < 0.01), and greater abundance of PLCgamma (p < 0.01) and Fyn (p =
      0.055) relative to females. In contrast, effects of DTNBP1 were evident
      exclusively in the hippocampus. The developmental trajectory of GluN2B was
      disrupted in DTNBP1 null mice (genotype * age interaction p < 0.05), which also
      displayed an increased synaptic GluN2A:GluN1 ratio (p < 0.05) and decreased
      PLCgamma (p < 0.05) and Fyn (only in females; p < 0.0005) compared to wild-types.
      CONCLUSIONS: Sex and DTNBP1 mutation influence the GluN2B-GluN2A switch at the
      synapse in a brain-region-specific fashion involving pY1472-GluN2B, Fyn, and
      PLCgamma. This highlights the possible mechanisms through which risk factors may
      mediate their effects on vulnerability to disorders of NMDA receptor dysfunction.

PMID- 27134689
TI  - Assessing biases of information contained in pedigrees for the classification of
      BRCA-genetic variants: a study arising from the ENIGMA analytical working group.
AB  - PURPOSE: One way of evaluating family history (FH) for classifying BRCA1/2
      variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) is to assess the "BRCA-ness" of
      a pedigree by comparing it to reference populations. The aim of this study was to
      assess if prediction of BRCA pathogenic variant (mutation) status based on
      pedigree information differed due to changes in FH since intake, both in families
      with a pathogenic variant (BRCAm) and in families with wild-type (BRCAwt).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared the BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant detection
      probabilities between intake and most recent pedigree for BRCAm families (n = 64)
      and BRCAwt (n = 118) using the BRCAPRO software program. RESULTS: Follow-up time
      between intake and most recent pedigree was significantly longer (p < 0.001) in
      the BRCAm compared to the BRCAwt families. Among BRCAwt families, the probability
      to detect a pathogenic variant did not change over time. Conversely, among the
      BRCAm, this probability was significantly higher for most recent vs. intake
      pedigree (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Clinical scores change significantly over time
      for BRCAm families. This may be due to differences in follow-up, but also to
      differences in cancer risks from carrying a pathogenic variant in a highly
      penetrant gene. To reduce bias, models for VUS classification should incorporate
      FH collected at intake.

PMID- 27134688
TI  - Vitamin C enhances epigenetic modifications induced by 5-azacytidine and cell
      cycle arrest in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines HLE and Huh7.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 5-Azacytidine (5-AZA), a DNA methyl transferase inhibitor, is a
      clinically used epigenetic drug for cancer therapy. Recently, we have shown that
      5-AZA upregulates ten-eleven translocation (TET) protein expression in
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, which induce active demethylation. Vitamin
      C facilitates TET activity and enhances active demethylation. The aim of this
      study is to investigate whether vitamin C is able to enhance the effect of 5-AZA
      on active demethylation and to evaluate its consequence in HCC cell lines.
      METHODS: HCC cell lines (Huh7 and HLE) were treated with 5-AZA and vitamin C.
      After 48 h of treatment, viability (resazurin conversion), toxicity (lactose
      dehydrogenase (LDH) release), and proliferation ((proliferating cell nuclear
      antigen (PCNA)) of single- and combined-treated cells were assessed. The effect
      of the treatment on 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) intensity (immunofluorescence
      (IF) staining), TET, Snail, GADD45B, and P21 mRNA (real-time PCR) and protein
      expression (Western blot) were investigated. RESULTS: Our results indicated that
      vitamin C enhances the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of 5-AZA in HCC
      cell lines. By further analyzing the events leading to cell cycle arrest, we have
      shown for the first time in HCC that the combination of 5-AZA and vitamin C leads
      to an enhanced downregulation of Snail expression, a key transcription factor
      governing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and cell cycle arrest.
      CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that when combined with 5-AZA, vitamin C enhances TET
      activity in HCC cells, leading to induction of active demethylation. An increase
      in P21 expression as a consequence of downregulation of Snail accompanied by the
      induction of GADD45B expression is the main mechanism leading to cell cycle
      arrest in HCCs.

PMID- 27134690
TI  - Growing the Field: Current Approaches to Data Collection at Farmers' Markets.
AB  - There is limited published research about the dietary impacts of farmers'
      markets. We sought to understand whether market managers collect data about
      markets and to examine the instruments and strategies used. Of the 359 market
      managers contacted across the United States, representing 543 markets, 185
      managers participated in a telephone survey. A subset supplied copies of data
      collection tools for further analysis. Ninety-three percent of market managers
      collect data such as customer surveys, vendor applications, customer counts, or
      demographics. The potential utility of the data collected by mangers and
      suggestions for study of the dietary impacts of farmers markets are discussed.

PMID- 27134691
TI  - HIV DYNAMICS AND NATURAL HISTORY STUDIES: JOINT MODELING WITH DOUBLY INTERVAL
      CENSORED EVENT TIME AND INFREQUENT LONGITUDINAL DATA.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection has become one of the most challenging
      clinical situations to manage in HIV-infected patients. Recently the effect of
      HCV coinfection on HIV dynamics following initiation of highly active
      antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has drawn considerable attention. Post-HAART HIV
      dynamics are commonly studied in short-term clinical trials with frequent data
      collection design. For example, the elimination process of plasma virus during
      treatment is closely monitored with daily assessments in viral dynamics studies
      of AIDS clinical trials. In this article instead we use infrequent cohort data
      from long-term natural history studies and develop a model for characterizing
      post-HAART HIV dynamics and their associations with HCV coinfection.
      Specifically, we propose a joint model for doubly interval-censored data for the
      time between HAART initiation and viral suppression, and the longitudinal CD4
      count measurements relative to the viral suppression. Inference is accomplished
      using a fully Bayesian approach. Doubly interval-censored data are modeled
      semiparametrically by Dirichlet process priors and Bayesian penalized splines are
      used for modeling population-level and individual-level mean CD4 count profiles.
      We use the proposed methods and data from the HIV Epidemiology Research Study
      (HERS) to investigate the effect of HCV coinfection on the response to HAART.

PMID- 27134693
TI  - Log-Concavity and Strong Log-Concavity: a review.
AB  - We review and formulate results concerning log-concavity and strong-log-concavity
      in both discrete and continuous settings. We show how preservation of log
      concavity and strongly log-concavity on R under convolution follows from a
      fundamental monotonicity result of Efron (1969). We provide a new proof of
      Efron's theorem using the recent asymmetric Brascamp-Lieb inequality due to Otto
      and Menz (2013). Along the way we review connections between log-concavity and
      other areas of mathematics and statistics, including concentration of measure,
      log-Sobolev inequalities, convex geometry, MCMC algorithms, Laplace
      approximations, and machine learning.

PMID- 27134692
TI  - NETWORK ASSISTED ANALYSIS TO REVEAL THE GENETIC BASIS OF AUTISM.
AB  - While studies show that autism is highly heritable, the nature of the genetic
      basis of this disorder remains illusive. Based on the idea that highly correlated
      genes are functionally interrelated and more likely to affect risk, we develop a
      novel statistical tool to find more potentially autism risk genes by combining
      the genetic association scores with gene co-expression in specific brain regions
      and periods of development. The gene dependence network is estimated using a
      novel partial neighborhood selection (PNS) algorithm, where node specific
      properties are incorporated into network estimation for improved statistical and
      computational efficiency. Then we adopt a hidden Markov random field (HMRF) model
      to combine the estimated network and the genetic association scores in a
      systematic manner. The proposed modeling framework can be naturally extended to
      incorporate additional structural information concerning the dependence between
      genes. Using currently available genetic association data from whole exome
      sequencing studies and brain gene expression levels, the proposed algorithm
      successfully identified 333 genes that plausibly affect autism risk.

PMID- 27134694
TI  - A test of homogeneity for age-dependent branching processes with immigration.
AB  - We propose a novel procedure to test whether the immigration process of a
      discretely observed age-dependent branching process with immigration is time
      homogeneous. The construction of the test is motivated by the behavior of the
      coefficient of variation of the population size. When immigration is time
      homogeneous, we find that this coefficient converges to a constant, whereas when
      immigration is time-inhomogeneous we find that it is time-dependent, at least
      transiently. Thus, we test the assumption that the immigration process is time
      homogeneous by verifying that the sample coefficient of variation does not vary
      significantly over time. The test is simple to implement and does not require
      specification or fitting any branching process to the data. Simulations and an
      application to real data on the progression of leukemia are presented to
      illustrate the approach.

PMID- 27134695
TI  - mTOR Inhibitors at a Glance.
AB  - Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved threonine and serine
      protein kinase that was identified more than two decades ago as the target of
      immunosuppressive drug rapamycin. Since then considerable amount of information
      has been learned about the function of this kinase. It is now well-established
      that mTOR plays a pivotal role in governing cell growth and proliferation, hence
      making mTOR a therapeutic target for disease conditions caused by deregulated
      cell proliferation, such as cancer. In the past decade, numerous mTOR inhibitors
      have been developed and many are currently in clinical trials for cancer
      treatment. This commentary is to provide a brief summary of these mTOR
      inhibitors.

PMID- 27134697
TI  - Debates in allergy medicine: Specific immunotherapy in children with atopic
      dermatitis, the "con" view.
AB  - Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin condition in children that has a
      proven association with other atopic conditions and allergies. These
      associations, like the general pathophysiology of AD, are complex and not fully
      understood. While there is evidence for the efficacy of specific immunotherapy
      (SIT) in pediatric asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR), there is a lack of strong
      data to support its use in AD. IgE has been shown to be elevated in many patients
      with AD, but it is an unreliable biomarker due to variability and great
      fluctuation over time, poor positive predictive value for clinically relevant
      allergy, and poor correlation with disease state. In spite of this, almost all
      studies of SIT use either positive skin prick testing (SPT) or serum specific IgE
      levels to guide therapy. Allergen avoidance, with some exceptions, is generally
      not effective at controlling AD in children. The few studies that have
      investigated the efficacy of SIT in children with AD have produced conflicting
      results, and a lack of reproducibility with a standard treatment protocol.
      Limited studies have shown clinical improvement in mild to moderate AD cases, but
      no effect on more severe patients. Uncontrolled studies are difficult to
      interpret, due to the natural history of remission or "outgrowing" of AD over
      time in many patients without specific interventions. Drawbacks to SIT include
      the length of treatment, poor compliance, cost, and potential side effect
      profile. The potential for misdirection of time and energy away from skin
      directed therapy could negatively impact on AD outcomes. 

PMID- 27134696
TI  - Debates in allergy medicine: specific immunotherapy efficiency in children with
      atopic dermatitis.
AB  - Allergen specific immunotherapy (AIT) has been the only pathogenetically relevant
      treatment of IgE-mediated allergic diseases (ADs) for many years. The use of AIT
      for atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment is dubious and has both followers and
      opponents. The improvement of subcutaneous AIT (SCIT) and introduction of
      Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) gives prospects of their application both for
      adults and children suffering from AD. This review presents results of scientific
      research, system and meta-analyses that confirm the clinical efficacy of AIT for
      children with AD who has the sensitization to allergens of house dust mite, grass
      and plant pollen suffering from co-occurring respiratory ADs and with moderate
      and severe course of allergic AD. There have been analyzed the most advanced
      achievements in AIT studies as well as there have been specified the unmet needs
      in AD. The preliminary diagnostics of IgE-mediated AD and pathophysiological
      disorders, including immune ones, will allow a doctor to develop appropriate
      comprehensive treatment algorithm for children's AD aimed at its correction. The
      including of AIT to the children's comprehensive therapy program is reasonable
      only if AD has the allergic form. It is necessary better to design the randomized
      research studies and to acquire extended clinical practice in children with AD.
      Use of the successes of molecular-based allergy diagnostics will help to optimize
      and personalize the process of selecting the necessary allergens to determine the
      most appropriate vaccines for children considering the results of the allergen
      component diagnostics. The strategy of treatment of children with AD in future
      will be based on individual target therapy. 

PMID- 27134698
TI  - Virtual Environments, Online Racial Discrimination, and Adjustment among a
      Diverse, School-Based Sample of Adolescents.
AB  - Given the recent rise in online hate activity and the increased amount of time
      adolescents spend with media, more research is needed on their experiences with
      racial discrimination in virtual environments. This cross-sectional study
      examines the association between amount of time spent online, traditional and
      online racial discrimination and adolescent adjustment, including depressive
      symptoms, anxiety and externalizing behaviors. The study also explores the role
      that social identities, including race and gender, play in these associations.
      Online surveys were administered to 627 sixth through twelfth graders in K-8,
      middle and high schools. Multiple regression results revealed that discrimination
      online was associated with all three outcome variables. Additionally, a
      significant interaction between online discrimination by time online was found
      for externalizing behaviors indicating that increased time online and higher
      levels of online discrimination are associated with more problem behavior. This
      study highlights the need for clinicians, educational professionals and
      researchers to attend to race-related experiences online as well as in
      traditional environments.

PMID- 27134699
TI  - The Impact of Online Social Networks on Health and Health Systems: A Scoping
      Review and Case Studies.
AB  - Interaction through online social networks potentially results in the
      contestation of prevailing ideas about health and health care, and to mass
      protest where health is put at risk or health care provision is wanting. Through
      a review of the academic literature and case studies of four social networking
      health sites (PatientsLikeMe, Mumsnet, Treatment Action Campaign, and My Pro
      Ana), we establish the extent to which this phenomenon is documented, seek
      evidence of the prevalence and character of health-related networks, and explore
      their structure, function, participants, and impact, seeking to understand how
      they came into being and how they sustain themselves. Results indicate mass
      protest is not arising from these established health-related networking
      platforms. There is evidence of changes in policy following campaigning activity
      prompted by experiences shared through social networking such as improved
      National Health Service care for miscarriage (a Mumsnet campaign). Platform
      owners and managers have considerable power to shape these campaigns. Social
      networking is also influencing health policy indirectly through increasing
      awareness and so demand for health care. Transient social networking about health
      on platforms such as Twitter were not included as case studies but may be where
      the most radical or destabilizing influence on health care policy might arise.

PMID- 27134700
TI  - Objective Morphological Quantification of Microscopic Images Using a Fast Fourier
      Transform (FFT) Analysis.
AB  - Quantification of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) using
      image intensity depends on a number of variables. These variables add a
      subjective complexity in keeping a standard within and between laboratories. Fast
      Fourier Transformation (FFT) algorithms, however, allow for a rapid and objective
      quantification (via statistical analysis) using cell morphologies when the
      microscopic structures are oriented or aligned. Quantification of alignment is
      given in terms of a ratio of FFT intensity to the intensity of an orthogonal
      angle, giving a numerical value of the alignment of the microscopic structures.
      This allows for a more objective analysis than alternative approaches, which rely
      upon relative intensities.

PMID- 27134701
TI  - Incidence, risk factors and outcomes of de novo malignancies post liver
      transplantation.
AB  - Liver transplantation (LT) is associated with a 2 to 7 fold higher, age and
      gender adjusted, risk of de novo malignancy. The overall incidence of de novo
      malignancy post LT ranges from 2.2% to 26%, and 5 and 10 years incidence rates
      are estimated at 10% to 14.6% and 20% to 32%, respectively. The main risk factors
      for de novo malignancy include immunosuppression with impaired
      immunosurveillance, and a number of patient factors which include; age, latent
      oncogenic viral infections, tobacco and alcohol use history, and underlying liver
      disease. The most common cancers after LT are non-melanoma skin cancers,
      accounting for approximately 37% of de novo malignancies, with a noted increase
      in the ratio of squamous to basal cell cancers. While these types of skin cancer
      do not impact patient survival, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders and
      solid organ cancer, accounting for 25% and 48% of malignancies, are associated
      with increased mortality. Patients developing these types of cancer are diagnosed
      at more advanced stages, and their cancers behave more aggressively compared with
      the general population. Patients undergoing LT for primary sclerosing cholangitis
      (particularly with inflammatory bowel disease) and alcoholic liver disease have
      high rates of malignancies compared with patients undergoing LT for other
      indications. These populations are at particular risk for gastrointestinal and
      aerodigestive cancers respectively. Counseling smoking cessation, skin protection
      from sun exposure and routine clinical follow-up are the current approach in
      practice. There are no standardized surveillance protocol, but available data
      suggests that regimented surveillance strategies are needed and capable of
      yielding cancer diagnosis at earlier stages with better resulting survival.
      Evidence-based strategies are needed to guide optimal surveillance and safe
      minimization of immunosuppression. 

PMID- 27134703
TI  - Antiviral therapy for hepatitis C: Has anything changed for pregnant/lactating
      women?
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects about 3% of the world's population, with the
      highest prevalence in individuals under 40. The prevalence in pregnant women
      varies with geographical distribution (highest in developing countries).
      Prevalence also increases in sub-populations of women at high risk for blood
      transmitted infections. HCV infection in pregnancy represents a non-negligible
      problem. However, most of the past antiviral regimens cannot be routinely offered
      to pregnant or breastfeeding women because of their side effects. We briefly
      reviewed the issue of treatment of HCV infection in pregnant/breastfeeding women
      focusing on the effects of the new direct-acting antivirals on fertility,
      pregnancy and lactation in animal studies and on the potential risk for humans
      based on the pharmacokinetic properties of each drug. Currently, all new therapy
      regimens are contraindicated in this setting because of lack of sufficient safety
      information and adequate measures of contraception are still routinely
      recommended for female patients of childbearing potential. 

PMID- 27134704
TI  - Predictors of fifty days in-hospital mortality in decompensated cirrhosis
      patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
AB  - AIM: To determine the predictors of 50 d in-hospital mortality in decompensated
      cirrhosis patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). METHODS: Two
      hundred and eighteen patients admitted to an intensive care unit in a tertiary
      care hospital between June 2013 and June 2014 with the diagnosis of SBP (during
      hospitalization) and cirrhosis were retrospectively analysed. SBP was diagnosed
      by abdominal paracentesis in the presence of polymorphonuclear cell count >= 250
      cells/mm(3) in the peritoneal fluid. Student's t test, multivariate logistic
      regression, cox proportional hazard ratio (HR), receiver operating
      characteristics (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were utilized for
      statistical analysis. Predictive abilities of several variables identified by
      multivariate analysis were compared using the area under ROC curve. P < 0.05 were
      considered statistical significant. RESULTS: The 50 d in-hospital mortality rate
      attributable to SBP is 43.11% (n = 94). Median survival duration for those who
      died was 9 d. In univariate analysis acute kidney injury (AKI), hepatic
      encephalopathy, septic shock, serum bilirubin, international normalized ratio,
      aspartate transaminase, and model for end-stage liver disease - sodium (MELD-Na)
      were significantly associated with in - hospital mortality in patients with SBP
      (P <= 0.001). Multivariate cox proportional regression analysis showed AKI (HR =
      2.16, 95%CI: 1.36-3.42, P = 0.001) septic shock (HR = 1.73, 95%CI: 1.05-2.83, P =
      0.029) MELD-Na (HR = 1.06, 95%CI: 1.02-1.09, P <= 0.001) was significantly
      associated with 50 d in-hospital mortality. The prognostic accuracy for AKI, MELD
      Na and septic shock was 77%, 74% and 71% respectively associated with 50 d in
      hospital mortality in SBP patients. CONCLUSION: AKI, MELD-Na and septic shock
      were predictors of 50 d in-hospital mortality in decompensated cirrhosis patients
      with SBP.

PMID- 27134705
TI  - Diagnostic Challenge of Desmoplastic Melanoma.
AB  - Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is a rare variant of spindle-cell malignant melanoma.
      DM is easily misdiagnosed at an early stage because it can be confused with
      benign entities. Histological analysis, including careful attention to the
      presence of atypical spindle cells, as well as to lymphocytic aggregates in an
      abundant fibrotic stroma in the dermis, provides clues for diagnosis. The
      adjunction of an immunohistochemical panel, and particularly testing for S-100
      protein, is needed for the final diagnosis. 

PMID- 27134702
TI  - Hepatitis C virus and neurological damage.
AB  - Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection exhibits a wide range of extrahepatic
      complications, affecting various organs in the human body. Numerous HCV patients
      suffer neurological manifestations, ranging from cognitive impairment to
      peripheral neuropathy. Overexpression of the host immune response leads to the
      production of immune complexes, cryoglobulins, as well as autoantibodies, which
      is a major pathogenic mechanism responsible for nervous system dysfunction.
      Alternatively circulating inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and HCV
      replication in neurons is another factor that severely affects the nervous
      system. Furthermore, HCV infection causes both sensory and motor peripheral
      neuropathy in the mixed cryoglobulinemia as well as known as an important risk
      aspect for stroke. These extrahepatic manifestations are the reason behind
      underlying hepatic encephalopathy and chronic liver disease. The brain is an apt
      location for HCV replication, where the HCV virus may directly wield
      neurotoxicity. Other mechanisms that takes place by chronic HCV infection due the
      pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders includes derangement of metabolic
      pathways of infected cells, autoimmune disorders, systemic or cerebral
      inflammation and alterations in neurotransmitter circuits. HCV and its pathogenic
      role is suggested by enhancement of psychiatric and neurological symptoms in
      patients attaining a sustained virologic response followed by treatment with
      interferon; however, further studies are required to fully assess the impact of
      HCV infection and its specific antiviral targets associated with neuropsychiatric
      disorders. 

PMID- 27134706
TI  - Intracystic Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast in a Male Patient.
AB  - We report a case of intracystic papillary carcinoma of the right breast in a 59
      year old man presenting with bloody nipple discharge for 1 week prior to
      presentation. Mammography, ultrasonography, and core needle aspiration were
      consistent with intracystic papillary carcinoma. The patient underwent right
      simple mastectomy. Pathology was also consistent with low grade intracystic
      papillary carcinoma. The 21-gene assay revealed a recurrence score of 0,
      corresponding to a 3% risk of distant recurrence at 10 years. A patient did not
      receive chemotherapy or post-mastectomy radiotherapy. The patient was placed on
      tamoxifen and has been free of disease to date. 

PMID- 27134707
TI  - Soft Tissue Myoepithelial Carcinoma Metastatic to the Cecum: Highlighting an
      Unusual Metastatic Pattern and the Need for Diagnostic Awareness.
AB  - Myoepithelial neoplasms of the soft tissues are a rare, heterogeneous group of
      tumors for which classification continues to evolve. While well defined within
      salivary glands, they can also arise in viscera and soft tissues, where diagnosis
      is challenging due to the lack of clinical and pathological familiarity. We
      present the case of a 36 year old man with myoepithelial carcinoma arising as a
      primary tumor within the soft tissues of the neck, which metastasized to the
      cecum, causing intussusception. This spindle cell neoplasm showed the classic
      S100 protein, smooth muscle actin and pancytokeratin-positive immunoprofile.
      Metastasis of myoepithelial carcinoma to the cecum has not been previously
      described, and coupled with the spindle cell morphology, may cause significant
      diagnostic difficulty in the absence of clinical familiarity, particularly as
      there is morphologic overlap with spindle cell neoplasms arising more commonly in
      gastrointestinal sites, including gastrointestinal stromal tumor, leiomyosarcoma
      and sarcomatoid carcinoma. 

PMID- 27134708
TI  - Primary Multifocal Gliosarcoma of the Spinal Cord.
AB  - Gliosarcoma (GS) is a rare and exceedingly malignant neoplasm of the central
      nervous system. It displays clinical features similar to glioblastoma, yet is
      histologically unique as it harbors both gliomatous and sarcomatous cellular
      components. Involvement of the neuro-axis is predominantly limited to the
      cerebral parenchyma and meninges. Primary GS of the spinal cord is rarely
      encountered. We report a case of a 54 year old male who presented with 2 months
      of progressive, bilateral lower extremity sensory deficits. Magnetic resonance
      imaging of the neuro-axis revealed multiple intradural lesions involving the
      cervical and thoracic spinal cord without evidence of intracranial involvement.
      Surgical resection of a dural based, extramedullary cervical lesion and two
      exophytic, intramedullary thoracic lesions revealed gliosarcoma, WHO grade IV.
      The patient died approximately 11 months after presentation. This report confirms
      that GS is not limited to supratentorial involvement and can primarily affect the
      spinal cord. 

PMID- 27134709
TI  - A Case of Patch Stage of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Discussion of the Differential
      Diagnosis.
AB  - A 55 year old HIV positive male had a skin lesion biopsy which showed atypical
      vascular proliferation within the superficial and deep dermis with mild atypia of
      lining endothelial cells. A sparse lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate surrounding the
      irregular vascular channels was noted. Immunohistochemistry highlighted the
      atypical blood vessels with the vascular markers CD31, CD34 and Factor VIII. The
      differential diagnosis included unusual vascular or lymphatic proliferations,
      stasis dermatitis, kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, progressive lymphangioma and
      angiosarcoma with focal Kaposi's sarcoma features. Characteristic human herpes
      virus-8 positive staining helped support the diagnosis of patch stage of Kaposi's
      sarcoma. Herein, we discuss the case findings, differential diagnosis and
      characteristic histological findings associated with the patch stage of Kaposi's
      sarcoma which can be an elusive diagnosis. 

PMID- 27134710
TI  - Cancers in Young Patients in Uyo (Niger-delta Region of Nigeria): Magnitude of
      the Problem and Histopathological Prolife.
AB  - Cancers are thought to be rarer in younger population, but emerging data show an
      increasing incidence of these diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      clinicopathological characteristics of cancer among young patients (>=30 years)
      in Uyo, Nigeria. All specimens were collected and reviewed during the period
      January 2007-December 2012; complete clinicopathological data were also
      considered. A total of 108 cases of proven cancers were diagnosed (3.4%),
      accounting for 14.1% of all malignancies. A male:female ratio of 1:3.2 was
      recorded. Among 0-14-year-old patients, the most common malignancy was embryonal
      cancer (50.0%), followed by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (18.8%). Carcinoma of the
      breast and soft tissue sarcoma represent first and second cancers in those
      patients (40.7% and 13.0% respectively). Carcinoma of uterine cervix and nodal
      lymphomas were the third and fourth most common cancers respectively (10.2% and
      7.4%), significantly higher in the 21-30 years and 0-10 years age groups.
      Invasive ductal carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma and Hodgkin's
      lymphoma were the most common histologic types of cancers in breast, uterine
      cervix, lymph node and soft tissue (79.6%, 90.0%, 44.4%, 50.0% respectively).
      This study shows that embryonal cancer was the most common malignancy in patients
      aged 0 to 14, while carcinoma of the breast and soft tissue sarcoma were the two
      most common cancers in patients from 5 to 30 years-old. 

PMID- 27134711
TI  - Positron Emission Tomography Findings in Atypical Polypoid Adenomyoma.
AB  - Atypical polypoid adenomyoma (APAM) is a rare polypoid tumor of the uterus
      composed of atypical endometrial glands surrounded by smooth muscle. A 29-year
      old nulligravida, was clinically diagnosed with endocervical myoma and underwent
      trans-uterine cervical resection with hysteroscope. The histopathological
      diagnosis of specimens was APAM. Eight months later, she diagnosed recurrent
      uterine tumor. The positron emission tomography (PET-CT) imaging showed an
      increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. She has performed hysterectomy and was
      diagnosed APAM. Therapy for APAM depends on multiple factors such as age at
      presentation and desire for childbearing among others. This is the first report
      of PET-CT findings in APAM. 

PMID- 27134712
TI  - Rare Carcinoma Ex-pleomorphic Adenoma of Buccal Mucosa: Case Report and Review of
      Literature.
AB  - Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is exceedingly rare in minor salivary
      glands of oral cavity. We present a case of CXPA arising from buccal mucosa in a
      44-year-old male patient. The man presented to surgery outpatient department with
      right buccal mucosa swelling. Clinical impression suggests a neoplasm of buccal
      mucosa and the patient was sent for fine needle aspiration cytology. By examining
      the cytological smears, possibility of carcinoma was revealed. The mass was
      dissected and excised with safety margins. Examining Hematoxylin and Eosin
      slides, final diagnosis of CXPA was given. Patient did not turn for regular
      follow-ups and presented 1 year after surgery with recurrence at the same site.
      CXPA is an uncommon malignant tumor with highly aggressive biological behavior.
      Its occurrence in sites like buccal mucosa is rare. Hence, quite a diagnostic
      challenge at such sites cause diagnostic difficulties. 

PMID- 27134713
TI  - Langerhan's Cell Sarcoma: Two Case Reports.
AB  - Langerhan's cell sarcoma (LCS) is a rare neoplasm with a poor prognosis. To our
      knowledge, only sixty-six cases have been published. We discuss two patients who
      presented very differently with LCS, as well as a recently published review of
      all sixty-six cases. Our first case had a complicated history of metastatic, high
      grade myxofibrosarcomas and presented with a single skin lesion of LCS which was
      treated with resection to a positive margin and adjuvant radiotherapy. The LCS
      recurred locoregionally and was again resected. The patient is alive two years
      after initial diagnosis. The second case presented with bone marrow and splenic
      involvement, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. This patient had an excellent
      response to etoposide, prednisone, oncovorin, cyclophosphamide, and adriamycin,
      with normalization of the complete blood count, negative bone marrow biopsy at
      follow up, and splenectomy without viable neoplasm. This patient is alive without
      signs of disease at 16 months after initial diagnosis. 

PMID- 27134715
TI  - Histopathologic Prolife of Primary Gastrointestinal Malignancies in Uyo City
      (Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria).
AB  - Incidence of gastrointestinal malignancy is gradually increasing. The aim of the
      study is to investigate age, sex and relative frequencies of various
      gastrointestinal malignancies diagnosed between January 2007 and December 2014 in
      the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, and in a Private Specialist Laboratory,
      Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. All histological-diagnosed cases of
      gastrointestinal malignancies seen during the study period were recruited noting
      their bio-data and histopathological characteristics. A total of 67 patients aged
      6-77 years (mean 58.0, SD 7.4) were enrolled; a male to female ratio of 1.3:1 was
      recorded. The most common age group and anatomical site affected with
      gastrointestinal malignancy were 61-70 years (23 cases, 34.3%) and colo-rectum
      cancers (36 cases, 53.7%). The small intestine and stomach were second and third
      leading anatomic sites involved in gastrointestinal malignancies, accounting for
      13 (19.4%) and 8 (11.9%) cases respectively. Adenocarcinoma accounted for the
      majority of gastrointestinal malignancies (57 cases, 85.1%). Lymphoma and
      carcinoid tumor were also common, accounting for 3 (4.5%) cases each. Colorectal
      carcinoma was the most common type of gastrointestinal malignancies (53.7%) with
      adenocarcinoma being the predominant histological subtype of gastrointestinal
      malignancies. 

PMID- 27134714
TI  - Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Desmoplastic
      Small Round Cell Tumor.
AB  - Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare malignancy that typically
      affects pediatric and young adult patients. There are limited data on the
      clinical features of pediatric DSRCT. We selected patients aged 0-21 years
      reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program from 1991
      2011. We estimated overall survival using Kaplan-Meier approaches and compared
      outcomes using the log rank test. The median age of the 95 pediatric patients was
      15.3 years (range: 0-21). The majority of tumors originated in the abdomen and
      pelvis (84.4%) and the majority of patients had distant metastasis (72.6%). A
      minority of patients received radiation (34%). Overall survival at 5 years was
      poor (18.1%; 95% confidence interval 10.1-27.9%). Radiation therapy was
      associated with superior survival. Pediatric patients with DSRCT have significant
      disease burden. Outcomes for children are poor, though patients selected for
      radiation appear to have improved survival. 

PMID- 27134716
TI  - Importance of an Early Diagnosis in Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Seminal
      Vesicle.
AB  - The prognosis of seminal vesicle (SV) adenocarcinoma is often poor due to delayed
      diagnosis. About 95% of the patients die in less than 3 years. Diagnosis is
      difficult due to the absence of early clinical signs as hematuria, hematospermia
      and/or dysuria. We present the case of a 61-year-old Caucasian man with a left SV
      mass detected by transrectal ultrasound. SV ultrasound-guided biopsy showed an
      adenocarcinoma. The tumor was uniformly strongly immunoreactive for cytokeratin-7
      and carcinoembryonic antigen. There was no immunoreactivity for prostate-specific
      acid phosphatase (PSAP) and CK-20. These tumors have been reported to be also
      positive for CA-125. Therefore a combination of positive staining for CK-7, CEA
      and CA-125; with negative staining for CK-20, PSA and PSAP is the pattern of
      immunohistochemical findings noted for this rare tumor. The computed tomography
      of the abdomen-pelvis and chest X-ray was negative for metastases. The patient
      underwent a radical prostatectomy and lymphadenectomy. The prostate, rectum,
      bladder and lymph nodes were free from tumor involvement. The patient did not
      receive any adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation; and remains free of disease 3
      years post-surgery. 

PMID- 27134717
TI  - Solitary Bone Plasmacytoma of the Pelvis: A Rare Tumor.
AB  - Solitary bone plasmacytomas are part of a wide range of monoclonal neoplasms that
      share a common progenitor in the B lymphocyte lineage. In their particular case,
      a single bone lesion is found, most frequently on the axial skeleton, having
      evidence of no other osteolytic lesions or systemic involvement. Diagnosis can
      sometimes prove to be difficult as they are rare tumors, occurring in 3 to 5% (up
      to 10% in some series) of patients with plasma cell neoplasms, with important
      considerations regarding the differential diagnosis. We report a case of a
      solitary bone plasmacytoma, found on the ala of the left ilium of a patient
      during a routine consult due to hip pain. 

PMID- 27134719
TI  - Physician-facilitated designation of proxy decision-makers: family physician
      perceptions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among the challenges encountered during the care of patients at the
      end-of-life (EOL), eliciting preferences of patients with whom there is no
      ability to communicate is common and stressful for all those concerned and
      charged with patient care. Legal facilities available include patient delegation
      of proxy decision-makers (PDM) prior to communication incapacity. We sought to
      estimate family physician awareness and attitude with regard to these aspects of
      patient care. METHODS: A telephone survey of family physicians in the Jerusalem,
      Israel, district using a standard questionnaire. RESULTS: 74 family physicians
      responded to the survey. The response rate was 42 % and the cooperation rate was
      66 %. Most of the respondents, (64 %), reported knowing that the PDM delegation
      facility exists, though only 24 % claimed to have suggested to their patients
      that they consider this option. Approximately three-quarters, (78 %), treat
      patients with whom they discussed other aspects of severe disease, disability or
      EOL. None of the physicians working predominantly with religiously observant
      groups reported suggesting PDM delegation. CONCLUSIONS: There is an apparent gap
      between family physician knowledge and their performance to empower the
      persistence of patient autonomy, should communication ability cease. System-wide
      interventions to increase EOL communication skills, starting at medical school
      and henceforth, are necessary in order to promote better EOL care and meaningful
      resource use.

PMID- 27134718
TI  - The Relationship between Rumination and Affective, Cognitive, and Physiological
      Responses to Stress in Adolescents.
AB  - Although previous studies have established that rumination influences responses
      to stressful life events, the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain
      inadequately understood. The current study examines the relationship between
      trait rumination and affective, cognitive, and physiological responses to a
      standardized laboratory-based stressor in adolescents. A community-based sample
      of adolescents (N = 157) aged 13-17 completed the Trier Social Stress Test
      (TSST). Affective, cognitive, and physiological responses were obtained before,
      during, and after the TSST. Adolescents who engaged in habitual rumination
      experienced greater negative affect and more negative cognitive appraisals in
      response to the TSST than adolescents with lower levels of rumination. Rumination
      was unrelated to heart rate reactivity, but predicted slower heart rate recovery
      from the TSST, indicating that rumination might be specifically associated with
      physiological recovery from stress. Rumination is associated with negative
      affective, cognitive, and physiological responses following stressors, suggesting
      potential mechanisms through which it might increase risk for psychopathology.

PMID- 27134720
TI  - Dealing with ambiguity: Israeli physician's attitudes and practices regarding pre
      exercise certificates: a questionnaire study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has become clear in recent years that a healthy lifestyle,
      including physical exercise is crucial for health maintenance. Nevertheless, most
      people do not exercise regularly. Physician intervention is beneficial in
      increasing patient exercise. In Israel, the 1994 "Sports Law" regarding
      exercising in a gymnasium requires a physician's written authorization, but does
      not direct the physicians what they should ascertain before issuing the
      certificate. This pre-exercise certificate has been widely discussed in Israel
      over the last year as the law is to be revised to enable using a modification of
      the PAR-Q+ (Physical Activity Readiness questionnaire) patient questionnaire as a
      screening tool. This will leave the requirement for a pre-exercise certificate
      for a less healthy population, yet without clear instructions to the primary care
      physician on criteria for ascertaining fitness. Our aim was to evaluate how
      primary care physicians deal with the ambiguity of defining health criteria for
      issuing exercise authorization/certificate. METHODS: We used an anonymous ten
      item attitude/knowledge multiple choice questionnaire with an additional 13
      personal/education and employment questions. We assessed each potential predictor
      of physician attitude and knowledge in univariate models. RESULTS: 135 useable
      questionnaires were collected. Of these, 43.7 % of the doctors will provide the
      pre-exercise certificate to all their patients; 63 % were aware of their
      HMO/employers guidelines for issuing certificates; 62 % stated they complied with
      these guidelines, and 16 % stated they did not follow them. In addition, 70 % of
      the physicians reported regular exercise themselves, an average of 4.12 h/week.
      These physicians tended to provide the pre-exercise certificate to all patients
      unconditionally, as compared to physicians that did not exercise regularly. (46 %
      vs. 14.5 %, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most Israeli primary care physicians will
      provide the required certificate allowing their patients to exercise in the gym.
      There is a wide variation as to what physicians check before providing the
      certificate. The modification of the law has made the need for standardization of
      the nature of what is expected of primary care physicians more urgent. A large
      portion of physicians exercise on a regular basis - and exercising physicians are
      more positive regarding pre-exercise certificates. Our study clearly shows a gap
      in knowledge transfer; and we call for a standardized approach to pre-exercise
      certificates utilizing computerized patient medical files.

PMID- 27134721
TI  - Tetranucleotide usage highlights genomic heterogeneity among mycobacteriophages.
AB  - Background The genomic sequences of mycobacteriophages, phages infecting
      mycobacterial hosts, are diverse and mosaic. Mycobacteriophages often share
      little nucleotide similarity, but most of them have been grouped into lettered
      clusters and further into subclusters. Traditionally, mycobacteriophage genomes
      are analyzed based on sequence alignment or knowledge of gene content. However,
      these approaches are computationally expensive and can be ineffective for
      significantly diverged sequences. As an alternative to alignment-based genome
      analysis, we evaluated tetranucleotide usage in mycobacteriophage genomes. These
      methods make it easier to characterize features of the mycobacteriophage
      population at many scales. Description We computed tetranucleotide usage
      deviation (TUD), the ratio of observed counts of 4-mers in a genome to the
      expected count under a null model. TUD values are comparable between members of a
      phage subcluster and distinct between subclusters. With few exceptions, neighbor
      joining phylogenetic trees and hierarchical clustering dendrograms constructed
      using TUD values place phages in a monophyletic clade with members of the same
      subcluster. Regions in a genome with exceptional TUD values can point to
      interesting features of genomic architecture. Finally, we found that subcluster
      B3 mycobacteriophages contain significantly overrepresented 4-mers and 6-mers
      that are atypical of phage genomes. Conclusions Statistics based on
      tetranucleotide usage support established clustering of mycobacteriophages and
      can uncover interesting relationships within and between sequenced phage genomes.
      These methods are efficient to compute and do not require sequence alignment or
      knowledge of gene content. The code to download mycobacteriophage genome
      sequences and reproduce our analysis is freely available at
      https://github.com/bsiranosian/tango_final. 

PMID- 26998224
TI  - The Bioconductor channel in F1000Research.
AB  - Bioconductor ( bioconductor.org) is a rich source of software and know-how for
      the integrative analysis of genomic data. The Bioconductor channel in
      F1000Research provides a forum for task-oriented workflows that cover a solution
      to a current, important problem in genome-scale data analysis. It also hosts
      manuscripts describing software packages, package-based vignettes, teaching labs,
      benchmark studies, methodological reviews and bioinformatics software oriented
      perspective papers. 

PMID- 27134723
TI  - DREAMTools: a Python package for scoring collaborative challenges.
AB  - DREAM challenges are community competitions designed to advance computational
      methods and address fundamental questions in system biology and translational
      medicine. Each challenge asks participants to develop and apply computational
      methods to either predict unobserved outcomes or to identify unknown model
      parameters given a set of training data. Computational methods are evaluated
      using an automated scoring metric, scores are posted to a public leaderboard, and
      methods are published to facilitate community discussions on how to build
      improved methods. By engaging participants from a wide range of science and
      engineering backgrounds, DREAM challenges can comparatively evaluate a wide range
      of statistical, machine learning, and biophysical methods. Here, we describe
      DREAMTools, a Python package for evaluating DREAM challenge scoring metrics.
      DREAMTools provides a command line interface that enables researchers to test new
      methods on past challenges, as well as a framework for scoring new challenges. As
      of September 2015, DREAMTools includes more than 80% of completed DREAM
      challenges. DREAMTools complements the data, metadata, and software tools
      available at the DREAM website http://dreamchallenges.org and on the Synapse
      platform https://www.synapse.org. AVAILABILITY: DREAMTools is a Python package.
      Releases and documentation are available at
      http://pypi.python.org/pypi/dreamtools. The source code is available at
      http://github.com/dreamtools.

PMID- 27134724
TI  - A paradoxical synergism between Resveratrol and copper (II) with respect to
      degradation of DNA and RNA.
AB  - Resveratrol (R), a plant polyphenol, is known to reduce Cu (II) to Cu (I)
      generating reactive oxygen species that can cleave plasmid DNA. Here we report a
      surprising observation of a paradoxical synergistic effect between R and Cu
      whereby plasmid DNA cleaving / degrading activity of R-Cu increased progressively
      as the ratio of R to Cu was increased i.e., the concentration of Cu was
      successively reduced with respect to a fixed concentration R. Whereas cleavage of
      plasmid DNA occurred at low molar ratios of R to Cu, at higher ratios, complete
      degradation of DNA was achieved. By further increasing the ratio, whereby the
      concentration of Cu was reduced to very low levels, the DNA degrading activity of
      R-Cu was lost. This paradoxical synergistic effect is also seen with respect to
      eukaryotic genomic DNA and RNA. Since R-Cu may have anti-cancer and anti-viral
      activities, our findings may not only help to improve the therapeutic efficacy of
      R-Cu but also reduce its toxic side effects with the use of low concentration of
      Cu. 

PMID- 27134725
TI  - The TOUCH program and natalizumab: Fundamental flaw in patient protection.
AB  - Many drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since
      1993 for treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). One such drug
      is natalizumab (Tysabri, Biogen Idec and Elan pharmaceuticals) which has enjoyed
      great success in the management of MS since its re-introduction in 2006. One of
      the complications of using natalizumab is the risk of development of progressive
      multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). To mitigate the risk of PML development,
      Biogen Idec initiated the TOUCH program - this strategy helps monitor the
      disease. Clinical vigilance is remains key in the early diagnosis of PML but
      serological testing for the John Cunningham Virus Antibody (JCV) helps with risk
      stratification of PML. However, some physicians do not test for the JCV Ab and
      since they are not required to send such data to the company or inform the
      patient, one red flag for suspicion of PML is lost particularly if the patient is
      asymptomatic.  This undercuts the premise of the TOUCH program. In an ideal
      world, reporting JCV Ab status should be made mandatory since that ensures a
      basic tenet of the program is met - to identify patients at increased risk of
      developing PML and make appropriate recommendations based on that finding. Lack
      of requirement of reporting of this vital finding opens the door for uncertainty
      in assessment of risk PML development and everyone remains in the dark till it
      may be too late. This is unacceptable when the company created the TOUCH program
      specifically with intent to track PML risk in patients on natalizumab. It makes
      no scientific sense to let the drug be used without setting stringent criteria
      given the possibility of PML development. 

PMID- 27134726
TI  - BioTapestry now provides a web application and improved drawing and layout tools.
AB  - Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) control embryonic development, and to understand
      this process in depth, researchers need to have a detailed understanding of both
      the network architecture and its dynamic evolution over time and space.
      Interactive visualization tools better enable researchers to conceptualize,
      understand, and share GRN models. BioTapestry is an established application
      designed to fill this role, and recent enhancements released in Versions 6 and 7
      have targeted two major facets of the program. First, we introduced significant
      improvements for network drawing and automatic layout that have now made it much
      easier for the user to create larger, more organized network drawings. Second, we
      revised the program architecture so it could continue to support the current Java
      desktop Editor program, while introducing a new BioTapestry GRN Viewer that runs
      as a JavaScript web application in a browser. We have deployed a number of GRN
      models using this new web application. These improvements will ensure that
      BioTapestry remains viable as a research tool in the face of the continuing
      evolution of web technologies, and as our understanding of GRN models grows. 

PMID- 27134727
TI  - Associations between joint effusion in the knee and gene expression levels in the
      circulation: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify molecular biomarkers for early knee osteoarthritis (OA),
      we examined whether joint effusion in the knee associated with different gene
      expression levels in the circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Joint effusion
      grades measured with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and gene expression levels
      in blood were determined in women of the Rotterdam Study (N=135) and GARP (N=98).
      Associations were examined using linear regression analyses, adjusted for age,
      fasting status, RNA quality, technical batch effects, blood cell counts, and BMI.
      To investigate enriched pathways and protein-protein interactions, we used the
      DAVID and STRING webtools. RESULTS: In a meta-analysis, we identified 257 probes
      mapping to 189 unique genes in blood that were nominally significantly associated
      with joint effusion grades in the knee. Several compelling genes were identified
      such as C1orf38 and NFATC1. Significantly enriched biological pathways were:
      response to stress, gene expression, negative regulation of intracellular signal
      transduction, and antigen processing and presentation of exogenous pathways.
      CONCLUSION: Meta-analyses and subsequent enriched biological pathways resulted in
      interesting candidate genes associated with joint effusion that require further
      characterization. Associations were not transcriptome-wide significant most
      likely due to limited power. Additional studies are required to replicate our
      findings in more samples, which will greatly help in understanding the
      pathophysiology of OA and its relation to inflammation, and may result in
      biomarkers urgently needed to diagnose OA at an early stage.

PMID- 27134729
TI  - Alanylated lipoteichoic acid primer in Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - Lipoteichoic acid is a major lipid-anchored polymer in Gram-positive bacteria
      such as Bacillus subtilis. This polymer typically consists of repeating
      phosphoglycerol or phosphoribitol units and therefore has a predominant negative
      charge. The repeating units are attached to a glycolipid anchor which has a
      diacylglycerol (DAG) moiety attached to a dihexopyranose head group. D
      alanylation is known as the major modification of lipoteichoic acid, which
      partially neutralizes the polymer and plays important roles in bacterial survival
      and resistance to the host immune system. The biosynthesis pathways of the
      glycolipid anchor and lipoteichoic acid have been fully characterized. However,
      the exact mechanism of D-alanyl transfer from the cytosol to cell surface
      lipoteichoic acid remains unclear. Here I report the use of mass spectrometry in
      the identification of intermediate species in the biosynthesis and D-alanylation
      of lipoteichoic acid: the glycolipid anchor, nascent lipoteichoic acid primer
      with one phosphoglycerol unit, as well as mono- and di-alanylated forms of the
      lipoteichoic acid primer. Monitoring these species as well as the recently
      reported D-alanyl-phosphatidyl glycerol would aid in shedding light on the
      mechanism of the D-alanylation pathway of lipoteichoic acid. 

PMID- 27134728
TI  - Open drug discovery for the Zika virus.
AB  - The Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak in the Americas has caused global concern that we
      may be on the brink of a healthcare crisis. The lack of research on ZIKV in the
      over 60 years that we have known about it has left us with little in the way of
      starting points for drug discovery. Our response can build on previous efforts
      with virus outbreaks and lean heavily on work done on other flaviviruses such as
      dengue virus. We provide some suggestions of what might be possible and propose
      an open drug discovery effort that mobilizes global science efforts and provides
      leadership, which thus far has been lacking. We also provide a listing of
      potential resources and molecules that could be prioritized for testing as in
      vitro assays for ZIKV are developed. We propose also that in order to incentivize
      drug discovery, a neglected disease priority review voucher should be available
      to those who successfully develop an FDA approved treatment. Learning from the
      response to the ZIKV, the approaches to drug discovery used and the success and
      failures will be critical for future infectious disease outbreaks. 

PMID- 27134730
TI  - Understanding the nature of health: New perspectives for medicine and public
      health. Improved wellbeing at lower costs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current dilemmas of health care systems call for a new look at the
      nature of health. This is offered by the Meikirch model. We explore its
      hypothetical benefit for the future of medicine and public health. Meikirch
      model: It states: "Health is a dynamic state of wellbeing emergent from conducive
      interactions between individuals' potentials, life's demands, and social and
      environmental determinants." "Throughout the life course health results when an
      individuals' biologically given potential (BGP) and his or her personally
      acquired potential (PAP), interacting with social and environmental determinants,
      satisfactorily respond to the demands of life." METHODS: We explored the Meikirch
      model's possible applications for personal and public health care. RESULTS: The
      PAP of each individual is the most modifiable component of the model. It responds
      to constructive social interactions and to personal growth. If an individual's
      PAP is nurtured to develop further, it likely will contribute much more to health
      than without fostering. It may also compensate for losses of the BGP. An ensuing
      new culture of health may markedly improve health in the society. The rising
      costs of health care presumably are due in part to the tragedy of the commons and
      to moral hazard. Health as a complex adaptive system offers new possibilities for
      patient care, particularly for general practitioners. DISCUSSION: Analysis of
      health systems by the Meikirch model reveals that in many areas more can be done
      to improve people's health and to reduce health care costs than is done today.
      The Meikirch model appears promising for individual and public health in low and
      high income countries. Emphasizing health instead of disease the Meikirch model
      reinforces article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and
      Cultural Rights of the United Nations - that abandons the WHO definition - and
      thereby may contribute to its reinterpretation.

PMID- 27134731
TI  - A curated transcriptome dataset collection to investigate the immunobiology of
      HIV infection.
AB  - Compendia of large-scale datasets available in public repositories provide an
      opportunity to identify and fill current gaps in biomedical knowledge. But first,
      these data need to be readily accessible to research investigators for
      interpretation. Here, we make available a collection of transcriptome datasets
      relevant to HIV infection. A total of 2717 unique transcriptional profiles
      distributed among 34 datasets were identified, retrieved from the NCBI Gene
      Expression Omnibus (GEO), and loaded in a custom web application, the Gene
      Expression Browser (GXB), designed for interactive query and visualization of
      integrated large-scale data. Multiple sample groupings and rank lists were
      created to facilitate dataset query and interpretation via this interface. Web
      links to customized graphical views can be generated by users and subsequently
      inserted in manuscripts reporting novel findings, such as discovery notes. The
      tool also enables browsing of a single gene across projects, which can provide
      new perspectives on the role of a given molecule across biological systems. This
      curated dataset collection is available at:
      http://hiv.gxbsidra.org/dm3/geneBrowser/list. 

PMID- 27134732
TI  - Mapping Zika virus infection using geographical information systems in Tolima,
      Colombia, 2015-2016.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Geographical information systems (GIS) have been extensively used for
      the development of epidemiological maps of tropical diseases, however not yet
      specifically for Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. METHODS: Surveillance case data of
      the ongoing epidemics of ZIKV in the Tolima department, Colombia (2015-2016) were
      used to estimate cumulative incidence rates (cases/100,000 pop.) to develop the
      first maps in the department and its municipalities, including detail for the
      capital, Ibague. The GIS software used was Kosmo Desktop 3.0RC1(r). Two thematic
      maps were developed according to municipality and communes incidence rates.
      RESULTS: Up to March 5, 2016, 4,094 cases of ZIKV were reported in Tolima, for
      cumulated rates of 289.9 cases/100,000 pop. (7.95% of the country). Burden of
      ZIKV infection has been concentrated in its east area, where municipalities have
      reported >500 cases/100,000 pop. These municipalities are bordered by two other
      departments, Cundinamarca (3,778 cases) and Huila (5,338 cases), which also have
      high incidences of ZIKV infection. Seven municipalities of Tolima ranged from 250
      499.99 cases/100,000 pop., of this group five border with high incidence
      municipalities (>250), including the capital, where almost half of the reported
      cases of ZIKV in Tolima are concentrated. CONCLUSIONS: Use of GIS-based
      epidemiological maps helps to  guide decisions for the prevention and control of
      diseases that represent significant issues in the region and the country, but
      also in emerging conditions such as ZIKV.

PMID- 27134733
TI  - Closing gaps between open software and public data in a hackathon setting: User
      centered software prototyping.
AB  - In genomics, bioinformatics and other areas of data science, gaps exist between
      extant public datasets and the open-source software tools built by the community
      to analyze similar data types.  The purpose of biological data science hackathons
      is to assemble groups of genomics or bioinformatics professionals and software
      developers to rapidly prototype software to address these gaps.  The only two
      rules for the NCBI-assisted hackathons run so far are that 1) data either must be
      housed in public data repositories or be deposited to such repositories shortly
      after the hackathon's conclusion, and 2) all software comprising the final
      pipeline must be open-source or open-use.  Proposed topics, as well as suggested
      tools and approaches, are distributed to participants at the beginning of each
      hackathon and refined during the event.  Software, scripts, and pipelines are
      developed and published on GitHub, a web service providing publicly available,
      free-usage tiers for collaborative software development. The code resulting from
      each hackathon is published at https://github.com/NCBI-Hackathons/ with separate
      directories or repositories for each team. 

PMID- 27134734
TI  - The big challenges in modeling human and environmental well-being.
AB  - This article is a selective review of quantitative research, historical and
      prospective, that is needed to inform sustainable development policy. I start
      with a simple framework to highlight how demography and productivity shape human
      well-being. I use that to discuss three sets of issues and corresponding
      challenges to modeling: first, population prehistory and early human development
      and their implications for the future; second, the multiple distinct dimensions
      of human and environmental well-being and the meaning of sustainability; and,
      third, inequality as a phenomenon triggered by development and models to examine
      changing inequality and its consequences. I conclude with a few words about other
      important factors: political, institutional, and cultural. 

PMID- 27134735
TI  - Recent advances in managing and understanding nephrolithiasis/nephrocalcinosis.
AB  - Urinary stone disease is a very common disease whose prevalence is still
      increasing. Stone formation is frequently associated with other diseases of
      affluence such as hypertension, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic
      syndrome, and insulin resistance. The increasing concentration of lithogenic
      solutes along the different segments of the nephron involves supersaturation
      conditions leading to the formation, growth, and aggregation of crystals.
      Crystalline aggregates can grow free in the tubular lumen or coated on the wall
      of the renal tubule. Plugs of crystalline material have been highlighted in the
      tubular lumen in some patients, but crystalline growth starting from plaques of
      calcium phosphate within the renal papillae has been demonstrated in others.
      Urinary supersaturation is the result of a complex interaction between
      predisposing genetic features and environmental factors. Dietary intake is
      certainly the most important environmental risk factor. In particular, an
      insufficient intake of dietary calcium (<600 mg/day) can increase the intestinal
      absorption of oxalate and the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation. Other
      possible risk factors that have been identified include excessive intake of salt
      and proteins. The potential role of dietary acid load seems to play an important
      role in causing a state of subclinical chronic acidosis; therefore, the intake of
      vegetables is encouraged in stone-forming patients. Consumption of sugar
      sweetened soda and punch is associated with a higher risk of stone formation,
      whereas consumption of coffee, tea, beer, wine, and orange juice is associated
      with a lower risk. A high fluid intake is widely recognized as the cornerstone of
      prevention of all forms of stones. The effectiveness of protein and salt
      restriction has been evaluated in some studies that still do not allow definitive
      conclusions to be made. Calcium stone formation can be prevented by the use of
      different drugs with different mechanisms of action (thiazide diuretics,
      allopurinol, and potassium citrate), but there is no ideal drug that is both risk
      free and well tolerated. 

PMID- 27134736
TI  - Plant Heat Adaptation: priming in response to heat stress.
AB  - Abiotic stress is a major threat to crop yield stability. Plants can be primed by
      heat stress, which enables them to subsequently survive temperatures that are
      lethal to a plant in the naive state. This is a rapid response that has been
      known for many years and that is highly conserved across kingdoms. Interestingly,
      recent studies in Arabidopsis and rice show that this thermo-priming lasts for
      several days at normal growth temperatures and that it is an active process that
      is genetically separable from the priming itself. This is referred to as
      maintenance of acquired thermotolerance or heat stress memory. Such a memory
      conceivably has adaptive advantages under natural conditions, where heat stress
      often is chronic or recurring. In this review, I will focus on recent advances in
      the mechanistic understanding of heat stress memory. 

PMID- 27134737
TI  - Statin non-adherence: clinical consequences and proposed solutions.
AB  - Large controlled clinical trials have demonstrated reductions with statin therapy
      in cardiovascular events in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes and
      stable coronary heart disease and individuals at high risk of a cardiovascular
      event. In trials of acute coronary syndromes and stable coronary heart disease,
      high-intensity statin therapy is more effective in the prevention of recurrent
      cardiovascular events than low-intensity statin therapy. Thus, evidence-based
      guidelines recommend in-hospital initiation of high-intensity statin therapy for
      all acute coronary syndrome patients. Clinical trials report high adherence to
      and low discontinuation of high-intensity statin therapy; however, in clinical
      practice, high-intensity statins are prescribed to far fewer patients, who often
      discontinue their statin after the first refill. A coordinated effort among the
      patient, provider, pharmacist, health system, and insurer is necessary to improve
      utilization and persistence of prescribed medications. The major cause for statin
      discontinuations reported by patients is perceived adverse events. Evaluation of
      potential adverse events requires validated tools to distinguish between statin
      associated adverse events versus non-specific complaints. Treatment options for
      statin-intolerant patients include the use of a different statin, often at a
      lower dose or frequency. In order to lower LDL cholesterol, lower doses of
      statins may be combined with ezetimibe or bile acid sequestrants. Newer treatment
      options for patients with statin-associated muscle symptoms may include
      proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. 

PMID- 27134738
TI  - Recent advances in the understanding of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
AB  - In this review, we have looked at three important areas in understanding male
      lower urinary tract symptoms. These are improvement in terminology, detrusor
      underactivity, and nocturia. Benign prostatic hyperplasia leading to bladder
      outlet obstruction has been covered in a previous review. 

PMID- 27134739
TI  - Wnt signaling in cancer stem cells and colon cancer metastasis.
AB  - Overactivation of Wnt signaling is a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC). The Wnt
      pathway is a key regulator of both the early and the later, more invasive, stages
      of CRC development. In the normal intestine and colon, Wnt signaling controls the
      homeostasis of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) that fuel, via proliferation, upward
      movement of progeny cells from the crypt bottom toward the villus and
      differentiation into all cell types that constitute the intestine. Studies in
      recent years suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs), similar to ISCs of the
      crypts, consist of a small subpopulation of the tumor and are responsible for the
      initiation and progression of the disease. Although various ISC signature genes
      were also identified as CRC markers and some of these genes were even
      demonstrated to have a direct functional role in CRC development, the origin of
      CSCs and their contribution to cancer progression is still debated. Here, we
      describe studies supporting a relationship between Wnt-regulated CSCs and the
      progression of CRC. 

PMID- 27134741
TI  - Molecular biology of breast tumors and prognosis.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Great scientific,
      economical, and organizational efforts are in place to understand the causes of
      onset, identify the critical molecular players of progression, and define new
      lines of intervention providing more benefits and less toxicity. These efforts
      have certainly not been vain, since overall survival, especially in specific
      subsets of breast cancer, has greatly improved during the last decades. At
      present, breast cancer patients' treatment and care have reached a high standard
      of quality, and currently one of the most urgent needs resides in the necessity
      to better distinguish the tumors that need to be more aggressively treated and
      identify the best therapeutic option tailored to each patient. This objective
      will be achievable only if the information clarifying the biology of breast
      cancer can be successfully transferred to the clinic. A common effort by
      scientists and clinicians toward this integration and toward the use of
      multidisciplinary approaches will be necessary to reach this important goal. 

PMID- 27134740
TI  - Recent advances in psychological therapies for eating disorders.
AB  - Recent years have seen substantial consolidation and development of the evidence
      base for psychological therapies for eating disorders. This review summarises the
      key changes over that time period. Specific forms of cognitive behavioural
      therapy and family-based treatment have consolidated and extended their positions
      as treatments of choice despite the development of novel approaches. However,
      there is still a significant need for further development and testing to improve
      recovery rates, particularly in anorexia nervosa. 

PMID- 27134742
TI  - Recent advances in understanding myelofibrosis and essential thrombocythemia.
AB  - The classic BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a form of
      chronic malignant hemopathies, have been classified into polycythemia vera (PV),
      essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). ET and PMF are
      two similar disorders in their pathogenesis, which is marked by a key role of the
      megakaryocyte (MK) lineage. Whereas ET is characterized by MK proliferation, PMF
      is also associated with aberrant MK differentiation (myelodysplasia), leading to
      the release of cytokines in the marrow environment, which causes the development
      of myelofibrosis. Thus, PMF is associated with both myeloproliferation and
      different levels of myelodysplastic features. MPNs are mostly driven by mutated
      genes called MPN drivers, which abnormally activate the cytokine receptor/JAK2
      pathway and their downstream effectors. The recent discovery of CALR mutations
      has closed a gap in our knowledge and has shown that this mutated endoplasmic
      reticulum chaperone activates the thrombopoietin receptor MPL and JAK2. These
      genetic studies have shown that there are two main types of MPNs: JAK2V617F-MPNs,
      including ET, PV, and PMF, and the MPL-/CALR-MPNs, which include only ET and PMF.
      These MPN driver mutations are associated with additional mutations in genes
      involved in epigenetics, splicing, and signaling, which can precede or follow the
      acquisition of MPN driver mutations. They are involved in clonal expansion or
      phenotypic changes or both, leading to myelofibrosis or leukemic transformation
      or both. Only a few patients with ET exhibit mutations in non-MPN drivers,
      whereas the great majority of patients with PMF harbor one or several mutations
      in these genes. However, the entire pathogenesis of ET and PMF may also depend on
      other factors, such as the patient's constitutional genetics, the bone marrow
      microenvironment, the inflammatory response, and age. Recent advances allowed a
      better stratification of these diseases and new therapeutic approaches with the
      development of JAK2 inhibitors. 

PMID- 27134743
TI  - Advances in laparoscopic urologic surgery techniques.
AB  - The last two decades witnessed the inception and exponential implementation of
      key technological advancements in laparoscopic urology. While some of these
      technologies thrived and became part of daily practice, others are still hindered
      by major challenges. This review was conducted through a comprehensive literature
      search in order to highlight some of the most promising technologies in
      laparoscopic visualization, augmented reality, and insufflation. Additionally,
      this review will provide an update regarding the current status of single-site
      and natural orifice surgery in urology. 

PMID- 27134745
TI  - A genome-wide association study of multiple longitudinal traits with related
      subjects.
AB  - Pleiotropy is a phenomenon that a single gene inflicts multiple correlated
      phenotypic effects, often characterized as traits, involving multiple biological
      systems. We propose a two-stage method to identify pleiotropic effects on
      multiple longitudinal traits from a family-based data set. The first stage
      analyzes each longitudinal trait via a three-level mixed-effects model. Random
      effects at the subject-level and at the family-level measure the subject-specific
      genetic effects and between-subjects intraclass correlations within families,
      respectively. The second stage performs a simultaneous association test between a
      single nucleotide polymorphism and all subject-specific effects for multiple
      longitudinal traits. This is performed using a quasi-likelihood scoring method in
      which the correlation structure among related subjects is adjusted. Two
      simulation studies for the proposed method are undertaken to assess both the type
      I error control and the power. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of the two
      stage method in identifying pleiotropic genes or loci by analyzing the Genetic
      Analysis Workshop 16 Problem 2 cohort data drawn from the Framingham Heart Study
      and illustrate an example of the kind of complexity in data that can be handled
      by the proposed approach. We establish that our two-stage method can identify
      pleiotropic effects whilst accommodating varying data types in the model.

PMID- 27134744
TI  - Recent advances in understanding and managing cholestasis.
AB  - Cholestatic liver diseases are hereditary or acquired disorders with impaired
      hepatic excretion and enterohepatic circulation of bile acids and other
      cholephiles. The distinct pathological mechanisms, particularly for the acquired
      forms of cholestasis, are not fully revealed, but advances in the understanding
      of the molecular mechanisms and identification of key regulatory mechanisms of
      the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids have unraveled common and central
      mechanisms, which can be pharmacologically targeted. This overview focuses on the
      central roles of farnesoid X receptor, fibroblast growth factor 19, and apical
      sodium-dependent bile acid transporter for the enterohepatic circulation of bile
      acids and their potential as new drug targets for the treatment of cholestatic
      liver disease. 

PMID- 27134746
TI  - Placement of self-expandable bifurcated metallic stents without use of
      fluoroscopic and guidewire guidance to palliate central airway lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) can be used to treat malignant
      obstructions and fistulas of the central airways. SEMS can be placed using
      different methods. Recently, a rigid bronchoscope has been used for stent
      placement without the need for fluoroscopy. We retrospectively evaluated patients
      for whom SEMS were placed using a rigid bronchoscope, without employing
      guidewires or fluoroscopy. We describe the intra- and post-procedural
      complications of the method. METHODS: Data collected between January 2014 and
      July 2015 were retrospectively evaluated by reference to hospital records.
      RESULTS: The mean patient age was 58.14 +/- 8.48 years (44-72 years) and 13 out
      of the 14 patients were male. Twelve had lung cancer, one a thyroid papillary
      carcinoma with a bronchomediastinal fistula, and one an esophageal carcinoma with
      a tracheoesophageal fistula. Covered metallic Y-shaped stents were placed in all
      patients. Before placement, argon plasma coagulation was performed on two
      patients, diode laser treatment on four, and de-obstruction on nine. No procedure
      related mortality was noted. Only two patients required follow-up in the
      intensive care unit; they were moved to a regular ward after two days. No patient
      required stent replacement or repositioning. The most common early complication
      was mucus plugs. CONCLUSION: Endobronchial placement of covered self-expandable
      metallic stents was safe and readily performed in patients with airway
      obstructions. Neither fluoroscopic nor guidewire guidance was required. Neither
      patients nor staff were exposed to radiation, and costly guidewire guidance was
      not necessary. The procedure is cost-effective.

PMID- 27134747
TI  - Increasing Healthy Start food and vitamin voucher uptake for low income pregnant
      women (Early Years Collaborative Leith Pioneer Site).
AB  - Poverty has a detrimental impact on health and wellbeing. Healthy Start food and
      vitamin vouchers provide support for low income families across the UK, but at
      least 25% of eligible women and children miss out. We set out to increase uptake,
      with an aim of 90% of eligible women and children (n~540 eligible, varying over
      time) receiving vouchers in the initial team's catchment area by December 2015.
      Starting with one midwife and one pregnant woman in March 2014 we used the model
      for improvement to identify ways to improve documentation, sign up, and referral.
      Weekly data on process measures and monthly data on voucher receipt were plotted
      on run charts. Comparing medians for January-June 2014 and March-August 2015
      there was a 13.3% rise in voucher receipt in Lothian (increase from 313 to 355
      women), versus an 8.4% decline for the rest of Scotland (fall from 1688 to 1546
      women). Figures varied by team, influenced by staff, family, and area factors.
      The initial aim proved unrealistic, as signing up a woman for vouchers increases
      both the numerator and denominator. Accordingly, the percentage uptake has not
      increased at a regional level (remains at 75%), though the figure for the
      initiating team ("team 3" in graphs) has increased from 73.0% (January 2014) to
      79.0% (November 2015). We have continued testing, achieving recent increases in
      the number of women referred for welfare rights advice on benefits, tax credits,
      employment rights, childcare, and debt, securing on average L4,500 per client
      during 2015/16 (L404k for 89 clients by mid September 2015). This improvement
      project, part of the Early Years Collaborative in Scotland, has had a measureable
      impact on pregnant women across Lothian. Success has relied on testing, an
      electronic maternity record, rapid dissemination of findings through direct
      engagement with clinical teams, and persistence. Our findings have relevance
      across the UK, particularly at a time of worsening finances for many families. 

PMID- 27134749
TI  - Cellular Endocytosis and Trafficking of Cholera Toxin B-Modified Mesoporous
      Silica Nanoparticles.
AB  - In this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were functionalized with
      Cholera toxin subunit B (CTxB) protein to influence their intracellular
      trafficking pathways. The CTxB-MSN carrier was synthesized, and its chemical and
      structural properties were characterized. Endocytic pathway inhibition assays
      showed that the uptake of CTxB-MSNs in human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells was
      partially facilitated by both chlatrin- and caveolae-mediated endocytosis
      mechanisms. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) experiments demonstrated
      that CTxB-MSNs were taken up by the cells and partially trafficked through the
      trans-Golgi network into to the endoplasmic reticulum in a retrograde fashion.
      The delivery abilities of CTxB-MSNs were evaluated using propidium iodide, an
      impermeable cell membrane dye. LSCM images depicted the release of propidium
      iodide in the endoplasmic reticulum and cell nucleus of HeLa cells.

PMID- 27134750
TI  - The Enzyme-instructed assembly of the core of yeast prion Sup35 to form
      supramolecular hydrogels.
AB  - Based on the self-assembly capability of the core segment (GNNQQNY) of yeast
      prion Sup35, we design and synthesis a series of structurally related precursors
      for enzymatic formation of hydrogels. We found that, with the catalysis of
      alkaline phosphatase, the precursor becomes a hydrogelator that self-assembles in
      water to form nanofibers with an average width less than ten nanometers.
      Interestingly, the introduction of amyloid segment into a cytotoxic precursor
      (N'ffyp: D-1P) is able to abrogate the cytotoxicity of the precursor, making the
      resulting peptide to be cell compatible. This work contributes a new insight to
      the use of enzyme to form cell compatible hydrogels of peptides cross-beta spine.

PMID- 27134751
TI  - Demographic outcomes of diverse migration strategies assessed in a metapopulation
      of tundra swans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Migration is a prominent aspect of the life history of many avian
      species, but the demographic consequences of variable migration strategies have
      only infrequently been investigated, and rarely when using modern technological
      and analytical methods for assessing survival, movement patterns, and long-term
      productivity in the context of life history theory. We monitored the fates of 50
      satellite-implanted tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) over 4 years from five
      disparate breeding areas in Alaska, and used known-fate analyses to estimate
      monthly survival probability relative to migration distance, breeding area,
      migratory flyway, breeding status, and age. We specifically tested whether
      migratory birds face a trade-off, whereby long-distance migrants realize higher
      survival rates at the cost of lower productivity because of reduced time on
      breeding areas relative to birds that migrate shorter distances and spend more
      time on breeding areas. RESULTS: Annual migration distances varied significantly
      among breeding areas (1020 to 12720 km), and were strongly negatively correlated
      with time spent on breeding areas (r = -0.986). Estimates of annual survival
      probability varied by wintering area (Pacific coast, Alaska Peninsula, and
      Eastern seaboard) and ranged from 0.79 (95%CI: 0.70-0.88) to 1.0, depending on
      criteria used to discern mortalities from radio failures. We did not find
      evidence for a linear relationship between migration distance and survival as
      swans from the breeding areas with the shortest and longest migration distances
      had the highest survival probabilities. Survival was lower in the first year post
      marking than in subsequent years, but there was not support for seasonal
      differences in survival. Productivity varied among breeding populations and was
      generally inversely correlated to survival, but not migration distance or time
      spent on breeding areas. CONCLUSIONS: Tundra swans conformed to a major tenet of
      life history theory, as populations with the highest survival generally had the
      lowest productivity. The lack of a uniform relationship between time spent on
      breeding areas and productivity, or time spent on wintering areas and survival,
      indicates that factors other than temporal investment dictate demographic
      outcomes in this species. The tremendous diversity of migration strategies we
      identify in Alaskan tundra swans, without clear impacts on survival, underscores
      the ability of this species to adapt to different environments and climatic
      regimes.

PMID- 27134748
TI  - Long-wavelength analyte-sensitive luminescent probes and optical (bio)sensors.
AB  - Long-wavelength luminescent probes and sensors become increasingly popular. They
      offer the advantage of lower levels of autofluorescence in most biological
      probes. Due to high penetration depth and low scattering of red and NIR light
      such probes potentially enable in vivo measurements in tissues and some of them
      have already reached a high level of reliability required for such applications.
      This review focuses on the recent progress in development and application of long
      wavelength analyte-sensitive probes which can operate both reversibly and
      irreversibly. Photophysical properties, sensing mechanisms, advantages and
      limitations of individual probes are discussed.

PMID- 27134754
TI  - Weight status misperceptions among UK adults: the use of self-reported vs.
      measured BMI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that a significant proportion of overweight and
      obese individuals underestimate their weight status and think of themselves as
      being a healthier weight status than they are. The present study examines the
      prevalence of weight status misperceptions in a recent sample of UK adults, and
      tests whether the use of self-reported BMI biases estimation of weight status
      misperceptions. METHODS: Data came from UK adults who took part in the 2013
      Health Survey for England. We examined the proportion of overweight vs. normal
      weight (categorised using self-reported vs. measured BMI) males and females who
      perceived their weight as being 'about right', as well as how common this
      perception was among individuals whose waist circumference (WC) placed them at
      increased risk of ill health. RESULTS: A large proportion of overweight
      (according to measured BMI) women (31 %) and men (55 %) perceived their weight as
      being 'about right' and over half of participants with a WC that placed them at
      increased risk of future ill health believed their weight was 'about right'. The
      use of self-reported (vs. measured) BMI resulted in underestimation of the
      proportion of overweight individuals who identified their weight as 'about right'
      and overestimation of the number of normal weight individuals believing their
      weight was 'too heavy'. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of UK adults who are
      overweight misperceive their weight status. The use of self-reported BMI data is
      likely to produce biased estimates of weight status misperceptions. The use of
      objectively measured BMI is preferable as it will provide more accurate estimates
      of weight misperception.

PMID- 27134753
TI  - Risk factors for late defecation and its association with the outcomes of
      critically ill patients: a retrospective observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Late defecation was recently reported to be associated with worse
      clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. However, more research is needed to
      examine the causes and clinical significance of late defecation. The objectives
      of this study were to investigate the risk factors for late defecation and its
      association with the outcomes of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. METHODS:
      Patients in an ICU for >=7 days between January and December 2011 were
      retrospectively assessed. Based on the time between admission and the first
      defecation, they were assigned to early (<6 days; n = 186) or late (>=6 days; n =
      96) defecation groups. Changes in clinical variables between admission and ICU
      day 7 were assessed to investigate the effects of late defecation. The clinical
      outcomes were ICU mortality, length of ICU stay, and length of mechanical
      ventilation. RESULTS: Late enteral nutrition (odds ratio (OR) 3.42; 95 %
      confidence interval (CI) 1.88-6.22; P < 0.001), sedatives (OR 3.07; 95 % CI 1.71
      5.52; P < 0.001), and surgery (OR 1.86; 95 % CI 1.01-3.42; P = 0.047) were the
      independent risk factors for late defecation. The median (interquartile) changes
      in body temperature (0.3 [-0.4 to 1.0] vs 0.7 [0.1 to 1.5]  degrees C; P =
      0.004), serum C-reactive protein concentration (1.6 [-0.5 to 6.6] vs 3.5 [0.7 to
      8.5] mg/dL; P = 0.035), and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (-1 [-2 to
      1] vs 0 [-1 to 2]; P = 0.008) between admission and ICU day 7 were significantly
      greater in the late defecation group than in the early defecation group. ICU stay
      was significantly longer in the late defecation group (12 [9 to 19] vs 16 [10 to
      23] days; P = 0.021), whereas ICU mortality and the length of mechanical
      ventilation were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Late enteral nutrition,
      sedatives, and surgery were independent the risk factors for late defecation in
      critically ill patients. Late defecation was associated with prolonged ICU stay.

PMID- 27134755
TI  - Acclimation during space flight: effects on human emotion.
AB  - Recently, studies on the extent to which spaceflight affects the psychology of
      individuals has received attention. In order to reveal the mental challenges that
      humans face in space, we need practical viewpoints to integrate the psychological
      effects, behavior, performance and the environment itself for space exploration.
      The present review discusses the individual variables related to space psychology
      and manned spaceflight, in addition to their growing trends. These items include
      patterns of emotional changes in extreme environments and the approaches to
      evaluating emotions. Moreover, the review concludes with suggested future
      research on emotion during spaceflight and its analogs. These data and
      information are needed to plan for the exploration of the Moon and Mars, along
      with contributions to the construction of the international space station (ISS)
      and astronaut training. 

PMID- 27134752
TI  - Effects of geolocators on hatching success, return rates, breeding movements, and
      change in body mass in 16 species of Arctic-breeding shorebirds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Geolocators are useful for tracking movements of long-distance
      migrants, but potential negative effects on birds have not been well studied. We
      tested for effects of geolocators (0.8-2.0 g total, representing 0.1-3.9 % of
      mean body mass) on 16 species of migratory shorebirds, including five species
      with 2-4 subspecies each for a total of 23 study taxa. Study species spanned a
      range of body sizes (26-1091 g) and eight genera, and were tagged at 23 breeding
      and eight nonbreeding sites. We compared breeding performance and return rates of
      birds with geolocators to control groups while controlling for potential
      confounding variables. RESULTS: We detected negative effects of tags for three
      small-bodied species. Geolocators reduced annual return rates for two of 23 taxa:
      by 63 % for semipalmated sandpipers and by 43 % for the arcticola subspecies of
      dunlin. High resighting effort for geolocator birds could have masked additional
      negative effects. Geolocators were more likely to negatively affect return rates
      if the total mass of geolocators and color markers was 2.5-5.8 % of body mass
      than if tags were 0.3-2.3 % of body mass. Carrying a geolocator reduced nest
      success by 42 % for semipalmated sandpipers and tripled the probability of
      partial clutch failure in semipalmated and western sandpipers. Geolocators
      mounted perpendicular to the leg on a flag had stronger negative effects on nest
      success than geolocators mounted parallel to the leg on a band. However, parallel
      band geolocators were more likely to reduce return rates and cause injuries to
      the leg. No effects of geolocators were found on breeding movements or changes in
      body mass. Among-site variation in geolocator effect size was high, suggesting
      that local factors were important. CONCLUSIONS: Negative effects of geolocators
      occurred only for three of the smallest species in our dataset, but were
      substantial when present. Future studies could mitigate impacts of tags by
      reducing protruding parts and minimizing use of additional markers. Investigators
      could maximize recovery of tags by strategically deploying geolocators on males,
      previously marked individuals, and successful breeders, though targeting subsets
      of a population could bias the resulting migratory movement data in some species.

PMID- 27134756
TI  - Biomimetic substrate control of cellular mechanotransduction.
AB  - Extracellular mechanophysical signals from both static substrate cue and dynamic
      mechanical loading have strong potential to regulate cell functions. Most of the
      studies have adopted either static or dynamic cue and shown that each cue can
      regulate cell adhesion, spreading, migration, proliferation, lineage commitment,
      and differentiation. However, there is limited information on the integrative
      control of cell functions by the static and dynamic mechanophysical signals. For
      example, a majority of dynamic loading studies have tested mechanical stimulation
      of cells utilizing cultures on flat surfaces without any surface modification.
      While these approaches have provided significant information on cell
      mechanotransduction, obtained outcomes may not correctly recapitulate complex
      cellular mechanosensing milieus in vivo. Several pioneering studies documented
      cellular response to mechanical stimulations upon cultures with biomimetic
      substrate modifications. In this min-review, we will highlight key findings on
      the integrative role of substrate cue (topographic, geometric, etc.) and
      mechanical stimulation (stretch, fluid shear) in modulating cell function and
      fate. The integrative approaches, though not fully established yet, will help
      properly understand cell mechanotransduction under biomimetic mechanophysical
      environments. This may further lead to advanced functional tissue engineering and
      regenerative medicine protocols. 

PMID- 27134757
TI  - Frequency of Factors that Complicate the Identification of Mild Traumatic Brain
      Injury in Level I Trauma Center Patients.
AB  - AIM: Determine the frequency of factors that complicate identification of mild
      traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in emergency department (ED) patients. SETTING:
      Chart review. MATERIALS & METHODS: Records of 3,042 patients (age 18-45) exposed
      to a potential mechanism of mTBI were reviewed for five common complicating
      factors and signs of mTBI. RESULTS: Most patients (65.1%) had at least one
      complicating factor: given narcotics in the ED (43.7%), on psychotropic
      medication (18.4%), psychiatric diagnosis (15.3%), alcohol consumption near time
      of admission (14.2%), and pre-admission narcotic prescription (8.9%). CONCLUSION:
      Our findings highlight the frequency of these confounding factors in this
      population. Future research should identify how these factors interact with
      performance on assessment measures to improve evidence-based mTBI assessment in
      this population.

PMID- 27134758
TI  - TRIP6 antagonizes the recruitment of A20 and CYLD to TRAF6 to promote the LPA2
      receptor-mediated TRAF6 activation.
AB  - The elevated lysophosphatidic acid signaling has been causally linked to cancer
      associated inflammation and tumorigenesis through upregulation of nuclear factor
      kappaB signaling. However, how this signaling event is regulated has not yet been
      fully understood. Here we demonstrate that TRIP6, an LPA2 receptor-interacting
      adaptor protein, functions as a positive regulator of nuclear factor-kappaB and
      JNK signaling through direct binding to and activation of the E3 ligase TRAF6.
      Upon lysophosphatidic acid stimulation, TRIP6 recruits TRAF6 to the LPA2 receptor
      and promotes lysophosphatidic acid-induced JNK and nuclear factor-kappaB
      activation in a TRAF6-dependent manner. TRIP6 antagonizes the recruitment of
      deubiquitinases A20 and CYLD to TRAF6, thus sustaining the E3 ligase activity of
      TRAF6 and augmenting lysophosphatidic acid-activated nuclear factor-kappaB
      signaling. In contrast, depletion of TRIP6 by TRIP6-specific shRNA or Cas9/sgRNA
      greatly enhances the association of TRAF6 with A20 and CYLD, and attenuates
      lysophosphatidic acid-induced muclear factor-kappaB and JNK/p38 activation in
      ovarian cancer cells. On the other hand, TRAF6 also regulates TRIP6 by
      facilitating its binding to nuclear factor-kappaB p65 and phosphorylation by c
      Src. Together, TRIP6 cooperates with TRAF6 to regulate the LPA2 receptor
      signaling, which may ultimately contribute to chronic inflammation, apoptotic
      resistance and cell invasion.

PMID- 27134759
TI  - Management of failed rotator cuff repair: a systematic review.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Recurrent tear after rotator cuff repair (RCR) is common.
      Conservative, and open and arthroscopic revisions, have been advocated to treat
      these failures. AIM OR OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to
      evaluate the different options for managing recurrent rotator cuff tears.
      EVIDENCE REVIEW: A search was conducted of level I through 4 studies from January
      2000 to October 2015, to identify studies reporting on failed RCR. 10 articles
      were identified. The overall quality of evidence was very low. FINDINGS: Mid-term
      to long-term follow-up of patients treated conservatively revealed acceptable
      results; a persistent defect is a well-tolerated condition that only occasionally
      requires subsequent surgery. Conservative treatment might be indicated in most
      patients, particularly in case of posterosuperior involvement and poor
      preoperative range of motion. Revision surgery might be indicated in a young
      patient with a repairable lesion, a 3 tendon tear, and in those with involvement
      of the subscapularis. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The current review indicates
      that arthroscopic revision RCR can lead to improvement in functional outcome
      despite a high retear rate. Further studies are needed to develop specific
      rehabilitation in the case of primary rotator cuff failure, to better understand
      the place of each treatment option, and, in case of repair, to optimise tendon
      healing.

PMID- 27134760
TI  - Floating Droplet Array: An Ultrahigh-Throughput Device for Droplet Trapping, Real
      time Analysis and Recovery.
AB  - We describe the design, fabrication and use of a dual-layered microfluidic device
      for ultrahigh-throughput droplet trapping, analysis, and recovery using droplet
      buoyancy. To demonstrate the utility of this device for digital quantification of
      analytes, we quantify the number of droplets, which contain a beta-galactosidase
      conjugated bead among more than 100,000 immobilized droplets. In addition, we
      demonstrate that this device can be used for droplet clustering and real-time
      analysis by clustering several droplets together into microwells and monitoring
      diffusion of fluorescein, a product of the enzymatic reaction of beta
      galactosidase and its fluorogenic substrate FDG, between droplets.

PMID- 27134761
TI  - Transforming PICU Culture to Facilitate Early Rehabilitation.
AB  - Children who survive a critical illness are at risk of developing significant,
      long-lasting morbidities that may include neuromuscular weakness, cognitive
      impairments, and new mental health disorders. These morbidities, collectively
      known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), may lead to functional impairments,
      difficulty in school and social settings, and reduced quality of life.
      Interventions aimed at rehabilitation such as early mobilization, sedation
      minimization and prevention of ICU-acquired weakness, delirium, and posttraumatic
      stress disorder may lead to improved clinical outcomes and functional recovery in
      critically ill children. Acute rehabilitation is challenging to implement in a
      pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and a culture change is needed to effect
      widespread transformation in this setting. Our objectives in this article are to
      review the evidence on PICS in children and strategies for affecting culture
      change to facilitate early rehabilitation in the PICU.

PMID- 27134762
TI  - Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Assay to Detect Ethyl Glucuronide
      in Human Fingernail: Comparison to Hair and Gender Differences.
AB  - Over the past decade, the use of hair specimens for the long-term detection of
      the alcohol biomarker ethyl glucuronide has been increasing in popularity and
      usage. We evaluated the usefulness of fingernail clippings as a suitable
      alternative to hair for ethyl glucuronide detection. A liquid chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry method for the detection of ethyl glucuronide in
      fingernail clippings was fully validated and used to analyze the hair and/or
      fingernail specimens of 606 college-aged study participants. The limit of
      detection was 2 pg/mg, the limit of quantitation was 8 pg/mg and the method was
      linear from 8 to 2000 pg/mg. Intra- and inter-assay imprecision studies at three
      different concentrations (20, 40, 200 pg/mg) were all within 7.8% and all intra-
      and inter-assay bias studies at these levels were within 115.1% of target
      concentration. Ethyl glucuronide levels in fingernail (mean = 29.1 +/- 55.6
      pg/mg) were higher than ethyl glucuronide levels in hair (mean = 9.48 +/- 22.3
      pg/mg) and a correlation of the matched pairs was observed (r = 0.552, P < 0.01,
      n = 529). Evaluating each gender separately revealed that the correlation of male
      fingernail to male hair was large and significant (r = 0.782, P < 0.01, n = 195)
      while female hair to female fingernail was small yet significant (r = 0.249, P <
      0.01, n = 334). The study results demonstrated that fingernail may be a suitable
      alternative to hair for ethyl glucuronide detection and may be the preferred
      sample type due to the lack of a gender bias.

PMID- 27134764
TI  - Refined Spruce Resin to Treat Chronic Wounds: Rebirth of an Old Folkloristic
      Therapy.
AB  - Significance: The treatment of chronic wounds results in an enormous drain on
      healthcare resources in terms of workload, costs, frustration, and impaired
      quality of life, and it presents a clinical challenge for physicians worldwide.
      Effective local treatment of a chronic wound has an important role, particularly
      in patients who are-because of their poor general condition, diminished life
      expectancy, or unacceptable operative risk-outside of surgical treatment. Recent
      Advances: Since 2002, our multidisciplinary research group has investigated the
      properties of Norway spruce (Picea abies) resin in wound healing and its
      therapeutic applications in wound care. Resin is a complex mixture of resin acids
      (e.g., abietic, neoabietic, dehydroabietic, pimaric, isopimaric, levopimaric,
      sandrakopimaric, and palustric acids) and lignans (e.g., pino-, larici-,
      matairesinol, and p-hydroxycinnamic acid) having substantial antimicrobial, wound
      healing, and skin regeneration enhancing properties. Critical Issues: The
      cornerstone in successful wound care is an efficient causal treatment of the
      underlying co-morbidities, for example, diabetes, malnutrition, vascular- or
      certain systemic diseases. However, definitive diagnosis and specific therapy of
      a chronic wound is often difficult, because the etiology is practically always
      multi-factorial, and in the chronic phase, confounding factors such as infections
      invariably impede wound healing. Future Directions: To study the exact molecular
      mechanism of actions by which resin promotes cellular regeneration and
      epithelialization during the wound-healing process. To investigate potential
      antimicrobial properties of resin against the most ominous multidrug-resistant
      beta-lactamase (including carbapenemases and metallo-beta-lactamases) producing
      bacteria, and to individualize those pharmacologically active compounds which are
      responsible for the antimicrobial activity of resin.

PMID- 27134763
TI  - The Diabetic Foot: A Historical Overview and Gaps in Current Treatment.
AB  - Significance: The number of patients with diabetes is rapidly increasing around
      the world. A large percentage of this population can be expected to develop
      diabetic ulcers. The economic, social, and public health burden of these ulcers
      is enormous. It is a common problem that is tackled every day by many healthcare
      workers throughout the world. Recent Advances: Many pioneers contributed to the
      good standard of care we have today when treating diabetes and its complications.
      Current treatment of diabetic foot ulcers involves a multidisciplinary team
      approach, controls the underlying disease, and treats the wounds using
      debridement, different wound dressings, and redistributes pressure off the wound.
      Critical Issues: Since the discovery of the association between diabetes and
      gangrene of the foot 160 years ago, there have been developments and milestones
      that are the base of our treatment today. However, with all the modern wound
      treatment available today, there is a group of patients with hard-to-heal ulcers
      who do not seem to respond to the regular treatment. Future Directions: It is
      clear that more research has to be done to improve techniques that will enhance
      wound healing in chronic wounds. Innovative techniques will be discussed and
      outlined in this article.

PMID- 27134766
TI  - Phytochemicals in Wound Healing.
AB  - Significance: Traditional therapies, including the use of dietary components for
      wound healing and skin regeneration, are very common in Asian countries such as
      China and India. The increasing evidence of health-protective benefits of
      phytochemicals, components derived from plants is generating a lot of interest,
      warranting further scientific evaluation and mechanistic studies. Recent
      Advances: Phytochemicals are non-nutritive substances present in plants, and some
      of them have the potential to provide better tissue remodeling when applied on
      wounds and to also act as proangiogenic agents during wound healing. Critical
      Issues: In this review, we briefly discuss the current understanding, important
      molecular targets, and mechanism of action(s) of some of the phytochemicals such
      as curcumin, picroliv, and arnebin-1. We also broadly review the multiple
      pathways that these phytochemicals regulate to enhance wound repair and skin
      regeneration. Future Directions: Recent experimental data on the effects of
      phytochemicals on wound healing and skin regeneration establish the potential
      clinical utility of plant-based compounds. Additional research in order to better
      understand the exact mechanism and potential targets of phytochemicals in skin
      regeneration is needed. Human studies a2nd clinical trials are pivotal to fully
      understand the benefits of phytochemicals in wound healing and skin regeneration.

PMID- 27134765
TI  - Traditional Therapies for Skin Wound Healing.
AB  - Significance: The regeneration of healthy and functional skin remains a huge
      challenge due to its multilayer structure and the presence of different cell
      types within the extracellular matrix in an organized way. Despite recent
      advances in wound care products, traditional therapies based on natural origin
      compounds, such as plant extracts, honey, and larvae, are interesting
      alternatives. These therapies offer new possibilities for the treatment of skin
      diseases, enhancing the access to the healthcare, and allowing overcoming some
      limitations associated to the modern products and therapies, such as the high
      costs, the long manufacturing times, and the increase in the bacterial
      resistance. This article gives a general overview about the recent advances in
      traditional therapies for skin wound healing, focusing on the therapeutic
      activity, action mechanisms, and clinical trials of the most commonly used
      natural compounds. New insights in the combination of traditional products with
      modern treatments and future challenges in the field are also highlighted. Recent
      Advances: Natural compounds have been used in skin wound care for many years due
      to their therapeutic activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and
      cell-stimulating properties. The clinical efficacy of these compounds has been
      investigated through in vitro and in vivo trials using both animal models and
      humans. Besides the important progress regarding the development of novel
      extraction methods, purification procedures, quality control assessment, and
      treatment protocols, the exact mechanisms of action, side effects, and safety of
      these compounds need further research. Critical Issues: The repair of skin
      lesions is one of the most complex biological processes in humans, occurring
      throughout an orchestrated cascade of overlapping biochemical and cellular
      events. To stimulate the regeneration process and prevent the wound to fail the
      healing, traditional therapies and natural products have been used with promising
      results. Although these products are in general less expensive than the modern
      treatments, they can be sensitive to the geographic location and season, and
      exhibit batch-to-batch variation, which can lead to unexpected allergic
      reactions, side effects, and contradictory clinical results. Future Directions:
      The scientific evidence for the use of traditional therapies in wound healing
      indicates beneficial effects in the treatment of different lesions. However,
      specific challenges remain unsolved. To extend the efficacy and the usage of
      natural substances in wound care, multidisciplinary efforts are necessary to
      prove the safety of these products, investigate their side effects, and develop
      standard controlled trials. The development of good manufacturing practices and
      regulatory legislation also assume a pivotal role in order to improve the use of
      traditional therapies by the clinicians and to promote their integration into the
      national health system. Current trends move to the development of innovative
      wound care treatments, combining the use of traditional healing agents and modern
      products/practices, such as nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles, Aloe vera
      loaded into alginate hydrogels, propolis into dressing films, and hydrogel sheets
      containing honey.

PMID- 27134768
TI  - Airborne copper exposure in school environments associated with poorer motor
      performance and altered basal ganglia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Children are more vulnerable to the effects of environmental
      elements. A variety of air pollutants are among the identified factors causing
      neural damage at toxic concentrations. It is not obvious, however, to what extent
      the tolerated high levels of air pollutants are able to alter brain development.
      We have specifically investigated the neurotoxic effects of airborne copper
      exposure in school environments. METHODS: Speed and consistency of motor response
      were assessed in 2836 children aged from 8 to 12 years. Anatomical MRI, diffusion
      tensor imaging, and functional MRI were used to directly test the brain
      repercussions in a subgroup of 263 children. RESULTS: Higher copper exposure was
      associated with poorer motor performance and altered structure of the basal
      ganglia. Specifically, the architecture of the caudate nucleus region was less
      complete in terms of both tissue composition and neural track water diffusion.
      Functional MRI consistently showed a reciprocal connectivity reduction between
      the caudate nucleus and the frontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS: The results establish an
      association between environmental copper exposure in children and alterations of
      basal ganglia structure and function.

PMID- 27134767
TI  - Genome-wide time-to-event analysis on smoking progression stages in a family
      based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various pivotal stages in smoking behavior can be identified,
      including initiation, conversion from experimenting to established use,
      development of tolerance, and cessation. Previous studies have shown high
      heritability for age of smoking initiation and cessation; however, time-to-event
      genome-wide association studies aiming to identify underpinning genes that
      accelerate or delay these transitions are missing to date. METHODS: We
      investigated which single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the whole genome
      contribute to the hazard ratio of transition between different stages of smoking
      behavior by performing time-to-event analyses within a large Finnish twin family
      cohort (N = 1962), and further conducted mediation analyses of plausible
      intermediate traits for significant SNPs. RESULTS: Genome-wide significant
      signals were detected for three of the four transitions: (1) for smoking
      cessation on 10p14 (P = 4.47e-08 for rs72779075 flanked by RP11-575N15 and
      GATA3), (2) for tolerance on 11p13 (P = 1.29e-08 for rs11031684 in RP1-65P5.1),
      mediated by smoking quantity, and on 9q34.12 (P = 3.81e-08 for rs2304808 in
      FUBP3), independent of smoking quantity, and (3) for smoking initiation on
      19q13.33 (P = 3.37e-08 for rs73050610 flanked by TRPM4 and SLC6A16) in analysis
      adjusted for first time sensations. Although our top SNPs did not replicate,
      another SNP in the TRPM4-SLC6A16 gene region showed statistically significant
      association after region-based multiple testing correction in an independent
      Australian twin family sample. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the
      functional effect of the TRPM4-SLC6A16 gene region deserves further
      investigation, and that complex neurotransmitter networks including dopamine and
      glutamate may play a critical role in smoking initiation. Moreover, comparison of
      these results implies that genetic contributions to the complex smoking
      behavioral phenotypes vary among the transitions.

PMID- 27134769
TI  - Exercise therapy improves aerobic capacity of inpatients with major depressive
      disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unipolar depression is one of the most common diseases worldwide and
      is associated with a higher cardiovascular risk partly due to reduced aerobic
      capacity. OBJECTIVES: Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine whether a
      structured aerobic training program can improve aerobic capacity in inpatients
      with MDD (major depressive disorder). METHODS: Overall, 25 patients (13 women, 12
      men) diagnosed with MDD were included in the study. Parameters of aerobic
      capacity, such as maximum performance, maximum oxygen consumption, and VAT
      (ventilatory anaerobic threshold), were assessed on a bicycle ergometer before
      and 6 weeks after a training period (three times per week for 45 min on two
      endurance machines). In addition, a constant load test was carried out at 50% of
      the maximum performance prior to and after the training period. The performance
      data were compared with 25 healthy controls matched for sex, age, and body mass
      index before and after the training period. RESULTS: Compared to controls,
      patients with MDD had significantly lower aerobic capacity. After training, there
      was a significant improvement in their performance data. A significant difference
      remained only for VAT between patients with MDD and healthy controls. CONCLUSION:
      With regard to the coincidence of MDD with cardiovascular and cardiometabolic
      disorders, a structured supervised exercise program carried out during
      hospitalization is a useful supplement for patients with MDD.

PMID- 27134770
TI  - Diaphragm assessment in mice overexpressing phospholamban in slow-twitch type I
      muscle fibers.
AB  - AIMS: Phospholamban (PLN) and sarcolipin (SLN) are small inhibitory proteins that
      regulate the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) pump. Previous
      work from our laboratory revealed that in the soleus and gluteus minimus muscles
      of mice overexpressing PLN (Pln (OE)), SERCA function was impaired, dynamin 2 (3
      5 fold) and SLN (7-9 fold) were upregulated, and features of human centronuclear
      myopathy (CNM) were observed. Here, we performed structural and functional
      experiments to evaluate whether the diaphragm muscles of the Pln (OE) mouse would
      exhibit CNM pathology and muscle weakness. METHODS: Diaphragm muscles from Pln
      (OE) and WT mice were subjected to histological/histochemical/immunofluorescent
      staining, Ca(2+)-ATPase and Ca(2+) uptake assays, Western blotting, and in vitro
      electrical stimulation. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that PLN overexpression
      reduced SERCA's apparent affinity for Ca(2+) but did not reduce maximal SERCA
      activity or rates of Ca(2+) uptake. SLN was upregulated 2.5-fold, whereas no
      changes in dynamin 2 expression were found. With respect to CNM, we did not
      observe type I fiber predominance, central nuclei, or central aggregation of
      oxidative activity in diaphragm, although type I fiber hypotrophy was present.
      Furthermore, in vitro contractility assessment of Pln (OE) diaphragm strips
      revealed no reductions in force-generating capacity, maximal rates of relaxation
      or force development, but did indicate that 1/2 relaxation time was prolonged.
      CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the effects of PLN overexpression on skeletal muscle
      phenotype differ between diaphragm and the postural soleus and gluteus minimus
      muscles. Our findings here point to differences in SLN expression and type I
      fiber distribution as potential contributing factors.

PMID- 27134773
TI  - Kienbock Disease: Last Frontier of the Wrist.

PMID- 27134771
TI  - Relationship between dyslipidemia and carotid plaques in a high-stroke-risk
      population in Shandong Province, China.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The precise associations between stroke and carotid plaques and
      dyslipidemia are unclear. This population-based study aimed to examine the
      relationship between carotid plaques and dyslipidemia in a high-stroke-risk
      population. METHODS: Ultrasonography of left and right carotid arteries was
      conducted in 22,222 participants in a second screening survey of individuals with
      high stroke risk. Subjects were divided into two groups according to the presence
      or absence of carotid plaques. Blood TC (total cholesterol), TG (total
      triglycerides), and LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels were
      recorded. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis, controlled for
      gender, age, education, geographic region, smoking, exercise, and overweight
      (Model 2), identified TG as a predictor of carotid-plaque risk (odds ratio [OR] =
      1.109, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.038-1.185, P = 0.002), and the association
      between carotid plaques and LDL-C (OR = 0.967, 95%CI: 0.949-0.994, P = 0.019) was
      less significant, whereas there was no association between carotid plaques and TC
      (OR = 1.002, 95%CI: 0.932-1.007, P = 0.958). After additional adjustment for
      hypertension, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation (Model 3), TG remained a risk
      factor for carotid plaques (OR = 1.086, 95%CI: 1.016-1.161, P = 0.015), but no
      associations were observed between carotid plaques and LDL-C (OR = 0.972, 95%CI:
      0.910-1.038, P = 0.394) or TC (OR = 1.003, 95%CI: 0.933-1.079, P = 0.928). Only
      the association between TG and carotid plaques (OR = 1.084, 95%CI: 1.014-1.159, P
      = 0.017) was independent of all covariates (covariates in Model 3 plus history of
      stroke or transient ischemic attack, and stroke family history) in Model 4.
      CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that TG was an independent risk factor for
      carotid plaques in high-risk population for stroke, whereas LDL-C and TC were not
      associated with the appearance of carotid plaques independently.

PMID- 27134772
TI  - Food-derived hydrophilic antioxidant ergothioneine is distributed to the brain
      and exerts antidepressant effect in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinically used antidepressants suffer from various side effects.
      Therefore, we searched for a safe antidepressant with minimal side effects among
      food ingredients that are distributed to the brain. Here, we focused on ERGO
      (ergothioneine), which is a hydrophilic antioxidant and contained at high levels
      in edible golden oyster mushrooms. ERGO is a typical substrate of
      carnitine/organic cation transporter OCTN1/SLC22A4, which is expressed in the
      brain and neuronal stem cells, although little is known about its permeation
      through the BBB (blood-brain barrier) or its neurological activity. METHODS: To
      clarify the exposure of ERGO to brain and the possible antidepressant-like effect
      after oral ingestion, ERGO or GOME (golden oyster mushroom extract) which
      contains 1.2% (w/w) ERGO was mixed with feed and provided to mice for 2 weeks,
      and then ERGO concentration and antidepressant-like effect were evaluated by LC
      MS/MS and FST (forced swimming test) or TST (tail suspension test), respectively.
      RESULTS: Diet containing ERGO or GOME greatly increased the ERGO concentrations
      in plasma and brain, and significantly decreased the immobility time in both FST
      and TST. The required amount of GOME (~37 mg/day) to show the antidepressant-like
      effect corresponds to at most 8 g/day in humans. In mice receiving GOME
      containing diet, doublecortin-positive cells showed a significant increase from
      the basal level, suggesting promotion of neuronal differentiation. CONCLUSION:
      Thus, orally ingested ERGO is transported across the BBB into the brain, where it
      may promote neuronal differentiation and alleviate symptoms of depression at
      plausibly achieved level of daily ingestion.

PMID- 27134774
TI  - The 24-2 Visual Field Test Misses Central Macular Damage Confirmed by the 10-2
      Visual Field Test and Optical Coherence Tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the extent to which the 24-2 visual field (VF) misses
      macular damage confirmed with both 10-2 VF and optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      tests and to evaluate the patterns of damage missed. METHODS: One hundred forty
      one eyes of 141 glaucoma patients or suspects underwent 24-2 VF (mean deviation
      [MD] better than -6 dB), 10-2 VF, and OCT testing. Retinal nerve fiber layer
      (RNFL) and retinal ganglion cell plus inner plexiform (RGC+) probability plots
      were combined with 10-2 VF probability plots. Eyes were classified as "abnormal
      macula" if abnormal regions on both the 10-2 VF and OCT plots agreed. The number
      of abnormal eyes missed (i.e., false negatives) was determined for the following
      24-2 VF metrics: MD; pattern standard deviation (PSD); glaucoma hemifield test
      (GHT); cluster criteria (CC); and abnormal points within +/- 10 degrees . Eyes
      that were missed on one or more of the 24-2 metrics were classified by damage
      type based upon circumpapillary RNFL thickness plots. RESULTS: Fifty-nine (41.8%)
      eyes were classified as "abnormal macula," and comprised the reference standard.
      Of the 59, 31 (52.5%) were missed by one or more of the 24-2 metrics. The
      individual 24-2 metrics missed between 7 (CC) and 20 (MD) eyes. The eyes missed
      had widespread macular damage, as well as both shallow and deep local defects.
      CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with macular glaucomatous damage may be classified as normal
      based on the 24-2 VF alone. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: To detect macular damage
      with perimetry, the 10-2 VF test (or a modified 24-2 VF test) is essential.

PMID- 27134775
TI  - Suitability of a Low-Cost, Handheld, Nonmydriatic Retinograph for Diabetic
      Retinopathy Diagnosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: We assessed the suitability of a low-cost, handheld, nonmydriatic
      retinograph, namely the Horus DEC 200, for diabetic retinopathy (DR) diagnosis.
      Two factors were considered: ease of image acquisition and image quality.
      METHODS: One operator acquired fundus photographs from 54 patients using the
      Horus and AFC-330, a more expensive, nonportable retinograph. Satisfaction
      surveys were filled out by patients. Then, two retinologists subjectively
      assessed image quality and graded DR severity in one eye of each patient.
      Objective image quality indices also were computed. RESULTS: During image
      acquisitions, patients had difficulty locating the fixation target inside the
      Horus: by default, 53.7% of them had to fixate external points with the
      contralateral eye, as opposed to none of them using the AFC-330 (P < 0.0001).
      This issue impacted the duration of image acquisitions. Images obtained by the
      Horus were of significantly lower quality according to the experts (P = 0.0002
      and P = 0.0004) and to the objective criterion (P < 0.0001). As a result, up to
      20.4% of eyes were inadequate for interpretation, as opposed to 9.3% using the
      AFC-330. However, no significant difference was found in terms of DR severity
      according to both experts (P = 0.557 and P = 0.156). CONCLUSIONS: The Horus can
      be used to screen DR, but at the cost of longer examination times and higher
      proportions of patients referred to an ophthalmologist due to inadequate image
      quality. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: The Horus is adequate to screen DR, for
      instance in primary care centers or in mobile imaging units.

PMID- 27134776
TI  - An Iterative Image Registration Algorithm by Optimizing Similarity Measurement.
AB  - A new registration algorithm based on Newton-Raphson iteration is proposed to
      align images with rigid body transformation. A set of transformation parameters
      consisting of translation in x and y and rotation angle around z is calculated by
      optimizing a specified similarity metric using the Newton-Raphson method. This
      algorithm has been tested by registering and correlating pairs of topography
      measurements of nominally identical NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM 2461)
      standard cartridge cases, and very good registration accuracy has been obtained.

PMID- 27134777
TI  - Comparison Between the NIST and the KEBS for the Determination of Air Kerma
      Calibration Coefficients for Narrow X-Ray Spectra and (137)Cs Gamma-Ray Beams.
AB  - Air kerma calibration coefficients for a reference class ionization chamber from
      narrow x-ray spectra and cesium 137 gamma-ray beams were compared between the
      National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Kenya Bureau of
      Standards (KEBS). A NIST reference-class transfer ionization chamber was
      calibrated by each laboratory in terms of the quantity air kerma in four x-ray
      reference radiation beams of energies between 80 kV and 150 kV and in a cesium
      137 gamma-ray beam. The reference radiation qualities used for this comparison
      are described in detail in the ISO 4037 publication.[1] The comparison began in
      September 2008 and was completed in March 2009. The results reveal the degree to
      which the participating calibration facility can demonstrate proficiency in
      transferring air kerma calibrations under the conditions of the said facility at
      the time of the measurements. The comparison of the calibration coefficients is
      based on the average ratios of calibration coefficients.

PMID- 27134778
TI  - Improving Interoperability by Incorporating UnitsML Into Markup Languages.
AB  - Maintaining the integrity of analytical data over time is a challenge. Years ago,
      data were recorded on paper that was pasted directly into a laboratory notebook.
      The digital age has made maintaining the integrity of data harder. Nowadays,
      digitized analytical data are often separated from information about how the
      sample was collected and prepared for analysis and how the data were acquired.
      The data are stored on digital media, while the related information about the
      data may be written in a paper notebook or stored separately in other digital
      files. Sometimes the connection between this "scientific meta-data" and the
      analytical data is lost, rendering the spectrum or chromatogram useless. We have
      been working with ASTM Subcommittee E13.15 on Analytical Data to create the
      Analytical Information Markup Language or AnIML-a new way to interchange and
      store spectroscopy and chromatography data based on XML (Extensible Markup
      Language). XML is a language for describing what data are by enclosing them in
      computer-useable tags. Recording the units associated with the analytical data
      and metadata is an essential issue for any data representation scheme that must
      be addressed by all domain-specific markup languages. As scientific markup
      languages proliferate, it is very desirable to have a single scheme for handling
      units to facilitate moving information between different data domains. At NIST,
      we have been developing a general markup language just for units that we call
      UnitsML. This presentation will describe how UnitsML is used and how it is being
      incorporated into AnIML.

PMID- 27134779
TI  - Assessment of Uncertainties for the NIST 1016 mm Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus:
      Extended Analysis for Low-Density Fibrous-Glass Thermal Insulation.
AB  - An assessment of uncertainties for the National Institute of Standards and
      Technology (NIST) 1016 mm Guarded-Hot-Plate apparatus is presented. The
      uncertainties are reported in a format consistent with current NIST policy on the
      expression of measurement uncertainty. The report describes a procedure for
      determination of component uncertainties for thermal conductivity and thermal
      resistance for the apparatus under operation in either the double-sided or single
      sided mode of operation. An extensive example for computation of uncertainties
      for the single-sided mode of operation is provided for a low-density fibrous
      glass blanket thermal insulation. For this material, the relative expanded
      uncertainty for thermal resistance increases from 1 % for a thickness of 25.4 mm
      to 3 % for a thickness of 228.6 mm. Although these uncertainties have been
      developed for a particular insulation material, the procedure and, to a lesser
      extent, the results are applicable to other insulation materials measured at a
      mean temperature close to 297 K (23.9  degrees C, 75  degrees F). The analysis
      identifies dominant components of uncertainty and, thus, potential areas for
      future improvement in the measurement process. For the NIST 1016 mm Guarded-Hot
      Plate apparatus, considerable improvement, especially at higher values of thermal
      resistance, may be realized by developing better control strategies for guarding
      that include better measurement techniques for the guard gap thermopile voltage
      and the temperature sensors.

PMID- 27134780
TI  - Polyelectrolyte Multilayer-Treated Electrodes for Real-Time Electronic Sensing of
      Cell Proliferation.
AB  - We report on the use of polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coatings as a non
      biological surface preparation to facilitate uniform cell attachment and growth
      on patterned thin-film gold (Au) electrodes on glass for impedance-based
      measurements. Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are commonly utilized as cell
      adhesion promoters for electrodes; however, they exhibit degradation over time,
      thereby imposing limitations on the duration of conductance-based biosensor
      experiments. The motivation for the use of PEM coatings arises from their long
      term surface stability as promoters for cell attachment, patterning, and culture.
      In this work, a cell proliferation monitoring device was fabricated. It consisted
      of thin-film Au electrodes deposited with a titanium-tungsten (TiW) adhesion
      layer that were patterned on a glass substrate and passivated to create active
      electrode areas. The electrode surfaces were then treated with a
      poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) anchoring layer and subsequent bilayers of sodium
      poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). NIH-3T3
      mouse embryonic fibroblast cells were cultured on the device, observed by optical
      microscopy, and showed uniform growth characteristics similar to those observed
      on a traditional polystyrene cell culture dish. The optical observations were
      correlated to electrical measurements on the PEM-treated electrodes, which
      exhibited a rise in impedance with cell proliferation and stabilized to an
      approximate 15 % increase as the culture approached confluency. In conclusion,
      cells proliferate uniformly over gold and glass PEM-treated surfaces, making them
      useful for continuous impedance-based, real-time monitoring of cell proliferation
      and for the determination of cell growth rate in cellular assays.

PMID- 27134781
TI  - NIST Gas Hydrate Research Database and Web Dissemination Channel.
AB  - To facilitate advances in application of technologies pertaining to gas hydrates,
      a freely available data resource containing experimentally derived information
      about those materials was developed. This work was performed by the Thermodynamic
      Research Center (TRC) paralleling a highly successful database of thermodynamic
      and transport properties of molecular pure compounds and their mixtures.
      Population of the gas-hydrates database required development of guided data
      capture (GDC) software designed to convert experimental data and metadata into a
      well organized electronic format, as well as a relational database schema to
      accommodate all types of numerical and metadata within the scope of the project.
      To guarantee utility for the broad gas hydrate research community, TRC worked
      closely with the Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA) task group
      for Data on Natural Gas Hydrates, an international data sharing effort, in
      developing a gas hydrate markup language (GHML). The fruits of these efforts are
      disseminated through the NIST Sandard Reference Data Program [1] as the Clathrate
      Hydrate Physical Property Database (SRD #156). A web-based interface for this
      database, as well as scientific results from the Mallik 2002 Gas Hydrate
      Production Research Well Program [2], is deployed at http://gashydrates.nist.gov.

PMID- 27134782
TI  - Development and Demonstration of a Method to Evaluate Bio-Sampling Strategies
      Using Building Simulation and Sample Planning Software.
AB  - In an effort to validate and demonstrate response and recovery sampling
      approaches and technologies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS),
      along with several other agencies, have simulated a biothreat agent release
      within a facility at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) on two separate occasions in
      the fall of 2007 and the fall of 2008. Because these events constitute only two
      realizations of many possible scenarios, increased understanding of sampling
      strategies can be obtained by virtually examining a wide variety of release and
      dispersion scenarios using computer simulations. This research effort
      demonstrates the use of two software tools, CONTAM, developed by the National
      Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Visual Sample Plan (VSP),
      developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The CONTAM modeling
      software was used to virtually contaminate a model of the INL test building under
      various release and dissemination scenarios as well as a range of building design
      and operation parameters. The results of these CONTAM simulations were then used
      to investigate the relevance and performance of various sampling strategies using
      VSP. One of the fundamental outcomes of this project was the demonstration of how
      CONTAM and VSP can be used together to effectively develop sampling plans to
      support the various stages of response to an airborne chemical, biological,
      radiological, or nuclear event. Following such an event (or prior to an event),
      incident details and the conceptual site model could be used to create an
      ensemble of CONTAM simulations which model contaminant dispersion within a
      building. These predictions could then be used to identify priority area zones
      within the building and then sampling designs and strategies could be developed
      based on those zones.

PMID- 27134783
TI  - Estimating Volumes of Near-Spherical Molded Artifacts.
AB  - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting research on developing
      reference lung cancer lesions, called phantoms, to test computed tomography (CT)
      scanners and their software. FDA loaned two semi-spherical phantoms to the
      National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), called Green and Pink, and
      asked to have the phantoms' volumes estimated. This report describes in detail
      both the metrology and computational methods used to estimate the phantoms'
      volumes. Three sets of coordinate measuring machine (CMM) measured data were
      produced. One set of data involved reference surface data measurements of a known
      calibrated metal sphere. The other two sets were measurements of the two FDA
      phantoms at two densities, called the coarse set and the dense set. Two
      computational approaches were applied to the data. In the first approach
      spherical models were fit to the calibrated sphere data and to the phantom data.
      The second approach was to model the data points on the boundaries of the spheres
      with surface B-splines and then use the Divergence Theorem to estimate the
      volumes. Fitting a B-spline model to the calibrated sphere data was done as a
      reference check on the algorithm performance. It gave assurance that the volumes
      estimated for the phantoms would be meaningful. The results for the coarse and
      dense data sets tended to predict the volumes as expected and the results did
      show that the Green phantom was very near spherical. This was confirmed by both
      computational methods. The spherical model did not fit the Pink phantom as well
      and the B-spline approach provided a better estimate of the volume in that case.

PMID- 27134785
TI  - Precision and Accuracy in Scientific Imaging.
AB  - Digital images are commonly used to represent scientific data. Typically, high
      resolution images with many square pixels are considered to be necessary under
      the assumption that the increased precision of such images yields increased
      accuracy to the viewer. We question this assumption by demonstrating improved
      accuracy in viewing digital images without requiring increased resolution by
      demonstrating how pixels with variable shapes chosen to best represent an image
      constitute a significant improvement over the square pixels in enhancing the
      accuracy of viewing such digital images.

PMID- 27134784
TI  - Linking the Results of CIPM and RMO Key Comparisons With Linear Trends.
AB  - A statistical approach to link the results of interlaboratory comparisons with
      linear trends is proposed. This approach can be applied to the case that the
      comparison artifacts have the same nominal values or the measured quantities have
      the same magnitudes. The degrees of equivalence between the pairs of National
      Metrology Institutes that have not participated in the same comparisons, and
      their corresponding uncertainties are established. The approach is applied to
      link the CCEM-K2 and SIM.EM-K2 comparisons for resistance at 1 G Omega level.

PMID- 27134786
TI  - Interim Report on the Examination of Corrosion Damage in Homes Constructed With
      Imported Wallboard: Examination of Samples Received September 28, 2009.
AB  - Since many household systems are fabricated out of metallic materials, changes to
      the household environment that accelerate corrosion rates will increase the
      frequency of failures in these systems. Recently, it has been reported that homes
      constructed with imported wallboard have increased failure rates in appliances,
      air conditioner heat exchanger coils, and visible corrosion on electrical wiring
      and other metal components. At the request of the Consumer Product Safety
      Commission (CPSC), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
      became involved through the Interagency Agreement CPSC-1-09-0023 to perform
      metallurgical analyses on samples and corrosion products removed from homes
      constructed using imported wallboard. This document reports on the analysis of
      the first group of samples received by NIST from CPSC. The samples received by
      NIST on September 28, 2009 consisted of copper tubing for supplying natural gas
      and two air conditioner heat exchanger coils. The examinations performed by NIST
      consisted of photography, metallurgical cross-sectioning, optical microscopy,
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Leak tests were
      also performed on the air conditioner heat exchanger coils. The objective of
      these examinations was to determine extent and nature of the corrosive attack,
      the chemical composition of the corrosion product, and the potential chemical
      reactions or environmental species responsible for accelerated corrosion. A thin
      black corrosion product was found on samples of the copper tubing. The XRD
      analysis of this layer indicated that this corrosion product was a copper sulfide
      phase and the diffraction peaks corresponded with those for the mineral digenite
      (Cu9S5). Corrosion products were also observed on other types of metals in the
      air conditioner coils where condensation would frequently wet the metals. The
      thickness of the corrosion product layer on a copper natural gas supply pipe with
      a wall thickness of 1.2 mm +/- 0.2 mm was between 5 MUm and 10 MUm. These results
      indicate that a chemical compound that contains reduced sulfur, such as hydrogen
      sulfide (H2S), is present in the environment to which these samples were exposed.
      The literature indicates that these species strongly influence corrosion rates of
      most metals and alloys even at low concentrations. None of the samples examined
      were failed components, and no evidence of imminent failure was found on any of
      the samples examined. All of the corrosion damage observed to date is consistent
      with a general attack form of corrosion that will progress in a uniform and
      relatively predictable manner. No evidence of localized attack was found, but
      these forms of attack typically require an incubation period before they
      initiate. Therefore, the number of samples examined to date is too small to draw
      a conclusion on the relative probability of these forms of corrosion being able
      to cause or not cause failure. Samples from failed systems or from laboratory
      tests conducted over a wide range of metallurgical and environmental conditions
      will be required to assess the probability of these other forms of corrosion
      causing failure.

PMID- 27134788
TI  - Introduction to the Special Issue: Dental Chemistry of Calcium Phosphates.

PMID- 27134787
TI  - Software Assurance Using Structured Assurance Case Models.
AB  - Software assurance is an important part of the software development process to
      reduce risks and ensure that the software is dependable and trustworthy. Software
      defects and weaknesses can often lead to software errors and failures and to
      exploitation by malicious users. Testing, certification and accreditation have
      been traditionally used in the software assurance process to attempt to improve
      software trustworthiness. In this paper, we examine a methodology known as a
      structured assurance model, which has been widely used for assuring system
      safety, for its potential application to software assurance. We describe the
      structured assurance model and examine its application and use for software
      assurance. We identify strengths and weaknesses of this approach and suggest
      areas for further investigation and testing.

PMID- 27134789
TI  - Measuring Scale Errors in a Laser Tracker's Horizontal Angle Encoder Through
      Simple Length Measurement and Two-Face System Tests.
AB  - We describe a method to estimate the scale errors in the horizontal angle encoder
      of a laser tracker in this paper. The method does not require expensive
      instrumentation such as a rotary stage or even a calibrated artifact. An
      uncalibrated but stable length is realized between two targets mounted on stands
      that are at tracker height. The tracker measures the distance between these two
      targets from different azimuthal positions (say, in intervals of 20 degrees  over
      360 degrees ). Each target is measured in both front face and back face. Low
      order harmonic scale errors can be estimated from this data and may then be used
      to correct the encoder's error map to improve the tracker's angle measurement
      accuracy. We have demonstrated this for the second order harmonic in this paper.
      It is important to compensate for even order harmonics as their influence cannot
      be removed by averaging front face and back face measurements whereas odd orders
      can be removed by averaging. We tested six trackers from three different
      manufacturers. Two of those trackers are newer models introduced at the time of
      writing of this paper. For older trackers from two manufacturers, the length
      errors in a 7.75 m horizontal length placed 7 m away from a tracker were of the
      order of +/- 65 MUm before correcting the error map. They reduced to less than +/
      25 MUm after correcting the error map for second order scale errors. Newer
      trackers from the same manufacturers did not show this error. An older tracker
      from a third manufacturer also did not show this error.

PMID- 27134791
TI  - Evaluation of the Propensity of Niobium to Absorb Hydrogen During Fabrication of
      Superconducting Radio Frequency Cavities for Particle Accelerators.
AB  - During the fabrication of niobium superconducting radio frequency (SRF) particle
      accelerator cavities procedures are used that chemically or mechanically remove
      the passivating surface film of niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5). Removal of this film
      will expose the underlying niobium metal and allow it to react with the
      processing environment. If these reactions produce hydrogen at sufficient
      concentrations and rates, then hydrogen will be absorbed and diffuse into the
      metal. High hydrogen activities could result in supersaturation and the
      nucleation of hydride phases. If the metal repassivates at the conclusion of the
      processing step and the passive film blocks hydrogen egress, then the absorbed
      hydrogen or hydrides could be retained and alter the performance of the metal
      during subsequent processing steps or in-service. This report examines the
      feasibility of this hypothesis by first identifying the postulated events,
      conditions, and reactions and then determining if each is consistent with
      accepted scientific principles, literature, and data. Established precedent for
      similar events in other systems was found in the scientific literature and
      thermodynamic analysis found that the postulated reactions were not only
      energetically favorable, but produced large driving forces. The hydrogen activity
      or fugacity required for the reactions to be at equilibrium was determined to
      indicate the propensity for hydrogen evolution, absorption, and hydride
      nucleation. The influence of processing conditions and kinetics on the proximity
      of hydrogen surface coverage to these theoretical values is discussed. This
      examination found that the hypothesis of hydrogen absorption during SRF
      processing is consistent with published scientific literature and thermodynamic
      principles.

PMID- 27134790
TI  - MEMS Young's Modulus and Step Height Measurements With Round Robin Results.
AB  - This paper presents the results of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
      Young's modulus and step height round robin experiment, completed in April 2009,
      which compares Young's modulus and step height measurement results at a number of
      laboratories. The purpose of the round robin was to provide data for the
      precision and bias statements of two ? related Semiconductor Equipment and
      Materials International (SEMI) standard test methods for MEMS. The technical
      basis for the test methods on Young's modulus and step height measurements are
      also provided in this paper. Using the same test method, the goal of the round
      robin was to assess the repeatability of measurements at one laboratory, by the
      same operator, with the same equipment, in the shortest practical period of time
      as well as the reproducibility of measurements with independent data sets from
      unique combinations of measurement setups and researchers. Both the repeatability
      and reproducibility measurements were done on random test structures made of the
      same homogeneous material. The average repeatability Young's modulus value (as
      obtained from resonating oxide cantilevers) was 64.2 GPa with 95 % limits of +/-
      10.3 % and an average combined standard uncertainty value of 3.1 GPa. The average
      reproducibility Young's modulus value was 62.8 GPa with 95 % limits of +/- 11.0 %
      and an average combined standard uncertainty value of 3.0 GPa. The average
      repeatability step height value (for a metal2-over-poly1 step from active area to
      field oxide) was 0.477 MUm with 95 % limits of 7.9 % and an average combined
      standard uncertainty value of 0.014 MUm. The average reproducibility step height
      value was 0.481 MUm with 95 % limits of +/- 6.2 % and an average combined
      standard uncertainty value of 0.014 MUm. In summary, this paper demonstrates that
      a reliable methodology can be used to measure Young's modulus and step height.
      Furthermore, a micro and nano technology (MNT) 5-in-1 standard reference material
      (SRM) can be used by industry to compare their in-house measurements using this
      methodology with NIST measurements thereby validating their use of the
      documentary standards.

PMID- 27134792
TI  - Analysis of Pipeline Steel Corrosion Data From NBS (NIST) Studies Conducted
      Between 1922-1940 and Relevance to Pipeline Management.
AB  - Between 1911 and 1984, the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) conducted a large
      number of corrosion studies that included the measurement of corrosion damage to
      samples exposed to real-world environments. One of these studies was an
      investigation conducted between 1922 and 1940 into the corrosion of bare steel
      and wrought iron pipes buried underground at 47 different sites representing
      different soil types across the Unites States. At the start of this study, very
      little was known about the corrosion of ferrous alloys underground. The
      objectives of this study were to determine (i) if coatings would be required to
      prevent corrosion, and (ii) if soil properties could be used to predict corrosion
      and determine when coatings would be required. While this study determined very
      quickly that coatings would be required for some soils, it found that the results
      were so divergent that even generalities based on this data must be drawn with
      care. The investigators concluded that so many diverse factors influence
      corrosion rates underground that planning of proper tests and interpretation of
      the results were matters of considerable difficulty and that quantitative
      interpretations or extrapolations could be done "only in approximate fashion" and
      attempted only in the "restricted area" of the tests until more complete
      information is available. Following the passage of the Pipeline Safety
      Improvement Act in 2002 and at the urging of the pipeline industry, the Office of
      Pipeline Safety of the U.S. Department of Transportation approached the National
      Institute of Standards and Technology (NBS became NIST in 1988) and requested
      that the data from this study be reexamined to determine if the information
      handling and analysis capabilities of modern computers and software could enable
      the extraction of more meaningful information from these data. This report is a
      summary of the resulting investigations. The data from the original NBS studies
      were analyzed using a variety of commercially available software packages for
      statistical analysis. The emphasis was on identifying trends in the data that
      could be later exploited in the development of an empirical model for predicting
      the range of expected corrosion behavior for any given set of soil chemistry and
      conditions. A large number of issues were identified with this corrosion dataset,
      but given the limited knowledge of corrosion and statistical analysis at the time
      the study was conducted, these shortcomings are not surprising and many of these
      were recognized by the investigators before the study was concluded. However, it
      is important to keep in mind that complete soil data is provided for less than
      half of the sites in this study. In agreement with the initial study, it was
      concluded that any differences in the corrosion behavior of the alloys could not
      be resolved due to the scatter in the results from the environmental factors and
      no significant difference could be determined between alloys. Linear regression
      and curve fitting of the corrosion damage measurements against the measured soil
      composition and properties found some weak trends. These trends improved with
      multiple regression, and empirical equations representing the performance of the
      samples in the tests were developed with uncertainty estimates. The uncertainties
      in these empirical models for the corrosion data were large, and extrapolation
      beyond the parameter space or exposure times of these experiments will create
      additional uncertainties. It is concluded that equations for the estimation of
      corrosion damage distributions and rates can be developed from these data, but
      these models will always have relatively large uncertainties that will limit
      their utility. These uncertainties result from the scatter in the measurements
      due to annual, seasonal, and sample position dependent variations at the burial
      sites. The data indicate that more complete datasets with soil property
      measurements reflecting the properties of the soil and ground water directly in
      contact with the sample from statistically designed experiments would greatly
      reduce this scatter and enable more representative predictions.

PMID- 27134793
TI  - A Gas Pressure Scale Based on Primary Standard Piston Gauges.
AB  - The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has redefined its gas
      pressure scale, up to 17 MPa, based on two primary standard piston gauges. The
      primary standard piston gauges are 35.8 mm in diameter and operate from 20 kPa to
      1 MPa. Ten secondary standard piston gauges, two each of five series of the Ruska
      2465 type, with successively smaller diameters form the scale extending up to 17
      MPa. Six of the piston gauges were directly compared to the primary standards to
      determine their effective area and expanded (k = 2) uncertainty. Two piston
      gauges operating to 7 MPa were compared to the 1.4 MPa gauges, and two piston
      gauges operating to 17 MPa were compared to the 7 MPa gauges. Distortion in the 7
      MPa piston gauges was determined by comparing those gauges to a DH Instruments
      PG7601 type piston gauge, whose distortion was calculated using elasticity
      theory. The relative standard uncertainties achieved by the primary standards
      range from 3.0 * 10(-6) to 3.2 * 10(-6). The relative standard uncertainty of the
      secondary standards is as low as 4.2 * 10(-6) at 300 kPa. The effective areas and
      uncertainties were validated by comparison to standards of other National
      Metrology Institutes (NMIs). Results show agreement in all cases to better than
      the expanded (k = 2) uncertainty of the difference between NIST and the other
      NMIs, and in most cases to better than the standard (k = 1) uncertainty of the
      difference.

PMID- 27134794
TI  - An Optical Frequency Comb Tied to GPS for Laser Frequency/Wavelength Calibration.
AB  - Optical frequency combs can be employed over a broad spectral range to calibrate
      laser frequency or vacuum wavelength. This article describes procedures and
      techniques utilized in the Precision Engineering Division of NIST (National
      Institute of Standards and Technology) for comb-based calibration of laser
      wavelength, including a discussion of ancillary measurements such as determining
      the mode order. The underlying purpose of these calibrations is to provide
      traceable standards in support of length measurement. The relative uncertainty
      needed to fulfill this goal is typically 10(-8) and never below 10(-12), very
      modest requirements compared to the capabilities of comb-based frequency
      metrology. In this accuracy range the Global Positioning System (GPS) serves as
      an excellent frequency reference that can provide the traceable underpinning of
      the measurement. This article describes techniques that can be used to completely
      characterize measurement errors in a GPS-based comb system and thus achieve full
      confidence in measurement results.

PMID- 27134796
TI  - A Review of Fatigue Crack Growth for Pipeline Steels Exposed to Hydrogen.
AB  - Hydrogen pipeline systems offer an economical means of storing and transporting
      energy in the form of hydrogen gas. Pipelines can be used to transport hydrogen
      that has been generated at solar and wind farms to and from salt cavern storage
      locations. In addition, pipeline transportation systems will be essential before
      widespread hydrogen fuel cell vehicle technology becomes a reality. Since
      hydrogen pipeline use is expected to grow, the mechanical integrity of these
      pipelines will need to be validated under the presence of pressurized hydrogen.
      This paper focuses on a review of the fatigue crack growth response of pipeline
      steels when exposed to gaseous hydrogen environments. Because of defect-tolerant
      design principles in pipeline structures, it is essential that designers consider
      hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack growth behavior in these applications.

PMID- 27134795
TI  - Optical Fiber Power Meter Comparison Between NIST and NIM.
AB  - We describe the results of a comparison of reference standards between the
      National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-USA) and National Institute
      of Metrology (NIM-China). We report optical fiber-based power measurements at
      nominal wavelengths of 1310 nm and 1550 nm. We compare the laboratories'
      reference standards by means of a commercial optical power meter. Measurement
      results showed the largest difference of less than 2.6 parts in 10(3), which is
      within the combined standard (k = 1) uncertainty for the laboratories' reference
      standards.

PMID- 27134797
TI  - Assessing Differences Between Results Determined According to the Guide to the
      Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement.
AB  - In some metrology applications multiple results of measurement for a common
      measurand are obtained and it is necessary to determine whether the results agree
      with each other. A result of measurement based on the Guide to the Expression of
      Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) consists of a measured value together with its
      associated standard uncertainty. In the GUM, the measured value is regarded as
      the expected value and the standard uncertainty is regarded as the standard
      deviation, both known values, of a state-of-knowledge probability distribution. A
      state-of-knowledge distribution represented by a result need not be completely
      known. Then how can one assess the differences between the results based on the
      GUM? Metrologists have for many years used the Birge chisquare test as 'a rule of
      thumb' to assess the differences between two or more measured values for the same
      measurand by pretending that the standard uncertainties were the standard
      deviations of the presumed sampling probability distributions from random
      variation of the measured values. We point out that this is misuse of the
      standard uncertainties; the Birge test and the concept of statistical consistency
      motivated by it do not apply to the results of measurement based on the GUM. In
      2008, the International Vocabulary of Metrology, third edition (VIM3) introduced
      the concept of metrological compatibility. We propose that the concept of
      metrological compatibility be used to assess the differences between results
      based on the GUM for the same measurand. A test of the metrological compatibility
      of two results of measurement does not conflict with a pairwise Birge test of the
      statistical consistency of the corresponding measured values.

PMID- 27134798
TI  - Variances of Plane Parameters Fitted to Range Data.
AB  - Formulas for variances of plane parameters fitted with Nonlinear Least Squares to
      point clouds acquired by 3D imaging systems (e.g., LADAR) are derived. Two
      different error objective functions used in minimization are discussed: the
      orthogonal and the directional functions. Comparisons of corresponding formulas
      suggest the two functions can yield different results when applied to the same
      dataset.

PMID- 27134799
TI  - Acid Neutralization Capacity of a Tricalcium Silicate-Containing Calcium
      Phosphate Cement as an Endodontic Material.
AB  - A calcium phosphate cement (CPC) was shown to have the necessary attributes for
      endodontic materials except adequate basicity needed for antimicrobial
      properties. To enhance its basicity, tricalcium silicate (Ca3SiO5), a highly
      alkaline compound, was added to CPC at a mass fraction of 0.25, 0.5 or 0.75. The
      basicity, acid neutralization and physical properties of the CPC-Ca3SiO5
      composites were investigated. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was used as the
      control. The acid neutralizing capacity of the CPC-Ca3SiO5 composites and MTA
      were measured by titrating the suspensions of ground set samples with a 0.2 mol /
      L HCl at predetermined pH levels, i.e., 11, 9.0, and 7.4. The setting time of CPC
      Ca3SiO5 composites determined by the Gilmore needle method was 40 +/- 10 min.
      Acid neutralizing capacity of CPC depended (p < 0.05) on Ca3SiO5 content. CPC
      containing 75 % Ca3SiO5 could neutralize slightly less acid than MTA (p < 0.05),
      but it had a shorter setting time than that of MTA (> 4 h) and excellent handling
      properties.

PMID- 27134800
TI  - Overlap-Based Cell Tracker.
AB  - In order to facilitate the extraction of quantitative data from live cell image
      sets, automated image analysis methods are needed. This paper presents an
      introduction to the general principle of an overlap cell tracking software
      developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This cell
      tracker has the ability to track cells across a set of time lapse images acquired
      at high rates based on the amount of overlap between cellular regions in
      consecutive frames. It is designed to be highly flexible, requires little user
      parameterization, and has a fast execution time.

PMID- 27134801
TI  - Exploring the influence of social determinants on HIV risk behaviors and the
      potential application of structural interventions to prevent HIV in women.
AB  - When seeking to prevent HIV/AIDS in women, attending to aspects of their lived
      experience provides opportunities to address the presence of social determinants
      in prevention strategies. According to the CDC, in 2010, the rate of new HIV
      infections among Black women was 20 times that of White women, while among
      Hispanic/Latino women it was 4 times the rate of White women. Additionally, 86%
      of HIV infections in women were attributed to heterosexual contact and 14% to
      injection drug use. The WHO indicates that worldwide, 49% of individuals infected
      by HIV are women, with a predominant source of infection tied to heterosexual
      transmission. This paper presents social determinants as influential factors in
      terms of women's sexual behavior decision-making, along with suggested structural
      interventions to address the social determinants of their HIV risks. Secondary
      analysis was conducted on data from an earlier study (Abdul-Quader and Collins,
      2011) which used concept-mapping to examine the feasibility, evaluability, and
      sustainability of structural interventions for HIV prevention. The current
      analysis focused on structural interventions applicable to women and their HIV
      prevention needs. Three themes emerged: economic interventions, responses to
      violence against women, and integrated health service delivery strategies. The
      themes provide a foundation for next steps regarding research, policy planning,
      and intervention implementation that is inclusive of women's lived experience.
      The paper concludes with suggestions such as attention to innovative projects and
      a paradigm shift regarding policy planning as key next steps towards HIV
      prevention that reflects the contextual complexity of women's lived experiences.

PMID- 27134802
TI  - Associations between Depressive Symptoms and 30-day Hospital Readmission among
      Older Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital readmissions are common and costly. Our goal was to
      determine the association between depressive symptoms and readmission within 30
      days following hospital discharge in older adults. METHODS: We analyzed data from
      a study of 789 persons aged 65 years or older admitted to a 20-bed acute care for
      elders (ACE) hospital unit from May 2009 to July 2011. Depressive symptoms were
      recorded within 24-hours of admission to the hospital unit, using the Center for
      Epidemiologic Studies -Depression (CES-D) Scale. The primary outcome was
      readmission to hospital within 30 days of discharge. RESULTS: The mean age was 77
      years; 66% were female, 72% were White, and 59% were unmarried. On average, older
      patients reported 2.6 comorbid conditions. Sixteen percent were classified with
      high depressive symptoms (CES-D >= 16). The readmission rate within 30 days was
      15%. Older patients with high depressive symptoms had more than 1.6 times the
      odds (OR 1.66; 95% CI: 1.01-2.74) of being readmitted within 30-days, as compared
      to those with low depressive symptoms (CES-D < 16), after adjustment for age,
      race/ethnicity, sex, marital status and comorbid conditions. CONCLUSION: High
      depressive symptoms increased the risk of hospital readmission within 30 days of
      discharge after adjusting for relevant covariates. In-hospital screening for
      depressive symptoms may identify older persons at risk for recurrent hospital
      admissions.

PMID- 27134803
TI  - Whole Genome Sequencing and Newborn Screening.
AB  - Clinical applications of next generation sequencing are growing at a tremendous
      pace. Currently the largest application of genetic testing in medicine occurs
      with newborn screening through state-mandated public health programs, and there
      are suggestions that sequencing could become a standard component of newborn care
      within the next decade. As such, newborn screening may appear to be a logical
      starting point to explore whole genome and whole exome sequencing on a population
      level. Yet, there are a number of ethical, social and legal implications about
      the use of a mandatory public health screening program that create challenges for
      the use of sequencing technologies in this context. Additionally, at this time we
      still have limited understanding and strategies for managing genomic data,
      supporting our conclusion that genome sequencing is not justified within
      population based public health programs for newborn screening.

PMID- 27134804
TI  - Oncology Section EDGE Task Force on Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review of
      Outcome Measures for Health-Related Quality of Life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is multidimensional and
      subjective, encompassing occupational and physical function, psychological state,
      social interaction, and somatic sensation. Because of the wide scope of HRQOL and
      its implications for the medical management of prostate cancer survivors,
      clinicians and researchers need to know the most reliable and valid measures
      currently available for addressing this clinical construct in men diagnosed with
      prostate cancer. PURPOSE: To identify and evaluate patient-reported outcome
      measures used to assess HRQOL in men diagnosed with prostate cancer and make
      recommendations for the use of these patient-reported outcome measures in both
      the research and clinic settings. METHODS: The literature was systematically
      reviewed for patient-reported outcome measures used in peer-reviewed, published
      research to assess HRQOL in men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The goals were to
      examine the psychometric properties of commonly used HRQOL measures in order to
      determine their clinical utility. RESULTS: The following patient-reported outcome
      measures are highly recommended by the Task Force to assess HRQOL in men
      diagnosed with prostate cancer: EORTC QLQ-P25 (European Organization for Research
      and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Prostate 25), EPIC
      (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite), FACT-P (Functional Assessment of
      Cancer Therapy-Prostate), UCLA-PCI (UCLA-Prostate Cancer Index), EORTC QLQ-C30
      (EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire-Cancer 30), FACT-G (Functional Assessment of
      Cancer Therapy-General), and SF (Short-Form) 36, 12, and 8. CONCLUSIONS: A
      variety of patient-reported outcome measures have been reported in the literature
      to assess HRQOL in men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Seven measures were found
      to have satisfactory psychometric properties, as well as good clinical utility,
      and are recommended for use by the researchers on this Task Force.

PMID- 27134805
TI  - Spatial and temporal Antarctic Ice Sheet mass trends, glacio-isostatic
      adjustment, and surface processes from a joint inversion of satellite altimeter,
      gravity, and GPS data.
AB  - We present spatiotemporal mass balance trends for the Antarctic Ice Sheet from a
      statistical inversion of satellite altimetry, gravimetry, and elastic-corrected
      GPS data for the period 2003-2013. Our method simultaneously determines annual
      trends in ice dynamics, surface mass balance anomalies, and a time-invariant
      solution for glacio-isostatic adjustment while remaining largely independent of
      forward models. We establish that over the period 2003-2013, Antarctica has been
      losing mass at a rate of -84 +/- 22 Gt yr-1, with a sustained negative mean trend
      of dynamic imbalance of -111 +/- 13 Gt yr-1. West Antarctica is the largest
      contributor with -112 +/- 10 Gt yr-1, mainly triggered by high thinning rates of
      glaciers draining into the Amundsen Sea Embayment. The Antarctic Peninsula has
      experienced a dramatic increase in mass loss in the last decade, with a mean rate
      of -28 +/- 7 Gt yr-1 and significantly higher values for the most recent years
      following the destabilization of the Southern Antarctic Peninsula around 2010.
      The total mass loss is partly compensated by a significant mass gain of 56 +/- 18
      Gt yr-1 in East Antarctica due to a positive trend of surface mass balance
      anomalies.

PMID- 27134806
TI  - Mineralogy, provenance, and diagenesis of a potassic basaltic sandstone on Mars:
      CheMin X-ray diffraction of the Windjana sample (Kimberley area, Gale Crater).
AB  - The Windjana drill sample, a sandstone of the Dillinger member (Kimberley
      formation, Gale Crater, Mars), was analyzed by CheMin X-ray diffraction (XRD) in
      the MSL Curiosity rover. From Rietveld refinements of its XRD pattern, Windjana
      contains the following: sanidine (21% weight, ~Or95); augite (20%); magnetite
      (12%); pigeonite; olivine; plagioclase; amorphous and smectitic material (~25%);
      and percent levels of others including ilmenite, fluorapatite, and bassanite.
      From mass balance on the Alpha Proton X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) chemical
      analysis, the amorphous material is Fe rich with nearly no other cations-like
      ferrihydrite. The Windjana sample shows little alteration and was likely cemented
      by its magnetite and ferrihydrite. From ChemCam Laser-Induced Breakdown
      Spectrometer (LIBS) chemical analyses, Windjana is representative of the
      Dillinger and Mount Remarkable members of the Kimberley formation. LIBS data
      suggest that the Kimberley sediments include at least three chemical components.
      The most K-rich targets have 5.6% K2O, ~1.8 times that of Windjana, implying a
      sediment component with >40% sanidine, e.g., a trachyte. A second component is
      rich in mafic minerals, with little feldspar (like a shergottite). A third
      component is richer in plagioclase and in Na2O, and is likely to be basaltic. The
      K-rich sediment component is consistent with APXS and ChemCam observations of K
      rich rocks elsewhere in Gale Crater. The source of this sediment component was
      likely volcanic. The presence of sediment from many igneous sources, in concert
      with Curiosity's identifications of other igneous materials (e.g., mugearite),
      implies that the northern rim of Gale Crater exposes a diverse igneous complex,
      at least as diverse as that found in similar-age terranes on Earth.

PMID- 27134807
TI  - Photochemistry of forbidden oxygen lines in the inner coma of 67P/Churyumov
      Gerasimenko.
AB  - Observations of the green and red-doublet emission lines have previously been
      realized for several comets. We present here a chemistry-emission coupled model
      to study the production and loss mechanisms of the O(1S) and O(1D) states, which
      are responsible for the emission lines of interest for comet 67P/Churyumov
      Gerasimenko. The recent discovery of O2 in significant abundance relative to
      water 3.80 +/- 0.85% within the coma of 67P has been taken into consideration for
      the first time in such models. We evaluate the effect of the presence of O2 on
      the green to red-doublet emission intensity ratio, which is traditionally used to
      assess the CO2 abundance within cometary atmospheres. Model simulations, solving
      the continuity equation with transport, show that not taking O2 into account
      leads to an underestimation of the CO2 abundance within 67P, with a relative
      error of about 25%. This strongly suggests that the green to red-doublet emission
      intensity ratio alone is not a proper tool for determining the CO2 abundance, as
      previously suggested. Indeed, there is no compelling reason why O2 would not be a
      common cometary volatile, making revision of earlier assessments regarding the
      CO2 abundance in cometary atmospheres necessary. The large uncertainties of the
      CO2 photodissociation cross section imply that more studies are required in order
      to better constrain the O(1S) and O(1D) production through this mechanism. Space
      weather phenomena, such as powerful solar flares, could be used as tools for
      doing so, providing additional information on a good estimation of the O2
      abundance within cometary atmospheres.

PMID- 27134808
TI  - The Impact Factor and Scientific Journals.

PMID- 27134809
TI  - EBSJ Evidence Assessment.

PMID- 27134810
TI  - Ovarian hormones, menstrual cycle phase, and smoking: a review with
      recommendations for future studies.
AB  - Cigarette smoking continues to be the leading cause of preventable morbidity and
      mortality. Similar to other addictive substances, the prevalence of cigarette
      smoking is greater among men than women, yet women are less successful at
      quitting smoking. Preclinical and clinical research suggests that ovarian
      hormones (i.e., estradiol and progesterone), which fluctuate over the course of
      the menstrual cycle, may contribute to these sex differences. Specifically,
      research suggests that progesterone may protect against cigarette smoking and
      nicotine addiction; whereas estradiol may underlie enhanced vulnerability. In
      this review, we discuss new research on ovarian hormone and menstrual cycle phase
      effects on smoking-related responses and behavior in women, including studies
      examining neural responses to smoking cues, hormonal influences on medication
      assisted smoking cessation, and acute smoking abstinence. We highlight innovative
      studies with strong research methodology and provide suggestions for future
      research that may allow evidence-based knowledge for immediate translation to the
      clinic to guide novel, hormonally-informed treatment strategies. Thus, rigorous
      scientific study holds the potential to reduce relapse rates, thus improving the
      health and saving the lives of the many thousands of women who unfortunately do
      not respond to current treatments.

PMID- 27134812
TI  - The Role of Water in the Preparation and Stabilization of High-Quality
      Phosphorene Flakes.
AB  - The stability of phosphorene is shown to be degraded by water. However, the
      presence of a small amount of water allows the synthesis of high-quality material
      in liquid exfoliation of black phosphorus using dimethylsulfoxide as solvent. A
      phosphorus/water molar ratio between 1.5 and 14 maximizes the quality of the
      phosphorene flakes and their stability.

PMID- 27134813
TI  - Field Report: Making Toilet Training Easier-a Novel Enuresis Alarm System.

PMID- 27134811
TI  - Polymicrobial Biofilm Studies: From Basic Science to Biofilm Control.
AB  - Microbes rarely exist as single species planktonic forms as they have been
      commonly studied in the laboratory. Instead, the vast majority exists as part of
      complex polymicrobial biofilm communities attached to host and environmental
      surfaces. The oral cavity represents one of the most diverse and well-studied
      polymicrobial consortia. Despite a burgeoning field of mechanistic biofilm
      research within the past decades, our understanding of interactions that occur
      between microbial members within oral biofilms is still limited. Thus, the
      primary objective of this review is to focus on polymicrobial biofilm formation,
      microbial interactions and signaling events that mediate oral biofilm
      development, consequences of oral hygiene on both local and systemic disease, and
      potential therapeutic strategies to limit oral dysbiosis.

PMID- 27134814
TI  - On the Shoulders of Giants: Kansas City Autism Training Center.

PMID- 27134815
TI  - An Examination of Marijuana Use Among a Vulnerable Population in Canada.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although the perceived risk of cannabis has decreased over the last
      few years, the contribution of marijuana use to the burden of disease on society
      is significant. Globally, Indigenous peoples have rates of marijuana use that are
      significantly higher than that of the general population. Understanding patterns
      of use is fundamental to developing appropriate policy and programming strategies
      to improve health and well-being. METHODS: This study examined the
      characteristics of respondents who had ever been frequent marijuana users (used
      more than once a week), among a cross-sectional sample of 340 people, aged 18 and
      over, from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation in Ontario, Canada. The research
      incorporated Aboriginal-specific measures, examining issues related to
      colonialism and racism. Logistic regression models were used to assess the extent
      that sociodemographic variables, body mass index, mental health (depression,
      anxiety), licit substance use (alcohol and tobacco), Historical Loss Scale,
      Childhood Trauma Scale, and Measure of Indigenous Racism Experience (MIRE)
      Interpersonal Racism Scale predicted ever having been a frequent marijuana user.
      RESULTS: Aboriginal-specific issues were not associated with marijuana use nor
      was marijuana use related to depression or anxiety. However, ever engaging in
      frequent marijuana use was reported by more than half of the sample and
      associated with being younger, male, and a smoker. CONCLUSIONS: The high
      prevalence of frequent marijuana use (53.2 %) suggests normalization of the
      substance that may indicate a potentially large public health problem.

PMID- 27134816
TI  - Natural Agents Used in Chemoprevention of Aerodigestive and GI Cancers.
AB  - Aerodigestive cancers are on an increasing level in both occurrence and
      mortality. A major cause in many of these cancers is disruption of the
      inflammatory pathway, leading to increased cell proliferation, and epigenetic
      silencing of normal regulatory genes. Here we review the research on several
      natural products: silibinin, silymarin, quercetin, neem & nimbolide, gingerol,
      epigallatecatechin-3- gallate, curcumin, genistein and resveratrol conducted on
      aerodigestive cancers. These types of cancers are primarily those from oral
      cavity, esophagus/windpipe, stomach, small and large intestine, colon/rectum and
      bile/pancreas tissues. We report on the utilization in vivo and in vitro systems
      to research these dose effects on the inflammatory and epigenetic pathway
      components within the aerodigestive cancer. To follow up on the basic research we
      will discuss remaining research questions and future directions involving these
      natural products as putative stand alone or in combination with clinical agents.

PMID- 27134817
TI  - Oxidative stress, epigenetics, and cancer stem cells in arsenic carcinogenesis
      and prevention.
AB  - The carcinogenic role of arsenic has been extensively studied for more than half
      century. How arsenic causes human cancer, however, remains to be fully
      elucidated. In this brief review, we focus our attentions on the most recent
      discoveries by us and others on the capabilities of arsenic in inducing
      generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and
      the generation of the cancer stem cells. We believe that these new understandings
      on the mechanisms of arsenic-induced carcinogenesis will shed light on the
      prevention and treatment of human cancers resulted from environmental or
      occupational arsenic exposure. Furthermore, these latest findings on arsenic
      induced cellular responses will also have an important impact on the
      investigation of the carcinogenic effects of other environmental or occupational
      carcinogens or hazards.

PMID- 27134818
TI  - Systemic Control of Bone Homeostasis by FGF23 Signaling.
AB  - The regulation of phosphate metabolism as an influence on bone homeostasis is
      profound. Recent advances in understanding the systemic control of Fibroblast
      growth factor-23 (FGF23) has uncovered novel effectors of endocrine feedback
      loops for calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D balance that interact with
      'traditional' feedback loops for mineral metabolism. Not only are these findings
      re-shaping research studying phosphate handling and skeletal interactions, they
      have provided new therapeutic interventions. Emerging data support that the
      control of FGF23 production in bone and its circulating concentrations is a multi
      layered process, with some influences affecting FGF23 transcription and some post
      translational modification of the secreted, bioactive protein. Additionally, the
      actions of FGF23 on its target tissues via its co-receptor alphaKlotho, are
      subject to regulatory events just coming to light. The recent findings of
      systemic influences on circulating FGF23 and the downstream manifestations on
      bone homeostasis will be reviewed herein.

PMID- 27134819
TI  - Challenges and Opportunities to Harnessing the (Hematopoietic) Stem Cell Niche.
AB  - In our body, stem cells reside in a microenvironment termed the niche. While the
      exact composition and therefore the level of complexity of a stem cell niche can
      vary significantly tissue-to-tissue, the stem cell niche microenvironment is
      dynamic, typically containing spatial and temporal variations in both cellular,
      extracellular matrix, and biomolecular components. This complex flow of secreted
      or bound biomolecules, cytokines, extracellular matrix components, and cellular
      constituents all contribute to the regulation of stem cell fate specification
      events, making engineering approaches at the nano- and micro-scale of particular
      interest for creating an artificial niche environment in vitro. Recent advances
      in fabrication approaches have enabled biomedical researchers to capture and
      recreate the complexity of stem cell niche microenvironments in vitro. Such
      engineered platforms show promise as a means to enhance our understanding of the
      mechanisms underlying niche-mediated stem cell regulation as well as offer
      opportunities to precisely control stem cell expansion and differentiation events
      for clinical applications. While these principles generally apply to all adult
      stem cells and niches, in this review, we focus on recent developments in
      engineering synthetic niche microenvironments for one of the best-characterized
      stem cell populations, hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Specifically, we highlight
      recent advances in platforms designed to facilitate the extrinsic control of HSC
      fate decisions.

PMID- 27134821
TI  - Scedosporium apiospermum as a rare cause of central skull base osteomyelitis.
AB  - We report a case of Scedosporium apiospermum mold causing ear infection, central
      skull base osteomyelitis and finally, occlusion of carotid artery in a 48-year
      old diabetic man. The exact diagnosis was established and the severity of the
      disease understood several months after the onset of symptoms. Despite of
      appropriate antifungal therapy, and repeated surgical and otological procedures,
      the infection progressed to fatal cerebral infarction. 

PMID- 27134820
TI  - Probing Implicit Learning in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Moderating Role of
      Medication on the Weather Prediction Task.
AB  - Deficits in implicit learning, a process by which knowledge is acquired
      accretively through practice independent of conscious awareness, have been
      implicated in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The weather-prediction task
      (WPT) was used to assess implicit learning in 26 unmedicated patients with OCD
      and 23 healthy controls. An additional analysis compared these two groups with 25
      medicated patients with OCD. In the comparison of unmedicated patients with
      healthy controls there was a subtle but statistically significant group-by-block
      interaction. Patients with OCD showed slower improvement in performance during
      the middle phase of learning. In a three-group comparison, there was no main
      effect of group; in post-hoc tests, medicated patients with OCD differed from
      unmedicated patients and were not different from healthy controls. Unmedicated
      patients with OCD have a subtle deficit in implicit learning in the WPT. This may
      be mitigated by pharmacotherapy, although prospective studies would be required
      to confirm this conclusion.

PMID- 27134823
TI  - Zika virus infections imported from Brazil to Portugal, 2015.
AB  - Zika virus is an emerging arbovirus transmitted by Aedes sp. mosquitoes like the
      Dengue and Chikungunya viruses. Zika virus was until recently considered a mild
      pathogenic mosquito-borne flavivirus with very few reported benign human
      infections. In 2007, an epidemic in Micronesia initiated the turnover in the
      epidemiological history of Zika virus and more recently, the potential
      association with congenital microcephaly cases in Brazil 2015, still under
      investigation, led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a Public Health
      Emergency of International Concern on February 1, 2016. Here, we present the
      clinical and laboratory aspects related to the first four imported human cases of
      Zika virus in Portugal from Brazil, and alert, regarding the high level of
      traveling between Portugal and Brazil, and the ongoing expansion of this virus in
      the Americas, for the threat for Zika virus introduction in Europe and the
      possible introduction to Madeira Island where Aedes aegypti is present. 

PMID- 27134824
TI  - Peritoneal tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium caprae.
AB  - The incidence of tuberculosis in humans due to Mycobacterium caprae is very low
      and is almost confined to Europe. We report a case of a previously healthy 41
      year-old Moroccan with a 6 month history of abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue
      and diarrhea. A diagnosis of peritoneal tuberculosis due to M. caprae was made. 

PMID- 27134822
TI  - Biomarker Discovery and Translation in Metabolomics.
AB  - The multifaceted field of metabolomics has witnessed exponential growth in both
      methods development and applications. Owing to the urgent need, a significant
      fraction of research investigations in the field is focused on understanding,
      diagnosing and preventing human diseases; hence, the field of biomedicine has
      been the major beneficiary of metabolomics research. A large body of literature
      now documents the discovery of numerous potential biomarkers and provides greater
      insights into pathogeneses of numerous human diseases. A sizable number of
      findings have been tested for translational applications focusing on disease
      diagnostics ranging from early detection, to therapy prediction and prognosis,
      monitoring treatment and recurrence detection, as well as the important area of
      therapeutic target discovery. Current advances in analytical technologies promise
      quantitation of biomarkers from even small amounts of bio-specimens using non
      invasive or minimally invasive approaches, and facilitate high-throughput
      analysis required for real time applications in clinical settings. Nevertheless,
      a number of challenges exist that have thus far delayed the translation of a
      majority of promising biomarker discoveries to the clinic. This article presents
      advances in the field of metabolomics with emphasis on biomarker discovery and
      translational efforts, highlighting the current status, challenges and future
      directions.

PMID- 27134825
TI  - MELAS syndrome due to the m.3291T > C mutation.

PMID- 27134826
TI  - Compound heterozygous beta(+) beta(0) mutation of HBB gene leading to beta
      thalassemia major in a Gujarati family - A case study.
AB  - beta-Thalassemia is a genetic disease characterized by reduced or non
      functionality of beta-globin gene expression, which is caused due to a number of
      variations and indels (insertions and deletions). In this case study, we have
      reported a rare occurrence of compound heterozygosity of two different variants,
      namely, HBBc.92G > C and HBBc.92 + 5G > C in maternal amniotic fluid sample.
      Prenatal beta-thalassemia mutation detection in fetal DNA was carried out using
      nucleotide sequencing method. After analysis, the father was found to be
      heterozygous for HBBc.92G > C (Codon 30 (G > C)) mutation which is beta(0) type
      and the mother was heterozygous for HBBc.92 + 5G > C (IVS I-5 (G > C)) mutation
      which is beta(+) type. When amniotic fluid sample was analyzed for beta-globin
      gene (HBB), we found the occurrence of heterozygous allelic pattern for aforesaid
      mutations. This compound heterozygous state of fetus sample was considered as
      beta(+)/beta(0) category of beta thalassemia which was clinically and
      genotypically interpreted as beta-thalassemia major. Regular blood transfusions
      are required for the survival of thalassemia major patients hence prenatal
      diagnosis is imperative for timely patient management. Prenatal diagnosis helps
      the parents to know the thalassemic status of the fetus and enables an early
      decision on the pregnancy. In the present study, we have identified compound
      heterozygosity for beta-thalassemia in the fetus which portrays the importance of
      prenatal screening. 

PMID- 27134827
TI  - Arrhythmias in MELAS syndrome.

PMID- 27134828
TI  - Global serum glycoform profiling for the investigation of dystroglycanopathies &
      Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation.
AB  - The Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG) are an expanding group of genetic
      disorders which encompass a spectrum of glycosylation defects of protein and
      lipids, including N- & O-linked defects and among the latter are the muscular
      dystroglycanopathies (MD). Initial screening of CDG is usually based on the
      investigation of the glycoproteins transferrin, and/or apolipoprotein CIII. These
      biomarkers do not always detect complex or subtle defects present in older
      patients, therefore there is a need to investigate additional glycoproteins in
      some cases. We describe a sensitive 2D-Differential Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE)
      method that provides a global analysis of the serum glycoproteome. Patient
      samples from PMM2-CDG (n = 5), CDG-II (n = 7), MD and known complex N- & O-linked
      glycosylation defects (n = 3) were analysed by 2D DIGE. Using this technique we
      demonstrated characteristic changes in mass and charge in PMM2-CDG and in charge
      in CDG-II for alpha1-antitrypsin, alpha1-antichymotrypsin, alpha2-HS
      glycoprotein, ceruloplasmin, and alpha1-acid glycoproteins 1&2. Analysis of the
      samples with known N- & O-linked defects identified a lower molecular weight
      glycoform of C1-esterase inhibitor that was not observed in the N-linked
      glycosylation disorders indicating the change is likely due to affected O
      glycosylation. In addition, we could identify abnormal serum glycoproteins in
      LARGE and B3GALNT2-deficient muscular dystrophies. The results demonstrate that
      the glycoform pattern is varied for some CDG patients not all glycoproteins are
      consistently affected and analysis of more than one protein in complex cases is
      warranted. 2D DIGE is an ideal method to investigate the global glycoproteome and
      is a potentially powerful tool and secondary test for aiding the complex
      diagnosis and sub classification of CDG. The technique has further potential in
      monitoring patients for future treatment strategies. In an era of shifting
      emphasis from gel- to mass-spectral based proteomics techniques, we demonstrate
      that 2D-DIGE remains a powerful method for studying global changes in post
      translational modifications of proteins. 

PMID- 27134829
TI  - Long-term galsulfase enzyme replacement therapy in Taiwanese
      mucopolysaccharidosis VI patients: A case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information regarding the long-term outcome of enzyme replacement
      therapy (ERT) with recombinant human N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfatase (rhASB,
      galsulfase, Naglazyme(r), BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.) for Taiwanese patients
      with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) VI is limited. METHODS: Nine Taiwanese patients
      with MPS VI (4 males and 5 females; age range, 1.4 to 21.1 years) treated with
      weekly intravenous infusions of galsulfase (1.0 mg/kg) in 5 medical centers in
      Taiwan were reviewed. A set of biochemical and clinical assessments were
      evaluated annually. RESULTS: After 6.2 to 11.2 years of galsulfase treatment, 6
      patients experienced improvement over baseline in the 6-minute walk test by a
      mean of 150 m (59% change over time), and 3 patients also increased the 3-minute
      stair climb test by a mean of 60 steps (46%). In a manual dexterity test, 3
      patients decreased the time required to pick up 10 coins and put the coins into a
      cup by 15 s (33%). Shoulder range of motion in all 9 patients improved, and Joint
      Pain and Stiffness Questionnaire scores improved by 0.42 points (21%). Four
      patients showed improved pulmonary function. Five patients had positive effects
      on cardiac-wall diameters. Four patients had improved cardiac diastolic function.
      Liver and spleen sizes as measured by abdominal ultrasonography remained the same
      or decreased in all 9 patients. However, the severity degree of valvular stenosis
      or regurgitation did not show improvement despite ERT. A mean overall 69%
      decrease in urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) excretion indicated a satisfactory
      biomarker response. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term ERT was beneficial and safe for
      Taiwanese patients with MPS VI. This treatment reduced urinary GAG and had
      positive effects on a wide range of clinical functional assessments including
      endurance, mobility, joint function, pulmonary function, liver and spleen size,
      cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction.

PMID- 27134831
TI  - Uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery.

PMID- 27134830
TI  - Strain-Dependent Gene Expression during Mouse Embryonic Palate Development.
AB  - The effect of strain background on gene function in growth and development has
      been well documented. However, it has not been extensively reported whether the
      strain background affects the gene expression pattern. Here, we found that the
      expression of homeobox gene Meox-2 and FGF receptor 1 gene Fgfr1 during mouse
      palate development is strain-dependent. On the C57B6 inbred background, Meox-2 is
      expressed in the palatal outgrowth on Embryonic Day 11.5 (E11.5); the expression
      shifts posteriorly and is restricted to the back of palate on E14.5. On the Swiss
      Webster outbred background, Meox-2 expression covers both anterior and posterior
      regions with the same intensity from E12.5 to E14.5. On the Black Swiss
      background, Meox-2 expression also covers the entire palate A-P axis, but is much
      weaker in the anterior region on E14.5. Fgfr1 also displays distinct expression
      patterns in the palatal outgrowth on E11.5 in these three strains. On the Black
      Swiss outbred background, the expression is restricted to the anterior palatal
      outgrowth. In marked contrast, the expression in the Swiss Webster outbred strain
      is located exclusively in the posterior palate outgrowth on E11.5, whereas in the
      C57B6 inbred strain, the expression is undetectable in the palatal outgrowth on
      E11.5.

PMID- 27134832
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of uniportal versus multiportal video
      assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has emerged as
      a less invasive alternative to the conventional multiportal approach in the
      treatment of lung cancer. The benefits of this uniportal technique have not yet
      been characterized in patients undergoing VATS lobectomy. This meta-analysis
      aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of uniportal and multiportal VATS
      lobectomy for patients with lung cancer. METHODS: A systematic review was
      conducted using seven electronic databases. Endpoints for analysis included
      perioperative mortality and morbidity, operative time, length of hospital stay,
      perioperative blood loss, duration of postoperative drainage and rates of
      conversion to open thoracotomy. RESULTS: Eight relevant observational studies
      were identified and included for meta-analysis. Results demonstrated a
      statistically significant reduction in the overall rate of complications, length
      of hospital stay and duration of postoperative drainage for patients who
      underwent uniportal VATS lobectomy. There were no significant differences between
      the two treatment groups in regard to mortality, operative time, perioperative
      blood loss and rate of conversion to open thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The present
      meta-analysis demonstrated favourable outcomes for uniportal VATS lobectomy in
      the treatment of lung cancer compared to the conventional multiportal approach.
      However, long-term follow-up data is still needed to further characterize the
      benefits of the uniportal approach.

PMID- 27134833
TI  - Uniportal thoracoscopic surgery: from medical thoracoscopy to non-intubated
      uniportal video-assisted major pulmonary resections.
AB  - The development of thoracoscopy has more than one hundred years of history since
      Jacobaeus described the first procedure in 1910. He used the thoracoscope to lyse
      adhesions in tuberculosis patients. This technique was adopted throughout Europe
      in the early decades of the 20(th) century for minor and diagnostic procedures.
      It is only in the last two decades that interest in minimally invasive thoracic
      surgery was reintroduced by two key technological improvements: the development
      of better thoracoscopic cameras and the availability of endoscopic linear
      mechanical staplers. From these advances the first video-assisted thoracic
      surgery (VATS) major pulmonary resection was performed in 1992. In the following
      years, the progress of VATS was slow until studies showing clear benefits of VATS
      over open surgery started to be published. From that point on, the technique
      spread throughout the world and variations of the technique started to emerge.
      The information available on internet, live surgery events and experimental
      courses has contributed to the rapid learning of minimally invasive surgery
      during the last decade. While initially slow to catch on, the traditional multi
      port approach has evolved into a uniportal approach that mimics open surgical
      vantage points while utilizing a non-rib-spreading single small incision. The
      early period of uniportal VATS development was focused on minor procedures until
      2010 with the adoption of the technique for major pulmonary resections.
      Currently, experts in the technique are able to use uniportal VATS to encompass
      the most complex procedures such as bronchial sleeve, vascular reconstructions or
      carinal resections. In contrast, non-intubated and awake thoracic surgery
      techniques, described since the early history of thoracic surgery, peaked in the
      decades before the invention of the double lumen endotracheal tube and have
      failed to gain widespread acceptance following their re-emergence over a decade
      ago thanks to the improvements in VATS techniques. 

PMID- 27134834
TI  - Transition from multiple port to single port video-assisted thoracoscopic
      anatomic pulmonary resection: early experience and comparison of perioperative
      outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single port thoracoscopy is an approach aimed at minimizing trauma to
      the chest wall during lung resection. The objectives of this study were to
      describe early experience in the transition from multiple port video-assisted
      thoracic surgery (VATS) to single port surgery (S-VATS) and to compare
      perioperative outcomes between approaches. METHODS: Consecutive anatomic lung
      resections using S-VATS were reviewed and compared to a historical, prospective
      cohort of multiple port VATS cases. Outcomes analysis was focused on the use of
      operating room resources and postoperative recovery. RESULTS: Over 12 months, 50
      S-VATS procedures were completed by one surgeon and compared to an equal number
      of VATS patients. The groups were similar in age, gender, BMI, comorbidity, tumor
      size and pulmonary function. There was no statistically significant difference in
      operative time. All tumors were completely resected (R0) and the median number of
      lymph nodes evaluated pathologically was equivalent {S-VATS=7 [4-10]; VATS=7 [4
      10]; P=0.92}. There was no significant difference in conversion rate {S-VATS=2
      (4%); VATS=1 (2%); P=0.56}. The median length of stay was similar in both groups
      {S-VATS=4 [3-7]; VATS=4 [3-7]; P=0.99}. There was no mortality and no significant
      difference in the rate of major complications {S-VATS=10/50 [20%]; VATS=5/50
      [10%]; P=0.26}. There was no difference in patient reported pain as measured by a
      visual analog scale at 24 hours {S-VATS=4 [2-5]; VATS=4 [3-5]; P=0.63}.
      CONCLUSIONS: Early experience in the transition from multiple port VATS to S-VATS
      lung resection indicates that safety, efficiency and surgical quality are
      preserved. More long-term data are required. Alternative approaches to perform
      thoracoscopic lung resection should be carefully evaluated and compared to
      established minimally invasive techniques.

PMID- 27134835
TI  - Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: safety, efficacy and learning
      curve during the first 250 cases in Quebec, Canada.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) using a single incision
      (uniportal) may result in better pain control, earlier mobilization and shorter
      hospital stays. Here, we review the safety and efficiency of our initial
      experience with uniportal VATS and evaluate our learning curve. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective review of uniportal VATS using a prospectively
      maintained departmental database and analyzed patients who had undergone a lung
      anatomic resection separately from patients who underwent other resections. To
      assess the learning curve, we compared the first 10 months of the study period
      with the second 10 months. RESULTS: From January 2014 to August 2015, 250
      patients underwent intended uniportal VATS, including 180 lung anatomic
      resections (72%) and 70 other resections (28%). Lung anatomic resection was
      successfully completed using uniportal VATS in 153 patients (85%), which
      comprised all the anatomic segmentectomies (29 patients), 80% (4 of 5) of the
      pneumonectomies and 82% (120 of 146) of the lobectomies attempted. The majority
      of lung anatomic resections that required conversion to thoracotomy occurred in
      the first half of our study period. Seventy patients underwent other uniportal
      VATS resections. Wedge resections were the most common of these procedures (25
      patients, 35.7%). Although 24 of the 70 patients (34%) required the placement of
      additional ports, none required conversion to thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Uniportal
      VATS was safe and feasible for both standard and complex pulmonary resections.
      However, when used for pulmonary anatomic resections, uniportal VATS entails a
      steep learning curve.

PMID- 27134836
TI  - Single port VATS mediastinal tumor resection: Taiwan experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To present the technique of single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic
      mediastinal tumor resection, which includes limited thymectomy, extended
      thymectomy, cyst excision and posterior mediastinal tumor excision, and the early
      results of resection with the use of this technique. METHODS: Forty patients with
      mediastinal tumors were treated with single-port thoracoscopic mediastinal
      resection at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between April 2014 and September 2015.
      The surgical intervention was performed through the fourth or fifth intercostal
      space at the anterior axillary line. A 5 or 10 mm 30 degree video camera and
      working instruments were employed simultaneously at this incision site throughout
      the surgery. RESULTS: Among the 40 cases included in the final analysis, 10
      extended thymectomies, 7 limited thymectomies, nine cyst excisions and 14 tumor
      excisions were performed successfully without the need for conversion. For the 40
      patients who underwent single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS),
      the mean operation time was 97.3+/-31.2 min and the average blood loss was
      29.75+/-39.77 mL. The average length of the incision wound was 3.22+/-0.79 cm and
      the average length of postoperative hospital stay was 3.72+/-1.63 days. There
      were no mortalities and mobility was achieved within 30 days postoperatively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary report suggests that uniportal VATS for mediastinal
      tumor resection is a promising and safe technique within a short-term period.

PMID- 27134837
TI  - Overview of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS): past and present.
AB  - Single incision video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), better known as uniportal
      VATS, has taken the world of thoracic surgery by storm over the previous few
      years. Through advances in techniques and technology, surgeons have been able to
      perform increasingly complex thoracic procedures utilizing a single small
      incision, hence avoiding the inherent morbidity of the standard open thoracotomy.
      This was a natural extension of what most recognize as the standard of care for
      early stage lung cancer, the VATS lobectomy, generally performed through a three-
      or four-incision technique. Improved camera optics have allowed the use of
      smaller cameras, making the uniportal approach technically easier. Improvement in
      articulating staplers and the development of other roticulator instruments have
      also aided working through a small single access point. The uniportal technique
      further brings the operative fulcrum inside the chest cavity, enabling better
      visualization, and creates working conditions similar to the open thoracotomy.
      Currently, uniportal VATS is being used for minor thoracic procedures and lung
      resections up to complex thoracic procedures typically requiring open approaches,
      such as chest wall resections, pneumonectomy, and bronchoplastic and pulmonary
      artery sleeve resections. Uniportal VATS is a clear advance in the field of
      general thoracic surgery and provides but a glimpse into the untold future. 

PMID- 27134838
TI  - Geometric and ergonomic characteristics of the uniportal video-assisted
      thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approach.
AB  - During the last three decades, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has
      been revolutionizing the surgical treatment of several thoracic pathologies.
      Compared to open thoracotomy, VATS has demonstrated not only a significant
      reduction in pain, recovery time and complications but also a significant
      improvement in the post-operative quality of life for patients. The uniportal
      VATS technique was initially described in the early 2000s. This technique
      involves the simultaneous introduction of instruments parallel to a thoracoscope
      through one small incision, the breadth of a surgeon's finger, without further
      dissection of the intercostal space. Some papers have already demonstrated the
      advantage of uniportal VATS in comparison to the traditional three-port
      techniques in reducing postoperative pain, length of hospital stay and time of
      return to activities of daily living. Standard three-port VATS has a geometric
      configuration of a trapezoid that interferes with the optical source by creating
      a new optical plane which generates a torsion angle not favorable with standard
      two-dimensional monitors. By contrast, the uniportal VATS approach along a
      sagittal plane from a caudo-cranial perspective enables a projective plane that
      preserves the depth of intraoperative visualization. The instruments, as parallel
      lines from this plane, enable the surgeon to bring the operative fulcrum inside
      the chest. In addition, the uniportal VATS approach can significantly improve the
      surgeons' body posture during surgery since the surgeons can stand straight
      facing the monitor with minimal neck movement. Thus, the surgeons benefit from
      ergonomic advantages compared to the standard three-port approach. 

PMID- 27134839
TI  - Modified uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
AB  - Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for resectable lung cancer patients
      has been frequently used in the past decades. The potential beneficial advantages
      and safety of VATS has been shown in large patient series and meta-analyses. The
      strategy of limiting access to one incision in one intercostal space (uniportal
      VATS) has been adopted by some thoracic surgeons in recent years. We have
      described a modified uniportal VATS technique with its potential advantages.
      Modified uniportal VATS potentially offers better exposure, beneficial
      opportunities for education and improved comfort for the thoracic surgery team in
      clinical usage. 

PMID- 27134840
TI  - Future of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery-emerging technology.
AB  - Uniportal VATS poses unique difficulties to the surgeon, mainly as a consequence
      of operating through a small single incision. The instruments in uniportal VATS
      have limited movement through the small incision. In addition, the approach to
      the surgical operating site is unidirectional, which may restrict vision and
      retraction, and unavoidably suffers from instrument fencing. Recent thoracoscopic
      technology in the form of a wide variable angled lens has to some extent improved
      these shortcomings. The development of an extendable flexible thoracoscope and
      wireless steerable endoscope (WSE) systems can further improve the visualization
      for surgery and reduce or even remove fencing between endoscope and instruments.
      New single incision access platforms both derived from Natural orifice
      transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and robotic surgery approaches are on the
      horizon. These may allow uniportal VATS to be performed through an even smaller
      ultra-minimally invasive incision, with improved vision, more freedom of movement
      of the instruments and greater precision. However, a number of problems remain to
      be resolved, including provision of a stable platform and payload, applied force
      limitations and equipment sterilization. Advances in uniportal VATS major lung
      resection techniques have not only challenged the surgeon to acquire new skills
      and knowledge, but at the same time have rekindled the collaborative spirit
      between industry and clinician in developing novel equipment and technology to
      push the boundaries of minimally invasive surgery. These technological
      improvements and innovations may improve operating efficiency and safety during
      uniportal VATS surgery. 

PMID- 27134841
TI  - Uniportal video-assisted thoracic (VATS) lobectomy.
AB  - Uniportal video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has become one of the most
      exciting new developments in minimally invasive thoracic surgery in recent years.
      While the debate over its purported advantages continues, this chapter instead
      focuses on the technical aspects of performing a lobectomy via the uniportal
      approach. Using clear medical illustrations to show how each step is performed,
      the key tips and tricks are laid out for the beginner hoping to learn the
      technique. 

PMID- 27134842
TI  - Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic sleeve resection.

PMID- 27134843
TI  - Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS) segmentectomy with
      preoperative dual localization: right upper lobe wedge resection and left upper
      lobe upper division segmentectomy.

PMID- 27134844
TI  - Non-intubated (tubeless) uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy.

PMID- 27134845
TI  - Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

PMID- 27134846
TI  - Polymorphism of the melatonin receptor 1A (MNTR1A) gene and association with
      seasonality of reproductive activity in a local Greek sheep breed.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sheep's reproductive physiology in temperate latitudes (such as
      Greece), is characterized by seasonality and is also regulated by photoperiodic
      exposure. Melatonin is the key hormone involved in this regulation. However, the
      melatonin secretion and therefore the ewes reproductive activity underlies
      variation, proposed to be linked with the melatonin receptor subtype 1A (MNTR1A)
      gene structure. This study was designed to investigate the polymorphism of the
      MNTR1A gene in a local Greek sheep breed and to determine its potential
      association with reproductive seasonality. RESULTS: Two groups of farmed ewes,
      each consisted of 30 individuals, were chosen. Males were introduced in both
      groups in spring (April). The first group consisted of ewes that showed
      reproductive activity in spring (May), while the second of ewes that showed
      reproductive activity 3 months later, in summer. The PCR-RFLP methodology was
      carried out on a 824-bp DNA fragment of the MTNR1A exon 2 using the RsaI
      restriction endonuclease. The electrophoretic procedure revealed three genotypes,
      C/C, C/T and T/T. Specifically, 44 animals showed the C/C genotype (28 from the
      first group and 16 from the second), 14 the C/T genotype (2 from the first and 12
      from the second) and 2 animals had the T/T genotype (both from the second group).
      CONCLUSIONS: Statistical analysis indicated a positive correlation between
      genotype and reproductive seasonality, with C/C genotype playing a crucial role
      in out-of-season reproduction activity.

PMID- 27134847
TI  - Variations in Branching Pattern of Renal Artery in Kidney Donors Using CT
      Angiography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Each kidney is supplied by a single renal artery originating from
      abdominal aorta. Since there are lots of renal surgeries happening now-a-days, it
      becomes mandatory for the surgeons to understand the abnormality and variations
      in the renal vasculature. AIM: To study the variations in the branching pattern
      of renal artery for the presence of early division and accessory renal artery in
      Indian kidney donors using CT angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT
      angiogram images of 100 normal individuals willing for kidney donation were
      analysed for early divisions and occurrence of accessory renal artery. RESULTS: A
      51% of kidney donors showed variation in the renal artery. Out of 51% variations
      38 individuals had accessory renal artery and 13 individuals had early division
      of renal artery. The distribution of accessory renal artery was equal on both
      sides (13% on right and left) and 12% of individuals had accessory renal artery
      on both sides. Out of 13% earlier divisions, 5% was on right side, 7% was on left
      side and 1% was on both sides. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that 51% of
      kidney donors had renal artery variations. Hence, awareness of variations by
      evaluating the donors is a must before renal transplantation, urological
      procedures and angiographic interventions.

PMID- 27134848
TI  - Mapping the Time Line of Development in Each Layer of Human Foetal Retina.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is need to elucidate the histological developmental stages of
      various layers of retina, to understand the process better and provide clinically
      significant insights. AIM: To study the details and chronology of in utero
      development of different layers of retina. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To study time
      of appearance, differentiation and organization of all layers of central retina
      in different gestational age groups. Retina was studied histologically in 27
      foetuses from18(th) to 34(th) weeks of gestation. RESULTS: We found the period of
      mid gestation (19(th) -21(st) week of gestation) to be the defining time for
      retinal layers: The bruch's membrane was fully formed at 20(th) week of
      gestation; the photoreceptor layer became well defined at 21(st) week of
      gestation; both the nuclear layers and both the plexiform layers and the ganglion
      cell layer became distinct at 19(th) week of gestation. Before the 19(th) week,
      outer and inner neuroblastic zones separated by the neuropil were seen. Well
      defined nerve fibre layer and inner limiting membrane was present at 18(th) week.
      The outer limiting membrane was first appreciated at 32(nd) week of gestation.
      Foetal retinal pigment epithelium was cuboidal and filled with melanin granules
      while no trace of lipofuscin pigment was found under fluorescent microscope.
      CONCLUSION: Detailed data on retinal histogenesis and its timeline might aid in
      directed differentiation of retinal cell types from stem cells for therapeutic
      purposes.

PMID- 27134849
TI  - Fate and Development of Human Vomeronasal Organ - A Microscopic Fetal Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The existence of Vomeronasal organ in human is a controversial
      subject. Presence of Vomeronasal organ and its structure was not reported in
      standard text books. The presence of Vomeronasal organ in fetal life is doubtful.
      Hence identification of the organ by histological examination was planned.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study was conducted on resected specimens of nasal
      septum obtained from 45 spontaneously aborted fetuses from Obstetrics and
      Gynaecology department, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research,
      Coimbatore, after ethical clearance. RESULTS: The histological structure of
      Vomeronasal organ was observed from 11 weeks old fetus. The epithelial lining of
      the organ, presence of cilia, presence of lamina propria, acini and the blood
      vessel and the types of cells were observed. The organ was lined by
      pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The organ showed Lamina propria with serous
      acini from 18 weeks fetus. Vomeronasal duct opening into the nasal cavity and
      three types of cells were observed in 28 weeks fetus. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about
      the persistence of Vomeronasal organ in fetuses and its structure need to be
      known. The organ may be found as a putative pit posterior to anterior nasal
      spine. The organ may be damaged in nasal septal surgeries and nasal endoscopic
      procedures. The organ may not be seen on gross examination in all human fetuses
      and cadavers.

PMID- 27134850
TI  - An Unusual Course and Termination of Small Saphenous Vein: A Case Report.
AB  - The superficial veins of the lower limb can vary in their course and termination.
      We report a relatively rare type of variation in the course and termination of
      small saphenous vein. The small saphenous vein had normal origin and course in
      the leg. However, instead of terminating into the popliteal vein, it continued up
      in the posterior compartment of the thigh and terminated into the femoral vein
      after piercing the fleshy part of the adductor magnus muscle. This course might
      lead to varicosity of the small saphenous vein due to the compression by the
      fleshy fibres of adductor magus near its termination. The case may be of interest
      to general and plastic surgeons and even cardiothoracic surgeons. 

PMID- 27134851
TI  - A Case of Reverse Palmaris Longus Muscle- An Additional Muscle in the Anterior
      Compartment of the Forearm.
AB  - It is uncommon to have additional muscles in the upper limb. Some of them may
      restrict the movements or compress the nerves and vessels, while others may go
      unnoticed. During the routine dissection for undergraduate medical students, we
      observed an additional muscle in the anterior compartment of the forearm in about
      60-year-old male cadaver. The muscle had a prominent belly and a long tendon.
      Distally, it was attached to the flexor retinaculum by a short and thick tendon.
      Proximally, long tendon of the muscle passed between the flexor carpi ulnaris and
      palmaris longus and was attached to the common aponeurosis shared by the extensor
      carpi ulnaris and flexor digitorum profundus muscles. The additional muscle belly
      was supplied by a branch from the anterior interosseous nerve. The ulnar nerve
      and artery was passing deep to the fleshy belly of the muscle. The muscle
      reported here might compress the ulnar nerve and artery and may produce
      neurovascular symptoms. On the other hand, the tendon and fleshy belly of the
      muscle could be useful in muscle/tendon grafts. The observations made by us in
      the present case will supplement our knowledge of variations of the muscles in
      this region which could be useful for surgeons during the forearm and hand
      surgeries. 

PMID- 27134852
TI  - Right Sided Sigmoid Colon and Redundant Loop of Descending Colon with Its
      Embryological Correlation and Clinical Significance.
AB  - Anatomical variations of colon are mostly developmental and can lead to variety
      of acute and chronic pathological conditions. So it becomes important to
      recognize and understand the importance of clinical implications of such
      anomalies to benefit surgeons, clinical geneticists and research community. We
      describe two cases of right sided sigmoid colon and long descending colon which
      had two segments: vertical and horizontal. The mesentery of ascending and
      descending colon was retained. This mesentery along with the mesentery of
      transverse colon was continuous with the mesentery of small intestine. There were
      variations in blood vessels supplying these anomalous colons. The findings of
      this study may be helpful to make surgeons and radiologists aware about different
      varieties of presentations while undertaking an investigative or surgical
      procedure in this area like sigmoidoscopy, percutaneous cecostomy and anterior
      transperitoneal aproach of kidney to avoid colon puncture. 

PMID- 27134853
TI  - Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Induced Weight Changes: A Dose
      and Duration Dependent Study on Albino Rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most
      significant and safe drugs among the antidepressants. Fluoxetine is the prototype
      drug of SSRIs. Various clinical studies showed that SSRI causes change in body
      weight in patients. This study was conducted to know the extent of weight change
      with different doses for different durations. AIM: The aim of this study was to
      find out whether fluoxetine causes weight gain or weight loss, and to deduce the
      comparative weight change after intraperitoneal injection of fluoxetine for
      different duration and doses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Present study was conducted
      on 72 adult (36 males and 36 females) albino rats, in 3 phases of 2 weeks, 4
      weeks and 12 weeks duration. Each phase consisted of 24 (12 males and 12 females)
      albino rats. These 24 rats were further randomly subdivided into 4 Groups of 6
      albino rats each (3 males & 3 females). Group 1(Control) received normal saline
      (vehicle). Rest 18 rats of each phase were experimental rats, of Group 2, Group 3
      and Group 4 (6 rats each). Group 2, group 3 and group 4 experimental rats
      received 10mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40mg/kg of intraperitoneal injection of fluoxetine
      respectively. All rats were weighed on each day for growth monitoring. Data was
      subjected to statistical analysis (Mean, standard deviation and Student's t
      Test). RESULTS: All experimental group rats which received fluoxetine showed
      decrease of body weight. Rats which received high doses of fluoxetine could not
      tolerate the drug for more than two weeks and died due to excessive body weight
      loss, loose stools and muscle twitching. CONCLUSION: Present study conclude that
      SSRIs can cause weight change in the form of decrease of body weight. This
      property of SSRIs can be used clinically by prescribing these drugs to obese
      psychiatric patient without any fear of withdrawal of drug.

PMID- 27134854
TI  - Correlation of Paraoxonase Status with Disease Activity Score and Systemic
      Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritic Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite, various preventive efforts on conventional cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) risk factors, the incidence of CVD in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
      patients increases continuously. To solve this conundrum one needs more
      investigations. AIM: The present study was conducted to evaluate the plasma
      paraoxonase (PON) activity along with the markers of systemic inflammation,
      oxidative stress and disease activity score-28 (DAS28) in RA patients and clarify
      their role in determining the probability of RA patients to develop future CVD
      risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma PON, total antioxidant activity (TAA), C
      reactive protein (CRP), synovial interleukin-6 (IL-6) and erythrocyte
      malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated in 40 RA patients aged 40-55 years
      aged and 40 age-matched healthy controls. The data obtained were compared
      statistically by using Student's t-test and Pearson correlation test. RESULTS:
      Besides dyslipidaemia, marked reduction in plasma PON and TAA (p< 0.05) were
      observed in RA patients as compared with that of healthy controls. Erythrocyte
      MDA, plasma CRP and synovial IL-6 levels were increased significantly (p<0.05) in
      RA patients. PON was negatively correlated with MDA (r = - 0.672; p < 0.001), CRP
      (r = -0.458; p<0.05), IL-6 (r = -0.426; p<0.05) and DAS28 (r = -0.598; p <
      0.001), and positively correlated with HDL cholesterol (r = 0.648; p<0.001) and
      TAA (r = 0.608; p< 0.001) levels in RA patients. CONCLUSION: Alteration in PON
      activity might contribute to the progression of future CVD risk in RA patients,
      which may result from interplay of several confounding factors, such as
      inflammation, oxidative stress and dyslipidaemia. Furthermore, plasma PON
      activity, CRP and TAA levels could be considered as non-traditional factors to
      predict CVD risk. Thus, it is suggested that future drugs could be developed to
      target the non-traditional risk factors in RA patients.

PMID- 27134855
TI  - Preliminary Study on Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)-Prognostic Biomarker in
      Carcinoma Breast.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is one of the biochemical markers
      for breast cancer. Serum LDH is enzyme required for anaerobic glycolysis. One of
      its isoenzyme is increased in breast cancer due to up-regulation in its gene. It
      leads to increase in serum LDH level in breast cancer patients. Serum LDH is
      economical, easily available and easy to estimate. AIM: In the present study, we
      evaluated the LDH levels in circulation of newly diagnosed patients of breast
      cancer and tried to correlate it with different TNM staging of carcinoma breast
      before interventions and after adjuvant therapy of these patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This prospective study was done on 83 diagnosed patients of breast
      cancer was conducted among poor patients in rural area. This study was conducted
      in the Department of Surgery between October 2008 to October 2010, at MGIMS,
      Sevagram, Maharashtra, a rural medical college located in Central India. Out of
      total 83 participants, 10 participants were having adverse events following
      surgery and remaining 73 participants were without adverse events following
      surgery. The significant difference in serum LDH levels between two groups, with
      and without adverse surgical outcome was calculated by Mann-Whitney U test.
      RESULTS: Patients with higher clinical TNM staging were having higher serum LDH
      levels. The serum LDH levels at sixth months following surgery showed a trend of
      statistically significant difference between patients with and without adverse
      events. As increased serum LDH levels in breast cancer patients shows poor
      prognosis, surgical outcome or advanced metastases. CONCLUSION: Serum LDH
      monitoring can be used as a prognostic biomarker in patients of breast cancer.
      For confirmation of this finding, we require further more studies on larger
      sample size and long-term follow-up in patients specifically with higher serum
      LDH levels.

PMID- 27134856
TI  - The Role of Ischemia Modified Albumin as a Biomarker in Patients with Chronic
      Liver Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) is characterised by gradual destruction
      of liver tissue over time. Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA) is an upcoming
      biomarker shown to be elevated in conditions associated with ischemia and
      oxidative stress. Albumin levels are greatly reduced in patients with CLD and
      studying its alterations will provide essential information regarding the
      molecular changes occurring to it. AIM: The study aims to estimate IMA and
      IMA/Albumin ratio in patients with CLD and to correlate it with parameters
      assessing liver function and the Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 43 CLD patients as test subjects
      and 28 apparently healthy individuals as controls. Multiple parameters assessing
      liver function like albumin, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine
      transaminase (ALT), Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP), Prothrombin Time (PT) INR and creatinine were estimated and the MELD score
      calculated. Serum IMA expressed as Absorbance Units (ABSU) was estimated using
      the Albumin Cobalt Binding test (ABT). Student's t-test and correlation
      coefficient was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Serum IMA was
      significantly higher in CLD patients (0.5320 +/- 0.1677) as compared to the
      control group (0.3203 +/- 0.1257) with a p-value of <0.0001. The IMA/Albumin
      ratio was also significantly higher (0.2035 +/- 0.0970) in patients with CLD
      compared to control group (0.0714 +/- 0.0283) with a p-value of <0.0001. IMA has
      a negative correlation with albumin. The IMA/Albumin ratio shows positive
      correlation with MELD score, bilirubin and ALP. There was no correlation with
      ALT, AST, GGT and PT INR. CONCLUSION: Decreased serum albumin correlates with
      increase in IMA in CLD could indicate a qualitative change and not merely a
      quantitative reduction of albumin. IMA can serve as a biomarker to assess the
      disease severity and prognosis of CLD patients.

PMID- 27134857
TI  - Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA) - A Marker of Glycaemic Control and Vascular
      Complications in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ischemia modified albumin (IMA) has emerged as a marker for
      ischemic injury and oxidative damage, particularly in myocardial infarction.
      There are very few studies on the significance of IMA in other conditions
      associated with ischemia. The complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) arising out
      of poor glycaemic control have an underlying ischemic aetiology. AIM: To evaluate
      correlation of IMA with glycaemic control in type 2 DM (T2DM). Secondary aim was
      to assess the utility of IMA as a marker for vascular complications in T2DM.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: During this cross-sectional study, a total of 100
      diagnosed cases of T2DM were recruited between May 2013 and September 2013. The
      IMA, HbA1c, lipid profile, creatinine and urine micro-albumin levels were
      measured and analysed with respect to clinical condition of the patients.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The epidemiological software, Epi-Info 7.1.5, was used for
      the statistical analysis, p-value<0.05 was defined as level of significance.
      RESULTS: The study subjects were in the age group from 30 to 75 years and 52.4%
      were males. There was a great degree of variance in the level of glycaemic
      control and majority (64.6%) had poor or very poor glycaemic control as reflected
      by their HbA1c levels. The IMA (Mean +/- SEM) levels were found to be higher
      (62.9 +/- 1.7ABSU) in the patients with poor glycaemic control compared to those
      with good glycaemic control (54.2 +/- 3.5 ABSU, p-value < 0.05) and correlated
      with HbA1c levels (r(2)=0.14). IMA levels also appeared to be related with the
      changes in lipid profile and increased with increasing total cholesterol levels.
      The subjects with macro-vascular complications (retinopathy and neuropathy)
      showed non-significantly higher levels of IMA. The elevation in IMA correlated
      with the HbA1c and changes in the lipid profile. CONCLUSION: IMA correlates with
      poor glycaemic control and dyslipidaemia associated with T2 DM and could serve as
      an indicator of oxidant stress in these patients.

PMID- 27134858
TI  - Paraoxonase Activity and Lipid Profile in Paediatric Nephrotic Syndrome: A Cross
      sectional Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dyslipidaemia of Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) is known to be linked to
      oxidative reactions and atherosclerosis. Paraoxonase (PON1) has been implicated
      in the prevention of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) lipid peroxidation and also
      degrades biologically active oxidised lipids in lipoprotein. AIM: The present
      study was taken up to assess PON1 levels in paediatric nephrotic syndrome and
      also to see if any correlation exists between lipid parameters and PON1.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consists of Group 1 with 40 cases of NS in the
      age group of 2-14 years and Group 2 with 40 age and sex matched healthy controls.
      Lipid profile and paraoxonase activity was measured in serum samples of both the
      groups. RESULTS: Statistical analysis by student's t-test showed that the mean
      levels of Total Cholesterol, Trigylycerides, LDL, and VLDL were significantly
      increased in Group 1 when compared to Group 2 (p <0.001). The mean levels of HDL
      were similar in both groups. The levels of PON1 were significantly lowered in
      Group 1 when compared to Group 2. Correlation studies showed no significant
      correlation between lipid profile and PON1. CONCLUSION: Cases have
      atherosclerotic dyslipidaemia and significantly decreased PON1 activity.
      Decreased PON1 may lead to increased oxidation of LDL accelerating the process of
      atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27134859
TI  - Urinary Protein Creatinine Ratio in Normal Zero to Three-Day-Old Indian Neonates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Early neonates (1-7-day-old) may develop acute kidney injury or
      acute renal failure due to functional (pre-renal, may be caused by decreased
      renal perfusion), intrinsic (renal, may be caused by acute insult), or
      obstructive (due to anatomic urinary tract obstruction) causes. Urinary protein
      estimation is important for diagnosis, follow-up and prognosis of disease. The
      Protein Creatinine Ratio (PCR) has been successfully used to establish
      proteinuria in different types of patients. AIM: This study was undertaken to
      establish normal PCR range in neonates, to rule out abnormal protein excretion in
      sick neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 37 normal early neonates of age
      0-3 days were enrolled for this study. Random spot urine samples were collected
      in paediatric urine bags for protein and creatinine estimation. RESULTS: The
      urinary PCR varied between 0.1-0.8. The range of PCR values obtained was greater
      in 0-1 day old infants, compared to infants older than one day. Changes in PCR
      values were due to variations in the creatinine excretion. CONCLUSION: Urinary
      PCR values <= 0.8 indicate normal protein excretion. However, reference intervals
      of PCR should be established for narrow age groups in case of early neonates,
      e.g. 0-6h, 6-12h, 12-24h, 24-72h old babies.

PMID- 27134860
TI  - Incidental Identification of Possible Delta-Beta Thalassemia Trait in a Family: A
      Rare Cause of Elevated Hb F.
AB  - Delta-Beta thalassaemia is an unusual variant of thalassaemia with elevated level
      of foetal haemoglobin (HbF). The clinical presentation of delta-beta thalassaemia
      is mild in both heterozygote and homozygote cases. We hereby describe a rare
      cause of elevated Hb F in a father and his two daughters. A 52-year-old diabetic
      male patient, on evaluation of chromatogram of cation exchange HPLC for HbA1c, we
      incidentally identified elevated Hb F of approximately 20%. Haematological
      investigation of the patient revealed decreased haemoglobin, normal RBC,
      leucocyte and platelet count, decreased MCV and MCH. Red cell morphology showed
      predominantly normocytic normochromic cells with mild anisopoikilocytosis, few
      microcytes and hypochromic cells seen. His liver function test was normal.
      Haemoglobin variant analysis revealed decreased Hb A (79.4%), normal Hb A2 (2%)
      and increased Hb F (19.75%). A possible diagnosis of heterozygous delta beta
      thalassaemia was considered. Since most laboratories perform HbA1c by cation
      exchange HPLC method, a careful evaluation of the chromatogram yields useful
      information. In our case, the elevated Hb F in a father and further careful
      evaluation of clinical and haematological parameters in the family members made
      us to possibly think of rare disorders like heterozygous Delta-Beta thalassaemia
      in the family and provide valuable genetic counseling. 

PMID- 27134861
TI  - Bacterial Heat Shock Protein Activity.
AB  - Bacteria are exposed to different types of stress in their growth conditions.
      They have developed appropriate responses, modulated by the re-modeling of
      protein complexes and by phosphorylation dependent signal transduction systems,
      to adapt and to survive in a variety range of nature. Proteins are essential
      components for biologic activity in the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell. Heat
      Shock Proteins (HSP) have been identified from various organisms and have
      critical role in cell hemostasis. Chaperone can sense environment and have
      different potential role in the organism evolution. 

PMID- 27134862
TI  - Hyperuricaemia - A Potential Indicator to Diagnose the Risk of Essential
      Hypertension.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypertension has turned out to be the major cause of morbidity
      among the life style diseases. Studies in human and animal models have documented
      an independent association of hyperuricaemia with early hypertension.
      Hyperuricaemia is a modifiable and treatable risk factor, which might reduce the
      incidence of Essential Hypertension (EHT). AIM: Hence, the present study was
      designed to find out the association between hyperuricaemia and EHT in the
      population of Southern Rajasthan as there is a dearth of literature on Indian
      scenario especially in Rajasthan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, case
      control study was carried out in the Department of Physiology among 125 subjects;
      aged 20-50 years of both sexes, which were chosen randomly from Medicine OPD and
      healthy volunteers. The subjects were broadly divided into two groups (A & B);
      group A comprised of newly diagnosed cases of EHT (n=75) and group B had healthy
      normotensive controls (n=50). S. Uric Acid (SUA), Serum creatinine and fasting
      blood glucose levels were estimated by using the respective kit methods on semi
      auto-analyser in both groups. S. creatinine and fasting blood glucose levels were
      estimated to exclude renal disorder and diabetes mellitus respectively. The data
      was analysed by student t-test, chi-square test and Odds Ratio. RESULTS: The mean
      SUA level in group A was significantly higher than group B (6.56 +/- 0.76, 4.91
      +/- 0.97 mg/dl, p<0.001 respectively). 37.33% of patients had hyperuricaemia in
      group A as compared to 14% in group B (p<0.01, OR=3.66) indicating that a
      hyperuricaemic individual has 3.66 times more risk of developing EHT as compared
      to the one with lower value of SUA. CONCLUSION: The mean SUA level and the
      frequency of hyperuricaemia was significantly higher in newly diagnosed cases of
      EHT as compared to healthy controls. Hence, SUA could be useful as a potential
      indicator for early risk detection of development of EHT.

PMID- 27134863
TI  - Effect of Different Pranayamas on Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) is the differential change of
      Heart Rate (HR) in response to inspiration and expiration. This is a noninvasive
      sensitive index of parasympathetic cardiac control. AIM: To evaluate changes in
      RSA by utilizing a simple and cost-effective analysis of electrocardiographic
      (ECG) tracings obtained during performance of four pranayama techniques.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty two trained volunteers performed the following
      pranayamas with different ratios for inspiration and expiration: sukha (1:1),
      traditional (1:2), pranava (1:3) and savitri (2:1:2:1) and ECG was recorded while
      performing the techniques with rest period of 5 minutes in-between. HR was
      calculated and maximum HR during inspiration (Imax), minimum HR during expiration
      (Emin), differences between Imax and Emin (Delta), percentage differences between
      I(max) and Emin (Delta%) and expiration: inspiration ratio (E:I) calculated by
      respective formulae. Statistical analysis was carried out using repeated measures
      of ANOVA with Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons test. RESULTS: There were
      significant differences between groups in all five aspects namely: p= 0.0093 for
      mean Imax, p = 0.0009 for mean Emin, and p < 0.0001 for Delta HR (I-E), Delta% HR
      (I-E) and E:I ratio. Pranava pranayama produced the greatest changes in all five
      comparisons. CONCLUSION: We suggest that further short and long term studies be
      undertaken with pranava pranayama in patients to further qualitatively and
      quantitatively evaluate inherent mechanisms of this simple technique. Addition of
      these cost-effective techniques to the medical armory will help patients of
      rhythm disorders and other cardiovascular conditions.

PMID- 27134864
TI  - Lung Transfer Factor in Middle Aged Asymptomatic Male Smokers of a City from West
      India: A Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Smoking is an increasingly popular indulgence in India. Assessment
      by routine spirometry falls short of direct functional parameter like Diffusion
      Lung Capacity (DLC), also known as lung transfer factor (LTF). AIM: To measure
      LTF amongst middle aged male smokers and to study various correlates for it.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 45 asymptomatic male current smokers were
      enrolled for this cross-sectional study conducted at pulmonary function testing
      lab of Physiology Department of our college. Smoking history was evaluated and
      smoking index was defined by product of number smoked per day and years smoked.
      We used instrument Ultima PFX of Medgraphic Company. After pre syringe
      calibration LTF was measured by Methane mixture using protocols of ATS.
      Parameters measured were Dlco-uncorrected, corrected and normalized to VA
      (alveolar volume). Results were compared for statistical significance and
      significance was set as p <0.05. RESULTS: In case group of 45(25 bidi and 20
      cigarette smokers) mean age was 30 years, mean duration was 8 years, mean smoking
      index was 60. We found small insignificant decline in actual LTF values than
      predicted which was not significantly different between bidi and cigarette
      smokers. Duration, age and intensity of smoking were negatively and significantly
      correlated with LTF value while anthropometric parameters were not. CONCLUSION:
      Smoking adversely affects LTF in young asymptomatic current male smoker that
      further declines with severity of smoking and with duration regardless of type of
      smoking. With years to come, these alterations can largely be prevented by
      smoking cessation, at least theoretically.

PMID- 27134865
TI  - Age Related Changes in Autonomic Functions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) imbalance may trigger or enhance
      pathology in different organ systems that varies in different age groups hence
      objective of present study was to evaluate association of different Age-groups
      with autonomic functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was
      conducted in 62 healthy volunteers in Department of Physiology LLRM Medical
      College Meerut, India. Volunteers were divided into three groups as younger (15
      45 years), middle (45-60) and elder age (above 60), Autonomic functions were
      tested in three domains viz. Cardio-vagal, adrenergic and sudomotor functions.
      Numerical data was summarized as mean and standard deviation and categorical data
      as count and percentage. ANOVA and Chi-square test were used to find difference
      among groups, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean +/-
      standard deviation OHT(Orthostatic Hypotension Test) among of younger, middle and
      elder age groups were 8.80+/-2.28, 13.40+/-4.64 and 21.82+/-6.04 respectively
      which represent decrease in sympathetic functions with age (p<0.001). Cardio
      vagal or parasympathetic responses indicated by DBT (Deep Breathing Test)
      Valsalva and 30:15 ratio of HR response to standing tests has shown statistically
      significant (p<0.001) decrease in mean response with increasing age. Sudomotor
      response appeared normal in younger and middle group but was interrupted in more
      than half of elderly people (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Sympathetic responses & para
      sympathetic responses have shown the significant decline with increasing age
      group. Sudomotor responses were partially interrupted in elderly age group.

PMID- 27134866
TI  - Maternal Myocardial Performance in Second Trimester of Pregnancy With Iron
      Deficiency Anaemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anaemia affects various organs in body including the heart. In
      anaemia, oxygen carrying capacity of blood decreases. Iron depletion and the
      amount of stored iron are reduced in iron deficiency anaemia which limits red
      cell production. However, the studies which show the effect of anaemia on
      myocardial function during pregnancy are few in India. AIM: To study the effect
      of iron deficiency anaemia on myocardial function by ECG during second trimester
      of pregnancy and to compare ECG changes with normal pregnant women in second
      trimester. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at antenatal OPD
      between Oct 2014 to Jul 2015. Hundred pregnant women were selected and divided
      into 2 groups. A total of 50 normal pregnant women (control group) in 2(nd)
      trimester (10-14 weeks of gestation) were compared with equal number of pregnant
      women with anaemia (study group) in 2(nd) trimester, aged between 20-30 years.
      Electrocardiogram was recorded using Philips twelve channel ECG machine model
      TC20 in both control and study groups to evaluate myocardial performance.
      Haematological parameters were analysed by SYSMEX auto analyser. Analysis of
      Variance (One way ANOVA) was used for comparison between study and control groups
      and the data was analysed by t-tests. RESULTS: In our study a significant
      decrease in QRS duration and increase in QTc were observed in study group
      (p<0.05). T-wave abnormalities like flat and negative T-waves in lead II, III,
      avF, V2 - V4 were more frequent (p<0.05). 90% of subjects in study group had
      tachycardia and ECG abnormalities. There was a negative correlation between Hb
      level, serum ferritin and tachycardia, ECG abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy
      with Iron deficiency anaemia brings about various changes in ECG, suggesting that
      anaemia and volume overload in pregnancy is a risk factor that may lead to
      cardiac hypertrophy.

PMID- 27134867
TI  - Baroreflex Dysfunction in Prader Willi Syndrome.
AB  - Prader-Willi syndrome is a classical hypothalamic insufficiency disorder. This
      syndrome is often associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality - which
      could probably be attributed to autonomic dysfunction. A 21-year-old Prader Willi
      syndrome patient was referred for cardiovascular and autonomic function
      assessment. We performed a battery of tests assessing vascular structure (carotid
      intima thickness), vascular function (arterial stiffness indices), baroreflex
      sensitivity (overall integrator of short term regulation of blood pressure),
      blood pressure variability and autonomic tone (heart rate variability) along with
      autonomic reactivity tests. We observed impaired baroreflex sensitivity along
      with orthostatic tachycardia with normal vascular function tests. Prader- Willi
      syndrome patient have baroreflex dysfunction with probable afferent and/ central
      autonomic neural defects. 

PMID- 27134868
TI  - Heart Rate Changes in Electroacupuncture Treated Polycystic Ovary in Rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic disorder, it
      affects both humans and animals. It may induce coronary heart disease, obesity
      and hyperandrogenism. Previous studies show that Low frequency Electroacupuncture
      (EA) have an effect on PCOS, however the exact pathway is unclear. AIM: To find
      the effect of EA on autonomic activity of the heart in Estradiol Valerate (EV)
      induced PCOS rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heart rate variability (HRV) was
      assessed in 3 groups: 1) Control; 2) PCOS rats; and 3) PCOS rats after EA
      treatment (n=8 in each group). From the time domain analysis and frequency domain
      analysis (linear measures) HRV analysis was done. EA stimulation was given at low
      frequency of 2Hz for 15 min on alternate days for 4-5 weeks. Collected data were
      statistically analysed using One-Way Analysis of Variance with the application of
      multiple comparisons of Tukey test. RESULTS: EA treatment group shows significant
      reduction in Heart Rate (HR) and low frequency, high frequency ratio (LF/HF); and
      increase in RR interval, Total Power (TP) when compared to PCOS group.
      CONCLUSION: The study concludes that EA treatment has a significant effect on
      reducing sympathetic tone and decreasing HR in PCOS.

PMID- 27134869
TI  - Adherence to Hospital Antibiotic Policy for Treatment of Escherichia coli ESBL in
      Urine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Escherichia coli are the most common uropathogen worldwide
      accounting for 80% of the Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Nosocomial infections
      caused by Multi-drug resistant Gram negative bacteria expressing Extended
      Spectrum beta Lactamase enzyme, pose a serious therapeutic challenge to
      clinicians due to limited therapeutic options. Stringent adherence to Hospital
      Antibiotic Policy in treating Urinary Escherichia coli ESBLs is a borne
      necessity. AIM: A clinical audit was undertaken in the form of a cross-sectional
      study to evaluate the compliance on appropriate antibiotic prescription and
      strict adherence to Hospital Antibiotic Policy for therapeutic management of the
      patients infected with urinary Escherichia coli ESBL producers. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A cross-sectional medical audit on adherence to treatment of Escherichia
      coli ESBL producers from in-patients diagnosed to have urinary tract infections
      for a duration of 7 months was conducted as a prospective study. Clinical data,
      culture and sensitivity reports of the patient diagnosed with urinary Escherichia
      coli ESBLs were compared with the treatment chart to ensure strict adherence to
      hospital antibiotic policy for appropriate therapy by physicians. Data were
      analysed using IBM SPSS version 20 software. RESULTS: The incidence of
      uncomplicated cystitis, pyelonephritis and complicated pyelonephritis cases were
      65.24% (107 out of 164), 20.7% (34 out of 164) and 14.02% (23 out of 164)
      respectively. Resistance to individual fluoroquinolones like norfloxacin,
      ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin were found to be 60%, 59% and 47.5% respectively. As
      per hospital antibiotic policy, fluoroquinolones were prescribed in only 23% of
      the patients for the treatment of urinary Escherichia coli ESBLs. CONCLUSION:
      Irrational utilization of antibiotics and non-adherence to antibiotic policy
      could have been the significant risk factors for drug resistance. Optimized
      antibiotic use, Microbiology laboratory support and periodic antibiotic audit led
      by effective infection control team would hasten the development of drug
      resistance.

PMID- 27134870
TI  - Antibiotic Resistance, RAPD- PCR Typing of Multiple Drug Resistant Strains of
      Escherichia Coli From Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Global spreading of multidrug resistant strains of Escherichia coli
      is responsible for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) which is a major health problem
      in of concern. Among the gram negative bacteria, the major contributors for UTI
      belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae, which includes E. coli, Klebsiella,
      Citrobacter and Proteus. However, E. coli accounts for the major cause of Urinary
      tract infections (UTIs) and accounts for 75% to 90% of UTI isolates. AIM: The
      main aim of this study is to analyse the phylogenetic grouping of clinical
      isolates of UTI E. coli. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study nearly 58 E. coli
      strains were isolated and confirmed through microbiological, biochemical
      characterization. The urine samples were collected from outpatients having
      symptoms of UTI, irrespective of age and sex in Tamil Nadu, India. The isolates
      were subjected to analyse for ESBL and AmpC beta-lactamase production. To
      understand its genetic correlation, molecular typing was carried out using RAPD
      PCR method. RESULTS: Here we noted phenotypically twenty seven isolates were
      positive for ESBL and seven for AmpC beta-lactamase production. However, among
      the ESBL isolates higher sensitivity was noted for Nitrofurantoin and Cefoxitin.
      It is worth to note that the prevalence of UTIs was more common among female and
      elderly male. Phylogenetic grouping revealed the presence of 24 isolates belonged
      to B2 group followed by 19 isolates to group A, eight isolates to group B1 and
      Seven isolates to group D. CONCLUSION: Phenotypically most of the strains were
      positive for ESBL and showed high sensitivity for Nitrofurantoin and cefoxitin.

PMID- 27134871
TI  - Association of Urinary Tract Infection in Married Women Presenting with Urinary
      Incontinence in a Hospital based Population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence (UI) is increasingly recognized as a
      significant health problem, which remains a hygienic as well as social problem.
      Women have higher risk of developing incontinence in their lifetime compared with
      men. Urinary tract infection can increase the incidence of incontinence. Present
      study was undertaken to assess the association of UTI in married women who
      presented with UI. AIM: The present study was aimed to identify the patients
      (married women) with complaints of UI and determining its association with UTI;
      and to identify the causative organism for the UTI along with its antimicrobial
      susceptibility pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, non
      randomized study of 107 married women with UI, who attended outpatient department
      in our hospital. Mid-stream urine (MSU) samples were collected from these
      patients with positive history of incontinence. Screening of urine for
      significant bacteriuria and culture to identify the etiological agents were
      performed followed by evaluation of their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles
      using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. RESULTS: Overall 25.2% of patients with
      incontinence had a positive urine culture. History of UTI was elicited in around
      38.3% of patients, among which 15% had positive urine culture and 10.3% of the
      patients who did not have a history had positive culture. Escherichia coli was
      the commonest causative organism (66.6) causing UTI, followed by Enterococcus
      spp. (22.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.4%) and Proteus mirabilis (3.7%). The
      antimicrobial susceptibility pattern for Escherichia coli showed high sensitivity
      to Nitrofurantoin (94.4%) and high resistance to Ampicillin (94.4%). CONCLUSION:
      Our study revealed one in every four incontinent patients had UTI and almost half
      of them suffered from previous episodes of UTI. Thus appropriate correction of
      the existing UTI can help in the treatment of UI.

PMID- 27134873
TI  - Sporotrichosis of Maxillary Sinuses in a Middle Aged Female Patient from Rural
      Area of Eastern India.
AB  - Sporotrichosis is commonly a chronic infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii, a
      saprophytic fungus and is usually limited to cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues.
      Disseminated systemic, osteoarticular or pulmonary sporotrichosis have been
      reported but nasal sinusitis by this fungus is extremely infrequent. Earlier
      report from southern India documented a case of maxillary sinusitis by Sporothrix
      schenckii. Here we report a similar case of bilateral maxillary sinusitis in a
      middle aged female from a village of Bihar, a state in eastern India. She
      underwent endoscopic maxillary sinus surgery for nasal symptoms and diagnosed to
      have sporotrichotic infection of maxillary sinuses. The diagnosis was done by
      mycological and histopathological examination and patient improved under
      antifungal chemotherapy. 

PMID- 27134872
TI  - Molecular Characterisation of Clinical Isolates of Chikungunya Virus: A Study
      from Tertiary Care Hospitals in Southern India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Indian ocean islands and India have experienced massive severe
      Chikungunya outbreak from 2005 up till now and then Chikungunya became epidemic
      in India. The mutations that occurred in E1 gene were responsible for increased
      infectivity, virulence and host adaptability. It is important to find out the
      genotype and its probable evolvement and novel mutations in the E1 gene reported
      during 2006-2009 from the current isolates, which may affect the local protein
      structure. AIM: To perform Molecular diagnosis and Molecular Characterisation of
      Chikungunya virus isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 33 samples were
      included in the study. RNA was isolated from 33 serum samples and Real time PCR
      was carried out. Further, Nested PCR and E1 partial gene sequencing was
      performed. Phylogenetic analysis, mutational analysis and protein modelling
      studies were carried out. RESULTS: Out of 33 samples tested, 31 were found
      positive for CHIK RNA. Phylogenetic analysis showed that isolates belongs to ECSA
      genotype and E1K211E, E1M269V and E1D284E mutations were observed from all the
      isolates. CONCLUSION: The isolates may have evolved from ECSA Reunion island
      strains and identified unique mutations in E1 gene were maintained. These
      mutations have not affected local protein structure.

PMID- 27134874
TI  - Cell Culture, Technology: Enhancing the Culture of Diagnosing Human Diseases.
AB  - Cell culture involves a complex of processes of cell isolation from their natural
      environment (in vivo) and subsequent growth in a controlled environmental
      artificial condition (in vitro). Cells from specific tissues or organs are
      cultured as short term or established cell lines which are widely used for
      research and diagnosis, most specially in the aspect of viral infection, because
      pathogenic viral isolation depends on the availability of permissible cell
      cultures. Cell culture provides the required setting for the detection and
      identification of numerous pathogens of humans, which is achieved via virus
      isolation in the cell culture as the "gold standard" for virus discovery. In this
      review, we summarized the views of researchers on the current role of cell
      culture technology in the diagnosis of human diseases. The technological
      advancement of recent years, starting with monoclonal antibody development to
      molecular techniques, provides an important approach for detecting presence of
      viral infection. They are also used as a baseline for establishing rapid tests
      for newly discovered pathogens. A combination of virus isolation in cell culture
      and molecular methods is still critical in identifying viruses that were
      previously unrecognized. Therefore, cell culture should be considered as a
      fundamental procedure in identifying suspected infectious viral agent. 

PMID- 27134875
TI  - Role of Cell Block in Guided FNAC of Abdominal Masses.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) of space occupying lesions in
      superficial or deep anatomic sites is an increasingly common procedure, providing
      rapid and safe diagnosis. However, sometimes FNA does not yield sufficient
      information for a precise diagnosis and the risk of false negatives and
      indeterminate diagnosis is always present. Therefore, we attempted to obtain
      additional information via the preparation of Cell Block (CB) from the residual
      material of aspirates and thus enhance the diagnostic accuracy. AIM: This study
      was carried out to evaluate the role of CB as a useful adjunct to smears for
      establishing a more definitive cytopathologic diagnosis and for its utility in
      special staining and Immuno-histochemistry (IHC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total
      of 66 cases of image-guided FNA of abdominal masses were studied. In addition to
      the routine smears, CBs were prepared from the residual tissues for all possible
      cases and its diagnostic efficacy was analysed. Further, the use of CBs for
      special staining and IHC was also established. RESULTS: This study included a
      total of 66 patients with abdominal masses who were referred for guided FNA
      cytology. Out of these cases, adequate material was obtained on FNAC in 64 cases
      (96.96%) and on CB in 45 cases (68.18%) and the diagnosis was provided. There was
      a good agreement between the FNA smear diagnosis and CB diagnosis. The
      histopathology of CB sections further helped in precise final cytopathological
      diagnosis. Two FNA smears were unsatisfactory for evaluation and hence the
      diagnosis was done on CB sections alone. With FNA cytology and CB in combination,
      a cytopathological diagnosis was given for all the 66 cases. The sensitivity of
      FNA in comparison to the histopathology of CB was 91.6% and specificity was
      88.8%. The diagnostic accuracy was 62% and the discordance was 6%. CONCLUSIONS:
      CB in addition to the routine FNA is a simple, reliable and cost-effective
      technique that further contributes to the final cytopathological diagnosis.

PMID- 27134876
TI  - Sensitivity and Specificity of Galectin-3 and Glypican-3 in Follicular-Patterned
      and Other Thyroid Neoplasms.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diagnosing follicular-patterned thyroid neoplasm can be quiet
      challenging in some cases, where an immunohistochemical profiling becomes
      mandatory. Galectin-3 may be a helpful tool for classical PTC diagnosis, but it
      cannot be considered as a diagnostic marker of malignancy. Glypican-3, in
      contrast, is not thoroughly studied in thyroid neoplasms. AIM: Determine the
      sensitivity and specificity of galectin-3 and glypican-3 in diagnosing thyroid
      carcinoma and follicular-patterned thyroid carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective study was conducted on archival blocks diagnosed from pathology
      department between 2010 and 2012 including 17 cases of follicular adenoma, 16
      cases of Classic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (PTC), 6 cases of Follicular Variant
      of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (FVPTC), 3 cases of follicular carcinoma, 5 cases
      of medullary carcinoma and 1 case of Hurthle cell carcinoma. The nearby non
      neoplastic (normal) thyroid follicles present in both adenoma and carcinoma cases
      were also evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: Evaluation of both galectin-3 and glypican-3
      expression using standard immunohistochemical techniques. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
      USED: Descriptive analysis of the variables and statistical significances were
      calculated by non-parametric chi-square test using the Statistical Package for
      the Social Sciences version 12.0 (SPSS). RESULTS: Five (30%) and 4 (24%) out of
      the 17 studied follicular adenoma cases, were positively stained by galectin-3
      and glypican-3 respectively, while 30 (97%) and 25 (81%) cases out of the studied
      31 carcinoma cases were positively stained by galectin-3 and glypican-3
      respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of galectin-3
      vs. glypican-3 in discrimination between thyroid carcinoma and adenoma was 96.8%,
      70.6%, and 87.5%vs. 81% 76.5% and 79% respectively. As for the discrimination
      between follicular-patterned thyroid carcinoma and follicular adenoma it was 90%,
      71% and 78% vs. 90% 76.5% and 82%. CONCLUSION: Glypican-3 is more specific while
      galectin-3 is more sensitive in diagnosing thyroid carcinoma while glypican-3 is
      more specific than galectin-3 in discriminating follicular-patterned neoplasm.

PMID- 27134877
TI  - Evaluation of Renal Allograft Biopsies for Graft Dysfunction and Relevance of C4d
      Staining in Antibody Mediated Rejection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Biopsy remains gold standard for diagnosis of Graft Dysfunction
      (GD). It guides clinical management, provides valuable insights into pathogenesis
      of early and late allograft injury and is indispensable for distinguishing
      rejection from non- rejection causes of GD. AIM: The primary aim of the study was
      to evaluate the diverse histomorphological lesions in renal allograft biopsy
      (RAB). Further, we determined the frequency of peritubular capillary (PTC) C4d
      positivity and its correlation with microvascular inflammation in Antibody
      Mediated Rejection (AMR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study on
      RAB over a period of 2 months. Histopathological evaluation was undertaken as per
      revised Banff'13 schema. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect PTC C4d
      deposition. RESULTS: Sixty five diagnostic biopsies were evaluated. Mean patient
      age was 34 years and males were predominant. The time interval between graft
      biopsy and transplantation ranged from 5 days to 8 years, with 52.3% biopsies
      belonging to period of <= 6 months post-transplant. Immune injuries were observed
      in 40 biopsies out of which AMR was observed in 35 biopsies. Calcineurin
      inhibitor toxicity (CNI Toxicity) was the second commonest cause observed in 12
      biopsies and other lesions including de novo glomerulopathies were observed in
      the remaining biopsies. The sensitivity of C4d in detecting acute AMR was 55% and
      chronic AMR was 23.5. CONCLUSION: AMR and CNI Toxicity account for majority of
      graft dysfunction. C4d is not as sensitive a marker of AMR, as was initially
      thought. Higher proportion of moderate microvascular inflammation is found in
      diffuse C4d positive cases compared to focal C4d positive cases.

PMID- 27134878
TI  - Preoperative Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Ovarian Lesions
      Is It a Rapid and Effective Diagnostic Modality?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The deep seated ovarian lesions unapproachable by unguided
      aspiration cytology were easily done under ultrasound guidance. It gave a before
      hand cytological diagnosis of the lesion to the surgeon determining the modality
      of treatment for the patient. AIM: To find the diagnostic accuracy of the method
      of ultrasound guided cytological assessment of ovarian lesion. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The study was conducted as a prospective observational study over a
      period of one year, in hospital setting, where ultrasound guided fine needle
      aspiration had been used to aspirate ovarian lesions, giving a rapid cytological
      diagnosis. In 43 sample cases, aspiration of fluid done from ovarian lesions were
      followed by cyto-centrifugation and staining by May-Grunwald-Giemsa (MGG) and
      Papanicolaou (Pap) stain providing a cytological opinion regarding
      benign/malignant nature of the lesion and further categorization. Later the
      cytological diagnosis was compared with final histopathological diagnosis, taking
      it as a gold standard. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity, specificity, and
      diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound guided aspiration and cytological analysis were
      high, 96%, 76.92% and 89.47% respectively as calculated by comparing the
      cytological diagnosis with histological diagnosis, taking it as gold standard.
      CONCLUSION: This method has evolved as a highly sensitive, rapid, simple and
      effective modality for screening and as well as accurate preoperative diagnosis
      of ovarian lesions.

PMID- 27134879
TI  - Nescient Aetiology of Splenic Laceration - An Enigma Unveiled.
AB  - Malaria is a common endemic disease prevalent in developing countries like India
      that presents with wide spectrum of clinical symptoms and complications. Splenic
      rupture is an uncommon but life-threatening complication which can be either
      spontaneous or as a result of trauma. We present a case of 50-year-old man with
      left upper quadrant pain following a polytrauma. Based on the radiological
      evidence of laceration and rupture of markedly enlarged spleen, emergency
      splenectomy was performed. Postoperative haematological evaluation established
      the co-infection of Plasmodium falciparum and vivax with high parasitaemia and
      marked thrombocytosis. The incidences of splenic rupture due to malaria are under
      reported. In endemic areas, the management of splenic rupture in malaria should
      be focused on splenic preservation, thereby reducing the risk of future attacks
      of malaria in those patients who are highly susceptible to Plasmodium species and
      also reducing the incidence of overwhelming sepsis. 

PMID- 27134880
TI  - Co-existence of Endometriotic Cyst of the Ovary and Arias-Stella Reaction in a
      Non-Pregnant Woman: Report of a Rare Case.
AB  - Endometriosis is defined as presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. It
      can occur anywhere in the ovary. In the ovary it is usually presented as cyst,
      termed as endometriotic cyst or Chocolate cyst. Arias-Stella reaction is usually
      seen in gestational endometrium or in ectopic gestation site and rarely in non
      pregnant uterus with hormonal intake. Co-existence of endometriosis and Arias
      Stella reaction is very rare. We present a very rare case of endometriotic cyst
      of the ovary exhibiting Arias -Stella reaction which was seen in of non pregnant
      patient without any history of hormonal intake. 

PMID- 27134881
TI  - Endometrial Cholesterol Granuloma Associated with Prolapsed Uterus- A Rare Case
      Report with Unusual Clinical Presentation.
AB  - Cholesterol granuloma is a chronic inflammatory reaction to cholesterol
      deposition. It may develop in variety of sites including middle ear, mastoid
      process, para nasal sinuses, mediastinum, breast, testis and kidney. But
      endometrial cholesterol granuloma is a rarely reported case and is usually
      presented clinically as pyometra. This article reports a case of cholesterol
      granuloma in the endometrium associated with prolapsed uterus. In this case the
      patient clinically presented with urinary retention and overflow incontinence of
      urine. The reason of acute urinary retention in this case was pelvic fibrosis and
      adhesion secondary to this chronic inflammatory reaction. This was supported by
      the presence of pus like yellowish material over the uterine surface and pelvic
      adhesion, noted during surgery. Endometrial biopsy revealed cholesterol granuloma
      that confirmed the source of chronic inflammatory reaction and pelvic fibrosis. 

PMID- 27134882
TI  - Primary Paratesticular Lymphoma with Testicular Sparing: Account of an Unusual
      Scrotal Mass.
AB  - Tumours of the testicular adnexa include a heterogeous group of mesothelial,
      mesenchymal and germ cell tumours. Adenomatoid tumour, pseudosarcomatous
      myofibroblastic proliferations and rhabdomyosarcoma are the more frequently
      encountered neoplasms. Lymphoma/leukemic infiltration secondary to testicular
      involvement or primary tumour elsewhere is not unusual. However, Primary Para
      Testicular Lymphoma (PPTL) involving spermatic cord and/or epididymis with
      sparing of the testicular parenchyma is extremely rare. Accurate staging and
      typing is crucial for effective management. We present a rare case of Diffuse
      Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) involving the left paratesticular tissue with
      testicular sparing in a young immunocompetant male patient. 

PMID- 27134883
TI  - Pancreatoblastoma an Unusual Occurrence of a Tumour in Paediatric Age Group: A
      Case Report.
AB  - Pancreatoblastoma, is rare exocrine malignant tumour of childhood. We are
      reporting a case of three-year-old child presented to our hospital suffering from
      vague abdominal pain for further examination and treatment. Clinical examination
      revealed only a palpable abdominal mass. CT Scan revealed a huge complex space
      occupying lesion 9.1x8.8x9.2cm with large central cystic degeneration and
      lobulated enhancing peripheral solid components with foci of calcification, seem
      to arise from body and tail regions of pancreas. Surgery was done and mass was
      removed. By histopathology and immunohistochemistry it was diagnosed as
      pancreatoblastoma. The prognosis is very good in paediatric age, lacking evidence
      of metastatic disease at first presentation. Therefore early diagnosis is needed
      for specific treatment. The case is being reported because of its rarity. 

PMID- 27134884
TI  - Familial Hepatocellular Carcinoma- First Reported Case from India.
AB  - Familial clustering of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is commonly observed in
      various parts of the world including China and Eastern Asia where HBV is endemic
      while in western world, genetic factors and metabolic disorders may play an
      important role. In India, HCC is considered to be a rare tumour and till date no
      case of familial HCC has been reported here. Therefore the present case
      demonstrates rare occurrence of familial HCC which is being reported for the
      first time from India on cytology. The case also highlights an unusual feature
      that it was not associated with any risk factor including HBV, HCV infection,
      alcoholism, obesity, diabetes or smoking suggesting its independent association
      with genetic factors. Cytology is uncomplicated diagnostic tool for HCC and may
      be useful for its early diagnosis. This case also highlights the importance of
      early surveillance and follow up of blood relatives for every case of HCC so that
      early diagnosis and management of familial HCC is possible. 

PMID- 27134885
TI  - Gaucher's Disease: A Rare Case, Diagnosed By Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology.
AB  - Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a simple, inexpensive and innocuous diagnostic
      tool. It is increasingly accepted in daily medical practice. We report a case of
      Gaucher's disease diagnosed by FNA of enlarged spleen in a seven-year-old male
      presented with complaints of fever, on and off irregular bowel habits, abdominal
      distension and asymmetric gaze for four years and decreased vision in night for
      last one year. The diagnosis was based on the finding of large, macrophage like
      cells with abundant, pale, fibrillary cytoplasm and small nuclei. The patient had
      no family history of Gaucher's disease, and the diagnosis was not suspected
      clinically. 

PMID- 27134886
TI  - Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety of Add-on Therapy of Saroglitazar and
      Fenofibrate with Metformin in Indian Patients with Diabetic Dyslipidaemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetic dyslipidaemia poses a therapeutic challenge. New therapies
      have emerged in this patient subgroup to enhance outcome and improve compliance.
      AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of add on
      therapy of saroglitazar and fenofibrate with metformin in Indian patients with
      diabetic dyslipidaemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adults patients with diabetic
      dyslipidaemia fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomized in two groups.
      Group A patients received metformin (1000 mg/ day) and fenofibrate (160 mg/day)
      while group B patients received metformin (1000 mg/day) and saroglitazar (4
      mg/day). Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C), triglyceride (TG), LDL- cholesterol
      (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were measured at baseline and week 12
      visits. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and post prandial plasma glucose (PPPG) were
      measured at baseline and on week 4, 8 and 12 visits. RESULTS: TG and HbA1C levels
      decreased significantly at week 12 from their respective baseline values (p<
      0.05) in both groups. FPG and PPPG levels significantly decreased at weeks 4, 8
      and 12 compared to their pretreatment values (p< 0.05) in both groups. TG and
      HbA1C levels in group B decreased significantly compared to group A at week 12.
      FPG and PPPG levels in group B also decreased significantly compared to group A
      at every interval. Inter group analysis did not show any statistically
      significant change in body weight, LDL-C and HDL-C at week 12. CONCLUSION: Add on
      therapy of saroglitazar with metformin significantly decreased TG, HbA1C, FPG and
      PPPG levels compared to add on therapy of fenofibrate with metformin in Indian
      patients with diabetic dyslipidaemia.

PMID- 27134887
TI  - Virtual Screening of Phytochemicals to Novel Target (HAT) Rtt109 in Pneumocystis
      Jirovecii using Bioinformatics Tools.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pneumocystis jirovecii is a fungus that causes Pneumocystis
      pneumonia in HIV and other immunosuppressed patients. Treatment of Pneumocystis
      pneumonia with the currently available antifungals is challenging and associated
      with considerable adverse effects. There is a need to develop drugs against novel
      targets with minimal human toxicities. Histone Acetyl Transferase (HAT) Rtt109 is
      a potential therapeutic target in Pneumocystis jirovecii species. HAT is linked
      to transcription and is required to acetylate conserved lysine residues on
      histone proteins by transferring an acetyl group from acetyl CoA to form e-N
      acetyl lysine. Therefore, inhibitors of HAT can be useful therapeutic options in
      Pneumocystis pneumonia. AIM: To screen phytochemicals against (HAT) Rtt109 using
      bioinformatics tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tertiary structure of
      Pneumocystis jirovecii (HAT) Rtt109 was modeled by Homology Modeling. The ideal
      template for modeling was obtained by performing Psi BLAST of the protein
      sequence. Rtt109-AcCoA/Vps75 protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (PDB structure
      3Q35) was chosen as the template. The target protein was modeled using Swiss
      Modeler and validated using Ramachandran plot and Errat 2. Comprehensive text
      mining was performed to identify phytochemical compounds with antipneumonia and
      fungicidal properties and these compounds were filtered based on Lipinski's Rule
      of 5. The chosen compounds were subjected to virtual screening against the target
      protein (HAT) Rtt109 using Molegro Virtual Docker 4.5. Osiris Property Explorer
      and Open Tox Server were used to predict ADME-T properties of the chosen
      phytochemicals. RESULTS: Tertiary structure model of HAT Rtt 109 had a ProSA
      score of -6.57 and Errat 2 score of 87.34. Structure validation analysis by
      Ramachandran plot for the model revealed 97% of amino acids were in the favoured
      region. Of all the phytochemicals subjected to virtual screening against the
      target protein (HAT) Rtt109, baicalin exhibited highest binding affinity towards
      the target protein as indicated by the Molegro score of 130.68 and formed 16 H
      bonds. The ADME-T property prediction revealed that baicalin was non-mutagenic,
      non-tumorigenic and had a drug likeness score of 0.87. CONCLUSION: Baicalin has
      good binding with Rtt 109 in Pneumocystis jirovecii and can be considered as a
      novel and valuable treatment option for Pneumocystis pneumonia patients after
      subjecting it to invivo and invitro studies.

PMID- 27134888
TI  - Assessment of Knowledge of Self Blood Glucose Monitoring and Extent of Self
      Titration of Anti-Diabetic Drugs among Diabetes Mellitus Patients - A Cross
      Sectional, Community Based Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Self blood glucose monitoring is an important context of self care
      in the management of diabetes mellitus. All the guidelines must be followed while
      performing self blood glucose monitoring and tracking of values is essential to
      facilitate the physician while titrating the drugs and /or doses of anti diabetes
      medication. Self titration by patients following self monitoring must be
      discouraged. AIM: To assess the knowledge and practice of self blood glucose
      monitoring among diabetes patients and extent of self titration of anti diabetes
      medicines among diabetes patients based on self blood glucose monitoring.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This pilot, cross-sectional, observational study was
      conducted using a validated questionnaire among adult male and female diabetes
      patients performing self blood glucose monitoring at home. Diabetes patients with
      complications and juvenile diabetes patients were excluded. RESULTS: Out of 153
      patients surveyed, only 37 (24.1%) (20 males, 17 females) patients were aware and
      have been following self blood glucose monitoring appropriately. About 116
      (75.8%) (64 males, 52 females) of patients were devoid of adequate knowledge and
      did not practice self blood glucose monitoring in a proper way. Ninety eight
      (64.05%) accepted that they self titrate their anti diabetic medicines based on
      self monitoring. CONCLUSION: Self monitoring of blood glucose should be
      encouraged and patients should be taught importance of following correct steps
      and tracking of self monitoring by physician or diabetes educator.

PMID- 27134889
TI  - Imprudent Gastro-protective Approach in Majority of Specialists' Clinics of a
      Tertiary Hospital.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One out of four prescriptions in out-patient departments contains a
      gastro-protective drug (APUD) - PPI/ H2 Blockers/ Antacids/ Ulcer Protective's.
      These drugs should be prescribed only when there is a justified indication. To
      assess the prescriptions of gastro-protective agents for appropriateness and
      rationality, in a tertiary care hospital setup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a
      cross-sectional observational study conducted from Aug 2013 to Dec 2013 at OPDs
      of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital, Pune. A total of 260 prescriptions
      containing gastro-protective agents were analysed for appropriateness and
      rationality. Rationality of drug use was assessed by referring to standard
      textbooks and guidelines. Cost difference data was analysed by Wilcoxon signed
      rank test using GraphPad Prism 6. RESULTS: Most common class of gastro-protective
      agents was Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)-73.77% (Pantoprazole & Dexrabeprazole).
      Only 37.3% prescriptions had an adequate indication for these drugs {GI
      prophylaxis (29.6%) and Acid Peptic Disease treatment (7.7%)}. Two irrational
      Fixed dose combinations found in the study were PPI with prokinetic agent (n=65)
      and Proton Pump Inhibitor + NSAID combination (n=2). Formulation, spelling and
      strength errors were found with 75 prescribed drugs. Medication instructions were
      lacking with most of the drugs. Drug interactions with co-prescribed drugs could
      be anticipated in 79 cases. Injudicious use of anti-peptic ulcer agents
      significantly increased the cost of prescriptions (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Anti
      ulcer drugs are overenthusiastically prescribed by all specialties which can
      predispose to adverse effects, drug interactions, increased cost and even
      erroneous prescriptions.

PMID- 27134890
TI  - Metolazone Associated Stevens Johnson Syndrome-Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
      Overlap.
AB  - Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are severe
      mucocutaneous disease with high mortality rate. It is characterised by severe
      necrosis and detachment of the epidermis. Drugs are the most common triggering
      agent for SJS/TEN. These are commonly reported with the use of aromatic
      antiepileptics, antiretrovirals, allopurinol, NSAID'S and sulfonamide
      antibiotics. Non antibiotic sulfonamides rarely cause SJS/TEN. Metolazone is a
      well known diuretic and is extensively used by clinicians. Although this drug is
      in market for last several decades, no case of SJS/TEN has been reported till
      date. We report a rare case of metolazone induced SJS/TEN overlap in a 55-year
      old lady. 

PMID- 27134891
TI  - Fatal Nevirapine-Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in a HIV Infected Patient.
AB  - Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are the most
      Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs) which mainly caused by exposure to
      drugs and having significant morbidity and mortality. TEN represents an
      immunologic reaction to a foreign antigen and is most often caused by drugs.
      Nevirapine (NVP), a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) is an
      important component of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). It is
      sometimes associated with life-threatening adverse reactions. Here, we report the
      fatal case of 72-year-old male who developed TEN secondary to intake of
      nevirapine. This fatal case report will increase awareness among treating
      physicians for careful monitoring of patients on NNRTI-based antiretroviral
      therapy and better counseling of the patient on NVP regimen for early
      identification and reporting of SCARs so that fatalities due to adverse drug
      reactions can be prevented with timely intervention. 

PMID- 27134892
TI  - Antioxidant and Nephroprotective Activities of Aconitum heterophyllum Root in
      Glycerol Induced Acute Renal Failure in Rats.
AB  - AIM: The present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and nephroprotective
      activities of ethanolic extract of Aconitum heterophyllum root (EEAHR) in
      glycerol induced acute renal failure (ARF) in Wistar albino rats. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In vitro antioxidant activity of EEAHR was assessed using the 2, 2
      diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH assay), nitric oxide radical scavenging (NO assay),
      hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 assay) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)
      scavenging activity assays. In vivo study, rats were divided into four groups of
      six each for assessing the nephroprotective activity. Group-1 received normal
      saline, group-2 received 50% glycerol (10 ml/kg) alone, group-3 received glycerol
      and 250 mg/kg of EEAHR and group-4 received glycerol and 500 mg/kg of EEAHR. The
      renal injury and recovery was measured by serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen
      (BUN), total proteins, albumin, urine output and histopathological changes.
      RESULTS: In vitro antioxidant activity of root extract was found to be equal to
      Vitamin C and in an in vivo study root extract treated animals showed significant
      attenuation of biochemical parameters and histopathological changes of the kidney
      compared to glycerol treated group and it was found to be more significant with
      the extract at 500 mg/kg than 250mg/kg. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed
      that Aconitum heterophyllum root has shown antioxidant and nephroprotective
      activities.

PMID- 27134893
TI  - In Vivo Evaluation of Anti Diabetic, Hypolipidemic, Antioxidative Activities of
      Saudi Date Seed Extract on Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) is major fruit of gulf region. In
      folk medicine; dates have been traditionally use. The date seed is used as
      hypoglycaemic, expectorant, tonic, aphrodisiac, antidiarrheic and mouth hygiene.
      AIM: This study intended to evaluate the anti-diabetic, hypolipidaemic and
      antioxidative activities of date seed extract in diabetes-induced rats. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Total of seven groups of rats, consisting of control rats and
      streptozotocin induced diabetic rats treated with aqueous seed extract in
      concentration of 100g/L in dosage of 10ml/day/rat. To evaluate the anti-diabetic
      property, glucose and weight was analysed weekly and at the end of eight week all
      rats were sacrificed. To evaluate the hypolipidaemic and antioxidative
      activities, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, malondialdehyde, superoxide
      dismutase, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were estimated. Liver enzymes and kidney
      function tests were performed. Moreover to verify the glycaemic effect; glycated
      haemoglobin and serum insulin was performed. RESULTS: Aqueous seed extract in
      concentration of 100 gm/L in dosage of 10ml/day/rat brings a significant
      reduction of blood glucose levels in diabetic rats in comparison of control rats.
      There were significant differences in the investigated clinical chemistry and
      oxidative stress parameters between control and diabetic rats with both seed
      extract of Ajwa and Sukkari dates. CONCLUSION: Present study verifies the
      antidiabetic property, of aqueous seed extracts of two different varieties of
      dates namely Ajwa and Sukkari of Kingdom of Saudi on streptozotocin induced
      Diabetic rats. Prolong treatments with the extract restores the function of liver
      and kidney and balance the oxidative stress condition in diabetic treated rats.

PMID- 27134894
TI  - Myocardial Salvaging Effects of Berberine in Experimental Diabetes Co-Existing
      with Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the Berberis
      aristata, has been shown to display a wide array of pharmacological activities
      (hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic). AIM: The present study was designed to
      investigate whether these pharmacological properties translate into the
      cardioprotective effects of Berberine in the setting of diabetes mellitus.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Necessary approval from the Institutional Animal Ethics
      Committee was taken for the study. Experimental diabetes was produced with single
      dose of Streptozotocin (STZ): 45mg/kg ip and myocardial infarction was induced by
      administering Isoproterenol (ISP): 85mg/kg, sc to rats on 35(th) & 36(th) day.
      After the confirmation of diabetes on 7(th) day (>200mg/dl), Berberine (100
      mg/kg) was administered orally to experimental rats from day 8 and continued for
      30 days thereafter. Various anti-diabetic (Glucose, HbA1c), cardioprotective (CPK
      MB), metabolic (lipid profile), safety {liver function (SGPT, kidney function
      (Creatinine)} and histopathological indices of injury were evaluated in Healthy
      Control, Diabetic Control and Berberine treated groups. RESULTS: Administration
      of STZ-ISP resulted in a significant decrease in body weight (p<0.001), diabetic
      changes (increase in blood glucose, HbA1c), cardiac injury (leakage of myocardial
      CPK-MB), altered lipid profile, SGPT, creatinine levels (p<0.001) in the diabetic
      control group rats as compared to healthy control. Berberine treatment
      demonstrated significant antidiabetic as well as myocardial salvaging effects as
      indicated by restoration of blood glucose, HbA1c and CPK-MB levels (p<0.001)
      compared to diabetic control group. In addition, Berberine favourably modulated
      the lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL). Subsequent to
      ISP challenge, histopathological assessment of heart, pancreas and biochemical
      indices of injury confirmed the cardioprotective effects of Berberine in setting
      of diabetes. In addition, Berberine was found to be safe to the liver and kidney.
      CONCLUSION: Berberine treatment produced myocardial salvaging effects in the
      setting of diabetes challenged with ISP induced myocardial necrosis.
      Cardioprotection may be attributed to anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic activities.

PMID- 27134895
TI  - Are the Newer Antidiabetic Agents Worth the Cost?

PMID- 27134896
TI  - Homicidal Cut Throat: The Forensic Perspective.
AB  - The forensic pathologists have a challenging task during the ascertainment of the
      manner of death in cut throat injuries when presented with no proper history or
      witnesses. We report a rare homicide, where a person was killed by the father of
      his gay partner. A 51-year-old married man was found dead in his car on the
      driving seat at a road. There were blood stains on the dash board and windscreen.
      No weapon had been recovered. At autopsy, a deep, oblique, long incised injury
      was found on the front of the neck. There were no hesitant or defense injuries.
      The cause of death was cut throat. The findings were compatible with a homicidal
      cut throat by a right handed person from behind after head being restrained
      firmly. Findings were compatible with the history provided by the suspect. 

PMID- 27134897
TI  - Constitutional Mosaic Trisomy 13 in Two Germ Cell Layers is Different from Patau
      Syndrome? A Case Report.
AB  - The heterogeneous phenotype of known syndromes is a clinical challenge, and
      harmonized description using globally accepted ontology is desirable. This report
      attempts phenotypic analysis in a patient of constitutional mosaic trisomy 13 in
      mesoderm and ectoderm to make globally comparable clinical description.
      Phenotypic features (minor/major abnormalities) were recorded and matched with
      the Human Phenotype Ontology terms that were used to query web-based tool
      Phenomizer. We report here a case of 24-year-old girl born to non consanguineous
      parents with history of one abortion. Her phenotypic evaluation included short
      columella, low-set ears, seizures, enlarged naris, bifid tongue, infra-orbital
      fold, smooth philtrum, microtia, microcephaly, carious teeth, downslanted
      palpebral fissures, proportionate short stature, high palate, thin upper lip
      vermilion, small for gestational age, broad fingertip, broad hallux, mandibular
      prognathia and dental malocclusion. Karyotype and interphase FISH (Fluorescence
      in situ hybridization) was done in blood cells. Interphase FISH was also
      performed on buccal epithelial cells. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated trisomy
      13 mosaicism in 25% cells i.e. 47, XX,+13(9)/46,XX(27). The interphase FISH in
      blood cells showed trisomy 13 in 15%, whereas in buccal mucosa cells showed
      nearly 6%. Mosaic aneuploidy in constitutional karyotype can be responsible for
      variation in clinical and morphological presentation of patient with genetic
      disorder. 

PMID- 27134898
TI  - Multiple Small Intestine Perforations after Organophosphorous Poisoning: A Case
      Report.
AB  - Organophosphate poisoning has significant gastrointestinal manifestations
      including vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and increased salivation. We report an
      uncommon gastrointestinal complication of multiple small intestinal perforations
      following organophosphorus poisoning. A 28-year old male presented after
      ingesting dichlorvos mixed with alcohol. Following the initial cholinergic
      symptoms, the patient developed severe shock with fever, attributed to aspiration
      pneumonia. Despite appropriate antibiotics, shock was persistent. Over the next
      24-hours, he developed abdominal distension, loose stools and high nasogastric
      aspirates. Computed tomography showed pneumoperitonium. Exploratory laparotomy
      revealed six perforations in the jejunum and ileum. The involved portion of the
      bowel was resected and re-anastomosed, following which only 80-cm of small bowel
      was left. Postoperatively, shock resolved over 72-hours. However, over the next
      few days, patient developed features of anastomotic leak. Since only a small
      portion of the small bowel was preserved, a conservative approach was adopted. He
      deteriorated further and finally succumbed to the illness. 

PMID- 27134899
TI  - Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude and Skills of Telemedicine among Health
      Professional Faculty Working in Teaching Hospitals.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Telemedicine is an emerging technology in health sector in India.
      The success of any new technology depends on many factors including the knowledge
      and understanding of the concept, skills acquired, attitude towards technology
      and working environment by the concerned professionals. AIM: The main objective
      of this study was to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude and skills of
      telemedicine among the health professionals working in the teaching hospitals of
      Puducherry Region of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was
      carried out among various healthcare professionals using a proper sampling frame
      obtained from a list of teaching hospitals located in Puducherry Union Territory,
      India. A total of 120 teaching faculties and practitioners from the preclinical,
      para-clinical and clinical departments were taken up for the study. A pre
      validated self-administered questionnaire was used for the survey to assess the
      awareness, knowledge, attitude and skills of telemedicine. The questionnaires
      were mailed to the respondents and the completed questionnaires were analysed as
      per the study objectives using descriptive statistics for the quantitative data
      and content analysis for the qualitative data. RESULTS: The knowledge level of
      the respondents was found to be good with 41% of the respondents, 35% possess
      fair knowledge and 24% don't have adequate knowledge of telemedicine. With regard
      to the attitude towards telemedicine 39% of the respondents possess high
      attitude, 31% possess moderate attitude and 30% possess low level of attitude.
      Investigations on the skills of the respondents on telemedicine showed that 19%
      respondents are highly skilled or experts, 25% are moderately skilled which
      includes learners or beginners, and 56% are unskilled in handling telemedicine
      and its related equipments. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study suggest that
      although the respondents experience and knowledge are limited in telemedicine
      technology a fair number of them have positive attitude towards telemedicine. It
      is the need of the hour to educate and train the teaching faculty, practicing
      physicians, residents, medical students and other health professionals about
      telemedicine and issues related to its use.

PMID- 27134900
TI  - Burden of Hypertension and Diabetes among Urban Population Aged >= 60 years in
      South Delhi: A Community Based Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: India is going through a demographic transition, and the number of
      elderly is expected to increase both in absolute numbers, as well as in
      proportion. The elderly are one of the most vulnerable and high-risk group in
      terms of health status in any society, and more so for non- communicable
      diseases. AIMS: To estimate the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among
      elderly persons and association with socio-demographic variables; & to assess the
      awareness, treatment and control status of those with diabetes and hypertension.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional community based study was carried out in
      a resettlement colony of South-east Delhi in Dakshinpuri Extension, Dr. Ambedkar
      Nagar. Elderly persons aged 60 years and above were selected by cluster random
      sampling. Information about self-reported diseases, socio-demographic variables
      was collected; fasting blood sugar and blood pressure were measured. Prevalence
      of diabetes and hypertension were calculated and association was tested by Chi
      square test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used. RESULTS: A total
      of 710 elderly persons participated in the study. Diabetes was seen in 24.0% and
      67% were hypertensive. Isolated hypertension was detected in 25.9%. No
      statistically significant difference by gender (p=0.11), age (p=0.16), education
      (p=0.31) and economic dependency (p=0.28), was seen in both diabetes and
      hypertension. Out of 167 persons with diabetes, 62.3% were on treatment and 33.6%
      were under control; while out of 477 hypertensives, 41% were under treatment and
      only one-third of them had their blood pressure under control. CONCLUSION: This
      study highlighted a significant burden of non-communicable diseases amongst
      elderly persons in a low-middle class community in Delhi. It also showed the lack
      of awareness about their disease conditions and need for screening, diagnostic
      and treatment services at the primary level.

PMID- 27134901
TI  - Social, Psychological and Health Concerns of People Living with HIV/AIDS in
      Mysore District, Karnataka.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One of the significant health and social problem the world facing
      today is Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AiDS). The patients affected with
      HIV and their family may face various psychosocial problems during diagnosis and
      treatment due to the stigma associated with this disease. AIM: The objective of
      the study was to identify social, psychological and health concerns of people
      living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and its association with the demographic factors in
      Mysore District, Karnataka, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire based
      study was conducted among 194 participants in Mysore District, Karnataka state
      who were receiving care and support services. A 22-item questionnaire provided
      information regarding social, psychological and health concerns of PLWHA in
      Mysore district. A general linear regression model was used for assessing the
      predictors of social, psychological and health concerns. RESULTS: The main social
      concern was that of "Fear of Losing a loved one" whereas the main psychological
      concern was "Too much worry", "No cure for AIDS" was the highly rated health
      concern. Males had more social, psychological and health concerns when compared
      to females but was not statistically significant. Employed people were having
      fewer psychological concerns when compared to unemployed people. Unemployed
      people were having fewer health concerns than employed people. For every unit
      increase in age there were fewer social and health concerns and both these
      findings were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: PLWHA in the present study
      reported that they were concerned about social, psychological and health issues
      in spite of the fact they were attending counseling. Health care workers,
      including those in public health sector should be educated about the importance
      of these factors that influence the health of the population they are caring for.

PMID- 27134903
TI  - Patient's Comprehension of Prescriptions at Municipal Urban Health Centre,
      Mumbai.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patient's often fail to follow the prescription given by the
      doctor. Patients understanding of the prescription play an important role in
      completion of treatment and quick recovery from the illness. The understanding of
      prescription is dependent on factors which could be both patient and doctor
      related. These factors need to be studied in order to improve the therapeutic
      outcome. AIM: Hence this study was undertaken to identify the various factors
      which affect patient's comprehension of prescription. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Observational, cross-sectional study based on exit interviews were carried out
      for 370 patients at Cheeta Camp Urban Health Centre, Mumbai over a period of 15
      working days of OPD and 25 patients were selected randomly on each day. For data
      analysis, SPSS 15.0 with Chi-square test were used as test of significance.
      RESULTS: In the present study it was found that in the patients above 45 years,
      19.4% have not understood the prescription completely compared to 5.8% below the
      age of 45 years. The difference was statistically significant. There is no
      difference between gender and understanding of prescription. Among the illiterate
      patients it was found that 16.3% have not completely understood the prescription
      compared to 5.6% of the literate patients. Also, socio-economic status was
      significantly associated with patients understanding of prescription. There was
      no significant difference associated with number of prescription and
      understanding of prescription. CONCLUSION: The patient related factors play an
      important role in understanding of prescription. It was found that patient's
      comprehension of prescription was significantly associated with age,
      socioeconomic status and Education.

PMID- 27134902
TI  - Which is More Accurate in Measuring the Blood Pressure? A Digital or an Aneroid
      Sphygmomanometer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is one of the major public health problem affecting
      the whole world so its accurate measurement is of utmost importance for its early
      diagnosis and management. Concerns related to the potential ill effects of
      mercury on health and environment, has led to the widespread use of non-mercury
      sphygmomanometers. AIM: A study was conducted to compare the accuracy of readings
      of aneroid and digital sphygmomanometers in reference to mercury
      sphygmomanometers and determine the hypertensive classification agreement between
      the mercury and non-mercury devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was
      conducted in an OPD of a health centre in a rural community of West Bengal which
      is the rural field practice area of our institute. An aneroid and a digital
      sphygmomanometer were compared to a properly calibrated mercury sphygmomanometer.
      All the subjects above the age of 25 years, in two days per week, selected
      randomly from five working days per week in a period of one month were selected.
      Two blood pressure readings of each of 218 study subjects was recorded with each
      pretested sphygmomanometer. Paired t-test, Kappa coefficients, sensitivity and
      specificity tests were done. Receiver Operating Characteristics curve analysis
      was done and Youden index was estimated to detect the optimal cut off point for
      the diagnosis of hypertension by non-mercury sphygmomanometers. RESULTS: Data
      analysis of 218 study subjects showed the mean difference of the mercury reading
      and the test device was much less for aneroid than that of the digital device for
      both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. More than 89% of aneroid readings and
      less than 44% of the readings by digital device had absolute difference of 5mm
      Hg. when compared with the mercury readings for both systolic and diastolic blood
      pressure. Sensitivity and specificity of aneroid device was higher (86.7% and
      98.7%) than digital device (80% and 67.7%). Receiver Operating Characteristic
      curve had larger area under the curve for aneroid device than digital device for
      both SBP and DBP. CONCLUSION: The aneroid device had better accuracy than the
      digital device as compared to mercury sphygmomanometer and should be used for
      proper and better management.

PMID- 27134904
TI  - Role of Adenosine Deaminase in Common Chronic ENT Infections.
AB  - INTODUCTION: Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) has been suggested to be an important
      enzyme which is associated with the cell mediated immunity. But its clinical
      significance in ENT infections needs to be correlated. AIM: To evaluate the role
      of serum adenosine deaminase level estimation in common chronic ENT infections.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomized study. The subjects were
      divided into 4 groups. Group A consisted of 25 normal healthy individuals who
      served as the controls. Group B consisted of 25 patients, who were clinically
      diagnosed as chronic tonsillitis. Group C consisted of 25 patients, clinically
      diagnosed as chronic rhinosinusitis and Group D consisted of 25 patients,
      clinically diagnosed as chronic otitis media of mucosal type. The serum levels of
      ADA were estimated in all the subjects. RESULTS: The level of serum ADA was found
      to be elevated in common chronic ENT infections (Group B,C and D), when compared
      to control group(Group A) and p<0.05, which is statistically significant.
      CONCLUSION: From the present study, it can be concluded that serum ADA level can
      be considered as one of the essential diagnostic tool in diagnosing common
      chronic ENT infections.

PMID- 27134905
TI  - Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Adenoidectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Obstructive Sleep Apnea syndrome (OSA) is the most serious
      consequence of adenoid hypertrophy (AH) and it is one of the most common reasons
      of nocturnal hypoxia in children. There is some information about the
      relationship between childhood OSA and atherosclerosis or cardiac diseases. In
      this study, we evaluated the relationship between, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio
      (NLR) and AH which is the most frequent cause leading OSA in children. AIM: Thus
      we aimed to contribute about subject of preoperative and postoperative NLR values
      in patients undergoing adenoidectomy that there is limited information. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The study group comprised 76 children undergoing adenoidectomy. A
      preoperative and 3(rd)-month postoperative complete blood cell count was
      performed to calculate the NLR values in all patients. The NLR values were
      calculated as the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Data
      analysis was performed using SPSS 15. RESULTS: The mean NLR (min - max) was 1.0
      (0.16-3.57) preoperatively and 1.06 (0.35-4.95) 3 months postoperatively (p =
      0.052> 0.05). Haemoglobin 12.9 +/- 0.95 (preop) 12.94 +/- 0.91 (postop) (p=
      0.522), WBC (min-max) 7.75 (3.90-14.99) 7.8 (4-15.64) (p= 0.297 <0.005), platelet
      344.5 +/- 98.7 328.4 +/- 68.9 (p<0,005). CONCLUSION: There is limited information
      in the English literature. This study has investigated the association between
      the NLR and adenoidectomy. The results of the present study demonstrate that the
      NLR is not a statistically significant inflammatory factor. So, NLR values do not
      appear related to stage of upper airway obstruction.

PMID- 27134906
TI  - Evaluation of Ocular Side Effects in the Patients on Topiramate Therapy for
      Control of Migrainous Headache.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Topiramate, a sulfa-derivative monosaccharide, is an antiepileptic
      drug which is administered in the control of migraine. It is reported to cause
      various ocular side effects such as visual field defect and myopic shift. To
      investigate the alterations in refractive error, properties of the cornea and
      changes in the anterior chamber in patients that receive Topiramate for migraine
      control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a hospital-based, non-interventional,
      observational study that is conducted at Imam Hossein Hospital, affiliated to
      Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Department of Neurology, in
      collaboration with the department of Ophthalmology. Thirty three consecutive
      patients with the diagnosis of migraine that were candidate for Topiramate
      therapy were recruited. Patients with history of ocular trauma or surgery,
      keratoconus, glaucoma, congenital ocular malformations and any history of
      unexplained visual loss were excluded. After thorough ophthalmic examination, all
      the patients underwent central corneal thickness (CCT) measurement, and Pentacam
      imaging (Scheimpflug camera) at the baseline. Various parameters were extracted
      and used for analysis. Anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber depth
      (ACD), and anterior chamber angle (ACA) measurement was performed. These
      measurements were repeated on day 30(th) and 90(th) after the initiation of
      Topiramate therapy. According to the normality tests, parameters with normal
      distribution were analysed using the repeated measures test and the remaining
      parameters (with non-normal distribution) were analysed using the non-parametric
      k-sample test. A p-value< 0.05 was considered statistically significant,
      according to Bonferroni post hoc correction. RESULTS: There were 66 eyes of 33
      patients under the diagnosis of migrainous headache, that Topiramate was
      initiated for headache control, included in the study. The mean value of
      refractive error had a statistically significant myopic change, from -0.23
      diopters (D) at the baseline to -0.61 D at the 90(th) day of follow-up period (p
      value < 0.001). Mean CCT was 531.43 MUm at the baseline and increased to 534.72
      MUm at the 30(th) day, and 537.51 MUm at the 90(th) day after the administration
      of Topiramate (p-value=0.001). Mean value of other parameters, ACV, ACD, and ACA,
      did not reveal statistically significant change. CONCLUSION: Myopic shift and
      gradually increasing CCT in the patients after Topiramate administration should
      be considered before any refractive surgery. We found no gradual change in the
      anterior chamber and angle parameters in our patients in the 90 days of follow
      up. More studies with a longer duration of follow-up are needed to elucidate dose
      dependent ocular manifestations.

PMID- 27134907
TI  - An Inquisitive Case of Transient Corneal Oedema.

PMID- 27134908
TI  - Tubercular Uveitis with Ocular Manifestation as the First Presentation of
      Tuberculosis: A Case Series.
AB  - Tuberculosis is very common disease in India. It is one of the most common causes
      of Granulomatous Uveitis in our Country even today. So the strongest suspicion in
      our mind when we are treating a case of Uveitis, should be TB. We reviewed all
      the cases of clinically suspected ocular tuberculosis attending the Ophthalmology
      OPD of Sri Siddhartha Medical College between December 2012 and December 2014 who
      were refractory to routine uveitis management and later on responded to anti
      Tubercular treatment. History of TB contact, Ocular manifestation, Demographic
      Profile of the patients, Diagnostic test, Treatment regime were looked into. Here
      by we present a case series of 15 cases of refractory uveitis that later were
      detected to be of tuberculous origin. We studied the characteristic features,
      complications and correlation of mantoux test, ESR and Koch's contact with these
      cases. 

PMID- 27134909
TI  - Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in 4 Schools of South Mumbai.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The paediatric obesity is on the rise so as the complications of
      obesity like cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, dyslipidaemia are
      increasing. The changing dietary habits and less of outdoor activities are risk
      factors for obesity. AIM: The study was conducted to find out prevalence of
      overweight and obesity among students in four schools of the Mumbai and compare
      with studies from rest of the country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is school based,
      cross-sectional study conducted in four Schools from class of 5(th) to 10(th).
      The anthropometric measurements of height, weight were taken of each student. The
      body mass index was calculated based on the age based Cole et al., criteria
      (International) as well as Khadilkar et al., criteria which are specially develop
      for Indian children. The data was analysed with chi-square test. RESULTS: Total
      1828 students were screened from 4 schools. Out of which 590 were girls and 1238
      were boys. The prevalence of overweight and obesity by Cole et al., criteria were
      11.3% and 3.3% and by Khadilkar et al., criteria were 17.5% and 7.8 %
      respectively. CONCLUSION: It shows significant difference in obesity between boys
      and girls and also between government and private schools. There is overall
      decrease in prevalence of overweight and obesity as age increases. The overweight
      and obesity among these schools in Mumbai is comparable with the rest of the
      studies from India.

PMID- 27134910
TI  - Evaluation of Long Term Effect of RV Apical Pacing on Global LV Function by
      Echocardiography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We very often face pacemaker implanted patients during follow-up
      with shortness of breath and effort intolerance inspite of normal clinical
      parameters. AIM: The aim of our study is to evaluate the cause of effort
      intolerance and probable cause of sub-clinical Congestive Cardiac Failure (CCF)
      in a case of long term Right Ventricular (RV) apical pacing on global Left
      Ventricular (LV) function non- invasively by echocardiography. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We studied 54 patients (Male 42, Female 12) of complete heart block
      (CHB) with RV apical pacing (40 VVI and 14 DCP). Mean duration of pacing was 58+4
      months. All patients underwent 24 hours Holter monitoring to determine the
      percentage of ventricular pacing beats. 2-D Echocardiography was done to assess
      the regional wall motion of abnormality and global LV ejection fraction by
      modified Simpson's rule. These methods were coupled with the Doppler derived
      Myocardial Performance Index (MPI), tissue Doppler imaging, and mechanical
      regional dyssynchrony with 3-D Echocardiography. Data were analysed from 54 RV-
      apical paced patients and compared with age and body surface area of 60
      controlled subjects (Male 46, Female 14). RESULTS: Evaluation of LV function in
      54 patients demonstrated regional wall motion abnormality and Doppler study
      revealed both LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction compare with control subjects
      (regional wall motion abnormality 80+/-6% vs 30+/-3% with p-value<0.0001) which
      is proportional to the percentage of ventricular pacing beats (mean paced beat
      78%). Global LVEF 50+/-4% vs 60+/-2% (p-valve <0.0001) and MPI 0.46 +/-0.12 v/s
      0.36+/-0.09 (p-value <0.0001). CONCLUSION: RV-apical pacing induces iatrogenic
      electrical dyssynchrony which leads to remodeling of LV and produces mechanical
      dyssynchrony which is responsible for LV dysfunction. Alternate site of RV pacing
      and/or biventricular pacing should be done to maintain biventricular electrical
      synchrony which will preserve the LV function.

PMID- 27134911
TI  - A Comparative Study of Induced Sputum and Bronchial Washings in Diagnosing Sputum
      Smear Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis is one of the most important public health problem
      worldwide. Detecting patients with active pulmonary Koch's disease is an
      important component of tuberculosis control programs. However, at times in
      patients even with a compatible clinical picture, sputum smears do not reveal
      acid-fast bacilli and smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis remains a common
      problem. AIM: The present study is aimed to compare the results of induced sputum
      and bronchial washings smear in patients suspected to have sputum smear negative
      pulmonary tuberculosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study conducted from
      August 2014 to July 2015, comprising 120 patients fulfilling study criteria.
      Patients with respiratory symptoms and chest roentgenogram suspicious of
      pulmonary tuberculosis with no previous history of anti-tuberculosis treatment
      and two spontaneous sputum smear samples negative for acid fast bacilli were
      included. Patients with active haemoptysis and sputum positive were excluded from
      the study. Sputum induction was done by using 5-10 ml of 3% hypertonic saline
      through ultrasonic nebulizer taking safety precautions. All the patient underwent
      fibreoptic bronchoscopy after six hours fasting on the same day. About 20 ml of
      normal saline instilled into the suspected pathology area and washings were taken
      with gentle suction. The sample processing and fluorescent staining for acid fast
      bacilli was done in a designated microscopy lab. RESULTS: Out of 120 sputum smear
      negative pulmonary tuberculosis patients, induced sputum smear examination
      detected acid fast bacilli in 76 patients (63.3%) and acid fast bacilli detected
      from bronchial washings in 94 patients (78.3%). Smear positivity was higher in
      cavitary and infiltrative lesions as compared to consolidation and infrahilar
      pattern disease. CONCLUSION: Even though both induced sputum and bronchial
      washings procedures were valuable for the diagnosis of sputum smear negative,
      sputum induction with hypertonic saline should be the initial procedure of
      choice, which can be repeated twice / thrice in a day or two consecutive days. If
      the patient still remains induced sputum smear negative and if the clinical
      probability of tuberculosis is high, starting anti-tuberculosis treatment and
      closely monitoring patient and reserving bronchoscopy to those patients who do
      not improve and to exclude alternative diagnosis seems to be a practically useful
      approach.

PMID- 27134912
TI  - Diabetic Kidney Disease and Hypertension: A True Love Story.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) remains one of the commonest causes of
      structural and functional kidney abnormalities leading to End Stage Renal Disease
      (ESRD). The next most common cause is hypertension. It is utmost important to
      investigate the association between diabetic nephropathy and hypertension because
      it is a major causal factor of end-stage kidney failure in Type 2 Diabetes
      Mellitus (T2DM). AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the
      association between albuminuria, hypertension and estimated glomerular filtration
      rate (eGFR) in a prospective cohort of T2DM patients in a developing country.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 824 patients were enrolled from a tertiary
      healthcare center in central India. This study was performed in three groups:
      normal controls (232), type 2 diabetics without nephropathy (185) and type 2
      diabetics with nephropathy (407). Diabetic nephropathy was clinically defined by
      the presence of persistent proteinuria of > 500mg/day in a diabetic patient in
      the absence of clinical or laboratory evidence of other kidney or urinary tract
      disease. Hypertension was categorized based on JNC 7 classification. Detailed
      clinical history was obtained from all subjects. Student's t-test was applied to
      see the difference in mean values of quantitative data in two groups. Chi-Square
      test was applied to see the difference in frequency of discrete variables in two
      groups. RESULTS: A 66.3% diabetic nephropathy patients and 51.9% type 2 diabetics
      without nephropathy were found hypertensive in present study; In contrast only
      14.7% controls had hypertension. No association of hypertension was found with
      age and gender in either group. Serum creatinine and eGFR was found significantly
      different in hypertensive diabetic nephropathy patients than normotensive
      (p=0.002 and <0.0001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study found that hypertension
      was an independent risk factor for the Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). Along with
      this, a proportional increase in the level of serum creatinine and eGFR was seen
      with an incidence of hypertension in diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 27134913
TI  - Traumatic Optic Neuropathy - A Conundrum.
AB  - Visual impairment following head injury may be an enigma especially if the onset
      of symptoms were to be few days after the actual trauma and the bias arising out
      of the initial normal ophthalmological examination is not neutralised by unbiased
      repeated formal clinical evaluation aided with electrophysiology. We report and
      discuss here a 32-year-old lady with delayed onset of indirect traumatic visual
      loss with anaemia who failed to improve after blood transfusion but improved
      immediately following steroid therapy seven days after trauma. Though steroids
      have not been shown to have a significant contribution on outcomes following
      Traumatic optic neuropathy, this report rekindles its role in delayed progressive
      visual loss following head trauma and the need to re-analyse the role of steroids
      in patients with delayed progressive visual disturbance following head injury
      excluding those with acute onset symptoms in view of different pathologies in
      both these presentations. This paper also highlights potential mechanisms for the
      two major types of presentation. 

PMID- 27134914
TI  - Disseminated Histoplasmosis with Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in an
      Immunocompetent Host.
AB  - Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a devastating syndrome due to
      uninhibited immune activation. Disseminated histoplasmosis is a rare cause of
      HLH. There have been few case reports and series demonstrating a relation between
      the two disease entities in immunosuppressed hosts. HLH secondary to disseminated
      histoplasmosis is even rarer in an immunocompetant host. We report a rare case of
      HLH triggered by disseminated histoplasmosis in an immunocompetant patient. 

PMID- 27134915
TI  - A Fatal Case of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia-Methotrexate Related or Primary
      Autoimmune Disease Related: A Rare Case Report.
AB  - Methotrexate is being used for many years in the treatment of chronic medical
      disorders e.g. rheumatoid arthritis since 1951. It has been associated with
      various systemic toxicities and complications including bone marrow suppression
      and lymphomas. The development of leukaemia in a patient of chronic rheumatoid
      arthritis is either related with the primary disease or due to the drugs which
      are used in the treatment like cyclophosphamide. In our present case, a 70-year
      old female who was a known case of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and was on
      methotrexate once a week orally for the past 20 years presented with complaints
      of loss of appetite, loss of weight and anaemia since 2 months. After thorough
      examination and investigation, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia
      (AML-M4) with bilateral chest consolidation. 

PMID- 27134916
TI  - Antisynthetase Syndrome: A Rare Cause for ILD.
AB  - Anti-Synthetase Syndrome (ASS) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by
      Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), inflammatory myositis, fever, Raynaud's
      phenomenon, mechanic's hand, and inflammatory polyarthritis in the setting of
      antibodies against amino acyl-transfer RNA synthetases, with anti-Jo-1 antibody
      being the most common. It can sometimes present as interstitial lung disease
      without any other expression of the syndrome. Clinical and radiological features
      can be similar to atypical pneumonia and could be a challenge to diagnose at an
      early stage. Prognosis is generally poor, especially when there is associated ILD
      and delay in diagnosis can lead to increase in morbidity due to progression of
      pulmonary involvement. We report a patient of ASS presenting with ILD, diagnosed
      early and treated successfully with immunosupression. 

PMID- 27134917
TI  - A Novel Approach for the Retrieval of Broken Catheter Fragment - Using Balloon
      Dilatation Technique.
AB  - In this era of an ever increasing number of interventions in cardiology, there is
      a parallel increase in the number of complications associated with these
      interventions, such as broken catheter tip and guide wire embolisation. The most
      commonly used and effective method for the percutaneous retrieval of such broken
      fragments is a goose neck snare. However in cases where this technique has been a
      failure, newer and novel innovations have been implemented for the retrieval of
      such broken fragments. We present a case of seven-year-old female child with a
      3mm peri-membranous ventricular septal defect who was taken up for device
      closure. During the procedure the internal mammary catheter was broken in the
      left ventricle and subsequently the broken fragment was embolised to the left
      common carotid artery. The broken fragment was snared down upto the common iliac
      but could not be retrieved out of the sheath. A novel approach was used,
      consisting of negotiating a coronary guide wire across the broken catheter and
      inflating a balloon in the catheter fragment which helped to achieve a co-axial
      alignment with the arterial sheath and hence by which it was possible to retrieve
      the broken catheter fragment out of the circulatory system. 

PMID- 27134918
TI  - Periorbital Dirofilariasis: A Rare Case from Western India.
AB  - Dirofilariasis is a zoonotic disease caused commonly by Dirofilaria repens and
      Dirofilaria immitus. The definitive hosts are domestic dogs and cats. Human
      beings are accidental dead end hosts, and acquire infestation through mosquito
      bites. So far, very few cases have been reported from western India. We report a
      case of a 27-year-old male who presented with preseptal cellulitis right eye and
      a firm mass in the lower lid. Histopathological examination after surgical
      excision of the mass revealed a diagnosis of dirofilariasis. Although rare in
      Western India a diagnosis of dirofilariasis should be considered in cases of
      preseptal cellulitis associated with a periorbital mass. 

PMID- 27134919
TI  - A Rare Case of Type IV Dual Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery.
AB  - Coronary artery anomalies are usually asymptomatic and associated with other
      cardiac malformations. Dual left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) is an
      uncommon congenital anomaly with four subtypes. This anomaly has been described
      in the angiographic literature and dual LAD types depending on the origin of
      major septal and diagonal branches and course within the anterior
      interventricular sulcus. Type IV expresses the anomaly of a rudimentary LAD
      artery ending in the mid-portion of the anterior interventricular sulcus, and the
      presence of other LAD originating from the right coronary artery and continuing
      to the anterior interventricular sulcus. We report the rare case of a patient
      with the type IV dual left anterior descending coronary artery. 

PMID- 27134920
TI  - A Case of Hepatopulmonary Syndrome.
AB  - We report the case of a 52-year-old female, a known case of Chronic Liver Disease
      with portal hypertension. She presented with dyspnoea, platypnoea, melena,
      cyanosis, clubbing and orthodeoxia. She had oesophageal varices and splenomegaly
      indicating portal hypertension. Her arterial blood gas revealed hypoxaemia and
      orthodeoxia. From this clinical background and investigation, a diagnosis of
      hepatopulmonary syndrome was made. Patient was managed conservatively as she was
      not willing for liver transplantation. 

PMID- 27134921
TI  - Herpes Zoster as the Presenting Manifestation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
      (SLE): A Rare Case Report.
AB  - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease and is usually
      diagnosed with the SLICC criteria. Here we report a case of SLE presenting as
      Herpes Zoster (HZ). She had presented with painful vesicular eruptions from 8(th)
      thoracic nerve to 10(th) thoracic nerve segments and oliguria. There were no
      clinical manifestations suggestive of SLE. However, on further workup,
      haematological and immunologic laboratory profiles were suggestive of SLE. A
      diagnosis of lupus nephropathy was confirmed by renal biopsy and final diagnosis
      of SLE as the underlying systemic illness associated with HZ was established. We
      report this case because this patient had none of the manifestations of SLE, as a
      result of which this would have been an incomplete diagnosis. 

PMID- 27134922
TI  - Correspondence: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and HbE-alpha Thalassaemia.

PMID- 27134923
TI  - Anticoagulation for Atrial Fibrillation after Resolution of Dengue Haemorrhagic
      Fever.

PMID- 27134924
TI  - Scoring Systems for Outcome Prediction of Patients with Perforation Peritonitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Peritonitis continues to be one of the major infectious problems
      confronting a surgeon. Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI), Physiological and
      Operative Severity Score for en Umeration of Mortality (POSSUM) and Morbidity and
      sepsis score of Stoner and Elebute have been devised for risk assessment and for
      prediction of postoperative outcome. AIM: The aim of this study was to find the
      accuracy of these scores in predicting outcome in terms of mortality in patients
      undergoing exploratory laprotomy for perforation peritonitis. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The prospective study was carried out in 100 diagnosed cases of
      perforation at our centre in a single unit over a period of 21 months from
      December 2012 to August 2014. Study was conducted on all cases of peritonitis
      albeit primary, tertiary, iatrogenic and those with age less than 12 years were
      excluded from the study. All the relevant data were collected and three scores
      were computed from one set of data from the patient. The main outcome measure was
      survival of the patient. The Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) curves were
      obtained for the three scores. Area Under the Curves (AUC) was calculated.
      Sensitivity and specificity were calculated at a cut off point obtained from the
      ROC curves. RESULTS: POSSUM had an AUC of 0.99, sepsis score had an AUC of 0.98
      and MPI had an AUC of 0.95. The cut off point score of 51 for POSSUM had an
      accuracy of 93.8 and positive predictive value of 70.5, the score of 29 for MPI
      had an accuracy of 82.8 and positive predictive value of 46 and the score of 22
      for sepsis score had an accuracy of 95.9 and positive predictive value of 86.67.
      CONCLUSION: POSSUM score was found to be superior in prediction of mortality as
      compared to sepsis score of Stoner and Elebute and MPI. POSSUM and MPI over
      predicted mortality in some cases. None of these scores are strictly
      preoperative.

PMID- 27134925
TI  - The Role of CA19-9 in Predicting Tumour Resectability in Carcinoma Head of
      Pancreas.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a tumour associated antigen.
      Blood levels may be elevated in benign as well as malignant conditions. Its
      sensitivity (70-90%) and specificity (68-91%) are inadequate for accurate
      diagnosis. It can be used to predict the extent of disease and outcome after
      resection. AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the role of CA 19-9 in
      predicting the resectability of the tumour in the head of pancreas. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This was a prospective study which included 30 patients and study period
      was from May 2012 to October 2014. Data collected from all patients with
      carcinoma of the head of pancreas on the basis of contrast enhanced computed
      tomography/Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography. CA 19-9 levels were
      measured and recorded. Patients who were medically unfit for surgery or those who
      didn't warrant palliative surgery were excluded from the study. During surgery
      the operative findings on operability were documented and tabulated against
      corresponding CA 19-9 levels. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients who were operated,
      13(43.3%) patients had operable tumours and underwent Whipple's procedure and
      17(56.7%) underwent palliative bypass procedure. Of the 30, CA 19-9 levels were
      elevated in 9(30.0%) and were normal in 21(70.0%). Among 13(43.3%) who had
      operable tumours, CA 19-9 was elevated in 4(13.3) and was normal in 9(30.0%). Of
      the 17(56.7%) who had inoperable tumours CA 19-9 was elevated in 5(16.7%) and was
      normal in 12(40.0%). Among the 17 who had inoperable tumours, 8(47.1%) were
      diagnosed preoperatively and of them CA 19-9 levels were raised in 2(11.8%) and
      normal in 6(35.3%). In the group of 9(52.9%) who had inoperable tumours diagnosed
      intraoperatively, CA 19-9 was raised in 3(17.6%) of them and was normal in the
      remaining 6(35.3%) of them. CONCLUSION: Based on the study findings, it can be
      stated that there is no significant correlation with resectability of pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma and CA 19-9 and it doesn't predict vascular involvement and liver
      metastasis.

PMID- 27134926
TI  - Quality of Life after Frey's Procedure in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic pancreatitis is a debilitating disease, associated with
      excruciating abdominal pain, exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
      Different types of surgical techniques have been described for the management of
      complications of this disease. The most common procedure which has been adopted
      for improving the quality of life of the patients with chronic pancreatitis is
      Frey's Procedure. It is an organ preserving procedure in which the main
      pancreatic duct is drained by lateral pancreatico-jejunostomy along with coring
      of the head of the pancreas. AIM: In this study, we have assessed the outcome of
      Frey's procedure in terms of quality of life in patients with chronic
      pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study
      done at a tertiary care center in West Bengal, India. The study period was from
      2010 to 2014. All the patients who have undergone Frey's Procedure during the
      study duration and with the postoperative histopathology of chronic pancreatitis
      were included in this study. The preoperative and postoperative pain and quality
      of life assessment was done using VAS score (0-100) and EORTC QLQ-C30 (Version 3)
      respectively. The statistical analysis was performed with the help of Epi Info
      (TM) 3.5.3. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients with chronic pancreatitis underwent
      Frey's procedure during the study period. The mean age (mean +/- s.e) of the 33
      patients included in the study was 38.48+/-5.55 years with a range of 29-49
      years. The mean preoperative Physical Functional Domain (PFD), Physical Domain
      (PD), Emotional Domain (ED), Social Domain (SD) and general health raw score with
      standard errors were 32.06+/-0.40, 37.86+/-0.36, 15.18+/-0.32, 8.63+/-0.31 and
      4.48+/-0.26 respectively. ANOVA showed that there was significant differences in
      PFD, PD, ED, SD and GH values during different time period of follow up
      (p<0.0001) and as per Critical Difference the postoperative values of PFD, PD, ED
      and SD decreased while postoperative value of GH increased significantly in
      different months compared to the preoperative values. CONCLUSION: We conclude
      that Frey's procedure is a low risk surgery, which significantly improves the
      quality of life of the patients with chronic pancreatitis in all the domains and
      can be recommended as a surgical therapy for such patients.

PMID- 27134927
TI  - Evaluation of APACHE-IV Predictive Scoring in Surgical Abdominal Sepsis: A
      Retrospective Cohort Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of the effectiveness of care and clinical outcomes in
      critically ill patients is dependent on predictive scoring models that calculate
      measures of disease severity and an associated likelihood of mortality. The
      APACHE scoring system is a logistic regression model incorporating physiologic
      and laboratory parameters. APACHE-IV is the most updated scoring system for ICU
      mortality prediction. However, APACHE scores may not accurately predict mortality
      in patients who require surgery for abdominal sepsis, whose trajectory is
      modulated by source control procedures. AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of APACHE
      IV mortality prediction in a cohort of ICU patients with surgical abdominal
      sepsis (SABS) requiring emergent laparotomy for source control. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The study was conducted in a combined medical and surgical intensive
      care unit in a large urban Canadian tertiary care hospital. Retrospective review
      of 211 consecutive adult ICU admissions that fulfilled the 2012 ACCP/SCCM
      criteria for severe sepsis/septic shock due to abdominal source was performed.
      APACHE-IV score and predicted mortality rate (PMR) were calculated and evaluated
      using area under the ROC curve (AUROC). RESULTS: Overall in-hospital mortality
      was 28.4%. There was overestimation of PMR by the APACHE-IV model in the overall
      cohort with an absolute difference of 16.6% (relative difference 36.9%). APACHE
      IV crudely distinguished between survivors and non-survivors, with a PMR of 40%
      vs. 59% (p<0.001). AUROC of the APACHE-IV score was 0.67, 95% CI (0.58, 0.76)
      while the AUROC for the PMR was 0.72, 95% CI (0.64, 0.80), indicating poor
      performance in this cohort. CONCLUSION: APACHE-IV has poor discrimination in
      SABS. Future research should explore disease-specific prediction models.

PMID- 27134928
TI  - Evaluating the Time Interval for Presenting the Signs of Hypocalcaemia after
      Thyroidectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Thyroidectomy is one of the most prevalent treatments for thyroid
      malignancies. It has very low rate of complications except the hypocalcaemia.
      Only a small number of studies have evaluated the clinical signs of hypocalcaemia
      but no study have reported the time interval between the procedure and signs of
      hypocalcaemia. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine that time interval in
      those patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical files of a group of patients who
      underwent thyroidectomy were reviewed. Demographic characteristics of the
      patients and the time interval to hypocalcaemia were recorded and analysed by
      SPSS software. p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: One hundred and
      eight patients, 65 women (60.2%) and 43 men (39.8%) with a mean age of 42.6+12.2
      years were included. Perioral numbness was reported in 30 (27.8%) patients while
      29 (26.8%) patients had lip numbness. Numbness in extremities and muscle spasm
      were found in 19 (17.6%) and 13 (12%) patients respectively. Seizure was reported
      in 3 (2.8%) patients. The Trousseau and Chvostek signs were found in 17 (15.7%)
      and 9 (8.3%) patients respectively. Only the Trousseau sign was different between
      the two surgical groups. The mean time interval was 41.25+/-11.5 hours
      postoperatively. However the time interval was shorter for the total
      thyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: Physical examination is useful for diagnosing
      hypocalcaemia due to the presentation of sings during the first 48 hours of
      thyroidectomy. Total thyroidectomy is associated with shorter time interval.

PMID- 27134929
TI  - Ileostomy for Non-Traumatic Ileal Perforations: Is this the Beginning of the End?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ileal perforations are a common place of occurrence in emergency
      operation rooms around India. They are also significant contributors to mortality
      in our country. They are very distressing for patients because of the high
      morbidity of a laparotomy and in certain cases a stoma if its necessity is felt
      by the operating surgeon. The nature of the disease itself predisposes to a
      number of complications including wound infections, faecal fistulas and
      complications associated with a stoma. AIM: To evaluate the role of ileostomy in
      patients with non-traumatic ileal perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of
      192 cases of ileal perforation, diagnosed per-operatively, were prospectively
      studied between June 2012 and July 2014. Cases were treated according to standard
      resuscitation protocols and underwent repair of the ileal perforation either as
      primary closure or as a bowel resection and anastomosis with or without a
      proximal diversion ileostomy. Cases were followed up for a period of six months
      and immediate and late complications and outcomes were noted. RESULTS: A total of
      192 patients were studied during the given study period out of which 170 (88.5%)
      were males. The disease was treated primarily without diversion stoma in 176
      patients and in 16 patients a proximal diversion ileostomy was performed. The
      overall mortality was 15 (7.8%) that was noted to be not significantly different
      in patients with respect to the performance of a stoma. Enterocutaneous fistula
      was a complication seen exclusively in the non-ileostomy group whereas stomal
      complications were expectedly noted only in the stoma group. CONCLUSION: The
      authors found that though conventional ileostomy diversion may appear a safe
      option in patients with ileal perforations, it has its own additional morbidity,
      which at times can be very difficult to manage. An ileostomy is of use in a very
      small group of patients that is diminishing as better facilities and equipment
      are obtained to manage this dreaded disease.

PMID- 27134930
TI  - Imperforate Anus with Fistula Exiting at the Penile Skin.
AB  - We present the case of a male neonate with imperforate anus and a fistula exiting
      on the penile skin. Anorectal malformations in boys often present themselves with
      an entero-perineal or entero-urinary tract fistula, the type of which is a key
      feature for the classification and the treatment plan. A fistula exiting in front
      of the scrotum, such as described in our case, is very rare and is not
      incorporated in the current classification and treatment algorithms. Scarce
      reports on misjudgment concerning the position of the blind rectal pouch in
      similar cases, led us to perform a colostomy instead of a one-stage correction. A
      posterior sagittal anorectoplasty was performed eight months later and the rectal
      pouch was found inside the levator sling, justifying the cautious approach. The
      colostomy was closed three months later and after six months the distal part of
      the fistula was excised. We believe that in cases with a rare fistula
      presentation, the position of the rectal pouch is not predictable and the surgeon
      should proceed with caution. 

PMID- 27134931
TI  - Ileo-ileal Intussusception and Bowel Obstruction Caused by Plasmablastic Lymphoma
      of Small Bowel- A Rare Entity in Rare Location.
AB  - Intussusception of small bowel is considered a rare cause of bowel obstruction in
      adults accounting for only about 1% of bowel obstruction in adults.
      Intussusception in adults is uncommon with 95% cases of intussusceptions
      occurring in children. Adult intussusception from small intestinal lymphoma is
      also rare with only 36 cases reported in the literature between 2000 and 2011.
      Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive lymphoid neoplasm usually seen in
      the oral cavity in the clinical setting of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      infection. Plasmablastic lymphoma of the small intestine is extremely rare. Here,
      we report a case of plasmablastic lymphoma of small bowel with ileoileal
      intussusception in an HIV-negative immunocompetent male patient. 

PMID- 27134932
TI  - Binge Eating Leading to Acute Gastric Dilatation, Ischemic Necrosis and Rupture 
      A Case Report.
AB  - Acute gastric dilatation is a rarely encountered clinical scenario in our day to
      day practice. This is very rapidly progressing condition and can lead to ischemic
      necrosis and perforation/rupture of the stomach. It could be fatal if not timely
      intervened. We report such a case of a 17-year-old, otherwise healthy boy, who
      presented with pain and distension of abdomen following binge eating episode
      after 24 hours of prolonged fasting. On exploration, stomach was dilated with
      necrosis and perforation at fundus near greater curvature. He was managed with
      excision of all the devitalized area and primary repair with feeding jejunostomy.
      The case is presented due to its rarity. Acute gastric dilatation (AGD) leading
      to ischemic necrosis and perforation because of binge eating episode in an
      otherwise healthy person is an exceptional occurrence with only few cases
      reported in literature. The clinician should be aware of this condition for
      prompt and appropriate management. 

PMID- 27134933
TI  - Non Operative Approach to Isolated Traumatic Pancreatic Duct Disruption.
AB  - Management of isolated traumatic pancreatic duct disruption remains challenging
      due to associated morbidity and mortality. Two children with isolated pancreatic
      ductal disruption were treated conservatively. Both developed a pseudocyst which
      resolved spontaneously due to the atrophy of the distal pancreas in a five-year
      old girl while remained persistent and was treated by endoscopic cystogastrostomy
      in an eight-year-old boy. Non-operative management may be pursued in patients
      with pancreatic ductal injury in the hope of a pseudocyst formation which may
      spontaneously resolve or may be treated later with a minimally invasive
      procedure. However, the literature review precludes its practice as a standard
      due to high incidence of associated complications of non-operative management. 

PMID- 27134934
TI  - Pathogenesis and Management of Hepatolithiasis: A Report of Two Cases.
AB  - Hepatolithiasis or primary intrahepatic stones are prevalent in the Far-East
      countries such as Korea, Japan and Taiwan. It has been associated with
      helminthiasis, bacterial infections, environmental and dietary factors. Despite
      high prevalence of helminthiasis like ascariasis, poor environmental condition
      and low protein diet, India and Middle-East countries have a low incidence of
      hepatolithiasis. We report two cases of hepatolithiasis associated with bacterial
      infections and were surgically managed. The first case is a 45-year-old female
      presenting with upper abdominal pain and fever. She had multiple calculi in
      intrahepatic biliary radicles, common bile duct, common hepatic duct and gall
      bladder. She was managed by cholecystectomy, left lateral liver sectionectomy,
      choledochoscopy assisted stone clearance of the residual liver and Roux-en-Y
      hepatico-jejunostomy. The second case is a 60-year-old female presenting with
      epigastric pain and fever and past history of cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis.
      She had multiple right and left intrahepatic calculi and managed by left lateral
      liver sectionectomy with excision of CBD and Roux-en-Y hepatico-jejunostomy. Both
      the cases showed growth of bacteria in the culture of the intraoperatively
      collected bile. 

PMID- 27134935
TI  - Rhinosporidiosis of Parotid Duct Presenting as Consecutive Bilateral Facial
      Swelling: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review.
AB  - Rhinosporidiosis is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Rhinosporidium
      seeberi. Sporadic cases of rhinosporidiosis has been reported from many countries
      but is endemic in Southern India (Madurai, Ramnad, Rajapalayam and Sivaganga),
      Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. This disease commonly affects the mucous
      membrane of the nose or naso-pharynx and presents as a leafy, polypoidal mass.
      The reported extranasal sites include the oro-pharynx, eye, ear, larynx, trachea,
      bronchi, skin and genital mucosa. It may also become disseminated to present as a
      generalized form. In our case a 40-year-old female from rural West Bengal
      (Eastern India) presented with right sided facial swelling. Our provisional
      diagnosis was parotid duct cyst on the basis of careful history, scrupulous
      clinical examination and relevant investigations comprising CECT scan of face.
      Although Rhinosporidiosis was not taken into consideration in the clinical
      differential diagnosis, it was eventually diagnosed postoperatively by
      histopathological examination of surgical specimen. Two months later in follow
      up, the same patient presented to us with left sided facial swelling. We managed
      the left facial swelling successfully with minimally invasive surgery and 100mg
      twice daily dapsone for 6 months. We present this case firstly because
      Rhinosporidiosis of parotid duct (stensen's duct) is a rare entity and secondly
      non-neoplastic cysts of the salivary glands are also uncommon and represent only
      2-5% of all salivary gland lesions. Furthermore our case emphasizes that the
      clinicians should aware of this rare clinical entity specially in endemic areas,
      because minimally invasive techniques and medications might solve the problem
      while helping patients to avoid surgical excision. 

PMID- 27134936
TI  - Basal Cell Carcinoma Developing from Trichoepithelioma: Review of Three Cases.
AB  - Trichoepitheliomas (TE) are benign tumours but occasionally can undergo
      transformation to malignant neoplasms more commonly as Basal Cell Carcinoma
      (BCC). The correct diagnosis between these tumours is very important because
      basal cell carcinoma is locally aggressive neoplasm and requires total surgical
      excision with wide healthy margins while trichoepithelioma needs simple excision.
      We describe three patients who developed basal cell carcinoma with facial
      trichoepitheliomas. The only clinical feature that distinguished the carcinomas
      from the trichoepitheliomas was their larger size, in all three patients, one
      patient with recurrent, hyper pigmented swelling with surface ulceration and in
      another patient there are multiple trichoepitheliomas, and other family members
      are also affected. The history, clinical features and histopathological findings
      were suggestive of the evolution of basal cell carcinoma directly from
      trichoepithelioma in our first two cases, but in the third case TE and BCC were
      separate lesions on face and we are uncertain about whether the BCC developed
      independently or by transformation from a trichoepithelioma. Based on our
      clinicopathological observations in the three patients and reports in the recent
      literature, BCC with follicular differentiation and trichoepithelioma are
      considered to be highly related. 

PMID- 27134937
TI  - A Rare Case of Multiple Myeloma Presenting As Lytic Lesion of the Rib.
AB  - Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a disease which results from malignant proliferation of
      plasma cells. It is commonly encountered in elderly patients. Diffuse bony
      lesions are the most frequent thoracic involvement with MM. We report a case of
      42-year-old male patient who came with pain and full swelling in the right chest
      wall since two years. On CT scan of thorax, heterogenously enhancing soft tissue
      density lesion with lytic sclerotic destruction of right 4(th) rib seen. En-bloc
      resection of third and fourth rib was done and plasmacytoma was confirmed on
      biopsy. 

PMID- 27134938
TI  - Primary Gastro Intestinal Lymphoma Presenting as Perforation Peritonitis.
AB  - Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma is very rare compared to gastrointestinal tract
      lymphoma arising Secondary to Primary nodal disease. Extra nodal lymphoma can
      involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly being the stomach
      followed by small intestine and ileocecal region. They are indistinguishable from
      other benign and malignant conditions and clinically non-specific. Here, we have
      an interesting case where a patient presented with peritonitis and was found to
      have a perforated swelling in jejunum. Subsequently resection and anastomosis was
      done. Biopsy showed lymphoma. Patient was evaluated further by doing CECT of
      abdomen and thorax, which didn't show any other site of lymphadenopathy. Patient
      improved with chemotherapy and is on regular follow up. Perforation in patient
      undergoing treatment for lymphoma are common but presentation of primary
      gastrointestinal lymphoma as perforation is rare and needs proper evaluation and
      management. 

PMID- 27134939
TI  - Horseshoe Appendix: An Extremely Rare Appendiceal Anomaly.
AB  - Appendiceal anomalies are extremely rare malformations that are usually found
      incidentally. Agenesis and duplication of the appendix has been well documented
      however, the cases of horseshoe appendix reported is very limited, only four
      cases reported so far. Here, we report a four and half-year-old who underwent
      interval appendectomy. Intraoperatively both the ends of the appendix were found
      to be communicating with the cecum with two separate base or stump located at a
      sagital disposal- the so called "horseshoe appendix". 

PMID- 27134940
TI  - Surgical Management of Ectopic Kidney with Bilateral Iliac Vein Invasion.
AB  - Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a very rare phenomenon in an ectopic kidney. We
      come across a 61-year-old gentleman with a history of 2 months of gross, painless
      haematuria and palpable pelvic mass on examination. CT scan showed 6.5cm X 5.1cm
      X 5.8cm mass in pelvic kidney with bilateral iliac vein invasion. With the help
      of intra-operative ultra-sound, tumour thrombus was extracted from both iliac
      veins with en mass removal of tumour. Patient was well intraoperatively as well
      as in postoperatively. We also presented an elegant imaging for the case. 

PMID- 27134941
TI  - Adult Wilms' Tumour.

PMID- 27134942
TI  - GIST Jinx - A Rare Case of Acute Massive Life Threatening Bleed from a Jejunal
      Gastro-Intestinal Stromal Tumour.

PMID- 27134943
TI  - Rare Hernias Presenting as Acute Abdomen- A Case Series.
AB  - Hernia is an abnormal protrusion of an organ or tissue through a defect in its
      surrounding walls. It can be divided into internal, external and diaphragmatic
      hernias. Most of them can be asymptomatic. If they become symptomatic they can
      present with features of intestinal obstruction, incarceration or strangulation.
      In this case series we compare the incidence of these rare presentations of
      hernias with world literature and to warn surgeons not to cut the obstructing
      band in cases of internal hernias. In this case series, we review the clinical
      details of 7 rare presentations of hernia, who presented with various types of
      hernias to a tertiary care centre in Kerala over a period of one year. Of these 7
      cases 6 cases were internal hernias (3 left paraduodenal hernias, 2
      transmesentric hernias, and 1 pericaecal hernia) and a case of spigelian hernia
      above the level of umbilicus. All of them presented as acute abdomen in the
      emergency department. Among these 7 cases, only one case was diagnosed
      preoperatively. Three patients had bowel gangrene and had to undergo resection-
      anastomosis of the bowel. The survival rate among these cases was 100% as
      compared to 50% in the world literature if they had been left untreated. Even
      though internal hernias are a rare entity, we need to have it as a differential
      diagnosis in case of intestinal obstruction, in a previously non-operated
      abdomen. 

PMID- 27134944
TI  - The Epidemiology of Anti-Sperm Antibodies Among Couples with Unexplained
      Infertility in North West Bank, Palestine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anti sperm antibodies (ASA) can present in serum and semen and they
      may lead to impair the sperms function leading to infertility. The precise
      mechanism of generation of these antibodies is yet to be discovered. AIM: This
      study was performed to determine the prevalence of anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) in
      patients with unexplained infertility. The study was initiated also to explore
      the possible factors that may associate with ASA formation and how ASA status is
      associated with pregnancy rates after going with in vitro fertilization -
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted on 42 normal infertile couples consulting Razan
      Medical Center for Infertility & I.V.F. in Nablus, Palestine, from December 2012 
      March 2013. Serum levels of immunoglobulins G (IgG) ASA were measured in
      participants (males and females) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
      In addition, participants also filled a questionnaire about the presence of
      previous varicocele repair, inguinal hernia repair, orchitis, testicular trauma
      and vasectomy reversal among males and severe coitus bleeding and coitus during
      menses or puerperium among females. Couples were also asked about previous IVF
      ICSI procedures and the outcome of the procedure in terms of either they got
      pregnant or not. Data was analysed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The prevalence
      of ASA was 14.3% (6/42) among all couples, 9.5% (4/42) among males and 4.8%
      (2/42) among females. There was no significant relationship between previous
      varicocele repair, previous inguinal hernia repair, or orchitis and formation of
      ASA (p value =0.64, 0.56, and 0.26 respectively). Previous trauma, vasovasostomy,
      severe coitus bleeding and coitus during menses or puerperium were not observed
      in any of the study sample. ASA did not seem to affect the outcome of IVF-ICSI (p
      value =0.54). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of ASA in infertile couples in the north
      part of Palestine is similar to that obtained worldwide. ASA formation does not
      relate to any of the studied risk factors and does not seem to associate with
      pregnancy rate after IVF-ICSI. We recommend further studies using a larger sample
      size and including all parts of Palestine in order to generalize the obtained
      results.

PMID- 27134945
TI  - Comparison of the Effects of Myrtus Communis L, Berberis Vulgaris and
      Metronidazole Vaginal Gel alone for the Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a growing tendency towards herbal medicines for treatment
      of vaginitis. Antibacterial and antifungal effects of Myrtus communis L and
      Berberis vulgaris have been demonstrated invitro and invivo. AIM: This study
      aimed to compare the therapeutic effects of the vaginal gel of Berberis vulgaris
      5% (in metronidazole base) and Myrtus communis L 2% (in metronidazole base) with
      only metronidazole vaginal gel 0.75% on bacterial vaginosis. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This study was a randomized clinical trial research on 120 married women
      aged 18-40 years affected by bacterial vaginosis attended for treatment to
      gynaecology clinic of Hajar Hospital (Shahrekord, Iran). They were randomly
      divided into three groups of 40 participants. Diagnostic criteria were Amsel's
      criteria. Myrtus communis L, Berberis vulgaris vaginal gel or metronidazole
      vaginal gel for five-night usage were prescribed to each group, and after 7 days
      therapeutic effects were assessed. Data analysis was performed using ANOVA and
      Chi-square tests. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed
      with regard to treatment response among the study groups (p<0.001), with Myrtus
      communis L and Berberis vulgaris groups having a better response than
      metronidazole gel alone. Moreover, there was no significant difference between
      Myrtus communis L and Berberis vulgaris groups (p= 0.18). The patients in groups
      of Myrtus communis L or Berberis vulgaris in metronidazole base did not
      experience any relapse, but in metronidazole group, 30% of patients experienced
      relapse during three weeks follow up. CONCLUSION: Findings of the study showed
      that treatment with a combination of Myrtus communis L or Berberis vulgaris in
      metronidazole base improve the efficacy of bacterial vaginosis therapy.

PMID- 27134946
TI  - Comparison of Vaginal and Oral Doses of Misoprostol for Labour Induction in Post
      Term Pregnancies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Considering maternal complications, it is preferred to induce
      labour after 40 weeks. Labour induction is a procedure used to stimulate uterine
      contractions during pregnancy before the beginning of the labour. AIM: The aim of
      this study was to compare oral misoprostol with vaginal misoprostol for induction
      of labour in post-term pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This double blind
      clinical-trial study was performed on 180 post-term pregnant women who were
      admitted to the labour ward of Besat Hospital Sanandaj, Iran in 2013-2014.
      Participants were equally divided into three groups using block randomization
      method. The induction was performed for the first group with 100 MUg of oral
      misoprostol, for the second group with 50 MUg of oral misoprostol, and for the
      third group with 25 MUg of vaginal misoprostol. Vaginal examination and FHR was
      done before repeating each dose to determine Bishop Score. Induction time with
      misoprostol to the start of uterine contractions, induction time to delivery, and
      mode of delivery, systolic tachycardia, hyper stimulation and fetal outcomes were
      studied as well. RESULTS: First minute Apgar scores and medication dosage of the
      study groups were significantly different (p=0.0001). But labour induction,
      induction frequency, mode of delivery, complications, and 5 minutes Apgar score
      in the groups had no significant difference (p>0.05). The risk of fetal distress
      and neonatal hospitalization of the groups were statistically significant (p=0.
      02). There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of
      mean time interval from the administration of misoprostol to the start of uterine
      contractions (labour induction), the time interval from the start of uterine
      contractions to delivery and taking misoprostol to delivery. From the
      administration of misoprostol to start of the uterine contractions the mean
      difference between time intervals in the three groups were not statistically
      significant. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings it can be concluded that
      prescribing 100MUg oral misoprostol is effective than 50 MUg oral or 25 MUg
      vaginal misoprostol in terms of induction time, maternal and neonatal outcomes in
      post- term pregnancy. However, the best dose and route should be decided
      according to evidence based information.

PMID- 27134947
TI  - Evaluation of Lipid Profile in Second and Third Trimester of Pregnancy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a change in energy usage along with accumulation of fat
      during different trimesters of pregnancy. Lipid physiology and pathophysiology
      during pregnancy has not been studied extensively in large population-based
      cohorts. AIM: To study the levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TGs) during
      pregnancy and their changes in second and third trimester. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This prospective study was conducted at Mahatma Gandhi Mission Hospital, Navi
      Mumbai, India by enrolling antenatal cases from October, 2012 to October 2014.
      The study was conducted on 200 pregnant local women after taking an informed
      consent from patients to get enrolled in the study. Statistical analyses were
      performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. All
      reported p-values are two-tailed, and confidence intervals were calculated at the
      95% level. RESULTS: The mean cholesterol levels in second and third trimester
      were 214.6+/-18.16 mg/dl and 242.65+/-20.44 mg/dl respectively. The mean
      triglyceride levels in second and third trimester were 188.68+/-20.88 mg/dl and
      216.78+/-20.09 mg/dl respectively. The mean HDL - Cholesterol levels in second
      and third trimester were 49.13+/-6.15 mg/dl and 43.07+/-4.34 mg/dl respectively.
      The mean LDL - Cholesterol levels in second and third trimester were 92.41+/
      18.94 mg/dl and 137.82+/-13.45 mg/dl respectively. The mean VLDL - Cholesterol
      levels in second and third trimester were 28.22+/-7.66 mg/dl and 36.27+/-6.72
      mg/dl respectively. CONCLUSION: This study helps in understanding baseline lipid
      parameters in the second and third trimester among pregnant women in India. Total
      Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-Cholesterol, VLDL-Cholesterol increased in both
      second and third trimester. The increase is more in third trimester, when
      compared to second. HDL-Cholesterol is decreased in third trimester when compared
      to second trimester.

PMID- 27134948
TI  - Vitamin D Status and Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Indian Postmenopausal Women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of chronic and non-communicable health disorders
      like cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide
      including in India. The various risk factors for these health issues need to be
      addressed. The role of vitamin D deficiency in the causation of all these
      abnormal health conditions among postmenopausal women is a matter of debate now-a
      days. AIM: To determine the correlation of serum vitamin D levels with various
      cardio-metabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in postmenopausal
      women (PMW). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total of 64 PMW were included in this cross
      sectional study. Clinical (waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure)
      and biochemical (fasting plasma glucose, lipid profile and serum 25-hydroxyl
      vitamin D levels) parameters were measured. MetS was defined using modified
      National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP-III)
      guidelines. Serum 25-hydroxyl vitamin D levels <50 nmol/l, between 52.5-72.5
      nmol/l and >75 nmol/l were classified as deficient, insufficient and sufficient,
      respectively. RESULTS: MetS was prevalent in 33 (52%) subjects. There were no
      differences in serum vitamin D levels or proportion of vitamin D deficient
      individuals in those with and without MetS. 33 women (52%) had vitamin D
      deficiency. Cardio-metabolic risk profile was similar in both vitamin D deficient
      and replete women. CONCLUSION: Despite a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency
      and MetS in Indian PMW, serum vitamin D concentrations do not correlate with the
      cardio-metabolic risk factors or MetS.

PMID- 27134949
TI  - A Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy and Side-Effects of
      Intravaginal Ring (Nuvaring((r))) With Combined Oral Hormonal Preparation in
      Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Combined Oral Contraceptive (COC) pills are being used in patients
      of abnormal uterine bleeding, especially adolescents and reproductive age women
      considering their need for contraception. It decreases the blood loss due to
      haemostatic effect of estrogen and also regularizes the cycle. Intravaginal route
      has been found to be effective and acceptable; Gastrointestinal absorption and
      hepatic first-pass metabolism is avoided and steady, uniform blood concentration
      is achieved. Bioavailability of estrogen and progestogen through oral and vaginal
      route are same. The convenience of once-a-month administration is another major
      advantage. MATERIALS AND MATHODS: Sixty women fulfilling inclusion criteria were
      randomised into 2 groups in 1:1 ratio. In one group (n=30), monthly insertion of
      Nuvaring((r))) was done for three consecutive months. Nuvaring((r)) releases
      15MUg ethinyl estradiol and 120 MUg etonogesterol daily. The other group (n=30)
      received COC pill containing 30MUg EE and 150 MUg levonorgestrel for three
      consecutive months. Primary outcome measures were change in menstrual cycle
      pattern and pictorial Blood Loss Assessment chart (PBAC) score. Other Parameters
      included side effects, change in haemoglobin and weight. Data was analyzed by
      statistical software SPSS 20. RESULTS: Both Nuvaring((r)) and COC were found to
      significantly decrease blood loss in each cycle. Decrease in PBAC score was more
      in Nuvaring((r)) group compared to COC, however difference was not significant.
      Ideal bleed (IB) was frequently higher for Nuvaring((r)) group than COC in all 3
      cycles, although no statistically significant difference was observed between
      groups (p-value=0.286). Late withdrawl, intermenstural spotting was higher in COC
      group. Compliance was better and women were more satisfied in Nuvaring((r)) group
      compared to COC group. Minor side effects like headache, mastalgia, nausea and
      mood changes were seen in both groups, which were not significant. Continuation
      rate was significantly higher in Nuvaring(r) group. 30% women discontinued
      treatment in OCP group after 3 month compare to 10% in Nuvaring((r)) group.
      CONCLUSION: Present study shows Nuvaring((r)) to be as effective as COC in
      controlling heavy menstural bleed, better cycle control, with minor acceptable
      systemic side effects.

PMID- 27134950
TI  - Bilateral Simultaneous Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: A Case Report, Review of
      Literature and a Proposed Management Algorithm.
AB  - Bilateral simultaneous Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy (BTP) is the rarest form of
      ectopic pregnancy. The incidence is higher in women undergoing assisted
      reproductive techniques or ovulation induction. The clinical presentation is
      unpredictable and there are no unique features to distinguish it from unilateral
      ectopic pregnancy. BTP continues to be a clinician's dilemma as pre-operative
      diagnosis is difficult and is commonly made during surgery. Treatment options are
      varied depending on site of ectopic pregnancy, extent of tubal damage and
      requirement of future fertility. We report a case of BTP which was diagnosed
      during surgery and propose an algorithm for management of such patients. 

PMID- 27134951
TI  - Primary Ovarian Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumour: A Case Report and Brief Review
      of Literature.
AB  - Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumour of the Ovary (OMMMT), also referred to as
      carcinosarcoma is a very rare tumour accounting for less than 1% of all ovarian
      cancers. Due to the rarity of OMMMT, little is known about the disease course and
      outcome of women with these tumours. It is important to evaluate because of its
      aggressive behaviour with extremely unfavourable prognosis. These tumours are
      composed of both malignant epithelial and mesenchymal elements. Current data in
      the literature is still limited to small case series and case reports, therefore,
      its optimal treatment is somewhat controversial. In the current report, we
      introduce a case of OMMMT which was successfully treated with Platinum-based
      combination chemotherapy after optimal cytoreductive surgery. The clinical
      manifestations, pathologic characteristics, diagnosis and management of these
      tumours are reviewed here. Although the most effective treatment is currently
      unknown, optimal cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy appears to
      improve the outcomes. Despite the aggressive nature of this tumour and its poor
      response to the treatment, management works best when cancer is found early. The
      stage of the disease is the most important prognostic factor. Therefore, the
      crucial question is how to diagnose the cancer at earlier stages rather than
      seeking the optimal treatment. 

PMID- 27134952
TI  - Concomitant Vesicouterine Rupture with Avulsion of Ureter: A Rare Complication of
      Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section.
AB  - Uterine rupture is the most serious and life threatening complication and occurs
      in 0.7-0.9% of vaginal birth after lower segment caesarean section. Cases of
      bladder rupture along with uterine rupture have been rarely reported and avulsion
      of ureter, required ureteric implantation is even rarer. This case report
      describe a very rare case of vesicouterine rupture with avulsion of ureter
      following vacuum assisted delivery in a grandmulti with previous lower segment
      cesarean section (LSCS). Haematuria is the most common presentation of bladder
      rupture. Antenatal counseling regarding this entity is recommended if woman opted
      for vaginal birth after cesarean section. Intrapartum and postpartum high index
      of suspicion are important in clinching the diagnosis. 

PMID- 27134953
TI  - An Unusual Origin of Fetal Lymphangioma Filling Right Axilla.
AB  - Fetal lymphangioma is a hamartomatous congenital anomaly of the lymphatic system,
      which is embracing the fetal skin (sometimes mucous membranes) and the
      subcutaneous tissue. The general consensus is that it occurs as a result of
      failure in lymphatic drainage. A 36-year-old pregnant woman was referred to our
      perinatology clinic at 22 weeks' gestation, because of a fetal right-sided
      axillary mass revealed by ultrasonography. The mass measuring 5x7x7cm in three
      dimensions had a multilocular structure without colour Doppler flow and well
      circumscribed borders. Amniocentesis revealed a normal constitutional
      karyotyping. Lymphangioma was considered as prediagnosis. A healthy female baby
      weighing 3470 grams was delivered at term. Neonatal examination and the postnatal
      MRI confirmed the diagnosis. The baby is still on follow-up with the medical
      treatment of Sirolimus an anti-proliferative drug, and the mass got smaller
      significantly in 8 months after delivery. 

PMID- 27134954
TI  - Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis with Locking Plates for Distal Tibia
      Fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Distal tibia fractures are challenging injuries with multiple
      fixation options. Minimal invasive plating for distal tibia fracture is becoming
      more popular with documented good outcomes. AIM: To evaluate the functional and
      radiological results of fixation of distal tibia fractures with locking plates
      with Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Fifty fractures of distal tibia without Intra-articular extension were
      operated with locking compression plating with MIPO technique. They were followed
      up at regular intervals. Functional and radiological results were evaluated at
      the end on one year. RESULTS: The fractures united in 48 (96%) patients with 2
      (4%) cases of delayed union which took 30 weeks of time. Postoperatively, 2
      patients developed superficial skin infection, 2 patients developed deep
      infection and 3 patients developed ankle stiffness due to loss of postoperative
      protocol and 4 patients had implant failure in form of screw breakage. Good
      amount of range of mobility of ankle joint was present in almost all patients.
      CONCLUSION: MIPO with locking plates for distal tibia fractures is associated
      with good functional outcomes and is an effective treatment for distal tibia
      fractures. Although, a larger sample of patients and longer follow up are
      required to fully evaluate this method of treatment, we strongly encourage its
      consideration in the treatment of such complex fractures.

PMID- 27134955
TI  - Comparative Analysis of Interbody Cages Versus Tricortical Graft with Anterior
      Plate Fixation for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Degenerative
      Cervical Disc Disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multiple techniques and modalities of fixation are used in Anterior
      Cervical Discectomy and interbody Fusion (ACDF), each with some merit and demerit
      against others. Such pool of techniques reflects lack of a consensus method
      conducive to uniformly good results. AIM: A prospective study was done to analyse
      safety and efficacy of tricortical autograft and anterior cervical plate (Group
      A) with cylindrical titanium cage filled with cancellous bone (Group B) in
      procedure of ACDF for single level degenerative cervical disc disease. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Twenty patients with degenerative cervical disc disease were
      included in study for ACDF. After a computer generated randomisation, ten
      patients (10 segments) were operated with anterior locking plating and
      tricortical iliac crest graft (Group A, Tricortical graft group), while ten
      patients(10 segments) were operated with standalone cylindrical titanium cages
      filled with cancellous bone harvested using minimally invasive methods (Group B,
      Cage group) from April 2012 to May 2015. Odoms's criteria, visual pain analogue
      score and sequential plain radiographs were obtained to assess for clinic
      radiological outcome. RESULTS: According to Odom's system of functional
      assessment, 9 patients from each group (90%) experienced good to excellent
      functional recovery and 9 of 10 (90%) patients of each groups were satisfied with
      outcome. In both groups, relief in neck pain or arm pain was similar without any
      statistical difference as assessed by visual analogue score. Fusion was present
      in 10 of 10 (100%) patients in tricortical graft group and 10 of 10 (100%) in
      cage group at the end of 6 months. There was no implant related complications in
      cage group. Transient postoperative dysphagia was recorded in 3 patients (2 in
      Group A and 1 in group B), which resolved within 3 days. In tricortical graft
      group, graft collapse and partial extrusion was detected in one patient, which
      did not correspond with good results obtained in particular patient. CONCLUSION:
      Use of cylindrical titanium cage packed with cancellous bone graft provide
      adequate stability and reliable functional outcome after fusion in cervical disc
      disease. Titanium cages for fusion after cervical discectomy constitute a safe
      and equally efficient alternative to tricortical autograft with anterior cervical
      plate by providing adequate stability and cessation of rediculopathy symptoms.

PMID- 27134956
TI  - Functional Outcome of Lumbar Discectomy by Fenestration Technique in Lumbar Disc
      Prolapse - Return to Work and Relief of Pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Low back pain affects every population and is one of world's
      foremost debilitating conditions. Clinically significant sciatica due to lumbar
      disc prolapse occurs in 4-6% of population. Fenestration discectomy as a surgical
      procedure is less time consuming, with lesser blood loss, lesser post-operative
      complications and does not compromise with stability of spine when compared to
      laminectomy. AIM: Present study was conducted to determine extent of functional
      recovery i.e. pain relief and return to work in patients with lumbar disc
      prolapse treated by fenestration technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October
      2010 to March 2012, 50 patients with signs and symptoms of prolapsed lumbar
      intervertebral disc who failed to respond to conservative treatment were operated
      for discectomy by fenestration technique and studied prospectively. Functional
      outcome was evaluated by 'Back Pain Functional Score (BPFS)' of Strafford et al.,
      PROLO rating scale to determine preoperative functional and economical status and
      outcome at final follow up after 6 months. In order to identify physical signs
      from non organic signs Wadell's score system was used. Result of surgery was
      evaluated with help of McNab's criteria. RESULTS: In our study, according to Back
      Pain Functional Scale by Strafford et al., and PROLO scale, good results were
      found in 42 (84%) cases, fair result in 8 cases (16%) and none with poor results
      at follow up of six months. According to PROLO economical and functional scale,
      84% cases were able to join their previous occupation at end of six months and
      76% cases had complete pain relief. In our study, correlation of age and duration
      of symptoms to functional outcome was statistically significant (p=0.089 & p =
      0.098+ respectively) showing more good results among patients with age less than
      30 years and patients having duration of symptoms less than 6 months. CONCLUSION:
      Functional outcome of fenestration technique in terms of return to work and
      complete back and leg pain relief at end of six months had been satisfactory in
      our study. Moreover, old age, long duration of symptoms and presence multiple
      psychological issues are negative predictors of functional outcome.

PMID- 27134957
TI  - Iatrogenic Pseudo-aneurysm of Profunda Femoris Artery Following Fixation of
      Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture - A Case Report and Review of Literature.
AB  - The Profunda Femoris is a common site for arterial pseudo-aneurysms and these
      have been described in literature following fractures as well as orthopaedic
      procedures of the femur and hip region. These are an uncommon complication and a
      high index of suspicion is required for correct diagnosis and prompt management.
      We present a case of pseudo-aneurysm of the Profunda Femoris in an operated case
      of Intertrochanteric femur fracture with acute presentation. The case was managed
      successfully by angiographic coil embolization. 

PMID- 27134958
TI  - Incidental Finding of Ebstein's Anomaly in an Adolescent with an Upper
      Respiratory Infection: A Case Report.
AB  - Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital heart disorder and has a varied clinical
      course, with detection as late as the seventh decade. We hereby describe an 11
      year-old child in whom Ebstein's anomaly was diagnosed. The most common
      presentation in early second decade is due to an arrhythmia; however, the present
      case report is about a patient who presented with acute congestive heart failure
      due to decompensation from an acute upper respiratory tract infection, which is a
      rather uncommon presentation. 

PMID- 27134959
TI  - An Arrow Poison (Abrus Precatorius) Causing Fatal Poisoning in a Child.
AB  - Ingestion of whole seeds of Abrus precatorius often does not produce serious
      illness. It generally presents initially with gastrointestinal manifestations.
      Haemolysis, acute renal damage, hepatotoxicity and seizures are the other
      manifestations. Herewith we report a child with accidental ingestion of abrus
      precatorius seeds who presented with altered sensorium and convulsions. The case
      is being reported on account of its rarity in its initial neurological
      manifestation and has not been reported earlier in paediatric age group. 

PMID- 27134960
TI  - Intestinal Volvulus: A Life-Threatening Disease.

PMID- 27134961
TI  - Assessment of MRI as a Modality for Evaluation of Soft Tissue Injuries of the
      Spine as Compared to Intraoperative Assessment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Traumatic injuries of the spine and spinal cord are potentially
      devastating as they may lead to significant neurological damage as the clinical
      and prognostic spectrum of the effects of spinal injuries is vast. Timely imaging
      studies can help mitigate these possibly life threatening complications. There is
      a dearth of studies that directly compare MR imaging findings to surgical
      findings. AIM: Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the sensitivity of MRI
      in identifying injuries to the soft tissue structures of the spine. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: MRI scans were performed on 31 cases of acute spinal injuries that
      presented within 72 hours of the trauma and underwent surgical fixation by either
      an anterior or posterior approach. The non-osseous structures namely; Anterior
      Longitudinal Ligament (ALL), Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (PLL),
      Intervertebral Disc, Ligamentum Flavum, Interspinous Ligament (ISP) and the
      Spinal Cord were evaluated. They were classified as 'True Positive' if an injury
      was found to correlate with intraoperative findings and as 'False Negative' when
      diagnosed falsely as normal. The statistical sensitivity of MRI in diagnosing
      injuries to the non-osseous structures of the spine were thus calculated.
      RESULTS: Of the 31 patients, in 51.6% of patients the site of injury was to the
      cervical spine (n=16), thoracic spine was the next highest in occurrence of 39%
      (n=12) and lumbar spine accounted for the least. In correlating the imaging
      findings to the intraoperative findings, MRI was highly sensitive in detecting
      injuries to the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (94.4%) and the Spinal cord (93%)
      and fairly high in detecting injuries to the Intervertebral disc. However coming
      to the ligamentum flavum and interspinous ligaments, the sensitivity of the MRI
      dropped to 62.5% and 63.6% respectively. CONCLUSION: MRI was found to be highly
      sensitive in detecting injuries to the spinal cord and the posterior longitudinal
      ligament and moderately sensitive for detection of disc injuries. Though
      concerning the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament, Ligamentum Flavum and the
      Interspinous Ligaments MRI performed ineffectively with higher number of false
      negative interpretations.

PMID- 27134962
TI  - Cardiac MR Imaging in the Evaluation of Rheumatic Valvular Heart Diseases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rheumatic heart disease is the most common cause of valvular heart
      disease throughout the world. Echocardiography is the dominant imaging
      investigation in the assessment of cardiac valvular disease and the role of
      Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is so far limited. However, due to rapid
      improvements in the cardiac MRI technology in past few years, this non invasive
      technique is gaining interest in the examination of cardiac valves. AIM: Our
      study was undertaken to define the role of MRI in the evaluation of Rheumatic
      valvular heart disease and to compare the role of MRI with transthoracic
      echocardiography with regard to quantity of stenosis and volume regurgitation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: ECG gated Cardiac MRI was performed with a 1.5-Tesla
      system (MAGNETOM SYMPHONY- Model 2005) using basic cardiac software (Argus
      viewer) by a phased-array multicoil on 50 subjects who were known cases of
      Rheumatic valvular heart disease. A chest radiograph and echocardiography were
      done in all patients before MR examination. Informed consent was taken from all
      patients. RESULTS: Mitral stenosis either as an isolated valvular abnormality or
      in combination with other valvular abnormalities constituted the major bulk of
      Rheumatic valvular heart disease in our study population. The average ejection
      fraction by ECHO is 64.94+/-7.11 and by MRI 67.52+/-7.84. The average mitral
      valve area by ECHO is 1.79+/-0.43 cm(2) and by MRI 1.82+/-0.47 cm(2). The average
      aortic valve area by ECHO is 1.10+/-0.21 cm(2) and by MRI 1.12+/-0.25 cm(2). The
      Coefficient of Correlation (r) is 0.82 for ejection fraction, 0.98 for mitral
      valve area and 0.92 for aortic valve area which means a strong positive
      association between the results by ECHO and MRI. In all instances, the p-value is
      <0.00001, suggesting that the test is highly significant. CONCLUSION: In our
      study echocardiography was found to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of
      Rheumatic valvular heart disease and the role of MRI remained only complimentary
      to Echocardiography. However with advanced cardiac software, more advanced
      techniques, and faster imaging sequences, MRI may become a valuable procedure for
      investigation and follow-up of patients with valvular heart disease.

PMID- 27134963
TI  - Digital Mammography in Young Women: Is a Single View Sufficient?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Single view mammography may be a less time consuming, more
      comfortable and radiation reduced alternative for young women, but there are no
      studies examining this approach after the implementation of digital mammography
      into clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all
      mammographies performed in women younger than 40 years during a 24 month period.
      The sample consisted of 109 women with 212 examined breasts. All patients
      initially received standard two- view mammography. In the study setting the MLO-
      views were read by a single viewer and compared to a composite reference
      standard. RESULTS: In this sample 7 malignant findings were present and the
      review of the MLO-view detected 6 of them (85%). In patients with dense breasts 4
      out of 5 malignant findings were found on the single-view (sensitivity 80%) and
      all 2 malignant findings were detected in patients with low breast density
      (sensitivity 100%). There were 7 false positive findings (3.3%). i.e. in total 8
      out of 212 examined breasts were therefore misinterpreted (3.8%). CONCLUSION:
      Single view digital mammography detects the vast majority of malignant findings,
      especially in low density breast tissue and the rate of false-positive findings
      is within acceptable limits. Therefore this approach may be used in different
      scenarios (for example in increasing patient throughout in resource poor
      settings, reducing radiation burden in the young or in combination with
      ultrasound to use the strengths of both methods). More research on this topic is
      needed to establish its potential role in breast imaging.

PMID- 27134964
TI  - Duplication of Inferior Vena Cava with Associated Anomalies: A Rare Case Report.
AB  - Duplication of inferior vena cava is an uncommon abnormality and is important in
      daily today practice for vascular surgeons, radiologist and urologist especially
      during retroperitoneal surgeries and treatment of thromboembolic disease.
      Radiologically, Duplicated IVC can be mistaken for lymphadenopathy or left
      pyeloureteric dilatation. Crossed fused kidney with a single ureter defy the
      embryological theory of ureteric bud crossing the opposite side and induce
      nephron formation associated anomaly of Duplication of inferior vena cava and
      malrotation of gut are not reported in a same patient. On meticulous search of
      literature no such combination of abnormalities has been reported. In this case
      report we bring forward this rare type of combination of three congenital
      malformations that is Duplication of IVC, crossed fused kidney and malrotation of
      gut. 

PMID- 27134965
TI  - Isolated Complete Jejunal Transection After Blunt Abdominal Trauma: CT Imaging.
AB  - Abdominal injury following road traffic accident is less common, compared to the
      extremities, head and chest. Bowel may get injured following blunt abdominal
      trauma, but perforation and complete transection is rare. Initial clinical
      examination may be unreliable, as signs of bowel injury may take some time to
      develop. Imaging plays a crucial role in the early and accurate diagnosis of
      bowel injuries. We report a case of 21-year-old male, who presented with severe
      abdominal pain, following a road traffic accident. Chest X-Ray was normal and
      abdominal ultrasound revealed intra-peritoneal free fluid with internal echoes.
      Contrast enhanced CT scan showed pneumoperitoneum and intraperitoneal free fluid
      with disruption in continuity of proximal jejunum along with signs of shock bowel
      and bowel ischemia. This report highlights the role of CT imaging in the prompt
      diagnosis of bowel transection following blunt abdominal trauma. 

PMID- 27134967
TI  - Multifocal Tumefactive Demyelination Mimicking Intracranial Neoplasm.
AB  - Demyelinating disease presenting with clinical and radiologic features similar to
      a brain tumour is referred to as tumefactive demyelination. These lesions pose
      considerable diagnostic uncertainty. This is partly due to the atypical
      neurologic symptoms that the patient can present with as a consequence of the
      size, location, and potential for associated mass effect and oedema. The MRI
      appearance of these lesions can aid in preoperative diagnosis and assist with the
      final pathologic interpretation. We report a case of tumefactive demyelination
      where MRI played a vital role in arriving at a diagnosis. The diagnosis was
      confirmed histopathologically. 

PMID- 27134966
TI  - A Series of Congenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome - Classic Imaging
      Findings.
AB  - Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS) is a very rare entity with
      very poor prognosis in which upper airway is intrinsically obstructed, the most
      common reason being laryngeal atresia. In summary prenatal early diagnosis of
      patients with CHAOS is necessary so that perinatal management can be undertaken
      successfully or elective termination of pregnancy can be undertaken. The
      fetoscopic approach may be a life saving modality in a subset of CHAOS patients.
      Involving a multidisciplinary team comprising of paediatricians, radiologists,
      obstetricians and anaesthesiologists increases the efficiency of management. 

PMID- 27134968
TI  - Infra-cardiac Total Anomalous Venous Connection to Portal Vein - Unusual Dynamic
      Hepatic Flow Phenomenon Demonstrated with MRI.
AB  - Functional information regarding fluid movement within the body can be derived by
      magnetic resonance methods. Some of the observations were overlooked in early
      days of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) application. This presentation
      illustrates an unique, intra-hepatic haemodynamic phenomenon, demonstrated by
      magnetic resonance imaging, in a case of infra-cardiac Total Anomalous Pulmonary
      Venous Connection (TAPVC) Demonstration of such phenomena is unreported even
      after widespread use of cardiac MRI, although patho-physiology of such a
      phenomenon is expected in TAPVC. Brief explanation and possible basis of such
      observation in the context of current knowledge is discussed. 

PMID- 27134969
TI  - Rare Anatomical Variation of Dual IVC with Left Sided IVC Draining into
      Hemiazygous Vein- A Case Report.
AB  - Congenital anomalies of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) result from the persistence
      of the embryonic venous system. Knowledge of such anomaly is of great importance
      during abdominal surgery, liver and kidney transplantation, renal venous sampling
      and in the treatment of thromboembolic diseases. Here, we report a rare
      anatomical variation of dual IVC with normal course of right sided IVC and
      hemiazygous continuation of left sided IVC with interiliac communication in
      potential renal donor. Congenital abnormalities of the inferior vena cava are
      easily identified on Computed Tomography (CT) and should be considered when
      interpreting any CT of the abdomen or chest. 

PMID- 27134970
TI  - Bilateral Painful Ophthalmoplegia: A Case of Assumed Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome.
AB  - We present the case of a man of 47 years with vertical and horizontal paresis of
      view combined with periorbital pain that developed initially on the right side
      but extended after 3-4 days to the left. Gadolinum uptaking tissue in the
      cavernous sinus was shown by MRI of the orbital region in the T1 spin echo
      sequence with fat saturation (SEfs) with a slice thickness of 2 mm. As no other
      abnormalities were found and the pain resolved within 72 hours of treatment with
      cortison a bilateral Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome (THS) was assumed. THS is an uncommon
      cause for Painful Ophthalmoglegia (PO) and only few cases of bilateral appearance
      have been reported. Even though the diagnostic criteria for THS oblige unilateral
      symptoms we suggest that in patients with bilateral PO THS should not be excluded
      as a differential diagnosis. Further more when using MRI to detect granulomatous
      tissue in the orbital region the chosen sequence should be T1 SEfs and slice
      thickness should possibly be as low as 2 mm, as granulomas are often no larger
      than 1-2 mm. 

PMID- 27134971
TI  - Radiological Diagnosis of Neonatal Hydrometrocolpos- A Case Report.
AB  - A three-day-old female child presented to us with abdominal distension and lower
      limb swelling. On ultrasound examination, there was a cystic mass contiguous with
      the uterus in the lower abdomen and pelvis which showed fluid- debris level. This
      mass was causing displacement of the urinary bladder anteriorly. MRI confirmed
      the findings of ultrasound. A diagnosis of hydrometrocolpos secondary to
      imperforate hymen was made following physical examination. Neonatal
      hydrometrocolpos is a rare condition which requires a high index of suspicion for
      diagnosis. Hydrometrocolpos refers to the accumulation of secretions within the
      endometrial and endovaginal canal. Diagnosis can be made prenatally or post
      natally using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Early diagnosis
      reduces the incidence of complications. 

PMID- 27134972
TI  - Reported Pain During Labour - A Qualitative Study of Influencing Factors among
      Parturient During Confinement in Private or Government Hospital.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Labour pain is distressing and it produces undue side effects both
      to the mother and the baby. The incidence is high in developing countries like
      India where the awareness about labour analgesia is still lacking. AIM: It is to
      find out the incidence of labour pain and the influence of various described
      factors on pain with a comparison between patients admitted in a government set
      up with a private set up in a south Indian semi-urban area. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Two hundred continuous uneventful normal deliveries each in a Government
      (group G) and a private hospital (group P) were enrolled for the study. The
      reported pain during labour was noted 6-7 hours after delivery by interacting
      with the patient. The factors like age of the mother, sex and weight of the baby,
      literacy, socioeconomic status, the use of oxytocics and analgesia were
      evaluated. RESULTS: The incidence of severe pain was more in group G (43.5%) than
      group P (12%). There was no analgesic intervention in 68.5% in group G while it
      was 13.5% (27/200) in group P. Even among these 27 patients who did not receive
      analgesics, only three parturients reported severe pain. Even administration of
      analgesics in a Government set up did not decrease pain to a significant extent.
      There were richer and more literate patients in group P. Booked cases were less
      in group G. Logistic regression analyses to find out factors which influenced
      pain in either group was used. Gravida, analgesic intervention and admission in a
      Govt. hospital influenced the pain experience of the parturient. There was
      minimal antenatal preparation in both the groups. There were no post partum
      complications. CONCLUSION: Mothers suffered from labour pain to a significant
      extent and there is an urgent need for awareness about labour analgesia.
      Primigravida, admission in a Govt. set up and analgesic interventions were the
      factors which influenced pain than others. Patients admitted in Govt. hospitals
      suffered more pain with less analgesic intervention possibly due to illiteracy.
      The increased drug intervention in Group P was just incidental and routine on
      their demand and did not correlate with pain. A sincere effort to increase
      antenatal counseling should be initiated.

PMID- 27134973
TI  - The Effect of Gabapentin Plus Celecoxib on Pain and Associated Complications
      After Laminectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prevention and treatment of postoperative pain is a major challenge
      in postoperative care and well-being of the surgical patient. The multimodal
      analgesic method has been recommended as an alternative treatment for the
      management of postoperative pain. AIM: To assess the comparative effect of
      gabapentin versus gabapentin plus celecoxib on pain and associated complications
      after laminectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized double- blind
      clinical trial, 114 patients scheduled for elective laminectomy received
      gabapentin (n=38, 900 mg daily), gabapentin plus celecoxib (n=38, 200 mg
      celecoxib plus 300mg gabapentin twice a day), and placebo (n=38, capsule
      containing starch). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to determine the severity
      of pain. Complications after surgery, anxiety scores before surgery and patient's
      satisfaction 24 hour after surgery were recorded. RESULTS: The mean pain sevenity
      score and morphine consumption in the gabapentin plus celecoxib group were less
      compared to the placebo and gabapentin group respectively at various intervals (p
      < 0.001). The mean anxiety score, shivering, nausea, vomiting and pruritus in the
      gabapentin group were significantly lower compared to the placebo and gabapentin
      plus celecoxib groups respectively (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). The frequencies of
      drowsiness (42.1%) in the gabapentin group were significantly high compared to
      the placebo and gabapentin plus celecoxib group respectively (p <0.001, p< 0.05).
      In the gabapentin plus celecoxib group patient satisfaction was significantly
      higher compared to the placebo and gabapentin group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Combination of 300 mg gabapentin plus 200 mg celecoxib twice a day is a good
      alternative in multimodal analgesia, effective in pain control with lesser side
      effects seen with gabapentin alone.

PMID- 27134975
TI  - Evaluation of Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Intrathecal Bupivacaine in
      Infraumbilical Surgeries.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Various adjuvants like morphine, buprenorphine and fentanyl,
      clonidine, ketamine are being used in anaesthetic practice since long for
      improvement of peri-operative analgesia following spinal anaesthesia. Such
      adjuvants have been helpful in induction of early ambulation but at the cost of
      their associated adverse effects. Therefore search for an effective adjuvant is
      still going on. Currently Dexmedetomidine, a highly selective alpha2
      adrenoreceptor agonist is being studied for its adjuvant action in spinal
      anaesthesia. AIM: The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of intrathecal
      Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to Bupivacaine in spinal anaesthesia in patients
      undergoing infra-umbilical surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a
      prospective, double blind study among 60 patients undergoing infraumbilical
      surgeries under spinal anaesthesia. The patients were randomly allocated to 2
      groups (Group I and Group II) of 30 each. Group I received hyperbaric bupivacaine
      (15 mg) alone and Group II received hyperbaric bupivacaine (15 mg) with
      Dexmedetomidine (5mcg). The onset time of sensory and motor block, regression
      time of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia, haemodynamic parameters
      were recorded both intra and postoperatively. The primary efficacy parameters
      were to determine the onset and duration of sensory block, motor block and
      duration of postoperative analgesia. Secondarily any associated haemodynamic
      changes and adverse effects of Dexmedetomidine were also recorded. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS: Continuous data were analysed using the Student's t-test and
      categorical variables by two-tailed Fisher-exact test or Chi-square test.
      RESULTS: Onset of sensory block was 129.33+/-14.8 seconds in Group II as compared
      to 208.33+/-19.18 seconds in Group I with total duration of sensory block as
      317.70+/-16.16 minutes in Group II and 188+/-11.86 minutes in Group I. Similarly,
      onset of motor block was 226.33+/-31.86 minutes and 320.33+/-29.81 minutes, with
      total duration of motor block as 286.33+/-15.15 minutes and 166.5+/-12.11 minutes
      in Group II and in Group I respectively. Duration of analgesia was 333.6+/-20.67
      minutes with Dexmedetomidine but 193.67+/-7.06 minutes in bupivacaine alone
      group. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant had shown early onset of
      sensory and motor block with longer duration of analgesia and haemodynamic
      stability in the present study as compared to bupivacaine alone.

PMID- 27134976
TI  - A Rare Cause of Sudden Onset- Severe Metabolic Acidosis in Paediatric Surgical
      Patients- Organic Acidemia.

PMID- 27134974
TI  - Comparative Study of Atropine Combined with Sodium Nitroprusside Pretreatment to
      Prevent Trigemino Cardiac Reflex after Trigeminal Ganglion Compression.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Manipulation of percutaneous compression of the trigeminal ganglion
      (PCTG) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) can lead to significant haemodynamic
      changes, which were termed trigemino cardiac reflex (TCR). Nevertheless, many
      studies indicated that atropine pretreatment can reduce the incidence of
      bradycardia and cardiac arrest, but do not take precautions against abrupt rise
      of blood pressure. AIM: The purpose of our study was to compare control group
      {patients receiving Sodium Nitro-Prusside (SNP) pretreatment before PCTG} with
      study groups (patients receiving different doses of atropine combined with SNP
      pretreatment before PCTG) in cardiovascular parameters {Systolic Blood Pressure
      (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) and Heart Rate (HR)} at 5 periods during
      Total Intravenous Anaesthesia (TIVA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 120
      patients, who underwent PTCG, were enrolled and randomly assigned into control
      group {group A (SNP pretreatment before PCTG, n=29)} and study groups {group B
      (0.002mg /kg atropine combined with SNP pretreatment before PCTG, n=30), C
      (0.004mg/kg atropine pretreatment before PCTG, n=31) and D (0.006mg/kg atropine
      combined with SNP pretreatment before PCTG, n=30)}, the relationship between
      haemodynamic changes and using atropine pretreatment or not was compared.
      Cardiovascular parameters were measured at five periods: preoperative (T0);
      before puncture (T1); during compression (T2); 1 min after the compression ended
      (T3); and 1 min after the procedure ended (T4). Multivariate analysis of variance
      (MANOVA) and Pearson's chi(2) test were used, and a value of p < 0.05 was
      considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Compared with the group A, means
      of SBP and DBP in the study groups (group B, C and D) were not observed
      significant differences at all time points (p>0.05), the mean values of HR showed
      significant differences, when compared to group C and group D at T2 and T3
      (p<0.001). Meanwhile, means of SBP, DBP and HR comparison in the same group were
      observed between T1 and T2, to the group A, B and D, means of HR (p>0.05 vs. T1)
      indicated significant differences, however, there was no significant difference
      in group C (p>0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of post-compression tachycardia
      was observed in each group. CONCLUSION: By comparison, it seemed that 0.004mg/kg
      atropine pretreatment before PCTG was more reasonable for preventing significant
      haemodynamic changes.

PMID- 27134977
TI  - The Prevalence and Inter-Relationship of Negative Body Image Perception,
      Depression and Susceptibility to Eating Disorders among Female Medical
      Undergraduate Students.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Female students are thought to be more negatively impacted by body
      image ideals and often more susceptible to various eating related disorders
      compared to men. A previous study using a sample of female students in Malaysia
      did not identify whether the increase in susceptibility to eating disorders can
      be explained by the level of body image acceptance. AIM: To identify the
      prevalence of depression and susceptibility to eating disorders among a sample of
      206 female students in one of the private universities in Malaysia and explore
      the relationship between depression, body image and susceptibility to eating
      disorders. In addition, this study aimed to determine whether depression is a
      mediator between body image and susceptibility to eating disorders among female
      college students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Body Image Acceptance and Action
      Questionnaire were used to assess body image acceptance, the Patient Health
      Questionnaire to measure depression and the Eating Attitude Test- 26 was used to
      assess susceptibility to eating disorders. RESULTS: The results showed that 65.5%
      (n=135) of the students were depressed and 6.3% (n=13) were susceptible to eating
      disorders. There was a significant positive relationship between depression and
      eating disorders and a negative relationship between body image and depression as
      well as between body image and eating disorder. Further, the regression model
      showed that depression was partially mediating the effect of body image on eating
      disorders. CONCLUSION: Body image and depression contribute to eating disorders
      and treating depression could reduce susceptibility to eating disorders.

PMID- 27134978
TI  - Clinico-Epidemiological Profile of Psychiatric Disorders Among Children in a
      Tertiary Care Hospital of Southern India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health
      disorders are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and it is as
      common in children. Anywhere between one to three children may be suffering from
      psychiatric disorders at any point in time. AIM: This study intended to find the
      pattern of psychiatric disorders and associated sociodemographic factors among
      children attending the psychiatric department in a tertiary care hospital in
      Southern India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analysis was conducted of patients who
      attended the psychiatric clinic from April 2012 to March 2013. Disorders were
      classified according to International Classification of Diseases, 10(th) edition
      (ICD-10) criteria. Data obtained was analysed by SPSS 11.5 version. Chi-square
      test was used to see association and p<0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS:
      The mean age of the children was 10.9 years (SD=4.3). Predominance of males was
      noticed. It was seen that the male children, mostly suffered from Pervasive and
      specific developmental disorders (n=105; 31.1%). While in the female children, a
      prominence of anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other non
      psychotic mental disorders was seen (n=52; 27.1%). Co-morbidity of psychiatric
      disorders was seen with intellectual disability and a seasonal predominance of
      psychiatric disorders was seen during autumn. CONCLUSION: Children presenting
      with psychiatric disorders in the hospital showed a wide age range and among
      them, males outnumbered females. Psychiatric disorders showed seasonal variation
      and the types of disorder varied significantly with age, gender and religion.

PMID- 27134979
TI  - Leriche Syndrome Presenting as Depression with Erectile Dysfunction.
AB  - Leriche syndrome results from thrombotic occlusion of the abdominal aorta
      immediately above the site of its bifurcation. Impotence in leriche syndrome is
      caused due to proximal obstruction, commonly involving isolated common iliac,
      internal iliac, internal pudendal or dorsalis penis artery. The symptoms of
      Leriche syndrome include intermittent and bilateral claudication, pallor,
      coldness and fatigue in lower extremities. Data regarding psychiatric morbidity
      in Leriche syndrome is unavailable. We hereby report the case of Leriche
      syndrome, presenting to psychiatry outpatient department with depressive disorder
      and erectile dysfunction (ED) with focus on dilemmas faced in the diagnosis and
      management in psychiatry. 

PMID- 27134980
TI  - An Atypical and Resistant Case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Responding
      Satisfactorily with an Unusual way of Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy.
AB  - It is well established fact that a combination of pharmacological therapy plus
      cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) - exposure and response prevention (ERP) is
      considered first line for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
      This case presented here supports this point in unusual way of ERP administration
      in an atypical and resistant case of OCD proved to be beneficial over
      pharmacotherapy. The case was atypical in the sense that it had many overvalued
      ideas, superstitions and religious beliefs playing major role in its aetiology.
      Also, misconstruction of chance associations, intense stimulus generalization and
      invivo exposure proving the best modality of treatment made it atypical. 

PMID- 27134981
TI  - Impact of Uraemic Pruritus on Quality of Life among End Stage Renal Disease
      Patients on Dialysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Uraemic pruritus is significant complication in (ESRD) patients and
      substantially impairs their quality of life (QOL). ESRD is a bothersome problem
      with attempts being made to increase the survival of patients on dialysis. AIM:
      An attempt was made to compare the QOL of haemodialysis patients and suffering
      from uraemic pruritus with the QOL of those on haemodialysis but with no
      presenting uraemic pruritus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was
      conducted to evaluate the QOL of haemodialysis patients suffering from uraemic
      pruritus. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess the QOL. Haemodialysis
      patients with pruritus who had completed three months of maintenance
      haemodialysis (n=100) were enrolled into the study and 100 controls (n=100) on
      haemodialysis but with no pruritus were further enrolled. RESULTS: The QOL of
      haemodialysis patients with pruritus was found to be significantly impaired (p <
      0.05) in comparison to those on haemodialysis with no prutitis, particularly with
      respect to all the four WHOQOL-BREF domains. CONCLUSION: Quality of life of ESRD
      patients on dialsysis was siginificantly affected by pruritis.

PMID- 27134982
TI  - Skin Disorders Among Geriatric Population at a Tertiary Care Center in
      Uttarakhand.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ageing results in decline of normal functioning in all organ
      systems including skin. This predisposes the elderly persons to develop various
      skin ailments. A thorough knowledge of different diseases prevalent in this
      population in different geographic regions help the health care providers in
      better health care policy making. AIM: This study was planned to know the common
      dermatological diseases prevalent in Uttarakhand region of India. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Hospital out patients records maintained in Department of Dermatology,
      Venereology & Leprosy were analysed and information regarding age, sex and
      diagnosis of patients were recorded. Descriptive statistics for prevalence of
      skin diseases in patients presenting to hospital were calculated. RESULTS: Out of
      the total 29,422 patients seen in dermatology department from August 2012 to
      2014, 4.7% (1,380) were aged 60 years and above. Male to female ratio was 2:1.
      Erythemato-squamous disorders taken collectively constituted the major skin
      disorder seen in 38.9% patients. This was followed by infections and infestations
      (29.9%), senile pruritus (9.0%) and age related skin changes (3.7%). Benign
      neoplasms were seen in 1.1% patients followed by cutaneous malignancies in 0.8%
      and precancerous lesions in 0.4%. Fungal infections were the most common
      infections seen in 18% patients. CONCLUSION: This study strengthens the opinion
      that infections, senile pruritus and eczema-dermatitis are the major
      dermatological disorders in elderly population.

PMID- 27134983
TI  - A Case Report of Dyschromatosis Universalis Hereditaria (DUH) with Primary
      Ovarian Failure (POF).
AB  - Dyschromatosis Universalis Hereditaria (DUH) belongs to a group of congenital
      diffuse reticulate pigmentary disorders characterised by both hypo and hyper
      pigmented macules. It is both hereditary and sporadic. A number of associated
      cutaneous and systemic diseases have been reported. The recent discovery of the
      mutation in ATP binding cassette protein, ABCB6 in DUH attempts to explain the
      reason behind the pigmentary abnormalities and varied associations. We add a new
      association by reporting a case of DUH with primary ovarian failure (POF) and
      hypothyroidism. 

PMID- 27134984
TI  - Fatal Haemoptysis Associated with Dramatic Response to Crizotinib in an ALK
      Rearranged Lung Adenocarcinoma.
AB  - The presence of an ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) rearrangement is a rare
      molecular feature in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC), and concerns mainly
      non- or light smokers, young patients, with adenocarcinoma histological type.
      These tumours are particularly sensitive to Alk-targeted therapies, as
      crizotinib. Crizotinib is usually well-tolerated. We report a case of fatal
      haemoptysis associated with dramatic response to crizotinib in a patient with an
      ALK-rearranged lung adenocarcinoma. The patient presented a mediastinal invasion
      with tracheal involvement and compression of the right pulmonary artery. The
      initial evolution under crizotinib was good with tumour response. At 6 weeks of
      crizotinib the patient presented a massive haemoptysis with a tracheobronchial
      fistula and pneumomediastinum. She died of acute respiratory failure. Our case is
      the first to report a fatal effect of crizotinib associated with tumour necrosis
      and good tumour response on a massive mediastinal infiltration. Precautions are
      recommended with the use of crizotinib in proximal lung tumours with vascular
      invasion. 

PMID- 27134985
TI  - Motor Imagery Training on Muscle Strength and Gait Performance in Ambulant Stroke
      Subjects-A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The ultimate goal of physiotherapy in stroke rehabilitation is
      focused towards physical independence and to restore their functional ability
      during activities of daily living (ADLs). Motor imagery (MI) is an active process
      during which a specific action is reproduced within working memory without any
      actual movements. MI training enhances motor learning, neural reorganization and
      cortical activation in stroke. The efficacy of MI training involving lower
      extremity mobility tasks need to be assessed. AIM: To evaluate the effects of
      combining motor imagery with physical practice in paretic Lower Extremity Muscles
      Strength and Gait Performance in Ambulant Stroke subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      A Randomized Clinical Trial was conducted in Department of Physical Therapy,
      Tertiary Care Hospitals, Mangalore, India which includes 40 hemi paretic subjects
      (>3 months post-stroke) who were ambulant with good imagery ability in both KVIQ
      20 >= 60 and Time dependent MI screening test were recruited and randomly
      allocated into task-oriented training group (n=20) and task-oriented training
      group plus MI group (n=20). Subjects in both groups underwent task orientated
      training for lower extremity 45-60 minutes, 4 days per week for 3 weeks. In
      addition, the experimental group received 30 minutes of audio-based lower
      extremity mobility tasks for MI practice. Isometric muscle strength of Hip, Knee
      and Ankle using a hand-held dynamometer and self-selected 10 m gait speed were
      assessed before and after 3 weeks of intervention. RESULTS: Both the groups had
      found a significant change for all the outcome measures following 3 weeks of
      interventions with p <.05. The experimental group had shown a significant
      improvement in paretic hip muscles (both flexors and extensors), knee extensors
      and ankle dorsiflexors and gait speed compare to control group with p < .05
      between group analyses. CONCLUSION: Additional task specific MI training improves
      paretic muscle strength and gait performance in ambulant stroke patients.

PMID- 27134986
TI  - Reliability and Validity of EN-TreeM Dynamometer for Measurement of Shoulder
      Rotator Strength in Volleyball Players.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Volleyball involves repeated forceful arm actions that produce a
      high incidence of shoulder injury. Shoulder rotator strength ratio is an
      important predictor of the likelihood of shoulder injury, especially, secondary
      shoulder impingement and instability. Therefore, assessment of muscle strength of
      external and internal rotators of shoulder is imperative to establish the
      profiles of shoulder rotator performance, strength ratios, and shoulder mobility
      of volleyball players. AIM: To establish reliability and validity of EN-TreeM
      dynamometer for the measurement of shoulder rotators strength in volleyball
      players. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male volleyball players aged 18-24 years,
      mean height 1.7m, weight 69.8 Kg and BMI 23.1 participated in the study. They
      performed 1RM (one repetition maximum) estimation protocols using EN-TreeM
      dynamometer and free weights for shoulder rotators, to investigate its concurrent
      validity. A retest using the same protocol was performed 48 hours later to assess
      test-retest reliability of the EN-TreeM dynamometer. RESULTS: The results yielded
      excellent test-retest reliability (ICC0.96) and internal consistency (Cronbach's
      alpha0.98) for both internal and external rotators. The concurrent validity was
      established using Pearson correlation coefficient (internal rotator r=0.45,
      p=0.01;External rotator r=0.38, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The findings establish the
      reliability and concurrent validity of EN-TreeM dynamometer for the
      quantification of shoulder rotators strength. Based on these findings in
      volleyball players, EN-TreeM dynamometer can be used with confidence as an
      instrument for assessing muscle performance (strength). Additionally, it may also
      be used for monitoring changes due to rehabilitation interventions in shoulder
      injuries.

PMID- 27134987
TI  - Effect of Seven Sessions of Posterior-to-Anterior Spinal Mobilisation versus
      Prone Press-ups in Non-Specific Low Back Pain - Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Low back pain is non-specific in 85% of population. Posterior-to
      anterior (PA) mobilization and press-up exercises are common physical therapy
      interventions used to treat low back pain. AIM: The purpose of this study was to
      investigate the effect of posterior-to-anterior spinal mobilization and prone
      press-ups in non-specific low back pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study design
      was double blind randomized clinical trial. Forty participants reporting to
      Physiotherapy Out-patient department in hospital who were 18-45 years of age and
      had diagnosis of non-specific low back pain were included. Primary outcome
      measures were lumbar extension range, pain and physical function. RESULTS: Both
      interventions resulted in significant reduction in the average pain scores for
      both groups. Similarly, gain in total lumbar extension was significant in both
      the PA mobilization group and the press-up group. Functional scores significantly
      improved for both the groups. Both the groups significantly differed in terms of
      pain, lumbar extension and functional scores. PA mobilization proved to be a
      superior intervention. CONCLUSION: PA mobilization and press-ups can be used as
      an effective intervention in non-specific low back pain.

PMID- 27134988
TI  - Cervicobrachial pain - How Often is it Neurogenic?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neck pain associated with pain in the arm (cervicobrachial pain) is
      a common complaint in patients seeking physiotherapy management. The source of
      symptoms for this complaint is commonly presumed to be neural. However, this pain
      pattern could also result from various other innervated tissue structures of the
      upper quarter. Knowledge about frequency of neural structures being a predominant
      source of symptoms would help in implementing appropriate therapeutic strategies
      such as neural tissue mobilization along with other complimentary therapies for
      optimal outcomes. AIM: To determine the frequency of cervicobrachial pain being
      neurogenic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants (n=361) aged between 20-65 years,
      reporting cervicobrachial pain were screened for neurogenic nature of symptoms.
      These physical signs included: active and passive movement dysfunction, adverse
      responses to neural tissue provocation tests, tenderness on palpating nerve
      trunks and related cutaneous tissues and evidence of a related local area of
      pathology (Clinical/radiological). The consistency of all these signs was checked
      to identify a significant neural involvement. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics
      were used to analyse data. Of 361 participants, 206 were males (44.6 +/-10.8
      years) and 155 were females (41.8 +/- 11.2 years). The frequency of neurogenic
      cervicobrachial pain was determined to be 19.9% (n=72) and the non-neurogenic
      sources for symptoms were attributed to 80.1% (n=289) of screened participants.
      CONCLUSION: Lower frequency of cervicobrachial pain being neurogenic indicates
      thorough screening for appropriate therapeutic interventions to be successful.

PMID- 27134989
TI  - Limbus Vertebra Presenting with Inflammatory Low Back Pain: A Case Report.
AB  - Limbus vertebra is a condition characterized by marginal interosseous herniation
      of the nucleus pulposus, and causes non specific symptoms like low back pain,
      back pain, muscle spasms and radiculopathy. It is frequently confused with
      vertebral fracture, infection, schmorl nodule or tumour because it has not a
      spesific symptom. It usually causes mechanical low back pain rather than
      inflammatory low back pain. We reported a patient presented with inflammatory low
      back pain and diagnosed with anterior limbus vertebra because it is rare and the
      patient has atypical clinical presentation. 

PMID- 27134990
TI  - Quantification and Correlation of Angiogenesis with Macrophages by
      Histomorphometric Method in Central and Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma: An
      Immunohistochemical Analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Angiogenesis is a fundamental process that affects physiologic
      reactions and pathological processes such as tumour development and metastasis.
      It is the process of formation of new microvessel from the preexisting vessels.
      AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate angiogenesis, macrophage index and
      correlate the impact of macrophages on angiogenesis in the central and peripheral
      giant cell granulomas by evaluating immunohistochemically microvessel density,
      microvessel perimeter and macrophage index. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Immunohistochemical analysis was carried on 20 cases of central and peripheral
      giant cell granulomas each for CD34 and CD68 proteins expression. Inferential
      statistical analysis was performed using Independent student t-test to assess the
      microvessel density, microvessel perimeter and macrophage index on continuous
      scale between Group I and Group II. Level of significance was determined at 5%.
      Further bivariate analysis using Pearson correlation test was carried out to see
      the relationship between microvessel density and macrophage index in each group.
      RESULTS: Microvessel density, micro vessel perimeter and macrophage index was
      higher in central giant cell granuloma compared to that of peripheral giant cell
      granuloma. Correlation between microvessel density and macrophage index among
      these two lesions was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Angiogenesis as
      well as the number of macrophages appeared to increase in Central Giant Cell
      Granuloma in present study. These findings suggest that macrophages may up
      regulate the angiogenesis in these giant cell granulomas and angiogenesis do have
      a role in clinical behaviour. However, we could not establish a positive
      correlation between microvessel density and macrophage index as the values were
      statistically insignificant. This insignificance may be presumed due to fewer
      samples taken for study.

PMID- 27134991
TI  - Effect of Whitening Dentifrice on Micro Hardness, Colour Stability and Surface
      Roughness of Aesthetic Restorative Materials.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Whitening agents present in the novel whitening dentifrices may
      have deleterious effects over the aesthetic restorations. AIM: The present study
      evaluated the invitro effect of whitening dentifrice on micro hardness, colour
      stability and surface roughness on aesthetic restorative materials. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Forty specimens each of compomer and of composite were prepared using
      brass mould. Specimens were equally divided into 4 groups. Group I (20 disks of
      compomer are subjected to brushing with conventional tooth paste) Group II (20
      disks of composite subjected to brushing with conventional tooth paste), Group
      III (20 disks of compomer subjected to brushing with whitening tooth paste).
      Group IV (20 disks of composite subjected to brushing with whitening toothpaste).
      Each group was further divided into two subgroups, where 10 sample were subjected
      for two weeks of brushing with respective tooth paste and other 10 were subjected
      for four weeks of brushing. For the evaluation of micro hardness, colour
      stability and surface roughness, micro hardness testing machine,
      spectrophotometer and surface testing machine were used respectively. Initial and
      final readings were taken for each specimen and difference obtained was subjected
      to statistical analysis. One-way ANOVA was used for multiple group comparison
      followed by post-hoc Tukey's-test. The paried t-test was used for intra group
      comparison and unpaired t-test for comparing independent sample groups. RESULTS:
      The compomer and composite showed no significant difference in micro hardness
      either with conventional or whitening tooth paste both at two and four weeks.
      Although there was a highly significant colour change observed after using
      whitening tooth paste for both compomer and composite. Regarding surface
      roughness, there was a significant change in roughness in both conventional and
      whitening tooth paste with compomer and composite. However, whitening tooth paste
      had a significant change in surface roughness compared with conventional tooth
      paste. Roughness further increased at four weeks interval when compared to two
      weeks. CONCLUSION: Colour, surface-roughness and micro-hardness are the inherent
      properties of the aesthetic restorative materials. Use of whitening tooth paste
      will cause colour change and surface roughness of restorative material making it
      prone to deformation and also affects the clinical success of restoration.

PMID- 27134992
TI  - Correlation of Salivary pH, Incidence of Dental Caries and Periodontal Status in
      Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Cross-sectional Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting many parts of the
      body. A number of oral diseases have been associated with diabetes mellitus with
      an increased risk of dental caries and periodontal disease. AIM: The aim of the
      study was to evaluate the salivary pH and incidence of dental caries and
      periodontal status in diabetes mellitus compared to that of the normal subjects.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 40 patients divided into
      2 groups with group I comprising of 20 known diabetes mellitus patients and group
      II comprising of 20 non diabetic subjects as control group. The pH of the saliva
      was determined using a digital pH meter. Dental caries and periodontal status
      were assessed by DMFT and PDI indices respectively. RESULTS: There was a decrease
      in the mean salivary pH of 6.51 in the study group, compared to the normal mean
      salivary pH of 7.88 in the control group. The mean DMFT index was higher in the
      study group (8.10) when compared to that of control group (1.15). The mean PDI
      score was also higher in the study group (4.0) as compared to that of the control
      group (0.45). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study concluded that there
      was a significant relationship between the diabetes mellitus and increased
      incidence of dental caries and periodontitis and there was also a significant
      reduction in the salivary pH in diabetes mellitus patients, compared to that of
      non diabetic subjects.

PMID- 27134993
TI  - Anaesthesia Techniques for Maxillary Molars - A Questionnaire-Based Retrospective
      Field Survey of Dentist in Western India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Clinicians use various anaesthesia techniques like Posterior
      Superior Alveolar (PSA) nerve block, buccal infiltration with or without
      supplemental anaesthesia like palatal and intraligamentary infiltrations for root
      canal treatment in maxillary molars. However there is no general consensus
      regarding which technique is enough for performing endodontic treatment in
      maxillary molars. AIM: The aim of this questionnaire-based survey is to compare
      and evaluate the various techniques used to anaesthetize the maxillary molars and
      its effect on postoperative pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were obtained
      from 290 dental practitioners using a specially prepared questionnaire survey
      conducted anonymously. The questionnaire contained questions covering data such
      as years in dentistry, acquired specialty, techniques used for anaesthetizing
      maxillary molars, success of anaesthesia, and postoperative pain, etc. RESULTS:
      Buccal infilteration with supplemental anaesthesia in the form of palatal (82%)
      and intra-ligamentary infilteration (88%) show higher success rate compared to
      only buccal infilteration (69%). However, intra-ligamentary infilteration group
      showed highest rate (75%) of postoperative pain. General practitioners (62% of
      clinicians) prefer to give both buccal and palatal infilterations and specialists
      opt for only buccal infilteration (66-74% of specialists). CONCLUSION: Only
      buccal infilteration is sufficient during root canal treatment of maxillary
      molars. Routine use of supplemental anaesthesia in the form of palatal and intra
      ligamentary infilteration is not necessary unless patient experiences discomfort
      during endodontic treatment. However, intra-ligamentary infilteration may lead to
      postoperative discomfort in the form of pain.

PMID- 27134994
TI  - Evaluation of the Factors and Treatment Options of Separated Endodontic Files
      Among Dentists and Undergraduate Students in Riyadh Area.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Separation of endodontic files during root canal treatment is a
      common multifactorial problem facing most of dental practitioners both dentists
      and students that has high impact on treatment and prognosis outcome. AIM: To
      compare the incidence, factors and treatment options of separated endodontic
      files among dentists and undergraduate students in Riyadh area. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A survery of 35-questionnaire was formulated and e-mailed to all 149
      dentists of different dental specialties who are working in different clinical
      centers in Riyadh area and are attending the 26(th) Saudi Dental Society
      International Dental Conference in addition to 130 undergraduate students in
      different dental colleges in Riyadh. Overall, 118 participants of dentists
      completed the survey, with response rate of 79% and the same number of students
      with response rate of 90.7%. RESULTS: Total of 57.6% dentists' faced separated
      files problem during root canal preparation, while only 7.6% of students faced
      this problem. 53% of separated endodontic files (SEF) were hand files, 65%
      stainless steel files, 81% were small size files most common sizes (#15-20) (p
      <0.0001). Causes of SEF were root Canal anatomy, in 45%. 66% of SEF occurred in
      curved canals, 98% were in molars in mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals, (p
      <0.0001). 44% of SEF were successfully bypassed, 53% were successfully removed
      from coronal third of root canal, 42% of SEF successfully removed using
      ultrasonics under visualization of operating microscope. 73% of retained SEF
      cases showed good prognosis, (p <0.0001). CONCLUSION: SEF is a multifactorial
      clinical problem that must be either removed, by passed to allow complete
      cleaning, shaping, disinfection, obturation and effective coronal seal.

PMID- 27134995
TI  - An Odontometric Approach for Estimation of Stature in Indians: Cross- Sectional
      Analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Height/stature is one of the useful anthropometric parameter for
      individual identification. Correlation of stature to long bones, even fragmentary
      bones is frequently reported among various populations. As teeth have the
      advantage of being composed largely of hard tissue which is relatively
      indestructible, the careful study of these can enable reliable determination of
      stature of the person in life. AIM: The present study was designed to elucidate
      the anthropometric correlation of tooth dimensions with stature and also devises
      regression formulae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on 361
      Indian students (151 males and 210 females) in the age range of 21- 45 years to
      estimate stature using odontometry. Stature and tooth measurements were taken on
      each partcipant following standard methods and techniques. Karl Pearson's
      correlation co-efficient and linear regression was used to estimate stature.
      RESULTS: Regression analysis showed that the canine width can aid in estimation
      of stature as an adjunct when only teeth are available for identification.
      CONCLUSION: Tooth dimensions can be used only as a supplementary approach for the
      estimation of stature but with caution.

PMID- 27134996
TI  - Effects of Laboratory Disinfecting Agents on Dimensional Stability of Three
      Commercially Available Heat-Cured Denture Acrylic Resins in India: An In-Vitro
      Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dental professionals are exposed to a wide variety of
      microorganisms which calls for use of effective infection control procedures in
      the dental office and laboratories that can prevent cross-contamination that
      could extend to dentists, dental office staff, dental technicians as well as
      patients. This concern has led to a renewed interest in denture sterilization and
      disinfection. Heat polymerized dentures exhibit dimensional change during
      disinfection procedure. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the
      influence of different types of widely used laboratory disinfecting agents on the
      dimensional stability of heat-cured denture acrylic resins and to compare the
      dimensional stability of three commercially available heat-cured denture acrylic
      resins in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve specimens of uniform dimension
      each of three different brands namely Stellon, Trevalon and Acralyn-H were
      prepared using circular metal disc. Chemical disinfectants namely 2% alkaline
      glutaraldehyde, 1% povidone-iodine, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite and water as control
      group were used. Diameter of each specimen was measured before immersion and
      after immersion with time interval of 1 hour and 12 hours. The data was evaluated
      statistically using one way analysis of variance. RESULTS: All the specimens in
      three disinfectants and in water exhibited very small amount of linear expansion.
      Among three disinfectants, specimens in 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde exhibited
      least(0.005mm) and water showed highest (0.009mm) amount of dimensional change.
      Among resins, Trevalon showed least (0.067mm) and Acralyn-H exhibited highest
      (0.110mm) amount of dimensional change. CONCLUSION: Although, all the specimens
      of three different brands of heat-cured denture acrylic resins exhibited increase
      in linear dimensional change in all the disinfectants and water, they were found
      to be statistically insignificant.

PMID- 27134997
TI  - Tooth Jewellery- Its Knowledge and Practice Among Dentists in Tricity, India.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The world of fashion is ever changing and this dynamics applies to
      dentistry. As dentistry and dental treatments have become necessary facet of a
      healthy life and therefore down the line fashion prospect of tooth jewellery are
      also getting fused into it. AIM: To assess the knowledge and practice of tooth
      jewellery among practicing dentists of Tricity, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 dental practitioners
      in Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula), India. A self-administered, close
      ended questionnaire was distributed among all the dental practitioners in order
      to assess their knowledge and practice regarding tooth jewellery. Responses of
      the questionnaire was obtained on the dichotomous scale with Yes and No. Right
      answers were given a score of 2 whereas the wrong answers were given as score of
      1. The data was analyzed using unpaired students t-test, one way ANOVA (analysis
      of variance) and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A significant
      difference was observed among the genders with males being three times more
      knowledgeable (OR=3.5, 95%CI: 0.8-2.8). It has been found that knowledge and
      practice scores of dental practitioners who spend more than 10 hours per day have
      two times more knowledge (OR= 2.3, 95%CI:0.08-1.1) than others. The dentists
      holding the masters degree were having three times more knowledge than the
      graduates' ones (OR= 2.3, 95%C.I:0.1-1.9). CONCLUSION: The present study
      concluded that dental practitioners had sufficient knowledge about tooth
      jewellery. Practice of tooth jewellery in the dental clinics was found to be
      adequate but it was also associated with some complications. To overcome this, it
      is advised that professional and government bodies should create strategies for
      enhancing and improving people's knowledge as well as make them aware of the pros
      and cons while using tooth jewellery which shall further enhance their smile.

PMID- 27134998
TI  - Natural T Regulatory Cells (n Treg) in the Peripheral Blood of Healthy Subjects
      and Subjects with Chronic Periodontitis - A Pilot Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The T cells play a central role in the aetiopathogenesis of
      periodontal disease. Natural T regulatory cells (nTreg) are the key stone
      immunoregulatory elements having an anergic phenotype and play an important role
      in the suppression of exaggerated immune responses thereby maintaining
      homeostasis. There are increasing evidences for the role of nTreg in the
      periodontal disease pathogenesis. AIM: To identify the proportion of natural T
      regulatory cells in the peripheral blood of periodontally healthy subjects and
      subjects with chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15
      subjects (7 with healthy gingiva and 8 with chronic periodontitis) were recruited
      for this pilot study. Baseline periodontal parameters were recorded and 5 ml of
      peripheral blood was collected. The samples from both the groups were analysed
      for the relative proportion of nTreg (identified by the expression
      CD45RB+CD4+CD25+FOXP3+) using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The mean percentages of
      the CD45RB+CD4+CD25+ cells expressing FOXP3 in control and chronic periodontitis
      group were found to be 14.75+/-5.04 and 43.13+/-11.17 respectively. The mean
      proportion of nTreg were compared between the control and chronic periodontitis
      sample using Mann-Whitney Test and was found to be statistically significant with
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: A higher proportion of nTreg in the peripheral blood
      sample of chronic periodontitis subjects were observed as compared to that of
      healthy individuals.

PMID- 27134999
TI  - Evaluation of Proportion between Incisal Edge to Gingival Zenith Distance and
      Interdental Papilla in Maxillary Anterior Dentition of Indian Population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Not many investigations have evaluated the relationship between the
      height of the interdental papillae, gingival zenith and maxillary anterior teeth.
      The assessment of these parameters can aid in fabricating definitive aesthetic
      restoration. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the existence of
      proportional ratio between the incisal edge to gingival zenith (HGZ) and the tip
      of the interdental papilla (HIP) in maxillary anterior teeth for Indian
      population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred healthy volunteers with an average
      age of 25-30 years comprised the evaluation group. Impression was made using
      irreversible hydrocolloid impression material and type IV Dental stone cast was
      made. A calibrated digital caliper measured the distance between HGZ and HIP. The
      values for all six maxillary teeth were recorded and the proportional ratio was
      evaluated and statistically analysed. RESULTS: The mean ratio between HGZ and HIP
      of all maxillary anteriors in 1(st) and 2(nd) quadrant was 1.80, 1.71, and 2.03
      in central incisor, lateral incisor and canine respectively with p-value > 0.9.
      CONCLUSION: The mean proportional measurements for maxillary anterior teeth were
      determined and no definitive proportion existed between HGZ and HIP of maxillary
      anterior teeth.

PMID- 27135000
TI  - Dental Service Utilization: Patterns and Barriers among Rural Elderly in Guntur
      District, Andhra Pradesh.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The biological process of ageing is outside human control and has
      its own dynamics. It is a known fact that elderly people have more treatment
      needs compared to the younger population and at the same time elderly people are
      facing a multitude of barriers in utilization of health care as well as oral
      health care. AIM: To identify the utilization patterns of oral health care and
      barriers for utilization among rural population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was done on 621 rural elderly subjects to identify the
      utilization of oral health care services and the barriers for utilization. Using
      stratified cluster sampling study area was stratified into 13 rural clusters,
      fifty houses were randomly selected from each stratum. All the elderly subjects,
      as defined by the age criteria were considered for study. The data were analysed
      using SPSS 20 v and Chi-square tests were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Only
      31.9% of participants reported visiting a dentist in the past while 36.7%
      reported experiencing a dental problem at some point in their life. There were no
      significant differences in utilization of dental services based on gender, socio
      economic status, age groups and religion. However, significant differences were
      found in utilization of dental services based on the response of participants to
      past experience of dental problems. CONCLUSION: The present study results
      conclude that fear was one of the most commonly reported barriers for utilisation
      of dental services and there is a need for oral health education and promotion
      among elderly population.

PMID- 27135001
TI  - Knowledge and Attitude about Leprosy among Indian Dental Students in Faridabad.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Role of dentists in prevention and sustainable care of leprosy is
      known. Changing leprosy scenario has led to requirement of change in leprosy
      education. However, knowledge and attitude of dental students on leprosy remains
      unknown. AIM: Hence a study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude of
      dental students about Leprosy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire based,
      cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 undergraduate and the postgraduate
      dental students of two dental colleges in Faridabad, India. The score for
      knowledge ranged from 0 to 16 and scores for attitude ranged from 0 to 26. These
      scores were further coded as poor, fair and good. RESULTS: Mean knowledge score
      for the sample was 7.64+/-3.23. A total of 32.29% participants were under poor
      knowledge category; 57.42% had fair knowledge about Leprosy while 10.29% had good
      knowledge. Mean attitude score was 15.5 +/- 5.98. A total of 30.57% had poor
      attitude scores, 42.57% had fair scores while 26.86% had good attitude scores.
      Univariate analysis showed year of training to be a significant predictor for
      knowledge level (t=7.12; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results indicate need for
      three important changes towards Leprosy in Dentistry. These changes are need for
      incorporation of leprosy education in Dentistry, need for incorporation of
      problem based as well as evidence based learning in Dentistry integrated with
      general health and need for reestablishing public health programs for Leprosy
      utilizing dental workforce.

PMID- 27135002
TI  - Anti-microbial Activity of Tulsi {Ocimum Sanctum (Linn.)} Extract on a
      Periodontal Pathogen in Human Dental Plaque: An Invitro Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tulsi is a popular healing herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is widely
      used in the treatment of several systemic diseases because of its anti-microbial
      property. However, studies documenting the effect of Tulsi on oral disease
      causing organisms are rare. Hence, an attempt was made to determine the effect of
      Tulsi on a periodontal microorganism in human dental plaque. AIM: To determine if
      Ocimum sanctum (Linn.) has an anti-microbial activity (Minimum Inhibitory
      Concentration and zone of inhibition) against Actinobacillus
      actinomycetemcomitans in human dental plaque and to compare the antimicrobial
      activity of Ocimum sanctum(Linn.) extract with 0.2% chlorhexidine as the positive
      control and dimethyl sulfoxide as the negative control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      lab based invitro experimental study design was adopted. Ethanolic extract of
      Ocimum sanctum (Linn.) was prepared by the cold extraction method. The extract
      was diluted with an inert solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide, to obtain ten different
      concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%) of extract. Plaque
      sample was collected from 05 subjects diagnosed with periodontal disease.
      Isolation of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans from plaque samples was done
      using Tryptic Soy Serum Bacitracin Vancomycin agar (TSBV) medium. Identification
      of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was done based on cultural, microscopic,
      biochemical characterization and multiple drug resistance patterns. Anti
      microbial activity of Ocimum sanctum (Linn.) extract was tested by agar well
      diffusion method against 0.2% chlorhexidine as a positive control and dimethyl
      sulfoxide as a negative control. The zone of inhibition was measured in
      millimeters using Vernier callipers. RESULTS: At the 6% w/v concentration of
      Ocimum sanctum (Linn.) extract, a zone of inhibition of 22 mm was obtained. This
      was the widest zone of inhibition observed among all the 10 different
      concentrations tested. The zone of inhibition for positive control was 25mm and
      no zone of inhibition was observed around the negative control. CONCLUSION:
      Ocimum sanctum (Linn.) extract demonstrated an antimicrobial activity against
      Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. The maximum antimicrobial potential was
      observed at the 6% concentration level.

PMID- 27135003
TI  - Comparison of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Two Antibiotics Sparfloxacin and
      Augmentin as Experimental Root Canal Irrigating Solutions against Enterococcus
      faecalis - An Invitro Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One of the main goals of endodontic treatment is root canal
      disinfection and to prevent subsequent chances of reinfection. Adjuvant to
      instrumentation, root canal irrigants are required to eliminate the bacteria
      found on the root canal walls and lateral canals within the dentinal tubules.
      AIM: To measure and compare the antibacterial efficacy of two antibiotics as
      experimental root canal irrigating solutions against Enterococcus faecalis (E.
      faecalis). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen Brain Heart Infusion agar plates were
      inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis-American Type Culture Collection (ATCC)
      29212. 5 micrograms (mcg) Sparfloxacin discs, 30mcg Augmentin discs, and sterile
      paper test discs saturated with 2% Chlorhexidine (CHX), 3% Sodium Hypochlorite
      (NaOCl) and 5% NaOCl solutions were placed on agar plates. Sodium Chloride 0.9%
      (NaCl) paper discs were used as controls. Fifteen plates were incubated
      aerobically at 37 degrees C. Results were expressed as per the terms of the
      diameter of the inhibition zone. RESULTS: Results suggested a statistically
      significant difference in the zones of inhibition between five irrigating
      solutions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although, zones of inhibition were found in
      all the groups, 5mcg Sparfloxacin and 30mcg Augmentin showed maximum
      antimicrobial activity against E.faecalis.

PMID- 27135004
TI  - Insight Into Quality of Prescription Writing - An Instituitional Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prescription writing is an important task performed by a doctor
      during patient management. Prescription refers to written instructions given to a
      patient regarding medications. Lack of attention during prescription writing can
      lead to prescription errors which in turn can adversely affect patients' well
      being. Thus, prescriptions are an important target area for improvement. AIM: The
      purpose of the present study was to analyze the quality of prescriptions
      dispensed by the students of The Oxford Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore
      and to compare the prescription writing patterns amongst undergraduates, interns
      and postgraduates of this institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional
      study was conducted on 500 randomly selected prescriptions dispensed by the
      students of The Oxford Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, India. All the
      prescriptions were analyzed for the presence of (a) Patient's information: Out
      Patient file number, name, age, gender, address and contact number (b) Doctors
      information: Full name, department name, qualification, contact details, date of
      prescription, superscription, and signature (c) Drug information: Name, strength,
      dosage form, dosage instructions, duration and total quantity. Each prescription
      was further categorized into groups A, B, C or D, depending on the scores
      obtained. Prescription quality was then compared between the undergraduates,
      interns and postgraduates. RESULTS: Analysis of prescriptions performed using Chi
      square test showed that groups A, B, C and D had 12 (2%), 155 (31%), 333 (67%)
      and 0 (0%) students respectively. Association between the groups and
      qualifications showed statistically significant results (p<0.05). Undergraduate
      prescriptions were better written in comparison to interns and postgraduates.
      CONCLUSION: Findings of the current study demonstrate the need for further
      improvement in the quality of prescription writing by students of The Oxford
      Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, India.

PMID- 27135005
TI  - Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Pomegranate-Containing
      Mouthwash Against Oral-Biofilm Forming Organisms: An Invitro Microbial Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pomegranate is considered "A pharmacy unto itself". Hydrolysable
      tannins called punicalagins which have free scavenging properties are the most
      abundant polyphenols found in pomegranate-containing mouthwash. AIM: To evaluate
      antimicrobial effect of pomegranate- containing mouthwash on oral biofilm-forming
      bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mouthwashes used were divided into three
      groups- Group A: Chlorhexidine mouthwash (Hexidine); Group B: Herbal Mouthwash
      (Hiora) and Group C: Pomegranate-containing Mouthwash (Life-extension). Each
      mouthwash was diluted to five different concentrations. Reference strains of
      Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) (ATCC 25175), Streptococcus salivarius
      (S.salivarius) (ATCC 7073), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a) (NCTC
      9710) were selected as being colonizers in dental biofilm formation. On each
      culture plate, five wells of 5mm were prepared and mouthwashes with different
      concentrations were added, followed by incubation in a CO2 jar for 24 hours at 37
      degrees C. Inhibition zone diameters were measured using a digital caliper.
      RESULTS: Chlorhexidine (0.12%) presented a zone of inhibition between 38.46% to
      96.15% for all the three organisms, while Hiora presented zone of inhibition
      ranging from 33.33% to 69.23% but was resistant at <10 ml of dilution.
      Pomegranate mouthwash presented a zone of inhibition ranging from 38.48 to
      57.69%, but was resistant at <10ml for S.mutans, and <25ml for A.a and
      S.salivarius. ANOVA test was done to compare the dilution of mouthwashes for a
      particular organism and Tukey's multiple comparison tests were done to find the
      exact difference. A significant difference was seen between all the three groups
      at 50ml and 75 ml of dilution. At 75 ml concentration, a statistical difference
      was found between Groups B & C and Groups A & B; and at 50 ml between Groups A&C.
      CONCLUSION: All the three types of mouthwash exhibit anti-microbial activity
      against biofilm forming organisms but at varying concentrations. Although
      Chlorhexidine still continues to be the gold standard, pomegranate-containing or
      herbal mouthwashes can be easily substituted for long term use, avoiding the side
      effects of chlorhexidine.

PMID- 27135006
TI  - Microleakage in Sub-Gingival Class II Preparations Restored Using Two Different
      Liners for Open Sandwich Technique Supplemented With or Without Ultrasonic
      Agitation: An In Vitro Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Probability of bond failure at sub-gingival cavosurface margin is
      high in class II cavity designs especially when margins are located in cementum
      or dentin. Previous researches have proved ultrasonics to be a beneficial tool in
      improving the marginal adaptation of the restorative material. Therefore, the
      effect of ultrasonic activation of the lining material at the gingival
      cavosurface margin was tested in the present research. AIM: The study aimed to
      evaluate the cervical micro-leakage in class II preparations with gingival margin
      located below cemento enamel junction and restored using open sandwich technique
      using two different liners and supplemented with or without ultrasonic agitation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty recently extracted human molars were collected,
      disinfected and stored in 0.9% saline solution. Standar dized class II cavities
      were prepared with gingival margin located 1mm below the cemento-enamel junction.
      Teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n=10) and restored using open
      sandwich technique as follows - Group A: Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement as
      liner and Beautifil II as coronal restoration; Group B: Same as group A
      supplemented with ultrasonic agitation; Group C: Beautifil Flow Plus as liner and
      Beautifil II as coronal restoration; Group D: Same as Group C supplemented with
      ultrasonic agitation. Prepared samples were subjected to thermo cycling, followed
      by immersing in 0.5% methylene blue dye solution. After 24 hours they were
      cleaned and sectioned in mesio-distal direction using diamond disc and evaluated
      for microleakage. Obtained scores were statistically analysed using one way ANOVA
      test and Post Hoc test. RESULTS: Group B showed least microleakage amongst all
      groups but the results were statistically insignificant (p value > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Marginal adaptation of liner with ultrasonic activation was somewhat
      better however, the results were statistically insignificant.

PMID- 27135007
TI  - Anticariogenic Activity of Black Tea - An Invivo Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Teas is known for its anticariogenic properties and various
      mechanisms have been invoked to explain this effect. One such proposed mechanism
      is inhibition of salivary alpha amylase activity by endogenous tannins present in
      tea. AIM: The objective of the present study was to determine whether or not the
      ingestion of black tea decoction inhibits the enzyme salivary amylase and thus
      interferes with the release of maltose from intraoral entrapped particles of
      food. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 children in the age group of 12 - 15
      years were selected for the study. After two hours of fasting subjects consumed
      two salted crackers for 60 second following which they rinsed with water (control
      solution) and then with 1.5% black tea decoction (test solution) next day.
      Retained food particles were recovered from buccal aspect of left mandibular
      premolar and salivary amylase activity was noted via chromatography. Paired t
      test was applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Maltose to Sucrose ratio was
      used to evaluate the result. The average ratio was 3.27 for control solution and
      1.82 for test solution. The results were statistically highly significant (p
      <0.005). CONCLUSION: Tea inhibited the activity of salivary amylase and this
      inhibition assumes a special significance when it is considered that the effect
      of tea could be manifested over a prolonged period of time, as in a real life
      situation.

PMID- 27135008
TI  - Ethnic Association of Cusp of Carabelli Trait and Shoveling Trait in an Indian
      Population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Variations in the structure of teeth have always been of great
      interest to the dentist from the scientific as well as practical point of view.
      Additionally, ever since decades inter trait relationships have been a useful
      means to categorize populations to which an individual belongs. AIM: To determine
      the association between Cusp of Carabelli and Shoveling Trait in a selected
      Indian population native of Bangalore city, Karnataka, India. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 1885 children aged between 7
      10 years. Casts of the study subjects were made to study the presence of Cusp of
      Carabelli of right maxillary permanent molar and shoveling trait of right
      maxillary permanent central incisor using the Dahlberg's classification and
      Hrdliucka's classification respectively. Linear regression was used to assess the
      association of cusp of carabelli trait with the tooth dimensions and logistic
      regression was used to evaluate the association of the carabelli trait with
      gender and presence/absence of shoveling. RESULTS: A 40.5% of subjects had Cusp
      of Carabelli on first molar and 68.2% had shoveling on upper central incisor. The
      study revealed positive association between the two traits studied in the
      population. A significant difference was also found with presence of Cusp of
      Carabelli and the buccolingual tooth dimension of the maxillary molar (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: There is an association between the Cusp of Carabelli and the
      shoveling trait in the present study population, and this will be valuable in the
      determination of ethnic origin of an individual.

PMID- 27135009
TI  - Analysis of the Genotoxic Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation using Buccal
      Micronucleus Assay: A Comparative Evaluation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Micronucleus (MN) is considered to be a reliable marker for
      genotoxic damage and it determines the presence and the extent of the chromosomal
      damage. The MN is formed due to DNA damage or chromosomal disarrangements. The MN
      has a close association with cancer incidences. In the new era, mobile phones are
      constantly gaining popularity specifically in the young generation, but this
      device uses radiofrequency radiation that may have a possible carcinogenic
      effect. The available reports related to the carcinogenic effect of mobile
      radiation on oral mucosa are contradictory. AIM: To explore the effects of mobile
      phone radiation on the MN frequency in oral mucosal cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The subjects were divided into two major groups: low mobile phone users and high
      mobile phone users. Subjects who used their mobile phone since less than five
      years and less than three hours a week comprised of the first group and those who
      used their mobile since more than five years and more than 10 hours a week
      comprised of the second group. Net surfing and text messaging was not considered
      in this study. Exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were collected from both the
      groups and the cells were stained with DNA-specific stain acridine orange.
      Thousand exfoliated buccal mucosal cells were screened and the cells which were
      positive for micronuclei were counted. The micronucleus frequency was represented
      as mean+/-SD, and unpaired Student t-test was used for intergroup comparisons.
      RESULTS: The number of micronucleated cells/ 1000 exfoliated buccal mucosal cells
      was found to be significantly increased in high mobile phone users group than the
      low mobile phone users group. The use of mobile phone with the associated
      complaint of warmth around the ear showed a maximum increase in the number of
      micronucleated cells /1000 exfoliated buccal mucosal cells. CONCLUSION: Mobile
      phone radiation even in the permissible range when used for longer duration
      causes significant genotoxicity. The genotoxicity can be avoided to some extent
      by the regular use of headphones.

PMID- 27135010
TI  - Pleomorphic Adenoma of Minor Salivary Gland Arising de novo in the Parapharyngeal
      Space- A Rare Case Report.
AB  - Parapharyngeal space tumours are rare. Pleomorphic adenoma is the commonest
      salivary gland tumour that is found in this space. This tumour may arise in the
      deep lobe of parotid gland and extend into the parapharyngeal space or may arise
      de novo from the aberrant minor salivary glands in parapharyngeal space. The
      latter entity is an extremely rare finding. CT scan and fine-needle aspiration
      cytology form the important diagnostic tools in case of these tumours. Surgery is
      the mainstay for the treatment of these tumours. The strategic location and also
      the extension of these tumours may at times demand to alter the surgical
      procedure for their excision. This article presents a case of a 27-year-old
      female, who presented with a mass in the right submandibular region that was
      excised successfully using transcervical approach in conjunction with transoral
      approach without mandibulotomy. The biopsy report suggested it to be "pleomorphic
      adenoma of minor salivary gland". 

PMID- 27135011
TI  - Candidal Infection of the Gingiva Mimicking Desquamative Gingivitis: A Case
      Report.
AB  - There has been an increase in the occurrence of fungal infections in humans in
      the recent years due to the discrete use of broad spectrum antibiotics and
      immunosuppressive therapies. The genus candida is the most frequently found fungi
      in humans. Candida albicans is a mucosal microbiota although it can cause
      infections which can be mucosal or life threatening infections in susceptible
      individuals. Candidiasis is the most common oral opportunistic fungal infection
      in humans. Candidiasis usually affects oral mucosa (buccal mucosa) and hard
      palate. Candidiasis affecting gingiva is not so common, but when it occurs, it is
      often misdiagnosed as desquamative gingivitis because of its clinical appearance.
      This paper discusses a case of Candidal infection of gingiva that mimics
      desquamative gingivitis. 

PMID- 27135012
TI  - Low Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Intra-Osseous Defect- A Case Report.
AB  - Low level laser has been documented in literature to promote wound healing by
      reducing postoperative inflammation, oedema and reduces pain. This case report
      demonstrates the safe and positive outcome of LLLT in conjunction with
      demineralised bone matrix of bovine origin in the surgical treatment of a
      periodontal infrabony defect. After surgical defect debridement, low level
      semiconductor diode laser (GaAlAr) was delivered for 5 minutes to the inner
      margins of flap in contact mode and the defect was irradiated with LLLT in a non
      contact mode for 10 minutes. Demineralised bone matrix graft was used as a bone
      grafting material. Repeat irradiation was done for the next 5 days on the outer
      buccal and lingual flap surfaces. A CAL gain of 4 mm and 37% bone fill was noted
      radiographically at end of 12 months. LLLT can be used as an adjunct to
      periodontal regeneration. 

PMID- 27135013
TI  - Orofacial Manifestations of Autosomal Recessive Robinow's Syndrome: A Rare Case
      Report.
AB  - Robinow's syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder which bears a resemblance to a
      foetal face. It is characterized by short-limbed dwarfism, defects in vertebral
      segmentation and abnormalities in the head, face and external genitalia. It has a
      genetic heterogeneity with autosomal dominant and recessive forms which relates
      to the severity of phenotype presentation. A rare case of an autosomal recessive
      form of Robinow's syndrome is presented with emphasis on, characteristic
      craniofacial and intraoral manifestations to aid in diagnosis and dental
      management of this patient. 

PMID- 27135014
TI  - Clinical Utilization of M Spring for the Space Closure of Midline Diastema -
      Clinical Case Reports.
AB  - People approach orthodontist mainly for aesthetic purpose, midline diastema is
      one of the condition which causes aesthetic compromise. The midline diastema can
      be caused by various reasons such as high frenal attachment, midline pathology,
      etc. In the field of orthodontics, relapse rate is high while treating midline
      diastema. This relapse can be reduced only when there is bodily movement of the
      incisors in mesial direction. In this article, two cases of midline diastema are
      selected. Both the cases were treated using "M" spring which has three coils; two
      at periphery and one at the center and each coil was of 3mm diameter. "M" spring
      was fabricated using round 0.018" AJ Wilcock wire for one case and 0.017 X 0.025
      TMA for another case. For both cases the duration of treatment was for six weeks.
      IOPA was taken after six weeks, the case in which rectangular wire was used;
      there was bodily movement of the central incisor in mesial direction. Whereas in
      round wire technique, predominantly tipping type of tooth movement was seen. The
      rectangular wire has two point contacts, because of which bodily movement was
      obtained. This technique of using rectangular wire to fabricate "M" spring has
      less inventory and chair side time. 

PMID- 27135015
TI  - Multilocular Radicular Cyst - A Common Pathology with Uncommon Radiological
      Appearance.
AB  - Radicular cyst is the most common odontogenic cyst of inflammatory origin. It is
      almost all the times associated with pulpal necrosis leading to inflamed
      periapical tissues. The cyst is usually asymptomatic unless infected.
      Radiographically, it presents as a well defined unilocular radiolucency.
      Although, multilocular radiolucent radicular cysts have also been reported, which
      is extremely rare and there are very few reported cases. Here, we present a rare
      case of radicular cyst periapical to the first molar of third quadrant,
      presenting clinically as a painless, bony hard swelling and radiographically
      presented as a multilocular radiolucency. 

PMID- 27135016
TI  - Basal Cell Adenoma with Perplexity in Diagnosis - A Case Report.
AB  - Every salivary gland tumour irrespective of its benign or malignant nature or
      occurrence, exhibits certain unique and overlapping histopathologic features.
      Basal Cell Adenoma (BCA) is a rare salivary gland tumour and hence it becomes our
      responsibility to report every case with unique histopathologic features so that
      it can add to our present knowledge of this lesion. Often, the pathologists
      experience difficulty while diagnosing lesions like BCA which contain basaloid
      cells due to its similarity with other lesions of similar histological
      appearance. Hence, this paper discusses a case of BCA with rare histopathologic
      features along with the possible differential diagnosis. 

PMID- 27135017
TI  - Primary Paranasal Tuberculosis in a Diabetic Mimicking Odontogenic Infection: A
      Rare Case; A Unique Presentation.
AB  - The incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) is high especially in developing countries but
      primary para-nasal TB is still a rarity. The latter often remains quiescent until
      it reaches an advanced stage and offers a diagnostic challenge. In the present
      case report maxillary sinus TB mimicked a destructive periodontitis induced space
      infection, thus causing a delay in treatment. The present case report describes
      clinical presentation, diagnosis, management and outcome of a 50-year-old
      diabetic/HIV seronegative patient with histopathologically confirmed case of
      maxillary sinus TB. 

PMID- 27135018
TI  - Membrane Assisted Palatal Fistula Closure in a Cleft Palate Patient: A Novel
      Technique.
AB  - Palatal fistula following cleft palate repair, is one of the considerable
      complications and remains a challenging problem to the surgeons. The reported
      recurrence rate of the fistula is between 33% to 37%. Due to fibrosis and poor
      vascularity of adjacent tissues, high recurrence rates are typical. Closure of
      palatal fistulas can be achieved by different surgical techniques like local,
      regional and distant flaps, local turnover flaps, pedicled flaps from oral
      mucosa, buccal fat pad flaps, inter-positional cartilage grafts can be utilized
      for management of small fistulas. For larger fistualas, tongue flaps, temporalis
      muscle flaps, musculomucosal flaps, nasal septal flaps and free flaps can be
      used. These procedures are often cumbersome and leave a raw nasal or oral
      surface, which may increase the incidence of postoperative problems or some flaps
      can be bulky and may require a second-stage procedure. Different synthetic
      materials such as alloderm, Poly-D and L-Lactic Acid or "PdLLA" and collagen
      membrane are used in multilayer repair represented by the nasal mucosa, the inter
      positional graft and oral mucosa. These interpositional grafts provide a scaffold
      for in growth of tissues, revascularization and mucosal epithelialization. We
      present a case of closure of an oronasal fistula, using resorbable collagen
      membrane in three layered repair to avoid recurrence. 

PMID- 27135019
TI  - MRI 3D CISS- A Novel Imaging Modality in Diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia - A
      Review.
AB  - Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is considered as one of the most painful neurologic
      disorders affecting oro-facial region. TN is often diagnosed clinically based on
      the patients complete history of pain (severity, duration, episodes etc), relief
      of pain on test dose of Carbamazepine, regional block of long acting anaesthetic.
      However, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays an important and confirmatory
      role in showing Neuro Vascular Conflict (NVC) which is the commonest causative
      factor for TN. This article reviews the effectiveness of three-dimensional
      constructive interference in steady-state (3D-CISS) MRI in diagnosing the exact
      location, degree of neurovascular conflict responsible for classical as well as
      atypical TN and possible pre-treatment evaluation and treatment outcome. 

PMID- 27135020
TI  - Diagnostic Methods for Detection of Cotinine Level in Tobacco Users: A Review.
AB  - The greatest disease-producing product known to man is tobacco. It is a cause of
      many oral diseases and adverse oral conditions. In India, tobacco is available in
      smokeless and smoking form. Tobacco contains nicotine which metabolises to form a
      toxic alkaloid i.e. cotinine. It stimulates autonomic ganglia and central nervous
      system. Cotinine is the best indicator of tobacco smoke exposure. Various methods
      are used to measure cotinine level in blood, saliva and urine such as high
      performance liquid chromatography, colorimetric assay, gas chromatography,
      NicAlert saliva test, etc. Thus such wide range of methods for cotinine detection
      in tobacco users requires a detailed discussion regarding their utility. This
      review will help readers to compare various methods for cotinine detection and
      enable them to make scientifically informative decision. 

PMID- 27135021
TI  - Prime Drug Interplay in Dental Practice.
AB  - Drug interaction is a negative representation of pharmacotherapy. In order to
      provide the best patient care possible, a thorough knowledge of how the drug
      interactions occur is needed for proper application in practice. Possible
      interactions among current medication and drugs being prescribed should be
      considered always. A thorough understanding of the mechanism of interactions
      among drugs is a must for the health care practitioner. Considering the
      astounding number of drugs patients may be taking, this task seems discouraging.
      The count of possible interactions in dental practice are less due to few number
      of drugs utilized and brief period of therapy, but still notable number are to be
      considered. The aim of present preview is to consider the manifold and multiplex
      nature of pharmacological drug-drug interaction in the general dental practice
      setting. 

PMID- 27135022
TI  - Dental Informatics in India: Time to Embrace the Change.
AB  - Dental informatics is comparatively a juvenile and new field that has noteworthy
      potential for supporting clinical care, research, education and management. This
      field utilizes computer science, information sciences and the application of same
      to espouse dentistry. However, in the under-developed and developing countries
      almost most of the dentists are unacquainted about dental informatics, its goals,
      what it is capable of achieving and by what means they can get involved into it.
      Despite of emerging advances, certain conflicts also go along with it such as,
      professional under representation, security issues of the stored information due
      to universal access to computers high speed internet connections. Endnote
      software was used as resource material to collect literature which was carefully
      arranged in a synchronized way. Hence, the purpose of this review was to give an
      overall scenario of dental informatics, its applications, challenges and
      recommendations for further enhancement in this area. 

PMID- 27135023
TI  - Maxillary Incisor with Internal Resorption: Endodontic and Restorative
      Management.

PMID- 27135024
TI  - Innovative Method of Conservative Aesthetic Treatment for Gingival Recession.

PMID- 27135025
TI  - Peripheral Neurectomy for Trigeminal Neuralgia: Simple Technique for a Complex
      Disease.

PMID- 27135026
TI  - Impacted Central Incisor with Dilacerated Root-Treat with Ease.

PMID- 27135027
TI  - Correction.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.7860/JCDR/2016/16088.7102.]. 

PMID- 27135028
TI  - Culturing in serum-free culture medium on collagen type-I-coated plate increases
      expression of CD133 and retains original phenotype of HT-29 cancer stem cell.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A sub-population of tumor cells termed cancer stem cells (CSCs) has
      an important role in tumor initiation, progression, and recurrence. Selecting a
      suitable procedure for isolation and enrichment of CSCs is the biggest challenge
      in the study of CSCs. In the present study, the role of the combination of stem
      cell culture medium and collagen type-I was evaluated for successful isolation
      and enrichment of HT-29 CSCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HT-29 cells were cultured in
      serum-containing medium (parental culture medium: Medium + 10% fetal bovine
      serum) and serum-free medium (stem cell culture medium); both on collagen-coated
      plates. Spheres forming ability and CD133 expression, as a potential marker of
      colorectal CSCs, were evaluated in two culture mediums. RESULTS: The results show
      spheroids usually give rise completely within 15 days in the stem cell culture
      medium on the collagen-coated plate. CD133 expression in spheroid cells (84%) is
      extensively higher than in parental cells (25%). Moreover, relative to parental
      cells, spheroid cells were more radioresistance. CONCLUSION: Finding of this
      study suggested that CSCs derived from colon cancer cell line (HT-29) can be
      propagated and form colonospheres in serum-free culture medium on collagen type
      I. According to maintenance of their original phenotype in these conditions, it
      seems serum-free culture medium on collagen type-I is a suitable way to drug
      screening of HT-29 CSCs.

PMID- 27135030
TI  - Ovarian tumors among Nigerian females: A private practice experience in Benin
      City, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ovarian tumors ranked high among gynecological tumor globally.
      Reports have it that ovarian tumors cut across all age groups, but more common in
      adult females. Currently, ovarian cancer is the 4(th) most common cancer in terms
      of incidence and mortality patterns in women globally. To highlight the frequency
      and histological types of ovarian tumors in a private practice establishment in
      Benin-City, Southern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hematoxylin and eosin
      stained-slides of ovarian biopsies diagnosed at the Ashamas Foundation Diagnostic
      Centre, Benin-City for 10 years were archived and studied. Request forms were
      analyzed for clinical bio-data, diagnosis and nature of biopsies. Ovarian tumors
      were classified according to the World Health Organization manual series.
      RESULTS: A total of 236 of all ovarian lesions were encountered in this study. Of
      these, 200 (84.7%) were benign lesions while malignant lesions accounted for 36
      (15.3%). Of this, 200 benign lesions 79 accounting for (39.5%) were a benign
      neoplastic tumor. The ratio of benign to malignant tumors was 5.6:1.0. The mean
      age of benign neoplastic tumor was 31.6 years +/- 10.4 standard deviation (SD).
      Out of the 79 benign neoplastic tumors; germ cell tumors was the most common
      accounting for 49 (62%). The mean age of the 36 malignant ovarian tumors was 40.1
      years +/- 16.2 SD with the majority as malignant surface epithelial tumors
      accounting for (n = 16; 44.4%). The malignant germ cell tumor was the most common
      constituting 10 (27.7%). CONCLUSION: Germ cell tumor was the most common with the
      majority occurring in reproductive age. Our finding is a reversal of what obtains
      in the western countries where surface epithelial tumor was the most common with
      the majority occurring in elderly females.

PMID- 27135029
TI  - Pentoxifylline treatment in patients with cancer cachexia: A double-blind,
      randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cachexia can occur as part of many end-stage or chronic diseases, and
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This study was aimed to evaluate the
      effect of Pentoxifylline in patients with cancer cachexia. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The present study was conducted as a double-blind randomized controlled trial on
      70 patients with advanced malignancy who loss of >5% of ideal or preillness body
      weight in the previous 2 months. Patients were assessed in two groups: case
      group, under treatment, using Pentoxifylline (400 mg) three times a day, for 2
      months, and in the control group, patients received placebo. Age, sex, weight
      change, change in arm circumference and quality of life were assessed at
      baseline, week-4 and week-8. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 56 +/-
      17.3 years and 47% were female. Weight and arm circumference decreased during
      follow-up in both groups, but these differences between case and controls were
      not statistically significant. Quality of life (QOL) score in the case group
      improved after 4 weeks then decreased at the end of treatment but in the control
      group QOL score decreased during 2 month treatment. In week-4 patients in the
      case group significantly reported higher score of QOL compare to patients in the
      control group (P = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Results of this study demonstrated that
      Pentoxifylline in the treatment of cancer cachexia did not have any effect in
      weight gain and arm circumference in cachectic patients. But in short-term (1
      month) treatment, QOL was improved in these patients. And after 2 month treatment
      this was not effective compared to placebo.

PMID- 27135031
TI  - Distribution of erm genes among Staphylococcus aureus isolates with inducible
      resistance to clindamycin in Isfahan, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rising frequency of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA) has led to an increased use of antibiotics such as macrolide, lincosamide,
      streptogramin B (MLSB) for the treatment of S. aureus infections. Resistance to
      MLSB in S. aureus is commonly encoded by erm genes, which can be constitutive
      MLSB (cMLSB) or inducible MLSB (iMLSB). The purpose of this study was to
      determine the frequency of cMLSB, iMLSB, and MS phenotypes using D-test and
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 215
      isolates of S. aureus were collected from January 2010 to May 2012 from Al-Zahra
      Hospital in Isfahan. PCR was performed for detection of mecA gene on all isolates
      using specific primers. The frequency of MLSB-resistant isolates was determined
      using D-test, and then a multiplex PCR was performed for detection of ermA, ermB,
      and ermC genes. RESULTS: Among 215 S. aureus isolates examined, 82 (40.9%) were
      MRSA, and iMLSB, cMLSB, and MS resistance phenotypes had a frequency of 9
      (4.18%), 58 (26.9%), and 11 (5.1%), respectively. Among nine isolates with iMLSB
      resistance phenotype, four isolates contained ermC gene, two isolates ermB gene,
      and one isolate ermA gene. Two isolates did not have any erm gene. CONCLUSION: In
      the current study, cMLSB was the most frequent phenotype and ermC was the most
      common gene in iMLSB resistant phenotypes.

PMID- 27135033
TI  - The effects of propofol, ketamine and combination of them in prevention of
      coughing and laryngospasm in patients awakening from general anesthesia: A
      randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coughing and laryngospasm are undesirable outcomes occurring during
      emergence from general anesthesia. We compared the effect of small doses of
      propofol, ketamine and a combination of them on the occurrence and severity of
      coughing and laryngospasm in patients awakening from general anesthesia.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: 160 patients who were scheduled to undergo operations
      under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of the following groups,
      40 in each group: propofol group (0.25 mg/kg intravenous (IV) propofol), ketamine
      group (0.25 mg/kg IV ketamine), combination group (0.25 mg/kg IV propofol, and
      0.25 mg/kg IV ketamine) and control (0.1 ml/kg IV saline). Drugs were
      administered before extubation at previously defined time. Presence and severity
      of coughing and laryngospasm were recorded within twominutes after extubation.
      RESULTS: The presence of coughing in the combination group (27.5%) was less than
      that in other groups; also it was less frequent in the propofol group (57.5%)
      than the control (82.5%) (all P < 0.05). But the incidence did not differ between
      the propofol and the ketamine (70%) group; nor did it differ between the ketamine
      and control groups (P = 0.356 and P = 0.121, respectively). The cases with severe
      coughing (grade 3) in the combination group (none) were significantly less than
      in the propofol (four) and the control groups (seven) (P = 0.040 and P = 0.006
      respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in
      frequency of laryngospasm. CONCLUSION: Administration of propofol or combination
      of propofol and ketamine decreases the incidence of post extubation coughing.
      This combination can also decrease severe cases.

PMID- 27135032
TI  - Association of glutathione S-transferases M1 and T1 gene polymorphisms with the
      risk of metabolic syndrome in an Iranian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are important factors in cell
      sensitivity to oxidative stress and susceptibility to cardiometabolic disorders.
      We aimed to investigate the GSTM1 and T1 gene polymorphisms, as well as their
      interactions in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients and healthy individuals in an
      Iranian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised of 220
      healthy individuals (mean age: 41.9 - 15.1 years) and 165 MetS patients (mean
      age: 49.7 - 11.5 years). The diagnostic criteria for MetS were defined following
      the criteria provided by the modified National Cholesterol Education Program
      Adult Treatment Panel III. Genotyping of GSTM1 and T1 genes were performed using
      polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Our analyses have shown that neither GSTM1
      (odds ratio [OR] =0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59 - 1.33, P = 0.57) nor
      GSTT1 (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.76 - 2.02, P = 0.38) null genotypes were associated
      with increased risk. Moreover, no significant differences were observed between
      various combinations of GST genotypes. CONCLUSION: Contrary to our primary
      hypothesis, what we found disaffirms any kind of association between GSTM1 and T1
      polymorphisms and the risk of MetS. However, being the first polymorphism study
      of GSTs in MetS patients, further studies are required to confirm our results in
      other populations.

PMID- 27135034
TI  - Locomotor micro-activities associated with therapeutic responses in patients with
      seasonal affective disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychomotor retardation, leaden paralysis and fatigue are often used
      to describe patients with depressive disorders. However, there is limited
      understanding of their meaning and how they are objectively manifested in the
      physical world. Patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are
      characteristically hypoactive, and experience restoration in energy during
      effective treatment with bright light. In this study, we attempt to identify
      quantitative metrics of psychomotor activity that correspond to the clinical
      perceptions of hypoactivity and to the early activating effects of treatment.
      METHODS: Novel means of assessing the microstructure of activity was employed
      using wavelets and Hurst exponents to indicate the proclivity of subjects to
      persist at higher and lower levels of activity. This was assesed using actigraphs
      in 16 unmedicated patients with SAD before and following two weeks of bright
      light therapy. RESULTS: Two weeks of phototherapy had no significant effect on
      mean levels of diurnal activity, but altered the microstructure of the activity.
      Specifically, phototherapy produced a significant reduction in inertial
      resistance in patients who had a 50% or greater reduction in Hamilton Depression
      scores (n=8), as reflected in reduced tendency to persist at low levels of
      activity. There was also a strong correlation between ratings of fatigue and
      measures of persistence at high versus low activity in initial responders, but
      not in initial non-responders. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that light
      therapy alters the nature of diurnal activity troughs in early responsive
      patients, reducing their tendency to persist at low levels, possibly reflecting
      an alleviation of psychomotor retardation.

PMID- 27135037
TI  - SOLICITING BCI USER EXPERIENCE FEEDBACK FROM PEOPLE WITH SEVERE SPEECH AND
      PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENTS.
AB  - Brain-computer interface (BCI) researchers have shown increasing interest in
      soliciting user experience (UX) feedback, but the severe speech and physical
      impairments (SSPI) of potential users create barriers to effective implementation
      with existing feedback instruments. This article describes augmentative and
      alternative communication (AAC)-based techniques for obtaining feedback from this
      population, and presents results from administration of a modified questionnaire
      to 12 individuals with SSPI after trials with a BCI spelling system. The proposed
      techniques facilitated successful questionnaire completion and provision of
      narrative feedback for all participants. Questionnaire administration required
      less than five minutes and minimal effort from participants. Results indicated
      that individual users may have very different reactions to the same system, and
      that ratings of workload and comfort provide important information not available
      through objective performance measures. People with SSPI are critical
      stakeholders in the future development of BCI, and appropriate adaptation of
      feedback questionnaires and administration techniques allows them to participate
      in shaping this assistive technology.

PMID- 27135036
TI  - Envelope gene evolution and HIV-1 neuropathogenesis.
AB  - In the era of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV-associated
      neurocognitive disorders (HAND) account for 40 to 56% of all HIV+ cases. During
      the acute stage of HIV-1 infection (<6 months), the virus invades and replicates
      within the central nervous system (CNS). Compared to peripheral tissues, the
      local CNS cell population expresses distinct levels of chemokine receptors, which
      levels exert selective pressure on the invading virus. HIV-1 envelope (env)
      sequences recovered from the brains and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of
      neurocognitively impaired HIV+ subjects often display higher nucleotide
      variability as compared to non-impaired HIV+ subjects. Specifically, env
      evolution provides HIV-1 with the strategies to evade host immune response, to
      reduce chemokine receptor dependence, to increase co-receptor binding efficiency,
      and to potentiate neurotoxicity. The evolution of env within the CNS leads to
      changes that may result in the emergence of novel isolates with neurotoxic and
      neurovirulent features. However, whether specific factors of HIV-1 evolution lead
      to the emergence of neurovirulent and neurotropic isolates remains ill-defined.
      HIV-1 env evolution is an ongoing phenomenon that occurs independently of
      neurological and neurocognitive disease severity; thus HIV env evolution may play
      a pivotal and reciprocal role in the etiology of HAND. Despite the use of cART,
      the reactivation of latent viral reservoirs represents a clinical challenge
      because of the replenishment of the viral pool that may subsequently lead to
      persistent infection. Therefore, gaining a more complete understanding of how HIV
      1 env evolves over the course of the disease should be considered for the
      development of future therapies aimed at controlling CNS burden, diminishing
      persistent viremia, and eradicating viral reservoirs. Here we review the current
      literature on the role of HIV-1 env evolution in the setting of HAND disease
      progression and on the impact of cART on the dynamics of viral evolution.

PMID- 27135035
TI  - The MAPKKKs Ste11 and Bck1 jointly transduce the high oxidative stress signal
      through the cell wall integrity MAP kinase pathway.
AB  - Oxidative stress stimulates the Rho1 GTPase, which in turn induces the cell wall
      integrity (CWI) MAP kinase cascade. CWI activation promotes stress-responsive
      gene expression through activation of transcription factors (Rlm1, SBF) and
      nuclear release and subsequent destruction of the repressor cyclin C. This study
      reports that, in response to high hydrogen peroxide exposure, or in the presence
      of constitutively active Rho1, cyclin C still translocates to the cytoplasm and
      is degraded in cells lacking Bck1, the MAPKKK of the CWI pathway. However, in
      mutants defective for both Bck1 and Ste11, the MAPKKK from the high osmolarity,
      pseudohyphal and mating MAPK pathways, cyclin C nuclear to cytoplasmic
      relocalization and destruction is prevented. Further analysis revealed that
      cyclin C goes from a diffuse nuclear signal to a terminal nucleolar localization
      in this double mutant. Live cell imaging confirmed that cyclin C transiently
      passes through the nucleolus prior to cytoplasmic entry in wild-type cells. Taken
      together with previous studies, these results indicate that under low levels of
      oxidative stress, Bck1 activation is sufficient to induce cyclin C translocation
      and degradation. However, higher stress conditions also stimulate Ste11, which
      reinforces the stress signal to cyclin C and other transcription factors. This
      model would provide a mechanism by which different stress levels can be sensed
      and interpreted by the cell.

PMID- 27135038
TI  - Initial Development of a Brief Behavioral Economic Assessment of Alcohol Demand.
AB  - Due to difficulties with definition and measurement, the role of conscious
      craving in substance use disorders remains contentious. To address this,
      behavioral economics is increasingly being used to quantify aspects of an
      individual's acute motivation to use a substance. Doing so typically involves the
      use of a purchase task, in which participants make choices about consuming
      alcohol or other substances at various prices and multiple indices of alcohol
      demand are generated. However, purchase tasks can be limited by the time required
      to administer and score them. In the current study, a brief 3-item measure,
      designed to capture three important indices of demand that are derived from
      demand curve modeling (intensity, Omax, and breakpoint), was investigated in a
      group of 84 heavy drinkers. Participants underwent a cue-reactivity paradigm that
      is established to increase both conscious craving and alcohol demand on
      traditional purchase tasks. All three indices of demand for alcohol measured
      using the abbreviated measure increased significantly in response to alcohol
      cues, analogous to what has been observed using a traditional purchase task.
      Additionally, the correlations between these indices and subjective craving were
      modest-to-moderate, as has been found in studies comparing craving to the indices
      derived from purchase tasks. These findings suggest that this abbreviated measure
      may be a useful and efficient way to capture important and distinct aspects of
      motivation for alcohol. If these results are confirmed, this measure may be able
      to help increase the portability of behavioral economic indices of demand into
      novel research and clinical contexts.

PMID- 27135039
TI  - Sentence processing selectivity in Broca's area: evident for structure but not
      syntactic movement.
AB  - The role of Broca's area in sentence processing is hotly debated. Prominent
      hypotheses include that Broca's area supports sentence comprehension via syntax
      specific processes ("syntactic movement" in particular), hierarchical structure
      building or working memory. In the present fMRI study we adopt a within subject,
      across task approach using targeted sentence-level contrasts and non-sentential
      comparison tasks to address these hypotheses regarding the role of Broca's area
      in sentence processing. For clarity, we have presented findings as three
      experiments: (i) Experiment 1 examines selectivity for a particular type of
      sentence construction, namely those containing syntactic movement. Standard
      syntactic movement distance effects in Broca's area were replicated but no
      difference was found between movement and non-movement sentences in Broca's area
      at the group level or consistently in individual subjects. (ii) Experiment 2
      examines selectivity for sentences versus non-sentences, to assess claims
      regarding the role of Broca's area in hierarchical structure building. Group and
      individual results differ, but both identify subregions of Broca's area that are
      selective for sentence structure. (iii) Experiment 3 assesses whether activations
      in Broca's area are selective for sentences when contrasted with simple subvocal
      articulation. Group results suggest shared resources for sentence processing and
      articulation in Broca's area, but individual subject analyses contradict this
      finding. We conclude that Broca's area is not selectively involved in processing
      syntactic movement, but that subregions are selectively responsive to sentence
      structure. Our findings also reinforce Fedorenko & Kanwishser's call for the use
      of more individual subject analyses in functional imaging studies of sentence
      processing in Broca's area, as group findings can obscure selective response
      patterns.

PMID- 27135042
TI  - The Hearing-Aid Audio Quality Index (HAAQI).
AB  - This paper presents an index designed to predict music quality for individuals
      listening through hearing aids. The index is "intrusive", that is, it compares
      the degraded signal being evaluated to a reference signal. The index is based on
      a model of the auditory periphery that includes the effects of hearing loss.
      Outputs from the auditory model are used to measure changes in the signal time
      frequency envelope modulation, temporal fine structure, and long-term spectrum
      caused by the hearing aid processing. The index is constructed by combining a
      term sensitive to noise and nonlinear distortion with a second term sensitive to
      changes in the long-term spectrum. The index is fitted to an existing database of
      music quality judgments made by listeners having normal or impaired hearing. The
      data comprise ratings for three music excerpts (classical orchestra, jazz trio,
      and jazz singer), each processed through 100 conditions representative of hearing
      aid processing and listening situations. The overall accuracy of the index is
      high, with a correlation coefficient of 0.970 when computed over all of the
      processing conditions and averaged over the combined groups of listeners having
      normal and impaired hearing.

PMID- 27135043
TI  - Translational Medicine - A Multidisciplinary, Collaborative and Global Effort.

PMID- 27135044
TI  - Cell Surface Protein-protein Binding on COS-7 Cells.
AB  - Examination of interactions between a transmembrane protein and a soluble protein
      by pull-down or immunoprecipitation assays can be tricky and complicated due to
      the detergent extraction of membrane proteins during the lysate preparation step.
      The choice and concentration of detergents must be determined empirically and the
      procedure can be burdensome. Here, we describe a simplified binding assay by
      expressing the membrane protein of interest in COS-7 cells and applying detergent
      free solutions containing an extracellular protein to be tested. The binding is
      then examined by immunocytochemistry.

PMID- 27135041
TI  - The Processing of Biologically Plausible and Implausible forms in American Sign
      Language: Evidence for Perceptual Tuning.
AB  - The human auditory system distinguishes speech-like information from general
      auditory signals in a remarkably fast and efficient way. Combining psychophysics
      and neurophysiology (MEG), we demonstrate a similar result for the processing of
      visual information used for language communication in users of sign languages. We
      demonstrate that the earliest visual cortical responses in deaf signers viewing
      American Sign Language (ASL) signs show specific modulations to violations of
      anatomic constraints that would make the sign either possible or impossible to
      articulate. These neural data are accompanied with a significantly increased
      perceptual sensitivity to the anatomical incongruity. The differential effects in
      the early visual evoked potentials arguably reflect an expectation-driven
      assessment of somatic representational integrity, suggesting that language
      experience and/or auditory deprivation may shape the neuronal mechanisms
      underlying the analysis of complex human form. The data demonstrate that the
      perceptual tuning that underlies the discrimination of language and non-language
      information is not limited to spoken languages but extends to languages expressed
      in the visual modality.

PMID- 27135040
TI  - What do we mean by prediction in language comprehension?
AB  - We consider several key aspects of prediction in language comprehension: its
      computational nature, the representational level(s) at which we predict, whether
      we use higher level representations to predictively pre-activate lower level
      representations, and whether we 'commit' in any way to our predictions, beyond
      pre-activation. We argue that the bulk of behavioral and neural evidence suggests
      that we predict probabilistically and at multiple levels and grains of
      representation. We also argue that we can, in principle, use higher level
      inferences to predictively pre-activate information at multiple lower
      representational levels. We also suggest that the degree and level of predictive
      pre-activation might be a function of the expected utility of prediction, which,
      in turn, may depend on comprehenders' goals and their estimates of the relative
      reliability of their prior knowledge and the bottom-up input. Finally, we argue
      that all these properties of language understanding can be naturally explained
      and productively explored within a multi-representational hierarchical actively
      generative architecture whose goal is to infer the message intended by the
      producer, and in which predictions play a crucial role in explaining the bottom
      up input.

PMID- 27135045
TI  - Cytokine-Stimulated Phosphoflow of Whole Blood Using CyTOF Mass Cytometry.
AB  - The ability to assess the function of a range of cytokine, antigen receptor, and
      Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways in a range of immune cells could
      provide a kind of fingerprint of the state of the human immune system. The mass
      cytometry or CyTOF, platform allows for the parallel application of about 40
      labeled antibodies to a single sample, creating the possibility to read out many
      cell types and signaling pathways in a single small blood sample. We developed
      such a mass cytometry panel, consisting of 22 antibodies to cell surface lineage
      markers and 8 antibodies to phospho-specific epitopes of signaling proteins.
      These antibodies were chosen to discriminate all major white blood cell lineages,
      to a level of detail that includes subsets such as naive, central memory,
      effector memory, and late effector CD4+ and CD8+T cells, naive, transitional, and
      switched memory B cells, plasmablasts, myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells,
      CD16+ and CD16+CD56+ NK cells, CD16+ and classical monocytes etc. 32 such cell
      subsets are defined in our standard gating scheme. The eight phospho-specific
      antibodies were chosen to represent major signaling nodes responsive to cytokine,
      TLR, and antigen receptor signaling. This antibody panel is used with 8 standard
      stimulation conditions (unstimulated, IFNa, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-21, LPS, PMA+
      ionomycin), although other stimuli can be added. Comparison of healthy controls
      to subjects with immune deficiencies of unknown etiology may help elucidate the
      mechanisms of such deficiencies. Phosphorylation of tyrosine, serine, and
      threonine residues is critical for the control of protein activity involved in
      various cellular events. An assortment of kinases and phosphatases regulate
      intracellular protein phosphorylation in many different cell signaling pathways,
      such as T and B cell signaling, those regulating apoptosis, growth and cell cycle
      control, plus those involved with cytokine, chemokine, and stress responses.
      Phosphoflow assays combine phospho-specific antibodies with the power of flow
      cytometry to enhance phospho protein study. In our assay, peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells are stimulated by cytokines, fixed, surface-stained with a
      cocktail of antibodies labeled with MAXPAR (Brand Name) metal-chelating polymers
      and permeabilized with methanol. They are then stained with intracellular phospho
      specific antibodies. We use a CyTOFTM mass cytometer to acquire the ICP-MS data.
      The current mass window selected is approximately AW 103-203, which includes the
      lanthanides used for most antibody labeling, as well as iridium and rhodium for
      DNA intercalators. Subsequent analysis of the dual count signal data using FlowJo
      software allows for cell types to be analyzed based on the dual count signal in
      each mass channel. The percentage of each cell type is determined and reported as
      a percent of the parent cell type. Median values are reported to quantitate the
      level of phosphorylation of each protein in response to stimulation. Comparing
      the level of phosphorylation between samples can offer insight to the status of
      the immune system. Whole blood stimulation is the closest to the in vivo
      condition and it allows for assessment of granulocyte population as well as
      lymphocytes and monocytes.

PMID- 27135046
TI  - Interventions to Correct Misinformation About Tobacco Products.
AB  - In 2006, the U.S. District Court held that tobacco companies had "falsely and
      fraudulently" denied: tobacco causes lung cancer; environmental smoke endangers
      children's respiratory systems; nicotine is highly addictive; low tar cigarettes
      were less harmful when they were not; they marketed to children; they manipulated
      nicotine delivery to enhance addiction; and they concealed and destroyed evidence
      to prevent accurate public knowledge. The courts required the tobacco companies
      to repair this misinformation. Several studies evaluated types of corrective
      statements (CS). We argue that most CS proposed ("simple CS's") will fall prey to
      "belief echoes" leaving affective remnants of the misinformation untouched while
      correcting underlying knowledge. Alternative forms for CS ("enhanced CS's") are
      proposed that include narrative forms, causal linkage, and emotional links to the
      receiver.

PMID- 27135047
TI  - Health Policy to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening: Improving Access and
      Aligning Federal and State Incentives.
AB  - Since implementation of the Affordable Care Act, 7 million+ individuals are newly
      covered on state-managed Medicaid programs and millions more on subsidized
      commercial insurance plans. We describe Oregon's experience in including
      colorectal cancer (CRC) screening as a measure for the state's new pay-for
      performance Medicaid program. Using Oregon Health Authority data, we present 1)
      frequencies of Medicaid enrollees age-eligible for CRC screening, before and
      after Medicaid expansion; 2) CRC screening rates for 2011 and 2013; and 3)
      stakeholder perceptions about incentivizing CRC screening. Between December 2013
      and June 2014, the size of the Medicaid-enrolled population age-eligible for CRC
      screening increased by 55% (104,920 to 163,078). Between 2011 and 2013, CRC
      screening rates improved by more than three percent for 6/15 (40%) CCOs; the
      majority of stakeholders surveyed (70%) supported the CRC screening metric.
      Inclusion of CRC screening as a Medicaid quality metric may present a unique
      opportunity to raise rates among historically underserved populations.

PMID- 27135049
TI  - Adult Attachment, Stress, and Romantic Relationships.
AB  - In this article, we discuss theory and research on how individuals who have
      insecure adult romantic attachment orientations typically think, feel, and behave
      when they or their romantic partners encounter certain types of chronic or acute
      stress. We first review basic principles of attachment theory and then discuss
      how two forms of attachment insecurity-anxiety and avoidance-are associated with
      unique patterns of emotion regulation in response to certain types of
      threatening/distressing situations. We then discuss a diathesis-stress process
      model that has guided our research, highlighting studies that provide support for
      certain pathways of the model.

PMID- 27135048
TI  - Not-so-healthy sugar substitutes?
AB  - Replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with diet soft drinks containing sugar
      substitutes that provide few or no calories has been suggested as one strategy
      for promoting improved public health outcomes. However, current scientific
      evidence indicates that routine consumption of beverages with non-nutritive
      sweeteners not only fails to prevent disease, but is associated with increases in
      risks for the same health outcomes associated with sugar-sweetened beverages,
      including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke.
      Results from pre-clinical studies have provided plausible biological mechanisms
      that could promote these counterintuitive negative health effects of artificial
      sweeteners. Taken together, scientific studies currently indicate that public
      health will be improved by reducing intake of all sweeteners, both caloric and
      non-caloric.

PMID- 27135050
TI  - Data in support of intermolecular interactions at early stage of
      protein/detergent particle association induced by salt/polyethylene glycol
      mixtures.
AB  - The data provide information in support of the research article, "Intermolecular
      interactions at early stage of protein/detergent particle association induced by
      salt/polyethylene glycol mixtures" [1]. The data regarding variation of
      absorption spectra is used as an indicator of the duration of Rp. viridis PRU and
      RC, Rb. sphaeroides RC and LH2, and Rb. capsulatus LH2 in the native state in the
      presence of NaCl/polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixture. The data about minimum
      concentrations of salt and PEG whose aqueous phases are mutually separated
      presents information on additional influence of Tris buffer and N-octyl-beta-d
      glucoside on the salt-PEG phase separation. 

PMID- 27135052
TI  - Electrochemiluminescence at Bare and DNA-Coated Graphite Electrodes in 3D-Printed
      Fluidic Devices.
AB  - Clear plastic fluidic devices with ports for incorporating electrodes to enable
      electrochemiluminescence (ECL) measurements were prepared using a low-cost,
      desktop three-dimensional (3D) printer based on stereolithography. Electrodes
      consisted of 0.5 mm pencil graphite rods and 0.5 mm silver wires inserted into
      commercially available 1/4 in.-28 threaded fittings. A bioimaging system equipped
      with a CCD camera was used to measure ECL generated at electrodes and small
      arrays using 0.2 M phosphate buffer solutions containing tris(2,2'
      bipyridyl)dichlororuthenium(II) hexahydrate ([Ru(bpy)3]2+) with 100 mM tri-n
      propylamine (TPA) as the coreactant. ECL signals produced at pencil graphite
      working electrodes were linear with respect to [Ru(bpy)3]2+ concentration for 9
      900 MUM [Ru(bpy)3]2+. The detection limit was found to be 7 MUM using the CCD
      camera with exposure time set at 10 s. Electrode-to-electrode ECL signals varied
      by +/-7.5%. Device performance was further evaluated using pencil graphite
      electrodes coated with multilayer poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)
      (PDDA)/DNA films. In these experiments, ECL resulted from the reaction of
      [Ru(bpy)3]3+ with guanines of DNA. ECL produced at these thin-film electrodes was
      linear with respect to [Ru(bpy)3]2+ concentration from 180 to 800 MUM. These
      studies provide the first demonstration of ECL measurements obtained using a 3D
      printed closed-channel fluidic device platform. The affordable, high-resolution
      3D printer used in these studies enables easy, fast, and adaptable prototyping of
      fluidic devices capable of incorporating electrodes for measuring ECL.

PMID- 27135053
TI  - Electrochemiluminescent Array to Detect Oxidative Damage in ds-DNA Using
      [Os(bpy)2(phen-benz-COOH)]2+/Nafion/Graphene Films.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) oxidize guanosines in DNA to form 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro
      2-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), a biomarker for oxidative stress. Herein we describe
      a novel 64-microwell electrochemiluminescent (ECL) array enabling sensitive
      multiplexed detection of 8-oxodG in ds-DNA without hydrolysis. Films of Nafion
      and reduced graphene oxide containing ECL dye [Os(bpy)2(phen-benz-COOH)]2+ (OsNG,
      {bpy= 2,2'-bipyridine and phen-benz-COOH = (4-(1,10-phenanthrolin-6-yl) benzoic
      acid)}) were assembled into microwells on a pyrolytic graphite wafer to detect 8
      oxodG in oligonucleotides by electrochemiluminescence (ECL). DNA oxidation by
      Fenton's reagent or by ROS formation during redox cycles involving NADPH, CuII,
      and model metabolites was monitored. UPLC-MS/MS of oxidized DNA samples were used
      for calibration. Detection limit for the fluidic arrays was one 8-oxodG per 670
      intact nucleobases, or 0.15%. The method is sensitive enough to evaluate DNA
      oxidation from biologically relevant ROS-generating reactions of CuII, NADPH, and
      model metabolites.

PMID- 27135054
TI  - Toward a unified theory of voice production and perception.
AB  - At present, two important questions about voice remain unanswered: When voice
      quality changes, what physiological alteration caused this change, and if a
      change to the voice production system occurs, what change in perceived quality
      can be expected? We argue that these questions can only be answered by an
      integrated model of voice linking production and perception, and we describe
      steps towards the development of such a model. Preliminary evidence in support of
      this approach is also presented. We conclude that development of such a model
      should be a priority for scientists interested in voice, to explain what physical
      condition(s) might underlie a given voice quality, or what voice quality might
      result from a specific physical configuration.

PMID- 27135055
TI  - Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Chronic Ulcerative Colitis Treated with
      Eculizumab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) presents with hemolytic anemia,
      thrombocytopenia, and thrombotic microangiopathy of the kidney and usually
      results from Shiga-toxin induced activation of the alternative complement
      pathway. Gastroenteritis is a common feature of the Shiga-toxin producing
      Escherichia coli HUS, referred to as STEC-HUS. An inherited or acquired
      complement dysregulation may lead to HUS referred to as non-STEC or atypical
      (a)HUS. Although gastroenteritis is not a common presentation of aHUS, some
      patients develop ischemic colitis and may be misdiagnosed as acute appendicitis
      or acute ulcerative colitis (UC). CASE DIAGNOSIS -TREATMENT: We present a patient
      with low circulating complement (C) 3 levels who developed aHUS in the course of
      chronic active UC. Resolution of renal and gastrointestinal manifestations in
      response to treatment with eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against
      terminal C5 protein suggests the role of alternative complement in the
      pathogenesis of both, aHUS and UC. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates that
      dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway may manifest in other organs
      besides the kidney and that the circulating C3 levels do not correlate with the
      disease activity or the clinical response to eculizumab.

PMID- 27135051
TI  - Engineering nanomaterials to address cell-mediated inflammation in
      atherosclerosis.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disorder with a pathophysiology driven by both
      innate and adaptive immunity and a primary cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
      worldwide. Vascular inflammation and accumulation of foam cells and their
      products induce maturation of atheromas, or plaques, which can rupture by
      metalloprotease action, leading to ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction.
      Diverse immune cell populations participate in all stages of plaque maturation,
      many of which directly influence plaque stability and rupture via inflammatory
      mechanisms. Current clinical treatments for atherosclerosis focus on lowering
      serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) using therapeutics such as statins,
      administration of antithrombotic drugs, and surgical intervention. Strategies
      that address cell-mediated inflammation are lacking, and consequently have
      recently become an area of considerable research focus. Nanomaterials have
      emerged as highly advantageous tools for these studies, as they can be engineered
      to target specific inflammatory cell populations, deliver therapeutics of wide
      ranging solubilities and enhance analytical methods that include imaging and
      proteomics. Furthermore, the highly phagocytic nature of antigen presenting cells
      (APCs), a diverse cell population central to the initiation of immune responses
      and inflammation, make them particularly amenable to targeting and modulation by
      nanoscale particulates. Nanomaterials have therefore become essential components
      of vaccine formulations and treatments for inflammation-driven pathologies like
      autoimmunity, and present novel opportunities for immunotherapeutic treatments of
      CVD. Here, we review recent progress in the design and use of nanomaterials for
      therapeutic assessment and treatment of atherosclerosis. We will focus on
      promising new approaches that utilize nanomaterials for cell-specific imaging,
      gene therapy and immunomodulation.

PMID- 27135057
TI  - Evaluation of an iPhone Otoscope in a Neurotrauma Clinic and as an Adjunct to
      Neurosurgical Education.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: CellScope(r), an iPhone-enabled otoscope, was introduced into the
      neurotrauma clinic at an American College of Surgeons certified Level I trauma
      center. CellScope is an innovative tool that digitally improves optical clarity
      of the tympanic membrane, providing the acquisition of HIPPA compliant images. We
      compared the CellScope to the traditional otoscope in teaching medical students,
      neurosurgery physician assistants, and neurosurgery residents. In addition, the
      utility of this device in a neurotrauma clinic was specifically examined because
      of the high frequency of otologic symptoms after head trauma. METHOD: CellScope
      examination of the tympanic membranes was introduced as a standard/routine part
      of the exam of neurotrauma patients. We retrospectively reviewed the clinic
      charts of the NeuroTrauma patients during a three-month time period to determine
      if their otologic symptoms correlated with any CellScope visualized
      abnormalities. Medical students, P.A.s, residents, and attendings were surveyed
      before and after using CellScope to assess their comfort and skill in completing
      an otological exam, as well as their opinion on the utility of CellScope in their
      medical training. RESULTS: 18 medical professionals were surveyed before and
      after the use of CellScope. Surveys were graded on a 1-5 scale and indicated a
      greater preference for the CellScope (4.7/5.0) versus the otoscope (3.16/5.0).
      Similarly, there was a preference for the CellScope for medical education
      (4.7/5.0 versus 2.78/5.0). Finally, surveys showed a greater preference for
      CellScope in identifying abnormal pathology. The overall score showed a 49%
      increased preference for CellScope over the traditional otoscope. Six previously
      undiagnosed abnormalities of the tympanic membrane were identified in a total of
      27 neurotrauma patients using CellScope. CONCLUSION: The visualization of the
      tympanic membrane is an important part of the physical examination of the
      neurotrauma patient. Smartphone-enabled medical instruments like CellScope may
      facilitate and remove barriers to routine implementation of this part of the
      physical examination.

PMID- 27135056
TI  - Modeling pancreatic cancer with organoids.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a highly lethal malignancy for which
      new treatment and diagnostic approaches are urgently needed. In order for such
      breakthroughs to be discovered, researchers require systems that accurately model
      the development and biology of PDA. While cell lines, genetically engineered
      murine models, and xenografts have all led to valuable clinical insights,
      organotypic culture models have emerged as tractable systems to recapitulate the
      complex three-dimensional organization of PDA. Recently, multiple methods for
      modeling PDA using organoids have been reported. This review aims to summarize
      these organoid methods in the context of other PDA models. While each model
      system has unique benefits and drawbacks, ultimately, organoids hold special
      promise for the development of personalized medicine approaches.

PMID- 27135058
TI  - Endothelial ROS and Impaired Myocardial Oxygen Consumption in Sepsis-induced
      Cardiac Dysfunction.
AB  - Sepsis is known as the presence of a Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
      (SIRS) in response to an infection. In the USA alone, 750,000 cases of severe
      sepsis are diagnosed annually. More than 70% of sepsis-related deaths occur due
      to organ failure and more than 50% of septic patients demonstrate cardiac
      dysfunction. Patients with sepsis who develop cardiac dysfunction have
      significantly higher mortality, and thus cardiac dysfunction serves as a
      predictor of survival in sepsis. We have very little understanding about the
      mechanisms that result in cardiac dysfunction in the setting of sepsis. At
      present, the factors involved in sepsis-related cardiac dysfunction are believed
      to include the following: persistent inflammatory changes in the vascular
      endothelium and endocardium leading to circulatory and micro vascular changes,
      increase in endothelial reactive oxygen species (ROS), abnormal endothelium
      leukocyte interaction resulting in a feed-forward loop for inflammatory cytokines
      and ROS, contractile dysfunction of the heart due to autonomic dysregulation,
      metabolic changes in myocardium leading to impaired oxygen delivery and increased
      oxygen consumption, mitochondrial dysfunction, and persistent inflammatory
      signaling. In this review article, we will briefly discuss the clinical
      challenges and our current understanding of cardiac dysfunction in sepsis. Major
      focus will be on the pathological changes that occur in vascular endothelium,
      with an emphasis on endocardium, and how endothelial ROS, impaired endothelium
      leukocyte interaction, and microcirculatory changes lead to cardiac dysfunction
      in sepsis. The importance of the ongoing quest for the clinical biomarkers for
      cardiac dysfunction will also be discussed.

PMID- 27135060
TI  - "CHOKING UNDER PRESSURE" IN OLDER DRIVERS.
AB  - Aging can impair executive control and emotion regulation, affecting driver
      decision-making and behavior, especially under stress. We used an interactive
      driving simulator to investigate ability to make safe left-turns across oncoming
      traffic under pressure in 13 older (> 65 years old) and 16 middle-aged (35-56
      years old) drivers. Drivers made left-turns at an uncontrolled intersection with
      moderately heavy oncoming traffic. Gaps between oncoming vehicles varied and
      increased gradually from 2 s to 10 s. Drivers made two left-turns with a vehicle
      honking aggressively behind (pressure condition), and two left-turns without the
      honking vehicle (control condition). Results showed that middle-aged drivers made
      more cautious turning decisions under pressure (by waiting for larger and safer
      gaps, p < .001), but older drivers did not. Further, older driver turning paths
      deviated under pressure compared to the control condition (p < .05), but the
      middle-aged group did not. Moreover, across all subjects, better executive
      function was significantly correlated with larger increases of accepted gap size
      from control to honking (p < .01). The findings suggest that older drivers are
      more sensitive to traffic challenges from environmental pressure and that neural
      models of older driver performance and safety must factor in age-related changes
      in executive control and emotion processing.

PMID- 27135059
TI  - NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF SAFETY IN URBAN LEFT-TURN SCENARIOS.
AB  - Left turns at urban intersections can be dangerous, especially when views are
      obstructed or pedestrians are present. Impairments in driver vision, motor, and
      cognition functions may further increase left-turn risk. We examined this problem
      in a simulated environment that included left-turn scenarios to study the driving
      behaviors of 28 drivers, ages 37 to 88 years, six of whom had "Useful Field of
      View" (UFOV) impairments. Subjects also completed a battery of neuropsychological
      tests. The simulated drive included an urban section with six left turns in three
      types of scenarios: 1) a semi truck blocking the view of oncoming traffic, 2) a
      lead vehicle obstruction, and 3) a pedestrian crossing ahead of the turning
      driver. Results showed a mean (SD) of 1.46 (1.60) collisions per driver (range 0
      to 7), 83% of which occurred at intersections with semi trucks. Far visual
      acuity, contrast sensitivity, UFOV, Mini Mental State Examination, Trail-Making
      Test Part B, the Wisconsin Card Sort task, and age were all associated with the
      total number of collisions (Pearson correlation magnitudes between 0.37 to 0.77;
      p-values<0.05). Spearman correlations were less significant. Findings indicate
      that visual obstruction by on oncoming semi-truck is a particularly dangerous
      left-turn situation.

PMID- 27135061
TI  - PILOT RESULTS ON FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM EFFECTIVENESS IN OLDER DRIVERS.
AB  - Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have largely been developed with a "one
      size-fits-all" approach. This approach neglects the large inter-individual
      variability in perceptual and cognitive abilities that affect aging ADAS users.
      We investigated the effectiveness of a forward collision warning (FCW) with fixed
      response parameters in young and older drivers with differing levels of cognitive
      functioning. Drivers responded to a pedestrian stepping into the driver's path on
      a simulated urban road. Behavioral metrics included response times (RT) for pedal
      controls and two indices of risk penetration (e.g., maximum deceleration and
      minimum time-to-collision (TTC)). Older drivers showed significantly slower
      responses at several time points compared to younger drivers. The FCW facilitated
      response times (RTs) for older and younger drivers. However, older drivers still
      showed smaller safety gains compared to younger drivers at accelerator pedal
      release and initial brake application when the FCW was active. No significant
      differences in risk metrics were observed within the condition studied. The
      results demonstrate older drivers likely differ from younger drivers using a FCW
      with a fixed parameter set. Finally, we briefly discuss how future research
      should examine predictive relationships between domains of cognitive functioning
      and ADAS responses to develop parameter sets to fit the individual.

PMID- 27135062
TI  - Is the HIV vaccine our best shot? - Why the answer to HIV prevention will be
      found in South Africa.

PMID- 27135063
TI  - Hybrid Utrasound and MRI Acquisitions for High-Speed Imaging of Respiratory Organ
      Motion.
AB  - Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging provides excellent image quality at a high cost
      and low frame rate. Ultrasound (US) provides poor image quality at a low cost and
      high frame rate. We propose an instance-based learning system to obtain the best
      of both worlds: high quality MR images at high frame rates from a low cost single
      element US sensor. Concurrent US and MRI pairs are acquired during a relatively
      brief offine learning phase involving the US transducer and MR scanner. High
      frame rate, high quality MR imaging of respiratory organ motion is then predicted
      from US measurements, even after stopping MRI acquisition, using a probabilistic
      kernel regression framework. Experimental results show predicted MR images to be
      highly representative of actual MR images.

PMID- 27135064
TI  - Open-Source Platform for Prostate Motion Tracking During in-Bore Targeted MRI
      Guided Biopsy.
AB  - Accurate sampling of cancer suspicious locations is critical in targeted prostate
      biopsy, but can be complicated by the motion of the prostate. We present an open
      source software for intra-procedural tracking of the prostate and biopsy targets
      using deformable image registration. The software is implemented in 3D Slicer and
      is intended for clinical users. We evaluated accuracy, computation time and
      sensitivity to initialization, and compared implementations that use different
      versions of the Insight Segmentation Toolkit (ITK). Our retrospective evaluation
      used data from 25 in-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy cases (343 registrations
      total). Prostate Dice similarity coefficient improved on average by 0.17 (p <
      0.0001, range 0.02-0.48). Registration was not sensitive to operator variability.
      Computation time decreased significantly for the implementation using the latest
      version of ITK. In conclusion, we presented a fully functional open-source tool
      that is ready for prospective evaluation during clinical MRI-guided prostate
      biopsy interventions.

PMID- 27135065
TI  - Virtual unfolding of light sheet fluorescence microscopy dataset for quantitative
      analysis of the mouse intestine.
AB  - Light sheet fluorescence microscopy has proven to be a powerful tool to image
      fixed and chemically cleared samples, providing in depth and high resolution
      reconstructions of intact mouse organs. We applied light sheet microscopy to
      image the mouse intestine. We found that large portions of the sample can be
      readily visualized, assessing the organ status and highlighting the presence of
      regions with impaired morphology. Yet, three-dimensional (3-D) sectioning of the
      intestine leads to a large dataset that produces unnecessary storage and
      processing overload. We developed a routine that extracts the relevant
      information from a large image stack and provides quantitative analysis of the
      intestine morphology. This result was achieved by a three step procedure
      consisting of: (1) virtually unfold the 3-D reconstruction of the intestine; (2)
      observe it layer-by-layer; and (3) identify distinct villi and statistically
      analyze multiple samples belonging to different intestinal regions. Even if the
      procedure has been developed for the murine intestine, most of the underlying
      concepts have a general applicability.

PMID- 27135066
TI  - Assessment of human brown adipose tissue density during daily ingestion of
      thermogenic capsinoids using near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy.
AB  - 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed
      tomography (FDGPET/CT) is widely used as a standard method for evaluating human
      brown adipose tissue (BAT), a recognized therapeutic target of obesity. However,
      a longitudinal BAT study using FDG-PET/CT is lacking owing to limitations of the
      method. Near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (NIR(TRS)) is a technique for
      evaluating human BAT density noninvasively. This study aimed to test whether
      NIRTRS could detect changes in BAT density during or after long-term
      intervention. First, using FDG-PET/CT, we confirmed a significant increase
      (+48.8%, P < 0.05) in BAT activity in the supraclavicular region after 6-week
      treatment with thermogenic capsaicin analogs, capsinoids. Next, 20 volunteers
      were administered either capsinoids or placebo daily for 8 weeks in a double
      blind design, and BAT density was measured using NIR(TRS) every 2 weeks during
      the 8-week treatment period and an 8-week period after stopping treatment.
      Consistent with FDG-PET/CT results, NIR(TRS) successfully detected an increase in
      BAT density during the 8-week treatment (+46.4%, P < 0.05), and a decrease in the
      8-week follow-up period (-12.5%, P = 0.07), only in the capsinoid-treated, but
      not the placebo, group. Thus, NIR(TRS) can be applied for quantitative assessment
      of BAT in longitudinal intervention studies in humans.

PMID- 27135067
TI  - Factors influencing soft tissue profile changes following orthodontic treatment
      in patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown soft tissue profile changes after
      orthodontic treatment in Class II Division 1 patients. However, a few studies
      have described factors influencing the soft tissue changes. The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the factors influencing the soft tissue profile changes
      following orthodontic treatment in Class II Division 1 patients. METHODS: The
      subjects comprised 104 Thai patients age 8-16 years who presented Class II
      Division 1 malocclusions and were treated with different orthodontic modalities
      comprising cervical headgear, Class II traction and extraction of the four first
      premolars. The profile changes were evaluated from the lateral cephalograms
      before and after treatment by means of the X-Y coordinate system. Significant
      soft tissue profile changes were evaluated by paired t test at a 0.05
      significance level. The correlations among significant soft tissue changes and
      independent variables comprising treatment modality, age, sex, pretreatment
      skeletal, dental and soft tissue morphology were evaluated by stepwise multiple
      regression analysis at a 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: The multiple
      regression analysis indicated that different treatment modalities, age, sex,
      pretreatment skeletal, dental and soft tissue morphology were related to the
      profile changes. The predictive power of these variables on the soft tissue
      profile changes ranged from 9.9 to 40.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Prediction of the soft
      tissue profile changes following treatment of Class II Division 1 malocclusion
      from initial patient morphology, age, sex and types of treatment was complicated
      and required several variables to explain their variations. Upper lip change in
      horizontal direction could be found only at the stomion superius and was less
      predictable than those of the lower lip. Variations in upper lip retraction at
      the stomion superius were explained by types of treatment (R(2) = 0.099), whereas
      protrusion of the lower lip at the labrale inferius was correlated with initial
      inclination of the lower incisor (L1 to NB), jaw relation (ANB angle), lower lip
      thickness and sex (R(2) = 0.403). Prediction of chin protrusion at the soft
      tissue pogonion was also low predictable (R(2) = 0.190) depending upon sex, age
      and initial mandibular plane angle (SN-GoGn). Additionally, age and sex also had
      mainly effect on change of the soft tissue profile in the vertical direction.

PMID- 27135068
TI  - Cleft sidedness and congenitally missing teeth in patients with cleft lip and
      palate patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cleft
      sidedness, and the number of congenitally missing teeth in regard to cleft type
      and gender. METHODS: The charts, models, radiographs, and intraoral photographs
      of 201 cleft patients including 131 males with the mean age of 12.3 +/- 4 years
      and 70 females with the mean age of 12.6 +/- 3.9 years were used for the study. T
      test, Chi-square, and binomial tests were used for assessment of the data.
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: One hundred forty-eight of the subjects suffered from
      cleft lip and palate followed by 41 subjects who suffered from cleft lip and
      alveolus. Chi-square test did not show any significant difference between the
      genders. Binomial test showed that left-sided cleft was more predominant in
      unilateral cleft lip and palate patients (P < 0.001). This study also showed that
      the upper lateral incisors were the most commonly missing teeth in the cleft
      area.

PMID- 27135070
TI  - Effects of saline lavage temperature on peritoneal fibrinolysis and adhesion
      formation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peritoneal lavage with saline at room temperature causes peritoneal
      hypothermia, vasoconstriction, hypoxia, and acidosis, which are effects that are
      known to reduce fibrinolysis. Decreased fibrinolysis causes permanent adhesions.
      Normothermic lavage may prevent this deleterious process and reduce peritoneal
      adhesions. METHODS: A rat model of cecal abrasion was used. Control animals
      received no medication while hypothermic or normothermic saline lavage were
      administered intraperitoneally to the experimental groups (n=24 for each group).
      Cardinal parameters of peritoneal fibrinolysis (tissue plasminogen activator
      [tPA] and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 [PAI-1]) were determined in
      peritoneal tissue samples on postoperative day 1, 3, and 10. On postoperative day
      10, adhesions were graded. In the sham group (n=8), following laparotomy,
      peritoneal samples were taken to determine basal values of tPA and PAI-1 in
      healthy peritoneum. RESULTS: Cecal abrasion increased PAI-1 levels about tenfold
      on postoperative day 1 and caused adhesions. Normothermic saline lavage prevented
      this traumatic PAI-1 increase and stabilized it to baseline values throughout the
      experiment and reduced peritoneal adhesion formation. Hypothermic lavage also
      caused an inhibition of PAI-1 rise but adhesion, prevention was not significant.
      CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that normothermic saline lavage reduces adhesions
      by improving peritoneal fibrinolysis.

PMID- 27135069
TI  - A quality assessment of orthodontic patient information leaflets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient information leaflets (PILs) are often used to reinforce and
      provide further information relating to treatment choices, risks, and
      alternatives. An assessment of the quality of commonly used orthodontic patient
      information leaflets is lacking. METHODS: A cross-sectional assessment of patient
      information leaflets from two international orthodontic societies was undertaken.
      The quality of each leaflet was assessed using the DISCERN instrument. The
      readability of each leaflet was assessed using the Flesch Reading Ease
      instrument, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG)
      index. Descriptive statistics followed by univariate analysis was conducted.
      RESULTS: Thirty-six patient information leaflets were identified. Reporting of
      DISCERN instrument items relating to aims, description of sources, details of
      additional sources, consequences of no treatment, possible treatment options, and
      support for a shared decision process was of low quality. The overall quality
      score for the total sample was 44. The median Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid
      Grade Level, and SMOG index scores were 70 (interquartile range (IQR) 53.3-73.9),
      7.2 (IQR 6-9.7), and 7.3 (IQR 6.7-9.1), respectively. There was a significant
      difference between the quality (-8.00, 95% CI: -14.62, -1.38, p < 0.001), Flesch
      Reading Ease (-22.30, 95% CI: -26.77, 17.83, p < 0.001) and the Flesch-Kincaid
      Grade Level (3.80, 95% CI: 2.74, 4.86, p < 0.001) scores between the two
      societies' PILs. CONCLUSIONS: In relation to the DISCERN instrument, the quality
      of orthodontic PILs is deemed of moderate quality. There is a significant
      difference between the quality scores and the readability of PILs from different
      societies.

PMID- 27135071
TI  - Repairing peripheral nerve defects by vein grafts filled with adipose tissue
      derived stromal vascular fraction: an experimental study in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are many studies in the literature combining vein grafts with
      cell cultures, muscle, tendon, and nerve tissues, but none of them could replace
      isolated nerve grafts for nerve repair in clinical settings. There are studies in
      the literature indicating that adipose tissue derived stromal vascular fraction
      (SVF) enhances peripheral nerve healing. Considering these facts, an experimental
      study was performed in rats based on combining SVF with vein grafts for
      peripheral nerve defect repairs. METHODS: The study included 30 rats which were
      divided in three groups. In the first stage, an 8 mm nerve defect was created in
      tibial nerve of each rat. In Group 1, the defect was reconstructed with nerve
      graft, in Group 2, the defect was reconstructed with vein graft, and in Group 3,
      the defect was reconstructed with vein graft filled with SVF solution. After 3
      months, the second surgical stage was performed and nerve biopsies were taken.
      Tissue samples were observed histopathologically. RESULTS: There were no
      statistically meaningful difference between nerve grafts, vein grafts and adipose
      tissue derived SVF- vein grafts combination groups considering myelin diameter
      and axonal diameter. Axon count was statistically superior in the nerve graft and
      study groups when compared to empty vein groups. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our
      results support the usage of stromal vascular fraction-vein graft combination for
      peripheral nerve defect repairs.

PMID- 27135072
TI  - Pediatric deep burns caused by hot incense ashes during 2014 Spring Festival in
      Fuyang city, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Chinese people in Fuyang city, a northwest city of Anhui
      Province, are accustomed to burning incense at home for blessing during the
      Spring Festival. Their children, especially toddlers, like playing around the
      burning incense and are at risk of burning by hot incense ashes. The purpose of
      this study was to describe the unique cause and clinical characteristics of
      pediatric deep burns caused by hot incense ashes during 2014 Spring Festival.
      METHODS: Twelve consecutive children admitted to our Burn Center and Fuyang
      People's Hospital during 2014 Spring Festival, with burn injuries caused by hot
      incense ashes which were epidemiologically studied retrospectively. Data on age,
      gender, size, depth and site of burn, incidence by day, number of operation,
      hospital stay, and causes of burns were collected. RESULTS: All patients came
      from Fuyang city. Of the 12 patients, the average age was 2.17 years, with a
      range of 1-6. The boy-to-girl ratio was 2: 1. The mean total burn surface area
      (TBSA) was 5.83%, and 91.67% of the children sustained full-thickness burn. Hands
      were the most common parts of the body to be injured. Dry necrosis developed in
      14 fingers of 3 patients. January 31, 2014, the first day of the Chinese New
      Year, was the time of highest incidence. Six patients (50%) required surgical
      intervention while the number of operations including escharectomy, excision,
      skin grafting, or amputation of necrotic fingers, per patient was 2. A total of
      14 fingers were amputated of the necrotic parts. All children survived and mean
      length of hospital stay of the patients was 20 days. CONCLUSION: Hot incense
      ashes cause serious injuries to children in Fuyang city during the Spring
      Festival. Preventive programs should be directed towards high risk groups to
      reduce the incidence of this burn.

PMID- 27135073
TI  - Laboratory markers has many valuable parameters in the discrimination between
      acute appendicitis and renal colic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Only one diagnostic parameter is not available for acute
      appendicitis. For the establishment of diagnosis, combination of medical history,
      clinical, laboratory tests, and radiological imaging modalities are used so as to
      decrease the rates of negative laparotomy and morbidity secondary to delay in
      diagnosis. Thepresent study aimed to determine haematological and inflammatory
      markers which will be used in the discrimination of acute appendicitis (AA) and
      renal colic which are the most frequent and indistinguishable causes of abdominal
      pain in patients applying to the emergency service. METHODS: A total of 215
      patients who presented with abdominal pain and who were histopathologically
      diagnosed as AA, and 200 patients who presented with abdominal pain and who were
      diagnosed as renal colic were included into the study. Control group consisted of
      61 patients without any complaints who came to the outpatient clinics of internal
      medicine only for blood counts. Analyzed blood samples were WBC, RDW, Hb, MCV,
      MPV, neutrophil, lymphocyte, NLR and PLR. All differences associated with a
      chance probability of.05 or less were considered statistically significant.
      RESULTS: A statistically significant intergroup difference was seen between AA
      and renal colic groups as for age, WBC, Hb, MCV, neutrophil, lymphocyte, NLR and
      PLR. A statistically significant intergroup difference was seen between AA and
      control groups regarding age, WBC, Hb, RDW, MPV, neutrophil, lymphocyte, NLR and
      PLR. A statistically significant intergroup difference was seen between renal
      colic and control groups as for age, WBC, RDW, MPV, neutrophil and NLR. In ROC
      curve analysis, the area under AUCs for WBC, neutrophil, NLR and PLR were 0.896,
      0.916, 0.888 and 0.725, respectively (p<=0.05). CONCLUSION: In the discrimination
      between patients with renal colic and those without any illness, WBC, RDW, MPV,
      neutrophil and NLR; in the differentiation between the patients with AA and
      healthy individuals, WBC, RDW, MPV, neutrophil, lymphocyte, NLR and PLR; and more
      importantly in the discrimination between patients with AA and those with renal
      colic who presented to emergency services with abdominal pain WBC, neutrophil,
      lymphocyte, PLR and NLR can be useful parameters.

PMID- 27135074
TI  - Survival probability in self immolation attempters: a prospective observational
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-immolation is one of the most violent methods of suicide in
      developing countries. The objective of the present study was to investigate the
      survival rate and factors affecting survival of self-immolation patients.
      METHODS: All people either died or hospitalized for intentional burns were
      assessed in Kermanshah province between 2010 and 2013. Required information was
      gathered from two sources, Kermanshah province legal medicine and burn center of
      Imam Khomeini Hospital. Survival function was assessed through Cox regression.
      The data were analyzed with Stata 12 software. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2013
      (three years), 446 people attempted self-immolation, of which 370 were females
      (83%). In general, 276 people (61.8%) died due to severity of the burns. The
      median of survival time was 47+/-5 days. The survival rate after one day, one
      week, and 21 days after accident was 86%, 52%, and 38%, respectively.
      Multivariate analysis demonstrated that burn was the most powerful risk factor,
      sothe risk in those with over 70% burns is 17 times more than those with burns
      less than 30%. CONCLUSION: Burn percentage is the strongest risk factor, those
      with high burns percentage should be hospitalized quickly and without waste of
      time.

PMID- 27135075
TI  - Venous glucose, serum lactate and base deficit as biochemical predictors of
      mortality in patients with polytrauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The trauma and injury severity score (TRISS) and Acute Physiology and
      Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) are accurate but complex. This study
      aimed to compare venous glucose, levels of serum lactate, and base deficit in
      polytraumatized patients as simple parameters to predict the mortality in these
      patients versus (TRISS) and (APACHE IV). METHODS: This was a comparative cross
      sectional study of 282 patients with polytrauma presented to the Emergency
      Department (ED). RESULTS: The best cut off value of TRISS probability of survival
      score for prediction of mortality among poly-traumatized patients was <=90.
      APACHE IV demonstrated 67% sensitivity and 95% specificity at 95% CI at cut off
      point 99. The best cutoff value of Random Blood Sugar was >140 mg/dl, with 89%
      sensitivity, 49% specificity; base deficit was less than -5.6 with 64%
      sensitivity, 93% specificity; lactate was >2.6 mmol/L with 92%, sensitivity, 42%
      specificity. CONCLUSION: Venous glucose, serum lactate and base deficit are easy
      and rapid biochemical predictors of mortality in patients with polytrauma. These
      predictors could be used as TRISS and APACHE IV in predicting mortality.

PMID- 27135076
TI  - The outcomes of becoming a pediatric burn center in Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burns are one of the most important causes of traumatic death in
      children worldwide. A pediatric burn center was established in our hospital in
      August 2009. The aim of this study was to compare patient profiles and data
      before and after the burn treatment center was established. METHODS: Burn
      patients were admitted to the pediatric surgery department between January 2005
      and August 2009, and there was no intensive care service in this department.
      Intensive care service has been provided since August 2009 with the burn center
      established at our hospital. The 316 cases that were followed-up at the pediatric
      surgery department in the first period were identified as Group I and the 442
      cases that were admitted to the burn center in the second period were identified
      as Group II. The data of the groups were then compared. RESULTS: Mean age of the
      cases was 5.1 years in Group I and 7.7 years in Group II. The total mean body
      burn percentage was 16.12% in Group I and 17.54% in Group II. Although scalding
      burns were the most subtype in both groups, flame burns were 2.13 times,
      electrical burns 3.44 times, flame+inhalation burns 8.33 times, and burns with an
      over 40% total burn surface area were 2.41 times more common in Group II than in
      Group I. The mortality rates were 0% in Group I and 2.26% in Group II.
      CONCLUSION: Converting to a normal department admitting burn patients in a burn
      unit format to an actual burn center means more severe cases will be admitted.
      This requires a patient and attentive process while the burn team struggles with
      the new patient profile on one hand and has to learn how to overcome with less
      personal trauma the loss of patients, a feeling it is unfamiliar with, on the
      other, which is also an actual training process for the entire burn team.

PMID- 27135077
TI  - Retromandibular transparotid approach to mandibular subcondylar and high ramus
      fractures: two-point fixation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the fractures of the mandibular condylar region are very
      common, the controversies about the treatment of this area is still ongoing. In
      recent years, general agreement has emerged that open treatment is more effective
      than closed approaches for extracapsular condylar fractures. However, this time,
      the method of surgical approach has become controversial. The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the effectiveness of the retromandibular transparotid approach
      for the fixation of subcondylar/high ramus mandible fractures. METHODS:
      Subcondylar/high ramus mandible fractures were operated via the retromandibular
      transparotid approach with a two-point fixation in 24 patients. The patients were
      evaluated for bleeding during the operation and for hematoma, infection, Frey's
      syndrome, salivary fistula, facial nerve damage, occlusion, fracture site
      stability, chronic pain in the fracture site, hypoesthesia of the ear, and
      temporomandibular (TME) joint movements in the postoperative period. RESULTS:
      Only one major complication was encountered in one (4.1%) patient, which was
      damage to the temporal branch of the facial nerve. CONCLUSION: The
      retromandibular transparotid approach appears to be a safe and effective method
      for the internal fixation of extracapsular condylar fractures.

PMID- 27135078
TI  - An alternative method to free flap for distal leg and foot defects due to
      electrical burn injury: distally based cross-leg sural flap.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High voltage electrical injuries can cause devastating results
      especially in distal extremities. Although free flaps are the golden standards
      for the reconstruction of these defects, sometimes local flap alternatives are
      more useful. One of the most favorable local flap is distally based sural flap
      (DBSF), which can be used in cross-leg fashion when ipsilateral extremity is
      affected by a high voltage electrical injury. The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate long term results of eleven patients who underwent a reconstruction to
      the lower extremity with cross-leg DBSF due to high voltage electrical burn
      injury between the years of 2003-2013. METHODS: Eleven patients suffering from
      high voltage electrical injury from 2003 to 2013 were evaluated retrospectively.
      All patients were male and had deep 2nd and 3rd degree electrical burns on many
      parts of their bodies, including their lower legs and feet. Seven of the defects
      were located on the right limb and four of them on the left. Defects were located
      in the ankle area in five patients, dorsum of the foot in four patients, achilles
      area in one patient, and the plantar region in one patient. RESULTS: The
      adaptation of flaps to the recipient site, colour, and quality were all
      acceptable. CONCLUSION: As an alternative to free flaps, the cross-leg DBSF has
      good tissue compliance, provides tissue of adequate quantity and quality, and has
      low complication rates in the long term in high voltage electrical injuries of
      the leg and foot.

PMID- 27135079
TI  - Surgical treatment of distal tibia fractures: open versus MIPO.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of the distal tibial fractures are challenging due to the
      limited soft tissue, subcutaneous location and poor vascularity. In this control
      matched study, it was aimed to compare the traditional open reduction and
      internal fixation with minimal invasive plating (MIPO). We hypothesized that
      superior results may be achieved with MIPO technique. METHODS: 22 patients
      treated with traditional open reduction and internal fixation were matched with
      22 patients treated with closed reduction and MIPO on the basis of age (+/-3),
      gender, and fracture pattern (AO classification). Evaluation was assed according
      to the wound problems, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle surgery (AOFAS)
      scoring, radiological union, malunion, delayed union, hospitalisation time, time
      from injury to surgery, and operation time. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference in the distribution of AO/OTA classification, age, gender, AOFAS
      score, time from injury to operation, follow-up, bone union time, delayed union,
      malunion and infection (p>0.05). The operation time was significantly longer in
      the open group than in the MIPO group: 69.59+/-7.21 min. for the ORIF, and
      61.14+/-5.61 for the MIPO group (p<0.01).The hospitalisation time was
      significantly longer in the open group than in the MIPO group: 7.64+/-4.71 days
      for the MIPO, and 10.18+/-4.32 days for the ORIF group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: MIPO
      technique can be beneficial for the treatment of distal tibia AO/OTA A and B type
      fractures with reduced hospital stay, cost-effectiveness, and infection rate.

PMID- 27135080
TI  - The comparison of triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle and olecranon osteotomy
      approaches in the treatment of intercondylar fractures of the humerus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients with
      intra-articular distal humerus fractures treated with triceps-reflecting anconeus
      pedicle (TRAP) and olecranon osteotomy. METHODS: Forty patients with intra
      articular distal humerus fractures were retrospectively analyzed. TRAP approach
      was used in 22 patients (12 males, 10 females; mean age 37.8 years, range 17-70),
      and olecranon osteotomy in 18 patients (11 males, 7 females; mean age 35.4 years,
      range 18-62). Fractures were classified using the AO/ASIF classification.
      Functional results were evaluated with the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS)
      and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score.
      RESULTS: The overall mean arc of elbow motion was 108 degrees  (range 70 degrees 
      140 degrees ) in the TRAP group, whereas that of the olecranon osteotomy group
      was 98 degrees  (range 70 degrees -115 degrees ). A significant difference was
      observed between the two groups in terms of overall mean arc of elbow motion
      (p=0.038). There were no significant differences noted between the two groups in
      terms of mean MEPS and DASH scores (p=0.412, p=201, respectively). The overall
      complication rate was 27.2% in the TRAP group and 55% in the olecranon osteotomy
      group. CONCLUSION: TRAP is a succesful approach in the treatmet of intra
      articular distal humerus fractures that provides better arc of elbow motion,
      reduces complications and reoperation rates.

PMID- 27135081
TI  - [Secondary victimization of traffic accident victims: getting buried without the
      declaration of forensic case and without having performed autopsy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, it was aimed to analyze the cases of traffic accident
      related deaths, buried without performing autopsy, in order to increase awareness
      of the physicians about declaration liability of forensic cases and also
      emphasize the declaration of the forensic case and autopsy importance. METHODS:
      In the First Specialization Board of Council of Forensic Medicine, 542 cases of
      death, reported between the years 2004-2008, who were involved in traffic
      accidents and buried without an autopsy performed, were evaluated
      retrospectively. RESULTS: It was found that 69.4% of the cases (n=376) were
      males, whereas %30.6 (n=166) were females; mean age was 58.5+/-20.9 (range, 3-98
      years). Age 61 and above was the most frequent age group with 301 cases (55.5%).
      Of the cases, 336 (62.0%) had died in hospital, 241 (44.5%) had died in 1-12
      months following the accident and medico-legal corpse examination was performed
      only in 123 (22.9%) cases. Three hundred fourty-four (63.5%) of the cases were
      not reported as forensic cases and death certificate was signed by any physician
      other than medical examiner without being declared as a legal case. According to
      the decisions of Board, since an autopsy was not duly performed, the cause of
      death could not be determined for 95 cases (17.5%) and for 57 cases (10.5%), it
      was not possible to determine whether there was causality between the accident
      and death. DISCUSSION: Our findings emphasize the importance of declaration of
      forensic cases and performing autopsy in time in traffic accident victims.

PMID- 27135082
TI  - [Predictive calue of leucocyte count, neutrophil percent and C-reactive protein
      concentration "cut-off value" on the diagnosis of appendicitis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate the predictive importance of
      cut-off levels of preoperative WBC, neutrophil and CRP concentrations in operated
      appendicitis patients. METHODS: Patients operated for acute appendicitis between
      January 2008 and November 2010 were retrospectively screened. Patients were
      divided into three groups according to postoperative histopathology. Group I:
      normal appendix, Group II: Uncomplicated appendicitis, Group III: complicated
      appendicitis. ROC curves are intended for positive distinguishing pathological
      laboratory measurements. Cut-off values were determined and distinguishing
      performances were assessed. RESULTS: 175 of the 320 patients were males (54.7%)
      and 145 were females (45.3%). Average age was 35.95+/-14.75. While cut-off value
      for WBC was 12.080 and it was found significant in distinguishing total
      appandisitis (group II+group III) from normal appendixes and distinguishing group
      II from group I (p<0.001), it was determined that it was not significant in
      distinguishing group II from group III (p=0.768). While cut-off value for
      neutrophil was 73% and it was significant in distinguishing group II+group III
      from group I and group II from group I (p<0.001), it was detected that it was not
      significant in distinguishing group II from group III (p=0.681). While cut-off
      value for CRP was 45.98, it was not found significant in distinguishing group
      II+group III from group I and group II from group I; however it was significant
      in distinguishing group II from group III (p<0.001). When all measurements were
      evaluated together, it was detected that the increase in only the neutrophil
      percentage rised the non-complicated acute appendisitis (OR: 1.082; p<0.001), and
      the increase in both neutrophiles and CRP resulted in a rise in the risk of
      complication (OR: neutrophil=1.066; p=0.009- CRP=1.005; p=0.013). DISCUSSION: The
      cut-off value of labaratuary tests may help determine the diagnosis and
      treatment. Especially, cut-off value of CRP may be helpful to determine the
      method of incision during the operation as conventional appendectomy or
      laparoscopic appendectomy.

PMID- 27135083
TI  - [Vascular injury following supracondylar humerus fractures in children].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the children
      with absent distal pulses following supracondylar humerus fractures. METHODS:
      Forty-two pulseless hand patients who were treated due to supracondylar humerus
      fractures were evaluated retrospectively. The evaluation included symptoms
      presented at preoperative and postoperative neurological examinations, mechanism
      of injury, time from injury to presentation, time from injury to surgery, length
      of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: In 27 patients,
      radial pulse was palpated following reduction. A stream was identified in ten
      patients with Doppler, and no stream was identified in two patients. These two
      patients had no ischemia and they presented with a stream on Doppler one day
      after the surgery. Immediate vascular exploration was applied in three patients
      (7%) who retained ischemia after the reduction and was unable to present a stream
      on Doppler. One patient underwent primary suture, and the other two were managed
      with saphenous vein graft and primary repair. DISCUSSION: It is vital to re
      evaluate patients presenting with a pulseless hand following supracondylar
      humerus fracture; the ones with no ischemia or ischemic sign should be closely
      followed, and the ones retaining ischemic signs should be managed with primary
      vascular repair.

PMID- 27135084
TI  - [Retrospective analysis of AO 42A-B type tibia fractures treated with percutaneus
      locked plating and intramedullary nailing].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, the results of AO 42A and 42B type tibia fractures
      treated with intramedullary nail (IMN) and percutaneus locking plate (PLP) were
      evaluated. The complications were examined, and it was questioned whether the
      type of fixation had an effect on union time and functional results. METHODS:
      Forty-two patients with extraarticular distal tibial fractures were enrolled in
      this retrospective study. Eighteen patients were treated with closed IMN (Group
      I) and 24 patients were treated with PLP fixation (Group II). Mean age was 41
      (range: 16-70) years; thirty-two of the patients were men. Fractures were
      classified according to the AO classification system. Union time, functional
      results and complications (malunion, malalignment, infection) were compared. The
      American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) scoring was used to compare
      functional results. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 20 (12-32) months
      for Group I and 23 (13-36) months for Group II. The average union time was 16 (12
      24) weeks in Group I and 19 (range: 16-24) weeks in Group II (p=0.002). The AOFAS
      scoring was 85 (range: 69-100) points in Group I and 81 (range: 60-95) points in
      Group II. The difference in AOFAS scoring was not significant (p=0.06). Two
      patients had nonunion in Group II. Two patients in Group I and three patients in
      Group II had malalignment. DISCUSSION: We suggest that IMN can provide early
      healing time. Although it is not statistically significant, complication rate was
      lower and functional results were better in patients treated with IMN.

PMID- 27135085
TI  - Isolated bitemporal hemianopsia due to traumatic chiasmal syndrome.
AB  - A 20-year-old man presented with complaints of inability to see the outer half of
      objects and blurred near vision while reading. His complaints began one year ago
      after a motor vehicle accident that caused cranio-orbital fractures. Ocular
      examination revealed complete bitemporal hemianopsia and slight exotropia.
      Central visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes. Radiologic studies demonstrated
      fractures in the fronto-ethmoid and sphenoid bones and thinning of the optic
      chiasm. No hypothalamic-pituitary abnormality was detected. Clinical findings
      remained unchanged during follow-up. Although rare, blunt head trauma may cause
      an isolated damage to the chiasmal crossing nerve fibers, resulting in a
      complete, bitemporal hemianopsia associated with normal visual acuity. Traumatic
      chismal syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients
      presenting with bitemporal hemianopsia. 

PMID- 27135086
TI  - Interesting X-ray and computed tomography images of a cervical trauma patient.
AB  - Patients admitted to emergency departments with loss of consciousness following
      trauma often have cervical vertebrae fractures and spinal cord injuries with a
      ratio of 5-10%. Computed tomography (CT) and radiography are important for
      diagnosis. The aim of this study was to describe the interesting CT and
      radiography findings of a patient who had C3-4 dislocation anddistraction that
      was called shearing injury. C3 and C4 were seperated, but there was no fracture
      or major vascular injuries. Images were interesting. NEXUS and Canadian Rules
      were also referred to for clinical evaluation. Imaging modalities, espacially
      reformatted CT images, make it easier to diagnose where and what the problem is. 

PMID- 27135088
TI  - Spontaneous rupture of the splenic artery aneurysm: a rare clinical presentation
      of acute abdomen.
AB  - Splenic artery aneurysms are very rare causes of acute abdomen but are important
      to recognize since they carry high rate of mortality when ruptured. The aim of
      this study was to present a middle aged man with sudden onset of abdominal pain.
      Being previously on steroid treatment due to sarcoidosis, the patient developed
      hypovolemic shock during work-up in diagnostic imaging and went on emergency
      laparatomy. The source was identified as a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm.
      Splenectomy en bloc with the aneurysmatic distal splenic artery was performed,
      and he was discharged uneventfully. Despite rare, it is important to recognize
      splenic artery aneurysm in the emergency department, and immediate intervention
      is required to save the patient. 

PMID- 27135087
TI  - A rare cause of acute abdomen: spontaneous common hepatic duct perforation.
AB  - Spontaneous extrahepatic bile duct perforation is generally seen in infants.
      Although rarely seen in adults, it may be seen with fatal bile peritonitis.
      Therefore, for a patient presenting with acute abdominal symptoms, differential
      diagnosis must be made with radiological imaging such as abdominal
      ultrasonography or computed tomography, without any loss of time. In these
      imaging tests, in cases of gallstone disease together with perihepatic free fluid
      or choledocus which can not be monitored, it should be considered in the
      differential diagnosis. An emergency surgical intervention should be planned to
      avoid serious complications. The aim of this paper was to present the rare cause
      of acute abdomen which developed associated with spontaneous common hepatic canal
      perforation in an adult. 

PMID- 27135089
TI  - [Duodenum perforations in children: case series].
AB  - To analyse patients those admitted to our clinic due to perforation in duodenum.
      Fourteen patients those have been admitted to our center with perforation in
      duodenum between 1990 - 2014 analysed retrospectively. Ten patients (8M, 6F)
      those have been admitted to our clinic between 1990 - 2014 have a mean age of 6.2
      years (25 days - 16 years). Two of cases admitted directly to our clinic and the
      rest referred from another hospitals. Mean time for appliance to our clinic was
      3.2 days (1day - 1 week). Ulcer in duodenum was the cause of perforation in 10
      cases while in 3 the cause was trauma and in 1 case was surgical complication of
      infantly persistant hyperinsulinism (IPHH). The case with hyperbilluribinemia
      after near total pancreatectomy due to IPHH had been explored and perforation in
      deuedenum diagnosed. Resection in first two parts of duodenum and pylor,
      choledochojejunostomy, gastrojejunostomy and jejunojejunostomy was performed.
      Primary repair was performed in the remaining patients. In one case with primary
      repair gastrostomy was performed, while in 9 cases omentoplasty were performed.
      In the follow-up 12 cases has no problems and doing well. Two patients died.
      Perforation in duedenum is a rare entity that pediatric surgeons should encounter
      and keep in mind. Primary repair (duodenoraphy +/- omentoplasty) is safe and
      reliable surgical treatment modality. 

PMID- 27135090
TI  - Impact of low mesopic contrast sensitivity outcomes in different types of modern
      multifocal intraocular lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the low mesopic contrast sensitivity function (LMCSF) of
      patients implanted with different modern optical bifocal and trifocal designs of
      multifocal intraocular lenses (mfIOLs). METHODS: This prospective, comparative,
      nonrandomized consecutive case series included 180 eyes that underwent cataract
      surgery. Six groups of eyes were differentiated: group A, eyes with the
      diffractive AT LISA tri 839MP; group B, eyes with diffractive FineVision; group
      C, eyes with the bifocal Lentis Mplus-LS313; group D, eyes with the diffractive
      bifocal Acri.Lisa 366D; group E, eyes with the diffractive apodized Acrysof
      ReSTOR SN6AD1; group F, as the control group, implanted with a monofocal
      spherical intraocular lens. The LMCSF was evaluated with the OPTEC(r) 6500 device
      at 3 months postoperatively using a luminance of 3 cd/m2. RESULTS: No significant
      differences among groups were detected in LMCSF for the spatial frequencies of
      1.5, 3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 cpd (1.5 cpd: F = 1.81, p = 0.13; 3.0 cpd: F = 1.14, p =
      0.14; 6.0 cpd: F = 1.87, p = 0.11; 12.0 cpd: F = 1.26, p = 0.29), but significant
      differences were found among groups for the spatial frequency of 18 cpd (F =
      2.62, p = 0.03). When comparing the groups in pairs, only statistically
      significant differences were observed between groups E and F for the spatial
      frequency of 18.0 cpd (t = 3.27, p = 0.03) with better values for group F.
      CONCLUSION: No significant differences were observed in LMCSF among the different
      mfIOLs studied. The third focus of trifocal IOL models did not adversely affect
      the LMCSF. The ReSTOR SN6AD1 showed the poorest LMCSF for the highest spatial
      frequency analyzed when compared with the control group.

PMID- 27135091
TI  - Analysis of defocus curves of different modern multifocal intraocular lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the visual performance in patients implanted with different
      modern multifocal intraocular lens (mfIOL) models using defocus curves. METHODS:
      This prospective, interventional, comparative, nonrandomized consecutive series
      of cases included 60 patients (45-87 years) who underwent binocular cataract
      surgery. Patients were divided into 4 groups depending on the intraocular lens
      (IOL) implanted after cataract surgery: group A, 15 patients with AT LISA tri
      839MP IOL (Carl Zeiss Meditec); group B, 15 patients with FineVision trifocal IOL
      (PhysIOL); group C, 15 patients with ReSTOR SN6AD1 bifocal IOL (Alcon); and group
      D, 15 patients with Acri.Smart 48S monofocal IOL (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Distance
      and near visual acuity outcomes and defocus curve of each one of the mfIOLs were
      evaluated postoperatively during a 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: Statistically
      significant differences in distance and near vision were found among groups
      (p<0.01). Statistically significant differences were found among groups (p<0.01)
      for defocus levels ranging from -4.00 D to +0.50 D. Statistically significant
      differences were found between trifocal IOL groups for defocus levels ranging
      from -2.00 to +1.00 D (p<0.01), with better values of visual acuity for group A.
      Statistically significant differences were detected between groups A and C for
      defocus levels of -1.50 and -1.00 D with better visual acuity for group A.
      CONCLUSIONS: Multifocal IOLs provide good distance, near, and intermediate visual
      acuity. The AT LISA tri MP839 showed better outcomes for intermediate vision than
      the FineVision and AcrySof ReSTOR SN6AD1 IOLs. By knowing the defocus curve
      profile of each lens, the surgeon can select the best IOL.

PMID- 27135092
TI  - Comparison of eyedrop instillation technique with and without a delivery device
      in inexperienced patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the instillation of eyedrops with and without Xal-Ease(r)
      delivery device in inexperienced patients based on patient observation and
      answers to a questionnaire. METHODS: This prospective study included consecutive
      patients considered inexperienced in instilling eyedrops. After a short
      explanation about the methods, drop instillation technique was evaluated with and
      without the device. Subjects also completed a survey regarding drop
      administration and satisfaction. Successful instillation was defined as
      instilling a single drop in the eye without touching the eye with the bottle tip
      on the first attempt. RESULTS: The overall rate of successful instillation (43%)
      was the same for both techniques (with or without the device). Without the
      device, the bottle tip touched the eye or periocular tissues in 8 eyes (35%)
      compared with 0 (0%) with the Xal-Ease(r) (p<0.01). The number of eyedrops
      dispensed was significantly higher with Xal-Ease(r) (1.4 +/- 0.5 without the
      device versus 2.0 +/- 1.1 with Xal-Ease(r); p = 0.03). Using the Xal-Ease(r)
      device, 13 (57%) of the patients needed to make more than one attempt, versus 6
      (26%) patients without the device (p = 0.04). Overall, 9 (39%) preferred
      traditional instillation and 14 (61%) preferred to use the device. CONCLUSIONS:
      Xal-Ease(r) successfully decreased mechanical contact of the tip of the bottle.
      However, Xal-Ease(r) failed to help inexperienced subjects dispense fewer drops,
      or improve accuracy, suggesting that more training might be needed to achieve a
      good eyedrop administration technique with the device.

PMID- 27135093
TI  - Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy as a presenting symptom of Cushing
      syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe 4 patients who were diagnosed with chronic central serous
      chorioretinopathy (cCSC), which appeared to be the presenting symptom of Cushing
      syndrome (CS). METHODS: In this retrospective review of charts, all patients
      received extensive ophthalmologic examination and endocrinologic analyses.
      RESULTS: A 56-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman were treated because of
      bilaterally active, therapy-resistant cCSC. The clinical sign indicative for CS
      leading to referral to the endocrinologist was muscle weakness in the man and
      plethora in the woman. In a 37-year-old woman with known diabetes mellitus and
      central obesity, bilateral cCSC was diagnosed before CS screening. Another 49
      year-old woman was treated for unilateral cCSC for 4 years. Complaints of
      fatigue, muscle weakness, central adiposity, and skin atrophy led to referral and
      a CS diagnosis due to bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. In all
      patients, CS surgery resulted in complete resolution of subretinal fluid. During
      postsurgical follow-up, no reactivation of cCSC was observed. CONCLUSIONS:
      Chronic CSC can be the principal manifestation of relatively mildly symptomatic
      and unrecognized CS. In patients with cCSC, ophthalmologists should have a high
      index of suspicion for clinical signs of CS that warrant endocrinologic analysis.
      Cushing syndrome surgery can stop active subretinal fluid leakage in cCSC.

PMID- 27135094
TI  - Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir for Patients with HCV Infection.

PMID- 27135095
TI  - Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir for Patients with HCV Infection.

PMID- 27135096
TI  - Saudi Arabia.

PMID- 27135097
TI  - Sights set on a central role.

PMID- 27135099
TI  - Making the most of financial might.

PMID- 27135098
TI  - A 21st century transformation.

PMID- 27135100
TI  - Oiling the wheels on a road to success.

PMID- 27135101
TI  - Shared knowledge is key to a kingdom.

PMID- 27135102
TI  - Making the most of local expertise.

PMID- 27135103
TI  - A guide to the Nature Index.

PMID- 27135104
TI  - [Irritable bowel syndrome in the light of Rome consensus III (2006): 10 years
      later].
AB  - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common diagnosis in gastroenterology.
      Over 10 years after Rome consensus III (2006), there has been much new
      information on the pathogenesis of IBS and its therapy options. The paper
      analyzes basic investigations that have contributed to the theory of this disease
      and to a better quality of life in patients.

PMID- 27135105
TI  - [Nutritional status in patients with chronic pancreatitis].
AB  - Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, accompanied
      by damage to the functioning parenchyma and ducts to develop irreversible
      structural changes (fibrosis, calcification) and irreparable loss of the
      endocrine and exocrine functions of this organ. Maldigestion is a typical outcome
      of CP of any etiology with a long-term history. Fat malabsorption is considered
      as a basis for malnutrition in patients with CP. The severity of malnutrition in
      patients with CP correlates with three major pathogenetic factors: primary
      nutrient deficiency, pancreatic maldigestion and secondary malabsorption syndrome
      (nutrient loss), hypermetabolism that is caused by an inflammatory process in the
      pancreas and that determines the severity of the disease. Malnutrition in
      patients with CP is not just a complication of this disease, but has an important
      impact on its course. Patients with severe malnutrition are noted to have the
      significantly lower activity of pancreatic enzymes in the duodenal contents,
      feces, and blood, which is correlated with the smaller blood amount of total
      protein and albumin.

PMID- 27135106
TI  - [Current principles in the screening, diagnosis, and therapy of colorectal
      cancer].
AB  - The data available in the literature on the prevalence of colorectal cancer
      (CRC), its risk factors and genetic aspects are analyzed. Basic screening tests
      and their diagnostic value are described. The paper indicates the importance of
      methods (colonoscopy, occult blood feces analysis, fecal immunochemical test,
      determination of molecular genetic profile of fecal enterocytes) for the early
      primary diagnosis of colonic epithelial tumors and techniques (echography,
      computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography)
      that are required to specify clinical TNM staging and enable one to choose an
      optimal treatment policy for CRC patients owing to the estimation of tumor volume
      and to the diagnosis of reginal and distant metastases. It also shows that new
      screening methods based on the detection of molecular markers for early
      (premorphological) tumor stages are promising. The role of primary CRC prevention
      aimed at molding and maintaining a healthy lifestyle in the population is
      demonstrated.

PMID- 27135107
TI  - [Successes and unsolved problems in the study of celiac disease].
AB  - The review gives current views on the problem of celiac disease (gluten
      enteropathy). It presents the pathogenetic components of pathology development,
      associations with the specific features of the microflora in different parts of
      the gastrointestinal tract, as well as groups at risk for this pathology. The
      idea on other types of gluten intolerance is briefly given. Current elaborated
      approaches to gluten enteropathy therapy are provided.

PMID- 27135108
TI  - [Aspects of pathogenetc pharmacotherapy for portal hypertension in liver
      cirrhosis].
AB  - The review of literature considers the principles of medical treatment for portal
      hypertension in liver cirrhosis, which are based on the current views of its
      development mechanisms. It describes both current pharmacotherapy methods for
      portal hypertension and drugs, the efficacy of which is being investigated.

PMID- 27135109
TI  - A troublesome artifact.

PMID- 27135110
TI  - ECG quiz: Paroxysmal wide QRS tachycardia after pacemaker implant.

PMID- 27135111
TI  - Can nitric oxide synthase activity be unequivocally measured in red Blood cells
      and platelets? if yes, by which assay?

PMID- 27135112
TI  - Response to commentary.

PMID- 27135114
TI  - Ethics and health promotion: research, theory, policy and practice.

PMID- 27135113
TI  - Using Topical Antifungal Medications: Instructions for patients.

PMID- 27135115
TI  - Health promotion practice, research ethics and publishing in the Health Promotion
      Journal of Australia.

PMID- 27135116
TI  - Beyond Chapter 4.7.
AB  - Chapter 4.7 of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research refers
      specifically to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It lays out the
      points at which researchers working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
      must consider their approach, and the engagement with individuals, communities or
      groups who are involved in or affected by their research. History, of Australia
      and of research involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, has
      informed this approach. The response to that history has been a rational,
      institutionalised, systematic demand for a different perception of what should
      direct research and research processes to ensure engagement with and service to
      the community with whom the researchers wish to do the work. This paper considers
      whether these principles could inform the approach to other research work.

PMID- 27135117
TI  - ANMF DEFENDING REGISTERED NURSES IN AGED CARE.

PMID- 27135118
TI  - TEMPORARY WORK VISAS PROBED.

PMID- 27135121
TI  - DILIGENCE IN INFECTION PREVENTION.

PMID- 27135119
TI  - LOSING BIG IF PENALTY RATES ARE CUT.

PMID- 27135120
TI  - CURBING VIOLENCE IN NSW PUBLIC HOSPITALS.

PMID- 27135122
TI  - WORKPLACE SAFETY HIGHLIGHTED IN RURAL AND REMOTE.

PMID- 27135123
TI  - NEW RN STANDARDS FOR PRACTICE RELEASED.

PMID- 27135125
TI  - NATION'S HEALTHCARE EXAMINED.

PMID- 27135124
TI  - PASSION FOR NURSING BURNS ETERNAL.

PMID- 27135126
TI  - AUSTRALIAN NURSES REVERED.

PMID- 27135127
TI  - HUMANITARIAN NURSE NAMED WA'S AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR.

PMID- 27135129
TI  - HUMANITARIAN CRISIS A ROLLER COASTER RIDE FOR AN AUSTRALIAN NURSE.

PMID- 27135128
TI  - CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL CANNABIS IN AUSTRALIA LIKELY.

PMID- 27135130
TI  - CALLING CODE BLUE ON CLIMATE CHANGE.

PMID- 27135131
TI  - WORKPLACE VIOLENCE.

PMID- 27135132
TI  - IN MEMORY OF KAREL DLABAL.

PMID- 27135133
TI  - Dr. KAREL FAHOUN, D.Sc. Major Czech plastic and aesthetic surgeon.

PMID- 27135135
TI  - Nanocontainers in and onto Nanofibers.
AB  - Hierarchical structure is a key feature explaining the superior properties of
      many materials in nature. Fibers usually serve in textiles, for structural
      reinforcement, or as support for other materials, whereas spherical micro- and
      nanoobjects can be either highly functional or also used as fillers to reinforce
      structure materials. Combining nanocontainers with fibers in one single object
      has been used to increase the functionality of fibers, for example, antibacterial
      and thermoregulation, when the advantageous properties given by the encapsulated
      materials inside the containers are transferred to the fibers. Herein we focus
      our discussion on how the hierarchical structure composed of nanocontainers in
      nanofibers yields materials displaying advantages of both types of materials and
      sometimes synergetical effects. Such materials can be produced by first carefully
      designing nanocontainers with defined morphology and chemistry and subsequently
      electrospinning them to fabricate nanofibers. This method, called colloid
      electrospinning, allows for marrying the properties of nanocontainers and
      nanofibers. The obtained fibers could be successfully applied in different fields
      such as catalysis, optics, energy conversion and production, and biomedicine. The
      miniemulsion process is a convenient approach for the encapsulation of
      hydrophobic or hydrophilic payloads in nanocontainers. These nanocontainers can
      be embedded in fibers by the colloid-electrospinning technique. The combination
      of nanocontainers with nanofibers by colloid-electrospinning has several
      advantages. (1) The fiber matrix serves as support for the embedded
      nanocontainers. For example, through combining catalysts nanoparticles with fiber
      networks, the catalysts can be easily separated from the reaction media and
      handled visually. This combination is beneficial for the reuse of the catalyst
      and the purification of products. (2) Electrospun nanofibers containing
      nanocontainers offer the active agents inside the nanocontainers a double
      protection by both the fiber matrix and the nanocontainers. Since the polymer of
      the fibers and the polymer of the nanocontainers have usually opposite
      polarities, the encapsulated substance, for example, catalysts, dyes, or drugs,
      can be protected against a large variety of environmental influences. (3)
      Electrospun nanofibers exhibit unique advantages for tissue engineering and drug
      delivery that are a structural similarity to the extracellular matrix of
      biological tissues, large specific surface area, high and interconnected porosity
      which enhances cell adhesion, proliferation, drug loading, and mass transfer
      properties, as well as the flexibility in selecting the raw materials. Moreover,
      the nanocontainer-in-nanofiber structure allows multidrug loading and
      programmable release of each drug, which are very important to achieve
      synergistic effects in tissue engineering and disease therapy. The advantages
      offered by these materials encourage us to further understand the relationship
      between colloidal properties and fibers, to predict the morphology and properties
      of the fibers obtained by colloid-electrospinning, and to explore new possible
      combination of properties offered by nanoparticles and nanofibers.

PMID- 27135134
TI  - Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Prescribing by Prescriber Type
      and Specialty in Oregon Medicaid.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study compares nurse practitioner (NP) and physician (MD/DO)
      prescribing patterns for treatment of children with an attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related diagnosis covered by Oregon
      Medicaid from 2012 to 2013. METHODS: This study is a limited data set review of
      Oregon pharmacy claims for youth aged 3-18 at time of prescription fill, who were
      continuously enrolled for at least 10 months of the index year. Claims with
      selected ICD-9 codes (n = 197,364) were further defined by 30-day prescriptions
      and prescription drug events (PDE) linked to each prescriber type of interest.
      Descriptive statistical analysis of variables included prescriber type (NP vs.
      physician) and specialty (generalist vs. specialist), child age, and controlled
      versus noncontrolled drug type. RESULTS: A total of 82,754 complete 30-day
      prescriptions for 10,753 children from 1785 unique prescribers (78 NP
      specialists; 303 NP generalists; 162 physician specialists; and 1242 physician
      generalist prescribers) and 16,669 PDE were analyzed. Physicians prescribed more
      than 81% of all ADHD medications, and physician generalists prescribed nearly 60%
      of all prescriptions. Sixty-four percent of 30-day supply prescriptions (n =
      52,678) were controlled substances. Generalists, both NPs and physician
      prescribers, prescribed controlled medications more often than specialists.
      Physician specialists consistently prescribed controlled substances for all age
      groups, while NP specialists prescribed more controlled substances as child age
      increased. Rates of controlled medications prescribed generally increased, as
      children got older, regardless of provider type. CONCLUSION: NPs overall
      prescribe in a similar pattern to physicians when given the authority to
      prescribe controlled substances for ADHD. Comparisons between prescriber types
      for controlled substance prescribing by age should be explored further to
      identify possible variance from national guidelines.

PMID- 27135136
TI  - Negative intergroup contact and support for social policies toward the minority
      outgroup in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
AB  - In this field study, we tested whether negative intergroup contact experienced by
      majority (Italian) survivors in the aftermath of the earthquakes that struck
      Northern Italy in 2012 was associated with policy attitudes toward minority
      (immigrant) survivors. Results revealed a negative association between negative
      contact and support for social policies aimed at favoring immigrant survivors.
      Moreover, social policies toward immigrant survivors mediated the effect of
      negative contact on social policy attitudes toward the minority group as a whole.
      We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of findings.

PMID- 27135137
TI  - The effects on team emotions and team effectiveness of coaching in
      interprofessional health and social care teams.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of coaching behaviours
      provided by peers and by the leader on the emotions experienced by
      interprofessional health and social care teams and on members' satisfaction with
      the team, as well as on team performance. Data were obtained from a survey among
      344 employees working in 52 interprofessional health and social care teams from
      nine Portuguese organizations. The results show that leader coaching and peer
      coaching have a positive effect on the level of team members' satisfaction with
      the team and on positive emotions, and a negative effect on negative emotions.
      Furthermore, coaching provided by peers presents a positive effect on team
      performance as assessed by the leader of the team. Our findings put forward the
      importance of engaging in coaching behaviours to promote quality of the team
      experience, as well as the achievement of team performance objectives. Further
      studies should explore how coaching behaviours impact the patient, whose well
      being is the ultimate objective of a team in the health and social care system,
      namely in terms of the patient's perception of quality care or patient outcomes. 

PMID- 27135138
TI  - Patterns of Sexual Experience Among Urban Latino and African American Ninth Grade
      Students.
AB  - This analysis assessed patterns of sexual experience, the order in which
      behaviors were initiated, and associated factors, among Latino and African
      American ninth grade students (average age 15.2) who self-administered audio
      computer-assisted surveys on netbooks in classes at 10 Los Angeles-area public
      high schools. Lifetime experiences with vaginal and oral sex were most common
      (19% and 16%, respectively); fewer reported anal sex (6%). Of the 23% reporting
      any sex, 91% fell into four categories: 36% reporting both oral and vaginal sex;
      23% vaginal only; 18% all three; and 13% oral only. Most sexually experienced
      students (88%) initiated with vaginal or oral sex (46% vaginal, 33% oral, 9% both
      same day). No dominant pathway of sexual onset emerged for those reporting all
      three types of sex. We found no evidence that oral or anal sex substituted for or
      delayed vaginal sex. Males, those with a current partner, and those reporting
      multiple partners were more likely than others to report all three sexual
      behaviors versus vaginal only (odds ratios [ORs] 2.0, 1.5, 3.0; p = .02, .06, <
      .01, respectively). Although vaginal intercourse dominated their early sexual
      behavior, one-fifth of sexually experienced students reported anal intercourse,
      highlighting the need for specific prevention messages surrounding this higher
      risk behavior.

PMID- 27135139
TI  - Long-Term Mental Health Outcomes of Military Service: National Linkage Study of
      57,000 Veterans and 173,000 Matched Nonveterans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We used data from the Scottish Veterans Health Study to examine long
      term mental health outcomes in a large cohort of veterans, with a focus on the
      impact of length of service. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, 30-year
      cohort study of 56,205 veterans born from 1945 through 1985, including 14,702 who
      left military service prematurely, and 172,741 people with no record of military
      service, using Cox proportional hazard models, to examine the association between
      veteran status and length of service and cumulative risk of mental health
      disorder. We stratified the veterans by common lengths of service, defining Early
      Service Leavers as those who had served for less than 2.5 years. RESULTS: There
      were 2,794 (4.97%) first episodes of any mental health disorder in veterans,
      compared with 7,779 (4.50%) in nonveterans. The difference was statistically
      significant for all veterans (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.16
      1.27; P < .001). Subgroup analysis showed the highest risk to be in Early Service
      Leavers (adjusted HR = 1.51; 95% CI, 1.30-1.50; P < .001), including those who
      failed to complete initial training. The risk reduced with longer service; beyond
      9 years of service, risk of mental health disorder was comparable to or lower
      than that in nonveterans. CONCLUSIONS: The veterans at highest risk of mental
      health disorder were those who did not complete training or minimum engagement,
      while those with longest service were at reduced risk, suggesting that military
      service was not causative. The high risk among the earliest leavers may reflect
      pre-service vulnerabilities not detected at recruitment, which become apparent
      during early training and lead to early discharge.

PMID- 27135140
TI  - Aging of platelets stored for transfusion.
AB  - A goal of platelet storage is to maintain the quality of platelets from the point
      of donation to the point of transfusion - to suspend the aging process. This
      effort is judged by clinical and laboratory measures with varying degrees of
      success. Recent work gives encouragement that platelets can be maintained ex vivo
      beyond the current 5 -7 day shelf life whilst maintaining their quality, as
      measured by posttransfusion recovery and survival. However, additional measures
      are needed to validate the development of technologies that may further reduce
      the aging of stored platelets, or enhance their hemostatic properties. 

PMID- 27135141
TI  - Tetrathiomolybdate Complexes of Rhodium(I) with Molybdenum-Rhodium Interactions.
AB  - The synthesis and characterization of the tetrathiomolybdatorhodium(I)
      monoanionic complexes [L2Rh(MU-S)2MoS2](-) (L = CO (3), P(OPh)3 (4), P(O-o-Tol)3
      (P(o-CH3C6H4)3; 5), P(OMe)3 (6), P(OEt)3 (7), P(O-i-Pr)3 (8); L2 = COD (1,5
      cyclooctadiene; 2), cis-dppen (cis-Ph2PCH?CHPPh2; 9), dppe (Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2; 10),
      dppb (Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2; 11)) is presented. The complex 2 (NEt4(+) salt) was
      characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. A detailed DFT study of the
      electronic structures of 2-4 and 6-8 has revealed the existence of extended
      electron delocalization over the four-membered Rh(MU-S)2Mo ring and hence the
      possibility of electronic communication between the metal centers. The electronic
      spectra were studied with TDDFT calculations, and the main absorption band in the
      visible region was assigned to nu(Rh->Mo) electron transfer transition, which is
      actually a HOMO-LUMO transition. The nu(Rh->Mo) transition was found to correlate
      linearly both with Tolman's electronic parameter of the phosphite ligands and the
      calculated HOMO-LUMO gap of the complexes, rendering it a well-defined ligand
      electronic parameter, which describes the net donating ability of monodentate and
      bidentate ligands (CO, COD, phosphites, diphosphines). The study of the variation
      of Deltadelta((31)P) and (1)J(Rh-P) of the phosphite complexes with respect to
      the QALE model electronic parameters chid, pip, and Ear has succeeded in the
      assessment of the sigma and pi effects on these NMR spectral parameters.

PMID- 27135142
TI  - Facile synthesis of highly active hydrated yttrium oxide towards arsenate
      adsorption.
AB  - A novel hydrated yttrium oxide adsorbent with high capacity towards the arsenate
      (As(V)) adsorption was fabricated by a one-step hydrothermal process. Structure
      analysis identified the hydrated yttrium oxide to be Y2O(OH)4.1.5H2O, which
      displayed as irregular rods in the range of tens to hundreds of nanometers. The
      adsorbent exhibited favorable As(V) adsorption efficiency in a wide pH range from
      4.0 to 7.0, with the maximum adsorption capacity of 480.2mg-As/g obtained at pH
      5.0. Both the kinetics and isotherm studies demonstrated that the adsorption of
      the As(V) was a monolayer chemical adsorption process, in which the ion exchange
      between the hydroxyl groups on the hydrated yttrium oxide and arsenate anions
      played a key role in the uptake of the As(V). During the adsorption, the As(V)
      anions were replaced the hydroxyl groups and bound to the hydrated yttrium oxide
      via the linkage of AsOY. The presence of fluoride and phosphate greatly hindered
      the As(V) uptake on the hydrated yttrium oxide, whereas the bicarbonate, sulfate
      and humic acid showed insignificant impacts on the removal. 

PMID- 27135143
TI  - The Flavone Luteolin Inhibits Liver X Receptor Activation.
AB  - Luteolin is a dietary flavonoid with medicinal properties including antioxidant,
      antimicrobial, anticancer, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory. However, the
      effect of luteolin on liver X receptors (LXRs), oxysterol sensors that regulate
      cholesterol homeostasis, lipogenesis, and inflammation, has yet to be studied. To
      unveil the potential of luteolin as an LXRalpha/beta modulator, we investigated
      by real-time RT-PCR the expression of LXR-target genes, namely, sterol regulatory
      element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) in hepatocytes and ATP-binding cassette
      transporter (ABC)A1 in macrophages. The lipid content of hepatocytes was
      evaluated by Oil Red staining. The results demonstrated, for the first time, that
      luteolin abrogated the LXRalpha/beta agonist-induced LXRalpha/beta
      transcriptional activity and, consequently, inhibited SREBP-1c expression, lipid
      accumulation, and ABCA1 expression. Therefore, luteolin could abrogate
      hypertriglyceridemia associated with LXR activation, thus presenting putative
      therapeutic effects in diseases associated with deregulated lipid metabolism,
      such as hepatic steatosis, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

PMID- 27135144
TI  - A Novel Free Flap Monitoring System Using Tissue Oximetry with Text Message
      Alerts.
AB  - Background The time to detection of vascular compromise is a significant
      predictor of free flap salvage outcomes as early reexploration improves salvage
      rates. Continuous transcutaneous near-infrared tissue oximetry is an objective,
      quantitative method of detecting flap vascular compromise and has been shown to
      allow earlier reexploration and higher salvage rates than clinical assessment
      alone. We designed a novel text messaging system to improve communication using
      tissue oximetry monitoring. Methods A retrospective review was performed of a
      prospectively collected database of all microsurgical breast reconstructions from
      2008 to 2015. A novel text messaging system was introduced in 2013 and programmed
      to send text messages alert when the tissue oximetry readings suggested potential
      flap compromise based on established thresholds. Patient demographics and
      complications, including rate of reexploration and flap loss were assessed.
      Results There were 900 autologous microsurgical breast free flaps during the
      study period: 614 were monitored with standard clinical monitoring and tissue
      oximetry compared with 286 flaps with the additional text messaging system. There
      were 27 unplanned returns to the operating room in the tissue oximetry group and
      5 in the text messaging group with 1 complete flap loss in each group.
      Reexploration occurred sooner as a result of these text message alerts (17.5 vs.
      26.6 hours postoperatively), however, it did not achieve statistical
      significance. Conclusions We were able to demonstrate the use of a novel text
      messaging system for tissue oximetry. This alert system shows promise in
      identifying impending flap loss with rapid notification of the surgical team. 

PMID- 27135145
TI  - Distally Based Iliotibial Band Flap: Anatomic Study with Surgical Considerations.
AB  - Background Reconstruction of high-risk fascia, tendon, or ligament defects may
      benefit from vascularized tissue. The iliotibial band (ITB), a thick fibrous
      tract of connective tissue, serves as a potential donor site for free tissue
      transfer but its blood supply has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of
      this anatomical study was to investigate the vascular supply to the distal ITB
      and its role as a free fascial flap. Methods We dissected 16 fresh-frozen
      cadaveric legs and injected latex into the superolateral geniculate artery
      (SLGA). A distal ITB fascial flap was designed and measurements were taken for
      flap dimensions, pedicle length and size, and SLGA perfusion territory. Results
      The SLGA perfused 11.5 +/- 2.3 cm of distal ITB (proximal to the lateral femoral
      epicondyle) and provided 6.4 +/- 0.7cm of pedicle length to the ITB flap.
      Conclusions Chimeric options to include bone (from the lateral femoral condyle),
      cartilage (from the lateral femoral trochlea), muscle (from vastus lateralis or
      biceps femoris), and skin are possible. Surgical harvest techniques are proposed,
      including preservation of ITB insertions to minimize lateral knee instability.
      Clinical validation is needed to determine the role of the distal ITB free
      fascial flap in reconstructive microsurgery. 

PMID- 27135146
TI  - Exergames for Older Adults with Subthreshold Depression: Does Higher Playfulness
      Lead to Better Improvement in Depression?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The use of exergames is increasingly prevalent in the healthcare
      promotion among older adults. The current study aimed to examine whether the
      playfulness may influence the antidepressant effect of exergames on older adults.
      METHOD: Two experimental conditions, high playfulness (WiiTM Sport games) and low
      playfulness (Wii FitTM training), were implemented in a 6-week randomized
      controlled study. A manipulation check was conducted first to confirm the
      significant difference in playfulness between the two conditions. A total of 49
      community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with subthreshold depression have
      finished the study. Their depression, positive emotions, and self-efficacy were
      measured at both pre- and post-test. A multivariate analysis of covariance
      (MANCOVA) was then conducted between two conditions, with age and gender as the
      covariates. RESULTS: Findings suggest that older adults in both two exergame
      conditions have improvements in subthreshold depression [t(48) = 9.48, P <
      0.001], positive emotions [t(48) = -12.04, P < 0.001], and self-efficacy [t(48) =
      -9.78, P < 0.001]. Significant effect of playfulness in exergames was found on
      positive emotions among older adults [F(3, 47) = 20.82, P < 0.001], although not
      on subthreshold depression and self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Results gained from the
      study will assist in the future implementation and development of exergames that
      aim to improve mental health among older adults.

PMID- 27135147
TI  - Genotyping of Novel SNPs in BMPR1B, BMP15, and GDF9 Genes for Association with
      Prolificacy in Seven Indian Goat Breeds.
AB  - Goats form the backbone of rural livelihood and financial security systems in
      India but their population is showing decreasing trend. Improvement of
      reproductive traits such as prolificacy offers a solution to stabilize the
      decreasing goat population and to meet the nutritional needs of growing human
      population. In the present study, six novel SNPs in three candidate genes for
      prolificacy (BMPR1B, BMP15, and GDF9) were genotyped in seven breeds of Indian
      goats to evaluate their association with litter size. Tetra primer ARMS-PCR and
      PCR-RFLP based protocols were developed for genotyping six novel SNPs, namely, T(
      242)C in BMPR1B; G735A and C808G in BMP15; and C818T, A959C, and G1189A in GDF9
      gene. The effect of breed was highly significant (p <= 0.01) on litter size but
      the effect of genotype was nonsignificant. The effect of parity on litter size
      was also significant in the prolific Black Bengal breed. The litter size
      differences observed between breeds are attributed to breed differences. Novel
      mutations observed at different loci in GDF9, BMP15, and BMPR1B genes do not
      contribute to the reproductive capability of the investigated breeds. Further
      studies with more number of breeds and animals exploring association of these
      novel SNPs with reproductive traits may be fruitful. 

PMID- 27135148
TI  - Prototapirella ciliates from wild habituated Virunga mountain gorillas (Gorilla
      beringei beringei) in Rwanda with the descriptions of two new species.
AB  - The morphology of Prototapirella fosseyi n. sp., P. rwanda n. sp. and P.
      gorillaeImai, Ikeda, Collet, and Bonhomme, 1991 in the Entodiniomorphida were
      described from the mountain gorillas, Gorilla beringei beringei, in Rwanda. The
      ciliates have a retractable adoral ciliary zone, four non-retractable ciliary
      tufts in four caudalia, and one broad skeletal plate beneath the body surface. P.
      rwanda has a dorsal lobe and ventral lobes in two rows whereas P. fosseyi has no
      lobes. These two new species have an elongated body, a flat tail flap leaning to
      the ventral, a macronucleus with a tapering anterior end, a round posterior end
      and a shallow depression on the dorsal side, a micronucleus lying near the
      anterior end of macronucleus, a thin left region of the skeletal plate, a
      distinct skeletal rod plate, and four contractile vacuoles. P. gorillae has some
      variations in the nuclei and the skeletal plate. The infraciliary bands of three
      Prototapirella species were the same as some Triplumaria species; a C-shaped
      adoral polybrachykinety, a slender perivestibular polybrachykinety, and
      paralabial kineties in their retractable adoral ciliary zone and short lateral
      polybrachykineties in their four caudalia. The perivestibular polybrachykinety is
      joined only to the right end of adoral polybrachykinety. 

PMID- 27135150
TI  - Importance of the left ventricular outflow tract in the need for pacemaker
      implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The interaction of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and
      transcatheter heart valve (THV) is complex and may be device design specific. We
      sought to study LVOT characteristics and its relation with permanent pacemaker
      implantation (PPI) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS:
      We studied 302 patients with a median age of 81years [75-84]. Computed tomography
      was used to assess LVOT in terms of amount of calcium, perimeter and device size
      relative to LVOT. RESULTS: We implanted a Medtronic CoreValve (MCS) in 203
      patients, Edwards-Sapien XT (ESV-XT) in 38, Edwards-Sapien S3 (ESV-S3) in 26 and
      Lotus in 35 patients. Sixty-eight patients (22.5%) received a new PPI within
      30days after the index procedure. The incidence of PPI was 22.7% with MCS, 10.5%
      with ESV-XT, 26.9% with ESV-S3 and 31.4% with Lotus. By multivariate analysis
      RBBB at baseline (OR 2.9 [1.2-6.9, p=0.014), second generation valves (OR 2.1
      [1.0-4.5], p=0.048), DOI (OR 1.20 per 1mm increment, [1.09-1.31], p<0.001) and
      LVOT sizing (OR per 1% increment 1.03 [1.01-1.07], p=0.022) were associated with
      need for PPI. Sensitivity analyses suggest that a lesser degree of LVOT
      oversizing triggers PPI with second generation THVs vs. first generation THVs.
      CONCLUSIONS: More LVOT oversizing is associated with a higher need for permanent
      pacemaker implantation after TAVR, even more so with deeper THV implants and next
      generation devices (ESV-S3 and Lotus). Sizing algorithms should focus more on
      LVOT dimensions to reduce PPI.

PMID- 27135149
TI  - The SSTARS (STeroids and Stents Against Re-Stenosis) Trial: Different stent
      alloys and the use of peri-procedural oral corticosteroids to prevent in-segment
      restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stent design and technological modifications to allow for anti
      proliferative drug elution influence restenosis rates following percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to investigate whether peri-procedural
      administration of corticosteroids or the use of thinner strut cobalt alloy stents
      would reduce rates of binary angiographic restenosis (BAR) after PCI. METHODS:
      This was a two centre, mixed single and double blinded, randomised controlled
      trial using a factorial design. We compared (a) the use of prednisolone to
      placebo, starting at least six hours pre-PCI and continued for 28days post-PCI,
      and (b) cobalt chromium (CoCr) to stainless steel (SS) alloy stents, in patients
      admitted for PCI. The primary end-point was BAR at six months. RESULTS: 315
      patients (359 lesions) were randomly assigned to either placebo (n=145) or
      prednisolone (n=170) and SS (n=160) or CoCr (n=160). The majority (58%) presented
      with an ACS, 11% had diabetes and 287 (91%) completed angiographic follow up. BAR
      occurred in 26 cases in the placebo group (19.7%) versus 31 cases in the
      prednisolone group (20.0%) respectively, p=1.00. For the comparison between SS
      and CoCr stents, BAR occurred in 32 patients (21.6%) versus 25 patients (18.0%)
      respectively, p=0.46. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that treating patients with a
      moderately high dose of prednisolone for 28days following PCI with BMS did not
      reduce the incidence of BAR. In addition, we showed no significant reduction in
      6month restenosis rates with stents composed of CoCr alloy compared to SS
      (http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN05886349).

PMID- 27135151
TI  - Where to begin: From the electrocardiogram or the symptoms?

PMID- 27135152
TI  - What is the optimal approach to a non- culprit stenosis after ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction - Conservative therapy or upfront revascularization? An
      updated meta-analysis of randomized trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-culprit percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during a ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains controversial. We
      performed a meta-analysis of the published literature comparing a strategy of
      complete revascularization (CR) with culprit or target vessel revascularization
      (TVR)-only after STEMI in patients with multi-vessel disease. METHODS: We
      searched PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus and
      Google-scholar databases from inception to March-2016 for clinical trials
      comparing CR with TVR during PCI for STEMI. Mantel-Haenszel risk ratio (MH-RR)
      with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for individual outcomes was calculated using
      random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 7 randomized trials with 2004 patients
      were included in the final analysis. Mean follow-up was 25.4months. Major adverse
      cardiac events (MACE) (MH-RR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43-0.78, P<0.001), cardiac deaths
      (MH-RR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.24-0.74, P=0.003) and repeat revascularization (MH-RR:
      0.36, 95% CI: 0.27-0.48, P<0.001) were much lower in the CR group when compared
      to TVR. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of all-cause
      mortality (0.84, 95% CI: 0.57-1.25, P=0.394) or recurrent MI (MH-RR: 0.66, 95%
      CI: 0.34-1.26, P=0.205) between the two groups. CR appeared to be safe with no
      significant increase in adverse events including stroke rates (MH-RR: 2.19, 95%
      CI: 0.59-8.12, P=0.241), contrast induced nephropathy (MH-RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.34
      1.57, P=0.423) or major bleeding episodes (MH-RR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.34-1.54,
      P=0.399). CONCLUSIONS: CR strategy in STEMI patients with multivessel coronary
      artery disease is associated with reduction in MACE, cardiac mortality and need
      for repeat revascularization but with no decrease in the risk of subsequent MI or
      all-cause mortality. CR was safe however, with no increase in adverse events
      including stroke, stent thrombosis or contrast nephropathy when compared to TVR.

PMID- 27135154
TI  - Synthesis of Cu-Deficient and Zn-Graded Cu-In-Zn-S Quantum Dots and Hybrid
      Inorganic-Organic Nanophosphor Composite for White Light Emission.
AB  - Cu-deficient graded-zinc Cu-In-Zn-S (CIZS) quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized by
      a two-step solvothermal method. These CIZS QDs exhibited size and composition
      tunable photoluminescence characteristics with emission color tunable from
      greenish-yellow to orange to red with a relatively high quantum yield between 45
      and 60%. Novel white-light-emitting (WLE) hybrid composite is fabricated by
      integrating the blue-emissive 1,4-bis-2-(5-phenyl oxazolyl)-benzene (POPOP)
      organic fluorophore and quaternary CIZS inorganic QDs. Integrating CIZS QDs with
      POPOP fluorophore resulted in series of tunable emission colors with CIE
      coordinates lying in a straight line between the coordinates of the end member.
      WLE was shown for hybrid mixture comprising 0.5 nM of POPOP and 3 mg/mL of CIZS
      QDs with color coordinates (0.3312, 0.3324). Thin films of this hybrid mixture in
      PMMA matrix coated on UV-LED or on glass substrates with UV backlit light also
      showed broadband WLE with ideal CIE color coordinates of (0.34, 0.33), high color
      rendering index value of 92, and correlated color temperature value of 5143 K.
      The hybrid composite exhibit Forster resonance energy transfer cascading from
      POPOP to CIZS which results in emission covering the entire visible spectral
      range. POPOP and CIZS QDs hybrid composite is a versatile material for WLED
      applications.

PMID- 27135153
TI  - Association of office-based frailty score with hypertensive end organ damage in
      the J-SHIPP cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Frailty, a geriatric syndrome reflecting a state of reduced
      physiological reserve and increased vulnerability, is an independent risk factor
      for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the relationship between
      frailty and hypertensive end-organ damage is not fully established. METHOD AND
      RESULTS: We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate the association
      between frailty and end-organ damage in 1125 apparently healthy middle-aged to
      elderly subjects. We performed a simple frailty (SF) score that was easily
      obtainable in the office, in combination with low hand grip power and short one
      leg standing (OLS) time. The association between SF score and hypertensive end
      organ damage and other frailty-related parameters was evaluated. Odds ratio of SF
      score 1 to score 0 for the presence of hypertension was 1.9 [1.4-2.5, p<.0001]
      and that of SF score 2 was 3.3 [2.1-5.3, p<.0001]. SF score was also
      significantly associated with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and
      central pulse pressure (PP2). SF score was significantly associated with higher
      frailty index calculated from 21 parameters, lower cognitive test score, % vital
      capacity, skeletal muscle mass, and thigh muscle cross-sectional area. SF score
      was positively associated with stage of brain white matter hyperintenisty, plasma
      levels of B-type natriuretic peptide, and urinary protein excretion, even after
      correction for confounding parameters including baPWV and PP2. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings indicate that frailty is significantly associated with end-organ damage
      in elderly subjects. SF score may be a useful clinical tool to identify frail
      subjects and advanced end-organ damage in elderly subjects.

PMID- 27135156
TI  - Synthesis of Pt-Ni Octahedra in Continuous-Flow Droplet Reactors for the Scalable
      Production of Highly Active Catalysts toward Oxygen Reduction.
AB  - A number of groups have reported the syntheses of nanosized Pt-Ni octahedra with
      remarkable activities toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), a process key
      to the operation of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. However, the throughputs
      of those batch-based syntheses are typically limited to a scale of 5-25 mg Pt per
      batch, which is far below the amount needed for commercial evaluation. Here we
      report the use of droplet reactors for the continuous and scalable production of
      Pt-Ni octahedra with high activities toward ORR. In a typical synthesis,
      Pt(acac)2, Ni(acac)2, and W(CO)6 were dissolved in a mixture of oleylamine, oleic
      acid, and benzyl ether, and then pumped into a polytetrafluoroethylene tube. When
      the solution entered the reaction zone at a temperature held in the range of 170
      230  degrees C, W(CO)6 quickly decomposed to generate CO gas, naturally
      separating the reaction solution into discrete, uniform droplets. Each droplet
      then served as a reactor for the nucleation and growth of Pt-Ni octahedra whose
      size and composition could be controlled by changing the composition of the
      solvent and/or adjusting the amount of Ni(acac)2 added into the reaction
      solution. For a catalyst based on Pt2.4Ni octahedra of 9 nm in edge length, it
      showed an ORR mass activity of 2.67 A mgPt(-1) at 0.9 V, representing an 11-fold
      improvement over a state-of-the-art commercial Pt/C catalyst (0.24 A mgPt(-1)).

PMID- 27135155
TI  - Genomic analysis reveals depression due to both individual and maternal
      inbreeding in a free-living mammal population.
AB  - There is ample evidence for inbreeding depression manifested as a reduction in
      fitness or fitness-related traits in the focal individual. In many organisms,
      fitness is not only affected by genes carried by the individual, but also by
      genes carried by their parents, for example if receiving parental care. While
      maternal effects have been described in many systems, the extent to which
      inbreeding affects fitness directly through the focal individual, or indirectly
      through the inbreeding coefficients of its parents, has rarely been examined
      jointly. The Soay sheep study population is an excellent system in which to test
      for both effects, as lambs receive extended maternal care. Here, we tested for
      both maternal and individual inbreeding depression in three fitness-related
      traits (birthweight and weight and hindleg length at 4 months of age) and three
      fitness components (first-year survival, adult annual survival and annual
      breeding success), using either pedigree-derived inbreeding or genomic estimators
      calculated using ~37 000 SNP markers. We found evidence for inbreeding depression
      in 4-month hindleg and weight, first-year survival in males, and annual survival
      and breeding success in adults. Maternal inbreeding was found to depress both
      birthweight and 4-month weight. We detected more instances of significant
      inbreeding depression using genomic estimators than the pedigree, which is partly
      explained through the increased sample sizes available. In conclusion, our
      results highlight that cross-generational inbreeding effects warrant further
      exploration in species with parental care and that modern genomic tools can be
      used successfully instead of, or alongside, pedigrees in natural populations. 

PMID- 27135157
TI  - All's Well That Scales Well.

PMID- 27135158
TI  - Principles of Systems Biology, No. 2.
AB  - It's a translation bonanza. This month's responses to our Cell Systems Call (Cell
      Systems 1, 307) include four that illuminate principles governing the production
      of proteins from mRNA. 

PMID- 27135159
TI  - Perfect and Near-Perfect Adaptation in Cell Signaling.
AB  - Adaptation is an important basic feature of cellular regulation. Previous
      theoretical work has identified three types of circuits-negative feedback loops,
      incoherent feedforward systems, and state-dependent inactivation systems-that can
      achieve perfect or near-perfect adaptation. Recent work has added another
      strategy, termed antithetic integral feedback, to the list of motifs capable of
      robust perfect adaptation. Here, we discuss the properties, limitations, and
      biological relevance of each of these circuits.

PMID- 27135160
TI  - Hunting for Cis-Regulatory Elements in Proteins.
AB  - A new bioinformatics tool predicts natively disordered protein control elements
      that function in cis, opening the door to more systematic studies of this
      biomedically important class of protein modules.

PMID- 27135161
TI  - Why Have Organelles Retained Genomes?
AB  - Genes in mitochondria and chloroplasts are co-located with their gene products to
      permit regulation of trans-membrane electron transport at the energetic boundary
      of the cell.

PMID- 27135162
TI  - Even Noisy Responses Can Be Perfect If Integrated Properly.
AB  - Integral feedback for perfect adaptation is a ubiquitous strategy in engineering
      and biology. Long studied in deterministic settings, it can now be understood in
      the context of the fully stochastic systems that are prevalent in biology.

PMID- 27135163
TI  - Systems-wide Identification of cis-Regulatory Elements in Proteins.
AB  - Protein interactions in cis that can activate or autoinhibit protein function
      play an important role in the fine-tuning of regulatory and signaling processes
      in the cell, but thus far cis-regulatory elements (CREs) in proteins have not
      been systematically identified and studied. Here, we introduce a computational
      tool that identifies intrinsically disordered protein segments that contribute to
      protein function regulation via interactions in cis. We apply this tool to
      estimate the prevalence of CREs in the human proteome and reveal that cis
      regulation is enriched in several signaling pathways, including the MAP kinase
      pathway, for which we provide a detailed map of its "cis regulome." We also show
      that disease-causing mutations are highly enriched in CREs, but not in motifs
      that classically mediate protein-protein interactions of disordered protein
      segments. Our approach should facilitate the discovery and characterization of
      CREs in proteins and the identification of disease-causing mutations that disrupt
      protein regulation in cis.

PMID- 27135164
TI  - Evolutionary Inference across Eukaryotes Identifies Specific Pressures Favoring
      Mitochondrial Gene Retention.
AB  - Since their endosymbiotic origin, mitochondria have lost most of their genes.
      Although many selective mechanisms underlying the evolution of mitochondrial
      genomes have been proposed, a data-driven exploration of these hypotheses is
      lacking, and a quantitatively supported consensus remains absent. We developed
      HyperTraPS, a methodology coupling stochastic modeling with Bayesian inference,
      to identify the ordering of evolutionary events and suggest their causes. Using
      2015 complete mitochondrial genomes, we inferred evolutionary trajectories of
      mtDNA gene loss across the eukaryotic tree of life. We find that proteins
      comprising the structural cores of the electron transport chain are
      preferentially encoded within mitochondrial genomes across eukaryotes. A
      combination of high GC content and high protein hydrophobicity is required to
      explain patterns of mtDNA gene retention; a model that accounts for these
      selective pressures can also predict the success of artificial gene transfer
      experiments in vivo. This work provides a general method for data-driven
      inference of the ordering of evolutionary and progressive events, here
      identifying the distinct features shaping mitochondrial genomes of present-day
      species. 

PMID- 27135166
TI  - Antithetic Integral Feedback Ensures Robust Perfect Adaptation in Noisy
      Biomolecular Networks.

PMID- 27135165
TI  - Longitudinal RNA-Seq Analysis of Vertebrate Aging Identifies Mitochondrial
      Complex I as a Small-Molecule-Sensitive Modifier of Lifespan.
AB  - Mutations and genetic variability affect gene expression and lifespan, but the
      impact of variations in gene expression within individuals on their aging-related
      mortality is poorly understood. We performed a longitudinal study in the short
      lived killifish, Nothobranchius furzeri, and correlated quantitative variations
      in gene expression during early adult life with lifespan. Shorter- and longer
      lived individuals differ in their gene expression before the onset of aging
      related mortality; differences in gene expression are more pronounced early in
      life. We identified mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I as a hub in a
      module of genes whose expression is negatively correlated with lifespan.
      Accordingly, partial pharmacological inhibition of complex I by the small
      molecule rotenone reversed aging-related regulation of gene expression and
      extended lifespan in N. furzeri by 15%. These results support the use of N.
      furzeri as a vertebrate model for identifying the protein targets,
      pharmacological modulators, and individual-to-individual variability associated
      with aging.

PMID- 27135169
TI  - Preschoolers' credulity toward misinformation from ingroup versus outgroup
      speakers.
AB  - The current research examined preschoolers' credulity toward misinformation from
      ingroup versus outgroup speakers. Experiment 1 showed that when searching for a
      hidden toy, Caucasian English monolingual 4-year-olds were credulous toward the
      false testimony of a race-and-accent ingroup speaker, despite their firsthand
      observations of the hiding event, but were skeptical when the false testimony was
      provided by a race-and-accent outgroup speaker. In the same experiment, 3-year
      olds were credulous toward the false testimony of both speakers. Experiment 2
      showed that when the false testimony was provided by a same-race-only or same
      accent-only speaker, 4-year-olds were not particularly credulous or skeptical.
      The findings are discussed in relation to how intergroup bias might contribute to
      the selective credulity in the 4-year-olds as well as the factors that might
      explain the indiscriminate credulity in the 3-year-olds.

PMID- 27135168
TI  - Lexical prosody beyond first-language boundary: Chinese lexical tone sensitivity
      predicts English reading comprehension.
AB  - This 1-year longitudinal study examined the role of Cantonese lexical tone
      sensitivity in predicting English reading comprehension and the pathways
      underlying their relation. Multiple measures of Cantonese lexical tone
      sensitivity, English lexical stress sensitivity, Cantonese segmental phonological
      awareness, general auditory sensitivity, English word reading, and English
      reading comprehension were administered to 133 Cantonese-English unbalanced
      bilingual second graders. Structural equation modeling analysis identified
      transfer of Cantonese lexical tone sensitivity to English reading comprehension.
      This transfer was realized through a direct pathway via English stress
      sensitivity and also an indirect pathway via English word reading. These results
      suggest that prosodic sensitivity is an important factor influencing English
      reading comprehension and that it needs to be incorporated into theoretical
      accounts of reading comprehension across languages.

PMID- 27135170
TI  - An innovative zinc oxide-coated zeolite adsorbent for removal of humic acid.
AB  - Zinc oxide (ZnO)-coated zeolite adsorbents were developed by both nitric acid
      modification and Zn(NO3)2.6H2O functionalization of zeolite 4A. The developed
      adsorbents were used for the removal of humic acid (HA) from aqueous solutions.
      The synthesized materials were characterized by porosimetry analysis, scanning
      electron microscopy, X-Ray diffraction analysis, and high resolution transmission
      electron microscopy. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbents at 21+/-1
      degrees C was about 60mgCg(-1). The results showed that the positive charge
      density of ZnO-coated zeolite adsorbents was proportional to the amount of ZnO
      coated on zeolite and thus, ZnO-coated zeolite adsorbents exhibited a greater
      affinity for negatively charged ions. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of ZnO
      coated zeolite adsorbents increased markedly after acid modification. Adsorption
      experiments demonstrated ZnO-coated zeolite adsorbents possessed high adsorption
      capacity to remove HA from aqueous solutions mainly due to strong electrostatic
      interactions between negative functional groups of HA and the positive charges of
      ZnO-coated zeolite adsorbents.

PMID- 27135171
TI  - Emerging contaminant degradation and removal in algal wastewater treatment ponds:
      Identifying the research gaps.
AB  - Whereas the fate of emerging contaminants (ECs) during 'conventional' and
      'advanced' wastewater treatment (WWT) has been intensively studied, little
      research has been conducted on the algal WWT ponds commonly used in provincial
      areas. The long retention times and large surface areas exposed to light
      potentially allow more opportunities for EC removal to occur, but experimental
      evidence is lacking to enable definite predictions about EC fate across different
      algal WWT systems. This study reviews the mechanisms of EC hydrolysis, sorption,
      biodegradation, and photodegradation, applying available knowledge to the case of
      algal WWT. From this basis the review identifies three main areas that need more
      research due to the unique environmental and ecological conditions occurring in
      algal WWT ponds: i) the effect of diurnally fluctuating pH and dissolved oxygen
      upon removal mechanisms; ii) the influence of algae and algal biomass on
      biodegradation and sorption under relevant conditions; and iii) the significance
      of EC photodegradation in the presence of dissolved and suspended materials.
      Because of the high concentration of dissolved organics typically found in algal
      WWT ponds, most EC photodegradation likely occurs via indirect mechanisms rather
      than direct photolysis in these systems.

PMID- 27135173
TI  - Correction to "An Improved Ultrasensitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using
      Hydrangea-Like Antibody-Enzyme-Inorganic Three-in-One Nanocomposites".

PMID- 27135172
TI  - CO oxidation catalyzed by silicon carbide (SiC) monolayer: A theoretical study.
AB  - Developing metal-free catalysts for CO oxidation has been a key scientific issue
      in solving the growing environmental problems caused by CO emission. In this
      work, the potential of the silicon carbide (SiC) monolayer as a metal-free
      catalyst for CO oxidation was systematically explored by means of density
      functional theory (DFT) computations. Our results revealed that CO oxidation
      reaction can easily proceed on SiC nanosheet, and a three-step mechanism was
      proposed: (1) the coadsorption of CO and O2 molecules, followed by (2) the
      formation of the first CO2 molecule, and (3) the recovery of catalyst by a second
      CO molecule. The last step is the rate-determining one of the whole catalytic
      reaction with the highest barrier of 0.65eV. Remarkably, larger curvature is
      found to have a negative effect on the catalytic performance of SiC nanosheet for
      CO oxidation. Therefore, our results suggested that flat SiC monolayer is a
      promising metal-free catalyst for CO oxidation.

PMID- 27135174
TI  - A Validation Study of Bullet and Cartridge Case Comparisons Using Samples
      Representative of Actual Casework.
AB  - The foundation of firearm and tool mark identification is that no two tools
      should produce the same microscopic marks on two separate objects that they would
      be inaccurately or wrongly identified. Studies addressing the validity of
      identification infrequently employ tests that mirror realistic casework
      scenarios. This study attempted to do so using a double-blind process, reducing
      test-taking bias. Test kits including bullets and cartridge cases but not the
      associated firearms were completed by 31 analysts from 22 agencies. Analysis of
      the results demonstrated an overall error rate of 0.303%, sensitivity of 85.2%,
      and specificity of 86.8%. Variability in performance across examiners is
      addressed, and the effect of examiners' years of experience on identification
      accuracy is explored. Finally, the article discusses the importance of studies
      using realistic case work scenarios when validating the field's performance and
      in providing courts with usable indicators of the accuracy of firearm and tool
      mark identification.

PMID- 27135175
TI  - The End-of-Life Experiences of People with Motor Neuron Disease: Family Carers'
      Perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with motor neuron disease (MND) face barriers when accessing
      palliative care. There is a lack of research about how these barriers affect the
      end-of-life (EOL) and death experiences of people with MND. AIM: This study
      examined the perceptions of EOL experiences of family carers of people with MND
      in Western Australia (WA) to identify unmet needs and gaps in EOL support for
      people with MND and their family carers. DESIGN: Semistructured interviews were
      conducted with 12 bereaved family carers of people who died from MND in WA.
      Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes. RESULTS: The themes
      identified can be summarized into three main areas: accessing support, accessing
      information, and feeling prepared. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that
      increased access to specialist palliative care services by people with MND is
      needed to improve EOL experiences.

PMID- 27135176
TI  - Protein Cages as Containers for Gold Nanoparticles.
AB  - Abundant and highly diverse, viruses offer new scaffolds in nanotechnology for
      the encapsulation, organization, or even synthesis of novel materials. In this
      work the coat protein of the cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) is used to
      encapsulate gold nanoparticles with different sizes and stabilizing ligands
      yielding stable particles in buffered solutions at neutral pH. The sizes of the
      virus-like particles correspond to T = 1, 2, and 3 Caspar-Klug icosahedral
      triangulation numbers. We developed a simple one-step process enabling the
      encapsulation of commercially available gold nanoparticles without prior
      modification with up to 97% efficiency. The encapsulation efficiency is further
      increased using bis-p-(sufonatophenyl)phenyl phosphine surfactants up to 99%. Our
      work provides a simplified procedure for the preparation of metallic particles
      stabilized in CCMV protein cages. The presented results are expected to enable
      the preparation of a variety of similar virus-based colloids for current focus
      areas.

PMID- 27135177
TI  - Pipe Dreams: Tapping into the Health Information in Our Sewers.

PMID- 27135178
TI  - Antiphospholipid Antibodies are Associated with Low Levels of Complement C3 and
      C4 in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
AB  - Complement activation and low complement levels are common in systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE). Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are found in about 30-40%
      of patients with SLE. This study aimed to investigate the association between aPL
      and complement levels in patients with SLE. Serum samples were collected from 269
      patients with SLE enrolled in the Norwegian Systemic Connective Tissue and
      Vasculitis Registry (NOSVAR) during 2003-2009, and from 353 controls. All samples
      were analysed for anti-beta2 glycoprotein 1 (anti-beta2GP1) and anticardiolipin
      antibodies (aCL), C-reactive protein (CRP) and complement components C3 and C4.
      Median CRP level was significantly higher in cases than in controls (2.06 versus
      0.90 mg/l; P < 0.0001). No significant difference in CRP was found between SLE
      patients with or without aPL (2.09 versus 1.89; P = 0.665). Median C3 levels were
      similar in cases (1.03 g/l) and controls (1.00 g/l), whereas median C4 levels
      were 0.16 g/l in cases versus. 0.19 in controls (P < 0.0001). However, aPL
      positive SLE patients had significantly lower median C3 levels (0.92 versus. 1.07
      g/l; P = 0.001) and C4 levels (0.11 versus 0.16 g/l; P < 0.0001) compared to aPL
      negative patients. Lower C3 and C4 values in aPL-positive SLE patients may
      reflect a higher consumption of C3 and C4 due to more pronounced complement
      activation in aPL-positive SLE patients compared to SLE patients without aPL. 

PMID- 27135179
TI  - A comparison of methods to estimate genomic relationships using pedigree and
      markers in livestock populations.
AB  - Accurate prediction of breeding values depends on capturing the variability in
      genome sharing of relatives with the same pedigree relationship. Here, we compare
      two approaches to set up genomic relationship matrices for precision of genomic
      relationships (GR) and accuracy of estimated breeding values (GEBV). Real and
      simulated data (pigs, 60k SNP) were analysed, and GR were estimated using two
      approaches: (i) identity by state, corrected with either the observed (GVR-O ) or
      the base population (GVR-B ) allele frequencies and (ii) identity by descent
      using linkage analysis (GIBD-L ). Estimators were evaluated for precision and
      empirical bias with respect to true pedigree IBD GR. All three estimators had
      very low bias. GIBD-L displayed the lowest sampling error and the highest
      correlation with true genome-shared values. GVR-B approximated GIBD-L 's
      correlation and had lower error than GVR-O . Accuracy of GEBV for selection
      candidates was significantly higher when GIBD-L was used and identical between
      GVR-O and GVR-B . In real data, GIBD-L 's sampling standard deviation was the
      closest to the theoretical value for each pedigree relationship. Use of pedigree
      to calculate GR improved the precision of estimates and the accuracy of GEBV.

PMID- 27135180
TI  - Early Absent Pupillary Light Reflexes After Cardiac Arrest in Patients Treated
      with Therapeutic Hypothermia.
AB  - Loss of pupillary light reactivity is one recognized indicator of poor prognosis
      after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, drug overdose, low cardiac
      output, and/or resuscitation drugs can lead to impaired pupillary light reflex.
      To investigate pupillary light reflex status before therapeutic hypothermia (TH)
      in relation to neurological outcome, we retrospectively reviewed the data of a
      prospectively implemented TH protocol in patients with cardiac arrest (CA) at
      Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida (January 2006-January 2012), and Mayo Clinic
      in Scottsdale, Arizona (August 2010-March 2014). During this period, all CA
      patients who underwent hypothermia were included. These patients were selected
      from an institutional database and hypothermia data set. The Cerebral Performance
      Category (CPC) at time of discharge was our primary outcome measure. A CPC of 1
      to 2 was defined as good outcome and a CPC from 3 to 5 was defined as poor
      outcome. We identified 99 patients who had CA treated with TH. Twenty-nine
      patients (29%) had pupils that were nonreactive to light on admission examination
      before TH, eight of whom later had return of pupil reactivity by day 3. Two of
      these 29 patients (6.9%) had good outcome, compared to 24 of 70 patients (34.3%)
      with pupils that were reactive to light (p = 0.005). Both of these patients had
      CA after illicit drug overdose. Early nonreactive pupils occurred in almost a
      third of patients after CPR and before TH in our patient population. Recovery of
      pupillary light reactivity is possible, and in a small minority of those cases
      (particularly when CA is preceded by the use of illicit drugs), a good outcome
      can be achieved. 

PMID- 27135181
TI  - The Horrible Taste of Nectar and Honey-Inappropriate Use of Thickened Liquids in
      Dementia: A Teachable Moment.

PMID- 27135183
TI  - The Principle of Stasis: Why drift is not a Zero-Cause Law.
AB  - This paper analyses the structure of evolutionary theory as a quasi-Newtonian
      theory and the need to establish a Zero-Cause Law. Several authors have
      postulated that the special character of drift is because it is the default
      behaviour or Zero-Cause Law of evolutionary systems, where change and not stasis
      is the normal state of them. For these authors, drift would be a Zero-Cause Law,
      the default behaviour and therefore a constituent assumption impossible to change
      without changing the system. I defend that drift's causal and explanatory power
      prevents it from being considered as a Zero-Cause Law. Instead, I propose that
      the default behaviour of evolutionary systems is what I call the Principle of
      Stasis, which posits that an evolutionary system where there is no selection,
      drift, mutation, migration, etc., and therefore no difference-maker, will not
      undergo any change (it will remain in stasis). 

PMID- 27135182
TI  - Wild capuchin monkeys spontaneously adjust actions when using hammer stones of
      different mass to crack nuts of different resistance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Expert tool users are known to adjust their actions skillfully
      depending on aspects of tool type and task. We examined if bearded capuchin
      monkeys cracking nuts with stones of different mass adjusted the downward
      velocity and the height of the stone when striking palm nuts. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: During a field experiment carried out in FBV (Piaui, Brazil), eight
      adult wild capuchin monkeys (five males) cracked Orbygnia nuts of varied
      resistance with hammer stones differing in mass. From recorded videos, we
      identified the highest strike per nut-cracking episode, and for this strike, we
      calculated the height to which the monkey lifted the stone, the maximum velocity
      of the stone during the downward phase, the work done on the stone, and the
      kinetic energy of the strike. RESULTS: We found that individual capuchins
      achieved average maximum kinetic energy of 8.7-16.1 J when using stones between
      0.9 and 1.9 kg, and maximum kinetic energy correlated positively with mass of the
      stone. Monkeys lifted all the stones to an individually consistent maximum height
      but added more work to the stone when using lighter stones. One male and one
      female monkey lifted stones higher when they cracked more resistant nuts. The
      high resistance of the Orbygnia nut elicits production of maximum kinetic energy,
      which the monkeys modulate to some degree by adding work to lighter stones.
      DISCUSSION: Capuchin monkeys, like chimpanzees, modulate their actions in nut
      cracking, indicating skilled action, although neither species regulates kinetic
      energy as precisely as skilled human stone knappers. Kinematic analyses promise
      to yield new insights into the ways and extent to which nonhuman tool users
      develop expertise. Am J Phys Anthropol 161:53-61, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27135184
TI  - Therapeutic effect of pentoxifylline on reproductive parameters in diabetic male
      mice.
AB  - In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) on
      male reproductive parameters in diabetic mice. Male adult mice (n = 24) were
      divided into control and three experimental groups (n = 6) including Diabetic,
      Diabetic + PTX and PTX groups. Diabetes was induced by single injection of
      streptozotocin (60 mg kg-1 ). PTX was administered intraperitoneally at the dose
      of 12 mg kg-1 for 14 days 1 week after diabetes induction. Serum levels of
      testosterone and blood glucose were determined and collected spermatozoa from
      cauda epididymidis analysed. Based on histological slides prepared from testis,
      the diameter of seminiferous tubules was determined using Motic camera and
      software and also apoptosis using TUNEL assay. Data were analysed using one-way
      anova method, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean of
      seminiferous tubules diameter, final body weight, testis weight, sperm parameters
      and testosterone hormone level in PTX-treated diabetic group indicated a
      significant increase compared to diabetic one, whereas apoptosis index and blood
      glucose were decreased in this comparison (P < 0.05). These results suggest that
      intraperitoneal administration of PTX is a potentially beneficial agent to reduce
      testicular damage and improves sperm parameters in diabetic mice by decreasing
      the ratio of apoptosis.

PMID- 27135185
TI  - Tetrahydroxydiboron-Mediated Palladium-Catalyzed Transfer Hydrogenation and
      Deuteriation of Alkenes and Alkynes Using Water as the Stoichiometric H or D Atom
      Donor.
AB  - There are few examples of catalytic transfer hydrogenations of simple alkenes and
      alkynes that use water as a stoichiometric H or D atom donor. We have found that
      diboron reagents efficiently mediate the transfer of H or D atoms from water
      directly onto unsaturated C-C bonds using a palladium catalyst. This reaction is
      conducted on a broad variety of alkenes and alkynes at ambient temperature, and
      boric acid is the sole byproduct. Mechanistic experiments suggest that this
      reaction is made possible by a hydrogen atom transfer from water that generates a
      Pd-hydride intermediate. Importantly, complete deuterium incorporation from
      stoichiometric D2O has also been achieved.

PMID- 27135186
TI  - A novel acoustic approach for the characterization of granular activated carbons
      used in the rum production.
AB  - Acoustic analysis and sound patterns recognition techniques have been widely used
      in many branches of science, however; almost none focused on the characterization
      of granular activated carbon. A new methodology has been developed in order to
      characterize activated carbon based on the dynamic analysis in audible spectra of
      the sound's relative amplitude power produced by water flooded on granular
      activated carbon. A home-build recording set-up and management of acoustic
      measurements have been presented and correlated with the results of porous
      structure of carbons characterized by N2 adsorption. Five samples of granular
      activated carbons used in the rum production of different exhausted level have
      been evaluated by both methods. Parameters as the BET surface area and total pore
      volume showed a satisfactory correlation with acoustic measurement data when the
      signal is processed at 1000Hz. Three frequencies components of the produced sound
      were analyzed and related with the porous characteristics. The found relationship
      gives the possibility to predict and calculate textural parameters of granular
      activated carbons applying the acoustic technique. This methodology approach
      opens possibilities in using acoustic experiments for the characterization of
      high-porosity materials and to determine their exhausted level.

PMID- 27135188
TI  - Laser-generated ultrasonic pulse shapes at solid wedges.
AB  - Laser pulses focused near the tip of an elastic wedge generate acoustic waves
      guided at its apex. The shapes of the acoustic wedge wave pulses depend on the
      energy and the profile of the exciting laser pulse and on the anisotropy of the
      elastic medium the wedge is made of. Expressions for the acoustic pulse shapes
      have been derived in terms of the modal displacement fields of wedge waves for
      laser excitation in the thermo-elastic regime and for excitation via a pressure
      pulse exerted on the surface. The physical quantity considered is the local
      inclination of a surface of the wedge, which is measured optically by laser-probe
      beam deflection. Experimental results on pulse shapes in the thermo-elastic
      regime are presented and confirmed by numerical calculations. They pertain to an
      isotropic sharp-angle wedge with two wedge-wave branches and to a non-reciprocity
      phenomenon at rectangular silicon edges.

PMID- 27135187
TI  - Evaluating the intensity of the acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) in
      intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging: Preliminary in vitro results.
AB  - The ability to measure the elastic properties of plaques and vessels is
      significant in clinical diagnosis, particularly for detecting a vulnerable
      plaque. A novel concept of combining intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging and
      acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging has recently been proposed. This
      method has potential in elastography for distinguishing between the stiffness of
      plaques and arterial vessel walls. However, the intensity of the acoustic
      radiation force requires calibration as a standard for the further development of
      an ARFI-IVUS imaging device that could be used in clinical applications. In this
      study, a dual-frequency transducer with 11MHz and 48MHz was used to measure the
      association between the biological tissue displacement and the applied acoustic
      radiation force. The output intensity of the acoustic radiation force generated
      by the pushing element ranged from 1.8 to 57.9mW/cm(2), as measured using a
      calibrated hydrophone. The results reveal that all of the acoustic intensities
      produced by the transducer in the experiments were within the limits specified by
      FDA regulations and could still displace the biological tissues. Furthermore,
      blood clots with different hematocrits, which have elastic properties similar to
      the lipid pool of plaques, with stiffness ranging from 0.5 to 1.9kPa could be
      displaced from 1 to 4MUm, whereas the porcine arteries with stiffness ranging
      from 120 to 291kPa were displaced from 0.4 to 1.3MUm when an acoustic intensity
      of 57.9mW/cm(2) was used. The in vitro ARFI images of the artery with a blood
      clot and artificial arteriosclerosis showed a clear distinction of the stiffness
      distributions of the vessel wall. All the results reveal that ARFI-IVUS imaging
      has the potential to distinguish the elastic properties of plaques and vessels.
      Moreover, the acoustic intensity used in ARFI imaging has been experimentally
      quantified. Although the size of this two-element transducer is unsuitable for
      IVUS imaging, the experimental results reported herein can be applied in ARFI
      IVUS imaging applications.

PMID- 27135189
TI  - Efficient Degradation of Aqueous Rhodamine B Irradiation Under Indoor Light Using
      a SiO2 -Hypocrellin B Complex.
AB  - An efficient method for the degradation of the dye Rhodamine B (RhB) is reported.
      A SiO2 -hypocrellin B (SiO2 -HB) complex was found to work as a catalyst to
      degrade RhB in aqueous solution at room temperature and atmospheric pressure,
      over the pH range 1-10, under indoor light conditions. This method is capable of
      removing 82.68% of RhB within 20 min at pH 9. The SiO2 -HB complex was
      characterized by both scanning electron microscopy and surface area analysis. The
      reaction progress was examined using ultrahigh pressure liquid
      chromatography/mass spectrometry and UV-visible spectroscopy. This process
      represents an efficient means of decontaminating dye-containing wastewaters in
      either highly acidic or weakly alkaline environments.

PMID- 27135190
TI  - A difficult case of recurrent hypoglycaemia: role of insulin assays in
      establishing the diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin assays are designed to detect endogenous insulin, however,
      insulin assays produced by different manufacturers may detect exogenous
      recombinant insulin, with varying degrees of cross-reactivity between different
      assays. We report a fascinating and difficult case of recurrent hypoglycaemia,
      where the final diagnosis was established with the help of insulin assays using
      different platforms. CASE REPORT: A 24-year-old female presented with recurrent
      hypoglycaemic episodes on a background of Type 1 diabetes mellitus and a
      completely resected synovial sarcoma of the right hip several years previously.
      She reported significant physical, sexual and emotional abuse leading to reduced
      appetite and weight loss. Despite withdrawing insulin therapy, she experienced
      profound hypoglycaemic episodes with detectable C-peptide and inappropriately
      elevated insulin levels, suggesting endogenous hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia;
      however, localization studies were negative and finally she was found to have
      exogenous hyperinsulinaemia after discordant insulin levels were detected using
      two different insulin assays. The C-peptide level was elevated as a result of
      stimulation by parenteral dextrose and was suppressed after dextrose was ceased.
      Her Type 1 diabetes mellitus was fabricated and she had factitious hypoglycaemia.
      CONCLUSIONS: Factitious hypoglycemia is difficult to diagnose and treat. A low
      blood glucose level, suppressed C-peptide level and an inappropriately elevated
      insulin level is the classic finding. We were able to make a diagnosis in the
      present case after discordant insulin levels were detected on the two different
      insulin assays, signifying cross-reactivities of the recombinant insulin with the
      assays. A multidisciplinary team approach with psychiatric input is needed to
      treat such cases.

PMID- 27135191
TI  - Management of Chronic Insomnia Disorder in Adults: A Clinical Practice Guideline
      From the American College of Physicians.

PMID- 27135192
TI  - FIT for the future: a case for risk-based colorectal cancer screening using the
      faecal immunochemical test.
AB  - Worldwide, the guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) is being replaced with the
      more accurate faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer (CRC)
      screening. From January 2016, the National Screening Committee in the UK has
      recommended a change from the gFOBT to the FIT following a successful Bowel
      Cancer Screening Programme pilot study with over 40 000 participants. Although
      the test has shown improved uptake and the ability to detect significantly more
      colorectal cancers and advanced adenomas, the higher uptake and test positivity
      will challenge the capacity of colonoscopy services. One of the main advantages
      of the FIT is that it provides a quantitative haemoglobin concentration which has
      been shown to relate to the risk of CRC. Risk scoring systems which combine the
      FIT concentration with risk factor assessment have been shown to improve the
      sensitivity of the test. This individualized approach to screening could enable
      those at greatest risk to be referred for colonoscopy, optimizing resource use
      and ultimately patient outcomes. 

PMID- 27135194
TI  - Contrast sensitivity revealed by spontaneous eyeblinks: Evidence for a common
      mechanism of oculomotor inhibition.
AB  - Spontaneous eyeblinks are known to serve important physiological functions, and
      recent evidence shows that they are also linked to cognitive processes. It is yet
      unclear whether this link reflects a crude rate modulation or, alternatively, an
      automatic and precise process, tightly linked to the low-level properties of
      sensory stimuli. We have recently reported (Y. S. Bonneh, Adini, & Polat, 2015)
      that, for microsaccades, the onset and release from inhibition in response to
      transient stimuli depend systematically on the low-level stimulus parameters.
      Here we reanalyzed our previous data for both microsaccades and eyeblinks for
      observers with sufficient blinking (>10% of trials, 18 of 23 observers tested)
      who watched and silently counted sequences of Gabor patches at 1 Hz with varied
      contrast and spatial frequency. We found that spontaneous eyeblinks, although
      less frequent, were similar to microsaccades in their modulation pattern in
      response to transient stimuli, demonstrating inhibition and rebound, which were
      dependent on the contrast and spatial frequency of the stimuli. The average blink
      response time, measured as the latency of the first blink following its release
      from inhibition, was longer for lower contrast and higher spatial frequency.
      Importantly, it was highly correlated with a similar measure for microsaccades as
      well as with psychophysical measures of contrast sensitivity. These results
      suggest that both eyeblinks and microsaccades are linked to the same inhibitory
      mechanism that presumably turns off oculomotor events while processing previous
      events and generates a rebound effect upon its release. The onset of both
      eyeblinks and microsaccades may thus reflect the time course of this mechanism
      and the associated cognitive process.

PMID- 27135197
TI  - Water-soluble derivatives of 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide: synthesis and
      biological activity.
AB  - A novel series of 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-oxo-4-HPR) derivatives
      were synthesized with the aim of increasing the poor solubility of the parent
      compound in biological fluids, while maintaining the cytotoxic activity and the
      dual mechanism of action. The most promising compound 13a showed
      antiproliferative/apoptotic activity. The analysis of its mechanism of action
      revealed that it retained the particular characteristic of 4-oxo-4-HPR which is
      able to induce cell cycle arrest during the mitotic phase, coupled with the
      formation of aberrant mitotic spindles.

PMID- 27135198
TI  - Antigenic profile, isolation and characterization of whole body extract of
      Paramphistomum gracile.
AB  - An antigenic component of adult Paramphistomum gracile was characterized by means
      of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (indirect ELISA), sodium dodecyl
      sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblotting using
      sera from cattle naturally infected with P. gracile, Eurytrema pancreaticum,
      Fasciola gigantica, Moniezia benedeni, strongylids, Trichuris sp. and
      Strongyloides sp. The whole body (WB) extracts of P. gracile were fractionated by
      gel filtration chromatography in a Sephadex G-200 column. It was found that the
      WB extract fractions, F1-F3 were highly antigenic, F5 was moderately antigenic
      and F4 was poorly antigenic. For SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting, the antigenic
      molecules of WB extract and all five fractions were mostly at molecular weights
      (MW) ranging from 12 to 150 kDa. One antigenic protein of 16 kDa detected in WB
      extract and F1-F3 was found to give a consistent reaction with sera from infected
      cattle. The antigenicity of the purified 16 kDa protein was confirmed by
      immunoblotting and indirect ELISA using a pool of sera and individual serum
      samples from infected cattle (at 1 : 78 125 dilution) and hyperimmunized rabbit
      (at 1 : 390 625 dilution). This finding suggests that the 16 kDa protein may be a
      potential antigen for the immunodiagnosis of cattle paramphistomosis caused by P.
      gracile.

PMID- 27135196
TI  - Methyl 6-Amino-6-deoxy-d-pyranoside-Conjugated Platinum(II) Complexes for Glucose
      Transporter (GLUT)-Mediated Tumor Targeting: Synthesis, Cytotoxicity, and
      Cellular Uptake Mechanism.
AB  - Methyl 6-aminodeoxy-d-pyranoside-derived platinum(II) glycoconjugates were
      designed and synthesized based on the clinical drug oxaliplatin for glucose
      transporter (GLUT)-mediated tumor targeting. In addition to a substantial
      improvement in water solubility, the conjugates exhibited cytotoxicity similar to
      or higher than that of oxaliplatin in six different human cancer cell lines. GLUT
      mediated transport of the complexes was investigated with a cell-based
      fluorescence competition assay and GLUT-inhibitor-mediated cytotoxicity analysis
      in a GLUT-overexpressing human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT29) cell line. The
      antitumor effect of the aminodeoxypyranoside-conjugated platinum(II) complexes
      was found to depend significantly on the GLUT inhibitor, and the cellular uptake
      of the molecules was regulated by GLUT-mediated transport. The results from this
      study demonstrate the potential advantages of aminodeoxypyranosides as sugar
      motifs for glycoconjugation for Warburg-effect-targeted drug design. These
      fundamental results also support the potential of aminodeoxypyranoside-conjugated
      platinum(II) complexes as lead compounds for further preclinical evaluation.

PMID- 27135195
TI  - Cell membranes... and how long drugs may exert beneficial pharmacological
      activity in vivo.
AB  - The time course of the beneficial pharmacological effect of a drug has long been
      considered to depend merely on the temporal fluctuation of its free
      concentration. Only in the last decade has it become widely accepted that target
      binding kinetics can also affect in vivo pharmacological activity. Although
      current reviews still essentially focus on genuine dissociation rates, evidence
      is accumulating that additional micro-pharmacokinetic (PK) and -pharmacodynamic
      (PD) mechanisms, in which the cell membrane plays a central role, may also
      increase the residence time of a drug on its target. The present review provides
      a compilation of otherwise widely dispersed information on this topic. The cell
      membrane can intervene in drug binding via the following three major mechanisms:
      (i) by acting as a sink/repository for the drug; (ii) by modulating the
      conformation of the drug and even by participating in the binding process; and
      (iii) by facilitating the approach (and rebinding) of the drug to the target. To
      highlight these mechanisms, we focus on drugs that are currently used in clinical
      therapy, such as the antihypertensive angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist
      candesartan, the atypical antipsychotic agent clozapine and the bronchodilator
      salmeterol. Although the role of cell membranes in PK-PD modelling is gaining
      increasing interest, many issues remain unresolved. It is likely that novel
      biophysical and computational approaches will provide improved insights in the
      near future.

PMID- 27135199
TI  - Cross-Cycloaddition of Two Different Isocyanides: Chemoselective
      Heterodimerization and [3+2]-Cyclization of 1,4-Diazabutatriene.
AB  - A new cross-cycloaddition reaction between a wide range of isocyanides and 2
      isocyanochalcones (or analogues) was developed for the expeditious synthesis of
      pyrrolo[3,4-b]indoles under thermal conditions. On the basis of the experimental
      results and DFT calculations, a mechanism for this domino reaction is proposed
      involving chemoselective heterodimerization of two different isocyanides to form
      1,4-diazabutatriene intermediates, followed by an intramolecular [3+2]
      cycloaddition and 1,3-proton shift.

PMID- 27135200
TI  - Downsized Sheath-Core Conducting Fibers for Weavable Superelastic Wires,
      Biosensors, Supercapacitors, and Strain Sensors.
AB  - Hair-like-diameter superelastic conducting fibers, comprising a buckled carbon
      nanotube sheath on a rubber core, are fabricated, characterized, and deployed as
      weavable wires, biosensors, supercapacitors, and strain sensors. These downsized
      sheath-core fibers provide the demonstrated basis for glucose sensors,
      supercapacitors, and electrical interconnects whose performance is undegraded by
      giant strain, as well as ultrafast strain sensors that exploit strain-dependent
      capacitance changes. 

PMID- 27135201
TI  - Integrated immunohistochemical and DNA copy number profiling analysis provides
      insight into the molecular pathogenesis of canine follicular lymphoma.
AB  - Follicular lymphomas (FLs) typically exhibit a chromosome translocation that
      induces constitutive expression of the anti-apoptotic bcl2 protein and
      accumulation of additional molecular defects. This rearrangement offers a
      promising therapeutic target, but its nature as a fundamental driver of FL
      pathogenesis remains unclear as 15% of cases lack the translocation. We performed
      an integrated immunohistochemical and genomic investigation of 10 naturally
      occurring FL cases from domestic dogs, showing that, as with human tumours, they
      exhibit marked heterogeneity in the frequency and intensity of bcl2 protein
      expression. Genomic copy number aberrations were infrequent and broadly
      consistent with those of other canine B-cell lymphoma subtypes. None of the
      canine FL specimens exhibited a rearrangement consistent with the hallmark
      translocation of human FL, despite their remarkable histomorphologic similarity.
      Parallel exploration of canine and human cases may reveal alternative tumour
      initiating mechanisms other than BCL2 disruption, yielding a more complete
      definition of the molecular pathogenesis of FL.

PMID- 27135202
TI  - Factors Affecting the Preventability of Stroke-Reply.

PMID- 27135203
TI  - A structured framework improves clinical patient assessment and nontechnical
      skills of early career emergency nurses: a pre-post study using full immersion
      simulation.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the new
      evidence-informed nursing assessment framework HIRAID (History, Identify Red
      flags, Assessment, Interventions, Diagnostics, reassessment and communication) on
      the quality of patient assessment and fundamental nontechnical skills including
      communication, decision making, task management and situational awareness.
      BACKGROUND: Assessment is a core component of nursing practice and underpins
      clinical decisions and the safe delivery of patient care. Yet there is no
      universal or validated system used to teach emergency nurses how to
      comprehensively assess and care for patients. DESIGN: A pre-post design was used.
      METHODS: The performance of thirty eight emergency nurses from five Australian
      hospitals was evaluated before and after undertaking education in the application
      of the HIRAID assessment framework. Video recordings of participant performance
      in immersive simulations of common presentations to the emergency department were
      evaluated, as well as participant documentation during the simulations. Paired
      parametric and nonparametric tests were used to compare changes from pre to
      postintervention. RESULTS: From pre to postintervention, participant performance
      increases were observed in the percentage of patient history elements collected,
      critical indicators of urgency collected and reported to medical officers, and
      patient reassessments performed. Participants also demonstrated improvement in
      each of the four nontechnical skills categories: communication, decision making,
      task management and situational awareness. CONCLUSION: The HIRAID assessment
      framework improves clinical patient assessments performed by emergency nurses and
      has the potential to enhance patient care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: HIRAID
      should be considered for integration into clinical practice to provide nurses
      with a systematic approach to patient assessment and potentially improve the
      delivery of safe patient care.

PMID- 27135204
TI  - Ruthenocene-Type Complexes of N-Fused Porphyrins.
AB  - Ruthenocene-type hybrid complexes with N-fused porphyrinato ligands, [Ru(NFp)Cp]
      (NFp=N-fused porphyrin, Cp=cyclopentadienyl), have been prepared and
      characterized by NMR and UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy, cyclovoltammetry, and X-ray
      crystallography. [Ru(NFp)Cp] is a common low-spin ruthenium(II) complex and shows
      strong aromaticity. The Ru-Cp distance (1.833 A) in [Ru(NFp)Cp] is comparable to
      that in [RuCp2 ] (1.840 A). DFT calculations on [Ru(NFp)Cp] showed the
      unequivocal contribution of the RuCp moiety as well as the NFp moiety to both the
      HOMO and LUMO, constructing a three-dimensional d-pi conjugated system. The HOMO
      LUMO gaps of [Ru(NFp)Cp] are insensitive to the substituents on the NFp ligand,
      which is illustrated spectroscopically as well as theoretically. This is in sharp
      contrast to the ligand precursor, the N-fused porphyrin, in which the HOMO-LUMO
      gap is affected by substituents in a similar manner to standard porphyrins and
      related macrocycles.

PMID- 27135205
TI  - Role of macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the development of neointimal
      thickening following arterial injury.
AB  - Evidence suggests that macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) participates
      critically in atherosclerosis; little is known about the role of M-CSF in the
      development of neointimal hyperplasia following mechanical vascular injury. We
      examined the expression of M-CSF and its receptor, c-fms, in rodent and rabbit
      models of arterial injury. Injured rat carotid arteries expressed 3- to 10-fold
      higher levels of M-CSF and c-fms mRNA and protein following balloon injury as
      compared to uninjured arteries. In the rabbit, M-CSF protein expression was
      greatest in neointimal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) postinjury, with some
      expression in medial SMCs. M-CSF-positive SMCs exhibited markers of
      proliferation. At 30days postinjury, neointimal SMCs in the adjacent healed area
      near the border between injured and uninjured zone lost both proliferative
      activity and overexpression of M-CSF. The presence of induced M-CSF and c-fms
      expression correlated with the initiation of SMCs proliferation. M-CSF stimulated
      incorporation of [(3)H] thymidine in human aortic smooth muscle cells in a
      concentration-dependent manner. Serum-free conditioned medium from aortic SMCs
      also promoted DNA synthesis, and this effect was blocked by M-CSF specific
      antibody. To test further the role of M-CSF in vivo, we induced arterial injury
      by placing a periadventitial collar around the carotid arteries in compound
      mutant mice lacking apolipoprotein apoE (apoE(-/-)) and M-CSF. Loss of M-CSF
      abolished the neointimal hyperplastic response to arterial injury in apoE(-/-)
      mice. Local delivery of M-CSF to the injured artery restored neointimal
      proliferation, suggesting a critical role of M-CSF for the development of
      neointimal thickening following arterial injury. 

PMID- 27135206
TI  - Left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy in end-stage heart failure patients
      undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC)
      is a cardiomyopathy, familial or sporadic, arising from arrest of the normal
      process of trabecular remodeling during embryonic development. The diagnosis is
      usually made by echocardiography, but to date, there has been little research on
      the occurrence and clinicopathological features of LVNC in the explanted hearts
      of orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) recipients. DESIGN: The clinical,
      echocardiographic, and pathologic findings were reviewed for evidence of LVNC,
      diagnosed by echocardiographic criteria, in 105 patients with end-stage heart
      failure (HF) undergoing OHT. Analyses of multiple sections of the explanted
      hearts were carried out. The hearts were evaluated for grades (0, negative; 1,
      mild/occasional foci; 2, moderate/multiple foci; 3, severe/extensive, diffuse) of
      fibrosis, reactive and replacement, hypertrophy, myocytolysis in left ventricle,
      right ventricle, interventricular septum, and atria. Absolute measurements of
      noncompacted and compacted portions of the left ventricle wall and
      noncompacted/compacted ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Isolated LVNC was
      observed in 0 of 54 ischemic cardiomyopathy and in 4 of 51 (7.8%) nonischemic
      cardiomyopathy patients - 2 men and 2 women, with a mean age+/-SEM of 34.2+/
      6.9years. The echocardiogram disclosed marked left ventricular dilatation,
      prominent trabeculations, and left ventricle ejection fraction <20%. Mural
      thrombi were seen in 3 of 4 (75%) patients. The heart weight mean+/-SEM was 468+/
      55.3 g (range, 340-600g); noncompacted myocardium was 22+/-5.8mm, compacted
      myocardium was 13.2+/-3.5mm, and noncompacted/compacted ratio was 1.7/1+/-0.2.
      The total scores of hypetrophy, myocytolysis, and fibrosis were as follows: left
      ventricle, 7.7+/-0.2; right ventricle, 6.2+/-0.5; interventricular septum, 6.7+/
      0.2; and atria, 7.5+/-0.3. CONCLUSIONS: LVNC is an unusual form of nonischemic
      cardiomyopathy in patients suffering from end-stage HF undergoing OHT. The
      variability in the noncompacted/compacted ratio and discordance between the
      echocardiographic and pathological findings points to the need for further
      clarification of diagnostic imaging and diagnostic criteria for LVNC. Further
      studies in larger series, correlating the anatomoclinical and genetic variables,
      also would improve our understanding of LVNC as a cause of advanced HF leading to
      OHT.

PMID- 27135207
TI  - Adjunctive cognitive behavioural treatment for chronic pain couples improves
      marital satisfaction but not pain management outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data have consistently shown that patient coping with chronic pain
      can be affected by various factors associated with the primary relationship, and
      hence efforts to include the patient's partner in the treatment process have
      merit. This study evaluated the benefit of adding an adjunctive, couples-based,
      cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) for chronic pain to a standard cognitive
      behavioural pain management programme. METHODS: Forty-five couples were randomly
      assigned to either an adjunctive couples intervention (n = 19) or the pain
      programme only (n = 26). All patient participants completed a 3-week multi
      disciplinary pain management programme, to which their partners were invited to
      attend one full day. In addition, partners in the adjunctive condition received
      four, one hour treatment sessions focusing on pain education, patient-partner
      communication, operant behavioural principles and relapse prevention strategies.
      Partner sessions for the adjunctive intervention were provided over the
      telephone. RESULTS: By the completion of the pain programme the adjunctive
      couples intervention demonstrated significant improvements in marital
      satisfaction for the spouses over and above attendance at the pain management
      programme alone (p = 0.003). However, spouse involvement did not facilitate any
      additional response to treatment for pain patients on marital satisfaction, pain,
      disability or any indices of distress. All treatment gains were maintained at 1
      month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that a brief CBT
      intervention can significantly improve marital satisfaction for spouses of
      chronic pain patients, but the treatment does not translate to improvements in
      function on any outcomes, including marital satisfaction, for patients of chronic
      pain. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: A brief, telephone-based intervention for
      couples living with chronic pain is an acceptable format for intervention. This
      intervention can significantly improve marital satisfaction for partners of
      chronic pain patients. Patients who are already participating in a
      multidisciplinary pain programme will not obtain further benefit.

PMID- 27135208
TI  - Comments on the value International Prognostic Score (IPS), stage IV and age over
      45 years, for the outcome of advanced Hodgkin lymphoma in chemotherapy containing
      adriamycin. The experience of the Spanish Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group.

PMID- 27135210
TI  - Breaking BRAF(V600E)-drug resistance by stressing mitochondria.

PMID- 27135209
TI  - Buoyant Nanoparticles: Implications for Nano-Biointeractions in Cellular Studies.
AB  - In the safety and efficacy assessment of novel nanomaterials, the role of
      nanoparticle (NP) kinetics in in vitro studies is often ignored although it has
      significant implications in dosimetry, hazard ranking, and nanomedicine efficacy.
      It is demonstrated here that certain nanoparticles are buoyant due to low
      effective densities of their formed agglomerates in culture media, which alters
      particle transport and deposition, dose-response relationships, and
      underestimates toxicity and bioactivity. To investigate this phenomenon, this
      study determines the size distribution, effective density, and assesses fate and
      transport for a test buoyant NP (polypropylene). To enable accurate dose-response
      assessment, an inverted 96-well cell culture platform is developed in which
      adherent cells are incubated above the buoyant particle suspension. The effect of
      buoyancy is assessed by comparing dose-toxicity responses in human macrophages
      after 24 h incubation in conventional and inverted culture systems. In the
      conventional culture system, no adverse effects are observed at any NP
      concentration tested (up to 250 MUg mL(-1) ), whereas dose-dependent decreases in
      viability and increases in reactive oxygen species are observed in the inverted
      system. This work sheds light on an unknown issue that plays a significant role
      in vitro hazard screening and proposes a standardized methodology for buoyant NP
      assessments. 

PMID- 27135211
TI  - ANTERIOR CHAMBER FLARE DURING BEVACIZUMAB TREATMENT IN EYES WITH EXUDATIVE AGE
      RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the anterior chamber flare during bevacizumab treatment of
      exudative age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: During a 2-year prospective
      follow-up, 50 patients recently diagnosed with exudative age-related macular
      degeneration were treated at once-a-month visits if subretinal or intraretinal
      fluid or a new hemorrhage was present in the lesion area. Flare was measured
      weekly during the first month and then monthly in both eyes. RESULTS: Higher
      flare was associated with older age (P = 0.007, Linear Mixed Model), higher
      number of smoking pack-years (P = 0.019), macular cysts (P = 0.041), and
      pseudophakia (P = 0.003). The levels gradually increased during the follow-up (P
      < 0.0001) but less in the eyes with classic CNV (P = 0.011). Flare decreased
      during treatment-free periods lasting for at least two consecutive visits (P =
      0.005). A peak in flare was observed 1 week after the first injection (P = 0.034,
      Wilcoxon signed rank test). In the fellow eyes, higher flare values in the
      beginning of the follow-up were associated with later conversion into exudative
      age-related macular degeneration (P = 0.015, Mann-Whitney U test). CONCLUSION:
      Anterior chamber flare correlated poorly with the CNV activity. Higher levels
      may, however, precede or exist early in the process that leads to the development
      of exudative age-related macular degeneration.

PMID- 27135213
TI  - PROGRESSION OF MACULAR ATROPHY IN PATIENTS WITH NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR
      DEGENERATION UNDERGOING ANTIVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To define the frequency and quantify the progression of macular atrophy
      (MA) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration undergoing
      treatment with antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy for >2 years.
      METHODS: Fifty-four eyes of 46 patients (86.7 +/- 6.8 years, 53.7% women)
      diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration were included in this
      retrospective study. Eyes that received photodynamic therapy or laser treatment
      were excluded. All eyes were imaged at baseline and after 2 years with the Cirrus
      spectral domain optical coherence tomography using a 512 * 128 macular cube scan
      protocol centered on the fovea. Optical coherence tomography en face fundus
      images were obtained for each 3-dimensional data set using the U.S. Food and Drug
      Administration-cleared Advanced RPE Analysis software, which automatically
      identifies atrophic areas by segmenting regions of increased reflectivity in en
      face choroidal slab images. Segmentation errors were manually corrected by
      trained Doheny Image Reading Center graders using a standardized grading
      protocol. The prevalence rates of atrophy at baseline and at 2-years follow-up
      and enlargement rates were computed. Baseline demographic factors and types and
      numbers of antivascular endothelial growth factor injections received over time
      were correlated with the development and enlargement of atrophy. RESULTS: Macular
      atrophy was noted at baseline in 32 (59.3%) eyes and progressed in all eyes over
      the next 2 years. Among the 28 eyes without atrophy at baseline, MA developed by
      2 years in 6 eyes (21.4% of eyes without MA at baseline). Of note, 22 eyes (40.7%
      of overall cohort) never developed atrophy during the course of the study. Among
      eyes with atrophy at baseline, the annual growth rate of MA was found to be 0.89
      +/- 0.93 mm. A multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate the
      influence of gender, age, smoking status, medication injected, and number of
      injections on MA. Except for the number of total injections (R = 0.3, P < 0.01),
      the studied variables could not significantly predict development or progression
      of MA (F [0.73, 13] = 0.378, P = 0.86, R = 0.05). However, the study was not
      powered to detect small effects. CONCLUSION: Macular atrophy is a frequent
      finding in eyes with wet age-related macular degeneration both before and after
      antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy. The frequency of new optical
      coherence tomography-defined atrophy (21% at 2 years) after starting therapy was
      close to the rates reported in CATT, IVAN, and HARBOR. The rate of MA enlargement
      was positively correlated with the number of injections, but did not appear to be
      greater than that reported for atrophy in the absence of choroidal
      neovascularization.

PMID- 27135212
TI  - DETAILED CLINICAL PHENOTYPING OF OXALATE MACULOPATHY IN PRIMARY HYPEROXALURIA
      TYPE 1 AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the structural and functional characteristics of oxalate
      retinopathy. METHODS: Five patients with molecularly confirmed primary
      hyperoxaluria (PH) Type 1 underwent multimodal retinal imaging (spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography, white light, and HRA multispectral imaging) and
      functional testing, including color vision testing, Goldmann perimetry, and
      International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision standard
      electrophysiological testing. RESULTS: Four distinct retinal phenotypes are
      presented. One patient with a c.[33dupC]; c.[731T>C] mutation showed bilateral
      perifoveal retinal pigment epithelium hyperplasia. The fundus in the four other
      patients, all of whom share an identical homozygous c.[33dupC] mutation, ranged
      from normal to bilateral widespread distribution of retinal crystals and
      confluent macular retinal pigment epithelium hyperplasia with subfoveal fibrosis.
      All patients who had developed end-stage renal disease showed some sign of
      retinopathy, more severe with earlier onset. CONCLUSION: Retinopathy in PH Type 1
      shows considerable interindividual variation. No correlation between genotype and
      retinal phenotype was detected. Oxalate crystals at the level of the retinal
      pigment epithelium seem to be irreversible. A proposed clinical grading system of
      oxalate maculopathy, based on a literature review, may provide clinicians with a
      tool to better predict visual function and prognosis.

PMID- 27135214
TI  - Sensory subtypes and associated outcomes in children with autism spectrum
      disorders.
AB  - Sensory features are prevalent and heterogeneous across children with ASD and
      these features have been associated with child outcomes. Identification of
      clinically defined sensory subtypes may enhance our understanding of unique
      phenotypes that have implications for etiology, prognosis, and intervention. This
      longitudinal study used a national online survey aimed to identify associations
      of previously validated sensory subtypes to specific child and family
      characteristics and functional outcomes [vineland adaptive behavior scale-II
      (VABS) and parenting stress index short form (PSI)]. The sensory experiences
      questionnaire-3.0 was collected from caregivers with children with ASD, ages 2
      12, at two time points (Time 1, n = 1307, Time 2, n = 884), 1 year apart.
      Functional outcomes assessments were collected at the second time point. A latent
      profile transition analysis (LPTA) was used to test associations, and results
      indicated that the attenuated-preoccupied subtype presented with the
      significantly lowest levels of VABS adaptive behavior composite scores compared
      to the other three sensory subtypes. Both the VABS maladaptive behavior index and
      the total PSI score were significantly highest in the extreme-mixed subtype.
      These results underscore the clinical utility of this subtyping approach for
      differentiating characteristics and functional outcomes associated with
      clinically defined sensory phenotypes. These findings may have implications for
      better understanding etiology, prognosis, and more precise targets for
      interventions designed to ameliorate sensory difficulties, and ultimately
      mitigate negative developmental consequences and parenting stress. Autism Res
      2016, 9: 1316-1327. (c) 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27135215
TI  - A microRNA switch regulates the rise in hypothalamic GnRH production before
      puberty.
AB  - A sparse population of a few hundred primarily hypothalamic neurons forms the hub
      of a complex neuroglial network that controls reproduction in mammals by
      secreting the 'master molecule' gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Timely
      postnatal changes in GnRH expression are essential for puberty and adult
      fertility. Here we report that a multilayered microRNA-operated switch with built
      in feedback governs increased GnRH expression during the infantile-to-juvenile
      transition and that impairing microRNA synthesis in GnRH neurons leads to
      hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and infertility in mice. Two essential components
      of this switch, miR-200 and miR-155, respectively regulate Zeb1, a repressor of
      Gnrh transcriptional activators and Gnrh itself, and Cebpb, a nitric oxide
      mediated repressor of Gnrh that acts both directly and through Zeb1, in GnRH
      neurons. This alteration in the delicate balance between inductive and repressive
      signals induces the normal GnRH-fuelled run-up to correct puberty initiation, and
      interfering with this process disrupts the neuroendocrine control of
      reproduction.

PMID- 27135216
TI  - Neural pattern similarity reveals the inherent intersection of social categories.
AB  - We provide evidence that neural representations of ostensibly unrelated social
      categories become bound together by their overlapping stereotype associations.
      While viewing faces, multi-voxel representations of gender, race, and emotion
      categories in the fusiform and orbitofrontal cortices were stereotypically biased
      and correlated with subjective perceptions. The findings suggest that social
      conceptual knowledge can systematically alter the representational structure of
      social categories at multiple levels of cortical processing, reflecting bias in
      visual perceptions.

PMID- 27135218
TI  - Surviving a childhood cancer: impact on education and employment.
AB  - Long-term consequences of childhood cancer encompass adverse psychosocial effects
      that may severely limit the opportunity to live a satisfying and productive life.
      We assessed the social integration of adults cured of a cancer in their first 14
      years of life by record linkage between the population-based Childhood Cancer
      Registry of Piedmont and the Turin Longitudinal Study. We compared education and
      employment outcomes within the cohort of survivors and between the cohort of
      survivors and their peers in the general population through logistic regression.
      Individuals cured of a childhood tumour have a higher risk of not obtaining
      educational qualifications [odds ratio (OR) 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.40
      1.11) for compulsory school, OR 0.81 (0.61-1.07) for higher education] or
      employment, OR 0.66 (0.45-0.98), than the general population. This problem is
      particularly severe for individuals cured of a central nervous system neoplasm:
      OR 0.56 (0.31-1.01) for higher education and OR 0.28 (0.13-0.58) for employment.
      Within-cohort comparisons show that men are less likely to obtain educational
      goals than women, OR 0.72 (0.40-1.29), but more likely to be employed, OR 2.18
      (0.90-5.28); parental education (university qualifications) is positively
      associated with the success of the child's education, OR 9.54 (2.60-35.02), but
      not with their employment status, OR 1.02 (0.21-4.85). Strategies should be put
      in place to mitigate the risk of adverse psychosocial effects from the beginning
      of treatment to cure and beyond to offer those suffering a cancer at a young age
      the possibility of full integration into society.

PMID- 27135217
TI  - In vivo imaging of dendritic pruning in dentate granule cells.
AB  - We longitudinally imaged the developing dendrites of adult-born mouse dentate
      granule cells (DGCs) in vivo and found that they underwent over-branching and
      pruning. Exposure to an enriched environment and constraint of dendritic growth
      by disrupting Wnt signaling led to increased branch addition and accelerated
      growth, which were, however, counteracted by earlier and more extensive pruning.
      Our results indicate that pruning is regulated in a homeostatic fashion to oppose
      excessive branching and promote a similar dendrite structure in DGCs.

PMID- 27135219
TI  - MRI versus computed tomography as an imaging modality for postreduction
      assessment of irreducible hips in developmental dysplasia of the hip: an
      interobserver and intraobserver reliability study.
AB  - Following surgical reduction of an irreducible hip in developmental dysplasia of
      the hip, imaging is required to ascertain successful reduction. Recent studies
      have compared MRI versus computed tomography (CT) in terms of cost, time,
      sensitivity and specificity. This is the first study to compare intraobserver and
      interobserver reliability for both modalities. Nineteen CT scans of 38 hips in 10
      patients and nine MRI scans of 18 hips in six patients were reviewed on two
      separate occasions by three clinicians. Image clarity, confidence of diagnosis,
      time taken to perform the scan as well as radiation dose for CT were recorded.
      Intraobserver and interobserver reliability kappa values were calculated. There
      were 14 female patients and one male patient. The mean age at the time of the
      scan was 12 months (range 3-25 months). Intraobserver reliability was greater
      than 0.8 (both CT and MRI). Interobserver reliability was greater than 0.8 (both
      CT and MRI). Image clarity was higher for CT for two out of the three clinicians
      (9.47 vs. 6.33 P<0.05; 9.89 vs. 8.11, P<0.05). All clinicians were equally
      confident in the diagnosis when using CT or MRI. The time taken to perform the
      investigation was not significantly different (3.32 vs. 4.88 min, P>0.05). The
      mean radiation dose for CT was 91.75 DLP (dose length product, mGy*cm) (95%
      confidence interval+/-26.95). Our results show that MRI is equal to CT as an
      imaging modality in the assessment of postreduction hips in developmental
      dysplasia of the hip. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability was excellent
      for both. The image clarity was higher for CT, but this method of imaging carries
      a significant risk of radiation exposure. We recommend that MRI should supersede
      CT as an imaging modality for this clinical situation. 

PMID- 27135220
TI  - Treatment outcomes after insufficiency femoral diaphyseal fractures in
      nonambulatory children.
AB  - We retrospectively reviewed the treatment and outcomes of diaphyseal femur
      fractures in a cohort of nonambulatory children. There were 30 patients (38
      fractures) reviewed [average age of 10.1 years (range: 1.8-17.8)]. Fractures were
      treated with locked plate/screw fixation (n=18), with a complication rate of 24%
      (9/38). Patients with elastic stable intramedullary nailing experienced the
      highest complication rate (5/7, 71%) compared with plate/screw fixation (2/18,
      11%) (P=0.01) and underwent greater subsequent procedures (n=5, 63%). Surgeons
      should consider locked plate and screw fixation as their first treatment choice
      in this challenging patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, therapeutic
      study; retrospective comparative study.

PMID- 27135222
TI  - Response of Arabidopsis thaliana Roots with Altered Lipid Transfer Protein (LTP)
      Gene Expression to the Clubroot Disease and Salt Stress.
AB  - The clubroot disease of Brassicaceae is caused by the obligate biotrophic protist
      Plasmodiophora brassicae. The disease is characterized by abnormal tumorous
      swellings of infected roots that result in reduced drought resistance and
      insufficient distribution of nutrients, leading to reduced crop yield. It is one
      of the most damaging diseases among cruciferous crops worldwide. The acquisition
      of nutrients by the protist is not well understood. Gene expression profiles in
      Arabidopsis thaliana clubroots indicate that lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) could
      be involved in disease development or at least in adaptation to the disease
      symptoms. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the role of some, of the
      still enigmatic LTPs during clubroot development. For a functional approach, we
      have generated transgenic plants that overexpress LTP genes in a root specific
      manner or show reduced LTP gene expression. Our results showed that
      overexpression of some of the LTP genes resulted in reduced disease severity
      whereas the lipid content in clubs of LTP mutants seems to be unaffected.
      Additional studies indicate a role for some LTPs during salt stress conditions in
      roots of A. thaliana. 

PMID- 27135223
TI  - Activity Regulation by Heteromerization of Arabidopsis Allene Oxide Cyclase
      Family Members.
AB  - Jasmonates (JAs) are lipid-derived signals in plant stress responses and
      development. A crucial step in JA biosynthesis is catalyzed by allene oxide
      cyclase (AOC). Four genes encoding functional AOCs (AOC1, AOC2, AOC3 and AOC4)
      have been characterized for Arabidopsis thaliana in terms of organ- and tissue
      specific expression, mutant phenotypes, promoter activities and initial in vivo
      protein interaction studies suggesting functional redundancy and diversification,
      including first hints at enzyme activity control by protein-protein interaction.
      Here, these analyses were extended by detailed analysis of recombinant proteins
      produced in Escherichia coli. Treatment of purified AOC2 with SDS at different
      temperatures, chemical cross-linking experiments and protein structure analysis
      by molecular modelling approaches were performed. Several salt bridges between
      monomers and a hydrophobic core within the AOC2 trimer were identified and
      functionally proven by site-directed mutagenesis. The data obtained showed that
      AOC2 acts as a trimer. Finally, AOC activity was determined in heteromers formed
      by pairwise combinations of the four AOC isoforms. The highest activities were
      found for heteromers containing AOC4 + AOC1 and AOC4 + AOC2, respectively. All
      data are in line with an enzyme activity control of all four AOCs by
      heteromerization, thereby supporting a putative fine-tuning in JA formation by
      various regulatory principles. 

PMID- 27135221
TI  - A Comparative Study of Proteolytic Mechanisms during Leaf Senescence of Four
      Genotypes of Winter Oilseed Rape Highlighted Relevant Physiological and Molecular
      Traits for NRE Improvement.
AB  - Winter oilseed rape is characterized by a low N use efficiency related to a weak
      leaf N remobilization efficiency (NRE) at vegetative stages. By investigating the
      natural genotypic variability of leaf NRE, our goal was to characterize the
      relevant physiological traits and the main protease classes associated with an
      efficient proteolysis and high leaf NRE in response to ample or restricted
      nitrate supply. The degradation rate of soluble proteins and D1 protein (a
      thylakoid-bound protein) were correlated to N remobilization, except for the
      genotype Samourai which showed a low NRE despite high levels of proteolysis.
      Under restricted nitrate conditions, high levels of soluble protein degradation
      were associated with serine, cysteine and aspartic proteases at acidic pH. Low
      leaf NRE was related to a weak proteolysis of both soluble and thylakoid-bound
      proteins. The results obtained on the genotype Samourai suggest that the timing
      between the onset of proteolysis and abscission could be a determinant. The
      specific involvement of acidic proteases suggests that autophagy and/or
      senescence-associated vacuoles are implicated in N remobilization under low N
      conditions. The data revealed that the rate of D1 degradation could be a relevant
      indicator of leaf NRE and might be used as a tool for plant breeding. 

PMID- 27135224
TI  - Dynamics of Jasmonate Metabolism upon Flowering and across Leaf Stress Responses
      in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - The jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway plays important roles in adaptation of
      plants to environmental cues and in specific steps of their development,
      particularly in reproduction. Recent advances in metabolic studies have
      highlighted intricate mechanisms that govern enzymatic conversions within the
      jasmonate family. Here we analyzed jasmonate profile changes upon Arabidopsis
      thaliana flower development and investigated the contribution of catabolic
      pathways that were known to turnover the active hormonal compound jasmonoyl
      isoleucine (JA-Ile) upon leaf stress. We report a rapid decline of JA-Ile upon
      flower opening, concomitant with the massive accumulation of its most oxidized
      catabolite, 12COOH-JA-Ile. Detailed genetic analysis identified CYP94C1 as the
      major player in this process. CYP94C1 is one out of three characterized
      cytochrome P450 enzymes that define an oxidative JA-Ile turnover pathway, besides
      a second, hydrolytic pathway represented by the amido-hydrolases IAR3 and ILL6.
      Expression studies combined with reporter gene analysis revealed the dominant
      expression of CYP94C1 in mature anthers, consistent with the established role of
      JA signaling in male fertility. Significant CYP94B1 expression was also evidenced
      in stamen filaments, but surprisingly, CYP94B1 deficiency was not associated with
      significant changes in JA profiles. Finally, we compared global flower JA
      profiles with those previously reported in leaves reacting to mechanical wounding
      or submitted to infection by the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea. These
      comparisons revealed distinct dynamics of JA accumulation and conversions in
      these three biological systems. Leaf injury boosts a strong and transient JA and
      JA-Ile accumulation that evolves rapidly into a profile dominated by omega
      oxidized and/or Ile-conjugated derivatives. In contrast, B. cinerea-infected
      leaves contain mostly unconjugated jasmonates, about half of this content being
      omega-oxidized. Finally, developing flowers present an intermediate situation
      where young flower buds show detectable jasmonate oxidation (probably originating
      from stamen metabolism) which becomes exacerbated upon flower opening. Our data
      illustrate that in spite conserved enzymatic routes, the jasmonate metabolic grid
      shows considerable flexibility and dynamically equilibrates into specific blends
      in different physiological situations. 

PMID- 27135225
TI  - Defense Priming and Jasmonates: A Role for Free Fatty Acids in Insect Elicitor
      Induced Long Distance Signaling.
AB  - Green leaf volatiles (GLV) prime plants against insect herbivore attack resulting
      in stronger and faster signaling by jasmonic acid (JA). In maize this response is
      specifically linked to insect elicitor (IE)-induced signaling processes, which
      cause JA accumulation not only around the damage site, but also in distant
      tissues, presumably through the activation of electrical signals. Here, we
      present additional data further characterizing these distal signaling events in
      maize. Also, we describe how exposure to GLV increases free fatty acid (fFA)
      levels in maize seedlings, but also in other plants, and how increased fFA levels
      affect IE-induced JA accumulation. Increased fFA, in particular alpha-linolenic
      acid (LnA), caused a significant increase in JA accumulation after IE treatment,
      while JA induced by mechanical wounding (MW) alone was not affected. We also
      identified treatments that significantly decreased certain fFA level including
      simulated wind and rain. In such treated plants, IE-induced JA accumulation was
      significantly reduced when compared to un-moved control plants, while MW-induced
      JA accumulation was not significantly affected. Since only IE-induced JA
      accumulation was altered by changes in the fFA composition, we conclude that
      changing levels of fFA affect primarily IE-induced signaling processes rather
      than serving as a substrate for JA. 

PMID- 27135227
TI  - Control of Carbon Assimilation and Partitioning by Jasmonate: An Accounting of
      Growth-Defense Tradeoffs.
AB  - Plant growth is often constrained by the limited availability of resources in the
      microenvironment. Despite the continuous threat of attack from insect herbivores
      and pathogens, investment in defense represents a lost opportunity to expand
      photosynthetic capacity in leaves and absorption of nutrients and water by roots.
      To mitigate the metabolic expenditure on defense, plants have evolved inducible
      defense strategies. The plant hormone jasmonate (JA) is a key regulator of many
      inducible defenses. Synthesis of JA in response to perceived danger leads to the
      deployment of a variety of defensive structures and compounds, along with a
      potent inhibition of growth. Genetic studies have established an important role
      for JA in mediating tradeoffs between growth and defense. However, several gaps
      remain in understanding of how JA signaling inhibits growth, either through
      direct transcriptional control of JA-response genes or crosstalk with other
      signaling pathways. Here, we highlight recent progress in uncovering the role of
      JA in controlling growth-defense balance and its relationship to resource
      acquisition and allocation. We also discuss tradeoffs in the context of the
      ability of JA to promote increased leaf mass per area (LMA), which is a key
      indicator of leaf construction costs and leaf life span. 

PMID- 27135228
TI  - The C2 Protein from the Geminivirus Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Sardinia Virus
      Decreases Sensitivity to Jasmonates and Suppresses Jasmonate-Mediated Defences.
AB  - An increasing body of evidence points at a role of the plant hormones jasmonates
      (JAs) in determining the outcome of plant-virus interactions. Geminiviruses,
      small DNA viruses infecting a wide range of plant species worldwide, encode a
      multifunctional protein, C2, which is essential for full pathogenicity. The C2
      protein has been shown to suppress the JA response, although the current view on
      the extent of this effect and the underlying molecular mechanisms is incomplete.
      In this work, we use a combination of exogenous hormone treatments, microarray
      analysis, and pathogen infections to analyze, in detail, the suppression of the
      JA response exerted by C2. Our results indicate that C2 specifically affects
      certain JA-induced responses, namely defence and secondary metabolism, and show
      that plants expressing C2 are more susceptible to pathogen attack. We propose a
      model in which C2 might interfere with the JA response at several levels. 

PMID- 27135226
TI  - The Ubiquitin System and Jasmonate Signaling.
AB  - The ubiquitin (Ub) system is involved in most, if not all, biological processes
      in eukaryotes. The major specificity determinants of this system are the E3
      ligases, which bind and ubiquitinate specific sets of proteins and are thereby
      responsible for target recruitment to the proteasome or other cellular processing
      machineries. The Ub system contributes to the regulation of the production,
      perception and signal transduction of plant hormones. Jasmonic acid (JA) and its
      derivatives, known as jasmonates (JAs), act as signaling compounds regulating
      plant development and plant responses to various biotic and abiotic stress
      conditions. We provide here an overview of the current understanding of the Ub
      system involved in JA signaling. 

PMID- 27135232
TI  - Detection of Leptosphaeria maculans and Leptosphaeria biglobosa Causing Blackleg
      Disease in Canola from Canadian Canola Seed Lots and Dockage.
AB  - Blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, is a major threat to canola
      production in Canada. With the exception of China, L. maculans is present in
      areas around the world where cruciferous crops are grown. The pathogen can cause
      trade barriers in international canola seed export due to its potential risk as a
      seed contaminant. The most recent example is China restricting canola seeds
      imported from Canada and Australia in 2009. Therefore, it is important to assess
      the level of Blackleg infection in Canadian canola seed lots and dockage (seeds
      and admixture). In this study, canola seed lots and dockage samples collected
      from Western Canada were tested for the presence of the aggressive L. maculans
      and the less aggressive L. biglobosa. Results showed that both L. maculans and L.
      biglobosa were present in seed lots and dockage samples, with L. biglobosa being
      predominant in infected seeds. Admixture separated from dockage had higher levels
      of L. maculans and L. biglobosa infection than samples from seed lots. Admixture
      appears to harbour higher levels of L. maculans infection compared to seeds and
      is more likely to be a major source of inoculum for the spread of the disease
      than infected seeds. 

PMID- 27135229
TI  - How Microbes Twist Jasmonate Signaling around Their Little Fingers.
AB  - Plant immunity relies on a complex network of hormone signaling pathways in which
      jasmonic acid (JA) plays a central role. Successful microbial pathogens or
      symbionts have developed strategies to manipulate plant hormone signaling
      pathways to cause hormonal imbalances for their own benefit. These strategies
      include the production of plant hormones, phytohormone mimics, or effector
      proteins that target host components to disrupt hormonal signaling pathways and
      enhance virulence. Here, we describe the molecular details of the most recent and
      best-characterized examples of specific JA hormonal manipulation by microbes,
      which exemplify the ingenious ways by which pathogens can take control over the
      plant's hormone signaling network to suppress host immunity. 

PMID- 27135231
TI  - Jasmonate Signalling and Defence Responses in the Model Legume Medicago
      truncatula-A Focus on Responses to Fusarium Wilt Disease.
AB  - Jasmonate (JA)-mediated defences play important roles in host responses to
      pathogen attack, in particular to necrotrophic fungal pathogens that kill host
      cells in order to extract nutrients and live off the dead plant tissue. The root
      infecting fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum initiates a necrotrophic growth
      phase towards the later stages of its lifecycle and is responsible for
      devastating Fusarium wilt disease on numerous legume crops worldwide. Here we
      describe the use of the model legume Medicago truncatula to study legume-F.
      oxysporum interactions and compare and contrast this against knowledge from other
      model pathosystems, in particular Arabidopsis thaliana-F. oxysporum interactions.
      We describe publically-available genomic, transcriptomic and genetic (mutant)
      resources developed in M. truncatula that enable dissection of host jasmonate
      responses and apply aspects of these herein during the M. truncatula--F.
      oxysporum interaction. Our initial results suggest not all components of JA
      responses observed in M. truncatula are shared with Arabidopsis in response to F.
      oxysporum infection. 

PMID- 27135233
TI  - Effect of Drought on Herbivore-Induced Plant Gene Expression: Population
      Comparison for Range Limit Inferences.
AB  - Low elevation "trailing edge" range margin populations typically face increases
      in both abiotic and biotic stressors that may contribute to range limit
      development. We hypothesize that selection may act on ABA and JA signaling
      pathways for more stable expression needed for range expansion, but that
      antagonistic crosstalk prevents their simultaneous co-option. To test this
      hypothesis, we compared high and low elevation populations of Boechera stricta
      that have diverged with respect to constitutive levels of glucosinolate defenses
      and root:shoot ratios; neither population has high levels of both traits. If
      constraints imposed by antagonistic signaling underlie this divergence, one would
      predict that high constitutive levels of traits would coincide with lower
      plasticity. To test this prediction, we compared the genetically diverged
      populations in a double challenge drought-herbivory growth chamber experiment.
      Although a glucosinolate defense response to the generalist insect herbivore
      Spodoptera exigua was attenuated under drought conditions, the plastic defense
      response did not differ significantly between populations. Similarly, although
      several potential drought tolerance traits were measured, only stomatal aperture
      behavior, as measured by carbon isotope ratios, was less plastic as predicted in
      the high elevation population. However, RNAseq results on a small subset of
      plants indicated differential expression of relevant genes between populations as
      predicted. We suggest that the ambiguity in our results stems from a weaker link
      between the pathways and the functional traits compared to transcripts. 

PMID- 27135234
TI  - Beyond the Canon: Within-Plant and Population-Level Heterogeneity in Jasmonate
      Signaling Engaged by Plant-Insect Interactions.
AB  - Plants have evolved sophisticated communication and defense systems with which
      they interact with insects. Jasmonates are synthesized from the oxylipin pathway
      and act as pivotal cellular orchestrators of many of the metabolic and
      physiological processes that mediate these interactions. Many of these jasmonate
      dependent responses are tissue-specific and translate from modulations of the
      canonical jasmonate signaling pathway. Here we provide a short overview of within
      plant heterogeneities in jasmonate signaling and dependent responses in the
      context of plant-insect interactions as illuminated by examples from recent work
      with the ecological model, Nicotiana attenuata. We then discuss means of
      manipulating jasmonate signaling by creating tissue-specific jasmonate sinks, and
      the micrografting of different transgenic plants. The metabolic phenotyping of
      these manipulations provides an integrative understanding of the functional
      significance of deviations from the canonical model of this hormonal pathway.
      Additionally, natural variation in jasmonate biosynthesis and signaling both
      among and within species can explain polymorphisms in resistance to insects in
      nature. In this respect, insect-guided explorations of population-level
      variations in jasmonate metabolism have revealed more complexity than previously
      realized and we discuss how different "omic" techniques can be used to exploit
      the natural variation that occurs in this important signaling pathway. 

PMID- 27135236
TI  - Paired Hierarchical Organization of 13-Lipoxygenases in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Embryophyte genomes typically encode multiple 13-lipoxygenases (13-LOXs) that
      initiate the synthesis of wound-inducible mediators called jasmonates. Little is
      known about how the activities of these different LOX genes are coordinated. We
      found that the four 13-LOX genes in Arabidopsis thaliana have different basal
      expression patterns. LOX2 expression was strong in soft aerial tissues, but was
      excluded both within and proximal to maturing veins. LOX3 was expressed most
      strongly in circumfasicular parenchyma. LOX4 was expressed in phloem-associated
      cells, in contrast to LOX6, which is expressed in xylem contact cells. To
      investigate how the activities of these genes are coordinated after wounding, we
      carried out gene expression analyses in 13-lox mutants. This revealed a two
      tiered, paired hierarchy in which LOX6, and to a lesser extent LOX2, control most
      of the early-phase of jasmonate response gene expression. Jasmonates precursors
      produced by these two LOXs in wounded leaves are converted to active jasmonates
      that regulate LOX3 and LOX4 gene expression. Together with LOX2 and LOX6, and
      working downstream of them, LOX3 and LOX4 contribute to jasmonate synthesis that
      leads to the expression of the defense gene VEGETATIVE STORAGE PROTEIN2 (VSP2).
      LOX3 and LOX4 were also found to contribute to defense against the generalist
      herbivore Spodoptera littoralis. Our results reveal that 13-LOX genes are
      organised in a regulatory network, and the data herein raise the possibility that
      other genomes may encode LOXs that act as pairs. 

PMID- 27135235
TI  - Functional Analysis of Jasmonates in Rice through Mutant Approaches.
AB  - Jasmonic acid, one of the major plant hormones, is, unlike other hormones, a
      lipid-derived compound that is synthesized from the fatty acid linolenic acid. It
      has been studied intensively in many plant species including Arabidopsis
      thaliana, in which most of the enzymes participating in its biosynthesis were
      characterized. In the past 15 years, mutants and transgenic plants affected in
      the jasmonate pathway became available in rice and facilitate studies on the
      functions of this hormone in an important crop. Those functions are partially
      conserved compared to other plant species, and include roles in fertility,
      response to mechanical wounding and defense against herbivores. However, new and
      surprising functions have also been uncovered by mutant approaches, such as a
      close link between light perception and the jasmonate pathway. This was not only
      useful to show a phenomenon that is unique to rice but also helped to establish
      this role in plant species where such links are less obvious. This review aims to
      provide an overview of currently available rice mutants and transgenic plants in
      the jasmonate pathway and highlights some selected roles of jasmonate in this
      species, such as photomorphogenesis, and abiotic and biotic stress. 

PMID- 27135237
TI  - Canola/Rapeseed Protein: Future Opportunities and Directions-Workshop Proceedings
      of IRC 2015.
AB  - At present, canola meal is primarily streamlined into the animal feed market
      where it is a competitive animal feed source owing to its high protein value.
      Beyond animal feed lies a potential game-changer with regards to the value of
      canola meal, and its opportunity as a high quality food protein source. An
      economic and sustainable source of protein with high bioavailability and
      digestibility is essential to human health and well-being. Population pressures,
      ecological considerations, and production efficiency underscore the importance of
      highly bioavailable plant proteins, both for the developed and developing world.
      Despite decades of research, several technologies being developed, and products
      being brought to large scale production, there are still no commercially
      available canola protein products. The workshop entitled "Canola/Rapeseed Protein
      Future Opportunities and Directions" that was held on 8 July 2015 during the 14th
      International Rapeseed Congress (IRC 2015) addressed the current situation and
      issues surrounding canola meal protein from the technological, nutritional,
      regulatory and genomics/breeding perspective. Discussions with participants and
      experts in the field helped to identify economic barriers and research gaps that
      need to be addressed in both the short and long term for the benefit of canola
      industry. 

PMID- 27135238
TI  - Short-Term Response of Sasa Dwarf Bamboo to a Change of Soil Nitrogen Fertility
      in a Forest Ecosystem in Northern Hokkaido, Japan.
AB  - In forest ecosystems, a change of soil nitrogen (N) cycling after disturbance is
      regulated by various factors. Sasa dwarf bamboo (hereafter referred to as Sasa)
      is an understory plant that grows thickly on the forest floor in northern
      Hokkaido, Japan. However, the ecosystem function of Sasa after disturbances in
      the soil N cycling is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to
      determine the short-term response of Sasa to a change of soil N fertility.
      Biomass, litterfall, litter decomposition, soil N pool, and N leaching from soil
      were measured in control, and low- (5 g N m(-2) year(-1)) and high-N (15 g N m(
      2) year(-1)) addition plots. Sasa immobilized much N as the soil N fertility
      increased. However, the leaf N concentration in aboveground biomass did not
      increase, suggesting that the N in leaves was maintained because of the increase
      of leaf biomass. As a result, the decomposition and mineralization rates of the
      produced litter before and after N addition were comparable among plots, even
      though the soil inorganic N fertility increased greatly. These results suggest
      that immediate response of Sasa to an increase of soil inorganic N mitigates the
      excess N leaching from soil. 

PMID- 27135240
TI  - Patterns of Growth Costs and Nitrogen Acquisition in Cytisus striatus (Hill)
      Rothm. and Cytisus balansae (Boiss.) Ball are Mediated by Sources of Inorganic N.
AB  - Nitrogen-fixing shrubby legumes in the Mediterranean area partly overcome
      nutrient limitations by making use of soil N and atmospheric N2 sources. Their
      ability to switch between different sources lets them adjust to the carbon costs
      pertaining to N acquisition throughout the year. We investigated the utilization
      of different inorganic N sources by Cytisus balansae and Cytisus striatus,
      shrubby legumes under low and a sufficient (5 and 500 uM P, respectively) levels
      of P. Plants grew in sterile sand, supplied with N-free nutrient solution and
      inoculated with effective Bradyrhizobium strains; other treatments consisted of
      plants treated with (i) 500 uM NH4NO3; and (ii) 500 uM NH4NO3 and inoculation
      with effective rhizobial strains. The application of NH4NO3 always resulted in
      greater dry biomass production. Carbon construction costs were higher in plants
      that were supplied with mineral and symbiotic N sources and always greater in the
      endemic C. striatus. Photosynthetic rates were similar in plants treated with
      different sources of N although differences were observed between the two
      species. Non-fertilized inoculated plants showed a neat dependence on N2 fixation
      and had more effective root nodules. Results accounted for the distribution of
      the two species with regards to their ability to use different N sources. 

PMID- 27135239
TI  - Overexpression of Arabidopsis AnnAt8 Alleviates Abiotic Stress in Transgenic
      Arabidopsis and Tobacco.
AB  - Abiotic stress results in massive loss of crop productivity throughout the world.
      Because of our limited knowledge of the plant defense mechanisms, it is very
      difficult to exploit the plant genetic resources for manipulation of traits that
      could benefit multiple stress tolerance in plants. To achieve this, we need a
      deeper understanding of the plant gene regulatory mechanisms involved in stress
      responses. Understanding the roles of different members of plant gene families
      involved in different stress responses, would be a step in this direction.
      Arabidopsis, which served as a model system for the plant research, is also the
      most suitable system for the functional characterization of plant gene families.
      Annexin family in Arabidopsis also is one gene family which has not been fully
      explored. Eight annexin genes have been reported in the genome of Arabidopsis
      thaliana. Expression studies of different Arabidopsis annexins revealed their
      differential regulation under various abiotic stress conditions. AnnAt8
      (At5g12380), a member of this family has been shown to exhibit ~433 and ~175 fold
      increase in transcript levels under NaCl and dehydration stress respectively. To
      characterize Annexin8 (AnnAt8) further, we have generated transgenic Arabidopsis
      and tobacco plants constitutively expressing AnnAt8, which were evaluated under
      different abiotic stress conditions. AnnAt8 overexpressing transgenic plants
      exhibited higher seed germination rates, better plant growth, and higher
      chlorophyll retention when compared to wild type plants under abiotic stress
      treatments. Under stress conditions transgenic plants showed comparatively higher
      levels of proline and lower levels of malondialdehyde compared to the wild-type
      plants. Real-Time PCR analyses revealed that the expression of several stress
      regulated genes was altered in AnnAt8 over-expressing transgenic tobacco plants,
      and the enhanced tolerance exhibited by the transgenic plants can be correlated
      with altered expressions of these stress-regulated genes. Our findings suggest a
      role for AnnAt8 in enhancing abiotic stress tolerance at different stages of
      plant growth and development. 

PMID- 27135241
TI  - Quantification of Plasmodiophora brassicae Using a DNA-Based Soil Test
      Facilitates Sustainable Oilseed Rape Production.
AB  - Outbreaks of clubroot disease caused by the soil-borne obligate parasite
      Plasmodiophora brassicae are common in oilseed rape (OSR) in Sweden. A DNA-based
      soil testing service that identifies fields where P. brassicae poses a
      significant risk of clubroot infection is now commercially available. It was
      applied here in field surveys to monitor the prevalence of P. brassicae DNA in
      field soils intended for winter OSR production and winter OSR field experiments.
      In 2013 in Scania, prior to planting, P. brassicae DNA was detected in 60% of 45
      fields on 10 of 18 farms. In 2014, P. brassicae DNA was detected in 44% of 59
      fields in 14 of 36 farms, in the main winter OSR producing region in southern
      Sweden. P. brassicae was present indicative of a risk for >10% yield loss with
      susceptible cultivars (>1300 DNA copies g soil(-1)) in 47% and 44% of fields in
      2013 and 2014 respectively. Furthermore, P. brassicae DNA was indicative of sites
      at risk of complete crop failure if susceptible cultivars were grown (>50 000
      copies g(-1) soil) in 14% and 8% of fields in 2013 and 2014, respectively. A
      survey of all fields at Lanna research station in western Sweden showed that P.
      brassicae was spread throughout the farm, as only three of the fields (20%)
      showed infection levels below the detection limit for P.brassicae DNA, while the
      level was >50,000 DNA copies g(-1) soil in 20% of the fields. Soil-borne spread
      is of critical importance and soil scraped off footwear showed levels of up to
      682 million spores g(-1) soil. Soil testing is an important tool for determining
      the presence of P. brassicae and providing an indication of potential yield loss,
      e.g., in advisory work on planning for a sustainable OSR crop rotation. This soil
      test is gaining acceptance as a tool that increases the likelihood of success in
      precision agriculture and in applied research conducted in commercial oilseed
      fields and at research stations. The present application highlights the
      importance of prevention of disease spread by cleaning of farm equipment,
      footwear, etc. 

PMID- 27135242
TI  - Short-Term Responses in Maximum Quantum Yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) to ex situ
      Temperature Treatment of Populations of Bryophytes Originating from Different
      Sites in Hokkaido, Northern Japan.
AB  - There is limited knowledge available on the thermal acclimation processes for
      bryophytes, especially when considering variation between populations or sites.
      This study investigated whether short-term ex situ thermal acclimation of
      different populations showed patterns of site dependency and whether the maximum
      quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) could be used as an indicator of adaptation or
      temperature stress in two bryophyte species: Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex
      Brid.) Mitt. and Racomitrium lanuginosum (Hedw.) Brid. We sought to test the
      hypothesis that differences in the ability to acclimate to short-term temperature
      treatment would be revealed as differences in photosystem II maximum yield
      (Fv/Fm). Thermal treatments were applied to samples from 12 and 11 populations
      during 12 or 13 days in growth chambers and comprised: (1) 10/5  degrees C; (2)
      20/10  degrees C; (3) 25/15  degrees C; (4) 30/20  degrees C (12 hours day/night
      temperature). In Pleurozium schreberi, there were no significant site-dependent
      differences before or after the experiment, while site dependencies were clearly
      shown in Racomitrium lanuginosum throughout the study. Fv/Fm in Pleurozium
      schreberi decreased at the highest and lowest temperature treatments, which can
      be interpreted as a stress response, but no similar trends were shown by
      Racomitrium lanuginosum. 

PMID- 27135243
TI  - Prevalence and Genetic Characterization of Cryptosporidium Species in Dairy
      Calves in Central Ethiopia.
AB  - The burden of cryptosporidiosis due to Cryptosporidium parvum is well documented
      in HIV-positive patients in Ethiopia. However, the role of animals in zoonotic
      transmission of the disease is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to
      determine the prevalence and genotypes of Cryptosporidium species in dairy
      calves; to assess the role of cattle in zoonotic transmission in central
      Ethiopia. A total of 449 fecal samples were collected and screened using modified
      Ziehl-Neelson staining method and PCR targeting the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA
      gene. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 9.4% (42/449) and 15.8% (71/449) as
      detected by microscopy and nested PCR, respectively. The prevalence of infection
      varied significantly across the study areas with the higher prevalence being
      observed in Chancho 25.4% (30/118). Crossbred calves had significantly higher
      prevalence of Cryptosporidium than indigenous zebu. Genotyping results revealed
      the presence of C. andersoni (76.1%), C. bovis (19.7%) and C. ryanae (4.2%). The
      occurrence of these Cryptosporidium species appeared to be age-related. C.
      andersoni constituted 92.1% of the Cryptosporidium infection in calves older than
      3 months. Sequence analysis also showed the existence of intra-species variation
      at SSU rRNA gene. Findings of the current study indicate that cattle may not be
      an important source of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis in central Ethiopia. Further
      molecular studies are needed to support this observation from other part of the
      country.

PMID- 27135244
TI  - Circulating Serum miRNAs as Diagnostic Markers for Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - AIM: The study was designed to assess the possibility of using circulating miRNAs
      (serum miRNAs) as diagnostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC) and to
      identify their possibility as candidates for targeted therapy. METHODS: The study
      involved two sample sets: 1- a training set which included 90 patients with
      colorectal related disease (30 with CRC, 18 with inflammatory bowel disease
      (IBD), 18 with colonic polyps (CP) and 24 with different colonic symptoms but
      without any colonoscopic abnormality who were enrolled as control group) and 2- a
      validation set which included 100 CRC patients. Serum miRNAs were extracted from
      all subjects to assess the expression profiles for the following miRNAs (miR-17,
      miR-18a, miR-19a, miR-19b, miR-20a, miR-21, miR-146a, miR-223, miR-24, miR-454,
      miR-183, miR-135a, miR- 135b and miR- 92a) using the custom miScript miRNA PCR
      based sybergreen array. The area under the receiver operating characteristic
      curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the studied miRNAs
      for colorectal cancer diagnosis. RESULTS: Data analysis of miRNA from the
      training set showed that; compared to control group, only miR-19b was
      significantly up-regulated in patients with IBD group (fold change = 5.24, p =
      0.016), whereas in patients with colonic polyps, miR-18a was significantly up
      regulated (fold change = 3.49, p-value = 0.018). On the other hand, miR-17, miR
      19a, miR-20a and miR-223 were significantly up-regulated (fold change = 2.35,
      3.07, 2.38 and 10.35; respectively and p-value = 0.02, 0.015, 0.017 and 0.016;
      respectively in CRC patients. However, the validation set showed that only miR
      223 was significantly up-regulated in CRC patients (fold change = 4.06, p-value =
      0.04). CONCLUSION: Aberrant miRNA expressions are highly involved in the cascade
      of colorectal carcinogenesis. We have found that (miR-17, miR-19a, miR-20a and
      miR-223) could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for CRC. On the other hand, miR
      19b and miR-18a could be used as diagnostic biomarkers for CP and IBD
      respectively.

PMID- 27135245
TI  - Subclinical Hypothyroidism after 131I-Treatment of Graves' Disease: A Risk Factor
      for Depression?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although it is well accepted that there is a close relationship
      between hypothyroidism and depression, previous studies provided inconsistent or
      even opposite results in whether subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) increased the
      risk of depression. One possible reason is that the etiology of SCH in these
      studies was not clearly distinguished. We therefore investigated the relationship
      between SCH resulting from 131I treatment of Graves' disease and depression.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: The incidence of depression among 95 patients with SCH and
      121 euthyroid patients following 131I treatment of Graves' disease was studied.
      The risk factors of depression were determined with multivariate logistic
      regression analysis. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy was performed in
      patients with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels exceeding 10 mIU/L.
      RESULTS: Patients with SCH had significantly higher Hamilton Depression Scale
      scores, serum TSH and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels compared with
      euthyroid patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed SCH,
      Graves' eye syndrome and high serum TPO antibody level as risk factors for
      depression. L-thyroxine treatment is beneficial for SCH patients with serum TSH
      levels exceeding 10 mIU/L. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study
      demonstrated that SCH is prevalent among 131I treated Graves' patients. SCH might
      increase the risk of developing depression. L-thyroxine replacement therapy helps
      to resolve depressive disorders in SCH patients with TSH > 10mIU/L. These data
      provide insight into the relationship between SCH and depression.

PMID- 27135246
TI  - Transcriptional Dysregulation of Upstream Signaling of IFN Pathway in Chronic HCV
      Type 4 Induced Liver Fibrosis.
AB  - IFN orchestrates the expression of various genes to halt hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      replication with the possibility of either reduced or increased liver fibrosis;
      due to controlled viral replication or overproduction of inflammatory mediators,
      repectively. In this study, we examined the transcriptional profiling of type I
      IFN related genes in HCV-chronically infected patients with varying degrees of
      liver fibrosis. PCR array was used to examine the expression of 84 type I IFN
      related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) RNA from 12 treatment
      naive chronic HCV patients (5 F0-F1 and 7 F2-F4) and 5 healthy subjects. We
      further validated our results by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) in 103
      treatment-naive chronic HCV patients (43 F0-F1 and 60 F2-F4) and 15 controls. PCR
      array data revealed dysregulation in TLR7 pathway. The expression of TLR7 was
      decreased by 4 folds and MyD88 was increased by 3 folds in PBMCs of F2-F4
      patients when compared to the healthy volunteers (p = 0.03 and 0.002,
      respectively). In addition, IRF7 and TLR7 showed dramatic downregulation (6 and 8
      folds, respectively) in F2-F4 patients when compared to F0-F1 ones. qRT-PCR
      confirmed the altered expression patterns of TLR7 and MyD88 in F2-F4 patients
      when compared to either controls or F0-F1 patients. However, by qRT-PCR, IRF7 and
      NF-kappaB1 (TLR7 pathway transcription factors) exhibited similar mRNA abundance
      among F2-F4 and F0-F1 patients. These results suggest that TLR7 and MyD88 are
      possible candidates as biomarkers for the progression of HCV-induced liver
      fibrosis and/ or targets for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 27135247
TI  - The Effectiveness, Costs and Coastal Protection Benefits of Natural and Nature
      Based Defences.
AB  - There is great interest in the restoration and conservation of coastal habitats
      for protection from flooding and erosion. This is evidenced by the growing number
      of analyses and reviews of the effectiveness of habitats as natural defences and
      increasing funding world-wide for nature-based defences-i.e. restoration projects
      aimed at coastal protection; yet, there is no synthetic information on what kinds
      of projects are effective and cost effective for this purpose. This paper
      addresses two issues critical for designing restoration projects for coastal
      protection: (i) a synthesis of the costs and benefits of projects designed for
      coastal protection (nature-based defences) and (ii) analyses of the effectiveness
      of coastal habitats (natural defences) in reducing wave heights and the
      biophysical parameters that influence this effectiveness. We (i) analyse data
      from sixty-nine field measurements in coastal habitats globally and examine
      measures of effectiveness of mangroves, salt-marshes, coral reefs and
      seagrass/kelp beds for wave height reduction; (ii) synthesise the costs and
      coastal protection benefits of fifty-two nature-based defence projects and; (iii)
      estimate the benefits of each restoration project by combining information on
      restoration costs with data from nearby field measurements. The analyses of field
      measurements show that coastal habitats have significant potential for reducing
      wave heights that varies by habitat and site. In general, coral reefs and salt
      marshes have the highest overall potential. Habitat effectiveness is influenced
      by: a) the ratios of wave height-to-water depth and habitat width-to-wavelength
      in coral reefs; and b) the ratio of vegetation height-to-water depth in salt
      marshes. The comparison of costs of nature-based defence projects and engineering
      structures show that salt-marshes and mangroves can be two to five times cheaper
      than a submerged breakwater for wave heights up to half a metre and, within their
      limits, become more cost effective at greater depths. Nature-based defence
      projects also report benefits ranging from reductions in storm damage to
      reductions in coastal structure costs.

PMID- 27135248
TI  - What Prevents Quality Midwifery Care? A Systematic Mapping of Barriers in Low and
      Middle Income Countries from the Provider Perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality of care is essential for further progress in reducing
      maternal and newborn deaths. The integration of educated, trained, regulated and
      licensed midwives into the health system is associated with improved quality of
      care and sustained decreases in maternal and newborn mortality. To date, research
      on barriers to quality of care for women and newborns has not given due attention
      to the care provider's perspective. This paper addresses this gap by presenting
      the findings of a systematic mapping of the literature of the social, economic
      and professional barriers preventing midwifery personnel in low and middle income
      countries (LMICs) from providing quality of care. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A
      systematic search of five electronic databases for literature published between
      January 1990 and August 2013. Eligible items included published and unpublished
      items in all languages. Items were screened against inclusion and exclusion
      criteria, yielding 82 items from 34 countries. 44% discussed countries or regions
      in Africa, 38% in Asia, and 5% in the Americas. Nearly half the articles were
      published since 2011. Data was extracted and presented in a narrative synthesis
      and tables. Items were organized into three categories; social; economic and
      professional barriers, based on an analytical framework. Barriers connected to
      the socially and culturally constructed context of childbirth, although least
      reported, appear instrumental in preventing quality midwifery care. CONCLUSIONS:
      Significant social and cultural, economic and professional barriers can prevent
      the provision of quality midwifery care in LMICs. An analytical framework is
      proposed to show how the overlaps between the barriers reinforce each other, and
      that they arise from gender inequality. Links are made between burn out and moral
      distress, caused by the barriers, and poor quality care. Ongoing mechanisms to
      improve quality care will need to address the barriers from the midwifery
      provider perspective, as well as the underlying gender inequality.

PMID- 27135249
TI  - Long-term outcome of early interventions to prevent posttraumatic stress
      disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Failing to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has major
      clinical and public health consequences. This work evaluates the 3-year outcome
      of offering early interventions to survivors with acute PTSD. METHODS: Adults
      admitted consecutively to the hospital with acute DSM-IV PTSD were randomized,
      between June 2003 and October 2007, to 12 weeks of prolonged exposure (n = 63) or
      cognitive therapy (n = 40) or concealed SSRI (escitalopram; n = 23) versus
      placebo (n = 23). Eighty-two participants who declined treatment were followed as
      well. Treatment started 1 month after the traumatic event, and participants were
      reassessed 5 and 36 months later. Assessors were blinded to treatment allocation
      and acceptance. The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) evaluated PTSD and
      PTSD symptoms. Self-reported symptoms, general functioning, and employment status
      were secondary outcomes. Participants lost to follow-up were missing completely
      at random. RESULTS: Prolonged exposure and cognitive therapy significantly
      reduced PTSD and PTSD symptoms between 1 and 5 months (mean CAPS total scores
      [95% CI] at 1 month: prolonged exposure = 73.59 [68.21-78.96] and cognitive
      therapy = 71.78 [66.92-78.93]; mean CAPS total scores [95% CI] at 5 months:
      prolonged exposure = 28.59 [21.89-35.29] and cognitive therapy = 29.48 [21.32
      37.95], P < .001), and their results remained stable. At 3 years, however, the
      study groups had similar levels of PTSD symptoms (mean CAPS total scores [95%
      CI]: prolonged exposure = 31.51 [20.25-42.78]; cognitive therapy = 32.08 [20.74
      43.42]; SSRI = 34.31 [16.54-52.07]; placebo = 32.13 [20.15-44.12]; and no
      intervention = 30.59 [19.40-41.78]), similar prevalence of PTSD (28.6%-46.2%),
      and similar secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Early prolonged exposure and
      cognitive therapy accelerated the recovery from acute PTSD. Their effect remained
      stable, however, without reducing the 3-year prevalence of the disorder. The
      lingering prevalence of PTSD, despite efficient interventions, illustrates a
      nonremitting, treatment-refractory subset of survivors and outlines a major
      clinical and public health challenge. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov
      identifier: NCT00146900.

PMID- 27135250
TI  - Is low molecular weight hyaluronan an early indicator of disease in avian
      systemic sclerosis?
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: To further elucidate the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis
      (SSc) an experimental avian model was used. The University of California at Davis
      line 200 (UCD-200) chickens spontaneously develop a SSc-like disease that has
      most features of human SSc with vascular effects, inflammation, autoimmunity, and
      fibrosis. The first signs of disease in UCD-200 chickens are swelling and
      ischemic lesions of the comb and the presence of a tissue containing high amounts
      of glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA). The aim of this study was to evaluate
      inflammatory and fibrotic processes of the disease with regard to the molecular
      weight of HA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comb biopsies from UCD-200 and healthy White
      Leghorn (WL) chickens, as controls, at different ages were studied with the
      histochemical localization of HA, hyaluronidase-1 (Hyal-1), cluster of
      differentiation 3, immunoglobulin Y, and collagen I and III. The molecular weight
      distribution of HA was estimated with gas-phase electrophoretic analysis.
      RESULTS: At 2 days of age, HA was visualized in UCD-200 chickens at the dermal
      part of the comb with no simultaneous staining of Hyal-1. In adult UCD-200
      chickens, the comb skin was almost totally devoid of HA compared to WL chickens
      of the same age. An increase of low molecular weight (LMW) HA was detected in
      comb tissue from UCD-200 at the age of 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks, in
      contrast to adult animals. CONCLUSIONS: An early inflammatory process involving
      LMW HA was confirmed as a possible profibrotic process. This indicates that HA
      might be an important participant in the early inflammatory events of SSc in UCD
      200 chickens and that the disappearance of HA in skin predisposes to fibrosis.

PMID- 27135251
TI  - Effects of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 on Development of Somatic Cell Cloned
      Bovine Embryos.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the effect of insulin-like growth factor-1
      (IGF-1) on the developmental competence of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)
      bovine embryos. First, the expression levels of IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and IGF-1
      in the oocytes and embryos of different developmental stages were examined. Then
      the effects of exogenous IGF-1 on the development of SCNT embryos were evaluated
      both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that IGF-1 was not expressed in
      both IVF and SCNT embryos, whereas IGF-1R could be detected throughout the
      preimplantation stages in both protein and mRNA levels. Also, exogenous IGF-1 had
      no obvious impact on the developmental competence of IVF embryos. However, it
      could improve the developmental competence of SCNT embryos in terms of blastocyst
      developmental rate (31.3% vs. 43.2%, p < 0.05), total cell number (93.0 +/- 9.9
      vs. 101.0 +/- 9.8, p < 0.05), ratio of inner cell mass (ICM) to trophectoderm
      (TE) (0.29 +/- 0.006 vs. 0.39 +/- 0.005, p < 0.05), and apoptosis index in day 7
      blastocysts (2.5 +/- 0.22 vs. 8.7 +/- 0.41, p < 0.05) compared to the control
      group. Although no statistical difference in pregnancy rate and birth rate was
      observed after embryo transfer, there was an upward tendency in both examined
      terms in the IGF-1-supplemented group when compared with the control group. In
      conclusion, the present study showed that supplementing exogenous IGF-1 to the
      culture medium has an obvious positive effect on the development competence of
      SCNT embryos.

PMID- 27135252
TI  - Influence of Permissive Parenting on Youth Farm Risk Behaviors.
AB  - Farm youth continue to experience high rates of injuries and premature deaths as
      a result of agricultural activities. Increased parental permissiveness is
      positively associated with many different types of high-risk behaviors in youth.
      This study explored whether permissive parenting (fathering and mothering)
      predicts youth unsafe behaviors on the farm. Data were analyzed for 67 youth and
      their parents. Families were recruited from a statewide farm publication, through
      youth organizations (i.e., FFA [Future Farmers of America]), local newspapers,
      farmer referrals, and through the Cooperative Extension Network. Hierarchical
      multiple regression was completed. Results revealed that fathers and mothers who
      practiced lax-inconsistent disciplining were more likely to have youth who
      indulged in unsafe farm behaviors. Key hypotheses confirmed that permissive
      parenting (lax-inconsistent disciplining) by parents continued to predict youth
      unsafe farm behaviors, even after youth age, youth gender, youth personality
      factor of risk-taking, and father's unsafe behaviors (a measure associated with
      modeling) were all taken into account. A key implication is that parents may play
      an important role in influencing youth farm safety behaviors. Parents (especially
      fathers) need to devote time to discuss farm safety with their youth. Farm safety
      interventions need to involve parents as well as address and respect the culture
      and values of families. Interventions need to focus not only on safe farm
      practices, but also promote positive parenting practices, including increased
      parent-youth communication about safety, consistent disciplining strategies, and
      increased monitoring and modeling of safe farm behaviors by parents.

PMID- 27135253
TI  - Platelet phenotype changes associated with breast cancer and its treatment.
AB  - Platelets and their granular contents influence both angiogenesis and breast
      cancer progression. This study was performed to assess the effect of breast
      cancer and its treatment on platelet biology and the response to inhibition of
      the platelet P2Y12 receptor. Receptor-specific platelet activation and inhibition
      was studied for three platelet-associated proteins important in cancer
      angiogenesis and progression, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),
      thrombospondin1 (TSP1), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1). Twenty
      four women with active breast cancer and 10 healthy controls not receiving
      antiplatelet therapy participated in the study. Ex vivo activation of platelets
      in whole blood was accomplished using PAR1AP, PAR4AP, convulxin, and ADP.
      Platelet inhibition was accomplished using the P2Y12 receptor antagonist
      cangrelor (the in vitro equivalent of clopidogrel). VEGF, TSP1, and TGF-beta1
      were measured using standard ELISA. Platelet activation by ADP, PAR1, PAR4, and
      collagen receptors increased VEGF, TSP1, and TGF-beta1 secretion in patients with
      breast cancer. Agonist-induced release of VEGF was greater in cancer patients as
      compared to healthy controls (p = 0.02 for ADP, p < 0.001 for PAR1AP, PAR4AP, and
      convulxin) despite a decrease in the efficiency of VEGF secretion in patients
      with breast cancer. These differences were not observed for TSP1 and TGF-beta1
      secretion. P2Y12 receptor inhibition decreased VEGF, TSP1, and TGF-beta1
      secretion. In patients with cancer, cangrelor inhibited TSP1 release to a greater
      extent than VEGF and TGF-beta1 release. In patients with breast cancer, the
      magnitude of platelet inhibition achieved by cangrelor was greater than that
      achieved with healthy controls for all agonists and platelet proteins studied.
      While platelets are known to influence progression of breast cancer, our results
      show that breast cancer and its treatment influence the platelet phenotype by
      increasing the secretion of pro-angiogenic proteins following platelet
      activation, modulating the efficiency of platelet protein release as well as
      increasing the response to antiplatelet therapy.

PMID- 27135254
TI  - Dyeing wool and cotton fibres with acidic extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis
      flower.
AB  - The focus of this work is to extract a natural dye for colouring camel wool as a
      substitute for synthetic dyes used in the Sadu House of Kuwait. Their target is
      to keep the tradition of tent and rug production natural in all its
      manifestations. Therefore, our task was to find an abundant source that provides
      a colour preferably red to purple. Hibiscus rosa sinensis (HRS) is an abundantly
      available plant in Kuwait that was explored for extraction of the red dye to
      colour camel wool permanently. The powdered petals of red flowers of HRS was
      extracted with 5% acetic acid which yielded a deep red colour that showed a great
      potential for woollen fibre dyeing. The use of mordants like alum and some metal
      salts manifested a wide range of fixed colours which intensified at 85  degrees
      C. The colours produced had excellent fastness and was accepted by the Sadu
      House.

PMID- 27135255
TI  - Heller Myotomy Is Superior to Balloon Dilatation or Botulinum Injection in
      Children with Achalasia: A Two-Center Review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Achalasia is an uncommon disorder in children. Currently, there is
      no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for achalasia. We investigate the
      effectiveness of symptom relief in patients who underwent endoscopic treatments
      versus Heller myotomy (HM). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all
      children (age 0-18 years) treated for achalasia at two pediatric hospitals from
      2004 to 2014. Demographics, presenting symptoms, outcomes, and complications were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (61% male) were identified with a mean
      age at diagnosis of 11.6 +/- 5.0 years. About 47.8% of the cohort had no
      comorbidities. Common presenting symptoms included weight loss/failure to thrive
      (87.0%), emesis (69.6%), and dysphagia (69.6%). Mean time from symptom onset to
      diagnosis was 18 +/- 18.9 months. Nine patients underwent laparoscopic HM as
      their primary treatment, whereas 14 received esophageal dilatation (ED) as their
      first-line therapy. Patients who underwent ED as their initial treatment were
      younger (9.92 versus 15.6 years, P = .047). Patients who underwent HM were more
      likely to attain symptom resolution compared to those managed with ED alone (P =
      .004). Of the 14 patients who underwent ED initially, 10 subsequently required HM
      due to persistent symptoms. None of the 4 patients who underwent ED alone
      achieved long-term symptom relief and, on the average, required an increased
      number of procedures compared to their HM counterparts (5.25 versus 2.47, P =
      .010). There was a trend toward increased intraoperative mucosal perforation in
      patients who underwent preoperative ED and botulinum injections. CONCLUSION: Our
      data suggest that HM is superior to balloon dilatation or botulinum injection in
      children with achalasia. We conclude that HM should be recommended for newly
      diagnosed children with achalasia as a first-line therapy.

PMID- 27135256
TI  - The real-world cost-effectiveness of adjuvant trastuzumab in HER-2/neu-positive
      early breast cancer in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trastuzumab was considered a cost-effective adjuvant treatment for
      HER 2-positive early breast cancer. Since 2010, the Taiwanese National Health
      Insurance (NHI) has started to reimburse for 1-year adjuvant treatment. This
      study aims to provide an updated cost-effectiveness analysis from the NHI
      perspective, which explores assumptions about long-term cardiac toxicity and
      treatment benefit of 1-year adjuvant treatment sequentially after chemotherapy.
      METHODS: A Markov model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 1-year
      adjuvant trastuzumab for HER-2/neu positive early breast cancer over a 20-year
      life-time horizon. A probability sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo
      simulation was performed to characterize uncertainties in the expected outcomes,
      which are expressed as an incremental costs effectiveness ratio (ICER,
      cost/QALY). A willingness-to-pay threshold of 3-times the per capita gross
      domestic product was adopted according to the WHO definition. The Taiwan per
      capita gross domestic product in 2015 was US$22,355; thus, a threshold was
      considered as NT$2,011,950 (US$67 065, 1USD =30 NTD in 2015). RESULTS: The model
      showed that adjuvant trastuzumab treatment in HER-2/neu positive early breast
      cancer yielded 1.631 quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) compared with no
      trastuzumab treatment. The ICER was US $51,863 per QALY gained in the base-case
      scenario. The Monte Carlo simulation by varying all variables simultaneously
      demonstrated that the probability of cost-effectiveness at the willingness-to-pay
      threshold of US$67,065 was 50% for 1-year adjuvant trastuzumab. CONCLUSIONS: From
      this real-world study, 1-year adjuvant trastuzumab treatment is likely to be a
      cost-effective therapy for patients with HER-2 positive breast cancer at the
      willingness-to-pay threshold of 3-times GDP per capita in Taiwan.

PMID- 27135257
TI  - Poplar-Root Knot Nematode Interaction: A Model for Perennial Woody Species.
AB  - Plant root-knot nematode (RKN) interaction studies are performed on several host
      plant models. Though RKN interact with trees, no perennial woody model has been
      explored so far. Here, we show that poplar (Populus tremula * P. alba) grown in
      vitro is susceptible to Meloidogyne incognita, allowing this nematode to
      penetrate, to induce feeding sites, and to successfully complete its life cycle.
      Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis was
      performed to study changes in poplar gene expression in galls compared with
      noninfected roots. Three genes (expansin A, histone 3.1, and asparagine
      synthase), selected as gall development marker genes, followed, during poplar
      nematode interaction, a similar expression pattern to what was described for
      other plant hosts. Downregulation of four genes implicated in the monolignol
      biosynthesis pathway was evidenced in galls, suggesting a shift in the phenolic
      profile within galls developed on poplar roots. Raman microspectroscopy
      demonstrated that cell walls of giant cells were not lignified but mainly
      composed of pectin and cellulose. The data presented here suggest that RKN
      exercise conserved strategies to reproduce and to invade perennial plant species
      and that poplar is a suitable model host to study specific traits of tree
      nematode interactions. 

PMID- 27135258
TI  - Aerobic Oxidation of an Osmium(III) N-Hydroxyguanidine Complex To Give Nitric
      Oxide.
AB  - The aerobic oxidation of the N-hydroxyguanidinum moiety of N-hydroxyarginine to
      NO is a key step in the biosynthesis of NO by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase
      (NOS). So far, there is no chemical system that can efficiently carry out similar
      aerobic oxidation to give NO. We report here the synthesis and X-ray crystal
      structure of an osmium(III) N-hydroxyguanidine complex, mer
      [Os(III){NH?C(NH2)(NHOH)}(L)(CN)3](-) (OsGOH, HL = 2-(2
      hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole), which to the best of our knowledge is the first
      example of a transition metal N-hydroxyguanidine complex. More significantly,
      this complex readily undergoes aerobic oxidation at ambient conditions to
      generate NO. The oxidation is pH-dependent; at pH 6.8, fac-[Os(NO)(L)(CN)3](-) is
      formed in which the NO produced is bound to the osmium center. On the other hand,
      at pH 12, aerobic oxidation of OsGOH results in the formation of the ureato
      complex [Os(III)(NHCONH2)(L)(CN)3](2-) and free NO. Mechanisms for this aerobic
      oxidation at different pH values are proposed.

PMID- 27135259
TI  - A DFT Study Toward the Reaction Mechanisms of TNT With Hydroxyl Radicals for
      Advanced Oxidation Processes.
AB  - The degradation pathway of environmental contaminant 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT)
      was investigated computationally at the SMD(Pauling)/M06-2X/6-311+G(d,p) level of
      theory. The dominant decomposition pathway of TNT -> 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol -> 4,6
      dinitro-2-hydroxybenzylalcohol -> 4,6-dinitro-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde was provided,
      and the corresponding predicted products and their distributions are in a good
      agreement with available experimental data on TNT degradation by Fenton reaction.
      It was shown that the mechanism of addition-elimination is crucial for this stage
      of the reaction. The reaction of H atom abstraction is a minor competing pathway.
      The details on transition states, intermediate radicals, and free energy surfaces
      for all proposed reactions are given and make up for a lack of experimental
      knowledge. 

PMID- 27135260
TI  - Challenge beyond Graphene: Metal Oxide/Graphene/Metal Oxide Electrodes for
      Optoelectronic Devices.
AB  - Graphene has shown strong potential to occupy transparent electrodes, replacing
      indium tin oxide (ITO). However, the commercialization of graphene is still
      limited because of its poor chemical and electrical stability from reaction with
      environmental factors or essential materials such as poly[3,4
      (ethylenedioxy)thiophene]:poly(styrenesulfonate) ( PEDOT: PSS). Here, we have
      demonstrated a multilayered electrode in which graphene is sandwiched between
      metal oxides (MOs) that have high stability and optical properties. The MOs
      overcoated graphene, and thereby protected it from desorption of chemical
      dopants. Because of the resulting chemical and electrical stability, the
      electrodes maintain low sheet resistance 2.4 times longer than bare graphene and
      36 times longer than PEDOT: PSS-coated graphene. On the basis of optical
      simulations, we derive the design rules for highly transparent MO/graphene/MO
      stacks and demonstrate an optimized structure with a TiO2 and WO3 electrode that
      has high transmittance (96%) which exceeds those of ITO (87%) and graphene (90%).
      Using a TiO2/graphene/WO3 electrode in organic light-emitting diodes (lambda =
      520 nm) instead of ITO or graphene anodes increases the cavity resonance and
      thereby increases power efficiencies by up to 30%. The MO/graphene/MO stacks
      designed will provide opportunities for commercialization of flexible electronics
      with graphene electrodes.

PMID- 27135262
TI  - Transitions of Double-Stranded DNA Between the A- and B-Forms.
AB  - The structure of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) is sensitive to solvent conditions.
      In solution, B-DNA is the favored conformation under physiological conditions,
      while A-DNA is the form found under low water activity. The A-form is induced
      locally in some protein-DNA complexes, and repeated transitions between the B-
      and A-forms have been proposed to generate the forces used to drive dsDNA into
      viral capsids during genome packaging. Here, we report analyses on previous
      molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on B-DNA, along with new MD simulations on
      the transition from A-DNA to B-DNA in solution. We introduce the A-B Index (ABI),
      a new metric along the A-B continuum, to quantify our results. When A-DNA is
      placed in an equilibrated solution at physiological ionic strength, there is no
      energy barrier to the transition to the B-form, which begins within about 1 ns.
      The transition is essentially complete within 5 ns, although occasionally a
      stretch of a few base pairs will remain A-like for up to ~10 ns. A comparison of
      four sequences with a range of predicted A-phobicities shows that more A-phobic
      sequences make the transition more rapidly than less A-phobic sequences.
      Simulations on dsDNA with a region of roughly one turn locked in the A-form allow
      us to characterize the A/B junction, which has an average bend angle of 20-30
      degrees . Fluctuations in this angle occur with characteristic times of about 10
      ns.

PMID- 27135263
TI  - Pattern of nipple use by puppies: A comparison of the dingo (Canis dingo) and the
      domestic dog (Canis familiaris).
AB  - Surprisingly little information is available about the behavior of newborn
      mammals in the functionally vital context of suckling. We have previously
      reported notable differences in the pattern of nipple use by kittens of the
      domestic cat and puppies of the domestic dog. Whereas kittens rapidly develop a
      "teat order," with each individual using principally 1 or 2 particular nipples,
      puppies show no such pattern. We asked whether the more "chaotic" behavior seen
      in puppies of the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) could be the result of relaxed
      selection due to domestication. In a first test of this hypothesis, we studied
      suckling behavior in 4 litters of wild-type captive dingoes (Canis dingo), a
      canid species that has inhabited the Australian mainland in substantial numbers
      for at least 5,000 years with minimal human influence. On all measures of
      individual puppies' behavior-time spent attached to nipples, lack of individual
      use of particular nipples and consequent absence of a teat order, lack of
      synchronized suckling with other littermates, lack of agonistic behavior-we found
      no differences between the 2 species. In conclusion, we suggest that the
      difference between the pattern of suckling behavior of kittens of the domestic
      cat (and other felids) and the domestic dog is not an artifact of domestication,
      but rather reflects phylogenetic differences between felids and canids as a
      consequence of their different lifestyles and associated patterns of parental
      care. These findings emphasize the need for comparative studies to avoid
      simplistic generalizations from 1 or 2 species across broad taxonomic groups.
      (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 27135264
TI  - Cleaning Up Muddy Waters: The Fight to Revive Senegal's Hann Bay.

PMID- 27135266
TI  - High Chloride Doping Levels Stabilize the Perovskite Phase of Cesium Lead Iodide.
AB  - Cesium lead iodide possesses an excellent combination of band gap and absorption
      coefficient for photovoltaic applications in its perovskite phase. However, this
      is not its equilibrium structure under ambient conditions. In air, at ambient
      temperature it rapidly transforms to a nonfunctional, so-called yellow phase.
      Here we show that chloride doping, particularly at levels near the solubility
      limit for chloride in a cesium lead iodide host, provides a new approach to
      stabilizing the functional perovskite phase. In order to achieve high doping
      levels, we first co-deposit colloidal nanocrystals of pure cesium lead chloride
      and cesium lead iodide, thereby ensuring nanometer-scale mixing even at
      compositions that potentially exceed the bulk miscibility of the two phases. The
      resulting nanocrystal solid is subsequently fused into a polycrystalline thin
      film by chemically induced, room-temperature sintering. Spectroscopy and X-ray
      diffraction indicate that the chloride is further dispersed during sintering and
      a polycrystalline mixed phase is formed. Using density functional theory (DFT)
      methods in conjunction with nudged elastic band techniques, low-energy pathways
      for interstitial chlorine diffusion into a majority-iodide lattice were
      identified, consistent with the facile diffusion and fast halide exchange
      reactions observed. By comparison to DFT-calculated values (with the PBE exchange
      correlation functional), the relative change in band gap and the lattice
      contraction are shown to be consistent with a Cl/I ratio of a few percent in the
      mixed phase. At these incorporation levels, the half-life of the functional
      perovskite phase in a humid atmosphere increases by more than an order of
      magnitude.

PMID- 27135265
TI  - Comparative Functional Alanine Positional Scanning of the alpha-Melanocyte
      Stimulating Hormone and NDP-Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone Demonstrates
      Differential Structure-Activity Relationships at the Mouse Melanocortin
      Receptors.
AB  - The melanocortin system has been implicated in the regulation of various
      physiological functions including melanogenesis, steroidogenesis, energy
      homeostasis, and feeding behavior. Five melanocortin receptors have been
      identified to date and belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors
      (GPCR). Post-translational modification of the proopiomelanocortin (POMC)
      prohormone leads to the biosynthesis of the endogenous melanocortin agonists,
      including alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), beta-MSH, gamma-MSH,
      and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). All the melanocortin agonists derived
      from the POMC prohormone contain a His-Phe-Arg-Trp tetrapeptide sequence that has
      been implicated in eliciting the pharmacological responses at the melanocortin
      receptors. Herein, an alanine (Ala) positional scan is reported for the
      endogenous alpha-MSH ligand and the synthetic, more potent, NDP-MSH peptide (Ac
      Ser(1)-Tyr(2)-Ser(3)-Nle(4)-Glu(5)-His(6)-DPhe(7)-Arg(8)-Trp(9)-Gly(10)-Lys(11)
      Pro(12)-Val(13)-NH2) at the cloned mouse melanocortin receptors to test the
      assumption that the structure-activity relationships of one ligand would apply to
      the other. Several residues outside of the postulated pharmacophore altered
      potency at the melanocortin receptors, most notably the 1560-, 37-, and 15-fold
      potency loss when the Glu(5) position of alpha-MSH was substituted with Ala at
      the mMC1R, mMC3R, and mMC4R, respectively. Importantly, the altered potencies due
      to Ala substitutions in alpha-MSH did not necessarily correlate with equivalent
      Ala substitutions in NDP-MSH, indicating that structural modifications and
      corresponding biological activities in one of these melanocortin ligands may not
      be predictive for the other agonist.

PMID- 27135267
TI  - 4-Position-Selective C-H Perfluoroalkylation and Perfluoroarylation of Six
      Membered Heteroaromatic Compounds.
AB  - The first 4-position-selective C-H perfluoroalkylation and perfluoroarylation of
      six-membered heteroaromatic compounds were achieved using nucleophilic
      perfluoroalkylation and perfluoroarylation reagents. The regioselectivity was
      controlled by electrophilically activating the heteroaromatic rings, while
      sterically hindering the 2-position, with a sterically bulky borane Lewis acid.
      The reaction proceeded in good yield, even in gram scale, and by a sequential
      reaction without isolating the intermediates. This reaction could be applied to
      late-stage trifluoromethylation of a bioactive compound.

PMID- 27135268
TI  - Picoliter Drop-On-Demand Dispensing for Multiplex Liquid Cell Transmission
      Electron Microscopy.
AB  - Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) provides a unique insight
      into the dynamics of nanomaterials in solution. Controlling the addition of
      multiple solutions to the liquid cell remains a key hurdle in our ability to
      increase throughput and to study processes dependent on solution mixing including
      chemical reactions. Here, we report that a piezo dispensing technique allows for
      mixing of multiple solutions directly within the viewing area. This technique
      permits deposition of 50 pL droplets of various aqueous solutions onto the liquid
      cell window, before assembly of the cell in a fully controlled manner. This proof
      of-concept study highlights the great potential of picoliter dispensing in
      combination with LCTEM for observing nanoparticle mixing in the solution phase
      and the creation of chemical gradients.

PMID- 27135269
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27135270
TI  - Diagnosis and Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Children and Adolescents -
      Recommendations of the GPOH-NPC Study Group.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare malignant tumor arising from epithelial
      cells of the nasopharynx. Its incidence is highest in Southeast Asia. Age
      distribution of NPC is bimodal, with one peak in young adolescents and another in
      patients 55-59 years of age. EBV appears to be the primary etiologic agent in the
      pathogenesis, environmental factors such as nitrosamines and genetic factors are
      contributory. NPC is most commonly diagnosed in locally advanced stages, with
      lymph node metastases occurring in up to 90% of patients. About 5-10% of patients
      present with distant metastases. Diagnosis of NPC is made histologically,
      supported by an abnormal anti-EBV-VCA IgA titer and elevated plasma EBV-DNA load.
      Superior results in children and adolescents with advanced locoregional NPC, with
      overall and event-free survival rates>90%, have been achieved by neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy with 5-fluoruracil and cisplatin, followed by synchronous
      radiochemotherapy and subsequent maintenance therapy with interferon-beta as
      demonstrated by the 2 prospective studies GPOH-NPC-91 and -2003. Response to
      therapy can be assessed by PET-imaging and in patients with complete remission
      after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the radiation dose to the primary tumor can be
      safely reduced from 59.4 to 54.4 Gy. Since the majority of long term sequalae
      such as xerostomia, skin and tissue fibrosis are caused by high radiation
      dosages, radiotherapy modalities such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy should
      be used to efficiently spare non-tumorous tissue. For patients with metastatic
      disease and relapse, survival chances are low. New treatment strategies, such as
      the application of EBV-specific T-lymphocytes should be considered for these
      patients. 

PMID- 27135271
TI  - No Significant Cytotoxic Effect of the EZH2 Inhibitor Tazemetostat (EPZ-6438) on
      Pediatric Glioma Cells with Wildtype Histone 3 or Mutated Histone 3.3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
      (DIPG) belong to the most aggressive cancers in children with poor prognosis and
      limited therapeutic options. Therapeutic targeting of epigenetic proteins may
      offer new treatment options. Preclinical studies identified Enhancer of Zeste
      Homolog 2 (EZH2) within polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) as a potential
      epigenetic anti-tumor target in adult GBM cells but similar inhibition studies in
      pediatric GBM/DIPG were still missing. Moreover, approximately 30% of pediatric
      high grade gliomas (pedHGG) including GBM and DIPG harbor a lysine 27 mutation
      (K27M) in histone 3.3 (H3.3) which is correlated with poor outcome and was shown
      to influence EZH2 function. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study
      investigated the correlation of expression of EZH2 and other PRC2 genes (EZH1,
      SUZ12, EED) with overall survival of pediatric GBM patients and the cytotoxic
      impact of EZH2 inhibition by the novel agent Tazemetostat in pediatric GBM/DIPG
      cells harboring either a H3.3 mutation or a H3 wildtype. RESULTS: EZH2 gene
      expression does not correlate with survival of pedHGG patients, and EZH2
      inhibition does not induce significant cytotoxicity in pedHGG cells independently
      of H3.3 mutations. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We suggest that EZH2 inhibition
      might not offer an effective single agent treatment option for paedHGG patients.
      However, the therapeutic efficacy in combination with cytotoxic and/or other
      epigenetically active agents still has to be elucidated.

PMID- 27135272
TI  - [Constitution of a New Specialised Pediatric Home Care Team - First Year
      Experience].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the amendment of the Social Law V in Germany in 2007 the
      financial basis for a Specialised Home Palliative Care for Children (SHPC) for
      children was established. In Hesse 3 different SHPC teams entered into collective
      negotiations with health insurance companies. In 2014, the team of the University
      Children's Hospital in Giessen started to treat the first patient with a lead
      time of two months. METHODS: Thus in this paper the development of a SHPC team is
      described. After the first year anonymized patients data were retrospectively
      analyzed. RESULTS: Within 12 months 35 patients, 24 females and 11 males, were
      treated. All of the 6 patients who died, died at home. Calculated 48 weeks
      survival was 78%. 45% of the patients suffered from malignancies, 34% of
      malformations and 34% had metabolic disorders. 51% needed crisis intervention and
      51% infusion therapy. Only 26% of parents denied cardiopulmonary resuscitation
      (CPR). Only 10% of the patients or their families received professional
      psychological care. CONCLUSION: Formation of a SHPC is feasible within a short
      time period once a financial basis is established. So, empathic guidance of
      families to help decision making for emergency situations are considered to be
      important. Analysis of patient's data after one year could help to improve the
      quality of care. Our data provides information for developing a palliative care
      team und could motivate colleagues to start the job.

PMID- 27135273
TI  - [Parental Distress Caused by Child's Cancer Diagnosis].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Considering that parental well-being influences the healing process
      of a child significantly, the relevance of psychosocial care of parents with
      children with cancer is obvious. Since the parental distress has hardly been
      studied in Germany, this study examines the burdens of parents of children with
      cancer. In addition, it provides a diagnostic tool that is used to standardize
      and facilitate the whole patient management. METHODS: n=213 parents have
      participated in the survey scheduled from September 2013 to September 2014 in
      pediatric oncology centers. The examination of parental distress was based on
      five burdens (namely "depression", "anxiety", "somatization", "posttraumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD)" and "obsessive-compulsive"). Moreover, confirmatory
      factor analyzes were calculated which form the basis of the tools. RESULTS: 42%
      of parents show above-average depression scores (z>1), 56,7% above-average
      anxiety scores, 30,6% above-average obsessive-compulsive scores, 17,4% above
      average PTSD scores and 25,9% above-average somatization scores. The confirmatory
      factor analyzes provide evidence for a dimensional factor model and a second
      order factor model. DISCUSSION: The results show that parents of children with
      cancer in Germany represent a risk group in terms of developing their own mental
      health problems.

PMID- 27135274
TI  - Epilepsy-related sudden unexpected death: targeted molecular analysis of
      inherited heart disease genes using next-generation DNA sequencing.
AB  - Inherited heart disease causing electric instability in the heart has been
      suggested to be a risk factor for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
      The purpose of this study was to reveal the correlation between epilepsy-related
      sudden unexpected death (SUD) and inherited heart disease. Twelve epilepsy
      related SUD cases (seven males and five females, aged 11-78 years) were examined.
      Nine cases fulfilled the criteria of SUDEP, and three cases died by drowning. In
      addition to examining three major epilepsy-related genes, we used next-generation
      sequencing (NGS) to examine 73 inherited heart disease-related genes. We detected
      both known pathogenic variants and rare variants with minor allele frequencies of
      <0.5%. The pathogenicity of these variants was evaluated and graded by eight in
      silico predictive algorithms. Six known and six potential rare variants were
      detected. Among these, three known variants of LDB3, DSC2 and KCNE1 and three
      potential rare variants of MYH6, DSP and DSG2 were predicted by in silico
      analysis as possibly highly pathogenic in three of the nine SUDEP cases. Two of
      three cases with desmosome-related variants showed mild but possible significant
      right ventricular dysplasia-like pathology. A case with LDB3 and MYH6 variants
      showed hypertrabeculation of the left ventricle and severe fibrosis of the
      cardiac conduction system. In the three drowning death cases, one case with mild
      prolonged QT interval had two variants in ANK2. This study shows that inherited
      heart disease may be a significant risk factor for SUD in some epilepsy cases,
      even if pathological findings of the heart had not progressed to an advanced
      stage of the disease. A combination of detailed pathological examination of the
      heart and gene analysis using NGS may be useful for evaluating arrhythmogenic
      potential of epilepsy-related SUD.

PMID- 27135275
TI  - Efficacy of Crocus sativus L. on reduction of cadmium-induced toxicity on
      spermatogenesis in adult rats.
AB  - Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal element, which probably cause infertility by
      impairment in spermatogenesis. The present work aimed (i) to study the toxic
      effect of cadmium on spermatogenesis in rat, as well as (ii) the protective
      effect of Crocus sativus L. on cadmium-intoxicated rats. Cadmium chloride was
      administered intraperitoneally during 16 days at intervals of 48 h between
      subsequent treatments. Crocus sativus L. was pre-treated in both of control and
      cadmium-injected rats. Animals were sacrificed on day 17 after the first
      treatment. The left cauda epididymis was removed and immediately immersed into
      Hank's balanced salt solution for the evaluation of sperm count and viability,
      and left testis was fixed in 10% formalin for histological evaluation. Following
      contamination with cadmium, a decrease was observed in the number and viability
      of cauda epididymis sperm, which were increased by Crocus sativus L. pre
      treatment (P < 0.05). In addition, cadmium decreased both cell proliferation and
      Johnsen Scores in the seminiferous tubules, which were reversed by Crocus sativus
      pre-treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, cadmium-induced decrease in the amount of
      free serum testosterone as well as an increase in lipid peroxidation activity in
      the testicular tissue was reversed by Crocus sativus L. (P < 0.05). These
      findings may support the concept that Crocus sativus L. can improve the cadmium
      toxicity on spermatogenesis.

PMID- 27135276
TI  - Subgenome-specific assembly of vitamin E biosynthesis genes and expression
      patterns during seed development provide insight into the evolution of oat
      genome.
AB  - Vitamin E is essential for humans and thus must be a component of a healthy diet.
      Among the cereal grains, hexaploid oats (Avena sativa L.) have high vitamin E
      content. To date, no gene sequences in the vitamin E biosynthesis pathway have
      been reported for oats. Using deep sequencing and orthology-guided assembly,
      coding sequences of genes for each step in vitamin E synthesis in oats were
      reconstructed, including resolution of the sequences of homeologs. Three
      homeologs, presumably representing each of the three oat subgenomes, were
      identified for the main steps of the pathway. Partial sequences, likely
      representing pseudogenes, were recovered in some instances as well. Pairwise
      comparisons among homeologs revealed that two of the three putative subgenome
      specific homeologs are almost identical for each gene. Synonymous substitution
      rates indicate the time of divergence of the two more similar subgenomes from the
      distinct one at 7.9-8.7 MYA, and a divergence between the similar subgenomes from
      a common ancestor 1.1 MYA. A new proposed evolutionary model for hexaploid oat
      formation is discussed. Homeolog-specific gene expression was quantified during
      oat seed development and compared with vitamin E accumulation. Homeolog
      expression largely appears to be similar for most of genes; however, for some
      genes, homoeolog-specific transcriptional bias was observed. The expression of
      HPPD, as well as certain homoeologs of VTE2 and VTE4, is highly correlated with
      seed vitamin E accumulation. Our findings expand our understanding of oat genome
      evolution and will assist efforts to modify vitamin E content and composition in
      oats.

PMID- 27135277
TI  - Long-term use of acarbose and CV Event: confusing finding from mega data bank.

PMID- 27135278
TI  - Evaluation of antifungal combination against Cryptococcus spp.
AB  - The second cause of death among systemic mycoses, cryptococcosis treatment
      represents a challenge since that 5-flucytosine is not currently available in
      Brazil. Looking for alternatives, this study evaluated antifungal agents, alone
      and combined, correlating susceptibility to genotypes. Eighty Cryptococcus
      clinical isolates were genotyped by URA5 gene restriction fragment length
      polymorphism. Antifungal susceptibility was assessed following CLSI-M27A3 for
      amphotericin (AMB), 5-flucytosine (5FC), fluconazole (FCZ), voriconazole (VRZ),
      itraconazole (ITZ) and terbinafine (TRB). Drug interaction chequerboard assay
      evaluated: AMB + 5FC, AMB + FCZ, AMB + TRB and FCZ + TRB. Molecular typing
      divided isolates into 14 C. deuterogattii (VGII) and C. neoformans isolates were
      found to belong to genotype VNI (n = 62) and VNII (n = 4). C. neoformans VNII was
      significantly less susceptible than VNI (P = 0.0407) to AMB; C. deuterogattii was
      significantly less susceptible than VNI and VNII to VRZ (P < 0.0001). C.
      deuterogattii was less susceptible than C. neoformans VNI for FCZ (P = 0.0170),
      ITZ (P < 0.0001) and TRB (P = 0.0090). The combination FCZ + TRB showed 95.16% of
      synergistic effect against C. neoformans genotype VNI isolates and all
      combinations showed 100% of synergism against genotype VNII isolates, suggesting
      the relevance of cryptococcal genotyping as it is widely known that the various
      genotypes (now species) have significant impact in antifungal susceptibilities
      and clinical outcome. In difficult-to-treat cryptococcosis, terbinafine and
      different antifungal combinations might be alternatives to 5FC. 

PMID- 27135279
TI  - The Role of Interface Shape on the Impact Characteristics and Cranial Fracture
      Patterns Using the Immature Porcine Head Model,.
AB  - The forensic literature suggests that when adolescents fall onto edged and
      pointed surfaces, depressed fractures can occur at low energy levels. This study
      documents impact biomechanics and fracture characteristics of infant porcine
      skulls dropped onto flat, curved, edged, and focal surfaces. Results showed that
      the energy needed for fracture initiation was nearly four times higher against a
      flat surface than against the other surfaces. While characteristic measures of
      fracture such as number and length of fractures did not vary with impact surface
      shape, the fracture patterns did depend on impact surface shape. While
      experimental impacts against the flat surface produced linear fractures
      initiating at sutural boundaries peripheral to the point of impact (POI), more
      focal impacts produced depressed fractures initiating at the POI. The study
      supported case-based forensic literature suggesting cranial fracture patterns
      depend on impact surface shape and that fracture initiation energy is lower for
      more focal impacts.

PMID- 27135280
TI  - Are target-shooters more aggressive than the general population?
AB  - Although psychological research shows that guns are aggressive cues, proponents
      of liberal gun control argue that people rather than guns are to blame for gun
      related violence. For instance, athletic target-shooters might classify guns as
      athletic rather than aggressive stimuli and thus should not be more aggressive
      than the general population. The present work investigated aggression and emotion
      regulation in target-shooters. A longitudinal study found that initial self
      reported aggression in target-shooters was higher than in the general population
      and further increased over 1 year. Additionally, the sample exhibited deficient
      emotion-regulation strategies, and this was related to self-reported aggression.
      In contrast, their implicit self-construct became more peaceful over time but was
      unrelated to all other measures. Two further cross-sectional experiments explored
      the causal impact of athletic target-shooting and other athletic activities
      (shooting a basketball) on aggression. Target-shooters and basketball players
      were tested before and after their regular team practice and aggressive thoughts
      and feelings were measured. Target-shooting but not basketball practice activated
      aggressive and anxiety-related thought more strongly than positive thought.
      Future research avenues, implications for the indirect measurement of aggression,
      and possible interventions to decrease aggression in target-shooters are
      discussed. Aggr. Behav. 43:3-13, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27135281
TI  - Motivators and barriers for HIV testing among men who have sex with men in
      Sweden.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore motivators and barriers to HIV testing and to
      assess the factors associated with testing among men who have sex with men.
      BACKGROUND: Previous research has considered fear, worries and structural
      barriers as hindrances to HIV testing among men who have sex with men. However,
      few studies have included assessments of actual HIV testing when exploring
      barriers or motivators for such testing. DESIGN: The design of the study was a
      stratified cross-sectional online survey (n = 2373). METHOD: Factor analysis was
      conducted to analyse the barriers and motivators for HIV testing. Logistic
      regression analysis was conducted to assess predictors for HIV testing. RESULTS:
      Many men who have sex with men test for HIV regularly, and specific reasons for
      testing were having unprotected sex or starting/ending a relationship. A lack of
      awareness and a perception of being at low risk for exposure were common reasons
      for never being tested. Fear and anxiety as well as barriers related to the use
      of test services remain important hindrances for testing. Predictors associated
      with having been tested within the past 12 months were: younger age (15-25 years
      old compared with 47+); knowledge on where to take an HIV test on short notice as
      well as having talked with a counsellor, having received condoms for free, or
      having had unprotected anal intercourse with casual partners within the last 12
      months. CONCLUSION: Easily accessible test services offering testing and
      counselling on short notice should be available for all men who have sex with
      men. Outreach activities, distribution of free condoms and testing at venues
      where men who have sex with men meet are important prevention add-ons that can
      contribute to increased awareness about HIV and testing. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL
      PRACTICE: Test services must ensure confidentiality and health care professionals
      who meet men who have sex with men for testing need competency with regards to
      men who have sex with men sexual health needs.

PMID- 27135282
TI  - Efficacy and possible mechanisms of topical tranexamic acid in melasma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TA) has been suggested as an effective treatment for
      melasma. AIM: To investigate the effects and mechanism of action of topical TA in
      the treatment of melasma. METHODS: In this study, 23 participants with melasma
      applied a 2% TA formulation to the whole face for 12 weeks. Clinical effects were
      evaluated using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) and a
      chromameter. Skin biopsies were obtained from 10 participants to evaluate
      pigmentation, vascularity and the expression levels of possible paracrine factors
      contributing to the effect of TA. RESULTS: Most of the participants had mild
      melasma, with mMASI of < 5. The mMASI scores significantly improved in 22 of 23
      participants after application. The L* values were increased and the a* values
      were decreased in both lesional and perilesional normal skin. Fontana-Masson
      staining showed a significant decrease in melanin content in the epidermis. The
      number of CD31-positive vessels and the expression of the vascular endothelial
      growth factor both tended to decrease. Endothelin (ET)-1 was found to be
      downregulated with TA. CONCLUSIONS: Topical TA is effective for melasma. This
      immunohistochemical study found that suppression of ET-1 could be one of the
      mechanisms of action of TA on melasma.

PMID- 27135283
TI  - A spotlight on snow leopard conservation in China.
AB  - China holds the greatest proportion of the snow leopard's (Panthera uncia) global
      range and is central to their conservation. The country is also undergoing
      unprecedented economic growth, which increases both the threats to the snow
      leopard and the opportunities for its conservation. In this paper we aim to
      review published literature (from 1950 to 2014) in English and Mandarin on snow
      leopard ecology and conservation in China in order to identify thematic and
      geographic research gaps and propose research priorities. We first retrieved all
      published items that considered snow leopards in China (n = 106). We extracted
      from these papers 274 reports of snow leopard presence in China. We then reviewed
      a subset of papers (n = 33) of this literature, which specifically focused on
      snow leopard ecology and conservation within China. We introduced a thematic
      framework that allows a structured and comprehensive assessment of findings. This
      framework recognizes 4 critical and interrelated topics underpinning snow leopard
      ecology and conservation: habitat (distribution and protected area coverage);
      prey (distribution and abundance, predator-prey relationships); human
      interactions (hunting and trade, livestock interactions and conflicts); and the
      underlying policy context. Significant gains in knowledge as well as research
      gaps and priorities are discussed with reference to our framework. The modest
      quantity and limited scope of published research on the snow leopard in China
      calls for a continued and intensified effort to inform and support national
      conservation policies. 

PMID- 27135284
TI  - Articular Cartilage Repair Techniques.

PMID- 27135285
TI  - Diseases of Subchondral Bone 1.
AB  - The subchondral zone plays an important role in both the structural and
      biochemical maintenance of articular cartilage. Knowledge of the structure,
      function, and pathophysiology of the normal subchondral bone/articular surface
      interface is essential for an understanding of the pathogenesis of many of the
      disease entities that we will review in this chapter. 

PMID- 27135286
TI  - Diseases of Subchondral Bone 2.
AB  - Osteonecrosis of the knee can be divided into the following 3 categories: primary
      or Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK), secondary osteonecrosis (ON),
      and postarthroscopic osteonecrosis. Patient characteristics as well as underlying
      risk factors can help categorize the type of osteonecrosis and guide treatment.
      SONK was &filig;rst described by Ahlback et al in 1968. It is described as a
      disease of subchondral bone that leads to focal ischemia and bone marrow edema,
      necrosis, and possible subsequent structural collapse. SONK typically presents in
      the older women with frequent involvement of the medial femoral condyle.
      Secondary osteonecrosis is typically present in patients below 55 years of age.
      Unlike SONK, secondary ON presents multiple foci of bone marrow involvement with
      extension into the metaphysis and diaphysis. Postarthroscopic ON has been
      described after arthroscopic meniscectomy, shaver-assisted chondroplasty,
      anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, and laser or radiofrequency-assisted
      debridement. 

PMID- 27135287
TI  - Debridement of Articular Cartilage: The Natural Course.
AB  - Chondral defects of the knee are quite common, affecting an estimated 10% to 12%
      of the population. Symptomatic chondral defects are thought to be persistent and
      possibly progressive. Less is known about the natural history of asymptomatic
      chondral lesions. Traditional treatment of chondral lesions has involved
      arthroscopic debridement with a mechanical shaver. Radiofrequency chondroplasty
      has been explored as a possible alternative or adjuvant to mechanical
      chondroplasty. The role of chondroplasty in the setting of knee osteoarthritis is
      more controversial. Early studies demonstrated promising results of arthroscopic
      debridement in the context of knee arthritis. However, publications in the last
      10 to 15 years have brought into question the role of arthroscopic debridement in
      the setting of knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the
      role of arthroscopic debridement in the treatment of chondral defects. 

PMID- 27135288
TI  - Treatment of Articular Cartilage Defects of the Knee With Microfracture and
      Enhanced Microfracture Techniques.
AB  - Chondral injuries in the knee are a common source of pain and morbidity.
      Treatment of symptomatic chondral defects is challenging due to the limited
      healing capacity of articular cartilage. Microfracture is the most common
      surgical technique used to treat chondral defects in the knee and utilizes marrow
      stimulation to generate a fibrocartilage repair. Microfracture has demonstrated
      good short-term postoperative outcomes. Long-term outcomes following
      microfracture are variable, with loss of improvement attributed to the poor
      mechanical qualities of the fibrous repair tissue. Current research is focusing
      on ways to optimize the repair environment after microfracture using biological
      scaffolds (enhanced microfracture) to facilitate chondrogenic differentiation and
      proliferation to improve the quality of repair tissue. 

PMID- 27135289
TI  - Platelet-rich Plasma and Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Sports
      Medicine.
AB  - Regenerative medicine is a fast-growing field in orthopedic sports medicine.
      Platelet-rich plasma contains multiple factors that have been shown to augment
      healing, thereby stimulating its use in multiple areas of acute and chronic
      injuries. Mesenchymal stem cells have pluripotent potential to form into tissues
      pertinent to orthopedics, such as cartilage and bone. As such, there is been a
      surge in the research directed toward steering those stem cells into a particular
      lineage as part of treatment for a variety of soft-tissue, cartilage, and bone
      pathologies. Overall, there are promising reports of their potential success, but
      there is a need for continued investigation into the efficacy of platelet-rich
      plasma and stem cells in sports medicine. 

PMID- 27135290
TI  - Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation: A Review of the Surgical Technique and
      Outcomes.
AB  - Isolated chondral and osteochondral defects of the knee are challenging clinical
      entities, particularly in younger patients. Cartilage treatment strategies have
      previously been characterized as palliation (ie, chondroplasty and debridement),
      repair (ie, drilling and microfracture), or restoration (ie, autologous
      chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral autograft, and osteochondral allograft).
      The osteochondral autograft transplantation procedure allows defects to be filled
      immediately with mature, hyaline articular cartilage by utilizing either an
      arthroscopic or a mini-open procedure. Graft harvest and placement can be
      technically demanding, but results show trends toward greater longevity,
      durability, and improved outcomes in high-demand patients when compared with
      alternative techniques. Improved results are shown in younger patients with
      isolated lesions between 1 and 4 cm. 

PMID- 27135291
TI  - Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation in the Knee.
AB  - The technique of osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation has been used to
      treat a wide spectrum of cartilage deficiencies in the knee. Its use has been
      supported by basic science and clinical studies that show it is a safe and
      effective treatment option. What sets fresh OCA transplantation apart from other
      cartilage procedures in the knee, is the ability to treat large defects with
      mature hyaline cartilage. Studies looking at transplantation of fresh OCAs in the
      general population have shown reliable pain relief and return to activities of
      daily living. Reports of cartilage injuries in athletes have risen over the years
      and more research is needed in evaluating the successfulness of OCA
      transplantation in the athletic population. 

PMID- 27135292
TI  - Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: Past, Present, and Future.
AB  - Focal cartilage defects of the knee are relatively common and may increase the
      risk of developing osteoarthritis. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) aims
      to restore the integrity of isolated cartilage lesions through the induction of
      hyaline-like cartilage formation. Although ACI has traditionally been used as a
      second-line treatment, recent evidence suggests that ACI should be considered as
      a first-line treatment option in certain patients. Recent controlled trials also
      suggest that there are improved clinical outcomes among those patients who
      undergo ACI over the mid-term and long-term compared with those treated with
      microfracture or osteochondral autograft/mosaicplasty, regardless of lesion size.
      Recent literature also indicates that arthroscopic, second-generation and third
      generation techniques are associated with better outcomes and fewer complications
      than first-generation ACI. In summary, ACI is an effective tool for cartilage
      restoration that may be more efficacious and durable than other cartilage
      restoration techniques for appropriate candidates. 

PMID- 27135293
TI  - Considerations in Evaluating Treatment Options for Patellofemoral Cartilage
      Pathology.
AB  - Patellofemoral (PF) pain, a subset of anterior knee pain, presents a particularly
      challenging diagnosis due to the multifactorial etiology. Within this group,
      assigning the patient's symptoms to a patellofemoral cartilage lesion is
      indirect; that is, a diagnosis by exclusion as hyaline cartilage is aneural. In
      addition, these PF compartment lesions are often in conjunction with various
      comorbidities, for example, malalignment and/or instability. In light of these
      factors and the high shear and compression stresses at the PF compartment,
      patellar and trochlear chondral lesions require unique treatment considerations
      from the tibiofemoral compartments. A thorough understanding of the various
      cartilage restoration techniques available is necessary to select the best option
      for the individual patient/knee/lesion noting that there is overlap of
      techniques' applications. In addition, failure to address and correct associated
      comorbidities may jeopardize the outcome of any cartilage restoration procedure.
      That is, the key to achieving optimal outcomes with PF cartilage restoration is
      to select the best cartilage treatment for the particular setting and to
      concomitantly optimize the PF biomechanical environment and stability. 

PMID- 27135294
TI  - Malalignment: A Requirement for Cartilage and Organ Restoration.
AB  - The treatment of combined knee pathology is a challenging problem that requires
      careful attention to all aspects of the underlying disease. This is true of the
      interplay among malalignment and meniscal or articular cartilage restoration in
      the knee. Optimal outcomes are contingent on a comprehensive preoperative
      evaluation of patient-specific factors (patient expectations, patient age, and
      activity level), as well as disease-specific factors of the knee. Surgical
      intervention for meniscal or chondral deficiencies without attention to
      malalignment will lead to inferior outcomes. The focus of this review is to
      highlight the importance of malalignment correction when treating meniscal and
      articular cartilage pathology. This objective will be accomplished by outlining
      the approach to the preoperative evaluation, discussing the indications for
      surgical intervention, reviewing the preferred surgical techniques for correcting
      coronal malalignment of the knee, and providing a discussion of clinical
      outcomes. 

PMID- 27135295
TI  - Meniscal Allograft Transplantation: State of the Art.
AB  - Meniscal allograft transplantation has evolved over the years to provide a state
      of-the-art technique for the sports medicine surgeon to utilize in preserving
      contact mechanics and function of the knee in irreparable meniscal pathology.
      However, this procedure continues to spark considerable debate on proper tissue
      processing techniques, acceptable indications, methods of implantation, and
      potential long-term outcomes. 

PMID- 27135297
TI  - Semi-Crystalline Polar Polyethylene: Ester-Functionalized Linear Polyolefins
      Enabled by a Functional-Group-Tolerant, Cationic Nickel Catalyst.
AB  - A dibenzobarrelene-bridged, alpha-diimine Ni(II) catalyst (rac-3) was synthesized
      and shown to have exceptional behavior for the polymerization of ethylene. The
      catalyst afforded high molecular weight polyethylenes with narrow dispersities
      and degrees of branching much lower than those made by related alpha-diimine
      nickel catalysts. Catalyst rac-3 demonstrated living behavior at room
      temperature, produced linear polyethylene (Tm =135  degrees C) at -20  degrees C,
      and, most importantly, was able to copolymerize ethylene with the biorenewable
      polar monomer methyl 10-undecenoate to yield highly linear ester-functionalized
      polyethylene.

PMID- 27135296
TI  - Detection of a mutation in the intron of Sperm-specific glyceraldehyde-3
      phosphate dehydrogenase gene in patients with fibrous sheath dysplasia of the
      sperm flagellum.
AB  - The fibrous sheath is a unique cytoskeletal structure surrounding the axoneme and
      outer dense fibres of the sperm flagellum. Dysplasia of the fibrous sheath (DFS)
      is a defect of spermatozoa observed in severe asthenozoospermic patients and
      characterised by morphologically abnormal flagella with distorted fibrous
      sheaths. Sperm-specific glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDS) is a
      glycolytic enzyme that is tightly associated with the fibrous sheath of the sperm
      flagellum. The enzymatic activity of GAPDS was investigated in sperm samples of
      seven patients with DFS and compared to that of normal spermatozoa (n = 10). The
      difference in GAPDS activity in DFS and normal spermatozoa was statistically
      significant (0.19 +/- 0.11 and 0.75 +/- 0.11 MUmol NADH per min per mg protein
      respectively). Immunochemical staining revealed irregular distribution of GAPDS
      in the flagellum of DFS spermatozoa. Other five samples with typical alterations
      in the fibrous sheath were assayed for mutations within human GAPDS gene. In all
      five cases, a replacement of guanine by adenine was revealed in the intron region
      between the sixth and the seventh exons of GAPDS. It is assumed that the
      deficiency in GAPDS observed in most DFS sperm samples is ascribable to a
      disorder in the regulation of GAPDS expression caused by the mutation in the
      intron region of GAPDS gene.

PMID- 27135298
TI  - Nitrogen enrichment regulates calcium sources in forests.
AB  - Nitrogen (N) is a key nutrient that shapes cycles of other essential elements in
      forests, including calcium (Ca). When N availability exceeds ecosystem demands,
      excess N can stimulate Ca leaching and deplete Ca from soils. Over the long term,
      these processes may alter the proportion of available Ca that is derived from
      atmospheric deposition vs. bedrock weathering, which has fundamental consequences
      for ecosystem properties and nutrient supply. We evaluated how landscape
      variation in soil N, reflecting long-term legacies of biological N fixation,
      influenced plant and soil Ca availability and ecosystem Ca sources across 22
      temperate forests in Oregon. We also examined interactions between soil N and
      bedrock Ca using soil N gradients on contrasting basaltic vs. sedimentary bedrock
      that differed 17-fold in underlying Ca content. We found that low-N forests on Ca
      rich basaltic bedrock relied strongly on Ca from weathering, but that soil N
      enrichment depleted readily weatherable mineral Ca and shifted forest reliance
      toward atmospheric Ca. Forests on Ca-poor sedimentary bedrock relied more
      consistently on atmospheric Ca across all levels of soil N enrichment. The broad
      importance of atmospheric Ca was unexpected given active regional uplift and
      erosion that are thought to rejuvenate weathering supply of soil minerals.
      Despite different Ca sources to forests on basaltic vs. sedimentary bedrock, we
      observed consistent declines in plant and soil Ca availability with increasing N,
      regardless of the Ca content of underlying bedrock. Thus, traditional measures of
      Ca availability in foliage and soil exchangeable pools may poorly reflect long
      term Ca sources that sustain soil fertility. We conclude that long-term soil N
      enrichment can deplete available Ca and cause forests to rely increasingly on Ca
      from atmospheric deposition, which may limit ecosystem Ca supply in an
      increasingly N-rich world.

PMID- 27135299
TI  - Bi2 O3 Nanoparticle Clusters: Reversible Agglomeration Revealed by Imaging and
      Nano-Impact Experiments.
AB  - Colloidal suspensions of Bi2 O3 nanoparticles were studied in aqueous solution
      using imaging and electrochemical techniques. Nanoparticle tracking analysis
      revealed the particles to be agglomerated. In contrast, electrochemical detection
      via the nano-impacts technique showed almost exclusive detection of monomeric
      nanoparticles. Comparison of the two techniques allows the conclusion to be drawn
      that the agglomeration/deagglomeration of the nanoparticles is reversible. A
      minimum rate constant for the deagglomeration process was estimated. 

PMID- 27135300
TI  - Pitfalls of the self-regulation of advertisements directed at children on Mexican
      television.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no academic studies that characterize advertisements
      directed at children from the companies that signed the self-regulation.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to assess the extent and nature of food
      advertisements and the persuasive techniques used to market unhealthy food and
      beverages (UFB) to children, by signatory companies of self-regulation. METHODS:
      From December 2012 to April 2013, 600 h of programming were recorded on the four
      broadcast public television channels in Mexico with the highest rating
      nationwide. Marketing aimed at children directly (broadcast on children's
      programmes or advertisements with a specific appeal to children) or indirectly
      (aimed at other target audiences with messages or scenes that link children to
      the product) were considered. RESULTS: About 74.9% (2148) of the total food and
      beverage advertisements tried to influence children directly and indirectly.
      Companies, which had signed the self-regulation, focused 92.7% of their
      advertisements on UFB. Of the total number, 23.9% were aimed at children, 7.1% at
      adolescents, 12.5% at parents and 56.2% at the general public. Most of these
      advertisements were broadcast on movies (29.8%), cartoons (18%), soap operas
      (17.6%), entertainment shows (17.2%) and sports programs (6.4%). CONCLUSION:
      Despite the self-regulation of television marketing, children were surrounded by
      UFB advertisements. Signatory companies influence children indirectly by
      targeting other audiences and by marketing during family television programs,
      which are also watched by children.

PMID- 27135301
TI  - Biomass-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanofiber Network: A Facile Template for
      Decoration of Ultrathin Nickel-Cobalt Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets as High
      Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor Electrode.
AB  - The development of biomass-based energy storage devices is an emerging trend to
      reduce the ever-increasing consumption of non-renewable resources. Here, nitrogen
      doped carbonized bacterial cellulose (CBC-N) nanofibers are obtained by one-step
      carbonization of polyaniline coated bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers, which
      not only display excellent capacitive performance as the supercapacitor
      electrode, but also act as 3D bio-template for further deposition of ultrathin
      nickel-cobalt layered double hydroxide (Ni-Co LDH) nanosheets. The as-obtained
      CBC-N@LDH composite electrodes exhibit significantly enhanced specific
      capacitance (1949.5 F g(-1) at a discharge current density of 1 A g(-1) , based
      on active materials), high capacitance retention of 54.7% even at a high
      discharge current density of 10 A g(-1) and excellent cycling stability of 74.4%
      retention after 5000 cycles. Furthermore, asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) are
      constructed using CBC-N@LDH composites as positive electrode materials and CBC-N
      nanofibers as negative electrode materials. By virtue of the intrinsic
      pseudocapacitive characteristics of CBC-N@LDH composites and 3D nitrogen-doped
      carbon nanofiber networks, the developed ASC exhibits high energy density of 36.3
      Wh kg(-1) at the power density of 800.2 W kg(-1) . Therefore, this work presents
      a novel protocol for the large-scale production of biomass-derived high
      performance electrode materials in practical supercapacitor applications. 

PMID- 27135302
TI  - Childhood Neuroblastoma: Incidence and Survival in Argentina. Report from the
      National Pediatric Cancer Registry, ROHA Network 2000-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are reports indicating a low incidence of neuroblastoma (NB) in
      some developing countries but no conclusive data are available from population
      based studies at a national level. PURPOSE: To describe the incidence and
      survival of 971 patients with NB in Argentina with data from the National
      Pediatric Cancer Registry (ROHA), and the impact of age, gender, stage, regional,
      and socioeconomic indicators on outcome. METHODS: All cases of NB reported to
      ROHA (2000-2012) were the subject of the analysis. Annual-standardized incidence
      rate (ASR) was calculated using the National Vital Statistics and survival was
      estimated. The extended human development index (EHDI) was used as the
      socioeconomic indicator. RESULTS: ASR was 8.3/1,000,000 children (0-14 years) and
      remained stable along this period. Regional variation in ASR ranged from 3.4 in
      the Northwest to 9.8 in the Central region, being most marked in the first year
      of life. Five-year survival rate (SR) was 47%, with no sex difference. For
      patients older than 18 months, it was 36%, for stage IV 23%, for those born in
      the Northeast region 38%, and for those with an amplified MYCN 15%. Residents in
      provinces with a higher EHDI had a better 5-year survival (57% vs. 41% for lower
      EHDI) and higher ASR (12.3 vs. 5.6 for lower EHDI). Stage and MYCN status showed
      an independent inferior prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: ASR of NB in Argentina is lower
      than in developed countries, with considerable regional variation. SRs are also
      lower than in developed countries.

PMID- 27135304
TI  - Maternal ethnicity, stillbirth and neonatal death risk in Western Australia 1998
      2010.
AB  - This study investigated the scale of difference in stillbirth and neonatal death
      rates in Western Australia (1998-2010) by maternal ethnicity. Aboriginal and/or
      Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) mothers, African mothers and mothers from
      'Other' ethnic backgrounds were found to have increased risk of stillbirth
      compared with Caucasian mothers. Babies of Indigenous mothers also had increased
      risk of neonatal death. The gap between the stillbirth and neonatal death rates
      for Indigenous mothers and non-Indigenous mothers did not close over the study
      period.

PMID- 27135303
TI  - White Electroluminescent Lighting Device Based on a Single Quantum Dot Emitter.
AB  - Using a single emitter of Cu-Ga-S/ZnS quantum dots, all-solution-processed white
      electroluminescent lighting device that not only exhibits the record quantities
      of 1007 cd m(-2) in luminance and 1.9% in external quantum efficiency but also
      possesses satisfactorily high color rendering indices of 83-88 is demonstrated. 

PMID- 27135305
TI  - Thiamine deficiency appears uncommon in patients with Myeloproliferative
      Neoplasms.

PMID- 27135306
TI  - Concentration and Sensitivity Enhancement.

PMID- 27135307
TI  - Field-enhanced sample injection micelle-to-solvent stacking capillary zone
      electrophoresis-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of antibiotics in
      seawater after solid-phase extraction.
AB  - The synergistic stacking approach of field-enhanced sample injection-micelle-to
      solvent stacking was used for high sensitivity CZE-ESI-MS of eight penicillins
      and sulfonamides. Sensitivity enhancement factors (peak height) were 1629-3328
      compared to typical injection, with LODs from 0.11 to 0.55 ng/mL. The analytical
      figures of merit were acceptable. SPE on a fortified seawater sample resulted in
      50-fold enrichment with recoveries of 85-110%. The overall method LODs were 0.002
      0.011 ng/mL.

PMID- 27135308
TI  - Sweeping of hydrophobic amines under inhomogeneous electric field and low
      surfactant concentration in micellar electrokinetic chromatography.
AB  - The influence of sample matrix on sample sweeping in MEKC was examined in the
      presented manuscript. Significant focusing effect was observed for relatively
      hydrophobic cationic compounds (emetine, strychnine and quinine) using high ionic
      strength sample matrix (900 mM H3 PO4 /720 mM Tris) which conductivity was about
      ninefold higher than utilized BGE. Moreover, the results were obtained using BGE
      composed of comparatively low surfactant concentration (10 mM SDS) and 40 mM H3
      PO4 /32 mM Tris buffer solution. About 200 to 300-fold preconcentration of
      analytes was reached with the presented method. Basing on experimental results
      and computer simulation using Simul5 software, hypothetical mechanism of observed
      phenomenon was proposed.

PMID- 27135309
TI  - Trace determination of tetracyclines in water samples by capillary zone
      electrophoresis combining off-line and on-line sample preconcentration.
AB  - In this work, a sensitive and reliable method using capillary zone
      electrophoresis with UV detection has been developed for trace determination of
      tetracycline antibiotics in river, spring, and ground waters. A solid-phase
      extraction method using Oasis HLB was applied for off-line preconcentration and
      cleanup of water samples, in combination with an on-line preconcentration
      methodology named large volume sample stacking with polarity switching. Different
      parameters were optimized in order to obtain an adequate separation combined with
      the highest sensitivity, using 75 mM sodium carbonate (pH 10) and 1 mM EDTA as
      separation buffer, applying a voltage of 25 kV at 25 degrees C. The samples were
      injected in water at 1 bar for 1 min, applying then -25 kV and starting the
      sample stacking. Sample matrix removal from the capillary was controlled by
      monitoring the electric current (when the 95% of the separation current is
      reached the stacking process is completed). The applied voltage was then switched
      from negative to a positive value of 25 kV in order to separate the compounds.
      Under optimum conditions, sensitivity enhancement factors ranged from 303 to 428
      for the studied compounds. The combination of both off-line and on-line
      preconcentration procedures provided a total sensitivity enhancement factor about
      20 000, obtaining detection limits from 67 to 167 ng/L. The precision (intra- and
      interday), expressed as %RSD was below 12%. Recoveries obtained from river,
      spring, and ground waters ranged from 87 to 96%. Thus, this procedure is suitable
      for monitoring these compounds in water samples.

PMID- 27135311
TI  - Discovery of Diverse Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Mammalian Sterile20-like Kinase
      3 (MST3).
AB  - Increasing evidence suggests key roles for members of the mammalian Sterile20
      like (MST) family of kinases in many aspects of biology. MST3 is a member of the
      STRIPAK complex, the deregulation of which has recently been associated with
      cancer cell migration and metastasis. Targeting MST3 with small-molecule
      inhibitors may be beneficial for the treatment of certain cancers, but little
      information exists on the potential of kinase inhibitor scaffolds to engage with
      MST3. In this study we screened MST3 against a library of 277 kinase inhibitors
      using differential scanning fluorimetry and confirmed 14 previously unknown MST3
      inhibitors by X-ray crystallography. These compounds, of which eight are in
      clinical trials or FDA approved, comprise nine distinct chemical scaffolds that
      inhibit MST3 enzymatic activity with IC50 values between 0.003 and 23 MUm. The
      structure-activity relationships explain the differential inhibitory activity of
      these compounds against MST3 and the structural basis for high binding potential,
      the information of which may serve as a framework for the rational design of MST3
      selective inhibitors as potential therapeutics and to interrogate the function of
      this enzyme in diseased cells.

PMID- 27135312
TI  - Comparison of elderly- and young-onset rheumatoid arthritis in an Asian cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic characteristics, clinical features,
      functional status and quality of life of elderly-onset (EORA) and young-onset
      (YORA) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in an Asian cohort. METHODS: We studied
      all RA patients in our prospective disease registry, utilizing baseline data.
      EORA was defined as disease onset at 60 years or older. We collected data from
      January 2001 to December 2012. RESULTS: There were 1206 patients in our cohort,
      of which 178 (14.8%) had EORA, with a mean age of onset of 66.7 +/- 5.6 years.
      There were more males in the EORA than YORA group (23.0% vs. 14.7%, P = 0.005).
      EORA patients were diagnosed sooner after symptom onset and had a higher number
      of comorbidities (median 2 [inter-quartile range 1-3] vs. 1 (0-2), P < 0.001).
      They were less likely to be rheumatoid factor positive, had higher erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate values and lower hemoglobin concentrations. There was no
      significant difference in joint counts, Disease Activity Score of 28 joints
      activity score and prevalence of radiographic erosions. Though EORA patients had
      worse Health Assessment Questionnaire scores and poorer functional status than
      YORA ones, they had lower pain scores and higher scores in the general health and
      mental component summary of the Short Form-36. EORA patients received
      significantly lower numbers of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.
      CONCLUSIONS: EORA and YORA patients had different demographic characteristics.
      Although they had similar disease activities, EORA patients received less
      intensive treatment. EORA patients had a higher number of RA-related co
      morbidities and poorer physical functioning but they coped better emotionally and
      mentally.

PMID- 27135313
TI  - Ribosome Biogenesis is Necessary for Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy.

PMID- 27135314
TI  - Accumulation of Phosphorus-Containing Compounds in Developing Seeds of Low
      Phytate Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Mutants.
AB  - Low phytic acid (lpa) crops are low in phytic acid and high in inorganic
      phosphorus (Pi). In this study, two lpa pea genotypes, 1-150-81, 1-2347-144, and
      their progenitor CDC Bronco were grown in field trials for two years. The lpa
      genotypes were lower in IP6 and higher in Pi when compared to CDC Bronco. The
      total P concentration was similar in lpa genotypes and CDC Bronco throughout the
      seed development. The action of myo-inositol phosphate synthase (MIPS) (EC
      5.5.1.4) is the first and rate-limiting step in the phytic acid biosynthesis
      pathway. Aiming at understanding the genetic basis of the lpa mutation in the
      pea, a 1530 bp open reading frame of MIPS was amplified from CDC Bronco and the
      lpa genotypes. Sequencing results showed no difference in coding sequence in MIPS
      between CDC Bronco and lpa genotypes. Transcription levels of MIPS were
      relatively lower at 49 days after flowering (DAF) than at 14 DAF for CDC Bronco
      and lpa lines. This study elucidated the rate and accumulation of phosphorus
      compounds in lpa genotypes. The data also demonstrated that mutation in MIPS was
      not responsible for the lpa trait in these pea lines. 

PMID- 27135316
TI  - Quantification of (1->4)-beta-d-Galactans in Compression Wood Using an Immuno-Dot
      Assay.
AB  - Compression wood is a type of reaction wood formed on the underside of softwood
      stems when they are tilted from the vertical and on the underside of branches.
      Its quantification is still a matter of some scientific debate. We developed a
      new technique that has the potential to do this based on the higher proportions
      of (1->4)-beta-d-galactans that occur in tracheid cell walls of compression wood.
      Wood was milled, partially delignified, and the non-cellulosic polysaccharides,
      including the (1->4)-beta-d-galactans, extracted with 6 M sodium hydroxide. After
      neutralizing, the solution was serially diluted, and the (1->4)-beta-d-galactans
      determined by an immuno-dot assay using the monoclonal antibody LM5, which
      specifically recognizes this polysaccharide. Spots were quantified using a
      dilution series of a commercially available (1->4)-beta-d-galactan from lupin
      seeds. Using this method, compression and opposite woods from radiata pine (Pinus
      radiata) were easily distinguished based on the amounts of (1->4)-beta-d
      galactans extracted. The non-cellulosic polysaccharides in the milled wood
      samples were also hydrolysed using 2 M trifluoroacetic acid followed by the
      separation and quantification of the released neutral monosaccharides by high
      performance anion exchange chromatography. This confirmed that the compression
      woods contained higher proportions of galactose-containing polysaccharides than
      the opposite woods. 

PMID- 27135317
TI  - The Utilization of Plant Facilities on the International Space Station-The
      Composition, Growth, and Development of Plant Cell Walls under Microgravity
      Conditions.
AB  - In the preparation for missions to Mars, basic knowledge of the mechanisms of
      growth and development of living plants under microgravity (micro-g) conditions
      is essential. Focus has centered on the g-effects on rigidity, including
      mechanisms of signal perception, transduction, and response in gravity
      resistance. These components of gravity resistance are linked to the evolution
      and acquisition of responses to various mechanical stresses. An overview is given
      both on the basic effect of hypergravity as well as of micro-g conditions in the
      cell wall changes. The review includes plant experiments in the US Space Shuttle
      and the effect of short space stays (8-14 days) on single cells (plant
      protoplasts). Regeneration of protoplasts is dependent on cortical microtubules
      to orient the nascent cellulose microfibrils in the cell wall. The space
      protoplast experiments demonstrated that the regeneration capacity of protoplasts
      was retarded. Two critical factors are the basis for longer space experiments: a.
      the effects of gravity on the molecular mechanisms for cell wall development, b.
      the availability of facilities and hardware for performing cell wall experiments
      in space and return of RNA/DNA back to the Earth. Linked to these aspects is a
      description of existing hardware functioning on the International Space Station. 

PMID- 27135318
TI  - Cell Wall Loosening in the Fungus, Phycomyces blakesleeanus.
AB  - A considerable amount of research has been conducted to determine how cell walls
      are loosened to produce irreversible wall deformation and expansive growth in
      plant and algal cells. The same cannot be said about fungal cells. Almost nothing
      is known about how fungal cells loosen their walls to produce irreversible wall
      deformation and expansive growth. In this study, anoxia is used to chemically
      isolate the wall from the protoplasm of the sporangiophores of Phycomyces
      blakesleeanus. The experimental results provide direct evidence of the existence
      of chemistry within the fungal wall that is responsible for wall loosening,
      irreversible wall deformation and elongation growth. In addition, constant
      tension extension experiments are conducted on frozen-thawed sporangiophore walls
      to obtain insight into the wall chemistry and wall loosening mechanism. It is
      found that a decrease in pH to 4.6 produces creep extension in the frozen-thawed
      sporangiophore wall that is similar, but not identical, to that found in frozen
      thawed higher plant cell walls. Experimental results from frozen-thawed and
      boiled sporangiophore walls suggest that protein activity may be involved in the
      creep extension. 

PMID- 27135319
TI  - Identification of the Abundant Hydroxyproline-Rich Glycoproteins in the Root
      Walls of Wild-Type Arabidopsis, an ext3 Mutant Line, and Its Phenotypic
      Revertant.
AB  - Extensins are members of the cell wall hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP)
      superfamily that form covalently cross-linked networks in primary cell walls. A
      knockout mutation in EXT3 (AT1G21310), the gene coding EXTENSIN 3 (EXT3) in
      Arabidopsis Landsberg erecta resulted in a lethal phenotype, although about 20%
      of the knockout plants have an apparently normal phenotype (ANP). In this study
      the root cell wall HRGP components of wild-type, ANP and the ext3 mutant
      seedlings were characterized by peptide fractionation of trypsin digested
      anhydrous hydrogen fluoride deglycosylated wall residues and by sequencing using
      LC-MS/MS. Several HRGPs, including EXT3, were identified in the wild-type root
      walls but not in walls of the ANP and lethal mutant. Indeed the ANP walls and
      walls of mutants displaying the lethal phenotype possessed HRGPs, but the
      profiles suggest that changes in the amount and perhaps type may account for the
      corresponding phenotypes. 

PMID- 27135322
TI  - Determining the Composition of Lignins in Different Tissues of Silver Birch.
AB  - Quantitative and qualitative lignin analyses were carried out on material from
      the trunks of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) trees. Two types of material
      were analyzed. First, whole birch trunk pieces were cryosectioned into cork
      cambium, non-conductive phloem, the cambial zone (conductive phloem, cambium and
      differentiating xylem), lignified xylem and the previous year's xylem; material
      that would show differences in lignin amount and quality. Second, clonal material
      from one natural birch population was analyzed to show variations between
      individuals and between the lignin analysis methods. The different tissues showed
      marked differences in lignin amount and the syringyl:guaiacyl (S/G) ratio. In the
      non-conductive phloem tissue containing sclereids, the S/G ratio was very low,
      and typical for phloem fibers and in the newly-formed xylem, as well as in the
      previous year's xylem, the ratio lay between five and seven, typical for
      broadleaf tree xylem. Clonal material consisting of 88 stems was used to
      calculate the S/G ratios from the thioacidolysis and CuO methods, which
      correlated positively with an R2 value of 0.43. Comparisons of the methods
      indicate clearly that the CuO method is a good alternative to study the monomeric
      composition and S/G ratio of wood lignins. 

PMID- 27135321
TI  - Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Plant Cell Walls.
AB  - The size, shape and stability of a plant depend on the flexibility and integrity
      of its cell walls, which, at the same time, need to allow cell expansion for
      growth, while maintaining mechanical stability. Biomechanical studies largely
      vanished from the focus of plant science with the rapid progress of genetics and
      molecular biology since the mid-twentieth century. However, the development of
      more sensitive measurement tools renewed the interest in plant biomechanics in
      recent years, not only to understand the fundamental concepts of growth and
      morphogenesis, but also with regard to economically important areas in
      agriculture, forestry and the paper industry. Recent advances have clearly
      demonstrated that mechanical forces play a crucial role in cell and organ
      morphogenesis, which ultimately define plant morphology. In this article, we will
      briefly review the available methods to determine the mechanical properties of
      cell walls, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and microindentation assays,
      and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. But we will focus on a novel
      methodological approach, called cellular force microscopy (CFM), and its
      automated successor, real-time CFM (RT-CFM). 

PMID- 27135323
TI  - Overexpression of a Gene Involved in Phytic Acid Biosynthesis Substantially
      Increases Phytic Acid and Total Phosphorus in Rice Seeds.
AB  - The manipulation of seed phosphorus is important for seedling growth and
      environmental P sustainability in agriculture. The mechanism of regulating P
      content in seed, however, is poorly understood. To study regulation of total P,
      we focused on phytic acid (inositol hexakisphosphate; InsP6) biosynthesis-related
      genes, as InsP6 is a major storage form of P in seeds. The rice (Oryza sativa L.)
      low phytic acid mutant lpa1-1 has been identified as a homolog of archael 2
      phosphoglycerate kinase. The homolog might act as an inositol monophosphate
      kinase, which catalyzes a key step in InsP6 biosynthesis. Overexpression of the
      homolog in transgenic rice resulted in a significant increase in total P content
      in seed, due to increases in InsP6 and inorganic phosphates. On the other hand,
      overexpression of genes that catalyze the first and last steps of InsP6
      biosynthesis could not increase total P levels. From the experiments using
      developing seeds, it is suggested that the activation of InsP6 biosynthesis in
      both very early and very late periods of seed development increases the influx of
      P from vegetative organs into seeds. This is the first report from a study
      attempting to elevate the P levels of seed through a transgenic approach. 

PMID- 27135320
TI  - Cell Wall Metabolism in Response to Abiotic Stress.
AB  - This review focuses on the responses of the plant cell wall to several abiotic
      stresses including drought, flooding, heat, cold, salt, heavy metals, light, and
      air pollutants. The effects of stress on cell wall metabolism are discussed at
      the physiological (morphogenic), transcriptomic, proteomic and biochemical
      levels. The analysis of a large set of data shows that the plant response is
      highly complex. The overall effects of most abiotic stress are often dependent on
      the plant species, the genotype, the age of the plant, the timing of the stress
      application, and the intensity of this stress. This shows the difficulty of
      identifying a common pattern of stress response in cell wall architecture that
      could enable adaptation and/or resistance to abiotic stress. However, in most
      cases, two main mechanisms can be highlighted: (i) an increased level in
      xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) and expansin proteins, associated
      with an increase in the degree of rhamnogalacturonan I branching that maintains
      cell wall plasticity and (ii) an increased cell wall thickening by reinforcement
      of the secondary wall with hemicellulose and lignin deposition. Taken together,
      these results show the need to undertake large-scale analyses, using
      multidisciplinary approaches, to unravel the consequences of stress on the cell
      wall. This will help identify the key components that could be targeted to
      improve biomass production under stress conditions. 

PMID- 27135324
TI  - Multiple Autoregulation of Nodulation (AON) Signals Identified through Split Root
      Analysis of Medicago truncatula sunn and rdn1 Mutants.
AB  - Nodulation is energetically costly to the host: legumes balance the nitrogen
      demand with the energy expense by limiting the number of nodules through long
      distance signaling. A split root system was used to investigate systemic
      autoregulation of nodulation (AON) in Medicago truncatula and the role of the AON
      genes RDN1 and SUNN in the regulatory circuit. Developing nodule primordia did
      not trigger AON in plants carrying mutations in RDN1 and SUNN genes, while wild
      type plants had fully induced AON within three days. However, despite lacking an
      early suppression response, AON mutants suppressed nodulation when roots were
      inoculated 10 days or more apart, correlated with the maturation of nitrogen
      fixing nodules. In addition to correlation between nitrogen fixation and
      suppression of nodulation, suppression by extreme nutrient stress was also
      observed in all genotypes and may be a component of the observed response due to
      the conditions of the assay. These results suggest there is more than one
      systemic regulatory circuit controlling nodulation in M. truncatula. While both
      signals are present in wild type plants, the second signal can only be observed
      in plants lacking the early repression (AON mutants). RDN1 and SUNN are not
      essential for response to the later signal.

PMID- 27135325
TI  - A Substantial Fraction of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Low Phytic Acid Mutations
      Have Little or No Effect on Yield across Diverse Production Environments.
AB  - The potential benefits of the low phytic acid (lpa) seed trait for human and
      animal nutrition, and for phosphorus management in non-ruminant animal
      production, are well documented. However, in many cases the lpa trait is
      associated with impaired seed or plant performance, resulting in reduced yield.
      This has given rise to the perception that the lpa trait is tightly correlated
      with reduced yield in diverse crop species. Here we report a powerful test of
      this correlation. We measured grain yield in lines homozygous for each of six
      barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) lpa mutations that greatly differ in their seed
      phytic acid levels. Performance comparisons were between sibling wild-type and
      mutant lines obtained following backcrossing, and across two years in five Idaho
      (USA) locations that greatly differ in crop yield potential. We found that one
      lpa mutation (Hvlpa1-1) had no detectable effect on yield and a second (Hvlpa4-1)
      resulted in yield losses of only 3.5%, across all locations. When comparing
      yields in three relatively non-stressful production environments, at least three
      lpa mutations (Hvlpa1-1, Hvlpa3-1, and Hvlpa4-1) typically had yields similar to
      or within 5% of the wild-type sibling isoline. Therefore in the case of barley,
      lpa mutations can be readily identified that when simply incorporated into a
      cultivar result in adequately performing lines, even with no additional breeding
      for performance within the lpa line. In conclusion, while some barley lpa
      mutations do impact field performance, a substantial fraction appears to have
      little or no effect on yield. 

PMID- 27135327
TI  - Phytate (Inositol Hexakisphosphate) in Soil and Phosphate Acquisition from
      Inositol Phosphates by Higher Plants. A Review.
AB  - Phosphate (P) fixation to the soil solid phase is considered to be important for
      P availability and is often attributed to the strong binding of orthophosphate
      anion species. However, the fixation and subsequent immobilization of
      inositolhexa and pentaphosphate isomers (phytate) in soil is often much stronger
      than that of the orthosphate anion species. The result is that phytate is a main
      organic P form in soil and the dominating form of identifiable organic P. The
      reasons for the accumulation are not fully clear. Two hypothesis can be found in
      the literature in the last 20 years, the low activity of phytase (phosphatases)
      in soil, which makes phytate P unavailable to the plant roots, and, on the other
      hand, the strong binding of phytate to the soil solid phase with its consequent
      stabilization and accumulation in soil. The hypothesis that low phytase activity
      is responsible for phytate accumulation led to the development of genetically
      modified plant genotypes with a higher expression of phytase activity at the root
      surface and research on the effect of a higher phytate activity on P acquisition.
      Obviously, this hypothesis has a basic assumption, that the phytate mobility in
      soil is not the limiting step for P acquisition of higher plants from soil
      phytate. This assumption is, however, not justified considering the results on
      the sorption, immobilization and fixation of phytate to the soil solid phase
      reported in the last two decades. Phytate is strongly bound, and the P sorption
      maximum and probably the sorption strength of phytate P to the soil solid phase
      is much higher, compared to that of orthophosphate P. Mobilization of phytate
      seems to be a promising step to make it available to the plant roots. The
      excretion of organic acid anions, citrate and to a lesser extend oxalate, seems
      to be an important way to make phytate P available to the plants. Phytase
      activity at the root surface seems not be the limiting step in P acquisition from
      phytate. Phytate is not only bound to inorganic surfaces in soil but can also be
      bound, similar to orthophosphate, to humic surfaces via Fe or Al bridges. Humic
      metal-phytate complexes may be transported in the soil solution to the roots
      where hydrolysis and uptake of the liberated P may occur. Research on this topic
      is strongly required. 

PMID- 27135326
TI  - Functions of Nitric Oxide (NO) in Roots during Development and under Adverse
      Stress Conditions.
AB  - The free radical molecule, nitric oxide (NO), is present in the principal organs
      of plants, where it plays an important role in a wide range of physiological
      functions. Root growth and development are highly regulated by both internal and
      external factors such as nutrient availability, hormones, pattern formation, cell
      polarity and cell cycle control. The presence of NO in roots has opened up new
      areas of research on the role of NO, including root architecture, nutrient
      acquisition, microorganism interactions and the response mechanisms to adverse
      environmental conditions, among others. Additionally, the exogenous application
      of NO throughout the roots has the potential to counteract specific damages
      caused by certain stresses. This review aims to provide an up-to-date perspective
      on NO functions in the roots of higher plants. 

PMID- 27135328
TI  - Certain Malvaceae Plants Have a Unique Accumulation of myo-Inositol 1,2,4,5,6
      Pentakisphosphate.
AB  - Methods used to quantify inositol phosphates in seeds lack the sensitivity and
      specificity necessary to accurately detect the lower concentrations of these
      compounds contained in the leaves of many plants. In order to measure inositol
      hexakisphosphate (InsP6) and inositol pentakisphosphate (InsP5) levels in leaves
      of different plants, a method was developed to concentrate and pre-purify these
      compounds prior to analysis. Inositol phosphates were extracted from leaves with
      diluted HCl and concentrated on small anion exchange columns. Reversed-phase
      solid phase extraction cartridges were used to remove compounds that give peaks
      that sometimes interfere during HPLC. The method permitted the determination of
      InsP6 and InsP5 concentrations in leaves as low as 10 uM and 2 uM, respectively.
      Most plants analyzed contained a high ratio of InsP6 to InsP5. In contrast,
      certain members of the Malvaceae family, such as cotton (Gossypium) and some
      hibiscus (Hibiscus) species, had a preponderance of InsP5. Radiolabeling of
      cotton seedlings also showed increased amounts of InsP5 relative to InsP6. Why
      some Malvaceae species exhibit a reversal of the typical ratios of these inositol
      phosphates is an intriguing question for future research. 

PMID- 27135329
TI  - Effects of PEG-Induced Water Deficit in Solanum nigrum on Zn and Ni Uptake and
      Translocation in Split Root Systems.
AB  - Drought strongly influences root activities in crop plants and weeds. This paper
      is focused on the performance of the heavy metal accumulator Solanum nigrum, a
      plant which might be helpful for phytoremediation. The water potential in a split
      root system was decreased by the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000).
      Rubidium, strontium and radionuclides of heavy metals were used as markers to
      investigate the uptake into roots, the release to the shoot via the xylem, and
      finally the basipetal transport via the phloem to unlabeled roots. The uptake
      into the roots (total contents in the plant) was for most makers more severely
      decreased than the transport to the shoot or the export from the shoot to the
      unlabeled roots via the phloem. Regardless of the water potential in the labeling
      solution, (63)Ni and (65)Zn were selectively redistributed within the plant. From
      autoradiographs, it became evident that (65)Zn accumulated in root tips, in the
      apical shoot meristem and in axillary buds, while (63)Ni accumulated in young
      expanded leaves and roots but not in the meristems. Since both radionuclides are
      mobile in the phloem and are, therefore, well redistributed within the plant, the
      unequal transfer to shoot and root apical meristems is most likely caused by
      differences in the cell-to-cell transport in differentiation zones without
      functional phloem (immature sieve tubes). 

PMID- 27135330
TI  - Hormonal Regulation and Expression Profiles of Wheat Genes Involved during Phytic
      Acid Biosynthesis Pathway.
AB  - Phytic acid (PA) biosynthesis pathway genes were reported from multiple crop
      species. PA accumulation was enhanced during grain filling and at that time,
      hormones like Abscisic acid (ABA) and Gibberellic acid (GA3) interplay to control
      the process of seed development. Regulation of wheat PA pathway genes has not yet
      been reported in seeds. In an attempt to find the clues for the regulation by
      hormones, the promoter region of wheat PA pathway genes was analyzed for the
      presence of cis-elements. Multiple cis-elements of those known to be involved for
      ABA, GA3, salicylic acid (SA), and cAMP sensing were identified in the promoters
      of PA pathway genes. Eight genes (TaIMP, TaITPK1-4, TaPLC1, TaIPK2 and TaIPK1)
      involved in the wheat PA biosynthesis pathway were selected for the expression
      studies. The temporal expression response was studied in seeds treated with ABA
      and GA3 using quantitative real time PCR. Our results suggested that exogenous
      application of ABA induces few PA pathway genes in wheat grains. Comparison of
      expression profiles for PA pathway for GA3 and ABA suggested the antagonistic
      regulation of certain genes. Additionally, to reveal stress responses of wheat PA
      pathway genes, expression was also studied in the presence of SA and cAMP.
      Results suggested SA specific differential expression of few genes, whereas,
      overall repression of genes was observed in cAMP treated samples. This study is
      an effort to understand the regulation of PA biosynthesis genes in wheat. 

PMID- 27135331
TI  - Molecular Composition of Plant Vacuoles: Important but Less Understood
      Regulations and Roles of Tonoplast Lipids.
AB  - The vacuole is an essential organelle for plant growth and development. It is the
      location for the storage of nutrients; such as sugars and proteins; and other
      metabolic products. Understanding the mechanisms of vacuolar trafficking and
      molecule transport across the vacuolar membrane is of great importance in
      understanding basic plant development and cell biology and for crop quality
      improvement. Proteins play important roles in vacuolar trafficking; such proteins
      include Rab GTPase signaling proteins; cargo recognition receptors; and SNAREs
      (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein Receptors) that are involved in membrane fusion.
      Some vacuole membrane proteins also serve as the transporters or channels for
      transport across the tonoplast. Less understood but critical are the roles of
      lipids in vacuolar trafficking. In this review, we will first summarize molecular
      composition of plant vacuoles and we will then discuss our latest understanding
      on the role of lipids in plant vacuolar trafficking and a surprising connection
      to ribosome function through the study of ribosomal mutants. 

PMID- 27135332
TI  - Root Traits and Phenotyping Strategies for Plant Improvement.
AB  - Roots are crucial for nutrient and water acquisition and can be targeted to
      enhance plant productivity under a broad range of growing conditions. A current
      challenge for plant breeding is the limited ability to phenotype and select for
      desirable root characteristics due to their underground location. Plant breeding
      efforts aimed at modifying root traits can result in novel, more stress-tolerant
      crops and increased yield by enhancing the capacity of the plant for soil
      exploration and, thus, water and nutrient acquisition. Available approaches for
      root phenotyping in laboratory, greenhouse and field encompass simple agar plates
      to labor-intensive root digging (i.e., shovelomics) and soil boring methods, the
      construction of underground root observation stations and sophisticated computer
      assisted root imaging. Here, we summarize root architectural traits relevant to
      crop productivity, survey root phenotyping strategies and describe their
      advantages, limitations and practical value for crop and forage breeding
      programs. 

PMID- 27135333
TI  - Senescence Meets Dedifferentiation.
AB  - Senescence represents the final stage of leaf development but is often induced
      prematurely following exposure to biotic and abiotic stresses. Leaf senescence is
      manifested by color change from green to yellow (due to chlorophyll degradation)
      or to red (due to de novo synthesis of anthocyanins coupled with chlorophyll
      degradation) and frequently culminates in programmed death of leaves. However,
      the breakdown of chlorophyll and macromolecules such as proteins and RNAs that
      occurs during leaf senescence does not necessarily represent a one-way road to
      death but rather a reversible process whereby senescing leaves can, under certain
      conditions, re-green and regain their photosynthetic capacity. This phenomenon
      essentially distinguishes senescence from programmed cell death, leading
      researchers to hypothesize that changes occurring during senescence might
      represent a process of trans-differentiation, that is the conversion of one cell
      type to another. In this review, we highlight attributes common to senescence and
      dedifferentiation including chromatin structure and activation of transposable
      elements and provide further support to the notion that senescence is not merely
      a deterioration process leading to death but rather a unique developmental state
      resembling dedifferentiation. 

PMID- 27135334
TI  - Advancements in Root Growth Measurement Technologies and Observation Capabilities
      for Container-Grown Plants.
AB  - The study, characterization, observation, and quantification of plant root growth
      and root systems (Rhizometrics) has been and remains an important area of
      research in all disciplines of plant science. In the horticultural industry, a
      large portion of the crops grown annually are grown in pot culture. Root growth
      is a critical component in overall plant performance during production in
      containers, and therefore it is important to understand the factors that
      influence and/or possible enhance it. Quantifying root growth has varied over the
      last several decades with each method of quantification changing in its
      reliability of measurement and variation among the results. Methods such as root
      drawings, pin boards, rhizotrons, and minirhizotrons initiated the aptitude to
      measure roots with field crops, and have been expanded to container-grown plants.
      However, many of the published research methods are monotonous and time
      consuming. More recently, computer programs have increased in use as technology
      advances and measuring characteristics of root growth becomes easier. These
      programs are instrumental in analyzing various root growth characteristics, from
      root diameter and length of individual roots to branching angle and topological
      depth of the root architecture. This review delves into the expanding
      technologies involved with expertly measuring root growth of plants in
      containers, and the advantages and disadvantages that remain. 

PMID- 27135335
TI  - Senescence, Stress, and Reactive Oxygen Species.
AB  - Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is one of the earliest responses of
      plant cells to various biotic and abiotic stresses. ROS are capable of inducing
      cellular damage by oxidation of proteins, inactivation of enzymes, alterations in
      the gene expression, and decomposition of biomembranes. On the other hand, they
      also have a signaling role and changes in production of ROS can act as signals
      that change the transcription of genes that favor the acclimation of plants to
      abiotic stresses. Among the ROS, it is believed that H2O2 causes the largest
      changes in the levels of gene expression in plants. A wide range of plant
      responses has been found to be triggered by H2O2 such as acclimation to drought,
      photooxidative stress, and induction of senescence. Our knowledge on signaling
      roles of singlet oxygen (1O2) has been limited by its short lifetime, but recent
      experiments with a flu mutant demonstrated that singlet oxygen does not act
      primarily as a toxin but rather as a signal that activates several stress
      response pathways. In this review we summarize the latest progress on the
      signaling roles of ROS during senescence and abiotic stresses and we give a short
      overview of the methods that can be used for their assessment. 

PMID- 27135336
TI  - NAC Transcription Factors in Senescence: From Molecular Structure to Function in
      Crops.
AB  - Within the last decade, NAC transcription factors have been shown to play
      essential roles in senescence, which is the focus of this review. Transcriptome
      analyses associate approximately one third of Arabidopsis NAC genes and many crop
      NAC genes with senescence, thereby implicating NAC genes as important regulators
      of the senescence process. The consensus DNA binding site of the NAC domain is
      used to predict NAC target genes, and protein interaction sites can be predicted
      for the intrinsically disordered transcription regulatory domains of NAC
      proteins. The molecular characteristics of these domains determine the
      interactions in gene regulatory networks. Emerging local NAC-centered gene
      regulatory networks reveal complex molecular mechanisms of stress- and hormone
      regulated senescence and basic physiological steps of the senescence process. For
      example, through molecular interactions involving the hormone abscisic acid,
      Arabidopsis NAP promotes chlorophyll degradation, a hallmark of senescence.
      Furthermore, studies of the functional rice ortholog, OsNAP, suggest that NAC
      genes can be targeted to obtain specific changes in lifespan control and nutrient
      remobilization in crop plants. This is also exemplified by the wheat NAM1 genes
      which promote senescence and increase grain zinc, iron, and protein content.
      Thus, NAC genes are promising targets for fine-tuning senescence for increased
      yield and quality. 

PMID- 27135339
TI  - Early Autumn Senescence in Red Maple (Acer rubrum L.) Is Associated with High
      Leaf Anthocyanin Content.
AB  - Several theories exist about the role of anthocyanins in senescing leaves. To
      elucidate factors contributing to variation in autumn leaf anthocyanin contents
      among individual trees, we analysed anthocyanins and other leaf traits in 27
      individuals of red maple (Acer rubrum L.) over two growing seasons in the context
      of timing of leaf senescence. Red maple usually turns bright red in the autumn,
      but there is considerable variation among the trees. Leaf autumn anthocyanin
      contents were consistent between the two years of investigation. Autumn
      anthocyanin content strongly correlated with degree of chlorophyll degradation
      mid to late September, early senescing leaves having the highest concentrations
      of anthocyanins. It also correlated positively with leaf summer chlorophyll
      content and dry matter content, and negatively with specific leaf area. Time of
      leaf senescence and anthocyanin contents correlated with soil pH and with canopy
      openness. We conclude that the importance of anthocyanins in protection of leaf
      processes during senescence depends on the time of senescence. Rather than
      prolonging the growing season by enabling a delayed senescence, autumn
      anthocyanins in red maple in Ontario are important when senescence happens early,
      possibly due to the higher irradiance and greater danger of oxidative damage
      early in the season. 

PMID- 27135338
TI  - Cell Wall Amine Oxidases: New Players in Root Xylem Differentiation under Stress
      Conditions.
AB  - Polyamines (PAs) are aliphatic polycations present in all living organisms. A
      growing body of evidence reveals their involvement as regulators in a variety of
      physiological and pathological events. They are oxidatively deaminated by amine
      oxidases (AOs), including copper amine oxidases (CuAOs) and flavin adenine
      dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent polyamine oxidases (PAOs). The biologically-active
      hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a shared compound in all of the AO-catalyzed
      reactions, and it has been reported to play important roles in PA-mediated
      developmental and stress-induced processes. In particular, the AO-driven H2O2
      biosynthesis in the cell wall is well known to be involved in plant wound healing
      and pathogen attack responses by both triggering peroxidase-mediated wall
      stiffening events and signaling modulation of defense gene expression. Extensive
      investigation by a variety of methodological approaches revealed high levels of
      expression of cell wall-localized AOs in root xylem tissues and vascular
      parenchyma of different plant species. Here, the recent progresses in
      understanding the role of cell wall-localized AOs as mediators of root xylem
      differentiation during development and/or under stress conditions are reviewed. A
      number of experimental pieces of evidence supports the involvement of apoplastic
      H2O2 derived from PA oxidation in xylem tissue maturation under stress-simulated
      conditions. 

PMID- 27135337
TI  - Keeping Control: The Role of Senescence and Development in Plant Pathogenesis and
      Defense.
AB  - Many plant pathogens show interactions with host development. Pathogens may
      modify plant development according to their nutritional demands. Conversely,
      plant development influences pathogen growth. Biotrophic pathogens often delay
      senescence to keep host cells alive, and resistance is achieved by senescence
      like processes in the host. Necrotrophic pathogens promote senescence in the
      host, and preventing early senescence is a resistance strategy of plants. For
      hemibiotrophic pathogens both patterns may apply. Most signaling pathways are
      involved in both developmental and defense reactions. Increasing knowledge about
      the molecular components allows to distinguish signaling branches, cross-talk and
      regulatory nodes that may influence the outcome of an infection. In this review,
      recent reports on major molecular players and their role in senescence and in
      pathogen response are reviewed. Examples of pathosystems with strong
      developmental implications illustrate the molecular basis of selected control
      strategies. A study of gene expression in the interaction between the
      hemibiotrophic vascular pathogen Verticillium longisporum and its cruciferous
      hosts shows processes that are fine-tuned to counteract early senescence and to
      achieve resistance. The complexity of the processes involved reflects the complex
      genetic control of quantitative disease resistance, and understanding the
      relationship between disease, development and resistance will support resistance
      breeding. 

PMID- 27135340
TI  - Hormonal Control of Lateral Root and Nodule Development in Legumes.
AB  - Many plants can establish symbioses with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, some of which
      lead to nodulation, including legumes. Indeed, in the rhizobium/legume symbiosis,
      new root organs, called nodules, are formed by the plant in order to host the
      rhizobia in protective conditions, optimized for nitrogen fixation. In this way,
      these plants can benefit from the reduction of atmospheric dinitrogen into
      ammonia by the hosted bacteria, and in exchange the plant provides the rhizobia
      with a carbon source. Since this symbiosis is costly for the plant it is highly
      regulated. Both legume nodule and lateral root organogenesis involve divisions of
      the root inner tissues, and both developmental programs are tightly controlled by
      plant hormones. In fact, most of the major plant hormones, such as auxin,
      cytokinins, abscisic acid, and strigolactones, control both lateral root
      formation and nodule organogenesis, but often in an opposite manner. This
      suggests that the sensitivity of legume plants to some phytohormones could be
      linked to the antagonism that exists between the processes of nodulation and
      lateral root formation. Here, we will review the implication of some major
      phytohormones in lateral root formation in legumes, compare them with their roles
      in nodulation, and discuss specificities and divergences from non-legume eudicot
      plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana. 

PMID- 27135341
TI  - Abscisic Acid: Hidden Architect of Root System Structure.
AB  - Plants modulate root growth in response to changes in the local environment,
      guided by intrinsic developmental genetic programs. The hormone Abscisic Acid
      (ABA) mediates responses to different environmental factors, such as the presence
      of nitrate in the soil, water stress and salt, shaping the structure of the root
      system by regulating the production of lateral roots as well as controlling root
      elongation by modulating cell division and elongation. Curiously, ABA controls
      different aspects of root architecture in different plant species, perhaps
      providing some insight into the great diversity of root architecture in different
      plants, both from different taxa and from different environments. ABA is an
      ancient signaling pathway, acquired well before the diversification of land
      plants. Nonetheless, how this ancient signaling module is implemented or
      interacts within a larger signaling network appears to vary in different species.
      This review will examine the role of ABA in the control of root architecture,
      focusing on the regulation of lateral root formation in three plant species,
      Arabidopsis thaliana, Medicago truncatula and Oryza sativa. We will consider how
      the implementation of the ABA signaling module might be a target of natural
      selection, to help contribute to the diversity of root architecture in nature. 

PMID- 27135342
TI  - Sulfite Oxidase Activity Is Essential for Normal Sulfur, Nitrogen and Carbon
      Metabolism in Tomato Leaves.
AB  - Plant sulfite oxidase [SO; E.C.1.8.3.1] has been shown to be a key player in
      protecting plants against exogenous toxic sulfite. Recently we showed that SO
      activity is essential to cope with rising dark-induced endogenous sulfite levels
      in tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum/Solanum lycopersicum Mill. cv.
      Rheinlands Ruhm). Here we uncover the ramifications of SO impairment on carbon,
      nitrogen and sulfur (S) metabolites. Current analysis of the wild-type and SO
      impaired plants revealed that under controlled conditions, the imbalanced sulfite
      level resulting from SO impairment conferred a metabolic shift towards elevated
      reduced S-compounds, namely sulfide, S-amino acids (S-AA), Co-A and acetyl-CoA,
      followed by non-S-AA, nitrogen and carbon metabolite enhancement, including polar
      lipids. Exposing plants to dark-induced carbon starvation resulted in a higher
      degradation of S-compounds, total AA, carbohydrates, polar lipids and total RNA
      in the mutant plants. Significantly, a failure to balance the carbon backbones
      was evident in the mutants, indicated by an increase in tricarboxylic acid cycle
      (TCA) cycle intermediates, whereas a decrease was shown in stressed wild-type
      plants. These results indicate that the role of SO is not limited to a rescue
      reaction under elevated sulfite, but SO is a key player in maintaining optimal
      carbon, nitrogen and sulfur metabolism in tomato plants. 

PMID- 27135344
TI  - Rice Phytochrome B (OsPhyB) Negatively Regulates Dark- and Starvation-Induced
      Leaf Senescence.
AB  - Light regulates leaf senescence and light deprivation causes large-scale
      transcriptional reprogramming to dismantle cellular components and remobilize
      nutrients to sink organs, such as seeds and storage tissue. We recently reported
      that in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), Phytochrome-Interacting Factor4
      (PIF4) and PIF5 promote dark-induced senescence and natural senescence by
      directly activating the expression of typical senescence-associated genes (SAGs),
      including ORESARA1 (ORE1) and ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3). In contrast,
      phytochrome B (PhyB) inhibits leaf senescence by repressing PIF4 and PIF5 at the
      post-translational level. Although we found how red light signaling represses
      leaf senescence in Arabidopsis, it remains unknown whether PhyB and/or PhyA are
      involved in leaf senescence in rice (Oryza sativa). Here we show that rice phyB
      knockout mutants (osphyB-1, -2, and -3) exhibited an early senescence phenotype
      during dark-induced senescence, but an osphyA knockout mutant (osphyA-3) senesced
      normally. The RT-qPCR analysis revealed that several senescence-associated genes,
      including OsORE1 and OsEIN3, were significantly up-regulated in osphyB-2 mutants,
      indicating that OsPhyB also inhibits leaf senescence, like Arabidopsis PhyB. We
      also found that leaf segments of osphyB-2 senesced faster even under light
      conditions. Supplementation with nitrogen compounds, such as KNO3 and NH4NO3,
      rescued the early senescence phenotype of osphyB-2, indicating that starvation is
      one of the major signaling factors in the OsPhyB-dependent leaf senescence
      pathway. 

PMID- 27135343
TI  - The Control of Auxin Transport in Parasitic and Symbiotic Root-Microbe
      Interactions.
AB  - Most field-grown plants are surrounded by microbes, especially from the soil.
      Some of these, including bacteria, fungi and nematodes, specifically manipulate
      the growth and development of their plant hosts, primarily for the formation of
      structures housing the microbes in roots. These developmental processes require
      the correct localization of the phytohormone auxin, which is involved in the
      control of cell division, cell enlargement, organ development and defense, and is
      thus a likely target for microbes that infect and invade plants. Some microbes
      have the ability to directly synthesize auxin. Others produce specific signals
      that indirectly alter the accumulation of auxin in the plant by altering auxin
      transport. This review highlights root-microbe interactions in which auxin
      transport is known to be targeted by symbionts and parasites to manipulate the
      development of their host root system. We include case studies for parasitic root
      nematode interactions, mycorrhizal symbioses as well as nitrogen fixing symbioses
      in actinorhizal and legume hosts. The mechanisms to achieve auxin transport
      control that have been studied in model organisms include the induction of plant
      flavonoids that indirectly alter auxin transport and the direct targeting of
      auxin transporters by nematode effectors. In most cases, detailed mechanisms of
      auxin transport control remain unknown. 

PMID- 27135345
TI  - Possible Roles of Strigolactones during Leaf Senescence.
AB  - Leaf senescence is a complicated developmental process that involves degenerative
      changes and nutrient recycling. The progress of leaf senescence is controlled by
      various environmental cues and plant hormones, including ethylene, jasmonic acid,
      salicylic acid, abscisic acid, cytokinins, and strigolactones. The production of
      strigolactones is induced in response to nitrogen and phosphorous deficiency.
      Strigolactones also accelerate leaf senescence and regulate shoot branching and
      root architecture. Leaf senescence is actively promoted in a nutrient-poor soil
      environment, and nutrients are transported from old leaves to young tissues and
      seeds. Strigolactones might act as important signals in response to nutrient
      levels in the rhizosphere. In this review, we discuss the possible roles of
      strigolactones during leaf senescence. 

PMID- 27135346
TI  - Green Leaf Volatile Emissions during High Temperature and Drought Stress in a
      Central Amazon Rainforest.
AB  - Prolonged drought stress combined with high leaf temperatures can induce
      programmed leaf senescence involving lipid peroxidation, and the loss of net
      carbon assimilation during early stages of tree mortality. Periodic droughts are
      known to induce widespread tree mortality in the Amazon rainforest, but little is
      known about the role of lipid peroxidation during drought-induced leaf
      senescence. In this study, we present observations of green leaf volatile (GLV)
      emissions during membrane peroxidation processes associated with the combined
      effects of high leaf temperatures and drought-induced leaf senescence from
      individual detached leaves and a rainforest ecosystem in the central Amazon.
      Temperature-dependent leaf emissions of volatile terpenoids were observed during
      the morning, and together with transpiration and net photosynthesis, showed a
      post-midday depression. This post-midday depression was associated with a
      stimulation of C5 and C6 GLV emissions, which continued to increase throughout
      the late afternoon in a temperature-independent fashion. During the 2010 drought
      in the Amazon Basin, which resulted in widespread tree mortality, green leaf
      volatile emissions (C6 GLVs) were observed to build up within the forest canopy
      atmosphere, likely associated with high leaf temperatures and enhanced drought
      induced leaf senescence processes. The results suggest that observations of GLVs
      in the tropical boundary layer could be used as a chemical sensor of reduced
      ecosystem productivity associated with drought stress. 

PMID- 27135347
TI  - Phosphorylation Affects DNA-Binding of the Senescence-Regulating bZIP
      Transcription Factor GBF1.
AB  - Massive changes in the transcriptome of Arabidopsis thaliana during onset and
      progression of leaf senescence imply a central role for transcription factors.
      While many transcription factors are themselves up- or down-regulated during
      senescence, the bZIP transcription factor G-box-binding factor 1 (GBF1/bZIP41) is
      constitutively expressed in Arabidopsis leaf tissue but at the same time triggers
      the onset of leaf senescence, suggesting posttranscriptional mechanisms for
      senescence-specific GBF1 activation. Here we show that GBF1 is phosphorylated by
      the threonine/serine CASEIN KINASE II (CKII) in vitro and that CKII
      phosphorylation had a negative effect on GBF1 DNA-binding to G-boxes of two
      direct target genes, CATALASE2 and RBSCS1a. Phosphorylation mimicry at three
      serine positions in the basic region of GBF1 also had a negative effect on DNA
      binding. Kinase assays revealed that CKII phosphorylates at least one serine in
      the basic domain but has additional phosphorylation sites outside this domain.
      Two different ckII alpha subunit1 and one alpha subunit2 T-DNA insertion lines
      showed no visible senescence phenotype, but in all lines the expression of the
      senescence marker gene SAG12 was remarkably diminished. A model is presented
      suggesting that senescence-specific GBF1 activation might be achieved by lowering
      the phosphorylation of GBF1 by CKII. 

PMID- 27135348
TI  - DNA and Flavonoids Leach out from Active Nuclei of Taxus and Tsuga after Extreme
      Climate Stresses.
AB  - Severe over-stresses of climate caused dramatic changes in the intracellular
      distribution of the flavonoids. This was studied in needles from the current
      year's growth of the following species and varieties: Tsuga canadensis, Taxus
      baccata, T. aurea, T. repens, T. nana, and T. compacta. The mode of steady
      changes in flavonoids was evaluated by microscopic techniques. Most of the
      flavonoids stain visibly yellow by themselves. The colorless flavanol subgroup
      can be stained blue by the DMACA reagent. In mid-summer 2013, outstanding high
      temperatures and intense photo-oxidative irradiation caused in a free-standing
      tree of Taxus baccata dramatic heat damage in a limited number of cells of the
      palisade layers. In these cells, the cytoplasm was burned brown. However, the
      nucleus maintained its healthy "blue" colored appearance which apparently was a
      result of antioxidant barrier effects by these flavanols. In late May 2014,
      excessive rainfall greatly affected all study trees. Collectively, in all study
      trees, a limited number of the mesophyll nuclei from the needless grown in 2013
      and 2014 became overly turgid, enlarged in size and the flavanols leached outward
      through the damaged nuclear membranes. This diffusive stress event was followed
      one to three days later by a similar efflux of DNA. Such a complete dissolution
      of the nuclei in young tissues was the most spectacular phenomenon of the present
      study. As a common feature, leaching of both flavanols and DNA was markedly
      enhanced with increasing size and age of the cells. There is evidence that
      signalling flavonoids are sensitized to provide in nuclei and cytoplasm multiple
      mutual protective mechanisms. However, this well-orchestrated flavonoid system is
      broken down by extreme climate events. 

PMID- 27135349
TI  - Seed Biofortification and Phytic Acid Reduction: A Conflict of Interest for the
      Plant?
AB  - Most of the phosphorus in seeds is accumulated in the form of phytic acid (myo
      inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate, InsP6). This molecule is a strong chelator
      of cations important for nutrition, such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium.
      For this reason, InsP6 is considered an antinutritional factor. In recent years,
      efforts to biofortify seeds through the generation of low phytic acid (lpa)
      mutants have been noteworthy. Moreover, genes involved in the biosynthesis and
      accumulation of this molecule have been isolated and characterized in different
      species. Beyond its role in phosphorus storage, phytic acid is a very important
      signaling molecule involved in different regulatory processes during plant
      development and responses to different stimuli. Consequently, many lpa mutants
      show different negative pleitotropic effects. The strength of these pleiotropic
      effects depends on the specific mutated gene, possible functional redundancy, the
      nature of the mutation, and the spatio-temporal expression of the gene. Breeding
      programs or transgenic approaches aimed at development of new lpa mutants must
      take into consideration these different aspects in order to maximize the utility
      of these mutants. 

PMID- 27135350
TI  - Leaf Senescence by Magnesium Deficiency.
AB  - Magnesium ions (Mg(2+)) are the second most abundant cations in living plant
      cells, and they are involved in various functions, including photosynthesis,
      enzyme catalysis, and nucleic acid synthesis. Low availability of Mg(2+) in an
      agricultural field leads to a decrease in yield, which follows the appearance of
      Mg-deficient symptoms such as chlorosis, necrotic spots on the leaves, and droop.
      During the last decade, a variety of physiological and molecular responses to
      Mg(2+) deficiency that potentially link to leaf senescence have been recognized,
      allowing us to reconsider the mechanisms of Mg(2+) deficiency. This review
      focuses on the current knowledge about the physiological responses to Mg(2+)
      deficiency including a decline in transpiration, accumulation of sugars and
      starch in source leaves, change in redox states, increased oxidative stress,
      metabolite alterations, and a decline in photosynthetic activity. In addition, we
      refer to the molecular responses that are thought to be related to leaf
      senescence. With these current data, we give an overview of leaf senescence
      induced by Mg deficiency. 

PMID- 27135351
TI  - Molecular Mechanisms of Phosphorus Metabolism and Transport during Leaf
      Senescence.
AB  - Leaf senescence, being the final developmental stage of the leaf, signifies the
      transition from a mature, photosynthetically active organ to the attenuation of
      said function and eventual death of the leaf. During senescence, essential
      nutrients sequestered in the leaf, such as phosphorus (P), are mobilized and
      transported to sink tissues, particularly expanding leaves and developing seeds.
      Phosphorus recycling is crucial, as it helps to ensure that previously acquired P
      is not lost to the environment, particularly under the naturally occurring
      condition where most unfertilized soils contain low levels of soluble
      orthophosphate (Pi), the only form of P that roots can directly assimilate from
      the soil. Piecing together the molecular mechanisms that underpin the highly
      variable efficiencies of P remobilization from senescing leaves by different
      plant species may be critical for devising effective strategies for improving
      overall crop P-use efficiency. Maximizing Pi remobilization from senescing leaves
      using selective breeding and/or biotechnological strategies will help to generate
      P-efficient crops that would minimize the use of unsustainable and polluting Pi
      containing fertilizers in agriculture. This review focuses on the molecular
      mechanisms whereby P is remobilized from senescing leaves and transported to sink
      tissues, which encompasses the action of hormones, transcription factors, Pi
      scavenging enzymes, and Pi transporters. 

PMID- 27135352
TI  - Janus Nanocage toward Platelet Delivery.
AB  - The platelet-shaped Janus nanocages with a mesoporous silica shell are prepared.
      PEG moiety onto the exterior surface is responsible for good dispersity in water.
      The graphene sheet inside the cavity is responsible for hydrophobic performance
      to selectively capture hydrophobic species, and photothermal effect by NIR
      irradiation. As a biocompatible DOX-loaded Janus platelet delivery, HeLa cell
      cytotoxicity is greatly enhanced under NIR irradiation. There exists a synergetic
      effect between the chemotherapy and photothermal therapy.

PMID- 27135353
TI  - Childhood Obesity Risk and Prevention: Shining a Lens on the First 1000 Days.

PMID- 27135354
TI  - Targeting the dopamine D3 receptor: an overview of drug design strategies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter widely distributed in both the
      periphery and the central nervous system (CNS). Its physiological effects are
      mediated by five closely related G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are
      divided into two major subclasses: the D1-like (D1, D5) and the D2-like (D2, D3,
      D4) receptors. D3 receptors (D3Rs) have the highest density in the limbic areas
      of the brain, which are associated with cognitive and emotional functions. These
      receptors are therefore attractive targets for therapeutic management. AREAS
      COVERED: This review summarizes the functional and pharmacological
      characteristics of D3Rs, including the design and clinical relevance of full
      agonists, partial agonists and antagonists, as well as the capacity of these
      receptors to form active homodimers, heterodimers or higher order receptor
      complexes as pharmacological targets in several neurological and
      neurodegenerative disorders. EXPERT OPINION: The high sequence homology between
      D3R and the D2-type challenges the development of D3R-selective compounds. The
      design of new D3R-preferential ligands with improved physicochemical properties
      should provide a better pharmacokinetic/bioavailability profile and lesser
      toxicity than is found with existing D3R ligands. It is also essential to
      optimize D3R affinity and, especially, D3R vs. D2-type binding and functional
      selectivity ratios. Developing allosteric and bitopic ligands should help to
      improve the D3R selectivity of these drugs. As most evidence points to the
      ability of GPCRs to form homomers and heteromers, the most promising therapeutic
      strategy in the future is likely to involve the application of heteromer
      selective drugs. These selective ligands would display different affinities for a
      given receptor depending on the receptor partners within the heteromer.
      Therefore, designing novel compounds that specifically target and modulate D1R
      D3R heteromers would be an interesting approach for the treatment of levodopa (L
      DOPA)-induced dyskinesias.

PMID- 27135355
TI  - Laparoscopic Surgical Glue Injection Hernioplasty: A Single-Institution
      Experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to provide clinical evidence supporting the
      safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic surgical glue injection hernioplasty
      (LSGIH) for indirect inguinal hernia repair in female patients. METHODS: We
      conducted a prospective study of LSGIH beginning in January 2013. N-butyl-2
      cyanoacrylate was used as the surgical glue for closure of the hernia sac. Twenty
      eight female patients with a mean age of 51.1 +/- 35.3 months (24 days to 10
      years) received LSGIH. The total number of LSGIH operations was 42, including
      bilateral inguinal hernioplasties. RESULTS: Postoperatively, all the patients
      were discharged from the hospital within 24 hours without incident. The mean
      operation time for LSGIH was 41.0 +/- 9.7 minutes (30-66 minutes). The mean
      follow-up period was 23.2 +/- 8.3 months (14.6-38.2 months) up to now. There were
      no postoperative complications or recurrences during the follow-up period.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our prospective study supports LSGIH as a simple, safe, and useful
      technique for pediatric inguinal hernioplasty. This method required only one
      working port and one camera port. However, further clinical prospective trials,
      including male patients, should be performed to confirm the long-term safety and
      effectiveness of LSGIH.

PMID- 27135357
TI  - Unique (3,4,10)-Connected Lanthanide-Organic Framework as a Recyclable Chemical
      Sensor for Detecting Al(3.).
AB  - Three isostructural Ln-BTB frameworks (Ln = Eu (1), Dy (2), Yb (3)) were
      synthesized and structurally characterized, in which mononuclear and trinuclear
      [Ln3] units as nodes construct unprecedented (3,4,10)-connected 3D frameworks
      with (4.6.8)4(4.8(2))2(4.8(5))(6(2).8(4))(4(5).6(8).8(26).10(6)) point symbol.
      The luminescent investigations revealed that compound 1 can sensitively and
      selectively detect Al(3+), but comparably compound 2 could not detect Al(3+)
      among various cations. More importantly, 1 as an Al(3+) sensor can be reused at
      least five times, which represents the first recyclable metal organic framework
      (MOF)-supported Al(3+) sensor. Additionally, magnetic investigations on 2 also
      were carried out, showing a single-molecule-magnet behavior.

PMID- 27135356
TI  - Glycans and the platelet life cycle.
AB  - Platelet numbers are intricately regulated to avoid spontaneous bleeding or
      arterial occlusion and organ damage. The growth factor thrombopoietin (TPO)
      drives platelet biogenesis by inducing megakaryocyte production. A recent study
      in mice identified a feedback mechanism by which clearance of aged, desialylated
      platelets stimulates TPO synthesis by hepatocytes. This new finding generated
      renewed interest in platelet clearance mechanisms. Here, different established
      and emerging mechanisms of platelet senescence and clearance will be reviewed
      with specific emphasis on the role of posttranslational modifications. 

PMID- 27135358
TI  - A Clarion Call for Proteomics.

PMID- 27135359
TI  - Principles of Systems Biology, No. 3.
AB  - Emergent behaviors arising from fascinating interactions between biological
      "parts" are highlighted in this month's Cell Systems Call (Cell Systems 1, 307),
      alongside notable efforts in biological engineering. 

PMID- 27135360
TI  - Proteomics Moves into the Fast Lane.
AB  - Three studies demonstrate the potential of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry
      based proteomics for rapid, deep characterization of proteomes.

PMID- 27135361
TI  - Deciphering the Dark Matter of Complex Genetic Inheritance.
AB  - A multifaceted "systems genetics" strategy illuminates the relationship between
      genotype and coronary artery disease.

PMID- 27135362
TI  - Deep Proteomics of Breast Cancer Cells Reveals that Metformin Rewires Signaling
      Networks Away from a Pro-growth State.
AB  - Metformin is the most frequently prescribed drug for type 2 diabetes. In addition
      to its hypoglycemic effects, metformin also lowers cancer incidence. This anti
      cancer activity is incompletely understood. Here, we profiled the metformin
      dependent changes in the proteome and phosphoproteome of breast cancer cells
      using high-resolution mass spectrometry. In total, we quantified changes of 7,875
      proteins and 15,813 phosphosites after metformin changes. To interpret these
      datasets, we developed a generally applicable strategy that overlays metformin
      dependent changes in the proteome and phosphoproteome onto a literature-derived
      network. This approach suggested that metformin treatment makes cancer cells more
      sensitive to apoptotic stimuli and less sensitive to pro-growth stimuli. These
      hypotheses were tested in vivo; as a proof-of-principle, we demonstrated that
      metformin inhibits the p70S6K-rpS6 axis in a PP2A-phosphatase dependent manner.
      In conclusion, analysis of deep proteomics reveals both detailed and global
      mechanisms that contribute to the anti-cancer activity of metformin.

PMID- 27135363
TI  - System-wide Clinical Proteomics of Breast Cancer Reveals Global Remodeling of
      Tissue Homeostasis.
AB  - The genomic and transcriptomic landscapes of breast cancer have been extensively
      studied, but the proteomes of breast tumors are far less characterized. Here, we
      use high-resolution, high-accuracy mass spectrometry to perform a deep analysis
      of luminal-type breast cancer progression using clinical breast samples from
      primary tumors, matched lymph node metastases, and healthy breast epithelia. We
      used a super-SILAC mix to quantify over 10,000 proteins with high accuracy,
      enabling us to identify key proteins and pathways associated with tumorigenesis
      and metastatic spread. We found high expression levels of proteins associated
      with protein synthesis and degradation in cancer tissues, accompanied by
      metabolic alterations that may facilitate energy production in cancer cells
      within their natural environment. In addition, we found proteomic differences
      between breast cancer stages and minor differences between primary tumors and
      their matched lymph node metastases. These results highlight the potential of
      proteomic technology in the elucidation of clinically relevant cancer signatures.

PMID- 27135364
TI  - Plasma Proteome Profiling to Assess Human Health and Disease.
AB  - Proteins in the circulatory system mirror an individual's physiology. In daily
      clinical practice, protein levels are generally determined using single-protein
      immunoassays. High-throughput, quantitative analysis using mass-spectrometry
      based proteomics of blood, plasma, and serum would be advantageous but is
      challenging because of the high dynamic range of protein abundances. Here, we
      introduce a rapid and robust "plasma proteome profiling" pipeline. This single
      run shotgun proteomic workflow does not require protein depletion and enables
      quantitative analysis of hundreds of plasma proteomes from 1 MUl single finger
      pricks with 20 min gradients. The apolipoprotein family, inflammatory markers
      such as C-reactive protein, gender-related proteins, and >40 FDA-approved
      biomarkers are reproducibly quantified (CV <20% with label-free quantification).
      Furthermore, we functionally interpret a 1,000-protein, quantitative plasma
      proteome obtained by simple peptide pre-fractionation. Plasma proteome profiling
      delivers an informative portrait of a person's health state, and we envision its
      large-scale use in biomedicine.

PMID- 27135366
TI  - Metabolic Network Prediction of Drug Side Effects.
AB  - Drug side effects levy a massive cost on society through drug failures,
      morbidity, and mortality cases every year, and their early detection is
      critically important. Here, we describe the array of model-based phenotype
      predictors (AMPP), an approach that leverages medical informatics resources and a
      human genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM) to predict drug side effects. AMPP is
      substantially predictive (AUC > 0.7) for >70 drug side effects, including very
      serious ones such as interstitial nephritis and extrapyramidal disorders. We
      evaluate AMPP's predictive signal through cross-validation, comparison across
      multiple versions of a side effects database, and co-occurrence analysis of drug
      side effect associations in scientific abstracts (hypergeometric p value = 2.2e
      40). AMPP outperforms a previous biochemical structure-based method in predicting
      metabolically based side effects (aggregate AUC = 0.65 versus 0.59). Importantly,
      AMPP enables the identification of key metabolic reactions and biomarkers that
      are predictive of specific side effects. Taken together, this work lays a
      foundation for future detection of metabolically grounded side effects during
      early stages of drug development. 

PMID- 27135365
TI  - Cross-Tissue Regulatory Gene Networks in Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - Inferring molecular networks can reveal how genetic perturbations interact with
      environmental factors to cause common complex diseases. We analyzed genetic and
      gene expression data from seven tissues relevant to coronary artery disease (CAD)
      and identified regulatory gene networks (RGNs) and their key drivers. By
      integrating data from genome-wide association studies, we identified 30 CAD
      causal RGNs interconnected in vascular and metabolic tissues, and we validated
      them with corresponding data from the Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel. As proof of
      concept, by targeting the key drivers AIP, DRAP1, POLR2I, and PQBP1 in a cross
      species-validated, arterial-wall RGN involving RNA-processing genes, we re
      identified this RGN in THP-1 foam cells and independent data from CAD macrophages
      and carotid lesions. This characterization of the molecular landscape in CAD will
      help better define the regulation of CAD candidate genes identified by genome
      wide association studies and is a first step toward achieving the goals of
      precision medicine.

PMID- 27135367
TI  - Programming a Human Commensal Bacterium, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, to Sense
      and Respond to Stimuli in the Murine Gut Microbiota.

PMID- 27135368
TI  - Acquired dyslexia in Serbian speakers with Broca's and Wernicke's aphasia.
AB  - This study examined patterns of acquired dyslexia in Serbian aphasic speakers,
      comparing profiles of groups with Broca's versus Wernicke's aphasia. The study
      also looked at the relationship of reading and auditory comprehension and between
      reading comprehension and reading aloud in these groups. Participants were 20
      people with Broca's and 20 with Wernicke's aphasia. They were asked to read aloud
      and to understand written material from the Serbian adaptation of the Boston
      Diagnostic Aphasia Examination. A Serbian Word Reading Aloud Test was also used.
      The people with Broca's aphasia achieved better results in reading aloud and in
      reading comprehension than those with Wernicke's aphasia. Those with Wernicke's
      aphasia showed significantly more semantic errors than those with Broca's aphasia
      who had significantly more morphological and phonological errors. From the data
      we inferred that lesion sites accorded with previous work on networks associated
      with Broca's and Wernicke's aphasia and with a posterior-anterior axis for
      reading processes centred on (left) parietal-temporal-frontal lobes.

PMID- 27135369
TI  - Lexical conflict resolution in children with specific language impairment.
AB  - The aim of our study is to examine the effect of conflict on naming latencies in
      children with specific language impairment (SLI) and typically developing (TD)
      children and to explore whether deficits in conflict resolution contribute to
      lexical problems in SLI. In light of previous results showing difficulties with
      inhibitory functions in SLI, we expected higher semantic conflict effect in the
      SLI than in the TD group. To investigate this question 13 children with SLI and
      13 age- and gender-matched TD children performed a picture naming task in which
      the level of conflict was manipulated and naming latencies were measured.
      Children took longer to name pictures in high conflict conditions than in low
      conflict conditions. This effect was equally present in the SLI and TD groups.
      Our results suggest that word production is more effortful for children when
      conflict resolution is required but children with SLI manage competing lexical
      representations as efficiently as TD children. This result contradicts studies,
      which found difficulties with inhibitory functions and is in line with findings
      of intact inhibitory abilities in children with SLI. Further studies should rule
      out the possibility that in SLI lower level of conflict resulting from weaker
      lexical representations masks impairments in inhibition, and investigate the
      effect of linguistic conflict in other areas.

PMID- 27135370
TI  - Combined inhibition of the EGFR/AKT pathways by a novel conjugate of quinazoline
      with isothiocyanate.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) represent a class of
      compounds widely used in anticancer therapy. An increasing number of studies
      reports on combination therapies in which the block of the EGFR-TK activity is
      associated with inhibition of its downstream pathways, as PI3K-Akt. Sulforaphane
      targets the PI3K-Akt pathway whose dysregulation is implicated in many functions
      of cancer cells. According to these considerations, a series of multitarget
      molecules have been designed by combining key structural features derived from an
      EGFR-TKI, PD168393, and the isothiocyanate sulforaphane. Among the obtained
      molecules 1-6, compound 6 emerges as a promising lead compound able to exert
      antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in A431 epithelial cancer cell line by
      covalently binding to EGFR-TK, and reducing the phosphorylation of Akt without
      affecting the total Akt levels. 

PMID- 27135371
TI  - (E)-3-Heteroarylidenechroman-4-ones as potent and selective monoamine oxidase-B
      inhibitors.
AB  - A series of (E)-3-heteroarylidenechroman-4-ones (1a-r) was designed, synthesized
      and investigated in vitro for their ability to inhibit the enzymatic activity of
      both human monoamine oxidase (hMAO) isoforms, hMAO-A and hMAO-B. All the
      compounds were found to be selective hMAO-B inhibitors showing IC50 values in the
      nanomolar or micromolar range. (E)-5,7-Dichloro-3-{[(2-(dimethylamino)pyrimidin-5
      yl]methylene}chroman-4-one (1c) was the most interesting compound identified in
      this study, endowed with higher hMAO-B potency (IC50 = 10.58 nM) and selectivity
      (SI > 9452) with respect to the reference selective inhibitor selegiline (IC50 =
      19.60 nM, IC50 > 3431). Molecular modelling studies were performed for
      rationalizing at molecular level the target selective inhibition of our
      compounds, revealing a remarkable contribution of hydrogen bond network and water
      solvent. 

PMID- 27135372
TI  - Inhibitory effects and mechanism of 25-OH-PPD on glomerular mesangial cell
      proliferation induced by high glucose.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects and potential mechanism of the
      compound 25-OH-PPD (PPD) on the glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) under high
      glucose condition. METHODS: The hypertrophic GMC cells were established by DMEM
      containing glucose and randomly divided into five groups, including the normal
      control group (Control), the high glucose model group (HG, 25 mmolL(-1)), the PPD
      low dose group (1MUmolL(-1), PPD-L), the PPD middle dose group (5MUmolL(-1), PPD 
      M) and the PPD high dose group (10MUmolL(-1), UCN-H). The GMC were incubated for
      48h under different treatment factors. Total protein content was determined by
      Lowry method. The diameter of the single GMC and volume were measured by computer
      photograph analysis system. The GMC cell viability was analyzed by MTT assay. The
      level of malondialdehyde (MDA), the content of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) activity were measured by ELISA. [Ca(2+)]i transient was measured
      by Till image system and by cell-loading Fura-2/AM. The expression of COX-1 and
      COX-2 were also determined using ELISA method. RESULTS: The viability of GMC and
      the total protein content were decreased in HG group, different dosage PPD group
      could increase these indexes (P<0.05). The level of MDA was increased, the
      content of GSH and SOD was decreased in HG group, while PPD could reduce the MDA
      and enhance GSH and SOD (P<0.05). Following treatment with different dosage (PPD
      L, PPD-M or PPD-H), the [Ca(2+)]i transient was reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
      Moreover, the expression of COX-1 was decreased while COX-2 expression was
      increased in different dosage PPD groups. CONCLUSION: The protective effects of
      PPD on GMC from HG-induced hypertrophy may be associated with the inhibition of
      [Ca(2+)]i transient and decreasing expression of COX-1 via the oxidative-stress
      injure pathway.

PMID- 27135373
TI  - Phosphate removal from aqueous solution using ZVI/sand bed reactor: Behavior and
      mechanism.
AB  - This research reports on phosphate removal from aqueous solution using ZVI/sand
      packed columns. The influence of column preconditioning, consisting of ZVI pre
      oxidation before feeding the columns with phosphate solution, revealed that a
      column aged for 1 day was more efficient than un-conditioned column, 5-days and
      10-days preconditioned columns. The distribution of phosphate trapped inside the
      columns was evaluated by measuring phosphate concentration in the solids at
      different levels (P1, P2 and P3) along the depth of the columns. The distribution
      of phosphate inside the columns was determined for a time period up to 46 days,
      corresponding to column saturation. Results showed heterogeneous trapping along
      the column before saturation and homogeneous distribution upon saturation. The
      maximum cumulative trapped phosphate after column dismantling was determined
      before saturation (after 17 days running) at 130, 68 and 31 mgP/gFe at the inlet
      P1, P1-P2 and P2-P3 layers, respectively, whereas the homogeneous distribution of
      phosphate upon saturation was determined at 132 mgP/gFe throughout the column.
      Solid supports were characterized using SEM, XRD and XPS. Lepidocrocite and
      maghemite/magnetite were the only iron oxidation products identified at the
      different layers inside the columns. XPS results confirmed the sorption of
      phosphate at the surface of ZVI and its oxidation products and highlighted the
      formation of an iron phosphate complex.

PMID- 27135374
TI  - Temporal variations of disinfection byproduct precursors in wildfire detritus.
AB  - The Rim Fire ignited on August 17, 2013 and became the third largest wildfire in
      California history. The fire consumed 104,131 ha of forested watersheds that were
      the drinking water source for 2.6 million residents in the San Francisco Bay
      area. To understand temporal variations in dissolved organic matter (DOM) after
      the wildfire and its potential impacts on disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation
      in source water supply, we collected the 0-5 cm ash/soil layer with surface
      deposits of white ash (high burn severity) and black ash (moderate burn severity)
      within the Rim Fire perimeter in Oct 2013 (pre-rainfall) for five sequential
      extractions, and in Dec 2013 (~87 mm cumulative precipitation) and Aug 2014 (~617
      mm cumulative precipitation) for a single water extraction. Water-extractable DOM
      was characterized by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy and DBP formation
      tests. Both increasing cumulative precipitation in the field or number of
      extractions in the lab resulted in a significant decrease in specific
      conductivity, dissolved organic carbon, and DBP formation potential, but an
      increase in DOM aromaticity (reflected by specific UV absorbance). However, the
      lab sequential leaching failed to capture the increase of the NOx(-)-N/NH4(+)-N
      ratio and the decrease in pH and dissolved organic carbon/nitrogen ratio of
      ash/soil extracts from Oct 2013 to Aug 2014. Increasing cumulative precipitation,
      inferring an increase in leaching after fire, led to an increase in DOM
      reactivity to form trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, and chloral hydrate, but
      not for haloketones, haloacetonitrile, or N-nitrosodimethylamine, which were more
      related to the original burn severity. This study highlights that fire-affected
      DBP precursors for different DBP species have distinct temporal variation
      possibly due to their various sensitivity to biogeochemical alterations.

PMID- 27135376
TI  - Innovative Places Build Better Futures.

PMID- 27135375
TI  - Clinical outcomes associated with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder among
      patients with bipolar disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical outcomes associated with the presence of a lifetime
      history of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder in subjects with bipolar
      disorder. METHODS: This cross-sectional study of 284 subjects with bipolar
      disorder (DSM-IV) assessed the association between lifetime comorbid
      posttraumatic stress disorder (DSM-IV) and clinical characteristics. Participants
      were included from January 2006 to June 2009. We assessed age at onset, number of
      mood episodes, presence of rapid cycling, first drug use, suicide attempts,
      hospitalizations, functional impairment, and quality of life. Diagnostic,
      clinical, and functional assessments were carried out using the Structured
      Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, patient edition (SCID-I/P), the
      Functioning Assessment Short Test, and the World Health Organization Quality of
      Life scale. The number of manic episodes as assessed by SCID-I/P was the primary
      outcome. RESULTS: The prevalence of lifetime comorbid posttraumatic stress
      disorder was 19.7% (56 subjects). Subjects with bipolar disorder and
      posttraumatic stress disorder had an accelerated course of illness, with a lower
      age at onset of manic/hypomanic episodes (P = .009) and earlier initiation of
      illicit drug use (P = .008). In addition, they were more likely to be younger
      when they received the diagnosis of bipolar disorder (P = .036) and had a higher
      number of manic/hypomanic episodes (P = .01). Quality of life was worse in all
      domains among subjects who presented the comorbidity, and rates of functional
      impairment were higher. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder was
      associated with increased morbidity and accelerated illness progression among
      subjects with bipolar disorder.

PMID- 27135377
TI  - High-Performance Silver Window Electrodes for Top-Illuminated Organic
      Photovoltaics Using an Organo-molybdenum Oxide Bronze Interlayer.
AB  - We report an organo-molybdenumn oxide bronze that enables the fabrication of high
      performance silver window electrodes for top-illuminated solution processed
      organic photovoltaics without complicating the process of device fabrication.
      This hybrid material combines the function of wide-band-gap interlayer for
      efficient hole extraction with the role of metal electrode seed layer, enabling
      the fabrication of highly transparent, low-sheet-resistance silver window
      electrodes. Additionally it is also processed from ethanol, which ensures
      orthogonality with a large range of solution processed organic semiconductors.
      The key organic component is the low cost small molecule 3-mercaptopropionic
      acid, which (i) promotes metal film formation and imparts robustness at low metal
      thickness, (ii) reduces the contact resistance at the Ag/molybdenumn oxide bronze
      interface, (iii) and greatly improves the film forming properties. Silver
      electrodes with a thickness of 8 nm deposited by simple vacuum evaporation onto
      this hybrid interlayer have a sheet resistance as low as 9.7 Ohms per square and
      mean transparency ~80% over the wavelength range 400-900 nm without the aid of an
      antireflecting layer, which makes them well-matched to the needs of organic
      photovoltaics and applicable to perovskite photovoltaics. The application of this
      hybrid material is demonstrated in two types of top-illuminated organic
      photovoltaic devices.

PMID- 27135378
TI  - Environmental Enrichments for a Group of Captive Macaws: Low Interaction Does Not
      Mean Low Behavioral Changes.
AB  - Environmental enrichment has been widely used to improve conditions for nonhuman
      animals in captivity. However, there is no consensus about the best way to
      evaluate the success of enrichments. This study evaluated whether the proportion
      of time spent interacting with enrichments indicated the proportion of overall
      behavioral changes. Six environmental enrichments were introduced in succession
      to 16 captive macaws, and interaction of the animals with them as well as the
      behaviors of the group were recorded before and during the enrichments. All of
      the enrichments affected the proportions of time spent in different behaviors.
      Macaws interacted more with certain items (hibiscus and food tree) than with
      others (a toy or swings and stairs), but introduction of the enrichments that
      invoked the least interaction caused as many behavioral changes as those that
      invoked the most. Moreover, feeding behavior was only affected by the enrichment
      that invoked the least interaction, a change not detected by a general analysis
      of enrichment effects. In conclusion, little interaction with enrichment does not
      mean little change in behavior, and the effects of enrichments are more complex
      than previously considered. 

PMID- 27135379
TI  - H-Bonding of Sulfuric Acid with Its Decomposition Products: An Infrared Matrix
      Isolation and Computational Study of the H2SO4.H2O.SO3 Complex.
AB  - The FTIR matrix isolation spectra of H2SO4 vapors show a group of bands with
      synchronous growth of their relative intensities which is independent of the
      water species content of the matrix layer. Their frequency positions indicate
      that the species they represent is H-bonded and composed of all three components
      (H2SO4, H2O, and SO3) involved in the vapor decomposition equilibrium of the acid
      molecule. Structure, stabilization energies, and vibrational frequencies of
      several H-bonded complexes between these components were considered in B3LYP
      calculations employing Dunning's correlation-consistent aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets.
      Correlations between spectral shifts, bond lengths, and H-bond energies were also
      considered. The best fitting complex is a ring structured 1:1:1 H2SO4.H2O.SO3.
      The indications are that the complex is formed in the vapor phase and not after
      deposition. The atmospheric significance may be in its ability to serve as a H
      bonding nucleation center even without the presence of additional contaminants. 

PMID- 27135380
TI  - Emotional Language Used by Victims of Alleged Sexual Abuse During Forensic
      Investigation.
AB  - Addressing the characteristics of children as witnesses has been a focus of many
      researchers; however, the emotion derived from children during investigative
      interviews is an understudied field that is vital for practitioners from various
      contexts. The current study explores the emotional language that children use
      during forensic investigations following suspected sexual abuse. The sample
      comprises 97 investigative interviews with children (N = 97) aged 3-14 years.
      These interviews were randomly selected from all forensic interviews carried out
      in Israel in 2011. All of the interviews were conducted in conformity with the
      National Institute of Child Health and Development Protocol, and the emotional
      language of the children was coded. The results reveal a limited overall presence
      of emotional language. Children hardly used positive emotional language and
      mainly employed negative emotional language. The interview phase and the age of
      the children greatly affected the use of emotional language, and gender and
      suspect familiarity had no effect on the children's emotional language. The
      findings from the current study enhance existing knowledge on the emotional
      language of children during forensic investigations and highlight the study's
      unique characteristics in the context of abuse, trauma, and forensic
      investigation. The results of this study demonstrate the need for including
      probes about emotions in investigative interviews and the addition of emotional
      language to coding schemes for investigative interviews. 

PMID- 27135381
TI  - Analyses of Child Sex Abuse Cases in Turkey: A Provincial Case.
AB  - Sexual abuse is a significant problem, especially for children, but only a
      limited number of sexual abuse cases involving children are reported to the
      relevant authorities. One hundred and fifty files recorded in the National
      Judiciary Information System between 2006-2012 relating to cases of child sexual
      abuse and considered to be within the scope of Offences Against Sexual Integrity
      pertaining to Turkish Penal Code were analyzed for this research. Statements of
      the victims, defendants, and witnesses, together with the minutes issued by law
      enforcement officers, hospital or forensic reports, and arrest warrants were used
      to collect data. The average values and percentage test analysis were used to
      assess data. A large portion of the sexually abused children were determined to
      be between 14 and 17 years of age, female, and had been abused before, while a
      majority of the abusers were between 19 and 25 years of age, and all of the
      abusers identified as male. Most of the cases of abuse were planned and carried
      out under threat, and a certain number of such crimes resulted in pregnancy, were
      repeated systematically, and became evident when the mothers of the abused
      children found out or when a pregnant child was referred to a hospital for
      childbirth. The sexual abuse of children is a significant problem for Turkish
      society, just as it is for other societies, and it is recommended that further
      research be conducted with a broader scope in order to present this issue more
      clearly and to develop solutions. 

PMID- 27135382
TI  - Does Information About Neuropsychiatric Diagnoses Influence Evaluation of Child
      Sexual Abuse Allegations?
AB  - This study aimed at investigating if attitudes toward children with
      neuropsychiatric disorders influence evaluations concerning allegations of child
      sexual abuse. Law students (n = 107) at Stockholm University, Sweden, were
      presented a transcript of a mock police interview with a girl, 11 years of age.
      This interview was based on a real case, selected as a "typical" example from
      these years concerning contributions from the interviewer and the alleged victim.
      After having read the transcript, the students responded to a questionnaire
      concerning degree of credibility, if the girl talked about events that had really
      occurred, richness of details, and if the narrations were considered truthful and
      age-adequate. Fifty-four of the students were also told that the girl had been
      given the diagnoses of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and Asperger
      syndrome. Students who were informed about the diagnoses gave significantly lower
      scores concerning credibility of the interviewee. To a lesser degree they
      regarded her narrations as expressions of what had really occurred and considered
      her statements less truthful. Furthermore, they found that the narrations
      contained fewer details. Finally, they found the girl less competent to tell
      about abuse. We conclude that a neuropsychiatric disorder may infer risks of
      unjustified skeptical attitudes concerning trustworthiness and cognitive
      capacity. 

PMID- 27135383
TI  - Gender Differences in Psychosocial Predictors of Attitudes Toward Reporting Child
      Sexual Abuse in the United Kingdom.
AB  - There is a dearth of research investigating psychosocial correlates of attitudes
      toward reporting child sexual abuse in males and females and a lack of such
      studies drawing on participants from the United Kingdom. Therefore, the main
      objective of this article is to examine gender differences in social and
      psychological predictors of attitudes toward reporting child sexual abuse.
      Participants drawn from the United Kingdom general population were recruited via
      an opportunistic sampling method. Cross-sectional design using a self-report
      questionnaire was utilized. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed
      that social support, masculinity, and age form significant associations with
      attitudes toward reporting child sexual abuse in females (total variance
      explained by the model was 25%). In the male sample, the only significant
      predictor of attitudes toward reporting child sexual abuse was interpersonal
      manipulation (total variance explained by the model was 9%). This study provides
      an important insight into psychosocial barriers and facilitators to reporting
      child sexual abuse. Such knowledge is crucial for the early detection and
      prevention of abuse. 

PMID- 27135384
TI  - Effects of School-Based Risk and Protective Factors on Treatment Success Among
      Youth Adjudicated of a Sexual Crime.
AB  - Youth with sexually problematic behaviors are impacted by the reciprocal
      interplay between individual characteristics and the key social and ecological
      systems in which they are embedded. The paucity of research on protective factors
      mitigating risks within various socioecological systems is of concern, as the
      school is one such system that has been overlooked. This study retroactively
      investigated probation files among youth who were adjudicated of a sexual crime
      (N = 85) to determine how school-level variables are associated with treatment
      completion. A sequential logistical regression model revealed reduced odds for
      school-based risk factors and a greater proportion of variance explained when
      school-based protective factors were included. Implications and research
      considerations are discussed. 

PMID- 27135385
TI  - Psychological Symptoms of Sexually Victimized Children and Adolescents Compared
      With Other Maltreatment Subtypes.
AB  - The differential effects of sexual victimization and other forms of maltreatment
      on psychological functioning are not well understood. A sample of sexually
      victimized children and adolescents (N = 70; 6.3-17.9 years) and a group of youth
      with a history of nonsexual maltreatment (N = 108; 6.7-16.9 years) were compared
      using measures of mental health and psychosocial functioning. Assessments
      included standardized clinical interviews on individual maltreatment history and
      current psychopathology as well as questionnaires on behavioral and emotional
      symptoms, including posttraumatic stress symptoms. The results from this study
      suggest that the risk of experiencing any current mental disorders was
      independent of type of maltreatment. The risk of meeting the criteria for a
      current diagnosis of major depression, however, is greater among youth with a
      history of maltreatment that includes sexual victimization. The significant
      impact of sexual victimization on posttraumatic stress symptoms was found to be
      nonsignificant after controlling for age and gender effects. The results indicate
      that the outcomes of child maltreatment depend on type of maltreatment, but age
      and gender must be taken into account. 

PMID- 27135387
TI  - Multi-site clinical evaluation of the Xpert((r)) HIV-1 viral load assay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most important reason for measuring HIV-1 viral load (VL) is to
      monitor the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART), both for the initial
      therapeutic response and sustained responses. Maintaining low or undetectable HIV
      1 VL levels can reduce both the risks of progression to AIDS and transmission of
      infection to others. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of
      Xpert((r)) HIV-1 Viral Load (VL) assay compared to the Abbott RealTime HIV-1
      assay, including assessing specificity by testing plasma specimens from confirmed
      HIV-1 negative blood donors. STUDY DESIGN: Subjects were enrolled from 4
      participating sites, 2 in Europe and 2 in the USA. Fresh plasma samples were
      tested prospectively, while frozen plasma samples were collected prospectively,
      and tested retrospectively after selection of specimens to cover the assay's
      quantification range (40cp/mL-10,000,000 cp/mL). Eligibility criteria included a
      clinician ordered HIV-1 VL test from a confirmed HIV-1 positive adult (>=18
      years) with a known antiviral treatment status. Exclusion criteria included
      previous enrollment in this study or improper specimen collection. Human blood
      donor specimens determined to be HIV-1 negative by standard blood bank antibody
      and nucleic acid amplification methods were used to assess specificity. RESULTS:
      Of the 764 specimens collected, 752 were eligible for inclusion but 5 were not
      tested by the Xpert, leaving 747 specimens tested (28.2% from females and 71.8%
      from males). Valid results were obtained for 724/747 (96.9%) specimens tested
      using the Xpert HIV-1 VL assay. The Xpert HIV-1 VL assay detected or quantified
      568/724 (78.5%) specimens, while the RealTime HIV-1 assay detected or quantified
      559/724 (77.2%). Of the 724 specimens tested by both assays, 390 were quantified
      by both assays and showed strong correlation: r=0.9847, with an R(2)=0.9696.
      Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between the two assays (381/390;
      97.7%) with a distribution within 0.5 log10 cp/mL centered around zero. Xpert
      yielded VLs for 393 (80%) of the 494 quantifiable samples by Abbott. VLs of those
      specimens quantified by one of the assays, and either detected but not quantified
      or not detected by the other assay were all <170cp/mL. Specificity of the Xpert
      assay was found to be 100% (109/109), 95% CI: 96.7-100.0. CONCLUSION: Very good
      correlation was seen between the Xpert HIV-1 VL and Abbott RealTime HIV-1 assays,
      with added benefits for Xpert HIV-1 VL of: (1) lot-to-lot consistency traceable
      to WHO International Standard, (2) requiring both high and low level internal
      controls to be in range to have a valid result, (3) use of a single HIV-1 target
      for PCR and (4) faster turn-around-time for results, no need to wait to do batch
      testing of specimens. In summary, Xpert HIV-1 VL generated accurate VL results
      that if implemented could allow for actionable and timely treatment decisions
      during the same clinic visit. This scenario could reduce the loss to follow up
      often seen when these test results take days to weeks to become available to the
      clinician and patient.

PMID- 27135386
TI  - Effect of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in phospholipids or triglycerides on
      brain DHA uptake and accretion.
AB  - Tracer studies suggest that phospholipid DHA (PL-DHA) more effectively targets
      the brain than triglyceride DHA (TAG-DHA), although the mechanism and whether
      this translates into higher brain DHA concentrations are not clear. Rats were
      gavaged with [U-(3)H]PL-DHA and [U-(3)H]TAG-DHA and blood sampled over 6h prior
      to collection of brain regions and other tissues. In another experiment, rats
      were supplemented for 4weeks with TAG-DHA (fish oil), PL-DHA (roe PL) or a
      mixture of both for comparison to a low-omega-3 diet. Brain regions and other
      tissues were collected, and blood was sampled weekly. DHA accretion rates were
      estimated using the balance method. [U-(3)H]PL-DHA rats had higher radioactivity
      in cerebellum, hippocampus and remainder of brain, with no differences in other
      tissues despite higher serum lipid radioactivity in [U-(3)H]TAG-DHA rats. TAG
      DHA, PL-DHA or a mixture were equally effective at increasing brain DHA. There
      were no differences between DHA-supplemented groups in brain region, whole-body,
      or tissue DHA accretion rates except heart and serum TAG where the PL-DHA/TAG-DHA
      blend was higher than TAG-DHA. Apparent DHA beta-oxidation was not different
      between DHA-supplemented groups. This indicates that more labeled DHA enters the
      brain when consumed as PL; however, this may not translate into higher brain DHA
      concentrations.

PMID- 27135388
TI  - Viral shedding from diverse body fluids in a patient with severe fever with
      thrombocytopenia syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne
      disease characterized by high fever, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and multiple
      organ failure and is caused by a novel bunyavirus. Human-to-human transmission
      has been reported previously, but the mode of transmission has not been clarified
      thoroughly. STUDY DESIGN: We identified a case of a 73-year-old woman with SFTS
      and performed a semi-quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (real-time
      RT-PCR) assay on her blood, tracheal aspirate, gastric aspirate and urine to
      detect SFTS virus (SFTSV). RESULTS: During 7-day hospitalization, all the serum
      samples showed positive Ct values lower than 35 in both the S and M segments,
      suggesting the presence of the SFTSV RNA. After initiation of plasma exchange,
      serum SFTSV load markedly decreased, but still remained positive. The SFTS viral
      RNA was also detected in other body fluids, including tracheal aspirate and
      gastric aspirate. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that droplet transmission can
      occur through close contact with infected patients.

PMID- 27135389
TI  - Cell adhesion and invasion mechanisms that guide developing axons.
AB  - Axon extension, guidance and tissue invasion share many similarities to normal
      cell migration and cancer cell metastasis. Proper cell and growth cone migration
      requires tightly regulated adhesion complex assembly and detachment from the
      extracellular matrix (ECM). In addition, many cell types actively remodel the ECM
      using matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) to control tissue invasion and cell
      dispersal. Targeting and activating MMPs is a tightly regulated process, that
      when dysregulated, can lead to cancer cell metastasis. Interestingly, new
      evidence suggests that growth cones express similar cellular and molecular
      machinery as migrating cells to clutch retrograde actin flow on ECM proteins and
      target matrix degradation, which may be used to facilitate axon pathfinding
      through the basal lamina and across tissues.

PMID- 27135391
TI  - A Simple and Accurate Method To Calculate Free Energy Profiles and Reaction Rates
      from Restrained Molecular Simulations of Diffusive Processes.
AB  - A method is developed to obtain simultaneously free energy profiles and diffusion
      constants from restrained molecular simulations in diffusive systems. The method
      is based on low-order expansions of the free energy and diffusivity as functions
      of the reaction coordinate. These expansions lead to simple analytical
      relationships between simulation statistics and model parameters. The method is
      tested on 1D and 2D model systems; its accuracy is found to be comparable to or
      better than that of the existing alternatives, which are briefly discussed. An
      important aspect of the method is that the free energy is constructed by
      integrating its derivatives, which can be computed without need for overlapping
      sampling windows. The implementation of the method in any molecular simulation
      program that supports external umbrella potentials (e.g., CHARMM) requires
      modification of only a few lines of code. As a demonstration of its applicability
      to realistic biomolecular systems, the method is applied to model the alpha-helix
      <-> beta-sheet transition in a 16-residue peptide in implicit solvent, with the
      reaction coordinate provided by the string method. Possible modifications of the
      method are briefly discussed; they include generalization to multidimensional
      reaction coordinates [in the spirit of the model of Ermak and McCammon (Ermak, D.
      L.; McCammon, J. A. J. Chem. Phys. 1978, 69, 1352-1360)], a higher-order
      expansion of the free energy surface, applicability in nonequilibrium systems,
      and a simple test for Markovianity. In view of the small overhead of the method
      relative to standard umbrella sampling, we suggest its routine application in the
      cases where umbrella potential simulations are appropriate.

PMID- 27135392
TI  - Long-Term Risk for Device-Related Complications and Reoperations After
      Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Implantation: An Observational Cohort
      Study.
AB  - Background: Long-term nonfatal outcomes after implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator (ICD) placement are poorly defined. Objective: To determine the
      long-term risk for ICD-related complications requiring reoperation or
      hospitalization and reoperation for reasons other than complications, and to
      assess associated patient and device characteristics. Design: Observational
      cohort study of ICD implantations from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry
      ICD registry linked with Medicare fee-for-service claims data. Setting: 1437 U.S.
      hospitals. Patients: 114 484 patients aged 65 years or older (mean, 74.8 years
      [SD, 6.2]; 72.4% male) receiving an ICD for the first time from 2006 to 2010
      (single-chamber, 19.8%; dual-chamber, 41.3%; cardiac resynchronization therapy
      with a defibrillator [CRT-D], 38.9%). Measurements: Rate and cumulative incidence
      of ICD-related complications requiring reoperation or hospitalization and
      reoperation for reasons other than complications. Results: During a median follow
      up of 2.7 years (interquartile range, 1.8 to 3.9 years), 40 072 patients died,
      representing 12.6 (95% CI, 12.5 to 12.7) deaths per 100 patient-years of follow
      up. When the risk for death was accounted for, there were 6.1 (CI, 6.0 to 6.2)
      ICD-related complications per 100 patient-years that required reoperation or
      hospitalization and 3.9 (CI, 3.8 to 4.0) reoperations per 100 patient-years for
      reasons other than complications. Overall, 10 patients had complications or
      reoperation per 100 patient-years of follow-up. Younger age at implantation (65
      to 69 vs. >85 years) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.55 [CI, 1.43 to 1.69]), receipt of a
      CRT-D device (HR, 1.38 [CI, 1.31 to 1.45]) versus a single-chamber device, female
      sex (HR, 1.16 [CI, 1.12 to 1.21]), and black race (HR, 1.14 [CI, 1.05 to 1.23])
      were associated with the greatest increased risks for ICD-related complications.
      Limitation: The analysis was limited to Medicare fee-for-service patients aged 65
      years or older. Conclusion: Patients have a high rate of device-related
      complications and reoperation for other causes after ICD implantation. Risks of
      ICD implantation and strategies to reduce them should be actively considered
      before implantation. Primary Funding Source: American College of Cardiology
      Foundation's National Cardiovascular Data Registry.

PMID- 27135395
TI  - A 5-Year-Old Boy With Refractory Hypocalcemia.

PMID- 27135396
TI  - Long-Acting Reversible Contraception for Adolescents.

PMID- 27135390
TI  - Recommended immunization schedules for adults: Clinical practice guidelines by
      the Escmid Vaccine Study Group (EVASG), European Geriatric Medicine Society
      (EUGMS) and the World Association for Infectious Diseases and Immunological
      Disorders (WAidid).
AB  - Rapid population aging has become a major challenge in the industrialized world
      and progressive aging is a key reason for making improvement in vaccination a
      cornerstone of public health strategy. An increase in age-related disorders and
      conditions is likely to be seen in the near future, and these are risk factors
      for the occurrence of a number of vaccine-preventable diseases. An improvement in
      infectious diseases prevention specifically aimed at adults and the elderly can
      therefore also decrease the burden of these chronic conditions by reducing
      morbidity, disability, hospital admissions, health costs, mortality rates and,
      perhaps most importantly, by improving the quality of life. Among adults, it is
      necessary to identify groups at increased risk of vaccine-preventable diseases
      and highlight the epidemiological impact and benefits of vaccinations using an
      evidence-based approach. This document provides clinical practice guidance on
      immunization for adults in order to provide recommendations for decision makers
      and healthcare workers in Europe. Although immunization is considered one of the
      most impactful and cost-effective public health measures that can be undertaken,
      vaccination coverage rates among adults are largely lower than the stated goal of
      >= 95% among adults, and stronger efforts are needed to increase coverage in this
      population. Active surveillance of adult vaccine-preventable diseases,
      determining the effectiveness of the vaccines approved for marketing in the last
      5 y, the efficacy and safety of vaccines in immunocompromised patients, as well
      as in pregnant women, represent the priorities for future research.

PMID- 27135397
TI  - Concussion Symptoms and Return to Play Time in Youth, High School, and College
      American Football Athletes.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: To our knowledge, little research has examined concussion across the
      youth/adolescent spectrum and even less has examined concussion-related outcomes
      (ie, symptoms and return to play). OBJECTIVE: To examine and compare sport
      related concussion outcomes (symptoms and return to play) in youth, high school,
      and collegiate football athletes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Athletic
      trainers attended each practice and game during the 2012 to 2014 seasons and
      reported injuries. For this descriptive, epidemiological study, data were
      collected from youth, high school, and collegiate football teams, and the
      analysis of the data was conducted between July 2015 and September 2015. The
      Youth Football Surveillance System included more than 3000 youth football
      athletes aged 5 to 14 years from 118 teams, providing 310 team seasons (ie, 1
      team providing 1 season of data). The National Athletic Treatment, Injury, and
      Outcomes Network Program included 96 secondary school football programs,
      providing 184 team seasons. The National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury
      Surveillance Program included 34 college football programs, providing 71 team
      seasons. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: We calculated the mean number of symptoms,
      prevalence of each symptom, and the proportion of patients with concussions that
      had long return-to-play time (ie, required participation restriction of at least
      30 days). Generalized linear models were used to assess differences among
      competition levels in the mean number of reported symptoms. Logistic regression
      models estimated the odds of return to play at less than 24 hours and at least 30
      days. RESULTS: Overall, 1429 sports-related concussions were reported among
      youth, high school, and college-level football athletes with a mean (SD) of 5.48
      (3.06) symptoms. Across all levels, 15.3% resulted return to play at least 30
      days after the concussion and 3.1% resulted in return to play less than 24 hours
      after the concussion. Compared with youth, a higher number of concussion symptoms
      were reported in high school athletes (beta = 1.39; 95% CI, 0.55-2.24). Compared
      with college athletes, the odds of return to play at least 30 days after injury
      were larger in youth athletes (odds ratio, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.10- 6.85) and high
      school athletes (odds ratio, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.61-5.19). The odds of return to play
      less than 24 hours after injury were larger in youth athletes than high school
      athletes (odds ratio, 6.23; 95% CI, 1.02-37.98). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
      Differences in concussion-related outcomes existed by level of competition and
      may be attributable to genetic, biologic, and/or developmental differences or
      level-specific variations in concussion-related policies and protocols, athlete
      training management, and athlete disclosure. Given the many organizational,
      social environmental, and policy-related differences at each level of competition
      that were not measured in this study, further study is warranted to validate our
      findings.

PMID- 27135398
TI  - Frequency of Synaptic Autoantibody Accompaniments and Neurological Manifestations
      of Thymoma.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Thymoma is commonly recognized in association with paraneoplastic
      autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG), an IgG-mediated impairment of synaptic
      transmission targeting the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor of muscle. Newly
      identified synaptic autoantibodies may expand the serological profile of thymoma.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of potentially pathogenic neural synaptic
      autoantibodies in patients with thymoma. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We
      retrospectively identified patients with histopathologically confirmed thymoma
      and serum available to test for synaptic autoantibodies (collected 1986-2014) at
      the Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory. We identified and classified 193
      patients with thymoma into 4 groups: (1) lacking neurological autoimmunity (n =
      43); (2) isolated MG (n = 98); (3) MG plus additional autoimmune neurological
      manifestations (n = 26); and (4) neurological autoimmunity other than MG (n =
      26). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Clinical presentation and serum profile of
      autoantibodies reactive with molecularly defined synaptic plasma membrane
      proteins of muscle, peripheral, and central nervous systems. RESULTS: Of the 193
      patients with thymoma, mean patient age was 52 years and did not significantly
      differ by sex (106 women) or group. Myasthenia gravis was the most prevalent
      clinical manifestation (64%) followed by dysautonomia (16 patients [8%]) and
      encephalopathy (15 patients [8%]); 164 patients (85%) had at least 1 synaptic
      autoantibody, and 63 of these patients (38%) had at least 1 more. Muscle
      acetylcholine receptor was most frequent (78%), followed by ganglionic
      acetylcholine receptor (20%), voltage-gated Kv1 potassium channel-complex (13%),
      and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (5%). Less
      frequent were aquaporin-4, voltage-gated Kv1 potassium channel-complex related
      proteins (leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 and contactin-associated protein-like
      2), glycine receptor, and gamma-aminobutyric acid-A receptor. Synaptic
      autoantibodies were significantly more frequent in patients with neurological
      autoimmunity than in those without and were most frequent in patients with
      neurological manifestations other than or in addition to MG. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Synaptic autoantibodies, particularly those reactive with ion channels
      of the ligand-gated nicotinic acetylcholine receptor superfamily (namely alpha
      amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid, glycine, and gamma
      aminobutyric acid-A receptors), were prevalent in patients with thymoma.
      Autoantibodies of this extended spectrum may enhance autoimmune serological
      testing as an aid to preoperative thymoma diagnosis. Detection of currently known
      synaptic autoantibody specificities absent from this profile have potential
      algorithmic usefulness as negative predictors for thymoma (as recognized for
      neuronal voltage-gated calcium channel autoantibodies).

PMID- 27135399
TI  - Prenatal Air Pollution and Reduced Birth Weight: Decline in Placental
      Mitochondria as a Potential Mechanism.

PMID- 27135400
TI  - Variants with large effects on blood lipids and the role of cholesterol and
      triglycerides in coronary disease.
AB  - Sequence variants affecting blood lipids and coronary artery disease (CAD) may
      enhance understanding of the atherogenicity of lipid fractions. Using a large
      resource of whole-genome sequence data, we examined rare and low-frequency
      variants for association with non-HDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL
      cholesterol, and triglycerides in up to 119,146 Icelanders. We discovered 13
      variants with large effects (within ANGPTL3, APOB, ABCA1, NR1H3, APOA1, LIPC,
      CETP, LDLR, and APOC1) and replicated 14 variants. Five variants within PCSK9,
      APOA1, ANGPTL4, and LDLR associate with CAD (33,090 cases and 236,254 controls).
      We used genetic risk scores for the lipid fractions to examine their causal
      relationship with CAD. The non-HDL cholesterol genetic risk score associates most
      strongly with CAD (P = 2.7 * 10(-28)), and no other genetic risk score associates
      with CAD after accounting for non-HDL cholesterol. The genetic risk score for non
      HDL cholesterol confers CAD risk beyond that of LDL cholesterol (P = 5.5 * 10(
      8)), suggesting that targeting atherogenic remnant cholesterol may reduce
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 27135402
TI  - Detection of G-Quadruplex Formation via Light Scattering of Defined Gold
      Nanoassemblies Modulated by Molecular Hairpins.
AB  - G-quadruplexes are of great scientific interest, as these unique DNA structures
      play key regulatory roles in cell replication, such as safeguarding against
      uncontrolled cellular divisions. The quadruplexes have also been applied for
      detecting DNA and protein biomarkers via methods like fluorescence resonance
      energy transfer (FRET) and gold nanoparticle (AuNP) aggregation. As an
      alternative and complementary platform to the established molecular techniques
      for the study of quadruplexes, we have developed a strategy coupling poly-G (PG)
      mediated quadruplex formation with AuNP assembly detectable via dynamic light
      scattering (DLS). The presence of quadruplex-forming sequences also uniquely
      modifies the AuNP nanoassembly readout on DLS. In addition, molecular hairpins co
      attached onto the AuNP together with PG successfully modulated the quadruplex
      induced nanoassembly. Through molecular beacon-based fluorescence restoration and
      light scattering signal changes, the open/closed conformations of the hairpins
      are leveraged to tune the size of the quadruplex-mediated nanoassembly.

PMID- 27135403
TI  - Correction: Hairless Streaks in Cattle Implicate TSR2 in Early Hair Follicle
      Formation.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005427.].

PMID- 27135404
TI  - The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of abatacept, adalimumab,
      etanercept and tocilizumab for treating juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a
      systematic review and economic evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is characterised by joint pain,
      swelling and a limitation of movement caused by inflammation. Subsequent joint
      damage can lead to disability and growth restriction. Treatment commonly includes
      disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate. Clinical
      practice now favours newer drugs termed biologic DMARDs where indicated.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of four
      biologic DMARDs [etanercept (Enbrel((r)), Pfizer), abatacept (Orencia((r)),
      Bristol-Myers Squibb), adalimumab (Humira((r)), AbbVie) and tocilizumab
      (RoActemra((r)), Roche) - with or without methotrexate where indicated] for the
      treatment of JIA (systemic or oligoarticular JIA are excluded). DATA SOURCES:
      Electronic bibliographic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane
      Library and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects were searched for
      published studies from inception to May 2015 for English-language articles.
      Bibliographies of related papers, systematic reviews and company submissions were
      screened and experts were contacted to identify additional evidence. REVIEW
      METHODS: Systematic reviews of clinical effectiveness, health-related quality of
      life and cost-effectiveness were undertaken in accordance with the Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. A cost
      utility decision-analytic model was developed to compare the estimated cost
      effectiveness of biologic DMARDs versus methotrexate. The base-case time horizon
      was 30 years and the model took a NHS perspective, with costs and benefits
      discounted at 3.5%. RESULTS: Four placebo-controlled randomised controlled trials
      (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria for the clinical effectiveness review (one RCT
      evaluating each biologic DMARD). Only one RCT included UK participants.
      Participants had to achieve an American College of Rheumatology Pediatric (ACR
      Pedi)-30 response to open-label lead-in treatment in order to be randomised. An
      exploratory adjusted indirect comparison suggests that the four biologic DMARDs
      are similar, with fewer disease flares and greater proportions of ACR Pedi-50 and
      -70 responses among participants randomised to continued biologic DMARDs.
      However, confidence intervals were wide, the number of trials was low and there
      was clinical heterogeneity between trials. Open-label extensions of the trials
      showed that, generally, ACR responses remained constant or even increased after
      the double-blind phase. The proportions of adverse events and serious adverse
      events were generally similar between the treatment and placebo groups. Four
      economic evaluations of biologic DMARDs for patients with JIA were identified but
      all had limitations. Two quality-of-life studies were included, one of which
      informed the cost-utility model. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios
      (ICERs) for adalimumab, etanercept and tocilizumab versus methotrexate were
      L38,127, L32,526 and L38,656 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), respectively.
      The ICER for abatacept versus methotrexate as a second-line biologic was L39,536
      per QALY. LIMITATIONS: The model does not incorporate the natural history of JIA
      in terms of long-term disease progression, as the current evidence is limited.
      There are no head-to-head trials of biologic DMARDs, and clinical evidence for
      specific JIA subtypes is limited. CONCLUSIONS: Biologic DMARDs are superior to
      placebo (with methotrexate where permitted) in children with (predominantly)
      polyarticular course JIA who have had an insufficient response to previous
      treatment. Randomised comparisons of biologic DMARDs with long-term efficacy and
      safety follow-up are needed to establish comparative effectiveness. RCTs for JIA
      subtypes for which evidence is lacking are also required. STUDY REGISTRATION:
      This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015016459. FUNDING: The National
      Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

PMID- 27135401
TI  - Five endometrial cancer risk loci identified through genome-wide association
      analysis.
AB  - We conducted a meta-analysis of three endometrial cancer genome-wide association
      studies (GWAS) and two follow-up phases totaling 7,737 endometrial cancer cases
      and 37,144 controls of European ancestry. Genome-wide imputation and meta
      analysis identified five new risk loci of genome-wide significance at likely
      regulatory regions on chromosomes 13q22.1 (rs11841589, near KLF5), 6q22.31
      (rs13328298, in LOC643623 and near HEY2 and NCOA7), 8q24.21 (rs4733613, telomeric
      to MYC), 15q15.1 (rs937213, in EIF2AK4, near BMF) and 14q32.33 (rs2498796, in
      AKT1, near SIVA1). We also found a second independent 8q24.21 signal
      (rs17232730). Functional studies of the 13q22.1 locus showed that rs9600103
      (pairwise r(2) = 0.98 with rs11841589) is located in a region of active chromatin
      that interacts with the KLF5 promoter region. The rs9600103[T] allele that is
      protective in endometrial cancer suppressed gene expression in vitro, suggesting
      that regulation of the expression of KLF5, a gene linked to uterine development,
      is implicated in tumorigenesis. These findings provide enhanced insight into the
      genetic and biological basis of endometrial cancer.

PMID- 27135405
TI  - Microbiome of Deep Dentinal Caries Lesions in Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible
      Pulpitis.
AB  - This study used a next-generation sequencing approach to identify the bacterial
      taxa occurring in the advanced front of caries biofilms associated with pulp
      exposure and irreversible pulpitis. Samples were taken from the deepest layer of
      dentinal caries lesions associated with pulp exposure in 10 teeth diagnosed with
      symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. DNA was extracted and the microbiome was
      characterized on the basis of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene by
      using paired-end sequencing on Illumina MiSeq device. Bacterial taxa were mapped
      to 14 phyla and 101 genera composed by 706 different OTUs. Three phyla accounted
      for approximately 98% of the sequences: Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and
      Proteobacteria. These phyla were also the ones with most representatives at the
      species level. Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum in 9/10 samples. As for
      genera, Lactobacillus accounted for 42.3% of the sequences, followed by Olsenella
      (13.7%), Pseudoramibacter (10.7%) and Streptococcus (5.5%). Half of the samples
      were heavily dominated by Lactobacillus, while in the other half lactobacilli
      were in very low abundance and the most dominant genera were Pseudoramibacter,
      Olsenella, Streptococcus, and Stenotrophomonas. High bacterial diversity occurred
      in deep dentinal caries lesions associated with symptomatic irreversible
      pulpitis. The microbiome could be classified according to the relative abundance
      of Lactobacillus. Except for Lactobacillus species, most of the highly prevalent
      and abundant bacterial taxa identified in this study have been commonly detected
      in infected root canals. The detected taxa can be regarded as candidate pathogens
      for irreversible pulpitis and possibly the pioneers in pulp invasion to initiate
      endodontic infection.

PMID- 27135406
TI  - Uppsala Consensus Statement on Environmental Contaminants and the Global Obesity
      Epidemic.

PMID- 27135407
TI  - People's Ability to Detect Objects Using Click-Based Echolocation: A Direct
      Comparison between Mouth-Clicks and Clicks Made by a Loudspeaker.
AB  - Echolocation is the ability to use reflected sound to obtain information about
      the spatial environment. Echolocation is an active process that requires both the
      production of the emission as well as the sensory processing of the resultant
      sound. Appreciating the general usefulness of echo-acoustic cues for people, in
      particular those with vision impairments, various devices have been built that
      exploit the principle of echolocation to obtain and provide information about the
      environment. It is common to all these devices that they do not require the
      person to make a sound. Instead, the device produces the emission autonomously
      and feeds a resultant sound back to the user. Here we tested if echolocation
      performance in a simple object detection task was affected by the use of a head
      mounted loudspeaker as compared to active clicking. We found that 27 sighted
      participants new to echolocation did generally better when they used a
      loudspeaker as compared to mouth-clicks, and that two blind participants with
      experience in echolocation did equally well with mouth clicks and the speaker.
      Importantly, performance of sighted participants' was not statistically different
      from performance of blind experts when they used the speaker. Based on acoustic
      click data collected from a subset of our participants, those participants whose
      mouth clicks were more similar to the speaker clicks, and thus had higher peak
      frequencies and sound intensity, did better. We conclude that our results are
      encouraging for the consideration and development of assistive devices that
      exploit the principle of echolocation.

PMID- 27135408
TI  - Medium Renewal Blocks Anti-Proliferative Effects of Metformin in Cultured MDA-MB
      231 Breast Cancer Cells.
AB  - Epidemiological studies indicate that metformin, a widely used type 2 diabetes
      drug, might reduce breast cancer risk and mortality in patients with type 2
      diabetes. Metformin might protect against breast cancer indirectly by
      ameliorating systemic glucose homeostasis. Alternatively, it might target breast
      cancer cells directly. However, experiments using MDA-MB-231 cells, a standard in
      vitro breast cancer model, produced inconsistent results regarding effectiveness
      of metformin as a direct anti-cancer agent. Metformin treatments in cultured MDA
      MB-231 cells are usually performed for 48-96 hours, but protocols describing
      renewal of cell culture medium during these prolonged treatments are rarely
      reported. We determined whether medium renewal protocol might alter sensitivity
      of MDA-MB-231 cells treated with metformin. Using the MTS assay, BrdU
      incorporation and Hoechst staining we found that treatment with metformin for 48
      72 hours failed to suppress viability and proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells if
      low-glucose (1 g/L) medium was renewed every 24 hours. Conversely, metformin
      suppressed their viability and proliferation if medium was not renewed. Without
      renewal glucose concentration in the medium was reduced to 0.1 g/L in 72 hours,
      which likely explains increased sensitivity to metformin under these conditions.
      We also examined whether 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) reduces resistance to
      metformin. In the presence of 2-DG metformin reduced viability and proliferation
      of MDA-MB-231 cells with or without medium renewal, thus demonstrating that 2-DG
      reduces their resistance to metformin. In sum, we show that medium renewal blocks
      anti-proliferative effects of metformin during prolonged treatments in low
      glucose medium. Differences in medium renewal protocols during prolonged
      treatments might therefore lead to apparently inconsistent results as regards
      effectiveness of metformin as a direct anti-cancer agent. Finally, our results
      indicate that co-therapy with 2-DG and metformin might provide an effective
      strategy to overcome metformin resistance of breast cancer cells.

PMID- 27135409
TI  - Defining Disease Phenotypes in Primary Care Electronic Health Records by a
      Machine Learning Approach: A Case Study in Identifying Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: 1) To use data-driven method to examine clinical codes (risk factors)
      of a medical condition in primary care electronic health records (EHRs) that can
      accurately predict a diagnosis of the condition in secondary care EHRs. 2) To
      develop and validate a disease phenotyping algorithm for rheumatoid arthritis
      using primary care EHRs. METHODS: This study linked routine primary and secondary
      care EHRs in Wales, UK. A machine learning based scheme was used to identify
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis from primary care EHRs via the following
      steps: i) selection of variables by comparing relative frequencies of Read codes
      in the primary care dataset associated with disease case compared to non-disease
      control (disease/non-disease based on the secondary care diagnosis); ii)
      reduction of predictors/associated variables using a Random Forest method, iii)
      induction of decision rules from decision tree model. The proposed method was
      then extensively validated on an independent dataset, and compared for
      performance with two existing deterministic algorithms for RA which had been
      developed using expert clinical knowledge. RESULTS: Primary care EHRs were
      available for 2,238,360 patients over the age of 16 and of these 20,667 were also
      linked in the secondary care rheumatology clinical system. In the linked dataset,
      900 predictors (out of a total of 43,100 variables) in the primary care record
      were discovered more frequently in those with versus those without RA. These
      variables were reduced to 37 groups of related clinical codes, which were used to
      develop a decision tree model. The final algorithm identified 8 predictors
      related to diagnostic codes for RA, medication codes, such as those for disease
      modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and absence of alternative diagnoses such as
      psoriatic arthritis. The proposed data-driven method performed as well as the
      expert clinical knowledge based methods. CONCLUSION: Data-driven scheme, such as
      ensemble machine learning methods, has the potential of identifying the most
      informative predictors in a cost-effective and rapid way to accurately and
      reliably classify rheumatoid arthritis or other complex medical conditions in
      primary care EHRs.

PMID- 27135410
TI  - A Systematic Review of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Behavioral Activation
      Apps for Depression.
AB  - Depression is a common mental health condition for which many mobile apps aim to
      provide support. This review aims to identify self-help apps available
      exclusively for people with depression and evaluate those that offer cognitive
      behavioural therapy (CBT) or behavioural activation (BA). One hundred and
      seventeen apps have been identified after searching both the scientific
      literature and the commercial market. 10.26% (n = 12) of these apps identified
      through our search offer support that seems to be consistent with evidence-based
      principles of CBT or BA. Taking into account the non existence of
      effectiveness/efficacy studies, and the low level of adherence to the core
      ingredients of the CBT/BA models, the utility of these CBT/BA apps are
      questionable. The usability of reviewed apps is highly variable and they rarely
      are accompanied by explicit privacy or safety policies. Despite the growing
      public demand, there is a concerning lack of appropiate CBT or BA apps,
      especially from a clinical and legal point of view. The application of superior
      scientific, technological, and legal knowledge is needed to improve the
      development, testing, and accessibility of apps for people with depression.

PMID- 27135412
TI  - Telemedicine in the Himalayas: Operational Challenges-A Preliminary Report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nonavailability of quality healthcare in mountainous, isolated,
      inaccessible sparsely populated regions is a universal problem. In this project,
      remote virtual healthcare was provided at Keylong and Kaza in Himachal Pradesh
      (HP) in North India. This innovative public-private partnership (PPP) provides
      24/7 affordable healthcare to an alpine community where people commute 20-50 km
      for primary and 250 km for secondary healthcare services. Following a need
      assessment study, an MoU was signed by Apollo Hospitals in January 2015 with the
      National Health Mission. The government paid for all services delivered, Capital
      Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditure (OPEX). Noncompliance to auditable
      weekly and monthly program MIS would result in penalties. METHODS: Apollo
      Telehealth Services customized a turnkey solution, end-to-end, on a program
      management approach with measurable milestones and monthly reports. Key health
      issues in the region were identified. Very Small Aperture Terminals were
      installed amidst landslides and subzero temperatures. In February and March 2015,
      staff recruited from the community and local government staff were trained in
      Chennai. A major cultural transformation had to be effected. Urban
      teleconsultants were sensitized for community interaction, while deploying
      cutting- edge technology. RESULTS: Case records were audited. In the first 42
      weeks, 2,213 teleconsults were provided, including 171 emergencies.
      Telelaboratory services and telehealth education programs have also been added.
      CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation confirms that delivering remote healthcare in
      inhospitable terrains in a PPP mode is effective.

PMID- 27135411
TI  - Proteomic Analyses Reveal the Mechanism of Dunaliella salina Ds-26-16 Gene
      Enhancing Salt Tolerance in Escherichia coli.
AB  - We previously screened the novel gene Ds-26-16 from a 4 M salt-stressed
      Dunaliella salina cDNA library and discovered that this gene conferred salt
      tolerance to broad-spectrum organisms, including E. coli (Escherichia coli),
      Haematococcus pluvialis and tobacco. To determine the mechanism of this gene
      conferring salt tolerance, we studied the proteome of E. coli overexpressing the
      full-length cDNA of Ds-26-16 using the iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and
      absolute quantification) approach. A total of 1,610 proteins were identified,
      which comprised 39.4% of the whole proteome. Of the 559 differential proteins,
      259 were up-regulated and 300 were down-regulated. GO (gene ontology) and KEGG
      (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) enrichment analyses identified 202
      major proteins, including those involved in amino acid and organic acid
      metabolism, energy metabolism, carbon metabolism, ROS (reactive oxygen species)
      scavenging, membrane proteins and ABC (ATP binding cassette) transporters, and
      peptidoglycan synthesis, as well as 5 up-regulated transcription factors. Our
      iTRAQ data suggest that Ds-26-16 up-regulates the transcription factors in E.
      coli to enhance salt resistance through osmotic balance, energy metabolism, and
      oxidative stress protection. Changes in the proteome were also observed in E.
      coli overexpressing the ORF (open reading frame) of Ds-26-16. Furthermore, pH,
      nitric oxide and glycerol content analyses indicated that Ds-26-16 overexpression
      increases nitric oxide content but has no effect on glycerol content, thus
      confirming that enhanced nitric oxide synthesis via lower intercellular pH was
      one of the mechanisms by which Ds-26-16 confers salt tolerance to E. coli.

PMID- 27135413
TI  - Contents: Macromol. Rapid Commun. 9/2016.

PMID- 27135414
TI  - Termination Mechanism of the Radical Polymerization of Acrylates.

PMID- 27135415
TI  - Macromol. Rapid Commun. 9/2016.
AB  - Back Cover: The shish-kebab superstructure of poly(lactic acid) stereocomplex was
      developed in a transient and strong shear flow. The shear-aligned stereocomplex
      chains were preferentially assembled into the central shish, while the crystal
      form of the lateral kebabs showed strong dependency on the crystallization
      temperature. Further details can be found in the article by L. Xie, H. Xu, Z.-M.
      Li, and M. Hakkarainen* on page 745. 

PMID- 27135417
TI  - Active Site Dependent Reaction Mechanism over Ru/CeO2 Catalyst toward CO2
      Methanation.
AB  - Oxygen vacancy on the surface of metal oxides is one of the most important
      defects which acts as the reactive site in a variety of catalytic reactions. In
      this work, operando spectroscopy methodology was employed to study the CO2
      methanation reaction catalyzed by Ru/CeO2 (with oxygen vacancy in CeO2) and
      Ru/alpha-Al2O3 (without oxygen vacancy), respectively, so as to give a thorough
      understanding on active site dependent reaction mechanism. In Ru/CeO2 catalyst,
      operando XANES, IR, and Raman were used to reveal the generation process of
      Ce(3+), surface hydroxyl, and oxygen vacancy as well as their structural
      evolvements under practical reaction conditions. The steady-state isotope
      transient kinetic analysis (SSITKA)-type in situ DRIFT infrared spectroscopy
      undoubtedly substantiates that CO2 methanation undergoes formate route over
      Ru/CeO2 catalyst, and the formate dissociation to methanol catalyzed by oxygen
      vacancy is the rate-determining step. In contrast, CO2 methanation undergoes CO
      route over Ru surface in Ru/alpha-Al2O3 with the absence of oxygen vacancy,
      demonstrating active site dependent catalytic mechanism toward CO2 methanation.
      In addition, the catalytic activity evaluation and the oscillating reaction over
      Ru/CeO2 catalyst further prove that the oxygen vacancy catalyzes the rate
      determining step with a much lower activation temperature compared with Ru
      surface in Ru/alpha-Al2O3 (125 vs 250  degrees C).

PMID- 27135418
TI  - Medication use and potentially high-risk prescribing in older patients
      hospitalized for diabetes: a missed opportunity to improve care?
AB  - AIMS: To examine the appropriateness of medicine use and potentially high-risk
      prescribing before and after hospitalization for diabetes. METHODS: A
      retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized for diabetes was conducted
      using administrative data from the Australian Government Department of Veterans'
      Affairs for the period between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2012. The
      appropriateness of medicine use and potentially high-risk prescribing, including
      hyper-polypharmacy and associated treatment conflicts, were examined for the 120
      day periods before and after hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 876 patients
      were hospitalized for a diabetes-related complication. Of these, 25% were not
      dispensed an antidiabetic medicine 4 months before hospitalization and 25% had
      not had their HbA1c levels measured in the preceding 6 months. The use of
      antidiabetic medicines increased to 85% after hospitalization, with a 25.6%
      relative increase (95% CI 10.9-42.1) in the proportion of those dispensed
      insulin. The prevalence of high-risk prescribing before hospital admission was
      high; 70% had > 10 medicines dispensed, a third had at least one treatment
      conflict and half were dispensed a potentially inappropriate medicine. The use of
      long-acting sulphonylureas and corticosteroids had relative decreases of 46.0%
      (95% CI 17.0-64.9) and 29.9% (95% CI 8.8-46.0), respectively. Few changes in
      other high-risk prescribing patterns were observed after discharge. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study has identified poor medication-related care and, in particular, high
      risk-prescribing in people subsequently hospitalized for diabetes. While diabetes
      medicine use improved after hospitalization, there was little change in
      potentially inappropriate medicine use, which suggests that an opportunity to
      improve medication use in this older vulnerable population has been missed.

PMID- 27135419
TI  - Photovoltaics with Ferroelectrics: Current Status and Beyond.
AB  - Ferroelectrics carry a switchable spontaneous electric polarization. This
      polarization is usually coupled to strain, making ferroelectrics good
      piezoelectrics. When coupled to magnetism, they become so-called multiferroic
      systems, a field that has been widely investigated since 2003. While
      ferroelectrics are birefringent and non-linear optically transparent materials,
      the coupling of polarization with optical properties has received, since 2009,
      renewed attention, triggered notably by low-bandgap ferroelectrics suitable for
      sunlight spectrum absorption and original photovoltaic effects. Consequently,
      power conversion efficiencies up to 8.1% were recently achieved and values of
      19.5% were predicted, making photoferroelectrics promising photovoltaic
      alternatives. This article aims at providing an up-to-date review on this
      emerging and rapidly progressing field by highlighting several important issues
      and parameters, such as the role of domain walls, ways to tune the bandgap,
      consequences arising from the polarization switchability, and the role of defects
      and contact electrodes, as well as the downscaling effects. Beyond
      photovoltaicity, other polarization-related processes are also described, like
      light-induced deformation (photostriction) or light-assisted chemical reaction
      (photostriction). It is hoped that this overview will encourage further avenues
      to be explored and challenged and, as a byproduct, will inspire other research
      communities in material science, e.g., so-called hybrid halide perovskites. 

PMID- 27135420
TI  - Semen quality in adult male survivors 5 years after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.
AB  - The influence of the Wenchuan earthquake on semen quality of adult male survivors
      is unclear. We investigated the semen quality included 673 male survivors from
      the worse-affected counties in the earthquake between Aug 2008 and July 2013.
      Semen parameters including pH, volume, concentration, motility and morphology
      were measured according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Kruskal
      Wallis analysis of variance was used to examine the statistical differences
      between years, and a logistic regression was used to analyse the impacts caused
      by earthquake on the changes of semen quality. We found the medians (5th and
      95th) were 2.5 ml (0.6-5.5) for semen volume, 59.0 * 106  ml-1 [(13.0-133.0)] *
      106  ml-1 for semen concentration, 46% (13-64%) for sperm progressive motility
      and 3.0% (0-17.5%) for normal morphology for adult male survivors. Semen
      concentration, the percentage of sperm progressive motility, total motility and
      sperm normal morphology were all decreased in the first 3 years, and the
      differences among years 1, 2 and 3 were significant except the percentage of
      sperm progressive motility (P < 0.05). The casualties and heavy housing damage
      caused by earthquake had a negative effect on semen quality. The main findings
      will provide further diagnosis and therapy basis of male fertility by data, for
      affected populations in the earthquake.

PMID- 27135422
TI  - [Editor's Comment].

PMID- 27135423
TI  - [Flexible Transoral Rhinoscopy (FlexToR)].

PMID- 27135421
TI  - Age-associated vascular inflammation promotes monocytosis during atherogenesis.
AB  - Aging leads to a proinflammatory state within the vasculature without disease,
      yet whether this inflammatory state occurs during atherogenesis remains unclear.
      Here, we examined how aging impacts atherosclerosis using Ldlr(-/-) mice, an
      established murine model of atherosclerosis. We found that aged atherosclerotic
      Ldlr(-/-) mice exhibited enhanced atherogenesis within the aorta. Aging also led
      to increased LDL levels, elevated blood pressure on a low-fat diet, and insulin
      resistance after a high-fat diet (HFD). On a HFD, aging increased a monocytosis
      in the peripheral blood and enhanced macrophage accumulation within the aorta.
      When we conducted bone marrow transplant experiments, we found that stromal
      factors contributed to age-enhanced atherosclerosis. To delineate these stromal
      factors, we determined that the vasculature exhibited an age-enhanced
      inflammatory response consisting of elevated production of CCL-2, osteopontin,
      and IL-6 during atherogenesis. In addition, in vitro cultures showed that aging
      enhanced the production of osteopontin by vascular smooth muscle cells.
      Functionally, aged atherosclerotic aortas displayed higher monocyte chemotaxis
      than young aortas. Hence, our study has revealed that aging induces metabolic
      dysfunction and enhances vascular inflammation to promote a peripheral
      monocytosis and macrophage accumulation within the atherosclerotic aorta.

PMID- 27135424
TI  - [The Current Role of Salvage-Surgery of Recurrent Tumors in the Larynx and
      Pharynx].
AB  - Over the past 20 years, the therapeutic concepts for the treatment of head and
      neck cancer have evolved and non-surgical treatment strategies have gained in
      importance. However, despite improved organ preservation protocols and primary
      chemoradiation, tumor recurrence is still frequent. Under these conditions,
      salvage surgery if often the only remaining curative treatment option. Over the
      past 30 years, advancements in plastic-reconstructive surgery have broadened the
      surgical spectrum in the head and neck area, offering new treatment options for
      salvage surgery in recurrent cancer of the pharynx and larynx. Survival after
      salvage surgery mainly depends on the primary treatment modality as well as the
      localization and tumor stage at the time of initial diagnosis and local
      recurrence. For the reconstruction of defects after salvage surgery, pedicled
      flaps and microvascular free flaps may be utilized. The most frequently used
      flaps in these situations are the pectoralis major island- or the myocutaneous
      latissimus dorsi island flap. The radial forearm and the ALT-flap are potentially
      applicable free flaps. With the use of these flaps, vital tissue is transferred
      into the previously irradiated area, hereby allowing for reconstruction and
      functional preservation of the resected area and preventing complications such as
      fistulas. The expected morbidity and the likelihood of surgical success must be
      assessed thoroughly in every individual case prior to performing salvage surgery.
      This review aims to support decision making in these situations. 

PMID- 27135425
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27135427
TI  - [A Rare Differential Diagnosis of Headache].

PMID- 27135426
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27135428
TI  - [Orbital Mass of Uncertain Etiology].

PMID- 27135429
TI  - [From the Expert's Office: Headaches in Older Age: Think of the Dangerous Giant
      Cell Arteritis].

PMID- 27135430
TI  - [Bone Conduction and Active Middle Ear Implants].
AB  - The majority of patients with moderate to severe hearing loss can be supplied
      with conventional hearing aids depending on severity and cause for hearing loss
      in a satisfying way. However, some patients either do not benefit enough from
      conventional hearing aids or cannot wear them due to inflammatory reactions and
      chronic infections of the external auditory canal or due to anatomical reasons.
      For these patients there are fully- and semi-implantable middle ear and bone
      conduction implants available. These devices either directly stimulate the skull
      (bone conduction devices), middle ear structures (active middle ear implants) or
      the cochlea itself (direct acoustic stimulation). Patients who failed surgical
      hearing rehabilitation or do not benefit from conventional hearing aids may
      achieve a significant better speech understanding and tremendous improvement in
      quality of life by implantable hearing devices with careful attention to the
      audiological and anatomical indication criteria. 

PMID- 27135431
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27135432
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27135433
TI  - Tetracycline-suppressible female lethality and sterility in the Mexican fruit
      fly, Anastrepha ludens.
AB  - The sterile insect technique (SIT) involves the mass release of sterile males to
      suppress insect pest populations. SIT has been improved for larval pests by the
      development of strains for female-specific tetracycline-suppressible (Tet-off)
      embryonic lethal systems for male-only populations. Here we describe the
      extension of this approach to the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens, using a
      Tet-off driver construct with the Tet-transactivator (tTA) under embryo-specific
      Anastrepha suspensa serendipity alpha (As-sry-alpha) promoter regulation. In the
      absence of tetracycline, tTA acts upon a Tet-response element linked to the pro
      apoptotic cell death gene lethal effector, head involuation defective (hid), from
      A. ludens (Alhid(Ala2) ) that contains a sex-specific intron splicing cassette,
      resulting in female-specific expression of the lethal effector. Parental adults
      double-homozygous for the driver/effector vectors were expected to yield male
      only progeny when reared on Tet-free diet, but a complete lack of oviposited eggs
      resulted for each of the three strains tested. Ovary dissection revealed
      nonvitellogenic oocytes in all strains that was reversible by feeding females
      tetracycline for 5 days after eclosion, resulting in male-only adults in one
      strain. Presumably the sry-alpha promoter exhibits prezygotic maternal expression
      as well as zygotic embryonic expression in A. ludens, resulting in a Tet-off
      sterility effect in addition to female-specific lethality.

PMID- 27135435
TI  - Does the diversification rate of endemic birds of mainland China follow abrupt,
      gradual shifting or constant patterns?
AB  - In this brief report, time-varying (including both gradual and abrupt change) and
      time-constant diversification models are fitted on a phylogeny of endemic birds
      of mainland China to test the diversification patterns of endemic birds in the
      region. The results show that phylogeny of endemic birds is best quantified by a
      constant-rate diversification model through model comparison. Limitations of the
      study are discussed. In particular, ignorance of non-endemic taxa and the limited
      sampling of endemic taxa could influence the conclusions of the study.

PMID- 27135434
TI  - GRP78 and CHOP modulate macrophage apoptosis and the development of bleomycin
      induced pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) have
      been associated with fibrotic lung disease, although exactly how they modulate
      this process remains unclear. Here we investigated the role of GRP78, the main
      UPR regulator, in an experimental model of lung injury and fibrosis. Grp78(+/-) ,
      Chop(-/-) and wild type C57BL6/J mice were exposed to bleomycin by oropharyngeal
      intubation and lungs were examined at days 7 and 21. We demonstrate here that
      Grp78(+/-) mice were strongly protected from bleomycin-induced fibrosis, as shown
      by immunohistochemical analysis, collagen content and lung function measurements.
      In the inflammatory phase of this model, a reduced number of lung macrophages
      associated with an increased number of TUNEL-positive cells were observed in
      Grp78(+/-) mice. Dual immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization experiments
      showed that the macrophage population from the protected Grp78(+/-) mice was also
      strongly positive for cleaved caspase-3 and Chop mRNA, respectively. In contrast,
      the administration of bleomycin to Chop(-/-) mice resulted in increased quasi
      static elastance and extracellular matrix deposition associated with an increased
      number of parenchymal arginase-1-positive macrophages that were negative for
      cleaved caspase-3. The data presented indicate that the UPR is activated in
      fibrotic lung tissue and strongly localized to macrophages. GRP78- and CHOP
      mediated macrophage apoptosis was found to protect against bleomycin-induced
      fibrosis. Overall, we demonstrate here that the fibrotic response to bleomycin is
      dependent on GRP78-mediated events and provides evidence that macrophage
      polarization and apoptosis may play a role in this process. Copyright (c) 2016
      Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27135436
TI  - An evaluation of abiotic carbon sinks in deserts.
AB  - Recent field studies have reported anomalous CO2 uptake using eddy-covariance
      techniques in arid and semiarid ecosystems. The rates of CO2 uptake are
      incompatible with changes in situ of organic carbon pools. Here, I examine
      several potential mechanisms of abiotic CO2 uptake in arid and semiarid soils:
      atmospheric pressure pumping, carbonate dissolution, and percolation of soil
      water through the vadose zone. Each mechanism is deemed inadequate to explain the
      observations of the eddy-covariance systems, which must now be questioned for
      their accuracy in desert ecosystems.

PMID- 27135437
TI  - Sex steroids in relation to cardiac structure and function in men.
AB  - The prevalence of testosterone substitution as well as of androgen deprivation
      therapy in men is increasing. This review aims to summarise available knowledge
      of the effects of sex steroids on cardiac structure and function in men. MEDLINE
      was searched through PubMed. Original studies, systematic reviews and meta
      analyses, and relevant citations were screened. A short-term hormonal
      intervention study in healthy young men with respect to echocardiographic
      parameters of structure and function was performed. Preclinical research provides
      sufficient evidence for the heart as a substrate for sex hormones. In animals,
      administration of oestradiol appears to have beneficial effects on cardiac
      structure and function, whereas administration of testosterone to noncastrated
      animals adversely affects cardiac function. However, the effects of sex steroids
      on cardiac function and structure appear more heterogeneous in human
      observational studies while comparative, prospective studies in humans are
      lacking. It is concluded that although effects of testosterone substitution as
      well as of androgen deprivation on cardiac structure and function can be expected
      based on pre-clinical research, there exists an important knowledge gap of the
      effects of hormonal intervention in men. As such, there is a need to address this
      question in future prospective intervention trials.

PMID- 27135438
TI  - How do different dimensions of adolescent narcissism impact the relation between
      callous-unemotional traits and self-reported aggression?
AB  - The current study examined the moderating influence that different aspects of
      narcissism have on the relation between callous-unemotional (CU) traits and
      aggression in a sample of 720 adolescents (500 males), ages 16-19 enrolled in a
      22-week residential program. Findings from the two studies revealed that
      psychopathy-linked narcissism as assessed by the Antisocial Process Screening
      Device (APSD; Frick & Hare, 2001; Antisocial process screening device. Toronto:
      Multi-Health Systems.) and vulnerable narcissism as assessed using the
      Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI; Pincus et al., 2009; Initial construction
      and validation of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory. Psychological
      Assessment, 21, 365-379) significantly moderated the relation between CU traits
      and aggression in adolescents. Conversely, non-pathological narcissism assessed
      by the Narcissistic Personality Inventory for Children (NPIC; Barry, Frick, &
      Killian, 2003; The relation of narcissism and self-esteem to conduct problems in
      children. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 32, 139-152) and
      PNI grandiose narcissism did not significantly impact this relation. These
      results suggest that forms of narcissism most closely connected to internalizing
      problems combined with CU traits are associated with relatively heightened
      aggression in youth. The implications of these findings are discussed. Aggr.
      Behav. 43:14-25, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27135439
TI  - Access to Air-Stable 1,3-Diphosphacyclobutane-2,4-diyls by an Arylation Reaction
      with Arynes.
AB  - Tuning of the physicochemical properties of the 1,3-diphosphacyclobutane-2,4-diyl
      unit is attractive in view of materials applications. The use of arynes is shown
      to be effective for installing relatively electron rich aryl substituents into
      the open-shell singlet P-heterocyclic system. Treatment of the sterically
      encumbered 1,3-diphosphacyclobuten-4-yl anion with ortho-silylated aryl triflates
      in the presence of fluoride under appropriate conditions afforded the
      corresponding 1-aryl 1,3-diphosphacyclobutane-2,4-diyls. The air-stable open
      shell singlet P-heterocycles exhibit considerable electron-donating character,
      and the aromatic substituent influences the open-shell character, which is
      thought to be related to the property of p-type semiconductivity. The P-arylated
      1,3-diphosphacyclobutane-2,4-diyl systems can be further utilized as detectors of
      hydrogen fluoride (HF), which causes a remarkable change in their photoabsorption
      properties.

PMID- 27135440
TI  - Chiral Phosphoric Acid-Catalyzed Enantioselective Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition of
      Azomethine Imines with Enecarbamates.
AB  - The first catalytic asymmetric inverse electron demand 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition
      of azomethine imines with enecarbamates has been developed. Isoquinoline-fused
      pyrazolidines containing two or three contiguous stereogenic centers were
      obtained in high yields with excellent regio-, diastereo-, and
      enantioselectivities. The pyrazolidine ring can be opened to install an aminal,
      alpha-amino nitrile, or homoallylamine function with an excellent control of the
      newly generated stereogenic center. Access to aminobenzo[a]quinolizidine is also
      documented.

PMID- 27135441
TI  - Maternal weight prior and during pregnancy and offspring's BMI and adiposity at 5
      6 years in the EDEN mother-child cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Beyond pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal weight change before and during
      pregnancy may also affect offspring adiposity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the
      relationship between maternal weight history before and during pregnancy with
      children's adiposity at 5-6 years. METHODS: In 1069 mother-child dyads from the
      EDEN Cohort, we examined by linear regression the associations of children's BMI,
      fat mass and abdominal adiposity at 5-6 years with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI,
      pre-pregnancy average yearly weight change from age 20 and gestational weight
      gain. The shapes of relationships were investigated using splines and polynomial
      functions were tested. RESULTS: Children's BMI and adiposity parameters were
      positively associated with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, but these relationships
      were mainly seen in thin mothers, with no substantial variation for maternal BMI
      ranging from 22 to 35 kg/m2 . Gestational weight gain was positively associated
      with children's BMI Z-score, but again more so in thin mothers. We found no
      association with pre-pregnancy weight change. CONCLUSIONS: Before the adiposity
      rebound, maternal pre-pregnancy thinness explains most of the relationship with
      children's BMI. The relationship may emerge at older ages in children of
      overweight and obese mothers, and this latency may be an obstacle to early
      prevention.

PMID- 27135442
TI  - Simultaneous Exfoliation and Functionalization of MoSe2 Nanosheets to Prepare
      "Smart" Nanocomposite Hydrogels with Tunable Dual Stimuli-Responsive Behavior.
AB  - A facile polymer-assisted method achieves simultaneous exfoliation and
      noncovalent functionalization of MoSe2 nanosheets. The nanosheet dispersion can
      further assemble into a novel "smart" nanocomposite hydrogel, whose dual
      responsive (photo- and thermoresponsive) behavior is reversible and can be
      controllably tailored by varying the distribution of hydrophilic and hydrophobic
      groups in the polymer. 

PMID- 27135446
TI  - Prediction of Cervical Endplate Size: One Size Does Not Fit All.
AB  - Significant variations exist in the footprint size of cervical vertebral
      endplates. In anterior cervical spine surgery, an implant that maximizes coverage
      of the endplate and contacts the apophyses may reduce subsidence and decrease
      risk of endplate fracture. The ability to accurately predict a patient's
      vertebral endplate size may be helpful for surgeons to preoperatively choose the
      optimal implant for the patient's specific anatomy. The purpose of this study was
      to (1) demonstrate the range of vertebral endplate sizes between individual
      patients and cervical levels and (2) determine if vertebral endplate size can be
      predicted based on patient characteristics and vertebral level. Fifty cervical
      computed tomography scans of patients 18 to 65 years old were selected for
      analysis. Superior vertebral endplate sizes of C3-C7 were measured medial
      laterally and anteriorly-posteriorly. The medial-laterally measurement was taken
      from the midbody coronal view at the flat central region of the superior
      endplate, and the anteriorly-posteriorly measurement was taken at the midbody
      axial view from the front to back edge of the vertebral body. Age, height,
      weight, gender, and race were recorded for all patients. One-way analysis of
      variance, linear regressions, and multivariate regressions were performed.
      Patient height, age, gender, and race accounted for 51% to 71% of the variance
      between individuals, and endplate size increased by 1 mm in width and 0.6 mm in
      depth for each progressively more caudal vertebral level. Vertebral endplate size
      could be reliably calculated based on patient height, age, gender, and vertebral
      level. These data may be useful to assist surgeons in preoperative planning for
      patient-specific implant selection. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e526-e531.]. 

PMID- 27135447
TI  - Fibular Allograft and Demineralized Bone Matrix for the Treatment of Slipped
      Capital Femoral Epiphysis.
AB  - Previous studies documented the use of fibular allograft in the treatment of
      slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) with bone graft epiphysiodesis (BGE).
      This study describes the results of using a 10-mm diameter premilled fibular
      allograft packed with demineralized bone matrix placed across the physis in an
      open surgical approach under image intensification. A review identified 45 cases
      of BGE using fibular allograft and demineralized bone matrix in 34 patients with
      a diagnosis of SCFE performed by a single surgeon during an 8-year period. Thirty
      four cases (25 patients) had at least 1 year of follow-up and were included in
      the study. Medical records were reviewed for complications, subsequent surgeries,
      and time to physeal closure. Of the 34 cases included, there were no cases of
      acute chondrolysis. Complications included 1 case of bone graft extrusion that
      required surgical replacement and 1 re-slip requiring surgical stabilization.
      Five cases of avascular necrosis (AVN) were encountered (1 unstable slip with
      total head AVN, and 4 stable slips with 3 total head and 1 partial head AVN). In
      1 patient, small loose bony fragments were noted on postoperative radiographs
      that appeared outside of the articular surface of the hip and were asymptomatic.
      Two patients encountered wound healing issues that resolved with appropriate
      wound care. In light of the occurrence of AVN in stable cases, BGE with
      autogenous corticocancellous graft is preferable to BGE with autologous fibular
      graft for the treatment of SCFE. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e519-e525.]. 

PMID- 27135448
TI  - Epidemiology of Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Trends in New York State.
AB  - The rate of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is increasing in the United States as
      its popularity and indications expand. There currently is no national joint
      registry available to monitor outcomes, and few studies have addressed the
      challenges faced with TAA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      incidence, complications, and survival rates associated with TAA using a large
      statewide administrative discharge database. Individuals who underwent primary
      TAA from 1997 to 2010 were identified in the Statewide Planning and Research
      Cooperative System database from the New York State Department of Health. The
      age, sex, comorbidities, state of residence, primary diagnosis, and readmissions
      within 90 days were analyzed for patients with an ICD-9-CM procedure code of
      81.56 (TAA). Failure of a TAA implant was defined as revision, tibiotalar
      arthrodesis, amputation, or implant removal. During the 14-year period, 420
      patients underwent 444 TAAs (mean patient age of 61 years, 59% women, mean
      Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score of 0.45, and 86% New York State residents). The
      primary diagnosis was 37.4% osteoarthritis, 34.3% traumatic arthritis, and 15.5%
      rheumatoid arthritis. Surgery for failure was associated only with a younger age
      (56.5 vs 62 years, P=.005). The rate of subsequent failure procedures following
      TAAs performed in New York State was 13.8%. The incidence of TAAs is steadily
      increasing. The overall survival rate in New York State is better than rates
      reported in other national registries, but it is not yet comparable to those of
      hip and knee replacements. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):170-176.]. 

PMID- 27135449
TI  - Displaced Proximal Humerus Fractures in Older Patients: Shoulder Surgeons Versus
      Traumatologists.
AB  - Proximal humerus fractures are relatively common, with treatment dependent on
      fracture-specific, patient-specific, and surgeon-specific factors. This study
      sought to identify preferences among shoulder specialists and orthopedic
      traumatologists in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures. An anonymous
      Internet survey of fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons and traumatologists was
      conducted with radiographs and select computed tomography images of 15 unique
      displaced proximal humerus fractures. Participants were asked to classify each
      case according to Neer criteria and choose management from a list of options.
      Groups were analyzed using chi-square test for independence, paired t test, and
      Fleiss' kappa within and between each group. Among shoulder surgeons, there were
      a total of 19 cases selected for nonoperative management, 204 cases selected for
      open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and 122 cases selected for
      arthroplasty. Among traumatologists, there were 44 cases selected for
      nonoperative management, 234 for ORIF, and 67 for arthroplasty. Fleiss' kappa for
      intraobserver agreement on treatment choice was 0.26 for shoulder surgeons and
      0.18 for traumatologists, and chi-square test for independence was significant
      between the 2 groups (P<.001). Paired t test of the average treatment proportions
      was significant for nonoperative management and arthroplasty (P=.003) but not
      significant for differences in rates of ORIF. These results confirm poor
      consistency in Neer classification among surgeons and suggest that shoulder
      surgeons were more likely to consider arthroplasty for treatment and that
      traumatologists were more likely to use ORIF or to manage patients
      nonoperatively. These variations in care may translate to differences in outcome
      and cost. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e509-e513.]. 

PMID- 27135450
TI  - Use of an Irrigation Pump System in Arthroscopic Procedures.
AB  - Since its inception, arthroscopic surgery has become widely adopted among
      orthopedic surgeons. It is therefore important to have an understanding of the
      basic principles of arthroscopy. Compared with open techniques, arthroscopic
      procedures are associated with smaller incisions, less structural damage,
      improved intra-articular visualization, less pain in the immediate postoperative
      period, and faster recovery for patients. Pump systems used for arthroscopic
      surgery have evolved over the years to provide improved intraoperative
      visualization. Gravity flow systems were described first and are still commonly
      used today. More recently, automated pump systems with pressure or dual pressure
      and volume control have been developed. The advantages of automated irrigation
      systems over gravity irrigation include a more consistent flow, a greater degree
      of joint distention, improved visualization especially with motorized
      instrumentation, decreased need for tourniquet use, a tamponade effect on
      bleeding, and decreased operative time. Disadvantages include the need for
      additional equipment with increased cost and maintenance, the initial learning
      curve for the surgical team, and increased risk of extra-articular fluid
      dissection and associated complications such as compartment syndrome. As image
      quality and pump systems improve, so does the list of indications including
      diagnostic and treatment modalities to address intra-articular pathology of the
      knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, elbow, and ankle joints. This article reviews the
      current literature and presents the history of arthroscopy, basic science of
      pressure and flow, types of irrigation pumps and their functions, settings,
      applications, and complications. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e474-e478.]. 

PMID- 27135451
TI  - Biomechanical Analysis of Pedicle Screw Fixation for Thoracolumbar Burst
      Fractures.
AB  - Treatment of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures remains controversial. Long
      segment pedicle screw constructs may be stiffer and impart greater forces on
      adjacent segments compared with short-segment constructs, which may affect
      clinical performance and long-term out come. The purpose of this study was to
      biomechanically evaluate long-segment posterior pedicle screw fixation (LSPF) vs
      short-segment posterior pedicle screw fixation (SSPF) for unstable burst
      fractures. Six unembalmed human thoracolumbar spine specimens (T10-L4) were used.
      Following intact testing, a simulated L1 burst fracture was created and
      sequentially stabilized using 5.5-mm titanium polyaxial pedicle screws and rods
      for 4 different constructs: SSPF (1 level above and below), SSPF+L1 (pedicle
      screw at fractured level), LSPF (2 levels above and below), and LSPF+L1 (pedicle
      screw at fractured level). Each fixation construct was tested in flexion
      extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation; range of motion was also
      recorded. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to
      identify differences between treatment groups and functional noninstrumented
      spine. Short-segment posterior pedicle screw fixation did not achieve stability
      seen in an intact spine (P<.01), whereas LSPF constructs were significantly
      stiffer than SSPF constructs and demonstrated more stiffness than an intact spine
      (P<.01). Pedicle screws at the fracture level did not improve either SSPF or LSPF
      construct stability (P>.1). Long-segment posterior pedicle screw fixation
      constructs were not associated with increased adjacent segment motion. Al though
      the sample size of 6 specimens was small, this study may help guide clinical
      decisions regarding burst fracture stabilization. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e514
      e518.]. 

PMID- 27135452
TI  - Discoid Meniscus Associated With Achondroplasia.
AB  - Achondroplasia is the most common skeletal dysplasia. This form of dwarfism is
      caused by a point mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3)
      gene, leading to inhibition of endochondral ossification for these patients. This
      results in a normal trunk height but shortened limbs. The discoid meniscus may be
      an important associated finding to better understand the common complaints of leg
      pain for these patients. Although the incidence for a discoid meniscus is between
      3% and 5% for the general population, it is unknown with achondroplasia. This
      case series includes 4 patients, with ages ranging from adolescence to early
      adulthood, with symptoms of knee pain that were not attributable to some of the
      more common findings seen in this patient population. Typically, patients with
      achondroplasia who experience knee pain are evaluated for more common and well
      known etiologies such as genu varum, ligamentous instability, and neurogenic
      claudication. However, the authors propose that symptomatic discoid lateral
      meniscus should be added to the differential diagnosis for lower-extremity pain
      in the achondroplasia population. A thorough history and physical examination, in
      combination with magnetic resonance imaging, can aid in making the diagnosis.
      Treatment with arthroscopic debridement, saucerization of the meniscus, and
      repair for unstable injuries has yielded good outcomes for this patient
      population. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e498-e503.]. 

PMID- 27135453
TI  - Femoral Component Survival in Hybrid Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - Although the majority of North American surgeons perform total knee arthroplasty
      by cementing both the femoral and the tibial components, hybrid fixation with a
      press-fit femur and cemented tibia is an alternative form of total knee
      arthroplasty performed by some. Currently, there is a paucity of literature
      evaluating long-term outcomes after hybrid total knee arthroplasty. As such, the
      purpose of the current study was to describe the long-term results of total knee
      arthroplasty performed using the hybrid technique. The authors retrospectively
      reviewed a total of 77 hybrid total knee arthroplasties with at least 12 years of
      follow-up. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed to determine
      patient function and the incidence of femoral component failure after hybrid
      total knee arthroplasty. At the time of last follow-up, 76 of 77 (99%) of the
      femoral components remained in place without evidence of loosening. One femoral
      component failed due to aseptic loosening and was ultimately revised to a
      cemented femoral component without further complication. In addition, 1 tibial
      component and 2 patellar components failed due to aseptic loosening. Four tibial
      polyethylene liners were revised for polyethylene wear. In conclusion, press-fit
      fixation of the femoral component is a reliable and durable alternative to
      cemented fixation. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):181-186.]. 

PMID- 27135454
TI  - Low-Contact-Stress Knee Arthroplasty: Past History or Ahead of Time?
AB  - Low-contact-stress mobile-bearing (MB) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can rely on
      a long history. Its concept comprises a combination of high condylar congruency
      and compensatory bearing rotation to promote load sharing. However, other MB
      designs have become available, and critical points have been raised about the
      benefit of MB in general. Although there is kinematic and kinetic support for the
      low-contact-stress concept, there is no tribologic or clinical proof of its
      superiority over fixed-bearing concepts. Further study should be controlled for
      differences in polyethylene quality and need to provide a measure of condylar
      congruency to differentiate authentic low-contact-stress variants form others.
      [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e402-e412.]. 

PMID- 27135455
TI  - Comparison of Instrumented and Noninstrumented Surgical Treatment of Severe
      Vertebral Osteomyelitis.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of instrumented versus
      noninstrumented (decompression) surgical treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis.
      The study population included 104 patients with spinal osteomyelitis who were
      treated at the authors' institution between 2004 and 2012. This included 62 men
      and 42 women who underwent either instrumented (n=57) or noninstrumented (n=47)
      surgery. Mean patient age was 59 years, and mean follow-up was 38 months (range,
      12-78 months). Specifically, the following criteria were assessed: mortality
      rates, infection clearance rates, clinical outcomes measured by Oswestry
      Disability Index (ODI), mean length of stay, and baseline differences between the
      2 cohorts. Although patients in the instrumented cohort had more instability,
      more neurologic symptoms, and larger volume infection, they had similar clearance
      of infection (54% vs 42.5%; odds ratio [OR], 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      0.61-3.9; P=.35), mortality rate (9% vs 17%; OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.14-1.54; P=.21),
      and ODI scores (40 vs 45 points; P=.32) compared with patients in the
      noninstrumented group. However, mean length of stay (19 vs 13 days; P=.02) was
      significantly higher for patients in the instrumented group. Even in more severe
      cases of vertebral osteomyelitis, instrumentation resulted in comparable outcomes
      to decompression. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e504-e508.]. 

PMID- 27135456
TI  - Arthroscopic-Assisted Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fractures: Patient-Reported
      Postoperative Activity Levels.
AB  - Tibial plateau fractures may result in significant limitations postoperatively.
      Studies have described outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted percutaneous fixation
      (AAPF) of these injuries but have rarely reported postoperative activity levels.
      Between 2009 and 2013, patients who sustained a lateral split, split depression,
      or pure depression type tibial plateau fracture (Schatzker types I-III fractures)
      and underwent outpatient AAPF were eligible for the study. Outcomes were assessed
      using Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee
      Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Lysholm score,
      and Marx activity score. Twenty-five consecutive patients were eligible for the
      study, and 22 (88%) were included in the final analysis, with average follow-up
      of 2.5 years (range, 1-5.2 years). Thirteen women and 9 men with an average age
      of 48.3 years (range, 23-65 years) comprised the study population. Average number
      of screws used for fixation was 2 (range, 1-4). The average depression was 8 mm
      preoperatively and 0.9 mm (range, 0-3 mm) postoperatively. Four patients (18%)
      had complications: 2 with hardware removal and 2 with postoperative deep venous
      thrombosis. Average postoperative Marx activity score was 5.7. Average
      postoperative KOOS Symptoms, Sports, and Quality of Life scores were 88 (range,
      68-100), 85 (range, 45-100), and 77 (range, 50-100), respectively. Average IKDC
      and Lysholm scores were 81 (range, 55-97) and 87 (range, 54-100), respectively.
      The AAPF surgical technique, which was performed in an outpatient setting,
      facilitated excellent postoperative range of motion, outcomes, and activity
      scores with minimal complications. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e486-e491.]. 

PMID- 27135457
TI  - Biomechanical Assessment of Patellar Advancement Procedures for Patella Alta.
AB  - Crouch gait deformity is common in children with cerebral palsy and often is
      associated with patella alta. Patellar tendon advancement typically is used to
      correct patella alta and restore normal knee mechanics. The purpose of this study
      was to determine the mechanical strength of surgical constructs used for fixation
      during patellar advancement procedures. This study used a cadaveric model to
      determine which of 3 surgical techniques is biomechanically optimal for patellar
      tendon advancement in treating patella alta. Twenty-four human cadaveric knees (8
      per group) were prepared using 1 of 3 different common surgical techniques:
      tibial tubercle osteotomy, patellar tendon partial resection and repair at the
      distal patella, and patellar tendon imbrication. The patella was loaded from 25
      to 250 N at 1 Hz for 1000 cycles. A significant difference in patella
      displacement under cyclical loading was found between surgical techniques. Tibial
      tubercle osteotomy exhibited significantly less displacement under cyclical
      loading than distal patella excision and repair (P<.0001) or imbrication
      (P=.0088). Imbrication exhibited significantly less displacement than distal
      patella excision and repair (P=.0006). Tibial tubercle osteotomy survived
      longest. Based on failure criteria of 5 mm of displacement, tibial tubercle
      osteotomy lasted between 250 and 500 cycles. The other 2 techniques failed by 25
      cycles. This study offers quantitative evidence regarding the relative mechanical
      strength of each construct and may influence choice of surgical technique.
      [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e492-e497.]. 

PMID- 27135458
TI  - Impact of Race and Gender on Utilization Rate of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.
AB  - Marked underutilization rates of total joint arthroplasty in minorities compared
      with nonminorities exist, with a paucity of literature surrounding inequities
      related to total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Using the Statewide Planning and
      Research Cooperative System database, patients who underwent elective TSA in New
      York State (NYS) were identified and characterized by age, race, gender, medical
      comorbidities, and payor status. Patients were stratified into 4 separate 5-year
      periods from 1990 to 2009. Comorbidity severity was defined using the Elixhauser
      criteria. A total of 10,538 elective TSAs were identified, with half of the
      procedures occurring in the most recent time quartile. Whites accounted for 70%
      of the procedures, whereas blacks accounted for 5%. During the 20-year period,
      the age-adjusted incidence of TSA in white men and women increased by 417% and
      421%, respectively, whereas the incidence for black men and women increased by
      378% and 329%, respectively. Black men had the lowest utilization rate among all
      subgroups, and overall disparity between races continued to widen over time.
      Blacks had significantly more comorbid conditions (P<.001) than whites when
      undergoing TSA. Blacks were more likely to have Medicaid insurance and less
      participation in Medicare (P<.001). Racial and gender disparities clearly exist
      in TSA utilization rates in NYS and may be worsening. Although reasons for these
      disparities are likely multifactorial, a deeper understanding of the factors
      involved in patient selection and access to care is necessary to appropriately
      address these disparities and effect change at a system-wide patient and provider
      level. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e538-e544.]. 

PMID- 27135459
TI  - Biomechanical Analysis of Internal Bracing for Treatment of Medial Knee Injuries.
AB  - The internal brace technique uses a high-strength suture tie to augment injured
      tissues or a primary repair, allowing early rehabilitation. Anatomic repair with
      internal bracing is a novel and promising treatment for femoral-sided medial knee
      avulsion injuries of the medial collateral ligament and posterior oblique
      ligament. Unfortunately, biomechanical and clinical data are lacking. To evaluate
      this technique compared with other treatment options, 3 assays of 9 cadaveric
      matched pairs (54 knees) were tested to failure at 30 degrees  under valgus load
      in a biomechanical testing apparatus. The primary outcome measure was moment at
      failure (Nm), with secondary outcome measures of stiffness (Nm/ degrees ), valgus
      angulation at 10 Nm ( degrees ), and valgus angulation at failure ( degrees ).
      Repair with internal bracing was compared with the intact state, repair alone,
      and allograft reconstruction. The mean moment to failure (62.5+/-24.9 Nm) for
      internal bracing was significantly lower than that for intact specimens (107.2+/
      39.7 Nm) (P=.009). Mean moment to failure and valgus angle at failure were
      significantly greater for internal bracing (95+/-31.9 Nm) than for repair (73.4+/
      27.6 Nm) (P=.05). Internal bracing was similar to reconstruction for the primary
      outcome measure (53.5+/-26.3 Nm vs 66.9+/-28.8 Nm) (P=.227) and for all secondary
      outcome measures. These findings indicate that posteromedial knee repair with
      internal bracing for femoral-sided avulsions is superior to repair alone and is
      similar to allograft reconstruction for all parameters measured; however, this
      technique did not recreate biomechanical properties equivalent to the intact
      state. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e532-e537.]. 

PMID- 27135460
TI  - Simulation Training Improves Surgical Proficiency and Safety During Diagnostic
      Shoulder Arthroscopy Performed by Residents.
AB  - Although virtual reality simulators have established construct validity, no
      studies have proven transfer of skills from a simulator to improved in vivo
      surgical skill. The current authors hypothesized that simulation training would
      improve residents' basic arthroscopic performance and safety. Twenty-two
      orthopedic surgery trainees were randomized into simulation or standard practice
      groups. At baseline testing, all of the participants performed simulator-based
      testing and a supervised, in vivo diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy with video
      recording. The simulation group subsequently received 1 hour of total instruction
      during a 3-month period, and the standard practice group received no simulator
      training. After intervention, both groups were reevaluated with simulator testing
      and a second recorded diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy. Two blinded, independent
      experts evaluated arthroscopic performance using the anatomic checklist,
      Arthroscopic Surgery Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) score, and total elapsed time.
      All outcome measures were compared within and between groups. After intervention,
      mean time required by the simulation group to complete the simulator task (30.64
      seconds) was 8+/-1.2 seconds faster than the time required by the control group
      (38.64 seconds; P=.001). Probe distance (51.65 mm) was improved by 41.2+/-6.08 mm
      compared with the control (92.83 mm; P=.001). When comparing ASSET safety scores,
      the simulation group was competent (3.29) and significantly better than the
      control group (3.00; P=.005) during final arthroscopic testing. This study
      establishes transfer validity for an arthroscopic shoulder simulator model.
      Simulator training for residents in training can decrease surgical times, improve
      basic surgical skills, and confer greater patient safety during shoulder
      arthroscopy. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e479-e485.]. 

PMID- 27135461
TI  - Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonist Use in Children: Data From the Pediatric ITP
      Consortium of North America ICON2 Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on second-line treatment options for pediatric patients with
      immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are limited. Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO
      RA) provide a nonimmunosuppressive option for children who require an increased
      platelet count. PROCEDURE: We performed a multicenter retrospective study of
      pediatric ITP patients followed at ITP Consortium of North America (ICON) sites
      to characterize TPO-RA use. RESULTS: Seventy-nine children had a total of 87
      treatments (28 eltrombopag, 43 romiplostim, and eight trialed on both). The
      majority had primary ITP (82%) and most (60.8%) had chronic ITP. However, 22% had
      persistent ITP and 18% had newly diagnosed ITP. During the first 3 months of
      treatment, 89% achieved a platelet count >= 50 * 10(9) /l (86% romiplostim, 81%
      eltrombopag, P = 0.26) at least once in the absence of rescue therapy. The
      average time to a response was 6.4 weeks for romiplostim and 7.0 weeks for
      eltrombopag (P = 0.83). Only 40% of patients demonstrated a stable response with
      consistent dosing over time. An intermittent response with constant dose
      titration was seen in 15%, and an initial response that waned to no response was
      seen in 13%. Significant adverse events were minimal with the exception of two
      patients with thrombotic events and one who developed a neutralizing antibody.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that TPO-RA agents are being used in
      children with ITP of varying duration and severity. The response was similar to
      clinical trials, but the sustainability of response varied. Future studies need
      to focus on the ideal timing and rationale for these medications in pediatric
      patients.

PMID- 27135462
TI  - Cloning Nacre's 3D Interlocking Skeleton in Engineering Composites to Achieve
      Exceptional Mechanical Properties.
AB  - Ceramic/polymer composite equipped with 3D interlocking skeleton (3D IL) is
      developed through a simple freeze-casting method, exhibiting exceptionally light
      weight, high strength, toughness, and shock resistance. Long-range crack energy
      dissipation enabled by 3D interlocking structure is considered as the primary
      reinforcing mechanism for such superior properties. The smart composite design
      strategy should hold a place in developing future structural engineering
      materials. 

PMID- 27135463
TI  - Unintended pregnancy amongst an early pregnancy clinic cohort: Identifying
      opportunities for preventative health interventions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A relationship between maternal weight and unintended pregnancy has
      previously been reported. Researchers have found women who are overweight and
      obese women are less likely to use contraception, and more likely to have
      unplanned pregnancies, thus limiting their ability to optimise their health
      before conception. AIMS: This study sought to examine the relationship between
      pregnancy intention and body mass index (BMI) amongst women attending a service
      managing early pregnancy complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross
      sectional descriptive study (n = 550) was conducted from November 2013 to
      February 2015 in Sydney, Australia. It documented women's pregnancy intention
      using a self-completed questionnaire incorporating a validated pregnancy
      intention scale and measuring women's height and weight to calculate their BMI
      using the WHO classification of anthropometry and adjusting for cut-offs in Asian
      populations. Socio-demographic characteristics were also documented. RESULTS: The
      respondents were ethnically diverse with over a third defining themselves as
      Asian (36%; 196). Forty-four per cent of women (239) had clearly intended their
      pregnancy, 39% (212) were ambivalent and 18% (99) had not intended to conceive.
      Forty-nine per cent (263) of women were overweight or obese. No relationship was
      found between pregnancy intention and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than half the women
      with early pregnancy complications clearly intended to be pregnant. Contrary to
      previous research, pregnancy intention was not associated with maternal weight.
      Underutilised opportunities for lifestyle and preconception education exist to
      address the impact of modifiable maternal behaviours on future pregnancies and to
      provide contraception counselling to those not wishing to conceive.

PMID- 27135464
TI  - A randomized trial of videoconference-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for
      survivors of breast cancer with self-reported cognitive dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) affects a
      large number of cancer survivors. To the authors' knowledge, to date there is no
      established treatment for this survivorship problem. The authors herein report
      results of a small randomized controlled trial of a cognitive behavioral therapy
      (CBT), Memory and Attention Adaptation Training (MAAT), compared with an
      attention control condition. Both treatments were delivered over a
      videoconference device. METHODS: A total of 47 survivors of female breast cancer
      who reported CRCD were randomized to MAAT or supportive therapy and were assessed
      at baseline, after treatment, and at 2 months of follow-up. Participants
      completed self-report measures of cognitive symptoms and quality of life and a
      brief telephone-based neuropsychological assessment. RESULTS: MAAT participants
      made gains in perceived (self-reported) cognitive impairments (P = .02), and
      neuropsychological processing speed (P = .03) compared with supportive therapy
      controls. A large MAAT effect size was observed at the 2-month follow-up with
      regard to anxiety concerning cognitive problems (Cohen's d for standard
      differences in effect sizes, 0.90) with medium effects noted in general function,
      fatigue, and anxiety. Survivors rated MAAT and videoconference delivery with high
      satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: MAAT may be an efficacious psychological treatment of
      CRCD that can be delivered through videoconference technology. This research is
      important because it helps to identify a treatment option for survivors that also
      may improve access to survivorship services. Cancer 2016;122:1782-91. (c) 2016
      American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27135465
TI  - Photobiomodulation of the dorsal root ganglion for the treatment of low back
      pain: A pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic low back pain is a worldwide public health
      issue with high socioeconomic impact. The aim of this study was to determine the
      efficacy of laser irradiation of the dorsal root ganglion of the second lumbar
      spinal nerve for chronic axial low back pain compared to lidocaine injection and
      radiofrequency treatment. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight
      patients were randomly divided into three treatment groups: lidocaine injection,
      radiofrequency, or laser. The second intervertebral foramen between the second
      and third lumbar vertebrae was accessed by percutaneous needle puncture
      bilaterally, guided by fluoroscopy. In the local anesthetic group, injection of 1
      ml lidocaine without epinephrine was applied through a 20-gauge (G20) Quincke tip
      spinal needle inserted in the second lumbar intervertebral foramen. In the
      radiofrequency group, the probe (150 mm long with a 5 mm active tip) was directed
      through a G20 needle placed in the second lumbar intervertebral foramen and
      neuromodulation was done with a radiofrequency of Cosman G4(r) in pulses of 20 ms
      with wash-out period of 480 ms, for 300 seconds at 42 degrees C. A single
      treatment was used. In the laser treatment group, a continuous wave, 808 nm
      wavelength diode laser (Photon Lase III(r) DCM, Brazil), with an output power of
      100 mW was used for a single treatment. An 18 gauge needle was placed in the
      second lumbar intervertebral foramen guided by fluoroscopy. Light was delivered
      through a 600 um optical fiber placed in the G18 needle. The tip of the fiber
      extended 5 mm beyond the tip of the needle in the second lumbar intervertebral
      foramen. The beam spot size was 0.003 cm(2) , irradiance = 35W/cm(2) , exposure
      time = 84 seconds, energy density = 2800J/cm(2) , total energy was 8.4 J. The low
      back pain score was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) and Pain Relief
      Scale (PRS) pre, post procedure and in 1 month follow up. Temperature was
      measured using a digital thermometer. RESULTS: All patients in the local
      anesthetic and laser treatment groups reported a pain reduction of at least 50%
      immediately post-procedure and 10 out of 11 patients in the radiofrequency group
      reported a pain reduction of at least 50%. At 1 month post-treatment, the laser
      treatment group had the greatest number of patients who reported more than 50%
      pain relief based on PRS (7 out of 10 patients) while only 2 out of 7 patients
      and 3 out of 11 patients in the lidocaine and radiofrequency treatment groups
      respectively reported more than a 50% pain relief. CONCLUSION: Laser irradiation
      caused an immediate decrease in low back pain post-procedure similar to pain
      reduction caused by lidocaine injection. Both lidocaine injection and laser
      irradiation were more effective than radiofrequency treatment for immediate and
      longer term (1 month post-treatment) chronic back pain. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:653
      659, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27135466
TI  - Exploration of a Library of 3,4-(Methylenedioxy)aniline-Derived Semicarbazones as
      Dual Inhibitors of Monoamine Oxidase and Acetylcholinesterase: Design, Synthesis,
      and Evaluation.
AB  - A library of 3,4-(methylenedioxy)aniline-derived semicarbazones was designed,
      synthesized, and evaluated as monoamine oxidase (MAO) and acetylcholinesterase
      (AChE) inhibitors for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Most of the
      new compounds selectively inhibited MAO-B and AChE, with IC50 values in the micro
      or nanomolar ranges. Compound 16, 1-(2,6-dichlorobenzylidene)-4
      (benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yl)semicarbazide presented a balanced multifunctional profile
      of MAO-A (IC50 =4.52+/-0.032 MUm), MAO-B (IC50 =0.059+/-0.002 MUm), and AChE
      (IC50 =0.0087+/-0.0002 MUm) inhibition without neurotoxicity. Kinetic studies
      revealed that compound 16 exhibits competitive and reversible inhibition against
      MAO-A and MAO-B, and mixed-type inhibition against AChE. Molecular docking
      studies further revealed insight into the possible interactions within the enzyme
      inhibitor complexes. The most active compounds were found to interact with the
      enzymes through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Additionally, in
      silico molecular properties and ADME properties of the synthesized compounds were
      calculated to explore their drug-like characteristics.

PMID- 27135467
TI  - Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis along with funiculitis and
      myelitis.

PMID- 27135468
TI  - The Effect of Strength Training on Performance Indicators in Distance Runners.
AB  - Beattie, K, Carson, BP, Lyons, M, Rossiter, A, and Kenny, IC. The effect of
      strength training on performance indicators in distance runners. J Strength Cond
      Res 31(1): 9-23, 2017-Running economy (RE) and velocity at maximal oxygen uptake
      (VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max) are considered to be the best physiological
      performance indicators in elite distance runners. In addition to cardiovascular
      function, RE and VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max are partly dictated by
      neuromuscular factors. One technique to improve neuromuscular function in
      athletes is through strength training. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the effect of a 40-week strength training intervention on strength (maximal and
      reactive strength), VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, economy, and body composition
      (body mass, fat, and lean mass) in competitive distance runners. Twenty
      competitive distance runners were divided into an intervention group (n = 11;
      29.5 +/- 10.0 years; 72.8 +/- 6.6 kg; 1.83 +/- 0.08 m) and a control group (n =
      9; 27.4 +/- 7.2 years; 70.2 +/- 6.4 kg; 1.77 +/- 0.04 m). During week 0, 20, and
      40, each subject completed 3 assessments: physiology (V2 mmol.L BLa, V2 mmol.L
      BLa [blood lactate], V4 mmol.L BLa, RE, VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, V[Combining
      Dot Above]O2max), strength (1 repetition maximum back squat; countermovement jump
      and 0.3 m drop jump), and body composition (body mass, fat mass, overall lean,
      and leg lean). The intervention group showed significant improvements in maximal
      and reactive strength qualities, RE, and VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, at weeks
      20 (p <= 0.05) and 40 (p <= 0.05). The control group showed no significant
      changes at either time point. There were no significant changes in body
      composition variables between or within groups. This study demonstrates that 40
      weeks of strength training can significantly improve maximal and reactive
      strength qualities, RE, and VV[Combining Dot Above]O2max, without concomitant
      hypertrophy, in competitive distance runners.

PMID- 27135469
TI  - In-Game Heart Rate Responses Among Professional Baseball Starting Pitchers.
AB  - Cornell, DJ, Paxson, JL, Caplinger, RA, Seligman, JR, Davis, NA, Flees, RJ, and
      Ebersole, KT. In-game heart rate responses among professional baseball starting
      pitchers. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 24-29, 2017-The purpose of the current study
      was to characterize the in-game heart rate (HR) responses of baseball pitching.
      In-game HR was recorded from 16 professional baseball starting pitchers (mean +/-
      SD, age = 22.1 +/- 1.3 years; height = 187.9 +/- 4.4 cm; weight = 90.5 +/- 9.5
      kg) for a total of 682 innings (home = 381, away = 301). All analyzed HR data
      were then normalized to each pitcher's age-predicted maximal HR (%HRmax). The
      group mean +/- SD in-game %HRmax among all pitchers was 84.8 +/- 3.9%, suggesting
      that baseball pitching is predominantly an anaerobic task. A split-plot mixed
      model repeated measures analysis of variance identified a significant interaction
      effect between inning and game location (p = 0.042). Follow-up simple effects
      indicated that the in-game %HRmax was significantly different across innings, but
      only during home starts (p < 0.001). Specifically, pairwise analyses indicated
      that the in-game %HRmax during home starts were significantly (p <= 0.05) higher
      in the first and second innings than in all other innings. In addition, follow-up
      simple effects indicated that the in-game %HRmax was significantly (p = 0.017)
      higher during home starts than away starts in the first inning (87.3 +/- 3.6% vs.
      85.8 vs. 3.8%, respectively). Thus, it is possible that inning-dependent
      psychological factors may have contributed to the observed changes in in-game
      physiological intensity across innings and that these factors are specific to
      game location. Consequently, strength and conditioning practitioners should
      prescribe high-intensity exercises when developing conditioning programs for
      professional baseball starting pitchers.

PMID- 27135470
TI  - The Effect of the Gravity Loading Countermeasure Skinsuit Upon Movement and
      Strength.
AB  - Carvil, PA, Attias, J, Evetts, SN, Waldie, JM, and Green, DA. The effect of the
      gravity loading countermeasure skinsuit upon movement and strength. J Strength
      Cond Res 31(1): 154-161, 2017-Effective countermeasures against musculoskeletal
      deconditioning induced by microgravity and disuse are required. A simple
      alternative to provision of artificial gravity by centrifugation is compressive
      axial loading. The Russian "Pingvin" suit was the first wearable suit to apply
      this concept using bungee cords tethered around the shoulders and feet. However,
      poor loading characteristics and severe thermal and movement discomfort were
      reported. The gravity loading countermeasure skinsuit (GLCS) uses a bidirectional
      weave to generate staged axial loading from shoulders to feet, better mimicking
      how Earth's gravity induces progressive loading head to foot. The Mk III GLCS's
      loading was evaluated and tolerability assessed during maximal joint motion,
      ambulation, and selected strength exercises. Eight subjects (5 male and 3 female;
      28 +/- 3 years; 179 +/- 0.1 cm and 74.8 +/- 2.9 kg), having given written
      informed consent, had an Mk III GLCS individually tailored. Axial loading
      imparted, body height, joint range of motion (ROM), ambulation, and strength
      tests (12 repetition maximum) were performed in the GLCS and gym attire, with
      subjective (rating of perceived exertion, thermal comfort, movement discomfort
      and body control) ratings recorded throughout. Gravity loading countermeasure
      skinsuit provided significant axial loading when standing but significantly
      reduced knee (-13 degrees ), spinal (-28 degrees ) and shoulder flexion/extension
      ROM (-34 degrees /-13 degrees ), in addition to Sit and Reach (-12.8 cm). No
      thermal issues were reported but there was an increase in subjective discomfort.
      Gravity loading countermeasure skinsuit did not significantly impede strength
      exercise, with the exception of shoulder press. The GLCS (Mk III) demonstrates
      potential as a countermeasure by providing tolerable, static axial loading.
      Furthermore, it may serve as an elasticlike strength exercise adjunct, which may
      have utility as a rehabilitation modality after further design refinement.

PMID- 27135471
TI  - Validity and Reliability of the PowerCal Device for Estimating Power Output
      During Cycling Time Trials.
AB  - Costa, VP, Guglielmo, LGA, and Paton, CD. Validity and reliability of the
      PowerCal device for estimating power output during cycling time trials. J
      Strength Cond Res 31(1): 227-232, 2017-This study assessed the validity and
      reproducibility of the PowerCal device for estimating power output (PO) during
      cycling hilly time trials (TTs). Twenty-one well-trained men cyclists performed
      an incremental exercise test and three 20-km TTs (34.1 +/- 10.6 years; 73.2 +/-
      3.2 kg, 176.8 +/- 6.2 cm; maximal PO, 334 +/- 31 W; maximal oxygen uptake, 61.0
      +/- 4.2 ml.kg.min). The first TT was used for familiarization, and the tests were
      separated by at least 72 hours. Mean PO over the 20-km TT was significantly
      greater for the Velotron (282 +/- 27 W) than for the PowerCal (242 +/- 28 W). The
      mean power over each kilometer of the trial ranged from 5.8 to 23.4% greater on
      the Velotron than on the PowerCal. High within-subject variation between the
      trials was substantially greater for the PowerCal (4.9%) than for the Velotron
      (1.8%). High coefficients of variation scores for the Velotron test-retest were
      found to be concentrated in the beginning and final meters of the TT (~6.0%),
      whereas the scores were lower in the middle of the trials (~3.0%). In contrast,
      the PowerCal test-retest achieved a high coefficient of variation (~6.0%) in each
      km over the TT. Thus, the PowerCal device should be used with caution during
      cycling activities because it is not reliable and underestimates PO.

PMID- 27135472
TI  - Normative Reference Values for Handgrip Strength in Colombian Schoolchildren: The
      FUPRECOL Study.
AB  - Ramirez-Velez, R, Morales, O, Pena-Ibagon, JC, Palacios-Lopez, A, Prieto
      Benavides, DH, Vivas, A, Correa-Bautista, JE, Lobelo, F, Alonso-Martinez, AM, and
      Izquierdo, M. Normative reference values for handgrip strength in Colombian
      schoolchildren: the FUPRECOL study. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 217-226, 2017-The
      primary aim of this study was to generate normative handgrip (HG) strength data
      for 10 to 17.9 year olds. The secondary aim was to determine the relative
      proportion of Colombian children and adolescents that fall into established
      Health Benefit Zones (HBZ). This cross-sectional study enrolled 7,268
      schoolchildren (boys n = 3,129 and girls n = 4,139, age 12.7 [2.4] years).
      Handgrip was measured using a hand dynamometer with an adjustable grip. Five HBZs
      (Needs Improvement, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Excellent) have been established
      that correspond to combined HG. Centile smoothed curves, percentile, and tables
      for the third, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th percentile were calculated
      using Cole's LMS method. Handgrip peaked in the sample at 22.2 (8.9) kg in boys
      and 18.5 (5.5) kg in girls. The increase in HG was greater for boys than for
      girls, but the peak HG was lower in girls than in boys. The HBZ data indicated
      that a higher overall percentage of boys than girls at each age group fell into
      the "Needs Improvement" zone, with differences particularly pronounced during
      adolescence. Our results provide, for the first time, sex- and age-specific HG
      reference standards for Colombian schoolchildren aged 9-17.9 years.

PMID- 27135473
TI  - Changes in Muscle Architecture of Vastus Lateralis Muscle After an Alpine
      Snowboarding Race.
AB  - Vernillo, G, Pisoni, C, Sconfienza, LM, Thiebat, G, and Longo, S. Changes in
      muscle architecture of vastus lateralis muscle after an alpine snowboarding race.
      J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 254-259, 2017-This study aimed to assess acute changes
      of vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture after an alpine snowboarding
      simulated race and to compare architecture characteristics between the front and
      rear legs on elite alpine snowboarders. Using ultrasonography, VL muscle
      thickness (MT), pennation angles (theta), and fascicle lengths (Lf) were assessed
      in 8 elite alpine snowboarders (25.6 +/- 4.4 years; stature: 178.4 +/- 9.8 cm;
      body mass: 78.1 +/- 12.1 kg) before and directly after an alpine snowboarding
      simulated race under competition rules. Muscle thickness, theta, and Lf showed no
      meaningful changes (P > 0.05, differences reported as trivial) after the race for
      both legs. The rear leg tended to have a 14.0% lower theta (P = 0.04, differences
      rated as moderate) and a 13.6% higher Lf (P = 0.04, differences rated as
      moderate) compared with the front leg. Changes in muscle architecture are not
      observable immediately after an alpine snowboarding simulated race. The ~14.0%
      difference in muscle architecture between the front and the rear leg suggests the
      presence of a morphological asymmetry in elite alpine snowboarders with direct
      implications for injury prevention and training prescription.

PMID- 27135474
TI  - Running Performance While Wearing a Heat Dissipating Compression Garment in Male
      Recreational Runners.
AB  - Leoz-Abaurrea, I, Santos-Concejero, J, Grobler, L, Engelbrecht, L, and Aguado
      Jimenez, R. Running performance while wearing a heat dissipating compression
      garment in male recreational runners. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3367-3372, 2016
      The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a heat dissipating
      compression garment (CG) during a running performance test. Ten male recreational
      runners (mean +/- SD: age 23 +/- 3 years; V[Combining Dot Above]O2max 55.8 +/-
      4.8 ml.kg.min) completed 2 identical sessions wearing either CG or conventional t
      shirt (CON). Each trial included a 45-minute run at 60% of the peak treadmill
      speed (PTS) followed by a time to exhaustion (TTE) run at 80% of the PTS and a 10
      minute recovery period. During the tests, thermoregulatory and cardiovascular
      responses were monitored. Participants wearing the CG displayed an impaired
      running performance (508 +/- 281 vs. 580 +/- 314 seconds, p = 0.046; effect size
      [ES] = 0.24). In addition, a higher respiratory exchange ratio (1.06 +/- 0.04 vs.
      1.02 +/- 0.07, p = 0.01; ES = 0.70) was observed at TTE when wearing the CG in
      comparison to CON. Changes in core temperature did not differ between garments
      after the 45-minute run (p = 0.96; ES = 0.03) or TTE (1.97 +/- 0.32 vs. 1.98 +/-
      0.38 degrees  C; p = 0.93; ES = 0.02) for CG and CON, respectively. During
      recovery, significantly higher heart rate and blood lactate values were observed
      when wearing CG (p <= 0.05). These findings suggest that the use of a heat
      dissipating CG may not improve running performance in male recreational runners
      during a running performance test to exhaustion.

PMID- 27135475
TI  - Effect of Acute Alcohol Ingestion on Resistance Exercise-Induced mTORC1 Signaling
      in Human Muscle.
AB  - Duplanty, AA, Budnar, RG, Luk, HY, Levitt, DE, Hill, DW, McFarlin, BK, Huggett,
      DB, and Vingren, JL. Effect of acute alcohol ingestion on resistance exercise
      induced mTORC1 signaling in human muscle. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 54-61, 2017
      The purpose of this project was to further elucidate the effects postexercise
      alcohol ingestion. This project had many novel aspects including using a
      resistance exercise (RE) only exercise design and the inclusion of women. Ten
      resistance-trained males and 9 resistance-trained females completed 2 identical
      acute heavy RE trials (6 sets of Smith machine squats) followed by ingestion of
      either alcohol or placebo. All participants completed both conditions. Before
      exercise (PRE) and 3 (+3 hours) and 5 (+5 hours) hours postexercise, muscle
      tissue samples were obtained from the vastus lateralis by biopsies. Muscle
      samples were analyzed for phosphorylated mTOR, S6K1, and 4E-BP1. For men, there
      was a significant interaction effect for mTOR and S6K1 phosphorylation. At +3
      hours, mTOR and S6K1 phosphorylation was higher for placebo than for alcohol. For
      women, there was a significant main effect for time. mTOR phosphorylation was
      higher at +3 hours than at PRE and at +5 hours. There were no significant effects
      found for 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in men or women. The major findings of this
      study was that although RE elicited similar mTORC1 signaling both in men and in
      women, alcohol ingestion seemed to only attenuate RE-induced phosphorylation of
      the mTORC1 signaling pathway in men. This study provides evidence that alcohol
      should not be ingested after RE as this ingestion could potentially hamper the
      desired muscular adaptations to RE by reducing anabolic signaling, at least in
      men.

PMID- 27135476
TI  - Effects of an In-season Plyometric Training Program on Repeated Change of
      Direction and Sprint Performance in the Junior Soccer Player.
AB  - Hammami, M, Negra, Y, Aouadi, R, Shephard, RJ, and Chelly, MS. Effects of an in
      season plyometric training program on repeated change of direction and sprint
      performance in the junior soccer player. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3312-3320,
      2016-We aimed to determine the gains in explosive movements of male junior soccer
      players induced by incorporating an 8-week plyometric training program (PTP) into
      a standard soccer conditioning regimen 5 months after the beginning of the
      competitive season. Our hypothesis was that PTP would enhance explosive
      movements, and thus sprint running, repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA),
      agility and the ability to make repeated changes of direction (RCOD). A group of
      junior soccer players were randomly divided into 2 groups: an experimental group
      (E, n = 15, age 15.7 +/- 0.2 years) and a control group (C, n = 13, age 15.8 +/-
      0.2 years). The participants in E and C performed training exercises and matches
      together, but for an 8-week period in the latter part of the season, the
      experimental group replaced a part of the normal regimen (the tactical session)
      by a biweekly course of PTP (hurdle and drop jumps). Two familiarization sessions
      were held 2 weeks before definitive testing. The ability of the players was
      assessed by 3 agility tests (a sprint test with 180 degrees  turns, a 9-3-6-3-9 m
      sprint with backward and forward running, and a four 5-m sprint test with turns);
      2 repeated sprint tests (RSSA and RCOD); and running times over 5-, 10-, 20-, 30
      , and 40-m distances. Participants in E showed gains relative to C in sprint
      times (p <= 0.05 for 5, 10, and 20 m), and 2 of 3 the RCOD parameters (RCOD best,
      p <= 0.001; RCOD total, p <= 0.05). However, with the pattern of plyometric
      training that we adopted, and perhaps because participants were in good initial
      physical condition, the agility and RSSA test scores remained unchanged.
      Nevertheless, we conclude that our PTP can be commended to junior soccer players
      as a means of improving important components of their physical performance.

PMID- 27135477
TI  - Walking Exercise Simultaneously Combined With Neuromuscular Electrical
      Stimulation of Antagonists Resistance Improved Muscle Strength, Physical
      Function, and Knee Pain in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Arm Study.
AB  - Matsuse, H, Hashida, R, Takano, Y, Omoto, M, Nago, T, Bekki, M, and Shiba, N.
      Walking exercise simultaneously combined with neuromuscular electrical
      stimulation of antagonists resistance improved muscle strength, physical
      function, and knee pain in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a single-arm study. J
      Strength Cond Res 31(1): 171-180, 2017-A hybrid training system (HTS) was
      developed as a way to combine the application of electrical stimulation and
      voluntary contraction. Moreover, we developed a novel training method using HTS
      during walking (HTSW). This study was designed to evaluate the effect of HTSW on
      muscle strength, physical function, and knee pain in knee osteoarthritis (KOA).
      Eleven subjects (age: 74.0 +/- 8.5 years) participated and performed HTSW for 30
      minutes 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Isokinetic knee extension/knee flexion
      torque, muscle volume, one-leg standing test (OST), functional reach test, 10-m
      maximum gait speed, timed up and go test, 6-minute walking test, knee pain using
      Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Japan Knee Osteoarthritis Measure (JKOM) were
      assessed. Knee extension torque significantly increased from 1.02 +/- 0.29 N.m.kg
      pretraining to 1.23 +/- 0.33 N.m.kg posttraining (P < 0.01, ES = 0.68). Knee
      flexion torque significantly increased from 0.65 +/- 0.18 N.m.kg pretraining to
      0.78 +/- 0.17 N.m.kg posttraining (p < 0.01). Muscle volume significantly
      increased from 9.00 +/- 2.84 mm pretraining to 10.37 +/- 3.16 mm at the end of
      training (p <= 0.05). All the physical functions except OST were significantly
      improved. The JKOM score improved from 26.7 +/- 18.30 pretraining to 17.2 +/-
      14.02 at the end of training (p < 0.01). The VAS score significantly decreased
      from 35.4 +/- 22.59 pretraining to 16.5 +/- 19.73 at the end of training (p <=
      0.05). Hybrid training system during walking may be an effective training method
      for the treatment of people with KOA.

PMID- 27135478
TI  - Aqua Cycling Does Not Affect Recovery of Performance, Damage Markers, and
      Sensation of Pain.
AB  - Wahl, P, Sanno, M, Ellenberg, K, Frick, H, Bohm, E, Haiduck, B, Goldmann, J-P,
      Achtzehn, S, Bruggemann, G-P, Mester, J, and Bloch, W. Aqua cycling does not
      affect recovery of performance, damage markers, and sensation of pain. J Strength
      Cond Res 31(1): 162-170, 2017-To examine the effects of aqua cycling (AC) vs.
      passive recovery (P) on performance, markers of muscle damage, delayed onset of
      muscle soreness (DOMS), and the persons perceived physical state (PEPS) after 300
      countermovement jumps (CMJs). Twenty male participants completed 300 CMJs.
      Afterward, they were randomly assigned to either the P group or the AC group, the
      latter performing 30 minutes of AC. Before, directly after the 300 CMJs, after
      the recovery session, and up to 72 hours post, performance of leg extensor
      muscles, damage markers, the PEPS, and DOMS were measured. Jumping height during
      300 CMJs significantly decreased in both groups (AC: 13.4% and P: 14.6%). Maximal
      isometric strength (AC: 21% and P: 22%) and dynamic fatigue test (AC: 35% and P:
      39%) of leg extensor muscles showed significant decreases in both groups.
      Myoglobin, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase significantly increased
      over time in both groups. Each of the 4 dimensions of the PEPS and DOMS showed
      significant changes over time. However, no significant differences between both
      groups were found for any of the parameters. Coaches and athletes should be aware
      that vertical jumping-induced fatigue decreases the ability to generate maximal
      isometric and submaximal dynamic force for more than 3 days after training. A
      single 30-minute session of AC was not able to attenuate the effects on muscular
      performance, markers of muscle damage, DOMS, or the PEPS compared with passive
      rest.

PMID- 27135479
TI  - Treatment Options and Outcomes of Pediatric IBDU Compared with Other IBD
      Subtypes: A Retrospective Multicenter Study from the IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBDU) is the rarest IBD
      subtype with treatment based on extrapolation from ulcerative colitis (UC) and
      Crohn's disease (CD) studies. We compared IBDU treatment choices with other
      colonic IBDs and explored long-term outcomes. METHODS: This was a multicenter
      retrospective longitudinal study of 23 centers of pediatric IBD with isolated
      colitis, including a mild ileitis consistent with backwash. RESULTS: Of note, 797
      children (median age: 11.6 years, range: 2-18.4) were included: 250 with CD, 287
      with UC, and 260 with IBDU (median follow-up: 2.8 [interquartile range: 1.6-4.2]
      years). IBDU differed from UC with lower corticosteroid (154 [59%] versus 204
      [71%]; P = 0.004) and higher exclusive enteral nutrition use (26 [10%] versus 2
      [0.6%]; P < 0.0001). Compared to patients with CD, patients with IBDU received
      less exclusive enteral nutrition and immunomodulators (26 [10%] versus 93 [37%];
      P < 0.0001 and 67 [26%] versus 129 [52%]; P < 0.0001, respectively) but more
      aminosalicylates (228 [88%] versus 159 [64%]; P < 0.0001). Biological treatment
      was significantly higher in CD (82 [34%]) than in IBDU and UC (24 [12%] and 47
      [17%], respectively; P < 0.0001). At last follow-up, 135 (69%) patients with IBDU
      had remission/mild disease activity compared with 100 (46%; P < 0.0001) patients
      with CD and 174 (64%; P = 0.3) patients with UC. Four (2%) of 194 patients with
      IBDU underwent surgery compared with 22 (8%) of 270 patients with UC (P = 0.009)
      and 20 (8%) of 238 patients with CD (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Children with IBDU
      have a lower medication burden and lower surgery rates than other IBD subtypes.
      The disease course at follow-up is generally mild, supporting an initial trial
      with 5-ASA before using more aggressive therapies.

PMID- 27135480
TI  - pANCA and ASCA in Children with IBD-Unclassified, Crohn's Colitis, and Ulcerative
      Colitis-A Longitudinal Report from the IBD Porto Group of ESPGHAN.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: No study to date has evaluated perinuclear antineutrophil
      cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) in
      pediatric inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified (IBDU) as compared with Crohn's
      colitis (CC) and ulcerative colitis (UC), which represent the diagnostic
      challenge. We aimed to explore the diagnostic utility of serology and to assess
      whether serology can predict disease severity in these subgroups. METHODS: This
      was a multicenter retrospective longitudinal study including 406 children with
      inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) from 23 centers affiliated with the Porto group
      of European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (mean
      age 10.5 +/- 3.9, 54% males); 117 (29%) with CC, 143 (35%) with UC, and 146 (36%)
      with IBDU. Median follow-up period was 2.8 years (interquartile range, 1.6-4.2).
      RESULTS: The most prevalent serologic profile in IBDU was pANCA-/ASCA- (41%),
      followed by pANCA+/ASCA- (34%) and pANCA-/ASCA+ (17%). pANCA-/ASCA+
      differentiated well between CC versus IBDU (83% specificity, 96% positive
      predictive value [PPV]) and UC (97% specificity, 90% PPV) patients, albeit with a
      low negative predictive value (13% and 40%, respectively). pANCA+/ASCA- did not
      differentiate as well between IBD subgroups, but UC children with pANCA+/ASCA-
      had more often severe disease at diagnosis (36 [62%] versus 22 [38%], P = 0.033)
      and needed more often calcineurin inhibitors, biologics, or colectomy (25 [80%]
      versus 6 [20%], P = 0.026). In CC, double positivity for ASCA and not pANCA
      /ASCA+ profile was associated with disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Serology may
      have some role in predicting disease course and outcomes in colonic IBD, but its
      routine use needs to be supported by more studies. Serology cannot routinely be
      recommended for differentiating between IBDU versus CC or UC as a sole diagnostic
      criterion given its low diagnostic utility.

PMID- 27135481
TI  - Characterization of T-cell Receptor Repertoire in Inflamed Tissues of Patients
      with Crohn's Disease Through Deep Sequencing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal tissues of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) contain
      expanded populations of T cells which are believed to mediate inflammation. We
      performed a detailed characterization of these T-cell repertoires. METHODS: We
      obtained biopsies from the neoterminal ileum of 12 patients undergoing evaluation
      for postoperative recurrent CD and 4 individuals with normal terminal ileum and
      no history of inflammatory bowel disease (controls). Samples of diseased terminal
      ileum were obtained from 5 patients undergoing surgery for stricturing or
      penetrating CD. Total RNA was extracted from tissues and peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells, and cDNAs were generated. We used next-generation sequencing
      to characterize T-cell receptor (TCR)-alpha and TCR-beta cDNAs in ileal mucosal
      tissue and matched peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 17 patients with CD to
      identify oligoclonal expansions of T-cell populations associated with CD.
      RESULTS: TCR diversity in mucosal tissue was significantly lower than that of
      matched peripheral blood mononuclear cells, indicating expansion of certain T
      cell populations in inflamed intestinal tissue. A single TCR-beta clonotype,
      CASSWTNGEQYF (TRBV10-1-TRBJ2-7), was enriched at a frequency of 7.0% to 28.9% in
      the neoterminal ileum of 4 of 12 patients with recurrent CD. The abundance of
      this clonotype significantly correlated with the severity of disease recurrence,
      based on Rutgeerts score (P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Specific populations of T
      cells are expanded in the inflamed intestinal mucosa of patients with CD; their
      abundance correlates with severity of disease recurrence. Studies of these T
      cells could provide information about mechanisms of CD pathogenesis. Deep TCR
      sequencing is a powerful tool that rapidly provides in-depth, real-time
      assessment of the T-cell repertoire.

PMID- 27135482
TI  - Clinical Course of Bone Metabolism Disorders in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel
      Disease: A 5-Year Prospective Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical course of bone mineral density (BMD) disorders and the
      efficacy of treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis have been poorly studied in
      patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The objective was to study the
      course of BMD disorders in patients with IBD, analyze the factors influencing
      their development, and assess the effect of treatment with calcium, vitamin D,
      and bisphosphonates. METHODS: Consecutive patients with IBD were included and
      followed up for 5 years. After a baseline densitometry, calcium (1000 mg/d) and
      vitamin D (800 IU/d) were administered to patients with osteopenia;
      bisphosphonates to patients with osteoporosis; and patients with normal BMD were
      only followed-up. After completing the follow-up period, a second densitometry
      was performed. RESULTS: One hundred patients were initially included, 60% having
      a low BMD (44% osteopenia and 16% osteoporosis). Fifty-eight patients completed
      the follow-up period. At baseline, osteopenia was more frequently found in
      Crohn's disease than in ulcerative colitis (63% versus 21%, P < 0.05). In
      patients with normal BMD at baseline, age, smoking habit, and the presence of
      flares during follow-up were associated with the development of osteopenia.
      Treatment with calcium and vitamin D improved the hip T-score in patients with
      osteopenia (-1.03 versus -0.58, P < 0.001) and bisphosphonates provided the same
      improvement (-1.482 versus -1.072, P < 0.05) in patients with osteoporosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: Age, smoking habit, and IBD activity negatively influence the
      clinical course of BMD. Treatment with calcium and vitamin D improves hip T-score
      in patients with osteopenia whereas bisphosphonates improve hip T-score in
      patients with osteoporosis.

PMID- 27135483
TI  - Optimizing Treatment with TNF Inhibitors in Inflammatory Bowel Disease by
      Monitoring Drug Levels and Antidrug Antibodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biological tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have revolutionized
      the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and redefined treatment goals to
      include mucosal healing. Clinicians are faced with challenges such as inadequate
      responses, treatment failures, side effects, and high drug costs. The objective
      is to review optimization of anti-TNF therapy by use of personalized treatment
      strategies based on circulating drug levels and antidrug antibodies (Abs), i.e.
      therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Furthermore, to outline TDM-related pitfalls
      and their prevention. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: Circulating anti-TNF
      drug trough level is a marker for the pharmacokinetics (PK) of TNF inhibitors.
      Because of a number of factors, including antidrug antibodies, PK varies between
      and within patients across time leading to variable clinical outcomes.
      Differences in intestinal inflammatory phenotype influencing the pharmacodynamic
      (PD) responses to TNF inhibitors also affect treatment outcomes. As an
      alternative to handling anti-TNF-treated patients by empiric strategies, TDM
      identifies underlying PK and PD-related reasons for treatment failure and aids
      decision making to secure optimal clinical and economic outcomes. Although
      promising, evidence does not the support use of TDM to counteract treatment
      failure in quiescent disease. Use of TDM is challenged by methodological biases,
      difficulties related to differentiation between PK and PD problems, and temporal
      biases due to lack of chronology between changes in PK versus symptomatic and
      objective disease activity manifestations. Biases can be accommodated by
      knowledgeable interpretation of results obtained by validated assays with
      clinically established thresholds, and by repeated assessments over time using
      complimentary techniques. CONCLUSIONS: TDM-guided anti-TNF therapy at treatment
      failure has been brought from bench to bedside.

PMID- 27135484
TI  - The Roles of Cathelicidin LL-37 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - Human cathelicidin LL-37, the only member of the cathelicidin family of host
      defense peptides expressed in humans, plays a crucial role in host defense
      against pathogen invasion, as well as in regulating the functions of anti
      inflammation, antitumorigenesis, and tissue repair. It is primarily produced by
      phagocytic leukocytes and epithelial cells, and mediates a wide range of
      biological responses. Emerging evidence from several studies indicates that LL-37
      plays a prominent and complex role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although
      overexpression of LL-37 has been implicated in the inflamed and noninflamed colon
      mucosa in patients with ulcerative colitis, LL-37 expression was not changed in
      the inflamed or noninflamed colon or ileal mucosa in patients with Crohn's
      disease. Furthermore, studies in animal models and human patients further
      characterized the protective effect of cathelicidins both in ulcerative colitis
      and Crohn's disease. These data suggest the intricate functions of LL-37 in IBD.
      They will also create many strategies and opportunities for therapeutic
      intervention in IBD in the future. This review aims to elucidate the structure
      and bioactivity of LL-37 and also discuss the recent progress in understanding
      the relationship between LL-37 and IBD.

PMID- 27135485
TI  - A Biomarker Panel to Detect Synchronous Neoplasm in Non-neoplastic Surveillance
      Biopsies from Patients with Ulcerative Colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at risk for colorectal
      neoplasia. Challenges associated with surveillance colonoscopy with random
      biopsies for detection of dysplasia/cancer are well-documented. This study
      extended our findings in UC-associated colorectal cancer to include low-grade
      dysplasia (LGD) patients, testing whether our biomarker panel detects any UC
      associated neoplasm. METHODS: DNA from the LGD area and the corresponding
      nonadjacent, non-dysplastic section from 171 UC-LGD patients was extracted.
      TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays for TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL23R were used to
      evaluate polymorphisms for each gene. Bisulfite-treated DNA was used for
      methylation testing of RUNX3, COX2, and MINT1. LGD data were combined with UC
      cancer patient data for statistical testing. Logistic regression analyses
      determined associations between genetic/epigenetic/clinical variables and UC
      associated neoplasia. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed
      to determine the final synchronous neoplasm detection panel. RESULTS: Comparison
      of nonadjacent, non-dysplastic DNA from UC-neoplasm patients versus UC-controls
      indicated that TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and methylation of RUNX3, MINT1, and COX2
      were significantly different (P < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, all
      remained significant with an area under the curve of 0.85, exceeding the clinical
      variable panel area under the curve. Combining clinical and experimental
      variables yielded a neoplasm biomarker panel with an area under the curve of 0.95
      (sensitivity and specificity of 82% and 91%, respectively). Analysis of DNA from
      LGD with known progression compared with LGD without progression indicated a
      significant difference in RUNX3 methylation. CONCLUSIONS: A combined clinical,
      genetic, and epigenetic model for detecting synchronous neoplasm by testing of
      non-neoplastic colonic tissue had favorable operating characteristics and could
      complement current patient care.

PMID- 27135486
TI  - The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Specialty Medical Home: A New Model of Patient
      centered Care.
AB  - New models of health care have emerged over the past decade. Accountable care
      organizations and patient-centered medical homes are designed to improve the
      patient experience, enhance health care quality, and decrease cost. These models
      have been developed in the primary care domain and have yet to be tested in
      specialty care. Certain chronic diseases require principal care by a specialist
      or health care team. The specialty medical home would provide patient-centered
      care for specific populations of patients whose health care derives from a single
      chronic disease. This article defines the parameters for a specialty medical home
      and provides a specific payer-provider experience for the comprehensive care of
      an inflammatory bowel disease population.

PMID- 27135487
TI  - Addressing Psychological Needs of Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Is
      Necessary.

PMID- 27135488
TI  - Regulation of Compound Leaf Development.
AB  - Leaf morphology is one of the most variable, yet inheritable, traits in the plant
      kingdom. How plants develop a variety of forms and shapes is a major biological
      question. Here, we discuss some recent progress in understanding the development
      of compound or dissected leaves in model species, such as tomato (Solanum
      lycopersicum), Cardamine hirsuta and Medicago truncatula, with an emphasis on
      recent discoveries in legumes. We also discuss progress in gene regulations and
      hormonal actions in compound leaf development. These studies facilitate our
      understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms and put forward a
      prospective in compound leaf studies. 

PMID- 27135489
TI  - Identification of a Bioactive Compound against Adult T-cell Leukaemia from Bitter
      Gourd Seeds.
AB  - In our previous report, an 80% ethanol bitter gourd seed extract (BGSE) was found
      to suppress proliferation of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) cell lines. The present
      study aimed to identify the bioactive compounds from BGSE specific against ATL.
      From the result of an HPLC-MS analysis, alpha-eleostearic acid (alpha-ESA) was
      present in BGSE at 0.68% +/- 0.0022% (+/-SD, n = 5). In the cell proliferation
      test, alpha-ESA potently suppressed proliferation of two ATL cell lines (ED and
      Su9T01; IC50 = 8.9 and 29.3 uM, respectively) more than several other
      octadecanoic acids. However, alpha-ESA moderately inhibited phytohemagglutinin
      activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC; IC50 = 31.0 uM). These
      results suggest that BGSE-derived alpha-ESA has potential as a functional food
      constituent because of its activity against ATL, particularly against ED cells.
      Moreover, alpha-ESA might be effective for the prevention of moderate adverse
      effects of ATL on normal T cells. 

PMID- 27135490
TI  - Increasing Phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-Bisphosphate Biosynthesis Affects Basal
      Signaling and Chloroplast Metabolism in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - One challenge in studying the second messenger inositol(1,4,5)-trisphosphate
      (InsP3) is that it is present in very low amounts and increases only transiently
      in response to stimuli. To identify events downstream of InsP3, we generated
      transgenic plants constitutively expressing the high specific activity, human
      phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase Ialpha (HsPIPKIalpha). PIP5K is the
      enzyme that synthesizes phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2);
      this reaction is flux limiting in InsP3 biosynthesis in plants. Plasma membranes
      from transgenic Arabidopsis expressing HsPIPKIalpha had 2-3 fold higher PIP5K
      specific activity, and basal InsP3 levels in seedlings and leaves were >2-fold
      higher than wild type. Although there was no significant difference in
      photosynthetic electron transport, HsPIPKIalpha plants had significantly higher
      starch (2-4 fold) and 20% higher anthocyanin compared to controls. Starch content
      was higher both during the day and at the end of dark period. In addition,
      transcripts of genes involved in starch metabolism such as SEX1 (glucan water
      dikinase) and SEX4 (phosphoglucan phosphatase), DBE (debranching enzyme), MEX1
      (maltose transporter), APL3 (ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase) and glucose-6
      phosphate transporter (Glc6PT) were up-regulated in the HsPIPKIalpha plants. Our
      results reveal that increasing the phosphoinositide (PI) pathway affects
      chloroplast carbon metabolism and suggest that InsP3 is one component of an inter
      organelle signaling network regulating chloroplast metabolism. 

PMID- 27135491
TI  - Cellular Auxin Transport in Algae.
AB  - The phytohormone auxin is one of the main directors of plant growth and
      development. In higher plants, auxin is generated in apical plant parts and
      transported from cell-to-cell in a polar fashion. Auxin is present in all plant
      phyla, and the existence of polar auxin transport (PAT) is well established in
      land plants. Algae are a group of relatively simple, autotrophic, photosynthetic
      organisms that share many features with land plants. In particular, Charophyceae
      (a taxon of green algae) are closest ancestors of land plants. In the study of
      auxin function, transport and its evolution, the algae form an interesting
      research target. Recently, proof for polar auxin transport in Chara species was
      published and auxin related research in algae gained more attention. In this
      review we discuss auxin transport in algae with respect to land plants and
      suggest directions for future studies. 

PMID- 27135492
TI  - From Plant Infectivity to Growth Patterns: The Role of Blue-Light Sensing in the
      Prokaryotic World.
AB  - Flavin-based photoreceptor proteins of the LOV (Light, Oxygen, and Voltage) and
      BLUF (Blue Light sensing Using Flavins) superfamilies are ubiquitous among the
      three life domains and are essential blue-light sensing systems, not only in
      plants and algae, but also in prokaryotes. Here we review their biological roles
      in the prokaryotic world and their evolution pathways. An unexpected large number
      of bacterial species possess flavin-based photosensors, amongst which are
      important human and plant pathogens. Still, few cases are reported where the
      activity of blue-light sensors could be correlated to infectivity and/or has been
      shown to be involved in the activation of specific genes, resulting in selective
      growth patterns. Metagenomics and bio-informatic analysis have only recently been
      initiated, but signatures are beginning to emerge that allow definition of a bona
      fide LOV or BLUF domain, aiming at better selection criteria for novel blue-light
      sensors. We also present here, for the first time, the phylogenetic tree for
      archaeal LOV domains that have reached a statistically significant number but
      have not at all been investigated thus far. 

PMID- 27135493
TI  - Auxin and Cell Wall Invertase Related Signaling during Rice Grain Development.
AB  - Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis is required for grain-fill in maize and
      appears to be regulated by cell-wall invertase (CWIN) activity. OsYUC12 is one of
      three IAA biosynthesis genes we previously reported as expressed during early
      rice grain development, correlating with a large increase in IAA content of the
      grain. This work aimed to investigate further the role of OsYUC12 and its
      relationship to CWIN activity and invertase inhibitors (INVINH). The analysis
      shows a brief peak of OsYUC12 expression early in endosperm development. Meta
      analysis of microarray data, confirmed by quantitative expression analysis,
      revealed that OsYUC12 is coexpressed with OsIAA29, which encodes an unusual
      AUX/IAA transcription factor previously reported as poorly expressed. Maximum
      expression of OsYUC12 and OsIAA29 coincided with maximum CWIN activity, but also
      with a peak in INVINH expression. Unlike ZmYUC1, OsYUC12 expression is not
      reduced in the rice CWIN mutant, gif1. Several reports have investigated CWIN
      expression in rice grains but none has reported on expression of INVINH in this
      species. We show that rice has 54 genes encoding putative invertase/pectin
      methylesterase inhibitors, seven of which are expressed exclusively during grain
      development. Our results suggest a more complex relationship between IAA, CWIN,
      and INVINH than previously proposed. 

PMID- 27135494
TI  - Regulation by Light of Chemotaxis to Nitrite during the Sexual Life Cycle in
      Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
AB  - Nitrite plays an important role in the nitrogen metabolism of most cells,
      including Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We have shown that vegetative cells of C.
      reinhardtii are attracted by nitrite. The Nia1nit2 mutant with defects in genes
      encoding the nitrate reductase and regulatory protein NIT2 respectively was found
      to exhibit normal chemotaxis to nitrite. The data suggest that chemotaxis events
      appear to be specific and independent of those involved in nitrate assimilation.
      Unlike vegetative cells and noncompetent pregametes, mature gametes did not show
      chemotaxis to nitrite. Just like gamete formation, the change in chemotaxis mode
      is controlled by the sequential action of two environmental cues, removal of
      nitrogen from the medium and light. Comparative analysis of wild-type and RNAi
      strains with reduced level of phototropin has indicated that switch-off of
      chemotaxis towards nitrite is dependent on phototropin. The studies revealed
      individual elements of the phototropin-dependent signal transduction pathway
      involved in the blue-light-controlled change in chemotaxis mode of C. reinhardtii
      during gamete formation: three protein kinases, one operating against signal flux
      and two that promote signal transduction. We have proposed a working model for
      the signaling pathway by which blue light controls chemotaxis towards
      attractants, which are nitrogen sources, during pregamete-to-gamete conversion of
      C. reinhardtii. 

PMID- 27135495
TI  - Annexin-Mediated Calcium Signalling in Plants.
AB  - Calcium-permeable channels underpin elevations of free calcium that encode
      specific signals in stress adaptation, development and immunity. Identifying the
      genes encoding these channels remains a central goal of plant signalling
      research. Evidence now suggests that members of the plant annexin family function
      as unconventional calcium-permeable channels, with roles in development and
      stress signalling. Arabidopsis annexin 1 mediates a plasma membrane calcium
      permeable conductance in roots that is activated by reactive oxygen species.
      Recombinant annexin 1 forms a very similar conductance in planar lipid bilayers,
      indicating that this protein could facilitate the in vivo conductance directly.
      The annexin 1 mutant is impaired in salinity-induced calcium signalling. Protein
      protein interactions, post-translational modification and dynamic association
      with membranes could all influence annexin-mediated calcium signalling and are
      reviewed here. The prospect of annexins playing roles in calcium signalling
      events in symbiosis and immunity are considered. 

PMID- 27135497
TI  - Effects of Light and Wounding on Jasmonates in Rice phyAphyC Mutants.
AB  - Jasmonates (JA) are lipid-derived plant hormones. They have been shown to be
      important regulators of photomorphogenesis, a developmental program in plants,
      which is activated by light through different red and blue light sensitive
      photoreceptors. In rice, inhibition of coleoptile growth by light is a central
      event in photomorphogenesis. This growth inhibition is impaired, when jasmonate
      biosynthesis is knocked out. Previously, we found that JASMONATE RESISTANT 1
      (OsJAR1) transcripts were not induced in the phytochrome (phy) mutant phyAphyC.
      Therefore, in the current study we investigated the regulation of JA and its
      highly bioactive derivative (+)-7-iso-jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine (JA-Ile), as well as
      the transcriptional regulation of several JA-dependent genes both in wild type
      and phyAphyC mutant. JA and JA-Ile levels increased in the mutant seedlings in
      response to blue light. However, in phyAphyC mutant leaves, which were
      continuously wounded, JA and JA-Ile levels were lower compared to those in the
      wild type. Hence, the mutation of phyA and phyC has differential effects on
      jasmonate levels depending on the tissue and developmental stage. Our results
      suggest that the contribution of JA-Ile to signaling during photomorphogenesis of
      rice is minor, as coleoptile phenotypes of phyAphyC mutants resemble those of
      jasmonate-deficient mutants despite the fact that induction by blue light leads
      to higher levels of JA-Ile compared to the wild type. We postulate that phyA and
      phyC could control the activity of specific enzymes metabolizing JA to active
      derivatives. 

PMID- 27135498
TI  - Functions of Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases in Plant Innate Immunity.
AB  - An increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) is generated by diverse physiological stimuli and
      stresses, including pathogen attack. Plants have evolved two branches of the
      immune system to defend against pathogen infections. The primary innate immune
      response is triggered by the detection of evolutionarily conserved pathogen
      associated molecular pattern (PAMP), which is called PAMP-triggered immunity
      (PTI). The second branch of plant innate immunity is triggered by the recognition
      of specific pathogen effector proteins and known as effector-triggered immunity
      (ETI). Calcium (Ca(2+)) signaling is essential in both plant PTI and ETI
      responses. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) have emerged as important
      Ca(2+) sensor proteins in transducing differential Ca(2+) signatures, triggered
      by PAMPs or effectors and activating complex downstream responses. CDPKs directly
      transmit calcium signals by calcium binding to the elongation factor (EF)-hand
      domain at the C-terminus and substrate phosphorylation by the catalytic kinase
      domain at the N-terminus. Emerging evidence suggests that specific and
      overlapping CDPKs phosphorylate distinct substrates in PTI and ETI to regulate
      diverse plant immune responses, including production of reactive oxygen species,
      transcriptional reprogramming of immune genes, and the hypersensitive response. 

PMID- 27135499
TI  - Accumulation of TIP2;2 Aquaporin during Dark Adaptation Is Partially PhyA
      Dependent in Roots of Arabidopsis Seedlings.
AB  - Light regulates the expression and function of aquaporins, which are involved in
      water and solute transport. In Arabidopsis thaliana, mRNA levels of one of the
      aquaporin genes, TIP2;2, increase during dark adaptation and decrease under far
      red light illumination, but the effects of light at the protein level and on the
      mechanism of light regulation remain unknown. Numerous studies have described the
      light regulation of aquaporin genes, but none have identified the regulatory
      mechanisms behind this regulation via specific photoreceptor signaling. In this
      paper, we focus on the role of phytochrome A (phyA) signaling in the regulation
      of the TIP2;2 protein. We generated Arabidopsis transgenic plants expressing a
      TIP2;2-GFP fusion protein driven by its own promoter, and showed several
      differences in TIP2;2 behavior between wild type and the phyA mutant.
      Fluorescence of TIP2;2-GFP protein in the endodermis of roots in the wild-type
      seedlings increased during dark adaptation, but not in the phyA mutant. The
      amount of the TIP2;2-GFP protein in wild-type seedlings decreased rapidly under
      far-red light illumination, and a delay in reduction of TIP2;2-GFP was observed
      in the phyA mutant. Our results imply that phyA, cooperating with other
      photoreceptors, modulates the level of TIP2;2 in Arabidopsis roots. 

PMID- 27135500
TI  - Diurnal Regulation of Leaf Water Status in High- and Low-Mannitol Olive
      Cultivars.
AB  - The role of mannitol and malic acid in the regulation of diurnal leaf water
      relations was investigated in 'Biancolilla' (high-mannitol) and 'Cerasuola' (low
      mannitol) olive trees. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), vapor pressure
      deficit (VPD), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (T), relative water
      content (RWC), mannitol and malic acid were measured in 'Biancolilla' and
      'Cerasuola' leaves during a dry and hot day of summer in Sicily. In general,
      leaves of 'Biancolilla' trees exhibited greater mannitol content, higher gs and
      T, but lower RWC than leaves of 'Cerasuola' trees. Differences in gs and T
      between the two cultivars were evident mainly in mid to late morning.
      'Biancolilla' leaves accumulated mannitol at midday and again late in the
      evening. Stomatal responses to VPD were RWC dependent, and limited somewhat T,
      only in 'Biancolilla'. Mannitol was directly related to RWC, and may play an
      osmotic role, in 'Biancolilla' leaves, whereas 'Cerasuola' leaves remained well
      hydrated by just transpiring less and regardless of mannitol. A day-time
      accumulation and night-time utilization of mannitol in 'Biancolilla' leaves is
      proposed as an efficient mechanism to regulate water status and growth. 

PMID- 27135501
TI  - Ca(2+)-Transport through Plasma Membrane as a Test of Auxin Sensitivity.
AB  - Auxin is one of the crucial regulators of plant growth and development. The
      discovered auxin cytosolic receptor (TIR1) is not involved in the perception of
      the hormone signal at the plasma membrane. Instead, another receptor, related to
      the ABP1, auxin binding protein1, is supposed to be responsible for the
      perception at the plasma membrane. One of the fast and sensitive auxin-induced
      reactions is an increase of Ca(2+) cytosolic concentration, which is suggested to
      be dependent on the activation of Ca(2+) influx through the plasma membrane. This
      investigation was carried out with a plasmalemma enriched vesicle fraction,
      obtained from etiolated maize coleoptiles. The magnitude of Ca(2+) efflux through
      the membrane vesicles was estimated according to the shift of potential dependent
      fluorescent dye diS-C3-(5). The obtained results showed that during coleoptiles
      ageing (3rd, 4th and 5th days of seedling etiolated growth) the magnitude of
      Ca(2+) efflux from inside-out vesicles was decreased. Addition of ABP1 led to a
      recovery of Ca(2+) efflux to the level of the youngest and most sensitive cells.
      Moreover, the efflux was more sensitive, responding from 10(-8) to 10(-6) M 1
      NAA, in vesicles containing ABP1, whereas native vesicles showed the highest
      efflux at 10(-6) M 1-NAA. We suggest that auxin increases plasma membrane
      permeability to Ca(2+) and that ABP1 is involved in modulation of this reaction. 

PMID- 27135503
TI  - LEAFY and Polar Auxin Transport Coordinately Regulate Arabidopsis Flower
      Development.
AB  - The plant specific transcription factor LEAFY (LFY) plays a pivotal role in the
      developmental switch to floral meristem identity in Arabidopsis. Our recent study
      revealed that LFY additionally acts downstream of AUXIN RESPONSE
      FACTOR5/MONOPTEROS to promote flower primordium initiation. LFY also promotes
      initiation of the floral organ and floral organ identity. To further investigate
      the interplay between LFY and auxin during flower development, we examined the
      phenotypic consequence of disrupting polar auxin transport in lfy mutants by
      genetic means. Plants with compromised LFY activity exhibit increased sensitivity
      to disruption of polar auxin transport. Compromised polar auxin transport
      activity in the lfy mutant background resulted in formation of fewer floral
      organs, abnormal gynoecium development, and fused sepals. In agreement with these
      observations, expression of the auxin response reporter DR5rev::GFP as well as of
      the direct LFY target CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON2 were altered in lfy mutant flowers.
      We also uncovered reduced expression of ETTIN, a regulator of gynoecium
      development and a direct LFY target. Our results suggest that LFY and polar auxin
      transport coordinately modulate flower development by regulating genes required
      for elaboration of the floral organs. 

PMID- 27135502
TI  - Light Signaling in Bud Outgrowth and Branching in Plants.
AB  - Branching determines the final shape of plants, which influences adaptation,
      survival and the visual quality of many species. It is an intricate process that
      includes bud outgrowth and shoot extension, and these in turn respond to
      environmental cues and light conditions. Light is a powerful environmental factor
      that impacts multiple processes throughout plant life. The molecular basis of the
      perception and transduction of the light signal within buds is poorly understood
      and undoubtedly requires to be further unravelled. This review is based on
      current knowledge on bud outgrowth-related mechanisms and light-mediated
      regulation of many physiological processes. It provides an extensive, though not
      exhaustive, overview of the findings related to this field. In parallel, it
      points to issues to be addressed in the near future. 

PMID- 27135504
TI  - Nutritive Value Response of Native Warm-Season Forage Grasses to Harvest
      Intervals and Durations in Mixed Stands.
AB  - Interest in management of native warm-season grasses for multiple uses is growing
      in southeastern USA. Forage quality response of early-succession mixed stands of
      big bluestem (BB, Andropogon gerardii), indiangrass (IG, Sorghastrum nutans), and
      little bluestem (SG, Schizachyrium scoparium) to harvest intervals (30-, 40-, 60
      , 90 or 120-d) and durations (one or two years) were assessed in crop-field
      buffers. Over three years, phased harvestings were initiated in May, on sets of
      randomized plots, >=90 cm apart, in five replications (blocks) to produce one-,
      two-, and three-year-old stands, by the third year. Whole-plot regrowths were
      machine-harvested after collecting species (IG and LB) sample tillers for
      leafiness estimates. Species-specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf-to-stem ratio
      (LSR) were greater for early-season harvests and shorter intervals. In a similar
      pattern, whole-plot crude protein concentrations were greatest for the 30-d (74
      g.kg(-1) DM) and the least (40 g.kg(-1) DM) for the 120-d interval. Corresponding
      neutral detergent fiber (NDF) values were the lowest (620 g.kg(-1) DM) and
      highest (710 g.kg(-1) DM), respectively. In vitro dry matter and NDF
      digestibility were greater for early-season harvests at shorter intervals (63 and
      720 g.kg(-1) DM). With strategic harvesting, similar stands may produce quality
      hay for beef cattle weight gain. 

PMID- 27135505
TI  - Four New Species of Nepenthes L. (Nepenthaceae) from the Central Mountains of
      Mindanao, Philippines.
AB  - Together with the islands of Sumatra (Indonesia) and Borneo (Indonesia,
      Malaysia), the Philippines are the main center of diversity for carnivorous
      pitcher plants of the genus, Nepenthes L. Nepenthes are the largest of all
      carnivorous plants, and the species with the biggest pitchers are capable of
      trapping and digesting small amphibians and even mammals. The central cordillera
      of Mindanao Island in the south of the Philippines is mostly covered with old,
      primary forest and is the largest remaining cohesive, untouched area of
      wilderness in the Philippines. In a recent field exploration of two areas of the
      central cordillera, namely Mount Sumagaya and a section of the Pantaron range,
      four new taxa of Nepenthes were discovered. These four remarkable new species, N.
      pantaronensis, N. cornuta, N. talaandig and N. amabilis, are described,
      illustrated and assessed. 

PMID- 27135506
TI  - Shielding Flowers Developing under Stress: Translating Theory to Field
      Application.
AB  - Developing reproductive organs within a flower are sensitive to environmental
      stress. A higher incidence of environmental stress during this stage of a crop
      plants' developmental cycle will lead to major breaches in food security.
      Clearly, we need to understand this sensitivity and try and overcome it, by
      agricultural practices and/or the breeding of more tolerant cultivars. Although
      passion fruit vines initiate flowers all year round, flower primordia abort
      during warm summers. This restricts the season of fruit production in regions
      with warm summers. Previously, using controlled chambers, stages in flower
      development that are sensitive to heat were identified. Based on genetic analysis
      and physiological experiments in controlled environments, gibberellin activity
      appeared to be a possible point of horticultural intervention. Here, we aimed to
      shield flowers of a commercial cultivar from end of summer conditions, thus
      allowing fruit production in new seasons. We conducted experiments over three
      years in different settings, and our findings consistently show that a single
      application of an inhibitor of gibberellin biosynthesis to vines in mid-August
      can cause precocious flowering of ~2-4 weeks, leading to earlier fruit production
      of ~1 month. In this case, knowledge obtained on phenology, environmental
      constraints and genetic variation, allowed us to reach a practical solution. 

PMID- 27135507
TI  - Characterization of Four Bifunctional Plant IAM/PAM-Amidohydrolases Capable of
      Contributing to Auxin Biosynthesis.
AB  - Amidases [EC 3.5.1.4] capable of converting indole-3-acetamide (IAM) into the
      major plant growth hormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) are assumed to be involved
      in auxin de novo biosynthesis. With the emerging amount of genomics data, it was
      possible to identify over forty proteins with substantial homology to the already
      characterized amidases from Arabidopsis and tobacco. The observed high
      conservation of amidase-like proteins throughout the plant kingdom may suggest an
      important role of theses enzymes in plant development. Here, we report cloning
      and functional analysis of four, thus far, uncharacterized plant amidases from
      Oryza sativa, Sorghum bicolor, Medicago truncatula, and Populus trichocarpa.
      Intriguingly, we were able to demonstrate that the examined amidases are also
      capable of converting phenyl-2-acetamide (PAM) into phenyl-2-acetic acid (PAA),
      an auxin endogenous to several plant species including Arabidopsis. Furthermore,
      we compared the subcellular localization of the enzymes to that of Arabidopsis
      AMI1, providing further evidence for similar enzymatic functions. Our results
      point to the presence of a presumably conserved pathway of auxin biosynthesis via
      IAM, as amidases, both of monocot, and dicot origins, were analyzed. 

PMID- 27135508
TI  - The Half-Size ABC Transporter FOLDED PETALS 2/ABCG13 Is Involved in Petal
      Elongation through Narrow Spaces in Arabidopsis thaliana Floral Buds.
AB  - Flowers are vital for attracting pollinators to plants and in horticulture for
      humans. Petal morphogenesis is a central process of floral development. Petal
      development can be divided into three main processes: the establishment of organ
      identity in a concentric pattern, primordia initiation at fixed positions within
      a whorl, and morphogenesis, which includes petal elongation through the narrow
      spaces within the bud. Here, we show that the FOLDED PETALS 2 (FOP2) gene,
      encoding a member of the half-size ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter family
      ABCG13, is involved in straight elongation of petals in Arabidopsis thaliana. In
      fop2 mutants, flowers open with folded petals, instead of straight-elongated ones
      found in the wild type. The epicuticular nanoridge structures are absent in many
      abaxial epidermal cells of fop2 petals, and surgical or genetic generation of
      space in young fop2 buds restores the straight elongation of petals, suggesting
      that the physical contact of sepals and petals causes the petal folding. Similar
      petal folding has been reported in the fop1 mutant, and the petals of fop2 fop1
      double mutants resemble those of both the fop1 and fop2 single mutants, although
      the epidermal structure and permeability of the petal surface is more affected in
      fop2. Our results suggest that synthesis and transport of cutin or wax in growing
      petals play an important role for their smooth elongation through the narrow
      spaces of floral buds. 

PMID- 27135509
TI  - Expression of the Arabidopsis Sigma Factor SIG5 Is Photoreceptor and
      Photosynthesis Controlled.
AB  - Two collections of Arabidopsis GAL4 enhancer trap lines were screened for light
      intensity dependent reporter gene activation. Line N9313 was isolated for its
      strong light-intensity regulation. The T-DNA element trapped distant enhancers of
      the SIG5 promoter, which drives expression of a sigma factor involved in
      regulation of chloroplast genes for photosystem II core proteins. The T-DNA
      insertion 715 bp upstream of the transcription initiation site splits the
      promoter in a distal and proximal part. Both parts are sensitive to blue and red
      light and depend on photosynthetic electron transport activity between
      photosystem II and the plastoquinone pool. The mainblue-light sensitivity is
      localized within a 196-bp sequence (-887 to -691 bp) in the proximal promoter
      region It is preferentially CRY1 and PHYB controlled. Type-I and type-II
      phytochromes mediate red-light sensitivity via various promoter elements spread
      over the proximal and distal upstream region. This work characterizes SIG5 as an
      anterograde control factor of chloroplast gene expression, which is controlled by
      chloroplast signals in a retrograde manner. 

PMID- 27135510
TI  - Vacuolar Sorting Receptor-Mediated Trafficking of Soluble Vacuolar Proteins in
      Plant Cells.
AB  - Vacuoles are one of the most prominent organelles in plant cells, and they play
      various important roles, such as degradation of waste materials, storage of ions
      and metabolites, and maintaining turgor. During the past two decades, numerous
      advances have been made in understanding how proteins are specifically delivered
      to the vacuole. One of the most crucial steps in this process is specific sorting
      of soluble vacuolar proteins. Vacuolar sorting receptors (VSRs), which are type I
      membrane proteins, are involved in the sorting and packaging of soluble vacuolar
      proteins into transport vesicles with the help of various accessory proteins. To
      date, large amounts of data have led to the development of two different models
      describing VSR-mediated vacuolar trafficking that are radically different in
      multiple ways, particularly regarding the location of cargo binding to, and
      release from, the VSR and the types of carriers utilized. In this review, we
      summarize current literature aimed at elucidating VSR-mediated vacuolar
      trafficking and compare the two models with respect to the sorting signals of
      vacuolar proteins, as well as the molecular machinery involved in VSR-mediated
      vacuolar trafficking and its action mechanisms. 

PMID- 27135511
TI  - Vacuolar Na+/H+ NHX-Type Antiporters Are Required for Cellular K+ Homeostasis,
      Microtubule Organization and Directional Root Growth.
AB  - Na+/H+ antiporters (NHXs) are integral membrane transporters that catalyze the
      electroneutral exchange of K+ or Na+ for H+ and are implicated in cell expansion,
      development, pH and ion homeostasis and salt tolerance. Arabidopsis contains four
      vacuolar NHX isoforms (NHX1-NHX4), but only the functional roles for NHX1 and
      NHX2 have been assessed thus far. Colocalization studies indicated that NHX3 and
      NHX4 colocalize to the tonoplast. To investigate the role of all vacuolar NHX
      isoforms, a quadruple knockout nhx1nhx2nhx3nhx4, lacking all vacuolar NHXs, was
      generated. Seedlings of nhx1nhx2nhx3nhx4 displayed significantly reduced growth,
      with markedly shorter hypocotyls. Under high K+, but not Na+, pronounced root
      skewing occurred in nhx1nhx2nhx3nhx4, suggesting that the organization of the
      cytoskeleton might be perturbed. Whole mount immunolabeling of cortical
      microtubules indicated that high K+ caused significant microtubule reorganization
      in nhx1nhx2nhx3nhx4 root cells of the elongation zone. Using microtubule
      stabilizing (Taxol) and destabilizing (propyzamide) drugs, we found that the
      effect of K+ on nhx1nhx2nhx3nhx4 root growth was antagonistic to that of Taxol,
      whereas elevated K+ exacerbated the endogenous effect of propyzamide on root
      skewing. Collectively, our results suggest that altered K+ homeostasis leads to
      an increase in the dynamics of cortical microtubule reorganization in
      nhx1nhx2nhx3nhx4 root epidermal cells of the elongation zone. 

PMID- 27135512
TI  - Calmodulin Gene Expression in Response to Mechanical Wounding and Botrytis
      cinerea Infection in Tomato Fruit.
AB  - Calmodulin, a ubiquitous calcium sensor, plays an important role in decoding
      stress-triggered intracellular calcium changes and regulates the functions of
      numerous target proteins involved in various plant physiological responses. To
      determine the functions of calmodulin in fleshy fruit, expression studies were
      performed on a family of six calmodulin genes (SlCaMs) in mature-green stage
      tomato fruit in response to mechanical injury and Botrytis cinerea infection.
      Both wounding and pathogen inoculation triggered expression of all those genes,
      with SlCaM2 being the most responsive one to both treatments. Furthermore, all
      calmodulin genes were upregulated by salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate, two
      signaling molecules involved in plant immunity. In addition to SlCaM2, SlCaM1 was
      highly responsive to salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate. However, SlCaM2
      exhibited a more rapid and stronger response than SlCaM1. Overexpression of
      SlCaM2 in tomato fruit enhanced resistance to Botrytis-induced decay, whereas
      reducing its expression resulted in increased lesion development. These results
      indicate that calmodulin is a positive regulator of plant defense in fruit by
      activating defense pathways including salicylate- and jasmonate-signaling
      pathways, and SlCaM2 is the major calmodulin gene responsible for this event. 

PMID- 27135513
TI  - Live Cell Imaging During Germination Reveals Dynamic Tubular Structures Derived
      from Protein Storage Vacuoles of Barley Aleurone Cells.
AB  - The germination of cereal seeds is a rapid developmental process in which the
      endomembrane system undergoes a series of dynamic morphological changes to
      mobilize storage compounds. The changing ultrastructure of protein storage
      vacuoles (PSVs) in the cells of the aleurone layer has been investigated in the
      past, but generally this involved inferences drawn from static pictures
      representing different developmental stages. We used live cell imaging in
      transgenic barley plants expressing a TIP3-GFP fusion protein as a fluorescent
      PSV marker to follow in real time the spatially and temporally regulated
      remodeling and reshaping of PSVs during germination. During late-stage
      germination, we observed thin, tubular structures extending from PSVs in an actin
      dependent manner. No extensions were detected following the disruption of actin
      microfilaments, while microtubules did not appear to be involved in the process.
      The previously-undetected tubular PSV structures were characterized by complex
      movements, fusion events and a dynamic morphology. Their function during
      germination remains unknown, but might be related to the transport of solutes and
      metabolites. 

PMID- 27135515
TI  - Quantifying the Effects of Photoperiod, Temperature and Daily Irradiance on
      Flowering Time of Soybean Isolines.
AB  - Soybean isolines with different combinations of photoperiod sensitivity alleles
      were planted in a greenhouse at different times during the year resulting in
      natural variation in daily incident irradiance and duration. The time from
      planting to first flower were observed. Mathematical models, using additive and
      multiplicative modes, were developed to quantify the effect of photoperiod,
      temperature, photoperiod-temperature interactions, rate of photoperiod change,
      and daily solar irradiance on flowering time. Observed flowering times correlated
      with predicted times (R2 = 0.92, Standard Error of the Estimate (SSE) = 2.84 d,
      multiplicative mode; R2 = 0.91, SSE = 2.88 d, additive mode). The addition of a
      rate of photoperiod change function and an irradiance function to the temperature
      and photoperiod functions improved the accuracy of flowering time prediction. The
      addition of a modified photoperiod function, which allowed for photoperiod
      sensitivity at shorter photoperiods, improved prediction of flowering time. Both
      increasing and decreasing rate of photoperiod change, as well as low levels of
      daily irradiance delayed flowering in soybean. The complete model, which included
      terms for the rate of photoperiod change, photoperiod, temperature and
      irradiance, predicted time to first flower in soybean across a range of
      environmental conditions with an SEE of 3.6 days when tested with independent
      data. 

PMID- 27135514
TI  - Plant Responses to Simultaneous Biotic and Abiotic Stress: Molecular Mechanisms.
AB  - Plants are constantly confronted to both abiotic and biotic stresses that
      seriously reduce their productivity. Plant responses to these stresses are
      complex and involve numerous physiological, molecular, and cellular adaptations.
      Recent evidence shows that a combination of abiotic and biotic stress can have a
      positive effect on plant performance by reducing the susceptibility to biotic
      stress. Such an interaction between both types of stress points to a crosstalk
      between their respective signaling pathways. This crosstalk may be synergistic
      and/or antagonistic and include among others the involvement of phytohormones,
      transcription factors, kinase cascades, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In
      certain cases, such crosstalk can lead to a cross-tolerance and enhancement of a
      plant's resistance against pathogens. This review aims at giving an insight into
      cross-tolerance between abiotic and biotic stress, focusing on the molecular
      level and regulatory pathways. 

PMID- 27135516
TI  - Senescence-Associated Vacuoles, a Specific Lytic Compartment for Degradation of
      Chloroplast Proteins?
AB  - Degradation of chloroplasts and chloroplast components is a distinctive feature
      of leaf senescence. In spite of its importance in the nutrient economy of plants,
      knowledge about the mechanism(s) involved in the breakdown of chloroplast
      proteins is incomplete. A novel class of vacuoles, "senescence-associated
      vacuoles" (SAVs), characterized by intense proteolytic activity appear during
      senescence in chloroplast-containing cells of leaves. Since SAVs contain some
      chloroplast proteins, they are candidate organelles to participate in chloroplast
      breakdown. In this review we discuss the characteristics of SAVs, and their
      possible involvement in the degradation of Rubisco, the most abundant chloroplast
      protein. Finally, SAVs are compared with other extra-plastidial protein
      degradation pathways operating in senescing leaves. 

PMID- 27135517
TI  - Glycoside Hydrolase Activities in Cell Walls of Sclerenchyma Cells in the
      Inflorescence Stems of Arabidopsis thaliana Visualized in Situ.
AB  - Techniques for in situ localization of gene products provide indispensable
      information for understanding biological function. In the case of enzymes,
      biological function is directly related to activity, and therefore, knowledge of
      activity patterns is central to understanding the molecular controls of plant
      development. We have previously developed a novel type of fluorogenic substrate
      for revealing glycoside hydrolase activity in planta, based on resorufin beta
      glycosides Here, we explore a wider range of such substrates to visualize
      glycoside hydrolase activities in Arabidopsis inflorescence stems in real time,
      especially highlighting distinct distribution patterns of these activities in the
      secondary cell walls of sclerenchyma cells. The results demonstrate that beta-1,4
      glucosidase, beta-1,4-glucanase and beta-1,4-galactosidase activities accompany
      secondary wall deposition. In contrast, xyloglucanase activity follows a
      different pattern, with the highest signal observed in mature cells, concentrated
      in the middle lamella. These data further the understanding of the process of
      cell wall deposition and function in sclerenchymatic tissues of plants. 

PMID- 27135518
TI  - Structural Diversity and Function of Xyloglucan Sidechain Substituents.
AB  - Xyloglucan (XyG) is a hemicellulose found in the cell walls of all land plants
      including early-divergent groups such as liverworts, hornworts and mosses. The
      basic structure of XyG, a xylosylated glucan, is similar in all of these plants
      but additional substituents can vary depending on plant family, tissue, and
      developmental stage. A comprehensive list of known XyG sidechain substituents is
      assembled including their occurrence within plant families, thereby providing
      insight into the evolutionary origin of the various sidechains. Recent advances
      in DNA sequencing have enabled comparative genomics approaches for the
      identification of XyG biosynthetic enzymes in Arabidopsis thaliana as well as in
      non-model plant species. Characterization of these biosynthetic genes not only
      allows the determination of their substrate specificity but also provides
      insights into the function of the various substituents in plant growth and
      development. 

PMID- 27135519
TI  - Penium margaritaceum: A Unicellular Model Organism for Studying Plant Cell Wall
      Architecture and Dynamics.
AB  - Penium margaritaceum is a new and valuable unicellular model organism for
      studying plant cell wall structure and developmental dynamics. This charophyte
      has a cell wall composition remarkably similar to the primary cell wall of many
      higher plants and clearly-defined inclusive zones containing specific polymers.
      Penium has a simple cylindrical phenotype with a distinct region of focused wall
      synthesis. Specific polymers, particularly pectins, can be identified using
      monoclonal antibodies raised against polymers of higher plant cell walls.
      Immunofluorescence-based labeling is easily performed using live cells that
      subsequently can be returned to culture and monitored. This feature allows for
      rapid assessment of wall expansion rates and identification of multiple polymer
      types in the wall microarchitecture during the cell cycle. Cryofixation by means
      of spray freezing provides excellent transmission electron microscopy imaging of
      the cell, including its elaborate endomembrane and cytoskeletal systems, both
      integral to cell wall development. Penium's fast growth rate allows for
      convenient microarray screening of various agents that alter wall biosynthesis
      and metabolism. Finally, recent successful development of transformed cell lines
      has allowed for non-invasive imaging of proteins in cells and for RNAi reverse
      genetics that can be used for cell wall biosynthesis studies. 

PMID- 27135520
TI  - Redox Modulation Matters: Emerging Functions for Glutaredoxins in Plant
      Development and Stress Responses.
AB  - Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are small ubiquitous glutathione (GSH)-dependent
      oxidoreductases that catalyze the reversible reduction of protein disulfide
      bridges or protein-GSH mixed disulfide bonds via a dithiol or monothiol
      mechanism, respectively. Three major classes of GRXs, with the CPYC-type, the
      CGFS-type or the CC-type active site, have been identified in many plant species.
      In spite of the well-characterized roles for GRXs in Escherichia coli, yeast and
      humans, the biological functions of plant GRXs have been largely enigmatic. The
      CPYC-type and CGFS-type GRXs exist in all organisms, from prokaryotes to
      eukaryotes, whereas the CC-type class has thus far been solely identified in land
      plants. Only the number of the CC-type GRXs has enlarged dramatically during the
      evolution of land plants, suggesting their participation in the formation of more
      complex plants adapted to life on land. A growing body of evidence indicates that
      plant GRXs are involved in numerous cellular pathways. In this review, emphasis
      is placed on the recently emerging functions for GRXs in floral organ development
      and disease resistance. Notably, CC-type GRXs have been recruited to participate
      in these two seemingly unrelated processes. Besides, the current knowledge of
      plant GRXs in the assembly and delivery of iron-sulfur clusters, oxidative stress
      responses and arsenic resistance is also presented. As GRXs require GSH as an
      electron donor to reduce their target proteins, GSH-related developmental
      processes, including the control of flowering time and the development of
      postembryonic roots and shoots, are further discussed. Profiling the thiol redox
      proteome using high-throughput proteomic approaches and measuring cellular redox
      changes with fluorescent redox biosensors will help to further unravel the redox
      regulated physiological processes in plants. 

PMID- 27135521
TI  - Plasmolysis: Loss of Turgor and Beyond.
AB  - Plasmolysis is a typical response of plant cells exposed to hyperosmotic stress.
      The loss of turgor causes the violent detachment of the living protoplast from
      the cell wall. The plasmolytic process is mainly driven by the vacuole.
      Plasmolysis is reversible (deplasmolysis) and characteristic to living plant
      cells. Obviously, dramatic structural changes are required to fulfill a
      plasmolytic cycle. In the present paper, the fate of cortical microtubules and
      actin microfilaments is documented throughout a plasmolytic cycle in living cells
      of green fluorescent protein (GFP) tagged Arabidopsis lines. While the
      microtubules became wavy and highly bundled during plasmolysis, cortical
      filamentous actin remained in close vicinity to the plasma membrane lining the
      sites of concave plasmolysis and adjusting readily to the diminished size of the
      protoplast. During deplasmolysis, cortical microtubule re-organization progressed
      slowly and required up to 24 h to complete the restoration of the original pre
      plasmolytic pattern. Actin microfilaments, again, recovered faster and organelle
      movement remained intact throughout the whole process. In summary, the
      hydrostatic skeleton resulting from the osmotic state of the plant vacuole
      "overrules" the stabilization by cortical cytoskeletal elements. 

PMID- 27135522
TI  - Pistil Smut Infection Increases Ovary Production, Seed Yield Components, and
      Pseudosexual Reproductive Allocation in Buffalograss.
AB  - Sex expression of dioecious buffalograss [Bouteloua dactyloides Columbus (syn.
      Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm.)] is known to be environmentally stable with
      approximate 1:1, male to female, sex ratios. Here we show that infection by the
      pistil smut fungus [Salmacisia buchloeana Huff & Chandra (syn. Tilletia
      buchloeana Kellerman and Swingle)] shifts sex ratios of buffalograss to be nearly
      100% phenotypically hermaphroditic. In addition, pistil smut infection decreased
      vegetative reproductive allocation, increased most seed yield components, and
      increased pseudosexual reproductive allocation in both sex forms compared to
      uninfected clones. In female sex forms, pistil smut infection resulted in a 26
      fold increase in ovary production and a 35 fold increase in potential harvest
      index. In male sex forms, pistil smut infection resulted in 2.37 fold increase in
      floret number and over 95% of these florets contained a well-developed pistil.
      Although all ovaries of infected plants are filled with fungal teliospores and
      hence reproductively sterile, an average male-female pair of infected plants
      exhibited an 87 fold increase in potential harvest index compared to their
      uninfected clones. Acquiring an ability to mimic the effects of pistil smut
      infection would enhance our understanding of the flowering process in grasses and
      our efforts to increase seed yield of buffalograss and perhaps other grasses. 

PMID- 27135523
TI  - Plant Polygalacturonases Involved in Cell Elongation and Separation-The Same but
      Different?
AB  - Plant cells are surrounded by the primary cell wall, a rigid framework that needs
      to be modified in order to allow cell growth. Recent data suggest that in
      addition to the cellulose-hemicellulose network, the pectin matrix plays a
      critical role in determining the elasticity of the primary cell wall.
      Polygalacturonases are key homogalacturonan-hydrolyzing enzymes that function in
      a wide range of developmental processes. In this review, we present recent
      progress in understanding the role of polygalacturonases during cell elongation
      and separation. In discussing the specificities and possible redundancies of
      polygalacturonases, we focus particularly on newly discovered Arabidopsis mutants
      that have measurable loss-of-function phenotypes. However, data from other
      species are included when necessary. 

PMID- 27135524
TI  - Nanoscale Porous Lithium Titanate Anode for Superior High Temperature
      Performance.
AB  - In this work, nanoscale porous lithium titanate (LTO) anode material was
      synthesized by using aqueous spray drying method after ball milling. The size of
      the LTO nanoparticles was optimized to 200 nm because of its considerable
      moisture absorption levels for stable performance and its cooperation to make
      good quality electrodes found with testing. The electrochemical performance of
      the synthesized LTO nanoparticles was found to be very stable at high operating
      temperature (50  degrees C) and high current rate (5 C) which was worth noticing
      than its usual unfavorable behaviors (gas generation and surface phase
      transitions) at higher temperatures. In the postanalysis on the aged LTO cells,
      high-resolution-transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and fast Fourier
      transform (FFT) measurements reveal that the LTO phase transitions are maintained
      to very thin surface level (3-5 nm) even after 500 cycles at 50  degrees C.
      Moreover, the synthesized LTO material showed stable cycling with a high capacity
      of 138.74 mA h g(-1) at 1 C rate and 111.53 mA h g(-1) at 5 C rate. Furthermore,
      high columbic efficiency and excellent capacity retention over 500 cycles at 50 
      degrees C was achieved. The enhanced electrochemical properties can be attributed
      to the increase in surface area and shortened Li(+) diffusion lengths because of
      the nanoscale primary particles and porous structure of the synthesized LTO
      particles.

PMID- 27135525
TI  - Association of Picky Eating and Food Neophobia with Weight: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Picky eating and food neophobia are common during childhood.
      Childhood eating behaviors are often predictive of adult eating behaviors.
      OBJECTIVES: Determine if childhood picky eating or food neophobia is associated
      with childhood weight status, or with becoming underweight, overweight, or obese
      later in childhood. DATA SOURCES: We identified relevant studies from searches of
      PubMed, PsycINFO, and NEOHAL, as well as citations from identified studies. Study
      Eligibility Criteria and Participants: Inclusion criteria were original research
      articles examining a relationship between picky eating and/or food neophobia with
      childhood weight status. We summarized definitions and prevalence of picky eating
      or food neophobia and association with weight status. STUDY APPRAISAL: Two
      independent investigators assessed bias and confounding using the Agency for
      Healthcare Research and Quality's RTI Item Bank. RESULTS: Forty-one studies met
      inclusion criteria. Picky eating was defined inconsistently, and a large
      variation in prevalence was found (5.8%-59%). Food neophobia was consistently
      defined as an unwillingness to try new foods, with a prevalence between 40% and
      60%. No association existed between childhood weight status and food neophobia,
      and results were unclear for picky eating. LIMITATIONS: Risk of bias and
      confounding were moderate. Parental report was commonly used to assess picky
      eating, height, and weight and parental weight, feeding styles, and community
      characteristics were infrequently considered. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
      Heterogeneous definitions used for picky eating led to a wide range of reported
      prevalence and an unclear relationship with weight. Consistent definitions and an
      improved understanding of such a relationship could help clinicians provide
      appropriate anticipatory guidance.

PMID- 27135526
TI  - Primary hyperparathyroidism: Increasing prevalence, social deprivation, and
      surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure the increasing incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism
      (PHPT) in Scotland, to determine the relationship between PHPT and deprivation,
      and to investigate the relationship between parathyroidectomy (PTX) and social
      deprivation. METHODS: We retrospectively identified a cohort of patients
      diagnosed with PHPT between 1986 and 2013 from the Scottish Morbidity Records
      (SMR01) database. The diagnosis of PHPT was made in accordance with the
      International Classification of Diseases code. RESULTS: Between the years 1986
      and 2013, 4002 patients were diagnosed with PHPT. There was a significant
      increase in the incidence of PHPT in this period (p < 0.0001), an association
      between the incidence of PHPT and deprivation (p < 0.0001) plus an association
      between a lower rate of PTX and deprivation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The increase
      in incidence of PHPT may be due to a combination of increased awareness of PHPT,
      easier diagnosis, and an ageing population. The lower rate of PTX in relation to
      deprivation may reflect comorbidities, age, and uncertainty about the long-term
      benefits of PTX in asymptomatic patients.

PMID- 27135527
TI  - Transforming a System: Improving Patient-Centered Care for Sexual and Gender
      Minority Veterans.

PMID- 27135528
TI  - Perspectives in Pediatric Pathology, Chapter 18. Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadisms.
      Pediatric and Pubertal Presentations.

PMID- 27135529
TI  - Tunable and Efficient White Light Phosphorescent Emission Based on Single
      Component N-Heterocyclic Carbene Platinum(II) Complexes.
AB  - A new class of cyclometalated pyridine N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) Pt(II)
      complexes with electronically different alkyne derivatives (C=CR; R = C6H4C(CH3)3
      (1), C6H5 (2), C6H4F (3), C6H3(CF3)2 (4)) as ancillary ligands were synthesized,
      and the consequences of the electronic properties of the different substituted
      phenylacetylene ligands on the phosphorescent emission efficiencies were studied,
      where C=CC6H4C(CH3)3 = 4-tert-butylphenylacetylene, C=CC6H5 = phenylacetylene,
      C=CC6H4F = 4-fluorophenylacetylene, and C=CC6H3(CF3)2 = 3,5
      bis(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetylene. Structural characterization,
      electrochemistry, and photophysical investigations were performed for all four
      compounds. Moreover, the emission quantum efficiencies and wavelength emission
      intensities of the complexes were also recorded in different weight percents in
      poly(methyl methacrylate) films (PMMA) and evaluated in the CIE-1931 chromaticity
      diagram. The square planar coordination geometry with the alkynyl ligands was
      corroborated for complexes 1, 2, and 3 by single crystal X-ray diffraction
      studies. These complexes show tunable monomeric high energy triplet emission and
      an additional concentration-dependent low-energy excimer-based phosphorescence.
      While adopting weight percent concentrations between 15 and 25%, the two emission
      bands covering the entire visible spectrum were obtained with these particular
      complexes displaying the properties of an efficient white light triplet emitter
      with excellent CIE-1931 coordinates (0.31, 0.33). On the basis of the high
      luminescent quantum efficiency of over 50% for white light emission, these
      compounds could be potentially useful for white organic light-emitting diodes
      (WOLEDs) based applications.

PMID- 27135530
TI  - The Power of Logic and Reason.

PMID- 27135531
TI  - Principles of Systems Biology, No. 4.
AB  - What controls gene expression? Perhaps more than we thought reveal the first
      three responses to this month's Cell Systems Call (Cell Systems 1, 307). Plus,
      CRISPR/Cas9 targets RNA. 

PMID- 27135532
TI  - Staying Clear of the Dragons.
AB  - A new, game-changing approach makes it possible to rigorously disprove models
      without making assumptions about the unknown parts of the biological system.

PMID- 27135533
TI  - Mapping the Spectrum of Gene Expression Responses.
AB  - How does one transcription factor generate distinct, diverse expression patterns?
      Porter et al. reveal that the dynamics of p53 localization and the degradation
      rates of its target mRNAs are key.

PMID- 27135534
TI  - The Duty of an Intracellular Signal: Illuminating Calcium's Role in
      Transcriptional Control.
AB  - An optogenetic approach reveals how cells encode external information in complex
      patterns of protein activity.

PMID- 27135535
TI  - Multiplexed Epitope-Based Tissue Imaging for Discovery and Healthcare
      Applications.
AB  - The study of organs and tissues on a molecular level is necessary as we seek an
      understanding of health and disease. Over the last few years, powerful highly
      multiplexed epitope-based imaging approaches that rely on the serial imaging of
      tissues with fluorescently labeled antibodies and the simultaneous analysis using
      metal-labeled antibodies have emerged. These techniques enable analysis of dozens
      of epitopes in thousands of cells in a single experiment providing a systems
      level view of normal and disease processes at the single-cell level with spatial
      resolution in tissues. In this Review, I discuss, first, the highly multiplexed
      epitope-based imaging approaches and the generated data. Second, I describe
      challenges that must be overcome to implement these imaging methods from bench to
      bedside, including issues with tissue processing and analyses of the large
      amounts of data generated. Third, I discuss how these methods can be integrated
      with readouts of genome, transcriptome, metabolome, and live cell information,
      and fourth, the novel applications possible in tissue biology, drug development,
      and biomarker discovery. I anticipate that highly multiplexed epitope-based
      imaging approaches will broadly complement existing imaging methods and will
      become a cornerstone of tissue biology and biomedical research and of precision
      medical applications. 

PMID- 27135536
TI  - Low Dimensionality in Gene Expression Data Enables the Accurate Extraction of
      Transcriptional Programs from Shallow Sequencing.
AB  - A tradeoff between precision and throughput constrains all biological
      measurements, including sequencing-based technologies. Here, we develop a
      mathematical framework that defines this tradeoff between mRNA-sequencing depth
      and error in the extraction of biological information. We find that
      transcriptional programs can be reproducibly identified at 1% of conventional
      read depths. We demonstrate that this resilience to noise of "shallow" sequencing
      derives from a natural property, low dimensionality, which is a fundamental
      feature of gene expression data. Accordingly, our conclusions hold for ~350
      single-cell and bulk gene expression datasets across yeast, mouse, and human. In
      total, our approach provides quantitative guidelines for the choice of sequencing
      depth necessary to achieve a desired level of analytical resolution. We codify
      these guidelines in an open-source read depth calculator. This work demonstrates
      that the structure inherent in biological networks can be productively exploited
      to increase measurement throughput, an idea that is now common in many branches
      of science, such as image processing.

PMID- 27135537
TI  - Exploiting Natural Fluctuations to Identify Kinetic Mechanisms in Sparsely
      Characterized Systems.
AB  - From biochemistry to ecology, many biological systems are stochastic, complex,
      and sparsely characterized. In such systems, each component may respond to
      changes in any directly or indirectly connected components, thus requiring
      knowledge of the whole to predict the dynamics of the parts. Here, we address
      this challenge by deriving relations between properties of fluctuations that only
      reflect local interactions between a subset of components but are invariant to
      all indirectly connected dynamics. This greatly reduces the number of assumptions
      when evaluating dynamic models experimentally. We illustrate the approach by
      revisiting systematic single-cell gene expression data, and we show that the
      observed fluctuations contradict the assumptions made in most published models of
      stochastic gene expression, even when accounting for the possibility of
      systematic experimental artifacts. 

PMID- 27135538
TI  - Global Rebalancing of Cellular Resources by Pleiotropic Point Mutations
      Illustrates a Multi-scale Mechanism of Adaptive Evolution.
AB  - Pleiotropic regulatory mutations affect diverse cellular processes, posing a
      challenge to our understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships across
      multiple biological scales. Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) allows for such
      mutations to be found and characterized in the context of clear selection
      pressures. Here, several ALE-selected single-mutation variants in RNA polymerase
      (RNAP) of Escherichia coli are detailed using an integrated multi-scale
      experimental and computational approach. While these mutations increase cellular
      growth rates in steady environments, they reduce tolerance to stress and
      environmental fluctuations. We detail structural changes in the RNAP that rewire
      the transcriptional machinery to rebalance proteome and energy allocation toward
      growth and away from several hedging and stress functions. We find that while
      these mutations occur in diverse locations in the RNAP, they share a common
      adaptive mechanism. In turn, these findings highlight the resource allocation
      trade-offs organisms face and suggest how the structure of the regulatory network
      enhances evolvability.

PMID- 27135539
TI  - p53 Pulses Diversify Target Gene Expression Dynamics in an mRNA Half-Life
      Dependent Manner and Delineate Co-regulated Target Gene Subnetworks.
AB  - The transcription factor p53 responds to DNA double-strand breaks by increasing
      in concentration in a series of pulses of fixed amplitude, duration, and period.
      How p53 pulses influence the dynamics of p53 target gene expression is not
      understood. Here, we show that, in bulk cell populations, patterns of p53 target
      gene expression cluster into groups with stereotyped temporal behaviors,
      including pulsing and rising dynamics. These behaviors correlate statistically
      with the mRNA decay rates of target genes: short mRNA half-lives produce pulses
      of gene expression. This relationship can be recapitulated by mathematical models
      of p53-dependent gene expression in single cells and cell populations. Single
      cell transcriptional profiling demonstrates that expression of a subset of p53
      target genes is coordinated across time within single cells; p53 pulsing
      attenuates this coordination. These results help delineate how p53 orchestrates
      the complex DNA damage response and give insight into the function of pulsatile
      signaling pathways.

PMID- 27135540
TI  - Optogenetic Control of Calcium Oscillation Waveform Defines NFAT as an Integrator
      of Calcium Load.
AB  - It is known that the calcium-dependent transcription factor NFAT initiates
      transcription in response to pulsatile loads of calcium signal. However, the
      relative contributions of calcium oscillation frequency, amplitude, and duty
      cycle to transcriptional activity remain unclear. Here, we engineer HeLa cells to
      permit optogenetic control of intracellular calcium concentration using
      programmable LED arrays. This approach allows us to generate calcium oscillations
      of constant peak amplitude, in which frequency is varied while holding duty cycle
      constant, or vice versa. Using this setup and mathematical modeling, we show that
      NFAT transcriptional activity depends more on duty cycle, defined as the
      proportion of the integrated calcium concentration over the oscillation period,
      than on frequency alone. This demonstrates that NFAT acts primarily as a signal
      integrator of cumulative load rather than a frequency-selective decoder. This
      approach resolves a fundamental question in calcium encoding and demonstrates the
      value of optogenetics for isolating individual dynamical components of larger
      signaling behaviors.

PMID- 27135541
TI  - Association between C-reactive protein and suicidal behavior in an adult
      inpatient population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship of inflammation and suicidal behavior in
      hospitalized adult psychiatric patients. METHOD: We retrospectively examined
      serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in inpatients at a
      tertiary-level university hospital (N = 184). The inpatients comprised three
      cohorts: 1) patients admitted following a suicide attempt, 2) patients with
      suicidal ideation, and 3) inpatient psychiatric controls. Additionally, we
      gathered demographic data, clinical data, smoking status, white blood cell count,
      and fasting lipid panel. RESULTS: As CRP level increased, the probability of
      patients belonging to the suicide attempt group increased as compared to both the
      probabilities of being in inpatient psychiatric control and or suicide ideation
      groups [OR = 2.09, CI = (1.29, 3.38) and OR = 1.75, CI = (1.15, 2.66)
      respectively]. We also observed a significant effect of depression in that
      depressed patients were more likely to have a suicide attempt when compared to
      patients with no depression or with mania [OR = 10.38, CI = (1.97, 54.70)].
      CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be an inflammation gradient, measured by CRP levels,
      from recent suicide attempters, suicidal ideators and psychiatric controls. We
      replicated the association between a pro-inflammatory state and suicidal behavior
      in a sample of "real world" severely ill psychiatric inpatients.

PMID- 27135542
TI  - Neighborhood and home food environment and children's diet and obesity: Evidence
      from military personnel's installation assignment.
AB  - Research and policy initiatives are increasingly focused on the role of
      neighborhood food environment in children's diet and obesity. However, existing
      evidence relies on observational data that is limited by neighborhood selection
      bias. The Military Teenagers' Environments, Exercise, and Nutrition Study (M
      TEENS) leverages the quasi-random variation in neighborhood environment generated
      by military personnel's assignment to installations to examine whether
      neighborhood food environments are associated with children's dietary behaviors
      and BMI. Our results suggest that neither the actual nor the perceived
      availability of particular food outlets in the neighborhood is associated with
      children's diet or BMI. The availability of supermarkets and convenience stores
      in the neighborhood was not associated with where families shop for food or
      children's dietary behaviors. Further, the type of store that families shop at
      was not associated with the healthiness of food available at home. Similarly,
      availability of fast food and restaurants was unrelated to children's dietary
      behaviors or how often children eat fast food or restaurant meals. However, the
      healthiness of food available at home was associated with healthy dietary
      behaviors while eating at fast food outlets and restaurants were associated with
      unhealthy dietary behaviors in children. Further, parental supervision, including
      limits on snack foods and meals eaten as a family, was associated with dietary
      behaviors. These findings suggest that focusing only on the neighborhood food
      environment may ignore important factors that influence children's outcomes.
      Future research should also consider how families make decisions about what foods
      to purchase, where to shop for foods and eating out, how closely to monitor their
      children's food intake, and, ultimately how these decisions collectively impact
      children's outcomes.

PMID- 27135543
TI  - How does employment quality relate to health and job satisfaction in Europe? A
      typological approach.
AB  - The changing nature of employment in recent decades, due to an increased emphasis
      on flexibility and competitiveness in European labour markets, compels the need
      to assess the consequences of contemporary employment situations for workers.
      This article aims to study the relation between the quality of employment and the
      health and well-being of European workers, using data from the 2010 European
      Working Conditions Survey. A typology of employment arrangements, mapping out
      employment quality in the European labour force, is constructed by means of a
      Latent Class Cluster Analysis. This innovative approach shows that it is possible
      to condense multiple factors characterising the employment situation into five
      job types: Standard Employment Relationship-like (SER-like), instrumental,
      precarious unsustainable, precarious intensive and portfolio jobs. Binary
      logistic regression analyses show that, controlling for other work quality
      characteristics, this employment quality typology is related to self-perceived
      job satisfaction, general health and mental health. Precarious intensive jobs are
      associated with the worst and SER-like jobs with the best health and well-being
      situation. The findings presented in this study indicate that, among European
      wage workers, flexible and de-standardised employment tends to be related to
      lower job satisfaction, general health and mental health. The quality of
      employment is thus identified as an important social determinant of health
      (inequalities) in Europe.

PMID- 27135544
TI  - Dioscin reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory liver injury via
      regulating TLR4/MyD88 signal pathway.
AB  - We previously reported the effects of dioscin against carbon tetrachloride-,
      acetaminophen- and alcohol-induced acute liver damage. However, its effect on
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory liver injury remains unknown. In
      the present work, liver injury in mice and rats was induced by LPS, and dioscin
      was intragastrically administered for 7days. In vitro, the AML-12 cells and HepG
      2 cells were treated with LPS after dioscin treatment. The results showed that
      dioscin not only markedly reduced serum ALT, AST levels and relative liver
      weights, but also restored cell injury caused by LPS. In mechanism study, dioscin
      significantly attenuated inflammation through down-regulating the levels of toll
      like receptor (TLR) 4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), interleukin-1
      receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated
      factor 6 (TRAF6), phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB kinase (p
      IKK), phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB alpha (p-IkappaBalpha),
      phosphorylated nuclear factor kappaB p65 (p-NF-kappaB p65), high-mobility group
      protein 1 (HMGB-1), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha). TLR4 overexpression was also decreased by dioscin, leading to the
      markedly decreased levels of MyD88, IRAK1, TRAF6, p-IKK, p-IkappaBalpha, p-NF
      kappaB p65 and HMGB-1. Suppression of MyD88 by ST2825 eliminated the inhibitory
      effects of dioscin on the levels of IRAK1, TRAF6, p-IKK, p-IkappaBalpha, p-NF
      kappaB p65, HMGB-1, IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Our results suggested that
      dioscin exhibited protective effect against LPS-induced liver injury via altering
      TLR4/MyD88 pathway, which should be developed as one potent candidate for the
      treatment of acute inflammatory liver injury in the future. 

PMID- 27135545
TI  - Prostaglandin-E1 has a protective effect on renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced
      oxidative stress and inflammation mediated gastric damage in rats.
AB  - Gastrointestinal complications are frequent in renal transplant recipients. In
      this regard, renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced gastric damage seems
      to be important and there is no data available on the mechanism of this
      pathology. Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, it can
      be suggested that prostaglandin-E1 (PGE1) protects cells from renal IRI-induced
      gastric damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms
      of gastric damage induced by renal IRI and the effect of PGE1 on these
      mechanisms. We set an experiment with four different animal groups: physiological
      saline-injected and sham-operated rats, PGE1 (20MUg/kg)-administered and sham
      operated rats, renal IRI subjected rats, and PGE1-administered and renal IRI
      subjected rats. The protective effect of PGE1 on renal IRI-induced gastric damage
      was determined based on reduced histological damage and lactate dehydrogenase
      activity. Moreover, we demonstrated that PGE1 shows its protective effect through
      reducing the production of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels.
      During histological examination, we observed the presence of common mononuclear
      cell infiltration. Therefore, pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor
      alpha and interleukin-1beta levels were measured and it has been shown that PGE1
      suppressed both cytokines. Furthermore, it was found that PGE1 reduced the number
      of NF-kappaB(+) and caspase-3(+) inflammatory cells, and also NF-kappaB DNA
      binding activity, while increasing proliferating cell nuclear antigen(+)
      epithelial cells in the stomach tissue of rats subjected to renal IR. Our data
      showed that PGE1 has a protective effect on renal IRI-induced oxidative stress
      and inflammation mediated gastric damage in rats. 

PMID- 27135546
TI  - Course and Predictors of Postdeployment Fatigue: A Prospective Cohort Study in
      the Dutch Armed Forces.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine course and predictors of
      fatigue in military personnel deployed to Afghanistan. METHODS: A total of 906
      soldiers in the Dutch Armed Forces who participated in a 4-month mission to
      Afghanistan were included in this study. Assessment took place prior to and 1, 6,
      12, and 24 months after deployment. Data were collected between 2005 and 2011.
      The fatigue severity subscale of the Checklist Individual Strength was used to
      indicate the level of fatigue during the previous 2 weeks. Mixed models and
      logistic regression analysis were used to predict course and prevalence of
      fatigue after deployment. Predictors of postdeployment fatigue were assessed
      prior to deployment. RESULTS: The mean level of fatigue increased significantly
      following deployment (B = 0.58, P = .007). In total, 274 soldiers (30.2%) were
      severely fatigued at least once after deployment and 130 (14.3%) soldiers had
      recurrent levels of severe fatigue. Only a minority of the veterans with severe
      fatigue could be classified as having posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD, per
      DSM-IV-TR criteria) or potential medical problems. Significant predeployment
      predictors of less favorable courses of fatigue after deployment were higher
      levels of fatigue (B = 0.46, P <= .001), emotional abuse during childhood (B =
      0.99, P <= .001), and harm avoidance (B = 0.27, P = .012). These predeployment
      factors also predicted severe fatigue after deployment. CONCLUSIONS: Severe
      fatigue is a substantial problem in Afghanistan War veterans that does not seem
      to resolve over time. In a majority of cases, the symptoms cannot be attributed
      to medical problems or PTSD, whereas predeployment differences in psychosocial
      factors partially explain course and prevalence of postdeployment fatigue. These
      findings support assumptions that a complex interplay of various factors might be
      responsible for the symptoms.

PMID- 27135547
TI  - Ambient Ozone Control in a Photochemically Active Region: Short-Term Despiking or
      Long-Term Attainment?
AB  - China has made significant progress decreasing the ambient concentrations of most
      air pollutants, but ozone (O3) is an exception. O3 mixing ratios during pollution
      episodes are far higher than the national standard in the Pearl River Delta
      (PRD), thus greater evidence-based control efforts are needed for O3 attainment.
      By using a validated O3 modeling system and the latest regional emission
      inventory, this study illustrates that control strategies for short-term O3
      despiking and long-term attainment in the PRD may be contradictory. VOC-focused
      controls are more efficient for O3 despiking in urban and industrial areas, but
      significant NOx emission reductions and a subsequent transition to a NOx-limited
      regime are required for O3 attainment. By tracking O3 changes along the entire
      path toward long-term attainment, this study recommends to put a greater focus on
      NOx emission controls region-wide. Parallel VOC reductions around the Nansha port
      are necessary in summertime and should be extended to the urban and industrial
      areas in fall with a flexibility to be strengthened on days forecasted to have
      elevated O3. Contingent VOC-focused controls on top of regular NOx-focused
      controls would lay the groundwork for striking a balance between short-term
      despiking and long-term attainment of O3 concentrations in the PRD.

PMID- 27135548
TI  - A clinician's guide to biosimilars in oncology.
AB  - Biological agents or "biologics" are widely used in oncology practice for cancer
      treatment and for the supportive management of treatment-related side effects.
      Unlike small-molecule generic drugs, exact copies of biologics are impossible to
      produce because these are large and highly complex molecules produced in living
      cells. The term "biosimilar" refers to a biological product that is highly
      similar to a licensed biological product (reference or originator product) with
      no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, or potency.
      Biosimilars have the potential to provide savings to healthcare systems and to
      make important biological therapies widely accessible to a global population. As
      biosimilars for rituximab, trastuzumab, and bevacizumab are expected to reach the
      market in the near future, clinicians will soon be faced with decisions to
      consider biosimilars as alternatives to existing reference products. The aim of
      this article is to inform oncology practitioners about the biosimilar development
      and evaluation process, and to offer guidance on how to evaluate biosimilar data
      in order to make informed decisions when integrating these drugs into oncology
      practice. We will also review several biosimilars that are currently in
      development for cancer treatment. 

PMID- 27135549
TI  - Insights into the Li Diffusion Dynamics and Nanostructuring of H2Ti12O25 To
      Enhance Its Li Storage Performance.
AB  - Dodecatitanate H2Ti12O25 crystal has a condensed layered structure and exhibits
      noteworthy Li storage performance that makes it an anode material with great
      potential for use in Li-ion batteries. However, an unknown Li diffusion mechanism
      and a sluggish level of Li dynamics through elongated diffusion paths inside this
      crystal has impeded any forward development in resolving its limited rate
      capability and cyclic stability. In this study, we investigated the Li diffusion
      dynamics inside the H2Ti12O25 crystal that play an essential role in Li storage
      performance. A study of density functional theory combined with experimental
      evaluation confirmed a strong dependence of Li storage performance on its
      diffusion. In addition, a nanostructured H2Ti12O25 containing a bundle of
      nanorods is developed via the introduction of a kinetic gap during the structural
      transformation, which conferred a significantly shortened diffusion time/length
      for Li in H2Ti12O25. The nanostructured H2Ti12O25 has high specific capacity
      (~230 mAh g(-1)) and exhibits enhanced cyclic stability and rate capability
      compared with conventional bulky H2Ti12O25. The H2Ti12O25 proposed in this study
      has high potential for use as an anode material with excellent safety and
      stability.

PMID- 27135551
TI  - Anomeric Effects in Sulfamides.
AB  - Sulfamides, together with their simpler sulfonamide analogs, are common
      functional groups in a significant number of biologically active compounds. This
      is partly due to their unique electronic structure and conformational behavior,
      which mimics the tetrahedral intermediate involved in many proteases, esterases,
      and related enzymes. Here, the origin of these unique structural elements are
      analyzed in the context of a coupled, double anomeric effect using DFT
      calculations, including conformational scans, and NBO analysis. It is shown that
      these coupled interactions can be implicitly parametrized in MM3* type force
      fields using the quantum-guided molecular mechanics (Q2MM) method, yielding
      accurate force field parameters for molecular mechanics studies of sulfamides and
      sulfonamides. 

PMID- 27135550
TI  - Relationships Between Impulsivity, Anxiety, and Risk-Taking and the Neural
      Correlates of Attention in Adolescents.
AB  - Although impulsivity, anxiety, and risk-taking may relate to attentional
      processes, little research has directly investigated how each may be associated
      with specific facets of attentional processes and their underlying neural
      correlates. Nineteen adolescents performed a functional magnetic resonance
      imaging task involving simple, selective, and divided attention. Out-of-scanner
      assessed impulsivity, anxiety, and risk-taking scores were not correlated with
      each other and showed task-phase-specific patterns of association. Results are
      discussed in light of research and theory suggesting a relationship between these
      domains and attention and may serve to focus future research aiming to understand
      these relationships.

PMID- 27135552
TI  - Computational approaches for systems metabolomics.
AB  - Systems genetics is defined as the simultaneous assessment and analysis of multi
      omics datasets. In the past few years, metabolomics has been established as a
      robust tool describing an important functional layer in this approach. The
      metabolome of a biological system represents an integrated state of genetic and
      environmental factors and has been referred to as a 'link between genotype and
      phenotype'. In this review, we summarize recent progresses in statistical
      analysis methods for metabolomics data in combination with other omics layers. We
      put a special focus on complex, multivariate statistical approaches as well as
      pathway-based and network-based analysis methods. Moreover, we outline current
      challenges and pitfalls of metabolomics-focused multi-omics analyses and discuss
      future steps for the field.

PMID- 27135553
TI  - Honoring the Legacy of Rose Dobrof.

PMID- 27135554
TI  - From the Editor.

PMID- 27135555
TI  - New Directions for Social Services: Much Ado About Nothing.
AB  - This article raises the question about whether or not our social services
      programs are taking new directions or whether there is much ado about nothing.
      Demographic data and their social implications are presented as background for
      the discussion. While rhetoric may have changed, the general impression is that
      we are walking in an Heraclitian stream in which there is both sameness and
      change.

PMID- 27135556
TI  - From the Editor.

PMID- 27135557
TI  - From the Editor.

PMID- 27135559
TI  - From the Editor.

PMID- 27135558
TI  - Social Work Response to the 1995 White House Conference on Aging.

PMID- 27135560
TI  - Social Work Gerontological Practice: The Need for Faculty Development in the New
      Millennium.
AB  - There is a pressing need to upgrade the gerontological knowledge and skills of
      practicing social workers. Geriatrics and gerontology, as specialized fields of
      knowledge, have not been sufficiently integrated into formal academic training
      programs. There are major trends in the health care environment which impact on
      social work education, including technological advances, a shift from inpatient
      to outpatient and community care settings, increasing diversity of the older
      population, and client and family participation in decisionmaking. These trends
      necessitate social work education to emphasize new content areas in gerontology
      and the development of new skills in clinical, case management, care
      coordination, and teamwork. A significant obstacle to the preparation of future
      social workers to deliver the complex services needed by older adults and their
      families is a serious shortage of social work faculty in gerontology. Sustained
      and broad initiatives, such as the John A. Hartford Foundation funded Geriatric
      Social Work Faculty Scholars Program, are needed to develop academic and practice
      based faculty in gerontology. This is crucial if social work is to maintain an
      important service role in the new millennium.

PMID- 27135561
TI  - From the Outgoing Editor.

PMID- 27135562
TI  - Spatial variability of soil nitrogen in a hilly valley: Multiscale patterns and
      affecting factors.
AB  - Estimating the spatial distribution of soil nitrogen at different scales is
      crucial for improving soil nitrogen use efficiency and controlling nitrogen
      pollution. We evaluated the spatial variability of soil total nitrogen (TN) and
      available nitrogen (AN) in the Fujiang River Valley, a typical hilly region
      composed of low, medium and high hills in the central Sichuan Basin, China. We
      considered the two N forms at single hill, landscape and valley scales using a
      combined method of classical statistics, geostatistics and a geographic
      information system. The spatial patterns and grading areas of soil TN and AN were
      different among hill types and different scales. The percentages of higher grades
      of the two nitrogen forms decreased from low, medium to high hills. Hill type was
      a major factor determining the spatial variability of the two nitrogen forms
      across multiple scales in the valley. The main effects of general linear models
      indicated that the key affecting factors of soil TN and AN were hill type and
      fertilization at the single hill scale, hill type and soil type at the landscape
      scale, and hill type, slope position, parent material, soil type, land use and
      fertilization at the valley scale. Thus, the effects of these key factors on the
      two soil nitrogen forms became more significant with upscaling. 

PMID- 27135563
TI  - Evaluating the impacts of soil data on hydrological and nonpoint source pollution
      prediction.
AB  - Soil data are one key input for most hydrological and nonpoint source (H/NPS)
      models, and quantifying the error transmission from soil data to H/NPS
      predictions is of great importance. In this study, two typical soil datasets were
      compared using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in a typical mountainous
      watershed, the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, China. Besides, the effects of soil
      data resolution were evaluated, and the error transmission from soil data to
      watershed management strategy was assessed. The results indicate that model
      outputs are not sensitive to changes of soil data resolution but the choice of
      soil data greatly impacts the application of watershed models, in terms of the
      goodness-of-fit indicator, predicted data and related uncertainty. This soil data
      induced error would be inevitably magnified from the flow simulation to the NPS
      prediction stage. This study could indicate that the choice of soil data will
      lead to significant differences in management schemes for specific pollution
      periods. These results provide information on the impacts of soil data on the
      functionality of watershed models and valuable information for the
      appropriateness of each soil database. 

PMID- 27135564
TI  - Investigation of enteric adenovirus and poliovirus removal by coagulation
      processes and suitability of bacteriophages MS2 and phiX174 as surrogates for
      those viruses.
AB  - We evaluated the removal of enteric adenovirus (AdV) type 40 and poliovirus (PV)
      type 1 by coagulation, using water samples from 13 water sources for drinking
      water treatment plants in Japan. The behaviors of two widely accepted enteric
      virus surrogates, bacteriophages MS2 and phiX174, were compared with the
      behaviors of AdV and PV. Coagulation with polyaluminum chloride (PACl, basicity
      1.5) removed AdV and PV from virus-spiked source waters: the infectious AdV and
      PV removal ratios evaluated by means of a plaque-forming-unit method were 0.1-1.4
      log10 and 0.5-2.4-log10, respectively. A nonsulfated high-basicity PACl (basicity
      2.1) removed infectious AdV and PV more efficiently than did other commercially
      available PACls (basicity 1.5-2.1), alum, and ferric chloride. The MS2 removal
      ratios tended to be larger than those of AdV and PV, partly because of
      differences in the hydrophobicities of the virus particles and the sensitivity of
      the virus to the virucidal activity of PACl; the differences in removal ratios
      were not due to differences in the surface charges of the virus particles. MS2,
      which was more hydrophobic than the other viruses, was inactivated during
      coagulation with PACl. Therefore, MS2 does not appear to be an appropriate
      surrogate for AdV and PV during coagulation. In contrast, because phiX174, like
      AdV and PV, was not inactivated during coagulation, and because the
      hydrophobicity of phiX174 was similar to or somewhat lower than the
      hydrophobicities of AdV and PV, the phiX174 removal ratios tended to be similar
      to or somewhat smaller than those of the enteric viruses. Therefore, phiX174 is a
      potential conservative surrogate for AdV and PV during coagulation. In summary,
      the surface hydrophobicity of virus particles and the sensitivity of the virus to
      the virucidal activity of the coagulant are probably important determinants of
      the efficiency of virus removal during coagulation. 

PMID- 27135565
TI  - Ozone and carbon monoxide budgets over the Eastern Mediterranean.
AB  - The importance of the long-range transport (LRT) on O3 and CO budgets over the
      Eastern Mediterranean has been investigated using the state-of-the-art 3
      dimensional global chemistry-transport model TM4-ECPL. A 3-D budget analysis has
      been performed separating the Eastern from the Western basins and the boundary
      layer (BL) from the free troposphere (FT). The FT of the Eastern Mediterranean is
      shown to be a strong receptor of polluted air masses from the Western
      Mediterranean, and the most important source of polluted air masses for the
      Eastern Mediterranean BL, with about 40% of O3 and of CO in the BL to be
      transported from the FT aloft. Regional anthropogenic sources are found to have
      relatively small impact on regional air quality in the area, contributing by
      about 8% and 18% to surface levels of O3 and CO, respectively. Projections using
      anthropogenic emissions for the year 2050 but neglecting climate change calculate
      a surface O3 decrease of about 11% together with a surface CO increase of roughly
      10% in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

PMID- 27135566
TI  - Investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content in fly ash and bottom
      ash of biomass incineration plants in relation to the operating temperature and
      unburned carbon content.
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of biomass fuels in incineration power plants is increasing
      worldwide. The produced ashes may pose a serious threat to the environment due to
      the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), because some PAHs are
      potent carcinogens, mutagens and teratogens. The objective of this study was to
      investigate the content of total and individual PAHs in fly and bottom ash
      derived from incineration of phytomass and dendromass, because the data on PAH
      content in biomass ashes is limited. Various operating temperatures of
      incineration were examined and the relationship between total PAH content and
      unburned carbon in ashes was also considered. METHODS: The analysis of PAHs was
      carried out in fly and bottom ash samples collected from various biomass
      incineration plants. PAH determination was performed using gas chromatography
      coupled with mass spectrometry. The correlations between the low, medium and high
      molecular weight PAHs and each other in ashes were conducted. The relationship
      between PAH content and unburned carbon, determined as a loss on ignition
      (L.O.I.) in biomass ashes, was performed using regression analysis. RESULTS AND
      DISCUSSION: The PAH content in biomass ashes varied from 41.1+/-1.8 to 53,800.9+/
      13,818.4ng/g dw. This variation may be explained by the differences in boiler
      operating conditions and biomass fuel composition. The correlation coefficients
      for PAHs in ash ranged from 0.8025 to 0.9790. The regression models were designed
      and the coefficients of determination varied from 0.908 to 0.980. CONCLUSIONS:
      The PAH content in ash varied widely with fuel type and the effect of operating
      temperature on PAH content in ash was evident. Fly ashes contained higher amounts
      of PAHs than bottom ashes. The low molecular weight PAHs prevailed in tested
      ashes. The exponential relationship between the PAH content and L.O.I. for fly
      ashes and the linear for bottom ashes was observed.

PMID- 27135567
TI  - Is the wash-off process of road-deposited sediment source limited or transport
      limited?
AB  - An in-depth understanding of the road-deposited sediments (RDS) wash-off process
      is essential to estimation of urban surface runoff pollution load and to
      designing methods to minimize the adverse impacts on the receiving waters. There
      are two debatable RDS wash-off views: source limited and transport limited. The
      RDS build-up and wash-off process was characterized to explore what determines
      the wash-off process to be source limited or transport limited based on twelve
      RDS sampling activities on an urban road in Beijing. The results showed that two
      natural rain events (2.0mm and 23.2mm) reduced the total RDS mass by 30%-40%, and
      that finer particles (<105MUm) contributed 60%-80% of the wash-off load. Both
      single- and multi-rain events caused the RDS particle grain size to become
      coarser, while dry days made the RDS particle grain size finer. These findings
      indicated that the bulk RDS particles wash-off tends to be transport limited, but
      that finer particles tend to be source limited. To further explore and confirm
      the results of the field experiment, a total of 40 simulated rain events were
      designed to observe the RDS wash-off with different particle size fractions. The
      finer particles have a higher wash-off percentage (Fw) than the coarser
      particles, and the Fw values provide a good view to characterize the wash-off
      process. The key conclusions drawn from the combined field and simulated
      experiments data are: (i) Finer and coarser particle wash-off processes tend to
      be source limited and transport limited, respectively. (ii) The source and
      transport limited processes occur during the initial period (the first flush) and
      later periods, respectively. (iii) The smaller and larger rain events tend to be
      transport limited and source limited, respectively. Overall, the wash-off process
      is generally a combination of source and transport limited processes. 

PMID- 27135568
TI  - Optimising the bioreceptivity of porous glass tiles based on colonization by the
      alga Chlorella vulgaris.
AB  - Green facades on buildings can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. An option to
      obtain green facades is through the natural colonisation of construction
      materials. This can be achieved by engineering bioreceptive materials.
      Bioreceptivity is the susceptibility of a material to be colonised by living
      organisms. The aim of this research was to develop tiles made by sintering
      granular waste glass that were optimised for bioreceptivity of organisms capable
      of photosynthesis. Tiles were produced by pressing recycled soda-lime glass with
      a controlled particle size distribution and sintering compacted samples at
      temperatures between 680 and 740 degrees C. The primary bioreceptivity of the
      tiles was evaluated by quantifying colonisation by the algae Chlorella vulgaris
      (C. vulgaris), which was selected as a model photosynthetic micro-organism.
      Concentrations of C. vulgaris were measured using chlorophyll-a extraction.
      Relationships between bioreceptivity and the properties of the porous glass tile,
      including porosity, sorptivity, translucency and pH are reported. Capillary
      porosity and water sorptivity were the key factors influencing the bioreceptivity
      of porous glass. Maximum C. vulgaris growth and colonisation was obtained for
      tiles sintered at 700 degrees C, with chlorophyll-a concentrations reaching up to
      11.1+/-0.4MUg/cm(2) of tile. Bioreceptivity was positively correlated with
      sorptivity and porosity and negatively correlated with light transmittance. The
      research demonstrates that the microstructure of porous glass, determined by the
      processing conditions, significantly influences bioreceptivity. Porous glass
      tiles with high bioreceptivity that are colonised by photosynthetic algae have
      the potential to form carbon-negative facades for buildings and green
      infrastructure. 

PMID- 27135569
TI  - Toxicity of copper nanoparticles to Daphnia magna under different exposure
      conditions.
AB  - Although the risks of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) to aquatic organisms have
      already been studied for >10years, our understanding of the link between the fate
      of particles in exposure medium and their toxicity is still in its infancy.
      Moreover, most of the earlier studies did not distinguish the contribution of
      particles and soluble ions to the toxic effects caused by suspensions of metallic
      NPs. In this study, the toxicity of CuNPs to Daphnia magna upon modification of
      the exposure conditions, achieved by aging the suspensions of CuNPs and by
      altering water chemistry parameters like the pH and levels of dissolved organic
      carbon (DOC), was investigated. The LC50 values for CuNPs exposure decreased by
      about 30% after 7days of aging. The LC50 values increased >12-fold upon addition
      of DOC at concentrations ranging from 0 to 10mg/L to the exposure medium.
      Changing the pH from 6.5 to 8.5 resulted in a 3-fold higher LC50 value.
      Furthermore, it was found that during 7days of aging of the exposure medium
      (without addition of DOC and at pH7.8), the toxicity could be mostly ascribed to
      the particles present in the suspension (around 70%). However, adding DOC or
      decreasing the pH of the exposure medium reduced the contribution of the
      particles to the observed toxicity. We thus found that the effective
      concentration regarding the toxicity was mainly driven by the contribution of the
      soluble ions in the presence of DOC or at pH6.5. Our results suggest that the
      toxicity results of CuNPs obtained from laboratory tests may overestimate the
      risk of the particles in polluted waters due to the common absence of DOC in
      laboratory test solutions. Moreover, the role of the ions shedding from CuNPs is
      very important in explaining the toxicity in natural waters. 

PMID- 27135570
TI  - Effects of ocean acidification on the swimming ability, development and
      biochemical responses of sand smelt larvae.
AB  - Ocean acidification, recognized as a major threat to marine ecosystems, has
      developed into one of the fastest growing fields of research in marine sciences.
      Several studies on fish larval stages point to abnormal behaviours, malformations
      and increased mortality rates as a result of exposure to increased levels of CO2.
      However, other studies fail to recognize any consequence, suggesting species
      specific sensitivity to increased levels of CO2, highlighting the need of further
      research. In this study we investigated the effects of exposure to elevated pCO2
      on behaviour, development, oxidative stress and energy metabolism of sand smelt
      larvae, Atherina presbyter. Larvae were caught at Arrabida Marine Park (Portugal)
      and exposed to different pCO2 levels (control: ~600MUatm, pH=8.03; medium:
      ~1000MUatm, pH=7.85; high: ~1800MUatm, pH=7.64) up to 15days, after which
      critical swimming speed (Ucrit), morphometric traits and biochemical biomarkers
      were determined. Measured biomarkers were related with: 1) oxidative stress -
      superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities, levels of lipid peroxidation
      and DNA damage, and levels of superoxide anion production; 2) energy metabolism -
      total carbohydrate levels, electron transport system activity, lactate
      dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme activities. Swimming speed was
      not affected by treatment, but exposure to increasing levels of pCO2 leads to
      higher energetic costs and morphometric changes, with larger larvae in high pCO2
      treatment and smaller larvae in medium pCO2 treatment. The efficient antioxidant
      response capacity and increase in energetic metabolism only registered at the
      medium pCO2 treatment may indicate that at higher pCO2 levels the capacity of
      larvae to restore their internal balance can be impaired. Our findings illustrate
      the need of using multiple approaches to explore the consequences of future pCO2
      levels on organisms. 

PMID- 27135571
TI  - Characterizing the sorption of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) to cotton
      and polyester fabrics under controlled conditions.
AB  - Cotton and polyester, physically and chemically different fabrics, were
      characterized for sorption of gas-phase polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).
      Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images and BET specific surface area (BET
      SSA) analysis showed cotton's high microsurface area; NMR analysis showed
      richness of hexose- and aromatic-carbon in cotton and polyester, respectively.
      Cotton and polyester sorbed similar concentrations of gas-phase PBDEs in chamber
      studies, when normalized to planar surface area. However, polyester
      concentrations were 20-50 times greater than cotton when normalized to BET-SSA,
      greater than the 10 times difference in BET-SSA. The difference in sorption
      between cotton and polyester is hypothesized to be due to 'dilution' due to
      cotton's large BET-SSA and/or greater affinity of PBDEs for aromatic-rich
      polyester. Similar fabric-air area normalized distribution coefficients (K'D,
      10(3) to 10(4)m) for cotton and polyester support air-side controlled uptake
      under non-equilibrium conditions. K'D values imply that 1m(2) of cotton or
      polyester fabrics would sorb gas-phase PBDEs present in 10(3) to 10(4)m(3) of
      equivalent air volume at room temperature over one week, assuming similar air
      flow conditions. Sorption of PBDEs to fabrics has implications for their fate
      indoors and human exposure. 

PMID- 27135572
TI  - Environmental impact of ongoing sources of metal contamination on remediated
      sediments.
AB  - A challenge to all remedial approaches for contaminated sediments is the
      continued influx of contaminants from uncontrolled sources following remediation.
      We investigated the effects of ongoing contamination in mesocosms employing
      sediments remediated by different types of active and passive caps and in-situ
      treatment. Our hypothesis was that the sequestering agents used in active caps
      and in situ treatment will bind elements (arsenic, chromium, cadmium, cobalt,
      copper, nickel, lead, selenium, and zinc) from ongoing sources thereby reducing
      their bioavailability and protecting underlying remediated sediments from
      recontamination. Most element concentrations in surface water remained
      significantly lower in mesocosms with apatite and mixed amendment caps than in
      mesocosms with passive caps (sand), uncapped sediment, and spike solution
      throughout the 2520h experiment. Element concentrations were significantly higher
      in Lumbriculus variegatus from untreated sediment than in Lumbriculus from most
      active caps. Pearson correlations between element concentrations in Lumbriculus
      and metal concentrations in the top 2.5cm of sediment or cap measured by
      diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) sediment probes were generally strong (as
      high as 0.98) and significant (p<0.05) for almost all tested elements. Metal
      concentrations in both Lumbriculus and sediment/cap were lowest in apatite, mixed
      amendment, and activated carbon treatments. These findings show that some active
      caps can protect remediated sediments by reducing the bioavailable pool of
      metals/metalloids in ongoing sources of contamination. 

PMID- 27135573
TI  - Association of food consumption during pregnancy with mercury and lead levels in
      cord blood.
AB  - In utero exposure to mercury and lead has been linked to various adverse health
      effects related to growth and development. However, there was no evidence on the
      relationship between food consumption during pregnancy and mercury or lead level
      in cord blood. Therefore we measured mercury and lead levels in bloods, urines,
      and cord bloods obtained from 302 pregnant women and estimated relationships
      between food consumption during pregnancy and mercury or lead level in cord blood
      to identify perinatal mercury and lead exposures originated from foods during
      pregnancy. Relationship between food consumption and mercury or lead level was
      estimated using a generalized linear model after adjustment for body mass index
      (BMI), delivery experience, income, recruitment year, and other dietary factors
      for mercury and age, BMI, cesarean section, delivery experience, recruitment
      year, and other dietary factors for lead. Fish consumption was positively
      associated with mercury level in cord blood (p=0.0135), while cereal and
      vegetable consumptions were positively associated with lead level in cord blood
      (p=0.0517 for cereal and p=0.0504 for vegetable). Furthermore, tea consumption
      restrained increase of lead level in cord blood (p=0.0014). Our findings support
      that mercury or lead exposure in Korean pregnant women may come from frequent
      fish and cereal or vegetable consumption while tea consumption may decrease lead
      exposure in pregnant women. Therefore, careful intervention through food
      consumption should be considered. 

PMID- 27135574
TI  - Exposure to oxychlordane is associated with shorter telomeres in arctic breeding
      kittiwakes.
AB  - Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes located at the end of chromosomes, which play
      an important role in maintaining the genomic integrity. Telomeres shorten at each
      cell division and previous studies have shown that telomere length is related to
      health and lifespan and can be affected by a wide range of environmental factors.
      Among them, some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have the potential to
      damage DNA. However, the effect of POPs on telomeres is poorly known for
      wildlife. Here, we investigated the relationships between some legacy POPs
      (organochlorine pesticides and polychlorobiphenyls) and telomere length in
      breeding adult black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), an arctic seabird
      species. Our results show that among legacy POPs, only blood concentration of
      oxychlordane, the major metabolite of chlordane mixture, is associated with
      shorter telomere length in females but not in males. This suggests that female
      kittiwakes could be more sensitive to oxychlordane, potentially explaining the
      previously reported lower survival rate in most oxychlordane-contaminated
      kittiwakes from the same population. This study is the first to report a
      significant and negative relationship between POPs and telomere length in a free
      living bird and highlights sex-related susceptibility to banned pesticides. 

PMID- 27135575
TI  - Provision of well-water treatment units to 600 households in Bangladesh: A
      longitudinal analysis of urinary arsenic indicates fading utility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Millions of villagers in Bangladesh remain exposed to high levels of
      arsenic (As) from drinking untreated well-water even though the scale of the
      problem was recognized 15years ago. Water treatment at the household-level has
      been promoted as a viable complement but few longitudinal studies of their
      efficacy using an objective measure of exposure have been conducted. Participants
      (N=622) of a nutrition trial in Araihazar, Bangladesh were each provided with
      READ-F filters at the beginning of the study and encouraged to use them over the
      6month duration of the intervention. Well-water As, treated water As, and urinary
      As were monitored periodically during the trial and measured again one year after
      the trial ended. RESULTS: The READ-F filters were initially well received and
      median urinary As levels for participants declined from 117MUg/L to 51MUg/L
      within a single week. However, median urinary As levels gradually rose back to
      126MUg/L by the end of the trial. Fifty filters were replaced over the course of
      the trial because of insufficient As removal or reduced flow. With these
      exceptions, most of the treated water met the WHO guideline for As in drinking
      water of 10MUg/L. One year after the nutritional trial ended, 95% of participants
      had abandoned their filter citing inconvenience as the primary reason. At that
      time, median urinary As levels for 10 participants who had switched to a nearby
      low-As well had declined to 63MUg/L. CONCLUSIONS: Participants were probably no
      longer using the READ-F filter long before the 6month nutritional intervention
      ended despite claiming that they were using them. Household-level treatment is
      likely to continue to play a minor role in the effort to reduce As exposure in
      Bangladesh. Understanding the limitations of such expensive interventions is
      important for future policy regarding As mitigation.

PMID- 27135576
TI  - Reassessing carbon sequestration in the North China Plain via addition of
      nitrogen.
AB  - Soil inorganic carbon (SIC) exerts a strong influence on the carbon (C)
      sequestered in response to nitrogen (N) additions in arid and semi-arid
      ecosystems, but limited information is available on in situ SIC storage and
      dissolution at the field level. This study determined the soil organic/inorganic
      carbon storage in the soil profile at 0-100cm depths and the concentration of
      dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in soil leachate in 4N application treatments
      (0, 200, 400, and 600kgNha(-1)yr(-)(1)) for 15years in the North China Plain. The
      objectives were to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer on total amount of
      carbon sequestration and the uptake of atmospheric CO2 in an agricultural system.
      Results showed that after 15years of N fertilizer application the SOC contents at
      depths of 0-100cm significantly increased, whereas the SIC contents significantly
      decreased at depths of 0-60cm. However, the actual measured loss of carbonate was
      far higher than the theoretical maximum values of dissolution via protons from
      nitrification. Furthermore, the amount of HCO3(-) and the HCO3(-)/(Ca(2+)+Mg(2+))
      ratio in soil leachate were higher in the N application treatments than no
      fertilizer input (CK) for the 0-80cm depth. The result suggested that the
      dissolution of carbonate was mainly enhanced by soil carbonic acid, a process
      which can absorb soil or atmosphere CO2 and less influenced by protons through
      the nitrification which would release CO2. To accurately evaluate soil C
      sequestration under N input scenarios in semi-arid regions, future studies should
      include both changes in SIC storage as well as the fractions of dissolution with
      different sources of acids in soil profiles. 

PMID- 27135577
TI  - Noise emissions in wood chipping yards: Options compared.
AB  - Industrial comminution is becoming increasingly popular, as the result of a
      growing demand for wood biomass. Such task is performed with either chippers or
      grinders, which are large, powerful machines, capable of generating much noise.
      In turn, high noise levels may have negative impacts on the health and comfort of
      workers, and of the people living in the surroundings of a wood fuel yard. This
      study gauged the difference between the two main technology options (i.e.
      chippers and grinders) in order to offer additional decision elements to wood
      yard planners. The chipper on test generated more noise than the grinder, due to
      its better ability to process wood and to transmit more energy into it. Since the
      chipper was equipped with less working tools and turned slower than the grinder,
      it generated its noise peaks at lower frequency bands. The grinder on test was
      more suitable for use in wood yards located near settled areas, and was an
      obvious choice whenever dealing with a diversified and occasionally contaminated
      raw material stream. 

PMID- 27135578
TI  - Spatial-temporal mapping of hand foot and mouth disease and the long-term effects
      associated with climate and socio-economic variables in Sichuan Province, China
      from 2009 to 2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease
      caused by enteroviruses. The annual HFMD incidence increased from 37.6/100,000 in
      2008 to 139.6/100,000 in 2014 in mainland China. In this study, we try to model
      spatial-temporal association between HFMD incidence and climate and socio
      economic variables. METHODS: The annual numbers of reported cases of HFMD and
      populations from 2009 to 2013 were obtained from the Chinese infectious disease
      surveillance system. The climate data were obtained from a data sharing website
      hosted by the China Meteorological Administration. The socio-economic data were
      obtained from the statistic Yearbook of Sichuan province. Moran's I statistics
      were used to detect the counties' global spatial clusters. The hierarchical
      Bayesian spatial temporal interactive models were used to analyze the association
      between the annual HFMD incidence rate and climate variables. RESULTS: An
      increasing trend in the annual HFMD incidence was detected in south-western
      counties. Spatial temporal clusters existed in Sichuan Province. A highly county
      level spatial structured RR (relative risk, RR) of HFMD incidence was detected in
      the northern and central of Sichuan Province. Annual HFMD incidence of counties
      were positively associated with the average annual temperature (RR:1.171,
      95%CI:1.0435-1.3134), the second quartile of the per capital of GDP (reference:
      the first quartile of GDP, RR: 1.258, 95%CI: 1.0418-1.5200), the third quartile
      of per capital of GDP (RR:1.7726, 95%CI:1.3709-2.2907) and the fourth quartile of
      the per capital GDP (RR:1.9026, 95%CI1.3318-2.7086). CONCLUSION: The HFMD
      incidence exhibited a heterogeneous spatial-temporal distribution in Sichuan
      Province. In the counties with greater wealth, the temperature was the primary
      risk factor, whereas in the counties with less wealth, GDP was the primary risk
      factor attributed to the spatial structured of HFMD incidence. Different
      preventive measures should be implemented in counties with different economic
      conditions.

PMID- 27135579
TI  - Loss of soil (macro)fauna due to the expansion of Brazilian sugarcane acreage.
AB  - Land use changes (LUC) from pasture to sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) crop are
      expected to add 6.4Mha of new sugarcane land by 2021 in the Brazilian Cerrado and
      Atlantic Forest biomes. We assessed the effects of these LUC on the abundance and
      community structure of animals that inhabit soils belowground through a field
      survey using chronosequences of land uses comprising native vegetation, pasture,
      and sugarcane along a 1000-km-long transect across these two major tropical
      biomes in Brazil. Macrofauna community composition differed among land uses.
      While most groups were associated with samples taken in native vegetation, high
      abundance of termites and earthworms appeared associated with pasture soils.
      Linear mixed effects analysis showed that LUC affected total abundance
      (X(2)(1)=6.79, p=0.03) and taxa richness (X(2)(1)=6.08, p=0.04) of soil
      macrofauna. Abundance increased from 411+/-70individualsm(-2) in native
      vegetation to 1111+/-202individualsm(-2) in pasture, but decreased sharply to
      106+/-24individualsm(-2) in sugarcane soils. Diversity decreased 24% from native
      vegetation to pasture, and 39% from pasture to sugarcane. Thus, a reduction of
      ~90% in soil macrofauna abundance, besides a loss of ~40% in the diversity of
      macrofauna groups, can be expected when sugarcane crops replace pasture in
      Brazilian tropical soils. In general, higher abundances of major macrofauna
      groups (ants, coleopterans, earthworms, and termites) were associated with higher
      acidity and low contents of macronutrients and organic matter in soil. This study
      draws attention for a significant biodiversity loss belowground due to tropical
      LUC in sugarcane expansion areas. Given that many groups of soil macrofauna are
      recognized as key mediators of ecosystem processes such as soil aggregation,
      nutrients cycling and soil carbon storage, our results warrant further efforts to
      understand the impacts of altering belowground biodiversity and composition on
      soil functioning and agriculture performance across LUC in the tropics. 

PMID- 27135580
TI  - Present and future of desertification in Spain: Implementation of a surveillance
      system to prevent land degradation.
AB  - Mitigation strategies are crucial for desertification given that once degradation
      starts, other solutions are extremely expensive or unworkable. Prevention is key
      to handle this problem and solutions should be based on spotting and deactivating
      the stressors of the system. Following this topic, the Spanish Plan of Action to
      Combat Desertification (SPACD) created the basis for implementing two innovative
      approaches to evaluate the threat of land degradation in the country. This paper
      presents tools for preventing desertification in the form of a geomatic approach
      to enable the periodic assessments of the status and trends of land condition.
      Also System Dynamics modelling has been used to integrate bio-physical and socio
      economic aspects of desertification to explain and analyse degradation in the
      main hot spots detected in Spain. The 2dRUE procedure was implemented to map the
      land-condition status by comparing potential land productivity according to water
      availability, the limiting factor in arid lands, with plant-biomass data. This
      assessment showed that 20% of the territory is degraded and an additional 1% is
      actively degrading. System Dynamics modelling was applied to study the five
      desertification landscapes identified by the SPACD. The risk analysis,
      implemented on these models, concluded that 'Herbaceous crops affected by soil
      erosion' is the landscape most at risk, while the Plackett-Burman sensitivity
      analysis used to rank the factors highlighted the supremacy of climatic factors
      above socioeconomic drivers. 

PMID- 27135581
TI  - Eutrophication and acidification: Do they induce changes in the dissolved organic
      matter dynamics in the coastal Mediterranean Sea?
AB  - Two mesocosms experiments were conducted in winter 2010 and summer 2011 to
      examine how increased pCO2 and/or nutrient concentrations potentially perturbate
      dissolved organic matter dynamics in natural microbial assemblages. The
      fluorescence signals of protein- and humic-like compounds were used as a proxy
      for labile and non-labile material, respectively, while the evolution of
      bacterial populations, chlorophyll a (Chl a) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC)
      concentrations were used as a proxy for biological activity. For both seasons,
      the presence of elevated pCO2 did not cause any significant change in the DOC
      dynamics (p-value<0.05). The conditions that showed the greatest changes in
      prokaryote abundances and Chl a content were those amended with nutrients,
      regardless of the change in pH. The temporal evolution of fluorophores and
      optical indices revealed that the degree of humification of the organic molecules
      and their molecular weight changed significantly in the nutrient-amended
      treatment. The generation of protein-like compounds was paired to increases in
      the prokaryote abundance, being higher in the nutrient-amended tanks than in the
      control. Different patterns in the magnitude and direction of the generation of
      humic-like molecules suggested that these changes depended on initial microbial
      populations and the availability of extra nutrient inputs. Based on our results,
      it is expected that in the future projected coastal scenarios the eutrophication
      processes will favor the transformations of labile and recalcitrant carbon
      regardless of changes in pCO2. 

PMID- 27135582
TI  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with road deposited solid and their
      ecological risk: Implications for road stormwater reuse.
AB  - Reusing stormwater is becoming popular worldwide. However, urban road stormwater
      commonly contains toxic pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      (PAHs), which could undermine reuse safety. This study investigated pollution
      level of PAHs and their composition build-up on urban roads in a typical megacity
      in South China. The potential ecological risk posed by PAHs associated with road
      deposited solid (RDS) was also assessed. Results showed that ecological risk
      levels varied based on different land use types, which could be significantly
      influenced by the composition of PAHs and characteristics of RDS. A higher
      percentage of high-ring PAHs, such as more than four rings, could pose higher
      ecological risk and are more likely to undermine stormwater reuse safety.
      Additionally, the degree of traffic congestion rather than traffic volume was
      found to exert a more significant influence on the generation of high-ring PAH
      generation. Therefore, stormwater from more congested roads might need proper
      treatment (particularly for removing high-ring PAHs) before reuse or could be
      suitable for purposes requiring low-water-quality. The findings of this study are
      expected to contribute to adequate stormwater reuse strategy development and to
      enhance the safety of urban road stormwater reuse. 

PMID- 27135583
TI  - Bacterial diversity and composition in major fresh produce growing soils affected
      by physiochemical properties and geographic locations.
AB  - Microbial diversity of agricultural soils has been well documented, but
      information on leafy green producing soils is limited. In this study, we
      investigated microbial diversity and community structures in 32 (16 organic, 16
      conventionally managed soils) from California (CA) and Arizona (AZ) using
      pyrosequencing, and identified factors affecting bacterial composition. Results
      of detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and dissimilarity analysis showed that
      bacterial community structures of conventionally managed soils were similar to
      that of organically managed soils; while the bacterial community structures in
      soils from Salinas, California were different (P<0.05) from those in soils from
      Yuma, Arizona and Imperial Valley, California. Canonical correspondence analysis
      (CCA) and artificial neural network (ANN) analysis of bacterial community
      structures and soil variables showed that electrical conductivity (EC), clay
      content, water-holding capacity (WHC), pH, total nitrogen (TN), and organic
      carbon (OC) significantly (P<0.05) correlated with microbial communities. CCA
      based variation partitioning analysis (VPA) showed that soil physical properties
      (clay, EC, and WHC), soil chemical variables (pH, TN, and OC) and sampling
      location explained 16.3%, 12.5%, and 50.9%, respectively, of total variations in
      bacterial community structure, leaving 13% of the total variation unexplained.
      Our current study showed that bacterial community composition and diversity in
      major fresh produce growing soils from California and Arizona is a function of
      soil physiochemical characteristics and geographic distances of sampling sites. 

PMID- 27135584
TI  - Vegetation dynamics and its driving forces from climate change and human
      activities in the Three-River Source Region, China from 1982 to 2012.
AB  - The Three-River Source Region (TRSR), a region with key importance to the
      ecological security of China, has undergone climate changes and a shift in human
      activities driven by a series of ecological restoration projects in recent
      decades. To reveal the spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation dynamics and
      calculate the contributions of driving factors in the TRSR across different
      periods from 1982 to 2012, net primary productivity (NPP) estimated using the
      Carnegie-Ames-Stanford approach model was used to assess the status of
      vegetation. The actual effects of different climatic variation trends on
      interannual variation in NPP were analyzed. Furthermore, the relationships of NPP
      with different climate factors and human activities were analyzed quantitatively.
      Results showed the following: from 1982 to 2012, the average NPP in the study
      area was 187.37gcm(-2)yr(-1). The average NPP exhibited a fluctuation but
      presented a generally increasing trend over the 31-year study period, with an
      increase rate of 1.31gcm(-2)yr(-2). During the entire study period, the average
      contributions of temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation to NPP
      interannual variation over the entire region were 0.58, 0.73, and 0.09gcm(-2)yr(
      2), respectively. Radiation was the climate factor with the greatest influence on
      NPP interannual variation. The factor that restricted NPP increase changed from
      temperature and radiation to precipitation. The average contributions of climate
      change and human activities to NPP interannual variation were 1.40gcm(-2)yr(-2)
      and -0.08gcm(-2)yr(-2), respectively. From 1982 to 2000, the general climate
      conditions were favorable to vegetation recovery, whereas human activities had a
      weaker negative impact on vegetation growth. From 2001 to 2012, climate
      conditions began to have a negative impact on vegetation growth, whereas human
      activities made a favorable impact on vegetation recovery. 

PMID- 27135585
TI  - Native fishes in the Truckee River: Are in-stream structures and patterns of
      population genetic structure related?
AB  - In-stream structures are recognized as significant impediments to movement for
      freshwater fishes. Apex predators such as salmonids have been the focus of much
      research on the impacts of such barriers to population dynamics and population
      viability however much less research has focused on native fishes, where in
      stream structures may have a greater impact on long term population viability of
      these smaller, less mobile species. Patterns of genetic structure on a riverscape
      can provide information on which structures represent real barriers to movement
      for fish species and under what specific flow conditions. Here we characterize
      the impact of 41 dam and diversion structures on movement dynamics under varying
      flow conditions for a suite of six native fishes found in the Truckee River of
      California and Nevada. Microsatellite loci were used to estimate total allelic
      diversity, effective population size and assess genetic population structure.
      Although there is spatial overlap among species within the river there are clear
      differences in species distributions within the watershed. Observed population
      genetic structure was associated with in-stream structures, but only under low
      flow conditions. High total discharge in 2006 allowed fish to move over potential
      barriers resulting in no observed population genetic structure for any species in
      2007. The efficacy of in-stream structures to impede movement and isolate fish
      emerged only after multiple years of low flow conditions. Our results suggest
      that restricted movement of fish species, as a result of in-stream barriers, can
      be mitigated by flow management. However, as flow dynamics are likely to be
      altered under global climate change, fragmentation due to barriers could isolate
      stream fishes into small subpopulations susceptible to both demographic losses
      and losses of genetic variation. 

PMID- 27135586
TI  - Biochar physico-chemical properties as affected by environmental exposure.
AB  - To best use biochar as a sustainable soil management and carbon (C) sequestration
      technique, we must understand the effect of environmental exposure on its
      physical and chemical properties because they likely vary with time. These
      properties play an important role in biochar's environmental behavior and
      delivery of ecosystem services. We measured biochar before amendment and four
      years after amendment to a commercial nectarine orchard at rates of 5, 15 and
      30tha(-1). We combined two pycnometry techniques to measure skeletal (rhos) and
      envelope (rhoe) density and to estimate the total pore volume of biochar
      particles. We also examined imbibition, which can provide information about soil
      hydraulic conductivity. Finally, we investigated the chemical properties,
      surface, inner layers atomic composition and C1s bonding state of biochar
      fragments through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Ageing increased
      biochar skeletal density and reduced the water imbibition rate within fragments
      as a consequence of partial pore clogging. However, porosity and the volume of
      water stored in particles remained unchanged. Exposure reduced biochar pH, EC,
      and total C, but enhanced total N, nitrate-N, and ammonium-N. X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy analyses showed an increase of O, Si, N, Na, Al, Ca, Mn, and Fe
      surface (0-5nm) atomic composition (at%) and a reduction of C and K in aged
      particles, confirming the interactions of biochar with soil inorganic and organic
      phases. Oxidation of aged biochar fragments occurred mainly in the particle
      surface, and progressively decreased down to 75nm. Biochar surface chemistry
      changes included the development of carbonyl and carboxylate functional groups,
      again mainly on the particle surface. However, changes were noticeable down to
      75nm, while no significant changes were measured in the deepest layer, up to
      110nm. Results show unequivocal shifts in biochar physical and chemical
      properties/characteristics over short (~years) timescales. 

PMID- 27135587
TI  - Influence of oligomeric herbicidal ionic liquids with MCPA and Dicamba anions on
      the community structure of autochthonic bacteria present in agricultural soil.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of selected herbicidal ionic
      liquids (HILs), which exhibit high efficacy in terms of weed control and low
      toxicity, but may be persistent due to limited biodegradability, on the community
      structure of autochthonic bacteria present in agricultural soil. Four different
      oligomeric HILs (with two types of cations and different ratio of herbicidal
      anions) were synthesized and characterized by employing (1)H and (13)C NMR. The
      results of biodegradation assay indicated that none of the tested HILs could be
      classified as readily biodegradable (biodegradation rate ranged from 0 to 7%).
      The conducted field studies confirmed that the herbicidal efficacy of the HILs
      was higher compared to the reference herbicide mixture by 10 to 30%, depending on
      the dose and weed species. After termination of field studies, the soil treated
      with the tested HILs was subjected to next generation sequencing in order to
      investigate the potential changes in the bacterial community structure.
      Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum in all studied samples. Treatment with the
      studied HILs resulted in an increase of Actinobacteria compared to the reference
      herbicidal mixture. Differenced among the studied HILs were generally associated
      with a significantly higher abundance of Bacteroidetes in case of 1-HIL-Dicamba
      1/3 and Firmicutes in case of 2-HIL-Dicamba 1/3. 

PMID- 27135588
TI  - Assessment of the bioaccumulation of metals to chicken eggs from residential
      backyards.
AB  - Soil in urban areas contains the residues of past land-uses and practices. Urban
      farming (keeping chickens, vegetable gardening) requires soil disturbance and can
      increase exposure of residents to these contaminants. We measured the level of
      lead, arsenic, cadmium, copper and zinc contaminants in soil and eggs from 26
      backyard chicken coops across the Lower Hunter, NSW Australia. We compared the
      levels of metals in soil to Health Investigation Levels and metals in home-grown
      eggs to the levels in commercial eggs tested in this study or published by Food
      Standards Australia New Zealand. The levels of arsenic, cadmium, copper and zinc
      were low, both in soil and in home-grown eggs and were comparable to commercial
      eggs tested in this study. The Health Investigation Level for lead in soil
      (300mglead/kg soil) was exceeded at 7 of the 26 sites. The level of lead in home
      grown eggs was generally higher than in commercial eggs. The reference health
      standard for meat (including chicken), fruit and vegetables of 0.1mglead/kg
      produce was exceeded in home-grown eggs from 7 of the 26 sites. There was a
      significant relationship between the lead level in eggs and the lead level in
      soil accessible to chickens. As soil lead increased, concentrations of lead in
      eggs tended to increase. No relationship was detected between the lead level in
      feed and in eggs. We recommend strategies to reduce ingestion of soil by chickens
      thereby reducing metal contamination in home-grown eggs. 

PMID- 27135589
TI  - Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS)-based analysis and
      imaging of polyethylene microplastics formation during sea surf simulation.
AB  - Plastic particles smaller than 5mm, so called microplastics have the capability
      to accumulate in rivers, lakes and the marine environment and therefore have
      begun to be considered in eco-toxicology and human health risk assessment.
      Environmental microplastic contaminants may originate from consumer products like
      body wash, tooth pastes and cosmetic products, but also from degradation of
      plastic waste; they represent a potential but unpredictable threat to aquatic
      organisms and possibly also to humans. We investigated exemplarily for
      polyethylene (PE), the most abundant constituent of microplastic particles in the
      environment, whether such fragments could be produced from larger pellets
      (2mm*6mm). So far only few analytical methods exist to identify microplastic
      particles smaller than 10MUm, especially no imaging mass spectrometry technique.
      We used at first time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) for
      analysis and imaging of small PE-microplastic particles directly in the model
      system Ottawa sand during exposure to sea surf simulation. As a prerequisite, a
      method for identification of PE was established by identification of
      characteristic ions for PE out of an analysis of grinded polymer samples. The
      method was applied onto Ottawa sand in order to investigate the influence of
      simulated environmental conditions on particle transformation. A severe
      degradation of the primary PE pellet surface, associated with the transformation
      of larger particles into smaller ones already after 14days of sea surf
      simulation, was observed. Within the subsequent period of 14days to 1month of
      exposure the number of detected smallest-sized particles increased significantly
      (50%) while the second smallest fraction increased even further to 350%. Results
      were verified using artificially degraded PE pellets and Ottawa sand. 

PMID- 27135590
TI  - CapE (capture, amplify, extract): A rapid method for detection of low level
      contamination of water with Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC).
AB  - Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) is associated with a wide spectrum of
      disease from mild self-limiting diarrhoea to haemolytic uremic syndrome.
      Contaminated drinking water is accepted as an important route of transmission in
      Ireland as elsewhere however established methods for detection of VTEC in
      drinking water have limitations. We describe a sensitive and rapid method for
      detection of VTEC from large volumes (20 to 30L) of drinking water based on
      filtration, enrichment culture of filters and real-time PCR detection of VTEC
      virulence and O antigen determinants from enrichments. The method has potential
      applications for other waterborne pathogens. 

PMID- 27135591
TI  - Multi-biomarker responses as indication of contaminant effects in Gambusia
      affinis from impacted rivers by municipal effluents.
AB  - This study investigated toxic effects in mosquitofish from two urban rivers of
      South China impacted by municipal effluents by using multiple biomarkers
      including fish morphology, biochemical indicators and transcriptional responses,
      and explored potential cause-effect relationship with a list of chemicals
      (metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides). The results
      showed significant alterations in metallothionein (MT) protein and mRNA
      expression in mosquitofish collected from the two rivers and a strong association
      between MT protein and mRNA expression levels and heavy metals in the river
      water. Both ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity and cytochromes P450 1A
      (CYP1A) mRNA expression were significantly enhanced in mosquitofish at most
      sampling sites. There existed a strong correlation between EROD activity and
      CYP1A mRNA expression levels, but no clear correlations between these responses
      and PAHs in the river water possibly because of the presence of many other
      agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the two rivers. Significant
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition was observed in mosquitofish brain
      samples. The pesticides in the two rivers showed an influence on the AChE
      activity, which was also found to be significantly negatively correlated to
      fipronil concentrations. Moreover, the result also indicates that metals and
      pesticides present in the two rivers might cause the observed estrogenic and
      androgenic effects in mosquitofish. The findings from this study clearly showed
      morphological, biochemical and transcriptional responses in mosquitofish due to
      chemical contamination of the two urban rivers. This multi-biomarker approach
      using mosquitofish can be applied to evaluate contamination of riverine
      environments. 

PMID- 27135592
TI  - Financing U.S. Graduate Medical Education: A Policy Position Paper of the
      Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine and the American College of Physicians.
AB  - In this position paper, the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine and the
      American College of Physicians examine the state of graduate medical education
      (GME) financing in the United States and recent proposals to reform GME funding.
      They make a series of recommendations to reform the current funding system to
      better align GME with the needs of the nation's health care workforce. These
      recommendations include using Medicare GME funds to meet policy goals and to
      ensure an adequate supply of physicians, a proper specialty mix, and appropriate
      training sites; spreading the costs of financing GME across the health care
      system; evaluating the true cost of training a resident and establishing a single
      per-resident amount; increasing transparency and innovation; and ensuring that
      primary care residents receive training in well-functioning ambulatory settings
      that are financially supported for their training roles.

PMID- 27135593
TI  - Does exposure to bullying behaviors at the workplace contribute to later suicidal
      ideation? A three-wave longitudinal study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relative impact of person-related,
      work-related and physically intimidating bullying behaviors on suicidal ideation
      two and five years after the fact. METHODS: Logistic regression analyses were
      utilized to examine relationships between bullying behaviors and suicidal
      ideation in a random and representative cohort sample of 1775 (T1-T2)/1613 (T1
      T3) Norwegian employees. The time lag between T1 and T2 was two years and five
      years between T1 and T3. Exposure to bullying behaviors was measured with the
      revised version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire. Suicidal ideation was
      measured with a single item asking respondents whether they had "Thoughts about
      ending your life" during the past seven days. RESULTS: Prevalence of suicidal
      ideation was 4% at T1, 5% at T2, and 4.2% at T3. At T1, 8.2% reported monthly
      exposure to person-related bullying, 19.1% to work-related bullying, and 1.8% to
      physically intimidating bullying behaviors. After adjusting for demographic
      characteristics, baseline suicidal ideation, and the shared variance of the
      bullying behavior categories, exposure to physical intimidation was the only form
      of bullying which significantly predicted suicidal ideation two [odds ratio (OR)
      10.68, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 4.13-27.58) and five (OR 6.41, 95% CI
      1.85-22.14) years later. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to workplace bullying behaviors in
      the form of physically intimidating behaviors is a risk factor for suicidal
      ideation. Although the prevalence of physical intimidation is low, this study
      shows that the consequences can be detrimental and organizations should therefore
      be especially aware of, and have available measures against, this type of
      bullying.

PMID- 27135594
TI  - Rebound Syndrome in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis After Cessation of
      Fingolimod Treatment.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The appropriate sequencing of agents with strong immune system
      effects has become increasingly important. Transitions require careful balance
      between safety and protection against relapse. The cases presented herein
      highlight that rebound events after ceasing fingolimod treatment may happen even
      with short washout periods (4 weeks) and may perpetuate despite steroid treatment
      or the immediate use of fast-acting immune therapies, such as rituximab.
      OBJECTIVE: To describe rebound syndrome in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)
      after cessation of fingolimod treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
      Clinical and demographic data were extracted from electronic medical records from
      the University of California, San Francisco, Multiple Sclerosis Center from
      January 2014 to December 2015. Magnetic resonance images were reviewed by MS
      neurologists (J.S.G., E.W., B.N., and E.C.H.). Rebound syndrome was defined as
      new severe neurological symptoms after ceasing fingolimod treatment, with the
      development of multiple new or enhancing lesions exceeding baseline activity. We
      reviewed the PubMed database from January 2010 to December 2015 for similar cases
      of severe disease reactivation after ceasing fingolimod treatment using search
      terms fingolimod and either rebound or reactivation. Participants were included
      if they stopped receiving fingolimod between January 2014 and December 2015. Five
      patients were identified who experienced rebound after ceasing fingolimod
      treatment. EXPOSURES: Each patient received treatment with oral fingolimod for
      various durations. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Occurrence of rebound after
      ceasing fingolimod treatment. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age of the 5 female patients
      presented in this case series was 35.2 (6.4) years. Of the 46 patients that
      stopped fingolimod treatment within the 2-year period, 5 (10.9%) experienced
      severe relapse 4 to 16 weeks after ceasing fingolimod treatment. Despite varying
      prior severity of relapsing-remitting course, all participants experienced
      unexpectedly severe clinical relapses accompanied by drastic increases in new or
      enhancing lesions seen on magnetic resonance imaging evidenced by a median
      (range) increase of 9 (0->30) new gadolinium-enhancing lesions and a median
      (range) of 9 (0->30) new T2 lesions. New lesion development persisted for 3 to 6
      months despite treatment with corticosteroids (n = 3) and initiation of B-cell
      depleting therapy (n = 2). In addition, 11 patients were identified through
      literature review reported as having severe relapses consistent with a rebound
      syndrome and similar features to our 5 cases. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These
      cases provide evidence for a fingolimod rebound syndrome at a clinically relevant
      frequency, highlighting the need to determine the best methods for sequencing or
      discontinuing MS therapies. A large prospective registry or population-based
      study would be helpful to confirm this rebound phenomenon and to determine
      contributing factors, including immune biomarkers, that increase risk for this
      syndrome.

PMID- 27135595
TI  - Formal [3 + 2] Reaction of alpha,alpha-Diaryl Allylic Alcohols with sec-Alcohols:
      Proceeding with Sequential Radical Addition/Migration toward 2,3-Dihydrofurans
      Bearing Quaternary Carbon Centers.
AB  - An unprecedented TBHP-promoted formal [3 + 2] annulation of sec-alcohols with
      alpha,alpha-diaryl allylic alcohols has been developed, leading to 2,3
      dihydrofurans in moderate to excellent yields with good functional group
      tolerance. This procedure involves sequential radical addition, 1,2-aryl
      migration, and a dehydration process, where the migration of aryl with lower
      electron density is favored. Notably, cyclic reactions with sec-alcohols also ran
      smoothly, providing a novel method to access oxaspiro compounds.

PMID- 27135596
TI  - Response to Legalized Physician-Assisted Death: Check Yourself Before You Wreck
      Yourself.

PMID- 27135597
TI  - Exact Length Distribution of Filamentous Structures Assembled from a Finite Pool
      of Subunits.
AB  - Self-assembling filamentous structures made of protein subunits are ubiquitous in
      cell biology. These structures are often highly dynamic, with subunits in a
      continuous state of flux, binding to and falling off of filaments. In spite of
      this constant turnover of their molecular parts, many cellular structures seem to
      maintain a well-defined size over time, which is often required for their proper
      functioning. One widely discussed mechanism of size regulation involves the cell
      maintaining a finite pool of protein subunits available for assembly. This finite
      pool mechanism can control the length of a single filament by having assembly
      proceed until the pool of free subunits is depleted to the point when assembly
      and disassembly are balanced. Still, this leaves open the question of whether the
      same mechanism can provide size control for multiple filamentous structures that
      are assembled from a common pool of protein subunits, as is often the case in
      cells. We address this question by solving the steady-state master equation
      governing the stochastic assembly and disassembly of multifilament structures
      made from a shared finite pool of subunits. We find that, while the total number
      of subunits within a multifilament structure is well-defined, individual
      filaments within the structure have a wide, power-law distribution of lengths. We
      also compute the phase diagram for two multifilament structures competing for the
      same pool of subunits and identify conditions for coexistence when both have a
      well-defined size. These predictions can be tested in cell experiments in which
      the size of the subunit pool or the number of filament nucleators is tuned.

PMID- 27135598
TI  - Effect of Donor Milk on Severe Infections and Mortality in Very Low-Birth-Weight
      Infants: The Early Nutrition Study Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Infections and necrotizing enterocolitis, major causes of mortality
      and morbidity in preterm infants, are reduced in infants fed their own mother's
      milk when compared with formula. When own mother's milk is not available, human
      donor milk is considered a good alternative, albeit an expensive one. However,
      most infants at modern neonatal intensive care units are predominantly fed with
      own mother's milk. The benefits of add-on donor milk over formula are not clear.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine whether providing donor milk instead of formula as
      supplemental feeding whenever own mother's milk is insufficiently available
      during the first 10 days of life reduces the incidence of serious infection,
      necrotizing enterocolitis, and mortality. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS: The
      Early Nutrition Study was a multicenter, double-blind randomized clinical trial
      in very low-birth-weight infants (birth weight <1500 g) admitted to 1 of 6
      neonatal intensive care units in the Netherlands from March 30, 2012, through
      August 17, 2014. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed. INTERVENTIONS: Infants
      received pasteurized donor milk or preterm formula during the first 10 days of
      life if own mother's milk was not (sufficiently) available. MAIN OUTCOMES AND
      MEASURES: The primary end point was cumulative occurrence of serious infection
      (sepsis or meningitis), necrotizing enterocolitis, or mortality during the first
      60 days of life. RESULTS: A total of 930 infants were screened for inclusion; 557
      were excluded, resulting in 373 infants (183 receiving donor milk and 190
      receiving formula) who were evaluated by intent-to-treat analysis (median birth
      weight, 1066 g; mean gestational age, 28.4 weeks). Own mother's milk comprised
      89.1% and 84.5% of total mean intake during the intervention period for the donor
      milk and formula groups, respectively. The incidence of the combined outcome was
      not different (85 [44.7%] [formula] vs 77 [42.1%] [donor milk]; mean difference,
      2.6%; 95% CI, -12.7% to 7.4%). The adjusted hazard ratio was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.63
      1.19; P = .37). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In the current study, pasteurized
      donor milk and preterm formula as supplemental feeding during the first 10 days
      of life yielded similar short-term outcomes in very low-birth-weight infants
      regarding safety and efficacy when own mother's milk availability was
      insufficient. Future studies investigating longer duration of use of human donor
      milk on short-term and long-term outcomes are necessary. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      trialregister.nl Identifier: NTR3225.

PMID- 27135599
TI  - Nasopharyngeal Microbiota, Host Transcriptome, and Disease Severity in Children
      with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection.
AB  - RATIONALE: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute lower
      respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations in infants worldwide. Known
      risk factors, however, incompletely explain the variability of RSV disease
      severity, especially among healthy children. We postulate that the severity of
      RSV infection is influenced by modulation of the host immune response by the
      local bacterial ecosystem. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether specific nasopharyngeal
      microbiota (clusters) are associated with distinct host transcriptome profiles
      and disease severity in children less than 2 years of age with RSV infection.
      METHODS: We characterized the nasopharyngeal microbiota profiles of young
      children with mild and severe RSV disease and healthy children by 16S-rRNA
      sequencing. In parallel, using multivariable models, we analyzed whole-blood
      transcriptome profiles to study the relationship between microbial community
      composition, the RSV-induced host transcriptional response, and clinical disease
      severity. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We identified five nasopharyngeal
      microbiota clusters characterized by enrichment of either Haemophilus influenzae,
      Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Moraxella, or Staphylococcus aureus. RSV
      infection and RSV hospitalization were positively associated with H. influenzae
      and Streptococcus and negatively associated with S. aureus abundance, independent
      of age. Children with RSV showed overexpression of IFN-related genes, independent
      of the microbiota cluster. In addition, transcriptome profiles of children with
      RSV infection and H. influenzae- and Streptococcus-dominated microbiota were
      characterized by greater overexpression of genes linked to Toll-like receptor and
      by neutrophil and macrophage activation and signaling. CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      suggest that interactions between RSV and nasopharyngeal microbiota might
      modulate the host immune response, potentially affecting clinical disease
      severity.

PMID- 27135600
TI  - The discovery of processing stages: Extension of Sternberg's method.
AB  - We introduce a method for measuring the number and durations of processing stages
      from the electroencephalographic signal and apply it to the study of associative
      recognition. Using an extension of past research that combines multivariate
      pattern analysis with hidden semi-Markov models, the approach identifies on a
      trial-by-trial basis where brief sinusoidal peaks (called bumps) are added to the
      ongoing electroencephalographic signal. We propose that these bumps mark the
      onset of critical cognitive stages in processing. The results of the analysis can
      be used to guide the development of detailed process models. Applied to the
      associative recognition task, the hidden semi-Markov models multivariate pattern
      analysis method indicates that the effects of associative strength and probe type
      are localized to a memory retrieval stage and a decision stage. This is in line
      with a previously developed the adaptive control of thought-rational process
      model, called ACT-R, of the task. As a test of the generalization of our method
      we also apply it to a data set on the Sternberg working memory task collected by
      Jacobs, Hwang, Curran, and Kahana (2006). The analysis generalizes robustly, and
      localizes the typical set size effect in a late comparison/decision stage. In
      addition to providing information about the number and durations of stages in
      associative recognition, our analysis sheds light on the event-related potential
      components implicated in the study of recognition memory. (PsycINFO Database
      Record

PMID- 27135601
TI  - Long-Range Chromosome Interactions Mediated by Cohesin Shape Circadian Gene
      Expression.
AB  - Mammalian circadian rhythm is established by the negative feedback loops
      consisting of a set of clock genes, which lead to the circadian expression of
      thousands of downstream genes in vivo. As genome-wide transcription is organized
      under the high-order chromosome structure, it is largely uncharted how circadian
      gene expression is influenced by chromosome architecture. We focus on the
      function of chromatin structure proteins cohesin as well as CTCF (CCCTC-binding
      factor) in circadian rhythm. Using circular chromosome conformation capture
      sequencing, we systematically examined the interacting loci of a Bmal1-bound
      super-enhancer upstream of a clock gene Nr1d1 in mouse liver. These interactions
      are largely stable in the circadian cycle and cohesin binding sites are enriched
      in the interactome. Global analysis showed that cohesin-CTCF co-binding sites
      tend to insulate the phases of circadian oscillating genes while cohesin-non-CTCF
      sites are associated with high circadian rhythmicity of transcription. A model
      integrating the effects of cohesin and CTCF markedly improved the mechanistic
      understanding of circadian gene expression. Further experiments in cohesin
      knockout cells demonstrated that cohesin is required at least in part for driving
      the circadian gene expression by facilitating the enhancer-promoter looping. This
      study provided a novel insight into the relationship between circadian
      transcriptome and the high-order chromosome structure.

PMID- 27135602
TI  - Origin, fate and dynamics of macrophages at central nervous system interfaces.
AB  - Perivascular, subdural meningeal and choroid plexus macrophages are non
      parenchymal macrophages that mediate immune responses at brain boundaries.
      Although the origin of parenchymal microglia has recently been elucidated, much
      less is known about the precursors, the underlying transcriptional program and
      the dynamics of the other macrophages in the central nervous system (CNS). It was
      assumed that they have a high turnover from blood-borne monocytes. However, using
      parabiosis and fate-mapping approaches in mice, we found that CNS macrophages
      arose from hematopoietic precursors during embryonic development and established
      stable populations, with the notable exception of choroid plexus macrophages,
      which had dual origins and a shorter life span. The generation of CNS macrophages
      relied on the transcription factor PU.1, whereas the MYB, BATF3 and NR4A1
      transcription factors were not required.

PMID- 27135603
TI  - A TRAF-like motif of the inducible costimulator ICOS controls development of
      germinal center TFH cells via the kinase TBK1.
AB  - Signaling via the inducible costimulator ICOS fuels the stepwise development of
      follicular helper T cells (TFH cells). However, a signaling pathway unique to
      ICOS has not been identified. We found here that the kinase TBK1 associated with
      ICOS via a conserved motif, IProx, that shares homology with the tumor-necrosis
      factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factors TRAF2 and TRAF3. Disruption of this
      motif abolished the association of TBK1 with ICOS, TRAF2 and TRAF3, which
      identified a TBK1-binding consensus. Alteration of this motif in ICOS or
      depletion of TBK1 in T cells severely impaired the differentiation of germinal
      center (GC) TFH cells and the development of GCs, interfered with B cell
      differentiation and disrupted the development of antibody responses, but the
      IProx motif and TBK1 were dispensable for the early differentiation of TFH cells.
      These results reveal a previously unknown ICOS-TBK1 signaling pathway that
      specifies the commitment of GC TFH cells.

PMID- 27135604
TI  - Expression profiling of constitutive mast cells reveals a unique identity within
      the immune system.
AB  - Mast cells are evolutionarily ancient sentinel cells. Like basophils, mast cells
      express the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE) and have been
      linked to host defense and diverse immune-system-mediated diseases. To better
      characterize the function of these cells, we assessed the transcriptional
      profiles of mast cells isolated from peripheral connective tissues and basophils
      isolated from spleen and blood. We found that mast cells were transcriptionally
      distinct, clustering independently from all other profiled cells, and that mast
      cells demonstrated considerably greater heterogeneity across tissues than
      previously appreciated. We observed minimal homology between mast cells and
      basophils, which shared more overlap with other circulating granulocytes than
      with mast cells. The derivation of mast-cell and basophil transcriptional
      signatures underscores their differential capacities to detect environmental
      signals and influence the inflammatory milieu. 

PMID- 27135605
TI  - Radon levels in drinking water and soil samples of Jodhpur and Nagaur districts
      of Rajasthan, India.
AB  - Radon causes lung cancer when it is trapped inside the lungs. Therefore it is
      very important to analyze the radon concentration in water and soil samples. In
      the present investigation, water and soil samples collected from 20 different
      locations of Jodhpur and Nagaur districts of Northern Rajasthan, India have been
      studied by using RAD7. The measured radon concentration in water samples varies
      from 0.5 to 15Bql(-1). The observed values lie within the safe limit as set by
      UNSCEAR, 2008. The total annual effective dose due to radon in water
      corresponding to all studied locations has been found to be well within the safe
      limit of 0.1mSvy(-1) as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO, 2004) and
      European Council (EU, 1998). The measurements carried out on radon concentration
      in soil samples reveal a variation from 1750 to 9850Bqm(-3). These results
      explore that the water of Jodhpur and Nagaur districts is suitable for drinking
      purpose without posing any health hazard but soil hazards depend upon its
      permeability and radon concentration.

PMID- 27135606
TI  - Effect of perchloric acid on the performance of the Fricke xylenol gel dosimeter.
AB  - The conventional ferrous xylenol orange (XO) gel (FXG) dosimeter is being wildly
      investigated for radiotherapy dose measurements. Upon irradiation, its color
      turns red due to oxidation of Fe(2+) into Fe(3+), which forms a complex with
      xylenol orange. The effect of perchloric acid (PCA) on the dosimetric properties
      of the gel in the dose range of 1-15Gy was investigated using visual
      spectrophotometry. FXG-PCA responds to radiation dose linearly and exhibits
      higher radiation sensitivity than the conventional gel dosimeter. PCA in a
      concentration of 20mM enhances the radiation sensitivity ~44%. Stability of the
      absorbances of both the gels during storage under various conditions was
      investigated, and the uncertainty of dose measurements was estimated.

PMID- 27135607
TI  - Full core analysis of IRIS reactor by using MCNPX.
AB  - This paper describes neutronic analysis for fresh fuelled IRIS (International
      Reactor Innovative and Secure) reactor by MCNPX code. The analysis included
      criticality calculations, radial power and axial power distribution, nuclear
      peaking factor and axial offset percent at the beginning of fuel cycle. The
      effective multiplication factor obtained by MCNPX code is compared with previous
      calculations by HELIOS/NESTLE, CASMO/SIMULATE, modified CORD-2 nodal calculations
      and SAS2H/KENO-V code systems. It is found that k-eff value obtained by MCNPX is
      closer to CORD-2 value. The radial and axial powers are compared with other
      published results carried out using SAS2H/KENO-V code. Moreover, the WIMS-D5 code
      is used for studying the effect of enriched boron in form of ZrB2 on the
      effective multiplication factor (K-eff) of the fuel pin. In this part of
      calculation, K-eff is calculated at different concentrations of Boron-10 in mg/cm
      at different stages of burnup of unit cell. The results of this part are compared
      with published results performed by HELIOS code.

PMID- 27135608
TI  - Mitochondrial Genome and Nuclear Markers Provide New Insight into the
      Evolutionary History of Macaques.
AB  - The evolutionary history of macaques, genus Macaca, has been under debate due to
      the short times of divergence. In this study, maternal, paternal, and biparental
      genetic systems were applied to infer phylogenetic relationships among macaques
      and to trace ancient hybridization events in their evolutionary history. Using a
      PCR display method, 17 newly phylogenetically informative Alu insertions were
      identified from M. assamensis. We combined presence/absence analysis of 84 Alu
      elements with mitochondrial genomes as well as nuclear sequences (five autosomal
      genes, two Y chromosomal genes, and one X chromosomal fragment) to reconstruct a
      robust macaque phylogeny. Topologies generated from different inherited markers
      were similar supporting six well defined species groups and a close relationship
      of M. assamensis and M. thibetana, but differed in the placing of M. arctoides.
      Both Alu elements and nuclear genes supported that M. arctoides was close to the
      sinica group, whereas the mitochondrial data clustered it into the
      fascicularis/mulatta lineage. Our results reveal that a sex-biased hybridization
      most likely occurred in the evolutionary history of M. arctoides, and suggest an
      introgressive pattern of male-mediated gene flow from the ancestors of M.
      arctoides to the M. mulatta population followed by nuclear swamping. According to
      the estimation of divergence dates, the hybridization occurred around 0.88~1.77
      mya (nuclear data) or 1.38~2.56 mya (mitochondrial data). In general, our study
      indicates that a combination of various molecular markers could help explain
      complicated evolutionary relationships. Our results have provided new insights
      into the evolutionary history of macaques and emphasize that hybridization might
      play an important role in macaque evolution.

PMID- 27135609
TI  - Factors Contributing to Satisfaction with Changes in Physical Function after
      Orthopedic Surgery for Musculoskeletal Dysfunction in Patients with Cerebral
      Palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recognition of required treatments for cerebral palsy (CP)
      patients, including orthopedic surgery, differs according to region. This study
      was performed to identify factors associated with satisfactory changes in
      physical function after orthopedic surgery. METHODS: 358 patients were selected
      for the questionnaire survey. The following information was collected: gender,
      primary disease, age of initial surgery, total procedural count, operated sites,
      satisfaction of postoperative rehabilitation frequency, ideal amount of
      postoperative rehabilitation sessions per week, frequency of voluntary home
      training per week, satisfaction of the timing of surgery and the current
      satisfaction with the changes in physical function after the orthopedic surgery.
      We classified the patients into the satisfied and dissatisfied group according to
      satisfactory changes in physical function after the surgery. We performed
      unpaired t-tests and chi-square tests to determine the variables that differed
      significantly between the groups. Variables with a p value of <0.2 were included
      in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The logistic model was
      revised and summed up to two potential predictors of postsurgical satisfaction
      with physical function: satisfaction with the frequency of postoperative
      rehabilitation sessions and the orthopedic surgery of the hip (distinction hit
      ratio, 75.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the frequency of
      postoperative rehabilitation and history of hip surgery seemed to be related to
      the satisfaction with the changes in physical function after orthopedic surgery.

PMID- 27135610
TI  - Post-Exercise Heart Rate Recovery Independently Predicts Clinical Outcome in
      Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) is an index of
      parasympathetic function associated with clinical outcome in patients with
      chronic heart failure. However, its relationship with the pro-inflammatory
      response and prognostic value in consecutive patients with acute decompensated
      heart failure (ADHF) has not been investigated. METHODS: We measured HRR and pro
      inflammatory markers in 107 prospectively and consecutively enrolled, recovered
      ADHF patients (71 male, 59 +/- 15 years, mean ejection fraction 28.9 +/- 14.2%)
      during the pre-discharge period. The primary endpoint included cardiovascular
      (CV) events defined as CV mortality, cardiac transplantation, or
      rehospitalization due to HF aggravation. RESULTS: The CV events occurred in 30
      (28.0%) patients (5 cardiovascular deaths and 7 cardiac transplantations) during
      the follow-up period (median 214 days, 11-812 days). When the patients with ADHF
      were grouped by HRR according to the Contal and O'Quigley's method, low HRR was
      shown to be associated with significantly higher levels of serum monokine-induced
      by gamma interferon (MIG) and poor clinical outcome. Multivariate Cox regression
      analysis revealed that low HRR was an independent predictor of CV events in both
      enter method and stepwise method. The addition of HRR to a model significantly
      increased predictability for CV events across the entire follow-up period.
      CONCLUSION: Impaired post-exercise HRR is associated with a pro-inflammatory
      response and independently predicts clinical outcome in patients with ADHF. These
      findings may explain the relationship between autonomic dysfunction and clinical
      outcome in terms of the inflammatory response in these patients.

PMID- 27135611
TI  - Correction: Proactive Control Strategies for Overt and Covert Go/NoGo Tasks: an
      Electrical Neuroimaging Study.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152188.].

PMID- 27135612
TI  - Phase I Study of Oral Vinorelbine in Combination with Erlotinib in Advanced Non
      Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Using Two Different Schedules.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and
      pharmacokinetics of the combination of oral vinorelbine with erlotinib using the
      conventional (CSV) and metronomic (MSV) dosing schedules in patients with
      advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: This was an open-label,
      multiple dose-escalation phase I study. An alternating 3+3 phase I design was
      employed to allow each schedule to enroll three patients sequentially at each
      dose level. Thirty patients with Stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were treated with escalating
      doses of oral vinorelbine starting at 40 mg/m2 on day 1 and 8 in the CSV group (N
      = 16) and at 100 mg/week in the MSV group (N = 14). Erlotinib was administered
      orally daily. RESULTS: The maximum tolerated dose was vinorelbine 80 mg/m2 with
      erlotinib 100 mg in the CSV group and vinorelbine 120 mg/week with erlotinib 100
      mg in the MSV group. Grade 3/4 toxicities included neutropenia (N = 2; 13%) and
      hyponatremia (N = 1; 6%) in the CSV group, and neutropenia (N = 5; 36%) in the
      MSV group. Objective response was achieved in 38% and 29% in the CSV and MSV
      groups respectively. Vinorelbine co-administration did not significantly affect
      the pharmacokinetics of erlotinib and OSI-420 after initial dose. However, at
      steady-state, significantly higher Cmax, higher Cmin and lower CL/F of erlotinib
      were observed with increasing dose levels of vinorelbine in the CSV group.
      Significantly higher steady-state Cmin, Cavg and AUCss of erlotinib were observed
      with increasing dose levels of vinorelbine in the MSV group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Combination of oral vinorelbine with erlotinib is feasible and tolerable in both
      the CSV and MSV groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00702182.

PMID- 27135613
TI  - From Nanomotors to Micromotors: The Influence of the Size of an Autonomous Bubble
      Propelled Device upon Its Motion.
AB  - Synthetic autonomously moving nano and micromotors are in the forefront of
      nanotechnology. Different sizes of nano and micromotors have been prepared, but
      the systematic study of the influence of their sizes on motion is lacking. We
      synthesized different sizes of tubular micro/nanomotors by membrane template
      assisted electrodeposition. The influence of dimensions on the dynamics of
      micro/nanotubes was studied at a significantly reduced scale than rolled-up
      microtubes, down to the nanometer regime. Both the geometric parameters and the
      chemical environment can affect the dynamics of micro/nanotubes. The bubble size
      and ejection frequency were investigated in correlation with the velocity of
      micro/nanotubes. The comparison between different sizes of micro/nanotubes showed
      that geometric parameters of micro/nanotubes will influence the velocity of
      micro/nanotubes at moderate fuel concentrations. Furthermore, it also affects the
      activity of micro/nanotubes at low fuel concentrations and imposes limitations on
      the velocity at very high fuel concentrations. Nanotubes with nanometer-sized
      openings need a higher concentration of H2O2 to be activated. Larger tubes can
      possess a higher absolute value of velocity than smaller tubes, but do not
      necessarily have a higher velocity by body lengths per unit time. Insight into
      bubble ejection/propulsion cycle is also provided. The results presented here
      provide important implications for the consideration of dimensions in the
      fabrication of tubular micro/nanomotors.

PMID- 27135614
TI  - Counting Cats: Spatially Explicit Population Estimates of Cheetah (Acinonyx
      jubatus) Using Unstructured Sampling Data.
AB  - Many ecological theories and species conservation programmes rely on accurate
      estimates of population density. Accurate density estimation, especially for
      species facing rapid declines, requires the application of rigorous field and
      analytical methods. However, obtaining accurate density estimates of carnivores
      can be challenging as carnivores naturally exist at relatively low densities and
      are often elusive and wide-ranging. In this study, we employ an unstructured
      spatial sampling field design along with a Bayesian sex-specific spatially
      explicit capture-recapture (SECR) analysis, to provide the first rigorous
      population density estimates of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) in the Maasai Mara,
      Kenya. We estimate adult cheetah density to be between 1.28 +/- 0.315 and 1.34 +/
      0.337 individuals/100km2 across four candidate models specified in our analysis.
      Our spatially explicit approach revealed 'hotspots' of cheetah density,
      highlighting that cheetah are distributed heterogeneously across the landscape.
      The SECR models incorporated a movement range parameter which indicated that male
      cheetah moved four times as much as females, possibly because female movement was
      restricted by their reproductive status and/or the spatial distribution of prey.
      We show that SECR can be used for spatially unstructured data to successfully
      characterise the spatial distribution of a low density species and also estimate
      population density when sample size is small. Our sampling and modelling
      framework will help determine spatial and temporal variation in cheetah
      densities, providing a foundation for their conservation and management. Based on
      our results we encourage other researchers to adopt a similar approach in
      estimating densities of individually recognisable species.

PMID- 27135615
TI  - Stereochemical Study of Sphingosine by Vibrational Circular Dichroism.
AB  - Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) was first applied to the stereochemical
      analysis of sphingosine. VCD patterns derived from the C?C stretch as well as
      other mid-infrared (IR) regions were practical markers to discriminate all the
      stereoisomers of intact sphingosine. Glutaraldehyde was found as an excellent
      derivatizing reagent for sphingosine which improves its solubility in VCD
      friendly nonpolar solvents such as chloroform and enhances the VCD intensities by
      forming a rigid cyclized structure.

PMID- 27135616
TI  - Comment on "Lessons from Toxicology: Developing a 21st-Century Paradigm for
      Medical Research".

PMID- 27135617
TI  - Isolation of 1,2,4,3-Triazaborol-3-yl-metal (Li, Mg, Al, Au, Zn, Sb, Bi)
      Derivatives and Reactivity toward CO and Isonitriles.
AB  - 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4,3-triazaborol-3-yl-lithium 3 was synthesized and fully
      characterized. The (11)B NMR spectrum, X-ray diffraction analysis, and
      computational studies revealed the ionic nature of the B-Li bond, and indeed 3
      displays nucleophilic property which allowed preparation of a series of 1,2,4,3
      triazaborol-3-yl-metal complexes (Al; 5, Au; 6, Zn; 7, Mg; 8, Sb; 9, and Bi; 10).
      3 reacted with CO (1 atm) and various isonitriles under ambient condition, and
      mechanistic study suggests that the reactions with CO and aryl isonitriles
      proceed via an insertion of CO and isonitrile carbon into the B-Li bond followed
      by isomerization to yield transient carbene species, one of which was confirmed
      by trapping with S8. With PhNC, compounds 5 and 7.(thf) underwent exchange of THF
      molecule coordinating to the metal center with isonitrile, whereas insertion of
      isonitrile carbon occurred at the B-Bi bond in 10 which afforded stable bismuth
      (boryl)iminomethane 20.

PMID- 27135618
TI  - The Service-Profit Chain in Spine Surgery.
AB  - Medicine has always been a service industry (as opposed to a manufacturing
      industry), as there is a shift from volume to value in health care, this point is
      becoming increasingly important. The delivery of good care extends beyond the
      technical aspects of performing a complex operation or prescribing the right type
      of medicine. Intuitively physicians have always understood the value of the
      physician-patient relationship, and its correlation to a good outcome. As
      patients are increasingly being forced to spend a greater portion of their
      personal income on health care through high-deductible plans and larger co-pays,
      physicians have to differentiate themselves through the delivery of great service
      beyond the delivery of superior health outcomes. Understanding the service-profit
      chain can help physicians succeed in the transition to a value-based health care
      system.

PMID- 27135619
TI  - Should Displaced Sacral Fractures Be Treated by an Orthopedic Traumatologist or a
      Spine Surgeon?

PMID- 27135620
TI  - Limitations of Using Microsoft Excel Version 2016 (MS Excel 2016) for Statistical
      Analysis for Medical Research.
AB  - Microsoft Excel (MS Excel) is a commonly used program for data collection and
      statistical analysis in biomedical research. However, this program has many
      limitations, including fewer functions that can be used for analysis and a
      limited number of total cells compared with dedicated statistical programs. MS
      Excel cannot complete analyses with blank cells, and cells must be selected
      manually for analysis. In addition, it requires multiple steps of data
      transformation and formulas to plot survival analysis graphs, among others. The
      Megastat add-on program, which will be supported by MS Excel 2016 soon, would
      eliminate some limitations of using statistic formulas within MS Excel.

PMID- 27135621
TI  - Compound heterozygous mutations (p.T561M and c.2422delT) in the TPO gene
      associated with congenital hypothyroidism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to determine the genetic basis of
      goitrous congenital hypothyroidism (GCH) in Chinese siblings. METHODS: The
      proband and her younger brother with GCH were enrolled for molecular analysis of
      the dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2), dual oxidase maturation factor 2 (DUOXA2), and
      thyroid peroxidase (TPO) genes. Mutation screening was performed by Sanger
      sequencing the fragments amplified from genomic DNA. The detected mutations were
      verified among the close relatives of the patients and 105 controls. All
      participants underwent clinical examination and laboratory tests. RESULTS:
      Analysis of the TPO gene revealed two heterozygous mutations, the frameshift
      mutation c.2422delT in the exon14 of the TPO gene, that has been reported
      previously, and a novel missense mutation c.1682C>T (p.T561M) in the exon10 of
      the TPO gene. Nine family members of the patients were enrolled for mutation
      screening. The patients' parents and grandfathers harbored a single heterozygous
      mutation. The germline mutations from this family were consistent with an
      autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. No mutations in the DUOXA2 and DUOX2
      genes were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The inactivating mutations (c.2422delT and
      p.T561M) in the TPO gene were identified in the Chinese siblings with GCH. The
      compound heterozygous mutations can cause GCH.

PMID- 27135622
TI  - Monophasic action potential recordings: which is the recording electrode?
AB  - The aim of this article is to provide an overview of current debate on the
      monophasic action potential (MAP) recording technique, specifically whether the
      depolarizing or the reference electrode is responsible for recording the MAP
      waveform. A literature search was made using key words including monophasic
      action potential, MAP, electrophysiological basis, recording electrode,
      depolarizing electrode, contact electrode, indifferent electrode, and reference
      electrode. References from articles were screened for additional relevant papers.
      Articles published by the different experimental groups claim that depolarizing
      electrode, but not reference electrode, records MAPs from the myocardium. This
      can be more accurately described when considering biophysical theory, which
      states that MAP is a bipolar signal with contributions from not only the
      depolarizing electrode but also remote activation at the reference electrode. It
      is not meaningful to claim that one is the recording electrode because potential
      differences must be measured between two points in space. Nevertheless, the MAP
      technique is useful for assessing the local electrical activity of the myocardium
      in contact with the depolarizing electrode. It is important to have the recording
      electrode in close proximity with the reference electrode to minimize
      contamination from far-field signals. 

PMID- 27135623
TI  - Embracing the complexity of matricellular proteins: the functional and clinical
      significance of splice variation.
AB  - Matricellular proteins influence wide-ranging fundamental cellular processes
      including cell adhesion, migration, growth and differentiation. They achieve this
      both through interactions with cell surface receptors and regulation of the
      matrix environment. Many matricellular proteins are also associated with diverse
      clinical disorders including cancer and diabetes. Alternative splicing is a
      precisely regulated process that can produce multiple isoforms with variable
      functions from a single gene. To date, the expression of alternate transcripts
      for the matricellular family has been reported for only a handful of genes. Here
      we analyse the evidence for alternative splicing across the matricellular family
      including the secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC),
      thrombospondin, tenascin and CCN families. We find that matricellular proteins
      have double the average number of splice variants per gene, and discuss the types
      of domain affected by splicing in matricellular proteins. We also review the
      clinical significance of alternative splicing for three specific matricellular
      proteins that have been relatively well characterised: osteopontin (OPN),
      tenascin-C (TNC) and periostin. Embracing the complexity of matricellular splice
      variants will be important for understanding the sometimes contradictory function
      of these powerful regulatory proteins, and for their effective clinical
      application as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. 

PMID- 27135624
TI  - Detection of a Novel Ehrlichia Species in Haemaphysalis longicornis Tick from
      China.
AB  - We collected 2460 Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks from vegetation in Jiaonan
      County, Shandong Province, in June of 2013 and Daishan County, Zhejiang Province,
      China, in May of 2015. The tick DNA was subsequently amplified with nested
      polymerase chain reaction using Ehrlichia common 16S rRNA gene primers and
      Ehrlichia ewingii species-specific groEL and gltA primers. We found 0.4% (3/780)
      of the ticks from Zhejiang Province contained Ehrlichia DNA that was different
      from all known Ehrlichia species, but most closely related to E. ewingii. We
      concluded that a novel Ehrlichia species exists in H. longicornis ticks in China.

PMID- 27135625
TI  - Pitiamides A and B, Multifunctional Fatty Acid Amides from Marine Cyanobacteria.
AB  - Two geometric isomers related to pitiamide A, termed 1E-pitiamide B (1) and 1Z
      pitiamide B (2), were isolated from a marine cyanobacterium collected from the
      shallow reef flat at Piti Bomb Holes, Guam, Mariana Islands. The structures of
      these analogues were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR analysis. Pitiamide A, which
      has been previously described, but has not been investigated in bioassays, was co
      isolated. Pitiamides A and B were subjected to a biological evaluation and they
      both showed antiproliferative effects on HCT116 cells with IC50 values of 1-5 uM.
      Pitiamide A was investigated individually and caused plasma membrane
      hyperpolarization and an increase of intracellular calcium in HCT116 cells. 

PMID- 27135626
TI  - Immunomodulatory N-acyl Dopamine Glycosides from the Icelandic Marine Sponge
      Myxilla incrustans Collected at a Hydrothermal Vent Site.
AB  - A chemical investigation of the sponge (Porifera) Myxilla incrustans collected
      from the unique submarine hydrothermal vent site Strytan, North of Iceland,
      revealed a novel family of closely related N-acyl dopamine glycosides. Three new
      compounds, myxillin A (1), B (2) and C (3), were isolated and structurally
      elucidated using several analytical techniques, such as HR-MS, 1D and 2D NMR
      spectroscopy. Myxillin A (1) and B (2)were shown to be structurally similar,
      composed of a dopamine moiety, but differ in the acyl chain length and
      saturation. The myxillin C (3) has a dehydrotyrosine moiety composing the same
      acyl chain and glycosylation as myxillin B (2). Myxillins A (1) and C (3) were
      tested for immunomodulating activity in an in vitro dendritic cell model.
      Dendritic cells matured and stimulated in the presence of myxillin A (1) secreted
      lower levels of IL-12p40, whilst dendritic cells matured and stimulated in the
      presence of myxillin C (3) secreted lower levels of IL-10 compared with dendritic
      cells matured and stimulated in the presence of the solvent alone. These opposing
      results indicate that the structural differences in the aromatic ring part of the
      molecules could have an impact on the immunological effects of dendritic cells.
      These molecules could, therefore, prove to be important in preventing
      inflammatory diseases on the one hand, and inducing a response to fight tumors
      and/or pathogens on the other hand. Further studies will be needed to confirm
      these potential uses. 

PMID- 27135627
TI  - Innovation in Phytotherapy: Is a New Regulation the Feasible Perspective in
      Europe?
AB  - Classical multicomponent preparations mostly derived from traditional usages in
      Western and Eastern phytotherapy have been under-evaluated for a long time as
      potential new pharmaceutical products. The regulatory scenario, in particular at
      the European level, has only recently considered these aspects proposing
      harmonized guidelines for the pharmaceutical registration of traditional herbal
      products. Nevertheless, a specific regulation for innovative products based on
      the combination of precious knowledge arising from traditional usages and modern
      scientific advancements is still missing. In this paper, we propose a critical
      review of the current situation with the specific aim of contributing to create a
      more favorable regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical registration of new
      and innovative herbal medicinal products. 

PMID- 27135628
TI  - Does the Chemical Diversity of the Order Haplosclerida (Phylum Porifera: Class
      Demospongia) Fit with Current Taxonomic Classification?
AB  - Sponges and their associated microbiota are well known to produce a large
      diversity of natural products, also called specialized metabolites. In addition
      to their potential use in the pharmaceutical industry, these rather species
      specific compounds may help in the classification of some particular sponge
      groups. We review herein compounds isolated from haplosclerid sponges (Class
      Demospongia, Order Haplosclerida) in order to help in the revision of this large
      group of marine invertebrates. We focus only on 3-alkylpyridine derivatives and
      polyacetylenic compounds, as these two groups of natural products are
      characteristic of haplosclerid species and are highly diverse. A close
      collaboration between chemists and biologists is required in order to fully apply
      chemotaxonomical approaches, and whenever possible biological data should include
      morphological and molecular data and some insight into their microbial abundance.

PMID- 27135629
TI  - Circulating ceramides are inversely associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in
      participants aged 54-96 years from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.
AB  - Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak) declines with age and is an independent risk
      factor for morbidity and mortality in older adults. Identifying biomarkers of low
      fitness may provide insight for why some individuals experience an accelerated
      decline of aerobic capacity and may serve as clinically valuable prognostic
      indicators of cardiovascular health. We investigated the relationship between
      circulating ceramides and VO2 peak in 443 men and women (mean age of 69) enrolled
      in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Individual species of
      ceramide were quantified by HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry. VO2 peak was measured
      by a graded treadmill test. We applied multiple regression models to test the
      associations between ceramide species and VO2 peak, while adjusting for age, sex,
      blood pressure, serum LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and other covariates. We found
      that higher levels of circulating C18:0, C20:0, C24:1 ceramides and C20:0
      dihydroceramides were strongly associated with lower aerobic capacity (P < 0.001,
      P < 0.001, P = 0.018, and P < 0.001, respectively). The associations held true
      for both sexes (with men having a stronger association than women, P value for
      sex interaction <0.05) and were unchanged after adjusting for confounders and
      multiple comparison correction. Interestingly, no significant association was
      found for C16:0, C22:0, C24:0, C26:0, and C22:1 ceramide species, C24:0
      dihydroceramide, or total ceramides. Our analysis reveals that specific long
      chain ceramides strongly associate with low cardiovascular fitness in older
      adults and may be implicated in the pathogenesis of low fitness with aging.
      Longitudinal studies are needed to further validate these associations and
      investigate the relationship between ceramides and health outcomes.

PMID- 27135630
TI  - Dose-dependent protective effect of baicalin against testicular torsion-detorsion
      in rats.
AB  - Testicular torsion/detorsion induces oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation
      and apoptosis of testicular tissues. Baicalin exerts antioxidant and anti
      inflammatory properties. This study investigated the possible protective effect
      of baicalin against testicular torsion-detorsion injury in rats. Surgical
      testicular torsion was induced for 2 h, followed by detorsion which was continued
      for 24 h. Baicalin was administered in three different doses (25, 50 and 100 mg
      kg-1 , by intraperitoneal injection). Each dose was given twice, the first 30 min
      before and the second 12 h after testicular detorsion. Baicalin, in a dose
      dependent manner, decreased the torsion/detorsion-induced elevations of
      testicular malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, BCL2
      associated X protein (Bax), cytosolic cytochrome c and caspase-3 and caspase-9
      activities. Baicalin, dose dependently, attenuated the reductions of B-cell
      leucemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase
      activities in testicular tissues resulted from torsion/detorsion. In addition,
      baicalin ameliorated the histopathological testicular tissue damage and reduced
      the expression of Fas ligand in rat testes exposed to torsion/detorsion in a dose
      dependent manner. It was concluded that baicalin, dose dependently, ameliorated
      testicular injury induced by torsion/detorsion via its antioxidant,
      antinitrosative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.

PMID- 27135631
TI  - Irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain in five-year-old children
      are related to lifestyle.
AB  - AIM: Abdominal pain of functional origin is very common in childhood, and
      environmental factors are thought to be of aetiologic importance. The
      anthroposophic lifestyle has dietary and lifestyle characteristics that may
      influence child health, and this study aimed to assess the effect of such
      lifestyles on abdominal pain of functional origin. METHODS: A prospective Swedish
      lifestyle cohort (n = 470) was followed from birth to five years of age. Family
      lifestyles were characterised through questionnaires. Abdominal pain was defined
      as irritable bowel syndrome or functional abdominal pain according to the Rome
      III criteria and measured with parental questionnaires and interviews at the age
      of five. RESULTS: The prevalence of abdominal pain was 15%. Children were more
      likely to have abdominal pain at five years of age if their family had a partly
      anthroposophic lifestyle, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.61 (95% CI 1.15
      5.93), or an anthroposophic lifestyle, with an adjusted OR of 2.34 (95% CI 0.96
      5.70). CONCLUSION: A family lifestyle with anthroposophic characteristics was
      associated with an increased risk of abdominal pain in five-year-old children.
      The mechanisms for this increase were unclear, but we speculate that there may
      have been different prerequisites for coping with stressors.

PMID- 27135632
TI  - Maternal phenotype, independent of family economic capital, predicts educational
      attainment in lowland nepalese children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Factors acting before children are born or reach school-going age may
      explain why some do not complete primary education. Many relevant factors relate
      to maternal phenotype, but few studies have tested for independent associations
      of maternal factors relative to those characterizing the family in general.
      METHODS: Using data from a longitudinal study of 838 children in Dhanusha, Nepal,
      we used logistic regression models to test whether indices of maternal somatic
      and educational capital, or family economic capital, were independently
      associated with children having had <=2 versus 3+ years of schooling at a mean
      age of 8.5 years. We also tested whether maternal age, children's early growth,
      and urban/rural location mediated such associations. RESULTS: Children had a
      higher risk of completing less schooling if their mothers were short, thin,
      anemic, and uneducated. Independently, lower family material assets and land
      acreage also increased children's odds of less schooling. There was an indication
      of gender differences, with the risk of poor educational attainment in girls
      associated with low maternal somatic and educational capital, whereas in boys the
      relevant factors were low maternal education and family land ownership.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis demonstrates that, independent of broader indices of
      family capital such as land or material assets, children's educational attainment
      is associated with factors embodied in maternal phenotype. Both somatic and
      educational maternal capital appeared important. A composite index of maternal
      capital could provide a new measurable proxy, prior to school entry, for
      identifying children at risk of completing fewer years of schooling. Am. J. Hum.
      Biol. 28:687-698, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27135633
TI  - A haplotype method detects diverse scenarios of local adaptation from genomic
      sequence variation.
AB  - Identifying genomic targets of population-specific positive selection is a major
      goal in several areas of basic and applied biology. However, it is unclear how
      often such selection should act on new mutations versus standing genetic
      variation or recurrent mutation, and furthermore, favoured alleles may either
      become fixed or remain variable in the population. Very few population genetic
      statistics are sensitive to all of these modes of selection. Here, we introduce
      and evaluate the Comparative Haplotype Identity statistic (chiMD ), which
      assesses whether pairwise haplotype sharing at a locus in one population is
      unusually large compared with another population, relative to genomewide trends.
      Using simulations that emulate human and Drosophila genetic variation, we find
      that chiMD is sensitive to a wide range of selection scenarios, and for some very
      challenging cases (e.g. partial soft sweeps), it outperforms other two-population
      statistics. We also find that, as with FST , our haplotype approach has the
      ability to detect surprisingly ancient selective sweeps. Particularly for the
      scenarios resembling human variation, we find that chiMD outperforms other
      frequency- and haplotype-based statistics for soft and/or partial selective
      sweeps. Applying chiMD and other between-population statistics to published
      population genomic data from D. melanogaster, we find both shared and unique
      genes and functional categories identified by each statistic. The broad utility
      and computational simplicity of chiMD will make it an especially valuable tool in
      the search for genes targeted by local adaptation.

PMID- 27135634
TI  - Psychological and relational correlates of intimate partner violence profiles
      among pregnant adolescent couples.
AB  - We sought to identify relationship and individual psychological factors that
      related to four profiles of intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant
      adolescent couples: no IPV, male IPV victim only, female IPV victim only, mutual
      IPV, and how associations differ by sex. Using data from a longitudinal study of
      pregnant adolescents and partners (n = 291 couples), we used a multivariate
      profile analysis using multivariate analysis of covariance with between and
      within-subjects effects to compare IPV groups and sex on relationship and
      psychological factors. Analyses were conducted at the couple level, with IPV
      groups as a between-subjects couple level variable and sex as a within-subjects
      variable that allowed us to model and compare the outcomes of both partners while
      controlling for the correlated nature of the data. Analyses controlled for age,
      race, income, relationship duration, and gestational age. Among couples, 64% had
      no IPV; 23% male IPV victim only; 7% mutual IPV; 5% female IPV victim only.
      Relationship (F = 3.61, P < .001) and psychological (F = 3.17, P < .001) factors
      differed by IPV group, overall. Attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance,
      relationship equity, perceived partner infidelity, depression, stress, and
      hostility each differed by IPV profile (all P < .01). Attachment anxiety, equity,
      depression and stress had a significant IPV profile by sex interaction (all P <
      .05). Couples with mutual IPV had the least healthy relationship and
      psychological characteristics; couples with no IPV had the healthiest
      characteristics. Females in mutually violent relationships were at particularly
      high risk. Couple-level interventions focused on relational issues might protect
      young families from developing IPV behaviors. Aggr. Behav. 43:26-36, 2017. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27135635
TI  - Hotspots of uncertainty in land-use and land-cover change projections: a global
      scale model comparison.
AB  - Model-based global projections of future land-use and land-cover (LULC) change
      are frequently used in environmental assessments to study the impact of LULC
      change on environmental services and to provide decision support for policy.
      These projections are characterized by a high uncertainty in terms of quantity
      and allocation of projected changes, which can severely impact the results of
      environmental assessments. In this study, we identify hotspots of uncertainty,
      based on 43 simulations from 11 global-scale LULC change models representing a
      wide range of assumptions of future biophysical and socioeconomic conditions. We
      attribute components of uncertainty to input data, model structure, scenario
      storyline and a residual term, based on a regression analysis and analysis of
      variance. From this diverse set of models and scenarios, we find that the
      uncertainty varies, depending on the region and the LULC type under
      consideration. Hotspots of uncertainty appear mainly at the edges of globally
      important biomes (e.g., boreal and tropical forests). Our results indicate that
      an important source of uncertainty in forest and pasture areas originates from
      different input data applied in the models. Cropland, in contrast, is more
      consistent among the starting conditions, while variation in the projections
      gradually increases over time due to diverse scenario assumptions and different
      modeling approaches. Comparisons at the grid cell level indicate that
      disagreement is mainly related to LULC type definitions and the individual model
      allocation schemes. We conclude that improving the quality and consistency of
      observational data utilized in the modeling process and improving the allocation
      mechanisms of LULC change models remain important challenges. Current LULC
      representation in environmental assessments might miss the uncertainty arising
      from the diversity of LULC change modeling approaches, and many studies ignore
      the uncertainty in LULC projections in assessments of LULC change impacts on
      climate, water resources or biodiversity.

PMID- 27135636
TI  - Education in sexual medicine - a nationwide study among German
      urologists/andrologists and urology residents.
AB  - Although sexual-related problems are very prevalent, inadequate training for
      physicians has been reported. The aim was to investigate the educational
      situation in sexual medicine, including sexual dysfunctions, gender dysphoria and
      paraphilia, among German physicians in urology and andrology. Additional,
      barriers when addressing sexual health issues and confidence in taking care of
      patients with sexual-related problems were evaluated. A questionnaire was sent to
      5955 urologists, urology residents and andrologists throughout Germany. The
      results of this study emphasise the need for continuing education and training in
      sexual medicine including sexual dysfunctions (83.9%), gender dysphoria (58.2%)
      and paraphilia (56.6%). Physicians, especially when working in urology, need
      basic skills in order to feel confident (89.0% in taking care of patients with
      sexual dysfunctions, 25.8% with gender dysphoria and 22.9% with paraphilia) and
      be able to reduce several barriers when addressing sexual health issues. The main
      reported barriers were lack of time (61.0%), inadequate financial compensation
      (42.5%), lack of necessity (29.9%) and the assumption of patients feeling
      uncomfortable (20.9%). It is within the competence of urologists and andrologists
      to correctly assess the situation and to refer patients to multidisciplinary
      support, such as psychologists, psychosomatics or couple therapists.

PMID- 27135637
TI  - Systemic treatment with resveratrol and/or curcumin reduces the progression of
      experimental periodontitis in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of
      periodontal tissues that leads to the destruction of bone and other connective
      tissues. Resveratrol and curcumin are plant-derived substances with biological
      properties that may have immunomodulatory properties. This study investigated the
      effect of continuous administration of resveratrol and curcumin and the
      association of resveratrol and curcumin on the progression of experimental
      periodontitis in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were assigned
      randomly to the following groups: group 1, experimental periodontitis + placebo
      (PL) (n = 10); group 2, experimental periodontitis + resveratrol (RSV) (n = 10);
      group 3, experimental periodontitis + curcumin (C) (n = 10); and group 4,
      experimental periodontitis + resveratrol + curcumin (COMBI) (n = 10).
      Periodontitis was induced in rats by tying a silk suture, as a ligature, around
      one of the first molars. Daily administration of the placebo solution, 10 mg/kg
      of resveratrol, 100 mg/kg of curcumin or 10 mg/kg of resveratrol plus 100 mg/kg
      of curcumin was carried out from day 0 to day 30. At the end of the relevant
      experimental periods, rats were killed and the specimens obtained were processed
      for morphometric analysis of bone loss. Gingival tissues surrounding the first
      molar were collected for quantification of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-4,
      interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) using a
      Luminex/MAGPIX assay. RESULTS: Intergroup comparisons of the morphometric
      outcomes revealed higher bone-loss values in the PL group (p < 0.05) when
      compared with RSV, C and COMBI groups. There was no difference in bone-loss
      values among RSV, C and COMBI groups (p > 0.05). The immunoenzymatic assay of the
      gingival tissue showed a lower concentration of IL-1beta in the COMBI group in
      comparison with the PL group (p < 0.05). Higher values of IL-4 were demonstrated
      in groups RSV, C and COMBI in comparison with the PL group (p < 0.05). Only RSV
      caused a reduction in the levels of IFN-gamma (p < 0.05). There was no difference
      in the concentration of TNF-alpha amongst the four groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Resveratrol and curcumin are capable of reducing alveolar bone loss in an animal
      model of periodontitis. This occurred when these agents were added singly or in
      combination with one another, but there did not appear to be either synergistic
      or additive effects.

PMID- 27135638
TI  - Effects of low-oxygen conditions on embryo growth in the painted turtle,
      Chrysemys picta.
AB  - Low-oxygen conditions (hypoxia; <21% O2 ) are considered unfavorable for growth;
      yet, embryos of many vertebrate taxa develop successfully in hypoxic subterranean
      environments. Although enhanced tolerance to hypoxia has been demonstrated in
      adult reptiles, such as in the painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), its effects on
      sensitive embryo life stages warrant attention. We tested the hypothesis that
      short-term hypoxia negatively affects growth during day 40 of development in C.
      picta, when O2 demands are highest in embryos. A brief, but severe, hypoxic event
      (5% O2 for 0.5 h) moderately affected embryo growth, causing a 13% reduction in
      mass (relative to a normoxic control). The same condition had no effect during
      day 27; instead, a nearly anoxic event (1% O2 for 72 h) caused a 5% mass
      reduction. All embryos survived the egg incubation period. Our study supports the
      assumption that reptilian embryos are resilient to intermittently low O2 in
      subterranean nests. Further work is needed to ascertain responses to suboptimal
      O2 levels while undergoing dynamic changes in developmental physiology.

PMID- 27135639
TI  - Association between pelvic floor disorder symptoms and QoL scores with depressive
      symptoms among pelvic organ prolapse patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the relationship between depressive symptoms
      (DS) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Our
      hypothesis was that women with DS and POP have worse symptoms and QoL than those
      without DS and POP. AIM: Our aim was to compare two groups of POP patients, those
      with depressive symptoms and those without, and evaluate the association of
      symptoms and QoL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This planned report is part of a
      prospective study evaluating the impact of pessary use among symptomatic POP
      patients. Patients were evaluated by POP quantification (POP-Q), pelvic
      ultrasound (US), voiding diaries, stress test, pad test, Pelvic Floor Distress
      Inventory (PFDI-20), Prolapse QoL (P-QoL) and the Goldberg Health Questionnaire
      (GHQ-12) (psychological health screening for DS when score >=5). A sample size of
      78 patients was required to demonstrate a 50-point difference in the global PFDI
      20 score with 80% power and 95% probability. RESULTS: Ninety-one women with POP
      were included. GHQ-12 was positive in 47 (51.6%) patients. No differences were
      found in POP-Q, pad and stress test between those with a positive GHQ-12 and
      those without. However, GHQ-12 was associated with higher PFDI-20 scores and
      higher scores in seven of nine P-QoL domains. GHQ-12 persisted as an independent
      risk factor for worse P-QoL scores after multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: A
      'positive' screening for DS was associated with worse PFDI-20 and P-QoL scores
      despite no difference in objective measurements. It may be that depressed
      patients interpret their symptoms differently.

PMID- 27135640
TI  - Young microbes for adult obesity.
AB  - Gut microbes are active participants of host metabolism. At birth, child
      physiology is committed towards healthiness or sickness depending, in part, on
      maternal condition (i.e. lean vs obesity) and delivery. Finally, changes from
      breastfeeding to solid food also account to define gut microbiota ecology in
      adulthood. Nowadays, alterations of gut microbiota, named dysbiosis, are acquired
      risk factors for multiple diseases, especially type 2 diabetes and obesity.
      Despite important evidence linking nutrition to dysbiosis to energetic
      dysmetabolism, molecular mechanisms for causality are still missing. That the
      status of gut microbiota of mother and child is crucial for future diseases is
      witnessed by adulthood overweight and obesity observed in children with
      dysbiosis. In this short review we highlight the importance of early life events
      related to the microbiota and their impact on future adult disease risk.
      Therefore, our effort to treat or prevent metabolic diseases should be addressed
      towards early or previous life steps, when microbial decisions are going to
      affect our metabolic fate.

PMID- 27135641
TI  - Surgical Site Infections in Posterior Lumbar Surgery: A Controlled-Cohort Study
      of Epidural Steroid Paste.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, single-center cohort study of consecutive patients
      undergoing posterior lumbar decompression between 2007 and 2013 was conducted.
      OBJECTIVE: To compare rates of surgical site infection between matched cohorts of
      patients undergoing lumbar surgery with and without intraoperative application of
      epidural steroid pastes. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Epidural steroid agents
      reduce postoperative pain and inflammation following lumbar surgery, reducing the
      use of postoperative narcotics and improving McGill pain scores. Preliminary
      studies have, however, suggested an increase in surgical site infections
      following the use of these steroid-containing pastes. METHODS: We reviewed 758
      patients undergoing decompression performed at a single center by surgeons who
      either routinely used or never used an analgesic steroid paste. Patients
      undergoing instrumentation or revision surgery were excluded, and surgical and
      postoperative protocols were uniform. Two hundred eighty-three patients met
      specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic, clinical, and surgical
      data were assessed and correlated to the incidence of postoperative infections.
      Multivariate logistic regression controlled for confounding characteristics and
      identified independent predictors of postoperative surgical-site infections.
      RESULTS: Patient demographics, comorbidities, and perioperative protocols were
      similar between groups. There were six acute infections among 103 patients
      receiving steroid paste (5.83%), and two infections among 180 patients not
      receiving paste (1.11%), a statistically significant difference which remained
      after controlling for confounding characteristics (odds ratio 6.74, P = 0.01).
      All but one infection occurred among patients with identifiable preoperative risk
      factors for infection. CONCLUSION: The observed increase in infection among
      patients receiving pain paste is clinically significant, but infection was
      primarily observed among at-risk patients. The present study confirms suspicions
      raised in preliminary studies, and we recommend caution when treating patients
      with identifiable, comorbid risk factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

PMID- 27135642
TI  - Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Lesion Prevents Fatty
      Infiltration and Fibrosis of the Multifidus Muscle, but not Cytokine and Muscle
      Fiber Changes.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal case-control animal model. OBJECTIVE: To investigate
      effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatment on multifidus muscle remodeling
      after intervertebral disc (IVD) lesion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lesion and
      degeneration of IVDs cause structural remodeling of the multifidus muscle.
      Proinflammatory cytokines are thought to contribute. MSC treatment restores IVD
      health after lesion but its effects on surrounding tissues remains unknown. Using
      an animal model of IVD degeneration, we assessed the effects of MSC treatment of
      IVDs on the structural remodeling and cytokine expression within the multifidus
      muscle. METHODS: An anterolateral lesion was performed on the L1-2, L3-4, and L5
      6 IVDs in sheep. At either 4 (early treatment) or 12 (late treatment) weeks after
      IVD lesion, MSCs were injected into the lesioned IVD. Multifidus muscle was
      harvested from L2 (gene expression analysis) and L4 (histological analysis) at 3
      or 6 months after IVD lesion and naive controls for histological analysis of
      muscle, adipose, and connective tissue cross-sectional areas, and
      immunohistochemistry to study muscle fiber types. Real-time polymerase chain
      reactions quantified expression of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1beta, and
      transforming growth factor-beta1. RESULTS: MSC treatment of IVD lesion prevented
      the increased adipose and connective tissue cross-sectional area expected after
      IVD lesion. MSC treatment did not prevent slow-to-fast muscle fiber type
      transformation. Gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines within the muscle
      was altered by the MSC treatment of IVD. Increased interleukin-1beta expression
      was prevented in the early treatment group and tumor necrosis factor and
      transforming growth factor-beta1 expression was upregulated at 6 months.
      CONCLUSION: Results show that although MSC treatment prevents fatty infiltration
      and fibrosis of the multifidus muscle after IVD lesion, it cannot prevent a
      muscle inflammatory response and muscle fiber transformation. These findings
      highlight the potential role of MSC therapy after IVD injury, but reveals that
      other interventions may also be necessary to optimize recovery of muscle. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27135643
TI  - Evaluating Osseointegration Into a Deeply Porous Titanium Scaffold: A
      Biomechanical Comparison With PEEK and Allograft.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This was a biomechanical push-out testing study using a porcine
      model. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to evaluate the strength of implant-bone
      interface of a porous titanium scaffold by comparing it to polyetheretherketone
      (PEEK) and allograft. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Osseointegration is important
      for achieving maximal stability of spinal fusion implants and it is desirable to
      achieve as quickly as possible. Common PEEK interbody fusion implants appear to
      have limited osseointegration potential because of the formation of fibrous
      tissue along the implant-bone interface. Porous, three-dimensional titanium
      materials may be an option to enhance osseointegration. METHODS: Using the skulls
      of two swine, in the region of the os frontale, 16 identical holes (4 mm
      diameter) were drilled to 10 mm depth in each skull. Porous titanium, PEEK, and
      allograft pins were press fit into the holes. After 5 weeks, animals were
      euthanized and the skull sections with the implants were cut into sections with
      each pin centered within a section. Push-out testing was performed using an MTS
      machine with a push rate of 6 mm/min. Load-deformation curves were used to
      compute the extrinsic material properties of the bone samples. Maximum force (N)
      and shear strength (MPa) were extracted from the output to record the bonding
      strength between the implant and surrounding bone. When calculating shear
      strength, maximum force was normalized by the actual implant surface area in
      contact with surrounding bone. RESULTS: Mean push-out shear strength was
      significantly greater in the porous titanium scaffold group than in the PEEK or
      allograft groups (10.2 vs. 1.5 vs. 3.1 MPa, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      The push-out strength was significantly greater for the implants with porous
      titanium coating compared with the PEEK or allograft. These results suggest that
      the material has promise for facilitating osseointegration for implants,
      including interbody devices for spinal fusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

PMID- 27135644
TI  - Preparation and application of magnetic molecularly imprinted nanoparticles for
      the selective extraction of osthole in Libanotis Buchtomensis herbal extract.
AB  - In this work, novel magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared for the
      selective extraction of osthole from Libanotis Buchtomensis herbal extract.
      During the synthesis process, double bonds grafted on the surface of Fe3 O4
      nanoparticles could not only drive the temple molecules to locate onto the
      surface of vinyl-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles by pi-pi conjugation,
      which makes the distribution of binding sites ordered, but also direct the
      occurrence of imprinting polymerization at the surface of magnetic nanoparticles
      by the copolymerization of vinyl terminal groups with functional monomers and
      cross-linking agent. The characteristics of the resulting polymers were evaluated
      by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform
      infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Adsorption kinetics,
      isotherms, selectivity, reproducibility, and reusability were discussed, which
      suggest that the obtained nanomaterials possess rapid binding kinetics, high
      adsorption capacity of 17.65 mg/g, and favorable selectivity for the target
      molecule. Satisfactory reproducibility and reusability were verified as well.
      Meanwhile, the resultant imprinted nanoparticles were successfully applied to
      selectively separate osthole from the herbal extract, which show great potential
      in extracting active ingredients from traditional Chinese medicine. 

PMID- 27135645
TI  - Triple-Mode Emission of Carbon Dots: Applications for Advanced Anti
      Counterfeiting.
AB  - Photoluminescence (PL), up-conversion PL (UCPL), and phosphorescence are three
      kinds of phenomena common to light-emitting materials, but it is very difficult
      to observe all of them simultaneously when they are derived from a single
      material at room temperature. For the first time, triple-mode emission (that is,
      PL, UCPL, and room temperature phosphorescence (RTP)) is reported, which relies
      on a composite of the luminescent carbon dots (CDs) prepared from m
      phenylenediamine and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Moreover, the CDs-PVA aqueous
      dispersion is nearly colorless and demonstrates promise as a triple-mode emission
      ink in the field of advanced anti-counterfeiting.

PMID- 27135646
TI  - Understanding Amyloid-beta Oligomerization at the Molecular Level: The Role of
      the Fibril Surface.
AB  - The aggregation of the amyloid beta-peptide into fibrils is a complex process
      that involves mechanisms such as primary and secondary nucleation, fibril
      elongation and fibril fragmentation. Some of these processes generate neurotoxic
      Abeta oligomers, which are involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease.
      Recent experimental studies have emphasized the role of the fibril as a catalytic
      surface for the production of highly toxic oligomers during secondary nucleation.
      By using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that it is the hydrophobic
      fibril region that causes the structural changes required for catalyzing the
      formation of beta-sheet-rich Abeta1-42 oligomers on the fibril surface. These
      results reveal, for the first time, the molecular basis of the secondary
      nucleation pathway. 

PMID- 27135647
TI  - Difficulties in establishing the diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia: An
      agreement study.

PMID- 27135648
TI  - Vacuolin-1 inhibits autophagy by impairing lysosomal maturation via PIKfyve
      inhibition.
AB  - Lysosomal protein degradation via autophagy strictly regulates cellular protein
      homoeostasis. Herein we performed high-content screening to identify compounds
      that inhibit autophagy pathways. We obtained 11 hit compounds and performed
      cluster analysis using cellular morphological information. Vacuolin-1, which
      induces the formation of giant vacuoles and is a target unknown compound,
      clustered with the known PIKfyve inhibitor YM201636. We further confirmed that
      vacuolin-1 is a potent PIKfyve inhibitor, and we finally concluded that PIKfyve
      inhibitors are novel chemical tools for regulating autophagy. 

PMID- 27135649
TI  - The maternal age-related first trimester risks for trisomy 21, 18 and 13 based on
      Danish first trimester data from 2005 to 2014.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Most currently used age-related risks of T21, T18 and T13 are based
      on estimates of the live-birth prevalence, and describe an exponential increase
      of risk by increased maternal age. We investigated the first trimester prevalence
      of T21, T18 and T13 in a large population of Danish women. METHODS: From the
      Danish Cytogenetic Central Registry we got the information of all pre- and
      postnatally diagnosed fetuses with T21, T18 or T13 between 2005 and 2014 in
      Denmark. Information on the total number of births and maternal age at birth were
      gathered from StatBank Denmark. RESULTS: The total number of included women was
      605 853. The total number of T21 cases was 1564, T18 cases was 401 and T13 cases
      was 157. The overall first trimester prevalence per 10 000 pregnancies was 25.8
      for T21, 6.6 for T18 and 2.6 for T13. Boltzmann sigmoidal model (Y = Bottom +
      (top-bottom / (1 - exp (V50 - X) / slope)) was found to best describe the age
      related risk of T21, T18 and T13. CONCLUSION: We found that the age-related risks
      are better described by sigmoidal functions, contrary to the widely assumed
      exponential functions. Our results indicate a lower age-related a priori risk of
      T21, T18 and T13 compared to widely used risk models. (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 27135650
TI  - Association between Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain with
      Size, Tempo, and Velocity of Infant Growth: Analysis of the Newborn Epigenetic
      Study Cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first 1000 days of life is a critical period of infant growth
      that has been linked to future adult health. Understanding prenatal factors that
      contribute to variation in growth during this period could inform successful
      prevention strategies. METHODS: Prenatal and maternal characteristics, including
      prepregnancy obesity and gestational weight gain were evaluated in relation to
      weight growth trajectories during the first 24 months of life using the
      SuperImposition by Translation and Rotation (SITAR) method, which provides
      estimates of infant size, timing to peak velocity, and growth velocity. The study
      sample included 704 mother-infant dyads from a multiethnic prebirth cohort from
      the Southeastern United States. The total number of weight measures was 8670
      (median number per child = 14). RESULTS: Several prenatal and maternal
      characteristics were linked with infant growth parameters. The primary findings
      show that compared to women with a prepregnancy BMI between 18 and 24.9, women
      with a prepregnancy BMI >=40 had infants that were 8% larger during the first 24
      months, a delayed tempo of around 9 days, and a slower velocity. Mothers who had
      greater than adequate gestational weight gain had infants that were 5% larger
      even after controlling for prepregnancy BMI and several other covariates.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings contribute new data on the associations between
      gestational weight gain and aspects of early growth using the SITAR method, and
      support a growing consensus in the literature that both prepregnancy BMI and
      gestational weight gain relate independently to risk for greater postnatal weight
      growth.

PMID- 27135651
TI  - Cyclic Ketoximes as Estrogen Receptor beta Selective Agonists.
AB  - The development of estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta)-selective agonists represents
      a therapeutic strategy against several kinds of cancers, but the high homology
      between the two receptor subtypes, ERalpha and ERbeta, makes the achievement of
      this goal very challenging. In the past, we developed salicylaldoxime- and
      salicylketoxime-based molecules that proved to bind well to ERbeta. In this
      paper, further structural evolution of the salicylketoximes is presented: two of
      the newly synthesized five-membered cyclic ketoximes bind with nanomolar
      affinities to ERbeta, and they show selectivity for this subtype over ERalpha.
      Their agonist character was confirmed by cell-free coactivator recruitment
      assays, in which we demonstrated the ability of these compounds to form an active
      complex with ERbeta capable of recruiting coactivator proteins; this indicated
      their efficacy as agonists. Finally, their potency and selectivity for ERbeta
      binding were rationalized by molecular-modeling studies.

PMID- 27135652
TI  - Integrating Electronics and Microfluidics on Paper.
AB  - Paper microfluidics and printed electronics have developed independently, and are
      incompatible in many aspects. Monolithic integration of microfluidics and
      electronics on paper is demonstrated. This integration makes it possible to print
      2D and 3D fluidic, electrofluidic, and electrical components on paper, and to
      fabricate devices using them. 

PMID- 27135653
TI  - Relationship between FokI polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor gene and
      fibromyalgia syndrome.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene FokI
      polymorphism frequencies distribution in subjects with fibromyalgia syndrome
      (FMS) compared to healthy controls. METHOD: Using a case-control design, 100
      female patients, who were diagnosed with FMS according to the American College of
      Rheumatology criteria and 100 healthy female subjects were enrolled in this
      study. FokI polymorphisms of the VDR gene were analyzed by restriction fragment
      length polymorphisms (RFLP) in both groups. RESULTS: No significant differences
      in the frequencies distribution of both genotype and alleles of the FokI
      polymorphism in the VDR gene were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION:
      The relationship between VDR gene FokI polymorphism and FMS, particularly in
      Turkish women, could not be determined in this study. However, further studies
      with larger patient numbers may be needed to prove a relation between VDR gene
      polymorphism and FMS.

PMID- 27135654
TI  - Angiopoietin-like protein 6 in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus,
      and anorexia nervosa: The influence of very low-calorie diet, bariatric surgery,
      and partial realimentation.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: Angiopoietin-like protein 6 (ANGPTL6) is a circulating protein
      with a potential role in energy homeostasis. The aim of the study was to explore
      the changes in ANGPTL6 levels in patients with obesity (Body mass index, BMI > 40
      kg/m2) with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) undergoing dietary
      intervention (very low calorie diet - VLCD) and in a subgroup of T2DM patients
      after bariatric surgery. Additionally, we examined changes in ANGPTL6 in anorexia
      nervosa (AN) patients at baseline and after partial realimentation. We also
      explored the changes in ANGPTL6 mRNA expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue
      (SAT) of obese subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 23 non
      diabetic obese patients, 40 obese patients with T2DM (27 underwent VLCD and 13
      underwent bariatric surgery), 22 patients with AN, and 37 healthy control
      subjects. RESULTS: ANGPTL6 levels of AN patients were increased relative to the
      control group (68.6 +/- 9.9 ng/ml) and decreased from 110.2 +/- 13.3 to 73.6 +/-
      7.1 ng/ml (p = 0.004) after partial realimentation. Baseline ANGPTL6 levels in
      patients with obesity and T2DM did not differ from the control group. VLCD
      decreased ANGPTL6 levels only in obese patients with T2DM. Bariatric surgery
      induced a transient elevation of ANGPTL6 levels with a subsequent decrease to
      baseline levels. ANGPTL6 mRNA expression transiently increased after bariatric
      surgery and returned to baseline levels after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS:
      Collectively, our data suggest that serum ANGPTL6 levels and ANGPTL6 mRNA
      expression in SAT are affected by metabolic disorders and their treatment but do
      not appear to directly reflect nutritional status.

PMID- 27135655
TI  - PD-1 inhibitors induced bullous lichen planus-like reactions: a rare presentation
      and report of three cases.
AB  - The introduction of immunotherapy such as antiprogrammed death1 (anti-PD1)
      monoclonal antibodies has changed the scenario of treatment in cancer. Apart from
      their impressive efficacy profiles, they are better tolerated than the
      anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 antibodies. Dermatological
      adverse events such as pruritus and rash have been reported in various clinical
      trials. We report three cases of anti-PD1-induced bullous lichen planus (LP)-like
      reactions encountered in our institution. These patients developed LP-like
      papules and annular plaques with vesicles or crusted centres. Histology showed LP
      like changes with negative immunofluorescence. Vesiculobullous lesions in
      patients treated with anti-PD1 therapies require a careful clinicopathological
      evaluation.

PMID- 27135656
TI  - Low Frequency of Programmed Death Ligand 1 Expression in Pediatric Cancers.
AB  - Programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway blockade has
      become a promising therapeutic target in adult cancers. We evaluated PD-L1
      expression and tumor-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells in formalin-fixed, paraffin
      embedded tumor specimens from 53 untreated pediatric patients with eight cancer
      types: neuroblastoma, extracranial malignant germ cell tumor, hepatoblastoma,
      germinoma, medulloblastoma, renal tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, and atypical
      teratoid/rhabdoid tumor. One rhabdomyosarcoma with the shortest survival
      exhibited membranous PD-L1 expression and germinoma contained abundant tumor
      infiltrating CD8(+) T cells and PD-L1-positive macrophages. The PD-1/PD-L1
      pathway tended to be inactive in pediatric cancers.

PMID- 27135657
TI  - Making It Count: Improving Estimates of the Size of Transgender and Gender
      Nonconforming Populations.
AB  - An accurate estimate of the number of transgender and gender nonconforming people
      is essential to inform policy and funding priorities and decisions. Historical
      reports of population sizes of 1 in 4000 to 1 in 50,000 have been based on
      clinical populations and likely underestimate the size of the transgender
      population. More recent population-based studies have found a 10- to 100-fold
      increase in population size. Studies that estimate population size should be
      population based, employ the two-step method to allow for collection of both
      gender identity and sex assigned at birth, and include measures to capture the
      range of transgender people with nonbinary gender identities.

PMID- 27135658
TI  - Intrathecally Transplanting Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Activates ERK1/2 in
      Spinal Cords of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Rats and Improves Nerve Function.
AB  - BACKGROUND We investigated whether an intrathecal transplantation of mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSCs) activates extracellular adjusting protein kinase1 and 2(ERK1/2)
      in the spinal cords of rats following an ischemia-reperfusion injury, resulting
      in improved spinal cord function and inhibition of apoptosis. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS We observed the relationship between the activation of ERK1/2 in the rat
      spinal cord and intrathecal transplantation of MSCs, as well as the effect of
      U0126, a MEK1/2 (upstream protein of ERK1/2) inhibitor, on a spinal cord ischemia
      reperfusion injury model in rats using Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) scoring,
      somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), immunohistochemistry, and Western blot
      analysis. RESULTS After transplantation of MSCs, the lower limb motor function
      score increased, and the incubation period of SSEPs and amplitude were improved.
      Moreover, following transplantation of MSCs, Bcl2 expression increased, whereas
      Bax expression decreased after reperfusion. Transplantation of MSCs significantly
      enhanced pERK1/2 expression in the spinal cord, as well as pERK1/2 in
      immunoreactive cells located in the grey matter of the L4/5 levels of the spinal
      cord, following ischemia reperfusion injury in rats. The effective dose of U0126
      required to inhibit pERK1/2 expression was 200 ug/kg. Bcl-2 decreased and the
      level of Bax expression increased in the spinal cord after ischemia reperfusion
      injury, and the protective effects of MSCs were attenuated. CONCLUSIONS Our
      findings suggest that intrathecal transplantation of MSCs activates ERK1/2 in the
      spinal cord following ischemia reperfusion injury, partially improves spinal cord
      function, and inhibits apoptosis in rats. 

PMID- 27135659
TI  - Preventive Effect on Post-Operative Pneumonia of Oral Health Care among Patients
      Who Undergo Esophageal Resection: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-operative pneumonia is a frequent and possibly fatal
      complication of esophagectomy and is likely caused by aspiration of oropharyngeal
      fluid that contains pathogenic micro-organisms. We conducted a multi-center
      retrospective study to investigate the preventive effect of oral health care on
      post-operative pneumonia among patients with esophageal cancer who underwent
      esophagectomy. METHODS: A total of 280 patients underwent esophagectomy at three
      university hospitals. These patients were divided retrospectively into those who
      received pre-operative oral care from dentists and dental hygienists (oral care
      group; n = 173) and those who did not receive such care (control group; n = 107).
      We evaluated the correlations between the occurrence of post-operative pneumonia
      and 18 predictive variables (patient factors, tumor factors, treatment factors,
      and pre-operative oral care) using the chi(2) test and logistic regression
      analysis. The differences of mean hospital days and mortality rate in both groups
      were analyzed by the Student t-test. RESULTS: Age, post-operative dysphagia, and
      absence of pre-operative oral care were correlated significantly with post
      operative pneumonia in the univariable analysis. Multivariable analysis revealed
      that diabetes mellitus, post-operative dysphagia, and the absence of pre
      operative oral care were independent risk factors for post-operative pneumonia.
      The mean hospital stay and mortality rate did not differ between the oral care
      and control groups. CONCLUSION: Pre-operative oral care may be an effective and
      easy method to prevent post-operative pneumonia in patients who are undergoing
      esophagectomy.

PMID- 27135662
TI  - Letters to the Editor.

PMID- 27135660
TI  - In This Issue * May 15, 2016.

PMID- 27135663
TI  - Frustrations, requirements, and expectations of skin biopsy for diagnosing skin
      disease.

PMID- 27135664
TI  - What Is Your Diagnosis?

PMID- 27135666
TI  - New Veterinary Biologic Products.

PMID- 27135665
TI  - Theriogenology Question of the Month.

PMID- 27135667
TI  - Pathology in Practice.

PMID- 27135668
TI  - Pathology in Practice.

PMID- 27135669
TI  - Ventricular arrhythmias in Rhodesian Ridgebacks with a family history of sudden
      death and results of a pedigree analysis for potential inheritance patterns.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate a group of related Rhodesian Ridgebacks with a family
      history of sudden death for the presence of arrhythmia and to identify possible
      patterns of disease inheritance among these dogs. DESIGN Prospective case series
      and pedigree investigation. ANIMALS 25 Rhodesian Ridgebacks with shared
      bloodlines. PROCEDURES Pedigrees of 4 young dogs (1 female and 3 males; age, 7 to
      12 months) that died suddenly were evaluated, and owners of closely related dogs
      were asked to participate in the study. Dogs were evaluated by 24-hour Holter
      monitoring, standard ECG, echocardiography, or some combination of these to
      assess cardiac status. Necropsy reports, if available, were reviewed. RESULTS 31
      close relatives of the 4 deceased dogs were identified. Of 21 dogs available for
      examination, 8 (2 males and 6 females) had ventricular tachyarrhythmias (90 to
      8,700 ventricular premature complexes [VPCs]/24 h). No dogs had clinical signs of
      cardiac disease reported. Echocardiographic or necropsy evaluation for 7 of 12
      dogs deemed affected (ie, with frequent or complex VPCs or sudden death) did not
      identify structural lesions. Five of 6 screened parents of affected dogs had 0 to
      5 VPCs/24 h (all singlets), consistent with a normal reading. Pedigree evaluation
      suggested an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, but autosomal dominant
      inheritance with incomplete penetrance could not be ruled out. CONCLUSIONS AND
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE Holter monitoring of Rhodesian Ridgebacks with a family
      history of an arrhythmia or sudden death is recommended for early diagnosis of
      disease. An autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance in the studied dogs was
      likely, and inbreeding should be strongly discouraged. 

PMID- 27135670
TI  - Comparison of conventional magnetic resonance imaging and nonenhanced three
      dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography findings between dogs
      with meningioma and dogs with intracranial histiocytic sarcoma: 19 cases (2010
      2014).
AB  - OBJECTIVE To compare conventional MRI and nonenhanced 3-D time-of-flight (TOF)
      magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) findings between dogs with meningioma and
      dogs with intracranial histiocytic sarcoma (IHS). DESIGN Retrospective case
      series. ANIMALS 14 dogs with meningioma and 5 dogs with IHS. PROCEDURES Medical
      records of dogs with meningioma or IHS that were examined at a tertiary
      veterinary hospital from 2010 through 2014 and underwent 3-D TOF MRA in
      conjunction with conventional MRI were reviewed. Findings for conventional MRI
      and 3-D TOF MRA were compared between the 2 groups of dogs to evaluate whether
      there were any characteristics that could be used to differentiate meningioma
      from IHS. RESULTS Tumor type was significantly associated with signal intensity
      on conventional T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI images;
      most meningiomas were hyperintense, and most IHSs were isointense or hypointense
      on those images. Tumor type was not associated with signal uniformity, tumor
      location, tumor origin, or the presence of edema, midline shift, or brain
      herniation. On MRA, blood vessels adjacent to the tumor were identified and
      characterized for 9 of 14 dogs with meningioma and all 5 dogs with IHS. Vessels
      adjacent to meningiomas were displaced in 8 of 9 dogs, whereas vessels adjacent
      to IHSs were not displaced. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated
      nonenhanced 3-D TOF MRA findings provided additional information that can be
      assessed in conjunction with conventional MRI findings to help differentiate
      meningiomas from IHSs in dogs. 

PMID- 27135671
TI  - Evaluation of local toxic effects and outcomes for dogs undergoing marginal tumor
      excision with intralesional cisplatin-impregnated bead placement for treatment of
      soft tissue sarcomas: 62 cases (2009-2012).
AB  - OBJECTIVE To evaluate outcomes for dogs following marginal tumor excision and
      intralesional placement of cisplatin-impregnated beads for the treatment of
      cutaneous or subcutaneous soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) and assess local toxic
      effects of cisplatin-impregnated beads in these patients. DESIGN Retrospective
      case series. ANIMALS 62 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Medical records were
      reviewed to identify dogs with STSs treated with marginal excision and
      intralesional placement of cisplatin-impregnated beads. Patient signalment; tumor
      location, type, and grade; dates of tumor resection and bead placement; number of
      beads placed; and concurrent treatments were recorded. Data regarding toxicosis
      at the bead site (up to the time of suture removal) and tumor recurrence were
      collected; variables of interest were evaluated for associations with these
      outcomes, and systemic adverse effects (if any) were recorded. RESULTS 24 of 51
      (47%) evaluated dogs had toxicosis at bead placement sites (classified as mild [n
      = 12] or moderate [10] in most). Fifteen of 51 (29%) tumors recurred. Median
      disease-free interval was not reached for dogs with grade 1 and 2 STSs, whereas
      that for dogs with grade 3 STSs was 148 days. Disease-free survival rates of dogs
      with grade 1 and 2 tumors at 1, 2, and 3 years were 88%, 75%, and 64%,
      respectively. One dog was treated for presumptive systemic toxicosis but
      recovered with medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Cisplatin
      impregnated beads were generally well tolerated; good results were achieved for
      dogs with grade 1 or 2 STSs. Prospective, controlled studies are needed to
      determine efficacy of this treatment for preventing recurrence of marginally
      excised STSs in dogs. 

PMID- 27135672
TI  - The association between calfhood bovine respiratory disease complex and
      subsequent departure from the herd, milk production, and reproduction in dairy
      cattle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To describe the frequency of calfhood producer-identified bovine
      respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in Holstein replacement heifers on 1 large
      farm and determine associations between development of BRDC at <= 120 days of age
      (BRDC120) with milk production estimate, calving interval, and risk of departure
      from the herd (DFH). DESIGN Retrospective, observational study. ANIMALS 14,024
      Holstein heifer calves born on 1 farm. PROCEDURES Data were obtained from herd
      management records. Cox proportional hazard and generalized linear mixed-effects
      models were used to assess associations for variables of interest (BRDC120
      status, demographic data, and management factors) with DFH, milk production
      estimate, and calving interval. RESULTS Except for the year 2007, animals
      identified as having BRDC120 were 1.62 to 4.98 times as likely to leave the herd
      before first calving, compared with those that did not have this designation.
      Calves identified as having BRDC prior to weaning were 2.62 times as likely to
      have DFH before first calving as those classified as developing BRDC after
      weaning. Cows identified as having BRDC120 were 1.28 times as likely to have DFH
      between the first and second calving as were other cows. The BRDC120 designation
      was associated with a 233-kg (513-lb) lower 305-day mature equivalent value for
      first lactation milk production, but was not associated with longer or shorter
      calving intervals at maturity. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Dairy cattle
      identified as having BRDC120 had increased risk of DFH before the first or second
      calving and lower first-lactation milk production estimates, compared with
      results for cattle without this finding. Further investigation of these
      associations is warranted. 

PMID- 27135673
TI  - Survey of animal welfare, animal behavior, and animal ethics courses in the
      curricula of AVMA Council on Education-accredited veterinary colleges and
      schools.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To explore the extent to which veterinary colleges and schools
      accredited by the AVMA Council on Education (COE) have incorporated specific
      courses related to animal welfare, behavior, and ethics. DESIGN Survey and
      curriculum review. SAMPLE All 49 AVMA COE-accredited veterinary colleges and
      schools (institutions). PROCEDURES The study consisted of 2 parts. In part 1, a
      survey regarding animal welfare, behavior, and ethics was emailed to the
      associate dean of academic affairs at all 49 AVMA COE-accredited institutions. In
      part 2, the curricula for the 30 AVMA COE-accredited institutions in the United
      States were reviewed for courses on animal behavior, ethics, and welfare. RESULTS
      Seventeen of 49 (35%) institutions responded to the survey of part 1, of which 10
      offered a formal animal welfare course, 9 offered a formal animal behavior
      course, 8 offered a formal animal ethics course, and 5 offered a combined animal
      welfare, behavior, and ethics course. The frequency with which courses on animal
      welfare, behavior, and ethics were offered differed between international and US
      institutions. Review of the curricula for the 30 AVMA COE-accredited US
      institutions revealed that 6 offered a formal course on animal welfare, 22
      offered a formal course on animal behavior, and 18 offered a formal course on
      animal ethics. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that AVMA COE
      accredited institutions need to provide more formal education on animal welfare,
      behavior, and ethics so veterinarians can be advocates for animals and assist
      with behavioral challenges. 

PMID- 27135674
TI  - Characterization of Disease Resistance Loci in the USDA Soybean Germplasm
      Collection Using Genome-Wide Association Studies.
AB  - Genetic resistance is a key strategy for disease management in soybean. Over the
      last 50 years, soybean germplasm has been phenotyped for resistance to many
      pathogens, resulting in the development of disease-resistant elite breeding lines
      and commercial cultivars. While biparental linkage mapping has been used to
      identify disease resistance loci, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using
      high-density and high-quality markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) has become a powerful tool to associate molecular markers and phenotypes.
      The objective of our study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of
      disease resistance in the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural
      Research Service Soybean Germplasm Collection by using phenotypic data in the
      public Germplasm Resources Information Network and public SNP data (SoySNP50K).
      We identified SNPs significantly associated with disease ratings from one
      bacterial disease, five fungal diseases, two diseases caused by nematodes, and
      three viral diseases. We show that leucine-rich repeat (LRR) receptor-like
      kinases and nucleotide-binding site-LRR candidate resistance genes were enriched
      within the linkage disequilibrium regions of the significant SNPs. We review and
      present a global view of soybean resistance loci against multiple diseases and
      discuss the power and the challenges of using GWAS to discover disease resistance
      in soybean.

PMID- 27135675
TI  - Lessons from a Phenotyping Center Revealed by the Genome-Guided Mapping of
      Powdery Mildew Resistance Loci.
AB  - The genomics era brought unprecedented opportunities for genetic analysis of host
      resistance, but it came with the challenge that accurate and reproducible
      phenotypes are needed so that genomic results appropriately reflect biology.
      Phenotyping host resistance by natural infection in the field can produce
      variable results due to the uncontrolled environment, uneven distribution and
      genetics of the pathogen, and developmentally regulated resistance among other
      factors. To address these challenges, we developed highly controlled,
      standardized methodologies for phenotyping powdery mildew resistance in the
      context of a phenotyping center, receiving samples of up to 140 grapevine progeny
      per F1 family. We applied these methodologies to F1 families segregating for REN1
      or REN2-mediated resistance and validated that some but not all bioassays
      identified the REN1 or REN2 locus. A point-intercept method (hyphal transects) to
      quantify colony density objectively at 8 or 9 days postinoculation proved to be
      the phenotypic response most reproducibly predicted by these resistance loci.
      Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping with genotyping-by-sequencing maps defined
      the REN1 and REN2 loci at relatively high resolution. In the reference PN40024
      genome under each QTL, nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat candidate
      resistance genes were identified-one gene for REN1 and two genes for REN2. The
      methods described here for centralized resistance phenotyping and high-resolution
      genetic mapping can inform strategies for breeding resistance to powdery mildews
      and other pathogens on diverse, highly heterozygous hosts.

PMID- 27135676
TI  - beta1 Tubulin Rather Than beta2 Tubulin Is the Preferred Binding Target for
      Carbendazim in Fusarium graminearum.
AB  - Tubulins are the proposed target of anticancer drugs, anthelminthics, and
      fungicides. In Fusarium graminearum, beta2 tubulin has been reported to be the
      binding target of methyl benzimidazole carbamate (MBC) fungicides. However, the
      function of F. graminearum beta1 tubulin, which shares 76% amino acid sequence
      identity with beta2 tubulin, in MBC sensitivity has been unclear. In this study,
      MBC sensitivity relative to that of a parental strain (2021) was significantly
      reduced in a beta1 tubulin deletion strain but increased in a beta2 tubulin
      deletion strain, suggesting that beta1 tubulin was involved in the MBC
      sensitivity of F. graminearum. When strain 2021 was grown in a medium with a low
      or high concentration of the MBC fungicide carbendazim (0.5 or 1.4 MUg/ml), the
      protein accumulation levels were reduced by 47 and 87%, respectively, for beta1
      tubulin but only by 6 and 24%, respectively, for beta2 tubulin. This result was
      consistent with observations that MBC fungicides are more likely to disrupt beta1
      tubulin microtubules rather than beta2 tubulin microtubules in GFP-beta tubulin
      fusion mutants in vivo. Furthermore, sequence analysis indicated that a
      difference in tubulin amino acid 240 (240L in beta1 versus 240F in beta2) may
      explain the difference in MBC binding affinity; this result was consistent with
      the result that an F240L mutation in beta2 tubulin greatly increased sensitivity
      to carbendazim in F. graminearum. We suggest that beta1 tubulin rather than beta2
      tubulin is the preferred binding target for MBC fungicides in F. graminearum.

PMID- 27135677
TI  - Exogenous Abscisic Acid and Gibberellic Acid Elicit Opposing Effects on Fusarium
      graminearum Infection in Wheat.
AB  - Although the roles of salicylate (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) have been well
      characterized in Fusarium head blight (FHB)-infected cereals, the roles of other
      phytohormones remain more ambiguous. Here, the association between an array of
      phytohormones and FHB pathogenesis in wheat is investigated. Comprehensive
      profiling of endogenous hormones demonstrated altered cytokinin, gibberellic acid
      (GA), and JA metabolism in a FHB-resistant cultivar, whereas challenge by
      Fusarium graminearum increased abscisic acid (ABA), JA, and SA in both FHB
      susceptible and -resistant cultivars. Subsequent investigation of ABA or GA
      coapplication with fungal challenge increased and decreased FHB spread,
      respectively. These phytohormones-induced effects may be attributed to alteration
      of the F. graminearum transcriptome because ABA promoted expression of early
      infection genes, including hydrolases and cytoskeletal reorganization genes,
      while GA suppressed nitrogen metabolic gene expression. Neither ABA nor GA
      elicited significant effects on F. graminearum fungal growth or sporulation in
      axenic conditions, nor do these phytohormones affect trichothecene gene
      expression, deoxynivalenol mycotoxin accumulation, or SA/JA biosynthesis in F.
      graminearum-challenged wheat spikes. Finally, the combined application of GA and
      paclobutrazol, a Fusarium fungicide, provided additive effects on reducing FHB
      severity, highlighting the potential for combining fungicidal agents with select
      phytohormone-related treatments for management of FHB infection in wheat.

PMID- 27135678
TI  - Interactions Between Frankliniella fusca and Pantoea ananatis in the Center Rot
      Epidemic of Onion (Allium cepa).
AB  - An Enterobacteriaceae bacterium, Pantoea ananatis (Serrano) Mergaert, is the
      causal agent of an economically important disease of onion, center rot. P.
      ananatis is transmitted by an onion-infesting thrips, Frankliniella fusca
      (Hinds). However, interactions between F. fusca and P. ananatis as well as
      transmission mechanisms largely remain uncharacterized. This study investigated
      P. ananatis acquisition by thrips and transstadial persistence. Furthermore, the
      effects of bacterial acquisition on thrips fitness were also evaluated. When
      thrips larvae and adults were provided with acquisition access periods (AAP) on
      peanut leaflets contaminated with the bacterium, an exponentially positive
      relationship was observed between AAP and P. ananatis acquisition (R(2) >= 0.77,
      P = 0.01). P. ananatis persisted in thrips through several life stages (larvae,
      pupae, and adult). Despite the bacterial persistence, no significant effects on
      thrips fitness parameters such as fecundity and development were observed.
      Immunofluorescence microscopy of adult thrips with P. ananatis-specific antibody
      after 48 h AAP on contaminated food revealed that the bacterium was localized
      only in the gut. These results suggested that the pathogen is not circulative and
      could be transmitted through feces. Mechanical inoculation of onion seedlings
      with fecal rinsates produced center rot symptoms, whereas inoculation with
      rinsates potentially containing salivary secretions did not. These results
      provide evidence for stercorarian transmission (transmission through feces) of P.
      ananatis by F. fusca.

PMID- 27135679
TI  - Hydrazine-Free Solution-Deposited CuIn(S,Se)2 Solar Cells by Spray Deposition of
      Metal Chalcogenides.
AB  - Solution processing of semiconductors, such as CuInSe2 and its alloys (CIGS), can
      significantly reduce the manufacturing costs of thin film solar cells. Despite
      the recent success of solution deposition approaches for CIGS, toxic reagents
      such as hydrazine are usually involved, which introduce health and safety
      concerns. Here, we present a simple and safer methodology for the preparation of
      high-quality CuIn(S, Se)2 absorbers from metal sulfide solutions in a
      diamine/dithiol mixture. The solutions are sprayed in air, using a chromatography
      atomizer, followed by a postdeposition selenization step. Two different
      selenization methods are explored resulting in power conversion efficiencies of
      up to 8%.

PMID- 27135680
TI  - Mental Health and Its Socio-Demographic Predictors in Male Partner of Iranian
      Infertile Couples.
AB  - Infertility is considered a traumatic stressor for infertile couples. This cross
      sectional study aimed to determine the mental health status and its relationship
      with social support in 345 male partners of infertile couples. Scores on the
      mental health measure (GHQ-28) indicated that 41.2% of the men had mental
      problem. Social support from the family, cause of infertility, education, and
      adequacy of family income were predictors of the mental health in infertile men
      according to multivariate linear regression. Strengthening social support for
      improving mental health of infertile men seems necessary.

PMID- 27135681
TI  - Community Building.
AB  - Cell Systems will unite readers, authors, and editors around integrative
      approaches to understanding complexity. 

PMID- 27135682
TI  - Positive Gradients.
AB  - The new associate vice chancellor of computational heath sciences at the
      University of California San Diego reflects on the coming era of big data in
      medicine. 

PMID- 27135683
TI  - Lack of Evidence for Plague or Anthrax on the New York City Subway.
AB  - Ackelsberg et al. point out a lack of evidence in the dataset of Afshinekoo et
      al. for the presence of plague and anthrax on the New York City subway. 

PMID- 27135685
TI  - A Particularly Discriminating Receptor.
AB  - Heterogeneous spatial distribution of ligand modulates signaling activity. 

PMID- 27135684
TI  - Modern Methods for Delineating Metagenomic Complexity.

PMID- 27135686
TI  - Taking Stock of Regulatory Variation.
AB  - Three recent studies measure individual variation in regulatory DNA
      accessibility. What do they tell us about the prospects of assessing variation in
      single cells and across populations? 

PMID- 27135687
TI  - A Toolbox for Microbiome Engineering.
AB  - Genetic tools to engineer a prominent member of the human gut microbiome
      represent initial steps toward cell-based diagnostics and therapeutics. 

PMID- 27135688
TI  - Efficient Multiplexed Integration of Synergistic Alleles and Metabolic Pathways
      in Yeasts via CRISPR-Cas.
AB  - CRISPR-Cas genome engineering in yeast has relied on preparation of complex
      expression plasmids for multiplexed gene knockouts and point mutations. Here we
      show that co-transformation of a single linearized plasmid with multiple PCR
      generated guide RNA (gRNA) and donor DNA cassettes facilitates high-efficiency
      multiplexed integration of point mutations and large constructs. This technique
      allowed recovery of marker-less triple-engineering events with 64% efficiency
      without selection for expression of all gRNAs. The gRNA cassettes can be easily
      made by PCR and delivered in any combination. We employed this method to rapidly
      phenotype up to five specific allele combinations and identify synergistic
      effects. To prototype a pathway for the production of muconic acid, we integrated
      six DNA fragments totaling 24 kb across three loci in naive Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae in a single transformation. With minor modifications, we integrated a
      similar pathway in Kluyveromyces lactis. The flexibility afforded by
      combinatorial gRNA delivery dramatically accelerates complex strain engineering
      for basic research and industrial fermentation. 

PMID- 27135689
TI  - Geospatial Resolution of Human and Bacterial Diversity with City-Scale
      Metagenomics.

PMID- 27135691
TI  - Construction of alpha-beta Phase Junction on Bi4V2O11 via Electrospinning
      Retardation Effect and Its Promoted Photocatalytic Performance.
AB  - The creation of a phase junction structure in photocatalysts is a wise approach
      to promote photocatalytic performance, as phase junctions possess the potential
      to inhibit the recombination of photoinduced charge carriers. Here, Bi4V2O11
      nanofibers with an alpha-beta phase junction are fabricated via electrospinning
      with subsequent calcination. Electrospinning offers the opportunity to keep alpha
      Bi4V2O11 from transforming into beta-Bi4V2O11 completely due to an
      electrospinning retardation effect, leading to the formation of an alpha-beta
      Bi4V2O11 phase junction. Furthermore, the alpha-beta Bi4V2O11 phase junction
      realizes a well-established type-II band alignment. Photoelectrochemical
      measurements and photoluminescence spectroscopic investigations demonstrate that
      the phase junction structure has a significant impact on the separation and
      transfer of photogenerated electrons and holes. Thus, the alpha-beta phase
      junction on Bi4V2O11 holds the key to achieving promoted efficiency in the
      photocatalysis process.

PMID- 27135692
TI  - Sulfur Doping Induces Strong Ferromagnetic Ordering in Graphene: Effect of
      Concentration and Substitution Mechanism.
AB  - Imprinting ferromagnetism to a graphene structure by substitution of carbon atoms
      with sulfur is reported. S-doped graphene (4.2 at%) shows strong ferromagnetic
      properties with saturation magnetization exceeding 5.5 emu g(-1) at 2 K, which is
      among the highest values reported for any sp-based system. The remarkable
      magnetic response is attributed to delocalization of electrons from sulfur
      injected into the graphene conduction band. 

PMID- 27135693
TI  - Evaluation of acute effects of four pharmaceuticals and their mixtures on the
      copepod Tisbe battagliai.
AB  - The individual and combined toxicities of acetaminophen, carbamazepine,
      diclofenac and ibuprofen have been examined in neonate nauplii (<24 h-old) of the
      harpacticoid copepod Tisbe battagliai. Based on acute toxicity data (LC50)
      obtained, diclofenac was the most toxic compound with an LC50 value of 9.5 mg.L(
      1); this is between 5 and 7 times lower than the LC50 value for acetaminophen,
      carbamazepine and ibuprofen (67.8 mg.L(-1), 59 mg.L(-1) and 49.7 mg.L(-1)
      respectively). The environmental risk posed by the selected pharmaceuticals was
      assessed by calculating risk quotients (RQs) based on MEC (the highest exposure
      concentration of the compound in the medium)/PNEC (predicted no effect
      concentration) ratios. Results suggest that, at environmental concentrations,
      none of the compounds is harmful for the aquatic environment (low or no risk).
      Toxicity data obtained for mixtures were compared with predictions derived from
      three different models: Concentration Addition (CA), Independent Action (IA) and
      Combination Index (CI). The classical modeling approaches CA and IA failed to
      predict the observed mixture toxicity, thus indicating that single compound
      toxicity data are not sufficient to predict toxicity of drug mixtures on Tisbe
      species. However, the use of the CI seems to provide better predictions of
      pharmaceutical toxicity. 

PMID- 27135694
TI  - Investigating the environmental factors affecting the toxicity of silver
      nanoparticles in Escherichia coli with dual fluorescence analysis.
AB  - Flow cytometric investigation of the toxic effects of nanoparticles on bacteria
      is highly challenging and not sensitive due to the interference of aggregated
      nanoparticles: aggregated nanoparticles and bacteria are similar in size. In this
      study, an optimized dual fluorescence flow cytometric analysis was developed
      using PI-Lac::GFP (propidium iodide stained Escherichia coli (lac::GFP)) to
      monitor the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). As compared with single
      fluorescence analysis, the dual fluorescence analysis enabled more accurate
      evaluation of the toxic effects of AgNPs. We used this dual fluorescence analysis
      to investigate how AgNPs toxicity was affected by two typical environmental
      factors, divalent metal ions and surfactants. Our data revealed that Cu(2+) and
      SDS significantly enhanced the toxicity of AgNPs in a dose-dependent manner. SDS
      enhanced the toxicity of both AgNPs and Ag(+) ions, whereas Cu(2+) increased the
      toxicity of AgNPs but not dissolved Ag(+) ions. Our results suggest that this
      dual fluorescence analysis can be used to evaluate the toxicity of AgNPs
      accurately and sensitively. 

PMID- 27135695
TI  - Developmental response of Spodoptera litura Fab. to treatments of crude volatile
      oil from Piper betle L. and evaluation of toxicity to earthworm, Eudrilus
      eugeniae Kinb.
AB  - Evaluations of biological effects of (Pb-CVO) the crude volatile oil of Piper
      betle leaves on the tobacco cutworm Spodoptera litura were conducted. Pb-CVO was
      subjected to GC-MS analysis and twenty vital compounds were isolated from the
      betel leaf oil. Pb-CVO was tested at four different concentrations (0.25, 0.5,
      1.0 and 1.5%) against S. litura. The treated insects exhibited dose depended
      mortality. The mortality rate was significantly higher at the 1.0 and 1.5% Pb
      CVO. The LC50 (Lethal concentration) were observed at 0.48% Pb-CVO. Larval and
      pupal durations increased in all treatment concentrations (0.25, 0.3, 0.4 and
      0.5%) whereas, pupal weight decreased compared to control. Adult longevity of S.
      litura was reduced in all treatments but predominantly in the 0.4 and 0.5% Pb
      CVO. Correspondingly, mean fecundity rate was reduced at all concentrations
      compared to control. Histological studies of larvae mid-gut profiles of S. litura
      were severely damaged in 1.0 and 1.5% and showed abnormalities in mid-gut cells
      with 0.25 and 0.5% Pb-CVO treatments. Earthworm toxicity illustrated that 0.1% of
      chemical insecticides (monocrotophos and cypermethrin) varied widely in their
      contact toxicities compared to 0.5 and 1.0% Pb-CVO and control in both contact
      filter paper and artificial soil test. These findings suggest that twenty
      essential compounds of betel leaf oil were significant inhibitors of the
      development and caused behavioral changes of S. litura. Treatment with betel leaf
      oil at these concentrations had no adverse effect on earthworm populations. 

PMID- 27135696
TI  - Distributions, profiles and formation mechanisms of polychlorinated naphthalenes
      in cement kilns co-processing municipal waste incinerator fly ash.
AB  - Co-processing municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash in cement kilns is
      challenging because the unintentional production of persistent organic pollutants
      (POPs) during the process is not well understood. The distributions, profiles and
      formation mechanisms of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) as new POPs covered
      under Stockholm Convention in two cement kilns co-processing MSWI fly ash were
      studied. The average concentrations of PCNs in stack gas samples were 710 ng m(
      3). The PCN concentration in particle samples collected from different process
      stages in the cement kilns ranged from 1.1 to 84.7 ng g(-1). Three process sites
      including suspension pre-heater boiler, humidifier tower, and the kiln back-end
      bag filter were identified to be the major formation sites of PCNs in cement
      kilns co-processing MSWI fly ash. The PCN distribution patterns were similar to
      that of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/Fs), which
      indicates the possibility for simultaneous control of PCNs and PCDD/Fs in cement
      kilns co-processing fly ash. Chlorination was suggested to be an important
      formation mechanism of PCNs, and chlorination pathways of PCN congeners are
      proposed based on the congener profiles. Thermodynamic calculations, including
      relative thermal energies (DeltaE) and standard free energy of formation
      (DeltaG), and the charge densities of the carbon atoms in PCN supported the
      proposed chlorination mechanisms for PCN formation. The results presented in this
      study might provide helpful information for developing techniques and strategies
      to control PCN emissions during cement kilns co-processing MSWI fly ash. 

PMID- 27135697
TI  - Assessment of maturity during co-composting of penicillin mycelial dreg via
      fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectra: Characteristics of chemical and
      fluorescent parameters of water-extractable organic matter.
AB  - To investigate characteristics of water-extractable organic matter (WEOM) from
      different stages and evaluate the maturity for co-composting penicillin mycelial
      dreg (PMD) via fluorescence regional integration (FRI) of fluorescence excitation
      emission matrix (EEM), a pilot-scale co-composting was carried out. The results
      showed that a classical temperature profile showed and a degradation rate of
      98.1% for residual penicillin was obtained on the 6th day. DOC and DOC/DON ratio
      were in a low level of 4.0 g kg(-1) and 3.7, respectively, after the 32nd day. In
      addition, respirometric rate (SOUR) decreased to 0.87 mg O2 g(-1) VS h(-1)
      finally. The EEM showed that the specific Ex/Em peak related to microbial
      byproduct-like vanished on the 32nd day, while those related to fulvic-like and
      humic acid-like appearing on the 24th day. The fluorescence regional integration
      (FRI) results demonstrated that PV,n/PIII,n increased to 3.28 finally, suggesting
      a desirable maturity for co-composting PMD. The EEM-FRI consequently has the
      potential for characterizing the WEOM from the co-composting of PMD. 

PMID- 27135698
TI  - Aqueous photochemical degradation of BDE-153 in solutions with natural dissolved
      organic matter.
AB  - The compound 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-153) is an
      intermediate photolytic product in the degradation of highly brominated diphenyl
      ethers to lower brominated forms. Herein, we report the effects of two natural
      organic matter (NOM) sources, Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA) and Pony Lake
      fulvic acid (PLFA), on BDE-153 photolysis in water. The rate constant (k) and
      half-life of BDE-153 was 2.26 * 10(-2) min(-1) and 30.72 min under UV-Vis
      irradiation (direct photolysis at lambda > 290 nm). The k value for BDE-153
      decreased markedly in the presence of NOM with a larger decrease in the presence
      of PLFA than SRFA. Electron spin resonance (ESR) demonstrated generation of free
      radicals in the photolytic process that mainly involved (1)O2 and OH. The
      biomolecular k values for reaction of (1)O2 and OH with BDE-153 were 3.65 * 10(6)
      and 7.70 * 10(8) M(-1) s(-1), respectively. The contribution of OH (28.7-31.0%)
      to the indirect photolysis of BDE-153 was higher than for (1)O2 (12.9-14.9%). The
      photolytic rate of BDE-153 in oxygen-rich (aerated) solution was much slower than
      in oxygen-poor (nitrogen-sparged) conditions, demonstrating that (3)NOM* is a
      more effective reagent for degradation of BDE-153 than (1)O2. Addition of sorbic
      acid (a (3)NOM* quencher) significantly reduced the photolytic rate of BDE-153
      confirming the important role of (3)NOM* in indirect photolysis. In the presence
      of NOM, BDE-153 indirect photolysis was facilitated mainly by reaction with
      (3)NOM* and OH. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive
      investigation of indirect photolysis of BDE-153 in water containing NOM. 

PMID- 27135699
TI  - Photochemical degradation of hydroxy PAHs in ice: Implications for the polar
      areas.
AB  - Hydroxyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) are derived from hydroxylated
      PAHs as contaminants of emerging concern. They are ubiquitous in the aqueous and
      atmospheric environments and may exist in the polar snow and ice, which urges new
      insights into their environmental transformation, especially in ice. In present
      study the simulated-solar (lambda > 290 nm) photodegradation kinetics, products
      and pathways of four OH-PAHs (9-Hydroxyfluorene, 2-Hydroxyfluorene, 1
      Hydroxypyrene and 9-Hydroxyphenanthrene) in ice were investigated, and the
      corresponding implications for the polar areas were explored. It was found that
      the kinetics followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics with the photolysis quantum
      yields (Phis) ranging from 7.48 * 10(-3) (1-Hydroxypyrene) to 4.16 * 10(-2) (2
      Hydroxyfluorene). These 4 OH-PAHs were proposed to undergo photoinduced
      hydroxylation, resulting in multiple hydroxylated intermediates, particularly for
      9-Hydroxyfluorene. Extrapolation of the lab data to the real environment is
      expected to provide a reasonable estimate of OH-PAH photolytic half-lives
      (t1/2,E) in mid-summer of the polar areas. The estimated t1/2,E values ranged
      from 0.08 h for 1-OHPyr in the Arctic to 54.27 h for 9-OHFl in the Antarctic. In
      consideration of the lower temperature and less microorganisms in polar areas,
      the photodegradation can be a key factor in determining the fate of OH-PAHs in
      sunlit surface snow/ice. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report
      on the photodegradation of OH-PAHs in polar areas. 

PMID- 27135700
TI  - Degradations of acetaminophen via a K2S2O8-doped TiO2 photocatalyst under visible
      light irradiation.
AB  - Acetaminophen (ACT) is a mild analgesic commonly used for relief of fever,
      headache and some minor pains. It had been detected in both fixed factory
      discharged wastewaters, and diverse sources, e.g. surface waters during festival
      events. Degradation of such trace emergent pollutants by titanium dioxide (TiO2)
      photocatalysts is a common approach; however, the band gap that can be utilized
      in the UV range is limited. In order to extend downward the energy required to
      excite the photocatalytic material, doping with potassium peroxodisulfate
      (K2S2O8) by a sol-gel method was done in this work. The visible-light active
      photocatalyst was tested on the degradation of ACT under four parameters
      including: initial ACT concentration, catalyst dose, initial pH, and system
      temperature. Optimal conditions, which achieved 100% ACT degradation, were
      obtained by using 0.1 mM ACT initial concentration, catalyst dose of 1 g L(-1),
      initial pH of 9.0 and system temperature of 22  degrees C at the end of 9-h
      irradiation. Meanwhile, three types of degradation kinetic models (i.e. zero,
      pseudo first and second order) were tested. The feasible model followed a pseudo
      first order model with the computed constant (kapp) of 7.29 * 10(-3) min(-1). The
      present study provides a better photocatalytic degradation route by K2S2O8
      modified TiO2 in comparison with pristine TiO2, in wastewater treatment dealing
      with ACT and other persistent organic pollutants. 

PMID- 27135701
TI  - Chlorinated paraffins in the environment: A review on their production, fate,
      levels and trends between 2010 and 2015.
AB  - This review provides an update on information regarding the production volumes,
      regulations, as well as the environmental levels, trends, fate and human exposure
      to chlorinated paraffin mixtures (CPs). CPs encompas thousands congeners with
      varying properties and environmental fate. Based on their carbon chain lengths,
      CPs are divided into short- (SCCPs; C10-13), medium- (MCCPs; C14-17) and long-
      (LCCPs; C >= 18) chained groups. They are high production volume and persistent
      chemicals, and their cumulative global production already surpasses that of other
      persistent anthropogenic chemicals (e.g. PCBs). However, international
      regulations are still curbed by insufficient information on their levels and
      fate, including bioaccumulation and toxicity potential. An increasing number of
      studies since 2010 demonstrate that CPs are detected in almost every compartment
      in the environment, including remote areas. Consensus on the long range transport
      and high bioaccumulation potential (BCF > 5000 & TMF > 1) has recently been
      reached for SCCPs, fulfilling criteria under the Stockholm Convention for
      designation as a persistent organic pollutant; information on their levels is,
      however, still sparse for many countries. M/LCCPs have received comparatively
      little attention in the past, but as replacement chemicals for SCCPs, MCCPs are
      now considered in an increasing number of studies. The limited data to date
      suggests MCCPs are widely used. Although data on their bioaccumulation and
      toxicity are still inconclusive, MCCPs and LCCPs with C<20 may also have a
      bioaccumulation potential. Considering this and their high production volumes,
      use, and ubiquitous occurrence in the environment, a better understanding on the
      levels and fate of all CPs is needed. 

PMID- 27135702
TI  - Facile synthesis of ternary Ag/AgBr-Ag(2)CO(3) hybrids with enhanced
      photocatalytic removal of elemental mercury driven by visible light.
AB  - A novel technique for photocatalytic removal of elemental mercury (Hg(0)) using
      visible-light-driven Ag/AgBr-Ag2CO3 hybrids was proposed. The ternary Ag/AgBr
      Ag2CO3 hybrids were synthesized by a simple modified co-precipitation method and
      characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X
      ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques.
      The effects of AgBr content, fluorescent lamp (FSL) irradiation, solution
      temperature, SO2 and NO on Hg(0) removal were investigated in detail.
      Furthermore, a possible reaction mechanism for higher Hg(0) removal was proposed,
      and the simultaneous removal of Hg(0), SO2 and NO was studied. The results showed
      that a high efficiency of Hg(0) removal was obtained by using Ag/AgBr-Ag2CO3
      hybrids under fluorescent lamp irradiation. The AgBr content, FSL irradiation,
      solution temperature, and SO2 all exhibited significant effects on Hg(0) removal,
      while NO had slight effect on Hg(0) removal. The addition of Ca(OH)2 demonstrated
      a little impact on Hg(0) removal and could significantly improve the SO2
      resistance performance of Ag/AgBr(0.7)-Ag2CO3 hybrid. The characterization
      results exhibited that hydroxyl radical (OH), superoxide radical (O2(-)), hole
      (h(+)), and Br(0), were reactive species responsible for removing Hg(0), and the
      h(+) played a key role in Hg(0) removal.

PMID- 27135703
TI  - The effect of environmental hypercapnia and size on nitrite toxicity in the
      striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus).
AB  - Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) are farmed intensively at high
      stocking densities in Vietnam where they are likely to encounter environmental
      hypercapnia as well as occasional high levels of aquatic nitrite. Nitrite
      competes with Cl(-) for uptake at the branchial HCO3(-)/Cl(-) exchanger, causing
      a drastic reduction in the blood oxygen carrying capacity through the formation
      of methaemoglobin and nitrosylhaemoglobin. Environmental hypercapnia induces a
      respiratory acidosis where the branchial HCO3(-)/Cl(-) exchange activity is
      reduced in order to retain HCO3(-) for pH recovery, which should lead to a
      reduced nitrite uptake. To assess the effect of hypercapnia on nitrite uptake,
      fish were cannulated in the dorsal aorta, allowing repeated blood sampling for
      measurements of haemoglobin derivatives, plasma ions and acid-base status during
      exposure to 0.9mM nitrite alone and in combination with acute and 48h acclimated
      hypercapnia over a period of 72h. Nitrite uptake was initially reduced during the
      hypercapnia-induced acidosis, but after pH recovery the situation was reversed,
      resulting in higher plasma nitrite concentrations and lower functional
      haemoglobin levels that eventually caused mortality. This suggests that branchial
      HCO3(-)/Cl(-) exchange activity is reduced only during the initial acid-base
      compensation, but subsequently increases with the greater availability of
      internal HCO3(-) counter-ions as pH is compensated. The data further suggest that
      branchial Na(+)/H(+) exchange plays a significant role in the initial phase of
      acid-base compensation. Overall, longer term environmental hypercapnia does not
      protect against nitrite uptake in P. hypophthalmus, but instead enhances it. In
      addition, we observed a significant size effect in nitrite accumulation, where
      large fish attained plasma [nitrite] above the ambient concentration, while small
      fish did not. Small P. hypophthalmus instead had significantly higher plasma
      [nitrate], and haemoglobin concentrations, revealing greater capacity for
      detoxifying nitrite by oxidising it to nitrate. 

PMID- 27135704
TI  - Association of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Use and Acute Angle-Closure
      Glaucoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely
      used antidepressant medications for treating patients with depression; however,
      ocular complication has been noted occasionally. This study investigated the
      relationship between recent SSRI use and the risk of acute angle-closure glaucoma
      (AACG) in the ethnic Chinese population in Taiwan. METHODS: In this case-control
      study that involved using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance database
      for the period 2000-2011, we recruited 1,465 patients with newly diagnosed AACG
      as case participants and 5,712 persons without glaucoma who were matched
      according to sex, age, and index year as controls. Immediate SSRI users were
      defined as patients who received at least 1 prescription for SSRIs within 7 days
      before the date of AACG diagnosis. Patients who received no SSRI prescriptions
      were defined as nonusers. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs)
      were used to evaluate the risk of AACG associated with SSRI use. RESULTS: After
      adjustment for confounding factors including non-SSRI antidepressant use and all
      comorbidities, the multivariable logistic regression model revealed that the
      adjusted OR of AACG was 5.80 for immediate SSRI users (95% CI, 1.89-17.9) when
      compared with nonusers. Further analysis, with nonusers as reference, resulted in
      an adjusted OR of 8.53 (95% CI, 1.65-44.0) for participants with a mean daily
      SSRI dose exceeding 20 mg. CONCLUSIONS: Patients immediately using SSRIs have a
      5.80-fold increased risk of AACG. Before prescribing SSRIs, clinicians should be
      aware of the potential AACG risks among elderly patients with depression.

PMID- 27135705
TI  - Adverse Effects, Expression of the Bk-CYP3045C1 Gene, and Activation of the ERK
      Signaling Pathway in the Water Accommodated Fraction-Exposed Rotifer.
AB  - To examine the deleterious effects of the water accommodated fraction (WAF) of
      crude oil, the growth curve, fecundity, and lifespan of the monogonont rotifer
      (Brachionus koreanus) were measured for 24 h in response to three different doses
      (0.2*, 0.4*, and 0.8*) of WAFs. A higher dose of WAFs significantly reduced the
      fecundity and lifespan. A rotifer 32K microarray chip showed that the Bk
      CYP3045C1 gene had the highest expression. Of the 25 entire CYP genes, the Bk
      CYP3045C1 gene showed a significant expression for different doses and times in
      response to WAFs and chemical components of WAFs (naphthalene and phenanthrene);
      also, glutathione S-transferase genes, ABC transporter, and other genes showed
      dose responses upon exposure to 80% WAF over time. Different doses of WAFs
      increased the oxidative stress with an induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      and a depletion of glutathione (GSH). Exposure to WAFs did not show toxic effects
      on survivability in B. koreanus; however, toxicity to WAFs was shown when
      piperonyl butoxide, a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, was
      added. This toxicity was dose-dependent. After WAFs exposure, p-ERK was activated
      over time in response to WAFs, which suggests that WAFs can be activated by the p
      ERK signaling pathway.

PMID- 27135706
TI  - Clobazam and clonazepam use in epilepsy: Results from a UK database incident user
      cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare patient characteristics and treatment patterns among
      clobazam (CLB) and clonazepam (CZP)-treated patients with epilepsy in a
      longitudinal primary care database. METHODS: In this pharmacoepidemiological
      study, real-life usage data from the Clinical Practice Research Database (CPRD)
      were evaluated. The CPRD collects data from approximately 690 primary care
      practices throughout the UK. Data included were from patients with >=1 incident
      CLB or CZP prescription from 1995 to 2011 and were present in the database for
      >=182 days prior to the index date (date patient was first prescribed CLB or CZP
      within the study period). RESULTS: Of 21,099 patients who met inclusion criteria,
      18.4% were receiving CLB and 81.6% were receiving CZP. More patients used CLB for
      epilepsy than CZP (76.1% vs 8.7%). CLB-treated adults (<=18years) were younger
      than those treated with CZP (41.0 vs 48.2 years; p<0.001), while CLB-treated
      children (<=18 years) were older than those treated with CZP (8.8 vs 7.3 years,
      p<0.001). The median CLB dosage did not change from baseline to last follow-up,
      while median CZP dosage increased 25% in adults and 50% in children. Median
      treatment duration, as well as retention rate up to 10 years, was similar between
      CLB and CZP in each age group. CONCLUSIONS: Among adult and pediatric patients in
      the UK, CLB is more often prescribed for epilepsy than CZP. The median CLB dosage
      used by both adults and children remained stable over the 16-year study period,
      while the median CZP dosage increased in both adults and children.

PMID- 27135707
TI  - Investigating Cognitive Deficits as Risk Factors for Developing Eating Disorders
      During Adolescence.
AB  - Adolescents with eating disorders (ED) suffer from deficits in executive
      functions and "theory of mind." It is unclear whether these indicate state or
      trait characteristics. We examined cognitive functioning in 150 adolescents,
      comparing those at high risk and those not at risk for ED. Deficits in set
      shifting and in theory of mind were found in all high-risk groups. Adolescents at
      high risk for bulimia were found to be higher in impulsivity and in theory of
      mind deficits, compared to adolescents at high risk for anorexia. These are trait
      characteristics rather than state vulnerabilities and preexist the development of
      ED.

PMID- 27135708
TI  - Plasmonic-Field Interactions at Nanoparticle Interfaces for Infrared Thermal
      Shielding Applications Based on Transparent Oxide Semiconductors.
AB  - This paper describes infrared plasmonic responses in three-dimensional (3D)
      assembled films of In2O3:Sn nanoparticles (NPs). The introduction of surface
      modifications to NPs can facilitate the production of electric-field interactions
      between NPs due to the creation of narrow crevices in the NP interfaces. In
      particular, the electric-field interactions along the in-plane and out-of-plane
      directions in the 3D assembled NP films allow for resonant splitting of plasmon
      excitations to the quadrupole and dipole modes, thereby realizing selective high
      reflections in the near- and mid-infrared range, respectively. The origins of
      these plasmonic properties were revealed from electric-field distributions
      calculated by electrodynamic simulations that agreed well with experimental
      results. The interparticle gaps and their derived plasmon couplings play an
      important role in producing high reflective performances in assembled NP films.
      These 3D assemblies of NPs can be further extended to produce large-size flexible
      films with high infrared reflectance, which simultaneously exhibit microwave
      transmittance essential for telecommunications. This study provides important
      insights for harnessing infrared optical responses using plasmonic technology for
      the fabrication of infrared thermal-shielding applications.

PMID- 27135709
TI  - Prototype Dithiolene Radical Anion (S?CH-CH?S(*-)) As Derived from Electron
      Attachment to 1,4-Dithiane: Experimental and Computational Studies on Electronic
      Structure.
AB  - The prototype dithiolene (ethane-1,2-dithione; dithioglyoxal) constitutes the
      core component of metal-dithiolene complexes whose studies have burgeoned during
      the past half of a century in interdisciplinary research fields ranging from
      material sciences to enzymology. The recent vigorous research activity owes much
      to the works in the incubating period of the 1960s. However, due to the extreme
      reactivity of dithiolenes, basic studies on their electronic structure are
      conspicuously meager. In this paper, we report the electronic absorption spectrum
      of the radical anion in the title together with quantum chemical analyses on its
      electronic structure and the molecular geometry. As a result, the experimental
      result is consistently accounted for. We expect the results to be helpful for
      further understanding the electronic structure and reactivity of metal-dithiolene
      complexes. 

PMID- 27135710
TI  - Preclinical evaluation of (99m)Tc labeled chondroitin sulfate for monitoring of
      cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis.
AB  - PURPOSE: In previous in-vitro and ex-vivo studies we proved the specific uptake
      of (99m)Tc radiolabeled chondroitin sulfate (CS) in human articular cartilage. As
      a logical next step for the clinical use for imaging osteoarthritis we
      investigated in-vivo uptake of (99m)TcCS in dogs. PROCEDURES: The radiolabeling
      of CS Condrosulf (IBSA, Lugano, Switzerland) was performed using 25mg of CS and
      20-40MBq/kg body weight of (99m)Tc by means of the tin method. In-vivo uptake of
      (99m)TcCS was evaluated in dogs (n=12, castrated males, 4-9years, with 15-51kg
      body weight). 6 healthy dogs served as controls and 6 with clinical and
      radiological signs of osteoarthritis in the carpal, elbow, and tarsal joint were
      examined. The tracer was i.v. injected into the external cephalic vein. The
      uptake was monitored after 2, 4, 6 and 24h in healthy and osteoarthritic dogs
      using a planar gamma camera by regional planar or whole body ventral and dorsal
      acquisition. For whole body scintigraphy animals were under general anesthesia,
      for planar under sedation only. RESULTS: In healthy control dogs we did not
      detect any specific uptake of (99m)TcCS in the cartilage. In contrast, in the
      diseased dogs suffering from osteoarthritis a significant, specific, persistent
      uptake between 4 and 6h in tarsal, carpal and cubital joints was documented.
      Median target (joint) to background (mid antebrachium) ratio (T/B) in the OA
      joints after 4, 6, and 24h was significantly higher than in healthy controls.
      Target to background ratio using soft tissue as a background (T/S) a similar
      significantly higher than in healthy controls. In all osteoarthritic joints we
      found a significant positive correlation (r=0.8, n=20) between grade of disease
      (I-III) and T/B. When matching radiographic (X ray) changes in osteoarthritic
      joints (grade II and III) we found also a maximal uptake of (99m)TcCS at the
      specific anatomical site of highest cartilage degeneration. None of the dogs
      experienced any side effects. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that (99m)TcCS
      might become a promising diagnostic tool for imaging osteoarthritis. More
      extensive and detailed examinations are required, however, before extending this
      methodology for application in humans.

PMID- 27135711
TI  - Preschoolers value those who sanction non-cooperators.
AB  - Large-scale human cooperation among unrelated individuals requires the
      enforcement of social norms. However, such enforcement poses a problem because
      non-enforcers can free ride on others' costly and risky enforcement. One solution
      is that enforcers receive benefits relative to non-enforcers. Here we show that
      this solution becomes functional during the preschool years: 5-year-old (but not
      4-year-old) children judged enforcers of norms more positively, preferred
      enforcers, and distributed more resources to enforcers than to non-enforcers. The
      ability to sustain not only first-order but also second-order cooperation thus
      emerges quite early in human ontogeny, providing a viable solution to the problem
      of higher-order cooperation.

PMID- 27135712
TI  - Working memory capacity and controlled serial memory search.
AB  - The speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT) procedure was used to investigate the
      relationship between working memory capacity (WMC) and the dynamics of temporal
      order memory retrieval. High- and low-span participants (HSs, LSs) studied
      sequentially presented five-item lists, followed by two probes from the study
      list. Participants indicated the more recent probe. Overall, accuracy was higher
      for HSs compared to LSs. Crucially, in contrast to previous investigations that
      observed no impact of WMC on speed of access to item information in memory (e.g.,
      Oztekin & McElree, 2010), recovery of temporal order memory was slower for LSs.
      While accessing an item's representation in memory can be direct, recovery of
      relational information such as temporal order information requires a more
      controlled serial memory search. Collectively, these data indicate that WMC
      effects are particularly prominent during high demands of cognitive control, such
      as serial search operations necessary to access temporal order information from
      memory.

PMID- 27135713
TI  - Assessing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of drug intervention programs:
      UK case study.
AB  - The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the UK Drug Interventions Program
      which directs adult drug-misusing offenders out of crime and into treatment
      programs was established. Quality-adjusted life year estimates from the UK Drug
      Treatment Outcomes Research Study were collected and a cost-utility assessment of
      the Drug Interventions Program was conducted. Cost-utility assessment confirmed
      that the Drug Interventions Program is both effective and cost-effective with an
      average net cost saving of L668 (L6,207 including one case of homicide). This
      study provides evidence that drug intervention programs are cost-effective as
      they reduce crime, improve quality-of-life and reduce subsequent drug use.

PMID- 27135714
TI  - Evaluation of toxic effects of CdTe quantum dots on the reproductive system in
      adult male mice.
AB  - Fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) are highly promising nanomaterials for various
      biological and biomedical applications because of their unique optical
      properties, such as robust photostability, strong photoluminescence, and size
      tunable fluorescence. Several studies have reported the in vivo toxicity of QDs,
      but their effects on the male reproduction system have not been examined. In this
      study, we investigated the reproductive toxicity of cadmium telluride (CdTe) QDs
      at a high dose of 2.0 nmol per mouse and a low dose of 0.2 nmol per mouse. Body
      weight measurements demonstrated there was no overt toxicity for both dose at day
      90 after exposure, but the high dose CdTe affected body weight up to 15 days
      after exposure. CdTe QDs accumulated in the testes and damaged the tissue
      structure for both doses on day 90. Meanwhile, either of two CdTe QDs treatments
      did not significantly affect the quantity of sperm, but the high dose CdTe
      significantly decreased the quality of sperm on day 60. The serum levels of three
      major sex hormones were also perturbed by CdTe QDs treatment. However, the
      pregnancy rate and delivery success of female mice that mated with the treated
      male mice did not differ from those mated with untreated male mice. These results
      suggest that CdTe QDs can cause testes toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The
      low dose of CdTe QDs is relatively safe for the reproductive system of male mice.
      Our preliminary result enables better understanding of the reproductive toxicity
      induced by cadmium-containing QDs and provides insight into the safe use of these
      nanoparticles in biological and environmental systems.

PMID- 27135715
TI  - Genipin-crosslinked gelatin microspheres as a strategy to prevent postsurgical
      peritoneal adhesions: In vitro and in vivo characterization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peritoneal adhesions are a common complication after abdominal
      surgery. They cause small bowel obstruction, female infertility and chronic
      abdominal pain. Peritoneal adhesions also hamper uniform drug distribution in the
      peritoneal cavity, thereby reducing the efficacy of intraperitoneal chemotherapy
      after cytoreductive surgery. AIM: The goal of this study was to develop a
      formulation that prevents peritoneal adhesions, evenly distributes in the
      abdominal cavity, and simultaneously extends residence time and improves local
      drug concentration. This report describes the formulation and characterization of
      genipin-crosslinked gelatin microspheres (GP-MS). METHODS AND RESULTS: Spheroid
      gelatin microspheres were prepared by an emulsification solvent extraction
      method. A higher degree of crosslinking was obtained by increasing genipin
      concentration and crosslinking time. The degree of crosslinking allowed to tailor
      the degradation rate of GP-MS, hence their residence time. GP-MS did not affect
      cell viability. In vivo experiments showed excellent GP-MS biocompatibility and
      degradation characteristics. GP-MS were distributed evenly throughout the
      abdominal cavity. Adhesions were induced in Balb/c mice by application of an
      abraded peritoneal wall-cecum model. GP-MS-treated mice developed significantly
      less postsurgical adhesions compared to saline and Hyalobarrier((r)) group.
      Histopathological examination showed a decrease of peritoneal inflammation over
      time in GP-MS-treated mice with complete recovery of peritoneal wounds post
      operative day 14. CONCLUSION: GP-MS are a promising strategy to prevent
      postoperative peritoneal adhesions and improve efficacy of postoperative
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

PMID- 27135716
TI  - Low dose gemcitabine-loaded lipid nanocapsules target monocytic myeloid-derived
      suppressor cells and potentiate cancer immunotherapy.
AB  - Tumor-induced expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is known to
      impair the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Among pharmacological approaches for
      MDSC modulation, chemotherapy with selected drugs has a considerable interest due
      to the possibility of a rapid translation to the clinic. However, such approach
      is poorly selective and may be associated with dose-dependent toxicities. In the
      present study, we showed that lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) loaded with a lauroyl
      modified form of gemcitabine (GemC12) efficiently target the monocytic (M-) MDSC
      subset. Subcutaneous administration of GemC12-loaded LNCs reduced the percentage
      of spleen and tumor-infiltrating M-MDSCs in lymphoma and melanoma-bearing mice,
      with enhanced efficacy when compared to free gemcitabine. Consistently,
      fluorochrome-labeled LNCs were preferentially uptaken by monocytic cells rather
      than by other immune cells, in both tumor-bearing mice and human blood samples
      from healthy donors and melanoma patients. Very low dose administration of GemC12
      loaded LNCs attenuated tumor-associated immunosuppression and increased the
      efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy. Overall, our results show that GemC12-LNCs
      have monocyte-targeting properties that can be useful for immunomodulatory
      purposes, and unveil new possibilities for the exploitation of nanoparticulate
      drug formulations in cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 27135717
TI  - The Emergence of Zika Virus: A Narrative Review.
AB  - Zika virus (ZIKV) is yet another arbovirus that is rapidly emerging on a global
      scale, on the heels of a chikungunya epidemic in the Americas that began in 2013.
      A ZIKV epidemic that began in Brazil in 2015 has now spread rapidly to more than
      30 countries in the Americas and the Caribbean, infecting more than 2 million
      inhabitants. This epidemic currently continues unabated. The explosive nature of
      recent outbreaks and concerning links to Guillain-Barre syndrome and microcephaly
      are incompletely understood. Also unknown is the relative importance of sexual
      transmission of ZIKV and asymptomatic ZIKV infections to the overall burden of
      transmission. The limited understanding of ZIKV presents an enormous challenge
      for responses to this rapidly emerging threat to human health. This article
      reviews the existing literature on ZIKV and proposes critical questions for
      vaccine development and other areas of needed research. 

PMID- 27135718
TI  - Genomics of Alzheimer Disease: A Review.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: To provide a comprehensive review of knowledge of the genomics of
      Alzheimer disease (AD) and DNA amyloid beta 42 (Abeta42) vaccination as a
      potential therapy. OBSERVATIONS: Genotype-phenotype correlations of AD are
      presented to provide a comprehensive appreciation of the spectrum of disease
      causation. Alzheimer disease is caused in part by the overproduction and lack of
      clearance of Abeta protein. Oligomer Abeta, the most toxic species of Abeta,
      causes direct injury to neurons, accompanied by enhanced neuroinflammation,
      astrocytosis and gliosis, and eventually neuronal loss. The strongest genetic
      evidence supporting this hypothesis derives from mutations in the amyloid
      precursor protein (APP) gene. A detrimental APP mutation at the beta-secretase
      cleavage site linked to early-onset AD found in a Swedish pedigree enhances Abeta
      production, in contrast to a beneficial mutation 2 residues away in APP that
      reduces Abeta production and protects against the onset of sporadic AD. A number
      of common variants associated with late-onset AD have been identified including
      apolipoprotein E, BIN1, ABC7, PICALM, MS4A4E/MS4A6A, CD2Ap, CD33, EPHA1, CLU,
      CR1, and SORL1. One or 2 copies of the apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele are a
      major risk factor for late-onset AD. With DNA Abeta42 vaccination, a Th2-type
      noninflammatory immune response was achieved with a downregulation of Abeta42
      specific effector (Th1, Th17, and Th2) cell responses at later immunization
      times. DNA Abeta42 vaccination upregulated T regulator cells (CD4+, CD25+, and
      FoxP3+) and its cytokine interleukin 10, resulting in downregulation of T
      effectors. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Mutations in APP and PS-1 and PS-2 genes
      that are associated with early-onset, autosomal, dominantly inherited AD, in
      addition to the at-risk gene polymorphisms responsible for late-onset AD, all
      indicate a direct and early role of Abeta in the pathogenesis of AD. A
      translational result of genomic research has been Abeta-reducing therapies
      including DNA Abeta42 vaccination as a promising approach to delay or prevent
      this disease.

PMID- 27135719
TI  - Enhancing the Reduction Potential of Quinones via Complex Formation.
AB  - Quantum calculations are used to study the manner in which quinones interact with
      proton-donating molecules. For neutral donors, a stacked geometry is favored over
      a H-bond structure. The former is stabilized by charge transfers from the N or O
      lone pairs to the quinone's pi* orbitals. Following the addition of an electron
      to the quinone, the radical anion forms strong H-bonded complexes with the
      various donors. The presence of the donor enhances the electron affinity of the
      quinone. This enhancement is on the order of 15 kcal/mol for neutral donors, but
      up to as much as 85 kcal/mol for a cationic donor. The increase in electron
      affinity is larger for electron-rich quinones than for their electron-deficient
      counterparts, containing halogen substituents. Similar trends are in evidence
      when the systems are immersed in aqueous solvent.

PMID- 27135721
TI  - Family Matters.

PMID- 27135720
TI  - The Association of Inflammation with Premenstrual Symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About 80% of women experience premenstrual symptoms (PMSx), and about
      50% of women seek medical care for them, posing a large medical care burden.
      However, despite women's use of anti-inflammatory agents for relief from these
      symptoms, and the fact that anti-inflammatory agents provide relief from some
      PMSx, the relationship of inflammation to PMSx has not been well investigated.
      METHODS: We, therefore, undertook the present cross-sectional analyses using
      baseline data from the longitudinal Study of Women's Health Across the Nation
      (SWAN), a racially/ethnically diverse cohort of midlife women (n = 2939), to
      determine if a biomarker of inflammation, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs
      CRP), was associated with PMSx. We performed factor analyses with Varimax
      rotations to determine five groupings of eight symptoms to develop a parsimonious
      set of outcome variables. We conducted backward stepwise multiple logistic
      regression models for each grouping, eliminating non-significant (p > 0.05)
      covariates. RESULTS: Having an hs-CRP level >3 mg/L was significantly positively
      associated with premenstrual mood symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.27, 95%
      confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02-1.58), abdominal cramps/back pain (aOR = 1.40,
      95% CI 1.09-1.80), appetite cravings/weight gain/bloating (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI
      1.04-1.89), and breast pain (aOR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.55). Elevated hs-CRP level
      was not associated with premenstrual headaches or reporting three or more PMSx.
      CONCLUSIONS: The significant relationships of specific groups of PMSx with
      elevated hs-CRP levels have potential clinical implications for treatment and
      possibly for prevention by advising women about the factors associated with
      inflammation and the potential for treatment with anti-inflammatory agents.

PMID- 27135722
TI  - Comparison of Adenoma Detection Rates in Afro-Caribbeans and Non-Hispanic Whites
      Undergoing First Screening Colonoscopy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The African American population has a higher prevalence of advanced
      colon adenomas when compared with non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics, but the risk
      in other black populations has not been evaluated. Although the Afro-Caribbean
      population is a significant demographic segment in some regions of the United
      States, the data are limited on the prevalence of colon adenomas in this group
      and there is no comparison with a non-Hispanic white population. The objective of
      our study was to compare the prevalence of adenomas in Afro-Caribbean versus non
      Hispanic white populations. METHODS: A total of 880 Afro-Caribbean patients and
      1828 non-Hispanic white patients undergoing their first screening colonoscopy
      between January 2008 and August 2014 was included in the study. RESULTS: A total
      of 2708 patients met entry criteria for the study. The adenoma detection rate
      among Afro-Caribbeans was 29% and 31% among non-Hispanic whites. There was no
      statistically significant difference in the prevalence of adenomas in the two
      groups (P = 0.28), and the rate of advanced adenomas also was similar in both
      groups (8.6% in Afro-Caribbeans, 9.2% in non-Hispanic whites; P = 0.60). A
      multivariate analysis also found no difference in the occurrence of adenomas (P =
      0.60) or advanced adenomas (P = 0.99) between Afro-Caribbeans and non-Hispanic
      whites. CONCLUSIONS: We found a similar adenoma detection rate and advanced
      adenoma prevalence among Afro-Caribbeans and non-Hispanic whites undergoing their
      first screening colonoscopy. As such, the Afro-Caribbean population may not have
      the same risk of colorectal neoplasia as what has been described for African
      Americans. Based on these results, it is appropriate to initiate colorectal
      cancer screening for Afro-Caribbeans at age 50 as recommended for non-Hispanic
      whites.

PMID- 27135723
TI  - Echocardiography-Defined Pulmonary Hypertension in Multiple Myeloma: Risk Factors
      and Impact on Outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Survival of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has improved as a
      result of therapeutic advances. There is evidence that some patients with MM
      develop pulmonary hypertension (PH). The objective of this study was to identify
      risk factors of echocardiographic PH and its impact on outcomes of patients with
      MM. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with MM (N = 359)
      diagnosed between 2000 and 2011 within the Geisinger Medical Center. Chart review
      was conducted on the subgroup of patients who underwent a transthoracic
      echocardiogram within 2 years of being diagnosed as having MM. RESULTS: A total
      of 34% of patients (N = 123/359) underwent transthoracic echocardiogram and 32%
      (N = 39/123) had echocardiography-defined PH. PH was significantly associated
      with older age (70.5 vs 65.3 years; P = 0.019), greater left atrial diameter (4.0
      vs 3.7 cm; P = 0.025), and a trend toward decreased renal function. PH was not
      associated with myeloma-specific features. Fewer patients with PH underwent
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation compared with those without PH (10% vs
      30%; P = 0.018). There was no significant difference in survival between the PH
      and non-PH groups (P = 0.2775). CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiography-defined PH was
      found in a sizeable minority of our MM cohort. Although the specific etiology of
      PH can be determined only through a prospective clinical evaluation, including
      right heart catheterization, our results suggest that PH in patients with MM is
      secondary to left heart disease and perhaps impaired renal function. Patients
      with PH were significantly less likely to undergo hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation. Future studies should assess the etiology of PH, its impact on
      treatment decisions, and prognosis of patients with MM.

PMID- 27135724
TI  - Prospective Evaluation of the Clinical Features of Choledocholithiasis: Focus on
      Abdominal Pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although abdominal pain is a cardinal feature of choledocholithiasis,
      there has been little formal study of the features of pain in this condition. The
      objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical, laboratory,
      and radiological features of common bile duct stones, focusing on the
      characteristics of abdominal pain. METHODS: All of the patients evaluated for
      choledocholithiasis at the time of endoscopic cholangiopancreatography during a
      3.5-year period were prospectively interviewed and evaluated. Specific features
      of abdominal pain were recorded, including pertinent radiographic and laboratory
      data and endoscopic cholangiopancreatography findings. RESULTS: During the 42
      month study period, 61 patients (mean age 55.3 years; 42.6% men) were identified;
      31 patients (50.8%) had undergone cholecystectomy. Of the 52 patients who
      reported pain, abdominal pain was most commonly described as constant (100%),
      located in the epigastrium alone (65%) or both the epigastrium and the right
      upper quadrant (25%), occurring at night (44.3%), and radiating to the back
      (59.6%) with the number of distinct pain episodes before diagnosis ranging from 1
      to 20. The median duration of pain was 3 hours and ranged from 20 minutes to 2
      days. Associated symptoms of nausea (69.2%) and vomiting (30.7%) were common. No
      differences in pain characteristics were detected between those with or without a
      prior cholecystectomy. Liver tests were abnormal in all patients, with serum
      transaminase values being most elevated. CONCLUSIONS: In our study,
      choledocholithiasis had a characteristic pattern of constant epigastric pain
      radiating to the back that was associated with nausea. A prior episode was
      common. The most common laboratory abnormality was transaminase elevation, and
      the most common imaging finding was common bile duct dilatation.

PMID- 27135725
TI  - Commentary on "Prospective Evaluation of the Clinical Features of
      Choledocholithiasis: Focus on Abdominal Pain".

PMID- 27135726
TI  - Does Carbohydrate Challenge Testing Predict Clinical Response in Small Intestinal
      Bacterial Overgrowth?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is considered a frequent
      cause of abdominal symptoms in patients with surgically altered intestinal
      anatomy or dysmotility conditions and is recognized as a contributing factor in
      the exacerbation of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Diagnostic testing can be
      used to detect the condition. METHODS: The study group comprised patients who had
      breath hydrogen and methane lactulose challenge testing. All of the patients were
      treated with antibiotic regimens that have shown benefit for SIBO. The lactulose
      challenge was administered orally at 15 g. Hydrogen and methane in expired air
      were measured and hydrogen values were recorded as the hydrogen plus twice the
      methane result. Breath tests were analyzed for positivity based on single and
      multiple criteria of fasting baseline elevation, early rise, and second peak
      hydrogen rise. Global improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms was assessed by
      telephone contact or record review. RESULTS: One hundred participants (78 women)
      were included in the analysis. The mean age was 51 years. A total of 15% of
      participants did not meet any criteria on breath testing for SIBO; 73% had a
      fasting baseline elevation >10 ppm; and 19% had an increase of >20 ppm above
      baseline in the first 20 minutes, 48% had a 20-ppm increase in the first 60
      minutes, and 32% had a second increase, reflecting a colon peak. Overall, 74%
      responded to a course of antibiotics, determined by reported improvement in more
      than half of the symptoms within 3 months. In total, 67% (10/15) of the subjects
      who tested negative for SIBO, by all criteria, had a favorable response to
      antibiotics. Among those with positive hydrogen increases, 76.3% with 1 criterion
      responded, 66.7% with 2 criteria responded, 84.6% with 3 responded, and 76.9%
      with 4 responded. After antibiotic treatment, 88.7% (47/53) of those who had
      diarrhea reported improvement, 63.3% (19/30) with constipation reported
      improvement, and 74.3% (52/70) with baseline bloating experienced improvement.
      Sixty-five of the 82 patients with pain or discomfort reported improvement
      (79.3%). Of those treated with a rifaximin regimen, 74.2% (49/66) reported a
      response to treatment. Twenty of 28 (71.4%) treated with amoxicillin/clavulanate
      experienced a clinical response. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that the
      response to antibiotic therapy in patients with suspected SIBO is not predicted
      by carbohydrate SIBO testing results and bring into question the value of such
      testing.

PMID- 27135727
TI  - Contraception Initiation in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Study on Providers'
      Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Almost half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended;
      these pregnancies are associated with adverse outcomes. Many reproductive-age
      females seek care in the emergency department (ED), are at risk of pregnancy, and
      are amenable to contraceptive services in this setting. Through a pilot study, we
      sought to assess ED providers' current practices; attitudes; and knowledge of
      emergency contraception (EC) and nonemergency contraception (non-EC), as well as
      barriers with respect to contraception initiation. METHODS: ED physicians and
      associate providers in Georgia were e-mailed a link to an anonymous Internet
      questionnaire using state professional databases and contacts. The questionnaire
      included Likert scales with multiple-choice questions to assess study objectives.
      Descriptive statistics were generated as well as univariate analyses using chi(2)
      and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: A total of 1232 providers were e-mailed, with
      119 questionnaires completed. Participants were predominantly physicians (80%),
      men (59%), and individuals younger than 45 years (59%). Common practices were
      referrals (96%), EC prescriptions (77%), and non-EC prescriptions (40%). Common
      barriers were perceived as low likelihood for follow-up (63%), risk of
      complications (58%), and adverse effects (51%). More than 70% of participants
      correctly identified the highly effective contraceptive methods, 3% identified
      the correct maximum EC initiation time, and 42% correctly recognized pregnancy as
      a higher risk than hormonal contraception use for pulmonary embolism.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most ED providers in this pilot study referred patients for
      contraception; however, there was no universal contraceptive counseling and
      management. Many ED providers in this study had an incorrect understanding of the
      efficacy, risks, and eligibility associated with contraceptive methods. This lack
      of understanding may affect patient access and be a barrier to patient care.

PMID- 27135728
TI  - Tobacco Use Patterns in a Southern US HIV Clinic.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Smoking rates are two to three times higher among people living with
      HIV and AIDS compared with the general population, but the prevalence of tobacco
      use among this population in the Charleston, SC region has not been established.
      To understand cigarette use, previous quit attempts, historic use of cessation
      therapies, and interest in cessation, a quality improvement project was
      implemented to survey smoking behaviors among this population. METHODS: During
      January-May 2010, HIV-infected patients arriving to the Medical University of
      South Carolina Infectious Diseases clinic were asked to complete a survey.
      Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected and analyzed using chi(2), and
      one-way analysis of variance models. RESULTS: Of unduplicated clinic encounters,
      514 (75%) of patients completed the smoking survey. Less than half of responders
      were current (205, 40%) or former (42, 8%) smokers, with smoking prevalence
      higher for Caucasian males. Among current smokers, 170 (85%) reported having ever
      attempted to quit with the majority making a quit attempt without medication
      therapy (143, 83%). Nearly half of all current smokers (97, 49%) reported an
      active interest in speaking with a physician about quitting. Smoking status did
      not have meaningful relationships with HIV biomarkers, even when stratified by
      race and gender. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports that high rates of smoking
      exist in the south among people living with HIV and AIDS and demonstrated a need
      for smoking cessation interventions among these patients. These data have
      potentiated the hiring of a clinical pharmacist to aid in implementation of
      smoking cessation therapies in a more systematic and formal way.

PMID- 27135729
TI  - Reflections on the Social Responsibility of a Physician.

PMID- 27135730
TI  - Commentary on "Reflections on the Social Responsibility of a Physician".

PMID- 27135731
TI  - Discharge Rounds: Implementation of a Targeted Intervention for Improving Patient
      Throughput on an Inpatient Medical Teaching Service.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patient throughput and early discharges are important for decreasing
      emergency department wait times and creating available beds for new hospital
      admissions. The educational schedule of internal medicine trainees can interfere
      with timely discharges, but targeted interventions can help residents meet the
      hospital's patient flow needs. Our training program instituted daily morning
      discharge rounds on the inpatient service, requiring each team to prepare
      potential discharges 1 day ahead and prioritizing these discharges the next day.
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, pre-post analysis 1 month before and 3
      months after implementation in August 2013 to assess discharge order entry times,
      the proportion of discharges before 11:00 am, and hospital departure times.
      RESULTS: One month post-implementation, discharge orders were entered 59 minutes
      earlier (from 1:07 pm to 12:08 pm; P = 0.001), the percentage of pre-11:00 am
      discharges increased from 21% to 39% (P < 0.01), and patients departed the
      hospital 50 minutes earlier (from 3:21 pm to 2:31 pm; P = 0.005). These effects,
      however, returned to pre-implementation times during the subsequent 2 months.
      CONCLUSIONS: A targeted intervention can significantly improve early discharges
      and should be replicable at other academic medical centers. Reinforcement is
      needed for these gains to be sustainable, however.

PMID- 27135732
TI  - Transitioning Our Viewpoints: Improving Care in Gender and Sexual Minorities.

PMID- 27135733
TI  - Observing and Giving Feedback to Novice PGY-1s.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this new era of educational milestones and entrustable
      professional activities, residency programs have recognized the need to directly
      observe resident performance. In fact, there is little information about how
      often residents are observed, what procedures they perform early in training, and
      whether they receive feedback. Previous publications have addressed these issues
      exclusively through retrospective survey analyses. The purpose of this
      naturalistic point-of-care study was to answer the following questions about
      obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN) residents in their second month of training: what
      activities do residents report performing, how often are they observed and who
      observes them, how often do they receive feedback and what is their perception of
      its usefulness, and does the time of shift affect the frequency of observation
      and feedback? METHODS: Nine of 10 first-year OB/GYN residents at George
      Washington University Hospital participated in a month-long study during their
      second month of training. Based on point-of-care experiences, participants
      prospectively recorded the time of shift, activities performed, the person who
      observed them, whether they received feedback, and whether it was perceived as
      helpful. RESULTS: First-year OB/GYN residents (postgraduate year 1 [PGY-1])
      perform a variety of activities early in training while being observed by senior
      residents, nurses, and attending physicians 70% of the time. Residents commented
      that feedback was helpful almost every time they received it, regardless of who
      provided the feedback. There were no significant differences in the quantity of
      observations and feedback received between day and night shifts; however, nurses
      and senior residents were most likely to observe residents during night shifts.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this naturalistic pilot study, OB/GYN residents reported
      performing various procedures in their second month of training, with some
      observations from faculty, senior residents, and nurses. Feedback, as defined in
      the study, is an important aspect of their early training, although it is not
      reported with each patient encounter. This pilot study raises critical issues
      that need further study, such as the following: What should be the gold standard
      for observing residents around a particular activity? Where should the bar be set
      for types and numbers of procedures that residents perform early on in training,
      either with patients or in simulations? What is an acceptable feedback rate
      around patient encounters? Should we not consider training nurses and senior
      residents to deliver effective feedback to residents as part of a 360-degree
      process, because many trainees were observed most frequently by these members of
      the medical team?

PMID- 27135734
TI  - The Scrub Revolution: From Hospital Uniform to Public Attire.

PMID- 27135735
TI  - Commentary on "The Scrub Revolution: From Hospital Uniform to Public Attire".

PMID- 27135736
TI  - Intradermal vaccination for infants and children.
AB  - Intradermal (ID) vaccination induces a more potent immune response and requires
      lower vaccine doses as compared with standard vaccination routes. To deliver ID
      vaccines effectively and consistently, an ID delivery device has been developed
      and is commercially available for adults. The clinical application of ID vaccines
      for infants and children is much anticipated because children receive several
      vaccines, on multiple occasions, during infancy and childhood. However,
      experience with ID vaccines is limited and present evidence is sparse and
      inconsistent. ID delivery devices are not currently available for infants and
      children, but recent studies have examined skin thickness in this population and
      reported that it did not differ in proportion to body size in infants, children,
      and adults. These results are helpful in developing new ID devices and for
      preparing new vaccines in infants and children.

PMID- 27135737
TI  - Cancer Targeted Enzymatic Theranostic Prodrug: Precise Diagnosis and
      Chemotherapy.
AB  - The development of targeted and effective theranostic (therapeutic and
      diagnostic) chemotherapeutic agents is highly desirable for precise diagnosis and
      treatment of cancer. To realize this goal, we developed a cancer-targeting and
      enzyme-triggered theranostic prodrug 1, containing 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin
      (SN-38), a well-known anticancer drug, which inhibits topoisomerase I in the cell
      nucleus; hydroquinone as an enzyme-triggered moiety; and biotin as a cancer
      targeting unit. Enzyme-triggered theranostic prodrug 1 selectively targets cancer
      cells and is subsequently activated in the presence of NAD(P)H: quinone
      oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), a cytosolic flavoprotein that catalyzes the two-electron
      reduction of quinone moieties with the concomitant consumption of NADH or NADPH
      as electron donors. High levels of NQO1 were found in a variety of cancer cell
      lines compared to healthy cells, and therefore, it is an excellent target for the
      development of cancer targeted drug delivery systems. Upon preferential cancer
      cell delivery and uptake, aided by biotin, the enzyme-triggered theranostic
      prodrug 1 is cleaved by NQO1, with the subsequent release of SN-38, inhibiting
      topoisomerase I, leading to apoptosis. The drug release and induced apoptosis of
      cancer cells expressing both biotin receptors and high levels of NQO1 was
      simultaneously monitored via the innate fluorescence of the released SN-38 by
      confocal microscopy. In vitro and in vivo studies showed an effective inhibition
      of cancer growth by the enzyme-triggered theranostic prodrug 1. Thus, this type
      of enzyme-triggered targeted prodrug therapy is an interesting and promising
      approach for future cancer treatment.

PMID- 27135738
TI  - An oncogenic Ezh2 mutation induces tumors through global redistribution of
      histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation.
AB  - B cell lymphoma and melanoma harbor recurrent mutations in the gene encoding the
      EZH2 histone methyltransferase (EZH2), but the carcinogenic role of these
      mutations is unclear. Here we describe a mouse model in which the most common
      somatic Ezh2 gain-of-function mutation (EZH2(Y646F) in human; Ezh2(Y641F) in
      mouse) is conditionally expressed. Expression of Ezh2(Y641F) in mouse B cells or
      melanocytes caused high-penetrance lymphoma or melanoma, respectively.
      Overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2, but not the oncoprotein Myc,
      or loss of the tumor suppressor protein p53 (encoded by Trp53 in mice) further
      accelerated lymphoma progression. Expression of the mutant Braf but not the
      mutant Nras oncoprotein further accelerated melanoma progression. Although
      expression of Ezh2(Y641F) globally increased the abundance of trimethylated Lys27
      of histone H3 (H3K27me3), it also caused a widespread redistribution of this
      repressive mark, including a loss of H3K27me3 that was associated with increased
      transcription at many loci. These results suggest that Ezh2(Y641F) induces
      lymphoma and melanoma through a vast reorganization of chromatin structure,
      inducing both repression and activation of polycomb-regulated loci.

PMID- 27135739
TI  - Excessive fatty acid oxidation induces muscle atrophy in cancer cachexia.
AB  - Cachexia is a devastating muscle-wasting syndrome that occurs in patients who
      have chronic diseases. It is most commonly observed in individuals with advanced
      cancer, presenting in 80% of these patients, and it is one of the primary causes
      of morbidity and mortality associated with cancer. Additionally, although many
      people with cachexia show hypermetabolism, the causative role of metabolism in
      muscle atrophy has been unclear. To understand the molecular basis of cachexia
      associated muscle atrophy, it is necessary to develop accurate models of the
      condition. By using transcriptomics and cytokine profiling of human muscle stem
      cell-based models and human cancer-induced cachexia models in mice, we found that
      cachectic cancer cells secreted many inflammatory factors that rapidly led to
      high levels of fatty acid metabolism and to the activation of a p38 stress
      response signature in skeletal muscles, before manifestation of cachectic muscle
      atrophy occurred. Metabolomics profiling revealed that factors secreted by
      cachectic cancer cells rapidly induce excessive fatty acid oxidation in human
      myotubes, which leads to oxidative stress, p38 activation and impaired muscle
      growth. Pharmacological blockade of fatty acid oxidation not only rescued human
      myotubes, but also improved muscle mass and body weight in cancer cachexia models
      in vivo. Therefore, fatty acid-induced oxidative stress could be targeted to
      prevent cancer-induced cachexia.

PMID- 27135740
TI  - Modulation of splicing catalysis for therapeutic targeting of leukemia with
      mutations in genes encoding spliceosomal proteins.
AB  - Mutations in genes encoding splicing factors (which we refer to as spliceosomal
      genes) are commonly found in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These mutations recurrently affect specific amino
      acid residues, leading to perturbed normal splice site and exon recognition.
      Spliceosomal gene mutations are always heterozygous and rarely occur together
      with one another, suggesting that cells may tolerate only a partial deviation
      from normal splicing activity. To test this hypothesis, we engineered mice to
      express a mutated allele of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 2 (Srsf2(P95H))
      which commonly occurs in individuals with MDS and AML-in an inducible, hemizygous
      manner in hematopoietic cells. These mice rapidly succumbed to fatal bone marrow
      failure, demonstrating that Srsf2-mutated cells depend on the wild-type Srsf2
      allele for survival. In the context of leukemia, treatment with the spliceosome
      inhibitor E7107 (refs. 7,8) resulted in substantial reductions in leukemic
      burden, specifically in isogenic mouse leukemias and patient-derived xenograft
      AMLs carrying spliceosomal mutations. Whereas E7107 treatment of mice resulted in
      widespread intron retention and cassette exon skipping in leukemic cells
      regardless of Srsf2 genotype, the magnitude of splicing inhibition following
      E7107 treatment was greater in Srsf2-mutated than in Srsf2-wild-type leukemia,
      consistent with the differential effect of E7107 on survival. Collectively, these
      data provide genetic and pharmacologic evidence that leukemias with spliceosomal
      gene mutations are preferentially susceptible to additional splicing
      perturbations in vivo as compared to leukemias without such mutations. Modulation
      of spliceosome function may thus provide a new therapeutic avenue in genetically
      defined subsets of individuals with MDS or AML.

PMID- 27135741
TI  - The EGFR-specific antibody cetuximab combined with chemotherapy triggers
      immunogenic cell death.
AB  - Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that is effective in the treatment of
      metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Cetuximab blocks epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR)-ligand interaction and inhibits downstream RAS-ERK activation.
      However, only some activating mutations in RAS affect cetuximab efficacy, and it
      is not clear what else mediates treatment success. Here we hypothesized that
      cetuximab induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) that activates a potent antitumor
      response. We found that cetuximab, in combination with chemotherapy, fostered ICD
      in CRC cells, which we measured via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress
      response and an increase in phagocytosis by dendritic cells. ICD induction
      depended on the mutational status of the EGFR signaling pathway and on the
      inhibition of the splicing of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), an unfolded protein
      response (UPR) mediator. We confirmed the enhanced immunogenicity elicited by
      cetuximab in a mouse model of human EGFR-expressing CRC. Overall, we demonstrate
      a new, immune-related mechanism of action of cetuximab that may help to tailor
      personalized medicine.

PMID- 27135742
TI  - Slow Replication Fork Velocity of Homologous Recombination-Defective Cells
      Results from Endogenous Oxidative Stress.
AB  - Replications forks are routinely hindered by different endogenous stresses.
      Because homologous recombination plays a pivotal role in the reactivation of
      arrested replication forks, defects in homologous recombination reveal the
      initial endogenous stress(es). Homologous recombination-defective cells
      consistently exhibit a spontaneously reduced replication speed, leading to
      mitotic extra centrosomes. Here, we identify oxidative stress as a major
      endogenous source of replication speed deceleration in homologous recombination
      defective cells. The treatment of homologous recombination-defective cells with
      the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine or the maintenance of the cells at low O2
      levels (3%) rescues both the replication fork speed, as monitored by single
      molecule analysis (molecular combing), and the associated mitotic extra
      centrosome frequency. Reciprocally, the exposure of wild-type cells to H2O2
      reduces the replication fork speed and generates mitotic extra centrosomes.
      Supplying deoxynucleotide precursors to H2O2-exposed cells rescued the
      replication speed. Remarkably, treatment with N-acetyl-cysteine strongly expanded
      the nucleotide pool, accounting for the replication speed rescue. Remarkably,
      homologous recombination-defective cells exhibit a high level of endogenous
      reactive oxygen species. Consistently, homologous recombination-defective cells
      accumulate spontaneous gammaH2AX or XRCC1 foci that are abolished by treatment
      with N-acetyl-cysteine or maintenance at 3% O2. Finally, oxidative stress
      stimulated homologous recombination, which is suppressed by supplying
      deoxynucleotide precursors. Therefore, the cellular redox status strongly impacts
      genome duplication and transmission. Oxidative stress should generate replication
      stress through different mechanisms, including DNA damage and nucleotide pool
      imbalance. These data highlight the intricacy of endogenous replication and
      oxidative stresses, which are both evoked during tumorigenesis and senescence
      initiation, and emphasize the importance of homologous recombination as a barrier
      against spontaneous genetic instability triggered by the endogenous
      oxidative/replication stress axis.

PMID- 27135743
TI  - Specificity of Multi-Modal Aphid Defenses against Two Rival Parasitoids.
AB  - Insects are often attacked by multiple natural enemies, imposing dynamic
      selective pressures for the development and maintenance of enemy-specific
      resistance. Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) have emerged as models for the study
      of variation in resistance against natural enemies, including parasitoid wasps.
      Internal defenses against their most common parasitoid wasp, Aphidius ervi, are
      sourced through two known mechanisms- 1) endogenously encoded resistance or 2)
      infection with the heritable bacterial symbiont, Hamiltonella defensa. Levels of
      resistance can range from nearly 0-100% against A. ervi but varies based on aphid
      genotype and the strain of toxin-encoding bacteriophage (called APSE) carried by
      Hamiltonella. Previously, other parasitoid wasps were found to commonly attack
      this host, but North American introductions of A. ervi have apparently displaced
      all other parasitoids except Praon pequodorum, a related aphidiine braconid wasp,
      which is still found attacking this host in natural populations. To explain P.
      pequodorum's persistence, multiple studies have compared direct competition
      between both wasps, but have not examined specificity of host defenses as an
      indirectly mediating factor. Using an array of experimental aphid lines, we first
      examined whether aphid defenses varied in effectiveness toward either wasp
      species. Expectedly, both types of aphid defenses were effective against A. ervi,
      but unexpectedly, were completely ineffective against P. pequodorum. Further
      examination showed that P. pequodorum wasps suffered no consistent fitness costs
      from developing in even highly 'resistant' aphids. Comparison of both wasps' egg
      larval development revealed that P. pequodorum's eggs have thicker chorions and
      hatch two days later than A. ervi's, likely explaining their differing abilities
      to overcome aphid defenses. Overall, our results indicate that aphids resistant
      to A. ervi may serve as reservoirs for P. pequodorum, hence contributing to its
      persistence in field populations. We find that specificity of host defenses and
      defensive symbiont infections, may have important roles in influencing enemy
      compositions by indirectly mediating the interactions and abundance of rival
      natural enemies.

PMID- 27135744
TI  - MiRNA-Based Regulation of Hemostatic Factors through Hepatic Nuclear Factor-4
      Alpha.
AB  - MiRNAs have been reported as CIS-acting elements of several hemostatic factors,
      however, their mechanism as TRANS-acting elements mediated by a transcription
      factor is little known and could have important effects. HNF4alpha has a direct
      and important role in the regulation of multiple hepatic coagulation genes.
      Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that miR-24-3p and miR-34a-5p
      regulate HNF4A expression. Here we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms
      of miR-24 and miR-34a on coagulation through HNF4A. Transfections with miR-24 and
      miR-34a in HepG2 cells decreased not only HNF4A but also F10, F12, SERPINC1,
      PROS1, PROC, and PROZ transcripts levels. Positive and significant correlations
      were observed between levels of HNF4A and several hemostatic factors (F5, F8, F9,
      F11, F12, SERPINC1, PROC, and PROS1) in human liver samples (N = 104). However,
      miR-24 and miR-34a levels of the low (10th) and high (90th) percentiles of those
      liver samples were inversely correlated with HNF4A and almost all hemostatic
      factors expression levels. These outcomes suggest that miR-24 and miR-34a might
      be two indirect elements of regulation of several hemostatic factors.
      Additionally, variations in miRNA expression profiles could justify, at least in
      part, changes in HNF4A expression levels and its downstream targets of
      coagulation.

PMID- 27135745
TI  - Levels of Adipokines in Amniotic Fluid and Cord Blood Collected from Dichorionic
      Diamniotic Twins Discordant for Fetal Growth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the concentrations of adipokines in amniotic fluid (AF) and
      cord blood collected from discordant dichorionic-diamniotic (DCDA) twin fetuses.
      STUDY DESIGN: The study population included DCDA twins discordant for fetal
      growth (birth weight difference >10%) who either underwent mid-trimester
      amniocentesis for routine clinical indication (Cohort 1) or whose amniotic fluid
      was collected at the time of delivery (Cohort 2). In both cohorts, cord blood was
      collected at delivery. RESULTS: A total of 92 twin pairs were enrolled (n = 49 in
      Cohort 1; n = 43 in Cohort 2). In Cohort 1, the concentrations of adiponectin
      (median, 68.5 ng/mL vs 61.4 ng/mL; p<0.05) and leptin (median, 13.9 ng/mL vs 11.2
      ng/mL; p<0.1) in mid-trimester AF were significantly higher in smaller compared
      with larger twins. In Cohort 2, the concentration of serpin E1 (median, 246.0
      ng/mL vs 182.8 ng/mL; p<0.01) in AF at delivery was significantly higher in
      smaller twins, but no difference was noted in adiponectin and leptin
      concentrations. Levels of adiponectin (median, 10425.5 ng/mL vs 11552.0 ng/mL;
      p<0.005) and leptin (median, 2.1 ng/mL vs 2.6 ng/mL; p<0.005) were significantly
      lower in the cord blood of smaller twins whereas cord blood concentrations of
      serpin E1 (median, 15.5 ng/mL vs 13.3 ng/mL; p<0.05) was higher in the smaller
      twins. CONCLUSION: In discordant DCDA twin pairs, concentrations of adiponectin,
      leptin, and serpin E1 in mid-trimester AF, AF at delivery, and cord blood at
      birth vary significantly but predictably between the smaller and larger twins.

PMID- 27135746
TI  - Psychometric Evaluation of 5- and 4-Item Versions of the LATCH Breastfeeding
      Assessment Tool during the Initial Postpartum Period among a Multiethnic
      Population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the internal consistency,
      structural validity, sensitivity and specificity of the 5- and 4-item versions of
      the LATCH assessment tool among a multiethnic population in Singapore. METHODS:
      The study was a secondary analysis of a subset of data (n = 907) from our
      previous breastfeeding survey from 2013 to 2014. The internal consistency of the
      LATCH was examined using Cronbach's alpha. The structural validity was assessed
      using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the proposed factors were
      confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using separate samples. Receiver
      operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the sensitivity and
      specificity of the LATCH score thresholds for predicting non-exclusive
      breastfeeding. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha values of the 5- and 4-item LATCH
      assessments were 0.70 and 0.74, respectively. The EFA demonstrated a one-factor
      structure for the 5- and 4-item LATCH assessments among a randomized split of 334
      vaginally delivered women. Two CFA of the 4-item LATCH demonstrated better fit
      indices of the models compared to the two CFA of the 5-item LATCH among another
      randomized split of 335 vaginally delivered women and 238 cesarean delivered
      women. Using cutoffs of 5.5 and 3.5 were recommended when predicting non
      exclusive breastfeeding for 5- and 4-item versions of the LATCH assessment among
      vaginally delivered women (n = 669), with satisfactory sensitivities (94% and
      95%), low specificities (0% and 2%), low positive predictive values (25%) and
      negative predictive values (20% and 47%). A cutoff of 5.5 was recommended to
      predict non-exclusive breastfeeding for 5- and 4-item versions among cesarean
      delivered women (n = 238) with satisfactory sensitivities (93% and 98%), low
      specificities (4% and 9%), low positive predictive values (41%) and negative
      predictive values (65% and 75%). Therefore, the tool has good sensitivity but
      poor specificity, positive and negative predictive values. CONCLUSIONS: We found
      that the 4-item version demonstrated sound psychometric properties compared to
      the 5-item version. Health professionals can use the 4-item LATCH as a clinical
      tool because it is a concise, easy-to-use and valid tool for assessing
      breastfeeding techniques among a multiethnic population.

PMID- 27135747
TI  - Quality Control of Motor Unit Number Index (MUNIX) Measurements in 6 Muscles in a
      Single-Subject "Round-Robin" Setup.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Motor Unit Number Index (MUNIX) is a neurophysiological measure that
      provides an index of the number of lower motor neurons in a muscle. Its
      performance across centres in healthy subjects and patients with Amyotrophic
      Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has been established, but inter-rater variability between
      multiple raters in one single subject has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To
      assess reliability in a set of 6 muscles in a single subject among 12 examiners
      (6 experienced with MUNIX, 6 less experienced) and to determine variables
      associated with variability of measurements. METHODS: Twelve raters applied MUNIX
      in six different muscles (abductor pollicis brevis (APB), abductor digiti minimi
      (ADM), biceps brachii (BB), tibialis anterior (TA), extensor dig. brevis (EDB),
      abductor hallucis (AH)) twice in one single volunteer on consecutive days. All
      raters visited at least one training course prior to measurements. Intra- and
      inter-rater variability as determined by the coefficient of variation (COV)
      between different raters and their levels of experience with MUNIX were compared.
      RESULTS: Mean intra-rater COV of MUNIX was 14.0% (+/-6.4) ranging from 5.8 (APB)
      to 30.3% (EDB). Mean inter-rater COV was 18.1 (+/-5.4) ranging from 8.0 (BB) to
      31.7 (AH). No significant differences of variability between experienced and less
      experienced raters were detected. CONCLUSION: We provide evidence that quality
      control for neurophysiological methods can be performed with similar standards as
      in laboratory medicine. Intra- and inter-rater variability of MUNIX is muscle
      dependent and mainly below 20%. Experienced neurophysiologists can easily adopt
      MUNIX and adequate teaching ensures reliable utilization of this method.

PMID- 27135748
TI  - Correction: Temporal Patterns of Influenza A and B in Tropical and Temperate
      Countries: What Are the Lessons for Influenza Vaccination?
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152310.].

PMID- 27135749
TI  - Quartz dustiness: A key factor in controlling exposure to crystalline silica in
      the workplace.
AB  - The classification of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) as carcinogenic for
      humans has drawn greater attention to crystalline silica exposure in the
      workplace in recent years, leading to recommendations by safety and health bodies
      in Europe and the U.S. for lower occupational exposure limits. In view of this
      new scenario, the present study examined quartz dustiness, as quartz handling is
      a major source of crystalline silica in the workplace. The study was conducted on
      test samples with different mean particle sizes, prepared from several commercial
      quartzes. The quartz particle samples were characterised and the influence of
      certain quartz particle parameters on quartz dustiness was determined. The
      results indicate that quartz dustiness may be significantly affected by mean
      particle size, specific surface area, the Hausner ratio, and fine particle
      content. The study shows that, in order to minimise the adverse health effects
      associated with the inhalation of crystalline silica, quartz dustiness may be
      deemed a key factor in controlling the generation of fugitive quartz emissions
      during quartz processing, both into the outside atmosphere (air pollution) and
      inside the facilities (occupational health).

PMID- 27135750
TI  - Multiple Introductions of Dengue 2 Virus Strains into Saudi Arabia from 1992 to
      2014.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dengue is a significant arboviral infection that represents a major
      public health concern worldwide. The infection is endemic in most parts of South
      East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Among the four dengue virus
      (DENV) serotypes, DENV-2 has been reported to be the predominant serotype in
      Saudi Arabia since 1992. However, virological and epidemiological data of DENV-2
      from Saudi Arabia are severely deficient and require further investigations.
      METHODS: Full genome sequencing of a recent DENV-2 isolate and phylogenetic
      analysis of all available DENV-2 sequences from Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: Based on
      full genome and envelope (E) gene sequence, we show that a recent isolate (DENV-2
      Jeddah-2014) belongs to the Indian subcontinent lineage of the Cosmopolitan
      genotype with close similarity to recent strains from Pakistan. Interestingly,
      the E gene sequence of DENV-2-Jeddah-2014 isolate was slightly divergent from
      those previously identified in Saudi Arabia between 1992 and 2004 with three to
      nine amino acid (aa) substitutions. While our data show that the Cosmopolitan
      genotype is still circulating in Saudi Arabia, they highlight four distinct
      genetic groups suggesting at least four independent introductions into the
      Kingdom. CONCLUSIONS: The close clustering of DENV-2 isolates reported from Saudi
      Arabia between 1992 and 2014 with strains from countries providing the highest
      numbers of pilgrims attending either Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages (Indonesia,
      Pakistan, India) clearly suggests a role for pilgrims or expatriates coming from
      DENV endemic countries in DENV-2 importation into Saudi Arabia. Accordingly,
      continuous monitoring of the circulation of DENVs in Saudi Arabia must be
      implemented to undertake effective control and management strategies in the
      Kingdom. Screening of the pilgrims coming to perform Hajj and Umrah might help
      prevent the introduction of new DENV strains, which is expected to increase the
      burden of the disease not only in Saudi Arabia but also in other countries.

PMID- 27135751
TI  - [Influences on Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) and Soluble fms-like Tyrosine
      Kinase-1 (sFlt-1) Concentration Levels at the Time of First Trimester Screening].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The angiogenic factors soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)
      and placental growth factor (PlGF) are significantly altered in preeclampsia with
      elevated sFlt-1 levels and low PlGF in the continuation of pregnancies.
      Furthermore, patients with preeclampsia reveal significantly low PlGF levels in
      the first trimester. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed a retrospective study
      including 161 patients during the first trimester screening between 11+0 and 13+6
      weeks of gestation. In addition, we analyzed sFlt-1 und PlGF in maternal serum
      with a Roche Elecsys((r)) System. RESULTS: The mean values for sFlt-1 were 1
      247,11+/-545,84 pg/ml and 47,00+/-22,62 pg/ml for PlGF. There is a positive
      correlation between sFlt-1 and PAPP-A MoM (rS=0,681, p<0,001), and PlGF and PAPP
      A MoM (rS=0,465, p<0,001), respectively. There was a negative correlation between
      sFlt-1 and maternal body mass index (rS=-0,225, p=0,005). Overweight patients had
      significantly lower sFlt-1 values than patients with normal weight (p=0,003).
      PlGF and the crown-rump-length of the fetus showed a positive correlation
      (rS=0,27, p<0,001), whereas PlGF and the Pulsatility Index of the uterine
      arteries were negative correlated (rS=-0,235; p=0,012). Patients with a
      preexistent diabetes mellitus had significantly low sFlt-1 und PlGF (p<0,05)
      values. Smokers had significantly elevated PlGF-values (p<0,001). CONCLUSION:
      sFlt-1 and PlGF are influenced by various factors during the first trimester of
      pregnancy which can be relevant for correct interpretation. Further prospective
      studies may be necessary to validate our results. The aim should be to establish
      sFlt-1 and PlGF MoM values to allow for integration into a screening for
      preeclampsia in the first trimester.

PMID- 27135753
TI  - A Specific Distress Cutoff Score Shortly After Breast Cancer Diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High levels of distress are expected shortly after the diagnosis
      breast cancer. The Distress Thermometer (DT) is commonly used to screen for
      distress, using a cutoff score of 4 or 5; however, this score might not be
      appropriate for detecting distress in women with recently diagnosed breast
      cancer. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to establish the optimal DT
      cutoff score for detecting high distress shortly after breast cancer diagnosis
      and to correlate this score with the reported problems. METHODS: We selected for
      this study Dutch women who completed the DT and the Hospital Anxiety and
      Depression Scale within 1 month after breast cancer diagnosis. Receiver operating
      characteristic analysis of DT scores was performed, with the Hospital Anxiety and
      Depression Scale being used as the criterion standard for the level of distress.
      The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive
      value of each DT score were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 181 women participated
      in the study. The optimal DT cutoff score for detecting distress was 7 with a
      sensitivity of 0.73, specificity of 0.84, positive predictive value of 69%, and
      negative predictive value of 87%. Emotional problems were the most frequently
      reported concerns. CONCLUSION: We consider a cutoff score of 7, shortly after
      breast cancer is diagnosed, optimal to identify those women with high distress
      and therefore at risk of chronic distress. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The
      findings are clinically important because they can enable healthcare
      professionals to direct their time and resources to those most in need of their
      assistance.

PMID- 27135752
TI  - Using Perceived Self-efficacy to Improve Fatigue and Fatigability In Postsurgical
      Lung Cancer Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatigue remains a prevalent and debilitating symptom in persons with
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Exercise has been shown to be effective in
      reducing fatigue, yet interventions are limited for postsurgical NSCLC patients.
      To date, while surgery is offered as a standard curative treatment for NSCLC, no
      formal guidelines exist for postsurgical rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This study
      focuses on the design and testing of a postsurgical intervention for NSCLC
      patients to promote perceived self-efficacy for fatigue self-management targeting
      cancer-related fatigue (CRF) severity and its associated fatigability through
      exercise. METHODS: A 2-arm randomized controlled trial was used to examine the
      impact of a 6-week rehabilitative CRF self-management exercise intervention on 37
      NSCLC participants compared with 35 control group participants receiving usual
      care from diagnosis to 6 weeks' postsurgical hospital discharge. RESULTS: We
      exceeded goals for recruitment (66%), retention (97%), adherence (93%), and
      acceptability. Our 6-week exercise intervention demonstrated preliminary efficacy
      in significantly reducing CRF severity and fatigability as compared with usual
      care, with mean CRF levels restored to levels lower than presurgery. Likewise,
      the exercise group's functional performance (physical and mental health scores)
      exceeded usual care. Furthermore, no adverse events were reported; participants
      had a mean age of 67 years and a mean of 8 comorbid conditions. CONCLUSIONS: An
      exercise intervention for postsurgical NSCLC patients is feasible, safe, and
      highly acceptable showing positive changes in CRF self-management. IMPLICATIONS
      FOR PRACTICE: To advance practice, testing of the effectiveness of this health
      promoting self-management exercise intervention in a larger-scale randomized
      controlled trial is needed.

PMID- 27135754
TI  - Factors Influencing Amount of Weekly Exercise Time in Colorectal Cancer
      Survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Performing regular exercise of at least 150 minutes weekly has
      benefits for colorectal cancer survivors. However, barriers inhibit these
      survivors from performing regular exercise. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was
      to explore exercise behaviors and significant factors influencing weekly exercise
      time of more than 150 minutes in colorectal cancer survivors. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study design was used to recruit participants in Taiwan. Guided by the
      ecological model of health behavior, exercise barriers were assessed including
      intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environment-related barriers. A multiple
      logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with the amount of
      weekly exercise. RESULTS: Among 321 survivors, 57.0% of them had weekly exercise
      times of more than 150 minutes. The results identified multiple levels of
      significant factors related to weekly exercise times including intrapersonal
      factors (occupational status, functional status, pain, interest in exercise, and
      beliefs about the importance of exercise) and exercise barriers related to
      environmental factors (lack of time and bad weather). No interpersonal factors
      were found to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal cancer survivors
      experienced low levels of physical and psychological distress. Multiple levels of
      significant factors related to exercise time including intrapersonal factors as
      well as exercise barriers related to environmental factors should be considered.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare providers should discuss with their
      patients how to perform exercise programs; the discussion should address multiple
      levels of the ecological model such as any pain problems, functional status,
      employment status, and time limitations, as well as community environment.

PMID- 27135755
TI  - Psychometric Validation of an Instrument to Measure Family Coping During a
      Child's Hospitalization for Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Families with children hospitalized for cancer treatment experience
      multiple, serious challenges. Family coping is a crucial moderator between family
      stress and family adaptation. A newly developed instrument, the Hospitalization
      Coping Scale (HCS), measures the effectiveness of family coping during a child's
      hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to revise and validate
      the psychometric properties of the HCS for families with children hospitalized
      for cancer treatment in pediatric oncology departments in Mainland China.
      METHODS: Psychometric properties of the HCS were examined among 253 families with
      children hospitalized in pediatric oncology departments in 4 hospitals.
      Reliability, construct validity, known-group validity, and concurrent validity of
      the revised HCS were examined. RESULTS: The revised 15-item HCS contains 3
      renamed factors: maintaining mental stability, mutual support for child care, and
      seeking support from external systems. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the
      total and 3 factors were .87, .78, .83, and .79, respectively. The revised scale
      demonstrated sound known-group validity and concurrent validity. CONCLUSIONS: The
      revised 15-item HCS is a reliable and valid instrument to measure coping
      effectiveness of families with children hospitalized for cancer treatment.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The HCS can be used by pediatric oncology nurses to
      assess the effectiveness of family coping during a hospitalization of their child
      with cancer and may help pediatric oncology nurses to develop and implement
      realistic support strategies based on assessments of family coping effectiveness.

PMID- 27135756
TI  - Response to "Comment on 'Lessons from Toxicology: Developing a 21st-Century
      Paradigm for Medical Research'".

PMID- 27135757
TI  - Detection of synchronous primary tumours and previously undetected metastases in
      736 dogs with neoplasia undergoing CT scans for diagnostic, staging and/or
      radiation treatment planning purposes.
AB  - The purpose of our study was to describe synchronous primary tumours and
      previously undetected metastases in 736 dogs with confirmed neoplasia in which
      computed tomography (CT) scans were performed for diagnostic, staging and/or
      radiation treatment planning purposes. All CTs were reviewed by a radiologist.
      Tumour-associated CT abnormalities were detected in 38/736 (5%), including
      confirmed or suspected synchronous primary neoplasms (n = 24), metastases of the
      primary tumour (n = 9) or both (n = 3). In lymph nodes (LN) that were considered
      abnormal on CT scan and were aspirated, 23% contained metastasis, and 6% of
      'normal' appearing LN that were aspirated contained metastasis. Thorough
      evaluation of CTs and routine aspiration of regional LN are critical because
      results affect recommendations to perform additional staging tests and treatment
      for the primary and secondary tumour(s).

PMID- 27135758
TI  - A novel mutation in steroidogenic factor (SF1/NR5A1) gene in a patient with 46 XY
      DSD without adrenal insufficiency.
AB  - Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), also known as nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A
      member 1 (NR5A1), is a member of orphan receptor subfamily and located on
      chromosome 9 (9q33). In 46, XY individuals with mutation of SF-1 gene, adrenal
      failure, testis dysgenesis, androgen synthesis defects, hypospadias and anorchia
      with microphallus, infertility can occur from severe to mild. We report a case of
      a 20-day-old male who is admitted to our clinic due to ambiguous genitalia. In
      this report, we describe a novel heterozygous c.814A > C (p. T272P) NR5A1
      mutation in a patient with 46, XY DSD without adrenal insufficiency. We describe
      a novel missense mutation c.814A > C (p. T272P) in NR5A1 gene which had not
      previously been reported. Also this report highlights that the potential
      diagnostic utility of next-generation sequencing is an effective strategy versus
      Sanger sequencing to identify genetic mosaicism in clinical practice.

PMID- 27135759
TI  - Meroterpenoids with Antiproliferative Activity from a Hawaiian-Plant Associated
      Fungus Peyronellaea coffeae-arabicae FT238.
AB  - Three unusual polyketide-sesquiterpene metabolites peyronellins A-C (1-3), along
      with the new epoxyphomalin analog 11-dehydroxy epoxyphomalin A (4), have been
      isolated from the endophytic fungus Peyronellaea coffeae-arabicae FT238, which
      was isolated from the native Hawaiian plant Pritchardia lowreyana. The structures
      of compounds 1-4 were characterized based on NMR and MS spectroscopic analysis.
      The absolute configuration (AC) of the compounds was determined by electronic
      circular dichroism (ECD). Compound 4 showed antiproliferative activity with an
      IC50 of 0.5 MUM against OVCAR3, and it also strongly inhibited Stat3 at 5 MUM.

PMID- 27135760
TI  - Conjugated Polymer Blend Microspheres for Efficient, Long-Range Light Energy
      Transfer.
AB  - Highly luminescent pi-conjugated polymeric microspheres were fabricated through
      self-assembly of energy-donating and energy-accepting polymers and their blends.
      To avoid macroscopic phase separation, the nucleation time and growth rate of
      each polymer in the solution were properly adjusted. Photoluminescence (PL)
      studies showed that efficient donor-to-acceptor energy transfer takes place
      inside the microspheres, revealing that two polymers are well-blended in the
      microspheres. Focused laser irradiation of a single microsphere excites
      whispering gallery modes (WGMs), where PL generated inside the sphere is confined
      and resonates. The wavelengths of the PL lines are finely tuned by changing the
      blending ratio, accompanying the systematic yellow-to-red color change.
      Furthermore, when several microspheres are coupled linearly, the confined PL
      propagates the microspheres through the contact point, and a cascade-like process
      converts the PL color while maintaining the WGM characteristics. The self
      assembly strategy for the formation of polymeric nano- to microstructures with
      highly miscible polymer blends will be advantageous for optoelectronic and
      photonic device applications.

PMID- 27135761
TI  - Inverse associations between cardiometabolic risk factors and 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      in obese American children and adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]
      concentrations and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese American children.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 209 obese children (55%
      females, 25.8% black) aged between 6 and 19 years old. Study measurements
      included plasma 25(OH)D concentrations, blood pressure, lipids and oxidized LDL
      levels, insulin resistance (IR) indices from glucose, insulin and 5 hour oral
      glucose tolerance test. RESULTS: Fifty-one percent of the children had vitamin D
      deficiency. Older age [OR (95% CI) = 1.16 (1.00, 1.35)], black race/ethnicity
      [15.39 (5.79, 40.92)], winter/spring season [3.46 (1.69, 7.02)] and higher body
      mass index (BMI) [1.05 (0.99, 1.11)] were associated with increased odds of
      having vitamin D deficiency. None of cardiometabolic risk factors examined were
      significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency in age, race/ethnicity,
      season, and BMI adjusted models. In age, race/ethnicity, season and BMI adjusted
      models, total cholesterol (beta = -0.001, P = 0.013), non-HDL-C (beta = -0.001, P
      = 0.014), and oxidized LDL (beta = -0.087, P = 0.045) were inversely associated
      with log-transformed 25(OH)D. An approximate 10 mg/dl increase in total
      cholesterol or in non-HDL-C was associated with an approximate 1.3% decrease in
      the geometric mean of 25(OH)D concentration. Further a 10% increase in ox-LDL
      levels was associated with an approximate 0.8% decrease in the geometric mean of
      25(OH)D. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in obese American
      children. There was evidence that some cardiometabolic risk factors including
      lipid levels and oxidized LDL levels were significantly inversely associated with
      25(OH)D concentration in our sample. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:736-742, 2016. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27135762
TI  - Curriculum vitae: An important tool for the nurse practitioner.
AB  - Advanced practice nurses (APNs) should maintain a curriculum vitae (CV) that
      comprehensively reflects the individual's work and professional accomplishments.
      This article guides APNs through best practices for development of a CV. Tips are
      offered to help guide the content, format, and maintenance of the CV. 

PMID- 27135763
TI  - HeartFailureNews, new in EJHF.

PMID- 27135764
TI  - Gerasimos Filippatos MD FESC FHFA, outgoing president of the Heart Failure
      Association of the European Society of Cardiology.

PMID- 27135765
TI  - Frank Ruschitzka MD FESC FRCP shares some thoughts on the future direction of the
      Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology.

PMID- 27135766
TI  - The European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Association Annual Congress.

PMID- 27135767
TI  - May 2016 at a glance.

PMID- 27135768
TI  - Risk assessment for pregnancy with cardiac disease-a global perspective.

PMID- 27135769
TI  - Exercise tolerance can explain the obesity paradox in patients with systolic
      heart failure: data from the MECKI Score Research Group.
AB  - AIMS: Obesity has been found to be protective in heart failure (HF), a finding
      leading to the concept of an obesity paradox. We hypothesized that a preserved
      cardiorespiratory fitness in obese HF patients may affect the relationship
      between survival and body mass index (BMI) and explain the obesity paradox in HF.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 4623 systolic HF patients (LVEF 31.5 +/- 9.5%,
      BMI 26.2 +/- 3.6 kg/m(2) ) were recruited and prospectively followed in 24
      Italian HF centres belonging to the MECKI Score Research Group. Besides full
      clinical examination, patients underwent maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test at
      study enrolment. Median follow-up was 1113 (553-1803) days. The study population
      was divided according to BMI (<25, 25-30, >30 to <=35 kg/m(2) ) and predicted
      peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2 , <50%, 50-80%, >80%). Study endpoints were all
      cause and cardiovascular deaths including urgent cardiac transplant. All-cause
      and cardiovascular deaths occurred in 951 (28.6%, 57.4 per person-years) and 802
      cases (17.4%, 48.4 per 1000 person-years), respectively. In the high BMI groups,
      several prognostic parameters presented better values [LVEF, peak VO2 ,
      ventilation/carbon dioxide slope, renal function, and haemoglobin (P < 0.01)]
      compared with the lower BMI groups. Both BMI and peak VO2 were significant
      positive predictors of longer survival: both higher BMI and peak VO2 groups
      showed lower mortality (P < 0.001). At multivariable analysis and using a
      matching procedure (age, gender, LVEF, and peak VO2 ), the protective role of BMI
      disappeared. CONCLUSION: Exercise tolerance affects the relationship between BMI
      and survival. Cardiorespiratory fitness mitigates the obesity paradox observed in
      HF patients.

PMID- 27135770
TI  - Tipping the scales toward fitness as a key modifier of the obesity paradox in
      heart failure.

PMID- 27135771
TI  - Advanced heart failure: look right to prognosticate right!

PMID- 27135772
TI  - Soluble neprilysin does not correlate with outcome in heart failure with
      preserved ejection fraction?

PMID- 27135773
TI  - Evaluation of habitat requirements of small rodents and effectiveness of an
      ecologically-based management in a hantavirus-endemic natural protected area in
      Argentina.
AB  - Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome is a severe cardio pulmonary disease transmitted to
      humans by sylvan rodents found in natural and rural environments. Disease
      transmission is closely linked to the ecology of animal reservoirs and abiotic
      factors such as habitat characteristics, season or climatic conditions. The main
      goals of this research were: to determine the biotic and abiotic factors
      affecting richness and abundance of rodent species at different spatial scales,
      to evaluate different methodologies for studying population of small rodents, and
      to describe and analyze an ecologically-based rodent management experience in a
      highly touristic area. A 4-year study of small rodent ecology was conducted
      between April 2007 and August 2011 in the most relevant habitats of El Palmar
      National Park, Argentina. Management involved a wide range of control and
      prevention measures, including poisoning, culling and habitat modification. A
      total of 172 individuals of 5 species were captured with a trapping effort of 13
      860 traps-nights (1.24 individuals/100 traps-nights). Five rodent species were
      captured, including 2 hantavirus-host species, Oligoryzomys nigripes and Akodon
      azarae. Oligoryzomys nigripes, host of a hantavirus that is pathogenic in humans,
      was the most abundant species and the only one found in all the studied habitats.
      Our results are inconsistent with the dilution effect hypothesis. The present
      study demonstrates that sylvan rodent species, including the hantavirus-host
      species, have distinct local habitat selection and temporal variation patterns in
      abundance, which may influence the risk of human exposure to hantavirus and may
      have practical implications for disease transmission as well as for reservoir
      management.

PMID- 27135774
TI  - Ionic-liquid-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled with high
      performance liquid chromatography for the forensic determination of
      methamphetamine in human urine.
AB  - Determination of methamphetamine in forensic laboratories is a major issue due to
      its health and social harm. In this work, a simple, sensitive, and
      environmentally friendly method based on ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid
      microextraction combined with high-performance liquid chromatography was
      established for the analysis of methamphetamine in human urine. 1-Octyl-3
      methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate with the help of disperser solvent methanol
      was selected as the microextraction solvent in this process. Various parameters
      affecting the extraction efficiency of methamphetamine were investigated
      systemically, including extraction solvent and its volume, disperser solvent and
      its volume, sample pH, extraction temperature, and centrifugal time. Under the
      optimized conditions, a good linearity was obtained in the concentration range of
      10-1000 ng/mL with determination coefficient >0.99. The limit of detection
      calculated at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 was 1.7 ng/mL and the relative
      standard deviations for six replicate experiments at three different
      concentration levels of 100, 500, and 1000 ng/mL were 6.4, 4.5, and 4.7%,
      respectively. Meanwhile, up to 220-fold enrichment factor of methamphetamine and
      acceptable extraction recovery (>80.0%) could be achieved. Furthermore, this
      method has been successfully employed for the sensitive detection of a urine
      sample from a suspected drug abuser. 

PMID- 27135775
TI  - Initial genetic diversity enhances population establishment and alters genetic
      structuring of a newly established Daphnia metapopulation.
AB  - When newly created habitats are initially colonized by genotypes with rapid
      population growth rates, later arriving colonists may be prevented from
      establishing. Although these priority effects have been documented in multiple
      systems, their duration may be influenced by the diversity of the founding
      population. We conducted a large-scale field manipulation to investigate how
      initial clonal diversity influences temporal and landscape patterns of genetic
      structure in a developing metapopulation. Six genotypes of obligately asexual
      Daphnia pulex were stocked alone (no clonal diversity) or in combination ('high'
      clonal diversity) into newly created experimental woodland ponds. We also
      measured the population growth rate of all clones in the laboratory when raised
      on higher-quality and lower-quality resources. Our predictions were that in the 3
      years following stocking, clonally diverse populations would be more likely to
      persist than nonclonally diverse populations and exhibit evidence for persistent
      founder effects. We expected that faster growing clones would be found in more
      pools and comprise a greater proportion of individuals genotyped from the
      landscape. Genetic composition, both locally and regionally, changed
      significantly following stocking. Six of 27 populations exhibited evidence for
      persistent founder effects, and populations stocked with 'high' clonal diversity
      were more likely to exhibit these effects than nonclonally diverse populations.
      Performance in the laboratory was not predictive of clonal persistence or overall
      dominance in the field. Hence, we conclude that although laboratory estimates of
      fitness did not fully explain metapopulation genetic structure, initial clonal
      diversity did enhance D. pulex population establishment and persistence in this
      system.

PMID- 27135776
TI  - Evaluating the content and quality of information about premature ejaculation on
      the Internet: what are men being exposed to ?
AB  - Premature ejaculation is one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions;
      however, only a few patients with premature ejaculation are seeking professional
      help or advice. Internet has become an important source of knowledge, and thus,
      more patients are looking online for health information. According to our best
      knowledge, no study has evaluated the content and quality of websites on
      premature ejaculation. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the content and quality
      of currently available Internet-based information on premature ejaculation. A
      sample was obtained comprising the 50 top sites retrieved from Google, Bing and
      Yahoo search engines using the terms 'premature ejaculation'. Each site then was
      reviewed based on some predefined evaluation criteria to determine the general
      quality, condition-specific content quality, popularity index and ownership. The
      websites reviewed were differed highly in terms of quality and ownership. Only a
      few sites provided comprehensive medical and complete information on premature
      ejaculation. The online information available is often of uncertain calibre;
      therefore, men are being exposed to information about premature ejaculation with
      a highly variable degree quality. This fact should be considered both by health
      professionals and website owners, and better online resources should be provided
      for these patients.

PMID- 27135777
TI  - Reassortant betanodavirus infection in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).
AB  - In this study, the susceptibility of turbot juveniles to two betanodavirus
      strains was assessed, a RGNNV/SJNNV reassortant (Ss160.03) and a SJNNV strain.
      The reassortant isolate exhibits a slightly modified SJNNV CP, with two amino
      acid substitutions in the C-terminal domain (positions 247 and 270). To analyse
      the role of these residues as virulence and host determinants in turbot, three
      recombinant strains (rSs160.03247 , rSs160.03270 , rSs160.03247+270 ) harbouring
      site-specific mutations in the CP sequence were also tested in experimental
      trials. Moderate mortalities (up to 50%) were recorded at 18  degrees C in the
      fish challenged with the Ss160.03 strain, whereas low mortalities (17%) were
      observed in the group challenged with the SJNNV strain. A slight decrease (around
      10%) was observed in the mortalities caused by the mutants rSs160.03247 and
      rSs160.03270 , whilst the mutation of both positions reduced mortality by more
      than half of that observed in fish challenged with the wild strain. These results
      are confirmed by the replication in brain tissues, because whereas the wild
      strain was detected from 5 to 30 dpi and reached the highest viral load, the
      recombinant virus harbouring both mutations was not detected in the brain until
      20 dpi and with a moderate viral load.

PMID- 27135778
TI  - Periodontal treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This pilot cohort study evaluated the effect of
      periodontal treatment on renal function, metabolic markers and asymmetric
      dimethylarginine (ADMA) in patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease
      (CKD) presenting chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients
      with CKD and severe chronic periodontitis were selected. Periodontal parameters
      included plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and clinical
      attachment level. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), triglycerides,
      total cholesterol, albumin and ADMA levels were evaluated at baseline, 90 and 180
      d after periodontal therapy. eGFR was evaluated by the Modification of Diet in
      Renal Disease equation. RESULTS: All periodontal clinical parameters
      significantly improved (p < 0.05) 180 d after periodontal therapy. There was a
      significant improvement on the median values (25%; 75% percentiles) of eGFR from
      34.6 (27; 44.7) mL/min/1.73 m2 on baseline to 37.6 (29.7; 57) mL/min/1.73 m2 on
      day 90, and to 37.6 (28.6; 56) mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05) on day 180. ADMA levels
      significantly reduced 180 d after periodontal treatment. No significant
      differences were observed at the median values of metabolic markers comparing
      baseline and 180 d after periodontal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results point to
      a link of kidney disease with endothelium dysfunction and periodontitis,
      suggesting that periodontal treatment may be beneficial to the course of CKD.

PMID- 27135779
TI  - Highly sensitive SERS analysis of the cyclic Arg-Gly-Asp peptide ligands of cells
      using nanogap antennas.
AB  - The cyclic RGD (cRGD) peptide ligands of cells have become widely used for
      treating several cancers. We report a highly sensitive analysis of c(RGDfC) using
      surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) using single dimer nanogap antennas in
      aqueous environment. Good agreement between characteristic peaks of the SERS and
      the Raman spectra of bulk c(RGDfC) with its peptide's constituents were observed.
      The exhibited blinking of the SERS spectra and synchronization of intensity
      fluctuations, suggest that the SERS spectra acquired from single dimer nanogap
      antennas was dominated by the spectrum of single to a few molecules. SERS spectra
      of c(RGDfC) could be used to detect at the nanoscale, the cells' transmembrane
      proteins binding to its ligand. SERS of cyclic RGD on nanogap antenna.

PMID- 27135780
TI  - The role of staging surgery in the treatment of apparent early-stage malignant
      ovarian germ cell tumours.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malignant ovarian germ cell tumours (MOGCTs) are usually detected at
      an early stage, with patients achieving a satisfactory prognosis. However, the
      role of staging surgery in the treatment of apparent early-stage MOGCTs remains
      controversial. AIMS: To investigate the role of staging procedures in apparent
      early-stage patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review
      of 102 patients who were diagnosed with MOGCTs and had malignant lesions confined
      to their ovaries, between January 1997 and October 2014 at the Obstetrics and
      Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Statistical analysis
      was carried out using SPSS software which included survival analysis by Kaplan
      Meier method and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Three patients relapsed and one
      died. The five-year overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate were
      98.7% and 96.4%, respectively. Eighty-nine patients (87.3%) received adjuvant
      chemotherapy and only 23 patients (22.5%) were completely staged. In total, 3/49
      (6.1%), 1/44 (2.3%) and 0/49 (0.0%) patients were diagnosed with malignant cells
      in peritoneal fluid, pelvic lymph nodes and omentum, respectively. Positive
      tumour cells were not correlated with recurrence. Univariate analysis revealed
      that neither complete staging surgery nor individual factors were useful
      prognostic factors for disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: The staging surgery
      could be omitted for apparent early-stage patients affected by MOGCTs without
      adverse impact upon survival.

PMID- 27135781
TI  - Studies on the binding of pepsin with three pyrethroid insecticides by multi
      spectroscopic approaches and molecular docking.
AB  - In this study, the molecular interactions between pepsin and three pyrethroid
      insecticides, including fenvalerate, cyhalothrin and deltamethrin, were
      investigated by multi-spectroscopic and molecular docking methods under mimic
      physiological pH conditions. The results indicated that all of these insecticides
      could interact with pepsin to form insecticide-pepsin complexes. The binding
      constants, number of binding sites and thermodynamic parameters measured at
      different temperatures indicated that these three pyrethroid insecticides could
      spontaneously bind with pepsin mainly through electrostatic forces and
      hydrophobic interactions with one binding site. According to the theory of
      Foster's non-radioactive energy transfer, the distance (r) between pepsin and
      three pyrethroid insecticides were all found to be less than 7 nm, which implied
      that the energy transfer occurred between pepsin and these insecticides, leading
      to the quenching of pepsin fluorescence. Synchronous and three-dimensional
      fluorescence, CD spectra and molecular docking results indicated that all tested
      pyrethroid insecticides bound directly into the enzyme cavity site and the
      binding of insecticides into the cavity influenced the microenvironment of the
      pepsin activity site which resulted in the extension of peptide strands of pepsin
      with loss of alpha-helix structures.Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27135782
TI  - CXCR4 Overexpression is a Poor Prognostic Factor in Pediatric Acute Myeloid
      Leukemia With Low Risk: A Report From the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma
      Study Group.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overexpression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4+) is a poor
      prognostic factor in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, its prognostic
      significance in pediatric AML is unclear. PROCEDURE: This retrospective study
      examined the prognostic significance of CXCR4+ in pediatric AML patients enrolled
      in the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group AML-05 study. RESULTS: In
      the total cohort (n = 248), no significant differences were observed between
      CXCR4+ patients (n = 81) and CXCR4- patients (n = 167) in terms of 3-year overall
      survival (OS) (69.4% vs. 75.2%, P = 0.44). However, there was a significant
      difference in 3-year OS between CXCR4+ and CXCR4- patients in the low-risk (LR)
      group (n = 93; 79.2% vs. 98.3%, P = 0.007). CXCR4+ patients in the t(8;21) AML
      without KIT mutation group had a significantly worse 3-year OS than CXCR4-
      patients (n = 44; 76.1% vs. 100.0%, P = 0.01). Multivariate Cox regression
      analysis identified CXCR4+ as a poor prognostic factor for OS in LR AML patients
      (hazard ratio, 11.47; P = 0.01). Consistent with the data for survival analysis,
      CXCR4+ patients in the t(8;21) AML group had a higher incidence of splenomegaly
      than CXCR4- patients (25.9% vs. 5.9%, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that CXCR4+ is a poor prognostic factor for LR patients, particularly
      t(8;21) patients without KIT mutation. The poor outcome was only applicable to
      OS, not relapse-free survival (RFS); thus, CXCR4+ may be associated with a poor
      prognosis after recurrence. Intensive therapy, including administration of CXCR4
      antagonists, may be promising for pediatric AML patients with LR.

PMID- 27135783
TI  - Pt3 Co Octapods as Superior Catalysts of CO2 Hydrogenation.
AB  - As the electron transfer to CO2 is a critical step in the activation of CO2 , it
      is of significant importance to engineer the electronic properties of CO2
      hydrogenation catalysts to enhance their activity. Herein, we prepared Pt3 Co
      nanocrystals with improved catalytic performance towards CO2 hydrogenation to
      methanol. Pt3 Co octapods, Pt3 Co nanocubes, Pt octapods, and Pt nanocubes were
      tested, and the Pt3 Co octapods achieved the best catalytic activity. Both the
      presence of multiple sharp tips and charge transfer between Pt and Co enabled the
      accumulation of negative charges on the Pt atoms in the vertices of the Pt3 Co
      octapods. Moreover, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy confirmed that
      the high negative charge density at the Pt atoms in the vertices of the Pt3 Co
      octapods promotes the activation of CO2 and accordingly enhances the catalytic
      activity.

PMID- 27135784
TI  - Efficacy and long-term toxicity of the rituximab-fludarabine-cyclophosphamide
      combination therapy in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia.
AB  - Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is generally treated with alkylating agents,
      purine analogs and monoclonal antibodies, alone or in combination. We report the
      outcomes of 82 patients (median age 61 years) treated with the RFC combination.
      Twenty-five patients were treatment-naive. RFC was administered every 4 weeks,
      for a median of five cycles. At treatment discontinuation, the overall response
      rate was 85.4%. The responses improved after treatment discontinuation in 25
      patients, with a median time to best response achievement of 10.8 months, raising
      the major response rate (PR, VGPR and CR) from 64.6% to 76.8%. With a median
      follow-up of 47 months, the median progression-free survival time had not been
      reached (67% PFS at 48 months) and was influenced by age and treatment status
      before RFC. Likewise, the median time to next therapy had not been reached. Two
      cases of myelodysplastic syndrome/AML and 3 cases of transformation to aggressive
      lymphoma occurred. Thirteen patients died. The 3-year overall survival rate was
      90%. Long-lasting cytopenias occurred in 19 patients. The RFC combination thus
      gave a high response rate and durable responses, even in heavily treatment
      experienced patients. The high incidence of long-lasting cytopenia might be
      reduced by giving fewer courses and thereby minimizing myelotoxicity. Am. J.
      Hematol. 91:782-786, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27135785
TI  - Patterns in Clinical Trial Enrollment and Supportive Care Services Provision
      Among Adolescents and Young Adults Diagnosed with Having Cancer During the Period
      2000-2004 in Western Australia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Support services provision and clinical trial enrollment were examined
      for a cohort of adolescent and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with having cancer
      and treated at adult hospitals in Western Australia (WA). METHODS: The sample was
      383 AYAs aged 15-24 years diagnosed from 2000 to 2004, with follow-up until 2007.
      Sociodemographic, clinical trial participation, and health service data were
      obtained from Statewide administrative health data collections and patient
      medical records at hospitals in WA. Separate multivariate logistic regression
      models were used to identify which sociodemographic and treatment setting
      variables predicted whether a patient had formal contact with a mental health
      professional, social worker, or occupational therapist. Due to the small number
      of clinical trial enrollments in the sample (n = 5), modeling was not used to
      explore group differences in this outcome. RESULTS: Mental health professional,
      social worker, and occupational therapist consultations were received only by
      patients who attended a metropolitan hospital. Compared with patients treated at
      only tertiary centers, those treated at only nontertiary centers had lower odds
      of consulting with a mental health professional (OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.03, 0.58) or
      occupational therapist (OR = 0.02, 95% CI 0.001, 0.23). Less than 2% of the
      cohort enrolled in a clinical trial. CONCLUSION: Access to clinical trials and
      support services by AYAs diagnosed with having cancer in WA was generally low,
      particularly outside the metropolitan area. Variations in accessibility across
      different treatment settings in WA warrant efforts for greater awareness of AYA
      needs and increased communication and collaboration between specialists and
      centers involved in the care of AYAs with cancer.

PMID- 27135786
TI  - Prediction and prevention of exacerbations and mortality in patients with COPD.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are
      important events in the natural history of the disease that have significant
      impact on important outcomes for patients with COPD, including disease
      progression and mortality. AREAS COVERED: In the present review, we summarize the
      risk factors and characteristics of patients with COPD who are at an increased
      risk for exacerbations and mortality. We will also examine currently available
      interventions that may lead to the effective prevention of future events. Several
      pharmacotherapy options have been shown to be effective in preventing
      exacerbations, including long-acting bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids and
      phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, as well as macrolides and
      mucolytics/antioxidants. Improvement in mortality would result from a holistic
      approach, combining pharmacotherapy and nonpharmacological options, as well as
      the appropriate management of comorbidities, which are frequent in this
      population. Expert Commentary: Prevention of COPD exacerbations should follow a
      holistic approach, including improvement in physical activity, nonpharmacological
      and pharmacotherapy options, and management of comorbidities. Such a
      comprehensive approach may result in an improvement in the overall mortality of
      COPD patients.

PMID- 27135787
TI  - Development and validation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the
      quantification of gelonin in mouse plasma.
AB  - This article details the development and validation of an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the quantification of gelonin in mouse plasma.
      The ELISA was validated for intra- and inter-day variability and for accuracy
      over a standard curve range of 7.5-100 ng/mL. The assay was then applied to
      assess gelonin pharmacokinetics in mice. Results from the ELISA were compared to
      data obtained from a parallel study conducted with (125)Iodine-labeled gelonin,
      with quantification via gamma counting. The ELISA demonstrated good precision, as
      the percent coefficient of variation of quality control samples in intra-day and
      inter-day validation ranged from 5.4-9.3% and 2.9-7.3%, respectively. Sample
      recoveries ranged from 98.3-105% of nominal values. The ELISA method yielded
      lower plasma concentrations of gelonin than found from the less-specific gamma
      counting method. Consequently, pharmacokinetic analyses yielded significantly
      higher estimates for volume of distribution (106 +/- 31 vs. 55.8 +/- 13 mL/kg)
      and plasma clearance (34.7 +/- 6.6 vs. 10.9 +/- 2.1 mL/min/kg) for data
      determined by ELISA vs. by gamma counting. 

PMID- 27135788
TI  - Influence of nucleotide excision repair on mitoxantrone cytotoxicity.
AB  - Mitoxantrone (MXT) is an anticancer drug structurally related to anthracyclines,
      such as doxorubicin (DOX). Here we report that cells deficient in nucleotide
      excision repair (NER) are very sensitive to MXT. However, cells deficient in each
      of the NER sub-pathways - transcription coupled repair (deficient in CSB protein)
      and global genome repair (deficient in XPC protein) - demonstrate a difference in
      sensitivity from each other and also show different responses in cell cycle
      profile, DNA synthesis and topo II DNA complex formation upon MXT treatment. XPC
      deficient cells are slightly more resistant than CSB-deficient cells, and in the
      same way as MRC5 NER-proficient cells, show G2/M arrest, normal DNA synthesis
      rate and a pattern of formation of complexes similar to proficient cells, whereas
      CSB-deficient cells show accumulation in S phase, reduced DNA synthesis and a
      more intense signal of topo II DNA complexes, indicating that they remain longer
      in these cells. Complementation of CSB mutant cells with CSB rescue MXT-induced
      sensitivity and also a decrease in the signal intensity of the complexes, suggest
      that resolution of these lesions would take place. Taken together, our results
      indicate that NER proteins are implicated in the response to MXT and that CSB
      protein has a key role in processing MXT-induced topo II DNA complexes.

PMID- 27135789
TI  - Prenatal sonographic features of triploidy at 12-16 weeks.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to describe the sonographic appearance of
      triploidy in early pregnancy. METHODS: We report the sonographic characteristics
      of a cohort of fetal triploid cases detected at targeted ultrasonographic vaginal
      examinations between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation from 2008 to 2014. Indications
      for fetal karyotype following ultrasound were maternal request, advanced maternal
      age, increased nuchal translucency, and/or fetal abnormalities. RESULTS:
      Triploidy was detected in 25 cases during the 6 years of the study period with an
      estimated incidence of ~1 in 5000 pregnancies. Four cases had molar changes in
      the placenta. Among the remaining 21 cases, a consistent sonographic pattern was
      noted, which included the combination of asymmetric growth restriction with
      abdominal circumference lagging 2 weeks behind head circumference in 21/21,
      oligohydramnios in 20/21, abnormal posterior fossa or enlarged fourth ventricle
      in 20/21, and absent gall bladder in 17/21. Other findings present in more than
      50% of cases included cardiac (70%) and renal (55%) abnormalities, clenched hands
      (55%), and hypoplastic lungs (67%). CONCLUSION: Fetal triploidy can manifest at
      12-16 weeks with molar changes in the placenta or with a cluster of unusual
      sonographic findings whose presence should prompt appropriate testing for
      diagnosis in early pregnancy. (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27135791
TI  - Isaacs' syndrome in a patient with dermatomyositis: case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - This is a case report of Isaacs' syndrome in dermatomyositis. The patient
      presented with proximal muscle weakness, rash, elevated muscle enzyme, myopathic
      electromyograph and typical muscle biopsy. Ultimately he developed typical
      symptoms of Isaacs' syndrome which is an autoimmune channelopathy from voltage
      gated potassium channel antibody (anti-VGKC) leading to dysfunction of axonal
      discharge at neuromuscular junctions. It shares some similar characteristics with
      dermatomyositis such as autoimmunity, its association with malignancy and the
      response to treatment.

PMID- 27135790
TI  - Vitamin A or E and a catechin synergize as vaccine adjuvant to enhance immune
      responses in mice by induction of early interleukin-15 but not interleukin-1beta
      responses.
AB  - Vitamins A and E and select flavonoids in the family of catechins are well
      defined small molecules that, if proven to possess immunomodulatory properties,
      hold promise as vaccine adjuvants and various therapies. In an effort to
      determine the in vivo immunomodulatory properties of these molecules, we found
      that although mucosal and systemic vaccinations with a recombinant HIV-1BaL gp120
      with either a catechin, epigallo catechin gallate (EGCG) or pro-vitamin A
      (retinyl palmitate) alone in a vegetable-oil-in-water emulsion (OWE) suppressed
      antigen-specific responses, the combination of EGCG and vitamin A or E in OWE
      (Nutritive Immune-enhancing Delivery System, NIDS) synergistically enhanced
      adaptive B-cell, and CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses, following induction of
      relatively low local and systemic innate tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-17, but relatively high levels of early
      systemic IL-15 responses. For induction of adaptive interferon-gamma and TNF
      alpha responses by CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, the adjuvant effect of NIDS was
      dependent on both IL-15 and its receptor. In addition, the anti-oxidant activity
      of NIDS correlated positively with higher expression of the superoxide dismutase
      1, an enzyme involved in reactive oxygen species elimination but negatively with
      secretion of IL-1beta. This suggests that the mechanism of action of NIDS is
      dependent on anti-oxidant activity and IL-15, but independent of IL-1beta and
      inflammasome formation. These data show that this approach in nutritive vaccine
      adjuvant design holds promise for the development of potentially safer effective
      vaccines.

PMID- 27135792
TI  - Associations between Diet Behaviors and Measures of Glycemia, in Clinical
      Setting, in Obese Adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of dietary behaviors, assessed in a
      clinical setting, on measures of glycemia in overweight and obese adolescents.
      STUDY DESIGN: The study is a retrospective, cross-sectional chart review.
      Eligible participants were overweight youth (N = 146, age 9-21 years) who
      attended the Youth Diabetes Prevention Clinic in Indianapolis, IN. Glycemic
      status was assessed during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). In the
      Bright Futures Questionnaire, a recommended clinical tool for assessing unhealthy
      behaviors in youth, nutrition-specific questions were modified to quantify
      dietary habits. Associations between dietary habits and measures of glycemia were
      determined using multiple linear regression models. Skewed data are presented as
      geometric means and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Of the 146 adolescents who
      were assessed [60% girls, age 13.7 years (13.3, 14.0), BMI 33.9 kg/m(2) (33.3,
      34.5)], 40% were diagnosed with prediabetes. Higher intake of dessert foods was
      associated with increased glucose levels at 2 hours following the OGTT (beta =
      0.23, p = 0.004), and higher intake of packaged snack foods was associated with
      elevated levels of hemoglobin A1c (beta = 0.04, p = 0.04), independent of
      adiposity. CONCLUSIONS: In obese youth, high intakes of dessert and packaged
      snack items were associated with elevated concentrations of glucose at 2 hours
      following the OGTT and hemoglobin A1c. Findings demonstrate the usefulness of a
      modified Bright Futures Questionnaire, used in a clinical setting, for
      identifying dietary behaviors associated with hyperglycemia in obese adolescents.
      ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT02535169.

PMID- 27135795
TI  - Tranexamic Acid in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

PMID- 27135793
TI  - Perilipin 5 restores the formation of lipid droplets in activated hepatic
      stellate cells and inhibits their activation.
AB  - Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are major effectors during hepatic fibrogenesis. The
      activation of HSC is coupled to the loss of lipid droplets (LDs), which are
      specialized organelles composed of neutral lipids surrounded by perilipins. LDs
      have emerged as a focal point of interest in understanding the metabolic
      regulation of intrahepatic lipids during lipid-mediated liver fibrogenesis.
      Perilipin 5 (Plin5) is a newly identified LD protein in the perilipin family,
      which plays a key role in regulating aspects of intracellular trafficking,
      signaling, and cytoskeletal organization in hepatocytes. Recent work in Plin5
      knockout mice suggests a role in high fat diet-induced hepatic lipotoxicity. The
      current report is to evaluate the impact of Plin5 on HSC activation and to
      elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We now show that high fat diet-induced liver
      fibrosis is accompanied by an approximate 75% reduction in Plin5 in HSC, and that
      spontaneous activation of primary HSC produces temporally coincident loss of
      Plin5 expression and LD depletion. As modulating lipid content in HSC is a
      suggested strategy for inhibition of HSC activation and treatment of hepatic
      fibrosis, we asked whether exogenous Plin5 expression in primary HSC would
      reverse the activation phenotype and promote LD formation. Recombinant lentiviral
      Plin5 expression in primary mouse HSC restored the formation of LDs, increased
      lipid content by inducing expression of pro-lipogenic genes and suppressing
      expression of pro-lipolytic genes, and suppressed HSC activation (~two fold
      reduction in expression of procollagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin, two unique
      biomarkers for activated HSC). In addition, the expression of exogenous Plin5 in
      HSC attenuated cellular oxidative stress by reducing cellular reactive oxygen
      species, elevating cellular glutathione, and inducing gene expression of
      glutamate-cysteine ligase. Taken together, our results indicate that expression
      of Plin5 plays a critical role in the formation of LDs, the elevation of lipid
      content in HSC, and the inhibition of the activation of HSC.

PMID- 27135794
TI  - Non-Restrictive Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in a General and Emergency
      Surgery Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) is to prevent
      the emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance and reduce adverse drug events,
      optimizing the selection, dosing, and duration of therapy in individual patients.
      METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated changes in antimicrobial agent use
      associated with implementation of an ASP in a general and emergency unit. The pre
      intervention and post-intervention periods were defined as July 1, 2013, to
      December 31, 2013 (pre-intervention) and January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2014 (post
      intervention). RESULTS: The mean total monthly antimicrobial use decreased by
      18.8%, from 1,074.9 defined daily doses (DDD) per 1,000 patient-days to 873.0 DDD
      per 1,000 patient-days after the intervention. There was a significant reduction
      in the use of piperacillin-tazobactam, by 33.7% (p < 0.05), in
      imipenem/cilastatin, by 63.9% (p < 0.05), in meropenem by 68.0% (p < 0.05), and
      in levofloxacin by 45.0% (p < 0.05) without any negative effect on patient
      susceptibility to infections. Indeed, patient outcomes, including deaths, length
      of stay in the hospital, and re-admission within 30 days were not affected.
      CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of an education-based ASP achieved a significant
      improvement in all antimicrobial agent prescriptions in the surgical unit and a
      reduction in antimicrobial drug consumption, even when no restrictive measures
      were implemented.

PMID- 27135796
TI  - How to Understand Systems.

PMID- 27135797
TI  - Transcriptional Intricacies of Stem Cells.
AB  - Two studies shed light on Oct4 behavior under different conditions to illuminate
      how cells maintain the pluripotent state and exit from it. 

PMID- 27135798
TI  - Fundamental Limits of Search.
AB  - Ideas from information theory and topology, along with recognition of a recurring
      structure found in many biological datasets, accelerate search across diverse
      biological domains. 

PMID- 27135799
TI  - Phylogenetic Profiling for Probing the Modular Architecture of the Human Genome.
AB  - Information about functional connections between genes can be derived from
      patterns of coupled loss of their homologs across multiple species. This
      comparative approach, termed phylogenetic profiling, has been successfully used
      to infer genetic interactions in bacteria and eukaryotes. Rapid progress in
      sequencing eukaryotic species has enabled the recent phylogenetic profiling of
      the human genome, resulting in systematic functional predictions for
      uncharacterized human genes. Importantly, groups of co-evolving genes reveal
      widespread modularity in the underlying genetic network, facilitating
      experimental analyses in human cells as well as comparative studies of conserved
      functional modules across species. This strategy is particularly successful in
      identifying novel metabolic proteins and components of multi-protein complexes.
      The targeted sequencing of additional key eukaryotes and the incorporation of
      improved methods to generate and compare phylogenetic profiles will further boost
      the predictive power and utility of this evolutionary approach to the functional
      analysis of gene interaction networks. 

PMID- 27135800
TI  - Systems Analyses Reveal Shared and Diverse Attributes of Oct4 Regulation in
      Pluripotent Cells.
AB  - We combine a genome-scale RNAi screen in mouse epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) with
      genetic interaction, protein localization, and "protein-level dependency" studies
      a systematic technique that uncovers post-transcriptional regulation-to delineate
      the network of factors that control the expression of Oct4, a key regulator of
      pluripotency. Our data signify that there are similarities, but also fundamental
      differences in Oct4 regulation in EpiSCs versus embryonic stem cells (ESCs).
      Through multiparametric data analyses, we predict that Tox4 is associating with
      the Paf1C complex, which maintains cell identity in both cell types, and validate
      that this protein-protein interaction exists in ESCs and EpiSCs. We also identify
      numerous knockdowns that increase Oct4 expression in EpiSCs, indicating that, in
      stark contrast to ESCs, Oct4 is under active repressive control in EpiSCs. These
      studies provide a framework for better understanding pluripotency and for
      dissecting the molecular events that govern the transition from the pre
      implantation to the post-implantation state. 

PMID- 27135801
TI  - Stochastic Self-Assembly of ParB Proteins Builds the Bacterial DNA Segregation
      Apparatus.
AB  - Many canonical processes in molecular biology rely on the dynamic assembly of
      higher-order nucleoprotein complexes. In bacteria, the assembly mechanism of
      ParABS, the nucleoprotein super-complex that actively segregates the bacterial
      chromosome and many plasmids, remains elusive. We combined super-resolution
      microscopy, quantitative genome-wide surveys, biochemistry, and mathematical
      modeling to investigate the assembly of ParB at the centromere-like sequences
      parS. We found that nearly all ParB molecules are actively confined around parS
      by a network of synergistic protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions.
      Interrogation of the empirically determined, high-resolution ParB genomic
      distribution with modeling suggests that instead of binding only to specific
      sequences and subsequently spreading, ParB binds stochastically around parS over
      long distances. We propose a new model for the formation of the ParABS partition
      complex based on nucleation and caging: ParB forms a dynamic lattice with the DNA
      around parS. This assembly model and approach to characterizing large-scale,
      dynamic interactions between macromolecules may be generalizable to many
      unrelated machineries that self-assemble in superstructures. 

PMID- 27135802
TI  - Positive Gradients.

PMID- 27135804
TI  - Oxygen-Dependent Photocatalytic Water Reduction with a Ruthenium(imidazolium)
      Chromophore and a Cobaloxime Catalyst.
AB  - Detailed investigations of a photocatalytic system capable of producing hydrogen
      under pre-catalytic aerobic conditions are reported. This system consists of the
      NHC precursor chromophore [Ru(tbbpy)2 (RR'ip)][PF6 ]3 (abbreviated as
      Ru(RR'ip)[PF6 ]3 ; tbbpy=4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine, RR'ip=1,3
      disubstituted-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolinium), the reduction catalyst
      Co(dmgH)2 (dmgH=dimethylglyoximato), and the electron donor ascorbic acid (AA).
      Screening studies with respect to solvent, cobaloxime catalyst, electron donor,
      pH, and concentrations of the individual components yielded optimized
      photocatalytic conditions. The system shows high activity based on Ru, with
      turnover numbers up to 2000 under oxygen-free and pre-catalytic aerobic
      conditions. The turnover frequency in the latter case was even higher than that
      for the oxygen-free catalyst system. The Ru complexes show high photostability
      and their first excited state is primarily located on the RR'ip ligand. X-ray
      crystallographic analysis of the rigid cyclophane-type ligand dd(ip)2 (Br)2
      (dd(ip)2 =1,1',3,3'-bis(2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylene)bis(methylene)bis(1H
      imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolinium)) and the catalytic activity of its Ru
      complex [{(tbbpy)2 Ru}2 (MU-dd(ip)2 )][PF6 ]6 (abbreviated as Ru2 (dd(ip)2 )[PF6
      ]6 ) suggest an intermolecular catalytic cycle.

PMID- 27135805
TI  - MIMO transmit scheme based on morphological perceptron with competitive learning.
AB  - This paper proposes a new multi-input multi-output (MIMO) transmit scheme aided
      by artificial neural network (ANN). The morphological perceptron with competitive
      learning (MP/CL) concept is deployed as a decision rule in the MIMO detection
      stage. The proposed MIMO transmission scheme is able to achieve double spectral
      efficiency; hence, in each time-slot the receiver decodes two symbols at a time
      instead one as Alamouti scheme. Other advantage of the proposed transmit scheme
      with MP/CL-aided detector is its polynomial complexity according to modulation
      order, while it becomes linear when the data stream length is greater than
      modulation order. The performance of the proposed scheme is compared to the
      traditional MIMO schemes, namely Alamouti scheme and maximum-likelihood MIMO (ML
      MIMO) detector. Also, the proposed scheme is evaluated in a scenario with
      variable channel information along the frame. Numerical results have shown that
      the diversity gain under space-time coding Alamouti scheme is partially lost,
      which slightly reduces the bit-error rate (BER) performance of the proposed MP/CL
      NN MIMO scheme. 

PMID- 27135806
TI  - Simple Predictive Models of Passive Membrane Permeability Incorporating Size
      Dependent Membrane-Water Partition.
AB  - We investigate the relationship between passive permeability and molecular size,
      in the context of solubility-diffusion theory, using a diverse compound set with
      molecular weights ranging from 151 to 828, which have all been characterized in a
      consistent manner using the RRCK cell monolayer assay. Computationally, each
      compound was subjected to extensive conformational search and physics-based
      permeability prediction, and multiple linear regression analyses were
      subsequently performed to determine, empirically, the relative contributions of
      hydrophobicity and molecular size to passive permeation in the RRCK assay.
      Additional analyses of Log D and PAMPA data suggest that these measurements are
      not size selective, a possible reason for their sometimes weak correlation with
      cell-based permeability.

PMID- 27135807
TI  - A Mitochondrion-Specific Photoactivatable Fluorescence Turn-On AIE-Based Bioprobe
      for Localization Super-Resolution Microscope.
AB  - A novel mitochondrion-specific photo-activatable fluorescence turn-on bioprobe,
      named as o-TPE-ON+, is designed and readily prepared, operating through a new
      photoactivatable mechanism of photocyclodehydrogenation. This bioprobe exhibits
      unique photoactivation behavior in cells, and is applied to super-resolution
      imaging of mitochondrion and its dynamic investigation in both fixed and live
      cells under physiological conditions without any external additives. 

PMID- 27135808
TI  - Enhanced Thermoelectricity in High-Temperature beta-Phase Copper(I) Selenides
      Embedded with Cu2Te Nanoclusters.
AB  - We report remarkably enhanced thermoelectric performance of Te doped Cu2Se in
      midtemperature range. Through ball-milling process followed by spark plasma
      sintering (SPS), nanoscale Cu2Te clusters were embeded in the matrix of Cu2Se,
      inducing a drastic enhancement of thermoelectric performance by reducing the
      thermal conductivity without degrading the power factor. A large ZT value of 1.9
      was achieved at 873 K for Cu2Se1.9Te0.1, which is about 2 times larger than that
      of the pure Cu2Se. The nanoscale heat management by Cu2Te nanoclusters in
      superionic conductors opens up an avenue for thermoelectric materials research. 

PMID- 27135809
TI  - Synthetic biology-application-oriented cell engineering.
AB  - Synthetic biology applies engineering principles to biological systems and
      reprograms living cells to perform novel and improved functions. In this review,
      we first provide an update of common tools and design principles that enable user
      defined control of mammalian cell activities with spatiotemporal precision. Next,
      we demonstrate some examples of how engineered mammalian cells can be developed
      towards biomedical solutions in the context of real-world problems.

PMID- 27135811
TI  - Lagrangian Hotspots of In-Use NOX Emissions from Transit Buses.
AB  - In-use, spatiotemporal NOX emissions were measured from a conventional powertrain
      transit bus and a series electric hybrid bus over gradients of route kinetic
      intensity and ambient temperature. This paper introduces a new method for
      identifying NOX emissions hotspots along a bus route using high fidelity
      Lagrangian vehicle data to explore spatial interactions that may influence
      emissions production. Our study shows that the studied transit buses emit higher
      than regulated emissions because on-route operation does not accurately represent
      the range of engine operation tested according to regulatory standards. Using the
      Lagrangian hotspot detection, we demonstrate that NOX hotspots occurred at bus
      stops, during cold starts, on inclines, and for accelerations. On the selected
      routes, bus stops resulted in 3.3 times the route averaged emissions factor in
      grams/km without significant dependence on bus type or climate. The buses also
      emitted 2.3 times the route averaged NOX emissions factor at the beginning of
      each route due to cold selective catalytic reduction aftertreatment temperature.
      The Lagrangian hotspot detection technique demonstrated here could be employed in
      future connected vehicles empowered by advances in computational power, data
      storage capability, and improved sensor technology to optimize emissions as a
      function of spatial location.

PMID- 27135810
TI  - The Occurrence of the Holometabolous Pupal Stage Requires the Interaction between
      E93, Kruppel-Homolog 1 and Broad-Complex.
AB  - Complete metamorphosis (Holometaboly) is a key innovation that underlies the
      spectacular success of holometabolous insects. Phylogenetic analyses indicate
      that Holometabola form a monophyletic group that evolved from ancestors
      exhibiting hemimetabolous development (Hemimetaboly). However, the nature of the
      changes underlying this crucial transition, including the occurrence of the
      holometabolan-specific pupal stage, is poorly understood. Using the
      holometabolous beetle Tribolium castaneum as a model insect, here we show that
      the transient up-regulation of the anti-metamorphic Kruppel-homolog 1 (TcKr-h1)
      gene at the end of the last larval instar is critical in the formation of the
      pupa. We find that depletion of this specific TcKr-h1 peak leads to the
      precocious up-regulation of the adult-specifier factor TcE93 and, hence, to a
      direct transformation of the larva into the adult form, bypassing the pupal
      stage. Moreover, we also find that the TcKr-h1-dependent repression of TcE93 is
      critical to allow the strong up-regulation of Broad-complex (TcBr-C), a key
      transcription factor that regulates the correct formation of the pupa in
      holometabolous insects. Notably, we show that the genetic interaction between Kr
      h1 and E93 is also present in the penultimate nymphal instar of the
      hemimetabolous insect Blattella germanica, suggesting that the evolution of the
      pupa has been facilitated by the co-option of regulatory mechanisms present in
      hemimetabolan metamorphosis. Our findings, therefore, contribute to the molecular
      understanding of insect metamorphosis, and indicate the evolutionary conservation
      of the genetic circuitry that controls hemimetabolan and holometabolan
      metamorphosis, thereby shedding light on the evolution of complete metamorphosis.

PMID- 27135812
TI  - Constitutive expression of the ZmZIP7 in Arabidopsis alters metal homeostasis and
      increases Fe and Zn content.
AB  - Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are important micronutrients for plant growth and
      development. Zinc-regulated transporters and the iron-regulated transporter-like
      protein (ZIP) are necessary for the homeostatic regulation of these metal
      micronutrients. In this study, the physiological function of ZmZIP7 which encodes
      a ZIP family transporter was characterized. We detected the expression profiles
      of ZmZIP7 in maize, and found that the accumulation of ZmZIP7 in root, stem,
      leaf, and seed was relatively higher than tassel and young ear. ZmZIP7
      overexpression transgenic Arabidopsis lines were generated and the metal contents
      in transgenic and wild-type (WT) plants were examined using inductively coupled
      plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and Zinpyr-1 staining. Fe and Zn
      concentrations were elevated in the roots and shoots of ZmZIP7-overexpressing
      plants, while only Fe content was elevated in the seeds. We also analyzed the
      expression profiles of endogenous genes associated with metal homeostasis. Both
      endogenic Fe-deficiency inducible genes and the genes responsible for Zn and Fe
      transport and storage were stimulated in ZmZIP7 transgenic plants. In conclusion,
      ZmZIP7 encodes a functional Zn and Fe transporter, and ectopic overexpression of
      ZmZIP7 in Arabidopsis stimulate endogenous Fe and Zn uptake mechanisms, thereby
      facilitating both metal uptake and homeostasis. Our results contribute to
      improved understanding of ZIP family transporter functions and suggest that
      ZmZIP7 could be used to enhance Fe levels in grains. 

PMID- 27135813
TI  - Impact of exogenous GABA treatments on endogenous GABA metabolism in anthurium
      cut flowers in response to postharvest chilling temperature.
AB  - Anthurium flowers are susceptible to chilling injury, and the optimum storage
      temperature is 12.5-20  degrees C. The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt
      pathway may alleviate chilling stress in horticultural commodities by providing
      energy (ATP), reducing molecules (NADH), and minimizing accumulation of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS). In this experiment, the impact of a preharvest spray
      treatment with 1 mM GABA and postharvest treatment of 5 mM GABA stem-end dipping
      on GABA shunt pathway activity of anthurium cut flowers (cv. Sirion) in response
      to cold storage (4  degrees C for 21 days) was investigated. GABA treatments
      resulted in lower glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and higher GABA transaminase
      (GABA-T) activities in flowers during cold storage, which was associated with
      lower GABA content and coincided with higher ATP content. GABA treatments also
      enhanced accumulation of endogenous glycine betaine (GB) in flowers during cold
      storage, as well as higher spathe relative water content (RWC). These findings
      suggest that GABA treatments may alleviate chilling injury of anthurium cut
      flowers by enhancing GABA shunt pathway activity leading to provide sufficient
      ATP and promoting endogenous GB accumulation. 

PMID- 27135814
TI  - Untargeted MS-based small metabolite identification from the plant leaves and
      stems of Impatiens balsamina.
AB  - The identification of plant metabolites is very important for the understanding
      of plant physiology including plant growth, development and defense mechanism,
      particularly for herbal medicinal plants. The metabolite profile could possibly
      be used for future drug discovery since the pharmacological activities of the
      indigenous herbs have been proven for centuries. An untargeted mass spectrometric
      approach was used to identify metabolites from the leaves and stems of Impatiens
      balsamina using LC-DAD-MS/MS. The putative compounds are mostly from the groups
      of phenolic, organic and amino acids which are essential for plant growth and as
      intermediates for other compounds. Alanine appeared to be the main amino acid in
      the plant because many alanine derived metabolites were detected. There are also
      several secondary metabolites from the groups of benzopyrones, benzofuranones,
      naphthoquinones, alkaloids and flavonoids. The widely reported bioactive
      components such as kaempferol, quercetin and their glycosylated, lawsone and its
      derivatives were detected in this study. The results also revealed that aqueous
      methanol could extract flavonoids better than water, and mostly, flavonoids were
      detected from the leaf samples. The score plots of component analysis show that
      there is a minor variance in the metabolite profiles of water and aqueous
      methanolic extracts with 21.5 and 30.5% of the total variance for the first
      principal component at the positive and negative ion modes, respectively. 

PMID- 27135815
TI  - Temporal and spatial variations on accumulation of nomilin and limonin in the
      pummelos.
AB  - Limonoids are the important secondary metabolites in the citrus. In this study,
      the accumulation of limonoids at different fruit developmental stages and
      distribution among different genotypes, tissues and developmental stages were
      investigated in 12 pummelo varieties. The large variations on limonoids
      concentration were found among different varieties, which ranged from 233.78
      mg/kg FW to 4090.41 mg/kg FW in the seeds at full color stage of the fruit.
      Classification of pummelos based on the limonoids content divided 12 varieties
      into three groups. It was matched well with the geographic origination of the
      pummelo varieties, suggesting that the accumulation of limonoids was mainly
      determined by the genotype of the pummelo. Accumulation of the limonoids in
      different tissues was highly variable, and in a tissue specific fashion. The
      trend of the change on the levels of nomilin and limonin in the seeds and segment
      membrane were corresponded to the physiological development of the fruit. The
      rapid accumulation of nomilin and limonoids was observed from the physiological
      ripening of the seeds. It suggested that physiological maturation of the seeds is
      a key point that the seeds accelerate the accumulation of nomilin and limonin. In
      most of pummelo varieties, 10% color break of the fruit was a phenotypic landmark
      associated with the maximum level of nomilin accumulated in the seeds. 

PMID- 27135816
TI  - Physiological and biochemical mechanisms preventing Cd-toxicity in the
      hyperaccumulator Atriplex halimus L.
AB  - The xero-halophyte Atriplex halimus L., recently described as Cd
      hyperaccumulator, was examined to determine Cd toxicity threshold and the
      physiological mechanisms involved in Cd tolerance. An experiment was conducted to
      investigate the effect of cadmium from 0 to 1350 MUM on chlorophyll fluorescence
      parameters, gas exchange, photosynthetic pigment concentrations and antioxidative
      enzyme activities of A. halimus. Cadmium, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium,
      potassium, phosphorous, sodium and zinc concentrations were also analyzed. Plants
      of A. halimus were not able to survive at 1350 MUM Cd and the upper tolerance
      limit was recorded at 650 MUM Cd; although chlorosis was observed from 200 MUM
      Cd. Cadmium accumulation increased with increase in Cd supply, reaching maxima of
      0.77 and 4.65 mg g(-1) dry weight in shoots and roots, respectively, at 650 MUM
      Cd. Dry mass, shoot length, specific leaf area, relative growth rate, net
      photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, pigments contents and chlorophyll
      fluorescence were significantly reduced by increasing Cd concentration. However,
      the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT;
      EC1.11.1.6) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPx; EC1.11.1.7) were significantly induced
      by Cd. Exposures to Cd caused also a significant decrease in P contents in roots,
      Mg and Mn contents in shoots and Fe and K contents in roots and shoots and had no
      effect on Ca, Na and Zn contents. The tolerance of A. halimus to Cd stress might
      be related with its capacity to avoid the translocation of great amounts of Cd in
      its aboveground tissues and higher activities of enzymatic antioxidants in the
      leaf. 

PMID- 27135817
TI  - Salinity induced physiological and biochemical changes in the freshly separated
      cyanobionts of Azolla microphylla and Azolla caroliniana.
AB  - Freshly separated cyanobionts of Azolla microphylla and Azolla caroliniana plants
      exposed to salinity showed decline in the cellular constituents such as
      chlorophyll (23.1 and 38.9%) and protein (12.9 and 19.3%). However, an increase
      in the carotenoid and sugar content was observed. Exposure to salinity stress
      reduced the heterocyst frequency (35.4 and 57.2%) and nitrogenase activity (37.7
      and 46.3%) of the cyanobionts. Increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes
      such as super oxide dismutase (50.6 and 11.5%), ascorbate peroxidase (63.7 and
      57.9%), catalase (94.2 and 22.5%) as well as non-enzymatic antioxidant proline
      (18.8 and 13.3%) was also observed in response to salinity. The cyanobionts
      exhibited significant increase in the intracellular Na(+) level and reduced
      intracellular K(+)/Na(+) and Ca(2+)/Na(+) ratio in response to salinity. The
      results demonstrate the adverse impact of salinity on the freshly separated
      cyanobionts as similar to free living cyanobacteria. These results may be helpful
      in the critical evaluation of salinity tolerance mechanism of the cyanobiont and
      its interaction with the host. 

PMID- 27135818
TI  - Promoting scopolamine biosynthesis in transgenic Atropa belladonna plants with
      pmt and h6h overexpression under field conditions.
AB  - Atropa belladonna is one of the most important plant sources for producing
      pharmaceutical tropane alkaloids (TAs). T1 progeny of transgenic A. belladonna,
      in which putrescine N-methyltransferase (EC. 2.1.1.53) from Nicotiana tabacum
      (NtPMT) and hyoscyamine 6beta-hydroxylase (EC. 1.14.11.14) from Hyoscyamus niger
      (HnH6H) were overexpressed, were established to investigate TA biosynthesis and
      distribution in ripe fruits, leaves, stems, primary roots and secondary roots
      under field conditions. Both NtPMT and HnH6H were detected at the transcriptional
      level in transgenic plants, whereas they were not detected in wild-type plants.
      The transgenes did not influence the root-specific expression patterns of
      endogenous TA biosynthetic genes in A. belladonna. All four endogenous TA
      biosynthetic genes (AbPMT, AbTRI, AbCYP80F1 and AbH6H) had the highest/exclusive
      expression levels in secondary roots, suggesting that TAs were mainly synthesized
      in secondary roots. T1 progeny of transgenic A. belladonna showed an impressive
      scopolamine-rich chemotype that greatly improved the pharmaceutical value of A.
      belladonna. The higher efficiency of hyoscyamine conversion was found in aerial
      than in underground parts. In aerial parts of transgenic plants, hyoscyamine was
      totally converted to downstream alkaloids, especially scopolamine. Hyoscyamine,
      anisodamine and scopolamine were detected in underground parts, but scopolamine
      and anisodamine were more abundant than hyoscyamine. The exclusively higher
      levels of anisodamine in roots suggested that it might be difficult for its
      translocation from root to aerial organs. T1 progeny of transgenic A. belladonna,
      which produces scopolamine at very high levels (2.94-5.13 mg g(-1)) in field
      conditions, can provide more valuable plant materials for scopolamine production.

PMID- 27135819
TI  - Histo-chemical and biochemical analysis reveals association of er1 mediated
      powdery mildew resistance and redox balance in pea.
AB  - Powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe pisi is one of the important diseases
      responsible for heavy yield losses in pea crop worldwide. The most effective
      method of controlling the disease is the use of resistant varieties. The
      resistance to powdery mildew in pea is recessive and governed by a single gene
      er1. The objective of present study is to investigate if er1 mediated powdery
      mildew resistance is associated with changes in the redox status of the pea
      plant. 16 pea genotypes were screened for powdery mildew resistance in field
      condition for two years and, also, analyzed for the presence/absence of er1 gene.
      Histochemical analysis with DAB and NBT staining indicates accumulation of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) in surrounding area of powdery mildew infection
      which was higher in susceptible genotypes as compared to resistant genotypes. A
      biochemical study revealed that the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
      catalase, enzymes involved in scavenging ROS, was increased in, both, resistant
      and susceptible genotypes after powdery mildew infection. However, both enzymes
      level was always higher in resistant than susceptible genotypes throughout time
      course of infection. Moreover, irrespective of any treatment, the total phenol
      (TP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly high and low in
      resistant genotypes, respectively. The powdery mildew infection elevated the MDA
      content but decreased the total phenol in pea genotypes. Statistical analysis
      showed a strong positive correlation between AUDPC and MDA; however, a negative
      correlation was observed between AUDPC and SOD, CAT and TP. Heritability of
      antioxidant was also high. The study identified few novel genotypes resistant to
      powdery mildew infection that carried the er1 gene and provided further clue that
      er1 mediated defense response utilizes antioxidant machinery to confer powdery
      mildew resistance in pea. 

PMID- 27135820
TI  - Never underestimate the comeback kid; a case report of very early side branch
      occlusion after Stentys Exposition implantation without kissing balloon.

PMID- 27135821
TI  - Behcet disease and spontaneous coronary artery dissection: The chicken or the
      egg?

PMID- 27135822
TI  - Treatment with a human recombinant monoclonal IgG antibody against oxidized LDL
      in atherosclerosis-prone pigs reduces cathepsin S in coronary lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunization with oxidized LDL (oxLDL) reduces atherosclerosis in
      rodents. We tested the hypothesis that treatment with a human recombinant
      monoclonal antibody against oxLDL will reduce the burden or composition of
      atherosclerotic lesions in hypercholesterolemic minipigs. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Thirty-eight hypercholesterolemic minipigs with defective LDL receptors were
      injected with an oxLDL antibody or placebo weekly for 12weeks. An 18F
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) scan (n=9) was
      performed before inclusion and after 3months of treatment. Blood samples were
      obtained prior to each injection. Following the last injection all animals were
      sacrificed, and the heart, aorta, and iliac arteries were removed. The left
      anterior descending coronary artery was sectioned at 5mm intervals for
      quantitative and qualitative assessments of atherosclerosis, including
      immunohistochemical phenotyping of macrophages using a pan-macrophage marker
      (CD68) and markers for putative pro-atherogenic (cathepsin S) and
      atheroprotective (CD163) macrophages. Aorta, right coronary artery, and left
      iliac artery were stained en face with Sudan IV and the amount of atherosclerosis
      quantified. There was no effect of treatment on plasma lipid profile, vascular
      FDG-PET signal or the amount of atherosclerosis in any of the examined arteries.
      However, immunostaining of coronary lesions revealed reduced cathepsin S
      positivity in the treated group compared with placebo (4.8% versus 8.2% of intima
      area, p=0.03) with no difference in CD68 or CD163 positivity. CONCLUSIONS: In
      hypercholesterolemic minipigs, treatment with a human recombinant monoclonal
      antibody against oxLDL reduced cathepsin S in coronary lesions without any effect
      on the burden of atherosclerosis or aortic FDG-PET signal.

PMID- 27135823
TI  - A case of very severe aortic stenosis due to unicuspid aortic valve mimicking
      bicuspid aortic valve with calcification on cardiac computed tomography.

PMID- 27135824
TI  - Permanent atrial fibrillation: Special electrocardiogram in hyperkalemia.

PMID- 27135825
TI  - Intrinsically Conductive Polymer Fibers from Thermoplastic trans-1,4
      Polyisoprene.
AB  - Herein, we report a new strategy to prepare conductive polymer fibers to overcome
      the insurmountable weakness of current conductive polymer fibers. First, special
      thermoplastic polymers are processed into polymer fibers using a conventional
      melt-spinning process, and then the nonconductive polymer fibers are converted
      into intrinsically conductive polymer fibers. Using this new strategy,
      intrinsically conductive polymer fibers have been prepared by melt spinning low
      cost thermoplastic trans-1,4-polyisoprene and doping with iodine, which can be as
      fine as 0.01 mm, and the resistivity can be as low as 10(-2) Omega m. Moreover,
      it has been found that drawing can improve the orientation of trans-1,4
      polyisoprene crystals in the fibers and, thus, the conductivity of the conductive
      polymer fibers. Therefore, conductive fibers with excellent conductivities can be
      prepared by large drawing ratios before doping. Such conductive polymer fibers
      with low cost could be used in textile, clothing, packing, and other fields,
      which would benefit both industry and daily life. The newly developed method also
      allows one to produce conductive polymers of any shape besides fibers for
      antistatic or conductive applications.

PMID- 27135826
TI  - Influences of Self-Efficacy, Response Efficacy, and Reactance on Responses to
      Cigarette Health Warnings: A Longitudinal Study of Adult Smokers in Australia and
      Canada.
AB  - Guided by the extended parallel process model (EPPM) and reactance theory, this
      study examined the relationship between efficacy beliefs, reactance, and adult
      smokers' responses to pictorial health warning labels (HWL) on cigarette
      packaging, including whether efficacy beliefs or reactance modify the
      relationship between HWL responses and subsequent smoking cessation behavior.
      Four waves of data were analyzed from prospective cohorts of smokers in Australia
      and Canada (n = 7,120 observations) over a period of time after implementation of
      more prominent, pictorial HWLs. Three types of HWL responses were studied:
      psychological threat responses (i.e., thinking about risks from smoking),
      forgoing cigarettes due to HWLs, and avoiding HWLs. The results from Generalized
      Estimating Equation models indicated that stronger efficacy beliefs and lower
      trait reactance were significantly associated with greater psychological threat
      responses to HWLs. Similar results were found for models predicting forgoing
      behavior, although response efficacy was inversely associated with it. Only
      response efficacy was significantly associated with avoiding HWLs, showing a
      positive relationship. Higher self-efficacy and stronger responses to HWLs, no
      matter the type, were associated with attempting to quit in the follow-up period;
      reactance was unassociated. No statistically significant interactions were found.
      These results suggest that stronger efficacy beliefs and lower trait reactance
      are associated with some stronger responses to fear-arousing HWL responses;
      however, these HWL responses appear no less likely to lead to cessation attempts
      among smokers with different levels of self-efficacy to quit, of response
      efficacy beliefs, or of trait reactance against attempts to control their
      behavior.

PMID- 27135827
TI  - A Series of microRNA in the Chromosome 14q32.2 Maternally Imprinted Region
      Related to Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Mouse Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Simple steatosis (SS) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
      are subtypes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and the pathogenic
      differences between SS and NASH remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are
      endogenous, non-coding, short RNAs that regulate gene expression. The aim of this
      study was to use animal models and human samples to examine the relationship
      between miRNA expression profiles and each type of NAFLD (SS and NASH). METHODS:
      DD Shionogi, Fatty Liver Shionogi (FLS) and FLS ob/ob mice were used as models
      for normal control, SS and NASH, respectively. Microarray analysis and real-time
      PCR were used to identify candidate NAFLD-related miRNAs. Human serum samples
      were used to examine the expression profiles of these candidate miRNAs in control
      subjects and patients with SS or NASH. RESULTS: Fourteen miRNAs showed clear
      expression differences among liver tissues from SS, NASH, and control mice with
      good reproducibility. Among these NAFLD candidate miRNAs, seven showed similar
      expression patterns and were upregulated in both SS and NASH tissues; these seven
      candidate miRNAs mapped to an miRNA cluster in the 14q32.2 maternally imprinted
      region delineated by delta-like homolog 1 and type III iodothyronine deiodinase
      (Dlk1-Dio3 mat). Software-based predictions indicated that the transforming
      growth factor-beta pathway, insulin like growth factor-1 and 5' adenosine
      monophosphate activated protein kinase were potential targets of theses Dlk1-Dio3
      mat NAFLD candidate miRNAs. In addition, serum samples from patients with SS or
      NASH differed markedly with regard to expression of the putative Dlk1-Dio3 mat
      miRNAs, and these differences accurately corresponded with NAFLD diagnosis.
      CONCLUSION: The expression profiles of seven miRNAs in 14q32.2 mat have high
      potential as biomarkers for NAFLD and for improving future research on the
      pathogenesis and treatment of NASH.

PMID- 27135829
TI  - Factors Associated with Streptococcal Bacteremia in Diarrheal Children under Five
      Years of Age and Their Outcome in an Urban Hospital in Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although Streptococcal bacteremia is common in diarrheal children
      with high morbidity and mortality, no systematic data are available on
      Streptococcal bacteremia in diarrheal children. We sought to evaluate the factors
      associated with Streptococcal bacteremia in diarrheal children under five years
      of age and their outcome. METHODS: We used an unmatched case-control design to
      investigate the associated factors with Streptococcal bacteremia in all the
      diarrheal children under five years of age through electronic medical record
      system of Dhaka hospital of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research,
      Bangladesh. We had simultaneously used a retrospective cohort design to further
      evaluate the outcome of our study children. All the enrolled children had their
      blood culture done between January 2010 and December 2012. Comparison was made
      among the children with (cases = 26) and without Streptococcal bacteremia
      (controls = 78). Controls were selected randomly from hospitalized diarrheal
      children under five years of age. RESULTS: Cases had proportionately higher
      deaths compared to controls, but it was statistically insignificant (15% vs. 10%,
      p = 0.49). The cases more often presented with severe dehydration, fever,
      respiratory distress, severe sepsis, and abnormal mental status compared to the
      controls (for all p<0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, after adjusting
      for potential confounders, it has been found that Streptococcal bacteremia in
      diarrheal children under five years of age was independently associated with
      nutritional edema (OR: 5.86, 95% CI = 1.28-26.80), hypoxemia (OR: 19.39, 95% CI =
      2.14-175.91), fever (OR: 4.44, 95% CI = 1.13-17.42), delayed capillary refill
      time (OR: 7.00, 95% CI = 1.36-35.93), and respiratory distress (OR: 2.69, 95% CI
      = 1.02-7.12). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: The results of our analyses suggest
      that diarrheal children under five years of age presenting with nutritional
      edema, hypoxemia, fever, delayed capillary refill time, and respiratory distress
      may be at risk of Streptococcal bacteremia. It underscores the importance of
      identification of these simple clinical parameters for the prompt recognition and
      management in order to reduce the morbidity and death of such children especially
      in resource limited settings.

PMID- 27135828
TI  - 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin-D3 Induces Avian beta-Defensin Gene Expression in Chickens.
AB  - Host defense peptides (HDPs) play a critical role in innate immunity. Specific
      modulation of endogenous HDP synthesis by dietary compounds has been regarded as
      a novel approach to boost immunity and disease resistance in animal production.
      1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25D3) is well known as a powerful HDP inducer in
      humans, but limited information about the effect of 1,25D3 on HDPs in poultry is
      available. Here, we sought to examine whether 1,25D3 could stimulate avian beta
      defensin (AvBD) expression in chickens. We used chicken embryo intestinal
      epithelial cells (CEIEPCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to
      study the effect of 1,25D3 on the expression of AvBDs. We observed that 1,25D3 is
      able to up-regulate the expression of several AvBDs in CEIEPCs and PBMCs, whereas
      it increased the amounts of AvBD4 mRNA in CEIEPCs only in the presence of
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS). On the other hand, LPS treatment not only inhibited the
      expression of CYP24A1 but also altered the expression pattern of VDR in CEIEPCs.
      Furthermore, AvBDs were not directly regulated by 1,25D3, as cycloheximide
      completely blocked 1,25D3-induced expression of AvBDs. Our observations suggest
      that 1,25D3 is capable of inducing AvBD gene expression and is a potential
      antibiotic alternative through augmentation of host innate immunity as well as
      disease control in chickens.

PMID- 27135830
TI  - Nervous System and Intracranial Tumour Incidence by Ethnicity in England, 2001
      2007: A Descriptive Epidemiological Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is substantial variation in nervous system and intracranial
      tumour incidence worldwide. UK incidence data have limited utility because they
      group these diverse tumours together and do not provide data for individual
      ethnic groups within Blacks and South Asians. Our objective was to determine the
      incidence of individual tumour types for seven individual ethnic groups. METHODS:
      We used data from the National Cancer Intelligence Network on tumour site, age,
      sex and deprivation to identify 42,207 tumour cases. Self-reported ethnicity was
      obtained from the Hospital Episode Statistics database. We used mid-year
      population estimates from the Office for National Statistics. We analysed tumours
      by site using Poisson regression to estimate incidence rate ratios comparing non
      White ethnicities to Whites after adjustment for sex, age and deprivation.
      RESULTS: Our study showed differences in tumour incidence by ethnicity for
      gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary tumours and cranial and paraspinal nerve tumours.
      Relative to Whites; South Asians, Blacks and Chinese have a lower incidence of
      gliomas (p<0.01), with respective incidence rate ratios of 0.68 (confidence
      interval: 0.60-0.77), 0.62 (0.52-0.73) and 0.58 (0.41-0.83). Blacks have a higher
      incidence of meningioma (p<0.01) with an incidence rate ratio of 1.29 (1.05-1.59)
      and there is heterogeneity in meningioma incidence between individual South Asian
      ethnicities. Blacks have a higher incidence of pituitary tumours relative to
      Whites (p<0.01) with an incidence rate ratio of 2.95 (2.37-3.67). There is
      heterogeneity in pituitary tumour incidence between individual South Asian
      ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS: We present incidence data of individual tumour types
      for seven ethnic groups. Current understanding of the aetiology of these tumours
      cannot explain our results. These findings suggest avenues for further work.

PMID- 27135831
TI  - Internal Jugular Vein Cross-Sectional Area and Cerebrospinal Fluid Pulsatility in
      the Aqueduct of Sylvius: A Comparative Study between Healthy Subjects and
      Multiple Sclerosis Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Constricted cerebral venous outflow has been linked with increased
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pulsatility in the aqueduct of Sylvius in multiple
      sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy individuals. This study investigates the
      relationship between CSF pulsatility and internal jugular vein (IJV) cross
      sectional area (CSA) in these two groups, something previously unknown. METHODS:
      65 relapsing-remitting MS patients (50.8% female; mean age = 43.8 years) and 74
      healthy controls (HCs) (54.1% female; mean age = 43.9 years) were investigated.
      CSF flow quantification was performed on cine phase-contrast MRI, while IJV-CSA
      was calculated using magnetic resonance venography. Statistical analysis involved
      correlation, and partial least squares correlation analysis (PLSCA). RESULTS:
      PLSCA revealed a significant difference (p<0.001; effect size = 1.072) between MS
      patients and HCs in the positive relationship between CSF pulsatility and IJV-CSA
      at C5-T1, something not detected at C2-C4. Controlling for age and cardiovascular
      risk factors, statistical trends were identified in HCs between: increased net
      positive CSF flow (NPF) and increased IJV-CSA at C5-C6 (left: r = 0.374, p =
      0.016; right: r = 0.364, p = 0.019) and C4 (left: r = 0.361, p = 0.020); and
      increased net negative CSF flow and increased left IJV-CSA at C5-C6 (r = -0.348,
      p = 0.026) and C4 (r = -0.324, p = 0.039), whereas in MS patients a trend was
      only identified between increased NPF and increased left IJV-CSA at C5-C6 (r =
      0.351, p = 0.021). Overall, correlations were weaker in MS patients (p = 0.015).
      CONCLUSIONS: In healthy adults, increased CSF pulsatility is associated with
      increased IJV-CSA in the lower cervix (independent of age and cardiovascular risk
      factors), suggesting a biomechanical link between the two. This relationship is
      altered in MS patients.

PMID- 27135832
TI  - Psychiatric Nurses' Emotional and Ethical Experiences Regarding Seclusion and
      Restraint.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to describe psychiatric nurses' emotional and
      ethical experiences regarding seclusion and restraint, and factors associated
      with these experiences. The data (n = 165) was collected in southern Finland,
      using the electronic version of the Seclusion and Restraint Experience
      Questionnaire (SREQ) and analyzed with statistical methods. We found that the
      experiences of control and duty were strongly emphasized in responses, especially
      among nurses with short work experience or temporary employment. These results
      offer new information about psychiatric nurses' experiences regarding seclusion
      and restraint. These results can be utilized both in the teaching and in
      management of the nursing. 

PMID- 27135833
TI  - Can Signal Abnormalities Detected with MR Imaging in Knee Articular Cartilage Be
      Used to Predict Development of Morphologic Cartilage Defects? 48-Month Data from
      the Osteoarthritis Initiative.
AB  - Purpose To determine the incidence with which morphologic articular cartilage
      defects develop over 48 months in cartilage with signal abnormalities at baseline
      magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in comparison with the incidence in articular
      cartilage without signal abnormalities at baseline. Materials and Methods The
      institutional review boards of all participating centers approved this HIPAA
      compliant study. Right knees of 90 subjects from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
      (mean age, 55 years +/- 8 [standard deviation]; 51% women) with cartilage signal
      abnormalities but without morphologic cartilage defects at 3.0-T MR imaging and
      without radiographic osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence score, 0-1) were frequency
      matched for age, sex, Kellgren-Lawrence score, and body mass index with right
      knees in 90 subjects without any signal abnormalities or morphologic defects in
      the articular cartilage (mean age, 54 years +/- 5; 51% women). Individual signal
      abnormalities (n = 126) on intermediate-weighted fast spin-echo MR images were
      categorized into four subgrades: subgrade A, hypointense; subgrade B,
      inhomogeneous; subgrade C, hyperintense; and subgrade D, hyperintense with
      swelling. The development of morphologic articular cartilage defects (Whole-Organ
      MR Imaging Score >=2) at 48 months was analyzed on a compartment level and was
      compared between groups by using generalized estimating equation logistic
      regression models. Results Cartilage signal abnormalities were more frequent in
      the patellofemoral joint than in the tibiofemoral joint (59.5% vs 39.5%).
      Subgrade A was seen more frequently than were subgrades C and D (36% vs 22%).
      Incidence of morphologic cartilage defects at 48 months was 57% in cartilage with
      baseline signal abnormalities, while only 4% of compartments without baseline
      signal abnormalities developed morphologic defects at 48 months (all compartments
      combined and each compartment separately, P < .01). The development of
      morphologic defects was not significantly more likely in any of the subgrades (P
      = .98) and was significantly associated with progression of bone marrow
      abnormalities (P = .002). Conclusion Knee cartilage signal abnormalities detected
      with MR imaging are precursors of morphologic defects with osteoarthritis and may
      serve as imaging biomarkers with which to assess risk for cartilage degeneration.
      ((c)) RSNA, 2016.

PMID- 27135834
TI  - The Epidemiology of DSM-5 Nicotine Use Disorder: Results From the National
      Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present nationally representative information on the prevalence,
      correlates, psychiatric comorbidity, and treatment of DSM-5 nicotine use disorder
      (NUD) and the public health burden of US cigarette consumption among adults with
      NUD and other psychiatric disorders. METHODS: Using data from the 2012-2013
      National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (N = 36,309),
      we conducted weighted cross-tabulations and multivariate logistic regression
      analyses to estimate prevalences and examine comorbidity of NUD. RESULTS:
      Prevalences of 12-month and lifetime DSM-5 NUD were 20.0% and 27.9%,
      respectively. Nicotine use disorder was more frequent among men, non-Hispanic
      whites, younger individuals, the previously married, those with less education
      and lower incomes, and those residing in rural areas. Adjusting for
      sociodemographic characteristics and additional psychiatric comorbidity, 12-month
      NUD and lifetime NUD were significantly associated with other substance use and
      antisocial personality disorders (odds ratios [ORs] = 1.5-5.1, 12-month; 1.5-5.6,
      lifetime). Twelve-month severe NUD was generally associated with major
      depressive, bipolar I, bipolar II, panic, generalized anxiety, posttraumatic
      stress, and schizotypal, borderline, and antisocial personality disorders (ORs =
      1.3-2.5). Individuals with current NUD and at least 1 psychiatric disorder
      comprised 11.1% of US adults but smoked 53.6% of total cigarettes consumed.
      Treatment was utilized by 20.3% of respondents with 12-month and 18.8% with
      lifetime NUD. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the need to address nicotine use
      in clinical settings. Recognition of psychiatrically vulnerable subpopulations
      may inform etiologic research, prevention, and treatment of NUD.

PMID- 27135836
TI  - Hispanic Immigrant Mothers of Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: How
      Do They Understand and Cope With Autism?
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to understand the experiences of raising a child with
      autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in a group of Hispanic immigrant mothers. The
      following 3 aspects were explored: (a) the families' social environments, (b)
      cultural beliefs on development and autism, and (c) perceptions of bilingualism
      influencing language choices. METHOD: In-depth 3-part phenomenological interviews
      and thematic analyses were conducted with 22 Hispanic immigrant mothers of
      preschool children with ASD. RESULTS: A total of 3 thematic categories emerged:
      stigmatization and social isolation, preconceptions about developmental
      milestones and autism, and mothers' reluctance to speak Spanish with their
      children. A lack of awareness about autism influenced social isolation, and
      autism was viewed as temporary and associated with fear or sadness. The mothers
      believed that exposure to 2 languages would increase their children's language
      difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic immigrant mothers raising children with
      autism were often challenged by immigration status, economic hardship, and advice
      against using Spanish with their children. Professional training and parent
      education are needed to facilitate early identification of ASD. Immigrant
      families should be encouraged to communicate in the home language with their
      children. Information about ASD should be disseminated through community
      outreach, home-school connections, and pediatricians, who remain pivotal in
      informing Hispanic immigrant families.

PMID- 27135835
TI  - Nivolumab, anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody immunotherapy: Role
      in advanced cancers.
AB  - The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors has altered the landscape of
      treatment of advanced cancers. These drugs are well tolerated and have shown
      clinical activity against a wide variety of solid tumors and hematological
      malignancies. The durability of response is particularly impressive when compared
      to other forms of systemic therapy. Nivolumab (Opdivo) is an IgG4 antibody that
      causes immune checkpoint blockade by diminishing inhibitory signaling through the
      programmed death receptor-1 pathway. It is approved for treatment of recurrent
      non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma. Efforts to
      identify biomarkers of response to nivolumab are ongoing. Clinical trials are
      also being conducted to determine the benefits of combining nivolumab with other
      forms of treatment including chemotherapy, molecular-targeted therapy, radiation
      therapy, and other forms of immune therapy. This review outlines the clinical
      trials that have led to the emergence of nivolumab as a treatment option for
      patients with advanced cancers.

PMID- 27135837
TI  - Precision Medicine for Ischemic Stroke.

PMID- 27135838
TI  - One-Pot Three-Component Condensation Synthesis and Structural Features of
      Organophosphorus-Sulfur Macrocycles.
AB  - A new preparative route was developed to synthesize new phosphorus-sulfur
      [SP(?S)S moiety]-containing macrocycles via a one-pot and three-component domino
      reaction of four-membered ring thionation reagents such as 2,4-bis(4
      methoxyphenyl)-1,3,2,4-dithiadiphosphetane 2,4-disulfide (LR, Lawesson's reagent)
      and 2,4-diferrocenyl-1,3,2,4-diathiadiphosphetane 2,4-disulfide (FcLR, a
      ferrocene analogue of Lawesson's reagent) and alkyldithiols(aryldithols) and
      dihaloalkanes in the presence of sodium hydride. Therefore, a series of 12- to 18
      membered macrocycles incorporating two phosphorus and six sulfur atoms were
      synthesized. The synthesis features a novel application of the multicomponent
      reaction, providing an efficient route to the preparation of the new phosphorus
      sulfur-containing macrocycles. Seven representative X-ray structures confirm the
      formation of these macrocycles and show the presence of a number of the
      intramolecular C-H...S hydrogen bonding, intermolecular C-H...S, C-H...Cl, and
      Cl...Cl short contacts and pi-stacking interactions in their 3D network
      structures.

PMID- 27135839
TI  - Twenty-Three Species of Hypobarophilic Bacteria Recovered from Diverse Ecosystems
      Exhibit Growth under Simulated Martian Conditions at 0.7 kPa.
AB  - Bacterial growth at low pressure is a new research area with implications for
      predicting microbial activity in clouds and the bulk atmosphere on Earth, and for
      modeling the forward contamination of planetary surfaces like Mars. Here, we
      describe experiments on the recovery and identification of 23 species of
      bacterial hypobarophiles (def., growth under hypobaric conditions of
      approximately 1-2 kPa) in 11 genera capable of growth at 0.7 kPa. Hypobarophilic
      bacteria, but not archaea or fungi, were recovered from soil and non-soil
      ecosystems. The highest numbers of hypobarophiles were recovered from Arctic
      soil, Siberian permafrost, and human saliva. Isolates were identified through 16S
      rRNA sequencing to belong to the genera Carnobacterium, Exiguobacterium,
      Leuconostoc, Paenibacillus, and Trichococcus. The highest population of
      culturable hypobarophilic bacteria (5.1 * 10(4) cfu/g) was recovered from Colour
      Lake soils from Axel Heiberg Island in the Canadian Arctic. In addition, we
      extend the number of hypobarophilic species in the genus Serratia to six type
      strains that include S. ficaria, S. fonticola, S. grimesii, S. liquefaciens, S.
      plymuthica, and S. quinivorans. Microbial growth at 0.7 kPa suggests that
      pressure alone will not be growth-limiting on the martian surface or in Earth's
      atmosphere up to an altitude of 34 km. KEY WORDS: Planetary protection-Simulated
      martian atmosphere-Piezophile-Habitability-Extremophilic microorganisms.
      Astrobiology 16, 335-347.

PMID- 27135840
TI  - Optical Excitation in Donor-Pt-Acceptor Complexes: Role of the Structure.
AB  - The optical properties of the Pt complexes in the form of donor-metal-acceptor (D
      M-A) were studied at the first-principles level. Calculated results show that for
      the frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) of a D-M-A structure the energies of
      unoccupied frontier MO can be mainly determined by the interaction between M and
      A, whereas the M-A and M-D interactions both determine the energies of occupied
      frontier MO. By developing a straightforward transition dipole decomposition
      method, we found that not only the local excitations in D but also those in A can
      significantly contribute to the charge-transfer (CT) excitation. Furthermore, the
      calculations also demonstrate that by tuning the dihedral angle between D and A
      the transition probability can be precisely controlled so as to broaden the
      spectrum region of photoabsorption. For the D-M-A molecule with a delocalized pi
      system in A, the CT excitation barely affects the electronic structures of metal,
      suggesting that the oxidation state of the metal can be kept during the
      excitation. These understandings for the optical properties of the D-M-A molecule
      would be useful for the design of dye-sensitized solar cells, photocatalysis, and
      luminescence systems. 

PMID- 27135841
TI  - Relationship between mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width,
      plateletcrit and varicocele.
AB  - Increases in platelet count and platelet indices such as mean platelet volume
      (MPV), platelet distribution width (RDW) and plateletcrit (PCT) have been
      reported in a wide range of pathological settings. The aetiology of varicocele, a
      vascular disease, is poorly defined. In this study, we aimed to examine the
      relationship between varicocele, platelet count and a series of platelet indices.
      A total of 69 patients with varicocele and 56 patients without varicocele were
      enrolled in the study. Patient sperm parameters, platelet, MPV, PDW and PCT
      values were analysed. There were semen abnormalities in 37 (53.6%) patients in
      the varicocele group and 19 (33.9%) patients in nonvaricocele group (P < 0.05).
      There was no significant difference in platelet count or platelet indices (MPV,
      PDW and PCT) between the patients with and without varicocele (P < 0.05). There
      was no statistically significant difference in platelet count or MPV, PDW and PCT
      between patients with varicocele and the control subjects.

PMID- 27135842
TI  - [X-linked agammaglobulinemia in adults. Clinical evolution].
AB  - X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is characterized by absent or severely reduced
      B cells, low or undetectable immunoglobulin levels and clinically by
      extracellular bacterial infections which mainly compromise the respiratory tract
      as well as recurrent diarrheas. The mainstay of treatment is gammaglobulin
      replacement therapy, which allows most patients to reach adulthood with high
      quality of life. We analyzed the clinical features of 14 patients over 18 years
      of age with XLA diagnosis that received treatment in our unit from the year 2003,
      the date the first patient was derived, until 2015. The average age at which
      patients were referred was 20.4 years old; age at the last consult was 25.5. The
      average follow-up time was 59.8 months. Previously to being diagnosed all
      patients had suffered infections, most frequently respiratory. After diagnosis
      all were started on intravenous gammaglobulin replacement treatment and in spite
      of infections being reduced in severity and frequency, there were cases of severe
      disease with long term sequelae. At the beginning of our follow-up 35.7%
      presented impaired respiratory function with only one case being severe. In no
      cases during this period did the respiratory function worsen, nor were there
      severe clinical complications. Three patients were switched to subcutaneous
      immunoglobulin treatment with good tolerance. The number of XLA cases is
      increasing, as most reach the second decade of life without serious complications
      and remain free of severe infectious disease and further impairment of their
      respiratory functions with the treatment. 

PMID- 27135843
TI  - [How much can we trust health related information provided by mass media in
      Argentina?].
AB  - To evaluate the certainty and accuracy of the healthcare information provided by
      the mass media in Argentina, a group of senior medical students, blind to the
      study objectives, identified healthcare related statements transmitted through
      mass media. These findings were challenged against the recommendations of a group
      of physicians trained in evidence-based decision making (EBDM). We compared the
      strength and direction of the mass media recommendations with those of experts on
      EBDM. Eighty one recommendations/questions were identified and answered by the
      experts on EBDM, 15 with high, 18 with moderate, 30 with low and 18 with very low
      quality of evidence. Only 53% (CI95% 42-64%) of the mass media recommendations
      agreed with the expert recommendation in direction (for or against) and 28%
      (CI95% 18-39%) were classified as inappropriate (significant discrepancies both
      in direction and strength). Subgroup analysis revealed that 71% (CI95% 56-86%) of
      there commendations made by professionals in mass media agreed with experts in
      direction and 17% (IC95% 6-33%) were classified as inappropriate, OR = 0.35
      (CI95% 0.1-1.1) compared to recommendations in mass media by non-professionals.
      We conclude that the healthcare information provided by mass media in Argentina
      is unreliable; this fact can probably have a negative impact in the health system
      performance and physician-patient relationship. 

PMID- 27135844
TI  - [Pleural tuberculosis in a hospital in Northeast Argentina].
AB  - Pleural tuberculosis ranks first in extrapulmonary sites. The aim of this study
      was to estimate the proportion pleural TB among TB cases, and characterize the
      presentation, diagnostic methods and outcomes of patients hospitalized in the
      angela I. de Llano hospital, Corrientes, Argentina, between January 1, 2011 and
      June 30, 2014. We performed a descriptive and observational study. Ten patients
      were diagnosed with TB pleural effusion. The mean age was 48.5 +/- 16.9 (16-63)
      years. The average evolution time before the consultation was 21.3 +/- 11.6 (7
      45) days. All were unilateral, exudates, with cell count of 2152 +/- 687 (84
      7000) cells; 8 cases had lymphocyte predominance. The average value of adenosine
      deaminase determination (ADA) was 92.7 +/- 27.0 (60-150) IU/l. The pleural
      effusion smear was positive in 4 cases; development of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      was obtained in 3 cases; histologically, three presented caseating granulomas.
      One death was recorded. Although pleural TB usually occurs in male patients,
      middle-aged, as a unilateral exudative pleural effusion with lymphocytic
      predominance, with less than a month's evolution, diagnostic certainty has its
      limitations, thus clinical suspicion, epidemiology, imaging, pathology and
      laboratory tests, and determination of adenosine deaminase levels, represent a
      valuable contribution to diagnosis. 

PMID- 27135845
TI  - [Treatment conditioning variables in elderly patients with acute myeloid
      leukemia. An institutional experience].
AB  - Patients over 60 years old with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a worse
      prognosis due to several factors that determine the therapeutic outcome. The main
      predictors of mortality in patients with AML reported in the literature were
      analyzed in our population. The primary objective was to analyze overall
      survival. The secondary objective was to determine treatment-related mortality,
      defined as death within eight weeks of starting treatment. It was designed as a
      retrospective study. A total of 133 treatment naive patients were included, from
      January 1991 to August 2014. The adjusted analysis showed that the most important
      variables to determine overall survival were the WBC count = 30 000 at diagnosis
      [adjusted HR 2.19 (1.06-4.53), p = 0.03)] and the Performance Status (ECOG) 3 or
      4 [aHR 4.63 (1.69-12.68), p < 0.001)]. Performance Status 3-4 was the only
      variable that conditioned treatment related mortality, showing in the univariate
      analysis an OR 5.44 (CI 1.93-15.28, p < 0.001). It was also the only variable
      that kept its statistical power in the multivariate analysis adjusted OR (aOR)
      12.40 (IC 1.12-137.17, p = 0.04). The inherent poor outcome in elderly patients
      diagnosed with AML is not fully understood. The best way of assessing these
      elderly patients should probably include not only age but the best way of
      assessing these elderly patients should probably include not only age but
      laboratory, genetic and molecular studies. Especially designed comorbidity and
      fragility indices should be included, along with functional status. Leukocytosis
      and poor quality of life were identified as the most powerfull factors for
      predicting mortality in our study. 

PMID- 27135846
TI  - Ticks infesting humans in Northern Misiones, Argentina.
AB  - This work presents records of ticks infesting humans in northern Misiones
      Province, Argentina. Also, notes on potential transmission of tick-borne
      pathogens are included. A total of 282 ticks attached to researchers were
      collected and identified by their morphological characters. Eight tick species
      were found: Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma dubitatum,
      Amblyomma incisum, Amblyomma ovale, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Rhipicephalus
      sanguineus and Rhipicephalus microplus. Some of these species as A. dubitatum, A.
      ovale and R. sanguineus have been found infected with spotted fever group
      rickettsiae pathogenic to humans in Brazil and Argentina. The potential role as
      vectors of humans pathogens of the ticks found attached to humans in this study
      is discussed. 

PMID- 27135847
TI  - [Disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis. Presentation as pseudotumoral cerebral
      injury].

PMID- 27135848
TI  - [Relapsing polychondritis diagnosed by PET-CT].

PMID- 27135849
TI  - [Presentations of transthyretin associated familial amyloid polyneuropathy in
      Argentina].
AB  - Transthyretin-related familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) is a hereditary
      disease with variable geographical distribution. The aim of this study was to
      present our experience with TTR-FAP patients. We retrospectively analyzed nine
      cases belonging to different families. Diagnostic criteria were based on the
      combination of compatible clinical picture, histopathological findings and
      genetic confirmation. Five cases showed the classic presentation and other 4 the
      late onset variant. The p.Val30Met mutation in the TTR gene was found in 6 cases
      and p.Ala36Pro, p.Thr60Ala and p.Tyr114Cys in the remaining 3, respectively. The
      median age of symptom onset was 35 years (26-60 range). Mean time to diagnosis
      was 4.2 +/- 1.5 years. Our patient series showed the heterogeneity in clinical
      presentation of TTR-FAP in a non-endemic region of South America. 

PMID- 27135850
TI  - [Communication of scientific results, a responsibility of researchers and media].

PMID- 27135851
TI  - [Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2015. Tradition and modernity in the fight
      against parasites].

PMID- 27135852
TI  - [A physician's adventures and misadventures, 50 years later].

PMID- 27135853
TI  - [Curriculum vitae of Nobel laureate Youyou Tu].

PMID- 27135854
TI  - One-Carbon Homologation of Primary Alcohols to Carboxylic Acids, Esters, and
      Amides via Mitsunobu Reactions with MAC Reagents.
AB  - A method is reported for the one-carbon homologation of an alcohol to the
      extended carboxylic acid, ester, or amide. The process involves the Mitsunobu
      reaction with an alkoxymalononitrile, followed by unmasking in the presence of a
      suitable nucleophile. The homologation and unmasking can even be performed in a
      one-pot process in high yield.

PMID- 27135855
TI  - Multifunctional Liposome Nanocarriers Combining Upconverting Nanoparticles and
      Anticancer Drugs.
AB  - Lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are well-known for their
      inherent ability to convert low energy near-infrared (NIR) excitation wavelengths
      into higher energy emission wavelengths covering the ultraviolet (UV) to NIR
      regions. This optical feature makes UCNPs highly attractive for a broad range of
      applications including (bio)imaging and the biomedical use of light-triggered
      processes such as drug release. In the quest for novel theranostic approaches,
      the combination of multiple modalities on a single nanoscale platform, for
      example, combining optical imaging and drug delivery, is very desirable. In this
      context, liposomes, artificially prepared constructs composed of a lamellar phase
      lipid bilayer, have been introduced as suitable nanocarriers for UCNPs. Here, we
      developed a hybrid nanocarrier consisting of Er(3+) and Yb(3+) co-doped NaGdF4
      UCNPs that were encapsulated in the aqueous core of the liposomes and the
      potential of the obtained nanocarriers for drug delivery was shown by co-loading
      the model anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). Under 980 nm excitation, a decrease
      of the green upconversion emission of the NaGdF4:Er(3+), Yb(3+) UCNPs was
      observed when DOX was co-loaded with the UCNPs in the liposome nanocarrier. This
      quenching effect is assigned to the energy transfer between the donor UCNP and
      the acceptor DOX and is most significant, since it allows for the spectral
      monitoring of the DOX loading and release from the liposome nanocarriers. Thus,
      the drug loading, release, and spectral monitoring properties of the obtained
      liposome nanocarriers were thoroughly characterized allowing us to assess their
      future potential as theranostic nanocarriers.

PMID- 27135856
TI  - The Impact of Treatment of Overactive Bladder on Physical Activity Limitations.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) can improve self
      reported limitations in physical activity in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      is a prospective study of women with OAB treated with flexible-dose fesoterodine
      therapy and standardized behavioral counseling. Subjects were evaluated at
      baseline and 8 weeks post-treatment. Physical activity scores were assigned using
      two questions of the Short Form 12 (SF-12) and categorized into three levels of
      physical activity (no limitations, moderate limitations, severe limitations).
      Response of urinary symptoms to treatment at 8 weeks was measured using the
      Patient Global Impression of Improvement. Physical activity limitations at
      baseline and 8 weeks were compared. RESULTS: We recruited 137 women. At baseline,
      71 (52%) women had no limitations, 34 (25%) had moderate, and 32 (23%) had severe
      physical limitations. Eight weeks after treatment, the proportion of women
      reporting severe limitations in physical activity was significantly lower with 71
      (52%) women reporting no limitations, 50 (36%) reporting moderate, and 16 (12%)
      reporting severe limitations in physical activity (p = 0.001). At 8 weeks, the
      proportion of women with no limitations in physical activity was higher in
      responders than nonresponders (52% vs. 33%), and the proportion of women with
      severe restriction was lower in responders (13% vs. 17%), although there was no
      significant difference between the groups (p = 0.24), which both showed overall
      improvement in physical activity limitations. CONCLUSION: Treatment of OAB is
      associated with a decrease in perceived physical activity limitations; however,
      this is not directly associated with improvement in urinary symptoms.

PMID- 27135857
TI  - Polymer nanofilms with enhanced microporosity by interfacial polymerization.
AB  - Highly permeable and selective membranes are desirable for energy-efficient gas
      and liquid separations. Microporous organic polymers have attracted significant
      attention in this respect owing to their high porosity, permeability and
      molecular selectivity. However, it remains challenging to fabricate selective
      polymer membranes with controlled microporosity that are stable in solvents. Here
      we report a new approach to designing crosslinked, rigid polymer nanofilms with
      enhanced microporosity by manipulating the molecular structure. Ultrathin
      polyarylate nanofilms with thickness down to 20 nm are formed in situ by
      interfacial polymerization. Enhanced microporosity and higher interconnectivity
      of intermolecular network voids, as rationalized by molecular simulations, are
      achieved by using contorted monomers for the interfacial polymerization.
      Composite membranes comprising polyarylate nanofilms with enhanced microporosity
      fabricated in situ on crosslinked polyimide ultrafiltration membranes show
      outstanding separation performance in organic solvents, with up to two orders of
      magnitude higher solvent permeance than membranes fabricated with nanofilms made
      from non-contorted planar monomers.

PMID- 27135858
TI  - Tuning hardness in calcite by incorporation of amino acids.
AB  - Structural biominerals are inorganic/organic composites that exhibit remarkable
      mechanical properties. However, the structure-property relationships of even the
      simplest building unit-mineral single crystals containing embedded macromolecules
      remain poorly understood. Here, by means of a model biomineral made from calcite
      single crystals containing glycine (0-7 mol%) or aspartic acid (0-4 mol%), we
      elucidate the origin of the superior hardness of biogenic calcite. We analysed
      lattice distortions in these model crystals by using X-ray diffraction and
      molecular dynamics simulations, and by means of solid-state nuclear magnetic
      resonance show that the amino acids are incorporated as individual molecules. We
      also demonstrate that nanoindentation hardness increased with amino acid content,
      reaching values equivalent to their biogenic counterparts. A dislocation pinning
      model reveals that the enhanced hardness is determined by the force required to
      cut covalent bonds in the molecules.

PMID- 27135859
TI  - Proton transfer dynamics control the mechanism of O2 reduction by a non-precious
      metal electrocatalyst.
AB  - Many chemical and biological processes involve the transfer of both protons and
      electrons. The complex mechanistic details of these proton-coupled electron
      transfer (PCET) reactions require independent control of both electron and proton
      transfer. In this report, we make use of lipid-modified electrodes to modulate
      proton transport to a Cu-based catalyst that facilitates the O2 reduction
      reaction (ORR), a PCET process important in fuel cells and O2 reduction enzymes.
      By quantitatively controlling the kinetics of proton transport to the catalyst,
      we demonstrate that undesired side products such as H2O2 and O2(-) arise from a
      mismatch between proton and electron transfer rates. Whereas fast proton kinetics
      induce H2O2 formation and sluggish proton flux produces O2(-), proton transfer
      rates commensurate with O-O bond breaking rates ensure that only the desired H2O
      product forms. This fundamental insight aids in the development of a
      comprehensive framework for understanding the ORR and PCET processes in general.

PMID- 27135860
TI  - Monoclonal Antibodies as Probes for the Detection of Porcine Blood-Derived Food
      Ingredients.
AB  - The lack of effective methods to monitor the use of porcine blood-derived food
      ingredients (PBFIs) is a concern for the billions of individuals who avoid
      consuming blood. We therefore sought to develop a panel of porcine blood-specific
      monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for use as probes in immunoassays for the detection
      of PBFIs. Ten selected mAbs were identified that react with either a 60 or 90 kDa
      protein in the plasma fraction or a 12 kDa protein in the red blood cell fraction
      of porcine blood. Western blot analysis of commercially produced PBFIs revealed
      that these antigenic proteins are not affected by various manufacturing
      processes. The utility of these mAbs was demonstrated in a prototype sandwich
      ELISA developed for this study using mAbs 19C5-E10 and 16F9-C11. The new assay is
      porcine blood-specific and capable of detecting <=0.03% (v/v) of PBFIs in cooked
      (100  degrees C for 15 min) ground meats or fish. 

PMID- 27135861
TI  - Narrow QRS Tachycardia With Varying VA and RR Intervals: What Is the Mechanism?

PMID- 27135862
TI  - High Yield Synthesis of Aspect Ratio Controlled Graphenic Materials from
      Anthracite Coal in Supercritical Fluids.
AB  - This paper rationalizes the green and scalable synthesis of graphenic materials
      of different aspect ratios using anthracite coal as a single source material
      under different supercritical environments. Single layer, monodisperse graphene
      oxide quantum dots (GQDs) are obtained at high yield (55 wt %) from anthracite
      coal in supercritical water. The obtained GQDs are ~3 nm in lateral size and
      display a high fluorescence quantum yield of 28%. They show high cell viability
      and are readily used for imaging cancer cells. In an analogous experiment, high
      aspect ratio graphenic materials with ribbon-like morphology (GRs) are
      synthesized from the same source material in supercritical ethanol at a yield of
      6.4 wt %. A thin film of GRs with 68% transparency shows a surface resistance of
      9.3 kOmega/sq. This is apparently the demonstration of anthracite coal as a
      source for electrically conductive graphenic materials.

PMID- 27135863
TI  - [Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - Results and Prognostic Factors at a
      Certified Centre of Vascular Surgery].
AB  - Introduction: Although the perioperative management has been optimised over the
      past few decades, there has not been a remarkable improvement in the mortality
      rates of patients with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). The aim of
      this retrospective trial was to define pre-, intra- and postoperative parameters
      which influence the perioperative and long-term outcome of patients and which can
      be modified by the operating team. Methods: A retrospective database analysis was
      performed in 49 patients who had undergone an operation of rAAA in our certified
      centre of vascular surgery between the beginning of 2006 and the end of 2012. The
      minimal follow-up period was 30 months. The statistical analysis was done
      univariately using the Kaplan-Meier method and a log-rank-test, and
      multivariately with the Cox model. Results: Intrahospital mortality was 40.8 %,
      perioperative mortality (30 postoperative days) was 28.9 %. The survival rate for
      1 year was 52.4 %; the survival rate for 5 years was 45.3 %. In the univariate
      analysis, significant differences in the early postoperative survival rates were
      found depending on preoperative systolic blood pressure, preoperative haemoglobin
      (< 10 vs. >= 10 g/dl), the intraoperative need of blood and frozen plasma
      transfusions, type of perforation, type of AAA, the need for further surgical
      interventions, postoperative MOF, acute kidney failure and postoperative
      septicaemia. The late survival rates were significantly influenced by the type of
      perforation and AAA, pre-existing coronary disease and diabetes mellitus in fully
      identified patients discharged from hospital (n = 27). In the multivariate
      analysis pursuant to the Cox model, patients with pre-existing coronary disease
      had a 3.9-fold higher relative risk to die after the operation of rAAA, while
      patients with a free perforation of the rAA had a 10-fold higher relative risk.
      Conclusion: The high mortality of rAAA is caused by haemorrhagic shock and its
      complications, which are mostly non-surgical. Therapeutic efforts should focus on
      those perioperative parameters which can be modified by the treating teams.
      Alongside the centralisation of rAAA in high-volume-departments of vascular
      surgery, the systematic sonographic screening for asymptomatic AAA in the
      population older than 65 years should be enforced. A possible advantage of EVAR
      in rAAA has yet to be shown by trials in progress such as IMPROVE, AJAX and RCAR.

PMID- 27135864
TI  - [Patients with Acute, Non-Traumatic Abdominal Pain in German Emergency
      Departments: A Prospective Monocentric Observation Study].
AB  - Background: Up to 11 % of patients in an Emergency Department (ED) present with
      non-traumatic acute abdominal pain. Based on this presenting symptom, this study
      aimed to analyse how residents (surgery, internal medicine, anaesthesiology and
      other fields) working in an ED during their second and third year of education
      treat these patients. Material and Methods: We performed a prospective,
      monocentric observation study in an ED in accordance with the STROBE
      recommendations, following the recommendations from the Ethics Committee of the
      University of Ulm (application no. 335/12) and the Declaration of Helsinki. The
      hospital's data protection officer approved the study. During a 12-month period
      (Dec. 2012 to Dec. 2013), a random sample of patients with non-traumatic
      abdominal pain was obtained in the ED of a major German acute care hospital by an
      independent observer, who was not part of the ED team. In addition to demographic
      data, the study focused on analysing processes and patient care (including
      medical history taking and physical examinations). In addition, subgroups were
      defined (clinical background of the treating physician, severity pursuant to the
      Manchester Triage Score [MTS]). Results: 143 patients met the inclusion criteria.
      The clinical background of the physician had no influence on the reviewed
      processes such as medical history taking, initial examinations, the request of
      consultative examinations or diagnostic procedures. Patients triaged as "urgent"
      were treated significantly earlier than patients triaged as "non-urgent" (time to
      first physician contact 26 +/- 24 vs. 46 +/- 34 min, p < 0.001). However, the
      overall time spent in the ED was equal (210 +/- 79 vs. 220 +/- 114 min, p =
      0.555). Yet the initially estimated urgency was correlated with the need for
      hospitalisation (share: 57 %). Conclusion: The overall compliance with standards
      of care was high. The clinical background (surgery, internal medicine,
      anaesthesiology, other fields) of the physician in charge of initial treatment
      had no influence on the reviewed processes.

PMID- 27135865
TI  - [Posthepatectomy Liver Failure in Extended Liver Resections: An Overview Based on
      a Retrospective Single-Centre Analysis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is one of the most serious
      complications after major liver resections and an important factor in terms of
      perioperative morbidity and mortality. Despite many advances in the understanding
      and grading of PHLF, the definitions found in literature are very heterogeneous,
      which complicates the identification of high-risk patients. In this study we
      analysed the results of extended liver resections and potential risk factors for
      PHLF based on patient data derived from our tertiary referral centre. The aim of
      the study was to gain an overview of the essential aspects in the prevention of
      PHLF combined with key intraoperative issues and postoperative treatment
      strategies. METHODS: We analysed data from 202 patients who underwent extended
      elective liver resections at our centre between April 1989 and September 2009
      (135 right hemihepatectomies, 39 left hemihepatectomies, 28 right
      trisectionectomies). According to Balzan's "50/50 criteria", PHLF was defined as
      prothrombin time (PT) < 50 % combined with serum bilirubin (SB) > 50 micromol/L
      on postoperative day (POD) 5 or as death due to primary or secondary liver
      failure. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality and overall in-hospital mortality were
      4.95 and 8.91 %, respectively. Twenty-eight (14 %) patients developed PHLF and 16
      (57 %) patients died. Compared to patients with normal postoperative liver
      function, several significant pre- and intraoperative factors for PHLF were
      identified, e.g. primary malignant liver tumour (p < 0.001), extended liver
      resection (p < 0.001), time of surgery (p < 0.001) and intraoperative transfusion
      of packed RBC (p < 0.02) or FFP (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although progress has
      been made in hepatobiliary surgery, PHLF remains a serious complication,
      especially after extended liver resections. Careful, optimised preoperative risk
      stratification is required to identify patients at risk for PHLF.

PMID- 27135866
TI  - [Key Points of Intraoperative Diagnostic Measures Performed by
      Anaesthesiologists].
AB  - The main focus of surgeons and anaesthesiologists during a surgical procedure is
      on safety and optimal treatment of the patient. Within the scope of
      interdisciplinary collaboration, the intraoperative communication between
      surgeons and anaesthesiologists is the basis of case-, findings- and surgery
      phases-adapted patient management. The perioperative monitoring of patients and
      the implementation of diagnostic measures by anaesthesiologists are essential for
      optimal patient management. The results of the examinations may significantly
      determine the course of surgery. Therefore, it is important for surgeons to be
      familiar with the relevant intraoperative diagnostic measures.

PMID- 27135867
TI  - [What Surgeons Need to Know About Forensic Medicine].
AB  - Background: Forensic medicine finds more and more resonance due to requests and
      queries from clinicians and acts as a mediator between the individual medical
      disciplines, in particular with regard to legal issues, and as an interface
      between the fields of medicine, police and judiciary. The aim of this short
      narrative overview is to make surgeons aware of the forensic aspects of their
      work, which is usually focused on clinical and curative aspects. Crucial points:
      Traditionally, the basic work in forensic medicine comprises sudden and
      unexpected deaths, for which it is important to definitely clarify the mode of
      death based on the detected cause of death. In addition to violent and unnatural
      deaths, there are sudden natural deaths, which are natural, but also unsolved.
      Clinical forensic medicine basically concentrates on the examination of victims
      of violence, which may comprise various types of bodily harm including sexual
      crime, child maltreatment and traffic accidents. The investigational results
      (autopsy findings, injury patterns, results from the investigation of traces)
      need to be presented and interpreted in public procedures at court by forensic
      medicine specialists, who act as experts answering questions while retaining a
      neutral position. Conclusion: Specialists in forensic medicine should not only be
      consulted for issues related to the inspection of corpses and to issue a death
      certification. Much rather, they should also be consulted as specialised partners
      of surgeons and other clinicians, e.g. for the documentation of specific findings
      and the description of injury patterns in injured persons who are still alive.

PMID- 27135868
TI  - [What Surgeons Need to Know About the Histopathological Processing of a
      Specimen].
AB  - A multitude of factors influence the state of tissue samples on their way from
      the biopsy site in the body to the pathologist's microscope. Some of these
      factors can be influenced by surgeons, while others are dealt with in pathology
      departments, but surgeons should know potential pitfalls and caveats and their
      influence on the pathohistological diagnosis. These factors influence diagnoses
      made on conventional stains, but even more so the results of immunohistochemical
      stains and molecular pathology examinations. Therefore, the work-up of tissue
      samples should be standardised. This is of utmost importance for biobank tissue
      samples, especially those for which a tissue treatment protocol is recommended. 

PMID- 27135869
TI  - [Remote Ischemic Conditioning - Endogenous Tissue Protection and its Possible
      Applications in Surgery].
AB  - Tissue perfusion is pivotal to wound healing and tissue regeneration after
      surgery. Ischemia and reperfusion lead to inflammatory reactions with consecutive
      tissue damage and necrosis. Multiple conditioning techniques have been described
      to protect tissue from those damaging mechanisms in the perioperative period.
      However, most of these fail to meet the requirements of a good therapeutic
      effect, time and cost efficiency, non-invasiveness and applicability without the
      need for additional devices or drugs. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a
      technique to provide endogenous tissue protection, which fully meets those
      requirements. Repeated, short cycles of ischemia/reperfusion applied to a
      circumscribed vascular territory lead to the activation of endogenous signal
      pathways resulting in increased tolerance to hypoperfusion and limiting the
      damage caused by reperfusion, even in tissues located far away from the
      conditioned area. The non-invasive application of the conditioning stimulus
      requires no more than a pressure cuff, which is placed on the upper arm and is
      repeatedly inflated to suprasystolic pressures. Different concepts of remote
      ischemic pre-, peri- and postconditioning enable the usage in both elective and
      emergency surgical interventions. Based on encouraging experimental studies, the
      application of RIC has increased in the clinical setting. In addition to studies
      addressing cardio-, nephro- or neuroprotection there are some initial findings
      supporting a potential beneficial application in reconstructive microsurgery.
      This article aims to give an overview of the development, concepts and mechanisms
      of RIC with a focus on its clinical application in the field of surgery.

PMID- 27135870
TI  - Population Health Case Reports: From Clinic to Community.

PMID- 27135871
TI  - Occupational exposure to airborne nanomaterials: An assessment of worker exposure
      to aerosolized metal oxide nanoparticles in a semiconductor fab and subfab.
AB  - This occupational exposure assessment study characterized potential inhalation
      exposures of workers to engineered nanomaterials associated with chemical
      mechanical planarization wafer polishing processes in a semiconductor research
      and development facility. Air sampling methodology was designed to capture
      airborne metal oxide nanoparticles for characterization. The research team
      obtained air samples in the fab and subfab areas using a combination of filter
      based capture methods to determine particle morphology and elemental composition
      and real-time direct-reading instruments to determine airborne particle counts.
      Filter-based samples were analyzed by electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x
      ray spectroscopy while real-time particle counting data underwent statistical
      analysis. Sampling was conducted during worker tasks associated with preventive
      maintenance and quality control that were identified as having medium to high
      potential for inhalation exposure based on qualitative assessments. For each
      sampling event, data was collected for comparison between the background, task
      area, and personal breathing zone. Sampling conducted over nine months included
      five discrete sampling series events in coordination with on-site employees under
      real working conditions. The number of filter-based samples captured was: eight
      from worker personal breathing zones; seven from task areas; and five from
      backgrounds. A complementary suite of direct-reading instruments collected data
      for seven sample collection periods in the task area and six in the background.
      Engineered nanomaterials of interest (Si, Al, Ce) were identified in filter-based
      samples from all areas of collection, existing as agglomerates (>500 nm) and
      nanoparticles (100-500 nm). Particle counts showed an increase in number
      concentration above background during a subset of the job tasks, but particle
      counts in the task areas were otherwise not significantly higher than background.
      Additional data is needed to support further statistical analysis and determine
      trends; however, this initial investigation suggests that nanoparticles used or
      generated by the wafer polishing process become aerosolized and may be accessible
      for inhalation exposures by workers performing tasks in the subfab and fab.
      Additional research is needed to further quantify the degree of exposure and link
      these findings to related hazard research.

PMID- 27135872
TI  - Components of Exercise Prescription and Pregnancy.
AB  - Physicians should discuss decreasing sedentary time and behavior with their
      pregnant patients to assist sedentary women to become more active using light
      activities. Medical screening before engaging or continuing in a moderate aerobic
      exercise program is vital to ensure a low-risk pregnancy. The FITT principle is
      important to use in prescription that suggests: Frequency (3 to 4 times per
      week), Intensity (appropriate target heart rate zone, rating of perceived
      exertion scale, or the talk test), Time (start at 15 min progressing to 30 min),
      and Type (moving large muscles groups such as walking, swimming, and cycling) of
      physical activity. 

PMID- 27135873
TI  - Role of Exercise in Reducing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Exercise plays an important role in reducing the prevalence of gestational
      diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women with or without risk factors. GDM risk factors
      include obesity, family history of diabetes, high-risk ethnicity, increased
      maternal age, history of GDM, delivering a macrosomic infant, excessive
      gestational weight gain early in pregnancy (before glucose screening), sedentary
      behavior, low physical activity, and vitamin D deficiency. Most GDM patients can
      be managed with lifestyle modifications that include medical nutrition therapy
      and physical activity. When adherence is high and women are fully engaged in the
      exercise program, GDM can be effectively managed and prevented. 

PMID- 27135874
TI  - Mucosal Antibodies Induced by Intranasal but Not Intramuscular Immunization Block
      Norovirus GII.4 Virus-Like Particle Receptor Binding.
AB  - Noroviruses (NoVs) account for the majority of diagnosed cases of viral acute
      gastroenteritis worldwide. Virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines against NoV
      are currently under development. Serum antibodies that block the binding of NoV
      VLPs to histo-blood group antigens, the putative receptors for NoV, correlate
      with protection against NoV infection. The role of functional mucosal antibodies
      in protection is largely unknown, even though the intestinal mucosa is the entry
      port for NoV. Balb/c mice were immunized intramuscularly (IM) or intranasally
      (IN) with NoV GII.4 VLPs, and systemic and mucosal blocking antibody responses
      were studied. IN immunization elicited NoV-specific serum and mucosal IgG and IgA
      antibodies, whereas IM immunized animals completely lacked IgA. Both immunization
      routes induced similar blocking activity in serum but only IN route generated
      blocking antibodies in mucosa. The level of IgA in the mucosal (nasal) lavages
      strongly correlated (r = 0.841) with the blocking activity, suggesting that IgA,
      but not IgG, is the major NoV blocking antibody on mucosal surfaces. The results
      indicate that only mucosal immunization route induces the development of
      functional anti-NoV IgA on mucosal surface.

PMID- 27135875
TI  - Evaluation of a genetic assay for canine transmissible venereal tumour diagnosis
      in Brazil.
AB  - The canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is a transmissible cancer that is
      spread between dogs by the allogeneic transfer of living cancer cells. The
      infectious agents in CTVT are the living cancer cells themselves, which are
      transmitted between dogs during coitus. CTVT first arose several thousand years
      ago and the disease has a global distribution and is frequently observed in dogs
      from Brazil. We evaluated the utility of a LINE-MYC quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction for diagnosis of CTVT cases in Brazil. Our analysis indicated that the
      LINE-MYC rearrangement was detectable in all CTVT samples but not in their
      corresponding hosts. This genetic assay proves to be a useful tool for providing
      a definitive molecular diagnosis of CTVT, which presents with varying degrees of
      aggressiveness and invasiveness in different host dogs and can therefore be a
      diagnostic challenge in some specific cases.

PMID- 27135876
TI  - Psoriasis registries worldwide: systematic overview on registry publications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Safety and efficacy of new treatments are analyzed in clinical trials
      but their capacity to show potential effects of long-term treatment and more than
      short latency of onset is limited. To meet this challenge, patient registries (of
      treatments or diseases) collect prospective data of real-world patients in daily
      practice without tight selection of patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article
      was to identify existing psoriasis patient registries by published articles and
      evaluation of monitored treatment classes, patients, research questions
      addressed, and measurement instruments implemented. MATERIALS & METHODS: A
      systematic review of Medline (PubMed) and Embase (Ovid) databases for
      publications on psoriasis patient registries, including cross-validation was
      conducted October 2015. RESULTS: 14 patient registries for long-term observation
      of psoriasis patients in real-world care were identified. Registries were
      established since 2005, the majority is located in Europe. The number of
      published studies from single registries ranged from 1 to 10. Most registries
      include patients treated by conventional systemics as well as biologics. The
      number of patients analyzed ranged from 35 to >12 000 patients. The publications
      mostly addressed safety issues or treatment outcomes, followed by baseline
      description, drug survival, predictor analyses, and treatment patterns.
      CONCLUSION: A variety of local, national, and international patient registries
      collect longitudinal data on (systemic) psoriasis treatment. The number of
      publications reflect the main registry objectives of safety and effectiveness,
      with additional therapy-related investigations being addressed as well. Based on
      the information from publications, the combination of data from these registries
      will involve many methodological challenges. To gain comparability and
      combinability of cohorts and data across registries, further harmonization of
      data collection is demanded.

PMID- 27135877
TI  - A conversation with Bert Vogelstein and Ken Kinzler.

PMID- 27135878
TI  - Neutrophil extracellular traps - the dark side of neutrophils.
AB  - Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were discovered as extracellular strands of
      decondensed DNA in complex with histones and granule proteins, which were
      expelled from dying neutrophils to ensnare and kill microbes. NETs are formed
      during infection in vivo by mechanisms different from those originally described
      in vitro. Citrullination of histones by peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) is
      central for NET formation in vivo. NETs may spur formation of autoantibodies and
      may also serve as scaffolds for thrombosis, thereby providing a link among
      infection, autoimmunity, and thrombosis. In this review, we present the
      mechanisms by which NETs are formed and discuss the physiological and
      pathophysiological consequences of NET formation. We conclude that NETs may be of
      more importance in autoimmunity and thrombosis than in innate immune defense.

PMID- 27135881
TI  - In utero supplementation with methyl donors enhances allergic airway disease in
      mice.

PMID- 27135879
TI  - The shelterin complex and hematopoiesis.
AB  - Mammalian chromosomes terminate in stretches of repetitive telomeric DNA that act
      as buffers to avoid loss of essential genetic information during end-replication.
      A multiprotein complex known as shelterin prevents recognition of telomeric
      sequences as sites of DNA damage. Telomere erosion contributes to human diseases
      ranging from BM failure to premature aging syndromes and cancer. The role of
      shelterin telomere protection is less understood. Mutations in genes encoding the
      shelterin proteins TRF1-interacting nuclear factor 2 (TIN2) and adrenocortical
      dysplasia homolog (ACD) were identified in dyskeratosis congenita, a syndrome
      characterized by somatic stem cell dysfunction in multiple organs leading to BM
      failure and other pleiotropic manifestations. Here, we introduce the biochemical
      features and in vivo effects of individual shelterin proteins, discuss shelterin
      functions in hematopoiesis, and review emerging knowledge implicating the
      shelterin complex in hematological disorders.

PMID- 27135880
TI  - Dual targeting of the thioredoxin and glutathione systems in cancer and HIV.
AB  - Although the use of antioxidants for the treatment of cancer and HIV/AIDS has
      been proposed for decades, new insights gained from redox research have suggested
      a very different scenario. These new data show that the major cellular
      antioxidant systems, the thioredoxin (Trx) and glutathione (GSH) systems,
      actually promote cancer growth and HIV infection, while suppressing an effective
      immune response. Mechanistically, these systems control both the redox- and NO
      based pathways (nitroso-redox homeostasis), which subserve innate and cellular
      immune defenses. Dual inhibition of the Trx and GSH systems synergistically kills
      neoplastic cells in vitro and in mice and decreases resistance to anticancer
      therapy. Similarly, the population of HIV reservoir cells that constitutes the
      major barrier to a cure for AIDS is exquisitely redox sensitive and could be
      selectively targeted by Trx and GSH inhibitors. Trx and GSH inhibition may lead
      to a reprogramming of the immune response, tilting the balance between the immune
      system and cancer or HIV in favor of the former, allowing elimination of diseased
      cells. Thus, therapies based on silencing of the Trx and GSH pathways represent a
      promising approach for the cure of both cancer and AIDS and warrant further
      investigation.

PMID- 27135882
TI  - Matricellular protein CCN3 mitigates abdominal aortic aneurysm.

PMID- 27135883
TI  - Novel pathomechanisms of cardiomyocyte dysfunction in a model of heart failure
      with preserved ejection fraction.
AB  - AIMS: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasingly
      common, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are not well understood. We
      investigated cardiomyocyte function and the role of SEA0400, an Na(+) /Ca(2+)
      exchanger (NCX) inhibitor in a rat model of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with
      HFpEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male Wistar rats were subjected to subtotal
      nephrectomy (NXT) or sham operation (Sham). After 8 and 24 weeks, in vivo
      (haemodynamics, echocardiography) and in vitro function (LV cardiomyocyte cell
      shortening (CS), and Ca(2+) transients (CaT)) were determined without and with
      SEA0400. In a subgroup of rats, SEA0400 or vehicle was given p.o. (1 mg/kg b.w.)
      between week 8 and 24. NXT resulted in stable compensated CKD and HFpEF
      [hypertrophied left ventricle, prolonged LV isovolumetric relaxation constant TAU
      (IVRc TAU), elevated end diastolic pressure (EDP), increased lung weight
      (pulmonary congestion), and preserved LV systolic function (EF, dP/dt)]. In NXT
      cardiomyocytes, the amplitude of CS and CaT were unchanged but relaxation and CaT
      decay were progressively prolonged at 8 and 24 weeks vs. Sham, individually
      correlating with diastolic dysfunction in vivo. NCX forward mode activity
      (caffeine response) was progressively reduced, while NCX protein expression was
      up-regulated, suggesting increased NCX reverse mode activity in NXT. SEA0400
      acutely improved relaxation in NXT in vivo and in cardiomyocytes and improved
      cardiac remodelling and diastolic function when given chronically. CONCLUSIONS:
      This model of renal HFpEF is associated with slowed relaxation of LV
      cardiomyocytes. Treatment with SEA0400 improved cardiomyocyte function,
      remodelling, and HFpEF.

PMID- 27135884
TI  - Distinctive diet-tissue isotopic discrimination factors derived from the
      exclusive bamboo-eating giant panda.
AB  - Stable isotope analysis is very useful in animal ecology, especially in diet
      reconstruction and trophic studies. Differences in isotope ratios between
      consumers and their diet, termed discrimination factors, are essential for
      studies of stable isotope ecology and are species-specific and tissue-specific.
      Given the specialized bamboo diet and clear foraging behavior, here, we
      calculated discrimination factors for carbon and nitrogen isotopes from diet to
      tissues (tooth enamel, hair keratin and bone collagen) for the giant panda
      (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), a species derived from meat-eating ancestors. Our
      results showed that carbon discrimination factor obtained from giant panda tooth
      enamel (epsilon 13 Cdiet-enamel = 10.00/00) and nitrogen discrimination factors
      from hair keratin (Delta15 Ndiet-hair = 2.20/00) and bone collagen (Delta15 Ndiet
      collagen = 2.30/00) were lower, and carbon discrimination factors from hair
      keratin (Delta13 Cdiet-hair = 5.00/00) and bone collagen (Delta13 Cdiet-collagen
      = 6.10/00) were higher than those of other mammalian carnivores, omnivores and
      herbivores. Such distinctive values are likely the result of a low-nutrient and
      specialized bamboo diet, carnivore-like digestive system and exceptionally low
      metabolism in giant pandas.

PMID- 27135885
TI  - Total ion chromatographic fingerprints combined with chemometrics and mass defect
      filter to predict antitumor components of Picrasma quassioids.
AB  - A method of total ion chromatogram combined with chemometrics and mass defect
      filter was established for the prediction of active ingredients in Picrasma
      quassioides samples. The total ion chromatogram data of 28 batches were
      pretreated with wavelet transformation and correlation optimized warping to
      correct baseline drifts and retention time shifts. Then partial least squares
      regression was applied to construct a regression model to bridge the total ion
      chromatogram fingerprints and the antitumor activity of P. quassioides. Finally,
      the regression coefficients were used to predict the active peaks in total ion
      chromatogram fingerprints. In this strategy, mass defect filter was employed to
      classify and characterize the active peaks from a chemical point of view. A total
      of 17 constituents were predicted as the potential active compounds, 16 of which
      were identified as alkaloids by this developed approach. The results showed that
      the established method was not only simple and easy to operate, but also suitable
      to predict ultraviolet undetectable compounds and provide chemical information
      for the prediction of active compounds in herbs. 

PMID- 27135887
TI  - Tribute to Grayce M. Sills: My Colleague, My Friend.

PMID- 27135886
TI  - The P450 CYP6Z1 confers carbamate/pyrethroid cross-resistance in a major African
      malaria vector beside a novel carbamate-insensitive N485I acetylcholinesterase-1
      mutation.
AB  - Carbamates are increasingly used for vector control notably in areas with
      pyrethroid resistance. However, a cross-resistance between these insecticides in
      major malaria vectors such as Anopheles funestus could severely limit available
      resistance management options. Unfortunately, the molecular basis of such cross
      resistance remains uncharacterized in An. funestus, preventing effective
      resistance management. Here, using a genomewide transcription profiling, we
      revealed that metabolic resistance through upregulation of cytochrome P450 genes
      is driving carbamate resistance. The P450s CYP6P9a, CYP6P9b and CYP6Z1 were the
      most upregulated detoxification genes in the multiple resistant mosquitoes.
      However, in silico docking simulations predicted CYP6Z1 to metabolize both
      pyrethroids and carbamates, whereas CYP6P9a and CYP6P9b were predicted to
      metabolize only the pyrethroids. Using recombinant enzyme metabolism and
      inhibition assays, we demonstrated that CYP6Z1 metabolizes bendiocarb and
      pyrethroids, whereas CYP6P9a and CYP6P9b metabolize only the pyrethroids. Other
      upregulated gene families in resistant mosquitoes included several cuticular
      protein genes suggesting a possible reduced penetration resistance mechanism.
      Investigation of the target-site resistance in acetylcholinesterase 1 (ace-1)
      gene detected and established the association between the new N485I mutation and
      bendiocarb resistance (odds ratio 7.3; P < 0.0001). The detection of multiple
      haplotypes in single mosquitoes after cloning suggested the duplication of ace-1.
      A TaqMan genotyping of the N485I in nine countries revealed that the mutation is
      located only in southern Africa with frequency of 10-15% suggesting its recent
      occurrence. These findings will help in monitoring the spread and evolution of
      carbamate resistance and improve the design of effective resistance management
      strategies to control this malaria vector.

PMID- 27135890
TI  - Drugs to Treat Anxiety Disorders.

PMID- 27135891
TI  - Oxazepam for the Treatment of Substance Abuse and Depression: Is it Appropriate?
AB  - Distinguishing itself from other benzodiazepine drugs, oxazepam has an
      interesting pharmacological and clinical profile, including binding effects on
      the translocator protein (TSPO) and a relatively favorable safety and abuse
      liability profile. TSPO is found in the brain (where it is involved in
      neurosteroid synthesis), but is also expressed in the heart and other peripheral
      tissues. Oxazepam is potentially useful in the treatment of substance abuse,
      especially in conjunction with the cortisol synthesis inhibitor metyrapone, and
      can be considered an appropriate medication to use in the treatment of
      depression. The oxazepam/metyrapone combination has been piloted in cocaine
      dependent patients and should be investigated in patients with depression.
      Expression of cardiac TSPO is altered by different stress conditions, and drugs
      binding to TSPO may have cardioprotective effects. The possibility of oxazepam,
      alone or together with antidepressant drugs, having a positive effect on cardiac
      function in patients with depression should also be studied. [Journal of
      Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(5), 21-24.]. 

PMID- 27135892
TI  - Clinical Use of an Autovideography Intervention to Support Recovery in
      Individuals with Severe Mental Illness.
AB  - The current authors introduced an innovative autovideography intervention asking
      mental health consumers to use video cameras for 1 month to tell about their
      recovery. The research approach was based on a participatory research model with
      workers and consumers of a recovery education center fully involved with the
      study design and implementation. Twelve individuals who had graduated from a
      recovery program participated. The participant-produced videos were qualitatively
      analyzed using thematic analysis. The use of autovideography was found to be
      feasible and can be used clinically to support the process of recovery by
      providing opportunities for reciprocity, self-reflection, and advocacy. Consumer
      produced videos provide a voice to inform others with and without mental illness
      about the concerns of individuals with mental illness and the process of
      recovery. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 54(5), 33
      40.]. 

PMID- 27135893
TI  - Creative Strategies to Enhance Students' Classroom Learning in Mental Health.
AB  - Creative strategies to enhance students' classroom learning are important in
      today's nursing education environment. In an attempt to provide students with
      meaningful learning experiences in mental health, faculty initiated three
      innovative classroom activities. Following each activity, students completed an
      anonymous survey evaluating their experience. Findings indicated students valued
      these learning strategies personally and professionally. In addition, students
      believed their nursing practice would be enhanced as a result of the classes.
      Some students expressed a possible interest in psychiatric/mental health nursing
      as a future career. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services,
      54(5), 41-48.]. 

PMID- 27135894
TI  - Helping War Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Incarcerated
      Individuals' Role in Therapeutic Animal Programs.
AB  - A grassroots movement of nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations is creating
      programs in which incarcerated individuals train rescued shelter dogs as
      therapeutic canines for Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
      Driven in part by reports of Veterans not receiving adequate treatment for PTSD,
      the programs are the latest iteration of prison-based animal programs and are
      founded on the principles of animal therapy and healing powers of animals. The
      far-reaching and deleterious collateral consequences of PTSD create social and
      economic burdens on the country; providing beneficial interventions for Veterans
      is a pressing social problem. Without oversight, a patchwork of agencies has
      developed that provides Veterans with dogs with varying levels of training and
      differing abilities. To best serve the needs of Veterans, the programs need
      regulation and standardized methods of training. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing
      and Mental Health Services, 54(5), 49-57.]. 

PMID- 27135896
TI  - Upper-Extremity Outcomes: We are all in this Together.

PMID- 27135897
TI  - Nitrosative stress by peroxynitrite impairs ATP production in human spermatozoa.
AB  - The most toxic species in live systems include reactive nitrogen species such as
      peroxynitrite, which at high levels induces nitrosative stress. In human
      spermatozoa, the negative effect of peroxynitrite on motility and mitochondrial
      membrane potential was recently demonstrated, and the hypothesis of this work is
      that impairment of ATP production could be one cause of the effect on motility.
      Therefore, the aim here was to evaluate ATP production by both glycolysis and
      oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in spermatozoa exposed to peroxynitrite in
      vitro. Human spermatozoa were incubated with SIN-1, a molecule which generates
      peroxynitrite, and the ATP level was evaluated. Then, to inactivate glycolysis or
      OXPHOS, spermatozoa were incubated with pharmacological inhibitors of these
      pathways. Spermatozoa treated for inactivating one or the other pathway were
      exposed to SIN-1, and the ATP level was compared to the control without SIN-1 in
      each condition. The ATP level fell after peroxynitrite exposure. The ATP in
      spermatozoa treated for inactivating one or the other metabolic pathway and
      subsequently exposed to peroxynitrite was reduced compared with the control.
      These results show for the first time that an important mechanism by which
      peroxynitrite reduces sperm function is the inhibition of ATP production,
      affecting both glycolysis and OXPHOS.

PMID- 27135898
TI  - Taxonomic revision and species delimitation of coccoid green algae currently
      assigned to the genus Dictyochloropsis (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta).
AB  - Coccoid green algae traditionally classified in Dictyochloropsis have a complex,
      reticulate chloroplast, when mature, without a pyrenoid. They occupy remarkably
      diverse ecological niches as free-living organisms or in association with lichen
      forming fungi and were recently shown to form two distinct lineages within
      Trebouxiophyceae. We used a polyphasic approach to revise the taxonomy of the
      genus. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, and detailed
      morphological investigation using comparative conventional light and confocal
      microscopy, we have assigned these lineages to two genera, Dictyochloropsis and
      Symbiochloris gen. nov. We have reconsidered the diagnostic generic features as
      follows: Dictyochloropsis comprises only free-living algae with a reticulate
      chloroplast, forming lobes in a parallel arrangement at some ontogenetic stages,
      and which reproduce only by means of autospores. This agrees with Geitler's
      original diagnosis of Dictyochloropsis, but not with the later emendation by
      Tschermak-Woess. Consequently, the species of Dictyochloropsis sensu Tschermak
      Woess are assigned to Symbiochloris, with new combinations proposed.
      Symbiochloris encompasses free-living and/or lichenized algae with lobed
      chloroplasts and that reproduce by forming zoospores characterized by two
      subapical isokont flagella that emerge symmetrically near the flattened apex. In
      addition, using coalescent-based approaches, morphological characters and
      secondary structure of ITS transcripts, we inferred species boundaries and
      taxonomic relationships within the newly proposed genera. Two species of
      Dictyochloropsis and nine species of Symbiochloris are delimited, including the
      newly described species D. asterochloroides, S. handae, S. tropica, and S.
      tschermakiae. Our results further support the non-monophyly of autosporine taxa
      within Trebouxiophyceae.

PMID- 27135899
TI  - Effects of acute change in salinity and moulting on the infection of white leg
      shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) with white spot syndrome virus upon immersion
      challenge.
AB  - In the field, moulting and salinity drop in the water due to excessive rainfall
      have been mentioned to be risk factors for WSSV outbreaks. Therefore, in this
      study, the effect of an acute change in environmental salinity and shedding of
      the old cuticle shell on the susceptibility of Penaeus vannamei to WSSV was
      evaluated by immersion challenge. For testing the effect of abrupt salinity
      stress, early premoult shrimp that were acclimated to 35 g L-1 were subjected to
      salinities of 50 g L-1 , 35 g L-1 , 20 g L-1 , 10 g L-1 and 7 g L-1 or 5 g L-1
      and simultaneously exposed to 105.5  SID50 mL-1 of WSSV for 5 h, after which the
      salinity was brought back to 35 g L-1 . Shrimp that were transferred from 35 g L
      1 to 50 g L-1 , 35 g L-1 and 20 g L-1 did not become infected with WSSV. Shrimp
      became infected with WSSV after an acute salinity drop from 35 g L-1 to 10 g L-1
      and lower. The mortality in shrimp, subjected to a salinity change to 10 g L-1 ,
      7 g L-1 and 5 g L-1 , was 6.7%, 46.7% and 53.3%, respectively (P < 0.05). For
      testing the effect of moulting, shrimp in early premoult, moulting and post-moult
      were immersed in sea water containing 105.5  SID50 mL-1 of WSSV. The resulting
      mortality due to WSSV infection in shrimp inoculated during early premoult (0%),
      ecdysis (53.3%) and post-moult (26.72%) demonstrated that a significant
      difference exists in susceptibility of shrimp during the short moulting process
      (P < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that during a drop in
      environmental salinity lower than 10 g L-1 and ecdysis, shrimp are at risk for a
      WSSV infection. These findings have important implications for WSSV control
      measures.

PMID- 27135900
TI  - GTP and ATP hydrolysis in biology.

PMID- 27135901
TI  - Metabolomics for the Authentication of Natural Extracts Used in Flavors and
      Fragrances: the Case Study of Violet Leaf Absolutes from Viola odorata.
AB  - Natural extracts used in fine fragrances (alcoholic perfumes) are rare and
      precious. As such, they represent an interesting target for fraudulent practices
      called adulterations. Absolutes, important materials used in the creation of
      perfumes, are obtained by organic solvent extraction of raw plant materials.
      Because the nonvolatile part of these natural extracts is not normalized and
      scarcely reported, highlighting potential adulterations present in this fraction
      appears highly challenging. For the first time, we investigated the use of
      nontargeted UHPLC-ToFMS metabolomics for this purpose, considering Viola odorata
      l., a plant largely used in the perfume industry, as a model. Significant
      differences in the metabolic fingerprints of the violet leaf absolutes were
      evidenced according to geographical locations, and/or adulterations.
      Additionally, markers of the geographical origin were detected through their
      molecular weight/most probable molecular formula and retention time, while
      adulterations were statistically validated. In this study, we thus clearly
      demonstrated the efficiency of UHPLC-ToFMS-based metabolomics in accelerating
      both the identification of the origin of raw materials as well as the search for
      potential adulterations in absolutes, natural products of high added value. 

PMID- 27135902
TI  - Interleukin-2 Enhances the Regulatory Functions of CD4(+)T Cell-Derived CD4(
      )CD8(-) Double Negative T Cells.
AB  - CD4(+) T cells can be converted to CD4(-)CD8(-) double negative T cells (DN T
      cells) under appropriate conditions, and IL-2 enhanced the conversion. Here, we
      investigated the effect of IL-2 on the proliferation and function of converted DN
      T cells in vitro and in vivo. DN T cells were hyporesponsive when restimulated by
      mature dendritic cells (mDCs), IL-2 completely restored their responsiveness in
      vitro. In addition, IL-2 increased the resistance of DN T cells to apoptosis in
      vivo. DN T cells profoundly inhibited the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T
      effector cells triggered by mDCs in vitro, and this suppression was further
      enhanced by IL-2. Adoptively transferring of DN T cells, in combination with IL
      2, inhibited the proliferation and enhanced apoptosis of alloreactive CD4(+) T
      cells, which resulted in significant prolongation of skin allograft survival
      time. Perforin plays a key role in the enhancement of DN T cells immune
      regulation by IL-2. In conclusion, we elucidated that IL-2 promoted DN T cell
      proliferation and suppressive function. The combination of DN T cells and
      exogenous IL-2 may represent a novel therapy in the clinical setting to prevent
      allograft rejection and induce immune tolerance.

PMID- 27135903
TI  - Multiparametric evaluation of hindlimb ischemia using time-series indocyanine
      green fluorescence imaging.
AB  - Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can further cause lower limb ischemia.
      Quantitative evaluation of the vascular perfusion in the ischemic limb
      contributes to diagnosis of PAD and preclinical development of new drug. In vivo
      time-series indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging can noninvasively
      monitor blood flow and has a deep tissue penetration. The perfusion rate
      estimated from the time-series ICG images is not enough for the evaluation of
      hindlimb ischemia. The information relevant to the vascular density is also
      important, because angiogenesis is an essential mechanism for post-ischemic
      recovery. In this paper, a multiparametric evaluation method is proposed for
      simultaneous estimation of multiple vascular perfusion parameters, including not
      only the perfusion rate but also the vascular perfusion density and the time
      varying ICG concentration in veins. The target method is based on a mathematical
      model of ICG pharmacokinetics in the mouse hindlimb. The regression analysis
      performed on the time-series ICG images obtained from a dynamic reflectance
      fluorescence imaging system. The results demonstrate that the estimated multiple
      parameters are effective to quantitatively evaluate the vascular perfusion and
      distinguish hypo-perfused tissues from well-perfused tissues in the mouse
      hindlimb. The proposed multiparametric evaluation method could be useful for PAD
      diagnosis. The estimated perfusion rate and vascular perfusion density maps
      (left) and the time-varying ICG concentration in veins of the ankle region
      (right) of the normal and ischemic hindlimbs.

PMID- 27135905
TI  - Synthesis of Cyclooctatetraenes through a Palladium-Catalyzed Cascade Reaction.
AB  - Reported is a cascade reaction leading to fully substituted cyclooctatetraenes.
      This unexpected transformation likely proceeds through a unique 8pi
      electrocyclization reaction of a ene triyne. DFT computations provide the
      mechanistic basis of this surprizing reaction.

PMID- 27135904
TI  - A 12-month follow-up study on the preventive effect of oral lansoprazole on acute
      exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the preventive effects of oral
      administration of lansoprazole on acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with COPD in groups C and D in the stable
      phase were stratified into a group with neither gastroesophageal reflux nor
      lansoprazole therapy (group A) and a group subjected to oral lansoprazole therapy
      (group B1 ) and a group not subjected to oral lansoprazole therapy (group B2 ).
      The frequency scale for the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (FSSG)
      questionnaire, COPD assessment test (CAT) questionnaire, pulmonary function test
      and the 6-minute walk test were applied; in addition, arterial blood gas, white
      blood cell (WBC), hs-CRP, liver function and the levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8,
      TNF-alpha and GM-CSF in sputum were monitored during follow-up. In the 12-month
      follow-up period, the frequency of exacerbation in group B2 was statistically
      higher than that in groups A and B1 (P < 0.05). After a 3-month follow-up, the
      score of groups A and B1 in the FSSG questionnaire was significantly lower than
      that of group B2 (P < 0.05). After the 1-year follow-up, the CAT score, FEV1 , 6
      min walk test, the total number of WBC, hs-CRP, alanine aminotransferase,
      aspartate aminotransferase, pH of the arterial blood, PaO2 , PaCO2 and the levels
      of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha and GM-CSF in the sputum were statistically
      different in group B2 compared with groups A and B1 (P < 0.05). Oral lansoprazole
      therapy decreased the frequency of acute exacerbation of COPD by alleviating
      gastroesophageal reflux and lowering the levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNF
      alpha and GM-CSF in the sputum.

PMID- 27135906
TI  - Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Some Hybridized Pyrazolone
      Pharmacophore Analogs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - Twenty-seven hybridized pyrazolone analogs were designed, docked, synthesized in
      two series and evaluated for their in vitro antimycobacterial properties. In the
      first series, four Schiff base derivatives, 6b, 7b, 7h, and 7i, show good
      antitubercular activity with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values in the
      range of 32.56-42.55 uM. In the second series, two compounds, 8b and 8c,
      possessed significant antitubercular activity with MIC <0.37 and <0.44 MUM,
      respectively; they were even more potent than the standards pyrazinamide (12.99
      MUM), ciprofloxacin (4.82 MUM), and streptomycin (5.36 MUM), with a selectivity
      index of >630. Compounds 8b and 8c showed shikimate kinase inhibition activity at
      5.84 and 6.93 uM, respectively. The activity and docking results lead to the
      conclusion that the compounds without double bond in the imine side chain and
      hydrophobic clashes at the pyrazolone end are necessary for good accommodation in
      the binding pocket and for imparting flexibility. All the compounds were also
      tested for antimicrobial activity (antibacterial and antifungal) and show highly
      significant activities against all the microorganisms tested. 

PMID- 27135908
TI  - 1970s Nostalgia for the Modern Day.

PMID- 27135907
TI  - Effects of in vitro exposure to butylparaben and di-(2 ethylhexyl) phthalate,
      alone or in combination, on ovarian function.
AB  - Parabens and phthalates are commercial chemicals widely used in the manufacture
      of industrial and consumer products frequently found as contaminants in
      biological fluids. We evaluated the effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
      (ranging from 10(-9) to 10(-7) m [1-100 nm; 0.39-39 ng ml(-1) ]) and butylparaben
      (BP) (ranging from 10(-8) to 10(-5) m [10 nm-10 MUm; 1.9 ng ml(-1) to 1.9 MUg ml(
      1) ]), alone and in combination, on isolated mouse preantral follicle and human
      granulosa cell (hGC) cultures to study direct effects on follicle growth and
      ovarian steroidogenesis. Our results revealed that, in follicle culture, DEHP and
      BP attenuate estradiol output but only when present together. DEHP decreases
      progesterone concentrations in the spent media of hGC cultures, an effect that
      was attenuated when BP was added together with DEHP. Although changes in
      steroidogenesis were observed, no effects on follicular development or survival
      were noted in the culture systems. We suggest that BP and DEHP act with additive
      effect to decrease estradiol production whereas at later stages of follicle
      development BP blocks the effect of DEHP in hGCs resulting in decreased
      progesterone output. Taken together our results suggest that DEHP and BP
      adversely affect steroidogenesis from the preantral stage onward and the effects
      of these chemicals are both stage-dependent and modified by co-exposure.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27135909
TI  - Advancing Benchmarks for Genome Sequencing.
AB  - Several recent benchmarking efforts provide reference datasets and samples to
      improve genome sequencing and calling of germline and somatic mutations. 

PMID- 27135910
TI  - Computational Recipes in Enzymology.
AB  - How do rich biological behaviors arise from bi-molecular collisions? 

PMID- 27135911
TI  - The Four Layers of Aging.
AB  - Instead of considering aging in terms of discrete hallmarks, we suggest that it
      operates in four layers, each at a different biological scale. Malfunctions
      within each layer-and connections between them-produce the aged phenotype and its
      associated susceptibility to disease. 

PMID- 27135912
TI  - Pan-Cancer Analysis of Mutation Hotspots in Protein Domains.
AB  - In cancer genomics, recurrence of mutations in independent tumor samples is a
      strong indicator of functional impact. However, rare functional mutations can
      escape detection by recurrence analysis owing to lack of statistical power. We
      enhance statistical power by extending the notion of recurrence of mutations from
      single genes to gene families that share homologous protein domains. Domain
      mutation analysis also sharpens the functional interpretation of the impact of
      mutations, as domains more succinctly embody function than entire genes. By
      mapping mutations in 22 different tumor types to equivalent positions in multiple
      sequence alignments of domains, we confirm well-known functional mutation
      hotspots, identify uncharacterized rare variants in one gene that are equivalent
      to well-characterized mutations in another gene, detect previously unknown
      mutation hotspots, and provide hypotheses about molecular mechanisms and
      downstream effects of domain mutations. With the rapid expansion of cancer
      genomics projects, protein domain hotspot analysis will likely provide many more
      leads linking mutations in proteins to the cancer phenotype. 

PMID- 27135913
TI  - Integrated Transcriptome and Proteome Analyses Reveal Organ-Specific Proteome
      Deterioration in Old Rats.
AB  - Aging is associated with the decline of protein, cell, and organ function. Here,
      we use an integrated approach to characterize gene expression, bulk translation,
      and cell biology in the brains and livers of young and old rats. We identify 468
      differences in protein abundance between young and old animals. The majority are
      a consequence of altered translation output, that is, the combined effect of
      changes in transcript abundance and translation efficiency. In addition, we
      identify 130 proteins whose overall abundance remains unchanged but whose sub
      cellular localization, phosphorylation state, or splice-form varies. While some
      protein-level differences appear to be a generic property of the rats'
      chronological age, the majority are specific to one organ. These may be a
      consequence of the organ's physiology or the chronological age of the cells
      within the tissue. Taken together, our study provides an initial view of the
      proteome at the molecular, sub-cellular, and organ level in young and old rats. 

PMID- 27135917
TI  - Program and Abstracts 36th Annual Meeting of the Surgical Infection Society Palm
      Beach, Florida, May 18-21, 2016.

PMID- 27135915
TI  - Distinct expression of interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats
      (IFIT) 1/2/3 and other antiviral genes between subsets of dendritic cells induced
      by dengue virus 2 infection.
AB  - Dengue virus (DENV) infection is an emerging public health hazard threatening
      inhabitants of the tropics and sub-tropics. Dendritic cells (DCs) are one of the
      major targets of DENV and the initiators of the innate immune response against
      the virus. However, current in vitro research on the DENV-DC interaction is
      hampered by the low availability of ex vivo DCs and donor variation. In the
      current study, we attempted to develop a novel in vitro DC model using immature
      DCs derived from the myeloid leukaemia cell line MUTZ-3 (IMDCs) to investigate
      the DENV-DC interaction. The IMDCs morphologically and phenotypically resembled
      human immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (IMMoDCs). However, the
      permissiveness of IMDCs to DENV2 was lower than that of IMMoDCs. RT-PCR arrays
      showed that a group of type I interferon (IFN) -inducible genes, especially
      IFIT1, IFITM1, and IFI27, were significantly up-regulated in IMMoDCs but not in
      IMDCs after DENV2 infection. Further investigation revealed that IFIT genes were
      spontaneously expressed at both transcriptional and protein levels in the naive
      IMDCs but not in the naive IMMoDCs. It is possible that the poor permissiveness
      of IMDCs to DENV2 was a result of the high basal levels of IFIT proteins. We
      conclude that the IMDC model, although less permissive to DENV2, is a useful
      platform for studying the suppression mechanism of DENV2 and we expand the
      knowledge of cellular factors that modulate DENV2 infection in the human body.

PMID- 27135916
TI  - Clinical and metabolic response to probiotic supplementation in patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine the effects of probiotic
      supplementation on clinical and metabolic status of patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA). METHODS: Sixty patients with RA aged 25-70 years were assigned
      into two groups to receive either probiotic capsules (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30)
      in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The patients in the
      probiotic group received a daily capsule that contained three viable and freeze
      dried strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus (2 * 10(9) colony-forming units
      [CFU]/g), Lactobacillus casei (2 * 10(9) CFU/g) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (2 *
      10(9) CFU/g) for 8 weeks. The placebo group took capsules filled with cellulose
      for the same time period. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning and
      the end of the study to quantify related markers. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of
      intervention, compared with the placebo, probiotic supplementation resulted in
      improved Disease Activity Score of 28 joints (DAS-28) (-0.3 +/- 0.4 vs. -0.1 +/-
      0.4, P = 0.01). In addition, a significant decrease in serum insulin levels (-2.0
      +/- 4.3 vs. +0.5 +/- 4.9 MUIU/mL, P = 0.03), homeostatic model assessment-B cell
      function (HOMA-B) (-7.5 +/- 18.0 vs. +4.3 +/- 25.0, P = 0.03) and serum high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations (-6.66 +/- 2.56 vs. +3.07
      +/- 5.53 mg/L, P < 0.001) following the supplementation of probiotics compared
      with the placebo. Subjects who received probiotic capsules experienced borderline
      statistically significant improvement in total- (P = 0.09) and low-density
      lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (P = 0.07) compared with the placebo. CONCLUSION:
      Overall, the results of this study indicated that taking probiotic supplements
      for 8 weeks among patients with RA had beneficial effects on DAS-28, insulin
      levels, HOMA-B and hs-CRP levels.

PMID- 27135918
TI  - A methodological approach for purification and characterization of human serum
      albumin.
AB  - As the most predominant protein in plasma, albumin is synthesized in the liver.
      Given to various applications of albumin as biopharmaceutical agent, the annual
      demand for it is 500 tons in the world, which is the highest in the biomedical
      solutions demand ranking. There exist different procedures for production of
      albumin. The aim of this study was the purification of human serum albumin (HSA)
      using immunoaffinity chromatography. After immunization of rabbits, passive
      immunodiffusion and indirect ELISA tests were applied for assessment of
      polyclonal antibody production against HSA. Purification was performed by ion
      exchange chromatography (IEC) and protein G affinity chromatography. The produced
      anti-HSA IgG was attached to the CNBR-activated Sepharose and applied for albumin
      purification from human serum. Western blotting (WB) analysis and heat-induced
      insolubility were performed for functional and stability measurement assessment
      of immunoaffinity purified HSA, respectively. The optimum titer of anti-HSA
      determined by indirect ELISA was 256000. The SDS-PAGE showed that the purity rate
      of albumin was approximately 98% and WB confirmed the HSA functionality. Also,
      the heat-induced insolubility of immunoaffinity purified HSA was the same as the
      commercial HSA. Affinity chromatography using produced polyclonal antibody would
      be a robust method for purification of HSA. 

PMID- 27135919
TI  - Modulation of the neurological and vascular complications by grape seed extract
      in a rat model of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury by downregulation of
      both osteopontin and cyclooxygenase-2.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) on the
      expression of osteopontin (OPN) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a rat model of
      spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SC-IRI). Fifty male rats were divided
      into 5 groups: control (CON); control + GSE (CON + GSE) (received GSE for 28
      days); sham operated (Sham); IRI; and IRI + GSE. SC-IRI was induced by clamping
      the aorta just above the bifurcation for 45 min, and then the clamp was released
      for 48 h for reperfusion. IRI + GSE group received GSE for 28 days before SC-IRI.
      Sensory, motor, and placing/stepping reflex assessment was performed.
      Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and
      total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in spinal cord homogenate.
      Immunohistochemical examination of the spinal cord for OPN and COX-2 were carried
      out. SC-IRI resulted in significant increase in plasma nitrite/nitrate level and
      spinal cord homogenate levels of TBARs and PGE2, and OPN and COX-2 expression
      with significant decrease in TAC. GSE improves the sensory and motor functions
      through decreasing OPN and COX-2 expression with reduction of oxidative stress
      parameters. We conclude a neuroprotective effect of GSE in SC-IRI through
      downregulating COX-2 and OPN expression plus its antioxidants effects. 

PMID- 27135920
TI  - Value of Baseline Cardiovascular Mechanics in Predicting Exercise Training
      Success.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite being repeatedly shown that exercise training (ET) increases
      exercise capacity and decreases mortality in many cardiac conditions, not all
      patients enjoy the benefits of ET programs. We hypothesized that baseline
      cardiovascular mechanic properties, including cardiac systolic and diastolic
      functions, arterial mechanics and ventriculoarterial interaction, may have a role
      in predicting response to ET. METHODS: Full left ventricular pressure-volume
      loops were constructed and arterial mechanics were evaluated using
      echocardiographic and tonometric measurements. A cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX)
      test was performed before and after the ET program. RESULTS: Sixty of the 75
      patients with coronary artery disease or heart failure diagnoses completed the
      study. All of the CPX parameters showed a significant improvement with ET. The
      change in oxygen uptake correlated only with arterial parameters, such as
      compliance (r = 0.399, P = .002), end-systolic arterial elastance (r = -0.293, P
      = .02), aortic pulse pressure (r = -0.302, P = .02), and brachial pulse pressure
      (r = -0.312, P = .01). Receiver-operating characteristics analysis demonstrated
      that baseline arterial compliance and brachial pulse pressure predicted a
      significantly positive ET result with reasonable sensitivity and specificity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a more compliant arterial system improved their
      exercise capacity more with ET. Evaluation of baseline arterial compliance may
      facilitate proper patient selection and may define patients who need optimizing
      measures for the arterial system before commencing ET. Even a simple blood
      pressure measurement may give clues in this regard.

PMID- 27135921
TI  - Graded Cycling Test Combined With the Talk Test Is Responsive in Cardiac
      Rehabilitation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical assessment outcome of cardiac rehabilitation, a
      simple and reliable submaximal exercise test, not based on heart rate, is
      warranted. The Talk Test (TT) has been found to correlate well with the
      ventilatory threshold, and excellent reliability was observed for TT combined
      with the Graded Cycling Test (GCT-TT) in cardiac patients. The purpose was to
      investigate responsiveness of GCT-TT in cardiac rehabilitation patients. METHODS:
      Patients (n = 93) referred to 8 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation were included.
      Pre- and posttests were performed using GCT-TT. Mean test changes in watts (W)
      were compared with the standard error of measurement (SEM95) for groups and the
      smallest real difference (SRD) for individuals. Minimal clinically important
      difference was assessed by comparing patient perceived changes in physical
      fitness with the test changes. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement
      of GCT-TT was observed; 18.1 +/- 21.1 W (mean +/- SD) (P < .001). This was close
      to the previously observed SEM95 of 18.3 W. Thirty-six percent of the patients
      exceeded SRD (2 test stages). The subgroup with a perceived "major change"
      improved 28.8 +/- 20.7 W compared with the groups reporting "some" (P < .001) and
      "no or minor" change (P = .002). A change of 30 W (equivalent to 2 stages ~ 1
      metabolic equivalent task [MET]) in the present test protocol is suggested as the
      minimal clinically important difference. CONCLUSIONS: GCT-TT was responsive to
      changes of power output for these patients, and these changes were generally in
      agreement with patient perceived changes in physical fitness.

PMID- 27135922
TI  - Potential Impact of Sexual Transmission on Ebola Virus Epidemiology: Sierra Leone
      as a Case Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sexual transmission of Ebola virus disease (EVD) 6 months after onset
      of symptoms has been recently documented, and Ebola virus RNA has been detected
      in semen of survivors up to 9 months after onset of symptoms. As countries
      affected by the 2013-2015 epidemic in West Africa, by far the largest to date,
      are declared free of Ebola virus disease (EVD), it remains unclear what threat is
      posed by rare sexual transmission events that could arise from survivors.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We devised a compartmental mathematical model
      that includes sexual transmission from convalescent survivors: a SEICR
      (susceptible-exposed-infectious-convalescent-recovered) transmission model. We
      fitted the model to weekly incidence of EVD cases from the 2014-2015 epidemic in
      Sierra Leone. Sensitivity analyses and Monte Carlo simulations showed that a 0.1%
      per sex act transmission probability and a 3-month convalescent period (the two
      key unknown parameters of sexual transmission) create very few additional cases,
      but would extend the epidemic by 83 days [95% CI: 68-98 days] (p < 0.0001) on
      average. Strikingly, a 6-month convalescent period extended the average epidemic
      by 540 days (95% CI: 508-572 days), doubling the current length, despite an
      insignificant rise in the number of new cases generated.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results show that reductions in the per sex act
      transmission probability via abstinence and condom use should reduce the number
      of sporadic sexual transmission events, but will not significantly reduce the
      epidemic size and may only minimally shorten the length of time the public health
      community must maintain response preparedness. While the number of infectious
      survivors is expected to greatly decline over the coming months, our results show
      that transmission events may still be expected for quite some time as each event
      results in a new potential cluster of non-sexual transmission. Precise
      measurement of the convalescent period is thus important for planning ongoing
      surveillance efforts.

PMID- 27135923
TI  - Three-Dimensional Printing of Multifunctional Nanocomposites: Manufacturing
      Techniques and Applications.
AB  - The integration of nanotechnology into three-dimensional printing (3DP) offers
      huge potential and opportunities for the manufacturing of 3D engineered materials
      exhibiting optimized properties and multifunctionality. The literature relating
      to different 3DP techniques used to fabricate 3D structures at the macro- and
      microscale made of nanocomposite materials is reviewed here. The current state-of
      the-art fabrication methods, their main characteristics (e.g., resolutions,
      advantages, limitations), the process parameters, and materials requirements are
      discussed. A comprehensive review is carried out on the use of metal- and carbon
      based nanomaterials incorporated into polymers or hydrogels for the manufacturing
      of 3D structures, mostly at the microscale, using different 3D-printing
      techniques. Several methods, including but not limited to micro
      stereolithography, extrusion-based direct-write technologies, inkjet-printing
      techniques, and popular powder-bed technology, are discussed. Various examples of
      3D nanocomposite macro- and microstructures manufactured using different 3D
      printing technologies for a wide range of domains such as microelectromechanical
      systems (MEMS), lab-on-a-chip, microfluidics, engineered materials and
      composites, microelectronics, tissue engineering, and biosystems are reviewed.
      Parallel advances on materials and techniques are still required in order to
      employ the full potential of 3D printing of multifunctional nanocomposites. 

PMID- 27135924
TI  - Temperate Earth-sized planets transiting a nearby ultracool dwarf star.
AB  - Star-like objects with effective temperatures of less than 2,700 kelvin are
      referred to as 'ultracool dwarfs'. This heterogeneous group includes stars of
      extremely low mass as well as brown dwarfs (substellar objects not massive enough
      to sustain hydrogen fusion), and represents about 15 per cent of the population
      of astronomical objects near the Sun. Core-accretion theory predicts that, given
      the small masses of these ultracool dwarfs, and the small sizes of their
      protoplanetary disks, there should be a large but hitherto undetected population
      of terrestrial planets orbiting them--ranging from metal-rich Mercury-sized
      planets to more hospitable volatile-rich Earth-sized planets. Here we report
      observations of three short-period Earth-sized planets transiting an ultracool
      dwarf star only 12 parsecs away. The inner two planets receive four times and two
      times the irradiation of Earth, respectively, placing them close to the inner
      edge of the habitable zone of the star. Our data suggest that 11 orbits remain
      possible for the third planet, the most likely resulting in irradiation
      significantly less than that received by Earth. The infrared brightness of the
      host star, combined with its Jupiter-like size, offers the possibility of
      thoroughly characterizing the components of this nearby planetary system.

PMID- 27135925
TI  - Activation of NMDA receptors and the mechanism of inhibition by ifenprodil.
AB  - The physiology of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors is fundamental to brain
      development and function. NMDA receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors that
      function as heterotetramers composed mainly of GluN1 and GluN2 subunits.
      Activation of NMDA receptors requires binding of neurotransmitter agonists to a
      ligand-binding domain (LBD) and structural rearrangement of an amino-terminal
      domain (ATD). Recent crystal structures of GluN1-GluN2B NMDA receptors bound to
      agonists and an allosteric inhibitor, ifenprodil, represent the allosterically
      inhibited state. However, how the ATD and LBD move to activate the NMDA receptor
      ion channel remains unclear. Here we applied X-ray crystallography, single
      particle electron cryomicroscopy and electrophysiology to rat NMDA receptors to
      show that, in the absence of ifenprodil, the bi-lobed structure of GluN2 ATD
      adopts an open conformation accompanied by rearrangement of the GluN1-GluN2 ATD
      heterodimeric interface, altering subunit orientation in the ATD and LBD and
      forming an active receptor conformation that gates the ion channel.

PMID- 27135927
TI  - Opponent and bidirectional control of movement velocity in the basal ganglia.
AB  - For goal-directed behaviour it is critical that we can both select the
      appropriate action and learn to modify the underlying movements (for example, the
      pitch of a note or velocity of a reach) to improve outcomes. The basal ganglia
      are a critical nexus where circuits necessary for the production of behaviour,
      such as the neocortex and thalamus, are integrated with reward signalling to
      reinforce successful, purposive actions. The dorsal striatum, a major input
      structure of basal ganglia, is composed of two opponent pathways, direct and
      indirect, thought to select actions that elicit positive outcomes and suppress
      actions that do not, respectively. Activity-dependent plasticity modulated by
      reward is thought to be sufficient for selecting actions in the striatum.
      Although perturbations of basal ganglia function produce profound changes in
      movement, it remains unknown whether activity-dependent plasticity is sufficient
      to produce learned changes in movement kinematics, such as velocity. Here we use
      cell-type-specific stimulation in mice delivered in closed loop during movement
      to demonstrate that activity in either the direct or indirect pathway is
      sufficient to produce specific and sustained increases or decreases in velocity,
      without affecting action selection or motivation. These behavioural changes were
      a form of learning that accumulated over trials, persisted after the cessation of
      stimulation, and were abolished in the presence of dopamine antagonists. Our
      results reveal that the direct and indirect pathways can each bidirectionally
      control movement velocity, demonstrating unprecedented specificity and
      flexibility in the control of volition by the basal ganglia.

PMID- 27135926
TI  - Landscape of somatic mutations in 560 breast cancer whole-genome sequences.
AB  - We analysed whole-genome sequences of 560 breast cancers to advance understanding
      of the driver mutations conferring clonal advantage and the mutational processes
      generating somatic mutations. We found that 93 protein-coding cancer genes
      carried probable driver mutations. Some non-coding regions exhibited high
      mutation frequencies, but most have distinctive structural features probably
      causing elevated mutation rates and do not contain driver mutations. Mutational
      signature analysis was extended to genome rearrangements and revealed twelve base
      substitution and six rearrangement signatures. Three rearrangement signatures,
      characterized by tandem duplications or deletions, appear associated with
      defective homologous-recombination-based DNA repair: one with deficient BRCA1
      function, another with deficient BRCA1 or BRCA2 function, the cause of the third
      is unknown. This analysis of all classes of somatic mutation across exons,
      introns and intergenic regions highlights the repertoire of cancer genes and
      mutational processes operating, and progresses towards a comprehensive account of
      the somatic genetic basis of breast cancer.

PMID- 27135928
TI  - Self-assembly of coherently dynamic, auxetic, two-dimensional protein crystals.
AB  - Two-dimensional (2D) crystalline materials possess unique structural, mechanical
      and electronic properties that make them highly attractive in many applications.
      Although there have been advances in preparing 2D materials that consist of one
      or a few atomic or molecular layers, bottom-up assembly of 2D crystalline
      materials remains a challenge and an active area of development. More challenging
      is the design of dynamic 2D lattices that can undergo large-scale motions without
      loss of crystallinity. Dynamic behaviour in porous three-dimensional (3D)
      crystalline solids has been exploited for stimuli-responsive functions and
      adaptive behaviour. As in such 3D materials, integrating flexibility and
      adaptiveness into crystalline 2D lattices would greatly broaden the functional
      scope of 2D materials. Here we report the self-assembly of unsupported, 2D
      protein lattices with precise spatial arrangements and patterns using a readily
      accessible design strategy. Three single- or double-point mutants of the C4
      symmetric protein RhuA were designed to assemble via different modes of
      intermolecular interactions (single-disulfide, double-disulfide and metal
      coordination) into crystalline 2D arrays. Owing to the flexibility of the single
      disulfide interactions, the lattices of one of the variants ((C98)RhuA) are
      essentially defect-free and undergo substantial, but fully correlated, changes in
      molecular arrangement, yielding coherently dynamic 2D molecular lattices.
      (C98)RhuA lattices display a Poisson's ratio of -1-the lowest thermodynamically
      possible value for an isotropic material-making them auxetic.

PMID- 27135929
TI  - Architecture of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter.
AB  - Mitochondria from many eukaryotic clades take up large amounts of calcium
      (Ca(2+)) via an inner membrane transporter called the uniporter. Transport by the
      uniporter is membrane potential dependent and sensitive to ruthenium red or its
      derivative Ru360 (ref. 1). Electrophysiological studies have shown that the
      uniporter is an ion channel with remarkably high conductance and selectivity.
      Ca(2+) entry into mitochondria is also known to activate the tricarboxylic acid
      cycle and seems to be crucial for matching the production of ATP in mitochondria
      with its cytosolic demand. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is the pore
      forming and Ca(2+)-conducting subunit of the uniporter holocomplex, but its
      primary sequence does not resemble any calcium channel studied to date. Here we
      report the structure of the pore domain of MCU from Caenorhabditis elegans,
      determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and electron microscopy (EM).
      MCU is a homo-oligomer in which the second transmembrane helix forms a
      hydrophilic pore across the membrane. The channel assembly represents a new
      solution of ion channel architecture, and is stabilized by a coiled-coil motif
      protruding into the mitochondrial matrix. The critical DXXE motif forms the pore
      entrance, which features two carboxylate rings; based on the ring dimensions and
      functional mutagenesis, these rings appear to form the selectivity filter. To our
      knowledge, this is one of the largest membrane protein structures characterized
      by NMR, and provides a structural blueprint for understanding the function of
      this channel.

PMID- 27135930
TI  - Maintenance and propagation of a deleterious mitochondrial genome by the
      mitochondrial unfolded protein response.
AB  - Mitochondrial genomes (mitochondrial DNA, mtDNA) encode essential oxidative
      phosphorylation (OXPHOS) components. Because hundreds of mtDNAs exist per cell, a
      deletion in a single mtDNA has little impact. However, if the deletion genome is
      enriched, OXPHOS declines, resulting in cellular dysfunction. For example, Kearns
      Sayre syndrome is caused by a single heteroplasmic mtDNA deletion. More broadly,
      mtDNA deletion accumulation has been observed in individual muscle cells and
      dopaminergic neurons during ageing. It is unclear how mtDNA deletions are
      tolerated or how they are propagated in somatic cells. One mechanism by which
      cells respond to OXPHOS dysfunction is by activating the mitochondrial unfolded
      protein response (UPR(mt)), a transcriptional response mediated by the
      transcription factor ATFS-1 that promotes the recovery and regeneration of
      defective mitochondria. Here we investigate the role of ATFS-1 in the maintenance
      and propagation of a deleterious mtDNA in a heteroplasmic Caenorhabditis elegans
      strain that stably expresses wild-type mtDNA and mtDNA with a 3.1-kilobase
      deletion (?mtDNA) lacking four essential genes. The heteroplasmic strain, which
      has 60% ?mtDNA, displays modest mitochondrial dysfunction and constitutive
      UPR(mt) activation. ATFS-1 impairment reduced the ?mtDNA nearly tenfold,
      decreasing the total percentage to 7%. We propose that in the context of mtDNA
      heteroplasmy, UPR(mt) activation caused by OXPHOS defects propagates or maintains
      the deleterious mtDNA in an attempt to recover OXPHOS activity by promoting
      mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics.

PMID- 27135932
TI  - Mechano-Responsive, Thermo-Reversible, Luminescent Organogels Derived from a Long
      Chained, Naturally Occurring Fatty Acid.
AB  - The gelating ability of an alpha-diketo derivative of oleic acid, 9,10
      dioxooctadecanoic acid (DODA), is investigated. DODA can gelate aromatic liquids
      and many other organic liquids. By contrast, none of the liquids examined can be
      gelated by the methyl ester of DODA. DODA is a more efficient gelator than
      stearic acid and the monoketo derivative due to its more extensive intermolecular
      dipole-dipole interactions. Formation of organogels of DODA can be induced by
      both thermal and mechanical stimuli, during which the luminescent and mechanical
      properties can be modulated significantly. The emission from DODA in 1-octanol
      exhibits a large, reversible, hypsochromic shift (~25 nm) between its thermally
      cycled gel and sol states. The emission changes have been exploited to probe the
      kinetics of the aggregation and deaggregation processes. DODA is the simplest
      gelator of which we are aware that exhibits a reversible shift in the emission.
      Although the self-assembled fibrillar networks of the DODA gels in 1-octanol,
      benzonitrile, or silicone oil are crystalline, isothermal mechanical cycling
      between the gel and the sol states is rapid and can be repeated several times
      (i.e., they are thixotropic). The single-crystal structure of DODA indicates that
      extended intermolecular dipole-dipole interactions are crucial to the thermal and
      mechanical formation of DODA gels and the consequential changes in emissive and
      mechanical properties. From analyses of structural information, gelator packing,
      and morphology differences, we hypothesize that the mechanical destruction and
      reformation of the gel networks involves interconversion between the 3D networks
      and 1D fiber bundles. The thermal processes allow the fibrillar 3D networks and
      their 0D components (i.e., isolated molecules or small aggregates of DODA) to be
      interconverted. These results describe a facile approach to the design of mechano
      responsive, thermo-reversible gels with control over their emission wavelengths.

PMID- 27135933
TI  - The functional role of the photosynthetic apparatus in the recovery of Brassica
      napus plants from pre-emergent metazachlor exposure.
AB  - Metazachlor is a chloroacetamide herbicide, frequently used in Brassica napus
      cultivations around the world. Its primary target is the inhibition of very long
      chain fatty acid biosynthesis. This study included a morphological and
      physiological screening of hydroponically grown B. napus, exposed to a
      concentration range of 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0kg metazachlor per hectare. The
      results indicate that within a month after application, growth and development of
      B. napus are severely affected by low metazachlor doses. At intermediate
      metazachlor concentrations, loss of phosphorous and potassium from the plant
      tissues suggests destabilisation of cellular membranes, which may be a direct
      consequence of metazachlor application. This membrane instability could be
      indirectly linked with alterations of electron transport and a reduction of
      carbon assimilation. At increased metazachlor doses of 0.75kga.i.ha(-1), pigment
      concentrations are strongly reduced. However, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters
      seem to remain unaffected at metazachlor doses up to 0.75kga.i.ha(-1). At a
      metazachlor concentration of 1.0kga.i.ha(-1), negative effects are observed on
      all tested parameters, resulting in limited survival. The results indicate
      photosynthesis is assured at intermediate metazachlor concentrations for the cost
      of growth and development. It is clear that photosynthesis plays a key role in
      the survival strategy of young plants to overcome initially induced chemical
      stress. 

PMID- 27135934
TI  - Discovery of a novel NEDD8 Activating Enzyme Inhibitor with Piperidin-4-amine
      Scaffold by Structure-Based Virtual Screening.
AB  - NEDD8 activating enzyme (NAE) plays an important role in regulating intracellular
      proteins with key parts in a broad array of cellular functions. Here, we report a
      structure-based virtual screening of a compound library containing 50 000 small
      molecular entities against the active site of NAE. Computational docking and
      scoring followed by biochemical screening and target validation lead to the
      identification of 1-benzyl-N-(2,4-dichlorophenethyl) piperidin-4-amine (M22) as a
      selective NAE inhibitor. M22 is reversible for NAE, inhibits multiple cancer cell
      lines with GI50 values in the low micromolar range, and induces apoptosis in A549
      cells. Furthermore, it produces tumor inhibition in AGS xenografts in nude mice
      and low acute toxicity in a zebrafish model. M22, a novel NAE inhibitor,
      represents a promising lead structure for the development of new antitumor
      agents.

PMID- 27135931
TI  - The genetic history of Ice Age Europe.
AB  - Modern humans arrived in Europe ~45,000 years ago, but little is known about
      their genetic composition before the start of farming ~8,500 years ago. Here we
      analyse genome-wide data from 51 Eurasians from ~45,000-7,000 years ago. Over
      this time, the proportion of Neanderthal DNA decreased from 3-6% to around 2%,
      consistent with natural selection against Neanderthal variants in modern humans.
      Whereas there is no evidence of the earliest modern humans in Europe contributing
      to the genetic composition of present-day Europeans, all individuals between
      ~37,000 and ~14,000 years ago descended from a single founder population which
      forms part of the ancestry of present-day Europeans. An ~35,000-year-old
      individual from northwest Europe represents an early branch of this founder
      population which was then displaced across a broad region, before reappearing in
      southwest Europe at the height of the last Ice Age ~19,000 years ago. During the
      major warming period after ~14,000 years ago, a genetic component related to
      present-day Near Easterners became widespread in Europe. These results document
      how population turnover and migration have been recurring themes of European
      prehistory.

PMID- 27135935
TI  - Systematic Investigation of Binders for Silicon Anodes: Interactions of Binder
      with Silicon Particles and Electrolytes and Effects of Binders on Solid
      Electrolyte Interphase Formation.
AB  - The effects of different binders, polyvinylidene difluoride (PVdF), poly(acrylic
      acid) (PAA), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and cross-linked PAA-CMC (c
      PAA-CMC), on the cycling performance and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)
      formation on silicon nanoparticle electrodes have been investigated. Electrodes
      composed of Si-PAA, Si-CMC, and Si-PAA-CMC exhibit a specific capacity >=3000
      mAh/g after 20 cycles while Si-PVdF electrodes have a rapid capacity fade to 1000
      mAh/g after just 10 cycles. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy (XPS) reveal that PAA and CMC react with the surface of the Si
      nanoparticles during electrode fabrication. The fresh Si-CMC electrode has a
      thicker surface coating of SiOx than Si-PAA and Si-PAA-CMC electrodes, due to the
      formation of thicker SiOx during electrode preparation, which leads to lower
      cyclability. The carboxylic acid functional groups of the PAA binder are reactive
      toward the electrolyte, causing the decomposition of LiPF6 and dissolution of
      SiOx during the electrode wetting process. The PAA and CMC binder surface films
      are then electrochemically reduced during the first cycle to form a protective
      layer on Si. This layer effectively suppresses the decomposition of carbonate
      solvents during cycling resulting in a thin SEI. On the contrary, the Si-PVDF
      electrode has poor cycling performance and continuous reduction of carbonate
      solvents is observed resulting in the generation of a thicker SEI. Interestingly,
      the Lewis basic -CO2Na of CMC was found to scavenge HF in electrolyte.

PMID- 27135936
TI  - Magnetic immunoassay platform based on the planar frequency mixing magnetic
      technique.
AB  - We represent the experimental results of our planar-frequency mixing magnetic
      detection (p-FMMD) technique to obtain 2D superparamagnetic images for magnetic
      immunoassay purpose. The imaging of magnetic beads is based on the nonlinear
      magnetic characteristics inherent in superparamagnetic materials. The p-FMMD
      records the sum-frequency components originating from both a high and a low
      frequency magnetic field incident on the magnetically nonlinear nanoparticles. In
      this study, we apply the p-FMMD technique to 2D scanning imaging of
      superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) in a microfluidic platform.
      Our p-FMMD system enables to acquire planar images of SPIONs filled in a
      microchannel as narrow as 30um in width. The minimum detectable amount is
      ~1.0*10(8) beads of 100nm size. The system shows a spatial resolution enabling to
      distinguish between two distinct channels even 2mm apart from each other. Our p
      FMMD system as a magnetic immunoassaying system has permitted the detection of
      amyloid beta 42 (Abeta42), a promising biomarker of Alzheimer's disease, at the
      minimum concentration of 23.8pg/ml. This may enable the identification of the
      Abeta42 levels for the early-stage of Alzheimer's disease with the assistance of
      the MPI using p-FMMD technique. The results show that the deployment of the p
      FMMD can be an alternative to conventional biosensing analytical methods, and can
      be used as a fast and portable screening method. 

PMID- 27135937
TI  - Visible-light driven biofuel cell based on hierarchically branched titanium
      dioxide nanorods photoanode for tumor marker detection.
AB  - In this work, a novel sensing platform based on visible light driven biofuel cell
      (BFC) has been facilely designed for sensitive detection of prostate-specific
      antigen (PSA) with the photo-response bioanode, realizing the dual route energy
      conversion of light energy and chemical energy to electricity. The hierarchical
      branched TiO2 nanorods (B-TiO2 NRs) decorated with CdS quantum dots (QDs) act as
      the substrate to confine glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) for the visible light driven
      glucose oxidation at the bioanode. Three dimensional flowers like hierarchical
      carbon/gold nanoparticles/bilirubin oxidase (3D FCM/AuNPs/BOD) bioconjugate
      served as biocatalyst for O2 reduction at the biocathode. With an increase in the
      concentration of PSA, the amount of BOD labels on biocathode increases, thus
      leading to the higher current output of the as-proposed visible light driven BFC.
      Based on this, this sensing platform provide great performance in sensitivity and
      specificity, increasing linear detection range from 0.3pgmL(-1) to 7MUgmL(-1)
      with a detection limit of 0.1pgmL(-1). Most importantly, our new sensing strategy
      provided a simple and inexpensive sensing platform for tumor markers detection,
      suggesting its wide potential applications for clinical diagnostics. 

PMID- 27135938
TI  - Naphthalimide derived fluorescent probes with turn-on response for Au(3+) and the
      application for biological visualization.
AB  - The 4-N,N-dimethyl-1,8-naphthalimide based fluorescent probes have been explored
      for selective detection of Au(3+). Both probes show a pronounced fluorescence
      enhancement response to Au(3+). Hydroxy is introduced as ligand of Au(3+) for
      Probe 1 and the newly designed Probe 2 contains an alkyne moiety to recognize
      Au(3+) through an irreversible C=C bond hydrolysis reaction. Probe 1 exhibits
      higher performance such as faster response, lower detection limit of 0.050MUM and
      the better responsive effect in 99.5% water system compared with most of probes
      published. The Probe 2 displays high stability to pH, suitable water solubility,
      wider linear range (0-100MUM) to Au(3+), and live-cells imaging with low
      cytotoxicity. 

PMID- 27135939
TI  - Graphene modified screen printed immunosensor for highly sensitive detection of
      parathion.
AB  - Due to indiscriminate use of pesticides, there is a growing need to develop
      sensors that can sensitively detect the trace amount of pesticides in food and
      water samples. Parathion, identified as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, had
      been one of the most widely used pesticides throughout the world. Symptoms of its
      poisoning are found to be diverse enough to include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
      muscle cramping/twitching, and shortness of breath. In this work, a graphene
      based impedimetric immunosensor has been fabricated and employed for highly
      sensitive and specific detection of parathion. The fabrication proceeded through
      the modification of the screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPE) with graphene
      sheets, followed by their functionalization with 2-aminobenzyl amine (2-ABA) via
      an electrochemical reaction. These amine functionalized graphene electrodes were
      then bio-interfaced with the anti-parathion antibodies. In the impedimetric mode,
      this biosensor detected parathion in a broad linear range, i.e. 0.1-1000ng/L with
      a very low limit of detection (52pg/L). It also showed high selectivity towards
      parathion in the presence of malathion, paraoxon, and fenitrothion. The viability
      of this biosensor was demonstrated by detecting parathion in real samples (e.g.,
      tomato and carrot) and through cross-calibration against HPLC. 

PMID- 27135940
TI  - Calix[8]arene functionalized single-walled carbon nanohorns for dual-signalling
      electrochemical sensing of aconitine based on competitive host-guest recognition.
AB  - A dual-signalling electrochemical approach has been developed towards aconitine
      based on competitive host-guest interaction by selecting methylene blue (MB) and
      p-sulfonated calix[8]arene functionalized single-walled carbon nanohorns (SCX8
      SWCNHs) as the "reporter pair". Upon the presence of aconitine to the performed
      SCX8-SWCNHs.MB complex, the MB molecules are displaced by aconitine. This results
      in a decreased oxidation peak current of MB and the appearance of an oxidation
      peak of aconitine, and the changes of these signals correlate linearly with the
      concentration of aconitine. A linear response range of 1.00-10.00MUM for
      aconitine with a low detection limit of 0.18MUM (S/N=3) was obtained by using the
      proposed method. This method could be successfully utilized to detect aconitine
      in serum samples. This dual-signalling sensor can provide more sensitive target
      recognition and will have important applications in the sensitive and selective
      electrochemical detection of aconitine. 

PMID- 27135941
TI  - Versatile SPR aptasensor for detection of lysozyme dimer in oligomeric and
      aggregated mixtures.
AB  - A Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) sensor for the quantitation of lysozyme dimer
      in monomer-dimer mixtures, reaching a detection limit of 1.4nM dimer, has been
      developed. The sensor is based on an aptamer which, although developed for the
      monomeric form, binds also the dimeric form but with a strikingly different
      kinetics. The aptasensor was calibrated using a dimer obtained by cross-linking.
      Sensorgrams acquired with the aptasensor in monomer-dimer mixtures were analysed
      using Principal Components Analysis and Multiple Regression to establish
      correlations with the dimer content in the mixtures. The method allows the
      detection of 0.1-1% dimer in monomer solutions without any separation. As an
      application, the aptasensor was used to qualitatively observe the initial stages
      of aggregation of lysozyme solutions at 60 degrees C and pH 2, through the
      variations in lysozyme dimer amounts. Several other methods were used to
      characterize the lysozyme dimer obtained by cross-linking and confirm the SPR
      results. This work highlights the versatility of the aptasensor, which can be
      used, by simply tuning the experimental conditions, for the sensitive detection
      of either the monomer or the dimer and for the observation of the aggregation
      process of lysozyme. 

PMID- 27135942
TI  - A facile one-pot method to synthesize ultrasmall core-shell superparamagnetic and
      upconversion nanoparticles.
AB  - Ultrasmall core-shell Fe3O4@NaYF4:Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanoparticles with bifunctional
      properties have been successfully synthesized via one pot thermolysis method
      using oleylamine as both solvent and stabilizer. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), upconversion (UC) luminescence spectra
      and the physical properties measurement system (PPMS) were used to characterize
      the resulting samples. The synthesized samples have uniform morphology with a
      mean size of 14.5nm and excellent dispersibility. Moreover, these nanoparticles
      exhibit superparamagnetic behaviour with saturation magnetization of 8.45emMU/g
      and efficient up-conversion emission with a two-photon induced process when
      excited by a 980nm laser. These results suggest that the synthesized ultrasmall
      bifunctional nanoparticles may find many biomedical applications, such as
      clinical diagnosis and treatment of cancers. 

PMID- 27135943
TI  - Biomimetic anchors applied to the host-guest antifouling functionalization of
      titanium substrates.
AB  - A biomimetic strategy was developed for the construction of antifouling titanium
      oxide (Ti(oxide)) surfaces based on host-guest interactions. Two catecholic
      derivatives, dopamine 4-(phenylazo)benzamide (AZODopa) and dopamine 1
      adamantanecarboxamide (AdaDopa) were synthesized and immobilized onto the
      Ti(oxide) surfaces. The guest molecules-anchored Ti(oxide) surfaces were further
      functionalized with zwitterionic heptakis[6-deoxy-6-(N-3-sulfopropyl-N,N
      dimethylammonium ethyl sulfanyl)]-beta-cyclodextrin (SBCD) and hydrophilic beta
      CD polymer (CDP). The surface elemental compositions and hydrophobic/hydrophilic
      properties of the Ti(oxide) surfaces before and after modification were
      characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and static water contact
      angle measurements, respectively. The antifouling properties of the modified
      Ti(oxide) surfaces were evaluated by the protein adsorption and bacterial
      adhesion assays. The zwitterionic SBCD- and hydrophilic CDP-functionalized
      Ti(oxide) surfaces can reduce the adsorption of bovine plasma fibrinogen and
      adhesion of Escherichia coli, as compared to the pristine and guest molecules
      anchored Ti(oxide) surfaces. 

PMID- 27135944
TI  - Evaluation of the Genetic Response of U937 and Jurkat Cells to 10-Nanosecond
      Electrical Pulses (nsEP).
AB  - Nanosecond electrical pulse (nsEP) exposure activates signaling pathways,
      produces oxidative stress, stimulates hormone secretion, causes cell swelling and
      induces apoptotic and necrotic death. The underlying biophysical connection(s)
      between these diverse cellular reactions and nsEP has yet to be elucidated. Using
      global genetic analysis, we evaluated how two commonly studied cell types, U937
      and Jurkat, respond to nsEP exposure. We hypothesized that by studying the
      genetic response of the cells following exposure, we would gain direct insight
      into the stresses experienced by the cell and in turn better understand the
      biophysical interaction taking place during the exposure. Using Ingenuity Systems
      software, we found genes associated with cell growth, movement and development to
      be significantly up-regulated in both cell types 4 h post exposure to nsEP. In
      agreement with our hypothesis, we also found that both cell lines exhibit
      significant biological changes consistent with mechanical stress induction. These
      results advance nsEP research by providing strong evidence that the interaction
      of nsEPs with cells involves mechanical stress.

PMID- 27135945
TI  - Auditory Multi-Stability: Idiosyncratic Perceptual Switching Patterns, Executive
      Functions and Personality Traits.
AB  - Multi-stability refers to the phenomenon of perception stochastically switching
      between possible interpretations of an unchanging stimulus. Despite considerable
      variability, individuals show stable idiosyncratic patterns of switching between
      alternative perceptions in the auditory streaming paradigm. We explored
      correlates of the individual switching patterns with executive functions,
      personality traits, and creativity. The main dimensions on which individual
      switching patterns differed from each other were identified using
      multidimensional scaling. Individuals with high scores on the dimension
      explaining the largest portion of the inter-individual variance switched more
      often between the alternative perceptions than those with low scores. They also
      perceived the most unusual interpretation more often, and experienced all
      perceptual alternatives with a shorter delay from stimulus onset. The ego
      resiliency personality trait, which reflects a tendency for adaptive flexibility
      and experience seeking, was significantly positively related to this dimension.
      Taking these results together we suggest that this dimension may reflect the
      individual's tendency for exploring the auditory environment. Executive functions
      were significantly related to some of the variables describing global properties
      of the switching patterns, such as the average number of switches. Thus
      individual patterns of perceptual switching in the auditory streaming paradigm
      are related to some personality traits and executive functions.

PMID- 27135946
TI  - Recent Warming, Rather than Industrial Emissions of Bioavailable Nutrients, Is
      the Dominant Driver of Lake Primary Production Shifts across the Athabasca Oil
      Sands Region.
AB  - Freshwaters in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region (AOSR) are vulnerable to the
      atmospheric emissions and land disturbances caused by the local oil sands
      industry; however, they are also affected by climate change. Recent observations
      of increases in aquatic primary production near the main development area have
      prompted questions about the principal drivers of these limnological changes. Is
      the enhanced primary production due to deposition of nutrients (nitrogen and
      phosphorus) from local industry or from recent climatic changes? Here, we use
      downcore, spectrally-inferred chlorophyll-a (VRS-chla) profiles (including
      diagenetic products) from 23 limnologically-diverse lakes with undisturbed
      catchments to characterize the pattern of primary production increases in the
      AOSR. Our aim is to better understand the relative roles of the local oil sands
      industry versus climate change in driving aquatic primary production trends.
      Nutrient deposition maps, generated using geostatistical interpolations of spring
      time snowpack measurements from a grid pattern across the AOSR, demonstrate
      patterns of elevated total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and bioavailable nitrogen
      deposition around the main area of industrial activity. However, this pattern is
      not observed for bioavailable phosphorus. Our paleolimnological findings
      demonstrate consistently greater VRS-chla concentrations compared to pre-oil
      sands development levels, regardless of morphological and limnological
      characteristics, landscape position, bioavailable nutrient deposition, and
      dibenzothiophene (DBT)-inferred industrial impacts. Furthermore, breakpoint
      analyses on VRS-chla concentrations across a gradient of DBT-inferred industrial
      impact show limited evidence of a contemporaneous change among lakes. Despite the
      contribution of bioavailable nitrogen to the landscape from industrial
      activities, we find no consistency in the spatial pattern and timing of VRS-chla
      shifts with an industrial fertilizing signal. Instead, significant positive
      correlations were observed between VRS-chla and annual and seasonal temperatures.
      Our findings suggest warmer air temperatures and likely decreased ice covers are
      important drivers of enhanced aquatic primary production across the AOSR.

PMID- 27135947
TI  - Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Diabetic Nephropathy Progression
      in Patients with Diabetes and Hypertriglyceridemia.
AB  - Beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acid (O3FA) supplementation in a wide range
      of disease condition have been well studied. However, there is limited
      information regarding the effects of O3FAs on chronic kidney disease (CKD),
      especially in diabetic nephropathy (DN) with hypertriglyceridemia. We investigate
      whether O3FA supplementation could help maintain renal function in patients with
      diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia. Total 344 type 2 diabetic patients with a
      history of O3FA supplementation for managing hypertriglyceridemia were included.
      Reduction in urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) and glomerular filtrate rate
      (GFR) were examined. Subgroup analyses were stratified according to the daily
      O3FA doses. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and urine ACR significantly
      reduced after O3FA supplementation. Overall, 172 (50.0%) patients did not
      experience renal function loss, and 125 (36.3%) patients had a GFR with a
      positive slope. The patients treated with O3FAs at 4g/day showed greater
      maintenance in renal function than those treated with lower dosages (p < 0.001).
      This dose dependent effect remains significant after adjustment for multiple
      variables. O3FA supplementation in diabetic patients with hypertriglyceridemia
      shows benefits of reducing albuminuria and maintaining renal function. The
      effects are dependent on the dose of daily O3FA supplementation.

PMID- 27135948
TI  - Exploring the Goat Rumen Microbiome from Seven Days to Two Years.
AB  - Rumen microbial communities play important roles in feed conversion and the
      physiological development of the ruminants. Despite its significance, little is
      known about the rumen microbial communities at different life stages after birth.
      In this study, we characterized the rumen bacterial and the archaeal communities
      in 11 different age groups (7, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 360, 540 and 720
      days old) of a crossbred F1 goats (n = 5 for each group) by using an Illumina
      MiSeq platform targeting the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. We found that the
      bacterial communities were mainly composed of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and
      Proteobacteria across all age groups. The relative abundance of Firmicutes was
      stable across all age groups. While changes in relative abundance were observed
      in Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, these two phyla reached a stable stage after
      weaning (day 90). Euryarchaeota (82%) and Thaumarchaeota (15%) were the dominant
      phyla of Archaea. Crenarchaeota was also observed, although at a very low
      relative abundance (0.68% at most). A clear age-related pattern was observed in
      the diversity of bacterial community with 59 OTUs associated with age. In
      contrast, no age-related OTU was observed in archaea. In conclusion, our results
      suggested that from 7 days to 2 years, the ruminal microbial community of our
      experimental goats underwent significant changes in response to the shift in age
      and diet.

PMID- 27135949
TI  - Integrating Social Marketing Into Fijian HIV/AIDS Prevention Programs: Lessons
      From Systematic Review.
AB  - Social marketing techniques have been tested and proven useful within the health
      sector worldwide. In Fiji, social marketing was introduced in the early 1990s,
      and more rapidly during the last decade to improve national response to an
      increasing incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
      Given the limited amount of research in the area of program evaluation in Pacific
      Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), this study systematically analyzes five
      Fijian HIV/AIDS prevention programs through Andreasen's benchmark criteria, in
      order to identify gaps in program design that ultimately impact program
      effectiveness. Assessment results unveil some interesting trends regarding the
      focus and applications of past Fijian HIV/AIDS prevention programs in the past
      decade. This article discusses these findings and other valuable lessons for
      future HIV/AIDS prevention strategies in Fiji and elsewhere.

PMID- 27135950
TI  - Charging Mechanism for Polymer Particles in Nonpolar Surfactant Solutions:
      Influence of Polymer Type and Surface Functionality.
AB  - Surface charging phenomena in nonpolar dispersions are exploited in a wide range
      of industrial applications, but their mechanistic understanding lags far behind.
      We investigate the surface charging of a variety of polymer particles with
      different surface functionality in alkane solutions of a custom-synthesized and
      purified polyisobutylene succinimide (PIBS) polyamine surfactant and a related
      commercial surfactant mixture commonly used to control particle charge. We find
      that the observed electrophoretic particle mobility cannot be explained
      exclusively by donor-acceptor interactions between surface functional groups and
      surfactant polar moieties. Our results instead suggest an interplay of multiple
      charging pathways, which likely include the competitive adsorption of ions
      generated among inverse micelles in the solution bulk. We discuss possible
      factors affecting the competitive adsorption of micellar ions, such as the
      chemical nature of the particle bulk material and the size asymmetry between
      inverse micelles of opposite charge.

PMID- 27135951
TI  - Stimulation strategies and electrode design in computational models of the
      electrically stimulated cochlea: An overview of existing literature.
AB  - Since the 1970s, computational modeling has been used to investigate the
      fundamental mechanisms of cochlear implant stimulation. Lumped parameter models
      and analytical models have been used to simulate cochlear potentials, as well as
      three-dimensional volume conduction models based on the Finite Difference, Finite
      Element, and Boundary Element methods. Additionally, in order to simulate neural
      responses, several of these cochlear models have been combined with nerve models,
      which were either simple activation functions or active nerve fiber models of the
      cochlear auditory neurons. This review paper will present an overview of the ways
      in which these computational models have been employed to study different
      stimulation strategies and electrode designs. Research into stimulation
      strategies has concentrated mainly on multipolar stimulation as a means of
      achieving current focussing and current steering, while modeling work on
      electrode design has been chiefly concerned with finding the optimal position and
      insertion depth of the electrode array. Finally, the present and future of
      computational modeling of the electrically stimulated cochlea is discussed.

PMID- 27135952
TI  - Parental Perceptions of Weight Status in Preterm Compared with Term Infants.
AB  - Background Parents of overweight children frequently under-recognize their
      child's overweight status. We hypothesized that parents of preterm children would
      be more likely than parents of term children to incorrectly perceive their
      child's weight. Methods We recruited parents of term and preterm when children
      were 2 months to 2 years of age. Small for gestational age infants were excluded.
      We compared parents' perceived weight category with child's actual weight
      category, based on normative data (underweight, normal weight, or overweight). We
      based analyses on encounters and adjusted for within-child clustering across
      repeated measures. Results In the preterm (n = 94) and term (n = 1,263) cohorts,
      12 and 13% of children, respectively, were overweight (weight-for-length >= 95th
      percentile). Among parents of overweight children, 91% in the preterm cohort and
      90% in the term cohort reported their child as healthy weight. Among healthy
      weight children (weight-for-length 6th-94th percentile), parents in the preterm
      cohort were more likely to report their child as underweight compared with
      parents in the term cohort (24 vs. 7%; p < 0.001). Conclusion Parental perception
      of weight status was impaired among parents of overweight children regardless of
      gestational age. However, parents were more likely to perceive their healthy
      weight child as underweight if their child was preterm.

PMID- 27135953
TI  - Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine 2016 Annual Pregnancy Meeting Round-up: Part
      2 (Podcast).

PMID- 27135954
TI  - Outcome of Late Preterm Infants at the University Hospital of the West Indies.
AB  - Objective The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of late
      preterm infants at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) over a 2
      year period. Design and Methods A retrospective, descriptive, case-controlled
      study was performed. Data were extracted from the maternal and neonatal medical
      records of 163 late preterm infants and matched term controls. Descriptive
      analyses were performed comparing morbidity and mortality between the groups.
      Results There was an overall incidence of 3.8% late preterm births. Late preterm
      infants were more likely to require admission to the neonatal unit than term
      controls (odds ratio:13.6; confidence interval: 7.95-23.34; p < 0.001) and they
      had a longer mean duration of stay (p < 0.05). During admission, late preterm
      infants had a significantly higher incidence of hypothermia, neonatal jaundice,
      and need for respiratory support than term controls (p < 0.05). There, however,
      was no increased risk of mortality. Mothers of late preterm infants had a higher
      incidence of hypertension in pregnancy, prolonged rupture of membranes (p <
      0.001), and operative delivery than mothers of term controls (p < 0.05).
      Conclusion Late preterm infants at the UHWI were shown to be at increased risk of
      morbidity. This finding has implications for antenatal care, timing of delivery,
      and monitoring of these infants postdelivery.

PMID- 27135955
TI  - Maternal Fructose Consumption Disrupts Brain Development of Offspring in a Murine
      Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - Objective The objective of this study was to localize by neuroimaging the altered
      structural brain development of these offspring using an autism model of
      transgenic mice lacking contactin-associated protein-like 2 (Cntnap2). Materials
      and Methods Pregnant dams were randomly allocated to fructose solution (10% W/V)
      as only drinking fluid or water. Cntnap2 heterozygous (+/-) offspring from each
      group were euthanized at 6 months of age and their whole brains evaluated by
      magnetic resonance imaging. T2-weighted images were acquired to evaluate the
      volumes of 29 regions of interest involved in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
      pathogenesis. Whole brains were washed and processed for Nissl staining. Mann
      Whitney U test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical
      analysis (significance: p < 0.05). Results The corpus callosum, anterior
      commissure, and caudate putamen were significantly smaller in Cntnap2 (+/-) male
      offspring exposed to fructose. No brain alterations were found in the female
      counterparts. Nissl staining of the caudate putamen revealed higher neuronal cell
      count in the male fructose offspring. Female group revealed an increase in
      caudate putamen neuronal cell count. Conclusion Metabolic dysregulation in
      pregnancy alters fetal brain development in genetically predisposed offspring.
      This is consistent with findings in human studies and supports the role of
      intrauterine factors in the etiology of autism.

PMID- 27135956
TI  - Distribution of Third-Stage Length and Risk Factors for Its Prolongation.
AB  - Introduction The aim of our study was to demonstrate the distribution of an
      uncomplicated third stage and to determine the optimal time for manual
      intervention. Risk factors for a prolonged third stage were studied. Materials
      and Methods Computerized data of all vaginal deliveries at our L&D unit from 2010
      to 2014 were obtained. Cases of complete and spontaneous placental separation
      were extracted for further analysis. Cases necessitating manual removal of the
      placenta due to immediate postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) were also excluded. Patient
      demographics, obstetrical history, course of delivery, and delivery outcome were
      assessed, and risk factors for a prolonged third stage were analyzed. Results
      There were 31,226 vaginal deliveries during the study period. Of these, 25,160
      deliveries met inclusion criteria. The median third-stage length was 12 minutes.
      Within 30 minutes 97% of the placentas separated spontaneously. Independent risk
      factors for a third stage > 30 minutes included older maternal age, primiparity,
      history of abortions, twin gestation, and intrapartum fever. Conclusion The
      average time for third stage is < 15 minutes with 97% occurring by 30 minutes and
      100% by 60 minutes. In the absence of PPH, it is clinically prudent to perform
      manual removal after 30 minutes.

PMID- 27135957
TI  - The Role of Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase in Pregnancy: A Review.
AB  - Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) was first reported in 1994 and has
      been explored in various human disease processes. However, until recently, very
      little has been done to define the role of NAMPT in pregnancy. NAMPT is a 52 kDa
      protein that has diverse functions in the human body, acting as a growth factor,
      cytokine, an enzyme, and an insulinomimetic agent. Initial studies examined NAMPT
      expression in fetal membranes and its effects on the amnion. Later research in
      nonpregnant studies showed an insulinomimetic effect, and attention focused on
      its role in gestational diabetes. In addition, as studies revealed NAMPT's
      function as an inflammatory cytokine, studies examined NAMPT in preeclampsia and
      fetal growth restriction. Several studies have confirmed that NAMPT is a marker
      of systemic infectious processes such as pyelonephritis and intrauterine
      infection. In this review, we present the current understanding of NAMPT's role
      in various pregnancy-related conditions as well as possible directions for future
      research.

PMID- 27135958
TI  - Mechanism of Heterogeneous Mercury Oxidation by HBr over V2O5/TiO2 Catalyst.
AB  - Catalytic oxidation of elemental mercury (Hg(0)) through a selective catalytic
      reduction (SCR) system is a promising method to reduce mercury emissions from
      coal-burning power plants. The density functional theory (DFT) and periodic slab
      models were used to study the reaction mechanism of Hg(0) oxidation by HBr on
      V2O5/TiO2 SCR catalyst surface. The interaction mechanisms of Hg(0), HBr, HgBr,
      and HgBr2 on V2O5/TiO2(001) were investigated. The oxidation reaction energy
      profiles and the corresponding geometries of the intermediates, final states, and
      transition states were researched. The results indicate that Hg(0) and HgBr2 are
      weakly adsorbed on the oxygen sites of the V2O5/TiO2(001) surface with
      physisorption. HgBr is chemically adsorbed on the surface. HBr is dissociatively
      adsorbed on the surface with an energy barrier of 85.59 kJ/mol. The reaction of
      Hg(0) oxidation by HBr follows the Eley-Rideal mechanism: Hg(0) interacts with a
      surface Br from HBr dissociation to form HgBr, and surface HgBr further interacts
      with HBr to form HgBr2, last HgBr2 desorbs from the surface. Comparing the energy
      pathway of Hg(0) oxidation over V2O5/TiO2(001) surface by HBr to that of HCl, it
      is found that the dissociation energy barrier of HBr is lower than that of HCl,
      the formation and desorption energy barriers of HgBr2 are also lower than that of
      HgCl2, which explains why HBr is much more effective than HCl in promoting Hg(0)
      oxidation.

PMID- 27135959
TI  - pH modulates arsenic toxicity in Bacillus licheniformis DAS-2.
AB  - The toxic characteristics of arsenic species, As(V) and As(III) result in
      ecological risks. Arsenic tolerant bacterium was isolated and identified as the
      Bacillus licheniformis DAS-2 through 16SrDNA sequencing. B. licheniformis DAS-2
      was efficient to tolerate and remove both the As(V)[MIC 8mM] and As(III)[MIC 6mM]
      from the growth medium. The potential for the removal/uptake of arsenic from the
      3, 5 and 7mM As(V) enriched growth media was 100%, 60% and 35% respectively and
      from the 1, 3 and 5mM As(III) enrichment it was 100%, 99% and 58% respectively at
      neutral pH. 80% of uptake As(V) was reduced to As(III) in 3mM As(V) enrichment
      which was gradually decreased to only 17% at 7mM As(V) enrichment at neutral pH.
      The arsenic toxicity in B. licheniformis DAS-2 was found modulated by pH and was
      examined through alteration in growth, uptake/removal, reduction and measurement
      of chemical toxicity. 

PMID- 27135960
TI  - Effect of Topical and Intravenously Applied Tranexamic Acid Compared to Control
      Group on Bleeding in Primary Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - We aimed to answer the following three questions in this study: (1) Does
      tranexamic acid (TA) reduce the amount of bleeding in total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA)? (2) Does TA reduce requirement for blood transfusion? (3) Is there any
      difference on reliability and efficacy between topical and intravenous (IV)
      applications of TA? Patients were allocated into three groups randomly by a
      software program as topical, IV, and control group. TA was applied as 20 mg/kg to
      the IV group and as 3 g/100 mL saline to the topical group. The hemoglobin values
      were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively on the same day and on day 1 and
      day 2. Removal of the drain postoperatively and length of hospital stay, as well
      as any complications such as pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis, were
      also noted. The study comprised 40 patients in the IV group, 42 in the topical
      group, and 41 in the control group. The drain output values were similar in the
      IV and topical groups (p = 0.161), while those of the control group were
      significantly higher than both the IV and topical groups (p < 0.001 and < 0.001).
      Transfusion was applied to 19.5% of cases in the control group, 4.8% in the
      topical group, and 5.1% of the IV group (chi2 = 6.522; p = 0.038). The results of
      the study showed that 20 mg/kg single-dose IV bolus or 3 g topical TA application
      reduced blood loss and transfusion requirement without increasing the rate of
      thromboembolic complications in unilateral primary TKA.

PMID- 27135961
TI  - Women and health consequences of natural disasters: Challenge or opportunity?
AB  - Disasters do not affect people equally; the impact of disasters on the lives of
      women is different from other groups of a community. Women's fundamental rights
      to health and safety are violated after disasters. The authors of this study
      aimed to explore various factors of women's health with reference to previous
      natural disasters in Iran. A qualitative approach using in-depth unstructured
      interviews and field observations was employed to explore women's health factors
      in the affected regions. A total of 22 participants affected by disasters, as
      well as key informants, were interviewed applying the purposeful sampling method.
      Data were collected in 2014 in three provinces, including East Azerbaijan,
      Bushehr, and Mazandaran. A content analysis using the Graneheim approach was
      performed for analyzing the transcribed interviews. Two themes and four
      categories were extracted from the data. The themes that emerged included psycho
      physical effects and women's health status. Physical and psycho-emotional effects
      and reproductive and environmental health effects were the four emergent
      categories. The findings implied that managing women's health challenges may
      result in reducing the distressing effects of disaster. These findings support
      identification and application of the mechanisms by which women's well-being in
      physical, mental, reproductive, and environmental aspects can be protected after
      disasters.

PMID- 27135963
TI  - Impact of an Educational Intervention on Breastfeeding Counseling Behavior of
      OB/GYN Residents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding counseling has been shown to increase the initiation
      and duration of breastfeeding. The American Congress of Obstetricians and
      Gynecologists calls for all healthcare workers to educate and encourage women to
      choose breastfeeding. Despite these recommendations, the reported incidence of
      prenatal breastfeeding discussions varies widely. Lack of physician education has
      been speculated to be one of the contributing factors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the
      impact of a breastfeeding educational intervention on the knowledge and
      counseling behaviors of OB/GYN resident physicians. STUDY DESIGN: Resident
      physicians in a university-based OB/GYN program were given two lectures on the
      benefits of breastfeeding and common lactation issues. The residents completed a
      knowledge test before and after the educational intervention. Resident behaviors
      were assessed through patient surveys after the initial prenatal visit (n = 79
      and n = 81 before and after the educational sessions, respectively). The
      responses were then analyzed by comparing binomial proportions before and after
      the intervention. RESULTS: Patient surveys showed that the educational
      intervention resulted in statistically significant increases in the rate of
      general discussion from 62% to 79% (p = 0.017) and discussion of breast changes
      that occur during pregnancy from 41% to 57% (p = 0.037). There was a positive
      trend for breastfeeding promotion from 58% to 72% (p = 0.08) and for breast exams
      from 42% to 56% (p = 0.08). The median score on resident's knowledge assessment
      test increased marginally from 20 to 20.5 out of 28 questions after the
      educational intervention. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that a brief educational
      intervention on breastfeeding had a meaningful impact on OB/GYN resident
      physician counseling behavior.

PMID- 27135962
TI  - Upper Rim Bifunctional cone-Calix[4]arenes Based on a Ligated Metal Ion and a
      Guanidinium Unit as DNAase and RNAase Mimics.
AB  - The catalytic activity of an artificial phosphodiesterase that combines a ligated
      metal ion (Cu(II), Zn(II)) with a guanidinium unit connected by a 1,2-vicinal
      calix[4]arene spacer was investigated in the transesterification of RNA models
      HPNP and four diribonucleoside 3',5'-monophosphates. Comparison with previous
      data related to the 1,3-distal regioisomeric metal complexes confirms the
      superiority of the Cu(II) complexes over the Zn(II) analogs and shows that in the
      reactions of HPNP, GpU, and UpU, the catalytic efficiency depends very little on
      whether the substitution pattern is 1,2-vicinal or 1,3-distal. On the other hand,
      CpA turned out to be a good substrate for the Cu(II) complex of the 1,2-vicinal
      catalyst and a bad substrate for the corresponding 1,3-distal regioisomer,
      whereas the opposite holds for GpA. Extension of the investigation to the
      cleavage of the DNA model BNPP showed that both Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes
      exhibit good catalytic efficiency, with a superiority of the 1,2-vicinal catalyst
      in both cases. The data reported in this work show that rate accelerations over
      background for the best catalyst-substrate combinations at 0.5 mM catalyst
      concentration are 3.6 * 10(5)-fold for HPNP, 1.1 * 10(6)-fold for BNPP, and range
      from 1.3 * 10(6)- to 1.3 * 10(7)-fold for diribonucleoside monophosphates.

PMID- 27135964
TI  - Post-GAVI sustainability of the Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine program:
      The potential role of economic evaluation.
AB  - Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) can cause severe invasive diseases which are,
      however, preventable by vaccination. To increase access to Hib vaccine, GAVI -
      the Vaccine Alliance - has provided financial support for 73 lower income
      countries worldwide. At the same time, GAVI has been implementing its co
      financing policy, requiring recipient countries to pay a portion of vaccine costs
      and to increase this amount over time. Starting in 2016, 5 countries will stop
      receiving GAVI funding and procure the vaccine themselves. Although the
      graduating countries have access to the UNICEF/GAVI tendered vaccine price for 5
      more years, the uncertainty in market vaccine price may hamper the post-GAVI
      program sustainability. A possible increase in vaccine price would cause a
      significant burden on governmental budgets, discouraging countries to continue
      the program. As a special tool, economic evaluation (EE) can assist decision
      makers by identifying the maximum affordable vaccine price for countries to pay.
      Given that only 6 GAVI-eligible countries have such analyses published, more EEs
      are necessary to strengthen countries' commitment during this transition period.
      The information will also be useful for manufacturers to determine their pricing
      policy.

PMID- 27135965
TI  - Correlation of Left Atrial Voltage Distribution Between Sinus Rhythm and Atrial
      Fibrillation: Identifying Structural Remodeling by 3-D Electroanatomic Mapping
      Irrespective of the Rhythm.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Left atrial (LA) electroanatomical voltage mapping (EAVM)
      correlates with scar on LGE-MRI and has been used to guide ablation of low
      voltage area (LVA) in sinus rhythm (SR). We compared EAVM in SR and AF in a
      cohort of AF patients, and in SR between patients with AF and without AF or
      structural heart disease (control). METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-seven AF
      patients, 9 with paroxysmal AF (PAF), underwent point-by-point EAVM during SR and
      AF using same Carto3 geometry. Only adjacent SR-AF points (<= 5 mm apart) were
      compared. In addition, 6 control patients were evaluated. There was a linear
      bipolar voltage correlation between SR and AF (r = 0.707, P < 0.001, Y = 1.515X +
      0.786). LA bipolar voltage in patients with PAF was higher than those with Non
      PAF in SR (2.24 +/- 1.51 vs. 1.56 +/- 1.53 mV) and AF (0.81 +/- 0.60 vs. 0.58 +/-
      0.62 mV, both for P < 0.001). The pulmonary vein antra voltage was significantly
      lower than other LA regions in PAF (1.28 +/- 0.79 vs. 2.54 +/- 1.50 mV, P <
      0.001) and Non-PAF patients (1.13 +/- 1.04 vs. 1.86 +/- 1.72 mV, P < 0.001),
      while no voltage differences was found in the control group (P = 0.998).
      CONCLUSION: There was a linear voltage correlation between SR and AF, suggesting
      a similar extent of LA fibrotic substrate can be identified on EAVM by adjusting
      the voltage cutoff. Structural remodeling starts in the PV antra and may progress
      to other LA regions.

PMID- 27135966
TI  - Obesity Management and Prevention: More Questions Than Answers.

PMID- 27135967
TI  - Different Roles of CHOP and JNK in Mediating Radiation-Induced Autophagy and
      Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells.
AB  - Unfolded protein response (UPR) is comprised of complex and conserved stress
      pathways that function as a short-term adaptive mechanism to reduce levels of
      unfolded or misfolded proteins and maintain homeostasis in the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER). UPR can be triggered by prolonged or persistent ER stress under
      many physiological or pathological conditions, including radiation exposure.
      Radiation-induced ER stress elicits autophagy and apoptosis in cancer cells,
      where C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) may
      play crucial roles. However, the specific mechanisms that regulate autophagy and
      apoptosis through CHOP and JNK after radiation exposure and how the balance of
      these activities determines the cellular radiosensitivity remain largely unclear.
      In this study, we found that exposure to X-ray radiation induced ER stress, UPR
      and high expression of CHOP and JNK. Furthermore, autophagy and apoptosis
      occurred in sequential order when breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were
      exposed to X-ray radiation. CHOP gene knockdown with RNA interference inhibited
      autophagy and enhanced radiosensitivity in MDA-MB-231 cells, while impacting
      apoptosis and subsequently increasing radioresistance in MCF-7 cells. However,
      treatment with JNK inhibitor decreased autophagy while promoting apoptosis,
      thereby leading to radiosensitivity in both cell lines. Our results indicate that
      CHOP mediates radiation-induced autophagy and apoptosis in a cellular
      environment. Importantly, the functional consistency of regulating apoptosis and
      autophagy in these two irradiated breast cancer cell lines suggests that JNK may
      be more useful as a potential target for maximizing the efficacy of radiation
      therapy for breast cancers.

PMID- 27135968
TI  - A Rat Model to Study the Effects of Diet-Induced Obesity on Radiation-Induced
      Mammary Carcinogenesis.
AB  - A detailed understanding of the relationship between radiation-induced breast
      cancer and obesity is needed for appropriate risk management and to prevent the
      development of a secondary cancer in patients who have been treated with
      radiation. Our goal was to develop an animal model to study the relationship by
      combining two existing Sprague-Dawley rat models of radiation-induced mammary
      carcinogenesis and diet-induced obesity. Female rats were fed a high-fat diet for
      4 weeks and categorized as obesity prone or obesity resistant based on their body
      weight at 7 weeks of age, at which time the rats were irradiated with 4 Gy.
      Control rats were fed a standard diet and irradiated at the same time and in the
      same manner. All rats were maintained on their initial diets and assessed for
      palpable mammary cancers once a week for the next 30 weeks. The obesity-prone
      rats were heavier than those in the other groups. The obesity-prone rats were
      also younger than the other animals at the first detection of mammary carcinomas
      and their carcinoma weights were greater. A tendency toward higher insulin and
      leptin blood levels were observed in the obesity-prone rats compared to the other
      two groups. Blood angiotensin II levels were elevated in the obesity-prone and
      obesity-resistant rats. Genes related to translation and oxidative
      phosphorylation were upregulated in the carcinomas of obesity-prone rats.
      Expression profiles from human breast cancers were used to validate this animal
      model. As angiotensin is potentially an important factor in obesity-related
      morbidities and breast cancer, a second set of rats was fed in a similar manner,
      irradiated and then treated with an angiotensin-receptor blocker, losartan and
      candesartan. Neither blocker altered mammary carcinogenesis; analyses of losartan
      treated animals indicated that expression of renin in the renal cortex and of
      Agtr1a (angiotensin II receptor, type 1) in cancer tissue was significantly
      upregulated, suggesting the presence of compensating mechanisms for blocking
      angiotensin-receptor signaling. Thus, obesity-related elevation of insulin and
      leptin blood levels and an increase in available energy may facilitate sustained
      protein synthesis in cancer cells, which is required for rapid cancer
      development.

PMID- 27135969
TI  - Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles: A Potential Medical Countermeasure to Mitigate
      Radiation-Induced Lung Injury in CBA/J Mice.
AB  - Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) have a unique surface regenerative property and
      can efficiently control reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. To determine whether
      treatment with CNPs can mitigate the delayed effects of lung injury after acute
      radiation exposure, CBA/J mice were exposed to 15 Gy whole-thorax radiation. The
      animals were either treated with nanoparticles, CNP-18 and CNP-ME, delivered by
      intraperitoneal injection twice weekly for 4 weeks starting 2 h postirradiation
      or received radiation treatment alone. At the study's end point of 160 days, 90%
      of the irradiated mice treated with high-dose (10 MUM) CNP-18 survived, compared
      to 10% of mice in the radiation-alone (P < 0.0001) and 30% in the low-dose (100
      nM) CNP-18. Both low- and high-dose CNP-ME-treated irradiated mice showed
      increased survival rates of 40% compared to 10% in the radiation-alone group.
      Multiple lung functional parameters recorded by flow-ventilated whole-body
      plethysmography demonstrated that high-dose CNP-18 treatment had a significant
      radioprotective effect on lethal dose radiation-induced lung injury. Lung
      histology revealed a significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in structural damage and
      collagen deposition in mice treated with high-dose CNP-18 compared to the
      irradiated-alone mice. In addition, significant reductions in inflammatory
      response (P < 0.01) and vascular damage (P < 0.01) were observed in the high-dose
      CNP-18-treated group compared to irradiated-alone mice. Together, the findings
      from this preclinical efficacy study clearly demonstrate that CNPs have both
      clinically and histologically significant mitigating and protective effects on
      lethal dose radiation-induced lung injury.

PMID- 27135970
TI  - Dual Action Enhancement of Gold Nanoparticle Radiosensitization by Pentamidine in
      Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
AB  - Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease with a high risk of
      recurrence and death. Here, we present a novel strategy to enhance the
      radiotherapy of TNBC by combining gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with pentamidine, a
      clinically approved anti-parasitic agent with anti-cancer properties. The
      radiosensitization effects of PEG-stabilized AuNPs (PEG-AuNPs) in combination
      with pentamidine were evaluated in two human TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA
      MB-436). Our results showed that PEG-AuNPs alone sensitized both cell lines to
      radiation, achieving dose enhancement factors of 1.26 and 1.15 in MDA-MB-231 and
      MDA-MB-436, respectively. In combination with pentamidine, the greatest dose
      enhancement was achieved in MDA-MB-231 after 24 h of treatment with 500 MUM PEG
      AuNPs and 20 MUM pentamidine (dose enhancement factor of 1.55). Based on the in
      vitro data, it is projected that this combination would result in a 10 log
      increase in cell kill compared to radiation alone in a clinical setting, where 50
      Gy is administered to breast cancer patients in 25 fractions over 5 weeks.
      Studies to elucidate the underlying mechanism of radiosensitization revealed that
      the adsorption of pentamidine onto the PEG-AuNP surface increased the cellular
      uptake of gold compared to PEG-AuNPs alone. In addition, the combination resulted
      in a significantly greater number of residual DNA double-strand breaks compared
      to that of either agent alone after a 2 Gy dose. Taken together, the dual action
      of pentamidine on the physical and biological pathways of radiosensitization by
      PEG-AuNPs results in superior radiotherapeutic effects of the combined treatment
      group in MDA-MB-231.

PMID- 27135971
TI  - Torin2 Suppresses Ionizing Radiation-Induced DNA Damage Repair.
AB  - Several classes of inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) have
      been developed based on its central role in sensing growth factor and nutrient
      levels to regulate cellular metabolism. However, its ATP-binding site closely
      resembles other phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase (PIKK) family
      members, resulting in reactivity with these targets that may also be
      therapeutically useful. The ATP-competitive mTOR inhibitor, Torin2, shows
      biochemical activity against the DNA repair-associated proteins ATM, ATR and DNA
      PK, which raises the possibility that Torin2 and related compounds might
      radiosensitize cancerous tumors. In this study Torin2 was also found to enhance
      ionizing radiation-induced cell killing in conditions where ATM was dispensable,
      confirming the requirement for multiple PIKK targets. Moreover, Torin2 did not
      influence the initial appearance of gamma-H2AX foci after irradiation but
      significantly delayed the disappearance of radiation-induced gamma-H2AX foci,
      indicating a DNA repair defect. Torin2 increased the number of radiation-induced
      S-phase specific chromosome aberrations and reduced the frequency of radiation
      induced CtIP and Rad51 foci formation, suggesting that Torin2 works by blocking
      homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair resulting in an S-phase
      specific DNA repair defect. Accordingly, Torin2 reduced HR-mediated repair of I
      Sce1-induced DNA damage and contributed to replication fork stalling. We conclude
      that radiosensitization of tumor cells by Torin2 is associated with disrupting
      ATR- and ATM-dependent DNA damage responses. Our findings support the concept of
      developing combination cancer therapies that incorporate ionizing radiation
      therapy and Torin2 or compounds with similar properties.

PMID- 27135972
TI  - Growth rate inhibition metrics correct for confounders in measuring sensitivity
      to cancer drugs.
AB  - Drug sensitivity and resistance are conventionally quantified by IC50 or Emax
      values, but these metrics are highly sensitive to the number of divisions taking
      place over the course of a response assay. The dependency of IC50 and Emax on
      division rate creates artefactual correlations between genotype and drug
      sensitivity, while obscuring valuable biological insights and interfering with
      biomarker discovery. We derive alternative small molecule drug-response metrics
      that are insensitive to division number. These are based on estimation of the
      magnitude of drug-induced growth rate inhibition (GR) using endpoint or time
      course assays. We show that GR50 and GRmax are superior to conventional metrics
      for assessing the effects of small molecule drugs in dividing cells. Moreover,
      adopting GR metrics requires only modest changes in experimental protocols. We
      expect GR metrics to improve the study of cell signaling and growth using small
      molecules and biologics and to facilitate the discovery of drug-response
      biomarkers and the identification of drugs effective against specific patient
      derived tumor cells.

PMID- 27135975
TI  - Addiction Severity and Suicidal Behaviors Among Persons Entering Treatment.
AB  - The aim of this study was three-fold: to compare the rates for suicidal behaviors
      based on the problem substance, to look at the association between addiction
      severity and suicidal behaviors, and to identify the components of addiction
      severity associated with suicidal behaviors. Addiction Severity Index databases
      from three public rehabilitation centers were merged for analyses, yielding 6,551
      evaluations. The rates for suicidal behaviors among those who have a problem with
      both alcohol and a drug are higher than for those who have a problem with any
      single substance. The effect of addiction severity on suicidal behaviors persists
      even when other problem areas are taken into account. Thus, clinicians must pay
      closer attention to persons with both alcohol and drug problem.

PMID- 27135973
TI  - Oxidative release of natural glycans for functional glycomics.
AB  - Glycans have essential roles in biology and the etiology of many diseases. A
      major hurdle in studying glycans through functional glycomics is the lack of
      methods to release glycans from diverse types of biological samples. Here we
      describe an oxidative strategy using household bleach to release all types of
      free reducing N-glycans and O-glycan-acids from glycoproteins, and glycan
      nitriles from glycosphingolipids. Released glycans are directly useful in
      glycomic analyses and can be derivatized fluorescently for functional glycomics.
      This chemical method overcomes the limitations in glycan generation and promotes
      archiving and characterization of human and animal glycomes and their functions.

PMID- 27135974
TI  - An unbiased metric of antiproliferative drug effect in vitro.
AB  - In vitro cell proliferation assays are widely used in pharmacology, molecular
      biology, and drug discovery. Using theoretical modeling and experimentation, we
      show that current metrics of antiproliferative small molecule effect suffer from
      time-dependent bias, leading to inaccurate assessments of parameters such as drug
      potency and efficacy. We propose the drug-induced proliferation (DIP) rate, the
      slope of the line on a plot of cell population doublings versus time, as an
      alternative, time-independent metric.

PMID- 27135976
TI  - Group 3 innate lymphoid cells in tissue damage and graft-versus-host disease
      pathogenesis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) have emerged as modulators of
      conditioning-induced tissue damage and development of graft-versus-host disease
      (GVHD) in the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (HSCT). This review highlights experimental and clinical evidence for a role of
      ILC in GVHD pathogenesis. RECENT FINDINGS: ILC are well known for their role in
      epithelial homeostasis and innate immunity. In addition, recent studies
      identified ILC as architects of intestinal responses to tissue damage after
      experimental radio and chemotherapy. Group 3 ILC, and their signature cytokine IL
      22, can enhance intestinal stem cell regeneration and protect the stem cell niche
      from damage during experimental HSCT. Moreover, in leukemia patients undergoing
      HSCT conditioning, appearance of activated group 3 ILC prior to transplant is
      correlated to reduced incidence of acute GVHD. SUMMARY: ILC have a profound
      impact on the recovery from tissue damage and severity of GVHD in experimental
      models. Together with the available data from leukemia patients, this argues for
      in-depth analysis of the mechanisms of ILC function and the translation of
      experimental findings to clinical application. Ultimately, control of ILC
      activation, or of the cytokines they produce, could be employed to reduce GVHD
      lesion in patients receiving allogeneic HSCT.

PMID- 27135978
TI  - Genetic and epigenetic determinants of B-cell lymphoma evolution.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The success of targeted therapies fostered the development of
      increasingly specific and effective therapeutics for B-cell malignancies.
      However, cancer plasticity facilitates disease relapse, whereby intratumoral
      heterogeneity fuels tumor evolution into a more aggressive and resistant form.
      Understanding cancer heterogeneity and the evolutionary processes underlying
      disease relapse is key for overcoming this limitation of current treatment
      strategies. In the present review, we delineate the current understanding of
      cancer evolution and the advances in both genetic and epigenetic fields, with a
      focus on non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of massively
      parallel sequencing has provided insights into tumor heterogeneity, allowing
      determination of intratumoral genetic and epigenetic variability and
      identification of cancer driver mutations and (epi-)mutations. Increased
      heterogeneity prior to treatment results in faster disease relapse, and in many
      cases studying pretreatment clonal admixtures predicts the future evolutionary
      trajectory of relapsed disease. SUMMARY: Understanding the mechanisms underlying
      tumor heterogeneity and evolution provides valuable tools for the design of
      therapy within an evolutionary framework. This framework will ultimately aid in
      accurately predicting the evolutionary paths of B-cell malignancies, thereby
      guiding therapeutic strategies geared at directly anticipating and addressing
      cancer evolution.

PMID- 27135977
TI  - Role of the CARMA1/BCL10/MALT1 complex in lymphoid malignancies.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The CARMA1/BCL10/MALT1 (CBM) complex is a multimeric signaling
      complex controlling several important aspects of lymphocyte activation. Gain-of
      function mutations in the genes encoding CBM proteins or their upstream
      regulators are associated with lymphoid malignancies, whereas loss-of-function
      mutations lead to immunodeficiency. This review reports on recent findings
      advancing our understanding of how CBM proteins contribute to malignant and
      nonmalignant hematological diseases in humans. RECENT FINDINGS: Somatic gain-of
      function mutations of CARMA1 (also known as CARD11), originally described for
      patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, have recently been identified in
      patients with acute T-cell leukemia/lymphoma or Sezary syndrome, and in patients
      with a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder known as BENTA. Loss-of-function
      mutations of CARMA1 and MALT1, on the other hand, have been reported to underlie
      human immunodeficiency. Lately, it has become clear that CBM-dependent signaling
      promotes lymphomagenesis not only via NF-kappaB activation, but also via the AP-1
      family of transcription factors. The identification of new substrates of the
      protease MALT1 and the characterization of mice expressing catalytically inactive
      MALT1 have deepened our understanding of how the CBM complex controls lymphocyte
      proliferation through promoting MALT1's protease activity. SUMMARY: The discovery
      of CARMA1 gain-of-function mutations in T-cell malignancies and BENTA patients,
      as well as the association of CARMA1 and MALT1 mutations with human
      immunodeficiency highlight the importance of CBM proteins in the regulation of
      lymphocyte functions, and suggest that the protease activity of MALT1 might be
      targeted to treat specific lymphoid malignancies.

PMID- 27135979
TI  - The routes for transformation of follicular lymphoma.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Aggressive transformation, a frequent event in the natural
      history of follicular lymphoma, is associated with increased lymphoma-related
      mortality and yet the underlying biology remains poorly defined. This review
      outlines recent advances in our understanding of the genetic basis and
      evolutionary process leading to transformation. RECENT FINDINGS: Both the
      antecedent indolent and transformed follicular lymphoma (tFL) arise through
      branched divergent evolution with tumors emerging from a founder precursor
      population, the common progenitor cell. Although the majority of tFLs maintain a
      germinal center B-cell gene expression signature, an activated B-cell-type (ABC
      type) profile appears to predominate in BCL2-translocation negative cases. It
      does not appear that a single unifying genetic or epigenetic event promotes a
      fitter and more aggressive clone. SUMMARY: Transformed follicular tumors are
      genetically heterogeneous perhaps reflecting the varying clinical behavior and
      outcomes of this disease event. Follicular lymphoma and tFL remain incurable
      tumors highlighted by our inability to eradicate the founder common progenitor
      cell population with current therapies. Progress has now been made in defining
      the genetic events and evolutionary pathways responsible for transformation.
      Although more research is required in predicting and understanding the biology of
      transformation, there are opportunities to improve outcomes by preferentially
      directing targeted therapies toward 'actionable' early and transformation
      specific aberrations.

PMID- 27135980
TI  - Hematopoietic stem cell lineage specification.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) possess two fundamental
      characteristics, the capacity for self-renewal and the sustained production of
      all blood cell lineages. The fine balance between HSC expansion and lineage
      specification is dynamically regulated by the interplay between external and
      internal stimuli. This review introduces recent advances in the roles played by
      the stem cell niche, regulatory transcriptional networks, and metabolic pathways
      in governing HSC self-renewal, commitment, and lineage differentiation. We will
      further focus on discoveries made by studying hematopoiesis at single-cell
      resolution. RECENT FINDINGS: HSCs require the support of an interactive milieu
      with their physical position within the perivascular niche dynamically regulating
      HSC behavior. In these microenvironments, transcription factor networks and
      nutrient-mediated regulation of energy resources, signaling pathways, and
      epigenetic status govern HSC quiescence and differentiation. Once HSCs begin
      their lineage specification, single-cell analyses show that they do not become
      oligopotent but rather, differentiate directly into committed unipotent
      progenitors. SUMMARY: The diversity of transcriptional networks and metabolic
      pathways in HSCs and their downstream progeny allows a high level of plasticity
      in blood differentiation. The intricate interactions between these pathways,
      within the perivascular niche, broaden the specification of HSCs in pathological
      and stressed conditions.

PMID- 27135982
TI  - A Versatile, Traceless C-H Activation-Based Approach for the Synthesis of
      Heterocycles.
AB  - A versatile, traceless C-H activation-based approach for the synthesis of
      diversified heterocycles is reported. Rh(III)-catalyzed, N-amino-directed C-H
      alkenylation generates either olefination products or indoles (in situ
      annulation) in an atom- and step-economic manner at room temperature. The
      remarkable reactivity endowed by this directing group enables scale-up of the
      reaction to a 10 g scale at a very low catalyst loading (0.01 mol %/0.1 mol %).
      Ex situ annulation of olefination product provides entry into an array of
      heterocycles.

PMID- 27135981
TI  - Oncogenic Notch signaling in T-cell and B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article highlights recent discoveries about Notch
      activation and its oncogenic functions in lymphoid malignancies, and discusses
      the therapeutic potential of Notch inhibition. RECENT FINDINGS: NOTCH mutations
      arise in a broad spectrum of lymphoid malignancies and are increasingly
      scrutinized as putative therapeutic targets. In T-cell acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia (T-ALL), NOTCH1 mutations affect the extracellular negative regulatory
      region and lead to constitutive Notch activation, although mutated receptors
      remain sensitive to Notch ligands. Other NOTCH1 mutations in T-ALL and NOTCH1/2
      mutations in multiple B-cell malignancies truncate the C-terminal proline (P),
      glutamic acid (E), serine (S), threonine (T)-rich (PEST) domain, leading to
      decreased Notch degradation after ligand-mediated activation. Thus, targeting
      Notch ligand-receptor interactions could provide therapeutic benefits. In
      addition, we discuss recent reports on clinical testing of Notch inhibitors in T
      ALL that influenced contemporary thinking on the challenges of targeting Notch in
      cancer. We review advances in the laboratory to address these challenges in
      regards to drug targets, the Notch-driven metabolome, and the sophisticated
      protein-protein interactions at Notch-dependent superenhancers that underlie
      oncogenic Notch functions. SUMMARY: Notch signaling is a recurrent oncogenic
      pathway in multiple T- and B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Understanding
      the complexity and consequences of Notch activation is critical to define optimal
      therapeutic strategies targeting the Notch pathway.

PMID- 27135983
TI  - Antioxidant effect of hydroxytyrosol on human sperm quality during in vitro
      incubation.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of hydroxytyrosol
      (HT) on human sperm quality during incubation in vitro. Semen samples collected
      from men attending the Laboratory of Histology-Embryology of Sfax Faculty of
      Medicine (Tunisia) for infertility investigations were evaluated for initial
      sperm parameters. Only normal selected ejaculates (n = 15) were centrifuged and
      incubated further with or without HT (200ug ml-1 ) at room temperature for 45
      min. After incubation, sperm motility and viability, DNA oxidation and reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) production were assessed. The results showed that
      centrifugation significantly influenced sperm motility and viability. The
      supplementation of HT in incubating media improved (P = 0.01) significantly sperm
      viability and decreased sperm DNA oxidation (P < 0.001) and ROS levels (P = 0.03)
      following centrifugation. It can be concluded that supplementation of HT might be
      helpful to maintain the human spermatozoon after centrifugation.

PMID- 27135984
TI  - Is the Reaction of C3N(-) with C2H2 a Possible Process for Chain Elongation in
      Titan's Ionosphere?
AB  - The reaction of C3N(-) with acetylene was studied using three different
      experimental setups, a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (Trento), a tandem
      quadrupole mass spectrometer (Prague), and the "CERISES" guided ion beam
      apparatus at Orsay. The process is of astrophysical interest because it can
      function as a chain elongation mechanism to produce larger anions that have been
      detected in Titan's ionosphere by the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer. Three major
      products of primary processes, C2H(-), CN(-), and C5N(-), have been identified,
      whereby the production of the cyanide anion is probably partly due to collisional
      induced dissociation. The formations of all these products show considerable
      reaction thresholds and also display comparatively small cross sections. Also, no
      strong signals of anionic products for collision energies lower than 1 eV have
      been observed. Ab initio calculations have been performed to identify possible
      pathways leading to the observed products of the title reaction and to elucidate
      the thermodynamics of these processes. Although the productions of CN(-) and C5N(
      ) are exoergic, all reaction pathways have considerable barriers. Overall, the
      results of these computations are in agreement with the observed reaction
      thresholds. Due to the existence of considerable reaction energy barriers and the
      small observed cross sections, the title reaction is not very likely to play a
      major role in the buildup of large anions in cold environments like the
      interstellar medium or planetary and satellite ionospheres. 

PMID- 27135985
TI  - The Use of Voice Cues for Speaker Gender Recognition in Cochlear Implant
      Recipients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The focus of this study was to examine the influence of fundamental
      frequency (F0) and vocal tract length (VTL) modifications on speaker gender
      recognition in cochlear implant (CI) recipients for different stimulus types.
      METHOD: Single words and sentences were manipulated using isolated or combined F0
      and VTL cues. Using an 11-point rating scale, CI recipients and listeners with
      normal hearing rated the maleness/femaleness of the corresponding voice. RESULTS:
      Speaker gender ratings for combined F0 and VTL modifications were similar across
      all stimulus types in both CI recipients and listeners with normal hearing,
      although the CI recipients showed a somewhat larger ambiguity. In contrast to
      listeners with normal hearing, F0-VTL and F0-only modifications revealed similar
      ratings in the CI recipients when using words as stimuli. However, when sentences
      were used, a difference was found between F0-VTL-based and F0-based ratings.
      Modifying VTL cues alone did not affect ratings in the CI group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Whereas speaker gender ratings by listeners with normal hearing relied on
      combined VTL and F0 cues, CI recipients made only limited use of VTL cues, which
      might be one reason behind problems with identifying the speaker on the basis of
      voice. However, use of the voice cues depended on stimulus type, with the greater
      information in sentences allowing a more detailed analysis than single words in
      both listener groups.

PMID- 27135986
TI  - The Economic Burden of Schizophrenia in the United States in 2013.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to estimate the US societal economic
      burden of schizophrenia and update the 2002 reported costs of $62.7 billion given
      the disease management and health care structural changes of the last decade.
      METHODS: A prevalence-based approach was used to assess direct health care costs,
      direct non-health care costs, and indirect costs associated with schizophrenia
      (ICD-9 codes 295.xx) for 2013, with cost adjustments where necessary. Direct
      health care costs were estimated using a retrospective matched cohort design
      using the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters,
      Medicare Supplemental, and Medicaid Multistate databases. Direct non-health care
      costs were estimated for law enforcement, homeless shelters, and research and
      training. Indirect costs were estimated for productivity loss from unemployment,
      reduced work productivity among the employed, premature mortality (ie, suicide),
      and caregiving. RESULTS: The economic burden of schizophrenia was estimated at
      $155.7 billion ($134.4 billion-$174.3 billion based on sensitivity analyses) for
      2013 and included excess direct health care costs of $37.7 billion (24%), direct
      non-health care costs of $9.3 billion (6%), and indirect costs of $117.3 billion
      (76%) compared to individuals without schizophrenia. The largest components were
      excess costs associated with unemployment (38%), productivity loss due to
      caregiving (34%), and direct health care costs (24%). CONCLUSIONS: Schizophrenia
      is associated with a significant economic burden where, in addition to direct
      health care costs, indirect and non-health care costs are strong contributors,
      suggesting that therapies should aim at improving not only symptom control but
      also cognition and functional performance, which are associated with substantial
      non-health care and indirect costs.

PMID- 27135987
TI  - The Role of Trehalose for the Stabilization of Proteins.
AB  - Understanding of how the stabilization mechanism of trehalose operates on
      biological molecules against different types of environmental stress could prove
      to gain great advancements in many different types of conservation techniques,
      such as cryopreservation or freeze-drying. Many theories exist that aim to
      explain why trehalose possesses an extraordinary ability to stabilize
      biomolecules. However, all of them just explain parts of its mechanism and a
      comprehensive picture is still lacking. In this study, we have used differential
      scanning calorimetry (DSC) and viscometry measurements to determine how the glass
      transition temperature Tg, the protein denaturation temperature Tden, and the
      dynamic viscosity depend on both the trehalose and the protein concentration in
      myoglobin-trehalose-water systems. The aim has been to determine whether these
      physical properties are related and to gain indirect structural insights from the
      limits of water crystallization at different concentration ratios. The results
      show that for systems without partial crystallization of water the addition of
      protein increases Tg, most likely due to the fact that the protein adsorbs water
      and thereby reduces the water content in the trehalose-water matrix. Furthermore,
      these systems are generally decreasing in Tden with an increasing protein
      concentration, and thereby also an increasing viscosity, showing that the
      dynamics of the trehalose-water matrix and the stability of the native structure
      of the protein are not necessarily coupled. We also infer, by analyzing the
      maximum amount of water for which ice formation is avoided, that the preferential
      hydration model is consistent with our experimental data.

PMID- 27135988
TI  - Inbreeding depression in a critically endangered carnivore.
AB  - Harmful effects arising from matings between relatives (inbreeding) is a long
      standing observation that is well founded in theory. Empirical evidence for
      inbreeding depression in natural populations is however rare because of the
      challenges of assembling pedigrees supplemented with fitness traits. We examined
      the occurrence of inbreeding and subsequent inbreeding depression using a unique
      data set containing a genetically verified pedigree with individual fitness
      traits for a critically endangered arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) population. The
      study covered nine years and was comprised of 33 litters with a total of 205
      individuals. We recorded that the present population was founded by only five
      individuals. Over the study period, the population exhibited a tenfold increase
      in average inbreeding coefficient with a final level corresponding to half-sib
      matings. Inbreeding mainly occurred between cousins, but we also observed two
      cases of full-sib matings. The pedigree data demonstrated clear evidence of
      inbreeding depression on traditional fitness traits where inbred individuals
      displayed reduced survival and reproduction. Fitness traits were however
      differently affected by the fluctuating resource abundande. Inbred individuals
      born at low-quality years displayed reduced first-year survival, while inbred
      individuals born at high-quality years were less likely to reproduce. The
      documentation of inbreeding depression in fundamental fitness traits suggests
      that inbreeding depression can limit population recovery. Introducing new genetic
      material to promote a genetic rescue effect may thus be necessary for population
      long-term persistence.

PMID- 27135989
TI  - Fox-Fordyce Disease: An under-diagnosed adverse event of laser hair removal?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fox-Fordyce Disease (FFD) is a rare chronic inflammatory skin disease
      of the apocrine glands, mainly affecting post-pubertal women. It involves
      apocrine gland-bearing areas including the axilla, areola, anogenital area and
      umbilicus. FFD induced by laser hair removal is a newly reported entity of
      unknown pathogenesis. To the best of our knowledge, there are only four reported
      cases in the literature describing a total of four patients. OBJECTIVES: We are
      reporting the first case series of laser-induced FFD with a histopathological and
      clinical evaluation of the reported cases. METHODS: A review of the available
      literature to date about laser-induced FFD was performed. Clinical and
      histopathological features were reviewed. RESULTS: In our case series, the
      clinical and histological appearance of FFD following laser hair removal is
      similar to that of classic FFD. Exacerbating factors were present in two
      patients, and were similar to that of classic FFD. The main histopathological
      features included dilatation of the follicular infundibulum, follicular
      hyperkeratosis, dyskeratosis in the follicular infundibulum, periductal
      lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and perifollicular fibrosis. Two of the four
      reported cases as well as one of our patients had no perifollicular xanthomatous
      inflammation, a hallmark feature of classic FFD. Mast cells were absent in all
      reported cases, as well as in our patients. CONCLUSION: We believe that laser
      induced FFD is under-diagnosed as a newly reported adverse event of laser hair
      removal. It is clinically and histopathologically similar to classic FFD.

PMID- 27135990
TI  - Influence of Cultivation Parameters on the Mineral Composition of Kiwi Fruit from
      Corsica.
AB  - The effect of four cultivation parameters (postmaturity harvest date, storage
      period at 0  degrees C, and input of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers) on the
      mineral composition of kiwi fruit (Actinidia deliciosa var. Hayward) from Corsica
      were evaluated. The kiwi fruit were harvested on three dates at two-week
      intervals and some fruit were stored for three and four months. The kiwi fruit
      orchard was fertilized with controlled levels of nitrogen (five levels) and
      potassium (three levels) during one growing season. The concentrations of 67
      elements in kiwi fruit were measured using various analytical methods, such as
      flow injection spectrophotometry, flame atomic absorption spectrometry, flame
      atomic emission spectrometry, electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry,
      inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, inductively coupled
      plasma mass spectrometry, and filtration. The main elements in kiwi fruit are K,
      N, Cl, P, and Si and, to a lesser amount, Ca, Mg, Na, and Fe. This study
      demonstrates a high degree of difference in the amount of 23 mineral elements
      depending on the harvest date, the time of storage, and the input of fertilizers.

PMID- 27135991
TI  - Identification of occult micrometastases and isolated tumour cells within
      regional lymph nodes of previously diagnosed non-metastatic (stage 0) canine
      carcinomas.
AB  - Metastatic dissemination of carcinomas to lymph nodes impacts prognosis and
      treatment recommendations in human and veterinary medicine. Routine
      histopathologic evaluation of regional lymph nodes involves haematoxylin and
      eosin (H&E) staining to identify intra-nodal neoplastic cells; however,
      identification of small volume metastases (micrometastases and individual tumour
      cells) may be missed without the aid of immunohistochemistry or additional step
      sections. The aim of this study was to identify occult carcinoma metastases in
      previously diagnosed non-metastatic lymph nodes using step-sections and
      pancytokeratin (panCK) immunohistochemistry. Samples from 20 regional lymph nodes
      diagnosed as non-metastatic were serially sectioned and evaluated with panCK. Of
      these, 25% (n = 5) contained micrometastases (n = 1) or isolated tumour cells (n
      = 4). This study demonstrates the increased efficacy of serial step-sections
      combined with panCK immunohistochemistry to identify small volume metastases in
      regional lymph nodes. The prognostic significance of micrometastases and isolated
      tumour cells in regional lymph nodes warrants further investigation in veterinary
      medicine.

PMID- 27135992
TI  - Pearls and pitfalls of voice reconstruction after pharyngolaryngectomy using the
      ileocolon free flap.

PMID- 27135993
TI  - BOARD-INVITED REVIEW: Efficiency of converting digestible energy to metabolizable
      energy and reevaluation of the California Net Energy System maintenance
      requirements and equations for predicting dietary net energy values for beef
      cattle.
AB  - For the past several decades, nutrient requirement systems for beef cattle in
      North America have recommended that dietary ME can be calculated as dietary DE *
      0.82, but considerable published data suggest a variable relationship between DE
      and ME. We reviewed the literature and tabulated the results of 23 respiration
      calorimetry studies (87 treatment mean data points), in which measurements of
      fecal, urinary, and gaseous energy were determined with beef cattle (bulls,
      steers, and heifers) and growing dairy cattle. Mixed-model regression analyses to
      adjust for the effects of the citation from which the data were obtained
      suggested a strong linear relationship between ME and DE (Mcal/kg of DM; ME =
      0.9611 * DE - 0.2999; = 0.986, root mean square error [RMSE] = 0.048, < 0.001 for
      intercept, slope ? 0). Analysis of residuals from this simple linear regression
      equation indicated high correlations of residuals with other dietary components,
      and a slight increase in precision was obtained when dietary CP, ether extract,
      and starch (% of DM) concentrations were included in a multiple linear regression
      equation (citation-adjusted = 0.992, RMSE = 0.039). Using the simple linear
      relationship, we reevaluated the original data used to develop the California Net
      Energy System (CNES) for beef cattle by recalculating ME intake and heat
      production and regressing the logarithm of heat production on ME intake (both per
      BW, kg daily). The resulting intercept and slope of the recalculated data did not
      differ ( >= 0.34) from those reported for the original analyses of the CNES data,
      suggesting that use of the linear equation for calculating ME concentration was
      consistent with NEm and NEg values as derived in the CNES. Nonetheless, because
      the cubic equations recommended by the NRC to calculate dietary NEm and NEg from
      ME were based on conversion of DE to ME using 0.82, these equations were
      mathematically recalculated to account for the linear relationship between DE and
      ME. Overall, our review and analyses suggested that there is a strong linear
      relationship between DE and ME, which seems to be consistent across a wide range
      of dietary conditions, cattle types, and levels of intake. Applying this linear
      relationship to predict ME concentrations agreed with the original CNES
      calculations for NE requirements, thereby allowing the development of new
      equations for predicting dietary NEm and NEg values from ME. 

PMID- 27135994
TI  - Accuracy of genomic predictions for feed efficiency traits of beef cattle using
      50K and imputed HD genotypes.
AB  - The accuracy of genomic predictions can be used to assess the utility of dense
      marker genotypes for genetic improvement of beef efficiency traits. This study
      was designed to test the impact of genomic distance between training and
      validation populations, training population size, statistical methods, and
      density of genetic markers on prediction accuracy for feed efficiency traits in
      multibreed and crossbred beef cattle. A total of 6,794 beef cattle data collated
      from various projects and research herds across Canada were used. Illumina
      BovineSNP50 (50K) and imputed Axiom Genome-Wide BOS 1 Array (HD) genotypes were
      available for all animals. The traits studied were DMI, ADG, and residual feed
      intake (RFI). Four validation groups of 150 animals each, including Angus (AN),
      Charolais (CH), Angus-Hereford crosses (ANHH), and a Charolais-based composite
      (TX) were created by considering the genomic distance between pairs of
      individuals in the validation groups. Each validation group had 7 corresponding
      training groups of increasing sizes ( = 1,000, 1,999, 2,999, 3,999, 4,999, 5,998,
      and 6,644), which also represent increasing average genomic distance between
      pairs of individuals in the training and validations groups. Prediction of
      genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) was performed using genomic best linear
      unbiased prediction (GBLUP) and Bayesian method C (BayesC). The accuracy of
      genomic predictions was defined as the Pearson's correlation between adjusted
      phenotype and GEBV (), unless otherwise stated. Using 50K genotypes, the highest
      average achieved in purebreds (AN, CH) was 0.41 for DMI, 0.34 for ADG, and 0.35
      for RFI, whereas in crossbreds (ANHH, TX) it was 0.38 for DMI, 0.21 for ADG, and
      0.25 for RFI. Similarly, when imputed HD genotypes were applied in purebreds (AN,
      CH), the highest average was 0.14 for DMI, 0.15 for ADG, and 0.14 for RFI,
      whereas in crossbreds (ANHH, TX) it was 0.38 for DMI, 0.22 for ADG, and 0.24 for
      RFI. The of GBLUP predictions were greatly reduced with increasing genomic
      average distance compared to those from BayesC predictions. The results indicate
      that 50K genotypes, used with BayesC, are more effective for predicting GEBV in
      purebred cattle. Imputed HD genotypes found utility when dealing with composites
      and crossbreds. Formulation of a fairly large training set for genomic
      predictions in beef cattle should consider the genomic distance between the
      training and target populations. 

PMID- 27135995
TI  - Genetic analysis of carcass traits in beef cattle using random regression models.
AB  - Livestock mature at different rates depending, in part, on their genetic merit;
      therefore, the optimal age at slaughter for progeny of certain sires may differ.
      The objective of the present study was to examine sire-level genetic profiles for
      carcass weight, carcass conformation, and carcass fat in cattle of multiple beef
      and dairy breeds, including crossbreeds. Slaughter records from 126,214 heifers
      and 124,641 steers aged between 360 and 1,200 d and from 86,089 young bulls aged
      between 360 and 720 d were used in the analysis; animals were from 15,127 sires.
      Variance components for each trait across age at slaughter were generated using
      sire random regression models that included quadratic polynomials for fixed and
      random effects; heterogeneous residual variances were assumed across ages.
      Heritability estimates across genders ranged from 0.08 (+/-0.02) to 0.34 (+/
      0.02) for carcass weight, from 0.24 (+/-0.02) to 0.42 (+/-0.01) for conformation,
      and from 0.16 (+/-0.03) to 0.40 (+/-0.02) for fat score. Genetic correlations
      within each trait across ages weakened as the interval between ages compared
      lengthened but were all >0.64, suggesting a similar genetic background for each
      trait across different ages. Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the additive
      genetic covariance matrix revealed genetic variability among animals in their
      growth profiles for carcass traits, although most of the genetic variability was
      associated with the height of the growth profile. At the same age, a positive
      genetic correlation (0.60 to 0.78; SE ranged from 0.01 to 0.04) existed between
      carcass weight and conformation, whereas negative genetic correlations existed
      between fatness and both conformation (-0.46 to 0.08; SE ranged from 0.02 to
      0.09) and carcass weight (-0.48 to -0.16; SE ranged from 0.02 to 0.14) at the
      same age. The estimated genetic parameters in the present study indicate genetic
      variability in the growth trajectory in cattle, which can be exploited through
      breeding programs and used in decision support tools. 

PMID- 27135996
TI  - Detection of genetic variation affecting milk coagulation properties in Danish
      Holstein dairy cattle by analyses of pooled whole-genome sequences from
      phenotypically extreme samples (pool-seq).
AB  - Rennet-induced milk coagulation is an important trait for cheese production.
      Recent studies have reported an alarming frequency of cows producing poorly
      coagulating milk unsuitable for cheese production. Several genetic factors are
      known to affect milk coagulation, including variation in the major milk proteins;
      however, recent association studies indicate genetic effects from other genomic
      regions as well. The aim of this study was to detect genetic variation affecting
      milk coagulation properties, measured as curd-firming rate (CFR) and milk pH.
      This was achieved by examining allele frequency differences between pooled whole
      genome sequences of phenotypically extreme samples (pool-seq).. Curd-firming rate
      and raw milk pH were measured for 415 Danish Holstein cows, and each animal was
      sequenced at low coverage. Pools were created containing whole genome sequence
      reads from samples with "extreme" values (high or low) for both phenotypic
      traits. A total of 6,992,186 and 5,295,501 SNP were assessed in relation to CFR
      and milk pH, respectively. Allele frequency differences were calculated between
      pools and 32 significantly different SNP were detected, 1 for milk pH and 31 for
      CFR, of which 19 are located on chromosome 6. A total of 9 significant SNP, which
      were selected based on the possible function of proximal candidate genes, were
      genotyped in the entire sample set ( = 415) to test for an association. The most
      significant SNP was located proximal to , explaining 33% of the phenotypic
      variance. , coding for kappa-casein, is the most studied in relation to milk
      coagulation due to its position on the surface of the casein micelles and the
      direct involvement in milk coagulation. Three additional SNP located on
      chromosome 6 showed significant associations explaining 7, 3.6, and 1.3% of the
      phenotypic variance of CFR. The significant SNP on chromosome 6 were shown to be
      in linkage disequilibrium with the SNP peaking proximal to ; however, after
      accounting for the genotype of the peak SNP within this QTL, significant effects
      (-value < 0.1) could still be detected for 2 of the SNP accounting for 2 and 1%
      of the phenotypic variance. These 2 interesting SNP were located within introns
      or proximal to the candidate genes-solute carrier family 4 (sodium bicarbonate
      cotransporter), member 4 () and LIM and calponin homology domains 1 (),
      respectively-making them interesting targets for further analysis. 

PMID- 27135997
TI  - Loci impacting polymorphic gait in the Tennessee Walking Horse.
AB  - Following domestication, man selected the horse primarily for the purpose of
      transportation rather than consumption; this selective strategy created divergent
      traits for locomotion. At intermediate speeds, beyond the flat walk, the horse
      can perform a range of diagonal and lateral 2-beat or 4-beat gait patterns. The
      Tennessee Walking Horse (TWH) is the only U.S. breed able to perform an even
      timed 4-beat gait (the "running-walk") at intermediate speeds; however, within
      the breed, there is remaining variation in gait type. To investigate the
      contribution of genetics to this unique trait, blood or hair samples for DNA and
      gait information were collected from 129 TWH and genotyping was performed at
      approximately 60,000 loci using the Illumina Equine SNP70 beadchip at GeneSeek
      Inc. (Lincoln, NE). Case-control association tests identified suggestive regions
      for gait type on equine chromosome (ECA) 19 (-value of 1.50 * 10 after 1 million
      permutations; PLINK version 1.07). Haplotype analysis identified 2 significant
      haplotypes on ECA19 and ECA11 (-values of 3.7 * 10 and 3.92 * 10, respectively).
      Genes within these suggestive regions play roles in developmental processes and
      biological regulation, indicating there may be variant differences in the
      neurobiology and regulation of horses with a polymorphic gait. 

PMID- 27135998
TI  - Refining genomewide association for growth and fat deposition traits in an F pig
      population.
AB  - The identification of genomic regions that affect additive genetic variation and
      contain genes involved in controlling growth and fat deposition has enormous
      impact in the farm animal industry (e.g., carcass merit and meat quality).
      Therefore, a genomewide association study was implemented in an F pig population
      using a 60,000 SNP marker panel for traits related to growth and fat deposition.
      Estimated genomic EBV were linearly transformed to calculate SNP effects and to
      identify genomic positions possibly associated with the genetic variability of
      each trait. Genomic segments were then defined considering the markers included
      in a region 1 Mb up- and downstream from the SNP with the smallest -value and a
      false discovery rate < 0.05 for each trait. The significance for each 2-Mb
      segment was tested using the Bonferroni correction. Significant SNP were detected
      on SSC2, SSC3, SSC5, and SSC6, but 2-Mb segment significant effects were observed
      on SSC3 for weight at birth (wt_birth) and on SSC6 for 10th-rib backfat and last
      rib backfat measured by ultrasound at different ages. Furthermore, a 6-Mb segment
      on SSC6 was also considered because the 2-Mb segments for 10 different fat
      deposition traits were overlapped. Although the segment effects for each trait
      remain significant, the proportion of additive variance explained by this larger
      segment was slightly smaller in some traits. In general, the results confirm the
      presence of genetic variability for wt_birth on SSC3 (18.0-20.2 Mb) and for fat
      deposition traits on SSC6 (133.8-136.0 Mb). Within these regions, fibrosin () and
      myosin light chain, phosphorylatable, fast skeletal muscle () genes could be
      considered as candidates for the wt_birth signal on SSC3, and the SERPINE1
      mRNAbinding protein 1 gene () may be a candidate for the fat deposition trait
      signals on SSC6. 

PMID- 27135999
TI  - A tremendous expansion of copy number in crossbred bulls ( * ).
AB  - Crossbreeding between cattle () and yak () exhibits significant hybrid advantages
      in milk yield and meat production. By contrast, cattle-yak F hybrid bulls are
      sterile. Copy number variations (CNV) of multicopy gene families in male-specific
      regions of the mammalian Y chromosome (MSY) affect human and animal fertility.
      The present study investigated CNV of (), (), (), and () in 5 yak breed bulls ( =
      63), cattle-yak F ( = 22) and F ( = 2) hybrid bulls, and Chinese Yellow (CY)
      cattle bulls ( = 10) by quantitative real-time PCR. showed restricted
      amplification in yak bulls in that the average geometric mean copy number (CN)
      was estimated to be 4 copies. The most compelling finding is that there is a
      tremendous expansion of CN in F hybrids (385 copies; 95% confidence interval [CI]
      = 351-421) and F hybrids (356 copies) compared with the male parent breed CY
      cattle (142 copies; 95% CI = 95-211). Copy numbers of and were also extensively
      expanded on the Y chromosome in yak and CY cattle bulls. The geometric mean CN of
      and were estimated to be 123 (95% CI = 114-132) and 250 copies (95% CI = 233-268)
      in yak bulls and 71 (95% CI = 61-82) and 133 (95% CI = 107-164) copies in CY
      cattle, respectively. Yak and CY cattle have 2 copies of the gene on the Y
      chromosome. Similarly to gene, the F and F hybrid bulls have higher CN of , , and
      than CY cattle ( < 0.01). These results indicated that the MSY of yak and cattle
      yak crossbred hybrids was fundamentally different from cattle MSY in the context
      of genomic organization. Based on the model of cattle-yak F and F hybrid bull
      sterility, the CNV of may serve as a potential risk factor for crossbred bull ( *
      ) infertility. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine differences
      in multicopy genes in MSY between yak and cattle-yak bulls. 

PMID- 27136000
TI  - Crossbred steer temperament as yearlings and whole genome association of steer
      temperament as yearlings and calf temperament post-weaning.
AB  - cattle often have the reputation for a poor or dangerous temperament.
      Identification of genomic regions that associate with temperament of such cattle
      may be useful for genetic improvement strategies. The objectives of this study
      were to evaluate subjective temperament scores (1 to 9; higher scores indicated
      more unfavorable temperament) for aggressiveness, nervousness, flightiness,
      gregariousness, and overall temperament of one-half steers in feedlot conditions
      at 1 yr of age and compare those scores of those steers when evaluated
      approximately 1 mo postweaning, and conduct whole genome association analyses
      using SNP markers and the temperament traits of those steers at 1 yr of age and
      for temperament traits of all calves at weaning. Contemporary groups ( < 0.001)
      were steers born in the same year and season, and fed in the same feedlot pen.
      Aggressiveness of steers at 1 yr of age was not associated with aggressiveness at
      weaning (linear regression coefficient did not differ from 0; = 0.96), but
      regressions of all other yearling scores of steers on the scores at weaning were
      positive (coefficients ranged from 0.26 +/- 0.04 to 0.32 +/- 0.04; < 0.001).
      Estimates of Pearson correlation coefficients (using unadjusted values and
      residual values) of the different traits measured at 1 yr of age were large ( >
      0.63; < 0.008) except for aggressiveness with nervousness, flightiness, or
      gregariousness, which did not differ from 0 ( > 0.1). Five SNP on BTA 1, 24, and
      29 had suggestive associations (0.17 < [adjusted for FDR] < 0.24) with
      aggressiveness, nervousness, or flightiness at evaluation postweaning and 13 SNP
      on 11 chromosomes had suggestive associations (0.07 < [adjusted for FDR] < 0.24)
      with aggressiveness, nervousness, flightiness, or overall temperament score of
      steers at 1 yr of age. Genes close to these loci with roles in neural systems of
      various organisms included synaptotagmin 4 (BTA 24), FAT atypical cadhedrin 3
      (BTA 29), tubulin tyrosine ligase-like 1 (BTA 5), spermatogenesis associated 17
      (BTA 16), stanniocalcin 2 (BTA 20), and GABA receptor gamma 3 (BTA 21). 

PMID- 27136001
TI  - Adiposity, lipogenesis, and fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and
      intramuscular adipose tissues of Brahman and Angus crossbred cattle.
AB  - The objective of this study was to demonstrate differences in aspects of adipose
      tissue cellularity, lipid metabolism, and fatty and cholesterol composition in
      Angus and Brahman crossbred cattle. We hypothesized that in vitro measures of
      lipogenesis would be greater in three-fourths Angus progeny than in three-fourths
      Brahman progeny, especially in intramuscular (i.m.) adipose tissue. Progeny ( =
      227) were fed a standard, corn-based diet for approximately 150 d before
      slaughter. Breed was considered to be the effect of interest and was forced into
      the model. There were 9 breed groups including all 4 kinds of three-fourths Angus
      calves: Angus bulls Angus-sired F cows ( = 32), Angus bulls Brahman-sired F cows
      ( = 20), Brahman-sired F bulls Angus cows ( = 24), and Angus-sired F bulls Angus
      cows ( = 20). There were all 4 kinds of three-fourths Brahman calves: Brahman
      bulls Brahman-sired F cows ( = 21), Brahman bulls Angus-sired F cows ( = 43),
      Brahman-sired F bulls Brahman cows ( = 26), and Angus-sired F bulls Brahman cows
      ( = 13). Additionally, F calves (one-half Brahman and one-half Angus) were
      produced only from Brahman-sired F bulls Angus-sired F cows ( = 28). Contrasts
      were calculated when breed was an important fixed effect, using the random effect
      family(breed) as the error term. Most contrasts were nonsignificant ( > 0.10).
      Those that were significant ( < 0.05) included cholesterol concentration of
      subcutaneous (s.c.) adipose tissue (three-fourths Angus > F, three-fourths
      Brahman > F, and three-fourths crossbred progeny combined > F), s.c. adipocyte
      volume (three-fourths Angus > F and three-fourths bloods combined > F),
      lipogenesis from acetate in s.c. adipose tissue (three-fourths Brahman calves
      from Brahman dams > three-fourths Brahman calves from F dams), and percentage
      18:3-3 in s.c. adipose tissue (three-fourths Brahman calves from Brahman-sired F
      dams < three-fourths Brahman calves from Angus-sired F dams). Intramuscular
      adipocyte volume ( < 0.001) was less in three-fourths Brahman cattle than in
      three-fourths Angus cattle. Additionally, several differences were observed in
      i.m. adipose tissue that were consistent with this being a less-developed adipose
      tissue in three-fourths Brahman cattle than in three-fourths Angus cattle. 

PMID- 27136002
TI  - Genome-wide association studies of growth traits in three dairy cattle breeds
      using whole-genome sequence data.
AB  - Male calves and culled cows of dairy cattle are used for beef production.
      However, unlike beef breeds, the genetics of growth performance traits in dairy
      breeds have not been extensively studied. Here, we performed a genome-wide
      association study (GWAS) on Holsteins ( = 5,519), Jerseys ( = 1,231), and Red
      Dairy Cattle ( = 4,410) to identify QTL for growth traits. First, a GWAS was
      performed within breeds using whole-genome sequence variants. Later, a meta
      analysis was performed to combine information across the 3 breeds. We have
      identified several QTL that have large effects on growth traits in Holsteins and
      Red Dairy Cattle but with little overlap across breeds. Only 1 QTL located on
      chromosome 10 was shared between Holsteins and Red Dairy Cattle. The most
      significant variant (BTA10:59,164,533, rs43636323; -value = 2.8 * 10) in this QTL
      explained 2.4% of the total additive genetic variance in Red Dairy Cattle. The
      gene is a strong candidate for the underlying gene of this QTL. In Red Dairy
      Cattle, a QTL near 25 Mb on chromosome 14 was very significantly associated with
      growth traits, consistent with the previously reported gene , which affects
      growth in beef cattle and humans. No QTL for growth performance was statistically
      significant in Jerseys, possibly due to the low power of detection with the small
      sample size. The meta-analysis of the 3 breeds increased the power to detect QTL.

PMID- 27136003
TI  - Genetic and phenotypic variance and covariance components for methane emission
      and postweaning traits in Angus cattle.
AB  - Ruminants contribute 80% of the global livestock greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
      mainly through the production of methane, a byproduct of enteric microbial
      fermentation primarily in the rumen. Hence, reducing enteric methane production
      is essential in any GHG emissions reduction strategy in livestock. Data on 1,046
      young bulls and heifers from 2 performance-recording research herds of Angus
      cattle were analyzed to provide genetic and phenotypic variance and covariance
      estimates for methane emissions and production traits and to examine the
      interrelationships among these traits. The cattle were fed a roughage diet at 1.2
      times their estimated maintenance energy requirements and measured for methane
      production rate (MPR) in open circuit respiration chambers for 48 h. Traits
      studied included DMI during the methane measurement period, MPR, and methane
      yield (MY; MPR/DMI), with means of 6.1 kg/d (SD 1.3), 132 g/d (SD 25), and 22.0
      g/kg (SD 2.3) DMI, respectively. Four forms of residual methane production (RMP),
      which is a measure of actual minus predicted MPR, were evaluated. For the first 3
      forms, predicted MPR was calculated using published equations. For the fourth
      (RMP), predicted MPR was obtained by regression of MPR on DMI. Growth and body
      composition traits evaluated were birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT),
      yearling weight (YWT), final weight (FWT), and ultrasound measures of eye muscle
      area, rump fat depth, rib fat depth, and intramuscular fat. Heritability
      estimates were moderate for MPR (0.27 [SE 0.07]), MY (0.22 [SE 0.06]), and the
      RMP traits (0.19 [SE 0.06] for each), indicating that genetic improvement to
      reduce methane emissions is possible. The RMP traits and MY were strongly
      genetically correlated with each other (0.99 +/- 0.01). The genetic correlation
      of MPR with MY as well as with the RMP traits was moderate (0.32 to 0.63). The
      genetic correlation between MPR and the growth traits (except BWT) was strong
      (0.79 to 0.86). These results indicate that selection for lower MPR may have
      undesired effect on animal productivity. On the other hand, MY and the RMPR were
      either not genetically correlated or weakly correlated with BWT, YWT, and FWT (
      0.06 to 0.23) and body composition traits (-0.18 to 0.18). Therefore, selection
      for lower MY or RMPR would lead to lower MPR without impacting animal
      productivity. Where the use of a ratio trait (e.g., MY) is not desirable,
      selection on any of the forms of RMP would be an alternative. 

PMID- 27136004
TI  - After genome-wide association studies: Gene networks elucidating candidate genes
      divergences for number of teats across two pig populations.
AB  - Number of teats (NT) is an important trait affecting both piglet's welfare and
      the production level of pig farms. Biologically, embryonic mammary gland
      development requires the coordination of many signaling pathways necessary for
      the proper development of teats. Several QTL for NT have been identified;
      however, further analysis is still lacking. Therefore, gene networks derived from
      genomewide association study (GWAS) results can be used to examine shared
      pathways and functions of putative candidate genes. Besides, such analyses may
      also be helpful to understand the genetic diversity between populations for the
      same trait or traits. In this study, we identified significant SNP for Landrace
      based (line C) and Large White-based (line D) dam lines. Besides, gene
      transcription factor (TF) networks were constructed aiming to obtain the most
      likely candidate genes for NT in each line followed by a comparative analysis
      between both lines to access similarities or dissimilarities at the marker and
      gene level. We identified 24 and 19 significant SNP (Bayes factor >= 100) for
      lines C and D, respectively. Only 1 significant SNP overlapped both lines.
      Network analysis illustrated gene interactions consistent with known mammal's
      breast biology and captured known TF. We observed different sets of putative
      candidate genes for NT in each line evaluated that may have common effects on the
      phenotype. Based on these results, we demonstrated the importance of post-GWAS
      analyses increasing the biological understanding of relevant genes for a complex
      trait. Moreover, we believe that this genomic diversity across lines should be
      taken into account, considering breed-specific reference populations for genomic
      selection. 

PMID- 27136005
TI  - Genotype by environment interactions for behavioral reactivity in sheep.
AB  - In sheep, social reactivity and reactivity to humans are relevant behavioral
      responses that are used to investigate the behavioral adaptation of farm animals
      to various rearing conditions. Such traits were previously reported as heritable
      and associated with several QTLs. However, few behavior-related genotype by
      environment (G * E) interactions have been reported to date. The experiment was
      performed on 2,989 male and female lambs issued from 30 sires. Every sire had
      progeny reared under both intensive and extensive conditions. After weaning, all
      lambs were individually exposed to two standardized behavioral tests. A broad
      range of behaviors including vocalizations, locomotion, localization, vigilance,
      and flight distance were assessed. Two complementary statistic approaches, with
      and without assumptions on the biological significance of behaviors, were
      performed to investigate social reactivity and reactivity to humans. G * E
      interactions were investigated based on the genetic correlations estimated for
      each factor or trait between farming conditions; those significantly different
      from 1 indicating a G * E. Environmental effects showed that social reactivity
      and reactivity to humans were higher in intensively reared lambs. The
      heritability of factors or traits used to measure social reactivity and
      reactivity to humans was similar in both rearing conditions. Estimated
      heritabilities were high for vocalizations in response to social isolation,
      moderate for locomotion and vigilance in response to social isolation, and low
      for both flight distance to an approaching human and proximity to a motionless
      human. No significant G * E interaction was found for vocalizations. G * E
      interactions were found for locomotion, vigilance and flight distance. Genetic
      correlations between both environments were low to moderate for vigilance,
      locomotion and flight distance. Vocalization in response to social isolation with
      or without human presence was identified as a robust trait and could be used to
      improve sheep sociability, independently of the environment. A G * E interaction
      was observed for behavioral reactivity to humans. Although moderate, the genetic
      correlation for this trait between intensive and extensive conditions could be
      used to select sires in the same environment by taking into account the G * E and
      to produce in different environments progenies that are less reactive to humans. 

PMID- 27136006
TI  - Expression of genes related to the regulation of muscle protein turnover in Angus
      and Nellore bulls.
AB  - We aimed to evaluate the expression of genes related to the regulation of muscle
      protein turnover in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of Angus and Nellore bulls
      and to estimate the within-breed correlations of gene expression and performance
      traits. Thirteen genes related to the IGF-1 and myostatin pathways were studied.
      Thirteen animals, with an initial average BW of 381.2 +/- 11.8 kg, from each
      breed were used in a completely randomized 2 * 2 factorial design (2 breeds and 2
      feeding levels). The diet consisted of corn silage and a corn-soybean meal
      concentrate in a roughage-to-concentrate ratio of 30:70. Cattle were fed ad
      libitum (with 9 animals from each breed) or feed restricted (a 55% restriction of
      total DMI of ad libitum-fed animals, calculated as percentage of metabolic BW,
      with 4 animals of each breed). The experimental period lasted for 82 d and it was
      preceded by a 28-d adaptation period. The performance traits evaluated were
      slaughter body weight, total ADG (from d 1 to 82 of the trial), initial ADG (from
      d 1 to 41 of the trial), final ADG (from d 42 to 82 of the trial), total DMI
      (from d 1 to 82 of the trial), initial DMI (from d 1 to 41 of the trial), final
      DMI (from d 42 to 82 of the trial), HCW, LD weight (LDW), and rib eye area (REA).
      After slaughter, samples were taken from the LD muscle between the 12th and 13th
      ribs for gene expression analysis by quantitative reverse transcription PCR.
      There was no difference ( > 0.05) in the expression of any of the genes studied
      between ad libitum-fed Angus and ad libitum-fed Nellore, whereas feed restriction
      increased the expression of (; < 0.001), (; = 0.05), and (; = 0.04) and decreased
      the expression of ( < 0.01). The REA was negatively correlated to (; = 0.01), (;
      = 0.02), and ( = 0.05). The HCW was negatively correlated to ( = 0.01) and ( =
      0.01) and tended to be negatively correlated to ( = 0.07), whereas the LDW tended
      to be negatively correlated to ( = 0.08). The genes , , and seem to be important
      for muscle growth and may be worthy of further investigation as future strategies
      for increasing muscle in livestock. 

PMID- 27136007
TI  - Identification of potential serum biomarkers to predict feed efficiency in young
      pigs.
AB  - Identification of biomarkers for feed efficiency in livestock will aid in the
      efficient production of high-quality protein to meet the demands of a growing
      population. The overall objective of this research was to identify biomarkers in
      serum for swine feed efficiency and to discover pathways affected by divergent
      selection for residual feed intake (RFI). Serum was collected from young pigs
      (between 35 and 42 d of age) from 2 lines of pigs that have been genetically
      selected to be either more efficient (low-RFI) or less efficient (high-RFI).
      After blood collection, during finishing, pigs from each line were placed on
      either a low-energy/high-fiber diet or a traditional high-energy/low-fiber diet
      to test for any diet effects on RFI. Subsets of 6 pigs per line within each diet
      were used in 3 independent experiments. Pigs with extreme RFI phenotypes from the
      low-energy/high-fiber diet were used to confirm the results from the first 2
      comparisons. Two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis and mass
      spectrometry were used to identify proteins with different abundances between RFI
      line or finishing diet. Three proteins had consistent and significant ( < 0.05)
      RFI line differences for both diets: gelsolin, vitronectin, and serine protease
      inhibitor A3 (serpinA3). Abundance of gelsolin, a protein with roles in actin
      filament assembly and immune response, was greater in the more efficient low-RFI
      pigs (9 to 39%). Vitronectin was also more abundant in the low-RFI pigs (39 to
      56%) and has known roles in blood homeostasis and may regulate adiposity.
      SerpinA3 is a member of a very large family of proteins referred to as serine
      protease inhibitors. A total of 14 spots that were more abundant in the low-RFI
      line, some at least twice as abundant, were identified as serpinA3. Multiple
      isoforms of serpinA3 have been reported (serpinA3-1 to serpinA3-4 in pigs and
      serpinA3-1 to serpinA3-8 in cattle) with serpinA3 having many different functions
      dependent on isoform. Gelsolin, vitronectin, and serpinA3 are 3 proteins that may
      play direct and important biological roles in the pathways that control RFI and,
      ultimately, feed efficiency through energy utilization and homeostasis. These
      data demonstrate that serum proteins can be a useful source of potential
      biomarkers for feed efficiency and provide information on pathways with distinct
      expression patterns between animals that differ in feed efficiency. 

PMID- 27136008
TI  - Caffeine causes pulmonary hypertension syndrome (ascites) in broilers.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS), or ascites, is characterized by elevated
      pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance accompanied by
      right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and fluid accumulation in the abdominal
      cavity. Experimental models are required for triggering PHS to study the
      pathogenesis of this syndrome and to select resistant genetic lines. Caffeine
      increases vascular resistance and promotes systemic hypertension in mammals, but
      a similar effect of caffeine on the pulmonary circulation had not previously been
      demonstrated. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of caffeine
      alone (Exp. 1) or in combination with cold temperature (Exp. 2) on parameters
      associated with PHS in young broiler chicks. In Exp. 1, 288 chicks were
      distributed among 24 pens and brooded at standard environmental temperatures, and
      on d 3 through 42 caffeine was added to the water at doses of 0 (control), 6.25,
      12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/(kg BW.d). In Exp. 2, 192 chicks were distributed among
      16 pens and brooded at cool environmental temperatures, and on d 3 through 42
      caffeine was added to the water at doses of 0 (control), 15, 30, and 45 mg/(kg
      BW.d). In Exp. 1 caffeine administered at or above 12.5 mg/(kg BW.d) induced
      severe PHS and resulted in acute mortality and RVH ( < 0.05). Hematocrit also
      slightly increased by caffeine supplementation ( = 0.07). In Exp. 2 caffeine
      treated broilers exposed to cold temperatures remarkably exhibited PHS incidences
      and developed RVH with right ventricular to total ventricular weight ratios of
      30% or greater. Moreover, hematocrit significantly increased because of caffeine
      supplementation in cool ambient temperature ( = 0.002). Our data demonstrate that
      caffeine induces high incidences of PHS in broilers, which is exacerbated by
      exposure to low temperatures. 

PMID- 27136009
TI  - An evaluation of total starch and starch gelatinization methodologies in pelleted
      animal feed.
AB  - The quantification of total starch content (TS) or degree of starch
      gelatinization (DG) in animal feed is always challenging because of the potential
      interference from other ingredients. In this study, the differences in TS or DG
      measurement in pelleted swine feed due to variations in analytical methodology
      were quantified. Pelleted swine feed was used to create 6 different diets
      manufactured with various processing conditions in a 2 * 3 factorial design (2
      conditioning temperatures, 77 or 88 degrees C, and 3 conditioning retention
      times, 15, 30, or 60 s). Samples at each processing stage (cold mash, hot mash,
      hot pelletized feed, and final cooled pelletized feed) were collected for each of
      the 6 treatments and analyzed for TS and DG. Two different methodologies were
      evaluated for TS determination (the AOAC International method 996.11 vs. the
      modified glucoamylase method) and DG determination (the modified glucoamylase
      method vs. differential scanning calorimetry [DSC]). For TS determination, the
      AOAC International method 996.11 measured lower TS values in cold pellets
      compared with the modified glucoamylase method. The AOAC International method
      resulted in lower TS in cold mash than cooled pelletized feed, whereas the
      modified glucoamylase method showed no significant differences in TS content
      before or after pelleting. For DG, the modified glucoamylase method demonstrated
      increased DG with each processing step. Furthermore, increasing the conditioning
      temperature and time resulted in a greater DG when evaluated by the modified
      glucoamylase method. However, results demonstrated that DSC is not suitable as a
      quantitative tool for determining DG in multicomponent animal feeds due to
      interferences from nonstarch transformations, such as protein denaturation. 

PMID- 27136010
TI  - Effects of distillers' dried grains with solubles and soybean oil on dietary
      lipid, fiber, and amino acid digestibility in corn-based diets fed to growing
      pigs.
AB  - The use of corn coproducts increases the concentration of fiber and, often, the
      use of supplemental lipids in swine diets, which may affect energy and nutrient
      digestibility. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of reduced
      oil distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and soybean oil (SBO) on
      dietary AA, acid hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE), and NDF digestibility in corn
      based diets fed to growing pigs. Eighteen growing pigs (33.8 +/- 2.2 kg BW) were
      surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and allocated to 1 of 6
      dietary treatment groups in a 3-period incomplete Latin square design, with 9
      observations per treatment. Six dietary treatments were obtained by adding 0, 20,
      and 40% DDGS to corn-casein diets formulated with 2 and 6% SBO. Ileal digesta and
      fecal samples were collected and the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and
      apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of AEE and NDF and the AID of AA were
      determined. Apparent values were corrected for endogenous losses of lipids, and
      true ileal (TID) and true total tract digestibility (TTTD) values of lipids were
      calculated. Results showed that the AID of Lys decreased ( < 0.001) with the
      inclusion of DDGS but was not affected ( = 0.63) by the inclusion of SBO. An
      interaction between DDGS and SBO on the AID ( = 0.002) and ATTD ( = 0.009) of NDF
      was observed, where the AID and ATTD of NDF decreased with DDGS at 6% SBO but no
      effect was observed at 2% SBO. The AID of NDF increased with SBO at 0% DDGS, but
      no effect was observed at 20 or 40% DDGS. An interaction between DDGS and SBO on
      the AID ( = 0.011) and ATTD ( = 0.008) of AEE was observed, where the AID and
      ATTD of AEE increased with SBO. The AID and ATTD of AEE increased with DDGS at 2%
      SBO, but no effect was observed at 6% SBO. Correction by ileal and fecal
      endogenous loss of AEE (9.5 and 13.6 g/kg of DMI, respectively) showed that
      increasing dietary AEE had no effect on the TID and TTD of AEE ( > 0.05). In
      conclusion, the AID of Lys decreased with DDGS and was not affected by lipids
      from SBO. The greatest AID and ATTD of NDF was observed in diets with a high AEE
      and low NDF content. Low values of apparent digestibility of AEE in lower-lipid
      diets are possibly the result of endogenous losses of lipids, because the true
      digestibility of AEE was not affected by the dietary increase of AEE. 

PMID- 27136011
TI  - Comparison of growth and efficiency of dietary energy utilization by growing pigs
      offered feeding programs based on the metabolizable energy or the net energy
      system.
AB  - The NE system describes the useful energy available for growth better than the ME
      system. The use of NE in diet formulation should maintain growth performance and
      carcass parameters when diets contain a diversity of ingredients. This study
      compared the growth performance of pigs on diets formulated using either the ME
      or the NE system. A total of 944 gilts and 1,110 castrates (40.8 +/- 2.0 kg
      initial BW) were allotted to group pens and assigned to 1 of 5 different feeding
      programs according to a randomized complete block design. The 5 treatments
      included: a corn-soybean meal control diet (CTL), a corn-soybean meal diet plus
      corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), formulated to be equal in ME
      to the CTL diet (ME-D), a corn-soybean meal diet plus corn DDGS, formulated to be
      equal in NE to the CTL diet (NE-D), a corn-soybean meal diet plus corn DDGS and
      corn germ meal, to be equal in ME to the CTL diet (ME-DC) and a corn-soybean meal
      diet plus corn DDGS and corn germ meal, formulated to be equal in NE to the CTL
      diet (NE-DC). When required, fat was added as an energy source. Pigs were
      harvested at an average BW of 130.3 +/- 4.0 kg. Growth performance was not
      affected by treatment ( = 0.581, = 0. 177, and = 0.187 for ADG, ADFI, and G:F,
      respectively). However, carcass growth decreased with the addition of coproducts
      except for the NE-D treatment ( = 0.016, = 0.001, = 0.018, = 0.010, and = 0.010
      for dressing percentage, HCW, carcass ADG, back fat, and loin depth,
      respectively). Carcass G:F and lean percentage did not differ among treatments (
      = 0.109 and = 0.433, respectively). On the other hand, NE intake decreased ( =
      0.035) similarly to that of carcass gain, suggesting a relationship between NE
      intake and energy retention. Calculations of NE per kilogram of BW gain differed
      among treatments ( = 0.010), but NE per kilogram of carcass was similar among
      treatments ( = 0.640). This suggests that NE may be better than ME at explaining
      the carcass results. Finally, ME intake and ME per kilogram of BW gain were not
      different among treatments ( = 0.112), but ME per kilogram of carcass gain was
      different among treatments ( = 0.048). In conclusion, the sequential addition of
      coproducts in diets formulated on an NE or ME basis can result in similar growth
      performance, but carcass parameters may be affected independently of the energy
      system used. However, formulating diets based on NE tended to improve
      predictability of growth, especially carcass parameters. 

PMID- 27136012
TI  - The use of porcine digestible peptides and their continuity effect in nursery
      pigs.
AB  - A total of 552 entire male and female nursery pigs were selected to be used in 2
      different experiments that aimed to study if milk ingredients can be replaced by
      highly preferred protein sources (Exp. 1) and if pre- and postnatal exposure of
      those protein ingredients through the maternal diet may increase pig performance
      (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, 240 pigs were separated after weaning (28 d) into 2 groups
      depending on the presence of lactose in their diets. Pigs ( =120) fed diets with
      the precence of lactose (lactose +) were given prestarter (0-14 d) and starter
      (15-33 d) diets with 142 and 50 g/kg of sweet milk whey, respectively; the
      lactose-free group ( = 120) was offered an isoenergetic diet with 20 g/kg of
      porcine-digestible peptides (PDP; Palbio 62SP; Bioiberica S.A., Palafolls, Spain)
      and wheat replacing sweet milk whey. Choice and 1-feeder tests were performed in
      another group of animals ( = 72) to evaluate the preference and acceptance for
      both diets. Pigs preferred ( = 0.039) the lactose+ over the lactose-free diet
      after a 30-min choice test and consumed more ( = 0.001) lactose+ than lactose
      free diet in a 1-feeder test. However, no difference ( > 0.467) in performance
      was observed between groups for the entire nursery period. In Exp. 2, 120 animals
      were obtained from sows that, during late gestation (14 d) and lactation (28 d),
      were fed diets containing 20 g/kg of PDP and another 120 animals were obtained
      from sows fed an isoenergetic diet without PDP inclusion. Placenta samples were
      collected at farrowing to assess the volatile compounds present in the placental
      fluid of sows. After weaning, all pigs received a feed containing 20 g/kg of PDP
      in the prestarter and starter diets. A principal components analysis of the total
      volatile compounds showed the exclusive presence of sulfur-containing compounds
      and a higher presence of terpene compounds in the placental fluid of PDP
      supplemented sows. In addition, pigs coming from sows fed diets supplemented with
      PDP tended to show a higher ADFI ( = 0.07) and ADG ( = 0.06) than did pigs coming
      from control sows during the 15 to 33 d after-weaning period. These results
      suggest that dietary incorporation of sweet milk whey may be replaced by a
      specific protein source without affecting performance of pigs after weaning.
      However, more experiments are needed to elucidate the mechanism for the sow's
      diets' influence over pig's performance. 

PMID- 27136013
TI  - L-Glutamate deficiency can trigger proliferation inhibition via down regulation
      of the mTOR/S6K1 pathway in pig intestinal epithelial cells.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of L-glutamate (Glu)
      deficiency or L-trans pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) supplementation on
      the proliferation of pig intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-1). First, IPEC-1
      cells were cultured in normal growing medium supplemented with 0 (Control), 50,
      100, or 200 umol/L PDC to determine an appropriate concentration of PDC
      supplementation. Second, IPEC-1 cells were cultured in Glu-deficient medium
      supplemented with 0 umol/L Glu (Glu deficiency), 50 umol/L Glu (Control), or 50
      umol/L Glu plus 100 umol/L PDC (PDC supplementation). Cell proliferation ( = 24),
      cell cycle distribution ( = 6), cell apoptosis ( = 6), and expression levels of
      proteins of interest ( = 4) were determined by MTT assay, flow cytometry, or
      western blot. The results showed that cell proliferation was inhibited ( < 0.05)
      by 50, 100, and 200 umol/L PDC supplementation at 24 and 48 h after treatment.
      Variance analysis was performed using the GLM procedure, and the results
      demonstrated that Glu deficiency or PDC supplementation led to the inhibition ( <
      0.05) of cell proliferation, a greater ( < 0.05) percentage of cells in the G1
      phase, and a lower ( < 0.05) percentage of cells in the S phase. Moreover, Glu
      deficiency or PDC supplementation reduced ( < 0.05) the expression levels of
      excitatory AA transporter 3 (EAAT3), phosphor-mammalian target of rapamycin (p
      mTOR; Ser2448), p-ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1; Thr389), and p-S6
      (Ser235/236). This study demonstrates that Glu deficiency or PDC supplementation
      inhibits proliferation of IPEC-1 cells via downregulation of the mTOR/S6K1
      pathway and EAAT3 expression indicating that Glu deficiency may lead to the
      disturbances of intestinal epithelial renewal in pigs, particularly in neonates. 

PMID- 27136014
TI  - Fatty acid composition of ruminal digesta and longissimus muscle from lambs fed
      silage mixtures including red clover, sainfoin, and timothy.
AB  - This work investigated the effects of feeding silage mixtures of a plant
      containing polyphenol oxidase (PPO; red clover [; RC]), a plant containing
      tannins (sainfoin [; SF]), and a grass species not containing these compounds
      (timothy [; T]) on ruminal and intramuscular (i.m.) fatty acids of lambs. Forty 4
      mo-old castrated male Romane lambs, divided into 5 groups, received 1 of the
      following silages: 1) T (100%), 2) a binary mixture of timothy and tannin
      containing sainfoin ( cv. Perly; 50:50 [T-SF]), 3) a binary mixture of timothy
      and PPO-containing red clover ( cv. Mervius; 50:50 [T-RC]), 4) a ternary mixture
      of timothy, sainfoin, and red clover containing both tannins and PPO (50:25:25,
      respectively [T-SF-RC]), and 5) a binary mixture of tannin-containing sainfoin
      and PPO-containing red clover (50:50 [SF-RC]). In the rumen digesta, the partial
      or total replacement of T with forage legumes was associated with greater
      concentrations of PUFA ( < 0.001) and 1esser concentrations of MUFA ( < 0.001).
      The inclusion of forage legumes in the silage favored the accumulation of 18:3 -3
      ( < 0.001), with the greatest concentrations being observed in SF-RC. This latter
      diet also led to the greatest percentage of 18:2 -6 ( < 0.001). Forage legumes
      decreased the -11 18:1 to 30% of T in rumen digesta ( < 0.001). Forage legumes
      decreased the total concentration of branched-chain fatty acids in the rumen
      digesta (on average, -28%; < 0.001), this effect being less marked (-17%; =
      0.014) in T-RC in comparison with T. The dietary treatment tended to affect the
      proportion of MUFA ( = 0.081) and of PUFA ( = 0.079) in the i.m. fat of the LM,
      respectively, at the highest and lowest numerical value in the T group. The sum
      of -3 fatty acids was less in the T and T-SF groups compared with the mixture of
      legumes without T (SF-RC; < 0.001 and < 0.008, respectively). The latter group
      had also a lesser -6-to--3 ratio than the T-SF group ( = 0.01). -11 18:1 was
      greater ( < 0.03) in lambs given T as the sole silage in comparison with lambs
      given T-RC, T-SF-RC, and SF-RC. Rumenic acid (-9 -11 CLA) was detected at a
      greater percentage in the LM from the animals fed the T silage compared with
      animals fed the T-SF-RC treatment ( = 0.004). Contrarily, -9 -12 -15 18:3 was
      found at a greater concentration in the muscle from lambs in the SF-RC treatment
      compared with lambs in the other treatments ( < 0.001). Furthermore, the T-RC
      group showed a greater proportion of alpha-linolenic acid than the T group ( =
      0.03). In conclusion, the effects of the 2 active compounds (PPO and tannins)
      appear to be similar and additive. Moreover, a silage composed of a mixture of RC
      and SF is an excellent forage for growing lambs in terms of i.m. fatty acid
      composition. 

PMID- 27136015
TI  - Effects of quebracho tannin extract on rumen fermentation and yield and
      composition of microbial mass in heifers.
AB  - To determine the effects of incremental quebracho tannin extract (QTE) infusions
      on rumen fermentation and yield and composition of microbial mass, a study was
      conducted that consisted of 1 control period (Control I) without QTE dosing; 4
      periods when all animals received 1, 2, 4, or 6% QTE of the diet (DM basis); and
      a second control period (Control II). Each period consisted of 9 d of adaptation,
      6 d of urine collection, and 1 d of rumen sampling. Three rumen-fistulated
      heifers (495 kg BW [SE 14]) were offered 2.6 kg/d grass hay, 2.6 kg/d
      concentrates, and 60 g/d mineral-vitamin premix (as fed) in 2 equal meals. Half
      the daily QTE dosage was intraruminally administered at every meal. Urine and
      rumen fluids were analyzed for purine derivatives and short-chain fatty acids,
      respectively. Nitrogen and purine base (PB) concentrations were determined in
      liquid-associated microbes in rumen fluid (LAMF), liquid-associated microbes in
      the solid phase (LAMS), and particle-associated microbes (PAM). Increasing QTE
      dosages linearly increased propionate and butyrate proportions in rumen fluid ( =
      0.37, = 0.004 and = 0.51, < 0.001, respectively). Instead, proportions of acetate
      ( = 0.75, < 0.001), isobutyrate ( = 0.66, < 0.001), and isovalerate ( = 0.49, <
      0.001) and urinary purine derivatives excretions ( = 0.66, < 0.001) linearly
      decreased with increasing QTE infusions. Inconsistent differences were observed
      for LAMF, but concentrations of PB in LAMS ( <= 0.018) and of N in PAM ( < 0.001)
      were greater at 6% QTE than at Control I, II, and 1% QTE. Hence, low to moderate
      QTE dosages hamper rumen fermentation and microbial biomass yields. Alongside the
      nutritional consequences for the host, the methodological implications of these
      effects should be considered in studies evaluating the targeted use of tannins in
      ruminant feeding. 

PMID- 27136016
TI  - Zeolite A effect on calcium homeostasis in growing goats.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of 2 different
      concentrations of zeolite A on calcium homeostasis. Seventeen growing goats were
      divided into 3 groups. Whereas the control group (5 animals) received no
      supplementation, 2 treatment groups were supplemented with zeolite A at either
      1.2 (6 animals) or 1.6 g/kg BW (6 animals), respectively. Blood and urine samples
      were continually drawn and bone mineral density was measured weekly by peripheral
      quantitative computed tomography. After 3 wks, the animals were slaughtered and
      samples were taken from the rumen, duodenum, and kidneys. Plasma concentrations
      of phosphate ( < 0.001), magnesium ( < 0.001), and 1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol
      ( < 0.01) as well as renal excretion of phosphate ( < 0.05) were significantly
      lower in the treatment groups compared with the control group. Although bone
      resorption was increased in both treatment groups ( < 0.05), no alterations in
      bone structure were detected. Determination of gastrointestinal absorption of
      calcium by Ussing chamber technique and quantification of RNA and protein
      expression of genes known to be involved in active calcium absorption did not
      reveal any stimulating effect of zeolite. Plasma calcium concentrations were not
      altered, probably because of the sufficient dietary calcium supply. However due
      to the effects of zeolite on 1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol, bone metabolism and
      serum concentrations of phosphate and magenesium shown in the present study,
      potential negative long-termin effects on the animals should be considered
      whenever rations with zeolite are designed. 

PMID- 27136017
TI  - Relationship between residual feed intake and lymphocyte mitochondrial complex
      protein concentration and ratio in crossbred steers.
AB  - Rate of oxygen uptake by muscle mitochondria and respiratory chain protein
      concentrations differed between high- and low-residual feed intake (RFI) animals.
      The hypothesis of this research was that complex I (CI), II (CII), and III (CIII)
      mitochondria protein concentrations in lymphocyte (blood) mitochondria were
      related to the RFI phenotype of beef steers. Daily feed intake (ADFI) was
      individually recorded for 92 Hereford-crossbreed steers over 63 d using GrowSafe
      individual feed intake system. Predicted ADFI was calculated as the regression of
      ADFI on ADG and midtest BW. Difference between ADFI and predicted ADFI was RFI.
      Lymphocytes were isolated from low-RFI (-1.32 +/- 0.11 kg/d; = 10) and high-RFI
      (1.34 +/- 0.18 kg/d; = 8) steers. Immunocapture of CI, CII, and CIII proteins
      from the lymphocyte was done using MitoProfile CI, CII, and CIII immunocapture
      kits (MitoSciences Inc., Eugene, OR). Protein concentrations of CI, CII, and CIII
      and total protein were quantified using bicinchoninic acid colorimetric
      procedures. Low-RFI steers consumed 30% less ( = 0.0004) feed and had a 40%
      improvement ( < 0.0001) in feed efficiency compared with high-RFI steers with
      similar growth ( = 0.78) and weight measurements ( > 0.65). High- and low-RFI
      steers did not differ in CI ( = 0.22), CII ( = 0.69), and CIII ( = 0.59) protein
      concentrations. The protein concentration ratios for CI to CII ( = 0.03) were 20%
      higher and the ratios of CI to CIII ( = 0.01) were 30% higher, but the ratios of
      CII to CIII ( = 0.89) did not differ when comparing low-RFI steers with high-RFI
      steers. The similar magnitude difference in feed intake, feed efficiency
      measurements, and CI-to-CIII ratio between RFI phenotypes provides a plausible
      explanation for differences between the phenotypes. We also concluded that
      mitochondria isolated from lymphocytes could be used to study respiratory chain
      differences among differing RFI phenotypes. Further research is needed to
      determine if lymphocyte mitochondrial complex proteins can be used for
      identification of RFI phenotype. 

PMID- 27136018
TI  - Changes in concentrations of trace minerals in lambs fed sericea lespedeza leaf
      meal pellets with or without dietary sodium molybdate.
AB  - Prolonged feeding of sericea lespedeza (SL) previously led to reduced serum
      concentrations of Mo, a cofactor in an enzyme complex that may be involved in
      weight gain. The current objective was to determine the effect of Mo
      supplementation on changes in serum, fecal, urine, and liver concentrations of
      trace minerals in lambs fed SL leaf meal pellets. Thirty ram lambs weaned in May
      (84 +/- 1.5 d of age and 27 +/- 1.1 kg; D 0) were blocked by BW, breed type (full
      or three-fourths Katahdin), and EBV of parasite resistance and randomly assigned
      to be fed 900 g/d of an alfalfa-based supplement (CON; = 10) or a SL-based
      supplement ( = 20) for 103 d. Supplements were formulated to be isonitrogenous
      and isocaloric and to meet trace mineral requirements. Within the SL group,
      individual lambs were administered either 5 mL water or 5 mL of water with 163.3
      mg of sodium molybdate (SLMO). Serum was collected on d 28, 56, and 104; a liver
      sample was collected by biopsy on d 104 to determine concentrations of trace
      minerals. Data were analyzed using a mixed model and orthogonal contrasts. Serum
      concentrations of Mo increased in response to the drench and were greatest in
      SLMO lambs and then CON lambs and lowest in SL lambs ( < 0.001). Concentrations
      of Mo in the liver ( < 0.001) were similar between CON and SLMO lambs and were
      lower in SL lambs than other groups. Serum ( < 0.001) and liver ( = 0.013)
      concentrations of zinc (Zn) were reduced in both SL and SLMO lambs compared with
      CON lambs. Serum concentrations of cobalt (Co) increased in CON lambs compared
      with SL and SLMO lambs between d 0 and 56 but were similar on d 104 (diet * day,
      < 0.005) as with concentrations in the liver. Serum and liver concentrations of
      copper (Cu) were greatest ( < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively) in CON lambs
      followed by SL lambs and then SLMO lambs. Serum concentrations of selenium (Se)
      tended ( = 0.10) to be reduced in SL lambs compared with CON and SLMO lambs, but
      concentrations in the liver were reduced in SL lambs compared with CON lambs and
      even more so in SLMO lambs ( < 0.003). Although the dietary Mo did increase
      stores of Mo in the animal and reduced copper, trace minerals associated with
      metalloproteins-Mo, copper, selenium, and zinc-were reduced in the liver of SL-
      and/or SLMO-fed lambs. These reductions could be associated with the lower weight
      gains previously observed after prolonged feeding of SL. 

PMID- 27136019
TI  - Effects of flaxseed and chia seed on ruminal fermentation, nutrient
      digestibility, and long-chain fatty acid flow in a dual-flow continuous culture
      system.
AB  - Flaxseed (FS) and chia seed (CS) are oilseeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which
      may change meat and milk composition when added to ruminants' diets and may have
      health benefits for humans. Literature on the effects of CS supplementation on
      ruminal metabolism is nonexistent. A dual-flow continuous culture fermenter
      system consisting of 6 fermenters was used to assess the effect of FS and CS
      supplementation in an alfalfa hay-based diet on ruminal fermentation, nutrient
      digestibility, microbial protein synthesis, and long-chain fatty acid flow. Diets
      were randomly assigned to fermenters in a replicated 3 * 3 Latin square design,
      with 3 consecutive periods of 10 d each, consisting of 7 d for diet adaptation
      and 3 d for sample collection. Each fermenter was fed a total of 72 g of DM/d
      divided in 6 equal portions. Treatments were 1) alfalfa hay + calcium soaps of
      palm oil fatty acid (MEG; 69.3 g DM/d of alfalfa hay plus 2.7 g DM/d of calcium
      soaps of palm oil fatty acid), 2) alfalfa hay + FS (FLAX; 68.4 g DM/d of alfalfa
      hay plus 3.6 g DM/d of ground FS), and 3) alfalfa hay + CS (CHIA; 68.04 g DM/d of
      alfalfa hay plus 3.96 g DM/d of ground CS). Dietary treatments had similar
      amounts of total fat, and fat supplements were ground to 2-mm diameter. Effluents
      from the last 3 d of incubation were composited for analyses. Data were analyzed
      using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Ruminal apparent and true nutrient
      digestibility of all nutrients did not differ ( > 0.05) among treatments.
      Compared with MEG, FLAX and CHIA increased the flows of C18:3 -3, C20:4 -6, and
      total PUFA ( < 0.01). Both CHIA and FLAX treatments had greater ruminal
      concentrations of C18:0, indicating that both CS and FS fatty acids were
      extensively biohydrogenated in the rumen. The NH-N concentration, microbial N
      flow, and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis were not affected ( > 0.05)
      by treatments. Lastly, there were no differences ( > 0.05) among diets for total
      VFA concentration and molar proportions of individual VFA. Results from this
      study indicate that FS and CS supplementation did not impair ruminal
      fermentation, digestibility, microbial efficiency, and ruminal N metabolism.
      Overall, CS appears to be as effective as FS as a fat source when added to
      ruminants' diets using a dual-flow continuous culture system. 

PMID- 27136020
TI  - Influence of feed efficiency classification on diet digestibility and growth
      performance of beef steers.
AB  - The diet digestibility and feed efficiency (FE) relationship is not well
      characterized in cattle. The study objective was to determine effects of growing
      phase FE and diet as well as finishing phase diet on diet digestibility and
      finishing phase FE. Two groups, totaling 373 crossbred steers, were fed for 70 d
      at the University of Missouri for the growing phase and then shipped to Iowa
      State University (ISU) for finishing. GrowSafe feed bunks were used during both
      the growing and the finishing phases. Steers were fed either growing phase whole
      shell corn (G-Corn) or growing phase roughage-based (G-Rough) diets. Within each
      group, the 12 greatest and 12 least feed efficient steers from each growing diet
      ( = 96 total; 48 steers/group; 488 +/- 5 kg) were selected for further
      evaluation. At ISU, steers were fed an average of 10 g TiO/steer daily in
      receiving phase diets similar to growing diets for 15 d, with fecal grab samples
      collected on d 14 and 15 to determine diet DM digestibility during receiving
      (GDMdig). For finishing, steers were transitioned to byproduct-based diets (F
      Byp) or corn-based diets (F-Corn) with 12 steers per growing-finishing diet
      combination per group. Optaflexx (200 mg/d) was fed for 28 d before harvest, and
      the TiO protocol was repeated immediately before introducing Optaflexx to
      determine diet DM digestibility during finishing (FDMdig). Data from the 2 groups
      (96 steers) were pooled, and steers were ranked by growing phase G:F and then
      classified as the 24 greatest feed efficient (HFE) or 24 least feed efficient
      (LFE) steers from each growing diet. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS
      with group applied as a fixed effect. There was a positive correlation between
      GDMdig and FDMdig for steers fed nutritionally similar diets during both feeding
      phases, G-Rough/F-Byp steers ( = 0.68, < 0.01) and G-Corn/F-Corn steers ( = 0.49,
      = 0.02), but a negative correlation for G:F between phases in G-Rough/F-Corn
      steers ( = -0.57, < 0.01). Finishing G:F was greater in HFE steers versus LFE
      steers ( = 0.04), but there was no difference ( >= 0.5) in GDMdig or FDMdig due
      to FE classification. There was a positive correlation for DM digestibility
      between feeding phases when steers were grown and finished on similar diets.
      Overall, FE was repeatable but was negatively correlated between phases when
      steers were roughage grown and corn finished, reinforcing the idea that cattle
      should be FE tested using diet types similar to the production environment of
      interest. 

PMID- 27136021
TI  - Liver abscesses in cattle: A review of incidence in Holsteins and of bacteriology
      and vaccine approaches to control in feedlot cattle.
AB  - Liver abscesses are the primary liver abnormality of feedlot cattle at slaughter.
      The incidence of liver abscesses is highly variable, but generally ranges from
      10% to 20%. The incidence of total and the proportion of severely abscessed
      livers (A+) are greater in Holsteins fed for beef production and culled dairy
      cows than in beef breeds. The reason for the greater incidence of liver abscesses
      in Holstein steers is not known, but one of the reasons is likely because of
      increased days on feed. The high prevalence in cull cows is likely because no
      specific intervention, such as use of tylosin in the feed, is approved for use in
      dairy cows. Liver abscesses are generally a sequela to ruminal acidosis and
      rumenitis in cattle fed diets high in readily-fermentable carbohydrates and low
      in roughages; thus, the term "acidosis-rumenitis-liver abscess complex." Liver
      abscesses are almost always polymicrobial infections with Gram negative anaerobes
      constituting the predominant flora. Almost all studies have concluded that , a
      ruminal bacterium, is the primary causative agent and (formerly ) is the
      secondary pathogen. A limited number of studies have been done on the bacterial
      flora of liver abscesses of culled dairy cows and Holstein feedlot steers. A
      recent study has reported on isolation of from liver abscesses of Holstein
      cattle. The control of liver abscesses in feedlot cattle has depended on the use
      of antibiotics, particularly tylosin, in the feed combined with sound nutritional
      management to minimize occurrence of acidosis and subsequent rumenitis. Although
      there is no evidence of resistance development in , the future of tylosin use as
      a feed additive in feedlot cattle is uncertain. Regardless, beginning January
      2017, the use of tylosin in feedlot cattle for the prevention of liver abscesses
      will be under veterinary oversight. Although tylosin is widely used in the
      feedlot industry, there is considerable interest in evaluating antibiotic
      alternatives, such as essential oils and vaccines, to control liver abscesses.
      Because liver abscess is a bacterial infection and the pathogenicity and
      virulence factors of have been studied widely, there have been considerable
      interest and efforts to develop an efficacious vaccine. The 2 antigens that have
      been targeted for vaccine production are leukotoxin and outer membrane proteins
      of . 

PMID- 27136022
TI  - Long-term effects of colostrum intake in piglet mortality and performance.
AB  - The present study investigated the long-term effects of colostrum intake on
      performance and mortality in pigs. A total of 1,455 live-born piglets in 10
      commercial herds were followed from birth until 22 wk of age. Pigs were
      individually weighed at birth, at weaning, at onset (intermediate weight), and
      during the fattening period (finishing weight). Colostrum intake was calculated
      by the mechanistic model developed by Theil et al. (see text for citation). One
      linear mixed model was fitted to model the possible associations between
      colostrum intake and weight at the weaning, intermediate, and finishing periods.
      In addition to colostrum intake as the main predictor of interest, other
      predictor variables were also tested, namely birth weight, birth order, sex,
      breed, and the interval between birth and first suckling (t). Colostrum intake
      and birth weight were positively associated with weaning ( < 0.001), intermediate
      ( < 0.001), and finishing ( < 0.001) weights. Furthermore, higher colostrum
      intake is more beneficial to weaning ( < 0.001), intermediate ( < 0.001), and
      finishing ( = 0.02) weights in piglets with low versus high birth weights. Birth
      order was positively associated with weight at each measurement time ( = 0.01).
      Sex affected only finishing weight ( < 0.001). Some breeds differed in piglets'
      weight at onset or during the fattening period. The association between t and
      weaning weight differed by breed. Three generalized linear mixed models were
      performed to model the probability of dying during the suckling, the nursery, or
      the fattening period. Colostrum intake, birth weight, birth order, sex, breed,
      and t were tested. Preweaning mortality was negatively associated with colostrum
      intake ( < 0.001) and birth weight ( = 0.004) and positively associated with t (
      < 0.001). Mortality during the nursery period was negatively associated with
      colostrum intake ( < 0.001) and birth weight ( = 0.002). The negative association
      between colostrum intake and mortality during the suckling ( < 0.001) and the
      nursery ( = 0.008) periods was more pronounced in small versus heavy piglets.
      Mortality during fattening was associated with weaning ( = 0.04) and intermediate
      ( = 0.006) weight. In conclusion, colostrum intake significantly influences
      piglets' short-term and long-term performance and mortality. As colostrum yield
      is reported to be independent of litter size, sufficient colostrum intake per
      piglet is crucial, especially in hyperprolific sows. 

PMID- 27136023
TI  - Changes in feeding behavior patterns and dry matter intake before clinical
      symptoms associated with bovine respiratory disease in growing bulls.
AB  - Methods to improve accuracy of preclinical detection of bovine respiratory
      disease (BRD) are needed to reduce the economic impact of this disease, improve
      animal welfare, and promote more judicious use of antimicrobials in beef cattle.
      The objectives of this study were to retrospectively characterize time-series
      deviations in DMI and feeding behavior patterns preceding the display of observed
      clinical symptoms associated with BRD and to identify those feeding behavior
      traits that would be most predictive of BRD. The study was conducted with 231
      seed stock bulls (391 +/- 55 kg initial BW) representing 5 breeds that were
      housed in a facility equipped with GrowSafe feed bunks at a commercial bull-test
      facility. All bulls were vaccinated against standard viral and bacterial
      pathogens before and on arrival at the facility. Daily DMI and feeding behavior
      traits (frequency and duration of bunk visit events, head-down duration, variance
      of nonfeeding intervals, and time to approach feed bunk following feed-truck
      delivery) were measured for 70 d with a GrowSafe system. During a 10-d period
      from Day 28 to 37 of the trial, 30 bulls were administered antimicrobial therapy
      for clinical symptoms of BRD (rectal temperatures > 39.5 degrees C). All
      remaining bulls ( = 201) were administered metaphylactic therapy on Day 38 of the
      trial in response to an acute decrease in feed intake. A retrospective analysis
      was conducted using a 2-slope broken-line regression model to identify inflection
      points in DMI and feeding behavior traits relative to onset of illness. The bulls
      were separated into 2 cohort groups based on observed clinical illness ( = 30) or
      those metaphylactically treated ( = 201), with the 2-slope broken-line regression
      model applied separately to each cohort. The model-detected inflection points for
      DMI were 6.8 and 3.8 d before observed clinical illness and metaphylactic
      treatment, respectively, and the reductions in DMI from detected inflection
      points to the day of observed clinical illness and day of metaphylactic treatment
      were 39.3 and 49.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the model-detected inflection
      points for individual feeding behavior traits ranged from 1.3 to 14.2 d before
      observed clinical illness and from 3.8 to 12.6 d before metaphylactic treatment.
      Results from this study demonstrate the potential value of electronic behavior
      monitoring systems to improve the sensitivity and specificity of preclinical
      detection of BRD in feedlot cattle. 

PMID- 27136024
TI  - Effect of time and weather on preference, frequency, and duration of shade use by
      horses.
AB  - The Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) recommends providing access to
      shade for horses in hot, sunny weather at equine facilities. Previously, we found
      that healthy, mature domestic horses use shade with behavioral and physiological
      benefits during those weather conditions. The objective of this study was to
      characterize preference, frequency, and duration of shade use by healthy, mature
      horses in a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) holding facility during hot, sunny
      weather. The study took place at the BLM's Palomino Valley Wild Horse and Burro
      Center in Reno, NV, from Aug. 10 to Oct. 1, 2014. Freestanding shade structures
      were constructed in each of 2 drylot pens with shade cloth covering the top that
      blocked 98% of UV radiation. A group of 4 mares was placed in each of the 2 pens.
      After a 2-d acclimation period, data were recorded for 5 d, the horses were moved
      to the opposite pen, and data collected for an additional 5 d. This schedule was
      repeated for a total of 4 consecutive trials and 32 horses. Footage from time
      lapse cameras was viewed at 10 s intervals between 0930 and 1700 h to record each
      horse's position relative to shade. Dosimeters secured to horses' halters
      recorded UV exposure. Automated weather stations recorded daytime ambient
      temperature (mean 25.9 degrees C [SD 5.8]), relative humidity (mean 25.4% [SD
      17.1]), black globe temperature (mean 29.3 degrees C [SD 6.5] in shade and 35.8
      degrees C [SD 8.0] in unshaded area), and solar radiation (mean 595 W/m [SD
      235]). Horses spent 10.9% more time in shade than by chance ( < 0.0001) within
      the drylots across all 40 study days. Mean daily time spent in shade was 107.9
      min/horse (SD 66.9), comprising 17.1 bouts (SD 12.1) with an average bout length
      of 6.3 min (SD 3.4). The mean daily UV Index experienced by horses in these
      partially shaded drylots was 1.52 (SD 0.58) compared with 3.4 (SD 1.5) for a
      control instrument in the sun. Horses used shade more on the sunniest days and
      greater than just by chance at all hours of the day, with greatest use in the
      morning before peak ambient temperature. This study supports the FASS
      recommendation for provision of shade and may be useful in management and
      facility design for both domestic and captive wild horses. 

PMID- 27136025
TI  - Meta-analysis of the effects of laidlomycin propionate, fed alone or in
      combination with chlortetracycline, compared with monensin sodium, fed alone or
      in combination with tylosin, on growth performance, health, and carcass outcomes
      in finishing steers in North America.
AB  - The objective of this research was to use data from multiple studies to
      comprehensively quantify the effects of feeding 1) laidlomycin propionate (LP),
      alone and/or in combination with chlortetracycline, compared with 2) monensin
      sodium (MS), alone and/or in combination with tylosin, at commercially approved
      dosages, on ADG, DMI, feed efficiency (FE), mortality, and carcass
      characteristics (HCW and liver abscesses). A secondary objective was to explore
      potential sources of heterogeneity among the comparative effectiveness studies. A
      systematic review of peer-reviewed literature and industry reports was used to
      identify studies that included direct comparisons of these treatments in
      finishing steers in North America. Random-effects meta-analysis models of
      performance, carcass, and health-related outcomes were fitted with extracted
      data, consisting of a total of 17 data sets comprising a total of 135 pens and
      13,603 steers. Results showed that pens of steers fed LP had increased ADG (live
      and carcass adjusted), DMI, and HCW compared with those fed monensin ( < 0.05).
      However, liver abscesses were more common in LP-fed cattle than in MS-fed cattle
      ( < 0.05), presumably because of differences in the concurrently fed
      antimicrobials. No significant effects ( > 0.05) were identified for FE or for
      health-related outcomes (overall and cause-specific mortality). There was a
      substantial amount of heterogeneity in outcomes among studies, and when pen size
      and type of production setting were included in mixed-effects meta-regression
      models, they accounted for only a small proportion of the between-study
      heterogeneity found in the meta-analysis models. Therefore, caution should be
      exercised when interpreting summary estimates in the presence of substantial
      heterogeneity. However, these results provide comprehensive information on the
      comparative effects of different ionophores across multiple studies and multiple
      years, states, and production settings. These unique results can enable
      quantitative and informed decisions by potential end users of these feed
      additives that are widely used in the U.S. beef industry for reducing the costs
      of beef production through enhanced cattle performance. 

PMID- 27136026
TI  - Effect of protein supplementation and forage allowance on the growth and
      reproduction of beef heifers grazing stockpiled tall fescue.
AB  - Stockpiled tall fescue can provide adequate winter forage for beef cattle,
      although unsupplemented replacement heifers may display marginal performance
      before breeding. The objective of this study was to determine if protein
      supplementation and/or additional forage improves growth and reproductive
      performance of replacement heifers grazing stockpiled fescue. Cattle averaging
      272 +/- 1.59 kg were stratified by BW and then randomly assigned to 1 of 4 plots
      within a pasture replication. Treatment combinations were assigned in a 2 * 2
      factorial arrangement and included 1) a conservative forage allocation ("normal,"
      targeting 85% forage use) and mineral supplement (normal forage allocation with
      mineral supplement [FM]), 2) normal forage allocation with protein tub (FT), 3)
      more liberal forage allocation ("extra," targeting 70% forage use) and mineral
      supplement (extra forage allocation with mineral supplement [EM]), and 4) "extra
      forage allocation with protein tub (ET). Treatments were administered for 8 wk
      from early November to early January. Heifers were fed fescue hay for 1 wk before
      breeding in late January. Heifers were synchronized with the 7-d CO-Synch +
      controlled internal drug release device protocol and inseminated in late January.
      Heifers were checked for pregnancy by ultrasonography at 35 and 90 d after AI.
      Main and interaction effects between the 2 treatments were determined. Total
      supplement intake was greater for protein tub than mineral supplement (0.36 vs.
      0.11 kg.heifer.d, respectively; < 0.0001), and the additional dietary protein in
      the tub groups resulted in greater serum urea N concentrations ( < 0.0001; 8.15
      vs. 10.4 mg/dL for mineral and protein tub, respectively). Forage utilization
      efficiency was greater for normal than extra forage allocation (74.7 vs. 65.8%,
      respectively; < 0.0001). Main effects of both treatments on ADG were significant
      ( < 0.0001; 0.28, 0.43, 0.43, and 0.51 kg.heifer.d for FM, FT, EM, and ET,
      respectively). There was an interaction effect of the 2 treatments on change in
      BCS ( < 0.05; 0.12, 0.10, 0.18, and 0.31 for FM, FT, EM, and ET, respectively).
      Reproductive tract scores, pelvic area, and AI pregnancy rates were not different
      between treatments ( > 0.05). Overall, feeding a protein supplement or providing
      extra forage increased gain and interacted to increase BCS but did not have an
      effect on reproductive performance. Supplementing with protein and providing
      extra forage are strategies that can increase gain in heifers, which could aid
      heifers in reaching puberty before estrous synchronization. 

PMID- 27136027
TI  - Effect of mature body weight and stocking rate on cow and calf performance, cow
      herd efficiency, and economics in the southeastern United States.
AB  - Eight 4-ha mixed warm-season grass pastures in southwestern Arkansas (33 degrees
      40'4" N, 93 degrees 35'24" W, and elevation 107 m) were stocked with either large
      mature size (571 kg [SD 55.2] BW) or small mature size (463 kg [SD 58.2] BW)
      spring-calving cows at 4 stocking rates (SR; 1, 1.5, 2, or 2.5 cow-calf pairs/ha)
      over 4 yr to test the effects of SR and mature body size on cow and calf
      performance and system economics. Each pasture received 112 kg/ha N as ammonium
      nitrate in May and was broadcast seeded to annual ryegrass ( Lam.) in mid October
      each fall along with 112 kg/ha N as ammonium nitrate. Data were analyzed by
      regression to determine the effects of cow size and SR on calf performance, cow
      BW change, calf gain, weaning weight per hectare, hay feeding requirements, and
      net returns. As SR increased, cow BW and BCS at weaning decreased ( < 0.01) by 26
      kg and 0.36 condition scores, respectively, for each additional cow stocked per
      hectare ( = 0.44). Calf BW at weaning in October increased ( < 0.01) 19 kg for
      each 100-kg increase in cow BW but was not affected ( = 0.66) by SR. As cow BW
      increased, calf BW at weaning per 100 kg cow BW decreased ( < 0.01) 6.7 kg for
      each 100-kg increase in cow BW but was not affected ( = 0.44) by SR. Neither cow
      BW nor SR affected ( >= 0.53) pregnancy percentage, which averaged 88% over the 4
      yr experiment. Calf BW weaned per hectare was not affected ( = 0.75) by cow BW
      but linearly increased ( < 0.01) by 217 kg for each additional cow per hectare
      SR. Hay feeding days and cost of hay per cow increased ( <= 0.05) and kilograms
      of hay offered per cow tended ( = 0.09) to linearly increase with increasing SR,
      yet cow BW had no effects ( > 0.22). Although there were no effects ( >= 0.38) of
      cow BW on carrying cost or net returns, increasing SR decreased ( < 0.01) total
      expenses by US$102/cow and increased net returns by $70/cow and $438/ha for each
      cow per hectare increase in SR. These data indicate that increasing cow size can
      increase weaning BW of calves but does not affect total production per hectare or
      profitability, even though weaning weight efficiency ratios were reduced.
      Increasing SR reduced cow BW and BCS at weaning and increased feeding of
      conserved forages but did not affect pregnancy rates and led to increases in
      total calf BW weaned per hectare and net returns. 

PMID- 27136028
TI  - Endocrine and hematological responses of beef heifers divergently ranked for
      residual feed intake following a bovine corticotropin-releasing hormone
      challenge.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine if beef heifers divergently ranked
      on phenotypic residual feed intake (RFI) differed in their physiological stress
      response to an exogenous bovine corticotropin-releasing hormone (bCRH) challenge.
      Yearling Limousin * Friesian heifers ( = 86) were ranked by RFI. The 15 highest
      (mean 0.66 kg DM/d; high RFI) and 15 lowest (mean -0.72 kg DM/d; low RFI) ranking
      animals were used for this study. During the study period, heifers (mean age 485
      +/- 13 d; mean BW 408 +/- 31.4 kg) were housed in a slatted-floor facility. To
      facilitate intensive blood collection, heifers were fitted aseptically with
      indwelling jugular catheters. All heifers received dexamethasone (DEX; 20 ug/kg
      BW i.m.) 12 h before the bCRH challenge (d 0). Heparinized blood samples were
      collected at -60 and 0 min before administration of DEX, and 12 h after DEX
      administration. Following DEX administration, cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone
      (DHEA) concentrations similarly decreased ( >= 0.22) between high and low RFI
      groups. The response of the HPA axis to a standardized dose of bCRH (0.3 MUg/kg
      BW) was examined. On d 0, serial blood samples were collected at -20, 0, 20, 40,
      60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 330, and 390 min relative to the time
      of bCRH administration (0 min) and were analyzed for plasma cortisol and DHEA
      concentrations. Blood hematology variables were also determined at -20, 0, 20,
      80, 150, 270, 330, and 390 min relative to bCRH administration. Neither an RFI *
      sampling time interaction nor a direct effect of RFI were detected ( >= 0.36) for
      plasma cortisol, DHEA concentrations, or cortisol:DHEA ratio. An effect of sample
      time was observed for cortisol ( < 0.001), DHEA ( = 0.04), and cortisol:DHEA ( =
      0.02), with cortisol concentration peaking at 60 min post-CRH administration. The
      maximum concentration and rate of change in cortisol and DHEA concentrations
      following bCRH administration were not different ( >= 0.20) between the high and
      low RFI phenotypes. Similarly, an effect of RFI was not evident ( >= 0.16) for
      any of the hematology variables examined including neutrophil, lymphocyte, and
      leukocytes counts; white and red blood cell numbers; and hemoglobin
      concentrations. Our results suggest that responsiveness of the HPA to stress, at
      least at the level of the anterior pituitary gland, is not a significant
      contributor to variation in RFI among growing beef heifers. 

PMID- 27136029
TI  - Prediction of beef carcass and meat traits from rearing factors in young bulls
      and cull cows.
AB  - The aim of this study was to predict the beef carcass and LM (thoracis part)
      characteristics and the sensory properties of the LM from rearing factors applied
      during the fattening period. Individual data from 995 animals (688 young bulls
      and 307 cull cows) in 15 experiments were used to establish prediction models.
      The data concerned rearing factors (13 variables), carcass characteristics (5
      variables), LM characteristics (2 variables), and LM sensory properties (3
      variables). In this study, 8 prediction models were established: dressing
      percentage and the proportions of fat tissue and muscle in the carcass to
      characterize the beef carcass; cross-sectional area of fibers (mean fiber area)
      and isocitrate dehydrogenase activity to characterize the LM; and, finally,
      overall tenderness, juiciness, and flavor intensity scores to characterize the LM
      sensory properties. A random effect was considered in each model: the breed for
      the prediction models for the carcass and LM characteristics and the trained
      taste panel for the prediction of the meat sensory properties. To evaluate the
      quality of prediction models, 3 criteria were measured: robustness, accuracy, and
      precision. The model was robust when the root mean square errors of prediction of
      calibration and validation sub-data sets were near to one another. Except for the
      mean fiber area model, the obtained predicted models were robust. The prediction
      models were considered to have a high accuracy when the mean prediction error
      (MPE) was <=0.10 and to have a high precision when the was the closest to 1. The
      prediction of the characteristics of the carcass from the rearing factors had a
      high precision ( > 0.70) and a high prediction accuracy (MPE < 0.10), except for
      the fat percentage model ( = 0.67, MPE = 0.16). However, the predictions of the
      LM characteristics and LM sensory properties from the rearing factors were not
      sufficiently precise ( < 0.50) and accurate (MPE > 0.10). Only the flavor
      intensity of the beef score could be satisfactorily predicted from the rearing
      factors with high precision ( = 0.72) and accuracy (MPE = 0.10). All the
      prediction models displayed different effects of the rearing factors according to
      animal categories (young bulls or cull cows). In consequence, these prediction
      models display the necessary adaption of rearing factors during the fattening
      period according to animal categories to optimize the carcass traits according to
      animal categories. 

PMID- 27136030
TI  - Effects of extended aging and modified atmospheric packaging on beef top loin
      steak color.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of extended aging and
      modified atmospheric packaging on beef LM color. Using a randomized complete
      block design, each beef longissimus lumborum muscle ( = 10; USDA Choice, 3 d
      postmortem) was equally divided into 3 sections and randomly assigned to 1 of 3
      aging periods (21, 42, or 62 d at 2 degrees C). After respective aging, each loin
      section was cut into four 2.5-cm-thick steaks and randomly assigned to 1 of 3
      packaging types (PVC, HiOx-MAP [80% oxygen and 20% carbon dioxide], or CO-MAP
      [0.4% carbon monoxide, 69.6% nitrogen, and 30% carbon dioxide]). The steaks were
      displayed under continuous fluorescent lighting for 6 d, and surface color was
      determined daily using a HunterLab Miniscan XE Plus spectrophotometer and a
      visual panel. The fourth steak was used to characterize oxygen consumption (OC),
      lipid oxidation, and metmyoglobin reducing activity (MRA) on 21, 42, and 62 d
      (before display). On d 6 display, MRA, OC, and lipid oxidation also were
      measured. An increase in aging time decreased ( < 0.0001) muscle pH. Loin
      sections aged for 42 and 62 d had a lower ( < 0.0002) pH compared with loin
      sections aged for 21 d. An aging period * packaging * display time interaction (
      < 0.0001) resulted for a* values (redness), chroma, and visual color (muscle
      color and surface discoloration). As aging time increased, HiOx-MAP had the most
      discoloration ( < 0.0001) compared with other packaging types on d 6. At all
      aging periods, steaks packaged in CO-MAP had greater ( < 0.0001) MRA on d 6 than
      PVC and HiOx-MAP, whereas steaks packaged in HiOx-MAP had the least MRA ( <
      0.0001). There were no differences ( = 0.34) in thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances values between steaks aged for 21 and 42 d when steaks were packaged
      in CO-MAP and displayed for 6 d. However, steaks packaged in HiOx-MAP and
      displayed 6 d had greater ( < 0.0001) lipid oxidation than CO-MAP. Steaks
      packaged in HiOx-MAP had a lower ( < 0.0001) OC compared with PVC and CO-MAP when
      aged for 42 and 62 d. There were no differences ( = 0.49) in OC between steaks
      packaged in PVC and HiOx-MAP when aged for 21 d and displayed 6 d. The results
      indicate that extended aging is detrimental to color stability when packaged in
      PVC and HiOx-MAP. However, steaks in CO-MAP had stable red color during display.
      Decreased color stability in PVC and HiOx-MAP could be associated, in part, with
      decreased MRA and OC. 

PMID- 27136031
TI  - Postrigor citric acid enhancement can alter cooked color but not fresh color of
      dark-cutting beef.
AB  - In 2 experiments, dark-cutting (DC) beef strip loins were used to test the
      effects of citric acid-enhancement pH on visual and instrumental color of fresh
      and cooked steaks. In Exp. 1 and 2, each DC (mean pH = 6.57 and 6.65,
      respectively) and normal-pH, low USDA Choice (CH; mean pH = 5.48 and 5.51,
      respectively) strip loin was cut into 2 equal-length sections, and DC sections
      were injected to 111% of raw section weight with pH 3.5 to 5.0 (Exp. 1) or pH 2.0
      to 3.5 (Exp. 2) solutions made by mixing citric acid in either 0.05%
      orthophosphate (PO) solution or tap water (HO) base solutions (Exp. 1) and 0.5%
      PO or 0.5% tripolyphosphate solution base solutions (Exp. 2). After enhancement,
      sections were cut into steaks, which were assigned to either 5 d of simulated
      retail display or cooked to 71 degrees C for cooked color measurement.
      Postenhancement pH of DC steaks enhanced with pH 3.5 to 5.0 solutions did not (
      >= 0.180) differ from that of nonenhanced DC steaks (Exp. 1) but linearly
      decreased ( < 0.001) as solution pH decreased from 3.5 to 2.0 (Exp. 2). Even
      though fresh color scores were increased ( < 0.001) by citric acid enhancement
      over untreated DC steaks during the first 3 d of display, fresh steak color never
      ( < 0.001) approached that of nonenhanced CH steaks. When compared with
      nonenhanced DC steaks, enhancement with pH 3.5 to 5.0 solutions received lower
      cooked color scores, whereas enhancing DC sections with pH 2.5 solutions produced
      cooked color and degree-of-doneness scores similar ( >= 0.113) to those of
      nonenhanced CH steaks (Exp. 2). Results indicated that the pH of citric acid
      enhancement solutions, regardless of base solution, were insufficient to improve
      the fresh color of DC beef; however, enhancement with pH 2.5 citric acid
      solutions effectively eliminated the persistent red cooked color typically
      associated with DC beef comparable with that of normal-pH beef. 

PMID- 27136032
TI  - Rapid Communication: Colostrum immunoglobulin concentration in mammary quarters
      is repeatable in consecutive lactations of dairy cows.
AB  - Colostrum IgG concentration and yield vary tremendously among farms and cows and
      among quarters within cows. The present study quantified changes in quarter
      colostrum characteristics up to 3 successive lactations. First colostrum was
      quarter collected within 4 h after parturition in the first 2 consecutive
      lactations from 12 cows, and colostrum was obtained from 14 multiparous dairy
      cows in 2 consecutive lactations and 8 cows thereof in 3 consecutive lactations.
      Colostrum yield per quarter showed a high variation in both primiparous and
      multiparous dairy cows during consecutive lactations. Percentage distribution of
      colostrum yield among quarters within cows was similar from parity to parity. The
      differences in colostrum yield within the same quarter were higher in cows from
      the first to the second lactation compared with the differences within quarters
      of multiparous cows in consecutive lactations ( < 0.05). The intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC) for quarter colostrum yield was found to be similar
      in cows from the first to the second parity (ICC = 0.42) and within consecutive
      lactations of multiparous cows (ICC = 0.44). Whereas the position of the quarter
      did not influence colostrum yield in cows from the first to the second lactation,
      quarter colostrum yield in multiparous cows was higher in rear quarters than in
      front quarters ( < 0.05) with fewer changes in successive lactations.
      Concentration and mass of IgG in quarter-milked colostrum distinctly varied among
      quarters and cows in both primiparous and multiparous cows. In multiparous cows,
      higher values for quarter concentration and mass of IgG were observed when
      compared with primiparous cows, in particular in the rear quarters ( < 0.05).
      Relative differences of IgG concentration and mass within quarters were higher in
      consecutive lactations of multiparous cows compared with differences within
      quarters of cows in the first 2 lactations ( < 0.05). The ICC of colostral IgG
      concentration and mass within quarters of cows from the first to the second
      lactation was 0.52 and 0.67, respectively, and lower compared with the ICC of IgG
      concentration and mass within quarters during consecutive lactations of
      multiparous cows. In conclusion, IgG concentration and mass were shown to be more
      repeatable within quarters of multiparous dairy cows compared with the first 2
      lactations of dairy cows. Contrarily, colostrum yield within quarters in
      consecutive lactations had only a moderate repeatability and seemed to be
      affected by factors other than genetics. 

PMID- 27136033
TI  - Rapid Communication: Cholesterol deficiency-associated APOB mutation impacts
      lipid metabolism in Holstein calves and breeding bulls.
AB  - During the last months, the number of reports on Holstein calves suffering from
      incurable idiopathic diarrhea dramatically increased. Affected calves showed
      severe hypocholesterolemia and mostly died within days up to a few months after
      birth. This new autosomal monogenic recessive inherited fat metabolism disorder,
      termed cholesterol deficiency (CD), is caused by a loss of function mutation of
      the bovine gene. The objective of the present study was to investigate specific
      components of lipid metabolism in 6 homozygous for the mutation (CDS) and 6
      normal Holstein calves with different genotypes. Independent of sex, CDS had
      significantly lower plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), free
      cholesterol (FC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL
      C), triacylglycerides (TAG), and phospholipids (PL) compared with homozygous wild
      type calves ( < 0.05). Furthermore, we studied the effect of the genotype on
      cholesterol metabolism in adult Holstein breeding bulls of Swissgenetics. Among a
      total of 254 adult males, the homozygous mutant genotype was absent, 36 bulls
      were heterozygous carriers (CDC), and 218 bulls were homozygous wild-type (CDF).
      In CDC bulls, plasma concentrations of TC, FC, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TAG, and PL
      were lower compared with CDF bulls ( < 0.05). The ratios of FC:cholesteryl esters
      (CE) and FC:TC were higher in CDC bulls compared with CDF bulls, whereas the
      ratio of CE:TC was lower in CDC bulls compared with CDF bulls ( < 0.01). In
      conclusion, the CD-associated mutation was shown to affect lipid metabolism in
      affected Holstein calves and adult breeding bulls. Besides cholesterol, the
      concentrations of PL, TAG, and lipoproteins also were distinctly reduced in
      homozygous and heterozygous carriers of the mutation. Beyond malabsorption of
      dietary lipids, deleterious effects of apolipoprotein B deficiency on hepatic
      lipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and cell membrane function can be
      expected, which may result in unspecific symptoms of reduced fertility, growth,
      and health. 

PMID- 27136034
TI  - Status and Impact of Acupuncture Research: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global and
      Brazilian Scientific Output from 2000 to 2014.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This bibliometric study was designed to evaluate the scientific output
      of Brazilian acupuncture publications and compare that output to the global
      trends in the same area. METHODS: The analyzed data were retrieved from the
      online version of Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) database and covered
      the period from 2000 to 2014. The documents were searched by using the topic
      filter to find acupuncture-related documents (ARDs) and the title filter for
      acupuncture-specific documents (ASDs). The analyzed categories included number of
      publications, type of documents, number of citations, universities/institutions,
      research areas, and journals. RESULTS: A total of 9301 ARDs and 5974 ASDs were
      published in the past 15 years worldwide. The global average number of citations
      per document was 10.61 for ARDs and 9.24 for ASDs. Brazil has published 252 ARDs
      and 169 ASDs, which corresponds to the tenth and ninth positions on the global
      correspondent rankings. The United States is the most productive country, with
      2503 ARD publications, followed by China with 2143 and South Korea with 925.
      Norway is in the first position for the ARD citation rank, with 25.77 citations
      per document; Switzerland is in the first position for the ASD citation rank,
      with 26.66. Brazil has 4.19 citations per document, which corresponds to the 20th
      position in the ASD citation rankings. Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine,
      Acupuncture in Medicine, and The Journal of Alternative and Complementary
      Medicine are the leading journals in terms of numbers of ARDs and ASDs in Brazil
      and globally. CONCLUSION: The bibliometric analysis of the SCI-E database shows
      that global numbers of ARDs and ASDs and citations have constantly increased from
      2000 to 2014. Brazil is among the top 10 most productive countries in the world
      in terms of number of acupuncture publications. However, the number of citations
      of Brazilian documents is below the global average.

PMID- 27136035
TI  - Habitat fragmentation, vole population fluctuations, and the ROMPA hypothesis: An
      experimental test using model landscapes.
AB  - Increased habitat fragmentation leads to smaller size of habitat patches and to
      greater distance between patches. The ROMPA hypothesis (ratio of optimal to
      marginal patch area) uniquely links vole population fluctuations to the
      composition of the landscape. It states that as ROMPA decreases (fragmentation
      increases), vole population fluctuations will increase (including the tendency to
      display multi-annual cycles in abundance) because decreased proportions of
      optimal habitat result in greater population declines and longer recovery time
      after a harsh season. To date, only comparative observations in the field have
      supported the hypothesis. This paper reports the results of the first
      experimental test. I used prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster, and mowed
      grassland to create model landscapes with 3 levels of ROMPA (high with 25% mowed,
      medium with 50% mowed and low with 75% mowed). As ROMPA decreased, distances
      between patches of favorable habitat (high cover) increased owing to a greater
      proportion of unfavorable (mowed) habitat. Results from the first year with
      intensive live trapping indicated that the preconditions for operation of the
      hypothesis existed (inversely density dependent emigration and, as ROMPA
      decreased, increased per capita mortality and decreased per capita movement
      between optimal patches). Nevertheless, contrary to the prediction of the
      hypothesis that populations in landscapes with high ROMPA should have the lowest
      variability, 5 years of trapping indicated that variability was lowest with
      medium ROMPA. The design of field experiments may never be perfect, but these
      results indicate that the ROMPA hypothesis needs further rigorous testing.

PMID- 27136036
TI  - Long-term excess mortality in Takotsubo syndrome: is it justified to charge
      Takotsubo for the excess long-term mortality?

PMID- 27136041
TI  - Identification and phylogeny of putative PEPC genes in three toxin-producing
      Karenia (Dinophyta) species.
AB  - Dense blooms of toxin-producing Karenia brevis increase local surface ocean pH
      through CO2 uptake. To identify genes that may contribute to bloom-related
      environmental pH and pCO2 changes, transcriptomes with RNA from K. brevis Wilson
      cultures that had been acclimated to low CO2 (250 ppm) or recent CO2 (350 ppm)
      pCO2 levels were assembled. Among the annotated transcripts were PEPC, PPDK, and
      PEPCK enzymes found in the model C4 carbon fixation pathway. Previous studies
      have demonstrated that the enzymatic activity of PEPC, PPDK, and/or PEPCK in some
      algae species, including marine diatoms, is influenced by variations in dissolved
      inorganic carbon. We found significantly similar PEPC, PPDK, and PEPCK enzymes in
      the transcriptomes of K. brevis and two sister species Karenia papilionacea, and
      Karenia mikimotoi. One or more isoforms of PEPC were also identified in the
      transcriptomes of thirty additional photosynthetic phytoplankton species from
      nine phyla. Phylogenetic trees were constructed with neighbor joining and maximum
      likelihood techniques to characterize the evolutionary relationship among
      phytoplankton, terrestrial plant C4, and terrestrial plant C3 PEPC sequences.
      Based on the nucleotide trees constructed during this study, the Karenia PEPC
      transcripts were more closely related to the terrestrial C4 genes than the
      terrestrial C3 genes. Furthermore, PEPC phylogeny among phytoplankton closely
      resembles phylogenetic trees constructed with ribosomal RNA. This study confirmed
      that the toxin-producing dinoflagellates K. brevis, K. mikimotoi, and K.
      papilionacea express putative PEPC, PEPCK, and PPDK transcripts.

PMID- 27136042
TI  - Optical Detection of Enzymatic Activity and Inhibitors on Non-Covalently
      Functionalized Fluorescent Graphene Oxide.
AB  - It has been of great interest to measure the activity of acetylcholinesterase
      (AChE) and its inhibitor, as AChE is known to accelerate the aggregation of the
      amyloid beta peptides that underlie Alzheimer's disease. Herein, we report the
      development of graphene oxide (GO) fluorescence-based biosensors for the
      detection of AChE activity and AChE inhibitors. To this end, GO was non
      covalently functionalized with phenoxy-modified dextran (PhO-dex-GO) through
      hydrophobic interaction; the resulting GO showed excellent colloidal stability
      and intense fluorescence in various aqueous solutions as compared to pristine GO
      and the GO covalently functionalized with dextran. The fluorescence of PhO-dex-GO
      remarkably increased as AChE catalyzed the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh)
      to give thiocholine and acetic acid. It was found that the turn-on fluorescence
      response of PhO-dex-GO to AChE activity was induced by protonation of carboxyl
      groups on it from the product of the enzymatic hydrolysis reaction, acetic acid.
      On the basis of its turn-on fluorescence response, PhO-dex-GO was able to report
      kinetic and thermodynamic parameters involving a maximum velocity, a Michaelis
      constant, and an inhibition dissociation constant for AChE activity and
      inhibition. These parameters enable us to determine the activity of AChE and the
      efficiency of the inhibitor.

PMID- 27136043
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphism coverage and inference of N-acetyltransferase-2
      acetylator phenotypes in wordwide population groups.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several algorithms have been proposed to reduce the genotyping effort
      and cost, while retaining the accuracy of N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) phenotype
      prediction. Data from the 1000 Genomes (1KG) project and an admixed cohort of
      Black Brazilians were used to assess the accuracy of NAT2 phenotype prediction
      using algorithms based on paired single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      (rs1041983 and rs1801280) or a tag SNP (rs1495741). METHODS: NAT2 haplotypes
      comprising SNPs rs1801279, rs1041983, rs1801280, rs1799929, rs1799930, rs1208 and
      rs1799931 were assigned according to the arylamine N-acetyltransferases database.
      Contingency tables were used to visualize the agreement between the NAT2
      acetylator phenotypes on the basis of these haplotypes versus phenotypes inferred
      by the prediction algorithms. RESULTS: The paired and tag SNP algorithms provided
      more than 96% agreement with the 7-SNP derived phenotypes in Europeans, East
      Asians, South Asians and Admixed Americans, but discordance of phenotype
      prediction occurred in 30.2 and 24.8% 1KG Africans and in 14.4 and 18.6% Black
      Brazilians, respectively. Paired SNP panel misclassification occurs in carriers
      of NATs haplotypes *13A (282T alone), *12B (282T and 803G), *6B (590A alone) and
      *14A (191A alone), whereas haplotype *14, defined by the 191A allele, is the
      major culprit of misclassification by the tag allele. CONCLUSION: Both the paired
      SNP and the tag SNP algorithms may be used, with economy of scale, to infer NAT2
      acetylator phenotypes, including the ultra-slow phenotype, in European, East
      Asian, South Asian and American populations represented in the 1KG cohort. Both
      algorithms, however, perform poorly in populations of predominant African
      descent, including admixed African-Americans, African Caribbeans and Black
      Brazilians.

PMID- 27136045
TI  - Exclusion of IgD-, IgT- and IgM-positive immune cells in Ichthyophonus-induced
      granulomas in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum).

PMID- 27136044
TI  - Iatrogenic immunosuppression and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in solid organ
      transplantation: A population-based cohort study in Australia.
AB  - Iatrogenic immunosuppression is a strong risk factor for non-Hodgkin lymphoma
      (NHL) but the dose-related association between individual immunosuppressive
      agents and NHL risk is unknown. We conducted a population-based cohort study of
      4131 adult Australian liver, heart and lung transplant recipients (1984-2006). We
      ascertained NHL incidence by probabilistic record linkage between transplant
      registries and the Australian Cancer Database, and abstracted risk factor data at
      transplantation and at regular intervals thereafter from medical records. We
      estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for early (<1 year after transplantation; n
      = 29) and late (>=1 year; n = 61) NHL using the Fine and Gray proportional
      subdistribution hazards model that accounted for death as a competing risk. After
      adjustment for immunosuppression, the risk of both early and late NHL did not
      significantly differ by organ type. In final models, higher mean daily doses of
      azathioprine were associated with increased risk of both early [HR 2.20, 95%
      confidence interval (CI): 1.21-4.01] and late NHL (HR 1.78, 95% CI: 1.12-2.84).
      There was no association between any other maintenance immunosuppressive agent
      and NHL risk. This study provides evidence that differences in immunosuppression
      may explain variation in NHL incidence by organ type, and high doses of
      azathioprine may independently predict NHL risk.

PMID- 27136046
TI  - Feasibility of photoacoustic evaluations on dual-thermal treatment of ex vivo
      bladder tumors.
AB  - A variety of thermal therapeutic methods have been investigated to treat bladder
      tumors but often cause bowel injury and bladder wall perforation due to high
      treatment dosage and limited clinical margins. The objective of the current study
      is to develop a dual-thermal modality to deeply coagulate the bladder tumors at
      low thermal dosage and to evaluate therapeutic outcomes with high contrast
      photoacoustic imaging (PAI). High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is combined
      with 532 nm laser light to enhance therapeutic depth during thermal treatments on
      artificial tumor-injected bladder tissue ex vivo. PAI is employed to identify the
      margins of the tumors pre- and post-treatments. The dual-thermal modality
      achieves 3- and 1.8-fold higher transient temperature changes and 2.2- and 1.5
      fold deeper tissue denaturation than laser and HIFU, respectively. PAI vividly
      identifies the position of the injected tumor and entails approximately 7.9 times
      higher image contrast from the coagulated tumor as that from the untreated tumor.
      Spectroscopic analysis exhibits that both 740 nm and 760 nm attains the maximum
      photoacoustic amplitudes from the treated areas. The proposed PAI-guided dual
      thermal treatments (laser and HIFU) treatments can be a feasible therapeutic
      modality to treat bladder tumors in a controlled and efficient manner.

PMID- 27136047
TI  - Extraction of phenolic compounds from water samples by dispersive micro-solid
      phase extraction.
AB  - In this article, the use of magnetically separable sorbent polyaniline/silica
      coated nickel nanoparticles is evaluated under a dispersive micro-solid-phase
      extraction approach for the extraction of phenolic compounds from water samples.
      The sorbent was prepared by in situ chemical polymerization of aniline on the
      surface of silica-modified nickel nanoparticles and was characterized by Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray powder
      diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry,
      and vibrating sample magnetometry. Effective variables such as amount of sorbent
      (milligrams), pH and ionic strength of sample solution, volume of eluent solvent
      (microliters), vortex, and ultrasonic times (minutes) were investigated by
      fractional factorial design. The significant variables optimized by a Box-Behnken
      design were combined by a desirability function. Under the optimized conditions,
      the calibration graphs of analytes were linear in a concentration range of 0.02
      100 MUg/mL, and with correlation coefficients more than 0.999. The limits of
      detection and quantification were in the ranges of 10-23 and 33-77 MUg/L,
      respectively. This procedure was successfully employed in the determination of
      target analytes in spiked water samples; the relative mean recoveries ranged from
      96 to 105%. 

PMID- 27136048
TI  - Has the quality of reporting in periodontology changed in 14 years? A systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality of reporting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in
      periodontology has been poor. Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials
      guidelines and an extension for non-pharmacologic trials (CONSORT-NPE), were
      introduced to aid in improving this. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess
      the quality of reporting in periodontology, changes over the last 14 years, and
      adherence to CONSORT-NPE. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials in humans,
      published in three periodontal journals, from 2013 to 2015 were included. Search
      was conducted through Medline, Embase and hand searching. RESULTS: One hundred
      and seventy-three full-text articles included. Two reviewers screened for
      reporting quality (kappa = 0.69, 95% CI 0.60-0.76). 84% of studies (n = 145)
      described randomization methods, 74% (n = 128) highlighted examiner blinding and
      87% (n = 151) accounted for patients at study conclusion. Patient and caregiver
      blinding was addressed in 50% (n = 70) and 50% (n = 27) of studies respectively.
      64% (n = 110) described adequate allocation concealment. Compared with Montenegro
      et al. (2002, Journal of Dental Research, 81, 866), improvements seen in
      describing randomization (2002, 16.5%; 2016, 84%), allocation concealment (2002,
      6.5%; 2016, 64%), caregiver masking (2002, 17%; 2016, 50%). CONSORT-NPE; 62% (n =
      107) had detailed explanations of all treatments, 88% (n = 152) lacked protocols
      for adherence of caregivers' to an intervention. Only 17% (n = 29) described
      caregivers' expertise and case volume. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial improvements have
      occurred. Attention is required for statistical analysis of patient losses and
      masking. CONSORT-NPE aspects were poorly reported.

PMID- 27136050
TI  - Seeking Questions Over Answers.

PMID- 27136049
TI  - Fundamental Limitations to Plasmonic Hot-Carrier Solar Cells.
AB  - Detailed balance between photon-absorption and energy loss constrains the
      efficiency of conventional solar cells to the Shockley-Queisser limit. However,
      if solar illumination can be absorbed over a wide spectrum by plasmonic
      structures, and the generated hot-carriers can be collected before relaxation,
      the efficiency of solar cells may be greatly improved. In this work, we explore
      the opportunities and limitations for making plasmonic solar cells, here
      considering a design for hot-carrier solar cells in which a conventional
      semiconductor heterojunction is attached to a plasmonic medium such as arrays of
      gold nanoparticles. The underlying mechanisms and fundamental limitations of this
      cell are studied using a nonequilibrium Green's function method, and the
      numerical results indicate that this cell can significantly improve the
      absorption of solar radiation without reducing open-circuit voltage, as photons
      can be absorbed to produce mobile carriers in the semiconductor as long as they
      have energy larger than the Schottky barrier rather than above the bandgap.
      However, a significant fraction of the hot-carriers have energies below the
      Schottky barrier, which makes the cell suffer low internal quantum efficiency.
      Moreover, quantum efficiency is also limited by hot-carrier relaxation and metal
      semiconductor coupling. The connection of these results to recent experiments is
      described, showing why plasmonic solar cells can have less than 1% efficiency.

PMID- 27136051
TI  - Rethinking Models of Pattern Formation in Somitogenesis.
AB  - A new model for somite formation calls prevailing models into question. 

PMID- 27136052
TI  - Personalized Kinetic Models for Predictive Healthcare.
AB  - Metabolomics data are used to parameterize individual-specific kinetic models of
      metabolism to predict medically relevant parameters underpinning disease states
      or outcomes. 

PMID- 27136053
TI  - Global Edgetic Rewiring in Cancer Networks.
AB  - Two recent papers in Cell interpret lists of cancer genomic alterations in terms
      of how mutations rewire interactome networks. 

PMID- 27136054
TI  - Trends in Precision Medicine: An Interview with UCSF's Atul Butte.
AB  - Atul Butte discusses large patient cohorts, non-genomic factors in precision
      medicine, mobile devices, and the outsourcing of experimental work. 

PMID- 27136055
TI  - A Local, Self-Organizing Reaction-Diffusion Model Can Explain Somite Patterning
      in Embryos.
AB  - During somitogenesis in embryos, a posteriorly moving differentiation front
      arrests the oscillations of "segmentation clock" genes, leaving behind a frozen,
      periodic pattern of expression stripes. Both mathematical theories and
      experimental observations have invoked a "clock and wavefront" model to explain
      this phenomenon, in which long-range molecular gradients control the movement of
      the front and therefore the placement of the stripes in the embryo. Here, we
      develop a fundamentally different model-a progressive oscillatory reaction
      diffusion (PORD) system driven by short-range interactions. In this model,
      posterior movement of the front is a local, emergent phenomenon that, in contrast
      to the clock and wavefront model, is not controlled by global positional
      information. The PORD model explains important features of somitogenesis, such as
      size regulation, that previous reaction-diffusion models could not explain.
      Moreover, the PORD and clock and wavefront models make different predictions
      about the results of FGF-inhibition and tissue-cutting experiments, and we
      demonstrate that the results of these experiments favor the PORD model. 

PMID- 27136056
TI  - Pseudo-transition Analysis Identifies the Key Regulators of Dynamic Metabolic
      Adaptations from Steady-State Data.
AB  - Hundreds of molecular-level changes within central metabolism allow a cell to
      adapt to the changing environment. A primary challenge in cell physiology is to
      identify which of these molecular-level changes are active regulatory events.
      Here, we introduce pseudo-transition analysis, an approach that uses multiple
      steady-state observations of (13)C-resolved fluxes, metabolites, and transcripts
      to infer which regulatory events drive metabolic adaptations following
      environmental transitions. Pseudo-transition analysis recapitulates known biology
      and identifies an unexpectedly sparse, transition-dependent regulatory landscape:
      typically a handful of regulatory events drive adaptation between carbon sources,
      with transcription mainly regulating TCA cycle flux and reactants regulating EMP
      pathway flux. We verify these observations using time-resolved measurements of
      the diauxic shift, demonstrating that some dynamic transitions can be
      approximated as monotonic shifts between steady-state extremes. Overall, we show
      that pseudo-transition analysis can explore the vast regulatory landscape of
      dynamic transitions using relatively few steady-state data, thereby guiding time
      consuming, hypothesis-driven molecular validations. 

PMID- 27136057
TI  - Personalized Whole-Cell Kinetic Models of Metabolism for Discovery in Genomics
      and Pharmacodynamics.
AB  - Understanding individual variation is fundamental to personalized medicine. Yet
      interpreting complex phenotype data, such as multi-compartment metabolomic
      profiles, in the context of genotype data for an individual is complicated by
      interactions within and between cells and remains an unresolved challenge. Here,
      we constructed multi-omic, data-driven, personalized whole-cell kinetic models of
      erythrocyte metabolism for 24 healthy individuals based on fasting-state plasma
      and erythrocyte metabolomics and whole-genome genotyping. We show that
      personalized kinetic rate constants, rather than metabolite levels, better
      represent the genotype. Additionally, changes in erythrocyte dynamics between
      individuals occur on timescales of circulation, suggesting detected differences
      play a role in physiology. Finally, we use the models to identify individuals at
      risk for a drug side effect (ribavirin-induced anemia) and how genetic variation
      (inosine triphosphatase deficiency) may protect against this side effect. This
      study demonstrates the feasibility of personalized kinetic models, and we
      anticipate their use will accelerate discoveries in characterizing individual
      metabolic variation. 

PMID- 27136058
TI  - The Biomarker GlycA Is Associated with Chronic Inflammation and Predicts Long
      Term Risk of Severe Infection.
AB  - The biomarker glycoprotein acetylation (GlycA) has been shown to predict risk of
      cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Here, we characterize biological
      processes associated with GlycA by leveraging population-based omics data and
      health records from >10,000 individuals. Our analyses show that GlycA levels are
      chronic within individuals for up to a decade. In apparently healthy individuals,
      elevated GlycA corresponded to elevation of myriad inflammatory cytokines, as
      well as a gene coexpression network indicative of increased neutrophil activity,
      suggesting that individuals with high GlycA may be in a state of chronic
      inflammatory response. Accordingly, analysis of infection-related hospitalization
      and death records showed that increased GlycA increased long-term risk of severe
      non-localized and respiratory infections, particularly septicaemia and pneumonia.
      In total, our work demonstrates that GlycA is a biomarker for chronic
      inflammation, neutrophil activity, and risk of future severe infection. It also
      illustrates the utility of leveraging multi-layered omics data and health records
      to elucidate the molecular and cellular processes associated with biomarkers. 

PMID- 27136060
TI  - System level analysis of cacao seed ripening reveals a sequential interplay of
      primary and secondary metabolism leading to polyphenol accumulation and
      preparation of stress resistance.
AB  - Theobroma cacao and its popular product, chocolate, are attracting attention due
      to potential health benefits including antioxidative effects by polyphenols, anti
      depressant effects by high serotonin levels, inhibition of platelet aggregation
      and prevention of obesity-dependent insulin resistance. The development of cacao
      seeds during fruit ripening is the most crucial process for the accumulation of
      these compounds. In this study, we analyzed the primary and the secondary
      metabolome as well as the proteome during Theobroma cacao cv. Forastero seed
      development by applying an integrative extraction protocol. The combination of
      multivariate statistics and mathematical modelling revealed a complex consecutive
      coordination of primary and secondary metabolism and corresponding pathways.
      Tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and aromatic amino acid metabolism dominated
      during the early developmental stages (stages 1 and 2; cell division and
      expansion phase). This was accompanied with a significant shift of proteins from
      phenylpropanoid metabolism to flavonoid biosynthesis. At stage 3 (reserve
      accumulation phase), metabolism of sucrose switched from hydrolysis into
      raffinose synthesis. Lipids as well as proteins involved in lipid metabolism
      increased whereas amino acids and N-phenylpropenoyl amino acids decreased. Purine
      alkaloids, polyphenols, and raffinose as well as proteins involved in abiotic and
      biotic stress accumulated at stage 4 (maturation phase) endowing cacao seeds the
      characteristic astringent taste and resistance to stress. In summary, metabolic
      key points of cacao seed development comprise the sequential coordination of
      primary metabolites, phenylpropanoid, N-phenylpropenoyl amino acid, serotonin,
      lipid and polyphenol metabolism thereby covering the major compound classes
      involved in cacao aroma and health benefits.

PMID- 27136061
TI  - Recent progress in the development of Toll-like receptor (TLR) antagonists.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the innate immune system
      mediate and control the activation and progression of adaptive immunity. Toll
      like receptors (TLRs) are the most notable of the PRRs: they play crucial roles
      in protecting the host body against invading pathogens or endogenously released
      hazardous molecules. Sustained TLR signaling even after the clearance of
      pathogens or failure to distinguish between 'self' and 'non-self' molecules can
      cause inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. AREAS COVERED:
      This review focuses on recently developed therapeutic agents with TLR
      antagonistic activities. EXPERT OPINION: In recent years, several research
      institutes and pharmaceutical companies have achieved fundamental successes in
      inhibiting or reducing TLR signaling and associated effector mechanisms by using
      novel inhibitors. These inhibitory molecules include antibodies against TLRs, TLR
      derived transmembrane (TM) peptides, bacterial-secreted proteins, and natural or
      synthetic small molecules, peptides, and proteins. Antagonist developers
      generally target the TLR ectodomain to block receptor activation. The TM and
      cytosolic Toll/IL-1 receptor domains also have regions that should be explored
      for the design of peptide-based and small molecule blocking agents. A number of
      preclinical and clinical breakthroughs may result in the availability of improved
      TLR immunomodulatory drugs to address important unmet medical needs.

PMID- 27136062
TI  - Therapeutic Potential of Natural Product-Based Oral Nanomedicines for Stroke
      Prevention.
AB  - Cerebral stroke is the leading cause of death and permanent disability in elderly
      persons. The impaired glucose and oxygen transport to the brain during ischemia
      causes bioenergetic failure, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, blood
      brain barrier dysfunction, and eventually cell death. However, the development of
      effective therapies against stroke has been hampered by insufficient oral
      absorption of pharmaceuticals and subsequent delivery to the brain.
      Nanotechnology has emerged as a new method of treating cerebral diseases, with
      the potential to fundamentally change currently available therapeutic approaches
      using compounds with low bioavailability. This perspective review provides an
      overview of the therapeutic potential of oral nanomedicines for stroke, focusing
      on novel natural product-loaded delivery system with potent antioxidant and anti
      inflammatory effects. 

PMID- 27136064
TI  - A Valuable Upgrade to the Portfolio of Cycloaddition Reactions.
AB  - Knitting: Recently Antonchick and Manna described a unique annulation that knits
      together three acetophenones to construct cyclopropanes. The cascade is mediated
      by organocopper and free radical species, and amounts to the first known [1+1+1]
      cyclotrimerization. It works well for ketones having electron-deficient or
      electron-rich substituents in their aryl rings. DTBP=di-tert-butylperoxide.

PMID- 27136063
TI  - Factors influencing survival among Kenyan children diagnosed with endemic Burkitt
      lymphoma between 2003 and 2011: A historical cohort study.
AB  - Discovering how to improve survival and establishing clinical reference points
      for children diagnosed with endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) in resource
      constrained settings has recaptured international attention. Using multivariate
      analyses, we evaluated 428 children with eBL in Kenya for age, gender, tumor
      stage, nutritional status, hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Epstein-Barr
      virus (EBV) and Plasmodium falciparum prior to induction of chemotherapy
      (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, methotrexate and doxorubicin) to identify
      predictive and prognostic biomarkers of survival. During this 10 year prospective
      study period, 22% died in-hospital and 78% completed six-courses of chemotherapy.
      Of those, 16% relapsed or died later; 31% achieved event-free-survival; and 31%
      were lost to follow-up; the overall one-year survival was 45%. After adjusting
      for covariates, low hemoglobin (<8 g/dL) and high LDH (>400 mU/ml) were
      associated with increased risk of death (adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) = 1.57 [0.97
      2.41]) and aHR = 1.84, [0.91-3.69], respectively). Anemic children with malaria
      were 3.55 times more likely to die [1.10-11.44] compared to patients without
      anemia or malarial infection. EBV load did not differ by tumor stage nor was it
      associated with survival. System-level factors can also contribute to poor
      outcomes. Children were more likely to die when inadvertently overdosed by more
      than 115% of the correct dose of cyclophosphamide (a HR = 1.43 [0.84-2.43]) or
      doxorubicin (a HR = 1.25, [0.66-2.35]), compared with those receiving accurate
      doses of the respective agent in this setting. This study codifies risk factors
      associated with poor outcomes for eBL patients in Africa and provides a benchmark
      by which to assess improvements in survival for new chemotherapeutic approaches. 

PMID- 27136065
TI  - A case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis complicated by two opportunistic
      infections.

PMID- 27136066
TI  - Volatile organic compounds in breath as markers for irritable bowel syndrome: a
      metabolomic approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is challenging
      because of its heterogeneity and multifactorial pathophysiology. No reliable
      biomarkers of IBS have been identified so far. AIMS: In a case-control study,
      using a novel application of breath analysis to distinguish IBS patients from
      healthy controls based on the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
      Subsequently, the diagnostic VOC-biomarker set was correlated with self-reported
      gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of subjects of the Maastricht IBS clinical cohort
      and of a general population cohort, LifeLines DEEP. METHODS: Breath samples were
      collected from 170 IBS patients and 153 healthy controls in the clinical cohort
      and from 1307 participants in general population cohort. Multivariate statistics
      were used to identify the most discriminatory set of VOCs in the clinical cohort,
      and to find associations between VOCs and GI symptoms in both cohorts. RESULTS: A
      set of 16 VOCs correctly predicted 89.4% of the IBS patients and 73.3% of the
      healthy controls (AUC = 0.83). The VOC-biomarker set correlated moderately with a
      set of GI symptoms in the clinical (r = 0.55, P = 0.0003) and general population
      cohorts (r = 0.54, P = 0.0004). A Kruskal-Wallis test showed no influence from
      possible confounding factors in distinguishing IBS patients from healthy
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: A set of 16 breath-based biomarkers that distinguishes IBS
      patients from healthy controls was identified. The VOC-biomarker set correlated
      significantly with GI symptoms in two independent cohorts. We demonstrate the
      potential use of breath analysis in the diagnosis and monitoring of IBS, and a
      possible application of VOC analyses in a general population cohort.

PMID- 27136067
TI  - Involvement of a joker mutation in a polymerase-independent lethal mutagenesis
      escape mechanism.
AB  - We previously characterized a foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) with three
      amino acid replacements in its polymerase (3D) that conferred resistance to the
      mutagenic nucleoside analogue ribavirin. Here we show that passage of this mutant
      in the presence of high ribavirin concentrations resulted in selection of viruses
      with the additional replacement I248T in 2C. This 2C substitution alone (even in
      the absence of replacements in 3D) increased FMDV fitness mainly in the presence
      of ribavirin, prevented an incorporation bias in favor of A and U associated with
      ribavirin mutagenesis, and conferred the ATPase activity of 2C decreased
      sensitivity to ribavirin-triphosphate. Since in previous studies we described
      that 2C with I248T was selected under different selective pressures, this
      replacement qualifies as a joker substitution in FMDV evolution. The results have
      identified a role of 2C in nucleotide incorporation, and have unveiled a new
      polymerase-independent mechanism of virus escape to lethal mutagenesis.

PMID- 27136069
TI  - Effectiveness and Safety of an Intracameral Injection of Cefuroxime for the
      Prevention of Endophthalmitis After Cataract Surgery With or Without
      Perioperative Capsular Rupture.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Postoperative endophthalmitis (POE) often results in severe visual
      impairment. In clinical studies, an intracameral cefuroxime injection at the end
      of surgery was found to be effective at reducing the incidence of POE. Two
      important issues are the retinal safety of cefuroxime and its use for patients
      with perioperative capsular rupture where the risk of POE is dramatically
      increased. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and retinal safety of an
      intracameral injection of cefuroxime sodium for the prevention of POE and its
      possible use in cases of a perioperative capsular rupture of the lens. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Population-based cohort study of patients 40 years of
      age or older who underwent cataract surgery at 1 of 1546 French health care
      facilities, public or private, and whose medical records were obtained from the
      national administrative database. Data analyses were performed between March and
      November 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The effectiveness and safety of the
      prophylactic injection of cefuroxime as measured by the incidence of POE and
      cystoid macular edema. RESULTS: From January 2010 to October 2014, a total of 3
      351 401 eyes of 2 434 008 patients 40 years of age or older (58.9% were women,
      and the mean [SD] age was 73.9 [9.5] years) underwent cataract surgery; 1941
      patients (0.08%) developed POE during the 6 weeks after cataract surgery. The
      incidence of POE after cataract surgery decreased over the course of the study
      (0.11%, 0.09%, 0.08%, 0.06%, and 0.05% in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014,
      respectively [P = .001 for trend]) as the use of cefuroxime prophylactic
      injections increased (11.1%, 14.4%, 32.8%, 64.8%, and 79.1% in 2010, 2011, 2012,
      2013, and 2014, respectively [P = .001 for trend]). After multivariate
      adjustment, the risk of POE was reduced with the use of cefuroxime (odds ratio,
      0.61 [95% CI, 0.56-0.68]). The retinal safety of an injection of cefuroxime,
      which was assessed by multiadjusted odds of retinal cystoid macular edema, was
      not increased for patients receiving cefuroxime injections (odds ratio, 0.86 [95%
      CI, 0.71-1.05]). For patients with a perioperative capsular rupture of the lens
      (the major risk factor for POE), the incidence of POE was lower for those who
      received an injection of cefuroxime than for those who did not (0.37% vs 0.51%,
      respectively [P = .001]), whereas an increased risk of cystoid macular edema was
      not identified for those who received or did not receive an injection of
      cefuroxime (5.6% vs 7.3%, respectively [P = .12]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
      These data suggest that, in routine practice, the intracameral injection of
      cefuroxime at the conclusion of cataract surgery is associated with a lower risk
      of POE and is safe for patients with or without a perioperative capsular rupture.
      While these data might be used to support the consideration of its routine use to
      prevent POE, in the absence of a randomized clinical trial, they cannot prove a
      direct cause-and-effect relationship between the injection of cefuroxime and POE.

PMID- 27136070
TI  - Ultrasmall Biocompatible WO3- x Nanodots for Multi-Modality Imaging and Combined
      Therapy of Cancers.
AB  - Ultrasmall biocompatible WO3 - x nanodots with an outstanding X-ray radiation
      sensitization effect are prepared, and demonstrated to be applicable for multi
      modality tumor imaging through computed tomography and photoacoustic imaging
      (PAI), and effective cancer treatment combining both photothermal therapy and
      radiation therapy. 

PMID- 27136071
TI  - Ionizing Radiation in Craniofacial Surgery: A Primer on Dose and Risks.
AB  - An understanding of radiation dose and the anticipated risk to the patient is an
      important aspect of ordering radiological imaging studies responsibly. It is
      especially true for the pediatric practitioner because children are more
      vulnerable to the biological effects of radiation, such as radiosensitivity,
      longer lifetime years, and higher cellular mitotic activity. The use of
      fluoroscopy and computed tomography is commonplace in the practice of
      craniofacial surgery, but often dose reports from varied investigations are not
      directly comparable, and the risk of patient harm from the investigation is
      unclear. This article presents the fundamentals of radiation, dose, and risk as
      it applies to radiological imaging and also introduces our low dose craniofacial
      computed tomography protocol.

PMID- 27136072
TI  - Recommended Resource on Patient Length of Stay.

PMID- 27136073
TI  - Diagnostic Yield of Routine Skull Radiographs in Infants With Deformational
      Plagiocephaly.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Differentiating synostotic and nonsynostotic plagiocephaly can be
      challenging, and many providers routinely obtain screening skull radiographs when
      evaluating an infant with plagiocephaly. However, the diagnostic yield of
      radiographs has not been studied in this clinical setting. DESIGN: This study was
      a retrospective chart review. SETTING: The study took place in a tertiary care
      center. PATIENTS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients
      referred to Children's Medical Center (Dallas, TX) between the years 2010 to 2012
      with a diagnosis of plagiocephaly. After an initial evaluation, skull radiographs
      were obtained to rule out craniosynostosis. We reviewed clinical and demographic
      data and radiographic findings to determine the diagnostic yield of routine
      screening radiographs in infants presenting with plagiocephaly. RESULTS: There
      were 1219 patients in total, and 1213 of these patients received screening four
      view conventional skull radiographs. Six had computed tomography without prior
      radiographs. Of the patients in the skull radiograph group, 24% (289 of 1213) had
      abnormal radiographic findings, and 7.6% of this group (22 of 289) had findings
      that were indicative of craniosynostosis. Of these 22 patients, 12 obtained
      follow-up studies, and only three patients (0.2% of skull group) had true
      craniosynostosis. In comparison, 50% (three of six) in the group of patients who
      underwent computed tomography without prior conventional screening radiographs
      had true craniosynostosis. CONCLUSIONS: Routine screening skull radiographs have
      a low diagnostic yield in differentiating between synostotic and nonsynostotic
      plagiocephaly in patients presenting to a tertiary care deformational
      plagiocephaly clinic. Considering the costs and radiation exposure, the benefit
      of the routine use of skull radiographs in patients with deformational
      plagiocephaly is questionable.

PMID- 27136074
TI  - Digital Three-Dimensional Automation of the Modified Huddart and Bodenham Scoring
      System for Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The modified Huddart and Bodenham scoring system assesses maxillary
      arch constriction and surgical outcomes in cleft lip and palate. This project
      automates modified Huddart and Bodenham scoring using three-dimensional digital
      models. DESIGN: Development of a novel software tool. SETTING: The design,
      construction, development, and testing of the system was carried out at Dundee
      Dental Hospital. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Subjects with cleft lip and palate.
      INTERVENTIONS: A plug-in has been developed using an open three-dimensional
      development platform: Rhinoceros, version 5 ( http://www.rhino3d.co.uk ). Users
      select cusps on mandibular and maxillary teeth on three-dimensional digital
      models. A three-dimensional cubic spline generates a mandibular curve, and a best
      fit horizontal mandibular reference plane is produced using a least-squares
      method. Horizontal distances projected from the shortest three-dimensional
      distances were subsequently calculated between the maxillary cusps and the
      mandibular curve to calculate the modified Huddart and Bodenham score. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Automatic scoring of digital models using the modified Huddart
      and Bodenham system produces similar results to manual scoring. RESULTS: By
      standardizing outcome assessment in cleft care, multicenter comparisons for audit
      and research can be simplified, allowing centers throughout the world to upload
      three-dimensional digital models or intraoral scans of the dental arches for
      remote scoring. Thereafter, these data can feed back into the global database on
      orofacial clefting as part of the World Health Organization's international
      collaborative "Global Burden of Disease" research project for craniofacial
      anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: The automated system facilitates quicker and more
      reliable outcome assessments by minimizing human errors.

PMID- 27136075
TI  - Liquid Latex Molding: A Novel Application of 3D Printing to Facilitate Flap
      Design.
AB  - The approach to bony craniofacial reconstruction has been significantly enhanced
      with the development of patient-specific, computer-aided designed and
      manufactured (CAD/CAM) implants. This technology, however, has not yet been
      widely employed for soft tissue reconstruction. While algorithmic approaches
      based on the size, location, and etiology of the defect are effective in most
      cases, a patient-specific CAD/CAM approach has benefits in complex reconstructive
      problems. In this study, we present a patient-specific approach to preoperative
      flap planning: using three-dimensional (3D) printing and liquid latex to create a
      flexible model of a flap, and demonstrate its application in planning a complex
      scalp reconstruction.

PMID- 27136076
TI  - Wishbone identifies bifurcating developmental trajectories from single-cell data.
AB  - Recent single-cell analysis technologies offer an unprecedented opportunity to
      elucidate developmental pathways. Here we present Wishbone, an algorithm for
      positioning single cells along bifurcating developmental trajectories with high
      resolution. Wishbone uses multi-dimensional single-cell data, such as mass
      cytometry or RNA-Seq data, as input and orders cells according to their
      developmental progression, and it pinpoints bifurcation points by labeling each
      cell as pre-bifurcation or as one of two post-bifurcation cell fates. Using 30
      channel mass cytometry data, we show that Wishbone accurately recovers the known
      stages of T-cell development in the mouse thymus, including the bifurcation
      point. We also apply the algorithm to mouse myeloid differentiation and
      demonstrate its generalization to additional lineages. A comparison of Wishbone
      to diffusion maps, SCUBA and Monocle shows that it outperforms these methods both
      in the accuracy of ordering cells and in the correct identification of branch
      points.

PMID- 27136077
TI  - Profiling of engineering hotspots identifies an allosteric CRISPR-Cas9 switch.
AB  - The clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)
      associated protein Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes is an RNA-guided DNA
      endonuclease with widespread utility for genome modification. However, the
      structural constraints limiting the engineering of Cas9 have not been determined.
      Here we experimentally profile Cas9 using randomized insertional mutagenesis and
      delineate hotspots in the structure capable of tolerating insertions of a PDZ
      domain without disruption of the enzyme's binding and cleavage functions.
      Orthogonal domains or combinations of domains can be inserted into the identified
      sites with minimal functional consequence. To illustrate the utility of the
      identified sites, we construct an allosterically regulated Cas9 by insertion of
      the estrogen receptor-alpha ligand-binding domain. This protein showed robust,
      ligand-dependent activation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, establishing a
      versatile one-component system for inducible and reversible Cas9 activation.
      Thus, domain insertion profiling facilitates the rapid generation of new Cas9
      functionalities and provides useful data for future engineering of Cas9.

PMID- 27136079
TI  - Hybrid Complex Polarization Propagator/Molecular Mechanics Method for
      Heterogeneous Environments.
AB  - We introduce a hybrid complex polarization propagator/molecular mechanics method
      for the calculation of near-resonant and resonant response properties of
      molecules in heterogeneous environments, which consist of a metallic surface, or
      nanoparticle, and a solvent. The applicability and performance of the method is
      demonstrated by computations of linear absorption spectra of p-nitroaniline
      physisorbed at a gold/dimethyl sulfoxide interface in the UV/vis and near-carbon
      K-edge regions of the spectrum. It is shown that the shift of absorption cross
      section induced by the heterogeneous environment varies significantly depending
      on the nature of the excited states encountered in the targeted frequency region
      as well as on the actual size of the resonant frequencies, and that the solvent
      component of the heterogeneous environment is responsible for the major part of
      the environmental shift, especially in the higher frequency range of the carbon K
      edge region. 

PMID- 27136078
TI  - DNA-guided genome editing using the Natronobacterium gregoryi Argonaute.
AB  - The RNA-guided endonuclease Cas9 has made genome editing a widely accessible
      technique. Similar to Cas9, endonucleases from the Argonaute protein family also
      use oligonucleotides as guides to degrade invasive genomes. Here we report that
      the Natronobacterium gregoryi Argonaute (NgAgo) is a DNA-guided endonuclease
      suitable for genome editing in human cells. NgAgo binds 5' phosphorylated single
      stranded guide DNA (gDNA) of ~24 nucleotides, efficiently creates site-specific
      DNA double-strand breaks when loaded with the gDNA. The NgAgo-gDNA system does
      not require a protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM), as does Cas9, and preliminary
      characterization suggests a low tolerance to guide-target mismatches and high
      efficiency in editing (G+C)-rich genomic targets.

PMID- 27136080
TI  - Purification and partial characterization of a fibrinolytic enzyme from the
      fruiting body of the medicinal and edible mushroom Pleurotus ferulae.
AB  - A fibrinolytic metalloprotease with in vitro fibrinolytic effects was purified
      from the edible mushroom Pleurotus ferulae using several chromatography steps
      including anion and ion exchange, gel filtration, and fast protein liquid
      chromatography columns. The molecular mass of the enzyme was estimated to be 20.0
      kDa, as determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis and fibrin zymography. The protease was active at 50 degrees C,
      and pH 4.0, 5.0, and 8.0. The fibrinolytic activity of the enzyme was inhibited
      by ethyleneglycol-bis-(2-aminoethyl)-N,N,N',N' tetraacetic acid and strongly
      inhibited by two metal ions, Cu and Mg. In vitro assays evaluating fibrinolytic
      activity on a fibrin plate, fibrin turbidity, and thrombolytic activity on fibrin
      clots using human fibrinogen and human thrombin revealed that the enzyme could
      hydrolyze fibrin polymers directly and inhibit the formation of fibrin clots. In
      activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time assays, the
      enzyme strongly prolonged the APTT, which detects an activity of intrinsic and
      common pathways. The enzyme showed strong in vivo protective effect against
      mortality/paralysis from epinephrine plus collagen-induced acute thromboembolism
      in in vivo model. Our findings suggest that the enzyme may have a potential for
      treatment and prevention of thrombosis-relative diseases.

PMID- 27136082
TI  - Oxygenation via a Biventricular Assist Device for Emergency Airway Management.
AB  - A 56-year-old man receiving mechanical circulatory support via a biventricular
      assist device suffered an airway emergency secondary to bleeding into the airway.
      An improvised solution to gain control of the airway in the short term was
      devised, and an oxygenator was inserted into the circuit, providing an
      alternative means of gas exchange while definitive control of the airway was
      achieved. This case changed practice in our institution, where we now make
      contingency plans for emergency oxygenator insertion into the circuits of all
      patients with a biventricular assist device who show any sign of airway
      hemorrhage. 

PMID- 27136081
TI  - Toxoplasmic Retinochoroiditis: Clinical Characteristics and Visual Outcome in a
      Prospective Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To ascertain the clinical features and visual outcome of toxoplasma
      retinochoroiditis in a large series of cases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Two hundred
      and thirty subjects diagnosed with active toxoplasma retinochoroiditis were
      prospectively followed for periods ranging from 269 to 1976 days. All patients
      presented with active retinochoroiditis and positive IgG T. gondii serology at
      the beginning of the study and received a standardized drug treatment for
      toxoplasmosis, both in the first episode and in the subsequent recurrences.
      RESULTS: The group involved 118 (51.3%) men and 112 (48.7%) women, with ages
      ranging from 14 to 77 years, mean of 32.4 years (SD = 11.38). Primary
      retinochoroidal lesions were observed in 52 (22.6%) cases and active
      retinochoroiditis combined with old scars in 178 (77.4%) subjects at the
      beginning of the study. A hundred sixty-two recurrent episodes in 104 (45.2%)
      patients were observed during follow-up. New subclinical retinochoroidal lesions
      were detected in 23 of 162 (14.2%) recurrences episodes during the follow-up.
      Posterior segment complications were observed in 73 (31.7%) subjects.
      Retinochoroidal lesions adjacent to the optic nerve and in the macular area were
      observed in 27 of 40 (67.5%) cases of severe visual impairment (VA = 20/200 or
      worse). CONCLUSION: Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis in this population had a high
      recurrence rate after an active episode. Severe visual impairment was associated
      with location of the retinochoroidal scar, recurrences and posterior segment
      complications. It is crucial to consider the location of the lesion in studies
      analyzing visual prognosis as a measure for treatment effectiveness and
      prevention strategies.

PMID- 27136083
TI  - Disc-damage Likelihood Scale (DDLS) as a Clinical Indicator of the Presence of a
      Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect (RAPD).
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical parameters and their relationship to the presence
      of a relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Retrospective chart review of 672 consecutive patients who presented to the
      Glaucoma Service at Wills Eye Hospital from January 1 through May 29, 2012.
      Swinging flashlight method (SFM) was used to test for RAPDs. Records of visual
      acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), disc-damage likelihood scale (DDLS), cup/disc
      (C/D) ratio, visual field mean deviation (MD), optical coherence tomography
      (OCT), and Heidelberg retinal tomography (HRT) asymmetries were examined. We
      measured the prevalence of RAPDs as clinical asymmetries increase, calculated cut
      off points for clinical asymmetries that optimized sensitivity and specificity in
      detecting RAPDs, and determined values of clinical asymmetries above which a RAPD
      always exists. RESULTS: Upon exclusion, we studied 409 patients, 175 (42.8%) with
      RAPDs and 234 (57.2%) without. Age, visual acuity, IOP, DDLS, C/D ratio, MD,
      retina nerve fiber layer thickness by OCT, HRT C/D, and HRT rim area asymmetries
      all correlated with RAPD status (OCT and HRT parameters did not include enough
      patients for multivariable analysis or cut-off determination). Multivariable
      analysis indicated that IOP, DDLS, and MD asymmetries were significantly
      correlated with RAPD status (P-value<0.05). Although the optimal cut-off values
      for the variables retained in the final multivariable model had low sensitivity
      and moderate specificity, DDLS had the highest specificity of 0.86. CONCLUSIONS:
      IOP, DDLS, and MD asymmetries had the best correlation with RAPD status, and
      increased asymmetries in these parameters were associated with higher likelihood
      of RAPDs. DDLS score had the highest specificity in predicting a RAPD, and DDLS
      asymmetry scores >=6 identified all cases of RAPDs.

PMID- 27136084
TI  - A Simplified (Screening) Approach to Check the Calibration Status of the Goldmann
      Applanation Tonometer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate whether a lower-end calibration error check alone can
      identify a Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) with acceptable calibration error
      as per Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society (APGS) and World Glaucoma Association (WGA)
      guidelines. METHODS: This was a multicentric prospective study in a tertiary eye
      care institutional setting. Seventy-six slit-lamp-mounted Haag-Streit GATs (Model
      AT 900 C/M) were included in the study. All GATs were checked for calibration
      error at 0, 20, and 60 mm Hg testing levels as recommended by the manufacturer.
      The ability of 2 screening criteria (calibration error within +/-1 or +/-2 mm Hg,
      respectively, at the 0 mm Hg testing level without using the calibration error
      check weight bar) to identify a tonometer within acceptable calibration limits
      defined by APGS (calibration error within +/-2, +/-3, and +/-4 mm Hg at 0, 20,
      and 60 mm Hg testing levels, respectively) and WGA (calibration error within +/-1
      mm Hg at all testing levels) was determined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The negative
      likelihood ratio of the screening criteria RESULTS:: Five (6.6%) and 42 (55%)
      GATs were outside of the APGS and the WGA calibration limits, respectively.
      Negative likelihood ratios of the first and the second screening criteria at the
      APGS definition of calibration error tolerance were 0.11 and 0.25, respectively,
      and at that of the WGA definition of calibration error tolerance were 0.38 and
      0.90, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The screening criteria of calibration error
      within +/-1 mm Hg at the 0 mm Hg testing level seem to be clinically useful to
      detect GAT with an acceptable calibration error as per the APGS guideline.

PMID- 27136085
TI  - Increased Intraocular Pressure in a Patient With Septooptic Dysplasia: A Case
      Report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have described septooptic dysplasia (SOD) to
      describe patients who have optic nerve hypoplasia, the absence of septum
      pellucidum, and pituitary hypoplasia. Other rare ophthalmic associations have
      been described, such as low-tension glaucoma. We report the ocular findings of a
      patient with SOD who had high intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma as a part
      of the syndrome. OBJECTIVES: To report the ocular findings in a Puerto Rican
      patient with SOD and increased IOP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A patient with De
      Morsier syndrome underwent a comprehensive eye examination, Humphrey visual
      fields, and Stratus optical coherence tomography, and was referred for
      neuroradiologic examination. The patient had increased IOP, visual field loss,
      and asymmetric optic nerve hypoplasia. The IOP was lowered with topical
      hypotensive medications. CONCLUSIONS: The patient with the De Morsier syndrome
      had poor visual acuity, high IOP, visual field, and optical coherence tomography
      results that were all compatible with glaucoma. Further studies comparing ocular
      findings in patients with several mutations leading to De Morsier syndrome are
      warranted. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a patient with glaucoma
      as a part of the syndrome.

PMID- 27136086
TI  - Regioselective Photocyclizations of Di(quinolinyl)arylamines and
      Tri(quinolinyl)amine with Emission Color Changes and Photoreaction-Induced Self
      Assemblies.
AB  - Bis[2,4-di(trifluoromethyl)quinoline-7-yl]amine (1), bis[2,4
      di(trifluoromethyl)quinoline-7-yl]methylamine (2), bis[2,4
      di(trifluoromethyl)quinoline-7-yl]phenylamine derivatives, Q2 NPhX; X=NO2 (3 a),
      I (3 b), H (3 c), OMe (3 d), and NH2 (3 e), tris[2,4-di(trifluoromethyl)quinoline
      7-yl]amine (4), and bis[2,4-di(pentafluoroethyl)quinoline-7-yl]-4
      nitrophenylamine (5) were prepared as functional fluorophores. On irradiating the
      solution samples, 1 showed no noticeable alteration, whereas 2, 3 a-d, and 4
      showed emission color changes from yellowish green to blue, indicating that a
      photoreaction took place. Analyses of the photoproduct based on absorption and
      emission spectra, (1) H NMR spectra, and X-ray crystallography indicated that
      photocyclization reactions occurred regioselectively and quantitatively to form
      bent-bent dipyridocarbazoles. In 3 a-d, the reaction rates depended on the
      solvent polarity and the substituent on the benzene ring. The photoreactions were
      accelerated with decreasing solvent polarity and with increasing electron
      withdrawing character of the substituents. The photocyclization of
      triquinolineamine 4 was faster than that of 3 a in all solvents. The results of
      semiempirical quantum-chemical PM6 calculations suggested that the observed
      regioselective photocyclization could be explained by stabilization of the
      excited triplet transition state for the bent-bent form because of the molecular
      geometry with the CH-NQ hydrogen bonds. The solution of 5 in MeOH displayed
      photoreaction-induced self-assembly behavior to form twisted tape-like fibers of
      width 200 nm, as determined by TEM imaging.

PMID- 27136087
TI  - On the appropriateness of modelling brain parenchyma as a biphasic continuum.
AB  - Computational methods originally developed for analysis in engineering have been
      applied to the analysis of biological materials for many years. One particular
      application of these engineering tools is the brain, allowing researchers to
      predict the behaviour of brain tissue in various traumatic, surgical and medical
      scenarios. Typically two different approaches have been used to model deformation
      of brain tissue: single-phase models which treat the brain as a viscoelastic
      material, and biphasic models which treat the brain as a porous deformable medium
      through which liquid can move. In order to model the brain as a biphasic
      continuum, the hydraulic conductivity of the solid phase is required; there are
      many theoretical values for this conductivity in the literature, with variations
      of up to three orders of magnitude. We carried out a series of simple experiments
      using lamb and sheep brain tissue to establish the rate at which cerebrospinal
      fluid moves through the brain parenchyma. Mindful of possible variations in
      hydraulic conductivity with tissue deformation, our intention was to carry out
      our experiments on brain tissue subjected to minimal deformation. This has
      enabled us to compare the rate of flow with values predicted by some of the
      theoretical values of hydraulic conductivity from the literature. Our results
      indicate that the hydraulic conductivity of the brain parenchyma is consistent
      with the lowest theoretical published values. These extremely low hydraulic
      conductivities lead to such low rates of CSF flow through the brain tissue that
      in effect the material behaves as a single-phase deformable solid.

PMID- 27136088
TI  - Ceramic cement as a potential stand-alone treatment for bone fractures: An in
      vitro study of ceramic-bone composites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A vertebral burst fracture (VBF) treated with vertebroplasty using a
      ceramic cement consists of four regions; native bone fragments, native ceramic
      cement, ceramic cement-trabecular bone (ceramic-bone) composite and ceramic-bone
      interface. Although the mechanical properties of native bone and native ceramic
      cements have been well investigated, the mechanical properties of ceramic-bone
      composite and ceramic-bone interface remain unknown. Therefore, the aim of this
      study was to determine the mechanical properties of ceramic-bone composites and
      ceramic-bone interfaces. Two types of ceramic cement, calcium aluminate (CAC)
      with (w/F) and without (wo/F) fiber reinforcement, were investigated. METHODS:
      Ceramic-bone composite (Full, wo/F and w/F) and ceramic-bone interface (Fract,
      wo/F and w/F) groups were tested to determine their compressive and tensile
      properties. While a continuous bone cylinder was used for samples in the Full
      groups, each bone cylinder for the samples in the Fract groups contained a 3mm
      geometrical discontinuity to mimic the fracture gaps in VBFs. Two Cement groups
      (wo/F and w/F) and a Bone group were included in the study as controls. Micro-CT
      images were used to determine the bone morphological parameters, as potential
      predictors of the mechanical properties of Full and Fract groups. RESULTS: The
      compressive strengths of Full and Fract groups were substantially lower than
      native CAC, but higher than bone. The tensile strength of the Full group was
      equal to bone, while the tensile strength of the Fract group was equivalent to
      CAC. Variable relationships between the bone morphological parameters and
      mechanical properties of Full and Fract groups were observed. Fiber reinforcement
      at an injectable level had a minimal influence on the mechanical properties.
      CONCLUSIONS: CAC augmentation does not provide adequate stabilization of bone
      fragments. The interface between bone and cement represents a weak point. The
      effect of cement augmentation cannot be predicted by bone morphological
      properties.

PMID- 27136089
TI  - Designing highly structured polycaprolactone fibers using microfluidics.
AB  - Microfibers are becoming increasingly important for biomedical applications such
      as regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. We have used a microfluidic
      approach to create polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers in a controlled manner.
      Through the variations of the sheath fluid flow rate and PCL concentration in the
      core solution, the morphology of the microfibers and their cross-sections can be
      tuned. The microfibers were made using PCL concentrations of 2%, 5%, and 8% in
      the core fluid with a wide range of sheath-to-core flow rate ratios from
      120:5uL/min to 10:5uL/min, respectively. The results revealed that the mechanical
      properties of the PCL microfibers made using microfluidic approach were
      significantly improved compared to the PCL microfibers made by other fiber
      fabrication methods. Additionally, it was demonstrated that by decreasing the
      flow rate ratio and increasing the PCL concentration, the size of the microfiber
      could be increased. Varying the sheath-to-core flow rate ratios from 40:5 to
      10:5, the tensile stress at break, the tensile strain at break, and the Young's
      modulus were enhanced from 24.51MPa to 77.07MPa, 567% to 1420%, and 247.25MPa to
      539.70MPa, respectively. The porosity and roughness of microfiber decreased when
      the PCL concentration increased from 2% to 8%, whereas changing the flow rate
      ratio did not have considerable impact on the microfiber roughness.

PMID- 27136090
TI  - The relevance of molecular weight in the design of amorphous biodegradable
      polymers with optimized shape memory effect.
AB  - The shape memory effect (SME) has long been the focus of interest of many
      research groups that have studied many facets of it, yet to the authors'
      knowledge some molecular parameters, such as the molecular weight, have been
      skipped. Thus, the aim of this work is to offer further insight into the shape
      memory effect, by disclosing the importance of the molecular weight as the
      relevant parameter dictating the extension of the rubbery plateau, which is the
      scenario where the entropic network of entanglements manifests. For this, a set
      of biodegradable amorphous poly(rac-d,l)lactides have been synthesised by ring
      opening copolymerization of a racemic mixture of L-and D-lactide. The analysis
      performed on the synthesised enantiomeric copolylactides includes the
      determination of molecular weights by means of Gel Permeation Chromatography
      (GPC), thermal properties by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), dynamic
      mechanical analysis (DMA) and rheological tests using small amplitude oscillatory
      flow analysis. Shape memory properties have been determined by means of specific
      cyclic thermo-mechanic test protocol. It has been shown that the recovery
      capacity of amorphous PDLLA is linked to the disentanglement time through an
      exponential law.

PMID- 27136091
TI  - On the accuracy and fitting of transversely isotropic material models.
AB  - Fiber reinforced structures are central to the form and function of biological
      tissues. Hyperelastic, transversely isotropic material models are used widely in
      the modeling and simulation of such tissues. Many of the most widely used models
      involve strain energy functions that include one or both pseudo-invariants (I4 or
      I5) to incorporate energy stored in the fibers. In a previous study we showed
      that both of these invariants must be included in the strain energy function if
      the material model is to reduce correctly to the well-known framework of
      transversely isotropic linear elasticity in the limit of small deformations. Even
      with such a model, fitting of parameters is a challenge. Here, by evaluating the
      relative roles of I4 and I5 in the responses to simple loadings, we identify
      loading scenarios in which previous models accounting for only one of these
      invariants can be expected to provide accurate estimation of material response,
      and identify mechanical tests that have special utility for fitting of
      transversely isotropic constitutive models. Results provide guidance for fitting
      of transversely isotropic constitutive models and for interpretation of the
      predictions of these models.

PMID- 27136092
TI  - Loss of Pcgf5 Affects Global H2A Monoubiquitination but Not the Function of
      Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells.
AB  - Polycomb-group RING finger proteins (Pcgf1-Pcgf6) are components of Polycomb
      repressive complex 1 (PRC1)-related complexes that catalyze monoubiquitination of
      histone H2A at lysine 119 (H2AK119ub1), an epigenetic mark associated with
      repression of genes. Pcgf5 has been characterized as a component of PRC1.5, one
      of the non-canonical PRC1, consisting of Ring1a/b, Rybp/Yaf2 and Auts2. However,
      the biological functions of Pcgf5 have not yet been identified. Here we analyzed
      the impact of the deletion of Pcgf5 specifically in hematopoietic stem and
      progenitor cells (HSPCs). Pcgf5 is expressed preferentially in hematopoietic stem
      cells (HSCs) and multipotent progenitors (MPPs) compared with committed myeloid
      progenitors and differentiated cells. We transplanted bone marrow (BM) cells from
      Rosa::Cre-ERT control and Cre-ERT;Pcgf5fl/fl mice into lethally irradiated
      recipient mice. At 4 weeks post-transplantation, we deleted Pcgf5 by injecting
      tamoxifen, however, no obvious changes in hematopoiesis were detected including
      the number of HSPCs during a long-term observation period following the deletion.
      Competitive BM repopulating assays revealed normal repopulating capacity of Pcgf5
      deficient HSCs. Nevertheless, Pcgf5-deficient HSPCs showed a significant
      reduction in H2AK119ub1 levels compared with the control. ChIP-sequence analysis
      confirmed the reduction in H2AK119ub1 levels, but revealed no significant
      association of changes in H2AK119ub1 levels with gene expression levels. Our
      findings demonstrate that Pcgf5-containing PRC1 functions as a histone modifier
      in vivo, but its role in HSPCs is limited and can be compensated by other PRC1
      related complexes in HSPCs.

PMID- 27136094
TI  - Neurovascular coupling in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Also to the inflammatory demyelinating lesions and degenerative
      process, altered cerebrovascular reactivity or neurovascular coupling (NVC) might
      be considered as playing another role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
      The objective of this study is to assess the NVC of patients with relapsing
      remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) during the acute exacerbation period.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred fifty-eight patients with RRMS and 160 healthy
      subjects were screened for this study during the last 14 years. We performed
      transtemporal transcranial Doppler recordings from the P2-segments of both
      posterior cerebral arteries simultaneously during simple or complex visual
      stimulation. The NVC was defined as a relative increase of the blood flow
      velocities as a percentage change of the baseline values during visual
      stimulation. RESULTS: The NVC to simple visual stimulation was significantly
      higher in the patients on both sides (37.2+/-13.5% and 36.0+/-14.8%; right and
      left side, respectively) from those of the controls (30.9+/-9.9% and 30.0+/-8.8%;
      right and left side, respectively) (p<0.01). Similarly, the NVC to complex visual
      stimulation was significantly higher in the patients (43.3+/-14.1% and 41.7+/
      13.5%; right and left side, respectively) from those of the controls (38.6+/
      14.2% and 37.6+/-14.1%; right and left side, respectively) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Our results suggest that patients with RRMS during exacerbation period have more
      reactive neurovascular units in the occipital cortex.

PMID- 27136093
TI  - Distribution and Molecular Characterization of Human Adenovirus and Epstein-Barr
      Virus Infections in Tonsillar Lymphocytes Isolated from Patients Diagnosed with
      Tonsillar Diseases.
AB  - Surgically removed palatine tonsils provide a conveniently accessible source of T
      and B lymphocytes to study the interplay between foreign pathogens and the host
      immune system. In this study we have characterised the distribution of human
      adenovirus (HAdV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in
      purified tonsillar T and B cell-enriched fractions isolated from three patient
      age groups diagnosed with tonsillar hypertrophy and chronic/recurrent
      tonsillitis. HAdV DNA was detected in 93 out of 111 patients (84%), while EBV DNA
      was detected in 58 patients (52%). The most abundant adenovirus type was HAdV-5
      (68%). None of the patients were positive for HCMV. Furthermore, 43 patients
      (39%) showed a co-infection of HAdV and EBV. The majority of young patients
      diagnosed with tonsillar hypertrophy were positive for HAdV, whereas all adult
      patients diagnosed with chronic/recurrent tonsillitis were positive for either
      HAdV or EBV. Most of the tonsils from patients diagnosed with either tonsillar
      hypertrophy or chronic/recurrent tonsillitis showed a higher HAdV DNA copy number
      in T compared to B cell-enriched fraction. Interestingly, in the majority of the
      tonsils from patients with chronic/recurrent tonsillitis HAdV DNA was detected in
      T cells only, whereas hypertrophic tonsils demonstrated HAdV DNA in both T and B
      cell-enriched fractions. In contrast, the majority of EBV positive tonsils
      revealed a preference for EBV DNA accumulation in the B cell-enriched fraction
      compared to T cell fraction irrespective of the patients' age.

PMID- 27136095
TI  - The endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to sellar lesions allows a high
      radicality: The benefit of angled optics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The endonasal endoscopic approach is currently under investigation for
      perisellar tumour surgery. A higher resection rate is to be expected, and nasal
      complications should be minimized. Here, the authors report their technique of
      transnasal endoscopic neurosurgery with a special reference to the impact of the
      use of angled optics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two-hundred-and-seventy-one
      endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal procedures were performed for sellar lesions
      between January 2000 and August 2013. One-hundred-and-twenty-nine patients out of
      them could be used for analysing the use of angled endoscopes including completed
      follow up, MR imaging as resection control and documentation of the
      intraoperative use and benefit of angled optics. Exclusion criteria were: planned
      incomplete resection or incomplete data set. The surgical technique was carefully
      analysed; and these cases were followed prospectively. RESULTS: Standard
      technique was a mononostril approach with 0 degrees  endoscopes. Angled
      endoscopes were used for assessment of radicality during the tumour resection and
      at the end of the procedure. In 95 cases (72%), an angled endoscope was used.
      Remnant tumour was visualized with angled optics in 27 of the 95 cases (28%). In
      all these cases, remnant tumour tissue was subsequently further removed. Complete
      resection was seen on MRI FU in 91 of 95 cases (96%) in this subgroup. In the
      cases without application of angled optics, there was already a sufficient sight
      via the 0 degrees  endoscope (14/34; 42%), or a significant bleeding from the
      cavernous sinus made the application of an angled endoscope impossible (19/34;
      55%). On follow up, MRI revealed radical tumour resection in 93% (120/129). In
      the subgroup without angled optics use, radicality reached 88% (30/34) in
      contrast to 96% in the angled optics subgroup. Recurrent tumour growth was
      observed in four patients (3%). CONCLUSIONS: The endscopic technique has been
      shown to be safe and successful with a high radicality and only minor
      complications. The application of various angled endoscopes allows a look "around
      the corner" resulting in a potentially higher radicality of tumour resection in
      endonasal transsphenoidal surgery.

PMID- 27136096
TI  - Randomized placebo-controlled trial of sodium valproate in progressive
      supranuclear palsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Results from preclinical studies suggest that inhibition of glycogen
      synthase kinase (GSK-3) is a therapeutic option for tauopathies. The aim of the
      present study was therefore to determine the effects of sodium valproate (VPA), a
      GSK-3 inhibitor, on disease progression in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled
      trial, in 28 PSP patients who received VPA (1500mg/day) or matching placebo for
      24 months. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in Progressive
      Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale (PSPRS) at 12 and 24 months. Secondary endpoints
      evaluated the effects of VPA on cognitive and behavioral status (MMSE, Mattis
      Dementia Rating Scale, Wisconsin Card Sorting, Grober and Buschke and Oral
      Denomination 80 tests), tolerability of treatment, and patient compliance.
      RESULTS: There were no baseline differences between active treatment and placebo
      groups in age and clinical rating scores. PSPRS score at 12 months was
      significantly higher in the VPA than in the placebo group (60.8+/-20 versus
      46.9+/-18.6 respectively, p=0.01), but was similar between the two groups at 24
      months. No significant differences were observed between VPA and placebo groups
      for the secondary endpoints. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that VPA is not
      effective as a disease-modifying agent in PSP.

PMID- 27136099
TI  - United Formula for the Friction Factor in the Turbulent Region of Pipe Flow.
AB  - Friction factor is an important element in both flow simulations and river
      engineering. In hydraulics, studies on the friction factor in turbulent regions
      have been based on the concept of three flow regimes, namely, the fully smooth
      regime, the fully rough regime, and the transitional regime, since the
      establishment of the Nikuradze's chart. However, this study further demonstrates
      that combining the friction factor with Reynolds number yields a united formula
      that can scale the entire turbulent region. This formula is derived by
      investigating the correlation between friction in turbulent pipe flow and its
      influencing factors, i.e., Reynolds number and relative roughness. In the present
      study, the formulae of Blasius and Stricklerare modified to rearrange the
      implicit model of Tao. In addition, we derive a united explicit formula that can
      compute the friction factor in the entire turbulent regimes based on the
      asymptotic behavior of the improved Tao's model. Compared with the reported
      formulae of Nikuradze, the present formula exhibits higher computational accuracy
      for the original pipe experiment data of Nikuradze.

PMID- 27136097
TI  - Pulchrin A, a New Natural Coumarin Derivative of Enicosanthellum pulchrum,
      Induces Apoptosis in Ovarian Cancer Cells via Intrinsic Pathway.
AB  - Drug resistance presents a challenge in chemotherapy and has attracted research
      interest worldwide and particular attention has been given to natural compounds
      to overcome this difficulty. Pulchrin A, a new compound isolated from natural
      products has demonstrated novel potential for development as a drug. The
      identification of pulchrin A was conducted using several spectroscopic techniques
      such as nuclear magnetic resonance, liquid chromatography mass spectrometer,
      infrared and ultraviolet spectrometry. The cytotoxicity effects on CAOV-3 cells
      indicates that pulchrin A is more active than cisplatin, which has an IC50 of
      22.3 MUM. Significant changes in cell morphology were present, such as cell
      membrane blebbing and formation of apoptotic bodies. The involvement of
      phosphatidylserine (PS) in apoptosis was confirmed by Annexin V-FITC after a 24 h
      treatment. Apoptosis was activated through the intrinsic pathway by activation of
      procaspases 3 and 9 as well as cleaved caspases 3 and 9 and ended at the
      executioner pathway, with the occurrence of DNA laddering. Apoptosis was further
      confirmed via gene and protein expression levels, in which Bcl-2 protein was down
      regulated and Bax protein was up-regulated. Furthermore, the CAOV-3 cell cycle
      was disrupted at the G0/G1 phase, leading to apoptosis. Molecular modeling of Bcl
      2 proteins demonstrated a high- binding affinity, which inhibited the function of
      Bcl-2 proteins and led to cell death. Results of the current study can shed light
      on the development of new therapeutic agents, particularly, human ovarian cancer
      treatments.

PMID- 27136098
TI  - Methods for Efficient Elimination of Mitochondrial DNA from Cultured Cells.
AB  - Here, we document that persistent mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) damage due to
      mitochondrial overexpression of the Y147A mutant uracil-N-glycosylase as well as
      mitochondrial overexpression of bacterial Exonuclease III or Herpes Simplex Virus
      protein UL12.5M185 can induce a complete loss of mtDNA (rho0 phenotype) without
      compromising the viability of cells cultured in media supplemented with uridine
      and pyruvate. Furthermore, we use these observations to develop rapid, sequence
      independent methods for the elimination of mtDNA, and demonstrate utility of
      these methods for generating rho0 cells of human, mouse and rat origin. We also
      demonstrate that rho0 cells generated by each of these three methods can serve as
      recipients of mtDNA in fusions with enucleated cells.

PMID- 27136100
TI  - Three-dimensional models of cochlear implants: A review of their development and
      how they could support management and maintenance of cochlear implant
      performance.
AB  - Three-dimensional (3D) computational modeling of the auditory periphery forms an
      integral part of modern-day research in cochlear implants (CIs). These models
      consist of a volume conduction description of implanted stimulation electrodes
      and the current distribution around these, coupled with auditory nerve fiber
      models. Cochlear neural activation patterns can then be predicted for a given
      input stimulus. The objective of this article is to present the context of 3D
      modeling within the field of CIs, the different models, and approaches to models
      that have been developed over the years, as well as the applications and
      potential applications of these models. The process of development of 3D models
      is discussed, and the article places specific emphasis on the complementary roles
      of generic models and user-specific models, as the latter is important for
      translation of these models into clinical application.

PMID- 27136101
TI  - Favorable Outcomes of Renal Transplant in Children With Abnormal Lower Urinary
      Tract.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Chronic kidney disease caused by lower urinary tract abnormalities is
      a significant complication in pediatric care. Although there are conflicting
      reports about clinical outcomes in the past, favorable outcomes have been
      reported in recent years. Despite this, many centers still refrain from
      performing renal transplant in these patients. Here, we compared clinical
      outcomes of renal transplant recipients with and without lower urinary tract
      abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study included 71 renal transplant
      recipients who were divided into 3 groups: 17 patients with abnormal lower
      urinary tracts having vesicoureteral reflux (group 1), 7 patients with abnormal
      lower urinary tracts having bladder dysfunction (group 2), and 47 patients with
      anatomically and functionally normal lower urinary tracts (group 3). We
      retrospectively compared demographic features, clinical course, graft survival,
      pre- and posttransplant incidence of urinary tract infections, and final graft
      function among the groups. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant
      differences among groups regarding median age at time of transplant, graft
      survival, median creatinine level, and median glomerular filtration rate (P >
      .05). Significant differences were shown in incidence of urinary tract infections
      between patients in groups 1 and 2 (abnormal lower urinary tracts) and group 3
      (normal lower urinary tracts) before transplant (P < .05). Although frequency of
      urinary tract infections in groups 1 and 2 were moderately higher than shown in
      group 3 after transplant, this difference was not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the children with abnormal lower urinary tracts had
      slightly higher incidence of urinary tract infections, there were no differences
      between patients with abnormal and normal lower urinary tracts regarding
      allograft survival and function. In addition, proper follow-up of patients before
      and after transplant, based on our experience, should include educating patients
      and their parents about potential complications after transplant for the best
      outcome of renal transplant.

PMID- 27136102
TI  - Targeting FGFR2 with alofanib (RPT835) shows potent activity in tumour models.
AB  - Alofanib (RPT835) is a novel selective allosteric inhibitor of fibroblast growth
      factor receptor 2 (FGFR2). We showed previously that alofanib could bind to the
      extracellular domain of FGFR2 and has an inhibitory effect on FGF2-induced
      phoshphorylation of FRS2alpha. In the present study, we further showed that
      alofanib inhibited phosphorylation of FRS2alpha with the half maximal inhibitory
      concentration (IC50) values of 7 and 9 nmol/l in cancer cells expressing
      different FGFR2 isoforms. In a panel of four cell lines representing several
      tumour types (triple-negative breast cancer, melanoma, and ovarian cancer),
      alofanib inhibited FGF-mediated proliferation with 50% growth inhibition (GI50)
      values of 16-370 nmol/l. Alofanib dose dependently inhibited the proliferation
      and migration of human and mouse endothelial cells (GI50 11-58 nmol/l) compared
      with brivanib and bevacizumab. Treatment with alofanib ablated experimental FGF
      induced angiogenesis in vivo. In a FGFR-driven human tumour xenograft model, oral
      administration of alofanib was well tolerated and resulted in potent antitumour
      activity. Importantly, alofanib was effective in FGFR2-expressing models. These
      results show that alofanib is a potent FGFR2 inhibitor and provide strong
      rationale for its evaluation in patients with FGFR2-driven cancers.

PMID- 27136103
TI  - Superamphiphobic and Electroactive Nanocomposite toward Self-Cleaning, Antiwear,
      and Anticorrosion Coatings.
AB  - Multifunctional coatings are in urgent demand in emerging fields. In this work,
      nanocomposite coatings with extraordinary self-cleaning, antiwear, and
      anticorrosion properties were prepared on aluminum substrate by a facile spraying
      technique. Core-shell structured polyaniline/functionalized carbon nanotubes
      (PANI/fCNTs) composite and nanosized silica were synergistically integrated into
      ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) matrix to construct lotus-leaf-like
      structures, and 1H,1H,2H,2H- perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS) was used to
      decrease the surface energy. The composite coating with 6 wt % PANI/fCNTs
      possesses superamphiphobic property, with contact angles of 167 degrees , 163
      degrees , and 159 degrees  toward water, glycerol, and ethylene glycol,
      respectively. This coating demonstrates stable nonwetting performance over a wide
      temperature range (<400  degrees C), as well as outstanding self-cleaning ability
      to prevent contamination by sludge, concentrated H2SO4, and ethylene glycol.
      Superamphiphobic surface property could be maintained even after 45 000 times
      abrasion or bending test for 30 times. The coating displayed strong adhesive
      ability (grade 1 according to the GB/T9286) on the etched aluminum plate. The
      superamphiphobic surface could be retained after immersion in 1 mol/L HCl and 3.5
      wt % NaCl solutions for 60 and 90 d, respectively. It should be noted that this
      coating reveals significantly improved anticorrosion performance as compared to
      the bare ETFE coating and ETFE composite coating without PANI/fCNTs. Such
      coatings with integrated functionalities offer promising self-cleaning and
      anticorrosion applications under erosive/abrasive environment.

PMID- 27136104
TI  - The Importance of Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy in Sjogren Syndrome Diagnosis and
      the Clinicopathological Correlation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Minor salivary gland biopsy is one of the objective tests used in the
      diagnosis of Sjogren syndrome. The aim of our study was to compare the clinical
      and laboratory data of primary and secondary Sjogren syndrome cases with a
      lymphocyte score 3 and 4 in the minor salivary gland biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      Data from a total of 2346 consecutive minor salivary gland biopsies were
      retrospectively evaluated in this study. Clinical and autoantibody
      characteristics of 367 cases with lymphocyte score 3 or 4 and diagnosed with
      primary or secondary Sjogren syndrome were compared. RESULTS: There was no
      difference between lymphocyte score 3 and 4 primary Sjogren syndrome patients in
      terms of dry mouth, dry eye symptoms and Schirmer test results but Anti-Ro and
      Antinuclear Antibody positivity was statistically significantly higher in cases
      with lymphocyte score 4 (p= 0.025, p= 0.001). Anti-Ro test results were also
      found to be statistically significantly higher in secondary Sjogren syndrome
      patients with lymphocyte score 4 (p= 0.048). CONCLUSION: In this study, the high
      proportion of cases with negative autoantibody but positive lymphocyte score is
      significant in terms of showing the contribution of minor salivary gland biopsy
      to Sjogren syndrome diagnosis. Lymphocyte score 3 and 4 cases were found to have
      similar clinical findings but a difference regarding antibody positivity in
      primary Sjogren syndrome. We believe that cases with lymphocyte score 4 may be
      Sjogren syndrome cases whose clinical manifestations are relatively established
      and higher autoantibody levels are therefore found.

PMID- 27136105
TI  - Prognostic Value of ALDH1, EZH2 and Ki-67 in Astrocytic Gliomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Tumor stem cells have been found in a variety of neoplasms and stated
      to have a role in tumor progression. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic
      significance of biomarkers which are said to be related to these cells, i.e.,
      EZH2, ALDH1 and Ki-67, and their correlation with each other in astrocytic
      gliomas. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens
      of 40 patients with astrocytic glioma who underwent initial surgery during the
      period from December 2011 to May 2014 at Zagazig University Hospitals were
      enrolled in the study. Consecutive 4-MUm thick sections from formalin-fixed,
      paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and
      eosin for histopathological evaluation. Immunohistochemical analysis using ALDH1,
      EZH2 and Ki-67 antibodies were performed to examine the cases. RESULTS: A total
      of forty patients; 22 males and 18 females were studied. The lesions were
      classified as follows: 14 cases of low-grade astrocytoma (WHO grade I or II), 11
      cases of anaplastic astrocytoma (WHO grade III), and 15 glioblastomas (WHO grade
      IV). There was a significant increase in ALDH1 immunoreactivity with increasing
      the grade of astrocytoma (mean +/-SD = 0.2 +/-0.4, 0.5 +/-0.6, 1.1 +/-1.3 and
      2.95 +/-2.97 in grade I to IV astrocytic gliomas, respectively). This expression
      was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free
      survival (PFS) (P=0.004). EZH2 expression was also significantly associated with
      advanced grades (mean +/-SD =1.35 +/-0.4, 3.1 +/-2.6, 7.2 +/-3.5 and 9.9 +/-4.1,
      in grade I to IV astrocytic gliomas, respectively). EZH2 and Ki-67 expressions
      were found to be correlated with OS and PFS (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Increased
      expression of ALDH1, EZH2 and KI67 are found to be associated with unfavourable
      prognosis in patients with astrocytic gliomas and may predict therapeutic
      modalities.

PMID- 27136106
TI  - Gastrointestinal Parasitosis: Histopathological Insights to Rare but Intriguing
      Lesions of the Gastrointestinal Tract.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gastrointestinal parasitosis is a significant cause of morbidity and
      mortality. Definitive diagnosis is usually made by stool tests and/or serology
      but may require tissue evaluation. Although pathologists are usually familiar
      with common parasites, it is not well established whether the diagnosis could be
      suspected without seeing the "parasite" itself. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Resection or
      biopsy specimens of 32 cases with Giardia intestinalis (n=20), Enterobius
      vermicularis (n=5), Entamoeba histolytica (n=4), Fasciola hepatica (n=1),
      Strongyloides spp. (n=1) and Taenia saginata (n=1) infections were
      retrospectively re-evaluated for accompanying mucosal changes, and compared with
      nonparametric tests. RESULTS: The most common changes were congestion (65.6%) and
      eosinophilic infiltration (50%). Chronic active mucosal inflammation accompanied
      37.5% of the cases. More than 10 eosinophils/HPF were present in 43.8%. Only one
      case of G. intestinalis, E. vermicularis, E. histolytica, and F. hepatica showed
      more than 50 eosinophils/HPF. Mucosal architectural abnormalities were present in
      34.4%. Granulomas, giant cells and Charcot-Leyden crystals were only seen
      accompanying F. hepatica. No statistically significant difference was found
      between parasite subspecies regarding presence of inflammation, lymphoid
      aggregates, architectural distortion, congestion, ulceration and increase of
      eosinophils. CONCLUSION: Parasites induce nonspecific inflammation, slight
      mucosal architectural changes, mild eosinophilic infiltrate or granuloma
      formation. They may cause ulceration, bowel obstruction or perforation.
      Parasitosis should also be considered when evaluating cases mimicking
      inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease or those that do not fulfill
      diagnostic criteria.

PMID- 27136107
TI  - Utility of Direct Immunofluorescence Studies in Subclassification of Autoimmune
      Sub-Epidermal Bullous Diseases: A 2-Year Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sub-epidermal bullous disorders belong to immunobullous diseases which
      develop as a result of autoantibody action against epidermal basement membrane
      proteins. Clinically, they are tense bullae and do not rupture easily. They are
      classified into various forms based on histopathology and direct
      immunofluorescence patterns. This study was undertaken to assess the incidence of
      various sub-epidermal bullous disorders and the utility of direct
      immunofluorescence in accurately classifying them, and to study the intensity and
      pattern of immunofluorescence in various sub-epidermal bullous disorders Material
      and Method: A 2-year study of 38 cases of sub-epidermal bullous disorders sent
      for direct immunofluorescence studies formed the study group. The specimens were
      processed as per standard protocols. The clinical details were obtained from case
      files and requisition sent for histopathological and direct immunofluorescence
      studies. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were diagnosed to have sub-epidermal
      bullous disorders over the period of 2 years. Twenty five cases of Bullous
      Pemphigoid, 5 cases of Dermatitis Herpetiformis, 3 cases of Linear IgA Bullous
      disorder, 2 cases of Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematoses and 1 case each of
      Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita, Cicatricial Pemphigoid and Pemphigus Gestationis
      was diagnosed. Positive direct immunofluorescence was seen in 91.3% of the cases.
      CONCLUSION: Histopathology alone cannot classify sub-epidermal bullous disorders
      and direct immunofluorescence studies are mandatory in all of them. Bullous
      Pemphigoid needs to be distinguished from Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita which
      requires Salt split direct immunofluorescence studies. Dermatitis Herpetiformis,
      Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Linear IgA Bullous disorder show more or
      less similar histological picture with neutrophilic microabscess. Direct
      immunofluorescence studies help in the majority of cases but further testing such
      as immunoblotting, immunoelectron microscopy or indirect immunofluorescence
      becomes essential in cases with overlapping features.

PMID- 27136108
TI  - The Relationship Between Apoptotic Activity and Prognostic Factors in
      Neuroblastomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prognostic parameters in determining risk groups for treatment in
      neuroblastoma are cellular differentiation, mitosis karyorrhexis index (MKI), N
      myc amplification and age. However, additional prognosticators are still needed
      because patients can show unpredictable biological behavior. We aimed to study
      the prognostic significance of apoptotic activity in neuroblastomas. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: Thirty-five primary neuroblastoma were evaluated. The data including
      stage, treatment protocol, metastatic disease, survival, N-myc status, age and
      prognostic categorization were obtained from the clinical records. The
      differentiation and MKI were evaluated in hematoxylin and eosin stained slides.
      Apoptotic activity was assessed by both bcl-2 immunohistochemical staining and
      the transferase-mediated d-UTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. Data were
      correlated with established prognostic factors and clinical outcome. RESULTS:
      Twenty-five (71.4%) cases were located in the adrenal. Sixteen cases showed low
      and 19 high MKI. Thirty-three (%94) were immunopositive for bcl-2. TUNEL staining
      was negative in 2 cases. Of the remaining positive 33 cases, 14 had an apoptotic
      index of <=2%, 11 of 2-4% and 8 of >=4%. Cases located in the adrenal showed
      higher scores of bcl-2 positivity than extra-adrenal tumors. There was no
      statistical significance for both bcl-2 staining and apoptotic index in
      correlation with cellular differentiation, MKI, N-myc amplification, age and
      other clinical parameters. Statistical significance was observed between bcl-2
      scoring and tumor localization. CONCLUSION: According to our results, apoptotic
      activity is unlikely to be a prognostic parameter in neuroblastomas. Some studies
      showing significant correlations between clinical outcome and both bcl-2
      immunoscoring and apoptotic index, as assessed by the TUNEL method, differences
      in case numbers and methodology can explain these conflicting results. Larger
      series and different methodologies are needed to evaluate the prognostic value of
      apoptotic activity in neuroblastomas.

PMID- 27136109
TI  - Adrenal Histoplasmosis in Immunocompetent Patients Presenting as Adrenal
      Insufficiency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the dimorphic fungus
      Histoplasma capsulatum, endemic in central and eastern states of United States,
      South America and Africa. India is considered to be non-endemic area for
      histoplasmosis. Disseminated histoplasmosis may affect almost all systems.
      Disseminated histoplasmosis with asymptomatic adrenal involvement has been
      described in immunocompromised patients; whereas isolated adrenal involvement
      with adrenal insufficiency as the presenting manifestation of the disease is
      rare. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twelve patients from a non-endemic area with adrenal
      histoplasmosis, who were immunocompetent and diagnosed as adrenal histoplasmosis
      by cytology/histopathology between January 2012 to December 2014 were studied.
      18F-FDG PET/CT (fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed
      tomography) was used to assess the extent of involvement. RESULTS: There were a
      total of 12 immunocompetent males (mean age: 56.9 years). Ten patients had
      bilateral adrenal involvement and two had a unilateral left adrenal mass. All the
      patients had histopathologically/cytologically proven adrenal histoplasmosis. Two
      patients had simultaneous histoplasmosis of other sites, one in the epiglottis
      and the other in the alveolus. 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed in 10 patients
      showing high FDG uptake in the adrenals. All these patients received Amphotericin
      B and/or Itraconazole treatment that led to symptomatic improvement. CONCLUSION:
      A diagnosis of invasive fungal infection requires a high index of suspicion,
      especially in immunocompetent patients who present with nonspecific symptoms,
      clinical signs, laboratory and radiological features that can resemble adrenal
      neoplasms. Clinical specimens must be sent for cytopathology/histopathology
      together with fungal culture for a definite diagnosis and appropriate management.

PMID- 27136110
TI  - Inking in Surgical Pathology: Does the Method Matter? A Procedural Analysis of a
      Spectrum of Colours.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Proper identification of surgical margins along with margin status
      holds utmost importance in histopathology. Inking margins is one way. India ink
      has long been used but it can ink only one margin. On other hand acrylic colours,
      available in variety of colours can be used for inking multiple margins along
      with many more advantages. The present study was undertaken to analyse acrylic
      colours and Indian ink for inking surgical margins via three different methods
      for optimum results. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirteen acrylic colours along with
      India ink were evaluated via three different methods on radical specimens of
      breast and colon after preliminary requisites of grossing were completed. In
      Method 1, coloured inks were applied to an overnight formalin fixed specimen and
      representative sections were taken. In Method 2, the specimen was inked and kept
      for overnight fixation. The specimen was sampled following day. In Method 3, the
      specimen was inked and kept for overnight fixation. The following day, it was re
      coloured with the same colours as of the previous day and subsequently sections
      were taken. Coloured inks were assessed on different parameters for their
      performance as surgical ink and given scores. RESULTS: Acrylic shades #04, #22,
      #06, #01, #02 and India ink had very good to excellent score on microscopy in all
      three methods. Shades #64, #18, #09, #23 had poor microscopic visibility in all
      three methods. Shade #09 showed loss of colour and the shade #23 showed
      penetration into deeper tissues on microscopy. Results were best with Method 3
      followed by Method 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acrylic colours have more
      advantages compared to India ink. Method 3 is recommended for inking. Few acrylic
      shades meet the criteria of surgical inks in all three methods.

PMID- 27136111
TI  - Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma in Carcinosarcoma of the Lung - A Rare Combination.
AB  - Carcinosarcomas of the lung are uncommon neoplasms and are presently categorized
      along with sarcomatoid carcinomas in the WHO 2004 classification. Morphological
      recognition of individual components in a surgical specimen is usually
      straightforward. The respiratory epithelium is also a rare site for salivary
      gland type tumors. A 72-year-old lady who was investigated for an episode of
      hemoptysis was found to have a well circumscribed intraluminal tumor. The histo
      morphological features were unique and composed of mucoepidermoid carcinoma and
      undifferentiated sarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, this unusual
      morphological combination has never been reported in literature. 

PMID- 27136112
TI  - Relationship of c-Kit Gene and Microsatellit Instability in the Pathogenesis of
      Wilms Tumors.

PMID- 27136114
TI  - Factors Associated with Higher Pro-Inflammatory Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
      Levels in Young Women with Type 1 Diabetes.

PMID- 27136113
TI  - Spatial separation of replisome arrest sites influences homologous recombination
      quality at a Tus/Ter-mediated replication fork barrier.
AB  - The Escherichia coli replication fork arrest complex Tus/Ter mediates site
      specific replication fork arrest and homologous recombination (HR) on a mammalian
      chromosome, inducing both conservative "short tract" gene conversion (STGC) and
      error-prone "long tract" gene conversion (LTGC) products. We showed previously
      that bidirectional fork arrest is required for the generation of STGC products at
      Tus/Ter-stalled replication forks and that the HR mediators BRCA1, BRCA2 and
      Rad51 mediate STGC but suppress LTGC at Tus/Ter-arrested forks. Here, we report
      the impact of Ter array length on Tus/Ter-induced HR, comparing HR reporters
      containing arrays of 6, 9, 15 or 21 Ter sites-each targeted to the ROSA26 locus
      of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Increasing Ter copy number within the array
      beyond 6 did not affect the magnitude of Tus/Ter-induced HR but biased HR in
      favor of LTGC. A "lock"-defective Tus mutant, F140A, known to exhibit higher
      affinity than wild type (wt)Tus for duplex Ter, reproduced these effects. In
      contrast, increasing Ter copy number within the array reduced HR induced by the I
      SceI homing endonuclease, but produced no consistent bias toward LTGC. Thus, the
      mechanisms governing HR at Tus/Ter-arrested replication forks are distinct from
      those governing HR at an enzyme-induced chromosomal double strand break (DSB). We
      propose that increased spatial separation of the 2 arrested forks encountering an
      extended Tus/Ter barrier impairs the coordination of DNA ends generated by the
      processing of the stalled forks, thereby favoring aberrant LTGC over conservative
      STGC.

PMID- 27136115
TI  - A Pilot Study of the Acceptability and Usability of a Smartphone Application
      Intervention for Suicidal Adolescents and Their Parents.
AB  - Interconnectedness through technology presents both challenges and opportunities
      for suicide prevention and intervention with adolescents and families. The time
      following discharge from acute care facilities represents a critical period of
      suicide risk for adolescents, which could be buffered by a technological
      intervention they could use post-discharge. Crisis Care is a smartphone
      application intervention developed specifically for suicidal adolescents and
      their parents to use during this period of increased risk. A web-based prototype
      of Crisis Care was pilot tested with 20 adolescent-parent dyads. Results
      demonstrated acceptability and usability, suggesting the utility of technological
      interventions, such as Crisis Care, as an adjunct to treatment for suicidal
      adolescents and their parents following discharge from acute care settings.

PMID- 27136116
TI  - Unleashing the Full Sustainable Potential of Thick Films of Lead-Free Potassium
      Sodium Niobate (K0.5Na0.5NbO3) by Aqueous Electrophoretic Deposition.
AB  - A current challenge for the fabrication of functional oxide-based devices is
      related with the need of environmental and sustainable materials and processes.
      By considering both lead-free ferroelectrics of potassium sodium niobate
      (K0.5Na0.5NbO3, KNN) and aqueous-based electrophoretic deposition here we
      demonstrate that an eco-friendly aqueous solution-based process can be used to
      produce KNN thick coatings with improved electromechanical performance. KNN thick
      films on platinum substrates with thickness varying between 10 and 15 MUm have a
      dielectric permittivity of 495, dielectric losses of 0.08 at 1 MHz, and a
      piezoelectric coefficient d33 of ~70 pC/N. At TC these films display a relative
      permittivity of 2166 and loss tangent of 0.11 at 1 MHz. A comparison of the
      physical properties between these films and their bulk ceramics counterparts
      demonstrates the impact of the aqueous-based electrophoretic deposition (EPD)
      technique for the preparation of lead-free ferroelectric thick films. This opens
      the door to the possible development of high-performance, lead-free piezoelectric
      thick films by a sustainable low-cost process, expanding the applicability of
      lead-free piezoelectrics.

PMID- 27136117
TI  - Quantum Chemical Calculations Resolved Identification of Methylnitrocatechols in
      Atmospheric Aerosols.
AB  - Methylnitrocatechols (MNCs) are secondary organic aerosol (SOA) tracers and major
      contributors to atmospheric brown carbon; however, their formation and aging
      processes in atmospheric waters are unknown. To investigate the importance of
      aqueous-phase electrophilic substitution of 3-methylcatechol with nitronium ion
      (NO2(+)), we performed quantum calculations of their favorable pathways. The
      calculations predicted the formation of 3-methyl-5-nitrocatechol (3M5NC), 3
      methyl-4-nitrocatechol (3M4NC), and a negligible amount of 3-methyl-6
      nitrocatechol (3M6NC). MNCs in atmospheric PM2 samples were further inspected by
      LC/(-)ESI-MS/MS using commercial as well as de novo synthesized authentic
      standards. We detected 3M5NC and, for the first time, 3M4NC. In contrast to
      previous reports, 3M6NC was not observed. Agreement between calculated and
      observed 3M5NC/3M4NC ratios cannot unambiguously confirm the electrophilic
      mechanism as the exclusive formation pathway of MNCs in aerosol water. However,
      the examined nitration by NO2(+) is supported by (1) the absence of 3M6NC in the
      ambient aerosols analyzed and (2) the constant 3M5NC/3M4NC ratio in field aerosol
      samples, which indicates their common formation pathway. The magnitude of error
      one could make by incorrectly identifying 3M4NC as 3M6NC in ambient aerosols was
      also assessed, suggesting the importance of evaluating the literature regarding
      MNCs with special care.

PMID- 27136118
TI  - Clinical Decisions: Determining When to Save or Remove an Ailing Implant.
AB  - The basis for the decision to either save or remove an ailing implant is
      multifactorial, and, as such, it has become one of the more controversial topics
      in the field of dental implantology. While bone lost to peri-implant disease can
      now be augmented with increasing predictability, the degree of success still
      varies depending on the size and configuration of the osseous defect.
      Concurrently, with the development of improved high-reverse torque
      instrumentation, minimally invasive techniques can be used to easily remove an
      implant that is malpositioned, causing an esthetic problem, or showing advanced
      bone loss. Any eventual decision regarding the retention or removal of an ailing
      implant must also be balanced with the desires of the patient, who typically will
      have already invested significant time and money to have the implant initially
      placed and restored. This article will present the variables involved in the
      decision-making process for when to save or remove an ailing implant. Clinical
      examples illustrating the management for these factors will be offered, providing
      clinicians a variety of alternatives available for managing different clinical
      circumstances that may be encountered. 

PMID- 27136119
TI  - Gummy Smile and Short Tooth Syndrome - Part 2: Periodontal Surgical Approaches in
      Interdisciplinary Treatment.
AB  - One of the most frequent causes of gummy smile is an altered eruption, ie, the
      gingival margins are located at a more coronal position than normal. These cases
      can be successfully treated with a periodontal surgical approach. Several
      techniques may be used, depending on the different anatomic variations. The
      surgery must be carefully planned so as to avoid discrepancies between the soft
      tissues and the teeth. Clinical examination and radiographic evaluation will
      allow clinicians to determine the position of the gingival margin, bone crest,
      and cemento-enamel junction and thus elicit a correct diagnosis of the subtype of
      altered eruption. The periodontist will need to consider these factors in order
      to obtain a satisfactory outcome, especially in multidisciplinary cases. 

PMID- 27136120
TI  - Minimizing Risk While Adapting to Treatment Complications: A Case Report.
AB  - Functional diagnoses can sometimes be ambiguous. An occlusal disorder may be
      paired with a parafunctional condition, as in the case presented, which features
      a patient who experienced anterior tooth chipping and thinning of maxillary
      incisal edges. The case demonstrates the principles of risk-based treatment
      planning and discusses challenges involved in identifying and evaluating all the
      evidence to maximize restorative treatment plan success. In this case, functional
      risk during mastication was reduced using orthodontic therapy, and a nightguard
      was employed to combat destructive forces during sleep. Feldspathic veneers were
      used to decrease the esthetic risk. The case also offers an approach for
      addressing unforeseen treatment complications without increasing risk for further
      potential problems. 

PMID- 27136121
TI  - Nonvital Tooth Bleaching: A Case Discussion for the Clinical Practice.
AB  - When clinicians embark on an esthetic treatment plan, teeth bleaching should be a
      primary consideration, regardless of whether the approach taken will be a
      conservative one or more prosthodontic. Tooth discolorations occur for various
      reasons, ranging from changes simply related to the age of the patient to those
      caused by trauma or tooth necrosis. In contemporary dentistry, by applying the
      proper protocol, sufficient results can be achieved with bleaching, even in many
      cases of root canal-treated discolored teeth. This article, which highlights a
      long-term case report, describes a protocol for nonvital bleaching of
      significantly discolored anterior teeth and offers numerous pragmatic tips for
      practitioners. 

PMID- 27136123
TI  - A sex comparison of reactive knee stiffness regulation strategies under cognitive
      loads.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sex differences may exist in cognitive faculties and neuromuscular
      strategies for maintaining joint stability. The purpose of this study was to
      assess whether preparatory and reactive knee stiffening strategies are affected
      differently in males and females exposed to sex-biased cognitive loads. METHODS:
      20 male and 20 female volunteers were tested for knee joint stiffness and
      quadriceps and hamstring muscle activation patterns throughout a rapid eccentric
      knee extension perturbation. Participants were tested under 3 cognitive loads
      (Benton's Judgment of Line Orientation; Symbol Digit modalities Test; and Serial
      7's) and a control condition. Apparent knee joint stiffness and muscle activation
      amplitude and timing were quantified throughout the perturbation across the 4
      conditions. FINDINGS: Reactive knee stiffness values were significantly less
      during the cognitive tasks compared to the control condition (Judgment of Line
      Orientation=0.034Nm/deg/kg, Symbol Digit Modalities Test=0.037Nm/deg/kg, Serial
      7's=0.037Nm/deg/kg, control=0.048Nm/deg/kg). Females had greater normalized total
      apparent stiffness than males. The quadriceps muscles had faster and greater
      activation than the hamstring muscles; however, no group differences were
      observed. No overall differences in muscle activation (magnitude and timing) were
      found between the cognitive loading tasks. INTERPRETATION: Cognitive loading may
      decrease the ability of healthy individuals to reactively stiffen their knee
      joint and appears to interfere with the normal stiffness regulation strategies.
      This may elucidate an extrinsic risk factor for non-contact knee ligament injury.

PMID- 27136122
TI  - Reduction of genu recurvatum through adjustment of plantarflexion resistance of
      an articulated ankle-foot orthosis in individuals post-stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genu recurvatum (knee hyperextension) is a common issue for
      individuals post-stroke. Ankle-foot orthoses are used to improve genu recurvatum,
      but evidence is limited concerning their effectiveness. Therefore, the aim of
      this study was to investigate the effect of changing the plantarflexion
      resistance of an articulated ankle-foot orthosis on genu recurvatum in patients
      post-stroke. METHODS: Gait analysis was performed on 6 individuals post-stroke
      with genu recurvatum using an articulated ankle-foot orthosis whose
      plantarflexion resistance was adjustable at four levels. Gait data were collected
      using a Bertec split-belt instrumented treadmill in a 3-dimensional motion
      analysis laboratory. Gait parameters were extracted and plotted for each subject
      under the four plantarflexion resistance conditions of the ankle-foot orthosis.
      Gait parameters included: a) peak ankle plantarflexion angle, b) peak ankle
      dorsiflexion moment, c) peak knee extension angle and d) peak knee flexion
      moment. A non-parametric Friedman test was performed followed by a post-hoc
      Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test for statistical analyses. FINDINGS: All the gait
      parameters demonstrated statistically significant differences among the four
      resistance conditions of the AFO. Increasing the amount of plantarflexion
      resistance of the ankle-foot orthosis generally reduced genu recurvatum in all
      subjects. However, individual analyses showed that the responses to the changes
      in the plantarflexion resistance of the AFO were not necessarily linear, and
      appear unique to each subject. INTERPRETATIONS: The plantarflexion resistance of
      an articulated AFO should be adjusted to improve genu recurvatum in patients post
      stroke. Future studies should investigate what clinical factors would influence
      the individual differences.

PMID- 27136124
TI  - Formation of Highly Aligned Collagen Nanofibers by Continuous Cyclic Stretch of a
      Collagen Hydrogel Sheet.
AB  - A collagen sheet with highly aligned collagen fibers is fabricated by continuous
      cyclic stretch. The rearrangement of the collagen fibers depends on the different
      process parameters of the cyclic stretch, including magnitude, frequency, and
      period of stretch. The collagen fibers are aligned perpendicularly to the
      direction of the stretch. Corneal stromal cells and smooth muscle cells
      cultivated on the highly aligned collagen sheet show alignment along the collagen
      fibers without the stretch during culture. Thus, the sheet can be a suitable
      scaffold for use in regenerative medicine.

PMID- 27136125
TI  - Takotsubo syndrome: not as benign as once believed.

PMID- 27136126
TI  - Driving the need to feed: Insight into the collaborative interaction between
      ghrelin and endocannabinoid systems in modulating brain reward systems.
AB  - Independent stimulation of either the ghrelin or endocannabinoid system promotes
      food intake and increases adiposity. Given the similar distribution of their
      receptors in feeding associated brain regions and organs involved in metabolism,
      it is not surprising that evidence of their interaction and its importance in
      modulating energy balance has emerged. This review documents the relationship
      between ghrelin and endocannabinoid systems within the periphery and hypothalamus
      (HYP) before presenting evidence suggesting that these two systems likewise work
      collaboratively within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to modulate non
      homeostatic feeding. Mechanisms, consistent with current evidence and local
      infrastructure within the VTA, will be proposed.

PMID- 27136127
TI  - Electronic Spectra of the Tetraphenylcyclobutadienecyclopentadienylnickel(II)
      Cation and Radical.
AB  - Properties of the tetraphenylcyclobutadienecyclopentadienylnickel(II) cation 1
      and its tetra-o-fluoro derivative 1a have been measured and calculated. The
      B3LYP/TZP optimized geometry of the free cation 1 agrees with a single-crystal X
      ray diffraction structure except that in the crystal one of the phenyl
      substituents is strongly twisted to permit a close-packing interaction of two of
      its hydrogens with a nearby BF4(-) anion. The low-energy parts of the solution
      electronic absorption and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra of 1 and 1a
      have been interpreted by comparison with TD-DFT (B3LYP/TZP) results. Reduction or
      pulse radiolysis lead to a neutral 19-electron radical, whose visible absorption
      and MCD spectra have been recorded and interpreted as well. The reduction is
      facilitated by ~0.1 V upon going from 1 to 1a. Unsuccessful attempts to prepare
      several other aryl substituted derivatives of 1 by the classical synthetic route
      are described in the Supporting Information . 

PMID- 27136128
TI  - Lower prevalence but similar fitness in a parasitic fungus at higher radiation
      levels near Chernobyl.
AB  - Nuclear disasters at Chernobyl and Fukushima provide examples of effects of acute
      ionizing radiation on mutations that can affect the fitness and distribution of
      species. Here, we investigated the prevalence of Microbotryum lychnidis-dioicae,
      a pollinator-transmitted fungal pathogen of plants causing anther-smut disease in
      Chernobyl, its viability, fertility and karyotype variation, and the accumulation
      of nonsynonymous mutations in its genome. We collected diseased flowers of Silene
      latifolia from locations ranging by more than two orders of magnitude in
      background radiation, from 0.05 to 21.03 MUGy/h. Disease prevalence decreased
      significantly with increasing radiation level, possibly due to lower pollinator
      abundance and altered pollinator behaviour. Viability and fertility, measured as
      the budding rate of haploid sporidia following meiosis from the diploid
      teliospores, did not vary with increasing radiation levels and neither did
      karyotype overall structure and level of chromosomal size heterozygosity. We
      sequenced the genomes of twelve samples from Chernobyl and of four samples
      collected from uncontaminated areas and analysed alignments of 6068 predicted
      genes, corresponding to 1.04 * 10(7)  base pairs. We found no dose-dependent
      differences in substitution rates (neither dN, dS, nor dN/dS). Thus, we found no
      significant evidence of increased deleterious mutation rates at higher levels of
      background radiation in this plant pathogen. We even found lower levels of
      nonsynonymous substitution rates in contaminated areas compared to control
      regions, suggesting that purifying selection was stronger in contaminated than
      uncontaminated areas. We briefly discuss the possibilities for a mechanistic
      basis of radio resistance in this nonmelanized fungus.

PMID- 27136129
TI  - Upcoding and Anesthesia Risk in Outpatient Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Procedures.

PMID- 27136130
TI  - Scanned probe imaging of nanoscale magnetism at cryogenic temperatures with a
      single-spin quantum sensor.
AB  - High-spatial-resolution magnetic imaging has driven important developments in
      fields ranging from materials science to biology. However, to uncover finer
      details approaching the nanoscale with greater sensitivity requires the
      development of a radically new sensor technology. The nitrogen-vacancy (NV)
      defect in diamond has emerged as a promising candidate for such a sensor on the
      basis of its atomic size and quantum-limited sensing capabilities. It has
      remained an outstanding challenge to implement the NV centre as a nanoscale
      scanning magnetic probe at cryogenic temperatures, however, where many solid
      state systems exhibit non-trivial magnetic order. Here, we present NV magnetic
      imaging down to 6 K with 3 MUT Hz(-1/2) field sensitivity, and use the technique
      to image vortices in the iron pnictide superconductor BaFe2(As0.7P0.3)2 with
      critical temperature Tc = 30 K. The expansion of NV-based magnetic imaging to
      cryogenic temperatures will enable future studies of previously inaccessible
      nanoscale magnetism in condensed-matter systems.

PMID- 27136132
TI  - Cellular transport: Gatekeepers of the nucleus.

PMID- 27136131
TI  - Spatiotemporal dynamics of the nuclear pore complex transport barrier resolved by
      high-speed atomic force microscopy.
AB  - Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are biological nanomachines that mediate the
      bidirectional traffic of macromolecules between the cytoplasm and nucleus in
      eukaryotic cells. This process involves numerous intrinsically disordered,
      barrier-forming proteins known as phenylalanine-glycine nucleoporins (FG Nups)
      that are tethered inside each pore. The selective barrier mechanism has so far
      remained unresolved because the FG Nups have eluded direct structural analysis
      within NPCs. Here, high-speed atomic force microscopy is used to visualize the
      nanoscopic spatiotemporal dynamics of FG Nups inside Xenopus laevis oocyte NPCs
      at timescales of ~100 ms. Our results show that the cytoplasmic orifice is
      circumscribed by highly flexible, dynamically fluctuating FG Nups that rapidly
      elongate and retract, consistent with the diffusive motion of tethered
      polypeptide chains. On this basis, intermingling FG Nups exhibit transient
      entanglements in the central channel, but do not cohere into a tightly
      crosslinked meshwork. Therefore, the basic functional form of the NPC barrier is
      comprised of highly dynamic FG Nups that manifest as a central plug or
      transporter when averaged in space and time.

PMID- 27136133
TI  - Quantitative nanoscale vortex imaging using a cryogenic quantum magnetometer.
AB  - Microscopic studies of superconductors and their vortices play a pivotal role in
      understanding the mechanisms underlying superconductivity. Local measurements of
      penetration depths or magnetic stray fields enable access to fundamental aspects
      such as nanoscale variations in superfluid densities or the order parameter
      symmetry of superconductors. However, experimental tools that offer quantitative,
      nanoscale magnetometry and operate over large ranges of temperature and magnetic
      fields are still lacking. Here, we demonstrate the first operation of a cryogenic
      scanning quantum sensor in the form of a single nitrogen-vacancy electronic spin
      in diamond, which is capable of overcoming these existing limitations. To
      demonstrate the power of our approach, we perform quantitative, nanoscale
      magnetic imaging of Pearl vortices in the cuprate superconductor YBa2Cu3O7-delta.
      With a sensor-to-sample distance of ~10 nm, we observe striking deviations from
      the prevalent monopole approximation in our vortex stray-field images, and find
      excellent quantitative agreement with Pearl's analytic model. Our experiments
      provide a non-invasive and unambiguous determination of the system's local
      penetration depth and are readily extended to higher temperatures and magnetic
      fields. These results demonstrate the potential of quantitative quantum sensors
      in benchmarking microscopic models of complex electronic systems and open the
      door for further exploration of strongly correlated electron physics using
      scanning nitrogen-vacancy magnetometry.

PMID- 27136134
TI  - Side-effects of checkpoint inhibitor-based combination therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: After the dramatic and often long-standing response rates of
      checkpoint inhibitors as single agents, the new era for checkpoint inhibitors is
      combined therapy (either with other checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapies,
      targeted therapies or immunotherapies) that is aiming to do even better. Although
      one can speculate that these combinations will result in improved results, high
      cost and potential toxicity are limiting factors for their use. In this review,
      we plan to report on the different side-effects of the checkpoint inhibitor-based
      combination therapies and to discuss the future perspectives of these new
      modalities. RECENT FINDINGS: Many checkpoint inhibitor-based combinations are
      associated with high response rates (>50%) in melanomas and nonsmall cell lung
      cancers (NSCLCs). As a result, the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab for
      metastatic melanoma was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration;
      however, 30% of the patients had to discontinue this combination because of high
      toxicity. In NSCLC, the combination of chemotherapy and anti-programmed cell
      death protein 1 or anti-programmed cell death protein ligand 1 agents is leading
      to high response rate (exceeding 65%) but with more than 40% of the patients
      presenting grade 3/4 toxicities. Despite the discouraging results with the
      combination of ipilimumab (anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) with
      vemurafenib (anti-proto-oncogene protein B-raf-targeted therapy) due to
      hepatotoxicity, more recent trials are showing less frequent and severe
      toxicities with other combinations of checkpoint inhibitors and targeted
      therapies. SUMMARY: Despite the high toxicity rates observed with some checkpoint
      inhibitor-based combination therapies, these combinations will likely become the
      new paradigm for the management of various malignancies, namely, melanomas, renal
      cell carcinomas and NSCLC, provided that their side-effects can be effectively
      managed.

PMID- 27136135
TI  - Ocular and orbital side-effects of checkpoint inhibitors: a review article.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Checkpoint inhibitors have been increasingly considered as new
      targets for cancer therapies. Patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors develop
      many immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). However, ophthalmic IRAEs are rare
      and have been reported in less than 1% of patients. To date, few case reports
      evaluating the ophthalmological side-effects of checkpoint inhibitors have been
      published. In this review, we plan to report the different ocular and orbital
      side-effects of the checkpoint inhibitors, and to help guide ophthalmologists and
      oncologists in their management. RECENT FINDINGS: Ocular side-effects of
      checkpoint inhibitors include peripheral ulcerative keratitis, uveitis, Vogt
      Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, choroidal neovascularization and melanoma-associated
      retinopathy. Both thyroid-associated orbitopathy and idiopathic orbital
      inflammation have also been reported in association with checkpoint inhibitors.
      Mild IRAE can be treated with topical steroids, whereas systemic corticosteroids
      and discontinuation of checkpoint inhibitors are indicated in more severe ocular
      and orbital inflammation. SUMMARY: Physicians involved in the care of oncologic
      patients should be aware of the ocular and orbital IRAEs that may develop with
      checkpoint inhibitors. A strong cooperation between oncologists and
      ophthalmologists is required in the diagnosis and prompt management of these
      IRAEs.

PMID- 27136136
TI  - Endocrinological side-effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Three mAbs targeting immune checkpoint proteins are available
      for the treatment of patients with melanoma, lung, and kidney cancer, and their
      use will likely expand in the future to additional tumor types. We here update
      the literature on the incidence and pathophysiology of endocrine toxicities
      induced by these agents, and discuss management guidance. RECENT FINDINGS: Immune
      checkpoint inhibition may trigger autoimmune syndromes involving different
      organs, including several endocrine glands (pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, and
      endocrine pancreas). Hypophysitis is more frequently associated with ipilimumab,
      whereas the incidence of thyroid dysfunction is higher with
      nivolumab/pembrolizumab. Primary adrenal insufficiency can rarely occur with
      either treatment. Autoimmune diabetes is very rare. As hypophysitis and
      adrenalitis may be life-threatening, endocrinological evaluation is essential
      particularly in patients developing fatigue and other symptoms consistent with
      adrenal insufficiency. Corticosteroids should be promptly used when hypophysitis
      induced adrenal insufficiency or adrenalitis are diagnosed, but not in
      thyroiditis or diabetes. No impact of corticosteroids on the efficacy/activity of
      immune checkpoint-inhibiting drugs is reported. Hormonal deficiencies are often
      permanent. SUMMARY: In absence of predicting factors, accurate information to
      patients provided by the oncology care team is essential for early diagnosis and
      to limit the consequences of checkpoint inhibition-related endocrine toxicity.

PMID- 27136137
TI  - Present and future role of surgery in metastatic gastrointestinal malignancies.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Metastases from gastrointestinal malignancies are systemic or
      abdominal disseminations of cancer cells. From a biological perspective surgical
      resections are questionable but case series show that for some tumour types,
      surgery influences survival outcome. This review focuses on management and
      indications for surgery in recent literature of these metastatic gastrointestinal
      malignancies. RECENT FINDINGS: A few gastrointestinal malignancies have emerged
      to be candidates for surgery in case of metastatic disease. Surgery can be
      considered in selected cases with liver metastases or abdominal dissemination of
      colorectal cancer, metastases from gastrointestinal stromal tumours or
      neuroendocrine tumours. On the contrary, recent publications do not support
      surgery for metastatic disease of any other gastrointestinal origin. The
      literature has ample examples of small series and anecdotal cases of successful
      surgical interventions for most tumour types but no new evidence has been
      presented to support broader indications for surgery. SUMMARY: The evidence base
      for surgery of different metastatic gastrointestinal malignancies is unchanged.
      There are some clarifications when to perform surgery and the timing of surgery
      in regard to combined treatments. No new tumour types are added to potential
      candidates for surgery.

PMID- 27136138
TI  - Dermatologic complications of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint antibodies.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The therapeutic use of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies (nivolumab,
      pembrolizumab) is rapidly increasing. Given their mechanism of action that
      triggers T-cell activation, these immune checkpoint inhibitors induce specific
      adverse events that are mostly of immunologic origin. In this way, cutaneous
      toxicities represent the most frequent immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The
      purpose of this review is to summarize the most prevalent dermatologic
      complications induced by PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies and to
      compare their dermatologic safety profile with anti-CTLA-4 ipilimumab. RECENT
      FINDINGS: More than 40% of melanoma patients treated with anti-PD-1 therapy are
      faced with dermatologic irAEs. However, these cutaneous complications usually
      remain self-limiting and readily manageable. Nonspecific macular papular rash and
      pruritus represent the most common manifestations. More characteristic lichenoid
      dermatitis or psoriasis may also develop. Vitiligo is also frequent in patients
      with melanoma but has not been reported in other types of solid cancers. Mucosal
      involvement may also occur, including xerostomia and lichenoid reactions.
      Although available data remain scarce, anti-PD-L1 antibodies present a similar
      dermatologic safety profile. SUMMARY: Dermatologic irAEs induced by PD-1 or PD-L1
      blockade therapy rarely result in significant morbidity or permanent
      discontinuation of treatment. However, early recognition and appropriate
      management are crucial for restricting dose-limiting toxicities.

PMID- 27136139
TI  - Moving Denitrifying Bioreactors beyond Proof of Concept: Introduction to the
      Special Section.
AB  - Denitrifying bioreactors are organic carbon-filled excavations designed to
      enhance the natural process of denitrification for the simple, passive treatment
      of nitrate-nitrogen. Research on and installation of these bioreactors has
      accelerated within the past 10 years, particularly in watersheds concerned about
      high nonpoint-source nitrate loads and also for tertiary wastewater treatment.
      This special section, inspired by the meeting of the Managing Denitrification in
      Agronomic Systems Community at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the American Society of
      Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America,
      aims to firmly establish that denitrifying bioreactors for treatment of nitrate
      in drainage waters, groundwater, and some wastewaters have moved beyond the proof
      of concept. This collection of 14 papers expands the peer-reviewed literature of
      denitrifying bioreactors into new locations, applications, and environmental
      conditions. There is momentum behind the pairing of wood-based bioreactors with
      other media (biochar, corn cobs) and in novel designs (e.g., use within treatment
      trains or use of baffles) to broaden applicability into new kinds of waters and
      pollutants and to improve performance under challenging field conditions such as
      cool early season agricultural drainage. Concerns about negative bioreactor by
      products (nitrous oxide and hydrogen sulfide emissions, start-up nutrient
      flushing) are ongoing, but this translates into a significant research
      opportunity to develop more advanced designs and to fine tune management
      strategies. Future research must think more broadly to address bioreactor impacts
      on holistic watershed health and greenhouse gas balances and to facilitate
      collaborations that allow investigation of mechanisms within the bioreactor
      "black box." 

PMID- 27136140
TI  - Effect of Biochar on Nitrate Removal in a Pilot-Scale Denitrifying Bioreactor.
AB  - Denitrifying bioreactors (DNBRs) harness the natural capacity of microorganisms
      to convert bioavailable nitrogen (N) into inert nitrogen gas (N) by providing a
      suitable anaerobic habitat and an organic carbon energy source. Woodchip systems
      are reported to remove 2 to 22 g N m d, but the potential to enhance
      denitrification with alternative substrates holds promise. The objective of this
      study was to determine the effect of adding biochar, an organic carbon pyrolysis
      product, to an in-field, pilot-scale woodchip DNBR. Two 25-m DNBRs, one with
      woodchips and the other with woodchips and a 10% by volume addition of biochar,
      were installed on the Delmarva Peninsula, Virginia. Performance was assessed
      using flood-and-drain batch experiments. An initial release of N was observed
      during the establishment of both DNBRs, reflecting a start-up phenomenon observed
      in previous studies. Nitrate (NO-N) removal rates observed during nine batch
      experiments 4 to 22 mo after installation were 0.25 to 6.06 g N m d. The presence
      of biochar, temperature, and influent NO-N concentration were found to have
      significant effects on NO-N removal rates using a linear mixed effects model. The
      model predicts that biochar increases the rate of N removal when influent
      concentrations are above approximately 5 to 10 mg L NO-N but that woodchip DNBRs
      outperform biochar-amended DNBRs when influent concentrations are lower, possibly
      reflecting the release of N temporarily stored in the biochar matrix. These
      results indicate that in high N-yielding systems the addition of biochar to
      standard woodchip DNBRs has the potential to significantly increase N removal. 

PMID- 27136141
TI  - Controls Influencing the Treatment of Excess Agricultural Nitrate with
      Denitrifying Bioreactors.
AB  - Denitrifying bioreactors have been suggested as effective best management
      practices to reduce nitrate and nitrite (NO) in large-scale agricultural tile
      drainage. This study combines experiments in flow-through laboratory reactors
      with in situ continuous monitoring and experiments in a pair of field reactors to
      determine the effectiveness of reactors for small-scale agriculture in New York.
      It also compares the use of a typical woodchip media with a woodchip and biochar
      mixture. Laboratory results showed linear increase in NO removal with both
      increased inflow concentration and increased residence time. Average removal of
      NO in weekly monitoring of field reactors over the course of two growing seasons
      was 3.23 and 4.00 g N m d for woodchip and woodchip/biochar reactors,
      respectively. Removal of NO during two field experimental runs was similar to in
      situ monitoring and did not correlate with laboratory experiments. Factors that
      are uncontrollable at the field scale, such as temperature and inflow water
      chemistry, may result in more complex and resilient microbial communities that
      are less specialized for denitrification. Further study of other controlling
      variables, other field sites, and other parameters, including microbial
      communities and trace gas emissions, will help elucidate function and
      applicability of denitrifying bioreactors. 

PMID- 27136142
TI  - Performance of Agricultural Residue Media in Laboratory Denitrifying Bioreactors
      at Low Temperatures.
AB  - Denitrifying bioreactors can be effective for removing nitrate from agricultural
      tile drainage; however, questions about cold springtime performance persist. The
      objective of this study was to improve the nitrate removal rate (NRR) of
      denitrifying bioreactors at warm and cold temperatures using agriculturally
      derived media rather than wood chips (WC). Corn ( L.) cobs (CC), corn stover
      (CS), barley ( L.) straw (BS), WC, and CC followed by a compartment of WC (CC+WC)
      were tested in laboratory columns for 5 mo at a 12-h hydraulic residence time in
      separate experiments at 15.5 and 1.5 degrees C. Nitrate-N removal rates ranged
      from 35 to 1.4 at 15.5 degrees C and from 7.4 to 1.6 g N m d at 1.5 degrees C,
      respectively; NRRs were ranked CC > CC+WC > BS = CS > WC and CC >= CC+WC = CS >=
      BS > WC for 15.5 and 1.5 degrees C, respectively. Although NRRs for CC were
      increased relative to WC, CC released greater amounts of carbon. Greater
      abundance of nitrous oxide (NO) reductase gene () was supported by crop residues
      than WC at 15.5 degrees C, and CS and BS supported greater abundance than WC at
      1.5 degrees C. Production of NO relative to nitrate removal (NO) was consistently
      greater at 1.5 degrees C (7.5% of nitrate removed) than at 15.5 degrees C (1.9%).
      The NO was lowest in CC (1.1%) and CC-WC (0.9%) and greatest in WC (9.7%). Using
      a compartment of agricultural residue media in series before wood chips has the
      potential to improve denitrifying bioreactor nitrate removal rates, but field
      scale verification is needed. 

PMID- 27136143
TI  - Holistic Evaluation of Field-Scale Denitrifying Bioreactors as a Basis to Improve
      Environmental Sustainability.
AB  - Denitrifying bioreactors convert nitrate-nitrogen (NO-N) to di-nitrogen and
      protect water quality. Herein, the performance of a pilot-scale bioreactor (10 m
      long, 5 m wide, 2 m deep) containing seven alternating cells filled with either
      sandy loam soil or lodgepole pine woodchip and with a novel "zig-zag" flow
      pattern was investigated. The influent water had an average NO-N concentration of
      25 mg L. The performance of the bioreactor was evaluated in two scenarios. In
      Scenario 1, only NO-N removal was evaluated; in Scenario 2, NO-N removal,
      ammonium-N (NH-N), and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) generation was
      considered. These data were used to generate a sustainability index (SI), which
      evaluated the overall performance taking these parameters into account. In
      Scenario 1, the bioreactor was a net reducer of contaminants, but it transformed
      into a net producer of contaminants in Scenario 2. Inquisition of the data using
      these scenarios meant that an optimum bioreactor design could be identified. This
      would involve reduction to two cells: a single sandy loam soil cell followed by a
      woodchip cell, which would remove NO-N and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
      and DRP losses. An additional post-bed chamber containing media to eliminate NH-N
      and surface capping to reduce GHG emissions further is advised. Scenario
      modeling, such as that proposed in this paper, should ideally include GHG in the
      SI, but because different countries have different emission targets, future work
      should concentrate on the development of geographically appropriate weightings to
      facilitate the incorporation of GHG into a SI. 

PMID- 27136144
TI  - Suspended Sediment and Phosphorus Removal in a Woodchip Filter System Treating
      Agricultural Wash Water.
AB  - Woodchip filters have received attention in recent years for their ability to
      sustain denitrification activity across multiyear time frames. However, in some
      freshwater aquatic ecosystems, P rather than N is the nutrient considered most
      responsible for eutrophication. Previous studies have indicated that woodchip
      filters have limited ability to remove dissolved P, but in agricultural terrain,
      P export in watercourses is often dominated by particulate P (PP). Woodchip
      media, because of their high porosity and permeability and the surface roughness
      of the particles, could be effective for PP removal. In this study, we tested a
      woodchip filter for its ability to remove suspended sediment and associated PP at
      a farm in southern Ontario, Canada, where vegetable wash water with extremely
      high total suspended solids (TSS) was generated. The treatment system consisted
      of a 12.3-m concrete sedimentation tank and a slightly larger woodchip filter
      (16.1 m) installed in a subsurface trench. During 7 mo of full-scale operation,
      treating 10.8 m d, the filter system removed 71% of influent total P (TP)
      averaging 8.8 mg L and 99% of TSS averaging 5800 mg L, with most of the removal
      occurring in the tank and a lesser amount (6-16%) occurring in the woodchip
      filter. Almost all of the TP removal was associated with PP (91% removal) because
      dissolved P, averaging 1.5 mg L in the wash water, was little changed. Woodchip
      filters, when coupled with a solids settling tank, have the potential to provide
      high-capacity, low-maintenance treatment of suspended solids and associated
      particulate P in turbid waters. 

PMID- 27136145
TI  - Woodchip Denitrification Bioreactors: Impact of Temperature and Hydraulic
      Retention Time on Nitrate Removal.
AB  - Woodchip denitrification bioreactors, a relatively new technology for edge-of
      field treatment of subsurface agricultural drainage water, have shown potential
      for nitrate removal. However, few studies have evaluated the performance of these
      reactors under varied controlled conditions including initial woodchip age and a
      range of hydraulic retention times (HRTs) and temperatures similar to the field.
      This study investigated (i) the release of total organic C (TOC) during reactor
      start up for fresh and weathered woodchips, (ii) nitrate (NO-N) removal at HRTs
      ranging from 2 to 24 h, (iii) nitrate removal at influent NO-N concentrations of
      10, 30, and 50 mg L, and (iv) NO-N removal at 10, 15, and 20 degrees C. Greater
      TOC was released during bioreactor operation with fresh woodchips, whereas
      organic C release was low when the columns were packed with naturally weathered
      woodchips. Nitrate-N concentration reductions increased from 8 to 55% as HRT
      increased. Nitrate removal on a mass basis (g NO-N m d) did not follow the same
      trend, with relatively consistent mass removal measured as HRT increased from 1.7
      to 21.2 h. Comparison of mean NO-N load reduction for various influent NO-N
      concentrations showed lower reduction at an influent concentration of 10 mg L and
      higher NO-N reductions at influent concentrations of 30 and 50 mg L. Nitrate-N
      removal showed a stepped increase with temperature. Temperature coefficient ()
      factors calculated from NO-N removal rates ranged from 2.2 to 2.9. 

PMID- 27136146
TI  - Optimizing Hydraulic Retention Times in Denitrifying Woodchip Bioreactors
      Treating Recirculating Aquaculture System Wastewater.
AB  - The performance of wood-based denitrifying bioreactors to treat high-nitrate
      wastewaters from aquaculture systems has not previously been demonstrated. Four
      pilot-scale woodchip bioreactors (approximately 1:10 scale) were constructed and
      operated for 268 d to determine the optimal range of design hydraulic retention
      times (HRTs) for nitrate removal. The bioreactors were operated under HRTs
      ranging from 6.6 to 55 h with influent nitrate concentrations generally between
      20 and 80 mg NO-N L. These combinations resulted in N removal rates >39 g N m d,
      which is greater than previously reported. These high removal rates were due in
      large part to the relatively high chemical oxygen demand and warm temperature
      (~19 degrees C) of the wastewater. An optimized design HRT may not be the same
      based on metrics of N removal rate versus N removal efficiency; longer HRTs
      demonstrated higher removal efficiencies, and shorter HRTs had higher removal
      rates. When nitrate influent concentrations were approximately 75 mg NO-N L ( = 6
      sample events), the shortest HRT (12 h) had the lowest removal efficiency (45%)
      but a significantly greater removal rate than the two longest HRTs (42 and 55 h),
      which were N limited. Sulfate reduction was also observed under highly reduced
      conditions and was exacerbated under prolonged N-limited environments. Balancing
      the removal rate and removal efficiency for this water chemistry with a design
      HRT of approximately 24 h would result in a 65% removal efficiency and removal
      rates of at least 18 g N m d. 

PMID- 27136147
TI  - Temperature and Substrate Control Woodchip Bioreactor Performance in Reducing
      Tile Nitrate Loads in East-Central Illinois.
AB  - Tile drainage is the major source of nitrate in the upper Midwest, and end-of
      tile removal techniques such as wood chip bioreactors have been installed that
      allow current farming practices to continue, with nitrate removed through
      denitrification. There have been few multiyear studies of bioreactors examining
      controls on nitrate removal rates. We evaluated the nitrate removal performance
      of two wood chip bioreactors during the first 3 yr of operation and examined the
      major factors that regulated nitrate removal. Bioreactor 2 was subject to river
      flooding, and performance was not assessed. Bioreactor 1 had average monthly
      nitrate removal rates of 23 to 44 g N m d in Year 1, which decreased to 1.2 to 11
      g N m d in Years 2 and 3. The greater N removal rates in Year 1 and early in Year
      2 were likely due to highly degradable C in the woodchips. Only late in Year 2
      and in Year 3 was there a strong temperature response in the nitrate removal
      rate. Less than 1% of the nitrate removed was emitted as NO. Due to large tile
      inputs of nitrate (729-2127 kg N) at high concentrations (~30 mg nitrate N L) in
      Years 2 and 3, overall removal efficiency was low (3 and 7% in Years 2 and 3,
      respectively). Based on a process-based bioreactor performance model, Bioreactor
      1 would have needed to be 9 times as large as the current system to remove 50% of
      the nitrate load from this 20-ha field. 

PMID- 27136148
TI  - Simulating Woodchip Bioreactor Performance Using a Dual-Porosity Model.
AB  - There is a general understanding in the scientific community as to how
      denitrifying bioreactors operate, but we lack a quantitative understanding of the
      details of the denitrification process acting within them and comprehensive
      models for simulating their performance. We hypothesized that nitrate transport
      through woodchip bioreactors would be best described by a dual-porosity transport
      model where the bioreactor water is divided into a mobile domain (i.e., the water
      between the woodchips where it is free to flow and solute movement is by
      advection and dispersion) and an immobile domain of water (i.e., the water mostly
      within the woodchips that is stagnant and where solute movement is by diffusion
      alone). We calibrated the dual-porosity model contained in the HYDRUS model for a
      woodchip bioreactor using the results of a Br breakthrough experiment where we
      treated Br as a conservative nonadsorbing tracer. We then used the resulting
      model parameters to describe 2 yr of NO transport and denitrification within a
      bioreactor supplied by tile drainage. The only model parameters fitted to the NO
      data were either the zero- or first-order denitrification rate and its
      temperature dependence. The bioreactor denitrified 2.23 kg N (38%) of the NO
      entering it in 2013 and 3.73 kg N (49%) of the NO that entered it in 2014. The
      dual-porosity model fit the NO data very well, with fitted zero-order reaction
      rates of 8.7 and 6.8 mg N L d in 2013 and 2014, respectively, and corresponding
      first-order reaction rates of 0.99 and 1.02 d. For the 2-yr data set, both
      reaction rate models fit the data equally well. Consistent model parameters
      fitted for the 2 yr indicated that the model used was robust and a promising
      approach for modeling fate and transport of NO in woodchip bioreactors. 

PMID- 27136149
TI  - Use of a Three-Dimensional Reactive Solute Transport Model for Evaluation of
      Bioreactor Placement in Stream Restoration.
AB  - A three-dimensional groundwater flow and multispecies reactive transport model
      was used to strategically design placement of bioreactors in the subsurface to
      achieve maximum removal of nitrate along restored stream reaches. Two
      hypothetical stream restoration scenarios were evaluated over stream reaches of
      40 and 94 m: a step-pool scenario and a channel re-meandering scenario. For the
      step-pool scenario, bioreactors were placed at locations where mass fluxes of
      groundwater and nitrate were highest. Bioreactors installed over 50% of the total
      channel length of a step-pool scenario (located to intercept maximum groundwater
      and nitrate mass flux) removed nitrate-N entering the channel at a rate of 36.5
      kg N yr (100 g N d), achieving about 65% of the removal of a whole-length
      bioreactor. Bioreactor placement for the re-meandering scenario was designed
      using a criterion of either highest nitrate mass flux or highest groundwater
      flux, but not both, because they did not occur together. Bioreactors installed at
      maximum nitrate flux locations (53% of the total channel length) on the western
      bank removed nitrate-N entering the channel at 62.0 kg N yr (170 g N d),
      achieving 85% of nitrate-N removal of whole-length bioreactors for the re
      meandering scenario. Bioreactors installed at maximum groundwater flux locations
      on the western bank along approximately 40% of the re-meandering channel achieved
      about 65% of nitrate removal of whole-length bioreactors. Placing bioreactors at
      maximum nitrate flux locations improved denitrification efficiency. Due to low
      groundwater velocities, bioreactor nitrate-N removal was found to be nitrate
      limited for all scenarios. 

PMID- 27136150
TI  - Fecal Bacteria, Bacteriophage, and Nutrient Reductions in a Full-Scale
      Denitrifying Woodchip Bioreactor.
AB  - Denitrifying bioreactors using woodchips or other slow-release carbon sources can
      be an effective method for removing nitrate (NO) from wastewater and tile
      drainage. However, the ability of these systems to remove fecal microbes from
      wastewater has been largely uninvestigated. In this study, reductions in fecal
      indicator bacteria () and viruses (F-specific RNA bacteriophage [FRNA phage])
      were analyzed by monthly sampling along a longitudinal transect within a full
      scale denitrifying woodchip bioreactor receiving secondary-treated septic tank
      effluent. Nitrogen, phosphorus, 5-d carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand
      (CBOD), and total suspended solids (TSS) reduction were also assessed. The
      bioreactor demonstrated consistent and substantial reduction of (2.9 log
      reduction) and FRNA phage (3.9 log reduction) despite receiving highly
      fluctuating inflow concentrations [up to 3.5 * 10 MPN (100 mL) and 1.1 * 10
      plaque-forming units (100 mL) , respectively]. Most of the removal of fecal
      microbial contaminants occurred within the first meter of the system (1.4 log
      reduction for ; 1.8 log reduction for FRNA phage). The system was also efficient
      at removing NO (>99.9% reduction) and TSS (89% reduction). There was no evidence
      of consistent removal of ammonium, organic nitrogen, or phosphorus. Leaching of
      CBOD occurred during initial operation but decreased and stabilized at lower
      values (14 g O m) after 9 mo. We present strong evidence for reliable microbial
      contaminant removal in denitrifying bioreactors, demonstrating their broader
      versatility for wastewater treatment. Research on the removal mechanisms of
      microbial contaminants in these systems, together with the assessment of
      longevity of removal, is warranted. 

PMID- 27136151
TI  - Use Alkalinity Monitoring to Optimize Bioreactor Performance.
AB  - In recent years, the agricultural community has reduced flow of nitrogen from
      farmed landscapes to stream networks through the use of woodchip denitrification
      bioreactors. Although deployment of this practice is becoming more common to
      treat high-nitrate water from agricultural drainage pipes, information about
      bioreactor management strategies is sparse. This study focuses on the use of
      water monitoring, and especially the use of alkalinity monitoring, in five Iowa
      woodchip bioreactors to provide insights into and to help manage bioreactor
      chemistry in ways that will produce desirable outcomes. Results reported here for
      the five bioreactors show average annual nitrate load reductions between 50 and
      80%, which is acceptable according to established practice standards. Alkalinity
      data, however, imply that nitrous oxide formation may have regularly occurred in
      at least three of the bioreactors that are considered to be closed systems.
      Nitrous oxide measurements of influent and effluent water provide evidence that
      alkalinity may be an important indicator of bioreactor performance. Bioreactor
      chemistry can be managed by manipulation of water throughput in ways that produce
      adequate nitrate removal while preventing undesirable side effects. We conclude
      that (i) water should be retained for longer periods of time in bioreactors where
      nitrous oxide formation is indicated, (ii) measuring only nitrate and sulfate
      concentrations is insufficient for proper bioreactor operation, and (iii)
      alkalinity monitoring should be implemented into protocols for bioreactor
      management. 

PMID- 27136152
TI  - Thinking beyond the Bioreactor Box: Incorporating Stream Ecology into Edge-of
      Field Nitrate Management.
AB  - Around the world, artificially drained agricultural lands are significant sources
      of reactive nitrogen to stream ecosystems, creating substantial stream health
      problems. One management strategy is the deployment of denitrification
      enhancement tools. Here, we evaluate the factors affecting the potential of
      denitrifying bioreactors to improve stream health and ecosystem services. The
      performance of bioreactors and the structure and functioning of stream biotic
      communities are linked by environmental parameters like dissolved oxygen and
      nitrate-nitrogen concentrations, dissolved organic carbon availability, flow and
      temperature regimes, and fine sediment accumulations. However, evidence of
      bioreactors' ability to improve waterway health and ecosystem services is
      lacking. To improve the potential of bioreactors to enhance desirable stream
      ecosystem functioning, future assessments of field-scale bioreactors should
      evaluate the influences of bioreactor performance on ecological indicators such
      as primary production, organic matter processing, stream metabolism, and
      invertebrate and fish assemblage structure and function. These stream health
      impact assessments should be conducted at ecologically relevant spatial and
      temporal scales. Bioreactors have great potential to make significant
      contributions to improving water quality, stream health, and ecosystem services
      if they are tailored to site-specific conditions and implemented strategically
      with land-based and stream-based mitigation tools within watersheds. This will
      involve combining economic, logistical, and ecological information in their
      implementation. 

PMID- 27136153
TI  - Denitrifying Bioreactors for Nitrate Removal: A Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Meta-analysis approaches were used in this first quantitative synthesis of
      denitrifying woodchip bioreactors. Nitrate removal across environmental and
      design conditions was assessed from 26 published studies, representing 57
      separate bioreactor units (i.e., walls, beds, and laboratory columns). Effect
      size calculations weighted the data based on variance and number of measurements
      for each bioreactor unit. Nitrate removal rates in bed and column studies were
      not significantly different, but both were significantly higher than wall
      studies. In denitrifying beds, wood source did not significantly affect nitrate
      removal rates. Nitrate removal (mass per volume) was significantly lower in beds
      with <6-h hydraulic retention times, which argues for ensuring that bed designs
      incorporate sufficient time for nitrate removal. Rates significantly declined
      after the first year of bed operation but then stabilized. Nitrogen limitation
      significantly affected bed nitrate removal. Categorical and linear assessments
      found significant nitrate removal effects with bed temperature; a of 2.15 was
      quite similar to other studies. Lessons from this meta-analysis can be
      incorporated into bed designs, especially extending hydraulic retention times to
      increase nitrate removal under low temperature and high flow conditions.
      Additional column studies are warranted for comparative assessments, as are field
      based studies for assessing in situ conditions, especially in aging beds, with
      careful collection and reporting of design and environmental data. Future
      assessment of these systems might take a holistic view, reviewing nitrate removal
      in conjunction with other processes, including greenhouse gas and other
      unfavorable by-product production. 

PMID- 27136154
TI  - Conowingo Reservoir Sedimentation and Chesapeake Bay: State of the Science.
AB  - The Conowingo Reservoir is situated on the Susquehanna River, immediately
      upstream of Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States.
      Sedimentation in the reservoir provides an unintended benefit to the bay by
      preventing sediments, organic matter, and nutrients from entering the bay. The
      sediment storage capacity of the reservoir is nearly exhausted, however, and the
      resulting increase in loading of sediments and associated materials is a
      potential threat to Chesapeake Bay water quality. In response to this threat, the
      Lower Susquehanna River Watershed Assessment was conducted. The assessment
      indicates the reservoir is in a state of "dynamic equilibrium" in which sediment
      loads from the upstream watershed to the reservoir are balanced by sediments
      leaving the reservoir. Increased sediment loads are not a threat to bay water
      quality. Increased loads of associated organic matter and nutrients are, however,
      detrimental. Bottom-water dissolved oxygen declines of 0.1 to 0.2 g m are
      projected as a result of organic matter oxidation and enhanced eutrophication.
      The decline is small relative to normal variations but results in violations of
      standards enforced in a recently enacted total maximum daily load. Enhanced
      reductions in nutrient loads from the watershed are recommended to offset the
      decline in water quality caused by diminished retention in the reservoir. The
      assessment exposed several knowledge gaps that require additional investigation,
      including the potential for increased loading at flows below the threshold for
      reservoir scour and the nature and reactivity of organic matter and nutrients
      scoured from the reservoir bottom. 

PMID- 27136156
TI  - Impact of Reservoir Sediment Scour on Water Quality in a Downstream Estuary.
AB  - The Conowingo Reservoir is situated at the lower terminus of the Susquehanna --
      River watershed, immediately above Chesapeake Bay. Since construction, the
      reservoir has been filling with sediment to the point where storage capacity is
      nearly exhausted. The potential for release of accumulated sediments, organic
      matter, and nutrients, especially through the action of storm scour, causes
      concern for water quality in Chesapeake Bay. We used hydrodynamic and
      eutrophication models to examine the effects of watershed loads and scour loads
      on bay water quality under total maximum daily load conditions. Results indicate
      that increased suspended solids loads are not a threat to bay water quality. For
      most conditions, solids scoured from the reservoir settle out before the season
      during which light attenuation is critical. The organic matter and nutrients
      associated with the solids are, however, detrimental. This material settles to
      the estuary bottom and is mineralized in bed sediments. Carbon diagenesis spurs
      oxygen consumption in bottom sediments and in the water column via release of
      chemical oxygen demand. The nutrients are recycled to the water column and
      stimulate algal production. As a result of a scour event, bottom-water dissolved
      oxygen declines up to 0.2 g m, although the decline is 0.1 g m or less when
      averaged over the summer season. Surface chlorophyll increases 0.1 to 0.3 mg m
      during the summer growing season. 

PMID- 27136155
TI  - Influence of Reservoir Infill on Coastal Deep Water Hypoxia.
AB  - Ecological restoration of the Chesapeake through the Chesapeake Bay total maximum
      daily load (TMDL) requires the reduction of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment
      loads in the Chesapeake watershed because of the tidal water quality impairments
      and damage to living resources they cause. Within the Chesapeake watershed, the
      Conowingo Reservoir has been filling in with sediment for almost a century and is
      now in a state of near-full capacity called . The development of the Chesapeake
      TMDL in 2010 was with the assumption that the Conowingo Reservoir was still
      effectively trapping sediment and nutrients. This is now known not to be the
      case. In a TMDL, pollutant loads beyond the TMDL allocation, which are brought
      about by growth or other conditions, must be offset. Using the analysis tools of
      the Chesapeake TMDL for assessing the degree of water quality standard
      attainment, the estimated nutrient and sediment loads from a simulated dynamic
      equilibrium infill condition of the Conowingo Reservoir were determined. The
      influence on Chesapeake water quality by a large storm and scour event of January
      1996 on the Susquehanna River was estimated, and the same storm and scour events
      were also evaluated in the more critical living resource period of June. An
      analysis was also made on the estimated influence of more moderate high flow
      events. The infill of the Conowingo reservoir had estimated impairments of water
      quality, primarily on deep-water and deep-channel dissolved oxygen, because of
      increased discharge and transport of organic and particulate inorganic nutrients
      from the Conowingo Reservoir. 

PMID- 27136157
TI  - Manure and Inorganic Nitrogen Affect Trace Gas Emissions under Semi-Arid
      Irrigated Corn.
AB  - Dairy manure is often applied to cropped soils as a substitute for inorganic N
      fertilizers, but the impacts of manure on soil trace gas fluxes, yields, and soil
      N are uncertain in the semiarid western United States. Soil carbon dioxide (CO
      C), methane (CH-C), nitrous oxide (NO-N), and ammonia (NH-N) emissions were
      monitored using surface chambers from five N treatments: (i) partially composted
      solid dairy manure (DM) (412 kg N ha), (ii) DM + AgrotainPlus (DM+AP), (iii)
      enhanced efficiency N fertilizer (SuperU [SU]) (179 kg N ha), (iv) urea (179 kg N
      ha), and (v) check (no N applied), to determine their effect on growing season
      (GS) and nongrowing season emissions from a tilled clay loam soil under
      irrigated, continuous corn production for 3 yr. SuperU and AgrotainPlus contain
      urease and nitrification inhibitors. Averaged over years, GS soil CO-C emissions
      were greater for DM and DM+AP than for urea, SU, and check treatments due to the
      large amount of C added with the manure; CH-C emissions did not vary among N
      treatments; and NO-N emissions decreased in the order urea = DM = DM+AP > SU >
      check. AgrotainPlus added to the DM did not reduce NO-N emissions compared with
      DM. Cumulative NH-N emissions after manure application decreased in the order
      urea > SU > check, with no significant differences between SU, DM, and DM+AP.
      Dairy manure provided slow-release N with nitrate intensities lower than urea and
      NO-N emissions similar to urea. These results highlight the importance of best
      management practices such as immediate irrigation after N application and use of
      urease and nitrification inhibitors to minimize N losses. 

PMID- 27136158
TI  - Odor and Odorous Compound Emissions from Manure of Swine Fed Standard and Dried
      Distillers Grains with Soluble Supplemented Diets.
AB  - This study was conducted to determine the impact of diets containing dried
      distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) on emissions of odor and odorous compounds
      from swine manure storage. Twenty-four pigs were fed either a corn-soybean meal
      (CSBM) diet or a diet containing 35% DDGS over a 42-d feeding trial. Their waste
      was collected and transferred to individual manure storage containers. Manure
      from pigs fed diets containing DDGS had significantly lower odorant emissions
      expressed in animal units for hydrogen sulfide (HS) and ammonia (NH) ( < 0.05)
      compared with pigs fed the CSBM diet, but emissions of volatile fatty acids and
      phenolic compounds were significantly higher ( < 0.05) for manures from animals
      fed the DDGS diet. There was no significant difference for indole compound
      emissions due to the dietary treatment applied. Emissions of volatile organic
      compounds (VOCs) from manure accounted for less than 0.1% of carbon consumed for
      either diet. There were no significant differences in odor emissions for either
      diet as quantified with human panels or measured as the sum total of the odor
      activity value. Manure odors from pigs fed the CSBM diet were dominated by HS,
      whereas animals fed the diet containing DDGS were dominated by VOCs. 

PMID- 27136159
TI  - Enhanced Degradation of Diesel in the Rhizosphere of after Inoculation with
      Diesel-Degrading and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterial Strains.
AB  - The association of plants and rhizospheric bacteria provides a successful
      strategy to clean up contaminated soils. The purpose of this work was to enhance
      diesel degradation in rhizosphere by inoculation with selected bacterial strains:
      a diesel degrader (D), plant growth-promoting (PGP) strains, or a combination
      (D+PGP). Plants were set up in pots with the A or B horizon of an umbric Cambisol
      (A and B) spiked with diesel (1.25%, w/w). After 1 mo, the dissipation of diesel
      range organics (DRO) with respect to = 0 (i.e., 1 wk after preparing the pots
      with the seedlings) concentration was significantly higher in inoculated than in
      noninoculated (NI) pots: The highest DRO losses were found in A D+PGP pots (close
      to 15-20% higher than NI) and in B D pots (close to 10% higher). The water
      extractable DRO fraction was significantly higher at = 30 d (15-25%) compared
      with = 0 (<5%), probably due to the effects of plant root exudates and
      biosurfactants produced by the degrader strain. The results of this experiment
      reflect the importance of the partnerships between plants and bacterial
      inoculants and demonstrate the relevance of the effect of bacterial
      biosurfactants and plant root exudates on contaminant bioavailability, a key
      factor for enhancing diesel rhizodegradation. The association of lupine with D
      and PGP strains resulted in a promising combination for application in the
      rhizoremediation of soils with moderate diesel contamination. 

PMID- 27136160
TI  - Combining Nitrilotriacetic Acid and Permeable Barriers for Enhanced
      Phytoextraction of Heavy Metals from Municipal Solid Waste Compost by and Reduced
      Metal Leaching.
AB  - Phytoextraction has the potential to remove heavy metals from contaminated soil,
      and chelants can be used to improve the capabilities of phytoextraction. However,
      environmentally persistent chelants can cause metal leaching and groundwater
      pollution. A column experiment was conducted to evaluate the viability of
      biodegradable nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) to increase the uptake of heavy metals
      (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, and Zn) by L. in municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and to
      evaluate the effect of two permeable barrier materials, bone meal and crab shell,
      on metal leaching. The application of NTA significantly increased the
      concentrations and uptake of heavy metals in . The enhancement was more
      pronounced at higher dosages of NTA. In the 15 mmol kg NTA treatment using a crab
      shell barrier, the Cr and Ni concentrations in the plant shoots increased by
      approximately 8- and 10-fold, respectively, relative to the control. However, the
      addition of NTA also caused significant heavy metal leaching from the MSW
      compost. Bone meal and crab shell barriers positioned between the compost and the
      subsoil were effective in preventing metal leaching down through the soil profile
      by the retention of metals in the barrier. The application of a biodegradable
      chelant and the use of permeable barriers is a viable form of enhanced
      phytoextraction to increase the removal of metals and to reduce possible
      leaching. 

PMID- 27136161
TI  - Effects of 30 Years of Crop Rotation and Tillage on Bacterial and Archaeal
      Ammonia Oxidizers.
AB  - Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) both mediate soil
      nitrification and may have specialized niches in the soil. Little is understood
      of how these microorganisms are affected by long-term crop rotation and tillage
      practices. In this study, we assessed abundance and gene expression of AOB and
      AOA under two contrasting crop rotations and tillage regimes at a 30-yr-old long
      term experiment on a Canadian silt loam soil. Continuous corn ( L.) (CC) was
      compared with a corn-corn-soybean [ (L.) Merr.]-winter wheat ( L.) rotation under
      seeded with red clover ( L.) (RC), with conventional tillage (CT) and no-till
      (NT) as subplot treatments. Soil sampling was performed during the first corn
      year at four time points throughout the 2010 season and at three discrete depths
      (0-5, 5-15, and 15-30 cm). Overall, AOA abundance was found to be more than 10
      times that of AOB, although AOA transcriptional activity was below detectable
      levels across all treatments. Crop rotation had a marginally significant effect
      on AOB abundance, with 1.3 times as many gene copies under the simpler CC
      rotation than under the more diverse RC rotation. More pronounced effects of
      depth on AOB abundance and gene expression were observed under NT versus CT
      management, and NT supported higher abundances of total archaea and AOA than CT
      across the growing season. We suggest that AOB may be more functionally important
      than AOA in this high-input agricultural soil but that NT management can promote
      enhanced soil archaeal populations. 

PMID- 27136162
TI  - Survival of Manure-borne and Fecal Coliforms in Soil: Temperature Dependence as
      Affected by Site-Specific Factors.
AB  - Understanding pathogenic and indicator bacteria survival in soils is essential
      for assessing the potential of microbial contamination of water and produce. The
      objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of soil properties, animal
      source, experimental conditions, and the application method on temperature
      dependencies of manure-borne generic , O157:H7, and fecal coliforms survival in
      soils. A literature search yielded 151 survival datasets from 70 publications.
      Either one-stage or two-stage kinetics was observed in the survival datasets. We
      used duration and rate of the logarithm of concentration change as parameters of
      the first stage in the two-stage kinetics data. The second stage of the two-stage
      kinetics and the one-stage kinetics were simulated with the model to find the
      dependence of the inactivation rate on temperature. Classification and regression
      trees and linear regressions were applied to parameterize the kinetics. Presence
      or absence of two-stage kinetics was controlled by temperature, soil texture,
      soil water content, and for fine-textured soils by setting experiments in the
      field or in the laboratory. The duration of the first stage was predominantly
      affected by soil water content and temperature. In the model dependencies of
      inactivation rates on temperature, parameter estimates were significantly
      affected by the laboratory versus field conditions and by the application method,
      whereas inactivation rates at 20 degrees C were significantly affected by all
      survival and management factors. Results of this work can provide estimates of
      coliform survival parameters for models of microbial water quality. 

PMID- 27136163
TI  - Cultivation and qPCR Detection of Pathogenic and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial
      Establishment in Naive Broiler Houses.
AB  - Conventional commercial broiler production involves the rearing of more than
      20,000 broilers in a single confined space for approximately 6.5 wk. This
      environment is known for harboring pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria,
      but studies have focused on previously established houses with mature litter
      microbial populations. In the current study, a set of three naive houses were
      followed from inception through 11 broiler flocks and monitored for ambient
      climatic conditions, bacterial pathogens, and antibiotic resistance. Within the
      first 3 wk of the first flock cycle, 100% of litter samples were positive for and
      , whereas was cultivation negative but PCR positive. Antibiotic resistance genes
      were ubiquitously distributed throughout the litter within the first flock,
      approaching 10 to 10 genomic units g. Preflock litter levels were approximately
      10 CFU g for heterotrophic plate count bacteria, whereas midflock levels were >10
      colony forming units (CFU) g; other indicators demonstrated similar increases.
      The influence of intrahouse sample location was minor. In all likelihood, given
      that preflock levels were negative for pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes
      and 4 to 5 Log lower than flock levels for indicators, incoming birds most likely
      provided the colonizing microbiome, although other sources were not ruled out.
      Most bacterial groups experienced a cyclical pattern of litter contamination seen
      in other studies, whereas microbial stabilization required approximately four
      flocks. This study represents a first-of-its-kind view into the time required for
      bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance to colonize and establish in naive
      broiler houses. 

PMID- 27136164
TI  - Life-Cycle Assessment of Oilseeds for Biojet Production Using Localized Cold
      Press Extraction.
AB  - As nonfood oilseed varieties are being rapidly developed, new varieties may
      affect agricultural production efficiency and life-cycle assessment results.
      Current, detailed feedstock production information is necessary to accurately
      assess impacts of the biofuel life-cycle. The life-cycle impacts of four nonfood
      oilseeds (carinata [ L. Braun], camelina [ L. Crantz], canola or rapeseed [ L.],
      and sunflower [ L.]) were modeled using Argonne National Laboratory's GREET model
      to compare feedstocks for renewable biojet production using cold-press oil
      extraction. Only feedstock-related inputs were varied, allowing isolation of
      feedstock influence. Carinata and camelina performed slightly better than other
      oilseed crops at most product stages and impact categories as a result of
      current, low-input agricultural information and new feedstock varieties. Between
      40 to 50% of SO and NO emissions, ~25% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and
      ~40% of total energy consumption for the biojet production impact occurred during
      feedstock production. Within the first standard deviation, total well-to-tank
      emissions varied between ~13% (GHG) and ~35% (SO) for all feedstocks emphasizing
      the importance of accurate agricultural production information. Nonfood oilseed
      feedstock properties (e.g., oil content, density) and agricultural management
      (e.g., fertilization, yield) affect life-cycle assessment results. Using biofuels
      in feedstock production and focusing on low-impact management would assist
      producers in improving overall product sustainability. 

PMID- 27136165
TI  - A Simple Dynamic Model of Soil Test Phosphorus Responses to Phosphorus Balances.
AB  - Soil test P (STP) concentration indicates whether annual P applications can be
      expected to give yield increases and can also indicate an elevated risk of P
      mobilization and potential for P transfer to surface waters and groundwater from
      a particular field. Changes in STP with time thus project agronomic benefits and
      environmental risks of different P use strategies. To predict STP changes with
      time, we constructed a simple dynamic model for which the input variables are P
      balance and initial STP. The model parameters (soil type-specific constants) were
      fitted using data originating from 44 P fertilizer experiments with different P
      rates. Model performance was evaluated using independent data sets that either
      had reasonably accurate input values ( = 103) or were obtained from farmers
      through interviews ( = 638). The simulations were in agreement with measured STP
      changes for both evaluation data sets when fittings were performed separately for
      four main soil types (clays, silts, coarse mineral soils, and organic soils).
      Statistical analysis confirmed that the model captured the trends in STP (NHOAc
      test) with acceptable accuracy and precision, with of 0.83 and 0.66 for the data
      with more accurate input and for farmer interview data, respectively; the
      corresponding model efficiency statistics were 0.88 and 0.66. The model is not
      restricted to use with one soil test, as fittings for several different types of
      soil tests can be generated. In this study, we fitted the model for Olsen P data
      retrieved from the literature. Agronomic use of the model includes evaluation of
      P use strategies, e.g., when a certain STP level is targeted or when long-term
      economy of P use is calculated. In an environmental context, the model can be
      used to predict STP changes with time under variable P balance regimes, which is
      essential for realistic assessment of changes in the potential for dissolved P
      losses. 

PMID- 27136166
TI  - Removal of Lead(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution Using L. Seed Husk Ash as a
      Biosorbent.
AB  - The removal of heavy metals, especially from wastewater, has attracted
      significant interest because of their toxicity, tendency to bioaccumulate, and
      the threat they pose to human life and the environment. Many low-cost sorbents
      have been investigated for their biosorption capacity toward heavy metals.
      However, there are no reports available on the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous
      solution by of L. seed husk ash. In this work, use of seed husk ash for the
      removal of Pb(II) from wastewater was investigated as a function of contact time
      and the initial pH of the solution. Kinetics and equilibrium constants were
      obtained from batch experiments. Our study shows that the adsorption process
      follows pseudo-second-order kinetics. Moreover, the Langmuir absorption model
      gave a better fit to the experimental data than the Freundlich equation. The
      maximum adsorption capacity of the husk ash was 263.10 mg g at 298 K and pH 5.0,
      and this is higher than the previously reported data obtained using other
      sorbents. The results obtained confirm that seed husk ash is an effective sorbent
      for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution. Analysis of infrared spectra of
      the husk ash after absorption of Pb(II) suggested that OH, C=O, C-O, Si-O-Si, and
      O-Si-O groups were important for the Pb(II) ion removal. Moreover, practical
      tests on this biosorbent for Pb(II) removal in real wastewater samples
      successfully demonstrated that seed husk ash constitutes an efficient and cost
      effective technology for the elimination of heavy metals from industrial
      effluent. 

PMID- 27136167
TI  - Biochar Amendment for Reducing Leachability of Nitro Explosives and Metals from
      Contaminated Soils and Mine Tailings.
AB  - The mobility and bioavailability of nitro explosives (2,4-dinitrotoluene [DNT],
      2,4,6-trinitrotoluene [TNT], and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine [RDX])
      in biochar-amended soils and toxic metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in biochar
      amended mine tailings were investigated via various types of leaching procedures
      in laboratory-scale batch experiments. The results from the toxicity
      characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin
      (HPCD) extraction showed that approximately 55 to 95% of the explosives were
      released from the contaminated soils and would thus be considered as mobile. With
      the addition of biochar, the extracted concentrations of explosives were reduced
      to less than 10% of the initial concentrations after 10 d. According to the
      results from a Korean waste leaching method, the TCLP method, and
      diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) extraction, adding biochar to mine
      tailings reduced the extractability and bioavailability of metals. The chemical
      forms of the metals, types of extractants, pH, and curing period strongly
      affected the extractability of metals from mine tailings. The results suggest
      that biochar is a promising immobilizer of explosives and metals in contaminated
      soils and mine tailings under limited conditions. 

PMID- 27136168
TI  - Bioavailability of Sodium and Trace Metals under Direct and Indirect Effects of
      Compost in Urban Soils.
AB  - The contamination of urban soil with sodium (Na) and trace metals can be one of
      the major concerns for groundwater contamination and street tree health. The
      bioavailability of Na, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in
      urban soil amended with 0, 5, and 10% w/w compost was evaluated at none, medium,
      and high contamination levels of soil mixtures. The relationship between soil
      properties, compost addition, contamination level and metal uptake by barley (
      L.) was determined using multivariate linear regression and path analysis. The
      results indicated the direct negative effect of compost on metal absorption
      possibly through specific complexation for Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb. Compost can also
      affect the absorption of Na and Cd indirectly by means of cation exchange
      capacity (CEC) and pH. The degree of soil contamination with metals can affect
      the competition of cations for the complexing sites of the soil mixtures and,
      therefore, can induce changes in metal availability for plants. Compost addition
      to the soil also increased nutrient availability, except for ammonium (NH) and
      nitrate (NO). We concluded that in the short term, the addition of compost
      significantly reduced metal bioavailability and improved nutrient availability.
      However, more studies are required to monitor the long-term ability of the
      compost to reduce Na and trace metal bioavailability in urban soil. 

PMID- 27136169
TI  - Gasified Grass and Wood Biochars Facilitate Plant Establishment in Acid Mine
      Soils.
AB  - Heavy metals in exposed mine tailings threaten ecosystems that surround thousands
      of abandoned mines in the United States. Biochars derived from the pyrolysis or
      gasification of biomass may serve as a valuable soil amendment to revegetate mine
      sites. We evaluated the ability of two biochars, produced by gasification of
      either Kentucky bluegrass seed screenings (KB) or mixed conifer wood (CW), to
      support the growth of plants in mine spoils from the abandoned Formosa and Almeda
      Mines in Oregon. To evaluate the potential for plant establishment in mine
      tailings, wheat was grown in tailings amended with biochar at rates ranging from
      0 to 9% (w/w). Both KB and CW biochars promoted plant establishment by increasing
      soil pH, increasing concentrations of macro- and micronutrients, and decreasing
      the solubility and plant uptake of heavy metals. Formosa tailings required at
      least 4% biochar and Almeda soil required at least 2% biochar to promote healthy
      wheat growth. A complimentary experiment in which mine spoils were leached with
      simulated precipitation indicated that biochar amendment rates >=4% were
      sufficient to neutralize the elution pH and reduce concentrations of potentially
      toxic elements (Zn, Cu, Ni, Al) to levels near or below concern. These findings
      support the use of gasified biochar amendments to revegetate acid mine soils. 

PMID- 27136170
TI  - Evaluating Key Watershed Components of Low Flow Regimes in New England Streams.
AB  - Water resource managers seeking to optimize stream ecosystem services and
      abstractions of water from watersheds need an understanding of the importance of
      land use, physical and climatic characteristics, and hydrography on different low
      flow components of stream hydrographs. Within 33 USGS gaged watersheds of
      southern New England, we assessed relationships between watershed variables and a
      set of low flow parameters by using an information-theoretical approach. The key
      variables identified by the Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) weighting factors
      as generating positive relationships with low flow events included percent
      stratified drift, mean elevation, drainage area, and mean August precipitation.
      The extent of wetlands in the watershed was negatively related to low flow
      magnitudes. Of the various land use variables, the percentage of developed land
      was found to have the highest importance and a negative relationship on low flow
      magnitudes, but was less important than wetlands and physical and climatic
      features. Our results suggest that management practices aimed to sustain low
      flows in fluvial systems can benefit from attention to specific watershed
      features. We draw attention to the finding that streams located in watersheds
      with high proportions of wetlands may require more stringent approaches to
      withdrawals to sustain fluvial ecosystems during drought periods, particularly in
      watersheds with extensive development and limited deposits of stratified drift. 

PMID- 27136171
TI  - Fate of Triclosan in Irrigated Soil: Degradation in Soil and Translocation into
      Onion and Tomato.
AB  - This study determined the fate of triclosan, a prevalent wastewater contaminant
      in recycled waters and surface streams, when soil and crop plants were irrigated
      at environmentally relevant concentrations. Soil triclosan concentrations were
      monitored in an 8-wk and in a 16-wk study without plants to determine triclosan
      degradation. Onion ( O. Fedtsch.) and tomato ( L.) were assessed for growth and
      triclosan accumulation at four levels of triclosan exposure (0, 0.015, 0.15, and
      1.5 ug L) in irrigation waters within ranges of those found in recycled waters
      and associated receiving streams. Onions were grown for 8 wk and tomatoes were
      grown for 8 wk (short-term study) and 12 wk (long-term study) in potting soil.
      Soil triclosan concentrations increased (5-fold) with triclosan levels applied to
      soils alone. With repeated application, the half-life of triclosan was 18 d, with
      low-level accumulation in soil. Bioaccumulation of triclosan was observed in all
      edible portions of onions (115-435 ng g), primarily in bulbs, with no discernible
      impact on biomass. In both short- and long-term tomato studies, triclosan
      translocated to shoots and fruits (approaching a translocation factor of 1) at
      the highest level examined. Even at low triclosan concentrations typically found
      in recycled waters and receiving streams, agricultural irrigation presents an
      additional exposure route for organic contaminants to humans via commercial
      crops. Our study indicates that bulb crops, in particular, would likely
      accumulate high levels of triclosan. However, concentrations detected in both
      onions and tomato fruits determined here are below current human exposure limits.

PMID- 27136172
TI  - Tree-Substrate Water Relations and Root Development in Tree Plantations Used for
      Mine Tailings Reclamation.
AB  - Tree water uptake relies on well-developed root systems. However, mine wastes can
      restrict root growth, in particular metalliferous mill tailings, which consist of
      the finely crushed ore that remains after valuable metals are removed. Thus,
      water stress could limit plantation success in reclaimed mine lands. This study
      evaluates the effect of substrates varying in quality (topsoil, overburden,
      compost and tailings mixture, and tailings alone) and quantity (50- or 20-cm
      thick topsoil layer vs. 1-m plantation holes) on root development and water
      stress exposure of trees planted in low-sulfide mine tailings under boreal
      conditions. A field experiment was conducted over 2 yr with two tree species:
      basket willow ( L.) and hybrid poplar ( Moench * A. Henry). Trees developed roots
      in the tailings underlying the soil treatments despite tailings' low
      macroporosity. However, almost no root development occurred in tailings
      underlying a compost and tailings mixture. Because root development and
      associated water uptake was not limited to the soil, soil volume influenced
      neither short-term (water potential and instantaneous transpiration) nor long
      term (deltaC) water stress exposure in trees. However, trees were larger and had
      greater total leaf area when grown in thicker topsoil. Despite a volumetric water
      content that always remained above permanent wilting point in the tailings
      colonized by tree roots, measured foliar water potentials at midday were lower
      than drought thresholds reported for both tested tree species. 

PMID- 27136173
TI  - Fecal Indicator Bacteria Entrainment from Streambed to Water Column: Transport by
      Unsteady Flow over a Sand Bed.
AB  - Storms cause a substantial increase in the fecal indicator bacteria (FIB)
      concentrations in stream water as a result of FIB-laden runoff and the release of
      FIB from stream sediments. Previous work has emphasized the association between
      FIB and bed sediments finer than sand. The objectives of this work were to
      elucidate the effect of various velocities on the entrainment of bed-dwelling
      coliforms in sand-bed streams and to refine methodologies for quantifying sandy
      streambeds as sources of FIB. Pump-induced hydrographs were created using a
      stainless steel nonrecirculating flume. Experiments consisted of simulating four
      storm hydrographs and collecting water samples upstream and downstream of a sand
      bed at selected intervals. Bed sediment samples were collected before and after
      each event. The highest concentrations of total coliform and suspended sediments
      generally occurred in the downstream samples during the rising limb of the
      hydrographs as a result of entrainment of coliforms and sand from the bed to the
      water column. There was a first flush effect in the system, as the upper layer of
      sand was influenced by a rapidly increasing velocity at ~0.2 m s. Coliforms
      downstream of the sand bed increased rapidly as velocity exceeded this threshold
      but then declined even as velocity and discharge continued to increase. This
      likely reflects the depletion of coliforms as the more densely populated sediment
      layer was flushed out. There is evidence that streams with sand beds harbor
      enough FIB that development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) should include
      consideration of them as a source. 

PMID- 27136174
TI  - Biowaste Mixtures Affecting the Growth and Elemental Composition of Italian
      Ryegrass ().
AB  - Biosolids (sewage sludge) can be beneficially applied to degraded lands to
      improve soil quality. Plants grown on biosolids-amended soils have distinct
      concentrations of macronutrients and trace elements, which can be beneficial or
      present a risk to humans and ecosystems. Potentially, biosolids could be blended
      with other biowastes, such as sawdust, to reduce the risks posed by rebuilding
      soils using biosolids alone. We sought to determine the effect of mixing
      biosolids and sawdust on the macronutrient and trace element concentration of
      ryegrass over a 5-mo period. was grown in a low fertility soil, typical for
      marginal farm areas, that was amended with biosolids (1250 kg N ha), biosolids +
      sawdust (0.5:1) and urea (200 kg N ha), as well as a control. Biosolids increased
      the growth of from 2.93 to 4.14 t ha. This increase was offset by blending the
      biosolids with sawdust (3.00 t ha). Urea application increased growth to 4.93 t
      ha. The biowaste treatments increased N, P, Cu, Mn, and Zn relative to the
      control, which may be beneficial for grazing animals. Although biowaste
      application caused elevated Cd concentrations (0.15-0.24 mg kg) five- to
      eightfold higher than control and urea treatments, these were below levels that
      are likely to result in unacceptable concentrations in animal tissues. Mixing
      biosolids with sawdust reduced Cd uptake while still resulting in increased
      micronutrient concentrations (P, S, Mn, Zn, Cu) in plants. There were significant
      changes in the elemental uptake during the experiment, which was attributed to
      the decomposition of the sawdust. 

PMID- 27136175
TI  - Persistence and Surface Transport of Urea-Nitrogen: A Rainfall Simulation Study.
AB  - Studies of harmful algal blooms and associated urea concentrations in the
      Chesapeake Bay and in coastal areas around the globe strongly suggest that
      elevated urea concentrations are associated with harmful algal blooms. The
      observed increased frequency and toxicity of these blooms in recent decades has
      been correlated with increased agricultural use of N inputs and increased use of
      urea as a preferred form of commercial N. This rainfall simulation study sought
      to assess the potential for different N fertilizers and manures to contribute to
      urea in runoff from a Coastal Plain soil on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Under
      worst-case conditions, ~1% of urea-N applied as commercial fertilizer and surface
      applied poultry litter was lost in runoff in a simulated rainfall event, roughly
      equivalent to a 1-yr return period rain storm in the study area, 12 h after
      application. Cumulative urea-N losses, including four subsequent weekly rainfall
      events, approached 1.7% from urea-N fertilizer containing a urease inhibitor.
      Urea-N loss from incorporated poultry litter was negligible, and losses from
      dairy manure were intermediate. These losses are likely confined to hydrological
      contributing areas that extend several meters from a drainage ditch or stream for
      storms with frequent recurrence intervals. Cumulative dissolved N losses in
      runoff (urea-N + ammonium-N + nitrate-N) as a proportion of total applied plant
      available N were <5%, suggesting that most of the applied N was lost by other
      pathways or was immobilized in soil. Results also highlight the potential for
      simple management options, such as shallow incorporation or timing, to greatly
      reduce urea runoff losses. 

PMID- 27136176
TI  - Influence of Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum on Reducing Soluble Phosphorus in
      Successive Runoff Events from a Coastal Plain Bermudagrass Pasture.
AB  - Controlling the threat that pastures intensively managed with poultry litter (PL)
      pose to accelerating eutrophication is a major issue in the southeastern United
      States. Gypsum (CaSO) has been identified as a promising management tool for
      ameliorating litter P losses to runoff. Thus, research was conducted to elucidate
      gypsum's residual effects on P losses from a bermudagrass ( L.) pasture. Runoff
      events (60 min) were created using rainfall simulations. Treatments consisted of
      applying four flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum rates (0, 2.2, 4.4, and 8.9
      Mg ha) to bermudagrass fertilized with 13.4 Mg ha PL plus a nonfertilized check
      (no litter or gypsum) and 8.9 Mg ha FGD gypsum only as controls. Rainfall
      simulations (~ 85 mm h) were conducted immediately, 5 wk, and 6 mo (i.e., at the
      end of growing season) after PL application to determine gypsum's effectiveness
      at controlling P loss over successive runoff events. The greatest dissolved P
      (DP) in runoff occurred immediately after PL application. Gypsum effectively
      reduced cumulative DP concentration losses (54%) compared with PL alone in
      initial runoff events. Gypsum reduced DP concentrations in succeeding runoff
      events also regardless of timing, suggesting that its effect is persistent and
      will not diminish over a growing season. Generally, maximum DP reductions were
      achieved with 8.9 Mg ha. However, it was surmised from this study that optimal P
      reduction in a bermudagrass pasture can be achieved with 4.4 Mg ha. Information
      ascertained from this study may be useful in aiding land managers making
      prescriptions for management practices that reduce DP losses from agricultural
      fields. 

PMID- 27136177
TI  - Effect of Landfill Leachate on Cereal Nutrition and Productivity and on Soil
      Properties.
AB  - Landfill leachates carry nutrients, especially N and K, which can be recycled in
      cropping systems. We applied doses of landfill leachate (0 [Control], 32.7, 65.4,
      98.1, and 130.8 m ha) three times in 2008 and three times in 2009 on a clay
      Rhodic Kandiudult soil. In 2009, black oat ( L.) and corn ( L.) were cropped in
      succession and assessed for concentration of nutrients in leaves and for shoot
      biomass and grain yield, respectively. As a positive control, an additional
      treatment with urea (120 kg ha of N) was studied in corn. Soil was sampled at
      four depths (down to 60 cm) in three sampling dates to assess chemical and
      biochemical properties. Concentration of nutrients in leaves, oat biomass (8530
      23,240 kg ha), and corn grain yield (4703-8807 kg ha) increased with increasing
      doses of leachate. There was a transient increase in the concentration of nitrate
      in soil (3-30 mg kg), increasing the risk of N losses by leaching at doses above
      120 kg ha N, as revealed by an estimated N balance in the cropping system. Sodium
      and K in soil also increased with increasing doses of leachate but decreased as
      rainfall occurred. The activity of dehydrogenase decreased about 30% from the
      control to the highest dose of leachate and urea, suggesting an inhibitory effect
      of mineral N on microbial metabolism. Landfill leachate was promising as a source
      of N and K for crop productivity and caused minor or transient effects on soil
      properties. 

PMID- 27136178
TI  - Stocking Density Optimization for Enhanced Bioconversion of Fly Ash Enriched
      Vermicompost.
AB  - Although it is widely agreed that stocking density critically affects the rate of
      vermicomposting, there is no established stocking density for mixtures of fly ash
      and other waste materials. This study sought to optimize (Savigny, 1826) stocking
      density for effective biodegradation and nutrient release in a fly ash-cow dung
      waste paper (FCP) mixture. Four stocking densities of 0, 12.5, 25, and 37.5 g
      worms kg were evaluated. Although the 12.5, 25, and 37.5 g worms kg treatments
      all resulted in a mature vermicompost, stocking densities of 25 and 37.5 g worms
      kg resulted in faster maturity, higher humification parameters, and a
      significantly lower final C/N ratio (range 11.1-10.4). The activity of beta
      glucosidase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis enzymes showed faster
      stabilization at stocking densities of 25 and 37.5 g worms kg, indicating compost
      stability and maturity. Similarly, a stocking density of 25 g worms kg resulted
      in the highest release of Olsen-extractable P and (NO + NO)-N contents. The 0-,
      12.5-, 25-, and 37.5-g treatments resulted in net Olsen P increases of 16.3,
      38.9, 61.0, and 53.0%, respectively, after 10 wk. Although compost maturity could
      be attained at stocking densities of 12.5 g worms kg, for faster production of
      humified and nutrient-rich FCP vermicompost, a stocking density of 25 g worms kg
      seems most appropriate. 

PMID- 27136179
TI  - Animal Slurry Acidification Affects Particle Size Distribution and Improves
      Separation Efficiency.
AB  - Solid-liquid separation is performed to improve slurry management, and
      acidification of the slurry is used to reduce ammonia emissions. Acidification is
      known to affect slurry characteristics, and we hypothesized that it may affect
      mechanical separation. Our objective in this study was to assess the effects of
      slurry acidification on particle size distribution and separation efficiency. Two
      types of slurry, aged pig and fresh dairy, and two different acidification
      additives, sulfuric acid and aluminum sulfate (alum), were studied. We found that
      acidification with sulfuric acid promoted phosphorus (P) solubilization for both
      slurries, but no change was observed with alum. More ammonium was found in the
      acidified dairy slurry compared with raw dairy slurry, but no difference was
      found in aged pig slurry. Acidification before separation increased the
      proportion of the solid fraction in the slurries, and the effect was
      significantly higher with alum. When alum was used to acidify the slurries, the
      proportion of particles larger than 100 MUm increased significantly, as did the P
      concentration in this particle size range. The efficiency of P separation
      increased markedly in both slurries when alum was used, with the removal to the
      solid fraction of the dairy slurry being almost complete (90%). Because the
      priority in mechanical separation is to increase the P content in the solid
      fraction, the use of alum before centrifugation may be the most suitable option
      for enhancing its nutrient content. We conclude that separation efficiency and
      particle size distribution are significantly affected by acidification, but the
      extent of the effects depends on slurry type and on the type of additive used for
      acidification. 

PMID- 27136180
TI  - X-Ray Fluorescence to Estimate the Maximum Temperature Reached at Soil Surface
      during Experimental Slash-and-Burn Fires.
AB  - An important aspect for the evaluation of fire effects in slash-and-burn
      agricultural system, as well as in wildfire, is the soil burn severity. The
      objective of this study is to estimate the maximum temperature reached in real
      soil burn events using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) as an
      analytical tool, combined with partial least square (PLS) regression. Muffle
      heated soil samples were used for PLS regression model calibration and two real
      slash-and-burn soils were tested as external samples in the model. It was
      possible to associate EDXRF spectra alterations to the maximum temperature
      reached in the heat affected soils with about 17% relative standard deviation.
      The results are promising since the analysis is fast, nondestructive, and
      conducted after the burn event, although local calibration for each type of
      burned soil is necessary. 

PMID- 27136183
TI  - Correction to "Mechanism of the Iron(II)-Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Ketones:
      Activation of Iron Carboxylate Precatalysts and Reaction Pathways of the Active
      Catalyst".

PMID- 27136184
TI  - Can an early perceptuo-motor skills assessment predict future performance in
      youth table tennis players? An observational study (1998-2013).
AB  - This study intended to investigate the capability of the 4 test items "sprint",
      "agility", "speed while dribbling" and "throwing a ball" of the Dutch perceptuo
      motor skills assessment used at the age of 7-10 years to predict table tennis
      performance (U13, U15 and U18) in an observational study. Data of 1191 young
      table tennis players, collected from 1998 to 2013, were analysed in univariable
      and multivariable logistic and linear regression models. The test items "sprint"
      and "throwing a ball" showed to be significant predictors for table tennis
      performance outcomes in boys (P < 0.05). For girls, besides these test items also
      "speed while dribbling" had a significant contribution (P < 0.05). Since the
      accuracies of the models were low, it is advised to include other determinants to
      enhance the predictive value of a model for table tennis performance.
      Nevertheless, it can be concluded that a perceptuo-motor skills assessment might
      improve the effectiveness of talent programmes in table tennis as an additional
      method to objectively estimate a youth players' potential. Future research
      focusing on the inclusion of test items specifically assessing eye hand
      coordination and other domains, for example, the psychological and the
      environmental domain, related to table tennis performance are recommended.

PMID- 27136185
TI  - The Hidradenitis suppurativa patient journey in Italy: current status, unmet
      needs and opportunities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory,
      debilitating, follicular disease of the skin with a reported incidence of less
      than 1% in the general population. Diagnosis of HS may typically be delayed for
      years, and even when diagnosed, is challenging to treat. Thus, HS has
      considerable negative impact on patient quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To describe
      the HS patient journey in Italy, identify unmet needs and provide a proposal for
      integrated patient care. METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel of leading Italian
      experts met to evaluate routine clinical practice and patient experience, and
      analyse the available scientific evidence on HS. RESULTS: A comprehensive map of
      the journey of the HS patient in Italy was built based on integrated data
      obtained from clinical practice and patient experience. The journey is non-linear
      and can be grouped into four broad stages that are somewhat overlapping and
      intersecting: (i) onset to diagnosis; (ii) circle of visits; (iii) circle of
      treatments; (iv) living with HS. Several unmet needs were identified that
      included greater awareness of disease by both healthcare practitioners and
      patients. CONCLUSION: Improved disease awareness can be addressed through
      continuing medical education for physicians and development of educational
      materials for patients, in addition to greater utilization of social networks.
      Moreover, the development of integrated treatment centres was considered a
      worthwhile goal, and would offer patients the possibility to receive
      multidisciplinary care, ideally with dermatologists coordinating treatment, along
      with surgeons, psychologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, pain
      specialists, gynaecologists and paediatricians as needed. Lastly, standardized
      management protocols for HS are also needed.

PMID- 27136186
TI  - Surface and Electrochemical Properties of Polymer Brush-Based Redox Poly(Ionic
      Liquid).
AB  - Redox-active poly(ionic liquid) poly(3-(2-methacryloyloxy ethyl)-1-(N
      (ferrocenylmethyl) imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide deposited onto
      electrode surfaces has been prepared using surface-initiated atom transfer
      radical polymerization SI-ATRP. The process starts by electrochemical
      immobilization of initiator layer, and then methacrylate monomer carrying
      ferrocene and imidazolium units is polymerized in ionic liquid media via SI-ATRP
      process. The surfaces analyses of the polymer exhibit a well-defined polymer
      brushlike structure and confirm the presence of ferrocene and ionic moieties
      within the film. Furthermore, the electrochemical investigations of poly(redox
      active ionic liquid) in different media demonstrate that the electron transfer is
      not restricted by the rate of counterion migration into/out of the polymer. The
      attractive electrochemical performance of these materials is further demonstrated
      by performing electrochemical measurement, of poly(ferrocene ionic liquid), in
      solvent-free electrolyte. The facile synthesis of such highly ordered
      electroactive materials based ionic liquid could be useful for the fabrication of
      nanostructured electrode suitable for performing electrochemistry in solvent free
      electrolyte. We also demonstrate possible applications of the poly(FcIL) as
      electrochemically reversible surface wettability system and as electrochemical
      sensor for the catalytic activity toward the oxidation of tyrosine.

PMID- 27136187
TI  - Cell-cycle gene expression analysis using real time PCR in locally advanced
      squamous-cell head and neck cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The analysis of gene expression, especially those involved in cell cycle
      control, can help to discover mechanisms determining the outcome of radiation
      treatment. The main purpose of this study was to examine the expression level of
      genes responsible for cell cycle regulation in samples of the head and neck
      cancer, obtained during surgery. METHODS: Postsurgical samples of SCC of head and
      neck region were collected. Over 80 genes were analysed using cell cycle
      quantitative real-time RT-PCR Array method. Presence of 14 high-risk HPV types
      DNA in frozen or paraffin-embedded tumour pathological samples was also assessed.
      To correlate gene expression with selected pathological features and clinical
      outcome we used different hierarchical clustering method. RESULTS: Hierarchical
      clustering demonstrated the association between gene expression within certain
      clusters and gender, tumour site, T stage, N stage, grade, pathological subtype
      or tumour recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some limitations we were able to
      identify gene clusters that allowed to classify patients according to selected
      clinical features and occurrence of tumour recurrence. The results of the
      analysis also confirm that the incidence of HPV infection among the patients from
      Upper Silesia is relatively low, whereas HPV negative tumours, likely associated
      with smoking, appeared dominant.

PMID- 27136189
TI  - Changes in patient backgrounds may increase the incidence of HCC after SVR in the
      era of IFN-free therapy for HCV.

PMID- 27136188
TI  - Estimating abundance and density of Amur tigers along the Sino-Russian border.
AB  - As an apex predator the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) could play a pivotal
      role in maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems in Northeast Asia. Due to
      habitat loss and harvest over the past century, tigers rapidly declined in China
      and are now restricted to the Russian Far East and bordering habitat in nearby
      China. To facilitate restoration of the tiger in its historical range, reliable
      estimates of population size are essential to assess effectiveness of
      conservation interventions. Here we used camera trap data collected in Hunchun
      National Nature Reserve from April to June 2013 and 2014 to estimate tiger
      density and abundance using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian spatially
      explicit capture-recapture (SECR) methods. A minimum of 8 individuals were
      detected in both sample periods and the documentation of marking behavior and
      reproduction suggests the presence of a resident population. Using Bayesian SECR
      modeling within the 11 400 km(2) state space, density estimates were 0.33 and
      0.40 individuals/100 km(2) in 2013 and 2014, respectively, corresponding to an
      estimated abundance of 38 and 45 animals for this transboundary Sino-Russian
      population. In a maximum likelihood framework, we estimated densities of 0.30 and
      0.24 individuals/100 km(2) corresponding to abundances of 34 and 27, in 2013 and
      2014, respectively. These density estimates are comparable to other published
      estimates for resident Amur tiger populations in the Russian Far East. This study
      reveals promising signs of tiger recovery in Northeast China, and demonstrates
      the importance of connectivity between the Russian and Chinese populations for
      recovering tigers in Northeast China. 

PMID- 27136190
TI  - Feature Selection and Cancer Classification via Sparse Logistic Regression with
      the Hybrid L1/2 +2 Regularization.
AB  - Cancer classification and feature (gene) selection plays an important role in
      knowledge discovery in genomic data. Although logistic regression is one of the
      most popular classification methods, it does not induce feature selection. In
      this paper, we presented a new hybrid L1/2 +2 regularization (HLR) function, a
      linear combination of L1/2 and L2 penalties, to select the relevant gene in the
      logistic regression. The HLR approach inherits some fascinating characteristics
      from L1/2 (sparsity) and L2 (grouping effect where highly correlated variables
      are in or out a model together) penalties. We also proposed a novel univariate
      HLR thresholding approach to update the estimated coefficients and developed the
      coordinate descent algorithm for the HLR penalized logistic regression model. The
      empirical results and simulations indicate that the proposed method is highly
      competitive amongst several state-of-the-art methods.

PMID- 27136191
TI  - Bilateral Synchronous Sporadic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Retroperitoneoscopic
      Strategies and Intermediate Outcomes of 60 Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presentation, management, pathology, and functional
      and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing retroperitoneoscopic treatment of
      bilateral synchronous sporadic RCC at our institution. METHODS: We
      retrospectively evaluated the records of 60 patients with bilateral synchronous
      sporadic RCC who underwent retroperitoneoscopic treatment at the General Hospital
      of People's Liberation Army from 2008 to 2014. The estimated glomerular
      filtration rate was calculated and compared among different surgical procedures.
      The overall survival and recurrence free survival were assessed based on
      information from recent follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients underwent
      bilateral retroperitoneoscopic surgeries in staged procedures, and four patients
      underwent bilateral retroperitoneoscopic surgeries in simultaneous procedures.
      Among the former group of patients, 34 underwent bilateral partial nephrectomy,
      12 underwent radical nephrectomy followed by partial nephrectomy, and 10
      underwent partial nephrectomy followed by radical nephrectomy. Bilateral partial
      nephrectomy can better preserve renal function (p = 0.040) and the sequence of
      partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy did not affect functional outcomes (p
      = 0.790). One patient undergoing simultaneous procedures developed acute renal
      failure and required temporary hemodialysis. At 3 and 5 years, overall survival
      rates were 93.0% and 89.4%, and recurrence free survival rates were 90.5% and
      81.6%. High nuclear grade (p = 0.014) was related to disease recurrence.
      CONCLUSIONS: Staged bilateral partial nephrectomy was efficient in preserving
      renal function. The survival of patients with bilateral synchronous sporadic
      renal tumors was similar to that of patients with unilateral nonmetastatic
      tumors. Nuclear grade was an independent prognostic factor of disease recurrence.

PMID- 27136192
TI  - Phenology of cryptomonads and the CRY1 lineage in a coastal brackish lagoon
      (Vistula Lagoon, Baltic Sea).
AB  - Cryptomonadales have acquired their plastids by secondary endosymbiosis. A novel
      clade-CRY1-has been discovered at the base of the Cryptomonadales tree, but it
      remains unknown whether it contains plastids. Cryptomonadales are also an
      important component of phytoplankton assemblages. However, they cannot be readily
      identified in fixed samples, and knowledge on dynamics and distribution of
      specific taxa is scarce. We investigated the phenology of the CRY1 lineage, three
      cryptomonadales clades and a species Proteomonas sulcata in a brackish lagoon of
      the Baltic Sea (salinity 0.3-3.9) using fluorescence in situ hybridization. A
      newly design probe revealed that specimens of the CRY1 lineage were aplastidic.
      This adds evidence against the chromalveolate hypothesis, and suggests that the
      evolution of cryptomonadales' plastids might have been shorter than is currently
      assumed. The CRY1 lineage was the most abundant cryptomonad clade in the lagoon.
      All of the studied cryptomonads peaked in spring at the most freshwater station,
      except for P. sulcata that peaked in summer and autumn. Salinity and
      concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen most significantly affected their
      distribution and dynamics. Our findings contribute to the ecology and evolution
      of cryptomonads, and may advance understanding of evolutionary relationships
      within the eukaryotic tree of life.

PMID- 27136193
TI  - Expression of hOvol2 in the XY body of human spermatocytes.
AB  - Male infertility is common at infertile clinics, and 10-20% of infertile males
      are azoospermic. Non-obstructive azoospermia is a complex multifactorial disease,
      and the process of spermatogenesis remains largely unknown. Ovol1 and Ovol2, a
      family of zinc finger transcription factors, are expressed in spermatocytes at
      the pachytene stage and are suggested to be critical regulators of pachytene
      progression in male germ cells. In this study, we examined the expression of
      human Ovol2 (hOvol2) in the seminiferous tubes of patients subjected to
      testicular sperm extraction. We first cloned hOvol1 and hOvol2 from the testis of
      one of the patients and found no alteration in these nucleotide sequences of this
      patient. While hOvol1 and hOvol2 were detected by RT-PCR in the testis of
      patients capable of spermatogenesis, they were not detected in those with Sertoli
      cell-only syndrome. We recently succeeded in preparing anti-Ovol2 antibody by
      immunising rats with recombinant mouse Ovol2 (mOvol2) and confirmed the
      specificity and cross-reactivity of this antibody with hOvol2 in cells
      transfected with hOvol1 or hOvol2 cDNA. hOvol2 expression was restricted to the
      XY body of spermatocytes at the pachytene stage. This study demonstrates that
      hOvol2 is expressed in germ cells and may be involved in spermatogenesis.

PMID- 27136195
TI  - Microparticles in sickle cell anaemia: promise and pitfalls.
AB  - Blood from patients with sickle cell disease contains microparticles (MP) derived
      from multiple cell sources, including red cells, platelets, monocytes and
      endothelial cells. MPs are of great interest because of their disease
      associations, their status as promising biomarkers, and the intercellular
      communications they mediate. To illustrate the likelihood of their relevance in
      sickle cell disease, we discuss the nature of MP, their profiling in sickle
      disease, some caveats relevant to their detection, their roles in supporting
      coagulation and the disparate influences they may exert upon the pathobiology of
      sickle cell disease.

PMID- 27136194
TI  - Questioning assent: how are children's views included as families make decisions
      about clinical trials?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assent is used to take children's wishes into account when they are
      invited into clinical trials, but the concept has attracted considerable
      criticism. We investigated children's accounts of decision-making with the aim of
      informing practice in supporting children when invited to join a clinical trial.
      METHODS: We audio-recorded qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 22
      children aged 8-16 years about being invited to take part in a clinical trial.
      Most children were interviewed with their parents. Analysis of the transcribed
      interviews examined the content of participants' accounts thematically, whilst
      also drawing on principles of discourse analysis, which examines how individuals
      use talk to achieve certain effects or social practices. RESULTS: It was not
      possible to separate children's knowledge of the clinical trial, or their
      decision-making processes from that of their parents, with parents taking a
      substantial mediating role in producing their children's decisions. Decision
      making gradually unfolded across time and events and was interwoven within the
      family context, rather than happening in one moment or in the clinical setting.
      Whilst children valued their parents' role, a case study of child-parent
      disagreement indicated how children can struggle to be heard. CONCLUSIONS:
      Decisions happen within a process of family dynamics, in contrast to ideas of
      assent that isolate it from this context. Parents have a substantial role in
      children's decisions, and thus how families come to provide consent. Reflecting
      this we argue that assent practices need to focus on supporting parents to
      support their children in learning and deliberating about trials. However, this
      needs to be accompanied by practitioners being alert to the possibility of
      divergence in child and parent views and enabling children's perspectives to be
      heard.

PMID- 27136196
TI  - EPI Nyquist ghost and geometric distortion correction by two-frame phase
      labeling.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a new Nyquist ghost and geometric distortion correction
      method in echo planar imaging (EPI) using parallel imaging. METHODS: Two frames
      of EPI data are acquired with normal and phase-labeled sequence. The phase label
      is applied by modifying the PE prephase gradient to shift the central echo by one
      echo spacing. GRAPPA weights are trained from both frames and used to reconstruct
      images from positive or negative echoes in each frame to remove Nyquist ghost.
      Geometric distortion is then corrected by the B0 field map generated from the
      phase difference between positive and negative echo images. Phantom and in vivo
      experiments at 7 Tesla (T) and 3T were performed to evaluate the proposed method.
      RESULTS: Nyquist ghost was greatly reduced in all images even under oblique
      imaging and poor eddy current conditions, yielding significant improvements over
      the existing reference scan and image entropy minimization based methods. Image
      geometries were fully restored after distortion correction. Phantom results
      indicated that the signal-to-noise ratio efficiency was largely preserved while
      fMRI results showed no apparent degradation of temporal resolution. CONCLUSION:
      The proposed method provides robust correction of both Nyquist ghost and
      geometric distortion in EPI, and it is particularly suitable for dynamic EPI
      applications. Magn Reson Med 77:1749-1761, 2017. (c) 2016 International Society
      for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27136197
TI  - Understanding of the Off-On Response Mechanism in Caged Fluorophores Based on
      Quantum and Statistical Mechanics.
AB  - For many years, numerous fluorescent probes have been synthesized and applied to
      visualize molecules and cells. The development of such probes has accelerated
      biological and medical investigations. As our interests have been focused on more
      complicated systems in recent years, the search for probes with sensitive
      environment off-on response becomes increasingly important. For the design of
      such sophisticated probes, theoretical analyses of the electronically excited
      state are inevitable. Especially, understanding of the nonradiative decay process
      is highly desirable, although this is a challenging task. In this study, we
      propose an approach to treat the solvent fluctuation based on the reference
      interaction site model. It was applied to selected bioimaging probes to
      understand the importance of solvent fluctuation for their off-on response. We
      revealed that the this switching process involves the nonradiative decay through
      the charge transfer state, where the solvent relaxation supported the transition
      between excited and charge transfer states. In addition, energetically favorable
      solvent relaxation paths were found due to the consideration of multiple solvent
      configurations. Our approach makes it possible to understand the nonradiative
      decay facilitated by a detailed analysis and enables the design of novel
      fluorescent switching probes considering the effect of solvent fluctuation.

PMID- 27136198
TI  - Effect of a Short-Term Yoga-Based Lifestyle Intervention on Health-Related
      Quality of Life in Overweight and Obese Subjects.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of a short-term yoga-based lifestyle intervention
      on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in overweight and obese persons. DESIGN
      AND SETTING: Nonrandomized, single-arm interventional study conducted from August
      2012 to March 2015 at Integral Health Clinic, Department of Physiology, All India
      Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. PARTICIPANTS: Overweight (body
      mass index [BMI], 23-24.9 kg/m(2)) and obese (BMI, >=25 kg/m(2)) persons (n =
      279) aged 20-60 years. INTERVENTION: Pretested yoga-based lifestyle intervention,
      including asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), relaxation
      techniques, lectures, group support, nutrition awareness program, and
      individualized advice. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure was HRQOL,
      measured by using short version of World Health Organization Quality of Life
      (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures were anthropometric
      variables, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, lipid profile, and
      fasting glucose. A subgroup analysis according to sex was also performed.
      RESULTS: The overall quality of life and health improved after short-term yoga
      based lifestyle intervention in overweight and obese persons. Physical,
      psychological and environmental domain scores significantly increased from
      baseline to day 10, and efficacy was noted in both male and female subgroups.
      After 10 days of intervention, the following also decreased significantly: body
      weight, BMI, total body fat, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio,
      systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density
      lipoprotein, triglycerides, and fasting glucose. CONCLUSION: A short-term yoga
      based lifestyle intervention had a positive effect on HRQOL in overweight and
      obese persons.

PMID- 27136199
TI  - Composition and Potency Characterization of Mycobacterium avium subsp.
      paratuberculosis Purified Protein Derivatives.
AB  - Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) purified protein derivatives
      (PPDs) are immunologic reagents prepared from cultured filtrates of the type
      strain. Traditional production consists of floating culture incubation at 37
      degrees C, organism inactivation by autoclaving, coarse filtration, and protein
      precipitation. Three traditional production PPDs were used in this study
      including lot 9801, which served as a reference and has been used in the field
      for decades. Alternative production PPDs (0902A and 0902B), in which the
      autoclaving step was removed, were also analyzed in this study. SDS-PAGE analysis
      revealed protein smearing in traditional PPDs, but distinct bands were observed
      in the alternative PPD preparations. Antibody bound distinct protein bands in the
      alternative PPDs by immunoblot analysis, whereas an immunoreactive smear was
      observed with the traditional PPDs. Mass spectrometry identified 194 proteins
      among three PPD lots representing the two different production methods, ten of
      which were present in all PPDs examined. Selected proteins identified by mass
      spectrometry were recombinantly expressed and purified from E. coli and evaluated
      by the guinea pig potency test. Seven recombinant proteins showed greater
      erythema as compared to the reference PPD lot 9801 in paired guinea pigs and were
      able to stimulate interferon-gamma production in blood from Johne's positive
      animals. These results suggest that autoclaving culture suspensions is not a
      necessary step in PPD production and specific proteins could supplant the PPD
      antigen for intradermal skin testing procedures and for use as in-vitro assay
      reagents.

PMID- 27136200
TI  - Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembled Graphene Multilayers as Pt-Free Alternative Counter
      Electrodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.
AB  - Low cost, charged, and large scale graphene multilayers fabricated from nitrogen
      doped reduced graphene oxide N-rGO(+), nitrogen and sulfur codoped reduced
      graphene oxide NS-rGO(+), and undoped reduced graphene oxide rGO(-) were applied
      as alternative counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The neat
      rGO-based counter electrodes were developed via two types of layer-by-layer (LBL)
      self-assembly (SA) methods: spin coating and spray coating methods. In the spin
      coating method, two sets of multilayer films were fabricated on
      poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA)-coated fluorine-doped tin oxide
      (FTO) substrates using GO(-) combined with N-GO(+) followed by annealing and
      denoted as [rGO(-)/N-rGO(+)]n or with NS-GO(+) and denoted as [rGO(-)/NS-rGO(+)]n
      for counter electrodes in DSSCs. The DSSCs employing new types of counter
      electrodes exhibited ~7.0% and ~6.2% power conversion efficiency (PCE) based on
      ten bilayers of [rGO(-)/N-rGO(+)]10 and [rGO(-)/NS-rGO(+)]10, respectively. The
      DSSCs equipped with a blend of one bilayer of [rGO(-):N-rGO(+)] and [rGO(-):NS
      rGO(+)] on PDDA-coated FTO substrates were prepared from a spray coating and
      showed ~6.4% and ~5.6% PCE, respectively. Thus, it was demonstrated that a
      combination of undoped, nitrogen-doped, and nitrogen and sulfur codoped reduced
      graphene oxides can be considered as potentially powerful Pt-free
      electrocatalysts and alternative electrodes in conventional photovoltaic devices.

PMID- 27136201
TI  - Cephalotheca sulfurea (Ascomycota, Sordariomycetes), a new fungal pathogen of the
      farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.
AB  - The first case of visceral mycotic infection due to Cephalotheca sulfurea
      (Cephalothecaceae, Ascomycota) is documented in farmed rainbow trout from a
      raceway culture system. The disease clinically manifested as a hyperaemic area in
      the liver of the fish, and histological examination using silver and PAS staining
      showed the presence of numerous foci of hyphae and spores. The causative agent
      was first isolated in pure culture from the liver and identified using
      morphological characteristics. Sequence data from ITS and LSU rDNA also clearly
      confirmed C. sulfurea as the causal agent. The pathogenicity of related species
      belonging to the family Cephalothecaceae has been well-documented in humans and
      dogs (superficial as well as systemic infections). However, C. sulfurea has never
      been reported as a pathogen of humans or animals, including marine and freshwater
      fishes. The morphological identification of C. sulfurea is difficult due to its
      similarity to several different fungal genera, and molecular methods are strongly
      recommended for reliable identification.

PMID- 27136202
TI  - Sigmoid colon carcinoma with focal neuroendocrine differentiation associated with
      ulcerative colitis: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neuroendocrine tumors of the colon and rectum are relatively rare
      compared to sporadic colorectal carcinoma. There are few reports of
      neuroendocrine tumors of the colon and rectum in patients with ulcerative
      colitis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A patient with sigmoid colon carcinoma with focal
      neuroendocrine features is presented. A 32-year-old man, who had been followed
      for ulcerative colitis for 14 years, was found to have carcinoma of the sigmoid
      colon on routine annual colonoscopy, and he underwent laparoscopic total
      colectomy. Pathologic examination showed sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma with focal
      neuroendocrine features. DISCUSSION: Most colorectal carcinomas associated with
      inflammatory bowel disease are histologically similar to the sporadic type, and
      tumors with neuroendocrine features are very unusual. CONCLUSION: Very rare case
      of sigmoid colon carcinoma with neuroendocrine features arising in a patient with
      UC was described.

PMID- 27136203
TI  - Overrepresentation of IL-10-Expressing B Cells Suppresses Cytotoxic CD4+ T Cell
      Activity in HBV-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer with poor prognosis and low
      five-year survival rate. A strong and effective CD4+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity
      was associated with better survival and low recurrence rate in HCC, but the
      regulatory mechanism that controls CD4+ T cell cytotoxicity in HCC patients is
      not fully examined. Given that IL-10-expressing B cells could suppress the
      inflammation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, T helper 1 (Th1) cells and Th17 cells,
      while promoting regulatory T (Treg) cell differentiation, we examined the role of
      IL-10-expressing B cells in HBV-related HCC patients. We found that compared to
      healthy controls, HCC patients exhibited significantly higher frequencies of IL
      10-expressing B cells, which were negatively correlated with the frequencies of
      granzyme A, granzyme B, and perforin expressing CD4+ T cells. Surface molecule
      Tim-1 was preferentially expressed on IL-10-expressing B cells. Therefore, we
      separated total B cells into Tim-1+ and Tim-1- B cells. CD4+ T cells incubated
      with Tim-1+ B cells exhibited significantly reduced levels of granzyme A,
      granzyme B and perforin expression, compared to the CD4+ T cells incubated with
      Tim-1- B cells. Antagonizing IL-10 in culture rescued CD4+ T cell cytotoxicity.
      Compared to that in peripheral blood, the level of IL-10-expressing B cells were
      further upregulated in resected tumor, while the level of CD4+ cytotoxic T cells
      was downregulated. The negative correlations between IL-10-expressing B cells and
      CD4+ cytotoxic T cells were also observed in tumor-infiltrating cells. Together,
      our data revealed an additional antitumor mechanism mediated by IL-10-expressing
      B cells.

PMID- 27136205
TI  - Potential of Excipient Emulsions for Improving Quercetin Bioaccessibility and
      Antioxidant Activity: An in Vitro Study.
AB  - The potential for excipient emulsions to enhance the bioaccessibility and
      antioxidant activity of quercetin was determined in this study. Oil-in-water
      excipient emulsions containing two levels (4 or 10%) of small lipid droplets (d <
      250 nm) were prepared from a long-chain triglyceride (corn oil). The
      solubilization of quercetin by the excipient emulsions was faster than by bulk
      corn oil or bulk water, and the solubilization rate was higher at 100  degrees C
      than at 30  degrees C. The bioaccessibility of quercetin samples was determined
      using an in vitro gastrointestinal model, and the bioactivity of quercetin was
      determined using a rat feeding study. The excipient emulsions were more effective
      at enhancing quercetin bioaccessibility and rat plasma antioxidant activity than
      either bulk oil or bulk water. This effect was attributed to the rapid digestion
      of the long chain triglycerides when they were in an emulsified form, which led
      to the rapid production of mixed micelles capable of solubilizing, protecting,
      and transporting quercetin. 

PMID- 27136204
TI  - Analysis of Associations of Human BAFF Gene Polymorphisms with Autoimmune Thyroid
      Diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The B-lymphocyte-activating factor (BAFF) is associated with B-cell
      functions, and gene polymorphisms of the BAFF have been linked to autoimmune
      diseases (AIDs). In this study, we explored possible associations of two BAFF
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs1041569 and rs2893321, with autoimmune
      thyroid diseases (AITDs) in an ethnic Chinese population. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      In total, 319 Graves' disease (GD), 83 Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) patients, and
      369 healthy controls were enrolled. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism and direct sequencing were used to genotype
      rs2893321 and rs1041569. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in
      frequencies of the G allele and AG+GG genotype of rs2893321 between the GD and
      control groups (p = 0.013, odds ratio (OR) = 0.76, and p = 0.017, OR = 0.68,
      respectively) and between the AITD and control groups (p = 0.009, OR = 0.76, and,
      p = 0.014, OR = 0.69, respectively). The AA genotype of rs2893321 was associated
      with low titers of the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TSHRAb) (p
      = 0.015) in males but not in females. The AA genotype of rs2893321 was associated
      with the presence of two different types of thyroid autoantibody (TAb) (TSHRAb
      and Hashimoto's autoantibody (anti-thyroglobulin or anti-microsomal antibody)) in
      females and with that of one type in males. CONCLUSIONS: rs2893321 may be a
      susceptible genetic variant for the development of GD and AITDs. Associations of
      rs2893321 with susceptibility to GD and AITDs and the correlation between
      rs2893321 and TAb exhibit a dimorphic pattern. Additional studies with larger
      sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.

PMID- 27136207
TI  - Precision Medicine.

PMID- 27136208
TI  - pregnant buddha.

PMID- 27136206
TI  - Physical Workload and Work Capacity across Occupational Groups.
AB  - This study aimed to determine physical performance criteria of different
      occupational groups by investigating physical activity and energy expenditure in
      healthy Swiss employees in real-life workplaces on workdays and non-working days
      in relation to their aerobic capacity (VO2max). In this cross-sectional study,
      337 healthy and full-time employed adults were recruited. Participants were
      classified (nine categories) according to the International Standard
      Classification of Occupations 1988 and merged into three groups with low-,
      moderate- and high-intensity occupational activity. Daily steps, energy
      expenditure, metabolic equivalents and activity at different intensities were
      measured using the SenseWear Mini armband on seven consecutive days (23
      hours/day). VO2max was determined by the 20-meter shuttle run test. Data of 303
      subjects were considered for analysis (63% male, mean age: 33 yrs, SD 12), 101
      from the low-, 102 from the moderate- and 100 from the high-intensity group. At
      work, the high-intensity group showed higher energy expenditure, metabolic
      equivalents, steps and activity at all intensities than the other groups
      (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in physical activity between the
      occupational groups on non-working days. VO2max did not differ across groups when
      stratified for gender. The upper workload limit was 21%, 29% and 44% of VO2max in
      the low-, moderate- and high-intensity group, respectively. Men had a lower limit
      than women due to their higher VO2max (26% vs. 37%), when all groups were
      combined. While this study did confirm that the average workload limit is one
      third of VO2max, it showed that the average is misrepresenting the actual
      physical work demands of specific occupational groups, and that it does not
      account for gender-related differences in relative workload. Therefore, clinical
      practice needs to consider these differences with regard to a safe return to
      work, particularly for the high-intensity group.

PMID- 27136209
TI  - A Sense of Closure.

PMID- 27136210
TI  - Sundays at Seven.

PMID- 27136212
TI  - Five Years Ago You'd Be Dead.

PMID- 27136211
TI  - The Last Day.

PMID- 27136213
TI  - There's a Time Bomb in Your Chest.

PMID- 27136214
TI  - Epidural Corticosteroid Injections for Radiculopathy and Spinal Stenosis.

PMID- 27136215
TI  - Epidural Corticosteroid Injections for Radiculopathy and Spinal Stenosis.

PMID- 27136216
TI  - Epidural Corticosteroid Injections for Radiculopathy and Spinal Stenosis.

PMID- 27136217
TI  - Epidural Corticosteroid Injections for Radiculopathy and Spinal Stenosis.

PMID- 27136218
TI  - Epidural Corticosteroid Injections for Radiculopathy and Spinal Stenosis.

PMID- 27136219
TI  - Corticosteroid Therapy for Patients Hospitalized With Community-Acquired
      Pneumonia.

PMID- 27136220
TI  - Corticosteroid Therapy for Patients Hospitalized With Community-Acquired
      Pneumonia.

PMID- 27136221
TI  - Behavioral Counseling and Pharmacotherapy Interventions for Tobacco Cessation in
      Pregnant Women.

PMID- 27136222
TI  - Behavioral Counseling and Pharmacotherapy Interventions for Tobacco Cessation in
      Pregnant Women.

PMID- 27136225
TI  - Web Exclusives. Annals Graphic Medicine: Living on Benefits: How Cancer Screening
      Is Portrayed in the U.K. National Press.

PMID- 27136224
TI  - Lyme Disease.
AB  - This issue provides a clinical overview of Lyme disease, focusing on prevention,
      diagnosis, treatment, and practice improvement. The content of In the Clinic is
      drawn from the clinical information and education resources of the American
      College of Physicians (ACP), including MKSAP (Medical Knowledge and Self
      Assessment Program). Annals of Internal Medicine editors develop In the Clinic in
      collaboration with the ACP's Medical Education and Publishing divisions and with
      the assistance of additional science writers and physician writers. 

PMID- 27136226
TI  - Update in Critical Care Medicine: Evidence Published in 2015.

PMID- 27136227
TI  - Update in Gastroenterology and Hepatology: Evidence Published in 2015.

PMID- 27136229
TI  - Update in Hematology and Oncology: Evidence Published in 2015.

PMID- 27136228
TI  - Update in Geriatric Medicine: Evidence Published in 2015.

PMID- 27136230
TI  - Update in Hospital Medicine: Evidence Published in 2015.

PMID- 27136231
TI  - Update in Nephrology and Hypertension: Evidence Published in 2015.

PMID- 27136232
TI  - Update on Novel Drugs for Primary Care Practice: Drugs Approved by the U.S. Food
      and Drug Administration in 2015.

PMID- 27136233
TI  - Update in Pulmonary Medicine: Evidence Published in 2015.

PMID- 27136234
TI  - Update in Rheumatology: Evidence Published in 2015.

PMID- 27136235
TI  - Update in Women's Health: Evidence Published in 2015.

PMID- 27136236
TI  - Is sunspot activity a factor in influenza pandemics?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The 2009 AH1N1 pandemic became a global health concern, although
      fortunately, its worst anticipated effects were not realised. While the origins
      of such outbreaks remain poorly understood, it is very important to identify the
      precipitating factors in their emergence so that future pandemics can be detected
      as quickly as possible. Methords: Descriptive epidemiology was used to analyse
      the association between influenza pandemics and possible pandemics and relative
      number of sunspots. Non-conditional logistic regression was performed to analyse
      the statistical association between sunspot extremes and influenza pandemics to
      within plus or minus 1 year. RESULTS: Almost all recorded influenza/possible
      pandemics have occurred in time frames corresponding to sunspot extremes, or +/-
      1 year within such extremes. These periods were identified as important risk
      factors in both possible and confirmed influenza pandemics (odds ratio: 3.87; 95%
      confidence interval: 1.08 to 13.85). CONCLUSIONS: Extremes of sunspot activity to
      within plus or minus 1 year may precipitate influenza pandemics. Mechanisms of
      epidemic initiation and early spread are discussed including primary causation by
      externally derived viral variants (from space via cometary dust). Efforts to
      construct a comprehensive early warning system for potential influenza and other
      viral pandemics that include analysis of sunspot activity and stratospheric
      sampling for viral variants should be supported. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27136237
TI  - Chronicling Systems Biology.

PMID- 27136238
TI  - An Explicit Source for Extrinsic Noise.
AB  - A new study by Sherman et al. introduces a rigorous way to treat extrinsic noise
      with theory, isolates its prominent sources in vivo, and sharpens our
      understanding of biological heterogeneity. 

PMID- 27136239
TI  - Shaping the Crowd: The Social Life of Cells.
AB  - Cells can switch between individual and collective behavior by tuning their
      communication. 

PMID- 27136240
TI  - Studying Autism in Context.
AB  - Studying autism genes in the context of the protein complexes to which they
      belong illustrates the potential of network-centric approaches for understanding
      complex genetic disease. 

PMID- 27136243
TI  - Courage and Character, Leaders and Legends: An Interview With Hans Sollinger, MD,
      PhD.

PMID- 27136241
TI  - Molecular-Level Tuning of Cellular Autonomy Controls the Collective Behaviors of
      Cell Populations.
AB  - A rigorous understanding of how multicellular behaviors arise from the actions of
      single cells requires quantitative frameworks that bridge the gap between genetic
      circuits, the arrangement of cells in space, and population-level behaviors.
      Here, we provide such a framework for a ubiquitous class of multicellular systems
      namely, "secrete-and-sense cells" that communicate by secreting and sensing a
      signaling molecule. By using formal, mathematical arguments and introducing the
      concept of a phenotype diagram, we show how these cells tune their degrees of
      autonomous and collective behavior to realize distinct single-cell and population
      level phenotypes; these phenomena have biological analogs, such as quorum sensing
      or paracrine signaling. We also define the "entropy of population," a measurement
      of the number of arrangements that a population of cells can assume, and
      demonstrate how a decrease in the entropy of population accompanies the formation
      of ordered spatial patterns. Our conceptual framework ties together diverse
      systems, including tissues and microbes, with common principles. 

PMID- 27136244
TI  - Outcomes of Kidney Transplantation Abroad: A Single-Center Canadian Cohort Study.
AB  - CONTEXT: An increasing demand for kidney transplantation has enticed some
      patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) to venture outside their country of
      residence, but their posttransplant outcomes may be suboptimal. OBJECTIVE: We
      compared the risks and clinical outcomes among tourists, or patients who pursue a
      kidney transplant abroad, versus patients who received a transplant at the
      Toronto General Hospital (TGH). METHODS: A single-center, 1:3 matched (based on
      age at transplant, time on dialysis, and year of transplant) cohort study was
      conducted. Forty-five tourists were matched with 135 domestic transplant
      recipients between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2011. Multivariable Cox
      proportional hazards models were fitted to assess graft and patient outcomes.
      RESULTS: Among the 45 tourists, the majority (38 of 45) traveled to the Middle
      East or Far East Asia, and most received living donor kidney transplants (35 of
      45). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models showed that tourists had a
      higher risk for the composite outcome of acute rejection, death-censored graft
      failure, or death with graft function (DWGF; hazard ratio [HR] 2.08, 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-4.07). Tourists also showed a higher risk for the
      individual end points of acute rejection, DWGF, and posttransplant
      hospitalizations. CONCLUSION: Patients going abroad for kidney transplantation
      may have inferior outcomes compared to domestic patients receiving kidney
      transplants. Patients who are contemplating an overseas transplant need to be
      aware of the increased risk of adverse posttransplant outcomes and should be
      appropriately counseled by transplant professionals during the pretransplant
      evaluation process.

PMID- 27136245
TI  - Cultural Sensitivity and Challenges in Management of the Transgender Patient With
      ESRD in Transplantation.
AB  - Transgender patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) present with specific
      challenges during the transplant evaluation, perioperative management, and
      postoperative phase of care. Demographic information, health-care records, chosen
      name, and gender identity along with documentation of specific health-care needs
      can become a challenge when gender assigned at birth is incongruent with the
      patients gender identity. Medical care involves addressing the end-organ disease
      as well as addressing those aspects of care specific to the transgender patient.
      This review article provides information on defining transgender, the impact of
      ESRD, and transgender in the transplant process and considerations in the
      throughout phases of care. Current recommendations for management of this unique
      population are provided. 

PMID- 27136246
TI  - Experience With a New Process - Condition T - for Uncontrolled Donation After
      Circulatory Determination of Death in a University Emergency Department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the United States, organ donation after circulatory death (DCD)
      determination is increasing among those who are removed from life-sustaining
      therapy but is rare when death is unexpected. We created a program for
      uncontrolled DCD (uDCD). METHODS: A comprehensive program was created to train
      personnel to identify and respond quickly to potential donors after unexpected
      death. The process termed Condition T was implemented in the emergency department
      (ED) of 2 academic medical centers. All ED deaths were screened for uDCD
      potential. Eligible donors included patients with preexisting donor designation
      who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation, failed to respond, and were
      pronounced dead. RESULTS: Over 350 nurses, physicians, perfusionists, organ
      procurement personnel, and administrators were trained. From February 2009 to
      June 2010, a total of 18 patients were potential Condition T candidates. Six
      Condition T responses were triggered. Three donors underwent cannulation, and 4
      organs were recovered (3 kidney and 1 liver) from 2 donors. Time from Condition T
      trigger to perfusion with organ preservation solution ranged from 14 to 22.3
      minutes. Perfusion duration was 197 and 221 minutes. No recovered organs were
      transplanted because biopsies showed prolonged warm ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      feasible to create a process to rapidly intervene in the ED for uDCD. However, no
      organ transplants resulted. The utility and sustainability of an uDCD program in
      this particular setting are questionable.

PMID- 27136247
TI  - Psychological Issues Associated With Absolute Uterine Factor Infertility and
      Attitudes of Patients Toward Uterine Transplantation.
AB  - CONTEXT: Uterine transplantation (UTx). OBJECTIVE: To explore patients' knowledge
      of and attitudes toward UTx before and after a short educational intervention via
      a video and question and answer (Q&A) session. DESIGN: Large, in-depth survey
      investigating patients' motivations, aims, and beliefs on UTx. SETTING: Imperial
      College London. PARTICIPANTS: Women diagnosed with absolute uterine factor
      infertility (AUFI) who were seeking information on UTx and had already
      volunteered to participate in the study. INTERVENTION: A semistructured interview
      involving a brief baseline questionnaire before a Q&A session and a 20-minute
      video exploring the main risks and benefits for UTx. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Attitudes of self-referred patients with AUFI toward UTx before and after
      education focusing on UTx. Rank order of importance of key UTx-related issues.
      RESULTS: Forty women were interviewed. Following the video presentation and Q&A
      session, 97.5% (n = 39) would undergo UTx ahead of surrogacy and adoption in full
      knowledge that the latter 2 options would be ultimately safer for their own well
      being and the fact that the graft could fail even prior to conception. All felt
      that UTx should take place, and 92.5% saw UTx as achievable. CONCLUSION: The
      study demonstrates a keen interest in UTx, partly because other options seem
      difficult to access. It is worth noting that people appear to be distancing
      themselves from the risk. This requires careful assessment in any clinical
      program. This study is the first to demonstrate a qualitative relationship
      between patients with AUFI and their curiosity and desire for UTx. It paves the
      way for forming the introduction into the psychological assessment of a potential
      patient.

PMID- 27136248
TI  - Integration of Clinical Examination, Self-Report, and Hair Ethyl Glucuronide
      Analysis for Evaluation of Patients With Alcoholic Liver Disease Prior to Liver
      Transplantation.
AB  - CONTEXT: A large proportion of liver transplants (LTXs) are performed due to
      alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in the final stage of organ insufficiency. In order
      to list patients for LTX, transplant centers commonly require 6 months abstinence
      from alcohol. However, significant differences have been reported between alcohol
      intake as indicated by self-report and biochemical markers of alcohol. OBJECTIVE:
      In the present study, the usefulness of ethyl glucuronide analysis in hair (hETG)
      was examined during the evaluation procedure before listing patients with ALD for
      an LTX. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Psychosomatic evaluation.
      PATIENTS: Seventy patients with ALD prior to listing for an LTX. INTERVENTIONS:
      According to clinical assessment before listing patients with ALD (n = 233) for
      an LTX, hETG analysis was only performed in the patients who were assumed to deny
      or underreport their alcohol consumption (n = 70). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The
      analysis of hETG by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, clinical interview.
      RESULTS: By hETG analyses, 27 (38.6%) of the 70 patients tested positive for
      ongoing alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Selective use of hETG based on the
      clinical interview rather than widespread screening is a possible way to detect
      excessive alcohol consumption in patients with ALD in the transplant setting. The
      primary evaluation of a patient's situation in its entirety should remain the
      superordinate standard procedure. An interdisciplinary approach to transplant
      candidates with an ALD is asked for.

PMID- 27136249
TI  - Living Kidney Donors' Information Needs and Preferences.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Past research suggests the information exchanged from transplant
      centers to potential living kidney donors is, in many cases, suboptimal. The
      purpose of this study was to assess donors' perceptions of the information
      provided while considering living donation. METHODS: Semistructured telephone
      interviews conducted with 81 past living donors seen at 1 mid-Atlantic transplant
      center assessed the extent to which living kidney donors deemed Centers for
      Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-mandated information useful to making a
      decision about donation and to which more information was or would have been
      desired before donating. Understanding of and satisfaction with the information
      was also assessed. RESULTS: Participants were primarily white (67.9%), females
      (67.9%), with an average age of 57.8 years. Perceived usefulness ranged from a
      mean of 3.1 for the confidentiality of the transplant center's communication to
      4.1 for postoperative care and short-term medical risks of donation. Donors of
      minority descent as well as those with more education and less income found the
      information provided most useful. Few donors desired additional information about
      the right to opt out of (8.6%) or decline (13.6%) donation; however, most wanted
      more information regarding the risk of being refused health, disability and/or
      life insurance after donating (77.8%), and insurance coverage for future health
      problems (66.7%). DISCUSSION: This study revealed limited usefulness of certain
      CMS-mandated topics and a desire for additional information about donation.
      Efforts to standardize the informed consent process should incorporate donors'
      perspectives as to the specific topics, quantity of information, and the mode of
      communication found most useful when considering living donation.

PMID- 27136250
TI  - New-Onset Diabetes After Kidney Transplantation and Pretransplant Hypomagnesemia.
AB  - AIM: Hypomagnesemia is a frequent finding in kidney transplant patients and plays
      a causal role in insulin resistance and diabetes. The aim of this study was to
      investigate whether the pretransplant magnesium (Mg) level is a risk factor for
      the development of new-onset diabetes after kidney transplantation (NODAT) and
      the presence of relationship between pretransplant hypomagnesemia and the
      development period of NODAT. METHODS: Four hundred and nineteen nondiabetic renal
      transplant recipients were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided
      into NODAT and non-NODAT groups. The time of diagnosis of patients with NODAT was
      divided into 0 to 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 months, and after 12 months. Patients'
      characteristics and pretransplant Mg levels in NODAT were compared with non
      NODAT, and it was investigated whether pretransplant hypomagnesemia was a risk
      factor for the development of NODAT. RESULTS: Totally 70 (16.6%) patients (36
      female [F], mean age 51.7 +/- 8.2 years) were diagnosed with NODAT. Three hundred
      and forty-nine patients (115 F, mean age 43.2 +/- 12.5 years) did not have NODAT.
      Pretransplant mean Mg level was 1.97 +/- 0.40 mg/dL in patients with NODAT, while
      it was 2.5 +/- 0.45 mg/dL in non-NODAT patients (P < .001). Serum Mg level was
      found to be similar in subgroups according to the development period of NODAT (P
      = .07). When patients were stratified according to quartiles of Mg level, the
      frequency of NODAT was significantly higher in patients in the lower quartile (Mg
      < 2.1 mg/dL; P < .001). Older age, high body mass index, and low pretransplant
      serum Mg levels were established as risk factors for developing NODAT. According
      to the quartile of Mg level, the risk of developing NODAT was highest in the
      lowest quartile. CONCLUSION: Pretransplant hypomagnesemia is an independent risk
      factor of NODAT. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor the Mg levels in
      the posttransplant period.

PMID- 27136251
TI  - Patterns and Predictors of Sleep Quality Within the First Year After Lung
      Transplantation.
AB  - CONTEXT: Sleep quality affects health and self-management in chronic illness.
      Limited research has examined patterns and predictors of sleep quality and its
      impact on self-management and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among lung
      transplant recipients (LTRs). OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to identify
      the patterns, predictors, and impact of poor sleep quality on self-management
      behaviors and HRQOL the first year after lung transplantation. METHODS: Secondary
      analysis of 75 LTRs who participated in a randomized controlled trial. Pittsburgh
      Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was administered at baseline, 2, 6, and 12 months
      after transplant; 12-month PSQI was dichotomized categorizing good versus poor
      sleepers. Predictors were measured at the time of transplant; self-management and
      HRQOL were measured at 12 months. Logistic regression identified predictors of
      poor sleep. Correlations examined poor sleep quality, self-management behaviors,
      and HRQOL. RESULTS: Sleep quality was relatively stable during the first year,
      and 24 of the 75 (32%) of the sample met criteria for poor sleep quality at 12
      months. The only multivariate predictor of poor sleep was female gender (odds
      ratio = 3.421; P = .026); the mental component of HRQOL was the only outcome
      associated with poor sleep (r = -.348; P < .01). CONCLUSION: Nearly one-third of
      LTRs reported persistent poor sleep through year 1. More females reported poor
      sleep quality, and sleep quality was inversely related to mental HRQOL by 12
      months. Knowledge of these relationships may help identify LTRs at the greatest
      risk for poor sleep and guide strategies to promote sleep and optimize HRQOL.

PMID- 27136252
TI  - A Prospective Study of Depression and Weight Change After Kidney Transplant.
AB  - CONTEXT: Kidney transplant recipients have great risk for gaining significant
      weight (upward of 10 kg) in the first year posttransplant. Clinical depression
      can occur in response to life situations and is associated with weight gain.
      OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between demographic characteristics, weight
      change, and depression posttransplantation. DESIGN: Secondary data analysis on
      longitudinal data collected for a larger observational study. Demographic
      characteristics, weight, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale
      (CES-D) data were obtained at baseline (BL) (time of transplantation), 6, and 12
      months posttransplant. The CES-D scores were compared among time points using
      means, standard deviations, correlations, t tests, and chi-square as well as by
      multiple regression modeling. SETTING: Regional transplant center in the mid
      south United States. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-seven kidney transplant recipients (55%
      female, 57% African American, mean age 52.5 years). Weight change ranged from 
      18.1 to +24.8 kg. RESULTS: In all, 62% reported baseline CES-D scores indicative
      of depression, with lower scores indicating less psychological distress at 6 and
      12 months (47% and 49%, respectively). We found no significant differences among
      CES-D scores at any time point. Regression models found age, race, gender, and
      weight change to be predictive of CES-D scores at 6 months (P = .04, R (2) =
      .137). Age was the most influential (P = .008), with older individuals more
      likely to obtain higher CES-D scores. Since the experience of depression is
      common at transplant and during the first year, it is important that transplant
      recipients be evaluated for depression early in the recovery period.

PMID- 27136253
TI  - Role Development of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants in Liver
      Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) are
      increasingly utilized in health care. However, their roles in liver
      transplantation (LT) have not been investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      study, we reviewed the employment and development of NPs and PAs and their impact
      on our deceased-donor LT (DDLT) program. RESULTS: We found a safe and efficient
      way to utilize NPs and PAs in a DDLT program. Since the beginning of our program,
      Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores have increased significantly,
      suggesting patients are sicker at the time of transplant, and wait times of
      patients have become longer. With the incorporation of NPs and PAs, we found that
      length of stay (LOS) was not affected. The overall median warm ischemic time did
      not increase. Outcomes of LT for both patient and graft survival actually
      improved and remain at or above the expected values. These results collectively
      support the usefulness and validity of NPs and PAs in a DDLT program. CONCLUSION:
      We have determined that surgical and medical NPs and PAs are essential for
      optimal patient outcomes. They facilitate a better learning experience for
      residents and fellows on their transplant rotations. Further investigations to
      assess the roles of these providers and their impact on the education of
      residents and fellows in transplantation are warranted. Further transplant
      hepatology education programs and/or fellowships are recommended to assist in the
      education and professional development of transplant NPs and PAs.

PMID- 27136254
TI  - A Website Intervention to Increase Knowledge About Living Kidney Donation and
      Transplantation Among Hispanic/Latino Dialysis Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hispanic dialysis patients often encounter barriers to learning about
      living kidney donation and transplantation. Effective culturally targeted
      interventions to increase knowledge are lacking. We developed a culturally
      targeted educational website to enhance informed treatment decision making for
      end-stage kidney disease. METHODS: A pretest/posttest intervention study was
      conducted among adult Hispanic patients undergoing dialysis at 5 dialysis centers
      in Chicago, Illinois. Surveys included a 31-item, multiple-choice
      pretest/posttest of knowledge about kidney transplantation and living donation,
      attitudes about the website, Internet use, and demographics. The intervention
      entailed viewing 3 of 6 website sections for a total of 30 minutes. The
      pretest/posttest was administered immediately before and after the intervention.
      Participants completed a second posttest via telephone 3 weeks thereafter to
      assess knowledge retention, attitudes, and use of the website. RESULTS: Sixty
      three patients participated (96% participation rate). Website exposure was
      associated with a mean 17.1% same day knowledge score increase between pretest
      and posttest (P < .001). At 3 weeks, participants' knowledge scores remained
      11.7% above pretest (P < .001). The greatest knowledge gain from pretest to 3
      week follow-up occurred in the Treatment Options (P < .0001) and Cultural Beliefs
      and Myths (P < .0001) website sections. Most participants (95%) "agreed" or
      "strongly agreed" that they would recommend the website to other Hispanics.
      CONCLUSIONS: Web-based education for patients undergoing dialysis can effectively
      increase Hispanics' knowledge about transplantation and living kidney donation.
      Study limitations include small sample size and single geographic region study.
      Dialysis facilities could enable website access as a method of satisfying policy
      requirements to provide education about kidney transplantation.

PMID- 27136255
TI  - Self-Reported Employment Status and Social Participation After Successful Kidney
      Transplantation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Kidney transplantation (KTX) is considered the treatment of choice
      for most individuals with end-stage kidney disease. The purpose of this study was
      to assess the employment status and social participation after successful KTX.
      METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Eligible participants
      were patients who received a transplant >=1 year ago and who were previously on
      hemodialysis (HD) for >=1 year. Two hundred individuals participated in this
      study. RESULTS: A significant number (93.5%) of patients reported they were
      working prior to HD versus 35% while on HD. Only 14% reported receiving
      disability benefits prior to HD versus 75% receiving disability while on HD.
      Comparing transplant recipients with pre-HD patients, 35.5% versus 93.5% reported
      working, and 74.5% versus 14% reported receiving disability benefits,
      respectively. After transplant, patients were more likely to join recreational
      clubs, travel frequently, and participate in recreational/religious activities
      and social events than when they were on HD. CONCLUSION: Posttransplant, these
      individuals are more likely to participate in social and leisure activities, but
      the majority did not resume employment and continued to receive disability
      payments. Future studies could explore barriers to employment in patients who
      underwent successful transplantation and the causes and factors as to why these
      individuals continue to receive disability benefits.

PMID- 27136256
TI  - The chelation of colonic luminal iron by a unique sodium alginate for the
      improvement of gastrointestinal health.
AB  - SCOPE: Iron is an essential nutrient. However, in animal models, excess
      unabsorbed dietary iron residing within the colonic lumen has been shown to
      exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal cancer. Therefore, the aims
      of this study were to screen a panel of alginates to identify a therapeutic that
      can chelate this pool of iron and thus be beneficial for intestinal health.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Using several in vitro intestinal models, it is evident that
      only one alginate (Manucol LD) of the panel tested was able to inhibit
      intracellular iron accumulation as assessed by iron-mediated ferritin induction,
      transferrin receptor expression, intracellular (59) Fe concentrations, and iron
      flux across a Caco-2 monolayer. Additionally, Manucol LD suppressed iron
      absorption in mice, which was associated with increased fecal iron levels
      indicating iron chelation within the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the
      bioactivity of Manucol LD was found to be highly dependent on both its molecular
      weight and its unique compositional sequence. CONCLUSION: Manucol LD could be
      useful for the chelation of this detrimental pool of unabsorbed iron and it could
      be fortified in foods to enhance intestinal health.

PMID- 27136257
TI  - Characterization of radicals arising from oxidation of commercially-important
      essential oils.
AB  - Inappropriate use of essential oils may entail risks to human health due to
      mutational events, carcinogenic effects, genetic damages and sensitizing effect
      caused by generation of reactive oxygen species. In order to detect radicals that
      are expected to form during their oxidation, we measured the electron spin
      resonance (ESR) spectra of a standard reaction mixture (I) containing 25 MUM
      flavin mononucleotide, 0.018% several essential oils (or 0.015% geraniol), 1.9 M
      acetonitrile, 20 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), 0.1 M alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N
      tert-butylnitrone (4-POBN) and 1.0 mM FeSO4(NH4)2SO4 irradiated with 436 nm
      visible light (7.8 J/cm(2)). The ESR peak heights of the standard reaction
      mixture (I) of the essential oils increased in the following order: tea tree >
      palmarosa >geranium > clary sage > petitgrain > lavender > bergamot >
      frankincense > ravintsara > ylang ylang > lemongrass > niaouli > eucalyptus
      globulus > peppermint. The ESR peak height of the standard reaction mixture (I)
      of geraniol, a main component of palmarosa, was comparable to the one of
      palmarosa (97 +/- 19% of palmarosa). Furthermore, high performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC)-ESR analyses of the standard reaction mixture (I) of
      palmarosa and geraniol gave the same peaks. The results suggest that the radicals
      formed in the standard reaction mixture (I) of palmarosa are derived from
      geraniol. HPLC-ESR-mass spectrometry analyses detected m/z 294 ions, 4-POBN/5
      hydroxy-3-methyl-3-pentenyl radical adducts and m/z 320 ions, 4-POBN/C7O2H9
      radical adducts in the standard reaction (I) of geraniol. The 5-hydroxy-3-methyl
      3-pentenyl and C7O2H9 radicals may be implicated in the sensitizing effect of
      palmarosa. 

PMID- 27136258
TI  - Harnessing the Foreign Body Reaction in Marginal Mass Device-less Subcutaneous
      Islet Transplantation in Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Islet transplantation is a successful beta-cell replacement therapy
      for selected patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, despite early
      insulin independence, long-term graft attrition gradually reverts recipients to
      exogenous insulin dependency. Undoubtedly, as insulin producing stem cell
      therapies progress, a transplant site that is retrievable is desirable. This
      prerequisite is currently incompatible with intrahepatic islet transplantation.
      Herein, we evaluate the functional capacity of a prevascularized subcutaneous
      site to accommodate marginal islet mass transplantation in mice. METHODS:
      Syngeneic mouse islets (150) were transplanted either under the kidney capsule
      (KC), into a prevascularized subcutaneous device-less (DL) site, or into the
      unmodified subcutaneous (SC) tissue. The DL site was created 4 weeks before
      diabetes induction and islet transplantation through the transient placement of a
      5-Fr vascular catheter. Recipient mice were monitored for glycemic control and
      intraperitoneal glucose tolerance. RESULTS: A marginal islet mass transplanted
      into the DL site routinely reversed diabetes (n = 13 of 18) whereas all SC islet
      recipients failed to restore glycemic control (n = 0 of 10, P < 0.01, log-rank).
      As anticipated, nearly all islet-KC mice (n = 15 of 16) became euglycemic
      posttransplant. The DL recipients' glucose profiles were comparable to KC islet
      grafts, postintrapertioneal glucose tolerance testing, whereas SC recipients
      remained hyperglycemic postglucose challenge. All normoglycemic mice maintained
      graft function for 100 days until graft retrieval. DL and KC islet grafts stained
      positively for insulin, microvessels, and a collagen scaffold. CONCLUSIONS: The
      device-less prevascularized approach supports marginal mass islet engraftment in
      mice.

PMID- 27136259
TI  - Finding a New Home for Islet Cell Transplants.

PMID- 27136260
TI  - Factors Associated With Changes in Body Composition Shortly After Orthotopic
      Liver Transplantation: The Potential Influence of Immunosuppressive Agents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine factors associated with body
      composition changes shortly after liver transplantation (LTx), including the
      influence of immunosuppressive agents. The combined resting energy expenditure
      (REE) and handgrip strength provided a valuable assessment in data interpretation
      of body composition. METHODS: This observational single-center study included a
      cohort of consecutive end-stage liver disease patients with indications for LTx
      over 2 years. Cyclosporine was preferred for diabetic, hepatitis C-infected, and
      human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients per the transplant center
      protocol. Subjective Global Assessment, handgrip strength, multifrequency
      bioelectrical impedance analysis, and REE measurements were collected. The
      assessments were performed before LTx (T0) and at medians of 9 (T1) and 36 (T2)
      days after LTx. The fat mass index (FMI) and lean mass index (LMI) were
      surrogates of adiposity and skeletal muscle, respectively. Multiple linear
      regression analysis was used. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients with a mean age of 53.7
      (8.5) years were included; 87.5% were men. Preoperative Subjective Global
      Assessment undernourishment (beta-estimate = 17.9; P = 0.004) and of drug
      addiction absence (beta estimate = 14.6; P = 0.049) were associated with FMI
      increase. Higher REE at T1 (per 100 kcal) was associated with LMI increase (beta
      estimate = 1.70; P = 0.012) and body cell mass increase (beta estimate = 1.60; P
      = 0.049). The cyclosporine-based regimen was associated with FMI decrease (beta
      estimate = -25.64; P < 0.001) and LMI increase (beta estimate = 23.76; P < 0.001)
      when compared with a tacrolimus-based regimen. Steroids did not affect body
      composition. CONCLUSIONS: The cyclosporine-based regimen was independently
      associated with decreased adiposity and increased skeletal muscle compared with
      the tacrolimus-based regimen. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to
      confirm these findings.

PMID- 27136261
TI  - Beyond the Limit: Approaching Systematic Use of Nonagenarian Donors in Liver
      Transplantation.

PMID- 27136262
TI  - Optimization of Perioperative Conditions to Prevent Ischemic Cholangiopathy in
      Donation After Circulatory Death Donor Liver Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Donation after circulatory death (DCD) donor pool remains
      underutilized for liver transplantation (LT). We describe optimizing "modifiable
      risk factors," such as cold ischemia time (CIT) recipient warm ischemia time
      (WIT) and the use of thrombolytic flush at the time of procurement to minimize
      ischemic cholangiopathy (IC). METHODS: From July 2011 (era II), to improve
      outcomes after DCD LT, measures were taken to minimize CIT, operative time and
      recipient WIT along with the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) flush
      during DCD procurements. Thirty consecutive DCD LTs were performed prospectively
      in era II. Outcomes were compared with 61 historic controls (era I). Reperfusion
      biopsies were evaluated for the presence of necrosis and biliary epithelial
      damage. RESULTS: Median CIT (4.9 [3.5-5.9] vs 6.4 [4.3-12]; P < 0.001),
      hepatectomy time (70 [42-120] vs 81 [58-207]; P = 0.02), and recipient WIT (16
      [13-31] vs 24[15-40]; P < 0.001) were significantly shorter in era II. All
      patients in era II received tPA flushed liver grafts. None of the patients in era
      II developed IC (0% vs 18%; P = 0.013). There were fewer biliary complications in
      era II, and there was no increased risk of bleeding associated with the use of
      tPA. One-year graft survival was slightly better in era II (n = 24 patients with
      1 year follow-up) (88% vs 80%; P = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Optimizing peritransplant
      conditions, such as shortening ischemic times with the use of thrombolytic donor
      flush, may prevent IC after DCD LT. With this approach, the DCD donor pool may be
      expanded.

PMID- 27136263
TI  - Kidney Transplantation With Corticosteroids Alone After Haploidentical HSCT From
      The Same Donor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can lead to
      donor-specific tolerance. Patients reported in the literature that underwent
      kidney transplantation (KT) after a previous HSCT from the same haploidentical
      donor typically received short-term immunosuppression, mainly for safety reasons
      and concerns of triggering graft-versus-host disease. METHODS: We describe the
      case of a 22-year-old patient who developed chronic kidney failure after
      receiving haploidentical HSCT from his father for the treatment of metastatic
      rhabdomyosarcoma. Five years after HSCT, he received a preemptive kidney
      transplant from his father. Steroid treatment, which had been prescribed for the
      underlying kidney disease, was withdrawn within 2 months posttransplant, and no
      de novo immunosuppression was given. Donor-specific tolerance was assessed with
      mixed lymphocyte reaction and INF-gamma ELISPOT before (D0) and after KT (D9).
      Furthermore, the exact level of donor-derived T cells was measured with real-time
      polymerase chain reaction before and 1 year after KT. RESULTS: In vitro assays
      (mixed lymphocyte reaction and ELISPOT) revealed donor-specific tolerance before
      and after transplantation, respectively. The number of recipient-derived T cells
      was low before KT and virtually did not change over time (0.0139% +/- 0.0039 and
      0.0120% +/- 0.0067; P = NS). Graft function was excellent throughout the follow
      up (36 months post KT: serum creatinine, 1.18 mg/dL). Protocol biopsies performed
      1 and 12 months after transplantation confirmed the absence of rejection.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first cases of kidney transplantation from the
      same donor after previous haploidentical HSCT with a corticosteroid taper alone.
      Our results suggest that immunosuppression can be avoided in such cases.

PMID- 27136264
TI  - Safety of Living Donation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells.
AB  - More than 12 000 volunteer unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donations are
      undertaken annually, and the World Marrow Donor Association established an expert
      committee to examine all reports of adverse events affecting donors globally,
      eventually making such reporting a necessary part of World Marrow Donor
      Association accreditation. The committee evaluates and responds to reported
      events in a nonpunitive confidential process designed to alert the community of
      rare events which might be missed by local follow-up. Each report is evaluated by
      the committee for imputability (causal link between the donation and the adverse
      event) and compared with that submitted by the reporting registry. In 2014, there
      were 50 reports received from 16 different registries in 15 countries. There were
      16 reports of malignancies arising in donors including 3 hematologic
      malignancies. All but 2 of the 16 occurred more than a year after donation. There
      were 4 reports of autoimmune phenomena in donors all occurring more than a year
      postdonation. Of the 30 remaining events, 6 were allergic, 4 cardiac, 3
      gastrointestinal, 2 infections, 2 pulmonary, and 13 miscellaneous. Causation was
      assessed differently to the reporting registry in 17 events with 6 thought to be
      less likely causally linked to the donation and 10 more likely with 1 requiring
      more information. Volunteer unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donation is a safe
      and effective altruistic contribution to the treatment of patients with life
      threatening hematologic disorders. A decade of detailed examination of adverse
      donor events has contributed to the safety of these donations.

PMID- 27136265
TI  - Evolution of Living Donor Nephrectomy at a Single Center: Long-term Outcomes With
      4 Different Techniques in Greater Than 4000 Donors Over 50 Years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of minimally invasive surgical approaches to donor
      nephrectomy (DN) has been driven by the potential advantages for the donor, with
      questions remaining about long-term outcomes. METHODS: All living DN performed
      from June 1963 through December 2014 at the University of Minnesota were
      reviewed. Outcomes were compared among 4 DN techniques. RESULTS: We performed
      4286 DNs: 2759 open DN (ODNs), 1190 hand-assisted (HA) laparoscopic DNs (LDNs),
      203 pure LDN (P-LDNs), and 97 robot-assisted-LDN. Laparoscopic DN was associated
      with an older (P < 0.001) and heavier (P < 0.001) donor population. Laparoscopic
      DN was associated with a higher probability of left kidney procurement (P <
      0.001). All 3 LDN modalities required a longer operative time (P < 0.001); robot
      assisted-LDN took significantly longer than HA-LDN or P-LDN. Laparoscopic DN
      decreased the need for intraoperative blood transfusion (P < 0.001) and reduced
      the incidence of intraoperative complications (P < 0.001) and hospital length of
      stay (P < 0.001). However, LDN led to a significantly higher rate of
      readmissions, both short-term (<30 day, P < 0.001) and long-term (>30 day, P <
      0.001). Undergoing HA-LDN was associated with a higher rate of an incisional
      hernia compared with all other modalities (P < 0.001). For recipients, LDN seemed
      to be associated with lower rates of graft failure at 1 year compared with ODN (P
      = 0.002). The odds of delayed graft function increased for kidneys with multiple
      arteries procured via P-LDN compared with HA-LDN (OR 3 [1,10]) and ODN (OR 5 [2,
      15]). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, LDN was associated with decreased donor
      intraoperative complications and hospital length of stay but higher rates of
      readmission and long-term complications.

PMID- 27136266
TI  - Sister chromatid resolution is an intrinsic part of chromosome organization in
      prophase.
AB  - The formation of mitotic chromosomes requires both compaction of chromatin and
      the resolution of replicated sister chromatids. Compaction occurs during mitotic
      prophase and prometaphase, and in prophase relies on the activity of condensin II
      complexes. Exactly when and how sister chromatid resolution occurs has been
      largely unknown, as has its molecular requirements. Here, we established a method
      to visualize sister resolution by sequential replication labelling with two
      distinct nucleotide derivatives. Quantitative three-dimensional imaging then
      allowed us to measure the resolution of sister chromatids throughout mitosis by
      calculating their non-overlapping volume within the whole chromosome.
      Unexpectedly, we found that sister chromatid resolution starts already at the
      beginning of prophase, proceeds concomitantly with chromatin compaction and is
      largely completed by the end of prophase. Sister chromatid resolution was
      abolished by inhibition of topoisomerase IIalpha and by depleting or preventing
      mitotic activation of condensin II, whereas blocking cohesin dissociation from
      chromosomes had little effect. Mitotic sister chromatid resolution is thus an
      intrinsic part of mitotic chromosome formation in prophase that relies largely on
      DNA decatenation and shares the molecular requirement for condensin II with
      prophase compaction.

PMID- 27136268
TI  - Nonbelieved memories in middle-aged and older people.
AB  - Previous studies have reported that young participants typically date events that
      they remember, but no longer believe they experienced, to the period of
      childhood. The present study investigated whether participants aged between 40
      and 79years dated events related to relinquished memories to the period of
      childhood, as do younger people, or whether they dated such events to a period
      later in life. The study also compared believed and nonbelieved memories with
      respect to memory perspective (1st vs 3rd person perspective). Results indicated
      that the majority of middle-aged and older people dated nonbelieved memories to
      the period of childhood (median age=8years). No correlation was found between the
      participants' current age and their age at the time the nonbelieved event
      occurred. In addition, results showed that believed memories were more likely to
      be retrieved from a 1st person perspective than were nonbelieved memories.

PMID- 27136267
TI  - Chromosome missegregation during anaphase triggers p53 cell cycle arrest through
      histone H3.3 Ser31 phosphorylation.
AB  - Maloriented chromosomes can evade the spindle assembly checkpoint and generate
      aneuploidy, a common feature of tumorigenesis. But chromosome missegregation in
      non-transformed cells triggers a p53-dependent fail-safe mechanism that blocks
      proliferation of normal cells that inadvertently become aneuploid. How this fail
      safe is triggered is not known. Here we identify a conserved feedback mechanism
      that monitors missegregating chromosomes during anaphase through the differential
      phosphorylation of histone H3.3 at Ser31. We do this by inducing transient
      chromosome missegregation in diploid cells. During anaphase, H3.3 Ser31 is
      phosphorylated along the arms of lagging or misaligned chromosomes. Within
      minutes, Ser31 phosphorylation (Ser31P) spreads to all of the chromatids of both
      daughter cells, which persists into G1. Masking H3.3 Ser31P by antibody
      microinjection prevents nuclear p53 accumulation in the aneuploid daughters.
      Previous work demonstrated that prolonged prometaphase and DNA damage during
      abnormal mitosis can activate p53. We show that p53 activation in response to
      chromosome missegregation can occur without prolonged mitosis or DNA damage. Our
      study provides insight into how aneuploidy caused by chromosome missegregation is
      normally monitored and suppressed.

PMID- 27136269
TI  - Patriotism and the impact on perceived threat and immigration attitudes.
AB  - Patriotism and threat have been shown to predict immigration attitudes. We
      suggest that patriotism is influential in producing threat, and such threat
      drives anti-immigration attitudes, but this relationship is different for Whites
      and Latinos. All participants completed a patriotism scale (blind and
      constructive patriotism measures), a threat scale (realistic and symbolic
      threat), and anti-immigration attitude scale. Latinos showed lower blind
      patriotism, realistic threat, symbolic threat, and anti-immigration attitudes
      compared to Whites, with no differences in constructive patriotism. Threat
      partially mediated the relationship between blind patriotism and anti-immigration
      attitudes for Whites and fully mediated the relationship for Latinos. Threat
      partially mediated the relationship for cultural patriotism and anti-immigration
      attitude for Whites but not for Latinos. Implications for public policy and
      education concerning immigrant attitudes are discussed.

PMID- 27136270
TI  - Photosensitized singlet oxygen generation and detection: Recent advances and
      future perspectives in cancer photodynamic therapy.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses photosensitizers and visible light in combination
      with molecular oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that kill
      malignant cells by apoptosis and/or necrosis, shut down the tumor
      microvasculature and stimulate the host immune system. The excited singlet state
      of oxygen (1 O2 ) is recognized to be the main cytotoxic ROS generated during PDT
      for the majority of photosensitizers used clinically and for many investigational
      new agents, so that maximizing its production within tumor cells and tissues can
      improve the therapeutic response, and several emerging and novel approaches for
      this are summarized. Quantitative techniques for 1 O2 production measurement
      during photosensitization are also of immense importance of value for both
      preclinical research and future clinical practice. In this review, emerging
      strategies for enhanced photosensitized 1 O2 generation are introduced, while
      recent advances in direct detection and imaging of 1 O2 luminescence are
      summarized. In addition, the correlation between cumulative 1 O2 luminescence and
      PDT efficiency will be highlighted. Meanwhile, the validation of 1 O2
      luminescence dosimetry for PDT application is also considered. This review
      concludes with a discussion on future demands of 1 O2 luminescence detection for
      PDT dosimetry, with particular emphasis on clinical translation. Eye-catching
      color image for graphical abstract.

PMID- 27136271
TI  - [Prevention of Psychological and Psychosomatic Illnesses at Workplace].

PMID- 27136272
TI  - [From Science to Law: Findings of Reha XI Project on Ascertaining the Need for
      Rehabilitation in Medical Service Assessments].
AB  - Introduction: In the broad-based consortium project "Reha XI - Identifying
      rehabilitative requirements in medical service assessments: evaluation and
      implementation", a comprehensive analysis of the corresponding procedures was
      carried out by the medical services of the German Health Insurance Funds (MDK).
      On the basis of this analysis, a Good Practice Standard (GPS) for assessments was
      drawn up and scientifically evaluated. This article discusses the findings and
      applicability of the GPS as the basis for a nationwide standardized procedure in
      Germany as required by the Second Act to Strengthen Long-Term Care (PSG II) under
      Vol. XI Para. 18 (6) of the German Social Welfare Code. Method: The consortium
      project comprised four project phases: 1. Qualitative and quantitative situation
      analysis of the procedures for ascertaining rehabilitative needs in care
      assessments carried out by the MDK; 2. Development of a Good Practice Standard
      (GPS) in a structured, consensus-based procedure; 3. Scientific evaluation of the
      validity, reliability and practicability of the assessment procedure according to
      the GPS in the MDK's operational practice; 4. Survey of long-term care insurance
      funds with respect to the appropriateness of the rehabilitation recommendations
      drawn up by care assessors in line with the GPS for providing a qualified
      recommendation for the applicant. The evaluation carried out in the third project
      phase was subject to methodological limitations that may have given rise to
      distortions in the findings. Findings: On the basis of the situation analysis, 7
      major thematic areas were identified in which improvements were implemented by
      applying the GPS. For the evaluation of the GPS, a total of 3 247 applicants were
      assessed in line with the GPS; in 6.3% of the applicants, an indication for
      medical rehabilitation was determined. The GPS procedure showed a high degree of
      reliability and practicability, but the values for the validity of the assessment
      procedure were highly unsatisfactory. The degree of acceptance by the long-term
      care insurance funds with respect to the recommendations for rehabilitation
      following the GPS procedure was high. Conclusion: The application of a general
      standard across all MDKs shows marked improvements in the quality of the
      assessment procedure and leads more frequently to the ascertainment of an
      indication for medical rehabilitation. The methodological problems and the
      unsatisfactory findings with respect to the validity of the assessors' decisions
      require further scientific scrutiny.

PMID- 27136273
TI  - Metal Ions Play an Essential Catalytic Role in the Mechanism of Ketol-Acid
      Reductoisomerase.
AB  - Ketol-acid reductoisomerase (KARI) is a Mg(2+) -dependent enzyme in the branched
      chain amino acid biosynthesis pathway. It catalyses a complex two-part reaction:
      an alkyl migration followed by a NADPH-dependent reduction. Both reactions occur
      within the one active site, but in particular, the mechanism of the isomerisation
      step is poorly understood. Here, using a combination of kinetic, thermodynamic
      and spectroscopic techniques, the reaction mechanisms of both Escherichia coli
      and rice KARI have been investigated. We propose a conserved mechanism of
      catalysis, whereby a hydroxide, bridging the two Mg(2+) ions in the active site,
      initiates the reaction by abstracting a proton from the C2 alcohol group of the
      substrate. While the MU-hydroxide-bridged dimetallic centre is pre-assembled in
      the bacterial enzyme, in plant KARI substrate binding leads to a reduction of the
      metal-metal distance with the concomitant formation of a hydroxide bridge. Only
      Mg(2+) is capable of promoting the isomerisation reaction, likely to be due to
      non-competent substrate binding in the presence of other metal ions.

PMID- 27136274
TI  - Multi-Molar Absorption of CO2 by the Activation of Carboxylate Groups in Amino
      Acid Ionic Liquids.
AB  - A new strategy for multi-molar absorption of CO2 is reported based on activating
      a carboxylate group in amino acid ionic liquids. It was illustrated that
      introducing an electron-withdrawing site to amino acid anions could reduce the
      negative inductive effect of the amino group while simultaneously activating the
      carboxylate group to interact with CO2 very efficiently. An extremely high
      absorption capacity of CO2 (up to 1.69 mol mol(-1) ) in aminopolycarboxylate
      based amino acid ionic liquids was thus achieved. The evidence of spectroscopic
      investigations and quantum-chemical calculations confirmed the interactions
      between two kinds of sites in the anion and CO2 that resulted in superior CO2
      capacities.

PMID- 27136275
TI  - Layer Engineering of 2D Semiconductor Junctions.
AB  - A new concept for junction fabrication by connecting multiple regions with
      varying layer thicknesses, based on the thickness dependence, is demonstrated.
      This type of junction is only possible in super-thin-layered 2D materials, and
      exhibits similar characteristics as p-n junctions. Rectification and photovoltaic
      effects are observed in chemically homogeneous MoSe2 junctions between domains of
      different thicknesses. 

PMID- 27136277
TI  - Surface-Directed Assembly of Sequence-Defined Synthetic Polymers into Networks of
      Hexagonally Patterned Nanoribbons with Controlled Functionalities.
AB  - The exquisite self-assembly of proteins and peptides in nature into highly
      ordered functional materials has inspired innovative approaches to the design and
      synthesis of biomimetic materials. While sequence-defined polymers hold great
      promise to mimic proteins and peptides for functions, controlled assembly of them
      on surfaces still remains underdeveloped. Here, we report the assembly of 12-mer
      peptoids containing alternating acidic and aromatic monomers into networks of
      hexagonally patterned nanoribbons on mica surfaces. Ca(2+)-carboxylate
      coordination creates peptoid-peptoid and peptoid-mica interactions that control
      self-assembly. In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows that peptoids first
      assemble into discrete nanoparticles; these particles then transform into
      hexagonally patterned nanoribbons on mica surfaces. AFM-based dynamic force
      spectroscopy studies show that peptoid-mica interactions are much stronger than
      peptoid-peptoid interactions, illuminating the driving forces for mica-directed
      peptoid assembly. We further demonstrate the display of functional domains at the
      N-terminus of assembling peptoids to produce extended networks with similar
      hierarchical structures. This research demonstrates that surface-directed peptoid
      assembly can be used as a robust platform to develop biomimetic coating materials
      for applications.

PMID- 27136276
TI  - Non-immunosuppressive FTY720-derivative OSU-2S mediates reactive oxygen species
      mediated cytotoxicity in canine B-cell lymphoma.
AB  - OSU-2S is a FTY720 (Fingolimod) derivative that lacks immunosuppressive
      properties but exhibits strong anti-tumour activity in several haematological and
      solid tumour models. We have recently shown OSU-2S to mediate potent cytotoxicity
      in human mantle cell lymphoma cell lines and primary cells. We report here the
      pre-clinical activity of OSU-2S in spontaneous B-cell lymphoma of dogs which
      shares many characteristics of human lymphoma. OSU-2S mediated apoptosis in
      canine B-cell lines and primary B-cell lymphoma cells obtained from spontaneous
      lymphoma bearing dogs. OSU-2S induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in canine
      lymphoma cells and inhibition of ROS partially rescued OSU-2S-mediated cell
      death. These studies provide a rational basis for the use of spontaneous lymphoma
      in pet dogs as a preclinical large animal model for the development of OSU-2S as
      small molecule for treating people and dogs with lymphoma.

PMID- 27136278
TI  - Pharmacologic Treatment of Insomnia Disorder: An Evidence Report for a Clinical
      Practice Guideline by the American College of Physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacologic interventions are often prescribed for insomnia
      disorder. PURPOSE: To assess the benefits, harms, and comparative effectiveness
      of pharmacologic treatments for adults with insomnia disorder. DATA SOURCES:
      Several electronic databases (2004-September 2015), reference lists, and U.S.
      Food and Drug Administration (FDA) documents. STUDY SELECTION: 35 randomized,
      controlled trials of at least 4 weeks' duration that evaluated pharmacotherapies
      available in the United States and that reported global or sleep outcomes; 11
      long-term observational studies that reported harm information; FDA review data
      for nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics and orexin receptor antagonists; and product
      labels for all agents. DATA EXTRACTION: Data extraction by single investigator
      confirmed by a second reviewer; dual-investigator assessment of risk of bias;
      consensus determination of strength of evidence. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eszopiclone,
      zolpidem, and suvorexant improved short-term global and sleep outcomes compared
      with placebo, although absolute effect sizes were small (low- to moderate
      strength evidence). Evidence for benzodiazepine hypnotics, melatonin agonists,
      and antidepressants, and for most pharmacologic interventions in older adults,
      was insufficient or low strength. Evidence was also insufficient to compare
      efficacy within or across pharmacotherapy classes or versus behavioral therapy.
      Harms evidence reported in trials was judged insufficient or low strength;
      observational studies suggested that use of hypnotics for insomnia was associated
      with increased risk for dementia, fractures, and major injury. The FDA documents
      reported that most pharmacotherapies had risks for cognitive and behavioral
      changes, including driving impairment, and other adverse effects, and they
      advised dose reduction in women and in older adults. LIMITATIONS: Most trials
      were small and short term and enrolled individuals meeting stringent criteria.
      Minimum important differences in outcomes were often not established or reported.
      Data were scant for many treatments. CONCLUSION: Eszopiclone, zolpidem, and
      suvorexant may improve short-term global and sleep outcomes for adults with
      insomnia disorder, but the comparative effectiveness and long-term efficacy of
      pharmacotherapies for insomnia are not known. Pharmacotherapies for insomnia may
      cause cognitive and behavioral changes and may be associated with infrequent but
      serious harms. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Agency for Healthcare Research and
      Quality. ( PROSPERO: CRD42014009908).

PMID- 27136280
TI  - Nurses' experiences of using a smart mobile device application to assist home
      care for patients with chronic disease: a qualitative study.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine nurses' experiences regarding the benefits and
      obstacles of using a smart mobile device application in home care. BACKGROUND:
      The popularity of mobile phones and Internet technology has established an
      opportunity for interaction between patients and health care professionals. Line
      is an application allowing instant communication that is available for free
      globally. However, the literature relating to use of Line in this area is
      limited. DESIGN: A qualitative study involving individual in-depth interviews.
      METHODS: Participants included community nurses (N = 17) from six home care
      facilities in southern Taiwan who had used Line for home care of chronically ill
      patients for at least six months. The study was conducted using semi-structured
      in-depth interviews, which were recorded and converted into transcripts for
      content analysis. RESULTS: Seven themes emerged from data analysis: reduction in
      medical care consumption and costs, reduction in workload and stress,
      facilitating improvement in the quality of care, promotion of the nurse-patient
      relationship, perceived risk, lack of organisational incentives and operating
      procedures and disturbance to personal life. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses considered Line
      valuable for use in home care. While this application has diverse functions, its
      video transfer function could in particular help nursing staff make prompt
      decisions about patients' problems and promote nurse-patient relationships.
      However, there might be hidden risks including legal consequences, safety risks
      to patients, possible violations of professionalism and increased risk of nurse
      burnout. Increasing nursing staff awareness of using mobile messaging software
      applications is necessary. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study provides
      relevant information about the benefits, disadvantages, risks and limitations of
      nurses' use of Line. The study also provides suggestions for software programmers
      and future organisational strategy and development.

PMID- 27136281
TI  - Multivariable optimization of the micellar system for the ionic liquid-modified
      MEKC separation of phenolic acids.
AB  - An ionic liquid (IL)-modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC)
      method was proposed for the separation and determination of eight phenolic acids.
      In order to increase separation efficiency and selectivity, the micelle system
      consisting of aqueous mixtures of ILs, Tween 20 and borate was optimized using a
      D-optimal design. A 16-run experimental plan was carried out. The results
      indicated that the addition of ILs in background electrolyte could significantly
      alter the electrophoretic behavior and improve the resolution of target analytes.
      By evaluating the electropherograms obtained, a satisfactory separation condition
      for all analytes was achieved in 10min with optimized buffer composed of 0.70%
      (w/w) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 8.1% (w/w) polyoxyethylene
      sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) and 10mM sodium borate at pH 9.2. Under these
      conditions, all calibration curves showed good linearity (r(2)>0.9969), and
      accuracy (recoveries ranging from 94.71 to 106.85%). Finally, the proposed method
      was successfully applied to determine the phenolic acids in a Chinese medicine
      compound, compound danshen dripping pills. 

PMID- 27136282
TI  - Biomedical monitoring of phosphate removal by hemodialysis.
AB  - A compact flow analysis system for non-invasive, dialysate-side monitoring of
      phosphate removal in the course of clinical hemodialysis treatment is presented.
      The monitor is based on solenoid operated micro-pumps and extremely cheap
      optoelectronic flow-through detector allowing photometric determination of
      phosphate in spent dialysate using a molybdenum blue method. The monitor can
      operate in both, discrete and continuous modes of measurement. The analytical
      utility of monitor has been tested with samples of spent dialysate produced by
      artificial kidney in the course of real hemodialysis sessions. The results of
      monitoring are comparable with those obtained using reference off-line method
      recommended for clinical analysis. Additionally, the possibility of two-side
      (dialysate and blood) monitoring of hemodialysis treatments with optoelectronic
      flow-through detectors has been announced. 

PMID- 27136279
TI  - A map of terminal regulators of neuronal identity in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Our present day understanding of nervous system development is an amalgam of
      insights gained from studying different aspects and stages of nervous system
      development in a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate model systems, with each
      model system making its own distinctive set of contributions. One aspect of
      nervous system development that has been among the most extensively studied in
      the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is the nature of the gene regulatory programs
      that specify hardwired, terminal cellular identities. I first summarize a number
      of maps (anatomical, functional, and molecular) that describe the terminal
      identity of individual neurons in the C. elegans nervous system. I then provide a
      comprehensive summary of regulatory factors that specify terminal identities in
      the nervous system, synthesizing these past studies into a regulatory map of
      cellular identities in the C. elegans nervous system. This map shows that for
      three quarters of all neurons in the C. elegans nervous system, regulatory
      factors that control terminal identity features are known. In-depth studies of
      specific neuron types have revealed that regulatory factors rarely act alone, but
      rather act cooperatively in neuron-type specific combinations. In most cases
      examined so far, distinct, biochemically unlinked terminal identity features are
      coregulated via cooperatively acting transcription factors, termed terminal
      selectors, but there are also cases in which distinct identity features are
      controlled in a piecemeal fashion by independent regulatory inputs. The
      regulatory map also illustrates that identity-defining transcription factors are
      reemployed in distinct combinations in different neuron types. However, the same
      transcription factor can drive terminal differentiation in neurons that are
      unrelated by lineage, unrelated by function, connectivity and neurotransmitter
      deployment. Lastly, the regulatory map illustrates the preponderance of
      homeodomain transcription factors in the control of terminal identities,
      suggesting that these factors have ancient, phylogenetically conserved roles in
      controlling terminal neuronal differentiation in the nervous system. WIREs Dev
      Biol 2016, 5:474-498. doi: 10.1002/wdev.233 For further resources related to this
      article, please visit the WIREs website.

PMID- 27136283
TI  - Hair testing in clinical setting: Simultaneous determination of 50 psychoactive
      drugs and metabolites in headache patients by LC tandem MS.
AB  - Headache patients suffering from recurrent attacks are a population at risk of
      overuse and abuse of analgesic medications. Associated with triptans, the first
      line drugs recommended for the acute treatment, these patients usually take other
      medications such as opioids analgesics for the attack treatment, antidepressants
      and antiepileptics for prophylaxis treatment and benzodiazepines, non
      benzodiazepine hypnotics and antipsychotics for the treatment of comorbidities.
      Regular and frequent use of triptans, like of any other symptomatic analgesic,
      can cause chronic headache and medication-overuse headache (MOH). In these
      circumstances, a detoxification treatment is necessary and therefore the
      monitoring and follow-up of the patients are crucial to the success of the
      treatment. In the present study, a LC tandem MS method has been developed for the
      identification of 50 psychoactive drugs in human hair, including triptans,
      benzodiazepines and metabolites, analgesics, antiepileptic, antidepressants and
      metabolites, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic (z-drug), antipsychotics and
      metabolites. Hair samples were decontaminated, pulverized and incubated overnight
      in methanol; the extracts were then purified by a new and rapid QuEChERS
      procedure and analyzed by LC-MS/MS under gradient elution with positive
      ionization MRM mode. The procedure was fully validated in terms of selectivity,
      linearity, limit of detection and lower limit of quantitation, precision and
      accuracy, carry-over, matrix effect, recovery and dilution integrity. The
      validated procedure has been applied to 234 real hair samples collected from
      headache patients with known type and dosage of the taken drugs; the obtained
      data could be of interest to evaluate the xenobiotic concentrations in patients
      with known therapy. 

PMID- 27136285
TI  - Tendinopathy: Evidence-Informed Physical Therapy Clinical Reasoning.
AB  - Patients presenting with pain at the tendon, which is associated with physical
      tasks and activities that specifically load that tendon, are at the center of
      this special issue. The current terminology for a symptomatic tendon presentation
      is tendinopathy, as this does not denote an underlying pathology, but rather
      signals that all is not well in the tendon. Tendinopathy is a prevalent and
      substantial problem, as it interferes with a person's capacity to lead a
      physically active and healthy life, which has a considerable flow-on effect on
      society in general. This issue deals with the contemporary physical therapy
      management of tendinopathy by providing a mix of evidence review and clinical
      expert opinion on commonly presenting tendinopathies of the lower and upper
      limbs. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(11):816-818.
      doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0110.

PMID- 27136284
TI  - A validated UHPLC-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitative analysis of
      flavonolignans in milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extracts.
AB  - Validated methods are needed for the analysis of natural product secondary
      metabolites. These methods are particularly important to translate in vitro
      observations to in vivo studies. Herein, a method is reported for the analysis of
      the key secondary metabolites, a series of flavonolignans and a flavonoid, from
      an extract prepared from the seeds of milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.
      (Asteraceae)]. This report represents the first UHPLC MS-MS method validated for
      quantitative analysis of these compounds. The method takes advantage of the
      excellent resolution achievable with UHPLC to provide a complete analysis in less
      than 7min. The method is validated using both UV and MS detectors, making it
      applicable in laboratories with different types of analytical instrumentation
      available. Lower limits of quantitation achieved with this method range from
      0.0400MUM to 0.160MUM with UV and from 0.0800MUM to 0.160MUM with MS. The new
      method is employed to evaluate variability in constituent composition in various
      commercial S. marianum extracts, and to show that storage of the milk thistle
      compounds in DMSO leads to degradation. 

PMID- 27136286
TI  - Guidelines and Pathways for Clinical Practice in Tendinopathy: Their Role and
      Development.
AB  - Tendinopathy has significant consequences for both the athletic population and,
      more importantly, those who exercise for health or engage in physical activity as
      part of their occupation. That we are now able to perform high-quality evidence
      syntheses based on robust primary evidence for a wide range of conditions and
      therapeutic approaches is a credit to the pioneers who have driven the evidence
      explosion, and an inspiration for those striving to emulate and build on their
      achievements. How do we take that evidence and apply it in the clinical setting
      to individual patients? How do we adjust our decision-making schema in response
      to the presented information and challenges? J Orthop Sports Phys Ther
      2015;45(11):819-822. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0111.

PMID- 27136287
TI  - Should We Care About Tendon Structure? The Disconnect Between Structure and
      Symptoms in Tendinopathy.
AB  - We can visualize tendons better than ever before. Medical imaging today provides
      increasingly higher-resolution images, enabling larger fields of view that allow
      clinicians and researchers to more precisely characterize tendon structure. Yet,
      does seeing a patient's tendon provide any meaningful benefit to our clinical
      reasoning, and will it make a difference to treatment outcomes? It is little
      surprise that concomitant with this imaging availability is a renewed debate over
      the relationship between the appearance of tendon structure and symptomology.
      Despite the advances in medical imaging, as well as the clinical and research
      interest in tendinopathy, there does not appear to be any greater clarity on
      reconciling a patient's clinical presentation with either baseline
      characterization of structural abnormalities or the time series of changes
      following selected interventions. It may be helpful, therefore, to take a step
      back and give renewed consideration to the anatomical and physiological role of
      tendon structure, and to consider this in the context of what we know about
      tendon pathology. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(11):823-825.
      doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0112.

PMID- 27136288
TI  - Imaging of Tendinopathy: A Physician's Perspective.
AB  - Imaging plays an important role in the clinical evaluation of patients with
      musculoskeletal-related pain, but its utility for the management of tendinopathy
      is debatable. Findings on ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may not
      correlate with clinical symptoms, and it is not uncommon to find anatomical
      changes associated with tendinopathy in tendons of asymptomatic individuals.
      Likewise, patients with clinical symptoms of tendinopathy can present with normal
      imaging evaluation. The use of diagnostic and interventional ultrasound has
      significantly increased over the past decade in a bid for better treatments of
      tendinopathy. Despite the limitations of traditional imaging in the diagnosis and
      management of tendinopathy, interventional procedures that utilize ultrasound
      hold promise. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(11):826-828.
      doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0113.

PMID- 27136289
TI  - Not All Tendons Are Created Equal: Implications for Differing Treatment
      Approaches.
AB  - The majority of muscles have distinct tendinous attachments to bones; however,
      only a few tendons develop painful conditions. That simple observation prompts us
      to ask a few questions. Are there commonalities in morphology and pathology among
      the painful tendons? What contributes to the propensity for pathology in some,
      but not all, tendons? And, consequently, should all tendinopathies be managed
      equally? Two common tendinopathies are those affecting the Achilles and
      supraspinatus, which are presented in this special issue and serve as excellent
      models to discuss similarities and contrasts. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther
      2015;45(11):829-832. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0114.

PMID- 27136290
TI  - Stress Fracture of the Sacrum.
AB  - A physical therapist evaluated a 25-year-old male military trainee, who reported
      1 week of left hip pain exacerbated by running and sitting cross-legged. At
      follow-up, the patient reported unchanged hip pain and new left knee pain. Due to
      potential for multifocal stress injuries outside the visual field of a single
      MRI, bone scan and single-photon emission computerized tomography were chosen as
      imaging modalities. Imaging revealed a nondisplaced lateral left-sided sacral
      stress fracture and left calcaneal stress fracture. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther
      2015;45(11):965. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0411. 

PMID- 27136291
TI  - Acupuncture for polycystic ovarian syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by the clinical
      signs of oligo-amenorrhoea, infertility and hirsutism. Conventional treatment of
      PCOS includes a range of oral pharmacological agents, lifestyle changes and
      surgical modalities. Beta-endorphin presents in the follicular fluid of both
      normal and polycystic ovaries. It was demonstrated that the beta-endorphin levels
      in ovarian follicular fluid of otherwise healthy women who were undergoing
      ovulation were much higher than the levels measured in plasma. Given that
      acupuncture has an impact on beta-endorphin production, which may affect
      gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, it is postulated that
      acupuncture may have a role in ovulation induction and fertility. OBJECTIVES: To
      assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment of oligo/anovulatory
      women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). SEARCH METHODS: We identified
      relevant studies from databases including the Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CNKI and trial
      registries. The data are current to 19 October 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA: We
      included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that studied the efficacy of
      acupuncture treatment for oligo/anovulatory women with PCOS. We excluded quasi-
      or pseudo-RCTs. Primary outcomes were live birth and ovulation (primary
      outcomes), and secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, restoration of
      menstruation, multiple pregnancy, miscarriage and adverse events. We assessed the
      quality of the evidence using GRADE methods. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
      review authors independently selected the studies, extracted data and assessed
      risk of bias. We calculated Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios (ORs) and mean difference
      (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). MAIN RESULTS: We included five RCTs with
      413 women. They compared true acupuncture versus sham acupuncture (two RCTs),
      true acupuncture versus relaxation (one RCT), true acupuncture versus clomiphene
      (one RCT) and electroacupuncture versus physical exercise (one RCT). Four of the
      studies were at high risk of bias in at least one domain.No study reported live
      birth rate. Two studies reported clinical pregnancy and found no evidence of a
      difference between true acupuncture and sham acupuncture (OR 2.72, 95% CI 0.69 to
      10.77, two RCTs, 191 women, very low quality evidence).Three studies reported
      ovulation. One RCT reported number of women who had three ovulations during three
      months of treatment but not ovulation rate. One RCT found no evidence of a
      difference in mean ovulation rate between true and sham acupuncture (MD -0.03,
      95% CI -0.14 to 0.08, one RCT, 84 women, very low quality evidence). However, one
      other RCT reported very low quality evidence to suggest that true acupuncture
      might be associated with higher ovulation frequency than relaxation (MD 0.35, 95%
      CI 0.14 to 0.56, one RCT, 28 women).Two studies reported menstrual frequency. One
      RCT reported true acupuncture reduced days between menstruation more than sham
      acupuncture (MD 220.35, 95% CI 252.85 to 187.85, 146 women). One RCT reported
      electroacupuncture increased menstrual frequency more than no intervention (0.37,
      95% CI 0.21 to 0.53, 31 women).There was no evidence of a difference between the
      groups in adverse events. Evidence was very low quality with very wide CIs and
      very low event rates.Overall evidence was low or very low quality. The main
      limitations were failure to report important clinical outcomes and very serious
      imprecision. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Thus far, only a limited number of RCTs have
      been reported. At present, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of
      acupuncture for treatment of ovulation disorders in women with PCOS.

PMID- 27136292
TI  - Association between 24h Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion and Estimated
      Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) Decline or Death in Patients with Diabetes
      Mellitus and eGFR More than 30 ml/min/1.73m2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data regarding the association between 24h urinary sodium and
      potassium excretion with kidney outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus is
      currently scarce. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort
      study in which 1230 patients with diabetes who had undergone a 24h urinary sodium
      and potassium excretion test were analyzed. Patients with incomplete urine
      collection were excluded based on 24h urinary creatinine excretion. Outcomes were
      the composite of a 30% decline in eGFR or death. Multivariate cox regression
      analysis was used to investigate the association between urinary sodium and
      potassium excretion and outcomes. RESULTS: With a mean follow up period of 5.47
      years, 130 patients reached the outcomes (30% decline in eGFR: 124, death: 6).
      Mean (SD) eGFR and 24h urinary sodium and potassium excretion at baseline were
      78.6 (19.5) ml/min/1.73m2, 4.50 (1.64) g/day, and 2.14 (0.77) g/day. Compared
      with sodium excretion < 3.0 g/day, no significant change in risk of outcomes was
      observed with increased increments of 1.0 g/day. Compared with potassium
      excretion of < 1.5 g/day, 2.0-2.5 g/day, and 2.5-3.0 g/day were significantly
      associated with a lower risk of outcomes (hazard ratio [HR], 0.49 and 0.44; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.28 to 0.84 and 0.22 to 0.87). CONCLUSIONS: 24h
      urinary sodium excretion was not significantly associated with a risk of 30%
      decline in eGFR or death in patients with diabetes. However, an increased risk of
      30% decline in eGFR or death was significantly associated with 24h urinary
      potassium excretion < 1.5 g/day than with 2.0-2.5 g/day and 2.5-3.0 g/day.

PMID- 27136293
TI  - Children's exposure to intimate partner violence: A meta-analysis of longitudinal
      associations with child adjustment problems.
AB  - This meta-analysis reviewed 74 studies that examined longitudinal associations
      between children's exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and their
      adjustment problems. Results indicated that children's exposure to IPV is linked
      prospectively with child externalizing, internalizing, and total adjustment
      problems. Moreover, the magnitude of the association between IPV exposure and
      child externalizing and internalizing problems strengthens over time. In
      addition, associations are stronger between IPV exposure and child externalizing
      and internalizing problems when IPV is conceptualized broadly rather than
      narrowly (physical IPV+psychological and/or sexual IPV versus physical IPV only),
      and when information on IPV and child adjustment problems is obtained from the
      same source, rather than independent sources. When IPV exposure is measured at
      younger ages, compared to older ages, the association between IPV and child
      externalizing problems is greater. However, when child adjustment problems are
      measured at older ages, compared to younger ages, the association between IPV and
      child internalizing problems is greater. Child sex, sample type, and whether only
      the male partner's violence or both partners' violence was measured did not
      predict the association between children's exposure to IPV and later adjustment
      problems. The findings have both research and clinical implications regarding the
      long-term adjustment of children exposed to IPV and the conceptualization and
      measurement of resilience subsequent to IPV. 

PMID- 27136295
TI  - Inferring time-varying brain connectivity graph based on a new method for link
      estimation.
AB  - Causal interaction estimation among neuronal groups plays an important role in
      the assessment of brain functions. These directional relations can be best
      illustrated by means of graphical modeling which is a mathematical representation
      of a network. Here, we propose an efficient framework to derive a graphical model
      for the statistical analysis of multivariate processes from observed time series
      in a data-driven pipeline to explore the interregional brain interactions. A
      major part of this analysis is devoted to the graph link estimation, which is a
      measure capable of dealing with the multivariate analysis obstacles. In this
      paper, we use the Transfer Entropy (TE) measure and focus on its calculation that
      requires efficient estimation of high dimensional conditional probability
      distributions. Our method is based on the simplification of high dimensional
      parts of the conventional TE definition and especially devoted to the reduction
      of estimation dimension through searching for the most informative contents of
      the high dimensional parts. To this end, we exploit the causal Markov properties
      for time series graphs and prove that only a specified subset of involved
      variables plays an important role in multivariate TE estimation. We demonstrate
      the performance of our method for stationary processes using some numerical
      simulated examples as well as real neurophysiological data.

PMID- 27136294
TI  - Perceived Parental Monitoring and Sexual Orientation Moderate Lifetime Acts of
      Non-Suicidal Self-Injury.
AB  - Being non-heterosexual, particularly bisexual, is associated with high rates of
      engagement in NSSI amongst young adults. The goal of the present study was to
      determine if parenting practices, specifically parental monitoring, and sexual
      orientation moderate engagement with NSSI. Undergraduates (N = 1,353) completed a
      survey on sexual orientation, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) acts, and multiple
      aspects of perceived parental monitoring during high school. Moderation analyses
      revealed that most facets of parental monitoring were similarly negatively
      correlated with NSSI for both individuals whose sexual orientation where nearly,
      or entirely, gay and heterosexual youth. Youth who were neither exclusively
      heterosexual nor exclusively gay (mixed sexual orientation) reported the most
      NSSI acts, and no facet of parental monitoring predicted reduced NSSI acts for
      this group. While previous literature shows that many aspects of parental
      monitoring may be protective against engagement in health risk behaviors, the
      present study adds to these findings that similar aspects are negatively
      associated with self-injurious behavior for some, but not all, individuals. More
      research is needed to better understand the causes of increased NSSI for
      individuals with a mixed sexual orientation.

PMID- 27136296
TI  - Plants are not sitting ducks waiting for herbivores to eat them.
AB  - There is a common attitude toward plants, accordingly, plants are waiting around
      to be found and eaten by herbivores. This common approach toward plants is a
      great underestimation of the huge and variable arsenal of defensive plant
      strategies. Plants do everything evolution has allowed them to do in order not to
      be eaten. Therefore, plants are not sitting ducks and many plants outsmart and
      even exploit many invertebrate and vertebrate herbivores and carnivores for
      pollination and for seed dispersal, and even carnivores and parasitoids for
      defense.

PMID- 27136297
TI  - Phthalocyanines as Molecular Scaffolds to Block Disease-Associated Protein
      Aggregation.
AB  - The aggregation of proteins into toxic conformations plays a critical role in the
      development of different neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease
      (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Creutzfled-Jakob's disease (CJD). These
      disorders share a common pathological mechanism that involves the formation of
      aggregated protein species including toxic oligomers and amyloid fibrils. The
      aggregation of alpha-synuclein (alphaS) in PD and the amyloid beta peptide
      (Abeta) and tau protein in AD results in neuronal death and disease onset. In the
      case of CJD, the misfolding of the physiological prion protein (PrP) induces a
      chain reaction that results in accumulation of particles that elicit brain
      damage. Currently, there is no preventive therapy for these diseases and the
      available therapeutic approaches are based on the treatment of the symptoms
      rather than the underlying causes of the disease. Accordingly, the aggregation
      pathway of these proteins represents a useful target for therapeutic
      intervention. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of amyloid formation and its
      inhibition is of high clinical importance. The design of small molecules that
      efficiently inhibit the aggregation process and/or neutralize its associated
      toxicity constitutes a promising tool for the development of therapeutic
      strategies against these disorders. In this accounts, we discuss current
      knowledge on the anti-amyloid activity of phthalocyanines and their potential use
      as drug candidates in neurodegeneration. These tetrapyrrolic compounds modulate
      the amyloid assembly of alphaS, tau, Abeta, and the PrP in vitro, and protect
      cells from the toxic effects of amyloid aggregates. In addition, in scrapie
      infected mice, these compounds showed important prophylactic antiscrapie
      properties. The structural basis for the inhibitory effect of phthalocyanines on
      amyloid filament assembly relies on specific pi-pi interactions between the
      aromatic ring system of these molecules and aromatic residues in the
      amyloidogenic proteins. Analysis of the structure-activity relationship in
      phthalocyanines revealed that their anti-amyloid activity is highly dependent on
      the type of metal ion coordinated to the tetrapyrrolic system but is not
      sensitive to the number of peripheral charged substituents. The tendency of
      phthalocyanines to oligomerize (self-association) via aromatic-aromatic stacking
      interactions correlates precisely with their binding capabilities to target
      proteins and, more importantly, determines their efficiency as anti-amyloid
      agents. The ability to block different types of disease-associated protein
      aggregation raises the possibility that these cyclic tetrapyrrole compounds have
      a common mechanism of action to impair the formation of a variety of pathological
      aggregates. Because the structural and molecular basis for the anti-amyloid
      effects of these molecules is starting to emerge, combined efforts from the
      fields of structural, cellular, and animal biology will result critical for the
      rational design and discovery of new drugs for the treatment of amyloid related
      neurological disorders.

PMID- 27136298
TI  - "Jimmy Cap Before You Tap": Developing Condom Use Messages for African American
      Women.
AB  - This study examined which characteristics of persuasive communications are most
      effective in changing African American women's condom use attitudes. Focus groups
      were convened with 40 African American women (Mage = 25.54, SD = 4.67) to assess
      their opinions on current effective strategies used to promote condom use among
      their peers. Participants discussed effective characteristics of messaging
      campaigns (i.e., source, message type, channel) and how these could be used in
      future prevention messages. Findings revealed that making messages that are fun,
      catchy, and informative, delivered frequently through social media, TV, or radio
      by a peer or celebrity would be perceived as most effective in changing young
      African American women's attitudes. Other themes that emerged were that condom
      use is more strongly associated with pregnancy prevention than HIV prevention and
      that sexual partners were perceived to have negative condom use attitudes.
      Recommendations centered on increasing exposure of HIV prevention messages by
      placing messages on the Internet and including a funny phrase or jingle in the
      message so that it is easy to remember and could potentially serve as a
      conversation starter for discussing safe sex with partners.

PMID- 27136299
TI  - The Effect of Availability of Manpower on Trauma Resuscitation Times in a
      Tertiary Academic Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For trauma patients, delays to assessment, resuscitation, and
      definitive care affect outcomes. We studied the effects of resuscitation area
      occupancy and trauma team size on trauma team resuscitation speed in an
      observational study at a tertiary academic institution in Singapore. METHODS:
      From January 2014 to January 2015, resuscitation videos of trauma team activated
      patients with an Injury Severity Score of 9 or more were extracted for review
      within 14 days by independent reviewers. Exclusion criteria were patients dead on
      arrival, inter-hospital transfers, and up-triaged patients. Data captured
      included manpower availability (trauma team size and resuscitation area
      occupancy), assessment (airway, breathing, circulation, logroll), interventions
      (vascular access, imaging), and process-of-care time intervals (time to
      assessment/intervention/adjuncts, time to imaging, and total time in the
      emergency department). Clinical data were obtained by chart review and from the
      trauma registry. RESULTS: Videos of 70 patients were reviewed over a 13-month
      period. The median time spent in the emergency department was 154.9 minutes (IQR
      130.7-207.5) and the median resuscitation team size was 7, with larger team sizes
      correlating with faster process-of-care time intervals: time to airway assessment
      (p = 0.08) and time to disposition (p = 0.04). The mean resuscitation area
      occupancy rate (RAOR) was 1.89+/-2.49, and the RAOR was positively correlated
      with time spent in the emergency department (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Our results
      suggest that adequate staffing for trauma teams and resuscitation room occupancy
      are correlated with faster trauma resuscitation and reduced time spent in the
      emergency department.

PMID- 27136300
TI  - Retrospective study of primary reconstruction of facial traumatic events.
AB  - Facial traumatic events are commonly encountered in plastic and reconstructive
      surgery. Primary reconstruction is a reliable procedure with function and
      aesthetic considerations. We conduct a retrospective study of the experience of
      reconstructing facial traumatic defects in the first stage. One hundred and
      thirty-two cases (aged 18-65) with facial traumatic events were recruited in the
      study from 2008 to 2014. Facial traumatic events included injured soft tissue,
      maxillofacial fractures and facial nerve rupture, which were repaired primarily.
      After primary reconstruction, encouraging functional and aesthetic outcomes were
      attained. Ten cases were re-operated to reconstruct partial nasal defect. Four
      patients who had trouble with disabled occluding relations sought help from
      dentists. Inconspicuous scar and function restoration were presented. Facial
      wounds should be reconstructed in the first stage as far as possible. Then,
      satisfactory functional and aesthetic results can be achieved. However, combined
      injury should be carefully considered in those traumatic cases before we carry
      out the reconstructive surgery on the face.

PMID- 27136301
TI  - The price of associating with breeders in the cooperatively breeding chestnut
      crowned babbler: foraging constraints, survival and sociality.
AB  - Understanding the costs of living with breeders might offer new insights into the
      factors that counter evolutionary transitions from selfish individuals to
      cooperative societies. While selection on early dispersal is well understood, it
      is less clear whether costs are also associated with remaining with family
      members during subsequent breeding, a prerequisite to the evolution of kin-based
      cooperation. We propose and test the hypothesis that living in groups containing
      breeders is costly and that such costs are exacerbated by increasing group size.
      For example, in group-living central-place foragers, group members might suffer
      from resource depletion when foraging in a restricted area during breeding and
      significant costs of repeatedly travelling between foraging patches and the site
      of offspring. Using the cooperatively breeding chestnut-crowned babbler
      (Pomatostomus ruficeps), for which grouping during breeding is obligatory, we
      show that reproduction is associated with substantially reduced foraging areas
      and evidence of resource depletion, particularly in larger groups. Such effects
      largely persisted from the onset of incubation through to offspring independence
      4-5 months later. All group members, irrespective of their breeder or helper
      status, lost significant body mass over this period, and, in males, mass loss was
      associated with reduced interannual survival. Although babblers are constrained
      from living outside of breeding groups due to high risks of predation and the
      poor success of breeding without helpers, we suggest that the effects we describe
      may generally select against group living during breeding attempts in species
      where constraints to independent breeding and costs of dispersal are less acute.

PMID- 27136303
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of postmating prezygotic reproductive isolation uncovered by
      transcriptome analysis.
AB  - Little is known about the physiological responses and genetic mutations
      associated with reproductive isolation between species, especially for postmating
      prezygotic isolating barriers. Here, we examine changes in gene expression that
      accompany the expression of 'unilateral incompatibility' (UI)-a postmating
      prezygotic barrier in which fertilization is prevented by gamete rejection in the
      reproductive tract [in this case of pollen tubes (male gametophytes)] in one
      direction of a species cross, but is successful in the reciprocal crossing
      direction. We use whole-transcriptome sequencing of multiple developmental stages
      of male and female tissues in two Solanum species that exhibit UI to: (i)
      identify transcript differences between UI-competent and UI noncompetent tissues;
      (ii) characterize transcriptional changes specifically associated with the
      phenotypic expression of UI; and (iii) using these comparisons, evaluate the
      behaviour of a priori candidate loci for UI and identify new candidates for
      future manipulative work. In addition to describing transcriptome-wide changes in
      gene expression that accompany this isolating barrier, we identify at least five
      strong candidates for involvement in postmating prezygotic incompatibility
      between species. These include three novel candidates and two candidates that are
      strongly supported by prior developmental, functional, and quantitative trait
      locus mapping studies. These latter genes are known molecular players in the
      intraspecific expression of mate choice via genetic self-incompatibility, and our
      study supports prior evidence that these inter- and intraspecific postmating
      prezygotic reproductive behaviours share specific genetic and molecular
      mechanisms.

PMID- 27136302
TI  - Selectivity of Pyridone- and Diphenyl Ether-Based Inhibitors for the Yersinia
      pestis FabV Enoyl-ACP Reductase.
AB  - The enoyl-ACP reductase (ENR) catalyzes the last reaction in the elongation cycle
      of the bacterial type II fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS-II) pathway. While the FabI
      ENR is a well-validated drug target in organisms such as Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus, alternate ENR isoforms have been
      discovered in other pathogens, including the FabV enzyme that is the sole ENR in
      Yersinia pestis (ypFabV). Previously, we showed that the prototypical ENR
      inhibitor triclosan was a poor inhibitor of ypFabV and that inhibitors based on
      the 2-pyridone scaffold were more potent [Hirschbeck, M. (2012) Structure 20 (1),
      89-100]. These studies were performed with the T276S FabV variant. In the work
      presented here, we describe a detailed examination of the mechanism and
      inhibition of wild-type ypFabV and the T276S variant. The T276S mutation
      significantly reduces the affinity of diphenyl ether inhibitors for ypFabV (20
      fold -> 100-fold). In addition, while T276S ypFabV generally displays an affinity
      for 2-pyridone inhibitors higher than that of the wild-type enzyme, the 4
      pyridone scaffold yields compounds with similar affinity for both wild-type and
      T276S ypFabV. T276 is located at the N-terminus of the helical substrate-binding
      loop, and structural studies coupled with site-directed mutagenesis reveal that
      alterations in this residue modulate the size of the active site portal.
      Subsequently, we were able to probe the mechanism of time-dependent inhibition in
      this enzyme family by extending the inhibition studies to include P142W ypFabV, a
      mutation that results in a gain of slow-onset inhibition for the 4-pyridone
      PT156.

PMID- 27136304
TI  - Soil concentrations, occurrence, sources and estimation of air-soil exchange of
      polychlorinated biphenyls in Indian cities.
AB  - Past studies have shown potentially increasing levels of polychlorinated
      biphenyls (PCBs) in the Indian environment. This is the first attempt to
      investigate the occurrence of PCBs in surface soil and estimate diffusive air
      soil exchange, both on a regional scale as well as at local level within the
      metropolitan environment of India. From the north, New Delhi and Agra, east,
      Kolkata, west, Mumbai and Goa and Chennai and Bangalore in the southern India
      were selected for this study. 33 PCB congeners were quantified in surface soil
      and possible sources were derived using positive matrix factorization model. Net
      flux directions of PCBs were estimated in seven major metropolitan cities of
      India along urban-suburban-rural transects. Mean Sigma33PCBs concentration in
      soil (12ng/g dry weight) was nearly twice the concentration found in global
      background soil, but in line with findings from Pakistan and urban sites of
      China. Higher abundance of the heavier congeners (6CB-8CB) was prevalent mostly
      in the urban centers. Cities like Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata with evidence of
      ongoing PCB sources did not show significant correlation with soil organic carbon
      (SOC). This study provides evidence that soil is acting as sink for heavy weight
      PCB congeners and source for lighter congeners. Atmospheric transport is
      presumably a controlling factor for occurrence of PCBs in less polluted sites of
      India.

PMID- 27136305
TI  - Ground reaction forces and knee kinetics during single and repeated badminton
      lunges.
AB  - Repeated movement (RM) lunge that frequently executed in badminton might be used
      for footwear evaluation. This study examined the influence of single movement
      (SM) and RM lunges on the ground reaction forces (GRFs) and knee kinetics during
      the braking phase of a badminton lunge step. Thirteen male university badminton
      players performed left-forward lunges in both SM and RM sessions. Force platform
      and motion capturing system were used to measure GRFs and knee kinetics
      variables. Paired t-test was performed to determine any significant differences
      between SM and RM lunges regarding mean and coefficient of variation (CV) in each
      variable. The kinetics results indicated that compared to SM lunges, the RM
      lunges had shorter contact time and generated smaller maximum loading rate of
      impact force, peak knee anterior-posterior force, and peak knee sagittal moment
      but generated larger peak horizontal resultant forces (Ps < 0.05). Additionally,
      the RM lunges had lower CV for peak knee medial-lateral and vertical forces (Ps <
      0.05). These results suggested that the RM testing protocols had a distinct
      loading response and adaptation pattern during lunge and that the RM protocol
      showed higher within-trial reliability, which may be beneficial for the knee
      joint loading evaluation under different interventions.

PMID- 27136306
TI  - Merkel cell carcinoma incidence is increasing in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare aggressive neuroectodermal skin
      cancer with a high recurrence rate and a high mortality rate. Risk factors for
      MCC are reported to include high age, UV exposure, Caucasian skin type and
      immunosuppression. The incidence is reported to be increasing. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of this study was to describe a Swedish cohort and calculate incidence.
      METHODS: The study design is a retrospective cohort study of population-based
      data for MCC collected by the Swedish Cancer Registry to determine the incidence
      of MCC in Sweden and the clinical characteristics of these tumours including
      demographics, TNM classification, body part distribution and overall survival
      after diagnosis. De-identified data were collected from 1993 to 2012. RESULTS: A
      total of 606 cases of MCC were identified during the study period. The median age
      was 81 years (range 21-99) and a majority, 54.4% were women but age-adjusted
      incidence is higher in men. The incidence (per 100,000) of MCC in Sweden in 1993
      2012 increased from 0.09 to 0.20 for men and 0.12-0.17 for women, adjusted for
      age to the world standard population. For the both sexes, the increase was from
      0.11 to 0.19 per 100 000, an increase of 73%. The most common site of the primary
      tumour was the head and neck, with 51.8% of the cases. The size of the tumour was
      <5 cm in 82.1% of the cases. The majority of the tumours (90.7%) had no known
      lymphatic spread and only a few patients had confirmed distant metastases (2.9%)
      when diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: MCC is a rare disease in Sweden, but the incidence
      is increasing. This study supports the finding that high age, male sex and UV
      exposure are risk factors for MCCs. Interventions are required to increase
      awareness of MCC among clinicians and the public.

PMID- 27136307
TI  - I sleep with my Mind's eye open: Cognitive arousal and overgeneralization
      underpin the misperception of sleep.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Misperception of sleep (e.g., underestimation of sleep
      time relative to objective measures) is a common feature of insomnia and other
      psychopathologies. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying this tendency, we
      examined the role of pre-sleep cognitive arousal and overgeneralization. METHODS:
      We monitored the sleep of 54 community dwellers (the majority being university
      students), using actigraphy and a sleep diary for 7 days. Immediately after this
      period, the participants provided an additional global evaluation of their sleep
      for the past week. In this global evaluation, participants were asked to estimate
      their average number of hours of sleep and the duration of time taken to fall
      asleep (sleep onset latency) across the past seven nights. RESULTS: Single-night
      misperceptions (difference between actigraphy and sleep diary estimations) of
      sleep time and sleep onset latency were significantly associated with pre-sleep
      cognitive arousal, but not with overgeneralization. In contrast, global
      misperception of sleep (difference between sleep diary and global estimations)
      were associated with overgeneralization, but not with cognitive arousal.
      LIMITATIONS: Our sample mainly consisted of female university students, which
      limits the generalizability of the results. CONCLUSIONS: Misperception of sleep
      occurs in two cases: (1) in the case of a single night due to excessive arousal,
      and (2) in the case of multiple nights due to overgeneralization.

PMID- 27136308
TI  - Structural and Electronic Effects on the Properties of Fe2(dobdc) upon Oxidation
      with N2O.
AB  - We report electronic, vibrational, and magnetic properties, together with their
      structural dependences, for the metal-organic framework Fe2(dobdc) (dobdc(4-) =
      2,5-dioxido-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) and its derivatives, Fe2(O)2(dobdc) and
      Fe2(OH)2(dobdc)-species arising in the previously proposed mechanism for the
      oxidation of ethane to ethanol using N2O as an oxidant. Magnetic susceptibility
      measurements reported for Fe2(dobdc) in an earlier study and reported in the
      current study for Fe(II)0.26[Fe(III)(OH)]1.74(dobdc)(DMF)0.15(THF)0.22, which is
      more simply referred to as Fe2(OH)2(dobdc), were used to confirm the
      computational results. Theory was also compared to experiment for infrared
      spectra and powder X-ray diffraction structures. Structural and magnetic
      properties were computed by using Kohn-Sham density functional theory both with
      periodic boundary conditions and with cluster models. In addition, we studied the
      effects of different treatments of the exchange interactions on the magnetic
      coupling parameters by comparing several approaches to the exchange-correlation
      functional: generalized gradient approximation (GGA), GGA with empirical Coulomb
      and exchange integrals for 3d electrons (GGA+U), nonseparable gradient
      approximation (NGA) with empirical Coulomb and exchange integrals for 3d
      electrons (NGA+U), hybrid GGA, meta-GGA, and hybrid meta-GGA. We found the
      coupling between the metal centers along a chain to be ferromagnetic in the case
      of Fe2(dobdc) and antiferromagnetic in the cases of Fe2(O)2(dobdc) and
      Fe2(OH)2(dobdc). The shift in magnetic coupling behavior correlates with the
      changing electronic structure of the framework, which derives from both
      structural and electronic changes that occur upon metal oxidation and addition of
      the charge-balancing oxo and hydroxo ligands.

PMID- 27136310
TI  - Error in Author Degree.

PMID- 27136309
TI  - Effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on sperm function, oxidative stress
      and membrane integrity in human.
AB  - Oxidative stress has negative impacts on the clinical outcomes of assisted
      reproduction techniques. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes
      the viability of nerve cells and is known to decrease oxidative stress and
      apoptosis in different cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of
      BDNF treatment on human sperm functions that are known to be essential for
      fertilisation. Our findings showed that treatment of human spermatozoa with 0.133
      nM BDNF significantly increased the percentages of both total (P = 0.001) and
      progressive (P < 0.01) motile sperm cells compared to those observed in the
      nontreated (control) group. We also showed that the mean fluorescence intensity
      of DCFH-DA, as an indicator of intracellular reactive oxygen species, was
      significantly lower (P < 0.05) in spermatozoa treated with BDNF compared to the
      control group. Treatment of spermatozoa with BDNF significantly decreased the
      percentages of both dead (P = 0.001) and apoptotic-like sperm cells (P < 0.05)
      compared to the control group. On the other hand, BDNF treatment significantly
      increased the percentage of viable sperm cells compared to the control (P =
      0.001). In conclusion, BDNF has protective effects against oxidative stress in
      spermatozoa and could improve sperm functions that are essential for sperm-egg
      fusion and subsequent fertilisation.

PMID- 27136311
TI  - Arterial stiffness and medial temporal lobe atrophy in elders with memory
      disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hypertension is a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia.
      Arterial stiffness could be involved in the mechanisms of vascular cognitive
      impairment and in Alzheimer's disease. We examined the association between
      arterial stiffness, assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), and
      medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy, a biomarker of Alzheimer's disease. METHODS:
      Elderly community-dwelling study participants (n = 149) with memory complaints
      were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (n = 62) or mild cognitive impairment (n
      = 87) at a memory clinic. PWV, peripheral and central blood pressure (SBP), and
      pulse pressure (PP) were measured. MTL was graded on MRI according to the
      Scheltens' scale. RESULTS: Mean age was 79.5 (SD = 5) years old, 36% of study
      participants were men. MTL was absent or discrete in 23.5%, moderate in 53.0% and
      severe in 23.5% of study participants. PWV was 9.3 (2.2) m/s in none or discrete,
      11.1 (2.8) in moderate and 13.5 (4.0) in severe MTL atrophy (P < 0.0001). PWV,
      central SBP, and central PP were overall associated with MTL atrophy after
      adjustment for age, sex, antihypertensive treatments and white matter lesions,
      and further adjusted for mean BP for PWV, whereas peripheral SBP and PP were not
      associated with MTL atrophy. PWV was significantly associated with severe MTL
      atrophy [odds ratio = 3.69 (95% confidence interval = 1.69-8.05), P = 0.001] and
      marginally associated with moderate MTL atrophy [1.80 (0.92-3.53), P = 0.09].
      Furthermore PWV was significantly associated with severe MTL atrophy in
      Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment study participants separately.
      CONCLUSION: The result of this study suggests a role of arterial stiffness in the
      pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27136312
TI  - Accuracy of commercial devices and methods for noninvasive estimation of aortic
      systolic blood pressure a systematic review and meta-analysis of invasive
      validation studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although compelling evidence has established the physiological and
      clinical relevance of aortic SBP (a-SBP), no consensus exists regarding the
      validity of the available methods/techniques that noninvasively measure it.
      OBJECTIVES: The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the
      accuracy of commercial devices estimating a-SBP noninvasively, which have been
      validated by invasive measurement of a-SBP. Moreover their optimal mode of
      application, in terms of calibration, as well as specific technique and arterial
      site of pulse wave acquisition were further investigated. METHODS: The study was
      performed according to the PRISMA guidelines; 22 eligible studies were included,
      which validated invasively 11 different commercial devices in 808 study
      participants. RESULTS: Overall, the error in a-SBP estimation (estimated minus
      actual value) was -4.49 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): -6.06 to -2.92 mmHg].
      The estimated (noninvasive) a-SBP differed from the actual (invasive) value
      depending on calibration method: by -1.08 mmHg (95% CI: -2.81, 0.65 mmHg) and by 
      5.81 mmHg (95% CI: -7.79, -3.84 mmHg), when invasively and noninvasively measured
      brachial BP values were used respectively; by -1.83 mmHg, (95% CI: -3.32, -0.34
      mmHg), and by 7.78 mmHg (95% CI: -10.28, -5.28 mmHg), when brachial mean arterial
      pressure/DBP and SBP/DBP were used, respectively. CONCLUSION: Automated recording
      of waveforms, calibrated noninvasively by brachial mean arterial pressure/DBP
      values seems the most promising approach that can provide relatively more
      accurate, noninvasive estimation of a-SBP. It is still uncertain whether a
      specific device can be recommended as 'gold standard'; however, a consensus is
      currently demanding.

PMID- 27136313
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of new-onset left ventricular geometric abnormalities
      in a general population: the PAMELA study.
AB  - AIM: We sought to evaluate new-onset abnormal LV (left ventricle) patterns and
      their correlates over a 10-year period in members of the general population
      enrolled in the Pressioni Arteriose Monitorate e Loro Associazioni study.
      METHODS: The study included 817 patients with normal LV geometry at baseline
      evaluation having a readable echocardiogram at the end of follow-up. Cut-points
      for abnormal LV geometric patterns were derived from reference values of the
      healthy fraction of the Pressioni Arteriose Monitorate e Loro Associazioni
      population. RESULTS: Over a 10-year period 39% of participants progressed to
      abnormal LV geometric patterns as follows: LV concentric remodelling (15.2%),
      eccentric dilated left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (8.4%), concentric LVH
      (7.9%), eccentric nondilated LVH (6.8%), and concentric dilated LVH (0.7%). Age
      [odds ratio (OR): 1.039; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.023-1.056, P < 0.0001],
      LV mass index (OR: 1.039; 95% CI 1.026-1.052, P < 0.0001), night-time SBP (OR:
      1.024; 95% CI 1.005-1.043, P = 0.01), office SBP changes during follow-up (OR:
      1.017 95% CI 1.007-1028, P = 0.001), and BMI (OR: 1.067; 95% CI 1.017-1.120, P =
      0.009) emerged as key correlates of new-onset abnormal LV geometry. Age and LV
      mass index turned out to be strong determinants of all sub-types of LVH; whereas
      blood pressure, BMI, and sex exhibited a different predictive value across the
      various LV geometric patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides the first evidence
      that long-term changes from normal cardiac morphology toward abnormal LV geometry
      represent a clinically relevant phenomenon at the community level. From a
      practical perspective this finding reinforces the concept that life-style changes
      and pharmacologic treatment aimed to reduce over-weight/obesity and optimize
      blood pressure are of paramount importance for prevention of subclinical cardiac
      damage.

PMID- 27136314
TI  - Association of triglycerides and new lipid markers with the incidence of
      hypertension in a Spanish cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are
      known to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, there has been
      limited knowledge on the relationship between triglycerides and incident
      hypertension. The associations of incident hypertension with triglycerides and
      triglycerides-related indices such as triglycerides to HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C) and
      triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) were evaluated. METHODS: Data from 3637
      participants from the Vascular Metabolic Clinica Universidad Navarra cohort were
      followed-up during a mean of 8.49 years. A Cox proportional hazard ratio with
      repeated measures analyses was performed to assess the risk of developing
      hypertension across the quintiles of triglycerides, TG/HDL-C ratio, and TyG
      index. RESULTS: The risk of developing hypertension was 47% and 73% greater for
      those in the fourth and fifth quintiles of triglycerides, after adjusting for
      age, sex, BMI, cigarette smoking, daily alcohol intake, lifestyle pattern, type 2
      diabetes, antiaggregation therapy, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, SBP, and
      DBP. In men, those in the top quintile of triglycerides, TG/HDL-C ratio or TyG
      index were two times more likely to develop hypertension than those in the bottom
      quintile. In women, the effect was attenuated although the risk of hypertension
      rose with increasing quintiles (P for trend <0.05). The results were consistent
      when analyses were restricted to those participants without diabetes and obesity
      at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Our results evidenced the associations between
      triglycerides-related variables and incident hypertension independently of
      adiposity. This association was stronger than those observed for other commonly
      used lipid parameters or lipid ratios, such as the TC/HDL-C ratio. VIDEO
      ABSTRACT: : http://links.lww.com/HJH/A620.

PMID- 27136315
TI  - Awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in Austria: a multicentre cross
      sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension (HTN) control is achieved in 30-50% of all diagnosed and
      treated patients in Europe today. There is no large, recent, and properly
      conducted Austrian study available, with the last representative data being
      obtained in the 1990s. We sought to close this gap of evidence in Europe by
      providing information on HTN control in predominantly adherent patients. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: In October 2015, we enrolled 4303 patients with HTN who approached
      one of 158 participating pharmacies with a prescription filled for
      antihypertensive medication. The recruitment was completed within 10 days.
      Patient's mean age was 68 +/- 12 years, 53% were women. The mean SBP/DBP was 144
      +/- 20/84 +/- 12 mmHg. On average, patients received 2.2 +/- 1.1 different
      antihypertensive substances, 45% received a fixed-dose combination drug. A total
      of 93% were aware of their disease, 90% claimed to have taken their medication
      prior to the survey, and 41% had their blood pressure (BP) controlled at a
      threshold of 140/90 mmHg. Predictors of HTN control were lower age [per decade
      increase, odds ratio (OR) 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85; 0.96, P <
      0.01], female sex (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.07;1.41), the intake of medication on the
      day of the conduct of the survey (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.67;2.76), a university degree
      (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.19; 2.08), and the consultation of a specialist for internal
      medicine/cardiology vs. a general practitioner (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04; 1.39).
      CONCLUSION: Despite a high degree of awareness and frequent use of fixed-dose
      combination drugs, only 41% of diagnosed, treated, and adherent HTN patients had
      their BP controlled. Immediate action is required to improve BP control in
      Austria. VIDEO ABSTRACT: : http://links.lww.com/HJH/A624.

PMID- 27136316
TI  - Postural hand tremor and incident hypertension in young to middle-aged adults:
      the Bogalusa heart study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hand tremor and blood pressure (BP) are both increased by adrenergic
      stimulation and reduced by beta-blockade, indicating that they may share a common
      underlying pathophysiology. METHODS: We prospectively examined the relationship
      between postural hand tremor and incident hypertension in a community-based
      cohort of 715 (184 blacks and 531 whites) adults without hypertension and not
      using medications to control tremor (e.g. beta-blockers). At baseline, tremor was
      measured with participants holding a laser pointer aimed at a sheet of Polaroid
      film 8 feet away with arm outstretched for 8 s in a darkened room, and
      characterized by the width of the circle diameter encompassing all exposures and
      enumeration of exposure dots in the same area. Incident hypertension was defined
      as new elevation of BP (SBP >= 140 or DBP >= 90 mmHg, based on an average of six
      readings over two visits) or antihypertensive medication use. RESULTS: During a
      median follow-up of 6.4 years, 198 (69 blacks and 129 whites) participants
      developed hypertension. Tremor measurements (by quartile) were positively
      associated with incident hypertension after adjustment for baseline demographics,
      lifestyle characteristics, and BP. There was significant interaction by race (P =
      0.01). Among whites, tremor was positively associated with incident hypertension
      [hazard ratio highest vs. lowest quartile: 2.50 (95% confidence interval: 1.40
      4.48) dot method and 3.24 (1.78-5.90) circular method; both P trend <0.01]. Among
      blacks, tremor was not associated with hypertension. CONCLUSION: In this
      community-based cohort, postural hand tremor was strongly associated with the
      risk of incident hypertension among whites and merits further study as a
      potential indicator of risk for hypertension.

PMID- 27136317
TI  - Magnetoelectric Coupling, Ferroelectricity, and Magnetic Memory Effect in Double
      Perovskite La3Ni2NbO9.
AB  - We observe ferroelectricity in an almost unexplored double perovskite La3Ni2NbO9.
      Ferroelectricity appears below ~60 K, which is found to be correlated with the
      significant magnetostriction. A reasonably large value of spontaneous electric
      polarization is recorded to be ~260 MUC/m(2) at 10 K for E = 5 kV/cm, which
      decreases signifi- cantly upon application of a magnetic field (H), suggesting
      considerable magnetoelectric coupling. The dielectric permittivity is also
      influenced by H below the ferroelectric transition. The magnetodielectric
      response scales linearly to the squared magnetization, as described by the
      Ginzburg-Landau theory. Meticulous studies of static and dynamic features of dc
      magnetization and frequency dependent ac susceptibility results suggest spin
      glass state below 29 K. Intrinsic magnetic memory effect is observed from zero
      field cooled magnetization and isothermal remanent magnetization studies, also
      pointing spin-glass state below 29 K. Appearance of ferroelectricity together
      with a significant magnetoelectric coupling in absence of conventional long-range
      magnetic order is promising for searching new magnetoelectric materials.

PMID- 27136319
TI  - Molecular Motors: Power Strokes Outperform Brownian Ratchets.
AB  - Molecular motors convert chemical energy (typically from ATP hydrolysis) to
      directed motion and mechanical work. Their actions are often described in terms
      of "Power Stroke" (PS) and "Brownian Ratchet" (BR) mechanisms. Here, we use a
      transition-state model and stochastic thermodynamics to describe a range of
      mechanisms ranging from PS to BR. We incorporate this model into Hill's
      diagrammatic method to develop a comprehensive model of motor processivity that
      is simple but sufficiently general to capture the full range of behavior observed
      for molecular motors. We demonstrate that, under all conditions, PS motors are
      faster, more powerful, and more efficient at constant velocity than BR motors. We
      show that these differences are very large for simple motors but become
      inconsequential for complex motors with additional kinetic barrier steps.

PMID- 27136318
TI  - Models for change in tumour size, appearance of new lesions and survival
      probability in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - AIMS: The aims of this study were (i) to develop a modelling framework linking
      change in tumour size during treatment to survival probability in metastatic
      ovarian cancer; and (ii) to model the appearance of new lesions and investigate
      their relationship with survival and disease characteristics. METHODS: Data from
      a randomized Phase III clinical trial comparing carboplatin monotherapy to
      gemcitabine plus carboplatin combotherapy in 336 patients with metastatic ovarian
      cancer were used. A population model describing change in tumour size based on
      drug treatment information was established and its relationship with time to
      appearance of new lesions and survival were investigated with time to event
      models. RESULTS: The tumour size profiles were well characterized as evaluated by
      visual predictive checks. Metastasis in the liver at enrolment and change in
      tumour size up to week 12 were predictors of time to appearance of new lesions.
      Survival was predicted based on the patient tumour size and ECOG performance
      status at enrolment and on appearance of new lesions during treatment and change
      in tumour size up to week 12. Tumour size and survival data from a separate study
      were adequately predicted. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed models simulate tumour
      dynamics following treatment and provide a link to the probability of developing
      new lesions as well as to survival. The models have potential to be used for
      optimizing the design of late phase clinical trials in metastatic ovarian cancer
      based on early phase clinical study results and simulation.

PMID- 27136320
TI  - Macrochaete gen. nov. (Nostocales, Cyanobacteria), a taxon morphologically and
      molecularly distinct from Calothrix.
AB  - Historically, the genus Calothrix included all noncolonial, tapered, heterocytous
      filaments within the cyanobacteria. However, recent molecular phylogenies show
      that "Calothrix" defined in this sense represents five distinct clades. The type
      species of Calothrix is marine, with solitary basal heterocytes, no akinetes, and
      distal ends tapering abruptly into short hairs. We examined the morphology and
      phylogeny of 45 tapering cyanobacteria in the Rivulariaceae, including freshwater
      and marine representatives of both Calothrix (35 strains) and its sister taxon
      Rivularia (10 strains). The marine Calothrix fall into two lineages, but we lack
      the generitype and so cannot identify the clade corresponding to the type
      species. The freshwater and soil Calothrix fall into the C. parietina clade and
      are characterized by having a basal heterocyte, no akinetes, and gradual tapering
      but not into a long hyaline hair. Macrochaete gen. nov. is a freshwater taxon
      sister to the Calothrix lineages but clearly separated from Rivularia. The
      species in this genus differ morphologically from Calothrix by their ability to
      produce two heteromorphic basal heterocytes and specific secondary structures of
      the 16S-23S ITS. An additional feature present in most species is the presence of
      a distal, long hyaline hair, but this character has incomplete penetrance due to
      its expression only under specific environmental conditions (low phosphate), and
      in one species appears to be lost. We recognize three species: M. psychrophila
      (type species) from cold environments (high mountains, Antarctica), M. santannae
      from wet walls of subtropical South America, and M. lichenoides, a phycobiont of
      lichens from Europe.

PMID- 27136321
TI  - In Vitro Multitissue Interface Model Supports Rapid Vasculogenesis and
      Mechanistic Study of Vascularization across Tissue Compartments.
AB  - A significant challenge facing tissue engineers is the design and development of
      complex multitissue systems, including vascularized tissue-tissue interfaces.
      While conventional in vitro models focus on either vasculogenesis (de novo
      formation of blood vessels) or angiogenesis (vessels sprouting from existing
      vessels or endothelial monolayers), successful therapeutic vascularization
      strategies will likely rely on coordinated integration of both processes. To
      address this challenge, we developed a novel in vitro multitissue interface model
      in which human endothelial colony forming cell (ECFC)-encapsulated tissue spheres
      are embedded within a surrounding tissue microenvironment. This highly
      reproducible approach exploits biphilic surfaces (nanostructured surfaces with
      distinct superhydrophobic and hydrophilic regions) to (i) support tissue
      compartments with user-specified matrix composition and physical properties as
      well as cell type and density and (ii) introduce boundary conditions that prevent
      the cell-mediated tissue contraction routinely observed with conventional three
      dimensional monodispersion cultures. This multitissue interface model was applied
      to test the hypothesis that independent control of cell-extracellular matrix
      (ECM) and cell-cell interactions would affect vascularization within the tissue
      sphere as well as across the tissue-tissue interface. We found that high-cell
      density tissue spheres containing 5 * 10(6) ECFCs/mL exhibit rapid and robust
      vasculogenesis, forming highly interconnected, stable (as indicated by type IV
      collagen deposition) vessel networks within only 3 days. Addition of adipose
      derived stromal cells (ASCs) in the surrounding tissue further enhanced
      vasculogenesis within the sphere as well as angiogenic vessel elongation across
      the tissue-tissue boundary, with both effects being dependent on the ASC density.
      Overall, results show that the ECFC density and ECFC-ASC crosstalk, in terms of
      paracrine and mechanophysical signaling, are critical determinants of
      vascularization within a given tissue compartment and across tissue interfaces.
      This new in vitro multitissue interface model and the associated mechanistic
      insights it yields provide guiding principles for the design and optimization of
      multitissue vascularization strategies for research and clinical applications. 

PMID- 27136323
TI  - Development and Validation of a Universal High-Throughput UDP-Glycosyltransferase
      Assay with a Time-Resolved FRET Signal.
AB  - Glycosyltransferase enzymes play diverse metabolic and regulatory roles by
      catalyzing the transfer of sugar molecules to protein, lipid, and carbohydrate
      acceptors, and they are increasingly of interest as therapeutic targets in a
      number of diseases, including metabolic disorders, cancer, and infectious
      diseases. The glycosyltransferases are a challenging target class from an assay
      development perspective because of the diversity of both donor and acceptor
      substrates and the lack of suitable glycan detection methods. However, many
      glycosyltransferases use uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP) sugars as donor substrates,
      and detection of the free UDP reaction product provides a generic approach for
      measuring the activity of those enzymes. To exploit this approach for a broadly
      applicable high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for discovery of
      glycosyltransferase inhibitors, we developed a Transcreener((r)) assay for
      immunodetection of UDP with a time-resolved Forster resonance energy transfer (TR
      FRET) signal. We optimized the assay for detection of glycosyltransferase
      activity with nucleotide diphosphate (NDP) sugars at concentrations from 10 MUM
      to 1 mM, achieving Z' values of 0.6 or higher. The assay was validated by
      orthogonal pooled screening with 8,000 compounds using polypeptide N
      acetylgalactosaminyltransferase T3 as the target, and the hits were confirmed
      using an orthogonal readout. The reagents and signal were both stable for more
      than 8 h at room temperature, insuring robust performance in automated HTS
      environments. The TR-FRET-based UDP detection assay provides a broadly applicable
      approach for screening glycosyltransferases that use a UDP-sugar donor.

PMID- 27136322
TI  - Impact of tissue T1 on perfusion measurement with arterial spin labeling.
AB  - PURPOSE: Arterial spin labeling (ASL) may provide quantitative maps of cerebral
      blood flow (CBF). Because labeled water exchanges with tissue water, this study
      evaluates the influence of tissue T1 on CBF quantification using ASL. METHODS: To
      locally modify T1 , a low dose of manganese (Mn) was intracerebrally injected in
      one hemisphere of 19 rats (cortex or striatum). Tissue T1 and CBF were mapped
      using inversion recovery and continuous ASL experiments at 4.7T. RESULTS: Mn
      reduced the tissue T1 by more than 30% but had little impact on other tissue
      properties as assessed via dynamic susceptibility and diffusion MRI. Using a
      single-compartment model, the use of a single tissue T1 value yielded a mean
      relative ipsilateral (Mn-injected) to contralateral (noninjected) CBF difference
      of -34% in cortex and -22% in striatum tissue. With a T1 map, these values became
      -7% and +8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A low dose of Mn reduces the tissue T1
      without modifying CBF. Heterogeneous T1 impacts the ASL estimate of CBF in a
      region-dependent way. In animals, and when T1 modifications exceed the accuracy
      with which the tissue T1 can be determined, an estimate of tissue T1 should be
      obtained when quantifying CBF with an ASL technique. Magn Reson Med 77:1656-1664,
      2017. (c) 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

PMID- 27136324
TI  - In Memoriam: Carol Stroebel.

PMID- 27136325
TI  - Determination of functional iron deficiency status in haemodialysis patients in
      central South Africa.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Functional iron deficiency (FID) is characterized by adequate body
      iron stores with an inadequate rate of iron delivery for erythropoiesis. In
      chronic kidney failure (CKD), iron availability is best assessed using the
      percentage of hypochromic red cells (%Hypo). The aim of our study was to
      determine the FID status of haemodialysis patients in central South Africa, using
      the %Hypo analyte and to evaluate the ability of the currently used biochemical
      tests, transferrin saturation (TSat) and serum ferritin to diagnose FID. METHODS:
      For this study, 49 patients on haemodialysis were recruited. Haemoglobin (Hb),
      mean cell volume (MCV) and %Hypo were measured on the Advia 2120i. Biochemical
      analytes (serum ferritin, TSat) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were also
      recorded. RESULTS: Of the 49 participants, 21 (42.9%) were diagnosed with FID
      (%Hypo >6%). A large number of patients (91.8%) were anaemic. The TSat
      demonstrated poor sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing FID compared with
      %Hypo. The use of %Hypo (rather than TSat) to guide intravenous iron use spared
      16 patients the potential harmful effects thereof. CONCLUSION: Using %Hypo as a
      single analyte to diagnose FID will lead to more appropriate use of limited
      resources and a reduction in treatment-related complications.

PMID- 27136326
TI  - Multilayered proteomics reveals molecular switches dictating ligand-dependent
      EGFR trafficking.
AB  - A fascinating conundrum in cell signaling is how stimulation of the same receptor
      tyrosine kinase with distinct ligands generates specific outcomes. To decipher
      the functional selectivity of EGF and TGF-alpha, which induce epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) degradation and recycling, respectively, we devised an
      integrated multilayered proteomics approach (IMPA). We analyzed dynamic changes
      in the receptor interactome, ubiquitinome, phosphoproteome, and late proteome in
      response to both ligands in human cells by quantitative MS and identified 67
      proteins regulated at multiple levels. We identified RAB7 phosphorylation and RCP
      recruitment to EGFR as switches for EGF and TGF-alpha outputs, controlling
      receptor trafficking, signaling duration, proliferation, and migration. By
      manipulating RCP levels or phosphorylation of RAB7 in EGFR-positive cancer cells,
      we were able to switch a TGF-alpha-mediated response to an EGF-like response or
      vice versa as EGFR trafficking was rerouted. We propose IMPA as an approach to
      uncover fine-tuned regulatory mechanisms in cell signaling.

PMID- 27136329
TI  - Challenging the convention of size matching by weight in pediatric heart
      transplantation.

PMID- 27136328
TI  - Crystal structures of a group II intron maturase reveal a missing link in
      spliceosome evolution.
AB  - Group II introns are self-splicing ribozymes that are essential in many
      organisms, and they have been hypothesized to share a common evolutionary
      ancestor with the spliceosome. Although structural similarity of RNA components
      supports this connection, it is of interest to determine whether associated
      protein factors also share an evolutionary heritage. Here we present the crystal
      structures of reverse transcriptase (RT) domains from two group II intron-encoded
      proteins (maturases) from Roseburia intestinalis and Eubacterium rectale,
      obtained at 1.2-A and 2.1-A resolution, respectively. These domains are more
      similar in architecture to the spliceosomal Prp8 RT-like domain than to any other
      RTs, and they share substantial similarity with flaviviral RNA polymerases. The
      RT domain itself is sufficient for binding intron RNA with high affinity and
      specificity, and it is contained within an active RT enzyme. These studies
      provide a foundation for understanding structure-function relationships within
      group II intron-maturase complexes.

PMID- 27136327
TI  - Structure of a group II intron in complex with its reverse transcriptase.
AB  - Bacterial group II introns are large catalytic RNAs related to nuclear
      spliceosomal introns and eukaryotic retrotransposons. They self-splice, yielding
      mature RNA, and integrate into DNA as retroelements. A fully active group II
      intron forms a ribonucleoprotein complex comprising the intron ribozyme and an
      intron-encoded protein that performs multiple activities including reverse
      transcription, in which intron RNA is copied into the DNA target. Here we report
      cryo-EM structures of an endogenously spliced Lactococcus lactis group IIA intron
      in its ribonucleoprotein complex form at 3.8-A resolution and in its protein
      depleted form at 4.5-A resolution, revealing functional coordination of the
      intron RNA with the protein. Remarkably, the protein structure reveals a close
      relationship between the reverse transcriptase catalytic domain and telomerase,
      whereas the active splicing center resembles the spliceosomal Prp8 protein. These
      extraordinary similarities hint at intricate ancestral relationships and provide
      new insights into splicing and retromobility.

PMID- 27136330
TI  - A DFT Approach to the Mechanistic Study of Hydrozone Hydrolysis.
AB  - Hydrazone chemistry is widely utilized in biomedical field as a means of
      bioconjugation protocol, especially in drug delivery field due to pH labile
      nature of this linkage. In the light of kinetics studies, the generally accepted
      mechanism for the hydrolysis of hydrazones involves two main steps, namely,
      nucleophilic addition of water molecule to the hydrazone molecule to form
      carbinolamine intermediate and subsequent decomposition of this intermediate into
      the hydrazine and aldehyde/ketone moieties. Hydrolysis of hydrazones is catalyzed
      in the acidic environments and is thought to proceed through several proton
      transfer steps. To the best of our knowledge, in the literature no detailed
      theoretical study has been reported related to the mechanism of hydrolysis. In
      this study, we evaluated the proposed mechanism with DFT calculations with M06-2X
      functional at the 6-311+g(d,p) level including conductor-like polarizable
      continuum model solvation model. We also analyzed possible proton transfer
      pathways and assessed energetics of each step. 

PMID- 27136331
TI  - Is rituximab sub-optimally dosed in indolent B cell lymphoma?
AB  - Rituximab pharmacokinetics are affected by gender, age and weight and can affect
      outcomes in aggressive B cell lymphoma. Less is known about the pharmacokinetics
      of rituximab in indolent B cell lymphoma (iNHL). We analysed the effects of
      gender, age, weight and body surface area on the outcomes of 303 patients treated
      with first line rituximab-based regimens for iNHL. The patients were divided into
      3 treatment cohorts: rituximab only, rituximab + chemotherapy (R-CTX) and R-CTX
      followed by rituximab maintenance; furthermore, each cohort was subdivided as
      follicular (FL) or non-FL, based on histology. Older males and patients with
      higher weight had worse outcomes when treated with R-CTX, probably due to faster
      rituximab clearance. Our results concur with studies of R-CTX for DLBCL. As this
      effect was not observed in patients treated with rituximab alone or R-CTX
      followed by rituximab maintenance, we hypothesize that higher rituximab levels
      reached with weekly rituximab and/or prolonged exposure achieved with maintenance
      therapy exceed the therapeutic threshold, even with faster clearance, which
      nullifies the negative effect of higher weight and male gender. In conclusion,
      under current practices, a subset of patients with iNHL, i.e., FL treated with R
      CTX, may be sub-optimally dosed with rituximab.

PMID- 27136332
TI  - The epidemiology of pancreas disease in salmonid aquaculture: a summary of the
      current state of knowledge.
AB  - Pancreas disease (PD) is a viral disease caused by Salmonid alphavirus (SAV) that
      affects farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
      mykiss (Walbaum)) in the seawater phase. Since its first description in Scotland
      in 1976, a large number of studies have been conducted relating to the disease
      itself and to factors contributing to agent spread and disease occurrence. This
      paper summarizes the currently available, scientific information on the
      epidemiology of PD and its associated mitigation and control measures. Available
      literature shows infected farmed salmonids to be the main reservoir of SAV.
      Transmission between seawater sites occurs mainly passively by water currents or
      actively through human activity coupled with inadequate biosecurity measures. All
      available information suggests that the current fallowing procedures are adequate
      to prevent agent survival within the environment through the fallowing period and
      thus that a repeated disease outbreak at the same site is due to a new agent
      introduction. There has been no scientific evaluation of currently used on-site
      biosecurity measures, and there is limited information on the impact of available
      mitigation measures and control strategies.

PMID- 27136333
TI  - Determinants of Seeking and Avoiding Risk-Related Information in Times of Crisis.
AB  - This research is designed to provide insight into the psychological (e.g., threat
      appraisal or coping appraisal) and other determinants (e.g., information quality
      judgments or demographics) of risk information seeking or avoidance in times of
      an acute risk, as part of the process of increasing public resilience through
      adherence to risk mitigating advice. Data were collected via telephone
      interviews. A specialized agency interviewed 1,000 Dutch citizens, randomly
      confronted with one of eight fictitious, but realistic, acute risk and emergency
      situations. Results indicate that information seeking in an acute situation is
      anticipated by a less elaborate set of predictors (age and risk perception) than
      information seeking in a nonacute situation (age and risk perception, as well as
      educational level and social norm). Although risk perception is a predictor for
      risk information seeking, its predictive value for acute-risk-related behavior,
      as one might have assumed based on theories such as protection motivation theory
      (PMT) or the extended parallel process model (EPPM), appears to be limited.
      Implications for risk communication are discussed.

PMID- 27136334
TI  - Minimum Field Strength Simulator for Proton Density Weighted MRI.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a framework for simulating low-field proton
      density weighted MRI acquisitions based on high-field acquisitions, which could
      be used to predict the minimum B0 field strength requirements for MRI techniques.
      This framework would be particularly useful in the evaluation of de-noising and
      constrained reconstruction techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Given MRI raw data,
      lower field MRI acquisitions can be simulated based on the signal and noise
      scaling with field strength. Certain assumptions are imposed for the simulation
      and their validity is discussed. A validation experiment was performed using a
      standard resolution phantom imaged at 0.35 T, 1.5 T, 3 T, and 7 T. This framework
      was then applied to two sample proton-density weighted MRI applications that
      demonstrated estimation of minimum field strength requirements: real-time upper
      airway imaging and liver proton-density fat fraction measurement. RESULTS: The
      phantom experiment showed good agreement between simulated and measured images.
      The SNR difference between simulated and measured was <= 8% for the 1.5T, 3T, and
      7T cases which utilized scanners with the same geometry and from the same vendor.
      The measured SNR at 0.35T was 1.8- to 2.5-fold less than predicted likely due to
      unaccounted differences in the RF receive chain. The predicted minimum field
      strength requirements for the two sample applications were 0.2 T and 0.3 T,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Under certain assumptions, low-field MRI acquisitions
      can be simulated from high-field MRI data. This enables prediction of the minimum
      field strength requirements for a broad range of MRI techniques.

PMID- 27136337
TI  - Mechanical Circulatory Support and Rationale for Future Research.

PMID- 27136338
TI  - Mechanical Circulatory Support and Rationale for Future Research-Reply.

PMID- 27136339
TI  - Mechanical Circulatory Support and Rationale for Future Research-Reply.

PMID- 27136340
TI  - Fitness and Coronary Artery Calcification.

PMID- 27136341
TI  - Fitness and Coronary Artery Calcification-Reply.

PMID- 27136342
TI  - Corporate Funding of Nutrition Research and Unjustified Conclusions.

PMID- 27136343
TI  - Corporate Funding of Nutrition Research and Unjustified Conclusions-Reply.

PMID- 27136344
TI  - Mixed Diagnoses and Mixed Messages.

PMID- 27136345
TI  - Mixed Diagnoses and Mixed Messages-Reply.

PMID- 27136346
TI  - Measuring personal exposure from 900MHz mobile phone base stations in Australia
      and Belgium using a novel personal distributed exposimeter.
AB  - The aims of this study were to: i) measure personal exposure in the Global System
      for Mobile communications (GSM) 900MHz downlink (DL) frequency band with two
      systems of exposimeters, a personal distributed exposimeter (PDE) and a pair of
      ExpoM-RFs, ii) compare the GSM 900MHz DL exposures across various
      microenvironments in Australia and Belgium, and iii) evaluate the correlation
      between the PDE and ExpoM-RFs measurements. Personal exposure data were collected
      using the PDE and two ExpoM-RFs simultaneously across 34 microenvironments (17
      each in Australia and Belgium) located in urban, suburban and rural areas.
      Summary statistics of the electric field strengths (V/m) were computed and
      compared across similar microenvironments in Australia and Belgium. The personal
      exposures across urban microenvironments were higher than those in the rural or
      suburban microenvironments. Likewise, the exposure levels across the outdoor were
      higher than those for indoor microenvironments. The five highest median exposure
      levels were: city centre (0.248V/m), bus (0.124V/m), railway station (0.105V/m),
      mountain/forest (rural) (0.057V/m), and train (0.055V/m) [Australia]; and bicycle
      (urban) (0.238V/m), tram station (0.238V/m), city centre (0.156V/m), residential
      outdoor (urban) (0.139V/m) and park (0.124V/m) [Belgium]. Exposures in the GSM900
      MHz frequency band across most of the microenvironments in Australia were
      significantly lower than the exposures across the microenvironments in Belgium.
      Overall correlations between the PDE and the ExpoM-RFs measurements were high.
      The measured exposure levels were far below the general public reference levels
      recommended in the guidelines of the ICNIRP and the ARPANSA.

PMID- 27136347
TI  - Effect of Calorie Restriction on Mood, Quality of Life, Sleep, and Sexual
      Function in Healthy Nonobese Adults: The CALERIE 2 Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Calorie restriction (CR) increases longevity in many species and
      reduces risk factors for chronic diseases. In humans, CR may improve health span,
      yet concerns remain about potential negative effects of CR. OBJECTIVE: To test
      the effect of CR on mood, quality of life (QOL), sleep, and sexual function in
      healthy nonobese adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A multisite
      randomized clinical trial (Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of
      Reducing Intake of Energy Phase 2 [CALERIE 2]) was conducted at 3 academic
      research institutions. Adult men and women (N = 220) with body mass index (BMI;
      calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 22.0 to
      28.0 were randomized to 2 years of 25% CR or an ad libitum (AL) control group in
      a 2:1 ratio favoring CR. Data were collected at baseline, 12 months, and 24
      months and examined using intent-to-treat analysis. The study was conducted from
      January 22, 2007, to March 6, 2012. Data analysis was performed from July 18,
      2012, to October 27, 2015. INTERVENTIONS: Two years of 25% CR or AL. MAIN
      OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Self-report questionnaires were administered to measure
      mood (Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II], score range 0-63, higher scores
      indicating worse mood, and Profile of Mood States [POMS], with a total mood
      disturbance score range of -32 to 200 and higher scores indicating higher levels
      of the constructs measured), QOL (Rand 36-Item Short Form, score range 0-100,
      higher scores reflecting better QOL, and Perceived Stress Scale, score range 0
      40, higher scores indicating higher levels of stress), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep
      Quality Index [PSQI], total score range 0-21, higher scores reflecting worse
      sleep quality), and sexual function (Derogatis Interview for Sexual Function-Self
      report, total score range 24-188, higher scores indicating better sexual
      functioning). RESULTS: In all, 218 participants (152 women [69.7%]; mean [SD]
      age, 37.9 (7.2) years; mean [SD] BMI, 25.1 [1.6]) were included in the analyses.
      The CR and AL groups lost a mean (SE) of 7.6 (0.3) kg and 0.4 (0.5) kg,
      respectively, at month 24 (P < .001). Compared with the AL group, the CR group
      had significantly improved mood (BDI-II: between-group difference [BGD], -0.76;
      95% CI, -1.41 to -0.11; effect size [ES], -0.35), reduced tension (POMS: BGD, 
      0.79; 95% CI, -1.38 to -0.19; ES, -0.39), and improved general health (BGD, 6.45;
      95% CI, 3.93 to 8.98; ES, 0.75) and sexual drive and relationship (BGD, 1.06; 95%
      CI, 0.11 to 2.01; ES, 0.35) at month 24 as well as improved sleep duration at
      month 12 (BGD, -0.26; 95% CI, -0.49 to -0.02; ES, -0.32) (all P < .05). Greater
      percent weight loss in the CR group at month 24 was associated with increased
      vigor (Spearman correlation coefficient, rho = -0.30) and less mood disturbance
      (rho = 0.27) measured with the POMS, improved general health (rho = -0.27)
      measured with the SF-36, and better sleep quality per the PSQI total score (rho =
      0.28) (all P < .01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In nonobese adults, CR had some
      positive effects and no negative effects on health-related QOL. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00427193.

PMID- 27136349
TI  - Tools for Full Stack Biology.

PMID- 27136350
TI  - Shedding Light on Synergistic Chemical Genetic Connections with Machine Learning.
AB  - Machine learning can be used to predict compounds acting synergistically, and
      this could greatly expand the universe of available potential treatments for
      diseases that are currently hidden in the dark chemical matter. 

PMID- 27136348
TI  - Alteration of Gene Expression, DNA Methylation, and Histone Methylation in Free
      Radical Scavenging Networks in Adult Mouse Hippocampus following Fetal Alcohol
      Exposure.
AB  - The molecular basis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is poorly
      understood; however, epigenetic and gene expression changes have been implicated.
      We have developed a mouse model of FASD characterized by learning and memory
      impairment and persistent gene expression changes. Epigenetic marks may maintain
      expression changes over a mouse's lifetime, an area few have explored. Here, mice
      were injected with saline or ethanol on postnatal days four and seven. At 70 days
      of age gene expression microarray, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation microarray,
      H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 chromatin immunoprecipitation microarray were performed.
      Following extensive pathway analysis of the affected genes, we identified the top
      affected gene expression pathway as "Free radical scavenging". We confirmed six
      of these changes by droplet digital PCR including the caspase Casp3 and Wnt
      transcription factor Tcf7l2. The top pathway for all methylation-affected genes
      was "Peroxisome biogenesis"; we confirmed differential DNA methylation in the
      Acca1 thiolase promoter. Altered methylation and gene expression in oxidative
      stress pathways in the adult hippocampus suggests a novel interface between
      epigenetic and oxidative stress mechanisms in FASD.

PMID- 27136351
TI  - The Wisdom of Crowds: Can Mathematical Models Crack the cis Regulatory Code?
AB  - Genomic information includes not just a "parts list" of encoded proteins and
      RNAs, but also the information on regulation and function. To understand this
      more complex, deeper layer of biological information, recent efforts have turned
      to mathematical models as discovery engines of the cis regulatory code. 

PMID- 27136352
TI  - Essential Human Genes.
AB  - Three studies in Science and Cell identify ~2,000 essential genes in human cell
      lines using CRISPR-Cas9 and retroviral gene-trap genetic screens. 

PMID- 27136353
TI  - Prediction of Synergism from Chemical-Genetic Interactions by Machine Learning.
AB  - The structure of genetic interaction networks predicts that, analogous to
      synthetic lethal interactions between non-essential genes, combinations of
      compounds with latent activities may exhibit potent synergism. To test this
      hypothesis, we generated a chemical-genetic matrix of 195 diverse yeast deletion
      strains treated with 4,915 compounds. This approach uncovered 1,221 genotype
      specific inhibitors, which we termed cryptagens. Synergism between 8,128
      structurally disparate cryptagen pairs was assessed experimentally and used to
      benchmark predictive algorithms. A model based on the chemical-genetic matrix and
      the genetic interaction network failed to accurately predict synergism. However,
      a combined random forest and Naive Bayesian learner that associated chemical
      structural features with genotype-specific growth inhibition had strong
      predictive power. This approach identified previously unknown compound
      combinations that exhibited species-selective toxicity toward human fungal
      pathogens. This work demonstrates that machine learning methods trained on
      unbiased chemical-genetic interaction data may be widely applicable for the
      discovery of synergistic combinations in different species. 

PMID- 27136354
TI  - A Systematic Ensemble Approach to Thermodynamic Modeling of Gene Expression from
      Sequence Data.
AB  - To understand the relationship between an enhancer DNA sequence and quantitative
      gene expression, thermodynamics-driven mathematical models of transcription are
      often employed. These "sequence-to-expression" models can describe an incomplete
      or even incorrect set of regulatory relationships if the parameter space is not
      searched systematically. Here, we focus on an enhancer of the Drosophila gene ind
      and demonstrate how a systematic search of parameter space can reveal a more
      comprehensive picture of a gene's regulatory mechanisms, resolve outstanding
      ambiguities, and suggest testable hypotheses. We describe an approach that
      generates an ensemble of ind models; all of these models are technically
      acceptable solutions to the sequence-to-expression problem in light of wild-type
      data, and some represent mechanistically distinct hypotheses about the regulation
      of ind. This ensemble can be restricted to biologically plausible models using
      requirements gleaned from in vivo perturbation experiments. Biologically
      plausible models make unique predictions about how specific ind enhancer
      sequences affect ind expression; we validate these predictions in vivo through
      site mutagenesis in transgenic Drosophila embryos. 

PMID- 27136356
TI  - Papaverine Prevents Vasospasm by Regulation of Myosin Light Chain Phosphorylation
      and Actin Polymerization in Human Saphenous Vein.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Papaverine is used to prevent vasospasm in human saphenous veins (HSV)
      during vein graft preparation prior to implantation as a bypass conduit.
      Papaverine is a nonspecific inhibitor of phosphodiesterases, leading to increases
      in both intracellular cGMP and cAMP. We hypothesized that papaverine reduces
      force by decreasing intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and myosin
      light chain phosphorylation, and increasing actin depolymerization via regulation
      of actin regulatory protein phosphorylation. APPROACH AND RESULTS: HSV was
      equilibrated in a muscle bath, pre-treated with 1 mM papaverine followed by 5 MUM
      norepinephrine, and force along with [Ca2+]i levels were concurrently measured.
      Filamentous actin (F-actin) level was measured by an in vitro actin assay. Tissue
      was snap frozen to measure myosin light chain and actin regulatory protein
      phosphorylation. Pre-treatment with papaverine completely inhibited
      norepinephrine-induced force generation, blocked increases in [Ca2+]i and led to
      a decrease in the phosphorylation of myosin light chain. Papaverine pre-treatment
      also led to increased phosphorylation of the heat shock-related protein 20
      (HSPB6) and the vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), as well as
      decreased filamentous actin (F-actin) levels suggesting depolymerization of
      actin. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that papaverine-induced force
      inhibition of HSV involves [Ca2+]i-mediated inhibition of myosin light chain
      phosphorylation and actin regulatory protein phosphorylation-mediated actin
      depolymerization. Thus, papaverine induces sustained inhibition of contraction of
      HSV by the modulation of both myosin cross-bridge formation and actin
      cytoskeletal dynamics and is a pharmacological alternative to high pressure
      distention to prevent vasospasm.

PMID- 27136358
TI  - Improvement of the enzymatic synthesis of ethyl valerate by esterification
      reaction in a solvent system.
AB  - The present study reports the improved enzymatic synthesis of ethyl valerate
      (green apple flavor) by esterification reaction of ethanol and valeric acid in
      heptane medium. Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (TLL) was immobilized by
      physical adsorption on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) particles and used as a
      potential biocatalyst. The effect of certain parameters that influence the ester
      synthesis was evaluated by factorial design. The experimental conditions that
      maximized the synthesis of ethyl valerate were 30.5 degrees C, 18% m/v of
      biocatalyst (TLL-PHB), absence of molecular sieves, agitation of 234 rpm, and
      1,000 mM of each reactant (ethanol and valeric acid). Under these conditions,
      conversion percentage ~92% after 105 min of reaction was observed. Soluble TLL
      was also used as biocatalyst and the highest conversion was of 82% after 120 min
      of reaction. Esterification reaction performed in a solvent-free system exhibited
      conversion of 13% after 45 min of reaction catalyzed by immobilized lipase, while
      the soluble lipase did not exhibit catalytic activity. The synthesis of the ester
      was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography
      mass spectrometry analyses. After six consecutive cycles of ethyl valerate
      synthesis, the prepared biocatalyst retained ~86% of its original activity.

PMID- 27136357
TI  - Akap1 Deficiency Promotes Mitochondrial Aberrations and Exacerbates Cardiac
      Injury Following Permanent Coronary Ligation via Enhanced Mitophagy and
      Apoptosis.
AB  - A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) transmit signals cues from seven
      transmembrane receptors to specific sub-cellular locations. Mitochondrial AKAPs
      encoded by the Akap1 gene have been shown to modulate mitochondrial function and
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the heart. Under conditions of
      hypoxia, mitochondrial AKAP121 undergoes proteolytic degradation mediated, at
      least in part, by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Seven In-Absentia Homolog 2 (Siah2). In
      the present study we hypothesized that Akap1 might be crucial to preserve
      mitochondrial function and structure, and cardiac responses to myocardial
      ischemia. To test this, eight-week-old Akap1 knockout mice (Akap1-/-), Siah2
      knockout mice (Siah2-/-) or their wild-type (wt) littermates underwent myocardial
      infarction (MI) by permanent left coronary artery ligation. Age and gender
      matched mice of either genotype underwent a left thoracotomy without coronary
      ligation and were used as controls (sham). Twenty-four hours after coronary
      ligation, Akap1-/- mice displayed larger infarct size compared to Siah2-/- or wt
      mice. One week after MI, cardiac function and survival were also significantly
      reduced in Akap1-/- mice, while cardiac fibrosis was significantly increased.
      Akap1 deletion was associated with remarkable mitochondrial structural
      abnormalities at electron microscopy, increased ROS production and reduced
      mitochondrial function after MI. These alterations were associated with enhanced
      cardiac mitophagy and apoptosis. Autophagy inhibition by 3-methyladenine
      significantly reduced apoptosis and ameliorated cardiac dysfunction following MI
      in Akap1-/- mice. These results demonstrate that Akap1 deficiency promotes
      cardiac mitochondrial aberrations and mitophagy, enhancing infarct size,
      pathological cardiac remodeling and mortality under ischemic conditions. Thus,
      mitochondrial AKAPs might represent important players in the development of post
      ischemic cardiac remodeling and novel therapeutic targets.

PMID- 27136364
TI  - Trends in Head and Neck Cancer in South Korea Between 1999 and 2012.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose is to provide detailed estimates of population-based
      incidences of head and neck cancers (HNCs) between 1999 and 2012 in South Korea
      and to evaluate trends. METHODS: Data was reviewed from the Korea National Cancer
      Incidence Database regarding the incidence of HNCs between 1999 and 2012.
      Locations that were surveyed included lip, oral tongue, oral cavity, major
      salivary gland, nasopharynx, nasal cavity and paranasal sinus, tonsil,
      hypopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx. Age-standardized incidence rates were
      calculated and provided with 95% confidence intervals. The increase ratio of HNCs
      for and male-to-female ratios were also calculated. RESULTS: The incidence of lip
      (0.07-0.10/100,000 people) and oropharyngeal cancer (0.09-0.12/100,000 people)
      remained low during the study period while laryngeal cancer (1.17-2.08/100,000
      people) occurred most frequently. The incidence of oral tongue, major salivary
      gland, tonsil, and hypopharynx increased steeply compared to other HNCs between
      1999 and 2012. Male-to-female ratio was over 1.0 for all HNCs, especially for
      those of tonsil, hypopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx cancer which were >5.0.
      CONCLUSION: The incidence of all the HNCs except for laryngeal cancer has
      increased yearly in men and women in South Korea since 1998. Rates of oral
      tongue, major salivary gland, and tonsil cancer have increased the most rapidly
      during this time period.

PMID- 27136365
TI  - Radioprotective Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Salivary Gland
      Dysfunction After Radioiodine Ablation in a Murine Model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Radioiodine (RI) therapy is known to subject cellular components of
      salivary glands (SG) to oxidative stress leading to SG dysfunction. However, the
      protective effects of antioxidants on RI-induced SG damage have not been well
      investigated. The authors investigated the morphometric and functional effects of
      epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) administered prior to RI therapy and compared
      this with the effects of amifostine (a well-known antioxidant) in a murine model
      of RI sialadenitis. METHODS: Four-week-old female C57BL/6 mice (n=48) were
      divided into four groups; a normal control group, a RI-treated group (0.01 mCi/g
      mouse, orally), an EGCG and RI-treated group, and an amifostine and RI-treated
      group. Animals in these groups were divided into 3 subgroups and euthanized at
      15, 30, and 90 days post-RI treatment. Salivary flow rates and lag times were
      measured, and morphologic and histologic examinations and TUNEL (terminal
      deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUDP nick end labeling) assays were
      performed. Changes in salivary (99m)Tc pertechnetate uptake and excretion were
      followed by single-photon emission computed tomography. RESULTS: Salivary flow
      rates and lag times to salivation in the EGCG or amifostine groups were better
      than in the RI-treated group. Histologic examinations of SGs in the EGCG or
      amifostine group showed more mucin-rich parenchyma and less periductal fibrosis
      than in the RI-treated group. Fewer apoptotic cells were observed in acini,
      ducts, and among endothelial cells in the EGCG or amifostine group than in the RI
      group. In addition, patterns of (99m)Tc pertechnetate excretion were quite
      different in the EGCG or amifostine group than in the RI group. CONCLUSION: EGCG
      supplementation before RI therapy could protect from RI-induced SG damage in a
      manner comparable to amifostine, and thus, offers a possible means of preventing
      SG damage by RI.

PMID- 27136366
TI  - The Effect of Garlic Derivatives (S-Allylmercaptocysteine, Diallyl Disulfide, and
      S-Allylcysteine) on Gentamicin Induced Ototoxicity: An Experimental Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Gentamicin is a potent aminoglycoside antibiotic. Ototoxicity and
      nephrotoxicity are the main side effects which restrict the use of gentamicin.
      Garlic with its intrinsic antioxidant activity may prove beneficial in prevention
      from ototoxicity. S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC), diallyl disulfide (DD), and S
      allylcysteine (SAC) are three active compounds found in garlic. In this study, we
      investigated the effect of SAMC, DD, and SAC on the ototoxicity induced by
      gentamicin in rats, by using brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA).
      METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats with intact Preyer's reflex initially weighing
      220-260 g were randomly assigned to either the gentamicin injection with SAMC
      treatment group (Genta-w SAMC), DD treatment group (Genta-w DD), SAC treatment
      group (Genta-w SAC), gentamicin injection without any active compounds (AC)
      treatment groups (Genta-w/o AC), or control group (n=6 rats each group).
      Gentamicin was given 120-mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally once daily for 25
      days to subjects in all groups except the control group. SAMC 100-mg/kg, and DD
      50-mg/kg body weight were given intragastrically, and SAC 250-mg/kg body weight
      was given intraperitoneally once daily to subjects in Genta-w SAMC, and Genta-w
      DD, and Genta-w SAC groups, respectively during the study. After 25 days hearing
      thresholds were evaluated by using BERA test. RESULTS: The mean amplitude of
      auditory thresholds (sensation level [SL]) measured by using BERA for the Genta-w
      SAMC, Genta-w DD, Genta-w SAC, Genta-w/o AC, and control groups were 22+/-8, 25+/
      5, 30+/-9, 54+/-11, and 10+/-7 dB SL, respectively (mean+/-SD). The differences
      between every active compound group (Genta-w SAMC, Genta-w DD, and Genta-w SAC)
      and Genta-w/o AC were statistically significant (P<0.016). CONCLUSION: SAMC, DD,
      and SAC are derivative of garlic seems to attenuate aminoglycoside-induced
      hearing loss. The effect of SAMC and DD seems to be more prominent than that of
      SAC.

PMID- 27136367
TI  - Clinical Characteristics of Sphenoid Sinus Fungal Ball Patients With Visual
      Disturbance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A sphenoid sinus fungal ball is a rare disease that can cause visual
      disturbances. Most afflicted patients remain in an indolent state. However, once
      the visual disturbance has occurred, the recovery rate is very low. The purpose
      of this study was to overview the clinical characteristics of patients with a
      sphenoid sinus fungal ball and ascertain factors possibly related to the
      occurrence of a visual disturbance. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the
      medical records of all patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for a
      sphenoid sinus fungal ball at our hospital. We enrolled 47 patients in this
      study. RESULTS: Old age and a female predominance were noted. Nasal symptoms were
      the most common symptom. Eight patients showed visual disturbances. We also
      compared the clinical characteristics between patients with and without visual
      disturbances in univariate analysis. Old age, underlying diabetes mellitus, and a
      sphenoid sinus wall defect visible by computed tomography were factors
      significantly related to the occurrence of visual disturbances. But only sphenoid
      sinus wall defect showed significance in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: It is
      important to prevent complications, such as visual disturbance, in patients with
      a sphenoid sinus fungal ball. This study describes an early surgical treatment
      that may be required for patients with a sphenoid sinus fungal ball and
      particularly patients with a sphenoid sinus wall defect.

PMID- 27136368
TI  - Association of Bone Mineral Density With Hearing Impairment in Postmenopausal
      Women in Korea.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previous studies examining the association between osteoporosis (OP)
      and hearing loss (HL) have shown conflicting results. The objective of the
      present study was to examine the association between hearing impairment and OP in
      postmenopausal women, using appropriate statistical analyses. METHODS: Total
      1,009 participants were included in the current study. The propensity score
      matched (PSM) cohort was defined as the cohort including participants diagnosed
      with OP and participants without OP. Three statistical models were developed
      where model 1 was unadjusted, model 2 included age, and model 3 included age,
      body mass index, alcohol intake, smoking habit, diabetes mellitus, hypertension,
      high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride level, vitamin D, and alkaline
      phosphatase. RESULTS: There were 776 and 233 participants in the groups diagnosed
      without and with OP, respectively. For propensity score matching, 233 pairs were
      selected from the 776 participants without OP. In the total cohort, using
      statistical models 2 and 3, no significant difference in the four hearing
      thresholds was identified between the 2 groups. Logistic regression indicated
      that, in model 3, participants with OP had a 1.128 (P=0.323) increased risk HL. A
      significant HL risk was not observed in participants with OP. Using statistical
      model 3, there were no significant associations among lumbar spine or femoral
      neck T-scores and changes in the hearing thresholds. In the PSM cohort,
      statistical models also showed similar results. CONCLUSION: The current study did
      not demonstrate and association between bone mineral density and hearing
      impairment in the study population of postmenopausal Korean women.

PMID- 27136369
TI  - Journey of a cold sensor - VAMP7-dependent transport of TRPM8.

PMID- 27136370
TI  - Herbal medicine: abuse and risk in China.

PMID- 27136371
TI  - Role of maternal factors, PAPP-A, and Doppler in screening for early- and late
      onset pregnancy hypertension in Asian population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive value of biochemical markers, uterine
      artery Doppler, and maternal factors in predicting early-onset (EO) and late
      onset (LO) pregnancy hypertension. METHODOLOGY: All singleton pregnancies between
      11 and 13 weeks and 6 days gestation underwent estimation of body mass index
      (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery Doppler pulsatality index
      (PI, and resistance index), biomarker PAPP-A, and free beta-hCG. Women who
      developed hypertension were treated as cases and normotensives were taken as
      controls. The cases were further divided into EO and LO hypertension. The
      comparison was undertaken by appropriate statistical analysis. RESULTS: Pregnancy
      hypertension was seen in 399 (13.2%) women. EO hypertension was seen in 153
      (38.3%), whereas LO was observed in 246 (61.7%). The significant markers for
      predicting hypertension in pregnancy were maternal age, BMI, MAP, uterine artery
      Doppler PI, and PAPP-A. A combination of MAP and BMI was a better predictor
      (sensitivity and specificity 80% and 52%, respectively) than PAPP-A and Doppler
      combined (sensitivity and specificity 62% and 52%, respectively). When all the
      above markers were combined, the sensitivity and specificity of the test was 73%
      and 70%, respectively. EO hypertension was better predicted compared with LO. The
      negative predictive value (NPV) of the test was above 90%, suggesting that if a
      woman had the marker below the cutoff, there was more than 90% chance that she
      would not develop hypertension later in pregnancy. CONCLUSION: A combination of
      variables increased the sensitivity and specificity of the test for hypertension
      in pregnancy. The markers examined were a predictor of EO hypertension, with a
      high NPV, making it a good screening test.

PMID- 27136372
TI  - Isoxazole-Based-Scaffold Inhibitors Targeting Cyclooxygenases (COXs).
AB  - A new set of cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors endowed with an additional
      functionality was explored. These new compounds also contained either rhodamine
      6G or 6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, two moieties typical of
      efflux pump substrates and inhibitors, respectively. Among all the synthesized
      compounds, two new COX inhibitors with opposite selectivity were discovered:
      compound 8 [N-(9-{2-[(4-{2-[3-(5-chlorofuran-2-yl)-4-phenylisoxazol-5
      yl]acetamido}butyl)carbamoyl]phenyl-6-(ethylamino)-2,7-dimethyl-3H-xanthen-3
      ylidene}ethanaminium chloride] was found to be a selective COX-1 inhibitor,
      whereas 17 (2-[3,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]-1-[6,7-dimethoxy-3,4
      dihydroisoquinolin-2-(1H)-yl]ethanone) was found to be a sub-micromolar selective
      COX-2 inhibitor. However, both were shown to interact with P-glycoprotein.
      Docking experiments helped to clarify the molecular aspects of the observed COX
      selectivity.

PMID- 27136373
TI  - The UNCOPE: An effective brief screen for DSM-5 substance use disorders in
      correctional settings.
AB  - This study examines the clinical utility of the UNCOPE (Hoffmann, Hunt, Rhodes, &
      Riley, 2003), a brief 6-item screen that has been validated on a number of
      criminal justice involved populations (i.e., state prison and county jail
      inmates, recent arrestees, and juvenile offenders), in identifying risk for DSM-5
      substance use disorders (SUDs) among a large sample of state prison inmates.
      Although the UNCOPE has demonstrated relatively good accuracy in identifying DSM
      IV substance dependence, its utility for DSM-5 SUDs warrants investigation. The
      current study explored substance-specific UNCOPE screening for identifying DSM-5
      diagnoses for alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis. Data for the present report were
      derived from routine consecutive clinical assessments of 6,871 male and 801
      female inmates recently admitted to a state prison system. All inmates were
      administered the UNCOPE as part of a computer-prompted structured diagnostic
      interview conducted by certified addiction counselors during routine clinical
      assessments to identify SUDs. Results revealed that a cut-score of 3 positive
      responses yielded reasonable sensitivity estimates for a severe DSM-5 diagnosis
      ranging from 85% to 97%, depending on substance class and gender. Specificity
      findings for those without a severe diagnosis were very high and ranged from 97%
      to 99%. Cronbach's alphas were .90 or greater, and the item intercorrelations
      were generally high. Observed findings suggest screening for specific substances
      using the UNCOPE is a potentially valid strategy for the identification of
      specific DSM-5 SUDs among inmates. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27136374
TI  - Smoker identity development among adolescents who smoke.
AB  - Adolescents who smoke are more likely to escalate their smoking frequency if they
      believe smoking is self-defining. Knowing factors that are associated with
      development of a smoker identity among adolescents who smoke may help to identify
      who will become a regular smoker. We investigated whether smoker identity
      development is associated with internal and external motives for smoking. For
      comparison, we also investigated whether social smoker identity development is
      associated with internal and external motives for smoking. Adolescents who smoke
      (n = 292) completed measures of smoker and social smoker identity, internal
      motives for smoking (negative affect coping, positive affect enhancement), and
      external motives for smoking (social fit) at baseline, 6-, 15-, and 24-month
      assessments of an ongoing longitudinal study of smoking patterns. We examined
      whether change in smoker and social smoker identity from 6 to 24 months was
      associated with change in motives at earlier assessment waves. We also explored
      whether gender moderated these relationships. Increases in negative affect coping
      motives were associated with smoker identity development among both males and
      females. Increases in social motives were associated with smoker identity
      development among males, and increases in negative affect coping motives were
      associated with social smoker identity development among females. Smoker and
      social smoker identities are signaled by negative affect coping as well as social
      motives for smoking. (PsycINFO Database Record

PMID- 27136375
TI  - Internal and External Resources as Determinants of Health and Quality of Life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The salutogenic model has been established as a health promoting
      resource that is related to a strong sense of coherence (SOC), positive
      subjective health and quality of life (QoL). The aim of the study was to compare
      internal and external resources, life style factors, perceived health and QoL in
      Japan and Austria and to determine associations among these factors. METHODOLOGY
      AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A survey was conducted in a Japanese (N = 460) and an
      Austrian (N = 421) student sample using the following self-report health
      questionnaires: Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), Social and Gender Role Scale,
      Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Dutch Eating
      Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ), SF-12 Health Survey, and the Cross-cultural
      Health Survey. Analyses of data showed that age (beta -0.12), and stress (beta 
      0.21) were negatively related and SOC (beta 0.47), family support are (beta 
      0.35) positively related to mental QoL. Significant predictors for emotional
      strain, were female gender (beta -0.24), older age (beta-0.14), lower SOC (beta
      0.28), less traditional gender and social role patterns (beta 0.10), more
      restrained eating (beta -0.20), more alcohol intake (beta -0.16), and more stress
      (beta -0.25) explaining 42% of the variance in Austrian students. In Japan stress
      (beta -0.38) was negatively related and SOC (beta 0.37) positively related to
      mental QoL. Older age (beta -0.20), lower SOC (beta 0.29) and more stress (beta 
      0.33) were identified as significant predictors explaining 35% of the variance in
      Japanese students. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: SOC and stress are strongly
      associated with QoL and perceived health in Austria as well as in Japan. SOC
      seems to be a crucial predictor for stress, and emotional health independent of
      the cultural context. A major challenge of cross-cultural research is to
      understand perceived health and QoL and the extent in which it is individually,
      socially, or culturally determined.

PMID- 27136376
TI  - Alkali-Metal-Ion-Functionalized Graphene Oxide as a Superior Anode Material for
      Sodium-Ion Batteries.
AB  - Although graphene oxide (GO) has large interlayer spacing, it is still
      inappropriate to use it as an anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) because of
      the existence of H-bonding between the layers and ultralow electrical
      conductivity which impedes the Na(+) and e(-) transformation. To solve these
      issues, chemical, thermal, and electrochemical procedures are traditionally
      employed to reduce GO nanosheets. However, these strategies are still unscalable,
      consume high amounts of energy, and are expensive for practical application.
      Here, for the first time, we describe the superior Na storage of unreduced GO by
      a simple and scalable alkali-metal-ion (Li(+) , Na(+) , K(+) )-functionalized
      process. The various alkali metals ions, connecting with the oxygen on GO, have
      played different effects on morphology, porosity, degree of disorder, and
      electrical conductivity, which are crucial for Na-storage capabilities.
      Electrochemical tests demonstrated that sodium-ion-functionalized GO (GNa) has
      shown outstanding Na-storage performance in terms of excellent rate capability
      and long-term cycle life (110 mAh g(-1) after 600 cycles at 1 A g(-1) ) owing to
      its high BET area, appropriate mesopore, high degree of disorder, and improved
      electrical conductivity. Theoretical calculations were performed using the
      generalized gradient approximation (GGA) to further study the Na-storage
      capabilities of functionalized GO. These calculations have indicated that the Na
      O bond has the lowest binding energy, which is beneficial to insertion/extraction
      of the sodium ion, hence the GNa has shown the best Na-storage properties among
      all comparatives functionalized by other alkali metal ions.

PMID- 27136377
TI  - Retrospective comparison of three doses of metronomic chlorambucil for
      tolerability and efficacy in dogs with spontaneous cancer.
AB  - The study hypothesis is that higher doses of metronomic (low-dose) chlorambucil
      will improve outcome without significantly worsening adverse events (AE).
      Retrospectively, 88 dogs were screened to assess for tolerability and response to
      chlorambucil utilizing retrospective and prospective data sets, comparing
      metronomic oral daily doses 4, 6 and 8 mg m2 . There were 78 and 70 dogs in the
      tolerability and efficacy portions, respectively. The severity of
      gastrointestinal (GI) AE was significantly worse, and time to development of GI
      events was significantly shorter at 6 mg m2 than at 4 mg m2 (both P < 0.001).
      Chlorambucil was discontinued earlier in the dogs treated at the 6 mg m2 doses
      than in the dogs treated at 4 mg m2 (P = 0.015). Thrombocytopenia occurred
      significantly earlier at 8 mg m2 than at 4 mg m2 (P = 0.017). Higher doses of
      metronomic (low-dose) chlorambucil did not provide improved responses and were
      associated with more AE.

PMID- 27136378
TI  - Otto Roelen Medal: P. Strasser / Jochen Block Prize: H. Tuysuz / Leo Hendrik
      Baekeland Award: S. E. Skrabalak / Gustavus John Esselen Award: T. M. Swager.

PMID- 27136379
TI  - Contrasting patterns of short-term indirect seed-seed interactions mediated by
      scatter-hoarding rodents.
AB  - It is well known that direct effects of seed predators or dispersers can have
      strong effects on seedling establishment. However, we have limited knowledge
      about the indirect species interactions between seeds of different species that
      are mediated by shared seed predators and/or dispersers and their consequences
      for plant demography and diversity. Because scatter-hoarding rodents as seed
      dispersers may leave some hoarded seeds uneaten, scatter hoarding may serve to
      increase seed survival and dispersal. Consequently, the presence of
      heterospecific seeds could alter whether the indirect interactions mediated by
      scatter-hoarding rodents have a net positive effect, creating apparent mutualism
      between seed species, or a net negative effect, creating apparent competition
      between seed species. We present a testable framework to measure short-term
      indirect effects between co-occurring plant species mediated by seed scatter
      hoarding rodents. We tested this framework in a subtropical forest in south-west
      China using a replacement design and tracked the fate of individually tagged
      seeds in experimental patches. We manipulated the benefits to rodents by using
      low-tannin dormant chestnuts as palatable food and high-tannin non-dormant acorns
      as unpalatable food. We found that seed palatability changed the amount of
      scatter hoarding that occurred when seeds co-occurred either among or within
      patches. Consistent with our predictions, scatter-hoarding rodents created
      apparent mutualism through increasing seed removal and seed caching, and
      enhancing survival, of both plant species in mixed patches compared with
      monospecific patches. However, if we ignore scatter hoarding and treat all seed
      harvest as seed predation (and not dispersal), then apparent competition between
      palatable chestnuts and unpalatable acorns was also observed. This study is the
      first to demonstrate that foraging decisions by scatter-hoarding animals to
      scatter hoard seeds for later consumption (or loss) or consume them can influence
      indirect effects among co-occurring seeds, and rodent-mediated indirect effects
      vary depending on whether the harvested seeds are hoarded or eaten.

PMID- 27136380
TI  - Ericaceous plant-fungus network in a harsh alpine-subalpine environment.
AB  - In terrestrial ecosystems, plant species and diverse root-associated fungi form
      complex networks of host-symbiont associations. Recent studies have revealed that
      structures of those below-ground plant-fungus networks differ between arbuscular
      mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal symbioses. Nonetheless, we still remain ignorant
      of how ericaceous plant species, which dominate arctic and alpine tundra,
      constitute networks with their root-associated fungi. Based on a high-throughput
      DNA sequencing data set, we characterized the statistical properties of a network
      involving 16 ericaceous plant species and more than 500 fungal taxa in the alpine
      subalpine region of Mt. Tateyama, central Japan. While all the 16 ericaceous
      species were associated mainly with fungi in the order Helotiales, they varied
      remarkably in association with fungi in other orders such as Sebacinales,
      Atheliales, Agaricales, Russulales and Thelephorales. The ericaceous plant-fungus
      network was characterized by high symbiont/host preferences. Moreover, the
      network had a characteristic structure called 'anti-nestedness', which has been
      previously reported in ectomycorrhizal plant-fungus networks. The results lead to
      the hypothesis that ericaceous plants in harsh environments can host unexpectedly
      diverse root-associated fungal taxa, constituting networks whose structures are
      similar to those of previously reported ectomycorrhizal networks but not to those
      of arbuscular mycorrhizal ones. 

PMID- 27136382
TI  - Reproducibility of first trimester three-dimensional placental measurements.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess intra and interobserver
      reproducibility of placental volume and vascularization during the first
      trimester of pregnancy studied by three dimensional ultrasonography and angio
      power Doppler. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective study in 69 singleton
      pregnancies. Once the bi-dimensional protocol study was carried out, we performed
      a 3D-US (three-dimensional ultrasonography) of the placenta by abdominal
      ultrasonography. The Virtual Organ Computer-Aided Analysis program was used to
      evaluate the placental volume (PV), the placental quotient (PQ: placental
      volume/crown-rump length) and the vascular indices (vascularization index VI,
      flow index FI and vascularization-flow index VFI). The intraobserver and
      interobserver variability were respectively expressed as an intraclass
      correlation coefficient (Intra-CC) and interclass correlation coefficient (inter
      CC). RESULTS: Intraobserver correlation for PV was excellent with an Intra-CC of
      0.97 while an Inter-CC of 0.71 demonstrated less agreement between observers. In
      the same way, PQ showed better intraobserver than interobserver correlation, with
      an Intra-CC of 0.97 and an inter-CC of 0.67. The analyzed vascular indices had
      both excellent intraobserver and interobserver correlation coefficients, with
      values of 0.98 and 0.96 for VI, 0.93 and 0.89 for FI and 0.97 and 0.95 for VFI,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrate an excellent intra and inter
      observer reproducibility for vascular indices and a good reproducibility of the
      evaluated Doppler indices with intra-CC higher than 0.90. PV and PQ were also
      reproducible most of all within the same observer. As a conclusion, first
      trimester tridimensional sonography is a reproducible tool for the systematic
      study of placental vascularization.

PMID- 27136381
TI  - Composition and Predicted Metabolic Capacity of Upper and Lower Airway Microbiota
      of Healthy Dogs in Relation to the Fecal Microbiota.
AB  - The upper and lower airways of healthy humans are reported to harbor stable and
      consistent bacterial populations, and the composition of these communities is
      altered in individuals affected with several respiratory diseases. Data regarding
      the presence of airway microbiota in other animals are scant and a better
      understanding of the composition and metabolic function of such bacterial
      populations is essential for the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic
      modalities for use in both veterinary and human medicine. Based on targeted next
      generation sequencing of feces and samples collected at multiple levels of the
      airways from 16 healthy female dogs, we demonstrate that canine airways harbor a
      topographically continuous microbiota with increasing relative abundance of
      proteobacterial species from the upper to lower airways. The lung-associated
      microbiota, as assessed via bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), was the most
      consistent between dogs and was dominated by three distinct taxa, two of which
      were resolved to the species level and one to the level of family. The gene
      content of the nasal, oropharyngeal, and lung-associated microbiota, predicted
      using the Phylogenetic Investigations into Communities by Reconstruction of
      Unobserved States (PICRUSt) software, provided information regarding the
      glyoxylate and citrate cycle metabolic pathways utilized by these bacterial
      populations to colonize such nutrient-poor, low-throughput environments. These
      data generated in healthy subjects provide context for future analysis of
      diseased canine airways. Moreover, as dogs have similar respiratory anatomy,
      physiology, and immune systems as humans, are exposed to many of the same
      environmental stimuli, and spontaneously develop similar respiratory diseases,
      these data support the use of dogs as a model species for prospective studies of
      the airway microbiota, with findings translatable to the human condition.

PMID- 27136383
TI  - Aminofluorination of Cyclopropanes: A Multifold Approach through a Common,
      Catalytically Generated Intermediate.
AB  - We have discovered a highly regioselective aminofluorination of cyclopropanes.
      Remarkably, four unique sets of conditions-two photochemical, two purely chemical
      generated the same aminofluorinated adducts in good to excellent yields. The
      multiple, diverse ways in which the reaction could be initiated provided valuable
      clues that led to the proposal of a "unifying" chain propagation mechanism beyond
      initiation, tied by a common intermediate. In all, the proposed mechanism herein
      is substantiated by product distribution studies, kinetic analyses, LFERs, Rehm
      Weller estimations of DeltaGET, competition experiments, KIEs, fluorescence data,
      and DFT calculations. From a more physical standpoint, transient-absorption
      experiments have allowed direct spectroscopic observation of radical ion
      intermediates (previously only postulated or probed indirectly in photochemical
      fluorination systems) and, consequently, have provided kinetic support for chain
      propagation. Lastly, calculations suggest that solvent may play an important role
      in the cyclopropane ring-opening step.

PMID- 27136384
TI  - Over 11% Efficiency in Tandem Polymer Solar Cells Featured by a Low-Band-Gap
      Polymer with Fine-Tuned Properties.
AB  - Highly efficient polymer solar cells with tandem structure are fabricated by
      using two excellent photovoltaic polymers and a highly transparent intermediate
      recombination layer. Power conversion efficiencies over 11% can be realized
      featured by a low-band-gap polymer with fine-tuned properties. 

PMID- 27136385
TI  - Paraneoplastic thrombocytosis in gastrointestinal cancer.
AB  - It has been demonstrated recently in several solid tumors that thrombocytosis at
      diagnosis may correlate with tumor invasion, metastatic progression and worse
      outcome. Several details of the pathomechanism of the relationship of
      thrombocytosis and cancer have been elucidated; however, the complete process is
      not clearly understood. Several hypotheses have been proposed. Recently, it was
      suggested that in ovarian cancer elevated IL-6 production by the tumor may induce
      increased megakaryopoiesis via hepatic thrombopoietin production leading to
      thrombocytosis. The importance of the prognostic power of elevated platelet count
      is still debated in gastrointestinal cancer. The aims of this review were to
      evaluate the prognostic significance of thrombocytosis in gastrointestinal
      tumors, to see whether clinical practice confirmed the hypotheses and to reveal
      the causes of the inconsistent findings. 

PMID- 27136386
TI  - Nanoparticles of Fluorescent Conjugated Polymers: Novel Ion-Selective Optodes.
AB  - A novel type of ion-selective nano-optode is proposed, in which a conjugated
      polymer is used as optical transducer and nanoprobe material. Thus, contrary to
      most of the proposed optodes, the response does not require presence of pH
      sensitive dye in the sensor. The conjugated polymer nanosensor material is in
      partially oxidized form-it is bearing positive charges and its emission is
      quenched. The receptor is an optically silent uncharged ionophore selective for
      the analyte cation. When a binding event occurs, positive charges are formed in
      the nanosphere, leading to a decrease in the oxidation state of the polymer, in
      the absence of redox potential change, resulting in increased emission. This
      general approach herein proposed results in a simple sensor, benefitting from a
      novel optical transduction mechanism and high lipophilicity of the polymer matrix
      that results in linear responses over a broad concentration range of analyte. For
      the model system studied, the linear dependence of emission intensity on the
      logarithm of analyte (K(+)) concentration was obtained for a broad range from 10(
      5) M to 0.1 M.

PMID- 27136387
TI  - The experiences of chronically ill patients and registered nurses when they
      negotiate patient care in hospital settings: a feminist poststructural approach:
      A qualitative study that explores negotiation of patient care between patients
      and chronically ill patients in hospital settings.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to understand the experiences of
      chronically ill patients and registered nurse in negotiating patient care in
      hospital. Specifically, we explored how social and institutional discourses
      shaped power relations and negotiation of patient care. BACKGROUND: Current
      literature indicates that although nurses embrace this notion, such partnerships
      are not easily implemented. Most existing studies focus on the role of the nurse
      as the leader of the partnership with little attention paid to how social and
      institutional values, beliefs and practices shape nurse/patient power relations;
      or how these relationships are negotiated between nurses and patients. DESIGN:
      The theoretical and methodological approaches used in this study are based on the
      precepts of Foucault and feminist poststructural theorists. METHODS: In depth
      interviews were conducted with eight chronically ill patients and 10 registered
      nurses. RESULTS: Both nurses and patients commented about the relationships that
      develop between nurses and chronically ill patients and how these relationships
      facilitate negotiation of patient care. Both parties described challenging
      moments and how institutional discourses may hinder positive negotiations of
      care. In this paper we highlight three themes that emerged: getting to know each
      other, they are not the sickest patients and finding time to listen. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study offers an innovative way of unpacking negotiation of care between
      chronically ill patients and registered nurses. It exposes how social and
      institutional discourses play a pivotal role in shaping negotiations between
      nurses and chronically ill patients. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Negotiating
      care with chronically ill patients is not as asymmetric as portrayed in some of
      the literature and tends to be based on mutual agreements between nurses and
      patients. Nurses make it a point to listen to patients' needs and resist
      institutional discourses that preclude them from spending time with patients.

PMID- 27136389
TI  - Chlorin p6-Based Water-Soluble Amino Acid Derivatives as Potent Photosensitizers
      for Photodynamic Therapy.
AB  - The development of novel photosensitizer with high phototoxicity, low dark
      toxicity, and good water solubility is a challenging task for photodynamic
      therapy (PDT). A series of chlorin p6-based water-soluble amino acid conjugates
      were synthesized and investigated for antitumor activity. Among them,
      aspartylchlorin p6 dimethylester (7b) showed highest phototoxicity against
      melanoma cells with weakest dark toxicity, which was more phototoxic than
      verteporfin while with less dark toxicity. It also exhibited better in vivo PDT
      antitumor efficacy on mice bearing B16-F10 tumor than verteporfin. The biological
      assays revealed that 7b was localized in multiple subcellular organelles and
      could cause both cell necrosis and apoptosis after PDT in a dose-dependent
      manner, resulting in more effective cell destruction. As a result, 7b represents
      a promising photosensitizer for PDT applications because of its strong absorption
      in the phototherapeutic window, relatively high singlet oxygen quantum yield,
      highest dark toxicity/phototoxicity ratio, good water solubility, and excellent
      in vivo PDT antitumor efficacy.

PMID- 27136388
TI  - Persistent metabolic adaptation 6 years after "The Biggest Loser" competition.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure long-term changes in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body
      composition in participants of "The Biggest Loser" competition. METHODS: Body
      composition was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and RMR was
      determined by indirect calorimetry at baseline, at the end of the 30-week
      competition and 6 years later. Metabolic adaptation was defined as the residual
      RMR after adjusting for changes in body composition and age. RESULTS: Of the 16
      "Biggest Loser" competitors originally investigated, 14 participated in this
      follow-up study. Weight loss at the end of the competition was (mean +/- SD) 58.3
      +/- 24.9 kg (P < 0.0001), and RMR decreased by 610 +/- 483 kcal/day (P = 0.0004).
      After 6 years, 41.0 +/- 31.3 kg of the lost weight was regained (P = 0.0002),
      while RMR was 704 +/- 427 kcal/day below baseline (P < 0.0001) and metabolic
      adaptation was -499 +/- 207 kcal/day (P < 0.0001). Weight regain was not
      significantly correlated with metabolic adaptation at the competition's end (r = 
      0.1, P = 0.75), but those subjects maintaining greater weight loss at 6 years
      also experienced greater concurrent metabolic slowing (r = 0.59, P = 0.025).
      CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic adaptation persists over time and is likely a
      proportional, but incomplete, response to contemporaneous efforts to reduce body
      weight.

PMID- 27136390
TI  - Nutritional depletion in n-3 PUFA in apoE knock-out mice: A new model of
      endothelial dysfunction associated with fatty liver disease.
AB  - SCOPE: Western diets are characterized by low intake of n-3 PUFA compensated by
      constant amounts of n-6 PUFA. Reduced intake of n-3 PUFA is associated with
      increased cardiovascular risk, as observed in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
      patients. The study aimed to evaluating the impact of dietary n-3 PUFA depletion
      on endothelial function, an early key event of cardiovascular diseases. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: C57Bl/6J or apolipoprotein E knock-out (apoE-/- ) were fed control
      (CT) or n-3 PUFA-depleted diets (DEF) for 12 wks. Mice fed n-3 DEF diet developed
      a hepatic steatosis, linked to changes in hepatic expression of genes controlled
      by Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein-1 and -2. Vascular function was
      assessed on second- and third-order mesenteric arteries and n-3 PUFA-depleted
      apoE-/- mice presented endothelial dysfunction characterized by decreased
      vasorelaxation in response of acetylcholine. The presence of a nitric oxide
      synthase (NOS) inhibitor blunted the relaxation in each groups and heme
      nitrosylated hemoglobin blood (Hb-NO) level was significantly lower in n-3 PUFA
      depleted apoE-/- mice. CONCLUSION: Twelve weeks of n-3 DEF diet promote steatosis
      and accelerate the process of endothelial dysfunction in apoE-/- mice by a
      mechanism involving the NOS/NO pathway. We propose n-3 PUFA-depleted apoE-/- mice
      as a new model to study endothelial dysfunction related to hepatic steatosis
      independently of obesity.

PMID- 27136391
TI  - Prejudice and terror management at trial: Effects of defendant race/ethnicity and
      mortality salience on mock-jurors' verdict judgments.
AB  - Following a mortality salience or control prime, Black, Hispanic, and White
      college students read a murder/carjacking or auto theft trial transcript in which
      the defendant belonged to their racial/ethnic group or one of the others. Black
      and Hispanic, but not White, mock-jurors discriminated, more frequently judging
      outgroup defendants guilty. Mortality salience affected judgments about outgroup,
      but not ingroup, defendants, heightening perceptions of guilt in the murder case
      and decreasing guilty verdict preferences in the theft case. Mortality salience
      may compel derogation of outgroup defendants who threaten the cultural worldview,
      but not of less threatening ingroup defendants. The effect, however, seems
      restricted to crimes like murder that can sustain death-related anxiety.

PMID- 27136392
TI  - Muscle-specific colour stability of blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) meat.
AB  - The increasing demand for meat from alternative species, such as blesbok
      (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi), gives rise to the need for characterizing the
      quality attributes of fresh meat from these species. While muscle-specific colour
      stability has been extensively studied in conventional livestock, limited
      information is available on this phenomenon in game meat. Therefore, the
      objective of this study was to examine the colour stability of three major
      blesbok muscles, infraspinatus (IS), longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and
      biceps femoris (BF). Instrumental colour, surface myoglobin redox forms, and
      biochemical attributes influencing colour stability were measured on 2.5-cm
      steaks from blesbok IS, LTL, and BF during refrigerated storage under aerobic
      conditions for eight days. IS steaks consistently demonstrated higher (P<=0.05)
      redness, colour stability, and chroma than the LTL and BF steaks. These findings
      suggested that blesbok IS muscle is more colour-stable than its LTL and BF
      counterparts. The game industry may employ muscle-specific strategies to improve
      marketability of fresh blesbok meat. 

PMID- 27136394
TI  - A Qualitative Exploration of Factors That Affect Sexual Desire Among Men Aged 30
      to 65 in Long-Term Relationships.
AB  - Few empirical studies have explored men's experiences of sexual desire,
      particularly in the context of long-term relationships. The objective of the
      current study was to investigate the factors that elicit and inhibit men's sexual
      desire. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 men between the ages of
      30 and 65 (average age 42.83 years) currently in long-term heterosexual
      relationships (average duration 13 years 4 months). Analysis was conducted using
      grounded theory methodology from the interpretivist perspective. A total of 14
      themes and 23 subthemes were identified to capture men's descriptions of
      eliciting and inhibiting factors of their sexual desire. The six most integral
      themes are presented in the current article, all of which reflect the
      perspectives of the majority of participants, regardless of age or relationship
      duration, specifically (a) feeling desired, (b) exciting and unexpected sexual
      encounters, (c) intimate communication, (d) rejection, (e) physical ailments and
      negative health characteristics, and (f) lack of emotional connection with
      partner. The findings suggest that men's sexual desire may be more complex and
      relational than previous research suggests. Implications for researchers and
      therapists are discussed.

PMID- 27136395
TI  - Aldehyde-Tagged Zirconium Metal-Organic Frameworks: a Versatile Platform for
      Postsynthetic Modification.
AB  - Aldehyde-tagged UiO-67-type metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been synthesized
      via the direct solvothermal method or postsynthetic ligand exchange. Various
      functionalities have been introduced into the MOFs via postsynthetic modification
      (PSM) employing C-N and C-C coupling reactions of the aldehyde tag. Tandem PSM
      has also been demonstrated. An amino-functionalized MOF obtained by PSM is shown
      to be an efficient, heterogeneous, and recyclable catalyst for Knoevenagel
      condensation.

PMID- 27136396
TI  - The effects of taboo-related distraction on driving performance.
AB  - Roadside billboards containing negative and positive emotional content have been
      shown to influence driving performance, however, the impact of highly arousing
      taboo information is unknown. Taboo information more reliably evokes emotional
      arousal and can lead to greater attentional capture due to its inherent 'shock
      value.' The objective of the present study was to examine driver distraction
      associated with four types of information presented on roadside billboards:
      highly arousing taboo words, moderately arousing positive and negative words, and
      non-arousing neutral words. Participants viewed blocks of taboo, positive,
      negative and neutral words presented on roadside billboards while operating a
      driving simulator. They also responded to target (household-related) words by
      pressing a button on the steering wheel. At the end of the session, a surprise
      recall task was completed for all the words they saw while driving. Results
      showed that taboo words captured the most attention as revealed by better memory
      recall compared to all the other word types. Interestingly, taboo words were
      associated with better lane control compared to the other word types. We suggest
      that taboo-related arousal can enhance attentional focus during a complex task
      like simulated driving. That is, in a highly arousing situation, attention is
      selectively narrowed to the road ahead, resulting in better lane control. 

PMID- 27136393
TI  - The topography of mutational processes in breast cancer genomes.
AB  - Somatic mutations in human cancers show unevenness in genomic distribution that
      correlate with aspects of genome structure and function. These mutations are,
      however, generated by multiple mutational processes operating through the
      cellular lineage between the fertilized egg and the cancer cell, each composed of
      specific DNA damage and repair components and leaving its own characteristic
      mutational signature on the genome. Using somatic mutation catalogues from 560
      breast cancer whole-genome sequences, here we show that each of 12 base
      substitution, 2 insertion/deletion (indel) and 6 rearrangement mutational
      signatures present in breast tissue, exhibit distinct relationships with genomic
      features relating to transcription, DNA replication and chromatin organization.
      This signature-based approach permits visualization of the genomic distribution
      of mutational processes associated with APOBEC enzymes, mismatch repair
      deficiency and homologous recombinational repair deficiency, as well as
      mutational processes of unknown aetiology. Furthermore, it highlights mechanistic
      insights including a putative replication-dependent mechanism of APOBEC-related
      mutagenesis. 

PMID- 27136397
TI  - Upper limb and trunk muscle activity patterns during seated and standing cycling.
AB  - The objective of this study is to clarify the functional roles of upper limb
      muscles during standing and seated cycling when power output increases. We
      investigated the activity of seven upper limb and trunk muscles using surface
      electromyography (EMG). Power outputs ranged from ~100-700 W with a pedalling
      frequency of 90 revolution per minute. Three-dimensional handle and pedal forces
      were simultaneously recorded. Using non-negative matrix factorisation, we
      extracted muscle synergies and we analysed the integrated EMG and EMG temporal
      patterns. Most of the muscles showed tonic activity that became more phasic as
      power output increased. Three muscle synergies were identified, associated with
      (i) torso stabilisation, (ii) compensation/generation of trunk accelerations and
      (iii) upper body weight support. Synergies were similar for seated and standing
      positions (Pearson's r > 0.7), but synergy #2 (biceps brachii, deltoidus and
      brachioradialis) was shifted forward during the cycle (~7% of cycle). The
      activity levels of synergy #1 (latissimus dorsi and erector spinae) and synergy
      #2 increased markedly above ~500 W (i.e., ~+40-70% and +130-190%) and during
      periods corresponding to ipsi- and contralateral downstrokes, respectively. Our
      study results suggest that the upper limb and trunk muscles may play important
      roles in cycling when high power outputs are required.

PMID- 27136398
TI  - Granular pemphigus-like IgM deposition around keratinocytes in a patient with
      Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia: a so far unreported finding.

PMID- 27136399
TI  - Clinical Q & A: Translating Therapeutic Temperature Management from Theory to
      Practice.

PMID- 27136400
TI  - Rebound Relapses After Ceasing Another Disease-Modifying Treatment in Patients
      With Multiple Sclerosis: Are There Lessons to Be Learned?

PMID- 27136401
TI  - Assessment of the Spiritual Needs of Primary Caregivers of Children with Life
      Limiting Illnesses Is Valuable Yet Inconsistently Performed in the Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Religion and spirituality influence how many patients and families
      experience illness, but knowledge of the level of spiritual care provided to
      caregivers of pediatric patients within the hospital is limited. OBJECTIVE: We
      evaluated patient caregivers' perceptions of the extent to which their religious
      and spiritual (R/S) needs were assessed and addressed in the hospital. METHODS:
      We surveyed primary caregivers of children referred to palliative care <1 year
      prior at an urban, pediatric academic medical center. Participants completed a
      structured questionnaire with quantitative and qualitative measures of the
      provision of spiritual care in the hospital. Nonparametric tests were used to
      compare various measures of perceived and desired R/S support. RESULTS: The
      majority (16/24) of caregivers desired inquiry about R/S needs by the medical
      team. Fewer than half (12/25) had these needs assessed. No subjects were
      uncomfortable with questions regarding R/S needs. Only 35% (8/23) specifically
      wanted a physician to inquire about R/S needs. Subjects whose R/S needs were
      assessed perceived higher levels of support from the medical team (4.40 versus
      3.08, p = 0.02). A significant correlation existed between number of hospital
      based R/S resources used and reported R/S-related comfort (rs = 0.438, p =
      0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of R/S needs of caregivers of pediatric
      palliative care patients is performed less often than desired, even though it can
      improve perceptions of support from medical teams. Use of hospital-based R/S
      resources can increase spiritual comfort. Standardizing assessment of caregivers'
      R/S needs and referral to appropriate resources is a target for quality
      improvement in pediatric palliative medicine.

PMID- 27136402
TI  - Sugar signaling regulation by arabidopsis SIZ1-driven sumoylation is independent
      of salicylic acid.
AB  - SUMO is a modifying peptide that regulates protein activity and is essential to
      eukaryotes. In plants, SUMO plays an important role in both development and the
      response to environmental stimuli. The best described sumoylation pathway
      component is the SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1. Its mutant displays inefficient responses
      to nutrient imbalance in phosphate, nitrate and copper. Recently, we reported
      that siz1 also displays altered responses to exogenous sugar supplementation. The
      siz1 mutant is a salicylic acid (SA) accumulator, and SA may interfere with sugar
      dependent responses and signaling events. Here, we extended our previous studies
      to determine the importance of SA in the SIZ1 response to sugars, by introducing
      the bacterial salicylate hydroxylase NahG into the siz1 background. Results
      demonstrate that siz1 phenotypes involving delayed germination are partially
      dependent of SA levels, whereas the sugar-signaling effect of sugars is
      independent of SA.

PMID- 27136403
TI  - Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Outcome of Schizophrenia-Spectrum
      Psychosis in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Treatment of early-onset schizophrenia spectrum psychosis (EOS) is
      hampered by limited data on clinical presentation and illness course. We aimed to
      systematically review the clinical characteristics, diagnostic trajectories, and
      predictors of illness severity and outcomes of EOS. METHODS: We conducted a
      systematic PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase literature review including studies
      published from January 1, 1990 to August 8, 2014 of EOS patients with 1) >=50%
      nonaffective psychosis cases; 2) mean age of subjects <19 years; 3) clinical
      samples recruited through mental health services; 4) cross-sectional or
      prospective design; 5) >=20 participants at baseline; 6) standardized/validated
      diagnostic instruments; and 7) quantitative psychotic symptom frequency or
      severity data. Exploratory analyses assessed associations among relevant clinical
      variables. RESULTS: Across 35 studies covering 28 independent samples (n = 1506,
      age = 15.6 years, age at illness onset = 14.5 years, males = 62.3%, schizophrenia
      spectrum disorders = 89.0%), the most frequent psychotic symptoms were auditory
      hallucinations (81.9%), delusions (77.5%; mainly persecutory [48.5%], referential
      [35.1%], and grandiose [25.5%]), thought disorder (65.5%), bizarre/disorganized
      behavior (52.8%), and flat or blunted affect/negative symptoms (52.3%/50.4%).
      Mean baseline Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)-total, positive, and
      negative symptom scores were 84.5 +/- 10.9, 19.3 +/- 4.4 and 20.8 +/- 2.9. Mean
      baseline Clinical Global Impressions-Severity and Children's Global Assessment
      Scale/Global Assessment of Functioning (CGAS/GAF) scores were 5.0 +/- 0.7 and
      35.5 +/- 9.1. Comorbidity was frequent, particularly posttraumatic stress
      disorder (34.3%), attention-deficit/hyperactivity and/or disruptive behavior
      disorders (33.5%), and substance abuse/dependence (32.0%). Longer duration of
      untreated psychosis (DUP) predicted less CGAS/GAF improvement (p < 0.0001), and
      poor premorbid adjustment and a diagnosis of schizophrenia predicted less PANSS
      negative symptom improvement (p = 0.0048) at follow-up. Five studies directly
      comparing early-onset with adult-onset psychosis found longer DUP in EOP samples
      (18.7 +/- 6.2 vs. 5.4 +/- 3.1 months, p = 0.0027). CONCLUSIONS: EOS patients
      suffer substantial impairment from significant levels of positive and negative
      symptoms. Although symptoms and functioning improve significantly over time, pre
      /and comorbid conditions are frequent, and longer DUP and poorer premorbid
      adjustment is associated with poorer illness outcome.

PMID- 27136404
TI  - Crazy New Ideas.

PMID- 27136405
TI  - Coping Strategies of Neurology Nurses Experiencing Abuse From Patients and
      Families.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to assess incidence of verbal and
      physical abuse of neurology nurses, identify their coping strategies, and explore
      relationships between demographic characteristics, incidence, and coping
      strategies. BACKGROUND: A 2011 U.S. Department of Justice survey found that
      average annual rates of nonfatal violent crime against nurses were greater than
      all occupations and identified nurses as having the highest percentage of
      workplace violence. METHODS: A descriptive, exploratory research design utilizing
      an online survey of 112 neurology nurses in the United States was used for this
      study. RESULTS: Results identified the presence of verbal and physical abuse
      against neurology nurses, avoidance coping strategies utilized, and gender
      differences on types of violence and effects of abuse. CONCLUSIONS:
      Administrative attention must address abuse of neurology nurses by patients and
      families and develop nursing practice that eliminates the use of avoidance as a
      way of dealing with this abuse.

PMID- 27136406
TI  - Pain Assessment Scale for Patients With Disorders of Consciousness: A Preliminary
      Validation Study.

PMID- 27136407
TI  - Obstructive Sleep Apnea as an Independent Stroke Risk Factor: A Review of the
      Evidence, Stroke Prevention Guidelines, and Implications for Neuroscience Nursing
      Practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability affecting nearly
      800,000 people in the United States every year. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is
      found in over 60% of patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) and
      identified as an independent stroke risk factor in large epidemiology studies and
      Canadian Stroke Prevention Guidelines (SPG) but not in the United States. The
      2014 Secondary SPG recommend OSA screening and treatment as a consideration only,
      not a requirement. The twofold purpose of this article is, first, to present the
      evidence supporting OSA as an independent stroke risk factor in national SPG with
      mandatory recommendations and, second, to engage neuroscience nurses to
      incorporate OSA assessment and interventions into the nursing process and thereby
      promote excellence in stroke/TIA patient care. METHODS: A systematic literature
      search was conducted in Medline, CINAHL, and PubMed to identify research from
      2003 through 2013 on the independent risk, mortality, and prevalence relationship
      between OSA and stroke/TIA including recurrence and recovery outcomes with
      continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. RESULTS: Twenty-eight
      research articles were reviewed: 14 observational cohorts, five case-control
      studies, four cross-sectional studies, and four randomized control trials
      representing 12 countries and 10,671 subjects. DISCUSSION: OSA is highly
      prevalent in patients with stroke/TIA independently increasing stroke risk. CPAP
      studies revealed reduced stroke recurrence and improved recovery with feasible
      initiation in stroke units. Patients with stroke/TIA have less OSA-associated
      daytime sleepiness and obesity, making the usual screening tools insufficient and
      CPAP adherence challenging. Treating OSA decreases stroke prevalence and
      mortality. OSA initiatives empower neuroscience nurses to integrate this OSA
      evidence into clinical practice and improve stroke/TIA patient outcomes.

PMID- 27136408
TI  - Predictors of Fatigue Impact in Persons With Long-Standing Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a common experience among persons diagnosed with multiple
      sclerosis (MS). Fatigue negatively influences quality of life, interferes with
      activities of daily living, and impairs the ability to maintain gainful
      employment. Mechanisms underlying the pathophysiologic determinants of fatigue in
      MS are poorly understood, and effective treatments to manage fatigue present a
      challenge. Although the use of pharmacologic therapies is recommended to treat
      symptomatic fatigue, undertreatment of fatigue is common. Better long-term
      management and symptomatic relief may be provided by the use of nonpharmacologic
      treatments such as increased physical activity, energy conservation, and
      cognitive behavioral therapy. METHODS: The purpose of this study was to explore
      the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial dimensions of fatigue impact among
      persons with long-standing MS-defined here as having been diagnosed with MS for
      17 years or more. A sample of 331 participants with MS completed surveys
      measuring fatigue impact, MS-related functional limitation, depressive symptoms,
      barriers to health promotion, personal resources, and health promoting behaviors.
      RESULTS: MS-related functional limitation and depressive symptoms were the
      strongest predictors of fatigue impact. MS-related functional limitation
      explained the greatest amount of variance in models predicting physical and
      psychosocial fatigue impact, whereas depressive symptoms explained the most
      variance in models predicting total and cognitive fatigue impact. Barriers to
      health promotion explained the least amount of variance among the models.
      Personal resources and health promoting behaviors were not significant predictors
      of fatigue impact in this study. CONCLUSION: Interventions aimed at reducing MS
      related functional limitations, depressive symptoms, and barriers to health
      promotion may have beneficial influences on fatigue impact, whereas actions
      designed to promote personal resource adequacy as well as engagement in health
      promoting behaviors may not translate into improvements in fatigue impact in
      persons with MS.

PMID- 27136410
TI  - Pain Assessment Scale for Patients With Disorders of Consciousness: A Preliminary
      Validation Study.

PMID- 27136409
TI  - A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Efficacy of the Creating Opportunities
      for Parent Empowerment Program for Parents of Children With Epilepsy and Other
      Chronic Neurological Conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parents of children with epilepsy and other neurological conditions
      live with a feeling of constant uncertainty. The uncertainty associated with
      caring for a child with a neurological condition produces stress, which leads to
      decreased parental belief in caregiving skills, anxiety, and depression,
      ultimately altering parental functioning resulting in an increase in child
      behavioral problems. The stress associated with caring for children with
      neurological conditions is unlike caring for children with other chronic
      conditions. Neurological conditions are unpredictable, and there are often no
      warning signs before an acute event. This unpredictability accompanied with
      stigma results in social isolation and impacts family functioning. In addition,
      children with neurological conditions have a higher rate of psychological
      comorbidities and behavior problems when compared with children with other
      chronic conditions. This produces an additional burden on the parents and family.
      STUDY DESIGN: This randomized controlled trial tested the efficacy of the
      Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment intervention for parents of
      children with epilepsy and other neurological conditions. This intervention was
      administered at three intervals: (a) during hospital admission, (b) 3 days after
      hospital discharge by telephone, and (c) 4-6 weeks after hospital discharge.
      RESULTS: Forty-six parents of children admitted to the inpatient neuroscience
      unit at Boston Children's Hospital participated in the study. Several study
      limitations resulted in an inadequate sample size to obtain the power necessary
      to reach statistically significant results for most of the research questions. A
      one-between, one-within multivariate analysis of variance revealed that the main
      effect of time was significant for differences in state anxiety for both the
      usual care group and the intervention group, F(1, 20) = 9.86, p = .005,
      indicating that state anxiety for both groups combined was more pronounced during
      the hospitalization. A one-between, one-within multivariate analysis of variance
      showed that the effect of the interaction between time and group was significant
      for internalized behavior assessment system score only (p = .037) because the
      usual care group reported a significant decrease in internalizing behavior scores
      in their children over time. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study have
      significant implications for clinical practice and future research. Parents of
      children with neurological conditions often struggle to manage a constant feeling
      of uncertainty in their daily lives. Nurses possess the knowledge and expertise
      necessary to identify the psychosocial needs of these parents and provide
      education and support as needed. Future research should focus on designing
      interventions to meet the needs of these families and develop strategies to help
      improve the quality of life for both the parent and child living with a
      neurological condition.

PMID- 27136411
TI  - Healthcare team training programs aimed at improving depression management in
      primary care: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although evidence from Latin America and the Caribbean suggests that
      depression can be effectively treated in primary care settings, depression
      management remains unevenly performed. This systematic review evaluates all the
      international evidence on healthcare team training programs aimed at improving
      the outcomes of patients with depression. METHODS: Three databases were searched
      for articles in English or Spanish indexed up to November 20, 2014. Studies were
      included if they fulfilled the following conditions: clinical trials, meta
      analyses, or systematic reviews; and if they evaluated a training or educational
      program intended to improve the management of depression by primary healthcare
      teams, and assessed change in depressive symptoms, diagnosis or response rates,
      referral rates, patients' satisfaction and/or quality of life, and the
      effectiveness of treatments. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in this
      systematic review. Five trials tested the effectiveness of multi-component
      interventions (training included), and the remaining studies evaluated the
      effectiveness of specific training programs for depression management. All the
      studies that implemented multi-component interventions were efficacious, and half
      of the training trials were shown to be effective. LIMITATIONS: Contribution of
      training programs alone to the effectiveness of multi-component interventions is
      yet to be established. The lack of specificity regarding health providers'
      characteristics might be a confounding factor. CONCLUSIONS: The review conducted
      suggests that stand-alone training programs are less effective than multi
      component interventions. In applying the evidence gathered from developed
      countries to Latin America and the Caribbean, these training programs must
      consider and address local conditions of mental health systems, and therefore
      multi-component interventions may be warranted.

PMID- 27136412
TI  - Atypical depressive symptoms as a predictor of treatment response to exercise in
      Major Depressive Disorder.
AB  - Effective treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) will require the
      development of alternative treatments and the ability for clinicians to match
      patients with the treatment likely to produce the greatest effect. We examined
      atypical depression subtype as a predictor of treatment response to aerobic
      exercise augmentation in persons with non-remitted MDD. Our results revealed a
      small-to-moderate effect, particularly in a group assigned to high-dose exercise
      (semi-partial eta-squared =0.0335, p=0.0735), indicating that those with atypical
      depression tended to have larger treatment response to exercise. Through this
      hypothesis-generating analysis, we indicate the need for research to examine
      depression subtype, along with other demographic, clinical and biological factors
      as predictors of treatment response to exercise.

PMID- 27136413
TI  - Childhood trauma and the limbic network: a multimodal MRI study in patients with
      bipolar disorder and controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma (CT) is a major risk factor for psychiatric
      conditions. It is hypothesized that CT effects are mediated by the limbic system.
      Few multimodal neuroimaging studies allow an integrated perspective of this
      impact. Our goal was thus to study the effects of CT on the limbic network.
      METHODS: We acquired multimodal MRI (T1, diffusion weighted, and resting state
      fMRI) data from 79 subjects (47 healthy controls and 32 patients with bipolar
      disorder, BD). We performed correlational analyses between Childhood Trauma
      Questionnaire (sub)scores (physical and emotional abuse/neglect and sexual abuse)
      and anatomo-functional measurements of the limbic network (hippocampal and
      amygdala volumes, prefronto-limbic functional connectivity, uncinate fractional
      anisotropy). RESULTS: We found CTQ total scores to be negatively correlated with
      amygdala volume, prefronto-limbic functional connectivity (FC) and uncinate
      fractional anisotropy in our sample. Considering subscores, neglects (physical
      and emotional) were the only to affect neural parameters. The patients with BD
      drove most of the results. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and low level of trauma
      in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our multimodal approach enabled an integrated view of
      the long-term effects of CT on the limbic system.

PMID- 27136415
TI  - Persistent leisure-time physical activity in adulthood and use of
      antidepressants: A follow-up study among twins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To study whether persistent leisure-time physical activity (PA)
      during adulthood predicts use of antidepressants later in life. METHODS: The
      Finnish Twin Cohort comprises same-sex twin pairs born before 1958, of whom 11
      325 individuals answered PA questions in 1975, 1981 and 1990 at a mean age of 44
      years (range 33-60). PA volume over 15-years was used as the predictor of
      subsequent use of antidepressants. Antidepressant use (measured as number of
      purchases) for 1995-2004 were collected from the Finnish Social Insurance
      Institution (KELA) prescription register. Conditional logistic regression was
      conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for
      the use of antidepressants in pairs discordant for PA (642, including 164
      monozygotic (MZ) pairs). RESULTS: Altogether 229 persons had used at least one
      prescribed antidepressant during the study period. Active co-twins had a lower
      risk (unadjusted OR 0.80, 95%CI 0.67-0.95) for using any amount of
      antidepressants than their inactive co-twins; trends being similar for DZ (0.80,
      0.67-0.97) and MZ pairs (0.78, 0.51-1.17). The lowest odds ratio (0.51, 0.26
      0.98) was seen among MZ pairs after adjusting for BMI, smoking and binge
      drinking. The point estimates were similar but non-significant for long-term
      antidepressant use (4+purchases equivalent to 12 months use). LIMITATIONS: Self
      reported physical activity and low number of discordant MZ pairs. DISCUSSION: Use
      of antidepressants was less common among physically active co-twins even when
      shared childhood experiences and genetic background were controlled for. Physical
      activity in midlife may therefore be important in preventing mild depression
      later in life.

PMID- 27136414
TI  - Nighttime heart rate predicts response to depression treatment in patients with
      coronary heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that patients with coronary heart disease
      (CHD) who do not respond to treatment for depression are at higher risk of
      mortality than are treatment responders. The purpose of this study was to
      determine whether elevated nighttime heart rate (HR) and low heart rate
      variability (HRV), both of which have been associated with depression and with
      cardiac events in patients with CHD, predict poor response to depression
      treatment in patients with CHD. METHODS: Patients with stable CHD and a current
      major depressive episode completed 24h ambulatory ECG monitoring and were then
      treated for up to 16 weeks with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), either alone or
      in combination with an antidepressant. Pre-treatment HR and HRV were calculated
      for 124 patients who had continuous ECG from early evening to mid-morning.
      RESULTS: Following treatment, 64 of the 124 patients (52%) met study criteria for
      remission (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score<=7). Prior to treatment,
      non-remitters had higher nighttime HR (p=0.03) and lower nighttime HRV (p=0.01)
      than did the remitters, even after adjusting for potential confounds.
      LIMITATIONS: Polysomnography would have provided information about objective
      sleep characteristics and sleep disorders. More CBT sessions and higher doses of
      antidepressants may have resulted in more participants in remission. CONCLUSIONS:
      High nighttime HR and low nighttime HRV predict a poor response to treatment of
      major depression in patients with stable CHD. These findings may help explain why
      patients with CHD who do not respond to treatment are at higher risk for
      mortality.

PMID- 27136416
TI  - Aberrant resting-state functional connectivity in limbic and cognitive control
      networks relates to depressive rumination and mindfulness: A pilot study among
      adolescents with a history of depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) research among adults
      indicates abnormalities within and between neural networks during acute
      depressive episodes, some of which are likely to remain into remission. The
      examination of RSFC among adolescents within the remitted state of MDD may
      implicate markers of illness course during a critical developmental window
      wherein secondary prevention can be implemented. METHODS: RSFC data were
      collected on a 3.0T GE scanner from adolescents (12-18, M=15.61, SD=1.90; 57%
      female) in full or partial remission from MDD (rMDD; n=23) and age- and gender
      matched healthy controls (HC; n=10). RSFC data were examined using seed-based
      connectivity of the left amygdala, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC),
      and left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). These seeds were chosen to probe the
      emotional salience, cognitive control, and default mode networks, respectively.
      RESULTS: rMDD adolescents demonstrated relative hyperconnectivity from the left
      amygdala to the right PCC, as well as from the left dlPFC to the right middle
      frontal and left inferior frontal gyri (MFG, IFG). Amygdala to PCC connectivity
      was correlated with greater rumination, dlPFC to MFG connectivity was positively
      associated with depression severity, and dlPFC to IFG connectivity was inversely
      associated with mindfulness. CONCLUSIONS: Aberrant functional connectivity within
      and between neural networks responsible for salience attribution, introspective
      thought, and executive control can be observed among adolescents in the remitted
      phase of MDD and is associated with residual clinical symptoms. These patterns
      may confer risk for future relapse or alternatively, support wellness.

PMID- 27136418
TI  - Collaborative care regarding major depressed patients: A review of guidelines and
      current practices.
AB  - Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a severe and common mental disorder. A growing
      body of evidence suggests that stepped and/or collaborative care treatment models
      have several advantages for severely depressed patients and caretakers. However,
      despite the availability of these treatment strategies and guidance initiatives,
      many depressive patients are solely treated by the general practitioner (GP), and
      collaborative care is not common. In this paper, we review a selected set of
      international guidelines to inventory the best strategies for GPs and secondary
      mental health care providers to collaborate when treating depressed patients.
      Additionally, we systematically searched the literature, listing potential ways
      of cooperation, and potentially supporting tools. We conclude that the prevailing
      guidelines only include few and rather vague directions regarding the cooperation
      between GPs and specialised mental health practitioners. Inspiring recent
      studies, however, suggest that relatively little efforts may result in effective
      collaborative care and a broader implementation of the guidelines in general.

PMID- 27136417
TI  - Gestational influenza and risk of hypomania in young adulthood: prospective birth
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested a possible link between exposure to
      influenza in utero and bipolar disorder in adulthood. Using data from a
      prospective birth cohort, we aimed to test for an association between exposure to
      gestational influenza and the experience of hypomania assessed in early
      adulthood. METHODS: We used data on 2957 participants from the Avon Longitudinal
      Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). The two main outcomes of interest were
      hypomania, assessed using the Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32) at age 22-23, and
      'hypomania plus previous psychotic experiences (PE)'. Maternally-reported
      gestational influenza was the exposure of interest. Multivariable logistic
      regression was used and estimates of association were adjusted for a range of
      possible confounding factors, including maternal smoking in pregnancy. RESULTS:
      Relative to controls, rates of exposure to gestational influenza were higher for
      participants with hypomania (24.0%) and for participants with 'hypomania plus PE'
      (34.2%), but univariate and multivariable analyses of an association between
      gestational influenza and hypomania (with and without previous PE) were not
      significant. LIMITATIONS: The response rate to those who were sent the HCL-32
      questionnaire was 36.8%. As a result, some analyses may have been under-powered
      to detect a true effect. Influenza infection during pregnancy was self-reported
      by mothers. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective population study, gestational
      influenza was not identified as a clear risk factor for lifetime hypomania or for
      'hypomania with PEs' in young adult offspring. It is possible that previous
      reports of an association between gestational influenza and bipolar disorder in
      adulthood have been confounded by factors such as maternal smoking during
      pregnancy.

PMID- 27136420
TI  - Direct and indirect forms of childhood maltreatment and nonsuicidal self-injury
      among clinically-referred children and youth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although exposure to direct forms of childhood maltreatment is among
      the most widely studied risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), research
      on NSSI has largely overlooked the role of exposure to indirect forms of child
      maltreatment (i.e., witnessing domestic violence). To address this gap in the
      literature, the present study examined associations among both direct and
      indirect forms of child maltreatment and NSSI among clinically-referred children
      and youth. METHODS: Data was collected using the interRAI Child and Youth Mental
      Health Assessment (ChYMH) at ten mental health agencies. The ChYMH is a
      comprehensive standardized clinical assessment tool completed by trained
      assessors using multiple sources. The study included a convenience sample of 747
      children and youth (68% male) between ages 8-18 with complex mental health
      histories referred for inpatient or outpatient care in Ontario, Canada. RESULTS:
      Univariate chi-square analyses indicated positive associations with NSSI and both
      direct (i.e., physical, sexual) and indirect child maltreatment (i.e., witnessing
      domestic violence). In a binary multivariate logistic regression analysis
      controlling for participant age and sex, only exposure to indirect child
      maltreatment emerged as multivariate predictor of NSSI. LIMITATIONS: The sample
      was limited to only 10 mental health agencies and only consenting
      parents/guardians referred to mental health services suggesting the study may not
      be generalizable to all clinical samples. CONCLUSION: The present study provides
      evidence that witnessing domestic violence in childhood is an important risk
      factor for NSSI. Clinical relevance includes implications for clinicians to
      develop targeted intervention and prevention strategies for NSSI for children who
      have witnessed domestic violence.

PMID- 27136421
TI  - Impact of HLA-B*35 subtype differences on HIV disease outcome in Mexico: Erratum.

PMID- 27136419
TI  - Suicidal ideation in youth with tic disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the incidence and clinical correlates of suicidal
      ideation (SI) in youth with tic disorders (TD). The independent contribution of
      tics, anxiety, depressive and externalizing symptoms on SI severity in youth with
      TD was assessed. METHOD: Participants were 75 treatment-seeking youth with a TD
      (N=75) aged 6-18. Participants completed diagnostic assessments, clinician
      ratings, self- and parent-report measures of emotional functioning and the
      presence and/or severity of suicidal ideation. RESULTS: Based on youth-report,
      61% of youth endorsed at least some symptoms of SI, and 8% endorsed symptoms that
      exceeded the clinically significant cut-off. Parents reported SI in 11% of cases,
      with generally poor agreement between parent- and youth-report. Suicidal ideation
      correlated with higher anxiety, depressive and externalizing symptoms, affective
      lability, and with poorer distress tolerance and overall functioning. Anxiety,
      depressive and externalizing symptoms showed an independent relationship with SI.
      Tic severity was not associated with SI. Rather, higher tic severity was
      associated with an increase in anxiety symptoms, which in turn, was associated
      with greater SI severity. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional data limits causal
      conclusions. Diagnosis was based on unstructured assessments by expert
      clinicians, including consensus diagnosis, rather than structured clinical
      interviews. CONCLUSIONS: Around 8-11% of youth with TD experienced SI. Tic
      severity did not have any direct influence on SI, however the presence of
      comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms significantly increases this risk.
      Results suggest that it is psychiatric comorbidity, rather than tics themselves,
      that predispose youth with tic disorders to increased risk of suicidality.

PMID- 27136422
TI  - A Placebo-Controlled Study on the Effects of the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Mimetic,
      Exenatide, on Insulin Secretion, Body Composition and Adipokines in Obese, Client
      Owned Cats.
AB  - Glucagon-like Peptide-1 mimetics increase insulin secretion and reduces body
      weight in humans. In lean, healthy cats, short-term treatment has produced
      similar results, whereas the effect in obese cats or with extended duration of
      treatment is unknown. Here, prolonged (12 weeks) treatment with the Glucagon-like
      Peptide-1 mimetic, exenatide, was evaluated in 12 obese, but otherwise healthy,
      client-owned cats. Cats were randomized to exenatide (1.0 MUg/kg) or placebo
      treatment twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was changes in insulin
      concentration; the secondary endpoints were glucose homeostasis, body weight,
      body composition as measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and overall
      safety. An intravenous glucose tolerance test (1 g/kg body weight) was conducted
      at week 0 and week 12. Exenatide did not change the insulin concentration, plasma
      glucose concentration or glucose tolerance (P>0.05 for all). Exenatide tended to
      reduce body weight on continued normal feeding. Median relative weight loss after
      12 weeks was 5.1% (range 1.7 to 8.4%) in the exenatide group versus 3.2% (range 
      5.3 to 5.7%) in the placebo group (P = 0.10). Body composition and adipokine
      levels were unaffected by exenatide (P>0.05). Twelve weeks of exenatide was well
      tolerated, with only two cases of mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal signs and
      a single case of mild hypoglycemia. The long-term insulinotropic effect of
      exenatide appeared less pronounced in obese cats compared to previous short-term
      studies in lean cats. Further investigations are required to fully elucidate the
      effect on insulin secretion, glucose tolerance and body weight in obese cats.

PMID- 27136423
TI  - Solving Biology's Iron Chemistry Problem with Ferritin Protein Nanocages.
AB  - Ferritins reversibly synthesize iron-oxy(ferrihydrite) biominerals inside large,
      hollow protein nanocages (10-12 nm, ~480 000 g/mol); the iron biominerals are
      metabolic iron concentrates for iron protein biosyntheses. Protein cages of 12-
      or 24-folded ferritin subunits (4-alpha-helix polypeptide bundles) self-assemble,
      experimentally. Ferritin biomineral structures differ among animals and plants or
      bacteria. The basic ferritin mineral structure is ferrihydrite (Fe2O3.H2O) with
      either low phosphate in the highly ordered animal ferritin biominerals, Fe/PO4 ~
      8:1, or Fe/PO4 ~ 1:1 in the more amorphous ferritin biominerals of plants and
      bacteria. While different ferritin environments, plant bacterial-like plastid
      organelles and animal cytoplasm, might explain ferritin biomineral differences,
      investigation is required. Currently, the physiological significance of plant
      specific and animal-specific ferritin iron minerals is unknown. The iron content
      of ferritin in living tissues ranges from zero in "apoferritin" to as high as
      ~4500 iron atoms. Ferritin biomineralization begins with the reaction of Fe(2+)
      with O2 at ferritin enzyme (Fe(2+)/O oxidoreductase) sites. The product of
      ferritin enzyme activity, diferric oxy complexes, is also the precursor of
      ferritin biomineral. Concentrations of Fe(3+) equivalent to 2.0 * 10(-1) M are
      maintained in ferritin solutions, contrasting with the Fe(3+) Ks ~ 10(-18) M.
      Iron ions move into, through, and out of ferritin protein cages in structural
      subdomains containing conserved amino acids. Cage subdomains include (1) ion
      channels for Fe(2+) entry/exit, (2) enzyme (oxidoreductase) site for coupling
      Fe(2+) and O yielding diferric oxy biomineral precursors, and (3) ferric oxy
      nucleation channels, where diferric oxy products from up to three enzyme sites
      interact while moving toward the central, biomineral growth cavity (12 nm
      diameter) where ferric oxy species, now 48-mers, grow in ferric oxy biomineral.
      High ferritin protein cage symmetry (3-fold and 4-fold axes) and amino acid
      conservation coincide with function, shown by amino acid substitution effects. 3
      Fold symmetry axes control Fe(2+) entry (enzyme catalysis of Fe(2+)/O2
      oxidoreduction) and Fe(2+) exit (reductive ferritin mineral dissolution); 3-fold
      symmetry axes influence Fe(2+)exit from dissolved mineral; bacterial ferritins
      diverge slightly in Fe/O2 reaction mechanisms and intracage paths of iron-oxy
      complexes. Biosynthesis rates of ferritin protein change with Fe(2+) and O2
      concentrations, dependent on DNA-binding, and heme binding protein, Bach 1.
      Increased cellular O2 indirectly stabilizes ferritin DNA/Bach 1 interactions.
      Heme, Fe-protoporphyrin IX, decreases ferritin DNA-Bach 1 binding, causing
      increased ferritin mRNA biosynthesis (transcription). Direct Fe(2+) binding to
      ferritin mRNA decreases binding of an inhibitory protein, IRP, causing increased
      ferritin mRNA translation (protein biosynthesis). Newly synthesized ferritin
      protein consumes Fe(2+) in biomineral, decreasing Fe(2)(+) and creating a
      regulatory feedback loop. Ferritin without iron is "apoferritin". Iron removal
      from ferritin, experimentally, uses biological reductants, for example, NADH +
      FMN, or chemical reductants, for example, thioglycolic acid, with Fe(2+)
      chelators; physiological mechanism(s) are murky. Clear, however, is the necessity
      of ferritin for terrestrial life by conferring oxidant protection (plants,
      animals, and bacteria), virulence (bacteria), and embryonic survival (mammals).
      Future studies of ferritin structure/function and Fe(2+)/O2 chemistry will lead
      to new ferritin uses in medicine, nutrition, and nanochemistry.

PMID- 27136424
TI  - Clinical response of masitinib mesylate in the treatment of canine macroscopic
      mast cell tumours.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively evaluate the clinical response and toxicity
      associated with masitinib mesylate (Masivet(r)) treatment of macroscopic mast
      cell tumours in the dog. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of 39
      dogs that had undergone treatment with masitinib for macroscopic mast cell
      tumours. Patient signalment, tumour location, tumour grade, tumour stage,
      previous treatments, concurrent medications, dose of masitinib, side effects,
      response, time to tumour progression, survival time and cause of death were
      documented. Response was assessed according to RECIST criteria. RESULTS: Clinical
      response was observed in 32 (82.1%) dogs receiving masitinib, with 15 dogs
      (38.5%) exhibiting a complete response and 17 dogs (43.6%) achieving a partial
      response. The median time to progression was 79 days (range: 14 to 667 days).
      Adverse effects were seen in 25 dogs (64.1%) with serum alanine aminotransferase
      elevation (n=9; 23.1%) and vomiting (n=6; 15.4%) being most common. Median
      survival time following initiation of masitinib was 159 days (range: 14 to 1339).
      CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Masitinib appears to be a well-tolerated and effective
      drug against macroscopic mast cell tumours.

PMID- 27136425
TI  - (1)H NMR Relaxometric Study of Molecular Dynamics in a "de Vries" Liquid Crystal.
AB  - Liquid crystals that exhibit de Vries smectic A phases are promising materials
      for new generations of ferroelectric liquid crystal displays and other electro
      optical devices. We investigated the molecular dynamic properties of a rod-like
      de Vries liquid crystal compound, namely the 9HL, a (S)-hexyl lactate derivative,
      in the whole mesophasic range. This is the first molecular dynamics'
      investigation on a de Vries phase, and the interest of this system is related to
      the understanding of the structural and supramolecular organization of de Vries
      SmA phases, which has been a subject of a broad scientific debate in the last
      years. Proton NMR spin-lattice relaxation times, T1, were measured in the range
      100 MHz to 5 kHz, thus covering a very wide range of motional regimes. (1)H NMR
      dispersion curves and temperature-dependent relaxation rates were analyzed with a
      global minimum target fitting approach and the main molecular motions, namely
      reorientational diffusion, translational self-diffusion, layer undulation, and
      tilting director fluctuations were fully characterized. The molecular dynamics'
      behavior observed across the SmA-SmC* phase transitions of 9HL was consistent
      with the proposed cluster diffuse cone model for the de Vries SmA phase.

PMID- 27136426
TI  - Towards personalised therapy for von Willebrand disease: a future role for
      recombinant products.
AB  - von Willebrand disease (VWD) is reportedly the most common bleeding disorder and
      is caused by deficiencies and/or defects in the adhesive plasma protein von
      Willebrand factor (VWF). Functionally, normal VWF prevents bleeding by promoting
      both primary and secondary haemostasis. In respect to primary haemostasis, VWF
      binds to both platelets and sub-endothelial matrix components, especially
      collagen, to anchor platelets to damaged vascular tissue and promote thrombus
      formation. VWF also stabilises and protects factor VIII in the circulation,
      delivering FVIII to the site of injury, which then facilitates secondary
      haemostasis and fibrin formation/thrombus stabilisation. As a result of this,
      patients with VWD suffer a bleeding diathesis reflective of a primary defect
      caused by defective/deficient VWF, which in some patients is compounded by a
      reduction in FVIII. Management of VWD, therefore, chiefly entails replacement of
      VWF, and sometimes also FVIII, to protect against bleeding. The current report
      principally focuses on the future potential for "personalised" management of VWD,
      given the emerging options in recombinant therapies. Recombinant VWF has been
      developed and is undergoing clinical trials, and this promising therapy may soon
      change the way in which VWD is managed. In particular, we can envisage a
      personalised treatment approach using recombinant VWF, with or without
      recombinant FVIII, depending on the type of VWD, the extent of deficiencies, and
      the period and duration of treatment.

PMID- 27136427
TI  - Genotyping approach for non-invasive foetal RHD detection in an admixed
      population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-invasive foetal RHD genotyping can predict haemolytic disease of
      the foetus and the newborn in pregnancies with anti-D alloantibodies and also
      avoid antenatal anti-D prophylaxis in pregnant women carrying an RHD negative
      foetus. Considering that the Argentine genetic background is the result of
      generations of intermixing between several ethnic groups, we evaluated the
      diagnostic performance of a non-invasive foetal RHD determination strategy to
      guide targeted antenatal RhD immunoprophylaxis. This algorithm is based on the
      analysis of four regions of the RHD gene in cell-free foetal DNA in maternal
      plasma and maternal and paternal RHD genotyping. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA from
      298 serologically D negative pregnant women between 19-28 weeks gestation were
      RHD genotyped. Foetal RHD status was determined by real-time PCR in 296 maternal
      plasma samples. In particular cases, RHDPsi and RHD-CE-Ds alleles were
      investigated in paternal DNA. Umbilical cord blood was collected at birth, and
      serological and molecular studies were performed. RESULTS: Of the 298 maternal
      samples, 288 were D-/RHD- and 10 D-/RHD+ (2 RHD*DAR; 5 RHD-CE-Ds; 3 RHDPsi).
      Plasma from RHD*DAR carriers was not analysed. Real-time PCR showed 210 RHD+ and
      78 RHD- foetuses and 8 inconclusive results. In this latter group, paternal
      molecular studies were useful to report a RHD negative status in 5 foetuses while
      only 3 remained inconclusive. All the results, except one false positive due to a
      silent allele (RHD[581insG]), agreed with the neonatal typing performed in cord
      blood. DISCUSSION: The protocol used for non-invasive prenatal RHD genotyping
      proved to be suitable to determine foetal RHD status in our admixed population.
      The knowledge of the genetic background of the population under study and
      maternal and paternal molecular analysis can reduce the number of inconclusive
      results when investigating foetal RHD status.

PMID- 27136428
TI  - Large volume leukapheresis is efficient and safe even in small children up to 15
      kg body weight.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The collection of peripheral blood stem cells, although now a routine
      procedure, is still a challenge in low body weight children because of specific
      technical and clinical issues. For paediatric patients it is crucial to obtain an
      adequate number of CD34+ cells with the minimum number of procedures: this can be
      done using large volume leukapheresis (LVL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed
      the efficacy and safety of 54 autologous LVL performed in 50 children (33 [66%]
      males and 17 [34%] females), median age 2 years (range, 1-5) and median body
      weight 12 kg (range, 6-15). The procedures were performed with a COBE Spectra
      previously primed with red blood cells; ACD-A solution and heparin were used as
      anticoagulants. RESULTS: The target CD34+ cell dose (>=5*10/kg body weight) were
      collected with one LVL in 46 (92%) patients, while four (8%) patients needed
      another procedure. All our LVL were well tolerated. Side effects were observed in
      five (9.2%) patients and one procedure had to be discontinued because of catheter
      related haemorrhage. The platelet count decreased significantly (p<0.001) after
      each procedure but without bleeding or need for transfusion support. DISCUSSION:
      Our experience confirms that LVL is efficient and safe even in small children, if
      the procedure is adjusted considering the weight and age of child. The most
      important factors are good venous access, adequate preparation of the child's
      electrolyte status, and surroundings in which the small child as well as parents
      feel comfortable, and can tolerate the procedure better. Although a median
      platelet loss of 50% can be expected, LVL is safe and reduces the overall number
      of procedures required. It can be recommended for peripheral blood stem cell
      collection even in small body weight children with malignant diseases,
      particularly those who mobilise low numbers of CD34+ cells.

PMID- 27136429
TI  - Is solvent/detergent plasma better than standard fresh-frozen plasma? A
      systematic review and an expert consensus document.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Only a few studies have compared solvent/detergent plasma (SD-plasma)
      to standard fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) in terms of efficacy and safety. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed in order to develop a consensus
      document on the use of SD-plasma. Moreover, a pharmacoeconomic study was
      performed in order to assess whether the use of SD-plasma can be cost-effective
      with respect to the use of FFP. A multidisciplinary panel used the systematic
      review and the GRADE methodology to develop evidence-based recommendations on
      this topic. RESULTS: Based on moderate to very low quality evidence, the panel
      developed the following consensus statements: (i) the panel suggested that SD
      plasma is safer than FFP; (ii) the panel could not express for or against a
      greater efficacy of SD-plasma as compared to FFP; (iii) the panel suggested that
      in patients undergoing liver transplantation SD-plasma can be preferred over FFP;
      (iv) the panel suggested that SD-plasma can be preferred over FFP in patients
      with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura undergoing plasma-exchange procedures;
      (v) the panel could not recommend for or against preferring SD-plasma over FFP in
      critical care patients; and (vi) the panel suggested that the use of SD-plasma
      can be cost-effective with respect to the use of FFP. DISCUSSION: Data from
      additional randomised studies are needed to establish more definitive guidelines
      on the use of SD-plasma.

PMID- 27136430
TI  - Microparticles variability in fresh frozen plasma: preparation protocol and
      storage time effects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extracellular vesicles or microparticles exhibiting procoagulant and
      thrombogenic activity may contribute to the haemostatic potential of fresh frozen
      plasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh frozen plasma was prepared from platelet
      rich plasma at 20  degrees C (Group-1 donors) or directly from whole blood at 4 
      degrees C (Group-2 donors). Each unit was aseptically divided into three parts,
      stored frozen for specific periods of time, and analysed by flow cytometry for
      procoagulant activity immediately after thaw or following post-thaw storage for
      24 h at 4  degrees C. Donors' haematologic, biochemical and life-style profiles
      as well as circulating microparticles were analysed in parallel. RESULTS:
      Circulating microparticles exhibited a considerable interdonor but not intergroup
      variation. Fresh frozen plasma units were enriched in microparticles compared to
      plasma in vivo. Duration of storage significantly affected platelet- and red cell
      derived microparticles. Fresh frozen plasma prepared directly from whole blood
      contained more residual platelets and more platelet-derived microparticles
      compared to fresh frozen plasma prepared from platelet-rich plasma. Consequently,
      there was a statistically significant difference in total, platelet- and red cell
      derived microparticles between the two preparation protocols over storage time in
      the freezer. Preservation of the thawed units for 24 h at 4  degrees C did not
      significantly alter microparticle accumulation. Microparticle accumulation and
      anti-oxidant capacity of fresh frozen plasma was positively or negatively
      correlated, respectively, with the level of circulating microparticles in
      individual donors. DISCUSSION: The preparation protocol and the duration of
      storage in the freezer, independently and in combination, influenced the
      accumulation of microparticles in fresh frozen plasma units. In contrast, storage
      of thawed units for 24 h at 4  degrees C had no significant effect on the
      concentration of microparticles.

PMID- 27136431
TI  - Non-invasive foetal RhD genotyping in admixed populations.

PMID- 27136432
TI  - Viral metagenomics applied to blood donors and recipients at high risk for blood
      borne infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Characterisation of human-associated viral communities is essential
      for epidemiological surveillance and to be able to anticipate new potential
      threats for blood transfusion safety. In high-resource countries, the risk of
      blood-borne agent transmission of well-known viruses (HBV, HCV, HIV and HTLV) is
      currently considered to be under control. However, other unknown or unsuspected
      viruses may be transmitted to recipients by blood-derived products. To
      investigate this, the virome of plasma from individuals at high risk for
      parenterally and sexually transmitted infections was analysed by high throughput
      sequencing (HTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Purified nucleic acids from two pools of
      50 samples from recipients of multiple transfusions, and three pools containing
      seven plasma samples from either HBV-, HCV- or HIV-infected blood donors, were
      submitted to HTS. RESULTS: Sequences from resident anelloviruses and HPgV were
      evidenced in all pools. HBV and HCV sequences were detected in pools containing
      3.8*10(3) IU/mL of HBV-DNA and 1.7*10(5) IU/mL of HCV-RNA, respectively, whereas
      no HIV sequence was found in a pool of 150 copies/mL of HIV-RNA. This suggests a
      lack of sensitivity in HTS performance in detecting low levels of virus. In
      addition, this study identified other issues, including laboratory contaminants
      and the uncertainty of taxonomic assignment of short sequence. No sequence
      suggestive of a new viral species was identified. DISCUSSION: This study did not
      identify any new blood-borne virus in high-risk individuals. However, rare and/or
      viruses present at very low titre could have escaped our protocol. Our results
      demonstrate the positive contribution of HTS in the detection of viral sequences
      in blood donations.

PMID- 27136433
TI  - How we treat bleeding associated with direct oral anticoagulants.
AB  - Direct oral anticoagulants are at least as effective as vitamin K antagonists for
      the prevention and treatment of thromboembolism. Unfortunately, differently from
      vitamin K antagonists, they have the great drawback of lacking specific antidotes
      in the case of bleeding or emergency situations such as trauma, stroke requiring
      thrombolysis, and urgent surgery. The progressive development of antidotes for
      these new drugs, which, it is hoped, will become available in the near future,
      will allow better and safer management of the rapid reversal of their
      anticoagulant effect.

PMID- 27136434
TI  - The role of ABO blood groups in Crohn's disease and in monitoring response to
      infliximab treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The variation in ABO blood groups is reported to be associated with
      multiple diseases. Infliximab (IFX) has been widely used in the treatment of
      Crohn's disease (CD). We aim to investigate the distribution of ABO blood groups
      in Chinese patients with CD and to explore its impact on response to IFX.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with CD were consecutively recruited to the study
      between 2007 and 2014. CD patients receiving IFX therapy were followed for at
      least two years. RESULTS: In 293 patients with CD, most patients (40.6%) had
      blood type O (119/293). The odds ratio (OR) of CD in blood type O patients was
      1.06 (95%CI: 0.6-1.86; p=0.84) compared to all other blood types. Among those CD
      patients, 107 patients received IFX treatment. One year after the first course of
      IFX, a significant association was found between the overall ABO system and
      outcomes of IFX treatment (p<0.001). CD patients with blood type AB (OR=4.42, 95%
      CI: 1.04-18.76; p=0.044) were more likely to achieve mucosal healing, while CD
      patients with blood type A had a high risk of losing response (OR=0.38, 95% CI:
      0.15-0.96; p=0.040). DISCUSSION: ABO blood groups are not associated with
      prevalence of CD. Patients with blood type AB had a better response to IFX while
      those with blood type A appeared to have a risk of losing response to IFX.

PMID- 27136435
TI  - Evaluation of capillary haemoglobin determination for anaemia screening in blood
      donation settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An accurate assessment of hemoglobin (Hb) values before donation is
      unavoidable for safeguarding donors' safety and fulfilling the current
      specifications of Hb content in blood bags. This study was hence aimed to compare
      a finger-prick method for Hb measurement in capillary blood with Hb assessment in
      venous blood using a hematological analyser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study
      populations consisted in 1,014 consecutive blood donors, who had paired
      measurement of Hb values with HemoCue on capillary blood and UniCel DxH800 in
      venous blood. RESULTS: A significant overestimation was found with HemoCue
      compared to UniCel DxH800, but the correlation between methods was significant
      (comprised between 0.600 and 0.759; all p<0.01) and the bias always lower than
      the quality specifications. The prevalence of Hb values below the gender-specific
      thresholds for blood donation was also not significantly different (p=0.186).
      DISCUSSION: It can hence be concluded that the finger-prick method evaluated is a
      safe and reliable means for screening blood donors.

PMID- 27136436
TI  - Correlation of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels and cardiac
      magnetic resonance imaging T2* in patients with beta-thalassaemia major.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac death secondary to myocardial iron toxicity occurs in 50% of
      patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia major. N-terminal pro-B
      type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) seems to be a useful tool for early
      detection of cardiac haemosiderosis. We designed this study to determine whether
      plasma NT-proBNP levels are predictive of cardiac iron concentration, based on
      heart T2* assessment by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      We evaluated plasma NT-proBNP levels in 50 patients with beta-thalassaemia major,
      aged 18 to 46 years, with preserved left ventricular systolic function, all of
      whom had undergone cardiac MRI within 3 months before the study. Next, three
      groups were defined based on heart T2* value as: group A, patients without
      evidence of cardiac iron overload (T2*>20 ms); group B, patients with mild to
      moderate cardiac iron overload (10 ms<T2*<20 ms); group C, patients with severe
      cardiac iron overload (T2*<10 ms). RESULTS: NT-proBNP level was not similar among
      the three groups (p=0.03), being significantly higher in patients in group C
      (1,104.2+/-350.5 pg/mL) than in patients in group B (565.9+/-116.9 pg/mL, p=0.03)
      or group A (563.5+/-162.5 pg/mL, p=0.04). The analyses indicate that NT-proBNP
      levels did not correlate with cardiac iron concentrations (r=0.152, p=0.148).
      DISCUSSION: Based on our study, measurements of NT-proBNP levels are not
      sufficient for early detection of cardiac iron overload. However, NT-proBNP
      measurements might be used as a tool to guide iron chelation therapy in patients
      with severe cardiac iron overload. The determination of their clinical use still
      requires multicentre studies.

PMID- 27136437
TI  - Nurses knowledge in Transfusion Medicine in a Portuguese university hospital: the
      impact of an education.

PMID- 27136438
TI  - Recommendations for the electronic pre-transfusion check at the bedside.

PMID- 27136439
TI  - Why are platelets the most frequently mentioned blood component in Chagas
      transfusion transmission reports?

PMID- 27136440
TI  - Pre-operative predictors of red blood cell transfusion in liver transplantation.

PMID- 27136441
TI  - The cytotoxic action of the CD56+ fraction of cytokine-induced killer cells
      against a K562 cell line is mainly restricted to the natural killer cell subset.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytokine-induced killer cells are polyclonal T cells generated ex
      vivo and comprise two main subsets: the CD56- fraction, possessing an
      alloreactive potential caused by T cells (CD3+CD56-), and the CD56+ fraction,
      characterised by a strong antitumour capacity induced by natural killer-like T
      cells (NK-like T, CD3+CD56+) and natural killer cells (NK, CD3-CD56+ bright).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the cytotoxic action of selected CD56+
      cell subpopulations against a human chronic myeloid leukaemia (K562) cell line.
      RESULTS: After immunomagnetic selection of the CD56+ cell fraction, NK bright
      cells (CD3-CD56+ bright) and two subsets of NK-like T cells (CD3+CD56+), called
      NK-like T CD56 dim and NK-like T CD56 bright, could be identified. The cytotoxic
      effect against K562 cells was mainly exerted by the NK bright subpopulation and
      resulted to be inversely correlated with the percentage of NK-like T CD56 dim
      cells in the culture. The lytic action appeared to be independent of cell
      degranulation as suggested by the lack of change in the expression of CD107a.
      DISCUSSION: We conclude that the cytotoxic action of CD56+ cells against a K562
      cell line is mainly due to the NK cells.

PMID- 27136442
TI  - Adverse events and retention of donors of double red cell units by apheresis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Safety of double-erythrocyte (2RBC) collection and reasons for
      ceasing 2RBC donation were retrospectively analysed in the blood donor population
      of Basel, Switzerland. METHODS: Donors with at least 1 2RBC apheresis were
      included in the study. Minimal requirements were Hb >=140 g/L and body weight
      >=70 kg; serum ferritin (SF) values were measured routinely, but were not part of
      the selection criteria. 2RBC collections were performed with ALYX devices at 6
      month intervals. Adverse events (AEs) were systematically recorded and classified
      according to the ISBT EHN 2008 criteria. Data of procedures were retrieved from
      the ALYX software. Demographics, apheresis data and AEs were analysed with
      descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Data of 4,377 2RBC aphereses performed in 793
      donors (779 males) between 1(st) January 2003 and 31(st) May 2015 were evaluated.
      Mean donor age at first 2RBC donation was 44 years (standard deviation [SD] 21),
      median number of donations was 4 (interquartile range [IQR] 8); 32% of the donors
      underwent a single procedure. There were 161 AEs, mostly local haematomas (55%)
      and vasovagal reactions (20%); fatigue was reported in 6% of the cases and was
      more frequent than citrate toxicity. Two severe AEs were observed. The most
      frequent reasons for abandoning 2RBC donation were low SF levels and donor choice
      (both 11%), but most donors simply did not reply to invitations (16%). Overall,
      procedure-related causes (AEs, low SF levels, no time for apheresis, inadequate
      venous access) were observed in 14% of the cases. At the end of the observation
      period, 40% of the donors were still active blood donors, but only 20% were
      donating 2RBC. DISCUSSION: 2RBC donation is overall safe. Donor retention was low
      over a period of 11 years. An important reason for abandoning 2RBC was the
      detection of low SF levels. The impact of fatigue on donor retention and the
      course of iron stores after repeated 6-monthly 2RBC apheresis require further
      investigation.

PMID- 27136443
TI  - Reductive Umpolung of Carbonyl Derivatives with Visible-Light Photoredox
      Catalysis: Direct Access to Vicinal Diamines and Amino Alcohols via alpha-Amino
      Radicals and Ketyl Radicals.
AB  - Visible-light-mediated photoredox-catalyzed aldimine-aniline and aldehyde-aniline
      couplings have been realized. The reductive single electron transfer (SET)
      umpolung of various carbonyl derivatives enabled the generation of intermediary
      ketyl and alpha-amino radical anions, which were utilized for the synthesis of
      unsymmetrically substituted 1,2-diamines and amino alcohols.

PMID- 27136444
TI  - Therapeutic effect of ozone and rutin on adriamycin-induced testicular toxicity
      in an experimental rat model.
AB  - To evaluate the cytoprotective effects of rutin, ozone and their combination on
      adriamycin (ADR)-induced testicular toxicity, 50 male albino rats were classified
      into five groups of ten animals each as follows: placebo group; ADR group; ADR +
      rutin group; ADR + ozone group and ADR + rutin + ozone group. Sperm functions,
      testosterone (T), luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),
      testicular enzymes, oxidant/antioxidant status, C-reactive protein, monocyte
      chemoattractant proteins-1 and leukotriene B4 were determined. After ADR
      injection, a decline in sperm functions was observed. FSH and LH levels were
      increased, T level and testicular enzymes were decreased, significant enhancement
      in oxidative stress with subsequent depletion in antioxidants was detected and
      inflammatory markers were significantly elevated. Treatment with rutin and/or
      ozone, however, improved the aforementioned parameters. Ozone therapy alone
      almost completely reversed the toxic effects of ADR and restored all parameters
      to normal levels.

PMID- 27136445
TI  - Lipid Rescue - Efficacy and Safety Still Unproven.

PMID- 27136446
TI  - The blunted effect of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide in
      subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue in obese subjects is partly reversed by
      weight loss.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) appears to have
      impaired effect on subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue metabolism in obese
      subjects. The aim of the present study was to examine whether weight loss may
      reverse the impaired effect of GIP on subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue in
      obese subjects. METHODS: Five obese males participated in a 12-week weight loss
      program, which consisted of caloric restriction (800 Cal day(-)(1)) followed by 4
      weeks of weight-maintenance diet. Before and after weight loss, subcutaneous
      adipose tissue lipid metabolism was studied by conducting regional measurements
      of arterio-venous plasma concentrations of metabolites and blood flow (adipose
      tissue blood flow, ATBF) across a segment of the abdominal adipose tissue in the
      fasting state and during GIP infusion (1.5 pmol kg(-)(1 )min(-)(1)) in
      combination with a hyperinsulinemic-hyperglycemic clamp. RESULTS: After weight
      loss (7.5+/-0.8 kg), glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity increased
      significantly as expected. No significant differences were seen in basal ATBF
      before (1.3+/-0.4 ml min(-1) 100 g tissue(-1)) and after weight loss (2.1+/-0.4
      ml min(-1) 100 g tissue)(-1); however, a tendency to increase was seen. After
      weight loss, GIP infusion increased ATBF significantly (3.2+/-0.1 ml min(-1) 100
      g tissue(-1)) whereas there was no increase before weight loss. Triacylglycerol
      (TAG) uptake did not change after weight loss. Baseline free fatty acid (FFA) and
      glycerol output increased significantly after weight loss, P<0.001. During the
      clamp period, FFA and glycerol output declined significantly, P<0.05, with no
      differences before and after weight loss. Weight loss increased glucose uptake
      and decreased FFA/glycerol ratio during the clamp period, P<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: In
      obese subjects, weight loss, induced by calorie restriction, improves the blunted
      effect of GIP on subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue metabolism.

PMID- 27136447
TI  - Comparative evaluation of the therapeutic effect of metformin monotherapy with
      metformin and acupuncture combined therapy on weight loss and insulin sensitivity
      in diabetic patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obesity induces insulin resistance (IR), the key etiologic defect of
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, an incidence of obesity-induced
      diabetes is expected to decrease if obesity is controlled. Although Metformin is
      currently one of the main treatment options for T2DM in obese patients, resulting
      in an average of 5% weight loss, adequate weight control in all patients cannot
      be achieved with Metformin alone. Thus, additional therapies with a weight loss
      effect, such as acupuncture, may improve the effectiveness of
      Metformin.Subjective:We designed this randomized clinical trial (RCT) to compare
      the effects of Metformin monotherapy with that of Metformin and acupuncture
      combined therapy on weight loss and insulin sensitivity among overweight/obese
      T2DM patients, to understand whether acupuncture plus Metformin is a better
      approach than Metformin only on treating diabetes. To understand whether
      acupuncture can be an insulin sensitizer and, if so, its therapeutic mechanism.
      RESULTS: Our results show that Metformin and acupuncture combined therapy
      significantly improves body weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood sugar
      (FBS), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index,
      interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), leptin,
      adiponectin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), resistin, serotonin, free fatty
      acids (FFAs), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and ceramides. CONCLUSIONS: Consequently,
      Metformin and acupuncture combined therapy is more effective than Metformin only,
      proving that acupuncture is an insulin sensitizer and is able to improve insulin
      sensitivity possibly by reducing body weight and inflammation, while improving
      lipid metabolism and adipokines. As a result, electro-acupuncture (EA) might be
      useful in controlling the ongoing epidemics in obesity and T2DM.

PMID- 27136448
TI  - Effect of a p38 MAPK inhibitor on FFA-induced hepatic insulin resistance in vivo.
AB  - The mechanisms whereby prolonged plasma free fatty acids elevation, as found in
      obesity, causes hepatic insulin resistance are not fully clarified. We herein
      investigated whether inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      prevented hepatic insulin resistance following prolonged lipid infusion.
      Chronically cannulated rats were subdivided into one of four intravenous (i.v.)
      treatments that lasted 48 h: Saline (5.5 MUl min(-1)), Intralipid plus heparin
      (IH, 20% Intralipid+20 U ml(-1) heparin; 5.5 MUl min(-1)), IH+p38 MAPK inhibitor
      (SB239063) and SB239063 alone. During the last 2 h of treatment, a
      hyperinsulinemic (5 mU kg(-1) min(-1)) euglycemic clamp together with [3-(3)H]
      glucose methodology was carried out to distinguish hepatic from peripheral
      insulin sensitivity. We found that SB239063 prevented IH-induced hepatic insulin
      resistance, but not peripheral insulin resistance. SB239063 also prevented IH
      induced phosphorylation of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), a marker of
      p38 MAPK activity, in the liver. Moreover, in another lipid infusion model in
      mice, SB239063 prevented hepatic but not peripheral insulin resistance caused by
      48 h combined ethyloleate plus ethylpalmitate infusion. Our results suggest that
      inhibition of p38 MAPK may be a useful strategy in alleviating hepatic insulin
      resistance in obesity-associated disorders. 

PMID- 27136449
TI  - Management of Chronic Insomnia Disorder in Adults: A Clinical Practice Guideline
      From the American College of Physicians.
AB  - DESCRIPTION: The American College of Physicians (ACP) developed this guideline to
      present the evidence and provide clinical recommendations on the management of
      chronic insomnia disorder in adults. METHODS: This guideline is based on a
      systematic review of randomized, controlled trials published in English from 2004
      through September 2015. Evaluated outcomes included global outcomes assessed by
      questionnaires, patient-reported sleep outcomes, and harms. The target audience
      for this guideline includes all clinicians, and the target patient population
      includes adults with chronic insomnia disorder. This guideline grades the
      evidence and recommendations by using the ACP grading system, which is based on
      the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation)
      approach. RECOMMENDATION 1: ACP recommends that all adult patients receive
      cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the initial treatment for
      chronic insomnia disorder. (Grade: strong recommendation, moderate-quality
      evidence). RECOMMENDATION 2: ACP recommends that clinicians use a shared decision
      making approach, including a discussion of the benefits, harms, and costs of
      short-term use of medications, to decide whether to add pharmacological therapy
      in adults with chronic insomnia disorder in whom cognitive behavioral therapy for
      insomnia (CBT-I) alone was unsuccessful. (Grade: weak recommendation, low-quality
      evidence).

PMID- 27136450
TI  - Reply to 'Long-term use of acarbose and CV event: confusing finding from mega
      data bank'.

PMID- 27136451
TI  - Crumbling Infrastructure and Learning Impairment: A Call for Responsibility.

PMID- 27136452
TI  - Chemical Self-Doping of Organic Nanoribbons for High Conductivity and Potential
      Application as Chemiresistive Sensor.
AB  - Intrinsically low electrical conductivity of organic semiconductors hinders their
      further development into practical electronic devices. Herein, we report on an
      efficient chemical self-doping to increase the conductivity through one
      dimensional stacking arrangement of electron donor-acceptor (D-A) molecules. The
      D-A molecule employed was a 1-methylpiperidine-substituted perylene
      tetracarboxylic diimide (MP-PTCDI), of which the methylpiperidine moiety is a
      strong electron donor, and can form a charge transfer complex with PTCDI (acting
      as the acceptor), generating anionic radical of PTCDI as evidenced in molecular
      solutions. Upon self-assembling into nanoribbons through columnar pi-pi stacking,
      the intermolecular charge transfer interaction between methylpiperidine and PTCDI
      would be enhanced, and the electrons generated are delocalized along the pi-pi
      stacking of PTCDIs, leading to enhancement in conductivity. The conductive fiber
      materials thus produced can potentially be used as chemiresistive sensor for
      vapor detection of electron deficient chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, taking
      advantage of the large surface area of nanofibers. As a major component of
      improvised explosives, hydrogen peroxide remains a critical signature chemical
      for public safety screening and monitoring.

PMID- 27136453
TI  - Dissociation Dynamics of Molecular Ions in High dc Electric Field.
AB  - In an atom probe, molecular ions can be field evaporated from the analyzed
      material and, then, can dissociate under the very intense electric field close to
      the field emitter. In this work, field evaporation of ZnO reveals the emission of
      Zn2O2(2+) ions and their dissociation into ZnO(+) ions. It is shown that the
      repulsion between the produced ZnO(+) ions is large enough to have a measurable
      effect on both the ion trajectories and times of flight. Comparison with
      numerical simulations of the ion trajectories gives information on the lifetime
      of the parent ions, the energy released by the dissociation and repulsion, and
      also the dissociation direction. This study not only opens the way to a new
      method to obtain information on the behavior of molecular ions in high electric
      fields by using an atom probe, but also opens up the interesting perspective to
      apply this technique to a wide class of materials and molecules. 

PMID- 27136454
TI  - Expression of perforin, granzyme A and Fas ligand mRNA in caecal tissues upon
      Eimeria tenella infection of naive and immune chickens.
AB  - Cytotoxic cells of the immune system may kill infected or transformed host cells
      via the perforin/granzyme or the Fas ligand (FasL) pathways. The purpose of this
      study was to determine mRNA expression of perforin, granzyme A and FasL in
      Eimeria tenella-infected tissues at primary infection and infection of immune
      chickens as an indirect measure of cytotoxic cell activity. Chickens were
      rendered immune by repeated E. tenella infections, which were manifested as an
      absence of clinical signs or pathological lesions and significantly reduced
      oocyst production upon challenge infection. During primary E. tenella infection,
      perforin, granzyme A and FasL mRNA expression in caecal tissue was significantly
      increased at 10 days after infection, compared to uninfected birds. In contrast,
      at infection of immune birds, perforin and granzyme A mRNA expression in caecal
      tissue was significantly increased during the early stages of E. tenella
      challenge infection, days 1-4, which coincided with a substantial reduction of
      parasite replication in these birds. These results indicate the activation of
      cytotoxic pathways in immune birds and support a role for cytotoxic T cells in
      the protection against Eimeria infections.

PMID- 27136455
TI  - Friend or Foe-Light Availability Determines the Relationship between Mycorrhizal
      Fungi, Rhizobia and Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.).
AB  - Plant associations with root microbes represent some of the most important
      symbioses on earth. While often critically promoting plant fitness, nitrogen
      fixing rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) also demand significant
      carbohydrate allocation in exchange for key nutrients. Though plants may often
      compensate for carbon loss, constraints may arise under light limitation when
      plants cannot extensively increase photosynthesis. Under such conditions, costs
      for maintaining symbioses may outweigh benefits, turning mutualist microbes into
      parasites, resulting in reduced plant growth and reproduction. In natural systems
      plants commonly grow with different symbionts simultaneously which again may
      interact with each other. This might add complexity to the responses of such
      multipartite relationships. We experimented with lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus),
      which efficiently forms associations with both types of root symbionts. We
      applied full light and low-light to each of four treatments of microbial
      inoculation. After an incubation period of 14 weeks, we quantified vegetative
      aboveground and belowground biomass and number and viability of seeds to
      determine effects of combined inoculant and light treatment on plant fitness.
      Under light-limited conditions, vegetative and reproductive traits were inhibited
      in AMF and rhizobia inoculated lima bean plants relative to controls (un
      colonized plants). Strikingly, reductions in seed production were most critical
      in combined treatments with rhizobia x AMF. Our findings suggest microbial root
      symbionts create additive costs resulting in decreased plant fitness under light
      limited conditions.

PMID- 27136456
TI  - Live Cell Imaging of ABCA1 Downregulation by HIV-1 Nef in an Experimental Model
      of HeLa ABCA1-GFP.

PMID- 27136457
TI  - Potentially inappropriate prescribing according to STOPP and START and adverse
      outcomes in community-dwelling older people: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - AIMS: This study aims to determine if potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP)
      is associated with increased healthcare utilization, functional decline and
      reduced quality of life (QoL) in a community-dwelling older cohort. METHOD: This
      prospective cohort study included participants aged >=65 years from The Irish
      Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) with linked administrative pharmacy claims
      data who were followed up after 2 years. PIP was defined by the Screening Tool
      for Older Persons Prescriptions (STOPP) and Screening Tool to Alert doctors to
      Right Treatment (START). The association with number of emergency department (ED)
      visits and GP visits reported over 12 months was analyzed using multivariate
      negative binomial regression adjusting for confounders. Marginal structural
      models investigated the presence of time-dependent confounding. RESULTS: Of
      participants followed up (n = 1753), PIP was detected in 57% by STOPP and 41.8%
      by START, 21.7% reported an ED visit and 96.1% visited a GP (median 4, IQR 2.5
      6). Those with any STOPP criterion had higher rates of ED visits (adjusted
      incident rate ratio (IRR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02, 1.66) and GP
      visits (IRR 1.15, 95%CI 1.06, 1.24). Patients with two or more START criteria had
      significantly more ED visits (IRR 1.45, 95%CI 1.03, 2.04) and GP visits (IRR
      1.13, 95%CI 1.01, 1.27) than people with no criteria. Adjusting for time
      dependent confounding did not affect the findings. CONCLUSIONS: Both STOPP and
      START were independently associated with increased healthcare utilization and
      START was also related to functional decline and QoL. Optimizing prescribing to
      reduce PIP may provide an improvement in patient outcomes.

PMID- 27136458
TI  - Contemporary Drought and Future Effects of Climate Change on the Endangered Blunt
      Nosed Leopard Lizard, Gambelia sila.
AB  - Extreme weather events can provide unique opportunities for testing models that
      predict the effect of climate change. Droughts of increasing severity have been
      predicted under numerous models, thus contemporary droughts may allow us to test
      these models prior to the onset of the more extreme effects predicted with a
      changing climate. In the third year of an ongoing severe drought, surveys failed
      to detect neonate endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizards in a subset of
      previously surveyed populations where we expected to see them. By conducting
      surveys at a large number of sites across the range of the species over a short
      time span, we were able to establish a strong positive correlation between winter
      precipitation and the presence of neonate leopard lizards over geographic space.
      Our results are consistent with those of numerous longitudinal studies and are in
      accordance with predictive climate change models. We suggest that scientists can
      take immediate advantage of droughts while they are still in progress to test
      patterns of occurrence in other drought-sensitive species and thus provide for
      more robust models of climate change effects on biodiversity.

PMID- 27136459
TI  - MBL2 Genetic Variants in HCV Infection Susceptibility, Spontaneous Viral
      Clearance and Pegylated Interferon Plus Ribavirin Treatment Response.
AB  - Hepatitis C is disease that damages the liver, and it is caused by the hepatitis
      C virus (HCV). The pathology became chronic in about 80% of the cases due to
      virus persistence in the host organism. The standard of care consists of
      pegylated interferon plus ribavirin; however, the treatment response is very
      variable and different host/viral factors may concur in the disease outcome. The
      mannose-binding protein C (MBL) is a component of the innate immune system, able
      to recognize HCV and consecutively activating the immune response. MBL is encoded
      by MBL2 gene, and polymorphisms, two in the promoter region (H/L and X/Y) and
      three in exon 1 (at codon 52, 54 and 57), have been described as functionally
      influencing protein expression. In this work, 203 Italian HCV patients and 61
      healthy controls were enrolled and genotyped for the five MBL2 polymorphisms
      mentioned above to investigate their role in HCV infection susceptibility,
      spontaneous viral clearance and treatment response. MBL2 polymorphisms were not
      associated with HCV infection susceptibility and with spontaneous viral
      clearance, while MBL2 O allele, O/O genotype, HYO haplotype and DP combined
      genotype (all correlated with low or deficient MBL expression) were associated
      with sustained virological response. Moreover, a meta-analysis to assess the role
      of MBL2 polymorphisms in HCV infection susceptibility was also performed: YA
      haplotype could be associated with protection towards HCV infection. 

PMID- 27136460
TI  - Gradient Infiltration of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Colon Cancer and
      Evidence for Their Involvement in Tumour Growth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of neutrophils in tumour biology is largely unresolved.
      Recently, independent studies indicated either neutrophil extracellular traps
      (NETs) or Tissue Factor (TF) involvement in cancer biology and associated
      thrombosis. However, their individual or combined role in colonic adenocarcinoma
      is still unexplored. METHODS: Colectomy tissue specimens and variable number of
      draining lymph nodes were obtained from ten patients with adenocarcinoma of the
      colon. NETs deposition and neutrophil presence as well as TF expression were
      examined by immunostaining. The effect of NETs on cancer cell growth was studied
      in in vitro co-cultures of Caco-2 cell line and acute myeloid leukemia primary
      cells. Proliferation and apoptosis/necrosis of cancer cells were analyzed by flow
      cytometry. RESULTS: TF-bearing NETs and neutrophil localization were prominent in
      tumour sections and the respective metastatic lymph nodes. Interestingly,
      neutrophil infiltration and NETs concentration were gradually reduced from the
      tumour mass to the distal margin. The in vitro-generated NETs impeded growth of
      cancer cell cultures by inducing apoptosis and/or inhibiting proliferation.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data support further the role of neutrophils and NETs in
      cancer biology. We also suggest their involvement on cancer cell growth.

PMID- 27136461
TI  - Substance use and at-risk mental state for psychosis in 2102 prisoners: the case
      for early detection and early intervention in prison.
AB  - AIM: Prisoners exhibit high rates of substance use and mental health problems. In
      the present study, we sought to gain a detailed understanding of substance use
      amongst young prisoners to inform early detection and early intervention
      strategies in a prison setting. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 2102
      prisoners who were screened by the London Early Detection and Prevention in
      Prison Team (LEAP). Data on the use of substances were collected including age of
      first use, recent use, duration of use and poly-drug use. The Prodromal
      Questionnaire - Brief Version was used to screen for the at-risk mental state.
      RESULTS: We found high rates of lifetime and recent use and low age of first use
      of a number of substances. We also found strong associations between substance
      use and screening positive for an at-risk mental state. Logistic regression
      analysis confirmed that use of any drug in the last year, poly-drug and early
      use, as well as heavy alcohol use, were related to an increased risk of screening
      positive. CONCLUSIONS: Substance use in the prison population is not only
      widespread and heavy but is also strongly linked with a higher risk of developing
      mental health problems. The need for early detection and early intervention in
      prison is discussed.

PMID- 27136462
TI  - 3D Corneal Shape After Implantation of a Biosynthetic Corneal Stromal Substitute.
AB  - PURPOSE: The current and projected shortage of transplantable human donor corneas
      has prompted the development of long-term alternatives to human donor tissue for
      corneal replacement. The biosynthetic stromal substitutes (BSS) characterized
      herein represent a potentially safe alternative to donor organ transplantation
      for anterior corneal stromal diseases. The goal of this phase 1 safety study was
      to characterize the three-dimensional (3D) corneal shape of the first 10 human
      patients implanted with a BSS and assess its stability over time. METHODS: Ten
      patients underwent anterior lamellar keratoplasty using a biosynthetic corneal
      stromal implant for either advanced keratoconus or central corneal scarring.
      Surgeries were performed at Linkoping University Hospital, between October and
      November 2007. Serial corneal topographies were performed on all eyes up to a 4
      year follow-up when possible. Three-dimensional shape average maps were
      constructed for the 10 BSS corneas and for 10 healthy controls. Average 3D shape
      corneal elevation maps, difference maps, and statistics maps were generated.
      RESULTS: The biosynthetic stromal substitutes implants remained stably integrated
      into the host corneas over the 4-year follow-up period, without signs of wound
      dehiscence or implant extrusion. The biosynthetic stromal substitutes corneas
      showed steeper surface curvatures and were more irregular than the healthy
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal astigmatism and surface steepness were observed 4
      years after BSS implantation, while the implants remained stably integrated in
      the host corneas. Future studies will indicate if biomaterials technology will
      allow for the optimization of postoperative surface irregularity after anterior
      stromal replacement, a new window of opportunity that is not available with
      traditional corneal transplantation techniques.

PMID- 27136463
TI  - Inflammatory Response to Lipopolysaccharide on the Ocular Surface in a Murine Dry
      Eye Model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) alerts cells to the presence of bacteria by
      initiating an inflammatory response. We hypothesize that disruption of the ocular
      surface barrier in dry eye enhances TLR4 signaling. This study determined whether
      dry eye enhances expression of inflammatory mediators in response to topically
      applied TLR4 ligand. METHODS: A single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or
      vehicle (endotoxin-free water) was applied to the cornea of nonstressed (NS) mice
      or mice subjected to 5 days of desiccating stress (DS). After 4 hours, corneal
      epithelium and conjunctiva were extracted to analyze expression of inflammatory
      mediators via PCR. Protein expression was confirmed by immunobead assay and
      immunostaining. RESULTS: Topically applied LPS increased expression of
      inflammatory mediators IL-1beta, CXCL10, IL-12a, and IFN-gamma in the
      conjunctiva, and IL-1beta and CXCL10 in the cornea of NS mice compared to that in
      untreated controls. LPS in DS mice produced 3-fold increased expression of IL
      1beta in cornea and 2-fold increased expression in IL-12a in conjunctiva compared
      to that in LPS-treated control mice. CONCLUSIONS: LPS increased expression of
      inflammatory cytokines on the ocular surface. This expression was further
      increased in dry eye, which suggests that epithelial barrier disruption enhances
      exposure of LPS to TLR4+ cells and that the inflammatory response to endotoxin
      producing commensal or pathogenic bacteria may be more severe in dry eye disease.

PMID- 27136464
TI  - Are we following the guidelines on non-muscle invasive bladder cancer?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical practice of non-muscle invasive bladder
      cancer (NMIBC) treatment in Brazil in relation to international guidelines:
      Sociedade Brasileira de Urologia (SBU), European Association of Urology (EAU) and
      American Urological Association (AUA). METHODS: Cross-sectional study using
      questionnaires about urological practice on treatment of NMIBC during the 32nd
      Brazilian Congress of Urology. A total of 650 question forms were answered.
      RESULTS: There were 73% of complete answers (total of 476 question forms). In
      total, 246 urologists (51.68%) lived in the southeast region and 310 (65.13%)
      treat 1 to 3 cases of NMIBC per month. Low risk cancer: Only 35 urologists (7.5%)
      apply the single intravesical dose of immediate chemotherapy with Mitomicin C
      recommended by the above guidelines. Adjuvant therapy with BCG 2 to 4 weeks after
      TUR is used by 167 participants (35.1%) and 271 urologists (56.9%) use only TUR.
      High risk tumors: 397 urologists (83.4%) use adjuvant therapy, 375 (78.8%) use
      BCG 2 to 4 weeks after TUR, of which 306 (64.3%) referred the use for at least
      one year. Intravesical chemotherapy with Mitomicin C (a controversial
      recommendation) was used by 22 urologists (4.6%). BCG dose raised a lot of
      discrepancies. Induction doses of 40, 80 and 120mg were referred by 105 (22%),
      193 (40.4%) and 54 (11.3%) respectively. Maintenance doses of 40, 80 and 120mg
      were referred by 190 (48.7%), 144 (37.0%) and 32 (8.2%) urologists, respectively.
      Schemes of administration were also varied and the one cited by SWOG protocol was
      the most used: 142 (29.8%). CONCLUSIONS: SBU, EAU and AUA guidelines are
      partially respected by Brazilian urologists, particularly in low risk tumors. In
      high risk tumors, concordance rates are comparable to international data. Further
      studies are necessary to fully understand the reasons of such disagreement.

PMID- 27136465
TI  - Brazilian data of renal cell carcinoma in a public university hospital.
AB  - PURPOSE: Among renal malignancies, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 85% of
      cases. Stage is a relevant prognostic factor; 5-year survival ranges from 81% to
      8% according to the stage of disease. The treatment is based on surgery and
      molecularly targeted therapy has emerged as a choice for metastatic disease.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of
      patients with RCC treated in the last 10 years at UNIFESP. The primary end point
      of this trial was to evaluate the overall survival (OS) of the patients. The
      secondary end point was to evaluate the progression-free survival (PFS) after
      nephrectomy. RESULTS: 118 patients with RCC were included. The mean age was 58.3
      years, 61.9% men; nephrectomy was performed in 90.7%, clear cell was the
      histology in 85.6%, 44 patients were classified as stage IV at diagnosis. Among
      these, 34 had already distant metastasis. 29 patients were treated with
      sunitinib. The median OS among all patients was 55.8 months. The median PFS after
      nephrectomy was 79.1 months. Sarcomatoid differentiation HR29.74 (95% CI, 4.31
      205.26), clinical stage IV HR1.94 (95% CI, 1.37-2.75) and nephrectomy HR0.32 (95%
      CI, 0.15-0.67) were OS prognostic factors. Sunitinib had clinical activity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated in our hospital achieved median OS compatible with
      literature. Nevertheless, this study has shown a high number of patients with
      advanced disease. For patients with advanced disease, treatment with sunitinib
      achieved median OS of 28.7 months, consistent with the literature.

PMID- 27136466
TI  - Low-dose-rate brachytherapy for patients with transurethral resection before
      implantation in prostate cancer. Longterm results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the long-term oncologic outcome for patients with
      prostate cancer and transurethral resection who were treated using low-dose-rate
      (LDR) prostate brachytherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: From January 2001 to
      December 2005, 57 consecutive patients were treated with clinically localized
      prostate cancer. No patients received external beam radiation. All of them
      underwent LDR prostate brachytherapy. Biochemical failure was defined according
      to the "Phoenix consensus". Patients were stratified as low and intermediate risk
      based on The Memorial Sloan Kettering group definition. RESULTS: The median
      follow-up time for these 57 patients was 104 months. The overall survival
      according to Kaplan-Meier estimates was 88% (+/-6%) at 5 years and 77% (+/-6%) at
      12 years. The 5 and 10 years for failure in tumour-free survival (TFS) was 96%
      and respectively (+/-2%), whereas for biochemical control was 94% and
      respectively (+/-3%) at 5 and 10 years, 98% (+/-1%) of patients being free of
      local recurrence. A patient reported incontinence after treatment (1.7%). The
      chronic genitourinary complains grade I were 7% and grade II, 10%. At six months
      94% of patients reported no change in bowel function. CONCLUSIONS: The excellent
      long-term results and low morbidity presented, as well as the many advantages of
      prostate brachytherapy over other treatments, demonstrates that brachytherapy is
      an effective treatment for patients with transurethral resection and clinical
      organ-confined prostate cancer.

PMID- 27136467
TI  - White blood cell counts and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in the diagnosis of
      testicular cancer: a simple secondary serum tumor marker.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate white blood cell counts and
      neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as markers of systemic inflammation in the
      diagnosis of localized testicular cancer as a malignancy with initially low
      volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with localized testicular
      cancer with a mean age of 34.22+/-14.89 years and 36 healthy controls with a mean
      age of 26.67+/-2.89 years were enrolled in the study. White blood cell counts and
      NLR were calculated from complete blood cell counts. RESULTS: White blood cell
      counts and NLR were statistically significantly higher in patients with
      testicular cancer compared with the control group (p<0.0001 for all).
      CONCLUSIONS: Both white blood cell counts and NLR can be used as a simple test in
      the diagnosis of testicular cancer besides the well-known accurate serum tumor
      markers as AFP (alpha fetoprotein), hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and LDH
      (lactate dehydrogenase).

PMID- 27136468
TI  - Incidence of sepsis following transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy at a
      tertiary-care medical center in Lebanon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urosepsis is a rare but life-threatening complication following
      transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided needle prostate biopsy. Despite the
      technological and pharmacological improvements, the problem of bacterial
      urosepsis after prostate biopsy remains. A strategy for preventing urosepsis
      following TRUS prostate biopsy in areas with high prevalence of resistant strains
      or patients presenting risk factors is lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study
      was to assess the prevalence of urosepsis, as well its predictors, following TRUS
      guided needle biopsy of the prostate in a tertiary care medical center in
      Lebanon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study on all
      patients who underwent TRUS prostate biopsy at the American University of Beirut
      Medical Center between January 1, 2011 and June 31, 2013. Patients' hospital
      charts were reviewed. Data collected included demographic information, pre
      procedure disease specific information, as well as post-procedure information.
      Predictors of urosepsis following TRUS were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 265
      patients were included in this study, where the prevalence of urosepsis following
      TRUS prostate biopsy was found to be 9.4%. The significant independente
      predictors of urosepsis were found to be: age with an OR=0.93 (95% CI: 0.88-1.00,
      p-value=0.03), and hypertension comorbidity with an OR=3.25 (95% CI: 1.19-8.85, p
      value=0.02). CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of urosepsis among patients
      who have undergone TRUS prostate biopsy, and identified two significant risk
      factors. The results of this study highlight the importance of implementing
      strategies for prevention of urosepsis following TRUS prostate biopsy.

PMID- 27136469
TI  - Ischemia modified albumin: does it change during pneumoperitoneum in robotic
      prostatectomies?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The unique positioning of the patient at steep Trendelenburg with
      prolonged and increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during robotic radical
      prostatectomy may increase the risk of splanchnic ischemia. We aimed to
      investigate the acute effects of IAP and steep Trendelenburg position on the
      level of ischemia modified albumin (IMA) and to test if serum IMA levels might be
      used as a surrogate marker for possible covert ischemia during robotic radical
      prostatectomies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty ASA I-II patients scheduled for
      elective robotic radical prostatectomy were included in this investigation.
      EXCLUSION CRITERIA: The patients were excluded from the study when an arterial
      cannulation could not be accomplished, if the case had to be converted to open
      surgery or if the calculated intraoperative bleeding exceeded 300ml. All the
      patients were placed in steep (45 degrees) Trendelenburg position following
      trocar placement. Throughout the operation the IAP was maintained between 11
      14mmHg. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), cardiac output (CO) were continuously
      monitored before the induction and throughout the surgery. Blood gases,
      electrolytes, urea, creatinine, alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase
      (AST) were recorded. Additionally, IMA levels were measured before, during and
      after surgery. RESULTS: (1) MAP, CO, lactate and hemoglobin (Hb) did not
      significantly change in any period of surgery (p>0.05); (2) sodium (p<0.01),
      potassium (p<0.05) and urea (p<0.05) levels decreased at postoperative period,
      and no significant changes at creatinine, AST, ALT levels were observed in these
      patients; (3) At the end of surgery (180 min) pCO2, pO2, HCO3 and BE did not
      change compared to after induction values (p>0.05) but mild acidosis was present
      in these patients (p<0.01 vs. after induction); (4) IMA levels were found to be
      comparable before induction (0.34+/-0.04), after induction (0.31+/-0.06) and at
      the end of surgery (0.29+/-0.05) as well. CONCLUSION: We did not demonstrate any
      significant mesenteric-splanchnic ischemia which could be detected by serum IMA
      levels during robotic radical prostatectomies performed under steep Trendelenburg
      position and when IAP is maintained in between 11-14 mmHg.

PMID- 27136470
TI  - What about vaginal extraction of the kidney? results of an online survey.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to characterize surgeons opinion about the vaginal extraction
      of the kidney after transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy. Matherial and
      Methods: A 9-item questionnaire was published online (Survey Monkey TM) and
      publicized via email to a multidisciplinary pool of surgeons in Portugal. Data
      was collected and statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics,
      Version 21.0. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty nine inquiries were sent, 154
      surgeons completed the questionnaires (response rate of 43.0%). Fifty five point
      eight percent of the participants would choose the transvaginal approach for
      themselves or for a close relative. The most stated arguments were a better
      cosmesis (29.0%) expectancy of lower post operative pain (26.0%) and lower rate
      of incisional hernias (23.0%). Defenders of the transabdominal procedure
      justified with an expectancy of lower complication rate (39%), namely impairment
      of sexual function and fertility (22%). The female gender and the familiarity
      with transvaginal surgery were the stronger predictors of the option for this
      approach (70.6% vs 48.5%; p=0,016 and 85.3% vs 46.6%; p <0.001 respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Contrasting with similar surveys published on transvaginal NOTES,
      the vaginal specimen extraction after conventional laparoscopic nephrectomy was
      fairly accepted by the inquired surgeons.

PMID- 27136471
TI  - Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy learning curve for experienced
      laparoscopic surgeons: does it really exist?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RALP) is a minimally invasive
      procedure that could have a reduced learning curve for unfamiliar laparoscopic
      surgeon. However, there are no consensuses regarding the impact of previous
      laparoscopic experience on the learning curve of RALP. We report on a functional
      and perioperative outcome comparison between our initial 60 cases of RALP and
      last 60 cases of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), performed by three
      experienced laparoscopic surgeons with a 200+LRP cases experience. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Between January 2010 and September 2013, a total of 60 consecutive
      patients who have undergone RALP were prospectively evaluated and compared to the
      last 60 cases of LRP. Data included demographic data, operative duration, blood
      loss, transfusion rate, positive surgical margins, hospital stay, complications
      and potency and continence rates. RESULTS: The mean operative time and blood loss
      were higher in RALP (236 versus 153 minutes, p<0.001 and 245.6 versus 202ml
      p<0.001). Potency rates at 6 months were higher in RALP (70% versus 50% p=0.02).
      Positive surgical margins were also higher in RALP (31.6% versus 12.5%, p=0.01).
      Continence rates at 6 months were similar (93.3% versus 89.3% p=0.43). Patient's
      age, complication rates and length of hospital stay were similar for both groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Experienced laparoscopic surgeons (ELS) present a learning curve for
      RALP only demonstrated by longer operative time and clinically insignificant
      blood loss. Our initial results demonstrated similar perioperative and functional
      outcomes for both approaches. ELS were able to achieve satisfactory oncological
      and functional results during the learning curve period for RALP.

PMID- 27136472
TI  - Specific training for LESS surgery results from a prospective study in the animal
      model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to prospectively evaluate the ability of post-graduate students
      enrolled in a laparoscopy program of the Institute for Teaching and Research to
      complete single port total nephrectomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 15 post-graduate
      students were enrolled in the study, which was performed using the SILStm port
      system for single-port procedures. All participants were already proficient in
      total nephrectomies in animal models and performed a left followed by a right
      nephrectomy. Analyzed data comprised incision size, complications, and the time
      taken to complete each part of the procedure. Statistical significance was set at
      p<0.05. RESULTS: All students successfully finished the procedure using the
      single-port system. A total of 30 nephrectomies were analyzed. Mean incision size
      was 3.61 cm, mean time to trocar insertion was 9.61 min and to dissect the renal
      hilum was 25.3 min. Mean time to dissect the kidney was 5.18 min and to complete
      the whole procedure was 39.4 min. Total renal hilum and operative time was 45.8%
      (p<0.001) and 38% (p=0.001) faster in the second procedure, respectively.
      Complications included 3 renal vein lesions, 2 kidney lacerations and 1 lesion of
      a lumbar artery. All were immediately identified and corrected laparoscopically
      through the single-port system, except for one renal vein lesion, which required
      the introduction an auxiliary laparoscopic port. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic single
      port nephrectomy in the experimental animal model is a feasible but relatively
      difficult procedure for those with intermediate laparoscopic experience.
      Intraoperative complications might be successfully treated with the single-port
      system. Training aids reducing surgical time and improves outcomes.

PMID- 27136473
TI  - Comparison of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery
      (RIRS) for treatment of stone disease in horseshoe kidney patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study it is aimed to compare the success and complication
      rates of SWL and RIRS in treatment of HSK stone disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      In this retrospective study data of 67 patients treated with either SWL (n=44) or
      RIRS (n=23) for stone disease in HSK between May 2003 to August 2014 was
      investigated. age, gender, stone size and multiplicity, stone free status, renal
      colic episodes and complication rates of the SWL and RIRS groups were compared.
      RESULTS: Mean age of the population was 42.5+/-8.2 (range: 16-78) years and mean
      stone size was 16.9+/-4.1 mm. SWL and RIRS groups were similar with regard to
      demographic characteristics and stone related characteristics. SFR of the SWL and
      RIRS groups were 47.7%(21/44 patients) and 73.9% (17/23 patients) respectively
      (p=0.039). Renal colic episodes were observed in 3 and 16 patients in the RIRS
      and SWL groups respectively (p=0.024). No statistically significant complications
      were observed between the SWL (8/44 patients) and RIRS (4/23) groups (p=0.936).
      CONCLUSIONS: In HSK patients with stone disease, both SWL and RIRS are effective
      and safe treatment modalities. However RIRS seems to maintain higher SFRs with
      comparable complication rates.

PMID- 27136474
TI  - Effect of alpha1-blockers on stentless ureteroscopic lithotripsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficiency of alpha1-adrenergic antagonists
      on stentless ureteroscopic lithotripsy treating uncomplicated lower ureteral
      stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 to January 2013, 84 patients who
      have uncomplicated lower ureteral stones treated by ureteroscopic intracorporeal
      lithotripsy with the holmium laser were analyzed. The patients were divided into
      two groups, group A (44 patients received indwelled double-J stents) and group B
      (40 patients were treated by alpha1-adrenergic antagonists without stents). All
      cases of group B were treated with alpha1 blocker for 1 week. RESULTS: The mean
      operative time of group A was significantly longer than group B. The incidences
      of hematuria, flank/abdominal pain, frequency/urgency after surgery were
      statistically different between both groups. The stone-free rate of each group
      was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of alpha1-adrenergic antagonists is more
      significant than indwelling stent after ureteroscopic lithotripsy in treating
      uncomplicated lower ureteral stones.

PMID- 27136475
TI  - Use of preoperative embolization prior to Transplant nephrectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: After a failed transplant, management of a non-functional graft
      with pain or recurrent infections can be challenging. Transplant nephrectomy (TN)
      can be a morbid procedure with the potential for significant blood loss.
      Embolization of the renal artery alone has been proposed as a method of reducing
      complications from an in vivo failed kidney transplant. While this does yield
      less morbidity, it may not address an infected graft or refractory hematuria or
      rejection. We elected to begin preoperative embolization to assess if this would
      help decrease the blood loss and transfusion rate associated with TN. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent
      non-emergent TN at our institution. Patients who had functioning grafts that
      later failed were included in analysis. TN was performed for recurrent
      infections, pain or hematuria. We evaluated for blood loss (EBL) during TN,
      transfusion rate and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients
      were identified. Nine had preoperative embolization or no blood flow to the graft
      prior to TN. The remaining 7 did not have preoperative embolization. The shortest
      time from transplant to TN was 8 months and the longest 18 years with an average
      of 6.3 years. Average EBL for the embolized patients (ETN) was 143.9cc compared
      to 621.4cc in the non-embolized (NETN) group (p=0.041). Average number of units
      of blood transfused was 0.44 in the ETN with only 3/9 patients requiring
      transfusion. The NETN patients had average of 1.29 units transfused with 5/7
      requiring transfusion. The length of stay was longer for the ETN (5.4 days)
      compared to 3.9 in the NETN. No intraoperative complications were seen in either
      group and only one patient had a postoperative ileus in the NETN. CONCLUSION:
      Embolization prior to TN significantly decreases the EBL but does not
      significantly decrease transfusion rate. However, patients do require a
      significantly longer hospitalization with embolization due to the time needed for
      embolization. Larger studies are needed to determine if embolization before
      transplant nephrectomy reduces the transfusion rates and overall complications.

PMID- 27136476
TI  - A fast, easy circumcision procedure combining a CO2 laser and cyanoacrylate
      adhesive: a non-randomized comparative trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circumcision is performed as a routine operation in many countries,
      more commonly for religious and cultural reasons than for indicated conditions,
      such as phimosis and balanitis. There are many techniques available, and recently
      electrocautery and both Nd:YAG and CO2 lasers, instead of blades, have been used
      for skin and mucosal incisions. However, the infection risk in circumcisions
      performed using a CO2 laser was 10% higher. There are also reports of sutureless
      procedures using cyanoacrylate, but these have higher risks of hematoma and
      hemorrhage. We combined a CO2 laser and cyanoacrylate to shorten the operation
      time and to decrease bleeding complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Circumcisions
      were performed under general anesthesia with CO2 laser and cyanoacrylate
      combination in 75 6-9-year-old boys between May 2013 and August 2014 only for
      religious reasons. As a control, we compared them retrospectively with 75 age
      matched patients who were circumcised using the conventional guillotine method in
      our clinic. RESULTS: No hematomas, bleeding, or wound infections were observed.
      One wound dehiscence (1.33%) occurred during the early postoperative period and
      healed without any additional procedures. The median operating time was 7 (range
      6-9) minutes. The conventional guillotine group comprised one hematoma (1.3%),
      two wound dehiscences (2.6%), and two hemorrhages (2.6%), and the median
      operating time was 22 (range 20-26) minutes. The difference in surgical time was
      significant (p<0.001), with no significant difference in the rate of
      complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The combined CO2 laser and
      cyanoacrylate procedure not only decreased the operating time markedly, but also
      eliminated the disadvantages associated with each individual procedure alone.

PMID- 27136477
TI  - Does platelet activity play a role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic ischemic
      priapism?
AB  - PURPOSE: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is used to measure platelet size and is
      defined as a potential marker of platelet reactivity. Higher MPV levels have been
      defined as a risk factor for increased incidence of intravascular thrombosis and
      its associated diseases. We aimed to determine whether a relationship exists
      between the MPV and veno-occlusive component of idiopathic ischemic priapism
      (IIP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, 38 subjects were analyzed in
      two groups. One was composed of 15 patients with diagnosis as IIP in our
      institute, and the other contained 23 healthy control subjects. Complete blood
      count reports were retrospectively evaluated in both groups. MPV, platelet count
      (PLT), platelet distribution width (PDW), white blood cells (WBC), red blood
      cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), reticulocyte distribution width (RDW) were measured
      in both groups. RESULTS: The mean ages were similar in IIP patients (45.86+/
      15.82) and control subjects (47.65+/-10.99). The mean MPV values of IIP patients
      were significantly higher than control subjects (p<0.05). In contrast, also PLT
      counts were significantly lower in IIP patients, compared to control subjects
      (p<0.05). The mean hemoglobin and WBC values were significantly lower in control
      group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference of RBC, PDW and RDW values in
      both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the MPV was significantly higher in IIP
      patients compared to control subjects. The high MPV levels may have contributed
      to the veno-occlusive etiopathogenesis of IIP disease. We strongly suggest
      further prospective studies to recommend the use of MPV in routine practice.

PMID- 27136478
TI  - Severity of erectile dysfunction is highly correlated with the syntax score in
      patients undergoing coronariography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the severity of erectile
      dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease (CAD) in men undergoing coronary
      angiography for angina or acute myocardial infarct (AMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      We studied 132 males who underwent coronary angiography for first time between
      January and November 2010. ED severity was assessed by the international index of
      erectile function (IIEF-5) and CAD severity was assessed by the Syntax score.
      Patients with CAD (cases) and without CAD (controls) had their IIEF-5 compared.
      In the group with CAD, their IIEF-5 scores were compared to their Syntax score
      results. RESULTS: We identified 86 patients with and 46 without CAD. The IIEF-5
      score of the group without CAD (22.6+/-0.8) was significantly higher than the
      group with CAD (12.5+/-0.5; p<0.0001). In patients without ED, the Syntax score
      average was 6.3+/-3.5, while those with moderate or severe ED had a mean Syntax
      score of 39.0+/-11.1. After adjustment, ED was independently associated to CAD,
      with an odds ratio of 40.6 (CI 95%, 14.3-115.3, p<0.0001). The accuracy of the
      logistic model to correctly identify presence or absence of CAD was 87%, with 92%
      sensitivity and 78% specificity. The average time that ED was present in patients
      with CAD was 38.8+/-2.3 months before coronary symptoms, about twice as high as
      patients without CAD (18.0+/-5.1 months). CONCLUSIONS: ED severity is strongly
      and independently correlated with CAD complexity, as assessed by the Syntax score
      in patients undergoing coronariography for evaluation of new onset coronary
      symptoms.

PMID- 27136479
TI  - An easy, reproducible and cost-effective method for andrologists to improve the
      laboratory diagnosis of nonobstructive azoospermia: a novel microcentrifugation
      technique.
AB  - This study describes a new method of microcentrifugation as an improved, viable,
      cost-effective option to the classical Cytospin apparatus to confirm azoospermia.
      Azoospermic semen samples were evaluated for cryptozoospermia by a centrifugation
      method similar to that of World Health Organization guidelines (2010; entire
      specimen centrifuged at 3000g for 15 min, and aliquots of the pellet examined).
      Then, if no sperm were detected, the pellet from that procedure was resuspended
      in culture medium, centrifuged (2000g for 15 min), and the entire pellet spread
      on a 4 X 6mm area of a slide and stained using the Christmas tree method (Nuclear
      Fast solution and picric acid). The entire stained area was examined for the
      presence or absence of sperm. A total of 148 azoospermic samples (after standard
      WHO diagnosis) were included in the study and 21 samples (14.2%) were identified
      as sperm-positive. In all microcentrifugation slides, intact spermatozoa could be
      easily visualized against a clear background, with no cellular debris. This novel
      microcentrifugation technique is clearly a simple and effective method, with
      lower cost, increasing both sensitivity and specificity in confirming the absence
      or presence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. It may represent a step forward of
      prognostic value to be introduced by andrology laboratories in the routine
      evaluation of patients with azoospermia in the initial semen analysis.

PMID- 27136480
TI  - Short hairpin rna targeting insulin-like growth fator binding protein-3 restores
      the bioavailability of insulin-like growth factor-1 in diabetic rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether intracavernosal injection of short hairpin RNA
      for IGFBP-3 could improve erectile function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic
      rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After 12 weeks of IGFBP-3 short hairpin RNA
      injection treatment, intracavernous pressure responses to electrical stimulation
      of cavernous nerves were evaluated. The expression of IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 at mRNA
      and protein levels were detected by quantitative real-time PCR analysis and
      Western blot, respectively. The concentration of cavernous cyclic guanosine
      monophosphate was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: At 12
      weeks after intracavernous administration of IGFBP-3 shRNA, the cavernosal
      pressure was significantly increased in response to the cavernous nerves
      stimulation compared to the diabetic group (P<0.05). Cavernous IGFBP-3 expression
      at both mRNA and protein levels was significantly inhibited. At the same time,
      cavernous IGF-1 expression was significantly increased in the IGFBP-3 shRNA
      treatment group compared to the diabetic group (P<0.01). Cavernous cyclic
      guanosine monophosphate concentration was significantly increased in the IGFBP-3
      shRNA treatment group compared to the diabetic group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Gene
      transfer of IGFBP-3 shRNA could improve erectile function via the restoration of
      cavernous IGF-1 bioavailability and an increase of cavernous cGMP concentration
      in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic
      rats.

PMID- 27136481
TI  - The possible protective effects of dipyridamole on ischemic reperfusion injury of
      priapism.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effects against ischemia reperfusion
      injury of dipyridamole in a model of induced priapism in rats. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups,
      control, P/R, P/R+DMSO and P/R+D. 3ml blood specimens were collected from vena
      cava inferior in order to determine serum MDA, IMA, TAS, TOS and OSI values, and
      penile tissue was taken for histopathological examination in control group.
      Priapism was induced in P/R group. After 1h, priapism was concluded and 30 min
      reperfusion was performed. In P/R+DMSO group 1ml/kg DMSO was administered
      intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion, while in P/R+D group 10mg/kg
      dipyridamole was administered intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion. Blood
      and penis specimens were collected after the end of 30 min reperfusion period.
      Sinusoidal area (MUm2), tears in tunica albuginea and injury parameters in
      sinusoidal endothelium of penis were investigated. RESULTS: Histopathological
      examination revealed no significant changes in term of sinusoidal area. A
      decrease in tears was observed in P/R+D group compared to P/R group (p<0.05).
      Endothelial injury decreased in P/R+D group compared to P/R group (p>0.05). There
      were no significant differences in MDA and IMA values between groups. A
      significant increase in TOS and OSI values was observed in P/R+D group compared
      to P/R group. A significant decrease in TAS levels was observed in P/R+D group
      compared to the P/R group. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of dipyridamole before
      reperfusion in ischemic priapism model has a potential protective effect against
      histopathological injury of the penis.

PMID- 27136482
TI  - High-pressure balloon assessment of pelviureteric junction prior to laparoscopic
      "vascular hitch".
AB  - AIM: To assess if calibration of the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) using a high
      pressure balloon inflated at the UPJ level in patients with suspected crossing
      vessels (CV) could differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic stenosis prior
      to laparoscopic vascular hitch (VH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed patients
      with UPJO diagnosed at childhood or adolescence without previous evidence of
      antenatal or infant hydronephrosis (10 patients). By cystoscopy, a high-pressure
      balloon is sited at the UPJ and the balloon inflated to 8-12 atm under
      radiological screening. We considered intrinsic PUJO to be presente where a
      'waist' was observed at the PUJ on inflation of the balloon and a laparoscopic
      dismembered pyeloplasty is performed When no 'waist' is observed we considered
      this to represent extrinsic stenosis and a laparoscopic VH was performed.
      Patients with absence of intrinsic PUJ stenosis documented with this method are
      included for the study. RESULTS: Six patients presented pure extrinsic stenosis.
      The mean age at presentation was 10.8 years. Mean duration of surgery was 99 min
      and mean hospital stay was 24 hours in all cases. We found no intraoperative or
      postoperative complications. All children remain symptoms free at a mean follow
      up of 14 months. Ultrasound and renogram improved in all cases. CONCLUSION: When
      no 'waist' is observed we considered this to represent extrinsic stenosis and a
      laparoscopic VH was performed. In these patients, laparoscopic transposition of
      lower pole crossing vessels ('vascular hitch') may be a safe and reliable
      surgical technique.

PMID- 27136483
TI  - Management of full-length complete ureteral avulsion.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Complete ureteral avulsion is one of the most serious complications
      of ureteroscopy. The aim of this report was to look for a good solution to full
      length complete ureteral avulsion. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old man underwent
      ureteroscopic management. Full-length complete avulsion of ureter occurred during
      ureteroscopy. Pyeloureterostomy plus greater omentum investment outside the
      avulsed ureter and ureterovesical anastomosis were performed 6 hours after
      ureteral avulsion. The patient was followed-up during 34 months. Double-J tube
      was removed at 3 months after operation. Twenty three months after the first
      operation, the patient developed hydronephrosis because of a new ureter upside
      stone, then rigid ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy were used
      successfully. CONCLUSION: Pyeloureterostomy plus greater omentum investment
      outside the avulsed ureter and ureterovesical anastomosis may be a good choice
      for full-length complete ureteral avulsion.

PMID- 27136484
TI  - Renal pseudoaneurysm after core-needle biopsy of renal allograft successfully
      managed with superselective embolization.

PMID- 27136485
TI  - Robotic repair of vesicovaginal fistula - initial experience.

PMID- 27136486
TI  - Hemostatic completion of percutaneous nephrolithotomy using electrocauterization
      and a clear amplatz renal sheath.

PMID- 27136487
TI  - RE: Ultrasonic Measurement of Testicular Tumors and the Correlation with
      Pathologic Specimen Sizes.

PMID- 27136488
TI  - Effect of positive end-expiratory pressure administration on intraocular pressure
      in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Randomised controlled trial.

PMID- 27136489
TI  - Crystalloids and hydroxyethyl starches in noncardiac surgical patients.

PMID- 27136490
TI  - Importance of half-the-air pressure test in Shamrock lumbar plexus block.

PMID- 27136491
TI  - Significantly prolonged neuromuscular blockade after a single dose of rocuronium:
      The importance of monitoring.

PMID- 27136492
TI  - Apparent 'JAK2-negative' polycythaemia vera due to compound mutations in exon 14.

PMID- 27136493
TI  - Innovative Self-Regulation Strategies to Reduce Weight Gain in Young Adults: The
      Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP) Randomized Clinical
      Trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Weight gain occurs commonly in young adults and has adverse effects
      on health. OBJECTIVE: To compare 2 self-regulation interventions vs control in
      reducing weight gain in young adults over a mean follow-up of 3 years. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized clinical trial in 2 academic settings of
      599 participants aged 18 to 35 years with body mass index (BMI, calculated as
      weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 21.0 to 30.0,
      recruited via mailings and emails from August 2010 to February 2012. Data were
      analyzed from January 2015 to January 2016. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were
      randomized to control, self-regulation plus small changes, or self-regulation
      plus large changes. Both interventions focused on frequent self-weighing to cue
      behavior changes. "Small changes" taught participants to reduce intake and
      increase activity, both by approximately 100 calories per day. "Large changes"
      focused on losing 2.3 to 4.5 kg initially to buffer against expected weight gain.
      MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Changes in weight from baseline over mean follow-up
      of 3 years. Secondary outcomes included proportion gaining at least 0.45 kg from
      baseline, proportion developing obesity (BMI, >=30.0), and weight change baseline
      to 2 years. RESULTS: Among the 599 participants (22% men; 27% minority; mean [SD]
      age, 27.7 [4.4] years; mean [SD] BMI, 25.4 [2.6]), mean (SE) weight changes over
      a mean follow-up of 3 years were 0.26 (0.22), -0.56 (0.22), and -2.37 (0.22) kg
      in the control, small-changes, and large-changes groups, respectively (P < .001).
      Differences among all 3 groups were significant (large changes vs control, P <
      .001; small changes vs control, P = .02; large changes vs small changes, P <
      .001). On secondary outcomes, both interventions significantly reduced incidence
      of obesity relative to control (mean [SE], 8.6% [2.0%], 7.9% [2.0%], and 16.9%
      [2.7%] in the large-changes, small-changes, and control groups, respectively; P =
      .02 for large changes vs control and P = .002 for small changes vs control); a
      smaller percentage of participants in the large-changes group gained 0.45 kg or
      more (mean [SE], 23.6% [2.8%], 32.5% [3.8%], and 40.8% [4.4%], respectively; P <
      .001 vs control and P = .02 vs small changes) and weight change from baseline to
      2 years was greater in control than in small or large changes (mean [SE], 0.54
      [0.33], -0.77 [0.33], and -1.50 [0.34] kg, respectively; P = .02 vs small changes
      and P < .001 vs large changes). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Self-regulation with
      large or small changes both reduced weight gain in young adults over 3 years
      relative to control, but the large-changes intervention was more effective. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01183689.

PMID- 27136494
TI  - A Snapshot of Co-Resistance to Carbapenems and Tigecycline in Clinical Isolates
      of Enterobacter cloacae.
AB  - Enterobacter cloacae is one of the most common carbapenem-resistant
      Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) global wide. Resistance to tigecycline, one of the few
      therapeutic options for CRE infections, in carbapenem-resistant E. cloacae is of
      clinical significance. Fourteen E. cloacae clinical isolates (EC1-EC14) co
      resistant to tigecycline and carbapenems were studied. Two tigecycline
      susceptible/carbapenem-resistant isolates (TS1-TS2) were used for comparison.
      Genotyping by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing
      identified seven pulsotypes and three sequence types (STs). All three STs
      belonged to the published international clones. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      and sequence analysis revealed the coexistence of blaSHV-12 and blaIMP-8 in 11 EC
      isolates from five pulsotypes/two STs. Reverse transcription PCR demonstrated
      overexpression of the chromosomal AmpC-like beta-lactamase in seven EC isolates
      (four pulsotypes/two STs) and TS1 (pulsotype F/ST78). Reduced expression of outer
      membrane protein C (OmpC) was found in three EC isolates (all pulsotype C/ST204),
      whereas reduced expression of OmpF was found in nine EC isolates (three
      pulsotypes/two STs) and TS2 (pulsotype G/ST114). Overexpression of the efflux
      pump AcrB was found in all EC isolates although three showed borderline
      significance. Multiple mechanisms jointly contributed to the observed co
      resistance to tigecycline and carbapenems. Some international clones have
      infiltrated into Taiwan and acquired various resistance traits independently.

PMID- 27136495
TI  - Depression and Anxiety Screens as Predictors of 8-Year Incidence of Myocardial
      Infarction and Stroke in Primary Care Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Because depression and anxiety are typically studied in isolation, our
      purpose was to examine the relative importance of these overlapping emotional
      factors in predicting incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: We examined
      depression and anxiety screens, and their individual items, as predictors of
      incident hard CVD events, myocardial infarction, and stroke for 8 years in a
      diverse sample of 2041 older primary care patients initially free of CVD. At
      baseline, participants completed self-report depression and anxiety screens. Data
      regarding CVD events were obtained from an electronic medical record system and
      the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services analytic files. RESULTS: During
      follow-up, 683 (33%) experienced a CVD event. Cox proportional hazards models
      adjusted for demographic and CVD risk factors-revealed that a positive anxiety
      screen, but not a positive depression screen, was associated with an increased
      risk of a hard CVD event in separate models (Years 0-3: anxiety hazard ratio [HR]
      = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.21-1.96, p < .001; Years 3+: anxiety HR
      = 0.99, CI = 0.81-1.21), p = .93; depression HR = 1.10, CI = 0.88-1.36, p = .41),
      as well as when entered into the same model (Years 0-3: anxiety HR = 1.53, CI =
      1.20-1.95, p < .001; Years 3+: anxiety HR = 0.99, CI = 0.80-1.21, p = .99;
      depression HR = 1.03, CI = 0.82-1.29, p = .82). Analyses examining individual
      items and secondary outcomes showed that the anxiety-CVD association was largely
      driven by the feeling anxious item and the myocardial infarction outcome.
      CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety, especially feeling anxious, is a unique risk factor for CVD
      events in older adults, independent of conventional risk factors and depression.
      Anxiety deserves increased attention as a potential factor relevant to CVD risk
      stratification and a potential target of CVD primary prevention efforts.

PMID- 27136496
TI  - Short-Term Public Health Impact of the July 22, 2011, Terrorist Attacks in
      Norway: A Nationwide Register-Based Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine increases in several health outcomes after the July 22,
      2011 terrorist attacks in Norway. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of nationwide
      registers (n = 4,953,000) where incidences of schizophrenia/psychosis
      hospitalizations, suicides, acute myocardial infarctions, and preterm births
      after the terrorist attacks were compared with corresponding periods the previous
      3 years. RESULTS: Compared with the same period the preceding 3 years, the
      observed number of hospitalizations from schizophrenia/psychosis was 14% higher
      during the first 4 weeks after the terrorist attack (incidence ratio [IR] = 1.14,
      95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07-1.21). The corresponding IRs for the first 3
      days and the first week were 1.26 (95% CI = 0.99-1.58) and 1.10 (95% CI = 0.96
      1.24). The observed number of suicides was increased by 45% the first 4 weeks (IR
      = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.12-1.86), 163% the first 3 days (IR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.15
      5.20), and 105% the first week (IR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.14-3.42). For acute
      myocardial infarction, there was an increase of 5% the first 4 weeks. There were
      also more births the 4 weeks (IR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01-1.07, but this increase
      was not seen in preterm births of less than 37 weeks of gestation (IR = 0.93, 95%
      CI = 0.83-1.04). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a general nationwide increase of health
      outcomes investigated in this study the first 4 weeks after the terrorist
      attacks. These results may contribute to the growing body of evidence on the
      adverse health outcomes that may accompany national stressors.

PMID- 27136497
TI  - Investigating the Aftermath of Terror: Fundamental Outcomes, Methodological
      Choices, and Future Directions.
AB  - Acts of terrorism are becoming increasingly common throughout the world. These
      events represent a significant public health concern given the associated health
      consequences. Although it is clear that terrorist attacks have mental and
      physical health sequelae, the exact nature and prevalence of these consequences
      are unclear. Epidemiological research can play an important role in better
      understanding the mental and physical impact of terrorist attacks. In this
      editorial, we highlight recent epidemiological research on these terrorism
      related health outcomes. We also provide suggestions for how future studies can
      build on the existing literature and describe ways in which epidemiological
      methods can be harnessed to extend the current literature. Lastly, we offer
      recommendations on how to best prepare communities for the aftermath of terrorist
      attacks, highlighting secondary intervention and prevention strategies. Overall,
      multilevel strategies are needed to adequately cope with the growing rise of
      terrorist acts, and these strategies will have to be reassessed as the nature of
      terrorist attacks changes.

PMID- 27136498
TI  - Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Older Adults With Occult
      Sleep-Disordered Breathing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to determine whether mild, occult sleep
      disordered breathing (SDB) moderates the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy
      for insomnia (CBTI) in older adults and to explore whether CBTI reduces the
      number of patients eligible for positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. METHODS:
      Data were analyzed for 134 adults 60 years or older with insomnia and apnea
      hypopnea index (AHI) of less than 15 who were randomized to a larger study of
      CBTI versus a sleep education control. Sleep outcomes (sleep onset latency, total
      wake time, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
      Index) were compared between CBTI and control at 6 months using repeated-measures
      analysis of variance adjusted for baseline values. AHI of 5 or greater versus
      less than 5 was included as an interaction term to evaluate changes in sleep
      outcomes. The number of participants at baseline and 6 months with mild SDB for
      whom insomnia was their only other indication for PAP was also compared between
      CBTI and control. RESULTS: AHI status (AHI >= 5 [75.5% of participants] versus
      AHI < 5) did not moderate improvements in sleep associated with CBTI (all p
      values >= .12). Nine (45.0%) of 20 participants with mild SDB for whom insomnia
      was their only other indication for PAP therapy at baseline no longer had another
      indication for PAP at 6 months, with no significant difference between CBTI and
      control. CONCLUSIONS: CBTI improves sleep in older veterans with insomnia and
      untreated mild SDB. Larger trials are needed to assess whether CBTI reduces the
      number of patients with mild SDB eligible for PAP.

PMID- 27136499
TI  - Associations Between Depression and Obesity in Parents and Their Late-Adolescent
      Offspring: A Community-Based Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and obesity are associated within
      individuals, but little is known about the association between MDD and obesity
      within families. We hypothesized that parental MDD would predict increased risk
      for adolescent obesity and that parental obesity would predict increased risk for
      adolescent MDD. METHODS: Participants were drawn from the community-based
      Minnesota Twin Family Study (N = 7307; 17 years old: n = 3774). Parents and their
      17-year-old offspring were assessed for MDD using a structured diagnostic
      interview, and direct assessments of height and weight were conducted (and
      diagnoses of obesity were derived from these measurements). RESULTS: Parental MDD
      was associated with offspring obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.74, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 1.24-2.46). ORs representing the risk associated with maternal
      and paternal MDD were similar (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.02-1.92; OR = 1.40, 95% CI =
      0.88-2.20, respectively). This parental effect remained significant when
      adjusting for parental obesity and offspring MDD (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.18-2.37).
      Maternal obesity was associated with increased risk for MDD in offspring (OR =
      1.32, 95% CI = 1.06-1.64), but paternal obesity was associated with decreased
      risk for MDD among offspring (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.54-0.91). These effects
      remained significant when adjusting for parental MDD and offspring obesity (OR =
      1.36, 95% CI = 1.07-1.73; OR = 0.65, CI = 0.49-0.87, respectively). There were no
      differences in these findings by offspring sex (p values for all tests of a sex
      interaction term > .374). CONCLUSIONS: We found general support for hypothesized
      cross-disorder associations between MDD and obesity in parents and offspring,
      suggesting that a shared etiology may underlie these associations. Contrary to
      prediction, paternal obesity was associated with decreased risk for offspring
      MDD, a finding that requires further investigation.

PMID- 27136500
TI  - Linguistic Agency and Life-Span Longevity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Agency has been conceptualized as a drive toward mastery, control,
      and effective self-management. Such an agentic approach to life and its
      challenges may be life-prolonging, a hypothesis not previously investigated.
      METHOD: In four studies, individual differences in agency were assessed in terms
      of the frequency with which agency-related words (e.g., "achieve," "fix," and
      "control") were mentioned in archived interviews or speeches (N = 210). RESULTS:
      Higher levels of linguistic agency predicted longer life-spans among prominent
      physicists (study 1: n = 60, beta = .30, t = 2.30, p = .025), historians (study
      2: n = 69, beta = .29, t = 2.47, p = .016), psychologists (study 3: n = 45, beta
      = .32, t = 2.35, p = .024), and American presidents (study 4: n = 36, beta = .75,
      t = 2.74, p = .010) when adjusting for birth year. Considered from another angle,
      life-span longevity averaged 8 years longer at a high (+1 standard deviation)
      relative to low (-1 standard deviation) level of the linguistic agency continuum,
      a marked difference. Follow-up analyses indicated that these results could not be
      attributed to covarying levels of positive emotion, negative emotion, or social
      connection, as quantified in terms of other linguistic categories. CONCLUSIONS:
      The investigation provides unique support for agentic perspectives on health, and
      several potential mechanisms are discussed.

PMID- 27136501
TI  - Sleep and Inflammation During Adolescence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between objective and subjective
      dimensions of adolescent sleep and C-reactive protein (CRP), a key biomarker of
      inflammation that predicts chronic health problems in adulthood, and whether the
      associations vary as a function of adolescents' age. METHODS: A total of 315
      adolescents (14.5-18.4 years) wore wrist actigraphs at night to objectively
      estimate their sleep duration and variability across nights, and completed the
      Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess their subjective sleep quality. CRP
      levels were assayed from dried blood spots obtained from finger pricks. To
      control for adiposity, age- and sex-specific body mass index percentiles were
      obtained from height and weight measurements. RESULTS: Nightly variability in
      sleep duration was associated with higher levels of CRP (b = 0.13, p = .045).
      Shorter average sleep duration was associated with higher CRP, but only among
      younger adolescents (b = -0.11, p = .041). Subjective sleep quality was not
      associated with CRP. CONCLUSIONS: The association of sleep with inflammation
      during adolescence seems more evident in objective dimensions of sleep duration
      and variability than in the subjective dimensions of sleep quality. Insufficient
      sleep may be particularly consequential for younger adolescents.

PMID- 27136502
TI  - Mortality in Women With Anorexia Nervosa: The Role of Comorbid Psychiatric
      Disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate mortality in anorexia nervosa (AN) with a psychiatric
      comorbidity. METHODS: Using Swedish registers, data for 8069 female inpatients
      with AN were retrospectively collected for 1973-2010. Mortality patterns were
      assessed using standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), Cox regression-derived
      hazard ratios, and incidence rate ratios. A control cohort of 76,995 women was
      used. RESULTS: Patients with AN and a psychiatric comorbidity had higher
      mortality rates did than those without a comorbidity. The SMRs for patients with
      AN and a psychiatric comorbidity were 5.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.6
      6.4) and 18.1 (95% CI = 15.2-21.3) for natural and unnatural causes of death,
      respectively. The SMRs for patients with AN without a comorbidity were 2.8 (95%
      CI = 2.3-3.5) and 3.1 (95% CI = 2.2-4.1) for natural and unnatural causes of
      death, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratios for mortality from natural or
      unnatural causes were 2.0 (95% CI = 1.5-2.7) and 5.7 (95% CI = 3.9-8.2),
      respectively. Incidence rate ratios comparing patients with AN and controls, both
      with psychiatric comorbidities, suggest a negative synergistic effect of comorbid
      AN and psychiatric disorder on mortality, which was greater for unnatural causes
      of death. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in patients with AN was greater in the presence
      of a psychiatric comorbidity, and even more pronounced for unnatural causes of
      death and suicides. Substance abuse, especially alcohol use disorder, increased
      mortality from natural causes of death. These findings highlight the need for
      early detection and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity in AN, to potentially
      improve long-term outcomes.

PMID- 27136503
TI  - Utility of a Virtual Trier Social Stress Test: Initial Findings and Benchmarking
      Comparisons.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is one of the most widely used
      laboratory-based acute psychosocial stressors. However, there may be advantages
      to conducting the TSST through the virtual world, including reducing the cost and
      burden (i.e., no need for colocation between the evaluators and participants).
      The virtual TSST might also increase the standardization between studies and
      provide the capacity to bring psychology experiments to more settings (e.g., the
      home, the magnetic resonance imaging scanner). METHODS: Fifty undergraduate
      students participated in the TSST conducted through an online virtual reality
      program, using a computer screen and microphone/earphone headset. RESULTS: The
      present study found that the virtual TSST produced a significant acute stress
      response, measured both through cortisol (F(1,128) = 31.91, p < .001) and
      subjective report (F(1,148) = 72.86, p < .001). In addition, this method
      differentially produced a dampened cortisol response (F(1,126) = 4.41, p < .04)
      in those who had experienced recent loss (e.g., bereavement, romantic breakup,
      homesickness), similar to prior research. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual reality-based
      administration of the TSST and other mental challenge protocols increases the
      possibilities of many standard psychological experiments relevant to
      biobehavioral research.

PMID- 27136504
TI  - Subgenual Cingulate Cortex Functional Connectivity in Relation to Depressive
      Symptoms and Cognitive Functioning in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are at an increased
      risk for major depression, but its underlying mechanisms are still poorly
      understood. In nondiabetic participants, mood disturbances are related to altered
      subgenual cingulate cortex (SGC) resting-state functional connectivity. We tested
      for SGC connectivity alterations in T1DM, whether these alterations were related
      to depressive symptoms, and if depressive symptoms were associated with
      cognition. METHODS: A bilateral SGC seed-based resting-state functional magnetic
      resonance imaging analysis was performed in 104 T1DM patients and 49 controls
      without known psychiatric diagnosis or treatment. Depressive symptoms were self
      reported using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Cognition
      was assessed with a battery of standardized tests. RESULTS: In patients versus
      controls, SGC to right inferior frontal gyrus and frontal pole connectivity was
      decreased (52 voxels, z valuepeak = 3.56, pcluster-FWE = .002), whereas SGC to
      bilateral precuneus (33 voxels, z valuepeak = 3.34, pcluster-FWE = .04) and left
      inferior parietal lobule (50 voxels, z valuepeak = 3.50, pcluster-FWE = .003)
      connectivity was increased. In all participants, increased depressive symptoms
      was related to lower SGC to inferior frontal gyrus and frontal pole connectivity
      (beta = -0.156, p = .053), and poorer general cognitive ability (beta = -0.194, p
      = .023), information processing speed (beta = -0.222, p = .008), and motor speed
      (beta = -0.180, p = .035). CONCLUSIONS: T1DM patients showed a pattern of SGC
      connectivity that is characterized by lower executive control and higher default
      mode network connectivity. Depressive symptoms are partially related to these
      alterations and seem to exacerbate T1DM-related cognitive dysfunction. Future
      studies should detail the effect of diagnosed major depressive disorder in this
      population and establish what alterations are diabetes specific.

PMID- 27136505
TI  - Perceived Discrimination and Nocturnal Blood Pressure Dipping Among Hispanics:
      The Influence of Social Support and Race.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the relationship of perceived racism to
      ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in Hispanics. We explored possible associations
      between ABP nocturnal dipping and perceived racism in a Hispanic cohort. METHODS:
      Participants included 180 community-dwelling Hispanics from the Northern
      Manhattan Study. Measures included perceived racism, socioeconomic status, social
      support, and ABP monitoring. Nocturnal ABP nondipping was defined as a less than
      10% decline in the average asleep systolic blood pressure relative to the awake
      systolic blood pressure. RESULTS: Overall, 77.8% of participants reported some
      form of perceived racism (Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire scores
      >1.0). Greater social support was associated with less perceived discrimination
      (Spearman r = -0.54, p < .001). Those with higher perceived discrimination scores
      reported more depressive symptoms (r = 0.25, p < .001). Those with higher
      Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire scores were less likely to show
      nocturnal ABP nondipping in multivariate models (odds ratio = 0.40, confidence
      interval = 0.17-0.98, p = .045). Among those with low perceived racism, black
      Hispanic participants were more likely to have nocturnal ABP nondipping (82.6%)
      compared with white Hispanics (53.9%; p = .02). Among those with high perceived
      racism, no associations between race and the prevalence of ABP nondipping was
      found (black Hispanic = 61.5% versus white Hispanic = 51.4%, p = .39; p
      interaction = .89). CONCLUSIONS: Perceived racism is relatively common among US
      Hispanics and is associated with ABP. Nondipping of ABP, a potential
      cardiovascular risk factor, was more common in black Hispanic participants with
      low perceived racism. This finding may reflect different coping mechanisms
      between black versus white Hispanics and related blood pressure levels during
      daytime exposures to discrimination.

PMID- 27136507
TI  - Gait Biomechanics in Participants, Six Months after First-time Lateral Ankle
      Sprain.
AB  - No research currently exists predicating a link between the injury-affiliated
      sensorimotor deficits of acute ankle sprain and those of chronic ankle
      instability during gait. This analysis evaluates participants with a 6-month
      history of ankle sprain injury to affirm this link. 69 participants with a 6
      month history of acute first-time lateral ankle sprain were divided into
      subgroups ('chronic ankle instability' and 'coper') based on their self-reported
      disability and compared to 20 non-injured participants during a gait task. Lower
      extremity kinematic and kinetic data were collected from 200 ms pre- to 200 ms
      post-heel strike (period 1) and from 200 ms pre- to 200 ms post-toe off (period
      2). The 'chronic ankle instability' subgroup (who reported greater disability)
      displayed increased knee flexion during period 1. During period 2, this subgroup
      exhibited greater total displacement at their ankle joint and greater extensor
      dominance at their knee. That many of these features are present, both in
      individuals with acute ankle sprain and those with chronic ankle instability may
      advocate a link between acute deficits and long-term outcome. Clinicians must be
      aware that the sensorimotor deficits of ankle sprain may persevere beyond the
      acute stage of injury and be cognizant of the capacity for impairments to pervade
      proximally. 

PMID- 27136508
TI  - Mid-term Functional Outcome and Return to Sports after Proximal Hamstring Tendon
      Repair.
AB  - Proximal hamstring tendon ruptures are commonly associated with a significant
      loss of function, and operative treatment is recommended in active patients. The
      objective was to evaluate objective/subjective functional results and return to
      sports following proximal hamstring tendon repair in the mid-term follow-up. 16
      repairs of proximal hamstring ruptures were performed in 15 patients (9 males, 6
      females). The average age at the time of injury was 47 years (range, 21-66). All
      patients were clinically examined at a mean follow-up of 56 months (range, 24-112
      months). Validated patient-oriented assessment scores focussing on sports
      activity including the Lysholm Score, Tegner Activity Score, UCLA Activity Score,
      adapted WOMAC Score, and the VAS were evaluated as well as the return to sports.
      Isokinetic strength of both legs was tested using a rotational dynamometer. The
      Lysholm, Tegner, UCLA Activity Score and the adapted WOMAC demonstrated
      predominantly a return to a preinjury activity level at follow-up. Functional
      measurements of the operated leg showed similar results to the uninjured leg in
      knee extension and flexion strength (p>0.094). In return to sports, no signficant
      (p>0.05) differences concerning types or frequency were noted. The surgical
      repair of proximal hamstring tendon ruptures leads to constantly good functional
      results in the mid-term follow-up, where patients demonstrate similar isokinetic
      results in the healthy leg. 

PMID- 27136509
TI  - Cold Water Immersion is Acutely Detrimental but Increases Performance Post-12 h
      in Rugby Players.
AB  - We evaluated the effectiveness of cold water immersion on recovery of performance
      (i. e., the ability of repetitively performing a physical test) in rugby players
      acutely and 12 h later. 8 male rugby union players (23+/-4.7 years; 176.9+/-4.5
      cm; 87.5+/-8.6 kg) performed a rugby-specific exercise protocol (40 min) followed
      by recovery strategies: cold water immersion (8.9+/-0.6 degrees C; 9 min with 1
      min out of water, repeated twice) or control (players remained seated for 20 min)
      in a random order. The players underwent performance tests (countermovement and
      30 s continuous jumps and agility T) at 4 time points: at baseline, immediately
      after rugby-specific exercise, post-recovery strategies and 12 h later. The
      performance of the agility and countermovement jump test were not different
      between cold water immersion and control immediately post rugby-specific
      exercises and 12 h thereafter. However, the 30 s continuous jump test performance
      decreased immediately but increased 12 h later after cold water immersion
      compared with control. Perception of recovery was better in the cold water
      immersion group compared with controls post 12 h exercise. Cold water immersion
      improves 30 s continuous jump performance, total quality recovery and seems to be
      an easy and practical tool for coaches and players, especially during congested
      periods of the season when fast recovery (~12 h) for the following activity is
      essential. 

PMID- 27136510
TI  - Psychological correlates of acute postsurgical pain: A systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - Due to the frequency of surgeries, acute postsurgical pain (APSP) is a common
      problem. However, the role of psychological factors in the experience of this
      kind of pain has not been well established. In this review, we focused on
      presurgical psychological factors associated with the experience of APSP. A
      systematic search of articles was performed using PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed,
      MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane and DARE. For each study, we assessed the risk of bias,
      the level of evidence, the corresponding score points and the degree of
      association with APSP. Separate meta-analyses were performed for the selected
      variables. Fifty-three relevant publications were selected. Pain catastrophizing,
      optimism, expectation of pain, neuroticism, anxiety (state and trait), negative
      affect and depression were classified as likely associated with APSP. Only one of
      the analysed psychological variables - locus of control - was recognized as shown
      unlikely association with APSP. Results of meta-analyses suggested that pain
      catastrophizing was most strongly linked with APSP. Results of the studies
      reviewed suggest that patients who do not exaggerate the negative aspects of the
      situation and who have positive expectation of the future before undergoing
      surgery report lower levels of APSP than patients who catastrophize pain and
      expect negative events in the future. An increasing interest in preoperative
      positive psychological variables has been observed over the last few years in
      studies of surgical patients. WHAT DOES THIS REVIEW ADD?: Pain catastrophizing,
      optimism, expectation of pain, neuroticism, anxiety (state and trait), negative
      affect and depression were classified as likely associated with acute
      postsurgical pain, and locus of control was classified as unlikely associated
      with acute postsurgical pain. Anxiety was the psychological variable most
      frequently measured before surgery. Pain catastrophizing was most strongly linked
      with acute postsurgical pain.

PMID- 27136511
TI  - Ultrasound-Assisted Enantioselective Esterification of Ibuprofen Catalyzed by a
      Flower-Like Nanobioreactor.
AB  - A flower-like nanobioreactor was prepared for resolution of ibuprofen in organic
      solvents. Ultrasound irradiation has been used to improve the enzyme performance
      of APE1547 (a thermophilic esterase from the archaeon Aeropyrum pernix K1) in the
      enantioselective esterification. Under optimum reaction conditions (ultrasound
      power, 225 W; temperature, 45  degrees C; water activity, 0.21), the immobilized
      APE1547 showed an excellent catalytic performance (enzyme activity, 13.26
      MUmol/h/mg; E value, 147.1). After ten repeated reaction batches, the
      nanobioreactor retained almost 100% of its initial enzyme activity and
      enantioselectivity. These results indicated that the combination of the
      immobilization method and ultrasound irradiation can enhance the enzyme
      performance dramatically. 

PMID- 27136512
TI  - Military Importance of Natural Toxins and Their Analogs.
AB  - Toxin weapon research, development, production and the ban on its uses is an
      integral part of international law, with particular attention paid to the
      protection against these weapons. In spite of this, hazards associated with
      toxins cannot be completely excluded. Some of these hazards are also pointed out
      in the present review. The article deals with the characteristics and properties
      of natural toxins and synthetic analogs potentially constituting the basis of
      toxin weapons. It briefly describes the history of military research and the use
      of toxins from distant history up to the present age. With respect to effective
      disarmament conventions, it mentions certain contemporary concepts of possible
      toxin applications for military purposes and the protection of public order
      (suppression of riots); it also briefly refers to the question of terrorism. In
      addition, it deals with certain traditional as well as modern technologies of the
      research, synthesis, and use of toxins, which can affect the continuing
      development of toxin weapons. These are, for example, cases of new toxins from
      natural sources, their chemical synthesis, production of synthetic analogs, the
      possibility of using methods of genetic engineering and modern biotechnologies or
      the possible applications of nanotechnology and certain pharmaceutical methods
      for the effective transfer of toxins into the organism. The authors evaluate the
      military importance of toxins based on their comparison with traditional chemical
      warfare agents. They appeal to the ethics of the scientific work as a principal
      condition for the prevention of toxin abuse in wars, military conflicts, as well
      as in non-military attacks. 

PMID- 27136513
TI  - Selective Extraction of Gardenia Yellow and Geniposide from Gardenia jasminoides
      by Mechanochemistry.
AB  - A novel method for the selective extraction of gardenia yellow and geniposide
      from Gardenia Jasminoides, based on a mechanochemical method is described.
      Without the need of complex separation techniques, gardenia yellow compliant with
      the national standard could be extracted in a simple fashion. The optimal ball
      milling conditions determined were as follows: 30% g/g. active carbon milling at
      200 rpm in a planetary mill for 5 min. The extraction conditions of the milled
      mixtures were as follows: the milled mixtures were extracted with water (liquid
      solid ratio 10:1) at 20  degrees C for 5 min with yields 85% of total geniposide,
      followed by extraction with 80% ethanol solution (liquid-solid ratio 5:1) and 1%
      g/g. Tween 20 at 75  degrees C for 5 min to yield 1.45% +/- 0.108% g/g of
      gardenia yellow. The mechanism of this selective extraction was demonstrated to
      follow a microstructure change of activated carbon, which occurred during milling
      and lead to alteration of the corresponding desorption capacities. Compared with
      traditional extraction methods, this novel extraction technique greatly
      simplifies the separation process, and proves to be advantageous in terms of low
      organic solvent consumption, easy operation, rapid process and high efficiency. 

PMID- 27136514
TI  - Hydrophilic Modification of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube for Building Photonic
      Crystals with Enhanced Color Visibility and Mechanical Strength.
AB  - Low color visibility and poor mechanical strength of polystyrene (PS) photonic
      crystal films have been the main shortcomings for the potential applications in
      paints or displays. This paper presents a simple method to fabricate PS/MWCNTs
      (multi-walled carbon nanotubes) composite photonic crystal films with enhanced
      color visibility and mechanical strength. First, MWCNTs was modified through
      radical addition reaction by aniline 2,5-double sulfonic acid diazonium salt to
      generate hydrophilic surface and good water dispersity. Then the MWCNTs
      dispersion was blended with PS emulsion to form homogeneous PS/MWCNTs emulsion
      mixtures and fabricate composite films through thermal-assisted method. The
      obtained films exhibit high color visibility under natural light and improved
      mechanical strength owing to the light-adsorption property and crosslinking
      effect of MWCNTs. The utilization of MWCNTs in improving the properties of
      photonic crystals is significant for various applications, such as in paints and
      displays. 

PMID- 27136515
TI  - Antimicrobial Activity and Chromatographic Analysis of Extracts from Tropaeolum
      pentaphyllum Lam. Tubers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tropaeolum pentaphyllum Lam. tubers (Tropaeolaceae) are known and
      used as a condiment and for the treatment of skin infections in Southern Brazil.
      However, its activity and composition has not yet been investigated. Thus,
      different extracts and the essential oil from the tubers were tested against a
      range of microorganisms. The most active extracts were submitted to
      chromatographic analysis. METHODS: Hydroalcoholic extract (70%), fractions of it,
      and the essential oil from the tubers were tested against several bacteria,
      yeasts and molds, furnishing the corresponding inhibitory, bactericidal and
      fungicidal minimal concentration values. The most active extracts were submitted
      to GC-MS investigation. RESULTS: The strongest effects against different strains
      of microorganisms, such as Gram-positive and negative bacteria, Candida spp. and
      dermatophytes were observed for the essential oil and the chloroform fraction,
      with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) well below 200 ug/mL. GC-MS
      analysis revealed that the major essential oil constituent is benzyl
      isothiocyanate (BITC), while the chloroform fraction is constituted of BITC,
      amides, sulfur, fatty acids and its esters, all compounds that may be related to
      the demonstrated activity. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results support the popular
      use of the plant for the treatment of skin infections, and revealed the main
      active compounds.

PMID- 27136516
TI  - Agrimonia eupatoria L. and Cynara cardunculus L. Water Infusions: Comparison of
      Anti-Diabetic Activities.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently diagnosed at a time when patients already
      suffer from several cardiovascular complications. Our previously published data
      (Molecules 201520 (11): 20538-50) on the anti-oxidative properties of Agrimonia
      eupatoria L. (AE) and Cynara cardunculus L. (CC) prompted us to extend the
      available evidence on their possible protective activities on selected DM-related
      parameters in a streptozotocin-induced DM rat model and in a series of in vitro
      experiments. Male rats were divided into four groups: control group, untreated
      diabetic group, AE and CC treated diabetic groups. During a five-week period,
      changes in blood glucose and body weight were monitored. Then, rats were
      sacrificed and subjected to the assessment of changes in the reactivity of aortas
      and measurement of butyrylcholinesterase activity. To complete the panel of
      experiments, alpha-glucosidase activity was assessed in vitro. Our results
      demonstrate that both tested extracts exert similar anti-diabetic activities.
      However, better anti-oxidant activity of the A. eupatoria extract indicates its
      higher clinical potential in the prevention and/or adjuvant therapy of developing
      cardiovascular complications related to DM and diseases associated with oxidative
      stress. 

PMID- 27136517
TI  - Interaction of Di-2-pyridylketone 2-pyridine Carboxylic Acid Hydrazone and Its
      Copper Complex with BSA: Effect on Antitumor Activity as Revealed by
      Spectroscopic Studies.
AB  - The drug, di-2-pyridylketone-2-pyridine carboxylic acid hydrazone (DPPCAH) and
      its copper complex (DPPCAH-Cu) exhibit significant antitumor activity. However,
      the mechanism of their pharmacological interaction with the biological molecule
      bovine serum albumin (BSA) remains poorly understood. The present study
      elucidates the interactions between the drug and BSA through MTT assays,
      spectroscopic methods and molecular docking analysis. Our results indicate that
      BSA could attenuate effect on the cytotoxicity of DPPCAH, but not DPPCAH-Cu. Data
      from fluorescence quenching measurements demonstrated that both DPPCAH and DPPCAH
      Cu could bind to BSA, with a reversed effect on the environment of tryptophan
      residues in polarity. CD spectra revealed that the DPPCAH-Cu exerted a slightly
      stronger effect on the secondary structure of BSA than DPPCAH. The association
      constant of DPPCAH with BSA was greater than that of DPPCAH-Cu. Docking studies
      indicated that the binding of DPPCAH to BSA involved a greater number of hydrogen
      bonds compared to DPPCAH-Cu. The calculated distances between bound ligands and
      tryptophans in BSA were in agreement with fluorescence resonance energy transfer
      results. Thus, the binding affinity of the drug (DPPCAH or DPPCAH-Cu) with BSA
      partially contributes to its antitumor activity; the greater the drug affinity is
      to BSA, the less is its antitumor activity. 

PMID- 27136518
TI  - Thermal Hazard Evaluation of Cumene Hydroperoxide-Metal Ion Mixture Using DSC,
      TAM III, and GC/MS.
AB  - Cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) is widely used in chemical processes, mainly as an
      initiator for the polymerization of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. It is a
      typical organic peroxide and an explosive substance. It is susceptible to thermal
      decomposition and is readily affected by contamination; moreover, it has high
      thermal sensitivity. The reactor tank, transit storage vessel, and pipeline used
      for manufacturing and transporting this substance are made of metal. Metal
      containers used in chemical processes can be damaged through aging, wear,
      erosion, and corrosion; furthermore, the containers might release metal ions. In
      a metal pipeline, CHP may cause incompatibility reactions because of catalyzed
      exothermic reactions. This paper discusses and elucidates the potential thermal
      hazard of a mixture of CHP and an incompatible material's metal ions.
      Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal activity monitor III (TAM
      III) were employed to preliminarily explore and narrate the thermal hazard at the
      constant temperature environment. The substance was diluted and analyzed by using
      a gas chromatography spectrometer (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometer
      (GC/MS) to determine the effect of thermal cracking and metal ions of CHP. The
      thermokinetic parameter values obtained from the experiments are discussed; the
      results can be used for designing an inherently safer process. As a result, the
      paper finds that the most hazards are in the reaction of CHP with Fe(2+). When
      the metal release is exothermic in advance, the system temperature increases,
      even leading to uncontrollable levels, and the process may slip out of control. 

PMID- 27136519
TI  - Anti-Cancer Activity of Solanum nigrum (AESN) through Suppression of
      Mitochondrial Function and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Breast
      Cancer Cells.
AB  - Chemotherapy is the main approach for treating advanced and recurrent carcinoma,
      but the clinical performance of chemotherapy is limited by relatively low
      response rates, drug resistance, and adverse effects that severely affect the
      quality of life of patients. An association between epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) and chemotherapy resistance has been investigated in recent
      studies. Our recent studies have found that the aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum
      (AESN) is a crucial ingredient in some traditional Chinese medicine formulas for
      treating various types of cancer patients and exhibits antitumor effects. We
      evaluated the suppression of EMT in MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with AESN.
      The mitochondrial morphology was investigated using Mitotracker Deep-Red FM
      stain. Our results indicated that AESN markedly inhibited cell viability of MCF-7
      breast cancer cells through apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest mediated by
      activation of caspase-3 and production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore,
      mitochondrial fission was observed in MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with
      AESN. In addition to elevation of E-cadherin, downregulations of ZEB1, N
      cadherin, and vimentin were found in AESN-treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
      These results suggested that AESN could inhibit EMT of MCF-7 breast cancer cells
      mediated by attenuation of mitochondrial function. AESN could be potentially
      beneficial in treating breast cancer cells, and may be of interest for future
      studies in developing integrative cancer therapy against proliferation,
      metastasis, and migration of breast cancer cells. 

PMID- 27136520
TI  - Nerolidol: A Sesquiterpene Alcohol with Multi-Faceted Pharmacological and
      Biological Activities.
AB  - Nerolidol (3,7,11-trimethyl-1,6,10-dodecatrien-3-ol) is a naturally occurring
      sesquiterpene alcohol that is present in various plants with a floral odor. It is
      synthesized as an intermediate in the production of (3E)-4,8-dimethy-1,3,7
      nonatriene (DMNT), a herbivore-induced volatile that protects plants from
      herbivore damage. Chemically, nerolidol exists in two geometric isomers, a trans
      and a cis form. The usage of nerolidol is widespread across different industries.
      It has been widely used in cosmetics (e.g., shampoos and perfumes) and in non
      cosmetic products (e.g., detergents and cleansers). In fact, U.S. Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA) has also permitted the use of nerolidol as a food flavoring
      agent. The fact that nerolidol is a common ingredient in many products has
      attracted researchers to explore more medicinal properties of nerolidol that may
      exert beneficial effect on human health. Therefore, the aim of this review is to
      compile and consolidate the data on the various pharmacological and biological
      activities displayed by nerolidol. Furthermore, this review also includes
      pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies of nerolidol. In summary, the various
      pharmacological and biological activities demonstrated in this review highlight
      the prospects of nerolidol as a promising chemical or drug candidate in the field
      of agriculture and medicine. 

PMID- 27136521
TI  - Role of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria in Agricultural Sustainability-A
      Review.
AB  - Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) shows an important role in the
      sustainable agriculture industry. The increasing demand for crop production with
      a significant reduction of synthetic chemical fertilizers and pesticides use is a
      big challenge nowadays. The use of PGPR has been proven to be an environmentally
      sound way of increasing crop yields by facilitating plant growth through either a
      direct or indirect mechanism. The mechanisms of PGPR include regulating hormonal
      and nutritional balance, inducing resistance against plant pathogens, and
      solubilizing nutrients for easy uptake by plants. In addition, PGPR show
      synergistic and antagonistic interactions with microorganisms within the
      rhizosphere and beyond in bulk soil, which indirectly boosts plant growth rate.
      There are many bacteria species that act as PGPR, described in the literature as
      successful for improving plant growth. However, there is a gap between the mode
      of action (mechanism) of the PGPR for plant growth and the role of the PGPR as
      biofertilizer-thus the importance of nano-encapsulation technology in improving
      the efficacy of PGPR. Hence, this review bridges the gap mentioned and summarizes
      the mechanism of PGPR as a biofertilizer for agricultural sustainability. 

PMID- 27136522
TI  - Two New Cinnamyl Isovalerate Derivatives from Sabina gaussenii.
AB  - Chemical investigation of the 90% acetone extract of the branches and leaves of
      Sabina gaussenii led to the isolation of two new cinnamyl isovalerate derivatives
      (1-2) and eighteen known compounds (3-20). Their structures were determined
      mainly by means of MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR data, and this is the first time these
      compounds have been reported from this plant. The biological activity test
      results indicated that the 90% acetone extract showed cytotoxicity against the
      human lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell line (IC50 = 0.98 +/- 0.1 MUg/mL), compound
      6 showed cytotoxicities against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) (IC50 = 0.4 +/-
      0.1 MUM ) and human gastric carcinoma (BGC-823) (IC50 = 0.9 +/- 0.2 MUM) cancer
      cell lines, and compound 19 showed cytotoxicities against HeLa (IC50 = 1.5 +/-
      0.4 MUM), BGC-823 (IC50 = 7.0 +/- 0.8 MUM ), and A549 (IC50 = 10.6 +/- 1.5 MUM )
      cancer cell lines. 

PMID- 27136523
TI  - An Electrostatically Self-Assembled Ternary Nanocomplex as a Non-Viral Vector for
      the Delivery of Plasmid DNA into Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.
AB  - In this study, we developed electrostatically self-assembled ternary
      nanocomplexes as a safe and effective non-viral vector for the delivery of
      plasmid DNA (pDNA) into human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). Although
      polyethylenimine (PEI) polymers initially showed excellent performance as gene
      delivery carriers, their broad use has been limited by cytotoxicity resulting
      from their strong positive charge. To reduce the cytotoxicity, we utilized
      anionic hyaluronic acid (HA) as a corona layer material for pDNA/PEI binary
      nanocomplexes. HA was also introduced to increase the targeting efficiency of
      pDNA/PEI nanocomplexes because HA has can bind CD44 that is highly expressed on
      the surface of hASCs. We confirmed that the addition of HA changed the surface
      charge of pDNA/PEI nanocomplexes from positive to negative. The pDNA/PEI/HA
      ternary nanocomplexes showed high transfection efficiency and low cytotoxicity
      compared with commercially available products. When hASCs were pretreated with HA
      to passivate CD44, the transfection efficiency of pDNA/PEI/HA nanocomplexes was
      significantly reduced. These results suggest that HA that can act as a targeting
      ligand to CD44 contributed to the improved transfection of pDNA into hASCs. Our
      novel pDNA/PEI/HA nanocomplexes may be used as an effective non-viral pDNA
      delivery system for hASCs. 

PMID- 27136524
TI  - The Traditional Medicine and Modern Medicine from Natural Products.
AB  - Natural products and traditional medicines are of great importance. Such forms of
      medicine as traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, Kampo, traditional Korean
      medicine, and Unani have been practiced in some areas of the world and have
      blossomed into orderly-regulated systems of medicine. This study aims to review
      the literature on the relationship among natural products, traditional medicines,
      and modern medicine, and to explore the possible concepts and methodologies from
      natural products and traditional medicines to further develop drug discovery. The
      unique characteristics of theory, application, current role or status, and modern
      research of eight kinds of traditional medicine systems are summarized in this
      study. Although only a tiny fraction of the existing plant species have been
      scientifically researched for bioactivities since 1805, when the first
      pharmacologically-active compound morphine was isolated from opium, natural
      products and traditional medicines have already made fruitful contributions for
      modern medicine. When used to develop new drugs, natural products and traditional
      medicines have their incomparable advantages, such as abundant clinical
      experiences, and their unique diversity of chemical structures and biological
      activities. 

PMID- 27136525
TI  - Photoactivatable Caged Prodrugs of VEGFR-2 Kinase Inhibitors.
AB  - In this study, we report on the design, synthesis, photokinetic properties and in
      vitro evaluation of photoactivatable caged prodrugs for the receptor tyrosine
      kinase VEGFR-2. Highly potent VEGFR-2 inhibitors 1 and 3 were caged by
      introduction of a photoremovable protecting group (PPG) to yield the caged
      prodrugs 4 and 5. As expected, enzymatic and cellular proliferation assays showed
      dramatically diminished efficacy of caged prodrugs in vitro. Upon ultraviolet
      (UV) irradiation of the prodrugs original inhibitory activity was completely
      restored and even distinctly reinforced, as was the case for the prodrug 4. The
      presented results are a further evidence for caging technique being an
      interesting approach in the protein kinase field. It could enable spatial and
      temporal control for the inhibition of VEGFR-2. The described photoactivatable
      prodrugs might be highly useful as biological probes for studying the VEGFR-2
      signal transduction. 

PMID- 27136526
TI  - Biodegradable Polymers and Stem Cells for Bioprinting.
AB  - It is imperative to develop organ manufacturing technologies based on the high
      organ failure mortality and serious donor shortage problems. As an emerging and
      promising technology, bioprinting has attracted more and more attention with its
      super precision, easy reproduction, fast manipulation and advantages in many hot
      research areas, such as tissue engineering, organ manufacturing, and drug
      screening. Basically, bioprinting technology consists of inkjet bioprinting,
      laser-based bioprinting and extrusion-based bioprinting techniques. Biodegradable
      polymers and stem cells are common printing inks. In the printed constructs,
      biodegradable polymers are usually used as support scaffolds, while stem cells
      can be engaged to differentiate into different cell/tissue types. The integration
      of biodegradable polymers and stem cells with the bioprinting techniques has
      provided huge opportunities for modern science and technologies, including tissue
      repair, organ transplantation and energy metabolism. 

PMID- 27136527
TI  - A Novel Photosensitizer 31,131-phenylhydrazine -Mppa (BPHM) and Its in Vitro
      Photodynamic Therapy against HeLa Cells.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted widespread attention due to its
      potential in the treatment of various cancers. Porphyrinic pyropheophorbide-a
      (PPa) has been shown to be a potent photosensitizer in PDT experiments. In this
      paper, a C-31,131 bisphenylhydrazone modified methyl pyropheophorbide-a (BPHM)
      was designed and synthesized with the consideration that phenylhydrazone
      structure may extend absorption wavelength of methyl pyro-pheophorbide-a (Mppa),
      and make the photosensitizer potential in deep tumor treatment. The synthesis,
      spectral properties and in vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT) against human HeLa
      cervical cancer cell line was studied. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay
      showed the title compound could achieve strong inhibition of cervical cancer cell
      viability under visible light (675 nm, 25 J/cm2). Cell uptake experiments were
      performed on HeLa cells. Morphological changes were examined and analyzed by
      fluorescent inverted microscope. In addition, the mechanism of the photochemical
      processes of PDT was investigated, which showed that the formation of singlet
      oxygen after treatment with PDT played a moderate important role. 

PMID- 27136528
TI  - Development of an in Vitro System to Simulate the Adsorption of Self-Emulsifying
      Tea (Camellia oleifera) Seed Oil.
AB  - In this study, tea (Camellia oleifera) seed oil was formulated into self
      emulsifying oil formulations (SEOF) to enhance the aqueous dispersibility and
      intestinal retention to achieve higher bioavailability. Self-emulsifying tea seed
      oils were developed by using different concentrations of lecithin in combination
      with surfactant blends (Span((r))80 and Tween((r))80). The lecithin/surfactant
      systems were able to provide clear and stable liquid formulations. The SEOF were
      investigated for physicochemical properties including appearance, emulsion
      droplets size, PDI and zeta potential. The chemical compositions of tea seed oil
      and SEOF were compared using GC-MS techniques. In addition, the oil adsorption
      measurement on artificial membranes was performed using a Franz cell apparatus
      and colorimetric analysis. The microscopic structure of membranes was observed
      with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After aqueous dilution with fed-state
      simulated gastric fluid (FeSSGF), the droplet size of all SEOF was close to 200
      nm with low PDI values and the zeta potential was negative. GC-MS chromatograms
      revealed that the chemical compositions of SEOF were not significantly different
      from that of the original tea seed oil. The morphological study showed that only
      the SEOF could form film layers. The oil droplets were extracted both from
      membrane treated with tea seed oil and the SEOF in order to evaluate the chemical
      compositions by GC-MS. 

PMID- 27136529
TI  - Production of Bioactive Recombinant Bovine Chymosin in Tobacco Plants.
AB  - Chymosin (also known as rennin) plays an essential role in the coagulation of
      milk in the cheese industry. Chymosin is traditionally extracted from the rumen
      of calves and is of high cost. Here, we present an alternative method to
      producing bovine chymosin from transgenic tobacco plants. The CYM gene, which
      encodes a preprochymosin from bovine, was introduced into the tobacco nuclear
      genome under control of the viral 35S cauliflower mosaic promoter. The
      integration and transcription of the foreign gene were confirmed with Southern
      blotting and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) analyses, respectively.
      Immunoblotting analyses were performed to demonstrate expression of chymosin, and
      the expression level was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
      The results indicated recombinant bovine chymosin was successfully expressed at
      an average level of 83.5 ng/g fresh weight, which is 0.52% of the total soluble
      protein. The tobacco-derived chymosin exhibited similar native milk coagulation
      bioactivity as the commercial product extracted from bovine rumen. 

PMID- 27136530
TI  - Induction of Lipocalin2 in a Rat Model of Lung Irradiation.
AB  - Previously, we showed that lipocalin2 (LCN2) serum levels increased after liver
      irradiation and during acute-phase conditions. Here, we evaluate LCN2 expression
      and serum levels after single-dose lung irradiation with 25 Gy, percutaneously
      administered to the lung of randomly-paired male Wistar rats. Due to the concave
      anatomy of the lung recesses, the irradiation field included the upper part of
      the liver. No rat died due to irradiation. In control tissue, lung
      immunohistochemistry showed a high constitutive expression of LCN2+ granulocytes.
      LCN2 mRNA levels in lung tissue increased up to 24 h (9 +/- 2.3-fold) after
      irradiation. However, serum LCN2 levels remained undetectable after lung
      irradiation. LCN2 expression in the upper part of the liver increased up to 4.2
      fold after lung irradiation, but the lower liver showed an early decrease. Acute
      phase cytokines (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha) showed a significant increase on
      transcript level in both lung and upper liver, whilst the lower liver did not
      show any considerable increase. In conclusion, constitutive expression of LCN2 in
      local immune cells demonstrates its local role during stress conditions in the
      lung. The absence of LCN2 in the serum strengthens our previous findings that the
      liver is the key player in secreting LCN2 during stress conditions with liver
      involvement. 

PMID- 27136531
TI  - Identification of 42 Genes Linked to Stage II Colorectal Cancer Metastatic
      Relapse.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality.
      Metastasis remains the primary cause of CRC death. Predicting the possibility of
      metastatic relapse in early-stage CRC is of paramount importance to target
      therapy for patients who really need it and spare those with low-potential of
      metastasis. Ninety-six stage II CRC cases were stratified using high-resolution
      array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) data based on a predictive
      survival algorithm and supervised clustering. All genes included within the
      resultant copy number aberrations were each interrogated independently at mRNA
      level using CRC expression datasets available from public repositories, which
      included 1820 colon cancers, and 167 normal colon tissues. Reduced mRNA
      expression driven by copy number losses and increased expression driven by copy
      number gains revealed 42 altered transcripts (29 reduced and 13 increased
      transcripts) associated with metastatic relapse, short disease-free or overall
      survival, and/or epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Resultant genes were
      classified based on gene ontology (GO), which identified four functional
      enrichment groups involved in growth regulation, genomic integrity, metabolism,
      and signal transduction pathways. The identified 42 genes may be useful for
      predicting metastatic relapse in stage II CRC. Further studies are necessary to
      validate these findings. 

PMID- 27136532
TI  - Copper Homeostasis as a Therapeutic Target in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis with
      SOD1 Mutations.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurodegenerative disease
      affecting both upper and lower motor neurons, and currently, there is no cure or
      effective treatment. Mutations in a gene encoding a ubiquitous antioxidant
      enzyme, Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), have been first identified as a cause
      of familial forms of ALS. It is widely accepted that mutant SOD1 proteins cause
      the disease through a gain in toxicity but not through a loss of its
      physiological function. SOD1 is a major copper-binding protein and regulates
      copper homeostasis in the cell; therefore, a toxicity of mutant SOD1 could arise
      from the disruption of copper homeostasis. In this review, we will briefly review
      recent studies implying roles of copper homeostasis in the pathogenesis of SOD1
      ALS and highlight the therapeutic interventions focusing on pharmacological as
      well as genetic regulations of copper homeostasis to modify the pathological
      process in SOD1-ALS. 

PMID- 27136533
TI  - The Dark Side of Cell Fusion.
AB  - Cell fusion is a physiological cellular process essential for fertilization,
      viral entry, muscle differentiation and placental development, among others. In
      this review, we will highlight the different cancer cell-cell fusions and the
      advantages obtained by these fusions. We will specially focus on the acquisition
      of metastatic features by cancer cells after fusion with bone marrow-derived
      cells. The mechanism by which cancer cells fuse with other cells has been poorly
      studied thus far, but the presence in several cancer cells of syncytin, a
      trophoblastic fusogen, leads us to a cancer cell fusion mechanism similar to the
      one used by the trophoblasts. The mechanism by which cancer cells perform the
      cell fusion could be an interesting target for cancer therapy. 

PMID- 27136534
TI  - Residues in the Distal Heme Pocket of Arabidopsis Non-Symbiotic Hemoglobins:
      Implication for Nitrite Reductase Activity.
AB  - It is well-established that plant hemoglobins (Hbs) are involved in nitric oxide
      (NO) metabolism via NO dioxygenase and/or nitrite reductase activity. The ferrous
      deoxy Arabidopsis Hb1 and Hb2 (AHb1 and AHb2) have been shown to reduce nitrite
      to NO under hypoxia. Here, to test the hypothesis that a six- to five-coordinate
      heme iron transition might mediate the control of the nitrite reduction rate, we
      examined distal pocket mutants of AHb1 and AHb2 for nitrite reductase activity,
      NO production and spectroscopic features. Absorption spectra of AHbs distal
      histidine mutants showed that AHb1 mutant (H69L) is a stable pentacoordinate high
      spin species in both ferrous and ferric states, whereas heme iron in AHb2 mutant
      (H66L) is hexacoordinated low-spin with Lys69 as the sixth ligand. The
      bimolecular rate constants for nitrite reduction to NO were 13.3 +/- 0.40, 7.3 +/
      0.5, 10.6 +/- 0.8 and 171.90 +/- 9.00 M(-1).s(-1) for AHb1, AHb2, AHb1 H69L and
      AHb2 H66L, respectively, at pH 7.4 and 25  degrees C. Consistent with the
      reductase activity, the amount of NO detected by chemiluminescence was
      significantly higher in the AHb2 H66L mutant. Our data indicate that nitrite
      reductase activity is determined not only by heme coordination, but also by a
      unique distal heme pocket in each AHb. 

PMID- 27136535
TI  - The Role of Chemokines in Promoting Colorectal Cancer Invasion/Metastasis.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death
      worldwide. Although most of the primary CRC can be removed by surgical resection,
      advanced tumors sometimes show recurrences in distant organs such as the liver,
      lung, lymph node, bone or peritoneum even after complete resection of the primary
      tumors. In these advanced and metastatic CRC, it is the tumor-stroma interaction
      in the tumor microenvironment that often promotes cancer invasion and/or
      metastasis through chemokine signaling. The tumor microenvironment contains
      numerous host cells that may suppress or promote cancer aggressiveness. Several
      types of host-derived myeloid cells reside in the tumor microenvironment, and the
      recruitment of them is under the control of chemokine signaling. In this review,
      we focus on the functions of chemokine signaling that may affect tumor immunity
      by recruiting several types of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDC) to the tumor
      microenvironment of CRC. 

PMID- 27136536
TI  - Prototype and Chimera-Type Galectins in Placentas with Spontaneous and Recurrent
      Miscarriages.
AB  - Galectins are galactose binding proteins and, in addition, factors for a wide
      range of pathologies in pregnancy. We have analyzed the expression of prototype
      (gal-1, -2, -7, -10) and chimera-type (gal-3) galectins in the placenta in cases
      of spontaneous abortions (SPA) and recurrent abortions (RA) in the first
      trimester. Fifteen placental samples from healthy pregnancies were used as a
      control group. Nine placentas were examined for spontaneous abortions, and 12
      placentas for recurrent abortions. For differentiation and evaluation of
      different cell types of galectin-expression in the decidua, immunofluorescence
      was used. For all investigated prototype galectins (gal-1, -2, -7, -10) in SPA
      and RA placenta trophoblast cells the expression is significantly decreased. In
      the decidua/extravillous trophoblast only gal-2 expression was significantly
      lowered, which could be connected to its role in angiogenesis. In trophoblasts in
      first-trimester placentas and in cases of SPA and RA, prototype galectins are
      altered in the same way. We suspect prototype galectins have a similar function
      in placental tissue because of their common biochemical structure. Expression of
      galectin 3 as a chimera type galectin was not found to be significantly altered
      in abortive placentas. 

PMID- 27136537
TI  - Over-Expression of GmGIa-Regulated Soybean miR172a Confers Early Flowering in
      Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Flowering is a pivotal event in the life cycle of plants. miR172 has been widely
      confirmed to play critical roles in flowering time control by regulating its
      target gene expression in Arabidopsis. However, the role of its counterpart in
      soybean remains largely unclear. In the present study, we found that the gma
      miR172a was regulated by a GIGANTEA ortholog, GmGIa, in soybean through miRNA
      metabolism. The expression analysis revealed that gma-miR172a has a pattern of
      diurnal rhythm expression and its abundance increased rapidly as plants grew
      until the initiation of flowering phase in soybean. One target gene of gma
      miR172a, Glyma03g33470, was predicted and verified using a modified RLM 5'-RACE
      (RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of 5' cDNA ends) assay. Overexpression
      of gma-miR172a exhibited an early flowering phenotype and the expression of FT,
      AP1 and LFY were simultaneously increased in gma-miR172a-transgenic Arabidopsis
      plants, suggesting that the early flowering phenotype was associated with up
      regulation of these genes. The overexpression of the gma-miR172a-resistant
      version of Glyma03g33470 weakened early flowering phenotype in the toe1 mutant of
      Arabidopsis. Taken together, our results suggested that gma-miR172a played an
      important role in GmGIa-mediated flowering by repressing Glyma03g33470, which in
      turn increased the expression of FT, AP1 and LFY to promote flowering in soybean.

PMID- 27136538
TI  - One-Pot Three-Component Synthesis of Novel Diethyl((2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-3
      yl)(arylamino)methyl)phosphonate as Potential Anticancer Agents.
AB  - With the aim of discovering new anticancer agents, we have designed and
      synthesized novel alpha-aminophosphonate derivatives containing a 2-oxoquinoline
      structure using a convenient one-pot three-component method. The newly
      synthesized compounds were evaluated for antitumor activities against the A549
      (human lung adenocarcinoma cell), HeLa (human cervical carcinoma cell), MCF-7
      (human breast cancer cell), and U2OS (human osteosarcoma cell) cancer cell lines
      in vitro, employing a standard 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H
      tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The results of pharmacological screening
      indicated that many compounds exhibited moderate to high levels of antitumor
      activities against the tested cancer cell lines and that most compounds showed
      more potent inhibitory activities comparable to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) which was
      used as a positive control. The mechanism of representative compound 4u
      (diethyl((2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinolin-3-yl)(phenyl-amino)methyl)phosphonate)
      indicated that the compound mainly arrested HeLa cells in S and G2 stages and was
      accompanied by apoptosis in HeLa cells. This action was confirmed by acridine
      orange/ethidium bromide staining, Hoechst 33342 staining, and flow cytometry. 

PMID- 27136539
TI  - Intense Resistance Exercise Promotes the Acute and Transient Nuclear
      Translocation of Small Ubiquitin-Related Modifier (SUMO)-1 in Human Myofibres.
AB  - Protein sumoylation is a posttranslational modification triggered by cellular
      stress. Because general information concerning the role of small ubiquitin
      related modifier (SUMO) proteins in adult skeletal muscle is sparse, we
      investigated whether SUMO-1 proteins will be subjected to time-dependent changes
      in their subcellular localization in sarcoplasmic and nuclear compartments of
      human type I and II skeletal muscle fibers in response to acute stimulation by
      resistance exercise (RE). Skeletal muscle biopsies were taken at baseline (PRE),
      15, 30, 60, 240 min and 24 h post RE from 6 male subjects subjected to a single
      bout of one-legged knee extensions. SUMO-1 localization was determined via
      immunohistochemistry and confocal laser microscopy. At baseline SUMO-1 was
      localized in perinuclear regions of myonuclei. Within 15 and up to 60 min post
      exercise, nuclear SUMO-1 localization was significantly increased (p < 0.01),
      declining towards baseline levels within 240 min post exercise. Sarcoplasmic SUMO
      1 localization was increased at 15 min post exercise in type I and up to 30 min
      post RE in type II myofibres. The changing localization of SUMO-1 proteins
      acutely after intense muscle contractions points to a role for SUMO proteins in
      the acute regulation of the skeletal muscle proteome after exercise. 

PMID- 27136540
TI  - Proteome Profile and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Buffalo (Bubalusbubalis)
      Follicular Fluid during Follicle Development.
AB  - Follicular fluid (FF) accumulates in the antrum of the ovarian follicle and
      provides the microenvironment for oocyte development. FF plays an important role
      in follicle growth and oocyte maturation. The FF provides a unique window to
      investigate the processes occurring during buffalo follicular development. The
      observed low quality of buffalo oocytes may arise from the poor follicular
      microenvironment. Investigating proteins found in buffalo FF (BFF) should provide
      insight into follicular development processes and provide further understanding
      of intra-follicular maturation and oocytes quality. Here, a proteomic-based
      approach was used to analyze the proteome of BFF. SDS-PAGE separation combined
      with mass spectrometry was used to generate the proteomic dataset. In total, 363
      proteins were identified and classified by Gene Ontology terms. The proteins were
      assigned to 153 pathways, including signaling pathways. To evaluate difference in
      proteins expressed between BFF with different follicle size (small, <4 mm; and
      large, >8 mm), a quantitative proteomic analysis based on multi-dimensional
      liquid chromatography pre-fractionation tandem Orbitrap mass spectrometry
      identification was performed. Eleven differentially expressed proteins (six
      downregulated and five upregulated in large BFF) were identified and assigned to
      a variety of functional processes, including serine protease inhibition,
      oxidation protection and the complement cascade system. Three differentially
      expressed proteins, Vimentin, Peroxiredoxin-1 and SERPIND1, were verified by
      Western blotting, consistent with the quantitative proteomics results. Our
      datasets offers new information about proteins present in BFF and should
      facilitate the development of new biomarkers. These differentially expressed
      proteins illuminate the size-dependent protein changes in follicle
      microenvironment. 

PMID- 27136541
TI  - Quantitative Analysis of Mutant Subclones in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Comparison
      of Different Methodological Approaches.
AB  - Identification and quantitative monitoring of mutant BCR-ABL1 subclones
      displaying resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become important
      tasks in patients with Ph-positive leukemias. Different technologies have been
      established for patient screening. Various next-generation sequencing (NGS)
      platforms facilitating sensitive detection and quantitative monitoring of
      mutations in the ABL1-kinase domain (KD) have been introduced recently, and are
      expected to become the preferred technology in the future. However, broad
      clinical implementation of NGS methods has been hampered by the limited
      accessibility at different centers and the current costs of analysis which may
      not be regarded as readily affordable for routine diagnostic monitoring. It is
      therefore of interest to determine whether NGS platforms can be adequately
      substituted by other methodological approaches. We have tested three different
      techniques including pyrosequencing, LD (ligation-dependent)-PCR and NGS in a
      series of peripheral blood specimens from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients
      carrying single or multiple mutations in the BCR-ABL1 KD. The proliferation
      kinetics of mutant subclones in serial specimens obtained during the course of
      TKI-treatment revealed similar profiles via all technical approaches, but
      individual specimens showed statistically significant differences between NGS and
      the other methods tested. The observations indicate that different approaches to
      detection and quantification of mutant subclones may be applicable for the
      monitoring of clonal kinetics, but careful calibration of each method is required
      for accurate size assessment of mutant subclones at individual time points. 

PMID- 27136542
TI  - Hydrogen Sulfide Up-Regulates the Expression of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter
      A1 via Promoting Nuclear Translocation of PPARalpha.
AB  - ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) plays a key role in atherogenesis.
      Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gasotransmitter, has been reported to play an anti
      atherosclerotic role. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. In
      this study we examined whether and how H2S regulates ABCA1 expression. The effect
      of H2S on ABCA1 expression and lipid metabolism were assessed in vitro by
      cultured human hepatoma cell line HepG2, and in vivo by ApoE(-/-) mice with a
      high-cholesterol diet. NaHS (an exogenous H2S donor) treatment significantly
      increased the expression of ABCA1, ApoA1, and ApoA2 and ameliorated intracellular
      lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. Depletion of the endogenous H2S generator
      cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) by small RNA interference (siRNA) significantly
      decreased the expression of ABCA1 and resulted in the accumulation of lipids in
      HepG2 cells. In vivo NaHS treatment significantly reduced the serum levels of
      total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL),
      diminished atherosclerotic plaque size, and increased hepatic ABCA1 expression in
      fat-fed ApoE(-/-) mice. Further study revealed that NaHS upregulated ABCA1
      expression by promoting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha
      (PPARalpha) nuclear translocation. H2S up-regulates the expression of ABCA1 by
      promoting the nuclear translocation of PPARalpha, providing a fundamental
      mechanism for the anti-atherogenic activity of H2S. H2S may be a promising
      potential drug candidate for the treatment of atherosclerosis. 

PMID- 27136543
TI  - Data Interoperability of Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) Based Mutational Burden
      Estimates from Different Laboratories.
AB  - Immune checkpoint inhibitors, which unleash a patient's own T cells to kill
      tumors, are revolutionizing cancer treatment. Several independent studies suggest
      that higher non-synonymous mutational burden assessed by whole exome sequencing
      (WES) in tumors is associated with improved objective response, durable clinical
      benefit, and progression-free survival in immune checkpoint inhibitors treatment.
      Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a promising technology being used in the
      clinic to direct patient treatment. Cancer genome WES poses a unique challenge
      due to tumor heterogeneity and sequencing artifacts introduced by formalin-fixed,
      paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. In order to evaluate the data interoperability
      of WES data from different sources to survey tumor mutational landscape, we
      compared WES data of several tumor/normal matched samples from five commercial
      vendors. A large data discrepancy was observed from vendors' self-reported data.
      Independent data analysis from vendors' raw NGS data shows that whole exome
      sequencing data from qualified vendors can be combined and analyzed uniformly to
      derive comparable quantitative estimates of tumor mutational burden. 

PMID- 27136544
TI  - Inhibition of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Mitigates Microvascular Loss but Not
      Fibrosis in a Model of Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury.
AB  - The development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) following an episode of acute
      kidney injury (AKI) is an increasingly recognized clinical problem. Inhibition of
      toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protects renal function in animal models of AKI and
      has become a viable therapeutic strategy in AKI. However, the impact of TLR4
      inhibition on the chronic sequelae of AKI is unknown. Consequently, we examined
      the chronic effects of TLR4 inhibition in a model of ischemic AKI. Mice with a
      TLR4-deletion on a C57BL/6 background and wild-type (WT) background control mice
      (C57BL/6) were subjected to bilateral renal artery clamping for 19 min and
      reperfusion for up to 6 weeks. Despite the acute protective effect of TLR4
      inhibition on renal function (serum creatinine 1.6 +/- 0.4 mg/dL TLR4-deletion
      vs. 2.8 +/- 0.3 mg/dL.WT) and rates of tubular apoptosis following ischemic AKI,
      we found no difference in neutrophil or macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, we
      observed significant protection from microvascular rarefaction at six weeks
      following injury with TLR4-deletion, but this did not alter development of
      fibrosis. In conclusion, we validate the acute protective effect of TLR4 signal
      inhibition in AKI but demonstrate that this protective effect does not mitigate
      the sequential fibrogenic response in this model of ischemic AKI. 

PMID- 27136545
TI  - Impact of Prematurity and Perinatal Antibiotics on the Developing Intestinal
      Microbiota: A Functional Inference Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The microbial colonization of the neonatal gut provides a critical
      stimulus for normal maturation and development. This process of early microbiota
      establishment, known to be affected by several factors, constitutes an important
      determinant for later health. METHODS: We studied the establishment of the
      microbiota in preterm and full-term infants and the impact of perinatal
      antibiotics upon this process in premature babies. To this end, 16S rRNA gene
      sequence-based microbiota assessment was performed at phylum level and functional
      inference analyses were conducted. Moreover, the levels of the main intestinal
      microbial metabolites, the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) acetate, propionate and
      butyrate, were measured by Gas-Chromatography Flame ionization/Mass spectrometry
      detection. RESULTS: Prematurity affects microbiota composition at phylum level,
      leading to increases of Proteobacteria and reduction of other intestinal
      microorganisms. Perinatal antibiotic use further affected the microbiota of the
      preterm infant. These changes involved a concomitant alteration in the levels of
      intestinal SCFA. Moreover, functional inference analyses allowed for identifying
      metabolic pathways potentially affected by prematurity and perinatal antibiotics
      use. CONCLUSION: A deficiency or delay in the establishment of normal microbiota
      function seems to be present in preterm infants. Perinatal antibiotic use, such
      as intrapartum prophylaxis, affected the early life microbiota establishment in
      preterm newborns, which may have consequences for later health.

PMID- 27136546
TI  - Mycoplasma bovis MBOV_RS02825 Encodes a Secretory Nuclease Associated with
      Cytotoxicity.
AB  - This study aimed to determine the activity of one Mycoplasma bovis nuclease
      encoded by MBOV_RS02825 and its association with cytotoxicity. The bioinformatics
      analysis predicted that it encodes a Ca(2+)-dependent nuclease based on existence
      of enzymatic sites in a TNASE_3 domain derived from a Staphylococcus aureus
      thermonuclease (SNc). We cloned and purified the recombinant MbovNase
      (rMbovNase), and demonstrated its nuclease activity by digesting bovine
      macrophage linear DNA and RNA, and closed circular plasmid DNA in the presence of
      10 mM Ca(2+) at 22-65  degrees C. In addition, this MbovNase was localized in
      membrane and rMbovNase able to degrade DNA matrix of neutrophil extracellular
      traps (NETs). When incubated with macrophages, rMbovNase bound to and invaded the
      cells localizing to both the cytoplasm and nuclei. These cells experienced
      apoptosis and the viability was significantly reduced. The apoptosis was
      confirmed by activated expression of phosphorylated NF-kappaB p65 and Bax, and
      inhibition of Ikappabetaalpha and Bcl-2. In contrast, rMbovNase(Delta181-342)
      without TNASE_3 domain exhibited deficiency in all the biological functions.
      Furthermore, rMbovNase was also demonstrated to be secreted. In conclusion, it is
      a first report that MbovNase is an active nuclease, both secretory and membrane
      protein with ability to degrade NETs and induce apoptosis. 

PMID- 27136547
TI  - Function of Lipid Storage Droplet 1 (Lsd1) in Wing Development of Drosophila
      melanogaster.
AB  - Perilipins are evolutionarily conserved from Drosophila to humans, the lipid
      storage droplet 1 (Lsd1) is a Drosophila homolog of human perilipin 1. The
      function of Lsd1 as a regulator of lipolysis in Drosophila has been demonstrated,
      as the Lsd1 mutant causes an increase of lipid droplet size. However, the
      functions of this gene during development are still under investigation. In order
      to determine the function of Lsd1 during development, Lsd1 was knocked down in
      Drosophila using the GAL4-UAS system. Selective knockdown of Lsd1 in the dorsal
      wing disc caused an atrophied wing phenotype. The generation of reactive oxygen
      species in the wing pouch compartment of the Lsd1-knockdown flies was
      significantly higher than in the control. Immunostaining with caspase-3 antibody
      revealed a greater number of apoptotic cells in Lsd1-knockdown wing discs than in
      the control. Cell death by autophagy was also induced in the knockdown flies.
      Moreover, cells deprived of Lsd1 showed mitochondrial expansion and decreased ATP
      levels. These results strongly suggest that knockdown of Lsd1 induces
      mitochondrial stress and the production of reactive oxygen species that result in
      cell death, via apoptosis and the autophagy pathway. These results highlight the
      roles of Drosophila Lsd1 during wing development. 

PMID- 27136548
TI  - Traffic Congestion Detection System through Connected Vehicles and Big Data.
AB  - This article discusses the simulation and evaluation of a traffic congestion
      detection system which combines inter-vehicular communications, fixed roadside
      infrastructure and infrastructure-to-infrastructure connectivity and big data.
      The system discussed in this article permits drivers to identify traffic
      congestion and change their routes accordingly, thus reducing the total emissions
      of CO2 and decreasing travel time. This system monitors, processes and stores
      large amounts of data, which can detect traffic congestion in a precise way by
      means of a series of algorithms that reduces localized vehicular emission by
      rerouting vehicles. To simulate and evaluate the proposed system, a big data
      cluster was developed based on Cassandra, which was used in tandem with the
      OMNeT++ discreet event network simulator, coupled with the SUMO (Simulation of
      Urban MObility) traffic simulator and the Veins vehicular network framework. The
      results validate the efficiency of the traffic detection system and its positive
      impact in detecting, reporting and rerouting traffic when traffic events occur.

PMID- 27136549
TI  - The DEPFET Sensor-Amplifier Structure: A Method to Beat 1/f Noise and Reach Sub
      Electron Noise in Pixel Detectors.
AB  - Depleted field effect transistors (DEPFET) are used to achieve very low noise
      signal charge readout with sub-electron measurement precision. This is
      accomplished by repeatedly reading an identical charge, thereby suppressing not
      only the white serial noise but also the usually constant 1/f noise. The
      repetitive non-destructive readout (RNDR) DEPFET is an ideal central element for
      an active pixel sensor (APS) pixel. The theory has been derived thoroughly and
      results have been verified on RNDR-DEPFET prototypes. A charge measurement
      precision of 0.18 electrons has been achieved. The device is well-suited for
      spectroscopic X-ray imaging and for optical photon counting in pixel sensors,
      even at high photon numbers in the same cell.

PMID- 27136550
TI  - Exponential Arithmetic Based Self-Healing Group Key Distribution Scheme with
      Backward Secrecy under the Resource-Constrained Wireless Networks.
AB  - In resource-constrained wireless networks, resources such as storage space and
      communication bandwidth are limited. To guarantee secure communication in
      resource-constrained wireless networks, group keys should be distributed to
      users. The self-healing group key distribution (SGKD) scheme is a promising
      cryptographic tool, which can be used to distribute and update the group key for
      the secure group communication over unreliable wireless networks. Among all known
      SGKD schemes, exponential arithmetic based SGKD (E-SGKD) schemes reduce the
      storage overhead to constant, thus is suitable for the the resource-constrained
      wireless networks. In this paper, we provide a new mechanism to achieve E-SGKD
      schemes with backward secrecy. We first propose a basic E-SGKD scheme based on a
      known polynomial-based SGKD, where it has optimal storage overhead while having
      no backward secrecy. To obtain the backward secrecy and reduce the communication
      overhead, we introduce a novel approach for message broadcasting and self
      healing. Compared with other E-SGKD schemes, our new E-SGKD scheme has the
      optimal storage overhead, high communication efficiency and satisfactory
      security. The simulation results in Zigbee-based networks show that the proposed
      scheme is suitable for the resource-restrained wireless networks. Finally, we
      show the application of our proposed scheme.

PMID- 27136551
TI  - Logarithmic Laplacian Prior Based Bayesian Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar
      Imaging.
AB  - This paper presents a novel Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging (ISAR)
      algorithm based on a new sparse prior, known as the logarithmic Laplacian prior.
      The newly proposed logarithmic Laplacian prior has a narrower main lobe with
      higher tail values than the Laplacian prior, which helps to achieve performance
      improvement on sparse representation. The logarithmic Laplacian prior is used for
      ISAR imaging within the Bayesian framework to achieve better focused radar image.
      In the proposed method of ISAR imaging, the phase errors are jointly estimated
      based on the minimum entropy criterion to accomplish autofocusing. The maximum a
      posterior (MAP) estimation and the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) are
      utilized to estimate the model parameters to avoid manually tuning process.
      Additionally, the fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Hadamard product are used to
      minimize the required computational efficiency. Experimental results based on
      both simulated and measured data validate that the proposed algorithm outperforms
      the traditional sparse ISAR imaging algorithms in terms of resolution improvement
      and noise suppression.

PMID- 27136552
TI  - Assistant Personal Robot (APR): Conception and Application of a Tele-Operated
      Assisted Living Robot.
AB  - This paper presents the technical description, mechanical design, electronic
      components, software implementation and possible applications of a tele-operated
      mobile robot designed as an assisted living tool. This robotic concept has been
      named Assistant Personal Robot (or APR for short) and has been designed as a
      remotely telecontrolled robotic platform built to provide social and assistive
      services to elderly people and those with impaired mobility. The APR features a
      fast high-mobility motion system adapted for tele-operation in plain indoor
      areas, which incorporates a high-priority collision avoidance procedure. This
      paper presents the mechanical architecture, electrical fundaments and software
      implementation required in order to develop the main functionalities of an
      assistive robot. The APR uses a tablet in order to implement the basic peer-to
      peer videoconference and tele-operation control combined with a tactile graphic
      user interface. The paper also presents the development of some applications
      proposed in the framework of an assisted living robot. 

PMID- 27136553
TI  - A Flexible Fringe Projection Vision System with Extended Mathematical Model for
      Accurate Three-Dimensional Measurement.
AB  - In order to acquire an accurate three-dimensional (3D) measurement, the
      traditional fringe projection technique applies complex and laborious procedures
      to compensate for the errors that exist in the vision system. However, the error
      sources in the vision system are very complex, such as lens distortion, lens
      defocus, and fringe pattern nonsinusoidality. Some errors cannot even be
      explained or rendered with clear expressions and are difficult to compensate
      directly as a result. In this paper, an approach is proposed that avoids the
      complex and laborious compensation procedure for error sources but still promises
      accurate 3D measurement. It is realized by the mathematical model extension
      technique. The parameters of the extended mathematical model for the 'phase to 3D
      coordinates transformation' are derived using the least-squares parameter
      estimation algorithm. In addition, a phase-coding method based on a frequency
      analysis is proposed for the absolute phase map retrieval to spatially isolated
      objects. The results demonstrate the validity and the accuracy of the proposed
      flexible fringe projection vision system on spatially continuous and
      discontinuous objects for 3D measurement. 

PMID- 27136554
TI  - Quaternion-Based Gesture Recognition Using Wireless Wearable Motion Capture
      Sensors.
AB  - This work presents the development and implementation of a unified multi-sensor
      human motion capture and gesture recognition system that can distinguish between
      and classify six different gestures. Data was collected from eleven participants
      using a subset of five wireless motion sensors (inertial measurement units)
      attached to their arms and upper body from a complete motion capture system. We
      compare Support Vector Machines and Artificial Neural Networks on the same
      dataset under two different scenarios and evaluate the results. Our study
      indicates that near perfect classification accuracies are achievable for small
      gestures and that the speed of classification is sufficient to allow
      interactivity. However, such accuracies are more difficult to obtain when a
      participant does not participate in training, indicating that more work needs to
      be done in this area to create a system that can be used by the general
      population.

PMID- 27136555
TI  - Self-Sensing Composites: In-Situ Detection of Fibre Fracture.
AB  - The primary load-bearing component in a composite material is the reinforcing
      fibres. This paper reports on a technique to study the fracture of individual
      reinforcing fibres or filaments in real-time. Custom-made small-diameter optical
      fibres with a diameter of 12 (+/-2) micrometres were used to detect the fracture
      of individual filaments during tensile loading of unreinforced bundles and
      composites. The unimpregnated bundles were end-tabbed and tensile tested to
      failure. A simple technique based on resin-infusion was developed to manufacture
      composites with a negligible void content. In both cases, optical fibre
      connectors were attached to the ends of the small-diameter optical fibre bundles
      to enable light to be coupled into the bundle via one end whilst the opposite end
      was photographed using a high-speed camera. The feasibility of detecting the
      fracture of each of the filaments in the bundle and composite was demonstrated.
      The in-situ damage detection technique was also applied to E-glass bundles and
      composites; this will be reported in a subsequent publication.

PMID- 27136556
TI  - Photon Counting Imaging with an Electron-Bombarded Pixel Image Sensor.
AB  - Electron-bombarded pixel image sensors, where a single photoelectron is
      accelerated directly into a CCD or CMOS sensor, allow wide-field imaging at
      extremely low light levels as they are sensitive enough to detect single photons.
      This technology allows the detection of up to hundreds or thousands of photon
      events per frame, depending on the sensor size, and photon event centroiding can
      be employed to recover resolution lost in the detection process. Unlike photon
      events from electron-multiplying sensors, the photon events from electron
      bombarded sensors have a narrow, acceleration-voltage-dependent pulse height
      distribution. Thus a gain voltage sweep during exposure in an electron-bombarded
      sensor could allow photon arrival time determination from the pulse height with
      sub-frame exposure time resolution. We give a brief overview of our work with
      electron-bombarded pixel image sensor technology and recent developments in this
      field for single photon counting imaging, and examples of some applications. 

PMID- 27136557
TI  - Optimal Design of a Center Support Quadruple Mass Gyroscope (CSQMG).
AB  - This paper reports a more complete description of the design process of the
      Center Support Quadruple Mass Gyroscope (CSQMG), a gyro expected to provide
      breakthrough performance for flat structures. The operation of the CSQMG is based
      on four lumped masses in a circumferential symmetric distribution, oscillating in
      anti-phase motion, and providing differential signal extraction. With its 4-fold
      symmetrical axes pattern, the CSQMG achieves a similar operation mode to
      Hemispherical Resonant Gyroscopes (HRGs). Compared to the conventional flat
      design, four Y-shaped coupling beams are used in this new pattern in order to
      adjust mode distribution and enhance the synchronization mechanism of operation
      modes. For the purpose of obtaining the optimal design of the CSQMG, a kind of
      applicative optimization flow is developed with a comprehensive derivation of the
      operation mode coordination, the pseudo mode inhibition, and the lumped mass
      twisting motion elimination. The experimental characterization of the CSQMG was
      performed at room temperature, and the center operation frequency is 6.8 kHz
      after tuning. Experiments show an Allan variance stability 0.12 degrees /h (@100
      s) and a white noise level about 0.72 degrees /h/?Hz, which means that the CSQMG
      possesses great potential to achieve navigation grade performance. 

PMID- 27136558
TI  - A New Methodology for 3D Target Detection in Automotive Radar Applications.
AB  - Today there is a growing interest in automotive sensor monitoring systems. One of
      the main challenges is to make them an effective and valuable aid in dangerous
      situations, improving transportation safety. The main limitation of visual aid
      systems is that they do not produce accurate results in critical visibility
      conditions, such as in presence of rain, fog or smoke. Radar systems can greatly
      help in overcoming such limitations. In particular, imaging radar is gaining
      interest in the framework of Driver Assistance Systems (DAS). In this manuscript,
      a new methodology able to reconstruct the 3D imaged scene and to detect the
      presence of multiple targets within each line of sight is proposed. The technique
      is based on the use of Compressive Sensing (CS) theory and produces the
      estimation of multiple targets for each line of sight, their range distance and
      their reflectivities. Moreover, a fast approach for 2D focus based on the FFT
      algorithm is proposed. After the description of the proposed methodology,
      different simulated case studies are reported in order to evaluate the
      performances of the proposed approach. 

PMID- 27136559
TI  - Guidelines for Designing Surface Ion Traps Using the Boundary Element Method.
AB  - Ion traps can provide both physical implementation of quantum information
      processing and direct observation of quantum systems. Recently, surface ion traps
      have been developed using microfabrication technologies and are considered to be
      a promising platform for scalable quantum devices. This paper presents detailed
      guidelines for designing the electrodes of surface ion traps. First, we define
      and explain the key specifications including trap depth, q-parameter, secular
      frequency, and ion height. Then, we present a numerical-simulation-based design
      procedure, which involves determining the basic assumptions, determining the
      shape and size of the chip, designing the dimensions of the radio frequency (RF)
      electrode, and analyzing the direct current (DC) control voltages. As an example
      of this design procedure, we present a case study with tutorial-like
      explanations. The proposed design procedure can provide a practical guideline for
      designing the electrodes of surface ion traps.

PMID- 27136560
TI  - 3-D Imaging Systems for Agricultural Applications-A Review.
AB  - Efficiency increase of resources through automation of agriculture requires more
      information about the production process, as well as process and machinery
      status. Sensors are necessary for monitoring the status and condition of
      production by recognizing the surrounding structures such as objects, field
      structures, natural or artificial markers, and obstacles. Currently, three
      dimensional (3-D) sensors are economically affordable and technologically
      advanced to a great extent, so a breakthrough is already possible if enough
      research projects are commercialized. The aim of this review paper is to
      investigate the state-of-the-art of 3-D vision systems in agriculture, and the
      role and value that only 3-D data can have to provide information about
      environmental structures based on the recent progress in optical 3-D sensors. The
      structure of this research consists of an overview of the different optical 3-D
      vision techniques, based on the basic principles. Afterwards, their application
      in agriculture are reviewed. The main focus lays on vehicle navigation, and crop
      and animal husbandry. The depth dimension brought by 3-D sensors provides key
      information that greatly facilitates the implementation of automation and
      robotics in agriculture.

PMID- 27136561
TI  - Effective Sensor Selection and Data Anomaly Detection for Condition Monitoring of
      Aircraft Engines.
AB  - In a complex system, condition monitoring (CM) can collect the system working
      status. The condition is mainly sensed by the pre-deployed sensors in/on the
      system. Most existing works study how to utilize the condition information to
      predict the upcoming anomalies, faults, or failures. There is also some research
      which focuses on the faults or anomalies of the sensing element (i.e., sensor) to
      enhance the system reliability. However, existing approaches ignore the
      correlation between sensor selecting strategy and data anomaly detection, which
      can also improve the system reliability. To address this issue, we study a new
      scheme which includes sensor selection strategy and data anomaly detection by
      utilizing information theory and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR). The sensors
      that are more appropriate for the system CM are first selected. Then, mutual
      information is utilized to weight the correlation among different sensors. The
      anomaly detection is carried out by using the correlation of sensor data. The
      sensor data sets that are utilized to carry out the evaluation are provided by
      National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center and
      have been used as Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) challenge data in 2008.
      By comparing the two different sensor selection strategies, the effectiveness of
      selection method on data anomaly detection is proved.

PMID- 27136562
TI  - Analysis and Calibration of Sources of Electronic Error in PSD Sensor Response.
AB  - In order to obtain very precise measurements of the position of agents located at
      a considerable distance using a sensor system based on position sensitive
      detectors (PSD), it is necessary to analyze and mitigate the factors that
      generate substantial errors in the system's response. These sources of error can
      be divided into electronic and geometric factors. The former stem from the nature
      and construction of the PSD as well as the performance, tolerances and electronic
      response of the system, while the latter are related to the sensor's optical
      system. Here, we focus solely on the electrical effects, since the study,
      analysis and correction of these are a prerequisite for subsequently addressing
      geometric errors. A simple calibration method is proposed, which considers PSD
      response, component tolerances, temperature variations, signal frequency used,
      signal to noise ratio (SNR), suboptimal operational amplifier parameters, and
      analog to digital converter (ADC) quantitation SNRQ, etc. Following an analysis
      of these effects and calibration of the sensor, it was possible to correct the
      errors, thus rendering the effects negligible, as reported in the results
      section.

PMID- 27136563
TI  - A Small Acoustic Goniometer for General Purpose Research.
AB  - Understanding acoustic events and monitoring their occurrence is a useful aspect
      of many research projects. In particular, acoustic goniometry allows researchers
      to determine the source of an event based solely on the sound it produces. The
      vast majority of acoustic goniometry research projects used custom hardware
      targeted to the specific application under test. Unfortunately, due to the wide
      range of sensing applications, a flexible general purpose hardware/firmware
      system does not exist for this purpose. This article focuses on the development
      of such a system which encourages the continued exploration of general purpose
      hardware/firmware and lowers barriers to research in projects requiring the use
      of acoustic goniometry. Simulations have been employed to verify system
      feasibility, and a complete hardware implementation of the acoustic goniometer
      has been designed and field tested. The results are reported, and suggested areas
      for improvement and further exploration are discussed. 

PMID- 27136564
TI  - A Magnetic Field Sensor Based on a Magnetic Fluid-Filled FP-FBG Structure.
AB  - Based on the characteristic magnetic-controlled refractive index property, in
      this paper, a magnetic fluid is used as a sensitive medium to detect the magnetic
      field in the fiber optic Fabry-Perot (FP) cavity. The temperature compensation in
      fiber Fabry-Perot magnetic sensor is demonstrated and achieved. The refractive
      index of the magnetic fluid varies with the applied magnetic field and external
      temperature, and a cross-sensitivity effect of the temperature and magnetic field
      occurs in the Fabry-Perot magnetic sensor and the accuracy of magnetic field
      measurements is affected by the thermal effect. In order to overcome this
      problem, we propose a modified sensor structure. With a fiber Bragg grating (FBG)
      written in the insert fiber end of the Fabry-Perot cavity, the FBG acts as a
      temperature compensation unit for the magnetic field measurement and it provides
      an effective solution to the cross-sensitivity effect. The experimental results
      show that the sensitivity of magnetic field detection improves from 0.23 nm/mT to
      0.53 nm/mT, and the magnetic field measurement resolution finally reaches 37.7 T.
      The temperature-compensated FP-FBG magnetic sensor has obvious advantages of
      small volume and high sensitivity, and it has a good prospect in applications in
      the power industry and national defense technology areas. 

PMID- 27136565
TI  - An Improved Alignment Method for the Strapdown Inertial Navigation System (SINS).
AB  - In this paper, an innovative inertial navigation system (INS) mechanization and
      the associated Kalman filter (KF) are developed to implement a fine alignment for
      the strapdown INS (SINS) on stationary base. The improved mechanization is
      established in the pseudo-geographic frame, which is rebuilt based on the initial
      position. The new mechanization eliminates the effects of linear movement errors
      on the heading by decoupling. Compared with the traditional local-level
      mechanization, it has more advantages. The proposed algorithm requires lower
      coarse alignment accuracy in both the open-loop and closed-loop KFs and hence can
      improve the system reliability and decrease the total alignment time. Moreover,
      for the closed-loop KF, it can decrease oscillation caused by the system errors
      and improve the closed-loop system stability. In addition, the proposed algorithm
      can also be applied to polar alignment. The performance of the proposed algorithm
      is verified by both simulations and experiments and the results exhibit the
      superior performance of the proposed approach.

PMID- 27136566
TI  - Evaluating the Role of p38 MAPK in the Accelerated Cell Senescence of Werner
      Syndrome Fibroblasts.
AB  - Progeroid syndromes show features of accelerated ageing and are used as models
      for human ageing, of which Werner syndrome (WS) is one of the most widely
      studied. WS fibroblasts show accelerated senescence that may result from p38 MAP
      kinase activation since it is prevented by the p38 inhibitor SB203580. Thus,
      small molecule inhibition of p38-signalling may be a therapeutic strategy for WS.
      To develop this approach issues such as the in vivo toxicity and kinase
      selectivity of existing p38 inhibitors need to be addressed, so as to strengthen
      the evidence that p38 itself plays a critical role in mediating the effect of
      SB203580, and to find an inhibitor suitable for in vivo use. In this work we used
      a panel of different p38 inhibitors selected for: (1) having been used
      successfully in vivo in either animal models or human clinical trials; (2)
      different modes of binding to p38; and (3) different off-target kinase
      specificity profiles, in order to critically address the role of p38 in the
      premature senescence seen in WS cells. Our findings confirmed the involvement of
      p38 in accelerated cell senescence and identified p38 inhibitors suitable for in
      vivo use in WS, with BIRB 796 the most effective. 

PMID- 27136567
TI  - Novel Azetidine-Containing TZT-1027 Analogues as Antitumor Agents.
AB  - A conformational restriction strategy was used to design and synthesize nine TZT
      1027 analogues. 3-Aryl-azetidine moiety was used to replace phenylethyl group of
      TZT-1027 at the C-terminus. These analogues exhibited moderate to excellent
      antiproliferative activities, and the most potent compound 1a showed IC50 values
      of 2.2 nM against A549 and 2.1 nM against HCT116 cell lines, respectively.
      However, 1a could not achieve effective inhibition at all the dose levels in the
      A549 xenograft model (up to 5 mg/kg, injection, once a day), which is only 16%
      35% inhibition at the end of the experiment. 

PMID- 27136568
TI  - Polyketides from the Mangrove-Derived Endophytic Fungus Nectria sp. HN001 and
      Their alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity.
AB  - Four new polyketides: nectriacids A-C (1-3) and 12-epicitreoisocoumarinol (4),
      together with three known compounds: citreoisocoumarinol (5), citreoisocoumarin
      (6), and macrocarpon C (7) were isolated from the culture of the endophytic
      fungus Nectria sp. HN001, which was isolated from a fresh branch of the mangrove
      plant Sonneratia ovata collected from the South China Sea. Their structures were
      determined by the detailed analysis of NMR and mass spectroscopic data. The
      absolute configuration of the stereogenic carbons for compound 4 was further
      assigned by Mosher's ester method. All of the isolated compounds were tested for
      their alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity by UV absorbance at 405 nm, and new
      compounds 2 and 3 exhibited potent inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 23.5
      and 42.3 MUM, respectively, which were more potent than positive control
      (acarbose, IC50, 815.3 MUM). 

PMID- 27136569
TI  - Association between Outdoor Fungal Concentrations during Winter and Pulmonary
      Function in Children with and without Asthma.
AB  - Outdoor fungi are important components of airborne particulate matter (PM).
      However, the associations between pulmonary function and outdoor fungi are less
      well known compared to other airborne PM constituents. The objective of this
      study was to investigate the association between outdoor fungi and pulmonary
      function in children. Morning peak expiratory flow (PEF) rates were measured
      daily in 339 schoolchildren (including 36 with asthma), aged 10 to 12, 2 to 27
      February 2015. Airborne PM was collected on filters, using a high volume air
      sampler, each day during the study period. The daily concentration of outdoor
      fungi-associated PM was calculated using a culture-based method. A linear mixed
      model was used to estimate the association between PEF values and daily
      concentrations of outdoor fungi, and the daily levels of suspended PM (SPM) and
      PM <= 2.5 MUm (PM2.5). An increase in the interquartile range (46.2 CFU/m3) for
      outdoor fungal concentration led to PEF changes of -1.18 L/min (95% confidence
      interval, -2.27 to -0.08) in all children, 1.22 L/min (-2.96 to 5.41) in children
      without asthma, and -1.44 L/min (-2.57 to -0.32) in children with asthma. Outdoor
      fungi showed a significant negative correlation with PM2.5 levels (r = -0.4, p =
      0.04), but not with SPM (r = -0.3, p = 0.10) levels. Outdoor fungi may be
      associated with pulmonary dysfunction in children. Furthermore, children with
      asthma may show greater pulmonary dysfunction than those without asthma.

PMID- 27136570
TI  - Active Traveling and Its Associations with Self-Rated Health, BMI and Physical
      Activity: A Comparative Study in the Adult Swedish Population.
AB  - Active traveling to a daily occupation means that an individual uses an active
      way of traveling between two destinations. Active travel to work or other daily
      occupations offers a convenient way to increase physical activity levels which is
      known to have positive effects on several health outcomes. Frequently used
      concepts in city planning and regional planning today are to create environments
      for active commuting and active living. Even then, little research has focused on
      traveling modes and subjective health outcomes such as self-rated health (SRH).
      This study aimed to explore and investigate associations between travel mode and
      health-related outcomes, such as self-rated health (SRH), body mass index (BMI)
      and overall physical activity, in an adult population in Sweden. A cross
      sectional study was conducted in a randomly selected population-based sample (n =
      1786, age 45-75 years); the respondents completed a questionnaire about their
      regular travel mode, demographics, lifestyle, BMI and SRH. Chi-square tests and
      logistic regressions found that inactive traveling was associated with poor SRH,
      a greater risk of obesity or being overweight and overall physical inactivity. In
      addition, lifestyle factors, such as choice of food and smoking habits, were
      associated with SRH, BMI and overall physical activity.

PMID- 27136571
TI  - The Role of Influenza in the Delay between Low Temperature and Ischemic Heart
      Disease: Evidence from Simulation and Mortality Data from Japan.
AB  - Many studies have found that cardiovascular deaths mostly occur within a few days
      of exposure to heat, whereas cold-related deaths can occur up to 30 days after
      exposure. We investigated whether influenza infection could explain the delayed
      cold effects on ischemic heart diseases (IHD) as they can trigger IHD. We
      hypothesized two pathways between cold exposure and IHD: a direct pathway and an
      indirect pathway through influenza infection. We created a multi-state model of
      the pathways and simulated incidence data to examine the observed delayed
      patterns in cases. We conducted cross-correlation and time series analysis with
      Japanese daily pneumonia and influenza (P&I) mortality data to help validate our
      model. Simulations showed the IHD incidence through the direct pathway occurred
      mostly within 10 days, while IHD through influenza infection peaked at 4-6 days,
      followed by delayed incidences of up to 20-30 days. In the mortality data from
      Japan, P&I lagged IHD in cross-correlations. Time series analysis showed strong
      delayed cold effects in the older population. There was also a strong delay on
      intense days of influenza which was more noticeable in the older population.
      Influenza can therefore be a plausible explanation for the delayed association
      between cold exposure and cardiovascular mortality.

PMID- 27136572
TI  - Breakfast and Other Meal Consumption in Adolescents from Southern Poland.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of breakfast and other meal
      consumption by adolescents and to assess the relationship between the first and
      the last meal consumption and sex, body mass index (BMI), and middle school and
      high school students' education level. The study was conducted in 2013-2014 among
      3009 students (1658 girls and 1351 boys) from middle s and high schools in Krakow
      and Silesia (Poland). The data was obtained from questionnaires that were
      analyzed with a logistic regression model for measurable and dichotomous
      variables. Breakfast consumers were seen to eat other meals (second breakfast,
      lunch, dessert, supper) significantly more often than breakfast skippers. The
      main meal consumption habits depend on sex and change as adolescents age. Being a
      girl and a high school student predisposed participants to skip breakfast and
      supper more often. The BMI of breakfast consumers does not differ significantly
      from the BMI of breakfast skippers, so BMI might thus not be a sufficient marker
      of breakfast consumption regularity and dietary habits in an adolescent group.
      The importance of regularly eaten meals, especially breakfast, together with
      adequate daily dietary energy intake are beneficial for physical and
      psychological development and cannot be overestimated in nutritional education
      and it is necessary to promote healthy eating behavior for well-being in later
      adult life.

PMID- 27136573
TI  - Effects of Revegetation on Soil Organic Carbon Storage and Erosion-Induced Carbon
      Loss under Extreme Rainstorms in the Hill and Gully Region of the Loess Plateau.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Loess Plateau, an ecologically vulnerable region, has long been
      suffering from serious soil erosion. Revegetation has been implemented to control
      soil erosion and improve ecosystems in the Loess Plateau region through a series
      of ecological recovery programs. However, the increasing atmospheric CO2 as a
      result of human intervention is affecting the climate by global warming,
      resulting in the greater frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such
      as storms that may weaken the effectiveness of revegetation and cause severe soil
      erosion. Most research to date has evaluated the effectiveness of revegetation on
      soil properties and soil erosion of different land use or vegetation types. Here,
      we study the effect of revegetation on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and
      erosion-induced carbon loss related to different plant communities, particularly
      under extreme rainstorm events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The erosion-pin method was
      used to quantify soil erosion, and soil samples were taken at soil depths of 0-5
      cm, 5-10 cm and 10-20 cm to determine the SOC content for 13 typical hillside
      revegetation communities in the year of 2013, which had the highest rainfall with
      broad range, long duration and high intensity since 1945, in the Yanhe watershed.
      RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The SOC concentrations of all plant communities increased
      with soil depth when compared with slope cropland, and significant increases (p <
      0.05) were observed for most shrub and forest communities, particularly for
      natural ones. Taking the natural secondary forest community as reference (i.e.,
      soil loss and SOC loss were both 1.0), the relative soil loss and SOC loss of the
      other 12 plant communities in 2013 ranged from 1.5 to 9.4 and 0.30 to 1.73,
      respectively. Natural shrub and forest communities showed greater resistance to
      rainstorm erosion than grassland communities. The natural grassland communities
      with lower SOC content produced lower SOC loss even with higher soil loss,
      natural secondary forest communities produced higher SOC loss, primarily because
      of their higher SOC content, and the artificial R. pseudoacacia community with
      greater soil loss produced higher SOC loss. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate
      that natural revegetation is more effective in enhancing SOC storage and reducing
      soil erosion than artificial vegetative recovery on hillsides. However, natural
      secondary forest communities, with higher SOC content and storage capacity, may
      also contribute to larger SOC loss under extreme rainstorms.

PMID- 27136574
TI  - A Study on the Preparation of Regular Multiple Micro-Electrolysis Filler and the
      Application in Pretreatment of Oil Refinery Wastewater.
AB  - Through a variety of material screening experiments, Al was selected as the added
      metal and constituted a multiple micro-electrolysis system of Fe/C/Al. The metal
      proportion of alloy-structured filler was also analyzed with the best Fe/C/Al
      ratio of 3:1:1. The regular Fe/C/Al multiple micro-electrolysis fillers were
      prepared using a high-temperature anaerobic roasting method. The optimum
      conditions for oil refinery wastewater treated by Fe/C/Al multiple micro
      electrolysis were determined to be an initial pH value of 3, reaction time of 80
      min, and 0.05 mol/L Na2SO4 additive concentration. The reaction mechanism of the
      treatment of oil refinery wastewater by Fe/C/Al micro-electrolysis was
      investigated. The process of the treatment of oil refinery wastewater with
      multiple micro-electrolysis conforms to the third-order reaction kinetics. The
      gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) used to analyze the organic
      compounds of the oil refinery wastewater before and after treatment and the
      Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) absorption spectrum analyzed the
      degradation process of organic compounds in oil refinery wastewater. The
      treatment effect of Fe/C/Al multiple micro-electrolysis was examined in the
      continuous experiment under the optimum conditions, which showed high organic
      compound removal and stable treatment efficiency.

PMID- 27136575
TI  - Occupational Stress: Preventing Suffering, Enhancing Wellbeing.
AB  - Occupational stress is a known health risk for a range of psychological,
      behavioral, and medical disorders and diseases. Organizations and individuals can
      mitigate these disorders through preventive stress management and enhanced
      wellbeing. This article addresses, first, the known health risk evidence related
      to occupational stress; second, the use of preventive stress management in
      organizations as the framework for intervention; and third, the emerging domain
      of enhancing wellbeing, which strengthens the individual. Premature death and
      disability along with chronic suffering from occupational stress are not
      inevitable, despite being known outcome risks.

PMID- 27136576
TI  - Supraphysiological Levels of Quercetin Glycosides are Required to Alter
      Mineralization in Saos2 Cells.
AB  - Flavonoid intake is positively correlated to bone mineral density (BMD) in women.
      Flavonoids such as quercetin exhibit strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory
      activity that may be beneficial for bone health. Quercetin, previously shown to
      positively influence osteoblasts, is metabolized into glycosides including rutin
      and hyperoside. We compared the effects of these glycosides on mineralization in
      human osteoblast (Saos2) cells. Administration of rutin (>=25 uM) and hyperoside
      (>=5 uM) resulted in higher mineral content, determined using the alizarin red
      assay. This was accompanied by higher alkaline phosphatase activity with no cell
      toxicity. The expression of osteopontin, sclerostin, TNFalpha and IL6, known
      stimuli for decreasing osteoblast activity, were reduced with the addition of
      rutin or hyperoside. In summary, rutin and hyperoside require supraphysiological
      levels, when administered individually, to positively influence osteoblast
      activity. This information may be useful in developing nutraceuticals to support
      bone health.

PMID- 27136577
TI  - Association of Polymorphisms in the Atrial Natriuretic Factor Gene with the Risk
      of Essential Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating the association between the atrial natriuretic
      peptide (ANP) genetic polymorphism and the risk of essential hypertension (EH)
      have reported inconsistent results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide
      a more reliable estimation of the possible relationship between the atrial
      natriuretic peptide genetic polymorphism and the risk of essential hypertension
      (EH). METHODS: Relevant articles were searched to identify all case-control or
      cohort design studies of the associations between ANP polymorphism and EH. The
      heterogeneity was checked using the Q test and the inconsistent index (I2). The
      odds ratio (OR) test and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated in a fixed
      or random effects model to evaluate the strength of association. Begg's test and
      Egger's test were applied to evaluate the publication bias. RESULTS: A total of
      25 case-control studies including 5520 cases and 5210 controls exploring the
      association between ANP polymorphism and EH were available for this meta
      analysis. No significant association between the T2238C polymorphism and overall
      EH risk under the five genetic models was found (C vs. T: OR = 1.1, 95%CI = 0.94
      1.2, p = 0.38; TC vs. TT: OR = 1.1, 95%CI = 0.88-1.5, p = 0.32; CC vs. TT: OR =
      1.3, 95%CI = 0.90-1.9, p = 0.16; (CC + TC) vs. TT: OR = 1.1, 95%CI = 0.88-1.4, p
      = 0.35; CC vs. (TT + TC): OR = 1.1, 95%CI = 0.83-1.4, p = 0.55). We also found
      that the G1837A polymorphism had no significant association with overall EH risk
      (A vs. G: OR = 1.3, 95%CI = 0.96-1.9, p = 0.090; GA vs. GG: OR = 1.5, 95%CI =
      0.83-2.6, p = 0.19; AA vs. GG: OR = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.34-2.3, p = 0.78; (AA + GA)
      vs. GG: OR = 1.5, 95%CI = 0.86-2.5, p = 0.17; AA vs. (GG + GA): OR = 1.3, 95%CI =
      0.85-2.0, p = 0.22). In the analysis of the T1766C polymorphism, after removing
      the study of Nkeh, the 1766C allele suggested a protective effect in the model of
      TC vs. TT (OR = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.47-0.86, p = 0.003) and (CC + TC) vs. TT (OR =
      0.64, 95%CI = 0.48-0.87, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggested
      that no significant relationships between ANP T2238C, G1837A gene polymorphisms
      and the risk of essential hypertension exist. Conversely, the ANP T1766C gene
      polymorphism may be associated with the risk of essential hypertension, and the
      1766C allele may be a protective factor against EH. However, due to the number of
      limited articles on the T1766C polymorphisms, further studies are still needed to
      accurately prove the association between the T1766C gene polymorphism and the
      risk of essential hypertension.

PMID- 27136578
TI  - Characterization of a Novel Polerovirus Infecting Maize in China.
AB  - A novel virus, tentatively named Maize Yellow Mosaic Virus (MaYMV), was
      identified from the field-grown maize plants showing yellow mosaic symptoms on
      the leaves collected from the Yunnan Province of China by the deep sequencing of
      small RNAs. The complete 5642 nucleotide (nt)-long genome of the MaYMV shared the
      highest nucleotide sequence identity (73%) to Maize Yellow Dwarf Virus-RMV.
      Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses suggested that MaYMV represents a
      new member of the genus Polerovirus in the family Luteoviridae. Furthermore, the
      P0 protein encoded by MaYMV was demonstrated to inhibit both local and systemic
      RNA silencing by co-infiltration assays using transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana
      line 16c carrying the GFP reporter gene, which further supported the
      identification of a new polerovirus. The biologically-active cDNA clone of MaYMV
      was generated by inserting the full-length cDNA of MaYMV into the binary vector
      pCB301. RT-PCR and Northern blot analyses showed that this clone was systemically
      infectious upon agro-inoculation into N. benthamiana. Subsequently, 13 different
      isolates of MaYMV from field-grown maize plants in different geographical
      locations of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces of China were sequenced. Analyses of
      their molecular variation indicate that the 3' half of P3-P5 read-through protein
      coding region was the most variable, whereas the coat protein- (CP-) and movement
      protein- (MP-)coding regions were the most conserved.

PMID- 27136579
TI  - Post-Stroke Depression Modulation and in Vivo Antioxidant Activity of Gallic Acid
      and Its Synthetic Derivatives in a Murine Model System.
AB  - Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, GA) is a plant secondary metabolite,
      which shows antioxidant activity and is commonly found in many plant-based foods
      and beverages. Recent evidence suggests that oxidative stress contributes to the
      development of many human chronic diseases, including cardiovascular and
      neurodegenerative pathologies, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cancer. GA
      and its derivative, methyl-3-O-methyl gallate (M3OMG), possess physiological and
      pharmacological activities closely related to their antioxidant properties. This
      paper describes the antidepressive-like effects of intraperitoneal administration
      of GA and two synthetic analogues, M3OMG and P3OMG (propyl-3-O-methylgallate), in
      balb/c mice with post-stroke depression, a secondary form of depression that
      could be due to oxidative stress occurring during cerebral ischemia and the
      following reperfusion. Moreover, this study determined the in vivo antioxidant
      activity of these compounds through the evaluation of superoxide dismutase (SOD)
      and catalase (Cat) activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and
      reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in mouse brain. GA and its synthetic analogues
      were found to be active (at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg) in the modulation of
      depressive symptoms and the reduction of oxidative stress, restoring normal
      behavior and, at least in part, antioxidant endogenous defenses, with M3OMG being
      the most active of these compounds. SOD, TBARS, and GSH all showed strong
      correlation with behavioral parameters, suggesting that oxidative stress is
      tightly linked to the pathological processes involved in stroke and PSD. As a
      whole, the obtained results show that the administration of GA, M3OMG and P3OMG
      induce a reduction in depressive symptoms and oxidative stress. 

PMID- 27136580
TI  - Moderately Low Magnesium Intake Impairs Growth of Lean Body Mass in Obese-Prone
      and Obese-Resistant Rats Fed a High-Energy Diet.
AB  - The physical and biochemical changes resulting from moderately low magnesium (Mg)
      intake are not fully understood. Obesity and associated co-morbidities affect Mg
      metabolism and may exacerbate Mg deficiency and physiological effects. Male rats
      selectively bred for diet-induced obesity (OP, obese-prone) or resistance (OR,
      obese-resistant) were fed a high-fat, high-energy diet containing moderately low
      (LMg, 0.116 +/- 0.001 g/kg) or normal (NMg, 0.516 +/- 0.007 g/kg) Mg for 13
      weeks. The growth, body composition, mineral homeostasis, bone development, and
      glucose metabolism of the rats were examined. OP and OR rats showed differences
      (p < 0.05) in many physical and biochemical measures regardless of diet. OP and
      OR rats fed the LMg diet had decreased body weight, lean body mass, decreased
      femoral size (width, weight, and volume), and serum Mg and potassium
      concentrations compared to rats fed the NMg diet. The LMg diet increased serum
      calcium (Ca) concentration in both rat strains with a concomitant decrease in
      serum parathyroid hormone concentration only in the OR strain. In the femur, Mg
      concentration was reduced, whereas concentrations of Ca and sodium were increased
      in both strains fed the LMg diet. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations in an
      oral glucose tolerance test were similar in rats fed the LMg or NMg diets. These
      results show that a moderately low Mg diet impairs the growth of lean body mass
      and alters femoral geometry and mineral metabolism in OP and OR rats fed a high
      energy diet. 

PMID- 27136581
TI  - Resveratrol and Myopathy.
AB  - Resveratrol is a natural polyphenolic compound produced by plants under various
      stress conditions. Resveratrol has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties in mammalian cells and animal
      models, and might therefore exert pleiotropic beneficial effects in different
      pathophysiological states. More recently, resveratrol has also been shown to
      potentially target many mitochondrial metabolic pathways, including fatty acid
      beta-oxidation or oxidative phosphorylation, leading to the up-regulation of the
      energy metabolism via signaling pathways involving PGC-1alpha, SIRT1, and/or AMP
      kinase, which are not yet fully delineated. Some of resveratrol beneficial
      effects likely arise from its cellular effects in the skeletal muscle, which,
      surprisingly, has been given relatively little attention, compared to other
      target tissues. Here, we review the potential for resveratrol to ameliorate or
      correct mitochondrial metabolic deficiencies responsible for myopathies, due to
      inherited fatty acid beta-oxidation or to respiratory chain defects, for which no
      treatment exists to date. We also review recent data supporting therapeutic
      effects of resveratrol in the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a fatal genetic
      disease affecting the production of muscle dystrophin, associated to a variety of
      mitochondrial dysfunctions, which likely contribute to disease pathogenesis. 

PMID- 27136582
TI  - Iodine Concentration in Breastmilk and Urine among Lactating Women of Bhaktapur,
      Nepal.
AB  - Adequate iodine concentration in breastmilk (BMIC) is essential for optimal
      neonatal thyroid hormone synthesis and neurological development in breastfed
      infants. For many decades, iodine deficiency has been a public health problem in
      Nepal. However, recently, excessive iodine intakes among Nepali infants have been
      reported. This study aimed to measure BMIC and urinary iodine concentration (UIC)
      among lactating women in a peri-urban area of Nepal. Iodine concentration was
      measured in spot urine (n = 485) and breastmilk samples (n = 291) of 500 randomly
      selected lactating women. The median (p25, p75) BMIC and median UIC were 250
      (130, 370) ug/L and 230 (135-377) ug/L, respectively. Around 82% had BMIC > 100
      ug/L, 61% had BMIC > 200 ug/L and 81% had UIC > 100 ug/L, 37% had >300 ug/L and
      20% had >500 ug/L. In multiple linear regression models, time since birth (beta
      3.0, 95% CI (0.2, 5.0)) and UIC (beta 1.0, 95% CI (0.1, 2.0)) were associated
      with BMIC, explaining 26% of the variance. A large proportion of the women had
      adequate BMIC and UIC; however, a subset had high iodine concentrations. These
      findings emphasize the importance of carefully monitoring iodine intake to
      minimize the risk of iodine excess and subsequently preventing transient iodine
      induced hypothyroidism in breastfed infants. 

PMID- 27136583
TI  - Mixture of Peanut Skin Extract and Fish Oil Improves Memory in Mice via
      Modulation of Anti-Oxidative Stress and Regulation of BDNF/ERK/CREB Signaling
      Pathways.
AB  - Long-term use of fish oil (FO) is known to induce oxidative stress and increase
      the risk of Alzheimer's disease in humans. In the present study, peanut skin
      extract (PSE), which has strong antioxidant capacity, was mixed with FO to reduce
      its side effects while maintaining its beneficial properties. Twelve-week
      Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were used to conduct animal behavior
      tests in order to evaluate the memory-enhancing ability of the mixture of peanut
      skin extract and fish oil (MPF). MPF significantly increased alternations in the
      Y-maze and cognitive index in the novel object recognition test. MPF also
      improved performance in the water maze test. We further sought to understand the
      mechanisms underlying these effects. A significant decrease in superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) activity and an increase in malonyldialdehyde (MDA) in plasma
      were observed in the FO group. The MPF group showed reduced MDA level and
      increased SOD activity in the plasma, cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, the
      gene expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cAMP
      responsive element-binding protein (CREB) in the hippocampus were increased in
      the MPF group, while phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT), extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and CREB in the hippocampus were enhanced. MPF
      improves memory in mice via modulation of anti-oxidative stress and activation of
      BDNF/ERK/CREB signaling pathways. 

PMID- 27136584
TI  - Maternal Dietary Patterns and Fetal Growth: A Large Prospective Cohort Study in
      China.
AB  - There was limited evidence revealing the association of Chinese maternal dietary
      patterns with fetal growth. We aimed to examine the relationship of maternal
      dietary patterns during pregnancy to neonatal birth weight and birth weight for
      gestational age in a Chinese population. A total of 6954 mother-child pairs were
      included from the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study. Maternal diet during pregnancy
      was assessed using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Cluster
      analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. The following six dietary
      patterns were identified: "Cereals, eggs, and Cantonese soups" (n 1026, 14.8%),
      "Dairy" (n 1020, 14.7%), "Fruits, nuts, and Cantonese desserts" (n 799, 11.5%),
      "Meats" (n 1066, 15.3%), "Vegetables" (n 1383, 19.9%), and "Varied" (n 1224,
      17.6%). The mean neonatal birth weight Z scores of women in the above patterns
      were 0.02, 0.07, 0.20, 0.01, 0.06, and 0.14, respectively. Women in the "Fruits,
      nuts, and Cantonese desserts" and "Varied" groups had significantly heavier
      infants compared with those in the "Cereals, eggs, and Cantonese soups" group.
      Compared with women in the "Cereals, eggs, and Cantonese soups" group, those in
      the "Varied" group had marginally significantly lower odds of having a small-for
      gestational age (SGA) infant after adjustment for other confounders (OR 0.77, 95%
      CI 0.57, 1.04, p = 0.08). These findings suggest that compared to a traditional
      Cantonese diet high in cereals, eggs, and Cantonese soups, a diet high in fruits,
      nuts, and Cantonese desserts might be associated with a higher birth weight,
      while a varied diet might be associated with a greater birth weight and also a
      decreased risk of having a SGA baby. 

PMID- 27136585
TI  - A Delivery Model for Home Fortification of Complementary Foods with Micronutrient
      Powders: Innovation in the Context of Vietnamese Health System Strengthening.
AB  - Adding micronutrient powders (MNP) to complementary foods at the point of
      preparation (home fortification) can improve micronutrient status of young
      children. Ensuring sustained access to MNPs at scale, however, remains
      challenging in many countries. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
      partnered with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Vietnam to pioneer
      the distribution of a locally-produced MNP, provided for sale through the public
      health system with counseling on optimal infant and young child feeding practices
      by trained health workers. Different packaging options were available to adapt to
      caregivers' disposable income. During the six-month pilot, 1.5 million sachets
      were sold through 337 health centers across four provinces, targeting children 6
      59 months of age. Sales were routinely monitored, and a cross-sectional survey in
      32 communes for caregivers (n = 962) and health staff (n = 120) assessed MNP
      coverage and compliance, five months after the start of distribution. A total of
      404 caregivers among the 962 caregivers surveyed (i.e., 42%) had visited the
      health center in the past year. Among them, 290 caregivers had heard about the
      product and a total of 217caregivers had given the MNP to their child at least
      once, representing a conversion rate from product awareness to product trial of
      74.8%. The effective coverage (i.e., consumption of >=3 sachets/child/week) was
      11.5% among the total surveyed caregivers and reached 27.3% amongst caregivers
      who visited health centers in the previous month. The MNP purchase trends showed
      that the number of sachets bought by caregivers was positively correlated with
      the wealth index. The pilot showed that providing MNPs for sale in packs of
      various quantities, combined with infant and young child feeding (IYCF)
      counseling at the health center, is effective for groups accessing the health
      system. 

PMID- 27136586
TI  - Ovatodiolide Inhibits Breast Cancer Stem/Progenitor Cells through SMURF2-Mediated
      Downregulation of Hsp27.
AB  - Cancer stem/progenitor cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells involved
      in tumor initiation, resistance to therapy and metastasis. Targeting CSCs has
      been considered as the key for successful cancer therapy. Ovatodiolide (Ova) is a
      macrocyclic diterpenoid compound isolated from Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze with
      anti-cancer activity. Here we used two human breast cancer cell lines (AS-B145
      and BT-474) to examine the effect of Ova on breast CSCs. We first discovered that
      Ova displayed an anti-proliferation activity in these two breast cancer cells.
      Ova also inhibited the self-renewal capability of breast CSCs (BCSCs) which was
      determined by mammosphere assay. Ova dose-dependently downregulated the
      expression of stemness genes, octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) and
      Nanog, as well as heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), but upregulated SMAD ubiquitin
      regulatory factor 2 (SMURF2) in mammosphere cells derived from AS-B145 or BT-474.
      Overexpression of Hsp27 or knockdown of SMURF2 in AS-B145 cells diminished the
      therapeutic effect of ovatodiolide in the suppression of mammosphere formation.
      In summary, our data reveal that Ova displays an anti-CSC activity through SMURF2
      mediated downregulation of Hsp27. Ova could be further developed as an anti-CSC
      agent in the treatment of breast cancer.

PMID- 27136587
TI  - Detection of Snake Venom in Post-Antivenom Samples by Dissociation Treatment
      Followed by Enzyme Immunoassay.
AB  - Venom detection is crucial for confirmation of envenomation and snake type in
      snake-bite patients. Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is used to detect venom, but
      antivenom in samples prevents venom detection. We aimed to detect snake venom in
      post-antivenom samples after dissociating venom-antivenom complexes with glycine
      HCl (pH 2.2) and heating for 30 min at 950  degrees C. Serum samples underwent
      dissociation treatment and then Russell's viper venom or Australian elapid venom
      measured by EIA. In confirmed Russell's viper bites with venom detected pre
      antivenom (positive controls), no venom was detected in untreated post-antivenom
      samples, but was after dissociation treatment. In 104 non-envenomed patients
      (negative controls), no venom was detected after dissociation treatment. In
      suspected Russell's viper bites, ten patients with no pre-antivenom samples had
      venom detected in post-antivenom samples after dissociation treatment. In 20
      patients with no venom detected pre-antivenom, 13 had venom detected post
      antivenom after dissociation treatment. In another 85 suspected Russell's viper
      bites with no venom detected pre-antivenom, 50 had venom detected after
      dissociation treatment. Dissociation treatment was also successful for Australian
      snake envenomation including taipan, mulga, tiger snake and brown snake. Snake
      venom can be detected by EIA in post-antivenom samples after dissociation
      treatment allowing confirmation of diagnosis of envenomation post-antivenom.

PMID- 27136588
TI  - Polymorphisms of the ELANE Gene Promoter Region in End-Stage Chronic Kidney
      Disease Patients.
AB  - End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have a high mortality rate that exceeds
      that of non-ESRD population. The hemodialysis procedure induces neutrophil
      activation and elastase release, which might have a role in the inflammatory
      process and in the development of oxidative stress. The ELANE gene encodes the
      neutrophil elastase. We analyzed the effect of ELANE promoter region
      polymorphisms and its relation with the circulating levels of elastase, as well
      as several clinical, biochemical and inflammatory markers in 123 ESRD patients.
      We found two duplications in heterozygosity in the promoter region and a new
      polymorphism, the c.-801G>A. ESRD patients heterozygous for the c.-903T>G
      polymorphism had no changes in the circulating levels of elastase or other
      evaluated variables, and those homozygous for the c.-741G>A polymorphism showed
      significant effects on neutrophils count, as well as in neutrophils/lymphocytes
      ratio, which might be associated with an increased inflammatory process. 

PMID- 27136589
TI  - Barriers and Facilitators to Adoption of Genomic Services for Colorectal Care
      within the Veterans Health Administration.
AB  - We examined facilitators and barriers to adoption of genomic services for
      colorectal care, one of the first genomic medicine applications, within the
      Veterans Health Administration to shed light on areas for practice change. We
      conducted semi-structured interviews with 58 clinicians to understand use of the
      following genomic services for colorectal care: family health history
      documentation, molecular and genetic testing, and genetic counseling. Data
      collection and analysis were informed by two conceptual frameworks, the
      Greenhalgh Diffusion of Innovation and Andersen Behavioral Model, to allow for
      concurrent examination of both access and innovation factors. Specialists were
      more likely than primary care clinicians to obtain family history to investigate
      hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC), but with limited detail; clinicians suggested
      templates to facilitate retrieval and documentation of family history according
      to guidelines. Clinicians identified advantage of molecular tumor analysis prior
      to genetic testing, but tumor testing was infrequently used due to perceived low
      disease burden. Support from genetic counselors was regarded as facilitative for
      considering hereditary basis of CRC diagnosis, but there was variability in
      awareness of and access to this expertise. Our data suggest the need for tools
      and policies to establish and disseminate well-defined processes for accessing
      services and adhering to guidelines. 

PMID- 27136590
TI  - Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Calves to Marshalling and Roping in a
      Simulated Rodeo Event.
AB  - Rodeos are public events at which stockpeople face tests of their ability to
      manage cattle and horses, some of which relate directly to rangeland cattle
      husbandry. One of these is calf roping, in which a calf released from a chute is
      pursued by a horse and rider, who lassoes, lifts and drops the calf to the ground
      and finally ties it around the legs. Measurements were made of behavior and
      stress responses of ten rodeo-naive calves marshalled by a horse and rider, and
      ten rodeo-experienced calves that were roped. Naive calves marshalled by a horse
      and rider traversed the arena slowly, whereas rodeo-experienced calves ran
      rapidly until roped. Each activity was repeated once after two hours. Blood
      samples taken before and after each activity demonstrated increased cortisol,
      epinephrine and nor-epinephrine in both groups. However, there was no evidence of
      a continued increase in stress hormones in either group by the start of the
      repeated activity, suggesting that the elevated stress hormones were not a
      response to a prolonged effect of the initial blood sampling. It is concluded
      that both the marshalling of calves naive to the roping chute by stockpeople and
      the roping and dropping of experienced calves are stressful in a simulated rodeo
      calf roping event. 

PMID- 27136591
TI  - New RO TFC Membranes by Interfacial Polymerization in n-Dodecane with Various co
      Solvents.
AB  - The objective of this research is to prepare and characterize a new and highly
      efficient polyamide TFC RO membrane by interfacial polymerization in dodecane
      solvent mixed with co-solvents. Three co-solvents were tested namely; acetone,
      ethyl acetate, and diethyl ether of concentration of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 wt %.
      The modified membranes were characterized by SEM, EDX, AFM and contact angle
      techniques. The results showed that addition of co-solvent results in a decrease
      in the roughness, pore size and thickness of the produced membranes. However, as
      the concentration of the co-solvent increases the pore size of the membranes gets
      larger. Among the three co-solvents tested, acetone was found to result in
      membranes with the largest pore size and contact angle followed by diethyl ether
      then ethyl acetate. Measured contact angle increases as the concentration of the
      co-solvent increases reaching a constant value except for ethyl acetate where it
      was found to drop. Investigating flux and salt rejection by the formulated
      membranes showed that higher flux was attained when acetone was used as a co
      solvent followed by diethyl ether then ethyl acetate. However, the highest salt
      rejection was achieved with diethyl ether. 

PMID- 27136592
TI  - Tumor Budding: The Name is EMT. Partial EMT.
AB  - Tumor budding is a histological phenomenon encountered in various cancers,
      whereby individual malignant cells and/or small clusters of malignant cells are
      seen in the tumor stroma. Postulated to be mirror epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition, tumor budding has been associated with poor cancer outcomes. However,
      the vast heterogeneity in its exact definition, methodology of assessment, and
      patient stratification need to be resolved before it can be routinely used as a
      standardized prognostic feature. Here, we discuss the heterogeneity in defining
      and assessing tumor budding, its clinical significance across multiple cancer
      types, and its prospective implementation in clinical practice. Next, we review
      the emerging evidence about partial, rather than complete, epithelial-mesenchymal
      phenotype at the tumor bud level, and its connection with tumor proliferation,
      quiescence, and stemness. Finally, based on recent literature, indicating a co
      expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers in many tumor buds, we posit
      tumor budding to be a manifestation of this hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal
      phenotype displaying collective cell migration. 

PMID- 27136593
TI  - Structural Insights into Protein-Protein Interactions Involved in Bacterial Cell
      Wall Biogenesis.
AB  - The bacterial cell wall is essential for survival, and proteins that participate
      in its biosynthesis have been the targets of antibiotic development efforts for
      decades. The biosynthesis of its main component, the peptidoglycan, involves the
      coordinated action of proteins that are involved in multi-member complexes which
      are essential for cell division (the "divisome") and/or cell wall elongation (the
      "elongasome"), in the case of rod-shaped cells. Our knowledge regarding these
      interactions has greatly benefitted from the visualization of different aspects
      of the bacterial cell wall and its cytoskeleton by cryoelectron microscopy and
      tomography, as well as genetic and biochemical screens that have complemented
      information from high resolution crystal structures of protein complexes involved
      in divisome or elongasome formation. This review summarizes structural and
      functional aspects of protein complexes involved in the cytoplasmic and membrane
      related steps of peptidoglycan biosynthesis, with a particular focus on protein
      protein interactions whereby disruption could lead to the development of novel
      antibacterial strategies. 

PMID- 27136594
TI  - The Cell as the First Niche Construction.
AB  - Niche construction nominally describes how organisms can form their own
      environments, increasing their capacity to adapt to their surroundings. It is
      hypothesized that the formation of the first cell as 'internal' Niche
      Construction was the foundation for life, and that subsequent niche constructions
      were iterative exaptations of that event. The first instantation of niche
      construction has been faithfully adhered to by returning to the unicellular
      state, suggesting that the life cycle is zygote to zygote, not adult to adult as
      is commonly held. The consequent interactions between niche construction and
      epigenetic inheritance provide a highly robust, interactive, mechanistic way of
      thinking about evolution being determined by initial conditions rather than
      merely by chance mutation and selection. This novel perspective offers an
      opportunity to reappraise the processes involved in evolution mechanistically,
      allowing for scientifically testable hypotheses rather than relying on metaphors,
      dogma, teleology and tautology. 

PMID- 27136595
TI  - Molecular Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and Tauopathies
      Prion-Like Seeded Aggregation and Phosphorylation.
AB  - Neurofibrillary tau pathology (tangles and threads) and extracellular amyloid
      beta (Abeta) pathology are defining features of Alzheimer's disease. For 25
      years, most research has focused on the amyloid hypothesis of AD pathogenesis and
      progression. But, because of failures in clinical trials of Abeta-targeted
      therapies and the new concept of prion-like propagation of intracellular abnormal
      proteins, tau has come back into the spotlight as a candidate therapeutic target
      in AD. Tau pathologies are found in a range of neurodegenerative disorders, but
      extensive analyses of pathological tau in diseased brains has demonstrated that
      the abnormal tau protein in each disease is structurally distinct, supporting the
      idea that progression of the diverse but characteristic tau pathologies occurs
      through prion-like seed-dependent aggregation. Therefore, intervention in the
      conversion of normal tau to abnormal forms and in cell-to-cell transmission of
      tau may be the key to development of disease-modifying therapies for AD and other
      dementing disorders. 

PMID- 27136598
TI  - Correction to Mikolon, Kreiner, and Wieseke (2015).
AB  - Reports an error in "Seeing You Seeing Me: Stereotypes and the Stigma
      Magnification Effect" by Sven Mikolon, Glen E. Kreiner and Jan Wieseke (Journal
      of Applied Psychology, Advanced Online Publication, Dec 14, 2015, np). In the
      article, Table 2 contained a production-related formatting error. Values from
      column 11 onward were shifted upwards in the table. All versions of this article
      have been corrected. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in
      record 2015-56319-001.) Despite an increased interest in the phenomenon of stigma
      in organizations, we know very little about the interactions between those who
      are stigmatized and those who stigmatize them. Integrating both the perceptions
      of the stigmatized worker and the stigmatizing customer into one model, the
      present study addresses this gap. It examines the role of stereotypes held by
      customers of stigmatized organizations and metastereotypes held by the
      stigmatized workers themselves (i.e., their shared beliefs of the stereotypes
      customers associate with them) in frontline exchanges. To do so, data regarding
      frontline workers (vendors) of homeless-advocate newspapers from 3 different
      sources (vendors, customers, trained observers) were gathered. Multilevel path
      analytic hypotheses tests reveal (a) how frontline workers' prototypicality for a
      stigmatized organization renders salient a stigma within frontline interactions
      and (b) how stereotypes by customers and metastereotypes by frontline workers
      interact with each other in such contacts. The results support a hypothesized
      interaction between frontline workers' metastereotypes and customers' stereotypes
      what we call the "stigma magnification effect". The study also derives important
      practical implications by linking stigma to frontline workers' discretionary
      financial gains. (PsycINFO Database Record 

PMID- 27136597
TI  - Molecular Basis of the Receptor Interactions of Polysialic Acid (polySia),
      polySia Mimetics, and Sulfated Polysaccharides.
AB  - Polysialic acid (polySia) and polySia glycomimetic molecules support nerve cell
      regeneration, differentiation, and neuronal plasticity. With a combination of
      biophysical and biochemical methods, as well as data mining and molecular
      modeling techniques, it is possible to correlate specific ligand-receptor
      interactions with biochemical processes and in vivo studies that focus on the
      potential therapeutic impact of polySia, polySia glycomimetics, and sulfated
      polysaccharides in neuronal diseases. With this strategy, the receptor
      interactions of polySia and polySia mimetics can be understood on a submolecular
      level. As the HNK-1 glycan also enhances neuronal functions, we tested whether
      similar sulfated oligo- and polysaccharides from seaweed could be suitable, in
      addition to polySia, for finding potential new routes into patient care focusing
      on an improved cure for various neuronal diseases. The knowledge obtained here on
      the structural interplay between polySia or sulfated polysaccharides and their
      receptors can be exploited to develop new drugs and application routes for the
      treatment of neurological diseases and dysfunctions. 

PMID- 27136596
TI  - Enzymes for N-Glycan Branching and Their Genetic and Nongenetic Regulation in
      Cancer.
AB  - N-glycan, a fundamental and versatile protein modification in mammals, plays
      critical roles in various physiological and pathological events including cancer
      progression. The formation of N-glycan branches catalyzed by specific N
      acetylglucosaminyltransferases [GnT-III, GnT-IVs, GnT-V, GnT-IX (Vb)] and a
      fucosyltransferase, Fut8, provides functionally diverse N-glycosylated proteins.
      Aberrations of these branches are often found in cancer cells and are profoundly
      involved in cancer growth, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we focus on
      the GlcNAc and fucose branches of N-glycans and describe how their expression is
      dysregulated in cancer by genetic and nongenetic mechanisms including epigenetics
      and nucleotide sugar metabolisms. We also survey the roles that these N-glycans
      play in cancer progression and therapeutics. Finally, we discuss possible
      applications of our knowledge on basic glycobiology to the development of
      medicine and biomarkers for cancer therapy. 

PMID- 27136599
TI  - Is it safe to perform rectal anastomosis in gynaecological debulking surgery
      without a diverting stoma?
AB  - AIM: Colorectal resection is frequently performed during cytoreductive surgery
      for gynaecological malignancy. The aim of this study was to assess the safety of
      colorectal anastomosis, and especially low rectal anastomosis, in the absence of
      a protective stoma in patients with gynaecological cancer and peritoneal
      metastasis. METHOD: Patient data were retrospectively collected from a database
      for gynaecological cancer procedures carried out between January 2013 and July
      2015. All patients who underwent a colorectal resection during cytoreduction were
      included in the study. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage in the
      presence or absence of a diverting stoma. Secondary outcome parameters were
      complications and reoperations. RESULTS: In the period of study, 43 major
      colorectal procedures were performed on 37 women. The most common colorectal
      procedure was low rectal resection (n = 22; 59%) followed by anterior rectal
      resection (n = 7; 19%) and sigmoid resection (n = 4; 11%). Five (14%) patients
      underwent Hartmann's procedure. In three (8%) patients, a diverting loop
      ileostomy was created. CONCLUSION: Low rectal resection during debulking
      procedures for gynaecological cancers with peritoneal carcinomatosis can safely
      be performed by an experienced surgeon without a diverting stoma.

PMID- 27136600
TI  - Slowing them down will make them lose: a role for attine ant crop fungus in
      defending pupae against infections?
AB  - Fungus-growing ants (Attini) have evolved an obligate dependency upon a
      basidiomycete fungus that they cultivate as their food. Less well known is that
      the crop fungus is also used by many attine species to cover their eggs, larvae
      and pupae. The adaptive functional significance of this brood covering is poorly
      understood. One hypothesis to account for this behaviour is that it is part of
      the pathogen protection portfolio when many thousands of sister workers live in
      close proximity and larvae and pupae are not protected by cells, as in bees and
      wasps, and are immobile. We performed behavioural observations on brood covering
      in the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex echinatior, and we experimentally manipulated
      mycelial cover on pupae and exposed them to the entomopathogenic fungus
      Metarhizium brunneum to test for a role in pathogen resistance. Our results show
      that active mycelial brood covering by workers is a behaviourally plastic trait
      that varies temporally, and across life stages and castes. The presence of a
      fungal cover on the pupae reduced the rate at which conidia appeared and the
      percentage of pupal surface that produced pathogen spores, compared to pupae that
      had fungal cover experimentally removed or naturally had no mycelial cover.
      Infected pupae with mycelium had higher survival rates than infected pupae
      without the cover, although this depended upon the time at which adult sister
      workers were allowed to interact with pupae. Finally, workers employed higher
      rates of metapleural gland grooming to infected pupae without mycelium than to
      infected pupae with mycelium. Our results imply that mycelial brood covering may
      play a significant role in suppressing the growth and subsequent spread of
      disease, thus adding a novel layer of protection to their defence portfolio.

PMID- 27136601
TI  - Proteases as prognostic markers in human and canine cancers.
AB  - The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of several types of proteins, which
      interact and form dynamic networks. These components can modulate cell behaviour
      and actively influence the growth and differentiation of tissues. ECM is also
      important in several pathological processes, such as cancer invasion and
      metastasis, by creating favourable microenvironments. Proteolysis in neoplastic
      tissues is mediated by proteinases, whose regulation involves complex
      interactions between neoplastic cells and non-neoplastic stromal cells. In this
      review, we discuss aspects of proteinase expression and tumor behaviour in humans
      and dogs. Different classes of proteases are summarized, with special emphasis
      being placed on molecules that have been shown to correlate with prognosis,
      reinforcing the need for a better understanding of the regulation of this
      microenvironment and its influences in tumor progression and metastasis, which
      should significantly aid the development of improved prognosis and treatment.

PMID- 27136602
TI  - Syntheses of 5'-Nucleoside Monophosphate Derivatives with Unique Aminal,
      Hemiaminal, and Hemithioaminal Functionalities: A New Class of 5'-Peptidyl
      Nucleotides.
AB  - A number of synthetically useful transformations have been developed to generate
      novel 5'-peptidyl nucleoside monophosphate analogues that incorporate sensitive
      phosphoaminal, -hemiaminal or -hemithioaminal functionalities. The strategies
      adopted entailed the coupling between dipeptides, which enclose a reactive Calpha
      functionalized glycine residue and phosphate or phosphorothioate moieties. These
      developments led to potentially powerful and general methodologies for the
      preparation of alpha-phosphorylated pseudopeptides as well as nucleoside
      monophosphate mimics. The resulting conjugates are of interest for a variety of
      important applications, which range from drug development to synthetic biology,
      as pronucleotides or artificial building blocks for the enzymatic synthesis of
      xenobiotic information systems. The potential of all dipeptide-TMP conjugates as
      pyrophosphate mimics in the DNA polymerization reaction was tested, and the
      influence of the nature of the linker was evaluated by in vitro chain elongation
      assay in the presence of wild-type microbial DNA polymerases.

PMID- 27136603
TI  - Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon Nanosheets Templated from g-C3 N4 as Metal-Free
      Electrocatalysts for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction.
AB  - Nitrogen-doped porous carbon nanosheets (N-CNS) are synthesized by hydrothermal
      carbon coating of g-C3 N4 nanosheets followed by high-temperature treatment in N2
      . g-C3 N4 serves as a template, nitrogen source, and porogen in the synthesis.
      This approach yields N-CNS with a high nitrogen content and comparable oxygen
      reduction reaction catalytic activities to commercial Pt/C catalysts in alkaline
      media. 

PMID- 27136604
TI  - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Insomnia: Confronting the Challenges to
      Implementation.

PMID- 27136605
TI  - Effectiveness of a Multilevel Workplace Health Promotion Program on Vitality,
      Health, and Work-Related Outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the effectiveness of a workplace health promotion
      program on employees' vitality, health, and work-related outcomes, and exploring
      the influence of organizational support and the supervisors' role on these
      outcomes. METHODS: The 5-month intervention included activities at management,
      team, and individual level targeting self-management to perform healthy
      behaviors: a kick-off session, vitality training sessions, workshops, individual
      coaching, and intervision. Outcome measures were collected using questionnaires,
      health checks, and sickness absence data at baseline, after the intervention and
      at 10 months follow-up. For analysis linear and generalized mixed models were
      used. RESULTS: Vitality, work performance, sickness absence, and self-management
      significantly improved. Good organizational support and involved supervisors were
      significantly associated with lower sickness absence. CONCLUSIONS: Including all
      organizational levels and focusing on increasing self-management provided
      promising results for improving vitality, health, and work-related outcomes.

PMID- 27136606
TI  - Factors Affecting the Preventability of Stroke.

PMID- 27136607
TI  - An economically viable synthesis of biodiesel from a crude Millettia pinnata oil
      of Jharkhand, India as feedstock and crab shell derived catalyst.
AB  - Biodiesel has emerged as a prominent source to replace petroleum diesel. The cost
      incurred in the production of biodiesel is higher than that for refining of crude
      oil to obtain mineral diesel. The heterogeneous catalyst was prepared from crab
      shells by calcining the crushed mass at 800 degrees C. The solid waste catalyst
      was characterized with XRD, XPS, BET, SEM-EDS, and FT-IR. Millettia pinnata
      (karanja) oil extracted from its seeds was used as a feedstock for the synthesis
      of biodiesel. Biodiesel was synthesized through esterification followed by
      transesterification in a two-step process. Characterization of biodiesel was done
      using proton NMR spectroscopy. Reaction parameters such as reaction time,
      reaction temperature, concentration of catalyst and stirrer speed were optimized.
      Reusability of catalyst was checked and found that there was no loss of catalytic
      activity up to five times. 

PMID- 27136608
TI  - Combustion characteristics and arsenic retention during co-combustion of
      agricultural biomass and bituminous coal.
AB  - A combination of thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and laboratory-scale circulated
      fluidized bed combustion experiment was conducted to investigate the
      thermochemical, kinetic and arsenic retention behavior during co-combustion
      bituminous coal with typical agricultural biomass. Results shown that ignition
      performance and thermal reactivity of coal could be enhanced by adding biomass in
      suitable proportion. Arsenic was enriched in fly ash and associated with fine
      particles during combustion of coal/biomass blends. The emission of arsenic
      decreased with increasing proportion of biomass in blends. The retention of
      arsenic may be attributed to the interaction between arsenic and fly ash
      components. The positive correlation between calcium content and arsenic
      concentration in ash suggesting that the arsenic-calcium interaction may be
      regarded as the primary mechanism for arsenic retention. 

PMID- 27136609
TI  - Pyrolysis of waste materials: Characterization and prediction of sorption
      potential across a wide range of mineral contents and pyrolysis temperatures.
AB  - Sewage sludge (50% mineral), manure (29%) and wood (<1%) were pyrolyzed at 200,
      350 and 500 degrees C with the aim to study the characteristics and sorption
      potential of materials undergoing pyrolysis across a wide range of mineral
      contents. A commercial plant-derived biochar (41% mineral) was also considered.
      The materials were extensively characterized and tested for their sorption
      towards the model sorbates benzene, naphthalene and pyrene. Plant-derived
      materials, regardless of their mineral content, developed micropores causing size
      exclusion of pyrene. Changes in properties and sorption behavior upon pyrolysis
      were generally consistent for the manure and wood series. A single regression
      equation developed on our data (including the sorbate hydrophobicity and sorbent
      polarity) provided excellent prediction of previously reported changes in
      sorption upon pyrolysis across a wide range of mineral content (up to 500 degrees
      C). The sewage sludge series, however, followed a particular behavior, possibly
      due to very high mineral content (up to 67%). 

PMID- 27136610
TI  - Enhancing pesticide degradation using indigenous microorganisms isolated under
      high pesticide load in bioremediation systems with vermicomposts.
AB  - In biobed bioremediation systems (BBSs) with vermicomposts exposed to a high load
      of pesticides, 6 bacteria and 4 fungus strains were isolated, identified, and
      investigated to enhance the removal of pesticides. Three different mixtures of
      BBSs composed of vermicomposts made from greenhouse (GM), olive-mill (OM) and
      winery (WM) wastes were contaminated, inoculated, and incubated for one month
      (GMI, OMI and WMI). The inoculums maintenance was evaluated by DGGE and Q-PCR.
      Pesticides were monitored by HPLC-DAD. The highest bacterial and fungal abundance
      was observed in WMI and OMI respectively. In WMI, the consortia improved the
      removal of tebuconazole, metalaxyl, and oxyfluorfen by 1.6-, 3.8-, and 7.7-fold,
      respectively. The dissipation of oxyfluorfen was also accelerated in OMI, with
      less than 30% remaining after 30d. One metabolite for metalaxyl and 4 for
      oxyfluorfen were identified by GC-MS. The isolates could be suitable to improve
      the efficiency of bioremediation systems. 

PMID- 27136611
TI  - Effects and mechanism of ball milling on torrefaction of pine sawdust.
AB  - The effects and mechanism of ball milling on the torrefaction process were
      studied. Ball- and hammer-milled (screen size 1mm) pine sawdust samples were
      torrefied at three temperatures (230, 260, and 290 degrees C) and two durations
      (30 and 60min) to investigate into their torrefaction behavior and
      physicochemical properties. The results showed that, under identical torrefaction
      conditions, torrefied ball-milled pine sawdust had a higher carbon content and
      fixed carbon, and lower hydrogen and oxygen contents than torrefied hammer-milled
      pine sawdust. Torrefied ball-milled pine sawdust produced lower mass and energy
      yields, but higher heating values than torrefied hammer-milled pine sawdust. Ball
      milling destroyed the crystalline structure of cellulose and thus reduced the
      thermal stability of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, causing them to
      degrade at relatively lower temperatures. In conclusion, biomass pretreated with
      a combination of ball milling and torrefaction has the potential to produce an
      alternative fuel to coal. 

PMID- 27136612
TI  - Synthesis of fatty acid methyl ester from the transesterification of high- and
      low-acid-content crude palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) and karanj oil (Pongamia
      pinnata) over a calcium-lanthanum-aluminum mixed-oxides catalyst.
AB  - The synthesis of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) from the high- and low-acid
      content feedstock of crude palm oil (CPO) and karanj oil (KO) was conducted over
      CaO-La2O3-Al2O3 mixed-oxide catalyst. Various reaction parameters were
      investigated using a batch reactor to identify the best reaction condition that
      results in the highest FAME yield for each type of oil. The transesterification
      of CPO resulted in a 97.81% FAME yield with the process conditions of 170 degrees
      C reaction temperature, 15:1 DMC-to-CPO molar ratio, 180min reaction time, and
      10wt.% catalyst loading. The transesterification of KO resulted in a 96.77% FAME
      yield with the conditions of 150 degrees C reaction temperature, 9:1 DMC-to-KO
      molar ratio, 180min reaction time, and 5wt.% catalyst loading. The properties of
      both products met the ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standard requirements. The above
      results showed that the CaO-La2O3-Al2O3 mixed-oxide catalyst was suitable for
      high- and low-acid-content vegetable oil. 

PMID- 27136613
TI  - Inhibition of the partial nitritation by roxithromycin and Cu(II).
AB  - To facilitate the application of partial nitritation (PN) - anaerobic ammonium
      oxidation process in nitrogen removal from livestock wastewater, the inhibition
      of roxithromycin (ROX) and Cu(II) on the PN sludge was examined using a
      respirometric method. The results showed that the IC50 of ROX and Cu(II) on PN
      sludge were 346 and 74.3mgL(-1), respectively. The relative specific respiration
      rate (SRR) of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) decreased from 87.4% to 17.7% with
      the ROX concentration increased from 0 to 500mgL(-1). When the concentration of
      Cu(II) increased from 0 to 160mgL(-1), the SRRs of AOB and nitrite-oxidizing
      bacteria decreased by 85.5% and 11.2%, respectively. According to the isobole
      plots analysis, combined suppression by ROX and Cu(II) was synergistic. Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy analyses showed that ROX exposure altered the
      positions of CO bonds, and the intensity of the absorption peak at 2100cm(-1)
      changed under Cu(II) exposure. 

PMID- 27136614
TI  - Thermal behaviour and kinetic study of the olive oil production chain residues
      and their mixtures during co-combustion.
AB  - The kinetic behaviour of olive tree pruning (PR), two- (2PH) and three-phase
      (3PH) olive pomace and their blends was investigated under combustion condition
      using thermogravimetric analysis. PR was blended with 2PH and 3PH at different
      ratios (25:75, 50:50 and 75:25) and tested in the temperature range from ambient
      to 1000 degrees C in order to evaluate the co-combustion behaviour. Results
      showed that the thermal degradation of all samples can be divided into three
      regions (drying, devolatilisation, char oxidation) with different combustion
      properties, depending on the percentage of PR. Significant interaction was
      detected between the fuels, and reactivity of 2PH and 3PH was improved upon
      blending with PR. The iso-conversional methods, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall and Vyazovkin,
      were employed for the kinetic analysis of the oxidation process. The results
      revealed that the activation energy of PR was higher than the one of 2PH and 3PH,
      and the minimum value was obtained for 25PR752PH sample. 

PMID- 27136615
TI  - Digital holographic microscopy as screening tool for cervical cancer preliminary
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The liquid-based cytology Papanicolaou (Pap) test has gradually
      replaced the conventional Pap test, as it seems to be more efficient, in part
      because it uses computer assistance. However, Pap test diagnoses are still
      subjective and are cost-consuming or time-consuming. The authors describe a new
      digital holographic microscopy instrument and accompanying software. This
      technology provides an instantaneous, 3-dimensional image reconstruction of cells
      directly from the uterine cervical sample vial. METHODS: Analyses were performed
      using the proprietary digital holographic microscopy (DHM) instrument, computer,
      and software. Residual materials from 3 randomly chosen laboratories were
      analyzed and subjected to DHM, and the sensitivity and specificity of DHM were
      calculated for the detection neoplasia. RESULTS: In 41 specimens that yielded
      normal Pap test results, 1333 cells were analyzed using DHM; and, in 30 specimens
      that yielded abnormal Pap test results, 494 cells were analyzed using DHM.
      Available histologic correlation was as follows: 4 histologic samples were
      diagnosed as grade 1 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (corresponding to 2
      cytologic diagnoses of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and 2 cytologic
      diagnoses of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance), 4 histologic
      samples were diagnosed as grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
      (corresponding to 2 cytologic diagnoses of low-grade squamous intraepithelial
      lesion and 2 cytologic diagnosis of atypical squamous cells, cannot rule out high
      grade squamous intraepithelial lesion), and 11 lesions were diagnosed as benign.
      Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the best criteria
      were the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio (area under the curve, 0.88; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.68-1.00) and the greatest nuclear dimension (area under the curve,
      0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study
      demonstrated for the first time that the DHM technique is suitable for the
      processing of gynecologic cervical samples. Nevertheless, DHM criteria and
      parameters could be better defined. Hopefully, holographic analysis will be
      performed automatically and will provide an instantaneous, cost-effective
      diagnosis from a closed vial with the preservation of all cellular material.
      Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:573-80. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27136616
TI  - Optimization of high-rate TN removal in a novel constructed wetland integrated
      with microelectrolysis system treating high-strength digestate supernatant.
AB  - The potential of high-rate TN removal in three aerated horizontal subsurface-flow
      constructed wetlands to treat high-strength anaerobic digestate supernatant was
      evaluated. Different strategies of intermittent aeration and effluent
      recirculation were applied to compare their effect on nitrogen depuration
      performance. Additional glucose supply and iron-activated carbon based post
      treatment systems were established and examined, respectively, to further remove
      nitrate that accumulated in the effluents from aerated wetlands. The results
      showed that intermittent aeration (1 h on:1 h off) significantly improved
      nitrification with ammonium removal efficiency of 90% (18.1 g/(m(2).d)), but
      limited TN removal efficiency (53%). Even though effluent recirculation (a ratio
      of 1:1) increased TN removal from 53% to 71%, the effluent nitrate concentration
      was still high. Additional glucose was used as a post-treatment option and
      further increased the TN removal to 82%; however, this implementation caused
      additional organic pollution. Furthermore, the iron-activated carbon system
      stimulated with a microelectrolysis process achieved greater than 85% effluent
      nitrate removal and resulted in 86% TN removal. Considering the high TN removal
      rate, aerated constructed wetlands integrated with a microelectrolysis-driven
      system show great potential for treating high-strength digestate supernatant. 

PMID- 27136617
TI  - Is economic valuation of ecosystem services useful to decision-makers? Lessons
      learned from Australian coastal and marine management.
AB  - Economic valuation of ecosystem services is widely advocated as being useful to
      support ecosystem management decision-making. However, the extent to which it is
      actually used or considered useful in decision-making is poorly documented. This
      literature blindspot is explored with an application to coastal and marine
      ecosystems management in Australia. Based on a nation-wide survey of eighty-eight
      decision-makers representing a diversity of management organizations, the
      perceived usefulness and level of use of economic valuation of ecosystem
      services, in support of coastal and marine management, are examined. A large
      majority of decision-makers are found to be familiar with economic valuation and
      consider it useful - even necessary - in decision-making, although this varies
      across groups of decision-makers. However, most decision-makers never or rarely
      use economic valuation. The perceived level of importance and trust in estimated
      dollar values differ across ecosystem services, and are especially high for
      values that relate to commercial activities. A number of factors are also found
      to influence respondent's use of economic valuation. Such findings concur with
      conclusions from other studies on the usefulness and use of ESV in environmental
      management decision-making. They also demonstrate the strength of the survey
      based approach developed in this application to examine this issue in a variety
      of contexts. 

PMID- 27136618
TI  - Effects of modified zeolite on the removal and stabilization of heavy metals in
      contaminated lake sediment using BCR sequential extraction.
AB  - Sediment can be applied on land as a soil conditioner. However, toxic substances
      such as heavy metals within the sediment often lead to soil contamination if no
      proper management is conducted prior to land application. In order to reduce the
      bioavailable portion of heavy metals such as Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd, zeolite as a kind
      of stabilizer was investigated on the effect of metal stabilization in sediment.
      Zeolite was firstly modified and screened to get the best condition for removal
      of heavy metals. Results showed that the granulated zeolite with NaCl
      conditioning had the highest CEC and metal sorption. Using BCR sequential
      extraction, the selected modified zeolite effectively stabilized Pb, Cu, Zn and
      Cd in sediment to different extents. It was most suitable for Cd stabilization by
      reducing its acid exchangeable fraction while increasing the contents of the
      reducible and residual fractions. Modified zeolite also immobilized Cu, Zn and Pb
      in sediment by enhancing one stable fraction while decreasing the acid
      exchangeable fraction. 

PMID- 27136619
TI  - Psychological and Behavioral Interventions for Managing Insomnia Disorder: An
      Evidence Report for a Clinical Practice Guideline by the American College of
      Physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychological and behavioral interventions are frequently used for
      insomnia disorder. PURPOSE: To assess benefits and harms of psychological and
      behavioral interventions for insomnia disorder in adults. DATA SOURCES: Ovid
      MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO
      through September 2015, supplemented with hand-searching. STUDY SELECTION:
      Randomized, controlled trials of psychological or behavioral interventions that
      were published in English and enrolled adults with insomnia disorder lasting 4 or
      more weeks. DATA EXTRACTION: Data extraction by single investigator confirmed by
      a second reviewer; dual investigator assessment of risk of bias; consensus
      determination of strength of evidence. DATA SYNTHESIS: Sixty trials with low to
      moderate risk of bias compared psychological and behavioral interventions with
      inactive controls or other psychological and behavioral interventions. Cognitive
      behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) improved posttreatment global and most
      sleep outcomes, often compared with information or waitlist controls (moderate
      strength evidence). Use of CBT-I improved several sleep outcomes in older adults
      (low- to moderate-strength evidence). Multicomponent behavioral therapy improved
      several sleep outcomes in older adults (low- to moderate-strength evidence).
      Stimulus control improved 1 or 2 sleep outcomes (low-strength evidence). Evidence
      for other comparisons and for harms was insufficient to permit conclusions.
      LIMITATIONS: A wide variety of comparisons limited the ability to pool data.
      Trials did not always report global outcomes and infrequently conducted remitter
      or responder analysis. Comparisons were often information or waitlist groups, and
      publication bias was possible. CONCLUSION: Use of CBT-I improves most outcomes
      compared with inactive controls. Multicomponent behavioral therapy and stimulus
      control may improve some sleep outcomes. Evidence on other outcomes, comparisons,
      and long-term efficacy were limited. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Agency for
      Healthcare Research and Quality. ( PROSPERO: CRD42014009908).

PMID- 27136620
TI  - Reliability and validity of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for
      Medication among Portuguese-speaking Brazilian patients with hypertension.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study examined the reliability and validity of the
      Brazilian Portuguese version of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for
      Medication (version 1.4) among patients with hypertension. Understanding the
      patient experience with treatment satisfaction will contribute to improved
      medication adherence and control of hypertension. BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a
      serious problem in Brazil that is associated with chronic illness controlled, in
      part, by consistent adherence to medications. Patient satisfaction with
      medication treatment is associated with adherence to medication. The Treatment
      Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (version 1.4) is a promising instrument
      for measuring medication; however, to date there has been no report of the
      reliability and validity of the instrument with Portuguese-speaking adults with
      hypertension in Brazil. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive exploratory study.
      METHODS: A convenience sample of 300 patients with hypertension in an outpatient
      setting in the southeast region of Sao Paulo state in Brazil completed the
      Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (version 1.4). The
      instrument, comprised of four subscales, was evaluated for reliability using
      correlation analyses and internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis was
      used to determine factorial validity. RESULTS: Correlational analyses, internal
      consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis
      demonstrate adequate support for the four-factor dimensionality, reliability and
      factorial validity of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication
      (version 1.4). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides modest evidence for internal
      consistency and factorial validity of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire
      for Medication (version 1.4) in Portuguese-speaking adult Brazilians with
      hypertension. Future testing should focus on extending reliability testing,
      discriminant validity and potential translation and literacy issues in this
      population. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Within known limitations, clinicians
      will find the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (version 1.4)
      useful for identifying adult Portuguese-speaking Brazilian patients at risk of
      poor adherence and tailoring adherence interventions to promote hypertension
      control.

PMID- 27136621
TI  - Antifungal agents for onychomycosis: new treatment strategies to improve safety.
AB  - Onychomycosis is a common and difficult-to-treat fungal infection of the nail
      unit that gradually leads to dystrophic changes of the nail plate and nail bed.
      If untreated, infection progresses and may lead to discomfort, reduced quality of
      life, and risk of complications in patients with comorbid conditions (eg,
      diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus, peripheral vascular disease).
      Onychomycosis treatments are designed to eradicate causative pathogens (most
      commonly Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes), restore healthy
      nails, and prevent recurrence or spread of infection. Given the deep-seated
      nature of most cases of onychomycosis, an effective antifungal agent needs to
      achieve and maintain sufficient drug concentrations throughout the nail unit for
      the duration of healthy nail in-growth. Oral antifungal drugs are the most
      effective available therapy and are generally well tolerated, but may be limited
      by safety concerns and the potential for drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Thus,
      treating physicians and pharmacists must be cognizant of a patient's current
      medications; indeed, it may not be feasible to treat onychomycosis in patients
      with diabetes, heart disease, or depression because of the risk for DDIs. Current
      topical therapy is not associated with risk of DDIs. Tavaborole and
      efinaconazole, two recently approved topical agents, have demonstrated good nail
      penetration and high negative culture rates in clinical trials of patients with
      onychomycosis. This article provides the treating physician and pharmacist with
      information on the safety and effectiveness of current oral (allylamine, azole)
      and topical (ciclopirox, efinaconazole, tavaborole) treatment to aid in making
      informed treatment decisions based on the unique characteristics (medication
      history, comorbidities, nature of onychomycosis) of each patient. 

PMID- 27136622
TI  - Reduction in pain scores and improvement in depressive symptoms in patients with
      hidradenitis suppurativa treated with adalimumab in a phase 2, randomized,
      placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory
      skin disease with frequent comorbidities of painand depression. Adalimumab
      treatment for 16 weeks improved HS lesions significantly versus placebo
      (NCT00918255). OBJECTIVE: The relationship between pain and depressive symptoms
      and the effects of adalimumab on each was examined in this post hoc analysis.
      METHODS: Patients with moderate to severe HS (N=154) were randomized 1:1:1 to
      adalimumab 40 mg weekly (ew), adalimumab 40 mg every other week (eow), or
      placebo. Skin pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS; 0-100 mm).
      Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire
      (PHQ-9; score >=10 indicative of depression). RESULTS: At baseline, overall
      mean+/-SD pain VAS was 54.3+/-26.5 mm and 41.8% of patients had PHQ-9 scores
      >=10. At baseline, VAS pain scores (mean+/-SD) were significantly higher
      (P<0.001) for patients with PHQ-9 scores >=10 (63.9+/-23.3) versus <10 (47.4+/
      26.7). At Week 16, clinically relevant pain reduction was observed for ew-treated
      patients with baseline PHQ-9 score >=10 (ew, 45.8%; eow, 29.4%; placebo, 23.8%)
      and <10 (ew, 50.0%; eow, 37.9%; placebo, 29.6%), but did not reach statistical
      significance. In patients with high baseline pain (>=median VAS score),
      adalimumab ew significantly decreased depressivesymptoms versus placebo (PHQ-9
      scores, -34.03% vs +2.26%; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate to severe
      HS had a high degree of pain and depressive symptoms at baseline.
      Adalimumabtherapy was associated with decreased pain and depressive symptoms
      compared to baseline.

PMID- 27136623
TI  - Pemphigus foliaceus exacerbated by radiation, in association with myasthenia
      gravis.
AB  - Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is a sporadic autoimmune blistering disease of unknown
      etiology. The production of immunoglobulin G4 antibodies against desmoglein-1 is
      responsible for the clinical manifestation of PF. We present a case of a woman
      with a recent diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG), who was also recently treated
      with radiation therapy for breast cancer. The clinical exam, supported by biopsy
      and direct immunofluorescence, were consistent with PF. We present this case to
      increase the awareness of the potential exacerbation or induction of PF with
      radiation, and of the association of PF and myasthenia gravis. Only five prior
      cases of radiation-exacerbated or radiation-induced PF have been reported in the
      literature to date. Furthermore, the co-existence of the autoimmune entities of
      myasthenia gravis and PF has been reported in the literature in only 9 cases and
      was also noted in this patient. 

PMID- 27136624
TI  - Tinea capitis in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is caused by dermatophyte fungi that utilize keratin as
      a nutrient source.  Scalp erythema, scaling, andcrusting are typical signs of
      this disease.  Although most commonly seen in prepubescent children, tinea
      capitis can occur in adults. RESULTS: Endothrix tinea capitis owing to
      Trichophyton tonsurans commonly produces generalized scaling and localized
      perifollicular inflammation reminiscent of lichen planopilaris. Ectothrix tinea
      capitis owing to Microsporum sp. produces well- demarcated erythematous plaques
      suggestive of psoriasis. H&E stained biopsy specimens, KOH preparations or fungal
      cultures will confirm the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Because of a low index of
      suspicion for tinea capitis in adults with scaling and alopecia, diagnosis and
      appropriate treatment are often delayed. Resistance to treatment for seborrheic
      dermatitis or psoriasis should prompt a KOH, fungal culture orbiopsy to confirm
      the diagnosis of tinea capitis and initiate systemic antifungal agents.

PMID- 27136625
TI  - Molluscum contagiosum of the eyelid: case report in a man receiving methotrexate
      and literature review of molluscum contagiosum in patients who are
      immunosuppressed secondary to methotrexate or HIV infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral infection of the skin.
      Lesions typically present as dome-shaped, flesh-colored, umbilicated papules that
      range in size from 1 to 5 millimeters in diameter. They are usually asymptomatic,
      but can become tender or pruritic. Children and immunocompromised adults,
      including individuals being treated with immunosuppressive drugs, are most
      susceptible to infection. Single or multiple lesions most commonly appear on the
      extremities, face, genitals, and trunk. However, albeit rarely, molluscum
      contagiosum may also develop at other sites, including the eyelids. PURPOSE: We
      describe the clinical and pathologic findings of a man who developed molluscum
      contagiosum of the eyelid while receiving methotrexate. We also review the
      characteristics of other patients with molluscum contagiosum acquired either
      during treatment with methotrexate or associated with human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) infection and summarize the unusual sites of presentation for the
      viral lesions in these individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The features of a man
      receiving methotrexate who developed molluscum contagiosum of the eyelid are
      presented. Using PubMed, the following terms were searched and relevant citations
      assessed: adalimumab, contagiosum, Enbrel, etanercept, Humira, infliximab,
      methotrexate, molluscum, Remicade, TNF alpha, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. In
      addition, the literature on methotrexate treatment and molluscum contagiosum is
      reviewed. RESULTS:  Several small papules were observed on the eyelid of a 24
      year-old man who had been receiving methotrexate and adalimumab (Humira) for the
      treatment of Crohn disease. The lesions were removed by shave biopsy. Microscopic
      examination revealed epidermal hyperplasia composed of keratinocytes filled with
      large eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions. Based on correlation of the
      clinical presentation and histopathologic findings, a diagnosis of molluscum
      contagiosum was established. The patient applied mupirocin 2% ointment to the
      biopsy sites, which subsequently healed without complication or recurrence.
      CONCLUSION: Molluscum contagiosum is a benign viral papular eruption that
      frequently affects children and immunocompromised adults. Patients treated with
      immunosuppressive agents, such as methotrexate, have a heightened risk of
      developing molluscum contagiosum lesions. It remains to be determined whether
      adjunct therapy with a tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor increasesthe risk of
      this viral infection. Diagnosis can usually be established by clinical
      presentation, although a biopsy is sometimesrequired to exclude other conditions.
      Molluscum contagiosum is generally self-limiting and often resolves spontaneously
      within18 months. However, topical (cantharidin) or locally destructive
      (curettage, cryotherapy, and/or laser) therapy may be indic tedfor patients who
      are concerned about persistent lesions and for children who are particularly
      susceptible to autoinoculation.

PMID- 27136626
TI  - Severe pediculosis capitus: a case of "crusted lice" with autoeczematization.
AB  - Pediculosis humanus capitus infestations are common and classically present with
      intense pruritus of the scalp. Although many treatment options are available,
      lice are becoming more resistant to conventional therapies and severe clinical
      presentations are bound to become more prevalent. We present a case of treatment
      resistant pediculosis capitus resulting in diffuse autoeczematization of the
      torso and extremities and severe crusting and scaling of the scalp, which we
      called "crusted lice." This eruption differs from the well-described id reaction
      known as "pediculid" and represents a more dramatic manifestation of rampant
      infestation. This paper provides an up-to-date review of treatment options
      available for pediculosis humanus capitus, including newer medications like the
      ones that eventually led to resolution of our patient's extreme infestation. 

PMID- 27136627
TI  - Mercury toxicity presenting as acrodynia and a papulovesicular eruption in a 5
      year-old girl.
AB  - Acrodynia is a reaction that occurs in children who have been exposed to mercury.
      Mercury toxicity has systemic manifestations as well as cutaneous manifestations,
      which can appear similar to those found in a number of other diseases. We present
      a case of acrodynia caused by mercury exposure in a previously healthy 5-year-old
      girl who developed hypertension, palmoplantar pruritus, and a papulovesicular
      eruption. 

PMID- 27136628
TI  - Evaluating Dermatology Residency Program Websites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internet resources play an important role in how medical students
      access information related to residency programs.Evaluating program websites is
      necessary in order to provide accurate information for applicants and provide
      information regarding areas of website improvement for programs. To date,
      dermatology residency websites (D  WS) have not been evaluated.This paper
      evaluates dermatology residency websites based on availability of predefined
      measures. METHODS: Using the FREIDA (Fellowship and Residency Electronic
      Interactive Database) Online database, authors searched forall accredited
      dermatology program websites. Eligible programs were identified through the
      FREIDA Online database and had a functioning website. Two authors independently
      extracted data with consensus or third researcher resolution of differences. This
      data was accessed and archived from July 15th to July 17th, 2015.Primary outcomes
      measured were presence of content on education, resident and faculty information,
      program environment, applicant recruitment, schedule, salary, and website quality
      evaluated using an online tool (WooRank.com). RESULTS: Out of 117 accredited
      dermatology residencies, 115 had functioning webpages. Of these, 76.5% (75) had
      direct links found on the FRIEDA Online database. Most programs contained
      information on education, faculty, program environment, and applicant
      recruitment. However, website quality and marketing effectiveness were highly
      variable; most programs were deemed to need improvements in the functioning of
      their webpages. Also, additional information on current residents and about
      potential away rotations were lacking from most websites with only 52.2% (60) and
      41.7% (48) of programs providing this content, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A
      majority of dermatology residency websites contained adequate information on many
      of the factors we evaluated. However, many were lacking in areas that matter to
      applicants. We hope this report will encourage dermatology residencyprograms to
      improve their websites and provide adequate content to attract the top residents
      for their respective programs.

PMID- 27136629
TI  - Vestibular papillomatosis: An important differential diagnosis of vulvar
      papillomas.
AB  - Most authors believe that vestibular papillomatosis (VP) is an anatomical variant
      of the vestibular mucosa. But VP is sometimes misdiagnosed as genital warts and
      this can lead to aggressive investigations, therapy, and anxiety in patients. We
      present a patient with VP. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM)
      were performed to differentiate VP from other papilomatous diseases of the vulva.

PMID- 27136630
TI  - Generalized acquired cutis laxa type 1: a case report and brief review of
      literature.
AB  - Cutis laxa, clinically characterized by loose and pendulous skin related to loss
      of elastic tissue, is a rare heterogeneous condition. It is classified into
      congenital and acquired types. We report a case of generalized acquired cutis
      laxa type 1 in a young man following pruritic urticarial plaques. We have done a
      brief review of literature. 

PMID- 27136631
TI  - Two small yellowish papules in a 1 year-old boy: cutaneous leishmaniasis.
AB  - Cutaneous leishma iasis (CL) is zoonosis with a spectrum of cutaneous
      manifestations caused by protozoan parasites of thegenus Leishmania.Manifestation
      varies according to the parasite virulence and the host immune response.
      Pentavalent antimonials (sodium stibogluconate and meglumine antimoniate) have
      been used as a first-line therapy for the last 70 years around the world.We
      report a case of a 1-year-old boy with two small yellowish papules mimicking
      juvenile xantogranuloma diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis after a biopsy.
      Patient underwent treatment with 2 sessions of intralesional (IL) meglumine
      antimoniate (Glucantime(r)) with complete clearance of both lesions. CONCLUSION:
      Cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment is difficult to standardize; treatment options
      in children include wound careand watchful waiting,  intralesional pentavalent
      antimonials, topical paramomycin, or oral miltefosine.

PMID- 27136632
TI  - Isotretinoin therapy for the treatment of acne in patients with cystic fibrosis:
      a case series and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common severe autosomal recessive
      disorder in Caucasians. Viscous secretionstypically obstruct the lungs, pancreas,
      and gastrointestinal tract. As disease management improves, patients will
      increasingly seek care for conditions such as acne. Isotretinoin therapy for acne
      in patients with CF is controversial owing to concerns that the medication may
      exacerbate CF-related hepatic, pulmonary, and ocular complications. PURPOSE: We
      describe two patients with CF treated with isotretinoin from our clinic and also
      provide a literature review of 11 similar cases. We describe patient outcomes,
      common complications, and the risks for severe adverse effects. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The clinical courses of two patients with CF who were treated with
      isotretinoin for moderate-severe acne are presented. Using PubMed, we analyzed
      previous case reports of patients with CF who were prescribed isotretinoin and
      review complications associated with systemic retinoids. RESULTS: Based on a
      synthesis of the literature and our own experience, it appears that isotretinoin
      therapy for CF patients with moderate-severe acne may be an appropriate option
      when clinically indi ated. If dermatologists monitor lab values and
      adverseeffects carefully, patients with CF can benefit from isotretinoin therapy.

PMID- 27136633
TI  - Correspondence: The association between morphea profunda and monoclonal
      gammopathy: A case series.
AB  - It is known that eosinophilic fasciitis can be associated with monoclonal
      gammopathy. There is clinical similarity between eosinophilic fasciitis and
      morphea profunda, but it is unclear whether morphea profunda might be associated
      with monoclonal gammopathy. The temporal quantification of gammopathy in morphea
      profunda has not been well characterized. We describe four patients with morphea
      profunda that were associated with monoclonal gammopathy. Three were associated
      with monoclonal IgG protein and one with IgM. No patients in our series developed
      myeloma. In conclusion, the association of monoclonal gammopathy is not unique to
      eosinophilic fasciitis and scleromyxedema. Further studies are necessary to
      characterize further the relationship between the two conditions. 

PMID- 27136634
TI  - Lichen planus-like drug reaction associated with recombinant human growth hormone
      therapy in a child patient with Turner syndrome.
AB  - Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic disease with an incidence rate of between
      1:2000 and 1:5000 live female births. The treatment of TS differs according to
      age and Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (RHGH) therapy is usually given for the
      treatment of short stature in girls with TS in childhood. We describe the first
      case of a TS patient who presented with a clinical picture compatible with oral
      and palmoplantar lichen planus-like reaction during RHGH therapy; spontaneous
      remission occurred after therapy suspension. 

PMID- 27136635
TI  - Innovative use of chemodenervation in the treatment of postoperative genital
      hyperhidrosis-like symptoms.
AB  - Postoperative complications present in many forms and can cause great morbidity
      and even mortality in patients who experience them. Frey syndrome is an example
      of a postoperative complication in which aberrant nerve regeneration following
      parotidectomy leads to hyperhidrosis induced by gustatory stimuli. We present a
      unique but similar case of aberrant nerve regeneration and resulting
      hypersecretion that emerged 6-7 months following perineoplasty and labial
      reduction for lichen sclerosus in a 53-year-old woman. An exhaustive
      investigation ruled out genitourinary causes of her symptoms. Pads, tampons, and
      surgical procedures provided no relief. We propose that the mechanism of her
      excessive watery secretions is similar to that which causes Frey syndrome:
      iatrogenic damage to nerves that aberrantly regenerate to innervate local
      structures involved in secretory control. The parallels between our patient's
      condition and Frey syndrome are evident in the duration between surgery and onset
      of symptoms and the response to treatment with onabotulinum toxin, highlighting a
      shared cholinergic pathway. Onabotulinum injections are well tolerated by
      patients with localized hyperhidrosis and symptom control typically lasts several
      months. In this manuscript we present a novel mode of delivery of onabotulinum
      toxin topically to a mucosal region. With these treatments, the patient's
      hyperhidrosis-like symptoms remain well controlled for 3-4 months, at which point
      she returns to clinic for treatment. The patient did not experience symptomatic
      relief until this unique treatment plan was initiated. Her case illustrates the
      need for further understanding of recalcitrant postoperative complications
      involving local structures controlling liquid secretion, such as sweat glands and
      vascular plexuses. 

PMID- 27136636
TI  - Adult with morbilliform rash and tattoo bullae.
AB  - A 34-year-old woman was diagnosed with Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and
      Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), most likelyrelated to a reaction to allopurinol.The
      patient presented with a 2-week history of a painful pruritic rash that started
      on her back and progressed to the rest of her body over a five-day period. The
      eruption started after several new drugs were started, including allopurinol for
      hyperuricemia. On physical examination, the patient had a diffuse morbilliform
      eruption and geometric intact bullae limited to the boundaries of tattoos.Most
      presentations of DRESS include a morbilliform eruption.  However, DRESS does not
      commonly present with bullae. There have been no known reported cases of bullae
      forming in the area of tattoos in cases of DRESS. This unique presentation
      suggests that a component of the tattoo or tattooing process alters the cutaneous
      immune response, creating an immunocompromiseddistrict. This alteration may
      promote a greater localized reaction in the setting of widespread skin
      involvement in DRESS. 

PMID- 27136637
TI  - Cutaneous metastatic pigmented breast carcinoma.
AB  - A 66-year-old woman presented with a 3 cm black, ulcerated nodule located on the
      skin of the upper abdomen, just below the breast. The lesion was painful to the
      touch, but the patient reported no other associated symptoms and was otherwise
      healthy. A 4-mm punch biopsy of the affected skin was obtained and the
      histological diagnosis was cutaneous metastatic pigmented breast carcinoma. 

PMID- 27136638
TI  - Localized bullous eruption in a patient with anasarca.
AB  - The diagnosis of bullae can be a challenge. The proper diagnosis and prompt
      treatment is mandatory because most of these diseases are associated with a
      significant degree of morbidity. The authors present the case of a 76-year-old
      woman admitted for treatment of anasarca. She also exhibited a bullous eruption
      localized to the right upper limb. 

PMID- 27136639
TI  - Triangular temporal alopecia: a rare case in adulthood.
AB  - Triangular temporal alopecia (TTA) is an asymptomatic, circumscribed, non
      scarring form of alopecia that affects the temporal scalp. Although TTA is most
      often seen between ages two and nine, the condition has rarely been described in
      adults. If unrecognized, adulthood TTA can be misdiagnosed, leading to
      unnecessary steroid treatment. This case report describes TTA in an adult woman
      who had no prior history of alopecia. It also reviews the existing TTA
      literature, describing the diagnosis and management of this condition. 

PMID- 27136640
TI  - Pressure to publish for residency applicants in dermatology.
AB  - As it grows increasingly difficult to match into a dermatology residency program
      each year, there is a widening gap in research accomplishments between those who
      have and have not matched successfully. Applicants should be aware of the current
      trends in order to maximize their chances of matching. Such research inequality
      may subsequently lead to increases in the pressure to publish and the incidence
      of academic misrepresentation. Academic dermatology programs should be aware of
      these issues in order to help their students successfully match and exercise
      caution when reviewing the curricula vitae of applicants. We believe that student
      mentors in dermatology are in the best position to help applicants navigate these
      challenges until effective checkpoints can be built-in to the application system.

PMID- 27136641
TI  - Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care,
      Education, and Research.

PMID- 27136642
TI  - 14-Year-Old Girl With First Seizure 3 Months Before Admission.

PMID- 27136643
TI  - Optimism and the Global Health Growth Curve.

PMID- 27136644
TI  - Submarine Surgeon.

PMID- 27136645
TI  - I See the End.

PMID- 27136646
TI  - The Diabetes Center of Excellence: A Model to Emulate.

PMID- 27136647
TI  - A Systematic Review of the Prevention and Treatment of Prescription Drug Misuse.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This is a review and evaluation of the current clinical guidelines
      and empirical literature in relation to the Department of Defense (DoD) policies
      and directives regarding prescription drug misuse (PDM). METHODS: Sources were 11
      clinical guidelines and consensus statements, 20 DoD Directives and the published
      literature from 2000 to 2012. Articles were included if they specifically focused
      on the prevention or treatment of PDM. RESULTS: DoD directives were evaluated in
      relation to the clinical guidelines and the relevant research literature.
      Empirical evidence supporting the directives was limited. CONCLUSIONS: There is
      little empirical evidence for the prevention and treatment of PDM and the
      majority of published guidelines and studies focus on prescription opioids.
      Important limitations include the lack of information about appropriately
      identifying and managing persons at risk for PDM. More research is needed to
      identify and recommend effective mechanisms for the prevention and treatment of
      PDM.

PMID- 27136648
TI  - A 10-Year Cross-Sectional Analysis of Air Force Flight and Operational Medicine
      Clinic Health Care Services.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study described the patient population and the health care
      services delivered in the Air Force Flight and Operational Medicine Clinics
      (FOMCs) over the past 10 years. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed
      on the retrospective cohort of patients who received care at a FOMC from 2003 to
      2012. RESULTS: A total of 714,157 individuals, generating 4,829,626 encounters,
      were included in the cohort. They were predominately male service members under
      the age of 41. One-fifth of individuals were retirees and family members, with
      one-third being in the pediatric age range. The cohort accessed health care
      services for three primary reasons: health examinations (28%), occupational
      dispositions (18%), and primary care (54%). When primary care was sought, the
      predominate health conditions were upper respiratory infections, back problems,
      and nontraumatic joint disorders. When services and procedures were a component
      of the care, they were predominately associated with health examinations
      involving ophthalmologic, auditory, and cardiac screening tests. Individuals
      accessing the FOMCs had relatively low need for access to health care services,
      requiring a median of two annual encounters. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided
      insight into the health care delivered in FOMCs and establishes a foundation for
      future planning and management of FOMC health care delivery.

PMID- 27136649
TI  - Does Participation in a Disease Self-Management Program by Veterans Affect Their
      Subsequent Utilization of Acute Care Services and Costs of Care?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence and costs of chronic disease continue to escalate with
      aging of the population and continued advancements in medical care. Studies have
      been published about programs for the self-management of chronic disease among a
      variety of populations. Among the outcomes measured were reduction of acute care
      resource utilization and cost. DATA SOURCE/STUDY SETTING: Among the Veteran
      population, chronic disease self-management programs have been implemented in a
      number of Veteran Affairs facilities. Veterans' Integrated Service Network 10
      (VISN 10) has implemented the program in all acute care medical centers and
      ambulatory care centers providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient health
      care to their Veterans. DESIGN: A pre/post study design was done for a
      convenience sample of Veteran participants who completed the program. Utilization
      and costs of acute care services for the participants before the program were
      compared to their subsequent costs and utilization 6 months after completion of
      the program. FINDINGS: Participation in the program alone did not produce
      significant reductions, nor significant increases, in service volumes or costs
      after completion of the program. It may be that these outcomes may be better
      achieved when the program is part of more comprehensive efforts to assist
      Veterans in managing their chronic disease.

PMID- 27136650
TI  - Perceptions of Chronic Illness Care Among Veterans With Multiple Chronic
      Conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Given the burden of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) in the
      Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, understanding perspectives of Veterans
      with MCC is essential to evaluate chronic care and ensure that care and quality
      improvement efforts align with patient needs. The purpose of this study was to
      use the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) instrument to examine
      perceptions of chronic care among Veterans with MCC. METHODS: We conducted a
      nation-wide, cross-sectional mailed survey. Study inclusion criteria were Veteran
      patients with MCC who receive care from eight VA facilities. The survey included
      questions on patient demographics, recent hospital or doctor visits, and the
      PACIC instrument. Chronic condition and health care utilization data were
      extracted from VA administrative databases. RESULTS: The sample (n = 3,519) was
      mostly male; average age was 68.1 years. Mean PACIC summary score was 3.05
      (standard deviation [SD] = 1.12). Respondents achieved higher scores (favorable
      perceptions) in the Delivery System Design and Patient Activation subscales, and
      lowest scores (unfavorable perceptions) in the Follow-up/Coordination subscale.
      Characteristics associated with higher scores included non-white race, recent VA
      doctor visit, and high school or less education. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions of
      chronic care were high; however, quality improvements are needed to enhance care
      continuity and coordination.

PMID- 27136651
TI  - Tolerance and Effectiveness of Forced and Prolonged Smoking Cessation Among
      French Submariners.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study investigates nicotine withdrawal symptoms and resumption
      rates of tobacco abuse among French submariners during and after a 7-week mission
      without using tobacco. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 2010 during
      two missions aboard nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. Over a 6-month
      follow-up, the study subjects completed five standardized questionnaires
      (Fagerstrom test, Hospital Anxiety Depression, and the Minnesota Nicotine
      Withdrawal Scale). RESULTS: Out of 222 prospective study subjects, 168 were
      included, 52 of whom were smokers. For 84.9% of the smokers, the Fagerstrom test
      score was lower than 2 (no dependency). Additionally, 92% of the smokers did not
      experience withdrawal symptoms following an abrupt and mandatory cessation of
      cigarette smoking. Two-thirds of the smokers resumed their addiction within 2
      months, 78% of whom did so the first day they had the opportunity. CONCLUSIONS:
      In the physically and mentally constraining environment of submarines, the
      behavioral component of cigarette dependency largely dominates over the
      psychological and physical components of nicotine dependence. This phenomenon
      occurs because the behavioral component of addiction is the source of smoking
      resumption and, therefore, must be better addressed to achieve sustained
      withdrawal.

PMID- 27136652
TI  - The Invisible Wound: Moral Injury and Its Impact on the Health of Operation
      Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans.
AB  - Many veterans are now returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation
      Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) deployments with physical and mental health problems.
      However, there are few studies that examine the impact of moral injury on both
      physical and mental well-being. This study examines the impact of moral injury on
      self-reported general physical health, general mental health, post-traumatic
      stress disorder symptoms, and depression symptoms. Cross-sectional data were
      collected at as part of a pilot study at the New Jersey Veteran Affairs. 100
      OEF/OIF veterans recruited at the New Jersey Veteran Affairs completed the paper
      questionnaire. We found that moral injury and combat experiences positively
      predicted post-traumatic stress disorder scores. Seeing the aftermath of battle
      and moral injury were negatively associated with mental well-being and positively
      associated with depression. Physical health status was negatively associated with
      depression. Spirituality and moral injury were negatively associated with
      physical health, whereas age was positively associated with physical health.
      Moral injury plays an important role in both physical and mental health outcomes
      for OEF/OIF veterans, but it is often not addressed in health care. These results
      underline the need for an approach to veterans' health care that includes
      discussion of existential and moral issues since they may impact health outcomes
      for many service members.

PMID- 27136653
TI  - Staying at the Cutting Edge: Partnership With a Level 1 Trauma Center Improves
      Clinical Currency and Wartime Readiness for Military Surgeons.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Surgical currency is a critical component of medical corps
      readiness. We report a review of surgeons embedded into a civilian institution
      and analyze whether this improves surgical currency and wartime readiness.
      METHODS: Patient management and operative volume were acquired from four surgeons
      embedded at a civilian institution and compared to operative case loads of
      surgeons based at a military treatment facility (MTF). RESULTS: The surgeons
      embedded in the civilian institution had a mean of 49.3 cases compared to a mean
      of 8.3 cases for surgeons at the MTF over this 6-month period. In addition, the
      embedded surgeons obtained 44.4 to 94.7% of these cases during their civilian
      experience as opposed to cases done at the MTF. The cases performed by the
      embedded orthopedic surgeon (n = 247) was over 20 times the mean number of cases
      (mean = 12) performed at the MTF. Over a 6-month period, the trauma surgeon and
      general surgeon each evaluated 150 and 170 new trauma patients, respectively. In
      addition, the trauma/critical care surgeon cared for 250 critical care patients
      over this same 6-month period. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that embedding
      surgeons into a civilian institution allows them to maintain skill sets critical
      for currency and wartime readiness.

PMID- 27136654
TI  - U.S. Military Experience From 2001 to 2010 With Extremity Fasciotomy in War
      Surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: After trauma, compartment syndrome of the extremities is a common,
      disabling, and-if managed suboptimally-lethal problem. Its treatment by surgical
      fasciotomy continues to be useful but controversial. The purpose of this survey
      is to measure survival and fasciotomy in a large trauma system to characterize
      trends and to determine if fasciotomy is associated with improved survival.
      METHODS: We retrospectively surveyed data from a military trauma registry for
      U.S. casualties from 2001 to 2010. Casualties had extremity injury or extremity
      fasciotomy. We associated survival and fasciotomy. RESULTS: Of 17,166 casualties
      in the total study, 19% (3,313) had fasciotomy and 2.8% (481) had compartment
      syndrome. Annual fasciotomy rates started at 0% (2001) and rose to 26% (2010).
      For all casualties, the survival rate initially was high (100%) but decreased
      steadily until its nadir (96.4%) in 2005. Thereafter, it increased to make a V
      shaped trend with reversal occurring after fielding two interventions within the
      trauma system specifically for casualties at risk for fasciotomy-tourniquet use
      and a fasciotomy education program. CONCLUSIONS: Over a decade of war, the
      survival rate of extremity injured casualties was associated with two trauma
      system interventions-tourniquet usage and a fasciotomy education program. The
      current example of measuring implementation of initiatives may be useful as a
      model for future attempted improvements in health care.

PMID- 27136655
TI  - Veterans Affairs Health System Enrollment and Health Care Utilization After the
      Affordable Care Act: Initial Insights.
AB  - The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in 2010 and its individual
      mandate and expanded health care coverage options were implemented in 2014. These
      provisions may affect Veterans Affairs (VA) enrollment and health care
      utilization. Using data from two VA regional networks, we examined recent
      patterns in the number of new VA enrollees and their primary care use. Trends
      were assessed by enrollment priority group (based on the veteran's severity of
      service-connected disabilities, exposures, and income level) and a state's
      Medicaid expansion status. Compared to the same time period in the previous year,
      the number of new enrollees from low-income priority groups was higher during the
      open enrollment period and the increase was sharper in Medicaid non-expansion
      states (25-42%) than in expansion states (20-32%). In addition, low-income
      patients with a copay requirement who enrolled in the VA during the ACA open
      enrollment had a lower average number of primary care visits than counterparts
      who had enrolled in prior time periods (1.73 versus 1.87, p < 0.0001). Although
      this study is an initial step, more research is required to better understand
      veterans' decision making and behavior in regard to health care coverage through
      the ACA and related impacts on VA and non-VA health care utilization and care
      coordination.

PMID- 27136656
TI  - Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Lung Disease in Veterans of the Wars in Iraq and
      Afghanistan.
AB  - Research from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have focused on traumatic brain
      injury (TBI) and mental health conditions; however, it is becoming clear that
      other health concerns, such as respiratory illnesses, warrant further scientific
      inquiry. Early reports from theater and postdeployment health assessments
      suggested an association with deployment-related exposures (e.g., sand, burn
      pits, chemical, etc.) and new-onset respiratory symptoms. We used data from
      Veterans Affairs medical encounters between fiscal years 2003 and 2011 to
      identify trends in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and
      interstitial lung disease in veterans. We used data from Veterans Affairs and
      Department of Defense sources to identify sociodemographic (age, sex, race),
      military (e.g., service branch, multiple deployments) and clinical
      characteristics (TBI, smoking) of individuals with and without chronic lung
      diseases. Generalized estimating equations found significant increases over time
      for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma in both unadjusted and
      adjusted analyses. Trends for interstitial lung disease were significant only in
      adjusted analyses. Age, smoking, and TBI were also significantly associated with
      chronic lung diseases; however, multiple deployments were not associated.
      Research is needed to identify which characteristics of deployment-related
      exposures are linked with chronic lung disease.

PMID- 27136657
TI  - Comparison of Resuscitative Protocols for Bupropion Overdose Using Lipid Emulsion
      in a Swine Model.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different treatment
      combinations on bupropion recovery as well as time to return of spontaneous
      circulation. METHODS: We conducted an eight group, randomized, experiment to
      evaluate combinations of epinephrine, vasopressin, and lipids on the restoration
      of cardiac function in Yorkshire pigs. After tracking the animals' baseline
      vitals for 10 minutes, we injected the animals with bupropion (35 mg/kg) and
      initiated a randomized protocol 2 minutes after cardiac arrest. RESULTS: Results
      demonstrated that animal survival given treatment combinations including
      epinephrine were statistically superior to any other group (p < 0.001, Fishers'
      exact test). The odds of survival with use of epinephrine vs. other options were
      22:1 (5.47, 88.43). Further, all animals receiving only lipids died. Cox survival
      analysis with bootstrapped parameter estimates provided evidence that the
      rapidity of cardiac recovery was maximized with a combination of epinephrine and
      lipids (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lipids may require an additional chemical
      catalyst in order to be effective in cardiac recovery. Epinephrine and lipids
      combined shortened recovery time for surviving animals.

PMID- 27136658
TI  - Malaria Trends in the Navy and Marine Corps, 2005-2013.
AB  - U.S. Sailors and Marines routinely deploy to regions where malaria is endemic,
      such as Africa and Asia. This report describes the trends, demographic
      characteristics, and exposure type and location for active duty Navy and Marine
      Corps malaria cases from January 2005 to December 2013. Electronic clinical
      records for laboratory results and hospitalizations, as well as reported medical
      events, for malaria were used to identify cases. There were 112 malaria cases
      identified among Navy and Marine Corps service members during the study time
      frame. Most cases were associated with travel to Africa (58.9%) and were duty
      related (60.7%); however, one-fourth of cases were associated with personal
      travel. The majority of cases exposed while on personal travel were foreign born
      (74.2%). This comprehensive assessment of trends and burden of malaria among
      Sailors and Marines is essential to ensure mission readiness and the management
      and evaluation of malaria control programs. Further analysis may be warranted to
      explore the relationship between personal travel and foreign-born status in the
      Department of the Navy to determine potential for additional intervention and
      education.

PMID- 27136659
TI  - Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Muscle Dysmorphia Among Entry-Level
      Military Personnel.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and
      muscle dysmorphia (MD) in enlisted U.S. military personnel; and secondarily, to
      determine supplement use and relationship with BDD and MD. METHODS: A survey of
      advanced individual training of tri-service personnel at Fort Sam Houston, Texas,
      was performed combining the dysmorphia concern questionnaire, the MD symptom
      questionnaire, a supplement questionnaire, and demographic factors. RESULTS: Of
      the 1,320 service members approached, 1,150 (87.1%) completed the survey. The
      majority of participants were male, 62.8% (n = 722) and Army soldiers 59.0% (n =
      679). The prevalence rate of BDD was 13.0% in males and 21.7% in females. The
      prevalence of MD was 12.7% in males and 4.2% in females. There was a strong
      correlation between having BDD and using supplements to get thinner (odds ratio
      5.1; 95% confidence interval 3.4-7.8; p < 0.001) and MD to get more muscular
      (odds ratio 5.4; 95% confidence interval 3.5-8.3; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study shows a higher than expected prevalence rate of BDD and MD in service
      members. This indicates a need for increased awareness of dysmorphias in mental
      health providers, primary care providers, and commanders and justifies further
      military specific BDD and MD research.

PMID- 27136660
TI  - Mary Edwards Walker: The Only Woman Awarded the Medal of Honor.

PMID- 27136661
TI  - Association Between Acute Neuropsychiatric Events and Helicobacter pylori Therapy
      Containing Clarithromycin.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: There is a concern that Helicobacter pylori therapy containing
      clarithromycin might be associated with acute neuropsychiatric events. OBJECTIVE:
      To examine the association between H pylori therapy containing clarithromycin and
      acute neuropsychiatric events. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A self
      controlled case series study was conducted using the Clinical Data Analysis and
      Reporting System database in Hong Kong to explore any association. The exposure
      of interest was H pylori therapy containing clarithromycin in the outpatient
      setting. Study patients, 18 years or older at cohort entry, must have had both
      exposure to H pylori therapy containing clarithromycin and their first recorded
      neuropsychiatric events between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012. A post
      hoc nested case-control analysis was also performed in patients receiving H
      pylori therapy containing clarithromycin. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary
      outcome was composite neuropsychiatric events, while secondary outcomes were
      psychotic events and cognitive impairment. Risk periods in the self-controlled
      case series analysis were defined as 14-day preexposure period, current use (days
      1-14 since prescription start date) and recent use (days 15-30). Age-adjusted
      incidence rate ratios (IRR) were estimated using the conditional Poisson
      regression. RESULTS: Of 66 559 patients who had at least 1 outpatient
      prescription of H pylori therapy containing clarithromycin. Their mean (SD) age
      at cohort entry was 50.8 (14.8 years); their mean age at first exposure was 55.4
      (14.8) years, and 30 910 were male (46.4%). A total of 1824 patients had their
      first recorded composite neuropsychiatric events during the study period. An
      increased IRR of 4.12 (35 composite neuropsychiatric events during 72 person
      years; 95% CI, 2.94-5.76) during current use was observed but not in recent use
      (9 events during 82 person-years; IRR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.49-1.83) and 14-day
      preexposure period (14 events during 72 person-years; IRR, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.96
      2.77) vs baseline (1766 events during 16 665 person-years). Similarly, both the
      risk of psychotic events and cognitive impairment increased during current use vs
      baseline, although this subsequently returned to baseline incidence levels during
      recent use. The crude absolute risks of composite neuropsychiatric events,
      psychotic events, and cognitive impairment during current use were 0.45, 0.12,
      and 0.12 per 1000 prescriptions, respectively. The nested case-control analysis
      also gave similar results to that of the self-controlled case series analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study shows evidence of a short-term increased
      risk of neuropsychiatric events associated with H pylori therapy containing
      clarithromycin.

PMID- 27136662
TI  - Cortical thickness and VBM in young women at risk for familial depression and
      their depressed mothers with positive family history.
AB  - It has been demonstrated that compared to low-risk subjects, high-risk subjects
      for depression have structural and functional alterations in their brain scans
      even before the disease onset. However, it is not known if these alterations are
      related to vulnerability to depression or epiphenomena. One way to resolve this
      ambiguity is to detect the structural alterations in the high-risk subjects and
      determine if the same alterations are present in the probands. In this study, we
      recruited 24 women with the diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with
      recurrent episodes and their healthy daughters (the high-risk for familial
      depression group; HRFD). We compared structural brain scans of the patients and
      HRFG group with those of 24 age-matched healthy mothers and their healthy
      daughters at similar ages to the HRFD group; respectively. Both cortical gray
      matter (GM) volume and thickness analyses revealed that HRFD daughters and their
      MDD mothers had similar GM differences in two regions: the right temporoparietal
      region and the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. These results suggested that the
      observed alterations may be related to trait clinical and neurophysiological
      characteristics of MDD and may present before the onset of illness.

PMID- 27136663
TI  - Improvements on nu-Twin Support Vector Machine.
AB  - In this paper, we propose two novel binary classifiers termed as "Improvements on
      nu-Twin Support Vector Machine: Inu-TWSVM and Inu-TWSVM (Fast)" that are
      motivated by nu-Twin Support Vector Machine (nu-TWSVM). Similar to nu-TWSVM, Inu
      TWSVM determines two nonparallel hyperplanes such that they are closer to their
      respective classes and are at least rho distance away from the other class. The
      significant advantage of Inu-TWSVM over nu-TWSVM is that Inu-TWSVM solves one
      smaller-sized Quadratic Programming Problem (QPP) and one Unconstrained
      Minimization Problem (UMP); as compared to solving two related QPPs in nu-TWSVM.
      Further, Inu-TWSVM (Fast) avoids solving a smaller sized QPP and transforms it as
      a unimodal function, which can be solved using line search methods and similar to
      Inu-TWSVM, the other problem is solved as a UMP. Due to their novel formulation,
      the proposed classifiers are faster than nu-TWSVM and have comparable
      generalization ability. Inu-TWSVM also implements structural risk minimization
      (SRM) principle by introducing a regularization term, along with minimizing the
      empirical risk. The other properties of Inu-TWSVM, related to support vectors
      (SVs), are similar to that of nu-TWSVM. To test the efficacy of the proposed
      method, experiments have been conducted on a wide range of UCI and a skewed
      variation of NDC datasets. We have also given the application of Inu-TWSVM as a
      binary classifier for pixel classification of color images. 

PMID- 27136664
TI  - Global exponential stability of complex-valued neural networks with both time
      varying delays and impulsive effects.
AB  - In this paper, the global exponential stability of complex-valued neural networks
      with both time-varying delays and impulsive effects is discussed. By employing
      Lyapunov functional method and using matrix inequality technique, several
      sufficient conditions in complex-valued linear matrix inequality form are
      obtained to ensure the existence, uniqueness and global exponential stability of
      equilibrium point for the considered neural networks. Moreover, the exponential
      convergence rate index is estimated, which depends on the system parameters. The
      proposed stability results are less conservative than some recently known ones in
      the literatures, which is demonstrated via two examples with simulations. 

PMID- 27136665
TI  - Multistability analysis of a general class of recurrent neural networks with non
      monotonic activation functions and time-varying delays.
AB  - This paper addresses the multistability for a general class of recurrent neural
      networks with time-varying delays. Without assuming the linearity or monotonicity
      of the activation functions, several new sufficient conditions are obtained to
      ensure the existence of (2K+1)(n) equilibrium points and the exponential
      stability of (K+1)(n) equilibrium points among them for n-neuron neural networks,
      where K is a positive integer and determined by the type of activation functions
      and the parameters of neural network jointly. The obtained results generalize and
      improve the earlier publications. Furthermore, the attraction basins of these
      exponentially stable equilibrium points are estimated. It is revealed that the
      attraction basins of these exponentially stable equilibrium points can be larger
      than their originally partitioned subsets. Finally, three illustrative numerical
      examples show the effectiveness of theoretical results. 

PMID- 27136666
TI  - FPGA implementation of neuro-fuzzy system with improved PSO learning.
AB  - This paper presents the first hardware implementation of neuro-fuzzy system (NFS)
      with its metaheuristic learning ability on field programmable gate array (FPGA).
      Metaheuristic learning of NFS for all of its parameters is accomplished by using
      the improved particle swarm optimization (iPSO). As a second novelty, a new
      functional approach, which does not require any memory and multiplier usage, is
      proposed for the Gaussian membership functions of NFS. NFS and its learning using
      iPSO are implemented on Xilinx Virtex5 xc5vlx110-3ff1153 and efficiency of the
      proposed implementation tested on two dynamic system identification problems and
      licence plate detection problem as a practical application. Results indicate that
      proposed NFS implementation and membership function approximation is as effective
      as the other approaches available in the literature but requires less hardware
      resources. 

PMID- 27136667
TI  - Interplay between non-NMDA and NMDA receptor activation during oscillatory wave
      propagation: Analyses of caffeine-induced oscillations in the visual cortex of
      rats.
AB  - Generation and propagation of oscillatory activities in cortical networks are
      important features of the brain. However, many issues related to oscillatory
      phenomena are unclear. We previously reported neocortical oscillation following
      caffeine treatment of rat brain slices. Input to the primary visual cortex (Oc1)
      generates N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent oscillations, and we
      proposed that the oscillatory signals originate in the secondary visual cortex
      (Oc2). Because non-NMDA and NMDA receptors cooperate in synaptic transmission,
      non-NMDA receptors may also play an important role in oscillatory activities.
      Here we investigated how non-NMDA receptor activities contribute to NMDA receptor
      dependent oscillations by using optical recording methods. After induction of
      stable oscillations with caffeine application, blockade of NMDA receptors
      abolished the late stable oscillatory phase, but elicited 'hidden' non-NMDA
      receptor-dependent oscillation during the early depolarizing phase. An
      interesting finding is that the origin of the non-NMDA receptor-dependent
      oscillation moved from the Oc1, during the early phase, toward the origin of the
      NMDA receptor-dependent oscillation that is fixed in the Oc2. In addition, the
      frequency of the non-NMDA receptor-dependent oscillation was higher than that of
      the NMDA receptor-dependent oscillation. Thus, in one course of spatiotemporal
      oscillatory activities, the relative balance in receptor activities between non
      NMDA and NMDA receptors gradually changes, and this may be due to the different
      kinetics of the two receptor types. These results suggest that interplay between
      the two receptor types in the areas of Oc1 and Oc2 may play an important role in
      oscillatory signal communication. 

PMID- 27136668
TI  - Adherence to antidepressants is associated with lower mortality: a 4-year
      population-based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite the growing use of antidepressants and the potential grave
      consequences of inadequate treatment, little is known about the impact of
      adherence to antidepressant treatment on mortality in the general population. The
      objective of this study was to evaluate the association between adherence to
      antidepressants and all-cause mortality in a population-based cohort. METHODS:
      Data were extracted from the electronic medical record database of the largest
      health provider in Israel (53% of the nation's population) on a total of 251,745
      patients aged 40 years and above who filled an antidepressant prescription at
      least once between 2008 and 2011. The main outcome measure was all-cause
      mortality during the study period. Adherence was measured as a continuous
      variable representing possession ratio (duration of filled antidepressant divided
      by duration of prescribed antidepressant). A polynomial model of proportional
      hazard Cox regression for multivariable survival analysis was used, adjusting for
      demographic and clinical variables that affect mortality. RESULTS: The
      association between adherence and the hazard ratio (HR) for mortality follows a
      quadratic model in which the lowest HR (0.66 [95% CI, 0.64-0.69]) is at a level
      of 60% adherence in respect to nonadherence. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to
      antidepressants is significantly associated with a corresponding decrease in the
      risk of mortality, controlling for relevant covariates. Physicians from all
      disciplines should actively improve their patients' adherence to antidepressants
      since their persistent use is associated with increased survival.

PMID- 27136669
TI  - Buckybowls: Corannulene and Its Derivatives.
AB  - Corannulene, a kind of bowl like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), whose
      molecule is composed of a central pentagon and five closely adjacent hexagons on
      the pentagon's five sides, has received great scientific interest among research
      groups. In this review, the syntheses, characteristic molecule structure and
      properties of corannulene are clarified, as well as its derivatives with
      different substituted groups, fused derivatives, metal complex, and derivatives
      for host guest chemistry. On the basis of reviewing the applications and
      properties of corannulene together with its derivatives, the potential
      applications in hydrogen storage and lithium storage were highlighted and
      prospected. 

PMID- 27136670
TI  - Arsenic in drinking water and prostate cancer in Illinois counties: An ecologic
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inorganic arsenic is a lung, bladder, and skin carcinogen. One of the
      major sources of exposure to arsenic is through naturally contaminated drinking
      water. While positive associations have been observed between arsenic in drinking
      water and prostate cancer, few studies have explored this association in the
      United States. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between inorganic arsenic
      concentrations in community water systems and prostate cancer incidence in
      Illinois using an ecologic study design. METHODS: Illinois Environmental
      Protection Agency data on arsenic concentrations in drinking water from community
      water systems throughout the state were linked with county-level prostate cancer
      incidence data from 2007 to 2011 from the Illinois State Cancer Registry.
      Incidence rates were indirectly standardized by age to calculate standardized
      incidence ratios (SIRs) for each county. A Poisson regression model was used to
      model the association between county-level SIRs and mean arsenic tertile (0.33
      0.72, 0.73-1.60, and 1.61-16.23ppb), adjusting for potential confounders.
      RESULTS: For counties with mean arsenic levels in the second tertile, the SIR was
      1.05 (95% CI: 0.96-1.16). For counties with mean arsenic levels in the third
      tertile, the SIR was 1.10 (95% CI: 1.03-1.19). There was a significant linear
      dose-response relationship observed between mean arsenic levels and prostate
      cancer incidence (p for trend=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In this ecologic study,
      counties with higher mean arsenic levels in community water systems had
      significantly higher prostate cancer incidence. Individual-level studies of
      prostate cancer incidence and low-level arsenic exposure are needed.

PMID- 27136671
TI  - Ambient air pollution and adverse birth outcomes: Differences by maternal
      comorbidities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with
      adverse birth outcomes, but the potential modifying effect of maternal
      comorbidities remains understudied. Our objective was to investigate whether
      associations between prenatal air pollution exposures and birth outcomes differ
      by maternal comorbidities. METHODS: A total of 818,400 singleton live births were
      identified in the province of Ontario, Canada from 2005 to 2012. We assigned
      exposures to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone
      (O3) to maternal residences during pregnancy. We evaluated potential effect
      modification by maternal comorbidities (i.e. asthma, hypertension, pre-existing
      diabetes mellitus, heart disease, gestational diabetes and preeclampsia) on the
      associations between prenatal air pollution and preterm birth, term low birth
      weight and small for gestational age. RESULTS: Interquartile range (IQR)
      increases in PM2.5 (2MUg/m(3)), NO2 (9ppb) and O3 (5ppb) over the entire
      pregnancy were associated with a 4% (95% CI: 2.4-5.6%), 8.4% (95% CI: 5.5-10.3%)
      and 2% (95% CI: 0.5-4.1%) increase in the odds of preterm birth, respectively.
      Increases of 10.6% (95% CI: 0.2-2.1%) and 23.8% (95% CI: 5.5-44.8%) in the odds
      of preterm birth were observed among women with pre-existing diabetes while the
      increases were of 3.8% (95% CI: 2.2-5.4%) and 6.5% (95% CI: 3.7-8.4%) among women
      without this condition for pregnancy exposure to PM2.5 and NO2, respectively
      (Pint<0.01). The increase in the odds of preterm birth for exposure to PM2.5
      during pregnancy was higher among women with preeclampsia (8.3%, 95% CI: 0.8
      16.4%) than among women without (3.6%, 95% CI: 1.8-5.3%) (Pint=0.04). A stronger
      increase in the odds of preterm birth was found for exposure to O3 during
      pregnancy among asthmatic women (12.0%, 95% CI: 3.5-21.1%) compared to non
      asthmatic women (2.0%, 95% CI: 0.1-3.5%) (Pint<0.01). We did not find
      statistically significant effect modification for the other outcomes
      investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study suggest that associations of
      ambient air pollution with preterm birth are stronger among women with pre
      existing diabetes, asthma, and preeclampsia.

PMID- 27136672
TI  - Combined effect of urinary monohydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and
      impaired lung function on diabetes.
AB  - Associations of type 2 diabetes with exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      and reduced lung function have been reported. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate effect of reduced lung function and exposure to background PAHs on
      diabetes. A total of 2730 individuals were drawn from the Wuhan-Zhuhai (WHZH)
      Cohort Study (n=3053). Participants completed physical examination, measurement
      of lung function and urinary monohydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      (OH-PAHs). Risk factors for type 2 diabetes were identified by multiple logistic
      regression analysis, and the presence of additive interaction between levels of
      urinary OH-PAHs and lower lung function was evaluated by calculation of the
      relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and attributable proportion due to
      interaction (AP). Urinary OH-PAHs levels was positively associated with type 2
      diabetes among individuals with impaired lung function (p<0.05). Forced
      expiratory volume in one second (FEV1, odd ratio (OR): 0.664, 95% confidence
      interval (CI): 0.491-0.900) and forced vital capacity (FVC, OR: 0.693, 95% CI:
      0.537-0.893) were negatively associated with diabetes among individuals. Additive
      interaction of higher urinary levels of OH-PAHs and lower FVC (RERI: 0.679, 95%
      CI: 0.120-1.238); AP: 0.427, 95% CI: 0.072-0.782) was associated with diabetes.
      Exposure to background PAHs was related to diabetes among individuals with lower
      lung function. Urinary levels of OH-PAHs and reduced lung function had an
      additive effect on diabetes.

PMID- 27136673
TI  - Air pollution in perspective: Health risks of air pollution expressed in
      equivalent numbers of passively smoked cigarettes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the health effects of long term exposure to air pollution
      are well established, it is difficult to effectively communicate the health risks
      of this (largely invisible) risk factor to the public and policy makers. The
      purpose of this study is to develop a method that expresses the health effects of
      air pollution in an equivalent number of daily passively smoked cigarettes.
      METHODS: Defined changes in PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Black Carbon (BC)
      concentration were expressed into number of passively smoked cigarettes, based on
      equivalent health risks for four outcome measures: Low Birth Weight (<2500g at
      term), decreased lung function (FEV1), cardiovascular mortality and lung cancer.
      To describe the strength of the relationship with ETS and air pollutants, we
      summarized the epidemiological literature using published or new meta-analyses.
      RESULTS: Realistic increments of 10ug/m(3) in PM2.5 and NO2 concentration and a
      1ug/m(3) increment in BC concentration correspond to on average (standard error
      in parentheses) 5.5 (1.6), 2.5 (0.6) and 4.0 (1.2) passively smoked cigarettes
      per day across the four health endpoints, respectively. The uncertainty reflects
      differences in equivalence between the health endpoints and uncertainty in the
      concentration response functions. The health risk of living along a major freeway
      in Amsterdam is, compared to a counterfactual situation with 'clean' air,
      equivalent to 10 daily passively smoked cigarettes.. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a
      method that expresses the health risks of air pollution and the health benefits
      of better air quality in a simple, appealing manner. The method can be used both
      at the national/regional and the local level. Evaluation of the usefulness of the
      method as a communication tool is needed.

PMID- 27136674
TI  - A fully automated tortuosity quantification system with application to corneal
      nerve fibres in confocal microscopy images.
AB  - Recent clinical research has highlighted important links between a number of
      diseases and the tortuosity of curvilinear anatomical structures like corneal
      nerve fibres, suggesting that tortuosity changes might detect early stages of
      specific conditions. Currently, clinical studies are mainly based on subjective,
      visual assessment, with limited repeatability and inter-observer agreement. To
      address these problems, we propose a fully automated framework for image-level
      tortuosity estimation, consisting of a hybrid segmentation method and a highly
      adaptable, definition-free tortuosity estimation algorithm. The former combines
      an appearance model, based on a Scale and Curvature-Invariant Ridge Detector
      (SCIRD), with a context model, including multi-range learned context filters. The
      latter is based on a novel tortuosity estimation paradigm in which
      discriminative, multi-scale features can be automatically learned for specific
      anatomical objects and diseases. Experimental results on 140 in vivo confocal
      microscopy images of corneal nerve fibres from healthy and unhealthy subjects
      demonstrate the excellent performance of our method compared to state-of-the-art
      approaches and ground truth annotations from 3 expert observers.

PMID- 27136675
TI  - Characterization of MUDENG, a novel anti-apoptotic protein.
AB  - MUDENG (Mu-2-related death-inducing gene, MuD) is revealed to be involved in cell
      death signaling. Astrocytes, the major glial cell type in the central nervous
      system, are a source of brain tumors. In this study, we examined MuD expression
      and function in human astroglioma cells. Stimulation of U251-MG cells with tumor
      necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) resulted in a 40%
      decrease in cell viability and a 33% decrease in MuD protein levels, although not
      in MuD mRNA levels. To study the functional relevance of MuD expression, stable
      transfectants expressing high levels of MuD were generated. Stimulation of these
      transfectants with TRAIL resulted in enhanced cell survival (77% for stable and
      46% for control transfectants). Depletion of MuD led to a marked reduction upon
      TRAIL stimulation in cell viability (22% in MuD-depleted cells and 54% in control
      cells). In addition, we observed that MuD depletion increased the susceptibility
      of the cells to TRAIL by enhancing the cleavage of caspase-3/-9 and BH3
      interacting domain death agonist (Bid). A unique 25-kDa fragment of B-cell
      lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) lacking BH4 was observed 60-180 min post TRAIL treatment in
      MuD-depleted cells, suggesting that Bcl-2 is converted from its anti-apoptotic
      form to the truncated pro-apoptotic form. Importantly, the TRAIL-mediated
      decrease in cell viability in MuD-depleted cells was abrogated upon Bid
      depletion, indicating that the role of MuD in apoptotic signaling takes place at
      the Bid and Bcl-2 junction. MuD localizes predominantly in the endoplasmic
      reticulum and partly in the mitochondria and its amounts are reduced 6 h post
      TRAIL stimulation, presumably via caspase-3-mediated MuD cleavage. Collectively,
      these results suggest that MuD, a novel signaling protein, not only possesses an
      anti-apoptotic function but may also constitute an important target for the
      design of ideal candidates for combinatorial treatment strategies for glioma
      cells. 

PMID- 27136676
TI  - Spontaneously Healable Thermoplastic Elastomers Achieved through One-Pot Living
      Ring-Opening Metathesis Copolymerization of Well-Designed Bulky Monomers.
AB  - We report here a series of novel spontaneously healable thermoplastic elastomers
      (TPEs) with a combination of improved mechanical and good autonomic self-healing
      performances. Hard-soft diblock and hard-soft-hard triblock copolymers with
      poly[exo-1,4,4a,9,9a,10-hexahydro-9,10(1',2')-benzeno-l,4-methanoanthracene]
      (PHBM) as the hard block and secondary amide group containing norbornene
      derivative polymer as the soft block were synthesized via living ring-opening
      metathesis copolymerization by use of Grubbs third-generation catalyst through
      sequential monomer addition. The microstructure, mechanical, self-healing, and
      surface morphologies of the block copolymers were thoroughly studied. Both
      excellent mechanical performance and self-healing capability were achieved for
      the block copolymers because of the interplayed physical cross-link of hard block
      and dynamic interaction formed by soft block in the self-assembled network. Under
      an optimized hard block (PHBM) weight ratio of 5%, a significant recovery of
      tensile strength (up to 100%) and strain at break (ca. 85%) was achieved at
      ambient temperature without any treatment even after complete rupture. Moreover,
      the simple reaction operations and well-designed monomers offer versatility in
      tuning the architectures and properties of the resulting block copolymers.

PMID- 27136677
TI  - Critical role for the mediodorsal thalamus in permitting rapid reward-guided
      updating in stochastic reward environments.
AB  - Adaptive decision-making uses information gained when exploring alternative
      options to decide whether to update the current choice strategy. Magnocellular
      mediodorsal thalamus (MDmc) supports adaptive decision-making, but its causal
      contribution is not well understood. Monkeys with excitotoxic MDmc damage were
      tested on probabilistic three-choice decision-making tasks. They could learn and
      track the changing values in object-reward associations, but they were severely
      impaired at updating choices after reversals in reward contingencies or when
      there were multiple options associated with reward. These deficits were not
      caused by perseveration or insensitivity to negative feedback though. Instead,
      monkeys with MDmc lesions exhibited an inability to use reward to promote choice
      repetition after switching to an alternative option due to a diminished influence
      of recent past choices and the last outcome to guide future behavior. Together,
      these data suggest MDmc allows for the rapid discovery and persistence with
      rewarding options, particularly in uncertain or changing environments.

PMID- 27136679
TI  - Quantifying intraindividual variations in plasma clozapine levels: a population
      pharmacokinetic approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Clozapine has strong recommendations for therapeutic drug monitoring.
      While factors that influence interindividual variation in plasma clozapine levels
      have been extensively reported, intraindividual variation remains poorly studied.
      We employed a population pharmacokinetic approach to assess intraindividual
      variations in plasma levels of both clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine, as well
      as the impact of smoking on this variability. METHODS: Patients who were
      initiated on clozapine from January 2009 to December 2010 and who provided at
      least 2 plasma samples were included in this study. The observed concentrations
      of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine were applied in a Bayesian pharmacokinetic
      modeling approach by using a previously published pharmacokinetic model from an
      independent sample to compute a predicted concentration. The predicted
      concentrations of clozapine and N-desmethylclozapine were then compared with the
      observed concentrations in the form of a ratio: predicted-to-observed
      concentration ratio (Cpred/Cobs). The coefficient of variation of the Cpred/Cobs
      ratios was taken as a measure of intraindividual variation. RESULTS: A total of
      723 plasma levels from 61 patients were included in this analysis. The
      coefficient of variation of Cpred/Cobs ratios for clozapine and N
      desmethylclozapine were 29.8% (SD = 17.2%) and 27.4% (SD = 16.4%), respectively.
      Though values were higher, smoking did not have a significant effect on
      coefficients of variation of clozapine (33.5% vs 26.3%, P = .184) or N
      desmethylclozapine (30.7% vs 24.2%, P = .100). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians need to be
      aware of intraindividual variability and not assume that plasma levels are
      static. If plasma levels are used to guide dosing of clozapine, serial
      measurements rather than a single level might be necessary to make an informed
      clinical decision. The clinical implications of intraindividual variability in
      plasma clozapine levels need further study.

PMID- 27136680
TI  - A Taste for Engineering.

PMID- 27136678
TI  - Synaptic pruning in the female hippocampus is triggered at puberty by
      extrasynaptic GABAA receptors on dendritic spines.
AB  - Adolescent synaptic pruning is thought to enable optimal cognition because it is
      disrupted in certain neuropathologies, yet the initiator of this process is
      unknown. One factor not yet considered is the alpha4betadelta GABAA receptor
      (GABAR), an extrasynaptic inhibitory receptor which first emerges on dendritic
      spines at puberty in female mice. Here we show that alpha4betadelta GABARs
      trigger adolescent pruning. Spine density of CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells
      decreased by half post-pubertally in female wild-type but not alpha4 KO mice.
      This effect was associated with decreased expression of kalirin-7 (Kal7), a spine
      protein which controls actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Kal7 decreased at puberty
      as a result of reduced NMDAR activation due to alpha4betadelta-mediated
      inhibition. In the absence of this inhibition, Kal7 expression was unchanged at
      puberty. In the unpruned condition, spatial re-learning was impaired. These data
      suggest that pubertal pruning requires alpha4betadelta GABARs. In their absence,
      pruning is prevented and cognition is not optimal.

PMID- 27136682
TI  - What Have the Principles of Engineering Taught Us about Biological Systems?

PMID- 27136681
TI  - Principles of Systems Biology, No. 1.
AB  - The inaugural responses to our first Cell Systems Call (Cell Systems 1, 307)
      highlight thought-provoking principles and implications of published research.
      Responses are ordered alphabetically by the last name of the first contributing
      author. 

PMID- 27136683
TI  - Unraveling Cell-Cycle Dynamics in Cancer.
AB  - Single-cell imaging data are used to disentangle the dynamics of a critical cell
      cycle checkpoint dysregulated in a human cancer cell line.

PMID- 27136684
TI  - Flipping the Rac-Rho Switch in Cell Motility.
AB  - Mutual inhibition of Rac and Rho GTPases leads to bistability and hysteresis at
      both the biochemical and cell behavior levels.

PMID- 27136685
TI  - TensorFlow: Biology's Gateway to Deep Learning?
AB  - TensorFlow is Google's recently released open-source software for deep learning.
      What are its applications for computational biology?

PMID- 27136686
TI  - Antithetic Integral Feedback Ensures Robust Perfect Adaptation in Noisy
      Biomolecular Networks.
AB  - The ability to adapt to stimuli is a defining feature of many biological systems
      and critical to maintaining homeostasis. While it is well appreciated that
      negative feedback can be used to achieve homeostasis when networks behave
      deterministically, the effect of noise on their regulatory function is not
      understood. Here, we combine probability and control theory to develop a theory
      of biological regulation that explicitly takes into account the noisy nature of
      biochemical reactions. We introduce tools for the analysis and design of robust
      homeostatic circuits and propose a new regulation motif, which we call antithetic
      integral feedback. This motif exploits stochastic noise, allowing it to achieve
      precise regulation in scenarios where similar deterministic regulation fails.
      Specifically, antithetic integral feedback preserves the stability of the overall
      network, steers the population of any regulated species to a desired set point,
      and adapts perfectly. We suggest that this motif may be prevalent in endogenous
      biological circuits and useful when creating synthetic circuits. 

PMID- 27136687
TI  - A Dynamical Framework for the All-or-None G1/S Transition.
AB  - The transition from G1 into DNA replication (S phase) is an emergent behavior
      resulting from dynamic and complex interactions between cyclin-dependent kinases
      (Cdks), Cdk inhibitors (CKIs), and the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome
      (APC/C). Understanding the cellular decision to commit to S phase requires a
      quantitative description of these interactions. We apply quantitative imaging of
      single human cells to track the expression of G1/S regulators and use these data
      to parametrize a stochastic mathematical model of the G1/S transition. We show
      that a rapid, proteolytic, double-negative feedback loop between Cdk2:Cyclin and
      the Cdk inhibitor p27(Kip1) drives a switch-like entry into S phase. Furthermore,
      our model predicts that increasing Emi1 levels throughout S phase are critical in
      maintaining irreversibility of the G1/S transition, which we validate using Emi1
      knockdown and live imaging of G1/S reporters. This work provides insight into the
      general design principles of the signaling networks governing the temporally
      abrupt transitions between cell-cycle phases.

PMID- 27136688
TI  - Bistability in the Rac1, PAK, and RhoA Signaling Network Drives Actin
      Cytoskeleton Dynamics and Cell Motility Switches.
AB  - Dynamic interactions between RhoA and Rac1, members of the Rho small GTPase
      family, play a vital role in the control of cell migration. Using predictive
      mathematical modeling, mass spectrometry-based quantitation of network
      components, and experimental validation in MDA-MB-231 mesenchymal breast cancer
      cells, we show that a network containing Rac1, RhoA, and PAK family kinases can
      produce bistable, switch-like responses to a graded PAK inhibition. Using a small
      chemical inhibitor of PAK, we demonstrate that cellular RhoA and Rac1 activation
      levels respond in a history-dependent, bistable manner to PAK inhibition.
      Consequently, we show that downstream signaling, actin dynamics, and cell
      migration also behave in a bistable fashion, displaying switches and hysteresis
      in response to PAK inhibition. Our results demonstrate that PAK is a critical
      component in the Rac1-RhoA inhibitory crosstalk that governs bistable GTPase
      activity, cell morphology, and cell migration switches.

PMID- 27136689
TI  - Combinatorial Histone Acetylation Patterns Are Generated by Motif-Specific
      Reactions.
AB  - Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are pivotal to cellular information
      processing, but how combinatorial PTM patterns ("motifs") are set remains
      elusive. We develop a computational framework, which we provide as open source
      code, to investigate the design principles generating the combinatorial
      acetylation patterns on histone H4 in Drosophila melanogaster. We find that
      models assuming purely unspecific or lysine site-specific acetylation rates were
      insufficient to explain the experimentally determined motif abundances. Rather,
      these abundances were best described by an ensemble of models with acetylation
      rates that were specific to motifs. The model ensemble converged upon four
      acetylation pathways; we validated three of these using independent data from a
      systematic enzyme depletion study. Our findings suggest that histone acetylation
      patterns originate through specific pathways involving motif-specific acetylation
      activity.

PMID- 27136691
TI  - To Use or Not? Evaluating ASPECTS of Smartphone Apps and Mobile Technology for
      Clinical Care in Psychiatry.
AB  - In this commentary, we discuss smartphone apps for psychiatry and the lack of
      resources to assist clinicians in evaluating the utility, safety, and efficacy of
      apps. Evaluating an app requires new considerations that are beyond those
      employed in evaluating a medication or typical clinical intervention. Based on
      our software engineering, informatics, and clinical knowledge and experiences, we
      propose an evaluation framework, "ASPECTS," to spark discussion about apps and
      aid clinicians in determining whether an app is Actionable, Secure, Professional,
      Evidence-based, Customizable, and TranSparent. Clinicians who use the ASPECTS
      guide will be more informed and able to make more thorough evaluations of apps.

PMID- 27136692
TI  - Naturally Occurring Carbazole Alkaloids from Murraya koenigii as Potential
      Antidiabetic Agents.
AB  - This study identified koenidine (4) as a metabolically stable antidiabetic
      compound, when evaluated in a rodent type 2 model (leptin receptor-deficient
      db/db mice), and showed a considerable reduction in the postprandial blood
      glucose profile with an improvement in insulin sensitivity. Biological studies
      were directed from the preliminary in vitro evaluation of the effects of isolated
      carbazole alkaloids (1-6) on glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in L6
      GLUT4myc myotubes, followed by an investigation of their activity (2-5) in
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The effect of koenidine (4) on GLUT4
      translocation was mediated by the AKT-dependent signaling pathway in L6-GLUT4myc
      myotubes. Moreover, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies of compounds 2 and 4 clearly
      showed that compound 4 was 2.7 times more bioavailable than compound 2, resulting
      in a superior in vivo efficacy. Therefore, these studies suggested that koenidine
      (4) may serve as a promising lead natural scaffold for managing insulin
      resistance and diabetes.

PMID- 27136693
TI  - Rotational coherent dot movement normalizes spatial disorientation of the
      subjective visual vertical in patients with rightsided stroke.
AB  - Studies in healthy individuals indicate a significant influence of rotating
      visual motion on judgments of the subjective visual vertical (SVV). Moreover,
      sensory stimulation manoeuvres like horizontal coherent dot movement
      significantly modulate horizontal spatial deficits in patients with rightsided
      stroke. Here, we investigated whether rotational coherent dot movement (RCDM)
      modulates spatial orientation deficits of the SVV in the roll plane in right
      hemispheric stroke. We tested the perceptual judgment of the SVV in 20 patients
      with right-hemispheric, first ever stroke (10 of them with a disorder of the SVV
      and 10 without a disorder), and 10 healthy, age-matched subjects under three
      experimental conditions: (1) with a static background of small white dots, (2)
      with slow clockwise or (3) counterclockwise circular RCDM of these background
      stimuli. In the baseline condition with static background, the impaired patient
      group showed a counterclockwise tilt of the SVV. Clockwise RCDM normalized this
      deficit completely, while with counterclockwise RCDM a slight aggravation was
      observed. Similar but quantitatively much smaller effects were obtained in the
      SVV-unimpaired patients and the healthy individuals. These results demonstrate a
      strong modulatory effect of RCDM on the SVV in patients with a tilt of the SVV
      due to right-sided stroke. RCDM thus appears to influence higher spatial
      representations devoted to visuospatial perception of the SVV. Possible
      mechanisms as well as clinical implications for therapy of visuospatial
      disorientation (self-orientation in space) after stroke are discussed.

PMID- 27136694
TI  - Technological addictions: Conceptualisation, measurement, etiology and treatment.

PMID- 27136695
TI  - Clinical utility of the list sign as a predictor of non-demyelinating disorders
      in a multiple sclerosis (MS) practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Not all patients referred for evaluation of multiple sclerosis (MS)
      meet criteria required for MS or related entities. Identification of markers to
      exclude demyelinating disease may help detect patients whose presenting symptoms
      are inconsistent with MS. In this study, we evaluate whether patients who present
      a self-prepared list of symptoms during an initial visit are less likely to have
      demyelinating disease and whether this action, which we term the "list sign," may
      help exclude demyelinating disease. METHODS: Using chart review, 300 consecutive
      new patients who presented for evaluation to a neurologist at a tertiary MS
      referral center were identified retrospectively. Patients were defined as having
      demyelinating disease if diagnosed with MS or a related demyelinating condition.
      RESULTS: Of the 233 enrolled subjects, 157 were diagnosed with demyelinating
      disease and 74 did not meet criteria for demyelinating disease. Fifteen (8.4%)
      subjects had a positive list sign, of which 1 patient had demyelinating disease.
      The 15 subjects described a mean of 12.07 symptoms, and 8 of these patients met
      Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)
      criteria for somatic symptom disorder. The specificity and positive predictive
      value of the list sign for non-demyelinating disease were 0.99 (95% confidence
      interval (CI) 0.96-0.99) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.66-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSION: A
      positive list sign may be useful to exclude demyelinating disease and to guide
      diagnostic evaluations for other conditions. Patients with a positive list sign
      also have a high incidence of somatic symptom disorder.

PMID- 27136696
TI  - To the Editor- Carnitine and ventricular repolarization: a complex link?

PMID- 27136697
TI  - Reply to the Editor-Carnitine and Ventricular Repolarization: A Complex Link?

PMID- 27136698
TI  - Electrical stimulation-based evaluation for functional modification of renal
      autonomic nerve activities induced by catheter ablation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation of the renal artery can be performed without
      apparent angiographic stenosis. This suggests that renal nerve function can be
      attenuated with minor structural damage to the renal artery. OBJECTIVE: To
      clarify this hypothesis, we examined the relationship between electrical nerve
      stimulation (ENS)-induced blood pressure (BP) response and severity of
      histological injury of the renal artery using an acute canine model of renal
      artery ablation. METHODS: An irrigation catheter was inserted into the renal
      arteries of 8 dogs, and radiofrequency current was delivered at 15, 20, or 25 W.
      ENS was applied to each artery before and after ablation. RESULTS: Before
      ablation, ENS increased the BP and heart rate from 145 +/- 15/86 +/- 13 to 189 +/
      21/111 +/- 19 mm Hg and from 116 +/- 9 to 130 +/- 6 beats/min, respectively.
      Heart rate variability indices and serum catecholamine levels were elevated
      concomitantly. After ablation, the ENS-induced increase in BP and heart rate were
      markedly attenuated after 15 W ablation and those were nearly completely
      inhibited after 20 or 25 W ablation. An increase in heart rate variability
      indices and serum catecholamine levels became insignificant regardless of the
      applied energy. Renal artery angiograms revealed stenotic lesions only after 25 W
      ablation procedures. Histological studies showed mild to moderate injury of the
      arterial wall and autonomic nerves caused by 20 and 25 W ablation procedures,
      whereas only minor changes caused by 15 W ablation. CONCLUSION: Functional renal
      autonomic nerve ablation is potentially performable with the guidance of ENS.

PMID- 27136699
TI  - A study of medical device regulation management model in Asia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: With the aging of the post-war baby boomer generation, the
      increasing demands for healthcare are driving the growth of medical industry and
      development of new products in order to meet the immense needs from the aging
      population. However, medical devices are designed to maintain the health and
      safety of people, therefore, medical devices are undergoing rigorous management
      by competent health authorities in all countries. In recent years, Asian
      countries have been reforming their regulations and standards for medical devices
      with substantial changes. AREAS COVERED: The study is a summary of the framework
      of medical device regulations in Asian countries, including Asian Harmonization
      Working Party (AHWP), Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, India and Singapore.
      Expert commentary: Asian countries are constantly reforming their medical device
      regulations. The emergence of brand-new technology and quality management issues
      arose by global manufacturing have imposed difficulties in harmonizing and
      reaching consensus between countries. The third-party conformity assessment
      system for medical devices can reduce the costs for competent health authorities
      and shorten the review time, which could facilitate the feasibility of
      harmonization of medical device regulations.

PMID- 27136700
TI  - The role of cardiac magnetic resonance in assessing the cardiac involvement in
      Gaucher type 1 patients: morphological and functional evaluations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) is the most common lysosomal disorder,
      characterized by the accumulation of beta-glucocerebroside into the macrophages
      of several organs. Cardiac involvement is rare and referred to as restrictive
      cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, and calcifications of the valves and the
      aortic arch. AIM: To assess the cardiovascular status by cardiac magnetic
      resonance, including evaluation of tissue characterization, in GD1 patients.
      METHODS: Nine GD1 patients were recruited at the Tertiary Care Centre for Rare
      Diseases at Ca' Granda Foundation IRCCS Hospital, Milan. The patients' records
      were available for a mean time of 6 +/- 3 years. Medical history of cardiac
      disease and cardiovascular risk factors were surveyed by direct interview.
      Patients were scanned with a 1.5 Avanto Siemens using a comprehensive
      cardiovascular evaluation protocol, including morphologic and functional
      sequences with gadolinium contrast media, to assess early and late enhancement
      (late gadolinium enhancement). Echocardiography was performed to study the
      cardiac morphology and function, including the measurement of pulmonary pressure.
      RESULTS: Three patients showed left atrial enlargement, one patient showed
      moderate aortic stenosis in bicuspid valve with mild aortic dilatation, and one
      patient showed moderate mitral regurgitation. No evidence of myocardial late
      gadolinium enhancement was detected after gadolinium contrast media. Seven
      patients received enzyme replacement therapy for a median of 1 year, and two
      patients were evaluated at diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Although cardiac disease in
      Gaucher disease is considered rare and associated with particular genotypes, we
      have found two valvular diseases and mild left atrial enlargement in three out of
      nine patients. Further studies to evaluate the prognostic value of these findings
      are warranted.

PMID- 27136701
TI  - Aortic surgery in Marfan patients with severe pectus excavatum.
AB  - AIMS: The optimal surgical management of the aortic root phenotype Marfan
      patients with severe pectus excavatum is a subject of debate. All the available
      literature were reviewed according to preferred reporting items for systematic
      reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) principles in order to assess the early
      outcomes of both pectus excavatum and aortic repair techniques. METHODS: Searches
      were done in PubMed and MEDLINE electronic databases dating from July 1953 to
      December 2015. RESULTS: A total of 97 peer-reviewed publications were retrieved,
      and 27 relevant publications were identified with a total of 39 Marfan patients
      with pectus excavatum who underwent ascending aorta and aortic root surgery.
      Emergency acute Type-A aortic dissection repair was reported in five cases.
      Concomitant pectus excavatum and aortic root repair and composite graft
      implantation were the most commonly performed procedures. Complications after a
      staged or a combined approach were uncommon and no deaths occurred. CONCLUSION:
      Aortic surgery in Marfan patients with pectus excavatum was carried out according
      to a variety of strategies, surgical techniques and accesses with low
      complications rate and no mortality. Many of these were well tolerated with
      minimal complications and no mortality.

PMID- 27136702
TI  - Implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy in young patients with
      cardiomyopathies and channelopathies: a single Italian centre experience.
AB  - AIMS: This study was designed to prospectively evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of
      implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy in young patients with
      cardiomyopathies and channelopathies. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population
      included 96 consecutive patients [68 men, median age 27 (22-32) years] with
      cardiomyopathies, such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (n =
      35), dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 17), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n = 15),
      Brugada syndrome (n = 14), idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (n = 5), left
      ventricular noncompaction (n = 4), long-QT syndrome (n = 4) and short-QT syndrome
      (n = 2), who were 18-35 years old at the time of ICD implantation. During a mean
      follow-up of 72.6 +/- 53.3 months, one patient with end-stage hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy died because of acute heart failure, and 11 patients underwent
      orthotopic heart transplantation. Twenty patients (20.8%) had a total of 38
      appropriate ICD interventions (4%/year), and 26 patients (27.1%) experienced a
      total of 49 adverse ICD-related events (5.4%/year), including 23 inappropriate
      ICD interventions occurring in nine patients (9.4%) and 26 device-related
      complications requiring surgical revision occurring in 20 patients (20.8%). Lead
      failure/fracture requiring lead extraction was the most common complication (n =
      9). A threshold for ICD therapy less than 300 ms was associated with a borderline
      significant lower probability of inappropriate ICD interventions (hazard ratio =
      0.2; 95% confidence interval 0.02-1.2; P = 0.07), whereas underweight status was
      an independent predictor of device-related complications (hazard ratio = 5.4; 95%
      confidence interval 1.5-19.4; P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: In young patients with
      cardiomyopathies and channelopathies, ICD therapy provided life-saving protection
      by effectively terminating life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. However,
      because ICD-related adverse events are common, the risk/benefit ratio should be
      carefully assessed when considering ICD implantation in young people.

PMID- 27136703
TI  - An individualized left ventricular lead-targeting strategy improves long-term
      survival of cardiac resynchronization therapy patients and influences the benefit
      of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: a long-term follow-up of the
      TARGET study.

PMID- 27136704
TI  - Efficient Nonnegative Matrix Factorization by DC Programming and DCA.
AB  - In this letter, we consider the nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) problem
      and several NMF variants. Two approaches based on DC (difference of convex
      functions) programming and DCA (DC algorithm) are developed. The first approach
      follows the alternating framework that requires solving, at each iteration, two
      nonnegativity-constrained least squares subproblems for which DCA-based schemes
      are investigated. The convergence property of the proposed algorithm is carefully
      studied. We show that with suitable DC decompositions, our algorithm generates
      most of the standard methods for the NMF problem. The second approach directly
      applies DCA on the whole NMF problem. Two algorithms-one computing all variables
      and one deploying a variable selection strategy-are proposed. The proposed
      methods are then adapted to solve various NMF variants, including the nonnegative
      factorization, the smooth regularization NMF, the sparse regularization NMF, the
      multilayer NMF, the convex/convex-hull NMF, and the symmetric NMF. We also show
      that our algorithms include several existing methods for these NMF variants as
      special versions. The efficiency of the proposed approaches is empirically
      demonstrated on both real-world and synthetic data sets. It turns out that our
      algorithms compete favorably with five state-of-the-art alternating nonnegative
      least squares algorithms. 

PMID- 27136705
TI  - Characterization of Bacillus subtilis Colony Biofilms via Mass Spectrometry and
      Fluorescence Imaging.
AB  - Colony biofilms of Bacillus subtilis are a widely used model for studying
      cellular differentiation. Here, we applied matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to examine cellular
      and molecular heterogeneity in B. subtilis colony biofilms. From B. subtilis
      cells cultivated on a biofilm-promoting medium, we detected two cannibalistic
      factors not found in previous MALDI MSI studies of the same strain under
      different culturing conditions. Given the importance of cannibalism in matrix
      formation of B. subtilis biofilms, we employed a transcriptional reporter to
      monitor matrix-producing cell subpopulations using fluorescence imaging. These
      two complementary imaging approaches were used to characterize three B. subtilis
      strains, the wild type isolate NCIB3610, and two mutants, Deltaspo0A and
      DeltaabrB, with defective and enhanced biofilm phenotypes, respectively. Upon
      deletion of key transcriptional factors, correlated changes were observed in
      biofilm morphology, signaling, cannibalistic factor distribution, and matrix
      related gene expression, providing new insights on cannibalism in biofilm
      development. This work underscores the advantages of using multimodal imaging to
      compare spatial patterns of selected molecules with the associated protein
      expression patterns, obtaining information on cellular heterogeneity and function
      not obtainable when using a single method to characterize biofilm formation.

PMID- 27136706
TI  - Chondrolipoma of the tonsil.

PMID- 27136707
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27136708
TI  - Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance from Rationally Designed Anatase/Rutile
      TiO2 Heterostructures.
AB  - In a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell for water splitting, the critical issue is
      charge separation and transport, which is usually completed by designing
      semiconductor heterojunctions. TiO2 anatase-rutile mixed junctions could largely
      improve photocatalytic properties, but impairs PEC water splitting performance.
      We designed and prepared two types of TiO2 heterostructures with the anatase thin
      film and rutile nanowire phases organized in different sequences. The two types
      of heterostructures were used as PEC photoanodes for water splitting and
      demonstrated completely opposite results. Rutile nanowires on anatase film
      demonstrated enhanced photocurrent density and onset potential, whereas strong
      negative performance was obtained from anatase film on rutile nanowire
      structures. The mechanism was investigated by photoresponse, light absorption and
      reflectance, and electrochemical impedance spectra. This work revealed the
      significant role of phase sequence in performance gain of anatase-rutile TiO2
      heterostructured PEC photoanodes.

PMID- 27136709
TI  - AMP-activated kinase alpha2 deficiency protects mice from denervation-induced
      skeletal muscle atrophy.
AB  - AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of skeletal muscle
      metabolic pathways. Recently, AMPK activation by AICAR has been shown to increase
      myofibrillar protein degradation in C2C12 myotubes via stimulating autophagy and
      ubiquitin proteasome system. However, the impact of AMPKalpha on denervation
      induced muscle atrophy has not been tested. In this study, we performed sciatic
      denervation on hind limb muscles in both wild type (WT) and AMPKalpha2(-/-) mice.
      We found that AMPKalpha was phosphorylated in atrophic muscles following
      denervation. In addition, deletion of AMPKalpha2 significantly attenuated
      denervation induced skeletal muscle wasting and protein degradation, as evidenced
      by preserved muscle mass and myofiber area, as well as lower levels of
      ubiquitinated protein, Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 expression, and LC3-II/I ratio in
      tibial anterior (TA) muscles. Interestingly, the phosphorylated FoxO3a at Ser253
      was significantly decreased in atrophic TA muscles, which was preserved in
      AMPKalpha2(-/-) mice. Collectively, our data support the notion that the
      activation of AMPKalpha2 contributes to the atrophic effects of denervation.

PMID- 27136710
TI  - Investigation of plasma induced electrical and chemical factors and their
      contribution processes to plasma gene transfection.
AB  - This study has been done to know what kind of factors in plasmas and processes on
      cells induce plasma gene transfection. We evaluated the contribution weight of
      three groups of the effects and processes, i.e. electrical, chemical and
      biochemical ones, inducing gene transfection. First, the laser produced plasma
      (LPP) was employed to estimate the contribution of the chemical factors. Second,
      liposomes were fabricated and employed to evaluate the effects of plasma
      irradiation on membrane under the condition without biochemical reaction. Third,
      the clathrin-dependent endocytosis, one of the biochemical processes was
      suppressed. It becomes clear that chemical factors (radicals and reactive
      oxygen/nitrogen species) do not work by itself alone and electrical factors
      (electrical current, charge and field) are essential to plasma gene transfection.
      It turned out the clathrin-dependent endocytosis is the process of the
      transfection against the 60% in all the transfected cells. The endocytosis and
      electrical poration are dominant in plasma gene transfection, and neither
      permeation through ion channels nor chemical poration is dominant processes. The
      simultaneous achievement of high transfection efficiency and high cell
      survivability is attributed to the optimization of the contribution weight among
      three groups of processes by controlling the weight of electrical and chemical
      factors.

PMID- 27136711
TI  - What can flies tell us about zinc homeostasis?
AB  - Zinc is an essential micronutrient for all organisms. For multicellular
      organisms, zinc uptake, storage, distribution and export are tightly regulated at
      both cellular and organismal levels, to cope with the multiple requirements
      versus the toxicity of the metal ion. During the past decade, the fruit fly
      Drosophila melanogaster has become an important model organism for the
      elucidation of metazoan zinc homeostasis. This review describes our current
      knowledge of various zinc transporters in Drosophila, with an emphasis on the
      process of dietary zinc uptake in the fly. We also discuss how Drosophila was
      used as a model to facilitate our understanding of the role of zinc in
      neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 27136712
TI  - Engaging Participants in Rare Disease Research: A Qualitative Study of Duchenne
      Muscular Dystrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Clinical trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are increasing due
      to technical advances in genetics, muscle biology and muscle imaging, and
      translational science. Yet the ability to achieve and measure progress in
      clinical trials in DMD is severely constrained by recruitment difficulties and
      low levels of patient and family participation. Clinical trials that do not have
      full inclusion of patients may affect how well new therapies perform in clinical
      practice. METHODS: This study qualitatively investigated family-centered and
      clinician-based knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of engagement in clinical
      research in DMD. Thirteen focus-group sessions (8 parent based and 5 clinician
      based) were held at 5 demographically and geographically diverse sites (Houston,
      Texas; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Sacramento, California;
      and Washington, DC). Thematic analysis was used for identifying patterns of
      meaning across the dataset. FINDINGS: Totals of 28 parents and 33 clinicians
      participated in innovative and thoughtful discussions regarding clinical research
      in DMD and approaches to eliciting family engagement. Five overarching themes
      emerged from our qualitative data. The theme of Information discussed the lack of
      accessible and coherent information, as well as the overabundance of fragmented
      information. The theme of Conversation demonstrated the importance of having open
      and in-depth dialogue about research with families in eliciting trust and
      obligation toward the research process. The Barriers and Incentives themes
      presented the parents' and clinicians' views of the life-altering sacrifices that
      families make to participate in research and ways to reduce these burdens. Under
      the Solutions theme, parents and clinicians also suggested innovative ways to
      incentivize families and clinics and thoughtful solutions to increase family
      engagement in research. IMPLICATIONS: Effective recruitment for clinical studies
      in rare diseases requires a truly committed and engaged study team, as well as
      the necessary resources to overcome the multitude of barriers that families face.
      A clearly delineated recruitment plan, developed together with families, should
      be the standard operating procedure during clinical trial development. Protocols
      utilizing direct family-centered strategies for providing information and for
      recruiting research participants in studies in rare diseases are essential.

PMID- 27136713
TI  - Corrigendum to "Descriptive Comparison of Drug Treatment-Persistent, -
      Nonpersistent, and Nondrug Treatment Patients With Newly Diagnosed Attention
      Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Germany" Clin Ther 2013;35:673-685.

PMID- 27136714
TI  - Natural History of Patients Taking Rifaximin-alpha for Recurrent Hepatic
      Encephalopathy and Risk of Future Overt Episodes and Mortality: A Post-hoc
      Analysis of Clinical Trials Data.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication of cirrhosis signaling
      decompensation and is associated with mortality. There has been little
      characterization of HE once an incident episode has occurred and of what effect
      the transition to overt HE might have on outcomes. We characterized the
      relationships between the number of previous HE episodes and risk of subsequent
      episodes and mortality to better understand the natural history of HE. METHODS:
      Data on 321 patients from a 24-month, open-label, nonrandomized trial evaluating
      the long-term safety profile and tolerability of twice-daily rifaximin-alpha 550
      mg were analyzed. Patients were followed for a mean of 1.5 years (total follow-up
      of 467 years). FINDINGS: There were a total of 334 HE episodes and 75 deaths,
      corresponding to unadjusted event rates of 715 HE episodes and 161 deaths per
      1000 years. There was a direct association between rate of subsequent HE episodes
      and number of prior HE episodes; the risk of subsequent HE episodes was elevated
      for each additional HE episode (hazard ratio = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.19-1.29). There
      was a nonlinear, nonmonotonic relationship between risk of death and number of
      prior HE episodes; risk initially increased, then decreased, and finally
      plateaued as the number of prior HE episodes increased. IMPLICATIONS: Patients
      with a larger number of previous, overt HE episodes had a greater risk for
      subsequent episodes. However, mortality risk decreased after the third episode of
      HE. A plausible hypothesis to explain this finding is that risk of mortality may
      be reduced in patients receiving long-term rifaximin-alpha therapy.

PMID- 27136715
TI  - A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Using Oil Massage to Promote Infant
      Growth.
AB  - The synthesizing evidence on the effectiveness of using oil massage to promote
      the growth of infants is still lacking. This paper aims to determine whether oil
      massage can promote the physical and neurobehavioral growth of infants according
      to variables and to evaluate whether oil massage is safe for infant skin.
      ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The randomized controlled trials, clinical controlled
      trials and quasi-experimentally designed trials published prior to or in 2014
      were searched according to predetermined inclusion criteria and exclusion
      criteria in Medline, PubMed, Ovid, the Cochran Library, and Chinese databases,
      including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang database and VIP
      journal integration platform. Besides, the grey lectures were searched as well
      through Open Grey, GrayLIT Network and Clinical Trials.gov. SAMPLE: Eight studies
      out of 625 retrieved articles were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: Oil massage
      increased the infant weights, lengths and head circumferences. However, it did
      not promote a significant advantage in neurobehavioral scores or cause a
      significant risk of adverse skin reactions. IMPLICATIONS: The core mechanisms and
      standard procedures of oil massage as well as the preferred oil type should be
      the focus of future nursing practice and research. CONCLUSIONS: Oil massage may
      effectively improve the physical growth of infants, and it presents a limited
      risk of adverse skin reactions. However, the relationship between
      neurodevelopment and oil massage requires further study.

PMID- 27136716
TI  - Aquaporin-mediated long-distance polyphosphate translocation directed towards the
      host in arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis: application of virus-induced gene
      silencing.
AB  - Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi translocate polyphosphate through hyphae over a long
      distance to deliver to the host. More than three decades ago, suppression of host
      transpiration was found to decelerate phosphate delivery of the fungal symbiont,
      leading us to hypothesize that transpiration provides a primary driving force for
      polyphosphate translocation, probably via creating hyphal water flow in which
      fungal aquaporin(s) may be involved. The impact of transpiration suppression on
      polyphosphate translocation through hyphae of Rhizophagus clarus was evaluated.
      An aquaporin gene expressed in intraradical mycelia was characterized and knocked
      down by virus-induced gene silencing to investigate the involvement of the gene
      in polyphosphate translocation. Rhizophagus clarus aquaporin 3 (RcAQP3) that was
      most highly expressed in intraradical mycelia encodes an aquaglyceroporin
      responsible for water transport across the plasma membrane. Knockdown of RcAQP3
      as well as the suppression of host transpiration decelerated polyphosphate
      translocation in proportion to the levels of knockdown and suppression,
      respectively. These results provide the first insight into the mechanism
      underlying long-distance polyphosphate translocation in mycorrhizal associations
      at the molecular level, in which host transpiration and the fungal aquaporin play
      key roles. A hypothetical model of the translocation is proposed for further
      elucidation of the mechanism.

PMID- 27136717
TI  - Re-analysis of narcotic critical body residue data using the equilibrium
      distribution concept and refined partition coefficients.
AB  - Narcosis occurs as a result of the accumulation of chemicals in the phospholipid
      membrane. The toxic threshold concentration in the membrane is thought to be
      relatively constant across different chemicals and species. Hence, estimating
      chemical concentrations in the membrane is expected to reduce the variability of
      narcotic critical body residue (CBR) data. In this study, a high quality CBR
      dataset for three aquatic species reported recently in the literature was
      evaluated with the internal equilibrium distribution concept. The raw wet-weight
      based CBR values were converted to membrane-weight-based CBR values by assuming
      that the chemical is distributed in storage lipids, membranes, proteins, and
      water according to the respective equilibrium partition coefficients. Several
      sets of partition coefficients were compared for this analysis. The results were
      consistent with the notion that the use of a structural protein instead of serum
      albumin as a surrogate for the body protein fraction could reduce the variability
      of CBRs. Partition coefficients predicted by polyparameter linear free energy
      relationships (PP-LFERs) reduced the variability of CBRs as much as or even more
      than experimental partition coefficients did. It is suggested that CBR data for
      chemicals with larger structural diversity and biological species with more
      distinct compositions are needed to evaluate further the equilibrium distribution
      concept and the constant membrane threshold hypothesis. 

PMID- 27136718
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, theoretical prediction of activities and evaluation
      of biological activities of some sulfacetamide based hydroxytriazenes.
AB  - Six new N [(4-aminophenyl)sulfonyl]acetamide based hydroxytriazenes have been
      synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and
      MASS spectral analysis. Further, their theoretical predictions for probable
      activities have been taken using PASS (Prediction of Activity Spectra for
      Substance). Although a number of activities have been predicted but specifically
      anti-inflammatory, antiradical, anti-diabetic activities have been experimentally
      validated which proves that theoretical predictions agree with the experimental
      results. The object of the Letter is to establish Computer Aided Drug Design
      (CADD) using our compounds.

PMID- 27136719
TI  - Discovery of potent, reversible MetAP2 inhibitors via fragment based drug
      discovery and structure based drug design-Part 2.
AB  - Methionine aminopeptidase-2 (MetAP2) is an enzyme that cleaves an N-terminal
      methionine residue from a number of newly synthesized proteins. This step is
      required before they will fold or function correctly. Pre-clinical and clinical
      studies with a MetAP2 inhibitor suggest that they could be used as a novel
      treatment for obesity. Herein we describe the discovery of a series of
      pyrazolo[4,3-b]indoles as reversible MetAP2 inhibitors. A fragment-based drug
      discovery (FBDD) approach was used, beginning with the screening of fragment
      libraries to generate hits with high ligand-efficiency (LE). An indazole core was
      selected for further elaboration, guided by structural information. SAR from the
      indazole series led to the design of a pyrazolo[4,3-b]indole core and accelerated
      knowledge-based fragment growth resulted in potent and efficient MetAP2
      inhibitors, which have shown robust and sustainable body weight loss in DIO mice
      when dosed orally. 

PMID- 27136720
TI  - K- and L-edge X-ray absorption spectrum calculations of closed-shell carbon,
      silicon, germanium, and sulfur compounds using damped four-component density
      functional response theory.
AB  - X-ray absorption spectra of carbon, silicon, germanium, and sulfur compounds have
      been investigated by means of damped four-component density functional response
      theory. It is demonstrated that a reliable description of relativistic effects is
      obtained at both K- and L-edges. Notably, an excellent agreement with
      experimental results is obtained for L2,3-spectra-with spin-orbit effects well
      accounted for-also in cases when the experimental intensity ratio deviates from
      the statistical one of 2 : 1. The theoretical results are consistent with
      calculations using standard response theory as well as recently reported real
      time propagation methods in time-dependent density functional theory, and the
      virtues of different approaches are discussed. As compared to silane and silicon
      tetrachloride, an anomalous error in the absolute energy is reported for the L2,3
      spectrum of silicon tetrafluoride, amounting to an additional spectral shift of
      ~1 eV. This anomaly is also observed for other exchange-correlation functionals,
      but it is seen neither at other silicon edges nor at the carbon K-edge of
      fluorine derivatives of ethene. Considering the series of molecules SiH4-XFX with
      X = 1, 2, 3, 4, a gradual divergence from interpolated experimental ionization
      potentials is observed at the level of Kohn-Sham density functional theory (DFT),
      and to a smaller extent with the use of Hartree-Fock. This anomalous error is
      thus attributed partly to difficulties in correctly emulating the electronic
      structure effects imposed by the very electronegative fluorines, and partly due
      to inconsistencies in the spurious electron self-repulsion in DFT. Substitution
      with one, or possibly two, fluorine atoms is estimated to yield small enough
      errors to allow for reliable interpretations and predictions of L2,3-spectra of
      more complex and extended silicon-based systems.

PMID- 27136721
TI  - Trends in Critical Care Beds and Use Among Population Groups and Medicare and
      Medicaid Beneficiaries in the United States: 2000-2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyze patterns of critical care medicine beds, use, and costs in
      acute care hospitals in the United States and relate critical care medicine beds
      and use to population shifts, age groups, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries
      from 2000 to 2010. DESIGN: Retrospective study of data from the federal
      Healthcare Cost Report Information System, American Hospital Association, and
      U.S. Census Bureau. SUBJECTS: None. INTERVENTIONS: None. SETTING: Acute care U.S.
      hospitals with critical care medicine beds. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: From
      2000 to 2010, U.S. hospitals with critical care medicine beds decreased by 17%
      (3,586-2,977), whereas the U.S. population increased by 9.6% (282.2-309.3M).
      Although hospital beds decreased by 2.2% (655,785-641,395), critical care
      medicine beds increased by 17.8% (88,235-103,900), a 20.4% increase in the
      critical care medicine-to-hospital bed ratio (13.5-16.2%). There was a greater
      percentage increase in premature/neonatal (29%; 14,391-18,567) than in adult
      (15.9%; 71,978-83,417) or pediatric (2.7%; 1,866-1,916) critical care medicine
      beds. Hospital occupancy rates increased by 10.4% (58.6-64.6%), whereas critical
      care medicine occupancy rates were stable (range, 65-68%). Critical care medicine
      beds per 100,000 total population increased by 7.4% (31.3-33.6). The proportional
      use of critical care medicine services by Medicare beneficiaries decreased by
      17.3% (37.9-31.4%), whereas that by Medicaid rose by 18.3% (14.5-17.2%). Between
      2000 and 2010, annual critical care medicine costs nearly doubled (92.2%; $56-108
      billion). In the same period, the proportion of critical care medicine cost to
      the gross domestic product increased by 32.1% (0.54-0.72%). CONCLUSIONS: Critical
      care medicine beds, use, and costs in the United States continue to rise. The
      increasing use of critical care medicine by the premature/neonatal and Medicaid
      populations should be considered by healthcare policy makers, state agencies, and
      hospitals as they wrestle with critical care bed growth and the associated costs.

PMID- 27136722
TI  - Process development and intensification for enhanced production of Bacillus
      lipopeptides.
AB  - The growing interest in Bacillus lipopeptides for high-value applications has
      driven process design, development and optimization for enhanced lipopeptide
      production. Traditional optimization approaches have been directed towards
      improving the overall titres by modification of media components and
      environmental parameters, almost exclusively in submerged cultures. Carbon and
      nitrogen sources, trace elements and oxygen availability have all been
      demonstrated to exhibit significant influences on lipopeptide yield, productivity
      and selectivity. This insight into process-linked kinetics, especially
      selectivity, has led to the introduction of novel process intensification and
      integration strategies which further promote process efficiency, and which
      include foam fractionation, inverse fluidization, rotating disc contacting and
      microfiltration with recycle. These strategies have not only transformed the
      production capabilities, but have also successfully integrated upstream
      production with downstream purification through cell retention and in situ
      product removal. This review analyses and critically discusses the impact of
      process conditions and process optimization strategies for improving lipopeptide
      production kinetics, specifically highlighting the emerging trend of process
      intensification and integration strategies and further, proposes a heuristic
      route to enhance lipopeptide production. 

PMID- 27136723
TI  - Online canteens: awareness, use, barriers to use, and the acceptability of
      potential online strategies to improve public health nutrition in primary
      schools.
AB  - Issue addressed This study of primary school principals assessed the awareness,
      use, barriers to use and acceptability of online canteens. Methods A telephone
      survey of 123 primary school principals within the Hunter New England Region of
      New South Wales, Australia was conducted from September 2014 to November 2014.
      Results Fifty-six percent of principals were aware of the existence of online
      canteens, with 8% having implemented such a system, and 38% likely to do so in
      the future. Medium/large schools were more likely to be aware of or to use online
      canteens, however there were no differences in awareness or use in relation to
      school rurality or socioeconomic advantage. Principals cited parent internet
      access as the most commonly identified perceived barrier to online canteen use,
      and the majority of principals (71-93%) agreed that it would be acceptable to
      implement a range of consumer behaviour strategies via an online canteen.
      Conclusions Study findings suggest that despite relatively low levels of current
      use, online canteens have the potential to reach a large proportion of school
      communities in the future, across geographical and socioeconomic divides, and
      that the nutrition interventions which they have the capacity to deliver are
      considered acceptable to school principals. So what? Online canteens may
      represent an opportunity to deliver nutrition interventions to school
      communities. Future research should examine the feasibility and potential
      effectiveness of interventions delivered via this modality.

PMID- 27136724
TI  - Long-chain bases of sphingolipids are transported into cells via the acyl-CoA
      synthetases.
AB  - Transport of dietary lipids into small-intestinal epithelial cells is
      pathologically and nutritionally important. However, lipid uptake remains an
      almost unexplored research area. Although we know that long-chain bases (LCBs),
      constituents of sphingolipids, can enter into cells efficiently, the molecular
      mechanism of LCB uptake is completely unclear. Here, we found that the yeast acyl
      CoA synthetases (ACSs) Faa1 and Faa4 are redundantly involved in LCB uptake. In
      addition to fatty acid-activating activity, transporter activity toward long
      chain fatty acids (LCFAs) has been suggested for ACSs. Both LCB and LCFA
      transports were largely impaired in faa1Delta faa4Delta cells. Furthermore, LCB
      and LCFA uptakes were mutually competitive. However, the energy dependency was
      different for their transports. Sodium azide/2-deoxy-D-glucose treatment
      inhibited import of LCFA but not that of LCB. Furthermore, the ATP-AMP motif
      mutation FAA1 S271A largely impaired the metabolic activity and LCFA uptake,
      while leaving LCB import unaffected. These results indicate that only LCFA
      transport requires ATP. Since ACSs do not metabolize LCBs as substrates, Faa1 and
      Faa4 are likely directly involved in LCB transport. Furthermore, we revealed that
      ACSs are also involved in LCB transport in mammalian cells. Thus, our findings
      provide strong support for the hypothesis that ACSs directly transport LCFAs.

PMID- 27136725
TI  - Perceived HIV risk, actual sexual HIV risk and willingness to take pre-exposure
      prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in Toronto, Canada.
AB  - Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) reduces HIV acquisition. Our goal was to
      determine the willingness of men who have sex with men (MSM) to take PrEP given
      perceived and actual HIV risk. HIV-negative MSM were recruited from September
      2010 to June 2012 and asked about PrEP willingness and perceived HIV risk. Actual
      sexual HIV risk was measured by three condom-use components generated through
      principal components analysis. General HIV risk was measured using the HIV
      Incidence Risk Index for MSM (HIRI-MSM). Model 1 measured PrEP willingness given
      perceived and actual sexual HIV risk. Model 2 included actual HIV sexual risk,
      perceived HIV risk and general HIV risk. Model 3 removed actual sexual HIV risk.
      We recruited 150 HIV-negative MSM. About 55% were willing to take PrEP. Reasons
      for PrEP unwillingness were: low perceived risk (64%), side-effect concerns
      (44%), daily pill burden (16%) and efficacy concerns (4%). Model 1: MSM with high
      compared to low actual sexual HIV risk were more willing to use PrEP (OR 27.11,
      95% CI 1.33-554.43) after adjusting for perceived risk, which was not
      significantly associated with PrEP willingness (OR 4.79, 95% CI 0.72-31.96).
      Model 2: MSM with high compared to low actual sexual HIV risk were more willing
      to use PrEP (OR 29.85, 95% CI 1.39-640.53) after adjusting for perceived and
      general HIV risk, neither of which was significantly associated with PrEP
      willingness (OR 5.07, 95% CI 0.73-35.09) and (OR 1.58, 95% CI 0.37-6.79),
      respectively. Model 3: After removing actual sexual HIV risk, MSM with high
      compared to low perceived risk were more willing to use PrEP (OR 6.85, 95% CI
      1.23-38.05), and the HIRI-MSM general risk index was not associated with PrEP
      willingness (OR 1.87, 95% CI 0.54-6.54). Therefore, actual sexual HIV risk was
      the best predictor of PrEP willingness and general HIV risk did not inform PrEP
      willingness.

PMID- 27136727
TI  - Alternative techniques to HPCD to evaluate the bioaccessible fraction of soil
      associated PAHs and correlation to biodegradation efficiency.
AB  - The total amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils, given by
      exhaustive chemical extractions, does not relate directly to environmental risk,
      since only a fraction may be accessible to soil organisms. The rapid PAH
      desorbing fraction (Frap), which is weakly and reversibly sorbed to soils, is
      called the bioaccessible fraction, and can be estimated by non-exhaustive aqueous
      extractions. In order to better estimate Frap, different mild-extractants were
      tested, such as various cyclodextrins, surfactants and butanol. Their
      extractability performances were correlated to the Kd partition coefficients of
      seven PAHs obtained through sorption isotherms from five soils, but also to the
      PAHs molecular size and to the amounts of organic matter and of some clays
      (smectites and kaolinites). If hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin was actually a
      good extractant to assess PAH accessibility, the polymer of carboxymethyl-beta
      cyclodextrin (pCMCD) was better (with a lower cost) to estimate the rapid mass
      transfer between soil particles and the soil solution, depending also on soil
      ageing. But Frap, estimated through pCMCD extractions, did not reflect the
      biodegradation of the PAHs after three months in soil microcosms. The chemical
      method underestimated the dissipation of 3-4 ring PAHs and overestimated that of
      5-6 ring PAHs. So biodegradation was not only limited by PAHs mass-transfer, but
      also by biological factors, favoring the access of microorganisms to residual
      strongly sorbed fractions of 3-4 ring PAHs, and inhibiting the degradation of
      accessible but highly toxic 5-6 ring PAHs.

PMID- 27136728
TI  - Experimental study on thermal hazard of tributyl phosphate-nitric acid mixtures
      using micro calorimeter technique.
AB  - During PUREX spent nuclear fuel reprocessing, mixture of tributyl phosphate (TBP)
      and hydrocarbon solvent are employed as organic solvent to extract uranium in
      consideration of radiation contaminated safety and resource recycling, meanwhile
      nitric acid is utilized to dissolve the spent fuel into small pieces. However,
      once TBP contacts with nitric acid or nitrates above 130 degrees C, a heavy "red
      oil" layer would occur accompanied by thermal runaway reactions, even caused
      several nuclear safety accident. Considering nitric acid volatility and weak
      exothermic detection, C80micro calorimeter technique was used in this study to
      investigate thermal decomposition of TBP mixed with nitric acid. Results show
      that the concentration of nitric acid greatly influences thermal hazard of the
      system by direct reactions. Even with a low heating rate, if the concentration of
      nitric acid increases due to evaporation of water or improper operations, thermal
      runaway in the closed system could start at a low temperature.

PMID- 27136729
TI  - Toxicity effects on metal sequestration by microbially-induced carbonate
      precipitation.
AB  - Biological precipitation of metallic contaminants has been explored as a remedial
      technology for contaminated groundwater systems. However, metal toxicity and
      availability limit the activity and remedial potential of bacteria. We report the
      ability of a bacterium, Sporosarcina pasteurii, to remove metals in aerobic
      aqueous systems through carbonate formation. Its ability to survive and grow in
      increasingly concentrated aqueous solutions of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper is
      explored, with and without a metal precipitation mechanism. In the presence of
      metal ions alone, bacterial growth was inhibited at a range of concentrations
      depending on the metal. Microbial activity in a urea-amended medium caused
      carbonate ion generation and pH elevation, providing conditions suitable for
      calcium carbonate bioprecipitation, and consequent removal of metal ions.
      Elevation of pH and calcium precipitation are shown to be strongly linked to
      removal of zinc and cadmium, but only partially linked to removal of lead and
      copper. The dependence of these effects on interactions between the respective
      metal and precipitated calcium carbonate are discussed. Finally, it is shown that
      the bacterium operates at higher metal concentrations in the presence of the urea
      amended medium, suggesting that the metal removal mechanism offers a defence
      against metal toxicity.

PMID- 27136730
TI  - Controlled synthesized natroalunite microtubes applied for cadmium(II) and
      phosphate co-removal.
AB  - Treatment of wastewater containing several kinds of contaminants poses great
      challenges, because heavy metal and inorganic anion contaminants possess
      different fate and transport mechanisms. Individual adsorption of
      Cd(II)/phosphate on clay or metallic oxides has been extensively investigated,
      but the mutual effects of these two species in co-existing systems have received
      little attention. In this study, five natroalunite samples with different
      morphologies were synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method with appropriate
      volume ratio of ethylene glycol (EG) to water. The volume ratio of EG to water
      plays a key role in the formation of natroalunite samples, and dramatically
      affects their adsorption capacities. The mutual effects of Cd(II) and phosphate
      on their interaction with natroalunite microtubes (NMs) were investigated by
      varying experimental conditions, such as pH, temperature and addition sequences.
      The results demonstrate that highly efficient co-removal of Cd(II) and phosphate
      can be accomplished using NMs, and the process is strongly dependent on solution
      pH and temperature via the formation of ternary surface complexes. This study
      implies that the hydrothermally synthesized NMs can be regarded as a potential
      promising material for the co-removal of Cd(II) and phosphate from large volumes
      of aqueous solutions in pollution management.

PMID- 27136731
TI  - The influence of zinc hydroxystannate on reducing toxic gases (CO, NO(x) and HCN)
      generation and fire hazards of thermoplastic polyurethane composites.
AB  - A uniform zinc hydroxystannate (ZnHS) microcube was synthesized to reduce
      toxicity and fire hazards of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites using
      ammonium polyphosphate as a flame retardant agent. The structure, morphology and
      thermal properties of ZnHS were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission
      electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. Smoke
      suppression properties and synergistic flame retardant effect of ZnHS on flame
      retardant TPU composites were intensively investigated by smoke density test,
      cone calorimeter test, and thermalgravimetric analysis. Thermogravimetric
      analysis/infrared spectrometry and tube furnace were employed to evaluate the
      toxic gases (CO, NOx and HCN) of TPU composites. The incorporation of ZnHS into
      TPU matrix effectively improved the fire safety and restrained the smoke density,
      which is attributed to that the char residue catalyzed by ZnHS enhanced barrier
      effect that reduced peak heat release rate, total heat release, smoke particles
      and organic volatiles during combustion. Furthermore, the ZnHS synergist
      demonstrated high efficiency in catalytic degradation of the toxic gases, which
      obviously decreased total volatiled product and toxic volatiles evolved, such as
      the CO, HCN and NOx, indicating suppressed toxicity of the TPU composites.

PMID- 27136732
TI  - Sinking loss should be taken into account while studying the dynamics of
      Microcystis under light-availability control.
AB  - In-situ light-availability control is commonly used to suppress Microcystis
      blooms in nutrient-rich water resources. It has been suggested that the reduction
      of column cyanobacterial biomass could mostly be attributed to the inhibition of
      photosynthesis. However, sinking loss may be another factor influencing the
      column cyanobacterial biomass. To further investigate the mechanism of this
      reduction, a mixing-static water column experimental apparatus was designed to
      simulate the reduction of Microcystis biomass under light-availability control.
      Under light-shading plus mixing, the reduction of Microcystis in the water column
      was attributed to both intrinsic biomass loss and sinking loss. Comparatively,
      under light-shading without mixing, the Microcystis accumulated in surface water,
      maintaining a continuously increase of intrinsic biomass. Meanwhile, the sinking
      loss increased as the water column became static, even exceeding the increase of
      intrinsic biomass, suggesting that sinking loss was the main mechanism for the
      reduction under light-shading. Further investigation indicated that both
      intrinsic growth rate and sinking loss rate varied in response to available
      light. Accordingly, a hypothesis is represented that the loss of column biomass
      and the shift in dominant species under light-availability control are primarily
      attributed to the combined effects of intrinsic biomass change and sinking loss,
      which both respond to available light.

PMID- 27136733
TI  - New turn-on fluorescent and colorimetric probe for cyanide detection based on
      BODIPY-salicylaldehyde and its application in cell imaging.
AB  - Development of cyanide sensor is important as the anion is harmful to human
      health and the environment. Herein, a new colorimetric and fluorescent probe GSB
      based on boron dipyrrole-methene (BODIPY) containing salicylaldehyde group for
      cyanide detection has been reported. GSB undergoes exclusive colorimetric change
      from orange to colorless and exhibits selective fluorescence turn-on at 504nm
      upon the addition of cyanide. Other 13 anions give almost no interference under
      physiological condition. Detection limit of the new cyanide-sensing GSB is
      0.88MUM, which is below World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level in
      drinking water. A calculation by density functional theory (DFT) shows
      suppression of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism along with the
      interruption of pi-conjugation between salicylaldehyde and BODIPY core by cyanide
      anion. Cell imaging studies demonstrated that GSB is compatible and capable of
      sensing cyanide anion in living cells.

PMID- 27136734
TI  - A new grid-scale model simulating the spatiotemporal distribution of PM2.5-PAHs
      for exposure assessment.
AB  - Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with ambient air
      particulate matter (PM) poses significant health concerns. Several modeling
      approaches have been developed for simulating ambient PAHs, but no hourly intra
      urban spatial data are currently available. The aim of this study is to develop a
      new modeling strategy in simulating, on an hourly basis, grid-scale PM2.5-PAH
      levels. PM and PAHs were collected over a one-year time frame through an
      established air quality monitoring network within a metropolitan area of Taiwan.
      Multivariate linear regression models, in combination with correlation analysis
      and PAH source identification by principal component analysis (PCA), were
      performed to simulate hourly grid-scale PM2.5-PAH concentrations, taking criteria
      pollutants and meteorological variables selected as possible predictors. The
      simulated levels of 72-h personal exposure were found to be significantly
      (R=0.729**, p<0.01) correlated with those analyzed from portable personal
      monitors. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to visualize spatially
      distributed PM2.5-PAH concentrations of the modeling results. This new grid-scale
      modeling strategy, incorporating the output of simulated data by GIS, provides a
      useful and versatile tool in personal exposure analysis and in the health risk
      assessment of air pollution.

PMID- 27136735
TI  - Programmed gradient descent biosorption of strontium ions by Saccaromyces
      cerevisiae and ashing analysis: A decrement solution for nuclide and heavy metal
      disposal.
AB  - One of the waste disposal principles is decrement. The programmed gradient
      descent biosorption of strontium ions by Saccaromyces cerevisiae regarding
      bioremoval and ashing process for decrement were studied in present research. The
      results indicated that S. cerevisiae cells showed valid biosorption for strontium
      ions with greater than 90% bioremoval efficiency for high concentration strontium
      ions under batch culture conditions. The S. cerevisiae cells bioaccumulated
      approximately 10% of strontium ions in the cytoplasm besides adsorbing 90%
      strontium ions on cell wall. The programmed gradient descent biosorption
      presented good performance with a nearly 100% bioremoval ratio for low
      concentration strontium ions after 3 cycles. The ashing process resulted in a
      huge volume and weight reduction ratio as well as enrichment for strontium in the
      ash. XRD results showed that SrSO4 existed in ash. Simulated experiments proved
      that sulfate could adjust the precipitation of strontium ions. Finally, we
      proposed a technological flow process that combined the programmed gradient
      descent biosorption and ashing, which could yield great decrement and allow the
      supernatant to meet discharge standard. This technological flow process may be
      beneficial for nuclides and heavy metal disposal treatment in many fields.

PMID- 27136736
TI  - Is the lack of respiratory gating prejudicial for left breast TomoDirect
      treatments?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: TomoDirect (TD) can only operate in free-breathing. The
      purpose of this study is to compare TD with breath-hold 3D conformal radiotherapy
      (3DCRT) and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques for left breast
      treatments, and to determine if the lack of respiratory gating is a handicap for
      cardiac sparing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 15 patients treated for left breast had
      two computed tomography simulation, in free breathing (FB) and in deep
      inspiration breath-hold (DIBH). Four treatments were planned: TD-FB, 3DCRT-FB,
      3DCRT-DIBH and IMRT-DIBH. Dose to PTV, heart, lungs, right breast and patient
      were compared. RESULTS: A slightly lower cardiac mean dose is found for 3DCRT
      DIBH than for TD-FB group (1.99Gy Vs 2.89Gy, p=0.0462), while no statistical
      difference is found for heart V20. TD-FB plans show the best PTV dose homogeneity
      (0.053, p<0.001) and the lowest left lung mean dose (5.16Gy, p<0.001). No major
      differences are found for the other organs. CONCLUSIONS: TomoDirect and breath
      hold 3DCRT are complementary techniques for left breast treatments: for a
      minority of patients, respiratory gating is mandatory to lower cardiac dose; for
      the remaining majority of patients, TomoDirect achieves better PTV homogeneity
      and reduced left lung dose, with cardiac dose equivalent to 3DCRT-DIBH.

PMID- 27136737
TI  - Modeling of couch transmission in the RayStation treatment planning system.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present our methods and results regarding the modeling of a carbon
      fiber couch (Varian Exact IGRT) in the RayStation treatment planning system
      (TPS). METHODS: Three geometrical-models (GMs) were implemented in the TPS to
      represent the three different regions of the couch (thick, medium and thin). The
      materials and densities of each GM component were tuned to maximize the agreement
      between measured and calculated attenuations. Moreover, a couch computed
      tomography (CT) scan was acquired and dosimetrically compared with the GMs. For
      validation, plan-specific quality assurance (QA) of VMAT plans (TG-119 cases, 5
      prostate and 5 H&N clinical cases) was performed by comparing measured dose
      distributions with doses computed with and without including the GMs in the TPS.
      RESULTS: Couch attenuations up to 4.3% were measured (energy: 6MV). Compared to
      couch CT, GMs could be modified to optimize the agreement with measurements and
      reduce dependence on the dose grid resolution. For both couch CT and GM, absolute
      deviations between measured and calculated attenuations were within 1.0%. When
      including the GMs in plan-specific QA, global 2%/2mm gamma-pass rates showed an
      average improvement of 4.8% (p-value<0.001, max +18.6%). The couch reduced the
      mean dose to targets by up to 2.4% of the prescribed dose for prostate cases and
      up to 1.4% for H&N cases. CONCLUSIONS: RayStation accurately considers the
      implemented couch GMs replicating measured attenuations within an uncertainty of
      1.0%. Materials and densities are proposed for the Varian Exact IGRT couch. The
      results obtained justify introducing couch GMs in clinical routine.

PMID- 27136738
TI  - Facet-Dependent and Light-Assisted Efficient Hydrogen Evolution from Ammonia
      Borane Using Gold-Palladium Core-Shell Nanocatalysts.
AB  - Au-Pd core-shell nanocrystals with tetrahexahedral (THH), cubic, and octahedral
      shapes and comparable sizes were synthesized. Similar-sized Au and Pd cubes and
      octahedra were also prepared. These nanocrystals were used for the hydrogen
      evolution reaction (HER) from ammonia borane. Light irradiation can enhance the
      reaction rate for all the catalysts. In particular, Au-Pd THH exposing {730}
      facets showed the highest turnover frequency for hydrogen evolution under light
      with 3-fold rate enhancement benefiting from lattice strain, modified surface
      electronic state, and a broader range of light absorption. Finite-difference time
      domain (FDTD) simulations show a stronger electric field enhancement on Au-Pd
      core-shell THH than those on other Pd-containing nanocrystals. Light-assisted
      nitro reduction by ammonia borane on Au-Pd THH was also demonstrated. Au-Pd
      tetrahexahedra supported on activated carbon can act as a superior recyclable
      plasmonic photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution.

PMID- 27136739
TI  - Patient satisfaction 8-14 years after dental implant therapy - a questionnaire
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this questionnaire study was to investigate patient
      satisfaction 8-14 years after dental implant therapy and complications
      influencing the degree of satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire
      was sent by post to 587 patients at a specialist clinic of periodontology. The
      questionnaire consisted of 19 statements or questions such as the degree of
      satisfaction with the implants and knowledge of complications. In nine of the
      questions, respondents were asked to grade the extent of their agreement with a
      statement by selecting from fixed answers. Three of the questions were designed
      to be answered using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: In total, 400 individuals
      (81%) responded to the questionnaire. The mean time elapsed since implant
      installation was 10 years. A great majority (81%) experienced a high chewing
      comfort and was satisfied or sufficiently satisfied (94%) with the aesthetic
      aspects of their implant restorations, while 32% of the individuals had
      experienced problems with their implant reconstructions. The disadvantage that
      patients remarked on was the cost of the treatment. Those who had experienced
      problems with their implant reconstructions were also less satisfied with the
      treatment. CONCLUSION: A great majority of the patients expressed a high degree
      of satisfaction with their dental implants 8-14 years after the treatment.
      Patients were less satisfied if they had experience of problems with their
      implant reconstructions and in cases when the clinicians were unable to resolve
      their complications.

PMID- 27136740
TI  - [The berlin initiative study equation: A useful and specific tool for estimating
      glomerular filtration rate in centenarian patients].

PMID- 27136741
TI  - Prognostic value of Ki67 in localized prostate carcinoma: a multi-institutional
      study of >1000 prostatectomies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Expanding interest in and use of active surveillance for early state
      prostate cancer (PC) has increased need for prognostic biomarkers. Using a multi
      institutional tissue microarray resource including over 1000 radical
      prostatectomy samples, we sought to correlate Ki67 expression captured by an
      automated image analysis system with clinicopathological features and validate
      its utility as a clinical grade test in predicting cancer-specific outcomes.
      METHODS: After immunostaining, the Ki67 proliferation index (PI) of tumor areas
      of each core (three cancer cores/case) was analyzed using a nuclear
      quantification algorithm (Aperio). We assessed whether Ki67 PI was associated
      with clinicopathological factors and recurrence-free survival (RFS) including
      biochemical recurrence, metastasis or PC death (7-year median follow-up).
      RESULTS: In 1004 PCs (~4000 tissue cores) Ki67 PI showed significantly higher
      inter-tumor (0.68) than intra-tumor variation (0.39). Ki67 PI was associated with
      stage (P<0.0001), seminal vesicle invasion (SVI, P=0.02), extracapsular extension
      (ECE, P<0.0001) and Gleason score (GS, P<0.0001). Ki67 PI as a continuous
      variable significantly correlated with recurrence-free, overall and disease
      specific survival by multivariable Cox proportional hazard model (hazards ratio
      (HR)=1.04-1.1, P=0.02-0.0008). High Ki67 score (defined as ?5%) was significantly
      associated with worse RFS (HR=1.47, P=0.0007) and worse overall survival
      (HR=2.03, P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In localized PC treated by radical prostatectomy,
      higher Ki67 PI assessed using a clinical grade automated algorithm is strongly
      associated with a higher GS, stage, SVI and ECE and greater probability of
      recurrence.

PMID- 27136742
TI  - Efficacy of post-operative radiation in a prostatectomy cohort adjusted for
      clinical and genomic risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, there have been no published trials examining the impact of
      salvage radiation therapy (SRT) in the post-operative setting for prostate cancer
      (PCa). We conducted a retrospective, comparative study of post-operative
      radiation following radical prostatectomy (RP) for men with pT3 disease or
      positive margins (adverse pathological features, APF). METHODS: 422 PCa men
      treated at four institutions with RP and having APF were analyzed with a primary
      end point of metastasis. Adjuvant radiation treatment (ART, n=111), minimal
      residual disease (MRD) SRT (n=70) and SRT (n=83) were defined by PSA levels of
      <0.2, 0.2-0.49 and ?0.5 ng ml(-1), respectively, before radiation therapy (RT)
      initiation. Remaining 157 men who did not receive additional therapy before
      metastasis formed the no RT arm. Clinical-genomic risk was assessed by Cancer of
      the Prostate Risk Assessment Post-Surgical (CAPRA-S) and Decipher. Cox regression
      was used to evaluate the impact of treatment on outcome. RESULTS: During the
      study follow-up, 37 men developed metastasis with a median follow-up of 8 years.
      Both CAPRA-S and Decipher had independent predictive value on multivariable
      analysis for metastasis (P<0.05). Adjusting for clinical-genomic risk, SRT and no
      RT had hazard ratios of 4.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.20-15.47) and 5.42 (95%
      confidence interval, 1.59-18.44) for metastasis compared with ART, respectively.
      No significant difference was observed between MRD-SRT and ART (P=0.28). Men with
      low-to-intermediate CAPRA-S and low Decipher value have a low rate of metastatic
      events regardless of treatment selection. In contrast, men with high CAPRA-S and
      Decipher benefit from ART, however the cumulative incidence of metastasis remains
      high. CONCLUSIONS: The decision as to the timing and need for additional local
      therapy following RP is nuanced and requires providers and patients to balance
      risks of morbidity with improved oncological outcomes. Post-RP treatment can be
      safely avoided for men who are low risk by clinical-genomic risk, whereas those
      at high risk should favor enrollment in clinical trials.

PMID- 27136743
TI  - PET imaging of prostate-specific membrane antigen in prostate cancer: current
      state of the art and future challenges.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a cell surface enzyme
      that is highly expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) and is currently being
      extensively explored as a promising target for molecular imaging in a variety of
      clinical contexts. Novel antibody and small-molecule PSMA radiotracers labeled
      with a variety of radionuclides for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging
      applications have been developed and explored in recent studies. METHODS: A great
      deal of progress has been made in defining the clinical utility of this class of
      PET agents through predominantly small and retrospective clinical studies. The
      most compelling data to date has been in the setting of biochemically recurrent
      PCa, where PSMA-targeted radiotracers have been found to be superior to
      conventional imaging and other molecular imaging agents for the detection of
      locally recurrent and metastatic PCa. RESULTS: Early data, however, suggest that
      initial lymph node staging before definitive therapy in high-risk primary PCa
      patients may be limited, although intraoperative guidance may still hold promise.
      Other examples of potential promising applications for PSMA PET imaging include
      non-invasive characterization of primary PCa, staging and treatment planning for
      PSMA-targeted radiotherapeutics, and guidance of focal therapy for
      oligometastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS: However, all of these indications and
      applications for PCa PSMA PET imaging are still lacking and require large,
      prospective, systematic clinical trials for validation. Such validation trials
      are needed and hopefully will be forthcoming as the fields of molecular imaging,
      urology, radiation oncology and medical oncology continue to define and refine
      the utility of PSMA-targeted PET imaging to improve the management of PCa
      patients.

PMID- 27136744
TI  - Expression levels of ROS1/ALK/c-MET and therapeutic efficacy of cetuximab plus
      chemotherapy in advanced biliary tract cancer.
AB  - Aberrant expression of ROS1, ALK or c-MET (RAM) is implicated in carcinogenesis
      and cancer drug resistance. We retrospectively evaluated the effect of RAM
      expression on outcomes for advanced biliary tract cancer patients, who were
      treated with gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin (GEMOX), with or without cetuximab, in
      a randomized phase II trial. RAM expression levels on archived tissue sections
      were scored using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Of 110 tumors with IHC staining for
      all three markers, 18 were RAM(high) (IHC intensity 3+ for any markers). Ninety
      two tumors were RAM(low) (IHC intensity <3+ for all markers). All RAM(high)
      tumors were intra-hepatic cholangiocarcinomas (IHCC). Of the patients with IHCC
      (n = 80), median overall survival (OS) of RAM(high) group was inferior to that of
      the RAM(low) group (5.7 vs. 11.7 months, p = 0.021). In multivariate analysis
      RAM(high) remained an independently adverse prognostic factor, with a hazard
      ratio of 2.01 (p = 0.039). In the RAM(low) group, GEMOX treatment with cetuximab
      significantly improved the disease control rate (68% vs. 41%, p = 0.044), median
      progression-free survival (7.3 vs. 4.9 months, p = 0.026), and marginally
      prolonged median OS (14.1 vs 9.6 months, p = 0.056), compared to GEMOX treatment
      alone. Future trials of anti-EGFR inhibitors for IHCC may consider RAM expression
      as a patient stratification factor.

PMID- 27136745
TI  - Interaction of acid ceramidase inhibitor LCL521 with tumor response to
      photodynamic therapy and photodynamic therapy-generated vaccine.
AB  - Acid ceramidase has been identified as a promising target for cancer therapy. One
      of its most effective inhibitors, LCL521, was examined as adjuvant to
      photodynamic therapy (PDT) using mouse squamous cell carcinoma SCCVII model of
      head and neck cancer. Lethal effects of PDT, assessed by colony forming ability
      of in vitro treated SCCVII cells, were greatly enhanced when combined with 10 uM
      LCL521 treatment particularly when preceding PDT. When PDT-treated SCCVII cells
      are used to vaccinate SCCVII tumor-bearing mice (PDT vaccine protocol), adjuvant
      LCL521 treatment (75 mg/kg) resulted in a marked retardation of tumor growth.
      This effect can be attributed to the capacity of LCL521 to effectively restrict
      the activity of two main immunoregulatory cell populations (Tregs and myeloid
      derived suppressor cells, MDSCs) that are known to hinder the efficacy of PDT
      vaccines. The therapeutic benefit with adjuvant LCL521 was also achieved with
      SCCVII tumors treated with standard PDT when using immunocompetent mice but not
      with immunodeficient hosts. The interaction of LCL521 with PDT-based antitumor
      mechanisms is dominated by immune system contribution that includes overriding
      the effects of immunoregulatory cells, but could also include a tacit
      contribution from boosting direct tumor cell kill.

PMID- 27136746
TI  - Microcrystalline Zinc Coordination Polymers as Single-site Heterogeneous
      Catalysts for the Selective Synthesis of Mono-oxazolines from Amino Alcohol and
      Dinitriles.
AB  - In our effort to develop coordination polymers (CPs)-based single-site catalysts
      for the selective synthesis of mono-oxazolines, two Zn-based CPs, [{Zn6 (idbt)4
      (phen)4 } ?3 H2 O]n  (1) and [{Zn3 (idbt)2 (H2 O)4 }?2 H2 O]n  (2) (H3 idbt= 5,5'
      (1H-imidazole-4,5-diyl)-bis-(2H-tetrazole), phen=1,10-phenanthroline) have been
      synthesized. They exhibit two-dimensional structure and contain isolated and
      accessible catalytically active sites, mimicking the site isolation of many
      catalytic enzymes. Micro CPs 1 and 2 are obtained by using surfactant-mediated
      hydrothermal methods, and an investigation is conducted to explore how different
      surfactants affect their morphologies and particle sizes. Furthermore, micro 1
      and 2 have shown to be effective heterogeneous catalysts for the reaction of
      amino alcohols and aromatic dinitriles, and exerted a significant influence on
      the selectivity of the catalytic reactions, yielding mono-oxazolines as the major
      reaction product. 

PMID- 27136747
TI  - Expression of CGRP in embryonic mouse masseter muscle.
AB  - Neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a mediator of inflammation
      and head pain that influences the functional vascular blood supply. The CGRP also
      regulate myoblast and acetylcholine receptors on neuromuscular junctions in
      development. However, little is known about its appearance and location during
      mouse masseter muscle (MM) development. We detected the mRNA abundance of CGRP,
      vascular genesis markers (Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), PECAM
      (CD31), lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1)) and
      embryonic and adult myosin heavy chain (MyHCs) (embryonic, IIa, IIb, and IIx)
      using real-time RT-PCR during development from the embryonic stage to after birth
      (E12.5, E14.5, E17.5, E18.5, P0, P1 and P5). We also endeavored to analyze the
      expression and localization of CGRP in situ hybridization in the developing mouse
      MM during development from the embryonic stage to after birth (E12.5, E14.5,
      E17.5, and P1). The antisense probe for CGRP was detected by in situ
      hybridization at E12.5, E14.5 E17.5 and then no longer detected after birth. The
      CGRP, CD31, embryonic MyHC abundance levels are highest at E17.5 (p<0.001) and
      they show a pattern similar to that of the other markers from E12.5 to P5. PCA
      analysis indicates a specific relation between CGRP and embryonic MyHC, CD31, and
      LYVE-1 in MM development. Cluster analyses identified the following distinct
      clusters for mRNA abundance in the MM: cluster 1, P5; cluster 2, E12.5, E14.5,
      E17.5, E18.5, P0, and P1. The positive correlation between CGRP and embryonic
      MyHC (Pearson's r>0.65; p<0.01) was analyzed. These data suggested that CGRP may
      have an influence on embryonic MyHC during mouse MM development. CGRP also
      affects the angiogenesis markers at embryonic stages. 

PMID- 27136748
TI  - Preparation of human formalin-fixed brain slices for electron microscopic
      investigations.
AB  - Ultra-structural analysis of human post-mortem brain tissue is important for
      investigations into the pathomechanism of neuropsychiatric disorders, especially
      those lacking alternative models of studying human-specific morphological
      features. For example, Von Economo Neurons (VENs) mainly located in the anterior
      cingulate cortex and in the anterior part of the insula, which seem to play a
      role in a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, including frontotemporal
      dementia, autism and schizophrenia, can hardly be studied in nonhuman animals.
      Accordingly, little is known about the ultra-structural alterations of these
      neurons, though important research using qualitative stereological methods has
      revealed that protein expression of the VENs assigns them a role in immune
      function. Formaldehyde, which is the most common fixative in human pathology,
      interferes with the immunoreactivity of the tissue, possibly leading to
      unreliable results. Therefore, a method for ultra-structural investigations
      independent of antigenic properties of the fixated tissue is needed. Here, we
      propose an approach using electron microscopy to examine cytoskeletal structures,
      synapses and mitochondria in these cells. We also show that our methodology is
      able to keep tissue consumption to a minimum, while still allowing for the
      specimens to be handled with ease by using agar embedded slices in contrast to
      blocks for the embedding procedure. Accordingly, a stepwise protocol utilising
      60MUm thick human post mortem brain sections for electron microscopic ultra
      structural investigations is presented. 

PMID- 27136749
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Puerarin injection for unstable angina pectoris.

PMID- 27136750
TI  - Micelles as Soil and Water Decontamination Agents.
AB  - Contaminated soil and water pose a serious threat to human health and ecosystem.
      For the treatment of industrial effluents or minimizing their detrimental
      effects, preventive and remedial approaches must be adopted prior to the
      occurrence of any severe environmental, health, or safety hazard. Conventional
      treatment methods of wastewater are insufficient, complicated, and expensive.
      Therefore, a method that could use environmentally friendly surfactants for the
      simultaneous removal of both organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater
      is deemed a smart approach. Surfactants containing potential donor ligands can
      coordinate with metal ions, and thus such compounds can be used for the removal
      of toxic metals and organometallic compounds from aqueous systems. Surfactants
      form host-guest complexes with the hydrophobic contaminants of water and soil by
      a mechanism involving the encapsulation of hydrophobes into the self-assembled
      aggregates (micelles) of surfactants. However, because undefined amounts of
      surfactants may be released into the aqueous systems, attention must be paid to
      their own environmental risks as well. Moreover, surfactant remediation methods
      must be carefully analyzed in the laboratory before field implementation. The use
      of biosurfactants is the best choice for the removal of water toxins as such
      surfactants are associated with the characteristics of biodegradability,
      versatility, recovery, and reuse. This Review is focused on the currently
      employed surfactant-based soil and wastewater treatment technologies owing to
      their critical role in the implementation of certain solutions for controlling
      pollution level, which is necessary to protect human health and ensure the
      quality standard of the aquatic environment.

PMID- 27136751
TI  - Multi-component superstructures self-assembled from nanocrystal building blocks.
AB  - More than three decades of intensive study to make high-quality nanocrystals have
      created a unique toolbox for building multi-component superstructures, which have
      been recognized as a new generation of metamaterials important to both
      fundamental sciences and applied technologies. This minireview summarizes recent
      advances in this exciting field. We will focus our discussion on the synthetic
      strategies and superstructures of this multi-component metamaterial, and
      highlight their novel properties and potential applications. Additionally, some
      perspectives on possible developments in this field are offered at the end of
      this review. We hope that this minireview will both inform and stimulate research
      interests for the design and fabrication of these nanocrystal-based multi
      component metamaterials for diverse applications in the future. 

PMID- 27136752
TI  - The origin of the band at around 730 cm(-1) in the SERS spectra of bacteria: a
      stable isotope approach.
AB  - Raman microspectroscopy is an emerging tool to analyze the molecular and isotopic
      composition of single microbial cells. It can be used to achieve an in situ
      understanding of metabolic processes. Due to the low sensitivity of the Raman
      effect, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is utilized to enhance the Raman
      signal. The SERS spectra of bacteria are usually characterized by a pronounced
      band at around 730 cm(-1), which is assigned to glycosidic ring vibrations or to
      adenine or even to CH2 deformation in different studies. In order to clarify the
      origin of this band, we employed a stable isotope approach and performed a SERS
      analysis of Escherichia coli bacteria using in situ prepared Ag nanoparticles.
      The cells were grown on unlabeled ((12)C, (14)N) and labeled ((13)C, (15)N)
      carbon and nitrogen sources in different combinations. The SERS band of the
      stable isotope labeled microorganisms showed a characteristic red-shift in the
      SERS spectra, which solely depends on the isotopic composition. It was therefore
      possible to confidently assign this band to adenine-related compounds.
      Furthermore, by utilizing the fingerprint area of single-cell SERS spectra as the
      input for the principal component analysis, one can clearly differentiate between
      E. coli bacteria incorporating different stable isotopes.

PMID- 27136754
TI  - In situ temperature measurements of reaction spaces under microwave irradiation
      using photoluminescent probes.
AB  - We demonstrate two novel methods for the measurement of the temperatures of
      reaction spaces locally heated by microwaves, which have been applied here to two
      example systems, i.e., BaTiO3 particles covered with a SiO2 shell (BaTiO3-SiO2)
      and layered tungstate particles. Photoluminescent (PL) probes showing the
      temperature-sensitivity in their PL lifetimes are located in the nanospaces of
      the above systems. In the case of BaTiO3-SiO2 core-shell particles, rhodamine B
      is loaded into the mesopores of the SiO2 shell covering the BaTiO3 core, which
      generates the heat through the dielectric loss of microwaves. The inner nanospace
      temperature of the SiO2 shell is determined to be 28  degrees C higher than the
      bulk temperature under microwave irradiation at 24 W. On the other hand, Eu(3+)
      is immobilized in the interlayer space of layered tungstate as the PL probe,
      showing that the nanospace temperature of the interlayer is only 4  degrees C
      higher than the bulk temperature. This method for temperature-measurement is
      powerful for controlling microwave heating and elucidates the ambiguous
      mechanisms of microwave special effects often observed in chemical reactions,
      contributing greatly to the practical application of microwaves in chemistry and
      materials sciences.

PMID- 27136753
TI  - Inhibiting DNA methylation switches adipogenesis to osteoblastogenesis by
      activating Wnt10a.
AB  - Both adipocytes and osteoblasts share the mesodermal lineage that derives from
      mesenchymal stem cells. Most studies investigating the mechanisms underlying the
      regulation of adipogenic or osteoblastogenic development focus on transcriptional
      pathways; little is known about the epigenetic mechanisms in this process. We
      thus determined the role of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC), an inhibitor of
      DNA methylation, in the lineage determination between adipogenesis and
      osteoblastogenesis. Inhibiting DNA methylation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by 5-Aza
      dC significantly inhibited adipogenesis whereas promoted osteoblastogenesis. This
      dual effect of 5-Aza-dC was associated with up-regulation of Wnt10a, a key factor
      determining the fate of the mesenchymal lineage towards osteoblasts.
      Consistently, IWP-2, an inhibitor of Wnt proteins, was found to prevent the anti
      adipogenic effect of 5-Aza-dC in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and block the
      osteoblastogenic effect of 5-Aza-dC in ST2 mesenchymal stem cell line. Finally,
      the Wnt10a 5'-region is enriched with CpG sites, whose methylation levels were
      markedly reduced by 5-Aza-dC. Thus we conclude that inhibiting DNA methylation by
      5-Aza-dC mutual-exclusively regulates the lineage determination of adipogenesis
      and osteoblastogenesis by demethylating Wnt10a gene and upregulating its
      expression. Our study defines DNA methylation as a novel mechanism underlying
      adipocyte and bone cell development.

PMID- 27136756
TI  - Self-Reported Barriers to Healthcare Access for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in
      Rural and Northern Saskatchewan: A Mixed Methods Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to identify potential barriers for
      access to medical and allied health services from the perspective of rural and
      Northern Saskatchewan rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: A total of 100
      adults with established RA, residing in rural and Northern Saskatchewan, were
      recruited from two rheumatology practices. Structured interviews with
      standardized scripts solicited patient perspectives on appointment waiting times,
      travel required to access medical services and satisfaction with healthcare
      provision. Thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data. RESULTS: Patients
      reported concerns regarding waiting time for their first rheumatology
      appointment. There was reduced access to allied health professionals, with only
      53% of the participants having seen a physiotherapist (PT), and only 26% an
      occupational therapist (OT). Patients had similar driving distances to their
      family physician, PT, pharmacy and laboratory services but commuted significantly
      further for rheumatologist and OT services. There were high levels of
      satisfaction with their rheumatologist and family physician appointments (8.96
      and 8.04 on a ten-point scale). Patients with longer travel times had higher
      satisfaction with their health care appointments: Patients who travelled one, two
      and more than two hours had satisfaction scores of 0.93, 0.88 and 1.32 points
      higher on a ten-point scale (p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Access to medical services
      is a concern for this population. Patients were dissatisfied with the waiting
      time for their first specialist appointment and with decreased access to allied
      health professionals. Patients travelling longer distances were more satisfied
      with their health care provider's care, suggesting that good patient-care giver
      relationships helped to ameliorate the difficulties of travelling to their
      appointments. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27136757
TI  - Acne and Nutrition: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Few well-defined, evidence-based nutritional recommendations for people with skin
      diseases have been published in the scientific literature and standard
      dermatological textbooks. Using a systematic review of acne vulgaris as an
      example, the aim of this study was to determine whether there are systematic
      studies on the topic and, if so, of what quality. Four evidence levels were
      defined: (A) double-blind randomized study; (B) randomized study with serious
      limitations/low number of cases; (C) case-control or cohort study; and (D) expert
      opinion/case report. PubMed and Cochrane searches were performed using
      combinations of the terms "diet", "nutrition", "meal" and "food" with "acne".
      Foodstuffs mentioned in relevant articles were subdivided by evidence level and
      recorded as having a beneficial (+), neutral (0) or adverse (-) effect. However,
      only a small proportion of studies met sufficiently high scientific standards
      that would enable therapeutic recommendations to be made in practice.

PMID- 27136758
TI  - Strategically Altering the Balance of Macrophage Subpopulations to Inhibit
      Chronic Rejection.

PMID- 27136759
TI  - Cross-cultural validity and measurement invariance of the Organizational Stressor
      Indicator for Sport Performers (OSI-SP) across three countries.
AB  - Organizational stressors are a universal phenomenon which can be particularly
      prevalent and problematic for sport performers. In view of their global
      existence, it is surprising that no studies have examined cross-cultural
      differences in organizational stressors. One explanation for this is that the
      Organizational Stressor Indicator for Sport Performers (OSI-SP; Arnold, Fletcher,
      & Daniels, 2013), which can comprehensively measure the organizational pressures
      that sport performers have encountered, has not yet been translated from English
      into any other languages nor scrutinized cross-culturally. The first purpose of
      this study, therefore, was to examine the cross-cultural validity of the OSI-SP.
      In addition, the study aimed to test the equivalence of the OSI-SP's factor
      structure across cultures. British (n = 379), Chinese (n = 335), and Malaysian (n
      = 444) sport performers completed the OSI-SP. Confirmatory factor analyses
      confirmed the cross-cultural validity of the factorial model for the British and
      Malaysian samples; however, the overall model fit for the Chinese data did not
      meet all guideline values. Support was provided for the equality of factor
      loadings, variances, and covariances on the OSI-SP across the British and
      Malaysian cultures. These findings advance knowledge and understanding on the
      cross-cultural existence, conceptualization, and operationalization of
      organizational stressors.

PMID- 27136765
TI  - Novel thermal lens for remote heating/cooling designed with transformation
      optics.
AB  - Remote thermal focusing/refrigeration by suppressing thermal diffusion can be
      achieved with the help of the novel thermal lens proposed in this paper. Our
      thermal lens is designed using transformation optics, and has several advantages.
      Firstly, it is a remote controlling device, i.e. the temperature is increased or
      decreased only in the heat/cold source and the target points, and the temperature
      in the area between the source and target points is not influenced. Secondly, the
      heat/cold sources can move freely inside the lens, and hence the focused points
      outside the lens can be adjusted dynamically. Numerical simulations are given to
      verify the novel properties (such as thermal focusing effect, remote
      refrigeration and remote thermal diffusion suppressing) of the proposed device,
      which cannot be achieved by any other traditional method. 

PMID- 27136760
TI  - Socioeconomic inequalities in childhood overweight: heterogeneity across five
      countries in the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI
      2008).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Excess risk of childhood overweight and obesity occurring in
      socioeconomically disadvantaged families has been demonstrated in numerous
      studies from high-income regions, including Europe. It is well known that
      socioeconomic characteristics such as parental education, income and occupation
      are etiologically relevant to childhood obesity. However, in the pan-European
      setting, there is reason to believe that inequalities in childhood weight status
      may vary among countries as a function of differing degrees of socioeconomic
      development and equity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we
      have examined socioeconomic differences in childhood obesity in different parts
      of the European region using nationally representative data from Bulgaria, the
      Czech Republic, Lithuania, Portugal and Sweden that were collected in 2008 during
      the first round of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Childhood Obesity
      Surveillance Initiative. RESULTS: Heterogeneity in the association between
      parental socioeconomic indicators and childhood overweight or obesity was clearly
      observed across the five countries studied. Positive as well as negative
      associations were observed between parental socioeconomic indicators and
      childhood overweight, with statistically significant interactions between country
      and parental indicators. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have public health
      implications for the WHO European Region and underscore the necessity to continue
      documenting socioeconomic inequalities in obesity in all countries through
      international surveillance efforts in countries with diverse geographic, social
      and economic environments. This is a prerequisite for universal as well as
      targeted preventive actions.

PMID- 27136766
TI  - Development of dual-wavelength fiber ring laser and its application to step
      height measurement using self-mixing interferometry.
AB  - A dual-wavelength erbium-doped fiber (EDF) ring laser was developed and its
      application to step-height measurement using two-wavelength self-mixing
      interferometry (SMI) was demonstrated. The fiber laser can emit two different
      wavelengths without any laser mode competition. It is composed of two EDF laser
      cavities and employs fiber Bragg gratings to determine which wavelengths are
      emitted. The step heights can be measured using SMI of the two wavelengths, and
      the maximum height that can be measured is half the synthetic wavelength of the
      two wavelengths. A step height of 1mm was constructed using two gauge blocks and
      then measured using the laser. The measurement was repeated ten times, and the
      standard deviation of the measurements was 2.4nm. 

PMID- 27136767
TI  - Local field enhancement on demand based on hybrid plasmonic-dielectric
      directional coupler.
AB  - The concept of local field enhancement using conductor-gap-dielectric-substrate
      (CGDS) waveguide structure is proposed. The dispersion equation is derived
      analytically and solved numerically. The solution of the dispersion equation
      reveals the anti-crossing behavior of coupled modes. the optimal gap layer
      thickness and the coupling length of the guided modes are obtained. The mechanism
      of the CGDS works as follows: Light waves are guided by conventional low-loss
      dielectric waveguides and, upon demand, they are transformed into highly confined
      plasmonic modes with strong local field enhancement, and get transformed back
      into low-loss dielectric modes. As an example, in a representative CGDS
      structure, the optimal plasmonic gap size is 17 nm, the local light intensity is
      found to be more than one order of magnitude stronger than the intensity of the
      dielectric mode at the film surface. The coupling length is only 2.1 MUm at a
      wavelength of 632.8 nm. Such a local field confinement on demand is expected to
      facilitate efficient light-matter interaction in integrated photonic devices
      while minimizing losses typical for plasmonic structures. 

PMID- 27136768
TI  - Tunable channel drop filters consisting of a tilted Bragg grating and a mode
      sorting polymer waveguide.
AB  - Optical wavelength filters with large tuning range and narrow bandwidth are
      crucial for enhancing the capability of WDM communication systems. A polymeric
      tunable filter for C-band, comprising a tilted Bragg grating and a mode sorting
      waveguide junction is proposed in this work. For dropping a certain wavelength
      signal, the tilted Bragg grating reflects an odd mode into an even mode and then
      the reflected even mode propagates towards an output port of the asymmetric Y
      junction due to the mode sorting. Consequently, the output port is separated from
      the input port, which is not possible in an ordinary Bragg reflector. The tilted
      Bragg reflector with an odd-even mode coupling efficiency of 61% exhibited a
      maximum reflectivity of 95% for a grating of 6 mm. A linear wavelength tuning of
      over 10 nm was achieved for an applied thermal power of 312 mW. 

PMID- 27136769
TI  - Sub-GHz-resolution C-band Nyquist-filtering interleaver on a high-index-contrast
      photonic integrated circuit.
AB  - Modern optical communications rely on high-resolution, high-bandwidth filtering
      to maximize the data-carrying capacity of fiber-optic networks. Such filtering
      typically requires high-speed, power-hungry digital processes in the electrical
      domain. Passive optical filters currently provide high bandwidths with low power
      consumption, but at the expense of resolution. Here, we present a passive filter
      chip that functions as an optical Nyquist-filtering interleaver featuring sub-GHz
      resolution and a near-rectangular passband with 8% roll-off. This performance is
      highly promising for high-spectral-efficiency Nyquist wavelength division
      multiplexed (N-WDM) optical super-channels. The chip provides a simple two-ring
      resonator-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometer, which has a sub-cm<sup>2</sup>
      footprint owing to the high-index-contrast
      Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> waveguide, while manifests low
      wavelength-dependency enabling C-band (> 4 THz) coverage with more than 160
      effective free spectral ranges of 25 GHz. This device is anticipated to be a
      critical building block for spectrally-efficient, chip-scale transceivers and
      ROADMs for N-WDM super-channels in next-generation optical communication
      networks. 

PMID- 27136770
TI  - Thin disk amplifier-based 40 mJ, 1 kHz, picosecond laser at 515 nm.
AB  - We report on a frequency-doubled picosecond Yb:YAG thin disk regenerative
      amplifier, developed as a pump laser for a kilohertz repetition rate OPCPA. At a
      repetition rate of 1 kHz, the compressed output of the regenerative amplifier has
      a pulse duration of 1.2 ps and pulse energy of 90 mJ with energy stability of
      sigma < 0.8% and M<sup>2</sup> < 1.2. The pulses are frequency doubled in an LBO
      crystal yielding 42 mJ at 515 nm. 

PMID- 27136771
TI  - Growth, Faraday and inverse Faraday characteristics of
      Tb<sub>2</sub>Ti<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub> crystal.
AB  - Tb<sub>2</sub>Ti<sub>2</sub>O<sub>7</sub> (TTO) single crystal with dimensions of
      20 * 20 * 16 mm<sup>3</sup> was grown by the Czochralski method. Rietveld
      structure refinement of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data confirms that the compound
      crystallizes in the cubic system with pyrochlore structure. Transmission spectra,
      Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra, Faraday and inverse Faraday
      characteristics of TTO crystal have been measured and analyzed in detail. The
      results demonstrate that TTO crystal has high transmittance at 700-1400 nm
      waveband and a larger Verdat constant than that of TGG reported. Magnetic
      circular dichroism (MCD) spectra showed that the 4f->4f transitions of
      Tb<sup>3+</sup> have significant contributions to the magneto-optical activity
      (MOA). In the time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy, the rotation signals of the
      probe beam based on the inverse Faraday effect in magneto-optical crystal were
      observed at zero time delay, the full width at half maximum of the rotation and
      ellipticity signals can be as fast as ~500 fs, which indicates that TTO crystal
      can be a promising material for ultrafast all-optical magnetic switching. 

PMID- 27136772
TI  - Backward optical gain originating from weak localization strengthened three
      photon process in Er/Yb co-doped (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O<sub>3</sub> ceramics.
AB  - The enhancement of green upconverted emission from the
      Er<sup>3+</sup>/Yb<sup>3+</sup> co-doped (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O<sub>3</sub> ceramic
      powder under a pumping light with a wavelength of 1480 nm was observed to be
      greater than 30 times that from the bulk of the same sample. Weak localization of
      light supported by the spatial profile of scattered light facilitated the three
      photon process contributing to stronger green upconverted emission. Significant
      backward light amplification was also observed and studied in detail.
      Additionally, the distribution of the localization zones in the sample was
      investigated using a probing laser beam with a wavelength of 532 nm. The findings
      in this work could be used in improving the solar cell efficiency, modulating
      color, and designing smart devices. 

PMID- 27136773
TI  - Pr-based metallic glass films used as resist for phase-change lithography.
AB  - Metallic glass film of
      Pr<sub>60</sub>Al<sub>10</sub>Ni<sub>10</sub>Cu<sub>20</sub> is proposed to be
      used as a resist of phase-change lithography (PCL). PCL is a mask-less
      lithography technology by using laser-direct-writing to create the intended
      nanopatterns. Thermal distribution in the PrAlNiCu film after exposure is
      calculated by finite element method (FEM). Thin films are exposed by continuous
      wave laser and selective etched by nitric-acid solution, and the patterns are
      discerned by optical and atomic force microscope. The etching rate of as
      deposited PrAlNiCu is thus nearly five times of the crystalline film. These
      results indicate that PrAlNiCu metallic glass film is a promising resist for
      phase-change lithography. 

PMID- 27136774
TI  - Metamaterial-based wideband electromagnetic wave absorber.
AB  - In this paper, an analytical and numerical study of a new type of electromagnetic
      absorber, operating in the infrared and optical regime, is proposed. Absorption
      is obtained by exploiting Epsilon-Near-Zero materials. The structure
      electromagnetic properties are analytically described by using a new closed-form
      formula. In this way, it is possible to correlate the electromagnetic absorption
      properties of the structure with its geometrical characteristics. Good agreement
      between analytical and numerical results was achieved. Moreover, an absorption in
      a wide angle range (0 degrees -80 degrees ), for different resonant frequencies
      (multi-band) with a large frequency bandwidth (wideband) for small structure
      thicknesses (d = lambdap/4) is obtained. 

PMID- 27136775
TI  - Optomechanically induced sum sideband generation.
AB  - Sum sideband generation in a generic optomechanical system is discussed in the
      parameter configuration of optomechanically induced transparency. The nonlinear
      terms of the optomechanical dynamics are taken account and the features of the
      sum sideband generation are identified based on the analytical treatment. The
      nonlinear optomechanical interactions between cavity fields and the mechanical
      oscillation, which emerging as a new frontier in cavity optomechanics, are
      responsible for the generation of the frequency components at the sum sideband.
      We analyze in detail the influences of some parameters, including the pump power
      of the control field and the frequencies of the probe fields, on the sum sideband
      generation. The results clearly indicate that sum sideband generation can be
      significantly enhanced via achieving the matching conditions. The effect of sum
      sideband generation may be accessible in experiments and have potential
      application for achieving high precision measurement and on-chip manipulation of
      light propagation. 

PMID- 27136776
TI  - Flexible modulation of plasmon-induced transparency in a strongly coupled
      graphene grating-sheet system.
AB  - General actively tunable near-field plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) systems
      based on couplings between localized plasmon resonances of graphene
      nanostructures not only suffer from interantenna separations of smaller than 20
      nm, but also lack switchable effect about the transparency window. Here, the
      performance of an active PIT system based on graphene grating-sheet with near
      field coupling distance of more than 100 nm is investigated in mid-infrared. The
      transparency window in spectrum is analyzed objectively and proved to be more
      likely stemmed from Aulter-Townes splitting. The proposed system exhibits
      flexible tunability in slow-light and electro-optical switches, promising for
      practical active photonic devices. 

PMID- 27136777
TI  - Simulation of light scattering from exoskeletons of scarab beetles.
AB  - An approach for simulation of light scattering from beetles exhibiting structural
      colors originating from periodic helicoidal structures is presented. Slight
      irregularities of the periodic structure in the exoskeleton of the beetles are
      considered as a major cause of light scattering. Two sources of scattering are
      taken into account: surface roughness and volume non-uniformity. The Kirchhoff
      approximation is applied to simulate the effect of surface roughness. To describe
      volume non-uniformity, the whole structure is modeled as a set of domains
      distributed in space in different orientations. Each domain is modeled as an
      ideal uniformly twisted uniaxial medium and differs from each other by the pitch.
      Distributions of the domain parameters are assumed to be Gaussian. The analysis
      is performed using the Mueller matrix formalism which, in addition to spectral
      and spatial characteristics, also provides polarization properties of the
      scattered light. 

PMID- 27136778
TI  - Double-heralded generation of two-photon-states by spontaneous four-wave-mixing
      in the presence of noise.
AB  - We present an experimental method for creating and verifying photon-number states
      created by non-degenerate, third-order nonlinear-optical photon-pair sources. By
      using spatially multiplexed, thresholding single-photon detectors and inverting a
      conditional probability matrix, we determine the photon-number probabilities
      created through heralded spontaneous four-wave-mixing. The deleterious effects of
      noise photons on reliable heralding are investigated and shown to degrade the
      conditional preparation of two-photon number states more than they degrade
      conditional single-photon states. We derive the equivalence between the presence
      of unwanted noise in the herald channel and loss in the signal channel of
      heralded experiments. A procedure for characterizing the noise-photon
      contributions, and a means of estimating the herald noise-free photon-number
      distribution is demonstrated. 

PMID- 27136779
TI  - Fork gratings based on ferroelectric liquid crystals.
AB  - In this article, we disclose a fork grating (FG) based on the photo-aligned
      ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC). The Digital Micro-mirror Device based system
      is used as a dynamic photomask to generated different holograms. Because of
      controlled anchoring energy, the photo alignment process offers optimal
      conditions for the multi-domain FLC alignment. Two different electro-optical
      modes namely DIFF/TRANS and DIFF/OFF switchable modes have been proposed where
      the diffraction can be switched either to no diffraction or to a completely black
      state, respectively. The FLC FG shows high diffraction efficiency and fast
      response time of 50us that is relatively faster than existing technologies. Thus,
      the FLC FG may pave a good foundation toward optical vertices generation and
      manipulation that could find applications in a variety of devices. 

PMID- 27136780
TI  - Angular signal radiography.
AB  - Microscopy techniques using visible photons, x-rays, neutrons, and electrons have
      made remarkable impact in many scientific disciplines. The microscopic data can
      often be expressed as the convolution of the spatial distribution of certain
      properties of the specimens and the inherent response function of the imaging
      system. The x-ray grating interferometer (XGI), which is sensitive to the
      deviation angle of the incoming x-rays, has attracted significant attention in
      the past years due to its capability in achieving x-ray phase contrast imaging
      with low brilliance source. However, the comprehensive and analytical theoretical
      framework is yet to be presented. Herein, we propose a theoretical framework
      termed angular signal radiography (ASR) to describe the imaging process of the
      XGI system in a classical, comprehensive and analytical manner. We demonstrated,
      by means of theoretical deduction and synchrotron based experiments, that the
      spatial distribution of specimens' physical properties, including absorption,
      refraction and scattering, can be extracted by ASR in XGI. Implementation of ASR
      in XGI offers advantages such as simplified phase retrieval algorithm, reduced
      overall radiation dose, and improved image acquisition speed. These advantages,
      as well as the limitations of the proposed method, are systematically
      investigated in this paper. 

PMID- 27136781
TI  - Three-coherent-output narrow-linewidth and tunable single frequency 1x2 multi
      mode-interferometer laser diode.
AB  - A 1x2 multi-mode-interferometer (MMI) laser diode was successfully designed and
      fabricated, which demonstrated three coherent outputs of tunable single frequency
      emission with more than 30dB side mode suppression ratio (SMSR), a tuning range
      of 25nm in C and L band, as well as 750 kHz linewidth. This 1x2 MMI laser could
      be expanded to more advanced configurations such as 1xN or MxN (M>=1, N>2) MMI
      lasers to achieve a multiple coherent output source. In addition, these lasers do
      not require material regrowth and high resolution gratings which can
      significantly increase the yield and reduce the cost. 

PMID- 27136782
TI  - Light-sheet generation in inhomogeneous media using self-reconstructing beams and
      the STED-principle.
AB  - Self-reconstruction of Bessel beams in inhomogeneous media is beneficial in light
      sheet based microscopy. Although the beam's ring system enables propagation
      stability, the resulting image contrast is reduced. Here, we show that by a
      combination of two self-reconstructing beams with different orbital angular
      momenta it is possible to inhibit fluorescence from the ring system by using
      stimulated emission depletion (STED) even in strongly scattering media. Our
      theoretical study shows that the remaining fluorescence gamma depends non
      linearly on the beams' relative radial and orbital angular momenta. For various
      scattering media we demonstrate that gamma remains remarkably stable over long
      beam propagation distances. 

PMID- 27136783
TI  - Distributed characterization of localized and stationary dynamic Brillouin
      gratings in polarization maintaining optical fibers.
AB  - We experimentally generate localized and stationary dynamic Brillouin gratings in
      a 5 m long polarization maintaining fiber by phase-modulation of the pumps with a
      pseudo-random bit sequence. The dynamic Brillouin gratings are characterized in
      terms of length, bandwidth, group delay and group delay ripple, optical signal-to
      noise ratio and peak to sidelobe ratio by measuring the distribution of the
      complex reflected signal along the fiber through swept-wavelength interferometry.
      By numerical processing, the performance of an optimal modulation format enabling
      null off-peak reflections are estimated and compared to the pseudo-random bit
      sequence case. 

PMID- 27136784
TI  - Design of nanobeam photonic crystal resonators for a silicon-on-lithium-niobate
      platform.
AB  - We outline the design for a photonic crystal resonator made in a hybrid
      Silicon/Lithium Niobate material system. Using the index contrast between silicon
      and lithium niobate, it is possible to guide and confine photonic resonances in a
      thin film of silicon bonded on top of lithium niobate. Quality factors greater
      than 10<sup>6</sup> at optical wavelength scale mode volumes are achievable. We
      show that patterning electrodes on such a system can yield an electro-optic
      coupling rate of 0.6 GHz/V (4 pm/V). 

PMID- 27136785
TI  - Complementary optical rogue waves in parametric three-wave mixing.
AB  - We investigate the resonant interaction of two optical pulses of the same group
      velocity with a pump pulse of different velocity in a weakly dispersive quadratic
      medium and report on the complementary rogue wave dynamics which are unique to
      such a parametric three-wave mixing. Analytic rogue wave solutions up to the
      second order are explicitly presented and their robustness is confirmed by
      numerical simulations, in spite of the onset of modulation instability activated
      by quantum noise. 

PMID- 27136786
TI  - Fabrication of high-efficiency and low-stray-light grating by inductively coupled
      plasma(ICP) etching-polishing method.
AB  - Gratings with stray light of 4.99 * 10<sup>-7</sup>-5.67 * 10<sup>-7</sup> and
      efficiency of 93%-95% in a wavelength range of 1592 nm-1632 nm on Si-surface
      modification SiC, fused silica and BK7 have been fabricated by the method of ICP
      etching-polishing. The CHF<sub>3</sub> and SF<sub>6</sub> plasma were used to
      etch a preliminary grating profile. Ar and O<sub>2</sub> plasma with low energy
      were then used to polish the grating to acquire low surface roughness and groove
      profiles closer to the ideal profiles. The morphologies of the gratings were
      characterized by AFM. The efficiencies and stray light were measured
      quantitatively by self-developed equipment. These results show that the ICP
      etching-polishing method is a promising candidate for production of good quality
      gratings into common optical materials. 

PMID- 27136787
TI  - Single-ring hollow core optical fibers made by glass billet extrusion for Raman
      sensing.
AB  - We report the fabrication of the first extruded hollow core optical fiber with a
      single ring of cladding holes, and its use in a chemical sensing application.
      These single suspended ring structures show antiresonance reflection optical
      waveguiding (ARROW) features in the visible part of the spectrum. The impact of
      preform pressurization on the geometry of these fibers is determined by the size
      of the different hole types in the preform. The fibers are used to perform Raman
      sensing of methanol, demonstrating their potential for future fiber sensing
      applications. 

PMID- 27136788
TI  - Robust fitting of Zernike polynomials to noisy point clouds defined over
      connected domains of arbitrary shape.
AB  - A new method for fitting a series of Zernike polynomials to point clouds defined
      over connected domains of arbitrary shape defined within the unit circle is
      presented in this work. The method is based on the application of machine
      learning fitting techniques by constructing an extended training set in order to
      ensure the smooth variation of local curvature over the whole domain. Therefore
      this technique is best suited for fitting points corresponding to ophthalmic
      lenses surfaces, particularly progressive power ones, in non-regular domains. We
      have tested our method by fitting numerical and real surfaces reaching an
      accuracy of 1 micron in elevation and 0.1 D in local curvature in agreement with
      the customary tolerances in the ophthalmic manufacturing industry. 

PMID- 27136789
TI  - High order surface aberration contributions from phase space analysis of
      differential rays.
AB  - Phase space methods are very popular for illumination systems or paraxial system
      analysis. In this paper it will be shown that it is also a promising tool to
      visualize and quantify surface aberration contributions, including all orders.
      The method is based on the calculation and propagation of a differential ray
      pair. In order to validate the method we compare to Aldis calculus, an exact
      method to determine high order aberrations in rotational symmetric systems. A
      triplet lens is used as an example to visualize the results. The analysis
      indicates that the phase space method is a very good approximation to Aldis
      calculus and moreover it is not limited to any symmetry assumptions. 

PMID- 27136790
TI  - Single shot three-dimensional imaging using an engineered point spread function.
AB  - A system approach to acquire a three-dimensional object distribution is presented
      using a compact and cost efficient camera system with an engineered point spread
      function. The corresponding monocular setup incorporates a phase-only computer
      generated hologram in combination with a conventional imaging objective in order
      to optically encode the axial information within a single two-dimensional image.
      The object's depth map is calculated using a novel approach based on the power
      cepstrum of the image. The in-plane RGB image information is restored with an
      extended depth of focus by applying an adapted Wiener filter. The presented
      approach is tested experimentally by estimating the three-dimensional
      distribution of an extended passively illuminated scene. 

PMID- 27136791
TI  - Dynamic imaging model and parameter optimization for a star tracker.
AB  - Under dynamic conditions, star spots move across the image plane of a star
      tracker and form a smeared star image. This smearing effect increases errors in
      star position estimation and degrades attitude accuracy. First, an analytical
      energy distribution model of a smeared star spot is established based on a line
      segment spread function because the dynamic imaging process of a star tracker is
      equivalent to the static imaging process of linear light sources. The proposed
      model, which has a clear physical meaning, explicitly reflects the key parameters
      of the imaging process, including incident flux, exposure time, velocity of a
      star spot in an image plane, and Gaussian radius. Furthermore, an analytical
      expression of the centroiding error of the smeared star spot is derived using the
      proposed model. An accurate and comprehensive evaluation of centroiding accuracy
      is obtained based on the expression. Moreover, analytical solutions of the
      optimal parameters are derived to achieve the best performance in centroid
      estimation. Finally, we perform numerical simulations and a night sky experiment
      to validate the correctness of the dynamic imaging model, the centroiding error
      expression, and the optimal parameters. 

PMID- 27136792
TI  - Application of principal component analysis in phase-shifting photoelasticity.
AB  - Principal component analysis phase shifting (PCA) is a useful tool for fringe
      pattern demodulation in phase shifting interferometry. The PCA has no
      restrictions on background intensity or fringe modulation, and it is a self
      calibrating phase sampling algorithm (PSA). Moreover, the technique is well
      suited for analyzing arbitrary sets of phase-shifted interferograms due to its
      low computational cost. In this work, we have adapted the standard phase shifting
      algorithm based on the PCA to the particular case of photoelastic fringe
      patterns. Compared with conventional PSAs used in photoelasticity, the PCA method
      does not need calibrated phase steps and, given that it can deal with an
      arbitrary number of images, it presents good noise rejection properties, even for
      complicated cases such as low order isochromatic photoelastic patterns. 

PMID- 27136793
TI  - Localized in situ cladding annealing for post-fabrication trimming of silicon
      photonic integrated circuits.
AB  - We report the use of localized annealing via in situ heaters to induce a semi
      permanent change in the refractive index of the cladding in ring resonator
      filters. When compared to other methods for post-fabrication trimming, this
      method has the advantage that no additional equipment, other than a supply of
      electrical power, is necessary to cause the index change. Two cladding materials
      were used: hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) for samples that were externally
      annealed, and PECVD oxide for samples that were annealed with in situ heaters.
      The resonant wavelengths could be adjusted by as much as 3.0 nm and 1.7 nm for
      the HSQ and PECVD cladded filters, respectively. The trimming of a 5 channel,
      single ring filter bank, and a single, double ring filter is demonstrated. 

PMID- 27136794
TI  - On-chip integration of suspended InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well devices with
      versatile functionalities.
AB  - We propose, fabricate and demonstrate on-chip photonic integration of suspended
      InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) devices on the GaN-on-silicon platform.
      Both silicon removal and back wafer etching are conducted to obtain membrane-type
      devices, and suspended waveguides are used for the connection between p-n
      junction InGaN/GaN MQWs devices. As an in-plane data transmission system, the
      middle p-n junction InGaN/GaN MQWs device is used as a light emitting diode (LED)
      to deliver signals by modulating the intensity of the emitted light, and the
      other two devices act as photodetectors (PDs) to sense the light guided by the
      suspended waveguide and convert the photons into electrons, achieving 1 * 2 in
      plane information transmission via visible light. Correspondingly, the three
      devices can function as independent PDs to realize multiple receivers for free
      space visible light communication. Further, the on-chip photonic platform can be
      used as an active electro-optical sensing system when the middle device acts as a
      PD and the other two devices serve as LEDs. The experimental results show that
      the auxiliary LED sources can enhance the amplitude of the induced photocurrent. 

PMID- 27136795
TI  - Narrow linewidth, single mode 3 kW average power from a directly diode pumped
      ytterbium-doped low NA fiber amplifier.
AB  - We report on a newly designed and fabricated ytterbium-doped large mode area
      fiber with an extremely low NA (~0.04) and related systematic investigations on
      fiber parameters that crucially influence the mode instability threshold. The
      fiber is used to demonstrate a narrow linewidth, continuous wave, single mode
      fiber laser amplifier emitting a maximum output power of 3 kW at a wavelength of
      1070 nm without reaching the mode-instability threshold. A high slope efficiency
      of 90 %, excellent beam quality, high temporal stability, and an ASE suppression
      of 70 dB could be reached with a signal linewidth of only 170 pm. 

PMID- 27136796
TI  - Electrically controllable soft optical cloak based on gold nanorod fluids with
      epsilon-near-zero characteristic.
AB  - We propose an electrically controllable soft optical cloak based on a fluid
      system containing gold nanorods, which can be transformed from isotropic to
      anisotropic epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) state at a certain incident optical frequency
      due to the orientation of gold nanorods under an external electric field
      stimulus. Both effective medium theory and 3D finite element simulation
      demonstrate that, at the ENZ point, the scattering from arbitrary-shaped objects
      can be nearly perfect suppressed. The loss and aspect ratio of gold nanorods have
      an effect on the ENZ point and scattering suppression behavior. When different
      aspect ratio of gold nanorods is employed, the fluid has multi ENZ points and
      exhibits perfect suppression of scattering from objects at multiple incident
      optical frequencies. Because the orientation of gold nanorods depends on the
      strength of applied external electric field, the permittivity of fluid can be
      adjusted by external electric field and, as a result, the ENZ state and
      scattering suppression of objects can be controlled. The flexible, controllable,
      and multi-frequency responsive characteristics make the optical cloak possess
      potential use in soft smart metamaterial devices. 

PMID- 27136797
TI  - Quantitative characterization of highly efficient correlated photon-pair source
      using biexciton resonance.
AB  - A high efficiency method for the generation of correlated photon pairs
      accompanied by reliable means to characterize the efficiency of that process is
      needed in the study of entangled states, which have important potential
      applications in quantum information and quantum communication. In this study, we
      report the first characterization of the efficiency of generation of correlated
      photon pairs emitted from a CuCl single crystal using the biexciton-resonance
      hyper-parametric scattering (RHPS) method which is the highly efficient method of
      generation of correlated photon pairs. In order to characterize the generation
      efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio of correlated photon pairs using this
      method, we investigated the pump power dependence on the photon counting rate and
      coincidence counting rate under resonant excitation. The pump power dependence
      shows that the power characteristic of the photon counting rates changes from
      linear to quadratic dependence of the pump power. This behavior represents a
      superposition of contributions from correlated photon pairs and non-correlated
      photons. The analysis of the pump power dependence shows that one photon-pair is
      produced by a pump pulse with 2 x 10<sup>6</sup> photons. Moreover, the
      generation efficiency of this method obtained by calculating the number of
      generated photon pairs per pump power is comparable to that of several methods
      based on the chi<sup>(3)</sup> parametric process. 

PMID- 27136798
TI  - Optimized weak measurements of Goos-Hanchen and Imbert-Fedorov shifts in partial
      reflection.
AB  - The spatial and the angular variants of the Imbert-Federov (IF) beam shifts and
      the angular Goos-Hanchen (GH) shift contribute in a complex interrelated way to
      the resultant beam shift in partial reflection at planar dielectric interfaces.
      Here, we show that the two variants of the IF effects can be decoupled and
      separately observed by weak value amplification and subsequent conversion of
      spatial <->angular nature of the beam shifts using appropriate pre and post
      selection of polarization states. Such optimized weak measurement schemes also
      enable one to nullify one effect (either the GH or the IF) and exclusively
      observe the other. We experimentally demonstrate this and illustrate various
      other intriguing manifestations of optimized weak measurements in elliptical and
      / or linear polarization basis. We also present a Poincare sphere based analysis
      on conversion / retention of the angular or spatial nature of the shifts with pre
      and post selection of states in weak measurement. The demonstrated ability to
      amplify, controllably decouple or combine the beam shifts via weak measurements
      may prove to be valuable for understanding the different physical contributions
      of the effects and for their applications in sensing and precision metrology. 

PMID- 27136799
TI  - All-polymer whispering gallery mode sensor system.
AB  - Sensors based on whispering gallery modes have been extensively investigated with
      respect to their possible application as physical or biological sensors. Instead
      of using a single resonator, we use an all polymer resonator array as sensing
      element. A tunable narrowband laser is coupled into a PMMA plate serving as an
      optical wave guide. PMMA spheres are placed in the evanescent field on the
      surface of the plate. Due to small size variations, some spheres are in resonance
      at a given wavelength while others are not. We show that this device is well
      suited for the determination of an unknown wavelength or for temperature
      measurements. Moreover, we discuss several general aspects of the sensor concept
      such as the number and size of sensing elements which are necessary for a correct
      measurement result, or the maximum acceptable linewidth of the laser. 

PMID- 27136800
TI  - Contrast transfer functions for Zernike phase contrast in full-field transmission
      hard X-ray microscopy.
AB  - Full-field transmission hard X-ray microscopy (TXM) has been widely applied to
      study morphology and structures with high spatial precision and to dynamic
      processes. Zernike phase contrast (ZPC) in hard X-ray TXM is often utilized to
      get an in-line phase contrast enhancement for weak-absorbing materials with
      little contrast differences. Here, following forward image formation, we derive
      and simplify the contrast transfer functions (CTFs) of the Zernike phase imaging
      system in TXM based on a linear space-shift-invariant imaging mode under certain
      approximations. The CTFs in ZPC in their simplified forms show a high similarity
      to the one in free-space propagation X-ray imaging systems. 

PMID- 27136801
TI  - Control of the configuration of multiple femtosecond filaments in air by adaptive
      wavefront manipulation.
AB  - We demonstrate the ability to position single and multiple filaments arbitrarily
      within the energy reservoir of a high power femtosecond laser pulse. A deformable
      mirror controlled by a genetic algorithm finds the optimal phase profile for
      producing filaments at user-defined locations within the energy reservoir to
      within a quarter of the nominal filament size, on average. This proof-of
      principle experiment demonstrates a potential technique for fast control of the
      configuration of the filaments. 

PMID- 27136802
TI  - High power, tunable mid-infrared BaGa<sub>4</sub>Se<sub>7</sub> optical
      parametric oscillator pumped by a 2.1 MUm Ho:YAG laser.
AB  - We, for the first time, demonstrate a tunable mid-infrared
      BaGa<sub>4</sub>Se<sub>7</sub>-based optical parametric oscillator pumped by a
      acousto-optical Q-switched Ho:YAG laser at 2090.6 nm. Up to 1.55 W of average
      power was generated in the 3-5 MUm range, corresponding to an optical-to-optical
      conversion efficiency of 14.4% and a slope efficiency of 19.9%. The mid-IR
      radiation spectra were also seriously researched at different phase-matched
      angles. The tunable range was 3.49-4.13 MUm for the signal, and 5.19-4.34 MUm for
      the idler. 

PMID- 27136803
TI  - Tunable rubidium excited state Voigt atomic optical filter.
AB  - A tunable rubidium excited state Voigt atomic optical filter working at optical
      communication wavelength (1.5 MUm) is realized. The filter achieves a peak
      transmittance of 57.6% with a double-peak structure, in which each one has a
      bandwidth of 600 MHz. Benefiting from the Voigt type structure, the magnetic
      field of the filter can be tuned from 0 to 1600 gauss, and a peak transmittance
      tunability of 1.6 GHz can thus be realized. Different from the excited state
      Faraday type filter, the pump efficiency in the Voigt filter is affected a lot by
      the pump polarization. Measured absorption results of the pump laser and
      transmittances of the signal laser both prove that the vertical linear
      polarization pumping is the most efficient in the Voigt filter. 

PMID- 27136804
TI  - Physical modeling of interference enhanced imaging and characterization of single
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Interferometric imaging schemes have gained significant interest due to their
      superior sensitivity over imaging techniques that are solely based on scattered
      signal. In this study, we outline the theoretical foundations of imaging and
      characterization of single nanoparticles in an interferometric microscopy scheme,
      examine key parameters that influence the signal, and benchmark the model against
      experimental findings. 

PMID- 27136805
TI  - Changes in radiation forces acting on a Rayleigh dielectric sphere by use of a
      wavefront-folding interferometer.
AB  - We consider a class of fields generated by passing an isotropic Gaussian Schell
      model beam through a wavefront-folding interferometer. The output field has
      various intensity profiles for different phase differences, including the central
      peak and doughnut shapes. The radiation force on a Rayleigh dielectric particle
      produced by the highly focused fields is investigated. Numerical results
      demonstrate that the new fields can be used to trap high-index particles at the
      focus for the specular case and nearby the focus for the anti-specular case. It
      is further revealed that the position, the range of particle sizes and the low
      limit of correlation length for stable trapping could be modulated by adjusting
      the phase difference. 

PMID- 27136806
TI  - Multicolor multiphoton in vivo imaging flow cytometry.
AB  - In vivo flow cytometry provides a non-invasive way of probing the biology of
      circulating cells during disease progression and studying cellular response to
      therapy. However, current methods provide little morphological information which
      potentially could be new biological marker for early disease diagnosis, and fail
      to reveal intercellular interactions. Here we report a multi-color, multiphoton
      in vivo imaging flow cytometry, to image circulating cells within the vasculature
      of scattering tissues at high spatiotemporal resolution. We apply it in imaging
      of cellular dynamics in bone marrow through the intact mouse skull, in situ
      deformability cytometry, distinguishing cellular clusters, and simultaneously
      monitoring multiple types of trafficking cells based on their morphologies and
      fluorescence emission colors. 

PMID- 27136807
TI  - Enhanced THz guiding properties of curved two-wire lines.
AB  - We present experimental and simulation studies of enhanced terahertz (THz)
      guiding properties of curved two-wire lines for several surface conditions. When
      a THz-wave propagates through curved two-wire lines, a rough wire surface with
      dielectric coating contributes to a lower bending loss compared to a smooth or
      rough wire surface without coating. Dielectric coating and rough surface confine
      the THz field to the wire surface making the bending loss low. The guiding
      property at a curve depth of 30 mm of a rough wire surface with 25-MUm-thick
      coating is improved by 34% compared to that of a smooth wire without coating.
      Furthermore, computer simulation technology (CST) software visually shows the
      bending loss as same as the experimental studies. 

PMID- 27136808
TI  - Computational imaging with a highly parallel image-plane-coded architecture:
      challenges and solutions.
AB  - This paper investigates a highly parallel extension of the single-pixel camera
      based on a focal plane array. It discusses the practical challenges that arise
      when implementing such an architecture and demonstrates that system-specific
      optical effects must be measured and integrated within the system model for
      accurate image reconstruction. Three different projection lenses were used to
      evaluate the ability of the system to accommodate varying degrees of optical
      imperfection. Reconstruction of binary and grayscale objects using system
      specific models and Nesterov's proximal gradient method produced images with
      higher spatial resolution and lower reconstruction error than using either
      bicubic interpolation or a theoretical system model that assumes ideal optical
      behavior. The high-quality images produced using relatively few observations
      suggest that higher throughput imaging may be achieved with such architectures
      than with conventional single-pixel cameras. The optical design considerations
      and quantitative performance metrics proposed here may lead to improved image
      reconstruction for similar highly parallel systems. 

PMID- 27136809
TI  - Ultra-broadband dissipative soliton and noise-like pulse generation from a normal
      dispersion mode-locked Tm-doped all-fiber laser.
AB  - We report generation of ultra-broadband dissipative solitons and noise-like
      pulses from a simple, fully fiberized mode-locked Tm-doped fiber laser. The
      oscillator operates in the normal net dispersion regime and is mode-locked via
      nonlinear polarization evolution. Depending on the cavity dispersion, the laser
      was capable of generating 60 nm or 100 nm broad dissipative solitons. These are
      the broadest spectra generated from a normal dispersion mode-locked Tm-doped
      fiber laser so far. The same oscillator might also operate in the noise-like
      pulse regime with extremely broad emission spectra (over 300 nm), which also
      significantly outperforms the previous reports. 

PMID- 27136810
TI  - Nonlinearity of surface-plasmon polaritons in sub-wavelength metal nanowires.
AB  - We investigate the nonlinear propagation of surface plasmon polaritons guided on
      gold nanowires surrounded by silica glass. Based on the Lorentz reciprocity
      theorem, we derive a formula for the complex nonlinear susceptibility, and study
      its dependence on waveguide parameters and wavelength for the fundamental mode.
      Depending on these parameters both positive and negative signs of the real and
      imaginary parts of the nonlinear coefficient are predicted. This implies that
      nanowires exhibit the property of saturable absorption or optical limiting as
      well as positive and negative nonlinear phase shifts. The physical origin of this
      phenomenon is discussed. 

PMID- 27136811
TI  - Manipulation of polarization and spatial properties of light beams with chiral
      metafilms.
AB  - Two-dimensional lattices of chiral nanoholes in a plasmonic film with lattice
      constants being slightly larger than light wavelength are proposed for effective
      control of polarization and spatial properties of light beams. Effective
      polarization conversion and strong circular dichroism in non-zero diffraction
      orders in these chiral metafilms are demonstrated by electromagnetic simulations.
      These interesting effects are found to result from interplay between radiation
      pattern of single chiral nanohole and diffraction pattern of the planar lattice,
      and can be manipulated by varying wavelength and polarization of incoming light
      as well as period of metastructure and refractive indexes of substrate and
      overlayer. Therefore, this work offers a novel paradigm for developing planar
      chiral metafilm-based optical devices with controllable polarization state,
      spatial orientation and intensity of outgoing light. 

PMID- 27136812
TI  - Mode converter based on the long-period fiber gratings written in the two-mode
      fiber.
AB  - We demonstrate the fabrication of long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) written in
      the two-mode fiber (TMF) by CO<sub>2</sub> laser. Both uniform and tilted LPFGs
      were fabricated to provide the light coupling between LP<sub>01</sub> mode and
      LP<sub>11</sub> mode with a coupling efficiency of more than 99%. The writing
      efficiency and the bandwidth of the LPFG mode converter can be adjusted by
      changing the tilt angle of the tilted TMF-LPFGs. The torsion sensitivity of
      conventional and tilted LPFG mode converters were measured to be 0.37 nm/(rad/m)
      and 0.50 nm/(rad/m), respectively. Two orthogonal vector modes (the HEeven 21and
      HEodd 21 modes) and corresponding orbital angular momentum state were
      successfully obtained at the resonance wavelength. The proposed LPFG mode
      converter could be used as not only a high efficiency wavelength tunable mode
      converter in the mode division multiplexing system but also a high sensitive
      torsion sensor in the field of optical sensing. 

PMID- 27136813
TI  - In situ annealing enhancement of the optical properties and laser device
      performance of InAs quantum dots grown on Si substrates.
AB  - The addition of elevated temperature steps (annealing) during the growth of
      InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) structures on Si substrates results in significant
      improvements in their structural and optical properties and laser device
      performance. This is shown to result from an increased efficacy of the
      dislocation filter layers (DFLs); reducing the density of dislocations that arise
      at the Si/III-V interface which reach the active region. The addition of two
      annealing steps gives a greater than three reduction in the room temperature
      threshold current of a 1.3 MUm emitting QD laser on Si. The active region of
      structures grown on Si have a room temperature residual tensile strain of 0.17%,
      consistent with cool down from the growth temperature and the different Si and
      GaAs thermal expansion coefficients. This strain limits the amount of III-V
      material that can be grown before relaxation occurs. 

PMID- 27136814
TI  - Efficient fabrication method of nano-grating for 3D holographic display with full
      parallax views.
AB  - Without any special glasses, multiview 3D displays based on the diffractive
      optics can present high resolution, full-parallax 3D images in an ultra-wide
      viewing angle. The enabling optical component, namely the phase plate, can
      produce arbitrarily distributed view zones by carefully designing the orientation
      and the period of each nano-grating pixel. However, such 3D display screen is
      restricted to a limited size due to the time-consuming fabricating process of
      nano-gratings on the phase plate. In this paper, we proposed and developed a
      lithography system that can fabricate the phase plate efficiently. Here we made
      two phase plates with full nano-grating pixel coverage at a speed of 20
      mm<sup>2</sup>/mins, a 500 fold increment in the efficiency when compared to the
      method of E-beam lithography. One 2.5-inch phase plate generated 9-view 3D images
      with horizontal-parallax, while the other 6-inch phase plate produced 64-view 3D
      images with full-parallax. The angular divergence in horizontal axis and vertical
      axis was 1.5 degrees, and 1.25 degrees, respectively, slightly larger than the
      simulated value of 1.2 degrees by Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD). The
      intensity variation was less than 10% for each viewpoint, in consistency with the
      simulation results. On top of each phase plate, a high-resolution binary masking
      pattern containing amplitude information of all viewing zone was well aligned. We
      achieved a resolution of 400 pixels/inch and a viewing angle of 40 degrees for 9
      view 3D images with horizontal parallax. In another prototype, the resolution of
      each view was 160 pixels/inch and the view angle was 50 degrees for 64-view 3D
      images with full parallax. As demonstrated in the experiments, the homemade
      lithography system provided the key fabricating technology for multiview 3D
      holographic display. 

PMID- 27136815
TI  - Highly spectral efficient networks based on grouped optical path routing.
AB  - In order to mitigate the signal spectrum narrowing caused by optical filtering at
      nodes, an adequate guard band is needed between optical channels, which degrades
      the frequency utilization of optical fibers. In this study, we propose a grouped
      routing based network architecture that minimizes spectrum narrowing while
      greatly improving spectral efficiency. Coarse granular routing at GRE (grouped
      routing entity) level is employed at each ROADM node, but fine granular add/drop
      is adopted to retain high frequency utilization. Optical channels are packed
      densely in each GRE, and sufficient guard bands are inserted between GREs. As a
      result, signal spectrum narrowing is minimized and efficient spectrum utilization
      is achieved. Network design/control algorithms that support both static and
      dynamic traffic growth are developed. Extensive simulations demonstrate the
      effectiveness of the proposed architecture. To implement the scheme, current LCOS
      based ROADMs are applied without any hardware changes; only the control schema
      are modified. 

PMID- 27136816
TI  - High resolution non-iterative aperture synthesis.
AB  - The maximum resolution of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) imaging system
      is determined by the size of the synthetic aperture. The synthetic aperture is
      determined by a coordinate shift using the relative positions of the illuminators
      and receive apertures. Previous methods have shown non-iterative phasing for
      multiple illuminators with a single receive aperture for intra-aperture
      synthesis. This work shows non-iterative phasing with both multiple illuminators
      and multiple receive apertures for inter-aperture synthesis. Simulated results
      show that piston, tip, and tilt can be calculated using inter-aperture phasing
      after intra-aperture phasing has been performed. Use of a fourth illuminator for
      increased resolution is shown. The modulation transfer function (MTF) is used to
      quantitatively judge increased resolution. 

PMID- 27136817
TI  - Measurement of orbital angular momentum spectra of multiplexing optical vortices.
AB  - Optical vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) are widely
      investigated for their unique performance in recent years. They can be used to
      extend the capacity of optical communications system due to the orthogonality of
      different channels. In the receiver side of a multiplexing optical vortices
      system, verifying the OAM spectrum is of great importance. A new kind of
      diffraction element called Dammann vortex grating can distribute energies among
      different diffraction orders equally. Based on this unique characteristic, we
      reported a new algorithm to analyze the spot of each diffraction order. The OAM
      spectrum in the receiver side can then be obtained. In the experiment, the OAM
      spectrum measurement of at most six-channel multiplexing optical vortices is
      realized. The experimental results illustrate that the OAM spectrum gained by
      this approach is highly consistent with the theoretical value. 

PMID- 27136818
TI  - Comparison of beam generation techniques using a phase only spatial light
      modulator.
AB  - Whether in art or for QR codes, images have proven to be both powerful and
      efficient carriers of information. Spatial light modulators allow an
      unprecedented level of control over the generation of optical fields by using
      digital holograms. There is no unique way of obtaining a desired light pattern
      however, leaving many competing methods for hologram generation. In this paper,
      we test six hologram generation techniques in the creation of a variety of modes
      as well as a photographic image: rating the methods according to obtained mode
      quality and power. All techniques compensate for a non-uniform mode profile of
      the input laser and incorporate amplitude scaling. We find that all methods
      perform well and stress the importance of appropriate spatial filtering. We
      expect these results to be of interest to those working in the contexts of
      microscopy, optical trapping or quantum image creation. 

PMID- 27136819
TI  - Silicon photonic waveguide metrology using Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
AB  - We propose a procedure for characterizing fabrication deviations within a chip
      and among different chips in a wafer in silicon photonics technology. In
      particular, independent measurements of SOI thickness and waveguide width
      deviations can be mapped through the wafer, allowing a precise and non
      destructive characterization of how these variations are distributed along the
      surface of the wafer. These deviations are critical for most wavelength-dependent
      integrated devices, like microring resonators, filters, etc. We also show that
      the technique allows for the characterization of proximity effects. 

PMID- 27136820
TI  - Energy deposition from focused terawatt laser pulses in air undergoing
      multifilamentation.
AB  - Laser filamentation is responsible for the deposition of a significant part of
      the laser pulse energy in the propagation medium. We found that using terawatt
      laser pulses and moderately strong focusing conditions in air, more than 60 % of
      the pulses energy is transferred to the medium, eventually degrading into heat.
      This results in a strong hydrodynamic reaction of air with the generation of
      shock waves and associated underdense channels for each of the generated multiple
      filaments. In the focal zone, where filaments are close to each other, these
      discrete channels eventually merge to form a single cylindrical low-density tube
      over a ~ 1 us timescale. We measured the maximum lineic deposited energy to be
      more than 1 J.m-<sup>1</sup>. 

PMID- 27136821
TI  - Dynamic wavefront shaping with an acousto-optic lens for laser scanning
      microscopy.
AB  - Acousto-optic deflectors (AODs) arranged in series and driven with linearly
      chirped frequencies can rapidly focus and tilt optical wavefronts, enabling high
      speed 3D random access microscopy. Non-linearly chirped acoustic drive
      frequencies can also be used to shape the optical wavefront allowing a range of
      higher-order aberrations to be generated. However, to date, wavefront shaping
      with AODs has been achieved by using single laser pulses for strobed illumination
      to 'freeze' the moving acoustic wavefront, limiting voxel acquisition rates. Here
      we show that dynamic wavefront shaping can be achieved by applying non-linear
      drive frequencies to a pair of AODs with counter-propagating acoustic waves,
      which comprise a cylindrical acousto-optic lens (AOL). Using a cylindrical AOL we
      demonstrate high-speed continuous axial line scanning and the first experimental
      AOL-based correction of a cylindrical lens aberration at 30 kHz, accurate to
      1/35<sup>th</sup> of a wave at 800 nm. Furthermore, we develop a model to show
      how spherical aberration, which is the major aberration in AOL-based remote
      focusing systems, can be partially or fully corrected with AOLs consisting of
      four or six AODs, respectively. 

PMID- 27136822
TI  - Cavity techniques for holographic data storage recording.
AB  - Conventionally, reading and writing of data holograms utilizes a fraction of the
      light power because of a trade off in write and read efficiencies. This system
      constraint can be mitigated by applying a resonator cavity. Cavities enable more
      efficient use of the available light leading to enhanced read and write data
      rates with no additional energy cost. This enhancement is inversely related to
      diffraction efficiency, so these techniques work well for large capacity
      holographic data storage having low diffraction efficiency. The enhancement in
      write data transfer rate is evaluated by writing plane wave holograms and image
      bearing holograms in Fe:LiNbO<sub>3</sub> with a 532 nm wavelength laser. We
      confirmed 1.2 times enhancement in write data rate, out of a 1.4 theoretical
      maximum for materials absorption of 16%. 

PMID- 27136823
TI  - Impact of noise in holography with extended references in the low signal regime.
AB  - Signal-to-noise ratio is a key factor in lensless imaging, particularly for low
      diffraction signal experiments in the single shot regime. We present our recent
      study of the noise impact on holography with extended references. Experimental
      data have been measured in single shot acquisition using an intense coherent soft
      X-ray high harmonic source. The impact of hardware and software noise under
      various detection conditions is discussed. A final comparison between single shot
      and multi-shot regimes is given. 

PMID- 27136824
TI  - Speckle regularization and miniaturization of computer-generated holographic
      stereograms.
AB  - Holographic stereograms produce multiple parallax images that are seen from
      multiple viewpoints. Because random phase distributions are added to the parallax
      images to remove areas where images cannot be seen in the viewing area, speckles
      are generated in the reconstructed images. In this study, virtual viewpoints are
      inserted between the original viewpoints (real viewpoints) to make the interval
      of the viewpoints smaller than the pupil diameter of the eyes in order to remove
      the areas without images. In this case, regular interference patterns appear in
      the reconstructed images instead of the speckle patterns. The proper phase
      modulation of the parallax images displayed to the real and virtual viewpoints
      increases the spatial frequencies of the regular interference patterns on retinas
      so that the eyes cannot perceive them. The proposed technique was combined with
      the multiview-based holographic stereogram calculation technique and was
      experimentally verified. 

PMID- 27136825
TI  - Silicon micro-ring tunable laser for coherent optical communication.
AB  - A compact external cavity tunable laser based on a silicon hybrid micro-ring
      resonator is demonstrated. A theoretical model is also employed for design and
      analysis of the wavelength tuning performance of the device. In this model, the
      gain section of the device is simulated by a conventional multimode rate equation
      model, whereas all rest passive sections are modeled by the frequency domain
      method. Experimental results have shown that the output power of this device can
      reach 29 mW, with a linewidth less than 150 kHz. The tuning range is more than 17
      nm in C-band with 60 dB side-mode-suppression-ratio (SMSR). This device shows a
      comparable performance with the commercial narrow linewidth laser as the source
      in coherent transmission systems. 

PMID- 27136826
TI  - Refractive index and dispersion control of ultrafast laser inscribed waveguides
      in gallium lanthanum sulphide for near and mid-infrared applications.
AB  - The powerful ultrafast laser inscription technique is used to fabricate optical
      waveguides in gallium lanthanum sulphide substrates. For the first time the
      refractive index profile and the dispersion of such ultrafast laser inscribed
      waveguides are experimentally measured. In addition the Zero Dispersion
      Wavelength of both the waveguides and bulk substrate is experimentally
      determined. The Zero Dispersion Wavelength was determined to be between 3.66 and
      3.71 MUm for the waveguides and about 3.61 MUm for the bulk. This work paves the
      way for realizing ultrafast laser inscribed waveguide devices in gallium
      lanthanum sulphide glasses for near and mid-IR applications. 

PMID- 27136827
TI  - Super terahertz transparent electrodes.
AB  - The use of DMSO-doped poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly (4-styrenesulfonate)
      ( PEDOT: PSS) thin films produced by spin coating as transparent electrodes is
      reported. The transmittance of these electrodes at THz frequencies, as well as
      their surface morphology and electrical conductivity, are subsequently
      investigated in relation to the thickness of their DMSO-doped PEDOT: PSS film. A
      maximum conductivity of 5078 S/cm is obtained for a single-layer film (52 nm)
      doped with 15 vol% DMSO in PEDOT: PSS solution, providing a transmittance of up
      to 83.5% at 1.22 THz. The newly proposed blue-phase liquid crystal THz modulator
      provides continuous tunability and full electrical controllability at THz
      frequencies.

PMID- 27136828
TI  - Scalable nanofabrication of U-shaped nanowire resonators with tunable optical
      magnetism.
AB  - Split ring resonators have been studied extensively in reconstituting the
      diminishing magnetism at high electromagnetic frequencies in nature. However,
      breakdown in the linear scaling of artificial magnetism is found to occur at the
      near-infrared frequency mainly due to the increasing contribution of self
      inductance while reducing dimensions of the resonators. Although alternative
      designs have enabled artificial magnetism at optical frequencies, their
      sophisticated configurations and fabrication procedures do not lend themselves to
      easy implementation. Here, we report scalable nanofabrication of U-shaped
      nanowire resonators (UNWRs) using the high-throughput nanotransfer printing
      method. By providing ample area for conducting oscillating electric current,
      UNWRs overcome the saturation of the geometric scaling of the artificial
      magnetism. We experimentally demonstrated coarse and fine tuning of LC resonances
      over a wide wavelength range from 748 nm to 1600 nm. The added flexibility in
      transferring to other substrates makes UNWR a versatile building block for
      creating functional metamaterials in three dimensions. 

PMID- 27136829
TI  - Influence of the external focusing and the pulse parameters on the propagation of
      femtosecond annular Gaussian filaments in air.
AB  - We numerically investigate the effects of the external focusing and the pulse
      parameters on the propagation of the ring Gaussian filaments in air. The
      simulation results indicate that the onset distance of filament, the length and
      uniformity of the plasma strings, and the energy deposition strongly depend on
      these optical parameters. The length of optical filament can be extended greatly
      by adjusting the lens parameters near the maximum energy deposition. In addition,
      we find that, under the same initial intensity, the length and uniformity of the
      plasma strings can be tuned by increasing the beam width better than increasing
      the beam radius. 

PMID- 27136830
TI  - Extended Kalman filtering for joint mitigation of phase and amplitude noise in
      coherent QAM systems.
AB  - We numerically investigate our proposed carrier phase and amplitude noise
      estimation (CPANE) algorithm using extend Kalman filter (EKF) for joint
      mitigation of linear and non-linear phase noise as well as amplitude noise on 4,
      16 and 64 polarization multiplexed (PM) quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) 224
      Gb/s systems. The results are compared to decision directed (DD) carrier phase
      estimation (CPE), DD phase locked loop (PLL) and universal CPE (U-CPE)
      algorithms. Besides eliminating the necessity of phase unwrapping function, EKF
      CPANE shows improved performance for both back-to-back (BTB) and transmission
      scenarios compared to the aforementioned algorithms. We further propose a
      weighted innovation approach (WIA) of the EKF-CPANE which gives an improvement of
      0.3 dB in the Q-factor, compared to the original algorithm. 

PMID- 27136831
TI  - Scheme for generating distillation-favorable continuous-variable entanglement via
      three concurrent parametric down-conversions in a single chi<sup>(2)</sup>
      nonlinear photonic crystal.
AB  - We propose to generate a single-mode-squeezing two-mode squeezed vacuum state via
      a single chi<sup>(2)</sup> nonlinear photonic crystal. The state is favorable for
      existing Gaussian entanglement distillation schemes, since local squeezing
      operations can enhance the final entanglement and the success probability. The
      crystal is designed for enabling three concurrent quasi-phase-matching parametric
      down conversions, and hence relieves the auxiliary on-line bi-side local
      squeezing operations. The compact source opens up a way for continuous-variable
      quantum technologies and could find more potential applications in future large
      scale quantum networks. 

PMID- 27136832
TI  - Electron rescattering in a bicircular laser field.
AB  - Above-threshold ionization of rare-gas atoms by a bicircular field with its two
      components counterrotating is theoretically investigated by means of the improved
      strong-field approximation. Both direct and rescattered electrons are considered
      and the quantum orbits that lead into a specific final state are calculated and
      depicted. The angle-dependent spectrum reflects the discrete rotational symmetry
      of the bicircular field. The backward-scattering contributions are very similar
      to those generated by a linearly polarized field; several such contributions are
      rotated one versus the other by the symmetry angle of the discrete rotational
      symmetry. The forward-scattering contributions dramatically affect the velocity
      map at comparatively low momenta. The direct-electron spectrum observes
      reflection symmetry about several symmetry axes determined by the field symmetry.
      This is broken by rescattering. 

PMID- 27136833
TI  - Non-destructive drug inspection in covering materials using a terahertz spectral
      imaging system with injection-seeded terahertz parametric generation and
      detection.
AB  - In 2003, we reported the first-ever development of a spectral imaging system for
      illicit drugs detection using a terahertz (THz) wave parametric oscillator (TPO)
      [K. Kawase et al., Opt. Exp. 11(20), 2549 2003]. The system has a dynamic range
      below four orders of magnitude, which enables it to identify reagents only
      through thin envelopes using spectral imaging. Recently, we succeeded in
      developing a high power and high sensitivity THz wave spectral imaging system
      using injection-seeded THz parametric generation and detection. A dynamic range
      in excess of 80 dB has been obtained, which is much higher than that of the 2003
      system. In this study, the new spectral imaging system successfully identified
      reagents through thicker material than the thin envelopes used previously. 

PMID- 27136834
TI  - Terahertz wave three-dimensional computed tomography based on injection-seeded
      terahertz wave parametric emitter and detector.
AB  - We demonstrate a high dynamic range, three-dimensional (3-D) terahertz (THz) wave
      computed tomography system in which frequency tunable, Fourier transform-limited,
      high-power THz waves are emitted by an injection-seeded parametric source and
      ultrasensitive detection of THz waves is accomplished by heterodyne detection.
      This system covers the frequency range of 0.95 to 2.7 THz and has a maximum
      dynamic range in excess of nine orders of magnitude, enabling the acquisition of
      high-resolution 3-D tomographic images of samples with strong THz absorption. As
      an illustration, we obtained 3-D computed tomographic images of a pencil and a
      plastic product with an internal defect that demonstrates the potential
      applications of our imaging system in non-destructive testing and evaluation of
      industrial products. 

PMID- 27136835
TI  - X-ray ptychography using a distant analyzer.
AB  - Ptychography has offered unparalleled high resolution in hard X-ray imaging.
      However, the imaging quality relies on the interaction between the object and the
      illumination to be well described by a mathematical model in the reconstruction
      algorithm. Here, we demonstrate at X-ray wavelengths a method that allows for
      reconstruction of the object exit wavefield without the need for the knowledge of
      this interaction. The incident field interacts with the object, and the exit
      wavefield propagates freely to the plane of an analyzer. As we translate the
      analyzer and measure diffraction patterns, the propagated wavefield can be
      reconstructed and the object exit wavefield determined by numerical
      backpropagation. The method broadens the impact and application of ptychography
      as it offers information inaccessible to conventional ptychography as well as
      working distances of tens of millimeters. 

PMID- 27136836
TI  - Energy transfer in Tm,Ho:KYW crystal and diode-pumped microchip laser operation.
AB  - An investigation of Tm-Ho energy transfer in Tm(5at.%),Ho(0.4at.%):KYW single
      crystal by two independent techiques was performed. Based on fluorescence
      dynamics measurements, energy transfer parameters P<sub>71</sub> and
      P<sub>28</sub> for direct (Tm->Ho) and back (Ho->Tm) transfers, respectively, as
      well as equilibrium constant Theta were evaluated. The obtained results were
      supported by calculation of microscopic interaction parameters according to the
      Forster-Dexter theory for a dipole-dipole interaction. Diode-pumped continuous
      wave operation of Tm,Ho:KYW microchip laser was demonstrated, for the first time
      to our knowledge. Maximum output power of 77 mW at 2070 nm was achieved at the
      fundamental TEM<sub>00</sub> mode. 

PMID- 27136837
TI  - High resolution ultraviolet imaging spectrometer for latent image analysis.
AB  - In this work, we present a close-range ultraviolet imaging spectrometer with high
      spatial resolution, and reasonably high spectral resolution. As the transmissive
      optical components cause chromatic aberration in the ultraviolet (UV) spectral
      range, an all-reflective imaging scheme is introduced to promote the image
      quality. The proposed instrument consists of an oscillating mirror, a Cassegrain
      objective, a Michelson structure, an Offner relay, and a UV enhanced CCD. The
      finished spectrometer has a spatial resolution of 29.30MUm on the target plane;
      the spectral scope covers both near and middle UV band; and can obtain
      approximately 100 wavelength samples over the range of 240~370nm. The control
      computer coordinates all the components of the instrument and enables capturing a
      series of images, which can be reconstructed into an interferogram datacube. The
      datacube can be converted into a spectrum datacube, which contains spectral
      information of each pixel with many wavelength samples. A spectral calibration is
      carried out by using a high pressure mercury discharge lamp. A test run
      demonstrated that this interferometric configuration can obtain high resolution
      spectrum datacube. The pattern recognition algorithm is introduced to analyze the
      datacube and distinguish the latent traces from the base materials. This design
      is particularly good at identifying the latent traces in the application field of
      forensic imaging. 

PMID- 27136838
TI  - Transition of recollision trajectories from linear to elliptical polarization.
AB  - Using a classical ensemble method, we revisit the topic of recollision and
      nonsequential double ionization with elliptically polarized laser fields. We
      focus on how the recollision mechanism transitions from short trajectories with
      linear polarization to long trajectories with elliptical polarization. We propose
      how this transition can be observed by meansuring the carrier-envelop-phase
      dependence of the correlated electron momentum spectra using currently available
      few-cycle laser pulses. 

PMID- 27136839
TI  - Phase diagram for passive electromagnetic scatterers.
AB  - With the conservation of power, a phase diagram defined by amplitude square and
      phase of scattering coefficients for each spherical harmonic channel is
      introduced as a universal map for any passive electromagnetic scatterers.
      Physically allowable solutions for scattering coefficients in this diagram
      clearly show power competitions among scattering and absorption. It also
      illustrates a variety of exotic scattering or absorption phenomena, from resonant
      scattering, invisible cloaking, to coherent perfect absorber. With electrically
      small core-shell scatterers as an example, we demonstrate a systematic method to
      design field-controllable structures based on the allowed trajectories in this
      diagram. The proposed phase diagram and inverse design can provide tools to
      design functional electromagnetic devices. 

PMID- 27136840
TI  - Regularized Newton methods for x-ray phase contrast and general imaging problems.
AB  - Like many other advanced imaging methods, x-ray phase contrast imaging and
      tomography require mathematical inversion of the observed data to obtain real
      space information. While an accurate forward model describing the generally
      nonlinear image formation from a given object to the observations is often
      available, explicit inversion formulas are typically not known. Moreover, the
      measured data might be insufficient for stable image reconstruction, in which
      case it has to be complemented by suitable a priori information. In this work,
      regularized Newton methods are presented as a general framework for the solution
      of such ill-posed nonlinear imaging problems. For a proof of principle, the
      approach is applied to x-ray phase contrast imaging in the near-field propagation
      regime. Simultaneous recovery of the phase- and amplitude from a single near
      field diffraction pattern without homogeneity constraints is demonstrated for the
      first time. The presented methods further permit all-at-once phase contrast
      tomography, i.e. simultaneous phase retrieval and tomographic inversion. We
      demonstrate the potential of this approach by three-dimensional imaging of a
      colloidal crystal at 95nm isotropic resolution. 

PMID- 27136841
TI  - Visualizing aerosol-particle injection for diffractive-imaging experiments.
AB  - Delivering sub-micrometer particles to an intense x-ray focus is a crucial aspect
      of single-particle diffractive-imaging experiments at x-ray free-electron lasers.
      Enabling direct visualization of sub-micrometer aerosol particle streams without
      interfering with the operation of the particle injector can greatly improve the
      overall efficiency of single-particle imaging experiments by reducing the amount
      of time and sample consumed during measurements. We have developed in-situ non
      destructive imaging diagnostics to aid real-time particle injector optimization
      and x-ray/particle-beam alignment, based on laser illumination schemes and fast
      imaging detectors. Our diagnostics are constructed to provide a non-invasive
      rapid feedback on injector performance during measurements, and have been
      demonstrated during diffraction measurements at the FLASH free-electron laser. 

PMID- 27136842
TI  - Diffraction effects in length measurements by laser interferometry.
AB  - High-accuracy dimensional measurements by laser interferometers require
      corrections because of diffraction, which makes the effective fringe-period
      different from the wavelength of a plane (or spherical) wave lambda<sub>0</sub>.
      By using a combined X-ray and optical interferometer as a tool to investigate
      diffraction across a laser beam, we observed wavelength variations as large as
      10<sup>-8</sup>lambda<sub>0</sub>. We show that they originate from the wavefront
      evolution under paraxial propagation in the presence of wavefront- and intensity
      profile perturbations. 

PMID- 27136843
TI  - Strip-slot direct mode coupler.
AB  - We present a direct strip-slot waveguide mode coupler without any auxiliary
      structures. Contrary to popular belief, an apparent mode mismatch between strip
      and slot waveguide does not deteriorate conversion efficiency. Separated electric
      and magnetic field distributions in a slot waveguide lead to highly efficient
      modal coupling in the direct strip-slot coupler and result in high conversion
      efficiency. Accurate experimental characterization shows that the direct strip
      slot waveguide mode coupler is capable of up to 96% conversion efficiency with a
      broad bandwidth. Being simplest and of high efficiency, the direct strip-slot
      waveguide mode coupler can encourage potential applications of slot waveguides. 

PMID- 27136844
TI  - Ultrafast laser spatial beam shaping based on Zernike polynomials for surface
      processing.
AB  - In femtosecond laser machining, spatial beam shaping can be achieved with
      wavefront modulators. The wavefront modulator displays a pre-calculated phase
      mask that modulates the laser wavefront to generate a target intensity
      distribution in the processing plane. Due to the non-perfect optical response of
      wavefront modulators, the experimental distribution may significantly differ from
      the target, especially for continuous shapes. We propose an alternative phase
      mask calculation method that can be adapted to the phase modulator optical
      performance. From an adjustable number of Zernike polynomials according to this
      performance, a least square fitting algorithm numerically determines their
      coefficients to obtain the desired wavefront modulation. We illustrate the
      technique with an optically addressed liquid-crystal light valve to produce
      continuous intensity distributions matching a desired ablation profile, without
      the need of a wavefront sensor. The projection of the experimental laser
      distribution shows a 5% RMS error compared to the calculated one. Ablation of
      steel is achieved following user-defined micro-dimples and micro-grooves targets
      on mold surfaces. The profiles of the microgrooves and the injected polycarbonate
      closely match the target (RMS below 4%). 

PMID- 27136845
TI  - CW laser light condensation.
AB  - We present a first experimental demonstration of classical CW laser light
      condensation (LC) in the frequency (mode) domain that verifies its prediction
      (Fischer and Weill, Opt. Express20, 26704 (2012)). LC is based on weighting the
      modes in a noisy environment in a loss-gain measure compared to an energy
      (frequency) scale in Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC). It is characterized by a
      sharp transition from multi- to single-mode oscillation, occurring when the
      spectral-filtering (loss-trap) has near the lowest-loss mode ("ground-state") a
      power-law dependence with an exponent smaller than 1. An important meaning of the
      many-mode LC system stems from its relation to lasing and photon-BEC. 

PMID- 27136846
TI  - Compact quantum cascade laser based quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy
      sensor system for detection of carbon disulfide.
AB  - A compact gas sensor system based on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy
      (QEPAS) employing a continuous wave (CW) distributed feedback quantum cascade
      laser (DFB-QCL) operating at 4.59 um was developed for detection of carbon
      disulfide (CS<sub>2</sub>) in air at trace concentration. The influence of water
      vapor on monitored QEPAS signal was investigated to enable compensation of this
      dependence by independent moisture sensing. A 1 sigma limit of detection of 28
      parts per billion by volume (ppbv) for a 1 s lock-in amplifier time constant was
      obtained for the CS<sub>2</sub> line centered at 2178.69 cm<sup>-1</sup> when the
      gas sample was moisturized with 2.3 vol% H<sub>2</sub>O. The work reports the
      suitability of the system for monitoring CS<sub>2</sub> with high selectivity and
      sensitivity, as well as low sample gas volume requirements and fast sensor
      response for applications such as workplace air and process monitoring at
      industry. 

PMID- 27136847
TI  - Application of a ring cavity surface emitting quantum cascade laser (RCSE-QCL) on
      the measurement of H<sub>2</sub>S in a CH<sub>4</sub> matrix for process
      analytics.
AB  - The present work reports on the first application of a ring-cavity-surface
      emitting quantum-cascade laser (RCSE-QCL) for sensitive gas measurements. RCSE
      QCLs are promising candidates for optical gas-sensing due to their single-mode,
      mode-hop-free and narrow-band emission characteristics along with their broad
      spectral coverage. The time resolved down-chirp of the RCSE-QCL in the 1227-1236
      cm<sup>-1</sup> (8.15-8.09 um) spectral range was investigated using a step-scan
      FT-IR spectrometer (Bruker Vertex 80v) with 2 ns time and 0.1 cm<sup>-1</sup>
      spectral resolution. The pulse repetition rate was set between 20 and 200 kHz and
      the laser device was cooled to 15-17 degrees C. Employing 300 ns pulses a
      spectrum of ~1.5 cm<sup>-1</sup> could be recorded. Under these laser operation
      conditions and a gas pressure of 1000 mbar a limit of detection (3sigma) of 1.5
      ppmv for hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) in nitrogen was achieved using a 100 m
      Herriott cell and a thermoelectric cooled MCT detector for absorption
      measurements. Using 3 us long pulses enabled to further extend the spectral
      bandwidth to 8.5 cm<sup>-1</sup>. Based on this increased spectral coverage and
      employing reduced pressure conditions (50 mbar) multiple peaks of the target
      analyte H<sub>2</sub>S as well as methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) could be examined
      within one single pulse. 

PMID- 27136848
TI  - High-extinction-ratio silicon polarization beam splitter with tolerance to
      waveguide width and coupling length variations.
AB  - We demonstrate a compact silicon polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on
      grating-assisted contradirectional couplers (GACCs). Over 30-dB extinction ratios
      and less than 1-dB insertion losses are achieved for both polarizations. The
      proposed PBS exhibits tolerance in width variation, and the polarization
      extinction ratios remain higher than 20 dB for both polarizations when the width
      variation is adjusted from + 10 to -10 nm. Benefiting from the enhanced coupling
      by the GACCs, the polarization extinction ratio can be kept higher than 15 dB and
      the insertion loss is lower than 2 dB for both polarizations when the coupling
      length varies from 30.96 to 13.76 MUm. 

PMID- 27136849
TI  - Biased decoy-state measurement-device-independent quantum cryptographic
      conferencing with finite resources.
AB  - In recent years, a large quantity of work have been done to narrow the gap
      between theory and practice in quantum key distribution (QKD). However, most of
      them are focus on two-party protocols. Very recently, Yao Fu et al proposed a
      measurement-device-independent quantum cryptographic conferencing (MDI-QCC)
      protocol and proved its security in the limit of infinitely long keys. As a step
      towards practical application for MDI-QCC, we design a biased decoy-state
      measurement-device-independent quantum cryptographic conferencing protocol and
      analyze the performance of the protocol in both the finite-key and infinite-key
      regime. From numerical simulations, we show that our decoy-state analysis is
      tighter than Yao Fu et al. That is, we can achieve the nonzero asymptotic secret
      key rate in long distance with approximate to 200km and we also demonstrate that
      with a finite size of data (say 10<sup>11</sup> to 10<sup>13</sup> signals) it is
      possible to perform secure MDI-QCC over reasonable distances. 

PMID- 27136850
TI  - Giant frequency tunability enabled by external magnetic and a gate electric
      fields in graphene devices.
AB  - Graphene possesses a unique Landau level system that is non-equidistantly spaced
      in energy, as thus a large amount of optical transitions may become possible.
      Here, by utilizing this unique feature, we propose a novel dual field method
      which combines both external magnetic field and gate electric field together to
      control the optical response of the graphene-based devices. The key principle of
      this method is to selectively allow different optical transitions in graphene
      among Landau levels via an electric gate tuning of the Fermi level. By applying
      this method to a graphene based amplitude modulator and through an implementation
      based on transfer matrix method, we numerically demonstrated the well
      characteristics of switchable modulation on four individual channels, a huge
      modulation depth up to 80 dB and an extremely low required energy of tuning Fermi
      level down to 10 meV. Such excellent frequency tunability and gate controlling
      ability of this dual field method may open up the potential for applications in
      active optoelectronics, spin optics, ultrafast optics and etc. 

PMID- 27136851
TI  - Multi-objective approach for the automatic design of optical systems.
AB  - An innovative method for the automatic design of optical systems is presented and
      verified. The proposed method is based on a multi-objective evolutionary memetic
      optimization algorithm. The multi-objective approach simultaneously, but
      separately, addresses the image quality, tolerance, and complexity of the system.
      The memetic technique breaks down the search for optical designs in to three
      different parts or phases: optical glass selection, exploration, and
      exploitation. The optical glass selection phase defines the most appropriate set
      of glasses for the system under design. The glass selection phase limits the
      available glasses from hundreds to just a few, drastically reducing the design
      space and significantly increasing the efficiency of the automatic design method.
      The exploration phase is based on an evolutionary algorithm (EA), more
      specifically, on a problem-tailored generalized extremal optimization (GEO)
      algorithm, named Optical GEO (O-GEO). The new EA incorporates many features
      customized for lens design, such as optical system codification and diversity
      operators. The trade-off systems found in the exploration phase are refined by a
      local search, based on the damped least square method in the exploitation phase.
      As a result, the method returns a set of trade-off solutions, generating a Pareto
      front. Our method delivers alternative and useful insights for the compromise
      solutions in a lens design problem. The efficiency of the proposed method is
      verified through real-world examples, showing excellent results for the tested
      problems. 

PMID- 27136852
TI  - Towards high-order modulation using complex modulation of semiconductor lasers.
AB  - Optical communication using high-speed on-off-keying signal by directly modulated
      semiconductor lasers (DML) was one of the most significant breakthroughs for
      telecommunication in 1960s. The wide deployment of 2.5-Gb/s per-channel
      transoceanic optical fiber links in 1990s drove the internet as a global
      phenomenon. However, the detrimental frequency chirp of DML prevents its
      application to the subsequent internet capacity evolution. Today, the state-of
      the-art long-haul optical transponder uses external modulators to support high
      order complex modulation. In contrast, this paper shows that the "detrimental"
      chirp effect can be exploited to generate complex modulation with a single DML,
      which achieves dramatic sensitivity gain of signal-to-noise-ratio compared to the
      conventional intensity modulation of DML. By using large chirp parameters,
      complex-modulated DML paves an attractive pathway towards high-order pulse
      amplitude modulation with an ultra-low transmitter cost, which has great
      potential in future medium reach optical communications. 

PMID- 27136853
TI  - Mode-locked long fibre master oscillator with intra-cavity power management and
      pulse energy > 12 uJ.
AB  - Combined lengthening of the cavity of a passive mode-locked fibre master
      oscillator and implementation of a new concept of intra-cavity power management
      led to achievement of a record-high pulse energy directly at the output of the
      mode-locked fibre master oscillator (without any subsequent amplification)
      exceeding 12 uJ. Output powers at the level of > 12 uJ obtainable from a long
      cavity mode-locked fibre master oscillator open new possibilities of application
      of all pulse types that can be generated in such oscillators. 

PMID- 27136854
TI  - Efficient generation and tight focusing of radially polarized beam from linearly
      polarized beam with all-dielectric metasurface.
AB  - We propose a single layer all-dielectric metasurface lens to simultaneously
      convert and focus an incident linear polarization into a radial beam with high
      efficiency and high numerical aperture (NA). It shows a better focusing property
      compared with the linearly polarized metasurface lens for high NA. A tight spot
      size (0.502lambda) is achieved for the NA = 0.94. Additionally, the emergent
      polarization can in principle be switched flexibly between radially and
      azimuthally polarized beams by the adjustment of incident polarization direction.
      It is expected that our scheme may have potential value in microscopy, material
      processing, medicine, particles accelerating and trapping, and so on. 

PMID- 27136855
TI  - Application of side-oblique image-motion blur correction to Kuaizhou-1 agile
      optical images.
AB  - Given the recent development of agile optical satellites for rapid-response land
      observation, side-oblique image-motion (SOIM) detection and blur correction have
      become increasingly essential for improving the radiometric quality of side
      oblique images. The Chinese small-scale agile mapping satellite Kuaizhou-1 (KZ-1)
      was developed by the Harbin Institute of Technology and launched for multiple
      emergency applications. Like other agile satellites, KZ-1 suffers from SOIM blur,
      particularly in captured images with large side-oblique angles. SOIM detection
      and blur correction are critical for improving the image radiometric accuracy.
      This study proposes a SOIM restoration method based on segmental point spread
      function detection. The segment region width is determined by satellite
      parameters such as speed, height, integration time, and side-oblique angle. The
      corresponding algorithms and a matrix form are proposed for SOIM blur correction.
      Radiometric objective evaluation indices are used to assess the restoration
      quality. Beijing regional images from KZ-1 are used as experimental data. The
      radiometric quality is found to increase greatly after SOIM correction. Thus, the
      proposed method effectively corrects image motion for KZ-1 agile optical
      satellites. 

PMID- 27136856
TI  - Ideal, constant-loss nanophotonic mode converter using a Lagrangian approach.
AB  - Coupling light between an optical fiber and a silicon nanophotonic waveguide is a
      challenge facing the field of silicon photonics to which various mode converters
      have been proposed. Inverted tapers stand out as a practical solution enabling
      efficient and broadband mode conversion. Current design approaches often use
      linearly-shaped tapers and two dimensional approximations; however, these
      approaches have not been rigorously verified and there is not an overarching
      design framework to guide the design process. Here, using a Lagrangian
      formulation, we propose an original, constant-loss framework for designing shape
      controlled photonic devices and apply this formalism to derive an ideal constant
      loss taper (CLT). We specifically report on the experimental demonstration of a
      fabrication-tolerant, 15-um-long CLT coupler, that produces 0.56 dB fiber-chip
      coupling efficiency, the highest efficiency-per-length ratio ever reported. 

PMID- 27136857
TI  - Pancharatnam-Berry optical element sorter of full angular momentum eigenstate.
AB  - We propose and numerically demonstrate a Pancharatnam-Berry optical element
      (PBOE) device that simultaneously sorts spin (SAM) and orbital (OAM) angular
      momentum. This device exploits the circular polarization selective properties of
      PBOEs to modulate independently the orthogonal SAM eigenstates within a geometric
      optical transformation that sorts OAM, enabling single measurement
      characterization of the full angular momentum eigenstate. This expands the
      available state space for OAM communication and enables characterization of the
      eigenmode composition of structured polarization beams. We define the two
      dimensional orientation patterns of the transversely varying half-waveplate PBOEs
      that implement the angular momentum sorter. We show that the device discriminates
      the OAM and SAM eigenstates of optical beams including laser cavity modes such as
      Laguerre-Gaussian OAM eigenmodes, Hermite-Gaussian modes, and hybrid modes with
      complex structured polarization. We also demonstrate that it can determine the m
      parameter of higher order LGml Laguerre-Gaussian modes. The ability of this
      device to decode information from spatially structured optical phase has
      potential for applications in communication, encryption, modal characterization,
      and scientific measurements. 

PMID- 27136858
TI  - Coarse integral holography approach for real 3D color video displays.
AB  - A colour holographic display is considered the ultimate apparatus to provide the
      most natural 3D viewing experience. It encodes a 3D scene as holographic patterns
      that then are used to reproduce the optical wavefront. The main challenge at
      present is for the existing technologies to cope with the full information
      bandwidth required for the computation and display of holographic video. We have
      developed a dynamic coarse integral holography approach using opto-mechanical
      scanning, coarse integral optics and a low space-bandwidth-product high-bandwidth
      spatial light modulator to display dynamic holograms with a large space-bandwidth
      product at video rates, combined with an efficient rendering algorithm to reduce
      the information content. This makes it possible to realise a full-parallax,
      colour holographic video display with a bandwidth of 10 billion pixels per
      second, and an adequate image size and viewing angle, as well as all relevant 3D
      cues. Our approach is scalable and the prototype can achieve even better
      performance with continuing advances in hardware components. 

PMID- 27136859
TI  - Detection and alignment of dual-polarization optical quadrature amplitude
      transmitter IQ and XY skews using reconfigurable interference.
AB  - Dual-polarization quadrature amplitude modulation (DP-QAM) is one of the feasible
      paths towards 100-Gb/s, 400-Gb/s and 1-Tb/s optical fiber communications systems.
      For DP-QAM transmitter, the time mismatch between the in-phase and quadrature
      (IQ) or x-polarized and y-polarized (XY) tributary channels is known as the IQ or
      XY skew. Large uncompensated IQ or XY skew can significantly degrade the optical
      fiber communications system performance. Sometimes, time-interleaved return-to
      zero (RZ) DP signal is preferred with lower nonlinear polarization scattering
      induced penalty. In this work, detection and alignment of DP-QAM transmitter IQ
      and XY skews using reconfigurable interference is experimentally demonstrated.
      For IQ skew detection, a total dynamic range of 26.4 dB is achieved with ~1-dB
      power change for 0.5-ps skew from well alignment. For XY skew detection, it shows
      23.2-dB dynamic range, and ~1.5-dB power change is achieved for 1-ps XY skew.
      Fast detection algorithm for arbitrary skew is also proposed and experimentally
      verified. The scheme is compatible with different modulation formats, flexible
      data sequences, and variable waveforms. 

PMID- 27136860
TI  - System for simultaneously measuring 6DOF geometric motion errors using a
      polarization maintaining fiber-coupled dual-frequency laser.
AB  - A novel method for simultaneously measuring six degree-of-freedom (6DOF)
      geometric motion errors is proposed in this paper, and the corresponding
      measurement instrument is developed. Simultaneous measurement of 6DOF geometric
      motion errors using a polarization maintaining fiber-coupled dual-frequency laser
      is accomplished for the first time to the best of the authors' knowledge. Dual
      frequency laser beams that are orthogonally linear polarized were adopted as the
      measuring datum. Positioning error measurement was achieved by heterodyne
      interferometry, and other 5DOF geometric motion errors were obtained by fiber
      collimation measurement. A series of experiments was performed to verify the
      effectiveness of the developed instrument. The experimental results showed that
      the stability and accuracy of the positioning error measurement are 31.1 nm and
      0.5 MUm, respectively. For the straightness error measurements, the stability and
      resolution are 60 and 40 nm, respectively, and the maximum deviation of
      repeatability is +/- 0.15 MUm in the x direction and +/- 0.1 MUm in the y
      direction. For pitch and yaw measurements, the stabilities are 0.03" and 0.04",
      the maximum deviations of repeatability are +/- 0.18" and +/- 0.24", and the
      accuracies are 0.4" and 0.35", respectively. The stability and resolution of roll
      measurement are 0.29" and 0.2", respectively, and the accuracy is 0.6". 

PMID- 27136861
TI  - Ultracompact high-efficiency polarising beam splitter based on silicon nanobrick
      arrays.
AB  - Since the transmission of anisotropic nano-structures is sensitive to the
      polarisation of an incident beam, a novel polarising beam splitter (PBS) based on
      silicon nanobrick arrays is proposed. With careful design of such structures, an
      incident beam with polarisation direction aligned with the long axis of the
      nanobrick is almost totally reflected (~98.5%), whilst that along the short axis
      is nearly totally transmitted (~94.3%). More importantly, by simply changing the
      width of the nanobrick we can shift the peak response wavelength from 1460 nm to
      1625 nm, covering S, C and L bands of the fiber telecommunications windows. The
      silicon nanobrick-based PBS can find applications in many fields which require
      ultracompactness, high efficiency, and compatibility with semiconductor industry
      technologies. 

PMID- 27136862
TI  - Bidirectional pumped high power Raman fiber laser.
AB  - This paper presents a 3.89 kW 1123 nm Raman all-fiber laser with an overall
      optical-to-optical efficiency of 70.9%. The system consists of a single
      wavelength (1070nm) seed and one-stage bidirectional 976 nm non-wavelength
      stabilized laser diodes (LDs) pumped Yb-doped fiber amplifier. The unique part of
      this system is the application of non-wavelength-stabilized LDs in high power
      bidirectional pumping configuration fiber amplifier via refractive index valley
      fiber combiners. This approach not only increases the pump power, but also
      shortens the length of fiber by avoiding the usage of multi-stage amplifier.
      Through both theoretical research and experiment, the bidirectional pumping
      configuration presented in this paper proves to be able to convert 976 nm pump
      laser to 1070 nm laser via Yb<sup>3+</sup> transfer, which is then converted into
      1123 nm Raman laser via the first-order Raman effect without the appearance of
      any higher-order Raman laser. 

PMID- 27136863
TI  - Signal processing using artificial neural network for BOTDA sensor system.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate the use of artificial neural network (ANN) to
      process sensing signals obtained from Brillouin optical time domain analyzer
      (BOTDA). The distributed temperature information is extracted directly from the
      local Brillouin gain spectra (BGSs) along the fiber under test without the
      process of determination of Brillouin frequency shift (BFS) and hence conversion
      from BFS to temperature. Unlike our previous work for short sensing distance
      where ANN is trained by measured BGSs, here we employ ideal BGSs with different
      linewidths to train the ANN in order to take the linewidth variation due to
      different conditions from the training and testing phases into account, making it
      feasible for long distance sensing. Moreover, the performance of ANN is compared
      with other two techniques, Lorentzian curve fitting and cross-correlation method,
      and our results show that ANN has higher accuracy and larger tolerance to
      measurement error, especially at large frequency scanning step. We also show that
      the temperature extraction from BOTDA measurements employing ANN is significantly
      faster than the other two approaches. Hence ANN can be an excellent alternative
      tool to process BGSs measured by BOTDA and obtain temperature distribution along
      the fiber, especially when large frequency scanning step is adopted to
      significantly reduce the measurement time but without sacrifice of sensing
      accuracy. 

PMID- 27136864
TI  - Role of surface electromagnetic waves in metamaterial absorbers.
AB  - Metamaterial absorbers have been demonstrated across much of the electromagnetic
      spectrum and exhibit both broad and narrow-band absorption for normally incident
      radiation. Absorption diminishes for increasing angles of incidence and
      transverse electric polarization falls off much more rapidly than transverse
      magnetic. We unambiguously demonstrate that broad-angle TM behavior cannot be
      associated with periodicity, but rather is due to coupling with a surface
      electromagnetic mode that is both supported by, and well described via the
      effective optical constants of the metamaterial where we achieve a resonant
      wavelength that is 19.1 times larger than the unit cell. Experimental results are
      supported by simulations and we highlight the potential to modify the angular
      response of absorbers by tailoring the surface wave. 

PMID- 27136865
TI  - Wave optical simulation of the light trapping properties of black silicon surface
      textures.
AB  - Due to their low reflectivity and effective light trapping properties black
      silicon nanostructured surfaces are promising front side structures for thin
      crystalline silicon solar cells. For further optimization of the light trapping
      effect, particularly in combination with rear side structures, it is necessary to
      simulate the optical properties of black silicon. Especially, the angular
      distribution of light in the silicon bulk after passage through the front side
      structure is relevant. In this paper, a rigorous coupled wave analysis of black
      silicon is presented, where the black silicon needle shaped structure is
      approximated by a randomized cone structure. The simulated absorptance agrees
      well with measurement data. Furthermore, the simulated angular light distribution
      within the silicon bulk shows that about 70% of the light can be subjected to
      internal reflection, highlighting the good light trapping properties. 

PMID- 27136866
TI  - Experimental evaluation of theoretical sea surface reflectance factors relevant
      to above-water radiometry.
AB  - Determination of the water-leaving radiance L<sub>W</sub> through above-water
      radiometry requires knowledge of accurate reflectance factors rho of the sea
      surface. Publicly available rho relevant to above-water radiometry include
      theoretical data sets generated: i. by assuming a sky radiance distribution
      accounting for aerosols and multiple scattering, but neglecting polarization, and
      quantifying sea surface effects through Cox-Munk wave slope statistics; or
      differently ii. accounting for polarization, but assuming an ideal Rayleigh sky
      radiance distribution, and quantifying sea surface effects through modeled wave
      elevation and slope variance spectra. The impact on above-water data products of
      differences between those factors rho was quantified through comparison of
      L<sub>W</sub> from the Ocean Color component of the Aerosol Robotic Network
      (AERONET-OC) with collocated L<sub>W</sub> from in-water radiometry. Results from
      the analysis of radiance measurements from the sea performed with 40 degrees
      viewing angle and 90 degrees azimuth offset with respect to the sun plane,
      indicated a slightly better agreement between above- and in-water L<sub>W</sub>
      determined for wind speeds tentatively lower than 4 m s<sup>-1</sup> with rho
      computed accounting for aerosols, multiple scattering and Cox-Munk surfaces.
      Nevertheless, analyses performed by partitioning the investigated data set also
      indicated that actual rho values would exhibit dependence on sun zenith comprised
      between those characterizing the two sets of reflectance factors. 

PMID- 27136867
TI  - Enhanced upconversion quantum yield near spherical gold nanoparticles - a
      comprehensive simulation based analysis.
AB  - Photon upconversion is promising for many applications. However, the potential of
      lanthanide doped upconverter materials is typically limited by low absorption
      coefficients and low upconversion quantum yields (UCQY) under practical
      irradiance of the excitation. Modifying the photonic environment can strongly
      enhance the spontaneous emission and therefore also the upconversion
      luminescence. Additionally, the non-linear nature of the upconversion processes
      can be exploited by an increased local optical field introduced by photonic or
      plasmonic structures. In combination, both processes may lead to a strong
      enhancement of the UCQY at simultaneously lower incident irradiances. Here, we
      use a comprehensive 3D computation-based approach to investigate how absorption,
      upconversion luminescence, and UCQY of an upconverter are altered in the vicinity
      of spherical gold nanoparticles (GNPs). We use Mie theory and electrodynamic
      theory to compute the properties of GNPs. The parameters obtained in these
      calculations were used as input parameters in a rate equation model of the
      upconverter beta-NaYF<sub>4</sub>: 20% Er<sup>3+</sup>. We consider different
      diameters of the GNP and determine the behavior of the system as a function of
      the incident irradiance. Whether the UCQY is increased or actually decreased
      depends heavily on the position of the upconverter in respect to the GNP. Whereas
      the upconversion luminescence enhancement reaches a maximum around a distance of
      35 nm to the surface of the GNP, we observe strong quenching of the UCQY for
      distances <40 nm and a UCQY maximum around 125 to 150 nm, in the case of a 300 nm
      diameter GNP. Hence, the upconverter material needs to be placed at different
      positions, depending on whether absorption, upconversion luminescence, or UCQY
      should be maximized. At the optimum position, we determine a maximum UCQY
      enhancement of 117% for a 300 nm diameter GNP at a low incident irradiance of
      0.01 W/cm<sup>2</sup>. As the irradiance increases, the maximum UCQY enhancement
      decreases to 20% at 1 W/cm<sup>2</sup>. However, this UCQY enhancement translates
      into a significant improvement of the UCQY from 12.0% to 14.4% absolute. 

PMID- 27136868
TI  - Estimating net surface shortwave radiation from Chinese geostationary
      meteorological satellite FengYun-2D (FY-2D) data under clear sky.
AB  - Net surface shortwave radiation (NSSR) significantly affects regional and global
      climate change, and is an important aspect of research on surface radiation
      budget balance. Many previous studies have proposed methods for estimating NSSR.
      This study proposes a method to calculate NSSR using FY-2D short-wave channel
      data. Firstly, a linear regression model is established between the top-of
      atmosphere (TOA) broadband albedo (r) and the narrowband reflectivity
      (rho<sub>1</sub>), based on data simulated with MODTRAN 4.2. Secondly, the
      relationship between surface absorption coefficient (as) and broadband albedo (r)
      is determined by dividing the surface type into land, sea, or snow&ice, and NSSR
      can then be calculated. Thirdly, sensitivity analysis is performed for errors
      associated with sensor noise, vertically integrated atmospheric water content,
      view zenith angle and solar zenith angle. Finally, validation using ground
      measurements is performed. Results show that the root mean square error (RMSE)
      between the estimated and actual r is less than 0.011 for all conditions, and the
      RMSEs between estimated and real NSSR are 26.60 W/m<sup>2</sup>, 9.99
      W/m<sup>2</sup>, and 23.40 W/m<sup>2</sup>, using simulated data for land, sea,
      and snow&ice surfaces, respectively. This indicates that the proposed method can
      be used to adequately estimate NSSR. Additionally, we compare field measurements
      from TaiYuan and ChangWu ecological stations with estimates using corresponding
      FY-2D data acquired from January to April 2012, on cloud-free days. Results show
      that the RMSE between the estimated and actual NSSR is 48.56W/m<sup>2</sup>, with
      a mean error of -2.23W/m<sup>2</sup>. Causes of errors also include measurement
      accuracy and estimations of atmospheric water vertical contents. This method is
      only suitable for cloudless conditions. 

PMID- 27136869
TI  - Direct formation of nano-pillar arrays by phase separation of polymer blend for
      the enhanced out-coupling of organic light emitting diodes with low pixel
      blurring.
AB  - We have demonstrated a simple and efficient method to fabricate OLEDs with
      enhanced out-coupling efficiencies and with low pixel blurring by inserting nano
      pillar arrays prepared through the lateral phase separation of two immiscible
      polymers in a blend film. By selecting a proper solvent for the polymer and
      controlling the composition of the polymer blend, the nano-pillar arrays were
      formed directly after spin-coating of the polymer blend and selective removal of
      one phase, needing no complicated processes such as nano-imprint lithography.
      Pattern size and distribution were easily controlled by changing the composition
      and thickness of the polymer blend film. Phosphorescent OLEDs using the internal
      light extraction layer containing the nano-pillar arrays showed a 30% enhancement
      of the power efficiency, no spectral variation with the viewing angle, and only a
      small increment in pixel blurring. With these advantages, this newly developed
      method can be adopted for the commercial fabrication process of OLEDs for
      lighting and display applications. 

PMID- 27136870
TI  - Luminescent solar concentrators utilizing stimulated emission.
AB  - Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are an emerging technology that aims
      primarily to reduce the cost of solar energy, with great potential for building
      integrated photovoltaic (PV) structures. However, realizing LSCs with
      commercially viable efficiency is currently hindered by reabsorption losses.
      Here, we introduce an approach to reducing reabsorption as well as improving
      directional emission in LSCs by using stimulated emission. Light from a seed
      laser (potentially an inexpensive laser diode) passes through the entire area of
      the LSC panel, modifying the emission spectrum of excited dye molecules such that
      it is spectrally narrower, at wavelengths that minimize reabsorption to allow net
      gain in the system, and directed towards a small PV cell. A mathematical model,
      taking into account thermodynamic considerations, of such a system is presented
      which identifies key parameters and allows evaluation in terms of net effective
      output power. 

PMID- 27136871
TI  - Biomimetic and plasmonic hybrid light trapping for highly efficient ultrathin
      crystalline silicon solar cells.
AB  - Designing effective light-trapping structures for the insufficiently absorbed
      long-wavelength light in ultrathin silicon solar cells represents a key challenge
      to achieve low cost and highly efficient solar cells. We propose a hybrid
      structure based on the biomimetic silicon moth-eye structure combined with Ag
      nanoparticles to achieve advanced light trapping in 2 MUm thick crystalline
      silicon solar cells approaching the Yablonovitch limit. By synergistically using
      the Mie resonances of the silicon moth-eye structure and the plasmonic resonances
      of the Ag nanoparticles, the integrated absorption enhancement achieved across
      the usable solar spectrum is 69% compared with the cells with the conventional
      light trapping design. This is significantly larger than both the silicon moth
      eye structure (58%) and Ag nanoparticle (41%) individual light trapping. The
      generated photocurrent in the 2 MUm thick silicon layer is as large as 33.4
      mA/cm<sup>2</sup>, which is equivalent to that generated by a 30 MUm single-pass
      absorption in the silicon. The research paves the way for designing highly
      efficient light trapping structures in ultrathin silicon solar cells. 

PMID- 27136872
TI  - Laser spectroscopy applied to environmental, ecological, food safety, and
      biomedical research.
AB  - Laser spectroscopy provides many possibilities for multi-disciplinary
      applications in environmental monitoring, in the ecological field, for food
      safety investigations, and in biomedicine. The paper gives several examples of
      the power of multi-disciplinary applications of laser spectroscopy as pursued in
      our research group. The studies utilize mostly similar and widely applicable
      spectroscopic approaches. Air pollution and vegetation monitoring by lidar
      techniques, as well as agricultural pest insect monitoring and classification by
      elastic scattering and fluorescence spectroscopy are described. Biomedical
      aspects include food safety applications and medical diagnostics of sinusitis and
      otitis, with strong connection to the abatement of antibiotics resistance
      development. 

PMID- 27136873
TI  - Compact TDLAS based sensor design using interband cascade lasers for mid-IR trace
      gas sensing.
AB  - Two compact TDLAS sensor systems based on different structural optical cores were
      developed. The two optical cores combine two recent developments, gallium
      antimonide (GaSb)-based ICL and a compact multipass gas cell (MPGC) with the goal
      to create compact TDLAS based sensors for the mid-IR gas detection with high
      detection sensitivity and low power consumption. The sensors achieved minimum
      detection limits of ~5 ppbv and ~8 ppbv, respectively, for CH<sub>4</sub> and
      C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub> concentration measurements with a 3.7-W power
      consumption. 

PMID- 27136874
TI  - Sensitive CH<sub>4</sub> detection applying quantum cascade laser based optical
      feedback cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy.
AB  - We report on sensitive detection of atmospheric methane employing quantum cascade
      laser based optical feedback cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy (OF-CEAS).
      An instrument has been built utilizing a continuous-wave distributed feedback
      quantum cascade laser (cw-QCL) with a V-shaped cavity, a common arrangement that
      reduces feedback to the laser from non-resonant reflections. The spectrometer has
      a noise equivalent absorption coefficient of 3.6 * 10<sup>-9</sup> cm<sup>
      1</sup> Hz<sup>-1</sup>/<sup>2</sup> for a spectral scan of CH<sub>4</sub> at
      7.39 MUm. From an Allan-Werle analysis a detection limit of 39 parts per trillion
      of CH<sub>4</sub> at atmospheric pressure within 50 s acquisition time was found.

PMID- 27136875
TI  - Three-photon femtosecond pumped backwards lasing in argon.
AB  - We demonstrate backwards lasing in atomic argon directly excited via a three
      photon pumping in air mixtures with argon mole fractions down to 10%. We achieve
      well collimated, narrowband coherent emission at 1327nm by using both broadband
      femtosecond excitation and narrow linewidth picosecond excitation in the vicinity
      of 261nm. This approach shows promise for standoff trace detection in the
      atmosphere. 

PMID- 27136876
TI  - Laser microstructured metal thin films as promising alternative for indium based
      transparent electrodes.
AB  - In the search for alternative materials to replace indium-tin-oxide in
      transparent electrodes we have structured copper and aluminum thin films (between
      5 an 40 nm) for tailoring their optical properties. Micrometer scaled holes were
      produced using the direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) technique. We
      compared the optical and electrical parameters of nanosecond and picosecond
      processed thin films. It was found that the optical transmittance of the
      structured layers was relatively increased between 25 to 125% while the
      electrical resistance was marginally influenced. In addition, the laser treatment
      enhanced the diffuse to total transmission ratio (HAZE) by values ranging from 30
      to 82% (relative) as a potential advantage of MUm structuring. The results also
      show that both of the studied metals succeed to match the target which is set by
      typical applications of indium thin oxide (ITO) films. Furthermore, numerical
      simulations are performed in order to understand the ablation process of thin
      film material for ps and ns pulses. 

PMID- 27136877
TI  - Simulations of sinusoidal nanotextures for coupling light into c-Si thin-film
      solar cells.
AB  - We numerically study coupling of light into silicon (Si) on glass using different
      square and hexagonal sinusoidal nanotextures. After describing sinusoidal
      nanotextures mathematically, we investigate how their design affects coupling of
      light into Si using a rigorous solver of Maxwell's equations. We discuss
      nanotextures with periods between 350 nm and 1050 nm and aspect ratios up to 0.5.
      The maximally observed gain in the maximal achievable photocurrent density
      coupled into the Si absorber is 7.0 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> and 3.6 mA/cm<sup>2</sup>
      for a layer stack without and with additional antireflective silicon nitride
      layers, respectively. A promising application is the use as smooth anti
      reflective coatings in liquid-phase crystallized Si thin-film solar cells. 

PMID- 27136878
TI  - Gravity waves observation of wind field in stratosphere based on a Rayleigh
      Doppler lidar.
AB  - Simultaneous wind and temperature measurements in stratosphere with high time
      spatial resolution for gravity waves study are scarce. In this paper we perform
      wind field gravity waves cases in the stratosphere observed by a mobile Rayleigh
      Doppler lidar. This lidar system with both wind and temperature measurements were
      implemented for atmosphere gravity waves research in the altitude region 15-60
      km. Observations were carried out for two periods of time: 3 months started from
      November 4, 2014 in Xinzhou, China (38.425 degrees N,112.729 degrees E) and 2
      months started from October 7, 2015 in Jiuquan, China (39.741 degrees N, 98.495
      degrees E) . The mesoscale fluctuations of the horizontal wind velocity and the
      two dimensional spectra analysis of these fluctuations show the presence of
      dominant oscillatory modes with wavelength of 4-14 km and period of around 10
      hours in several cases. The simultaneous temperature observations make it
      possible to identify gravity wave cases from the relationships between different
      variables: temperature and horizontal wind. The observed cases demonstrate the
      Rayleigh Doppler Lidar's capacity to study gravity waves. 

PMID- 27136879
TI  - Solution-processable organic-inorganic hybrid hole injection layer for high
      efficiency phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes.
AB  - The presence of a solution-processed hybrid PEDOT: PSS-MoO<sub>3</sub>-based hole
      injection layer (HIL) promotes a good interfacial contact between the indium tin
      oxide anode and hole-transporting layer for efficient operation of organic light
      emitting diodes (OLEDs). This work reveals that the use of the hybrid HIL
      benefits the performance of phosphorescent OLEDs in two ways: (1) to assist in
      efficient hole injection, thereby improving power efficiency of OLEDs, and (2) to
      improve electron-hole current balance and suppression of interfacial defects at
      the organic/anode interface. The combined effects result in the power efficiency
      of 89.2 lm/W and external quantum efficiency of 23.9% for phosphorescent green
      OLEDs. The solution-processed hybrid PEDOT: PSS-MoO<sub>3</sub>-based HIL is
      beneficial for application in solution-processed organic electronic devices.

PMID- 27136880
TI  - Estimation of sea surface solar radiation at 400-700 nm using satellite ocean
      color data, and its validation by ship data.
AB  - We present results of validating the algorithms used to estimate sea surface
      solar radiation at 400-700 nm, photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), from
      satellite ocean color data and an appropriate validation procedure when data are
      collected using a moving ship. The validation was performed using field
      measurements of PAR during a transit cruise from the Baltic to the White Sea
      during the summer of 2014. The PAR was measured at 10-minute intervals using a
      deck radiometer throughout the daylight hours. The satellite estimate of daily
      surface PAR with an acceptable error, on the scale of 1 day-10<sup>2</sup> km, is
      shown. 

PMID- 27136881
TI  - Effects of particle size on bidirectional reflectance factor measurements from
      particulate surfaces.
AB  - The bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) is commonly used to study the
      structure of a particulate surface based on photometric measurements. In this
      paper, we describe the bidirectional reflectance factor distribution of natural
      particulate surfaces with particles sizes varying from 0.15 mm to 0.9 mm. Two
      types of natural particulate surfaces (one with low reflectance and the other
      with moderate reflectance) were measured at visible and near-infrared wavelengths
      using the Northeast Normal University Laboratory Goniospectrometer System
      (NENULGS). Both the BRFs and anisotropic reflectance factors (ARFs) at selected
      wavelengths were compared with previously published results to verify the
      accuracy of our measurements, and we also quantitatively analyzed the effects of
      particle size on the BRF. It was found that the maximum reflectance difference,
      which was more distinct for the low-reflectance samples, between particulate
      surfaces with particle sizes of 0.15 mm and 0.9 mm occurred in the forward
      scattering direction for all samples, and the value of this maximum difference
      reached 59% for the low-reflectance samples. Then, we conducted a test of a
      photometric model to determine which parameters could be confidently linked to
      the surfaces' reflectance behavior. The inverted parameters were compared with
      the known physical parameters of our samples, such as the particle size. We found
      that the single-scattering albedo could be empirically used to determine the
      particle sizes of our samples when measurements of particulate surfaces with
      different particle sizes were performed under the same incidence conditions and
      with wide viewing angles. The potential applications of our results appear very
      promising for empirically resolving the spatial distribution of particle size
      within a given particulate sample as well as for deepening our understanding of
      the scattering properties of particulate media. 

PMID- 27136882
TI  - Hyperbolic metamaterial-based near-field thermophotovoltaic system for hundreds
      of nanometer vacuum gap.
AB  - Artificially designed hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) possesses extraordinary
      electromagnetic features different from those of naturally existing materials. In
      particular, the dispersion relation of waves existing inside the HMM is
      hyperbolic rather than elliptical; thus, waves that are evanescent in isotropic
      media become propagating in the HMM. This characteristic of HMMs opens a novel
      way to spectrally control the near-field thermal radiation in which evanescent
      waves in the vacuum gap play a critical role. In this paper, we theoretically
      investigate the performance of a near-field thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy
      conversion system in which a W/SiO<sub>2</sub>-multilayer-based HMM serves as the
      emitter at 1000 K and InAs works as the TPV cell at 300 K. By carefully designing
      the thickness of constituent materials of the HMM emitter, the electric power of
      the near-field TPV devices can be increased by about 6 times at 100-nm vacuum gap
      as compared to the case of the plain W emitter. Alternatively, in regards to the
      electric power generation, HMM emitter at experimentally achievable 100-nm vacuum
      gap performs equivalently to the plain W emitter at 18-nm vacuum gap. We show
      that the enhancement mechanism of the HMM emitter is due to the coupled surface
      plasmon modes at multiple metal-dielectric interfaces inside the HMM emitter.
      With the minority carrier transport model, the optimal p-n junction depth of the
      TPV cell has also been determined at various vacuum gaps. 

PMID- 27136883
TI  - Design rules for net absorption enhancement in pseudo-disordered photonic crystal
      for thin film solar cells.
AB  - The role of pseudo-disordered photonic crystals on the absorption efficiency of
      simplified thin film crystalline silicon solar cells is presented and discussed.
      The expected short circuit current can thus be further increased compared to a
      fully optimized square lattice of holes, thanks to carefully controlled positions
      of the nanoholes in the considered realistic simplified solar cell stack. In
      addition, the pseudo-disordered structures are less sensitive to the angle of
      incidence, especially in the long wavelength range. 

PMID- 27136884
TI  - Color tunable monolithic InGaN/GaN LED having a multi-junction structure.
AB  - In this study, we have fabricated a blue-green color-tunable monolithic InGaN/GaN
      LED having a multi-junction structure with three terminals. The device has an n-p
      n structure consisting of a green and a blue active region, i.e., an n-GaN / blue
      MQW / p-GaN / green-MQW / n-GaN / Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> structure with
      three terminals for independently controlling the two active regions. To realize
      this LED structure, a typical LED consisting of layers of n-GaN, blue MQW, and p
      GaN is regrown on a conventional green LED by using a metal organic chemical
      vapor deposition (MOCVD) method. We explain detailed mechanisms of three
      operation modes which are the green, blue, and cyan mode. Moreover, we discuss
      optical properties of the device. 

PMID- 27136885
TI  - Light outcoupling enhanced flexible organic light-emitting diodes.
AB  - Flexible organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are emerging as a leading
      technology for rollable and foldable display applications. For the development of
      high-performance flexible OLEDs on plastic substrate, we report a transparent
      nanocomposite electrode with superior mechanical, electrical, and optical
      properties, which is realized by integrating the nanoimprinted quasi-random
      photonic structures into the ultrathin metal/dielectric stack to collectively
      optimize the electrical conduction and light outcoupling capabilities. The
      resulting flexible OLEDs with green emission yield the enhanced device
      efficiency, reaching the maximum external quantum efficiency of 43.7% and
      luminous efficiency of 154.9 cd/A, respectively. 

PMID- 27136886
TI  - Analysis of overtone flexural modes operation in quartz-enhanced photoacoustic
      spectroscopy.
AB  - A detailed investigation of a set of custom quartz tuning forks (QTFs), operating
      in the fundamental and first overtone flexural modes is reported. Support losses
      are the dominant energy dissipation processes when the QTFs vibrate at the first
      overtone mode. These losses can be decreased by increasing the ratio between the
      prong length and its thickness. The QTFs were implemented in a quartz enhanced
      photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) based sensor operating in the near-IR spectral
      range and water vapor was selected as the gas target. QTF flexural modes having
      the highest quality factor exhibit the largest QEPAS signal, demonstrating that,
      by optimizing the QTF prongs sizes, overtone modes can provide a higher QEPAS
      sensor performance with respect to using the fundamental mode. 

PMID- 27136887
TI  - Advanced light management based on periodic textures for Cu(In,Ga)Se<sub>2</sub>
      thin-film solar cells.
AB  - We have used 3-D optical modelling to investigate light management concepts based
      on periodic textures and material optimization for photovoltaic devices based on
      Cu(In,Ga)Se<sub>2</sub> (CIGS) absorber material. At first, calibration of the
      software based on the characterization of a reference (1500-nm thick) CIGS device
      was carried out. The effects of 1-D and 2-D symmetric gratings on the cell were
      then investigated, showing significant improvement in anti-reflection effect and
      in absorptance in the active layer, achieved by excitation of guided modes in the
      absorber. In addition, device configurations endowed with alternative back
      reflector and front transparent conductive oxide (TCO) were tested with the goal
      to quench parasitic absorption losses at front and back side. The use of
      In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>:H (IOH) as front and back TCO, combined with an
      optimized 2-D grating structure, led to a 25% increase of the optical performance
      with respect to an equally-thick flat device. Most of the performance increase
      was kept when the absorber thickness was reduced from 1500 nm to 600 nm. 

PMID- 27136888
TI  - Decoupled front/back dielectric textures for flat ultra-thin c-Si solar cells.
AB  - The optical analysis of optically-textured and electrically-flat ultra-thin
      crystalline silicon (c-Si) slabs is presented. These slabs were endowed with
      decoupled front titanium-dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) / back silicon-dioxide
      (SiO<sub>2</sub>) dielectric textures and were studied as function of two types
      of back reflectors: standard silver (Ag) and dielectric modulated distributed
      Bragg reflector (MDBR). The optical performance of such systems was compared to
      that of state-of-the-art flat c-Si slabs endowed with so-called front Mie
      resonators and to those of similar optical systems still endowed with the same
      back reflectors and decoupled front/back texturing but based on textured c-Si and
      dielectric coatings (front TiO<sub>2</sub> and back SiO<sub>2</sub>). Our
      optimized front dielectric textured design on 2-um thick flat c-Si slab with MDBR
      resulted in more photo-generated current density in c-Si with respect to the same
      optical system but featuring state-of-the-art Mie resonators ( + 6.4%), mainly
      due to an improved light in-coupling between 400 and 700 nm and light scattering
      between 700 and 1050 nm. On the other hand, the adoption of textured dielectric
      layers resulted in less photo-generated current density in c-Si up to -20.6% with
      respect to textured c-Si, depending on the type of back reflector taken into
      account. 

PMID- 27136889
TI  - Characterization of volume holographic optical elements recorded in Bayfol HX
      photopolymer for solar photovoltaic applications.
AB  - Volume Holographic Optical Elements (HOEs) present interesting characteristics
      for photovoltaic applications as they can select spectrum for concentrating the
      target bandwidth and avoiding non-desired wavelengths, which can cause the
      decrease of the performance on the cell, for instance by overheating it. Volume
      HOEs have been recorded on Bayfol HX photopolymer to test the suitability of this
      material for solar concentrating photovoltaic systems. The HOEs were recorded at
      532 nm and provided a dynamic range, reaching close to 100% efficiency at 800 nm.
      The diffracted spectrum had a FWHM of 230 nm when illuminating at Bragg angle.
      These characteristics prove HOEs recorded on Bayfol HX photopolymer are suitable
      for concentrating solar light onto photovoltaic cells sensitive to that
      wavelength range. 

PMID- 27136890
TI  - Correlated color temperature tunable white LED with a dynamic color filter.
AB  - We proposed a new device structure to dynamically tune the correlated color
      temperature (CCT) of a white light-emitting-diode (WLED). The key component is a
      dynamic color filter, consisting of a liquid crystal (LC) cell sandwiched between
      two cholesteric LC films whose Bragg reflection band covers the blue wavelength
      of the WLED. When a voltage is applied to the LC cell, the transmittance of blue
      light is changed, while the longer wavelength part remains unaffected, resulting
      in a tunable CCT. Validated by experiment, our design exhibits several
      advantages, such as reasonably wide tuning range (6916K to 3253K), low operation
      voltage (~3.2 V), simple device configuration, and low cost. It is a strong
      contender for next generation smart lighting. 

PMID- 27136891
TI  - Electric field manipulated nanopatterns in thin films of metalorganic 3-miktoarm
      star terpolymers.
AB  - We report the effect of electric field on the morphological transitions and
      ordering behavior of polyferrocenylethylmethylsilane block (PFEMS)-containing
      copolymers. By analyzing structures in solvent-annealed films of metalorganic
      sphere- and cylinder-forming diblock copolymers, as well as of 3-miktoarm
      polyisoprene-arm-polystyrene-arm-PFEMS (3MU-ISF) terpolymers, we decouple two
      types of responses to the electric field: morphological transformations as a
      result of an increase in the volume fraction of the PFEMS block by oxidation of
      the ferrocenyl groups, and the orientation of the dielectric interfaces of
      microdomains parallel to the electric field vector. In the case of 3MU-ISF, the
      former effect dominates at high electric field strengths which results in an
      unexpected cylinder-to-sphere transition, leading to a well-ordered hexagonal dot
      pattern. Our results demonstrate multiple tunability of ordered microdomain
      morphologies, suggesting future applications in nanofabrication and surface
      patterning. 

PMID- 27136892
TI  - An exercise in nostalgia: Nostalgia promotes health optimism and physical
      activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous research has shown that nostalgia, a sentimental longing for
      the past, leads to greater feelings of optimism, with other work demonstrating
      that optimistic thinking (general & health-orientated) is associated with better
      physical and psychological health. Integrating these two lines of research, the
      current studies examined whether nostalgia-induced health optimism promotes
      attitudes and behaviours associated with better physical well-being. METHODS:
      Participants, in three experiments, were randomly assigned to write about either
      a nostalgic or ordinary event. Following this, everyone completed a measure of
      health optimism (Studies 1-3), measures of health attitudes (Study 2) and had
      their physical activity monitored over the course of 2 weeks (Study 3). RESULTS:
      The results revealed that, in comparison to control conditions, nostalgic reverie
      led to greater health optimism (Studies 1-3). Further, heightened health optimism
      following nostalgic reflection led to more positive health attitudes (Study 2),
      and increased physical activity over a two-week period (i.e. Fitbit activity
      trackers; Study 3). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of
      nostalgia on health attitudes and behaviours. Specifically, this work suggests
      that nostalgia can be used as a mechanism to increase the importance, perceived
      efficacy and behaviour associated with better physical health.

PMID- 27136893
TI  - Insertion/deletion polymorphism in IL1A 3'-UTR is associated with susceptibility
      to endometrial cancer in Chinese Han women.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate whether a functional
      insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs3783553) located in the 3'-untranslated
      regions of interleukin-1 A is associated with susceptibility to endometrial
      cancer (EC) in Chinese Han women. METHODS: A total of 272 patients and 294 age
      matched healthy controls were included in the study. The genotype of the
      rs3783553 polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction polyacrylamide
      gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Our results showed that a significantly reduced
      risk of EC was found to be associated with the II (insertion/insertion) genotype
      compared with DD (deletion/deletion) only (P = 0.037, odds ratio = 0.56, 95%
      confidence interval = 0.32-0.97) as well as compared with the DD + DI
      (deletion/insertion) genotype (P = 0.032, odds ratio = 0.57, 95% confidence
      interval = 0.34-0.96) in the recessive model. No significant association was
      detected between certain clinical features of EC patients and genotype of
      rs3783553. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the rs3783553 polymorphism
      may be involved in susceptibility to EC. The II genotype seems to be a protective
      factor for EC in Chinese Han women.

PMID- 27136894
TI  - Breastfeeding preterm infants - a randomized controlled trial of the
      effectiveness of an Internet-based peer-support group.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine whether an Internet-based peer-support
      intervention has an effect on the duration of breastfeeding or breast milk
      expression or maternal breastfeeding attitude compared with routine care in the
      mothers of preterm infants. In addition, the feasibility of the intervention was
      examined. BACKGROUND: A few peer-support interventions conducted face-to-face or
      by telephone have given promising results in promoting breastfeeding in preterm
      infants. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial with a 1-year follow-up was
      conducted in one hospital in Finland in 2011-2015. METHODS: Altogether 124
      mothers of preterm (<35 weeks) infants were recruited; 60 in an experimental and
      64 in a control group. The intervention was a closed peer-support group in social
      media. Data were collected by structured questionnaires. Neonatal and
      breastfeeding data were collected from patient records. RESULTS: The duration of
      overall breastfeeding was on average 3.0 and 4.3 months, in the experimental and
      control groups respectively. The intervention had no effect on breastfeeding or
      expressing the breast milk or maternal breastfeeding attitude. A breastfeeding
      favourable attitude and at least two previous children predicted longer duration
      of breastfeeding. Attitude-score decreased during the follow-up. The mothers in
      the experimental group enjoyed peer support, but only a few reported it as having
      some impact on breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Although the Internet-based peer
      support intervention had no effect, the importance of breastfeeding attitude for
      the duration of breastfeeding in mothers of preterm infants was shown. In future,
      interventions in social media should be studied more and attitude-focused
      interventions be developed.

PMID- 27136896
TI  - Catalytic, Cascade Ring-Opening Benzannulations of 2,3-Dihydrofuran O,O- and N,O
      Acetals.
AB  - An Al(OTf)3 -catalyzed intramolecular cascade ring-opening benzannulation of 2,3
      dihydrofuran O,O- and N,O-acetals is described. The cascade sequence involves the
      dihydrofuran ring-opening by acetal hydrolysis, an intramolecular Prins-type
      cyclization, and aromatization to generate an array of benzo-fused
      (hetero)aromatic systems in up to 95 % yield. This method represents the first
      example of dihydrofuran acetal usage in benzannulation reactions. The approach
      provides excellent regiocontrol based on the choice of alkenes used to form the
      requisite dihydrofuran acetals. 

PMID- 27136895
TI  - Repurposing atovaquone: targeting mitochondrial complex III and OXPHOS to
      eradicate cancer stem cells.
AB  - Atovaquone is an FDA-approved anti-malarial drug, which first became clinically
      available in the year 2000. Currently, its main usage is for the treatment of
      pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) and/or toxoplasmosis in immune-compromised patients.
      Atovaquone is a hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone analogue of ubiquinone, also known as
      Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). It is a well-tolerated drug that does not cause myelo
      suppression. Mechanistically, it is thought to act as a potent and selective
      OXPHOS inhibitor, by targeting the CoQ10-dependence of mitochondrial complex III.
      Here, we show for the first time that atovaquone also has anti-cancer activity,
      directed against Cancer Stem-like Cells (CSCs). More specifically, we demonstrate
      that atovaquone treatment of MCF7 breast cancer cells inhibits oxygen-consumption
      and metabolically induces aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect), as well as
      oxidative stress. Remarkably, atovaquone potently inhibits the propagation of
      MCF7-derived CSCs, with an IC-50 of 1 MUM, as measured using the mammosphere
      assay. Atovaquone also maintains this selectivity and potency in mixed
      populations of CSCs and non-CSCs. Importantly, these results indicate that
      glycolysis itself is not sufficient to maintain the proliferation of CSCs, which
      is instead strictly dependent on mitochondrial function. In addition to targeting
      the proliferation of CSCs, atovaquone also induces apoptosis in both
      CD44+/CD24low/- CSC and ALDH+ CSC populations, during exposure to anchorage
      independent conditions for 12 hours. However, it has no effect on oxygen
      consumption in normal human fibroblasts and, in this cellular context, behaves as
      an anti-inflammatory, consistent with the fact that it is well-tolerated in
      patients treated for infections. Future studies in xenograft models and human
      clinical trials may be warranted, as the IC-50 of atovaquone's action on CSCs (1
      MUM) is >50 times less than its average serum concentration in humans. 

PMID- 27136897
TI  - L-Phosphinothricin modulation of inwardly rectifying K(+) channels increased
      excitability in striatal medium-sized spiny neurons.
AB  - Phosphinotricin (L-PPT) is the active compound of a broad-spectrum herbicide.
      Acute poisoning with L-PPT has various clinical manifestations, including
      seizures and convulsions. However, the exact mechanism of L-PPT toxicity remains
      unclear. The present study addressed the role of L-PPT, in the excitability of
      striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs). In whole-cell current-clamp
      experiments, L-PPT increased the input resistance (Ri), decreased the rheobase
      and increased the firing frequency of action potentials. In voltage-clamp
      experiments, L-PPT inhibited the inward-rectifying potassium (Kir) currents.
      Finally, the effects of L-PPT mimicked the inhibition of Kir channels with Ba(2+)
      on neuronal excitability. Altogether, these results suggest that the herbicide L
      PPT is a modulator of Kir channels in MSNs. Thereby, Kir channels are potent
      regulators of the excitability of MSNs and reduced open probability of these
      channels would generate a powerful upregulation of neuronal output. This effect
      may represent a possible mechanism for L-PPT dependent neuronal toxicity. 

PMID- 27136899
TI  - A novel method to generate monocyte-derived dendritic cells during coculture with
      HaCaT facilitates detection of weak contact allergens in cosmetics.
AB  - The in vitro sensitization assay LCSA (Loose-fit Coculture-based Sensitization
      Assay) has proved reliable for the detection of contact sensitizers in the past.
      However, the coculture of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) with
      primary human keratinocytes (KCs) in serum-free medium is relatively complex
      compared to other sensitization assays which use continuous cell lines. To
      facilitate high-throughput screening of chemicals, we replaced KCs with the HaCaT
      cell line under various culture conditions. Coculture of HaCaT with peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells in serum-supplemented medium leads to generation of
      CD1a+/CD1c+ DCs after addition of GM-CSF, IL-4, and TGF-beta1 (as opposed to CD1a
      /CD1c- DCs which arise in the "classic" LCSA coculture). These cells resemble
      monocyte-derived DCs generated in monoculture, but, unlike those, they show a
      marked upregulation CD86 after treatment with contact allergens. All of the nine
      sensitizers in this study were correctly identified by CD1a+/CD1c+ DCs in
      coculture with HaCaT. Among the substances were weak contact allergens such as
      propylparaben (which is false negative in the local lymph node assay in mice) and
      resorcinol (which was not detected by CD1a-/CD1c- DCs in the "classic" LCSA). The
      level of CD86 upregulation on CD1a+/CD1c+ DCs was higher for most allergens
      compared to CD1a-/CD1c- DCs, thus improving the assay's discriminatory power.
      Three out of four non-sensitizers were also correctly assessed by the coculture
      assay. A false-positive reaction to caprylic (octanoic) acid confirms earlier
      results that some fatty acids are able to induce CD86 on DC in vitro. In
      conclusion, change of the LCSA protocol led to reduction of time and cost while
      even increasing the assay's sensitivity and discriminatory power.

PMID- 27136898
TI  - 2,3,7,8 Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced RNA abundance changes identify Ackr3,
      Col18a1, Cyb5a and Glud1 as candidate mediators of toxicity.
AB  - 2,3,7,8 Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is an aromatic, long-lived
      environmental contaminant. While the pathogenesis of TCDD-induced toxicity is
      poorly understood, it has been shown that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is
      required. However, the specific transcriptomic changes that lead to toxic
      outcomes have not yet been identified. We previously identified a panel of 33
      genes that respond to TCDD treatment in two TCDD-sensitive rodent species. To
      identify genes involved in the onset of hepatic toxicity, we explored 25 of these
      in-depth using liver from two rat strains: the TCDD-resistant Han/Wistar (H/W)
      and the TCDD-sensitive Long-Evans (L-E). Time course and dose-response analyses
      of mRNA abundance following TCDD insult indicate that eight genes are similarly
      regulated in livers of both strains of rat, suggesting that they are not central
      to the severe L-E-specific TCDD-induced toxicities. The remaining 17 genes
      exhibited various divergent mRNA abundances between L-E and H/W strains after
      TCDD treatment. Several genes displayed a biphasic response where the initial
      response to TCDD treatment was followed by a secondary response, usually of
      larger magnitude in L-E liver. This secondary response was most often an
      exaggeration of the original TCDD-induced response. Only cytochrome b5 type A
      (microsomal) (Cyb5a) had equivalent TCDD sensitivity to the prototypic AHR
      responsive cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily a, polypeptide 1 (Cyp1a1), while
      six genes were less sensitive. Four genes showed an early inter-strain difference
      that was sustained throughout most of the time course (atypical chemokine
      receptor 3 (Ackr3), collagen, type XVIII, alpha 1 (Col18a1), Cyb5a and glutamate
      dehydrogenase 1 (Glud1)), and of those genes examined in this study, are most
      likely to represent genes involved in the pathogenesis of TCDD-induced
      hepatotoxicity in L-E rats.

PMID- 27136900
TI  - Application of rapid in vitro co-culture system of macrophages and T-cell subsets
      to assess the immunogenicity of dogs vaccinated with live attenuated Leishmania
      donovani centrin deleted parasites (LdCen-/-).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Live attenuated Leishmania donovani parasites as LdCen(-/-) were
      shown to confer protective immunity against Leishmania infection in mice,
      hamsters, and dogs. Strong immunogenicity in dogs vaccinated with LdCen(-/-) has
      been previously reported, including increased antibody response favoring Th1
      response lymphoproliferative responses, CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells activation,
      increased levels of Th1 and reduction of Th2 cytokines, in addition to a
      significant reduction in parasite burden after 18 and 24 months post virulent
      parasite challenge. METHODS: Aimed at validating a new method using in vitro co
      culture systems with macrophages and purified CD4(+) or CD8(+) or CD4(+):CD8(+) T
      cells of immunized dogs with both LdCen(-/-) and Leishmune(r) to assess
      microbicide capacity of macrophages and the immune response profile as the
      production of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-12, IL-4 and IL-10 cytokines. RESULTS AND
      DISCUSSION: Our data showed co-cultures of macrophages and purified T-cells from
      dogs immunized with LdCen(-/-) and challenged with L. infantum were able to
      identify high microbicidal activity, especially in the co-culture using CD4(+) T
      cells, as compared to the Leishmune(r) group. Similarly, co-cultures with CD8(+)
      T-cells or CD4(+):CD8(+) T-cells in both experimental groups were able to detect
      a reduction in the parasite burden in L. infantum infected macrophages. Moreover,
      co-cultures using CD4(+) or CD8(+) or CD4(+):CD8(+) T-cells from immunized dogs
      with both LdCen(-/-) and Leishmune(r) were able to identify higher levels of IFN
      gamma and IL-12 cytokines, reduced levels of IL-4 and IL-10, and a higher IFN
      gamma/IL-10 ratio. While the highest IFN-gamma levels and IFN-gamma/IL-10 ratio
      were the hallmarks of LdCen(-/-) group in the co-culture using CD4(+) T-cells,
      resulting in strong reduction of parasitism, the Leishmune(r) immunization
      presented a differential production of TNF-alpha in the co-culture using
      CD4(+):CD8(+) T-cells. CONCLUSION: The distinct conditions of co-culture systems
      were validated and able to detect the induction of immune protection. The method
      described in this study applied a new, more accurate approach and was able to
      yield laboratory parameters useful to test and monitor the immunogenicity and
      efficacy of Leishmania vaccines in dogs.

PMID- 27136901
TI  - Recent warming evidence inferred from a tree-ring-based winter-half year minimum
      temperature reconstruction in northwestern Yichang, South Central China, and its
      relation to the large-scale circulation anomalies.
AB  - High-resolution winter temperature reconstructions in China are rare, yet vital
      for the comprehensive understanding of past climate change. In the present work,
      the first winter-half year minimum mean temperature from previous November to
      current April in northwestern Yichang, South Central China, was reconstructed
      back to 1875 based on tree-ring material. The reconstruction can explain 55 % of
      the variance over the calibration period during 1955-2011. The temperature
      maintained at comparatively low level before 1958, and an abnormal warming was
      seen since 1959. However, the warming trend stagnated after 2000 AD. 2001-2010
      was the warmest decade not only during the instrumental period but also during
      the whole reconstructed period. The reconstruction indicates good spatial
      resemblance to other temperatures series in adjacent areas and Northern
      Hemisphere, yet the recent warming in this study is earlier and more prominent
      than that of Southeast China. This work also manifests that the winter-half year
      minimum temperature in study area has good agreement with summer (June-September)
      maximum temperature variation in Southeast China at decadal scale, except that
      the winter-half year warming in recent decades is more evident than summer. This
      reconstruction is not only useful in improving our knowledge of long-term
      temperature variation but also useful in predicting the tree growth dynamics in
      the future in the study area.

PMID- 27136902
TI  - Correction: Dietary Iodine Sufficiency and Moderate Insufficiency in the
      Lactating Mother and Nursing Infant: A Computational Perspective.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149300.].

PMID- 27136903
TI  - Clinical pharmacology in drug development - an update.

PMID- 27136904
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and adhesion of a transdermal patch containing ethinyl estradiol
      and gestodene under conditions of heat, humidity, and exercise: A single-center,
      open-label, randomized, crossover study.
AB  - In this open-label, randomized study, 36 women (18-45 years) applied an ethinyl
      estradiol/gestodene contraceptive patch once-weekly for 3 weeks followed by a 1
      week, patch-free interval, in 3 treatment periods. The primary objective was to
      evaluate the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol and gestodene under conditions
      of heat, humidity, and exercise. The secondary objective was to evaluate patch
      adhesion under the same conditions. Weeks 1 and 2 of each period comprised
      "standardized normal activity" (SNA); in week 3, SNA continued or women used a
      sauna, whirlpool, swimming pool, or performed an exercise combination. Thirty-one
      women completed the study; 23 yielded evaluable pharmacokinetic data. Analyses
      were exploratory and conducted using an analysis of variance. Area under the
      concentration-time curve from 0 to 168 hours (AUC0-168 ) for gestodene and
      ethinyl estradiol during sauna, swimming, and whirlpool was equivalent to
      previous SNA recordings. For exercise combination, the gestodene AUC0-168 was 12%
      lower compared with SNA, albeit not considered clinically relevant. Two women
      lost a total of 3 patches during sporting activities; other detachments during
      this week were not correlated with sporting activity. Overall, hormone delivery
      using the ethinyl estradiol/gestodene patch under conditions of heat, humidity,
      and exercise corresponded to delivery under normal conditions.

PMID- 27136905
TI  - An open-label study to determine the pharmacokinetics and safety of migalastat
      HCl in subjects with impaired renal function and healthy subjects with normal
      renal function.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Renal function may progressively decline in patients with Fabry
      disease. This study assessed pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of a
      single oral dose of migalastat HCl 150 mg in subjects with normal or mildly,
      moderately, or severely impaired renal function. METHODS: Volunteers were
      enrolled into two cohorts stratified for renal function calculated using the
      Cockcroft-Gault equation for creatinine clearance. Pharmacokinetic parameters
      determined were: area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to
      the last measurable concentration postdose (AUC0-t ) and extrapolated to infinity
      (AUC0-infinity ), maximum observed concentration (Cmax ), time to Cmax (tmax ),
      concentration at 48 hours postdose (C48h ), terminal elimination half-life (t1/2
      ), oral clearance (CL/F), and apparent terminal elimination rate constant
      (lambdaz) (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT01730469). RESULTS: Thirty-two
      subjects enrolled and completed the study (Cohort 1: n = 24; Cohort 2: n = 8).
      Migalastat clearance decreased with increasing renal impairment, resulting in
      increases in migalastat HCl plasma t1/2 , AUC0-infinity , and C48h compared with
      subjects with normal renal function. Incidence of adverse events was comparable
      across all renal function groups. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma migalastat clearance
      decreased as degree of renal impairment increased. Data from the migalastat HCl
      clinical program will guide dosing and intervals for patients with Fabry disease
      with renal impairment.

PMID- 27136906
TI  - Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of losmapimod in
      healthy Japanese volunteers.
AB  - This phase 1 study characterized the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and
      pharmacodynamics of losmapimod and its metabolite GSK198602 following single and
      repeat doses of oral losmapimod in healthy Japanese volunteers. Subjects (n = 41)
      received single oral doses of losmapimod (2.5, 7.5, 20 mg) or matching placebo on
      3 separate days (n = 20) or losmapimod 7.5 mg or matching placebo twice daily for
      14 days (n = 21). Assessments included maximum observed plasma concentration
      (Cmax ), time to Cmax (Tmax ), apparent terminal-phase half-life (t1/ )2 , area
      under the curve (AUC), and change in C-reactive protein and phosphorylated heat
      shock protein 27 levels. No serious adverse events occurred during the study, and
      there were no safety concerns regarding clinical laboratory parameters, 12-lead
      electrocardiogram, or vital signs. The losmapimod Tmax was 3-4 hours, and the
      mean t1/2 was approximately 7.9-9.0 hours, with no appreciable difference in Tmax
      and apparent clearance following oral dosing between dosing regimens. Single and
      repeat oral doses of losmapimod were well tolerated in healthy Japanese
      volunteers. The Tmax of GSK198602 was similar to and t1/2 was slightly longer
      than those of losmapimod. Approximate dose-proportional increases in exposure to
      losmapimod and GSK198602 were observed in AUC with single-dose administration.
      Repeat-dose trough concentrations reached steady state within 2 days, with an
      observed accumulation ratio of 1.56 and 1.91 for losmapimod and GSK198602,
      respectively.

PMID- 27136907
TI  - Pharmacokinetic profile after multiple deltoid or gluteal intramuscular
      injections of paliperidone palmitate in patients with schizophrenia.
AB  - Paliperidone palmitate (PP) is a once-monthly long-acting injectable
      antipsychotic approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in many countries. To
      evaluate the different injection-site options, we compared the pharmacokinetic
      profile of paliperidone after multiple injections of PP 100 mg eq. (156 mg of PP,
      equivalent to 100 mg of paliperidone) on days 1, 8, 36, and 64 into the deltoid
      (n = 24) or gluteal muscle (n = 25) in patients with schizophrenia. After four
      injections in the deltoid muscle, paliperidone exposure was higher for AUCtau and
      Cmax , compared with the gluteal muscle (geometric mean AUCtau -based ratio: 120%
      [90% CI: 93.1-154.7%], and geometric mean Cmax -based ratio: 130% [90% CI: 100.6
      168.9%]). The mean [SD] fluctuation index was higher, with a larger interpatient
      variability, after deltoid-injections (75.9% [30.9%]) than gluteal-injections
      (58.5% [14.3%]). The median tmax was similar for both sites. PP was generally
      tolerable in patients, with more favorable local-site tolerability for gluteal
      injection. In conclusion, to achieve therapeutic-concentrations quickly, the
      first-two injections of PP are best administered into the deltoid muscle, whereas
      thereafter maintenance-injections can be administered either in the deltoid or
      gluteal muscle.

PMID- 27136908
TI  - Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co
      transporter 2 inhibitor, and assessment of dose proportionality in healthy
      participants.
AB  - Canagliflozin, an orally active inhibitor of sodium glucose co-transporter 2, is
      approved for the treatment of type-2 diabetes mellitus. The effect of food on the
      pharmacokinetics of 300 mg canagliflozin, and dose proportionality of 50, 100,
      and 300 mg canagliflozin, were evaluated, in two studies, in healthy
      participants. Study 1 used a randomized, 2-way crossover design: canagliflozin
      300 mg/day was administered under fasted (Period-1) and fed (Period-2) conditions
      or vice versa. Study 2 was a 3-way crossover: participants were randomized to
      receive three single-doses of canagliflozin (50, 100, and 300 mg), one in each
      period. In both studies, treatment periods were separated by washout intervals of
      10-14 days, and pharmacokinetics assessed up to 72 hours postdose of each
      treatment period. No clinically relevant food effects on canagliflozin exposure
      parameters were observed: 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the fed/fasted
      geometric mean ratios of AUCinfinity (ratio: 100.51; 90% CI: 89.47-112.93) and
      Cmax (ratio: 108.09; 90% CI: 103.45-112.95) were entirely within bioequivalence
      limits (80-125%). Plasma canagliflozin exposures were dose-proportional as the
      90% CI of the slope of the regression line for dose-normalized AUCinfinity and
      Cmax fell entirely within the prespecified limits of -0.124 to 0.124. No
      clinically significant safety issues were noted, and canagliflozin was generally
      well-tolerated.

PMID- 27136909
TI  - Relative bioavailability of pediatric oral solution and tablet formulations of
      trametinib in adult patients with solid tumors.
AB  - Trametinib (Mekinist(r)) is a selective inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein
      kinase kinase (MEK) approved in the United States as a single agent and in
      combination with dabrafenib (Tafinlar(r)) for treatment of patients with
      unresectable or metastatic melanoma with a positive BRAF V600E/V600K mutation for
      which a pediatric oral solution formulation is being developed. This open-label,
      two-period, two-treatment, randomized, crossover study assessed the relative
      bioavailability of the trametinib pediatric oral solution compared to the tablet
      formulation after a single-dose administration to adult patients with solid
      tumors. Primary pharmacokinetic endpoints derived from standard non-compartmental
      methods were AUC0-inf , AUC0-t , and Cmax . As expected, Cmax was higher and Tmax
      earlier for the pediatric oral solution compared to the tablet formulation.
      Administration of the trametinib pediatric oral solution resulted in a 12%, 10%,
      18%, and 71% higher AUC0-inf , AUC0-last , AUC0-24 , and Cmax , respectively, as
      compared to the tablet formulation. Safety results were aligned with the known
      safety profile of trametinib. No serious or non-serious adverse events resulted
      in study drug withdrawal. Palatability of the pediatric oral solution was
      evaluated and found to be acceptable to most adult patients, but may differ in
      the pediatric population.

PMID- 27136910
TI  - Absolute oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of canagliflozin: A microdose
      study in healthy participants.
AB  - Absolute oral bioavailability of canagliflozin was assessed by simultaneous oral
      administration with intravenous [(14) C]-canagliflozin microdose infusion in nine
      healthy men. Pharmacokinetics of canagliflozin, [(14) C]-canagliflozin, and total
      radioactivity, and safety and tolerability were assessed at prespecified
      timepoints. On day 1, single-dose oral canagliflozin (300 mg) followed 105
      minutes later by intravenous [(14) C]-canagliflozin (10 ug, 200 nCi) was
      administered. After oral administration, the mean (SD) Cmax of canagliflozin was
      2504 (482) ng/mL at 1.5 hours, AUCinfinity 17,375 (3555) ng.h/mL, and t1/2 11.6
      (0.70) hours. After intravenous administration, the mean (SD) Cmax of unchanged
      [(14) C]-canagliflozin was 17,605 (6901) ng/mL, AUCinfinity 27,100 (10,778)
      ng.h/mL, Vdss 83.5 (29.2) L, Vdz 119 (41.6) L, and CL 12.2 (3.79) L/h. Unchanged
      [(14) C]-canagliflozin and metabolites accounted for about 57% and 43% of the
      plasma total [(14) C] radioactivity AUCinfinity , respectively. For total [(14)
      C] radioactivity, the mean (SD) Cmax was 15,981 (2721) ng-eq/mL, and AUCinfinity
      53,755 (15,587) ng-eq.h/mL. Renal (34.5% in urine) and biliary (34.1% in feces)
      excretions were the major elimination pathways for total [(14) C] radioactivity.
      The absolute oral bioavailability of canagliflozin was 65% (90% confidence
      interval: 55.41; 76.07). Overall, oral canagliflozin 300 mg coadministered with
      intravenous [(14) C]-canagliflozin (10 ug) was generally well-tolerated in
      healthy men, with no treatment-emergent adverse events.

PMID- 27136911
TI  - Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic assessment of pharmacological effect
      of a selective estrogen receptor beta agonist on total testosterone in healthy
      men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: LY500307 is a highly selective estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta)
      agonist, which loses its selectivity at high dose and leads to undesirable
      suppression of total testosterone (TT) concentration. The objective of the
      present analysis was to define the LY500307 dose with minimal effect on TT
      METHODS: LY500307 and TT concentrations were obtained from a single ascending
      dose study in a total of 30 healthy male subjects. LY500307 (in the range of 0.5
      to 500 mg) or placebo was administered orally as a single dose on 2 occasions
      with a 3-week washout period. A population pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics
      (PK/PD) model that integrated Fourier series in an indirect response model was
      developed to describe the circadian rhythm of TT and the exposure-response
      relationship of LY500307 on TT. RESULTS: The maximum TT suppression (Emax ) was
      approximately 28.6%. The potency (EC50 ) of LY500307 on TT suppression was
      approximately 1.69 ng/mL with a 95%CI of 0.871 to 4.44 ng/mL. This model could
      provide inferences on LY500307 dose levels that would result in various
      magnitudes of TT suppression. CONCLUSIONS: Population PK/PD modeling is a highly
      sensitive tool to detect exposure-response relationships on top of the
      complicated and highly variable circadian rhythm of TT.

PMID- 27136912
TI  - Effect of food on the bioavailability and tolerability of the JAK2-selective
      inhibitor fedratinib (SAR302503): Results from two phase I studies in healthy
      volunteers.
AB  - Fedratinib (SAR302503/TG101348) is a Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-selective inhibitor
      developed for treatment of patients with myelofibrosis. The effect of food intake
      on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and tolerability of single-dose fedratinib was
      investigated in two Phase I studies (FED12258: 100 mg or 500 mg under fasted or
      fed [high-fat breakfast] conditions; ALI13451: 500 mg under fasted or fed [low-
      or high-fat breakfast] conditions) in healthy male subjects. At the 500 mg dose
      the fed:fasted ratio estimate for area under the plasma concentration-time curve
      extrapolated to infinity was 0.96 (100 mg; high-fat/fasted), 1.19-1.24 (500 mg;
      high-fat/fasted), and 1.22 (500 mg; low-fat/fasted). Fedratinib 500 mg attained
      peak plasma concentration 4 hours after a high-fat breakfast and 2-2.5 hours
      after a low-fat breakfast or under fasted conditions; terminal half-life was 76
      88 hours (fasted) and 73-78 hours (fed). The most frequent adverse events were
      mild gastrointestinal toxicities, the incidence of which decreased following a
      high-fat breakfast compared with both fasted and low-fat breakfast conditions
      (17%, 67%, and 59% of subjects, respectively, in ALI13451). In conclusion, food
      intake had minimal impact on the PKs of fedratinib, and the tolerability of this
      drug was improved when taken following a high-fat breakfast.

PMID- 27136914
TI  - Sleep fragmentation alters brain energy metabolism without modifying hippocampal
      electrophysiological response to novelty exposure.
AB  - Sleep is viewed as a fundamental restorative function of the brain, but its
      specific role in neural energy budget remains poorly understood. Sleep
      deprivation dampens brain energy metabolism and impairs cognitive functions.
      Intriguingly, sleep fragmentation, despite normal total sleep duration, has a
      similar cognitive impact, and in this paper we ask the question of whether it may
      also impair brain energy metabolism. To this end, we used a recently developed
      mouse model of 2 weeks of sleep fragmentation and measured 2-deoxy-glucose uptake
      and glycogen, glucose and lactate concentration in different brain regions. In
      order to homogenize mice behaviour during metabolic measurements, we exposed them
      to a novel environment for 1 h. Using an intra-hippocampal electrode, we first
      showed that hippocampal electroencephalograph (EEG) response to exploration was
      unaltered by 1 or 14 days of sleep fragmentation. However, after 14 days, sleep
      fragmented mice exhibited a lower uptake of 2-deoxy-glucose in cortex and
      hippocampus and lower cortical lactate levels than control mice. Our results
      suggest that long-term sleep fragmentation impaired brain metabolism to a similar
      extent as total sleep deprivation without affecting the neuronal responsiveness
      of hippocampus to a novel environment.

PMID- 27136913
TI  - Integration of Multiplex Bead Assays for Parasitic Diseases into a National,
      Population-Based Serosurvey of Women 15-39 Years of Age in Cambodia.
AB  - Collection of surveillance data is essential for monitoring and evaluation of
      public health programs. Integrated collection of household-based health data, now
      routinely carried out in many countries through demographic health surveys and
      multiple indicator surveys, provides critical measures of progress in health
      delivery. In contrast, biomarker surveys typically focus on single or related
      measures of malaria infection, HIV status, vaccination coverage, or immunity
      status for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD). Here we describe an integrated
      biomarker survey based on use of a multiplex bead assay (MBA) to simultaneously
      measure antibody responses to multiple parasitic diseases of public health
      importance as part of a VPD serological survey in Cambodia. A nationally
      representative cluster-based survey was used to collect serum samples from women
      of child-bearing age. Samples were tested by MBA for immunoglobulin G antibodies
      recognizing recombinant antigens from Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax,
      Wuchereria bancrofti, Toxoplasma gondii, Taenia solium, and Strongyloides
      stercoralis. Serologic IgG antibody results were useful both for generating
      national prevalence estimates for the parasitic diseases of interest and for
      confirming the highly focal distributions of some of these infections. Integrated
      surveys offer an opportunity to systematically assess the status of multiple
      public health programs and measure progress toward Millennium Development Goals.

PMID- 27136915
TI  - The feasibility of detecting cerebral blood flow direction using the indocyanine
      green video angiography.
AB  - The intraoperative confirmation of blood flow direction is necessary in cerebral
      vascular surgery. Using indocyanine green video angiography (ICG-VAG) with the
      FLOW 800 system, we examined the transit time of the blood vessel of interest and
      semiquantitatively evaluated the delay time (T1/2max) from indocyanine green
      (ICG) injection into the donor artery in reconstructive surgery and the middle
      cerebral artery (MCA) in aneurysmal surgery. The direction of cerebral blood flow
      (CBF), which can often be confirmed by ICG-VAG, may be more difficult to
      determine with faster blood flow. Here, we report our findings regarding the
      feasibility of detecting CBF direction using the FLOW 800 system. Twenty patients
      undergoing superficial temporal artery (STA) to MCA anastomosis for carotid
      occlusive disease and 13 patients with a small MCA aneurysm clipping were
      evaluated using the T1/2max, semiquantitative method with the FLOW 800 system. In
      STA-MCA anastomosis cases, the regions of interest (ROIs) included: the proximal
      donor STA and a region more than 10 mm on the distal side of the donor STA near
      the anastomosis site. In MCA aneurysms, the ROIs included the proximal M1 and
      distal M2 sides of the MCA aneurysm. T1/2max was significantly shorter for the
      proximal sites compared to the distal sites for all subjects (ps < 0.01). T1/2max
      was shorter for all subjects in the proximal sites. The direction of CBF can be
      determined using the FLOW 800 system. 

PMID- 27136916
TI  - Stimulation of the Salicylic Acid Pathway Aboveground Recruits Entomopathogenic
      Nematodes Belowground.
AB  - Plant defense pathways play a critical role in mediating tritrophic interactions
      between plants, herbivores, and natural enemies. While the impact of plant
      defense pathway stimulation on natural enemies has been extensively explored
      aboveground, belowground ramifications of plant defense pathway stimulation are
      equally important in regulating subterranean pests and still require more
      attention. Here we investigate the effect of aboveground stimulation of the
      salicylic acid pathway through foliar application of the elicitor methyl
      salicylate on belowground recruitment of the entomopathogenic nematode,
      Steinernema diaprepesi. Also, we implicate a specific root-derived volatile that
      attracts S. diaprepesi belowground following aboveground plant stimulation by an
      elicitor. In four-choice olfactometer assays, citrus plants treated with foliar
      applications of methyl salicylate recruited S. diaprepesi in the absence of
      weevil feeding as compared with negative controls. Additionally, analysis of root
      volatile profiles of citrus plants receiving foliar application of methyl
      salicylate revealed production of d-limonene, which was absent in negative
      controls. The entomopathogenic nematode S. diaprepesi was recruited to d-limonene
      in two-choice olfactometer trials. These results reinforce the critical role of
      plant defense pathways in mediating tritrophic interactions, suggest a broad role
      for plant defense pathway signaling belowground, and hint at sophisticated plant
      responses to pest complexes.

PMID- 27136917
TI  - Emotions, Development and Materiality at School: a Cultural-Historical Approach.
AB  - In the school context, feelings and emotions are generally perceived as obstacles
      to learning. Today, however, the introduction of complex real-world issues in
      lessons of Geography, History or civic education, such as international migration
      or cultural diversity, blurs the classic boundaries between emotions and
      cognition when they prompt students' personal opinions and experiences. In the
      frame of a research on teaching and learning practices in education for cultural
      diversity, this paper examines how students' personal emotions were elicited in
      the lessons, and how they were semiotized, transformed in the course of social
      interactions. We analyze empirical data gathered in 12 Primary and Junior school
      classrooms in Switzerland. 12 teachers and 232 students (from 11 to 16 years old)
      participated. We adopt a cultural-historical perspective inspired by Vygotsky and
      his followers and show the interactional processes by which the emotions undergo
      semiotization and influence the unfolding of the students' psychological
      processes. In the sequences we analyze, using the Valsiner's schema (Human
      Development, 44, 84-97, 2001), we identify three different modalities of
      semiotization: 1) the students' feelings are simply verbalized and linked to the
      speaker's affective world; 2) the verbalized emotions are reframed and interwoven
      with factual information; 3) the verbalized emotions are linked to information
      and reframed with collective emotional experiences. These processes are
      described, illustrated and discussed. We shed light on the central role of the
      verbal interventions of the teacher (who supports but also hinders the processes
      sometimes) and of materiality, here photographs, which mediated the teacher
      student interactions.

PMID- 27136918
TI  - Symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in fibromyalgia syndrome are similar to
      those reported in primary RP despite differences in objective assessment of
      digital microvascular function and morphology.
AB  - Symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) are common in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
      We compared symptom characteristics and objective assessment of digital
      microvascular function using infrared thermography (and nailfold capillaroscopy
      where available) in patients with FMS (reporting RP symptoms) and primary RP. We
      retrospectively reviewed the outcome of microvascular imaging studies and RP
      symptom characteristics (captured using patient-completed questionnaire at the
      time of assessment) for patients with FMS (reporting RP symptoms) and patients
      with primary RP referred for thermographic assessment of RP symptoms over a 2
      year period. Of 257 patients referred for thermographic assessment of RP symptoms
      between 2010 and 2012, we identified 85 patients with primary RP and 43 patients
      with FMS. There were no differences in RP symptom characteristics between FMS and
      primary RP (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). In contrast, patients with FMS had
      higher baseline temperature of the digits (32.1 vs. 29.0  degrees C, p = 0.004),
      dorsum (31.9 vs. 30.2  degrees C, p = 0.005) and thermal gradient (temperature of
      digits minus temperature of dorsum; +0.0 vs. -0.9  degrees C, p = 0.03) compared
      with primary RP. Significant differences between groups persisted following local
      cold challenge. In primary RP, patient reporting "blue" digits, bi-phasic and tri
      phasic RP was associated with lower digital perfusion. In contrast, no
      associations between skin temperature and RP digital colour changes/phases were
      identified in FMS. Our findings suggest that symptoms of RP in FMS may have a
      different aetiology to those seen in primary RP. These findings have potential
      implications for both the classification of RP symptoms and the management of RP
      symptoms in the context of FMS. Digital colour changes reported by patients might
      reflect the degree of digital microvascular compromise in primary RP. 

PMID- 27136919
TI  - Rituximab as first choice for patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis: cost
      effectiveness analysis in Iran based on a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of
      using rituximab as first line for patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis
      in comparison with continuing conventional DMARDs, from a perspective of health
      service governors. A systematic review was implemented through searching PubMed,
      Scopus and Cochrane Library. Quality assessment was performed by Jadad scale.
      After meta-analysis of ACR index results, QALY gain was calculated through
      mapping ACR index to HAQ and utility index. To measure the direct and indirect
      medical costs, a set of interviews with patients were applied. Thirty-two
      patients were selected from three referral rheumatology clinics in Tehran with
      definite diagnosis of refractory rheumatoid arthritis in the year before and
      treatment regimen of either rituximab or DMARDs within last year. Incremental
      cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated for base case and scenario of generic
      rituximab. Threefold of GDP per capita was considered as threshold of cost
      effectiveness. Four studies were eligible to be considered in this systematic
      review. Total risk differences of 0.3 for achieving ACR20 criteria, 0.21 for
      ACR50 and 0.1 for ACR70 were calculated. Also mean of total medical costs of
      patients for 24 weeks were $3985 in rituximab group and $932 for DMARDs group.
      Thus, the incremental cost per QALY ratio will be $45,900-$70,223 in base case
      and $32,386-$49,550 for generic scenario. Rituximab for treatment of patients
      with refractory rheumatoid arthritis is not considered as cost-effective in Iran
      in none of the scenarios. 

PMID- 27136920
TI  - Systemic lupus erythematosus-related hypercalcemia with ectopic calcinosis.
AB  - We report a case of a 39-year-old female with active systemic lupus erythematosus
      who complained of lethargy and weakness with a moderate renal impairment.
      Hypercalcemia was confirmed by laboratory examination. Her X-ray revealed
      significant ectopic calcinosis in subcutaneous tissue of bilateral hands, and Tc
      99(m) methylene diphosphonate bone scan revealed a remarkably intense uptake of
      bilateral lungs. She had no evidence suggestive of other diseases related to
      hypercalcemia such as hyperparathyroidism and malignancy. She had abnormally high
      serum parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) which fell to normal after
      treatment. Glucocorticoid, cyclophosphamide plus calcitonin and etidronate were
      administered and the patient improved greatly. Literature review demonstrated
      that lupus-related hypercalcemia with ectopic calcinosis is a rare complication
      and increased PTHrP is probably one of the main mechanisms. Lung uptake in bone
      scan may be a special and reliable clue suggestive of hypercalcemia. 

PMID- 27136921
TI  - Evidence for reliability, validity and responsiveness of Turkish Foot and Ankle
      Ability Measure (FAAM).
AB  - PURPOSE: To translate and culturally adapt the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure
      (FAAM) into Turkish and assess the psychometric properties of the translated
      version. METHODS: The FAAM was translated into Turkish according to Beaton's
      recommendations and it is called FAAM-T. Ninety-eight patients (39 males, mean +/
      SD age 35.0 +/- 14.0 years; range 16-71 years) with different foot and ankle
      complaints were included, and the score was completed twice by each participant
      after 7 days of the first assessment to assess test-retest reliability based on
      the inter-rater correlation coefficient, whereas Cronbach's alpha evaluated
      internal consistency. External validity was evaluated with correlations between
      the FAAM-T, Foot Function Index (FFI) and Short Form-36 (SF-36). The distribution
      of floor and ceiling effects was determined. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability
      was 0.90 for both FAAM-T subscales. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.95 and
      0.91 for FAAM-T activity of daily living (ADL) and FAAM-T Sport subscales,
      respectively. The FAAM-T ADL and Sport subscales demonstrated very good
      correlation with the FFI (r = 0.70 and 0.63, respectively). The FAAM-T ADL and
      Sport subscales had a high level of association with physical functioning and the
      physical component scale (r = 0.71, r = 0.70 and r = 0.51, r = 0.55,
      respectively; P = 0.001) of the SF-36. The weakest associations were found
      between the FAAM-T ADL, FAAM-T Sport subscales and the SF-36 the vitality (r =
      0.27, P = 0.008 and r = 0.28, P = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The study
      provides preliminary evidence that the FAAM-T is reliable, valid and responsive
      outcome measurement of patients with foot and ankle pathologies.

PMID- 27136922
TI  - Intraperitoneal Mesenchymal Cells Promote the Development of Peritoneal
      Metastasis Partly by Supporting Long Migration of Disseminated Tumor Cells.
AB  - The human peritoneal cavity contains a small number of free cells of mesenchymal
      cell lineage. Intraperitoneal mesenchymal cells (PMC) play supportive roles in
      metastasis formation on the peritoneum. In this study, we found that PMC, when co
      cultuerd with human gastric cancer cells, MKN45, enhanced the proliferation of
      MKN45 when cultured at low, but not high, cellular density. Also, PMC suppressed
      apoptotic cell death of MKN45 only under low density culture conditions. Time
      lapse videoanalysis clearly demonstrated that PMC randomly migrated more
      vigorously than did MKN45, and strongly enhanced the migration behavior of co
      cultured MKN45. In fact, the majority of MKN45 migrated together in direct
      physical contact with PMC, and the sum of migration lengths from original
      position of co-cultured MKN45 for 48 hours was approximately 10 times longer than
      that of MKN45 cultured alone. Our data suggest that enhanced migration can
      increase the chance of direct contact or positional proximity among sparcely
      distributed MKN45, which may bring survival advantages to tumor cells. This may
      be one of the important mechanisms of peritoneal metastasis, since only a small
      number of tumor cells are considered to be disseminated in the early step of
      metastasis formation on the peritoneum.

PMID- 27136923
TI  - Place-value understanding in number line estimation predicts future arithmetic
      performance.
AB  - In multi-digit numbers, the value of each digit is determined by its position
      within the digit string. Children's understanding of this place-value structure
      constitutes a building block for later arithmetic skills. We investigated whether
      a number line estimation task can provide an assessment of place-value
      understanding in first grade. We hypothesized that estimating the position of two
      digit numbers requires place-value understanding. Therefore, we fitted a linear
      function to children's estimates of two-digit numbers and considered the
      resulting slope as a measure of children's place-value understanding. We observed
      a significant correlation between this slope and children's performance in a
      transcoding task known to require place-value understanding. Additionally, the
      slope for two-digit numbers assessed at the beginning of grade 1 predicted
      children's arithmetic performance at the end of grade 1. These results indicate
      that the number line estimation task may indeed constitute a valid measure for
      first-graders' place-value understanding. Moreover, these findings are hard to
      reconcile with the view that number line estimation directly assesses a spatial
      representation of numbers. Instead, our results suggest that numerical processes
      involved in performing the task (such as place-value understanding) may drive the
      association between number line estimation and arithmetic performance.

PMID- 27136924
TI  - Biochemical Mechanisms for Geographical Adaptations to Novel Toxin Exposures in
      Butterflyfish.
AB  - Some species of butterflyfish have had preyed upon corals for millions of years,
      yet the mechanism of butterflyfish specialized coral feeding strategy remains
      poorly understood. Certain butterflyfish have the ability to feed on
      allelochemically rich soft corals, e.g. Sinularia maxima. Cytochrome P450 (CYP)
      is the predominant enzyme system responsible for the detoxification of dietary
      allelochemicals. CYP2-like and CYP3A-like content have been associated with
      butterflyfish that preferentially consumes allelochemically rich soft corals. To
      investigate the role of butterflyfish CYP2 and CYP3A enzymes in dietary
      preference, we conducted oral feeding experiments using homogenates of S. maxima
      and a toxin isolated from the coral in four species of butterflyfish with
      different feeding strategies. After oral exposure to the S. maxima toxin 5
      episinulaptolide (5ESL), which is not normally encountered in the Hawaiian
      butterflyfish diet, an endemic specialist, Chaetodon multicinctus experienced
      100% mortality compared to a generalist, Chaetodon auriga, which had
      significantly more (3-6 fold higher) CYP3A-like basal content and catalytic
      activity. The specialist, Chaetodon unimaculatus, which preferentially feed on S.
      maxima in Guam, but not in Hawaii, had 100% survival, a significant induction of
      8-12 fold CYP3A-like content, and an increased ability (2-fold) to metabolize
      5ESL over other species. Computer modeling data of CYP3A4 with 5ESL were
      consistent with microsomal transformation of 5ESL to a C15-16 epoxide from livers
      of C. unimaculatus. Epoxide formation correlated with CYP3A-like content,
      catalytic activity, induction, and NADPH-dependent metabolism of 5ESL. These
      results suggest a potentially important role for the CYP3A family in
      butterflyfish-coral diet selection through allelochemical detoxification.

PMID- 27136926
TI  - Adsorption Assisted Photocatalytic Removal of Methyl Orange by MgAl2O4-Sb2S3
      Composite Material.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current article is about the water treatment in which colored
      water contaminated by methyl orange has been used for adsorption assisted
      photocatalysis. Coupling of photocatalysis with the traditional water treatment
      processes has been in practice since last couple of years for the improvement of
      degradation efficiencies, for example, photocatalysis coupled with
      ultrafilteration, adsorption, flocculation, biological methods, photolysis,
      membrane distillation, etc. Among all these coupling approaches, adsorption
      assisted photocatalysis being a very simple and highly efficient approach is
      suffering from few drawbacks on the account of high cost, low stability and
      surface area of the adsorbent support. The present study is a contribution
      towards improvement in this coupling approach. A low cost, highly stable spinel
      magnesium aluminate (MgAl2O4) material synthesized at nanoscale is used for
      composite formation with antimony sulphide (Sb2S3) material having high
      absorption coefficient in the visible light of solar spectrum. A review of recent
      patents shows that the field of photoctalysis is dominated by the traditional
      TiO2 catalyst. The modification of TiO2 by either composite formation or by
      doping is the main focus. METHODS: Coprecipitation method is used for the
      synthesis of spinel in which the desired precursors in the respective molar
      ratios were mixed and annealing of the resulting precipitates was carried out at
      800oC for 8 h. Sb2S3 was synthesized by the hydrothermal method in which the
      required molar solution of precursors was mixed with urea solution and the whole
      mixture was maintained at 105oC for 6 hrs in a Teflon lined autoclave. The
      resulting suspension was then annealed at 37oC for 3 hours. The composite of
      Sb2S3 and MgAl2O4 has been synthesized by mixing both the materials in 1:1 and
      heat treated in an oven at a temperature of 200oC. RESULTS: Peaks in X-ray
      diffraction pattern correspond to both the Sb2S3 and spinel phase. All the peaks
      corresponding to the Sb2S3 and spinel phase were found to be shifted to higher d
      spacing values. This indicates the expansion of unit cells of the Sb2S3 and
      MgAl2O4 phases. Thermal studies show that only 3% weight loss is observed at a
      temperature of 200-1000oC which may be due to the loss of surface water from the
      sample. Surface area, pore volume and pore size obtained from N2 adsorption were
      143m2/g, 0.21cc/g and 23.26A, respectively. The removal efficiency of 0.1g
      catalyst for methyl orange solution of 5mg/L concentration after reaction in dark
      conditions for the time of one hour was calculated to be 24% owing to the
      adsorption. The visible light degradation efficiency of the 0.1g catalyst for 1,
      5, 19, 25 and 50 mg/L concentrations of MO solutions were 97, 93, 75, 72 and 62%
      respectively. The dosage of the catalyst was found to have a direct relationship
      with the degradation efficiency. Lower pH was found suitable for the degradation
      owing to better interaction of catalyst surface and the adsorbed dye. Percent
      degradation increased with the increase in the time and temperature of reaction.
      The degradation kinetics followed pseudo first order rate equation; the
      calculated value of rate constant was 0.0102 min-1. CONCLUSION: The mechanism
      involves the excitation of electrons in the valence band of Sb2S3 to the
      conduction band by the absorption of visible and UV light. The electrons and
      holes participate in the surface reactions resulting in the formation of
      superoxide and hydroxyl radicals which degrade the targeted polluted. Lower
      concentration of MO solutions, acidic pH, higher catalyst dosage and greater
      reaction times were found suitable for the degradation efficiency.

PMID- 27136925
TI  - Advanced imaging of colorectal cancer: From anatomy to molecular imaging.
AB  - Imaging techniques play a key role in the management of patients with colorectal
      cancer. The introduction of new advanced anatomical, functional, and molecular
      imaging techniques may improve the assessment of diagnosis, prognosis, planning
      therapy, and assessment of response to treatment of these patients. Functional
      and molecular imaging techniques in clinical practice may allow the assessment of
      tumour-specific characteristics and tumour heterogeneity. This paper will review
      recent developments in imaging technologies and the evolving roles for these
      techniques in colorectal cancer. TEACHING POINTS: * Imaging techniques play a key
      role in the management of patients with colorectal cancer. * Advanced imaging
      techniques improve the evaluation of these patients. * Functional and molecular
      imaging allows assessment of tumour hallmarks and tumour heterogeneity.

PMID- 27136927
TI  - Polymer Nanocomposite Membranes for Antifouling Nanofiltration.
AB  - Fouling refers to the unwanted and undesirable attachment of biological
      macromolecules, inorganic, organic matter, and microorganisms on water contact
      surfaces. Fouling reduces the performance of devices involving these submerged
      surfaces and is considered the bottle-neck issue for various applications in the
      biomedical industry, food processing, and water treatment, especially in reverse
      osmosis (RO) desalination. Investigations have proven that nanocomposite
      membranes can exhibit enhanced antifouling performances and can be used for
      longer life times. The nanocomposite means addition of nanomaterials to main
      matrix at low loadings, exhibiting better properties compared to virgin matrix.
      In this review, a summarized description about related methods and their
      mechanisms for the fabrication of nanocomposite membranes with antifouling
      properties has been documented. Around 87 manuscripts including 10 patents were
      used to demonstrate the antifouling applications of of various nanocomposite
      membranes.

PMID- 27136928
TI  - Effective Role of Magnetic Core-Shell Nanocomposites in Removing Organic Wastes
      from Water.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Affordable and efficient water treatment process to produce water
      free from various contaminants is a big challenge. The presence of toxic heavy
      metals, dyes, hazardous chemicals and other toxins cause contamination of water
      sources and our food chain and make them hazardous to living organisms. The
      current water treatment processes are no longer sustainable due to high cost and
      low efficiency. Due to advantageous properties, nanotechnology based materials
      can play a great role in increasing the efficiency of water treatment processes.
      Magnetic nanocomposites use nano as well as magnetic properties and have the
      potential to provide a sophisticated system to overcome most of the impurities
      present in water. There is diversity of magnetic nanocomposites, however
      presently we have focussed the core-shell magnetic nanocomposites because they
      have excellent magnetic and separation properties, stability, and good
      biocompatibility. METHODS: We collected systematically the bibliographic data
      bases for peer-reviewed research literature focusing on the theme of our review.
      The Quality of the included research papers are selected by standard tools. A
      conceptual frame work is designed to arrange the topics and extracted the
      interventions and findings of the included studies. RESULTS: The overall study
      was divided in sections and each section incorporated the most appropriate
      literature citation. Total one hundred and eight references were included of
      which 32 references were used for basic description/introduction of core-shell
      magnetic nanocomposites. One review paper containing the synthesis methods for
      core shell magnetic nanocomposites is included while majority (76) of the
      references are included for comprehensive description of applications of the core
      shell nanocomposites among which 25 were for dyes removal, 27 for hazardous
      metals, 07 for hazardous chemicals, 12 for pesticides and biological contaminants
      removal and five other including patents were added as miscellaneous substances
      removal from water sources. This review identified the effective role of core
      shell magnetic nanocomposites for environmental remediation in terms of removal
      of various hazardous substances from water resources. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of
      the present review confirms that the magnetic core-shell nanocomposites provide a
      cost effective and efficient way for the removal of various toxic substances
      including dyes, heavy metals, toxic organic chemicals, pesticides and some
      biological contaminants from water sources.

PMID- 27136929
TI  - Recent Development of Chitosan Nanocomposites for Environmental Applications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Potable, clean and safe water is the basic need for all human beings.
      Major portion of the earth is occupied by water, however, this is contaminated by
      rapid industrialization, improper sewage and natural calamities and man-made
      activates, which produce several water-borne and fetal diseases. In this review
      we presented some recent patent for environmental remediation. METHODS: Various
      technologies have been developed for the treatment of waste water consist of
      chemical, membrane, filtration, sedimentation, chlorination, disinfection,
      electrodialysis, electrolysis, reverse osmosis and adsorption. Among these entire
      phenomenon's, adsorption was the most efficient method for wastewater treatment,
      because it is a quick and cheap technology which signifies extensive practical
      applications. Adsorption phenomenon has been tactfully used for the removal of
      biological waste as well as soluble and insoluble material with a removal
      efficacy of 90-99%. RESULTS: Clean water supply is limited to human beings. The
      people in the developing countries have less or no access to the clean and
      potable water. The shortage of potable water resources and long term safe water
      deficiencies are some of the leading problems worldwide. In this review, we have
      explained in the detail adsorption phenomena of chitosan, pharmaceutical
      importance and other applications. It is worth to say that adsorption
      technologies using chitosan and its derivative is one of the quickest and cost
      effective methods for the wastewater treatment. The review comprises of ninety
      eight references. This review also covers various patents vis-a-vis the role of
      chitosan-nanocomposite in environmental application for wastewater treatment.
      CONCLUSION: Chitosan is a pseudo-neutral cationic polymer which is formed by the
      de-acetylation of chitin polymer. Various patent on chitosan and chitosan
      nanocomposite were taken into account related to wastewater purification. We have
      found that chitosan and chitosan-nanocomposite are used for the removal of
      viruses, bacteria, cryptosporidium oocysts and giardia cysts, soluble and
      insoluble organic pollutants, poly aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals from
      wastewater. In this study, we also found that chitosan and chitosan-nanocomposite
      are selected for the removal of transition metals.

PMID- 27136930
TI  - Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles-Filled Polyethersulfone
      Membranes for Antibacterial and Anti-Biofouling Application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The membrane processes are interesting and economical techniques for
      reuse of municipal and industrial wastewater as well as seawater desalination.
      However their drawbacks can be resumed in the fouling and biofouling due to the
      deposition and adsorption phenomenon of the components and the development of
      biofilm on membrane surface. Several studies have focused on the effect of the
      incorporation of nanoparticles in polymeric membrane matrix on the biofouling
      properties. Few relevant patents to the topic have been reviewed and cited.
      METHODS: Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes filled with silver nanoparticles
      (AgNPs) were prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) process
      using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as additive and N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as
      solvent. Dope solution compositions, coagulation bath (CB) compositions, time
      before immersion in CB and casting speed were systematically studied. Membrane
      structure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, contact angle,
      streaming potential measurement and X-ray diffraction (XRD). RESULTS: Membrane
      performance was assessed by pure water permeability, antifouling property,
      porosity and mechanical property. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by
      the chemical reduction of silver nitrate solution with freshly prepared fructose
      solution, using PVP as capping agent and NaOH as accelerant and settled using
      acetone. The synthesized AgNPs were firstly characterized by Dynamic light
      scattering (DLS) technique, UV-visible spectrophotometer and X-ray diffraction
      spectroscopy (XRD). Then, we have selected a 15% PES mixed with 15% of PVP dope
      solution to prepare PESAgNPs blended membranes. CONCLUSION: All the nanocomposite
      membranes showed superb antibacterial and anti-biofouling performances,
      indicating that AgNPs in the PES membranes could be an effective approach to
      minimize membrane biofouling.

PMID- 27136931
TI  - Recent Advancement in Cellulose based Nanocomposite for Addressing Environmental
      Challenges.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cellulose being the most abundant polymer has been widely utilized in
      multiple applications. Its impressive nanofibril arrangement has provoked its
      applications in numerous fields. Recent trends have been shifted to produce
      composites of nanocellulose for numerous applications among which the most
      important ones are its use in medical and environmental prospective. This review
      has basically focused the development of nanocellulose composites and its
      applications in resolving environmental hazards. METHODS: We have reviewed large
      number of research and review articles from famous journals using a focused
      review question. The quality of retrieved papers was assessed through standard
      tools. The contents from reviewed articles were described in scientific way.
      RESULTS: We included 85 papers including research and review articles and patents
      in this review. 18 papers introduced the theme of current review. More than 10
      papers were used to describe the approaches used for synthesizing cellullose
      nanocomposites. Composite synthesis strategies included the in situ addition, ex
      situ penetration, solution mixing, and solvent casting etc. Around 60 manuscripts
      including 6 patents were used to demonstrate various applications of
      nanocellulose composites. Nanocellulose based materials offer several
      applications in the development of antimicrobial filters, air and water filters,
      filters for removal of heavy metals, pollutant sensors as well as applications in
      catalysis and energy sectors. Such products are more efficient, robust, reliable,
      and environment-friendly. CONCLUSION: This review gives a comprehensive picture
      of ongoing research and development on environmental remediation by
      nanotechnology. We hope that the contents reviewed herein will catch the reader's
      interest and will provide interesting background to extend future research
      activities regarding cellulose based materials.

PMID- 27136932
TI  - Sulfonated Polyimide-Clay Thin Films for Energy Application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sulfonated polyimides (SPIs) are considered as the promising
      alternatives to Nafion as membrane materials for the polymer electrolyte membrane
      (PEM). They generally exhibit high ionic conductivity, good mechanical
      properties, excellent thermal and chemical stabilities. The six-membered ring,
      naphthalenic anhydride-based SPIs, not only exhibit superior chemical and thermo
      oxidative stabilities but are also more resistant to hydrolysis than their five
      membered phthalic anhydride-based SPIs. The composites based on napthalenic
      polyimides are also significantly stable in high temperature environment and show
      better stability to hydrolysis. Incorporation of inorganic fillers into organic
      polymers has gained tremendous attention and these new materials are called
      organic-inorganic hybrids. Few patents related to the synthesis and performance
      PEM materials have been reviewed and cited. Keeping in view the importance of
      sulfonated polyimide based nanocomposites as potential membrane materials for PEM
      in fuel cell, we have synthesized SPIs clay based nanocomposite as potential
      membrane material. The objective of this work was to synthesize clay based SPIs
      thin films which could be used as membrane materials in PEM fuel cell for energy
      applications. Methods/Experimental: At the first step the nanometric sheets of
      vermiculite clay prepared via sonication was surface modified by grafting 3
      APTES. Then the SPI was synthesized via one-step high temperature direct
      imidization method, which serve as a matrix material. The organo modified VMT was
      dispersed via sonication in the SPI matrix. Four different sets of organic
      inorganic nanocomposite membranes thin films, having VMT contents in the range of
      1 to 7 wt.% were prepared by casting, curing and acidification route. RESULTS:
      The synthesis of SPIs clay based thin films were carried out at three different
      steps and fully characterized. The synthesis of SPIs and SPIs clay based thin
      films were analyzed via different analytical techniques. The XRD analysis tells
      the successful dispersion of clay in SPI matrix. Different physiochemical tests
      were conducted for the analysis of these membranes such as water uptake,
      hydrolytic stability, ion exchange capacity (IEC), dimensional changes and
      oxidative stability, to check their suitability as membrane materials for PEM.
      The proton conductivity of these membranes were measured via impedance
      spectroscopy which discloses three different active regions responsible for
      proton conduction. The activation energies of the membranes were higher at lower
      temperature and reaches to 8.2 kJ/mol at higher temperature (90oC). CONCLUSION:
      The synthesis of sulfonated polyimide/clay (SPI/clay) based organic-inorganic
      nanocomposite membranes were achieved successfully. The membrane display good
      hydrolytic, thermal and oxidative stability at elevated temperature. The proton
      conductivity of the membrane display an increase together with the frequency but
      decreases with temperature. Therefore some more efforts are required to achieve
      high degree of functionalization of both organic and inorganic components, for
      the "future" PEMs to avoid deterioration and to get improved performance.

PMID- 27136933
TI  - Association between estimated blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin
      levels.

PMID- 27136934
TI  - Hyperaldosteronism: How to Discriminate Among Different Disease Forms?
AB  - Primary aldosteronism (PA), characterized by the inappropriate and abnormal
      adrenal secretion of aldosterone, is the most common cause of secondary
      hypertension. PA has been shown to increase cardiovasular and cerebrovascular
      risks in comparison with essential hypertension. PA is a multi-faceted disease,
      which comprises unilateral forms, benefitting from surgical treatment, and
      bilateral forms, which are the best managed medically. PA is more frequently
      sporadic, but in some cases, it displays a familial transmission pattern. For
      these reasons, it is important to diagnose PA early on and correctly distinguish
      and manage its different forms. In this review, we analyze the different forms of
      PA, with attention on the diagnostic pathway and the genetics of the disease. 

PMID- 27136935
TI  - Does poor dental health predict becoming homebound among older Japanese?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Being homebound is an important risk factor of functional disability
      in older people. There is a possibility of bidirectional relationship between
      homeboundness and dental health. This prospective cohort study examined the
      association of dental health, which includes social function, on homeboundness in
      the future. METHODS: The participants were >= 65 years, responded to two postal
      surveys conducted in 2006 and 2010, and were not homebound at baseline. Logistic
      regression analysis was used to estimate the odds ratios for homeboundness,
      defined as going out of one's home less than once weekly. Self-reported baseline
      dental status was used as the main predictor. Age, sex, marital status,
      educational attainment, income, comorbidity, depression, walking time, living
      alone, and area of residence were used as covariates. RESULTS: Among 4390 non
      homebound respondents, 7.4 % were homebound four years later. The proportions of
      homebound respondents with < 20 teeth without dentures, < 20 teeth with dentures,
      and >= 20 teeth were 9.7, 8.8, and 4.4 %, respectively. The odds for being
      homebound in the 65-74-year age group, adjusted for covariates, was 1.78 (95 %
      CI: 1.01-3.13; p < 0.05) times higher for respondents with < 20 teeth and no
      dentures than that for respondents with >= 20 teeth. Among the participants in
      the >= 75-year age group, a significant association of homeboundness and dental
      health was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Among the young-old population, poor dental
      health predicted future onset of homeboundness, while depressive symptoms did not
      show any significant association.

PMID- 27136936
TI  - Regional distribution of ventilation in patients with obstructive sleep apnea:
      the role of thoracic electrical impedance tomography (EIT) monitoring.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to apply the electrical impedance tomography
      (EIT) technique to the study of ventilation during wake and NREM and REM sleep in
      patients with obstructive sleep apneas (OSA). METHODS: This is a prospective,
      observational, monocentric, pilot study in a neurology department with a sleep
      disorder center. Inclusion criteria were age >=18 years, both gender, and
      diagnosis of OSA. Exclusion criteria were the contraindications to the thoracic
      EIT. All patients underwent laboratory-based polysomnography (PSG) alongside
      thoracic EIT. Primary endpoint was to compare the global impedance (GI) among the
      conditions: "Wake" vs "Sleep," "NREM" vs "REM," and "OSA" vs "Non-OSA." Secondary
      endpoint was to measure the regional distribution of impedance in the four
      regions of interest (ROIs), in each condition. RESULTS: Of the 17 consecutive
      patients enrolled, two were excluded because of poor-quality EIT tracings.
      Fifteen were analyzed, 10 men and 5 women, mean age 51.6 +/- 14.4 years. GI was
      higher in Wake vs Sleep (Wake 13.24 +/- 11.23; Sleep 12.56 +/- 13.36; p < 0.01),
      in NREM vs REM (NREM 13.48 +/- 13.43; REM 0.59 +/- 0.01; p < 0.01), and in Non
      OSA vs OSA (Non-OSA 10.50 +/- 12.99; OSA 18.98 +/- 10.06; p < 0.01). No
      significant differences were observed in the regional distribution of impedance
      between Wake and Sleep (chi 2 = 3.66; p = 0.299) and between Non-OSA and OSA (chi
      2 = 1.00; p = 0.799); conversely, a significant difference was observed between
      NREM and REM sleep (chi 2 = 62.94; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge,
      this is the first study that addresses the issue of regional ventilation in OSA
      patients during sleep. Thoracic electrical impedance changes through the sleep
      wake cycle and during obstructive events. The application of thoracic EIT can
      prove a valuable additional strategy for the evaluation of OSA patients.

PMID- 27136937
TI  - Meiotic behaviour of evolutionary sex-autosome translocations in Bovidae.
AB  - The recurrent occurrence of sex-autosome translocations during mammalian
      evolution suggests common mechanisms enabling a precise control of meiotic
      synapsis, recombination and inactivation of sex chromosomes. We used
      immunofluorescence and FISH to study the meiotic behaviour of sex chromosomes in
      six species of Bovidae with evolutionary sex-autosome translocations (Tragelaphus
      strepsiceros, Taurotragus oryx, Tragelaphus imberbis, Tragelaphus spekii, Gazella
      leptoceros and Nanger dama ruficollis). The autosomal regions of fused sex
      chromosomes showed normal synapsis with their homologous counterparts. Synapsis
      in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) leads to the formation of characteristic
      bivalent (in T. imberbis and T. spekii with X;BTA13/Y;BTA13), trivalent (in T.
      strepsiceros and T. oryx with X/Y;BTA13 and G. leptoceros with X;BTA5/Y) and
      quadrivalent (in N. dama ruficollis with X;BTA5/Y;BTA16) structures at pachynema.
      However, when compared with other mammals, the number of pachynema lacking MLH1
      foci in the PAR was relatively high, especially in T. imberbis and T. spekii,
      species with both sex chromosomes involved in sex autosome translocations.
      Meiotic transcriptional inactivation of the sex-autosome translocations assessed
      by gammaH2AX staining was restricted to their gonosomal regions. Despite
      intraspecies differences, the evolutionary fixation of sex-autosome
      translocations among bovids appears to involve general mechanisms ensuring sex
      chromosome pairing, synapsis, recombination and inactivation.

PMID- 27136938
TI  - Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Perspectives on CAR T Cells and Other Cellular
      Therapies for Hematologic Malignancies.
AB  - Hematologic oncologists now have at their disposal (or a referral away) a myriad
      of new options to get from point A (a patient with relapsed or poor-risk disease)
      to point B (potential tumor eradication and long-term disease-free survival). In
      this perspective piece, we discuss the putative mechanisms of action and the
      relative strengths and weaknesses of currently available cellular therapy
      approaches. Notably, while many of these approaches have been published in high
      impact journals, with the exception of allogeneic stem cell transplantation and
      of checkpoint inhibitors (PD1/PDL1 or CTLA4 blockade), the published clinical
      trials have mostly been early phase, uncontrolled studies. Therefore, many of the
      new cellular therapy approaches have yet to demonstrate incontrovertible evidence
      of enhanced overall survival compared with controls. Nonetheless, the science
      behind these is sure to advance our understanding of cancer immunology and
      ultimately to bring us closer to our goal of curing cancer.

PMID- 27136939
TI  - DNA repair kinetics in SCID mice Sertoli cells and DNA-PKcs-deficient mouse
      embryonic fibroblasts.
AB  - Noncycling and terminally differentiated (TD) cells display differences in
      radiosensitivity and DNA damage response. Unlike other TD cells, Sertoli cells
      express a mixture of proliferation inducers and inhibitors in vivo and can
      reenter the cell cycle. Being in a G1-like cell cycle stage, TD Sertoli cells are
      expected to repair DSBs by the error-prone nonhomologous end-joining pathway
      (NHEJ). Recently, we have provided evidence for the involvement of Ku-dependent
      NHEJ in protecting testis cells from DNA damage as indicated by persistent foci
      of the DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair proteins phospho-H2AX, 53BP1, and
      phospho-ATM in TD Sertoli cells of Ku70-deficient mice. Here, we analyzed the
      kinetics of 53BP1 foci induction and decay up to 12 h after 0.5 Gy gamma
      irradiation in DNA-PKcs-deficient (Prkdc scid ) and wild-type Sertoli cells. In
      nonirradiated mice and Prkdc scid Sertoli cells displayed persistent DSBs foci in
      around 12 % of cells and a fivefold increase in numbers of these DSB DNA damage
      related foci relative to the wild type. In irradiated mice, Prkdc scid Sertoli
      cells showed elevated levels of DSB-indicating foci in 82 % of cells 12 h after
      ionizing radiation (IR) exposure, relative to 52 % of irradiated wild-type
      Sertoli cells. These data indicate that Sertoli cells respond to and repair IR
      induced DSBs in vivo, with repair kinetics being slow in the wild type and
      inefficient in Prkdc scid . Applying the same dose of IR to Prdkc -/- and Ku -/-
      mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells revealed a delayed induction of 53BP1 DSB
      indicating foci 5 min post-IR in Prdkc -/- cells. Inefficient DSB repair was
      evident 7 h post-IR in DNA-PKcs-deficient cells, but not in Ku -/- MEFs. Our data
      show that quiescent Sertoli cells repair genotoxic DSBs by DNA-PKcs-dependent
      NEHJ in vivo with a slower kinetics relative to somatic DNA-PKcs-deficient cells
      in vitro, while DNA-PKcs deficiency caused inefficient DSB repair at later time
      points post-IR in both conditions. These observations suggest that DNA-PKcs
      contributes to the fast and slow repair of DSBs by NHEJ.

PMID- 27136940
TI  - EAST affects the activity of Su(Hw) insulators by two different mechanisms in
      Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Recent data suggest that insulators organize chromatin architecture in the
      nucleus. The best characterized Drosophila insulator, found in the gypsy
      retrotransposon, contains 12 binding sites for the Su(Hw) protein. Enhancer
      blocking, along with Su(Hw), requires BTB/POZ domain proteins, Mod(mdg4)-67.2 and
      CP190. Inactivation of Mod(mdg4)-67.2 leads to a direct repression of the yellow
      gene promoter by the gypsy insulator. Here, we have shown that such repression is
      regulated by the level of the EAST protein, which is an essential component of
      the interchromatin compartment. Deletion of the EAST C-terminal domain suppresses
      Su(Hw)-mediated repression. Partial inactivation of EAST by mutations in the east
      gene suppresses the enhancer-blocking activity of the gypsy insulator. The
      binding of insulator proteins to chromatin is highly sensitive to the level of
      EAST expression. These results suggest that EAST, one of the main components of
      the interchromatin compartment, can regulate the activity of chromatin
      insulators.

PMID- 27136941
TI  - Vaccine platforms to control Lassa fever.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lassa virus (LASV), the most prominent human pathogen of the
      Arenaviridae, is transmitted to humans from infected rodents and can cause Lassa
      Fever (LF). The sizeable disease burden in West Africa, numerous imported LF
      cases worldwide, and the possibility that LASV can be used as an agent of
      biological warfare make a strong case for vaccine development. There are no
      licensed LASV vaccines and the antiviral treatment is limited to an off-label use
      of ribavirin that is only partially effective. AREAS COVERED: LASV vaccine
      development is hampered by high cost of biocontainment requirement, the absence
      of appropriate small animal models, genetic diversity of LASV species, and by
      high HIV-1 prevalence in LASV endemic areas. Over the past 15 years several
      vaccine platforms have been developed. Natural history of LASV and pathogenesis
      of the disease provide strong justification for replication-competent (RC)
      vaccine as one of the most feasible approaches to control LF. Development of LASV
      vaccine candidates based on reassortant, recombinant, and alphavirus replicon
      technologies is covered in this review. Expert commentary: Two lead RC vaccine
      candidates, reassortant ML29 and recombinant VSV/LASV, have been successfully
      tested in non-human primates and have been recommended by international vaccine
      experts for rapid clinical development. Both platforms have powerful molecular
      tools to further secure safety, improve immunogenicity, and cross-protection.
      These platforms are well positioned to design multivalent vaccines to protect
      against all LASV strains citculatrd in West Africa. The regulatory pathway of
      Candid #1, the first live-attenuated arenaviral vaccine against Argentine
      hemorrhagic, will be a reasonable guideline for LASV vaccine efficacy trials.

PMID- 27136942
TI  - Use-Dependent Block of Human Cardiac Sodium Channels by GS967.
AB  - GS-458967, 6-(4-(Trifluoromethoxy)phenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3
      a]pyridine (GS967) is a recently described, novel, sodium channel inhibitor
      exhibiting potent antiarrhythmic effects in various in vitro and in vivo models.
      The antiarrhythmic mechanism has been attributed to preferential suppression of
      late sodium current. However, there has been no reported systematic investigation
      of the effects of this compound on isolated sodium channels. Here, we examined
      the effects of GS967 on peak (INaP) and late (INaL) sodium current recorded from
      cells that heterologously expressed human cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel,
      the principle cardiac sodium channel. As previously described, we observed that
      GS967 exerted tonic block of INaL (63%) to a significantly greater extent than
      INaP (19%). However, GS967 also caused a reduction of INaP in a frequency
      dependent manner, consistent with use-dependent block (UDB). GS967 evoked more
      potent UDB of INaP (IC50 = 0.07 uM) than ranolazine (16 uM) and lidocaine (17
      uM). Use-dependent block was best explained by a significant slowing of recovery
      from fast and slow inactivation with a significant enhancement of slow
      inactivation in the presence of GS967. Furthermore, GS967 was found to exert
      these same effects on a prototypical long QT syndrome mutation (delKPQ). An
      engineered mutation at an interaction site for local anesthetic agents (F1760A)
      partially attenuated the effect of GS967 on UDB, but had no effect on tonic INaL
      block. We conclude that GS967 is a preferential inhibitor of INaL, but it also
      exerts previously unreported strong effects on slow inactivation and recovery
      from inactivation, resulting in substantial UDB that is not entirely dependent on
      a known interaction site for local anesthetic agents.

PMID- 27136944
TI  - The Medical Science DMZ.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We describe use cases and an institutional reference architecture for
      maintaining high-capacity, data-intensive network flows (e.g., 10, 40, 100 Gbps+)
      in a scientific, medical context while still adhering to security and privacy
      laws and regulations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-end networking, packet filter
      firewalls, network intrusion detection systems. RESULTS: We describe a "Medical
      Science DMZ" concept as an option for secure, high-volume transport of large,
      sensitive data sets between research institutions over national research
      networks. DISCUSSION: The exponentially increasing amounts of "omics" data, the
      rapid increase of high-quality imaging, and other rapidly growing clinical data
      sets have resulted in the rise of biomedical research "big data." The storage,
      analysis, and network resources required to process these data and integrate them
      into patient diagnoses and treatments have grown to scales that strain the
      capabilities of academic health centers. Some data are not generated locally and
      cannot be sustained locally, and shared data repositories such as those provided
      by the National Library of Medicine, the National Cancer Institute, and
      international partners such as the European Bioinformatics Institute are rapidly
      growing. The ability to store and compute using these data must therefore be
      addressed by a combination of local, national, and industry resources that
      exchange large data sets. Maintaining data-intensive flows that comply with HIPAA
      and other regulations presents a new challenge for biomedical research.
      Recognizing this, we describe a strategy that marries performance and security by
      borrowing from and redefining the concept of a "Science DMZ"-a framework that is
      used in physical sciences and engineering research to manage high-capacity data
      flows. CONCLUSION: By implementing a Medical Science DMZ architecture, biomedical
      researchers can leverage the scale provided by high-performance computer and
      cloud storage facilities and national high-speed research networks while
      preserving privacy and meeting regulatory requirements.

PMID- 27136943
TI  - Structure-Activity Analysis of Biased Agonism at the Human Adenosine A3 Receptor.
AB  - Biased agonism at G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has significant
      implications for current drug discovery, but molecular determinants that govern
      ligand bias remain largely unknown. The adenosine A3 GPCR (A3AR) is a potential
      therapeutic target for various conditions, including cancer, inflammation, and
      ischemia, but for which biased agonism remains largely unexplored. We now report
      the generation of bias "fingerprints" for prototypical ribose containing A3AR
      agonists and rigidified (N)-methanocarba 5'-N-methyluronamide nucleoside
      derivatives with regard to their ability to mediate different signaling pathways.
      Relative to the reference prototypical agonist IB-MECA, (N)-methanocarba 5'-N
      methyluronamide nucleoside derivatives with significant N(6) or C2 modifications,
      including elongated aryl-ethynyl groups, exhibited biased agonism. Significant
      positive correlation was observed between the C2 substituent length (in A) and
      bias toward cell survival. Molecular modeling suggests that extended C2
      substituents on (N)-methanocarba 5'-N-methyluronamide nucleosides promote a
      progressive outward shift of the A3AR transmembrane domain 2, which may
      contribute to the subset of A3AR conformations stabilized on biased agonist
      binding.

PMID- 27136945
TI  - Plasmodium falciparum STEVOR phosphorylation regulates host erythrocyte
      deformability enabling malaria parasite transmission.
AB  - Deformability of Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte-infected erythrocytes (GIEs)
      allows them to persist for several days in blood circulation and to ensure
      transmission to mosquitoes. Here, we investigate the mechanism by which the
      parasite proteins STEVOR (SubTElomeric Variable Open Reading frame) exert changes
      on GIE deformability. Using the microsphiltration method, immunoprecipitation,
      and mass spectrometry, we produce evidence that GIE stiffness is dependent on the
      cytoplasmic domain of STEVOR that interacts with ankyrin complex at the
      erythrocyte skeleton. Moreover, we show that GIE deformability is regulated by
      protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated phosphorylation of the STEVOR C-terminal domain
      at a specific serine residue (S324). Finally, we show that the increase of GIE
      stiffness induced by sildenafil (Viagra) is dependent on STEVOR phosphorylation
      status and on another independent mechanism. These data provide new insights into
      mechanisms by which phosphodiesterase inhibitors may block malaria parasite
      transmission.

PMID- 27136947
TI  - Information time scales for interim analyses of randomized clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interim monitoring is a key component of randomized clinical trial
      design from both ethical and efficiency perspectives. In studies with time-to
      event endpoints, timing of interim analyses is typically based on observing a pre
      specified proportion of the total number of events required for the final
      analysis. While most randomized clinical trial designs pool events over the
      experimental and control arms in determining the analysis times, some designs use
      only the control-arm events for scheduling interim looks. PURPOSE: To evaluate
      the performance of the pooled and control-arm-based interim monitoring approaches
      and to propose a new procedure, the earliest information time procedure, that
      combines the benefits of the two approaches. METHODS: The analytical and
      logistical considerations for the procedures are presented. The methodology is
      illustrated on data from three published randomized clinical trials. The
      procedures are compared in a simulation study. RESULTS: The control-arm approach
      results in a slight inflation of the study type I error in one-sided randomized
      clinical trial designs. When the new treatment is no better than the control
      treatment, the pooled-arm approach results in, on average, earlier stopping times
      than the control-arm approach. When the new treatment works exceptionally well,
      the average stopping times under the control-arm approach are earlier than those
      under the pooled approach. The proposed earliest information time procedure is
      shown to result in stopping times corresponding to the best (earliest) of the two
      approaches over the entire range of alternatives. LIMITATIONS: The earliest
      information time procedure may result in a slight inflation of the type I error
      (especially in small trials); when exact control of the type I error is required,
      it is necessary to use a simulation-based method to correct the inflation.
      CONCLUSION: In time-to-event settings, the earliest information time procedure is
      an attractive alternative to the pooled and control-arm approaches. Improving the
      timing of interim analyses helps to minimize patient exposure to inferior
      treatments and to accelerate dissemination of the study results.

PMID- 27136946
TI  - Human neutrophil kinetics: modeling of stable isotope labeling data supports
      short blood neutrophil half-lives.
AB  - Human neutrophils have traditionally been thought to have a short half-life in
      blood; estimates vary from 4 to 18 hours. This dogma was recently challenged by
      stable isotope labeling studies with heavy water, which yielded estimates in
      excess of 3 days. To investigate this disparity, we generated new stable isotope
      labeling data in healthy adult subjects using both heavy water (n = 4) and
      deuterium-labeled glucose (n = 9), a compound with more rapid labeling kinetics.
      To interpret results, we developed a novel mechanistic model and applied it to
      previously published (n = 5) and newly generated data. We initially constrained
      the ratio of the blood neutrophil pool to the marrow precursor pool (ratio =
      0.26; from published values). Analysis of heavy water data sets yielded turnover
      rates consistent with a short blood half-life, but parameters, particularly
      marrow transit time, were poorly defined. Analysis of glucose-labeling data
      yielded more precise estimates of half-life (0.79 +/- 0.25 days; 19 hours) and
      marrow transit time (5.80 +/- 0.42 days). Substitution of this marrow transit
      time in the heavy water analysis gave a better-defined blood half-life of 0.77 +/
      0.14 days (18.5 hours), close to glucose-derived values. Allowing the ratio of
      blood neutrophils to mitotic neutrophil precursors (R) to vary yielded a best-fit
      value of 0.19. Reanalysis of the previously published model and data also
      revealed the origin of their long estimates for neutrophil half-life: an implicit
      assumption that R is very large, which is physiologically untenable. We conclude
      that stable isotope labeling in healthy humans is consistent with a blood
      neutrophil half-life of less than 1 day.

PMID- 27136948
TI  - Response.

PMID- 27136949
TI  - Carotid intervention following transient ischaemic attack: What are we waiting
      for?
AB  - Transient ischaemic attack secondary to carotid stenosis has the highest risk of
      stroke recurrence compared with other aetiological subtypes. International
      guidelines advocate carotid intervention within one to two weeks of the index
      neurological event. Traditionally, delayed carotid intervention was perceived to
      be a safer management strategy, yet classic trials of endarterectomy and recent
      meta-analysis of carotid intervention demonstrate the safety of hyperacute
      carotid intervention. Data from international studies suggest that targets are
      not being met, the reasons for which are multifactorial, but patients suffering
      transient or ocular symptoms are particularly delayed. Efforts should be made to
      conduct regional studies investigating the root causes of delayed intervention,
      with subsequent policy adjustment to expedite intervention, and interim
      optimisation of medical management to reduce the incidence of recurrent stroke. 

PMID- 27136950
TI  - Early outcomes after left subclavian artery revascularisation in association with
      thoracic endovascular aortic repair.
AB  - Approximately 40-50% of patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair
      require left subclavian artery coverage for adequate proximal landing zone. Many
      of these patients undergo left subclavian artery revascularisation. However,
      outcomes data for left subclavian artery revascularisation in the context of
      thoracic endovascular aortic repair remain limited. In this study, 70 left
      subclavian artery revascularisation procedures, performed on thoracic
      endovascular aortic repair patients at a tertiary hospital, were retrospectively
      reviewed. Particular emphasis was placed on revascularisation-related outcomes
      during staging interval between revascularisation and thoracic endovascular
      aortic repair. Forty-six (66%) carotid-subclavian bypass, 17 (24%) carotid
      carotid-subclavian bypass and 7 (10%) aorto-inominate-carotid-subclavian bypass
      procedures were performed. There were no strokes or mortalities following left
      subclavian artery revascularisation procedures alone. Three (10%) minor
      complications occurred including a seroma, a haematoma and a temporary
      neuropraxia. Separation of complications following left subclavian artery
      revascularisation from those of the associated thoracic endovascular aortic
      repair can be difficult. Early outcomes data from patients who underwent left
      subclavian artery revascularisation in isolation indicate that the procedure is
      safe with low complication rates.

PMID- 27136951
TI  - [Mesenterielle varicer].

PMID- 27136952
TI  - [Secondary adrenal insufficiency during opiate treatment].
AB  - A 25-year-old previously healthy man developed secondary adrenal insufficiency
      during opiate treatment with tramadol and morphine for upper back pain. He
      experienced a 10 kg weight loss in six weeks. MRI of the hypothalamus and the
      pituitary gland ruled out cerebral pathology. After discontinuation of the opiate
      treatment the condition normalised. Opiate therapy can cause endocrine
      dysfunction, and clinicians should always consider adverse drug reactions as a
      differential diagnosis for unexplained symptoms. 

PMID- 27136953
TI  - [Toric intraocular lenses correct astigmatism in connection with surgery for
      cataract].
AB  - Cataract surgery is traditionally regarded as a primarily sight-restoring
      procedure. However, with the improvement of surgical techniques and intraocular
      lenses the procedure has evolved into a refractive procedure as well. With the
      recent advent of toric intraocular lenses (t-IOL) surgeons now have the potential
      to correct pre-existing astigmatism in addition to the correction of myopia and
      hyperopia by the implantation of an appropriate t-IOL, carefully selected
      according to both its spherical and cylindrical power. The benefit for the
      patient is an improved vision without spectacles. 

PMID- 27136954
TI  - [Ehlers-Danlos syndrome].
AB  - Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) comprises a group of diseases characterized by
      connective tissue fragility. The clinical symptoms primarily involve the skin,
      joints, blood vessels and internal organs. Diagnosing EDS is complicated because
      of the clinical variability, imprecise diagnostic criteria, and because
      physicians may lack knowledge of this rare disease. The aim of this article is to
      provide an overview of the clinical symptoms and to provide recommendations on
      diagnosis and treatment. Referring patients to one of the national centres for
      rare diseases is important. 

PMID- 27136955
TI  - Selecting the Most Appropriate NMR Experiment to Access Weak and/or Very Long
      Range Heteronuclear Correlations.
AB  - Heteronuclear long-range NMR experiments are well established as essential NMR
      techniques for the structure elucidation of unknown natural products and small
      molecules. It is generally accepted that the absence of a given (n)JXH
      correlation in an HMBC or HSQMBC spectrum would automatically place the proton at
      least four bonds away from the carbon in question. This assumption can, however,
      be misleading in the case of a mismatch between the actual coupling constant and
      the delay used to optimize the experiment, which can lead to structural
      misassignments. Another scenario arises when an investigator, for whatever
      reason, needs to have access to very long-range correlations to confirm or refute
      a structure. In such cases, a conventional HMBC experiment will most likely fail
      to provide the requisite correlation, regardless of the delay optimization. Two
      recent methods for visualizing extremely weak or very long-range connectivities
      are the LR-HSQMBC and the HSQMBC-TOCSY experiments. Although they are intended to
      provide similar structural information, they utilize different transfer
      mechanisms, which differentiates the experiments, making each better suited for
      specific classes of compounds. In this report we have sought to examine the
      considerations implicit in choosing the best experiment to access weak or very
      long-range correlations for different types of molecules.

PMID- 27136956
TI  - Joule Heating-Induced Metal-Insulator Transition in Epitaxial VO2/TiO2 Devices.
AB  - DC and pulse voltage-induced metal-insulator transition (MIT) in epitaxial VO2
      two terminal devices were measured at various stage temperatures. The power
      needed to switch the device to the ON-state decrease linearly with increasing
      stage temperature, which can be explained by the Joule heating effect. During
      transient voltage induced MIT measurement, the incubation time varied across 6
      orders of magnitude. Both DC I-V characteristic and incubation times calculated
      from the electrothermal simulations show good agreement with measured values,
      indicating Joule heating effect is the cause of MIT with no evidence of
      electronic effects. The width of the metallic filament in the ON-state of the
      device was extracted and simulated within the thermal model.

PMID- 27136957
TI  - Experimental Binding Energies in Supramolecular Complexes.
AB  - On the basis of many literature measurements, a critical overview is given on
      essential noncovalent interactions in synthetic supramolecular complexes,
      accompanied by analyses with selected proteins. The methods, which can be applied
      to derive binding increments for single noncovalent interactions, start with the
      evaluation of consistency and additivity with a sufficiently large number of
      different host-guest complexes by applying linear free energy relations. Other
      strategies involve the use of double mutant cycles, of molecular balances, of
      dynamic combinatorial libraries, and of crystal structures. Promises and
      limitations of these strategies are discussed. Most of the analyses stem from
      solution studies, but a few also from gas phase. The empirically derived
      interactions are then presented on the basis of selected complexes with respect
      to ion pairing, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic contributions, halogen bonding,
      pi-pi-stacking, dispersive forces, cation-pi and anion-pi interactions, and
      contributions from the hydrophobic effect. Cooperativity in host-guest complexes
      as well as in self-assembly, and entropy factors are briefly highlighted. Tables
      with typical values for single noncovalent free energies and polarity parameters
      are in the Supporting Information. 

PMID- 27136958
TI  - Photoredox-Catalyzed Bromodifluoromethylation of Alkenes with
      (Difluoromethyl)triphenylphosphonium Bromide.
AB  - Under visible-light photoredox conditions, difluoromethyltriphenylphosphonium
      bromide was used as the precursor of the CF2H radical for
      bromodifluoromethylation of alkenes. The presence of catalytic CuBr2 resulted in
      the selective formation of the bromodifluoromethylated products.

PMID- 27136959
TI  - The Decreasing Prevalence of Severe Villous Atrophy in Dermatitis Herpetiformis:
      A 45-Year Experience in 393 Patients.
AB  - GOALS: We analyzed from our prospectively collected series of patients with
      dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) whether small-bowel histologic findings are
      changing and how serum tissue transglutaminase (TG2) IgA antibodies correlate to
      mucosal damage. BACKGROUND: DH is an extraintestinal manifestation of celiac
      disease presenting with itchy blistering rash and pathognomonic IgA deposits in
      the skin. Prominent gastrointestinal symptoms are rare, and small-bowel findings
      range from severe villous atrophy (SVA) and partial villous atrophy (PVA) to
      normal mucosa with inflammatory changes. METHODS: The cohort included 393
      patients (214 male and 179 female) with DH having small-bowel biopsies performed
      at Tampere University Hospital since 1970. The small-bowel findings were
      calculated in the three 15-year periods, and in the last period they were
      correlated with serum IgA class TG2 antibody levels measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The prevalence of SVA decreased significantly
      (P=0.032), from 42% in the first study period to 29% in the last study period. A
      concomitant increase was seen in PVA, from 33% to 41%, and normal villous
      architecture, from 25% to 30%. The patients with SVA (P<0.001) and PVA (P=0.046)
      had significantly higher TG2 antibody levels than those with normal villous
      architecture. CONCLUSIONS: This long-term study in patients with DH disclosed a
      significant decrease in the occurrence of SVA. Serum IgA TG2 antibody levels
      correlated to damage in the small bowel. The trend toward milder small-bowel
      histology in DH suggests that a similar pattern could occur in the pool of
      undiagnosed celiac disease from which DH develops.

PMID- 27136960
TI  - Inadequate Bowel Cleansing Efficacy of Split-dose Polyethylene Glycol for
      Colonoscopy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Prospective and Blinded Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Split-dose polyethylene glycol (PEG) is considered a standard
      bowel preparation regimen for colonoscopy in the general population. However, it
      is not clear whether the regimen is optimal for colonoscopy in diabetic patients.
      The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of split-dose
      PEG for diabetic versus nondiabetic patients. METHODS: This is a single-center,
      prospective, investigator-blinded study. A total of 55 consecutive nondiabetic
      and 50 diabetic patients ingested 2 L PEG solution on the day before the
      procedure and then 2 L of the solution on the day of colonoscopy. The quality of
      bowel preparation was graded using the Ottawa scale. RESULTS: There was a
      significant difference in bowel preparation quality, with a worse preparation
      except for mid colon in diabetic group (total score: 7.06+/-1.69 vs. 5.54+/-1.97,
      P<0.001; right colon: 2.28+/-0.57 vs. 1.81+/-0.72, P<0.001; mid colon: 1.70+/
      0.54 vs. 1.56+/-0.66, P=0.253; rectosigmoid colon: 1.70+/-0.76 vs. 1.14+/-0.62,
      P<0.001; fluid volume: 1.38+/-0.53 vs. 1.01+/-0.59, P=0.001). About 70% of
      nondiabetic patients had an adequate preparation compared with only 40% of
      diabetic patients (P=0.003). Diabetic group had longer cecal intubation time
      (6.4+/-3.6 vs. 4.5+/-2.4, P=0.002) and total procedure time (22.1+/-7.6 vs.
      18.1+/-8.5, P=0.015). Compliance and adverse events were not significantly
      different. In diabetic group, inadequate bowel preparation had a significant
      association with higher fasting plasma glucose (136.9+/-21.8 vs. 121.8+/-19.4
      mg/dL, P=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients had a worse preparation quality
      and longer cecal intubation and total procedure time compared with nondiabetic
      patients. These data suggest that split-dose PEG preparation regimen is not
      sufficient for optimal bowel preparation in diabetic patients undergoing
      colonoscopy.

PMID- 27136961
TI  - Device-assisted Enteroscopy for Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Setting
      of Thienopyridine Antiplatelet Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend suspending thienopyridine therapy 5 to 7
      days before therapeutic endoscopy to reduce the risk of bleeding-related
      complication. However, interruption of antiplatelet therapy may increase the risk
      of a cardiovascular event. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and
      diagnostic yield of device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) with endoscopic therapy in
      patients receiving thienopyridine antiplatelet therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review was performed for patients treated in the LSU Health
      Sciences Gastroenterology Clinics between the dates of October 4, 2007 and
      February 15, 2015. A total of 774 enteroscopy procedures were reviewed to
      identify patients on active thienopyridine therapy at the time of DAE. RESULTS:
      During the study period, a total of 68 patients underwent DAE while on
      thienopyridine therapy. Confirmed or suspected small bowel bleeding was the most
      common procedural indication. A total of 143 endoscopic interventions were
      performed, primarily argon plasma coagulation for ablation of intestinal
      angioectasias. There were no significant bleeding-related complications
      associated with these procedures. In addition, the diagnostic yield for these
      procedures was high (77%) with a significant percentage of patients in the
      thienopyridine group found to have an active bleeding source at the time of DAE.
      CONCLUSIONS: The performance of DAE procedures with endoscopic intervention such
      as argon plasma coagulation may be safe in patients on thienopyridine therapy.
      Continuing thienopyridines may also increase the diagnostic yield of these
      procedures by promoting active bleeding from the culprit source.

PMID- 27136962
TI  - Endoscopic Variceal Ligation followed by Argon Plasma Coagulation Against
      Endoscopic Variceal Ligation Alone: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - GOALS: Our aim was to study the efficacy and the safety of argon plasma
      coagulation (APC) in secondary prophylaxis against esophageal varices in view of
      many contraindications and side effects to beta-blockers in cirrhotic patients.
      BACKGROUND: Rebleeding rates from esophageal varices after endoscopic variceal
      ligation (EVL) are high; thus, the current recommendation is to combine
      nonselective beta-blockers to it, but side effects and relative contraindications
      to nonselective beta-blockers hinder their usage or require discontinuation in
      15% to 20% of the cirrhotic patients. Thus, it is important to find another
      combination. STUDY: This study included all patients admitted to the Alexandria
      Main University Hospital during the period between April 2012 and October 2012
      with variceal bleeding. After exclusions, the total number of included patients
      was 40. All participants were subjected to EVL and eradication of varices, and
      then they were randomized to either APC (group 1) or just observation (group 2).
      Both groups were followed up by endoscopy every 3 months for 30 months. RESULTS:
      During the 2.5-year follow-up, 21% of the participants in group 1 experienced
      esophageal variceal recurrence, but no one needed rebanding. In group 2, 68.4% of
      the participants experienced esophageal variceal recurrence (P=0.003) and 63.2%
      underwent rebanding (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: APC after esophageal variceal
      eradication using EVL can decrease the risk of recurrence of esophageal varices
      and the need for rebanding. This technique may be recommended in secondary
      prophylaxis against esophageal variceal bleeding in those who have
      contraindications, are intolerant, or are noncompliant to nonselective beta
      blockers.

PMID- 27136964
TI  - Rifabutin Triple Therapy is Effective in Patients With Multidrug-resistant
      Strains of Helicobacter pylori.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Eradicating Helicobacter pylori continues to be a challenge, and no
      treatment regimen is uniformly successful in all treated patients. Triple therapy
      with rifabutin and amoxicillin is a successful rescue therapy after consecutive
      treatment failures. We designed this study to test the efficacy of 12-day
      rifabutin-based triple therapy in patients infected with multidrug-resistant
      strains. METHODS: Consecutive patients with dyspeptic symptoms after at least 1
      antibiotic therapy course for H. pylori infection harboring triple-resistant
      (clarithromycin, metronidazole, levofloxacin) strains were enrolled. They
      received triple therapy with esomeprazole 40 mg bid, amoxicillin 1 g bid, and
      rifabutin 150 mg od for 12 days. Patients who failed rifabutin therapy were
      treated empirically on the basis of the judgment of the treating physician.
      RESULTS: A total of 254 out of 756 tested patients were found to be infected with
      a triple-resistant H. pylori strains after at least 1 antibiotic therapy course.
      Overall, the infection was eradicated in 213 patients, corresponding to a cure
      rate of 82.9% (95% CI, 78.3-87.5) by intention-to-treat analysis and 88.7% (95%
      CI, 84.7-92.7) at per-protocol analysis. In multivariate analysis, no factor was
      identified as an independent predictor of bacterial eradication. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is no current standard for the growing population of patients with
      multidrug-resistant strains of H. pylori. The 12-day low-dose rifabutin/high-dose
      proton pump inhibitor regimen is a safe and reliable option for patients infected
      with triple-resistant strains.

PMID- 27136963
TI  - Population-representative Incidence of Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure: A
      Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a major cause of hepatic
      death in the world, but no population-based studies have evaluated the incidence
      of ACLF. This study was conducted to determine the incidence and short-term
      outcomes of ACLF in a region of Eastern China. METHODS: In this prospective cross
      sectional study, we collected data from public hospitals in Nantong city between
      January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2014. All hospitals with admission potential
      for ACLF patients were included. The primary outcome was ACLF defined as severe
      jaundice and coagulopathy with underlying chronic liver disease, according to
      diagnostic and laboratory criteria suggested by Chinese Society for Hepatology
      (CSH). RESULTS: During the 10-year period, a consecutive sample of 1934 ACLF
      patients was included in this study. The overall ACLF incidence rate over the 10
      year period was 2.53 (95% confidence interval, 2.16-2.91) per 100,000 population
      per year, decreasing from 3.35 in 2005 to 2.06 in 2014. Chronic hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) infection was the leading cause of chronic liver disease and HBV
      reactivation was the most common cause of acute hepatic event. The 28-day
      mortality for the ACLF patients had a clear decline during the study period, form
      50.39% in 2005 to 35.44% in 2014. CONCLUSIONS: In the Eastern China population,
      the incidence of ACLF is decreasing and the prognosis improving. Short-term
      mortality was associated with the presence of cirrhosis and growing age. While
      ACLF remains a life-threatening disorder, our findings suggest that nationwide
      and long-term cohorts should be conducted for the natural history of ACLF.

PMID- 27136966
TI  - Understanding surface reactivity of Si electrodes in Li-ion batteries by in
      operando scanning electrochemical microscopy.
AB  - In operando SECM is employed to monitor the evolution of the electrically
      insulating character of a Si electrode surface during (de-)lithiation. The solid
      electrolyte interface (SEI) formed on Si electrodes is shown to be intrinsically
      electrically insulating. However, volume changes upon (de-)lithiation lead to the
      loss of the protecting character of the initially formed SEI. 

PMID- 27136967
TI  - Modelling metal centres, acid sites and reaction mechanisms in microporous
      catalysts.
AB  - We discuss the role of QM/MM (embedded cluster) computational techniques in
      catalytic science, in particular their application to microporous catalysis. We
      describe the methodologies employed and illustrate their utility by briefly
      summarising work on metal centres in zeolites. We then report a detailed
      investigation into the behaviour of methanol at acidic sites in zeolites H-ZSM-5
      and H-Y in the context of the methanol-to-hydrocarbons/olefins process. Studying
      key initial steps of the reaction (the adsorption and subsequent methoxylation),
      we probe the effect of framework topology and Bronsted acid site location on the
      energetics of these initial processes. We find that although methoxylation is
      endothermic with respect to the adsorbed system (by 17-56 kJ mol(-1) depending on
      the location), there are intriguing correlations between the adsorption/reaction
      energies and the geometries of the adsorbed species, of particular significance
      being the coordination of methyl hydrogens. These observations emphasise the
      importance of adsorbate coordination with the framework in zeolite catalysed
      conversions, and how this may vary with framework topology and site location,
      particularly suited to investigation by QM/MM techniques.

PMID- 27136968
TI  - Prebiotic synthesis of nucleic acids and their building blocks at the atomic
      level - merging models and mechanisms from advanced computations and experiments.
AB  - The origin of life on Earth is one of the most fascinating questions of
      contemporary science. Extensive research in the past decades furnished diverse
      experimental proposals for the emergence of first informational polymers that
      could form the basis of the early terrestrial life. Side by side with the
      experiments, the fast development of modern computational chemistry methods
      during the last 20 years facilitated the use of in silico modelling tools to
      complement the experiments. Modern computations can provide unique atomic-level
      insights into the structural and electronic aspects as well as the energetics of
      key prebiotic chemical reactions. Many of these insights are not directly
      obtainable from the experimental techniques and the computations are thus
      becoming indispensable for proper interpretation of many experiments and for
      qualified predictions. This review illustrates the synergy between experiment and
      theory in the origin of life research focusing on the prebiotic synthesis of
      various nucleic acid building blocks and on the self-assembly of nucleotides
      leading to the first functional oligonucleotides. 

PMID- 27136969
TI  - Structural insight into selective phosphodiesterase 4B inhibitors: pharmacophore
      based virtual screening, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations.

PMID- 27136970
TI  - McCulloch-Pitts Brains and Pseudorandom Functions.
AB  - In a pioneering classic, Warren McCulloch and Walter Pitts proposed a model of
      the central nervous system. Motivated by EEG recordings of normal brain activity,
      Chvatal and Goldsmith asked whether these dynamical systems can be engineered to
      produce trajectories that are irregular, disorderly, and apparently
      unpredictable. We show that they cannot build weak pseudorandom functions. 

PMID- 27136971
TI  - Assessing access for prospective adoptive parents living with HIV: an
      environmental scan of Ontario's adoption agencies.
AB  - Work has been underway to increase the availability of parenting options for
      people living with and affected by HIV. One option, adoption, has not yet been
      explored in the literature. The study aimed to gain a better understanding of the
      potential of adoption for individuals/couples living with HIV in Ontario, and to
      assess potential structural barriers or facilitators that may impact their
      experience navigating the adoption system by conducting an environmental scan of
      adoption service providers in Ontario. A list of adoption service providers was
      compiled using the Ontario government's website. Information relevant to the
      study's measures was collected using service providers' websites. Service
      providers without websites, or with websites that did not address all of the
      research measures, were contacted via telephone to complete a structured
      interview. Online data extraction was possible for 2 and telephone surveys were
      completed with 75 adoption service providers (total n = 77). Most service
      providers reported that HIV status is not an exclusion criterion for prospective
      parents (64%). However, more than one-fifth of the participants acknowledged they
      were not sure if people with HIV were eligible to adopt. Domestic service
      providers were the only providers who did not report knowledge of restrictions
      due to HIV status. Private domestic adoption presented social barriers as birth
      parent(s) of a child can access health records of a prospective parent and base
      their selection of an adoptive parent based on health status. Adoption
      practitioners and licensees involved in international adoptions reported the most
      structural barriers for prospective parent(s) living with HIV, attributed to the
      regulations established by the host country of the child(ren) eligible for
      adoption. Although international adoptions may present insurmountable barriers
      for individuals living with HIV, public and private domestic adoption appears to
      be a viable option.

PMID- 27136972
TI  - In-frame Exon Skipping in KRT5 due to Novel Intronic Deletion Causes
      Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex, Generalized Severe.

PMID- 27136973
TI  - Augmenter of Liver Regeneration Gene Therapy Using a Novel Minicircle DNA Vector
      Alleviates Liver Fibrosis in Rats.
AB  - Liver fibrosis results in cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure, which is a
      major cause of mortality worldwide. Gene therapy is a relatively new paradigm in
      medicine, with enormous therapeutic potential. The development of an efficient
      and safe delivery system is essential for clinical gene therapy. In the present
      study, we evaluated augmenter of liver regeneration/growth factor ERV1-like
      (ALR/GFER) gene therapeutic effect mediated by a novel minicircle vector (MC
      hALR). The results in liver fibrotic rats that received MC-hALR through
      hydrodynamics-based transfection (HBT) for 8 weeks indicated that the minicircle
      DNA vector produced a more effective gene therapy effect than traditional
      plasmids (pcDNA3.1-hALR). Even when we reduced the treatment dose of MC-hALR to
      30% (w/w) and the treatment frequency from weekly to biweekly, the in vitro and
      in vivo results still demonstrated that higher ALR gene expression significantly
      blocked increases in transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), platelet
      derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), and alpha-smooth muscle aorta (alpha-SMA)
      levels; effectively suppressed the production of collagens, especially collagen
      I; and effectively alleviated liver injury and fibrosis in rats, thereby
      improving the survival rate of liver fibrotic rats. It is preliminarily concluded
      that the relative overexpression of MC-hALR inhibits the activation of hepatic
      stellate cells (HSCs), thereby alleviating liver fibrosis in rats.

PMID- 27136974
TI  - A three-dimensional porous MoP@C hybrid as a high-capacity, long-cycle life anode
      material for lithium-ion batteries.
AB  - Metal phosphides are great promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
      with a high gravimetric capacity. However, significant challenges such as low
      capacity, fast capacity fading and poor cycle stability must be addressed for
      their practical applications. Herein, we demonstrate a versatile strategy for the
      synthesis of a novel three-dimensional porous molybdenum phosphide@carbon hybrid
      (3D porous MoP@C hybrid) by a template sol-gel method followed by an annealing
      treatment. The resultant hybrid exhibits a 3D interconnected ordered porous
      structure with a relatively high surface area. Benefiting from its advantages of
      microstructure and composition, the 3D porous MoP@C hybrid displays excellent
      lithium storage performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries in
      terms of specific capacity, cycling stability and long-cycle life. It presents
      stable cycling performance with a high reversible capacity up to 1028 mA h g(-1)
      at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) after 100 cycles. By ex situ XRD, HRTEM,
      SAED and XPS analyses, the 3D porous MoP@C hybrid was found to follow the Li
      intercalation reaction mechanism (MoP + xLi(+) + e(-)<-> LixMoP), which was
      further confirmed by ab initio calculations based on density functional theory. 

PMID- 27136975
TI  - The conformational space of the neurotransmitter serotonin: how the rotation of a
      hydroxyl group changes all.
AB  - The 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors (5HTn) are optimized for 5-hydrotryptamine
      molecules, resulting in a significantly enhanced psychoactive response compared
      with the 4-, 6-, 7-isomers. This is despite their relatively similar energetic
      stabilities, excited state lifetimes and emission characteristics. In this work
      we investigate the conformational space of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) using
      a combination of rotationally resolved electronic spectroscopy and ab initio
      calculations. The geometries of the four most abundant conformers are assigned
      from their molecular parameters in the electronic ground and excited state. We
      find a conformer-dependent competition between two polar groups trying to
      establish a hydrogen bond with the same H-atom in the most stable conformer of
      serotonin. The result explains some remarkable deviations with respect to the
      conformational space of the closely related neurotransmitter tryptamine. Based on
      the comparison to other 5-substituted indoles we propose to generalize this
      finding to explain the conformational preferences of indole-based
      neurotransmitters.

PMID- 27136976
TI  - Ultrasensitive enrichment of phosphopeptides with Ti(4+) immobilized SiO2
      graphene-like multilayer nanosheets.
AB  - Ti(4+) immobilized SiO2 graphene-like multilayer nanosheets were designed and
      synthesized for the ultrasensitive enrichment of phosphopeptides with the
      detection limit of 1.0 pg MUL(-1) (4 * 10(-17) mol MUL(-1)). The enrichment
      selectivity of the nanosheets was evaluated by capturing phosphopeptides from a
      peptide mixture of bovine beta-casein (beta-casein) and bovine serum albumin
      (BSA) with the molar ratio of 1 : 1000 (1.7 * 10(-12) mol of beta-casein and 1.7
      * 10(-9) mol of BSA in 100 MUL). 

PMID- 27136977
TI  - Wrinkling dynamics of fluctuating vesicles in time-dependent viscous flow.
AB  - We study the fully nonlinear, nonlocal dynamics of two-dimensional vesicles in a
      time-dependent, incompressible viscous flow at finite temperature. We focus on a
      transient instability that can be observed when the direction of applied flow is
      suddenly reversed, which induces compressive forces on the vesicle interface, and
      small-scale interface perturbations known as wrinkles develop. These wrinkles are
      driven by regions of negative elastic tension on the membrane. Using a stochastic
      immersed boundary method with a biophysically motivated choice of thermal
      fluctuations, we investigate the wrinkling dynamics numerically. Different from
      deterministic wrinkling dynamics, thermal fluctuations lead to symmetry-breaking
      wrinkling patterns by exciting higher order modes. This leads to more rapid and
      more realistic wrinkling dynamics. Our results are in excellent agreement with
      the experimental data by Kantsler et al. [Kantsler et al., Phys. Rev. Lett.,
      2007, 99, 17802]. We compare the nonlinear simulation results with perturbation
      theory, modified to account for thermal fluctuations. The strength of the applied
      flow strongly influences the most unstable wavelength characterizing the
      wrinkles, and there are significant differences between the results from
      perturbation theory and the fully nonlinear simulations, which suggests that the
      perturbation theory misses important nonlinear interactions. Strikingly, we find
      that thermal fluctuations actually have the ability to attenuate variability of
      the characteristic wavelength of wrinkling by exciting a wider range of modes
      than the deterministic case, which makes the evolution less constrained and
      enables the most unstable wavelength to emerge more readily. We further find that
      thermal noise helps prevent the vesicle from rotating if it is misaligned with
      the direction of the applied extensional flow. 

PMID- 27136978
TI  - Optical encryption in the longitudinal domain of focused fields.
AB  - We develop a method for encoding information in the longitudinal component of a
      focused field. Focused beams display a non-zero contribution of the electric
      field in the direction of propagation. However, the associated irradiance is very
      weak and difficult to isolate from the transverse part of the beam. For these
      reasons, the longitudinal component of a focused field could be a good choice for
      encoding and securing information. Using the Richards and Wolf formalism we show
      how to encrypt information in the longitudinal domain of the focal area. In
      addition, we use quantum imaging techniques to enhance the security and to
      prevent unauthorized access to the information. To the best of our knowledge,
      this is the first report on using the longitudinal component of the focused
      fields in optical security. 

PMID- 27136979
TI  - Development of an angular displacement measurement technique through
      birefringence heterodyne interferometry.
AB  - An angular displacement measurement sensor with high resolution for large range
      measurement is presented. The design concept of the proposed method is based on
      the birefringence effect and phase detection of heterodyne interferometry. High
      system symmetry and simple operation can be easily achieved by employing an
      innovative sandwich optical design for the angular sensor. To evaluate the
      feasibility and performance of the proposed method, several experiments were
      performed. The experimental results demonstrate that our angular displacement
      measurement sensor can achieve a measurement range greater than 26 degrees .
      Considering the high-frequency noise, the measurement resolution of the system is
      approximately 1.2 degrees  * 10<sup>-4</sup>. Because of the common-path
      arrangement, our proposed method can provide superior immunity against
      environmental disturbances. 

PMID- 27136980
TI  - Phase extraction from two phase-shifting fringe patterns using spatial-temporal
      fringes method.
AB  - Phase extraction from phase-shifting fringe patterns with unknown phase shift
      values is a valuable but challenging task, especially when there are only two
      frames of fringes. In this paper, a phase demodulation method based on the
      spatial-temporal fringes (STF) method is proposed, where two phase shift fringes
      with linear carrier are fused into one STF image, and then the measured phase can
      be extracted from its frequency spectrum. The algorithm is deduced by extending
      the traditional STF theory with at least three frames of fringes to the two
      frames case. In the simulations, its performance is compared with the classical
      Fourier Transform method, and the different carrier and phase step conditions are
      analyzed where the accuracy can be ensured in most cases. The algorithm is also
      validated by the experiment, where the reliable result can be given even if the
      phase shift changes within a wide range. 

PMID- 27136981
TI  - Comprehensive analytical model to characterize randomness in optical waveguides.
AB  - In this paper, the coupled mode theory (CMT) is used to derive the corresponding
      stochastic differential equations (SDEs) for the modal amplitude evolution inside
      optical waveguides with random refractive index variations. Based on the SDEs,
      the ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are derived to analyze the statistics
      of the modal amplitudes, such as the optical power and power variations as well
      as the power correlation coefficients between the different modal powers. These
      ODEs can be solved analytically and therefore, it greatly simplifies the
      analysis. It is demonstrated that the ODEs for the power evolution of the modes
      are in excellent agreement with the Marcuse' coupled power model. The higher
      order statistics, such as the power variations and power correlation
      coefficients, which are not exactly analyzed in the Marcuse' model, are discussed
      afterwards. Monte-Carlo simulations are performed to demonstrate the validity of
      the analytical model. 

PMID- 27136982
TI  - Design and characterization of integrated components for SiN photonic quantum
      circuits.
AB  - The design, fabrication, and detailed calibration of essential building blocks
      towards fully integrated linear-optics quantum computation are discussed.
      Photonic devices are made from silicon nitride rib waveguides, where measurements
      on ring resonators show small propagation losses. Directional couplers are
      designed to be insensitive to fabrication variations. Their offset and coupling
      lengths are measured, as well as the phase difference between the transmitted and
      reflected light. With careful calibrations, the insertion loss of the directional
      couplers is found to be small. Finally, an integrated controlled-NOT circuit is
      characterized by measuring the transmission through different combinations of
      inputs and outputs. The gate fidelity for the CNOT operation with this circuit is
      estimated to be 99.81% after post selection. This high fidelity is due to our
      robust design, good fabrication reproducibility, and extensive characterizations.

PMID- 27136983
TI  - Novel polarization diversity without switch duplication of a Si-wire PILOSS
      optical switch.
AB  - We demonstrate the compact polarization diversity based on the bidirectional full
      port use of a path-independent-insertion-loss (PILOSS) optical switch. A
      polarization-diversity 4 * 4 strictly non-blocking optical switch is developed
      using a single thermooptic PILOSS Si-wire switch and fiber-based polarization
      beam splitters (PBSs) and combiners (PBCs). We measure characteristics of the
      switch and confirm that the proposed configuration demonstrates the performance
      in the insertion loss, polarization-dependent loss (PDL), and differential group
      delay (DGD) comparable with that of a conventional polarization-diversity 4 * 4
      PILOSS switch using double switch elements. On the other hand, higher crosstalk
      is observed. The crosstalk increase is associated with the backward crosstalk at
      a waveguide intersection based on a directional coupler. The effect of the
      backward crosstalk on the total crosstalk is estimated, and future prospects are
      discussed. 

PMID- 27136984
TI  - New energy-transfer upconversion process in Er<sup>3+</sup>:ZBLAN mid-infrared
      fiber lasers.
AB  - We report a new energy-transfer process in erbium doped ZBLAN glass, which is
      critical for optimizing the operation of lasers that use the 3.5 MUm band
      <sup>4</sup>F<sub>9/2</sub> to <sup>4</sup>I<sub>9/2</sub> transition. The
      magnitude of this energy-transfer process is measured for two different doping
      levels in Er<sup>3+</sup>:ZBLAN and the requirement for low doping in these
      lasers established. 

PMID- 27136985
TI  - Polarization pulling in Raman assisted fiber optical parametric amplifiers.
AB  - We proposed a theoretical model to investigate the polarization pulling effect in
      bi-directionally pumped degenerate Raman assisted fiber optical parameter
      amplifiers (RA-FOPAs) using randomly birefringent fibers. The contributions of
      chromatic dispersion, polarization mode dispersion (PMD), Raman gain, and
      nonlinear effects to the phase matching in RA-FOPAs are investigated. We
      characterize four different states of polarization pulling in RA-FOPAs. We found
      that broadband polarization attraction can be obtained in the optimum phase
      matching state of the bi-directionally pumped RA-FOPAs when the parametric pump
      power is chosen to avoid deep saturation of the Raman gain. 

PMID- 27136986
TI  - New high-speed centre of mass method incorporating background subtraction for
      accurate determination of fluorescence lifetime.
AB  - We demonstrate an implementation of a centre-of-mass method (CMM) incorporating
      background subtraction for use in multifocal fluorescence lifetime imaging
      microscopy to accurately determine fluorescence lifetime in live cell imaging
      using the Megaframe camera. The inclusion of background subtraction solves one of
      the major issues associated with centre-of-mass approaches, namely the
      sensitivity of the algorithm to background signal. The algorithm, which is
      predominantly implemented in hardware, provides real-time lifetime output and
      allows the user to effectively condense large amounts of photon data. Instead of
      requiring the transfer of thousands of photon arrival times, the lifetime is
      simply represented by one value which allows the system to collect data up to
      limit of pulse pile-up without any limitations on data transfer rates. In order
      to evaluate the performance of this new CMM algorithm with existing techniques
      (i.e. rapid lifetime determination and Levenburg-Marquardt), we imaged live MCF-7
      human breast carcinoma cells transiently transfected with FRET standards. We show
      that, it offers significant advantages in terms of lifetime accuracy and
      insensitivity to variability in dark count rate (DCR) between Megaframe camera
      pixels. Unlike other algorithms no prior knowledge of the expected lifetime is
      required to perform lifetime determination. The ability of this technique to
      provide real-time lifetime readout makes it extremely useful for a number of
      applications. 

PMID- 27136987
TI  - PT symmetry breaking and nonlinear optical isolation in coupled microcavities.
AB  - We perform a theoretical study of the nonlinear dynamics of nonlinear optical
      isolator devices based on coupled microcavities with gain and loss. This reveals
      a correspondence between the boundary of asymptotic stability in the nonlinear
      regime, where gain saturation is present, and the PT -breaking transition in the
      underlying linear system. For zero detuning and weak input intensity, the onset
      of optical isolation can be rigorously derived, and corresponds precisely to the
      transition into the PT -broken phase of the linear system. When the couplings to
      the external ports are unequal, the isolation ratio exhibits an abrupt jump at
      the transition point, whose magnitude is given by the ratio of the couplings.
      This phenomenon could be exploited to realize an actively controlled nonlinear
      optical isolator, in which strong optical isolation can be turned on and off by
      tiny variations in the inter-resonator separation. 

PMID- 27136988
TI  - Omnidirectional beacon-localization using a catadioptric system.
AB  - We present a catadioptric beacon localization system that can provide mobile
      network nodes with omnidirectional situational awareness of neighboring nodes. In
      this system, a receiver composed of a hyperboloidal mirror and camera is used to
      estimate the azimuth, elevation, and range of an LED beacon. We provide a general
      framework for understanding the propagation of error in the angle-of-arrival
      estimation and then present an experimental realization of such a system. The
      situational awareness provided by the proposed system can enable the alignment of
      communication nodes in an optical wireless network, which may be particularly
      useful in addressing RF-denied environments. 

PMID- 27136989
TI  - Resonant mixing of optical orbital and spin angular momentum by using chiral
      silicon nanosphere clusters.
AB  - We present an in-depth analysis of the resonant intermixing between optical
      orbital and spin angular momentum of Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams, mediated by
      chiral clusters made of silicon nanospheres. In particular, we establish a
      relationship between the spin and orbital quantum numbers characterizing the LG
      beam and the order q of the rotation symmetry group ??q of the cluster of
      nanospheres for which resonantly enhanced coupling between the two components of
      the optical angular momentum is observed. Thus, similar to the case of
      diffraction grating-mediated transfer of linear momentum between optical beams,
      we demonstrate that clusters of nanospheres that are invariant to specific
      rotation transformations can efficiently transfer optical angular momentum
      between LG beams with different quantum numbers. We also discuss the conditions
      in which the resonant interaction between LG beams and a chiral cluster of
      nanospheres leads to the generation of superchiral light. 

PMID- 27136990
TI  - Changes in orbital-angular-momentum modes of a propagated vortex Gaussian beam
      through weak-to-strong atmospheric turbulence.
AB  - The radial average-power distribution and normalized average power of orbital
      angular-momentum (OAM) modes in a vortex Gaussian beam after passing through weak
      to-strong atmospheric turbulence are theoretically formulated. Based on numerical
      calculations, the role of the intrinsic mode index, initial beam radius and
      turbulence strength in OAM-mode variations of a propagated vortex Gaussian beam
      is explored, and the validity of the pure-phase-perturbation approximation
      employed in existing theoretical studies is examined. Comparison between
      turbulence-induced OAM-mode scrambling of vortex Gaussian beams and that of
      either Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams or pure vortex beams has been made. Analysis
      shows that the normalized average power of OAM modes changes with increasing
      receiver-aperture size until it approaches a nearly stable value. For a receiver
      aperture size of practical interest, OAM-mode scrambling is severer with a larger
      mode index or smaller initial beam radius besides stronger turbulence. Under
      moderate-to-strong turbulence condition, for two symmetrically-neighboring
      extrinsic OAM modes, the normalized average power of the one with an index closer
      to zero may be greater than that of the other one. The validity of the pure-phase
      perturbation approximation is determined by the intrinsic mode index, initial
      beam radius and turbulence strength. It makes sense to jointly control the
      amplitude and phase of a fundamental Gaussian beam for producing an OAM-carrying
      beam. 

PMID- 27136991
TI  - Fluorescence enhancing mechanism of optical repumping in sodium atoms for
      brighter laser guide star.
AB  - With quantum Bloch equations and sodium cell based experiment, we systematically
      resolved optical repumping mechanism of sodium atoms, a path to brighter sodium
      laser guide star (SLGS) that would be accepted by worldwide observatories.
      Besides the former studies, we detailed the population distribution of sodium
      atoms with and without repumping, which makes the repumping mechanism easy to
      understand. Experimental results based on a buffer gas free sodium cell and a
      single frequency laser implies that the optimum repumping frequency offset is
      1712 MHz, and the repumping power fraction should be 10-18%. The light intensity
      depended character of repumping is also carried out. We learned that future SLGS
      pumped by higher effective light intensity would benefit more from repumping. To
      the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic investigation of
      repumping mechanism using a single mode sum-frequency laser, which gives thorough
      support for previous numerical work and shows that the lab bench experiment could
      be used as an intermediate link between theoretical modeling and on-sky test. 

PMID- 27136992
TI  - Burst-mode optical label processor with ultralow power consumption.
AB  - A novel label processor subsystem for 100-Gbps (25-Gbps * 4lambdas) burst-mode
      optical packets is developed, in which a highly energy-efficient method is
      pursued for extracting and interfacing the ultrafast packet-label to a CMOS-based
      processor where label recognition takes place. The method involves performing
      serial-to-parallel conversion for the label bits on a bit-by-bit basis by using
      an optoelectronic converter that is operated with a set of optical triggers
      generated in a burst-mode manner upon packet arrival. Here we present three key
      achievements that enabled a significant reduction in the total power consumption
      and latency of the whole subsystem; 1) based on a novel operation mechanism for
      providing amplification with bit-level selectivity, an optical trigger pulse
      generator, that consumes power for a very short duration upon packet arrival, is
      proposed and experimentally demonstrated, 2) the energy of optical triggers
      needed by the optoelectronic serial-to-parallel converter is reduced by utilizing
      a negative-polarity signal while employing an enhanced conversion scheme entitled
      the discharge-or-hold scheme, 3) the necessary optical trigger energy is further
      cut down by half by coupling the triggers through the chip's backside, whereas a
      novel lens-free packaging method is developed to enable a low-cost alignment
      process that works with simple visual observation. 

PMID- 27136993
TI  - Refraction limit of miniaturized optical systems: a ball-lens example.
AB  - We study experimentally and theoretically the electromagnetic field in amplitude
      and phase behind ball-lenses across a wide range of diameters, ranging from a
      millimeter scale down to a micrometer. Based on the observation, we study the
      transition between the refraction and diffraction regime. The former regime is
      dominated by observables for which it is sufficient to use a ray-optical picture
      for an explanation, e.g., a cusp catastrophe and caustics. A wave-optical
      picture, i.e. Mie theory, is required to explain the features, e.g., photonic
      nanojets, in the latter regime. The vanishing of the cusp catastrophe and the
      emergence of the photonic nanojet is here understood as the refraction limit.
      Three different criteria are used to identify the limit: focal length, spot size,
      and amount of cross-polarization generated in the scattering process. We identify
      at a wavelength of 642 nm and while considering ordinary glass as the ball-lens
      material, a diameter of approximately 10 um as the refraction limit. With our
      study, we shed new light on the means necessary to describe micro-optical system.
      This is useful when designing optical devices for imaging or illumination. 

PMID- 27136994
TI  - Inverse dynamical photon scattering (IDPS): an artificial neural network based
      algorithm for three-dimensional quantitative imaging in optical microscopy.
AB  - Inverse dynamical photon scattering (IDPS), an artificial neural network based
      algorithm for three-dimensional quantitative imaging in optical microscopy, is
      introduced. Because the inverse problem entails numerical minimization of an
      explicit error metric, it becomes possible to freely choose a more robust metric,
      to introduce regularization of the solution, and to retrieve unknown experimental
      settings or microscope values, while the starting guess is simply set to zero.
      The regularization is accomplished through an alternate directions augmented
      Lagrangian approach, implemented on a graphics processing unit. These
      improvements are demonstrated on open source experimental data, retrieving three
      dimensional amplitude and phase for a thick specimen. 

PMID- 27136995
TI  - Near-field to far-field characterization of speckle patterns generated by
      disordered nanomaterials.
AB  - We study the intensity spatial correlation function of optical speckle patterns
      above a disordered dielectric medium in the multiple scattering regime. The
      intensity distributions are recorded by scanning near-field optical microscopy
      (SNOM) with sub-wavelength spatial resolution at variable distances from the
      surface in a range which spans continuously from the near-field (distance ?
      lambda) to the far-field regime (distance ? lambda). The non-universal behavior
      at sub-wavelength distances reveals the connection between the near-field speckle
      pattern and the internal structure of the medium. 

PMID- 27136996
TI  - Enhancement of terahertz reflection tomographic imaging by interference
      cancellation between layers.
AB  - This paper proposes a method to enhance terahertz reflection tomographic imaging
      by interference cancellation between layers. When the gap between layers is
      small, the signal reflected on the upper layer interferes with that on the lower
      layer, which degrades the quality of the reconstructed tomographic image in the
      lower layer. The proposed method estimates the upper-layer reflection signal by
      system modeling, which is then eliminated from the acquired signal. In this way,
      it can provide the correct lower-layer reflection signal, thereby improving the
      quality of the lower-layer tomographic image. The performance of the proposed
      method was confirmed using computer simulation data and real terahertz reflection
      data. 

PMID- 27136997
TI  - Terahertz radiation using log-spiral-based low-temperature-grown InGaAs
      photoconductive antenna pumped by mode-locked Yb-doped fiber laser.
AB  - We demonstrate a terahertz (THz) radiation using log-spiral-based low-temperature
      grown (LTG) InGaAs photoconductive antenna (PCA) modules and a passively mode
      locked 1030 nm Yb-doped fiber laser. The passively mode-locked Yb-doped fiber
      laser is easily implemented with nonlinear polarization rotation in the normal
      dispersion using a 10-nm spectral filter. The laser generates over 250 mW of the
      average output power with positively chirped 1.58 ps pulses, which are dechirped
      to 127 fs pulses using a pulse compressor outside the laser cavity. In order to
      obtain THz radiation, a home-made emitter and receiver constructed from log
      spiral-based LTG InGaAs PCA modules were used to generate and detect THz signals,
      respectively. We successfully achieved absorption lines over 1.5 THz for water
      vapor in free space. Therefore, we confirm that a mode-locked Yb-doped fiber
      laser has the potential to be used as an optical source to generate THZ waves. 

PMID- 27136998
TI  - Non-collinear spectral coherent combination of ultrashort laser pulses.
AB  - Non-collinear spectral coherent combining (NCSCC) of ultrashort pulses is
      analyzed. 2D modeling of the electromagnetic field is performed in case of NCSCC
      using two or three pulses with different wavelengths. In the case of two pulses,
      a potentially unwanted spatio-temporal structure of the field appears,
      corresponding to spatial and temporal modulation of the pulse. By using NCSCC of
      three 62 fs long pulses with different spectral composition, such spatial
      temporal coupling is eliminated and the combined pulse duration in the focal
      region drops to less than half. The method is scalable to a large number of
      ultrashort pulses. 

PMID- 27136999
TI  - Optical nonlocality induced Zitterbewegung near the Dirac point in metal
      dielectric multilayer metamaterials.
AB  - The optical nonlocality near the Dirac point in infinite periodic metal
      dielectric multilayer metamaterials is investigated through the dispersion
      relation analysis according to the transfer-matrix method. It is revealed that
      both the symmetric and asymmetric surface plasmon polariton modes present the
      zero nonlocal effective permittivity, and the degeneracy of these two modes
      results in the emergence of the Dirac point. Furthermore, the Zitterbewegung
      effect near the Dirac point induced by the optical nonlocality is demonstrated
      due to the coherent coupling between the symmetric and asymmetric modes. 

PMID- 27137000
TI  - Low switching voltage ZnO quantum dots doped polymer-dispersed liquid crystal
      film.
AB  - This paper investigates the effects of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) on the switching
      voltages of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) films. The threshold and
      driving electric fields of PDLC film doped with 2.44 wt% ZnO NPs were 0.13 and
      0.31 V/MUm, respectively, with a contrast ratio of 26. The results of field
      emission scanning electron microscopy show that the size of the droplets in doped
      PDLC films increases with the doping concentration. The development of ZnO-doped
      PDLC films with low driving voltages greatly broadens the applicability of these
      devices. 

PMID- 27137001
TI  - Integrated tunable optical add/drop filter for polarization and wavelength
      multiplexed signals.
AB  - We propose and demonstrate an integrated tunable optical filter which is
      promising for reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) targeting
      polarization and wavelength multiplexed signals. The proposed filter is comprised
      of a polarization diversity scheme and two tunable microring resonators (MRRs).
      The polarization scheme is implemented by two dimensional (2D) grating couplers
      which are functioning as signals import, output and add/drop ports, while the
      MRRs are signals processing units. The add/drop function can be applied on either
      polarization tribute or any wavelength by controlling the resonate wavelengths of
      ring resonators. For demonstration, dual polarizations and four-wavelength
      signals are experimentally added and dropped with good performance and reasonable
      power penalties. 

PMID- 27137002
TI  - High-precision method for submicron-aperture fiber point-diffraction wavefront
      measurement.
AB  - It is a key issue to measure the point-diffraction wavefront error, which
      determines the achievable accuracy of point-diffraction interferometer (PDI). A
      high-precision method based on shearing interferometry is proposed to measure
      submicron-aperture fiber point-diffraction wavefront with high numerical aperture
      (NA). To obtain the true shearing point-diffraction wavefront, a double-step
      calibration method based on three-dimensional coordinate reconstruction and
      symmetric lateral displacement compensation is proposed to calibrate the
      geometric aberration in the case of high NA and large lateral wavefront
      displacement. The calibration can be carried out without any prior knowledge
      about the system configuration parameters. With the true shearing wavefront, the
      differential Zernike polynomials fitting method is applied to reconstruct the
      point-diffraction wavefront. Numerical simulation and experiments have been
      carried out to demonstrate the accuracy and feasibility of the proposed
      measurement method, and a good measurement accuracy is achieved. 

PMID- 27137003
TI  - Broadband waveplate lenses.
AB  - We report on lenses that operate over the visible wavelength band from 450 nm to
      beyond 700 nm, and other lenses that operate over a wide region in the near
      infrared from 650 nm to beyond 1000 nm. Lenses were recorded in liquid crystal
      polymer layers only a few micrometers thick, using laser-based photoalignment and
      UV photopolymerization. Waveplate lenses allowed focusing and defocusing laser
      beams depending on the sign of the circularity of laser beam polarization.
      Diffraction efficiency of recorded waveplate lenses was up to 90% and contrast
      ratio was up to 500:1. 

PMID- 27137004
TI  - Hollow-core fibers for high power pulse delivery.
AB  - We investigate hollow-core fibers for fiber delivery of high power ultrashort
      laser pulses. We use numerical techniques to design an anti-resonant hollow-core
      fiber having one layer of non-touching tubes to determine which structures offer
      the best optical properties for the delivery of high power picosecond pulses. A
      novel fiber with 7 tubes and a core of 30um was fabricated and it is here
      described and characterized, showing remarkable low loss, low bend loss, and good
      mode quality. Its optical properties are compared to both a 10um and a 18um core
      diameter photonic band gap hollow-core fiber. The three fibers are characterized
      experimentally for the delivery of 22 picosecond pulses at 1032nm. We demonstrate
      flexible, diffraction limited beam delivery with output average powers in excess
      of 70W. 

PMID- 27137005
TI  - Phenomenological modeling of geometric metasurfaces.
AB  - Metasurfaces, with their superior capability in manipulating the optical
      wavefront at the subwavelength scale and low manufacturing complexity, have shown
      great potential for planar photonics and novel optical devices. However, vector
      field simulation of metasurfaces is so far limited to periodic-structured
      metasurfaces containing a small number of meta-atoms in the unit cell by using
      full-wave numerical methods. Here, focusing on achiral meta-atoms only with
      electric polarizability and thickness far less than the wavelength of light, and
      ignoring the coupling between meta-atoms, we propose a general phenomenological
      method to analytically model the metasurfaces based on the assumption that the
      meta-atoms possess localized resonances with Lorentz-Drude forms, whose exact
      form can be retrieved from the full wave simulation of a single element. Applied
      to phase modulated geometric metasurfaces constituted by identical meta-atoms
      with different orientations, our analytical results show good agreement with full
      wave numerical simulations. The proposed theory provides an efficient method to
      model and design optical devices based on metasurfaces. 

PMID- 27137006
TI  - SERS-active dielectric metamaterials based on periodic nanostructures.
AB  - New dielectric SERS metamaterial is investigated. The material consists of
      periodic dielectric bars deposited on the metal substrate. Computer simulations
      as well as real experiment reveal extraordinary optical reflectance in the
      proposed metamaterial due to the excitation of the multiple dielectric
      resonances. We demonstrate the enhancement of the Raman signal from the complex
      of 5,5'-dithio-bis-[2-nitrobenzoic acid] molecules and gold nanoparticle (DTNB-Au
      NP), which is immobilized on the surface of the barshaped dielectric
      metamaterial. 

PMID- 27137007
TI  - Direct observation of strong light-exciton coupling in thin WS<sub>2</sub>
      flakes.
AB  - The strong coupling between excitons and Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity modes in
      tungsten sulfide (WS<sub>2</sub>) thin layers was studied. By using home-made
      micro-reflectance spectroscopic technique, we observed the anti-crossing behavior
      between cavity mode and excitons with flake's thickness dependence. Giant Rabi
      splitting of ~270 meV for A exciton and ~780 meV for B exciton were obtained from
      the fitting of the cavity polariton dispersions by use of the coupled oscillators
      model. 

PMID- 27137008
TI  - All-optical wavelength conversion and signal regeneration of PAM-4 signal using a
      silicon waveguide.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate on-chip all-optical wavelength conversion of 10
      Gbit/s (9.35-Gbit/s net rate) 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4) signal
      by exploiting degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) in a silicon waveguide. The
      measured optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) penalty of wavelength conversion is
      ~1 dB at a bit-error rate (BER) of 2 * 10<sup>-3</sup>. Moreover, the use of
      wavelength conversion for PAM-4 signal regeneration is also demonstrated in the
      experiment. 

PMID- 27137009
TI  - Graphene-silicon microring resonator enhanced all-optical up and down wavelength
      conversion of QPSK signal.
AB  - We fabricate a nonlinear optical device based on graphene-silicon microring
      resonator (GSMR). Using such graphene-assisted nonlinear optical device, we
      experimentally demonstrate up and down wavelength conversion of a 10-Gbaud
      quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) signal by exploiting degenerate four-wave
      mixing (FWM) progress in the fabricated GSMR. We study the conversion efficiency
      as a function of the pump power. In addition, the resonant wavelength of GSMR is
      tuned by changing the temperature from 20 degrees C to 40 degrees C. We evaluate
      the bit-error rate (BER) performance for up and down wavelength conversion. The
      observed optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) penalties for QPSK up and down
      wavelength conversion are less than 1.4 dB at a BER of 1 * 10<sup>-3</sup>. The
      BER performance as a function of the pump power for up wavelength conversion is
      also assessed. The minimum OSNR penalty is less than 0.8 dB when the pump power
      is 13.3 dBm. 

PMID- 27137010
TI  - Longitudinal field characterization of converging terahertz vortices with linear
      and circular polarizations.
AB  - Linearly and circularly polarized terahertz (THz) vortex beams are generated by
      adopting a THz quarter wave plate and spiral phase plates with topological
      charges 1 and 2. Taking advantage of a THz digital holographic imaging system,
      longitudinal components of THz vortices with different polarizations and
      topological charges are coherently measured and systemically analyzed in a
      focusing condition. The application potential of circularly polarized THz vortex
      beams in microscopy is experimentally demonstrated and the transformation between
      the spin angular momentums and orbital angular momentums of THz waves is also
      checked. Modified Richards-Wolf vector diffraction integration equations are
      applied to successfully simulate experimental phenomena. 

PMID- 27137011
TI  - Optimal distribution of integration time for intensity measurements in degree of
      linear polarization polarimetry.
AB  - We consider the degree of linear polarization (DOLP) polarimetry system, which
      performs two intensity measurements at orthogonal polarization states to estimate
      DOLP. We show that if the total integration time of intensity measurements is
      fixed, the variance of the DOLP estimator depends on the distribution of
      integration time for two intensity measurements. Therefore, by optimizing the
      distribution of integration time, the variance of the DOLP estimator can be
      decreased. In this paper, we obtain the closed-form solution of the optimal
      distribution of integration time in an approximate way by employing Delta method
      and Lagrange multiplier method. According to the theoretical analyses and real
      world experiments, it is shown that the variance of the DOLP estimator can be
      decreased for any value of DOLP. The method proposed in this paper can
      effectively decrease the measurement variance and thus statistically improve the
      measurement accuracy of the polarimetry system. 

PMID- 27137012
TI  - Luneburg lens with extended flat focal surface for electronic scan applications.
AB  - Luneburg lens with flat focal surface has been developed to work together with
      planar antenna feeds for beam steering applications. According to our analysis of
      the conventional flattened Luneburg lens, it cannot accommodate enough feeding
      elements which can cover its whole scan range with half power beamwidths (HPBWs).
      In this paper, a novel Luneburg lens with extended flat focal surface is proposed
      based on the theory of Quasi-Conformal Transformation Optics (QCTO), with its
      beam steering features reserved. To demonstrate this design, a three-dimensional
      (3D) prototype of this novel extend-flattened Luneburg lens working at Ku band is
      fabricated based on 3D printing techniques, whose flat focal surface is attached
      to a 9-element microstrip antenna array to achieve different scan angles. Our
      measured results show that, with different antenna elements being fed, the HPBWs
      can cover the whole scan range. 

PMID- 27137013
TI  - Manipulation metallic nanoparticle at resonant wavelength using engineered
      azimuthally polarized optical field.
AB  - In this work, we proposed a novel strategy to manipulate the behavior of the
      metallic nanoparticle under the resonant condition by using engineered
      azimuthally polarized optical field. Through optimizing the spatial phase
      distribution of the illumination, the optical force can be tailored to support
      stable optical trapping while avoiding trap destabilization caused by optical
      overheating effect simultaneously. Besides, the resonant particle can be stably
      trapped at predefined location in 3 dimensional space, or revolves around the
      beam axis with characteristics that can be holistically controlled in terms of
      both trajectory and rotation direction. The technique demonstrated in this work
      may open up new avenues for optical manipulation. 

PMID- 27137014
TI  - Supercontinuum generation in a multi-plate medium.
AB  - We analyze femtosecond supercontinuum generation in a distribution of thin solid
      plates to show that the distributed scheme inhibits processes leading to pulse
      breakup while allowing spectral expansion to proceed as desired. We introduce
      basic criteria for setting the plate thickness or initial laser intensity and the
      location of each plate in the laser beam path and confirm that under these
      conditions a fully-coherent and intense supercontinuum can be generated for input
      peak power of as much as two thousand times the critical power for self-focusing
      of the solid medium. 

PMID- 27137015
TI  - Field-widened Michelson interferometer for spectral discrimination in high
      spectral-resolution lidar: practical development.
AB  - A field-widened Michelson interferometer (FWMI), which is intended as the
      spectroscopic discriminator in ground-based high-spectral-resolution lidar (HSRL)
      for atmospheric aerosol detection, is described in this paper. The structure,
      specifications and design of the developed prototype FWMI are introduced, and an
      experimental approach is proposed to optimize the FWMI assembly and evaluate its
      comprehensive characteristic simultaneously. Experimental results show that,
      after optimization process, the peak-to-valley (PV) value and root-mean-square
      (RMS) value of measured OPD variation for the FWMI are 0.04lambda and 0.008lambda
      respectively among the half divergent angle range of 1.5 degree. Through an
      active locking technique, the frequency of the FWMI can be locked to the laser
      transmitter with accuracy of 27 MHz for more than one hour. The practical
      spectral discrimination ratio (SDR) for the developed FWMI is evaluated to be
      larger than 86 if the divergent angle of incident beam is smaller than 0.5
      degree. All these results demonstrate the great potential of the developed FWMI
      as the spectroscopic discriminator for HSRLs, as well as the feasibility of the
      proposed design and optimization process. This paper is expected to provide a
      good entrance for the lidar community in future HSRL developments using the FWMI
      technique. 

PMID- 27137016
TI  - Low lateral divergence 2 MUm InGaSb/ AlGaAsSb broad-area quantum well lasers.
AB  - High power and high brightness mid-infrared GaSb based lasers are desired for
      many applications, however, the high lateral divergence is still the influence
      factor for practical application. In this paper, a simple and effective approach
      based on the fishbone-shape microstructure was proposed, the effective
      improvement on both the lateral divergence and output power of 2 MUm GaSb based
      broad-area lasers was demonstrated. The lateral divergence is reduced averagely
      by 55% and 15.8 degrees  for 95% power content is realized. The continuous-wave
      emission power is increased about 19% with the decreased threshold current. The
      other merits for this microstructure are the unchanged intrinsic characteristic
      of broad-area lasers and the low cost fabrication. 

PMID- 27137017
TI  - Joint absorption and phase retrieval in grating-based x-ray radiography.
AB  - Given the raw absorption and differential phase-contrast images obtained from a
      grating-based x-ray radiography, we formulate the joint denoising of the
      absorption image and retrieval of the non-differential phase image as a
      regularized inverse problem. The choice of the regularizer is driven by the
      existing correlation between absorption and differential phase; it leads to the
      linear combination of a total-variation norm with a total-variation nuclear norm.
      We then develop the corresponding algorithm to efficiently solve this inverse
      problem. We evaluate our method using different experiments, including
      mammography data. We conclude that our method provides useful information in the
      context of mammography screening and diagnosis. 

PMID- 27137018
TI  - Simple and effective calculations about spectral power distributions of outdoor
      light sources for computer vision.
AB  - The spectral power distributions (SPD) of outdoor light sources are not constant
      over time and atmospheric conditions, which causes the appearance variation of a
      scene and common natural illumination phenomena, such as twilight, shadow, and
      haze/fog. Calculating the SPD of outdoor light sources at different time (or
      zenith angles) and under different atmospheric conditions is of interest to
      physically-based vision. In this paper, for computer vision and its applications,
      we propose a feasible, simple, and effective SPD calculating method based on
      analyzing the transmittance functions of absorption and scattering along the path
      of solar radiation through the atmosphere in the visible spectrum. Compared with
      previous SPD calculation methods, our model has less parameters and is accurate
      enough to be directly applied in computer vision. It can be applied in computer
      vision tasks including spectral inverse calculation, lighting conversion, and
      shadowed image processing. The experimental results of the applications
      demonstrate that our calculation methods have practical values in computer
      vision. It establishes a bridge between image and physical environmental
      information, e.g., time, location, and weather conditions. 

PMID- 27137019
TI  - Beam steering for virtual/augmented reality displays with a cycloidal diffractive
      waveplate.
AB  - We proposed a switchable beam steering device with cycloidal diffractive
      waveplate (CDW) for eye tracking in a virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality
      (AR) display system. Such a CDW diffracts the incident circularly polarized light
      to the first order with over 95% efficiency. To convert the input linearly
      polarized light to right-handed or left-handed circular polarization, we
      developed a broadband polarization switch consisting of a twisted nematic liquid
      crystal cell and an achromatic quarter-wave retardation film. By cascading 2-3
      CDWs together, multiple diffraction angles can be achieved. To suppress the color
      dispersion, we proposed two approaches to obtain the same diffraction angle for
      red, green, and blue LEDs-based full color displays. Our device exhibits several
      advantages, such as high diffraction efficiency, fast response time, low power
      consumption, and low cost. It holds promise for the emerging VR/AR displays. 

PMID- 27137020
TI  - Flexible 3D reconstruction method based on phase-matching in multi-sensor system.
AB  - Considering the measuring range limitation of a single sensor system, multi
      sensor system has become essential in obtaining complete image information of the
      object in the field of 3D image reconstruction. However, for the traditional
      multi-sensors worked independently in its system, there was some point in
      calibrating each sensor system separately. And the calibration between all single
      sensor systems was complicated and required a long time. In this paper, we
      present a flexible 3D reconstruction method based on phase-matching in multi
      sensor system. While calibrating each sensor, it realizes the data registration
      of multi-sensor system in a unified coordinate system simultaneously. After all
      sensors are calibrated, the whole 3D image data directly exist in the unified
      coordinate system, and there is no need to calibrate the positions between
      sensors any more. Experimental results prove that the method is simple in
      operation, accurate in measurement, and fast in 3D image reconstruction. 

PMID- 27137021
TI  - Image quality improvement for a 3D structure exhibiting multiple 2D patterns and
      its implementation.
AB  - A three-dimensional (3D) structure designed by our proposed algorithm can
      simultaneously exhibit multiple two-dimensional patterns. The 3D structure
      provides multiple patterns having directional characteristics by distributing the
      effects of the artefacts. In this study, we proposed an iterative algorithm to
      improve the image quality of the exhibited patterns and have verified the
      effectiveness of the proposed algorithm using numerical simulations. Moreover, we
      fabricated different 3D glass structures (an octagonal prism, a cube and a
      sphere) using the proposed algorithm. All 3D structures exhibit four patterns,
      and different patterns can be observed depending on the viewing direction. 

PMID- 27137022
TI  - Content-adaptive ghost imaging of dynamic scenes.
AB  - Limited by long acquisition time of 2D ghost imaging, current ghost imaging
      systems are so far inapplicable for dynamic scenes. However, it's been
      demonstrated that nature images are spatiotemporally redundant and the redundancy
      is scene dependent. Inspired by that, we propose a content-adaptive computational
      ghost imaging approach to achieve high reconstruction quality under a small
      number of measurements, and thus achieve ghost imaging of dynamic scenes. To
      utilize content-adaptive inter-frame redundancy, we put the reconstruction under
      an iterative reweighted optimization, with non-uniform weight computed from
      temporal-correlated frame sequences. The proposed approach can achieve dynamic
      imaging at 16fps with 64*64-pixel resolution. 

PMID- 27137023
TI  - High dynamic range real-time 3D shape measurement.
AB  - This paper proposes a method that can measure high-contrast surfaces in real-time
      without changing camera exposures. We propose to use 180-degree phase-shifted (or
      inverted) fringe patterns to complement regular fringe patterns. If not all of
      the regular patterns are saturated, inverted fringe patterns are used in lieu of
      original saturated patterns for phase retrieval, and if all of the regular fringe
      patterns are saturated, both the original and inverted fringe patterns are all
      used for phase computation to reduce phase error. Experimental results
      demonstrate that three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement can be achieved in real
      time by adopting the proposed high dynamic range method. 

PMID- 27137024
TI  - Robust polarization-insensitive strip-slot waveguide mode converter based on
      symmetric multimode interference.
AB  - Strip-slot waveguide mode converters for TE<sub>0</sub> have been widely
      investigated. Here we demonstrate a polarization-insensitive converter
      numerically and experimentally. The polarization-insensitive performance is
      achieved by matching the optical field distribution of the 2-fold image of the
      Multimode Interference (MMI) and the TE<sub>0</sub> (TM<sub>0</sub>) mode of a
      slot waveguide. The working principle for this MMI-based mode converter is
      thoroughly analyzed with the quantitatively evaluated optical field overlap ratio
      that is theoretically derived from the orthonormal relation of eigenmodes. Based
      on the analysis, the MMI-based polarization-insensitive converters are then
      simulated and fabricated. The simulation and measurement results indicate that
      the proposed scheme is a robust design since it is not only polarization
      insensitive but also wavelength-insensitive and fabrication-tolerant. Moreover,
      the mode converter is as small as 1.22 MUm * 4 MUm while the measured conversion
      efficiencies are 95.9% for TE<sub>0</sub> and 96.6% for TM<sub>0</sub>. All these
      excellent properties make the proposed mode converter an ideal solution for
      coupling light between strip and slot waveguides when both TE and TM
      polarizations are considered. 

PMID- 27137025
TI  - Versatile patterns of multiple rectangular noise-like pulses in a fiber laser.
AB  - We report on the generation of versatile patterns of multiple rectangular noise
      like pulses (NLPs) in a fiber laser mode-locked by nonlinear amplifying loop
      mirror (NALM). Benefiting from the strengthened nonlinear effect of a segment of
      highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF) in the loop, multiple rectangular NLPs with various
      patterns are formed depending on the cavity parameter settings. In particular,
      the multiple rectangular NLPs could possess unequal packet durations, which is
      different from the conventional multi-soliton patterns. The experimental results
      contribute to further understanding the characteristics of the rectangular NLP
      and the dynamics of multi-pulse patterns. 

PMID- 27137026
TI  - Laser-filamentation-induced water condensation and snow formation in a cloud
      chamber filled with different ambient gases.
AB  - We investigated femtosecond laser-filamentation-induced airflow, water
      condensation and snow formation in a cloud chamber filled respectively with air,
      argon and helium. The mass of snow induced by laser filaments was found being the
      maximum when the chamber was filled with argon, followed by air and being the
      minimum with helium. We also discussed the mechanisms of water condensation in
      different gases. The results show that filaments with higher laser absorption
      efficiency, which result in higher plasma density, are beneficial for triggering
      intense airflow and thus more water condensation and precipitation. 

PMID- 27137027
TI  - 52 Gbps PAM4 receiver sensitivity study for 400GBase-LR8 system using directly
      modulated laser.
AB  - Real-time 52 Gbps PAM4 transmission is demonstrated over single mode fiber (SMF)
      using a directly modulated laser (DML) and a PHY chip. The inner eye optical
      modulation amplitude (OMA) receiver sensitivities were measured and compared
      using avalanche photodetector (APD) and PIN photodetector (PD) for the maximum
      and minimum chromatic dispersions (CDs) of 400GBase-LR8 link. The measured inner
      eye OMAs were -17.8 dBm and -18.8 dBm for + 10 ps/nm and -58 ps/nm of CDs at the
      KP4 bit error rate (BER) threshold of 2 * 10<sup>-4</sup> using a PIN PD,
      respectively. The measured inner eye OMA was improved to -21.0 dBm for -58 ps/nm
      of CD at the KP4 BER threshold using an APD. Negligible OMA penalty (< 0.4 dB)
      was captured for operating DML at different bias currents of 40 mA and 60 mA
      using a PIN PD and an APD for both positive and negative CDs at the KP4 BER
      threshold. 

PMID- 27137028
TI  - Three-dimensional reconstruction of topological deformation in chiral nematic
      microspheres using fluorescence confocal polarizing microscopy.
AB  - Chiral nematic droplets exhibit abundant topological defect structures, which
      have been intensively studied, both theoretically and experimentally. However, to
      observe and reconstruct the exact shape of three-dimensional (3D) defect
      structures has been a challenging task. In this study, we successfully
      reconstruct the 3D defect structures within a CLC microsphere with long helical
      pitches by combining polarized optical microscopy (POM) and laser scanning type
      fluorescence confocal polarizing microscopy (FCPM). The obtained confocal stack
      images provide us with the vertical location of disclination defects, to allow
      reconstruction of the full 3D structures. The reconstructed 3D structures can be
      viewed from different directions, providing a better understanding of the
      topological structure. Moreover, the defect lines are identified to be + 1
      defects, different from the previous prediction. Thus, FCPM provides an excellent
      tool to study the complex topological configuration in microspheres, and fosters
      its potential applicability in new devices based on topologically structured soft
      media. 

PMID- 27137029
TI  - Experimental measure of transmission characteristics of low-frequency surface
      plasmon polaritons in frequency and time domains.
AB  - In this work, based on the use of the concept of spoof surface plasmon polaritons
      (spoof SPPs), we propose a novel kind of microstrips to suppress the interference
      between bended parallel microstrips. This novel structure is implemented by
      introducing subwavelength periodic structures onto the sides of a conventional
      microstrip. We numerically analyze the transmission characteristics of such new
      microstrips. We also measure the suppression arising from crosstalk between the
      bended corrugated microstrip and the conventional microstrip in both frequency
      and time domains. Experimental results show that such transmission line structure
      has superb interference restraining properties. Additionally, transmission
      properties have been investigated using circuit model. It is found that the
      coupling effect between the corrugated microstrip and the conventional microstrip
      can be efficiently suppressed in high speed digital signal transmission
      application. 

PMID- 27137030
TI  - Surface plasmon polaritons in topological insulator nano-films and superlattices.
AB  - We investigate the propagation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in thin films
      of topological insulators. Cases of single films and multilayered stacks are
      analyzed. The materials considered are second generation three dimensional
      topological insulators Bi<sub>2</sub>Se<sub>3</sub>,
      Bi<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>3</sub>, and Sb<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>3</sub>. Dispersion
      relations and propagation lengths of SPPs are estimated numerically, taking into
      account the variation of bulk dielectric functions of topological insulators, as
      well as substrate, using the Drude-Lorentz model. The key factors affecting
      propagation length are identified and experimental modifications for tuning the
      dispersion relations are proposed. The apparent discrepancy between the
      experimental data and previously considered theory is resolved. 

PMID- 27137031
TI  - Reference spectral signature selection using density-based cluster for automatic
      oil spill detection in hyperspectral images.
AB  - Reference spectral signature selection is a fundamental work for automatic oil
      spill detection. To address this issue, a new approach is proposed here, which
      employs the density-based cluster to select a specific spectral signature from a
      hyperspectral image. This paper first introduces the framework of oil spill
      detection from hyperspectral images, indicating that detecting oil spill requires
      a reference spectral signature of oil spill, parameters of background, and a
      target detection algorithm. Based on the framework, we give the new reference
      spectral signature selection approach in details. Then, we demonstrate the
      estimation of background parameters according to the reflectance of seawater in
      the infrared bands. Next, the conventional adaptive cosine estimator (ACE)
      algorithm is employed to achieve oil spill detection. Finally, the proposed
      approach is tested via several practical hyperspectral images that are collected
      during the Horizon Deep water oil spill. The experimental results show that this
      new approach can automatically select the reference spectral signature of oil
      spills from hyperspectral images and has high detection performance. 

PMID- 27137032
TI  - Integrated-optic current sensors with a multimode interference waveguide device.
AB  - Optical current sensors based on polarization-rotated reflection interferometry
      are demonstrated using polymeric integrated optics and various functional optical
      waveguide devices. Interferometric sensors normally require bias feedback control
      for maintaining the operating point, which increases the cost. In order to
      resolve this constraint of feedback control, a multimode interference (MMI)
      waveguide device is integrated onto the current-sensor optical chip in this work.
      From the multiple outputs of the MMI, a 90 degrees  phase-shifted transfer
      function is obtained. Using passive quadrature demodulation, we demonstrate that
      the sensor could maintain the output signal regardless of the drift in the
      operating bias-point. 

PMID- 27137033
TI  - Excitation of crest and trough surface plasmon modes in in-plane bended graphene
      nanoribbons: erratum.
AB  - An erratum is presented to correct the typing mistake in a equation in Sect. 3.1
      of [Opt. Express24, 427-436 (2016)]. 

PMID- 27137035
TI  - All-fiber tunable laser based on an acousto-optic tunable filter and a tapered
      fiber.
AB  - An all-fiber tunable laser was fabricated based on an acousto-optic tunable
      filter and a tapered fiber. The structure was of a high signal-to-noise ratio,
      therefore, no extra gain flattening was needed in the laser. In the experiment,
      the wavelength of the laser could be tuned from 1532.1 nm to 1570.4 nm with a 3
      dB bandwidth of about 0.2 nm. Given enough nonlinearity in the laser cavity, it
      could also generate a sliding-frequency pulse train. The laser gains advantages
      of fast tuning and agility in pulse generation, and its simple structure is low
      cost for practical applications. 

PMID- 27137034
TI  - Study of filamentation with a high power high repetition rate ps laser at 1.03
      um.
AB  - We study the propagation of intense, high repetition rate laser pulses of
      picosecond duration at 1.03 um central wavelength through air. Evidence of
      filamentation is obtained from measurements of the beam profile as a function of
      distance, from photoemission imaging and from spatially resolved sonometric
      recordings. Good agreement is found with numerical simulations. Simulations
      reveal an important self shortening of the pulse duration, suggesting that laser
      pulses with few optical cycles could be obtained via double filamentation. An
      important lowering of the voltage required to induce guided electric discharges
      between charged electrodes is measured at high laser pulse repetition rate. 

PMID- 27137036
TI  - Laser-writing inside uniaxially birefringent crystals: fine morphology of
      ultrashort pulse-induced changes in lithium niobate.
AB  - This work presents a detailed analysis of the morphology of femtosecond laser
      induced changes in bulk lithium niobate (LiNbO<sub>3</sub>) - one of the most
      common host materials in photonics - using second-harmonic generation microscopy
      and scanning electron microscopy. It is shown that focused linearly polarized
      near-infrared pulses can produce two or three distinct axially separated regions
      of modified material, depending on whether the pulse propagation is along or
      perpendicular to the optical axis. When laser writing in LiNbO<sub>3</sub> is
      conducted in multi-shot irradiation mode and the focused light intensity is kept
      near the bulk damage threshold, periodic planar nanostructures aligned
      perpendicular to the laser polarization are produced inside the focal volume.
      These results provide a new perspective to laser writing in crystalline
      materials, including the fabrication of passive and active waveguides, photonic
      crystals, and optical data storage devices. 

PMID- 27137037
TI  - Far-field radiation patterns of second harmonic generation from gold
      nanoparticles under tightly focused illumination.
AB  - We study far-field angular radiation patterns of second harmonic generation (SHG)
      from gold nanosphere, nanocube, nanorod, and nanocup illuminated by tightly
      focused linearly and radially polarized beams, respectively. It is found that
      under linearly polarized illumination, far-field forward-scattering SHG (FSHG)
      dominates second harmonic (SH) responses generated by those gold particles. On
      the contrary, it is amazing that significant backward-scattering SHG (BSHG) can
      be observed when those gold nanoparticles are excited by a focused radially
      polarized beam. For the case of gold nanosphere, the effective point dipole
      systems are developed to reasonably elucidate this interesting difference. Our
      investigations suggest that for SHG microscopy with backward detection scheme,
      tightly focused radially polarized beam could be a promising excitation field to
      improve the backward SH signal. 

PMID- 27137038
TI  - Enhanced optical output and reduction of the quantum-confined Stark effect in
      surface plasmon-enhanced green light-emitting diodes with gold nanoparticles.
AB  - We report the optical properties of localized surface plasmon (LSP)-enhanced
      green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) containing gold (Au) nanoparticles embedded in
      a p-GaN layer. The photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL)
      intensities of a green LED with Au nanoparticles were enhanced by the coupling
      between excitons and LSPs. Excitation power-dependent PL and injection current
      dependent EL measurements revealed that the blue-shift of PL and EL peaks with
      increasing carrier density was smaller for the LSP-enhanced LED compared with
      that for a conventional LED. The increased optical output power and decrease in
      blue-shift of the LED with Au nanoparticles were attributed to the increased
      radiative recombination efficiency of carriers induced by the LSP-coupling
      process and the compensation of the polarization-induced electric fields with LSP
      enhanced local fields, both of which suppressed the quantum-confined Stark
      effect. 

PMID- 27137039
TI  - Controllable circular Airy beams via dynamic linear potential.
AB  - We investigate controllable spatial modulation of circular autofocusing Airy
      beams, under action of different dynamic linear potentials, both theoretically
      and numerically. We introduce a novel treatment method in which the circular Airy
      beam is represented as a superposition of narrow azimuthally-modulated one
      dimensional Airy beams that can be analytically treated. The dynamic linear
      potentials are appropriately designed, so that the autofocusing effect can either
      be weakened or even eliminated when the linear potential exerts a "pulling"
      effect on the beam, or if the linear potential exerts a "pushing" effect, the
      autofocusing effect can be greatly strengthened. Numerical simulations agree with
      the theoretical results very well. 

PMID- 27137040
TI  - Broadband efficient directional coupling to short-range plasmons: towards hybrid
      fiber nanotips.
AB  - We present a broadband and efficient short-range plasmonic directional coupler
      design, for the delivery and collection of deeply sub-wavelength radiation to
      tapered plasmonic nanowires. We show a proof-of-concept design using a planar
      geometry operating at wavelengths between 1.2 -2.4 MUm, showing that the
      propagation characteristics predicted by an Eigenmode analysis are in excellent
      agreement with finite element simulations. This analytical formulation is
      straightforward to implement and immediately provides the power-exchange
      properties of hybrid plasmonic waveguides. An investigation of both waveguide
      delivery and collection performance to and from a plasmonic nano-tip is
      performed. We show that this design strategy can be straightforwardly adapted to
      a realistic hybrid fiber geometry, containing wire diameters more than one order
      of magnitude larger than the planar geometries, with important applications in
      all-fiber plasmonic superfocussing, and nonlinear plasmonics. 

PMID- 27137041
TI  - Nonsequential double ionization channels control of Ar with few-cycle
      elliptically polarized laser pulse by carrier-envelope-phase.
AB  - The carrier-envelop-phase (CEP) dependence of nonsequential double ionization
      (NSDI) of atomic Ar with few-cycle elliptically polarized laser pulse is
      investigated using 2D classical ensemble method. We distinguish two particular
      recollision channels in NSDI, which are recollision-impact ionization (RII) and
      recollision-induced excitation with subsequent ionization (RESI). We separate the
      RII and RESI channels according to the delay time between recollision and final
      double ionization. By tracing the history of the trajectories, we find the
      electron correlation spectra as well as the competition between the two channels
      are sensitively dependent on the laser field CEP. Finally, control can be
      achieved between the two channels by varying the CEP. 

PMID- 27137042
TI  - Holographic polymer networks formed in liquid crystal phase modulators via a He
      Ne laser to achieve ultra-fast optical response.
AB  - The holographic polymer network formed in liquid crystal (LC) phase modulators
      via a He-Ne laser in this study demonstrates ultra-fast optically response and
      low light scattering. These advantages are mainly caused by the small LC domains
      and uniform polymer network when processing LC cells via holographic exposure to
      a He-Ne laser. The use of this method to fabricate LC cells as phase modulators
      results in a decay time of 49 MUs under 2pi phase modulation at room temperature.
      The predicted fast optical response can be achieved when operating devices at
      high temperatures. 

PMID- 27137043
TI  - Sequential energy transfer up-conversion process in
      Yb<sup>3+</sup>/Er<sup>3+</sup>:SrMoO<sub>4</sub> crystal.
AB  - This paper reports the dynamic characteristics of sequential energy transfer up
      conversion processes in Yb<sup>3+</sup>/Er<sup>3+</sup>:SrMoO<sub>4</sub>
      crystal. A general method based on the emission intensity has been developed to
      calculate the nonradiative decay rate. A new macroscopic theory has been
      developed to calculate the energy transfer parameters based on the crystal
      structure. According to both new calculating methods, the spectral parameters of
      Yb<sup>3+</sup>/Er<sup>3+</sup>:SrMoO<sub>4</sub> crystal were calculated, such
      as up-conversion luminescent quantum efficiencies and threshold pump powers. Both
      calculating methods may be applied to calculate the spectral parameters of the
      laser crystal materials. 

PMID- 27137044
TI  - Tunable KTA Stokes laser based on stimulated polariton scattering and its
      intracavity frequency doubling.
AB  - This paper presents the tunable Stokes laser characteristics of
      KTiOAsO<sub>4</sub> (KTA) crystal based on stimulated polariton scattering (SPS).
      When the pumping laser wavelength is 1064.2 nm, the KTA Stokes wave can be
      discontinuously tuned from 1077.9 to 1088.4 nm with four gaps from 1079.0 to
      1080.1 nm, from 1080.8 to 1082.8 nm, from 1083.6 to 1085.5 nm, and from 1085.8 to
      1086.8 nm. When a frequency doubling crystal LiB<sub>3</sub>O<sub>5</sub> (LBO)
      is inserted into the Stokes laser cavity, the frequency-doubled wave can be
      discontinuously tuned from 539.0 to 539.5 nm, from 540.1 to 540.4 nm, from 541.3
      to 541.8 nm, from 542.7 to 542.9 nm and from 543.4 to 544.2 nm. With a pumping
      pulse energy of 130.0 mJ and an output coupler reflectivity of about 30%, the
      obtained maximum Stokes laser pulse energy at 1078.6 nm is 33.9 mJ and the
      obtained maximum frequency-doubled laser pulse energy at 543.8 nm is 15.7 mJ. By
      using the most probably coupled transverse optical modes obtained from the
      literature, the polariton refractive indexes, and the simplified polariton
      Sellmeier equations, the polariton dispersion curve is obtained. The formation of
      the Stokes frequency gaps is explained. 

PMID- 27137045
TI  - High-efficiency generation of pulsed Lyman-alpha radiation by resonant laser wave
      mixing in low pressure Kr-Ar mixture.
AB  - We report an experimental generation of ns pulsed 121.568 nm Lyman-alpha
      radiation by the resonant nonlinear four-wave mixing of 212.556 nm and 845.015 nm
      radiation pulses providing a high conversion efficiency 1.7x10<sup>-3</sup> with
      the output pulse energy 3.6 MUJ achieved using a low pressure Kr-Ar mixture.
      Theoretical analysis shows that this efficiency is achieved due to the advantage
      of using (i) the high input laser intensities in combination with (ii) the low
      gas pressure allowing us to avoid the onset of full-scale discharge in the laser
      focus. In particular, under our experimental conditions the main mechanism of
      photoionization caused by the resonant 2-photon 212.556 nm radiation excitation
      of Kr atoms followed by the 1-photon ionization leads to ~17% loss of Kr atoms
      and efficiency loss only by the end of the pulse. The energy of free electrons,
      generated by 212.556 nm radiation via (2 + 1)-photon ionization and accelerated
      mainly by 845.015 nm radiation, remains during the pulse below the level
      sufficient for the onset of full-scale discharge by the electron avalanche. Our
      analysis also suggests that ~30-fold increase of 845.015 nm pulse energy can
      allow one to scale up the L-alpha radiation pulse energy towards the level of
      ~100 MUJ. 

PMID- 27137046
TI  - Dynamics analysis of microsphere in a dual-beam fiber-optic trap with transverse
      offset.
AB  - A comprehensive dynamics analysis of microsphere has been presented in a dual
      beam fiber-optic trap with transverse offset. As the offset distance between two
      counterpropagating beams increases, the motion type of the microsphere starts
      with capture, then spiral motion, then orbital rotation, and ends with escape. We
      analyze the transformation process and mechanism of the four motion types based
      on ray optics approximation. Dynamic simulations show that the existence of
      critical offset distances at which different motion types transform. The result
      is an important step toward explaining physical phenomena in a dual-beam fiber
      optic trap with transverse offset, and is generally applicable to achieving
      controllable motions of microspheres in integrated systems, such as microfluidic
      systems and lab-on-a-chip systems. 

PMID- 27137047
TI  - Ring modulator small-signal response analysis based on pole-zero representation.
AB  - We present a closed-form expression for the small-signal response of a depletion
      mode ring modulator and verify it by measurement results. Both electrical and
      optical behavior of micro-ring modulator as well as the loss variation due to the
      index modulation is considered in the derivation. This expression suggests that a
      ring modulator is a third-order system with one real pole, one zero and a pair of
      complex-conjugate poles. The exact positions of the poles/zero are given and
      shown to be dependent upon parameters such as electrical bandwidth, coupling
      condition, optical loss, and sign/value of laser detunings. We show that the
      location of zero is different for positive and negative detuning, and therefore,
      the ring modulator frequency response is asymmetric. We use the gain-bandwidth
      product as a figure of merit and calculate it for various pole/zero locations. We
      show that gain-bandwidth for the over-coupled ring modulator is superior compared
      to other coupling conditions. Also, we show that the gain-bandwidth product can
      be increased to a limit by increasing the electrical bandwidth. 

PMID- 27137048
TI  - Universal discrete Fourier optics RF photonic integrated circuit architecture.
AB  - This paper describes a coherent electro-optic circuit architecture that generates
      a frequency comb consisting of N spatially separated orders using a generalised
      Mach-Zenhder interferometer (MZI) with its N * 1 combiner replaced by an optical
      N * N Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). Advantage may be taken of the tight
      optical path-length control, component and circuit symmetries and emerging
      trimming algorithms offered by photonic integration in any platform that offers
      linear electro-optic phase modulation such as LiNbO<sub>3,</sub> silicon, III-V
      or hybrid technology. The circuit architecture subsumes all MZI-based RF photonic
      circuit architectures in the prior art given an appropriate choice of output
      port(s) and dimension N although the principal application envisaged is phase
      correlated subcarrier generation for all optical orthogonal frequency division
      multiplexing. A transfer matrix approach is used to model the operation of the
      architecture. The predictions of the model are validated by simulations performed
      using an industry standard software tool. Implementation is found to be
      practical. 

PMID- 27137049
TI  - New set of design rules for resonant refractive index sensors enabled by FFT
      based processing of the measurement data.
AB  - It is still a common belief that ultra-high quality-factors (Q-factors) are a
      prerequisite in optical resonant cavities for high refractive index resolution
      and low detection limit in biosensing applications. In combination with the ultra
      short steps that are necessary when the measurement of the resonance shift relies
      on the wavelength scanning of a laser source and conventional methods for data
      processing, the high Q-factor requirement makes these biosensors extremely
      impractical. In this work we analyze an alternative processing method based on
      the fast-Fourier transform, and show through Monte-Carlo simulations that
      improvement by 2-3 orders of magnitude can be achieved in the resolution and the
      detection limit of the system in the presence of amplitude and spectral noise.
      More significantly, this improvement is maximum for low Q-factors around
      10<sup>4</sup> and is present also for high intra-cavity losses and large
      scanning steps making the designs compatible with the low-cost aspect of lab-on-a
      chip technology. Using a micro-ring resonator as model cavity and a system design
      with low Q-factor (10<sup>4</sup>), low amplitude transmission (0.85) and
      relatively large scanning step (0.25 pm), we show that resolution close to 0.01
      pm and detection limit close to 10<sup>-7</sup> RIU can be achieved improving the
      sensing performance by more than 2 orders of magnitude compared to the
      performance of systems relying on a simple peak search processing method. The
      improvement in the limit of detection is present even when the simple method is
      combined with ultra-high Q-factors and ultra-short scanning steps due to the
      trade-off between the system resolution and sensitivity. Early experimental
      results are in agreement with the trends of the numerical studies. 

PMID- 27137050
TI  - Single-mode squeezing in arbitrary spatial modes.
AB  - As the generation of squeezed states of light has become a standard technique in
      laboratories, attention is increasingly directed towards adapting the optical
      parameters of squeezed beams to the specific requirements of individual
      applications. It is known that imaging, metrology, and quantum information may
      benefit from using squeezed light with a tailored transverse spatial mode.
      However, experiments have so far been limited to generating only a few squeezed
      spatial modes within a given setup. Here, we present the generation of single
      mode squeezing in Laguerre-Gauss and Bessel-Gauss modes, as well as an arbitrary
      intensity pattern, all from a single setup using a spatial light modulator (SLM).
      The degree of squeezing obtained is limited mainly by the initial squeezing and
      diffractive losses introduced by the SLM, while no excess noise from the SLM is
      detectable at the measured sideband. The experiment illustrates the single-mode
      concept in quantum optics and demonstrates the viability of current SLMs as
      flexible tools for the spatial reshaping of squeezed light. 

PMID- 27137051
TI  - Optimal spectra of white LED integrated with quantum dots for mesopic vision.
AB  - The spectral optimization model for limited mesopic luminous efficacy
      (LLE<sub>m</sub>) of white LED integrated with quantum dots (QD-WLED) consisting
      of a blue chip, green, yellow and red quantum dots, including down-conversion
      energy loss, was developed under constraint of designated color rendering
      properties. The optimal spectra of QD-WLEDs with CRI >= 70 and CQS >= 60 as well
      as CRI >= 85 and CQS >= 85 for mesopic vision, photometric and colorimetric
      performances at correlated color temperature of 2700 K to 45000 K, as well as the
      LLE<sub>m</sub>s of optimal QD-WLEDs for four road lighting standards of the USA
      and the UK were presented. These results suggest that QD-WLEDs make strong
      candidates for replacing conventional light sources in the future as they enhance
      the vision quality in the road lighting in addition to energy saving. 

PMID- 27137052
TI  - Long period gratings coated with hafnium oxide by plasma-enhanced atomic layer
      deposition for refractive index measurements.
AB  - Long period gratings (LPGs) are coated with hafnium oxide using plasma-enhanced
      atomic layer deposition (PEALD) to increase the sensitivity of these devices to
      the refractive index of the surrounding medium. PEALD allows deposition at low
      temperatures which reduces thermal degradation of UV-written LPGs. Depositions
      targeting three different coating thicknesses are investigated: 30 nm, 50 nm and
      70 nm. Coating thickness measurements taken by scanning electron microscopy of
      the optical fibers confirm deposition of uniform coatings. The performance of the
      coated LPGs shows that deposition of hafnium oxide on LPGs induces two-step
      transition behavior of the cladding modes. 

PMID- 27137053
TI  - Hollow core anti-resonant fiber with split cladding.
AB  - An improved design for hollow core anti-resonant fibers (HAFs) is presented. A
      split cladding structure is introduced to reduce the fabrication distortion
      within design tolerance. We use numerical simulations to compare the Kagome
      fibers (KFs) and the proposed split cladding fibers (SCFs) over two normalized
      transmission bands. It reveals that SCFs are able to maintain the desired round
      shape of silica cladding walls, hence improving the confinement loss (CL)
      compared to the KF and is comparable to that of the nested antiresonant nodeless
      fiber (NANF) with the same core size. In addition, the SCF allows stacking
      multiple layers of cladding rings to control the CL. The influences of the number
      of cladding layers and the cladding gap width on the CL of the SCFs have been
      studied. SCF with three cladding rings is fabricated by the stack-and-draw
      technique. A measured attenuation spectrum matches well with the calculation
      prediction. The measured near field mode patterns also prove the feasibility of
      our fiber design. 

PMID- 27137054
TI  - Phase calibration target for quantitative phase imaging with ptychography.
AB  - Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) utilizes refractive index and thickness
      variations that lead to optical phase shifts. This gives contrast to images of
      transparent objects. In quantitative biology, phase images are used to accurately
      segment cells and calculate properties such as dry mass, volume and proliferation
      rate. The fidelity of the measured phase shifts is of critical importance in this
      field. However to date, there has been no standardized method for characterizing
      the performance of phase imaging systems. Consequently, there is an increasing
      need for protocols to test the performance of phase imaging systems using well
      defined phase calibration and resolution targets. In this work, we present a
      candidate for a standardized phase resolution target, and measurement protocol
      for the determination of the transfer of spatial frequencies, and sensitivity of
      a phase imaging system. The target has been carefully designed to contain well
      defined depth variations over a broadband range of spatial frequencies. In order
      to demonstrate the utility of the target, we measure quantitative phase images on
      a ptychographic microscope, and compare the measured optical phase shifts with
      Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) topography maps and surface profile measurements
      from coherence scanning interferometry. The results show that ptychography has
      fully quantitative nanometer sensitivity in optical path differences over a
      broadband range of spatial frequencies for feature sizes ranging from micrometers
      to hundreds of micrometers. 

PMID- 27137055
TI  - Multiplication method for sparse interferometric fringes.
AB  - Fringe analysis in the interferometry has been of long-standing interest to the
      academic community. However, the process of sparse fringe is always a headache in
      the measurement, especially when the specimen is very small. Through theoretical
      derivation and experimental measurements, our work demonstrates a new method for
      fringe multiplication. Theoretically, arbitrary integral-multiple fringe
      multiplication can be acquired by using the interferogram phase as the parameter.
      We simulate digital images accordingly and find that not only the skeleton lines
      of the multiplied fringe are very convenient to extract, but also the main
      frequency of which can be easily separated from the DC component. Meanwhile, the
      experimental results have a good agreement with the theoretic ones in a
      validation using the classical photoelasticity. 

PMID- 27137056
TI  - Adaptive digital fringe projection technique for high dynamic range three
      dimensional shape measurement.
AB  - It is a challenge for any optical method to measure objects with a large range of
      reflectivity variation across the surface. Image saturation results in incorrect
      intensities in captured fringe pattern images, leading to phase and measurement
      errors. This paper presents a new adaptive digital fringe projection technique
      which avoids image saturation and has a high signal to noise ratio (SNR) in the
      three-dimensional (3-D) shape measurement of objects that has a large range of
      reflectivity variation across the surface. Compared to previous high dynamic
      range 3-D scan methods using many exposures and fringe pattern projections, which
      consumes a lot of time, the proposed technique uses only two preliminary steps of
      fringe pattern projection and image capture to generate the adapted fringe
      patterns, by adaptively adjusting the pixel-wise intensity of the projected
      fringe patterns based on the saturated pixels in the captured images of the
      surface being measured. For the bright regions due to high surface reflectivity
      and high illumination by the ambient light and surfaces interreflections, the
      projected intensity is reduced just to be low enough to avoid image saturation.
      Simultaneously, the maximum intensity of 255 is used for those dark regions with
      low surface reflectivity to maintain high SNR. Our experiments demonstrate that
      the proposed technique can achieve higher 3-D measurement accuracy across a
      surface with a large range of reflectivity variation. 

PMID- 27137057
TI  - Quantum interference in a single anisotropic quantum dot near hyperbolic
      metamaterials.
AB  - We theoretically demonstrate an anisotropic quantum vacuum created by a
      judiciously designed hyperbolic metamaterial. An electric dipole located nearby
      shows strong orientation dependence in the decay rate. With a proper arrangement
      of the ellipsoid-shaped CdSe/ZnSe quantum dot relative to the Ag/TiO<sub>2</sub>
      metamaterial, the anisotropies of quantum vacuum and quantum dot are harnessed to
      achieve an extraordinary quantum interference between radiative decay channels of
      orthogonal transitions. The ratio between cross damping term and spontaneous
      decay rate, Gamma<sub>ij</sub>/Gamma<sub>ii</sub>, which never exceeds unity in
      previously reported works reaches 1.04 in our numerical results. The
      corresponding evolution of excited state population in quantum dot is also
      dramatically modified. 

PMID- 27137058
TI  - Effect of thickness disorder on the performance of photonic crystal surface wave
      sensors.
AB  - We investigated experimentally and numerically the robustness of optical sensors
      based on Bloch waves at the surface of periodic one-dimensional photonic
      crystals. The distributions of sensor characteristics caused by the fabrication
      uncertainties in dielectric layer thicknesses have been analyzed and robustness
      criteria have been set forth and discussed. We show that the performance of the
      surface wave sensors is sufficiently robust with respect to the changes of the
      photonic crystal layer thicknesses. Layer thickness optimization of the photonic
      crystal, carried out to achieve low limit of detection, leads to an improvement
      of the robustness of the surface wave sensors that is attributed to Bloch states
      lying deeper in the photonic band gap. 

PMID- 27137059
TI  - Influences of Si-doped graded short-period superlattice on green InGaN/GaN light
      emitting diodes.
AB  - We report significant improvement in optical and electrical properties of green
      InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by using Si-doped graded short-period
      InGaN/GaN superlattice (SiGSL) formed by so called indium-conversion technique.
      For comparison, a conventional LED without the superlattice (C-LED) and a LED
      with undoped graded superlattice (unGSL-LED) were prepared, respectively. The
      photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the SiGSL-LED was increased more than 3 times
      at room temperature (RT) as compared to C-LED. The PL intensity ratios of RT to
      10K for the C-LED, unGSL-LED, and SiGSL-LED were measured to be 25, 40.9, and
      47.5%, respectively. The difference in carrier lifetimes between 10K and RT for
      the SiGSL-LED is relatively small compared to that of the C-LED, which is
      consistent with the variation in PL intensity. The output power of a transistor
      outline type SiGSL-LED was increased more than 2 times higher than that of the C
      LED. 

PMID- 27137060
TI  - Spatial and temporal pulse propagation for dispersive paraxial optical systems.
AB  - The formalism for pulse propagation through dispersive paraxial optical systems
      first presented by Kostenbauder (IEEE J. Quant. Elec.261148-1157 (1990)) using 4
      * 4 ray-pulse matrices is extended to 6 * 6 matrices and includes non-separable
      spatial-temporal couplings in both transverse dimensions as well as temporal
      dispersive effects up to a quadratic phase. The eikonal in a modified Huygens
      integral in the Fresnell approximation is derived and can be used to propagate
      pulses through complicated dispersive optical systems within the paraxial
      approximation. In addition, a simple formula for the propagation of ultrashort
      pulses having a Gaussian profile both spatially and temporally is presented. 

PMID- 27137061
TI  - Static Fourier transform infrared spectrometer.
AB  - Fourier transform spectroscopy has established itself as the standard method for
      spectral analysis of infrared light. Here we present a robust and compact novel
      static Fourier transform spectrometer design without any moving parts. The design
      is well suited for measurements in the infrared as it works with extended light
      sources independent of their size. The design is experimentally evaluated in the
      mid-infrared wavelength region between 7.2 MUm and 16 MUm. Due to its large
      etendue, its low internal light loss, and its static design it enables high speed
      spectral analysis in the mid-infrared. 

PMID- 27137062
TI  - Heuristic modelling of laser written mid-infrared LiNbO<sub>3</sub> stressed
      cladding waveguides.
AB  - Mid-infrared lithium niobate cladding waveguides have great potential in low-loss
      on-chip non-linear optical instruments such as mid-infrared spectrometers and
      frequency converters, but their three-dimensional femtosecond-laser fabrication
      is currently not well understood due to the complex interplay between achievable
      depressed index values and the stress-optic refractive index changes arising as a
      function of both laser fabrication parameters, and cladding arrangement.
      Moreover, both the stress-field anisotropy and the asymmetric shape of low-index
      tracks yield highly birefringent waveguides not useful for most applications
      where controlling and manipulating the polarization state of a light beam is
      crucial. To achieve true high performance devices a fundamental understanding on
      how these waveguides behave and how they can be ultimately optimized is required.
      In this work we employ a heuristic modelling approach based on the use of
      standard optical characterization data along with standard computational
      numerical methods to obtain a satisfactory approximate solution to the problem of
      designing realistic laser-written circuit building-blocks, such as straight
      waveguides, bends and evanescent splitters. We infer basic waveguide design
      parameters such as the complex index of refraction of laser-written tracks at
      3.68 um mid-infrared wavelengths, as well as the cross-sectional stress-optic
      index maps, obtaining an overall waveguide simulation that closely matches the
      measured mid-infrared waveguide properties in terms of anisotropy, mode field
      distributions and propagation losses. We then explore experimentally feasible
      waveguide designs in the search of a single-mode low-loss behaviour for both
      ordinary and extraordinary polarizations. We evaluate the overall losses of s
      bend components unveiling the expected radiation bend losses of this type of
      waveguides, and finally showcase a prototype design of a low-loss evanescent
      splitter. Developing a realistic waveguide model with which robust waveguide
      designs can be developed will be key for exploiting the potential of the
      technology. 

PMID- 27137063
TI  - Mechanisms governing the interaction of metallic particles with nanosecond laser
      pulses.
AB  - The interaction of nanosecond laser pulses at 1064- and 355-nm with micro-scale,
      nominally spherical metallic particles is investigated in order to elucidate the
      governing interaction mechanisms as a function of material and laser parameters.
      The experimental model used involves the irradiation of metal particles located
      on the surface of transparent plates combined with time-resolved imaging capable
      of capturing the dynamics of particle ejection, plume formation and expansion
      along with the kinetics of the dispersed material from the liquefied layer of the
      particle. The mechanisms investigated in this work are informative and relevant
      across a multitude of materials and irradiation geometries suitable for the
      description of a wide range of specific applications. The experimental results
      were interpreted using physical models incorporating specific processes to assess
      their contribution to the overall observed behaviors. Analysis of the
      experimental results suggests that the induced kinetic properties of the particle
      can be adequately described using the concept of momentum coupling introduced to
      explain the interaction of plane metal targets to large-aperture laser beams. The
      results also suggest that laser energy deposition on the formed plasma affects
      the energy partitioning and the material modifications to the substrate. 

PMID- 27137064
TI  - Demonstration of a III-nitride edge-emitting laser diode utilizing a GaN tunnel
      junction contact.
AB  - We demonstrate a III-nitride edge emitting laser diode (EELD) grown on a (2021)
      bulk GaN substrate with a GaN tunnel junction contact for hole injection. The
      tunnel junction was grown using a combination of metal-organic chemical-vapor
      deposition (MOCVD) and ammonia-based molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) which allowed
      to be regrown over activated p-GaN. For a laser bar with dimensions of 1800 um x
      2.5 um, without facet coatings, the threshold current was 284 mA (6.3
      kA/cm<sup>2</sup>) and the single facet slope efficiency was 0.33 W/A (12%
      differential efficiency). A differential resistivity at high current density of
      2.3 * 10<sup>-4</sup> Omega cm<sup>2</sup> was measured. 

PMID- 27137065
TI  - Impact of etching on the surface leakage generation in mesa-type InGaAs/InAlAs
      avalanche photodetectors.
AB  - Effects of mesa etching and geometry on InGaAs/InAlAs avalanche photodiodes
      (APDs) were investigated by using both wet and inductively coupled plasma (ICP)
      etching with different mesa shapes as well as etchants. It was found that the
      mesa geometry had no evident impact on APDs' characteristics regardless of the
      etching techniques applied. Besides, ICP-etched APDs showed faster punch-through,
      suppressed premature surface breakdown and lower dark current behaviors compared
      to the wet-etched devices. Substantially suppressed surface leakage was also
      observed for ICP-etched devices, showing 1 and 3 orders of magnitude better at
      room temperature and 77 K respectively, and over 1 order of magnitude higher
      surface resistivity up to 4*10<sup>7</sup> Omega cm, in comparison to the wet
      etched APDs. Introduction of extra hydrogen and Ar plasma in ICP etching led to
      detrimental effects to APDs' performance by enhancing the tunneling or
      recombination at surfaces. Those experimental results were clearly interpreted
      based on the surface state theories. 

PMID- 27137066
TI  - Photonic-crystal diplexers for terahertz-wave applications.
AB  - A compact diplexer is designed using a silicon photonic-crystal directional
      coupler of length comparable to the incident wavelength. The diplexer
      theoretically and experimentally exhibits a cross state bandwidth as broad as 2%
      of the operation frequency, with over 40-dB isolation between the cross and bar
      ports. We also demonstrate 1.5-Gbit/s frequency-division communication in the
      0.32- and 0.33-THz bands using a single-wavelength-sized diplexer, and discuss
      the transmission bandwidth. Our study demonstrates the potential for application
      of photonic crystals as terahertz-wave integration platforms. 

PMID- 27137067
TI  - Possible shell disease in 100 million-year-old crabs.
AB  - Modern organisms exhibit evidence of many diseases, but recognizing such evidence
      in fossils remains difficult, thus hampering the study of the evolution of
      disease. We report on 2 molts of the goniodromitid crabs Distefania incerta and
      Goniodromites laevis from the mid-Cretaceous (late Albian) of Spain, with both
      species exhibiting damage to the dorsal carapace in otherwise well-preserved
      specimens. The subcircular to quadratical holes, found in <0.2% of the specimens,
      resemble damage caused by bacterial infections on the cuticle of modern decapods
      in terms of size and shape. Abiotic damage, predation, and encrustation followed
      by damage to the shell provide less satisfactory explanations, although these
      agents cannot be completely excluded from a role in shell disease etiology. We
      hypothesize that the observed fossil lesions are caused primarily by bacterial
      disease that started prior to molting, with or without other agents of
      initiation. If correct, this is the only known example of such bacterial
      infections in decapod crustaceans from the fossil record thus far, pushing back
      the evolutionary history of this type of shell disease by ~100 million years. 

PMID- 27137068
TI  - Australian abalone (Haliotis laevigata, H. rubra and H. conicopora) are
      susceptible to infection by multiple abalone herpesvirus genotypes.
AB  - From 2006 to 2012, acute mortalities occurred in farmed and wild abalone
      (Haliotis spp.) along the coast of Victoria, Australia. The disease (abalone
      viral ganglioneuritis; AVG) is associated with infection by an abalone
      herpesvirus (AbHV). The relative pathogenicity of 5 known variants of AbHV was
      evaluated on abalone stocks from different states in Australia. Results indicated
      that all virus variants (Vic1, Tas1, Tas2, Tas3 and Tas4) cause disease and
      mortality in all abalone stocks tested (greenlip, blacklip and brownlip). In
      order to avoid further AVG outbreaks in Australian wild abalone, strict
      regulations on the transfer of abalone stocks must be implemented. 

PMID- 27137069
TI  - Methodological issues affecting the study of fish parasites. I. Duration of live
      fish storage prior to dissection.
AB  - We tested the ability of parasite species to respond quickly to artificial
      conditions (e.g. by changing abundance or even decreasing to extinction) while
      host fish species were being held alive prior to dissection. Prussian carp
      Carassius gibelio were sampled by electrofishing from 2 ponds alongside the River
      Dyje (Czech Republic) during 'cold' and 'warm' seasons. All fish were transported
      to the laboratory in aerated pond water and kept in a 1 m3 outdoor basin with
      aged tap water for 6 d. Twenty fish were dissected on consecutive days (total 120
      fish for each site). Our results indicated that there was little change in
      parasite loading over the first 3 d of holding, suggesting no impact on
      parasitological studies undertaken over this period. From the fourth day,
      however, overall parasite abundance increased due to rapid reproduction of some
      parasite species, especially gyrodactylids in the cold season and dactylogyrids
      in the warm season. Parasite diversity appeared less stable in the warm season,
      with significant differences being registered as early as the second day. In
      addition to holding period, environmental conditions during fish holding will
      also play an important role in parasite community shifts. 

PMID- 27137070
TI  - First Proliferative Kidney Disease outbreak in Austria, linking to the aetiology
      of Black Trout Syndrome threatening autochthonous trout populations.
AB  - Proliferative Kidney Disease (PKD) was diagnosed in juvenile autochthonous brown
      trout Salmo trutta for the first time in Austria during summer 2014. Cytology
      showed Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae sporoblasts, and histology revealed
      sporogonic (coelozoic) and extrasporogonic (histozoic) stages. Analysis of
      malacosporean ribosomal small subunit revealed that this strain is closely
      related to European isolates, although its source is unknown. Infection and high
      pathogenicity were reproduced upon a pre-restocking test with specific pathogen
      free (SPF) juvenile trout, resulting in 100% mortality between 28 and 46 d post
      exposure (dpe), with high ectoparasitosis. Fish showed grade 2 of the Kidney
      Swelling Index and grade 3 of the PKD histological assessment. T. bryosalmonae
      enzootic waters were demonstrated in further locations along the River Kamp, with
      infected bryozoans retrieved up to 6 km upstream of the farm with the PKD
      outbreak. Fredericella sultana colonies collected from these locations were
      cultivated in laboratory conditions. Released malacospores successfully induced
      PKD, and contextually Black Trout Syndrome (BTS), in SPF brown trout. In the
      absence of co-infections mortality occurred between 59 and 98 dpe, with kidneys
      enlarged up to 6.74% of total body weight (normal 1.23%). This study confirms the
      first isolation of a pathogenic myxozoan from an Austrian river tributary of the
      Danube, where its 2-host life cycle is fully occurring. Its immunosuppressant
      action could link PKD as a key factor in the multifactorial aetiology of BTS.
      This T. bryosalmonae isolation provides an impetus to undertake further multi
      disciplinary research, aiming to assess the impact of PKD and BTS spreading to
      central European regions. 

PMID- 27137071
TI  - Characterization of Pediococcus acidilactici strains isolated from rainbow trout
      (Oncorhynchus mykiss) feed and larvae: safety, DNA fingerprinting, and
      bacteriocinogenicity.
AB  - The use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as probiotics constitutes an alternative or
      complementary strategy to chemotherapy and vaccination for disease control in
      aquaculture. The objectives of this work were (1) the in vitro safety assessment
      of 8 Pediococcus acidilactici strains isolated from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus
      mykiss, Walbaum) feed and larvae; (2) the evaluation of their genetic
      relatedness; (3) the study of their antimicrobial/bacteriocin activity against
      fish pathogens; and (4) the biochemical and genetic characterization of the
      bacteriocin produced by the strain displaying the greatest antimicrobial
      activity. Concerning the safety assessment, none of the pediococci showed
      antibiotic resistance nor produced hemolysin or gelatinase, degraded gastric
      mucin, or deconjugated bile salts. Four strains (50%) produced tyramine or
      putrescine, but the corresponding genes were not amplified by PCR.
      Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR (ERIC-PCR) fingerprinting
      allowed clustering of the pediococci into 2 well-defined groups (68% similarity).
      From the 8 pediococci displaying direct antimicrobial activity against at least 3
      out of 9 fish pathogens, 6 strains (75%) were identified as bacteriocin
      producers. The bacteriocin produced by P. acidilactici L-14 was purified, and
      mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing revealed its identity to pediocin PA-1
      (PedPA-1). Altogether, our results allowed the identification of 4 (50%)
      putatively safe pediococci, including 2 bacteriocinogenic strains. ERIC-PCR
      fingerprinting was a valuable tool for genetic profiling of P. acidilactici
      strains. This work reports for the first time the characterization of a PedPA-1
      producing P. acidilactici strain isolated from an aquatic environment (rainbow
      trout larvae), which shows interesting properties related to its potential use as
      a probiotic in aquaculture. 

PMID- 27137072
TI  - Management of severe head injury with brain exposure in three loggerhead sea
      turtles Caretta caretta.
AB  - The loggerhead Caretta caretta is the most common sea turtle in the
      Mediterranean. Currently, sea turtles are considered endangered, mainly due to
      the impact of human activities. Among traumatic lesions, those involving the
      skull, if complicated by brain exposure, are often life-threatening. In these
      cases, death could be the outcome of direct trauma of the cerebral tissue or of
      secondary meningoencephalitis. This uncontrolled study aims to evaluate the use
      of a plant-derived dressing (1 Primary Wound Dressing(r)) in 3 sea turtles with
      severe lesions of the skull exposing the brain. Following surgical curettage, the
      treatment protocol involved exclusive use of the plant-derived dressing applied
      on the wound surface as the primary dressing, daily for the first month and then
      every other day until the end of treatment. The wound and peri-wound skin were
      covered with a simple secondary dressing without any active compound (non-woven
      gauze with petroleum jelly). Data presented herein show an excellent healing
      process in all 3 cases and no side effects due to contact of the medication with
      the cerebral tissue. 

PMID- 27137073
TI  - Caribbean yellow band disease compromises the activity of catalase and
      glutathione S-transferase in the reef-building coral Orbicella faveolata exposed
      to anthracene.
AB  - Healthy and diseased corals are threatened by different anthropogenic sources,
      such as pollution, a problem expected to become more severe in the near future.
      Despite the fact that coastal pollution and coral diseases might represent a
      serious threat to coral reef health, there is a paucity of controlled experiments
      showing whether the response of diseased and healthy corals to xenobiotics
      differs. In this study, we exposed healthy and Caribbean yellow band disease
      (CYBD)-affected Orbicella faveolata colonies to 3 sublethal concentrations of
      anthracene to test if enzymatic responses to this hydrocarbon were compromised in
      CYBD-affected tissues. For this, a 2-factorial fully orthogonal design was used
      in a controlled laboratory bioassay, using tissue condition (2 levels: apparently
      healthy and diseased) and pollutant concentration (4 levels: experimental
      control, 10, 30 and 100 ppb concentration) as fixed factors. A permutation-based
      ANOVA (PERMANOVA) was used to test the effects of condition and concentration on
      the specific activity of 3 enzymatic biomarkers: catalase, glutathione S
      transferase, and glutathione peroxidase. We found a significant interaction
      between the concentration of anthracene and the colony condition for catalase
      (Pseudo-F = 3.84, df = 3, p < 0.05) and glutathione S-transferase (Pseudo-F =
      3.29, df = 3, p < 0.05). Moreover, our results indicated that the enzymatic
      response to anthracene in CYBD-affected tissues was compromised, as the activity
      of these enzymes decreased 3- to 4-fold compared to healthy tissues. These
      results suggest that under a potential scenario of increasing hydrocarbon coastal
      pollution, colonies of O. faveolata affected with CYBD might become more
      vulnerable to the deleterious effects of chemical pollution. 

PMID- 27137074
TI  - Cyanobacterial and microeukaryotic profiles of healthy, diseased, and dead
      Millepora alcicornis from the South Atlantic.
AB  - Coral reefs are at risk due to events associated with human activities, which
      have resulted in the increasing occurrence of coral diseases. Corals live in
      symbiotic relationships with different microorganisms, such as cyanobacteria, a
      very important group. Members of the phylum Cyanobacteria are found in great
      abundance in the marine environment and may play an essential role in keeping
      corals healthy but may also be pathogenic. Furthermore, some studies are showing
      a rise in cyanobacterial abundance in coral reefs as a result of climate change.
      The current study aimed to improve our understanding of the relationship between
      cyanobacteria and coral health. Our results revealed that the cyanobacterial
      genus GPI (Anabaena) is a possible opportunistic pathogen of the coral species
      Millepora alcicornis in the South Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, the bacterial and
      microeukaryotic profile of healthy, diseased, and post-disease (skeletal) regions
      of affected coral indicated that a microbial consortium composed of Anabaena sp.,
      Prosthecochloris sp., and microeukaryotes could be involved in this pathogenicity
      or could be taking advantage of the diseased state. 

PMID- 27137075
TI  - ORF13 in the Type III secretion system gene cluster of Edwardsiella tarda binds
      to the mammalian factor Cugbp2.
AB  - The Type III secretion system (TTSS) is essential for the intracellular
      replication of Edwardsiella tarda in phagocytes of fish and mammals, and a
      hypothetical gene (orf13) located in the TTSS gene cluster is required for
      intracellular replication and virulence of E. tarda. Here, we show that under
      TTSS-inducing conditions, the protein ORF13 was secreted into culture
      supernatant. Then, using a yeast 2-hybrid screen, we show that the mammalian
      factor Cugbp2, which regulates apoptosis in breast cancer cells, directly
      interacts with ORF13. A pull-down assay revealed that ORF13 binds to the C
      terminal region of Cugbp2. Our results suggest that ORF13 may facilitate E. tarda
      replication in phagocytes by binding to Cugbp2. 

PMID- 27137076
TI  - Breast Cancer: Current Molecular Therapeutic Targets and New Players.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the most frequent cause of cancer
      death among women worldwide. Breast cancer is a complex, heterogeneous disease
      classified into hormone-receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor
      2 overexpressing (HER2+) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) based on
      histological features. Endocrine therapy, the mainstay of treatment for hormone
      responsive breast cancer involves use of selective estrogen receptor modulators
      (SERMs), selective estrogen receptor downregulators (SERDs) and aromatase
      inhibitors (AIs). Agents that target estrogen receptor (ER) and HER2 such as
      tamoxifen and trastuzumab have been the most extensively used therapeutics for
      breast cancer. Crosstalk between ER and other signalling networks as well as
      epigenetic mechanisms have been envisaged to contribute to endocrine therapy
      resistance. TNBC, a complex, heterogeneous, aggressive form of breast cancer in
      which the cells do not express ER, progesterone receptor or HER2 is refractory to
      therapy. Several molecular targets are being explored to target TNBC including
      androgen receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), poly(ADP-ribose)
      polymerase (PARP), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Receptors,
      protein tyrosine kinases, phosphatases, proteases, PI3K/Akt signalling pathway,
      microRNAs (miRs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potential therapeutic
      targets. miR-based therapeutic approaches include inhibition of oncomiRs by
      antisense oligonucleotides, restoration of tumour suppressors using miR mimics,
      and chemical modification of miRs. The lnRNAs HOTAIR, SPRY4-IT1, GAS5, and
      PANDAR, new players in tumour development and prognosis may have theranostic
      applications in breast cancer. Several novel classes of mechanism-based drugs
      have been designed and synthesised for treatment of breast cancer. Integration of
      nucleic acid sequencing studies with mass spectrometry-based peptide sequencing
      and posttranslational modifications as well as rational drug design will provide
      a more comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of breast cancer and
      help in evolving therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 27137077
TI  - The Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation in Environmental Scanning Transmission
      Electron Microscopy of Whole Cells in Liquid.
AB  - Whole cells can be studied in their native liquid environment using electron
      microscopy, and unique information about the locations and stoichiometry of
      individual membrane proteins can be obtained from many cells thus taking cell
      heterogeneity into account. Of key importance for the further development of this
      microscopy technology is knowledge about the effect of electron beam radiation on
      the samples under investigation. We used environmental scanning electron
      microscopy (ESEM) with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) detection
      to examine the effect of radiation for whole fixed COS7 fibroblasts in liquid.
      The main observation was the localization of nanoparticle labels attached to
      epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs). It was found that the relative
      distances between the labels remained mostly unchanged (<1.5%) for electron doses
      ranging from the undamaged native state at 10 e-/A2 toward 103 e-/A2. This dose
      range was sufficient to determine the EGFR locations with nanometer resolution
      and to distinguish between monomers and dimers. Various different forms of
      radiation damage became visible at higher doses, including severe dislocation,
      and the dissolution of labels.

PMID- 27137078
TI  - The effect of heightened awareness of observation on consumption of a multi-item
      laboratory test meal in females.
AB  - Human eating behaviour is often studied in the laboratory, but whether the extent
      to which a participant believes that their food intake is being measured
      influences consumption of different meal items is unclear. Our main objective was
      to examine whether heightened awareness of observation of food intake affects
      consumption of different food items during a lunchtime meal. One hundred and
      fourteen female participants were randomly assigned to an experimental condition
      designed to heighten participant awareness of observation or a condition in which
      awareness of observation was lower, before consuming an ad libitum multi-item
      lunchtime meal in a single session study. Under conditions of heightened
      awareness, participants tended to eat less of an energy dense snack food
      (cookies) in comparison to the less aware condition. Consumption of other meal
      items and total energy intake were similar in the heightened awareness vs. less
      aware condition. Exploratory secondary analyses suggested that the effect
      heightened awareness had on reduced cookie consumption was dependent on weight
      status, as well as trait measures of dietary restraint and disinhibition, whereby
      only participants with overweight/obesity, high disinhibition or low restraint
      reduced their cookie consumption. Heightened awareness of observation may cause
      females to reduce their consumption of an energy dense snack food during a test
      meal in the laboratory and this effect may be moderated by participant individual
      differences.

PMID- 27137079
TI  - Phenotypic correlates of melanization in two Sceloporus occidentalis
      (Phrynosomatidae) populations: Behavior, androgens, stress reactivity, and
      ectoparasites.
AB  - Mechanisms underlying production of animal coloration can affect key traits
      besides coloration. Melanin, and molecules regulating melanin, can directly and
      indirectly affect other phenotypic traits including aggression, stress
      reactivity, and immune function. We studied correlation of melanization with
      these other traits, comparing within- and between-population differences of adult
      male western fence lizards, Sceloporus occidentalis. We compared one high- and
      one low-elevation population in California where individuals are increasingly
      darker at higher elevations, working during comparable periods of the breeding
      season at each site (first egg clutch). We measured agonistic behaviors of free
      ranging males in response to staged territorial intrusions (STIs). In other sets
      of males we measured baseline testosterone and corticosterone levels, and
      hormonal-reactivity to a stress handling paradigm. We counted ectoparasite loads
      for all males. There were no significant associations between individual
      variation in melanization and individual variation in any of the variables
      measured. However, analysis of behavior from the STIs revealed that males in the
      darker high-elevation population responded with more aggressive behavior compared
      to males in the lighter low-elevation population. Males in the low-elevation
      population had significantly higher mean baseline testosterone, but the two
      populations did not differ in adrenal function (baseline corticosterone or
      corticosterone after 1-h confinement stress). Males in the darker high-elevation
      population had higher mean mite loads compared to males in the lighter
      population. This array of phenotypic differences between the two populations, and
      the absence of trait associations when assessing individual variation, do not
      parallel the patterns in other vertebrates. We describe potential differences in
      selective regimes that could produce these different patterns across vertebrates.
      These data suggest that hormonal pleiotropy does not constrain phenotypic
      variation.

PMID- 27137080
TI  - The Effect of Debridement of Coexisting Partial Ligament Injuries on Outcomes
      Following Arthroscopic Osteosynthesis for Minimally Displaced Scaphoid Nonunions.
AB  - PURPOSE: Partial intercarpal ligament injuries can coexist with scaphoid
      nonunions. However, whether these injuries should be debrided simultaneously when
      scaphoid nonunions are treated is unclear. The purpose of this study was to
      compare union rates and clinical outcomes after arthroscopic management of
      scaphoid nonunions, in which coexisting partial ligament injuries were, or were
      not, simultaneously debrided. METHODS: This retrospective study included 46
      patients with scaphoid nonunions and coexisting partial intercarpal ligament
      injuries who underwent arthroscopy-guided bone grafting and fixation (K-wires or
      headless screws) between March 2008 and May 2014 with a minimum follow-up of 1
      year. None of the cases had necrosis of the proximal fragment (determined by
      contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging), severe deformities, or advanced
      arthritis. The partial intercarpal ligament injuries were either simultaneously
      debrided (25 patients; group D) or not debrided (21 patients; group ND). Visual
      analog scale pain scores, grip strength, flexion-extension arc of the wrist, Mayo
      Wrist Scores, and Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores were used to
      compare clinical outcomes between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The nonunions united in
      93% (43 of 46) of the patients. There were no differences between the 2 groups
      with regard to patient demographics, preoperative outcome measures, location of
      scaphoid nonunion, and degree of ligament injury. The overall union rate was
      similar between group D (92%; 23 of 25) and group ND (95%; 20 of 21). At a median
      follow-up of 24 months for group D and group ND, the visual analog scale pain
      score, grip strength, Mayo Wrist Scores, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder,
      and Hand scores were significantly improved in both groups, compared with
      preoperative scores. Flexion-extension arc showed no change in both groups
      compared with preoperative angles. All of the follow-up measurements were similar
      in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who underwent arthroscopic bone
      grafting and fixation of scaphoid nonunions, simultaneous debridement of
      incidentally found partial intercarpal ligament injuries did not result in a
      better union rate or clinical outcomes than not debriding the partial ligament
      injuries. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic III.

PMID- 27137081
TI  - Risk of Injury to the Dorsal Sensory Branch of the Ulnar Nerve With Percutaneous
      Pinning of Ulnar-Sided Structures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the risk of injury to the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar
      nerve (DSBUN) with percutaneous pinning of commonly stabilized ulnar-sided
      structures. METHODS: Eleven fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities were
      assessed. Percutaneous pinning of the fifth metacarpal base and neck,
      lunotriquetral joint, ulnar styloid, and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) with 1.4
      mm Kirschner wires was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Each specimen was
      then carefully dissected and the distance from each pin to the DSBUN was measured
      using a digital caliper. Direct injury to the DSBUN and pins found immediately
      adjacent to the nerve were recorded. RESULTS: Mean distance from the pin to the
      DSBUN at the fifth metacarpal neck was 5.0 +/- 1.5 mm; fifth metacarpal base, 2.3
      +/- 2.2 mm; lunotriquetral joint, 1.8 +/- 1.6 mm; ulnar styloid, 0.8 +/- 1.1 mm;
      and DRUJ, 3.1 +/- 0.9 mm. Two of 11 ulnar styloid pins and 1 of 11 lunotriquetral
      pin directly penetrated the DSBUN, whereas 4 of 11 ulnar styloid pins, 3 of 11
      fifth metacarpal base pins, and 2 of 11 lunotriquetral pins were directly
      adjacent to the DSBUN. There was an increased overall risk of DSBUN injury (risk
      of direct injury and risk of adjacent pin) with pinning of the ulnar styloid
      compared with fifth metacarpal neck and DRUJ pinning. CONCLUSIONS: The current
      study demonstrates the risk of iatrogenic injury to the DSBUN with percutaneous
      pinning of the ulnar styloid, lunotriquetral joint, and fifth metacarpal base.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We recommend identifying and protecting the nerve to mitigate
      the risk of iatrogenic injury when performing ulnar-sided pinning of structures
      from the ulnar styloid to the fifth metacarpal base.

PMID- 27137082
TI  - Genetic micro-heterogeneity of Leishmania major in emerging foci of zoonotic
      cutaneous leishmaniasis in Tunisia.
AB  - Tunisia is endemic for zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), a parasitic
      disease caused by Leishmania (L.) major. ZCL displays a wide clinical
      polymorphism, with severe forms present more frequently in emerging foci where
      naive populations are dominant. In this study, we applied the multi-locus
      microsatellite typing (MLMT) using ten highly informative and discriminative
      markers to investigate the genetic structure of 35 Tunisian Leishmania (L.) major
      isolates collected from patients living in five different foci of Central Tunisia
      (two old and three emerging foci). Phylogenetic reconstructions based on genetic
      distances showed that nine of the ten tested loci were homogeneous in all
      isolates with homozygous alleles, whereas one locus (71AT) had a 58/64-bp bi
      allelic profile with an allele linked to emerging foci. Promastigote-stage
      parasites with the 58-bp allele tend to be more resistant to in vitro complement
      lysis. These results, which stress the geographical dependence of the genetic
      micro-heterogeneity, may improve our understanding of the ZCL epidemiology and
      clinical outcome.

PMID- 27137083
TI  - MHC class II transcription is associated with inflammatory responses in a wild
      marine mammal.
AB  - Inflammation is one of the most important non-specific and rapid responses that a
      vertebrate can elicit in response to damage or a foreign insult. To date, despite
      increasing evidence that the innate and adaptive branches of immunity are more
      intricately related than previously thought, few have examined interactions
      between the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC, a polymorphic region of the
      vertebrate genome that is involved with antigen presentation) and inflammation,
      and even less is known about these interactions in an eco-immunological context.
      Here, we examined the effect of MHC class II DRB gene multiplicity and
      transcription on phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced inflammation during the early
      stages of development of California sea lions. Neither constitutive nor expressed
      ZacaDRB diversity was found to be associated with pup responses to PHA at any of
      the stages of pup development. However, for two-month-old pups, those with a
      specific MHC-DRB locus (ZacaDRB-A) tended to have less efficient responsive
      inflammation. Transcription of distinct MHC-DRB loci was also linked to PHA
      induced inflammation, with patterns that varied markedly between ages, and that
      suggested that ongoing infectious processes could limit the capacity to respond
      to a secondary challenge. Life history constraints and physiological processes
      associated with development of California sea lions, in conjunction with their
      changing pathogenic environment could explain the observed effects of MHC class
      II transcription on PHA-induced inflammation. To our knowledge, ours is the first
      study to examine the importance of expressed vs. constitutive MHC loci on
      inflammation in a natural population.

PMID- 27137084
TI  - Cytomegalovirus encephalitis: Undescribed diffusion-weighted imaging
      characteristics. Original aspects of cases extracted from a retrospective study,
      and from literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is paucity of studies analyzing DWI in MRI sequences when
      imaging cytomegalovirus (CMV) meningoencephalitis. The main objective of this
      study is to demonstrate that DWI sequence is mandatory when imaging
      immunocompromised patients presenting with encephalitic symptoms, as this
      sequence can reveal very peculiar lesions in the setting of CMV encephalitis.
      PATIENTS AND METHOD: Three CSF PCR CMV positive cases were identified in a 13
      year retrospective study with MRI scans including T1, FLAIR, DWI with automated
      ADC calculation, and T1 with contrast injection, and were reviewed by a senior
      neuroradiologist. RESULTS: Our three cases presented multiple high-signal
      intensity punctiform lesions in DWI, which uniformly were in restricted
      diffusion. Each patient had multiple lesions (mean 19.3, range 12-30): 96.5% were
      supratentorial and 3.5% were infratentorial. Among supratentorial lesions, 62.5%
      were subependymal, 28.6% were periventricular and 8.9% were subcortical. Some
      lesions remained in a long lasting restricted diffusion state. All cases had
      FLAIR curvilinear periventricular high signal intensities. No contrast uptake was
      found. DISCUSSION: Punctiform DWI lesions had a clear ventricle wall tropism,
      consistent with classical autopsy findings. The classical histological knowledge
      compatible explanation for long lasting diffusion restriction is non-lethal
      cytotoxic edema owing to CMV inclusions. CONCLUSION: Subependymal and
      periventricular punctiform restricted diffusion lesions in the setting of
      meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients seem highly evocative of CMV
      encephalitis. The diffusion sequence probably reveals focal lesions constitutive
      of cellular viral inclusions.

PMID- 27137085
TI  - Safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for intracranial infectious
      aneurysms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intracranial infectious aneurysms (IIAs), or mycotic aneurysms are
      rare, representing between 0.7% and 5.4% of all intracranial aneurysms. To
      clarify the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of IIAs, we conducted a
      systematic review of the literature analyzing periprocedural and long-term
      clinical and angiographic outcomes. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the
      literature for studies with >=3 patients related to endovascular treatment of
      IIAs published through September 2015 was performed. Random-effects meta-analysis
      was used to pool the following outcomes: complete occlusion, technical success,
      aneurysm recurrence, rebleeding, perioperative mortality, iatrogenic rupture,
      perioperative stroke, procedure-related morbidity and mortality, long-term
      neurological morbidity and mortality, and overall good neurological outcome.
      RESULTS: We included 11 non-comparative studies with 86 target IIAs. Complete
      occlusion rates were 95.3% (95% CI=91.2-99.4%). Recurrence occurred in 7.9% (95%
      CI=2.7-13.0%). Rebleeding occurred in 5.8% (95% CI=1.4-10.3%) of patients.
      Procedure-related morbidity was 12.6% (95% CI=6.1-19.2%) and procedure-related
      mortality was 6.1% (95% CI=1.5-10.8%). Long-term good neurological outcome was
      68.0% (95% CI=55.1-80.9%). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that
      endovascular treatment is technically feasible and effective with high rates of
      IIA occlusion. Despite the comorbidities of patients, endovascular approach was
      associated with acceptable rates of procedure-related morbidity and satisfactory
      rates of overall good neurological outcome.

PMID- 27137086
TI  - Suicidal behaviour characteristics and factors associated with mortality in the
      hospital setting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Suicide is a major public health problem worldwide, and an approach
      is necessary due to its high potential for prevention. This paper examines the
      main characteristics of people admitted to hospitals in the Community of Madrid
      (Spain) with suicidal behaviour, and the factors associated with their hospital
      mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A study was conducted on patients with E950-E959
      codes of suicide and self-inflicted injuries of the International Classification
      of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, contained in any diagnostic
      field of the minimum basic data set at hospital discharge between 2003 and 2013.
      Sociodemographic, clinical and health care variables were assessed by uni- and
      multivariate logistic regression analysis in the evaluation of factors associated
      with hospital mortality. RESULTS: Hospital suicidal behaviour predominates in
      women (58.7%) and in middle-age. Hospital mortality is 2.2% (1.6% in women and
      3.2% in men), increasing with age. Mental disorders are detected 3-4 times more
      in secondary diagnoses. The main primary diagnosis (>74%) is poisoning with
      substances, with lower mortality (~1%) than injury by hanging and jumping from
      high places (>=12%), which have the highest numbers. Other factors associated
      with increased mortality include different medical comorbidities and severity of
      the injury, while length of stay and mental disorders are protective factors.
      Type of hospital, poisoning, and Charlson index are associated differently with
      mortality in men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalised suicidal acts show a low
      mortality, mainly related to comorbidities and the severity of injuries.

PMID- 27137087
TI  - The role of physiotherapy in climate change mitigation.

PMID- 27137088
TI  - Sweating away depression? The impact of intensive exercise on depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In periods of prolonged stress and pain the body produces endorphins
      to help endure pain. The PANIC system is built on the same pathways as the pain
      system and is characterized by behaviour that looks like depression. The term
      'mental pain' in the context of feelings of loss is arguably justified in light
      of this relationship between the physical pain and social loss systems. It is
      reasonable to expect that endorphin release ameliorates depression. METHODS:
      Moderately depressed males (n=30) were randomly assigned to one of three groups
      of varying exercise intensity. Each underwent a six-week exercise programme for
      three days per week, one hour per day. The HAM-D, MADRS, and ANPS were
      administered weekly and beta-endorphin levels measured. RESULTS: Moderate- and
      high-intensity exercise improved depression levels, while very-low intensity
      exercise did not have as beneficial an effect. beta-endorphin results were
      inconclusive. Participants showed a slight decrease in PANIC and FEAR, and
      increased SEEKING. LIMITATIONS: The potential insensitivity of the assays that
      were utilized, and the known problems with measuring beta-endorphins, may have
      contributed to the findings. The lack of a state measure of the basic emotion
      systems is problematic, as a trait measure has to be relied upon, and this likely
      affected the ability to accurately detect changes over time. CONCLUSIONS: The
      demonstrated improvements in depressive symptoms have important implications for
      the clinical treatment of patients despite the hypothesis that the PANIC system
      is involved in the genesis and maintenance of depression not having been
      conclusively confirmed.

PMID- 27137089
TI  - The Caregiver Perspective on Paediatric ADHD (CAPPA) survey: Understanding
      sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, treatment use and impact of ADHD
      in Europe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a
      neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the lives of patients and their
      families. The Caregiver Perspective on Paediatric ADHD (CAPPA) survey was
      conducted to evaluate the burden associated with ADHD in Europe and to identify
      unmet needs. Here, we describe sociodemographic and clinical characteristics,
      treatment use and impact of ADHD. METHODS: The cross-sectional web-based CAPPA
      survey was fielded in 10 European countries among caregivers of
      children/adolescents (aged 6-17 years) with ADHD who were currently receiving or
      had received pharmacotherapy in the previous 6 months. RESULTS: Data on 3688
      completed CAPPA surveys were evaluated. Children/adolescents were diagnosed with
      ADHD at a mean age of 6.9 years; 80% were male. Most children/adolescents (56%)
      had undergone behavioural therapy. Overall, 78% of children/adolescents currently
      received ADHD pharmacotherapy; high rates of atypical antipsychotic use were
      reported in some countries. Overall, 23% of children/adolescents had repeated a
      school year and 4% had been expelled recently. Most caregivers (68-88%) reported
      difficulty with schoolwork, social interactions/activities and family
      relationships, even when the child/adolescent was receiving ADHD medication.
      Almost one third (31%) of caregivers felt the need to change employment status
      despite their child/adolescent receiving ADHD medication in 53% of these cases.
      LIMITATIONS: Information was reported by caregivers recruited through market
      research panels; reporting, recall and selection biases may be present.
      CONCLUSION: Variation across Europe was observed in characteristics of caregivers
      and children/adolescents with ADHD, and treatment use. Even with medication, ADHD
      compromised or negatively impacted caregivers' work and children/adolescents'
      schoolwork, their social interactions and family relationships.

PMID- 27137090
TI  - Fine Mutational Analysis of 2B8 and 3H7 Tag Epitopes with Corresponding Specific
      Monoclonal Antibodies.
AB  - Bacteriophytochromes are phytochrome-like light-sensing photoreceptors that use
      biliverdin as a chromophore. To study the biochemical properties of the
      Deinococcus radiodurans bacteriophytochrome (DrBphP) protein, two anti-DrBphP
      mouse monoclonal antibodies (2B8 and 3H7) were generated. Their specific epitopes
      were identified in our previous report. We present here fine epitope mapping of
      these two antibodies by using truncation and substitution of original epitope
      sequences in order to identify minimized epitope peptides. The previously
      reported original epitope sequences for 2B8 and 3H7 were truncated from both
      sides. Our analysis showed that the minimal peptide sequence lengths for 2B8 and
      3H7 antibodies were nine amino acids (RDPLPFFPP) and six amino acids (PGEIEE),
      respectively. We further characterized these peptides in order to investigate
      their reactivity after single deletion and single substitution of the original
      peptides. We found that single-substituted 2B8 epitope (RDPLPAFPP) and dual
      substituted 3H7 epitope (PGEIAD) showed significantly increased reactivity. These
      two antibodies with high reactivity for the short modified peptide sequences are
      valueble for developing new peptide tags for protein research. 

PMID- 27137091
TI  - Incredible RNA: Dual Functions of Coding and Noncoding.
AB  - Since the RNA world hypothesis was proposed, a large number of regulatory
      noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified in many species, ranging from
      microorganisms to mammals. During the characterization of these newly discovered
      RNAs, RNAs having both coding and noncoding functions were discovered, and these
      were considered bifunctional RNAs. The recent use of computational and high
      throughput experimental approaches has revealed increasing evidence of various
      sources of bifunctional RNAs, such as protein-coding mRNAs with a noncoding
      isoform and long ncRNAs bearing a small open reading frame. Therefore, the
      genomic diversity of Janus-faced RNA molecules that have dual characteristics of
      coding and noncoding indicates that the functional roles of RNAs have to be
      revisited in cells on a genome-wide scale. Such studies would allow us to further
      understand the complex gene-regulatory network in cells. In this review, we
      discuss three major genomic sources of bifunctional RNAs and present a handful of
      examples of bifunctional RNA along with their functional roles. 

PMID- 27137092
TI  - Primary Joint Arthroplasty Surgery: Is the Risk of Major Bleeding Higher in
      Elderly Patients? A Retrospective Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased risk of bleeding after major orthopedic surgery (MOS) has
      been widely documented in general population. However, this complication has not
      been studied in elderly patients. The purpose of this study is to determine
      whether the risk of major bleeding after MOS is higher in elderly patients,
      compared with those operated at a younger age. METHODS: This retrospective cohort
      study included total hip and total knee arthroplasty patients operated during 5
      consecutive years. The main outcome was the occurrence of major bleeding.
      Patients with other causes of bleeding were excluded. Relative risks (RRs) and
      confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and a multivariate analysis was
      performed. RESULTS: A total of 1048 patients were included, 56% of patients were
      hip arthroplasties. At the time of surgery, 553 (53%) patients were older than 70
      years. Patients aged >70 years showed an increased risk of major bleeding (RR:
      2.42 [95% CI: 1.54-3.81]). For hip arthroplasty, the RR of bleeding was 2.61
      (95%CI: 1.50-4.53) and 2.25 (95% CI: 1.03-4.94) for knee arthroplasty. After
      multivariate analysis, age was found to be independently associated with higher
      risk of major bleeding. CONCLUSION: According to European Medicines Agency
      criteria, patients aged >=70 years are at a higher risk of major bleeding after
      MOS, result of a higher frequency of blood transfusions in this group of
      patients. Standardized protocols for blood transfusion in these patients are
      still required.

PMID- 27137093
TI  - Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies in childhood: Case
      series and literature update.

PMID- 27137094
TI  - Therapeutic Alliances in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Meta-Ethnography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To synthesize qualitative studies exploring patients' and
      professionals' perspectives and experiences of developing and maintaining
      therapeutic alliances in stroke rehabilitation. DATA SOURCES: A systematic
      literature search was conducted using the following electronic databases:
      PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database,
      Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, and ComDisDome from inception to May
      2014. This was supplemented by hand searching, reference tracking, generic web
      searching, and e-mail contact with experts. STUDY SELECTION: Qualitative peer
      reviewed articles reporting experiences or perceptions of the patient or
      professional in relation to therapeutic alliance construction and maintenance in
      stroke rehabilitation were selected for inclusion. After a process of exclusion,
      17 publications were included in the synthesis. DATA EXTRACTION: All text
      identified in the results and discussion sections of the selected studies were
      extracted verbatim for analysis in a qualitative software program. Studies were
      critically appraised independently by 2 reviewers. DATA SYNTHESIS: Articles were
      synthesized using a technique of meta-ethnography. Four overarching themes
      emerged from the process of reciprocal translation: (1) the professional-patient
      relationship: degree of connectedness; (2) asymmetrical contributions; (3) the
      process of collaboration: finding the middle ground; and (4) system drivers.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the meta-ethnography suggest that the balance of
      power between the patient and professional is asymmetrically distributed in the
      construction of the alliance. However, given that none of the studies included in
      the review addressed therapeutic alliance as a primary research area, further
      research is required to develop a conceptual framework relevant to stroke
      rehabilitation, in order to determine how this construct contributes to treatment
      efficacy.

PMID- 27137095
TI  - Harmonization of Databases: A Step for Advancing the Knowledge About Spinal Cord
      Injury.
AB  - The objectives of this article are to (1) provide an overview of existing spinal
      cord injury (SCI) clinical research databases-their purposes, characteristics,
      and accessibility to users; and (2) present a vision for future collaborations
      required for cross-cutting research in SCI. This vision highlights the need for
      validated and relevant data for longitudinal clinical trials and observational
      and epidemiologic SCI-related studies. Three existing SCI clinical research
      databases/registries are reviewed and summarized with regard to current formats,
      collection methods, and uses, including major strengths and weaknesses. Efforts
      to provide a uniform approach to data collection are also reviewed. The databases
      reviewed offer different approaches to capture important clinical information on
      SCI. They vary on size, purpose, data points, inclusion of standard outcomes, and
      technical requirements. Each presents with a set of limitations including lack of
      population data and lack of a common platform for data comparisons and exchanges.
      It is clear that numerous issues need to be considered when planning to establish
      common ways of collecting data through data sets or patient registries, ranging
      from a carefully crafted implementation plan that lists purposes, cost, resources
      required, and policies to guide such development to establishing a framework for
      dissemination of data and findings. For the present, taking advantage of the vast
      but different data already collected over many decades may require a variety of
      statistical skills and epidemiologic techniques. Ultimately, our ability to speak
      the same language with regard to variables and assessment tools will facilitate
      international collaborations and enhance comparability, data pooling, and the
      ability to generalize findings to a broader population.

PMID- 27137096
TI  - X-ray holography with an atomic scatterer.
AB  - X-ray holography scheme with reference scatterer consisting of heavy atom as
      reference center and its link to an object consisting of several light atoms and
      using controlled variation of the alignment is represented. The scheme can
      reproduce an object in three dimensions with atomic resolution. The distorting
      factors of reconstruction are considered.

PMID- 27137097
TI  - Secreted fungal aspartic proteases: A review.
AB  - The aspartic proteases, also called aspartyl and aspartate proteases or acid
      proteases (E.C.3.4.23), belong to the endopeptidase family and are characterized
      by the conserved sequence Asp-Gly-Thr at the active site. These enzymes are found
      in a wide variety of microorganisms in which they perform important functions
      related to nutrition and pathogenesis. In addition, their high activity and
      stability at acid pH make them attractive for industrial application in the food
      industry; specifically, they are used as milk-coagulating agents in cheese
      production or serve to improve the taste of some foods. This review presents an
      analysis of the characteristics and properties of secreted microbial aspartic
      proteases and their potential for commercial application. 

PMID- 27137098
TI  - The need to increase awareness of the risk factors of COPD.
AB  - COPD is a heterogeneous disease responsible for a major burden on public and
      individual health. A wide variety of intrinsic and environmental risk factors are
      involved, and exert their influence at various time points during the life span
      of individuals. Knowledge of these factors is of utmost importance to develop
      appropriate screening and prevention programs, and may help improving the
      pathophysiological knowledge of the disease. Accordingly, there are multiple
      targets of information and education on risk factors for COPD, including the
      general population and patients, workers and employers, doctors and other
      healthcare professionals, researchers, policy-makers, payers, etc. Gender and
      socioeconomic factors need to be specifically considered. Importantly, it is
      likely that increasing the specific knowledge of COPD risk factors among the
      above-mentioned targets cannot not be obtained without increasing the general
      knowledge of COPD in the population, which at present is dramatically low.

PMID- 27137099
TI  - Recommendations and offers for adult influenza vaccination, 2011-2012 season,
      United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Provider recommendations and offers for influenza vaccination improve
      adult influenza vaccination coverage. Analysis was performed to describe receipt
      of influenza vaccination recommendations and offers among adults who visited a
      healthcare provider (HCP) during the 2011-2012 influenza season and describe
      differences between those receiving and not receiving recommendations and offers
      for influenza vaccination. Associations between influenza vaccination and receipt
      of recommendations and offers were examined. METHODS: Respondents to a random
      digit dial telephone survey who had visited a HCP since July 1, 2011 were asked
      if they had received a recommendation for influenza vaccination. Those receiving
      a recommendation were asked if they received an offer for vaccination.
      Participants were characterized by demographic and access to health care
      variables. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between
      participant characteristics and recommendation alone, between participant
      characteristics and recommendation and offer, and between influenza vaccination
      and recommendation and offer. RESULTS: Of those who reported visiting a HCP,
      43.8% reported receiving a recommendation for influenza vaccination. Of those who
      reported receiving a recommendation, 76.6% reported receiving an offer for
      influenza vaccination. Persons with high-risk conditions and persons over 65
      years were more likely to receive recommendations for influenza vaccination when
      compared to those without high-risk conditions and 18-49 year olds, respectively.
      Those reporting receipt of a recommendation and offer for influenza vaccination
      were 1.76 times more likely and those reporting receipt of a recommendation but
      no offer were 1.72 times more likely to report being vaccinated for influenza
      controlling for all patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of
      respondents reported receipt of recommendations and offers of influenza
      vaccination during the 2011-2012 influenza season and disparities exist between
      groups. All healthcare providers seeing adults should recommend or offer
      influenza vaccination for all patients at every visit during the influenza
      season.

PMID- 27137100
TI  - Cyp3a deficiency enhances androgen receptor activity and cholesterol synthesis in
      the mouse prostate.
AB  - Testosterone regulates cellular functions in the prostate through activation of
      the androgen receptor (AR), which may enhance expression levels of
      cholesterogenic enzymes through activation of sterol regulatory element-binding
      protein2 (SREBP2). Because testosterone is inactivated to 6beta
      hydroxytestosterone by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A), we examined the effects of
      Cyp3a deficiency on circulating testosterone levels and its effects on activation
      of the AR and expression levels of cholesterogenic enzymes in the prostate using
      Cyp3a-knockout (Cyp3a(-/-)) mice. The results showed that Cyp3a(-/-) mice had
      remarkably increased free testosterone levels in plasma along with suppressed
      testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation activities in liver microsomes, suggesting that
      Cyp3a is a major determinant of systemic levels of testosterone in mice. The
      results also showed that mRNA expression levels of the AR target genes were
      increased significantly, and that AR bindings to the promoter region of the AR
      target genes were more abundant in the prostates of Cyp3a(-/-) mice. These
      findings suggest that AR activation was stimulated in the prostate of Cyp3a(-/-)
      mice. In addition, the protein expression levels of SREBP cleavage-activating
      protein (SCAP), mRNA expression levels of SREBP2 target genes and total
      cholesterol contents were increased in the prostates of Cyp3a(-/-) mice. The
      findings suggest that Cyp3a deficiency stimulated the expression of Scap via
      activation of the AR, which elevated cholesterogenic gene expression levels
      through activation of SREBP2 and increased total cholesterol contents in the
      prostate.

PMID- 27137101
TI  - Sensory suppression of brain responses to self-generated sounds is observed with
      and without the perception of agency.
AB  - Stimuli caused by our own movements are given special treatment in the brain.
      Self-generated sounds evoke a smaller brain response than externally generated
      ones. This attenuated response may reflect a predictive mechanism to
      differentiate the sensory consequences of one's own actions from other sensory
      input. It may also relate to the feeling of being the agent of the movement and
      its effects, but little is known about how sensory suppression of brain responses
      to self-generated sounds is related to judgments of agency. To address this
      question, we recorded event-related potentials in response to sounds initiated by
      button presses. In one condition, participants perceived agency over the
      production of the sounds, whereas in another condition, participants experience
      an illusory lack of agency caused by changes in the delay between actions and
      effects. We compared trials in which the timing of button press and sound was
      physically identical, but participants' agency judgment differed. Results show
      reduced amplitudes of the auditory N1 component in response to self-generated
      sounds irrespective of agency experience, whilst P2 effects correlate with the
      perception of agency. Our findings suggest that suppression of the auditory N1
      component to self-generated sounds does not depend on adaptation to specific
      action-effect time delays, and does not determine agency judgments, however, the
      suppression of the P2 component might relate more directly to the experience of
      agency.

PMID- 27137102
TI  - Amyloid angiopathy in the context of hemodialysis: An unknown field.

PMID- 27137103
TI  - New expectations in the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - The new drugs developed for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease
      patients, together with their mechanisms of action are reviewed. At present, many
      of them are already in advanced stages of clinical trials and is expected to be
      incorporated into the therapeutic arsenal in the coming years. The potential
      benefits and possible limitations are also described. 

PMID- 27137104
TI  - Incremental peritoneal dialysis: Clinical outcomes and residual kidney function
      preservation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Initiation of peritoneal dialysis (PD) with 3 exchanges has become
      common practice in recent years, despite the lack of published clinical data.
      OBJECTIVE: To describe experience with incremental peritoneal dialysis (IPD) at a
      single site. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 46 IPD patients undergoing 2-year
      clinical, laboratory, treatment and progression follow-up. RESULTS: To 25% of
      patients were trasplanted on IPD. Mean time on IPD before transfer to
      conventional PD of 24 months, half of the patients because of fluid balance. Good
      clinical and biochemical results with a peritonitis rate of one episode per 99
      months. There was an improvement in the loss of residual kidney function compared
      to the pre-dialysis period (-7.06 vs. -1.58ml/min/year; P=.0001). CONCLUSIONS:
      IPD with 3 peritoneal exchanges offers good results. Most patients remain stable
      during the first 2 years and there is an improvement in the loss of residual
      kidney function compared to the pre-dialysis period.

PMID- 27137105
TI  - Study of glomerulonephritis evolution in Castilla-La Mancha (GLOMANCHA) between
      1994 and 2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal biopsy registries allow histopathological data to be collected
      to improve knowledge of different pathologies and their natural history. AIM: To
      analyse the data of the Castilla La Mancha Glomerulonephritis Registry
      (GLOMANCHA) and the evolution of the different biopsy-proven pathologies between
      1994 and 2008. METHODS: The 6 most common biopsy-proven pathologies were
      collected during the 14 years of the study (941 biopsies) in the 5 participant
      centres of the autonomous community. In 2008, we assessed patient renal survival
      and mortality and we evaluated associated factors to each situation for each
      pathology. RESULTS: Of the 941 biopsies, 59% belonged to men, with a mean age of
      48+/-18 years. At the time of the biopsy, the median glomerular filtration rate
      was 50.3 (25.5-76.3) ml/min/1,73 m(2) and median proteinuria was 3.4 (1.5-6.4)
      grams per day. The most common pathology were lupus nephropathy, followed by
      focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and membranous nephropathy. Lupus nephropathy
      and minimal change disease achieved the best renal prognosis during follow-up
      (mean 7.3+/-4.8 years). Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis type 3 and focal
      segmental glomerulosclerosis had the worst renal prognosis. In addition, rapidly
      progressive glomerulonephritis type 3 presented the worst vital prognosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: In GLOMANCHA, we demonstrate the poor prognosis of rapidly
      progressive glomerulonephritis type 3, in contrast to minimal change disease or
      lupus nephropathy. Renal function is an independent predictor of renal survival
      and mortality in this study.

PMID- 27137106
TI  - Hypothalamic-pituitary, ovarian and adrenal contributions to polycystic ovary
      syndrome.
AB  - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent heterogeneous disorder linked
      with disturbances of reproductive, endocrine and metabolic function. The
      definition and aetiological hypotheses of PCOS are continually developing to
      incorporate evolving evidence of the syndrome, which appears to be both
      multifactorial and polygenic. The pathophysiology of PCOS encompasses inherent
      ovarian dysfunction that is strongly influenced by external factors including the
      hypothalamic-pituitary axis and hyperinsulinaemia. Neuroendocrine abnormalities
      including increased gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse frequency with
      consequent hypersecretion of luteinising hormone (LH) affects ovarian androgen
      synthesis, folliculogenesis and oocyte development. Disturbed ovarian-pituitary
      and hypothalamic feedback accentuates the gonadotrophin abnormalities, and there
      is emerging evidence putatively implicating dysfunction of the Kiss 1 system.
      Within the follicle subunit itself, there are intra-ovarian paracrine modulators,
      cytokines and growth factors, which appear to play a role. Adrenally derived
      androgens may also contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS, but their role is less
      defined.

PMID- 27137107
TI  - The effect of occupational exposure on pro/antioxidant balance in the blood of
      non-smoking and smoking smelters with diabetes.
AB  - Arsenic, lead and cadmium, potent environmental toxicants have been reported to
      induce diabetes mellitus, but their potential biological mechanism(s) have not
      been much investigated. The present study was designed to correlate parameters of
      pro/antioxidant balance with occupational exposure on heavy metals and smoking in
      smelters with diabetes compared on control group. The results showed a
      significant increase in the concentration of arsenic, cadmium and lead in the
      blood and urine of smelters, while smoking caused a further increase in the
      concentration of these metals. Increasing gamma-glutamyltransferase activity and
      lead concentration due to occupational exposure in copper foundry, tobacco smoke
      and co-existing diabetes were observed. Also these factors have synergistic
      effects on metallothionein and glutathione concentrations as well as glutathione
      dependent enzymes activities. Our data suggests that sub-chronic arsenic, lead
      and cadmium exposure induces diabetic condition which may be mediated due to
      increased oxidative stress in blood. 

PMID- 27137108
TI  - Steroid androgen 17alpha-methyltestosterone induces malformations and biochemical
      alterations in zebrafish embryos.
AB  - The synthetic androgen 17alpha-methyltestosterone is widely used in fish
      aquaculture for sex reversion of female individuals. Little is known about the
      amount of MT residues reaching the aquatic environment and further impacts in non
      target organisms, including fish early-life stages. Thus, in this work, zebrafish
      embryos were exposed to two forms of 17alpha-methyltestosterone: the pure
      compound (MT) and a formulation commonly used in Brazil (cMT). For MT, a 96h-LC50
      of 10.09mg/l was calculated. MT also affected embryo development inducing tail
      malformations, edemas, abnormal development of the head, and hatching delay. At
      biochemical level MT inhibited vitellogenin (VTG) and inhibited cholinesterase
      and lactate dehydrogenase. cMT elicited similar patterns of toxicity as the pure
      compound (MT). Effects reported in this study suggest a potential environmental
      risk of MT, especially since the VTG effects occurred at environmental relevant
      concentrations (0.004mg/l). 

PMID- 27137110
TI  - Challenges and strategies in anti-cancer nanomedicine development: An industry
      perspective.
AB  - Successfully translating anti-cancer nanomedicines from pre-clinical proof of
      concept to demonstration of therapeutic value in the clinic is challenging.
      Having made significant advances with drug delivery technologies, we must learn
      from other areas of oncology drug development, where patient stratification and
      target-driven design have improved patient outcomes. We should evolve our
      nanomedicine development strategies to build the patient and disease into the
      line of sight from the outset. The success of small molecule targeted therapies
      has been significantly improved by employing a specific decision-making
      framework, such as AstraZeneca's 5R principle: right target/efficacy, right
      tissue/exposure, right safety, right patient, and right commercial potential.
      With appropriate investment and collaboration to generate a platform of evidence
      supporting the end clinical application, a similar framework can be established
      for enhancing nanomedicine translation and performance. Building informative data
      packages to answer these questions requires the following: (I) an improved
      understanding of the heterogeneity of clinical cancers and of the biological
      factors influencing the behaviour of nanomedicines in patient tumours; (II) a
      transition from formulation-driven research to disease-driven development; (III)
      the implementation of more relevant animal models and testing protocols; and (IV)
      the pre-selection of the patients most likely to respond to nanomedicine
      therapies. These challenges must be overcome to improve (the cost-effectiveness
      of) nanomedicine development and translation, and they are key to establishing
      superior therapies for patients.

PMID- 27137109
TI  - Cocrystals to facilitate delivery of poorly soluble compounds beyond-rule-of-5.
AB  - Besides enhancing aqueous solubilities, cocrystals have the ability to fine-tune
      solubility advantage over drug, supersaturation index, and bioavailability. This
      review presents important facts about cocrystals that set them apart from other
      solid-state forms of drugs, and a quantitative set of rules for the selection of
      additives and solution/formulation conditions that predict cocrystal solubility,
      supersaturation index, and transition points. Cocrystal eutectic constants are
      shown to be the most important cocrystal property that can be measured once a
      cocrystal is discovered, and simple relationships are presented that allow for
      prediction of cocrystal behavior as a function of pH and drug solubilizing
      agents. Cocrystal eutectic constant is a stability or supersatuation index that:
      (a) reflects how close or far from equilibrium a cocrystal is, (b) establishes
      transition points, and (c) provides a quantitative scale of cocrystal true
      solubility changes over drug. The benefit of this strategy is that a single
      measurement, that requires little material and time, provides a principled basis
      to tailor cocrystal supersaturation index by the rational selection of cocrystal
      formulation, dissolution, and processing conditions.

PMID- 27137111
TI  - Charactering the ZFAND3 gene mapped in the sex-determining locus in hybrid
      tilapia (Oreochromis spp.).
AB  - Zinc finger AN1-type domain 3 (ZFAND3) is essential for spermatogenesis in mice.
      However, its function in teleosts remains unclear. In this study, we
      characterized the ZFAND3 gene (termed as OsZFAND3) in an important food fish,
      tilapia. The OsZFAND3 cDNA sequence is 1,050 bp in length, containing an ORF of
      615 bp, which encodes a putative peptide of 204 amino acid residues. Quantitative
      real-time PCR revealed that the OsZFAND3 transcripts were exclusively expressed
      in the testis and ovary. In situ hybridization showed that the high expression of
      OsZFAND3 transcripts was predominantly localized in the spermatocyte and
      spermatid. These results suggest that OsZFAND3 is involved in male germ cell
      maturation. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in the
      introns of OsZFAND3. The OsZFAND3 gene was mapped in the sex-determining locus on
      linkage group 1 (LG1). The three SNPs in the OsZFAND3 gene were strictly
      associated with sex phenotype, suggesting that the OsZFAND3 gene is tightly
      linked to the sex-determining locus. Our study provides new insights into the
      functions of the OsZFAND3 gene in tilapia and a foundation for further detailed
      analysis of the OsZFAND3 gene in sex determination and differentiation.

PMID- 27137112
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27137113
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27137114
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27137115
TI  - [Fremstilling af bronkietraeet efter aspiration af kontraststof].

PMID- 27137116
TI  - [The investigation of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility].
AB  - The European Malignant Hyperthermia Group has published updated guidelines for
      the investigation of malignant hyper-thermia (MH) susceptibility. This article
      gives a short description of the investigation of MH susceptibility in Denmark
      and an introduction to the new guidelines in Danish. 

PMID- 27137117
TI  - [HIV in elderly women after travelling abroad].
AB  - We report two cases of HIV infection among female travellers of older age. A
      Danish woman in her eighties was diagnosed with acute HIV infection after
      travelling to West Africa. A sexual history was not recorded before her third
      hospital visit. A West African woman in her seventies who had been living in
      Denmark for 40 years was diagnosed with advanced HIV after having been to West
      Africa for family visits. We want to emphasize that women of older age also have
      sex that may put them at risk of HIV, that febrile returning travellers should be
      tested for HIV, and that presence of HIV indicator diseases should lead to HIV
      testing. 

PMID- 27137118
TI  - [Haematogenous osteomyelitis as a differential diagnosis for knee pain in a ten
      year-old girl].
AB  - Knee pain is a frequent symptom facing the general practitioner. Some of the more
      severe differential diagnoses include bone infections and malignancy. We present
      a case report of a ten-year-old sports active and otherwise healthy girl with
      knee pain, which turned out to be haematogenous osteomyelitis. 

PMID- 27137119
TI  - Reliability of the International Spinal Cord Injury Musculoskeletal Basic Data
      Set.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Psychometric study. OBJECTIVES: To determine the intra- and inter
      rater reliability and content validity of the International Spinal Cord Injury
      (SCI) Musculoskeletal Basic Data Set (ISCIMSBDS). SETTING: Four centers with one
      in each of the countries in Australia, England, India and the United States of
      America. METHODS: A total of 117 participants with a C2 to S1 neurological level
      and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A to D injury were
      recruited. The median (interquartile range) time since injury was 9 years (2-29).
      Fifty-seven participants were assessed by the same assessor, and 60 participants
      were assessed by two different assessors on two different occasions to determine
      the intra- and inter-rater reliability, respectively. Kappa statistics or crude
      agreement was used to measure reliability. Content validity was assessed through
      focus group interviews of people with SCI and health-care professionals. RESULTS:
      The intra-rater reliability ranged from kappa=0.62 to 1.00 and crude agreement
      from 75% to 100% for each of the variables on the ISCIMSBDS. The inter-rater
      reliability ranged from kappa=-0.25 to 1.00, with a diverse crude agreement
      ranging from 0% to 100%. The inter-rater reliability was unsatisfactory for the
      following variables: 'Date of fracture', 'Fragility fractures', 'Scoliosis,
      method of assessment', 'Other musculoskeletal problems' and 'Do any of the above
      musculoskeletal challenges interfere with your activities of daily living
      (transfers, walking, dressing, showers, etc.)?'. Results from validity
      discussions implied no major suggestions for changes. CONCLUSION: Overall, the
      ISCIMSBDS is reliable and valid, although 5 of the 12 variables may benefit from
      further refinement.

PMID- 27137120
TI  - Perceived functional impairment and spirituality/religiosity as predictors of
      depression in a Sri Lankan spinal cord injury patient population.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. OBJECTIVES: To test the
      hypothesis that self-perceived functional impairment and religiosity/spirituality
      (S/R) predict depression among traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients in Sri
      Lanka. SETTING: Ragama Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Hospital, Ragama, Sri
      Lanka. METHODS: The Spinal Cord Independence Measure, Benefit Through
      Spirituality/Religiosity Scale, Sheehan Disability Inventory and Beck Depression
      Inventory-II (BDI-II) were administered to 61 consenting in-patients with
      traumatic SCI between June and July 2014. A linear regression model on BDI-II
      score was developed to examine the impact of self-perceived functional impairment
      and S/R activities on psychiatric outcomes in context of various sociodemographic
      variables. RESULTS: Psychiatric consequences of SCI were reflected in a 41%
      prevalence of depression. Thirty-six percent (R2=0.36) of the variance in BDI-II
      scores (F(5, 55)=6.07, P<0.001) was explained by the regression model. Functional
      impairment (beta=0.54, t(55)=4.73, P<0.001) and perceived benefit through S/R
      activities (beta=-0.31, t(55)=-2.55, P<0.05) emerged as the strongest predictors
      for depression severity. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived functional impairment in work,
      social and family domains predicted depressive symptomatology among SCI
      inpatients in Sri Lanka, while perceived benefit through S/R protected against
      depression. The findings emphasize the need for rehabilitative programming to
      support patients' S/R activities and mental wellbeing, promoting reintegration
      into their community roles.

PMID- 27137121
TI  - Risk factors for poor outcome of surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to
      characterise risk factors for poor surgical outcome in patients with cervical
      spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). METHODS: The prospective study included 110
      consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment for CSM. Surgical outcomes
      were evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. JOA
      recovery rate <50% was defined as poor surgical outcome. Relationship between
      outcome and various clinical and imaging predictors was examined. By multivariate
      logistic regression analysis, we identified risk factors associated with poor
      outcome. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to acquire cutoff
      values for the continuous variables found to be independently associated with
      poor outcome. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (38.2%) had a recovery rate of <50%.
      Logistic regression, with poor outcome as dependent variable, showed independent
      risks associated with increased age (odds ratio (ORs)=1.08, 95% confidence
      interval (CI)=1.01-1.15, P=0.021), symptom duration (OR=4.01, 95% CI=1.95-8.23,
      P=0.000) and signal intensity ratio (SIR, OR=4.24, 95% CI=1.61-11.20, P=0.003).
      The cutoffs with the best compromise between sensitivity and specificity were set
      at 63.1 years of age, 9 months of symptom duration and 1.455 for SIR. The
      presence of ?2 out of three factors (age ?63.1 years, symptom duration ?9 months
      and SIR ?1.455) gave an overall OR of 33.15 (95% CI=4.11-267.37, P=0.001).
      CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that advanced age, long-term CSM symptoms and
      high preoperative SIR are risk factors for poor outcome of surgery in patients
      with CSM.

PMID- 27137122
TI  - Chronic effects of simultaneous electromyostimulation and vibration on leg blood
      flow in spinal cord injury.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Randomized two-group parallel. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this
      study was to analyze the adaptations on the popliteal artery (mean blood velocity
      (MBV), peak blood velocity (PBV), arterial resting diameter (RD) and blood flow
      (BF)) induced by 12 weeks of simultaneous application of whole-body vibration and
      electromyostimulation (WBV+ES) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).
      Secondarily, the musculoskeletal effects of this therapy on the gastrocnemius
      muscle thickness (MT) and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) were analyzed.
      SETTING: Valladolid, Spain. METHODS: Seventeen SCI patients (American Spinal
      Injury Association (ASIA) A or B) were randomly assigned to the experimental
      group (EG=9) or the control group (CG=8). Each subject was assessed in four
      different occasions: at baseline, after 6 weeks (Post-6) and 12 weeks of the
      treatment (Post-12) and 8 weeks after the end of the treatment (Post-20).
      Subjects in the EG performed 30 10-min sessions of WBV+ES during 12 weeks.
      RESULTS: In the EG, RD increased compared with the baseline value at Post-6
      (9.5%, P<0.01), Post-12 (19.0%, P<0.001) and Post-20 (16.7%, P<0.001). Similarly,
      in the EG, BF increased compared with the baseline value and with CG only at Post
      12 ((33.9%, P<0.01) and (72.5%, P<0.05), respectively). Similarly, WBV+ES
      increased the MT of the gastrocnemius. BMD of both hips remained invariable
      during the study. CG showed no change at any point. CONCLUSIONS: WBV+ES improved
      popliteal artery BF, RD and MT after 12 weeks in SCI patients. This increase in
      RD remained above baseline after 8 weeks. The combination of WBV and ES could be
      considered a promising alternative to reverse the musculoskeletal atrophy and
      improve peripheral vascular properties in SCI patients.

PMID- 27137123
TI  - Beneficial effects of early hemostasis on spinal cord injury in the rat.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of early
      hemostasis on spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Fourth Military Medical
      University, Xi'an, China. METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were used. Hematoxylin and
      eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe hemorrhage at different time points
      (2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h) after SCI to determine the time window of hemostatic drug
      administration (n=3 per time point). Three different concentrations of Etamsylate
      (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 g kg-1) were administered immediately and 5 and 10 h after
      SCI to evaluate the effective dosage (n=6 per group). Another 82 rats were then
      randomly divided into two groups, Etamsylate group (0.1 g kg-1, n=41) and glucose
      control group (n=41). Nissl staining was performed to observe neurons at 10 days
      post injury. Immunohistochemistry, western blot and quantitative real-time PCR
      were performed to detect tissue necrosis at 7 d.p.i., the activation of
      astrocytes and microglia/macrophages and lesion cavity at 10 d.p.i. Basso-Beattie
      Bresnahan scoring and rump height index assay were used to examine locomotion
      recovery. RESULTS: Early hemostasis reduced the lesion area and tissue necrosis,
      enhanced neuronal survival, alleviated the activation of microglia/macrophages
      and astrocytes and facilitated functional recovery after spinal cord contusion in
      rats. Early hemostasis decreased hemorrhage area and lesion area after spinal
      cord transection in rats. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that early
      hemostasis has beneficial effects on SCI in the rat. It has the potential to be
      translated into clinical practice.

PMID- 27137124
TI  - Spinal cord and spine trauma in a large teaching hospital in Ghana.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating injury, with its effect
      going beyond the injured patient to the care givers and family and with economic
      implications that can be long lasting. The study determined the occurrence and
      patterns of SCI and spine injury patterns, treatment and treatment outcomes in a
      large tertiary health facility in Ghana. METHODS: This was a retrospective review
      of health records of patients at the Korle bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Data on
      185 patients were collected over a period of 18 months from September 2012 to
      February 2014. Data were collected on basic demographic characteristics (age
      distribution), cause of SCI, type and severity of injuries, mode of
      transportation to the hospital and treatment modalities. In addition, data were
      collected on the imaging techniques used, waiting time and delays encountered,
      complications and follow-up. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data
      using Windows Excel 2007 version. RESULTS: A total of 185 patients were treated
      in the study period, 125 (67.6%) patients had cervical spine injury, 33 (17.8%)
      had thoracic spine injuries and 27 (14.6%) had lumbar injuries. In all, 141 (76%)
      were males. The age range of patients was 4 years to 86 years; mean age was
      36.25+/-13.62 years. Spinal injuries were most common in the 31-45-year age
      group, followed by 16-30-year group. Most prevalent cause of spinal injury was
      road traffic accident (RTA), 130 (70.3%), whereas assault was the least common, 5
      (2.7%). Delay in getting imaging studies conducted was high; 43 (23%) of the
      computed tomography scans required were performed after 48 h of admission. Only
      76 (41%) patients were able to afford the cost of magnetic resonance imaging.
      Pressure sore (23%) and pneumonia (21%) were the most common complication during
      admission. CONCLUSION: RTA was the most common cause of spinal injuries and
      occurred in the relatively young population, especially among men. Structured
      public education and enforcement of road safety measures are imperative. Rapid
      response to management of patients with SCI at the teaching hospital needs
      attention by hospital management.

PMID- 27137125
TI  - A conceptual framework for invasion in microbial communities.
AB  - There is a growing interest in controlling-promoting or avoiding-the invasion of
      microbial communities by new community members. Resource availability and
      community structure have been reported as determinants of invasion success.
      However, most invasion studies do not adhere to a coherent and consistent
      terminology nor always include rigorous interpretations of the processes behind
      invasion. Therefore, we suggest that a consistent set of definitions and a
      rigorous conceptual framework are needed. We define invasion in a microbial
      community as the establishment of an alien microbial type in a resident community
      and argue how simple criteria to define aliens, residents, and alien
      establishment can be applied for a wide variety of communities. In addition, we
      suggest an adoption of the community ecology framework advanced by Vellend (2010)
      to clarify potential determinants of invasion. This framework identifies four
      fundamental processes that control community dynamics: dispersal, selection,
      drift and diversification. While selection has received ample attention in
      microbial community invasion research, the three other processes are often
      overlooked. Here, we elaborate on the relevance of all four processes and
      conclude that invasion experiments should be designed to elucidate the role of
      dispersal, drift and diversification, in order to obtain a complete picture of
      invasion as a community process.

PMID- 27137126
TI  - RubisCO of a nucleoside pathway known from Archaea is found in diverse
      uncultivated phyla in bacteria.
AB  - Metagenomic studies recently uncovered form II/III RubisCO genes, originally
      thought to only occur in archaea, from uncultivated bacteria of the candidate
      phyla radiation (CPR). There are no isolated CPR bacteria and these organisms are
      predicted to have limited metabolic capacities. Here we expand the known
      diversity of RubisCO from CPR lineages. We report a form of RubisCO, distantly
      similar to the archaeal form III RubisCO, in some CPR bacteria from the
      Parcubacteria (OD1), WS6 and Microgenomates (OP11) phyla. In addition, we
      significantly expand the Peregrinibacteria (PER) II/III RubisCO diversity and
      report the first II/III RubisCO sequences from the Microgenomates and WS6 phyla.
      To provide a metabolic context for these RubisCOs, we reconstructed near-complete
      (>93%) PER genomes and the first closed genome for a WS6 bacterium, for which we
      propose the phylum name Dojkabacteria. Genomic and bioinformatic analyses suggest
      that the CPR RubisCOs function in a nucleoside pathway similar to that proposed
      in Archaea. Detection of form II/III RubisCO and nucleoside metabolism gene
      transcripts from a PER supports the operation of this pathway in situ. We
      demonstrate that the PER form II/III RubisCO is catalytically active, fixing CO2
      to physiologically complement phototrophic growth in a bacterial photoautotrophic
      RubisCO deletion strain. We propose that the identification of these RubisCOs
      across a radiation of obligately fermentative, small-celled organisms hints at a
      widespread, simple metabolic platform in which ribose may be a prominent
      currency.

PMID- 27137127
TI  - Global genetic capacity for mixotrophy in marine picocyanobacteria.
AB  - The assimilation of organic nutrients by autotrophs, a form of mixotrophy, has
      been demonstrated in the globally abundant marine picocyanobacterial genera
      Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus. However, the range of compounds used and the
      distribution of organic compound uptake genes within picocyanobacteria are
      unknown. Here we analyze genomic and metagenomic data from around the world to
      determine the extent and distribution of mixotrophy in these phototrophs.
      Analysis of 49 Prochlorococcus and 18 Synechococcus isolate genomes reveals that
      all have the transporters necessary to take up amino acids, peptides and sugars.
      However, the number and type of transporters and associated catabolic genes
      differ between different phylogenetic groups, with low-light IV Prochlorococcus,
      and 5.1B, 5.2 and 5.3 Synechococcus strains having the largest number.
      Metagenomic data from 68 stations from the Tara Oceans expedition indicate that
      the genetic potential for mixotrophy in picocyanobacteria is globally distributed
      and differs between clades. Phylogenetic analyses indicate gradual organic
      nutrient transporter gene loss from the low-light IV to the high-light II
      Prochlorococcus. The phylogenetic differences in genetic capacity for mixotrophy,
      combined with the ubiquity of picocyanobacterial organic compound uptake genes
      suggests that mixotrophy has a more central role in picocyanobacterial ecology
      than was previously thought.

PMID- 27137128
TI  - Antimycotic Activity and Genotoxic Evaluation of Citrus sinensis and Citrus
      latifolia Essential Oils.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of essential oils
      (EOs) of Citrus sinensis (C. sinensis) and Citrus latifolia (C. latifolia)
      against five Candida species: Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida
      glabrata, Candida lusitaniae and Candida guilliermondii; and perform its
      genotoxic evaluation. The EOs of C. sinensis and C. latifolia were obtained from
      the peel by hydro-distillation. The major components determined by GC-MS were in
      C. sinensis, d-limonene (96%) and alpha-myrcene (2.79%); and in C. latifolia, d
      limonene (51.64%), beta-thujene (14.85%), beta-pinene (12.79%) and gamma
      terpinene (12.8%). Antifungal properties were studied by agar diffusion method,
      where C. sinensis presented low activity and C. latifolia essential oil was
      effective to inhibit growing of C. lusitaniae and C. guilliermondii with IC50 of
      6.90 and 2.92 MUg respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for
      C. sinensis were in a range of 0.42-3.71 MUg and for C. latifolia of 0.22-1.30
      MUg. Genotoxic evaluation was done by Ames test where none of the oils induced
      point mutations. Flow cytometry was used to measure toxicity in human oral
      epithelial cells, C. sinensis was not cytotoxic and C. latifolia was toxic at
      21.8 MUg. These properties might bestow different odontological applications to
      each essential oil.

PMID- 27137129
TI  - Designing, Expression and Immunological Characterization of a Chimeric Protein of
      Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
AB  - Mycoplasma pneumoniae is thought to be the simplest and smallest cell wall
      deficient bacterium which can cause chronic respiratory infections. Recently
      vaccination has been a possible and reliable way to reduce the spreading and
      infection effectively. In this study, the transmembrane proteins P116N (the N
      terminal of P116), P1C (the C-terminal of P1), P30, and P116N-P1C-P30 (MP559 for
      short), a chimeric protein were expressed using prokaryotic expression system.
      The four purified recombinant proteins were synergized with freund's adjuvant and
      immunized New Zealand White rabbits respectively for three times. The IgG
      antibodies collected from immunized rabbits and mouse were analyzed by ELISA to
      analyze the immunogenicity and antigenicity. The results showed the four
      different recombinant proteins could induce strong humoral immune response.
      Protein MP559 could react with antisera from rabbit immunized with P1C, P30, and
      P116N, indicating MP559 was well designed and presented antigen epitopes of all
      the three antigens. Antibodies against P116N, P1C, and P30 could be stimulated by
      MP559 immunization, indicating MP559 has a potential to replace the three
      antigens as a vaccine candidate. This study laid a substantial foundation for the
      vaccine development of M. pneumoniae, and at the same time provided a essential
      strategy for the vaccine research of other pathogen. 

PMID- 27137130
TI  - Design and Development of Nanoemulsion Systems Containing Interferon Gamma.
AB  - The aim of this study was to design and develop stable nanoemulsion formulations
      containing IFN-gamma to probe their use as an immunomodulating agent. The
      nanoemulsions comprising distilled water, triglycerides of capric acid/caprylic,
      sobitan-oleate (SP), polysorbate 80 (TW) and propylene glycol (PG) were prepared
      through ultra-homogenization and characterized regarding droplet size,
      polydispersity, surface charge, preliminary and accelerated physical stability,
      and rheological properties. Stable nanoemulsions were selected to incorporate
      nano doses of IFN-gamma (100 ng.mL-1). The influence of IFN-gamma incorporated
      nanoemulsions on functional activity of mononuclear cell for Escherichia coli
      enteropathogenic was analyzed through superoxide release, phagocytosis,
      microbicidal activity and intracellular calcium release. The optimized
      formulation, comprising aqueous and oily phase of 10 % and 80 %, respectively,
      and surfactant mix ratio (SP/TW/PG) of 3.5/5.5/1.0, remained stable in extreme
      conditions during 90 days, displaying oil-in-water characteristics, biocompatible
      pH value, significant maintenance of its rheological profile, hydrodynamic radius
      of 205 nm, zeta potential of -40 mV and average dose of IFN-gamma 91 ng.mL- The
      developed formulation did not alter the MN cell viability rates. Increased the
      superoxide release, phagocytosis index and intracellular calcium release of MN
      cells of human blood. Our findings indicate that the produced formulation
      improved the immunomodulatory activity of the IFN-gamma. 

PMID- 27137131
TI  - Catalytic Control in Cyclizations: From Computational Mechanistic Understanding
      to Selectivity Prediction.
AB  - This Account describes the use of quantum-chemical calculations to elucidate
      mechanisms and develop catalysts to accomplish highly selective cyclization
      reactions. Chemistry is awash with cyclic molecules, and the creation of rings is
      central to organic synthesis. Cyclization reactions, the formation of rings by
      the reaction of two ends of a linear precursor, have been instrumental in the
      development of predictive models for chemical reactivity, from Baldwin's
      classification and rules for ring closure to the Woodward and Hoffmann rules
      based on the conservation of orbital symmetry and beyond. Ring formation provides
      a productive and fertile testing ground for the exploration of catalytic
      mechanisms and chemo-, regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity using
      computational and experimental approaches. This Account is organized around case
      studies from our laboratory and illustrates the ways in which computations
      provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of catalysis in 5-endo
      cyclizations and how computational predictions can lead to the development of new
      catalysts for enhanced stereoselectivities in asymmetric cycloisomerizations. We
      have explored the extent to which several cation-directed 5-endo ring-closing
      reactions may be considered as electrocyclic and demonstrated that reaction
      pathways and magnetic parameters of transition structures computed using quantum
      chemistry are inconsistent with this notion, instead favoring a polar mechanism.
      A rare example of selectivity in favor of 5-endo-trig ring closure is shown to
      result from subtle substrate effects that bias the reactant conformation out-of
      plane, limiting the involvement of cyclic conjugation. The mode of action of a
      chiral ammonium counterion was deduced via conformational sampling of the
      transition state assembly and involves coordination to the substrate via a series
      of nonclassical hydrogen bonds. We describe how computational mechanistic
      understanding has led directly to the discovery of new catalyst structures for
      enantioselective cycloisomerizations. Calculations have revealed that stepwise C
      C bond formation and proton transfer dictate the exclusive endo
      diastereoselectivity of the intramolecular Michael addition to form 2
      azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane skeletons catalyzed by primary amines. These insights
      have led to development of a highly enantioselective catalyst with higher atom
      economy than previous generations. This Account also explores transition-metal
      catalyzed cycloisomerizations, where our theoretical investigations have
      uncovered an unexpected reaction pathway in the [5 + 2] cycloisomerization of
      ynamides. This has led to the design of new phosphoramidite ligands to enable
      double-stereodifferentiating cycloisomerizations in both matched and mismatched
      catalyst-substrate settings. Computational understanding of the factors
      responsible for the regio-, enantio-, and diasterocontrol is shown to generate
      tangible predictions leading to an acceleration of catalyst development for
      selective cyclizations.

PMID- 27137132
TI  - Size Dependence of [n]Cycloparaphenylenes (n=5-12) in Electrochemical Oxidation.
AB  - The oxidation processes of [n]cycloparaphenylenes ([n]CPPs) (n=5-12) were
      systematically investigated by cyclic and rotating disk electrode voltammetry.
      All CPPs underwent pseudo-reversible two-electron oxidation irrespective of ring
      size, forming the corresponding radical cations and then dications. The results
      were in sharp contrast to those observed for linear oligoparaphenylenes, which
      only undergo one-electron oxidation. The difference in the first and second
      oxidation potentials in the CPP oxidation was affected by the ring size and
      became more significant as the decrease of CPP size. In other words, while the
      first oxidation from neutral CPP to the radical cation occurred faster as the
      size of CPP becomes smaller, the second oxidation from the radical cation to
      dication exhibited opposite size dependence. 

PMID- 27137133
TI  - Cell saver processing mitigates the negative effects of wound blood on platelet
      function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wound blood is highly activated and has poor haemostatic properties.
      Recent data suggest that retransfusion of unwashed wound blood may impair
      haemostasis. We hypothesized that cell saver processing of wound blood before
      retransfusion reduces the negative effects. METHODS: Wound blood was collected
      from 16 cardiac surgery patients during cardiopulmonary bypass. One portion of
      the wound blood was processed in a cell saver and one portion left unprocessed.
      Increasing amounts of unprocessed blood (10% and 20% of the systemic blood
      volume) or corresponding volumes of processed blood were added ex vivo to whole
      blood samples from the same patient. Clot formation was assessed by modified
      thromboelastometry (ROTEM((r)) ) and platelet function with impedance
      aggregometry (Multiplate((r)) ). RESULTS: Addition of unprocessed wound blood
      significantly impaired clot formation and platelet aggregability. Cell saver
      processing before addition did not influence clot formation but abolished
      completely the negative effects of wound blood on platelet aggregability tested
      with all agonists. Median adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation was
      51 (25th and 75th percentiles 42-69) when 20% processed cardiotomy suction blood
      was added vs. 34 (24-52) U when 20% unprocessed blood was added, P < 0.001. The
      corresponding figures for arachidonic acid-, thrombin receptor activating peptide
      and collagen-induced aggregation was 21 (17-51) vs. 13 (10-25) U, 112 (87-128)
      vs. 78 (65-103) U and 58 (50-73) vs. 33 (28-44) U, respectively, all P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: The results suggest that cell saver processing before retransfusion
      mitigates the negative effects of wound blood on platelet function despite that
      cell saver processing reduces platelet count.

PMID- 27137134
TI  - Synthesis of Conjugated Polycyclic Quinoliniums by Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed
      Multiple C-H Activation and Annulation of Arylpyridiniums with Alkynes.
AB  - A simple method for the efficient synthesis of highly substituted pyrido[1,2
      a]quinolinium- and quinolizino[3,4,5,6-ija]quinolinium-based polyheteroaromatic
      compounds via rhodium(III)-catalyzed multiple C-H activation annulation reactions
      has been developed. Moreover, some of the quinolizino[3,4,5,6-ija]quinolinium
      salts exhibit intense fluorescence and have potential application in
      optoelectronic materials.

PMID- 27137135
TI  - The Gift That Keeps on Giving: Increasing Donation Rates by Offering Incentives.

PMID- 27137136
TI  - Structure-Function Studies of Naphthalene, Phenanthrene, Biphenyl, and Their
      Derivatives in Interaction with and Oxidation by Cytochromes P450 2A13 and 2A6.
AB  - Naphthalene, phenanthrene, biphenyl, and their derivatives having different
      ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, and propargyl ether substitutions were examined for
      their interaction with and oxidation by cytochromes P450 (P450) 2A13 and 2A6.
      Spectral interaction studies suggested that most of these chemicals interacted
      with P450 2A13 to induce Type I binding spectra more readily than with P450 2A6.
      Among the various substituted derivatives examined, 2-ethynylnaphthalene, 2
      naphthalene propargyl ether, 3-ethynylphenanthrene, and 4-biphenyl propargyl
      ether had larger DeltaAmax/Ks values in inducing Type I binding spectra with P450
      2A13 than their parent compounds. P450 2A13 was found to oxidize naphthalene,
      phenanthrene, and biphenyl to 1-naphthol, 9-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 2- and/or 4
      hydroxybiphenyl, respectively, at much higher rates than P450 2A6. Other human
      P450 enzymes including P450s 1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2C9, and 3A4 had lower rates of
      oxidation of naphthalene, phenanthrene, and biphenyl than P450s 2A13 and 2A6.
      Those alkynylated derivatives that strongly induced Type I binding spectra with
      P450s 2A13 and 2A6 were extensively oxidized by these enzymes upon analysis with
      HPLC. Molecular docking studies supported the hypothesis that ligand-interaction
      energies (U values) obtained with reported crystal structures of P450 2A13 and
      2A6 bound to 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, indole, pilocarpine,
      nicotine, and coumarin are of use in understanding the basis of possible
      molecular interactions of these xenobiotic chemicals with the active sites of
      P450 2A13 and 2A6 enzymes. In fact, the ligand-interaction energies with P450
      2A13 4EJG bound to these chemicals were found to relate to their induction of
      Type I binding spectra.

PMID- 27137137
TI  - Inverse associations of dietary fiber and menopausal hormone therapy with
      colorectal cancer risk in the Multiethnic Cohort Study.
AB  - In the Multiethnic Cohort Study, we previously reported that dietary fiber intake
      was inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk in men only. In women, the
      inverse relationship was weaker and appeared to be confounded by menopausal
      hormone therapy (MHT). We re-examined this observation with a greatly increased
      power. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we analyzed data from 187,674
      participants with 4,692 cases identified during a mean follow-up period of 16
      years. In multivariable-adjusted models, dietary fiber intake was inversely
      associated with colorectal cancer risk in both sexes: HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.61
      0.89 for highest vs. lowest quintile, ptrend  = 0.0020 in men and HR = 0.76, 95%
      CI: 0.62-0.91, ptrend  = 0.0067 in women. Postmenopausal women who ever used MHT
      had a 19% lower risk of colorectal cancer (95% CI: 0.74-0.89) compared with MHT
      never users. In a joint analysis of dietary fiber and MHT, dietary fiber intake
      was associated with a lower colorectal cancer risk in MHT never users (HR = 0.75,
      95% CI: 0.59-0.95, ptrend  = 0.045), but did not appear to further decrease the
      colorectal cancer risk of MHT ever users (ptrend  = 0.11). Our results support
      the overall protective roles of dietary fiber and MHT against colorectal cancer
      and suggest that dietary fiber may not lower risk further among women who ever
      used MHT. If confirmed, these results would suggest that MHT and dietary fiber
      may share overlapping mechanisms in protecting against colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27137138
TI  - The role of combined 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring in
      the evaluation of children with gastrointestinal symptoms suggesting gastro
      esophageal reflux disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the role of multichannel
      intraluminal impedance-pH (pH-MII) monitoring in the diagnosis of gastro
      esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children who presented with gastrointestinal
      (GI) symptoms in comparison with the results of pH-metry alone and endoscopy.
      METHODS: All children who underwent pH-MII monitoring due to GI symptoms,
      suggestive of GERD, from October 2013 to October 2015 in Children's Hospital
      Zagreb, were retrospectively enrolled in the study. The cohort was divided into
      three groups according to age - group 1: children <1 year of age; group 2: 1-9
      years of age; and group 3: >=9 years of age. KEY RESULTS: One hundred thirty
      three patients met our inclusion criteria (73 female/60 male; mean age 9.2 years
      [0.19-18.0]). Gastro-esophageal reflux disease was determined in 44 of 133
      patients (33.1%) by pH-MII and only in 21 of 133 patients (15.8%) by pH-metry
      alone. Endoscopy was performed in 77 (57.9%) children and esophagitis was found
      in 32/77 (41.6%). The finding of esophagitis significantly correlated with the
      number of total reflux episodes (coef. 0.42, p < 0.001), acidic (coef. 0.26, p =
      0.02), weakly acidic (coef. 0.3, p = 0.008) and non-acidic (coef. 0.26, p = 0.02)
      reflux episodes detected by pH-MII; but, no correlation was found to reflux
      episodes detected by pH-metry alone (coef. 0.21, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS &
      INFERENCES: Compared with pH-metry alone, pH-MII performed significantly better
      in the detection of GERD in all age groups. On the basis of our data, pH-MII had
      a strong correlation with endoscopically confirmed esophagitis.

PMID- 27137140
TI  - Developing antisense oligonucleotide and short-interfering RNA therapeutics - a
      few considerations.

PMID- 27137139
TI  - A Longitudinal Study of Racial Discrimination and Risk for Death Ideation in
      African American Youth.
AB  - Although multiple studies have found that African Americans commonly experience
      racial discrimination, available studies have yet to examine how perceived racism
      might be related to suicide vulnerability in African American youth. The purpose
      of this study was to examine a framework for how perceived racial discrimination
      contributes to symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as subsequent suicide
      ideation and morbid ideation. Data were obtained from 722 African American youth
      at mean age 10.56 years (SD = 0.64); a second wave of data was obtained 2 years
      later. Results revealed both a direct effect and mediated effects of perceived
      racism on later suicide and morbid ideation. For boys and girls, the effect of
      perceived racism was mediated by symptoms of depression. However, the association
      was mediated by anxiety for girls, but not for boys in the current sample.
      Implications for future research and interventions are discussed.

PMID- 27137141
TI  - Identification of new oral dosing regimens for the neuraminidase inhibitor
      oseltamivir in patients with moderate and severe renal impairment.
AB  - Availability of lower-dose oseltamivir capsules, an increased pharmacokinetic
      database, and a desire to align drug exposure across the spectrum of renal
      function prompted reassessment of oral dosing in patients with renal impairment.
      The data set comprised 128 subjects (71 with varying degrees of renal impairment)
      from 8 studies, which included single and multiple doses of 20-1000 mg.
      Pharmacokinetic profiles of oseltamivir phosphate (OP) and oseltamivir
      carboxylate (OC) were modeled simultaneously in NONMEM. Exposure metrics of OP
      and OC (AUC48  h , Cmax , Cmin ) after administration of various dosing regimens
      were simulated for renal impairment subgroups and compared with exposures in
      patients with normal renal function receiving approved regimens. For influenza
      treatment, 30 mg once-daily and twice-daily regimens were selected for severe and
      moderate impairment, respectively. These regimens provided OC exposures similar
      or above those of the approved 75-mg twice-daily treatment regimen in subjects
      with normal renal function. For influenza prophylaxis, 30 mg once every other day
      and once-daily regimens were selected for severe and moderate impairment,
      respectively. No dosing adjustments were required for mild impairment. This
      analysis supported revised labeling in the United States and Europe for oral
      oseltamivir dosing in patients with moderate and severe renal impairment.

PMID- 27137142
TI  - Inhibition of prostacyclin and thromboxane biosynthesis in healthy volunteers by
      single and multiple doses of acetaminophen and indomethacin.
AB  - This double-blind, randomized crossover study assessed the effect of
      acetaminophen (1000 mg every 8 hours) versus indomethacin (50 mg every 8 hours)
      versus placebo on cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2). Urinary excretion of
      2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1alpha, (prostacyclin metabolite, PGI-M; COX-2 inhibition)
      and 11-dehydro thromboxane B2 (thromboxane metabolite, Tx-M; COX-1 inhibition)
      were measured after 1 dose and 5 days of dosing. Peak inhibition of urinary
      metabolite excretion across 8 hours following dosing was the primary end point.
      Mean PGI-M excretion was 33.7%, 55.9%, and 64.6% on day 1 and 49.4%, 65.1%, and
      80.3% on day 5 (placebo, acetaminophen, and indomethacin, respectively).
      Acetaminophen and indomethacin inhibited PGI-M excretion following single and
      multiple doses (P = .004 vs placebo). PGI-M excretion inhibition after 1 dose was
      similar for indomethacin and acetaminophen, but significantly greater with
      indomethacin after multiple doses (P = .006). Mean Tx-M excretion was 16.2%,
      45.2%, and 86.6% on day 1 and 46.2%, 58.4%, and 92.6% on day 5 (placebo,
      acetaminophen, and indomethacin, respectively). Tx-M excretion inhibition
      following 1 dose was reduced by acetaminophen (P <= .003). Indomethacin reduced
      Tx-M excretion significantly more than acetaminophen and placebo after single and
      multiple doses (P <= .001). Acetaminophen and indomethacin inhibited COX-1 and
      COX-2 following a single dose, but acetaminophen was a less potent COX-1
      inhibitor than indomethacin.

PMID- 27137143
TI  - Single-dose pharmacokinetics of bupropion hydrobromide and metabolites in healthy
      adolescent and adult subjects.
AB  - Data from 2 pediatric single-dose studies, conducted at the same center, were
      combined to evaluate exposure levels of bupropion and metabolites in adolescents
      12-17 years old, compared with adults > 18 years. Pharmacokinetic analyses of
      bupropion and its metabolites were performed using normalization and
      pharmacological/convulsive weighting methods on exposure. When compared with
      adults (>18 years), subjects 12-14 years had an increase in weight-normalized
      exposure to bupropion (ie, Cmax , 78%; AUC0-t , 83%; and AUCinf , 85%).
      Variability in this younger age group was also higher, with observations of a 3-
      to 4-fold increase in exposure. When the changes in metabolites were accounted
      within pharmacological and convulsive-weighted exposures, the relative ratio of
      12-14 years to adults in body weight-normalized Cmax was 127% and 110%,
      respectively. Subjects 15-17 years did not exhibit a difference in exposure
      compared with adults. The influence of age on bupropion pharmacokinetics
      demonstrates that, in general, healthy adolescent subjects cannot be considered
      smaller healthy adult subjects; the increase in exposure is inversely related to
      age and appears to be solely associated with bupropion, not with its metabolites.
      Because there are no clinical safety and efficacy data of bupropion in
      adolescents, this data may shift its risk-benefit profile.

PMID- 27137144
TI  - Evaluation of the effect of multiple doses of rifampin on the pharmacokinetics
      and safety of ponatinib in healthy subjects.
AB  - Ponatinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor with significant activity in heavily
      pretreated patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, is a CYP3A4 substrate. This
      open-label, nonrandomized, fixed-order crossover study evaluated the effect of
      multiple oral doses of rifampin, a strong CYP3A4 inducer, on the pharmacokinetics
      of ponatinib (45 mg, single dose). Twenty healthy adults received ponatinib on
      day 1, rifampin 600 mg alone on days 8-13, 15, and 16, and rifampin 600 mg with
      ponatinib on day 14. Rifampin decreased maximum plasma concentration (Cmax ) and
      area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to time of
      last measurable concentration (AUC0-t ) and from time zero to infinity (AUC0
      infinity ) of ponatinib by 42%, 59%, and 63%, respectively, with no effect on
      time to Cmax . The limits of the 90% confidence intervals of the estimated
      geometric mean ratios of ponatinib Cmax , AUC0-t , and AUC0-infinity did not fall
      within the 80-125% margins for equivalence, suggesting a statistically
      significant interaction. Coadministration of ponatinib with strong CYP3A4
      inducers should be avoided unless the benefit outweighs the possible risk of
      ponatinib underexposure, because the safety of ponatinib dose increases has not
      been studied in this context.

PMID- 27137146
TI  - Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of oxycodone and naltrexone from ALO-02,
      an extended release formulation of oxycodone with sequestered naltrexone.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: ALO-02 is being developed as an abuse-deterrent
      formulation of extended-release oxycodone hydrochloride with naltrexone
      hydrochloride sequestered in the core of pellets contained in capsules. The
      primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of administration of
      ALO-02 capsule whole under fed conditions or sprinkling the pellets from ALO-02
      capsule on applesauce under fasting conditions on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of
      oxycodone, naltrexone and 6-beta-naltrexol compared with ALO-02 capsule
      administered whole under fasting conditions. The plasma naltrexone and 6-beta
      naltrexol concentrations were used to assess the sequestration of naltrexone in
      the ALO-02 formulation. The secondary objective was to evaluate the safety and
      tolerability of single 40 mg doses of ALO-02 in healthy volunteers. METHODS: This
      was an IRB-approved, open-label, single-dose, randomized, 3-period crossover
      study in 24 healthy adult volunteers, aged 18-55 years. Each subject was assigned
      to receive single 40 mg doses of ALO-02 administered whole (intact capsule) under
      fasting conditions, administered whole under fed conditions (high-fat breakfast ~
      950 calories), or sprinkling the contents of the ALO-02 capsule (pellets) over
      applesauce and swallowing the dose without chewing under fasting conditions. Each
      treatment was separated by a 7-day washout interval. Plasma samples were analyzed
      just before dosing through 48 hours postdose for oxycodone, and through 120 hours
      postdose for naltrexone and its major metabolite, 6-beta-naltrexol.
      Pharmacokinetic parameters included maximum plasma concentration [Cmax ], area
      under the plasma concentration-time profile from time 0 to infinity [AUCinf ] and
      to the last quantifiable concentration [AUClast ], time to Cmax [Tmax ], and
      terminal half life [t1/2 ]. Adverse events, vital signs, and laboratory
      parameters were monitored for safety assessment. RESULTS: The t1/2 and Tmax
      values for oxycodone were similar for all 3 treatments. There was a lack of
      effect of food (whole capsule, fed vs. fasted) or of sprinkling on applesauce
      (pellets vs. whole capsule, fasted) on oxycodone bioavailability. The
      Test/Reference ratios of adjusted geometric means for oxycodone AUCinf , AUClast
      , and Cmax were 99.2%, 100%, and 107%, respectively, for the effect of food; and
      101%, 101%, and 97.5%, respectively, for the effect of sprinkling on applesauce.
      The 90% confidence intervals contained entirely within the bioequivalence limits
      of 80% to 125% for each comparison. Naltrexone remained sequestered during each
      treatment, based on the sporadic and low measurable plasma concentrations of
      naltrexone and 6-beta-naltrexol. Single doses of ALO-02 40 mg were well
      tolerated, and adverse events were mild, with no apparent difference in frequency
      for all 3 treatments. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Results indicate that ALO-02
      can be administered without regard to food. Also, the contents of ALO-02 can be
      sprinkled over applesauce and consumed without chewing as an alternative
      treatment option by subjects with difficulty swallowing. Naltrexone remained
      sequestered in the ALO-02 formulation under all 3 treatments.

PMID- 27137147
TI  - Evaluation of the effect of food and age on the pharmacokinetics of oral
      netupitant and palonosetron in healthy subjects: A randomized, open-label,
      crossover phase 1 study.
AB  - Antiemetic treatment compliance is important to prevent chemotherapy-induced
      nausea and vomiting, a feared chemotherapy side effect. NEPA, a new oral fixed
      combination of netupitant, a highly selective NK1 receptor antagonist (RA), and
      palonosetron, a second-generation 5-HT3 RA, targets dual antiemetic pathways with
      a single dose. This study investigated the effect of food intake and age on NEPA
      pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety. In this open-label, single-center, randomized,
      phase 1 study, 24 adults (18-45 years) received NEPA in a fed or fasted state
      during the first treatment period and in the alternative state in the next
      treatment period. Twelve elderly subjects (>=65 years) received NEPA in a fasted
      state. Blood samples were taken for netupitant and palonosetron PK analysis. In
      the fed condition, netupitant plasma exposure increased, whereas palonosetron PK
      parameters were not affected. Furthermore, elderly subjects showed increased
      netupitant and palonosetron exposure compared with adults. All adverse events
      were mild/moderate, with constipation and headache the most common. Although food
      intake and age altered NEPA PK, dose adjustments were not needed, as netupitant
      and palonosetron exposure increases did not lead to safety concerns in healthy
      subjects.

PMID- 27137148
TI  - Quantitation of the impact of CYP3A5 A6986G polymorphism on quetiapine
      pharmacokinetics by simulation of target attainment.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate whether genetic polymorphisms in CYP3A5 and
      ABCB1 are responsible for the interindividual variability observed in quetiapine
      pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetic data from a randomized crossover study
      evaluating 2 quetiapine 25 mg immediate-release tablets after single oral dose
      were used to develop a population pharmacokinetic model. The single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) evaluated for the genotype effects of quetiapine
      pharmacokinetics were CYP3A5 A6986G and ABCB1 C3435T, along with other
      demographic variables and formulations. A one-compartment distribution model with
      linear elimination plus four transit compartments for the delayed absorption
      adequately described quetiapine disposition. CYP3A5 *1/*1 individuals (n = 3) had
      29% increased clearance compared to *1/*3 and *3/*3 individuals. The impact of an
      increased clearance was evaluated by simulations. By computing the probability of
      target attainment (PTA) of steady-state therapeutic goal at 1-hour and 12-hour
      time points after 50-400 mg twice-daily regimens, the results indicated that
      CYP3A5 genotype has minimal impact on the PTA of the 1-hour concentrations but a
      significant impact on the 12-hour concentrations. The interpretation based on the
      simulations does not call for a genotype-based dosing scheme and is consistent
      with consensus guidelines for quetiapine that therapeutic drug monitoring is
      considered useful. Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development.

PMID- 27137149
TI  - Single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of tofacitinib in healthy Chinese
      volunteers.
AB  - Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor. The objective of this phase 1,
      open-label study was to characterize the single- and multiple-dose
      pharmacokinetics (PK) of tofacitinib in 12 healthy, adult Chinese volunteers.
      Eligible subjects received oral tofacitinib 10 mg once daily on days 1 and 6 and
      twice daily on days 2-5. Blood samples were collected on day 1 predose and over
      24 hours postdose (day 2 predose), predose on days 3-6, and over 12 hours
      postdose on day 6. PK parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis.
      Mean concentration-time profiles for days 1 and 6 were similar, with median time
      to peak concentration of 0.5 hours on both days. Plasma concentrations declined
      rapidly following attainment of peak concentrations, with a mean terminal half
      life of 3.3 hours on day 1 (single dose) and 2.5 hours on day 6 (multiple dose).
      No accumulation in plasma occurred with twice-daily administration: accumulation
      ratio of 1.04. The rapid absorption, elimination, and systemic exposures (peak
      and area under the concentration-time curve) observed in healthy Chinese
      volunteers in this study are similar to those previously reported in white
      subjects.

PMID- 27137150
TI  - Differential expression of long non-coding RNAs in hyperoxia-induced
      bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
AB  - Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication of premature birth that
      seriously affects the survival rate and quality of life among preterm neonates.
      Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in many human diseases.
      However, the role of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of BPD remains poorly
      understood. Here, we exposed neonatal C57BL/6J mice to 95% concentrations of
      ambient oxygen and established a mouse lung injury model that mimicked human BPD.
      Next, we compared lncRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles between BPD
      and normal lung tissues using a high-throughput mouse lncRNA + mRNA array system.
      Compared with the control group, 882 lncRNAs were upregulated, and 887 lncRNAs
      were downregulated in BPD lung tissues. We validated some candidate BPD
      associated lncRNAs by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase
      chain reaction analysis in eight pairs of BPD and normal lung tissues. Gene
      ontology, pathway and bioinformatics analyses revealed that a downregulated
      lncRNA, namely AK033210, associated with tenascin C may be involved in the
      pathogenesis of BPD. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to
      reveal differential lncRNA expression in BPD, which provides a foundation for
      further understanding of the molecular mechanism of BPD development. Copyright
      (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27137151
TI  - A Comparative Biomechanical Analysis of Stand Alone Versus Facet Screw and
      Pedicle Screw Augmented Lateral Interbody Arthrodesis: An In Vitro Human
      Cadaveric Model.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric biomechanical study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the
      kinematic response of a stand-alone lateral lumbar interbody cage compared with
      supplemental posterior fixation with either facet or pedicle screws after lateral
      discectomy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lateral interbody fusion is a promising
      minimally invasive fixation technique for lumbar interbody arthrodesis. The
      biomechanical stability of stand-alone cage placement compared with supplemental
      posterior fixation with either facet or bilateral pedicle screws remains unclear.
      METHODS: A 6-degree of freedom spine simulator was used to test flexibility in 7
      human cadaveric specimens. Flexion-extension, lateral-bending, and axial-rotation
      were tested in the intact condition, followed by destabilization through a
      lateral discectomy at L2-L3 and L4-L5. Specimens were then reconstructed at both
      operative segments in the following sequence: (1) lateral interbody cage
      placement; (2) either Discovery facet screws or the Viper F2 system using a
      transfacet-pedicular trajectory randomized to L2-L3 or L4-L5; and (3) removal of
      facet screw fixation followed by placement of bilateral pedicle screw
      instrumentation. Acute range of motion (ROM) was quantified and analyzed.
      RESULTS: All 4 reconstruction groups, including stand-alone interbody cage
      placement, bilateral Discovery facet screws, the Viper F2 system, and bilateral
      pedicle screw-rod stabilization, resulted in a significant decrease in acute ROM
      in all loading modes tested (P<0.05). There were no significant differences
      observed between the 4 instrumentation groups (P>0.05). Although not
      statistically significant, the Viper F2 system resulted in greatest reduction of
      acute ROM in both flexion-extension and axial rotation versus all other
      treatments (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stand-alone interbody cage placement results in
      a significant reduction in acute ROM at the operative segment in the absence of
      posterior supplemental fixation. If added fixation is desired, facet screw
      placement, including the Viper F2 facet screw system using an integrated
      compression washer and transfacet-pedicular trajectory, provides similar acute
      stability to the spinal segment compared with traditional bilateral pedicle screw
      fixation in the setting of lateral interbody cage deployment.

PMID- 27137152
TI  - Posterior Cervical Fusion With Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2:
      Complications and Fusion Rate at Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was
      to determine the fusion rate and evaluate the complications associated with the
      application of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in
      posterior cervical fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The rates of fusion and
      complications associated with the use of rhBMP-2 in posterior cervical fusion is
      unclear, though recent work has shown up to a 100% fusion rate. METHODS: We
      independently reviewed consecutive series of patients who underwent posterior
      cervical, occipitocervical, or cervicothoracic instrumented fusion augmented with
      rhBMP-2. Two surgeons at a tertiary-referral, academic medical center performed
      all operations, and each patient had a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Fusion status
      was determined by bony bridging on computed tomography scans, absence of
      radiolucency around instrumentation, and absence of motion on lateral
      flexion/extension radiographs. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients with a mean age of
      56.7+/-13.2 years and mean follow-up of 37.7+/-20.6 months were analyzed. Forty
      eight patients (84.2%) had undergone previous cervical surgery, and 42.1% had a
      preexisting nonunion. Constructs spanned 5.6+/-2.6 levels; 19.3% involved the
      occiput, whereas 61.4% crossed the cervicothoracic junction. The mean rhBMP-2
      dose was 21.1+/-8.7 mg per operation. Iliac crest autograft was used for 29.8% of
      patients. Six patients (10.5%) experienced nonunion; only 2 required revision. In
      each case of nonunion, instrumentation crossed the occipitocervical or
      cervicothoracic junction. However, none of the analyzed variables was
      statistically associated with nonunion. Fourteen patients (24.6%) suffered
      complications, with 7 requiring additional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The observed
      fusion rate of rhBMP-2-augmented posterior cervical, occipitocervical, and
      cervicothoracic fusions was 89.5%. This reflects the complicated nature of the
      patients included in the current study and demonstrates that rhBMP-2 cannot
      always overcome the biomechanical challenges entailed in spanning the
      occipitocervical or cervicothoracic junction.

PMID- 27137153
TI  - Thoracoscopic Vertebrectomy for Thoracolumbar Junction Fractures and Tumors:
      Surgical Technique and Evaluation of the Learning Curve.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluated the surgical
      technique and learning curve for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for
      treating thoracolumbar junction burst fractures and bony tumors by examining
      surgical data and outcome for the first 30 VATS procedures performed by a single
      surgeon at a training institution. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: VATS is commonly
      used in the treatment of early-stage lung cancer. Widespread use of this
      technique among neurosurgeons is limited by the lack of cases and the steep
      learning curve. METHODS: This study was a retrospective case series of the first
      30 T12 and L1 thoracoscopic vertebrectomies from 2003 to 2008. The sample was
      limited to 1 surgeon and 1 region of the spine to minimize the potential
      variation so that a learning curve could be assessed. Surgical data and outcomes
      were analyzed. Estimated blood loss and operation time were analyzed using a
      linear generalized estimating equation model with a first-order autoregression
      correlation structure. RESULTS: The average operative time for thoracoscopic
      corpectomy was 270+/-65 minutes (range, 160-416 min). Operating room time
      decreased significantly after the first 3 operations. The authors observed a
      stable linear decrease in operating time over the course of the study. The
      average blood loss during the thoracoscopic procedure was 433+/-330 mL (range,
      100-1500 mL) and did not change as the series progressed. Complications and
      conversions to open procedures occurred in 2 patients and were evenly distributed
      throughout the series. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic vertebrectomy at the
      thoracolumbar junction has a relatively long learning curve. In this series,
      operating room time improved dramatically after the first 3 cases but continued
      to improve subsequently. The learning curve can be accomplished without an
      increase in blood loss, complications, rate of conversion to open procedures, or
      frequency of misplaced instrumentation.

PMID- 27137154
TI  - Cervical Posttraumatic Unilateral Locked Facets: Clinical, Radiologic, and
      Surgical Remarks on a Series of 33 Patients.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Radiographic and clinical analysis. OBJECTIVE: Review author's
      experience with anterior discectomy, interbody fusion, and anterior cervical
      plating in 33 patients with posttraumatic unilateral cervical locked facets.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Unilateral cervical locked facet syndrome is a
      relatively uncommon injury that often is misdiagnosed and therefore subject to a
      dangerous delay in surgery. Management of this trauma is controversial. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with radiologically proven diagnosis of
      postraumatic unilateral cervical locked facets were treated by skull traction and
      surgical operation from January 2005 to December 2009. All patients
      preoperatively were assessed for neurological examination and underwent x-rays,
      magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography evaluation of the cervical
      spine. RESULTS: The unilateral locked facet level was C4-C5 in 13 patients, C5-C6
      in 10, C6-C7 in 8, and C3-C4 in 2 patients. After closed reduction attempt with
      Crutchfield system, the correct alignment was achieved in 30 patients, who
      underwent anterior discectomy with cage, interbody fusion, and anterior cervical
      plating. In 3 patients there was an overdistraction and therefore a closed
      reduction was not possible, so they were firstly operated by posterior approach
      with opened reduction of the facets, lateral mass screws, and posterolateral
      fusion. In 2 of these patients there was an anterior fragment of the disk in the
      canal, so was also performed an anterior approach with discectomy, cage, and
      plating. There were no surgery-related complications. Postoperative neurological
      status was unchanged in the 3 patients with tetraplegia and improved in 8 of the
      10 patients with radiculopathy. Fusion was obtained in all patients, as showed in
      the clinical and radiologic follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that an
      anterior approach provides a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of
      patients with posttraumatic unilateral cervical locked facet, when preoperatively
      the cervical alignment of the dislocation is achieved with a closed reduction.

PMID- 27137158
TI  - Change in Angular Alignment Is Associated With Early Dysphagia After Anterior
      Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort. OBJECTIVE: Change
      in cervical angular alignment may be associated with dysphagia. SUMMARY OF
      BACKGROUND DATA: Bony deformities of the cervical spine may be associated with
      secondary contractures of soft tissues in the neck. Acute surgical deformity
      correction causes in changes in soft tissue tension in the anterior neck,
      resulting in dysphagia. METHODS: The study population included patients
      undergoing 1 and 2 level elective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for
      cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs
      at 2 weeks were measured by a blinded observer for C2-C7 endplate angle, C2-C7
      posterior vertebral body length, and occipital condyle plumb line distance on
      upright lateral radiographs at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Patients were
      prospectively queried about dysphagia incidence and severity using a numeric
      rating scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the
      effect of change in radiographic parameters controlling for demographic
      characteristics. RESULTS: The study population included 25 patients with complete
      radiographs. The mean change in C2-C7 angle was -0.6 degrees (SD 9), the mean
      change in C2-C7 length was 1.7 mm (SD 26), the mean change in occipital condyle
      plumb line distance was 2.3 mm (SD 20).Multiple linear regression analysis was
      performed including operative time, age, sex, number of levels, and change in
      radiographic parameters as independent variables and using dysphagia score as the
      dependent variable. The change in C2-C7 angle and operative time were the only
      statistically significant predictors of change in dysphagia at 2 and 6 weeks
      postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that lordotic change in
      spinal alignment and longer operative times are associated with increased
      postoperative dysphagia. Surgeons should counsel patients in whom a large angular
      correction is expected about the possibility for postoperative dysphagia.
      Furthermore, future studies on dysphagia incidence should include radiographic
      alignment as an independent predictor of dysphagia.

PMID- 27137159
TI  - Indices of Paraspinal Muscles Degeneration: Reliability and Association With
      Facet Joint Osteoarthritis: Feasibility Study.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A reliability and cross-sectional observational study. OBJECTIVE:
      To introduce a scoring system for visible fat infiltration in paraspinal muscles;
      to evaluate intertester and intratester reliability of this system and its
      relationship with indices of muscle density; to evaluate the association between
      indices of paraspinal muscle degeneration and facet joint osteoarthritis. SUMMARY
      OF BACKGROUND DATA: Current evidence suggests that the paraspinal muscles
      degeneration is associated with low back pain, facet joint osteoarthritis,
      spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease. However, the evaluation of
      paraspinal muscles on computed tomography is not radiological routine, probably
      because of absence of simple and reliable indices of paraspinal degeneration.
      METHODS: One hundred fifty consecutive computed tomography scans of the lower
      back (N=75) or abdomen (N=75) were evaluated. Mean radiographic density (in
      Hounsfield units) and SD of the density of multifidus and erector spinae were
      evaluated at the L4-L5 spinal level. A new index of muscle degeneration,
      radiographic density ratio=muscle density/SD of density, was calculated. To
      evaluate the visible fat infiltration in paraspinal muscles, we proposed a 3
      graded scoring system. The prevalence of facet joint osteoarthritis was also
      evaluated. Intraclass correlation and kappa statistics were used to evaluate
      inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Logistic regression examined the
      association between paraspinal muscle indices and facet joint osteoarthritis.
      RESULTS: Intra-rater reliability for fat infiltration score (kappa) ranged
      between 0.87 and 0.92; inter-rater reliability between 0.70 and 0.81. Intra-rater
      reliability (intraclass correlation) for mean density of paraspinal muscles
      ranged between 0.96 and 0.99, inter-rater reliability between 0.95 and 0.99; SD
      intra-rater reliability ranged between 0.82 and 0.91, inter-rater reliability
      between 0.80 and 0.89. Significant associations (P<0.01) were found between facet
      joint osteoarthritis, fat infiltration score, and radiographic density ratio.
      CONCLUSIONS: Two suggested indices of paraspinal muscle degeneration showed
      excellent reliability and were significantly associated with facet joint
      osteoarthritis. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the associations with
      other spinal degeneration features and low back pain.

PMID- 27137160
TI  - Biomechanical Comparison of Expansive Pedicle Screw and Polymethylmethacrylate
      augmented Pedicle Screw in Osteoporotic Synthetic Bone in Primary Implantation:
      An Experimental Study.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Expansive pedicle screws (EPS) and polymethylmethacrylate-augmented
      pedicle screws (PMMA-PS) were inserted into osteoporotic synthetic bones, which
      were then tested by radiographic and biomechanical examinations. OBJECTIVE: To
      compare the stability of EPS and PMMA-PS with that of a conventional pedicle
      screw (CPS) in an osteoporotic synthetic bone. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It is
      a significant challenge for orthopedic surgeons performing transpedicular
      fixation in the osteoporotic spine. Prior studies have suggested that both EPS
      and PMMA-PS can increase the screw stability effectively. However, there are no
      biomechanical comparisons of EPS and PMMA-PS, especially in primary spinal
      surgery in osteoporosis. METHODS: Thirty osteoporotic synthetic bone blocks were
      divided into 3 groups randomly. A pilot hole was prepared in advance in all
      samples by the same method. Then, the CPS was inserted directly into the pilot
      hole in the CPS group; the hole in the PMMA-PS group was first filled with
      polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA; 2.5 mL) and then inserted with CPS, and the EPS was
      inserted directly into the blocks in the EPS group. Twenty-four hours later, x
      ray and computed tomography examination and axial pullout tests were performed on
      all samples; the block destructions were then recorded, and the hole diameters
      were measured. RESULTS: In the CPS group, the screw was surrounded directly by
      the synthetic bone without any other materials, whereas in the PMMA-PS group, the
      screw was totally wrapped up by PMMA, and the PMMA was evenly distributed in the
      synthetic bone around the screw, indicating obvious improvement of the local
      density around the track. In the EPS group, the anterior part of the EPS
      presented an obvious expansion in synthetic bone and formed an unguiform
      structure pressing the surrounding synthetic bone. Screw stabilities in both the
      PMMA-PS and the EPS groups were significantly enhanced compared with those in the
      CPS group, and the screw stability in the PMMA-PS group was significantly higher
      than that in the EPS group. After the pullout tests, the block destructions were
      the most severe in the PMMA-PS group and the lightest in the CPS group. Hole
      diameters in the PMMA-PS and the EPS groups were significantly larger than that
      in the CPS group, whereas the diameter of the hole in the PMMA-PS group was
      significantly greater than that in the EPS group. CONCLUSIONS: EPS can
      significantly increase the strength of screw fixation compared with CPS in
      osteoporotic synthetic bone. Although EPS shows a weaker fixation strength
      compared with PMMA-PS in the osteoporotic synthetic bone, it may still provide an
      alternative option to prevent screw loosening in the clinical treatment of
      osteoporosis.

PMID- 27137163
TI  - Exercise and The Healthy Child: Is There Anything More We Need To Know?
AB  - No abstract available for this article.

PMID- 27137162
TI  - Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion for Adjacent Segment Disease: Clinical
      Outcomes and Cost Utility of Surgical Intervention.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. OBJECTIVE: Determine clinical outcomes and
      cost utility of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for the treatment
      of adjacent segment disease (ASD). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The incidence of
      symptomatic ASD after ACDF has been estimated to occur in up to 26% of patients.
      Commonly, these patients will undergo an additional ACDF procedure. However,
      there are currently no studies available that adequately describe the clinical
      outcomes or cost utility of performing ACDF for ASD. METHODS: A retrospective
      review of 40 patients undergoing ACDF for ASD was performed. Baseline and 2-year
      neck and arm pain (NRS-NP, NRS-AP), neck disability index (NDI), physical and
      mental quality of life (SF-12 PCS & MCS), and Zung depression score (ZDS) were
      assessed. Two-year total neck-related medical resource utilization, amount of
      missed work, and health-state values were determined. Quality-adjusted life years
      (QALYs) were calculated from EQ-5D assessments with US valuation. Comprehensive
      costs (indirect, direct, and total cost) and the value (cost-per-QALY gained) of
      performing ACDF for ASD were assessed. RESULTS: Performing ACDF to treat ASD
      resulted in significant improvements (P<0.05) in NRS-NP, NRS-AP, NDI, SF-12 PCS,
      and ZDS outcome measures. Patient-reported health states also significantly
      improved, with a mean cumulative 2-year gain of 0.54 QALYs. The mean 2-year cost
      of surgery was $32,616 (direct cost: $25,391; indirect cost: $7225). ACDF for the
      treatment of ASD was associated with a mean 2-year cost per QALY gained of
      $60,526. CONCLUSIONS: Performing ACDF for ASD resulted in significant
      improvements in patient pain, disability, and quality of life. Further, the mean
      2-year cost-per-QALY was determined to be $60,526, which suggests surgical
      intervention to be cost effective. This study is the first to provide evidence
      that performing an ACDF for ASD is both clinically and cost effective.

PMID- 27137164
TI  - Pediatric Exercise Science: A Brief Overview.
AB  - Interest in the physiological responses to exercise unique to the pediatric age
      group has grown exponentially over the past 50 years. A number of issues
      surrounding children's exercise have been particularly responsible for this
      trend, particularly a) recognition of the health benefits of exercise in youth,
      b) the growing involvement of young persons in highly intense levels of sports
      play, and c) the role that exercise may play in the diagnosis and management of
      children with chronic disease. As a consequence, current research to date has
      provided a comprehensive picture of the features specific to children's response
      to exercise. Future challenges facing the field of pediatric exercise science
      involve translating this information into practical guidelines which can be
      applied to the realms of clinical medical practice, preventive health
      initiatives, and athletic training regimens which are appropriate for this age
      group.

PMID- 27137165
TI  - Protein Needs of Physically Active Children.
AB  - Current Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) for protein for children and youth
      require revision as they were derived primarily on nitrogen balance data in young
      children or extrapolated from adult values; did not account for the possible
      influence of above average physical activity; and did not set an upper tolerable
      level of intake. Revision of the protein DRIs requires new research that
      investigates: 1) long-term dose-response to identify protein and essential amino
      acid requirements of both sexes at various pubertal stages and under differing
      conditions of physical activity; 2) the acute protein needs (quantity and timing)
      following a single bout of exercise; 3) the potential adverse effects of chronic
      high intakes of protein; and 4) new measurement techniques (i.e., IAAO or stable
      isotope methodologies) to improve accuracy of protein needs. While active
      individuals may require protein in excess of current DRIs, most active Canadian
      children and youth have habitual protein intakes that exceed current
      recommendations.

PMID- 27137167
TI  - Musculoskeletal Proportionality, Biomechanical Considerations, and Their
      Contribution to Movement in Adults and Children.
AB  - The musculoskeletal system grows greatly throughout maturation. When trying to
      explain differences in strength, power and movement patterns between adults and
      children many pediatric exercise scientists will assume that this growth is
      proportional in all dimensions and structures. This article examines the evidence
      underpinning these assumptions, and considers how changes in fascicle, muscle,
      tendon and joint proportions may contribute to maturation-induced changes in
      physical performance. There are only a small number of studies to draw upon, but
      they consistently indicate that 1) growth changes the functional design of
      muscles, so that they become better at producing large forces at slow speeds but
      less able to achieve large length changes or high velocities; 2) the skeleton
      appears to grow somewhat proportionally before puberty, but this changes
      throughout adolescence, meaning the moment arm about which the muscle acts does
      not remain proportional to muscle length or the external moment arm about which
      joint work acts on the external world. In combination these results show that
      external measures of whole body or joint performance do not reflect the actual
      internal muscle function similarly in children and adults. Since our purpose
      should be to explain and not just describe maturation-induced changes in
      performance, greater efforts are needed to understand the internal "engine"
      driving our movement. This necessitates more detailed, longitudinal and
      dynamically loaded studies of the structure and function of the muscles and their
      interaction with the skeleton throughout maturation. 

PMID- 27137166
TI  - Bridging the Gaps: the Promise of Omics Studies in Pediatric Exercise Research.
AB  - In this review, we highlight promising new discoveries that may generate useful
      and clinically relevant insights into the mechanisms that link exercise with
      growth during critical periods of development. Growth in childhood and
      adolescence is unique among mammals and is a dynamic process regulated by an
      evolution of hormonal and inflammatory mediators, age-dependent progression of
      gene expression, and environmentally modulated epigenetic mechanisms. Many of
      these same processes likely affect molecular transducers of physical activity.
      How the molecular signaling associated with growth is synchronized with signaling
      associated with exercise is poorly understood. Recent advances in "omics"-namely
      genomics and epigenetics, metabolomics, and proteomics-now provide exciting
      approaches and tools that can be used for the first time to address this gap. A
      biologic definition of "healthy" exercise that links the metabolic transducers of
      physical activity with parallel processes that regulate growth will transform
      health policy and guidelines that promote optimal use of physical activity.

PMID- 27137168
TI  - Exercise and Pediatric Brain Development: A Call to Action.
AB  - Exercise has long been reputed to have beneficial effects on cognitive processes
      and emotional stability, with obvious applications to lifespan developmental
      issues in mental health. Over the last 20 years, animal studies have provided
      potential mechanisms for this link in neurophysiological terms. Only a very small
      number of studies have applied this model to well-controlled child and adolescent
      studies of psychological development, with such studies necessarily requiring
      collaboration across the fields of exercise science and developmental psychology.
      In this paper, I outline why the field is now well positioned to increase this
      effort. Core to this argument is an outline of historical reasons for a (somewhat
      still active) resistance to this integrative perspective within developmental
      psychology and a brief synopsis of the countering evidence, followed by a summary
      of how advances in electrophysiology now make such studies highly accessible and
      reasonable in terms of cost and convenience.

PMID- 27137169
TI  - Endocrine Response to Exercise and Training-Closing the Gaps.
AB  - In recent years there has been a remarkable enhancement in the knowledge and
      understanding of endocrine responses to exercise and exercise training in
      children and adolescents who participate in sports. This includes, for example,
      exercise-associated changes in growth factors that regulate muscle adaptations to
      exercise training, the use of hormonal changes to assess training intensity, as
      well as deleterious effects of competitive sports, in particularly if associated
      with inadequate nutrition, on growth and the reproductive system. However, major
      scientific gaps still exist in our understanding of the application and
      translation of this knowledge to the everyday use of young athletes and their
      coaches. These gaps include the translation of laboratory research to "real-life"
      training setting to optimize training efficiency, mainly due to the lack of "real
      life" exercise studies; and the use of genetic endocrinology for sports
      selection, the prediction of excellence in sports and to improve training.

PMID- 27137170
TI  - Physical Activity and Movement Proficiency: The Need for a Biocultural Approach.
AB  - "Gaps in Our Knowledge" are discussed in the context of the need to integrate
      biological and behavioral factors in a biocultural approach to physical activity
      and movement proficiency. Specific issues considered include outdoor play,
      organized and informal activity, biological maturation, tracking of activity,
      development of movement proficiency, and individual differences. Studies
      considered are largely based on youth in economically better-off, developed
      countries in the western culture context. There is a need to extend studies of
      physical activity and movement proficiency to different cultural contexts.

PMID- 27137171
TI  - Evaluation of supraspinatus strengthening exercises based on fiber bundle
      architectural changes.
AB  - Supraspinatus strengthening is an integral part of rehabilitation programs.
      However, there is disparity regarding the best exercise. Thus, we investigated
      the effects of supraspinatus strengthening exercises on muscle fiber bundle
      architecture using real-time ultrasound. Participants were randomized into full
      can (FC; n = 12), empty-can (EC; n = 11,) and prone horizontal abduction (PHA; n
      = 11) groups and performed three sessions/week for 8 weeks. Each session involved
      four sets of exercise for weeks 1-4 and six sets for weeks 5-8 with eight
      repetitions/set. Images of supraspinatus were captured in 0 degrees  (relaxed)
      and 60 degrees  (contracted) glenohumeral abduction. Fiber bundle length (FBL),
      pennation angle, and muscle thickness were measured at beginning, mid, and end of
      training. Maximum isometric abduction strength was measured in full-can, empty
      can, and prone horizontal abduction positions using a hand-held dynamometer. FBL
      decreased after 4 weeks in FC [relaxed: Delta = -0.54 cm, P = 0.001, d = 0.92;
      contracted: Delta = -0.27 cm, P = 0.008, d = 0.27] and EC [relaxed: Delta = -0.59
      cm, P = 0.008, d = 0.86; contracted: Delta = -0.36 cm, P = 0.013, d = 0.59], but
      not in PHA [relaxed: Delta = -0.11, P = 0.121, d = 0.31; contracted: Delta = 
      0.06 cm, P = 0.486, d = 0.13]. Strength increased significantly from week 4-8
      only in PHA (Delta = +0.96 kg, P = 0.004, d = 0.47) when tested in prone
      horizontal abduction position. Maintenance of FBL with increased strength
      indicates prone horizontal abduction may be a better exercise to strengthen
      supraspinatus.

PMID- 27137172
TI  - We still question the utility and validity of the binge/heavy drinking criterion.

PMID- 27137173
TI  - Bioavailability of Bioactive Molecules from Olive Leaf Extracts and its
      Functional Value.
AB  - Olive leaves are an important low-cost source of bioactive compounds. The present
      study aimed to examine the effect of in vitro digestibility of an olive leaf
      aqueous extract so as to prove the availability of its phenolic compounds as well
      as its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity after a simulated
      digestion process. The total phenolic content was significantly higher in the
      pure lyophilized extract. Phenolic compounds, however, decreased by 60% and 90%
      in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF),
      respectively. Regarding antioxidant activity, it was reduced by 10% and 50% after
      gastric and intestinal digestion, respectively; despite this fact, high
      antioxidant capacity was found in both SGF and SIF. Moreover, the olive leaf
      extract showed an unusual combined antimicrobial action at low concentration,
      which suggested their great potential as nutraceuticals, particularly as a source
      of phenolic compounds. Finally, olive leaf extracts produced a general dose
      dependent cytotoxic effect against U937 cells. To sum up, these findings suggest
      that the olive leaf aqueous extract maintains its beneficial properties after a
      simulated digestion process, and therefore its regular consumption could be
      helpful in the management and the prevention of oxidative stress-related chronic
      disease, bacterial infection, or even cancer. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27137174
TI  - Baroreflex activation therapy in patients with prior renal denervation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) and renal denervation
      modulate sympathetic activity. The aim of this study was to systematically
      investigate whether additive modulation of autonomic nervous system by BAT lowers
      blood pressure (BP) in patients who still suffer from uncontrolled resistant
      hypertension despite prior renal denervation. METHODS: From 2012 to January 2015,
      patients treated with BAT for uncontrolled resistant hypertension, who prior
      received renal denervation were consecutively analyzed in four German centers for
      hypertension. Analyses of office BP, 24-h ambulatory BP, central hemodynamics,
      parameters of renal function were performed. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients, who
      underwent renal denervation at least 5 months before and still suffer from
      uncontrolled BP, were subsequently treated with BAT. The office SBP decreased
      from 182 +/- 28 to 163 +/- 27 mmHg (P < 0.01) with a responder rate of 68%
      (office SBP reduction >=10 mmHg) at month 6, whereas the number of prescribed
      antihypertensive drug classes remained unchanged (6.2 +/- 1.5 vs. 6.0 +/- 1.7, P
      = 0.30). Serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate and cystatin C
      remained stable (P = 1.00, P = 0.41 and P = 0.22, respectively), whereas
      albuminuria was significantly reduced by a median of -29% (P = 0.02). Central SBP
      (-15 +/- 24 mmHg, P = 0.047) and end systolic pressure (-14 +/- 20 mmHg, P =
      0.03) were significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: The present data demonstrate that
      BAT may exert BP-lowering as well as antiproteinuric effects in patients with
      prior renal denervation. However, precise evaluation of BAT effects in patients
      with prior renal denervation will need randomized controlled trials using sham
      procedures.

PMID- 27137175
TI  - Effects of aerobic exercise intensity on ambulatory blood pressure and vascular
      responses in resistant hypertension: a crossover trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resistant hypertension often exposes patients to poor blood pressure
      (BP) control, resulting in clinical vulnerability, possible need for device-based
      procedures (denervation) and increased therapy costs. Regular exercise markedly
      benefits patients with hypertension, including resistant patients. However,
      little is known about short-term exercise effects in resistant hypertension.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate acute hemodynamic effects of exercise in resistant
      hypertension. METHOD: After maximal exercise testing, 20 patients (54.0 +/- 5.7
      years, 30.2 +/- 4.9 kg/m) with resistant hypertension participated in three
      crossover interventions, in random order, and on separate days: control (45' of
      rest), and light intensity and moderate intensity (45' of aerobic exercise at 50
      and 75% of maximum heart rate, respectively). Ambulatory BP, forearm blood flow
      (with subsequent calculation of vascular resistance), and reactive hyperemia were
      measured before and after interventions trough venous occlusion plethysmography.
      RESULTS: Compared with control, both exercise intensities reduced ambulatory
      systolic pressure over 5 h (light: -7.7 +/- 2.4 mmHg and moderate: -9.4 +/- 2.8
      mmHg, P < 0.01), whereas only light intensity reduced diastolic pressure (-5.7 +/
      2.2 mmHg, P < 0.01). Light intensity also lowered systolic and diastolic
      pressures over 10-h daytime (-3.8 +/- 1.3 and -4.0 +/- 1.3 mmHg, respectively, P
      < 0.02), night-time (-6.0 +/- 2.4 and -6.1 +/- 1.6 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.05),
      and diastolic pressure over 19 h (-4.8 +/- 1.2 mmHg, P < 0.01). Forearm blood
      flow changed (decreased) compared with baseline only at 50 min after light
      intensity (P < 0.05). After the control and light intensity sessions, vascular
      resistance increased at the end of 1 h, and after moderate intensity, it
      decreased only at the moment (~2 min) immediately after intervention (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: A single session of light or moderate aerobic exercise acutely
      reduces ambulatory BP in resistant hypertension, although benefits persist longer
      following light intensity.

PMID- 27137176
TI  - Improved arterial flow-mediated dilation after exertion involves hydrogen
      peroxide in overweight and obese adults following aerobic exercise training.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Acute strenuous physical exertion impairs arterial function in
      sedentary adults. We investigated the effects of 8 weeks of regular aerobic
      exercise training on acute physical exertion-induced arterial dysfunction in
      sedentary, overweight, and obese adults. METHODS: Twenty-five overweight and
      obese adults (BMI 30.5 +/- 7.2 years) were assigned to 8 weeks of aerobic
      training or to a control group. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was
      assessed before and after acute leg press exercise at weeks 0 and 8. Gluteal
      adipose biopsies were performed at rest and post acute leg press to measure
      microvessel FMD with and without nitric oxide synthase inhibition via L
      nitroarginine methyl ester or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging with Catalase.
      Microvessel nitric oxide and H2O2 production were assessed via fluorescence
      microscopy. RESULTS: Brachial artery dilation was reduced post acute leg press at
      week 0 in the aerobic exercise and control groups, but was preserved in the
      aerobic-exercise group post acute leg press at week 8 (P < 0.05). Post acute leg
      press microvessel FMD was preserved in the aerobic exercise group but impaired in
      the control group at week 8 (P < 0.05). Preserved dilation in the aerobic
      exercise group was more sensitive to H2O2 scavenging than inhibition of nitric
      oxide, and post acute leg press microvessel H2O2 production was increased
      compared with at rest (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise prevents acute
      exertion-induced arterial dysfunction in overweight and obese adults via a
      phenotypic switch from nitric oxide-mediated dilation at rest to a predominately
      H2O2-mediated dilation after acute physical exertion.

PMID- 27137177
TI  - Aortic stiffness aging is influenced by past profound immunodeficiency in HIV
      infected individuals: results from the EVAS-HIV (EValuation of Aortic Stiffness
      in HIV-infected individuals).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We compared aortic stiffness between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected
      individuals and examined the determinants of vascular aging during HIV infection.
      METHODS: Aortic stiffness using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) was
      evaluated cross-sectionally between HIV-infected individuals and uninfected
      controls frequency-matched for age and sex, and longitudinally in a subgroup of
      HIV-infected individuals. Determinants of elevated cf-PWV levels were assessed
      using logistic regression. Changes in cf-PWV levels during follow-up (mixed
      effect linear regression) and risk factors for achieving cf-PWV below (Group 1)
      or above the median (Group 2) at last follow-up visit were evaluated only in HIV
      infected individuals. RESULTS: A total of 133 HIV-infected and 135 HIV-uninfected
      individuals (mean age: 47.7 +/- 8.9 years, 91% men) were enrolled. Median cf-PWV
      at baseline was similar between HIV-infected individuals and controls [7.5 m/s
      (interquartile range = 6.7-8.4) vs. 7.5 m/s (interquartile range = 6.6-8.4),
      respectively; P = 0.64]. In multivariable analysis, only mean arterial pressure
      showed significant association with elevated cf-PWV in the overall population (P
      = 0.036). In HIV-infected individuals, elevated cf-PWV was associated with
      current smoking (P = 0.042), and nadir CD4 T-cell count less than 200 cells/MUl
      (P = 0.048). Ninety-one HIV-infected individuals were followed for a mean 7.6 +/-
      2.0 years. cf-PWV progression was associated with age (P = 0.018), mean arterial
      pressure (P = 0.020), and nadir CD4 T-cell count (P = 0.005). Patients from Group
      2 had higher baseline waist circumference, pulse pressure, and nadir CD4 T-cell
      count less than 200 cells/MUl. CONCLUSION: We observed no difference in aortic
      stiffness between HIV-infected and controls. Moreover, aortic stiffness aging was
      independently associated with past severe immunodeficiency, along with other
      traditional risk factors. Our results call for early antiretroviral initiation.

PMID- 27137178
TI  - Mediterranean diet and faecal microbiota: a transversal study.
AB  - Despite the existing evidence on the impact of olive oil and red wine on the
      intestinal microbiota, the effect of the global Mediterranean Diet (MD) has not
      been sufficiently studied. We explored the association between the adherence to a
      Mediterranean dietary pattern, and its components, with faecal microbiota in a
      cohort of adults with non-declared pathology. This transversal study involved 31
      adults without a previous diagnosis of cancer, autoimmune or digestive diseases.
      Based on the data obtained by means of an annual food frequency questionnaire
      (FFQ), and the information existing in the literature, a Mediterranean Diet Score
      (MDS) was calculated. Dietary fibre was obtained from Marlett et al. tables and
      Phenol-Explorer Database was used for phenolic compounds intake. Quantification
      of microbial groups was performed by Ion Torrent 16S rRNA gene-based analysis and
      quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was performed using gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS). MDS was associated with a higher abundance
      of Bacteroidetes (p = 0.001), Prevotellacea (p = 0.002) and Prevotella (p =
      0.003) and a lower concentration of Firmicutes (p = 0.003) and Lachnospiraceae (p
      = 0.045). Also, in subjects with MDS >= 4, higher concentrations of faecal
      propionate (p = 0.034) and butyrate (p = 0.018) were detected. These results
      confirm the complexity of the diet-microbiota interrelationship. 

PMID- 27137179
TI  - The Sus operon: a model system for starch uptake by the human gut Bacteroidetes.
AB  - Resident bacteria in the densely populated human intestinal tract must
      efficiently compete for carbohydrate nutrition. The Bacteroidetes, a dominant
      bacterial phylum in the mammalian gut, encode a plethora of discrete
      polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs) that are selectively activated to
      facilitate glycan capture at the cell surface. The most well-studied PUL-encoded
      glycan-uptake system is the starch utilization system (Sus) of Bacteroides
      thetaiotaomicron. The Sus includes the requisite proteins for binding and
      degrading starch at the surface of the cell preceding oligosaccharide transport
      across the outer membrane for further depolymerization to glucose in the
      periplasm. All mammalian gut Bacteroidetes possess analogous Sus-like systems
      that target numerous diverse glycans. In this review, we discuss what is known
      about the eight Sus proteins of B. thetaiotaomicron that define the Sus-like
      paradigm of nutrient acquisition that is exclusive to the Gram-negative
      Bacteroidetes. We emphasize the well-characterized outer membrane proteins SusDEF
      and the alpha-amylase SusG, each of which have unique structural features that
      allow them to interact with starch on the cell surface. Despite the apparent
      redundancy in starch-binding sites among these proteins, each has a distinct role
      during starch catabolism. Additionally, we consider what is known about how these
      proteins dynamically interact and cooperate in the membrane and propose a model
      for the formation of the Sus outer membrane complex.

PMID- 27137180
TI  - Structure and function of alpha-glucan debranching enzymes.
AB  - alpha-Glucan debranching enzymes hydrolyse alpha-1,6-linkages in starch/glycogen,
      thereby, playing a central role in energy metabolism in all living organisms.
      They belong to glycoside hydrolase families GH13 and GH57 and several of these
      enzymes are industrially important. Nine GH13 subfamilies include alpha-glucan
      debranching enzymes; isoamylase and glycogen debranching enzymes (GH13_11);
      pullulanase type I/limit dextrinase (GH13_12-14); pullulan hydrolase (GH13_20);
      bifunctional glycogen debranching enzyme (GH13_25); oligo-1 and glucan-1,6-alpha
      glucosidases (GH13_31); pullulanase type II (GH13_39); and alpha-amylase domains
      (GH13_41) in two-domain amylase-pullulanases. GH57 harbours type II pullulanases.
      Specificity differences, domain organisation, carbohydrate binding modules,
      sequence motifs, three-dimensional structures and specificity determinants are
      discussed. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that GH13_39 enzymes could
      represent a "missing link" between the strictly alpha-1,6-specific debranching
      enzymes and the enzymes with dual specificity and alpha-1,4-linkage preference.

PMID- 27137181
TI  - alpha-Glucosidases and alpha-1,4-glucan lyases: structures, functions, and
      physiological actions.
AB  - alpha-Glucosidases (AGases) and alpha-1,4-glucan lyases (GLases) catalyze the
      degradation of alpha-glucosidic linkages at the non-reducing ends of substrates
      to release alpha-glucose and anhydrofructose, respectively. The AGases belong to
      glycoside hydrolase (GH) families 13 and 31, and the GLases belong to GH31 and
      share the same structural fold with GH31 AGases. GH13 and GH31 AGases show
      diverse functions upon the hydrolysis of substrates, having linkage specificities
      and size preferences, as well as upon transglucosylation, forming specific alpha
      glucosidic linkages. The crystal structures of both enzymes were determined using
      free and ligand-bound forms, which enabled us to understand the important
      structural elements responsible for the diverse functions. A series of mutational
      approaches revealed features of the structural elements. In particular, amino
      acid residues in plus subsites are of significance, because they regulate
      transglucosylation, which is used in the production of industrially valuable
      oligosaccharides. The recently solved three-dimensional structure of GLase from
      red seaweed revealed the amino-acid residues essential for lyase activity and the
      strict recognition of the alpha-(1 -> 4)-glucosidic substrate linkage. The former
      was introduced to the GH31 AGase, and the resultant mutant displayed GLase
      activity. GH13 and GH31 AGases hydrate anhydrofructose to produce glucose,
      suggesting that AGases are involved in the catabolic pathway used to salvage
      unutilized anhydrofructose.

PMID- 27137183
TI  - HSP70 regulates the function of mitotic centrosomes.
AB  - To establish a functional bipolar mitotic spindle, the centrosome expands and
      matures, acquiring enhanced activities for microtubule (MT) nucleation and
      assembly at the onset of mitosis. However, the regulatory mechanisms of
      centrosome maturation and MT assembly from the matured centrosome are largely
      unknown. In this study, we showed that heat shock protein (HSP) 70 considerably
      accumulates at the mitotic centrosome during prometaphase to metaphase and is
      required for bipolar spindle assembly. Inhibition or depletion of HSP70 impaired
      the function of mitotic centrosome and disrupted MT nucleation and polymerization
      from the spindle pole, and may thus result in formation of abnormal mitotic
      spindles. In addition, HSP70 may associate with NEDD1 and gamma-tubulin, two
      pericentriolar material (PCM) components essential for centrosome maturation and
      MT nucleation. Loss of HSP70 function disrupted the interaction between NEDD1 and
      gamma-tubulin, and reduced their accumulation at the mitotic centrosome. Our
      results thus demonstrate a role for HSP70 in regulating centrosome integrity
      during mitosis, and indicate that HSP70 is required for the maintenance of a
      functional mitotic centrosome that supports the assembly of a bipolar mitotic
      spindle.

PMID- 27137182
TI  - MicroRNA regulation of macrophages in human pathologies.
AB  - Macrophages play a crucial role in the innate immune system and contribute to a
      broad spectrum of pathologies, like in the defence against infectious agents, in
      inflammation resolution, and wound repair. In the past several years, microRNAs
      (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to play important roles in immune diseases by
      regulating macrophage functions. In this review, we will summarize the role of
      miRNAs in the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages, in the classical and
      alternative activation of macrophages, and in the regulation of phagocytosis and
      apoptosis. Notably, miRNAs preferentially target genes related to the cellular
      cholesterol metabolism, which is of key importance for the inflammatory
      activation and phagocytic activity of macrophages. miRNAs functionally link
      various mechanisms involved in macrophage activation and contribute to initiation
      and resolution of inflammation. miRNAs represent promising diagnostic and
      therapeutic targets in different conditions, such as infectious diseases,
      atherosclerosis, and cancer.

PMID- 27137185
TI  - Unique patterns of CD8+ T-cell-mediated organ damage in the Act-mOVA/OT-I model
      of acute graft-versus-host disease.
AB  - T-cell receptor (TCR)-transgenic models of acute graft-versus-host disease
      (aGvHD) offer a straightforward and highly controlled approach to study the
      mechanisms and consequences of T-cell activation following allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). Here, we report that aHSCT
      involving OT-I mice as donors, carrying an ovalbumin-specific CD8+ TCR, and Act
      mOVA mice as recipients, expressing membrane-bound ovalbumin driven by the beta
      actin promoter, induces lethal aGvHD in a CD8+ T-cell-dependent, highly
      reproducible manner, within 4-7 days. Tracking of UBC-GFP/OT-I graft CD8+ T cells
      disclosed heavy infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and lungs at
      the onset of the disease, and histology confirmed hallmark features of
      gastrointestinal aGVHD, hepatic aGvHD, and aGvHD-associated lymphocytic
      bronchitis in infiltrated organs. However, T-cell infiltration was virtually
      absent in the skin, a key target organ of human aGvHD, and histology confirmed
      the absence of cutaneous aGVHD, as well. We show that the model allows studying
      CD8+ T-cell responses in situ, as selective recovery of graft CD45.1/OT-I CD8+ T
      cells from target organs is simple and feasible by automated tissue dissociation
      and subsequent cell sorting. Assessment of interferon-gamma production by flow
      cytometry, granzyme-B release by ELISA, TREC assay, and whole-genome gene
      expression profiling confirmed that isolated graft CD8+ T cells remained intact,
      underwent clonal expansion, and exerted effector functions in all affected
      tissues. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the OT-I/Act-mOVA model is
      suitable to study the CD8+ T-cell-mediated effector mechanisms in a disease
      closely resembling fatal human gastrointestinal and hepatic aGVHD that may
      develop after aHSCT using HLA-matched unrelated donors.

PMID- 27137184
TI  - SOCS3 revisited: a broad regulator of disease, now ready for therapeutic use?
AB  - Since their discovery, SOCS have been characterised as regulatory cornerstones of
      intracellular signalling. While classically controlling the JAK/STAT pathway,
      their inhibitory effects are documented across several cascades, underpinning
      their essential role in homeostatic maintenance and disease. After 20 years of
      extensive research, SOCS3 has emerged as arguably the most important family
      member, through its regulation of both cytokine- and pathogen-induced cascades.
      In fact, low expression of SOCS3 is associated with autoimmunity and oncogenesis,
      while high expression is linked to diabetes and pathogenic immune evasion. The
      induction of SOCS3 by both viruses and bacteria and its impact upon inflammatory
      disorders, underscores this protein's increasing clinical potential. Therefore,
      with the aim of highlighting SOCS3 as a therapeutic target for future
      development, this review revisits its multi-faceted immune regulatory functions
      and summarises its role in a broad ranges of diseases.

PMID- 27137186
TI  - Intestinal stem cell response to injury: lessons from Drosophila.
AB  - Many adult tissues and organs are maintained by resident stem cells that are
      activated in response to injury but the mechanisms that regulate stem cell
      activity during regeneration are still poorly understood. An emerging system to
      study such problem is the Drosophila adult midgut. Recent studies have identified
      both intrinsic factors and extrinsic niche signals that control the
      proliferation, self-renewal, and lineage differentiation of Drosophila adult
      intestinal stem cells (ISCs). These findings set up the stage to interrogate how
      niche signals are regulated and how they are integrated with cell-intrinsic
      factors to control ISC activity during normal homeostasis and regeneration. Here
      we review the current understanding of the mechanisms that control ISC self
      renewal, proliferation, and lineage differentiation in Drosophila adult midgut
      with a focus on the niche signaling network that governs ISC activity in response
      to injury.

PMID- 27137187
TI  - The recognition of ubiquitinated proteins by the proteasome.
AB  - The ability of ubiquitin to form up to eight different polyubiquitin chain
      linkages generates complexity within the ubiquitin proteasome system, and
      accounts for the diverse roles of ubiquitination within the cell. Understanding
      how each type of ubiquitin linkage is correctly interpreted by ubiquitin binding
      proteins provides important insights into the link between chain recognition and
      cellular fate. A major function of ubiquitination is to signal degradation of
      intracellular proteins by the 26S proteasome. Lysine-48 (K48) linked
      polyubiquitin chains are well established as the canonical signal for proteasomal
      degradation, but recent studies show a role for other ubiquitin linked chains in
      facilitating degradation by the 26S proteasome. Here, we review how different
      types of polyubiquitin linkage bind to ubiquitin receptors on the 26S proteasome,
      how they signal degradation and discuss the implications of ubiquitin chain
      linkage in regulating protein breakdown by the proteasome.

PMID- 27137188
TI  - Effect of CD133 overexpression on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in
      oral cancer cell lines.
AB  - Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers in the
      world. In OSCC, CD133 promotes tumor invasion and metastasis by inducing the
      epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A small subset of cancer cells known
      as cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to give rise to differentiated tumor
      cells and to predict tumor recurrence and metastases, i.e., CSCs may be
      metastatic precursors. In this study, we show that ectopic overexpression of
      CD133 in OSCC cell lines KB, YD9, and YD10B cells significantly promotes the EMT
      and acquisition of stemness properties. CSC properties were analyzed by colony
      formation assay and measurement of OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG expression, and the EMT
      was monitored by cell migration, a cell invasion assay, and analysis of E
      cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin expression. CD133 overexpression led to
      formation of irregular spheroid colonies consistent with a stem cell phenotype
      and increased the expression of OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, N-cadherin, and vimentin.
      Taken together, these findings show that elevated levels of CD133 lead to OSCC
      invasiveness and metastasis, associated with the upregulation of EMT and stemness
      markers.

PMID- 27137189
TI  - Nutrients removal and nitrous oxide emission during simultaneous nitrification,
      denitrification, and phosphorus removal process: effect of iron.
AB  - The short- and long-term influences of ferric iron (Fe(III)) on nutrients removal
      and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission during SNDPR process were evaluated. According
      to the continuous cycle experiments, it was concluded that the addition of
      Fe(III) could lower the nitrogen removal of the following cycle during SNDPR
      process, which was mainly induced by the chemical removal of phosphorus. However,
      the impacts were transitory, and simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal
      would recover from the inhibition of Fe(III) after running certain cycles.
      Moreover, the addition of Fe(III) could stimulate N2O emission transitorily
      during SNDPR process. However, if Fe(III) was added into reactor continuously,
      the nitrogen removal would be improved, especially at low Fe load condition. It
      was because that the activity of NO reductase was enhanced by the addition of Fe.
      However, the low Fe load in reactor would induce more N2O emission. When Fe(III)
      load was 40 mg/L in the reactor, the N2O yield was 10 % higher than control. The
      TN removal was weakened when Fe(III) load reached to 60 mg/L, and the N2O yield
      was lower than control, due to the inhibition of the high Fe load on
      denitrification enzymes. 

PMID- 27137190
TI  - Occurrence of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli virulence genes in water and bed
      sediments of a river used by communities in Gauteng, South Africa.
AB  - In most developing countries, especially in Southern Africa, little is known
      about the presence of diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) pathotypes in
      riverbed sediments. The present study sought to investigate the presence of DEC
      virulence genes in riverbed sediments of the Apies River, a river used by many
      communities in Gauteng, South Africa. Water and sediment samples were collected
      from the river between July and August 2013 (dry season) and also between January
      and February 2014 (wet season) following standard procedures. Isolation of E.
      coli was done using the Colilert(r)-18 Quanti-Tray(r) 2000 system. DNA was
      extracted from E. coli isolates using the InstaGeneTM matrix from Bio-Rad and
      used as template DNA for real-time PCR. Water pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen,
      electrical conductivity and turbidity were measured in situ. Over 59 % of 180
      samples analysed were positive for at least one of the seven DEC virulence genes
      investigated. The eaeA gene was the most isolated gene (29.44 %) while the ipaH
      gene the least isolated (8.33 %). The ipaH gene (p = 0.012) and the ST gene
      (stIa, p = 0.0001, and stIb, p = 0.019) were positively correlated with
      temperature. The detection of diarrhoeagenic E. coli virulence genes in the
      sediments of the Apies River shows that the sediments of this river might not
      only be a reservoir of faecal indicator bacteria like E. coli but also pathogenic
      strains of this bacterium. These organisms could represent a public health risk
      for poor communities relying on this water source for various purposes such as
      drinking and recreational use. There is therefore an urgent need to monitor these
      DEC pathotypes especially in areas without adequate water supplies. 

PMID- 27137192
TI  - Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of southern Taiwan in
      relation to monsoons.
AB  - The concentrations and gas-particle partitioning of atmospheric polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were intensively measured in the Hengchun Peninsula
      of southern Taiwan. The concentrations of total PAH (Sigma38PAH), including gas
      and particle phases, ranged from 0.85 to 4.40 ng m(-3). No significant
      differences in the PAH levels and patterns were found between the samples taken
      at day and at night. The gas phase PAH concentrations were constant year-round,
      but the highest levels of particle-associated PAHs were found during the
      northeast monsoon season. Long-range transport and rainfall scavenging mechanisms
      contributed to the elevated levels in aerosols andSigma38PAH concentrations.
      Results from principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the major sources
      of PAHs in this study were vehicular emissions. The back trajectories
      demonstrated that air mass movement driven by the monsoon system was the main
      influence on atmospheric PAH profiles and concentrations in the rural region of
      southern Taiwan. Gas-particle partition coefficients (K p ) of PAHs were well
      correlated with sub-cooled liquid vapor pressures (P (o) L ) and demonstrated
      significant seasonal variation between the northeast (NE) and the southwest (SW)
      monsoon seasons. This study sheds light on the role of Asian monsoons regarding
      the atmospheric transport of PAHs. 

PMID- 27137191
TI  - Aerosol emissions of a ship diesel engine operated with diesel fuel or heavy fuel
      oil.
AB  - Gaseous and particulate emissions from a ship diesel research engine were
      elaborately analysed by a large assembly of measurement techniques. Applied
      methods comprised of offline and online approaches, yielding averaged chemical
      and physical data as well as time-resolved trends of combustion by-products. The
      engine was driven by two different fuels, a commonly used heavy fuel oil (HFO)
      and a standardised diesel fuel (DF). It was operated in a standardised cycle with
      a duration of 2 h. Chemical characterisation of organic species and elements
      revealed higher concentrations as well as a larger number of detected compounds
      for HFO operation for both gas phase and particulate matter. A noteworthy
      exception was the concentration of elemental carbon, which was higher in DF
      exhaust aerosol. This may prove crucial for the assessment and interpretation of
      biological response and impact via the exposure of human lung cell cultures,
      which was carried out in parallel to this study. Offline and online data hinted
      at the fact that most organic species in the aerosol are transferred from the
      fuel as unburned material. This is especially distinctive at low power operation
      of HFO, where low volatility structures are converted to the particulate phase.
      The results of this study give rise to the conclusion that a mere switching to
      sulphur-free fuel is not sufficient as remediation measure to reduce health and
      environmental effects of ship emissions.

PMID- 27137193
TI  - Environmental and human health risks of antimicrobials used in Fenneropenaeus
      chinensis aquaculture production in China.
AB  - This study aimed to quantify the environmental fate of antimicrobials applied in
      Fenneropenaeus chinensis aquaculture production in China and to assess their
      potential risks for surrounding aquatic ecosystems, for the promotion of
      antimicrobial resistance in target and non-target bacteria and for consumers
      eating shrimp products that contain antimicrobial residues. For this, we first
      used the results of an environmental monitoring study performed with the
      antimicrobial sulfamethazine to parameterize and calibrate the ERA-AQUA model, a
      mass balance model suited to perform risk assessments of veterinary medicines
      applied in aquaculture ponds. Next, a scenario representing F. chinensis
      production in China was built and used to perform risk assessments for 21
      antimicrobials which are regulated for aquaculture in China. Results of the model
      calibration showed a good correspondence between the predicted and the measured
      sulfamethazine concentrations, with differences within an order of magnitude.
      Results of the ecological risk assessment showed that four antimicrobials
      (levofloxacin, sarafloxacin, ampicillin, sulfadiazine) are expected to have
      adverse effects on primary producers, while no short-term risks were predicted
      for invertebrates and fish exposed to farm wastewater effluents containing
      antimicrobial residues. Half of the evaluated antimicrobials showed potential to
      contribute to antimicrobial resistance in bacteria exposed to pond water and farm
      effluents. A withdrawal period of three weeks is recommended for antimicrobials
      applied via oral administration to F. chinensis in order to comply with the
      current national and international toxicological food safety standards. The
      results of this study indicate the need to improve the current regulatory
      framework for the registration of aquaculture antimicrobials in China and suggest
      compounds that should be targeted in future aquaculture risk assessments and
      environmental monitoring studies. 

PMID- 27137194
TI  - Antialgal effects of five individual allelochemicals and their mixtures in low
      level pollution conditions.
AB  - An effective, environmentally friendly, and eco-sustainable approach for removing
      harmful microalgae is exploiting the allelopathic potential of aquatic
      macrophytes. In this study, we simulated field pollution conditions in the
      laboratory to investigate algal inhibition by allelochemicals, thereby providing
      insights into field practices. We tested five allelochemicals, i.e., coumarin,
      rho-hydroxybenzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, stearic acid, and rho
      aminobenzenesulfonic acid, and a typical green alga, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, under
      two conditions. In the unpolluted treatment, individual allelochemicals had
      strong algal inhibition effects, where coumarin and rho-hydroxybenzoic acid had
      greater potential for algal inhibition than protocatechuic acid, stearic acid,
      and rho-aminobenzenesulfonic acid based on the 50 % inhibitory concentration.
      However, when two or three allelochemicals were mixed in specific proportions,
      the algal inhibition rate exceeded 80 %, thereby indicating allelopathic
      synergistic interactions. Mixtures of four or five allelochemicals had weak
      effects on algal inhibition, which indicated antagonistic interactions.
      Furthermore, the presence of low lead pollution significantly reduced the
      antialgal potential of individual allelochemicals, whereas the allelopathic
      synergistic interactions with mixtures between two or three allelochemicals were
      changed into antagonistic effects by low pollution. In particular, the
      allelopathic antagonistic interactions between four or five allelochemicals were
      increased by pollution. The allelopathic performance of these five
      allelochemicals may depend on various factors, such as the chemical species,
      mixture parameters, and algal strain. Thus, we found that low level pollution
      reduced the allelopathic inhibition of microalgae by allelochemicals. Therefore,
      the control of algae by the direct addition of allelochemicals should consider
      various environmental factors. 

PMID- 27137195
TI  - Risk-based prioritization of pharmaceuticals in the natural environment in Iraq.
AB  - Numerous studies have demonstrated the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the
      natural environment, raising concerns about their impact on non-target organisms
      or human health. One region where little is known about the exposure and effects
      of pharmaceuticals in the environment is Iraq. Due to the high number of
      pharmaceuticals used by the public health sector in Iraq (hospitals and care
      centres) and distributed over the counter, there is a need for a systematic
      approach for identifying substances that should be monitored in the environment
      in Iraq and assessed in terms of environmental risk. In this study, a risk-based
      prioritization approach was applied to 99 of the most dispensed pharmaceuticals
      in three Iraqi cities, Baghdad, Mosul and Basrah. Initially, information on the
      amounts of pharmaceuticals used in Iraq was obtained. The top used medicines were
      found to be paracetamol, amoxicillin and metformin with total annual consumption
      exceeding 1000 tonnes per year. Predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) and
      predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs), derived from ecotoxicological end
      points and effects related to the therapeutic mode of action, were then used to
      rank the pharmaceuticals in terms of risks to different environmental
      compartments. Active pharmaceutical ingredients used as antibiotics,
      antidepressants and analgesics were identified as the highest priority in surface
      water, sediment and the terrestrial environment. Antibiotics were also
      prioritized according to their susceptibility to kill or inhibit the growth of
      bacteria or to accelerate the evolution and dissemination of antibiotic-resistant
      genes in water. Future work will focus on understanding the occurrence, fate and
      effects of some of highly prioritized substances in the environment. 

PMID- 27137196
TI  - The Utility of a Syndemic Framework in Understanding Chronic Disease Management
      Among HIV-Infected and Type 2 Diabetic Men Who Have Sex with Men.
AB  - Syndemic theory posits that epidemics of multiple physical and psychosocial
      problems co-occur among disadvantaged groups due to adverse social conditions.
      Although sexual minority populations are often stigmatized and vulnerable to
      multiple health problems, the syndemic perspective has been underutilized in
      understanding chronic disease. To assess the potential utility of this
      perspective in understanding the management of co-occurring HIV and Type 2
      diabetes, we used linear regression to examine glycemic control (A1c) among men
      who have sex with men (MSM) with both HIV and Type 2 diabetes (n = 88).
      Bivariable linear regression explored potential syndemic correlates of inadequate
      glycemic control. Compared to those with adequate glycemic control (A1c <= 7.5
      %), more men with inadequate glycemic control (A1c > 7.5 %) had hypertension (70
      vs. 46 %, p = 0.034), high triglycerides (93 vs. 61 %, p = 0.002), depression (67
      vs. 39 %, p = 0.018), current substance abuse (15 vs. 2 %, p = 0.014), and
      detectable levels of HIV (i.e., viral load >=75 copies per ml blood; 30 vs. 10 %,
      p = 0.019). In multivariable regression controlling for age, the factors that
      were independently associated with higher A1c were high triglycerides, substance
      use, and detectable HIV viral load, suggesting that chronic disease management
      among MSM is complex and challenging for patients and providers. Findings also
      suggest that syndemic theory can be a clarifying lens for understanding chronic
      disease management among sexual minority stigmatized populations. Interventions
      targeting single conditions may be inadequate when multiple conditions co-occur;
      thus, research using a syndemic framework may be helpful in identifying
      intervention strategies that target multiple co-occurring conditions.

PMID- 27137197
TI  - Go and NoGo: modulation of electrophysiological correlates by female sex steroid
      hormones.
AB  - RATIONALE: The behavioral and electrophysiological responses in a Go/NoGo task
      are objective measures of executive functioning that may be impaired in clinical
      conditions. Prior to the wider application of Go/NoGo tasks in clinics, it is
      tempting to evaluate factors causing modulation of the responses. OBJECTIVE: We
      aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of female sex steroids on
      Go/NoGo task-related ERPs in healthy females. METHODS: Thirty-four young healthy
      females performed an equiprobable (50/50) auditory Go/NoGo task. Amplitudes and
      latencies of N2 and P3 peaks from Fz, Cz, and Pz electrodes were evaluated.
      17beta-estradiol and progesterone levels in saliva samples were measured.
      Electrophysiological measures were correlated to 17beta-estradiol and
      progesterone concentrations. RESULTS: The diverse pattern of modulation of P3
      latencies was shown: higher levels of 17beta-estradiol contributed to Go-P3
      latency prolongation, and higher levels of progesterone contributed to NoGo-P3
      latency shortening. Higher levels of 17beta-estradiol were associated with more
      negative frontal N2 amplitude in both conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship
      between electrophysiological correlates of executive functioning to individual
      hormonal levels points to a broader range of variation sources in healthy
      subjects which might mask or pronounce between-group differences in clinical
      studies.

PMID- 27137198
TI  - Cortisol effects on fear memory reconsolidation in women.
AB  - RATIONALE: Previous work from our group has shown that cortisol enhances fear
      reconsolidation in men. Whether similar effects can be observed in women remains
      an open question. OBJECTIVES: The effects of cortisol on the reconsolidation of
      fear memories were investigated in women. Based on results in men, we expected a
      specific enhancing effect of cortisol administration on the reactivated fear
      memory. In addition, possible interactions with oral contraceptive use were
      tested. METHODS: We incorporated a differential fear conditioning paradigm in a 3
      day reconsolidation design. A fear memory, which was created on the first day,
      was reactivated on the second day following cortisol administration in the target
      group. One control group was given cortisol without reactivation, and the other
      participated in the reactivation session following placebo intake. On the third
      day, the return of fear for all stimuli following reinstatement was tested. Skin
      conductance response served as measure of conditioned response. RESULTS: In
      contrast to the hypothesis, cortisol in combination with reactivation did not
      enhance fear reconsolidation. No differences between the three experimental
      groups were apparent. In addition, hormonal contraceptive use had no effect on
      any of the learning phases and did not interact with the cortisol manipulation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The lack of an effect in women might be the result of alternating
      concentrations of sex hormones during different phases of the menstrual cycle or
      following oral contraceptive use. Considering the higher vulnerability of women
      to stress-related mental disorders, further investigations in women are of great
      importance for both theory and treatment.

PMID- 27137199
TI  - The effects of intranasal oxytocin in opioid-dependent individuals and healthy
      control subjects: a pilot study.
AB  - RATIONALE: There has been an explosion of research on the potential benefits of
      the social neuropeptide oxytocin for a number of mental disorders including
      substance use disorders. Recent evidence suggests that intranasal oxytocin has
      both direct anti-addiction effects and pro-social effects that may facilitate
      engagement in psychosocial treatment for substance use disorders. OBJECTIVES: We
      aimed to assess the tolerability of intranasal oxytocin and its effects on heroin
      craving, implicit association with heroin and social perceptual ability in opioid
      dependent patients receiving opioid replacement therapy (ORT) and healthy control
      participants. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled, within- and between-subjects, crossover, proof-of-concept trial to
      examine the effects of oxytocin (40 international units) on a cue-induced craving
      task (ORT patients only), an Implicit Association Task (IAT), and two social
      perception tasks: the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task (RMET) and The Awareness
      of Social Inference Test (TASIT). RESULTS: Oxytocin was well tolerated by
      patients receiving ORT but had no significant effects on craving or IAT scores.
      There was a significant reduction in RMET performance after oxytocin
      administration versus placebo in the patient group only, and a significant
      reduction in TASIT performance after oxytocin in both the patient and healthy
      control groups. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of intranasal oxytocin is well
      tolerated by patients receiving ORT, paving the way for future investigations.
      Despite no significant improvement in craving or IAT scores after a single dose
      of oxytocin and some evidence that social perception was worsened, further
      investigation is required to determine the role oxytocin may play in the
      treatment of opioid use disorder. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Methadone Oxytocin
      Option. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01728909.

PMID- 27137200
TI  - Factors Driving the HIV Epidemic in Southern Africa.
AB  - The HIV pandemic has disproportionately impacted sub-Saharan Africa and Southern
      Africa in particular. The concurrent presence of overlapping epidemic drivers
      likely underpins how and why the HIV epidemic is so explosive in this region,
      with implications for understanding approaches to reduce transmission. In this
      review, we discuss the relative contribution and interaction between epidemic
      drivers in the Southern African context, including factors both distally and
      proximally associated with the likelihood and degree of exposure to HIV and
      factors that increase the probability of transmission when exposure occurs. In
      particular, we focus on young women as a key population in need of HIV prevention
      and highlight factors that increase their risk on several levels.

PMID- 27137203
TI  - Deep brain stimulation for dystonia.

PMID- 27137201
TI  - hVMAT2: A Target of Individualized Medication for Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is responsible for sequestering
      cytosolically toxic dopamine into intracellular secretory vesicles. Animal
      genetic studies have suggested that reduced VMAT2 activity contributes to the
      genetic etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), but this role has not been
      established in humans. Based on human genetic association and meta-analysis, we
      first confirm the human VMAT2 (hVMAT2 or SLC18A2) promoter as a risk factor for
      PD in both family and unrelated US white people: marker rs363324 at -11.5 kb in
      the hVMAT2 promoter is reproducibly associated with PD in a cohort of nuclear
      families (p = 0.04506 in early-onset PD) and 3 unrelated US white people (meta
      analysis p = 0.01879). In SH-SY5Y cells, low activity-associated hVMAT2 promoter
      confers high methylpiperidinopyrazole iodide cytotoxicity, which is likely
      attributed to functional polymorphisms bound by nuclear proteins. Interestingly,
      treatments with the dopamine neuron-protecting agent puerarin upregulates the
      promoter activity in a haplotype- and cell line-dependent manner. These
      pharmacogenetic findings suggest that hVMAT2 could be a risk factor and imply it
      as a target of genetic medications for PD.

PMID- 27137202
TI  - Electroresponsive Nanoparticles Improve Antiseizure Effect of Phenytoin in
      Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures.
AB  - Previously, we developed electroresponsive hydrogel nanoparticles (ERHNPs)
      modified with angiopep-2 (ANG) to facilitate the delivery of the antiseizure drug
      phenytoin sodium (PHT). However, the electroresponsive characteristics were not
      verified directly in epileptic mice and the optimal preparation formula for
      electroresponsive ability is still unclear. Here, we further synthesized PHT
      loaded ANG-ERHNPs (ANG-PHT-HNPs) and PHT-loaded nonelectroresponsive hydrogel
      nanoparticles (ANG-PHT-HNPs) by changing the content of sodium 4-vinylbenzene
      sulfonate in the preparation formulae. In vivo microdialysis analysis showed that
      ANG-PHT-ERHNPs not only have the characteristics of a higher distribution in the
      central nervous system, but also have electroresponsive ability, which resulted
      in a strong release of nonprotein-bound PHT during seizures. In both electrical-
      (maximal electrical shock) and chemical-induced (pentylenetetrazole and
      pilocarpine) seizure models, ANG-PHT-ERHNPs lowered the effective therapeutic
      doses of PHT and demonstrated the improved antiseizure effects compared with ANG
      PHT-HNPs or PHT solution. These results demonstrate that ANG-ERHNPs are able to
      transport PHT into the brain efficiently and release them when epileptiform
      activity occurred, which is due to the content of sodium 4-vinylbenzene sulfonate
      in formula. This may change the therapeutic paradigm of existing drug treatment
      for epilepsy into a type of on-demand control for epilepsy in the future.

PMID- 27137204
TI  - Synergies, tensions and challenges in HIV prevention, treatment and cure
      research: exploratory conversations with HIV experts in South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ethical concerns associated with HIV prevention and treatment
      research have been widely explored in South Africa over the past 3 decades.
      However, HIV cure research is relatively new to the region and significant
      ethical and social challenges are anticipated. There has been no published
      empirical enquiry in Africa into key informant perspectives on HIV cure research.
      Consequently, this study was conducted to gain preliminary data from South
      African HIV clinicians, researchers and activists. METHODS: In-depth interviews
      were conducted on a purposive sample of fourteen key informants in South Africa.
      Audiotaped interviews were transcribed verbatim with concurrent thematic
      analysis. The perspectives of HIV clinicians, researchers and activists were
      captured. Analyst triangulation occurred as the data were analysed by three
      authors independently. RESULTS: The rapid evolution of HIV cure research agendas
      was prominent with participants expressing some concern that the global North was
      driving the cure agenda. Participants described a symbiotic relationship between
      cure, treatment and prevention research necessitating collaboration. Assessing
      and managing knowledge and expectations around HIV cure research emerged as a
      central theme related to challenges to constructing 'cure' - how patients
      understand the idea of cure is important in explaining the complexity of cure
      research especially in the South African context where understanding of science
      is often challenging. Managing expectations and avoiding curative misconception
      will have implications for consent processes. Unique strategies in cure research
      could include treatment interruption, which has the potential to create
      therapeutic and ethical conflict and will be perceived as a significant risk.
      Ethical challenges in cure research will impact on informed consent and community
      engagement. CONCLUSIONS: It was encouraging to note the desire for synergy
      amongst researchers and clinicians working in the fields of prevention, treatment
      and cure. Translation of complex HIV cure science into lay language is critical.
      Moving forward, RECs must be adequately constituted with scientific expertise and
      community representation when reviewing cure protocols. It is hoped that
      knowledge and resource sharing in the context of collaboration between research
      scientists working in cure and those working in treatment and prevention will
      accelerate progress towards cure.

PMID- 27137205
TI  - Exploring HIV-related stigma among HIV-infected men who have sex with men in
      Beijing, China: a correlation study.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related stigma among HIV-infected men who have
      sex with men (MSM) has been associated with adverse health outcomes, including
      poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy and care, and increased participation in
      behaviors linked to higher rates of HIV transmission. In China, the incidence of
      HIV is growing more rapidly among MSM than among other subgroups. This study
      characterizes and quantifies HIV stigma among HIV-infected MSM in Beijing, China,
      which arguably may be driving this epidemic. A cross-sectional survey study was
      performed among 266 HIV-positive MSM in Beijing, China, in 2014. The Berger HIV
      Stigma Scale was used to measure levels of HIV-related stigma. Participants
      additionally answered questions regarding socio-demographic characteristics and
      HIV-associated risk factors; previously validated Mandarin-language scales
      assessed depression, coping style, and social support networks. Multivariable
      linear regression models were used to identify variables significantly associated
      with HIV stigma. The mean overall HIV stigma score among the study population was
      112.78 +/- 18.11 (score range: 40-160). Higher HIV stigma scores were positively
      associated with depression (beta = 7.99, 95% CI:3.69, 12.29, p < .001) and
      negative coping skills (beta = 0.64, 95% CI:0.21,1.08, p < .01), and was
      negatively associated with disclosed HIV status (beta = -6.45, 95%CI:-11.80, 
      1.11, p < .05), and availability of social support networks (beta = -0.12, 95%CI:
      0.22, -0.02, p < .05). Other variables such as poor self-rated health status and
      presence of opportunistic infections were positively associated with individual
      dimensions of HIV-related stigma. The results of this study can inform the
      development of culturally sensitive interventions to reduce HIV-related stigma
      among MSM with HIV in China, with the overarching goal of reducing HIV
      transmission in this vulnerable population.

PMID- 27137206
TI  - 18F-fluoride PET/CT for detection of axial involvement in ankylosing spondylitis:
      correlation with disease activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Aim of the current study was to evaluate the relationships between
      the findings of 18F-fluoride PET/CT (F-PET/CT) reflecting osteo-proliferative
      processes and the clinical indexes related to the disease activity. The clinical
      indexes are Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and
      Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS). METHODS: We studied 29 AS
      patients aged 26-69 years with a wide range of disease activity using F-PET/CT.
      The number of regions of high bone turnover or osteoarthritis features at the
      spine and at sacroiliac joints was counted. RESULTS: The number of F-PET/CT
      positive sites was significantly higher in patients with severe functional
      impairment and higher disease activity and it was positively related to both
      BASDAI (r = 0.336; P = 0.036) and ASDAS (r = 0.408; P = 0.014) while the number
      of degenerative features (osteoarthritis) was related neither with functional
      impact nor with disease activity. CONCLUSIONS: With a single examination, F
      PET/CT accurately identifies the functional impairment and the clinical
      involvement of AS. The good correlation we found between the number of F-PET/CT
      positive sites and disease activity candidates this technique also for follow-up
      of AS.

PMID- 27137207
TI  - Bowel function and quality of life after superior mesenteric nerve plexus
      transection in right colectomy with D3 extended mesenterectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to ascertain the impact of injury to the
      superior mesenteric nerve plexus caused by right colectomy with D3 extended
      mesenterectomy as performed in the prospective multicenter trial: "Safe Radical
      D3 Right Hemicolectomy for Cancer through Preoperative Biphasic Multi-detector
      Computed Tomography" in which all soft tissue surrounding the superior mesenteric
      vessels from the level of the middle colic artery to that of the ileocolic artery
      was removed. METHODS: Bowel function and gastrointestinal quality of life in two
      consecutive cohorts that underwent right colectomy with and without D3 extended
      mesenterectomy were compared. Main outcome measures were the Diarrhea Assessment
      Scale (DAS) and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). The data were
      collected prospectively through telephone interviews. RESULTS: Forty-nine
      patients per group, comparable for age, sex, length of bowel resected but with
      significantly shorter follow-up time in the experimental group, were included.
      There was no difference in total DAS scores, subscores or additional questions
      except for higher bowel frequency scores in the D3 group (p = 0.02). Comparison
      of total GIQLI scores and subscales showed no difference between groups.
      Regression analysis with correction for confounding factors showed 0.48 lower
      bowel frequency scores in the D2 group (p = 0.022). Within the D3 group presence
      of jejunal arteries cranial to the D3 dissection area showed 1.78 lower DAS
      scores and 0.7 lower bowel frequency scores. CONCLUSIONS: Small bowel denervation
      after right colectomy with D3 extended mesenterectomy leads to increased bowel
      frequency but does not impact gastrointestinal quality of life. Individual
      anatomical variants can affect postoperative bowel function differently despite
      standardized surgery.

PMID- 27137208
TI  - Immune thrombocytopenia in ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 27137212
TI  - Abstracts of the MASCC/ISOO 2016 Annual Meeting.

PMID- 27137210
TI  - Transcriptome analysis reveals translational regulation in barley microspore
      derived embryogenic callus under salt stress.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Transcriptome analysis of barley embryogenic callus from isolated
      microspore culture under salt stress uncovered a role of translation inhibition
      and selective activation of stress-specific proteins in cellular defense. Soil
      salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses which constrains the plant growth
      and reduces the productivity of field crops. In this study, it was observed that
      the salt stress in barley isolated microspore culture impacted not only on the
      quantity of embryogenic callus but also on the quality for later differentiation.
      The barley microspore-derived embryogenic callus, a transient intermediate form
      linked cells and plants, was employed for a global transcriptome analysis by RNA
      sequencing to provide new insights into the cellular adaptation or acclimation to
      stress. A total of 596 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, in
      which 123 DEGs were up-regulated and 473 DEGs were down-regulated in the
      embryogenic callus produced from microspore culture under salt stress as compared
      to the control conditions. KEGG pathway analysis identified 'translation' (27
      DEGs; 12.56 %) as the largest group and followed by 'folding, sorting and
      degradation' (25 DEGs; 11.63 %) in 215 mapped metabolic pathways. The results of
      RNA-Seq data and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction validation
      showed that the genes related to translation regulation (such as eIF1A, RPLP0,
      RPLP2, VARS) were down-regulated to control general protein synthesis, and the
      genes related to endoplasmic reticulum stress response (such as small heat shock
      protein genes) were selectively up-regulated against protein denaturing during
      microspore embryogenesis under continuous salt stress. These transcriptional
      remodeling might affect the essential protein synthesis for the cell development
      to fulfill totipotency under salt stress.

PMID- 27137209
TI  - The expanding footprint of CRISPR/Cas9 in the plant sciences.
AB  - CRISPR/Cas9 has evolved and transformed the field of biology at an unprecedented
      pace. From the initial purpose of introducing a site specific mutation within a
      genome of choice, this technology has morphed into enabling a wide array of
      molecular applications, including site-specific transgene insertion and
      multiplexing for the simultaneous induction of multiple cleavage events.
      Efficiency, specificity, and flexibility are key attributes that have solidified
      CRISPR/Cas9 as the genome-editing tool of choice by scientists from all areas of
      biology. Within the field of plant biology, several CRISPR/Cas9 technologies,
      developed in other biological systems, have been successfully implemented to
      probe plant gene function and to modify specific crop traits. It is anticipated
      that this trend will persist and lead to the development of new applications and
      modifications of the CRISPR technology, adding to an ever-expanding collection of
      genome-editing tools. We envision that these tools will bestow plant researchers
      with new utilities to alter genome complexity, engineer site-specific integration
      events, control gene expression, generate transgene-free edited crops, and
      prevent or cure plant viral disease. The successful implementation of such
      utilities will represent a new frontier in plant biotechnology. 

PMID- 27137211
TI  - Impact of intravenous magnesium infusion rate during ambulatory replacements on
      serum magnesium concentrations after allogeneic stem cell transplant.
AB  - PURPOSE: For an outpatient cancer center to operate efficiently, optimizing the
      use of chair time is essential. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo
      HCT) recipients are seen frequently in this setting after hospital discharge and
      regularly for several months thereafter. Aggressive electrolyte replacement is
      commonly required in these patients, primarily due to renal wasting with
      calcineurin inhibitor use. Frequent intravenous (IV) magnesium repletion,
      requiring several hours of infusion time, is often needed in these patients to
      adequately manage their magnesium deficiencies. The purpose of this study is to
      explore the impact of extending the infusion rate of intravenous magnesium
      sulfate on the frequency and degree of IV magnesium replacements required in allo
      HCT recipients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to compare two
      cohorts of patients administered IV magnesium sulfate at a rate of 4 g/1 h versus
      4 g/2 h. RESULTS: A total of 103 continuous patients were assessed in two groups
      as cohort 1 at the 4 g/1 h rate and cohort 2 at the 4 g/2 h rate. Cohort 1
      required less IV magnesium per outpatient visit (median 2.2 vs. 2.9 g/visit, P =
      0.0211) and less total IV magnesium replacement through day +100 (median 68 vs.
      85 g, P = 0.0479) than cohort 2. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that there is no
      apparent benefit of prolonging magnesium infusion from 1 to 2 h in our outpatient
      allo-HCT population.

PMID- 27137213
TI  - Attitudes and experiences of family involvement in cancer consultations: a
      qualitative exploration of patient and family member perspectives.
AB  - PURPOSE: Family members (FMs) often provide support to patients, regularly attend
      cancer consultations and are often involved in medical decision-making. Limited
      research has been conducted to date to understand patients' and FMs' perceptions
      about family involvement in cancer consultations. Therefore, this study aimed to
      qualitatively explore the attitudes and experiences of Australian cancer patients
      and FMs regarding (1) family attendance at consultations, (2) family roles in
      consultations and (3) the challenges of family involvement. METHODS: Thirty
      patients and 33 FMs, recruited through either a tertiary metropolitan oncology
      clinic or national cancer patient advocacy group, participated in semi-structured
      interviews. Interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analysed using
      Framework analysis methods. RESULTS: Four relevant themes were identified: (1)
      negotiating family involvement, (2) attitudes towards the roles FMs assume, (3)
      challenges of family involvement and (4) family-clinician interactions. Overall,
      patients appreciated family involvement and valued FMs' provision of emotional
      and informational support, and FMs also found benefit from participating in
      consultations. Some patients appreciated their FM assuming the role of
      'messenger' between the consultation and extended family. However, a number of
      challenges were also reported by patients (e.g. maintaining privacy, mismatched
      patient-family information needs) and FMs (e.g. emotional toll of supportive
      roles, negative behaviours of clinicians towards FMs). CONCLUSIONS: FMs appear to
      make valuable contributions to cancer consultations, and their presence can
      benefit both the patient and the FM themselves in many ways. However, for some
      FMs, attending consultations can be challenging. Study findings point to the need
      for psychosocial support addressing FMs' needs and the development of
      communication strategies for oncology clinicians to positively engage with FMs.
      Further research is needed in these areas.

PMID- 27137214
TI  - Unmet care needs in people living with advanced cancer: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: The support needs of cancer patients vary according to the phase of
      their cancer journey. Recent developments in healthcare are such that the
      advanced cancer phase is increasingly experienced as a chronic illness phase,
      with consequent changes in patient support needs. Understanding these needs, and
      identifying areas of unmet need, can enable us to develop services that are more
      adequate to the task of supporting this population. METHODS: We conducted a
      systematic search of four electronic databases to identify studies examining the
      unmet needs of people living with advanced cancer. Relevant data were extracted
      and synthesised; meta-analyses were conducted to obtain pooled estimates for
      prevalence of needs. RESULTS: We identified 23 studies (4 qualitative) for
      inclusion. Unmet needs were identified across a broad range of domains, with
      greatest prevalence in informational (30-55 %), psychological (18-42 %), physical
      (17-48 %), and functional (17-37 %) domains. There was considerable heterogeneity
      amongst studies in terms of methods of assessment, coding and reporting of needs,
      respondent characteristics, and appraised study quality. CONCLUSIONS:
      Heterogeneity made it difficult to compare across studies and inflated confidence
      intervals for pooled estimates of prevalence-we need standardised and
      comprehensive approaches to assessment and reporting of unmet needs to further
      our understanding. Nonetheless, the review identified prominent needs across a
      range of (interacting) experiential domains. Moreover, by focussing on unmet
      needs for support, we were able to extrapolate potential implications for service
      development.

PMID- 27137216
TI  - The relative and absolute reliability of maximum phonation time in community
      dwelling Japanese people.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of the present study was to examine the approximate
      value of maximum phonation time in community-dwelling Japanese people and to set
      the range of error after ascertaining relative and absolute reliability. METHODS:
      Participants in the present study were adults living in Kobe and Himeji City,
      Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Participants were seated in the upright sitting position
      and were asked to produce an /a/ sound at their normal speaking volume for as
      long as they possibly could. The examiner measured the time until the sound
      became inaudible. Two trials were performed. RESULTS: The subjects in the final
      analysis comprised 380 adults (246 women, 134 men; age, 72.7 +/- 5.9 years). The
      values of trial 1 and trial 2 were analyzed with intraclass correlation
      coefficient (ICC(1,1)), and Bland-Altman plot. Average values of the women, men,
      and both sexes combined were 16.1, 18.7, and 17.0 s, respectively. Average values
      of age groups 60-69, 70-79, and 80-89 years were 17.9, 16.8, and 15.9 s,
      respectively. The ICC(1,1) was 0.87 (P < 0.001). Both fixed bias and proportional
      bias existed. Limits of agreement (LOA) were -5.0 to 7.7 and % change ranged from
      -27.1 to 41.8 %. CONCLUSIONS: These normative data indicated that sufficiently
      reliable values could be measured in two trials. LOA showed that the second value
      tended to be higher. In determining the effect of treatment, one must consider
      that the value will be slightly higher at re-test.

PMID- 27137215
TI  - Identification of key regulators of pancreatic cancer progression through
      multidimensional systems-level analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer with dismal prognosis,
      urgently necessitating better biomarkers to improve therapeutic options and early
      diagnosis. Traditional approaches of biomarker detection that consider only one
      aspect of the biological continuum like gene expression alone are limited in
      their scope and lack robustness in identifying the key regulators of the disease.
      We have adopted a multidimensional approach involving the cross-talk between the
      omics spaces to identify key regulators of disease progression. METHODS:
      Multidimensional domain-specific disease signatures were obtained using rank
      based meta-analysis of individual omics profiles (mRNA, miRNA, DNA methylation)
      related to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). These domain-specific PDAC
      signatures were integrated to identify genes that were affected across multiple
      dimensions of omics space in PDAC (genes under multiple regulatory controls,
      GMCs). To further pin down the regulators of PDAC pathophysiology, a systems
      level network was generated from knowledge-based interaction information applied
      to the above identified GMCs. Key regulators were identified from the GMC network
      based on network statistics and their functional importance was validated using
      gene set enrichment analysis and survival analysis. RESULTS: Rank-based meta
      analysis identified 5391 genes, 109 miRNAs and 2081 methylation-sites
      significantly differentially expressed in PDAC (false discovery rate <= 0.05).
      Bimodal integration of meta-analysis signatures revealed 1150 and 715 genes
      regulated by miRNAs and methylation, respectively. Further analysis identified
      189 altered genes that are commonly regulated by miRNA and methylation, hence
      considered GMCs. Systems-level analysis of the scale-free GMCs network identified
      eight potential key regulator hubs, namely E2F3, HMGA2, RASA1, IRS1, NUAK1,
      ACTN1, SKI and DLL1, associated with important pathways driving cancer
      progression. Survival analysis on individual key regulators revealed that higher
      expression of IRS1 and DLL1 and lower expression of HMGA2, ACTN1 and SKI were
      associated with better survival probabilities. CONCLUSIONS: It is evident from
      the results that our hierarchical systems-level multidimensional analysis
      approach has been successful in isolating the converging regulatory modules and
      associated key regulatory molecules that are potential biomarkers for pancreatic
      cancer progression.

PMID- 27137217
TI  - Which parameters affect long-term mortality in older adults: is comprehensive
      geriatric assessment a predictor of mortality?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Determining predictors of mortality among older adults might help
      identify high-risk patients and enable timely intervention. AIMS: The aim of the
      study was to identify which variables predict geriatric outpatient mortality,
      using routine geriatric assessment tools. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 1141
      patients who were admitted to the geriatric medicine outpatient clinic between
      2001 and 2004. Comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed by an
      interdisciplinary geriatric team. Mortality rate was determined in 2015. The
      parameters predicting survival were examined. RESULTS: Median age of the patients
      (415 male, 726 female) was 71.7 years (53-95 years). Mean survival time was 12.2
      years (95 % CI; 12-12.4 years). In multivariate analysis, age (OR: 1.16, 95 % CI:
      1.09-1.23, p < 0.001), smoking (OR: 2.51, 95 % CI: 1.18-5.35, p = 0.017) and
      metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.20, 95 % CI: 1.05-4.64, p = 0.038) were found to be
      independent risk factors for mortality. MNA-SF scores (OR: 0.84, 95 % CI: 0.71
      1.00, p = 0.050) and free T3 levels (OR: 0.70, 95 % CI: 0.49-1.00, p = 0.052) had
      borderline significance. DISCUSSION: The present study showed that the risk
      conferred by metabolic syndrome is beyond its individual components. Our findings
      confirm previous studies on the prognostic role of nutritional status, as
      reflected by MNA-SF. Serum fT3, a simple laboratory test, may also be used in
      geriatric outpatient clinics to identify individuals at risk. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of the study demonstrated the need for addressing modifiable risk factors
      such as smoking, metabolic syndrome, and undernutrition in older adults.

PMID- 27137219
TI  - Physical Exercise for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disturbances in
      Alzheimer's Dementia: Possible Mechanisms, Current Evidence and Future
      Directions.
AB  - Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), also known as
      neuropsychiatric or non-cognitive symptoms are common and often distressing
      features of Alzheimer's Dementia. BPSD significantly increase patient suffering,
      early institutionalization and caregiver's burden. The clinical management of
      BPSD is dominated by a pharmacological approach, although these medications often
      come with serious adverse side-effects. There are only few nonpharmacological
      treatment strategies for BPSD. A substantial amount of intervention studies that
      have investigated non-pharmacological treatment options for BPSD have focused on
      physical exercise. Although these studies are very heterogeneous in terms of type
      and severity of dementia, as well as type and duration of the exercise
      intervention, the overall picture shows a positive effect of physical exercise in
      alleviating BPSD. There is evidence that numerous mechanisms contribute to the
      positive effect of physical exercise on BPSD. No attempt has been undertaken so
      far to give an overview of the existing knowledge regarding these mechanisms.
      Therefore, the current review aims to integrate the existing evidence on
      psychological and neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial
      effects of physical exercise in ameliorating BPSD in Alzheimer's dementia. A
      discussion of psychological mechanisms such as improved sleep and stress
      reduction will be followed by a discussion of neurobiological mechanisms
      including the exercise induced change in neurotransmitter concentrations,
      increased synthesis of neurotrophins and immune activation. The review closes
      with recommendations for future research to overcome the shortcomings of existing
      studies and broaden the current knowledge on the positive effects of physical
      exercise on BPSD.

PMID- 27137220
TI  - Neuropsychiatric Disturbances in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): A Systematic
      Review of Population-Based Studies.
AB  - Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a nosological entity associated with a higher
      risk of developing dementia. Previous evidence indicates that behavioral and
      psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) frequently occur in individuals of
      MCI. These neuropsychiatric manifestations may predict conversion to dementia.
      However, no updated systematic review has been conducted aiming to investigate
      the prevalence of BPSDs in MCI in general population samples. We conducted a
      systematic review to summarize research results regarding the prevalence of any
      or specific BPSDs in MCI subjects out of the clinical setting, compared to
      subjects who are either cognitively intact and/or demented. The PubMed/MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, and PsycInfo databases were searched from January 1st, 1990 to January
      3rd, 2015 for general population studies in which the prevalence of BPSDs in
      individuals with MCI was estimated. Twenty-one studies met inclusion criteria.
      Studies varied in overall methodological quality as evaluated with a modified
      version of the New Castle-Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. Depression
      (median prevalence: 29.8%; range: 6.8-63.3%), sleep disturbances (median
      prevalence: 18.3%; range: 7.9-49.0%), and apathy (median prevalence: 15.2%;
      range: 2.3-18.5%) were the more frequent BPSDs across studies. The prevalence
      range for any BPSD was 12.8-66.0%. No consistent pattern for differences in the
      prevalence of BPSDs according to MCI subtype emerged. Studies considered
      different diagnostic criteria for MCI and used different instruments to assess
      BPSDs in this population. In conclusion, BPSDs are prevalent among
      communitydwelling individuals with MCI. However, consistent socio-demographic and
      clinical correlates for BPSDs in this population remains to be established.

PMID- 27137221
TI  - Pharmacological Management of Agitation and Aggression in Alzheimer's Disease: A
      Review of Current and Novel Treatments.
AB  - Agitation and aggression are common neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's
      disease and are highly prevalent in people with dementia. When pharmacological
      intervention becomes necessary, current clinical practice guidelines recommend
      antipsychotics, cholinesterase inhibitors, and some antidepressants. However,
      those interventions have modest to low efficacy, and those with the highest
      demonstrated efficacy have significant safety concerns. As a result, current
      research is focusing on novel compounds that have different mechanisms of action
      and that may have a better balance of efficacy over safety. The purpose of this
      review is to evaluate novel pharmacological therapies for the management of
      agitation and aggression in AD patients. We performed a comprehensive literature
      search to identify recent novel drugs that are not included in most clinical
      practice guidelines or are currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment
      of agitation and/or aggression in AD. This review suggests that novel treatments,
      such as cannabinoids, lithium, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics,
      narcotics, and newer antiepileptic drugs, may provide a safer alternative
      treatment option for the management of agitation and aggression in AD and
      requires further study in order to clarify their risks and benefits.

PMID- 27137222
TI  - Correction: A Phylogenetic Comparative Study of Bantu Kinship Terminology Finds
      Limited Support for Its Co-Evolution with Social Organisation.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147920.].

PMID- 27137218
TI  - Neuropsychiatric Disturbances in Alzheimer's Disease: What Have We Learned from
      Neuropathological Studies?
AB  - Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are an integral part of the dementia syndrome and
      were therefore recently included in the core diagnostic criteria of dementia. The
      near universal prevalence of NPS in Alzheimer's disease (AD), combined with their
      disabling effects on patients and caregivers, is contrasted by the fact that few
      effective and safe treatments exist, which is in part to be attributed to our
      incomplete understanding of the neurobiology of NPS. In this review, we describe
      the pathological alterations typical for AD, including spreading and evolution of
      burden, effect on the molecular and cellular integrity, functional consequences
      and atrophy of NPS-relevant brain regions and circuits in correlation with
      specific NPS assessments. It is thereby clearly established that NPS are
      fundamental expressions of the underlying neurodegenerative brain disease and not
      simply reflect the patients' secondary response to their illness.
      Neuropathological studies, moreover, include a majority of end-stage patient
      samples, which may not correctly represent the pathophysiological environment
      responsible for particular NPS that may already be present in an early stage, or
      even prior to AD diagnosis. The burdensome nature and high prevalence of NPS, in
      combination with the absence of effective and safe pharmacotherapies, provide a
      strong incentive to continue neuropathological and neurochemical, as well as
      imaging and other relevant approaches to further improve our apprehension of the
      neurobiology of NPS.

PMID- 27137223
TI  - Whole Blood Levels of the n-6 Essential Fatty Acid Linoleic Acid Are Inversely
      Associated with Stunting in 2-to-6 Year Old Tanzanian Children: A Cross-Sectional
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Tanzania, 35% of all children below five years of age are stunted.
      Dietary fatty acids (FA) are critical for growth and development. However, whole
      blood FA levels in Tanzanian children are poorly described. OBJECTIVE: The
      objectives of this cross-sectional study were to assess 1) whole blood levels of
      essential fatty acids and 2) the association between whole blood FA levels and
      growth parameters in Tanzanian children 2-6 years of age. METHODS: A drop of
      blood was collected on an antioxidant treated card and analyzed for FA
      composition. Weight and height were measured and z-scores calculated.
      Relationships between FAs and growth parameters were analyzed by linear
      regression. RESULTS: Of the 334 children that participated, 30.3% were stunted.
      The average whole blood level of Mead acid was 0.15%. The anthropometric z-score
      height-for-age (HAZ) was inversely associated with Mead acid, the Mead acid to
      arachidonic acid (T/T) ratio, and total n-9 FA. Additionally, HAZ was positively
      associated with linoleic acid and total n-6 FA. BMI-for-age was positively
      associated with oleic acid, total n-9 FA and T/T ratio but inversely associated
      with arachidonic acid and total n-6 FA. Weight-for-height was inversely
      associated with arachidonic acid and total n-6 FAs and positively associated with
      oleic acid and total n-9 FA. Weight-for-age was not associated with any FA
      tested. Total n-3 FAs were not associated with any growth parameters measured.
      CONCLUSIONS: The EFA linoleic acid and the markers of FA deficiency were
      associated with HAZ, an indicator for stunting in 2-6 year old Tanzanian
      children. Total n-6, total n-9, and a number of individual FAs were associated
      with growth. Increasing dietary intake of EFA and n-6 FAs may be a strategy to
      combat stunting in this population.

PMID- 27137225
TI  - From polymers to proteins: the effect of side chains and broken symmetry on the
      formation of secondary structures within a Wang-Landau approach.
AB  - We use a micro-canonical Wang-Landau technique to study the equilibrium
      properties of a single flexible homopolymer where consecutive monomers are
      represented by impenetrable hard spherical beads tangential to each other, and
      non-consecutive monomers interact via a square-well potential. To mimic the
      characteristics of a protein-like system, the model is then refined in two
      different directions. Firstly, by allowing partial overlap between consecutive
      beads, we break the spherical symmetry and thus provide a severe constraint on
      the possible conformations of the chain. Alternatively, we introduce additional
      spherical beads at specific positions in the direction normal to the backbone, to
      represent the steric hindrance of the side chains in real proteins. Finally, we
      consider also a combination of these two ingredients. In all three systems, we
      obtain the full phase diagram in the temperature-interaction range plane and find
      the presence of helicoidal structures at low temperatures in the intermediate
      range of interactions. The effect of the range of the square-well attraction is
      highlighted, and shown to play a role similar to that found in simple liquids and
      polymers. Perspectives in terms of protein folding are finally discussed. 

PMID- 27137224
TI  - Bariatric Surgery Restores Cardiac and Sudomotor Autonomic C-Fiber Dysfunction
      towards Normal in Obese Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on cardiac and
      sudomotor autonomic C-fiber function in obese subjects with and without Type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM), using sudorimetry and heart rate variability (HRV)
      analysis. METHOD: Patients were evaluated at baseline, 4, 12 and 24 weeks after
      vertical sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. All subjects were
      assessed using SudoscanTM to measure electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) of
      hands and feet, time and frequency domain analysis of HRV, Neurologic Impairment
      Scores of lower legs (NIS-LL), quantitative sensory tests (QST) and sural nerve
      conduction studies. RESULTS: Seventy subjects completed up to 24-weeks of follow
      up (24 non-T2DM, 29 pre-DM and 17 T2DM). ESC of feet improved significantly
      towards normal in T2DM subjects (Baseline = 56.71+/-3.98 vs 12-weeks = 62.69+/
      3.71 vs 24-weeks = 70.13+/-2.88, p<0.005). HRV improved significantly in T2DM
      subjects (Baseline sdNN (sample difference of the beat to beat (NN) variability)
      = 32.53+/-4.28 vs 12-weeks = 44.94+/-4.18 vs 24-weeks = 49.71+/-5.19, p<0,001 and
      baseline rmsSD (root mean square of the difference of successive R-R intervals) =
      23.88+/-4.67 vs 12-weeks = 38.06+/-5.39 vs 24-weeks = 43.0+/-6.25, p<0.0005).
      Basal heart rate (HR) improved significantly in all groups, as did weight, body
      mass index (BMI), percent body fat, waist circumference and high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL). Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), insulin and HOMA2-IR (homeostatic
      model assessment) levels improved significantly in pre-DM and T2DM subjects. On
      multiple linear regression analysis, feet ESC improvement was independently
      associated with A1C, insulin and HOMA2-IR levels at baseline, and improvement in
      A1C at 24 weeks, after adjusting for age, gender and ethnicity. Sudomotor
      function improvement was not associated with baseline weight, BMI, % body fat or
      lipid levels. Improvement in basal HR was also independently associated with A1C,
      insulin and HOMA2-IR levels at baseline. CONCLUSION: This study shows that
      bariatric surgery can restore both cardiac and sudomotor autonomic C-fiber
      dysfunction in subjects with diabetes, potentially impacting morbidity and
      mortality.

PMID- 27137227
TI  - Determinations of trace boron in superalloys and steels using laser-induced
      breakdown spectroscopy assisted with laser-induced fluorescence.
AB  - Boron (B) is widely applied in microalloying of metals. As a typical light
      element, however, determination of boron in alloys with complex matrix spectra is
      still a challenge for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) due to its weak
      line intensities in the UV-visible-NIR range and strong spectral interference
      from the matrix spectra. In this study, a wavelength-tunable laser was used to
      enhance the intensities of boron lines selectively. The intensities of B I 208.96
      nm from boron plasmas were enhanced approximately 3 and 5.8 times while the
      wavelength-tunable laser was tuned to 249.68 and 249.77 nm, respectively.
      Utilizing the selective enhancement effect, accurate determinations of trace
      boron in nickel-based superalloys and steels were achieved by laser-induced
      breakdown spectroscopy assisted by laser-induced fluorescence (LIBS-LIF), with
      limits of detection (LoDs) of 0.9 and 0.5 ppm, respectively. The results
      demonstrated that LIBS-LIF can hopefully be used in boron determinations and has
      great potential for improving the ability of LIBS to determine light elements in
      alloys with a complex matrix. 

PMID- 27137228
TI  - Deterministic nonclassicality from thermal states.
AB  - Coupling an oscillator to a single two-level system is one of the most
      fundamental interactions in quantum physics. We report on a dynamical effect
      during which a thermal state of an oscillator is unconditionally transformed to a
      highly nonclassical state with negative Wigner function values by mere absorbtion
      by a single uncontrolled two-level system. This complements the traditional test
      of Rabi oscillations and it serves as a simply measurable witness that the
      process in question is highly nonclassical. The process is experimentally
      feasible with possible experimental implementation in a number of experimental
      platforms with intrinsic Jaynes-Cummings interaction and it has the potential of
      enabling deterministic generation of nonclassical quantum states. 

PMID- 27137226
TI  - The antibodies against 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine specifically recognize
      trifluridine incorporated into DNA.
AB  - Trifluridine (FTD) is a key component of the novel oral antitumor drug TAS-102
      (also named TFTD), which consists of FTD and a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor.
      FTD is supposed to exert its cytotoxicity via massive misincorporation into DNA,
      but the underlying mechanism of FTD incorporation into DNA and its correlation
      with cytotoxicity are not fully understood. The present study shows that several
      antibodies against 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) specifically cross-react with
      FTD, either anchored to bovine serum albumin or incorporated into DNA. These
      antibodies are useful for several biological applications, such as fluorescence
      activated cell sorting, fluorescent immunostaining and immunogold detection for
      electron microscopy. These techniques confirmed that FTD is mainly incorporated
      in the nucleus during S phase in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition,
      FTD was also detected by immunohistochemical staining in paraffin-embedded HCT
      116 xenograft tumors after intraperitoneal administration of FTD. Intriguingly,
      FTD was hardly detected in surrounding matrices, which consisted of fibroblasts
      with marginal expression of the nucleoside transporter genes SLC29A1 and SLC29A2.
      Thus, applications using anti-BrdU antibodies will provide powerful tools to
      unveil the underlying mechanism of FTD action and to predict or evaluate the
      efficacy and adverse effects of TAS-102 clinically.

PMID- 27137229
TI  - Infrared transparent graphene heater for silicon photonic integrated circuits.
AB  - Thermo-optical tuning of the refractive index is one of the pivotal operations
      performed in integrated silicon photonic circuits for thermal stabilization,
      compensation of fabrication tolerances, and implementation of photonic
      operations. Currently, heaters based on metal wires provide the temperature
      control in the silicon waveguide. The strong interaction of metal and light,
      however, necessitates a certain gap between the heater and the photonic structure
      to avoid significant transmission loss. Here we present a graphene heater that
      overcomes this constraint and enables an energy efficient tuning of the
      refractive index. We achieve a tuning power as low as 22 mW per free spectral
      range and fast response time of 3 us, outperforming metal based waveguide
      heaters. Simulations support the experimental results and suggest that for
      graphene heaters the spacing to the silicon can be further reduced yielding the
      best possible energy efficiency and operation speed. 

PMID- 27137230
TI  - Optimizing high-power Yb-doped fiber amplifier systems in the presence of
      transverse mode instabilities.
AB  - The average output power of Yb-doped fiber amplifier systems is currently limited
      by the onset of transverse mode instabilities. Besides, it has been recently
      shown that the transverse mode instability threshold can be significantly reduced
      by the presence of photodarkening in the fiber. Therefore, reducing the
      photodarkening level of the core material composition is the most straightforward
      way to increase the output average power of fiber amplifier systems but,
      unfortunately, this is not always easy or possible. In this paper we present
      guidelines to optimize the output average power of fiber amplifiers affected by
      transverse mode instabilities and photodarkening. The guidelines derived from the
      simulations do not involve changes in the composition of the active material
      (except for its doping concentration), but can still lead to a significant
      increase of the transverse mode instability threshold. The dependence of this
      parameter on the active ion concentration and the core conformation, among
      others, will be studied and discussed. 

PMID- 27137231
TI  - Phase stabilization of spatiotemporally multiplexed ultrafast amplifiers.
AB  - Actively stabilized, simultaneous spatial and temporal coherent beam combination
      is a promising power-scaling technique for ultrafast laser systems. For a
      temporal combination based on optical delay lines, multiple stable states of
      operation arise for common stabilization techniques. A time resolved Jones'
      calculus is applied to investigate the issue. A mitigation strategy based on a
      temporally gated error signal acquisition is derived and demonstrated, enabling
      to stabilize laser systems with arbitrary numbers of amplifier channels and
      optical delay lines. 

PMID- 27137232
TI  - Diversity-optimal power loading for intensity modulated MIMO optical wireless
      communications.
AB  - In this paper, we consider the design of space code for an intensity modulated
      direct detection multi-input-multi-output optical wireless communication (IM/DD
      MIMO-OWC) system, in which channel coefficients are independent and non
      identically log-normal distributed, with variances and means known at the
      transmitter and channel state information available at the receiver. Utilizing
      the existing space code design criterion for IM/DD MIMO-OWC with a maximum
      likelihood (ML) detector, we design a diversity-optimal space code (DOSC) that
      maximizes both large-scale diversity and small-scale diversity gains and prove
      that the spatial repetition code (RC) with a diversity-optimized power allocation
      is diversity-optimal among all the high dimensional nonnegative space code
      schemes under a commonly used optical power constraint. In addition, we show that
      one of significant advantages of the DOSC is to allow low-complexity ML
      detection. Simulation results indicate that in high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
      regimes, our proposed DOSC significantly outperforms RC, which is the best space
      code currently available for such system. 

PMID- 27137233
TI  - Contrast-enhanced continuous-terahertz-wave imaging based on superparamagnetic
      iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications.
AB  - We present a novel contrast-enhanced continuous-terahertz-wave imaging modality
      based on magnetic induction heating of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles
      (SPIOs), which yields a highly sensitive increment in the reflection terahertz
      (THz) signal in SPIO solution upon exposure to an alternating magnetic field. In
      the differential and relative refection change focal-plane images before and
      after alternating magnetic field exposure, a dramatic contrast is demonstrated
      between water with and without SPIOs. This low-cost, simple, and stable contrast
      enhanced continuous-THz-wave imaging system is suitable for miniaturization and
      real-time imaging application. 

PMID- 27137234
TI  - Effects of light polarization and waves slope statistics on the reflectance
      factor of the sea surface.
AB  - Above-water radiometry depends on estimates of the reflectance factor rho of the
      sea surface to compute the in situ water-leaving radiance. The Monte Carlo code
      for ocean color simulations MOX is used in this study to analyze the effect of
      different environmental components on rho values. A first aspect is examining the
      reflectance factor without and by accounting for the sky-radiance polarization.
      The influence of the sea-surface statistics at discrete grid points is then
      considered by presenting a new scheme to define the variance of the waves slope.
      Results at different sun elevations and sensor orientations indicate that the
      light polarization effect on rho simulations reduces from ~17 to ~10% when the
      wind speed increases from 0 to 14m s<sup>-1</sup>. An opposite tendency
      characterizes the modeling of the sea-surface slope variance, with rho
      differences up to ~12% at a wind speed of 10m s<sup>-1</sup>. The joint effect of
      polarization and the the sea-surface statistics displays a less systematic
      dependence on the wind speed, with differences in the range ~13 to ~18%. The rho
      changes due to the light polarization and the variance of the waves slope become
      more relevant at sky-viewing geometries respectively lower and higher than 40
      degrees  with respect to the zenith. An overall compensation of positive and
      negative offsets due to light polarization is finally documented when considering
      different sun elevations. These results address additional investigations which,
      by combining the modeling and experimental components of marine optics, better
      evaluate specific measurement protocols for collecting above-water radiometric
      data in the field. 

PMID- 27137235
TI  - Femtosecond pulse shaping using wavelength-selective directional couplers:
      proposal and simulation.
AB  - The femtosecond pulse-shaping capabilities of wavelength-selective directional
      couplers are investigated. Numerical results show that, depending on the coupling
      length and coupling coefficient, one can achieve very different temporal shapes
      at the output of the directional couplers. For instance, temporal re-shaping of
      Gaussian-like pulses into Hermite-Gaussian pulses, parabolic pulses, square
      temporal waveforms and sequences of equalized multiple pulses with time widths
      down to the femtosecond range can be achieved using readily feasible
      fiber/waveguide designs. The detrimental influence of the second-order variation
      of the detuning factor in these pulse shapers is also numerically investigated. 

PMID- 27137236
TI  - Simultaneous large band gaps and localization of electromagnetic and elastic
      waves in defect-free quasicrystals.
AB  - We report numerically large and complete photonic and phononic band gaps that
      simultaneously exist in eight-fold phoxonic quasicrystals (PhXQCs). PhXQCs can
      possess simultaneous photonic and phononic band gaps over a wide range of
      geometric parameters. Abundant localized modes can be achieved in defect-free
      PhXQCs for all photonic and phononic polarizations. These defect-free localized
      modes exhibit multiform spatial distributions and can confine simultaneously
      electromagnetic and elastic waves in a large area, thereby providing rich
      selectivity and enlarging the interaction space of optical and elastic waves. The
      simulated results based on finite element method show that quasiperiodic
      structures formed of both solid rods in air and holes in solid materials can
      simultaneously confine and tailor electromagnetic and elastic waves; these
      structures showed advantages over the periodic counterparts. 

PMID- 27137237
TI  - Monolithically integrated low linewidth comb source using gain switched slotted
      Fabry-Perot lasers.
AB  - A monolithically integrated low linewidth optical comb is demonstrated by gain
      switching of a three-section laser device. The device consists of a slave and
      master section separated by a shared slotted mirror section. Wavelength
      tunability has been demonstrated by varying the electrical bias of each section.
      The number of comb lines is shown to almost double with the addition of optical
      injection from the master section into the slave. The unmodulated device has a
      full width half max linewidth of ~ 500 kHz, while the comb line set were measured
      to be ~ 600 kHz, with little degradation as a result of gain switching. The FSR
      (free spectral range) of the demonstrated comb is 4 GHz, which is tunable within
      the bandwidth of the device, with a central wavelength of 1580.3 nm. 

PMID- 27137238
TI  - Highly-efficient and angle-independent zero-order half waveplate at broad visible
      wavelength based on Au nanofin array embedded in dielectric.
AB  - A Au nanofin array embedded in SiO<sub>2</sub> was designed and fabricated to
      achieve an achromatic half waveplate with high transmittance at visible
      wavelengths. On the basis of the waveguide theory of nanogaps and the Fresnel
      reflection theory, nanofin array is calculated to have ideal properties for an
      achromatic half-waveplate in the visible band from 560 to 660 nm with the
      transmittance of around 50%. A Au nanofin array with a height of 830 nm and a
      period of 400 nm was fabricated through a sidewall-deposition process and
      overcoating with spin on glass. The polarization microscopy results showed that
      both transmittance greater than 50% and retardation of 165 degrees  at broadband
      wavelengths ranging from 600 to 800 nm were simultaneously achieved. It was also
      demonstrated that retardation had little dependence on the incident angle. 

PMID- 27137239
TI  - Highly birefringent chalcogenide optical fiber for polarization-maintaining in
      the 3-8.5 um mid-IR window.
AB  - A highly birefringent polarization-maintaining chalcogenide microstructured
      optical fiber (MOF) covering the 3-8.5 um wavelength range has been realized for
      the first time. The fiber cross-section consists of 3 rings of circular air holes
      with 2 larger holes adjacent to the core. Birefringence properties are calculated
      by using the vector finite-element method and are compared to the experimental
      ones. The group birefringence is 1.5x10<sup>-3</sup> and fiber losses are equal
      to 0.8 dB/m at 7.55 um. 

PMID- 27137241
TI  - Optical-tweezing-based linear-optics nanoscopy.
AB  - Previous works reported that linear optics could be used to observe sub
      wavelength features with a conventional optical microscope. Yet, the ability to
      reach a sub-200 nm resolution with a visible light remains limited. We present a
      novel widely-applicable method, where particle trapping is employed to overcome
      this limit. The combination of the light scattered by the sample and by the
      trapped particles encodes super-resolution information, which we decode by post
      image processing, with the trapped particle locations predetermined. As the first
      proof of concept our method successfully resolved sample characteristic features
      down to 100 nm. Improved performance is achieved with the fluorescence of the
      trapped particles employed. Further improvement may be attained with trapped
      particles of a smaller size. 

PMID- 27137240
TI  - Assessing particle kinematics via template matching algorithms.
AB  - Template matching algorithms represent a viable tool to locate particles in
      optical images. A crucial factor of the performance of these methods is the
      choice of the similarity measure. Recently, it was shown in [Gao and Helgeson,
      Opt. Express 22 (2014)] that the correlation coefficient (CC) leads to good
      results. Here, we introduce the mutual information (MI) as a nonlinear similarity
      measure and compare the performance of the MI and the CC for different noise
      scenarios. It turns out that the mutual information leads to superior results in
      the case of signal dependent noise. We propose a novel approach to estimate the
      velocity of particles which is applicable in imaging scenarios where the
      particles appear elongated due to their movement. By designing a bank of
      anisotropic templates supposed to fit the elongation of the particles we are able
      to reliably estimate their velocity and direction of motion out of a single
      image. 

PMID- 27137242
TI  - Avalanche of stimulated forward scattering in high harmonic generation.
AB  - Optical amplifiers in all ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum exhibit an
      essential characteristic, namely the input signal during the propagation in the
      amplifier medium is multiplied by the avalanche effect of the stimulated emission
      to produce exponential growth. We perform a theoretical study motivated and
      supported by experimental data on a He gas amplifier driven by intense 30-fs-long
      laser pulses and seeded with attosecond pulse trains generated in a separated Ne
      gas jet. We demonstrate that the strong-field theory in the frame of high
      harmonic generation fully supports the appearance of the avalanche effect in the
      amplification of extreme ultraviolet attosecond pulse trains. We theoretically
      separate and identify different physical processes taking part in the interaction
      and we demonstrate that X-ray parametric amplification dominates over others. In
      particular, we identify strong-field mediated intrapulse X-ray parametric
      processes as decisive for amplification at the single-atom level. We confirm that
      the amplification takes place at photon energies where the amplifier is seeded
      and when the seed pulses are perfectly synchronized with the driving strong field
      in the amplifier. Furthermore, propagation effects, phase matching and seed
      synchronization can be exploited to tune the amplified spectral range within the
      seed bandwidth. 

PMID- 27137243
TI  - Design for an efficient single photon source based on a single quantum dot
      embedded in a parabolic solid immersion lens.
AB  - We have designed a single photon emitter based on a single quantum dot embedded
      within a single mode parabolic solid immersion lens (pSIL) and a capping low
      index pSIL. Numerical simulations predicted that the emitter performance should
      exhibit a high photon collection efficiency with excellent far-field emission
      properties, broadband operation, and good tolerance in its geometric (spatial
      configuration) parameters. Good geometric tolerance in a single-mode pSIL without
      yielding significant losses in the photon collection efficiency is advantageous
      for device fabrication. The low-index top pSIL layer provided this structure with
      a high photon collection efficiency, even in the case of a small numerical
      aperture (NA). Photon collection efficiencies of 64% and 78% were expected for NA
      values of 0.41 and 0.5, respectively. In addition to the benefits listed above,
      our combined pSIL design provided excellent broadband performance in a 100 nm
      range. 

PMID- 27137244
TI  - Liquid-air based Fabry-Perot cavity on fiber tip sensor.
AB  - This paper presents a Fabry-Perot fiber tip sensor based on an air-liquid filled
      cavity. The cavity is sealed off by a thin gold coated membrane of parylene C,
      between 300 and 350 nm, creating a particularly flexible diaphragm. In order to
      retrieve and track the cavity of interest from other cavities formed within the
      sensor tip, a signal processing of the feedback signal is performed by inverse
      fast Fourier transform. The experimental sensor has been manufactured and tested
      for temperature, giving cavity length sensitivities of 6.1 nm/ degrees C and 9.6
      nm/ degrees C for temperature increase and decrease respectively. The external
      gas pressure response gives a sensitivity of 15 nm/kPa. The fiber sensor has also
      been adapted for force sensing after silicone embedment and has shown a
      sensitivity of about 8.7 nm/mN. Finally, the sensor has been tested on insertion
      into a human temporal bone, proving that it could be an interesting candidate for
      insertion force monitoring for robotic cochlear implantation. 

PMID- 27137245
TI  - Phonon induced line broadening and population of the dark exciton in a deeply
      trapped localized emitter in monolayer WSe<sub>2</sub>.
AB  - We study trapped single excitons in a monolayer semiconductor with respect to
      their temperature stability, spectral diffusion and decay dynamics. In a
      mechanically exfoliated WSe<sub>2</sub> sheet, we could identify discrete
      emission features with emission energies down to 1.516 eV which are spectrally
      isolated in a free spectral range up to 80 meV. The strong spectral isolation of
      our localized emitter allow us to identify strong signatures of phonon induced
      spectral broadening for elevated temperatures accompanied by temperature induced
      luminescence quenching. A direct correlation between the droop in intensity at
      higher temperatures with the phonon induced population of dark states in
      WSe<sub>2</sub> is established. While our experiment suggests that the
      applicability of monolayered quantum emitters as coherent single photon sources
      at elevated temperatures may be limited, the capability to operate them below the
      GaAs band-edge makes them highly interesting for GaAs-monolayer hybrid quantum
      photonic structures. 

PMID- 27137246
TI  - Multipass OPCPA system at 100 kHz pumped by a CPA-free solid-state amplifier.
AB  - We present a compact few-cycle 100 kHz OPCPA system pumped by a CPA-free
      picosecond Nd:YVO<sub>4</sub> solid-state amplifier with all-optical
      synchronization to an ultra-broadband Ti:sapphire oscillator. This pump approach
      shows an exceptional conversion rate into the second harmonic of almost 78%.
      Efficient parametric amplification was realized by a two stage double-pass scheme
      with following chirped mirror compressor. The amount of superfluorescence was
      measured by an optical cross-correlation. Pulses with a duration of 8.7 fs at
      energies of 18 uJ are demonstrated. Due to the peak power of 1.26 GW, this simple
      OPCPA approach forms an ideal high repetition rate driving source for high-order
      harmonic generation. 

PMID- 27137247
TI  - Quantum key distribution over multicore fiber.
AB  - We present the first quantum key distribution (QKD) experiment over multicore
      fiber. With space division multiplexing, we demonstrate that weak QKD signals can
      coexist with classical data signals launched at full power in a 53 km 7-core
      fiber, while showing negligible degradation in performance. Based on a
      characterization of intercore crosstalk, we perform additional simulations
      highlighting that classical data bandwidths beyond 1Tb/s can be supported with
      high speed QKD on the same fiber. 

PMID- 27137248
TI  - Ferroelectric thin films with liquid crystal for gradient index applications.
AB  - We report on the first ever combination of a thin film of lead zirconate titanate
      (PZT) with a liquid crystal (LC) layer. Many liquid crystal applications use a
      transparent conductive oxide to switch the liquid crystal. Our proposed
      processing does not, instead relying on the extremely high dielectric constant of
      the ferroelectric layer to extend the electric field from widely spaced
      electrodes over the liquid crystal. It eliminates almost entirely the fringe
      field problems that arise in nearly all the liquid crystal devices that use
      multiple addressing electrodes. We show, both via rigorous simulations as well as
      experiments, that the addition of a PZT layer over the addressing electrodes
      leads to a markedly improved LC switching performance at distances of up to 30
      MUm from the addressing electrodes with the current PZT-layer thickness of 0.84
      MUm. This improvement in switching is used to tune the focal length of the
      microlens with electrodes spaced at 30 MUm. 

PMID- 27137249
TI  - Underwater wireless transmission of high-speed QAM-OFDM signals using a compact
      red-light laser.
AB  - We first study the transmission property of red light in water in terms of
      extinction coefficient and channel bandwidth via Monte Carlo simulation, with an
      interesting finding that red light outperforms blue-green light in highly turbid
      water. We further propose and experimentally demonstrate a broadband underwater
      wireless optical communication system based on a simple and cost-effective TO56
      red-light laser diode. We demonstrate a 1.324-Gb/s transmission at a bit error
      rate (BER) of 2.02 * 10<sup>-3</sup> over a 6-m underwater channel, by using 128
      QAM OFDM signals and a low-cost 150-MHz positive-intrinsic-negative
      photodetector, with a record spectral efficiency higher than 7.32 bits/Hz. By
      using an avalanche photodetector and 32-QAM OFDM signals, we have achieved a
      record bit rate of 4.883 Gb/s at a BER of 3.20 * 10<sup>-3</sup> over a 6-m
      underwater channel. 

PMID- 27137250
TI  - Direct stress optic coefficients for YTZP ceramic and PTFE at GHz frequencies.
AB  - We report the first measurement of the direct stress optic coefficient for yttria
      partially stabilized zirconia (YTZP) ceramic, using illumination between 260 and
      380 GHz with applied stresses up to 27 MPa. YTZP exhibited a linear change in
      refractive index as a function of stress across the entire applied stress domain.
      A direct stress optic coefficient was also measured for polytetrafluoroethylene
      (PTFE). PTFE showed viscoelastic behavior at stress values above 4.5 MPa. These
      results open the way for quantitative sub-surface stress measurements in
      structural ceramics and ceramic coating systems at GHz and THz frequencies. 

PMID- 27137251
TI  - Direct generation of 12.5-GHz-spaced optical frequency comb with ultrabroad
      coverage in near-infrared region by cascaded fiber configuration.
AB  - We generated a 12.5-GHz-spacing optical frequency comb that can be resolved over
      100 THz, from 1040 to 1750 nm, without spectral mode filtering. To cover such a
      broad spectrum, we used electro-optic modulation of single frequency light and
      line-by-line pulse synthesis to produce a clear pulse train and subsequent
      spectral broadening in highly nonlinear fibers (HNLFs). We numerically and
      experimentally investigated a configuration of the HNLFs and find that a two
      stage broadening through different HNLFs is required when using limited pulse
      energy at a high repetition rate. We designed and fabricated solid silica-based
      HNLFs with small zero-dispersion wavelengths to obtain strong spectral
      broadening, especially at the shorter wavelengths. The individual lines of the
      proposed frequency comb are resolvable with high contrast over the entire
      spectral range. The results described in this paper should lead to the
      development of multicarrier sources for wavelength-division-multiplexing
      communication and super-multi-point frequency calibration for spectrometers,
      especially in astrophysics. 

PMID- 27137252
TI  - Highly uniform holographic microtrap arrays for single atom trapping using a
      feedback optimization of in-trap fluorescence measurements.
AB  - We report on the novel optimization method to realize highly uniform microtrap
      arrays for single atom trapping with a spatial light modulator (SLM). This method
      consists of two iterative feedback loops with the measurements of both diffracted
      light intensities and in-trap fluorescence intensities from each microtrap. By
      applying this method to the single <sup>87</sup>Rb atom trapping, we can reduce
      the variance of trap depths from 20.8% to 1.7% for 4 * 4 square arrays and less
      than 4% for various arrays with up to 62 sites. The detection error of individual
      single atoms is also reduced from 1.7% to 0.0054% on average. 

PMID- 27137253
TI  - Adaptive lenticular microlens array based on voltage-induced waves at the surface
      of polyvinyl chloride/dibutyl phthalate gels.
AB  - We report a new approach to preparing a lenticular microlens array (LMA) using
      polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/dibutyl phthalate (DBP) gels. The PVD/DBP gels coated on
      a glass substrate form a membrane. With the aid of electrostatic repulsive force,
      the surface of the membrane can be reconfigured with sinusoidal waves by a DC
      voltage. The membrane with wavy surface functions as a LMA. By switching over the
      anode and cathode, the convex shape of each lenticular microlens in the array can
      be converted to the concave shape. Therefore, the LMA can present a large dynamic
      range. The response time is relatively fast and the driving voltage is low. With
      the advantages of compact structure, optical isotropy, and good mechanical
      stability, our LMA has potential applications in imaging, information processing,
      biometrics, and displays. 

PMID- 27137254
TI  - Ultrafast second-Stokes diamond Raman laser.
AB  - We report a synchronously-pumped femtosecond diamond Raman laser operating with a
      tunable second-Stokes output. Pumped using a mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser at 840
      910 nm with a duration of 165 fs, the second-Stokes wavelength was tuneable from
      1082 - 1200 nm with sub-picosecond duration. Our results demonstrate potential
      for cascaded Raman conversion to extend the wavelength coverage of standard laser
      sources to new regions. 

PMID- 27137255
TI  - Hybrid tilted-pulse-front excitation scheme for efficient generation of high
      energy terahertz pulses.
AB  - Conception of a hybrid type tilted-pulse-front pumping scheme for the generation
      of high-energy terahertz pulses is presented. The proposed setup is the
      combination of the conventional setup containing imaging optics and the contact
      grating. The solution was developed for nonlinear materials requiring large pulse
      front-tilt angle, like LiNbO<sub>3</sub>. Due to the creation of the pulse-front
      tilt in two steps the limitations of imaging errors can be significantly reduced.
      Furthermore the necessary grating constant of the contact grating can be larger
      compared to the simple contact grating scheme making possible the fabrication of
      the grating profile with significantly higher precision. A detailed optimization
      procedure with respect to the diffraction efficiency on the contact grating is
      given for LiNbO<sub>3</sub>. Instructions are also given how to construct the
      geometry of the setup in order to minimize imaging errors. Examples are given for
      LiNbO<sub>3</sub> based practically realizable, optimized schemes with reduced
      imaging errors and high diffraction efficiency on the contact grating. 

PMID- 27137256
TI  - Inversion of the haze aerosol sky columnar AVSD in central China by combining
      multiple ground observation equipment.
AB  - Wuhan is the biggest city in China that has been facing an increasingly serious
      problem of air pollution in the recent years. In order to understand the
      mechanism of haze formation and diffusion, it is very important to obtain
      multiple atmospheric parameters. Columnar aerosol volume size distribution (AVSD)
      is an important atmospheric parameter in this regard, and utilizing CIMEL sun
      photometer data to obtain this parameter has become the most popular method.
      However, currently, the widely used retrieval algorithms cannot be accessed using
      an open source code, and thus the retrieval of columnar AVSD is still a
      challenging task.. In this article, we introduce a new method that combines
      partial least squares (PLS) and genetic algorithm (GA) for the retrieval of
      columnar AVSD. By using this new method, we could obtain credible results even
      during hazy periods, despite the fact that our sun-photometer did not participate
      in the AERONET program and we did not use an official data processing method.
      First, it was assumed that columnar AVSD obeys the double logarithmic normal
      distribution function. Second, the relationship between the columnar AVSD and the
      AVSD on earth's surface was established using the partial least squares (PLS)
      method. Finally, the initial distribution parameters were adjusted through GA to
      obtain an optimal solution. This new method can improve the accuracy and reduce
      the computational difficulties faced in the retrieval of columnar AVSD in the
      absence of AREONET-based algorithm. 

PMID- 27137257
TI  - Realization of optimized quantum controlled-logic gate based on the orbital
      angular momentum of light.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate an optimized setup to implement quantum
      controlled-NOT operation using polarization and orbital angular momentum qubits.
      This device is more adaptive to inputs with various polarizations, and can work
      both in classical and quantum single-photon regime. The logic operations
      performed by such a setup not only possess high stability and polarization-free
      character, they can also be easily extended to deal with multi-qubit input
      states. As an example, the experimental implementation of generalized three-qubit
      Toffoli gate has been presented. 

PMID- 27137258
TI  - Effect of nuclear motion on spectral broadening of high-order harmonic
      generation.
AB  - High-order harmonic generation (HHG) in molecular targets is experimentally
      investigated in order to reveal the role of the nuclear motion played in the
      harmonic generation process. An obvious broadening in the harmonic spectrum from
      the H<sub>2</sub> molecule is observed in comparison with the harmonic spectrum
      generated from other molecules with relatively heavy nuclei. We also find that
      the harmonic yield from the H<sub>2</sub> molecule is much weaker than the yield
      from those gas targets with the similar ionization potentials, such as Ar atom
      and N<sub>2</sub> molecule. The yield suppression and the spectrum broadening of
      HHG can be attributed to the vibrational motion of nuclear induced by the driving
      laser pulse. Moreover, the one-dimensional (1D) time-dependent Schrodinger
      equation (TDSE) with the non-Born-Oppenheimer (NBO) treatment is numerically
      solved to provide a theoretical support to our explanation. 

PMID- 27137259
TI  - Hadamard-transform fluorescence-lifetime imaging.
AB  - We discuss a Hadamard-transform-based fluorescence-lifetime-imaging (HT-FLI)
      technique for fluorescence-lifetime-imaging microscopy (FLIM). The HT-FLI uses a
      Fourier-transform phase-modulation fluorometer (FT-PMF) for fluorescence-lifetime
      measurements, where the modulation frequency of the excitation light is swept
      linearly in frequency from zero to a specific maximum during a fixed duration of
      time. Thereafter, fluorescence lifetimes are derived through Fourier transforms
      for the fluorescence and reference waveforms. The FT-PMF enables the analysis of
      multi-component samples simultaneously. HT imaging uses electronic exchange of HT
      illumination mask patterns, and a high-speed, high-sensitivity photomultiplier,
      to eliminate frame-rate issues that accompany two-dimensional image detectors. 

PMID- 27137260
TI  - Influence of the substrate material on the knife-edge based profiling of tightly
      focused light beams.
AB  - The performance of the knife-edge method as a beam profiling technique for
      tightly focused light beams depends on several parameters, such as the material
      and height of the knife-pad as well as the polarization and wavelength of the
      focused light beam under study. Here we demonstrate that the choice of the
      substrate the knife-pads are fabricated on has a crucial influence on the
      reconstructed beam projections as well. We employ an analytical model for the
      interaction of the knife-pad with the beam and report good agreement between our
      numerical and experimental results. Moreover, we simplify the analytical model
      and demonstrate, in which way the underlying physical effects lead to the
      apparent polarization dependent beam shifts and changes of the beamwidth for
      different substrate materials and heights of the knife-pad. 

PMID- 27137261
TI  - Tunable fluorescence lifetime of Eu-PMMA films with plasmonic nanostructures for
      multiplexing.
AB  - A method to tune fluorescence lifetime of Eu-PMMA films is proposed, which
      consists of self-assembled gold nanorods on glass substrate covered by Eu-PMMA
      shell. The fluorescence lifetime is tunable in a wide range, and depends on
      aspect ratio and mutual distance of gold nanorods. In a single red color emission
      channel, more than six distinct fluorescence lifetime populations ranging from
      356 to 513 MUs are obtained. Through theoretical calculation, we attribute
      tunable fluorescence lifetime to the change of radiative and nonradiative decay
      rate and density of photon states. In addition, we use these as-prepared Eu-PMMA
      films for security data storage to demonstrate optical multiplexing applications.
      The optical multiplexing experiments show an interesting pseudo-information "8"
      and conceal the real messages "2" and "6". 

PMID- 27137262
TI  - Experimental and theoretical investigations of an air-slot coupler between
      dielectric and plasmonic waveguides.
AB  - In this paper, we experimentally show an effective method of coupling light
      between dielectric waveguides and metal-dielectric-metal plasmonic waveguides
      using an air-slot waveguide that extends into both types of waveguides. Our
      experimental results validate the theoretical calculation results of the proposed
      coupler. In addition, we investigated the sensitivity of our design to different
      fabrication challenges that may result in changing the width and length of the
      targeted optimum values in our design. Numerical simulation results show that the
      cut-off wavelength can be shifted by either changing the width of the dielectric
      or slot waveguide. The shift occurs because, as the waveguide's width changes,
      the mode size changes and consequently the impedance mismatch between the
      dielectric and slot waveguide changes. We also found that changing the position
      of the air-slot waveguide with respect to the center of the dielectric waveguide
      resulted in a reduction in the coupling efficiency due to the reduction in the
      overlapped area between the mode supported by the slot waveguide and that of the
      dielectric waveguide. 

PMID- 27137263
TI  - 260 frames-per-second 648x488 resolution division-of-focal-plane polarimeter with
      structural dynamics and tracking applications.
AB  - We have designed an image sensor that can capture the first three Stokes
      parameters at 648 by 488 spatial resolution at 260 frames per second. The sensor
      consists of a CCD image sensor monolithically integrated with pixel pitch-matched
      aluminum nanowire polarization filters. The sensor demonstrates a Malus law
      response over all pixels, and has a relatively uniform diattenuation over the
      visible spectrum. We demonstrate two potential applications for the sensor. The
      first uses circular polarization in transmission mode to observe high-speed
      stress failure in polycarbonate. The second uses polarization in reflected mode
      to track high speed automobile traffic. 

PMID- 27137264
TI  - Development of a heterodyne speckle imager to measure 3 degrees of vibrational
      freedom.
AB  - A laboratory system has demonstrated the measurement of three degrees of
      vibrational freedom simultaneously through heterodyne speckle imaging. The random
      interference pattern generated by the illumination of a rough surface with
      coherent light can be exploited to extract information about the surface motion.
      The optical speckle pattern is heterodyne mixed with a coherent reference. The
      recorded optical data is then processed to extract three dimensions of surface
      motion. Axial velocity is measured by demodulating the received time-varying
      intensity of high amplitude pixels. Tilt, a gradient of surface displacement, is
      calculated by measuring speckle translation following extraction of the speckle
      pattern from the mixed signal. This paper discusses the laboratory sensor
      concept, signal processing, and experimental results compared with numeric
      simulations. 

PMID- 27137265
TI  - Maximum modulation of plasmon-guided modes by graphene gating.
AB  - The potential of graphene in plasmonic electro-optical waveguide modulators has
      been investigated in detail by finite-element method modelling of various widely
      used plasmonic waveguiding configurations. We estimated the maximum possible
      modulation depth values one can achieve with plasmonic devices operating at
      telecom wavelengths and exploiting the optical Pauli blocking effect in graphene.
      Conclusions and guidelines for optimization of modulation/intrinsic loss trade
      off have been provided and generalized for any graphene-based plasmonic waveguide
      modulators, which should help in consideration and design of novel active
      plasmonic devices. 

PMID- 27137266
TI  - Classical realization of dispersion-canceled, artifact-free, and background-free
      optical coherence tomography.
AB  - Quantum-optical coherence tomography (Q-OCT) provides a dispersion-canceled axial
      imaging method, but its practical use is limited by the weakness of the light
      source and by artifacts in the images. A recent study using chirped-pulse
      interferometry (CPI) has demonstrated dispersion-canceled and artifact-free OCT
      with a classical system; however, unwanted background signals still remain after
      removing the artifacts. Here, we propose a classical optical method that realizes
      dispersion-canceled, artifact-free, and background-free OCT. We employ a time
      reversed system for Q-OCT with transform-limited input laser pulses to achieve
      dispersion-canceled OCT with a classical system. We have also introduced a
      subtraction method to remove artifacts and background signals. With these
      methods, we experimentally demonstrated dispersion-canceled, artifact-free, and
      background-free axial imaging of a coverglass and cross-sectional imaging of the
      surface of a coin. 

PMID- 27137267
TI  - High-bandwidth uni-traveling carrier waveguide photodetector on an InP-membrane
      on-silicon platform.
AB  - A uni-traveling carrier photodetector (UTC-PD), heterogeneously integrated on
      silicon, is demonstrated. It is fabricated in an InP-based photonic membrane
      bonded on a silicon wafer, using a novel double-sided processing scheme. A very
      high 3 dB bandwidth of beyond 67 GHz is obtained, together with a responsivity of
      0.7 A/W at 1.55 MUm wavelength. In addition, open eye diagrams at 54 Gb/s are
      observed. These results promise high speed applications using a novel full
      functionality photonic platform on silicon. 

PMID- 27137268
TI  - Experimental demonstration of polarization encoding quantum key distribution
      system based on intrinsically stable polarization-modulated units.
AB  - A proof-of-principle demonstration of a one-way polarization encoding quantum key
      distribution (QKD) system is demonstrated. This approach can automatically
      compensate for birefringence and phase drift. This is achieved by constructing
      intrinsically stable polarization-modulated units (PMUs) to perform the encoding
      and decoding, which can be used with four-state protocol, six-state protocol, and
      the measurement-device-independent (MDI) scheme. A polarization extinction ratio
      of about 30 dB was maintained for several hours over a 50 km optical fiber
      without any adjustments to our setup, which evidences its potential for use in
      practical applications. 

PMID- 27137269
TI  - Excitation and separation of vortex modes in twisted air-core fiber.
AB  - An air-core fiber imposed by torsion is investigated in this paper. We refer to
      this kind of fiber as twisted air-core fiber (TAF). It has been demonstrated that
      the eigenstates of the TAF consist of guided optical vortex waves with different
      propagation constants of a different effective index. With the increase of the
      twist rate, TAF could separate the OAM modes which are near degenerate or
      degenerate in the air-core fiber. The separation of OAM modes in TAF is
      conductive to ultralong distance propagation with low crosstalk. TAF could be
      considered as an ideal candidate fiber for OAM based optical communication.
      Moreover, we investigated the twisted air-core photonic crystal fiber (TAPCF)
      which can improve the relative energy distribution of the OAM modes. Compared
      with TAF, more energy is located in the ring shaped core, which is conductive to
      ultralong distance propagation. TAF and TAPCF are of potential interest for
      increasing channel capacity in optical telecommunications, and the result is also
      of interest to the photonic crystal community. 

PMID- 27137270
TI  - W-band sparse synthetic aperture for computational imaging.
AB  - We present a sparse synthetic-aperture, active imaging system at W-band (75 - 110
      GHz), which uses sub-harmonic mixer modules. The system employs mechanical
      scanning of the receiver module position, and a fixed transmitter module. A
      vector network analyzer provides the back end detection. A full-wave forward
      model allows accurate construction of the image transfer matrix. We solve the
      inverse problem to reconstruct scenes using the least squares technique. We
      demonstrate far-field, diffraction limited imaging of 2D and 3D objects and
      achieve a cross-range resolution of 3 mm and a depth-range resolution of 4 mm,
      respectively. Furthermore, we develop an information-based metric to evaluate the
      performance of a given image transfer matrix for noise-limited, computational
      imaging systems. We use this metric to find the optimal gain of the radiating
      element for a given range, both theoretically and experimentally in our system. 

PMID- 27137271
TI  - Using sparsity information for iterative phase retrieval in x-ray propagation
      imaging.
AB  - For iterative phase retrieval algorithms in near field x-ray propagation imaging
      experiments with a single distance measurement, it is indispensable to have a
      strong constraint based on a priori information about the specimen; for example,
      information about the specimen's support. Recently, Loock and Plonka proposed to
      use the a priori information that the exit wave is sparsely represented in a
      certain directional representation system, a so-called shearlet system. In this
      work, we extend this approach to complex-valued signals by applying the new
      shearlet constraint to amplitude and phase separately. Further, we demonstrate
      its applicability to experimental data. 

PMID- 27137272
TI  - Gradient flipping algorithm: introducing non-convex constraints in wavefront
      reconstructions with the transport of intensity equation.
AB  - The transport of intensity equation (TIE) is widely applied for recovering wave
      fronts from an intensity measurement and a measurement of its variation along the
      direction of propagation. In order to get around the problem of non-uniqueness
      and ill-conditionedness of the solution of the TIE in the very common case of
      unspecified boundary conditions or noisy data, additional constraints to the
      solution are necessary. Although from a numerical optimization point of view,
      convex constraint as imposed to by total variation minimization is preferable, we
      will show that in many cases non-convex constraints are necessary to overcome the
      low-frequency artifacts so typical for convex constraints. We will provide
      simulated and experimental examples that demonstrate the superiority of solutions
      to the TIE obtained by our recently introduced gradient flipping algorithm over a
      total variation constrained solution. 

PMID- 27137273
TI  - Ptychographic coherent diffractive imaging with orthogonal probe relaxation.
AB  - Ptychography is a scanning coherent diffractive imaging (CDI) technique that
      relies upon a high level of stability of the illumination during the course of an
      experiment. This is particularly an issue for coherent short wavelength sources,
      where the beam intensity is usually tightly focused on the sample in order to
      maximize the photon flux density on the illuminated region of the sample and thus
      a small change in the beam position results in a significant change in
      illumination of the sample. We present an improved ptychographic method that
      allows for limited stability of the illumination wavefront and thus significantly
      improve the reconstruction quality without additional prior knowledge. We have
      tested our reconstruction method in a proof of concept experiment, where the beam
      instability of a visible light source was emulated using a piezo driven mirror,
      and also in a short wavelength microscopy CDI setup using a high harmonic
      generation source in the extreme ultraviolet range. Our work shows a natural
      extension of the ptychography method that paves the way to use ptychographic
      imaging with any limited pointing stability coherent source such as free electron
      or soft X-ray lasers and improve reconstruction quality of long duration
      synchrotron experiments. 

PMID- 27137274
TI  - Frequency comb metrology with an optical parametric oscillator.
AB  - We report on the first demonstration of absolute frequency comb metrology with an
      optical parametric oscillator (OPO) frequency comb. The synchronously-pumped OPO
      operated in the 1.5-um spectral region and was referenced to an H-maser atomic
      clock. Using different techniques, we thoroughly characterized the frequency
      noise power spectral density (PSD) of the repetition rate f<sub>rep</sub>, of the
      carrier-envelope offset frequency f<sub>CEO</sub>, and of an optical comb line
      nuN. The comb mode optical linewidth at 1557 nm was determined to be ~70 kHz for
      an observation time of 1 s from the measured frequency noise PSD, and was limited
      by the stability of the microwave frequency standard available for the
      stabilization of the comb repetition rate. We achieved a tight lock of the
      carrier envelope offset frequency with only ~300 mrad residual integrated phase
      noise, which makes its contribution to the optical linewidth negligible. The OPO
      comb was used to measure the absolute optical frequency of a near-infrared laser
      whose second-harmonic component was locked to the F = 2->3 transition of the
      <sup>87</sup>Rb D2 line at 780 nm, leading to a measured transition frequency of
      nu<sub>Rb</sub> = 384,228,115,346 +/- 16 kHz. We performed the same measurement
      with a commercial fiber-laser comb operating in the 1.5-um region. Both the OPO
      comb and the commercial fiber comb achieved similar performance. The measurement
      accuracy was limited by interferometric noise in the fibered setup of the Rb
      stabilized laser. 

PMID- 27137275
TI  - Detecting relative speed changes of moving objects through scattering medium by
      using wavefront shaping and laser speckle contrast analysis.
AB  - Imaging through a scattering medium has been a main challenge in modern optical
      imaging field. Recently, imaging through scattering medium based on wavefront
      shaping has been reported. However, it has not been clearly investigated to apply
      the optical memory effect based iterative wavefront shaping technique in speed
      estimation of a moving object through scattering medium. Here, we proposed to
      combine the iterative wavefront shaping technique with laser speckle contrast
      analysis method to detect the relative speed changes of moving objects through
      scattering medium. Phantom experiments were performed to validate our method. 

PMID- 27137276
TI  - External cavity diode laser based upon an FBG in an integrated optical fiber
      platform.
AB  - An external cavity diode laser is demonstrated using a Bragg grating written into
      a novel integrated optical fiber platform as the external cavity. The cavity is
      fabricated using flame-hydrolysis deposition to bond a photosensitive fiber to a
      silica-on-silicon wafer, and a grating written using direct UV-writing. The laser
      operates on a single mode at the acetylene P13 line (1532.83 nm) with 9 mW output
      power. The noise properties of the laser are characterized demonstrating low
      linewidth operation (< 14 kHz) and superior relative intensity noise
      characteristics when compared to a commercial tunable external cavity diode
      laser. 

PMID- 27137277
TI  - Generation of high energy square-wave pulses in all anomalous dispersion Er:Yb
      passive mode locked fiber ring laser.
AB  - We have experimentally demonstrated square pulses emission from a co-doped Er:Yb
      double-clad fiber laser operating in anomalous dispersion DSR regime using the
      nonlinear polarization evolution technique. Stable mode-locked pulses have a
      repetition rate of 373 kHz with 2.27 uJ energy per pulse under a pumping power of
      30 W in cavity. With the increase of pump power, both the duration and the energy
      of the output square pulses broaden. The experimental results demonstrate that
      the passively mode-locked fiber laser operating in the anomalous regime can also
      realize a high-energy pulse, which is different from the conventional low-energy
      soliton pulse. 

PMID- 27137278
TI  - Down-conversion IM-DD RF photonic link utilizing MQW MZ modulator.
AB  - We present the first down-conversion intensity modulated-direct detection (IM-DD)
      RF photonic link that achieves frequency down-conversion using the nonlinear
      optical phase modulation inside a Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulator. The nonlinear
      phase modulation is very sensitive and it can enable high RF-to-IF conversion
      efficiency. Furthermore, the link linearity is enhanced by canceling the
      nonlinear distortions from the nonlinear phase modulation and the MZ
      interferometer. Proof-of-concept measurement was performed. The down-conversion
      IM-DD link demonstrated 28dB improvement in distortion levels over that of a
      conventional IM-DD link using a LiNbO<sub>3</sub> MZ modulator. 

PMID- 27137279
TI  - Visible blind ultraviolet photodetector based on
      CH<sub>3</sub>NH<sub>3</sub>PbCl<sub>3</sub> thin film.
AB  - We report a prototypical device of CH<sub>3</sub>NH<sub>3</sub>PbCl<sub>3</sub>
      film ultraviolet photodetectors that were fabricated with a coplanar metal
      semiconductor-metal Au interdigital electrode configuration. Pure phase
      CH<sub>3</sub>NH<sub>3</sub>PbCl<sub>3</sub> films with a good crystallinity were
      formed by a hybrid sequential deposition process featured with inter-diffusion of
      PbCl<sub>2</sub> and CH<sub>3</sub>NH<sub>3</sub>Cl upon annealing. The
      CH<sub>3</sub>NH<sub>3</sub>PbCl<sub>3</sub> film photodetector exhibits a high
      responsivity of 7.56 A /W at 360 nm, a ultraviolet/visible rejection ratio (R360
      nm/R500 nm) was about two orders of magnitude and fast response speed with a
      rising time of 170 MUs and a decay time of 220 MUs. All the above results
      demonstrate CH<sub>3</sub>NH<sub>3</sub>PbCl<sub>3</sub> film photodetector as a
      competitive candidate in the application of visible blind UV detectors. 

PMID- 27137280
TI  - Ultrafast dual-drifting layer uni-traveling carrier photodiode with high
      saturation current.
AB  - A novel backside-illuminated mesa-structure dual-drifting layer (DDL) uni
      traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD) is reported to demonstrate high-power
      performance at sub-THz frequencies. The DDL structure consists of a velocity
      overshoot layer and a velocity saturation layer, formed by inserting a 20 nm p
      type cliff layer into the thick depletion region. In the overshoot layer, photo
      generated electrons drift at overshoot velocity under the carefully designed
      electric field profile, thus resulting in a short electron transit time. The
      saturation layer serves as a voltage sacrificing layer to enable high bias
      voltage operation, which leads to alleviated load voltage swing effect, as well
      as improved saturation performance. Our DDL UTC-PD exhibits a 3-dB bandwidth of
      106 GHz with a responsivity of 0.17 A/W under a wide bias voltage range from 4 to
      8 V. The photocurrent reaches up to 28 mA, corresponding to an output power of
      7.3 dBm at 105 GHz. 

PMID- 27137281
TI  - Low-loss single-mode hollow-core fiber with anisotropic anti-resonant elements.
AB  - A hollow-core fiber using anisotropic anti-resonant tubes in the cladding is
      proposed for low loss and effectively single-mode guidance. We show that the loss
      performance and higher-order mode suppression is significantly improved by using
      symmetrically distributed anisotropic anti-resonant tubes in the cladding,
      elongated in the radial direction, when compared to using isotropic, i.e.
      circular, anti-resonant tubes. The effective single-mode guidance of the proposed
      fiber is achieved by enhancing the coupling between the cladding modes and higher
      order-core modes by suitably engineering the anisotropic anti-resonant elements.
      With a silica-based fiber design aimed at 1.06 um, we show that the loss
      extinction ratio between the higher-order core modes and the fundamental core
      mode can be more than 1000 in the range 1.0-1.65 um, while the leakage loss of
      the fundamental core mode is below 15 dB/km in the same range. 

PMID- 27137282
TI  - GPU-accelerated compressive holography.
AB  - In this paper, we show fast signal reconstruction for compressive holography
      using a graphics processing unit (GPU). We implemented a fast iterative shrinkage
      thresholding algorithm on a GPU to solve the l<sub>1</sub> and total variation
      (TV) regularized problems that are typically used in compressive holography.
      Since the algorithm is highly parallel, GPUs can compute it efficiently by data
      parallel computing. For better performance, our implementation exploits the
      structure of the measurement matrix to compute the matrix multiplications. The
      results show that GPU-based implementation is about 20 times faster than CPU
      based implementation. 

PMID- 27137283
TI  - Along-track scanning using a liquid crystal compressive hyperspectral imager.
AB  - In various applications, such as remote sensing and quality inspection,
      hyperspectral (HS) imaging is performed by spatially scanning an object. In this
      work, we present a new compressive hyperspectral imaging method that performs
      along-track scanning. The method relies on the compressive sensing miniature
      ultra-spectral imaging (CS-MUSI) system, which uses a single liquid crystal (LC)
      cell for spectral encoding and provides a more efficient way of HS data
      acquisition, compared to classical spatial scanning based systems. The
      experimental results show that a compression ratio of about 1:10 can be reached.
      Owing to the inherent compression, the captured data is preprepared for efficient
      storage and transmission. 

PMID- 27137284
TI  - Viewing zone duplication of multi-projection 3D display system using uniaxial
      crystal.
AB  - We propose a novel multiplexing technique for increasing the viewing zone of a
      multi-view based multi-projection 3D display system by employing double
      refraction in uniaxial crystal. When linearly polarized images from projector
      pass through the uniaxial crystal, two possible optical paths exist according to
      the polarization states of image. Therefore, the optical paths of the image could
      be changed, and the viewing zone is shifted in a lateral direction. The
      polarization modulation of the image from a single projection unit enables us to
      generate two viewing zones at different positions. For realizing full-color
      images at each viewing zone, a polarization-based temporal multiplexing technique
      is adopted with a conventional polarization switching device of liquid crystal
      (LC) display. Through experiments, a prototype of a ten-view multi-projection 3D
      display system presenting full-colored view images is implemented by combining
      five laser scanning projectors, an optically clear calcite (CaCO<sub>3</sub>)
      crystal, and an LC polarization rotator. For each time sequence of temporal
      multiplexing, the luminance distribution of the proposed system is measured and
      analyzed. 

PMID- 27137285
TI  - Emergence of transverse spin in optical modes of semiconductor nanowires.
AB  - The transverse spin angular momentum of light has recently received tremendous
      attention as it adds a new degree of freedom for controlling light-matter
      interactions. In this work we demonstrate the generation of transverse spin
      angular momentum by the weakly-guided mode of semiconductor nanowires. The
      evanescent field of these modes in combination with the transversality condition
      rigorously accounts for the occurrence of transverse spin angular momentum. The
      intriguing and nontrivial spin properties of optical modes in semiconductor
      nanowires are of high interest for a broad range of new applications including
      chiral optical trapping, quantum information processing, and nanophotonic
      circuitry. 

PMID- 27137286
TI  - III-V-on-silicon 2-um-wavelength-range wavelength demultiplexers with
      heterogeneously integrated InP-based type-II photodetectors.
AB  - 2-um-wavelength-range silicon-on-insulator (SOI) arrayed waveguide gratings
      (AWGs) with heterogeneously integrated InP-based type-II quantum well
      photodetectors are presented. Low insertion loss (2.5-3 dB) and low crosstalk (
      30 to -25 dB) AWGs are realized. The InP-based type-II photodetectors are
      integrated with the AWGs using two different coupling approaches. Adiabatic-taper
      based photodetectors show a responsivity of 1.6 A/W at 2.35 um wavelength and
      dark current of 10 nA at -0.5 V, while photodetectors using grating-assisted
      coupling have a responsivity of 0.1 A/W and dark current of 5 nA at -0.5 V. The
      integration of the photodetector array does not degrade the insertion loss and
      crosstalk of the device. The photodetector epitaxial stack can also be used to
      realize the integration of a broadband light source, thereby enabling fully
      integrated spectroscopic systems. 

PMID- 27137287
TI  - Plasmonic enhancement of second harmonic generation from nonlinear
      RbTiOPO<sub>4</sub> crystals by aggregates of silver nanostructures.
AB  - We demonstrate a 60-fold enhancement of the second harmonic generation (SHG)
      response at the nanoscale in a hybrid metal-dielectric system. By using complex
      silver nanostructures photochemically deposited on the polar surface of a
      ferroelectric crystal, we tune the plasmonic resonances from the visible to the
      near-infrared (NIR) spectral region, matching either the SH or the fundamental
      frequency. In both cases the SHG signal at the metal-dielectric interface is
      enhanced, although with substantially different enhancement values: around 5
      times when the plasmonic resonance is at the SH frequency or up to 60 times when
      it matches the fundamental NIR radiation. The results are consistent with the
      more spatially-extended near-field response of complex metallic nanostructures
      and can be well explained by taking into account the quadratic character of the
      SHG process. The work points out the potential of aggregates of silver
      nanostructures for enhancing optical nonlinearities at the nanoscale and provides
      an alternative approach for the development of nanometric nonlinear photonic
      devices in a scalable way. 

PMID- 27137288
TI  - Control on the anomalous interactions of Airy beams in nematic liquid crystals.
AB  - We reveal a controllable manipulation of anomalous interactions between Airy
      beams in nonlocal nematic liquid crystals numerically. With the help of an in
      phase fundamental Gaussian beam, attraction between in-phase Airy beams can be
      suppressed or become a repulsive one to each other; whereas the attraction can be
      strengthened when the Gaussian beam is out-of-phase. In contrast to the repulsive
      interaction in local media, stationary bound states of breathing Airy soliton
      pairs are found in nematic liquid crystals. 

PMID- 27137289
TI  - Inter-cell interference mitigation in multi-cellular visible light
      communications.
AB  - Inter-cell interference hinders multi-cellular optical wireless communication to
      support various applications. We proposed and experimentally demonstrated a
      multicarrier-based cell partitioning scheme, combined with frequency reuse, which
      could be effective in optical communications although it is inefficient in RF
      wireless communications. For multicarrier-based cell partitioning, Orthogonal
      frequency division multiplexing-based multiple access (OFDMA) was employed to
      accommodate multi-cellular optical wireless communications without a large guard
      band between adjacent cells and without additional RF components. Moreover, we
      employed filter bank-based multicarrier (FBMC) to mitigate inter-cell
      interference generated in OFDMA-based cell partitioning due to asynchronous
      signals originated from RF path difference. By using FBMC-based cell
      partitioning, inter-cell interference could be effectively mitigated as well as
      capacity and spectral efficiency were improved about 1.5 times compared to those
      of OFDMA. Because no cyclic prefix (CP) is required in FBMC, the improvement
      factor could be increased if there is a large RF path difference between lighting
      cells. Moreover, it could be a stronger solution when many neighboring cells
      exist causing large interference. The proposed multicarrier-based cell
      partitioning combined with FBMC will effectively support visible light
      communication (VLC)-based localization-based services (LBS) and indoor
      positioning system by transparently providing trilateration-based positioning
      method. 

PMID- 27137290
TI  - Dual layer electrode liquid crystal lens for 2D/3D tunable endoscopy imaging
      system.
AB  - In this paper, we demonstrate a multi-functional liquid-crystal lens (MFLC-lens)
      based on dual-layer electrode design. Compared with the previous 3D endoscopes,
      which use double fixed lens capturing, the proposed LC lens is not only
      switchable between 2D and 3D modes, but also is able to adjust focus in both
      modes. The diameter of the MFLC-lens is only 1.42mm, which is much smaller than
      the available 3D endoscopes with double fixed lenses. To achieve the MFLC-lens, a
      high-resistance layer needs to be coated on the electrode to generate an ideal
      gradient electric-field distribution, which can induce a lens-like form of LC
      molecules. The parameters of high-resistive layer are investigated and discussed
      with an aim to optimize the performance of the MFLC-lens. 

PMID- 27137291
TI  - Highly indistinguishable on-demand resonance fluorescence photons from a
      deterministic quantum dot micropillar device with 74% extraction efficiency.
AB  - The implementation and engineering of bright and coherent solid state quantum
      light sources is key for the realization of both on chip and remote quantum
      networks. Despite tremendous efforts for more than 15 years, the combination of
      these two key prerequisites in a single, potentially scalable device is a major
      challenge. Here, we report on the observation of bright single photon emission
      generated via pulsed, resonance fluorescence conditions from a single quantum dot
      (QD) deterministically centered in a micropillar cavity device via cryogenic
      optical lithography. The brightness of the QD fluorescence is greatly enhanced on
      resonance with the fundamental mode of the pillar, leading to an overall device
      efficiency of eta = (74 +/- 4) % for a single photon emission as pure as
      g<sup>(2)</sup>(0) = 0.0092 +/- 0.0004. The combination of large Purcell
      enhancement and resonant pumping conditions allows us to observe a two-photon
      wave packet overlap up to nu = (88 +/- 3) %. 

PMID- 27137292
TI  - Investigation on single taper-based all-solid photonic bandgap fiber modal
      interferometers.
AB  - We demonstrate a single taper-based all-solid photonic bandgap (AS-PBG) fiber
      modal interferometer that consists of a central tapered fiber region connected to
      the untapered via two abrupt transitions. Modal interference is given by
      superimposing the bandgap-guided fundamental core mode with a lower effective
      index and a specific index-guided cladding supermode with a higher effective
      index. A series of interferometers with taper diameter of 50MUm ~60MUm and device
      length of ~3mm are fabricated and studied in contrast to the conventional
      counterparts. The temperature coefficient of the interferometer is closely
      determined by the fraction of the cladding supermode energy localized within the
      index-raised regions of the fiber. The refractive index (RI) responsivities
      associated to fiber taper sizes are investigated. The measured maximal RI
      sensitivity is ~3512.36nm/RIU at the taper diameter of 50MUm around RI = 1.423.
      This research gives a deep understanding to the modal-interferometric AS-PBG
      structure, which we believe to be valuable for the future application of the
      related device. 

PMID- 27137293
TI  - Analysis of light-emission enhancement of low-efficiency quantum dots by
      plasmonic nano-particle.
AB  - In this paper, a nano-pillar array integrated near quantum dots (QDs), which
      serves as a Purcell cavity as well as a column antenna, is studied in order to
      enhance the spontaneous emission (SE) rate of low emission efficiency QDs. A
      systematic analysis for treating the isolated nano-pillar and loose ordered
      pillar is demonstrated by solving the electromagnetic field equations. As an
      illustrative example of potential applications, we proposed a new structure that
      Germanium (Ge) QDs are located in close proximity to the isolated Indium Tin
      Oxide (ITO) nano-pillar to raise its efficiency. From the results of numerical
      calculation, it is predicted that ITO pillars with slim (e.g., the radius is 25
      nm and the height is 500 nm) and flat morphology (e.g., the radius is 40 nm and
      the height is 60 nm) exhibit superior enhancement over 20 folds. Finite
      difference time domain (FDTD) simulation is utilized for demonstrating the
      distinctive enhancement when QDs radiate at surface plasmonic resonance frequency
      of ITO nano-pillar. It can be found that the QDs emission enhancement profile
      accords with our results obtained from numerical analysis. 

PMID- 27137294
TI  - Fano resonance and improved sensing performance in a spectral-simplified
      optofluidic micro-bubble resonator by introducing selective modal losses.
AB  - The spectral mode density in optical micro-bubble resonators is reduced by
      introducing a loss element of UV curable adhesive to selectively suppress the
      whispering gallery modal resonances. Asymmetric Fano resonant profile appears
      after spectral simplification, and the sharp slope amplifies the detecting
      intensity change by 4.3 times when sensing the liquid core refractive index
      change. 

PMID- 27137295
TI  - IR Image upconversion using band-limited ASE illumination fiber sources.
AB  - We study the field-of-view (FOV) of an upconversion imaging system that employs
      an Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) fiber source to illuminate a transmission
      target. As an intermediate case between narrowband laser and thermal
      illumination, an ASE fiber source allows for higher spectral intensity than
      thermal illumination and still keeps a broad wavelength spectrum to take
      advantage of an increased non-collinear phase-matching angle acceptance that
      enlarges the FOV of the upconversion system when compared to using narrowband
      laser illumination. A model is presented to predict the angular acceptance of the
      upconverter in terms of focusing and ASE spectral width and allocation. The model
      is experimentally checked in case of 1550-630 nm upconversion. 

PMID- 27137296
TI  - Size-selective analyte detection with a Young interferometer sensor using
      multiple wavelengths.
AB  - We present a method to discriminate between analytes based on their size using
      multiple wavelengths in a Young interferometer. We measured the response of two
      wavelengths when adding 85 nm beads (representing specific binding), protein A
      (representing non-specific binding) and D-glucose (inducing a bulk change) to our
      sensor. Next, the measurements are analysed using a approach based on theoretical
      analysis, and a ratio-based analysis approach to discriminate between bulk
      changes and the binding of the different sized substances. Moreover, we were able
      to discriminate binding of 85 nm beads from binding of protein A (~2 nm) in a
      blind experiment using the ratio-based approach. This can for example be used to
      discriminate specific analyte binding of larger particles from non-specific
      binding of smaller particles. Therefore, we believe that by adding size
      selectivity we can strongly improve the performance of the Young interferometer
      sensor and integrated optical interferometric sensors in general. 

PMID- 27137297
TI  - Contact photolithography using a carbon-black embedded soft photomask and
      ultraviolet light emitting diodes with application on patterned sapphire
      substrates.
AB  - This paper presents a contact photolithography method for large-area ultraviolet
      (UV) patterning using a soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) photomask and a planar
      light source consisting of arrayed light-emitting diodes (LEDs). With simple
      design and construction, the UV light source can achieve uniformly distributed UV
      light intensity over an area of 4" in diameter but its divergent angle is 15
      degrees . To overcome this large divergent angle, a PDMS soft mold embedded with
      carbon-black inserts as the UV light blocking materials is applied. It is
      demonstrated that, when increasing the aspect ratio of the carbon-black inserts,
      one can achieve excellent UV patterning results. Both experimental data and
      simulation results are presented. This contact photolithography system has been
      successfully used for manufacturing patterned sapphire substrates (PSSs) in LED
      industry. The advantages and potential applications of the proposed method will
      be addresses. 

PMID- 27137298
TI  - Comparison between Tm:YAP and Ho:YAG ultrashort pulse regenerative amplification.
AB  - We compare the performance characteristics of Tm:YAP and Ho:YAG in ultrashort
      pulse regenerative amplification. Both systems follow the same amplification
      concept and use nearly the same experimental setup reaching similar output
      energies of >700 uJ. 

PMID- 27137299
TI  - Coherent beam combination using self-phase locked stimulated Brillouin scattering
      phase conjugate mirrors with a rotating wedge for high power laser generation.
AB  - The self-phase locking of a stimulated Brillouin scattering-phase conjugate
      mirror (SBS-PCM) allows a simple and scalable coherent beam combination of
      existing lasers. We propose a simple optical system composed of a rotating wedge
      and a concave mirror to overcome the power limit of the SBS-PCM. Its phase
      locking ability and the usefulness on the beam-combination laser are demonstrated
      experimentally. A four-beam combination is demonstrated using this SBS-PCM
      scheme. The relative phases between the beams were measured to be less than
      lambda/24.7. 

PMID- 27137300
TI  - Nanowire-nanoantenna coupled system fabricated by nanomanipulation.
AB  - Here we demonstrate the combination of a semiconductor nanowire and a plasmonic
      bowtie nanoantenna. A subwavelength InP nanowire was placed precisely in the
      middle of the nanogap of a gold bowtie nanoantenna with a nanomanipulator
      installed in a focused ion beam system. We observed a significantly large
      enhancement (by a factor of 110) of the photoluminescence intensity from this
      coupled system when the excitation wavelength was at the plasmonic resonance with
      its polarization parallel to the nanoantenna. Moreover, simulation results
      revealed that this large enhancement was caused by an interesting interplay
      between the plasmonic resonance of the nanoantenna and the breakdown of the field
      suppression effect in the subwavelength nanowire. Our results show that the
      combination of a nanowire and a nanoantenna gives us a new degree of freedom to
      design light-matter interactions on a nanoscale. 

PMID- 27137301
TI  - Generation of carrier-envelope phase-stable mid-infrared pulses via dual
      wavelength optical parametric amplification.
AB  - Carrier-envelope phase-stable mid-infrared pulses spanning from 5 MUm to 11 MUm
      with a pulse energy of 5 MUJ were produced by difference frequency generation of
      two-color near-infrared pulses that were produced in a novel inline optical
      parametric amplifier. The mid-infrared electric waveform was characterized by
      electro-optic sampling using 6.5-fs pulses at 620 nm. 

PMID- 27137302
TI  - Performance evaluation of multi-stratum resources optimization with network
      functions virtualization for cloud-based radio over optical fiber networks.
AB  - Cloud radio access network (C-RAN) has become a promising scenario to accommodate
      high-performance services with ubiquitous user coverage and real-time cloud
      computing using cloud BBUs. In our previous work, we implemented cross stratum
      optimization of optical network and application stratums resources that allows to
      accommodate the services in optical networks. In view of this, this study extends
      to consider the multiple dimensional resources optimization of radio, optical and
      BBU processing in 5G age. We propose a novel multi-stratum resources optimization
      (MSRO) architecture with network functions virtualization for cloud-based radio
      over optical fiber networks (C-RoFN) using software defined control. A global
      evaluation scheme (GES) for MSRO in C-RoFN is introduced based on the proposed
      architecture. The MSRO can enhance the responsiveness to dynamic end-to-end user
      demands and globally optimize radio frequency, optical and BBU resources
      effectively to maximize radio coverage. The efficiency and feasibility of the
      proposed architecture are experimentally demonstrated on OpenFlow-based enhanced
      SDN testbed. The performance of GES under heavy traffic load scenario is also
      quantitatively evaluated based on MSRO architecture in terms of resource
      occupation rate and path provisioning latency, compared with other provisioning
      scheme. 

PMID- 27137303
TI  - Laser dynamical reservoir computing with consistency: an approach of a chaos mask
      signal.
AB  - We numerically investigate reservoir computing based on the consistency of a
      semiconductor laser subjected to optical feedback and injection. We introduce a
      chaos mask signal as an input temporal mask for reservoir computing and perform a
      time-series prediction task. We compare the errors of the task obtained from the
      chaos mask signal with those obtained from other digital and analog masks. The
      performance of the prediction task can be improved by using the chaos mask signal
      due to complex dynamical response. 

PMID- 27137304
TI  - Heterodyne Wollaston laser encoder for measurement of in-plane displacement.
AB  - This paper reports an innovative heterodyne Wollaston laser encoder with common
      optical-path (COP) configuration for the measurement of in-plane displacement.
      The proposed technique combines the design concepts underlying heterodyne
      interferometry, grating interferometry, and COP configuration. According to the
      measurement principle, displacement information pertaining to a moving grating
      can be obtained from variations in the optical phase induced by the grating.
      Several experiments were performed to evaluate the feasibility and performance of
      the proposed heterodyne Wollaston laser encoder. Experiment results demonstrate
      that the proposed method is capable of sensing in-plane displacement to a
      resolution of 2 nm while maintaining the stability of the system against
      environmental disturbances. 

PMID- 27137305
TI  - Investigation of stimulated Raman scattering effect in high-power fiber
      amplifiers seeded by narrow-band filtered superfluorescent source.
AB  - In this paper the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) effect in high-power fiber
      amplifiers seeded by the narrow-band filtered superfluorescent source (SFS) is
      firstly analyzed both theoretically and experimentally. Spectral models for the
      formation of the SFS and the spectral evolution in high-power fiber amplifiers
      seeded by filtered SFS are proposed. It is found that the SRS effect in high
      power fiber amplifiers depends on the spectral width of the filtered SFS seed.
      The theoretical predictions are in qualitative agreements with the experimental
      results. 

PMID- 27137306
TI  - Slim-structured electro-floating display system based on the polarization
      controlled optical path.
AB  - A new slim-type electro-floating display system based on the polarization
      controlled optical path is proposed. In the proposed system, the optical path
      between the input plane and Fresnel lens can be made recursive by repetitive
      transmission and reflection of the input beam by employing a new polarization
      based optical path controller (P-OPC), which is composed of two quaterwave
      plates, a half mirror and a reflective polarizer. Based on this P-OPC, the
      absolute optical path between the input plane and Fresnel lens, virtually
      representing the physical depth of the display system, can be reduced down to one
      third of its original path, which results in the same rate of decrease in the
      volume size of the display system. The operational principle of the proposed
      system is analyzed with the Jones matrix. In addition, to confirm the feasibility
      of the proposed system, experiments with test prototypes are carried out, and the
      results are comparatively discussed with those of the conventional system. 

PMID- 27137307
TI  - Single-material semiconductor hyperbolic metamaterials.
AB  - Layered semiconductor hyperbolic metamaterials for the mid-infrared are grown by
      molecular beam epitaxy using a single material system, doped and undoped InAs.
      The onset wavelength for metamaterial behavior can be tuned from 5.8MUm to beyond
      10MUm, while the fill factor ranges from 0.25 to 0.75, resulting in designer
      optical behavior. The reflection and transmission behavior were studied by
      Fourier transform spectroscopy and modeled using effective medium theory. We also
      conducted a geometric optics experiment to demonstrate negative refraction of our
      materials. 

PMID- 27137308
TI  - Magnetophotonic crystal with cerium substituted yttrium iron garnet and enhanced
      Faraday rotation angle.
AB  - Magnetophotonic crystals (MPCs) comprising cerium-substituted yttrium iron garnet
      (CeYIG) sandwiched by two Bragg mirrors were fabricated by vacuum annealing.
      CeYIG was deposited on Bragg mirrors at room temperature and annealed in 5 Pa of
      residual air. No ceria or other non-garnet phases were detected. Cerium 3 + ions
      substituted on the yttrium sites and no cerium 4 + ions were found. The Faraday
      rotation angle of the MPC was -2.92 degrees  at a wavelength of lambda = 1570 nm
      was 30 times larger than that of the CeYIG film. These results showed good
      agreement with calculated values derived using a matrix approach. 

PMID- 27137309
TI  - Exploring transverse pattern formation in a dual-polarization self-mode-locked
      monolithic Yb: KGW laser and generating a 25-GHz sub-picosecond vortex beam via
      gain competition.
AB  - Formation of transverse modes in a dual-polarization self-mode-locked monolithic
      Yb: KGW laser under high-power pumping is thoroughly explored. It is
      experimentally observed that the polarization-resolved transverse patterns are
      considerably affected by the pump location in the transverse plane of the gain
      medium. In contrast, the longitudinal self-mode-locking is nearly undisturbed by
      the pump position, even under the high-power pumping. Under central pumping, a
      vortex beam of the Laguerre-Gaussian LGp,l mode with p = 1 and l = 1 can be
      efficiently generated through the process of the gain competition with a sub
      picosecond pulse train at 25.3 GHz and the output power can be up to 1.45 W at a
      pump power of 10.0 W. Under off-center pumping, the symmetry breaking causes the
      transverse patterns to be dominated by the high-order Hermite-Gaussian modes.
      Numerical analyses are further performed to manifest the symmetry breaking
      induced by the off-center pumping. 

PMID- 27137311
TI  - Photonic integrated circuit as a picosecond pulse timing discriminator.
AB  - We report the first experimental demonstration of a compact on-chip optical pulse
      timing discriminator that is able to provide an output voltage proportional to
      the relative timing of two 60-ps input pulses on separate paths. The output
      voltage is intrinsically low-pass-filtered, so the discriminator forms an
      interface between high-speed optics and low-speed electronics. Potential
      applications include timing synchronization of multiple pulse trains as a
      precursor for optical time-division multiplexing, and compact rangefinders with
      millimeter dimensions. 

PMID- 27137310
TI  - Continuous-wave, single-pass, single-frequency second-harmonic-generation at 266
      nm based on birefringent-multicrystal scheme.
AB  - We report the implementation of a compact cascaded multicrystal scheme based on
      birefringent crystals in critical phase-matching, for the generation of
      continuous-wave (cw) radiation in the deep ultraviolet (UV). The approach
      comprises a cascade of 4 single-pass second-harmonic-generation (SHG) stages in
      beta-BaB<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> (BBO) pumped by a single-frequency cw green
      source at 532 nm. A deep-UV cw output power of 37.7 mW at 266 nm has been
      obtained with a high passive power stability of 0.12% rms over more than 4 hours.
      Characterization and optimization of the system in each stage has been
      systematically performed. Angular phase-matching acceptance bandwidth under tight
      focusing in BBO, and spectral properties of the deep-UV radiation, have been
      studied. Theoretical calculations for SHG in the cascaded scheme based on
      birefringent phase-matching have been performed, and enhancement in UV power
      compared to single-stage single-pass scheme are studied. Theoretical comparison
      of BBO with other potential crystals for deep-UV generation in cascaded
      multicrystal scheme is also presented. 

PMID- 27137313
TI  - Manipulating the wavefront of light by plasmonic metasurfaces operating in high
      order modes.
AB  - In this work, plasmonic metasurfaces with abrupt phase discontinuities operating
      in high order modes are investigated for manipulating the wavefront of light. We
      first design two types of meta-super-cells consisting of V-shaped antennas with
      the phase shift coverage larger than 2pi. And then, we create two linear gradient
      phased metasurfaces using the designed cells, which exhibit exceptional abilities
      for light-steering functioned as meta-echelette gratings operating in high order
      diffraction modes, may be valuable for using in high resolution spectrographs and
      advantage to achieve high numerical aperture plasmonic lenses. Based on the new
      designed super cells we further build another two azimuthal gradient phased
      metasurfaces that are able to generate high order optical vortex beams. Our
      results could lead to wide applications in photonic research. 

PMID- 27137312
TI  - Graphene electrodes for adaptive liquid crystal contact lenses.
AB  - The superlatives of graphene cover a whole range of properties: electrical,
      chemical, mechanical, thermal and others. These special properties earn graphene
      a place in current or future applications. Here we demonstrate one such
      application - adaptive contact lenses based on liquid crystals, where
      simultaneously the high electrical conductivity, transparency, flexibility and
      elasticity of graphene are being utilised. In our devices graphene is used as a
      transparent conductive coating on curved PMMA substrates. The adaptive lenses
      provide a + 0.7 D change in optical power with an applied voltage of 7.1
      V<sub>rms</sub> - perfect to correct presbyopia, the age-related condition that
      limits the near focus ability of the eye. 

PMID- 27137314
TI  - Modelling superconducting nanowire single photon detectors in a waveguide cavity.
AB  - In this work we report on a single photon detector system which offers near-unity
      detection efficiency using waveguide-coupled superconducting nanowires with
      lengths on the order of 1 MUm. This is achieved by embedding the nanowires in a
      racetrack resonator where the interaction time with the photons trapped in the
      cavity is increased, thereby allowing for shorter nanowires. We expect this to
      lead to a higher fabrication yield as the amount of inhomogeneities decreases for
      shorter nanowires. Our simulations show a system with a 1 MUm long
      superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) operating at near-unity
      detection efficiency using design parameters that can be realistically achieved
      with conventional fabrication processes. The resonant cavity introduces spectral
      selectivity to the otherwise broad-band SNSPDs and the cavity induced timing
      jitter is shown to be insignificant for SNSPDs longer than 1 MUm. 

PMID- 27137315
TI  - Integration of nanostructured planar diffractive lenses dedicated to near
      infrared detection for CMOS image sensors.
AB  - This paper deals with the integration of metallic and dielectric nanostructured
      planar lenses into a pixel from a silicon based CMOS image sensor, for a
      monochromatic application at 1.064 MUm. The first is a Plasmonic Lens, based on
      the phase delay through nanoslits, which has been found to be hardly compatible
      with current CMOS technology and exhibits a notable metallic absorption. The
      second is a dielectric Phase-Fresnel Lens integrated at the top of a pixel, it
      exhibits an Optical Efficiency (OE) improved by a few percent and an angle of
      view of 50 degrees . The third one is a metallic diffractive lens integrated
      inside a pixel, which shows a better OE and an angle of view of 24 degrees . The
      last two lenses exhibit a compatibility with a spectral band close to 1.064 MUm. 

PMID- 27137316
TI  - Highly photorefractive hybrid liquid crystal device for a video-rate holographic
      display.
AB  - In this paper, we demonstrate a dynamic holographic display in a quantum dot
      (ZnS/InP) doped liquid crystal device, where one of the interior cell surfaces is
      covered by a ZnSe layer. Such a hybrid device shows substantially improved
      photorefractive sensitivity of 2.2 cm<sup>3</sup>/J, which is almost 300 times
      larger than that in ZnS/InP doped liquid crystal device without the ZnSe layer.
      The holographic grating can form at intensities as low as ~0.8 mW/cm<sup>2</sup>,
      and exhibit a fast optical response of several to tens of milliseconds.
      Exploiting the superior performances of photosensitivity and fast response of
      this device, we obtain dynamic holographic videos of red, green, and blue colors,
      as well as a reconstructed image of high gray-scale fidelity. 

PMID- 27137317
TI  - Dispersion analysis of whispering gallery mode microbubble resonators.
AB  - This paper examines the opportunities existing for engineering dispersion in non
      silica whispering gallery mode microbubble resonators, for applications such as
      optical frequency comb generation. More specifically, the zero dispersion
      wavelength is analyzed as a function of microbubble diameter and wall thickness
      for several different material groups such as highly-nonlinear soft glasses,
      polymers and crystalline materials. The zero dispersion wavelength is shown to be
      highly-tunable by changing the thickness of the shell. Using certain materials it
      is shown that dispersion equalization can be realized at interesting wavelengths
      such as deep within the visible or mid-infrared, opening up new possibilities for
      optical frequency comb generation. This study represents the first extensive
      analysis of the prospects of using non-silica microbubbles for nonlinear optics. 

PMID- 27137318
TI  - Tunable beam steering enabled by graphene metamaterials.
AB  - We demonstrate tunable mid-infrared (MIR) beam steering devices based on
      multilayer graphene-dielectric metamaterials. The effective refractive index of
      such metamaterials can be manipulated by changing the chemical potential of each
      graphene layer. This can arbitrarily tailor the spatial distribution of the phase
      of the transmitted beam, providing mechanisms for active beam steering. Three
      different beam steerer (BS) designs are discussed: a graded-index (GRIN) graphene
      based metamaterial block, an array of metallic waveguides filled with graphene
      dielectric metamaterial and an array of planar waveguides created in a graphene
      dielectric metamaterial block with a specific spatial profile of graphene sheets
      doping. The performances of the BSs are numerically analyzed, showing the
      tunability of the proposed designs for a wide range of output angles (up to
      approximately 70 degrees ). The proposed graphene-based tunable beam steering can
      be used in tunable transmitter/receiver modules for infrared imaging and sensing.

PMID- 27137319
TI  - Three-dimensional STED microscopy of aberrating tissue using dual adaptive
      optics.
AB  - When imaging through tissue, the optical inhomogeneities of the sample generate
      aberrations that can prevent effective Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED)
      imaging. This is particularly problematic for 3D-enhanced STED. We present here
      an adaptive optics implementation that incorporates two adaptive optic elements
      to enable correction in all beam paths, allowing performance improvement in thick
      tissue samples. We use this to demonstrate 3D STED imaging of complex structures
      in Drosophila melanogaster brains. 

PMID- 27137320
TI  - Observation of localized flat-band states in Kagome photonic lattices.
AB  - We report the first experimental demonstration of localized flat-band states in
      optically induced Kagome photonic lattices. Such lattices exhibit a unique band
      structure with the lowest band being completely flat (diffractionless) in the
      tight-binding approximation. By taking the advantage of linear superposition of
      the flat-band eigenmodes of the Kagome lattices, we demonstrate a high-fidelity
      transmission of complex patterns in such two-dimensional pyrochlore-like photonic
      structures. Our numerical simulations find good agreement with experimental
      observations, upholding the belief that flat-band lattices can support distortion
      free image transmission. 

PMID- 27137321
TI  - Detection of single microparticles in airflows by edge-filter enhanced self
      mixing interferometry.
AB  - A laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) sensor using the edge-filter enhanced self
      mixing interferometry (ESMI) is presented based on speed measurements of single
      microparticles. The ESMI detection utilizes an acetylene edge-filter that maps
      the frequency modulation of a semiconductor laser into an intensity modulation as
      the laser wavelength is tuned to the steep edge of the absorption profile. In
      this work, the ESMI signal was analyzed for aerosol particles of different sizes
      from 1 MUm to 10 MUm at a distance of 2.5 m. At this operation range, the signal
      from single particles of all sizes was successfully acquired enabling particle
      velocity measurements through the Doppler shifted frequency along the beam axis.
      For the particular case of 10 MUm particles, single aerosol particles were still
      detected at an unprecedented range of 10 m. A theoretical treatment describing
      the relation between Mie scattering theory and the self-mixing phenomenon on
      single-particle detection is presented supporting the experimental results. The
      results show that the edge-filter enhanced self-mixing technique opens new
      possibilities for self-mixing detection where longer ranges, lower backscattering
      laser powers and higher velocities are involved. For example, it can be used as a
      robust and inexpensive anemometer for LDV applications for airflows with low
      number density of microparticles. 

PMID- 27137322
TI  - Multi-channel control for microring weight banks.
AB  - We demonstrate 4-channel, 2GHz weighted addition in a silicon microring filter
      bank. Accurate analog weight control becomes more difficult with increasing
      number of channels, N, as feedback approaches become impractical and brute force
      feedforward approaches take O(2N) calibration measurements in the presence of
      inter-channel dependence. We introduce model-based calibration techniques for
      thermal cross-talk and cross-gain saturation, which result in a scalable O(N)
      calibration routine and 3.8 bit feedforward weight accuracy on every channel.
      Practical calibration routines are indispensible for controlling large-scale
      microring systems. The effect of thermal model complexity on accuracy is
      discussed. Weighted addition based on silicon microrings can apply the strengths
      of photonic manufacturing, wideband information processing, and multiwavelength
      networks towards new paradigms of ultrafast analog distributed processing. 

PMID- 27137323
TI  - Frequency-diverse microwave imaging using planar Mills-Cross cavity apertures.
AB  - We demonstrate a frequency diverse, multistatic microwave imaging system based on
      a set of transmit and receive, radiating, planar cavity apertures. The cavities
      consist of double-sided, copper-clad circuit boards, with a series of circular
      radiating irises patterned into the upper conducting plate. The iris arrangement
      is such that for any given transmitting and receiving aperture pair, a Mills
      Cross pattern is formed from the overlapped patterns. The Mills-Cross
      distribution provides optimum coverage of the imaging scene in the spatial
      Fourier domain (k-space). The Mills-Cross configuration of the apertures produces
      measurement modes that are diverse and consistent with the computational imaging
      approach used for frequency-diverse apertures, yet significantly minimizes the
      redundancy of information received from the scene. We present a detailed analysis
      of the Mills-Cross aperture design, with numerical simulations that predict the
      performance of the apertures as part of an imaging system. Images reconstructed
      using fabricated apertures are presented, confirming the anticipated performance.

PMID- 27137324
TI  - All-optical wavelength conversion for mode division multiplexed superchannels.
AB  - We report in this work the first all-optical wavelength conversion (AOWC) of a
      mode division multiplexed (MDM) superchannel consisting of 2N modes by dividing
      the superchannel into N single-mode (SM) tributaries, wavelength converting N SM
      signals using well developed SM-AOWC techniques, and finally combining the N SM
      tributaries back to an MDM superchannel at the converted wavelength, inspired by
      the idea of using SM filtering techniques to filter multimode signals in
      astronomy. The conversions between multimode and SM are realized by 3D laser
      writing photonic lanterns and SM-AOWCs are realized based on polarization
      insensitive four wave mixing (FWM) configuration in N semiconductor optical
      amplifiers (SOAs). As a proof of concept demonstration, the conversion of a 6
      mode MDM superchannel with each mode modulated with orthogonal frequency division
      multiplexed (OFDM) quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK)/16 quadrature amplitude
      modulation (QAM) signals is demonstrated in this work, indicating that the scheme
      is transparent to data format, polarization and compatible with multi-carrier
      signals. Data integrity of the converted superchannel has been verified by using
      coherent detection and digital signal processing (DSP). Bit error rates (BERs)
      below the forward error correction (FEC) hard limit (3.8 * 10<sup>-3</sup>) have
      been obtained for QPSK modulation at a net bitrate of 104.2 Gbit/s and BERs below
      the soft decision FEC threshold (1.98 * 10<sup>-2</sup>) have been achieved for
      16-QAM format, giving a total aggregate bit rate of 185.8 Gbit/s when taking 20%
      coding overhead into account. Add and drop functionalities that usually come
      along with wavelength conversion in flexible network nodes have also been
      demonstrated. The working conditions of the SOAs, especially the pump and signal
      power levels, are critical for the quality of the converted signal and have been
      thoroughly discussed. The impact of imbalanced FWM conversion efficiency among
      different SM tributaries has also been analyzed. This work illustrates a
      promising way to perform all-optical signal processing for MDM superchannels. 

PMID- 27137325
TI  - Free-space optical channel estimation for physical layer security.
AB  - We present experimental data on message transmission in a free-space optical
      (FSO) link at an eye-safe wavelength, using a testbed consisting of one sender
      and two receiver terminals, where the latter two are a legitimate receiver and an
      eavesdropper. The testbed allows us to emulate a typical scenario of physical
      layer (PHY) security such as satellite-to-ground laser communications. We
      estimate information-theoretic metrics including secrecy rate, secrecy outage
      probability, and expected code lengths for given secrecy criteria based on
      observed channel statistics. We then discuss operation principles of secure
      message transmission under realistic fading conditions, and provide a guideline
      on a multi-layer security architecture by combining PHY security and upper-layer
      (algorithmic) security. 

PMID- 27137326
TI  - Tungsten disulfide (WS<sub>2</sub>) based all-fiber-optic humidity sensor.
AB  - We demonstrate a novel all-fiber-optic humidity sensor comprised of a
      WS<sub>2</sub> film overlay on a side polished fiber (SPF). This sensor can
      achieve optical power variation of up to 6 dB in a relative humidity (RH) range
      of 35%-85%. In particular, this novel humidity fiber sensor has a linear
      correlation coefficient of 99.39%, sensitivity of 0.1213 dB/%RH, and a humidity
      resolution of 0.475%RH. Furthermore, this sensor shows good repeatability and
      reversibility, and fast response to breath stimulus. This WS<sub>2</sub> based
      all-fiber optic humidity sensor is easy to fabricate, is compatible with pre
      established fiber optic systems, and holds great potential in photonics
      applications such as in all-fiber optic humidity sensing networks. 

PMID- 27137327
TI  - Interferometric high temperature sensor using suspended-core optical fibers.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge,
      high temperature fiber sensing using the multimode interference effect within a
      suspended-core microstructured optical fiber (SCF). Interference fringes were
      found to red-shift as the temperature increased and vice versa. Temperature
      sensing up to 1100 degrees C was performed by measuring the wavelength shifts of
      the fringes after fast Fourier transform (FFT) filtering of the spectra. In
      addition, phase monitoring at the dominant spatial frequency in the Fourier
      spectrum was used as an interrogation method to monitor various temperature
      change scenarios over a period of 80 hours. Our proposed high temperature fiber
      sensor is simple, cost-effective, and can operate at temperatures beyond 1000
      degrees C. 

PMID- 27137328
TI  - All-solid very large mode area ytterbium-doped silica microstructured fiber based
      on accurate control on cladding index.
AB  - We have demonstrated a new approach for developing very large mode area silica
      based microstructured Ytterbium (Yb)-doped fibers. The microstructured region
      acting as pump cladding around the core is composed by periodically arranged low
      index Fluorine-doped silica inclusions with an extremely low filling ratio of
      0.088. To the best of our knowledge, we achieved the most accurate controlling on
      cladding index by 1 * 10<sup>-5</sup> via our passively doped cladding (PDC)
      method. Two fibers with 127MUm and 50MUm core diameter respectively were
      fabricated from the same final preform designed by this approach. It is verified
      that our 50MUm core diameter fiber can maintain robust single mode behavior at
      1064nm wavelength. The advantage of an all-solid structure along with a much
      simpler fabrication process makes our approach very suitable for realizing very
      large mode area fibers for high power fiber laser application. 

PMID- 27137329
TI  - Beam quality management by periodic reproduction of wavefront aberrations in end
      pumped Nd:YVO<sub>4</sub> laser amplifiers.
AB  - A method for beam quality management is presented in a master oscillator power
      amplifier (MOPA) using Nd:YVO<sub>4</sub> as the gain medium by extra-cavity
      periodic reproduction of wavefront aberrations. The wavefront aberration
      evolution of the intra-cavity beams is investigated for both symmetrical and
      asymmetrical resonators. The wavefront aberration reproduction process is
      successfully realized outside the cavity in four-stage amplifiers. In the MOPA
      with a symmetrical oscillator, the laser power increases linearly and the beam
      quality hardly changes. In the MOPA with an asymmetrical oscillator, the beam
      quality is deteriorated after the odd-stage amplifier and is improved after the
      even-stage amplifier. The wavefront aberration reproduction during the extra
      cavity beam propagation in the amplifiers is equivalent to that during the intra
      cavity propagation. This solution helps to achieve the effective beam quality
      management in laser amplifier chains. 

PMID- 27137330
TI  - Phase and fringe order determination in wavelength scanning interferometry.
AB  - A method to obtain unambiguous surface height measurements using wavelength
      scanning interferometry with an improved repeatability, comparable to that
      obtainable using phase shifting interferometry, is reported. Rather than
      determining the conventional fringe frequency-derived z height directly, the
      method uses the frequency to resolve the fringe order ambiguity, and combine this
      information with the more accurate and repeatable fringe phase derived z height.
      A theoretical model to evaluate the method's performance in the presence of
      additive noise is derived and shown to be in good agreement with experiments. The
      measurement repeatability is improved by a factor of ten over that achieved when
      using frequency information alone, reaching the sub-nanometre range. Moreover,
      the z-axis non-linearity (bleed-through or ripple error) is reduced by a factor
      of ten. These order of magnitude improvements in measurement performance are
      demonstrated through a number of practical measurement examples. 

PMID- 27137331
TI  - Compact all-CMOS spatiotemporal compressive sensing video camera with pixel-wise
      coded exposure.
AB  - We present a low power all-CMOS implementation of temporal compressive sensing
      with pixel-wise coded exposure. This image sensor can increase video pixel
      resolution and frame rate simultaneously while reducing data readout speed.
      Compared to previous architectures, this system modulates pixel exposure at the
      individual photo-diode electronically without external optical components. Thus,
      the system provides reduction in size and power compare to previous optics based
      implementations. The prototype image sensor (127 * 90 pixels) can reconstruct 100
      fps videos from coded images sampled at 5 fps. With 20* reduction in readout
      speed, our CMOS image sensor only consumes 14MUW to provide 100 fps videos. 

PMID- 27137332
TI  - Computational multi-projection display.
AB  - A computational multi-projection display is proposed by employing a multi
      projection system combining with compressive light field displays. By modulating
      the intensity of light rays from a spatial light modulator inside a single
      projector, the proposed system can offer several compact views to observer. Since
      light rays are spread to all directions, the system can provide flexible
      positioning of viewpoints without stacking projectors in vertical direction.
      Also, if the system is constructed properly, it is possible to generate view
      images with inter-pupillary gap and satisfy the super multi-view condition. We
      explain the principle of the proposed system and verify its feasibility with
      simulations and experimental results. 

PMID- 27137333
TI  - Breaking ambiguities in mixed state ptychography.
AB  - Recent advances in ptychographic imaging have shown how the technique extends
      naturally to mixed state experiments, for example when the illuminating radiation
      is partially coherent or when the object being imaged is laterally vibrating. To
      date, experiments using this mixed-state form of ptychography have relied on
      decomposition of the illumination 'probe' into multiple modes. In this paper we
      demonstrate, for the first time, ptychographic imaging with the simultaneous
      presence of both multiple probe and multiple object states. Our results prompt a
      discussion of uniqueness in the reconstructed images, and we show mathematically
      how ambiguities can arise. This leads us to extend the reconstruction process to
      include additional constraints that break these ambiguities, allowing
      interpretation of mixed object states that are not orthogonal. 

PMID- 27137334
TI  - High-accuracy reference standards for two-photon absorption in the 680-1050 nm
      wavelength range.
AB  - Degenerate two-photon absorption (2PA) of a series of organic fluorophores is
      measured using femtosecond fluorescence excitation method in the wavelength
      range, lambda<sub>2PA</sub> = 680-1050 nm, and ~100 MHz pulse repetition rate.
      The function of relative 2PA spectral shape is obtained with estimated accuracy
      5%, and the absolute 2PA cross section is measured at selected wavelengths with
      the accuracy 8%. Significant improvement of the accuracy is achieved by means of
      rigorous evaluation of the quadratic dependence of the fluorescence signal on the
      incident photon flux in the whole wavelength range, by comparing results obtained
      from two independent experiments, as well as due to meticulous evaluation of
      critical experimental parameters, including the excitation spatial- and temporal
      pulse shape, laser power and sample geometry. Application of the reference
      standards in nonlinear transmittance measurements is discussed. 

PMID- 27137335
TI  - Photon-counting and analog operation of a 24-pixel photon number resolving
      detector based on superconducting nanowires.
AB  - We investigate the transition from the photon-counting to the linear operation
      mode in a large-dynamic range photon-number-resolving-detector (PNRD). A 24-pixel
      photon-number-resolving-detector, based on superconducting nanowires in a series
      configuration, has been fabricated and characterized. The voltage pulses,
      generated by the pixels, are summed up into a single readout pulse whose height
      is proportional to the detected photon number. The device can resolve up to
      twenty-five distinct output levels corresponding to the detection of n = 0-24
      photons. Due to its large dynamic range, high sensitivity, high speed and wide
      wavelength range, this device has potential for linear detection in the few tens
      of photons range. We show its application in the detection of analog optical
      signals at frequencies up to few hundred MHz and investigate the limits related
      to the finite number of pixels and to the pixel's dead time. 

PMID- 27137336
TI  - Beamforming and holography image formation methods: an analytic study.
AB  - Beamforming and holographic imaging procedures are widely used in many
      applications such as radar sensing, sonar, and in the area of microwave medical
      imaging. Nevertheless, an analytical comparison of the methods has not been done.
      In this paper, the Point Spread Functions pertaining to the two methods are
      analytically determined. This allows a formal comparison of the two techniques,
      and to easily highlight how the performance depends on the configuration
      parameters, including frequency range, number of scatterers, and data
      discretization. It is demonstrated that the beamforming and holography basically
      achieve the same resolution but beamforming requires a cheaper (less sensors)
      configuration.. 

PMID- 27137337
TI  - Minimizing cross-axis sensitivity in grating-based optomechanical accelerometers.
AB  - Cross-axis sensitivity of single-axis optomechanical accelerometers, mainly
      caused by the asymmetric structural design, is an essential issue primarily for
      high performance applications, which has not been systematically researched. This
      paper investigates the generating mechanism and detrimental effects of the cross
      axis sensitivity of a high resoluion single-axis optomechanical accelerometer,
      which is composed of a grating-based cavity and an acceleration sensing chip
      consisting of four crab-shaped cantilevers and a proof mass. The modified design
      has been proposed and a prototype setup has been built based on the model of
      cross-axis sensitivity in optomechanical accelerometers. The characterization of
      the cross-axis sensitivity of a specific optomechanical accelerometer is
      quantitatively discussed for both mechanical and optical components by numerical
      simulation and theoretical analysis in this work. The analysis indicates that the
      cross-axis sensitivity decreases the contrast ratio of the interference signal
      and the acceleration sensitivity, as well as giving rise to an additional optical
      path difference, which would impact the accuracy of the accelerometer. The
      improved mechanical design is achieved by double side etching on a specific
      double-substrate-layer silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer to move the center of the
      proof mass to the support plane. The experimental results demonstrate that the
      modified design with highly symmetrical structure can suppress the cross-axis
      sensitivity significantly without compromising the sensitivity and resolution.
      The cross-axis sensitivity defined by the contrast ratio of the output signal
      drops to 2.19% /0.1g from 28.28%/0.1g under the premise that the acceleration
      sensitivity of this single-axis optomechanical accelerometer remains 1162.45V/g
      and the resolution remains 1.325MUg. 

PMID- 27137338
TI  - Tapered fiber based high power random laser.
AB  - We propose a novel high power random fiber laser (RFL) based on tapered fiber. It
      can overcome the power scaling limitation of RFL while maintaining good beam
      quality to a certain extent. An output power of 26.5 W has been achieved in a
      half-open cavity with one kilometer long tapered fiber whose core diameter
      gradually changes from 8 MUm to 20 MUm. The steady-state light propagation
      equations have been modified by taking into account the effective core area to
      demonstrate the tapered RFL through numerical calculations. The numerical model
      effectively describes the power characteristics of the tapered fiber based RFL,
      and both the calculating and experimental results show higher power exporting
      potential compared with the conventional single mode RFL. 

PMID- 27137339
TI  - Photocarrier transport and dynamics in mixed-phase BiFeO<sub>3</sub> films.
AB  - We report a remarkable photoinduced relaxation process and its dependence of
      thickness and temperature in mixed-phase BiFeO<sub>3</sub> films grown on (001)
      LaAlO<sub>3</sub> substrates. When the films are illuminated by the light above
      the bandgap, their resistances are reduced with the increase of temperature. The
      photoinduced change of resistance reaches to the maximum of about 2.17 *
      10<sup>5%</sup> at 300 K. It is noted that the relaxation processes of the
      resistance are significantly different between T-like phase and T-R mixed phase
      due to structural strain, symmetry breaking and built-in electric field at the
      phase boundaries. These results provide more insights into intrinsic mechanisms
      of mixed-phase multiferroic materials and potential applications in all-oxide
      photoelectric devices. 

PMID- 27137340
TI  - Continuous wave photon pair generation in silicon-on-insultator waveguides and
      ring resonators and erratum: comment.
AB  - We consider the generation of photon pairs by spontaneous four-wave mixing in
      ring resonators, as described by Clemmen et al. in Opt. Express17, 16558 (2009).
      We show that the theoretical limit predicted for the generation rate in their
      Erratum-Opt. Express 18, 14107 (2010)-is far too large due to an incorrect
      definition of a field enhancement factor. 

PMID- 27137341
TI  - Intersections of Race, Ethnicity, and Gender: Reframing Knowledge Surrounding
      Barriers to Social Services Among Latina Intimate Partner Violence Victims.
AB  - Using an intersectional framework, this article discusses the barriers to social
      services that Latina victims of intimate partner violence encounter, a
      drastically underdeveloped area of theorizing. We argue that placing Latinas at
      the center of analysis will facilitate empirical knowledge, which is necessary
      because mainstream inquiry has historically ignored their interests. First, we
      discuss cultural barriers through the lenses of gender, race, and ethnicity.
      Second, we describe socioeconomic barriers in conjunction with gender, race, and
      ethnicity. Third, we examine legal barriers along with the representation of
      gender, race, and ethnicity. Finally, we suggest directions for research and
      recommendations for service providers.

PMID- 27137342
TI  - Prediction of a novel internal rearrangement of the insulin receptor.
AB  - The insulin receptor (IR) plays critical roles in metabolism and growth, directed
      by the binding of insulin. Decades of research to understand the mechanism of
      insulin binding and activation of the IR have identified a region of the
      receptor, the C-terminal (CT) peptide, to be crucial for insulin binding. In
      particular, a truncated IR consisting of the first three domains fused to the CT
      peptide was found to bind insulin with nanomolar affinity, with undetectable
      binding in the absence of fused or soluble CT peptide. Problematically, all
      current crystal structures of the IR indicate the fusion point of the CT peptide
      to the three domains is located far from the position of the CT peptide as
      resolved in such structures. We have attempted to address this problem using
      molecular modelling and dynamics simulations. The results led to the
      identification of a potential inter-domain interaction between the L2 domain and
      the CT peptide that is not observed in any of the crystal structures of the IR.
      Investigations into this new interaction found a conformational change that could
      potentially be in response to insulin binding. Additionally, further simulation
      work with the new conformation demonstrated its compatibility with the position
      and orientation of insulin from the latest insulin-bound IR crystal structure.

PMID- 27137343
TI  - [Are healthcare staff trained to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on
      pregnant women?].

PMID- 27137344
TI  - [Empathy, inter-professional collaboration, and lifelong medical learning in
      Spanish and Latin-American physicians-in-training who start their postgraduate
      training in hospitals in Spain. Preliminary outcomes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify similarities and differences in empathy, abilities toward
      inter-professional collaboration, and lifelong medical learning, between Spanish
      and Latin-American physicians-in-training who start their posgraduate training in
      teaching hospitals in Spain. DESIGN: Observational study using self-administered
      questionnaires. SETTINGS: Five teaching hospitals in the province of Barcelona,
      Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Spanish and Latin-American physicians-in-training who
      started their first year of post-graduate medical training. MAIN MEASUREMENTS:
      Empathy was measured using the Jefferson scale of empathy. Abilities for inter
      professional collaboration were measured using the Jefferson scale attitudes
      towards nurse-physician collaboration. Learning was measured using the Jefferson
      scale of medical lifelong learning scale. RESULTS: From a sample of 156
      physicians-in-training, 110 from Spain and 40 from Latin America, the Spanish
      group showed the highest empathy (p<.05). On the other hand, Latin-American
      physicians had the highest scores in lifelong learning abilities (p<.001). A
      positive relationship was found between empathy and inter-professional
      collaboration for the whole sample (r=+0.34; p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results
      confirm previous preliminary data and underline the positive influence of empathy
      in the development of inter-professional collaboration abilities. In Latin
      American physicians who start posgraduate training programs, lifelong learning
      abilities have a positive influence on the development of other professional
      competencies.

PMID- 27137345
TI  - Lung Adenocarcinoma Staging Using the 2011 IASLC/ATS/ERS Classification: A Pooled
      Analysis of Adenocarcinoma In Situ and Minimally Invasive Adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung adenocarcinoma accounts for almost 60% of non-small-cell lung
      cancer. According to the 2011 International Association for the Study of Lung
      Cancer (IASLC), American Thoracic Society (ATS), and European Respiratory Society
      (ERS) classification and 2015 World Health Organization classification of tumors
      of the lung, lepidic-predominant adenocarcinomas <= 3 cm in size can be
      classified as adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma
      (MIA), and invasive adenocarcinoma, lepidic predominant. AIS lesions, which are
      noninvasive, and MIA lesions, which show <= 0.5 cm of invasion, have been
      recommended to be considered stage pTis (adenocarcinoma) and pT1(mi),
      respectively. We conducted a systematic analysis of the published data to
      evaluate the prognostic differences between AIS and MIA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      comprehensive search of published studies was conducted from the electronic
      databases using relevant search criteria. Studies that reported outcomes for >= 8
      cases classified as AIS or MIA using the 2011 IASLC/ATS/ERS criteria were
      selected for the present analysis. A systematic analysis of the extracted data
      were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, version 2.2. RESULTS:
      Nineteen studies published from 2011 to 2015 were eligible. A total of 972
      patients were included (429 with AIS and 294 with MIA; 2 studies reported AIS and
      MIA together, n = 249). The median age was 65.5 years, 63% were female, and 40%
      were smokers. The 5-year disease-free survival rate for the whole population was
      97.9%. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 100% for AIS and MIA pooled from
      the studies that reported the 2 groups separately. The 5-year overall survival
      rate for the entire group was 97.5%, and the 5-year overall survival rate was
      100% for AIS and 98.5% for MIA. CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found
      in the survival rates between patients with lung adenocarcinoma categorized as
      MIA or AIS. This finding raises questions regarding the evidence for TNM staging
      of AIS and MIA as recommended by the 2011 IASLC/ATS/ERS and 2015 World Health
      Organization classification of tumors of the lung and should be reevaluated with
      further studies.

PMID- 27137346
TI  - Biomarkers for PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade Therapy in Non-Small-cell Lung Cancer: Is PD
      L1 Expression a Good Marker for Patient Selection?
AB  - Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment modality in cancer therapy.
      With improved understanding of how to tip the balance of immune homeostasis,
      novel therapeutics targeting immune checkpoints have been developed, with durable
      responses observed in multiple solid tumors, including melanoma, renal cell
      carcinoma, and non-small-cell lung cancer. Clinical trials have reported
      favorable responses using programmed cell death-1 protein receptor (PD
      1)/programmed cell death-1 protein ligand (PD-L1) blockade as monotherapy and
      most impressively in combinatorial trials with cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4
      protein blockade. Nonetheless, a clinical benefit has not been observed in all
      patients. Therefore, identifying the ideal biomarkers for patient selection would
      be of great value in optimizing and personalizing immunotherapy. The utility of
      PD-L1 expression as a biomarker has varied in different clinical trials and
      immunohistochemistry assays. In addition, the response to immune checkpoint
      inhibition has been complicated by PD-L1 expression as a marker influenced by the
      dynamic tumor microenvironment. No consensus has yet been reached on whether PD
      L1 expression is an ideal marker for patient selection. Recent research has shown
      promise for alternative markers, including T-cell immunohistochemistry, other
      immunologic markers, T-cell receptor clonality, and somatic mutational burden.
      However, additional studies are needed to assess the value of these as practical
      predictive biomarkers for patient selection and treatment response.

PMID- 27137347
TI  - In vitro development and validation of a non-invasive (13)C-stable isotope assay
      for ornithine decarboxylase.
AB  - Oesophageal cancer is a significant cause of cancer related mortality, with
      increasing incidence worldwide. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) is an enzyme
      involved in polyamine synthesis and cellular proliferation, and ODC expression
      and activity has been implicated as a prognostic marker of oesophageal cancer.
      This study aimed to develop and optimise an in vitro (13)C-stable isotope assay
      for ODC activity as a non-invasive marker of oesophageal cancer. Experiments were
      performed in triplicate (n  =  3/group/cell line) using Caco2, HeLa, Flo-1, OE33,
      TE7 and OE21 cell lines (colorectal, cervical, oesophageal adenocarcinoma and
      oesophageal squamous carcinoma respectively). Following addition of 2mM (13)C
      ornithine to cells, 10 ml gas samples were collected from the headspace every 20
      min for a total of five hours. Gas samples were analysed using isotope ratio mass
      spectrometry to quantify (13)CO2. Assay specificity was determined using the
      selective ODC inhibitor, N-(4'-Pyridoxil)-Ornithine(BOC)-OMe (POB). All data is
      expressed as delta (13)CO2 from baseline. High ODC activity was detected by (13)C
      ornithine assay in Caco2 (32.00  +/-  1.12 delta (13)CO2) in contrast to HeLa
      cells (5.44  +/-  0.14 delta (13)CO2) cells. POB inhibited activity in Caco2
      cells to 12.87  +/-  1.10 delta (13)CO2. Differential ODC activity was detected
      in all oesophageal cancer cells, and 53 h incubation of cell lines with POB
      reduced activity by 72%, 56%, 64% and 69% in the Flo-1, OE33, OE21 and TE7 cell
      lines respectively. We have shown that ODC activity can be selectively detected
      by a non-invasive, stable-isotope (13)C-ornithine assay. ODC activity was
      detected in all oesophageal cancer cell lines in vitro. Further studies are
      indicated to quantify ODC activity in oesophageal cancer patients. 

PMID- 27137348
TI  - Size-dependent modulation of graphene oxide-aptamer interactions for an amplified
      fluorescence-based detection of aflatoxin B1 with a tunable dynamic range.
AB  - Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common toxin found in many foods. While AFB1 sensors
      have been reported, few studies have shown amplified detection with tunable
      dynamic ranges. We herein report a simple and highly sensitive amplified aptamer
      based fluorescent sensor for AFB1, which relies on the ability of nano-graphene
      oxide (GO) to protect aptamers from nuclease cleavage for amplified detection and
      on the nanometer size effect of GO to tune the dynamic range and sensitivity. The
      assay was performed by simply mixing the carboxyl-X-rhodamine (ROX)-labeled AFB1
      aptamer, the GO, the nuclease, and the AFB1 samples. Modulating the size of the
      GO nanosheet resulted in three dynamic ranges, i.e., 12.5 to 312.5 ng mL(-1), 1.0
      to 100 ng mL(-1), and 5.0 to 50 ng mL(-1), with corresponding limits of detection
      of 10.0 ng mL(-1), 0.35 ng mL(-1) and 15.0 ng mL(-1), respectively. The sensor
      was highly selective against other aflatoxins and common molecules in foods, and
      its performance was verified in corn samples spiked with known concentration of
      AFB1. 

PMID- 27137349
TI  - Smart CuS Nanoparticles as Peroxidase Mimetics for the Design of Novel Label-Free
      Chemiluminescent Immunoassay.
AB  - In the present work, a novel label-free chemiluminescent (CL) immunoassay method
      was designed by employing smart CuS nanoparticles (CuSNPs) as peroxidase
      mimetics. The CuSNPs were synthesized through a simple coprecipitation method,
      and showed high catalytic activity and stability. This efficient label-free CL
      immunoassay could be easily achieved through a simple strategy. First, CuSNPs
      dispersed in chitosan were modified on the epoxy-functionalized glass slide to
      form a solid CL signal interface. Streptavidin was then used to functionalize
      CuSNPs to capture the biotinylated antibody, further producing a sensing
      interface. After online incubation with antigen molecules, the formed antibody
      antigen complex on the biosensing substrate could prevent the diffusion channel
      of CL substrate toward the signal interface, and restrained the mimic enzyme
      catalyzed CL reaction, finally resulting in the decrease of CL signals of the
      assay system. Compared to the label-based CL immunoassay, the proposed label-free
      assay mode is more simple, cheap and fast. Using a model analyte alpha
      fetoprotein, the label-free CL immunoassay method had a linear range of 0.1-60
      ng/mL and a low detection limit of 0.07 ng/mL. Moreover, the peroxidase mimetic
      based label-free CL immunoassay system showed good specificity, acceptable
      repeatability, and good accuracy. The study provided a promising strategy for the
      development of highly efficient label-free CL immunoassay system.

PMID- 27137350
TI  - Plants used to treat skin diseases in northern Maputaland, South Africa:
      antimicrobial activity and in vitro permeability studies.
AB  - CONTEXT: Ethnobotanical claims of medicinal plants used in northern Maputaland
      are limited. Objectives To establish scientific validity for a selection of the
      plants used in Maputaland to treat skin diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous
      and dichloromethane-methanol extracts were prepared from 37 plant species which
      were collected from four rural communities in Maputaland. Antimicrobial screening
      was performed on extracts against 12 dermatological relevant pathogens using the
      micro-titre plate dilution assay. Their combined effect was evaluated by
      determining the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentrations (SigmaFICs).
      Chemical analysis was undertaken using reverse-phase high-performance liquid
      chromatography (RP-HPLC) and investigated in vitro across excised intact porcine
      skin using the ILC07 automated system. RESULTS: The organic extract of Garcinia
      livingstonei T. Anderson (Clusiaceae) was found to be the most antimicrobially
      active displaying an average broad-spectrum MIC value of 270 MUg/mL. The
      combination of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hotsch. (Anacardaceae) with Syzygium
      cordatum Hochst. ex C. Krauss (Myrtaceae) displayed synergistic effects. The four
      antimicrobially active organic extracts were found to possess mainly
      anthraquinones, flavonoids, tannins and saponins. The organic extracts of Kigelia
      africana (Lam.) Benth. (Bignoniaceae) and S. cordatum were found to have more
      compounds capable of permeating intact skin after 10 min of exposure. CONCLUSION:
      More than 80% of the organic extracts tested displayed a correlation between the
      antimicrobial efficacy and the reported traditional uses of the plants.
      Furthermore, the traditional use of topically applied plant preparations is
      validated as some compounds from the active plants are capable of permeating the
      skin in vitro.

PMID- 27137352
TI  - A time to search: finding the meaning of variable activation energy.
AB  - This review deals with the phenomenon of variable activation energy frequently
      observed when studying the kinetics in the liquid or solid phase. This phenomenon
      commonly manifests itself through nonlinear Arrhenius plots or dependencies of
      the activation energy on conversion computed by isoconversional methods. Variable
      activation energy signifies a multi-step process and has a meaning of a
      collective parameter linked to the activation energies of individual steps. It is
      demonstrated that by using appropriate models of the processes, the link can be
      established in algebraic form. This allows one to analyze experimentally observed
      dependencies of the activation energy in a quantitative fashion and, as a result,
      to obtain activation energies of individual steps, to evaluate and predict other
      important parameters of the process, and generally to gain deeper kinetic and
      mechanistic insights. This review provides multiple examples of such analysis as
      applied to the processes of crosslinking polymerization, crystallization and
      melting of polymers, gelation, and solid-solid morphological and glass
      transitions. The use of appropriate computational techniques is discussed as
      well. 

PMID- 27137351
TI  - Meta-analysis of the amino acid digestibility of oilseed meal in growing pigs.
AB  - Oilseed meal is an important source of essential amino acids (EAA) for livestock
      production. It is the second most important ingredient in pig feed after grains.
      Optimal use of these ingredients requires precise knowledge of amino acid
      standardized ileal digestibility (SID), which may vary depending on several
      factors including botanical variety or processing treatments. A meta-analysis was
      performed in order to derive models for predicting the SID of soybean, cotton and
      rapeseed meal EAA, based on chemical composition data such as CP, total
      concentration of each EAA and fibre (crude fibre, ADF and NDF) content. A
      database of 47 references (224 experimental treatments) was built. A model
      incorporating processing method of the meals (e.g. cold pressed, expeller
      pressed, solvent extracted), experimental surgical procedure (T-cannula, re
      entrant cannula, post valve T-cannula and ileo-rectal anastomosis) and pig growth
      stage (BW? or ?25 kg) was tested. Results indicated that neither processing nor
      BW affected EAA SID. NDF was the best predictor of SID (R 2=0.944, 0.836, 0.779,
      0.899 and 0.814, respectively, for Lys, Met, Thr, Trp and Val). The total EAA
      content was the best predictor of digestible content (g/kg diet) for each EAA (R
      2=0.990, 0.985, 0.977, 0.985 and 0.978, respectively, for Lys, Met, Thr, Trp and
      Val). This study shows that routine chemical analyses may be used to predict EAA
      digestibility with satisfactory accuracy. 

PMID- 27137353
TI  - Carboplatin-based chemoradiotherapy in advanced cervical cancer: an alternative
      to cisplatin-based regimen?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of treatment with cisplatin or carboplatin
      concomitant with radiotherapy (RT) in cases of locally advanced cervical cancer
      (CC). METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of medical records of 184
      patients with cervical cancer stage IIB-IVA who were treated at Instituto do
      Cancer do Estado de Sao Paulo from May 2008 to December 2012. All patients
      received complete pelvic region external-beam RT with weekly cisplatin (cis-RT,
      40mg/m(2); n=159) or carboplatin (carbo-RT, AUC 2; n=25), followed by high-dose
      rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT). Primary endpoint was progression
      free survival; secondary endpoints were overall survival and overall response
      rate, which includes complete and partial responses. RESULTS: Five or more
      chemotherapy cycles were administered to 87.3% and 84% of the cis-RT- and carbo
      RT- treated patients, respectively (p=0.749). Estimated 3-years progression free
      survival was 59% in the cis-RT group vs 40% in the carbo-RT group (p=0.249).
      Estimated 3-years overall survival was 70% in the cis-RT group vs 68% in the
      carbo-RT group (p=0.298). Overall response rate (95.3% cis-RT vs 95.4% carbo-RT;
      p=0.911) and grade >=3 toxic effects (8.5% cis-RT vs 11.8% carbo-RT; p=0.757)
      were similar. In multivariate analysis, only the overall response rate was a
      significant predictor of survival. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced cervical
      cancer who are treated with carbo-RT have similar 3-years overall survival,
      progression free survival, overall response rate, and toxic effects when compared
      to cis-RT-treated patients. Carbo-RT may be an alternative treatment in patients
      that cannot receive cisplatin.

PMID- 27137354
TI  - Chemoselective Protection of Glutathione in the Preparation of Bioconjugates: The
      Case of Trypanothione Disulfide.
AB  - A novel synthetic route to the chemoselectively protected N,S-ditritylglutathione
      monomethyl ester is described involving the chemical modification of the
      commercially available glutathione (GSH). The synthetic value of this building
      block in the facile preparation of GSH bioconjugates in a satisfying overall
      yield was exemplified by the case of trypanothione disulfide (TS2), a GSH
      spermidine bioconjugate, involved in the antioxidative stress protection system
      of parasitic protozoa, such as trypanosoma and leishmania parasites.

PMID- 27137355
TI  - Thermodynamic Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction in the diastereoselective
      synthesis of 17alpha-estradiol.
AB  - The synthesis of 17alpha-hydroxy steroids generally requires multiple synthetic
      manipulations. The synthesis of 17alpha-estradiol is no exception, as this
      process involves the protection and release of the 3-hydroxy functional group.
      The diastereoselective reduction of the 17-keto-steroid can be utilized to
      prepare 17alpha-hydroxy-steroids. Here, 17alpha-estradiol was synthesized from
      commercially available estrone under thermodynamic Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV)
      conditions in a single step, followed by simple chromatographic separation over
      silica gel. The remaining mixture of unreacted estrone and estradiols was easily
      recycled through Oppenauer oxidation to estrone, with an overall yield of 68%
      17alpha-estradiol.

PMID- 27137357
TI  - Robust Support Vector Machines for Classification with Nonconvex and Smooth
      Losses.
AB  - This letter addresses the robustness problem when learning a large margin
      classifier in the presence of label noise. In our study, we achieve this purpose
      by proposing robustified large margin support vector machines. The robustness of
      the proposed robust support vector classifiers (RSVC), which is interpreted from
      a weighted viewpoint in this work, is due to the use of nonconvex classification
      losses. Besides the robustness, we also show that the proposed RSCV is
      simultaneously smooth, which again benefits from using smooth classification
      losses. The idea of proposing RSVC comes from M-estimation in statistics since
      the proposed robust and smooth classification losses can be taken as one-sided
      cost functions in robust statistics. Its Fisher consistency property and
      generalization ability are also investigated. Besides the robustness and
      smoothness, another nice property of RSVC lies in the fact that its solution can
      be obtained by solving weighted squared hinge loss-based support vector machine
      problems iteratively. We further show that in each iteration, it is a quadratic
      programming problem in its dual space and can be solved by using state-of-the-art
      methods. We thus propose an iteratively reweighted type algorithm and provide a
      constructive proof of its convergence to a stationary point. Effectiveness of the
      proposed classifiers is verified on both artificial and real data sets. 

PMID- 27137356
TI  - Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of D-ring substituted steroidal
      benzamidothiazoles.
AB  - Using progesterone as the starting material, we synthesized a series of steroidal
      derivatives possessing a D-ring substituted benzamidothiazole. All of the final
      structures were reported and identified by NMR and HRMS spectrometry for the
      first time. The antiproliferative activity of the synthesized compounds against
      PC-3 (human prostate cancer cell line) and SKOV-3 (ovarian cancer cells) were
      investigated. The preliminary results showed that compounds 8b, 8d and 8g
      possessed moderate antiproliferative activities.

PMID- 27137358
TI  - New insight into the binding modes of TNP-AMP to human liver fructose-1,6
      bisphosphatase.
AB  - Human liver fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) contains two binding sites, a
      substrate fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) active site and an adenosine
      monophosphate (AMP) allosteric site. The FBP active site works by stabilizing the
      FBPase, and the allosteric site impairs the activity of FBPase through its
      binding of a nonsubstrate molecule. The fluorescent AMP analogue, 2',3'-O-(2,4,6
      trinitrophenyl)adenosine 5'-monophosphate (TNP-AMP) has been used as a
      fluorescent probe as it is able to competitively inhibit AMP binding to the AMP
      allosteric site and, therefore, could be used for exploring the binding modes of
      inhibitors targeted on the allosteric site. In this study, we have re-examined
      the binding modes of TNP-AMP to FBPase. However, our present enzyme kinetic
      assays show that AMP and FBP both can reduce the fluorescence from the bound TNP
      AMP through competition for FBPase, suggesting that TNP-AMP binds not only to the
      AMP allosteric site but also to the FBP active site. Mutagenesis assays of K274L
      (located in the FBP active site) show that the residue K274 is very important for
      TNP-AMP to bind to the active site of FBPase. The results further prove that TNP
      AMP is able to bind individually to the both sites. Our present study provides a
      new insight into the binding mechanism of TNP-AMP to the FBPase. The TNP-AMP
      fluorescent probe can be used to exam the binding site of an inhibitor (the
      active site or the allosteric site) using FBPase saturated by AMP and FBP,
      respectively, or the K247L mutant FBPase.

PMID- 27137359
TI  - Design, synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of 4-aminopyrazole
      derivatives as novel and potent JAKs inhibitors.
AB  - JAKs inhibitors were widely applied in the treatment of immunodeficiency
      diseases, inflammation and cancers. We designed and synthesized a novel series of
      4-aminopyrazole derivatives, which showed inhibitory potency against various
      JAKs. The in vitro protein kinase inhibition experiment indicated that compounds
      17k, 17l, 17m and 17n could inhibit JAKs effectively. Among them, compound 17m
      possessed the highest protein kinase inhibitory rates (%) at 10MUM, which were
      97, 96 and 100 to JAK1, JAK2 and JAK3, respectively. Further evaluation revealed
      that the IC50 values of 17m against JAK1, JAK2 and JAK3 were 0.67MUM, 0.098MUM
      and 0.039MUM, respectively. Moreover, western blotting results showed compound
      17m could inhibit the phosphorylation of JAK2 in Hela cells effectively. The data
      supports the further investigation of these compounds as novel JAKs inhibitors.

PMID- 27137360
TI  - Novel sulfonamide bearing coumarin scaffolds as selective inhibitors of tumor
      associated carbonic anhydrase isoforms IX and XII.
AB  - Four novel scaffolds consisting of total 24 compounds (1a-1o, 2a-2c, 3a-3c and 4a
      4c) bearing aromatic sulfonamide and coumarin moieties connected through various
      linkers were synthesized in order to synergize the inhibition potential of both
      the moieties against four selected human carbonic anhydrase isoforms (hCA I, II,
      IX & XII). All compounds were found to be potent inhibitors of tumor associated
      hCA IX & XII while at the same time required large amounts to inhibit off
      targeted housekeeping hCA I & II. Selectivity was more pronounced against hCA II
      over I, and hCA XII over IX. Results were compared with antitumor drug
      acetazolamide. One derivative 2b of series 2 was found to be a better selective
      inhibitor of hCA IX and XII.

PMID- 27137361
TI  - Selectivity of 3-bromo-isoxazoline inhibitors between human and Plasmodium
      falciparum glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases.
AB  - Compounds based on the 3-Br-isoxazoline scaffold fully inhibit glyceraldehyde 3
      phosphate dehydrogenase from Plasmodium falciparum by selectively alkylating all
      four catalytic cysteines of the tetramer. Here, we show that, under the same
      experimental conditions that led to a fast and complete inhibition of the
      protozoan enzyme, the human ortholog was only 25% inhibited, with the alkylation
      of a single catalytic cysteine within the tetramer. The partial alkylation seems
      to produce a slow conformational rearrangement that severely limits the
      accessibility of the remaining active sites to bulky 3-Br-isoxazoline
      derivatives, but not to the substrate or smaller alkylating agents.

PMID- 27137362
TI  - Vertex Rolandic Spikes and Central Sleep Apnea in a Newborn.

PMID- 27137363
TI  - Seed and Germination Characteristics of 20 Amazonian Liana Species.
AB  - Lianas are an important component of tropical forests, and may reach their
      highest densities in disturbed areas. However, information on seed and
      germination characteristics is scarce. Twenty Amazon liana species were screened
      for their germination characteristics, including light dependence, tolerance of
      desiccation and of alternating temperatures; these characteristics are considered
      important for the germination success in areas with relatively open canopies.
      Between 31-1,420 seeds per species were available, as 15 species seeds came from
      one mother plant. We studied seed biometry and conducted germination trials with
      fresh seeds (12 h light daily, or dark) and desiccated seeds at 25  degrees C.
      Germination at alternating temperatures (20/30  degrees C, 15/35  degrees C) was
      analyzed for nine species. Of the 20 species, eight species with the largest
      seeds had desiccation sensitive seeds; this is the first record for species of
      four genera and one family, where only desiccation tolerant seeds are otherwise
      recorded. Light-dependent germination was found in three species (0.01-0.015 g)
      and is the first record for two; however, results were based on seeds from one
      plant per species. Alternating temperatures of 15/35  degrees C decreased final
      germination of four out of nine species, and response to 20/30  degrees C cycles
      varied compared to constant 25  degrees C. Seed and germination characteristics
      of the species ranged from pioneer to climax traits indicating that establishment
      of lianas from seeds may be confined to species specific niches. 

PMID- 27137365
TI  - Pollen Tube Growth and Self-Compatibility in Almond.
AB  - Although pollen tube growth has been an important criterion for self
      compatibility evaluation in almond, there is not a clear-cut separation between
      positive and negative growth of pollen tubes in the different genotypes. The
      examination of pollen tube growth after selfing almond seedlings has allowed
      establishing different levels of compatibility, but not a clear-cut separation
      between self-compatible (SC) and self-incompatible (SI) genotypes, related to the
      presence of pseudo-self-compatibility in almond. Consequently, a relationship
      between pollen tube growth and self-compatibility in almond may be established
      for evaluating the seedlings in breeding programs. 

PMID- 27137366
TI  - Antioxidant Activities and Anti-Cancer Cell Proliferation Properties of Natsuhaze
      (Vaccinium oldhamii Miq.), Shashanbo (V. bracteatum Thunb.) and Blueberry
      Cultivars.
AB  - Antioxidants are abundant in blueberries, and while there are many studies
      concerning the bioactive compound of fruit, it is only recently that the wild
      Vaccinium species has attracted attention for their diverse and abundant chemical
      components. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioactive compounds of
      blueberry cultivars and wild species found in Japan. Among the five extracts of
      the Vaccinium species, Natsuhaze (Vaccinium oldhamii Miq.) was found to be the
      most effective at inhibiting the growth of HL-60 human leukemia cells in vitro.
      Although all ethanol extracts showed a growth inhibitory effect on HL-60 cells,
      the degree of the effects differed among the species. The extract of Natsuhaze
      induced apoptotic bodies and nucleosomal DNA fragmentation in the HL-60 cells. Of
      the extracts tested, that of Natsuhaze contained the largest amount of total
      polyphenols and showed the greatest antioxidant activity, but the anthocyanin
      content of Natsuhaze was similar to that of rabbiteye blueberry (V. virgatum
      Ait.). The results showed that total polyphenols contributed to the high
      antioxidant activity and growth inhibitory effect on HL-60 human leukemia cells
      of Natsuhaze extract. 

PMID- 27137364
TI  - Systems Modeling at Multiple Levels of Regulation: Linking Systems and Genetic
      Networks to Spatially Explicit Plant Populations.
AB  - Selection and adaptation of individuals to their underlying environments are
      highly dynamical processes, encompassing interactions between the individual and
      its seasonally changing environment, synergistic or antagonistic interactions
      between individuals and interactions amongst the regulatory genes within the
      individual. Plants are useful organisms to study within systems modeling because
      their sedentary nature simplifies interactions between individuals and the
      environment, and many important plant processes such as germination or flowering
      are dependent on annual cycles which can be disrupted by climate behavior.
      Sedentism makes plants relevant candidates for spatially explicit modeling that
      is tied in with dynamical environments. We propose that in order to fully
      understand the complexities behind plant adaptation, a system that couples
      aspects from systems biology with population and landscape genetics is required.
      A suitable system could be represented by spatially explicit individual-based
      models where the virtual individuals are located within time-variable
      heterogeneous environments and contain mutable regulatory gene networks. These
      networks could directly interact with the environment, and should provide a
      useful approach to studying plant adaptation. 

PMID- 27137367
TI  - PiSCP1 and PiCDPK2 Localize to Peroxisomes and Are Involved in Pollen Tube Growth
      in Petunia Inflata.
AB  - Petunia inflata small CDPK-interacting protein 1 (PiSCP1) was identified as a
      pollen expressed PiCDPK1 interacting protein using the yeast two hybrid system
      and the interaction confirmed using pull-down and phosphorylation assays. PiSCP1
      is pollen specific and shares amino acid homology with uncharacterized proteins
      from diverse species of higher plants, but no protein of known function.
      Expression of PiSCP1-GFP in vivo inhibited pollen tube growth and was shown to
      localize to peroxisomes in growing pollen tubes. As PiCDPK1 is plasma membrane
      localized, we investigated the localization of a second isoform, PiCDPK2, and
      show that it co-localizes to peroxisomes with PiSCP1 and that the two proteins
      interact in the yeast 2 hybrid interaction assay, suggesting that interaction
      with the latter CDPK isoform is likely the one of biological relevance. Both
      PiCDPK2 and PiSCP1 affect pollen tube growth, presumably by mediating peroxisome
      function, however how they do so is currently not clear. 

PMID- 27137368
TI  - Regulation of Pollen Tube Growth by Transglutaminase.
AB  - In pollen tubes, cytoskeleton proteins are involved in many aspects of pollen
      germination and growth, from the transport of sperm cells to the asymmetrical
      distribution of organelles to the deposition of cell wall material. These
      activities are based on the dynamics of the cytoskeleton. Changes to both actin
      filaments and microtubules are triggered by specific proteins, resulting in
      different organization levels suitable for the different functions of the
      cytoskeleton. Transglutaminases are enzymes ubiquitous in all plant organs and
      cell compartments. They catalyze the post-translational conjugation of polyamines
      to different protein targets, such as the cytoskeleton. Transglutaminases are
      suggested to have a general role in the interaction between pollen tubes and the
      extracellular matrix during fertilization and a specific role during the self
      incompatibility response. In such processes, the activity of transglutaminases is
      enhanced, leading to the formation of cross-linked products (including aggregates
      of tubulin and actin). Consequently, transglutaminases are suggested to act as
      regulators of cytoskeleton dynamics. The distribution of transglutaminases in
      pollen tubes is affected by both membrane dynamics and the cytoskeleton.
      Transglutaminases are also secreted in the extracellular matrix, where they may
      take part in the assembly and/or strengthening of the pollen tube cell wall. 

PMID- 27137370
TI  - Polar Expansion Dynamics in the Plant Kingdom: A Diverse and Multifunctional
      Journey on the Path to Pollen Tubes.
AB  - Polar expansion is a widespread phenomenon in plants spanning all taxonomic
      groups from the Charophycean Green Algae to pollen tubes in Angiosperms and
      Gymnosperms. Current data strongly suggests that many common features are shared
      amongst cells displaying polar growth mechanics including changes to the
      structural features of localized regions of the cell wall, mobilization of
      targeted secretion mechanisms, employment of the actin cytoskeleton for directing
      secretion and in many cases, endocytosis and coordinated interaction of multiple
      signal transduction mechanisms prompted by external biotic and abiotic cues. The
      products of polar expansion perform diverse functions including delivery of male
      gametes to the egg, absorption, anchorage, adhesion and photo-absorption
      efficacy. A comparative analysis of polar expansion dynamics is provided with
      special emphasis on those found in early divergent plants. 

PMID- 27137369
TI  - Cell Wall Composition, Biosynthesis and Remodeling during Pollen Tube Growth.
AB  - The pollen tube is a fast tip-growing cell carrying the two sperm cells to the
      ovule allowing the double fertilization process and seed setting. To succeed in
      this process, the spatial and temporal controls of pollen tube growth within the
      female organ are critical. It requires a massive cell wall deposition to promote
      fast pollen tube elongation and a tight control of the cell wall remodeling to
      modify the mechanical properties. In addition, during its journey, the pollen
      tube interacts with the pistil, which plays key roles in pollen tube nutrition,
      guidance and in the rejection of the self-incompatible pollen. This review
      focuses on our current knowledge in the biochemistry and localization of the main
      cell wall polymers including pectin, hemicellulose, cellulose and callose from
      several pollen tube species. Moreover, based on transcriptomic data and
      functional genomic studies, the possible enzymes involved in the cell wall
      remodeling during pollen tube growth and their impact on the cell wall mechanics
      are also described. Finally, mutant analyses have permitted to gain insight in
      the function of several genes involved in the pollen tube cell wall biosynthesis
      and their roles in pollen tube growth are further discussed. 

PMID- 27137372
TI  - Microsatellite Markers of Willow Species and Characterization of 11 Polymorphic
      Microsatellites for Salix eriocephala (Salicaceae), a Potential Native Species
      for Biomass Production in Canada.
AB  - Biomass produced from dedicated plantations constitutes a source of renewable
      energy and is expected to play an important role in several countries in the
      coming decades. The cultivation of woody crops such as willows therefore raises
      several environmental issues. In North America, several native willows are
      potentially interesting for biomass producers. Willow trees are diverse but few
      species used for environmental applications have been the object of molecular
      genetic studies. Based on the sequenced poplar genome, 24 microsatellite markers
      were assayed on five native North American willow species: Salix amygdaloides, S.
      discolor, S. eriocephala, S. interior and S. nigra. Polymorphic microsatellite
      markers were used to characterize the allele data on the shrub Salix eriocephala,
      a North American species with economic potential. Eleven markers amplified and
      confirmed the potential of this species. Analysis of samples from six populations
      in eastern Canada showed that all markers were variable as well as polymorphic in
      at least one population. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 1 to 9 (mean
      2.95) and showed that these microsatellite markers can be used to assess genetic
      diversity of North American willow species. 

PMID- 27137373
TI  - Endocytic Pathways and Recycling in Growing Pollen Tubes.
AB  - Pollen tube growth is based on transport of secretory vesicles into the apical
      region where they fuse with a small area of the plasma membrane. The amount of
      secretion greatly exceeds the quantity of membrane required for growth.
      Mechanisms of membrane retrieval have recently been demonstrated and partially
      characterized using FM (Fei Mao) dyes or charged nanogold. Both these probes
      reveal that clathrin-dependent and -independent endocytosis occur in pollen tubes
      and are involved in distinct degradation pathways and membrane recycling.
      Exocytosis, internalization and sorting of PM proteins/lipids depend on the
      integrity of the actin cytoskeleton and are involved in actin filament
      organization. However, some kinds of endocytic and exocytic processes occurring
      in the central area of the tip still need to be characterized. Analysis of
      secretion dynamics and data derived from endocytosis highlight the complexity of
      events occurring in the tip region and suggest a new model of pollen tube growth.

PMID- 27137371
TI  - The Leaf Adaxial-Abaxial Boundary and Lamina Growth.
AB  - In multicellular organisms, boundaries have a role in preventing the
      intermingling of two different cell populations and in organizing the
      morphogenesis of organs and the entire organism. Plant leaves have two different
      cell populations, the adaxial (or upper) and abaxial (or lower) cell populations,
      and the boundary is considered to be important for lamina growth. At the boundary
      between the adaxial and abaxial epidermis, corresponding to the margin, margin
      specific structures are developed and structurally separate the adaxial and
      abaxial epidermis from each other. The adaxial and abaxial cells are determined
      by the adaxial and abaxial regulatory genes (including transcription factors and
      small RNAs), respectively. Among many lamina-growth regulators identified by
      recent genetic analyses, it has been revealed that the phytohormone, auxin, and
      the WOX family transcription factors act at the adaxial-abaxial boundary
      downstream of the adaxial-abaxial pattern. Furthermore, mutant analyses of the
      WOX genes shed light on the role of the adaxial-abaxial boundary in preventing
      the mixing of the adaxial and abaxial features during lamina growth. In this
      review, we highlight the recent studies on the dual role of the adaxial-abaxial
      boundary. 

PMID- 27137374
TI  - Combinations of Mutations Sufficient to Alter Arabidopsis Leaf Dissection.
AB  - Leaves show a wide range of shapes that results from the combinatory variations
      of two main parameters: the relative duration of the morphogenetic phase and the
      pattern of dissection of the leaf margin. To further understand the mechanisms
      controlling leaf shape, we have studied the interactions between several loci
      leading to increased dissection of the Arabidopsis leaf margins. Thus, we have
      used (i) mutants in which miR164 regulation of the CUC2 gene is impaired, (ii)
      plants overexpressing miR319/miRJAW that down-regulates multiple TCP genes and
      (iii) plants overexpressing the STIMPY/WOX9 gene. Through the analysis of their
      effects on leaf shape and KNOX I gene expression, we show that these loci act in
      different pathways. We show, in particular, that they have synergetic effects and
      that plants combining two or three of these loci show dramatic modifications of
      their leaf shapes. Finally, we present a working model for the role of these loci
      during leaf development. 

PMID- 27137375
TI  - Pollen Performance in Clarkia Taxa with Contrasting Mating Systems: Implications
      for Male Gametophytic Evolution in Selfers and Outcrossers.
AB  - We tested three predictions regarding the joint evolution of pollen performance
      and mating system. First, due to the potential for intense intrasexual
      competition in outcrossing populations, we predicted that outcrossers would
      produce faster-growing pollen than their selfing relatives. Second, if elevated
      competition promotes stronger selection on traits that improve pollen
      performance, then, among-plant variation in pollen performance would be lower in
      outcrossers than in selfers. Third, given successive generations of adaptation to
      the same maternal genotype in selfers, we predicted that, in selfing populations
      (but not in outcrossing ones), pollen would perform better following self- than
      cross-pollinations. We tested these predictions in field populations of two pairs
      of Clarkia (Onagraceae) sister taxa. Consistent with our predictions, one
      outcrosser (C. unguiculata) exhibited faster pollen germination and less
      variation in pollen tube growth rate (PTGR) among pollen donors than its selfing
      sister species, C. exilis. Contrary to our predictions, the selfing C. xantiana
      ssp. parviflora exhibited faster PTGR than the outcrossing ssp. xantiana, and
      these taxa showed similar levels of variation in this trait. Pollen performance
      following self- vs. cross-pollinations did not differ within either selfing or
      outcrossing taxa. While these findings suggest that mating system and pollen
      performance may jointly evolve in Clarkia, other factors clearly contribute to
      pollen performance in natural populations. 

PMID- 27137376
TI  - Abaxial Greening Phenotype in Hybrid Aspen.
AB  - The typical angiosperm leaf, as in Arabidopsis, is bifacial consisting of top
      (adaxial) and bottom (abaxial) surfaces readily distinguishable by the underlying
      cell type (palisade and spongy mesophyll, respectively). Species of the genus
      Populus have leaves that are either conventionally bifacial or isobilateral.
      Isobilateral leaves have palisade mesophyll on the top and bottom of the leaf,
      making the two sides virtually indistinguishable at the macroscopic level. In
      poplars this has been termed the "abaxial greening" phenotype. Previous work has
      implicated ASYMMETRIC LEAVES1 (AS1) as an essential determinant of palisade
      mesophyll development. This gene, as well as other genes (84 in all) putatively
      involved in setting the dorsiventral axis of leaves, were investigated in two
      Populus species: black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) and hybrid aspen (P.
      tremula x tremuloides), representative of each leaf type (bifacial and
      isobilateral, respectively). Poplar orthologs of AS1 have significantly higher
      expression in aspen leaf blade and lower in the petiole, suggestive of a
      potential role in the isobilateral leaf phenotype consistent with the previously
      observed phenotypes. Furthermore, an ABERRANT TESTA SHAPE (ATS) ortholog has
      significantly lower expression in aspen leaf tissue, also suggesting a possible
      contribution of this gene to abaxial greening. 

PMID- 27137377
TI  - Extractions of High Quality RNA from the Seeds of Jerusalem Artichoke and Other
      Plant Species with High Levels of Starch and Lipid.
AB  - Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is an important tuber crop.
      However, Jerusalem artichoke seeds contain high levels of starch and lipid,
      making the extraction of high-quality RNA extremely difficult and the gene
      expression analysis challenging. This study was aimed to improve existing methods
      for extracting total RNA from Jerusalem artichoke dry seeds and to assess the
      applicability of the improved method in other plant species. Five RNA extraction
      methods were evaluated on Jerusalem artichoke seeds and two were modified. One
      modified method with the significant improvement was applied to assay seeds of
      diverse Jerusalem artichoke accessions, sunflower, rice, maize, peanut and
      marigold. The effectiveness of the improved method to extract total RNA from
      seeds was assessed using qPCR analysis of four selected genes. The improved
      method of Ma and Yang (2011) yielded a maximum RNA solubility and removed most
      interfering substances. The improved protocol generated 29 to 41 ug RNA/30 mg
      fresh weight. An A260/A280 ratio of 1.79 to 2.22 showed their RNA purity.
      Extracted RNA was effective for downstream applications such as first-stranded
      cDNA synthesis, cDNA cloning and qPCR. The improved method was also effective to
      extract total RNA from seeds of sunflower, rice, maize and peanut that are rich
      in polyphenols, lipids and polysaccharides. 

PMID- 27137379
TI  - The Hybridization Barrier between Herbaceous Medicago sativa and Woody M. arborea
      Is Weakened by Selection of Seed Parents.
AB  - Medicago sativa, alfalfa or lucerne, and M. arborea were considered
      reproductively isolated until recently. Then, in 2003, an alfalfa genotype was
      identified that produced a few seeds and progeny with hybrid traits after a large
      number of pollinations by M. arborea. A derivative of this alfalfa genotype also
      produced a low frequency of progeny with hybrid traits. Thus, the hybridization
      barrier was weakened by selection of seed parents. Hybrids from both events
      expressed traits from M. arborea and M. arborea-specific DNA bands, although more
      of the M. sativa genome was retained, based on the DNA results. Thus, there was
      chromatin elimination during embryogenesis, resulting in partial hybrids
      (hereafter hybrids). However, more than 30 hybrids with an array of M. arborea
      traits have been obtained thus far, and research continues on the nature of the
      hybrids. Traits have been genetically transmitted in crosses, and selected traits
      are in use for alfalfa breeding. This paper reviews the first hybrids and then
      focuses on further weakening of the hybridization barrier with the discovery of a
      more efficient hybridizer derived from crossing Medicago sativa subspecies,
      sativa, coerulea and falcata. This genotype was found to have reproductive
      abnormalities associated with its complex subspecies origin that are best
      described as hybrid breakdown. In effect, this subspecies derivative is a bridge
      cross parent that consistently produces hybrids. Reproductive abnormalities in
      the bridge-cross parent are reported and discussed. 

PMID- 27137380
TI  - The Progamic Phase in High-Mountain Plants: From Pollination to Fertilization in
      the Cold.
AB  - In high-mountains, cold spells can occur at any time during the growing season
      and plants may be covered with snow for several days. This raises the question to
      what extent sexual processes are impaired by low temperatures. We tested pollen
      performance and fertilization capacity of high-mountain species with different
      elevational distribution in the European Alps (Cerastium uniflorum, Gentianella
      germanica, Ranunculus glacialis, R. alpestris, Saxifraga bryoides, S. caesia, S.
      moschata) during simulated cold snaps in the laboratory. Plants were exposed to 0
      degrees C (the temperature below the snow) for 12, 36, 60 and 84 h. In S.
      caesia, the experiment was verified in situ during a cold snap. Sexual processes
      coped well with large temperature differences and remained functional at near
      freezing temperatures for a few days. During the cooling-down phase a high
      percentage (67-97%) of pollen grains germinated and grew tubes into the style. At
      zero degrees, tube growth continued slowly both in the laboratory and in situ
      below the snow. Fertilization occurred in up to 100% of flowers in the nival
      species and in G. germanica, but was strongly delayed or absent in the alpine
      species. During rewarming, fertilization continued. Overall, progamic processes
      in high-mountain plants appear fairly robust toward weather extremes increasing
      the probability of successful reproduction. 

PMID- 27137378
TI  - TALE and Shape: How to Make a Leaf Different.
AB  - The Three Amino acid Loop Extension (TALE) proteins constitute an ancestral
      superclass of homeodomain transcription factors conserved in animals, plants and
      fungi. In plants they comprise two classes, KNOTTED1-LIKE homeobox (KNOX) and
      BEL1-like homeobox (BLH or BELL, hereafter referred to as BLH), which are
      involved in shoot apical meristem (SAM) function, as well as in the determination
      and morphological development of leaves, stems and inflorescences. Selective
      protein-protein interactions between KNOXs and BLHs affect heterodimer
      subcellular localization and target affinity. KNOXs exert their roles by
      maintaining a proper balance between undifferentiated and differentiated cell
      state through the modulation of multiple hormonal pathways. A pivotal function of
      KNOX in evolutionary diversification of leaf morphology has been assessed. In the
      SAM of both simple- and compound-leafed seed species, downregulation of most
      class 1 KNOX (KNOX1) genes marks the sites of leaf primordia initiation. However,
      KNOX1 expression is re-established during leaf primordia development of compound
      leafed species to maintain transient indeterminacy and morphogenetic activity at
      the leaf margins. Despite the increasing knowledge available about KNOX1 protein
      function in plant development, a comprehensive view on their downstream effectors
      remains elusive. This review highlights the role of TALE proteins in leaf
      initiation and morphological plasticity with a focus on recent advances in the
      identification of downstream target genes and pathways. 

PMID- 27137381
TI  - In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Origanum vulgare L. on HCT-116 and MDA-MB-231 Cell
      Lines.
AB  - In the present investigation, we examined the cytotoxic effect of methanolic
      extract from Origanum vulgare on HCT-116 and MDA-MB-231 cell line in vitro. In
      order to determine the cytotoxic effects we used an MTT viability assay. The
      results showed that cell growth is significantly lower in extract treated cells
      compared to untreated control. The effect of inhibition of cell growth was higher
      in the treatment of HCT-116 cell line than in MDA-MB-231. Based on the results it
      is determined that O. vulgare is a significant source of biologically active
      substances that have cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity in vitro. 

PMID- 27137382
TI  - Homeotic Genes and the ABCDE Model for Floral Organ Formation in Wheat.
AB  - Floral organ formation has been the subject of intensive study for over 20 years,
      particularly in the model dicot species Arabidopsis thaliana. These studies have
      led to the establishment of a general model for the development of floral organs
      in higher plants, the so-called ABCDE model, in which floral whorl-specific
      combinations of class A, B, C, D, or E genes specify floral organ identity. In
      Arabidopsis, class A, B, C, D, E genes encode MADS-box transcription factors
      except for the class A gene APETALA2. Mutation of these genes induces floral
      organ homeosis. In this review, I focus on the roles of these homeotic genes in
      bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), particularly with respect to the ABCDE model.
      Pistillody, the homeotic transformation of stamens into pistil-like structures,
      occurs in cytoplasmic substitution (alloplasmic) wheat lines that have the
      cytoplasm of the related wild species Aegilops crassa. This phenomenon is a
      valuable tool for analysis of the wheat ABCDE model. Using an alloplasmic line,
      the wheat ortholog of DROOPING LEAF (TaDL), a member of the YABBY gene family,
      has been shown to regulate pistil specification. Here, I describe the current
      understanding of the ABCDE model for floral organ formation in wheat. 

PMID- 27137383
TI  - Understanding of Leaf Development-the Science of Complexity.
AB  - The leaf is the major organ involved in light perception and conversion of solar
      energy into organic carbon. In order to adapt to different natural habitats,
      plants have developed a variety of leaf forms, ranging from simple to compound,
      with various forms of dissection. Due to the enormous cellular complexity of
      leaves, understanding the mechanisms regulating development of these organs is
      difficult. In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the use of
      technically advanced imaging techniques and computational modeling in studies of
      leaf development. Additionally, molecular tools for manipulation of morphogenesis
      were successfully used for in planta verification of developmental models.
      Results of these interdisciplinary studies show that global growth patterns
      influencing final leaf form are generated by cooperative action of genetic,
      biochemical, and biomechanical inputs. This review summarizes recent progress in
      integrative studies on leaf development and illustrates how intrinsic features of
      leaves (including their cellular complexity) influence the choice of experimental
      approach. 

PMID- 27137384
TI  - SPL8 Acts Together with the Brassinosteroid-Signaling Component BIM1 in
      Controlling Arabidopsis thaliana Male Fertility.
AB  - The non-miR156 targeted SBP-box gene SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 8
      (SPL8), plays an important role in Arabidopsis anther development, where its loss
      of-function results in a semi-sterile phenotype. Fully male-sterile plants are
      obtained when a spl8 loss-of-function mutation is introduced into a 35S:MIR156
      genetic background, thereby revealing functional redundancy between SPL8 and
      miR156-targeted SBP-box genes. Here, we show that BIM1, a gene encoding a bHLH
      protein involved in brassinosteroid signaling and embryonic patterning, functions
      redundantly with SPL8 in its requirement for male fertility. Although bim1 single
      mutants displayed a mild fertility problem due to shortened filaments in some
      flowers, mutation of BIM1 significantly enhanced the semi-sterile phenotype of
      the spl8 mutant. Expression of both SPL8 and BIM1 was detected in overlapping
      expression domains during early anther developmental stages. Our data suggest
      that in regulating anther development, SPL8 and BIM1 function cooperatively in a
      common complex or in synergistic pathways. Phylogenetic analysis supports the
      idea of an evolutionary conserved function for both genes in angiosperm anther
      development. 

PMID- 27137385
TI  - Growth Media Induces Variation in Cell Wall Associated Gene Expression in
      Arabidopsis thaliana Pollen Tube.
AB  - The influence of three different pollen germination media on the transcript
      profile of Arabidopsis pollen tubes has been assessed by real-time PCR on a
      selection of cell wall related genes, and by a statistical analysis of microarray
      Arabidopsis pollen tube data sets. The qPCR assays have shown remarkable
      differences on the transcript levels of specific genes depending upon the
      formulation of the germination medium used. With the aid of principal component
      analysis performed on existing microarray data, a subset of genes has been
      identified that is more prone to produce diverging transcript levels. A
      functional classification of those genes showed that the clusters with higher
      number of members were those for hydrolase activity (based in molecular function)
      and for cell wall (based in cellular component). Taken together, these results
      may indicate that the nutrient composition of the pollen germination media
      influences pollen tube metabolism and that caution must be taken when
      interpreting transcriptomic data of pollen tubes. 

PMID- 27137386
TI  - Molecular Mapping of D1, D2 and ms5 Revealed Linkage between the Cotyledon Color
      Locus D2 and the Male-Sterile Locus ms5 in Soybean.
AB  - In soybean, genic male sterility can be utilized as a tool to develop hybrid
      seed. Several male-sterile, female-fertile mutants have been identified in
      soybean. The male-sterile, female-fertile ms5 mutant was selected after fast
      neutron irradiation. Male-sterility due to ms5 was associated with the "stay
      green" cotyledon color mutation. The cotyledon color trait in soybean is
      controlled by two loci, D1 and D2. Association between cotyledon color and male
      sterility can be instrumental in early phenotypic selection of sterility for
      hybrid seed production. The use of such selection methods saves time, money, and
      space, as fewer seeds need to be planted and screened for sterility. The
      objectives of this study were to compare anther development between male-fertile
      and male-sterile plants, to investigate the possible linkages among the Ms5, D1
      and D2 loci, and to determine if any of the d1 or d2 mutations can be applied in
      hybrid seed production. The cytological analysis during anther development
      displayed optically clear, disintegrating microspores and enlarged, engorged
      pollen in the male-sterile, female-fertile ms5ms5 plants, a common characteristic
      of male-sterile mutants. The D1 locus was mapped to molecular linkage group (MLG)
      D1a and was flanked by Satt408 and BARCSOYSSR_01_1622. The ms5 and D2 loci were
      mapped to MLG B1 with a genetic distance ~12.8 cM between them. These results
      suggest that use of the d2 mutant in the selection of male-sterile line may
      attenuate the cost hybrid seed production in soybean. 

PMID- 27137387
TI  - Self-Affinity, Self-Similarity and Disturbance of Soil Seed Banks by Tillage.
AB  - Soil seed banks were sampled in undisturbed soil and after soil had been
      disturbed by tillage (tine, harrow or plough). Seeds were sorted by size and
      shape, and counted. Size-number distributions were fitted by power law equations
      that allowed the identification of self-similarity and self-affinity. Self
      affinity and thus non-random size-number distribution prevailed in undisturbed
      soil. Self-similarity and thus randomness of size-number distribution prevailed
      after tillage regardless of the intensity of disturbance imposed by cultivation.
      The values of fractal dimensions before and after tillage were low, suggesting
      that short-term, short-range factors govern size-number distribution of soil seed
      banks. 

PMID- 27137388
TI  - Network Connectance Analysis as a Tool to Understand Homeostasis of Plants under
      Environmental Changes.
AB  - The homeostasis of plants under environmental constraints may be maintained by
      alterations in the organization of their physiological networks. The ability to
      control a network depends on the strength of the connections between network
      elements, which is called network connectance. Herein, we intend to provide more
      evidence on the existence of a modulation pattern of photosynthetic networks, in
      response to adverse environmental conditions. Two species (Glycine max-C3
      metabolism, and Brachiaria brizantha-C4 metabolism) were submitted to two
      environmental constraints (water availability, and high and low temperatures),
      and from the physiological parameters measured, the global connectance (Cgtotal)
      and the modules connectance (gas exchange-Cgge and photochemical-Cgpho) were
      analyzed. Both types of environmental constraints impaired the photosynthetic
      capacity and the growth of the plants, indicating loss of their homeostasis, but
      in different ways. The results showed that in general the Cgtotal of both species
      increased with temperature increment and water deficit, indicating a higher
      modulation of photosynthetic networks. However, the Cg variation in both species
      did not influence the total dry biomass that was reduced by environmental
      adversities. This outcome is probably associated with a loss of system
      homeostasis. The connectance network analyses indicated a possible lack of
      correspondence between the photosynthetic networks modulation patterns and the
      homeostasis loss. However, this kind of analysis can be a powerful tool to access
      the degree of stability of a biological system, as well as to allow greater
      understanding of the dynamics underlying the photosynthetic processes that
      maintain the identity of the systems under environmental adversities. 

PMID- 27137390
TI  - The Arabidopsis Plant Intracellular Ras-group LRR (PIRL) Family and the Value of
      Reverse Genetic Analysis for Identifying Genes that Function in Gametophyte
      Development.
AB  - Arabidopsis thaliana has proven a powerful system for developmental genetics, but
      identification of gametophytic genes with developmental mutants can be
      complicated by factors such as gametophyte-lethality, functional redundancy, or
      poor penetrance. These issues are exemplified by the Plant Intracellular Ras
      group LRR (PIRL) genes, a family of nine genes encoding a class of leucine-rich
      repeat proteins structurally related to animal and fungal LRR proteins involved
      in developmental signaling. Previous analysis of T-DNA insertion mutants showed
      that two of these genes, PIRL1 and PIRL9, have an essential function in pollen
      formation but are functionally redundant. Here, we present evidence implicating
      three more PIRLs in gametophyte development. Scanning electron microscopy
      revealed that disruption of either PIRL2 or PIRL3 results in a low frequency of
      pollen morphological abnormalities. In addition, molecular analysis of putative
      pirl6 insertion mutants indicated that knockout alleles of this gene are not
      represented in current Arabidopsis mutant populations, suggesting gametophyte
      lethality may hinder mutant recovery. Consistent with this, available microarray
      and RNA-seq data have documented strongest PIRL6 expression in developing pollen.
      Taken together, these results now implicate five PIRLs in gametophyte
      development. Systematic reverse genetic analysis of this novel LRR family has
      therefore identified gametophytically active genes that otherwise would likely be
      missed by forward genetic screens. 

PMID- 27137391
TI  - New Compounds Induce Brassinosteroid Deficient-like Phenotypes in Rice.
AB  - Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroidal plant hormones with potent plant growth
      promoting activity. Because BR-deficient mutants of rice exhibit altered plant
      architecture and important agronomic traits, we conducted a systemic search for
      specific inhibitors of BR biosynthesis to manipulate the BR levels in plant
      tissues. Although previous studies have been conducted with BR biosynthesis
      inhibitors in dicots, little is known regarding the effects of BR biosynthesis
      inhibition in monocot plants. In this work, we used potent inhibitors of BR
      biosynthesis in Arabidopsis, and we performed a hydroponic culture of rice
      seedlings to evaluate the effects of BR biosynthesis inhibition. Among the test
      compounds, we found that 1-[[2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4-(phenoxymethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2
      yl]methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole (1) is a potent inhibitor that could induce
      phenotypes in rice seedlings that were similar to those observed in
      brassinosteroid deficient plants. The IC50 value for the retardation of plant
      growth in rice seedlings was approximately 1.27 +/- 0.43 MUM. The IC50 value for
      reducing the bending angle of the lamina joint was approximately 0.55 +/- 0.15
      MUM. 

PMID- 27137389
TI  - Ensuring Reproduction at High Temperatures: The Heat Stress Response during
      Anther and Pollen Development.
AB  - Sexual reproduction in flowering plants is very sensitive to environmental
      stresses, particularly to thermal insults which frequently occur when plants grow
      in field conditions in the warm season. Although abnormalities in both male and
      female reproductive organs due to high temperatures have been described in
      several crops, the failure to set fruits has mainly been attributed to the high
      sensitivity of developing anthers and pollen grains, particularly at certain
      developmental stages. A global view of the molecular mechanisms involved in the
      response to high temperatures in the male reproductive organs will be presented
      in this review. In addition, transcriptome and proteomic data, currently
      available, will be discussed in the light of physiological and metabolic changes
      occurring during anther and pollen development. A deep understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms involved in the stress response to high temperatures in
      flowers and, particularly, in the male reproductive organs will be a major step
      towards development of effective breeding strategies for high and stable
      production in crop plants. 

PMID- 27137392
TI  - Identification of CP12 as a Novel Calcium-Binding Protein in Chloroplasts.
AB  - Calcium plays an important role in the regulation of several chloroplast
      processes. However, very little is still understood about the calcium fluxes or
      calcium-binding proteins present in plastids. Indeed, classical EF-hand
      containing calcium-binding proteins appears to be mostly absent from plastids. In
      the present study we analyzed the stroma fraction of Arabidopsis chloroplasts for
      the presence of novel calcium-binding proteins using 2D-PAGE separation followed
      by calcium overlay assay. A small acidic protein was identified by mass
      spectrometry analyses as the chloroplast protein CP12 and the ability of CP12 to
      bind calcium was confirmed with recombinant proteins. CP12 plays an important
      role in the regulation of the Calvin-Benson-Bassham Cycle participating in the
      assembly of a supramolecular complex between phosphoribulokinase and
      glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, indicating that calcium signaling could
      play a role in regulating carbon fixation. 

PMID- 27137393
TI  - Towards the Physics of Calcium Signalling in Plants.
AB  - Calcium is an abundant element with a wide variety of important roles within
      cells. Calcium ions are inter- and intra-cellular messengers that are involved in
      numerous signalling pathways. Fluctuating compartment-specific calcium ion
      concentrations can lead to localised and even plant-wide oscillations that can
      regulate downstream events. Understanding the mechanisms that give rise to these
      complex patterns that vary both in space and time can be challenging, even in
      cases for which individual components have been identified. Taking a systems
      biology approach, mathematical and computational techniques can be employed to
      produce models that recapitulate experimental observations and capture our
      current understanding of the system. Useful models make novel predictions that
      can be investigated and falsified experimentally. This review brings together
      recent work on the modelling of calcium signalling in plants, from the scale of
      ion channels through to plant-wide responses to external stimuli. Some in silico
      results that have informed later experiments are highlighted. 

PMID- 27137396
TI  - Verbesina alternifolia Tolerance to the Holoparasite Cuscuta gronovii and the
      Impact of Drought.
AB  - Holoparasites are nonphotosynthetic plants that acquire all resources from hosts.
      The holoparasite Cuscuta gronovii is native to much of the US with a broad host
      range including Verbesina alternifolia, an understory perennial. Both species
      grow in moderate to moist soils and occur in habitats that may experience
      prolonged or episodic drought. We applied the Wise-Abrahamson Limiting Resource
      Model (LRM) developed for plant-herbivore relations to examine the effects of
      pattern of drought stress on tolerance of V. alternifolia to parasitism by C.
      gronovii. Individual plants were assigned one of six treatments that were
      combinations of parasite (none or addition of parasite) and drought stress (well
      watered, continuously-stressed, or pulse-stressed). After pulse-stressed plants
      had experienced two wet-dry cycles all plants were harvested. Parasitism strongly
      reduced both shoot and root mass and well-watered hosts exhibited the greatest
      decline, indicating reduced tolerance to parasitism when water was readily
      available. This is consistent with the LRM if parasitism limits photosynthates
      available to the host. However, parasitism increased allocation to shoot and this
      effect did not differ between well-watered and drought-stressed plants,
      indicating equal tolerance. This outcome is in accord with an alternative
      prediction of the LRM if hosts are not carbon limited. Total pot productivity was
      reduced by parasitism and drought stress, and this effect was greater for pulse
      stressed than for continuously-stressed hosts. We discuss the applicability of
      the LRM for understanding the effects of drought on tolerance to parasitism. 

PMID- 27137394
TI  - Calcium Signals from the Vacuole.
AB  - The vacuole is by far the largest intracellular Ca(2+) store in most plant cells.
      Here, the current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of vacuolar Ca(2+)
      release and Ca(2+) uptake is summarized, and how different vacuolar Ca(2+)
      channels and Ca(2+) pumps may contribute to Ca(2+) signaling in plant cells is
      discussed. To provide a phylogenetic perspective, the distribution of potential
      vacuolar Ca(2+) transporters is compared for different clades of photosynthetic
      eukaryotes. There are several candidates for vacuolar Ca(2+) channels that could
      elicit cytosolic [Ca(2+)] transients. Typical second messengers, such as InsP3
      and cADPR, seem to trigger vacuolar Ca(2+) release, but the molecular mechanism
      of this Ca(2+) release still awaits elucidation. Some vacuolar Ca(2+) channels
      have been identified on a molecular level, the voltage-dependent SV/TPC1 channel,
      and recently two cyclic-nucleotide-gated cation channels. However, their function
      in Ca(2+) signaling still has to be demonstrated. Ca(2+) pumps in addition to
      establishing long-term Ca(2+) homeostasis can shape cytosolic [Ca(2+)] transients
      by limiting their amplitude and duration, and may thus affect Ca(2+) signaling. 

PMID- 27137395
TI  - Interaction between Calcium and Actin in Guard Cell and Pollen Signaling
      Networks.
AB  - Calcium (Ca(2+)) plays important roles in plant growth, development, and signal
      transduction. It is a vital nutrient for plant physical design, such as cell wall
      and membrane, and also serves as a counter-cation for biochemical, inorganic, and
      organic anions, and more particularly, its concentration change in cytosol is a
      ubiquitous second messenger in plant physiological signaling in responses to
      developmental and environmental stimuli. Actin cytoskeleton is well known for its
      importance in cellular architecture maintenance and its significance in
      cytoplasmic streaming and cell division. In plant cell system, the actin dynamics
      is a process of polymerization and de-polymerization of globular actin and
      filamentous actin and that acts as an active regulator for calcium signaling by
      controlling calcium evoked physiological responses. The elucidation of the
      interaction between calcium and actin dynamics will be helpful for further
      investigation of plant cell signaling networks at molecular level. This review
      mainly focuses on the recent advances in understanding the interaction between
      the two aforementioned signaling components in two well-established model systems
      of plant, guard cell, and pollen. 

PMID- 27137398
TI  - Decrease in Available Soil Water Storage Capacity Reduces Vitality of Young
      Understorey European Beeches (Fagus sylvatica L.)-A Case Study from the Black
      Forest, Germany.
AB  - Growth and survival of young European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is largely
      dependent on water availability. We quantified the influence of water stress
      (measured as Available Soil Water Storage Capacity or ASWSC) on vitality of young
      beech plants at a dry site. The study site was located in a semi-natural sessile
      oak (Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl.) stand adjacent to beech stands on a
      rocky gneiss outcrop in southwestern Germany. Plant vitality was measured as
      crown dieback and estimated by the percentage of dead above ground biomass. The
      magnitude of crown dieback was recorded in different vertical parts of the crown.
      Biomass was calculated from the harvested plants following allometric regression
      equations specifically developed for our study site. Stem discs from harvested
      plants were used for growth analysis. We found that soil depth up to bedrock and
      skeleton content significantly influenced ASWSC at the study site. A significant
      negative correlation between ASWSC and crown dieback was found. Highest rates of
      crown dieback were noticed in the middle and lower crown. The threshold of crown
      dieback as a function of drought stress for young beech plants was calculated for
      the first time in this study. This threshold of crown dieback was found to be 40%
      of above ground biomass. Beyond 40% crown dieback, plants eventually experienced
      complete mortality. In addition, we found that the extremely dry year of 2003
      significantly hampered growth (basal area increment) of plants in dry plots
      (ASWSC < 61 mm) in the study area. Recovery in the plants' radial growth after
      that drought year was significantly higher in less dry plots (ASWSC > 61 mm) than
      in dry plots. We concluded that a decrease in ASWSC impeded the vitality of young
      beech causing partial up to complete crown dieback in the study site. 

PMID- 27137399
TI  - The Role of Temperature in the Growth and Flowering of Geophytes.
AB  - Among several naturally occurring environmental factors, temperature is
      considered to play a predominant role in controlling proper growth and flowering
      in geophytes. Most of them require a "warm-cold-warm" sequence to complete their
      annual cycle. The temperature optima for flower meristem induction and the early
      stages of floral organogenesis vary between nine and 25  degrees C, followed, in
      the autumn, by a several-week period of lower temperature (4-9  degrees C), which
      enables stem elongation and anthesis. The absence of low temperature treatment
      leads to slow shoot growth in spring and severe flowering disorders. Numerous
      studies have shown that the effects of the temperature surrounding the
      underground organs during the autumn-winter period can lead to important
      physiological changes in plants, but the mechanism that underlies the
      relationship between cold treatment and growth is still unclear. In this mini
      review, we describe experimental data concerning the temperature requirements for
      flower initiation and development, shoot elongation, aboveground growth and
      anthesis in bulbous plants. The physiological processes that occur during autumn
      winter periods in bulbs (water status, hormonal balance, respiration,
      carbohydrate mobilization) and how these changes might provoke disorders in stem
      elongation and flowering are examined. A model describing the relationship
      between the cold requirement, auxin and gibberellin interactions and the growth
      response is proposed. 

PMID- 27137400
TI  - Responses of African Grasses in the Genus Sporobolus to Defoliation and Sodium
      Stress: Tradeoffs, Cross-Tolerance, or Independent Responses?
AB  - In the Serengeti ecosystem of East Africa, grazing ungulates prefer areas with
      elevated grass Na, suggesting that some grasses tolerate both high soil Na and
      defoliation. We performed a factorial Na-by-defoliation greenhouse study with
      five abundant Sporobolus congeners to explore whether Serengeti grasses possess
      traits which: (i) confer tolerance to both Na and defoliation (cross-tolerance);
      (ii) display a tradeoff; or (iii) act independently in their tolerances. Our
      expectation was that related grasses would exhibit cross-tolerance when
      simultaneously subjected to Na and defoliation. Instead, we found that
      physiological tolerances and growth responses to Na and defoliation did not
      correlate but instead acted independently: species characterized by intense
      grazing in the field showed no growth or photosynthetic compensation for combined
      Na and defoliation. Additionally, in all but the highest Na dosage, mortality was
      higher when species were exposed to both Na and defoliation together. Across
      species, mortality rates were greater in short-statured species which occur on
      sodic soils in heavily grazed areas. Mortality among species was positively
      correlated with specific leaf area, specific root length, and relative growth
      rate, suggesting that rapidly growing species which invest in low cost tissues
      have higher rates of mortality when exposed to multiple stressors. We speculate
      that the prevalence of these species in areas of high Na and disturbance is
      explained by alternative strategies, such as high fecundity, a wide range of
      germination conditions, or further dispersal, to compensate for the lack of
      additional tolerance mechanisms. 

PMID- 27137397
TI  - Calcium: The Missing Link in Auxin Action.
AB  - Due to their sessile lifestyles, plants need to deal with the limitations and
      stresses imposed by the changing environment. Plants cope with these by a
      remarkable developmental flexibility, which is embedded in their strategy to
      survive. Plants can adjust their size, shape and number of organs, bend according
      to gravity and light, and regenerate tissues that were damaged, utilizing a
      coordinating, intercellular signal, the plant hormone, auxin. Another versatile
      signal is the cation, Ca(2+), which is a crucial second messenger for many rapid
      cellular processes during responses to a wide range of endogenous and
      environmental signals, such as hormones, light, drought stress and others. Auxin
      is a good candidate for one of these Ca(2+)-activating signals. However, the role
      of auxin-induced Ca(2+) signaling is poorly understood. Here, we will provide an
      overview of possible developmental and physiological roles, as well as mechanisms
      underlying the interconnection of Ca(2+) and auxin signaling. 

PMID- 27137401
TI  - The Clubroot Pathogen (Plasmodiophora brassicae) Influences Auxin Signaling to
      Regulate Auxin Homeostasis in Arabidopsis.
AB  - The clubroot disease, caused by the obligate biotrophic protist Plasmodiophora
      brassicae, affects cruciferous crops worldwide. It is characterized by root
      swellings as symptoms, which are dependent on the alteration of auxin and
      cytokinin metabolism. Here, we describe that two different classes of auxin
      receptors, the TIR family and the auxin binding protein 1 (ABP1) in Arabidopsis
      thaliana are transcriptionally upregulated upon gall formation. Mutations in the
      TIR family resulted in more susceptible reactions to the root pathogen. As target
      genes for the different pathways we have investigated the transcriptional
      regulation of selected transcriptional repressors (Aux/IAA) and transcription
      factors (ARF). As the TIR pathway controls auxin homeostasis via the upregulation
      of some auxin conjugate synthetases (GH3), the expression of selected GH3 genes
      was also investigated, showing in most cases upregulation. A double gh3 mutant
      showed also slightly higher susceptibility to P. brassicae infection, while all
      tested single mutants did not show any alteration in the clubroot phenotype. As
      targets for the ABP1-induced cell elongation the effect of potassium channel
      blockers on clubroot formation was investigated. Treatment with
      tetraethylammonium (TEA) resulted in less severe clubroot symptoms. This research
      provides evidence for the involvement of two auxin signaling pathways in
      Arabidopsis needed for the establishment of the root galls by P. brassicae. 

PMID- 27137402
TI  - Experimental Measurements and Mathematical Modeling of Cytosolic Ca(2+)
      Signatures upon Elicitation by Penta-N-acetylchitopentaose Oligosaccharides in
      Nicotiana tabacum Cell Cultures.
AB  - Plants have developed sophisticated recognition systems for different kinds of
      pathogens. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) can induce various
      defense mechanisms, e.g., the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as an
      early event. Plant defense reactions are initiated by a signal transduction
      cascade involving the release of calcium ions (Ca(2+)) from both external and
      internal stores to the plant cytoplasm. This work focuses on the analysis of
      cytosolic Ca(2+) signatures, experimentally and theoretically. Cytosolic Ca(2+)
      signals were measured in Nicotiana tabacum plant cell cultures after elicitation
      with penta-N-acetylchitopentaose oligosaccharides (Ch5). In order to allow a
      mathematical simulation of the elicitor-triggered C(a2)+ release, the Li and
      Rinzel model was adapted to the situation in plants. The main features of the
      Ca2+ response, like the specific shape of the C(a2)+ transient and the dose
      response relationship, could be reproduced very well. Repeated elicitation of the
      same cell culture revealed a refractory behavior with respect to the Ca(2+)
      transients for this condition. Detailed analysis of the obtained data resulted in
      further modifications of the mathematical model, allowing a predictive simulation
      of Ch5-induced C(a2)+ transients. The promising results may contribute to a
      deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing plant defense. 

PMID- 27137403
TI  - Identification of Chimeric Repressors that Confer Salt and Osmotic Stress
      Tolerance in Arabidopsis.
AB  - We produced transgenic Arabidopsis plants that express chimeric genes for
      transcription factors converted to dominant repressors, using Chimeric REpressor
      gene-Silencing Technology (CRES-T), and evaluated the salt tolerance of each
      line. The seeds of the CRES-T lines for ADA2b, Msantd, DDF1, DREB26, AtGeBP, and
      ATHB23 exhibited higher germination rates than Wild type (WT) and developed
      rosette plants under up to 200 mM NaCl or 400 mM mannitol. WT plants did not grow
      under these conditions. In these CRES-T lines, the expression patterns of stress
      related genes such as RD29A, RD22, DREB1A, and P5CS differed from those in WT
      plants, suggesting the involvement of the six transcription factors identified
      here in the stress response pathways regulated by the products of these stress
      related genes. Our results demonstrate additional proof that CRES-T is a superior
      tool for revealing the function of transcription factors. 

PMID- 27137404
TI  - Cigarette smoke but not electronic cigarette aerosol activates a stress response
      in human coronary artery endothelial cells in culture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is generally acknowledged that e-cigarettes are unlikely to be as
      harmful as conventional cigarettes, but there is little data that quantifies
      their relative harms. We investigated the biological response to e-cigarette
      aerosol exposure (versus conventional cigarette smoke exposure) at the cellular
      level, by exposing human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) to aqueous
      filtered extracts of e-cigarette aerosol or cigarette smoke and looking at gene
      expression changes consistent with a stress response. This included genes
      controlled by the oxidant-stress sensing transcription factor NFR2 (NFE2L2), and
      cytochrome P450 family members. METHODS: Cigarette smoke extract (CSE) was
      created using mainstream smoke from a single cigarette drawn through 10ml of
      endothelial cell growth media MV2. Electronic cigarette aerosol extract (eCAE)
      was created using the same apparatus, using a constant power output of 10.8w
      (4.2V) and 18mg/ml nicotine solution. eCAE was generated using 5 cycles of 5s
      heat with at least 10s in between each puff to allow the coil to cool, air being
      drawn through the device at 70ml/minute. RESULTS: HCAEC responded to the noxious
      components in CSE, resulting in activation of NRF2 and upregulation of cytochrome
      p450. However, eCAE did not induce NRF2 nuclear localisation, upregulation of
      NRF2-activated genes, or the upregulation of cytochrome p450. CONCLUSIONS: The
      use of e-cigarettes as a substitute for conventional cigarettes is likely to
      reduce immediate tobacco-related harm, at least with respect to cardiovascular
      harms.

PMID- 27137406
TI  - Physician continuing education to reduce opioid misuse, abuse, and overdose: Many
      opportunities, few requirements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The opioid overdose epidemic in the United States is driven in large
      part by inappropriate opioid prescribing. Although most American physicians
      receive little or no training during medical school regarding evidence-based
      prescribing, substance use disorders, and pain management, some states require
      continuing medical education (CME) on these topics. We report the results of a
      systematic legal analysis of such requirements, together with recommendations for
      improved physician training. METHODS: To determine the presence and
      characteristics of CME requirements in the United States, we systematically
      collected, reviewed, and coded all laws that require such education as a
      condition of obtaining or renewing a license to practice medicine. Laws or
      regulations that mandate one-time or ongoing training in topics designed to
      reduce overdose risk were further characterized using an iterative protocol
      RESULTS: Only five states require all or nearly all physicians to obtain CME on
      topics such as pain management and controlled substance prescribing, and fewer
      than half require any physicians to obtain such training. CONCLUSIONS: While not
      a replacement for improved education in medical school and post-graduate clinical
      training, evidence-based CME can help improve provider knowledge and practice.
      Requiring physicians to obtain CME that accurately presents evidence regarding
      opioid prescribing and related topics may help reduce opioid-related morbidity
      and mortality. States and the federal government should also strongly consider
      requiring such training in medical school and residency.

PMID- 27137407
TI  - 19th European Bioenergetics Conference-Preface.

PMID- 27137405
TI  - The effects of resistance exercise on cocaine self-administration, muscle
      hypertrophy, and BDNF expression in the nucleus accumbens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercise is associated with positive outcomes in drug abusing
      populations and reduces drug self-administration in laboratory animals. To date,
      most research has focused on aerobic exercise, and other types of exercise have
      not been examined. This study examined the effects of resistance exercise
      (strength training) on cocaine self-administration and BDNF expression, a marker
      of neuronal activation regulated by aerobic exercise. METHODS: Female rats were
      assigned to either exercising or sedentary conditions. Exercising rats climbed a
      ladder wearing a weighted vest and trained six days/week. Training consisted of a
      three-set "pyramid" in which the number of repetitions and resistance varied
      across three sets: eight climbs carrying 70% body weight (BW), six climbs
      carrying 85% BW, and four climbs carrying 100% BW. Rats were implanted with
      intravenous catheters and cocaine self-administration was examined. Behavioral
      economic measures of demand intensity and demand elasticity were derived from the
      behavioral data. BDNF mRNA expression was measured via qRT-PCR in the nucleus
      accumbens following behavioral testing. RESULTS: Exercising rats self
      administered significantly less cocaine than sedentary rats. A behavioral
      economic analysis revealed that exercise increased demand elasticity for cocaine,
      reducing consumption at higher unit prices. Exercising rats had lower BDNF
      expression in the nucleus accumbens core than sedentary rats. CONCLUSIONS: These
      data indicate that resistance exercise decreases cocaine self-administration and
      reduces BDNF expression in the nucleus accumbens after a history of cocaine
      exposure. Collectively, these findings suggest that strength training reduces the
      positive reinforcing effects of cocaine and may decrease cocaine use in human
      populations.

PMID- 27137408
TI  - Inherent conformational flexibility of F1-ATPase alpha-subunit.
AB  - The core of F1-ATPase consists of three catalytic (beta) and three noncatalytic
      (alpha) subunits, forming a hexameric ring in alternating positions. A wealth of
      experimental and theoretical data has provided a detailed picture of the complex
      role played by catalytic subunits. Although major conformational changes have
      only been seen in beta-subunits, it is clear that alpha-subunits have to respond
      to these changes in order to be able to transmit information during the rotary
      mechanism. However, the conformational behavior of alpha-subunits has not been
      explored in detail. Here, we have combined unbiased molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations and calorimetrically measured thermodynamic signatures to investigate
      the conformational flexibility of isolated alpha-subunits, as a step toward
      deepening our understanding of its function inside the alpha3beta3 ring. The
      simulations indicate that the open-to-closed conformational transition of the
      alpha-subunit is essentially barrierless, which is ideal to accompany and
      transmit the movement of the catalytic subunits. Calorimetric measurements of the
      recombinant alpha-subunit from Geobacillus kaustophilus indicate that the
      isolated subunit undergoes no significant conformational changes upon nucleotide
      binding. Simulations confirm that the nucleotide-free and nucleotide-bound
      subunits show average conformations similar to that observed in the F1 crystal
      structure, but they reveal an increased conformational flexibility of the
      isolated alpha-subunit upon MgATP binding, which might explain the evolutionary
      conserved capacity of alpha-subunits to recognize nucleotides with considerable
      strength. Furthermore, we elucidate the different dependencies that alpha- and
      beta-subunits show on Mg(II) for recognizing ATP.

PMID- 27137409
TI  - Positive feedback during sulfide oxidation fine-tunes cellular affinity for
      oxygen.
AB  - Sulfide (H2S in the gas form) is the third gaseous transmitter found in mammals.
      However, in contrast to nitric oxide (NO) or carbon monoxide (CO), sulfide is
      oxidized by a sulfide quinone reductase and generates electrons that enter the
      mitochondrial respiratory chain arriving ultimately at cytochrome oxidase, where
      they combine with oxygen to generate water. In addition, sulfide is also a strong
      inhibitor of cytochrome oxidase, similar to NO, CO and cyanide. The balance
      between the electron donor and the inhibitory role of sulfide is likely
      controlled by sulfide and oxygen availability. The present study aimed to
      evaluate if and how sulfide release and oxidation impacts on the cellular
      affinity for oxygen. RESULTS: i) when sulfide delivery approaches the maximal
      sulfide oxidation rate cells become exquisitely dependent on oxygen; ii) a
      positive feedback makes the balance between sulfide-releasing and -oxidizing
      rates the relevant parameter rather than the absolute values of these rates, and;
      iii) this altered dependence on oxygen is detected with sulfide concentrations
      that remain in the low micromolar range. CONCLUSIONS: i) within the context of
      continuous release of sulfide stemming from cellular metabolism, alterations in
      the activity of the sulfide oxidation pathway fine-tunes the cell's affinity for
      oxygen, and; ii) a decrease in the expression of the sulfide oxidation pathway
      greatly enhances the cell's dependence on oxygen concentration.

PMID- 27137411
TI  - Cholesterol Rich Domains Identified in Unilamellar Supported Biomimetic Membranes
      via Nano-Viscosity Measurements.
AB  - Understanding the distribution of cholesterol in phospholipid membranes is of key
      importance in membrane biophysics, primarily since cholesterol enriched regions,
      rafts, are known to play a special role in protein function. In this work, quartz
      crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM)-based viscosity measurements were
      used to study cholesterol-induced domain formation in partially suspended single
      bilayer membranes. 1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) and its
      mixtures with different amounts of cholesterol were studied. QCM temperature
      ramping experiments identified domains of different phase transition temperatures
      in the mixed membranes. The phase transition of DMPC shifted from 23.4  degrees C
      toward lower temperatures with increasing cholesterol content. A second,
      continuous but much broader, transition peak has been observed for the DMPC:
      cholesterol mixtures suggest that a separate cholesterol rich domain coexists
      with the DMPC rich domain. Importantly, the sharp DMC phase transition peak
      gradually diminished and eventually disappeared over 15% cholesterol content,
      suggesting that the cholesterol rich domain has a definite stoichiometry and once
      this cholesterol concentration is reached the DMPC-rich domain disappears. DSC
      control experiments do not show the second domain, suggesting that the phase
      separation only happens in nontensioned (flat) membranes.

PMID- 27137410
TI  - Behavioral measures of risk tasking, sensation seeking and sensitivity to reward
      may reflect different motivations for spicy food liking and consumption.
AB  - Based on work a quarter century ago, it is widely accepted personality traits
      like sensation seeking are related to the enjoyment and intake of spicy foods;
      however, data supporting this belief is actually quite limited. Recently, we
      reported strong to moderate correlations between remembered spicy food liking and
      two personality traits measured with validated questionnaires. Here, participants
      consumed capsaicin-containing strawberry jelly to generate acute estimates of
      spicy food liking. Additionally, we used a laboratory-based behavioral measure of
      risk taking (the mobile Balloon Analogue Risk Task; mBART) to complement a range
      of validated self-report measures of risk-related personality traits. Present
      data confirm Sensation Seeking correlates with overall spicy meal liking and
      liking of the burn of a spicy meal, and extends prior findings by showing novel
      correlations with the liking of sampled stimuli. Other personality measures,
      including Sensitivity to Punishment (SP), Sensitivity to Reward (SR), and the
      Impulsivity and Risk Taking subscales of the DSM5 Personality Inventory (PID-5)
      did not show significant relationships with liking of spicy foods, either sampled
      or remembered. Our behavioral risk taking measure, the mBART, also failed to show
      a relationship with remembered or sampled liking. However, significant
      relationships were observed between reported intake of spicy foods and
      Sensitivity to Reward, and the Risk Taking subscale of the PID-5 (PID5-RT). Based
      on the observed patterns among various personality measures, and spicy food
      liking and intake, we propose that personality measures may exert their influence
      on intake of spicy food via different mechanisms. We also speculate that
      Sensation Seeking may reflect motivations for consuming spicy foods that are more
      intrinsic, while the motivations for eating spicy foods measured by SR and PID5
      RT may be more extrinsic.

PMID- 27137412
TI  - Baroreceptor reflex during forced expiratory maneuvers in individuals with
      chronic spinal cord injury.
AB  - Pulmonary and cardiovascular dysfunctions are leading causes of morbidity and
      mortality in patients with chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Impaired respiratory
      motor function and decreased Baroreflex Sensitivity (BS) are predictors for the
      development of cardiopulmonary disease. This observational case-controlled
      clinical study was undertaken to investigate if respiratory motor control
      deficits in individuals with SCI affect their ability to perform the Valsalva
      maneuver, and to determine if a sustained Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP)
      effort can serve as an acceptable maneuver for determination of the BS in the
      event that the Valsalva maneuver cannot be performed. The BS outcomes (ms/mmHg)
      were obtained using continuous beat-to-beat arterial blood pressure (BP) and
      heart rate (HR) recordings during Valsalva or MEP maneuvers in thirty nine
      individuals with chronic C3-T12 SCI. Twenty one participants (54%) reported signs
      of intolerance during the Valsalva maneuver and only 15 individuals (39%) were
      able to complete this task. Cervical level of injury was a significant risk
      factor (p=0.001) for failing to complete the Valsalva maneuver, and motor
      complete injury was a significant risk factor for symptoms of intolerance
      (p=0.04). Twenty eight participants (72%) were able to perform the MEP maneuver;
      the other 11 participants failed to exceed the standard airway pressure threshold
      of 27cm H2O. Neither level nor completeness of injury were significant risk
      factors for failure of MEP maneuver. When the required airway pressure was
      sustained, there were no significant differences between BS outcomes obtained
      during Valsalva and MEP maneuvers. The results of this study indicate that
      individuals with high-level and motor-complete SCI are at increased risk of not
      completing the Valsalva maneuver and that baroreflex-mediated responses can be
      evaluated by using sustained MEP maneuver when the Valsalva maneuver cannot be
      performed.

PMID- 27137414
TI  - [As regards structural equation models and the evaluation of fit indices].

PMID- 27137413
TI  - Respiratory motor training and neuromuscular plasticity in patients with chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease: A pilot study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of a full-scale
      investigation of the neurophysiological mechanisms of COPD-induced respiratory
      neuromuscular control deficits. Characterization of respiratory single- and multi
      muscle activation patterns using surface electromyography (sEMG) were assessed
      along with functional measures at baseline and following 21+/-2 (mean+/-SD)
      sessions of respiratory motor training (RMT) performed during a one-month period
      in four patients with GOLD stage II or III COPD. Pre-training, the individuals
      with COPD showed significantly increased (p<0.05) overall respiratory muscle
      activity and disorganized multi-muscle activation patterns in association with
      lowered spirometrical measures and decreased fast- and slow-twitch fiber activity
      as compared to healthy controls (N=4). Following RMT, functional and respiratory
      sEMG activation outcomes during quite breathing and forced expiratory efforts
      were improved suggesting that functional improvements, induced by task-specific
      RMT, are evidence respiratory neuromuscular networks re-organization.

PMID- 27137415
TI  - [Individualised care plan during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A clinical
      case].
AB  - An individualised care plan is described for a woman diagnosed with pneumonia,
      intubated, and on invasive mechanical ventilation, who was admitted to the
      Intensive Care Unit for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A nursing
      care plan was designed based on Marjory Gordon functional patterns. The most
      important nursing diagnoses were prioritised, using a model of clinical reasoning
      model (Analysis of the current status) and NANDA taxonomy. A description is
      presented on, death anxiety, impaired gas exchange, decreased cardiac output,
      dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility, risk for disuse syndrome, infection
      risk, and bleeding risk. The principal objectives were: to reduce the fear of the
      family, achieve optimal respiratory and cardiovascular status, to maintain
      gastrointestinal function, to avoid immobility complications, and to reduce the
      risk of infection and bleeding. As regards activities performed: we gave family
      support; correct management of the mechanical ventilation airway, cardio
      respiratory monitoring, skin and nutritional status; control of possible
      infections and bleeding (management of therapies, care of catheters...). A
      Likert's scale was used to evaluate the results, accomplishing all key
      performance indicators which were propose at the beginning. Individualised care
      plans with NNN taxonomy using the veno-venous ECMO have not been described. Other
      ECMO care plans have not used the same analysis model. This case can help nurses
      to take care of patients subjected to veno-venous ECMO treatment, although more
      cases are needed to standardise nursing care using NANDA taxonomy. 

PMID- 27137416
TI  - [Recurrence of pigmentation on a scar].

PMID- 27137417
TI  - Dynamic cutaneous information is sufficient for precise curvature discrimination.
AB  - Our tactual perceptual experiences occur when we interact, actively and
      passively, with environmental objects and surfaces. Previous research has
      demonstrated that active manual exploration often enhances the tactual perception
      of object shape. Nevertheless, the factors that contribute to this enhancement
      are not well understood. The present study evaluated the ability of 28 younger
      (mean age was 23.1 years) and older adults (mean age was 71.4 years) to
      discriminate curved surfaces by actively feeling objects with a single index
      finger and by passively feeling objects that moved relative to a restrained
      finger. While dynamic cutaneous stimulation was therefore present in both
      conditions, active exploratory movements only occurred in one. The results
      indicated that there was a significant and large effect of age, such that the
      older participants' thresholds were 43.8 percent higher than those of the younger
      participants. Despite the overall adverse effect of age, the pattern of results
      across the active and passive touch conditions was identical. For both age
      groups, the curvature discrimination thresholds obtained for passive touch were
      significantly lower than those that occurred during active touch. Curvature
      discrimination performance was therefore best in the current study when dynamic
      cutaneous stimulation occurred in the absence of active movement.

PMID- 27137418
TI  - Evolving treatments for advanced gastric cancer: appraisal of the survival trend.
AB  - Introduction and areas covered: We analysed the results of the main clinical
      studies looking at patients with advanced gastric or esophagogastric junction
      cancer, in order to differentiate between what is already clinical evidence and
      what is a promise for the cure of such patients. Thus, achievements from key
      studies, which had been purposely directed at chemotherapy, molecular target
      therapies and immunotherapy in both first and second-line setting were analysed.
      Metronomic chemotherapy, which consists of the administration of continuative low
      dose anticancer drugs, was considered also. Expert commentary: It was found that
      patients included in experimental arms of randomized trials compared with
      controls have often benefited from a statistically significant extension of
      overall survival. However, further studies are awaited to bring new drugs into
      clinical practice and to validate candidate biomarkers predictive of response. 

PMID- 27137419
TI  - Wishful thinking is not effective contraception: family planning, contraception,
      and safe prescribing.
AB  - Unplanned pregnancies account for approximately 50% of pregnancies in the United
      States and 40% globally. Therefore, it is good clinical practice to treat women
      of reproductive potential with the idea in mind that they may become pregnant
      during the course of treatment, regardless of their stated intentions. In
      psychiatry, most of the disorders we treat are chronic or recurrent; women are
      often on psychotropic medications during the reproductive years, and many will
      require pharmacologic treatment for psychiatric illnesses during pregnancy.

PMID- 27137420
TI  - Should women of childbearing potential be prescribed valproate? a call to action.
AB  - Prescribing medications during pregnancy can be complicated by a serious negative
      outcome-harm to the fetus. Probably the 2 best-known examples of medications that
      can cause severe teratogenicity are thalidomide and isotretinoin. Thalidomide,
      used for anxiety, insomnia, and tension, was associated with phocomelia
      (malformation of limbs that many children did not survive).

PMID- 27137421
TI  - Guideline adherence for mentally ill reproductive-aged women on treatment with
      valproic acid: a retrospective chart review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Valproic acid (VPA) use during pregnancy increases fetal risk of major
      congenital malformations and cognitive impairment. Given these risks, several
      medical societies have put forth guidelines suggesting to either limit the use of
      VPA or take certain precautions, such as making sure effective contraception
      practices and/or appropriate folic acid supplementation are in place, when
      treating reproductive-aged women. Our study aimed to review and assess adherence
      to these guidelines. METHODS: Using electronic medical record (EMR) and
      administrative claims data over a 19-month period (January 1, 2013-July 31,
      2014), a retrospective chart review was conducted of all reproductive-aged female
      patients at a major medical center in the Midwest who were prescribed VPA as
      treatment for their psychiatric illness (n = 190; aged from 15 to 49 years).
      Psychiatric diagnoses were determined via ICD-9 billing codes. We assessed 3
      variables of interest as an index of adherence to guidelines: chart documentation
      of provider-patient discussion regarding potential teratogenicity associated with
      VPA use, prescription of contraceptives, and co-prescription of folic acid.
      RESULTS: EMR documentation of provider-patient discussions regarding possible
      teratogenicity of VPA was rare (13.2%), as was documentation of contraception use
      (30%) and co-prescription of folate (7.9%). Neither patient demographic
      characteristics nor diagnoses were associated with outcomes. Among those not
      receiving treatment in the inpatient setting, patients who were seen by
      outpatient psychiatry or neurology clinics (rather than other outpatient
      settings) were more likely to have documented discussions about teratogenicity
      (23% and 30%, respectively; P = .003), and patients receiving neurologic care
      were more likely to be prescribed folate than those seen by other providers (26%,
      P = .004). Women who had contact with inpatient psychiatric services were less
      likely to be taking contraception (n = 12 [20%], P = .041). Only 22% of women
      under 34 years of age were documented as using contraception (P = .03).
      CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to standard guidelines is low even at an academic tertiary
      care center. To the extent that there is any documentation or co-prescription of
      folate, it varies by provider specialty.

PMID- 27137422
TI  - Reanalysis of efficacy of interpersonal psychotherapy for antepartum depression
      versus parenting education program: initial severity of depression as a predictor
      of treatment outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is supported by substantial
      empirical evidence as a treatment for depression. Surprisingly, our recently
      reported randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial found no significant
      difference between interpersonal psychotherapy for antepartum depression (IPT-P)
      and a parenting education program (PEP) control condition for the treatment of
      prenatal depression. Because depression severity has been found to influence
      treatment response in antidepressant treatment trials, the current study
      reassessed IPT-P outcomes, limiting analyses to women with moderate depressive
      symptoms. METHOD: For this reanalysis, 75 of the 110 study participants who met
      DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder and scored >= 16 on the 17-item
      Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) from 2005 through 2011 were classified
      as moderately depressed. Linear mixed models were used to examine the
      longitudinal treatment response on the HDRS-17, the Edinburgh Postnatal
      Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Clinical Global Impressions Improvement (CGI-I)
      and Severity (CGI-S) scales. RESULTS: Although the longitudinal analysis did not
      reveal a significant interaction of treatment group and visit (ie, treatment
      response variation), the IPT-P group had significantly lower HDRS-17 and EPDS
      depression ratings than the PEP group at week 8 (respectively, P = .008 and P =
      .046); these scores remained low but lost significance versus those for the PEP
      group at week 12 due to attrition and smaller sample size. For the CGI ratings,
      the longitudinal analysis revealed significant interaction of treatment groups
      and visits for the CGI-I (P = .021) and CGI-S (P = .005) ratings. Post hoc
      analysis showed significant illness improvement and less illness severity for the
      IPT-P group as measured by the CGI ratings at weeks 8 (P = .007 and P = .003,
      respectively) and 12 (P = .003 and P = .012, respectively), whereas the PEP group
      remained relatively unchanged during the study. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      reanalysis indicate that among women with moderate levels of depression severity,
      IPT-P is markedly more effective than PEP. The significance of baseline severity
      level in depression is important in treatment trial outcomes and considerably
      more important in determining treatment decisions for pregnant depressed women.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00251043.

PMID- 27137423
TI  - Facility-level factors associated with guideline-concordant prazosin dosing for
      Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

PMID- 27137424
TI  - Adrenergic mediation of dissociative symptoms in posttraumatic stress disorder.

PMID- 27137425
TI  - Major malformation risk, pregnancy outcomes, and neurodevelopmental outcomes
      associated with metformin use during pregnancy.
AB  - There are several reasons why metformin treatment may be considered for women in
      neuropsychiatric practice. These include prevention or attenuation of
      antipsychotic-associated weight gain, prevention or treatment of gestational
      diabetes mellitus (GDM), treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and improvement
      of conception chances and pregnancy outcomes in the presence of polycystic
      ovarian disease (PCOD). This article examines the benefits and risks associated
      with metformin use during pregnancy. The available data suggest that metformin
      exposure during the first trimester is not associated with major congenital
      malformations; that metformin reduces the risk of early pregnancy loss,
      preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and GDM in women with PCOD; that metformin is
      associated with at least comparable benefits relative to insulin treatment in
      women with mild GDM; and that neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 1.5-2.5 years
      are comparable after gestational exposure to metformin and insulin. Whereas study
      designs were not always ideal and sample sizes were mostly small to modest, the
      study findings are more encouraging than discouraging and can guide shared
      decision-making in women who are receiving or may need metformin during
      pregnancy.

PMID- 27137426
TI  - Gender differences in adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: results
      from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions
      (NESARC).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gaining insight into possible gender differences in the clinical
      presentation of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is of
      relevance in order to conduct appropriate screening and treatment interventions
      in both genders. METHOD: The analyses compared (1) prevalence and
      sociodemographic correlates, (2) frequency of ADHD core symptoms, (3) rates of
      subtypes, (4) prevalence of comorbid mental health conditions, and (5) rates of
      risky/impulsive behaviors, as well as health and social correlates, in men and
      women with ADHD in a nationally representative, US population-based sample. Face
      to-face psychiatric interviews were conducted according to DSM-IV criteria in
      34,653 adults from the US National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related
      Conditions (Wave 2, 2004-2005). RESULTS: While the prevalence of lifetime ADHD
      was significantly higher in men than in women (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.22-1.76),
      the rate of persistent ADHD did not significantly differ across genders (OR =
      1.23, 95% CI = 0.96-1.58). Compared to men with persistent ADHD, women with
      persistent ADHD, despite having lower rates of hyperactive symptoms, presented
      with similar ADHD subtypes profile and rates of risky behaviors (except for
      reckless driving), as well as with significantly more anxiety and perceived
      mental health impairment (P = .032). Results were similar when considering
      lifetime ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that, despite different symptom
      profiles and comorbidities, men and women have similar rates of current ADHD and
      of risky behaviors associated with the disorder. Women with ADHD should receive
      as much attention as their male counterparts.

PMID- 27137427
TI  - Prediction of nonremission to antidepressant therapy using diffusion tensor
      imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Over 50% of outpatients with nonpsychotic major depressive disorder
      (MDD) do not achieve remission with any single antidepressant medication (ADM).
      There are currently no clinically useful pretreatment measures that inform the
      decision to prescribe or select ADMs. This report examines whether a biomarker
      based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures of brain connectivity can
      identify a subset of nonremitting patients with a sufficiently high degree of
      specificity that use of a medication that is likely to fail could be avoided.
      METHODS: MDD outpatients recruited from community and primary-care settings
      underwent pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging as part of the international
      Study to Predict Optimized Treatment in Depression (conducted December 2008-June
      2014). DSM-IV criteria and a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17)
      score >= 16 confirmed the primary diagnosis of nonpsychotic MDD. Data from the
      first cohort of MDD patients (n = 74) were used to calculate fractional
      anisotropy measures of the stria terminalis and cingulate portion of the
      cingulate bundle (CgC). On the basis of our previous data, we hypothesized that
      nonremission might be predicted using a ratio of these 2 values. Remission was
      defined as an HDRS17 score of <= 7 following 8 weeks of open-label treatment with
      escitalopram, sertraline, or venlafaxine extended-release, randomized across
      participants. The second study cohort (n = 83) was used for replication. RESULTS:
      Thirty-four percent of all participants achieved remission. A value > 1.0 for the
      ratio of the fractional anisotropy of the stria terminalis over the CgC
      identified 38% of the nonremitting participants with an accuracy of 88% (test
      cohort; odds ratio [OR] = 9.6; 95% CI, 2.0-45.9); 24% with an accuracy of 83%
      (replication cohort; OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 0.5-6.9) and 29% with an accuracy of 86%
      (pooled data; OR = 4.0; 95% CI, 1.5-11.1). Treatment moderation analysis showed
      greater specificity for escitalopram and sertraline (chi(2) = 8.07; P = .003).
      CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this simple DTI-derived metric represents the
      first brain biomarker to reliably identify nonremitting patients in MDD. The test
      identifies a meaningful proportion of nonremitters, has high specificity, and may
      assist in managing the antidepressant treatment of depression. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00693849.

PMID- 27137428
TI  - Probability and correlates of dependence among regular users of alcohol,
      nicotine, cannabis, and cocaine: concurrent and prospective analyses of the
      National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Research on the progression from substance use to dependence typically
      relies on lifetime retrospective reports of dependence among ever users. We
      sought to evaluate probability and correlates of dependence among recent (past
      year) weekly users of alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and cocaine through cross
      sectional and prospective analyses. METHODS: Data on substance use (assessed by
      the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-IV) and
      DSM-IV psychiatric disorders were assessed in 2 waves (Wave 1, N = 43,093; Wave
      2, N = 34,653) through the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related
      Conditions. RESULTS: Conditional risk of dependence varied by frequency of
      substance use, although it was relatively stable for nicotine use. Among weekly
      past-year substance users at Wave 1, rates of dependence when rates of past-year
      dependence at Wave 1 were combined with new cases of dependence reported at Wave
      2 were 15.6% for alcohol, 25.0% for cannabis, and 67.3% for nicotine. For past
      year weekly users of cocaine at Wave 1, 49.9% met criteria for past-year
      dependence. Multiple demographic characteristics and past-year psychiatric
      disorders were correlated with past-year dependence, even among daily users. Men
      were generally more likely than women to be dependent on alcohol, cannabis, and
      cocaine, although women were more likely to be dependent on nicotine. Prospective
      analyses indicated that depressive disorders at Wave 1 predicted subsequent
      development of alcohol dependence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.19-1.65; P <
      .05). Further, 33.5% of weekly tobacco smokers who were nondependent at Wave 1
      developed dependence later on. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings highlight the
      importance of frequency of use when determining the addictiveness of substances
      and suggest that certain demographic variables and psychiatric disorders are
      associated with substance dependence even among regular substance users.

PMID- 27137429
TI  - High false-positive rate of a putative biomarker test to aid in the diagnosis of
      schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study determined the ability of a 51-analyte immunoassay
      panel to discriminate between subjects with chronic schizophrenia and healthy
      control subjects in an American population. METHODS: Serum samples were collected
      from 25 subjects with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of schizophrenia and 50 healthy
      control subjects. Blinded samples were sent to the RulesBaseMedicine (RBM)
      laboratory, which analyzed the 51 biomarkers and converted the results into the
      VeriPsych score by the application of RBM-determined decision rules and returned
      these scores to the investigators. The VeriPsych score yields a conditional
      probability ranging from strongly positive to strongly negative that the sample
      was from someone who had schizophrenia. Sensitivity and specificity were
      calculated for these data. The study was conducted between February 27, 2010, and
      August 31, 2011. RESULTS: On the basis of this test, the conditional probability
      of having schizophrenia ranged from 35% to 98% in the subjects previously
      diagnosed with schizophrenia and ranged from < 12% to 99% in the healthy control
      subjects. The sensitivity of this 51-plex biomarker was 89% in this study, while
      the specificity was 34%. CONCLUSIONS: The current study confirms that the 51-plex
      test performs as expected in individuals with chronic schizophrenia (sensitivity
      = 89%), indicating that the abnormalities in this multiple biomarker test persist
      and are not affected by the number of years this illness has been present or by
      its treatment. However, there was a high false-positive rate in healthy control
      subjects in our sample, leading to a low specificity rate of 34%. Due to the high
      false-positive rate in our normal controls, this biomarker test was not able to
      discriminate between healthy control subjects and subjects with chronic
      schizophrenia in our sample.

PMID- 27137430
TI  - N-Acetylcysteine in depressive symptoms and functionality: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of N-acetylcysteine administration for
      depressive symptoms in subjects with psychiatric conditions using a systematic
      review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: A computerized literature search was
      conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, SciELO, PsycINFO, Scopus, and
      Web of Knowledge. No year or country restrictions were used. The Boolean terms
      used for the electronic database search were (NAC OR N-acetylcysteine OR
      acetylcysteine) AND (depression OR depressive OR depressed) AND (trial). The last
      search was performed in November 2014. STUDY SELECTION: The literature was
      searched for double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials using N
      acetylcysteine for depressive symptoms regardless of the main psychiatric
      condition. Using keywords and cross-referenced bibliographies, 38 studies were
      identified and examined in depth. Of those, 33 articles were rejected because
      inclusion criteria were not met. Finally, 5 studies were included. DATA
      EXTRACTION: Data were extracted independently by 2 investigators. The primary
      outcome measure was change in depressive symptoms. Functionality, quality of
      life, and manic and anxiety symptoms were also examined. A full review and meta
      analysis were performed. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and odds ratios
      (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated. RESULTS: Five studies fulfilled our inclusion
      criteria for the meta-analysis, providing data on 574 participants, of whom 291
      were randomized to receive N-acetylcysteine and 283 to placebo. The follow-up
      varied from 12 to 24 weeks. Two studies included subjects with bipolar disorder
      and current depressive symptoms, 1 included subjects with MDD in a current
      depressive episode, and 2 included subjects with depressive symptoms in the
      context of other psychiatric conditions (1 trichotillomania and 1 heavy smoking).
      Treatment with N-acetylcysteine improved depressive symptoms as assessed by
      Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
      when compared to placebo (SMD = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.19 to 0.55; P < .001). Subjects
      receiving N-acetylcysteine had better depressive symptoms scores on the Clinical
      Global Impressions-Severity of Illness scale at follow-up than subjects on
      placebo (SMD = 0.22; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.41; P < .001). In addition, global
      functionality was better in N-acetylcysteine than in placebo conditions. There
      were no changes in quality of life. With regard to adverse events, only minor
      adverse events were associated with N-acetylcysteine (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.01 to
      2.59; P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Administration of N-acetylcysteine ameliorates
      depressive symptoms, improves functionality, and shows good tolerability.

PMID- 27137431
TI  - Anemia among schizophrenic patients: influence of clozapine and C-reactive
      protein.

PMID- 27137432
TI  - Drs Lee and Remington Reply.

PMID- 27137433
TI  - Recognizing and managing insomnia in primary care and specialty settings.
AB  - Insomnia is a common feature of both medical and psychiatric disorders. Whether
      as a symptom of an illness or as a comorbid disorder, insomnia worsens patient
      outcomes related to quality of life, functioning, workplace productivity, and
      health care expenditures. This CME webcast covers how to screen for insomnia in
      patients with both medical and mental illnesses and how to develop a
      comprehensive treatment plan. The authors also review evidence-based therapies
      for insomnia, including psychological/behavioral interventions and medications.

PMID- 27137434
TI  - Tactics to improve adherence in depressed primary care patients.
AB  - Follow the case of Mr K, a 28-year-old patient who becomes intentionally
      nonadherent to his antidepressant due to adverse effects. Mr K's symptoms at
      follow-up suggest that the clinician should consider alternative diagnoses
      besides major depressive disorder. Reassessment may require additional screening
      tools and collateral information from patients' family members or friends.
      Regardless of diagnosis, medication adherence is important. By changing the way
      that questions are phrased and spending a few extra minutes explaining
      instructions for successful treatment, clinicians may be able to improve
      adherence.

PMID- 27137435
TI  - The long-term psychiatric sequelae of severe injury: a 6-year follow-up study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The impact of mental health on disease burden associated with injury
      represents a major public health issue, yet almost no information is available on
      the associated long-term mental health outcomes. The primary aim of this study
      was to assess the psychiatric outcomes 6 years after a severe injury and their
      subsequent impact on long-term disability. The secondary aim was to investigate
      the relationship between a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and long-term
      psychiatric disorder and its impact on disability. METHODS: From April 2004 to
      February 2006, randomly selected injury patients admitted to 4 hospitals across
      Australia were assessed during hospitalization and at 72 months after trauma (N =
      592). Injury characteristics, the presence of an mTBI (ICD-9 criteria), and
      previous psychiatric history were assessed during hospitalization. Structured
      clinical interviews for psychiatric disorders (DSM-IV and DSM-5) and a self
      report measure of disability (WHODAS II) were administered at 72 months. RESULTS:
      At 72 months after a severe injury, 28% of patients met criteria for at least 1
      psychiatric disorder, with 45% of those presenting with comorbid diagnoses. The
      most prevalent psychiatric disorder was a major depressive episode (11%) followed
      by substance use disorder (9%), agoraphobia (9%), posttraumatic stress disorder
      (6%), and generalized anxiety disorder (6%). The presence of any psychiatric
      disorder was found to increase the risk for disability (P < .001, odds ratio =
      6.04). An mTBI was found to increase the risk for having some anxiety disorders
      but not to increase disability by itself. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term psychiatric
      consequences of severe injury are substantial and represent a significant
      contributor to long-term disability. This study points to an important
      intersection between injury and psychiatric disorder as a leading contributor to
      disease burden and suggests this growing burden will impose new challenges on
      health systems.

PMID- 27137436
TI  - Fibrous Dysplasia and Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw.
AB  - PURPOSE: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is an established side effect of
      intravenous bisphosphonates and other antiresorptive medications. Although
      bisphosphonates are frequently prescribed for patients with the skeletal disorder
      fibrous dysplasia (FD), there are no reports of ONJ in this population. This has
      led some to conclude that patients with FD are at low risk for the development of
      bisphosphonate-related ONJ. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were evaluated as part
      of a longstanding FD natural history study at the National Institutes of Health.
      RESULTS: Of 76 patients with FD who were treated with bisphosphonates, 4
      developed ONJ (5.4%). Three patients developed ONJ in areas of FD-affected bone
      and 1 in an area of normal bone. All 4 patients had features known to be
      associated with ONJ in the general population, including long-term high-dose
      intravenous bisphosphonate treatment, periodontal and endodontic infections, and
      dentoalveolar surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: These cases establish ONJ as a
      potential complication of bisphosphonate treatment in patients with FD. The
      presence of established risk factors for ONJ in this group of patients with FD
      suggests that high-risk patients could be identified before the development of
      ONJ. Clinicians should use caution in prescribing bisphosphonates to patients
      with FD and should do so only for established indications.

PMID- 27137437
TI  - A Novel Method of Orbital Floor Reconstruction Using Virtual Planning, 3
      Dimensional Printing, and Autologous Bone.
AB  - Fractures of the orbital floor are often a result of traffic accidents or
      interpersonal violence. To date, numerous materials and methods have been used to
      reconstruct the orbital floor. However, simple and cost-effective 3-dimensional
      (3D) printing technologies for the treatment of orbital floor fractures are still
      sought. This study describes a simple, precise, cost-effective method of treating
      orbital fractures using 3D printing technologies in combination with autologous
      bone. Enophthalmos and diplopia developed in a 64-year-old female patient with an
      orbital floor fracture. A virtual 3D model of the fracture site was generated
      from computed tomography images of the patient. The fracture was virtually closed
      using spline interpolation. Furthermore, a virtual individualized mold of the
      defect site was created, which was manufactured using an inkjet printer. The
      tangible mold was subsequently used during surgery to sculpture an individualized
      autologous orbital floor implant. Virtual reconstruction of the orbital floor and
      the resulting mold enhanced the overall accuracy and efficiency of the surgical
      procedure. The sculptured autologous orbital floor implant showed an excellent
      fit in vivo. The combination of virtual planning and 3D printing offers an
      accurate and cost-effective treatment method for orbital floor fractures. 

PMID- 27137439
TI  - Unmet needs in treating laryngo-pharyngeal reflux disease: where do we go from
      here?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Many patients experience ear, nose and throat symptoms associated
      with their gastroesophageal reflux disease. These symptoms are purportedly caused
      by reflux of gastroduodenal contents into the larynx, which leads to
      laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Various modalities are used to diagnose LPR,
      including ambulatory pH monitoring, laryngoscopy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy,
      as well as a few new emerging diagnostic tests. However, there are still no
      established diagnostic criteria or gold standard methodologies that can reliably
      distinguish LPR from other conditions. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we will
      evaluate currently available diagnostic tests and therapeutic options for
      patients with laryngeal signs and symptoms of reflux and briefly discuss the
      development and emergence of new treatments. Numerous studies have investigated
      the role of proton pump inhibitor therapy in this patient population, but have
      led to disparate and often inconsistent results. Expert commentary: While a
      subgroup of patients with LPR appears to respond to PPI therapy, many patients
      show no symptomatic improvement, particularly with respect to extraesophageal
      symptoms. As such, there is a vital need to explore alternative treatment
      options, including anti-reflux surgery, lifestyle changes, and other classes of
      medications to better address LPR.

PMID- 27137440
TI  - Kinetics of the ClO + CH3O2 reaction over the temperature range T = 250-298 K.
AB  - The kinetics of the potentially atmospherically important ClO + CH3O2 reaction
      (1) have been studied over the range T = 250-298 K at p = 760 Torr using laser
      flash photolysis radical generation, coupled with time resolved ultraviolet
      absorption spectroscopy, employing broad spectral monitoring using a charge
      coupled device detector array. ClO radicals were monitored unequivocally using
      this technique, and introduction of CH3O2 precursors ensured known initial
      methylperoxy radical concentrations. ClO temporal profiles were thereafter
      analysed to extract kinetic parameters for reaction (1). A detailed sensitivity
      analysis was also performed to examine any potential systematic variability in k1
      as a function of kinetic or physical uncertainties. The kinetic data recorded in
      this work show good agreement with the most recent previous study of this
      reaction, reported by Leather et al. The current work reports an Arrhenius
      parameterisation for k1, given by: . This work therefore concurs with that of
      Leather et al. implying that the title reaction is potentially less significant
      in the atmosphere than inferred from preceding studies. However, reaction (1) is
      evidently a non-terminating radical reaction, whose effects upon atmospheric
      composition therefore need to be ascertained through atmospheric model studies.

PMID- 27137438
TI  - Contributions of historical and contemporary geographic and environmental factors
      to phylogeographic structure in a Tertiary relict species, Emmenopterys henryi
      (Rubiaceae).
AB  - Examining how historical and contemporary geographic and environmental factors
      contribute to genetic divergence at different evolutionary scales is a central
      yet largely unexplored question in ecology and evolution. Here, we examine this
      key question by investigating how environmental and geographic factors across
      different epochs have driven genetic divergence at deeper (phylogeographic) and
      shallower (landscape genetic) evolutionary scales in the Chinese Tertiary relict
      tree Emmenopterys henryi. We found that geography played a predominant role at
      all levels - phylogeographic clades are broadly geographically structured, the
      deepest levels of divergence are associated with major geological or pre
      Quaternary climatic events, and isolation by distance (IBD) primarily explained
      population genetic structure. However, environmental factors are clearly also
      important - climatic fluctuations since the Last Interglacial (LIG) have likely
      contributed to phylogeographic structure, and the population genetic structure
      (in our AFLP dataset) was partly explained by isolation by environment (IBE),
      which may have resulted from natural selection in environments with divergent
      climates. Thus, historical and contemporary geography and historical and
      contemporary environments have all shaped patterns of genetic structure in E.
      henryi, and, in fact, changes in the landscape through time have also been
      critical factors.

PMID- 27137441
TI  - Evolution of the National Schistosomiasis Control Programmes in The People's
      Republic of China.
AB  - Schistosomiasis japonica is caused by the parasitic trematode Schistosoma
      japonicum. It is endemic in The People's Republic of China and has significant
      impact on human health and socioeconomic development in certain regions. Over the
      last six decades, the national control programmes evolved in remarkable ways and
      brought schistosomiasis japonica largely under control. We describe the history
      and evolution of schistosomiasis control in The People's Republic of China, with
      an emphasis on shifts in control strategies that evolved with new insights into
      the biology of the parasite and its intermediate hosts, and the epidemiology of
      the disease in the country. We also highlight the achievements in controlling the
      disease in different socioecological settings, and identify persisting challenges
      to fully eliminate schistosomiasis japonica from the country. To reach the goal
      of schistosomiasis elimination, further integration of interventions, multisector
      collaboration, sensitive and effective surveillance are needed to strengthen.

PMID- 27137442
TI  - Epidemiological Features and Effectiveness of Schistosomiasis Control Programme
      in Lake and Marshland Region in The People's Republic of China.
AB  - Schistosomiasis is one of neglected tropical diseases in the world. The People's
      Republic of China has made great achievements in schistosomiasis control through
      integrated interventions. Although the morbidity and mortality have been reduced
      to the lowest level in all three endemic regions, namely lake and marshland
      regions, hilly and mountainous regions and plains with waterway networks regions,
      the endemic status in lake and marshland region is still that of implementing the
      interventions in the higher endemicity areas towards elimination of
      schistosomiasis transmission. This review explores and analyses the endemic
      characteristics, control measures and its effectiveness in the course of
      schistosomiasis control programme, in order to provide more theoretical
      information and experiences for development of appropriate strategies leading to
      schistosomiasis elimination in the next stage in the country.

PMID- 27137443
TI  - Epidemiological Features and Effectiveness of Schistosomiasis Control Programme
      in Mountainous and Hilly Region of The People's Republic of China.
AB  - Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects over 200million people
      worldwide in at least 76 countries, ranking second only after malaria in terms of
      its socio-economic and public health importance in tropical and subtropical areas
      of the world. Chinese surveillance data since the mid-1950s have shown that
      endemic areas are divided into three types based on geographical, ecological and
      epidemiological factors, such as marshland and lake region, plain region with
      waterway networks and hilly and mountainous region. As confirmed by numerous
      epidemiological investigations, schistosomiasis endemic areas of the mountainous
      type are distributed in 178 counties in 11 provinces of The People's Republic of
      China. Over the past several decades great success in transmission control has
      been achieved by implementation of control strategies that were suitable for the
      mountainous and hilly endemic region.

PMID- 27137444
TI  - Epidemiological Features and Control Progress of Schistosomiasis in Waterway
      Network Region in The People's Republic of China.
AB  - Schistosomiasis was one of the most serious parasitic diseases in The People's
      Republic of China, and the endemic region was classified into three types
      according to the epidemiological characteristics and living conditions of the
      intermediate host. After more than 60years of efforts, schistosomiasis control
      programme has made great strides in waterway-network regions. We analyse the
      epidemic changes of schistosomiasis and its control progress through the
      schistosomiasis regions' documents and investigation data to evaluate the
      efficacy of the schistosomiasis control strategies in the waterway-network-type
      endemic region, which provides the basis for refinement of efforts, as well as
      summary of the Chinese schistosomiasis control experience in the waterway-network
      areas.

PMID- 27137445
TI  - The Establishment and Function of Schistosomiasis Surveillance System Towards
      Elimination in The People's Republic of China.
AB  - Schistosoma japonicum is the main schistosome species in The People's Republic of
      China, causing intestinal schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease of public
      health importance. The People's Republic of China used to be heavily endemic with
      schistosomiasis, but great progress has been made through the vigorous efforts of
      the national control programmes in the last six decades. Presently, efforts are
      geared towards eliminating schistosomiasis from The People's Republic of China by
      the end of 2025 through effective schistosomiasis surveillance, an important
      component in the drive towards schistosomiasis elimination. Therefore, this
      article explicitly outlines the development and progress made in schistosomiasis
      surveillance since 1990 with a special focus on the new surveillance system in
      use. Although the surveillance system has steadily improved over the years, it is
      faced with many challenges. Hence, more efforts are needed to establish an
      effective and sensitive evaluation system for the national schistosomiasis
      elimination programme in The People's Republic of China.

PMID- 27137446
TI  - Applications of Spatial Technology in Schistosomiasis Control Programme in The
      People's Republic of China.
AB  - Schistosomiasis, as the important parasitic disease, has caused serious threats
      to human health globally. The People's Republic of China has acquired significant
      achievements based on large-scale interventions and innovational technology. The
      spatial technology was introduced in 1980s and widely used in the study and
      control of schistosomiasis in The People's Republic of China. This chapter
      reviews the progress and application of spatial technology in schistosomiasis
      control by analysing the spatiotemporal pattern of and the impact of ecological
      changes on schistosomiasis transmission, which have provided the information to
      design and select the control strategy, and assisted the establishment of the
      monitoring and early warning system in The People's Republic of China, especially
      in the marshland and mountainous regions.

PMID- 27137447
TI  - Reaching the Surveillance-Response Stage of Schistosomiasis Control in The
      People's Republic of China: A Modelling Approach.
AB  - With the goal set to eliminate schistosomiasis nationwide by 2020, The People's
      Republic of China has initiated the surveillance-response stage to identify
      remaining sources of infection and potential pockets from where the disease could
      reemerge. Shifting the focus from classical monitoring and evaluation to rapid
      detection and immediate response, this approach requires modelling to bridge the
      surveillance and response components. We review here studies relevant to
      schistosomiasis modelling in a Chinese surveillance-response system with the
      expectation to achieve a practically useful understanding of the current
      situation and potential future study directions. We also present useful
      experience that could tentatively be applied in other endemic regions in the
      world. Modelling is discussed at length as it plays an essential role, both with
      regard to the intermediate snail host and in the definitive, mammal hosts.
      Research gaps with respect to snail infection, animal hosts and sectoral research
      cooperation are identified and examined against the prevailing background of
      ecosystem and socioeconomic changes with a focus on coexisting challenges and
      opportunities in a situation with increasing financial constraints.

PMID- 27137448
TI  - Biology and Control of Snail Intermediate Host of Schistosoma japonicum in The
      People's Republic of China.
AB  - Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum is a severe parasitic disease in
      The People's Republic of China and imposed considerable burden on human and
      domestic animal health and socioeconomic development. The significant achievement
      in schistosomiasis control has been made in last 60years. Oncomelania hupensis as
      the only intermediate host of S. japonicum plays a key role in disease
      transmission. The habitat complexity of the snails challenges to effective
      control. In this review we share the experiences in control and research of O.
      hupensis.

PMID- 27137449
TI  - Integrated Control Strategy of Schistosomiasis in The People's Republic of China:
      Projects Involving Agriculture, Water Conservancy, Forestry, Sanitation and
      Environmental Modification.
AB  - Among the three major schistosome species infecting human beings, Schistosoma
      japonicum is the only endemic species in The People's Republic of China.
      Schistosomiasis is endemic in 78 countries and regions and poses a severe threat
      to public health and socioeconomic development. Through more than 60years of hard
      work and endeavour, The People's Republic of China has made considerable
      achievements and reduced the morbidity and prevalence of this disease to the
      lowest level ever recorded, especially since the introduction of the new
      integrated control strategy in 2004. This review illustrates the strategies
      implemented by giving successful examples of schistosomiasis control from the
      different types of remaining endemic areas. The challenge to control or eliminate
      S. japonicum is analysed in order to provide useful information to policy makers
      and scientists.

PMID- 27137450
TI  - Towards the Elimination of Schistosomiasis japonica through Control of the
      Disease in Domestic Animals in The People's Republic of China: A Tale of over
      60Years.
AB  - Schistosomiasis japonica, an endemic, zoonotic tropical parasitic disease caused
      by Schistosoma japonicum, remains an important public health concern in The
      People's Republic of China. Unlike other species of Schistosoma, over 40 species
      of wild and domestic animals can act as reservoir hosts of S. japonicum, which
      increases the difficulty for the control of this tropical disease. It is widely
      recognized that domestic animals, particularly water buffaloes and cattle, play
      an important role in the transmission of S. japonicum. Hence, since the 1950s
      when The People's Republic of China commenced fight against the disease, the
      control of animal schistosomiasis has been carried out almost synchronously with
      that of human schistosomiasis, such that great strides have been made over the
      past six decades. In this chapter, we review the history and current status of
      schistosomiasis control in domestic animals in The People's Republic of China. We
      thoroughly analyse the prevalence of domestic animal schistosomiasis at different
      stages of schistosomiasis control and the role of different species of domestic
      animals in transmission of the disease, summarize the control strategies and
      assess their effectiveness. Furthermore, the challenges ahead are discussed and
      recommendations for future direction are provided.

PMID- 27137451
TI  - Health Education as an Important Component in the National Schistosomiasis
      Control Programme in The People's Republic of China.
AB  - Schistosomiasis control programme in The People's Republic of China had promoted
      the mass mobilization of health education in various forms, such as films, drama,
      traditional opera, poems, slogans, posters, exhibits. This paper is trying to
      review the impacts of those forms on different endemic settings and targeted
      populations. In the future, health education and health promotion will still be
      the effective strategy and one of the interventions in the national control
      programme for schistosomiasis and other infectious diseases, even in the pre- or
      posttransmission stages. With the social and economic development and improvement
      of people's living standard, it is necessary to establish a sustainable
      mechanism, in combination of health education with health guarantee of improving
      the quality of life, improving the production and living conditions, changing the
      unhealthy production methods and lifestyle of the residents in the endemic areas,
      in order to reach the goal of schistosomiasis elimination in The People's
      Republic of China.

PMID- 27137452
TI  - Policy Support and Resources Mobilization for the National Schistosomiasis
      Control Programme in The People's Republic of China.
AB  - Schistosomiasis remains a public health problem in many developing countries
      around the world. After the founding of The People's Republic of China, from 1949
      till date, all levels of government, from central to local, have been attaching
      great importance to schistosomiasis control in The People's Republic of China.
      With considerable policy support and resources mobilization, the national
      schistosomiasis control programmes have been implemented during the past 65years.
      Here, we summarize the successful experience of schistosomiasis control during
      the process. Recommendations for the future management of the Chinese national
      schistosomiasis elimination programme are put forward after considering the
      remaining challenges, shortcomings and lessons learnt from 65years of
      schistosomiasis control drives in The People's Republic of China. They will help
      to sustain past achievements, foster the attainment of the ultimate goal of
      schistosomiasis elimination for the country and provide reference for
      schistosomiasis control programme in other countries.

PMID- 27137453
TI  - New Anti-Schistosoma Approaches in The People's Republic of China: Development of
      Diagnostics, Vaccines and Other New Techniques Belonging to the 'Omics' Group.
AB  - A new national schistosomiasis elimination programme will be implemented for the
      period 2016-20. To support this approach, we have performed a systematic review
      to assess anti-schistosome approaches in The People's Republic of China and
      defined research priorities for the coming years. A systematic search was
      conducted for articles published from January 2000 to March 2015 in international
      journals. Totally 410 references were published in English between 2000 and 2015
      related to schistosomiasis after unrelated references and reviews or comments
      were further excluded. A set of research priorities has been identified for the
      near future that would improve the progress toward schistosomiasis elimination in
      The People's Republic of China. In particular, there is a lack of sensitive and
      specific tests for the detection of schistosomiasis cases with low parasite
      burdens, as well as an effective vaccine against schistosomiasis, and there is a
      need for surveillance tools that can evaluate the epidemic status for guiding the
      elimination strategy. Hence, we think that schistosomiasis control and
      elimination will be improved in The People's Republic of China through
      development of new tools.

PMID- 27137454
TI  - Development and Application of Diagnostics in the National Schistosomiasis
      Control Programme in The People's Republic of China.
AB  - Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection to human, has a
      documented history of more than 2100years in The People's Republic of China. In
      spite of great progress in controlling the disease, it is still one of the most
      serious parasitic diseases in the country. The study and use of diagnostic
      techniques play an important role in the targeting of chemotherapy that has been
      continuously applied in the national schistosomiasis control programme for
      several decades. This paper reviews the development and application of
      parasitological, immunodiagnostic and molecular diagnostic technology for S.
      japonicum in The People's Republic of China with a brief mention of diagnostic
      imagery, such as ultrasound and radiology. When analysing the efficacy and
      performance characteristics of the main diagnostic techniques in current use, it
      becomes apparent that approaches that worked well in the past are less suitable
      now as successful control has shifted the endemic situation towards control and
      interruption of transmission. The conclusion is that a mutable approach must be
      adopted choosing the most appropriate diagnostic technique for each control stage
      (and area), thus modifying the methodology according to the prevailing diagnostic
      needs in terms of sensitivity and specificity.

PMID- 27137455
TI  - China-Africa and China-Asia Collaboration on Schistosomiasis Control: A SWOT
      Analysis.
AB  - Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by a trematode, parasitic worm, is a worldwide
      public health problem. In spite of great progress with regard to morbidity
      control, even elimination of this infection in recent decades, there are still
      challenges to overcome in sub-Saharan Africa and endemic areas in Southeast Asia.
      Regarded as one of the most successful countries with respect to schistosomiasis
      control, The People's Republic of China has accumulated considerable experience
      and learnt important lessons in various local settings that could benefit
      schistosomiasis control in other endemic countries. Based on an analysis of
      conceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of potential
      collaborative activities with regard to schistosomiasis in Africa and Asia, this
      article addresses the importance of collaborative efforts and explores the
      priorities that would be expected to facilitate the transfer of Chinese
      experience to low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia.

PMID- 27137456
TI  - Evaluation of the Effect of Carbohydrate Intake on Postprandial Glucose in
      Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Treated With Insulin Pumps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that dietary freedom in functional insulin
      therapy may be detrimental to glycemic control in type 1 diabetes. This study
      evaluates the effect of carbohydrate intake on glycemic control and postprandial
      blood glucose concentrations. METHODS: Insulin pump data from 148 adults with
      type 1 diabetes, trained in functional insulin therapy, using pumps for >=6
      months, with >=2 weeks of consecutive downloaded data, >=80% use of a bolus
      calculator, >=3 capillary blood glucose tests/day, and a concurrent HbA1C, were
      analyzed. More detailed periprandial data (pre- and postmeal glucose,
      carbohydrate intake, insulin bolus) were collected from a subset of 105 downloads
      (3495 meals). RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) age of contributors was 43 +/- 13 years,
      HbA1C 7.84% +/- 0.93 (62.19 mmol/mol); daily carbohydrate intake 166 +/- 71 g.
      HbA1C reduced with increased meals/day (r = -.370, P < .0005) and increased with
      mean carbohydrate content/meal (r = .198, P = .043). However, total daily
      carbohydrate intake had a weak but significant negative association with HbA1C (r
      = -.181, P = .027). There was no association between standard deviation of
      carbohydrate intake and HbA1C (r = .021, P = .802) or between meal carbohydrate
      content and postprandial change in blood glucose (r = -.004, P = .939) for meals
      with early postprandial (1-3 hours; n = 390) readings. There was a weak positive
      correlation (r = .184, P = .008) between meal carbohydrate content and late (4-7
      hours; n = 390) postprandial readings. DISCUSSION: With appropriate training,
      patients using insulin pumps can accommodate a flexible diet with variable
      carbohydrate intake, without detriment to glycemic control. However, large
      carbohydrate meals may contribute to poorer outcomes, through impact on late
      postprandial glycemia.

PMID- 27137458
TI  - Low-coordinated surface atoms of CuPt alloy cocatalysts on TiO2 for enhanced
      photocatalytic conversion of CO2.
AB  - We report the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CH4 using CuPt alloy
      nanoclusters anchored on TiO2. As the size of CuPt alloy nanoclusters decreases,
      the photocatalytic activity improves significantly. Small CuPt nanoclusters
      strongly bind CO2 intermediates and have a stronger interaction with the TiO2
      support, which also contributes to an increased CH4 generation rate. The alloying
      and size effects prove to be the key to efficient CO2 reduction, highlighting a
      strategic platform for the design of photocatalysts for CO2 conversion. 

PMID- 27137457
TI  - Depressive Symptoms, Emotion Dysregulation, and Bulimic Symptoms in Youth With
      Type 1 Diabetes: Varying Interactions at Diagnosis and During Transition to
      Insulin Pump Therapy.
AB  - This study evaluated the associations between depressive symptoms, emotion
      dysregulation and bulimic symptoms in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the
      context of the diagnosis and treatment of T1D. Study participants were 103 youth
      in 2 distinct groups: newly diagnosed (New) or transitioning to pump therapy
      (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion [CSII]; "Pump"), who completed
      questionnaires regarding symptoms of depression, emotion dysregulation, and
      bulimia. Glycemic control (A1c), height, weight, and questionnaires were
      evaluated within 10 days of diagnosis (n = 58) or at education/clinic visit
      before starting insulin utilizing CSII (n = 45). In the newly diagnosed group,
      only depression accounted for significant variance in bulimia scores (beta = .47,
      P < .01). For the group with disease treatment experience (Pump), but not for the
      newly diagnosed group (New), greater depressive symptoms and emotion
      dysregulation were associated with greater bulimic symptoms. Depressive symptoms
      and emotion dysregulation, an indicator of poor coping/behavioral control, could
      help explain adoption of disordered eating behaviors in youth with T1D who are
      transitioning to pump therapy.

PMID- 27137459
TI  - Serine protease P-IIc is responsible for the digestion of yolk proteins at the
      late stage of silkworm embryogenesis.
AB  - In silkworms, yolk proteins comprise vitellin, egg-specific protein and 30K
      proteins, which are sequentially degraded by endogenous proteases strictly
      regulated during embryogenesis. Although the process has been extensively
      investigated, there is still a gap in the knowledge about the degradation of
      silkworm yolk proteins on the last two days of embryonic development. In the
      present study, we isolated and purified a gut serine protease P-IIc, which
      demonstrated optimal activity at 25  degrees C and pH 11. Semi-quantitative RT
      PCR combined with western blotting showed that P-IIc was actively expressed and
      significantly accumulated in the gut on the last two days of embryogenesis. When
      natural yolk proteins were incubated with P-IIc in vitro, vitellin and ESP were
      selectively degraded. P-IIc also demonstrated activity towards 30K proteins as
      evidenced by rapid and complete digestion of BmLP1 and partial digestion of BmLP2
      and BmLP3. Furthermore, RNAi knockdown of P-IIc in silkworm embryos significantly
      reduced the degradation rate of residual yolk proteins on embryonic day 10. Taken
      together, our results indicate that P-IIc represents an embryonic gut protease
      with a relatively broad substrate specificity, which plays an important role in
      the degradation of yolk proteins at the late stage of silkworm embryogenesis.

PMID- 27137460
TI  - Biotin decorated PLGA nanoparticles containing SN-38 designed for cancer therapy.
AB  - Active targeted chemotherapy is expected to provide more specific delivery of
      cytotoxic drugs to the tumor cells and hence reducing the side effects on healthy
      tissues. Due to the over expression of biotin receptors on cancerous cells as a
      result of further requirement for rapid proliferations, biotin can be a good
      candidate as a targeting agent. In this study, biotin decorated PLGA
      nanoparticles (NPs) containing SN-38 were prepared and in vitro studies were
      evaluated for their improved anti-cancer properties. In conclusion, biotin
      targeted PLGA NPs containing SN-38 showed preferential anticancer properties
      against tumor cells with biotin receptor over expression.

PMID- 27137461
TI  - HIV-inhibitory michellamine-type dimeric naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids from the
      Central African liana Ancistrocladus congolensis.
AB  - Five michellamine-type dimeric naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids (NIQs), named
      michellamines A2, A3, A4, B2, and B3, have been isolated from the root bark of
      the Central African liana Ancistrocladus congolensisJ. Leonard
      (Ancistrocladaceae), along with their two known parent compounds, the
      michellamines A and B, which had so far only been detected in the Cameroonian
      species Ancistrocladus korupensis. Five monomeric representatives, viz.,
      korupensamine D, ancistrobrevine B, hamatine, 5'-O-demethylhamatine, and 6-O
      methylhamatine, already known from related Ancistrocladus species, have likewise
      been identified. The structure elucidation was achieved by spectroscopic analysis
      including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and by chemical and chiroptical methods. The
      michellamines A2, A3, B3, and A4 were evaluated for their cytotoxic and anti-HIV
      activities at a concentration range of 0-100 MUM against the HIV reference strain
      IIIB/LAI in A3.01 T lymphoblast cell cultures, and their effects were compared to
      the ones displayed by the known michellamines A and B. Inhibitory activities for
      HIV replication were monitored for the michellamines A2 (IC50 = 29.6 MUM), A3
      (IC50 = 15.2 MUM), A4 (IC50 = 35.9 MUM), and B (IC50 = 20.4 MUM). The
      michellamines A and B3, by contrast, did not inhibit HIV replication. No
      cytotoxicity was observed. Furthermore, the chemotaxonomic significance of the
      previously undescribed michellamines is discussed. 

PMID- 27137462
TI  - Bilateral Trade Flows and Income Distribution Similarity.
AB  - Current models of bilateral trade neglect the effects of income distribution.
      This paper addresses the issue by accounting for non-homothetic consumer
      preferences and hence investigating the role of income distribution in the
      context of the gravity model of trade. A theoretically justified gravity model is
      estimated for disaggregated trade data (Dollar volume is used as dependent
      variable) using a sample of 104 exporters and 108 importers for 1980-2003 to
      achieve two main goals. We define and calculate new measures of income
      distribution similarity and empirically confirm that greater similarity of income
      distribution between countries implies more trade. Using distribution-based
      measures as a proxy for demand similarities in gravity models, we find consistent
      and robust support for the hypothesis that countries with more similar income
      distributions trade more with each other. The hypothesis is also confirmed at
      disaggregated level for differentiated product categories.

PMID- 27137464
TI  - Introduction.

PMID- 27137463
TI  - Dissipative Particle Dynamics Simulations for Phospholipid Membranes Based on a
      Four-To-One Coarse-Grained Mapping Scheme.
AB  - In this article, a new set of parameters compatible with the dissipative particle
      dynamics (DPD) force field is developed for phospholipids. The coarse-grained
      (CG) models of these molecules are constructed by mapping four heavy atoms and
      their attached hydrogen atoms to one bead. The beads are divided into types
      distinguished by charge type, polarizability, and hydrogen-bonding capacity.
      First, we derive the relationship between the DPD repulsive force and Flory
      Huggins chi-parameters based on this four-to-one CG mapping scheme. Then, we
      optimize the DPD force parameters for phospholipids. The feasibility of this
      model is demonstrated by simulating the structural and thermodynamic properties
      of lipid bilayer membranes, including the membrane thickness, the area per lipid,
      the lipid tail orientation, the bending rigidity, the rupture behavior, and the
      potential of mean force for lipid flip-flop.

PMID- 27137465
TI  - Transformation of the American Healthcare System: Implications for Cancer Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the key drivers of the transformation of healthcare in the
      United States and the models and roles that oncology nurses will need to develop
      to further this transformation. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed journals, books,
      professional organization reports, government and national organization reports.
      CONCLUSION: The American healthcare system is in the midst of a significant
      transformation that is driven by an evaluation of the quality and cost equations
      within the current economic models that support the delivery of healthcare. New
      models of care and new roles for healthcare providers are being developed. Some
      existing models are still evolving and could play a role in the transformation.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses are in a pivotal role to lead many of
      the transformative approaches being considered. Through individual and
      organizational collaborations, partnerships and active engagement, nurses can and
      will shape the future.

PMID- 27137466
TI  - Scientific Advances Shaping the Future Roles of Oncology Nurses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To discuss the recent scientific advances that influence current
      oncology care and explore the implications of these advances for the future of
      oncology nursing. DATA SOURCES: Current nursing, medical and basic science
      literature; Clinicaltrials.gov. CONCLUSION: The future of oncology care will be
      influenced by an aging population and increasing number of patients diagnosed
      with cancer. The advancements in molecular sequencing will lead to more clinical
      trials, targeted therapies, and treatment decisions based on the genetic makeup
      of both the patient and the tumor. Nurses must stay current with an ever changing
      array of targeted therapies and developing science. Nurses will influence cancer
      care quality, value, cost, and patient satisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING
      PRACTICE: It is critical for oncology nurses and nursing organizations to engage
      with all oncology care stakeholders in identifying the future needs of oncology
      patients and the environment in which care will be delivered. Nurses themselves
      must identify the roles that will be needed to ensure a workforce that is
      adequate in number and well trained to meet the future challenges of care
      delivery.

PMID- 27137467
TI  - Technology and the Transformation of Oncology Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review different types of technology and technological advances
      applicable to oncology care. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed studies and guidelines,
      magazine articles, books, websites, and online product-specific information.
      CONCLUSION: Technologies that have transformed oncology care include electronic
      health records, data analytics, operations-related technologies, oncology-related
      technologies, portable and wearable technologies, and emerging technologies.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Technological innovations have transformed
      health care from a paternalistic, physician-driven system to a system that
      focuses on and engages the patient.

PMID- 27137468
TI  - Transforming Oncology Care: Developing a Strategy and Measuring Success.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine accountability and performance measurement in health care
      and present a case study that illustrates the link between goal setting and
      measurement and how a strategic plan can provide a framework for metric
      selection. DATA SOURCES: National reports, literature review and institutional
      experience. CONCLUSION: Nurse leaders and clinicians in oncology settings are
      challenged to anticipate future trends in oncology care and create a culture,
      infrastructure, and practice environment that supports innovation, advancement of
      oncology nursing practice and excellence in patient- and family-centered care.
      Performance metrics assessing key processes and outcomes of care are essential to
      meet this challenge. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: With an increasing number
      of national organizations offering their version of key quality standards and
      metrics, it is critical for nurses to have a formal process in place to determine
      and implement the measures most useful in guiding change for a particular
      clinical setting.

PMID- 27137470
TI  - Patient-Provider Communication: the Rise of Patient Engagement.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the changing dynamics of patient-provider communication
      with proposals for optimizing this important relationship. DATA SOURCES: Current
      research, national programs and guidelines from the National Cancer Institute,
      the Commission on Cancer, the Institute of Medicine, and the Oncology Nursing
      Society. CONCLUSION: There are important opportunities to apply evidence-based
      strategies to optimize patient-provider communication that will result in
      improved health outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses
      across all areas of practice, including clinical care, research, and education,
      can play a significant role in achieving the goal of positive health outcomes by
      addressing challenges that inhibit effective patient-provider communication.

PMID- 27137469
TI  - Achieving a High-Quality Cancer Care Delivery System for Older Adults: Innovative
      Models of Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine innovative models and other research-based interventions
      that hold potential to assure high-quality care for the growing older adult
      population living with cancer as one of multiple chronic conditions. Evidence
      from these care delivery approaches provides a roadmap for the development of
      future care models. DATA SOURCES: Published peer-reviewed literature, policy
      analyses, and web-based resources. CONCLUSION: Available evidence suggests the
      need for models that engage patients and their family caregivers, focus on
      patient's functional capacities, emphasize palliative care, and maximize the
      contributions of all team members. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses are
      uniquely positioned to lead or play a major role in the evolution and
      implementation of care models targeting older adults with cancer, but must
      increase their knowledge and skills related to both oncology and geriatrics to
      maximize their contributions.

PMID- 27137471
TI  - Vulnerable Population Challenges in the Transformation of Cancer Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To consider current trends and future strategies that will bring
      about change in cancer care delivery for vulnerable populations. DATA SOURCES:
      Institute of Medicine reports, literature review, clinical practice observations
      and experiences. CONCLUSION: Vulnerable populations are older adults, both
      minorities and the underserved, children, and individuals at end of life. These
      groups pose unique challenges that require health system changes and innovative
      nursing models to assure access to patient-centered care in the future.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: In the future, attention to the needs of
      vulnerable populations, the growing aging cancer population and the improved
      outcomes in the pediatric and adolescent cancer population will all require new
      nursing services and models of care. System changes where nursing roles are
      critical to support the transition to earlier palliative care are projected.

PMID- 27137472
TI  - Transdisciplinary Coordination and Delivery of Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To generate ideas and explore the future possibilities of patient
      centered, transdisciplinary care delivery for individuals with cancer. DATA
      SOURCES: Journal articles, cancer-related professional resources, and web-based
      resources. CONCLUSION: As health care access increases, new strategies for
      transdisciplinary care need to evolve through education, research, and clinical
      practice. Application and utilization of palliative care models, survivorship
      plans, technological advances and other resources will be important components to
      improve quality of life and the cancer experience. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING
      PRACTICE: Oncology nurse clinicians (at all levels), educators, researchers, and
      administrators involved in inpatient and outpatient settings should lead and
      participate in changes that will drive a more robust approach to
      transdisciplinary cancer care delivery.

PMID- 27137473
TI  - Partnerships of the Future.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore how partnerships among private, nonprofit, and public
      organizations can be instrumental in addressing 21st century health care
      challenges. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed studies and guidelines, journal articles,
      books, websites, and personal communication. CONCLUSION: Given the complexity of
      the health care environment and the need to transform the system, individuals and
      organizations will need to form partnerships that result in improved quality of
      care and decreased cost. Some recent initiatives have been successful and are
      included in this article. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: In many communities
      and at the national level, there are agencies and organizations that are working
      independently, yet they have overlapping goals and the same intent. They compete
      for the same financial and human resources whether in academia, the care delivery
      sector, or non-profit associations. In the cancer care world, interprofessional
      teams are essential, yet much care is still delivered in silos. There are
      redundant patient advocacy organizations even for some of the less common
      cancers. Partnerships and collaboration will take new forms and require new skill
      sets in the future.

PMID- 27137474
TI  - Transformation of Health Care - Perspectives of Opinion Leaders.

PMID- 27137475
TI  - Prolonged cellular midostaurin retention suggests potential alternative dosing
      strategies for FLT3-ITD-positive leukemias.

PMID- 27137477
TI  - A novel assay for screening inhibitors targeting HIV-1 integrase dimerization
      based on Ni-NTA magnetic agarose beads.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 integrase (IN), which mediates integration
      of viral cDNA into the cellular chromosome, is a validated antiviral drug target.
      Three IN inhibitors, raltegravir, elvitegravir and dolutegravir, have been
      clinically approved since 2008. However, drug resistance have emerged in infected
      patients receiving treatment using these drugs which share the same mechanism of
      action and have a low genetic barrier for resistance. Therefore, there is an
      urgent need to develop drugs with novel mechanism. IN requires a precise and
      dynamic equilibrium between several oligomeric species for its activities. The
      modulation of the process which is termed as IN oligomerization, presents an
      interesting allosteric target for drug development. In this research, we
      developed a magnetic beads based approach to assay the IN dimerization. Then,
      using the assay we screened a library of 1000 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
      approved drugs for IN dimerization inhibitors and identified dexlansoprazole as a
      potential IN dimerization inhibitor. In conclusion, the assay presented here has
      been proven to be sensitive and specific for the detection of IN dimerization as
      well as for the identification of antiviral drugs targeting IN dimerization.
      Moreover, a FDA-approved proton-pump inhibitors, dexlansoprazole, was identified
      as a potential inhibitor for IN dimerization.

PMID- 27137476
TI  - RUNX1 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia are associated with distinct clinico
      pathologic and genetic features.
AB  - We evaluated the frequency, genetic architecture, clinico-pathologic features and
      prognostic impact of RUNX1 mutations in 2439 adult patients with newly-diagnosed
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML). RUNX1 mutations were found in 245 of 2439 (10%)
      patients; were almost mutually exclusive of AML with recurrent genetic
      abnormalities; and they co-occurred with a complex pattern of gene mutations,
      frequently involving mutations in epigenetic modifiers (ASXL1, IDH2, KMT2A,
      EZH2), components of the spliceosome complex (SRSF2, SF3B1) and STAG2, PHF6,
      BCOR. RUNX1 mutations were associated with older age (16-59 years: 8.5%; ?60
      years: 15.1%), male gender, more immature morphology and secondary AML evolving
      from myelodysplastic syndrome. In univariable analyses, RUNX1 mutations were
      associated with inferior event-free (EFS, P<0.0001), relapse-free (RFS, P=0.0007)
      and overall survival (OS, P<0.0001) in all patients, remaining significant when
      age was considered. In multivariable analysis, RUNX1 mutations predicted for
      inferior EFS (P=0.01). The effect of co-mutation varied by partner gene, where
      patients with the secondary genotypes RUNX1mut/ASXL1mut (OS, P=0.004),
      RUNX1mut/SRSF2mut (OS, P=0.007) and RUNX1mut/PHF6mut (OS, P=0.03) did
      significantly worse, whereas patients with the genotype RUNX1mut/IDH2mut (OS,
      P=0.04) had a better outcome. In conclusion, RUNX1-mutated AML is associated with
      a complex mutation cluster and is correlated with distinct clinico-pathologic
      features and inferior prognosis.

PMID- 27137478
TI  - Simple and Clean Photoinduced Aromatic Trifluoromethylation Reaction.
AB  - We describe a simple, metal- and oxidant-free photochemical strategy for the
      direct trifluoromethylation of unactivated arenes and heteroarenes under either
      ultraviolet or visible light irradiation. We demonstrated that photoexcited
      aliphatic ketones, such as acetone and diacetyl, can be used as promising low
      cost radical initiators to generate CF3 radicals from sodium triflinate
      efficiently. The broad utility of this strategy and its benefit to medicinal
      chemistry are demonstrated by the direct trifluoromethylation of unprotected
      bidentate chelating ligand, xanthine alkaloids, nucleosides, and related
      antiviral drug molecules.

PMID- 27137479
TI  - Facile Uptake and Release of Ammonia by Nickel Halide Ammines.
AB  - Although major difficulties are experienced for hydrogen- storage materials to
      meet performance requirements for mobile applications, alternative fuel cell
      feedstocks such as ammonia can be stored in the solid state safely at high
      capacity. We herein describe the NiX2 -NH3 (X=Cl, Br, I) systems and demonstrate
      their exceptional suitability for NH3 storage (up to 43 wt % NH3 with desorption
      that begins at 400 K). The structural effects that result from the uptake of NH3
      were studied by powder X-ray diffraction (PXD), FTIR spectroscopy and SEM. NH3
      release at elevated temperatures was followed by in situ PXD. The cycling
      capabilities and air stability of the systems were also explored. NH3 is released
      from the hexaammines in a three-step process to yield the diammine, monoammine
      and NiX2 dihalides respectively and (re)ammoniation occurs readily at room
      temperature. The hexaammines do not react with air after several hours of
      exposure.

PMID- 27137480
TI  - Reduction in the numbers of drugs administered to elderly in-patients with
      polypharmacy by a multidisciplinary review of medication using electronic medical
      records.
AB  - AIM: Polypharmacy is a major problem for elderly patients in developed countries.
      We investigated whether a multidisciplinary medication review using electronic
      medical records could reduce the number of drugs administered to elderly patients
      receiving polypharmacy. METHODS: The present study included 432 elderly patients
      (188 women, 244 men; 267 patients aged 65-74 years and 165 patients aged >=75
      years) who were admitted to and discharged from the Department of Neurology and
      Geriatrics, Gifu University Hospital, between 2004 and 2011; those who died at
      the hospital were excluded. The names, categories, and numbers of orally
      administered drugs at admission and discharge were examined retrospectively using
      electronic medical records. The histories of continuous oral immunotherapy use at
      the hospital, falls during the 2 years before hospital admission and the presence
      of fall risk factors were also evaluated. P-values <0.05 were considered
      statistically significant. RESULTS: On average 1.14 +/- 3.07 fewer types of drugs
      were given to patients at discharge than at admission in patients receiving
      polypharmacy (P < 0.001). However, the number of drugs given to patients
      undergoing continuous oral immunotherapy increased by 1.67 +/- 3.47 (P < 0.001).
      The number of drugs was reduced in 33.1% of fallers, and 36.3% of non-fallers. In
      both fallers and non-fallers, there was a reduction in drug categories associated
      with falls. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary medication review using electronic
      medical records could significantly reduce the numbers of drugs taken by elderly
      inpatients receiving polypharmacy, including drugs associated with falls, in both
      fallers and non-fallers Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 653-658.

PMID- 27137481
TI  - Effect of sevoflurane anaesthesia on hepatic blood flow in infants with
      obstructive hepatobiliary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently most studies on anaesthetic effects on hepatic blood flow
      of cirrhotic patients have been performed on adults or experimental animals. We
      performed this study to evaluate the effect of sevoflurane anaesthesia on hepatic
      blood flow in infants with obstructive jaundice by Doppler ultrasound. METHODS:
      Forty-four infants with biliary atresia (1-3 months of age) scheduled for a Kasai
      procedure were enrolled. Hepatic blood flow was calculated by Doppler ultrasound
      measurements before induction, and after inhalation of 2% and 3% sevoflurane.
      Infants were allocated to three groups according to baseline portal blood
      flow/hepatic artery blood flow: group A (portal blood flow/hepatic artery blood
      flow < 1), group B (1 <= portal blood flow/hepatic artery blood flow < 2) and
      group C (portal blood flow/hepatic artery blood flow >= 2). Changes in portal
      blood flow, hepatic artery blood flow and hepatic blood flow were compared among
      groups. RESULTS: In group A (n = 9), the median (IQR) hepatic blood flow
      increased after inhalation of 2% sevoflurane compared to that before induction
      (from 49.7 (32.0-89.0) to 116.1 (40.4-159.1) ml/min; P = 0.035). Whereas in
      groups B and C in whom the ratio of portal blood flow and hepatic artery blood
      flow was normal or mildly changed, the increases in hepatic blood flow after
      sevoflurane anaesthesia were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: For infants with
      obstructive jaundice that had reduced portal blood flow and compensatory increase
      in hepatic artery blood flow, sevoflurane may produce a protective effect on
      hepatic blood flow.

PMID- 27137482
TI  - Pd-Catalyzed Intramolecular Heck Reaction, C(sp(2))-H Activation, 1,4-Pd
      Migration, and Aminopalladation: Chemoselective Synthesis of Dihydroindeno[1,2,3
      kl]acridines and 3-Arylindoles.
AB  - Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular Heck reaction and aminopalladation of N-(2-(1
      phenylvinyl)phenyl)aniline for the efficient synthesis of dihydroindeno[1,2,3
      kl]acridines and 3-arylindoles via tuning of the phosphine ligands and solvents
      under two optimized conditions are reported. The reaction follows a 1,4-Pd
      migration, aminopalladation, C(sp(2))-H activation, as well as five- and six
      membered-ring fusion to form different products. The dihydroindeno[1,2,3
      kl]acridine derivatives showed higher triplet energy (ET) levels than common blue
      phosphorescent dopant and may serve as good host candidates for blue triplet
      emitters.

PMID- 27137484
TI  - Development of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines: A Review of Literature and
      Clinical Update.
AB  - The casual relationship concerning Human papillomaviruses (HPV) and cervical
      cancer is already established. Therefore, such HPV-associated malignancies might
      be prevented by prophylactic HPV vaccines. From 2009, two prophylactic HPV L1
      Virus-Like Particle vaccines namely, Gardasil(r); - quadrivalent (Merck) and
      CervarixTM - bivalent (GlaxoSmithKline) are widely commercially available. By Aug
      2014, 58 countries had introduced HPV vaccination in their national immunization
      program; this has led to numerous publications on safety and real world
      effectiveness. We have also seen long-term immunogenicity and efficacy data
      emerging. Data on cross-protection has also evolved. In clinical trials, it is
      observed that vaccinating adolescents results in higher immunological response
      than young adults hence to achieve best HPV vaccine efficacy it is advisable to
      immunize before the onset of sexual activity. Recently we have seen development
      of 2 dose vaccine schedule for adolescent, and emerging evidences even point that
      single dose of HPV vaccines can result in high efficacy, this observation is
      currently under consideration but if accepted will greatly impact vaccination
      coverage. In terms of safety, pregnancy registry did not find any unexpected
      patterns in fetal or maternal outcomes. This review only focuses on the efficacy
      and safety data of both Food and Drug Administration approved vaccines from
      clinical phase I to phase IV.

PMID- 27137483
TI  - Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma After Total Pancreatectomy Islet
      Autotransplantation for Chronic Pancreatitis.
AB  - Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is being used
      increasingly as a definitive treatment for chronic pancreatitis. Patients with
      chronic pancreatitis have an elevated risk of pancreatic cancer, which can also
      masquerade as acute or chronic pancreatitis, making the diagnosis challenging. We
      describe here the first case of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma developing in
      the liver of a patient after TPIAT for presumed benign chronic pancreatitis.
      Retrospective analysis of the patient's preoperative serum revealed normal
      carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen levels but elevated levels
      of microRNAs -10b, -30c, and -106b compared with controls. Screening guidelines
      are important to reduce the risk of transplantation of malignant tissue. More
      sensitive screening tools, including the potential use of microRNAs, are needed
      to detect early preclinical disease, given the highly malignant nature of
      pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 27137485
TI  - A Comparative Study of Breast Cancer Screening by Age Across 10000 Tunisian
      Women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We propose in this study to analyze the results obtained in the
      experience of Dar El Amal by comparing the two age groups 45-49 years versus over
      50 years. This experience of Dar Al Amal was started in Sfax (Tunisia) in 2004.
      The project had included women over a period of six and a half years. The target
      population was all women over the age of 45 years. RESULTS: In the period of the
      study, 10 000 women had at least one mammography within the first round in Dar El
      Amal. The average age was 51.56 years. The recall rate was more important in
      women aged 45-49 years compared with those over 50 years with a statistically
      significant relationship (p=0.013). Tests classified ACR0 and ACR3 predominated
      in women aged between 45 and 49 years with a statistically significant
      relationship. The positive predictive value (PPV) of mammography was better in
      those over 50 years (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: The majority of countries in the world
      opt for screening from the age of 50 years. Women under 50 years are not
      routinely concerned, but they have more right to a targeted and appropriate
      screening.

PMID- 27137486
TI  - Prototype of Multiplex Bead Assay for Quantification of Three Serum Biomarkers
      for In Vitro Diagnosis of Endometriosis.
AB  - Endometriosis is a very common disease, affecting 10% of women in the
      reproductive age. To date, a significant delay between onset of the symptoms and
      definitive diagnosis is caused by the lack of a reliable non-invasive diagnostic
      test. Recently, the potential value as diagnostic markers for endometriosis of
      three proteins (Zn-alpha2-glycoprotein, serum albumin, and complement C3
      precursor), has been showed. In this article, we have defined the experimental
      conditions for the development of a multiplex bead array assay for rapid and
      simultaneous quantification of these three biomarkers in the serum of patients
      with endometriosis. Finally, pivotal experiments on a small cohort of patients
      have confirmed the diagnostic value of this assay. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2622
      2627, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27137488
TI  - Interferon-beta signaling in retinal mononuclear phagocytes attenuates
      pathological neovascularization.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among
      the elderly. AMD pathogenesis involves chronic activation of the innate immune
      system including complement factors and microglia/macrophage reactivity in the
      retina. Here, we show that lack of interferon-beta signaling in the retina
      accelerates mononuclear phagocyte reactivity and promotes choroidal
      neovascularization (CNV) in the laser model of neovascular AMD Complete deletion
      of interferon-alpha/beta receptor (Ifnar) using Ifnar1(-/-) mice significantly
      enhanced early microglia and macrophage activation in lesion areas. This
      triggered subsequent vascular leakage and CNV at later stages. Similar findings
      were obtained in laser-treated Cx3cr1(Cre) (ER):Ifnar1(fl/fl) animals that
      allowed the tamoxifen-induced conditional depletion of Ifnar in resident
      mononuclear phagocytes only. Conversely, systemic IFN-beta therapy of laser
      treated wild-type animals effectively attenuated microgliosis and macrophage
      responses in the early stage of disease and significantly reduced CNV size in the
      late phase. Our results reveal a protective role of Ifnar signaling in retinal
      immune homeostasis and highlight a potential use for IFN-beta therapy in the eye
      to limit chronic inflammation and pathological angiogenesis in AMD.

PMID- 27137487
TI  - Fasting-induced liver GADD45beta restrains hepatic fatty acid uptake and improves
      metabolic health.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated that repeated short-term nutrient withdrawal
      (i.e. fasting) has pleiotropic actions to promote organismal health and
      longevity. Despite this, the molecular physiological mechanisms by which fasting
      is protective against metabolic disease are largely unknown. Here, we show that,
      metabolic control, particularly systemic and liver lipid metabolism, is
      aberrantly regulated in the fasted state in mouse models of metabolic
      dysfunction. Liver transcript assays between lean/healthy and obese/diabetic mice
      in fasted and fed states uncovered "growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible"
      GADD45beta as a dysregulated gene transcript during fasting in several models of
      metabolic dysfunction including ageing, obesity/pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes,
      in both mice and humans. Using whole-body knockout mice as well as
      liver/hepatocyte-specific gain- and loss-of-function strategies, we revealed a
      role for liver GADD45beta in the coordination of liver fatty acid uptake, through
      cytoplasmic retention of FABP1, ultimately impacting obesity-driven
      hyperglycaemia. In summary, fasting stress-induced GADD45beta represents a liver
      specific molecular event promoting adaptive metabolic function.

PMID- 27137489
TI  - Chronic miR-29 antagonism promotes favorable plaque remodeling in atherosclerotic
      mice.
AB  - Abnormal remodeling of atherosclerotic plaques can lead to rupture, acute
      myocardial infarction, and death. Enhancement of plaque extracellular matrix
      (ECM) may improve plaque morphology and stabilize lesions. Here, we demonstrate
      that chronic administration of LNA-miR-29 into an atherosclerotic mouse model
      improves indices of plaque morphology. This occurs due to upregulation of miR-29
      target genes of the ECM (col1A and col3A) resulting in reduced lesion size,
      enhanced fibrous cap thickness, and reduced necrotic zones. Sustained LNA-miR-29
      treatment did not affect circulating lipids, blood chemistry, or ECM of solid
      organs including liver, lung, kidney, spleen, or heart. Collectively, these data
      support the idea that antagonizing miR-29 may promote beneficial plaque
      remodeling as an independent approach to stabilize vulnerable atherosclerotic
      lesions.

PMID- 27137490
TI  - A brain microvasculature endothelial cell-specific viral vector with the
      potential to treat neurovascular and neurological diseases.
AB  - Gene therapy critically relies on vectors that combine high transduction
      efficiency with a high degree of target specificity and that can be administered
      through a safe intravenous route. The lack of suitable vectors, especially for
      gene therapy of brain disorders, represents a major obstacle. Therefore, we
      applied an in vivo screening system of random ligand libraries displayed on adeno
      associated viral capsids to select brain-targeted vectors for the treatment of
      neurovascular diseases. We identified a capsid variant showing an unprecedented
      degree of specificity and long-lasting transduction efficiency for brain
      microvasculature endothelial cells as the primary target of selection. A
      therapeutic vector based on this selected viral capsid was used to markedly
      attenuate the severe cerebrovascular pathology of mice with incontinentia
      pigmenti after a single intravenous injection. Furthermore, the versatility of
      this selection system will make it possible to select ligands for additional in
      vivo targets without requiring previous identification of potential target
      specific receptors.

PMID- 27137491
TI  - Inhibition of DPP4 activity in humans establishes its in vivo role in CXCL10 post
      translational modification: prospective placebo-controlled clinical studies.
AB  - Biochemical experiments, animal models, and observational studies in humans all
      support a role of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) in the N-terminal truncation of
      CXCL10, which results in the generation of an antagonist form of the chemokine
      that limits T-cell and NK cell migration. Motivated by the ability to regulate
      lymphocyte trafficking in vivo, we conducted two prospective clinical trials to
      test the effects of DPP4 inhibition on CXCL10 processing in healthy donors and in
      chronic hepatitis C patients, a disease in which DPP4 levels are found to be
      elevated. Participants were treated daily with 100 mg sitagliptin, a clinically
      approved DPP4 inhibitor. Plasma samples were analyzed using an ultrasensitive
      single-molecule assay (Simoa) to distinguish the full-length CXCL101-77 from the
      NH2-truncated CXCL103-77, as compared to the total CXCL10 levels. Sitagliptin
      treatment resulted in a significant decrease in CXCL103-77 concentration, a
      reciprocal increase in CXCL101-77, with only minimal effects on total levels of
      the chemokine. These data provide the first direct evidence that in vivo DPP4
      inhibition in humans can preserve the bioactive form of CXCL10, offering new
      therapeutic opportunities for DPP4 inhibitors.

PMID- 27137493
TI  - Ethical and legal issues in mitochondrial transfer.

PMID- 27137494
TI  - Is the global health community prepared for future pandemics? A need for
      solidarity, resources and strong governance.

PMID- 27137492
TI  - IGSF10 mutations dysregulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal migration
      resulting in delayed puberty.
AB  - Early or late pubertal onset affects up to 5% of adolescents and is associated
      with adverse health and psychosocial outcomes. Self-limited delayed puberty (DP)
      segregates predominantly in an autosomal dominant pattern, but the underlying
      genetic background is unknown. Using exome and candidate gene sequencing, we have
      identified rare mutations in IGSF10 in 6 unrelated families, which resulted in
      intracellular retention with failure in the secretion of mutant proteins. IGSF10
      mRNA was strongly expressed in embryonic nasal mesenchyme, during gonadotropin
      releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal migration to the hypothalamus. IGSF10 knockdown
      caused a reduced migration of immature GnRH neurons in vitro, and perturbed
      migration and extension of GnRH neurons in a gnrh3:EGFP zebrafish model.
      Additionally, loss-of-function mutations in IGSF10 were identified in
      hypothalamic amenorrhea patients. Our evidence strongly suggests that mutations
      in IGSF10 cause DP in humans, and points to a common genetic basis for conditions
      of functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). While dysregulation of GnRH
      neuronal migration is known to cause permanent HH, this is the first time that
      this has been demonstrated as a causal mechanism in DP?.

PMID- 27137496
TI  - Growth Inhibition by External Potassium of Escherichia coli Lacking PtsN
      (EIIANtr) Is Caused by Potassium Limitation Mediated by YcgO.
AB  - The absence of PtsN, the terminal phosphoacceptor of the phosphotransferase
      system comprising PtsP-PtsO-PtsN, in Escherichia coli confers a potassium
      sensitive (K(s)) phenotype as the external K(+) concentration ([K(+)]e) is
      increased above 5 mM. A growth-inhibitory increase in intracellular K(+) content,
      resulting from hyperactivated Trk-mediated K(+) uptake, is thought to cause this
      K(s) We provide evidence that the K(s) of the DeltaptsN mutant is associated with
      K(+) limitation. Accordingly, the moderate K(s) displayed by the DeltaptsN mutant
      was exacerbated in the absence of the Trk and Kup K(+) uptake transporters and
      was associated with reduced cellular K(+) content. Conversely, overproduction of
      multiple K(+) uptake proteins suppressed the K(s) Expression of PtsN variants
      bearing the H73A, H73D, and H73E substitutions of the phosphorylation site
      histidine of PtsN complemented the K(s) Absence of the predicted inner membrane
      protein YcgO (also called CvrA) suppressed the K(s), which was correlated with
      elevated cellular K(+) content in the DeltaptsN mutant, but the DeltaptsN
      mutation did not alter YcgO levels. Heterologous overexpression of ycgO also led
      to K(s) that was associated with reduced cellular K(+) content, exacerbated by
      the absence of Trk and Kup and alleviated by overproduction of Kup. Our findings
      are compatible with a model that postulates that K(s) in the DeltaptsN mutant
      occurs due to K(+) limitation resulting from activation of K(+) efflux mediated
      by YcgO, which may be additionally stimulated by [K(+)]e, implicating a role for
      PtsN (possibly its dephosphorylated form) as an inhibitor of YcgO activity.
      IMPORTANCE: This study examines the physiological link between the
      phosphotransferase system comprising PtsP-PtsO-PtsN and K(+) ion metabolism in E.
      coli Studies on the physiological defect that renders an E. coli mutant lacking
      PtsN to be growth inhibited by external K(+) indicate that growth impairment
      results from cellular K(+) limitation that is mediated by YcgO, a predicted inner
      membrane protein. Additional observations suggest that dephospho-PtsN may inhibit
      and external K(+) may stimulate K(+) limitation mediated by YcgO. It is
      speculated that YcgO-mediated K(+) limitation may be an output of a response to
      certain stresses, which by modulating the phosphotransfer capacity of the PtsP
      PtsO-PtsN phosphorelay leads to growth cessation and stress tolerance.

PMID- 27137497
TI  - Promoter Recognition by Extracytoplasmic Function sigma Factors: Analyzing DNA
      and Protein Interaction Motifs.
AB  - Extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors are the largest and the most
      diverse group of alternative sigma factors, but their mechanisms of transcription
      are poorly studied. This subfamily is considered to exhibit a rigid promoter
      structure and an absence of mixing and matching; both -35 and -10 elements are
      considered necessary for initiating transcription. This paradigm, however, is
      based on very limited data, which bias the analysis of diverse ECF sigma
      subgroups. Here we investigate DNA and protein recognition motifs involved in ECF
      sigma factor transcription by a computational analysis of canonical ECF subfamily
      members, much less studied ECF sigma subgroups, and the group outliers, obtained
      from recently sequenced bacteriophages. The analysis identifies an extended -10
      element in promoters for phage ECF sigma factors; a comparison with bacterial
      sigma factors points to a putative 6-amino-acid motif just C-terminal of domain
      sigma2, which is responsible for the interaction with the identified extension of
      the -10 element. Interestingly, a similar protein motif is found C-terminal of
      domain sigma2 in canonical ECF sigma factors, at a position where it is expected
      to interact with a conserved motif further upstream of the -10 element. Moreover,
      the phiEco32 ECF sigma factor lacks a recognizable -35 element and sigma4 domain,
      which we identify in a homologous phage, 7-11, indicating that the extended -10
      element can compensate for the lack of -35 element interactions. Overall, the
      results reveal greater flexibility in promoter recognition by ECF sigma factors
      than previously recognized and raise the possibility that mixing and matching
      also apply to this group, a notion that remains to be biochemically tested.
      IMPORTANCE: ECF sigma factors are the most numerous group of alternative sigma
      factors but have been little studied. Their promoter recognition mechanisms are
      obscured by the large diversity within the ECF sigma factor group and the limited
      similarity with the well-studied housekeeping sigma factors. Here we extensively
      compare bacterial and bacteriophage ECF sigma factors and their promoters in
      order to infer DNA and protein recognition motifs involved in transcription
      initiation. We predict a more flexible promoter structure than is recognized by
      the current paradigm, which assumes rigidness, and propose that ECF sigma
      promoter elements may complement (mix and match with) each other's strengths.
      These results warrant the refocusing of research efforts from the well-studied
      housekeeping sigma factors toward the physiologically highly important, but
      insufficiently understood, alternative sigma factors.

PMID- 27137495
TI  - Transcription Regulation in Archaea.
AB  - The known diversity of metabolic strategies and physiological adaptations of
      archaeal species to extreme environments is extraordinary. Accurate and
      responsive mechanisms to ensure that gene expression patterns match the needs of
      the cell necessitate regulatory strategies that control the activities and output
      of the archaeal transcription apparatus. Archaea are reliant on a single RNA
      polymerase for all transcription, and many of the known regulatory mechanisms
      employed for archaeal transcription mimic strategies also employed for eukaryotic
      and bacterial species. Novel mechanisms of transcription regulation have become
      apparent by increasingly sophisticated in vivo and in vitro investigations of
      archaeal species. This review emphasizes recent progress in understanding
      archaeal transcription regulatory mechanisms and highlights insights gained from
      studies of the influence of archaeal chromatin on transcription.

PMID- 27137498
TI  - Loss of PodJ in Agrobacterium tumefaciens Leads to Ectopic Polar Growth,
      Branching, and Reduced Cell Division.
AB  - Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a rod-shaped Gram-negative bacterium that elongates
      by unipolar addition of new cell envelope material. Approaching cell division,
      the growth pole transitions to a nongrowing old pole, and the division site
      creates new growth poles in sibling cells. The A. tumefaciens homolog of the
      Caulobacter crescentus polar organizing protein PopZ localizes specifically to
      growth poles. In contrast, the A. tumefaciens homolog of the C. crescentus polar
      organelle development protein PodJ localizes to the old pole early in the cell
      cycle and accumulates at the growth pole as the cell cycle proceeds. FtsA and
      FtsZ also localize to the growth pole for most of the cell cycle prior to Z-ring
      formation. To further characterize the function of polar localizing proteins, we
      created a deletion of A. tumefaciens podJ (podJAt). DeltapodJAt cells display
      ectopic growth poles (branching), growth poles that fail to transition to an old
      pole, and elongated cells that fail to divide. In DeltapodJAt cells, A.
      tumefaciens PopZ-green fluorescent protein (PopZAt-GFP) persists at
      nontransitioning growth poles postdivision and also localizes to ectopic growth
      poles, as expected for a growth-pole-specific factor. Even though GFP-PodJAt does
      not localize to the midcell in the wild type, deletion of podJAt impacts
      localization, stability, and function of Z-rings as assayed by localization of
      FtsA-GFP and FtsZ-GFP. Z-ring defects are further evidenced by minicell
      production. Together, these data indicate that PodJAt is a critical factor for
      polar growth and that DeltapodJAt cells display a cell division phenotype, likely
      because the growth pole cannot transition to an old pole. IMPORTANCE: How rod
      shaped prokaryotes develop and maintain shape is complicated by the fact that at
      least two distinct species-specific growth modes exist: uniform sidewall
      insertion of cell envelope material, characterized in model organisms such as
      Escherichia coli, and unipolar growth, which occurs in several
      alphaproteobacteria, including Agrobacterium tumefaciens Essential components for
      unipolar growth are largely uncharacterized, and the mechanism constraining
      growth to one pole of a wild-type cell is unknown. Here, we report that the
      deletion of a polar development gene, podJAt, results in cells exhibiting ectopic
      polar growth, including multiple growth poles and aberrant localization of cell
      division and polar growth-associated proteins. These data suggest that PodJAt is
      a critical factor in normal polar growth and impacts cell division in A.
      tumefaciens.

PMID- 27137499
TI  - Biosynthetic Genes for the Tetrodecamycin Antibiotics.
AB  - We recently described 13-deoxytetrodecamycin, a new member of the tetrodecamycin
      family of antibiotics. A defining feature of these molecules is the presence of a
      five-membered lactone called a tetronate ring. By sequencing the genome of a
      producer strain, Streptomyces sp. strain WAC04657, and searching for a gene
      previously implicated in tetronate ring formation, we identified the biosynthetic
      genes responsible for producing 13-deoxytetrodecamycin (the ted genes). Using the
      ted cluster in WAC04657 as a reference, we found related clusters in three other
      organisms: Streptomyces atroolivaceus ATCC 19725, Streptomyces globisporus NRRL B
      2293, and Streptomyces sp. strain LaPpAH-202. Comparing the four clusters allowed
      us to identify the cluster boundaries. Genetic manipulation of the cluster
      confirmed the involvement of the ted genes in 13-deoxytetrodecamycin biosynthesis
      and revealed several additional molecules produced through the ted biosynthetic
      pathway, including tetrodecamycin, dihydrotetrodecamycin, and another, W5.9, a
      novel molecule. Comparison of the bioactivities of these four molecules suggests
      that they may act through the covalent modification of their target(s).
      IMPORTANCE: The tetrodecamycins are a distinct subgroup of the tetronate family
      of secondary metabolites. Little is known about their biosynthesis or mechanisms
      of action, making them an attractive subject for investigation. In this paper we
      present the biosynthetic gene cluster for 13-deoxytetrodecamycin in Streptomyces
      sp. strain WAC04657. We identify related clusters in several other organisms and
      show that they produce related molecules.

PMID- 27137500
TI  - Coexpression of Escherichia coli obgE, Encoding the Evolutionarily Conserved Obg
      GTPase, with Ribosomal Proteins L21 and L27.
AB  - Multiple essential small GTPases are involved in the assembly of the ribosome or
      in the control of its activity. Among them, ObgE (CgtA) has been shown recently
      to act as a ribosome antiassociation factor that binds to ppGpp, a regulator
      whose best-known target is RNA polymerase. The present study was aimed at
      elucidating the expression of obgE in Escherichia coli We show that obgE is
      cotranscribed with ribosomal protein genes rplU and rpmA and with a gene of
      unknown function, yhbE We show here that about 75% of the transcripts terminate
      before obgE, because there is a transcriptional terminator between rpmA and yhbE
      As expected for ribosomal protein operons, expression was highest during
      exponential growth, decreased during entry into stationary phase, and became
      almost undetectable thereafter. Expression of the operon was derepressed in
      mutants lacking ppGpp or DksA. However, regulation by these factors appears to
      occur post-transcription initiation, since no effects of ppGpp and DksA on rplU
      promoter activity were observed in vitro IMPORTANCE: The conserved and essential
      ObgE GTPase binds to the ribosome and affects its assembly. ObgE has also been
      reported to impact chromosome segregation, cell division, resistance to DNA
      damage, and, perhaps most interestingly, persister formation and antibiotic
      tolerance. However, it is unclear whether these effects are related to its role
      in ribosome formation. Despite its importance, no studies on ObgE expression have
      been reported. We demonstrate here that obgE is expressed from an operon encoding
      two ribosomal proteins, that the operon's expression varies with the growth
      phase, and that it is dependent on the transcription regulators ppGpp and DksA.
      Our results thus demonstrate that obgE expression is coupled to ribosomal gene
      expression.

PMID- 27137501
TI  - Rapid Curtailing of the Stringent Response by Toxin-Antitoxin Module-Encoded
      mRNases.
AB  - Escherichia coli regulates its metabolism to adapt to changes in the environment,
      in particular to stressful downshifts in nutrient quality. Such shifts elicit the
      so-called stringent response, coordinated by the alarmone guanosine tetra- and
      pentaphosphate [(p)ppGpp]. On sudden amino acid (aa) starvation, RelA [(p)ppGpp
      synthetase I] activity is stimulated by binding of uncharged tRNAs to a vacant
      ribosomal site; the (p)ppGpp level increases dramatically and peaks within the
      time scale of a few minutes. The decrease of the (p)ppGpp level after the peak is
      mediated by the decreased production of mRNA by (p)ppGpp-associated
      transcriptional regulation, which reduces the vacant ribosomal A site and thus
      constitutes negative feedback to the RelA-dependent (p)ppGpp synthesis. Here we
      showed that on sudden isoleucine starvation, this peak was higher in an E. coli
      strain that lacks the 10 known mRNase-encoding toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules
      present in the wild-type (wt) strain. This observation suggested that toxins are
      part of the negative-feedback mechanism to control the (p)ppGpp level during the
      early stringent response. We built a ribosome trafficking model to evaluate the
      fold increase in RelA activity just after the onset of aa starvation. Combining
      this with a feedback model between the (p)ppGpp level and the mRNA level, we
      obtained reasonable fits to the experimental data for both strains. The analysis
      revealed that toxins are activated rapidly, within a minute after the onset of
      starvation, reducing the mRNA half-life by ~30%. IMPORTANCE: The early stringent
      response elicited by amino acid starvation is controlled by a sharp increase of
      the cellular (p)ppGpp level. Toxin-antitoxin module-encoded mRNases are activated
      by (p)ppGpp through enhanced degradation of antitoxins. The present work shows
      that this activation happens over a very short time scale and that the activated
      mRNases negatively affect the (p)ppGpp level. The proposed mathematical model of
      (p)ppGpp regulation through the mRNA level highlights the importance of several
      feedback loops in early (p)ppGpp regulation.

PMID- 27137502
TI  - Alternative Translation Initiation of a Haloarchaeal Serine Protease Transcript
      Containing Two In-Frame Start Codons.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that haloarchaea employ leaderless and Shine-Dalgarno
      (SD)-less mechanisms for translation initiation of leaderless transcripts with a
      5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of <10 nucleotides (nt) and leadered transcripts
      with a 5' UTR of >=10 nt, respectively. However, whether the two mechanisms can
      operate on the same naturally occurring haloarchaeal transcript carrying multiple
      potential start codons is unknown. In this study, the transcript of the sptA gene
      (encoding an extracellular serine protease of Natrinema sp. strain J7-2) was
      experimentally determined and found to contain two potential in-frame AUG codons
      (AUG(1) and AUG(2)) located 5 and 29 nt, respectively, downstream of the
      transcription start site. Mutational analysis revealed that both AUGs can
      function as the translation start codon for production of active SptA, although
      AUG(1) is more efficient than AUG(2) for translation initiation. Insertion of a
      stable stem-loop structure between the two AUGs completely abolished initiation
      at AUG(1) but did not affect initiation at AUG(2), indicating that AUG(2)
      initiated translation does not involve ribosome scanning from the 5' end of the
      transcript. Furthermore, the efficiency of AUG(2)-initiated translation was not
      influenced by an upstream SD-like sequence. In addition, both AUG(1) and AUG(2)
      contribute to transcript stability, probably by recruiting ribosomes to protect
      the transcript against degradation. These data suggest that depending on which of
      two in-frame start codons is used, the sptA transcript can act as either a
      leaderless or a leadered transcript for SptA production in haloarchaea.
      IMPORTANCE: In eukaryotes and bacteria, alternative translation start sites
      contribute to proteome complexity and can be used as a functional mechanism to
      increase translation efficiency. However, little is known about alternative
      translation initiation in archaea. Our results demonstrate that leaderless and SD
      less mechanisms can be used for translation initiation of the sptA transcript
      from two in-frame start codons, raising the possibility that in haloarchaea,
      alternative translation initiation on one transcript functions to increase
      translation efficiency and/or contribute to proteome complexity.

PMID- 27137503
TI  - The IntXO-PSL Recombination System Is a Key Component of the Second Maintenance
      System for Bacillus anthracis Plasmid pXO1.
AB  - We previously identified three noncontiguous regions on Bacillus anthracis
      plasmid pXO1 that comprise a system for accurate plasmid partitioning and
      maintenance. However, deletion of these regions did not decrease retention of
      certain shortened pXO1 plasmids during vegetative growth. Using two genetic tools
      developed for DNA manipulation in B. anthracis (the Cre-loxP and Flp-FRT
      systems), we found two other noncontiguous pXO1 regions that together are
      sufficient for plasmid stability. This second pXO1 maintenance system includes
      the tubZ and tubR genes, characteristic of a type III partitioning system, and
      the IntXO recombinase gene (GBAA_RS29165), encoding a tyrosine recombinase, along
      with its adjacent 37-bp perfect stem-loop (PSL) target. Insertion of either the
      tubZ and tubR genes or the IntXO-PSL system into an unstable mini-pXO1 plasmid
      did not restore plasmid stability. The need for the two components of the second
      pXO1 maintenance system follows from the sequential roles of IntXO-PSL in
      generating monomeric circular daughter pXO1 molecules (thereby presumably
      preventing dimer catastrophe) and of TubZ/TubR in partitioning the monomers
      during cell division. We show that the IntXO recombinase deletes DNA regions
      located between two PSL sites in a manner similar to the actions of the Cre-loxP
      and Flp-FRT systems. IMPORTANCE: Tyrosine recombinases catalyze cutting and
      joining reactions between short specific DNA sequences. Three types of reactions
      occur: integration and excision of DNA segments, inversion of DNA segments, and
      separation of monomeric forms from replicating circular DNA molecules. Here we
      show that the newly discovered site-specific IntXO-PSL recombinase system that
      contributes to the maintenance of the B. anthracis plasmid pXO1 can be used for
      genome engineering in a manner similar to that of the Cre-loxP or Flp-FRT system.

PMID- 27137504
TI  - Efficient Sulfide Assimilation in Methanosarcina acetivorans Is Mediated by the
      MA1715 Protein.
AB  - Conserved genes essential to sulfur assimilation and trafficking in aerobic
      organisms are missing in many methanogens, most of which inhabit highly sulfidic,
      anaerobic environmental niches. This suggests that methanogens possess distinct
      pathways for the synthesis of key metabolites and intermediates, including
      cysteine, homocysteine, and protein persulfide groups. Prior work identified a
      novel tRNA-dependent two-step pathway for cysteine biosynthesis and a new
      metabolic transformation by which sulfur is inserted into aspartate semialdehyde
      to produce homocysteine. Homocysteine biosynthesis requires two of the three
      proteins previously identified in our laboratory by a comprehensive
      bioinformatics approach. Here, we show that the third protein identified in
      silico, the ApbE-like protein COG2122, facilitates sulfide assimilation in
      Methanosarcina acetivorans Knockout strains lacking the gene encoding COG2122 are
      severely impaired for growth when sulfide is provided as the sole sulfur source.
      However, rapid growth is recovered upon supplementation with cysteine,
      homocysteine, or cystathionine, suggesting that COG2122 is required for efficient
      biosynthesis of both cysteine and homocysteine. Deletion of the gene encoding
      COG2122 does not influence the extent of sulfur modifications in tRNA or the
      prevalence of iron-sulfur clusters, indicating that the function of COG2122 could
      be limited to sulfide assimilation for cysteine and homocysteine biosynthesis
      alone. IMPORTANCE: We have found that the conserved M. acetivorans ma1715 gene,
      which encodes an ApbE-like protein, is required for optimal growth with sulfide
      as the sole sulfur source and supports both cysteine and homocysteine
      biosynthesis in vivo Together with related functional-genomics studies in
      methanogens, these findings make a key contribution to elucidating the novel
      pathways of sulfide assimilation and sulfur trafficking in anaerobic
      microorganisms that existed before the advent of oxygenic photosynthesis. The
      data suggest that the MA1715 protein is particularly important to sustaining
      robust physiological function when ambient sulfide concentrations are low.
      Phylogenetic analysis shows that MA1715 and other recently discovered methanogen
      sulfur-trafficking proteins share an evolutionary history with enzymes in the
      methanogenesis pathway. The newly characterized genes thus likely formed an
      essential part of the core metabolic machinery of the ancestral euryarchaeote.

PMID- 27137506
TI  - Significance of Human Papillomavirus Test Performance in Samples From Women With
      Histopathologically Confirmed Invasive Cervical Cancer.

PMID- 27137505
TI  - Identification, Characterization, and Application of the Replicon Region of the
      Halophilic Temperate Sphaerolipovirus SNJ1.
AB  - The temperate haloarchaeal virus SNJ1 displays lytic and lysogenic life cycles.
      During the lysogenic cycle, the virus resides in its host, Natrinema sp. strain
      J7-1, in the form of an extrachromosomal circular plasmid, pHH205. In this study,
      a 3.9-kb region containing seven predicted genes organized in two operons was
      identified as the minimal replicon of SNJ1. Only RepA, encoded by open reading
      frame 11-12 (ORF11-12), was found to be essential for replication, and its
      expression increased during the lytic cycle. Sequence analysis suggested that
      RepA is a distant homolog of HUH endonucleases, a superfamily that includes
      rolling-circle replication initiation proteins from various viruses and plasmids.
      In addition to RepA, two genetic elements located within both termini of the 3.9
      kb replicon were also required for SNJ1 replication. SNJ1 genome and SNJ1
      replicon-based shuttle vectors were present at 1 to 3 copies per chromosome.
      However, the deletion of ORF4 significantly increased the SNJ1 copy number,
      suggesting that the product of ORF4 is a negative regulator of SNJ1 abundance.
      Shuttle vectors based on the SNJ1 replicon were constructed and validated for
      stable expression of heterologous proteins, both in J7 derivatives and in
      Natrinema pallidum JCM 8980(T), suggesting their broad applicability as genetic
      tools for Natrinema species. IMPORTANCE: Archaeal viruses exhibit striking
      morphological diversity and unique gene content. In this study, the minimal
      replicon of the temperate haloarchaeal virus SNJ1 was identified. A number of
      ORFs and genetic elements controlling virus genome replication, maintenance, and
      copy number were characterized. In addition, based on the replicon, a novel
      expression shuttle vector has been constructed and validated for protein
      expression and purification in Natrinema sp. CJ7 and Natrinema pallidum JCM
      8980(T) This study not only provided mechanistic and functional insights into
      SNJ1 replication but also led to the development of useful genetic tools to
      investigate SNJ1 and other viruses infecting Natrinema species as well as their
      hosts.

PMID- 27137507
TI  - A Randomized Clinical Trial Investigating the Effect of a Healthcare Access Model
      for Individuals with Severe Psychiatric Disabilities.
AB  - We conducted a randomized trial to examine a model for integrating primary care
      into a community mental health setting. Two hundred individuals were recruited
      and randomly assigned to receive primary care delivered by a nurse practitioner
      (n = 94) or services-as-usual (n = 106), assessed on health and mental health
      outcomes, and followed for 12 months. Intent-to-Treat and exposure analyses were
      conducted and suggest that participants who engaged with the nurse practitioner
      experienced gains in perceptions of primary care quality. Health benefits accrued
      for individuals having receiving nurse practitioner services in a mental health
      setting to address primary care needs.

PMID- 27137508
TI  - Involvement and Warmth of Fathers with Mental Illness: The Role of the Caregiving
      System, Parental Self-Efficacy, Social Support and Child Characteristics.
AB  - This study compares the levels and predictors of paternal warmth and involvement
      of 69 fathers with serious mental illness (SMI) and 69 matched non-clinical (NC)
      fathers in Israel. Findings show that the NC fathers were more involved with
      their children, whereas the SMI fathers reported more warmth and perceived their
      children as less difficult. The interactions that were found in the regression
      analyses highlight the differences between the two groups. Among the SMI fathers,
      but not the NC fathers, higher paternal self-efficacy was associated with
      increased father involvement, and lower family support was associated with
      decreased warmth.

PMID- 27137509
TI  - [Die Republik gegen das Kollektiv: Zwei Geschichten von Kollaboration und
      Konkurrenz in der modernen Wissenschaft].

PMID- 27137510
TI  - " ... it's almost therapeutic, right? Because it's almost like that session that
      I never had": gay men's accounts of being a participant in HIV research.
AB  - Limited research has explored how gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with
      men describe the impact of their involvement in HIV and sexual health research.
      We enrolled 166 gay and bisexual men who tested HIV-negative at a community
      sexual health clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia, into a year-long mixed
      methods study. Thirty-three of these participants who reported recent condomless
      anal intercourse were purposively recruited into an embedded qualitative study.
      Analysis revealed rich accounts of the self-described, interrelated impacts of
      study participation: (1) pride in contribution and community involvement (e.g.,
      as a rationale for enrolment and an outcome of participation); (2) how one thinks
      about sexual behaviours and partnerships (e.g., encouraging reflection on the
      types and amount of sex they have had; in some cases the methods of quantitative
      data collection were said to have produced feelings of guilt or shame); and (3)
      experiencing research as a form of counselling (e.g., qualitative interviews were
      experienced as having a major therapeutic component to them). Our analysis
      underscores the importance of researchers being reflexive regarding how study
      participation in HIV research may impact participants, including unintended
      emotional and behavioural impacts.

PMID- 27137511
TI  - Regional anesthesia in pain management.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The study focuses on neural blocks with local anesthetics in
      postoperative and chronic pain. It is prompted by the recent publication of
      several systematic reviews and guidelines. RECENT FINDINGS: For postoperative
      pain, the current evidence supports infusions of local anesthetics at the
      surgical site, continuous peripheral nerve blocks, and neuraxial analgesia for
      major thoracic and abdominal procedures. Ultrasound guidance can improve the
      performance of the blocks and different patient outcomes, although the incidence
      of peripheral nerve damage is not decreased. For chronic pain, the best available
      evidence is on nerve blocks for the diagnosis of facet joint pain. Further
      research is needed to validate diagnostic nerve blocks for other indications.
      Therapeutic blocks with only local anesthetics (greater occipital nerve and
      sphenopalatine ganglion) are effective in headache. A possible mechanism is
      modulation of central nociceptive pathways. Therapeutic nerve blocks for other
      indications are mostly supported by retrospective studies and case series.
      SUMMARY: Recent literature strongly supports the use of regional anesthesia for
      postoperative pain, whereby infusions at peripheral nerves and surgical site are
      gaining increasing importance. Local anesthetic blocks are valid for the
      diagnosis of facet joint pain and effective in treating headache. There is a need
      for further research in diagnostic and therapeutic blocks for chronic pain.

PMID- 27137512
TI  - A portable smart phone-based plasmonic nanosensor readout platform that measures
      transmitted light intensities of nanosubstrates using an ambient light sensor.
AB  - Plasmonic nanosensors may be used as tools for diagnostic testing in the field of
      medicine. However, quantification of plasmonic nanosensors often requires complex
      and bulky readout instruments. Here, we report the development of a portable
      smart phone-based plasmonic nanosensor readout platform (PNRP) for accurate
      quantification of plasmonic nanosensors. This device operates by transmitting
      excitation light from a LED through a nanosubstrate and measuring the intensity
      of the transmitted light using the ambient light sensor of a smart phone. The
      device is a cylinder with a diameter of 14 mm, a length of 38 mm, and a gross
      weight of 3.5 g. We demonstrated the utility of this smart phone-based PNRP by
      measuring two well-established plasmonic nanosensors with this system. In the
      first experiment, the device measured the morphology changes of triangular silver
      nanoprisms (AgNPRs) in an immunoassay for the detection of carcinoembryonic
      antigen (CEA). In the second experiment, the device measured the aggregation of
      gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in an aptamer-based assay for the detection of
      adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The results from the smart phone-based PNRP were
      consistent with those from commercial spectrophotometers, demonstrating that the
      smart phone-based PNRP enables accurate quantification of plasmonic nanosensors.

PMID- 27137513
TI  - Comparative Raman study of transparent and turbid materials: models and
      experiments in the remote sensing mode.
AB  - The influence of turbidity on the Raman signal strengths of condensed matter is
      theoretically analyzed and measured with laboratory - scale equipment for remote
      sensing. The results show the quantitative dependence of back- and forward
      scattered signals on the thickness and elastic-scattering properties of matter.
      In the extreme situation of thin, highly turbid layers, the measured Raman signal
      strengths exceed their transparent analogs by more than a factor of ten. The
      opposite behavior is found for thick layers of low turbidity, where the presence
      of a small amount of scatterers leads to a decrease of the measured signal. The
      wide range of turbidities appearing in nature is experimentally realized with
      stacked polymer layers and solid/liquid dispersions, and theoretically modeled by
      the equation of radiative transfer using the analytical diffusion approximation
      or random walk simulations. Graphical abstract Spatial Raman emission profiles in
      transparent and turbid materials.

PMID- 27137514
TI  - Optimization and comparison of bottom-up proteomic sample preparation for early
      stage Xenopus laevis embryos.
AB  - Xenopus laevis is an important model organism in developmental biology. While
      there is a large literature on changes in the organism's transcriptome during
      development, the study of its proteome is at an embryonic state. Several papers
      have been published recently that characterize the proteome of X. laevis eggs and
      early-stage embryos; however, proteomic sample preparation optimizations have not
      been reported. Sample preparation is challenging because a large fraction (~90 %
      by weight) of the egg or early-stage embryo is yolk. We compared three common
      protein extraction buffer systems, mammalian Cell-PE LB(TM) lysing buffer (NP40),
      sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and 8 M urea, in terms of protein extraction
      efficiency and protein identifications. SDS extracts contained the highest
      concentration of proteins, but this extract was dominated by a high concentration
      of yolk proteins. In contrast, NP40 extracts contained ~30 % of the protein
      concentration as SDS extracts, but excelled in discriminating against yolk
      proteins, which resulted in more protein and peptide identifications. We then
      compared digestion methods using both SDS and NP40 extraction methods with one
      dimensional reverse-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (RPLC
      MS/MS). NP40 coupled to a filter-aided sample preparation (FASP) procedure
      produced nearly twice the number of protein and peptide identifications compared
      to alternatives. When NP40-FASP samples were subjected to two-dimensional RPLC
      ESI-MS/MS, a total of 5171 proteins and 38,885 peptides were identified from a
      single stage of embryos (stage 2), increasing the number of protein
      identifications by 23 % in comparison to other traditional protein extraction
      methods. 

PMID- 27137515
TI  - N-Glycan profile analysis of transferrin using a microfluidic compact disc and
      MALDI-MS.
AB  - It has been known for a long time that diseases can be associated with changes to
      the glycosylation of specific proteins. This has been shown for cancer,
      immunological disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. The possibility of using
      the glycosylation patterns of proteins as biomarkers for disease would be a great
      asset for clinical research or diagnosis. There is at present a lack of rapid,
      automated, and cost-efficient analytical techniques for the determination of the
      glycosylation of specific serum proteins. We have developed a method for
      determining the glycosylation pattern of proteins based on the affinity capture
      of a specific serum protein, the enzymatic release of the N-linked glycans, and
      the analysis of the glycan pattern using MALDI-MS. All sample preparation is
      performed in a disposable centrifugal microfluidic disc. The sample preparation
      is miniaturized, requiring only 1 MUL of sample per determination, and automated
      with the possibility of processing 54 samples in parallel in 3.5 h. We have
      developed a method for the glycosylation pattern analysis of transferrin. The
      method has been tested on serum samples from chronic alcohol abusers and a
      control group. Also, a SIMCA model was created and evaluated to discriminate
      between the two groups. 

PMID- 27137516
TI  - Evaluation of nitrate effects in the photodegradability of cyprodinil. Kinetics
      study and transformation products elucidation.
AB  - The effects of nitrate in the kinetics and the transformation routes of the
      fungicide cyprodinil (CYP) were investigated using aqueous solutions, ultrapure
      water and river water samples, spiked with the precursor compound and containing
      different levels of nitrate. Samples were exposed either to 254 nm radiation or
      to solar light, depending on the experiment. Time course of CYP and formation of
      transformation products (TPs) were simultaneously assessed by direct injection of
      different irradiation time aliquots in a liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of
      flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) system. Empirical formulae and structures
      of TPs were inferred from their accurate MS and MS/MS scan spectra, respectively.
      Under all investigated situations, nitrate anions enhanced the degradability of
      CYP with a noticeable reduction of its half-life (t 1/2). TPs arising from
      aqueous photodegradation of CYP were formed through three different routes: (1)
      hydroxylation of the benzenic ring; (2) hydroxylation of the pyrimidine cycle,
      followed by ring opening and further dealkylation; and (3) nitration of the
      benzenic ring. The latter group of TPs display higher estimated acute toxicities
      than CYP and remained stable for long irradiation times. Graphical Abstract
      Photonitration of cyprodinil. 

PMID- 27137518
TI  - Immobilized rolling circle amplification on extended-gate field-effect
      transistors with integrated readout circuits for early detection of platelet
      derived growth factor.
AB  - Detection of tumor-related proteins with high specificity and sensitivity is
      important for early diagnosis and prognosis of cancers. While protein sensors
      based on antibodies are not easy to keep for a long time, aptamers (single
      stranded DNA) are found to be a good alternative for recognizing tumor-related
      protein specifically. This study investigates the feasibility of employing
      aptamers to recognize the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) specifically and
      subsequently triggering rolling circle amplification (RCA) of DNAs on extended
      gate field-effect transistors (EGFETs) to enhance the sensitivity. The EGFETs are
      fabricated by the standard CMOS technology and integrated with readout circuits
      monolithically. The monolithic integration not only avoids the wiring complexity
      for a large sensor array but also enhances the sensor reliability and facilitates
      massive production for commercialization. With the RCA primers immobilized on the
      sensory surface, the protein signal is amplified as the elongation of DNA,
      allowing the EGFET to achieve a sensitivity of 8.8 pM, more than three orders
      better than that achieved by conventional EGFETs. Moreover, the responses of
      EGFETs are able to indicate quantitatively the reaction rates of RCA,
      facilitating the estimation on the protein concentration. Our experimental
      results demonstrate that immobilized RCA on EGFETs is a useful, label-free method
      for early diagnosis of diseases related to low-concentrated tumor makers (e.g.,
      PDGF) for serum sample, as well as for monitoring the synthesis of various DNA
      nanostructures in real time. Graphical Abstract The tumor-related protein, PDGF,
      is detected by immobilizing rolling circle amplification on an EGFET with
      integrated readout circuit. 

PMID- 27137517
TI  - Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of smokeless gunpowders and
      macroscopic gunshot residues.
AB  - Gunshot residues (GSR) result from the discharge of a firearm being a potential
      piece of evidence in criminal investigations. The macroscopic GSR particles are
      basically formed by burned and non-burned gunpowder. Motivated by the demand of
      trace analysis of these samples, in this paper, the use of surface-enhanced Raman
      scattering (SERS) was evaluated for the analysis of gunpowders and macroscopic
      GSR particles. Twenty-one different smokeless gunpowders were extracted with
      ethanol. SERS spectra were obtained from the diluted extracts using gold
      nanoaggregates and an excitation wavelength of 633 nm. They show mainly bands
      that could be assigned to the stabilizers diphenylamine and ethylcentralite
      present in the gunpowders. Then, macroscopic GSR particles obtained after firing
      two different ammunition cartridges on clothing were also measured using the same
      procedure. SERS allowed the detection of the particles collected with an aluminum
      stub from cloth targets without interferences from the adhesive carbon. The
      results demonstrate the great potential of SERS for the analysis of macroscopic
      GSR particles. Furthermore, they indicate that the grain-to-grain inhomogeneity
      of the gunpowders needs to be considered. Graphical Abstract SERS allows the
      detection of GSR particles collected with adhesive stubs from cloth targets using
      gold nanoaggregates and an excitation wavelength of 633 nm. 

PMID- 27137519
TI  - Simultaneous analysis of 45 pharmaceuticals and personal care products in sludge
      by matrix solid-phase dispersion and liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are a class of emerging
      contaminants widely distributed in the wastewater treatment system. The
      simultaneous analysis of multiple PPCPs in the sludge, which is a complex matrix,
      is still not fully studied. In this study, a procedure based on matrix solid
      phase dispersion (MSPD) for the extraction of PPCPs from the sludge with
      determination by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was
      investigated. Forty-five PPCPs, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, antidepressants, antimicrobial agents,
      preservatives, UV filters, and so on, were studied. MSPD parameters, including
      the sorbent materials, the ratio of sample to sorbent, the eluent composition,
      and the elution volumes, were sequentially optimized. Best results were achieved
      by 0.1 g of sludge homogenized with 0.4 g of C18-bonded silica sorbent and
      elution by 6 mL methanol and 10 mL acetonitrile/5 % oxalic acid (8/2, v/v). The
      method quantification limits for the 45 PPCPs ranged 0.117-5.55 MUg/kg. The PPCP
      recoveries ranged from 50.3 to 107 % with relative standard deviation lower than
      15 %. The proposed method was applied to analyze PPCPs in the sludge collected
      from a domestic wastewater treatment plant over 1 year. Thirteen PPCPs were
      detected, with the concentrations of ofloxacin and triclocarban more than 1000
      MUg/kg. Temporal variations of the PPCP levels were observed. Thus, MSPD-LC-MS/MS
      method could achieve good sensitivity and recovery for the target PPCP analysis
      in the sludge samples, while MSPD provided one-step sample preparation which was
      easier and faster to perform compared to the commonly used methods. Graphical
      abstract Workflow of MSPD and LC-MS/MS chromatograms for PPCP analysis. 

PMID- 27137520
TI  - VvPIP2;4N aquaporin involvement in controlling leaf hydraulic capacitance and
      resistance in grapevine.
AB  - Hydraulic capacitance (C) in a plant tissue buffers the xylem tension, storing
      and releasing water and has been highlighted in recent years as an important
      factor that affects water relations such as drought tolerance and embolism
      formation. Aquaporins (AQPs) are well known to control leaf hydraulic resistance
      (Rh) but their role in the control of C is unknown. Here, we assess Rh and C on
      detached grapevines wild-type (WT) (cv. Brachetto) leaves and over-expressing the
      aquaporin gene VvPIP2;4N (OE). For this purpose, we developed a new method
      inspired from the pressure-volume curve technique and the rehydration-kinetic
      method, which allowed us to monitor the dynamics of dehydration and rehydration
      in the same leaf. The recovery after dehydration was measured in dark, light non
      transpirative conditions, light-transpirative conditions and light-transpirative
      condition adding abscisic acid. Pressurizing to dehydrate leaves in the OE line,
      the recorded Rh and C were respectively lower and higher than those in the WT.
      The same results were obtained in the dark recovery by rehydration treatment. In
      the presence of light, either when leaves transpired or not (by depressing vapor
      pressure deficit), the described effects disappeared. The change in Rh and C did
      not affect the kinetics of desiccation of detached leaves in dark in air, in OE
      plants compared to WT ones. Our study highlighted that both Rh and C were
      influenced by the constitutive over-expression of VvPIP2;4N. The effect of AQPs
      on C is reported here for the first time and may involve a modulation of cell
      reflection coefficient.

PMID- 27137521
TI  - Criteria for training and accreditation in Interventional Neuroradiology
      Neurointervention, approved by the Spanish Group of Interventional Neuroradiology
      (GENI), the Spanish Society of Neuroradiology (SENR), the Spanish Group of
      Cerebrovascular Diseases (GEECV), the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), and the
      vascular disease specialists in the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC).
      Requirements for accreditation in Interventional Neuroradiology-Neurointervention
      for institutions and specialists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of endovascular techniques has put Interventional
      Neuroradiology (INR) as the first-option treatment in the majority of vascular
      diseases of the central nervous system. Scientific societies in developed
      countries have created standard procedures for training and accreditation for a
      safe practice in these procedures. DISCUSSION: In Spain, we are waiting for the
      development of the legislation on the accreditation for specialists which will
      establish the official formative model to achieve an accreditation in INR. Until
      this moment comes, it is necessary to establish standards that define desirable
      minimums for the formative period in INR. Radiology specialists as well as
      neurologists and neurosurgeons will have access to INR accreditation. Specific
      requirements for the hospitals that wish to offer this technique and training
      should also be defined. CONCLUSION: The Spanish Group of Interventional
      Neuroradiology (GENI), the Spanish Society of Neuroradiology (SENR), the Spanish
      Group of Cerebrovascular Diseases (GEECV), the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN)
      and the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC) have approved the content of this
      document and will create a committee in order to put into practice the
      accreditation of formative centres and INR specialists.

PMID- 27137522
TI  - Anticoagulation in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by molecular and
      pathologic alteration to the pulmonary circulation, resulting in increased
      pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular failure, and eventual death.
      Pharmacologic treatment of PAH consists of use of a multitude of pulmonary
      vasodilators, sometimes in combination. PAH has been associated with increased
      thrombosis and disrupted coagulation and fibrinolysis, making anticoagulation an
      attractive and frequently employed therapeutic modality. Observational studies
      have provided some insight into the therapeutic potential of anticoagulation in
      idiopathic PAH, but there is a distinct lack of well-controlled prospective
      trials. Due to the conflicting evidence, there is a large amount of heterogeneity
      in the application of therapeutic anticoagulation in PAH and further well
      controlled prospective trials are needed to clarify its role in treating PAH. 

PMID- 27137523
TI  - Non-invasive Renal Denervation: Update on External Ultrasound Approaches.
AB  - In the last decade, intravenous renal denervation (RDN) has emerged as an
      alternative to pharmacological treatment in patients with resistant hypertension,
      but currently involves an invasive and technically challenging procedure. The
      Surround SoundTM system utilises externally delivered ultrasound to achieve RDN
      using a completely non-invasive, automated real-time tracking system coupled with
      a therapeutic delivery module thereby addressing these limitations. A brief
      history, technical overview and summary of preclinical and clinical studies of
      the KonaMedical Surround SoundTM system are presented. A literature search using
      the terms "renal denervation", "resistant hypertension" and "external ultrasound"
      was performed using PubMed, and references retrieved were selected based on
      relevancy and year of publication (date range 1991-2015). The Surround SoundTM
      system appears to be a promising approach to RDN which eliminates several of the
      factors currently limiting the intravenous approach. So far, it has demonstrated
      efficacy for reducing blood pressure in resistant hypertension patients with
      minimal adverse effects. Several double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trials
      are currently underway to confirm the validity of these findings. 

PMID- 27137524
TI  - New Approaches to Evaluating and Monitoring Blood Pressure.
AB  - Digital health innovations for hypertension include cuffless blood pressure
      sensors, wireless smartphone-enabled upper arm blood pressure monitors, mobile
      applications, and remote monitoring technologies. Wearable trackers have drawn
      interest from medical professionals and patients alike. They have the potential
      to improve hypertension control and medication adherence through easier logging
      of repeated blood pressure measurements, better connectivity with health-care
      providers, and medication reminder alerts. With increasing emphasis on home and
      ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to confirm hypertension prior to treatment,
      such devices also can help improve the diagnostic landscape. However, privacy,
      accuracy, and cost concerns have prevented widespread clinical uptake. To foster
      implementation, device designers and clinical researchers should collaborate on
      development of rigorous clinical trials that test cardiovascular outcomes
      associated with emerging technologies. We review the current literature on mobile
      health technologies and novel diagnostic and management protocols and make
      recommendations on how to incorporate these innovations into practice.

PMID- 27137525
TI  - U.S. Migrant Networks and Adult Cardiometabolic Health in El Salvador.
AB  - Heightened prevalence of cardiometabolic health conditions in areas where
      infectious disease remains a major public health concern has created an
      especially challenging situation for developing countries, like El Salvador.
      Individuals living within migrant households where migrant networks are present
      may be at a greater risk for the development of cardiometabolic health
      conditions. Using data from the 2007 El Salvador database of the Latin American
      Migration Project (LAMP-ESLS4), this study investigates relations between
      financial remittances, familial U.S. migration history and cardiometabolic health
      conditions (overweight status, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke)
      among 534 individuals within 351 households from four different communities
      within the departments of La Union, Cabanas, and San Miguel in El Salvador.
      Adults living in households that had close primary kin with U.S. migration
      history were almost two times less likely to be overweight (OR 0.456, p < 0.001)
      and obese (OR 0.453, p < 0.01) when adjusting for age, sex, education and
      economic well-being. This study highlights the importance of exploring the
      potential role of U.S. migrant ties in the epidemiologic transition present
      within developing countries, like El Salvador.

PMID- 27137526
TI  - The Perceived Role of Family in Heroin Use Behaviors of Mexican-American Men.
AB  - The influence of the family is not well understood as it relates to drug use
      behaviors of Hispanic male adults. We examined the family's influence on drug use
      behavior, as perceived by Hispanic men who use heroin. One-time qualitative
      interviews were conducted with 21 current and former heroin users who
      participated in a larger study on long-term heroin use in Mexican-American men.
      Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Three main themes emerged:
      family as a supportive environment for heroin use; heroin as a family legacy;
      and, the family's strategies for helping to stop using heroin. A sub-theme
      emerged on the paradox of family involvement, which spanned the three main
      themes. This research lays a foundation for future work to disentangle the risks
      and benefits of family involvement to inform culturally-centered therapies and
      cultural adaptations to traditional therapeutic approaches with Mexican-American
      men who abuse drugs.

PMID- 27137527
TI  - Application of ordered mesoporous carbon in solid phase microextraction for fast
      mass transfer and high sensitivity.
AB  - Due to unique high-surface-area ordered mesoporous channels interconnected with
      3D network-like mesopores and pi-pi interactions between carbon frameworks and
      analytes, the as-prepared ordered mesoporous carbon-coated fiber exhibited a
      large adsorption amount, fast mass transport and high sensitivity. 

PMID- 27137529
TI  - Optical net gain measurement in n-type doped germanium waveguides under optical
      pumping for silicon monolithic laser.
AB  - Silicon (Si) monolithic lasers are key devices in large-scale, high-density
      photonic integrated circuits. Germanium (Ge) is promising as an active layer due
      to the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor process compatibility with Si. A
      net optical gain from Ge is essential to demonstrate lasing operation. We
      fabricated Ge waveguides and investigated the n-type doping effect on the net
      optical gain. The estimated net gain of the n-Ge waveguide increased from -2200
      to -500/cm, namely reducing loss, under optically pumped condition. 

PMID- 27137530
TI  - Diffractive optical element for creating visual 3D images.
AB  - A method is proposed to compute and synthesize the microrelief of a diffractive
      optical element to produce a new visual security feature - the vertical 3D/3D
      switch effect. The security feature consists in the alternation of two 3D color
      images when the diffractive element is tilted up/down. Optical security elements
      that produce the new security feature are synthesized using electron-beam
      technology. Sample optical security elements are manufactured that produce 3D to
      3D visual switch effect when illuminated by white light. Photos and video records
      of the vertical 3D/3D switch effect of real optical elements are presented. The
      optical elements developed can be replicated using standard equipment employed
      for manufacturing security holograms. The new optical security feature is easy to
      control visually, safely protected against counterfeit, and designed to protect
      banknotes, documents, ID cards, etc. 

PMID- 27137531
TI  - Gamma radiation induced darkening in barium gallo-germanate glass.
AB  - Barium gallo-germanate (BGG) glass is an important glass matrix material used for
      mid-infrared transmission and mid-infrared fiber laser. In this study, we
      investigated the gamma-ray irradiation induced darkening effect of BGG glass.
      Optical transmittance spectra, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and
      thermoluminescence (TL) spectra were employed to investigate the gamma-ray
      irradiation induced defects. Two kinds of Ge-related defects in the irradiated
      BGG glass, named Ge-related non-bridging oxygen hole center (Ge-NBOHC) and Ge
      related electron centers (GEC), were verified. In addition, the absorption bands
      of the two defects have been separated and the peak absorptivity of Ge-NBOHC and
      GEC defects is at 375 nm and 315 nm, respectively. 

PMID- 27137532
TI  - Tailored-waveguide based photonic chip for manipulating an array of single
      neutral atoms.
AB  - We propose a tailored-waveguide based photonic chip with the functions of
      trapping, coherently manipulating, detecting and individually addressing an array
      of single neutral atoms. Such photonic chip consists of an array of independent
      functional units spaced by a few micrometers, each of which is comprised of one
      silica-on-silicon optical waveguide and one phase Fresnel microlens etched in the
      middle of the output interface of the optical waveguide. We fabricated a number
      of photonic chips with 7 functional units and measured optical characteristics of
      these chips. We further propose feasible schemes to realize the functions of such
      photonic chip. The photonic chip is stable, scalable and can be combined with
      other integrated devices, such as atom chips, and can be used in the future
      hybrid quantum system and photonic quantum devices. 

PMID- 27137528
TI  - Nano-ART and NeuroAIDS.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a neurotropic virus that enters the central
      nervous system (CNS) early in the course of infection. Although highly active
      antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in remarkable decline in the
      morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients, controlling HIV infections still
      remains a global health priority. HIV access to the CNS serves as the natural
      viral preserve because most antiretroviral (ARV) drugs possess inadequate or zero
      delivery across the brain barriers. The structure of the blood-brain barrier
      (BBB), the presence of efflux pumps, and the expression of metabolic enzymes pose
      hurdles for ARV drug-brain entry. Thus, development of target-specific,
      effective, safe, and controllable drug delivery approach is an important health
      priority for global elimination of AIDS progression. Nanoformulations can
      circumvent the BBB to improve CNS-directed drug delivery by affecting such pumps
      and enzymes. Alternatively, they can be optimized to affect their size, shape,
      and protein and lipid coatings to facilitate drug uptake, release, and ingress
      across the barrier. Improved drug delivery to the CNS would affect
      pharmacokinetic and drug biodistribution properties. This review focuses on how
      nanotechnology can serve to improve the delivery of antiretroviral medicines,
      termed NanoART, across the BBB and affect the biodistribution and clinical
      benefit for NeuroAIDS.

PMID- 27137533
TI  - Quantitative characterization of X-ray lenses from two fabrication techniques
      with grating interferometry.
AB  - Refractive X-ray lenses are in use at a large number of synchrotron experiments.
      Several materials and fabrication techniques are available for their production,
      each having their own strengths and drawbacks. We present a grating
      interferometer for the quantitative analysis of single refractive X-ray lenses
      and employ it for the study of a beryllium point focus lens and a polymer line
      focus lens, highlighting the differences in the outcome of the fabrication
      methods. The residuals of a line fit to the phase gradient are used to quantify
      local lens defects, while shape aberrations are quantified by the decomposition
      of the retrieved wavefront phase profile into either Zernike or Legendre
      polynomials, depending on the focus and aperture shape. While the polymer lens
      shows better material homogeneity, the beryllium lens shows higher shape
      accuracy. 

PMID- 27137534
TI  - Polarization-independent broadband plasmonic absorber based on a silicon-nanowire
      array decorated by gold nanoparticles at the optical regime.
AB  - We present a design for a plasmonic absorber that is composed of a hexagonal
      packed silicon nanowires (SiNWs) array with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)
      decoration. Simulations and experiments demonstrated that the proposed absorber
      achieves a broadband absorption. Its bandwidth over an absorption of 80% ranges
      from 400 nm to 1000 nm at 0 degree to 30 degrees incidence. It was also
      demonstrated that the plasmonic absorber is polarization-insensitive. Analyzing
      the field distributions in the structure, we find that the wideband absorption is
      ascribed to the formation of cavity modes in the SiNWs and surface plasmon
      polaritons on the AuNPs. Such a designed plasmonic structure with high-efficiency
      absorption can be served as a good optical absorber. 

PMID- 27137535
TI  - Wavelength-tunable split-and-delay optical system for hard X-ray free-electron
      lasers.
AB  - We developed a hard X-ray split-and-delay optical (SDO) system based on Bragg
      diffraction in crystal optics for generating two split pulses with a variable
      temporal separation. To achieve both high stability and operational flexibility,
      the SDO system was designed to include variable-delay and fixed-delay branches.
      As key optical elements, we fabricated high quality thin crystals and channel-cut
      crystals by applying the plasma chemical vaporization machining technique. The
      SDO system using Si(220) crystals covered a photon energy range of 6.5-11.5keV
      and a delay time range from a negative value to > 45 ps over the photon energy
      range (up to 220 ps at 6.5 keV). A simple alignment method for realizing a
      spatial overlap between the split pulses was developed. The SDO system was tested
      at a SPring-8 beamline in combination with a focusing system. We achieved an
      excellent overlap with an accuracy of 30 nm for ~ 200 nm focused beams in both
      the horizontal and vertical directions. This achievement is an important progress
      towards the realization of time-resolved studies using multiple X-ray pulses with
      a time range from femtosecond to subnanosecond scales at X-ray free-electron
      laser facilities. 

PMID- 27137536
TI  - 50 W low noise dual-frequency laser fiber power amplifier.
AB  - A three-stage dual-frequency laser signal amplification system is presented. An
      output from a narrow-linewidth Nd:YAG nonplanar ring-oscillator (NPRO) is split
      into two parts, one of them is frequency shifted by an acoustooptic modulator
      (AOM) then coupled into a single mode optical fiber. The other part is coupled
      into another single mode fiber then combined with the frequency-shifted beam with
      a 2 to 1 single mode fiber coupler. The combined beam has a power of 20 mW
      containing two frequency components with frequency separation of 150 +/- 25 MHz.
      The dual-frequency signal is amplified via a three-stage Yb<sup>3+</sup>-doped
      diode pumped fiber power amplifier. The maximum amplified power is 50.3 W
      corresponding to a slope efficiency of 73.72% of the last stage. The modulation
      depth and signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the beat signal are well maintained in
      the amplifying process. The dual-frequency laser fiber power amplifier provides
      robust optical carried RF signal with high power and low noise. 

PMID- 27137537
TI  - Independent component analysis based channel equalization for 6 * 6 MIMO-OFDM
      transmission over few-mode fiber.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate two independent component analysis
      (ICA) based channel equalizers (CEs) for 6 * 6 MIMO-OFDM transmission over few
      mode fiber. Compared with the conventional channel equalizer based on training
      symbols (TSs-CE), the proposed two ICA-based channel equalizers (ICA-CE-I and ICA
      CE-II) can achieve comparable performances, while requiring much less training
      symbols. Consequently, the overheads for channel equalization can be
      substantially reduced from 13.7% to 0.4% and 2.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, we
      also experimentally investigate the convergence speed of the proposed ICA-based
      CEs. 

PMID- 27137538
TI  - Octave spanning wedge dispersive mirrors with low dispersion oscillations.
AB  - A novel concept for octave spanning dispersive mirrors with low spectral
      dispersion oscillations is presented. The key element of the so-called wedge
      dispersive mirror is a slightly wedged layer which is coated on a specially
      optimized dispersive multilayer stack by a common sputter coating process. The
      group delay dispersion (GDD) of a pulse reflected on a wedge dispersive mirror is
      nearly free of oscillations. Fabricated mirrors with negative GDD demonstrate the
      compression of a pulse down to 3.8 fs as good as double angled mirrors optimized
      for the same bandwidth. 

PMID- 27137539
TI  - Assessing fabrication tolerances for a multilevel 2D binary grating for 3D
      multifocus microscopy.
AB  - We perform a comprehensive theoretical assessment of fabrication tolerances for a
      2D eight-level binary phase grating that is the central element of a multi-focal
      plane 3D microscopy apparatus. The fabrication process encompasses a sequence of
      aligned lithography and etching steps with stringent requirements on layer-to
      layer overlay, etch depth and etched sidewall slope, which we show are
      nonetheless achievable with state-of-the-art optical lithography and etching
      tools. We also perform broadband spectroscopic diffraction pattern measurements
      on a fabricated grating, and show how such measurements can be valuable in
      determining small fabrication errors in diffractive optical elements. 

PMID- 27137540
TI  - Theoretical and experimental research of supercontinuum generation in an
      ytterbium-doped fiber amplifier.
AB  - The theoretical research of supercontinuum (SC) generation in a fiber amplifier
      system has been seldom reported. For the purpose of further understanding the
      mechanism of SC generation in fiber amplifiers, we propose a combined numerical
      model of the laser rate equations and the generalized non-linear Schrodinger
      equation to simulate the amplification of 1060 nm picosecond pulses and their
      spectral broadening in an ytterbium-doped fiber amplifier. The calculation
      results of this model are compared with the experimental results under the same
      conditions and a good agreement is achieved. We find that the pulse is gain
      amplified initially, and then dominated by stimulated Raman scattering in the
      normal dispersion region. In anomalous dispersion region, modulation instability,
      higher-order soliton fission and soliton self-frequency shift dominates the
      spectral broadening. It is found numerically and experimentally that the length
      of the gain fiber and the 976 nm pump power are the most imperative parameters to
      control the output power, spectral range and flatness of the SC. The pulse width
      of signal pulse also plays a part in influencing SC generation. The results
      verify that our model is promising for analyzing the physical processes of pulse
      evolution and SC generation in a fiber amplifier system. 

PMID- 27137541
TI  - High-speed line-field confocal holographic microscope for quantitative phase
      imaging.
AB  - We present a high-speed and phase-sensitive reflectance line-scanning confocal
      holographic microscope (LCHM). We achieved rapid confocal imaging using a fast
      line-scan CCD camera and quantitative phase imaging using off-axis digital
      holography (DH) on a 1D, line-by-line basis in our prototype experiment. Using a
      20 kHz line scan rate, we achieved a frame rate of 20 Hz for 512x512 pixels en
      face confocal images. We realized coherent holographic detection two different
      ways. We first present a LCHM using off-axis configuration. By using a microscope
      objective of a NA 0.65, we achieved axial and lateral resolution of ~3.5
      micrometers and ~0.8 micrometers, respectively. We demonstrated surface profile
      measurement of a phase target at nanometer precision and the digital refocusing
      of a defocused confocal en-face image. Ultrahigh temporal resolution M mode is
      demonstrated by measuring the vibration of a PZT-actuated mirror driven by a sine
      wave at 1 kHz. We then report our experimental work on a LCHM using an in-line
      configuration. In this in-line LCHM, the coherent detection is enabled by moving
      the reference arm at a constant speed, thereby introducing a Doppler frequency
      shift that leads to spatial interference fringes along the scanning direction.
      Lastly, we present a unified formulation that treats off-axis and in-line LCHM in
      a unified joint spatiotemporal modulation framework and provide a connection
      between LCHM and the traditional off-axis DH. The presented high-speed LCHM may
      find applications in optical metrology and biomedical imaging. 

PMID- 27137542
TI  - Optical differentiation wavefront sensing with binary pixelated transmission
      filters.
AB  - Sensors measuring the spatial phase of optical waves are widely used in optics.
      The optical differentiation wavefront sensor (ODWS) reconstructs the wavefront of
      an optical wave from wavefront slope measurements obtained by inducing linear
      field-transmission gradients in the far-field. Its dynamic range and sensitivity
      can be adjusted simply by changing the gradient slope. We numerically and
      experimentally demonstrate the possibility of implementing the spatially varying
      transmission gradient using distributions of small pixels that are either
      transparent or opaque. Binary pixelated filters are achromatic and can be
      fabricated with high accuracy at relatively low cost using commercial lithography
      techniques. We study the impact of the noise resulting from pixelation and
      binarization of the far-field filter for various test wavefronts and sensor
      parameters. The induced wavefront error is approximately inversely proportional
      to the pixel size. For an ODWS with dynamic range of 100 rad/mm over a 1-cm
      pupil, the error is smaller than lambda/15 for a wide range of test wavefronts
      when using 2.5-MUm pixels. We experimentally demonstrate the accuracy and
      consistency of a first-generation ODWS based on binary pixelated filters. 

PMID- 27137543
TI  - Design of intense 1.5-cycle pulses generation at 3.6 um through a pressure
      gradient hollow-core fiber.
AB  - We theoretically study the nonlinear compression of the 10-mJ, 62-fs, 3.6-um
      laser pulses in an argon gas-filled hollow-core fiber with large diameter of 1000
      um. Using a pressure gradient to restrict undesirable nonlinear effect such as
      ionization, especially at the entrance, we obtain the intense 18.3-fs (~1.5
      cycle) pulses at 3.6 um only through compression with CaF<sub>2</sub> crystal,
      which can be used as an ultrafast source for strong field driven experiments. In
      addition, we calculate and discuss the relation between optimal fiber length and
      coupling efficiency for a given bandwidth. These results are useful for the
      design of using hollow-core fiber to compress the high-energy pulses with long
      wavelength. 

PMID- 27137544
TI  - Perfect narrow band absorber for sensing applications.
AB  - We design and numerically investigate a perfect narrow band absorber based on a
      metal-metal-dielectric-metal structure which consists of periodic metallic
      nanoribbon arrays. The absorber presents an ultra narrow absorption band of 1.11
      nm with a nearly perfect absorption of over 99.9% in the infrared region. For
      oblique incidence, the absorber shows an absorption more than 95% for a wide
      range of incident angles from 0 to 50 degrees . Structure parameters to the
      influence of the performance are investigated. The structure shows high sensing
      performance with a high sensitivity of 1170 nm/RIU and a large figure of merit of
      1054. The proposed structure has great potential as a biosensor. 

PMID- 27137545
TI  - 16 * 16 non-blocking silicon optical switch based on electro-optic Mach-Zehnder
      interferometers.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate a 16 * 16 non-blocking optical switch fabric with a
      footprint of 10.7 * 4.4 mm<sup>2</sup>. The switch fabric is composed of 56 2 * 2
      silicon Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs), with each integrated with a pair of
      TiN resistive micro-heaters and a p-i-n diode. The average on-chip insertion loss
      at 1560 nm wavelength is ~6.7 dB and ~14 dB for the "all-cross" and "all-bar"
      states, respectively, with a loss variation of +/- 1 dB over all routing paths.
      The measured rise/fall time of the switch upon electrical tuning is 3.2/2.5 ns.
      The switching functionality is verified by transmission of 20 Gb/s on-off keying
      (OOK) and 50 Gb/s quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) optical signals. 

PMID- 27137546
TI  - White-light quantitative phase imaging unit.
AB  - We introduce the white-light quantitative phase imaging unit (WQPIU) as a
      practical realization of quantitative phase imaging (QPI) on standard microscope
      platforms. The WQPIU is a compact stand-alone unit which measures sample induced
      phase delay under white-light illumination. It does not require any modification
      of the microscope or additional accessories for its use. The principle of the
      WQPIU based on lateral shearing interferometry and phase shifting interferometry
      provides a cost-effective and user-friendly use of QPI. The validity and capacity
      of the presented method are demonstrated by measuring quantitative phase images
      of polystyrene beads, human red blood cells, HeLa cells and mouse white blood
      cells. With speckle-free imaging capability due to the use of white-light
      illumination, the WQPIU is expected to expand the scope of QPI in biological
      sciences as a powerful but simple imaging tool. 

PMID- 27137547
TI  - Flexible nanofiber-coupled hybrid plasmonic Bragg grating.
AB  - We report a hybrid plasmonic Bragg grating composed of a nanofiber coupled with
      orthogonally oriented metal strips. Numerical simulations are performed to study
      the transmission and reflection spectra of the grating. It shows that the TM
      polarization has much stronger Bragg reflection due to the excitation of hybrid
      plasmonic modes. The dependence of reflection peaks on several key device
      parameters is analyzed. Light propagation simulation further reveals that both
      fundamental and first-order TM modes are excited upon Bragg reflection, leading
      to two separate peaks in the spectrum. We implement the prototype device by
      attaching a nanofiber onto the surface of an array of sub-micrometer-wide metal
      strips. The main reflection peak is measured to have a 3-dB bandwidth of 15 nm
      and out-of-band rejection of more than 30 dB. The effects of nanofiber radius,
      alignment angle and coupling length on the device performance are also
      experimentally investigated. 

PMID- 27137548
TI  - Random lasing in a colloidal quantum dot-doped disordered polymer.
AB  - We report random lasing in colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) doped disordered
      polymer. The CdSe/ZnS core-shell CQDs are dispersed in hybrid polymer including
      two types of monomers with different rates of polymerization. After UV curing,
      spatially localized random resonators are formed owing to long range refractive
      index fluctuations in inhomogeneous polymer with gain. Upon the optical
      excitation, random lasing action is triggered above the threshold of
      7mJ/cm<sup>2</sup>. Through the investigation on the spectral characteristics of
      random laser, the wavelengths of random lasers strongly depend on pump position,
      which confirms that random laser modes originate from spatially localized
      resnonators. According to power Fourier transform of emission spectrum, the
      average size of equivalent micro resonators is attributed to be 50 MUm. The
      proposed method provides a facile route to develop random lasers based on CQDs,
      showing potential applications on random fiber laser and laser displays. 

PMID- 27137549
TI  - Demonstration of sharp multiple Fano resonances in optical metamaterials.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrated multiple Fano resonances in optical metamaterials.
      By combination of two different sized asymmetric-double-bar (ADB) structures,
      triple Fano resonance was observed in the near-infrared region. In addition to
      Fano resonance due to anti-phase modes in isolated ADB structures, an anti-phase
      mode due to coupling among different sized ADBs was observed. Dependence of
      characteristics of resonances on size difference was also investigated. At
      specific conditions of size difference, quality factors of three Fano resonances
      were improved compared with ADB metamaterials consisting of one kind of ADBs. The
      results will help to realize applications using metamaterial resonators with
      multiple functionalities and high performance. 

PMID- 27137550
TI  - Optical diversity transmission using WDM signal and phase-conjugate lights
      through multi-core fiber.
AB  - This paper proposes a maximum-ratio combining (MRC) scheme for a WDM signal and
      phase-conjugate pair (PCP) diversity transmission to cancel nonlinear phase
      shift. A transfer function approximation for nonlinear phase-shift cancellation
      is formulated. It shows, with the help of a numerical calculation, that span-by
      span chromatic dispersion compensation is more effective than the lumped
      equivalent at the receiver. This is confirmed in a 2-core diversity 5 channel WDM
      transmission experiment over 3-spans of 60km MCF with 25 Gbit/s-QPSK PCP. The
      peak Q-value was enhanced by 3.6dB through MRC, resulting in superior bitrate
      distance product and optical power density limit, compared to twice the single
      core transmission. 

PMID- 27137551
TI  - Third-harmonic generation imaging of three-dimensional microstructures fabricated
      by photopolymerization.
AB  - We demonstrate the capability of polarized third-harmonic generation (THG) for
      high contrast imaging of three-dimensional microstructures fabricated by
      photopolymerization. Using circular polarization of fundamental light, background
      free optically-sectioned THG images were obtained from laser-written
      photopolymerized microstructures. The technique has great potential for simple
      and noninvasive characterization of photopolymerized devices, which typically
      show poor contrast in conventional light microscopy. 

PMID- 27137552
TI  - Modularization of gradient-index optical design using wavefront matching enabled
      optimization.
AB  - This paper proposes a new design paradigm which allows for a modular approach to
      replacing a homogeneous optical lens system with a higher-performance GRadient
      INdex (GRIN) lens system using a WaveFront Matching (WFM) method. In multi-lens
      GRIN systems, a full-system-optimization approach can be challenging due to the
      large number of design variables. The proposed WFM design paradigm enables
      optimization of each component independently by explicitly matching the WaveFront
      Error (WFE) of the original homogeneous component at the exit pupil, resulting in
      an efficient design procedure for complex multi-lens systems. 

PMID- 27137553
TI  - Simulation of germanium nanobeam electro-optical 2 * 2 switches and 1 * 1
      modulators for the 2 to 5 um infrared region.
AB  - This paper proposes and analyzes resonant Si-based electro-optical modulators and
      switches that use Ge-on-Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> nanobeams (NBs) operating at
      2 to 5 um wavelengths. The wavelength of operation can be extended to 15 um by
      mounting the Ge channel waveguides on a bulk Si chip. Electrons and holes are
      injected into the intrinsic Ge NB cavity center via thin P- and N- doped Ge wings
      on the NB (a lateral PIN diode at ~0.5 V forward bias). Simulations of the
      carrier-induced resonance-wavelength shift-and-damping in a 1 * 1 modulator show
      6 dB of extinction at ~60 fJ/bit over the mid infrared. The NB's active length is
      lambda-scale. The cavity uses tapered-diameter air holes. Intensity modulation at
      ~1 Gb/s appears feasible. High-performance 2 * 2 switching is predicted by
      embedding one NB in each arm of a Mach-Zehnder device. The resonance of each
      identical NB is shifted by the same Deltalambda via carrier injection.
      Calculations show very low insertion loss and crosstalk in both the cross and bar
      states; however, the cross-to-bar energy, around 8 pJ/bit, is much higher than
      that in the 2 * 2 version that employs PN-junction carrier depletion. 

PMID- 27137554
TI  - RGB visible light communication using mobile-phone camera and multi-input multi
      output.
AB  - Red, green, blue (RGB) light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) are used to increase the
      visible light communication (VLC) transmission capacity via wavelength-division
      multiplexing (WDM), and the color image sensor in mobile phone is used to
      separate different color signals via a color filter array. However, due to the
      wide optical bandwidths of the color filters, there is a high spectral overlap
      among different channels, and a high inter-channel interference (ICI) happens.
      Here, we propose and demonstrate an RGB VLC transmission using CMOS image sensor
      with multi-input multi-output (MIMO) technique to mitigate the ICI and retrieve
      the three independent color channels in the rolling shutter pattern. Data pattern
      extinction-ratio (ER) enhancement and thresholding are deployed. 

PMID- 27137555
TI  - Generation of 64 GBd 4ASK signals using a silicon-organic hybrid modulator at 80
      degrees C.
AB  - We demonstrate a silicon-organic hybrid (SOH) Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM)
      generating four-level amplitude shift keying (4ASK) signals at symbol rates of up
      to 64 GBd both at room temperature and at an elevated temperature of 80 degrees
      C. The measured line rate of 128 Gbit/s corresponds to the highest value
      demonstrated for silicon-based MZM so far. We report bit error ratios of 10<sup>
      10</sup> (64 GBd BPSK), 10<sup>-5</sup> (36 GBd 4ASK), and 4 * 10<sup>-3</sup>
      (64 GBd 4ASK) at room temperature. At 80  degrees C, the respective bit error
      ratios are 10<sup>-10</sup>, 10<sup>-4</sup>, and 1.3 * 10<sup>-2</sup>. The high
      temperature experiments were performed in regular oxygen-rich ambient atmosphere.

PMID- 27137556
TI  - Acquiring reflective polarization from arbitrary multi-layer surface based on
      Monte Carlo simulation.
AB  - A novel Monte Carlo model is proposed to acquire the reflective polarization
      information from a rough surface with arbitrary layers and profiles. Based on the
      micro-facets theory, the local normal vectors can be randomly sampled from the
      normal vector distribution of each layer. The incident light that propagates
      inside of the multi-layer media will be traced until being collected after
      leaving the surface or be ignored due to lacking enough energy. The simulated
      results (by our proposed theoretical model) agree well with the reported measured
      data and the analytical models from SCATMECH, which demonstrates the correctness
      and effectiveness of our model. Based on our model, the effects of the surface
      layer number, the surface geometry, the incident wavelength and polarization
      states of incidence on the reflective polarization from multi-layer surfaces have
      been analyzed in detail, which can be a guide in tasks such as target detection
      and so on. 

PMID- 27137557
TI  - All solid-state spectral broadening: an average and peak power scalable method
      for compression of ultrashort pulses.
AB  - Spectral broadening in bulk material is a simple, robust and low-cost method to
      extend the bandwidth of a laser source. Consequently, it enables ultrashort pulse
      compression. Experiments with a 38 MHz repetition rate, 50 W average power Kerr
      lens mode-locked thin-disk oscillator were performed. The initially 1.2 MUJ, 250
      fs pulses are compressed to 43 fs by means of self-phase modulation in a single
      15 mm thick quartz crystal and subsequent chirped-mirror compression. The losses
      due to spatial nonlinear effects are only about 40 %. A second broadening stage
      reduced the Fourier transform limit to 15 fs. It is shown that the intensity
      noise of the oscillator is preserved independent of the broadening factor.
      Simulations manifest the peak power scalability of the concept and show that it
      is applicable to a wide range of input pulse durations and energies. 

PMID- 27137558
TI  - Dead-time correction of fluorescence lifetime measurements and fluorescence
      lifetime imaging.
AB  - We present a comprehensive theory of dead-time effects on Time-Correlated Single
      Photon Counting (TCSPC) as used for fluorescence lifetime measurements, and
      develop a correction algorithm to remove these artifacts. We apply this algorithm
      to fluorescence lifetime measurements as well as to Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging
      Microscopy (FLIM), where rapid data acquisition is necessarily connected with
      high count rates. There, dead-time effects cannot be neglected, and lead to
      distortions in the observed lifetime image. The algorithm is quite general and
      completely independent of the particular nature of the measured signal. It can
      also be applied to any other single-event counting measurement with detector
      and/or electronics dead-time. 

PMID- 27137559
TI  - Shared end-to-content backup path protection in k-node (edge) content connected
      elastic optical datacenter networks.
AB  - To quantitatively measure content connectivity and provide protection for
      different kinds of content, the concept of k-node (edge) content connectivity is
      proposed recently. Based on k-node (edge) content connectivity, k-node (edge)
      content connected elastic optical datacenter network (KC-EODN) is proposed to
      design disaster-resilient and spectrum-efficient optical datacenter networks. In
      KC-EODN, k independent end-to-content paths are established for each request.
      However, it will consume too much resource to assign dedicated spectrum for each
      end-to-content path. Spectrum sharing among multiple end-to-content paths of
      different requests can greatly improve resource efficiency. In this paper, a
      novel perfect matching based sharing principle among multiple end-to-content
      paths of different requests is proposed. Based on the new proposed sharing
      principle, we present the shared end-to-content backup path protection (SEBPP)
      scheme for KC-EODN. Integer linear program (ILP) model and heuristic algorithms
      are designed for SEBPP scheme with the objective of minimizing the total of
      working and backup spectrum resources. Numerical results show that the proposed
      SEBPP scheme can greatly reduce spectrum consumption while ensuring the
      survivability against natural disaster and multi-failures. 

PMID- 27137560
TI  - III-V-on-silicon integrated micro - spectrometer for the 3 MUm wavelength range.
AB  - A compact (1.2 mm<sup>2</sup>) fully integrated mid-IR spectrometer operating in
      the 3 MUm wavelength range is presented. To our knowledge this is the longest
      wavelength integrated spectrometer operating in the important wavelength window
      for spectroscopy of organic compounds. The spectrometer is based on a silicon-on
      insulator arrayed waveguide grating filter. An array of
      InAs<sub>0.91</sub>Sb<sub>0.09</sub> p-i-n photodiodes is heterogeneously
      integrated on the spectrometers output grating couplers using adhesive bonding.
      The spectrometer insertion loss is less than 3 dB and the waveguide-referred
      responsivity of the integrated photodiodes at room temperature is 0.3 A/W. 

PMID- 27137561
TI  - Study of lateral-drilled DBR fiber laser and its responsivity to external
      refractive index.
AB  - We report a lateral-drilled DBR fiber laser which contains a defective parabola
      like opening inside the cavity fabricated by the CO<sub>2</sub>-laser exposure
      and study the laser responsivity to external refractive index (RI). Surrounding
      materials can readily reach the vicinity of the fiber core via the opening and
      interact with the laser mode. Research shows that the laser emission power mainly
      relies on changes of external RI while the lasing wavelength on temperature. The
      effects of structural parameters, pump power, and external refractive index on
      the RI responsivity of the device are demonstrated. The lasing threshold
      condition is also concerned. This work provides an opportunity for controlling
      emission characteristics of the DBR fiber laser through modification of external
      RI value, of which the results are valuable for the potential applications in
      optical sensing, tunable lasing, and etc. 

PMID- 27137562
TI  - Single-shot and phase-shifting digital holographic microscopy using a 2-D
      grating.
AB  - We demonstrate digital holographic microscopy that, while being based on phase
      shifting interferometry, is capable of single-shot measurements. A two
      dimensional (2-D) diffraction grating placed in a Fourier plane of a standard in
      line holographic phase microscope generates multiple copies of a sample image on
      a camera sensor. The identical image copies are spatially separated with
      different overall phase shifts according to the diffraction orders. The overall
      phase shifts are adjusted by controlling the lateral position of the grating.
      These phase shifts are then set to be multiples of pi/2. Interferograms composed
      of four image copies combined with a parallel reference beam are acquired in a
      single shot. The interferograms are processed through a phase-shifting algorithm
      to produce a single complex image. By taking advantage of the higher sampling
      capacity of the in-line holography, we can increase the imaging information
      density by a factor of 3 without compromising the imaging acquisition speed. 

PMID- 27137563
TI  - Quasi-Airy beams along tunable propagation trajectories and directions.
AB  - We present a theoretical and experimental exhibit that accelerates quasi-Airy
      beams propagating along arbitrarily appointed parabolic trajectories and
      directions in free space. We also demonstrate that such quasi-Airy beams can be
      generated by a tunable phase pattern, where two disturbance factors are
      introduced. The topological structures of quasi-Airy beams are readily
      manipulated with tunable phase patterns. Quasi-Airy beams still possess the
      characteristics of non-diffraction, self-healing to some extent, although they
      are not the solutions for paraxial wave equation. The experiments show the
      results are consistent with theoretical predictions. It is believed that the
      property of propagation along arbitrarily desired parabolic trajectories will
      provide a broad application in trapping atom and living cell manipulation. 

PMID- 27137564
TI  - Cascaded ring resonator-based temperature sensor with simultaneously enhanced
      sensitivity and range.
AB  - We report a cascaded ring resonator (CRR) based, silicon photonic temperature
      sensor for simultaneous sensitivity and range enhancement. To achieve the dual
      enhancement, the proposed CRR temperature sensor employs two micro ring
      resonators with different temperature sensitivities and different free spectral
      ranges (FSRs). The differences in the temperature sensitivities and FSRs are
      obtained by tailoring the in-plane geometric parameters of the two ring
      resonators. The CRR temperature sensor was fabricated by using a single-mask
      complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible process. The
      experimental results demonstrated a temperature sensitivity of 293.9 pm/ degrees
      C, which was 6.3 times higher than that of an individual ring resonator. The
      sensor was also shown to enhance the temperature sensing range by 5.3 times. 

PMID- 27137565
TI  - Rapid microscopy measurement of very large spectral images.
AB  - The spectral content of a sample provides important information that cannot be
      detected by the human eye or by using an ordinary RGB camera. The spectrum is
      typically a fingerprint of the chemical compound, its environmental conditions,
      phase and geometry. Thus measuring the spectrum at each point of a sample is
      important for a large range of applications from art preservation through
      forensics to pathological analysis of a tissue section. To date, however, there
      is no system that can measure the spectral image of a large sample in a
      reasonable time. Here we present a novel method for scanning very large spectral
      images of microscopy samples even if they cannot be viewed in a single field of
      view of the camera. The system is based on capturing information while the sample
      is being scanned continuously 'on the fly'. Spectral separation implements
      Fourier spectroscopy by using an interferometer mounted along the optical axis.
      High spectral resolution of ~5 nm at 500 nm could be achieved with a diffraction
      limited spatial resolution. The acquisition time is fairly high and takes 6-8
      minutes for a sample size of 10mm x 10mm measured under a bright-field microscope
      using a 20X magnification. 

PMID- 27137566
TI  - Replication of optical microlens array using photoresist coated molds.
AB  - A cost reduced method of producing injection molding tools is reported and
      demonstrated for the fabrication of optical microlens arrays. A standard computer
      numerical-control (CNC) milling machine was used to make a rough mold in steel.
      Surface treatment of the steel mold by spray coating with photoresist is used to
      smooth the mold surface providing good optical quality. The tool and process are
      demonstrated for the fabrication of an o50 mm beam homogenizer for a color mixing
      LED light engine. The acceptance angle of the microlens array is optimized, in
      order to maximize the optical efficiency from the light engine. Polymer injection
      molded microlens arrays were produced from both the rough and coated molds and
      have been characterized for lenslet parameters, surface quality, light
      scattering, and acceptance angle. The surface roughness (R<sub>a</sub>) is
      improved approximately by a factor of two after the coating process and the light
      scattering is reduced so that the molded microlens array can be used for the
      color mixing application. The measured accepted angle of the microlens array is
      40 degrees  which is in agreement with simulations. 

PMID- 27137567
TI  - Improvement in the quality factors for photonic crystal nanocavities via
      visualization of the leaky components.
AB  - A method that simply improves the quality (Q) factors of two-dimensional photonic
      crystal nanocavities using a three-dimensional finite-difference time domain
      calculation is described. The leaky area for a high-Q nanocavity mode is
      visualized in a real cavity structure by extracting the leaky components within a
      light cone in momentum space and by transferring them back into real space using
      an inverse Fourier transformation. The Q factor is remarkably improved by
      appropriately shifting the positions of air holes at the leaky area. We design
      three-missing-air-hole and zero-cell-defect nanocavities with Q factors of
      5,000,000 and 1,700,000, respectively, for demonstration. 

PMID- 27137568
TI  - Gain competition induced mode evolution and resonance control in erbium-doped
      whispering-gallery microresonators.
AB  - Precise control of resonance features in microcavities is of significant
      importance both for researches and applications. By exploiting gain provided by
      the doped rare earth ions or Raman gain, this can be achieved through changing
      the pump. Here we propose and experimentally show that by using gain competition,
      one can also control the evolution of resonance for the probe signal while the
      pump is kept unchanged. The transition of Lorentz peak, Fano-like resonance and
      Lorentz dip can be observed from the transmission spectra of the probe signal
      through tuning the auxiliary control signal. The theory based on coupled-mode
      theory and laser rate equations by setting the optical gains as time-dependent
      was constructed. This method can be used in the precise control of transmission
      spectra and the coupling regime between the waveguide and microcavities. 

PMID- 27137569
TI  - Optical properties of drying wood studied by time-resolved near-infrared
      spectroscopy.
AB  - We measured the optical properties of drying wood with the moisture contents
      ranging from 10% to 200%. By using time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy, the
      reduced scattering coefficient MU<sub>s</sub>' and absorption coefficient
      MU<sub>a</sub> were determined independent of each other, providing information
      on the chemical and structural changes, respectively, of wood on the nanometer
      scale. Scattering from dry pores dominated, which allowed us to determine the
      drying process of large pores during the period of constant drying rate, and the
      drying process of smaller pores during the period of decreasing drying rate. The
      surface layer and interior of the wood exhibit different moisture states, which
      affect the scattering properties of the wood. 

PMID- 27137570
TI  - Extending a surface-layer Cn2 model for strongly stratified conditions utilizing
      a numerically generated turbulence dataset.
AB  - In Wyngaard et al., 1971, a simple model was proposed to estimate Cn2 in the
      atmospheric surface layer, which only requires routine meteorological information
      (wind speed and temperature) as input from two heights. This Cn2 model is known
      to have satisfactory performance in unstable conditions; however, in stable
      conditions, the model only covers a relatively short range of atmospheric
      stabilities which significantly limits its applicability during nighttime. To
      mitigate this limitation, in this study we construct a new Cn2 model utilizing an
      extensive turbulence dataset generated by a high-fidelity numerical modeling
      approach (known as direct numerical simulation). The most distinguishing feature
      of this new Cn2 model is that it covers a wide range of atmospheric stabilities
      including the strongly stratified (very stable) conditions. To validate this
      model, approximately four weeks of Cn2 data collected at the Mauna Loa
      Observatory, Hawaii are used for comparison, and reasonably good agreement is
      found between the observed and estimated values. 

PMID- 27137571
TI  - Group delay spread analysis of strongly coupled 3-core fibers: an effect of
      bending and twisting.
AB  - The effect of bending and twisting on the group delay spread (GDS) of strongly
      coupled 3-core fibers is investigated. For the random perturbation inducing modal
      coupling in the fiber, two physical mechanisms, microbending or macrobending with
      random twist, are considered. Calculated results show that both mechanisms lead
      to the same effect, namely, reduced GDS under strong coupling regime.
      Furthermore, a novel fiber structure having an air-hole at the center is proposed
      for reducing the GDS. By placing the air-hole, the effective index difference
      between fundamental and the higher order modes is reduced, leading to strong
      modal mixing in the fiber, and hence, small GDS. Calculated GDS of the fiber with
      air-hole is almost 1/5 compared with that of the fiber without air-hole. 

PMID- 27137572
TI  - Experimental measurement of plasmonic nanostructures embedded in silicon
      waveguide gaps.
AB  - In this work, we report numerical simulations and experiments of the optical
      response of a gold nanostrip embedded in a silicon strip waveguide gap at telecom
      wavelengths. We show that the spectral features observed in transmission and
      reflection when the metallic nanostructure is inserted in the gap are extremely
      different than those observed in free-space excitation. First, we find that
      interference between the guided field and the electric dipolar resonance of the
      metallic nanostructure results in high-contrast (> 10) spectral features showing
      an asymmetric Fano spectral profile. Secondly, we reveal a crossing in the
      transmission and reflection responses close to the nanostructure resonance
      wavelength as a key feature of our system. This approach, which can be realized
      using standard semiconductor nanofabrication tools, could lead to a full
      exploitation of the extreme properties of subwavelength metallic nanostructures
      in an on-chip configuration, with special relevance in fields such as biosensing
      or optical switching. 

PMID- 27137573
TI  - Near-infrared III-nitride-on-silicon nanophotonic platform with microdisk
      resonators.
AB  - We have developed a nanophotonic platform with microdisks using epitaxial III
      nitride materials on silicon. The two-dimensional platform consists of suspended
      waveguides and mushroom-type microdisks as resonators side-coupled with a bus
      waveguide. Loaded quality factors up to 80000 have been obtained in the near
      infrared spectral range for microdisk diameters between 8 and 15 MUm. We analyze
      the dependence of the quality factors as a function of coupling efficiency. We
      have performed continuous-wave second harmonic generation experiments in
      resonance with the whispering gallery modes supported by the microdisks. 

PMID- 27137574
TI  - First laser emission of
      Yb<sub>0.15</sub>:(Lu<sub>0.5</sub>Y<sub>0.5</sub>)<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>5</sub>O<su
      >12</sub> ceramics.
AB  - We report the first laser oscillation on
      Yb<sub>0.15</sub>:(Lu<sub>0.5</sub>Y<sub>0.5</sub>)<sub>3</sub>Al<sub>12</sub>
      ceramics at room temperature. At 1030 nm we measured a maximum output power of
      7.3 W with a corresponding slope efficiency of 55.4% by using an output coupler
      with a transmission of T = 39.2%. The spectroscopic properties are compared with
      those of the two parent garnets Yb:YAG and Yb:LuAG. To the best of our knowledge
      these are the first measurements reported in literature achieved with this new
      host. 

PMID- 27137575
TI  - Generation of synchronized picosecond pulses by a 1.06-um gain-switched laser
      diode for stimulated Raman scattering microscopy.
AB  - We propose that a gain-switched laser diode (GS-LD) can be used as a picosecond
      laser source for stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy. We employed a 1.06
      um GS-LD to generate ~13-ps pulses at a repetition rate of 38 MHz and amplified
      them to >100 mW with Yb-doped fiber amplifiers. The GS-LD was driven by 200-ps
      electrical pulses, which were triggered through a toggle flip-flop (T-FF) so that
      the GS-LD pulses were synchronized to Ti:sapphire laser (TSL) pulses at a
      repetition rate of 76 MHz. We found the timing jitter of GS-LD pulses to be
      approximately 2.7 ps in a jitter bandwidth of 7 MHz. We also show that the delay
      of electrical pulses can be less sensitive to the optical power of TSL pulses by
      controlling the threshold voltage of the T-FF. We demonstrate the SRS imaging of
      polymer beads and of HeLa cells with GS-LD pulses and TSL pulses, proving that GS
      LD is readily applicable to SRS microscopy as a compact and stable pulse source. 

PMID- 27137576
TI  - Dispersion engineering of metasurfaces for dual-frequency quasi-three-dimensional
      cloaking of microwave radiators.
AB  - In this work, the design methodology and experimental investigation of compact
      and lightweight dispersive coatings, comprised by multiple layers of anisotropic
      metasurfaces, which are capable of cloaking radiators at multiple frequencies are
      presented. To determine the required surface electromagnetic properties for each
      layer, an analytical model is developed for predicting the scattering from a
      cylinder surrounded by multiple layers of anisotropic metasurfaces subject to
      plane-wave illumination at a general oblique incidence angle. Particularly, two
      different metasurface coating solutions with different dispersive properties are
      designed to provide more than 10 dB scattering width suppression at two pre
      selected frequencies within a field-of-view (FOV) of +/- 20 degrees  off normal
      incidence. Both coating designs implemented using metasurfaces are fabricated and
      measured, experimentally demonstrating the simultaneous suppression of mutual
      coupling and quasi-three-dimensional radiation blockage at the two pre-selected
      frequency ranges. At the same time, the functionality of the coated monopole is
      still well-maintained. The performance comparison further sheds light on how the
      optimal performance can be obtained by properly exploiting the dispersion of each
      metasurface layer of the coating. In addition, the cloaking effect is retained
      even when the distance between the radiators is significantly reduced. The
      concept and general design methodology presented here can be extended for
      applications that would benefit from cloaking multi-spectral terahertz as well as
      optical antennas. 

PMID- 27137577
TI  - Peak power fluctuation due to timing jitter in synchronized time-lens source for
      coherent Raman scattering microscopy.
AB  - Synchronized time-lens source is a promising source solution for coherent Raman
      scattering (CRS) microscopy. Contrary to conventional (single) time-lens source
      which is driven by electrical signals from a fixed-frequency radio-frequency (RF)
      source, the synchronized time-lens source is driven by electrical signals from
      optoelectronic detection of the optical output of the mode-locked laser to which
      it is synchronized. Consequently, the driving frequency suffers from fluctuation
      if there is intrinsic timing jitter of the mode-locked laser output. In this
      paper through numerical simulation, we demonstrate that this timing jitter will
      be translated into pulse-to-pluse fluctuation of the peak power of the
      synchronized time-lens source. The larger the intrinsic timing jitter of the mode
      locked laser is, the larger this peak power fluctuation of the synchronized time
      lens source is. Besides, our results indicate that an effective means of
      suppressing this peak power fluctuation is to reduce the bandwidth of the RF
      filter for the phase modulators. 

PMID- 27137578
TI  - Enhancement of second-harmonic generation in nonlinear nanolaminate metamaterials
      by nanophotonic resonances.
AB  - Nanolaminate metamaterials recently attracted a lot of attention as a novel
      second-order nonlinear material that can be used in integrated photonic circuits.
      Here, we explore theoretically and numerically the opportunity to enhance the
      nonlinear response from such nanolaminates by exploiting Fano resonances
      supported in grating-coupled waveguides. The enhancement factor of the radiated
      second harmonic signal compared to a flat nanolaminate can reach values as large
      as 35 for gold gratings and even 7000 for MgF<sub>2</sub> gratings. For the
      MgF<sub>2</sub> grating, extremely high-Q Fano resonances are excited in such all
      dielectric system that result in strong local fields in the nonlinear waveguide
      layer to boost the nonlinear conversion. A significant portion of the nonlinear
      signal is also strongly coupled to a dark waveguide mode, which remains guided in
      the nanolaminate. The strong excitation of a dark mode at the second harmonic
      frequency provides a viable method for utilizing second-order nonlinearities for
      light generation and manipulation in integrated photonic circuits. 

PMID- 27137579
TI  - Large extinction ratio optical electrowetting shutter.
AB  - A large extinction ratio optical shutter has been demonstrated using
      electrowetting liquids. The device is based on switching between a liquid-liquid
      interface curvature that produces total internal reflection and one that does
      not. The interface radius of curvature can be tuned continuously from 9 mm at 0 V
      to -45 mm at 26 V. Extinction ratios from 55.8 to 66.5 dB were measured. The
      device shows promise for ultracold chip-scale atomic clocks. 

PMID- 27137580
TI  - Electrothermal MEMS parallel plate rotation for single-imager stereoscopic
      endoscopes.
AB  - This work reports electrothermal MEMS parallel plate-rotation (PPR) for a single
      imager based stereoscopic endoscope. A thin optical plate was directly connected
      to an electrothermal MEMS microactuator with bimorph structures of thin silicon
      and aluminum layers. The fabricated MEMS PPR device precisely rotates an
      transparent optical plate up to 37 degrees  prior to an endoscopic camera and
      creates the binocular disparities, comparable to those from binocular cameras
      with a baseline distance over 100 MUm. The anaglyph 3D images and disparity maps
      were successfully achieved by extracting the local binocular disparities from two
      optical images captured at the relative positions. The physical volume of MEMS
      PPR is well fit in 3.4 mm x 3.3 mm x 1 mm. This method provides a new direction
      for compact stereoscopic 3D endoscopic imaging systems. 

PMID- 27137581
TI  - Nitride superluminescent diodes with broadened emission spectrum fabricated using
      laterally patterned substrate.
AB  - We demonstrate InGaN/GaN superluminescent diodes with broadened emission spectra
      fabricated on surface-shaped bulk GaN (0001) substrates. The patterning changes
      the local vicinal angle linearly along the device waveguide, which results in an
      indium incorporation profile in InGaN quantum wells. The structure was
      investigated by microphotoluminescence mapping, showing a shift of central
      emission wavelength from 413 nm to 430 nm. Spectral full width at half maximum of
      processed superluminescent diodes is equal to 6.1 nm, while the reference chips
      show 3.4 nm. This approach may open the path for using nitride devices in
      applications requiring broad emission spectrum and high beam quality, such as
      optical coherence tomography. 

PMID- 27137582
TI  - Extensible chip of optofluidic variable optical attenuator.
AB  - A core chip of optofluidic variable optical attenuator (VOA) is reported. The
      chip, with a simple structure, utilizes microfluid and compressed air to regulate
      the optical attenuation, and it can be expanded to form a number of VOAs by using
      different microfluidic driving technologies. Three VOAs based on this chip and
      different driving technologies are introduced. The theoretical and experimental
      results show that the proposed chip possesses the advantages of large optical
      attenuation range (> 50dB) and low insertion loss (0.55 dB). Moreover it is a
      broadband optical device which can be operated in visible and near infrared
      wavelengths. The proposed chip provides a new method for seeking miniaturized
      VOAs with good performances, and it is promising to develop a number of different
      VOAs. 

PMID- 27137583
TI  - Limitations in ionization-induced compression of femtosecond laser pulses due to
      spatio-temporal couplings.
AB  - It was recently proposed that ionization-induced self-compression could be used
      as an effective method to further compress femtosecond laser pulses propagating
      freely in a gas jet [He et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 263904 2014]. Here, we
      address the question of the homogeneity of the self-compression process and show
      experimentally that homogeneous self-compression down to 12fs can be obtained by
      finding the appropriate focusing geometry for the laser pulse. Simulations are
      used to reproduce the experimental results and give insight into the self
      compression process and its limitations. Simulations suggest that the ionization
      process induces spatio-temporal couplings which lengthen the pulse duration at
      focus, possibly making this method ineffective for increasing the laser peak
      intensity. 

PMID- 27137584
TI  - Efficient second harmonic generation in internal asymmetric plasmonic slot
      waveguide.
AB  - We theoretically propose an internal asymmetric plasmonic slot waveguide (IAPSW),
      containing two different materials in the slot region. The IAPSW is used for
      second harmonic generation (SHG) at a wavelength of 1.55 MUm. The required phase
      matching condition is satisfied between the 0th-order mode at the fundamental
      frequency and the 1st-order mode at the second harmonic frequency. By choosing
      appropriate slot geometry and materials, the mode field distribution is
      engineered to enhance the nonlinear coupling coefficient for SHG. With an 11 MUm
      long IAPSW, a conversion efficiency of 24% (1.8 * 10<sup>5</sup> W<sup>
      1</sup>cm<sup>-2</sup> normalized conversion efficiency) is predicted.
      Furthermore, the SHG efficiency is more pronounced in IAPSW with thinner slot. 

PMID- 27137585
TI  - Polarization mode control of long-wavelength VCSELs by intracavity patterning.
AB  - Polarization mode control is enhanced in wafer-fused vertical-cavity surface
      emitting lasers emitting at 1310 nm wavelength by etching two symmetrically
      arranged arcs above the gain structure within the laser cavity. The intracavity
      patterning introduces birefringence and dichroism, which discriminates between
      the two polarization states of the fundamental transverse modes. We find that the
      cavity modifications define the polarization angle at threshold with respect to
      the crystal axes, and increase the gain anisotropy and birefringence on average,
      leading to an increase in the polarization switching current. Experimental
      measurements are explained using the spin-flip model of VCSEL polarization
      dynamics. 

PMID- 27137586
TI  - Axially substituted phthalocyanine/naphthalocyanine doped in glass matrix: an
      approach to the practical use for optical limiting material.
AB  - A novel glass matrix doped with phthalocyanine or naphthalocyanine is prepared by
      a modified sol-gel technique. The photophysical and optical limiting properties
      of the phthalocyanine compounds both in glass matrix and in THF solution were
      investigated. The obtained glass matrix is homogeneous and transparent, as well
      as mechanically and thermodynamically stable enough to withstand very high laser
      fluence; the optical limiting performances of these compound samples are better
      than that of benchmark materials like C<sub>60</sub> in toluene, carbon black in
      water, and graphene oxide in water or ethanol under nanosecond pulsed laser at
      532 nm. Two prototypes of optical limiters doped in the glass matrix have very
      good optical limiting performances, which may provide potential practical use for
      optical limiting materials in a near future. 

PMID- 27137587
TI  - Synchronized 4 * 12 GHz hybrid harmonically mode-locked semiconductor laser based
      on AWG.
AB  - We report a monolithically integrated synchronized four wavelength channel mode
      locked semiconductor laser chip based on arrayed waveguide grating and fabricated
      in the InP material system. Device fabrication was completed in a multiproject
      wafer foundry run on the Joint European Platform for Photonic Integration of
      Components and Circuits. The integrated photonic chip demonstrated 5th harmonic
      electrical hybrid mode-locking operation with four 400 GHz spacing wavelength
      channels and synchronized to a 12.7 GHz RF clock, for nearly transform-limited
      optical pulse trains from a single output waveguide. A low timing jitter of 0.349
      ps, and RF frequency locking range of ~50 MHz were also achieved. 

PMID- 27137588
TI  - Characterization and modeling of microstructured chalcogenide fibers for
      efficient mid-infrared wavelength conversion.
AB  - We experimentally demonstrate wavelength conversion in the 2 um region by four
      wave mixing in an AsSe and a GeAsSe chalcogenide photonic crystal fibers. A
      maximum conversion efficiency of -25.4 dB is measured for 112 mW of coupled
      continuous wave pump in a 27 cm long fiber. We estimate the dispersion parameters
      and the nonlinear refractive indexes of the chalcogenide PCFs, establishing a
      good agreement with the values expected from simulations. The different fiber
      geometries and glass compositions are compared in terms of performance, showing
      that GeAsSe is a more suited candidate for nonlinear optics at 2 um. Building
      from the fitted parameters we then propose a new tapered GeAsSe PCF geometry to
      tailor the waveguide dispersion and lower the zero dispersion wavelength (ZDW)
      closer to the 2 um pump wavelength. Numerical simulations shows that the new
      design allows both an increased conversion efficiency and bandwidth, and the
      generation of idler waves further in the mid-IR regions, by tuning the pump
      wavelength in the vicinity of the fiber ZDW. 

PMID- 27137589
TI  - Lasing characteristics of Ho:YAG single crystal fiber.
AB  - Lasing was demonstrated for the first time at 2.09 MUm in 0.5% Holmium (Ho) doped
      YAG single crystal fiber (SCF) fabricated using the Laser Heated Pedestal Growth
      (LHPG) method. Output power of 23.5 W with 67.5% optical-to-optical slope
      efficiency is, to the best of our knowledge, the highest output power achieved at
      2 um from a SCF fabricated using LHPG. With continued improvement in the quality
      of the SCF and better thermal management, output power of few 100s W and higher,
      especially in the 2 um spectral region, is realizable in the very near future. 

PMID- 27137590
TI  - Extraction of polarization properties of the individual components of a layered
      system by using spectroscopic Mueller matrix analysis.
AB  - In semiconductor and optics fields, some devices are constructed with layered
      systems including two or three individual layers. Measurement of polarization
      properties of the individual components of these layered systems is often
      desired. In this paper, we present methods allowing the simultaneous extraction
      of the polarization parameters of the individual components by analyzing
      spectroscopic Mueller matrices (measured at two wavelengths). We have studied
      both retarder-retarder and retarder-polarizer-retarder systems. The validities of
      the methods were successfully tested using both simulations and real polarization
      systems. 

PMID- 27137591
TI  - Synthesis of multi-wavelength temporal phase-shifting algorithms optimized for
      high signal-to-noise ratio and high detuning robustness using the frequency
      transfer function.
AB  - Synthesis of single-wavelength temporal phase-shifting algorithms (PSA) for
      interferometry is well-known and firmly based on the frequency transfer function
      (FTF) paradigm. Here we extend the single-wavelength FTF-theory to dual and multi
      wavelength PSA-synthesis when several simultaneous laser-colors are present. The
      FTF-based synthesis for dual-wavelength (DW) PSA is optimized for high signal-to
      noise ratio and minimum number of temporal phase-shifted interferograms. The DW
      PSA synthesis herein presented may be used for interferometric contouring of
      discontinuous industrial objects. Also DW-PSA may be useful for DW shop-testing
      of deep free-form aspheres. As shown here, using the FTF-based synthesis one may
      easily find explicit DW-PSA formulae optimized for high signal-to-noise and high
      detuning robustness. To this date, no general synthesis and analysis for temporal
      DW-PSAs has been given; only ad hoc DW-PSAs formulas have been reported.
      Consequently, no explicit formulae for their spectra, their signal-to-noise,
      their detuning and harmonic robustness has been given. Here for the first time a
      fully general procedure for designing DW-PSAs (or triple-wavelengths PSAs) with
      desire spectrum, signal-to-noise ratio and detuning robustness is given. We
      finally generalize DW-PSA to higher number of wavelength temporal PSAs. 

PMID- 27137592
TI  - Distributed measurement of dynamic strain based on multi-slope assisted fast
      BOTDA.
AB  - We propose and demonstrate a dynamic Brillouin optical fiber sensing based on the
      multi-slope assisted fast Brillouin optical time-domain analysis (F-BOTDA), which
      enables the measurement of a large strain with real-time data processing. The
      multi-slope assisted F-BOTDA is realized based on the double-slope demodulation
      and frequency-agile modulation, which significantly increases the measurement
      range compared with the single- or double- slope assisted F-BOTDA, while
      maintaining the advantage of fast data processing and being suitable for real
      time on-line monitoring. A maximum strain variation up to 5000MUepsilon is
      measured in a 32-m fiber with a spatial resolution of ~1m and a sampling rate of
      1kHz. The frequency of the strain is 12.8Hz, which is limited by the rotation
      rate of the motor used to load the force on the fiber. Furthermore, the influence
      of the frequency difference between two adjacent probe tones on the measurement
      error is studied theoretically and experimentally for optimization. For a
      Brillouin gain spectrum with a 78-MHz width, the optimum frequency difference is
      ~40MHz. The measurement error of Brillouin frequency shift is less than 3MHz over
      the whole measurement range (241MHz). 

PMID- 27137593
TI  - Multi-gigabit/s underwater optical communication link using orbital angular
      momentum multiplexing.
AB  - In this work we experimentally demonstrated an underwater wireless optical
      communications (UWOC) link over a 2.96 m distance with two 445-nm fiber-pigtailed
      laser diodes employing Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) to allow for spatial
      multiplexing. Using an on-off keying, non-return-to-zero (OOK-NRZ) modulation
      scheme, a data rate of 3 Gbit/s was achieved in water with an attenuation
      coefficient of 0.4128 m<sup>-1</sup> at an average bit error rate (BER) of 2.073
      * 10<sup>-4</sup>, well beneath the forward error correction (FEC) threshold. 

PMID- 27137594
TI  - Optical-image transfer through a diffraction-compensating metamaterial.
AB  - Cancellation of optical diffraction is an intriguing phenomenon enabling optical
      fields to preserve their transverse intensity profiles upon propagation. In this
      work, we introduce a metamaterial design that exhibits this phenomenon for three
      dimensional optical beams. As an advantage over other diffraction-compensating
      materials, our metamaterial is impedance-matched to glass, which suppresses
      optical reflection at the glass-metamaterial interface. The material is designed
      for beams formed by TM-polarized plane-wave components. We show, however, that
      unpolarized optical images with arbitrary shapes can be transferred over
      remarkable distances in the material without distortion. We foresee multiple
      applications of our results in integrated optics and optical imaging. 

PMID- 27137595
TI  - Three-dimensional rearrangement of single atoms using actively controlled optical
      microtraps.
AB  - We propose and demonstrate three-dimensional rearrangements of single atoms. In
      experiments performed with single <sup>87</sup>Rb atoms in optical microtraps
      actively controlled by a spatial light modulator, we demonstrate various dynamic
      rearrangements of up to N = 9 atoms including rotation, 2D vacancy filling,
      guiding, compactification, and 3D shuffling. With the capability of a phase-only
      Fourier mask to generate arbitrary shapes of the holographic microtraps, it was
      possible to place single atoms at arbitrary geometries of a few MUm size and even
      continuously reconfigure them by conveying each atom. For this purpose, we loaded
      a series of computer-generated phase masks in the full frame rate of 60 Hz of the
      spatial light modulator, so the animation of phase mask transformed the
      holographic microtraps in real time, driving each atom along the assigned
      trajectory. Possible applications of this method of transformation of single
      atoms include preparation of scalable quantum platforms for quantum computation,
      quantum simulation, and quantum many-body physics. 

PMID- 27137596
TI  - Underwater image recovery considering polarization effects of objects.
AB  - In underwater imaging scenarios, the scattering media could cause severe image
      degradation due to the backscatter veiling as well as signal attenuation. In this
      paper, we consider the polarization effect of the object, and propose a method of
      retrieving the objects radiance based on estimating the polarized-difference
      image of the target signal. We show with a real-world experiment that by taking
      into account the polarized-difference image of the target signal additionally,
      the quality of the underwater image can be effectively enhanced, which is
      particularly effective in the cases where both the object radiance and the
      backscatter contribute to the polarization, such as underwater detection of the
      artifact objects. 

PMID- 27137597
TI  - Millimeter-long fiber Fabry-Perot cavities.
AB  - We demonstrate fiber Fabry-Perot (FFP) cavities with concave mirrors that can be
      operated at cavity lengths as large as 1.5 mm without significant deterioration
      of the finesse. This is achieved by using a laser dot machining technique to
      shape spherical mirrors with ultralow roughness and employing single-mode fibers
      with large mode area for good mode matching to the cavity. Additionally, in
      contrast to previous FFPs, these cavities can be used over an octave-spanning
      frequency range with adequate coatings. We also show directly that shape
      deviations caused by the fiber's index profile lead to a finesse decrease as
      observed in earlier attempts to build long FFP cavities, and show a way to
      overcome this problem. 

PMID- 27137598
TI  - Radio-over-fiber DSB-to-SSB conversion using semiconductor lasers at stable
      locking dynamics.
AB  - In radio-over-fiber systems, optical single-sideband (SSB) modulation signals are
      preferred to optical double-sideband (DSB) modulation signals for fiber
      distribution in order to mitigate the microwave power fading effect. However,
      typically adopted modulation schemes generate DSB signals, making DSB-to-SSB
      conversion necessary before or after fiber distribution. This study investigates
      a semiconductor laser at stable locking dynamics for such conversion. The
      conversion relies solely on the nonlinear dynamical interaction between an input
      DSB signal and the laser. Only a typical semiconductor laser is therefore
      required as the key conversion unit, and no pump or probe signal is necessary.
      The conversion can be achieved for a broad tunable range of microwave frequency
      up to at least 60 GHz. In addition, the conversion can be carried out even when
      the microwave frequency, the power of the input DSB signal, or the frequency of
      the input DSB signal fluctuates over a wide range, leading to high adaptability
      and stability of the conversion system. After conversion, while the microwave
      phase quality, such as linewidth and phase noise, is mainly preserved, a bit
      error ratio down to 10<sup>-9</sup> is achieved for a data rate up to at least 8
      Gb/s with a detection sensitivity improvement of more than 1.5 dB. 

PMID- 27137599
TI  - Fast compressive measurements acquisition using optimized binary sensing matrices
      for low-light-level imaging.
AB  - Compressive measurements benefit low-light-level imaging (L<sup>3</sup>-imaging)
      due to the significantly improved measurement signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
      However, as with other compressive imaging (CI) systems, compressive
      L<sup>3</sup>-imaging is slow. To accelerate the data acquisition, we develop an
      algorithm to compute the optimal binary sensing matrix that can minimize the
      image reconstruction error. First, we make use of the measurement SNR and the
      reconstruction mean square error (MSE) to define the optimal gray-value sensing
      matrix. Then, we construct an equality-constrained optimization problem to solve
      for a binary sensing matrix. From several experimental results, we show that the
      latter delivers a similar reconstruction performance as the former, while having
      a smaller dynamic range requirement to system sensors. 

PMID- 27137600
TI  - Double-filtering method based on two acousto-optic tunable filters for
      hyperspectral imaging application.
AB  - A hyperspectral imaging system was demonstrated based on two acousto-optic
      tunable filters (AOTFs). Efficient regulation of the incoherent beam was executed
      by means of the wide-angular regime of Bragg diffraction in the birefringent
      materials. A double-filtering process was achieved when these two AOTFs operated
      with a central wavelength difference. In comparison with the single-filtering
      method, the spectral bandwidth was greatly compressed, giving an increment of
      42.02% in spectral resolution at the wavelength of 651.62 nm. Experimental
      results and theoretical calculations are basically identical. Furthermore, the
      sidelobe was found to be suppressed by the double-filtering process with the
      first order maximum decreased from -9.25 dB to -22.35 dB. The results indicated
      high spectral resolution and high spectral purity were obtained simultaneously
      from this method. The basic spectral resolution performance was examined with a
      didymium glass by this configuration. We present our experimental methods and the
      detailed results obtained. 

PMID- 27137601
TI  - Simple Yb:YAG femtosecond booster amplifier using divided-pulse amplification.
AB  - A hybrid-system approach using a low-gain Yb:YAG single crystal booster amplifier
      behind a state-of-the-art industrial high-power femtosecond fiber system is
      studied to significantly increase the output pulse energy of the fiber amplifier.
      With this system, more than 60 W of average power is demonstrated at 100 kHz for
      pulse duration of 400 fs, corresponding to an energy per pulse of 600 uJ.
      Reducing the repetition rate, the energy is increased up to 2.5 mJ (before
      compression), which corresponds to the limitation due to laser damage threshold
      of the optical coatings. To scale further the energy, passive divided-pulse
      amplification is then implemented at the entrance of the bulk amplifier. Using
      this geometry, a safe nominal operating point is presented with output pulse
      energies of 3 mJ before and 2.3 mJ after compression and with a pulse duration of
      520 fs, corresponding to a peak power of 4.4 GW. 

PMID- 27137602
TI  - Numerical study of spectral shaping in high energy Ho:YLF amplifiers.
AB  - We present a new chromatic numerical approach to simulate the amplification of
      laser pulses in multipass laser amplifiers. This enables studies on spectral
      effects such as gain narrowing and spectral shaping with optical elements
      expressed by a transmission transfer function. We observe good agreement between
      our simulations and measurements with a Ho:YLF regenerative amplifier (RA). To
      demonstrate the capabilities of our simulation model, we numerically integrate an
      intra-cavity etalon in this laser and find optimum etalon parameters that enhance
      the peak power of the output pulses up to 65%. 

PMID- 27137603
TI  - High-resolution full-field optical coherence microscopy using a broadband light
      emitting diode.
AB  - High-resolution full-field optical coherence microscopy (FF-OCM) is demonstrated
      using a single broadband light-emitting diode (LED). The characteristics of the
      LED-illumination FF-OCM system are measured and compared to those obtained using
      a halogen lamp, the light source of reference in FF-OCM. Both light sources yield
      identical performance in terms of spatial resolution and detection sensitivity,
      using the same setup and camera. In particular, an axial resolution of 0.7 MUm
      (in water) is reached. A Xenopus laevis tadpole and ex-vivo human skin have been
      imaged using both sources, resulting in similar images, showing for the first
      time that LEDs could favorably replace halogen lamps in high-resolution FF-OCM
      for biomedical imaging. 

PMID- 27137604
TI  - Efficient photon triplet generation in integrated nanophotonic waveguides.
AB  - Generation of entangled photons in nonlinear media constitutes a basic building
      block of modern photonic quantum technology. Current optical materials are
      severely limited in their ability to produce three or more entangled photons in a
      single event due to weak nonlinearities and challenges achieving phase-matching.
      We use integrated nanophotonics to enhance nonlinear interactions and develop
      protocols to design multimode waveguides that enable sustained phase-matching for
      third-order spontaneous parametric down-conversion (TOSPDC). We predict a
      generation efficiency of 0.13 triplets/s/mW of pump power in TiO<sub>2</sub>
      based integrated waveguides, an order of magnitude higher than previous
      theoretical and experimental demonstrations. We experimentally verify our device
      design methods in TiO<sub>2</sub> waveguides using third-harmonic generation
      (THG), the reverse process of TOSPDC that is subject to the same phase-matching
      constraints. We finally discuss the effect of finite detector bandwidth and
      photon losses on the energy-time coherence properties of the expected TOSPDC
      source. 

PMID- 27137605
TI  - Nonlinear optical response of platinum nanoparticles and platinum ions embedded
      in sapphire.
AB  - We report on the fabrication of sapphire samples containing platinum
      nanoparticles (Pt-NPs) and platinum ions (Pt-ions) and the investigation of their
      third-order nonlinear (NL) optical properties. The presence of Pt-NPs was
      confirmed by electronic microscopy and by the linear absorption spectrum that
      shows a localized surface plasmon band centered at 290 nm. A sample without NPs
      but containing Pt-ions was also studied. The absorptive and refractive
      contributions to the nonlinearity were studied using the z-scan technique with
      100 fs pulses at 800nm. The experiments revealed a NL refractive index,
      +3.8*10<sup>-13</sup> < n<sub>2</sub> < +1.3*10<sup>-12</sup>cm<sup>2</sup>/W and
      NL absorption coefficient (beta < 9.3 cm/GW). The results show enhancement of
      about five orders of magnitude with respect to the NL refractive index of
      sapphire. 

PMID- 27137606
TI  - Dissipative soliton resonance in a full polarization-maintaining fiber ring laser
      at different values of dispersion.
AB  - We investigated the dissipative solitons resonance in an ytterbium-doped fiber
      ring laser in which all the elements are polarization maintaining (PM). A
      semiconductor saturable absorber mirror was used as a mode-locker. The cavity
      included a normal dispersion single-mode fiber (SMF) and an anomalous dispersion
      photonic crystal fiber. The change of the length of the PM SMF allows the
      variation of the net-normal dispersion of the cavity in the range from 0.022
      ps<sup>2</sup> to 0.262 ps<sup>2</sup>. As the absolute value of the net-normal
      dispersion increases from 0.022 ps<sup>2</sup> to 0.21 ps<sup>2</sup>, a square
      shaped single pulse transformed to a single right-angle trapezoid-shaped pulse,
      and, at the dispersion of 0.262 ps<sup>2</sup>, to multiple right-angle trapezoid
      shaped pulses, per round-trip. 

PMID- 27137607
TI  - Numerical analysis of a near-infrared plasmonic refractive index sensor with high
      figure of merit based on a fillet cavity.
AB  - A near-infrared plasmonic refractive index (RI) sensor with figure of merit (FOM)
      as high as 124.6 is proposed and investigated numerically. The RI sensing is
      realized by employing the linear relation between resonant wavelength and RI of
      the material under detecting. Based on the fillet cavity coupled with two metal
      insulator-metal waveguides, transmission efficiency (T) and optical resolution
      (FWHM) of the RI sensor are both improved to a great extent with T = 95% and FWHM
      = 12nm, keeping acceptable wavelength sensitivity of 1496nm/RIU within the near
      infrared region. In addition, a sensitivity as high as 3476nm/RIU is obtained by
      optimizing the shape and size of fillet cavity. In general, the high FOM,
      transmittance and sensitivity achieved by our design may get further applications
      in biomedical science and nanophotonic circuits. 

PMID- 27137608
TI  - Stimulated Raman scattering detection for chemically specific time-resolved
      imaging of gases.
AB  - A stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) imaging technique based on spatial modulation
      of the pump beam has been used to study gases. The SRS gain signal was separated
      from the Stokes beam background in the spatial frequency domain. The SRS signal
      shows linear behaviour with the gas pressure at a range from 1.0 to 8.0 bars. The
      signal is linearly proportional to the pump beam intensity while it is enhanced
      with increasing the Stokes beam intensity to a certain limit than it saturates.
      Further, the chemical specificity of the technique has been investigated. Two
      sharp peaks with line width at half maximum of about 0.30 nm have been obtained
      at Stokes beam wavelengths of 629.93 nm and 634.05 nm corresponding to the
      methane and ethylene gases, respectively. The results show that SRS imaging is a
      promising technique to provide chemical specificity as well as spatial and
      temporal information of gaseous species. 

PMID- 27137609
TI  - Constraints on drivers for visible light communications emitters based on energy
      efficiency.
AB  - In this work we analyze the energy efficiency constraints on drivers for Visible
      light communication (VLC) emitters. This is the main reason why LED is becoming
      the main source of illumination. We study the effect of the waveform shape and
      the modulation techniques on the overall energy efficiency of an LED lamp. For a
      similar level of illumination, we calculate the emitter energy efficiency ratio
      eta (P<sub>LED</sub>/P<sub>TOTAL</sub>) for different signals. We compare
      switched and sinusoidal signals and analyze the effect of both OOK and OFDM
      modulation techniques depending on the power supply adjustment, level of
      illumination and signal amplitude distortion. Switched and OOK signals present
      higher energy efficiency behaviors (0.86<=eta<=0.95) than sinusoidal and OFDM
      signals (0.53<=eta<=0.79). 

PMID- 27137610
TI  - Programmable simulator for beam propagation in turbulent atmosphere.
AB  - The study of light propagation though the atmosphere is crucial in different
      areas such as astronomy, free-space communications, remote sensing, etc. Since
      outdoors experiments are expensive and difficult to reproduce it is important to
      develop realistic numerical and experimental simulations. It has been
      demonstrated that spatial light modulators (SLMs) are well-suited for simulating
      different turbulent conditions in the laboratory. Here, we present a programmable
      experimental setup based on liquid crystal SLMs for simulation and analysis of
      the beam propagation through weak turbulent atmosphere. The simulator allows
      changing the propagation distances and atmospheric conditions without the need of
      moving optical elements. Its performance is tested for Gaussian and vortex beams.

PMID- 27137611
TI  - Multidimensional characterization of an entangled photon-pair source via
      stimulated emission tomography.
AB  - Using stimulated emission tomography, we characterize an entangled photon-pair
      source in the energy and polarization degrees of freedom, with a precision far
      exceeding what could be obtained by quantum state tomography. Through this
      multidimensional tomography we find that energy-polarization correlations are a
      cause of polarization-entanglement degradation, demonstrating that this technique
      provides useful information for source engineering and can accelerate the
      development of quantum information processing systems dependent on many degrees
      of freedom. 

PMID- 27137612
TI  - Visible light communication using InGaN optical sources with AlInGaP nanomembrane
      down-converters.
AB  - We report free space visible light communication using InGaN sources, namely
      micro-LEDs and a laser diode, down-converted by a red-emitting AlInGaP multi
      quantum-well nanomembrane. In the case of micro-LEDs, the AlInGaP nanomembrane is
      capillary-bonded between the sapphire window of a micro-LED array and a
      hemispherical sapphire lens to provide an integrated optical source. The sapphire
      lens improves the extraction efficiency of the color-converted light. For the
      case of the down-converted laser diode, one side of the nanomembrane is bonded to
      a sapphire lens and the other side optionally onto a dielectric mirror; this
      nanomembrane-lens structure is remotely excited by the laser diode. Data
      transmission up to 870 Mb/s using pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) with
      fractionally spaced decision feedback equalizer is demonstrated for the micro-LED
      integrated nanomembrane. A data rate of 1.2 Gb/s is achieved using orthogonal
      frequency division multiplexing (ODFM) with the laser diode pumped sample. 

PMID- 27137613
TI  - High speed and high power polarization insensitive germanium photodetector with
      lumped structure.
AB  - We propose and demonstrate a high speed and high power polarization insensitive
      germanium photodetector (Ge PD) with lumped structure based on related parallel
      Ge absorption regions. Two absorption regions are double sides illuminated to
      optimize the space charge density and the two dimensional (2D) grating coupler is
      adopted for both coupling and polarization independent operation. Being different
      from previous reported high power scheme with separate absorption areas, the
      proposed structure is specifically designed with doubled but related Ge
      absorption regions, forming the equivalent parallel resistor and thus the
      parasitic parameter can be engineered to ensure a simultaneous large bandwidth.
      The bandwidth is measured to be >35 GHz, while the maximum current density is
      measured to be 1.152 mA/MUm<sup>3</sup>. The dark current and the responsivity of
      the proposed Ge PD are measured to be 1.82 MUAlpha and 1.06 A/W. Modulated
      signals experimentally validate the high speed operation and doubled power
      handling capacity for the proposed scheme. Furthermore, the bit error rate
      results show the superior performance for the proposed Ge PD at high
      photocurrent. 

PMID- 27137614
TI  - Single-shot, volumetrically illuminated, three-dimensional, tomographic laser
      induced-fluorescence imaging in a gaseous free jet.
AB  - Single-shot, tomographic imaging of the three-dimensional concentration field is
      demonstrated in a turbulent gaseous free jet in co-flow using volumetrically
      illuminated laser-induced fluorescence. The fourth-harmonic output of an Nd:YAG
      laser at 266 nm is formed into a collimated 15 * 20 mm<sup>2</sup> beam to excite
      the ground singlet state of acetone seeded into the central jet. Subsequent
      fluorescence is collected along eight lines of sight for tomographic
      reconstruction using a combination of stereoscopes optically coupled to four two
      stage intensified CMOS cameras. The performance of the imaging system is
      evaluated and shown to be sufficient for recording instantaneous three
      dimensional features with high signal-to-noise (130:1) and nominal spatial
      resolution of 0.6-1.5 mm at x/D = 7-15.5. 

PMID- 27137615
TI  - Theoretical analysis and experimental verification on optical rotational Doppler
      effect.
AB  - We present a theoretical model to sufficiently investigate the optical rotational
      Doppler effect based on modal expansion method. We find that the frequency shift
      content is only determined by the surface of spinning object and the reduced
      Doppler shift is linear to the difference of mode index between input and output
      orbital angular momentum (OAM) light, and linear to the rotating speed of
      spinning object as well. An experiment is carried out to verify the theoretical
      model. We explicitly suggest that the spatial spiral phase distribution of
      spinning object determines the frequency content. The theoretical model makes us
      better understand the physical processes of rotational Doppler effect, and thus
      has many related application fields, such as detection of rotating bodies,
      imaging of surface and measurement of OAM light. 

PMID- 27137616
TI  - Intense circularly polarized attosecond pulse generation from relativistic laser
      plasmas using few-cycle laser pulses.
AB  - We have investigated the polarization of attosecond light pulses generated from
      relativistic few-cycle laser pulse interaction with the surface of overdense
      plasmas using particle-in-cell simulation. Under suitable conditions, a desired
      polarization state of the generated attosecond pulse can be achieved by
      controlling the polarization of the incident laser. In particular, an
      elliptically polarized laser pulse of suitable ellipticity can generate an almost
      circularly polarized attosecond pulse without compromising the harmonic
      generation efficiency. The process is thus applicable as a new tabletop
      circularly-polarized XUV radiation source for probing attosecond phenomena with
      high temporal resolution. 

PMID- 27137617
TI  - Dynamics of nonlinear waves in two-dimensional cubic-quintic nonlinear
      Schrodinger equation with spatially modulated nonlinearities and potentials.
AB  - We derive analytical solutions to the cubic-quintic nonlinear Schrodinger
      equation with potentials and nonlinearities depending on both propagation
      distance and transverse space. Among other, circle solitons and multi-peaked
      vortex solitons are found. These solitary waves propagate self-similarly and are
      characterized by three parameters, the modal numbers m and n, and the modulation
      depth of intensity. We find that the stable fundamental solitons with m = 0 and
      the low-order solitons with m = 1, n <= 2 can be supported with the energy
      eigenvalues E = 0 and E ? 0. However, higher-order solitons display unstable
      propagation over prolonged distances. The stability of solutions is examined by
      numerical simulations. 

PMID- 27137618
TI  - Narrow band amplification of light carrying orbital angular momentum.
AB  - We report on the amplification of an optical vortex beam carrying orbital angular
      momentum via induced narrow Raman gain in an ensemble of cold cesium atoms. A 20%
      single-pass Raman gain of a weak vortex signal field is observed with a spectral
      width of order of 1 MHz, much smaller than the natural width, demonstrating that
      the amplification process preserves the phase structure of the vortex beam. The
      gain is observed in the degenerated two-level system associated with the
      hyperfine transition 6S<sub>1/2</sub>(F = 3) <-> 6P<sub>3/2</sub>(F' = 2) of
      cesium. Our experimental observations are explained with a simple theoretical
      model based on a three-level Lambda system interacting coherently with the weak
      Laguerre-Gauss field and a strong coupling field, including an incoherent pumping
      rate between the two degenerate ground-states. 

PMID- 27137619
TI  - Figures of merit for self-beating filtered microwave photonic systems.
AB  - We present a model to compute the figures of merit of self-beating Microwave
      Photonic systems, a novel class of systems that work on a self-homodyne fashion
      by sharing the same laser source for information bearing and local oscillator
      tasks. General and simplified expressions are given and, as an example, we have
      considered their application to the design of a tunable RF MWP BS/UE front end
      for band selection, based on a Chebyshev Type-II optical filter. The
      applicability and usefulness of the model are also discussed. 

PMID- 27137620
TI  - High resolution position measurement from dispersed reference interferometry
      using template matching.
AB  - This paper describes a method to extract high resolution position data from a
      dispersed reference interferometry (DRI) by applying a template matching
      technique to the acquired spectral interferograms. Calculation of the correlation
      coefficient between windowed spectral interferograms acquired from the DRI
      apparatus and a set of numerically calculated template interferograms allows the
      absolute determination of position with nanometer resolution. Both the operating
      principle of the DRI apparatus and implementation of the template matching method
      is presented. Experimental validation of the method is provided through the
      demonstration of position tracking and an assessment of linearity, repeatability
      and noise performance. 

PMID- 27137621
TI  - Pulse oximetry optical sensor using oxygen-bound haemoglobin.
AB  - In this paper we report a unique approach to measuring oxygen saturation levels
      by utilising the wavelength of the haemoglobin instead of the conventional
      absorption difference. Two experiments are set up to measure the wavelength of
      the haemoglobin bound to oxygen at different oxygen saturation levels with the
      help of a spectrometer. We report a unique low cost and robust wavelength
      monitoring SpO<sub>2</sub> sensor that measures the SpO<sub>2</sub> by using the
      colour of the blood and not the absorption difference of oxyhaemoglobin and
      deoxyhaemoglobin. With use of a spectrometer, we show that the wavelength of the
      oxygen-bound haemoglobin has a relation to the oxygen saturation level. The
      proposed device is designed and experimentally implemented with a colour sensor
      to measure the SpO<sub>2</sub> level of the blood. 

PMID- 27137622
TI  - Controlling cross pumping between C-N and C-H vibration in nitromethane by
      selective fluorescence-enhanced stimulated Raman scattering.
AB  - To investigate the vibrational features of nitromethane (NM), which is a kind of
      energy material and a well known low-sensitivity and high explosive, experiments
      are performed to obtain the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of NM by employing
      a 532 nm pulsed pump laser. The Raman signal involves two stimulated emissions at
      918 and 2,963 cm<sup>-1</sup>, attributed to the C-N and C-H stretching
      vibrations, respectively. To overcome the complexity of cross pump in the pure
      NM, one stimulated Raman radiation is chosen as a pump source to excite the other
      Raman mode. Two fluorescence dyes were added to selectively enhance each Raman
      cross section. By internally seeding the Raman gain medium with fluorescent
      photons, a significant modification in the stimulated Raman scattering spectrum
      has been observed. The enhanced Stokes emission at 918 cm<sup>-1</sup> was able
      to induce the 2,963 cm<sup>-1</sup> vibration mode when the all-trans-beta
      carotene was internal seeding in the NM, while the Raman radiation at 2,963
      cm<sup>-1</sup> was enhanced to excite the C-N mode with the addition of m-Cresol
      purple. The output energy of both 918 and 2,963 cm<sup>-1</sup> under different
      input energy was also measured to illustrate this result. 

PMID- 27137623
TI  - Generating pseudo large footprint waveforms from small footprint full-waveform
      airborne LiDAR data for the layered retrieval of LAI in orchards.
AB  - Leaf area index (LAI) is a key parameter for the study of biogeochemical cycles
      in ecosystems. Remote sensing techniques have been widely used to estimate LAIs
      in a wide range of vegetation types. However, limited by the sensor detection
      capability, considerable fewer studies investigated the layered estimation of
      LAIs in the vertical direction, which can significantly affect the precision
      evaluation of vegetation biophysical and biochemical processes. This study tried
      to generate a kind of pseudo large footprint waveform from the small footprint
      full-waveform airborne LiDAR data by an aggregation approach. The layered
      distribution of canopy heights and LAIs were successfully retrieved based on the
      large footprint waveform data in an agricultural landscape of orchards with
      typical multi-layer vegetation covers. The Gaussian fitting was conducted on the
      normalized large footprint waveforms to identify the vertical positions for
      different vegetation layers. Then, the gap theory was applied to retrieve the
      layered LAIs. Statistically significant simple linear regression models were
      fitted between the LiDAR-retrieved and field-observed values for the canopy
      heights and LAIs in different layers. Satisfactory results were obtained with a
      root mean square error of 0.36 m for the overstorey canopy height (R<sup>2</sup>
      = 0.82), 0.29 m for the understory canopy height (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.76), 0.28 for
      overstorey LAI (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.75), 0.40 for understory LAI (R<sup>2</sup> =
      0.64), and 0.38 for total LAI (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.69), respectively. To conclude,
      estimating the layered LAIs in the multi-layer agriculture orchards from the
      pseudo large footprint waveforms is feasible and the estimation errors are
      acceptable, which will provide some new ideas and methods for the quantitative
      remote sensing with vegetation. 

PMID- 27137624
TI  - Self-referenced ultra-broadband transient terahertz spectroscopy using air
      photonics.
AB  - Terahertz (THz) air-photonics employs nonlinear interactions of ultrashort laser
      pulses in air to generate and detect THz pulses. As air is virtually non
      dispersive, the optical-THz phase matching condition is automatically met, thus
      permitting the generation and detection of ultra-broadband THz pulses covering
      the entire THz spectral range without any gaps. Air-photonics naturally offers
      unique opportunities for ultra-broadband transient THz spectroscopy, yet many
      critical challenges inherent to this technique must first be resolved. Here, we
      present explicit guidelines for ultra-broadband transient THz spectroscopy with
      air-photonics, including a novel method for self-referenced signal acquisition
      minimizing the phase error, and the numerically-accurate approach to the
      transient reflectance data analysis. 

PMID- 27137625
TI  - A fluorescent turn-on probe for visualizing lysosomes in hypoxic tumor cells.
AB  - A fluorescent probe for fulfilling a lysosome targeting function in hypoxic tumor
      cells is reported, wherein azoreductase triggers a dramatic fluorescence
      enhancement and specific imaging of lysosomes in hypoxic cancer cells.

PMID- 27137626
TI  - Lack of efficacy of an intradural somatic-to-autonomic nerve anastomosis (Xiao
      procedure) for bladder control in children with myelomeningocele and
      lipomyelomeningocele: results of a prospective, randomized, double-blind study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Xiao et al. and other investigators have studied an intradural somatic
      to-autonomic (e.g., L-5 to S3-4) nerve transfer as a method to create a reflex
      arc to allow bladder emptying in response to cutaneous stimulation (the Xiao
      procedure). In previous clinical studies of patients with spinal dysraphism who
      underwent the Xiao procedure, high success rates (70%-85%) were reported for the
      establishment of a "skin-CNS-bladder" reflex arc that allows spontaneous,
      controlled voiding in children with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. However, many
      of these studies did not use blinded observers, did not have control groups,
      and/or featured only limited follow-up durations. METHODS A randomized,
      prospective, double-blind trial was initiated in March 2009, enrolling children
      with myelomeningocele (MM), lipomyelomeningocele (LMM), and neurogenic bladder
      dysfunction who were scheduled for spinal cord detethering (DT) for the usual
      indications. At the time of DT, patients were randomized between 2 arms of the
      study: half of the patients underwent a standard spinal cord DT procedure alone
      (DT group) and half underwent DT as well as the Xiao procedure (DT+X group).
      Patients, families, and study investigators, all of whom were blinded to the
      surgical details, analyzed the patients' strength, sensory function, mobility,
      voiding, and urodynamic bladder function before surgery and at regular intervals
      during the 3-year follow-up. RESULTS Twenty patients were enrolled in the study:
      10 underwent only DT and the other 10 underwent DT+X. The addition of the Xiao
      procedure to spinal cord DT resulted in longer operative times (p = 0.024) and a
      greater chance of wound infection (p = 0.03). Patients in both treatment arms
      could intermittently void or dribble small amounts of urine (< 20% total bladder
      capacity) in response to scratching in dermatomes T-9 through S-2 using a
      standardized protocol, but the voiding was not reproducible and the volume voided
      was not clinically useful in any patient. Voiding in response to scratching was
      not more frequent in patients who underwent DT+X compared with those who
      underwent only DT. Bladder contractions in response to scratching occurred in
      both treatment arms at various intervals after surgery, but they were not more
      reproducible or more frequent in the patients who underwent the Xiao procedure
      than in the patients who did not. No patient in either treatment arm was
      continent of urine before, during, or after the study. CONCLUSIONS Patients with
      MM and LMM who underwent the Xiao procedure during spinal cord DT were no more
      likely to be able to void, to control their urination, to achieve continence, or
      to have a demonstrable urodynamic bladder contraction in response to cutaneous
      stimulation than patients who underwent only spinal cord DT. This study, in the
      context of disappointing results reported in other recent studies of the Xiao
      procedure, raises doubts about the clinical applicability of this procedure in
      humans until further basic science research is performed. 

PMID- 27137627
TI  - Inter-professional delirium education and care: a qualitative feasibility study
      of implementing a delirium Smartphone application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delirium is a common medical condition with a high prevalence in
      hospital settings. Effective delirium management requires a multi-component
      intervention, including the use of Interprofessional teams and evidence-based
      interventions at the point of care. One vehicle for increasing access of delirium
      practice tools at the point of care is E-health. There has been a paucity of
      studies describing the implementation of delirium related clinical application.
      The purpose of this current study is to acquire users' perceptions of the
      utility, feasibility and effectiveness of a smartphone application for delirium
      care in a general surgery unit. In addition, the authors aimed to elucidate the
      potential challenges with implementing this application. METHODS: This
      quantitative study was conducted between January 2015 and June 2015 at the
      University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital site. Participants met
      inclusion criteria if they were clinical staff on the General Surgery Unit at the
      Toronto General Hospital site and had experience caring for patients with
      delirium. At the conclusion of the 4 weeks after the implementation of the
      intervention, participants were invited by email to participate in a focus group
      to discuss their perspectives related to using the delirium application RESULTS:
      Our findings identified several themes related to the implementation and use of
      this smartphone application in an acute care clinical setting. These themes will
      provide clinicians preparing to use a smartphone application to support delirium
      care with an implementation framework. CONCLUSIONS: This study is one of the
      first to demonstrate the potential utility of a smartphone application for
      delirium inter-professional education. While this technology does appeal to
      healthcare professionals, it is important to note potential implementation
      challenges. Our findings provide insights into these potential barriers and can
      be used to assist healthcare professionals considering the development and use of
      an inter-professional clinical care application in their setting.

PMID- 27137628
TI  - Kinetic inductance driven nanoscale 2D and 3D THz transmission lines.
AB  - We examine the unusual dispersion and attenuation of transverse electromagnetic
      waves in the few-THz regime on nanoscale graphene and copper transmission lines.
      Conventionally, such propagation has been considered to be highly dispersive, due
      to the RC time constant-driven voltage diffusion below 1 THz and plasmonic
      effects at higher optical frequencies. Our numerical modeling across the
      microwave, THz, and optical frequency ranges reveals that the conductor kinetic
      inductance creates an ultra-broadband linear-dispersion and constant-attenuation
      region in the THz regime. This so-called LC region is an ideal characteristic
      that is known to be absent in macro-scale transmission lines. The kinetic-LC
      frequency range is dictated by the structural dimensionality and the free-carrier
      scattering rate of the conductor material. Moreover, up to 40x wavelength
      reduction is observed in graphene transmission lines.

PMID- 27137629
TI  - Evaluation of electrospun PLLA/PEGDMA polymer coatings for vascular stent
      material.
AB  - The field of percutaneous coronary intervention has seen a plethora of advances
      over the past few decades, which have allowed for its development into safe and
      effective treatments for patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
      However, stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis remain clinically significant
      problems. Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of fibrous
      polymer coatings on stent material nitinol, in the hopes of developing a more
      suitable stent surface to enhance re-endothelialization. Electrospinning
      technique was used to fabricate polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate/poly l-lactide
      acid (PEGDMA/PLLA) blend fiber substrate with tunable elasticity and
      hydrophilicity for use as coatings. Attachment of platelets and arterial smooth
      muscle cells (SMC) onto the coatings as well as the secretory effect of
      mesenchymal stem cells cultured on the coatings on the proliferation and
      migration of arterial endothelial cells and SMCs were assessed. It was
      demonstrated that electrospun PEGDMA/PLLA coating with 1:1 ratio of the
      components on the nitinol stent-reduced platelet and SMC attachment and increased
      stem cell secretory factors that enhance endothelial proliferation. We therefore
      postulate that the fibrous coating surface would possess enhanced biological
      compatibility of nitinol stents and hold the potential in preventing stent
      failure through restenosis and thrombosis.

PMID- 27137630
TI  - Increased Risk Of Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis After Laser Surgery For Twin-to
      Twin Transfusion Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) in
      twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) managed with laser surgery. STUDY DESIGN:
      We performed a prospective cohort study of all consecutive TTTS cases treated
      with laser surgery (TTTS group) delivered at the Leiden University Medical
      Center. We recorded the occurrence of EOS, defined as a positive blood culture
      <=72 hours postpartum (proven sepsis) or administration of a full course of
      antibiotics due to risk factors or signs of sepsis, in the absence of a positive
      blood culture (suspected sepsis). Perinatal variables in the TTTS group were
      compared with uncomplicated monochorionic twins (no-TTTS group). A multivariate
      model was generated, examining the association between EOS and gestational age at
      birth, interval between laser surgery and birth, anterior placenta, laser period
      (first study period: 2002-2008; second study period: 2009-2015), and preterm
      premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). RESULTS: The rates of combined suspected
      and proven EOS in the TTTS group and no-TTTS group were 16% (68/416) and 10%
      (55/542), respectively (relative ratio [RR] 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      1.19-2.55). Multivariate analysis showed that EOS in the TTTS group was
      independently associated with lower gestational age at birth (odds ratio [OR]
      0.75, 95% CI 0.63-0.88), first study period (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.08-4.67) and PPROM
      (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.28-4.75). CONCLUSION: The rate of EOS in the TTTS group is
      low, but increased compared to the no-TTTS group. EOS in TTTS is independently
      associated with premature delivery, earlier laser period, and PPROM.

PMID- 27137632
TI  - Interaction of metal oxide nanoparticles with higher terrestrial plants:
      Physiological and biochemical aspects.
AB  - Multiple applications of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) could result in their
      accumulation in soil, threatening higher terrestrial plants. Several reports have
      shown the effects of MONPs on plants. In this review, we analyze the most recent
      reports about the physiological and biochemical responses of plants to stress
      imposed by MONPs. Findings demonstrate that MONPs may be taken up and accumulated
      in plant tissues causing adverse or beneficial effects on seed germination,
      seedling elongation, photosynthesis, antioxidative stress response, agronomic,
      and yield characteristics. Given the importance of determining the potential
      risks of MONPs on crops and other terrestrial higher plants, research questions
      about field long-term conditions, transgenernational phytotoxicity, genotype
      specific sensitivity, and combined pollution problems should be considered.

PMID- 27137633
TI  - Correction: On the stability of manganese tris(beta-diketonate) complexes as
      redox mediators in DSSCs.
AB  - Correction for 'On the stability of manganese tris(beta-diketonate) complexes as
      redox mediators in DSSCs' by Stefano Carli et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016,
      18, 5949-5956.

PMID- 27137631
TI  - Ocriplasmin use for vitreomacular traction and macular hole: A meta-analysis and
      comprehensive review on predictive factors for vitreous release and potential
      complications.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to provide a meta-analysis of the factors affecting
      vitreomacular traction (VMT) resolution after ocriplasmin use. A comprehensive
      systematic review of the complications after ocriplasmin use for VMT and macular
      hole was also done. METHODS: A literature search in PubMed was performed for
      studies about ocriplasmin published before 30 June 2015. Then a meta-analysis of
      the factors affecting the VMT resolution after ocriplasmin use was done,
      providing the pooled odds ratios for each factor and 95 % confidence intervals
      (CIs). We also described the potential adverse events after ocriplasmin use in a
      systematic review. RESULTS: A total of 194 abstracts were screened and 19
      eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. Age <65 years, female
      gender, vitreomacular adhesion diameter <1500 MUm, phakic lens status and
      epiretinal membrane absence were found as positive predictive factors for VMT
      resolution, while macular hole size <250 MUm was significantly associated with
      macular hole closure at the meta-analytical level. Various complications after
      ocriplasmin use were reported by frequency, including mainly vitreous floaters,
      photopsias, visual acuity decrease, ellipsoid zone changes, subretinal fluid
      development, enlargement of macular hole, anterior segment changes and
      electroretinogram alterations. It has to be noted that significant methodological
      weaknesses were identified, such as the absence of control groups or lack of
      transparency in the recruitment process and the examination procedure.
      CONCLUSIONS: It is important to carefully select patients for ocriplasmin
      injection, taking into account the various predictive factors for VMT resolution.
      Patients should be informed about the potential adverse events of ocriplasmin,
      although they mainly seemed to be transient and usually mild/moderate in
      severity, suggesting that ocriplasmin is a safe and effective new treatment
      alternative for VMT and macular hole. However, due to the limited study quality,
      the uncertainty concerning the efficacy of this new approach is increased.

PMID- 27137635
TI  - Plants: An International Scientific Open Access Journal to Publish All Facets of
      Plants, Their Functions and Interactions with the Environment and Other Living
      Organisms.
AB  - Plants are one of the two major groups of living organisms that are an essential
      entity to the function of the biosphere. Plants can be found in all known parts
      of the earth, in all shapes and sizes. They include the green algae, mosses,
      ferns, vines, grasses, bushes, herbs, flowering plants and trees. Although some
      plants are parasitic, most produce their own food through photosynthesis. Most
      plants initiate from a seed. The importance of plants in the food chain dates
      back to ancient times. The first humans gathered wild plants for food. As
      settlements developed, food crops were cultivated, leading to selection of high
      yielding cultivated varieties to feed the growing populations. Unlike plants,
      humans and other animals are unable to manufacture their own food. Therefore,
      they are dependent, directly or indirectly, on plants. Plants are found in
      natural ecosystems such as rain forests, and also in agricultural areas and
      urbanized settings. They are an essential part of our daily lives providing food,
      clean air, and important ecosystem functions. The study of plants and their
      function could be considered the most complex of interactions. From the time a
      seed germinates, it goes through a myriad of physiological processes that can be
      closely studied using modern tools and molecular biological methods. An open
      access journal such as Plants will give millions of readers access to that
      information around the world. 

PMID- 27137634
TI  - Serum levels of HSP70 and other DAMP proteins can aid in patient diagnosis after
      traumatic injury.
AB  - Danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are activated by endogenous signals
      that originate from stressed, injured, or necrotic cells, signifying "danger" to
      the host. In this study, we evaluated the expression of the DAMP heat shock
      protein 70 (HSP70) in trauma patients with and without secondary infections.
      Levels of glucose (GLU), procalcitonin (PCT), total cholesterol (T-Chol), and
      white blood cell (WBC) counts were also evaluated at three time stages after
      trauma. Our analysis showed that the levels of serum HSP70 in patients with
      minor, moderate, and severe injuries were significantly higher than in healthy
      patients at each time point post-injury (P < 0.01), and levels of serum HSP70 in
      the severe injury group were significantly higher than in the minor injury group
      at 1-6 h after trauma (P = 0.047). HSP70 was correlated with GLU and was
      negatively correlated with T-Chol in the period 1-6 h after injury (P =
      0.008/0.032). WBC and GLU were elevated after trauma, with mutual positive
      correlation (P < 0.001). PCT levels increased later than WBC counts and GLU
      levels; these levels were correlated at the two later time periods, 24-48 h and
      60-90 h (P = 0.008/0.041). PCT continued to rise in patients with secondary
      infection, but PCT dropped at the third time period in patients without secondary
      infection. In summary, our results suggest that danger and stress theory can be
      used to predict severity of trauma.

PMID- 27137636
TI  - Seasonal Variation of Cistus ladanifer L. Diterpenes.
AB  - The exudate of Cistus ladanifer L. consists mainly of two families of secondary
      metabolites: flavonoids and diterpenes. The amount of flavonoids present in the
      leaves has a marked seasonal variation, being maximum in summer and minimum in
      winter. In the present study, we demonstrate that the amount of diterpenes varies
      seasonally, but with a different pattern: maximum concentration in winter and
      minimum in spring-summer. The experiments under controlled conditions have shown
      that temperature influences diterpene production, and in particular, low
      temperatures. Given this pattern, the functions that these compounds perform in
      C. ladanifer are probably different. 

PMID- 27137637
TI  - Genetic Variation in Morphology, Seed Quality and Self-(in)Compatibility among
      the Inbred Lines Developed from a Population Variety in Outcrossing Yellow
      Mustard (Sinapis alba).
AB  - Yellow mustard (Sinapis alba L.) has been grown as an important source of
      condiment for the spice trade in the world. It is an obligate outcrossing species
      due to its sporophytic self-incompatibility (SI). To utilize heterosis for yield
      potential, we have attempted to develop elite component inbred lines for
      producing high-yielding synthetic varieties for this crop. The open-pollinated
      variety Andante was used as the initial population. To circumvent the SI barrier,
      bud-pollination for selfing was performed on the selected initial (S0) plants.
      Various types of inbreeding depression were observed in the S1 generation. Elite
      inbred lines tolerant to inbreeding were produced by purging the deleterious
      alleles in each inbred generation. Self-compatible (SC) lines were developed for
      the first time in this species. There were three types of erucic variants (high:
      49.9%, median: 23.9% and low: 1.4%), three types of linolenic variants (high:
      18.5%, median: 13.8% and low: 3.8%) and two types of mucliage variants (high:
      164.0 cS*mL/g and low: 12.0 cS*mL/g) among the developed inbred lines. These
      variants are being used to investigate the genetic and molecular mechanism
      underpinning the phenotypic variation of the seed oil profile and SI/SC traits in
      yellow mustard. 

PMID- 27137638
TI  - First Phytochemical Evidence of Chemotypes for the Seagrass Zostera noltii.
AB  - The variability of the flavonoid content of two populations of Z. noltii from
      different geographical zones, i.e., the Bay of Arcachon and the Bay of Cadiz, was
      evaluated. Samples were collected in spring and autumn at the two sites, and
      extracts were prepared by maceration in water. The phenolic content was fully
      characterized using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), UV and Liquid
      Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), and the concentration of the individual
      phenolic was determined by quantitative High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
      with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). The two populations show a strong
      geographical differentiation in their flavonoid content. The samples from Cadiz
      were dominated by apigenin 7-sulfate, which represents 71% (autumn collection)
      and 83% (spring collection) of the total flavonoids, whereas the samples from
      Arcachon were characterized by diosmetin 7-sulfate (85 and 93% of the total
      flavonoids). Structural elucidation of the individual phenolics was assigned
      using the complementary information from their spectral evidence. In addition,
      the results were confirmed by acid hydrolysis of the flavonoid sulfates, and
      comparison to synthetic standards obtained by sulfation of apigenin, diosmetin
      and luteolin. The results represent the first experimental evidence of the
      existence of chemotypes within the species Z. noltii. 

PMID- 27137639
TI  - Photobiont Relationships and Phylogenetic History of Dermatocarpon luridum var.
      luridum and Related Dermatocarpon Species.
AB  - Members of the genus Dermatocarpon are widespread throughout the Northern
      Hemisphere along the edge of lakes, rivers and streams, and are subject to
      abiotic conditions reflecting both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Little
      is known about the evolutionary relationships within the genus and between
      continents. Investigation of the photobiont(s) associated with sub-aquatic and
      terrestrial Dermatocarpon species may reveal habitat requirements of the
      photobiont and the ability for fungal species to share the same photobiont
      species under different habitat conditions. The focus of our study was to
      determine the relationship between Canadian and Austrian Dermatocarpon luridum
      var. luridum along with three additional sub-aquatic Dermatocarpon species, and
      to determine the species of photobionts that associate with D. luridum var.
      luridum. Culture experiments were performed to identify the photobionts. In
      addition, the question of the algal sharing potential regarding different species
      of Dermatocarpon was addressed. Specimens were collected from four lakes in
      northwestern Manitoba, Canada and three streams in Austria. Three Canadian and
      four Austrian thalli of D. luridum var. luridum were selected for algal
      culturing. The nuclear Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) rDNA gene of the fungal
      partner along with the algal ITS rDNA gene was sequenced to confirm the identity
      of the lichen/photobiont and afterwards the same data sets were used in
      phylogenetic analyses to assess algal sharing. The green algal photobiont was
      identified as Diplosphaera chodatii (Trebouxiophyceae). The phylogenetic analyses
      of Canadian and Austrian D. luridum var. luridum revealed that ITS sequences are
      identical despite the vast geographic distance. Phylogenetic placement of D.
      luridum var. decipiens and D. arnoldianum suggested that a re-examination of the
      species status might be necessary. This study concluded that additional
      photobiont culture experiments should be conducted to answer the question of
      whether multiple photobionts are present within the genus Dermatocarpon. 

PMID- 27137640
TI  - Phylogeny of Cirsium spp. in North America: Host Specificity Does Not Follow
      Phylogeny.
AB  - Weedy invasive Cirsium spp. are widespread in temperate regions of North America
      and some of their biological control agents have attacked native Cirsium spp. A
      phylogenetic tree was developed from DNA sequences for the internal transcribed
      spacer and external transcribed spacer regions from native and non-native Great
      Plains Cirsium spp. and other thistles to determine if host specificity follows
      phylogeny. The monophyly of Cirsium spp. and Carduus within the tribe Cardinae
      was confirmed with native North American and European lineages of the Cirsium
      spp. examined. We did not detect interspecific hybridization between the
      introduced invasive and the native North American Cirsium spp. Selected host
      biological control agent interactions were mapped onto the phylogenic tree
      derived by maximum likelihood analysis to examine the co-occurrence of known
      hosts with biological control agents. Within Cirsium-Cardueae, the insect
      biological control agents do not associate with host phylogenetic lines. Thus,
      more comprehensive testing of species in host-specificity trials, rather than
      relying on a single representative of a given clade may be necessary; because the
      assumption that host-specificity follows phylogeny does not necessarily hold.
      Since the assumption does not always hold, it will also be important to evaluate
      ecological factors to provide better cues for host specificity. 

PMID- 27137641
TI  - Antibacterial and COX-1 Inhibitory Effect of Medicinal Plants from the Pamir
      Mountains, Afghanistan.
AB  - Plants used to treat inflammatory ailments, pain, fever and infections in the
      Pamir Mountains in northeastern Afghanistan, were tested for antibacterial and
      COX-1 inhibitory activity. Water and ethanol extracts of 20 species were tested
      for antibacterial activity against two gram positive and two gram negative
      bacteria. The ethanol extract of Arnebia guttata inhibited Staphylococcus aureus
      with a MIC of 6 ug/mL. Water and ethanol extracts of Ephedra intermedia and the
      ethanol extracts of Lagochilus cabulicus and Peganum harmala inhibited
      Staphylococcus aureus at 0.5 mg/mL, and the P. harmala extract further inhibited
      the growth of Bacillus subtilis and E. coli, also with MICs of 0.5 mg/mL. Ethanol
      extracts of Artemisia persica (IC50: 0.5 ug/mL), Dragocephalum paulsenii (IC50:
      0.5 ug/mL), Ephedra intermedia (IC50: 3.8 ug/mL), Hyoscyamus pusillus, Nepeta
      parmiriensis (IC50: 0.7 ug/mL) and Rumex patientia subsp. pamiricus (IC50: 3.5
      ug/mL) exhibited COX-1 inhibitory activity. The observed in vitro activities
      support the use of some of the plant species in the traditional medicine systems
      of the Pamir Mountains. 

PMID- 27137643
TI  - Isolation and Characterization of Microsatellite Markers for Mimusops balata
      (Sapotaceae) and Cross-Amplification in Other Mimusops Species.
AB  - Mimusops balata (Sapotaceae) is an endemic tree species from La Reunion and
      Mauritius. Like many species growing in lowland forests in La Reunion, it has
      suffered from human disturbances. We developed twelve microsatellite markers for
      M. balata and tested cross-amplification in five other Mimusops species to have
      powerful tools for genetic diversity studies. Genotyping peaks were of very low
      quality for two loci and were consequently abandoned for the genetic diversity
      analyses. Ten microsatellite loci were tested on 34 individuals of M. balata from
      two natural populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to
      seven. The observed and expected heterozygosity levels varied from 0.000 to
      0.823, and from 0.000 to 0.812 respectively. Two loci deviated from the Hardy
      Weinberg equilibrium. The presence of null alleles was detected for one of these
      two loci. Nine to ten loci cross-amplified reliably in Mauritian species, for the
      other three species, four to six loci show successful amplifications. These
      polymorphic microsatellite markers are now available for population genetic
      investigations in Mimusops species aiming to establish accurate guidelines for
      conservation managers. 

PMID- 27137642
TI  - Tungsten Toxicity in Plants.
AB  - Tungsten (W) is a rare heavy metal, widely used in a range of industrial,
      military and household applications due to its unique physical properties. These
      activities inevitably have accounted for local W accumulation at high
      concentrations, raising concerns about its effects for living organisms. In
      plants, W has primarily been used as an inhibitor of the molybdoenzymes, since it
      antagonizes molybdenum (Mo) for the Mo-cofactor (MoCo) of these enzymes. However,
      recent advances indicate that, beyond Mo-enzyme inhibition, W has toxic
      attributes similar with those of other heavy metals. These include hindering of
      seedling growth, reduction of root and shoot biomass, ultrastructural
      malformations of cell components, aberration of cell cycle, disruption of the
      cytoskeleton and deregulation of gene expression related with programmed cell
      death (PCD). In this article, the recent available information on W toxicity in
      plants and plant cells is reviewed, and the knowledge gaps and the most pertinent
      research directions are outlined. 

PMID- 27137644
TI  - Synthesis and Enzymatic Studies of Isoprenoid Thiolo Bisubstrate Analogues.
AB  - Chain elongation prenyltransferases catalyze the addition of the hydrocarbon
      moiety of allylic isoprenoid diphosphates to the carbon-carbon double bond in
      isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) in the primary building reactions in the isoprenoid
      biosynthetic pathway. Bis-O-diphosphate analogues 3-OPP/OPP, 4-OPP/OPP, and 5
      OPP/OPP and bis-thiolodiphosphate bisubstrate analogues 3-SPP/SPP, 4-SPP/SPP, and
      5-SPP/SPP were synthesized. The analogues 4-OPP/OPP, 5-OPP/OPP, 4-SPP/SPP, and 5
      SPP/SPP were excellent competitive inhibitors of avian farnesyl diphosphate
      synthase with KI = 1.0 +/- 0.12 MUM, KI = 0.5 +/- 0.2 MUM, KI = 0.7 +/- 0.3 MUM,
      and KI = 2.9 +/- 0.27 MUM, respectively, whereas, analogues 3-OPP/OPP and 3
      SPP/SPP displayed mixed type inhibition with KI = 1.4 MUM and KI = 5.5 MUM,
      respectively.

PMID- 27137645
TI  - Increasing Ubiquitin Ion Resistance to Unfolding in the Gas Phase Using Chloride
      Adduction: Preserving More "Native-Like" Conformations Despite Collisional
      Activation.
AB  - Electrospray ionization (ESI) of ubiquitin from acidified (0.1%) aqueous solution
      produces abundant ubiquitin-chloride adduct ions, [M + nH + xCl]((n - x)+), that
      upon mild heating react via elimination of neutral HCl. Ion mobility collision
      cross section (CCS) measurements show that ubiquitin ions retaining chloride
      adducts exhibit CCS values similar to those of the "native-state" of the protein.
      Coupled with results from recent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for the
      evolution of a salt-containing electrospray droplet, this study provides a more
      complete picture for how the presence of salts affects the evolution of protein
      conformers in the final stages of dehydration of the ESI process and within the
      instrument.

PMID- 27137647
TI  - Thickening of the cauda equina roots: a common finding in Krabbe disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of Krabbe disease burden and eligibility for hematopoietic
      stem cell transplantation are often based on neuroimaging findings using the
      modified Loes scoring system, which encompasses central but not peripheral
      nervous system changes. We show that quantitative evaluation of thickened cauda
      equina nerve roots may improve the evaluation of Krabbe disease and therapeutic
      guidance. METHODS: Lumbar spine MRI scans of patients obtained between March 2013
      and September 2013 were retrospectively evaluated and compared to those of
      controls. Quantitative evaluation of cauda equina roots was performed on the
      axial plane obtained approximately 5 mm below the conus medullaris. The largest
      nerves in the right and left anterior quadrants of the spinal canal were
      acquired. RESULTS: Fifteen symptomatic patients with Krabbe disease (5-44 months
      old) and eleven age-matched controls were evaluated. The average areas (mm(2)) of
      anterior right and left nerves were 1.40 and 1.23, respectively, for patients and
      0.61 and 0.60 for controls (differences: 0.79 and 0.63; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Cauda equina nerve root thickening is associated with Krabbe disease in both
      treated and untreated patients. Adding lumbar spine MRI to the current
      neurodiagnostic protocols, which fails to account for peripheral nerve
      abnormalities, will likely facilitate the diagnosis of Krabbe disease. KEY
      POINTS: * Neuroimaging is valuable for evaluating cauda equina nerve abnormality
      in Krabbe disease * MRI can be used to quantitatively evaluate cauda equina nerve
      thickening * Lumbar MRI could be useful for diagnosis and treatment monitoring of
      Krabbe disease.

PMID- 27137649
TI  - Development of an IHE MRRT-compliant open-source web-based reporting platform.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop a platform that uses structured reporting templates
      according to the IHE Management of Radiology Report Templates (MRRT) profile, and
      to implement this platform into clinical routine. METHODS: The reporting platform
      uses standard web technologies (HTML / JavaScript and PHP / MySQL) only. Several
      freely available external libraries were used to simplify the programming. The
      platform runs on a standard web server, connects with the radiology information
      system (RIS) and PACS, and is easily accessible via a standard web browser.
      RESULTS: A prototype platform that allows structured reporting to be easily
      incorporated into the clinical routine was developed and successfully tested. To
      date, 797 reports were generated using IHE MRRT-compliant templates (many of them
      downloaded from the RSNA's radreport.org website). Reports are stored in a MySQL
      database and are easily accessible for further analyses. CONCLUSION: Development
      of an IHE MRRT-compliant platform for structured reporting is feasible using only
      standard web technologies. All source code will be made available upon request
      under a free license, and the participation of other institutions in further
      development is welcome. KEY POINTS: * A platform for structured reporting using
      IHE MRRT-compliant templates is presented. * Incorporating structured reporting
      into clinical routine is feasible. * Full source code will be provided upon
      request under a free license.

PMID- 27137648
TI  - Combined gadoxetic acid and gadofosveset enhanced liver MRI for detection and
      characterization of liver metastases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare gadoxetic acid alone and combined gadoxetic acid/gadofosveset
      trisodium-enhanced liver MRI for detection of metastases and differentiation of
      metastases from haemangiomas. METHODS: Ninety-one patients underwent gadoxetic
      acid-enhanced liver MRI before and after additional injection of gadofosveset.
      First, two readers retrospectively identified metastases on gadoxetic acid alone
      enhanced delayed hepatobiliary phase T1-weighted images together with all other
      MR images (dynamic images, T2-weighted images, diffusion-weighted images).
      Second, readers assessed additional T1-weighted images obtained after
      administration of gadofosveset trisodium. For both interpretations, readers rated
      lesion conspicuity and confidence in differentiating metastases from
      haemangiomas. Results were compared using alternative free-response receiver
      operating characteristic (AFROC) and conventional ROC methods. Histology and
      follow-up served as reference standard. RESULTS: There were 145 metastases and 16
      haemangiomas. Both readers detected more metastases using combined gadoxetic
      acid/gadofosveset (reader 1 = 130; reader 2 = 124) compared to gadoxetic acid
      alone (reader 1 = 104; reader 2 = 103). Sensitivity of combined gadoxetic
      acid/gadofosveset (reader 1 = 90 %; reader 2 = 86 %) was higher than that of
      gadoxetic acid alone (reader 1 = 72 %; reader 2 = 71 %, both P < 0.01). AFROC-AUC
      was higher for the combined technique (0.92 vs. 0.86, P < 0.001). Sensitivity for
      correct differentiation of metastases from haemangiomas was higher for the
      combined technique (reader 1 = 98 %; reader 2 = 99 % vs. reader 1 = 86 %; reader
      2 = 91 %, both P < 0.01). ROC-AUC was significantly higher for the combined
      technique (reader 1 = 1.00; reader 2 = 1.00 vs. reader 1 = 0.87; reader 2 = 0.92,
      both P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Combined gadoxetic acid/gadofosveset-enhanced MRI
      improves detection and characterization of liver metastases compared to gadoxetic
      acid alone. KEY POINTS: * Combined gadoxetic acid and gadofosveset-enhanced liver
      MRI significantly improves detection of metastases. * The combined enhancement
      technique improves the accuracy to differentiate metastases from haemangiomas. *
      Prospective studies need to determine the clinical impact of the combined
      technique.

PMID- 27137650
TI  - Breath biomonitoring in national security assessment, forensic THC testing,
      biomedical technology and quality assurance applications: report from PittCon
      2016.

PMID- 27137651
TI  - Calpain inhibitor attenuates ER stress-induced apoptosis in injured spinal cord
      after bone mesenchymal stem cells transplantation.
AB  - Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) therapy for tissue repair is limited
      by low survival of cells transplanted in the recipient sites after spinal cord
      injury (SCI). Here, we investigated the effects of a calpain inhibitor (MDL28170)
      on BMSCs survival by a rat model of spinal cord injury in vitro and in vivo.
      Conditioned medium from hypoxia injured VSC4.1 motor neurons (Hypoxia-CM) were
      collected to mimic the micro-environment of injured spinal cord. Tunicamycin was
      also applied to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in BMSCs. The CCK-8
      assay, LDH leakage assay and flow cytometer assay demonstrated that MDL28170
      could enhance BMSCs survival in response to Hypoxia-CM and tunicamycin. Moreover,
      MDL28170 significantly enhanced GFP-positive BMSCs survival in vivo after
      transplantation into the contused spinal cord of SCI rats. The protective effects
      of MDL28170 on BMSCs survival may inhibit the activation of calpain and the
      downstream ER stress-induced apoptosis. The present results suggested for the
      first time that MDL28170 with BMSCs transplant helped to rescue cells in injured
      spinal cord by modulating the ER stress-induced apoptosis. The calpain inhibitor,
      MDL28170 may have the promising new strategies for promoting the survival of
      transplanted BMSCs on cell-based regenerative medicine.

PMID- 27137652
TI  - Regulation of Blood Stem Cell Development.
AB  - Understanding how the blood system is formed is an ongoing fundamental research
      challenge. Developmental biology has provided many insights into the molecules
      and processes that affect the formation of the blood tissues, both in health and
      disease. It is of particular interest for clinical transplantation therapies to
      understand how hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)-the self-renewing purveyors of the
      adult blood system that produce over 10 different functionally specialized cell
      lineages and over 10(11) cells daily-are generated during embryonic stages.
      Recent successes to reprogram the fate of adult differentiated cells to
      pluripotency and to other cell lineages now highlight the importance of
      identifying the cells and molecules that affect the in vivo developmental
      initiation of rare and robust transplantable HSCs. The close association of the
      developing hematopoietic and vascular system, hematopoietic cell mobility through
      the circulation, and the essential role of the embryonic hematopoietic system in
      adult hematopoietic cell development make this a formidable study. This chapter
      reviews the advances, controversies, and current state of our knowledge of the
      growing field of hematopoietic development, with a special focus on the
      regulation of the natural transdifferentiation of endothelial cells to HSCs
      within the developing embryo. 

PMID- 27137653
TI  - Hematopoietic Stem Cell and Its Bone Marrow Niche.
AB  - Stem cells do not thrive without their niche. The bone marrow microenvironment is
      where hematopoietic stem cells maintain their cell state while receiving
      physiological input to modify their activity in response to changing
      physiological demands. The complexity of the bone marrow microenvironment is
      being unraveled and indicates that multiple different cell types contribute to
      the regulation of stem and progenitor cells. Further, it is becoming evident that
      the bone marrow represents a composite of niches with different components and
      different functional roles in hematopoiesis. It is now evident that alterations
      in specific stromal cells that comprise the bone marrow microenvironment can
      contribute to hematologic pathology. In this chapter, we will review the history
      of the niche concept, evolving information about its components and how niche
      dysfunction may contribute to disease. 

PMID- 27137654
TI  - The Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Cistrome: GATA Factor-Dependent cis
      Regulatory Mechanisms.
AB  - Transcriptional regulators mediate the genesis and function of the hematopoietic
      system by binding complex ensembles of cis-regulatory elements to establish
      genetic networks. While thousands to millions of any given cis-element resides in
      a genome, how transcriptional regulators select these sites and how site
      attributes dictate functional output is not well understood. An instructive
      system to address this problem involves the GATA family of transcription factors
      that control vital developmental and physiological processes and are linked to
      multiple human pathologies. Although GATA factors bind DNA motifs harboring the
      sequence GATA, only a very small subset of these abundant motifs are occupied in
      genomes. Mechanistic studies revealed a unique configuration of a GATA factor
      regulated cis-element consisting of an E-box and a downstream GATA motif
      separated by a short DNA spacer. GATA-1- or GATA-2-containing multiprotein
      complexes at these composite elements control transcription of genes critical for
      hematopoietic stem cell emergence in the mammalian embryo, hematopoietic
      progenitor cell regulation, and erythroid cell maturation. Other constituents of
      the complex include the basic helix-loop-loop transcription factor Scl/TAL1, its
      heterodimeric partner E2A, and the Lim domain proteins LMO2 and LDB1. This
      chapter reviews the structure/function of E-box-GATA composite cis-elements,
      which collectively constitute an important sector of the hematopoietic stem and
      progenitor cell cistrome. 

PMID- 27137655
TI  - ETS Transcription Factor ETV2/ER71/Etsrp in Hematopoietic and Vascular
      Development.
AB  - Effective establishment of the hematopoietic and vascular systems is prerequisite
      for successful embryogenesis. The ETS transcription factor Etv2 has proven to be
      essential for hematopoietic and vascular development. Etv2 expression marks the
      onset of the hematopoietic and vascular development and its deficiency leads to
      an absolute block in hematopoietic and vascular development. Etv2 is transiently
      expressed during development and is mainly expressed in testis in adults.
      Consistent with its expression pattern, Etv2 is transiently required for the
      generation of the optimal levels of the hemangiogenic cell population. Deletion
      of this gene after the hemangiogenic progenitor formation leads to normal
      hematopoietic and vascular development. Mechanistically, ETV2 induces the
      hemangiogenic program by activating blood and endothelial cell lineage specifying
      genes and enhancing VEGF signaling. Moreover, ETV2 establishes an ETS hierarchy
      by directly activating other Ets genes, which in the face of transient Etv2
      expression, presumably maintain blood and endothelial cell program initiated by
      ETV2 through an ETS switching mechanism. Current studies suggest that the
      hemangiogenic progenitor population is exclusively sensitive to ETV2-dependent
      FLK1 signaling. Any perturbation in the ETV2, VEGF, and FLK1 balance causing
      insufficient hemangiogenic progenitor cell generation would lead to defects in
      hematopoietic and endothelial cell development. 

PMID- 27137656
TI  - Taking the Leap: Runx1 in the Formation of Blood from Endothelium.
AB  - Blood cell formation in the embryo occurs from multiple anatomic sites and
      results in the production of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that appear
      in overlapping waves. The transcription factor Runx1 is involved in a dramatic
      step of this process, for the transition from an endothelial cell that is
      integrated in a monolayer to a nonadherent circulating blood cell, a process
      conceptually similar to the epithelial to mesenchymal cell transition. Here we
      will review the role of Runx1 in the so-called hemogenic endothelium. We will
      describe the blood cell progenitors for which Runx1 is required, the proximal
      upstream transcription factors and signaling events that regulate its expression,
      and some of its important downstream targets in the hemogenic endothelium. 

PMID- 27137657
TI  - SCL/TAL1 in Hematopoiesis and Cellular Reprogramming.
AB  - SCL, a transcription factor of the basic helix-loop-helix family, is a master
      regulator of hematopoiesis. Scl specifies lateral plate mesoderm to a
      hematopoietic fate and establishes boundaries by inhibiting the cardiac lineage.
      A combinatorial interaction between Scl and Vegfa/Flk1 sets in motion the first
      wave of primitive hematopoiesis. Subsequently, definitive hematopoietic stem
      cells (HSCs) emerge from the embryo proper via an endothelial-to-hematopoietic
      transition controlled by Runx1, acting with Scl and Gata2. Past this stage, Scl
      in steady state HSCs is redundant with Lyl1, a highly homologous factor. However,
      Scl is haploinsufficient in stress response, when a rare subpopulation of HSCs
      with very long term repopulating capacity is called into action. SCL activates
      transcription by recruiting a core complex on DNA that necessarily includes
      E2A/HEB, GATA1-3, LIM-only proteins LMO1/2, LDB1, and an extended complex
      comprising ETO2, RUNX1, ERG, or FLI1. These interactions confer
      multifunctionality to a complex that can control cell proliferation in erythroid
      progenitors or commitment to terminal differentiation through variations in
      single component. Ectopic SCL and LMO1/2 expression in immature thymocytes
      activates of a stem cell gene network and reprogram cells with a finite lifespan
      into self-renewing preleukemic stem cells (pre-LSCs), an initiating event in T
      cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias. Interestingly, fate conversion of fibroblasts
      to hematoendothelial cells requires not only Scl and Lmo2 but also Gata2, Runx1,
      and Erg, indicating a necessary collaboration between these transcription factors
      for hematopoietic reprogramming. Nonetheless, full reprogramming into self
      renewing multipotent HSCs may require additional factors and most likely, a
      permissive microenvironment. 

PMID- 27137658
TI  - Navigating Transcriptional Coregulator Ensembles to Establish Genetic Networks: A
      GATA Factor Perspective.
AB  - Complex developmental programs require orchestration of intrinsic and extrinsic
      signals to control cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Master
      regulatory transcription factors are vital components of the machinery that
      transduce these stimuli into cellular responses. This is exemplified by the GATA
      family of transcription factors that establish cell type-specific genetic
      networks and control the development and homeostasis of systems including blood,
      vascular, adipose, and cardiac. Dysregulated GATA factor activity/expression
      underlies anemia, immunodeficiency, myelodysplastic syndrome, and leukemia.
      Parameters governing the capacity of a GATA factor expressed in multiple cell
      types to generate cell type-specific transcriptomes include selective coregulator
      usage and target gene-specific chromatin states. As knowledge of GATA-1
      mechanisms in erythroid cells constitutes a solid foundation, we will focus
      predominantly on GATA-1, while highlighting principles that can be extrapolated
      to other master regulators. GATA-1 interacts with ubiquitous and lineage
      restricted transcription factors, chromatin modifying/remodeling enzymes, and
      other coregulators to activate or repress transcription and to maintain
      preexisting transcriptional states. Major unresolved issues include: how does a
      GATA factor selectively utilize diverse coregulators; do distinct epigenetic
      landscapes and nuclear microenvironments of target genes dictate coregulator
      requirements; and do gene cohorts controlled by a common coregulator ensemble
      function in common pathways. This review will consider these issues in the
      context of GATA factor-regulated hematopoiesis and from a broader perspective. 

PMID- 27137659
TI  - Noncoding Regulatory RNAs in Hematopoiesis.
AB  - Hematopoiesis is a dynamic process in which blood cells are continuously
      generated from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The regulatory mechanisms
      controlling HSC fate have been studied extensively over the past several decades.
      Although many protein-coding genes have been shown to regulate hematopoietic
      differentiation, additional levels of HSC regulation are not well studied.
      Advances in deep sequencing have revealed many new classes of regulatory
      noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as enhancer RNAs and antisense ncRNAs. Functional
      analysis of some of these ncRNAs has provided insights into the molecular
      mechanisms that regulate hematopoietic development and disease. In this review,
      we summarize recent advances in our understanding of functional regulatory ncRNAs
      associated with hematopoietic self-renewal and differentiation, as well as those
      dysregulated ncRNAs involved in hematologic malignancies. 

PMID- 27137660
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 27137661
TI  - How Should Surgical Residents Be Educated About Patient Safety: A Pilot
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education mandates
      patient safety education without specific curricular guidelines. We hypothesized
      that a dedicated, adjunctive resident safety workshop (SW) led by surgical
      faculty compared with an online curriculum (OC) for hospital personnel alone
      would improve residents' patient safety perceptions and behaviors. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A pilot randomized controlled trial was performed from 2014 to 2015
      within a university-based general surgery residency. Control and intervention
      groups, stratified by postgraduate year, participated in a hospital-based OC; the
      intervention group participated in an additional SW. Primary outcomes were
      perceptions of safety culture, teamwork, and speaking up as per the validated
      safety attitudes questionnaire (SAQ) at 6 and 12 months postintervention.
      Secondary outcomes included behavioral scores from blinded surgical faculty using
      the Oxford NonTechnical Skills scale. RESULTS: A total of 51 residents were
      enrolled (control = 25, intervention = 26). SAQ response rates were 100%, 100%,
      and 76% at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, respectively. SAQ scores were
      similar at baseline between groups and did not change significantly at 6 or 12
      months, independent of postgraduate year (PGY) level. Overall NonTechnical Skills
      scores were similar between groups, but senior residents (>=PGY 4) in the OC + SW
      group scored significantly higher in teamwork, decision-making, and situation
      awareness (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An adjunctive, dedicated resident SW
      compared with a hospital-based OC alone did not significantly improve overall
      perceptions of patient safety. However, senior residents participating in the SW
      demonstrated improved patient safety perceptions and had significantly better
      intraoperative safety behaviors than senior residents in the OC group. Future
      curricular enhancements should include PGY-level specific education, iterative
      reviews, and increased faculty involvement. A larger randomized trial may be
      warranted.

PMID- 27137662
TI  - Orthopedic Surgery Applicants: What They Want in an Interview and How They Are
      Influenced by Post-Interview Contact.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Common strategies for orthopedic residency programs to attract
      competitive applicants include optimizing the interview day and contacting
      favorably ranked applicants postinterview. The purpose of this work was to
      determine (1) applicants' perspectives on the ideal interview day, (2) how
      frequently applicants are contacted postinterview, and (3) the influence of this
      contact on rank order lists (ROL). DESIGN: Prospective Comparative Survey
      SETTING: Mayo Clinic Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rochester, MN, USA
      PARTICIPANTS: A survey was completed by 312 successfully matched orthopedic
      surgery residency applicants following the 2015 match regarding their views of
      the ideal interview day, components they valued most, post-interview contact, and
      how that contact influenced their ROL. RESULTS: Applicants stated they preferred
      interviews that lasted 15 (55%) minutes, a mean of 1.7 (range: 1-5) interviewers
      present per interview, 5 total interviews (range: 1-10) in a day, an interview
      with residents (96%), and interviews days lasting only a half day (88%). The
      majority (94%) desire a social event attended by only residents (54%) or staff
      and residents (46%). Few wanted an assessment of surgical skills (36%) or
      orthopedic knowledge (23%). The interview day was rated very valuable in
      determining their ROL (4.4 out of 5.0). Applicants told a mean of 1.7 (range: 0
      11) programs they were "ranking the program highly" and 0.8 (range: 0-5) programs
      they were "going to rank them #1." Of the 116 (40%) applicants contacted by
      programs following interviews, 24 (21%) moved programs higher and 3 (3%) moved
      programs lower on their ROL. CONCLUSIONS: Orthopedic Surgery applicants have
      clear preferences for what they consider to be the ideal interview day and many
      alter their ROL following post-interview contact. These data may be beneficial to
      programs looking to optimize the interview experience for applicants.

PMID- 27137663
TI  - The Decision to Incision Curriculum: Teaching Preoperative Skills and Achieving
      Level 1 Milestones.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a preoperative skills curriculum, and
      to assess and document competence in associated Obstetrics and Gynecology Level 1
      Milestones. DESIGN: The Decision to Incision curriculum was developed by a team
      of medical educators with the goal of teaching and evaluating 5 skills pertinent
      to Milestone 1: Preoperative consent, patient positioning, Foley catheter
      placement, surgical scrub, and preoperative time-out. Competence, overall skill
      performance, and knowledge were assessed by evaluator rating using checklists
      before and after the educational intervention. Differences between
      preintervention and postintervention skills performance and competence were
      assessed using Wilcoxon rank test and Fisher exact test, respectively. SETTING:
      Clinical Simulation Center at an academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Overall,
      29 fourth year medical students matriculating into Obstetrics and Gynecology
      residencies. RESULTS: The proportion of participants meeting Milestone competence
      significantly increased in all 5 skills, with competence achieved in 95.6% (95%
      CI: 92.1-99.0) of posttest skills assessments. Median overall performance also
      significantly improved for all 5 skills, with 83.6% (95% CI: 77.3-89.9) earning
      scores of 4 out of 5 or greater on the posttest. For knowledge testing, the
      proportion of correct responses significantly increased for both topics
      evaluated, from 45.2% to 99.7% (p < 0.0001) for positioning and from 32.8% to
      83.1% (p < 0.0001) for time-out. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to incision curriculum
      significantly improved preoperative skills, including skills that may be required
      on day 1 of residency. This curriculum also facilitated achievement and
      documentation of competence in multiple Milestones.

PMID- 27137664
TI  - A Cataract Surgery Training Program: 2-Year Outcome After Launching.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate whether a short-term training program can produce
      competent cataract surgeons. METHODS: This observational pilot study enrolled 12
      trainees who could not perform phacoemulsification independently. The training
      consisted of 2 phases. During the first 3-month phase, trainees were taught
      phacoemulsification through wet laboratory exposure and deliberate practice in
      patients at the training center in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University
      in China. The second phase consisted of performing 50 cases at the trainees' home
      institution with supports from instructors of the first phase. Trainees' surgical
      results were followed-up. The surgical skill as measured by the Ophthalmology
      Surgical Competency Assessment Rubric (OSCAR) and surgical outcomes were
      analyzed. RESULTS: During the first phase trainees performed 193.3 +/- 95.4 wet
      laboratory cases and 557 eyes in patients. The complication rate was 0.54%. The
      OSCAR scores improved significantly (p < 0.01) in the first phase. At the second
      phase, all the trainees could carry out phacoemulsification at their home
      hospital and the complication rate was 1.87%. During the long-term follow-up,
      4936 cases of phacoemulsification were performed and the complication rate was
      0.87%. CONCLUSIONS: Trainees succeeded in performing phacoemulsification safely
      and skillfully through a limited short period of training by wet laboratory
      exposure, deliberate practice in patients, and frequent formative feedback
      provided by the OSCAR tool.

PMID- 27137665
TI  - Can Future Academic Surgeons be Identified in the Residency Ranking Process?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of surgical residency training programs is to train competent
      surgeons. Academic surgical training programs also have as a mission training
      future academicians-surgical scientists, teachers, and leaders. However,
      selection of surgical residents is dependent on a relatively unscientific
      process. Here we sought to determine how well the residency selection process is
      able to identify future academicians in surgery. DESIGN: Rank lists from an
      academic surgical residency program from 1992 to 1997 were examined. All ranked
      candidates' career paths after residency were reviewed to determine whether they
      stayed in academics, were university affiliated, or in private practice. SETTING:
      The study was performed at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical
      College, New York, NY. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 663 applicants for general
      surgery residency participated in this study. RESULTS: In total 6 rank lists were
      evaluated, which included 663 candidates. Overall 76% remained in a general
      surgery subspecialty. Of those who remained in general surgery, 49% were in
      private practice, 20% were university affiliated, and 31% had academic careers.
      Approximately 47% of candidates that were ranked in the top 20 had >=20
      publications, with decreasing percentages as rank number increased. There was a
      strong correlation between the candidates' rank position and pursuing an academic
      career (p < 0.001, R(2) = 0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Graduates of surgical residency who
      were ranked highly at the time of the residency match were more likely to pursue
      an academic career. The residency selection process can identify candidates
      likely to be future academicians.

PMID- 27137666
TI  - Training in Laparoscopic Gastric Cancer Surgery in the Western World: Current
      Educational Practices, Challenges, and Potential Opportunities at a Large
      University Centre.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore and understand how surgeons
      distribute tasks during a laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer in an
      academic teaching environment. DESIGN: An anonymous, cross-sectional, census
      survey was used to poll trainees' and staff members' opinions pertaining to
      laparoscopic gastrectomy. SETTING: Academic and community tertiary teaching
      hospitals, affiliated with the University of Toronto. PARTICIPANTS: All surgeons,
      within the Department of General Surgery at the University of Toronto, who
      practice laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer, were invited to
      participate. All general surgery residents, postgraduate year 1-5, minimally
      invasive surgery and surgical oncology fellows at the University of Toronto were
      invited to participate. Overall response rate was 74.35% (n = 87/117). RESULTS:
      The results suggested that trainees do not routinely perform the major operative
      steps. Trainees agreed with faculty in this regard; however, there was a
      statistically significant difference in opinions, related to the degree of the
      perceived active operating of the trainees. There was also a difference in
      opinion, between trainees and faculty, regarding the common reasons for takeover.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present survey highlights that current level of active exposure
      of surgical trainees to laparoscopic gastric surgery might be insufficient. A
      lack of role clarity may further hinder an optimal educational experience during
      these cases. Adopting a stepwise approach, with task deconstruction, could
      optimize training. Additional training modalities may be required to ensure
      technical proficiency is acquired before independent practice.

PMID- 27137667
TI  - Evolving Perceptions of the Plastic Surgery Integrated Residency Training
      Program.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In recent years, there has been a transition in plastic surgery
      residency training. Many programs across the country are now using integrated
      training modalities vs. independent training programs. This change in residency
      training has brought into question the effectiveness of integrated residency
      programs, in which medical students immediately enter the plastic surgery
      specialty upon graduation. This study assessed plastic surgery residency program
      directors and faculty members' viewpoints on the transition to integrated
      training programs and the effect this transition has had on the training of
      plastic surgery residents. DESIGN: An anonymous 13-question survey was formulated
      using a pilot survey sent to members of the plastic surgery department at the
      University of Florida. The final survey was then electronically sent via
      SurveyMonkey.com to 92 current plastic surgery residency program directors.
      Program directors were identified via program lists provided by the American
      Council of Academic Surgeons. Program directors were then asked to forward the
      survey to faculty members of their respective institutions. Responses collected
      were analyzed via SurveyMonkey.com and Microsoft Excel. SETTING: University of
      Florida College of Medicine, Department of Plastic Surgery. PARTICIPANTS: Plastic
      surgery residency program directors as identified by the American Council of
      Academic Surgeons. RESULTS: A response rate of 40.2% was achieved via 37 of the
      92 plastic surgery program directors responding to the electronic survey. An
      additional 6 anonymous faculty members also responded to the survey, 13.9% of all
      responses. Institutions indicated that the majority was using integrated
      residency programs, with some institutions using both integrated and independent
      training programs simultaneously. Most respondents indicated that they supported
      the transition to the integrated residency program at their respective
      institutions. Respondents indicated several reasons as to why or why not programs
      have transitioned to the integrated program, with lack of funding being the
      primary indication of not making the transition. Upon responding with their level
      of agreement to several statements, respondents indicated that they agreed that
      the integrated training program is superior to the independent program and is not
      negatively effecting the specialty. CONCLUSIONS: The transition to the integrated
      plastic surgery residency program is continuing to grow. Most respondents in this
      survey indicated their belief in the superiority of the integrated program.
      However, a large proportion of respondents stated that they neither agreed nor
      disagreed with several of the provided statements concerning which residency
      program is superior. Thus, further research is needed to discern whether or not
      the integrated program is in fact superior to the independent residency training
      program.

PMID- 27137668
TI  - Inheriting the Learner's View: A Google Glass-Based Wearable Computing Platform
      for Improving Surgical Trainee Performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is speculated that, in operative environments, real-time
      visualization of the trainee's viewpoint by the instructor may improve
      performance and teaching efficacy. We hypothesized that introduction of a
      wearable surgical visualization system allowing the instructor to visualize
      otherwise "blind" areas in the operative field could improve trainee performance
      in a simulated operative setting. METHODS: A total of 11 surgery residents (4 in
      general surgery training and 7 in an integrated 6-year cardiothoracic surgery
      program) participated in the study. Google (Mountain View, CA) Glass hardware
      running proprietary software from CrowdOptic (San Francisco, CA) was utilized for
      creation of the wearable surgical visualization system. Both the learner and
      trainer wore the system, and video was streamed from the learner's system in real
      time to the trainer, who directed the learner to place needles in a simulated
      operative field. Subjects placed a total of 5 needles in each of 4 quadrants. A
      composite error score was calculated based on the accuracy of needle placement in
      relation to the intended needle trajectories as described by the trainer. Time to
      task completion (TTC) was also measured and participants completed an exit
      questionnaire. RESULTS: All residents completed the protocol tasks and the
      survey. Introduction of the wearable surgical visualization system did not affect
      mean time to task completion (278 +/- 50 vs. 282 +/- 69 seconds, p = NS).
      However, mean composite error score fell significantly once the wearable system
      was deployed (18 +/- 5 vs. 15 +/- 4, p < 0.05), demonstrating improved accuracy
      of needle placement. Most of the participants deemed the device unobtrusive, easy
      to operate, and useful for communication and instruction. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      suggests that wearable surgical visualization systems allowing for adoption of
      the learner's perspective may be a useful educational adjunct in the training of
      surgeons. Further evaluations of the efficacy of wearable technology in the
      operating room environment are warranted.

PMID- 27137669
TI  - Verbal Aggressiveness Among Physicians and Trainees.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To better understand verbal aggressiveness among physicians and
      trainees, including specialty-specific differences. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: The
      Infante Verbal Aggressiveness Scale (IVAS) was administered as part of a survey
      to 48 medical students, 24 residents, and 257 attending physicians. The 72
      trainees received the IVAS and demographic questions, whereas the attending
      physicians received additional questions regarding type of practice, career
      satisfaction, litigation, and personality type. RESULTS: The IVAS scores showed
      high reliability (Cronbach alpha = 0.83). Among all trainees, 56% were female
      with mean age 28 years, whereas among attending physicians, 63% were male with
      mean age 50 years. Average scores of trainees were higher than attending
      physicians with corresponding averages of 1.88 and 1.68, respectively. Among
      trainees, higher IVAS scores were significantly associated with male sex, non-US
      birthplace, choice of surgery, and a history of bullying. Among attending
      physicians, higher IVAS scores were significantly associated with male sex,
      younger age, self-reported low-quality of patient-physician relationships, and
      low enjoyment talking to patients. General surgery and general internal medicine
      physicians were significantly associated with higher IVAS scores than other
      specialties. General practitioners (surgeons and medical physicians) had higher
      IVAS scores than the specialists in their corresponding fields. No significant
      correlation was found between IVAS scores and threats of legal action against
      attending physicians, or most personality traits. Additional findings regarding
      bullying in medical school, physician-patient interactions, and having a method
      to deal with inappropriate behavior at work were observed. CONCLUSIONS:
      Individuals choosing general specialties display more aggressive verbal
      communication styles, general surgeons displaying the highest. The IVAS scoring
      system may identify subgroups of physicians with overly aggressive (problematic)
      communication skills and may provide a backdrop for educating physician
      communicators. The relationship between verbal aggressiveness and efficacy of
      clinical communication merits inquiry.

PMID- 27137670
TI  - Assessment of the mutagenic and genotoxic activity of cyanobacterial toxin beta-N
      methyl-amino-L-alanine in Salmonella typhimurium.
AB  - A neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (L-BMAA) is a non-protein amino acid
      produced by most cyanobacteria ubiquitously present in aquatic and terrestrial
      environments. Due to its global presence in surface waters, a widespread human
      exposure is possible and therefore this toxin represents a health risk for humans
      and animals. L-BMAA has been linked to the development of a variety of
      neurodegenerative diseases. Its neurotoxic activity has been extensively studied,
      while nothing is known on its genotoxic properties. In the present study we
      evaluated for the first time L-BMAA mutagenic potential using Ames assay on
      several Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA97a, TA98, TA100, TA102 and TA1535).
      The results showed that the toxin (up to 0.9 mg/plate) did not induce mutations
      without or with S9 metabolic activation. Its genotoxic activity was further
      studied with the SOS/umuC assay on S. typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 and the results
      showed that it was not cytotoxic nor genotoxic for bacteria. The present study
      represents the first evidence that L-BMAA is not mutagenic nor genotoxic for
      bacteria even at concentrations much higher than those typically found in the
      environment. However, as most of the cyanobacterial toxins are not bacterial
      mutagens it is very important to further elucidate its genotoxic activity in
      eukaryotic cells. 

PMID- 27137671
TI  - Electroencephalographic Motor Imagery Brain Connectivity Analysis for BCI: A
      Review.
AB  - Recent research has reached a consensus on the feasibility of motor imagery brain
      computer interface (MI-BCI) for different applications, especially in stroke
      rehabilitation. Most MI-BCI systems rely on temporal, spectral, and spatial
      features of single channels to distinguish different MI patterns. However, no
      successful communication has been established for a completely locked-in subject.
      To provide more useful and informative features, it has been recommended to take
      into account the relationships among electroencephalographic (EEG) sensor/source
      signals in the form of brain connectivity as an efficient tool of neuroscience.
      In this review, we briefly report the challenges and limitations of conventional
      MI-BCIs. Brain connectivity analysis, particularly functional and effective, has
      been described as one of the most promising approaches for improving MI-BCI
      performance. An extensive literature on EEG-based MI brain connectivity analysis
      of healthy subjects is reviewed. We subsequently discuss the brain connectomes
      during left and right hand, feet, and tongue MI movements. Moreover, key
      components involved in brain connectivity analysis that considerably affect the
      results are explained. Finally, possible technical shortcomings that may have
      influenced the results in previous research are addressed and suggestions are
      provided. 

PMID- 27137672
TI  - Comprehensive proteomic analysis of canola leaf inoculated with a plant growth
      promoting bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, under salt stress.
AB  - Plant growth-promoting bacteria can improve the tolerance of canola to salt
      stress. To better understand the effects of plant growth-promoting bacterium on
      the protein profiles of canola under salt stress condition, proteomics was
      performed. Salt-sensitive (Sarigol) and -tolerant (Hyola308) canola cultivars
      were inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens FY32, and the protein profiles of
      canola leaves were compared using a PEG-fractionation method. Cluster analysis of
      canola cultivars based on a stress tolerance index of several morphological
      parameters was used to confirm that Sarigol and Hyola308 were salt-sensitive and 
      tolerant cultivars, respectively. Using a gel-free proteomic technique, 154 and
      94 proteins in Hyola308 and 100 and 144 proteins in Sarigol were uniquely
      identified in non-inoculated and bacterial-inoculated cultivars, respectively. By
      PEG fractionation, a total of 132 and 207 proteins were identified in non
      inoculated and inoculated Hyola308, respectively. Notably, the abundance of
      copper/zinc superoxide dismutase 1 was significantly increased in inoculated
      Hyola308 under severe salt stress and decreased under moderate salt stress. In
      addition, the enzyme activity of delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase was
      significantly increased non-inoculated Hyola308 and the activity of succinate
      dehydrogenase was increased in inoculated Hyola308 leaves exposed to salt stress.
      Taken together, these results suggest that the bacterial inoculation of canola
      increases salt tolerance by inducing an increase in the abundance of proteins
      related to glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and amino acid metabolism.

PMID- 27137673
TI  - Scalable noninjection phosphine-free synthesis and optical properties of
      tetragonal-phase CuInSe2 quantum dots.
AB  - Phosphine-free synthesis of CISe quantum dots (QDs) is highly desirable, yet it
      has been challenging. The main difficulty lies in achieving phosphine-free Se
      precursors. Most reported protocols for the synthesis of size-confined CISe QDs
      highly depend on the use of air-sensitive, toxic, and expensive alkylphosphines
      to prepare reactive Se precursors and to confine particle growth. Herein, we
      present a new amine/thiol combination-based route to Se precursors that may
      enable a general synthesis of phosphine-free selenide QDs. What's more, instead
      of the traditional "hot-injection" method, we also report the first one-pot
      noninjection synthesis of high quality CISe QDs enabled by our strategy. A very
      high chemical yield of ~95% is demonstrated, as well as the facile gram-scale
      production of monodisperse CISe QDs. By simply adjusting the amount of 1
      dodecanethiol used in the synthesis, we are able to produce CISe QDs with
      continuous tunability of the particle size from ~2 nm to ~10 nm, and hence their
      intrinsic optical properties. 

PMID- 27137674
TI  - In vivo bactericidal efficacy of the Ti6Al4V surface after ultraviolet C
      treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biomaterial-associated infections are one of the most important
      complications in orthopedic surgery. The main goal of this study was to
      demonstrate the in vivo bactericidal effect of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on
      Ti6Al4V surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental model of device-related
      infections was developed by direct inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus into the
      canal of both femurs of 34 rats. A UV-irradiated Ti6Al4V pin was press-fit into
      the canal by retrograde insertion in one femur and the control pin was inserted
      into the contralateral femur. To assess the efficacy of UV radiation, the mean
      colony counts after inoculation in the experimental subjects and the control
      group were compared at different times of sacrifice and at different inoculum
      doses. RESULTS: At 72 h, the mean colony counts after inoculation in experimental
      femurs were significantly lower than those of the control group, with a reduction
      percentage of 76 % (p = 0.041). A similar difference between control and
      experimental pins was observed at 24 h using an inoculum dose <104 colony-forming
      units (CFU), for which the reduction percentage was 70.48 % (p = 0.017).
      CONCLUSION: The irradiated surface of Ti6Al4V is able to reduce early bacterial
      colonization of Ti6AlV pins located in the medullar channel and in the
      surrounding femur. The reductions depend on the initial inoculums used to cause
      infection in the animals and the greatest effects are detected for inoculums <104
      CFU. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

PMID- 27137675
TI  - Alterations in plasma membrane promote overexpression and increase of sodium
      influx through epithelial sodium channel in hypertensive platelets.
AB  - Platelets are small, anucleated cell fragments that activate in response to a
      wide variety of stimuli, triggering a complex series of intracellular pathways
      leading to a hemostatic thrombus formation at vascular injury sites. However, in
      essential hypertension, platelet activation contributes to causing myocardial
      infarction and ischemic stroke. Reported abnormalities in platelet functions,
      such as platelet hyperactivity and hyperaggregability to several agonists,
      contribute to the pathogenesis and complications of thrombotic events associated
      with hypertension. Platelet membrane lipid composition and fluidity are
      determining for protein site accessibility, structural arrangement of platelet
      surface, and response to appropriate stimuli. The present study aimed to
      demonstrate whether structural and biochemical abnormalities in lipid membrane
      composition and fluidity characteristic of platelets from hypertensive patients
      influence the expression of the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC), fundamental for
      sodium influx during collagen activation. Wb, cytometry and quantitative Reverse
      Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) assays demonstrated ENaC
      overexpression in platelets from hypertensive subjects and in relation to control
      subjects. Additionally, our results strongly suggest a key role of beta
      dystroglycan as a scaffold for the organization of ENaC and associated proteins.
      Understanding of the mechanisms of platelet alterations in hypertension should
      provide valuable information for the pathophysiology of hypertension.

PMID- 27137676
TI  - Differential effects of P25 TiO2 nanoparticles on freshwater green microalgae:
      Chlorella and Scenedesmus species.
AB  - P25 TiO2 nanoparticles majorly used in cosmetic products have well known
      detrimental effects towards the aquatic environment. In a freshwater ecosystem,
      Chlorella and Scenedesmus are among the most commonly found algal species
      frequently used to study the effects of metal oxide nanoparticles. A comparative
      study has been conducted herein to investigate differences in the toxic effects
      caused by these nanoparticles towards the two algae species. The three different
      concentrations of P25 TiO2 NPs (0.01, 0.1 & 1MUg/mL, i.e., 0.12, 1.25 and
      12.52MUM) were selected to correlate surface water concentrations of the
      nanoparticles, and filtered and sterilized fresh water medium was used throughout
      this study. There was significant increase (p<0.001) in hydrodynamic diameter of
      nanoparticles with respect to both, time (0, 24, 48 and 72h) as well as
      concentration under all the exposure conditions. Although, significant dose
      dependent morphological (surface area & biovolume) interspecies variations were
      not observed, it was evident at the highest concentration of exposure within
      individuals. At 1MUg/mL exposure concentration, a significant difference in
      toxicity was noted between Chlorella and Scenedesmus under only visible light
      (p<0.001) and UVA (p<0.01) irradiation conditions. The viability data were well
      supported by the results obtained for oxidative stress induced by NPs on the
      cells. At the highest exposure concentration, superoxide dismutase and reduced
      glutathione activities were assessed for both the algae under all the irradiation
      conditions. Increased catalase activity and LPO release complemented the
      cytotoxic effects observed. Significant interspecies variations were noted for
      these parameters under UVA and visible light exposed cells of Chlorella and
      Scenedesmus species, which could easily be correlated with the uptake of the NPs.

PMID- 27137677
TI  - Quantifying the Sensitivity of HIV-1 Viral Entry to Receptor and Coreceptor
      Expression.
AB  - Infection by many viruses begins with fusion of viral and cellular lipid
      membranes, followed by entry of viral contents into the target cell and
      ultimately, after many biochemical steps, integration of viral DNA into that of
      the host cell. The early steps of membrane fusion and viral capsid entry are
      mediated by adsorption to the cell surface, and receptor and coreceptor binding.
      HIV-1 specifically targets CD4+ helper T-cells of the human immune system and
      binds to the receptor CD4 and coreceptor CCR5 before fusion is initiated.
      Previous experiments have been performed using a cell line (293-Affinofile) in
      which the expressions of CD4 and CCR5 concentration were independently
      controlled. After exposure to HIV-1 of various strains, the resulting infectivity
      was measured through the fraction of infected cells. To design and evaluate the
      effectiveness of drug therapies that target the inhibition of the entry
      processes, an accurate functional relationship between the CD4/CCR5
      concentrations and infectivity is desired in order to more quantitatively analyze
      experimental data. We propose three kinetic models describing the possible
      mechanistic processes involved in HIV entry and fit their predictions to
      infectivity measurements, contrasting and comparing different outcomes. Our
      approach allows interpretation of the clustering of infectivity of different
      strains of HIV-1 in the space of mechanistic kinetic parameters. Our model
      fitting also allows inference of nontrivial stoichiometries of receptor and
      coreceptor binding and provides a framework through which to quantitatively
      investigate the effectiveness of fusion inhibitors and neutralizing antibodies.

PMID- 27137679
TI  - Chrysin, Abundant in Morinda citrifolia Fruit Water-EtOAc Extracts, Combined with
      Apigenin Synergistically Induced Apoptosis and Inhibited Migration in Human
      Breast and Liver Cancer Cells.
AB  - The composition of Morinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia) was determined using high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the anticancer effects of M.
      citrifolia extract evaluated in HepG2, Huh7, and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. M.
      citrifolia fruit extracts were obtained by using five different organic solvents,
      including hexane (Hex), methanol (MeOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), chloroform
      (CHCl3), and ethanol (EtOH). The water-EtOAc extracts from M. citrifolia fruits
      was found to have the highest anticancer activity. HPLC data revealed the
      predominance of chrysin in water-EtOAc extracts of M. citrifolia fruit.
      Furthermore, the combined effects of cotreatment with apigenin and chrysin on
      liver and breast cancer were investigated. Treatment with apigenin plus chrysin
      for 72-96 h reduced HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 cell viability and induced apoptosis
      through down-regulation of S-phase kinase-associated protein-2 (Skp2) and low
      density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) expression. However, the
      combination treatment for 36 h synergistically decreased MDA-MB-231 cell motility
      but not cell viability through down-regulation of MMP2, MMP9, fibronectin, and
      snail in MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, chrysin combined with apigenin also
      suppressed tumor growth in human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells xenograft through
      down-regulation of ki-67 and Skp2 protein. The experimental results showed that
      chrysin combined with apigenin can reduce HepG2 and MDA-MB-231 proliferation and
      cell motility and induce apoptosis. It also offers opportunities for exploring
      new drug targets, and further investigations are underway in this regard. 

PMID- 27137678
TI  - Pain transduction: a pharmacologic perspective.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pain represents a necessary physiological function yet remains a
      significant pathological process in humans across the world. The transduction of
      a nociceptive stimulus refers to the processes that turn a noxious stimulus into
      a transmissible neurological signal. This involves a number of ion channels that
      facilitate the conversion of nociceptive stimulus into and electrical signal.
      AREAS COVERED: An understanding of nociceptive physiology complements a
      discussion of analgesic pharmacology. Therefore, the two are presented together.
      In this review article, a critical evaluation is provided on research findings
      relating to both the physiology and pharmacology of relevant acid-sensing ion
      channels (ASICs), transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels, and voltage
      gated sodium (Nav) channels. Expert commentary: Despite significant steps toward
      identifying new and more effective modalities to treat pain, there remain many
      avenues of inquiry related to pain transduction. The activity of ASICs in
      nociception has been demonstrated but the physiology is not fully understood. A
      number of medications appear to interact with ASICs but no research has
      demonstrated pain-relieving clinical utility. Direct antagonism of TRPV1 channels
      is not in practice due to concerning side effects. However, work in this area is
      ongoing. Additional research in the of TRPA1, TRPV3, and TRPM8 may yield useful
      results. Local anesthetics are widely used. However, the risk for systemic
      effects limits the maximal safe dosage. Selective Nav antagonists have been
      identified that lack systemic effects.

PMID- 27137680
TI  - SCAI expert consensus statement: 2016 best practices in the cardiac
      catheterization laboratory: (Endorsed by the cardiological society of india, and
      sociedad Latino Americana de Cardiologia intervencionista; Affirmation of value
      by the Canadian Association of interventional cardiology-Association canadienne
      de cardiologie d'intervention).

PMID- 27137681
TI  - [Towards a holistic vision of cancer].

PMID- 27137682
TI  - [Patterning of higher-order cortical areas is developmentally regulated by the
      distribution of Cajal-Retzius cells].

PMID- 27137683
TI  - [New participants in the antiviral response: identification of a negative
      regulator of the factor IFITM3].

PMID- 27137684
TI  - [Cooperation between a somatic mutation and a genetic susceptibility variant in
      Ewing sarcoma].

PMID- 27137685
TI  - [The association makes the poison: new perspective on the cocktail effect of
      xenobiotics and drug interactions].

PMID- 27137686
TI  - [Unanchored ubiquitin chains: a new viral target for NF-kappaB activation].

PMID- 27137687
TI  - [Wine yeast as a model for the study of human genes and diseases and their
      personalized effects].

PMID- 27137688
TI  - [Fighting bacterial infections : the plant immune system is also very
      efficient!].

PMID- 27137689
TI  - [Antitumoral functions of autophagy inhibition in colorectal cancer: the
      intestinal microbiota and the immune system come to the rescue...].

PMID- 27137690
TI  - [Axon arborization size is a key factor influencing cellular bioenergetics and
      vulnerability of dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease].

PMID- 27137691
TI  - [Organizing proteins within a delivery system improves cytosolic transfer].

PMID- 27137692
TI  - [The interplay of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, a novel approach].
AB  - In the last decade, a growing body of evidence has highlighted the major role of
      cancer immunosurveillance. The immune system can recognize tumor cells and keep
      them under check for long period of time, but is impeded by escape mechanisms
      induced by the tumor itself. Interestingly, the efficacy of chemotherapy has been
      shown to depend on the immune response, which in turn is potentiated by chemical
      agents, creating a positive feedback loop leading to long term tumor resistance.
      In this review, we summarize some mechanisms underlying the synergy between chemo
      and immuno-therapy. 

PMID- 27137693
TI  - [Alpha-Radioimmunotherapy: principle and relevance in anti-tumor immunity].
AB  - Alpha-radioimmunotherapy (alpha-RIT) is a targeted anti-tumor therapy using
      usually a monoclonal antibody specific for a tumor antigen that is coupled to an
      alpha-particle emitter. alpha-emitters represent an ideal tool to eradicate
      disseminated tumors or metastases. Recent data demonstrate that ionizing
      radiation in addition to its direct cytotoxic ability can also induce an
      efficient anti-tumor immunity. This suggests that biologic effects on irradiated
      tissues could be used to potentiate immunotherapy efficacy and opens the way for
      development of new therapies combining alpha-RIT and different types of
      immunotherapy. 

PMID- 27137694
TI  - [Resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy: a clinical and scientific current issue].
AB  - Although the use of anti-angiogenic agents has been considered a promising
      strategy to block tumor growth and improve the bioavailability of drugs into the
      tumor, the use of most of them in clinical trials is limited. The development of
      resistance to some anti-angiogenic agents and their high toxicity are currently
      under investigations. However, the approach is still valid since this therapeutic
      tool has lengthened survival of patients with colon, breast, kidney, lungs and
      liver cancers. The identification of biomarkers in response to this family of
      drugs is an important area of investigation. 

PMID- 27137695
TI  - [Zika virus, an emerging threat].
AB  - Zika virus, discovered in 1947, is particularly publicized because of its
      involvement in a major epidemic that began in 2015 and which epicenter is located
      in Latin America, mainly in Brazil. In the majority of cases (70-80 %) the
      infection is asymptomatic, however in some patients, moderate fever, skin rash,
      conjunctivitis and myalgia may occur. More alarming, neurological complications
      are reported, in particular cases of microcephaly probably resulting from the
      infection of women in the first or second trimester of pregnancy. Moreover,
      Guillain-Barre syndromes have also been identified in patients whose infection
      was confirmed. The extent of the current outbreak reveals the very primitive
      state of knowledge about the pathophysiology of this virus. Thus, a global effort
      is being undertaken in order to quickly characterize the molecular interaction of
      the virus with human cells, but also to develop specific diagnostic assays and
      vaccinal approaches. 

PMID- 27137696
TI  - [Th9 cells: a new population of helper T cells].
AB  - Th9 cells are CD4 T helper cells characterized by their ability to produce IL-9
      and IL-21. These cells are obtained from naive CD4(+) T cells cultured in the
      presence of TGF-beta and IL-4. Thus their differentiation results from the
      balance between the signaling pathways induced by IL-4 in one hand and the one
      induced by TGF-beta in the other hand. These cells are inflammatory cells and
      were first described in the context of atopic and autoimmune diseases in which
      they have a pathogenic role. They are also involved in the defense against
      parasite infections. Recently, some reports defined Th9 anticancer properties
      through their cytokine secretion. Indeed, their high secretion of IL-9 and IL-21
      in the tumor bed contributes to their anticancer functions. These cytokines
      trigger the activation of dendritic cells, mast cells, natural killer cells, and
      CD8 T cells to mount an antitumor immune response. 

PMID- 27137697
TI  - [From the discovery of microbial Mep-Amt ammonium transporters to human Rhesus
      factors].
AB  - Ammonium, ubiquitous on Earth, plays major and distinct roles in most organisms.
      While it can be a nitrogen source for many microorganisms and plants, it is a
      cytotoxic metabolic product actively detoxified by the liver in animals.
      Furthermore, in the latter, ammonium synthesis in the kidney is involved in
      acid/base homeostasis. Ammonium transport is ensured by a family of proteins,
      called Mep-Amt-Rh. This family is conserved in all domains of life and comprises
      the human Rh factors, notably known in transfusional medicine. While the study of
      bacterial, fungal and vegetal Mep-Amt transporters reveals a fine-tuned and rapid
      regulation of these proteins in function of environmental changes, the regulation
      of animal Rh proteins has been poorly addressed. This review notably highlights
      the importance of the yeast model in the study of the regulation of these
      proteins as well as in the functional characterization of Mep-Amt-Rh members of
      diverse origins. 

PMID- 27137698
TI  - [Cellular therapy of diabetes: focus on the latest developments].
AB  - Islet transplantation has set the ground for diabetes cell therapy and is still
      undergoing various developments that might improve clinical outcomes. Alternative
      sources for beta-cell replacement strategies are now led by human pluripotent
      stem cells that demonstrate near-normal beta-cell features after in vitro
      differentiation and which can reverse diabetes in mice. Yet, their propensity for
      tumor formation is still unresolved. The adult pancreas is suggested as a
      reservoir of facultative progenitors that could represent adequate candidates for
      beta-cell engineering, either in vivo through pharmacological treatment or after
      expansion in culture. This review focuses on the latest developments in protocols
      aiming at de novo production of functional beta cells. 

PMID- 27137699
TI  - [Just like a fish in water - Oliver Sacks (1933-2015): an hommage - On the
      importance of swimming from infancy].

PMID- 27137700
TI  - [The ambiguities of neurodiversity].

PMID- 27137701
TI  - [Is Grail's goal feasible?].
AB  - A newly established company called Grail and spun out from Illumina promises to
      develop a "liquid biopsy" test suitable for asymptomatic cancer detection and
      general screening. While the necessary sensitivity may be attainable through
      ultra-deep sequencing of plasma DNA, it seems unlikely that the extremely high
      specificity needed to avoid false positives can be reached. This would defeat the
      purpose of the test, as it has been realized recently that insufficiently
      specific tests (prostate specific antigen levels for prostate cancer, and
      possibly frequent mammography for breast cancer) cause harms that outweigh their
      benefits. 

PMID- 27137702
TI  - The moderating effect of leadership on the relationship between personality and
      performance.
AB  - AIM: To examine how personality and leadership influence efficiency in the
      nursing service environment. BACKGROUND: Leadership and personality contribute to
      the success and failure of a unit. However, how they interact to influence
      performance is still understudied. METHODS: We used matched pairs sample design
      to survey 135 head nurses and 1353 registered nurses on validated instruments of
      demographic characteristics, leadership styles and personality during June and
      July of 2014. Efficiency was calculated using Data Envelopment Analysis. Tobit
      regression was used for analysis. RESULTS: High conscientiousness and low
      neuroticism were significantly associated with higher efficiency. Particularly,
      under the initiating structure leadership style, high conscientiousness, high
      extraversion, high agreeableness, high openness and low neuroticism were related
      to higher efficiency. Openness would improve efficiency under a low consideration
      leadership style. CONCLUSIONS: Most personality traits were related to higher
      efficiency under the initiating leadership style. Only openness would improve
      leaders' efficiency under a high initiating structure and a low consideration
      leadership style. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Considering personality as
      one factor of selecting head nurses, selecting the right person can improve the
      fit between individuals and organisations, which in turn, improves job
      performance. Training head nurses to develop better leadership styles in nurses
      is another way to enhance efficiency.

PMID- 27137703
TI  - An analytical model of hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions on electrodes
      partially covered with a catalyst.
AB  - Our previous theoretical study on the performance limits of the platinum (Pt)
      nanoparticle catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) had shown that
      the mass transport losses at a partially catalyst-covered planar electrode are
      independent of the catalyst loading. This suggests that the two-dimensional (2D)
      numerical model used could be simplified to a one-dimensional (1D) model to
      provide an easier but equally accurate description of the operation of these HER
      electrodes. In this article, we derive an analytical 1D model and show that it
      indeed gives results that are practically identical to the 2D numerical
      simulations. We discuss the general principles of the model and how it can be
      used to extend the applicability of existing electrochemical models of planar
      electrodes to low catalyst loadings suitable for operating photoelectrochemical
      devices under unconcentrated sunlight. Since the mass transport losses of the HER
      are often very sensitive to the H2 concentration, we also discuss the limiting
      current density of the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and how it is not
      necessarily independent of the reaction kinetics. The results give insight into
      the interplay of kinetic and mass-transport limitations at HER/HOR electrodes
      with implications for the design of kinetic experiments and the optimization of
      catalyst loadings in the photoelectrochemical cells.

PMID- 27137704
TI  - Native glucose oxidase does not undergo direct electron transfer.

PMID- 27137705
TI  - High-Mileage Light-Duty Fleet Vehicle Emissions: Their Potentially Overlooked
      Importance.
AB  - State and local agencies in the United States use activity-based computer models
      to estimate mobile source emissions for inventories. These models generally
      assume that vehicle activity levels are uniform across all of the vehicle
      emission level classifications using the same age-adjusted travel fractions.
      Recent fuel-specific emission measurements from the SeaTac Airport, Los Angeles,
      and multi-year measurements in the Chicago area suggest that some high-mileage
      fleets are responsible for a disproportionate share of the fleet's emissions.
      Hybrid taxis at the airport show large increases in carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon,
      and oxide of nitrogen emissions in their fourth year when compared to similar
      vehicles from the general population. Ammonia emissions from the airport shuttle
      vans indicate that catalyst reduction capability begins to wane after 5-6 years,
      3 times faster than is observed in the general population, indicating accelerated
      aging. In Chicago, the observed, on-road taxi fleet also had significantly higher
      emissions and an emissions share that was more than double their fleet
      representation. When compounded by their expected higher than average mileage
      accumulation, we estimate that these small fleets (<1% of total) may be
      overlooked as a significant emission source (>2-5% of fleet emissions).

PMID- 27137706
TI  - Association of CYP2C19 Polymorphisms with the Clinical Efficacy of Clopidogrel
      Therapy in Patients Undergoing Carotid Artery Stenting in Asia.
AB  - The CYP2C19 gene plays a detrimental role in the metabolism of clopidogrel. This
      study aimed to investigate the association between CYP2C19 polymorphisms and the
      clinical efficacy of clopidogrel therapy in patients who have undergone carotid
      artery stenting (CAS). CYP2C19 genotype screening was performed on 959 ischemic
      stroke patients. Of these patients, 241 who had undergone CAS were enrolled in
      the study. They were all followed up for 1 year after stent surgery, and the
      primary clinical end-points were ischemic events. The frequencies of the
      CYP2C19*2 and *3 alleles among the 959 patients were 31.80% and 5.06%,
      respectively. Regarding the 241 participants who had undergone CAS, multivariate
      Cox regression analysis showed that the CYP2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) alleles
      (*2 and *3) were risk factors for post-CAS prognosis. Within 1 year of follow-up,
      the patients carrying the CYP2C19 LOF alleles were more likely to experience
      ischemic events than those carrying none. The occurrence of ischemic events did
      not significantly differ between the *2 and *3 allele carriers. Our results
      suggest that CYP2C19 LOF alleles (*2 and *3) significantly impact the prognosis
      of patients on clopidogrel therapy after CAS and that the CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3
      alleles have the same effects on prognosis.

PMID- 27137707
TI  - Growth and characteristics of self-assembled MoS2/Mo-S-C nanoperiod multilayers
      for enhanced tribological performance.
AB  - Highly ordered MoS2/Mo-S-C nanoperiod multilayers are synthesized by a novel self
      assembling mechanism in simultaneous sputtering of MoS2 and graphite targets. The
      sequential formation of MoS2-riched domain layers and Mo-S-C compositional mixed
      capping layers reveals no correspondence to the sample stage rotation but is
      caused by the low energy ion bombardment enhanced interdiffusion. The HRTEM
      observation shows that the phase segregation normal to the film surface is
      initiated from substrate-film interlayer with clear contrasts in the first few bi
      layers, and then diffuses mutually in a quasiperiodic pattern between two altered
      sub-layers. Compared with sputtered MoS2 film, the bulk film of multilayers
      exhibit largely improved toughness under a normal load, and the preferential
      orientation of sputtered MoS2 in (002) basal planes is significantly enhanced,
      both of which render the film excellent loads-bearing capacity and lubricant
      properties. The nano-scratching tests performed on a nanoindentation system
      suggest that the nano-tribological performance of multilayers is directly
      determined by the altered structure and properties of neighboring sub-layers
      until stable tribofilms are formed. Meanwhile, the pin-on-disk tribotests in
      ambient air, low vacuum and high vacuum provide comparably low friction
      coefficient yet distinct wear lives in different atmospheres due to the partially
      restricted humid-sensitivity of sputtered MoS2 phase.

PMID- 27137708
TI  - Retraction: 'DNAJC6 variants in Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis' by Jiang, T., Zhang, Y-D., Tan, L., and Yu, J-T.
AB  - The above Letter to the Editor from Annals of Neurology, published online as an
      Accepted Article on 4th April 2016 on Wiley Online Library
      (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been withdrawn at the request of the authors with
      agreement from the journal editor, Clifford B. Saper, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
      The withdrawal has been agreed due to an acknowledgement from the authors that
      they inappropriately implied that material from the PD Gene and ALS Gene public
      databases and a figure from the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science
      was their own work.

PMID- 27137709
TI  - Positive Psychology Interventions for Patients With Heart Disease: A Preliminary
      Randomized Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Positive psychologic characteristics have been linked to superior
      cardiac outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Accordingly, in this exploratory study, we assessed
      positive psychology interventions in patients who had recently undergone a
      procedure to treat cardiovascular disease. METHOD: Participants were randomly
      assigned to receive 1 of 3 different 6-week face-to-face interventions or a wait
      list control condition. We assessed intervention feasibility and compared changes
      in psychologic outcome measures postintervention (7wk) and at follow-up (15wk)
      between intervention and control participants. Across the interventions, 74% of
      assigned sessions were completed. RESULTS: When comparing outcomes between
      interventions and control participants (N = 55 total), there were no between
      group differences post-intervention, but at follow-up intervention participants
      had greater improvements in happiness (beta = 14.43, 95% CI: 8.66-20.2, p <
      0.001), depression (beta = -3.87, 95% CI: -7.72 to 0.02, p = 0.049), and hope
      (beta = 7.12, 95% CI: 1.25-13.00, p =0.017), with moderate-large effect sizes.
      Efficacy of the 3 interventions was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies are
      needed to identify an optimal positive psychology intervention for cardiac
      patients.

PMID- 27137710
TI  - Anxiety Sensitivity in Dermatological Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anxiety symptoms commonly occur in dermatological patients and can
      affect the severity of dermatological symptoms. Anxiety sensitivity (AS), defined
      as the fear of anxiety symptoms, is a well-supported cognitive vulnerability
      factor that may be particularly significant in these patients. OBJECTIVE: This
      study compared the severity of AS between patients with psychodermatological
      (e.g., psoriasis) and nonpsychodermatological disorders (e.g., skin cancer). It
      was predicted that individuals with psychodermatological disorders would evidence
      significantly greater AS compared to individuals with nonpsychodermatological
      disorders. METHOD: Adults presenting to outpatient dermatology clinics with
      psychodermatological (n = 63) and nonpsychodermatological (n = 52) conditions
      completed self-report questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics,
      general anxiety, and AS. RESULTS: Individuals with psychodermatological
      conditions reported significantly greater AS compared to individuals with
      nonpsychodermatological conditions (p < 0.05). Social concerns of AS emerged as
      the only significant factor that differentiated these categories of
      dermatological diseases, odds ratio = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.24, after adjusting
      for general anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute to an advancing area
      of research linking AS and physical health problems. The results suggest that
      adjunctive cognitive-behavioral treatments targeting AS reductions could help
      patients with psychodermatological conditions.

PMID- 27137711
TI  - The expanding utility of microdosing.
AB  - The concept of microdosing has been around for more than a decade. It consists of
      the subpharmacologic administration of an investigational drug (1% of the
      pharmacologic dose or 100 ug, whichever is lower) to human subjects to attain pre
      phase 1 pharmacokinetics (PK) in humans. The major concern with microdosing has
      been the potential for nonlinear PK between doses, but methods are emerging to
      evaluate the potential for nonlinear PK prior to conducting a study. Currently,
      approximately 80% of drugs tested by the oral route and 100% by the intravenous
      route have exhibited scalable PK between a microdose and a therapeutic dose
      (within a factor of 2). Over the past few years microdosing has found utility in
      pediatrics, protein-based therapeutics, and a new application known as intra
      arterial microdosing that focuses more on localized pharmacodynamics than PK.
      Compared with other PK predictive methods, such as physiologically based
      pharmacokinetic modeling, allometry, and in vitro-in vivo extrapolation,
      microdosing appears to provide a significantly better understanding of PK prior
      to phase 1, albeit within what is currently a limited database.

PMID- 27137712
TI  - Pharmacokinetic drug-drug interaction assessment between LCZ696, an angiotensin
      receptor neprilysin inhibitor, and hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine, or
      carvedilol.
AB  - LCZ696 is a first-in-class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor in
      development for treatments of hypertension and heart failure indications. In 3
      separate studies, pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions (DDIs) potential was
      assessed when LCZ696 was coadministered with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ),
      amlodipine, or carvedilol. The studies used a open-label, single-sequence, 3
      period, crossover design in healthy subjects. Blood samples were collected to
      determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of LCZ696 analytes (AHU377, LBQ657, and
      valsartan), HCTZ, amlodipine, or carvedilol (R[+]- and S[-]-carvedilol) for
      statistical analysis. When coadministered LCZ696 with HCTZ, the 90% CIs of the
      geometric mean ratios of AUCtau,ss of HCTZ and that of LBQ657 were within a 0.80
      1.25 interval, whereas HCTZ Cmax,ss decreased by 26%, LBQ657 Cmax,ss increased by
      19%, and the AUCtau,ss and Cmax,ss of valsartan increased by 14% and 16%,
      respectively. Pharmacokinetics of amlodipine, R(+)- and S(-)-carvedilol, or
      LBQ657 were not altered after coadministration of LCZ696 with amlodipine or
      carvedilol. Coadministration of LCZ696 400 mg once daily (qd) with HCTZ 25 mg qd,
      amlodipine 10 mg qd, or carvedilol 25 mg twice a day (bid) had no clinically
      relevant pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions. LCZ696, HCTZ, amlodipine, and
      carvedilol were safe and well tolerated when given alone or concomitantly in the
      investigated studies.

PMID- 27137713
TI  - A single- and multiple-dose study to investigate the pharmacokinetics of
      epelsiban and its metabolite, GSK2395448, in healthy female volunteers.
AB  - An open-label single- and repeat-dose study was conducted to investigate the
      pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of ascending doses of epelsiban in
      healthy female volunteers (n = 48). The pharmacokinetics of the epelsiban
      metabolite, GSK2395448, were also assessed. Epelsiban was readily absorbed and
      parent and metabolite readily appeared in plasma. The parent drug's median tmax
      was approximately 0.5 hours, and the metabolite's median tmax ranged from 0.5 to
      1.0 hours post-parent dosing. Both epelsiban and GSK2395448 had rapid elimination
      half-lives, ranging between 2.66 and 4.85 hours. The metabolite:parent ratios for
      exposure (AUC and Cmax ) ranged from approximately 70% to greater than 100%, and
      therefore, GSK2395448 is considered a major metabolite of epelsiban. Mean
      epelsiban and GSK2395448 AUC values increased in a dose-proportional manner
      following both single-dose administration from 10 to 200 mg and repeat
      administration from 10 to 150 mg following twice daily or 4-times-daily dosing.
      Single-dose epelsiban pharmacokinetics in women was similar to single-dose
      pharmacokinetics previously observed in men. Epelsiban was generally well
      tolerated, and no events of clinical concern were observed in volunteers dosed in
      this study. The safety findings were consistent with the previous study in men,
      with headache the most commonly reported adverse effect.

PMID- 27137714
TI  - Effect of tamsulosin on the pharmacokinetics of dutasteride in Chinese male
      healthy volunteers.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tamsulosin (0.2 mg) on
      the pharmacokinetics of dutasteride (0.5 mg) in a group of healthy Chinese male
      volunteers. This was an open-label, single-sequence, 3-period, drug-drug
      interaction phase 1 study. Twenty-four healthy Chinese male volunteers were
      enrolled and administered a single dose of 0.5 mg dutasteride and, following a 28
      to 30-day washout period, 0.2 mg tamsulosin once daily for 7 days. On day 5,
      subjects received 0.2 mg tamsulosin coadministered with 0.5 mg dutasteride. Serum
      dutasteride and tamsulosin concentrations were monitored. In the presence or
      absence of tamsulosin, there were no apparent changes in dutasteride AUC and Cmax
      . Adverse events reported were mild to moderate in intensity and resolved by the
      end of the study. In healthy Chinese male volunteers, tamsulosin 0.2 mg at steady
      state had no apparent effect on dutasteride pharmacokinetics. Dutasteride and
      tamsulosin when administered alone or in combination were well tolerated.

PMID- 27137715
TI  - Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic effects of naloxegol
      at peripheral and central nervous system receptors in healthy male subjects: A
      single ascending-dose study.
AB  - This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, ascending-dose, crossover
      study evaluated single oral doses of naloxegol (NKTR-118; 8, 15, 30, 60, 125,
      250, 500, and 1000 mg), a PEGylated derivative of naloxone, for safety and
      tolerability, antagonism of peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) effects
      of intravenous morphine, and pharmacokinetics. Healthy men were randomized 1:1 to
      naloxegol or naloxegol-matching placebo administered with morphine and lactulose
      in a 2-period crossover design. Periods were separated by a 5- to 7-day washout.
      Assessments included safety, tolerability, orocecal transit time (OCTT),
      pupillary miosis, and pharmacokinetics. The study was completed by 46 subjects.
      The most common adverse events were somnolence, dizziness, headache, and nausea.
      Greater reversal of morphine-induced delay in OCTT occurred with increasing
      naloxegol dose, demonstrating dose-ordered antagonism of morphine's peripheral
      gastrointestinal effects. Forty-four subjects showed no reversal of pupillary
      miosis; 2 showed potential partial reversal at 250 and 1000 mg, indicating
      negligible antagonism of morphine's CNS effects at doses <= 125 mg. Rapid
      absorption, linear pharmacokinetics up to 1000 mg, and low to moderate between
      subject pharmacokinetic variability was observed. The pharmacokinetics of
      morphine or its glucuronide metabolites were unaltered by concurrent naloxegol
      administration. Naloxegol was generally safe and well tolerated at single doses
      up to 1000 mg.

PMID- 27137716
TI  - Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of multiple ascending doses of
      naloxegol.
AB  - Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is the most common and often a treatment
      limiting adverse event (AE) of opioid therapy for chronic pain. Naloxegol
      (previously NKTR-118), a PEGylated derivative of naloxone that has minimal
      penetration of the central nervous system, has received regulatory approval as an
      oral therapy for OIC. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple
      dose, dose-escalation study was performed to assess safety, tolerability, and
      pharmacokinetics of multiple doses of naloxegol in healthy volunteers. Four
      cohorts, each with 4 male and 4 female volunteers, were randomized 3:1 to a twice
      daily naloxegol solution (25, 60, 125, and 250 mg) or matching placebo solution.
      Doses were given every 12 hours for 7 days, with a single final dose on the
      morning of day 8. All 32 subjects completed the study. The incidence of most AEs
      was similar in the naloxegol and placebo groups; no AE led to study
      discontinuation. Naloxegol was rapidly absorbed. Plasma naloxegol
      pharmacokinetics showed dose proportionality, negligible accumulation at steady
      state, and no sex differences. Naloxegol in doses up to 250 mg every 12 hours was
      generally safe and well tolerated in this healthy volunteer population.

PMID- 27137717
TI  - Effect of lapatinib on oral digoxin absorption in patients.
AB  - The potential for an interaction between lapatinib and absorption of the P
      glycoprotein (ABCB1) substrate digoxin at a therapeutic dose in breast cancer
      patients was characterized. Seventeen women with HER2-positive metastatic breast
      cancer received a single oral 0.5-mg dose of digoxin on days 1 and 9 and oral
      lapatinib 1500 mg once daily on days 2 through 9. Digoxin pharmacokinetic
      parameters were determined on day 1 (digoxin administration alone) and on day 9
      (coadministration of lapatinib and digoxin), and parameters were compared to
      determine the effects of lapatinib on digoxin absorption. Concomitant medications
      that could affect ABCB1 were accounted for. Lapatinib 1500 mg/day increased
      digoxin absorption approximately 80%, implicating lapatinib inhibition of
      intestinal ABCB1-mediated efflux. In summary, coadministration of lapatinib with
      narrow therapeutic index drugs that are substrates of ABCB1 should be undertaken
      with caution and dose adjustment should be considered.

PMID- 27137718
TI  - Evaluation of opicapone on cardiac repolarization in a thorough QT/QTc study.
AB  - Opicapone, a novel third-generation catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor for
      use as adjunctive therapy in levodopa-treated Parkinson's disease patients, was
      investigated on cardiac repolarization in healthy adult volunteers. This was a
      single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, open-label active
      controlled, 4-period crossover study conducted in 64 subjects. In each period,
      subjects received a single oral dose of 50 mg opicapone, 800 mg opicapone,
      placebo, or 400 mg moxifloxacin and 24-hour 12-lead Holter monitoring was
      performed on day -1 (baseline) and after each single dose. After a single oral
      administrations of 50 and 800 mg opicapone, opicapone was the major entity in the
      circulation, with a median tmax of 1.5-2.0 hours. Opicapone was rapidly
      eliminated, with an elimination half-life of 1-2 hours. There was no clinically
      relevant effect of 50 and 800 mg opicapone versus placebo on cardiac
      depolarization or repolarization. All upper bounds of the 1-sided 95% confidence
      interval (CI) were below 10 milliseconds, confirming that opicapone has no QT
      prolonging effect. Moxifloxacin caused an increase in the QTcI, with a lower
      bound of the 2-sided 95% CI always higher than 5 milliseconds, around the tmax of
      peak concentration, demonstrating assay sensitivity. In conclusion,
      administration of opicapone at therapeutic (50 mg) and supratherapeutic (800 mg)
      doses did not induce a clinically significant prolongation of the QTc interval.

PMID- 27137719
TI  - Population pharmacokinetic modeling of motesanib and its active metabolite, M4,
      in cancer patients.
AB  - Motesanib is a small molecule and potent multikinase inhibitor with
      antiangiogenic and antitumor activity. Population pharmacokinetic (POPPK)
      modeling of motesanib and M4, an active metabolite, was performed to assess
      sources of variability in cancer patients. The analysis included data collected
      from 451 patients from 8 clinical trials with oral doses of motesanib ranging
      from 25 to 175 mg, either once daily or twice daily. The POPPK analyses were
      performed using nonlinear mixed-effect models with a sequential approach.
      Covariate effects of demographics and other baseline characteristics were
      assessed with stepwise covariate modeling. A 2-compartment model with food effect
      on absorption parameters fitted the PK data of motesanib well. The effects
      albumin and sex on apparent clearance (CL/F) of motesanib were statistically
      significant. The albumin effect was more important but remained below a 25%
      difference. A 1-compartment model fitted PK data of M4 well. Effects of race
      (Asian vs non-Asian) and dosing frequency were identified as statistically
      significant covariates on the CL/F of M4. The maximum effect of albumin would
      result in less than 25% change in motesanib CL/F and as such would not warrant
      any dosing adjustment. However, faster elimination of M4 in Asian patients
      requires further investigation.

PMID- 27137720
TI  - Oral tramadol pharmacokinetics in pediatric subjects versus adults-Is there a
      role of delayed gastric emptying in pediatric subjects?

PMID- 27137721
TI  - Authors' response to the letter from Dr. Srinivas.

PMID- 27137722
TI  - Editorial: unravelling the mystery of the aetiology of eosinophilic oesophagitis.

PMID- 27137723
TI  - Editorial: cardiac volume overload and pulmonary hypertension in long-term follow
      up of TIPSS patients.

PMID- 27137724
TI  - Editorial: cardiac volume overload and pulmonary hypertension in long-term follow
      up of TIPSS patients - authors' reply.

PMID- 27137725
TI  - Editorial: autoimmune hepatitis - identifying options for treatment.

PMID- 27137726
TI  - Editorial: autoimmune hepatitis - identifying options for treatment. Authors'
      reply.

PMID- 27137727
TI  - Letter: faecal volatile organic metabolites as novel diagnostic biomarkers in
      inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 27137728
TI  - Letter: faecal volatile organic metabolites, promising biomarkers in inflammatory
      bowel disease.

PMID- 27137729
TI  - Letter: faecal volatile organic metabolites, promising biomarkers in inflammatory
      bowel disease and Letter: faecal volatile organic metabolites as novel diagnostic
      biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease. Authors' reply.

PMID- 27137730
TI  - Letter: which patient profile for tacrolimus in ulcerative colitis?

PMID- 27137731
TI  - Letter: which patient profile for tacrolimus in ulcerative colitis? Authors'
      reply.

PMID- 27137732
TI  - Letter: Helicobacter pylori infection and eosinophilic oesophagitis - causal or
      casual inverse association?

PMID- 27137733
TI  - Letter: biologics are effective in neutralising the detrimental effect of smoking
      on the natural course of Crohn's disease.

PMID- 27137734
TI  - Letter: impact of concomitant autoimmune diseases on the outcome of primary
      sclerosing cholangitis.

PMID- 27137735
TI  - Letter: biologics are effective in neutralising the detrimental effect of smoking
      on the natural course of Crohn's disease - authors' reply.

PMID- 27137736
TI  - Letter: deleterious effects of smoking on post-operative Crohn's disease.

PMID- 27137737
TI  - Letter: deleterious effects of smoking on post-operative Crohn's disease -
      authors' reply.

PMID- 27137738
TI  - Letter: global emergence of Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance -
      unanswered questions.

PMID- 27137739
TI  - Letter: global emergence of Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance -
      unanswered questions. Authors' reply.

PMID- 27137740
TI  - Letter: interruption of beta-blockers in patients with cirrhosis - hasten slowly!

PMID- 27137741
TI  - The care of Filipino juvenile offenders in residential facilities evaluated using
      the risk-need-responsivity model.
AB  - According to the risk-need-responsivity model of offender, assessment and
      rehabilitation treatment should target specific factors that are related to re
      offending. This study evaluates the residential care of Filipino juvenile
      offenders using the risk-need-responsivity model. Risk analyses and criminogenic
      needs assessments (parenting style, aggression, relationships with peers,
      empathy, and moral reasoning) have been conducted using data of 55 juvenile
      offenders in four residential facilities. The psychological care has been
      assessed using a checklist. Statistical analyses showed that juvenile offenders
      had a high risk of re-offending, high aggression, difficulties in making pro
      social friends, and a delayed socio-moral development. The psychological programs
      in the residential facilities were evaluated to be poor. The availability of the
      psychological care in the facilities fitted poorly with the characteristics of
      the juvenile offenders and did not comply with the risk-need-responsivity model.
      Implications for research and practice are discussed.

PMID- 27137742
TI  - Reexamining associations between mania, depression, anxiety and substance use
      disorders: results from a prospective national cohort.
AB  - Separate inheritance of mania and depression together with high rates of clinical
      overlap of mania with anxiety and substance use disorders provide a basis for re
      examining the specificity of the prospective association of manic and depression
      episodes that is a hallmark of bipolar disorder. We analyzed information from 34
      653 adults in Waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and
      Related Conditions, a longitudinal nationally representative survey of US adults
      interviewed 3 years apart. Psychiatric disorders were assessed by a structured
      interview. We used logistic regression analyses to estimate the strength of
      associations between Wave 1 manic episodes and Wave 2 depression, anxiety and
      substance use disorders controlling for background characteristics and lifetime
      Wave 1 disorders. Corresponding analyses examined associations between Wave 1
      major depressive episode with manic episodes and other psychiatric disorders. In
      multivariable models, Wave 1 manic episodes significantly increased the odds of
      Wave 2 major depressive episodes (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.7; 95% confidence
      interval: 1.3-2.2) and any anxiety disorder (AOR: 1.8; 1.4-2.2), although not of
      substance use disorders (AOR: 1.2; 0.9-1.5). Conversely, Wave 1 major depressive
      episodes significantly increased risk of Wave 2 manic episodes (AOR: 2.2; 1.7
      2.9) and anxiety disorders (AOR: 1.7; 1.5-2.0), although not substance use
      disorders (AOR: 1.0; 0.9-1.2). Adults with manic episodes have an approximately
      equivalent relative risk of developing depression episodes and anxiety disorders.
      Greater research and clinical focus is warranted on connections between manic
      episodes and anxiety disorders.

PMID- 27137744
TI  - Changes for clozapine monitoring in the United States.

PMID- 27137743
TI  - Adiponectin regulates contextual fear extinction and intrinsic excitability of
      dentate gyrus granule neurons through AdipoR2 receptors.
AB  - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by exaggerated fear
      expression and impaired fear extinction. The underlying molecular and cellular
      mechanisms of PTSD are largely unknown. The current pharmacological and non
      pharmacological treatments for PTSD are either ineffective or temporary with high
      relapse rates. Here we report that adiponectin-deficient mice exhibited normal
      contextual fear conditioning but displayed slower extinction learning. Infusions
      of adiponectin into the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus in fear-conditioned
      mice facilitated extinction of contextual fear. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings
      in brain slices revealed that intrinsic excitability of DG granule neurons was
      enhanced by adiponectin deficiency and suppressed after treatment with the
      adiponectin mimetic AdipoRon, which were associated with increased input
      resistance and hyperpolarized resting membrane potential, respectively. Moreover,
      deletion of AdipoR2, but not AdipoR1 in the DG, resulted in augmented fear
      expression and reduced extinction, accompanied by intrinsic hyperexcitability of
      DG granule neurons. Adiponectin and AdipoRon failed to induce facilitation of
      fear extinction and elicit inhibition of intrinsic excitability of DG neurons in
      AdipoR2 knockout mice. These results indicated that adiponectin action via
      AdipoR2 was both necessary and sufficient for extinction of contextual fear and
      intrinsic excitability of DG granule neurons, implying that enhancing or
      dampening DG neuronal excitability may cause resistance to or facilitation of
      extinction. Therefore, our findings provide a functional link between
      adiponectin/AdipoR2 activation, DG neuronal excitability and contextual fear
      extinction, and suggest that targeting adiponectin/AdipoR2 may be used to
      strengthen extinction-based exposure therapies for PTSD.

PMID- 27137746
TI  - Improving patient outcomes to targeted therapies in melanoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The arrival of targeted therapies has led to significant
      improvements in clinical outcomes for patients with BRAFV600 mutated advanced
      melanoma over the past five years. AREAS COVERED: In several clinical trials,
      BRAF and MEK inhibitors have shown improvement in progression free and overall
      survival, along with much higher tumor response rates in comparison to
      chemotherapy, with the combination of these drugs superior to monotherapy. These
      agents are also being tested in earlier-stage patients, in addition to
      alternative dosing regimens and in combinations with other therapeutics. Efforts
      are also ongoing to expand the success found with targeted therapies to other
      subtypes of melanoma, including NRAS and c-kit mutated melanomas, uveal
      melanomas, and BRAF/NRAS wild type melanomas. Expert Commentary: We aim to
      provide an overview of clinical outcomes with targeted therapies in melanoma
      patients.

PMID- 27137747
TI  - A known mutation in GJB6 in a large Chinese family with hidrotic ectodermal
      dysplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), also named as Clouston syndrome,
      is a rare autosomal dominant disease. Mutations in GJB6, GJB2 and GJA1 are
      related to HED. OBJECTIVE: Summarize the clinical feature and analyse the
      mutation of the GJB6 gene in a large Chinese family with HED. METHODS: We
      collected a very large Chinese family with HED. Clinical information was
      analysed. Blood samples were obtained. The whole coding region of GJB6 was
      amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. The results were further
      confirmed at mRNA level by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
      RESULTS: Sequence analysis identified a heterozygous missense mutation c.263C>T
      (p.A88V) in genomic DNAs of 25 patients, and this mutation was excluded from 14
      normal individuals in this HED family and 218 unrelated, population-matched
      control individuals. The transcription of mutated allele was confirmed by RT-PCR
      of Cx30 mRNA from proband(,) s scalp skin. We found a novel phenotype of this
      variant in this Chinese HED family. CONCLUSION: Our data reveals that a recurrent
      mutation p.A88V in GJB6 played a pathogenic role in a large Chinese family and
      emphasizes the importance of gene test in this congenital disorder.

PMID- 27137748
TI  - Enhanced nanocurcumin toxicity against (PC3) tumor and microbial by using
      magnetic field in vitro.
AB  - Curcumin is more soluble in ethanol, dimethylsulfoxide, methanol and acetone than
      in water. In this study, nanocurcumin combined with 8 mT AC static magnetic field
      was used to enhance cellular uptake, bioavailability, and ultimate efficiency of
      curcumin against prostate cancer cell line (PC3), four bacteria strains (two Gram
      positive: Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and two
      Gram negative: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853),
      mammalian cell line (HEK) and human erythrocytes (RBC). The efficiency (E%)
      between IC50 of nanocurcumin combined with magnetic field (NANOCUR-MF) and
      control against PC3 was 35.93%, which is three times higher compared to curcumin
      combined with magnetic field (CUR-MF); i.e., 10.77%. However, their E% against
      HEK was not significant; 1.4% for NANOCUR-MF and 1.95% for CUR-MF. Moreover,
      depending in minimum bacterial concentration (MBC), the use of MF leads to a
      reduction of MBCs for all tested bacteria compared with control. The obtained
      results established the applicability of (MF) in enhancing cellular uptake for
      PC3 and tested bacteria strains by increasing the penetration of drug
      (nanocurcumin and parent curcumin) into cell with fixing mild cytotoxic profile
      for HEK and RBC.

PMID- 27137749
TI  - Donor-specific antibodies present at the time of kidney transplantation in
      immunologically unmodified patients increase the risk of acute rejection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class II donor-specific antibodies
      (DSAs) are associated with microcirculation inflammation, transplant
      glomerulopathy and ultimately graft loss. There is however no data on allograft
      outcomes in deceased donor kidney transplant recipients who have not received any
      desensitization prior to transplantation. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the
      association of HLA DR and DQ DSAs on rejection and short-term graft survival in
      patients who did not receive desensitization prior to transplantation. On the
      basis of their cumulative strength of HLA DR and/or DQ DSA, the patients were
      dichotomized into: 1) median fluorescence intensity (MFI)<1000 and 2) MFI>=1000.
      RESULTS: In the two year study period, 50 consecutive patients with HLA DR and/or
      DQ sensitization were transplanted in our two centers. Post-transplantation, the
      incidence of acute rejection was significantly greater in the MFI>=1000 group
      (35%; 8/22) compared to the MFI<1000 group (7%; 2/28) (p<0.001). There were two
      graft losses, both in the MFI>=1000 group. CONCLUSION: The strength of DR and/or
      DQ DSA at the time of renal transplantation influences the risk of rejection in
      non-desensitized recipients with HLA class II DSA.

PMID- 27137745
TI  - Cortical abnormalities in adults and adolescents with major depression based on
      brain scans from 20 cohorts worldwide in the ENIGMA Major Depressive Disorder
      Working Group.
AB  - The neuro-anatomical substrates of major depressive disorder (MDD) are still not
      well understood, despite many neuroimaging studies over the past few decades.
      Here we present the largest ever worldwide study by the ENIGMA (Enhancing Neuro
      Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis) Major Depressive Disorder Working Group
      on cortical structural alterations in MDD. Structural T1-weighted brain magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 2148 MDD patients and 7957 healthy controls
      were analysed with harmonized protocols at 20 sites around the world. To detect
      consistent effects of MDD and its modulators on cortical thickness and surface
      area estimates derived from MRI, statistical effects from sites were meta
      analysed separately for adults and adolescents. Adults with MDD had thinner
      cortical gray matter than controls in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), anterior
      and posterior cingulate, insula and temporal lobes (Cohen's d effect sizes: -0.10
      to -0.14). These effects were most pronounced in first episode and adult-onset
      patients (>21 years). Compared to matched controls, adolescents with MDD had
      lower total surface area (but no differences in cortical thickness) and regional
      reductions in frontal regions (medial OFC and superior frontal gyrus) and primary
      and higher-order visual, somatosensory and motor areas (d: -0.26 to -0.57). The
      strongest effects were found in recurrent adolescent patients. This highly
      powered global effort to identify consistent brain abnormalities showed
      widespread cortical alterations in MDD patients as compared to controls and
      suggests that MDD may impact brain structure in a highly dynamic way, with
      different patterns of alterations at different stages of life.

PMID- 27137750
TI  - Inhibitory Effects of the Standardized Extract of Phyllanthus amarus on Cellular
      and Humoral Immune Responses in Balb/C Mice.
AB  - Phyllanthus amarus has been shown to have strong inhibitory effects on phagocytic
      activity of human neutrophils and on cellular immune responses in Wistar-Kyoto
      rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of daily treatment of
      standardized extract of P. amarus at 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg for 14 days in Balb/C
      mice by measuring the myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), nitric oxide (NO) release,
      macrophage phagocytosis, swelling of footpad in delayed type hypersensitivity
      (DTH), and serum immunoglobulins, ceruloplasmin and lysozyme levels. Qualitative
      and quantitative analyses of the extract using validated reversed-phase HPLC
      methods identified phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, corilagin and geraniin as the
      biomarkers. Significant dose-dependent inhibitions of MPO activity and NO release
      were observed in treated mice. The extract also inhibited E. coli phagocytic
      capacity of peritoneal macrophages of treated mice and inhibited the sheep red
      blood cells (sRBC)-induced swelling rate of mice paw in the DTH. There was also a
      significant decrease in non-specific humoral immunity including ceruloplasmin and
      lysozyme levels in the extract-fed groups as well as the release of serum level
      immunoglobulins. The strong inhibitory effects of the extract on the cellular and
      humoral immune responses suggest the potential of the plant to be developed as an
      effective immunosuppressive agent. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27137751
TI  - Examining the differences in the stigma of dementia and diabetes among Chinese
      Americans.
AB  - AIM: One of the major barriers in making a diagnosis and managing dementia in the
      Chinese American population is the stigma surrounding the disease. The goal of
      the present study was to examine differences in the stigma and perceptions of
      dementia and diabetes among Chinese Americans. METHODS: A total of 449 Chinese
      Americans answered one survey with two self-administered, true/false
      questionnaires assessing stigma and perceptions toward dementia and diabetes.
      Higher total scores were associated with increased stigma and negative
      perceptions. The results of the two questionnaires were compared to assess for
      any differences in attitudes. RESULTS: For the dementia questionnaire, the mean
      score was 5.58 (95% CI 5.37-5.79) with a standard deviation of 2.31. For the
      diabetes questionnaire, the mean score was 2.01 (95% CI 1.85-2.18) with a
      standard deviation of 1.76. Statistical analysis showed that Chinese Americans
      were more likely to hold stigmatized views toward dementia than diabetes (t =
      33.9, d.f. = 448, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The higher average score in the
      dementia questionnaire shows that there are greater stigma and negative
      perceptions of dementia in comparison with diabetes among Chinese Americans.
      Considering that stigma delays access to healthcare for dementia-related
      symptoms, efforts should be taken to minimize negative attitudes associated with
      dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 760-764.

PMID- 27137752
TI  - De Novo Belatacept in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Kidney Transplant
      Recipient.
AB  - Benefits of belatacept-based immunosuppressive regimens in human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV)-positive renal transplant recipients include avoidance of drug
      interactions between calcineurin inhibitors and highly active antiretroviral
      agents and decreased likelihood or severity of nonimmune toxicities such as new
      onset diabetes after transplant, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. We report a
      successful case of de novo belatacept at >18 mo from transplant in an HIV
      positive black man aged 50 years who received his first transplant from a living
      related kidney donor. To our knowledge, this case is the first reported of
      belatacept use in an HIV-positive renal transplant recipient.

PMID- 27137753
TI  - High-Throughput Preparation of New Photoactive Nanocomposites.
AB  - New low-cost photoactive hybrid materials based on organic luminescent molecules
      inserted into hydrotalcite (layered double hydroxides; LDH) were produced, which
      exploit the high-throughput liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) method. These
      materials are conceived for applications in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as
      a co-absorbers and in silicon photovoltaic (PV) panels to improve their
      efficiency as they are able to emit where PV modules show the maximum efficiency.
      A molecule that shows a large Stokes' shift was designed, synthesized, and
      intercalated into LDH. Two dyes already used in DSSCs were also intercalated to
      produce two new nanocomposites. LDH intercalation allows the stability of organic
      dyes to be improved and their direct use in polymer melt blending. The prepared
      nanocomposites absorb sunlight from UV to visible and emit from blue to near-IR
      and thus can be exploited for light-energy management. Finally one nanocomposite
      was dispersed by melt blending into a poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-poly(n
      butyl acrylate) copolymer to obtain a photoactive film.

PMID- 27137754
TI  - Children's altruistic behavior in context: The role of emotional responsiveness
      and culture.
AB  - Altruistic behavior in humans is thought to have deep biological roots.
      Nonetheless, there is also evidence for considerable variation in altruistic
      behaviors among individuals and across cultures. Variability in altruistic
      behavior in adults has recently been related to individual differences in
      emotional responsiveness to fear in others. The current study examined the
      relation between emotional responsiveness (using eye-tracking) and altruistic
      behavior (using the Dictator Game) in 4 to 5-year-old children (N = 96) across
      cultures (India and Germany). The results revealed that increased altruistic
      behavior was associated with a greater responsiveness to fear faces (faster
      fixation), but not happy faces, in both cultures. This suggests that altruistic
      behavior is linked to our responsiveness to others in distress across cultures.
      Additionally, only among Indian children greater altruistic behavior was
      associated with greater sensitivity to context when responding to fearful faces.
      These findings further our understanding of the origins of altruism in humans by
      highlighting the importance of emotional processes and cultural context in the
      development of altruism.

PMID- 27137755
TI  - Low-Dose Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor Suppresses HIF-1alpha and Snail Expression
      in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer MDA-MB-231 Cells In Vitro.
AB  - The aggressiveness of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which lacks estrogen
      receptor, progesterone receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2),
      represents a major challenge in breast cancer. Migratory and self-renewal
      capabilities are integral components of invasion, metastasis and recurrence of
      TNBC. Elevated hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) expression is
      associated with aggressiveness of cancer. Nonetheless, how HIF-1alpha expression
      is regulated and how HIF-1alpha induces aggressive phenotype are not completely
      understood in TNBC. The cytotoxic effects of farnesyltransferase (FTase)
      inhibitors (FTIs) have been studied in cancer and leukemia cells. In contrast,
      the effect of FTIs on HIF-1alpha expression has not yet been studied. Here, we
      show that clinically relevant low-dose FTI, tipifarnib (300 nM), decreased HIF
      1alpha expression, migration and tumorsphere formation in human MDA-MB-231 TNBC
      cells under a normoxic condition. In contrast, the low-dose FTIs did not inhibit
      cell growth and activity of the Ras pathway in MDA-MB 231 cells. Tipifarnib
      induced decrease in HIF-1alpha expression was associated with amelioration of the
      Warburg effect, hypermetabolic state, increases in Snail expression and ATP
      release, and suppressed E-cadherin expression, major contributors to invasion,
      metastasis and recurrence of TBNC. These data suggest that FTIs may be capable of
      ameliorating the aggressive phenotype of TNBC by suppressing the HIF-1alpha-Snail
      pathway. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 192-201, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27137756
TI  - Spinal fentanyl vs. sufentanil for post-operative analgesia after C-section: a
      double-blinded randomised trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fentanyl and sufentanil are the most commonly administered
      intrathecal lipophilic opioids worldwide, although their relative efficacy when
      given by this route is not well characterised. The primary endpoint of this
      prospective, randomised, double-blind study was to compare effective analgesia
      duration of intrathecal administered fentanyl 25 MUg and sufentanil 2.5 or 5 MUg,
      Second endpoints were to compare post-operative morphine consumption and
      incidence of side effects between these opioids dosages. METHODS: After IRB
      approval, 180 full-term parturients undergoing elective Caesarean section were
      randomly allocated into three groups, according to the opioid added to 10 mg
      intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine: fentanyl 25 MUg, sufentanil 2.5 MUg or
      sufentanil 5 MUg. Total effective analgesia was defined as time from spinal
      injection (T0) to first IV morphine requirement (T1) administered with a patient
      controlled intravenous pump. Statistical data analysis included non-parametric
      tests and chi-squared. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
      Data are presented as median [interquartile ranges 25-75]. RESULTS: Duration of
      analgesia was significantly longer with sufentanil 2.5 MUg (214 min [189-251])
      and 5 MUg (236 min [190-372]) compared to fentanyl 25 MUg (187 min [151-230]) (P
      < 0.01). Morphine consumption at T1 + 4 h was lower in the sufentanil groups (6
      mg [3-9] and 6 mg [2-10]) than in the fentanyl group (9 mg [5-13]) (P < 0.01).
      Incidence of adverse effects was not different between groups. CONCLUSION: In the
      conditions of our study, sufentanil 5 MUg was the opioid of choice, associated
      with the best quality of anaesthesia without increased incidence of side effects.

PMID- 27137758
TI  - Parental migration and children's timely measles vaccination in rural China: a
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: With the rapid economic development in China, millions of rural
      residents are migrating to the cities to gain employment, resulting in numerous
      left-behind children (LBC). Simultaneously, outbreaks of measles continue to
      occur, yet the effect of parental migration on children's vaccination status is
      largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between parental
      migration and children's timely measles vaccination in rural China, after
      adjusting for family socio-economic status (SES) indicators. METHODS: We
      conducted a cross-sectional survey using multistage sampling among children aged
      18-54 months in rural Guangxi of China. Information on measles vaccination status
      was obtained from the child's vaccination certificate, and data on SES were
      collected by interviewing the child's primary guardian. Family SES and
      vaccination coverage were compared between LBC and non-left-behind children
      (NLBC) using weighted logistic regression, while the delay in vaccination was
      compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1216 study
      children, 46% were LBC and 54% were NLBC. Compared to NLBC, the coverage of
      timely measles vaccination was significantly lower, and the median delay period
      was longer among LBC. After adjusting for SES indicators, LBC were significantly
      more likely to have an untimely vaccination for their first dose of measles
      vaccine than NLBC (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.02-1.75). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the
      negative effect of parental migration and family SES, LBC were more likely to
      encounter serious delays of measles vaccination in rural China. Optimising
      vaccination policies could facilitate timely vaccination among LBC in rural
      China.

PMID- 27137757
TI  - Dual Targeting of Akt and mTORC1 Impairs Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks and
      Increases Radiation Sensitivity of Human Tumor Cells.
AB  - Inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin-complex 1 (mTORC1) induces activation
      of Akt. Because Akt activity mediates the repair of ionizing radiation-induced
      DNA double-strand breaks (DNA-DSBs) and consequently the radioresistance of solid
      tumors, we investigated whether dual targeting of mTORC1 and Akt impairs DNA-DSB
      repair and induces radiosensitization. Combining mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin with
      ionizing radiation in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells (H661, H460,
      SK-MES-1, HTB-182, A549) and in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 resulted
      in radiosensitization of H661 and H460 cells (responders), whereas only a very
      slight effect was observed in A549 cells, and no effect was observed in SK-MES-1,
      HTB-182 or MDA-MB-231 cells (non-responders). In responder cells, rapamycin
      treatment did not activate Akt1 phosphorylation, whereas in non-responders,
      rapamycin mediated PI3K-dependent Akt activity. Molecular targeting of Akt by Akt
      inhibitor MK2206 or knockdown of Akt1 led to a rapamycin-induced
      radiosensitization of non-responder cells. Compared to the single targeting of
      Akt, the dual targeting of mTORC1 and Akt1 markedly enhanced the frequency of
      residual DNA-DSBs by inhibiting the non-homologous end joining repair pathway and
      increased radiation sensitivity. Together, lack of radiosensitization induced by
      rapamycin was associated with rapamycin-mediated Akt1 activation. Thus, dual
      targeting of mTORC1 and Akt1 inhibits repair of DNA-DSB leading to
      radiosensitization of solid tumor cells.

PMID- 27137759
TI  - Epidemiology of comorbidities in patients with hypertension.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hypertension affects an enormous number of people and
      uncommonly presents in isolation. This review aims to summarize contemporary data
      that is relevant to the epidemiology of specific comorbidities occurring
      frequently in individuals with hypertension. RECENT FINDINGS: Hypertension is
      invariably diagnosed along with multiple comorbidities, particularly diabetes
      mellitus, obesity, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, and heart
      failure. Evidence pertinent to prevalence, incidence, and temporal trends is
      reported, with an emphasis on differences according to age, gender, and
      race/ethnicity. SUMMARY: The clustering of these conditions requires a thorough
      and often multidisciplinary-approach in the evaluation and management of
      individuals with hypertension. Populations with higher risk include the elderly,
      women, and racial/ethnic groups.

PMID- 27137760
TI  - Hypertension and ethnicity.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite its continued increase in prevalence in minorities,
      data regarding hypertension (HTN) control among such ethnic groups remains
      limited. This review highlights the most recent literature on the epidemiology,
      prevalence, and treatment strategies of HTN among four racial groups (non
      Hispanic Whites (NHW), Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians). RECENT FINDINGS: Overall
      awareness and treatment of HTN were found to be higher in blacks when compared
      with NHWs. Access to health insurance is associated with successful HTN control,
      particularly among the Hispanic populations. Recent data from SBP Intervention
      Trial suggests the blood pressure control and adherence rates in blacks were
      highest among men, with a higher number of comorbidities, and on diuretic
      therapy. Additionally, the initiation of thiazide-type diuretics and calcium
      channel blocker was superior to beta-adrenergic blockers and angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers in blood pressure
      lowering among blacks. However, no specific treatment recommendations exist for
      Hispanics or Asians. Finally, recent guidelines from the Joint National
      Commission recommend initial treatment with a thiazide-type diuretic regardless
      of race. SUMMARY: Despite recent progress, racial disparities in awareness and
      treatment of HTN continue to exist. To reduce this important gap, future research
      should focus on epidemiologic, genetic, and sociologic factors as well as
      specific therapies to achieve maximum medical benefit in these subgroups.

PMID- 27137762
TI  - Gender-related amino acid intake of adult wild Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris
      rufa).
AB  - The Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) is under an enormous hunting pressure.
      It is bred intensively in game farms. The hunting season is during the non
      reproductive resting period when partridges are at maintenance conditions. There
      is a lack of information about the amino acid (AA) composition of the natural
      diet of the adult birds in their habitat or differences in dietary AA composition
      related to gender. The objective of this work was to establish a first approach
      to the AA composition of the natural diet of adult wild Red-legged Partridge.
      Food content in crops and gizzards of female and male birds hunted in the same
      hunting season and area was analysed for AA composition. Females food had higher
      concentrations of individual essential AA (EAA) and non-essential AA (NEAA) than
      males. There are important differences in the concentration of AA in the natural
      diet of wild females and males. It may be advisable to use diets differing in the
      proportion of individual AA in the game farms during the non-reproductive resting
      period. 

PMID- 27137761
TI  - The role of long-term label-retaining cells in the regeneration of adult mouse
      kidney after ischemia/reperfusion injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Label-retaining cells (LRCs) have been recognized as rare stem and
      progenitor-like cells, but their complex biological features in renal repair at
      the cellular level have never been reported. This study was conducted to evaluate
      whether LRCs in kidney are indeed renal stem/progenitor cells and to delineate
      their potential role in kidney regeneration. METHODS: We utilized a long-term
      pulse chase of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled cells in C57BL/6J mice to
      identify renal LRCs. We tracked the precise morphological characteristics and
      locations of BrdU(+)LRCs by both immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. To
      examine whether these BrdU(+)LRCs contribute to the repair of acute kidney
      injury, we analyzed biological characteristics of BrdU(+)LRCs in mice after
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. RESULTS: The findings revealed that the nuclei
      of BrdU(+) LRCs exhibited different morphological characteristics in normal adult
      kidneys, including nuclei in pairs or scattered, fragmented or intact, strongly
      or weakly positive. Only 24.3 +/- 1.5 % of BrdU(+) LRCs co-expressed with Ki67
      and 9.1 +/- 1.4 % of BrdU(+) LRCs were positive for TUNEL following renal I/R
      injury. Interestingly, we found that newly regenerated cells formed a niche-like
      structure and LRCs in pairs tended to locate in this structure, but the number of
      those LRCs was very low. We found a few scattered LRCs co-expressed Lotus
      tetragonolobus agglutinin (LTA) in the early phase of injury, suggesting
      differentiation of those LRCs in mouse kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest
      that LRCs are not a simple type of slow-cycling cells in adult kidneys,
      indicating a limited role of these cells in the regeneration of I/R injured
      kidney. Thus, LRCs cannot reliably be considered stem/progenitor cells in the
      regeneration of adult mouse kidney. When researchers use this technique to study
      the cellular basis of renal repair, these complex features of renal LRCs and the
      purity of real stem cells among renal LRCs should be considered.

PMID- 27137763
TI  - Boston Children's Hospital approach to brachial plexus birth palsy.
AB  - The treatment of infants with brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) continues to be
      a focus at Boston Children's Hospital. Over the last 15 years, there have been
      many developments in the treatment of infants with BPBP. Some of the greatest
      changes have emerged through technical advances such as the advent of distal
      nerve transfers to allow targeted reinnervation as well as through research to
      understand the pathoanatomical changes that lead to glenohumeral dysplasia and
      how this dysplasia can be remodeled. This review will discuss our current
      practice of evaluation of the infant with BPBP, techniques for microsurgical
      reconstruction, and prevention and treatment of secondary glenohumeral dysplasia.

PMID- 27137764
TI  - Integrating Suicide Risk Assessment and Management Tools into Medical Student
      Education: A Novel Clerkship in Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

PMID- 27137765
TI  - Language Matters.

PMID- 27137766
TI  - From Industry to Generativity: The First 12 Years of the Association for Academic
      Psychiatry Master Educator Program.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study presents a mixed-methods evaluation of the first 12 years
      of the Association for Academic Psychiatry (AAP) Master Educator (ME) program,
      developed in 2003 to help academic psychiatrists hone their skills as educators.
      Participants attend two 3-h workshops at the annual meeting, organized in 3-year
      cycles, for a total of 18 h. Core topics include assessment, curriculum design,
      and program evaluation. METHODS: Overall session rating scores from 2003 to 2014
      were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A 20-question survey was sent to 58
      program graduates in October 2014, exploring participant perspectives on the
      impact of the ME program on their careers and on the educational programs they
      were affiliated with. Survey responses were analyzed quantitatively (for multiple
      choice questions) and qualitatively (for open-ended questions). RESULTS: The mean
      overall session scores ranged between 4.1 and 4.9 (on a Likert-type scale of 1-5)
      for each 3-year cycle. Twenty-nine graduates completed the survey (50 % response
      rate). Survey responses indicated a positive perception of the impact of the ME
      program on participants' careers. Most respondents noted improvement in their
      teaching methods and curriculum development skills and being able to link
      educational theory with their individual practices. There was a significant
      increase in perceived confidence, leadership, and further contributions to their
      educational milieu. Fifteen (52 %) participants also reported generative
      behaviors that directly impacted others, such as developing new programs,
      enhancing existing programs at their institutions, or contributing to national
      educational efforts. CONCLUSION: The AAP ME program has demonstrated significant
      benefit over its 12 years of existence. This program represents one strategy to
      sustain and grow an international community of like-minded educators working to
      develop their own and future generations' skills in providing high-quality
      education in psychiatry.

PMID- 27137767
TI  - Pilot Evaluation of a Communication Skills Training Program for Psychiatry
      Residents Using Standardized Patient Assessment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mental health clinicians can experience difficulties communicating
      diagnostic information to patients and their families/carers, especially about
      distressing psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. There is evidence for
      the effectiveness of communication skills training (CST) for improving diagnostic
      discussions, particularly in specialties such as oncology, but only limited
      evidence exists about CST for psychiatry. This study evaluated a CST program
      specifically developed for psychiatry residents called ComPsych that focuses on
      conveying diagnostic and prognostic information about schizophrenia. METHOD: The
      ComPsych program consists of an introductory lecture, module booklets for
      trainees, and exemplary skills videos, followed by small group role-plays with
      simulated patients (SPs) led by a trained facilitator. A standardized patient
      assessment (SPA) was digitally recorded pre- and post-training with a SP using a
      standardized scenario in a time-limited (15 min) period. Recorded SPAs were
      independently rated using a validated coding system (ComSkil) to identify
      frequency of skills used in five skills categories (agenda setting, checking,
      questioning, information organization, and empathic communication). RESULTS:
      Thirty trainees (15 males and 15 females; median age = 32) undertaking their
      vocational specialty training in psychiatry participated in ComPsych training and
      pre- and post-ComPsych SPAs. Skills increased post-training for agenda setting (d
      = -0.82), while questioning skills (d = 0.56) decreased. There were no
      significant differences in any other skills grouping, although checking,
      information organization, and empathic communication skills tended to increase
      post-training. A dose effect was observed for agenda setting, with trainees who
      attended more CST sessions outperforming those attending fewer. CONCLUSION:
      Findings support the generalization and translation of ComPsych CST to
      psychiatry.

PMID- 27137768
TI  - Microfluidic co-culture platform to quantify chemotaxis of primary stem cells.
AB  - Functional analysis of primary tissue-specific stem cells is hampered by their
      rarity. Here we describe a greatly miniaturized microfluidic device for the
      multiplexed, quantitative analysis of the chemotactic properties of primary, bone
      marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). The device was integrated within a
      fully customized platform that both increased the viability of stem cells ex vivo
      and simplified manipulation during multidimensional acquisition. Since primary
      stem cells can be isolated only in limited number, we optimized the design for
      efficient cell trapping from low volume and low concentration cell suspensions.
      Using nanoliter volumes and automated microfluidic controls for pulsed medium
      supply, our platform is able to create stable gradients of chemoattractant
      secreted from mammalian producer cells within the device, as was visualized by a
      secreted NeonGreen fluorescent reporter. The design was functionally validated by
      a CXCL/CXCR ligand/receptor combination resulting in preferential migration of
      primary, non-passaged MSC. Stable gradient formation prolonged assay duration and
      resulted in enhanced response rates for slowly migrating stem cells. Time-lapse
      video microscopy facilitated determining a number of migratory properties based
      on single cell analysis. Jackknife-resampling revealed that our assay requires
      only 120 cells to obtain statistically significant results, enabling new
      approaches in the research on rare primary stem cells. Compartmentalization of
      the device not only facilitated such quantitative measurements but will also
      permit future, high-throughput functional screens.

PMID- 27137769
TI  - Correction: Mediterranean Diet and Health-Related Quality of Life in Two Cohorts
      of Community-Dwelling Older Adults.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151596.].

PMID- 27137770
TI  - Proteomic Insight into the Response of Arabidopsis Chloroplasts to Darkness.
AB  - Chloroplast function in photosynthesis is essential for plant growth and
      development. It is well-known that chloroplasts respond to various light
      conditions. However, it remains poorly understood about how chloroplasts respond
      to darkness. In this study, we found 81 darkness-responsive proteins in
      Arabidopsis chloroplasts under 8 h darkness treatment. Most of the proteins are
      nucleus-encoded, indicating that chloroplast darkness response is closely
      regulated by the nucleus. Among them, 17 ribosome proteins were obviously reduced
      after darkness treatment. The protein expressional patterns and physiological
      changes revealed the mechanisms in chloroplasts in response to darkness, e.g.,
      (1) inhibition of photosystem II resulted in preferential cyclic electron flow
      around PSI; (2) promotion of starch degradation; (3) inhibition of chloroplastic
      translation; and (4) regulation by redox and jasmonate signaling. The results
      have improved our understanding of molecular regulatory mechanisms in
      chloroplasts under darkness.

PMID- 27137771
TI  - Occupational experiences of forced migrants: A scoping review.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: International or internal migration as a result of unexpected
      circumstances, such as that experienced by forced migrants (i.e. refugees, asylum
      seekers and internally displaced persons), can disrupt established occupations.
      Occupational therapists have the potential to improve quality of life by re
      establishing lost occupations. Research on forced migrants has been increasing
      within the occupation-based literature and has the potential to inform practice
      with this population. Our aim was to identify and synthesise current knowledge of
      the occupational experiences of forced migrants. METHODS: This scoping review was
      conducted using the framework articulated by Arksey and O'Malley (International
      Journal of Social Research Methodology, 2005; 8, 19). Inclusion criteria for
      selected articles included peer-reviewed articles published in English between
      2003 and 2014 that focussed on forced migrant populations and that were written
      from an occupational perspective. Exclusion criteria consisted of grey literature
      as well as articles focussed more broadly on immigrants in general, and that
      failed to adopt occupation as a central construct. RESULTS: Based on a total of
      320 studies that were identified, 24 met the inclusion criteria. Six themes
      emerged as a result of the data extraction and synthesis process: occupational
      deprivation, occupational imbalance, occupational adaptation, occupational
      change, efforts to maintain and re-establish identity, and outlook for the
      future. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: This scoping review outlines
      key factors that affect forced migrants' occupational experiences and highlights
      gaps in the current literature. The results point towards potential practice
      implications for occupational therapists working with forced migrant populations
      to help promote culturally safe approaches.

PMID- 27137773
TI  - Metrics, Metrics, Metrics.

PMID- 27137772
TI  - Total Body Metabolic Tumor Response in ALK Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
      Patients Treated with ALK Inhibition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In ALK-positive advanced NSCLC, crizotinib has a high response rate
      and effectively increases quality of life and survival. CT measurement of the
      tumor may insufficiently reflect the actual tumor load changes during targeted
      therapy with crizotinib. We explored whether 18F-FDG PET measured metabolic
      changes are different from CT based changes and studied the impact of these
      changes on disease progression. METHODS: 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed prior to
      and after 6 weeks of crizotinib treatment. Tumor response on CT was classified
      with RECIST 1.1, while 18F-FDG PET response was assessed according to the 1999
      EORTC recommendations and PERCIST criteria. Agreement was assessed using McNemars
      test. During follow-up, patients received additional PET/CT during crizotinib
      treatment and second generation ALK inhibition. We assessed whether PET was able
      to detect progression earlier then CT. RESULTS: In this exploratory study 15
      patients were analyzed who were treated with crizotinib. There was a good
      agreement in the applicability of CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT using the EORTC
      recommendations. During first line crizotinib and subsequent second line ALK
      inhibitors, PET was able to detect progression earlier then CT in 10/22 (45%)
      events of progression and in the others disease progression was detected
      simultaneously. CONCLUSION: In advanced ALK positive NSCLC PET was able to detect
      progressive disease earlier than with CT in nearly half of the assessments while
      both imaging tests performed similar in the others.

PMID- 27137774
TI  - The Spine Is Stable.

PMID- 27137775
TI  - [Surveillance in Spain 3 years since the enactment of the Public Health Law].
AB  - In 2014, the Epidemiological Surveillance Working Group of the Sociedad Espanola
      de Epidemiologia (Spanish Society of Epidemiology), carried out a descriptive
      study in order to evaluate the level of development of the Spanish Public Health
      Law since its enactment in 2011. A survey collecting data on the existence of
      information systems and other aspects pertaining to each surveillance section
      included in the law was sent to all 19 autonomous communities and cities. All
      regional authorities reported the presence of an information system for
      communicable diseases, and six also reported an information system for social
      factors. 18 reported that at least one chronic disease was subject to
      surveillance and 14 confirmed surveillance of some of its determinants. They all
      systematically analysed the data derived from the communicable diseases. There is
      room for improvement in Public Health surveillance in Spain, and action should be
      aimed at the main health problems. 

PMID- 27137776
TI  - [Variations in the diagnostic confirmation process between breast cancer mass
      screening units].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse variations in the diagnostic confirmation process between
      screening units, variations in the outcome of each episode and the relationship
      between the use of the different diagnostic confirmation tests and the lesion
      detection rate. METHOD: Observational study of variability of the standardised
      use of diagnostic and lesion detection tests in 34 breast cancer mass screening
      units participating in early-detection programmes in three Spanish regions from
      2002-2011. RESULTS: The diagnostic test variation ratio in percentiles 25-75
      ranged from 1.68 (further appointments) to 3.39 (fine-needle aspiration). The
      variation ratio in detection rates of benign lesions, ductal carcinoma in situ
      and invasive cancer were 2.79, 1.99 and 1.36, respectively. A positive
      relationship between rates of testing and detection rates was found with fine
      needle aspiration-benign lesions (R(2): 0.53), fine-needle aspiration-invasive
      carcinoma (R(2): 0 28), core biopsy-benign lesions (R(2): 0.64), core biopsy
      ductal carcinoma in situ (R(2): 0.61) and core biopsy-invasive carcinoma (R(2):
      0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Variation in the use of invasive tests between the breast
      cancer screening units participating in early-detection programmes was found to
      be significantly higher than variations in lesion detection. Units which
      conducted more fine-needle aspiration tests had higher benign lesion detection
      rates, while units that conducted more core biopsies detected more benign lesions
      and cancer.

PMID- 27137777
TI  - [Participation to improve working conditions: evidence and experience].
AB  - Participation of stakeholders is a key requirement for the success of public
      health programmes. Working and employment conditions are major determinants for
      people's health and wellbeing, and workplaces are ideal environments to implement
      programmes with a very direct level of participation. In Spain, the main
      regulatory framework for occupational health and safety, Law 31/1995, establishes
      the principles of "efficiency, coordination and participation" as a necessary
      basis for workers' health protection. This same Law establishes the role of the
      health and safety workers' representative, responsible for occupational risk
      prevention, and the occupational health and safety committee, a body with equal
      representation and the same objectives at the heart of the company. Among recent
      experiences of participation in occupational health, participatory ergonomics
      programmes have stood out. The aim of these programmes is to improve working
      conditions with a view to reducing musculoskeletal disorders, which is a very
      common and highly prevalent work-related injury in Spain. This study describes
      the characteristics and results of some experiences of participatory ergonomics
      carried out recently in Spain, from which relevant learning can be extrapolated
      about processes, facilitators and barriers in order to extend such programmes to
      other areas of occupational and public health.

PMID- 27137778
TI  - Impact of insect growth regulators on the predator Ceraeochrysa cincta
      (Schneider) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae).
AB  - The generalist predator Ceraeochrysa cincta (Schneider) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
      is an important biological control agent of several arthropod pests in different
      agroecosystems. This study assessed the lethal and sublethal effects of six
      insect growth regulators sprayed on first-instar larvae of C. cincta. Lufenuron
      and diflubenzuron were highly harmful to first-instar larvae of C. cincta,
      causing 100 % of mortality before they reached the second instar. Buprofezin
      caused ~25 % mortality of the larvae and considerably reduced the fecundity and
      longevity of the insects, but substantially increased the proportion of females
      in the surviving population of C. cincta. Methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide did
      not affect the duration and survival of the immature stages, but methoxyfenozide
      significantly reduced the fecundity and longevity of the insects. Pyriproxyfen
      reduced the survival of the larval stage by 19.5 %, but did not affect the
      development, survival and reproduction of the surviving individuals. Based on
      reduction coefficient, the insecticides diflubenzuron and lufenuron were
      considered harmful to C. cincta, whereas buprofezin and methoxyfenozide were
      slightly harmful and tebufenozide and pyriproxyfen were harmless. The estimation
      of life-table parameters indicated that buprofezin and methoxyfenozide
      significantly reduced the R o , r and lambda of C. cincta, whereas pyriproxyfen
      and tebufenozide caused no adverse effect on population parameters, indicating
      that these insecticides could be suitable for use in pest management programs
      towards the conservation and population increase of the predator in
      agroecosystems. However, more studies should be conducted to evaluate the
      compatibility of these insecticides with the predator C. cincta under semi-field
      and field conditions. 

PMID- 27137779
TI  - Spatial Dynamics of the Communities and the Role of Major Countries in the
      International Rare Earths Trade: A Complex Network Analysis.
AB  - Rare earths (RE) are critical materials in many high-technology products. Due to
      the uneven distribution and important functions for industrial development, most
      countries import RE from a handful of suppliers that are rich in RE, such as
      China. However, because of the rapid growth of RE exploitation and pollution of
      the mining and production process, some of the main suppliers have gradually
      tended to reduce the RE production and exports. Especially in the last decade,
      international RE trade has been changing in the trade community and trade volume.
      Based on complex network theory, we built an unweighted and weighted network to
      explore the evolution of the communities and identify the role of the major
      countries in the RE trade. The results show that an international RE trade
      network was dispersed and unstable because of the existence of five to nine trade
      communities in the unweighted network and four to eight trade communities in the
      weighted network in the past 13 years. Moreover, trade groups formed due to the
      great influence of geopolitical relations. China was often associated with the
      South America and African countries in the same trade group. In addition, Japan,
      China, the United States, and Germany had the largest impacts on international RE
      trade from 2002 to 2014. Last, some policy suggestions were highlighted according
      to the results.

PMID- 27137780
TI  - XPS depth profiling of an ultrathin bioorganic film with an argon gas cluster ion
      beam.
AB  - The growing interest in artificial bioorganic interfaces as a platform for
      applications in emerging areas as personalized medicine, clinical diagnostics,
      biosensing, biofilms, prevention of biofouling, and other fields of
      bioengineering is the origin of a need for in detail multitechnique
      characterizations of such layers and interfaces. The in-depth analysis of
      biointerfaces is of special interest as the properties of functional bioorganic
      coatings can be dramatically affected by in-depth variations of composition. In
      worst cases, the functionality of a device produced using such coatings can be
      substantially reduced or even fully lost.

PMID- 27137781
TI  - Pilot study of brain morphometry in a sample of Brazilian children with attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder: influence of clinical presentation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Currently, the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
      (ADHD) rests on clinical criteria. Nonetheless, neuroimaging studies have
      demonstrated that children with ADHD have different cortical thickness and volume
      measures to typically developing children (TDC). In general, studies do not
      evaluate the influence of clinical presentation in the brain morphometry of ADHD
      children. Our objective was to perform a pilot study in order to evaluate
      cortical thickness and brain volume in a sample of Brazilian ADHD children and
      compare these to those of TDC, taking into account the influence of clinical
      presentation. METHODS: We performed an analytic study comparing 17 drug-naive
      ADHD children of both genders, aged between 7 and 10, and 16 TDC. ADHD subjects
      were first considered as one group and further separated based on clinical
      presentation. RESULTS: The brain volume did not differ between patients and TDC.
      Smaller cortical thicknesses were identified on the left superior, medium and
      inferior temporal cortex, as well as in the left inferior parietal cortex. When
      compared to TDC, combined and inattentive ADHD presentations depicted smaller
      cortical thickness with high significance and power. The same magnitude of
      results was not observed when comparing inattentive ADHD and TDC. CONCLUSIONS: In
      this pilot study, ADHD is associated with abnormalities involving the cortical
      thickness of the posterior attentional system. The cortical thickness in the left
      superior, medium and inferior temporal cortex, as well as in the left inferior
      parietal cortex may differ according to ADHD presentations.

PMID- 27137782
TI  - A hydrogel based rapid test method for detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in
      contaminated water samples.
AB  - We have formulated a new chemical composition for rapid detection of Escherichia
      coli (E. coli) with currently available enzymatic substrates. We have evaluated
      the performance of the new chemical composition with different kinds of bacteria,
      and metallic and ionic interferences and optimized the chemical composition for
      rapid and specific detection of E. coli. We used a novel hydrogel based porous
      matrix to encapsulate the optimized chemical compounds and incorporated it within
      a readily available plunger-tube assembly. This overall system allows efficient,
      field deployable, rapid testing of water samples by simultaneously pre
      concentrating and detecting E. coli within one integrated unit. We were able to
      detect E. coli concentrations of 4 * 10(6) CFU mL(-1) to 4 * 10(5) CFU mL(-1)
      within 5 min and 4 * 10(4) CFU mL(-1) to 400 CFU mL(-1) within 60 min using the
      integrated plunger-tube assembly containing the hydrogel matrix.

PMID- 27137784
TI  - Editorial: The positives of a negative study.

PMID- 27137783
TI  - Fracture Rate, Quality of Life and Back Pain in Patients with Osteoporosis
      Treated with Teriparatide: 24-Month Results from the Extended Forsteo
      Observational Study (ExFOS).
AB  - We describe the pre-planned interim analysis of fracture outcomes, health-related
      quality of life (HRQoL) and back pain in patients with severe osteoporosis
      treated with teriparatide for up to 24 months in the Extended Forsteo
      (Forsteo((r)) is a registered trade name of Eli Lilly and Company) Observational
      Study (ExFOS), a prospective, multinational, observational study. Data on
      incident clinical fractures, HRQoL (EQ-5D questionnaire) and back pain [100 mm
      visual analogue scale (VAS)] were collected. The number of patients with
      fractures was summarised in 6-month intervals and fracture rate over each 6-month
      period was assessed using logistic regression for repeated measures. Changes from
      baseline in EQ-5D and back pain VAS were analysed using mixed models for repeated
      measures. Of 1454 patients in the active treatment cohort, 90.6 % were female and
      14.4 % were taking glucocorticoids. During teriparatide treatment (median
      duration 23.7 months), 103 patients (7.1 %) sustained a total of 122 incident
      clinical fractures (21 % vertebral, 79 % non-vertebral). A 49 % decrease in the
      odds of fractures and a 75 % decrease in the odds of clinical vertebral fractures
      were observed in the >18- to 24-month period versus the first 6-month period
      (both p < 0.05). EQ-5D scores and back pain VAS scores were significantly
      improved from baseline at each post-baseline observation during teriparatide
      treatment. In conclusion, patients with severe osteoporosis showed a significant
      reduction in the incident fracture rate during 24 months of teriparatide
      treatment in routine clinical practice, accompanied by a significant improvement
      in HRQoL and reduction in back pain. Results should be interpreted in the context
      of the non-controlled design of this observational study.

PMID- 27137785
TI  - Anti-inflammatory effects of alpinone 3-acetate from Alpinia japonica seeds.
AB  - We aimed to investigate the bioactive components of Alpinia japonica as anti
      inflammatory compounds using searches of the Alpinia genus, and subsequently
      demonstrated that alpinone 3-acetate markedly inhibits 12-O-tetradecanoyiphorbol
      13-acetate-induced inflammation in a mouse model of ear edema. To assess other
      bioactivities of alpinone 3-acetate, we performed translatome analyses and
      compared them with those of hydrocortisone. Polysome-associated mRNAs were
      prepared from alpinone 3-acetate- or hydrocortisone-treated and control cells
      from 12-O-tetradecanoyiphorbol 13-acetate-induced THP-1-derived macrophages
      cultured in the presence of Escherichia coli O-111 lipopolysaccharide. Subsequent
      microarray analysis revealed that alpinone 3-acetate and hydrocortisone
      upregulated and downregulated the same 155 and 41 genes, respectively. Moreover,
      direct comparisons of translationally regulated genes indicated 5 and 10 gene
      probes that were upregulated and downregulated by alpinone 3-acetate and
      hydrocortisone, respectively. In conclusion, assays of 12-O-tetradecanoyiphorbol
      13-acetate-induced inflammation ear edema in mice and polysome profiling of
      alpinone 3-acetate bioactivities indicated similar medicinal possibilities to
      those of hydrocortisone. 

PMID- 27137786
TI  - A Computer-Aided Diagnosis System for Measuring Carotid Artery Intima-Media
      Thickness (IMT) Using Quaternion Vectors.
AB  - This study aims investigating adjustable distant fuzzy c-means segmentation on
      carotid Doppler images, as well as quaternion-based convolution filters and
      saliency mapping procedures. We developed imaging software that will simplify the
      measurement of carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) on saliency mapping
      images. Additionally, specialists evaluated the present images and compared them
      with saliency mapping images. In the present research, we conducted imaging
      studies of 25 carotid Doppler images obtained by the Department of Cardiology at
      Firat University. After implementing fuzzy c-means segmentation and quaternion
      based convolution on all Doppler images, we obtained a model that can be analyzed
      easily by the doctors using a bottom-up saliency model. These methods were
      applied to 25 carotid Doppler images and then interpreted by specialists. In the
      present study, we used color-filtering methods to obtain carotid color images.
      Saliency mapping was performed on the obtained images, and the carotid artery IMT
      was detected and interpreted on the obtained images from both methods and the raw
      images are shown in Results. Also these results were investigated by using Mean
      Square Error (MSE) for the raw IMT images and the method which gives the best
      performance is the Quaternion Based Saliency Mapping (QBSM). 0,0014 and 0,000191
      mm(2) MSEs were obtained for artery lumen diameters and plaque diameters in
      carotid arteries respectively. We found that computer-based image processing
      methods used on carotid Doppler could aid doctors' in their decision-making
      process. We developed software that could ease the process of measuring carotid
      IMT for cardiologists and help them to evaluate their findings. 

PMID- 27137787
TI  - A note on the weight of inverse complexity in improved hybrid genetic algorithm.

PMID- 27137788
TI  - Cystatin B and HIV regulate the STAT-1 signaling circuit in HIV-infected and INF
      beta-treated human macrophages.
AB  - Cystatin B is a cysteine protease inhibitor that induces HIV replication in
      monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM). This protein interacts with signal transducer
      and activator of transcription (STAT-1) factor and inhibits the interferon (IFN
      beta) response in Vero cells by preventing STAT-1 translocation to the nucleus.
      Cystatin B also decreases the levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT-1 (STAT
      1PY). However, the mechanisms of cystatin B regulation on STAT-1 phosphorylation
      in MDM are unknown. We hypothesized that cystatin B inhibits IFN-beta antiviral
      responses and induces HIV replication in macrophage reservoirs through the
      inhibition of STAT-1 phosphorylation. Macrophages were transfected with cystatin
      B siRNA prior to interferon-beta treatment or infected with HIV-ADA to determine
      the effect of cystatin B modulation in STAT-1 localization and activation using
      immunofluorescence and proximity ligation assays. Cystatin B decreased STAT-1PY
      and its transportation to the nucleus, while HIV infection retained
      unphosphorylated STAT (USTAT-1) in the nucleus avoiding its exit to the cytoplasm
      for eventual phosphorylation. In IFN-beta-treated MDM, cystatin B inhibited the
      nuclear translocation of both, USTAT-1 and STAT-1PY. These results demonstrate
      that cystatin B interferes with the STAT-1 signaling and IFN-beta-antiviral
      responses perpetuating HIV in macrophage reservoirs.

PMID- 27137789
TI  - Clostridium difficile Infection in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is now the leading cause of nosocomial
      infection. There has been an upsurge of CDI in patients with inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD). IBD patients with CDI have increased morbidity and mortality. The
      establishment, proliferation, and recurrence of CDI in IBD patients form a
      complex interplay of microbial, environmental, and host-susceptibility factors.
      Different risk factors have been found predisposing IBD patients to CDI.
      Vancomycin performs better than metronidazole in treating IBD patients with CDI.
      Fecal microbiota transplantation continues to be a very effective therapy. New
      therapeutic modalities such as vaccinations and bile salts are currently being
      investigated. 

PMID- 27137790
TI  - Epidemiology of Rotavirus-Norovirus Co-Infection and Determination of Norovirus
      Genogrouping among Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in Tehran, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enteric viruses, particularly human rotavirus and norovirus, have
      been shown to replace bacteria and parasites, as the most common pathogens
      responsible for acute diarrhea. However, there are still few epidemiological data
      on the simultaneous occurrence of these viruses in Iran. In this regard, the aim
      of this study was to assess the useful epidemiological data on the
      gastroenteritis associated with rotavirus-norovirus mixed infection and to
      examine the prevalence of norovirus genogrouping among children aged less than
      five years old in Iran. METHODS: A total of 170 stool samples were collected from
      children under five years of age with the clinical signs and symptoms of acute
      gastroenteritis, from May 2013 to May 2014. For the detection of both rotavirus
      and norovirus, total RNA was extracted from all samples, followed by reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For both detected rotaviruses
      and noroviruses, genogrouping was performed. RESULTS: Of 170 samples, 49 (28.8%)
      and 15 (8.8%) samples were found to be positive for rotavirus and norovirus
      infections by RT-PCR. Interestingly, 6 (3.5%) patients were positive for both
      infections. Among the 15 norovirus-positive patients, 13 (86.6%) and 2 (13.3%)
      belonged to genogroups GII and GI. CONCLUSIONS: The norovirus genogroup GII and
      rotavirus lead to the serious infections in children with acute gastroenteritis.
      However, more well-designed studies are needed to further elucidate the role of
      other enteric viruses in acute gastroenteritis.

PMID- 27137791
TI  - An effective colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe based FRET with a
      large Stokes shift for bisulfite.
AB  - Bisulfite plays crucial roles in diverse physiological processes. Therefore, the
      efficient detection of bisulfite is very important. In this study, we report a
      colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent probe (CPT) with a large Stokes shift
      (162 nm) for bisulfite (HSO3(-)) based FRET mechanism. The probe can
      quantitatively detect HSO3(-) with low detection limit (45 nM) and high
      specificity over other common anions and biothiols. A nucleophilic addition
      reaction was proposed for the sensing mechanism, which was confirmed by HRMS
      spectra. The test strips of the probe were made and used easily. Moreover, probe
      CPT was used to ratiometric fluorescent imaging of exogenous and endogenous HSO3(
      ) in living cells.

PMID- 27137792
TI  - Purinergic Signaling Regulates the Transforming Growth Factor-beta3-Induced
      Chondrogenic Response of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Hydrostatic Pressure.
AB  - Although hydrostatic pressure (HP) is known to regulate chondrogenic
      differentiation of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), improved insight into
      the mechanotransduction of HP may form the basis for novel tissue engineering
      strategies. Previously, we demonstrated that matrix stiffness and calcium ion
      (Ca(++)) mobility regulate the mechanotransduction of HP; however, the
      mechanisms, by which these Ca(++) signaling pathways are initiated, are currently
      unknown. The purinergic pathway, in which adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is
      released and activates P-receptors to initiate Ca(++) signaling, plays a key role
      in the mechanotransduction of compression, but has yet to be investigated with
      regard to HP. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the
      interplay between purinergic signaling, matrix stiffness, and the chondrogenic
      response of MSCs to HP. Porcine bone marrow-derived MSCs were seeded into soft or
      stiff agarose hydrogels and subjected to HP (10 MPa at 1 Hz for 4 h/d for 21
      days) or kept in free swelling conditions. Stiff constructs were incubated with
      pharmacological inhibitors of extracellular ATP, P2 receptors, or hemichannels,
      or without any inhibitors as a control. As with other loading modalities, HP
      significantly increased ATP release in the control group; however, inhibition of
      hemichannels completely abrogated this response. The increase in sulfated
      glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) synthesis and vimentin reorganization observed in the
      control group in response to HP was suppressed in the presence of all three
      inhibitors, suggesting that purinergic signaling is involved in the
      mechanoresponse of MSCs to HP. Interestingly, ATP was released from both soft and
      stiff hydrogels in response to HP, but HP only enhanced chondrogenesis in the
      stiff hydrogels, indicating that matrix stiffness may act downstream of
      purinergic signaling to regulate the mechanoresponse of MSCs to HP. Addition of
      exogenous ATP did not replicate the effects of HP on chondrogenesis, suggesting
      that mechanisms other than purinergic signaling also regulate the response of
      MSCs to HP.

PMID- 27137794
TI  - Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Survivors of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion
      Syndrome.
AB  - Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a severe complication of monochorionic
      (MC) twin pregnancies associated with high perinatal mortality and morbidity
      rates. Management in TTTS is a major challenge for obstetricians and
      neonatologists. Twins with TTTS are often born prematurely after an extremely
      distressing and highly hazardous fetal period. Follow-up studies report varying
      rates of cerebral palsy (CP) and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI).
      This review discusses the latest findings on the long-term outcome of TTTS
      survivors, possible risk factors for long-term impairment, and provides
      recommendations for future research.

PMID- 27137793
TI  - Oscillating glucose induces microRNA-185 and impairs an efficient antioxidant
      response in human endothelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intracellular antioxidant response to high glucose is mediated by
      Cu/Mn-superoxide dismutases (SOD-1/SOD-2), catalase (CAT) and glutathione
      peroxidases (GPx), particularly glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1). Although
      oscillating glucose can induce a more deleterious effect than high glucose on
      endothelial cells, the mechanism by which oscillating glucose exerts its
      dangerous effects is incompletely understood; however, the involvement of
      oxidative damage has been generally accepted. In this study we sought to
      determine whether oscillating glucose differentially modulates antioxidant
      response, and to elucidate the potential regulatory mechanisms exerted by the
      microRNA-185 (miR-185). METHODS: Human endothelial cells were exposed for 1 week
      to constant and oscillating high glucose. SOD-1, SOD-2, CAT and GPx-1, as well as
      two markers of oxidative stress [8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and the
      phosphorylated form of H2AX (gamma-H2AX)] were measured at the end of the
      experiment. Intracellular miR-185 was measured and loss-of function assays were
      performed in HUVEC. Bioinformatic tool was used to predict the link between miR
      185 on 3'UTR of GPx-1 gene. Luciferase assay was performed to confirm the binding
      on HUVEC. RESULTS: After exposure to constant high glucose SOD-1 and GPx-1
      increased, while in oscillating glucose SOD-1 increased and GPx-1 did not. SOD-2
      and CAT remained unchanged under both conditions. A critical involvement of
      oscillating glucose-induced miR-185 in the dysregulation of endogenous GPx-1 was
      found. Computational analyses predict GPx-1 as miR-185's target. HUVEC cultures
      were used to confirm glucose's causal role on the expression of miR-185, its
      target mRNA and protein and finally the activation of antioxidant response. In
      vitro luciferase assays confirmed computational predictions targeting of miR-185
      on 3'-UTR of GPx-1 mRNA. Knockdown of miR-185, using anti-miR-185 inhibitor, was
      accompanied by a significant upregulation of GPx-1 in oscillating glucose. 8-OHdG
      and gamma-H2AX increased more in oscillating glucose than in constant high
      glucose. CONCLUSIONS: Glucose oscillations may exert more deleterious effects on
      the endothelium than high glucose, likely due to an impaired response of GPx-1,
      coupled by the upregulation of miR-185.

PMID- 27137795
TI  - Correlation of Talar Anatomy and Subtalar Joint Alignment on Weightbearing
      Computed Tomography With Radiographic Flatfoot Parameters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Underlying bony deformity may be related to development of adult
      acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). Multiplanar weightbearing (MP-WB) computed
      tomography can be used to identify subtalar deformity which may contribute to
      valgus hindfoot alignment. On coronal MP-WB images, 2 angles reliably evaluate
      the subtalar joint axis: the angle between the inferior facet of the talus and
      the horizontal (inftal-hor) and the angle between the inferior and superior
      facets of the talus (inftal-suptal). Although these angles have been shown to
      differ significantly between flatfoot patients and controls, no study has
      investigated their relationships with other components of AAFD. We hypothesized
      that these angles would correlate strongly with commonly used radiographic
      measures of AAFD. METHODS: Forty-five patients with stage II AAFD and 17 control
      patients underwent MP-WB imaging and standard weightbearing radiographs. MP-WB
      measurements were correlated with standard radiographic measurements of AAFD.
      Differences between AAFD and control patients were assessed using independent
      samples t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. To assess correlations between each MP
      WB measurement and radiographic measurement, factorial generalized linear models
      (GLMs) were constructed. RESULTS: Patients with AAFD differed from the controls
      in all measured angles (P <= .001 for each). After accounting for differences
      between flatfoot and control patients, inftal-hor was not significantly
      correlated with any of the radiographic angles. Inftal-suptal, however,
      correlated with the AP coverage angle, AP talar-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal
      pitch, Meary's angle, medial column height, and hindfoot alignment after
      accounting for differences between flatfoot patients and controls. Meary's angle
      alone explained 48% of the variation in inftal-suptal angles. CONCLUSION: As
      measured on coronal MP-WB images, patients with stage II AAFD had more innate
      valgus in their talar anatomy as well as more valgus alignment of their subtalar
      joints than did control patients. It is possible that this information could be
      used to identify patients likely to have progression of deformity and may
      ultimately guide the approach to operative reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level III, case-control study.

PMID- 27137796
TI  - Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in People With and Without Plantar Heel Pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression, anxiety, and stress are prevalent in patients with
      musculoskeletal pain, but the impact of these emotional states has not been
      evaluated in people with plantar heel pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the association between depression, anxiety, and stress with plantar heel pain.
      METHODS: Forty-five participants with plantar heel pain were matched by sex and
      age (+/-2 years) to 45 participants without plantar heel pain. Levels of
      depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression, Anxiety and
      Stress Scale (short version) in participants with and without plantar heel pain.
      Logistic regression was conducted to determine if levels of depression, anxiety,
      or stress were associated with having plantar heel pain. RESULTS: Univariate
      analysis indicated that participants with plantar heel pain had greater levels of
      depression (mean difference = 4.4, 95% CI 2.3 to 6.5), anxiety (mean difference =
      2.6, 95% CI 0.9 to 4.3), and stress (mean difference = 4.8, 95% CI 1.9 to 7.8).
      After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and education, for every 1 unit increase in
      depression, anxiety, or stress (in the DASS subscales), the odds ratios for
      having plantar heel pain were increased by 1.3 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.6), 1.3 (95% CI
      1.1 to 1.5), and 1.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.3), respectively. CONCLUSION: Symptoms of
      depression, anxiety, and stress were independently associated with plantar heel
      pain. Larger prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the temporal
      association between these emotional states and plantar heel pain. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level III, cross sectional, observational.

PMID- 27137797
TI  - Corrigendum to "Identification of cromolyn sodium as an anti-fibrotic agent
      targeting both hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells" [Pharmacol. Res. 102
      (2015) 176-183].

PMID- 27137798
TI  - Corrigendum to "Characterization of the CYP2D6 drug metabolizing phenotypes of
      the Chilean mestizo population through polymorphism analyses" [Pharm. Res. 101
      (November) (2015) 124-129].

PMID- 27137799
TI  - Functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate microgels by microfluidics: In
      situ peptide encapsulation for in serum selective protein detection.
AB  - Polymeric microparticles represent a robustly platform for the detection of
      clinically relevant analytes in biological samples; they can be functionalized
      encapsulating a multiple types of biologics entities, enhancing their
      applications as a new class of colloid materials. Microfluidic offers a versatile
      platform for the synthesis of monodisperse and engineered microparticles. In this
      work, we report microfluidic synthesis of novel polymeric microparticles endowed
      with specific peptide due to its superior specificity for target binding in
      complex media. A peptide sequence was efficiently encapsulated into the polymeric
      network and protein binding occurred with high affinity (KD 0.1-0.4MUM). Fluidic
      dynamics simulation was performed to optimize the production conditions for
      monodisperse and stable functionalized microgels. The results demonstrate the
      easy and fast realization, in a single step, of functionalized monodisperse
      microgels using droplet-microfluidic technique, and how the inclusion of the
      peptide within polymeric network improve both the affinity and the specificity of
      protein capture.

PMID- 27137800
TI  - Effect of anti-biofouling potential of multi-walled carbon nanotubes-filled
      polydimethylsiloxane composites on pioneer microbial colonization.
AB  - In this paper, two carbon nanotube (CNT) nanofillers, namely the multi-walled
      carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and the carboxyl-modified MWCNTs (cMWCNTs), were
      introduced into the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix respectively, in order to
      produce the PDMS composites with reinforced anti-biofouling properties. The anti
      biofouling capacity of the silicone-based coatings, including the unfilled PDMS
      (P0), the MWCNTs-filled PDMS (PM) and the cMWCNTs-filled PDMS (PC), was examined
      via the field assays conducted in Weihai, China. The effect of different silicone
      based coatings on the dynamic variations of the pioneer microbial-community
      diversity was analyzed using the single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP)
      technique. The PM and PC surfaces have exhibited excellent anti-biofouling
      properties in contrast to that of the PDMS surface, with extremely low attachment
      of the early colonizers, such as juvenile invertebrates, seaweeds and algae
      sporelings. The PM and PC surfaces can effectively prevent biofouling for more
      than 12 weeks. These combined results suggest that the incorporation of MWCNTs or
      cMWCNTs into the PDMS matrix can dramatically reinforce its anti-biofouling
      properties. The SSCP analysis reveals that compared with the PDMS surfaces, the
      PM and PC surfaces have strong modulating effect on the pioneer prokaryotic and
      eukaryotic communities, particularly on the colonization of pioneer eukaryotic
      microbes. The significantly reduced pioneer eukaryotic-community diversity may
      contribute to the weakening of the subsequent colonization of macrofoulers. 

PMID- 27137801
TI  - Effects of hierarchical micro/nano-topographies on the morphology, proliferation
      and differentiation of osteoblast-like cells.
AB  - Coating the surfaces of titanium-based implants with appropriate hierarchical
      micro/nano-topographies resembling the structure of natural bone significantly
      enhances their biological performance. However, the relationship between
      nanostructures surfaces and their effects on modulating cellular response is not
      clearly understood. Moreover, it is not clear whether the surface chemistry or
      topography is the main factor on modulating cellular behavior, because the
      commonly used surface modification techniques for titanium-based implants
      simultaneously modify surface topography and chemistry. The aim of this study is
      to investigate osteoblast-like cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation
      on hierarchical micro/nano-topographies with similar surface chemistry but
      different nano-scale features. Micro-arc oxidation and post hydrothermal
      treatment were employed to fabricate micro/nano-topographies on titanium.
      According to the morphological features, they were classified as microcrater
      (micro-topography), nanoplate (hierarchical topography with nanoplates) and
      nanoleaf (hierarchical topography with nanoleaves). The response of osteoblast
      like cells (SaOS-2) was studied on each surface after sputtering with a thin
      layer of gold (Au) to minimize the influence of surface chemistry. The
      morphological evaluation after histochemical staining revealed that the adherent
      cells were polygonal-shaped on microcrater surface, roundish on nanoplate surface
      and elongated on nanoleaf surface. Additionally, compared to microcrater surface,
      nanoplate surface slowed down cell proliferation and exhibited no enhancement on
      cell differentiation. However, nanoleaf surface supported cell proliferation and
      promoted cell differentiation. The results indicate that tuning morphological
      features of nanostructures on micro-topography can serve as a promising strategy
      to specifically modulate cellular response, such as cell morphology,
      proliferation, differentiation and mineralization. 

PMID- 27137802
TI  - Material- and feature-dependent effects on cell adhesion to micro injection
      moulded medical polymers.
AB  - Two polymers, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC),
      containing a range of nano- to micron- roughness surfaces (Ra 0.01, 0.1, 0.4,
      1.0, 2.0, 3.2 and 5.0MUm) were fabricated using electrical discharge machining
      (EDM) and replicated using micro injection moulding (MUIM). Polymer samples were
      characterized using optical profilometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water
      surface contact angle. Cell adhesion tests were carried out using bacterial
      Pseudomonas fluorescens and mammalian Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells to
      determine the effect of surface hydrophobicity, surface roughness and stiffness.
      It is found that there are features which gave insignificant differences (feature
      dependent effect) in cell adhesion, albeit a significant difference in the
      physicochemical properties (material-dependent effect) of substrata. In bacterial
      cell adhesion, the strongest feature-dependence is found at Ra 0.4MUm surfaces,
      with material-dependent effects strongest at Ra 0.01MUm. Ra 0.1MUm surfaces
      exhibited strongest feature-dependent effects and Ra 5.0MUm has strongest
      material-dependent effects on mammalian cell adhesion. Bacterial cell adhesion is
      found to be favourable to hydrophobic surfaces (COC), with the lowest adhesion at
      Ra 0.4MUm for both materials. Mammalian cell adhesion is lowest in Ra 0.1MUm and
      highest in Ra 1.0MUm, and generally favours hydrophilic surfaces (PMMA). These
      findings can be used as a basis for developing medical implants or microfluidic
      devices using micro injection moulding for diagnostic purposes, by tuning the
      cell adhesion on different areas containing different surface roughnesses on the
      diagnostic microfluidic devices or medical implants. 

PMID- 27137803
TI  - Targeted conjugation of breast anticancer drug tamoxifen and its metabolites with
      synthetic polymers.
AB  - Conjugation of antitumor drug tamoxifen and its metabolites, 4-hydroxytamxifen
      and ednoxifen with synthetic polymers poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), methoxypoly
      (ethylene glycol) polyamidoamine (mPEG-PAMAM-G3) and polyamidoamine (PAMAM-G4)
      dendrimers was studied in aqueous solution at pH 7.4. Multiple spectroscopic
      methods, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and molecular modeling were used
      to characterize the drug binding process to synthetic polymers. Structural
      analysis showed that drug-polymer binding occurs via both H-bonding and
      hydrophobic contacts. The order of binding is PAMAM-G4>mPEG-PAMAM-G3>PEG-6000
      with 4-hydroxttamoxifen forming more stable conjugate than tamoxifen and
      endoxifen. Transmission electron microscopy showed significant changes in carrier
      morphology with major changes in the shape of the polymer aggregate as drug
      encapsulation occurred. Modeling also showed that drug is located in the surface
      and in the internal cavities of PAMAM with the free binding energy of -3.79 for
      tamoxifen, -3.70 for 4-hydroxytamoxifen and -3.69kcal/mol for endoxifen,
      indicating of spontaneous drug-polymer interaction at room temperature. 

PMID- 27137804
TI  - Sustained release of melatonin: A novel approach in elevating efficacy of
      tamoxifen in breast cancer treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Finding advanced anti-cancer agents with selective toxicity in tumor
      tissues is the goal of anticancer delivery systems. This study investigated
      potential application of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) in increasing
      melatonin induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
      METHODS: Melatonin-loaded NLCs were characterized for particle size, zeta
      potential, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning
      calorimetry, cellular uptake, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Anti
      proliferative and apoptotic effects of new formulation were evaluated by MTT and
      flow cytometric assays, respectively. Gene expression of apoptotic markers
      including survivin, Bcl-2 and Bid were examined by Real time quantitative PCR.
      RESULTS: The optimized formulation of NLCs revealed mean particle size of 71+/
      5nm with nearly narrow size distribution. The formulation exhibited an acceptable
      stability during four months in terms of size and lack of drug release. The IC50
      values for melatonin and tamoxifen were 1.3+/-0.4mM and 30.7+/-5.2MUM,
      respectively. Melatonin loaded NLCs decreased percentage of cell proliferation
      from 55+/-7.2% to 40+/-4.1% (p<0.05). Co-treatment of the cells with melatonin
      loaded nanoparticles and tamoxifen caused two fold increase in the percentage of
      apoptosis (p<0.05). Evaluation of gene expression profile demonstrated a marked
      decrease in anti-apoptotic survivin with increase in pro-apoptotic Bid mRNA
      levels. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results suggest NLC technology as a
      promising delivery system, which elevates the efficacy of chemotherapeutics in
      breast cancer cells.

PMID- 27137805
TI  - Single cell migration dynamics mediated by geometric confinement.
AB  - The migration dynamics of cells plays a key role in tissue engineering and
      regenerative medicine. Previous studies mostly focus on regulating stem cell fate
      and phenotype by biophysical cues. In contrast, less is known about how the
      geometric cues mediate the migration dynamics of cells. Here, we fabricate
      graphene oxide (GO) microstripes on cell non-adhesive PEG substrate by using
      micromolding in capillary (MIMIC) method. Such micropatterns with alternating
      cell adhesion and cell resistance enable an effective control of selective
      adhesion and migration of single cells. The sharp contrast in cell adhesion
      minimizes the invasion of cells into the PEG patterns, and thereby strongly
      confines the cells on GO microstripes. As a result, the cells are forced to adapt
      highly polarized, elongated, and oriented geometry to fit the patterns. A series
      of pattern widths have been fabricated to modulate the extent of cell deformation
      and polarization. Under strong confinement, the cytoskeleton contractility,
      intracellular traction, and actin filament elongation are highly promoted, which
      result in enhanced cell migration along the patterns. This work provides an
      important insight into developing combinatorial graphene-based patterns for the
      control of cell migration dynamics, which is of great significance for tissue
      engineering and regenerative medicine. 

PMID- 27137806
TI  - Physico-chemical properties and cytotoxic effects of sugar-based surfactants:
      Impact of structural variations.
AB  - Surfactants derived from the biorefinery process can present interesting surface
      active properties, low cytotoxicity, high biocompatibility and biodegradability.
      They are therefore considered as potential sustainable substitutes to currently
      used petroleum-based surfactants. To better understand and anticipate their
      performances, structure-property relationships need to be carefully investigated.
      For this reason, we applied a multidisciplinary approach to systematically
      explore the effect of subtle structural variations on both physico-chemical
      properties and biological effects. Four sugar-based surfactants, each with an
      eight carbon alkyl chain bound to a glucose or maltose head group by an amide
      linkage, were synthesized and evaluated together along with two commercially
      available standard surfactants. Physico-chemical properties including solubility,
      Krafft point, surface-tension lowering and critical micellar concentration (CMC)
      in water and biological medium were explored. Cytotoxicity evaluation by
      measuring proliferation index and metabolic activity against dermal fibroblasts
      showed that all surfactants studied may induce cell death at low concentrations
      (below their CMC). Results revealed significant differences in both physico
      chemical properties and cytotoxic effects depending on molecule structural
      features, such as the position of the linkage on the sugar head-group, or the
      orientation of the amide linkage. Furthermore, the cytotoxic response increased
      with the reduction of surfactant CMC. This study underscores the relevance of a
      methodical and multidisciplinary approach that enables the consideration of
      surfactant solution properties when applied to biological materials. Overall, our
      results will contribute to a better understanding of the concomitant impact of
      surfactant structure at physico-chemical and biological levels. 

PMID- 27137807
TI  - Nanomedicine: Interaction of biomimetic apatite colloidal nanoparticles with
      human blood components.
AB  - This contribution investigates the interaction of two types of biomimetic-apatite
      colloidal nanoparticles (negatively-charged 47nm, and positively-charged 190nm
      NPs) with blood components, namely red blood cells (RBC) and plasma proteins,
      with the view to inspect their hemocompatibility. The NPs, preliminarily
      characterized by XRD, FTIR and DLS, showed low hemolysis ratio (typically lower
      than 5%) illustrating the high compatibility of such NPs with respect to RBC,
      even at high concentration (up to 10mg/ml). The presence of glucose as water
      soluble matrix for freeze-dried and re-dispersed colloids led to slightly
      increased hemolysis as compared to glucose-free formulations. NPs/plasma protein
      interaction was then followed, via non-specific protein fluorescence quenching
      assays, by contact with whole human blood plasma. The amount of plasma proteins
      in interaction with the NPs was evaluated experimentally, and the data were
      fitted with the Hill plot and Stern-Volmer models. In all cases, binding
      constants of the order of 10(1)-10(2) were found. These values, significantly
      lower than those reported for other types of nanoparticles or molecular
      interactions, illustrate the fairly inert character of these colloidal NPs with
      respect to plasma proteins, which is desirable for circulating injectable
      suspensions. Results were discussed in relation with particle surface charge and
      mean particle hydrodynamic diameter (HD). On the basis of these hemocompatibility
      data, this study significantly complements previous results relative to the
      development and nontoxicity of biomimetic-apatite-based colloids stabilized by
      non-drug biocompatible organic molecules, intended for use in nanomedicine. 

PMID- 27137808
TI  - Doxorubicin hydrochloride-oleic acid conjugate loaded nanostructured lipid
      carriers for tumor specific drug release.
AB  - The hydrophilic drug Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) paired with oleic acid (OA)
      was successfully incorporated into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) by a high
      pressure homogenization (HPH) method. Drug nanovehicles with proper physico
      chemical characteristics (less than 200nm with narrow size distribution,
      spherical shape, layered internal organization, and negative electrical charge)
      were prepared and characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential
      measurements, transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering and
      differential scanning calorimetry. The drug loading and entrapment efficiency of
      DOX-OA/NLCs were 4.09% and 97.80%, respectively. A pH-dependent DOX release from
      DOX-OA/NLCs, i.e., fast at pH 3.8 and 5.7 and sustained at pH 7.4, was obtained.
      A cytotoxicity assay showed that DOX-OA/NLCs had comparable cytotoxicity to pure
      DOX and were favorably taken up by HCT 116 cells. The intracellular distribution
      of DOX was also studied using a confocal laser scanning microscope. All of these
      results demonstrated that DOX-OA/NLCs could be a promising drug delivery system
      with tumor-specific DOX release for cancer treatment. 

PMID- 27137809
TI  - Preparation and characterization of latex films photo-immobilized with IFN-alpha.
AB  - We developed a biomaterial by photo-immobilizing interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) on
      the surface of latex condom films for the prevention and treatment of cervicitis,
      cervical cancers and diseases caused by cervical virus. The IFN-alpha
      modification by photoactive N-(4-azidobenzoyloxy) succinimide was characterized
      on a nano-scale by spectroscopy analysis and micro morphology. The anti
      bacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-viral effects of the modified bioactive latex
      films were evaluated by antibacterial susceptibility testing, Gram staining, flow
      cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. Our results showed that the
      photo-immobilized IFN-alpha latex films effectively inhibited the growth of both
      Neisseria gonorrhoeae and human cervical cancer HeLa cells. Moreover, the
      expression of anti-viral proteins, including P56, MxA, and 2', 5'-OAS, in the
      human cervical epithelial cell line NC104 was significantly increased by photo
      immobilized IFN-alpha latex films. Taken together, these results suggest that
      photo-immobilized IFN-alpha latex films may have therapeutic effects against
      cervicitis, cervical cancers, and cervical virus. 

PMID- 27137810
TI  - Correction: Are stabilizing osmolytes preferentially excluded from the protein
      surface? FTIR and MD studies.
AB  - Correction for 'Are stabilizing osmolytes preferentially excluded from the
      protein surface? FTIR and MD studies' by P. Bruzdziak et al., Phys. Chem. Chem.
      Phys., 2015, 17, 23155-23164.

PMID- 27137811
TI  - The role of poor sleep in the relation between workplace bullying/unwanted sexual
      attention and long-term sickness absence.
AB  - PURPOSE: While exposure to bullying and unwanted sexual attention was previously
      found to increase the risk of sickness absence, the underlying mechanisms are
      largely unknown. Poor sleep can be a consequence of stressful exposures and a
      cause of poor health, and poor sleep is also a determinant of insufficient
      recovery. Therefore, the present study investigated whether poor sleep mediates
      and/or moderates the association between bullying and unwanted sexual attention,
      on the one hand, and long-term sickness absence (LTSA), on the other hand.
      METHODS: We used questionnaire data from 7650 individuals contributing with
      15,040 2-year observation periods. Workplace bullying, unwanted sexual attention,
      disturbed sleep, and difficulties awakening were measured at three time points,
      and participants were followed in registers to measure the occurrence of LTSA,
      defined as >=30 consecutive days of sickness absence during the subsequent 2
      years. RESULTS: The odds of LTSA were significantly increased by workplace
      bullying (OR 1.77; 95 % CI 1.50-2.12) and unwanted sexual attention (OR 1.55; 95
      % CI 1.06-2.29). Together, disturbed sleep and difficulties awakening mediated
      12.8 % (95 % CI 8.1-19.8) of the association between bullying and long-term
      sickness absence, and 8.5 % (95 % CI -0.45 to 37.1) of the association between
      unwanted sexual attention and long-term sickness absence in the fully adjusted
      model. Neither disturbed sleep nor difficulties awakening moderated these
      associations. CONCLUSION: As expected, bullying and unwanted sexual attention
      were prospectively associated with long-term sickness absence. Only a small part
      of this association was mediated by poor sleep.

PMID- 27137812
TI  - Reducing the underreporting of lung cancer attributable to occupation: outcomes
      from a hospital-based systematic search in Northern Italy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Occupational exposure to lung carcinogens is and was common in
      workplaces. 5-25 % of lung cancers (LCs) could be causally attributable to
      occupation; however, LC underreporting and undercompensation are widespread, with
      remarkable tolls paid by individuals and society. This work aims to: describe an
      ongoing hospital-based systematic search (SS) of occupational LC; improve
      aetiological diagnosis; increase number and quality of LC notifications. METHODS:
      Through a short form, physicians at a public hospital referred incident LC to the
      Occupational Health Unit (OHU). Only patients selected through the form were
      interviewed; a personal, occupational and clinical history was collected; reports
      were sent to the ward and Local Health Authority, with aetiological diagnosis
      criteria and probability of causation. RESULTS: From 1998 to 2013, 3274 cases of
      LC were notified to the OHU; prior to the system, just couple of dozens were
      assessed. A total of 1522 patients were fully interviewed; in 395 cases,
      causation was attributed to occupation (26 % of interviewed patients); all were
      notified to authorities, as compared to the handful reported before the system
      was adopted. Main aetiological agents were silica, asbestos, polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons, truck driving, painting, multiple exposures. Compensation rate was
      remarkable (39 %). CONCLUSIONS: Through SS, many occupational LCs were found that
      otherwise would have been lost. Aetiological diagnosis proved to be rich of
      scientific advantages and practical implications, with attention to equity and
      social aspects. SS was easy, accountable and fostered multidisciplinary
      collaboration among medical specialties, significantly reducing underreporting
      and undercompensation of occupational LC.

PMID- 27137813
TI  - Electrochemical Oxidative Amination of Sodium Sulfinates: Synthesis of
      Sulfonamides Mediated by NH4I as a Redox Catalyst.
AB  - An efficient protocol for the synthesis of sulfonamides via the electrochemical
      oxidative amination of sodium sulfinates has been developed. The chemistry
      proceeds in a simple undivided cell employing a substoichiometric amount of NH4I
      that serves both as a redox catalyst and a supporting electrolyte; in this manner
      additional conducting salt is not required. A wide range of substrates, including
      aliphatic or aromatic secondary and primary amines, as well as aqueous ammonia,
      proved to be compatible with the protocol. Scale-up was possible, thereby
      demonstrating the practicality of the approach. The electrolytic process avoids
      the utilization of external oxidants or corrosive molecular iodine and therefore
      represents an environmentally benign means by which to achieve the
      transformation.

PMID- 27137814
TI  - A network analysis of body satisfaction of people with gender dysphoria.
AB  - In gender dysphoria (GD), much of the experienced distress results from body
      dissatisfaction. The current study analyzed the configuration of body
      satisfaction in trans men and women using network analysis. In total, 485
      individuals diagnosed with GD from four European countries, applying for medical
      treatment, filled out the Body Image Scale for Transsexuals. A six-factor model
      reflecting different body areas was confirmed via confirmatory factor analysis. A
      further configuration of body satisfaction was modelled using correlation network
      analysis techniques in R. Genital dissatisfaction showed limited connection with
      other body areas in comparison to other subscales. Body characteristics
      influencing social gender recognition were most centrally involved in body
      (dis)satisfaction in both natal sexes. In trans women these characteristics were
      related mostly to voice and hair, whereas in trans men these characteristics were
      related to muscularity and posture. Focusing on these socially influential body
      characteristics may provide important targets for transgender healthcare. 

PMID- 27137815
TI  - A pilot study of the relationship between diet and mental health in female
      university students enrolled in a training course for registered dietitians.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present pilot study was to investigate the link
      between diet and mental health in female university students enrolled in a
      training course for registered dietitians. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 62
      female university students, with a mean age of 18.79 +/- 0.45 years, participated
      in this cross-sectional study. Diet surveys were performed using the brief-type
      self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ). Mental health was also
      evaluated using the general health questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), which was the
      shortest form and clinically available. Lifestyles such as physical activity
      levels were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean energy intake was 1379 +/- 575 kcal
      and the mean GHQ score was 3.11 +/- 2.41. Among nutrients, vegetable fat and
      sucrose showed a weak positive correlation with the GHQ scores. Among food
      groups, potatoes, fats and oils, and confectioneries also showed a weak positive
      correlation with the GHQ scores. A multiple regression analysis showed that the
      confectioneries were the determining factor for the GHQ scores. CONCLUSION:
      Proper education concerning their diets and reducing confectioneries in their
      daily lives might be beneficial for the mental health of female university
      students.

PMID- 27137816
TI  - Association of perfluorinated chemical exposure in utero with maternal and infant
      thyroid hormone levels in the Sapporo cohort of Hokkaido Study on the Environment
      and Children's Health.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) have
      been widely used as industrial products, and are persistent organic pollutants
      due to their chemical stability. Previous studies suggested that PFOS and PFOA
      might disrupt thyroid hormone (TH) status. Although TH plays an important role in
      fetal growth during pregnancy, little attention has been paid to the
      relationships between maternal exposure to perfluorocarbons and TH statuses of
      mothers and fetuses. We investigated the effects of low levels of environmental
      PFOS and PFOA on thyroid function of mothers and infants. METHODS: Of the
      eligible subjects in a prospective cohort, 392 mother-infant pairs were selected.
      Concentration of maternal serum PFOS and PFOA was measured in samples taken
      during the second and third trimesters or within 1 week of delivery. Blood
      samples for measuring thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4)
      levels were obtained from mothers at early gestational stage (median 11.1 weeks),
      and from infants between 4 and 7 days of age, respectively. RESULTS: Median
      concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were 5.2 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.6-12.3]
      and 1.2 (95 % CI limitation of detection-3.4) ng/mL, respectively. Maternal PFOS
      levels were inversely correlated with maternal serum TSH and positively
      associated with infant serum TSH, whereas maternal PFOA showed no significant
      relationship with TSH or FT4 among mothers and infants. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings suggest that PFOS may independently affect the secretion and balances of
      maternal and infant TSH even at low levels of environmental exposure.

PMID- 27137817
TI  - Cinacalcet versus standard treatment for chronic kidney disease: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD) have been
      associated with poor health outcomes, including diminished quality and length of
      life. Standard management for CKD-MBD includes phosphate restricted diet, vitamin
      D and phosphate binders. Persistently elevated parathyroid hormone levels may
      require the addition of cinacalcet hydrochloride (cinacalcet), which sensitizes
      calcium receptors in the parathyroid gland. PURPOSE: The objective of this
      systematic review is to compare, in patients with CKD-MBD the effect of
      cinacalcet versus standard treatment on patient-important outcomes, including
      parathyroidectomy, fractures, hospitalizations due to cardiovascular events,
      cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, and intermediate outcomes, in
      particular Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative targets. METHODS: Data
      sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and
      Web of Science from 1996 to June 2015. Teams of two reviewers, independently and
      in duplicate, screened titles and abstracts and potentially eligible full text
      reports to determine eligibility, and subsequently abstracted data and assessed
      risk of bias in eligible trials. We calculated the effect estimates (risk ratios
      or mean differences) and 95% confidence intervals, as well as statistical
      measures of variability in results across studies using random effect models. We
      used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and
      Evaluation) approach to rate quality of evidence about estimates of effect on an
      outcome-by-outcome basis for all outcomes. We presented our results with a GRADE
      summary table. RESULTS: Twenty-four trials including 8311 CKD patients proved
      eligible. The results left considerable uncertainty regarding the impact of
      cinacalcet on reducing fractures (relative risk [RR] 0.59, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.13-2.60; heterogeneity: p = 0.03, I(2)= 78%; very low quality
      evidence), and indicated that cinacalcet did not reduce hospitalizations due to
      cardiovascular events (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85-1.02, moderate quality of evidence),
      cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.84-1.07; heterogeneity p= 0.61, high
      quality evidence) or all-cause mortality (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.89-1.04;
      heterogeneity: p= 0.98, I(2)= 0%; moderate quality evidence). Cinacalcet reduced
      the need for parathyroidectomy (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.22-0.42; heterogeneity: p=
      0.70, I(2)= 0%; absolute effect 55 fewer per 1000 [95% CI 61 fewer to 45 fewer],
      high quality of evidence). The most common adverse event associated with
      cinacalcet therapy was gastrointestinal side effects. Cinacalcet increased nausea
      (RR 2.16, 95% CI 1.46-3.21, absolute effect 158 more per 1000 [95% CI 82 more to
      302 more]) and vomiting (RR 2.15, 95% CI 1.66-2.80, absolute effect 63 more per
      1000 [95% CI 109 more to 171 more]). Cinacalcet treatment increased the rate of
      hypocalcemia (RR 6.0, 95% CI 3.65-9.87; heterogeneity: p= 0.71, I(2)= 0%,
      absolute effect 20 more per 1000 [95% CI 11 more to 36 more], high quality of
      evidence). CONCLUSIONS: In the hands of clinicians participating in these
      studies, cinacalcet decreased the rate of parathyroidectomy but had no influence
      on mortality. Patients and clinicians can trade of the benefit of fewer
      parathyroidectomies against the adverse effects.

PMID- 27137818
TI  - Induction and separation of motion artifacts in EEG data using a mobile phantom
      head device.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Electroencephalography (EEG) can assess brain activity during whole
      body motion in humans but head motion can induce artifacts that obfuscate
      electrocortical signals. Definitive solutions for removing motion artifact from
      EEG have yet to be found, so creating methods to assess signal processing
      routines for removing motion artifact are needed. We present a novel method for
      investigating the influence of head motion on EEG recordings as well as for
      assessing the efficacy of signal processing approaches intended to remove motion
      artifact. APPROACH: We used a phantom head device to mimic electrical properties
      of the human head with three controlled dipolar sources of electrical activity
      embedded in the phantom. We induced sinusoidal vertical motions on the phantom
      head using a custom-built platform and recorded EEG signals with three different
      acquisition systems while the head was both stationary and in varied motion
      conditions. MAIN RESULTS: Recordings showed up to 80% reductions in signal-to
      noise ratio (SNR) and up to 3600% increases in the power spectrum as a function
      of motion amplitude and frequency. Independent component analysis (ICA)
      successfully isolated the three dipolar sources across all conditions and
      systems. There was a high correlation (r > 0.85) and marginal increase in the
      independent components' (ICs) power spectrum (~15%) when comparing stationary and
      motion parameters. The SNR of the IC activation was 400%-700% higher in
      comparison to the channel data SNR, attenuating the effects of motion on SNR.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest that the phantom head and motion platform can
      be used to assess motion artifact removal algorithms and compare different EEG
      systems for motion artifact sensitivity. In addition, ICA is effective in
      isolating target electrocortical events and marginally improving SNR in relation
      to stationary recordings.

PMID- 27137819
TI  - [Epidemiology and risk factors of testicular tumours].
AB  - Testicular tumours are rare neoplasms, which most commonly affects men aged 25 to
      35 years. Among young adult males it is the most common cause of testicular
      swelling. In recent decades, the number of cases of testicular tumours has
      greatly increased. The most significant predisposing factors are cryptorchidism
      and some endocrine disorders, especially increased levels of gonadotropins and
      female sex hormones. Testicular trauma, inguinal hernia, extreme values of body
      mass index (BMI), high-calorie diet rich in dairy products as well as high social
      status are also regarded as risk factors. Furthermore, some chromosomal
      abnormalities like increased number of chromosomes 7, 8. 12, 21 and X, loss of
      chromosomes 4, 5, 11, 13, 18, or Y, mutation in the gene Xq27; as well as
      multiplied copy of the gene i(12p) are associated with tumor development. It has
      been proven that high testosterone levels and regular physical activity may
      prevent testicular tumours. Since one of the first sign the lesion is often a
      lump or swelling of the testis and the appearance of abnormal structure in the
      scrotum routine testicular self-examination seems to be important in early
      detection. In all suspected cases an immediate ultrasound examination of both
      testicles is highly recommended. It is also advised to conduct a computerized
      tomography (CT) and a positron emission tomography (PET) scan for staging of the
      tumor to select the best mode of treatment. 

PMID- 27137820
TI  - [Arrhythmia, device interventions and mortality analysis in patients with
      implanted cardioverter-defibrillator with/without resynchronisation therapy in
      dilative cardiomyopathy in primary prevention of sudden cardiac death].
AB  - Ambulatory follow-up of patients with implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
      with/without resynchronisation therapy (CRTD) requires regular visits to assess
      arrhythmias, device interventions and mortality. AIM: The aim of the study was to
      examine arrhythmia prevalence, device interventions and mortality in patients
      with dilative cardiomyopathy with ICD/CRTD implanted in primary sudden cardiac
      death (SCD) prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of patients
      with ICD and/or CRTD implanted between 2010-2011. The inclusion criteria were:
      left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) <= 35%, NYHA class >= II, implantation in
      primary SCD prevention and in case of CRTD additionally LBBB with wide QRS >=
      120ms. All of patients' visits in outpatient clinic were analysed. The following
      data were assessed: age, gender, presence of coronary artery disease (CAD),
      diabetes, thyroid gland diseases, chronic kidney failure, atrial fibrillation
      (AF), LVEF, NYHA class, device interventions, number of arrhythmias, changes in
      pharmacotherapy, device parameters and mortality. RESULTS: The study analysed 360
      patients (302 M, mean age 64+/-12 years) with cardiac implantable devices (127
      with CRTD, 233 with ICD). During observation, which lasted the mean of 768+/-491
      days, 258 patients had ventricular arrhythmias and 118 patients had adequate
      device interventions. 10 patients died because of the progression of heart
      failure. Ventricular arrhythmia was more frequent in patients with CRTD, who
      died, with low cholesterol level, high NYHA class, low LVEF, diabetes and kidney
      failure. Device interventions occurred in the above described groups and
      additionally in patients with AF. After step exclusion of characteristics with
      highest p value in Wald test, it was confirmed that the factors influencing
      ventricular arrhythmia and death were low LVEF (HR=0,944, p<0,002 and HR=0,813,
      p<0,013) and diabetes (HR=7,043, p<0,009 and HR=29,931, p<0,002). CONCLUSIONS:
      Ventricular arrhythmia is more often in patients with CRTD, who died, with low
      cholesterol level, high NYHA class, low LVEF, diabetes and kidney failure.
      Adequate interventions are more often in patients who died, with low cholesterol
      level, high NYHA class, low LVEF, diabetes, kidney failure and AF. Patients who
      died, compared to those who survived, had significantly more often lipid level
      anomalies, high NYHA class, low LVEF, advanced age, diabetes, kidney failure,
      atrial fibrillation, arterial hypertension, device interventions and
      pharmacotherapy changes. Diabetes and low LVEF are predictors of ventricular
      arrhythmias and death.

PMID- 27137821
TI  - [High plasma folate in patients with phenylketonuria].
AB  - Phenylketonuria is an inborn error of metabolism treated with a closely monitored
      low phenylalanine diet. Protein substitutes used for treatment are supplemented
      with vitamins and micronutrients. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate
      plasma folic acid concentrations in children with phenylketonuria. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of 73 patients with
      phenylketonuria and 28 with mild hyperphenylalaninemia (on normal diet) was
      carried out. Intake of folic acid was calculated on the basis of protein
      substitute intake. Folate concentrations were analyzed according to their intake,
      and concentration of homocysteine and phenylalanine. RESULTS: In 76.7% patients
      with phenylketonuria intake of folic acid exceeded recommended dietary allowance.
      Serum folic acid concentrations above upper reference level were detected in
      75.3% patients with phenylketonuria and only in 25% patients with
      hyperphenylalaninemia (p<0.0001). Strong positive correlation between daily
      intake of folic acid (with protein substitute) and concentration plasma folic
      acid (corr=0.55, p<0.0001) has been observed. CONCLUSIONS: Low phenylalanine diet
      using protein substitutes currently available in Poland predisposes to high
      concentration of plasma folic acid. The security of folic acid
      hipersupplementation in patients with phenylketonuria requires further detailed
      research.

PMID- 27137822
TI  - [Assessment of the pain patients with the multiple sclerosis after applying the
      physiotherapy treatment].
AB  - Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common demyelinating disease of the CNS
      connected with the autoimmune action. The effect of the disease is progressive
      disability, and one of the symptoms is pain. In relieving pain in the course of
      MS physical procedures and exercises of physiotherapy are used. AIM: The aim of
      the study was assessment of the pain in patients with the multiple sclerosis
      after applying laser radiation, magnetostimulation and kinesiotherapy. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The studied material was consisted of 120 patients with multiple
      sclerosis of both sexes (82 women and 38 men) aged 21-81 years. Patients were
      randomly divided into 4 treatment groups and the assesment was performed three
      times. In the first group laser therapy, in the group II laser and
      magnetostimulation, in the third group kinesiotherapy, in the fourth group
      magnetostimulation was used. The same program of physiotherapy in all groups was
      used. All patients were performed the following tests to assess of the pain: The
      Laitinen Modified Questionnaire Indicators of Pain of and the Visual- Analogue
      Scale (VAS). RESULTS: In all treatment groups was observed tends to decrease a
      result of a point in The Laitinen Modified Questionnaire Indicators of Pain and
      the Visual-Analogue Scale (VAS). Correlation between groups demonstrated
      statistically significant result on the level p<0.05 in the group where the laser
      treatment was applied towards group II assessed with parameter of the
      Questionnaire of Pain according to Laitinen, as well as towards group II and III
      assessed with parameter - of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The good result,
      i.e. the reduction of the spot value, after the III examination towards the
      preliminary examination were got in the group II. CONCLUSIONS: Laser radiation is
      an effective method which has an analgesisc action. The combination of laser
      radiation and magnetostimulation reduces pain in patients with multiple
      sclerosis, and also allows to maintain a therapeutic effect even after the
      cessation of the application of these procedures, which indicates the possibility
      to elicitation the biological phenomenon of hysteresis in these methods.

PMID- 27137823
TI  - [Assessment of degree of functional efficiency patients with the gonarthrosis
      after applying physiotherapy].
AB  - Gonarthrosis is the most important problem of contemporary medicine. Social and
      economic aspect of this phenomenon caused the World Health Organization gave it
      the status of "disease of civilization". AIM: The aim of the study was assessment
      of the impact chosen models of physiotherapy proceedings on the functional
      efficiency of patients with the gonarthrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study
      took part in 120 patients of both sexes divided into 4 groups. Group I - 30
      patients with the gonarthrosis who have been applied electrostimulation of Kot'z
      and static exercises with biofeedback of extensors and flexors of the knee joint.
      Group II - 30 patients with the gonarthrosis who have been applied
      electrostimulation of Kot'z and dynamic exercises of muscles working on the knee
      joint. Group III - 30 patients with the gonarthrosis who have been applied static
      exercises with biofeedback of extensors and flexors of the knee joint, without
      electrostimulation. Group IV - 30 patients with the gonarthrosis who have been
      applied dynamic exercises of muscles working on the knee joint, without
      electrostimulation. Participants in the project were examined twice (before the
      starting and after finishing rehabilitation) and the level of the functional
      efficiency of patients was assessed based on results of the Functional Lequesne
      Index for knee joints. RESULTS: Results collected at this work are confirming the
      dominant role of the model of therapy from the group I (Kot'z electriostimulation
      and static exercises with biofeedback) in the forming of the functional
      efficiency of patients with the gonarthrosis. Results of this group, in the
      statistically significant way differ from of the patients from the group III
      (only static exercises) and IV (only dynamic exercises). No significant
      diferences between groups I and II confirm the tkey role in the forming of the
      result of Kot'z electrostimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of kinesio exercises
      and Kot'z electrostimulation influences significally on increasing of the
      functional efficiency patients with gonarthosis. Out of all analysed models of
      therapy it turned out that the most effective is combination of "Russian
      stimulation" and static exercises with biofeedback.

PMID- 27137824
TI  - The characteristics of perpetrators of sexual offences with organic lesions in
      the central nervous system.
AB  - Behaviour changes resulting from central nervous system (CNS) injury have been
      extensively presented in the scientific literature. Although the association
      between sexual violence and organic CNS lesions has been documented, the research
      on this subject is scarce. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the
      characteristics of perpetrators with organic lesions in CNS who committed sexual
      offences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research material consisted of 180 court
      ordered psychiatric-sexuological assessments issued by forensic experts from the
      Mental Health Outpatient Unit in the 10th Military Clinic Hospital in Bydgoszcz
      (Poland) between 2004 and 2012. A specially designed questionnaire titled
      "Charter for Diagnosis of Factors Determining Criminal Sexual Activity" has been
      used. RESULTS: Relevant statistically significant dependences have been observed
      between the examined variables. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of perpetrators of
      sexual offences have been found to have organic lesions in the central nervous
      system (CNS). Perpetrators of sexual offences found to have organic lesions in
      CNS were more likely to overuse alcohol and had earlier onset of alcohol use.
      Among the perpetrators within the study group the most common clinical diagnosis
      was organic personality disorder.

PMID- 27137825
TI  - [Excretion and metabolism of dopamine in patients with functional dyspepsia].
AB  - Dopamine is one of major neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous
      system. A significant amount of dopamine is also produced in the visceral nervous
      system and in gastrointestinal tract, where exhibits inhibitory activity on
      motility. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the parameters of dopamine
      secretion and metabolism in patients with functional dyspepsia. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The study was conducted in a group of 30 healthy subjects and 60
      patients with functional dyspepsia (FD), that met the Rome Criteria III, for
      epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS). The
      severity of dyspeptic symptoms was determined using a 10-point Visual-Analogue
      Scale (VAS). Fasting plasma concentration of dopamine (DA) and the contents of
      homovanillic acid (HVA) in the urine collection were determined by ELISA.
      RESULTS: DA concentration in plasma was similar in both clinical forms FD (EPS -
      55.6 pg/ml, in patients with PDS - 63.5 pg/ml, p>0.05). Urine excretion of HVA in
      patients with PDS - 6.63 mg/24 h (p<0.05) was higher than in heathy subjects -
      5.65 mg/24 h (p<0.05) and those with EPS - 5.07 mg/24 h (p<0.001). In the group
      with PDS severity of dyspeptic symptoms showed a positive correlation with the DA
      concentration in plasma and HVA excretion in the urine. CONCLUSIONS: Increased
      secretion of DA may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PDS.

PMID- 27137826
TI  - [Correlation between generalized joint laxity and symptoms of temporomandibular
      disorders].
AB  - Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is an increase of joints mobility over
      accepted norms. Many authors include GJH to etiologic factors of
      temporomandibular disorders (TMD). AIM: The aim of the study was to verify if
      there is an association between GJH and TMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study was
      performed on 126 subjects (95 females and 31 males) aged 12-46 years. In order to
      find signs and symptoms of TMD Polish version of RDC/TMD questionnaire was used.
      GJH was assessed using Beighton's scale. Using r-Pearson's correlation an
      association between GHJ and TMD signs and symptoms was verified. RESULTS: No
      statistically significant association between TMD sings and symptoms and GJH was
      found. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of GJH is not associated with TMD signs and symptoms
      (in group of young adults).

PMID- 27137827
TI  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with neurological sequelae - a case
      report.
AB  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a set of neurological
      symptoms including impaired consciousness, cognitive disorders, seizures, blurred
      vision, dizziness and headache. The symptoms are closely related to the location
      of pathological changes in the brain; bilateral occipitto-parietal region is most
      often affected. Both focal neurological symptoms and encephalopathy are usually
      transient. We present the case of 64-year-old woman with PRES. She suffered from
      many internal diseases and was admitted to the hospital due to impaired
      consciousness, speech disorders, balance disorders. Significant neurological
      deterioration was observed within several days from the onset. Differential
      diagnosis included stroke and viral neuroinfection (cytosis 23 cells /ul, protein
      level of 93 mg/dl); magnetic resonance examination revealed lesions typical for
      posterior reversible encephalopathy.After 6 weeks of hospitalization patient
      condition improved, but did not restore to the premorbid state. The patient was
      discharged with generalized cognitive impairment. 

PMID- 27137828
TI  - [17p13.3 duplication as a cause of psychomotor developmental delay in an infant -
      a further case of a new syndrome].
AB  - 17p13.3 duplication is a rare and heterogeneous genetic syndrome. Microdeletions
      of this region are responsible for the symptoms of Miller-Dieker syndrome. We
      present a case of 17p13.3 duplication consisting of about 730kb in a patient with
      psychomotor developmental delay, concerning eye-hand coordination, posture,
      locomotion and speech. Among other symptoms, we found excessive physical
      development in relation to age, hypotonia, dysmorphic facial features (high and
      prominent forehead, low-set ears, hypertelorism, short nose, small upturned nose,
      narrow lips and pointed chin) and discrete changes in the CNS - enhanced frontal
      horns of the lateral ventricles and quite narrow corpus callosum. These symptoms
      overlap with phenotype of previously described patients with 17p13.3 duplication.
      The aberration has been identified by array comparative genomic hybridization
      (aCGH) and confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). This
      publication presents a detailed, comparative characteristic of clinical fetures
      expression in discussed patient with 17p13.3 duplication and patients previously
      described in medical literature. Further cases with different variants of 17p13.3
      duplication may contribute to characterise the specific genotypephenotype
      correlation. 

PMID- 27137829
TI  - [Direct and indirect mucosal wave imaging techniques].
AB  - The vocal folds play a key role in the process of phonation. Cyclical movements
      of the vocal folds model a space called glottis, what leads to voice formation.
      The space contains surface between the vocal folds and the inner surface of the
      arytenoid cartilages. The best indicator of the vocal folds vibratory function is
      the mucosal wave. The presence and size of the mucosal wave is widely recognized
      as an indicator of tension and plasticity of vocal folds. It is also essential in
      the process of creating a proper, resonant voice. In the article, current
      knowledge of mucosal wave imaging techniques is given. Imaging can be carried out
      directly and indirectly. Among the direct methods, the following are
      distinguished: laryngostroboscopy, laryngovideostroboscopy, videokymography and
      high-speed digital imaging. Indirect methods include: electroglottography,
      photoglottography and ultrasonography. 

PMID- 27137830
TI  - [Vegetarian diets in the nutrition of pregnant and breastfeeding women].
AB  - Pregnant and breastfeeding women who eat vegetarian are a source of much
      controversy. This is the result of concern that eliminating some or all animal
      produce may lead to nutritional deficiencies and thus adversely affect the
      mother's and child's health. The American Dietetic Association's position is that
      appropriately planned vegan, lacto-vegetarian and lacto-ovo-vegetarian diets
      ensure a normal course of pregnancy and lactation. However, in practice the
      balancing of such a diet can pose certain difficulties, especially for
      individuals without the necessary experience or knowledge about nutrition.
      Nutrients to which particular attention needs to be paid to ensure their
      sufficient supply include: protein (essential amino acids), Omega-3 essential
      fatty acids, iron and calcium as well as vitamins D and B(12). The proper
      adherence to recommendations can be attained with a varied diet containing
      suitable plant products compensating for the nutritional value of the eliminated
      animal products. Supplementation with vitamin D and vitamin B(12) is also
      necessary. Research shows that infants born to vegetarian mothers are born at
      term and have normal birth weight. There is an increased risk of hypospadias in
      boys. The main difference in the composition of vegetarian mothers' milk compared
      to non-vegetarians' is lower content of docosahexaenoic acid and higher content
      of Linoleic and alpha-Linolenic acid.

PMID- 27137831
TI  - [The effect of drugs used in treatment of skin disorders on visual system].
AB  - Drugs with side effects affecting vision are often used in the treatment of skin
      disorders. The study evaluated principal groups of medicines which may negatively
      influence vision and the eye itself. Antimalaric drugs may cause a number of
      disorders of vision and a diagnosed retinophaty is an absolute contraindication.
      Retinoids often cause a dry eye condition, which results in intolerance to
      wearing contact lenses. They can also be a cause of poor nightly vision.
      Psoralens, used in photochemotherapy, can penetrate to the frontal part of the
      eye, inducing clouding of the lens and cataract. Glucocorticosteroids, often used
      in skin conditions, increase intraocular pressure, which may result in
      development of glaucoma. Methotrexate may also cause complications, such as
      eyelid edema, conjunctival hyperemia, increased lacrimation and photophobia. A
      prolonged use of tetracyclines may induce side effect in eye organs. Swelling of
      the optic nerve head with subsequent decreased vision, and even accumulate of
      metabolites of tetracycline within the conjunctival were observed. In the study a
      distinction was made between the medications which may lead to a temporary visual
      impairment and the medication with a side effect lasting beyond the treatment. It
      was pointed out that some of the side effects could be avoided or minimised by
      not combining retinoids and tetracyclines or with the use of protective eyewear
      during photochemotherapy. An examination by ophthalmologist is a crucial step
      prior to the treatment with chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine or psoralens. Regular
      eye exams are necessary when using, especially in a protracted fashion, most of
      the discussed drugs. Finally, the cooperation between dermatologist and
      ophthalmologist is fundamental for ensuring patient's safety. 

PMID- 27137832
TI  - Non-covalent stacking interactions directing the structural and photophysical
      features of mono- and dinuclear cyclometalated palladium(ii) complexes.
AB  - The solution/solid state luminescence properties of selected orthometalated
      palladium complexes have been investigated in parallel with the relevant
      structural information provided by their X-ray crystal structures and theoretical
      calculations. Two cyclometalated backbones with different stacking abilities and
      a selection of bridging O^O, O^N or N^S ligands comprise the series under study,
      [{Pd(MU-L) (C^N)}2] (C^N = N-phenylpyrazole (Phpz) ; N-benzylideneaniline (Bza) ;
      L = acetate (Aco) , succinimidate (succ) , phthalimidate (phthal) , 1
      methylimidazoline-2 thionate (Smeimid) ), completed with mononuclear [Pd(C^N)(N
      pClPhsal)] (N-pClPhsal = chlorophenylsalycilaldiminate) complexes. New compounds
      , and were synthesized and the X-ray structures of , , , and have been elucidated
      in order to examine and compare solid-state Pd(C^N)-Pd(C^N) and ligand-ligand
      interactions with the rest of the series. The molecular structures of the
      complexes reveal intramolecular PdPd distances between 2.842 and 2.999 A and pi
      pi and C-Hpi interactions. All complexes studied show emission in the solid state
      at room temperature and a relationship is observed between emission energy, the
      nature of the lowest energy excited state, and metal-metal interactions. DFT
      calculations are undertaken to gain insight into the relationship between the
      structure and photophysical properties of the complexes. 

PMID- 27137833
TI  - Mirtazapine exerts an anxiolytic-like effect through activation of the median
      raphe nucleus-dorsal hippocampal 5-HT pathway in contextual fear conditioning in
      rats.
AB  - The functional role of serotonergic projections from the median raphe nucleus
      (MRN) to the dorsal hippocampus (DH) in anxiety remains understood poorly. The
      purpose of the present research was to examine the functional role of this
      pathway, using the contextual fear conditioning (CFC) model of anxiety. We show
      that intra-MRN microinjection of mirtazapine, a noradrenergic and specific
      serotonergic antidepressant, reduced freezing in CFC without affecting general
      motor activity dose-dependently, suggesting an anxiolytic-like effect. In
      addition, intra-MRN microinjection of mirtazapine dose-dependently increased
      extracellular concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) but not dopamine in the DH.
      Importantly, intra-DH pre-microinjection of WAY-100635, a 5-HT1A antagonist,
      significantly attenuated the effect of mirtazapine on freezing. These results,
      for the first time, suggest that activation of the MRN-DH 5-HT1A pathway exerts
      an anxiolytic-like effect in CFC. This is consistent with the literature that the
      hippocampus is essential for retrieval of contextual memory and that 5-HT1A
      receptor activation in the hippocampus primarily exerts an inhibitory effect on
      the neuronal activity.

PMID- 27137834
TI  - Editorial to "Disturbances of cardiac wavelength and repolarization precede
      torsade de pointes and ventricular fibrillation in langendorff perfused rabbit
      hearts" by Luc Hondeghem: It is difficult to make predictions, especially about
      the future*: Thoughts about forecasting cardiotoxicity of pharmacological
      interventions.

PMID- 27137835
TI  - Hormonal concentrations and reproductive performance of Holstein heifers fed
      Trifolium alexandrinum as a phytoestrogenic roughage.
AB  - Effects of phytoestrogen isoflavones in Berseem clover on hormonal balance during
      early pregnancy and fertility of heifers were studied. Holstein heifers (n=26)
      were divided into two equal homogenous groups. Heifers in the first group (Clover
      fed group) were fed Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) as oestrogenic
      roughage; whereas the heifers in the second group (Silage-fed group) were fed
      maize silage. Concentrations of four isoflavone aglycones (genistein. Daidzein,
      biochanin A and formononetein) were determined in the two roughages. Treatment
      lasted for 20 consecutive weeks (5 months) during which blood samples were
      collected biweekly for determining the metabolic profile of heifers. Heifers were
      subjected to oestrous synchronisation using a double prostaglandin F2alpha
      (PGF2alpha) based protocol, 14days apart (week 10 and 12), and were artificially
      inseminated 12h following detection of overt signs of oestrus. Concentrations of
      serum oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) on the day of insemination (Day 0)
      and on Days 7, 14 and 21 post-insemination (early pregnancy) were determined and
      P4 to E2 ratio was calculated. Clover had greater total isoflavone content than
      maize silage. The dominant isoflavone detected in Berseem clover was biochanin A,
      whereas the least was formononetein. Metabolic profile was not affected (P>0.05)
      by the type of roughage and was in the same trend in both experimental groups.
      The overall mean concentration of serum E2 was greater (P<0.05) in the clover-fed
      group than in the silage-fed group. The overall mean concentration of serum P4
      was less (P<0.05) in the clover-fed group than in the silage-fed group. During
      the period of early pregnancy (from Day 7-21 post-insemination) the concentration
      of serum P4 increased in the silage-fed group, however, no change was observed in
      the clover-fed group. The overall mean of P4 to E2 ratio was greater (P<0.001) in
      the silage-fed group compared with that in the clover-fed group. Heifers fed
      clover had a lesser (P=0.054) conception rate and a greater (P=0.062) percentage
      of heifers returning to oestrus than silage-fed heifers. In conclusion,
      isoflavones in Berseem clover apparently disturbed hormonal balance during early
      pregnancy leading to a reduction in the fertility of heifers. 

PMID- 27137836
TI  - Child readers' eye movements in reading Thai.
AB  - It has recently been found that adult native readers of Thai, an alphabetic
      scriptio continua language, engage similar oculomotor patterns as readers of
      languages written with spaces between words; despite the lack of inter-word
      spaces, first and last characters of a word appear to guide optimal placement of
      Thai readers' eye movements, just to the left of word-centre. The issue addressed
      by the research described here is whether eye movements of Thai children also
      show these oculomotor patterns. Here the effect of first and last character
      frequency and word frequency on the eye movements of 18 Thai children when
      silently reading normal unspaced and spaced text was investigated. Linear mixed
      effects model analyses of viewing time measures (first fixation duration, single
      fixation duration, and gaze duration) and of landing site location revealed that
      Thai children's eye movement patterns were similar to their adult counterparts.
      Both first character frequency and word frequency played important roles in Thai
      children's landing sites; children tended to land their eyes further into words,
      close to the word centre, if the word began with higher frequency first
      characters, and this effect was facilitated in higher frequency words. Spacing
      also facilitated more effective use of first character frequency and it also
      assisted in decreasing children's viewing time. The use of last-character
      frequency appeared to be a later development, affecting mainly single fixation
      duration and gaze duration. In general, Thai children use the same oculomotor
      control mechanisms in reading spaced and unspaced texts as Thai adults, who in
      turn have similar oculomotor control as readers of spaced texts. Thus, it appears
      that eye movements in reading converge on the optimal landing site using whatever
      cues are available to guide such placement.

PMID- 27137837
TI  - 29th International Mammalian Genome Conference meeting report.

PMID- 27137838
TI  - Reciprocal interactions between circadian clocks and aging.
AB  - Virtually, all biological processes in the body are modulated by an internal
      circadian clock which optimizes physiological and behavioral performance
      according to the changing demands of the external 24-h world. This circadian
      clock undergoes a number of age-related changes, at both the physiological and
      molecular levels. While these changes have been considered to be part of the
      normal aging process, there is increasing evidence that disruptions to the
      circadian system can substantially impact upon aging and these impacts will have
      clear health implications. Here we review the current data of how both the
      physiological and core molecular clocks change with age and how feedback from
      external cues may modulate the aging of the circadian system.

PMID- 27137839
TI  - Crystallization Kinetics of Partially Crystalline Emulsion Droplets in a
      Microfluidic Device.
AB  - We measure the crystallization kinetics of petrolatum-hexadecane emulsion
      droplets as they are produced in a microfluidic device. After droplets form, they
      are cooled, causing an interior network of wax crystallites to grow. Polarized
      light microscopy is used to quantify the droplet crystallinity as a function of
      residence time in the device. Two wavelengths and two polarization orientations
      are used to decouple the wavelength dependence of the optical retardation, the
      crystallite orientation, and the crystallite number density. The droplet
      crystallinity follows the Avrami kinetic model with parameter values in agreement
      with the theoretically expected values. These results provide a means to engineer
      the crystallization kinetics, stability, and arrested coalescence of partially
      crystalline emulsion droplets.

PMID- 27137840
TI  - Maintaining Consistency of Spatial Information in the Hippocampal Network: A
      Combinatorial Geometry Model.
AB  - Place cells in the rat hippocampus play a key role in creating the animal's
      internal representation of the world. During active navigation, these cells spike
      only in discrete locations, together encoding a map of the environment.
      Electrophysiological recordings have shown that the animal can revisit this map
      mentally during both sleep and awake states, reactivating the place cells that
      fired during its exploration in the same sequence in which they were originally
      activated. Although consistency of place cell activity during active navigation
      is arguably enforced by sensory and proprioceptive inputs, it remains unclear how
      a consistent representation of space can be maintained during spontaneous replay.
      We propose a model that can account for this phenomenon and suggest that a
      spatially consistent replay requires a number of constraints on the hippocampal
      network that affect its synaptic architecture and the statistics of synaptic
      connection strengths. 

PMID- 27137841
TI  - Rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of unprotected beta-enamine
      phosphonates.
AB  - We have successfully developed a strategy for the first time for the
      enantioselective Rh-TaniaPhos catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of unprotected
      beta-enamine phosphonates to free beta-amino phosphonates directly with good
      enantioselectivities (80%-86% ee) and high conversions (>99% conversion). The
      resulting chiral free beta-amino phosphonates and their derivatives are important
      intermediates in biochemistry and pharmaceuticals. 

PMID- 27137842
TI  - Reduced Ang2 expression in aging endothelial cells.
AB  - Aging endothelial cells are characterized by increased cell size, reduced
      telomere length and increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In
      addition, we describe here that aging reduces the migratory distance of
      endothelial cells. Furthermore, we observe an increase of the quiescence protein
      Ang1 and a decrease of the endothelial activation protein Ang2 upon aging.
      Supplementing Ang2 to aged endothelial cells restored their migratory capacity.
      We conclude that aging shifts the balance of the Ang1/Ang2 network favouring a
      quiescent state. Activation of endothelial cells in aging might be necessary to
      enhance wound healing capacities.

PMID- 27137843
TI  - Autophagy induction in tobacco leaves infected by potato virus Y(O) and its
      putative roles.
AB  - Autophagy plays a critical role in the innate immune response of plants to
      pathogen infection. In the present study, we examined autophagy induced by potato
      virus Y ordinary strain (PVY(O)) infection in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana).
      Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays revealed that the number of virus particles in
      the plant peaked at 2 weeks post-inoculation and then gradually decreased.
      Additionally, the amount of virus increased significantly in the 3rd and 4th
      leaves distal to the inoculated leaf and decreased slightly in the 5th leaf.
      Within 2 weeks of PVY(O) inoculation, the tobacco leaves showed typical symptoms
      of Potyvirus inoculation, including mottling, yellowing, a mosaic pattern, and
      necrotic tissue changes at the inoculated site. Based on an ultrastructural
      analysis of the PVY(O)-infected tobacco leaves, virus aggregates appeared as
      longitudinal and transverse arrays and pinwheels, which are typical of Potyvirus
      inoculation. Moreover, PVY(O) infection caused changes in the number, size, and
      shape of chloroplasts, whereas the number of plastogranules increased markedly.
      Furthermore, double-membrane autophagosome-like vacuoles, including electron
      dense materials, laminated structures, and cellular organelles, were found. The
      induction of autophagy after the PVY(O) infection of tobacco leaves was further
      confirmed by the expression of lipidated microtubule-associated protein 1 light
      chain 3 (LC3)-II, an autophagy marker and p62, an autophagy adaptor protein. The
      LC3-II levels increased daily over the 4-week period. Although virus inoculation
      was performed systemically on the basal leaves of the plants, LC3-II was
      expressed throughout the leaves and the expression was higher in leaves distal to
      the inoculated leaf. Moreover, PVY(O) infection caused the activation of stress
      activated protein kinases/c-Jun N-terminal kinases. Therefore, PVY(O) infection
      induced autophagy was positively correlated with the virus content, suggesting
      that autophagy induction following PVY(O) infection is involved in the anti
      pathogen response of the host.

PMID- 27137844
TI  - A general method for decomposing the causes of socioeconomic inequality in
      health.
AB  - We introduce a general decomposition method applicable to all forms of bivariate
      rank dependent indices of socioeconomic inequality in health, including the
      concentration index. The technique is based on recentered influence function
      regression and requires only the application of OLS to a transformed variable
      with similar interpretation. Our method requires few identifying assumptions to
      yield valid estimates in most common empirical applications, unlike current
      methods favoured in the literature. Using the Swedish Twin Registry and a within
      twin pair fixed effects identification strategy, our new method finds no evidence
      of a causal effect of education on income-related health inequality.

PMID- 27137845
TI  - Dynamics of Hydration Water around Native and Misfolded alpha-Lactalbumin.
AB  - As water is an essential ingredient in protein structure, dynamics, and
      functioning, knowledge of its behavior near proteins is crucial. We investigate
      water dynamics around bovine alpha-lactalbumin by combining molecular dynamics
      simulations with polarization-resolved femtosecond infrared (fs-IR) spectroscopy.
      We identify slowly reorienting surface waters and establish their hydrogen-bond
      lifetime and reorientation dynamics, which we compare to the experimentally
      measured anisotropy decay. The calculated number of slow surface waters is in
      reasonable agreement with the results of fs-IR experiments. While surface waters
      form fewer hydrogen bonds than the bulk, within the hydration layer water is
      slower when donating more hydrogen bonds. At concave sites the protein-water
      hydrogen bonds break preferably via translational diffusion rather than via a
      hydrogen-bond jump mechanism. Water molecules reorient slower near these sites
      than at convex water-exposed sites. Protein misfolding leads to an increased
      exposure of hydrophobic groups, inducing relatively faster surface water
      dynamics. Nevertheless, the larger exposed surface slows down a larger amount of
      water. While for native proteins hydrating water is slower near hydrophobic than
      near hydrophilic residues, mainly due to stronger confinement, misfolding causes
      hydrophobic water to reorient relatively faster because exposure of hydrophobic
      groups destroys concave protein cavities with a large excluded volume.

PMID- 27137846
TI  - Lateral deviation of four types of epidural catheters from the lumbar epidural
      space into the intervertebral foramen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During epidural anesthesia, the catheter tip occasionally deviates
      from the epidural space into the intervertebral foramen, resulting in inadequate
      anesthesia. METHODS: During postoperative plain radiography, iohexol was injected
      via the epidural catheter to determine its position and to observe the spread of
      the material. After exclusion of seven patients with catheters that migrated into
      the subcutaneous area and 25 patients with no evidence of the contrast medium,
      415 patients were evaluated. We retrospectively compared patients to determine
      whether the incidence of deviation into the intervertebral foramen differed
      between four types of epidural catheters. We also investigated the load applied
      to the catheter tip using a Shimadzu Autograph AG-X-500 N-111 universal testing
      machine. RESULTS: Deviation of the epidural catheter into the intervertebral
      foramen was observed in eight and 33 patients in the Hakko and Perifix Soft tip
      catheter groups, respectively. The incidence of deviation was higher in the
      Perifix Soft tip catheter group, and lower in the FlexTip Plus and Perifix FX
      catheter groups. A rapid increase was observed in the force exerted on the tips
      of the Hakko and Perifix Soft tip catheters, while the force transmitted to the
      tips of the FlexTip Plus and Perifix FX catheters gradually increased and then
      reached a plateau at a low level. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of deviation was
      significantly lower with spiral-type catheters than with other types of
      catheters. This might be attributable to the gradual transmission of a lower
      level of force to the tip in spiral-type catheters.

PMID- 27137847
TI  - Out-of-pocket expenditures for pharmaceuticals: lessons from the Austrian
      household budget survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paying pharmaceuticals out of pocket is an important source of
      financing pharmaceutical consumption. Only limited empirical knowledge is
      available on the determinants of these expenditures. OBJECTIVES: In this article
      we analyze which characteristics of private households influence out-of-pocket
      pharmaceutical expenditure (OOPPE) in Austria. DESIGN AND METHODS: We use cross
      sectional information on OOPPE and household characteristics provided by the
      Austrian household budget survey 2009/10. We split pharmaceutical expenditures
      into the two components prescription fees and over-the-counter (OTC)
      expenditures. To adjust for the specific characteristics of the data, we compare
      different econometric approaches: a two-part model, hurdle model, generalized
      linear model and zero-inflated negative binomial regression model. FINDINGS: The
      finally selected econometric approaches give a quite consistent picture. The
      probability of expenditures of both types is strongly influenced by the household
      structure. It increases with age, doctoral visits and the presence of a female
      householder. The education level and income only increase the probability of OTC
      pharmaceuticals. The level of OTC expenditures remains widely unexplained while
      the household structure and age influence the expenditures for prescription fees.
      Insurance characteristics of private households, either private or public, play a
      minor role in explaining the expenditure levels in all specifications. This
      refers to a homogeneous and comprehensive provision of pharmaceuticals in the
      public part of the Austrian health care system. CONCLUSIONS: The article gives
      useful insights into the determinants of pharmaceutical expenditures of private
      households and supplements the previous research that focuses on the individual
      level.

PMID- 27137848
TI  - Cattle temperament influences metabolism: metabolic response to glucose tolerance
      and insulin sensitivity tests in beef steers.
AB  - Cattle temperament, defined as the reactivity of cattle to humans or novel
      environments, can greatly influence several physiological systems in the body,
      including immunity, stress, and most recently discovered, metabolism. Greater
      circulating concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) found in
      temperamental cattle suggest that temperamental cattle are metabolically
      different than calm cattle. Further, elevated NEFA concentrations have been
      reported to influence insulin sensitivity. Therefore, the objective of this study
      was to determine whether cattle temperament would influence the metabolic
      response to a glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin sensitivity test (IST).
      Angus-cross steers (16 calm and 15 temperamental; 216 +/- 6 kg BW) were selected
      based on temperament score measured at weaning. On day 1, steers were moved into
      indoor stanchions to allow measurement of individual ad libitum feed intake. On
      day 6, steers were fitted with indwelling rectal temperature probes and jugular
      catheters. At 9 AM on day 7, steers received the GTT (0.5-mL/kg BW of a 50%
      dextrose solution), and at 2 PM on day 7, steers received the IST (2.5 IU bovine
      insulin/kg BW). Blood samples were collected and serum isolated at -60, -45, -30,
      -15, 0, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min relative to each challenge.
      Serum was stored at -80 degrees C until analyzed for cortisol, glucose, NEFA, and
      blood urea nitrogen concentrations. All variables changed over time (P < 0.01).
      For the duration of the study, temperamental steers maintained greater (P < 0.01)
      serum NEFA and less (P <= 0.01) serum blood urea nitrogen and insulin sensitivity
      (calculated using Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index) compared
      with calm steers. During the GTT, temperamental steers had greater (P < 0.01)
      serum glucose, yet decreased (P = 0.03) serum insulin and (P < 0.01) serum
      insulin: serum glucose compared to calm cattle. During the IST, temperamental
      steers had greater (P < 0.01) serum insulin and a greater (P < 0.01) serum
      insulin: serum glucose as compared with calm steers. These data demonstrate that
      differences exist in the manner in which temperamental steers respond to glucose
      and insulin, potentially a result of elevated serum NEFA concentrations, which
      may result in changes in utilization and redistribution of energy in
      temperamental vs calm cattle.

PMID- 27137849
TI  - Risks and safety of combination therapy for hypothyroidism.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypothyroidism is currently a condition that can be treated, but
      not cured. Although levothyroxine reverses stigmata of hypothyroidism in most
      individuals, some patients feel dissatisfied with 'monotherapy', and this has
      stimulated interest in 'combination therapy' with both levothyroxine and
      liothyronine. AREAS COVERED: A search of PubMed was conducted using terms
      including hypothyroidism, treatment, benefits, risks, and safety. Based on the
      articles identified, the body of evidence regarding the efficacy of traditional
      levothyroxine is reviewed. Concerns with levothyroxine therapy including impaired
      quality of life in treated patients, thyroxine-predominant hormone ratios, and
      inadvertent iatrogenic thyroid disease are discussed. The trials of combination
      therapy performed since 1999 were reviewed. The heterogeneity of these trials,
      both in terms of design and results, is discussed. The potential for new trials
      to determine whether combination therapy can reverse the dissatisfaction
      associated with monotherapy, while avoiding non-physiologic hormone ratios,
      inadvertent thyrotoxicosis, and unacceptable side effects is discussed. Expert
      commentary: Research regarding which therapy fully reverses hypothyroidism at a
      tissue and cellular level is ongoing. The field would be advanced by the
      development of an extended release preparation of liothyronine. In the future
      regeneration of functional thyroid follicles from stem cells may offer hope for
      curing hypothyroidism.

PMID- 27137850
TI  - Effects of Several Natural Macromolecules on the Stability and Controlled Release
      Properties of Water-in-Oil-in-Water Emulsions.
AB  - Water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsions are effective vehicles for embedding
      application of active compounds but limited by their thermodynamic instability
      and rapid release properties. The present study added bovine serum albumin, whey
      protein isolate, whey protein hydrolysate, sodium caseinate,
      carboxymethylcellulose sodium, fish gelatin, apple pectin, gum arabic, iota
      carrageenan, and hydroxypropyl chitosan separately to the internal or external
      aqueous phase to investigate their effects on the physical stabilities and
      controlled release properties of W/O/W emulsions. The effects of the natural
      macromolecules in the internal and external aqueous phases were different and
      depended upon the macromolecule structure and its mass fraction. The addition of
      the natural macromolecule strengthened the interfaces of emulsions, which
      improved the physical stability. The natural macromolecules that improved the
      stability often did not improve controlled release. Therefore, the balance
      between these properties needs to be considered when adding natural
      macromolecules to a W/O/W emulsion. 

PMID- 27137851
TI  - Effect of solvents, solvent mixture and silver nanoparticles on photophysical
      properties of a ketocyanine dye.
AB  - The effect of solvents of varying polarity and hydrogen bonding ability, solvent
      mixture and silver nanoparticles on the photophysical properties of a ketocyanine
      dye, 2,5-di[(E)-1-(4-diethylaminophenyl) methylidine]-1-cyclopentanone (2,5
      DEAPMC), is investigated at room temperature. Solvent effect is analyzed using
      Lippert-Mataga bulk polarity function, Reichardt's microscopic solvent polarity
      parameter, and Kamlet's and Catalan's multiple linear regression approaches. The
      spectral properties better follow Reichardt's microscopic solvent polarity
      parameter than the Lippert-Mataga bulk polarity function. This indicates that
      both general and specific solute-solvent interactions are operative. Kamlet's and
      Catalan's multiple linear regression approaches indicate that
      polarizability/dipolarity solvent influences are greater than hydrogen bond donor
      and hydrogen bond acceptor solvent influences. The solvatochromic correlations
      are used to estimate excited state dipole moment using the experimentally
      determined ground state dipole moment. The excited state dipole moment of the dye
      is found to be larger than its corresponding ground state dipole moment and
      ground and excited state dipole moments are not parallel, but subtend an angle of
      77 degrees . The absorption and emission spectra are modulated in the presence
      silver nanoparticles. The fluorescence of 2,5-DEAPMC is quenched by silver
      nanoparticles. The possible fluorescence quenching mechanisms are discussed.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27137852
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27137853
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PMID- 27137854
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PMID- 27137855
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PMID- 27137856
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PMID- 27137857
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PMID- 27137858
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PMID- 27137859
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PMID- 27137860
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27137861
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27137862
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PMID- 27137863
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27137864
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27137865
TI  - A spectroscopic and theoretical study in the near-infrared region of low
      concentration aliphatic alcohols.
AB  - The near-infrared (NIR) spectra of low-concentration (5 * 10(-3) M) solutions in
      CCl4 of basic aliphatic alcohols, methanol, ethanol, and 1-propanol were, for the
      first time, calculated by second-order vibrational perturbation theory
      computations and were compared with the corresponding experimental data. Density
      functional theory (DFT) using single hybrid (B3LYP) and double hybrid (B2PLYP)
      density functionals and their derivatives with additional empirical dispersion
      correction (B3LYP-D3 and B2PLYP-D, respectively) and second order Moller-Plesset
      perturbation theory were used in combination with selected basis sets including
      fairly new basis sets from the "spectroscopic" SNS family, double-zeta SNSD and
      triple-zeta SNST basis sets. Each time, anharmonic vibrational modes and
      intensities were calculated by using second-order vibrational perturbation
      theory. The effect of solvent cavity on the calculated results was included by
      the application of a self-consistent reaction field with a polarized continuum
      model. Ethanol and 1-propanol have conformational isomerism; following a
      conformational analysis, theoretical spectra of all isomers were calculated and
      their final predicted NIR spectra were obtained as Boltzmann-averaged spectra of
      resolved conformers. For ethanol and 1-propanol, the observed broadening of the
      overtone band of the OH stretching mode was well reflected by the differences in
      the position of the relevant band among conformational isomers of these alcohols;
      the effect of solvent on broadening was also discussed. Detailed band assignments
      in the experimental NIR spectra of the studied alcohols were proposed based on
      the calculation of potential energy distributions. The final accuracy of the
      predicted NIR spectra for each of the theoretical methods was estimated based on
      the errors in calculated frequencies of overtones and combination bands.

PMID- 27137866
TI  - Erratum to "Formulation and stabilization of riboflavin in liposomal
      preparations" [J. Photochem. Photobiol. B Biol. 153 (2015) 358-366].

PMID- 27137867
TI  - CSN6, a subunit of the COP9 signalosome, is involved in early response to iron
      deficiency in Oryza sativa.
AB  - The COP9 signalosome (CSN) plays an important role in proteasome-mediated
      degradation by regulating CUL1 rubylation of the SCF ligase and is involved in
      many crucial biological processes. Here, we demonstrate a link between IDEF1
      accumulation and the decline in COP9 derubylation activity in response to iron
      deficiency (-Fe) in rice (Oryza sativa). CSN6 expression is rapidly down
      regulated during Fe depletion, contributing to reduced CSN activity, as judged by
      CSN5 and CUL1 expression, indicating CSN6 is involved in the early stage response
      of -Fe. In contrast to CSN6, the IDEF1 protein and expression of several iron
      uptake/utilisation-related genes are increased in response to -Fe. Thus, we
      constructed CSN6 transgenic sense and antisense lines and found that experimental
      depletion of CSN6 results in accumulation of the IDEF1 protein and up-regulation
      of several iron uptake/utilisation-related genes. Furthermore, IDEF1 can be
      decorated with K48-linked polyubiquitin and degraded via the 26S proteasome.
      Accumulated IDEF1 in antisense lines led to increased chlorophyll and Fe content
      in seedlings during -Fe. Collectively, the cellular CSN6 level is decreased
      during early stages of -Fe to ensure the rapid accumulation of IDEF1, which in
      turn up-regulates several iron uptake/utilisation-related genes to help overcome 
      Fe stress in rice.

PMID- 27137868
TI  - Up-regulation of Interferon-inducible protein 16 contributes to psoriasis by
      modulating chemokine production in keratinocytes.
AB  - Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by
      epidermal hyperplasia and dermal inflammation. Keratinocyte activation is known
      to play a critical role in psoriasis, but the underlying mechanism remains
      unclear. Interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16), an innate immune system sensor,
      is reported to affect keratinocyte function. We therefore hypothesized that IFI16
      promotes psoriasis by modulating keratinocyte activation. In the present study,
      we cinfirmed that IFI16 was overexpressed in epidermal keratinocytes of psoriasis
      patients. In addition, psoriasis-related cytokines, including IFN-gamma, TNF
      alpha, IL-17 and IL-22, induced IFI16 up-regulation in keratinocytes via
      activation of STAT3 signaling. We also observed that IFI16 activated the TBK1-NF
      kappaB signaling, leading to the production of CXCL10 and CCL20. Importantly,
      knocking down p204, which is reported as the mouse orthologous of human IFI16,
      inhibited epidermal hyperplasia in mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasiform
      dermatitis. These findings indicate that IFI16 plays a critical role in the
      pathogenesis of psoriasis and may be a potential therapeutic target.

PMID- 27137869
TI  - N(epsilon) -Carboxymethyllysine Increases the Expression of miR-103/143 and
      Enhances Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Cells.
AB  - Advanced glycation endproducts, formed in vivo, but also by the Maillard reaction
      upon thermal treatment of foods, have been associated with the progression of
      pathological conditions such as diabetes mellitus. In addition to the
      accumulation with age, exogenous AGEs are introduced into the circulation from
      dietary sources. In this study, we investigated the effects of addition of free
      N(epsilon) -carboxymethyllysine (CML), a well-characterized product of the
      Maillard reaction, on adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Treatment with 5, 50,
      or 500 MUM CML resulted in increased lipid accumulation to similar extents, by
      11.5 +/- 12.6%, 12.9 +/- 8.6%, and 12.8 +/- 8.5%, respectively. Long-term
      treatment with 500 MUM CML during adipogenesis resulted in increases in miR-103
      and miR-143 levels, two miRNAs described to be involved in impaired glucose
      homeostasis and increased lipid accumulation. Furthermore, the expression of
      genes associated with these miRNAs, consisting of Akt1, PI3k, and Cav1 was
      regulated by CML. Short-term treatment of mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes with CML
      resulted in decreased basal glucose uptake. These results, indicate that the
      addition of protein-free CML to 3T3-L1 cells influence parameters associated with
      adipogenesis and glucose homeostasis at transcriptional, and functional level;
      this indicates that free CML derived from exogenous sources, in addition to
      protein-bound CML may be relevant in this context. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2413
      2422, 2016. (c) 2016 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Published by
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27137870
TI  - High proportion of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in a low prevalence setting: a
      retrospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The proportion of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) cases in the
      United States (US) has been rising due to a slower rate of decline in EPTB
      compared to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The purpose of this study was to
      characterise the clinical and treatment differences between EPTB and PTB
      patients, and identify patient factors associated with EPTB. STUDY DESIGN: We
      performed a retrospective cohort study of active tuberculosis (TB) cases treated
      at the Baltimore City Health Department between 2008 and 2013. METHODS: We
      categorised patients as having 'only PTB' (infection in the lung parenchyma),
      'EPTB/PTB' (infection in the lung and an additional site), and 'only EPTB'
      (infection not involving the lung). Pearson's chi-squared tests were used to
      evaluate categorical variables and compare clinical and demographic differences
      between only PTB, only EPTB, and EPTB/PTB patients. Student t-tests and one-way
      analysis of variance tests were utilised to assess continuous variables and to
      compare treatment differences. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-three patients were
      treated for TB; 39.3% had some form of EPTB (either EPTB/PTB or only EPTB). There
      was no difference found between EPTB, PTB, and EPTB/PTB patients with respect to
      HIV status, gender, race, foreign-born status, or mean age. Patients with only
      EPTB were less likely than patients with some form of PTB (only PTB or EPTB/PTB)
      to present with cough (30.4% vs 61.5%; P < 0.001), night sweats (10.9% vs 39.3%;
      P < 0.001), and weight loss (28.3% vs 47.9%; P = 0.023). Patients with some form
      of EPTB were also more likely to be hospitalised postdiagnosis compared to
      patients with only PTB (39.1% vs 20.2%; P = 0.009), and to have longer mean
      durations of treatment (37.9 weeks [SD = 11.1] vs 31.8 weeks [SD = 8.1]; P <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: EPTB patients present with atypical symptoms, undergo
      prolonged treatment, and experience increased hospitalisations. In order to
      improve diagnostic algorithms and treatment modalities, EPTB must be further
      characterised.

PMID- 27137871
TI  - Rural-urban disparity in health care: observations from Suzhou, China.

PMID- 27137872
TI  - The perceived effects of singing on the health and well-being of wives and
      partners of members of the British Armed Forces: a cross-sectional survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A survey to explore the extent to which a choir programme associated
      with the British Armed Forces provides benefits of wives and partners and
      families of military personnel. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. METHOD:
      Online self-completion questionnaires to survey 464 choir members and 173
      committee members who were also participants in the choirs. RESULTS: Large
      majorities of participants report personal and social benefits from their
      engagement in choirs, as well as benefits for their health and well-being.
      Challenges facing choirs were also identified associated with performance demands
      and inter-personal relationships within choirs. CONCLUSIONS: Group singing
      generates a range of personal, social and health benefits for wives and partners
      of armed services personnel. The study reveals some challenges arising in all
      female choirs in military settings and suggests potential areas for further
      research.

PMID- 27137874
TI  - Abstracts: 2015 Annual Meeting American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

PMID- 27137873
TI  - Switching to smokeless tobacco, the most common smoking cessation method: results
      from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, India.

PMID- 27137875
TI  - Medical and non-medical predictors of initiating long-term use of proton pump
      inhibitors: a nationwide cohort study of first-time users during a 10-year
      period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies of the increasing use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have
      mainly focused on prevalent long-term use and associations with gastrointestinal
      morbidity and comedication. Little is known about non-medical characteristics of
      first-time users of PPI, and predictors of initiating long-term use of PPIs.
      AIMS: To describe medical and non-medical characteristics of first-time PPI users
      during a 10-year period and to analyse predictors of initiation of long-term use
      (>60 defined daily doses (DDDs) within 6 months) of PPIs. METHODS: A nationwide
      cohort study of first-time users of PPI. Data were collected from Danish national
      registers. Individuals redeeming their first prescription for a PPI (omeprazole,
      lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole) in 2001 and 2011 were
      identified. Redemption of more than 60 DDDs of PPI within 6 months defined long
      term use. Logistic regression models were used to determine the associations
      between previous diagnoses, comedication and socio-economic characteristics and
      initiation of long-term use of PPIs in 2011. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2011 incidence
      of first-time users increased with an incidence rate ratio of 1.53 and mean
      quantity of PPI redeemed at first prescription increased by 44.6%. In 2011 a
      total of 37.6% redeemed >60 DDDs within 6 months, and 96% of the long-term users
      did not have a diagnosis registered which indicated treatment. New onset long
      term use was significantly associated with low income and low educational level
      when adjusting for other predisposing variables. CONCLUSIONS: Proton pump
      inhibitor treatment is increasingly initiated with larger quantities prescribed
      for indications that are unidentifiable from the registers. Morbidity and
      comedication seem to be the strongest predictors of new onset long-term use of
      PPIs. However, there is also an independent social gradient.

PMID- 27137876
TI  - Primary Oculocerebral Lymphoma: MTX Polychemotherapy Alone on Intraocular Disease
      Control.

PMID- 27137877
TI  - The evolving role of radiation therapy in pediatric Hodgkin's disease.
AB  - Identifying the optimal treatment of pediatric Hodgkin's disease has been at the
      forefront of clinical investigation in recent years. Results of a number of large
      clinical trials have driven paradigm shifts in how physicians approach this often
      curable disease. In an effort to balance the goals of maximizing survival while
      minimizing acute toxicities and late complications, the recommended indications,
      targets, doses and schedules of chemotherapy and radiation have and continue to
      evolve. Recent attempts to decrease the total volume of tissue receiving
      radiation without requiring a significant escalation in cytotoxic chemotherapy
      have shown promise in low, intermediate and high risk patients. Utilizing risk
      adapted, response-based treatment, researchers hope to uncover a subpopulation
      that may not require previously considered standard treatment modalities. 

PMID- 27137878
TI  - Corrigendum: Reply To: How Does Substitutional Doping Affect Visible Light
      Absorption in a Series of Homodisperse Ti11 Polyoxotitanate Nanoparticles-A
      Comment on the Band Gap Determination of the Fe(II) Cages.

PMID- 27137880
TI  - Causes of death and life span in Finnish gelsolin amyloidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Finnish type of hereditary gelsolin amyloidosis (AGel amyloidosis) is
      an autosomal dominant disorder. Until recently, there has only been little
      knowledge of fatal complications of the disease and its possible impact on the
      patients' life span. METHODS: We identified 272 deceased patients based on
      patient interviews and genealogical data. After collecting their death
      certificates, we recorded the patients' underlying and immediate causes of death
      (CoD) and life span and compared them to the general Finnish population. We then
      calculated proportional mortality ratios (PMR), standardised for age and sex, for
      the CoDs. RESULTS: The underlying CoD in 20% of the patients was AGel amyloidosis
      (PMR = 114.2; 95% CI: 85.6-149.4). The frequency of fatal cancers (10%) was
      significantly diminished (PMR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.31-0.69). Renal complications
      were overrepresented as the immediate CoD in female patients (PMR = 2.82 95% CI:
      1.13-5.81). The mean life span for male patients was 73.9 years (95% CI: 72.0
      75.6) and 78.0 years for female patients (95% CI: 76.4-79.5) compared to 72.1 and
      80.1 years for the general population. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the
      disease increases the risk of fatal renal complications but does not
      substantially shorten the life span, possibly due to the significantly lower
      frequency of fatal cancers. Key Messages AGel amyloidosis may increase the risk
      of renal complications, especially among female patients. The frequency of fatal
      cancers is significantly lower. The patients' life span is comparable to that of
      the general population.

PMID- 27137881
TI  - ABCB1 C3435T gene polymorphism as a potential biomarker of clinical outcomes in
      HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
AB  - HER2-positive breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab schemes have good
      initial clinical outcomes. Despite this beneficial effect, many patients
      experiment resistance to these drugs. Several gene polymorphisms in ABCB1, HER2,
      and CCND1 have been proposed as potential predictors of clinical outcomes of
      trastuzumab schemes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association
      between 4 gene polymorphisms potentially responsible for bad prognosis (HER2
      Ile655Val, CCND1-A870G and ABCB1C1236T, C3435T) and clinical outcomes in HER2
      positive BC patients. A retrospective cohorts study was performed. Eighty-four
      HER2-positive BC patients treated with trastuzumab schemes were included. The
      four gene polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR Real-Time with Taqman(r) probes.
      Genotypes were investigated for their association with tumor response, survival
      and resistance. Patients with CC genotype of ABCB1-C3435T presented higher risk
      of resistance to chemotherapy/trastuzumab schemes, compared to those carrying the
      T-allele (RR: 2.71; CI95%:1.29-5.68; p=0.013888), progression (RR: 1.89;
      p=0.017964); and exitus (RR: 2.09; p=0.03276). Multivariate logistic regression
      analysis considering clinical variables and ABCB1-C3435T revealed that the only
      independent factor associated to resistance to therapy was ABCB1-C3435T gene
      polymorphism (ORCT/CC: 0.25; p=0.0123; ORTT/CC: 0.09; p=0.0348. The protective
      effect of ABCB1-C3435T T-allele was confirmed in the multivariate Cox regression
      analysis for PFS (HRCT/CC: 0.41; p=0.00806; HRTT/CC: 0.22; p=0.01982) and OS
      (HRCT/CC: 0.49; p=0.0555; HRTT/CC: 0.12; p=0.0398). ABCB1-C1236T, CCND1-A870G and
      HER2-Ile655Val polymorphisms were not associated to resistance, PFS or OS
      (p>0.05). The A-allele for CCND1-rs9344 was associated with higher response rates
      (RR: 3.44; uncorrected p-value: 0.03816) in the bivariate analysis, but no
      statically association was found after Bonferroni correction (p=0.15264). ABCB1
      C3435T, ABCB1-C1236T and HER2-Ile655Val gene polymorphisms were not associated
      with response. Although this study demonstrates a prognostic value of ABCB1
      C3435T gene polymorphism to predict clinical outcomes, further studies with a
      larger sample will be necessary to validate this result.

PMID- 27137882
TI  - Body composition and functional assessment of nutritional status in adults: a
      narrative review of imaging, impedance, strength and functional techniques.
AB  - The accurate and valid assessment of body composition is essential for the
      diagnostic evaluation of nutritional status, identifying relevant outcome
      measures, and determining the effectiveness of current and future nutritional
      interventions. Developments in technology and our understanding of the influences
      of body composition on risk and outcome will provide practitioners with new
      opportunities to enhance current practice and to lead future improvements in
      practice. This is the second of a two-part narrative review that aims to
      critically evaluate body composition methodology in diverse adult populations,
      with a primary focus on its use in the assessment and monitoring of under
      nutrition. Part one focused on anthropometric variables [Madden and Smith (2016)
      J Hum Nutr Diet 29: 7-25] and part two focuses on the use of imaging techniques,
      bioelectrical impedance analysis, markers of muscle strength and functional
      status, with particular reference to developments relevant to practice.

PMID- 27137883
TI  - Reference intervals of beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen,
      procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide and osteocalcin for very elderly Chinese
      men.
AB  - AIM: The present study was intended to establish the reference intervals of beta
      C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, procollagen type I N-terminal
      propeptide and osteocalcin for very elderly (aged 80 years or more) Chinese men.
      METHODS: A total of 1316 very elderly Chinese men were recruited into the study,
      and subjected to a survey of clinical characteristics, measurements of bone
      mineral density and assays of bone turnover markers. The relationships between
      underlying diseases and bone turnover markers were investigated, and the
      reference intervals of beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen,
      procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide and osteocalcin for very elderly Chinese
      men were established through defining the central 95% range of all observations.
      RESULTS: We found that type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease and abnormal bone mass were associated with serum bone turnover markers
      (P < 0.01), and thereby identified 208 men without type 2 diabetes mellitus,
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or abnormal bone mass as healthy
      participants from 1316 very elderly Chinese men. The reference intervals for very
      elderly Chinese men were 0.13-0.63 ng/mL for beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type
      I collagen, 18-94 ng/mL for procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide and 9-28
      ng/mL for osteocalcin, respectively. The three turnover markers were moderately
      correlated to each other (P < 0.001), and all negatively associated with the bone
      mineral density of three sites (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We have established the
      reference intervals of beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen,
      procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide and osteocalcin for very elderly Chinese
      men. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 773-778.

PMID- 27137884
TI  - Comparison of Utilization and Clinical Outcomes for Belatacept- and Tacrolimus
      Based Immunosuppression in Renal Transplant Recipients.
AB  - The performance of belatacept in a real clinical setting has not been reported. A
      retrospective cohort study was conducted using registry data comparing 1-year
      clinical outcomes between belatacept- and tacrolimus-treated adult kidney
      transplant recipients (KTRs) from January 6, 2011, through January 12, 2014. Of
      50 244 total patients, 417 received belatacept plus tacrolimus, 458 received
      belatacept alone, and 49 369 received tacrolimus alone at discharge. In the
      overall study cohort, belatacept alone was associated with a higher risk of 1
      year acute rejection, with the highest rates associated with non-lymphocyte
      depleting induction (adjusted hazard ratio 2.65, 95% confidence interval 1.90
      3.70, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in rejection rates between
      belatacept plus tacrolimus and tacrolimus alone. In KTRs who met inclusion
      criteria for the Belatacept Evaluation of Nephroprotection and Efficacy as First
      line Immunosuppression Trial-Extended Criteria Donors (BENEFIT-EXT), 1-year
      kidney function was higher with belatacept plus tacrolimus and belatacept alone
      versus tacrolimus alone (mean estimated GFR 65.6, 60.4 and 54.3 mL/min per 1.73
      m2 , respectively; p < 0.001). The incidence of new-onset diabetes after
      transplantation was significantly lower with belatacept plus tacrolimus and
      belatacept alone versus tacrolimus alone (1.7%, 2.2%, and 3.8%, respectively; p =
      0.01). Despite improved graft function and metabolic complications with
      belatacept alone, it may be advisable to add short-term tacrolimus in the first
      year after transplant and to consider lymphocyte-depleting induction in patients
      with high rejection risk, as the risk-benefit ratio allows.

PMID- 27137885
TI  - Actionable pathways: interactive discovery of therapeutic targets using signaling
      pathway models.
AB  - The discovery of actionable targets is crucial for targeted therapies and is also
      a constituent part of the drug discovery process. The success of an intervention
      over a target depends critically on its contribution, within the complex network
      of gene interactions, to the cellular processes responsible for disease
      progression or therapeutic response. Here we present PathAct, a web server that
      predicts the effect that interventions over genes (inhibitions or activations
      that simulate knock-outs, drug treatments or over-expressions) can have over
      signal transmission within signaling pathways and, ultimately, over the cell
      functionalities triggered by them. PathAct implements an advanced graphical
      interface that provides a unique interactive working environment in which the
      suitability of potentially actionable genes, that could eventually become drug
      targets for personalized or individualized therapies, can be easily tested. The
      PathAct tool can be found at: http://pathact.babelomics.org.

PMID- 27137886
TI  - Structure elucidation of the Pribnow box consensus promoter sequence by racemic
      DNA crystallography.
AB  - It has previously been shown that the use of racemic mixtures of naturally chiral
      macromolecules such as protein and DNA can significantly aid the crystallogenesis
      process, thereby addressing one of the major bottlenecks to structure
      determination by X-ray crystallographic methods-that of crystal growth. Although
      previous studies have provided convincing evidence of the applicability of the
      racemic crystallization technique to DNA through the study of well-characterized
      DNA structures, we sought to apply this method to a historically challenging DNA
      sequence. For this purpose we chose a non-self-complementary DNA duplex
      containing the biologically-relevant Pribnow box consensus sequence 'TATAAT'.
      Four racemic crystal structures of this previously un-crystallizable DNA target
      are reported (with resolutions in the range of 1.65-2.3 A), with further
      crystallographic studies and structural analysis providing insight into the
      racemic crystallization process as well as structural details of this highly
      pertinent DNA sequence.

PMID- 27137887
TI  - sRNA roles in regulating transcriptional regulators: Lrp and SoxS regulation by
      sRNAs.
AB  - Post-transcriptional regulation of transcription factors contributes to
      regulatory circuits. We created translational reporter fusions for multiple
      central regulators in Escherichia coli and examined the effect of Hfq-dependent
      non-coding RNAs on these fusions. This approach yields an 'RNA landscape,'
      identifying Hfq-dependent sRNAs that regulate a given fusion. No significant sRNA
      regulation of crp or fnr was detected. hns was regulated only by DsrA, as
      previously reported. Lrp and SoxS were both found to be regulated post
      transcriptionally. Lrp, ' L: eucine-responsive R: egulatory P: rotein,' regulates
      genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis and catabolism and other cellular
      functions. sRNAs DsrA, MicF and GcvB each independently downregulate the lrp
      translational fusion, confirming previous reports for MicF and GcvB. MicF and
      DsrA interact with an overlapping site early in the lrp ORF, while GcvB acts
      upstream at two independent sites in the long lrp leader. Surprisingly, GcvB was
      found to be responsible for significant downregulation of lrp after oxidative
      stress; MicF also contributed. SoxS, an activator of genes used to combat
      oxidative stress, is negatively regulated by sRNA MgrR. This study demonstrates
      that while not all global regulators are subject to sRNA regulation, post
      transcriptional control by sRNAs allows multiple environmental signals to affect
      synthesis of the transcriptional regulator.

PMID- 27137888
TI  - Xpg limits the expansion of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells after
      ionising radiation.
AB  - Reduced capacity of genome maintenance represents a problem for any organism,
      potentially causing premature death, carcinogenesis, or accelerated ageing.
      Strikingly though, loss of certain genome stability factors can be beneficial,
      especially for the maintenance of tissue stem cells of the intestine and the
      haematopoietic system. We therefore screened for genome stability factors
      negatively impacting maintenance of haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in the
      context of ionising radiation (IR). We found that in vivo knock down of Xeroderma
      pigmentosum, complementation group G (Xpg) causes elevation of HSC numbers after
      IR treatment, while numbers of haematopoietic progenitors are elevated to a
      lesser extent. IR rapidly induces Xpg both on mRNA and on protein level.
      Prevention of this induction does not influence activation of the checkpoint
      cascade, yet attenuates late checkpoint steps such as induction of p21 and Noxa.
      This causes a leaky cell cycle arrest and lower levels of apoptosis, both
      contributing to increased colony formation and transformation rates. Xpg thus
      helps to adequately induce DNA damage responses after IR, thereby keeping the
      expansion of damaged cells under control. This represents a new function of Xpg
      in the response to IR, in addition to its well-characterized role in nucleotide
      excision repair.

PMID- 27137889
TI  - The Galaxy platform for accessible, reproducible and collaborative biomedical
      analyses: 2016 update.
AB  - High-throughput data production technologies, particularly 'next-generation' DNA
      sequencing, have ushered in widespread and disruptive changes to biomedical
      research. Making sense of the large datasets produced by these technologies
      requires sophisticated statistical and computational methods, as well as
      substantial computational power. This has led to an acute crisis in life
      sciences, as researchers without informatics training attempt to perform
      computation-dependent analyses. Since 2005, the Galaxy project has worked to
      address this problem by providing a framework that makes advanced computational
      tools usable by non experts. Galaxy seeks to make data-intensive research more
      accessible, transparent and reproducible by providing a Web-based environment in
      which users can perform computational analyses and have all of the details
      automatically tracked for later inspection, publication, or reuse. In this report
      we highlight recently added features enabling biomedical analyses on a large
      scale.

PMID- 27137891
TI  - RNAex: an RNA secondary structure prediction server enhanced by high-throughput
      structure-probing data.
AB  - Several high-throughput technologies have been developed to probe RNA base pairs
      and loops at the transcriptome level in multiple species. However, to obtain the
      final RNA secondary structure, extensive effort and considerable expertise is
      required to statistically process the probing data and combine them with free
      energy models. Therefore, we developed an RNA secondary structure prediction
      server that is enhanced by experimental data (RNAex). RNAex is a web interface
      that enables non-specialists to easily access cutting-edge structure-probing data
      and predict RNA secondary structures enhanced by in vivo and in vitro data. RNAex
      annotates the RNA editing, RNA modification and SNP sites on the predicted
      structures. It provides four structure-folding methods, restrained MaxExpect,
      SeqFold, RNAstructure (Fold) and RNAfold that can be selected by the user. The
      performance of these four folding methods has been verified by previous
      publications on known structures. We re-mapped the raw sequencing data of the
      probing experiments to the whole genome for each species. RNAex thus enables
      users to predict secondary structures for both known and novel RNA transcripts in
      human, mouse, yeast and Arabidopsis The RNAex web server is available at
      http://RNAex.ncrnalab.org/.

PMID- 27137890
TI  - Architectural proteins Pita, Zw5,and ZIPIC contain homodimerization domain and
      support specific long-range interactions in Drosophila.
AB  - According to recent models, as yet poorly studied architectural proteins appear
      to be required for local regulation of enhancer-promoter interactions, as well as
      for global chromosome organization. Transcription factors ZIPIC, Pita and Zw5
      belong to the class of chromatin insulator proteins and preferentially bind to
      promoters near the TSS and extensively colocalize with cohesin and condensin
      complexes. ZIPIC, Pita and Zw5 are structurally similar in containing the N
      terminal zinc finger-associated domain (ZAD) and different numbers of C2H2-type
      zinc fingers at the C-terminus. Here we have shown that the ZAD domains of ZIPIC,
      Pita and Zw5 form homodimers. In Drosophila transgenic lines, these proteins are
      able to support long-distance interaction between GAL4 activator and the reporter
      gene promoter. However, no functional interaction between binding sites for
      different proteins has been revealed, suggesting that such interactions are
      highly specific. ZIPIC facilitates long-distance stimulation of the reporter gene
      by GAL4 activator in yeast model system. Many of the genomic binding sites of
      ZIPIC, Pita and Zw5 are located at the boundaries of topologically associated
      domains (TADs). Thus, ZAD-containing zinc-finger proteins can be attributed to
      the class of architectural proteins.

PMID- 27137892
TI  - Contrasting global genetic patterns in two biologically similar, widespread and
      invasive Ciona species (Tunicata, Ascidiacea).
AB  - Human-mediated dispersal interplays with natural processes and complicates
      understanding of the biogeographical history of species. This is exemplified by
      two invasive tunicates, Ciona robusta (formerly Ciona intestinalis type A) and C.
      intestinalis (formerly Ciona intestinalis type B), globally distributed and
      sympatric in Europe. By gathering new mitochondrial sequences that were merged
      with published datasets, we analysed genetic patterns in different regions, with
      a focus on 1) their sympatric range and 2) allopatric populations in N and S
      America and southern Europe. In the sympatric range, the two species display
      contrasting genetic diversity patterns, with low polymorphism in C. robusta
      supporting the prevalent view of its recent introduction. In the E Pacific,
      several genetic traits support the non-native status of C. robusta. However, in
      the NE Pacific, this appraisal requires a complex scenario of introduction and
      should be further examined supported by extensive sampling efforts in the NW
      Pacific (putative native range). For C. intestinalis, Bayesian analysis suggested
      a natural amphi-North Atlantic distribution, casting doubt on its non-native
      status in the NW Atlantic. This study shows that both natural and human-mediated
      dispersal have influenced genetic patterns at broad scales; this interaction
      lessens our ability to confidently ascertain native vs. non-native status of
      populations, particularly of those species that are globally distributed.

PMID- 27137893
TI  - Prostaglandin E2-Dependent Phosphorylation of RAS Inhibition 1 (RIN1) at Ser 291
      and 292 Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor-beta-Induced RAS Activation Pathway
      in Human Synovial Fibroblasts: Role in Cell Migration.
AB  - Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 )-stimulated G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation
      inhibits pro-fibrotic TGFbeta-dependent stimulation of human fibroblast to
      myofibroblast transition (FMT), though the precise molecular mechanisms are not
      fully understood. In the present study, we describe the PGE2 -dependent
      suppression and reversal of TGFbeta-induced events such as alpha-sma expression,
      stress fiber formation, and Ras/Raf/ERK/MAPK pathway-dependent activation of
      myofibroblast migration. In order to elucidate post-ligand-receptor signaling
      pathways, we identified a predominant PKA phosphorylation motif profile in human
      primary fibroblasts after treatment with exogenous PGE2 (EC50 30 nM, Vmax 100
      nM), mimicked by the adenyl cyclase activator forskolin (EC50 5 MUM, Vmax 10
      MUM). We used a global phosphoproteomic approach to identify a 2.5-fold
      difference in PGE2 -induced phosphorylation of proteins containing the PKA motif.
      Deducing the signaling pathway of our migration data, we identified Ras inhibitor
      1 (RIN1) as a substrate, whereby PGE2 induced its phosphorylation at Ser291 and
      at Ser292 by a 5.4- and 4.8-fold increase, respectively. In a series of transient
      and stable over expression studies in HEK293T and HeLa cells using wild-type (wt)
      and mutant RIN1 (Ser291/292Ala) or Ras constructs and siRNA knock-down
      experiments, we showed that PGE2 -dependent phosphorylation of RIN1 resulted in
      the abrogation of TGFbeta-induced Ras/Raf signaling activation and subsequent
      downstream blockade of cellular migration, emphasizing the importance of such
      phosphosites in PGE2 suppression of wound closure. Overexpression experiments in
      tandem with pull-down assays indicated that specific Ser291/292 phosphorylation
      of RIN1 favored binding to activated Ras. In principal, understanding PGE2 -GPCR
      activated signaling pathways mitigating TGFbeta-induced fibrosis may lead to more
      evidence-based treatments against the disease. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 202-215,
      2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27137894
TI  - More inclusive bipolar mixed depression definition by permitting overlapping and
      non-overlapping mood elevation symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the strengths and
      limitations of a mixed bipolar depression definition made more inclusive than
      that of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition
      (DSM-5) by counting not only 'non-overlapping' mood elevation symptoms (NOMES) as
      in DSM-5, but also 'overlapping' mood elevation symptoms (OMES, psychomotor
      agitation, distractibility, and irritability). METHODS: Among bipolar disorder
      (BD) out-patients assessed with the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for
      BD (STEP-BD) Affective Disorders Evaluation, we assessed prevalence,
      demographics, and clinical correlates of mixed vs. pure depression, using more
      inclusive (>=3 NOMES/OMES) and less inclusive DSM-5 (>=3 NOMES) definitions.
      RESULTS: Among 153 depressed BD, counting not only NOMES but also OMES yielded a
      three-fold higher mixed depression rate (22.9% vs. 7.2%) and important
      statistically significant clinical correlates for mixed compared to pure
      depression (more lifetime anxiety disorder comorbidity, more current
      irritability, and less current antidepressant use), which were not significant
      using the DSM-5 threshold. CONCLUSION: To conclude, further studies with larger
      numbers of patients with DSM-5 bipolar mixed depression assessing strengths and
      limitations of more inclusive mixed depression definitions are warranted,
      including efforts to ascertain whether or not OMES should count toward mixed
      depression.

PMID- 27137895
TI  - Associations Among Vocabulary, Executive Function Skills and Empathy in
      Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been
      characterized as having deficits in social communication and empathy which
      present difficulties in the areas of social reciprocity, sharing of emotions and
      developing and maintaining relationships. This study explores the associations
      between vocabulary, executive function skills and empathy in individuals with
      ASD. METHOD: A survey study with a purposive sample was used. Twenty adolescents
      with ASD completed receptive and expressive vocabulary assessments while their
      parent and teacher completed executive function and empathy scales. RESULTS:
      Results indicated that higher vocabulary and executive function skills were
      associated with higher empathy. Nonparametric analyses also showed that executive
      function mediated the association between empathy and vocabulary. Differences
      between parent and teacher responses were also explored. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      suggest that targeting vocabulary and executive function skills prior to, or in
      conjunction with, social skills in educational and therapeutic settings may prove
      beneficial.

PMID- 27137896
TI  - Impact of intermittent fasting on glucose homeostasis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article provides an overview of the most recent human
      trials that have examined the impact of intermittent fasting on glucose
      homeostasis. RECENT FINDINGS: Our literature search retrieved one human trial of
      alternate day fasting, and three trials of Ramadan fasting published in the past
      12 months. Current evidence suggests that 8 weeks of alternate day fasting that
      produces mild weight loss (4% from baseline) has no effect on glucose
      homeostasis. As for Ramadan fasting, decreases in fasting glucose, insulin, and
      insulin resistance have been noted after 4 weeks in healthy normal weight
      individuals with mild weight loss (1-2% from baseline). However, Ramadan fasting
      may have little impact on glucoregulatory parameters in women with polycystic
      ovarian syndrome who failed to observe weight loss. SUMMARY: Whether intermittent
      fasting is an effective means of regulating glucose homeostasis remains unclear
      because of the scarcity of studies in this area. Large-scale, longer-term
      randomized controlled trials will be required before the use of fasting can be
      recommended for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

PMID- 27137897
TI  - The microbial-mammalian metabolic axis: a critical symbiotic relationship.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The microbial-mammalian symbiosis plays a critical role in
      metabolic health. Microbial metabolites emerge as key messengers in the complex
      communication between the gut microbiota and their host. These chemical signals
      are mainly derived from nutritional precursors, which in turn are also able to
      modify gut microbiota population. Recent advances in the characterization of the
      gut microbiome and the mechanisms involved in this symbiosis allow the
      development of nutritional interventions. This review covers the latest findings
      on the microbial-mammalian metabolic axis as a critical symbiotic relationship
      particularly relevant to clinical nutrition. RECENT FINDINGS: The modulation of
      host metabolism by metabolites derived from the gut microbiota highlights the
      importance of gut microbiota in disease prevention and causation. The composition
      of microbial populations in our gut ecosystem is a critical pathophysiological
      factor, mainly regulated by diet, but also by the host's characteristics (e.g.
      genetics, circadian clock, immune system, age). Tailored interventions, including
      dietary changes, the use of antibiotics, prebiotic and probiotic supplementation
      and faecal transplantation are promising strategies to manipulate microbial
      ecology. SUMMARY: The microbiome is now considered as an easily reachable target
      to prevent and treat related diseases. Recent findings in both mechanisms of its
      interactions with host metabolism and in strategies to modify gut microbiota will
      allow us to develop more effective treatments especially in metabolic diseases.

PMID- 27137898
TI  - New markers of dietary added sugar intake.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Added sugar consumption is associated with adverse health
      outcomes, including weight gain and cardio-metabolic disease, yet the reliance on
      self-reported methods to determine added sugar intake continues to be a
      significant research limitation. The purpose of this review is to summarize
      recent advances in the development of two potential predictive biomarkers of
      added sugar intake: deltaC and urinary sugar excretion. RECENT FINDINGS: The
      results of numerous cross-sectional investigations have indicated modest
      associations of the deltaC sugar biomarker measured in a variety of sample types
      (e.g., fingerstick blood, serum, red blood cells, and hair) with self-reported
      added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverage intake, and deltaC values have been
      reported to change over time with changes in reported sugar-sweetened beverage
      intake. Results from large-scale trials have suggested modest associations of
      urinary sugar excretion with reported sugar intake, and a dose-response relation
      has been demonstrated between urinary sugar excretion and actual sugar intake.
      SUMMARY: Valid markers of sugar intake are urgently needed to more definitively
      determine the health consequences of added sugar intake. Adequately powered
      controlled feeding studies are needed to validate and compare these two
      biomarkers of sugar intake, and to determine what individual characteristics and
      conditions impact biomarker results.

PMID- 27137899
TI  - Iron homeostasis: transport, metabolism, and regulation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Iron is essential for normal cellular function and many
      diseases result from disturbances in iron homeostasis. This review describes some
      of the recent key advances in iron transport and its regulation, how this relates
      to iron-related disorders, and emerging therapies for these diseases. RECENT
      FINDINGS: The iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin and its target, the iron exporter
      ferroportin (FPN), play central roles in iron homeostasis. Recent studies have
      expanded our understanding of how hepcidin is regulated in response to stimulated
      erythropoiesis and have added some new players to the complex network of factors
      that influences hepcidin expression. Novel structural insights into how FPN
      transports iron have been an important addition to the field, as has the
      recognition that some zinc transporters such as ZIP14 can transport iron.
      Investigations into cardiac iron homeostasis have revealed a key role for FPN,
      and transferrin receptor 1, which is essential for cellular iron uptake, has been
      shown to be critical for normal immune function. SUMMARY: The increased
      understanding of mechanisms of iron homeostasis that has resulted from recent
      research has greatly improved our ability to diagnose and manage iron-related
      disorders, and has offered new therapies for this important class of human
      diseases.

PMID- 27137900
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of doxycycline in laying hens after intravenous and oral
      administration.
AB  - The pharmacokinetics of doxycycline in laying hens was investigated after a
      single intravenous (IV) or an oral (PO) dose at 20 mg/kg body weight. The
      concentrations of doxycycline in plasma samples were determined by high
      performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector, and
      pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a compartmental model method.
      The disposition of doxycycline after one single IV injection was best described
      by a two-compartment open model and the main pharmacokinetic parameters were as
      follows: volume of distribution (Vd) was 865.15 +/- 127.64 ml/kg, distribution
      rate constant (alpha) was (2.28 +/- 0.38) 1/h, elimination rate constant (beta)
      was 0.08 +/- 0.02 1/h and total body clearance (Cl) was104.11 +/- 18.32 ml/h/kg,
      while after PO administration, the concentration versus time curve was best
      described by a one-compartment open model and absorption rate constant (Ka), peak
      concentration (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (tmax) and absolute bioavailability (F)
      were 2.55 +/- 1.40 1/h, 5.88 +/- 0.70 MUg/ml, 1.73 +/- 0.75 h and 52.33%,
      respectively. The profile of doxycycline exhibited favourable pharmacokinetic
      characteristics in laying hens, such as quick absorption and slow distribution
      and elimination, though oral bioavailability was relatively low. A multiple
      dosing regimen (a dose of 20 mg/kg/d for 3 consecutive days) of doxycycline was
      recommended to treat infections in laying hens. But a further study should be
      conducted to determine the withdrawal time of doxycycline in eggs. 

PMID- 27137901
TI  - Mapping the Road to Recovery: Shorter Stays and Satisfied Patients in Posterior
      Spinal Fusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients undergoing posterior
      spinal fusion (PSF) experience variations in their hospital care, which may lead
      to differences in objective and patient-reported outcomes. The purpose of this
      study was to demonstrate that using plan of care-educating families
      preoperatively and standardizing some aspects of care-would decrease time to
      mobility and time to discharge while maintaining pain control and patient
      satisfaction. METHODS: Chart review was conducted in 3 groups-preprotocol
      (December 2008 to December 2009, n=51), first protocol (December 2, 2009 to July
      24, 2013, n=100), and second protocol (July 25, 2013 to June 1, 2014, n=39)-to
      track pain scores (0 to 10), time to regular diet, Foley catheter removal,
      epidural catheter removal, mobility, and discharge. Patient satisfaction surveys
      (0 to 10) were administered before discharge. Statistical analysis was performed
      using a 1-way analysis of variance test with Tukey post hoc analysis. RESULTS:
      Average pain scores were similar in all groups. Time to sitting was significantly
      reduced in both first protocol (27.2+/-9.8 h, P=1*10) and second protocol (28.4+/
      13.6 h, P=3*10) compared with preprotocol (40.2+/-15.4 h). Time to discharge was
      significantly lower in second protocol (84.3+/-27.2 h, P=0.036) compared with
      first protocol (98.4+/-27.8 h). Patient satisfaction with care was significantly
      higher in first protocol (9.1/10, P=2*10) and second protocol (8.6/10, P=5*10)
      compared with preprotocol (6.5/10). CONCLUSIONS: By educating families
      preoperatively and standardizing portions of postoperative care in PSF for AIS,
      pain scores were significantly reduced while overall satisfaction remained high.
      Specifically, by removing the epidural and Foley catheters on postoperative day
      2, time to discharge was dramatically decreased by 15 hours. The application of a
      multidisciplinary, evidence-driven plan of care for AIS patients undergoing PSF
      improves throughput and has beneficial effects on objective and patient-reported
      outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective case series.

PMID- 27137902
TI  - Clavicle Fracture Is Not Predictive of the Need for Microsurgery in Brachial
      Plexus Birth Palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) and clavicle fractures occur
      concurrently as well as in isolation during difficult deliveries. The concept
      that concurrent clavicle fracture may spare nerve injury has been advocated. Our
      aim was to compare those children with BPBP presenting to a tertiary care center
      with and without concurrent clavicle fractures and assess the utility of the
      presence of a clavicle fracture as a predictor of injury severity in children
      with BPBP. METHODS: Records of all patients belonging to a large prospective
      multicenter cohort study of infants with BPBP (Treatment and Outcomes of Brachial
      Plexus Injuries study) were analyzed for demographic information and birth
      information including risk factors, comorbidity, presence of clavicle fracture,
      and injury severity. RESULTS: The records of 639 children with BPBP were
      examined. Thirteen patients were excluded for incomplete data. Ninety-six
      children who sustained concurrent birth fracture and BPBP were identified (15%).
      Of these, 57 sustained clavicle fractures (9%), 44 sustained humerus fractures,
      and 4 sustained other fractures. Of the demographic factors analyzed, only the
      presence of gestational diabetes was found to be significantly higher in those
      children with fractures versus those without. The presence of a clavicle fracture
      did not change the rate of microsurgical intervention, nor did clavicle fracture
      rates differ by Toronto score, suggesting that there was no difference in injury
      severity between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a large multicenter prospective
      study, 9% of children presenting with BPBP also sustained a clavicle fracture at
      birth. The presence of a clavicle fracture did not correlate with the severity of
      brachial plexus injury. We suggest that in study populations of children with
      severe enough BPBP to present to a tertiary care center, compared with studies
      collected in the obstetric population, the presence of a clavicle fracture is
      neither protective from nerve injury nor predictive of injury severity. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level 2-prognostic.

PMID- 27137903
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Symptomatic Children With Hereditary Multiple
      Exostoses of the Hip.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in evaluating nontraumatic
      hip pain. It provides information about associated injuries like labral/chondral
      tears or ischiofemoral impingement (IFI). However, in hereditary multiple
      exostoses (HME) there has been no report about MRI findings in symptomatic
      children with hip involvement. METHODS: Records of children with HME and hip
      osteochondromas, who had hip MRI/magnetic resonance arthrography, were reviewed.
      The presence of chondral lesions and labral tears, as well the presence of IFI,
      was recorded. IFI was defined as edema or fatty replacement/atrophy in the
      quadratus femoris muscle or decrease of the space for this muscle between the
      ischium and the proximal femur. The measurements used to determine the space
      included the ischiofemoral space, the quadratus femoris space, and the minimum
      ischiofemoral space (MIFS). All measurements were performed on axial T1-weighted
      images. RESULTS: Ten children were included (4 males, 6 females). In 2 patients,
      MRI was unilateral, therefore a total of 18 hips were analyzed. The indication
      for MRI was hip pain. Mean age, when MRI was performed, was 11.7 years. Labral
      tears were found in 44% (8/18) and chondral lesions in 33% (6/18) of the hips.
      The mean ischiofemoral space was 17.2 mm (SD, 7.3), the mean quadratus femoris
      space was 14.9 mm (SD, 5.3), and the mean MIFS was of 12.8 mm (SD, 5.9). IFI was
      seen in 44% (8/18) of hips. Two patients had bilateral IFI. MIFS was <10 mm in
      all hips with IFI (8/8). Of these hips, 88% (7/8) had edema of the quadratus
      femoris muscle and 38% (3/8) had fatty replacement/atrophy in the muscle.
      Osteochondromas were seen in the lesser trochanter in all hips with IFI (8/8) and
      in the ischium in 50% of them (4/8). CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic children with
      HME of the hip, MRI is helpful in detecting the source of pain. A high percentage
      of these children have IFI and intra-articular lesions. These findings can play
      an important role in the indication and planning of the surgical approach. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-diagnostic study.

PMID- 27137904
TI  - Fracture at the Ischio-Pubic Junction After Periacetabular Osteotomy in the
      Adolescent Population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Ganz periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a well-accepted surgical
      intervention for hip dysplasia. In the adolescent population it is performed in
      patients who are skeletally mature with symptoms related to acetabular dysplasia.
      Redistribution of stresses through the hemipelvis after PAO can lead to a
      fracture at the ischio-pubic junction (IPJ). METHODS: This is an IRB-approved,
      retrospective analysis of adolescent patients treated with a PAO for acetabular
      dysplasia from 1999 to 2012 at a single institution. Radiographic measurements
      were performed to include the lateral center-edge angle, Sharp acetabular index,
      and acetabular index of the weight-bearing zone. These were measured
      preoperatively and at 6-weeks and 1 year postoperatively from a standing anterior
      posterior pelvis radiograph. Postoperative modified Harris hip scores (mHHS) were
      also analyzed. Patients over the age of 21 at time of surgery and those with <2
      years of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-six patients (187
      operated hips) at an average age of 15.6+/-2.5 were included. Twelve (6.4%)
      fractures at the IPJ were identified in 12 patients. Seven were identified on the
      initial postoperative films, whereas 5 were identified after the 6-week visit.
      Seven (58.3%) fractures had an associated superior posterior ramus nonunion. Six
      (50%) healed by 2 years after surgery; the remaining 6 (50%) went on to nonunion.
      Compared with those without a fracture, there was no significant difference in
      preoperative, 6 weeks postoperative, and final center-edge angle (P=0.94, 0.29,
      0.27), Sharp acetabular index (P=0.95, 0.38, 0.16), or AIBWZ (P=0.37, 0.21,
      0.54). There was no difference in postoperative mean modified Harris hip scores
      (P=0.63). Analysis of predisposing factors demonstrated that patients with
      Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease were more likely to develop an IPJ fracture
      (P=0.001). Patients with an IPJ fracture were older (17.1 vs. 15.5, P=0.05).
      There was no difference based on patient sex (P=0.22). DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of fracture at the IPJ after PAO in the adolescent
      population is 6.4% with some occurring at the time of surgery. These fractures
      are also associated with a nonunion at the superior posterior ramus cut and an
      underlying diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth. These fractures are not clinically
      significant and in this series did not merit further intervention when
      identified. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

PMID- 27137905
TI  - Flexible Intramedullary Nails for Femur Fractures in Pediatric Patients Heavier
      Than 100 Pounds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Flexible intramedullary nailing (FIMN) of femoral shaft fractures in
      children >100 pounds remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to
      assess the relationship between patient weight and alignment at radiographic
      union following Ender's FIMN of pediatric femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: An
      IRB approved, retrospective review of all patients who sustained a femoral shaft
      fracture treated by retrograde, stainless-steel Ender's FIMN was performed at a
      level 1 pediatric trauma center from 2005 to 2012. Preoperative radiographs were
      analyzed to determine fracture pattern, location, and isthmic canal diameter.
      Patient weight was measured on presentation to the emergency room. Radiographs at
      bony union were reviewed to measure shortening, coronal angulation, and sagittal
      angulation. RESULTS: A total of 261 children underwent Ender's FIMN for femoral
      shaft fractures during the study period. There were 24 patients who weighed >=100
      lbs and 237 patients who weighed <100 lbs. There were no significant differences
      in sex (75% vs. 73% male), fracture stability (42.6% vs. 41.7% length unstable),
      or fracture patterns between the 2 groups. The >=100 lbs group was significantly
      older (10.6 vs. 8.0 y, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in final
      coronal angulation (1.5 vs. 3.0 degrees), sagittal angulation (2.8 vs. 3.1
      degrees), or shortening (3.4 vs. 3.5 mm) between the 2 groups. There were
      significantly more nail removals in the <100 lbs group (81.4% vs. 66.7%, P<0.01).
      Four percent of the population (10 patients) weighed >=120 lbs and aside from age
      (11.4 vs. 8.1 y, P<0.01), there were no significant demographic or fracture
      pattern differences between this group and the remaining population. This
      heaviest group demonstrated no significant difference in shortening (3.3 vs. 3.5
      mm), coronal angulation (0.8 vs. 3.0 degrees), or sagittal angulation (0.7 vs.
      3.2 degrees) at radiographic union when compared with the lighter patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Stainless-steel Ender's FIMN is an effective treatment for pediatric
      femoral shaft fractures in patients >=100 pounds with excellent radiographic
      outcomes and no increased risk for malunion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level
      III.

PMID- 27137906
TI  - Three-dimensional EOS Analysis of Apical Vertebral Rotation in Adolescent
      Idiopathic Scoliosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apical vertebral rotation (AVR) is increasingly recognized as one of
      the important radiographic parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
      EOS enables us to precisely measure AVR by 3-dimensional reconstruction. The
      objective of the present study was to describe the postoperative correction and
      the long-term follow-up of AVR in posterior spinal fusion with direct vertebral
      rotation and elucidate the factors that affected the correction. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed 153 consecutive posterior spinal fusion surgeries for
      AIS performed between 2009 and 2012. Among them, 55 patients who fulfilled the
      study inclusion criteria with complete preoperative, immediate postoperative, and
      last follow-up (>1 y) EOS images were included in the present study. EOS 3
      dimentional reconstructions were undertaken for each patient. Postoperative AVR
      correction and the loss of correction were calculated. RESULTS: Preoperative AVR
      of the major curve averaged 19 degrees (SD=7 degrees), and AVR on immediate
      postoperative images averaged 9 degrees (SD=6 degrees, P<0.001). AVR at final
      follow-up averaged 11 degrees (SD=6 degrees, P=0.06). Postoperative correction
      was larger in all-screw construct than in hybrid construct (55% vs. 36%, P=0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first study to measure AVR in a large
      population of AIS patients using EOS 3-dimensional reconstruction. We report the
      correction magnitude was significantly affected by the construct. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level IV-therapeutic study (case series).

PMID- 27137907
TI  - Growth Patterns of the Neurocentral Synchondrosis (NCS) in Immature Cadaveric
      Vertebra.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Gross anatomic study of osteological specimens. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate the age of closure for the neurocentral synchondrosis (NCS) in all 3
      regions of the spine in children aged 1 to 18 years old. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND
      DATA: The ossification of the human vertebra begins from a vertebral body
      ossification center and a pair of neural ossification centers located within the
      centrum called the NCS. These bipolar cartilaginous centers of growth contribute
      to the growth of the vertebral body, spinal canal, and posterior elements of the
      spine. The closure of the synchondroses is dependent upon location of the
      vertebra and previous studies range from 2 to 16 years of age. Although animal
      and cadaveric studies have been performed regarding NCS growth and early
      instrumentation's effect on its development, the effects of NCS growth
      disturbances are still not completely understood. METHODS: The vertebrae of 32
      children (1 to 18 y old) from the Hamann-Todd Osteological collection were
      analyzed (no 2 or 9 y old specimens available). Vertebrae studied ranged from C1
      to L5. A total of 768 vertebral specimens were photographed on a background grid
      to allow for measurement calibration. Measurements of the right and left NCS,
      pedicle width at the NCS, and spinal canal area were taken using Scandium image
      analysis software (Olympus Soft Imaging Solutions, Germany). The percentage of
      the growth plate still open was found by dividing the NCS by the pedicle width
      and multiplying by 100. Data were analyzed with JMP 11 software (SAS Institute
      Inc., Cary, NC). RESULTS: The NCS was 100% open in all 3 regions of the spine in
      the 1- to 3-year age group. The cervical NCS closed first with completion around
      5 years of age. The lumbar NCS was nearly fully closed by age 11. Only the
      thoracic region remained open through age 17 years. The left and right NCS closed
      simultaneously as there was no statistical difference between them. In all
      regions of the spine, the NCS appeared to close sooner in males than in females.
      Spinal canal area increased with age up to 12 years old in the cervical and
      thoracic spine but did not significantly change after age 3 in the lumbar spine.
      CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, closure of the NCS differed among the cervical,
      thoracic, and lumbar spine regions. The NCS reached closure in males before
      females even though females mature faster and reach skeletal maturity sooner than
      males. However, it is not determined whether the continued open NCS in females to
      a later age may be a factor in their increased rate of scoliosis.

PMID- 27137908
TI  - Understanding Ocular Discomfort and Dryness Using the Pain Sensitivity
      Questionnaire.
AB  - PURPOSE: To utilize the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) to assess the
      influence of pain sensitivity on perceptions of ocular discomfort and dryness.
      METHODS: Subjects completed a battery of questionnaires, including history of
      ocular and general health, contact lens wear history, the Ocular Surface Disease
      Index (OSDI) questionnaire, visual analog scale (VAS) 100-point rating scales to
      assess severity and frequency of average and end of day (EOD) discomfort and
      dryness, and the PSQ to assess pain sensitivity level. Masked subjects were then
      instructed to wear one inverted and one normally oriented soft contact lens
      contralaterally for 30 minutes to induce an inter-eye difference in comfort and
      dryness sensations. Subjects rated comfort and dryness in each eye on VAS every 5
      minutes during contact lens wear. A slit lamp examination was performed to
      evaluate ocular surface health and to assess contact lens fit. RESULTS: One
      hundred and fifty-three subjects (111 females, 42 males) completed the study. In
      separate models, a higher PSQ score was significantly associated with higher OSDI
      score (p = 0.002), lower average and EOD comfort (p = 0.005 and 0.001,
      respectively), and greater EOD dryness (p = 0.04). The minimum (0.14) and maximum
      (7.14) PSQ scores observed in our subject cohort (i.e., from the subjects who
      were the least and most sensitive to pain, respectively) corresponded to an
      estimated difference of 11 points on the OSDI, 20 points on the VAS scale for
      average comfort, 31 points for EOD comfort and 17 points for EOD dryness. In a
      mixed effects model, a higher PSQ score was significantly associated with a
      greater inter-eye difference in comfort (p = 0.013) and dryness (p = 0.010)
      during CL wear. CONCLUSIONS: Pain sensitivity influences perceptions of ocular
      discomfort and dryness, and should be taken into account when evaluating
      subjective assessments of these symptoms.

PMID- 27137909
TI  - High-throughput superhydrophobic microwell arrays for investigating
      multifactorial stem cell niches.
AB  - Understanding the complex regulatory network that determines stem cell fates
      requires a high-throughput platform that can generate a large number of precisely
      controlled microenvironments representing multiple factors for stem cell culture
      and analysis. Here, we developed a superhydrophobic microwell array chip on which
      the culture conditions in each microwell can be spontaneously isolated by a
      grafted layer of superhydrophobic polymers. Simple steps for medium exchange were
      developed to facilitate the on-chip culture of both adherent and non-adherent
      cells for up to six days without compromising cell viability and functionality.
      The culture conditions in each microwell were facilely manipulated using a
      robotic spotter. Stem cell niches combining soluble factors, extracellular
      matrices and microtopographic cues were generated on a single 512-well SMARchip
      and their combinatorial effects on the fate of mouse Oct4-EGFP iPSCs were
      systematically probed. We observed significant differences in iPSC pluripotency
      and proliferation between adherent flat and suspended spherical cultures on our
      platform, which might provide insights into improvement of stem cell
      technologies.

PMID- 27137910
TI  - Relevance of HCN2-expressing human mesenchymal stem cells for the generation of
      biological pacemakers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transfection of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with the
      hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel 2 (HCN2) gene has
      been demonstrated to provide biological pacing in dogs with complete heart block.
      The mechanism appears to be the generation of the ion current (If) by the HCN2
      expressing hMSCs. However, it is not clear how the transfection process and/or
      the HCN2 gene affect the growth functions of the hMSCs. Therefore, we
      investigated survival, proliferation, cell cycle, and growth on a Kapton(r)
      scaffold of HCN2-expressing hMSCs. METHODS: hMSCs were isolated from the bone
      marrow of healthy volunteers applying a selective cell adhesion procedure and
      were identified by their expression of specific surface markers. Cells from
      passages 2-3 were transfected by electroporation using commercial transfection
      kits and a pIRES2-EGFP vector carrying the pacemaker gene, mouse HCN2 (mHCN2).
      Transfection efficiency was confirmed by enhanced green fluorescent protein
      (EGFP) fluorescence, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)
      and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After hMSCs were transfected,
      their viability, proliferation, If generation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and
      expression of transcription factors were measured and compared with non
      transfected cells and cells transfected with pIRES2-EGFP vector alone. RESULTS:
      Intracellular mHCN2 expression after transfection increased from 22.14 to 62.66
      ng/mg protein (p < 0.05). Transfection efficiency was 45 +/- 5 %. The viability
      of mHCN2-transfected cells was 82 +/- 5 %; they grew stably for more than 3 weeks
      and induced If current. mHCN2-transfected cells had low mitotic activity (10.4 +/
      1.24 % in G2/M and 83.6 +/- 2.5 % in G1 phases) as compared with non-transfected
      cells (52-53 % in G2/M and 31-35 % in G1 phases). Transfected cells showed
      increased activation of nine cell cycle-regulating transcription factors: the
      most prominent upregulation was of AMP-dependent transcription factor ATF3 (7.11
      fold, p = 0.00056) which regulates the G1 phase. mHCN2-expressing hMSCs were
      attached and made anchorage-dependent connection with other cells without
      transmigration through a 12.7-MUm thick Kapton(r) HN film with micromachined 1-3
      MUm diameter pores. CONCLUSIONS: mHCN2-expressing hMSCs preserved the major cell
      functions required for the generation of biological pacemakers: high viability,
      functional activity, but low proliferation rate through the arrest of cell cycle
      in the G1 phase. mHCN2-expressing hMSCs attached and grew on a Kapton(r) scaffold
      without transmigration, confirming the relevance of these cells for the
      generation of biological pacemakers.

PMID- 27137911
TI  - When rumination counts: Perceived social support and heart rate variability in
      daily life.
AB  - Rumination and social support could modulate cardiac activity. Although both
      variables are somehow interrelated, they are often studied independently, and
      their interplay is seldom considered. We aimed to analyze the interaction of
      rumination and perceived social support on vagally mediated heart rate
      variability (HRV) in daily life. The sample consisted of 117 healthy participants
      (57% female, mean age = 27.9, SD = 5.5 years). Ambulatory HRV (root mean squared
      successive differences), respiration, body position, and body movements were
      recorded continuously on three consecutive weekdays. Momentary social,
      situational, and cognitive-affective variables (affect, ruminative thoughts,
      perceived social support) were assessed using a computerized diary. There was a
      significant interaction between momentary rumination and perceived social support
      on ambulatory HRV: When participants were involved in social interactions with
      low social support, concurrent rumination was associated with attenuated HRV.
      However, when rumination was accompanied by a strong sense of support, HRV
      significantly increased. The quality of social interactions and rumination seem
      to interact in daily life to predict cardiac autonomic control. The results
      stress the necessity to consider the interplay of psychological and social
      factors in order to evaluate beneficial or adverse effects on cardiac health.

PMID- 27137912
TI  - Functional and Structural Mimicry of Cellular Protein Kinase A Anchoring Proteins
      by a Viral Oncoprotein.
AB  - The oncoproteins of the small DNA tumor viruses interact with a plethora of
      cellular regulators to commandeer control of the infected cell. During infection,
      adenovirus E1A deregulates cAMP signalling and repurposes it for activation of
      viral gene expression. We show that E1A structurally and functionally mimics a
      cellular A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP). E1A interacts with and relocalizes
      protein kinase A (PKA) to the nucleus, likely to virus replication centres, via
      an interaction with the regulatory subunits of PKA. Binding to PKA requires the N
      terminus of E1A, which bears striking similarity to the amphipathic alpha-helical
      domain present in cellular AKAPs. E1A also targets the same docking-dimerization
      domain of PKA normally bound by cellular AKAPs. In addition, the AKAP like motif
      within E1A could restore PKA interaction to a cellular AKAP in which its normal
      interaction motif was deleted. During infection, E1A successfully competes with
      endogenous cellular AKAPs for PKA interaction. E1A's role as a viral AKAP
      contributes to viral transcription, protein expression and progeny production.
      These data establish HAdV E1A as the first known viral AKAP. This represents a
      unique example of viral subversion of a crucial cellular regulatory pathway via
      structural mimicry of the PKA interaction domain of cellular AKAPs.

PMID- 27137913
TI  - Magnitude of Malaria and Factors among Febrile Cases in Low Transmission Areas of
      Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia: A Facility Based Cross Sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite a remarkable decline in morbidity and mortality since the era
      of malaria roll back strategy, it still poses a huge challenge in Ethiopia in
      general and in Hadiya Zone in particular. Although, there are data from routine
      health management information on few indicators, there is scarcity of data
      showing magnitude of malaria and associated factors including knowledge and
      practice in the study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess
      magnitude and factors affecting malaria in low transmission areas among febrile
      cases attending public health facilities in Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: A
      facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hadiya Zone from May 15 to
      June 15, 2014. Simple random sampling was used to select the health facility
      while systematic random sampling technique was used to reach febrile patients
      attending public health facilities. Data were collected by a pre-tested
      structured questionnaire containing sections of socio demographic risk factors
      and knowledge and prevention practices of malaria. Data were entered to Epi-Info
      software version 3.5.4 and exported to SPSS version 16 for descriptive and
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: One hundred six (25.8%) of participating
      febrile patients attending at sampled health facilities were found to have
      malaria by microscopy. Of which, P.vivax, P.falciparum and mixed infection
      accounted for 76(71. 7%), 27 (25.5%) and 3 (2.8%), respectively. History of
      travel to malaria endemic area, [AOR: 2.59, 95% CI: (1.24, 5.38)], not using bed
      net, [AOR: 4.67, 95%CI:, (2.11, 10.37)], poor practice related to malaria
      prevention and control, [AOR: 2.28, (95%CI: (1.10, 4.74)], poor knowledge about
      malaria, [AOR: 5.09,95%CI: (2.26,11.50)] and estimated distance of stagnant water
      near to the residence, [AOR: 3.32, (95%CI: (1.13, 9.76)] were significantly
      associated factors of malaria positivity in the study. CONCLUSION: The present
      study revealed that malaria is still a major source of morbidity in the study
      area among febrile illnesses. Poor level of knowledge, poor prevention practices,
      not using bed net, travel history to endemic areas and residing near stagnant
      water were associated factors with malaria positivity in the study area.
      Therefore, implementers, policy makers and stakeholders should strengthen the
      services provided by the community health development army, health extension
      service and health facilities services focusing on increasing malaria
      intervention coverage and mobilization of information, education and
      communication to increase knowledge about malaria transmission, prevention and
      control practices.

PMID- 27137914
TI  - Change in Health-Related Quality of Life among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients at
      Primary Health Care Settings in South Africa: A Prospective Cohort Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge
      in South Africa. However, little attention is paid to the impact of health
      related quality of life (HRQL) among TB patients at the beginning and at the end
      of TB treatment. This study assesses factors associated with HRQL among
      tuberculosis patients in three high risk provinces in South Africa. METHODS: A
      prospective cohort study was conducted at primary health care settings. Patients
      completed the HRQL social functioning (SF)-12 health survey. Comparison of
      Physical Health Summary Score (PCS) and Mental Health Summary Score (MCS) was
      assessed at 6 months after treatment. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs)
      were used to examine the factors associated with changes in HRQL. RESULTS: In all
      patients, after 6 months of treatment there was a significant improvement in HRQL
      with the biggest increase in the PCS. A higher educational qualification had a
      strong significant positive effect on the mental HRQL. Psychological distress
      showed a significant negative association with physical and mental HRQL after six
      months. Permanent residence showed a significant positive association with mental
      HRQL among TB patients compared to those living in shack/traditional dwellings.
      Rating ones health as being good and fair/poor was significantly associated with
      poor physical HRQL. Twenty drinks or more in the past month had a significant
      negative effect on the physical HRQL. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that
      programmes targeted at improving TB treatment success should have specific
      interventions for patients with low educational background, impoverished
      households/communities and those with hazardous or harmful alcohol use.

PMID- 27137915
TI  - Determining Partition Coefficient (Log P), Distribution Coefficient (Log D) and
      Ionization Constant (pKa) in Early Drug Discovery.
AB  - An early prediction of physicochemical properties is highly desirable during drug
      discovery to find out a viable lead candidate. Although there are several methods
      available to determine partition coefficient (log P), distribution coefficient
      (log D) and ionization constant (pKa), none of them involves simple and fixed,
      miniaturized protocols for diverse set of compounds. Therefore, it is necessary
      to establish simple, uniform and medium-throughput protocols requiring small
      sample quantities for the determination of these physicochemical properties. Log
      P and log D were determined by shake flask method, wherein, the compound was
      partitioned between presaturated noctanol and water phase (water/PBS pH 7.4) and
      the concentration of compound in each phase was determined by HPLC. The pKa
      determination made use of UV spectrophotometric analysis in a 96-well microtiter
      plate containing a series of aqueous buffers ranging from pH 1.0 to 13.0. The
      medium-throughput miniaturized protocols described herein, for determination of
      log P, log D and pKa, are straightforward to set up and require very small
      quantities of sample (< 5 mg for all three properties). All established protocols
      were validated using diverse set of compounds.

PMID- 27137916
TI  - Molecular Modeling Study on Diazine Indole Acetic Acid Derivatives for CRTH2
      Inhibitory Activity.
AB  - In the present work, molecular modeling studies have been reported on a series of
      diazine indole acetic acid derivatives to analyze the structure-activity
      relationship studies of CRTH2 using fragment (Topomer CoMFA and HQSAR) and field
      (CoMFA and CoMSIA) based QSAR methods. Twenty-six compounds were used as a
      training set to establish the model, and six compounds were used as a test set to
      validate the model. The generated models exhibited good statistical results such
      as correlation coefficient (r2) and the cross-validated correlation coefficient
      (q2). Topomer CoMFA analysis yielded the q2 of 0.610 and r2 of 0.981. HQSAR model
      generated using bond and connectivity as fragment distinction and 3-6 as fragment
      size has the q2 value of 0.707 and conventional r2 value of 0.892 with five
      components. CoMFA model was assessed by cross-validated q2 value of 0.543 and r2
      value of 0.901 with steric and electrostatic fields. CoMSIA model generated using
      steric, hydrophobic and donor fields with q2 value of 0.550 and r2 value of 0.888
      was found to be the optimal model among the various models generated. The contour
      maps were generated to analyze the important structural features that regulate
      their inhibitory potency. From the result of contour maps we have suggested the
      critical sites for chemical modification which will be useful in designing potent
      compounds with improved activity.

PMID- 27137917
TI  - Erratum to: Environmental modeling of uranium interstitial compositions of non
      stoichiometric oxides: experimental and theoretical analysis.

PMID- 27137918
TI  - The Human Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter (hSGLT1) Is a Disulfide-Bridged Homodimer
      with a Re-Entrant C-Terminal Loop.
AB  - Na-coupled cotransporters are proteins that use the trans-membrane
      electrochemical gradient of Na to activate the transport of a second solute. The
      sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) constitutes a well-studied prototype of
      this transport mechanism but essential molecular characteristics, namely its
      quaternary structure and the exact arrangement of the C-terminal transmembrane
      segments, are still debated. After expression in Xenopus oocytes, human SGLT1
      molecules (hSGLT1) were labelled on an externally accessible cysteine residue
      with a thiol-reactive fluorophore (tetramethylrhodamine-C5-maleimide, TMR).
      Addition of dipicrylamine (DPA, a negatively-charged amphiphatic fluorescence
      "quencher") to the fluorescently-labelled oocytes is used to quench the
      fluorescence originating from hSGLT1 in a voltage-dependent manner. Using this
      arrangement with a cysteine residue introduced at position 624 in the loop
      between transmembrane segments 12 and 13, the voltage-dependent fluorescence
      signal clearly indicated that this portion of the 12-13 loop is located on the
      external side of the membrane. As the 12-13 loop begins on the intracellular side
      of the membrane, this suggests that the 12-13 loop is re-entrant. Using
      fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), we observed that different hSGLT1
      molecules are within molecular distances from each other suggesting a multimeric
      complex arrangement. In agreement with this conclusion, a western blot analysis
      showed that hSGLT1 migrates as either a monomer or a dimer in reducing and non
      reducing conditions, respectively. A systematic mutational study of endogenous
      cysteine residues in hSGLT1 showed that a disulfide bridge is formed between the
      C355 residues of two neighbouring hSGLT1 molecules. It is concluded that, 1)
      hSGLT1 is expressed as a disulfide bridged homodimer via C355 and that 2) a
      portion of the intracellular 12-13 loop is re-entrant and readily accessible from
      the extracellular milieu.

PMID- 27137919
TI  - Malnutrition increases frailty among older adults: How?

PMID- 27137920
TI  - A novel lipid transfer protein from the pea Pisum sativum: isolation, recombinant
      expression, solution structure, antifungal activity, lipid binding, and
      allergenic properties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plant lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) assemble a family of small (7-9
      kDa) ubiquitous cationic proteins with an ability to bind and transport lipids as
      well as participate in various physiological processes including defense against
      phytopathogens. They also form one of the most clinically relevant classes of
      plant allergens. Nothing is known to date about correlation between lipid-binding
      and IgE-binding properties of LTPs. The garden pea Pisum sativum is widely
      consumed crop and important allergenic specie of the legume family. This work is
      aimed at isolation of a novel LTP from pea seeds and characterization of its
      structural, functional, and allergenic properties. RESULTS: Three novel lipid
      transfer proteins, designated as Ps-LTP1-3, were found in the garden pea Pisum
      sativum, their cDNA sequences were determined, and mRNA expression levels of all
      the three proteins were measured at different pea organs. Ps-LTP1 was isolated
      for the first time from the pea seeds, and its complete amino acid sequence was
      determined. The protein exhibits antifungal activity and is a membrane-active
      compound that causes a leakage from artificial liposomes. The protein binds
      various lipids including bioactive jasmonic acid. Spatial structure of the
      recombinant uniformly (13)C,(15)N-labelled Ps-LTP1 was solved by heteronuclear
      NMR spectroscopy. In solution the unliganded protein represents the mixture of
      two conformers (relative populations ~ 85:15) which are interconnected by
      exchange process with characteristic time ~ 100 ms. Hydrophobic residues of major
      conformer form a relatively large internal tunnel-like lipid-binding cavity (van
      der Waals volume comes up to ~1000 A(3)). The minor conformer probably
      corresponds to the protein with the partially collapsed internal cavity.
      CONCLUSIONS: For the first time conformational heterogeneity in solution was
      shown for an unliganded plant lipid transfer protein. Heat denaturation profile
      and simulated gastrointestinal digestion assay showed that Ps-LTP1 displayed a
      high thermal and digestive proteolytic resistance proper for food allergens. The
      reported structural and immunological findings seem to describe Ps-LTP1 as
      potential cross-reactive allergen in LTP-sensitized patients, mostly Pru p 3(+)
      ones. Similarly to allergenic LTPs the potential IgE-binding epitope of Ps-LTP1
      is located near the proposed entrance into internal cavity and could be involved
      in lipid-binding.

PMID- 27137921
TI  - A two-photon fluorescent probe for bio-imaging of formaldehyde in living cells
      and tissues.
AB  - Formaldehyde (FA) plays an important role in living systems as a reactive
      carbonyl species (RCS). An abnormal degree of FA is known to induce
      neurodegeneration, cognitive decrease and memory loss owing to the formation of
      strong cross-link DNA and protein and other molecules. The development of
      efficient methods for biological FA detection is of great biomedical importance.
      Although a few one-photon FA fluorescent probes have been reported for imaging in
      living cells, probes excited by two photons are more suitable for bio-imaging due
      to their low background fluorescence, less photobleaching, and deep penetration
      depth. In this study, a two-photon fluorescent probe for FA detection and bio
      imaging in living cells and tissues was reported. The detection is based on the 2
      aza-Cope sigmatropic rearrangement followed by elimination to release the
      fluorophore, resulting in both one- and two-photon excited fluorescence increase.
      The probe showed a high sensitivity to FA with a detection limit of 0.2 MUM.
      Moreover, enabled the two-photon bio-imaging of FA in live HEK-293 cells and
      tissues with tissue-imaging depths of 40-170 MUm. Furthermore, could be applied
      for the monitoring of endogenous FA in live MCF-7 cells, presaging its practical
      applications in biological systems. 

PMID- 27137925
TI  - Response: Some lessons learned from negative results of a randomized controlled
      trial for bladder reinnervation with the Xiao procedure.

PMID- 27137927
TI  - Structure and Mechanism of Isopropylmalate Dehydrogenase from Arabidopsis
      thaliana: INSIGHTS ON LEUCINE AND ALIPHATIC GLUCOSINOLATE BIOSYNTHESIS.
AB  - Isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (IPMDH) and 3-(2'-methylthio)ethylmalate
      dehydrogenase catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of different beta
      hydroxyacids in the leucine- and methionine-derived glucosinolate biosynthesis
      pathways, respectively, in plants. Evolution of the glucosinolate biosynthetic
      enzyme from IPMDH results from a single amino acid substitution that alters
      substrate specificity. Here, we present the x-ray crystal structures of
      Arabidopsis thaliana IPMDH2 (AtIPMDH2) in complex with either isopropylmalate and
      Mg(2+) or NAD(+) These structures reveal conformational changes that occur upon
      ligand binding and provide insight on the active site of the enzyme. The x-ray
      structures and kinetic analysis of site-directed mutants are consistent with a
      chemical mechanism in which Lys-232 activates a water molecule for catalysis.
      Structural analysis of the AtIPMDH2 K232M mutant and isothermal titration
      calorimetry supports a key role of Lys-232 in the reaction mechanism. This study
      suggests that IPMDH-like enzymes in both leucine and glucosinolate biosynthesis
      pathways use a common mechanism and that members of the beta-hydroxyacid
      reductive decarboxylase family employ different active site features for similar
      reactions.

PMID- 27137926
TI  - GREAT-a randomized controlled trial comparing HydroSoft/HydroFrame and bare
      platinum coils for endovascular aneurysm treatment: procedural safety and core
      lab-assessedangiographic results.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hybrid hydrogel-platinum coils (HydroCoil) have proven effective
      for endovascular aneurysm treatment. To overcome technical limitations (coil
      stiffness, time restriction for placement), a second generation of softer
      hydrogel coils has been brought to clinical practice (HydroSoft, HydroFrame). We
      report on procedural safety and core-lab-assessed angiographic results from an
      open-label multicenter randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Web-based
      randomization occurred in 15 medical centers in France and seven in Germany
      between coil embolization with second-generation hydrogel coils and treatment
      with any bare platinum coil. Assist devices could be used as clinically required.
      Primary endpoint is a composite outcome including major aneurysm recurrence and
      poor clinical outcome at 18 months follow-up. RESULTS: Five hundred thirteen
      patients were randomized (hydrogel n = 256, bare platinum n = 257). Twenty
      patients were excluded for missing informed consent and nine patients for
      treatment related criteria. Four hundred eighty-four patients were analyzed as
      randomized (hydrogel n = 243, bare platinum n = 241). Two hundred eight had
      ruptured aneurysms (43 %). Prespecified procedural complications occurred in 58
      subjects (hydrogel n = 28, bare platinum n = 30, p = 0.77). The 14-day mortality
      rate was 2.1 % in both arms of the study. The median calculated packing densities
      for aneurysms assigned to hydrogel and bare platinum were 39 and 31 %
      respectively (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found
      between arms in the post procedural angiographic occlusion rate (p = 0.8).
      CONCLUSION: Second-generation hydrogel coils can be used in a wide spectrum of
      aneurysms with a risk profile equivalent to bare platinum. Packing density was
      significantly higher in aneurysms treated with hydrogel coils. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: http://www.germanctr.de , DRKS00003132.

PMID- 27137924
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27137923
TI  - Abstracts from the 8th Annual Meeting of the Scientific Association of Swiss
      Radiation Oncology (SASRO).

PMID- 27137929
TI  - Structure of the GTP Form of Elongation Factor 4 (EF4) Bound to the Ribosome.
AB  - Elongation factor 4 (EF4) is a member of the family of ribosome-dependent
      translational GTPase factors, along with elongation factor G and BPI-inducible
      protein A. Although EF4 is highly conserved in bacterial, mitochondrial, and
      chloroplast genomes, its exact biological function remains controversial. Here we
      present the cryo-EM reconstitution of the GTP form of EF4 bound to the ribosome
      with P and E site tRNAs at 3.8-A resolution. Interestingly, our structure reveals
      an unrotated ribosome rather than a clockwise-rotated ribosome, as observed in
      the presence of EF4-GDP and P site tRNA. In addition, we also observed a
      counterclockwise-rotated form of the above complex at 5.7-A resolution. Taken
      together, our results shed light on the interactions formed between EF4, the
      ribosome, and the P site tRNA and illuminate the GTPase activation mechanism at
      previously unresolved detail.

PMID- 27137928
TI  - Role of Aromatic Amino Acids in Lipopolysaccharide and Membrane Interactions of
      Antimicrobial Peptides for Use in Plant Disease Control.
AB  - KYE28 (KYEITTIHNLFRKLTHRLFRRNFGYT-LR), the representative sequence of helix D of
      heparin co-factor II, was demonstrated to be potent against agronomically
      important Gram-negative plant pathogens Xanthomonas vesicatoria and Xanthomonas
      oryzae, capable of inhibiting disease symptoms in detached tomato leaves. NMR
      studies in the presence of lipopolysaccharide provided structural insights into
      the mechanisms underlying this, notably in relationship to outer membrane
      permeabilization. The three-dimensional solution structure of KYE28 in LPS is
      characterized by an N-terminal helical segment, an intermediate loop followed by
      another short helical stretch, and an extended C terminus. The two termini are in
      close proximity to each other via aromatic packing interactions, whereas the
      positively charged residues form an exterior polar shell. To further demonstrate
      the importance of the aromatic residues for this, a mutant peptide KYE28A, with
      Ala substitutions at Phe(11), Phe(19), Phe(23), and Tyr(25) was designed, which
      showed attenuated antimicrobial activity at high salt concentrations, as well as
      lower membrane disruption and LPS binding abilities compared with KYE28. In
      contrast to KYE28, KYE28A adopted an extended helical structure in LPS with
      extended N and C termini. Aromatic packing interactions were completely lost,
      although hydrophobic interaction between the side chains of hydrophobic residues
      were still partly retained, imparting an amphipathic character and explaining its
      residual antimicrobial activity and LPS binding as observed from ellipsometry and
      isothermal titration calorimetry. We thus present key structural aspects of
      KYE28, constituting an aromatic zipper, of potential importance for the
      development of novel plant protection agents and therapeutic agents.

PMID- 27137930
TI  - The Amplifying Pathway of the beta-Cell Contributes to Diet-induced Obesity.
AB  - Efficient energy storage in adipose tissues requires optimal function of the
      insulin-producing beta-cell, whereas its dysfunction promotes diabetes. The
      associated paradox related to beta-cell efficiency is that excessive accumulation
      of fat in adipose tissue predisposes for type 2 diabetes. Insulin exocytosis is
      regulated by intracellular metabolic signal transduction, with glutamate
      dehydrogenase playing a key role in the amplification of the secretory response.
      Here, we used mice with beta-cell-selective glutamate dehydrogenase deletion
      (betaGlud1(-/-)), lacking an amplifying pathway of insulin secretion. As opposed
      to control mice, betaGlud1(-/-) animals fed a high calorie diet maintained
      glucose tolerance and did not develop diet-induced obesity. Islets of betaGlud1(
      /-) mice did not increase their secretory response upon high calorie feeding, as
      did islets of control mice. Inhibited adipose tissue expansion observed in knock
      out mice correlated with lower expression of genes responsible for adipogenesis.
      Rather than being efficiently stored, lipids were consumed at a higher rate in
      betaGlud1(-/-) mice compared with controls, in particular during food intake
      periods. These results show that reduced beta-cell function prior to high calorie
      feeding prevented diet-induced obesity.

PMID- 27137931
TI  - Ezrin Inhibition Up-regulates Stress Response Gene Expression.
AB  - Ezrin is a member of the ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) family of proteins that links
      cortical cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane. High expression of ezrin correlates
      with poor prognosis and metastasis in osteosarcoma. In this study, to uncover
      specific cellular responses evoked by ezrin inhibition that can be used as a
      specific pharmacodynamic marker(s), we profiled global gene expression in
      osteosarcoma cells after treatment with small molecule ezrin inhibitors,
      NSC305787 and NSC668394. We identified and validated several up-regulated
      integrated stress response genes including PTGS2, ATF3, DDIT3, DDIT4, TRIB3, and
      ATF4 as novel ezrin-regulated transcripts. Analysis of transcriptional response
      in skin and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from NSC305787-treated mice
      compared with a control group revealed that, among those genes, the stress gene
      DDIT4/REDD1 may be used as a surrogate pharmacodynamic marker of ezrin inhibitor
      compound activity. In addition, we validated the anti-metastatic effects of
      NSC305787 in reducing the incidence of lung metastasis in a genetically
      engineered mouse model of osteosarcoma and evaluated the pharmacokinetics of
      NSC305787 and NSC668394 in mice. In conclusion, our findings suggest that
      cytoplasmic ezrin, previously considered a dormant and inactive protein, has
      important functions in regulating gene expression that may result in down
      regulation of stress response genes.

PMID- 27137932
TI  - Pancreatic beta-Cell Death due to Pdx-1 Deficiency Requires Multi-BH Domain
      Protein Bax but Not Bak.
AB  - Diabetes develops in Pdx1-haploinsufficient mice due to an increase in beta-cell
      death leading to reduced beta-cell mass and decreased insulin secretion.
      Knockdown of Pdx1 gene expression in mouse MIN6 insulinoma cells induced
      apoptotic cell death with an increase in Bax activation and knockdown of Bax
      reduced apoptotic beta-cell death. In Pdx1 haploinsufficient mice, Bax ablation
      in beta-cells increased beta-cell mass, decreased the number of TUNEL positive
      cells and improved glucose tolerance after glucose challenge. These changes were
      not observed with Bak ablation in Pdx1-haploinsufficient mice. These results
      suggest that Bax mediates beta-cell apoptosis in Pdx1-deficient diabetes.

PMID- 27137933
TI  - Interferon Regulatory Factor 8 (IRF8) Impairs Induction of Interferon Induced
      with Tetratricopeptide Repeat Motif (IFIT) Gene Family Members.
AB  - The chromosomally clustered interferon-induced with tetratricopeptide repeat
      motif (IFIT) gene family members share structural features at the gene and
      protein levels. Despite these similarities, different IFIT genes have distinct
      inducer- and cell type-specific induction patterns. Here, we investigated the
      mechanism for the observed differential induction of the mouse Ifit1, Ifit2, and
      Ifit3 genes in B cells and demonstrated that the repressive effect of the
      transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), which is highly
      expressed in B cells, played an essential role in this regulation. Although IRF8
      could impair induction of all three IFIT genes following stimulation of retinoic
      acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), it could selectively impair the induction of the
      Ifit1 gene following IFN stimulation. The above properties could be imparted to
      IRF8-non-expressing cells by ectopic expression of the protein. Induction of
      reporter genes, driven by truncated Ifit1 promoters, identified the regions that
      mediate the repression, and a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that
      more IRF8 bound to the IFN-stimulated response element of the Ifit1 gene than to
      those of the Ifit2 and the Ifit3 genes. Mutational analyses of IRF8 showed that
      its ability to bind DNA, interact with other proteins, and undergo sumoylation
      were all necessary to selectively repress Ifit1 gene induction in response to
      IFN. Our study revealed a new role for IRFs in differentially regulating the
      induction patterns of closely related IFN-stimulated genes that are located
      adjacent to one another in the mouse genome.

PMID- 27137934
TI  - Design of a Genetically Stable High Fidelity Coxsackievirus B3 Polymerase That
      Attenuates Virus Growth in Vivo.
AB  - Positive strand RNA viruses replicate via a virally encoded RNA-dependent RNA
      polymerase (RdRP) that uses a unique palm domain active site closure mechanism to
      establish the canonical two-metal geometry needed for catalysis. This mechanism
      allows these viruses to evolutionarily fine-tune their replication fidelity to
      create an appropriate distribution of genetic variants known as a quasispecies.
      Prior work has shown that mutations in conserved motif A drastically alter RdRP
      fidelity, which can be either increased or decreased depending on the viral
      polymerase background. In the work presented here, we extend these studies to
      motif D, a region that forms the outer edge of the NTP entry channel where it may
      act as a nucleotide sensor to trigger active site closure. Crystallography,
      stopped-flow kinetics, quench-flow reactions, and infectious virus studies were
      used to characterize 15 engineered mutations in coxsackievirus B3 polymerase.
      Mutations that interfere with the transport of the metal A Mg(2+) ion into the
      active site had only minor effects on RdRP function, but the stacking interaction
      between Phe(364) and Pro(357), which is absolutely conserved in enteroviral
      polymerases, was found to be critical for processive elongation and virus growth.
      Mutating Phe(364) to tryptophan resulted in a genetically stable high fidelity
      virus variant with significantly reduced pathogenesis in mice. The data further
      illustrate the importance of the palm domain movement for RdRP active site
      closure and demonstrate that protein engineering can be used to alter viral
      polymerase function and attenuate virus growth and pathogenesis.

PMID- 27137935
TI  - Conversion of Fibroblasts to Parvalbumin Neurons by One Transcription Factor,
      Ascl1, and the Chemical Compound Forskolin.
AB  - Abnormalities in parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons cause
      neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia. Unlike
      other types of neurons that can be efficiently differentiated from pluripotent
      stem cells, PV neurons were minimally generated using a conventional
      differentiation strategy. In this study we developed an adenovirus-based
      transdifferentiation strategy that incorporates an additional chemical compound
      for the efficient generation of induced PV (iPV) neurons. The chemical compound
      forskolin combined with Ascl1 induced ~80% of mouse fibroblasts to iPV neurons.
      The iPV neurons generated by this procedure matured 5-7 days post infection and
      were characterized by electrophysiological properties and known neuronal markers,
      such as PV and GABA. Our studies, therefore, identified an efficient approach for
      generating PV neurons.

PMID- 27137936
TI  - Molecular Basis of Transient Neonatal Zinc Deficiency: NOVEL ZnT2 MUTATIONS
      DISRUPTING ZINC BINDING AND PERMEATION.
AB  - A gradually increasing number of transient neonatal zinc deficiency (TNZD) cases
      was recently reported, all of which were associated with inactivating ZnT2
      mutations. Here we characterized the impact of three novel heterozygous ZnT2
      mutations G280R, T312M, and E355Q, which cause TNZD in exclusively breastfed
      infants of Japanese mothers. We used the bimolecular fluorescence complementation
      (BiFC) assay to provide direct visual evidence for the in situ dimerization of
      these ZnT2 mutants, and to explore their subcellular localization. Moreover,
      using three complementary functional assays, zinc accumulation using BiFC-Zinquin
      and Zinpyr-1 fluorescence as well as zinc toxicity assay, we determined the
      impact of these ZnT2 mutations on vesicular zinc accumulation. Although all three
      mutants formed homodimers with the wild type (WT) ZnT2 and retained substantial
      vesicular localization, as well as vesicular zinc accumulation, they had no
      dominant-negative effect over the WT ZnT2. Furthermore, using advanced
      bioinformatics, structural modeling, and site-directed mutagenesis we found that
      these mutations localized at key residues, which play an important physiological
      role in zinc coordination (G280R and E355Q) and zinc permeation (T312M).
      Collectively, our findings establish that some heterozygous loss of function ZnT2
      mutations disrupt zinc binding and zinc permeation, thereby suggesting a
      haploinsufficiency state for the unaffected WT ZnT2 allele in TNZD pathogenesis.
      These results highlight the burning need for the development of a suitable
      genetic screen for the early diagnosis of TNZD to prevent morbidity.

PMID- 27137937
TI  - Mitochondrial Quality Control Proteases in Neuronal Welfare.
AB  - The functional integrity of mitochondria is a critical determinant of neuronal
      health and compromised mitochondrial function is a commonly recognized factor
      that underlies a plethora of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
      Metabolic demands of neural cells require high bioenergetic outputs that are
      often associated with enhanced production of reactive oxygen species. Unopposed
      accumulation of these respiratory byproducts over time leads to oxidative damage
      and imbalanced protein homeostasis within mitochondrial subcompartments, which in
      turn may result in cellular demise. The post-mitotic nature of neurons and their
      vulnerability to these stress factors necessitate strict protein homeostatic
      control to prevent such scenarios. A series of evolutionarily conserved proteases
      is one of the central elements of mitochondrial quality control. These versatile
      proteolytic enzymes conduct a multitude of activities to preserve normal
      mitochondrial function during organelle biogenesis, metabolic remodeling and
      stress. In this review we discuss neuroprotective aspects of mitochondrial
      quality control proteases and neuropathological manifestations arising from
      defective proteolysis within the mitochondrion.

PMID- 27137938
TI  - Brain Microstructure and Impulsivity Differ between Current and Past
      Methamphetamine Users.
AB  - Methamphetamine (Meth) use disorder continues to be highly prevalent worldwide.
      Meth users have higher impulsivity and brain abnormalities that may be different
      between current and past Meth users. The current study assessed impulsivity and
      depressive symptoms in 94 participants (27 current Meth users, 32 past Meth users
      and 35 non-drug user controls). Additionally, brain microstructure was assessed
      using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI); fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean
      diffusivity (MD) were assessed in the striatum, and FA, MD, radial and axial
      diffusivity were quantified in five white matter structures using
      DtiStudio.Across the three subject groups, current users had the highest self
      reported impulsivity scores, while both Meth user groups had larger striatal
      structures than the controls. Past Meth users had the highest FA and lowest MD in
      the striatum, which is likely due to greater magnetic susceptibility from higher
      iron content and greater dendritic spine density. In white matter tracts, current
      Meth users had higher AD than past users, indicating greater water diffusion
      along the axons, and suggesting inflammation with axonal swelling. In contrast,
      past users had the lowest AD, indicating more restricted diffusion, which might
      have resulted from reactive gliosis. Although current Meth users had greater
      impulsivity than past users, the brain microstructural abnormalities showed
      differences that may reflect different stages of neuroinflammation or iron
      induced neurodegeneration. Combining current and past Meth users may lead to
      greater variability in studies of Meth users. Longitudinal studies are needed to
      further evaluate the relationship between recency of Meth use and brain
      microstructure.

PMID- 27137939
TI  - HpDTC1, a Stress-Inducible Bifunctional Diterpene Cyclase Involved in Momilactone
      Biosynthesis, Functions in Chemical Defence in the Moss Hypnum plumaeforme.
AB  - Momilactones, which are diterpenoid phytoalexins with antimicrobial and
      allelopathic functions, have been found only in rice and the moss Hypnum
      plumaeforme. Although these two evolutionarily distinct plant species are thought
      to produce momilactones as a chemical defence, the momilactone biosynthetic
      pathway in H. plumaeforme has been unclear. Here, we identified a gene encoding
      syn-pimara-7,15-diene synthase (HpDTC1) responsible for the first step of
      momilactone biosynthesis in the moss. HpDTC1 is a bifunctional diterpene cyclase
      that catalyses a two-step cyclization reaction of geranylgeranyl diphosphate to
      syn-pimara-7,15-diene. HpDTC1 transcription was up-regulated in response to
      abiotic and biotic stress treatments. HpDTC1 promoter-GUS analysis in transgenic
      Physcomitrella patens showed similar transcriptional responses as H. plumaeforme
      to the stresses, suggesting that a common response system to stress exists in
      mosses. Jasmonic acid (JA), a potent signalling molecule for inducing plant
      defences, could not activate HpDTC1 expression. In contrast, 12-oxo-phytodienoic
      acid, an oxylipin precursor of JA in vascular plants, enhanced HpDTC1 expression
      and momilactone accumulation, implying that as-yet-unknown oxylipins could
      regulate momilactone biosynthesis in H. plumaeforme. These results demonstrate
      the existence of an evolutionarily conserved chemical defence system utilizing
      momilactones and suggest the molecular basis of the regulation for inductive
      production of momilactones in H. plumaeforme.

PMID- 27137940
TI  - Prevalence of Self-Reported Work-Related Injuries and Their Association with
      Psychological Symptoms in General Working Population of Taiwan.
AB  - Objectives This study investigated the prevalence of self-reported work-related
      injuries across occupational groups and examined their association with the risk
      of psychological symptoms in general working population of Taiwan. Methods Data
      from a national survey conducted in 2013 of a representative sample of general
      working people of Taiwan was analyzed, consisting of 12,528 male and 8396 female
      workers aged 25~65 years. Information about work-related injuries including work
      related disease occurred over the previous 12 months prior to the survey was
      obtained by a standardized questionnaire. The presence of psychological symptoms
      was assessed by the Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS). Also obtained were
      participants' socio-demographic characteristics, working hours, job control,
      psychological job demands, physical job demands and job insecurity. Results Over
      a year, 14.91 % of male and 11.53 % of female working people had experienced work
      related injuries. Workers with lower educational level, manual workers, the self
      employed as well as employers of small enterprise were at higher risks for work
      related injuries. Findings from multivariate logistic regression analyses with
      adjustment of gender, age, working hours and psychosocial work conditions showed
      that employees with experiences of work-related injuries over the past year were
      at a substantially higher risk for psychological symptoms (OR = 2.42) as compared
      to employees who had no experiences of work-related injuries. Conclusion A
      sizable proportion of workers are affected by work-related injuries and these
      workers are at higher risk for psychological symptoms. The psychosocial
      consequences of work-related injuries deserve further investigation and
      interventions.

PMID- 27137941
TI  - Mimicking Metastases Including Tumor Stroma: A New Technique to Generate a Three
      Dimensional Colorectal Cancer Model Based on a Biological Decellularized
      Intestinal Scaffold.
AB  - Tumor models based on cancer cell lines cultured two-dimensionally (2D) on
      plastic lack histological complexity and functionality compared to the native
      microenvironment. Xenogenic mouse tumor models display higher complexity but
      often do not predict human drug responses accurately due to species-specific
      differences. We present here a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro colon cancer model
      based on a biological scaffold derived from decellularized porcine jejunum (small
      intestine submucosa+mucosa, SISmuc). Two different cell lines were used in
      monoculture or in coculture with primary fibroblasts. After 14 days of culture,
      we demonstrated a close contact of human Caco2 colon cancer cells with the
      preserved basement membrane on an ultrastructural level as well as morphological
      characteristics of a well-differentiated epithelium. To generate a tissue
      engineered tumor model, we chose human SW480 colon cancer cells, a reportedly
      malignant cell line. Malignant characteristics were confirmed in 2D cell culture:
      SW480 cells showed higher vimentin and lower E-cadherin expression than Caco2
      cells. In contrast to Caco2, SW480 cells displayed cancerous characteristics such
      as delocalized E-cadherin and nuclear location of beta-catenin in a subset of
      cells. One central drawback of 2D cultures-especially in consideration of drug
      testing-is their artificially high proliferation. In our 3D tissue-engineered
      tumor model, both cell lines showed decreased numbers of proliferating cells,
      thus correlating more precisely with observations of primary colon cancer in all
      stages (UICC I-IV). Moreover, vimentin decreased in SW480 colon cancer cells,
      indicating a mesenchymal to epithelial transition process, attributed to
      metastasis formation. Only SW480 cells cocultured with fibroblasts induced the
      formation of tumor-like aggregates surrounded by fibroblasts, whereas in Caco2
      cocultures, a separate Caco2 cell layer was formed separated from the fibroblast
      compartment beneath. To foster tissue generation, a bioreactor was constructed
      for dynamic culture approaches. This induced a close tissue-like association of
      cultured tumor cells with fibroblasts reflecting tumor biopsies. Therapy with 5
      fluorouracil (5-FU) was effective only in 3D coculture. In conclusion, our 3D
      tumor model reflects human tissue-related tumor characteristics, including lower
      tumor cell proliferation. It is now available for drug testing in metastatic
      context-especially for substances targeting tumor-stroma interactions.

PMID- 27137922
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27137943
TI  - Kleine-Levin Syndrome.
AB  - Kleine-Levin syndrome is a rare recurrent hypersomnia associated with symptoms of
      behavioral and cognitive impairment. This article reviews common presenting
      symptoms, differential diagnosis, diagnostic workup, and potential treatment
      options. Current updates on functional imaging studies and long-term
      neuropsychological studies are reviewed. 

PMID- 27137945
TI  - Erratum to Pottegard et al. "Antithrombotic drugs and subarachnoid haemorrhage
      risk: A nationwide case-control study in Denmark" (Thromb Haemost 2014; 5: 1064
      1075).
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1160/TH15-04-0316.]. 

PMID- 27137944
TI  - Cued Reactivation of Motor Learning during Sleep Leads to Overnight Changes in
      Functional Brain Activity and Connectivity.
AB  - Sleep plays a role in memory consolidation. This is demonstrated by improved
      performance and neural plasticity underlying that improvement after sleep.
      Targeted memory reactivation (TMR) allows the manipulation of sleep-dependent
      consolidation through intentionally biasing the replay of specific memories in
      sleep, but the underlying neural basis of these altered memories remains unclear.
      We use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to show a change in the
      neural representation of a motor memory after targeted reactivation in slow-wave
      sleep (SWS). Participants learned two serial reaction time task (SRTT) sequences
      associated with different auditory tones (high or low pitch). During subsequent
      SWS, one sequence was reactivated by replaying the associated tones. Participants
      were retested on both sequences the following day during fMRI. As predicted, they
      showed faster reaction times for the cued sequence after targeted memory
      reactivation. Furthermore, increased activity in bilateral caudate nucleus and
      hippocampus for the cued relative to uncued sequence was associated with time in
      SWS, while increased cerebellar and cortical motor activity was related to time
      in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Functional connectivity between the caudate
      nucleus and hippocampus was also increased after targeted memory reactivation.
      These findings suggest that the offline performance gains associated with memory
      reactivation are supported by altered functional activity in key cognitive and
      motor networks, and that this consolidation is differentially mediated by both
      REM sleep and SWS.

PMID- 27137946
TI  - Evolution of Stage 1 Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS): Systematic Review
      and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The natural history of stage 1 Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
      (TTTS) remains unclear and its optimal management is yet to be established. The
      main aims of this meta-analysis were to quantify the incidence of progression in
      stage 1 TTTS and to ascertain survival in these pregnancies. METHODS: MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library were searched. Reference lists within each
      article were hand-searched for additional reports. The outcomes included
      incidence of progression and survival in stage 1 TTTS. Randomized controlled
      trials, cohort and case-control studies were included. Case reports, studies
      including three or fewer cases of stage 1 TTTS, and editorials were excluded.
      Proportion meta-analysis was used for analysis (Registration number:
      CRD42016036190). RESULTS: The search yielded 3,085 citations; 18 studies were
      included in the review (172 pregnancies to assess progression and 433 pregnancies
      to assess the survival). The pooled incidence of progression in stage 1 TTTS was
      27% [95% CI 16-39%]. The pooled overall survival, double survival and at least
      one survival in the pregnancies managed expectantly were 79% [95% CI 62-92%], 70%
      [95% CI 54-84%] and 87% [95% CI 69-98%], respectively. In those undergoing
      amnioreduction, the corresponding figures were 77% [95% CI 68-85%], 67% [95% CI
      57-76%] and 86% [95% CI 76-94%], respectively. The survival rates were 68% [95%
      CI 54-81%], 54% [95% CI 36-72%], and 81% [95% CI 69-90%], when laser surgery was
      performed. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal initial management of stage 1 TTTS remains in
      equipoise. The ongoing randomized trial comparing immediate laser surgery versus
      conservative management should provide a definitive answer.

PMID- 27137947
TI  - Lanthanide-directed synthesis of luminescent self-assembly supramolecular
      structures and mechanically bonded systems from acyclic coordinating organic
      ligands.
AB  - Herein some examples of the use of lanthanide ions (f-metal ions) to direct the
      synthesis of luminescent self-assembly systems (architectures) will be discussed.
      This area of lanthanide supramolecular chemistry is fast growing, thanks to the
      unique physical (magnetic and luminescent) and coordination properties of the
      lanthanides, which are often transferred to the resulting supermolecule. The
      emphasis herein will be on systems that are luminescent, and hence, generated by
      using either visibly emitting ions (such as Eu(III), Tb(III) and Sm(III)) or near
      infrared emitting ions (like Nd(III), Yb(III) and Er(III)), formed through the
      use of templating chemistry, by employing structurally simple ligands, possessing
      oxygen and nitrogen coordinating moieties. As the lanthanides have high
      coordination requirements, their use often allows for the formation of
      coordination compounds and supramolecular systems such as bundles, grids,
      helicates and interlocked molecules that are not synthetically accessible through
      the use of other commonly used templating ions such as transition metal ions.
      Hence, the use of the rare-earth metal ions can lead to the formation of unique
      and stable species in both solution and in the solid state, as well as functional
      and responsive structures.

PMID- 27137948
TI  - Global, cancer-specific microRNA cluster hypomethylation was functionally
      associated with the development of non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While hepatitis B and C viral infection have been suppressed, non-B
      non-C hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC) is considered to be rising in incidence
      terms in some developed countries where prevalence of those viral infections
      among HCC patients had been very high (such as Japan, Korea, and Italy). To
      elucidate critical molecular changes in NBNC-HCC, we integrated three large
      datasets relating to comprehensive array-based analysis of genome-wide DNA
      methylation (N = 43 pairs) and mRNA/miRNA expression (N = 15, and 24 pairs,
      respectively) via statistical modeling. RESULTS: Hierarchical clustering of DNA
      methylation in miRNA coding regions clearly distinguished NBNC-HCC tissue samples
      from relevant background tissues, revealing a remarkable tumor-specific
      hypomethylation cluster. In addition, miRNA clusters were extremely
      hypomethylated in tumor samples (median methylation change for non-clustered
      miRNAs: -2.3%, clustered miRNAs: -24.6%). The proportion of CpGs hypomethylated
      in more than 90% of the samples was 55.9% of all CpGs within miRNA clusters, and
      the peak methylation level was drastically shifted from 84% to 39%. Following
      statistical adjustment, the difference in methylation levels within miRNA coding
      regions was positively associated with their expression change. Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed a great discriminatory ability
      in respect to cluster-miRNA methylation. Moreover, miRNA methylation change was
      negatively correlated with corresponding target gene expression amongst conserved
      and highly matched miRNA sites. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a drastic negative shift
      of methylation levels in miRNA cluster regions. Changes in methylation status of
      miRNAs were more indicative of target gene expression and pathological diagnosis
      than respective miRNA expression changes, suggesting the importance of genome
      wide miRNA methylation for tumor development. Our study dynamically summarized
      global miRNA hypomethylation and its genome-wide scale consequence in NBNC-HCC.

PMID- 27137949
TI  - Total Synthesis of Purported Cephalosporolides H and I, Penisporolide B, and
      Their Stereoisomers.
AB  - Development of a unified, bioinspired synthetic strategy to access four possible
      diastereomers of unique 2,2-dimethyl-[5,5]-spiroacetal-cis-fused-gamma-lactone
      (Me2SAFL) is reported, featuring pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC)-promoted
      oxidative ring expansion of beta-hydroxy cyclic ethers and dehydrative ring
      contraction rearrangement of 10-membered lactones. Synthetic utility of this
      strategy was demonstrated by total syntheses of 12 Me2SAFLs, corresponding to the
      purported cephalosporolide H (CesH), cephalosporolide I (CesI), and penisporolide
      B (PenB) and their possible diastereomers. Comprehensive NMR data analysis
      suggested that the tricyclic Me2SAFL core of CesH, CesI, and PenB should be
      revised to the same relative (3R*, 4R*, 6S*, 9R*) configuration and that the side
      chains required an unknown constitutional structure revision.

PMID- 27137950
TI  - Isometric exercise training lowers resting blood pressure and improves local
      brachial artery flow-mediated dilation equally in men and women.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Isometric resistance training has repeatedly shown to be an
      effective exercise modality in lowering resting blood pressure (BP), yet
      associated mechanisms and sex differences in the response to training remain
      unclear. Exploration into potential sex differences in the response to isometric
      resistance training is necessary, as it may allow for more optimal and sex-based
      exercise prescription, thereby maximizing the efficacy of the training
      intervention. PURPOSE: Therefore, we investigated, in normotensives, whether sex
      differences exist in the response to isometric handgrip (IHG) training. METHODS:
      Resting BP and endothelium-dependent vasodilation (brachial artery flow-mediated
      dilation; FMD) were assessed in 11 women (23 +/- 4 years) and 9 men (21 +/- 2
      years) prior to and following 8 weeks of IHG training (four, 2-min unilateral
      contractions at 30 % of maximal voluntary contraction; 3 days per week). RESULTS:
      Main effects of time were observed (all P < 0.05), whereby IHG training reduced
      systolic BP (Delta 8 +/- 6 mmHg), diastolic BP (Delta 2 +/- 3 mmHg), mean
      arterial pressure (Delta 4 +/- 3 mmHg), and pulse pressure (Delta 5 +/- 7 mmHg),
      accompanied by increases in absolute (Delta 0.09 +/- 0.15 mm) and relative (Delta
      2.4 +/- 4.1 %) brachial artery FMD; however, no significant sex differences were
      observed in the magnitude of post-training change in any variable assessed (all P
      > 0.05). CONCLUSION: IHG training effectively lowers resting BP and improves
      endothelium-dependent vasodilation in men and women, without significant sex
      differences in the magnitude of response.

PMID- 27137951
TI  - Protective effects of activated signaling pathways by insulin on C6 glial cell
      model of MPP+-induced Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder
      after Alzheimer's disease (AD) associated with mitochondrial dysfunction mediated
      by oxidative stress. Astrocytes regulate neuronal function via the modulation of
      synaptic transmission and plasticity, secretion of growth factors, uptake of
      neurotransmitters, and regulation of extracellular ion concentrations and
      metabolic support of neurons. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate
      the mechanism of action of insulin on a 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)
      induced toxicity of events associated in cell viability and toxicity to the
      expression profile of cell signaling pathway proteins and genes in rat C6 glial
      cells. The various concentrations of MPP+ alone inhibited cell viability in a
      dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of insulin prevented the cell death and
      lowered the intracellular reactive oxygen species and calcium ion influx by MPP+.
      Insulin also suppressed the alpha-synuclein and elevated the insulin signaling
      pathway molecules IR, IGF-1R, IRS-1 and IRS-2 in C6 cells through phosphorylation
      of Akt/ERK survival pathways. Moreover, insulin inhibits MPP+-induced Bax to Bcl
      2 ratio. These results suggest that insulin has a protective effect on the MPP+
      toxicity in C6 glial cells.

PMID- 27137952
TI  - The effect of epoch length on estimated EEG functional connectivity and brain
      network organisation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Graph theory and network science tools have revealed fundamental
      mechanisms of functional brain organization in resting-state M/EEG analysis.
      Nevertheless, it is still not clearly understood how several methodological
      aspects may bias the topology of the reconstructed functional networks. In this
      context, the literature shows inconsistency in the chosen length of the selected
      epochs, impeding a meaningful comparison between results from different studies.
      APPROACH: The aim of this study was to provide a network approach insensitive to
      the effects that epoch length has on functional connectivity and network
      reconstruction. Two different measures, the phase lag index (PLI) and the
      amplitude envelope correlation (AEC) were applied to EEG resting-state recordings
      for a group of 18 healthy volunteers using non-overlapping epochs with variable
      length (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 s). Weighted clustering coefficient
      (CCw), weighted characteristic path length (L w) and minimum spanning tree (MST)
      parameters were computed to evaluate the network topology. The analysis was
      performed on both scalp and source-space data. MAIN RESULTS: Results from scalp
      analysis show a decrease in both mean PLI and AEC values with an increase in
      epoch length, with a tendency to stabilize at a length of 12 s for PLI and 6 s
      for AEC. Moreover, CCw and L w show very similar behaviour, with metrics based on
      AEC more reliable in terms of stability. In general, MST parameters stabilize at
      short epoch lengths, particularly for MSTs based on PLI (1-6 s versus 4-8 s for
      AEC). At the source-level the results were even more reliable, with stability
      already at 1 s duration for PLI-based MSTs. SIGNIFICANCE: The present work
      suggests that both PLI and AEC depend on epoch length and that this has an impact
      on the reconstructed network topology, particularly at the scalp-level. Source
      level MST topology is less sensitive to differences in epoch length, therefore
      enabling the comparison of brain network topology between different studies.

PMID- 27137953
TI  - Liver Retransplantation for Recurrence of HCV-Related Cirrhosis Using Hepatitis C
      Positive Allografts: A 19-Year OPTN Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND Liver re-transplantation (re-OLT) in hepatitis C-infected (HCV+)
      recipients remains a controversial life-saving procedure, as the process of
      allograft HCV reinfection is universal. Current literature and practice show that
      in primary liver transplantations (OLT) in HCV+ recipients, HCV+ grafts have
      equivalent graft survival as non-infected (HCV-) grafts. MATERIAL AND METHODS
      Standard Transplant Analysis and Research (STAR) files from the OPTN (Organ
      Procurement and Transplantation Network) were used to identify HCV+ patients who
      underwent a second transplant between 3/16/1994 and 6/30/2013. Of 33 816 HCV+
      patients who underwent primary OLT during this time 2345 underwent re-OLT; of
      whom 2079 could be confirmed as second transplants. Out of 2079 HCV+ patients who
      underwent retransplantation, 75 received HCV+ grafts and 2004 received HCV-
      grafts. Excluding primary or secondary graft losses within 1 week of transplant,
      60 HCV+ donor grafts and 1557 HCV- donor grafts at re-transplantation remained
      for more focused analysis. RESULTS Graft survival for these patients appeared
      essentially identical regardless of whether they received an HCV+ or HCV- graft.
      In addition, using the 33 816 HCV+ patients who underwent primary transplantation
      during this time, our data agreed with the results of previous studies showing
      that HCV+ patients who receive HCV+ grafts at first transplant have equivalent
      graft and patient survival rates. CONCLUSIONS Due to the equivalency of HCV graft
      survival in re-OLT, selecting HCV+ donor organs for hepatitis C-infected
      recipients appears to be appropriate. 

PMID- 27137954
TI  - The characterisation of diesel exhaust particles - composition, size distribution
      and partitioning.
AB  - A number of major research questions remain concerning the sources and properties
      of road traffic generated particulate matter. A full understanding of the
      composition of primary vehicle exhaust aerosol and its contribution to secondary
      organic aerosol (SOA) formation still remains elusive, and many uncertainties
      exist relating to the semi-volatile component of the particles. Semi-Volatile
      Organic Compounds (SVOCs) are compounds which partition directly between the gas
      and aerosol phases under ambient conditions. The SVOCs in engine exhaust are
      typically hydrocarbons in the C15-C35 range, and are largely uncharacterised
      because they are unresolved by traditional gas chromatography, forming a large
      hump in the chromatogram referred to as Unresolved Complex Mixture (UCM). In this
      study, thermal desorption coupled to comprehensive Two Dimensional Gas
      Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass-Spectrometry (TD-GC * GC-ToF-MS) was exploited
      to characterise and quantify the composition of SVOCs from the exhaust emission.
      Samples were collected from the exhaust of a diesel engine, sampling before and
      after a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), while testing at steady state
      conditions. Engine exhaust was diluted with air and collected using both filter
      and impaction (nano-MOUDI), to resolve total mass and size resolved mass
      respectively. Adsorption tubes were utilised to collect SVOCs in the gas phase
      and they were then analysed using thermal desorption, while particle size
      distribution was evaluated by sampling with a DMS500. The SVOCs were observed to
      contain predominantly n-alkanes, branched alkanes, alkyl-cycloalkanes, alkyl
      benzenes, PAHs and various cyclic aromatics. Particle phase compounds identified
      were similar to those observed in engine lubricants, while vapour phase
      constituents were similar to those measured in fuels. Preliminary results are
      presented illustrating differences in the particle size distribution and SVOCs
      composition when collecting samples with and without a DOC. The results indicate
      that the DOC tested is of very limited efficiency, under the studied engine
      operating conditions, for removal of SVOCs, especially at the upper end of the
      molecular weight range.

PMID- 27137955
TI  - Coordination difficulty and internalizing symptoms in adults: A twin/sibling
      study.
AB  - Increased anxiety and depression symptoms have been reported in individuals with
      neurodevelopmental disorders, and have been found to be associated with motor
      coordination difficulties, but little is known about the etiology of these
      associations. This study aimed to assess genetic, shared (making twins/siblings
      alike) and non-shared (individual-specific) environmental influences on the
      association between poor coordination and symptoms of anxiety and depressed mood
      using a sample of adult twin and sibling pairs. Participants were asked about
      their coordination skill and anxiety and depression symptoms. About half of the
      variance in coordination difficulty was explained by familial (combined genetic
      and shared environmental) influences, with the remaining variance explained by
      non-shared environmental influences. Phenotypic associations between coordination
      and anxiety (r=.46) and depression symptoms (r=.44) were largely underpinned by
      shared familial liability for the three traits. Non-shared environment accounted
      for about a third of the phenotypic association. Results suggest that both
      familial and non-shared environmental influences play a role in the etiology of
      coordination difficulty and its association with internalizing symptoms. The
      current study highlights that both biological and environmental pathways shared
      between these symptoms should be examined in future research to inform prevention
      and treatment approaches in clinical settings.

PMID- 27137956
TI  - Orexin-A level elevation in recently abstinent male methamphetamine abusers.
AB  - Research has suggested that methamphetamine (METH) use influences orexin
      regulation. We examined the difference in orexin-A levels between METH abusers
      and healthy controls. Fasting serum orexin-A levels were measured in 35
      participants who used METH in the preceding 3 weeks and 36 healthy controls. We
      found METH abusers had significantly higher orexin-A levels. No association was
      observed between orexin-A levels and METH use variables. Our results, consistent
      with prior preclinical evidence, showed that recent METH exposure is associated
      with increased orexin-A expression. Further investigation is required to
      determine whether orexin-A levels normalize after a longer term of abstinence.

PMID- 27137957
TI  - Comorbidity and quality of life in adults with hair pulling disorder.
AB  - Hair pulling disorder (HPD; trichotillomania) is thought to be associated with
      significant psychiatric comorbidity and functional impairment. However, few
      methodologically rigorous studies of HPD have been conducted, rendering such
      conclusions tenuous. The following study examined comorbidity and psychosocial
      functioning in a well-characterized sample of adults with HPD (N=85) who met DSM
      IV criteria, had at least moderate hair pulling severity, and participated in a
      clinical trial. Results revealed that 38.8% of individuals with HPD had another
      current psychiatric diagnosis and 78.8% had another lifetime (present and/or
      past) psychiatric diagnosis. Specifically, HPD showed substantial overlap with
      depressive, anxiety, addictive, and other body-focused repetitive behavior
      disorders. The relationships between certain comorbidity patterns, hair pulling
      severity, current mood and anxiety symptoms, and quality of life were also
      examined. Results showed that current depressive symptoms were the only predictor
      of quality of life deficits. Implications of these findings for the
      conceptualization and treatment of HPD are discussed.

PMID- 27137958
TI  - The performance of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales as measures of
      clinical severity.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the performance of the Health of the Nation
      Outcome Scales (HoNOS) against other measures of functioning and mental health in
      a full three-year cohort of admissions to a psychiatric hospital. A sample of
      N=1719 patients (35.3% females, aged 17-78 years) was assessed using observer
      rated measures and self-reports of psychopathology at admission. Self-reports
      were available from 51.7% of the sample (34.4% females, aged 17-76 years).
      Functioning and psychopathology were compared across five ICD-10 diagnostic
      groups: substance use disorders, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, affective
      disorders, anxiety/somatoform disorders and personality disorders. Associations
      between the measures were examined, stratifying by diagnostic subgroup. The HoNOS
      were strongly linked to other measures primarily in psychotic disorders (except
      for the behavioral subscale), while those with substance use disorders showed
      rather poor links. Those with anxiety/somatoform disorders showed null or only
      small associations. This study raises questions about the overall validity of the
      HoNOS. It seems to entail different levels of validity when applied to different
      diagnostic groups. In clinical practice the HoNOS should not be used as a stand
      alone instrument to assess outcome but rather as part of a more comprehensive
      battery including diagnosis-specific measures. 

PMID- 27137959
TI  - The association between depression and craving in alcohol dependency is moderated
      by gender and by alexithymia factors.
AB  - Alexithymia is a multifaceted personality trait that involves difficulties in
      identifying and describing feelings to others, a poor fantasy life and an
      externally oriented cognitive style. Alexithymia has been described as a
      vulnerability factor for mental and physical diseases. We investigated in a group
      of 158 alcohol-dependent patients (103 men, 55 women) the association between
      depression and craving for alcohol when these patients were starting a
      detoxification program, and the moderating impact of gender and alexithymia on
      this relation. We first found an interaction between depression and gender in the
      prediction of craving in the sense that only for women an increase in depressive
      mood was related to an increase in total craving. When examining gender
      separately, we found that alexithymia factors acted as moderators. For women, the
      link between depression and craving was strengthened for the ones scoring higher
      on "difficulties describing feelings". But for men, the link between depression
      and craving was reduced for the ones scoring higher on "externally-oriented
      thinking". These findings suggest that in some cases that need to be identified
      more systematically in the future, the "externally-oriented thinking" alexithymia
      factor can exert - at least in the short term - some protective effects.

PMID- 27137960
TI  - Influence of negative affect on decision making in women with restrictive and
      binge-purge type anorexia nervosa.
AB  - The present study aims to examine the influence of negative affect on decision
      making in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) compared to healthy control women and,
      secondly, to assess differences between the restrictive (ANR) and binge-purge
      (ANBP) subtypes. One hundred four women (32 with ANR, 32 with ANBP, and 40
      healthy controls) participated. All women were asked to watch either a negative
      or a control film fragment, both followed by the Bechara Gambling Task (BGT).
      Before and after the fragments negative affect was measured. Additionally,
      relevant characteristics (e.g., overall depressive symptoms) were assessed.
      Differences in negative affect did not influence decision making performance.
      Independent of affective state, decision making was found to be impaired in women
      with ANBP (no learning effect on the BGT), but not in women with ANR. These
      findings highlight the importance of considering different AN subtypes when
      examining decision making processes. However, the role of negative affect on
      decision making remains uncertain. Since other affect related factors such as
      affect dysregulation may also play a role, future studies on decision making in
      AN should take the role of affect into account. 

PMID- 27137961
TI  - Poor symptom and performance validity in regularly referred Hospital outpatients:
      Link with standard clinical measures, and role of incentives.
AB  - We investigated the frequency of symptom validity test (SVT) failure and its
      clinical correlates in a large, heterogeneous sample of hospital outpatients
      referred for psychological assessment for clinical purposes. We studied patients
      (N=469), who were regularly referred for assessment to the psychology departments
      of five hospitals. Background characteristics, including information about
      incentives, were obtained with a checklist completed by the clinician. As a
      measure of over-reporting, the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology
      (SIMS) was administered to all patients. The Amsterdam Short-Term Memory test
      (ASTM), a cognitive underperformance measure, was only administered to patients
      who were referred for a neuropsychological assessment. Symptom over-reporting
      occurred in a minority of patients, ranging from 12% to 19% in the main
      diagnostic patient groups. Patients with morbid obesity had a low rate of over
      reporting (1%). The SIMS was positively associated with levels of self-reported
      psychological symptoms. Cognitive underperformance occurred in 29.3% of the
      neuropsychological assessments. The ASTM was negatively associated with memory
      test performance. We found no association between SVT failure and financial
      incentives. Our results support the recommendation to routinely evaluate symptom
      validity in clinical assessments of hospital patients. The dynamics behind
      invalid symptom reporting need to be further elucidated. 

PMID- 27137962
TI  - Penn State Worry Questionnaire - 10: A new tool for measurement-based care.
AB  - The Penn State Worry Questionnaire - Past Week (PSWQ-PW) is an adaptation of the
      widely used Penn State Worry Questionnaire, measuring pathological worry weekly.
      However, it contains problematic negatively worded items and has not been
      validated in a large sample yet. To meet the needs of measurement-based care
      (MBC), we developed a shortened version (PSWQ-10) based on the PSWQ-PW, retaining
      only positively worded items, and examined its psychometric properties and
      clinical utility. Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major
      Depressive Disorder (MDD), and other anxiety disorders completed the PSWQ-10 and
      other instruments during routine evaluation in an academic anxiety clinic. A
      second cohort from a perinatal clinic was evaluated similarly. The PSWQ-10
      displayed excellent internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity,
      and criterion group validity. Patients with GAD scored significantly higher than
      those with other anxiety disorders but did not differ from those with MDD. The
      PSWQ-10 showed sensitivity to change over time and demonstrated excellent
      psychometric properties in the perinatal population. The PSWQ-10 is a reliable,
      valid, efficient, and straightforward worry-focused instrument that can be
      readily used in MBC and help clinicians objectively measure worry as a treatment
      outcome in broad clinical populations. 

PMID- 27137963
TI  - Psychosocial dysfunction associated with skin picking disorder and
      trichotillomania.
AB  - Skin picking disorder (SPD) and trichotillomania (TTM) are common and oftentimes
      disabling disorders. 125 Participants with SPD and 152 with TTM undertook
      clinical and neurocognitive evaluation, and were grouped according to mild,
      moderate, or severe levels of psychosocial dysfunction. Relationships between
      functional impairment and other variables were explored using linear regression
      and categorical analyses. Greater functional impairment was associated with worse
      disease severity in both groups, and by later symptom onset and lower quality of
      life in TTM subjects. These results indicate that levels of self-reported
      psychosocial dysfunction have a strong association with specific clinical aspects
      of SPD and TTM. 

PMID- 27137964
TI  - The perception of affective touch in anorexia nervosa.
AB  - Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disorder characterized by restricted eating, fears of
      gaining weight, and body image distortions. The etiology remains unknown; however
      impairments in social cognition and reward circuits contribute to the onset and
      maintenance of the disorder. One possibility is that AN is associated with
      reduced perceived pleasantness during social interactions. We therefore examined
      the perception of interpersonal, 'affective touch' and its social modulation in
      AN. We measured the perceived pleasantness of light, dynamic stroking touches
      applied to the forearm of 25 AN patients and 30 healthy controls using C Tactile
      (CT) afferents-optimal (3cm/s) and non-optimal (18cm/s) velocities, while
      simultaneously displaying images of faces showing rejecting, neutral and
      accepting expressions. CT-optimal touch, but not CT non-optimal touch, elicited
      significantly lower pleasantness ratings in AN patients compared with healthy
      controls. Pleasantness ratings were modulated by facial expressions in both
      groups in a similar fashion; namely, presenting socially accepting faces
      increased the perception of touch pleasantness more than neutral and rejecting
      faces. Our findings suggest that individuals with AN have a disordered, CT-based
      affective touch system. This impairment may be linked to their weakened
      interoceptive perception and distorted body representation.

PMID- 27137965
TI  - Negative cognitions about the self in patients with persecutory delusions: An
      empirical study of self-compassion, self-stigma, schematic beliefs, self-esteem,
      fear of madness, and suicidal ideation.
AB  - There has been growing awareness of the high prevalence of negative cognitions
      about the self in patients with persecutory delusions, and it has been proposed
      that paranoid fears build upon these perceived vulnerabilities. This study aimed
      to investigate for the first time a wide range of different conceptualisations of
      the negative self, and to examine associations with suicidal ideation, in
      patients with persecutory delusions. Twenty-one patients with persecutory
      delusions and twenty-one non-clinical individuals completed measures relating to
      negative self cognitions. The delusions group also completed a measure of
      suicidal ideation. It was found that the patients with persecutory delusions had
      low self-compassion, low self-esteem, increased fears of being mad, beliefs of
      inferiority to others, negative self-schemas, and low positive self-schemas when
      compared to the non-clinical control group. The effect sizes (Cohen's d) were
      large, and the different conceptualisations of negative self cognitions were
      highly associated with one another. Self-stigma did not differ between the two
      groups. Furthermore, suicidal ideation was highly associated with low self
      compassion, low self-esteem, fears of madness, and negative self-schema but not
      self-stigma. This study shows marked negative self cognitions in patients with
      persecutory delusions. These are likely to prove targets of clinical
      interventions, with patient preference most likely determining the best
      conceptualisation of negative self cognitions for clinicians to use.

PMID- 27137966
TI  - Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, but not CRP, are inversely correlated with
      severity and symptoms of major depression.
AB  - To clarify findings of elevated cytokine levels in major depression (MD), this
      study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum levels of cytokines,
      symptoms of MD and antidepressant treatment outcome. At baseline (T0) and 4 weeks
      following initiation of antidepressant treatment (T1), levels of tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha, interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL
      10, IL-12, IL-13, granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating-factor (GM-CSF), CRP
      and depression ratings HAMD-17 and BDI-II were assessed in 30 patients with MD
      and 30 age-and sex-matched controls. At T0, in the patient group, cytokines, but
      not CRP, negatively correlated with individual BDI-II-items, factors and
      severities and showed both negative and positive correlations with HAMD-17 items.
      At T1 and within the controls, no such relationships were observed. At T0 and T1,
      levels of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in
      treatment responders (DeltaHAMD-17T0-T1>=50%,n=15) compared to non-responders.
      When controlled for baseline BDI, differences between groups were only found
      significant for IL-2 at T0. The results suggest cytokines are not generally pro
      depressive but rather relate to more specific regulation of symptoms and
      severities in MD. Together with the association between cytokines and treatment
      responder status, these data support cytokines as a promising but still
      controversial biomarker of depression.

PMID- 27137967
TI  - The impact of thought disorder on therapeutic alliance and personal recovery in
      schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: An exploratory study.
AB  - Thought and language disorders are a main feature of schizophrenia. The aim of
      the study is to explore the impact of thought disorder on therapeutic alliance
      and personal recovery because of its interference with verbal communication.
      Thought disorder, positive and negative symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome
      Scale), functioning (Modified Global Assessment of Functioning scale), insight
      (Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder), attachment insecurity
      (Psychosis Attachment Measure), therapeutic alliance (Scale to Assess the
      Therapeutic Relationship), and personal recovery (Recovery Assessment Scale,
      Integration Sealing-Over Scale) were assessed in 133 outpatients with
      schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder at baseline and twelve months later.
      The data were analyzed by hierarchical multiple linear regression. Higher levels
      of thought disorder were significantly associated with lower clinicians' ratings,
      but not with patients' ratings of therapeutic alliance. In addition, lower
      clinicians' ratings of therapeutic alliance were significantly linked to a more
      sealing over and less integrative recovery style. In fact, the lower therapeutic
      alliance ratings mediated the association between thought disorder and a sealing
      over recovery style. The results highlight the importance of considering thought
      disorder in treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder which may
      interfere with therapeutic alliance and treatment efforts towards recovery.

PMID- 27137968
TI  - Cognitive vulnerabilities and development of suicidal thinking in children of
      depressed mothers: A longitudinal investigation.
AB  - Although children of depressed parents are at heightened risk for suicidal
      ideation, little is known about specific risk factors. This study focused on the
      relation between a broad range of cognitive vulnerabilities proposed by the
      leading cognitive theories and the development of suicidal ideation in children.
      Participants were 209 mothers (aged 24-55) and their 8-14 year old children.
      Children of depressed mothers who had previously experienced suicidal ideation
      themselves reported higher levels of brooding rumination than children of
      depressed mothers who had not experienced suicidal ideation as well as children
      of never depressed mothers who had not experienced suicidal ideation. Further,
      among children of depressed mothers with no prior history of suicidal ideation,
      higher levels of hopelessness and lower global self-worth predicted first onset
      of suicidal ideation over a 2-year follow-up. Importantly, these results were
      maintained even after taking the occurrence of major depressive disorder in
      children during the follow-up into account. The findings highlight specific
      cognitive vulnerabilities that could be targeted in early suicide prevention and
      intervention efforts.

PMID- 27137969
TI  - Platelet serotonin concentration and depressive symptoms in patients with
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Depressive symptoms seem to be frequent in schizophrenia, but so far they have
      received less attention than other symptom domains. Impaired serotonergic
      neurotransmission has been implicated in the pathogenesis of depression and
      schizophrenia. The objectives of this study were to investigate platelet
      serotonin concentrations in schizophrenic patients with and without depressive
      symptoms, and to investigate the association between platelet serotonin
      concentrations and symptoms of schizophrenia, mostly depressive symptoms. A total
      of 364 patients were included in the study, 237 of which had significant
      depressive symptoms. Significant depressive symptoms were defined by the cut-off
      score of 7 or more on Calgary Depression Rating Scale (CDSS). Platelet serotonin
      concentrations were assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
      Prevalence of depression in patients with schizophrenia was 65.1%. Schizophrenic
      patients with depressive symptoms showed lower platelet serotonin concentrations
      (mean+/-SD; 490.6+/-401.2) compared to schizophrenic patients without depressive
      symptoms (mean+/-SD; 660.9+/-471.5). An inverse correlation was established
      between platelet serotonin concentration and depressive symptoms, with more
      severe symptoms being associated with lower platelet serotonin concentrations.
      Depressive symptoms in schizophrenic patients may be associated with reduced
      concentrations of platelet serotonin.

PMID- 27137970
TI  - Using telehealth to augment an intensive case monitoring program in veterans with
      schizophrenia and suicidal ideation: A pilot trial.
AB  - Veterans with schizophrenia admitted for suicidal ideation were recruited into a
      post-discharge program consisting of Intensive Case Monitoring (ICM) with daily
      monitoring with the Health Buddy (HB; experimental group) or ICM alone (control
      group). This study tested the feasibility of the telehealth monitoring
      intervention in this population. Secondly, we determined whether augmentation of
      ICM with our intervention for 3 months would result in a reduction in suicidal
      ideation. Twenty of 25 telehealth participants could set up the device. Monthly
      adherence for telehealth participants was > 80%. A qualitative analysis of
      endpoint surveys revealed that the majority of participants had positive
      responses. In both groups, there were improvements in Beck Scale for Suicidal
      Ideation (BSS) scores at endpoint relative to baseline. No group differences were
      present with survival analysis when using remission (i.e., BSS score = 0) as the
      outcome; however, in a subgroup with a history of suicide attempt, there was a
      trend (p = .093) for a higher rate of remission for those in the HB condition. In
      conclusion, telehealth monitoring for this population appears to be feasible for
      those who are able to start using the system. The pilot data obtained should help
      investigators design better telehealth interventions for this population.

PMID- 27137971
TI  - The combination of health anxiety and somatic symptoms: Specificity to anxiety
      sensitivity cognitive concerns among patients in primary care.
AB  - Prior research has found that health anxiety is related to poor patient outcomes
      in primary care settings. Health anxiety is characterized by at least two
      presentations: with either severe or no/mild somatic symptoms. Preliminary data
      indicate that anxiety sensitivity may be important for understanding the
      presentation of health anxiety with severe somatic symptoms. We further examined
      whether the combination of health anxiety and somatic symptoms was related to
      anxiety sensitivity. Participants were adults presenting for treatment at a
      community health center (N=538). As predicted, the interactive effect between
      health anxiety and somatic symptoms was associated with anxiety sensitivity
      cognitive concerns. Health anxiety shared a stronger association with anxiety
      sensitivity cognitive concerns when coupled with severe, relative to mild,
      somatic symptoms. Contrary to predictions, the interactive effect was not
      associated with the other dimensions of anxiety sensitivity. We discuss the
      potential relevancy of anxiety sensitivity cognitive concerns to the combined
      presentation of health anxiety and severe somatic symptoms, as well as how this
      dimension of anxiety sensitivity could be treated in primary care settings. 

PMID- 27137972
TI  - Pathological buying and partnership status.
AB  - This pilot study investigated the partnership status and the level of
      pathological buying (PB) in 157 female patients with PB and 1153 women from a
      German population-based sample. Slightly more than half of both samples were
      currently living with a partner. The results suggest a protective effect of being
      in a couple relationship in the representative sample. In contrast, having a
      partner was not related to the severity of PB among patients. Future studies
      should address the question of whether the characteristics and quality of
      partnership have an impact on the severity and course of PB, and vice versa. 

PMID- 27137973
TI  - Investigation of abbreviated 4 and 8 item versions of the PTSD Checklist 5.
AB  - Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant public health concern
      associated with marked impairment across the lifespan. Exposure to traumatic
      events alone, however, is insufficient to determine if an individual has PTSD.
      PTSD is a heterogeneous diagnosis such that assessment of all 20 symptoms is
      problematic in time-limited treatment settings. Brief assessment tools that
      identify those at risk for PTSD and measure symptom severity are needed to
      improve access to care and assess treatment response. The present study evaluated
      abbreviated measures of PTSD symptoms derived from the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5
      (PCL-5) - a 20-item validated measure of PTSD symptoms - across two studies. In
      the first, using a community sample of adults exposed to a traumatic event, 4-and
      8-item versions of the PCL-5 were identified that were highly correlated with the
      full PCL-5. In the second, using a sample of combat veterans, the 4-and 8-item
      measures had comparable diagnostic utility to the total-scale PCL-5. These
      results provide support for an abbreviated measure of the PCL-5 as an alternative
      to the 20-item total scale.

PMID- 27137974
TI  - Cognitive and neural models of threat appraisal in psychosis: A theoretical
      integration.
AB  - Cognitive models of psychosis propose that maladaptive appraisals of anomalous
      experiences contribute to distress and disability in psychosis. Attentional,
      attributional and reasoning biases are hypothesised to drive these threat-based
      appraisals. Experimental and self-report data have provided support for the
      presence of these biases in psychosis populations, but recently there have been
      calls for neurobiological data to be integrated into these findings. Currently,
      little investigation has been conducted into the neural correlates of maladaptive
      appraisals. Experimental and neuroimaging research in social cognition employing
      threatening stimuli provide the closest equivalent of maladaptive appraisal in
      psychosis. Consequently, a rapprochement of these two literatures was attempted
      in order to identify neural networks relevant to threat appraisal in psychosis.
      This revealed overlapping models of aberrant emotion processing in anxiety and
      schizophrenia, encompassing the amygdala, insula, hippocampus, anterior cingulate
      cortex, and prefrontal cortex. These models posit that aberrant activity in these
      systems relates to altered emotional significance detection and affect
      regulation, providing a conceptual overlap with threat appraisal in psychosis,
      specifically attentional and attributional biases towards threat. It remains to
      be seen if direct examination of these biases using neuroimaging paradigms
      supports the theoretical integration of extant models of emotion processing and
      maladaptive appraisals in psychosis.

PMID- 27137975
TI  - Interpersonal risk for suicide in social anxiety: The roles of shame and
      depression.
AB  - Though research indicates that individuals with social anxiety disorder may
      experience elevated levels of thwarted belongingness and perceived
      burdensomeness, two interpersonal risk factors critical for the development of
      suicidal desire, it remains unclear why. The current investigation considered how
      shame and depression may help to explain the relationship between social anxiety
      and interpersonal suicide risk factors. Participants (N=259), recruited using
      Amazon.com's Mechanical Turk, completed measures of social anxiety, interpersonal
      suicide risk factors, shame, and depression. Social anxiety was associated with
      greater thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. In addition, shame
      partially explained the association between social anxiety and thwarted
      belongingness, though the indirect effect was no longer significant after
      considering depression as a moderator. As predicted, shame was found to fully
      explain the association between social anxiety and perceived burdensomeness and
      this indirect effect was most pronounced among individuals with high comorbid
      depression. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

PMID- 27137976
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of electroconvulsive therapy delivery in 1001 obsessive
      compulsive disorder outpatients.
AB  - Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who sought treatment in
      seven different specialized centers (n=1001) were evaluated with a structured
      assessment battery. Thirteen OCD patients (1.3% of the sample) reported having
      been treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the past. They were older
      and exhibited higher global severity of OCD symptoms, but were less likely to
      display symmetry/ordering and contamination/washing symptoms. They also had
      greater suicidality and increased rates of psychosis. Finally, OCD patients
      exposed to ECT were more frequently treated with antipsychotics, although they
      did not differ in terms of responses to adequate trials with serotonin reuptake
      inhibitors.

PMID- 27137977
TI  - The correlation between perceived social support, cortisol and brain derived
      neurotrophic factor levels in healthy women.
AB  - In this study, the role of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in stress
      resilience was investigated. With a focus on healthy subjects, we explored
      whether plasma BDNF levels are correlated with the dexamethasone suppression test
      (DST) and subjectively perceived social support status. Moreover, we examined the
      possible interacting effect of DST status and perceived social support on BDNF
      levels. Seventy-two healthy volunteers, 44 females and 28 males, were recruited
      from the community and completed the perceived routine support subscale of
      Measurement of Support Function (PRS_MSF) questionnaire. Plasma BDNF levels and
      DST suppression rate with the low dose DST were measured. There was a significant
      positive correlation between BDNF and DST suppression rate in the female
      subjects. This was also true for the plasma BDNF levels and PRS_MSF in the female
      subjects. The positive correlation between BDNF and PRS_MSF was significant only
      in female subjects with low DST suppression rates. Plasma BDNF levels were
      associated with stress resilience in a sex-specific manner. Subjects' belief in
      social support might buffer the biological stress reactions. Differences in
      social perception and the biological stress response between men and women merits
      further investigation.

PMID- 27137978
TI  - Dopamine-receptor 2 gene-methylation and gambling behavior in relation to
      impulsivity.

PMID- 27137979
TI  - Eating disorder examination questionnaire: Norms and clinical reference data from
      adolescent boys and girls in Sweden.
AB  - The study investigated norms and clinical reference values for the 14-day time
      frame version of the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)
      specifically developed to suit adolescent populations. The EDE-Q is a self-report
      instrument measuring problematic eating behaviors and attitudes. A general
      population sample (N=487, 239 girls and 248 boys) and a clinical sample (N=1051,
      989 girls and 62 boys) aged 12-14 years were analyzed. Descriptive statistics for
      EDE-Q subscales and Global scale, as well as key behaviors, are presented, along
      with sex differences and diagnostic differences (clinical sample). General
      population sample sex differences were consistent and medium to large, with some
      evidence of floor effects for boys. In the clinical sample there was a main
      effect of gender, with girls scoring higher overall. The covariate age accounted
      for more variance in EDE-Q subscale scores than did diagnostic group. Results are
      discussed in terms of the appropriateness of the EDE-Q for boys, and possible
      denial of illness among patients. 

PMID- 27137980
TI  - A structural test of the Integrated Motivational-Volitional model of suicidal
      behaviour.
AB  - Suicidal behaviours are highly complex, multi-determined phenomena. Despite this,
      historically research has tended to focus on bivariate associations between
      atheoretical demographic and/or psychiatric factors and suicidal behaviour. The
      aim of this study was to empirically test the Integrated Motivational-Volitional
      model of suicidal behaviour using structural equation modelling. Healthy adults
      (N=1809) completed anonymous self-report surveys. The fit of the proposed model
      was good, and explained 79% of variance in defeat, 83% of variance in entrapment,
      61% of variance in suicidal ideation, and 27% of variance in suicide attempts.
      All proposed paths were significant except for those between goal re-engagement
      and two factors of suicide resilience (Internal Protective and External
      Protective) and suicidal ideation; and impulsivity and discomfort intolerance and
      suicide attempts. These findings represent a preliminary step towards greater
      clarification of the mechanisms driving suicidal behaviour, and support the
      utility of basing future research on the Integrated Motivational-Volitional model
      of suicidal behaviour. 

PMID- 27137981
TI  - Benefits of physical exercise in postmenopausal women.
AB  - Physical inactivity not only places women's health at risk during menopause, but
      also increases menopausal problems. Abundant evidence links habitual physical
      exercise (PE) to a better status on numerous health indicators and better quality
      of life and to the prevention and treatment of the ailments that typically occur
      from mid-life onwards. We can infer that PE is something more than a lifestyle:
      it constitutes a form of therapy in itself. A panel of experts from various
      Spanish scientific societies related to PE and menopause (Spanish Menopause
      Society, Spanish Cardiology Society, Spanish Federation of Sports Medicine) met
      to reach a consensus on these issues and to decide the optimal timing of and
      methods of exercise, based on the best evidence available.

PMID- 27137982
TI  - In vitro toxicity assessment of extracts derived from sol-gel coatings on
      polycarbonate intended to be used in food contact applications.
AB  - Polycarbonate is a widely used polymer in food contact applications all around
      the world. However, due to the potential release of Bisphenol A (BPA) during
      repeated washing cycles, its use becomes compromised as BPA is known for being an
      endocrine disruptor for rodents. In order to tackle this issue, sol-gel coatings
      based on organoalkoxysiloxane were developed on PC, to act as a physical barrier.
      To this end, two sol-gel systems based on tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS),
      methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and 3-glycidyloxypropyltriethoxysilane (GPTES),
      three common sol-gel precursors, were prepared. The coatings derived from the
      latter two systems were then studied with regards to their potential toxicity in
      vitro. Migration tests were performed in food simulants, and the maximal
      migration was obtained in ethanol 10% (v/v) for one system and in isooctane for
      the other one. In vitro genotoxicity was assessed with the Ames test (OECD 471)
      and the micronucleus assay (OECD 487), and no genotoxic effect was observed.
      Moreover, the estrogenic activity of the extracts was studied with a
      transcriptional activation assay using transient transfection in human cells;
      none of the extracts was found estrogenic. These negative in vitro results are
      highly promising for the future use of these new barrier coating formulations
      onto food contact materials. 

PMID- 27137983
TI  - Glutamine inhibits CCl4 induced liver fibrosis in mice and TGF-beta1 mediated
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition in mouse hepatocytes.
AB  - Glutamine, traditionally a non-essential amino acid, now has been considered as
      essential in serious illness and injury. It is a major precursor for glutathione
      synthesis. However, the anti-fibrotic effect of glutamine and its molecular
      mechanism in experimental liver fibrosis have not been explored. In the present
      study we aimed to examine the potential role of glutamine in carbon tetrachloride
      (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis and TGF-beta1 mediated epithelial mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) and apoptosis in mouse hepatocytes. Liver fibrosis was induced
      by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 three times a week for 10 weeks. Glutamine
      treatment effectively attenuated liver injury and oxidative stress. Collagen
      content was significantly decreased in liver sections of glutamine treated mice
      compared to CCl4 model mice. Furthermore, glutamine decreased expression level of
      alpha-SMA and TGF-beta in liver tissue. Our in vitro study showed that TGF-beta1
      treatment in hepatocytes resulted in loss of E-cadherin and increased expression
      of mesenchymal markers and EMT related transcription factor. In addition, TGF
      beta1 increased the expression of apoptotic markers. However, glutamine
      interestingly suppressed TGF-beta1 mediated EMT and apoptosis. In conclusion, our
      results suggest that glutamine ameliorates CCl4 induced liver fibrosis and
      suppresses TGF-beta1 induced EMT progression and apoptosis. 

PMID- 27137984
TI  - BCAT1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 27137985
TI  - Arginase-1 is frequently positive in hepatoid adenocarcinomas.
AB  - Hepatoid adenocarcinoma is a rare extrahepatic tumor, which shows morphological
      and immunohistochemical similarities to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hence,
      hepatoid adenocarcinoma can cause diagnostic confusion with HCC. Arginase-1
      immunostain has been recently shown to be an excellent marker of normal
      hepatocytes and is a sensitive and specific marker for HCC. However, the
      expression of Arginase-1 in hepatoid adenocarcinoma has not been evaluated in
      detail. Eight cases of hepatoid adenocarcinoma were immunostained with Arginase
      1, Hepar-1, Glypican-3, CK7, CK20, CK19, polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen,
      alpha-fetoprotein, CDX2, and TTF-1. Albumin in situ hybridization was performed
      in 4 cases. All 8 cases were positive for Hepar-1. Arginase-1 was positive in 5
      (62.5%) of 8 cases; 2 of these cases showed diffuse staining, while 3 showed
      patchy staining. Glypican-3, CK7 and alpha-fetoprotein were each positive in 4
      (50%) of 8 cases. CK19 was positive in 3 (37.5%) of 8 cases. polyclonal
      carcinoembryonic antigen showed canalicular staining in 3 (37.5%) of 8 cases and
      albumin in situ hybridization was positive in 3 (75%) of 4 cases. CDX2 was
      positive in 2 (25%) of 8 cases, both arising from the stomach. CK20 was positive
      in 1 (12.5%) of 8 case while TTF-1 was negative in all cases. Hepatoid
      adenocarcinoma has a similar immunostaining profile as HCC. Arginase-1 expression
      is common (62.5%) in hepatoid adenocarcinoma and hence it is not useful in
      distinguishing HCC from hepatoid adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27137986
TI  - ARID1A alteration in aggressive urothelial carcinoma and variants of urothelial
      carcinoma.
AB  - ARID1A mutation leads to loss of the products of this tumor-suppressor gene.
      Studies demonstrated ARID1A mutation in 20% of stage IV urothelial carcinomas
      (UCs) with worse prognosis. The expression of ARID1A in aggressive variants of UC
      is not studied properly. From 2000 to 2015, 81 variants of UC (29 micropapillary,
      33 sarcomatoid, 31 small cell, 2 nested, and 3 plasmacytoid variants) were
      identified in the archives of Rhode Island Hospital. Immunohistochemistry for
      anti-ARID1A antibody (Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, MO) was performed. The staining
      pattern was semiquantitatively scored, and results were analyzed by Fisher exact
      test (2 tailed) on contingency tables, survival curve, and log-rank test.
      Patients were predominantly male (78%) with mean age of 67.9 years. The
      plasmacytoid variant group occurred in younger ages (mean: 54 years). Half of the
      specimens contained concurrent conventional UCs. Normal urothelium invariably
      exhibited strong ARID1A nuclear staining. There was no difference in expression
      between upper and lower tracts. ARID1A expression was lower in the variants
      compared with conventional UCs (P<.0001). In micropapillary UCs, an inverse
      correlation between stage and ARID1A expression was noted, with significant
      correlation between ARID1A expression and overall survival (P=.0221). Sarcomatoid
      UCs and small cell CCs showed lower ARID1A expression compared with UCs that was
      not statistically significant, and neither showed any significant correlation
      with stage or overall survival. ARID1A expression is significantly decreased in
      higher stages of UC and its aggressive variants; therefore, ARID1A mutation
      appears to play an important role in the prognosis of UC and its aggressive
      variants. This finding may have therapeutic implications.

PMID- 27137987
TI  - Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma: an expanded immunoprofile including consistent
      nuclear beta-catenin positivity and absence of SOX10 expression.
AB  - Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS) is a recently recognized low-grade sarcoma
      that exhibits both neural and myogenic differentiation. This unique dual
      phenotype stems from recurrent rearrangements in PAX3, a transcription factor
      that promotes commitment along both lineages. While identification of PAX3
      rearrangements by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can confirm a BSNS
      diagnosis, this assay is not widely available. This study evaluates whether an
      expanded immunohistochemical panel can facilitate recognition of BSNS without
      molecular analysis. Eleven cases of BSNS were identified from the surgical
      pathology archives of two academic medical centers. In 8 cases, the diagnosis was
      confirmed by FISH using custom probes for PAX3. In 3 cases, FISH failed but
      histologic and immunophenotypic findings were diagnostic for BSNS. All 11 BSNS
      (100%) were at least focally positive for S100 as well as calponin and/or smooth
      muscle actin. In addition, 10 (91%) of 11 expressed nuclear beta-catenin, 8 (80%)
      of 10 expressed factor XIIIa, 4 (36%) of 11 expressed desmin, and 3 (30%) of 10
      expressed myogenin. All 11 tumors were negative for SOX10. While no single marker
      resolves immunohistochemical overlap between BSNS and its histologic mimickers
      such as nerve sheath tumors, an extended immunohistochemical panel that includes
      beta-catenin and SOX10 helps to support the diagnosis of BSNS without the need
      for gene rearrangement studies.

PMID- 27137988
TI  - Insulin-like growth factor II messenger RNA-binding protein-3 is an indicator of
      malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast.
AB  - The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinicopathological and prognostic
      significance of the expressions of insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding
      protein-3 (IMP3) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in phyllodes tumors
      (PTs). Immunohistochemical staining for IMP3 and EGFR was performed in 130 cases
      of primary PTs (83 benign, 28 borderline, 19 malignant), 34 recurrent/metastatic
      PTs, and 26 fibroadenomas (FAs). Among the primary tumors, a high expression of
      IMP3 was significantly more frequently present in malignant PTs (17/19, 89%) than
      in the FAs (0/26, 0%), benign PTs (0/83, 0%) and borderline PTs (3/28, 11%). The
      recurrent and metastatic lesions of malignant PTs also showed high IMP3
      expression (3/5 [60%] and 6/6 [100%], respectively). Most malignant PTs showed
      strong IMP3 expression at the interductal area or more diffusely, whereas weak
      and focal (low) expression of IMP3 was limited to the periductal area in FAs and
      benign PTs. EGFR overexpression was significantly correlated with tumor grade and
      high IMP3 expression. Overexpressions of IMP3 and EGFR were significantly
      associated with shorter periods of metastasis-free and disease-free survival. The
      results suggest that high expressions of IMP3 and EGFR with a characteristic
      staining pattern may be helpful for both identifying malignant PT and predicting
      the prognosis of these tumors.

PMID- 27137989
TI  - Autoimmunity, neuroinflammation, pathogen load: A decisive crosstalk in
      neuropsychiatric SLE.
AB  - Depicting the cellular and molecular bases of the continuous dialogue existing
      between the peripheral immune and the central nervous systems, as in neurolupus,
      is fundamental to improve, and better apprehend the role played by immune cells
      and mediators in the initiation and progression of neurological and psychiatric
      diseases, which nowadays remain a major public health issue. The relative
      frequency of neurological symptoms occurring in systemic autoimmunity is
      particularly worrying as, for example, two-thirds of patients with lupus will
      eventually experience the disabling effects of neuropsychiatric lupus. Neurolupus
      is a particularly severe form of lupus with wide-ranging symptoms, which
      contribute to increased mortality and morbidity in patients. In this context,
      infections, which suddenly trigger exacerbations of the otherwise mild lupus
      disease, may drive the progression of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration via
      different mechanisms involving a network of effector molecules and cells. The
      complex interaction of neuroimmunology and neuroinfectiology represents a genuine
      challenge for basic scientists and clinicians to understand the mechanisms that
      are implicated, and identify possible biomarkers of severity that might predict
      the development of this devastating form of lupus. The ultimate goal is to design
      appropriate, personalised therapeutic strategies to improve the outcome of the
      disease.

PMID- 27137990
TI  - Ionic Behavior in Highly Concentrated Aqueous Solutions Nanoconfined between
      Discretely Charged Silicon Surfaces.
AB  - Through molecular dynamics simulations considering thermal vibration of surface
      atoms, ionic behaviors in concentrated NaCl solutions confined between discretely
      charged silicon surfaces have been investigated. The electric double layer
      structure was found to be sensitive to the density and distribution of surface
      charges. Due to the discreteness of the surface charge, a slight charge inversion
      appeared which depended on the surface charge density, bulk concentration, and
      confinement. In the nanoconfined NaCl solutions concentrated from 0.2 to 4.0 M,
      the locations of accumulation layers for Na(+) and Cl(-) ions remained stable,
      but their peak values increased. The higher the concentration was, the more
      obvious the charge inversion appeared. In 4.0 M NaCl solution, Na(+) and Cl(-)
      ions show obvious alternating layered distributions which may correspond to the
      solidification found in experiments. By changing surface separation, the
      confinement had a large effect on the ionic distribution. As both surfaces
      approached each other, many ions and water molecules were squeezed out of the
      confined space. Two adjacent layers in ion or water distribution profiles can be
      forced closer to each other and merge together. From ionic hydration analysis,
      the coordination number of Na(+) ions in highly confined space was much lower
      than that in the bulk.

PMID- 27137991
TI  - Hypereosinophilia with rash to dobutamine infusion; sulfite hypersensitivity
      diagnosed by in vitro stimulation assays.

PMID- 27137992
TI  - The reverse role of the hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) and arcuate (ARC)
      nuclei in the central serotonergic regulation of the liver cytochrome P450
      isoform CYP2C11.
AB  - Our recent work showed that the brain serotonergic system negatively regulated
      liver cytochrome P450. The aim of our present research was to study the effect of
      damage to the serotonergic innervation of the paraventricular (PVN) or arcuate
      nuclei (ARC) of the hypothalamus on the neuroendocrine regulation of cytochrome
      P450 (CYP). Male rats received bilateral injections of the serotonergic
      neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) into the PVN or ARC. One week after
      the injection brain neurotransmitters, serum hormones (growth hormone,
      testosterone, corticosterone, thyroid hormones), pituitary somatostatin and liver
      cytochrome P450 expression and activity were measured. Lesion of the serotonergic
      innervation of the PVN decreased serotonin level in the hypothalamic area
      containing the PVN, causing an increase in growth hormone and testosterone
      concentrations in the blood and, subsequently, an increase in the expression
      (mRNA and protein level) and activity of isoform CYP2C11 in the liver. In
      contrast, damage to the serotonergic innervation of the ARC, which caused a
      decrease in serotonin level in the hypothalamic area containing the ARC, reduced
      the concentration of growth hormone and the expression and activity of CYP2C11.
      In conclusion, the obtained results show a reverse effect of the serotonergic
      innervation of the hypothalamic paraventricular (a negative effect) and arcuate
      nuclei (a positive effect) on growth hormone secretion and growth hormone
      dependent CYP2C11 expression. They also suggest that CYP2C11 expression may be
      changed by drugs acting via the serotonergic system, their effect depending on
      their mechanism of action, route of administration (intracerebral, peripheral)
      and distribution pattern within the hypothalamus.

PMID- 27137993
TI  - SWAPDT: A method for Short-time Withering Assessment of Probability for Drought
      Tolerance in Camellia sinensis validated by targeted metabolomics.
AB  - Climate change is causing droughts affecting crop production on a global scale.
      Classical breeding and selection strategies for drought-tolerant cultivars will
      help prevent crop losses. Plant breeders, for all crops, need a simple and
      reliable method to identify drought-tolerant cultivars, but such a method is
      missing. Plant metabolism is often disrupted by abiotic stress conditions. To
      survive drought, plants reconfigure their metabolic pathways. Studies have
      documented the importance of metabolic regulation, i.e. osmolyte accumulation
      such as polyols and sugars (mannitol, sorbitol); amino acids (proline) during
      drought. This study identified and quantified metabolites in drought tolerant and
      drought susceptible Camellia sinensis cultivars under wet and drought stress
      conditions. For analyses, GC-MS and LC-MS were employed for metabolomics
      analysis.%RWC results show how the two drought tolerant and two drought
      susceptible cultivars differed significantly (p<=0.05) from one another; the
      drought susceptible exhibited rapid water loss compared to the drought tolerant.
      There was a significant variation (p<0.05) in metabolite content (amino acid,
      sugars) between drought tolerant and drought susceptible tea cultivars after
      short-time withering conditions. These metabolite changes were similar to those
      seen in other plant species under drought conditions, thus validating this
      method. The Short-time Withering Assessment of Probability for Drought Tolerance
      (SWAPDT) method presented here provides an easy method to identify drought
      tolerant tea cultivars that will mitigate the effects of drought due to climate
      change on crop losses. 

PMID- 27137995
TI  - Cation-halide transport through peptide pores containing aminopicolinic acid.
AB  - Synthetic pores that selectively transport ions of biological significance
      through membranes could be potentially used in medical diagnostics or
      therapeutics. Herein, we report cation-selective octapeptide pores derived from
      alanine and aminopicolinic acid. The ion transport mechanism through the pores
      has been established to be a cation-chloride symport. The cation-chloride co
      transport is biologically essential for the efficient functioning of the central
      nervous system and has been implicated in diseases such as epilepsy. The pores
      formed in synthetic lipid bilayers do not exhibit any closing events. The ease of
      synthesis as well as infinite lifetimes of these pores provides scope for
      modifying their transport behaviour to develop sensors. 

PMID- 27137994
TI  - American Confederation of Urology (CAU) experience in minimally invasive partial
      nephrectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the perioperative and oncology outcomes in a series of
      laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomies (PN) for renal tumors treated in
      diverse institutions of Hispanic America from the beginning of their minimally
      invasive (MI) PN experience through December 2014. METHODS: Seventeen
      institutions participated in the CAU generated a MI PN database. We estimated
      proportions, medians, 95 % confidence intervals, Kaplan-Meier curves,
      multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses. Clavien-Dindo classification
      was used. RESULTS: We evaluated 1501 laparoscopic (98 %) or robotic (2 %) PNs.
      Median age: 58 years. Median surgical time, warm ischemia and intraoperative
      bleeding were 150, 20 min and 200 cc. 81 % of the lesions were malignant, with
      clear cell histology being 65 % of the total. Median maximum tumor diameter is
      2.7 cm, positive margin is 8.2 %, and median hospitalization is 3 days. One or
      more postoperative complication was recorded in 19.8 % of the patients: Clavien
      1: 5.6 %; Clavien 2: 8.4 %; Clavien 3A: 1.5 %; Clavien 3B: 3.2 %; Clavien 4A: 1
      %; Clavien 4B: 0.1 %; Clavien 5: 0 %. Bleeding was the main cause of a
      reoperation (5.5 %), conversion to radical nephrectomy (3 %) or open partial
      nephrectomy (6 %). Transfusion rate is 10 %. In multivariate analysis, RENAL
      nephrometry score was the only variable associated with complications (OR 1.1; 95
      % CI 1.02-1.2; p = 0.02). Nineteen patients presented disease progression or died
      of disease in a median follow-up of 1.37 years. The 5-year progression or kidney
      cancer mortality-free rate was 94 % (95 % CI 90, 97). Positive margins (HR 4.98;
      95 % CI 1.3-19; p = 0.02) and females (HR 5.6; 95 % CI 1.7-19; p = 0.005) were
      associated with disease progression or kidney cancer mortality after adjusting
      for maximum tumor diameter. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic PN in these centers of
      Hispanic America seem to have acceptable perioperative complications and short
      term oncologic outcomes.

PMID- 27137996
TI  - Stability of a Recently Found Triple-beta-Stranded Abeta1-42 Fibril Motif.
AB  - Amyloid-beta peptides form polymorphous amyloid fibrils are correlated with the
      pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Recently, a new ssNMR high-resolution
      structure has been reported for wild-type Abeta1-42 fibrils that is characterized
      by a strand-turn-strand-turn-strand motif instead of the U-shape form seen in
      previously known wild-type Abeta-fibril structures. Analyzing molecular dynamics
      simulations we comment on the relative weight of the new fibril structure and
      present evidence that its stability depends on hydrophobic contacts involving the
      C-terminal residues I41 and A42, but not on the salt bridge K28-A42. We further
      argue that Abeta1-42 peptides with this structure may assemble in fibrils with a
      2-fold packing symmetry and discuss two possible arrangements.

PMID- 27137997
TI  - Three-dimensional computed tomography angiographic study of the vertebral artery
      in patients with congenital craniovertebral junction anomalies.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe vertebral artery (VA) course at the C0-C1-C2 complex in
      patients with congenital bony craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies. METHODS:
      We studied the course of 169 VAs in 86 patients with congenital bony CVJ
      anomalies [basilar invagination (42), os odontoideum (33), and irreducible
      atlantoaxial dislocation (11)]. Occipitalized atlas occurred in 41 patients (30
      complete and 11 partial). Using axial, coronal and sagittal three-dimensional
      computed tomography (3D-CT) angiograms, we traced the VA bilaterally at the CVJ
      and correlated the course to the presence or absence of occipitalization of the
      atlas. RESULTS: Of the 73 arteries associated with occipitalization of atlas, all
      had an abnormal course-58 (78.4 %) coursed through a canal within the C0-C1 fused
      complex and 15 (20.3 %) coursed below the C1 posterior arch, and it was absent
      unilaterally in one patient. There were 96 arteries associated with a non
      occipitalized atlas and only 15 (15.3 %) were abnormal-eight coursed below the C1
      posterior arch, four coursed above the C1 arch in the absence of a C1 foramen
      transversarium, one passed through a canal in C0-C1 and two arteries were absent
      unilaterally. Sixty vertebral arteries (34 on the right and 26 on the left side)
      had a redundant loop situated at a distance of >=5 mm from the C1 lateral mass in
      patients with os odontoideum and irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation.
      CONCLUSIONS: In occipitalization of the atlas, the VA course is usually abnormal
      typically passing through a canal within the C0-C1 fused complex or below the C1
      arch. A redundant VA loop is more likely to be seen in os odontoideum and
      irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation. Careful study of the vertebral artery
      course with 3D CT angiography is mandatory while contemplating CVJ realignment
      surgery in congenital anomalies of the CVJ.

PMID- 27137998
TI  - Morphometric analysis of iatrogenic breast asymmetry secondary to operative
      breast shape changes in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Spontaneous surgical alterations of the distorted surface shape of
      thoracic cage in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) may relocate and remodel
      the bilateral breast mounds. The purpose of this study was to analyze the
      influence of scoliosis correction surgery on female breast morphology and to
      identify the risk factors for iatrogenic breast asymmetry secondary to operative
      breast shape changes in AIS. METHODS: Thoracic AIS girls undergoing correction
      surgery were reviewed. Ten parameters concerning morphometric and CT evaluations
      of breast profile and symmetry were measured. The degree of asymmetry was
      determined and comparisons were made for evaluation of operative breast shape
      changes. The morphologically aggravated breast asymmetry would be considered if
      the concave and convex difference of either sternal notch-nipple length or
      sternal notch-nipple tilt angle increased post-operatively. Potential risk
      factors for iatrogenic breast asymmetry were identified. RESULTS: Sixty-eight AIS
      girls were reviewed. The concave breasts showed significantly more linear and
      less angular changes in morphological parameters post-operatively (p < 0.05). The
      concave and convex difference was significantly increased in morphological
      parameters and yet decreased in radiographic parameters. Ratio of aggravated
      morphological breast asymmetry was 61.2 %, and this patient group trended to have
      a minor pre-operative breast asymmetry though the difference was not
      statistically significant (p > 0.05). Moreover, patients with apex located at or
      above T7 showed greater changes in both morphological and radiographic dimensions
      as compared with those with apex beneath T7 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence
      of aggravated post-operative breast asymmetry is notable. Those with higher
      thoracic apex level, combined with minor pre-operative breast asymmetry, were at
      relatively higher risk of iatrogenic breast asymmetry aggravation post
      operatively. Moreover, discrepancy existed between the morphometric and
      radiographic parameters concerning the surgical influence on breast asymmetry.

PMID- 27137999
TI  - The use of a pedicle screw-cortical screw hybrid system for the surgical
      treatment of a patient with congenital multilevel spinal non-segmentation defect
      and spinal column deformity: a technical note.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This technical note presents, to the authors' knowledge, the first
      reported case of a hybrid pedicle-cortical screw system for instrumented fusion
      in a patient with congenital vertebral column deformity. CASE: Cortical screws
      were navigated using stereotactic guidance to extend a prior non-segmented fusion
      mass, facilitating instrumentation in a circumstance with completely distorted
      anatomy. This technique provided a safe trajectory with excellent cortical
      purchase in an anatomically deformed spine. DISCUSSION: Cortical screw fixation
      may serve to be helpful in augmenting pedicle screw fixation and in circumstances
      in which the bone quality is suboptimal or the pedicles are compromised. Cortical
      screw fixation is a relatively new technology, but it may prove to be invaluable
      in providing an adjunct to pedicle screw constructs in anatomically distorted or
      osteoporotic spines.

PMID- 27138000
TI  - Cassava (Manihot esculenta) transcriptome analysis in response to infection by
      the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides using an oligonucleotide-DNA
      microarray.
AB  - Cassava anthracnose disease (CAD), caused by the fungus Colletotrichum
      gloeosporioides f. sp. Manihotis, is a serious disease of cassava (Manihot
      esculenta) worldwide. In this study, we established a cassava oligonucleotide-DNA
      microarray representing 59,079 probes corresponding to approximately 30,000 genes
      based on original expressed sequence tags and RNA-seq information from cassava,
      and applied it to investigate the molecular mechanisms of resistance to fungal
      infection using two cassava cultivars, Huay Bong 60 (HB60, resistant to CAD) and
      Hanatee (HN, sensitive to CAD). Based on quantitative real-time reverse
      transcription PCR and expression profiling by the microarray, we showed that the
      expressions of various plant defense-related genes, such as pathogenesis-related
      (PR) genes, cell wall-related genes, detoxification enzyme, genes related to the
      response to bacterium, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), genes related to
      salicylic acid, jasmonic acid and ethylene pathways were higher in HB60 compared
      with HN. Our results indicated that the induction of PR genes in HB60 by fungal
      infection and the higher expressions of defense response-related genes in HB60
      compared with HN are likely responsible for the fungal resistance in HB60. We
      also showed that the use of our cassava oligo microarray could improve our
      understanding of cassava molecular mechanisms related to environmental responses
      and development, and advance the molecular breeding of useful cassava plants. 

PMID- 27138001
TI  - Influence of Diet and Postmortem Ageing on Oxidative Stability of Lipids,
      Myoglobin and Myofibrillar Proteins and Quality Attributes of Gluteus Medius
      Muscle in Goats.
AB  - This study appraised the effects of dietary blend of 80% canola oil and 20% palm
      oil and postmortem ageing on oxidative stability, fatty acids and quality
      attributes of gluteus medius (GM) muscle in goats. Twenty-four Boer bucks were
      randomly allotted to diet supplemented with 0, 4 and 8% oil blend, fed for 100
      days and slaughtered, and the GM muscle was subjected to a 7 d chill storage (4+/
      1 degrees C). Diet had no effect (P> 0.05) on the colour, drip loss,
      thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) value, free thiol, carbonyl,
      myoglobin and metmyoglobin contents, metmyoglobin reducing activity (MRA),
      antioxidant enzyme activities and abundance of myosin heavy chain (MHC) and actin
      in the GM muscle in goats. The meat from goats fed 4 and 8% oil blend had higher
      (P< 0.05) concentration of alpha and gamma-tocopherol and abundance of troponin T
      compared with that from the control goats. The GM muscle from the oil
      supplemented goats had lower (P< 0.05) concentration of C16:0 and greater (P<
      0.05) concentration of C18:1n-9, C18:3n-3 and C20:5n-3 compared with that from
      the control goats. Nonetheless, diet did not affect (P< 0.05) the total fatty
      acid in the GM muscle in goats. Regardless of the diet, the free thiol and
      myoglobin contents, concentration of tocopherol and total carotenoids, MHC and
      MRA in the GM muscle decreased (P< 0.05) while carbonyl content, TBARS, drip loss
      and metmyoglobin content increased over storage. Dietary blend of 80% canola oil
      and 20% palm oil beneficially altered tissue lipids without hampering the
      oxidative stability of chevon.

PMID- 27138002
TI  - Metal accumulation in wild-caught opossum.
AB  - The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is widespread in the USA, ranging
      south through Latin America. The ecology of opossums is such that they are in
      frequent contact with soils, suggesting that they may function as a valuable
      bioindicator for chemical contamination in terrestrial environments.
      Surprisingly, there have been virtually no toxicology studies on opossums. Here,
      we provide the first analysis of metal contaminants in opossum liver tissues.
      Liver samples were obtained from 471 opossums, collected from 2003 to 2006, at
      four sites in North Florida and South Georgia, USA, and concentrations of copper,
      lead, nickel, selenium, and zinc were measured. We found little evidence of age
      differences in the concentration of any of the metals. However, there were at
      least some significant differences between years, males and females, and between
      sites for each metal, although the pattern of these differences was not always
      consistent across metals. Concentrations of metals in liver tissue were
      positively correlated with one another, primarily of each metal (except Pb) with
      zinc. Reference levels of metal contaminants are not available for opossums, but
      concentrations of Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in our samples were for the most part
      significantly higher than those reported from liver tissues of nine-banded
      armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) collected at the same sites and in the same
      years. Data from other small mammals studied elsewhere further indicate that
      metal concentrations in opossums were high, but at this time, it is not possible
      to determine if these elevated levels generated toxicity. The substantial
      temporal and spatial variation we found in metal concentrations suggests that
      determination of baseline levels for opossums may not be straightforward.
      Nonetheless, this is the first study quantifying metal accumulation in the livers
      of Didelphis virginiana and, as such, provides an important starting point for
      future research. 

PMID- 27138003
TI  - Modelling the presence and identifying the determinant factors of dominant
      macroinvertebrate taxa in a karst river.
AB  - Modelling the macroinvertebrate community is important for evaluating the status
      of aquatic ecosystem health. Alternative to physical-based approaches, this study
      proposed two data-driven methods, support vector machine (SVM) and artificial
      neural network (ANN), to model the presence of macroinvertebrate species in
      rivers based on abiotic features. A famous karst river, Lijiang River, in
      Southwest China was selected as the study case. A total of 300 records containing
      data on 11 physicochemical parameters were collected from the upstream, midstream
      and downstream reaches of the river over a 2-year period (2009-2010) and were
      used for model construction and verification. Ten dominant macroinvertebrate taxa
      in the study area were modelled. In addition, the performance of the two methods
      was compared, and the relative importance of the independent variables was
      identified. The obtained results mapped abiotic factors to the species presence
      and could be used in combination with a two-dimensional hydro-environmental model
      to assess the impacts of flow regulation on macroinvertebrate dynamics.
      Furthermore, the SVM model performed slightly better than the ANN model in the
      studied case. 

PMID- 27138004
TI  - Use RUSLE2 model to assess the impact of soil erosion on playa inundation and
      hydrophyte conditions in the Rainwater Basin, Nebraska.
AB  - Playas in the Rainwater Basin region in Nebraska are globally important wetlands
      that are continuously threatened by culturally accelerated sedimentation. Using
      annual habitat survey data and wetland vegetation inventories, inundation and
      hydrophyte community distributions were evaluated for properties under different
      types of conservation status. Annual soil erosion rates from surrounding
      watersheds were calculated to estimate sediment accumulated rates using the
      Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2). The slope-length component of
      the RUSLE2 was derived from 2009 light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data after
      the methods described by Van Remortel (Computers & Geosciences 30:1043-1053,
      2004). Wetlands enrolled in conservation programs were inundated more and were
      dominated to a greater degree by hydrophytes than wetlands not enrolled in these
      programs. The mean estimated soil erosion rate at the Rainwater Basin landscape
      level was 4.67 tons/ha/year, and the mean estimated sediment accumulation depth
      for public watersheds was estimated as 0.19 cm/year. Without appropriate
      conservation actions, the current inundated acres and wetland acres growing
      hydrophytes would be further reduced by sediment accumulation. The results
      illustrated the importance of conservation programs to protect wetlands. 

PMID- 27138005
TI  - Seroprevalence of antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella, and serologic
      responses after vaccination among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infected
      adults in Northern Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After the global implementation of national immunization programs for
      prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), the prevalences of protective
      antibodies to these viruses are high in general population. However, there are
      limited data among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infected individuals.
      This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to these viruses,
      and the serologic responses after vaccination among HIV-infected adults in
      Northern Thailand. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 500 HIV
      infected adults, aged 20-59 years, receiving combination antiretroviral therapy,
      CD4 cell count >=200 cells/mm(3), and plasma HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL, and 132 HIV
      uninfected controls, aged 20-59 years, at Chiang Mai University Hospital during
      July and August 2011. Prevalences of protective antibodies to these viruses as
      well as serologic responses after MMR vaccination in those without protective
      antibody to at least one of the three viruses were compared between groups.
      RESULTS: The prevalences of protective antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella
      were 94.2, 55.0, and 84.6 % among HIV-infected adults, and 97.7, 67.5, and 89.4 %
      among HIV-uninfected controls, respectively. The prevalence of protective
      antibody to mumps was significantly lower in HIV-infected adults (p-value =
      0.010). MMR vaccination was done in 249 HIV-infected and 46 HIV-uninfected
      controls; at week 8 to 12 after vaccination, the seroprotective rates against
      measles, mumps, and rubella in HIV-infected adults were 96.4, 70.7, and 98.0 %,
      respectively, whereas those in HIV-uninfected controls were 100, 87, and 100 %,
      respectively. No serious adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast
      to measles and rubella, the prevalence of protective antibody to mumps was low in
      both HIV-infected adults and HIV-uninfected controls in northern Thailand. The
      seroprotective rates after MMR vaccination in both groups were considerably high,
      except only for mumps. Therefore, MMR vaccination should be considered in all HIV
      infected adults receiving antiretroviral therapy with undetectable plasma HIV-1
      RNA and CD4 cell count >=200 cells/mm(3). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov:
      NCT02724852 , registered on March 31, 2016.

PMID- 27138006
TI  - The Interleukin-17 Induced Activation and Increased Survival of Equine
      Neutrophils Is Insensitive to Glucocorticoids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most effective drugs for the treatment
      of human asthma. However, a subgroup of asthmatic patients with neutrophilic
      airway inflammation is insensitive to GCs. Interleukin-17 (IL-17), a cytokine
      upregulated in the airways of a subset of human asthmatic patients, contributes
      to the recruitment of neutrophils and induces a glucocorticoid resistance in
      human airway epithelial cells. We hypothesized that IL-17 similarly activates
      neutrophils and contributes to their persistence in the asthmatic airways in
      spite of glucocorticoid therapy. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether IL-17 directly
      activates neutrophils and whether this response is attenuated by GCs. METHODS:
      Neutrophils were isolated from the blood of horses and incubated in the presence
      of recombinant equine IL-17, LPS and dexamethasone. mRNA and protein expression
      of IL-17 receptors (IL-17RA/IL-17RC) were assessed by qPCR and immunoblot,
      respectively. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, cell viability and apoptosis
      were determined by qPCR, Trypan Blue exclusion test, and flow cytometry,
      respectively. RESULTS: Equine neutrophils express both IL-17RA and IL-17RC at the
      mRNA and protein levels. Neutrophil stimulation with IL-17 increases the mRNA
      expression of IL-8, which is not attenuated by dexamethasone (p = 0.409). Also,
      neutrophil viability is significantly increased (p<0.0001) by IL-17 in the
      presence of LPS when compared to LPS alone. Flow cytometry and light microscopy
      revealed that LPS-induced apoptosis is decreased by IL-17 (p = 0.02 and p = 0.006
      respectively). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that IL-17 directly activates
      equine neutrophils at 24 hours, and that the expression of IL-8 thus induced is
      not attenuated by GCs. Additionally, IL-17 increases neutrophil viability and
      decreases apoptosis. These findings suggest an important role of IL-17 in
      pulmonary persistence of neutrophils in the asthmatic airways.

PMID- 27138007
TI  - Minimally traumatic submental intubation: a novel dilational technique.
AB  - PURPOSE: Submental intubation is widely accepted as a safe and effective
      alternative to nasal intubation or tracheostomy in head and neck surgery
      patients. Forceful or careless technique can cause significant bleeding and
      trauma to the soft tissues at this point, increasing the likelihood of
      troublesome sublingual haematoma. METHODS: We describe the use of a percutaneous
      tracheostomy horn (Cook Medical Blue Rhino(r)) to allow minimally traumatic
      submental intubation without the need for serial dilations. A patient with severe
      midfacial injuries requiring surgery was intubated via a standard oral technique.
      Following this, submental access was achieved using a novel dilational technique
      with a tracheostomy dilator. This resulted in a very secure and safe submental
      intubation and unrestricted access to the entire surgical field. RESULTS: The
      single instrument, one-pass dilation technique to achieve submental intubation
      was found to be easy, quick, and avoided excessive trauma to the floor of mouth.
      CONCLUSION: Patients will sometimes require a protected airway that allows
      surgeons unrestricted and simultaneous access to the dental occlusion, oral
      cavity, midface, and nose. In our case, this simple, easy, and quick adaptation
      of an established technique using a tracheostomy dilator is an excellent
      alternative to the traditional blunt dissection used to achieve submental
      intubation.

PMID- 27138008
TI  - Lateral compression type B 2-1 pelvic ring fractures in young patients do not
      require surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: According to Young and Burgess, type B 2-1 pelvic fractures are a type
      of lateral compression fracture (LC-1) and are the most common pelvic injury at
      all ages. Although they are considered unstable in rotation and despite
      biomechanical recommendations for anterior stabilization, most authors recommend
      non-operative treatment. However, studies comparing outcomes and complications
      regarding operative versus non-operative treatment are still scarce. METHODS:
      Seventy-one patients aged under 65 years with a type B 2-1 pelvic fracture were
      treated between 2006 and 2011. Patients in Group I (n = 35) were treated non
      operatively and patients in Group II (n = 36) were treated operatively.
      Postoperative complications, clinical course, and follow-up (VAS for Pain, SF 36,
      EQ-5D) of at least 1 year postoperatively were evaluated. RESULTS: Our data show
      that operatively treated patients had a significantly higher complication rate.
      Preoperatively, the only significant difference between the non-operative and
      operative groups was the amount of anterior fracture dislocation and the presence
      of an isolated pelvic ring fracture. In the postoperative follow-up, no
      significant differences were found regarding pain or quality of life. CONCLUSION:
      Type B 2-1 pelvic ring fractures in young patients should be treated non
      operatively.

PMID- 27138009
TI  - The range of peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer and optic disc parameters in
      children aged up to but not including 18 years of age, as measured by optical
      coherence tomography: protocol for a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The parameters of the optic disc and peripapillary retinal nerve
      fibre layer (pRNFL) in children may vary with disease processes that contribute
      to visual impairment and blindness and so could be useful as an objective measure
      in at-risk children. There is no standardised reference for the normal parameters
      of the optic disc and pRNFL in children; however, there are a large number of
      small individual studies that have been undertaken to look at these measures.
      METHODS: A systematic review of current literature on the range of pRNFL and
      optic disc parameters in children aged less than 18 years will be performed.
      Studies will be considered for review if they report numerical data on optic disc
      and pRNFL parameters, measured using optical coherence tomography. Outcome
      measures will include mean pRNFL thickness and cup-disc ratio. The bibliographic
      databases Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science will be
      systematically searched from 1991. Screening of search results will be conducted
      by two authors working independently, as will extraction of primary and secondary
      outcome data. Ten per cent of all other data extraction will be checked by a
      second author. Results will be compiled and presented in evidence tables. Where
      possible and appropriate, study-specific estimates will be combined to obtain an
      overall summary estimate of pRNFL thickness and cup-disc ratio across studies and
      results will be presented by age of population. Subgroup analyses will be
      undertaken for children of different ethnicities. DISCUSSION: This review aims to
      provide an overview of the parameters of the optic disc and pRNFL in children of
      different ages in order to identify gaps in knowledge and to improve
      understanding of what might be considered within/outside the range of normality.
      The findings will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at
      conferences. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42016033068.

PMID- 27138010
TI  - Measuring ATP Concentration in a Small Number of Murine Hematopoietic Stem Cells.
AB  - The metabolism of quiescent adult stem cells differs from the metabolism of
      differentiated cells. The metabolic processes are tightly regulated and their
      alterations disturb function of stem cells. One of the indicators of metabolic
      status of cells is the ATP level. While the method of measuring the ATP levels
      has been known for many years, estimating ATP levels in small population of
      defined stem cells isolated directly from the tissue has remained challenging.
      Here, we show our method of measuring the ATP levels in hematopoietic stem cells
      sorted from murine bone marrow. We used magnetic sorting as well as cell sorter
      and adopted the commonly used bioluminescence-based detection kits in described
      protocol. Our strategy allows to measure ATP levels in 1000 highly purified HSC.

PMID- 27138011
TI  - Evaluation of tablet ultrasound for routine abdominal interventional procedures.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to establish if a novel tablet ultrasound (US) may
      replace a high-end US machine during routine interventional radiology activities.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients were evaluated by two
      operators comparing the performance of the new US tablet system (VISIQ, Philips
      Healthcare) against a high-end US system (iU22, Philips Healthcare) using a
      curved probe (C5-2). A structured questionnaire was used to rank on a 4-point
      scale the ability of each system to locate a target as detected by previous
      examinations and visualize needles and path during an interventional procedure.
      Necessity for conversion from the tablet US to the high-end US system was
      registered; body mass index (BMI) was annotated for each patient. RESULTS:
      Agreement between the operators was found for every patient. Mean patient BMI was
      25 (range 17-34). Image quality of the tablet US was considered insufficient in 1
      case to visualize the target and in another case to visualize the needle. Mean
      target image quality was superior with the high-end US system, while needle
      visibility scored higher with the tablet US. Conversion to the high-end system
      was registered in 40 % of cases: in most cases (66.6 %) the decision was due to
      the absence of a dedicated needle guide for the tablet US. CONCLUSIONS: The novel
      tablet US was found to provide sufficient image quality for the majority of
      routine interventional procedures. Dedicated accessories and additional
      experience with this new generation US device may be needed to replace bulky high
      end US systems.

PMID- 27138012
TI  - The principals of meaning: Extracting semantic dimensions from co-occurrence
      models of semantics.
AB  - Notable progress has been made recently on computational models of semantics
      using vector representations for word meaning (Mikolov, Chen, Corrado, & Dean,
      2013; Mikolov, Sutskever, Chen, Corrado, & Dean, 2013). As representations of
      meaning, recent models presumably hone in on plausible organizational principles
      for meaning. We performed an analysis on the organization of the skip-gram
      model's semantic space. Consistent with human performance (Osgood, Suci, &
      Tannenbaum, 1957), the skip-gram model primarily relies on affective distinctions
      to organize meaning. We showed that the skip-gram model accounts for unique
      variance in behavioral measures of lexical access above and beyond that accounted
      for by affective and lexical measures. We also raised the possibility that word
      frequency predicts behavioral measures of lexical access due to the fact that
      word use is organized by semantics. Deconstruction of the semantic
      representations in semantic models has the potential to reveal organizing
      principles of human semantics.

PMID- 27138013
TI  - StreptoBase: An Oral Streptococcus mitis Group Genomic Resource and Analysis
      Platform.
AB  - The oral streptococci are spherical Gram-positive bacteria categorized under the
      phylum Firmicutes which are among the most common causative agents of bacterial
      infective endocarditis (IE) and are also important agents in septicaemia in
      neutropenic patients. The Streptococcus mitis group is comprised of 13 species
      including some of the most common human oral colonizers such as S. mitis, S.
      oralis, S. sanguinis and S. gordonii as well as species such as S. tigurinus, S.
      oligofermentans and S. australis that have only recently been classified and are
      poorly understood at present. We present StreptoBase, which provides a
      specialized free resource focusing on the genomic analyses of oral species from
      the mitis group. It currently hosts 104 S. mitis group genomes including 27 novel
      mitis group strains that we sequenced using the high throughput Illumina HiSeq
      technology platform, and provides a comprehensive set of genome sequences for
      analyses, particularly comparative analyses and visualization of both cross
      species and cross-strain characteristics of S. mitis group bacteria. StreptoBase
      incorporates sophisticated in-house designed bioinformatics web tools such as
      Pairwise Genome Comparison (PGC) tool and Pathogenomic Profiling Tool
      (PathoProT), which facilitate comparative pathogenomics analysis of Streptococcus
      strains. Examples are provided to demonstrate how StreptoBase can be employed to
      compare genome structure of different S. mitis group bacteria and putative
      virulence genes profile across multiple streptococcal strains. In conclusion,
      StreptoBase offers access to a range of streptococci genomic resources as well as
      analysis tools and will be an invaluable platform to accelerate research in
      streptococci. Database URL: http://streptococcus.um.edu.my.

PMID- 27138014
TI  - Young Adult Exposure to Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Risk of Events Later in
      Life: The Framingham Offspring Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factor
      exposure during early adulthood contributes to CHD risk later in life. Our
      objective was to analyze whether extent of early adult exposures to systolic and
      diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and low-and high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL, HDL) are independent predictors of CHD events later in life.
      METHODS AND FINDINGS: We used all available measurements of SBP, DBP, LDL, and
      HDL collected over 40 years in the Framingham Offspring Study to estimate risk
      factor trajectories, starting at age 20 years, for all participants. Average
      early adult (age 20-39) exposure to each risk factor was then estimated, and used
      to predict CHD events (myocardial infarction or CHD death) after age 40, with
      adjustment for risk factor exposures later in life (age 40+). 4860 participants
      contributed an average of 6.3 risk factor measurements from in-person
      examinations and 24.5 years of follow-up after age 40, and 510 had a first CHD
      event. Early adult exposures to high SBP, DBP, LDL or low HDL were associated
      with 8- to 30-fold increases in later life CHD event rates, but were also
      strongly correlated with risk factor levels later in life. After adjustment for
      later life levels and other risk factors, early adult DBP and LDL remained
      strongly associated with later life risk. Compared with DBP<=70 mmHg, adjusted
      hazard ratios (HRs) were 2.1 (95% confidence interval: 0.8-5.7) for DBP = 71-80,
      2.6 (0.9-7.2) for DBP = 81-90, and 3.6 (1.2-11) for DBP>90 (p-trend = 0.019).
      Compared with LDL<=100 mg/dl, adjusted HRs were 1.5 (0.9-2.6) for LDL = 101-130,
      2.2 (1.2-4.0) for LDL = 131-160, and 2.4 (1.2-4.7) for LDL>160 (p-trend = 0.009).
      While current levels of SBP and HDL were also associated with CHD events, we did
      not detect an independent association with early adult exposure to either of
      these risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Using a mixed modeling approach to estimation of
      young adult exposures with trajectory analysis, we detected independent
      associations between estimated early adult exposures to non-optimal DBP and LDL
      and CHD events later in life.

PMID- 27138016
TI  - Simulations of molecular self-assembled monolayers on surfaces: packing
      structures, formation processes and functions tuned by intermolecular and
      interfacial interactions.
AB  - Surfaces modified with a functional molecular monolayer are essential for the
      fabrication of nano-scale electronics or machines with novel physical, chemical,
      and/or biological properties. Theoretical simulation based on advanced quantum
      chemical and classical models is at present a necessary tool in the development,
      design, and understanding of the interfacial nanostructure. The nanoscale surface
      morphology, growth processes, and functions are controlled by not only the
      electronic structures (molecular energy levels, dipole moments, polarizabilities,
      and optical properties) of building units but also the subtle balance between
      intermolecular and interfacial interactions. The switchable surfaces are also
      constructed by introducing stimuli-responsive units like azobenzene derivatives.
      To bridge the gap between experiments and theoretical models, opportunities and
      challenges for future development of modelling of ferroelectricity, entropy, and
      chemical reactions of surface-supported monolayers are also addressed.
      Theoretical simulations will allow us to obtain important and detailed
      information about the structure and dynamics of monolayer modified interfaces,
      which will guide the rational design and optimization of dynamic interfaces to
      meet challenges of controlling optical, electrical, and biological functions. 

PMID- 27138015
TI  - Study Design and Rationale for the Phase 3 Clinical Development Program of
      Enobosarm, a Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator, for the Prevention and
      Treatment of Muscle Wasting in Cancer Patients (POWER Trials).
AB  - Muscle wasting in cancer is a common and often occult condition that can occur
      prior to overt signs of weight loss and before a clinical diagnosis of cachexia
      can be made. Muscle wasting in cancer is an important and independent predictor
      of progressive functional impairment, decreased quality of life, and increased
      mortality. Although several therapeutic agents are currently in development for
      the treatment of muscle wasting or cachexia in cancer, the majority of these
      agents do not directly inhibit muscle loss. Selective androgen receptor
      modulators (SARMs) have the potential to increase lean body mass (LBM) and hence
      muscle mass, without the untoward side effects seen with traditional anabolic
      agents. Enobosarm, a nonsteroidal SARM, is an agent in clinical development for
      prevention and treatment of muscle wasting in patients with cancer (POWER 1 and 2
      trials). The POWER trials are two identically designed randomized, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled, multicenter, and multinational phase 3 trials to assess the
      efficacy of enobosarm for the prevention and treatment of muscle wasting in
      subjects initiating first-line chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). To assess enobosarm's effect on both prevention and treatment of muscle
      wasting, no minimum weight loss is required. These pivotal trials have pioneered
      the methodological and regulatory fields exploring a therapeutic agent for cancer
      associated muscle wasting, a process hereby described. In each POWER trial,
      subjects will receive placebo (n = 150) or enobosarm 3 mg (n = 150) orally once
      daily for 147 days. Physical function, assessed as stair climb power (SCP), and
      LBM, assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), are the co-primary
      efficacy endpoints in both trials assessed at day 84. Based on extensive feedback
      from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the co-primary endpoints will be
      analyzed as a responder analysis. To be considered a physical function responder,
      a subject must have >=10 % improvement in physical function compared to baseline.
      To meet the definition of response on LBM, a subject must have demonstrated no
      loss of LBM compared with baseline. Secondary endpoints include durability of
      response assessed at day 147 in those responding at day 84. A combined overall
      survival analysis for both studies is considered a key secondary safety endpoint.
      The POWER trials design was established with extensive clinical input and
      collaboration with regulatory agencies. The efficacy endpoints are a result of
      this feedback and discussion of the threshold for clinical benefit in patients at
      risk for muscle wasting. Full results from these studies will soon be published
      and will further guide the development of future anabolic trials. Clinical Trial
      ID: NCT01355484. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01355484 , NCT01355497.
      https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01355497?term=g300505&rank=1 .

PMID- 27138017
TI  - Resistance to Crizotinib in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with ALK
      Rearrangement: Mechanisms, Treatment Strategies and New Targeted Therapies.
AB  - Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) harboring anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)
      rearrangement are generally responsive to treatment with ALK tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKIs). Crizotinib is the first-in-class TKI approved as front-line or
      salvage therapy in advanced ALK-rearranged NSCLC. Unfortunately, drug resistance
      develops after initial benefit, through a variety of mechanisms preserving or not
      the dominance of ALK signaling in the crizotinib-resistant state. The distinction
      between patients who preserve ALK dominance (secondary mutations alone or in
      combination with the number of copy ALK gain) compared to those that have
      decreased ALK dominance (separate or second oncogenic drivers, with or without
      concurrent persistence of the original ALK signal) is important in order to
      overcome resistance. Novel second-generation ALK inhibitors are currently in
      clinical development with promising results in ALK-rearranged NSCLC, as well as
      in crizotinib-resistant patients. Among these, ceritinib in the United States was
      granted by Food and Drug Administration accelerated approval for treatment of
      patients with ALK-rearranged, metastatic NSCLC with progression disease on or
      intolerance to crizotinib. Fully understanding of the different mechanisms of
      resistance to crizotinib will help us to continue to exploit personalized
      medicine approaches overcoming crizotinib resistance in these patients in the
      future. This review aims to discuss on strategy overcoming crizotinib-resistance
      starting from molecular mechanisms of resistance until novel ALK kinase
      inhibitors in ALK-rearranged NSCLC patients.

PMID- 27138018
TI  - Radiopaque biodegradable stent for duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in pigs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biliary stricture is a common cause of morbidity after liver
      transplantation. We previously developed a duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis
      technique using a biodegradable stent tube and confirmed the feasibility and
      safety of biliary stent use. However, the duration and mechanism of biliary stent
      absorption in the common bile duct remain unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Radiopaque biodegradable biliary stents were created using a copolymer of L
      lactide and epsilon-caprolactone (70: 30) and coated with barium sulfate. Stents
      were surgically implanted in the common bile duct of 11 pigs. Liver function
      tests and computed tomography (CT) scans were performed postoperatively, and
      autopsies were conducted 6 months after biliary stent implantation. RESULTS:
      After the surgery, all 11 pigs had normal liver function and survived without any
      significant complications such as biliary leakage. A CT scan at 2 months post
      procedure showed that the biliary stents were located in the hilum of the liver.
      The stents were not visible by CT scan at the 6-month follow-up examination.
      CONCLUSIONS: The surgical implantation of radiopaque biodegradable biliary stents
      in biliary surgery represents a new option for duct-to-duct biliary
      reconstruction. This technique appears to be feasible and safe and is not
      associated with any significant biliary complications. The advantage of coated
      biliary stent use is that it may be visualized using abdominal radiography such
      as CT.

PMID- 27138019
TI  - Continuous intraoperative monitoring of vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerve
      function in patients with advanced atrioventricular block.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intraoperative neuromonitoring of recurrent laryngeal nerve function
      after stimulation of the vagus nerve has been embraced as a risk minimization
      tool in thyroid surgery to prevent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Because this
      technology is increasingly used in an elderly and sicker population, the present
      study was conducted to determine the safety of this method in patients with
      second- or third-degree atrioventricular block. METHODS: This study aimed at
      evaluating the feasibility and safety of continuous intraoperative
      neuromonitoring (CIONM) in patients with second- or third-degree atrioventricular
      block. RESULTS: A total of six patients (12 nerves at risk), accounting for 0.3 %
      of all 1800 patients (3049 nerves at risk) who underwent thyroid surgery during
      the study period, were found to have second- or third-degree atrioventricular
      block. All these patients maintained normal systolic and diastolic blood
      pressures; heart rate; and peripheral arterial oxygen saturation before, during,
      and after CIONM. No clinically relevant changes in heart rate or blood pressure,
      cardiac arrhythmia, or other hemodynamically important events were noted despite
      careful monitoring of these patients. There was no interference between the
      biphasic waveform of the vocal muscle electromyogram and the spikes generated by
      the implanted cardiac pacemakers. Outcomes were uneventful with normal vocal fold
      and parathyroid gland function. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this
      series and considering experimental, animal, and human data, continuous IONM of
      the vagus nerve at <=2 Hz seems to be reasonably safe. Additional research is
      warranted to confirm these results in larger groups of patients with advanced
      atrioventricular block.

PMID- 27138020
TI  - Necessity of subcutaneous suction drains in ileostomy reversal (DRASTAR)-a
      randomized, controlled bi-centered trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: Data regarding length of hospital stay of patients undergoing ileostomy
      reversal are very heterogeneous. There are many factors that may have an
      influence on the length of postoperative hospital stay, such as postoperative
      wound infections. One potential strategy to reduce their incidence and to
      decrease hospital stay is to insert subcutaneous suction drains. The purpose of
      this study was to examine the influence of the insertion of subcutaneous suction
      drains on hospital stay and postoperative wound infections in ileostomy reversal.
      Risk factors for postoperative wound infection were determined. METHODS: This is
      a randomized controlled two-center non-inferiority trial with two parallel
      groups. The total length of hospital stay as primary endpoint and the occurrence
      of a surgical site infection, the colonization of the abdominal wall with
      bacteria, and the occurrence of hematomas/seromas as secondary endpoints were
      monitored. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen patients with elective ileostomy
      reversal were included. Fifty-nine patients were randomly assigned to insertion
      of a subcutaneous suction drain, and 59 patients were randomly assigned to
      receive no drain. After 3 months of follow-up, 50 patients in the group with
      drain and 53 patients in the group without drain could be analyzed. Median total
      length of hospital stay was 8 days in the SD group and 9 days in the group
      without SD (p = 0.17). Fourteen percent of patients with SD and 17 % without SD
      developed SSI, p = 0.68. Multivariate analysis revealed anemia (p < 0.01),
      intraoperative bowel perforation (p = 0.02) and resident (p = 0.04) or fellow (p
      = 0.048) performing the operation as risk factors for SSI. CONCLUSIONS: This
      trial shows that the omission of subcutaneous suction drains is not inferior to
      the use of subcutaneous suction drains after ileostomy reversal in terms of
      length of hospital stay, surgical site infections, and hematomas/seromas.

PMID- 27138022
TI  - Safety, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics of VGX-1027-A novel oral anti
      inflammatory drug in healthy human subjects.
AB  - VGX-1027, a novel oral immune modulator, is under development for the treatment
      of rheumatoid arthritis. The safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single
      (1-800 mg) and multiple (40-400 mg) oral doses were evaluated in 2 clinical
      studies. The doses were well tolerated up to 800 mg in a single dose and 200 mg
      twice daily in multiple doses. Adverse events were mild to moderate in severity
      with no identifiable dose-related pattern. There were no clinically significant
      physical or laboratory findings. The pharmacokinetic data indicated that
      increases in Cmax and AUC0-inf were dose-proportional, and AUC0- tau was
      approximately dose-proportional. For the single-dose study, median Tmax ranged
      from 0.5 to 2 hours and mean t1/2 ranged from 4.9 to 8.7 hours. For the multiple
      dose study, median Tmax ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 hours and mean t1/2 ranged from
      7.05 to 10.05 hours. No accumulation of the drug was observed after day 1,
      indicating that steady-state concentrations were attained with single and
      multiple dosing for 5 days. Approximately 90% of the administered dose was
      excreted in urine as unchanged drug. 

PMID- 27138023
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of mepolizumab, an anti-interleukin 5
      monoclonal antibody, in healthy Japanese male subjects.
AB  - Interleukin 5 (IL-5) and eosinophils are thought to play an important role in the
      pathology of asthma. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics,
      safety, and tolerability of mepolizumab, a humanized anti-IL5 IgG1 monoclonal
      antibody, in development for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. This
      single-blind study randomized 35 healthy Japanese male subjects (3:1) to receive
      either a single mepolizumab intravenous dose (10, 75, 250, or 750 mg) or placebo.
      Subjects were observed for up to 151 days postdose, depending on the dose
      administered. Blood samples were collected to measure mepolizumab concentrations,
      blood eosinophils, IL-5, and antibodies to mepolizumab. Mepolizumab exhibited
      dose-proportional pharmacokinetics. The terminal phase half-life was 19.7-34.6
      days, independent of dose. Higher mepolizumab plasma concentrations were
      associated with lower blood eosinophil counts. Mepolizumab 75-750 mg reduced
      blood eosinophils for >=3 months postdose. Mepolizumab demonstrated a favorable
      safety profile: of 41 reported adverse events, most were mild in severity and
      none were serious. No neutralizing antibodies to mepolizumab were detected.
      Sustained reduction in blood eosinophils after single intravenous mepolizumab
      doses >= 75 mg, along with mepolizumab pharmacokinetics and a favorable
      tolerability profile in healthy Japanese subjects, provides a solid foundation
      for future studies with mepolizumab in Japanese patients with asthma. 

PMID- 27138024
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate fixed-dose combination
      compared with individual components: A phase 1, open-label, single-dose study.
AB  - Inhaled, long-acting bronchodilators represent a cornerstone of maintenance
      treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aclidinium
      bromide/formoterol fumarate 400/12 MUg fixed-dose combination (FDC) has recently
      been licensed for use in adults with COPD in the European Union. This phase 1,
      randomized, open-label, 3-way, complete crossover, single-dose study assessed the
      pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of an FDC, aclidinium bromide 400 MUg,
      and formoterol fumarate 12 MUg, all administered via GenuairTM to 30 healthy
      subjects. The rate and extent of absorption were comparable for
      aclidinium/formoterol FDC and individual monotherapies; aclidinium/formoterol FDC
      and aclidinium alone: Cmax , 270 and 215 pg/mL, respectively; AUC0-t , 229 and
      222 pg . h/mL, respectively; aclidinium/formoterol FDC and formoterol alone: Cmax
      , 11 and 9.3 pg/mL, respectively; AUC, 36 and 32.4 pg . h/mL, respectively. There
      were no major differences in relative bioavailability between the combination and
      monotherapies: the aclidinium Cmax and AUC0-t were 26% and 3% higher,
      respectively, with aclidinium/formoterol FDC compared with aclidinium alone, and
      18% and 11% higher, respectively, compared with formoterol alone.
      Aclidinium/formoterol FDC was well tolerated; the incidence of adverse events was
      low and similar to the monotherapies. Aclidinium/formoterol FDC was not
      associated with any major differences in rate and extent of absorption or
      relative bioavailability compared with monotherapies. 

PMID- 27138025
TI  - Bioequivalence of fixed-dose combinations of dapagliflozin and metformin with
      single-component tablets in healthy subjects and the effect of food on
      bioavailability.
AB  - The pharmacokinetics (PK) of dapagliflozin and metformin administered as fixed
      dose combination (FDC) tablets (2.5 mg dapagliflozin/850 mg metformin or 5 mg
      dapagliflozin/1000 mg metformin) or as separate tablets in healthy subjects were
      evaluated in 2 separate studies. Study 1 evaluated PK by measuring mean ratios of
      area under the plasma concentration-time curve (time zero to infinity [AUCinf ]),
      AUC from zero to time of last measurable concentration (AUC0-t ), and maximum
      observed plasma concentration (Cmax ) for single-component or FDC tablets
      following a non-high-fat meal. Mean ratios of AUCinf , AUC0-t , and Cmax for FDC
      or single-component dapagliflozin and metformin tablets were close to unity. In
      study 2, AUCinf , AUC0-t , and Cmax for the FDC tablet were obtained fasting and
      after a high-fat meal. Dapagliflozin 5 mg and metformin 1000 mg geometric mean
      Cmax was increased in the fasted versus fed state (61.9 vs 43.9 and 1600 vs 1330
      ng/mL, respectively), but AUC0-t was similar (267 and 265 and 11 000 and 10 600
      ng . h/mL, respectively). In summary, FDC tablets were bioequivalent to single
      component tablets, and total absorption (AUC) was similar for non-high-fat and
      high-fat meals. 

PMID- 27138026
TI  - The relative bioavailability of 2 prototype fixed-dose combination formulations
      for amlodipine and rosuvastatin in healthy white and Chinese subjects.
AB  - A fixed-dose combination (FDC) may improve patient compliance and clinical
      outcomes in the management of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive and
      dyslipidemic patients. The study (NCT02075619) evaluated the bioavailability of 2
      prototype FDC tablet formulations (FDC1 and FDC2) of amlodipine/rosuvastatin (10
      mg/20 mg) compared with coadministered reference tablets. It was a randomized,
      single-dose, 3-way crossover pilot study in healthy white (n = 12) and Chinese (n
      = 12) adults. Three treatments (FDC1, FDC2, and reference) were administered
      after fasting with a washout period of 12-17 days. The pharmacokinetics of
      amlodipine and rosuvastatin were studied for all subjects (pooled) and by
      ethnicity. Safety and tolerability were also evaluated. Both FDCs met the
      bioequivalence criteria (90% confidence intervals falling within the range of
      0.80-1.25) for AUC0-t and Cmax for amlodipine and rosuvastatin. Intrasubject
      variability (AUC0-t and Cmax ) was in the region of 23%-25% for rosuvastatin and
      7%-10% for amlodipine. The FDC formulations demonstrated similar bioavailability
      to coadministered commercially available amlodipine and rosuvastatin. All
      treatments were generally well tolerated. 

PMID- 27138027
TI  - Effects of Renal Impairment and Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of
      Hydrocodone After Administration of a Hydrocodone Extended-Release Tablet
      Formulated With Abuse-Deterrence Technology.
AB  - Two open-label, single-dose, parallel-group studies assessed effects of renal and
      hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of a hydrocodone extended-release (ER)
      formulation developed with the CIMA Abuse-Deterrence Technology platform. Forty
      eight subjects with normal renal function or varying degrees of renal impairment
      received hydrocodone ER 45 mg (study 1); 16 subjects with normal hepatic function
      or moderate hepatic impairment received hydrocodone ER 15 mg (study 2). Blood
      samples were obtained predose and through 144 hours postdose. Mean maximum
      observed plasma hydrocodone concentration (Cmax ) in subjects with normal renal
      function, mild, moderate, and severe impairment, and end-stage renal disease was
      28.6, 33.4, 42.4, 36.5, and 31.6 ng/mL, and mean area under the plasma
      hydrocodone concentration-versus-time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0
      infinity ) was 565, 660, 973, 983, and 638 ng.h/mL, respectively. Incidence of
      adverse events was 57%, 38%, 44%, 33%, and 56%, respectively. Mean Cmax with
      normal hepatic function and moderate impairment was 10.1 and 13.0 ng/mL, and mean
      AUC0-infinity was 155 and 269 ng.h/mL, respectively. Incidence of adverse events
      was 38% in both groups. Altered systemic exposure in renally or hepatically
      impaired populations (up to ~70% higher) should be considered when titrating to
      an effective dose of hydrocodone ER. 

PMID- 27138030
TI  - Giant and reversible room-temperature elastocaloric effect in a single
      crystalline Ni-Fe-Ga magnetic shape memory alloy.
AB  - Good mechanical properties and large adiabatic temperature change render Heusler
      type Ni2FeGa-based magnetic shape memory alloys as a promising candidate material
      for solid-state mechanical cooling application at ambient conditions.
      Superelastic behavior and associated elastocaloric effect strongly reply on
      deformation conditions (e.g. applied strain rate and strain level) of stress
      induced martensitic transformations. With the aim of developing high-performance
      elastic cooling materials, in this work, we have carried out a systematic study
      on a Ni54Fe19Ga27 [420]-oriented single crystal by exploring the interaction
      between dynamic deformation parameters and thermal response. A giant and
      reversible adiabatic temperature change of +/-7.5 K triggered by a low stress of
      30 MPa was achieved. Such a high specific cooling performance thus offers the
      great advantage for the small scale solid-state mechanical cooling applications.
      Besides, a significant temporary residual strain effect has been observed at high
      strain rate, which is unfavorable for reversible elastocaloric effect but can be
      overcome by reducing stress hysteresis, and/or by elevating initial environmental
      temperature. The established criterion for the desirable reversible elastocaloric
      properties goes beyond the present system, and can be applicable for other shape
      memory alloys used for elastic cooling techniques.

PMID- 27138028
TI  - Opicapone pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics comparison between healthy
      Japanese and matched white subjects.
AB  - Opicapone (OPC) is a novel third-generation catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
      inhibitor. This randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled and
      multiple ascending dose study in 3 sequential groups of up to 38 (19 Japanese
      plus 19 white subjects) aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) and
      pharmacodynamics (PD; COMT activity) of opicapone between healthy Japanese and
      matched white subjects. Enrolled subjects received a once-daily morning
      administration of OPC (5, 25, or 50 mg) or placebo for 10 days, with plasma and
      urine concentrations of opicapone and its metabolites measured up to 144 hours
      postdose, including S-COMT activity. Geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and confidence
      intervals (95%CIs) for the main PK and PD parameters of OPC were evaluated
      between populations. Both the PK and PD of OPC were similar in the Japanese and
      white populations. Overall, only minimal differences were noted between the 2
      populations, which were not deemed to be statistically significant. When both
      populations were separated based on their COMT genotype, the observed PK and PD
      differences were also negligible. In conclusion, the PK and PD profiles of OPC
      were similar in the Japanese and white populations. Thus, ethnicity and COMT
      polymorphisms had no significant impact on the OPC PK and PD in the conditions of
      the study. 

PMID- 27138031
TI  - Management of pediatric central nervous system emergencies: a review for general
      radiologists.
AB  - TEACHING OBJECTIVES: To review the most common and most important diseases and
      disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) in pediatric emergencies,
      discussing the indications for different imaging tests in each context.
      DISCUSSION: In pediatric patients, acute neurologic symptoms (seizures,
      deteriorating level of consciousness, focal neurologic deficits, etc.) can appear
      in diverse clinical situations (trauma, child abuse, meningoencephalitis,
      ischemia...). It is important to decide on the most appropriate neuroimaging
      diagnostic algorithm for each situation and age group, as well as to know the
      signs of the most typical lesions that help us in the etiological differential
      diagnosis. Pediatric patients' increased vulnerability to ionizing radiation and
      the possible need for sedation in studies that require more time are factors that
      should be taken into account when indicating an imaging test. It is essential to
      weigh the risks and benefits for the patient and to avoid unnecessary studies.

PMID- 27138032
TI  - Basic interventional radiology in the abdomen.
AB  - This article describes the different basic nonvascular interventional techniques
      in the abdomen that all general radiologists should be familiar with. It explains
      the indications and approaches for the different procedures (punctures, biopsies,
      drainage of collections, cholecystostomies, and nephrostomies). It also discusses
      the advantages and disadvantages of the different imaging techniques that can be
      used to guide these procedures (ultrasound, CT, and fluoroscopy) as well as the
      possible complications that can develop from each procedure. Finally, it shows
      the importance of following up patients clinically and of taking care of
      catheters. 

PMID- 27138033
TI  - Interventional radiology neck procedures.
AB  - Ultrasonography has become extremely useful in the evaluation of masses in the
      head and neck. It enables us to determine the anatomic location of the masses as
      well as the characteristics of the tissues that compose them, thus making it
      possible to orient the differential diagnosis toward inflammatory, neoplastic,
      congenital, traumatic, or vascular lesions, although it is necessary to use
      computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to determine the complete
      extension of certain lesions. The growing range of interventional procedures,
      mostly guided by ultrasonography, now includes biopsies, drainages,
      infiltrations, sclerosing treatments, and tumor ablation. 

PMID- 27138034
TI  - Benign Cutaneous Plexiform Hybrid Tumor of Perineurioma and Cellular
      Neurothekeoma.

PMID- 27138035
TI  - Design, Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of Novel link-bridge and B-Ring Modified
      Combretastatin A-4 (CA-4) Analogues as Potent Antitubulin Agents.
AB  - A series of 12 novel acylhydrazone, chalcone and amide-bridged analogues of
      combretastatin A-4 were designed and synthesized toward tubulin. All these
      compounds were determined by elemental analysis, (1)H NMR, and MS. Among them,
      compound 7 with acylhydrazone-bridge, bearing a benzyl at the indole-N position,
      was identified as a potent antiproliferative agent against a panel of cancer cell
      lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.08 to 35.6 MUM. In contrast, its cytotoxic
      effects on three normal human cells were minimal. Cellular studies have revealed
      that the induction of apoptosis by compound 7 was associated with a collapse of
      mitochondrial membrane potential, accumulation of reactive oxygen species,
      alterations in the expression of some cell cycle-related proteins (Cyclin B1,
      Cdc25c, Cdc2, P21) and some apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, PARP, Bcl-2,
      Caspase3). The docking mode showed the binding posture of CA-4 and compound 7 are
      similar in the colchicine-binding pocket of tubulin, as confirmed by colchicine
      tubulin competitive binding assay, tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity,
      extracellular protein expression determination assay and confocal
      immunofluorescence microscopy. In vivo study, compound 7 effectively inhibited
      A549 xenograft tumor growth without causing significant loss of body weight
      suggesting that compound 7 is a promising new antimitotic agent with clinical
      potential.

PMID- 27138036
TI  - Terbinafine Hydrochloride Trans-ungual Delivery via Nanovesicular Systems: In
      Vitro Characterization and Ex Vivo Evaluation.
AB  - Treating a nail infection like onychomycosis is challenging as the human nail
      plate acts as a formidable barrier against all drug permeation. Available oral
      and topical treatments have several setbacks. Terbinafine hydrochloride (TBH),
      belonging to the allylamine class, is mainly used for treatment of onychomycosis.
      This study aims to formulate TBH in a nanobased spanlastic vesicular carrier that
      enables and enhances the drug delivery through the nail. The nanovesicles were
      formulated by ethanol injection method, using either Span(r) 60 or Span(r) 65,
      together with Tween 80 or sodium deoxycholate as an edge activator. A full
      factorial design was implemented to study the effect of different formulation and
      process variables on the prepared TBH-loaded spanlastic nanovesicles. TBH
      entrapment efficiency percentages, particle size diameter, percentage drug
      released after 2 h and 8 h were selected as dependent variables. Optimization was
      performed using Design-Expert(r) software to obtain an optimized formulation with
      high entrapment efficiency (62.35 +/- 8.91%), average particle size of 438.45 +/-
      70.5 nm, and 29.57 +/- 0.93 and 59.53 +/- 1.73% TBH released after 2 and 8 h,
      respectively. The optimized formula was evaluated using differential scanning
      calorimetry and X-ray diffraction and was also morphologically examined using
      transmission electron microscopy. An ex vivo study was conducted to determine the
      permeation and retainment of the optimized formulation in a human cadaver nail
      plate, and confocal laser scanning microscope was used to show the extent of
      formulation permeation. In conclusion, the results confirmed that spanlastics
      exhibit promising results for the trans-ungual delivery of TBH.

PMID- 27138037
TI  - Treatment of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis Using a Novel Accepted Taste of
      Prolonged Release Mucoadhesive Bi-medicated Double-Layer Buccal Films.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop a novel double-layer bi-medicated prolonged
      release mucoadhesive buccal film (MBF) containing lidocaine hydrochloride (LC)
      and diclofenac potassium (DK). The ultimate goal of the prepared system is the
      treatment of radiation-induced oral mucositis pain with improved patient
      acceptance. MBFs were prepared using 3 * 22 randomized full factorial design for
      film optimization. Nanoemulsion system (NES) was used to mask DK bitter taste.
      The prepared films were characterized, viz thickness, mass uniformity, surface
      pH, folding endurance, swelling studies, ex vivo bioadhesive strength, in vitro
      drug release, and ex vivo permeation. The in vivo evaluation was carried out by
      testing the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities on rats followed by a
      clinical study on patients to prove their acceptance. The optimized MBF composed
      of 10% w/w HPMC-4KM, 50 mg LC, and 50 mg DK-NES was selected due to prolonged in
      vitro drug release pattern and ex vivo permeability (95.24 +/- 2.14 and 93.48 +/-
      3.24% in 6 h, respectively). MBF exposed a strong anti-inflammatory effect from
      61 to 87% inhibition with a strong analgesic effect when compared to DK(r) and
      LC(r), respectively. The clinical study revealed that films were accepted by the
      patients, and the presence of LC on the outer side helped in pain feeling
      reduction while DK-NES in the inner side facilitated in rapidly relieving the
      inflammation effect.

PMID- 27138038
TI  - Combinatorial metabolic pathway assembly in the yeast genome with RNA-guided
      Cas9.
AB  - The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an important industrial platform for the
      production of grain and cellulosic ethanol, isobutanol, butanediol, isoprenoids,
      and other chemicals. The construction of a successful production strain usually
      involves multiple gene knockouts and chromosomal integration of expression
      cassettes to redirect the metabolic fluxes for the conversion of sugars and other
      feed stocks into the desired product. RNA-guided Cas9 based genome editing has
      been demonstrated in many prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts including S.
      cerevisiae, in which it has been additionally exploited as a tool for metabolic
      engineering. To extend the utilization of RNA-guided Cas9 as a metabolic pathway
      building tool, we demonstrated the direct assembly and chromosomal integration of
      up to 17 overlapping DNA fragments encoding the beta-carotene biosynthetic
      pathway. Furthermore, we generated a combinatorial strain library for the beta
      carotene biosynthetic pathway, directly integrated into the yeast genome to
      create a diverse library of strains. This enabled the screening of combinatorial
      libraries in stable chromosomally integrated strains for rapid improvements of
      product titers. This combinatorial approach for pathway assembly will
      significantly accelerate the current speed of metabolic engineering for S.
      cerevisiae as an industrial platform, and increase the number of strains that can
      be simultaneously evaluated for enzyme screening, expression optimization and
      protein engineering to achieve the titer, rate and yield necessary for the
      commercialization of new industrial fermentation products.

PMID- 27138039
TI  - Immunoregulatory mechanisms in Chagas disease: modulation of apoptosis in T-cell
      mediated immune responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic Chagas disease presents different clinical manifestations
      ranging from asymptomatic (namely indeterminate) to severe cardiac and/or
      digestive. Previous results have shown that the immune response plays an
      important role, although no all mechanisms are understood. Immunoregulatory
      mechanisms such as apoptosis are important for the control of Chagas disease,
      possibly affecting the morbidity in chronic clinical forms. Apoptosis has been
      suggested to be an important mechanism of cellular response during T. cruzi
      infection. We aimed to further understand the putative role of apoptosis in
      Chagas disease and its relation to the clinical forms of the disease. METHODS:
      Apoptosis of lymphocytes, under antigenic stimuli (soluble T. cruzi antigens -
      TcAg) where compared to that of non-stimulated cells. Apoptosis was evaluated
      using the expression of annexin and caspase 3(+) by T cells and the percentage of
      cells positive evaluated by flow cytometry. In addition activation and T cell
      markers were used for the identification of TCD4(+) and TCD8(+) subpopulations.
      The presence of intracellular and plasma cytokines were also evaluated. Analysis
      of the activation status of the peripheral blood cells showed that patients with
      Chagas disease presented higher levels of activation determined by the expression
      of activation markers, after TcAg stimulation. PCR array were used to evaluate
      the contribution of this mechanism in specific cell populations from patients
      with different clinical forms of human Chagas disease. RESULTS: Our results
      showed a reduced proliferative response associated a high expression of T
      CD4(+)CD62L(-) cells in CARD patients when compared with IND group and NI
      individuals. We also observed that both groups of patients presented a
      significant increase of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell subsets in undergoing apoptosis
      after in vitro stimulation with T. cruzi antigens. In CARD patients, both CD4(+)
      and CD8(+) T cells expressing TNF-alpha were highly susceptible to undergo
      apoptosis after in vitro stimulation. Interestingly, the in vitro TcAg
      stimulation increased considerably the expression of cell death TNF/TNFR
      superfamily and Caspase family receptors genes in CARD patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Taken together, our results suggest that apoptosis may be an important mechanism
      for the control of morbidity in T. cruzi infection by modulating the expression
      of apoptosis genes, the cytokine environment and/or killing of effector cells.

PMID- 27138040
TI  - Safe and Efficient Gene Therapy for Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency.
AB  - Pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) is a monogenic metabolic disease caused by
      mutations in the PKLR gene that leads to hemolytic anemia of variable
      symptomatology and that can be fatal during the neonatal period. PKD recessive
      inheritance trait and its curative treatment by allogeneic bone marrow
      transplantation provide an ideal scenario for developing gene therapy approaches.
      Here, we provide a preclinical gene therapy for PKD based on a lentiviral vector
      harboring the hPGK eukaryotic promoter that drives the expression of the PKLR
      cDNA. This therapeutic vector was used to transduce mouse PKD hematopoietic stem
      cells (HSCs) that were subsequently transplanted into myeloablated PKD mice.
      Ectopic RPK expression normalized the erythroid compartment correcting the
      hematological phenotype and reverting organ pathology. Metabolomic studies
      demonstrated functional correction of the glycolytic pathway in RBCs derived from
      genetically corrected PKD HSCs, with no metabolic disturbances in leukocytes. The
      analysis of the lentiviral insertion sites in the genome of transplanted
      hematopoietic cells demonstrated no evidence of genotoxicity in any of the
      transplanted animals. Overall, our results underscore the therapeutic potential
      of the hPGK-coRPK lentiviral vector and provide high expectations toward the gene
      therapy of PKD and other erythroid metabolic genetic disorders.

PMID- 27138041
TI  - Generation of Genetically Engineered Precursor T-Cells From Human Umbilical Cord
      Blood Using an Optimized Alpharetroviral Vector Platform.
AB  - Retroviral engineering of hematopoietic stem cell-derived precursor T-cells
      (preTs) opens the possibility of targeted T-cell transfer across human leukocyte
      antigen (HLA)-barriers. Alpharetroviral vectors exhibit a more neutral
      integration pattern thereby reducing the risk of insertional mutagenesis. Cord
      blood-derived CD34+ cells were transduced and differentiated into preTs in vitro.
      Two promoters, elongation-factor-1-short-form, and a myeloproliferative sarcoma
      virus variant in combination with two commonly used envelopes were comparatively
      assessed choosing enhanced green fluorescent protein or a third-generation
      chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) against CD123 as gene of interest. Furthermore,
      the inducible suicide gene iCaspase 9 has been validated. Combining the sarcoma
      virus-derived promoter with a modified feline endogenous retrovirus envelope
      glycoprotein yielded in superior transgene expression and transduction rates.
      Fresh and previously frozen CD34+ cells showed similar transduction and expansion
      rates. Transgene-positive cells did neither show proliferative impairment nor
      alteration in their lymphoid differentiation profile. The sarcoma virus-derived
      promoter only could express sufficient levels of iCaspase 9 to mediate dimerizer
      induced apoptosis. Finally, the CD123 CAR was efficiently expressed in CD34+
      cells and proved to be functional when expressed on differentiated T-cells.
      Therefore, the transduction of CD34+ cells with alpharetroviral vectors
      represents a feasible and potentially safer approach for stem cell-based
      immunotherapies for cancer.

PMID- 27138042
TI  - Electrochemiluminescence of Supramolecular Nanorods and Their Application in the
      "On-Off-On" Detection of Copper Ions.
AB  - In this work, an "on-off-on" switch system has been successfully applied through
      the construction of an electrochemiluminscent biosensor for copper ion (Cu(2+) )
      detection based on a new electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitter of supramolecular
      nanorods, which was achieved through supramolecular interactions between 3,4,9,10
      perylenetetracarboxylic acid (PTCA) and aniline. The initial "signal-on" state
      with strong and stable ECL emission was obtained by use of the supramolecular
      nanorods with a new signal amplification strategy involving a co-reaction
      accelerator. In addition, ECL quencher probes (Fc-NH2 /Cu-Sub/nano-Au) were
      fabricated by immobilizing aminoferrocene (Fc-NH2 ) on Cu-substrate strand
      modified Au nanoparticles. The quencher probes were hybridized with the
      immobilized Cu-enzyme strand to form Cu(2+) -specific DNAzyme. Similarly, the
      "signal-off" state was obtained by the high quenching effect of Fc-NH2 on the ECL
      of the excited-state PTCA ((1) PTCA*). As expected, the second "switch-on" state
      could achieved by incubating with the target Cu(2+) , owing to the Cu(2+) 
      specific DNAzyme, which was irreversibly cleaved, resulting in the release of the
      quencher probes from the sensor interface. Herein, on the basis of the ECL
      intensity changes (DeltaIECL ) before and after incubating with the target Cu(2+)
      , the prepared Cu(2+) -specific DNAzyme-based biosensor was used for the
      determination of Cu(2+) concentrations with high sensitivity, excellent
      selectivity, and good regeneration.

PMID- 27138044
TI  - Development of a novel monoclonal antibody to human inducible co-stimulator
      ligand (ICOSL): Biological characteristics and application for enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay.
AB  - ICOSL (B7-H2, CD275), a co-stimulatory molecule of the B7 superfamily, functions
      as a positive signal in immune response. To investigate whether ICOSL could be
      released into sera and the possible biological function of soluble ICOS (sICOSL),
      we generated and characterized a functional anti-human ICOSL monoclonal antibody
      (mAb), 20B10, and developed a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
      based on two anti-human ICOSL antibodies with different epitope specificities.
      Using the ELISA system, we found that sICOSL in the serum of healthy donors
      increases in an age-dependent manner and that the matrix metalloproteinase
      inhibitor (MMPI) could suppress sICOSL production. Together, these data
      demonstrate that the existence of circulating sICOSL in human serum might play an
      important role in immunoregulation. 

PMID- 27138043
TI  - The genetic basis for ecological adaptation of the Atlantic herring revealed by
      genome sequencing.
AB  - Ecological adaptation is of major relevance to speciation and sustainable
      population management, but the underlying genetic factors are typically hard to
      study in natural populations due to genetic differentiation caused by natural
      selection being confounded with genetic drift in subdivided populations. Here, we
      use whole genome population sequencing of Atlantic and Baltic herring to reveal
      the underlying genetic architecture at an unprecedented detailed resolution for
      both adaptation to a new niche environment and timing of reproduction. We
      identify almost 500 independent loci associated with a recent niche expansion
      from marine (Atlantic Ocean) to brackish waters (Baltic Sea), and more than 100
      independent loci showing genetic differentiation between spring- and autumn
      spawning populations irrespective of geographic origin. Our results show that
      both coding and non-coding changes contribute to adaptation. Haplotype blocks,
      often spanning multiple genes and maintained by selection, are associated with
      genetic differentiation.

PMID- 27138045
TI  - Expression and characterization of a fibrinogenolytic enzyme from horsefly
      salivary gland.
AB  - Enzymes from various natural resources are valuable in management of thrombosis.
      Blood-sucking arthropods are one of these resources because they have a wide
      array of anti-hemostasis molecules in their salivary gland. However, it is
      difficult to purify enough protein samples from the salivary glands for
      pharmacological studies. In this work, a fibrinogenolytic enzyme (tablysin 2)
      identified from salivary glands of the horsefly Tabanus yao was expressed in
      Escherichia coli to further study its biological activities. The primary
      structure of tablysin 2 showed significant domain similarity to arthropod
      proteins from the antigen 5 family containing SCP domain, whose biological
      functions are poorly understood. Tablysin 2 cleaved the Aalpha and part of Bbeta
      chains of fibrinogen and did not affect gamma chain and fibrin. It inhibited
      platelet aggregation induced by ADP. It did not directly induce hemorrhage or
      activate plasminogen. The fibrinogenolytic activity of tablysin 2 provides a clue
      for the functions of antigen 5-related proteins in other haematophagous
      arthropods. This work demonstrate a method of expression of arthropod salivary
      proteins which are difficult to obtain from natural resources for further
      functional studies.

PMID- 27138046
TI  - Marker genes that are less conserved in their sequences are useful for predicting
      genome-wide similarity levels between closely related prokaryotic strains.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 16s rRNA gene is so far the most widely used marker for
      taxonomical classification and separation of prokaryotes. Since it is universally
      conserved among prokaryotes, it is possible to use this gene to classify a broad
      range of prokaryotic organisms. At the same time, it has often been noted that
      the 16s rRNA gene is too conserved to separate between prokaryotes at finer
      taxonomic levels. RESULTS: In this paper, we examine how well levels of
      similarity of 16s rRNA and 73 additional universal or nearly universal marker
      genes correlate with genome-wide levels of gene sequence similarity. We
      demonstrate that the percent identity of 16s rRNA predicts genome-wide levels of
      similarity very well for distantly related prokaryotes, but not for closely
      related ones. In closely related prokaryotes, we find that there are many other
      marker genes for which levels of similarity are much more predictive of genome
      wide levels of gene sequence similarity. Finally, we show that the identities of
      the markers that are most useful for predicting genome-wide levels of similarity
      within closely related prokaryotic lineages vary greatly between lineages.
      However, the most useful markers are always those that are least conserved in
      their sequences within each lineage. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that by
      choosing markers that are less conserved in their sequences within a lineage of
      interest, it is possible to better predict genome-wide gene sequence similarity
      between closely related prokaryotes than is possible using the 16s rRNA gene. We
      point readers towards a database we have created (POGO-DB) that can be used to
      easily establish which markers show lowest levels of sequence conservation within
      different prokaryotic lineages.

PMID- 27138047
TI  - Ammonia-Oligotrophic and Diazotrophic Heavy Metal-Resistant Serratia liquefaciens
      Strains from Pioneer Plants and Mine Tailings.
AB  - Mine tailings are man-made environments characterized by low levels of organic
      carbon and assimilable nitrogen, as well as moderate concentrations of heavy
      metals. For the introduction of nitrogen into these environments, a key role is
      played by ammonia-oligotrophic/diazotrophic heavy metal-resistant guilds. In mine
      tailings from Zacatecas, Mexico, Serratia liquefaciens was the dominant
      heterotrophic culturable species isolated in N-free media from bulk mine tailings
      as well as the rhizosphere, roots, and aerial parts of pioneer plants. S.
      liquefaciens strains proved to be a meta-population with high intraspecific
      genetic diversity and a potential to respond to these extreme conditions. The
      phenotypic and genotypic features of these strains reveal the potential
      adaptation of S. liquefaciens to oligotrophic and nitrogen-limited mine tailings
      with high concentrations of heavy metals. These features include ammonia
      oligotrophic growth, nitrogen fixation, siderophore and indoleacetic acid
      production, phosphate solubilization, biofilm formation, moderate tolerance to
      heavy metals under conditions of diverse nitrogen availability, and the presence
      of zntA, amtB, and nifH genes. The acetylene reduction assay suggests low
      nitrogen-fixing activity. The nifH gene was harbored in a plasmid of ~60 kb and
      probably was acquired by a horizontal gene transfer event from Klebsiella
      variicola.

PMID- 27138048
TI  - Mineral Type and Solution Chemistry Affect the Structure and Composition of
      Actively Growing Bacterial Communities as Revealed by Bromodeoxyuridine
      Immunocapture and 16S rRNA Pyrosequencing.
AB  - Understanding how minerals affect bacterial communities and their in situ
      activities in relation to environmental conditions are central issues in soil
      microbial ecology, as minerals represent essential reservoirs of inorganic
      nutrients for the biosphere. To determine the impact of mineral type and solution
      chemistry on soil bacterial communities, we compared the diversity, composition,
      and functional abilities of a soil bacterial community incubated in
      presence/absence of different mineral types (apatite, biotite, obsidian).
      Microcosms were prepared containing different liquid culture media devoid of
      particular essential nutrients, the nutrients provided only in the introduced
      minerals and therefore only available to the microbial community through mineral
      dissolution by biotic and/or abiotic processes. By combining functional screening
      of bacterial isolates and community analysis by bromodeoxyuridine DNA
      immunocapture and 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing, we demonstrated that bacterial
      communities were mainly impacted by the solution chemistry at the taxonomic level
      and by the mineral type at the functional level. Metabolically active bacterial
      communities varied with solution chemistry and mineral type. Burkholderia were
      significantly enriched in the obsidian treatment compared to the biotite
      treatment and were the most effective isolates at solubilizing phosphorous or
      mobilizing iron, in all the treatments. A detailed analysis revealed that the 16S
      rRNA gene sequences of the OTUs or isolated strains assigned as Burkholderia in
      our study showed high homology with effective mineral-weathering bacteria
      previously recovered from the same experimental site.

PMID- 27138049
TI  - Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Australian Cane Toad Skins Suppress Pro
      Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion in U937 Cells via NF-kappaB Signaling Pathway.
AB  - Toad skin extracts, such as aqueous extracts (AE) of Chinese toad skins, have
      demonstrated therapeutic benefits for a range of diseases including pain,
      inflammation, swelling, heart failure, and various types of cancers. In this
      study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of an AE (0.1-10 MUg/mL)
      and a 60% ethanol extract (EE; 0.1-10 MUg/mL) from Australian cane toad (Bufo
      marinus) skins and the known bioactive compound, bufotenine (BT; 0.1-10 nM). The
      assay employed a model of the human monocyte cell line U937 stimulated with
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for the
      release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6. We
      demonstrated that AE, EE, and BT significantly inhibited the release and
      expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner when the cells were
      pre-treated at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Further investigation revealed that
      the inhibition of TNF-alpha and IL-6 release and expression was associated with
      the suppression of nuclear factor (NF)-kappa (kappa)B activation. These results
      indicate that AE, EE, and BT are strong inflammation inhibitors, thus have the
      potential for further development as anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents from a
      natural source regarded as a feral pest in Australia. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 2769
      2780, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27138050
TI  - Tavaborole, a Novel Boron-Containing Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Agent for
      Topical Treatment of Onychomycosis: II. Prenatal and Postnatal Developmental
      Toxicity and Maternal Function Study.
AB  - Tavaborole is a topical antifungal agent approved by the US Food and Drug
      Administration for the treatment of toenail onychomycosis. The effects of
      tavaborole on gestation, parturition (delivery, labor), offspring development,
      and survival during the perinatal and postnatal periods were assessed in mated
      female rats. Females (F0 generation) were administered single daily oral (gavage)
      doses of 15, 60, or 100 mg/kg/d from gestation day 6 through lactation day 20.
      The females were allowed to deliver naturally and rear their offspring until
      lactation day 21, at which time the F0 females were euthanized. One male and
      female from each litter were selected (F1 generation) and retained for
      assessments, including growth, neurobehavior, fertility, and their ability to
      produce an F2 generation. Reproductive and offspring parameters were determined
      for the F1 and F2 generations, as applicable. F1 females and F2 pups were
      euthanized on postnatal day 7. In the F0 females, decreased activity was observed
      in the 100 mg/kg/d dose group. Excess salivation was observed in the 60 and 100
      mg/kg/d dose groups (slight to moderate), however, this finding was not
      considered adverse. There were no tavaborole-related effects on the growth,
      viability, development, neurobehavioral assessments, or reproductive performance
      of the F1 generation. Survivability and mean body weight of the F2 pups were
      unaffected. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for maternal toxicity
      (F0 generation) was 60 mg/kg/d, based on the decreased activity observed in the
      100 mg/kg/d dose group. The NOAEL for the offspring effects was >=100 mg/kg/d,
      based on the lack of test article-related changes.

PMID- 27138051
TI  - Effect of Antifreeze Peptide Pretreatment on Ice Crystal Size, Drip Loss,
      Texture, and Volatile Compounds of Frozen Carrots.
AB  - Ice crystal formation is of primary concern to the frozen food industry. In this
      study, the effects of antifreeze peptides (AFPs) on ice crystal formation were
      assessed in carrot during freezing and thawing. Three synthetic analogues based
      on naturally occurring antifreeze peptides were used in this study. The AFPs
      exhibited modification of ice crystal morphology, confirming their antifreeze
      activity in vitro. The ability of the synthetic AFPs to minimize drip loss and
      preserve color, structure, texture, and volatiles of frozen carrot was evaluated
      using the techniques of SEM, GC-MS, and texture analysis. The results prove the
      potential of these AFPs to preserve the above characteristics in frozen carrot
      samples. 

PMID- 27138052
TI  - Variants of meningiomas: a review of imaging findings and clinical features.
AB  - Meningiomas are common neoplasms that frequently occur in the brain and spine.
      Among the 15 histological subtypes of meningiomas in the WHO classification, the
      incidence of meningothelial meningiomas is the highest, followed by fibrous and
      transitional meningiomas. These three subtypes account for approximately 80 % of
      all meningiomas, and thus could be regarded as typical meningiomas. For this
      reason, other uncommon histological subtypes may be considered as imaging
      variants, and diagnosis is often challenging for radiologists solely based on
      imaging features of typical meningiomas. In addition to the histological
      subtypes, meningiomas arising in atypical locations could be easily mistaken for
      other lesions more commonly observed in those locations. The purpose of this
      article is to review characteristic clinical and imaging findings of uncommon
      meningiomas, including histological variants and meningiomas occurring in
      relatively rare locations. 

PMID- 27138053
TI  - High-risk genotypes HLA-DR3-DQ2/DR3-DQ2 and DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 in co-occurrence of
      type 1 diabetes and celiac disease.
AB  - Shared susceptibility alleles in the HLA region contribute to the co-existence of
      type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CD). The aim of our study was to
      identify HLA genotype variations that influence co-occurrence of T1D and CD (T1D
      + CD) and the order of their onset. Totally 244 patients, 67 with T1D, 68 with CD
      and 69 with T1D + CD, (split into "T1D first" and "CD first"), were analyzed.
      Control group consisted of 130 healthy unrelated individuals. Two-tailed Fisher's
      exact test was used for statistical analysis. The genetic background of Slovenian
      CD patients resembled more northern than southern European populations with DR3
      DQ2/DR3-DQ2 (odds ratio [OR] = 19.68) conferring the highest risk. The T1D + CD
      was associated with DR3-DQ2/DR3-DQ2 (OR = 45.53) and even more with DR3-DQ2/DR4
      DQ8 (OR = 93.76). DR3-DQ2/DR7-DQ2 played a neutral role in susceptibility for T1D
      + CD. The order of the onset of T1D or CD in patients with co-occurring diseases
      was not influenced by HLA risk genotype profile. DR3-DQ2/DR3-DQ2 was associated
      with an increased risk for developing CD in patients with T1D, whereas patients
      with CD carrying DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 were at higher risk for developing T1D. In
      addition to other genetic factors including HLA class I alleles present on DR3
      DQ2 extended haplotype, the second extended haplotype may moderate the risk for
      T1D + CD conferred by DR3-DQ2. Our results suggested that individuals carrying
      high-risk genotypes DR3-DQ2/DR3-DQ2 or DR3-DQ2/DR4-DQ8 would more likely develop
      both T1D and CD than either disease alone.

PMID- 27138054
TI  - Rapid and enzyme-free nucleic acid detection based on exponential hairpin
      assembly in complex biological fluids.
AB  - Herein, we have developed a rapid and enzyme-free nucleic acid amplification
      detection method that combined the exponential self-assembly of four DNA hairpins
      and the FRET pair Cy3 and Cy5. This strategy was very ingenious and rapid, and
      could detect nucleic acids at concentrations as low as 10 pM in 15 min in
      biological fluids.

PMID- 27138055
TI  - Birth characteristics and all-cause mortality: a sibling analysis using the
      Uppsala birth cohort multigenerational study.
AB  - This paper investigates the association between perinatal health and all-cause
      mortality for specific age intervals, assessing the contribution of maternal
      socioeconomic characteristics and the presence of maternal-level confounding. Our
      study is based on a cohort of 12,564 singletons born between 1915 and 1929 at the
      Uppsala University Hospital. We fitted Cox regression models to estimate age
      varying hazard ratios of all-cause mortality for absolute and relative birth
      weight and for gestational age. We found that associations with mortality vary by
      age and according to the measure under scrutiny, with effects being concentrated
      in infancy, childhood or early adult life. For example, the effect of low birth
      weight was greatest in the first year of life and then continued up to 44 years
      of age (HR between 2.82 and 1.51). These associations were confirmed in within
      family analyses, which provided no evidence of residual confounding by maternal
      characteristics. Our findings support the interpretation that policies oriented
      towards improving population health should invest in birth outcomes and hence in
      maternal health.

PMID- 27138056
TI  - Progression of postural control and gait deficits in Parkinson's disease and
      freezing of gait: A longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The relationship between impaired postural control and
      freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is still unclear. Our aim was
      to identify if postural control deficits and gait dysfunction progress
      differently in freezers compared to non-freezers and whether this relates to FOG
      development. METHODS: 76 PD patients, classified as freezer (n = 17) or non
      freezer (n = 59), and 24 controls underwent a gait and postural control
      assessments at baseline and after 12 months follow-up. Non-freezers who developed
      FOG during the study period were categorized as FOG converters (n = 5). Gait was
      analyzed during walking at self-preferred pace. Postural control was assessed
      using the Mini-BESTest and its sub-categories: sensory orientation, anticipatory,
      reactive and dynamic postural control. RESULTS: Mini-BESTest scores were lower in
      PD compared to controls (p < 0.001), and in freezers compared to non-freezers (p
      = 0.02). PD has worse anticipatory (p = 0.01), reactive (p = 0.02) and dynamic
      postural control (p = 0.003) compared to controls. Freezers scored lower on
      dynamic postural control compared to non-freezers (p = 0.02). There were no
      baseline differences between converters and non-converters. Decline in postural
      control was worse in PD compared to controls (p = 0.02) as shown by a greater
      decrease in the total Mini-BESTest score. Similar patterns were found in freezers
      (p = 0.006), who also showed more decline in anticipatory (p < 0.001) and dynamic
      postural control (p = 0.02) compared to non-freezers. FOG converters had a
      greater decline in the total Mini-BESTest (p = 0.005) and dynamic postural
      control scores (p = 0.04) compared to non-converters. Gait outcomes showed no
      significant differences in any of the analyses. CONCLUSION: FOG is associated
      with more severe decline in postural control, which can be detected by the
      clinical Mini-BESTest.

PMID- 27138058
TI  - Buprenorphine for the treatment of depression?

PMID- 27138057
TI  - MicroRNAs: how many in inflammatory bowel disease?
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNA molecules of
      approximately 22 nucleotides, have emerged as critical mediators of gene
      expression. As the dysregulation of gene expression can have far reaching impact
      on health and disease, miRNAs are being examined as potent new mediators of
      disease as either biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets. The purpose of
      this review is to evaluate the contribution of miRNAs to inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD) pathophysiology. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have evaluated the
      expression of miRNAs in tissue and body fluid specimens from patients with the
      main subtypes of IBD - Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Unique miRNA
      expression patterns that may distinguish IBD subtypes have been uncovered.
      SUMMARY: Significant progress has been made in illuminating the complex
      interactive networks of miRNAs and gene targets in IBD. The potential use of
      miRNAs as disease biomarkers or therapeutics shows promise. However, there are
      still significant hurdles to overcome before miRNA-based therapeutics and
      diagnostics will be of clinical utility.

PMID- 27138059
TI  - Preseason changes in markers of lower body fatigue and performance in young
      professional rugby union players.
AB  - This study investigated the changes in measures of neuromuscular fatigue and
      physical performance in young professional rugby union players during a preseason
      training period. Fourteen young (age: 19.1 +/- 1.2 years) professional rugby
      union players participated in the study. Changes in measures of lower body
      neuromuscular fatigue (countermovement jump (CMJ) mean power, mean force, flight
      time) and physical performance (lower body strength, 40 m sprint velocity) were
      assessed during an 11-week preseason period using magnitude-based inferences. CMJ
      mean power was likely to very likely decreased during week 2 (-8.1 +/- 5.5% to 
      12.5 +/- 6.8%), and likely to almost certainly decreased from weeks 5 to 11 (-10
      +/- 4.3% to -14.7 +/- 6.9%), while CMJ flight-time demonstrated likely to very
      likely decreases during weeks 2, and weeks 4-6 (-2.41 +/- 1% to -3.3 +/- 1.3%),
      and weeks 9-10 (-1.9 +/- 0.9% to -2.2 +/- 1.5%). Despite this, possible
      improvements in lower body strength (5.8 +/- 2.7%) and very likely improvements
      in 40 m velocity (5.5 +/- 3.6%) were made. Relationships between changes in CMJ
      metrics and lower body strength or 40 m sprint velocity were trivial or small
      (<0.22). Increases in lower body strength and 40 m velocity occurred over the
      course of an 11-week preseason despite the presence of neuromuscular fatigue (as
      measured by CMJ). The findings of this study question the usefulness of CMJ for
      monitoring fatigue in the context of strength and sprint velocity development.
      Future research is needed to ascertain the consequences of negative changes in
      CMJ in the context of rugby-specific activities to determine the usefulness of
      this test as a measure of fatigue in this population. 

PMID- 27138060
TI  - Editorial: The learning curve in surgical randomized controlled trials.

PMID- 27138061
TI  - Can we identify patients at risk of life-threatening allergic reactions to food?
AB  - Anaphylaxis has been defined as a 'severe, life-threatening generalized or
      systemic hypersensitivity reaction'. However, data indicate that the vast
      majority of food-triggered anaphylactic reactions are not life-threatening.
      Nonetheless, severe life-threatening reactions do occur and are unpredictable. We
      discuss the concepts surrounding perceptions of severe, life-threatening allergic
      reactions to food by different stakeholders, with particular reference to the
      inclusion of clinical severity as a factor in allergy and allergen risk
      management. We review the evidence regarding factors that might be used to
      identify those at most risk of severe allergic reactions to food, and the
      consequences of misinformation in this regard. For example, a significant
      proportion of food-allergic children also have asthma, yet almost none will
      experience a fatal food-allergic reaction; asthma is not, in itself, a strong
      predictor for fatal anaphylaxis. The relationship between dose of allergen
      exposure and symptom severity is unclear. While dose appears to be a risk factor
      in at least a subgroup of patients, studies report that individuals with prior
      anaphylaxis do not have a lower eliciting dose than those reporting previous mild
      reactions. It is therefore important to consider severity and sensitivity as
      separate factors, as a highly sensitive individual will not necessarily
      experience severe symptoms during an allergic reaction. We identify the knowledge
      gaps that need to be addressed to improve our ability to better identify those
      most at risk of severe food-induced allergic reactions.

PMID- 27138062
TI  - Non-targeted metabolomics identified a common metabolic signature of lethal
      ventricular tachyarrhythmia (LVTA) in two rat models.
AB  - Lethal ventricular tachyarrhythmia (LVTA) is the predominant underlying mechanism
      of sudden cardiac death (SCD). The aim of this study is to characterize the
      metabolic features of myocardia following LVTA, and identify potential biomarkers
      to diagnose LVTA. We developed two LVTA rat models induced by aconitine injection
      or coronary artery ligation, which represent cardiac ion channel disease-related
      and cardiac ischemia-related SCD, respectively. The myocardial metabolic profile
      was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and proton nuclear
      magnetic resonance-based metabolomics. Twenty-three aconitine-injected and 14
      coronary artery ligation-treated rats developed LVTA SCD. A total of 38
      differential metabolites of myocardia were identified in aconitine-induced LVTA
      rats, of which 31 metabolites showed a similar change in coronary artery ligation
      related LVTA rats. Fatty acids (stearic, palmitic, linoleic, elaidic, and
      myristic) and branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine, and isoleucine) were
      the most down-regulated metabolites. Furthermore, elevated ADP, phosphate,
      lactate, glutamate, aspartate, threonine, choline and arginine were also
      observed. Major pathways regarding these dysregulated metabolites post LVTA are
      energy excessive consumption and deficit, ionic imbalance, oxidative stress,
      cardiac cytotoxicity and membrane injury. Valine, stearic acid and leucine
      collectively enable a precision of 92.9% to distinguish LVTA from its control,
      and are correlated with several arrhythmia indices. Our results uncovered a
      common metabolic feature of LVTA in myocardia in two rat models, which represent
      cardiac ion channel disease and cardiac ischemia, respectively. l-Valine, l
      leucine and stearic acid jointly confer good potential for distinguishing LVTA,
      which might be potential biomarkers of LVTA-related SCD.

PMID- 27138063
TI  - Novel and current rodenticides for pocket gopher Thomomys spp. management in
      vineyards: what works?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rodenticides are often included as part of an integrated pest
      management approach for managing pocket gophers (Thomomys spp.) given that they
      are relatively quick and inexpensive to apply. Strychnine has historically been
      the most effective toxicant for pocket gophers, but its use is currently limited
      in the United States; alternative registered toxicants have not proven effective.
      Recent research with baits containing cholecalciferol plus anticoagulant
      toxicants proved effective against pocket gophers in a lab setting. Therefore, we
      established a field study to compare cholecalciferol plus anticoagulant
      combinations [0.03% cholecalciferol plus 0.005% diphacinone (C + D), 0.015%
      cholecalciferol plus 0.0025% brodifacoum (C + B1), 0.03% cholecalciferol plus
      0.0025% brodifacoum (C + B2)] with strychnine (0.5%) for pocket gopher
      management. RESULTS: Strychnine treatments resulted in 100% efficacy after two
      treatment periods. Both C + D and C + B2 resulted in efficacy significantly
      greater than 70% after two treatment periods (83 and 75% respectively). Efficacy
      from C + B1 (85%) was not significantly greater than 70%, but did yield high
      overall efficacy as well. CONCLUSION: Although strychnine remains the most
      effective rodenticide for pocket gopher control, the cholecalciferol plus
      anticoagulant baits tested would be a good alternative when strychnine is
      unavailable. C + D may be the best option given that it uses a first-generation
      anticoagulant as the synergist. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27138064
TI  - Detection of natural infection of infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus in
      farmed tilapia by hydroxynapthol blue-loop-mediated isothermal amplification
      assay.
AB  - AIMS: Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) has recently been
      recognized as a causative agent of serious systemic disease in tilapia. Our
      objective was to establish a new colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification (LAMP) assay with pre-addition of hydroxynapthol blue (blue-LAMP)
      to investigate ISKNV transmission in tilapia. METHODS AND RESULTS: The blue-LAMP,
      targeting a major capsid protein gene of ISKNV, was conducted at 65 degrees C for
      45 min, allowing unaided visual detection of the pathogen based on colour change
      without cross-amplification of other known fish pathogens tested. Comparison of
      blue-LAMP and PCR assays revealed a higher detection level for blue-LAMP assay
      (41.33%) in a population of farmed tilapia infected with ISKNV. The investigation
      of ISKNV transmission pattern in farmed red tilapia using the blue-LAMP revealed
      a possible matroclinical form. The presence of ISKNV in the gonad samples was
      confirmed by in situ LAMP assay. Positive signals only appeared in ovarian
      follicles, and not in oocytes. Moreover, tissue tropism assay revealed that the
      brain was the main target organ in both farmed red tilapia (40%) and Nile tilapia
      (20%). CONCLUSIONS: The developed blue-LAMP assay has the potential to be used as
      a viable tool for screening covert and natural infections of ISKNV in tilapia.
      The evidence of vertical transmission of ISKNV infection in tilapia indicates the
      seriousness of this disease and will require a close attention and collaboration
      between tilapia hatcheries and disease experts in order to find a solution.
      SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The new blue-LAMP assay is a time-saving
      and economically viable detection tool, which allows unaided visual detection for
      ISKNV in tilapia, and it could be applicable for field applications. Evidence on
      the vertical transmission of ISKNV in farmed tilapia suggests a need for
      developing farm management practices to control the spread of virus in
      aquaculture industries.

PMID- 27138065
TI  - Generation and application of mammalian haploid embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Haploid cells contain one set of chromosomes and are amenable for genetic
      analyses. In mammals, haploidy exists only in gametes. An intriguing question is
      whether haploid cells can be derived from gametes. Recently, by application of
      haploid cell enrichment using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, stable haploid
      embryonic stem cells (haESCs) have been successfully derived from oocyte-derived
      parthenogenetic and sperm-derived androgenetic embryos from several species.
      Whilst both parthenogenetic and androgenetic (AG)-haESCs enable whole-genome
      genetic screening at the cellular level, such as screening of drug resistance or
      disease-related genes, AG-haESCs, after intracytoplasmic injection into oocytes,
      can also be used to produce alive semi-cloned mice. Nevertheless, one major
      drawback associated with wild-type AG-haESCs is the very low birth rate of
      healthy semi-cloned mice. Of interest, after inhibiting the expression of two
      paternally imprinted genes (H19 and Gtl2) in AG-haESCs by removal of their
      differentially DNA methylated regions, double-knockout AG-haESCs can efficiently
      and stably support the generation of healthy semi-cloned pups. Importantly,
      double-knockout AG-haESCs are feasible for multiple genetic manipulations,
      followed by efficient generation of semi-cloned mice carrying multiple genetic
      traits; thus they could be used to validate candidate loci that have been
      identified in genome-wide association studies of multigenic diseases by
      generation of mouse models carrying multiple alterations. Of note, by combining a
      CRISPR-Cas9 library and double-knockout AG-haESCs, semi-cloned mice carrying
      different mutant genes can be efficiently generated in one step, enabling
      functional mutagenic screening in mice. HaESCs, therefore, provide a powerful
      tool for genetic analyses in mammals at both the cellular and organismal levels. 

PMID- 27138066
TI  - Imaging of Pericardiophrenic Bundles Using Multislice Spiral Computed Tomography
      for Phrenic Nerve Anatomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Phrenic nerve injury and diaphragmatic stimulation are common
      complications following arrhythmia ablation and pacing therapies. Preoperative
      comprehension of phrenic nerve anatomy via non-invasive CT imaging may help to
      minimize the electrophysiological procedure-related complications. METHODS:
      Coronary CT angiography data of 121 consecutive patients were collected. Imaging
      of left and right pericardiophrenic bundles was performed with volume rendering
      and multi-planar reformation techniques. The shortest spatial distances between
      phrenic nerves and key electrophysiology-related structures were determined. The
      frequencies of the shortest distances <=5 mm, >5 mm and direct contact between
      phrenic nerves and adjacent structures were calculated. RESULTS: Left and right
      pericardiophrenic bundles were identified in 86.8% and 51.2% of the patients,
      respectively. The right phrenic nerve was <5 mm from right superior and inferior
      pulmonary veins in 92.0% and 3.2% of the patients, respectively. The percentage
      of right phrenic nerve, <5 mm from right atrium, superior caval vein, and
      superior caval vein-right atrium junction was 87.1%, 100%, and 62.9%,
      respectively. Left phrenic nerve was <5 mm from left atrial appendage, great
      cardiac vein, anterior and posterior interventricular veins, and left ventricular
      posterior veins in 81.9%, 1.0%, 39.1%, 28.6%, and 91.4% of the patients,
      respectively. Merely 0.06% left phrenic nerve had a distance <5 mm with left
      superior pulmonary vein, and none left phrenic nerve showed a distance <5 mm with
      left inferior pulmonary vein. CONCLUSION: One-stop enhanced CT scanning enabled
      detection of phrenic nerve anatomy, which might facilitate avoidance of the
      phrenic nerve-related complications in interventional electrophysiology.

PMID- 27138067
TI  - An update on community pharmacies as CLIA-waived facilities.

PMID- 27138068
TI  - Membrane lipid peroxidation in neurodegeneration: Role of thrombin and proteinase
      activated receptor-1.
AB  - Thrombin and membrane lipid peroxidation (MLP) have been implicated in various
      central nervous system (CNS) disorders from CNS trauma to stroke, Alzheimer's
      (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. Because thrombin also induces MLP in
      platelets and its involvement in neurodegenerative diseases we hypothesized that
      its deleterious effects might, in part, involve formation of MLP in neuronal
      cells. We previously showed that thrombin induced caspase-3 mediated apoptosis in
      motor neurons, via a proteinase-activated receptor (PAR1). We have now
      investigated thrombin's influence on the oxidative state of neurons leading to
      induction of MLP-protein adducts. Translational relevance of thrombin-induced MLP
      is supported by increased levels of 4-hydroxynonenal-protein adducts (HNEPA) in
      AD and PD brains. We now report for the first time that thrombin dose-dependently
      induces formation of HNEPA in NSC34 mouse motor neuron cells using anti-HNE and
      anti-acrolein monoclonal antibodies. The most prominent immunoreactive band, in
      SDS-PAGE, was at ~54kDa. Membrane fractions displayed higher amounts of the
      protein-adduct than cytosolic fractions. Thrombin induced MLP was mediated, at
      least in part, through PAR1 since a PAR1 active peptide, PAR1AP, also elevated
      HNEPA levels. Of interest, glutamate and Fe2SO4 also increased the ~54kDa HNEPA
      band in these cells but to a lesser extent. Taken together our results implicate
      the involvement of thrombin and MLP in neuronal cell loss observed in various CNS
      degenerative and traumatic pathologies.

PMID- 27138069
TI  - MicroRNA-370-3p inhibits human glioma cell proliferation and induces cell cycle
      arrest by directly targeting beta-catenin.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the expression and biological
      role of miR-370-3p in human gliomas. METHODS: Clinical specimens from the brains
      of 20 glioma patients and 10 healthy controls were obtained to quantify the
      expression level of miR-370-3p using quantitative real-time PCR. Oligonucleotide
      mimics of miR-370-3p were transfected into U251 and U87-MG cells for a gain of
      function assay. The CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, EdU assay and flow
      cytometry were used to evaluate the roles of miR-370-3p in cell proliferation and
      the cell cycle regulation. Western blot and luciferase activity assays were used
      to investigate the reciprocal relationship between miR-370-3p and its predicted
      target, beta-catenin. RESULTS: miR-370-3p expression was frequently found to be
      decreased in glioma tissues, and its expression level was negatively correlated
      with the malignant degree of the glioma. Overexpression of miR-370-3p showed a
      significant inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and accompanied cell cycle
      G0/G1 arrest in U251 and U87-MG cells. Furthermore, miR-370-3p inhibited the
      expression of the canonical Wnt pathway downstream targets cyclin D1 and c-myc
      via direct binding interaction with the 3'-untranslated region of beta-catenin
      mRNA. Reintroduction of beta-catenin could partially reverse the anti
      proliferation effect of miR-370-3p. Finally, in 20 glioma tissues the expression
      of miR-370-3p was negatively correlated with both protein and mRNA levels of beta
      catenin. CONCLUSION: miR-370-3p suppresses glioma cell growth by directly
      targeting beta-catenin, suggesting that the miR-370-3p/beta-catenin axis may be a
      target for glioma therapy.

PMID- 27138070
TI  - Outcome of isolated olecranon fractures in skeletally immature patients:
      comparison of open reduction and tension band wiring fixation versus closed
      reduction and percutaneous screw fixation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The olecranon fracture is an uncommon injury reported to incur many
      possible complications in children. The aim of this study was to compare the
      outcome of two different surgical techniques in isolated olecranon fracture.
      METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 22 children with isolated olecranon
      fracture treated by open reduction and tension band wiring fixation versus closed
      reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. We compared the dislocation before and
      after surgery by radiography. The patients were evaluated clinically with Quick
      DASH((r)). RESULTS: Both techniques showed good radiological and clinical outcome
      (Quick DASH((r)) 1.82 vs. 3.42) with no statistically significance difference (p
      > 0.05). In two cases (16.6 %) of the group treated with cannulated screw, it was
      necessary to convert into open reduction to obtain optimal reduction of the
      fracture. All the children returned to previous activity. In four cases, the
      extension of the elbow was slightly reduced (15 degrees -20 degrees ), with no
      statistically significant difference in the two groups. CONCLUSION: It is not
      contraindicated to operate skeletally immature patients with displaced olecranon
      fracture. However, results were essentially the same, and so either method is a
      satisfactory choice for pediatric displaced olecranon fractures, with equally
      acceptable radiological results and similar rate of complications and clinical
      outcome at final follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 27138071
TI  - CT and MR imaging features of diffuse lipomatosis of the abdomen.

PMID- 27138072
TI  - CT halo sign and crazy paving pattern due to lung metastases hemorrhage after
      sunitinib therapy.

PMID- 27138073
TI  - Percutaneous treatment of extrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the results of
      imaging-guided percutaneous ablation in patients with controlled intrahepatic
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with limited extrahepatic disease. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eleven patients with limited extrahepatic disease and/or potential short
      term clinical manifestations with controlled primary intrahepatic HCC were
      included into the study. There were nine men and two women, with a mean age of
      67.4 years+/-10.2 (SD) (range: 54-85 years). All patients had extrahepatic
      disease treated by either radiofrequency ablation or electroporation.
      Extrahepatic disease consisted of lymph node metastases (5 patients), tumor
      seeding along a needle tract (3 patients), adrenal gland metastasis, bone
      metastasis and pulmonary metastasis (one patient each). RESULTS: Response to
      treatment was complete in 7/11 patients (64%). The mean survival time after
      treatment was 18.8+/-12.7 (SD) months (median, 16 months; range: 4-42 months). No
      severe complications associated with percutaneous treatment were observed.
      CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that imaging-guided percutaneous ablation
      techniques should be considered as a useful option for the treatment of
      extrahepatic disease in patients with HCC. Further studies are needed, however to
      fully determine the potential role of these techniques in this elective
      application.

PMID- 27138074
TI  - Neuroimaging for diagnosing dementia with Lewy bodies: What is the best
      neuroimaging technique in discriminating dementia with Lewy bodies from
      Alzheimer's disease?
AB  - AIM: We compared the diagnostic value of four neuroimaging techniques, namely,
      123 I-2beta-Carbomethoxy-3beta-(4-iodophenyl)-N-(3-fluoropropyl) nortropane (123
      I-FP-CIT) dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography (DAT
      SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging, perfusion SPECT and 123 I-metaiodobenzyl
      guanidine myocardial scintigraphy in differentiating dementia with Lewy bodies
      (DLB) from Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: A total of 32 patients with
      probable AD and 32 patients with probable DLB were enrolled in the present study.
      For the comparison study, we used the specific binding ratio for DAT-SPECT, the
      heart-to-mediastinum ratio in the delay phase for 123 I-metaiodobenzyl-guanidine
      myocardial scintigraphy, z-scores in the medial occipital lobe for perfusion
      SPECT and z-scores of hippocampal atrophy using a voxel-based specific regional
      analysis system for AD for magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: DAT-SPECT enabled
      more accurate differentiation of DLB from AD than other methods. 123 I
      metaiodobenzyl-guanidine myocardial scintigraphy enabled more accurate
      differentiation of DLB from AD than magnetic resonance imaging and perfusion
      SPECT. CONCLUSIONS: In agreement with the recent consensus clinical diagnostic
      criteria for DLB, we confirmed that the diagnostic accuracy of DAT-SPECT imaging
      is significantly higher than other neuroimaging techniques. Geriatr Gerontol Int
      2017; 17: 819-824.

PMID- 27138075
TI  - Displacement, Deterioration, and Despair.

PMID- 27138076
TI  - Medical Approach to the Management of Traumatized Refugees.
AB  - Refugees are a highly traumatized and culturally diverse group of patients who
      present many clinical challenges. Refugees have a high prevalence of traumas from
      torture, ethnic cleansing, and the effects of long civil wars. The most common
      diagnoses associated with the effects of such traumas are posttraumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) or PTSD with comorbid depression; however, psychosis and
      neurocognitive disorders are also common. For those with PTSD, a suggested
      treatment approach is long-term supportive psychotherapy with drug treatment
      directed at reducing the most disruptive symptoms, such as insomnia, nightmares,
      and irritability or psychosis. The author recommends a sedative tricyclic
      antidepressant, clonidine or prazosin, and aripiprazole as a useful combination
      of medications to provide rapid relief. In addition to PTSD, long-term studies
      indicate a high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in traumatized refugees.
      It is therefore important to perform a thorough evaluation for these disorders
      that includes the measurement of blood pressure and a blood test for diabetes.
      When managed with such a medical approach, refugees are generally accepting of
      psychiatric treatment and can obtain relief from the symptoms associated with the
      massive trauma and losses they have experienced.

PMID- 27138078
TI  - Role of Botulinum Toxin in Depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this review was to consolidate the evidence concerning the
      efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (onabotulinumtoxinA) in depression. METHODS:
      We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Scopus through May 5, 2014, for
      studies evaluating the efficacy of botulinum toxin A in depression. Only
      randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. A pooled mean
      difference in primary depression score, and pooled odds ratio for response and
      remission rate with 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using the random
      effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran Q test and chi statistic.
      RESULTS: Of the 639 articles that were initially retrieved, 5 studies enrolling
      194 subjects (age 49+/-9.6 y) were included in the systematic review, and 3
      randomized controlled trials enrolling 134 subjects were included in the meta
      analysis. The meta-analysis showed a significant decrease in mean primary
      depression scores among patients who received botulinum toxin A compared with
      placebo (-9.80; 95% CI, -12.90 to -6.69) with modest heterogeneity between the
      studies (Cochran Q test, chi=70). Response and remission rates were 8.3 and 4.6
      times higher, respectively, among patients receiving botulinum toxin A compared
      with placebo, with no heterogeneity between the studies. The 2 studies excluded
      from the meta-analysis also found a significant decrease in primary depression
      scores in patients after receiving botulinum toxin A. A few subjects had minor
      side effects, which were similar between the groups receiving botulinum toxin and
      those receiving placebo. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that botulinum toxin A
      can produce significant improvement in depressive symptoms and is a safe
      adjunctive treatment for patients receiving pharmacotherapy for depression.
      Future trials are needed to evaluate the antidepressant effect per se of
      botulinum toxin A and to further elucidate the underlying antidepressant
      mechanism of botulinum toxin A.

PMID- 27138077
TI  - Comorbid Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Children and Adolescents: A
      Systematic Review and Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A large and extensive body of research has examined comorbid anxiety
      and depression in adults. Children and adolescents also frequently present with
      comorbid anxiety and depression; however, research and treatment require unique
      environmental and neurodevelopmental considerations in children. As a result, our
      understanding of comorbid anxiety and depression in children and adolescents is
      limited. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this systematic review was to examine the current
      literature focused on comorbid anxiety and depression in children and
      adolescents. The review included theoretical conceptualizations as well as
      diagnostic, neurobiological, prevention, and treatment considerations. In
      addition, a proposed algorithm for the treatment of comorbid anxiety and
      depression in children/adolescents is provided. METHODS: This systematic
      literature review included 3 discrete searches in Ovid SP Medline, PsycInfo, and
      PubMed. RESULTS: The review included and synthesized 115 articles published
      between 1987 and 2015. The available evidence suggests that anxiety and
      depression are common in clinical populations of children and adolescents, and
      that comorbidity is likely underestimated in children and adolescents. Children
      and adolescents with comorbid anxiety and depression have unique presentations,
      greater symptom severity, and treatment resistance compared with those who have
      either disease in isolation. A dimensional approach may be necessary for the
      future development of diagnostic strategies and treatments for this population.
      Nascent neuroimaging work suggests that anxiety and depression each represents a
      distinct neurobiological phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: The literature that is currently
      available suggests that comorbid anxiety and depression is a common presentation
      in children and adolescents. This diagnostic picture underscores the importance
      of comprehensive dimensional assessments and multimodal evidence-based approaches
      given the high disease severity. Future research on the neurobiology and the
      treatment of these common clinical conditions is warranted.

PMID- 27138079
TI  - Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in Schizophrenia and in Obsessive-Compulsive
      Disorder: Differences and Similarities.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A growing literature suggests that obsessive-compulsive (OC)
      phenomena represent a distinct dimension in schizophrenia, independent of nuclear
      psychotic symptoms. Nevertheless, the OC psychopathologic profile in
      schizophrenia, compared with "pure" obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), has not
      yet been investigated extensively. This study investigated the clinical features
      of the OC dimension in patients with schizophrenia compared with patients with
      pure OCD. METHODS: The main psychopathologic features of obsessions and
      compulsions were rated in 35 patients with schizophrenia and 31 patients with
      OCD, using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, the
      Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale,
      and the Leyton Obsessional Inventory. RESULTS: OC phenomena were
      indistinguishable in terms of their severity, resistance, interference, and
      control in both groups. However, patients with OCD showed higher rates of
      aggressive, contamination-related, sexual, and somatic themes; moreover, in the
      group with schizophrenia, a positive relationship was found between washing
      compulsions and delusions and between hoarding obsessions and delusions.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that patients with schizophrenia exhibit a
      narrower range of obsessive content compared with patients with OCD; in addition,
      OC and delusional themes tend to be related in schizophrenia as a unique
      symptomatic phenomenon.

PMID- 27138080
TI  - Determining Whether a Definitive Causal Relationship Exists Between Aripiprazole
      and Tardive Dyskinesia and/or Dystonia in Patients With Major Depressive
      Disorder, Part 3: Clinical Trial Data.
AB  - This series of columns has 3 main goals: (1) to explain class warnings as used by
      the United States Food and Drug Administration, (2) to increase awareness of
      movement disorders that may occur in patients treated with antipsychotic
      medications, and (3) to understand why clinicians should refrain from immediately
      assuming a diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia/dystonia (TD) in patients who develop
      abnormal movements during treatment with antipsychotics. The first column in the
      series presented a patient who developed abnormal movements while being treated
      with aripiprazole as an augmentation strategy for major depressive disorder (MDD)
      and reviewed data concerning the historical background, incidence, prevalence,
      and risk factors for tardive and spontaneous dyskinesias, the clinical
      presentations of which closely resemble each other. The second column in the
      series reviewed the unique mechanism of action of aripiprazole and preclinical
      studies and an early-phase human translational study that suggest a low, if not
      absent, risk of TD with aripiprazole. This column reviews clinical trial data to
      assess whether those data support the conclusion that aripiprazole has a low to
      absent risk of causing TD when used as an augmentation strategy to treat MDD. To
      date, no randomized, placebo-controlled trials have established a definitive link
      between exposure to aripiprazole and TD in patients with MDD. One long-term, open
      label, safety trial examined aripiprazole as an augmentation strategy in
      individuals with MDD and found a rare occurrence (4/987, 0.4%, the confidence
      interval of which overlaps with zero) of an adverse event termed TD. In all 4
      cases, the observed movements resolved within weeks of aripiprazole
      discontinuation, suggesting that they were either amenable to treatment or
      represented an acute syndrome rather than TD. No cases of TD were reported in the
      registration trials for the MDD indication for aripiprazole. These data were
      presented in a pooled analysis of three, 14-week studies involving 1088 subjects,
      409 of whom were elderly like the 76-year-old individual presented in the case in
      the first column of this series. Finally, 3 short-term studies evaluated the use
      of aripiprazole in patients with psychosis associated with Alzheimer disease, a
      population who would be considered a relatively higher risk group for developing
      TD when exposed to antipsychotics and that also closely matches the patient in
      the case presented at the beginning of this series in terms of age. No incidence
      of TD was reported in this sample and mean scores on the Abnormal Involuntary
      Movement Scale decreased in individuals exposed to aripiprazole compared with
      those on placebo. On the basis of results of this review and data from
      registration trials of aripiprazole for all indications, the potential (or raw)
      incidence of what was termed TD occurred at rates ranging from 0.004 (4/987)
      based on long-term safety data from the program investigating aripiprazole
      augmentation treatment in MDD, to 0.0016 (19/11,897) based on the total safety
      database from aripiprazole registration trials for all indications, to 0 in
      trials in elderly individuals with Alzheimer disease. The confidence intervals
      for all of these potential incidence rates overlap with zero. The next column in
      this 5-part series reviews 37 case reports that reported TD in association with
      aripiprazole treatment and 27 case reports that suggested an improvement in
      preexisting TD with aripiprazole treatment. The fifth and final column in this
      series will discuss the types of prohibitively expensive and logistically
      difficult studies that would be needed to determine whether a definitive causal
      relationship between aripiprazole and TD exists.

PMID- 27138081
TI  - New Guidelines for Forensic Assessment.
AB  - The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) recently published
      guidelines for forensic assessment intended for psychiatrists and other
      clinicians working in medicolegal roles, or performing evaluations and offering
      opinions in relation to legal or regulatory matters. Although these guidelines do
      not establish a singular standard for forensic evaluation, they are intended to
      inform practice. Although nuances pertaining to any given case and the pertinent
      medicolegal issues involved will require professional judgment as to how best to
      conduct any particular evaluation, the guidelines do offer many helpful tenets
      and guiding principles that are broadly applicable. Psychiatrists and other
      clinicians performing forensic evaluations need to be aware of these guidelines
      and should strive to incorporate them as appropriate. In this column we offer a
      brief synopsis of the approach to the forensic psychiatric assessment based upon
      the AAPL Practice Guideline for the Forensic Assessment.

PMID- 27138082
TI  - Prolonged Delirium With Catatonia Following Orthotopic Liver Transplant
      Responsive to Memantine.
AB  - A 59-year-old man with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis underwent an
      orthotopic liver transplant and experienced a complicated postoperative course,
      including a prolonged delirium. After discharge to rehabilitation, he had 2
      subsequent admissions for delirium. On the first readmission, the transplant team
      started the patient on risperidone and resumed treatment with sertraline. On his
      second readmission, neurology and psychiatry were consulted. On evaluation, the
      patient demonstrated signs of catatonia. On the basis of recommendations from
      psychiatry, the risperidone and sertraline were stopped, and the patient was
      started on mirtazapine. He failed to demonstrate improvement within the next 48
      hours. Extensive work-up demonstrated a multifactorial etiology for his delirium,
      including calcineurin-related neuropsychiatric toxicity from tacrolimus leading
      to possible posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. However, after the
      initiation of memantine on hospital day 3-before the cessation of tacrolimus-the
      patient demonstrated marked improvement in mental status and motor symptoms. His
      magnetic resonance imaging, in addition to findings that raised concerns about
      posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, had demonstrated bilateral basal
      ganglia abnormalities on T1 imaging of uncertain origin. It is postulated that
      these findings served as predisposing factors for the patient's catatonic
      symptoms. Although it has been described in case reports following liver
      transplant, catatonia remains an underrecognized neuropsychiatric complication
      following liver transplant. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of
      memantine, an N-methyl-D-aspartic acid antagonist that decreases glutamine
      excitotoxicity, as a potential treatment for catatonia in postliver transplant
      patients.

PMID- 27138083
TI  - Key Role of Social Supports in a Cardiac Transplant Treatment Team.
AB  - Only a limited literature focuses on solid organ transplant outcomes using an
      integrated care approach connecting the transplant team with psychiatry, other
      medical specialties, and importantly, the patient's social supports. We present
      the case of a man with heart failure whom we treated for symptoms of anxiety and
      depression both precardiac and postcardiac transplant. The patient was managed by
      a multidisciplinary team for his complex medical, psychiatric, family, and social
      issues. Most notably, the role and involvement of his primary caregiver at home
      changed during the crucial period between his pretransplant evaluation and
      clinical care during the year following his cardiac transplant. Unfortunately our
      patient succumbed to a poor outcome both socially and medically, dying 1 year
      posttransplant. Our experience with this patient led us to explore the cardiac
      transplant presurgical and postsurgical assessment and management process,
      focusing on the key role of social support in the patient care team.

PMID- 27138084
TI  - Commentary on 2 Cases Involving Psychiatric Problems Following Organ
      Transplantation.
AB  - Organ transplantation may be complicated by a range of psychiatric difficulties.
      We present 1 case reporting that tacrolimus-induced catatonic delirium after
      liver transplant responded to memantine, and another case illustrating the need
      for ongoing psychosocial assessment and support after heart transplant.

PMID- 27138085
TI  - Rising to the Challenge: The Response to Hurricane Sandy in a Psychiatric
      Emergency Room.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East coast claiming 159
      lives and destroying an estimated $65 billion in property. Overnight, hospitals
      still in operation, such as Maimonides Medical Center, were faced with seemingly
      insurmountable challenges in providing adequate health care services. OBJECTIVES:
      This study had 3 goals: (1) to assess the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the number
      and pattern of visits to the psychiatric emergency room (PER) at Maimonides
      Medical Center; (2) to analyze the procedures implemented in addressing increased
      demands; and (3) to identify any shortcomings in our response and explore how it
      can be altered to face future challenges. METHODS: We reviewed systems data for
      the 12 months before and after Hurricane Sandy, including total number of visits
      to the PER, length of stay in the PER, and percentage of admissions and
      discharges from the PER. We also reviewed the interventions implemented by the
      designated response unit, the Command Center, and interviewed senior leadership
      involved in the process. RESULTS: The total number of visits increased
      dramatically, with the highest increase recorded in the first month after
      Hurricane Sandy. There were 3554 visits in the 12 months before the hurricane
      compared with 4674 in the 12 months after the storm (P<0.001). In addition, there
      were 273 visits to the PER in November 2011 compared with 408 in November 2012,
      which was the month after the hurricane (P<0.001). The average length of stay
      increased and the percentage of admissions decreased significantly (P<0.001).
      There were no increased staff assignments, but significant resources were
      provided by the Command Center. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight
      the fact that hospitals can never be over-prepared for disasters. By being
      adaptive and creative, the PER was able to serve a greater number of patients,
      which is critical in the current health care environment.

PMID- 27138086
TI  - Adjunctive Behavioral Activation for the Treatment of Bipolar Depression: A Proof
      of Concept Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Grounded in a model focused on exposure to response-contingent
      positive reinforcement, and with evidence supporting its acute treatment effects
      for unipolar depression, an adjunctive behavioral activation (BA) intervention
      may be especially well suited to the treatment of bipolar depression. The goal of
      this study was to modify BA for the adjunctive treatment of bipolar depression
      and to pilot it in a proof of concept trial to assess its preliminary feasibility
      and acceptability for this population. METHODS: Twelve adults with bipolar
      depression were recruited from hospital settings and enrolled in a 20-week open
      trial of the modified BA, delivered in 16 outpatient sessions, as an adjunct to
      community pharmacotherapy for bipolar disorder. Symptom severity was assessed at
      pretreatment and posttreatment by an independent evaluator. Patient satisfaction
      was also assessed posttreatment. RESULTS: Feasibility and acceptability were
      high, with 10 of 12 patients completing treatment, an average of 14.8 (SD=5.2) of
      16 sessions attended, and high levels of self-reported treatment satisfaction.
      Patients exhibited statistically significant improvement from pretreatment to
      posttreatment on measures of depressive symptoms, manic symptoms, and severity of
      suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS: Although preliminary and requiring replication in
      a larger sample, these study data suggest that a modified BA intervention may
      offer promise as an adjunctive approach for the acute treatment of bipolar
      depression. Future studies that use more rigorous randomized controlled designs
      and that directly assess potential mechanisms of action are recommended.

PMID- 27138087
TI  - Dynamics of biomarkers in relation to aging and mortality.
AB  - Contemporary longitudinal studies collect repeated measurements of biomarkers
      allowing one to analyze their dynamics in relation to mortality, morbidity, or
      other health-related outcomes. Rich and diverse data collected in such studies
      provide opportunities to investigate how various socio-economic, demographic,
      behavioral and other variables can interact with biological and genetic factors
      to produce differential rates of aging in individuals. In this paper, we review
      some recent publications investigating dynamics of biomarkers in relation to
      mortality, which use single biomarkers as well as cumulative measures combining
      information from multiple biomarkers. We also discuss the analytical approach,
      the stochastic process models, which conceptualizes several aging-related
      mechanisms in the structure of the model and allows evaluating "hidden"
      characteristics of aging-related changes indirectly from available longitudinal
      data on biomarkers and follow-up on mortality or onset of diseases taking into
      account other relevant factors (both genetic and non-genetic). We also discuss an
      extension of the approach, which considers ranges of "optimal values" of
      biomarkers rather than a single optimal value as in the original model. We
      discuss practical applications of the approach to single biomarkers and
      cumulative measures highlighting that the potential of applications to cumulative
      measures is still largely underused.

PMID- 27138088
TI  - Functional Sites Induce Long-Range Evolutionary Constraints in Enzymes.
AB  - Functional residues in proteins tend to be highly conserved over evolutionary
      time. However, to what extent functional sites impose evolutionary constraints on
      nearby or even more distant residues is not known. Here, we report pervasive
      conservation gradients toward catalytic residues in a dataset of 524 distinct
      enzymes: evolutionary conservation decreases approximately linearly with
      increasing distance to the nearest catalytic residue in the protein structure.
      This trend encompasses, on average, 80% of the residues in any enzyme, and it is
      independent of known structural constraints on protein evolution such as residue
      packing or solvent accessibility. Further, the trend exists in both monomeric and
      multimeric enzymes and irrespective of enzyme size and/or location of the active
      site in the enzyme structure. By contrast, sites in protein-protein interfaces,
      unlike catalytic residues, are only weakly conserved and induce only minor rate
      gradients. In aggregate, these observations show that functional sites, and in
      particular catalytic residues, induce long-range evolutionary constraints in
      enzymes.

PMID- 27138089
TI  - Targeted Modification of Mitochondrial ROS Production Converts High Glucose
      Induced Cytotoxicity to Cytoprotection: Effects on Anesthetic Preconditioning.
AB  - Contradictory reports on the effects of diabetes and hyperglycemia on myocardial
      infarction range from cytotoxicity to cytoprotection. The study was designed to
      investigate acute effects of high glucose-driven changes in mitochondrial
      metabolism and osmolarity on adaptive mechanisms and resistance to oxidative
      stress of isolated rat cardiomyocytes. We examined the effects of high glucose on
      several parameters of mitochondrial bioenergetics, including changes in oxygen
      consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential, and NAD(P)H fluorometry. Effects
      of high glucose on the endogenous cytoprotective mechanisms elicited by
      anesthetic preconditioning (APC) and the mediators of cell injury were also
      tested. These experiments included real-time measurements of reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) production and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP)
      opening in single cells by laser scanning fluorescence confocal microscopy, and
      cell survival assay. High glucose rapidly enhanced mitochondrial energy
      metabolism, observed by increase in NAD(P)H fluorescence intensity, oxygen
      consumption, and mitochondrial membrane potential. This substantially elevated
      production of ROS, accelerated opening of the mPTP, and decreased survival of
      cells exposed to oxidative stress. Abrogation of high glucose-induced
      mitochondrial hyperpolarization with 2,4 dinitrophenol (DNP) significantly, but
      not completely, attenuated ROS production to a level similar to hyperosmotic
      mannitol control. DNP treatment reversed high glucose-induced cytotoxicity to
      cytoprotection. Hyperosmotic mannitol treatment also induced cytoprotection. High
      glucose abrogated APC-induced mitochondrial depolarization, delay in mPTP opening
      and cytoprotection. In conclusion, high glucose-induced mitochondrial
      hyperpolarization abolishes APC and augments cell injury. Attenuation of high
      glucose-induced ROS production by eliminating mitochondrial hyperpolarization
      protects cardiomyocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 216-224, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27138090
TI  - New recombinant cyclohexylamine oxidase variants for deracemization of secondary
      amines by orthogonally assaying designed mutants with structurally diverse
      substrates.
AB  - To further expand the substrate range of the cyclohexylamine oxidase (CHAO) from
      Brevibacterium oxydans, a library of diverse mutants was created and assayed
      toward a group of structurally diverse substrates. Among them, mutants T198A and
      M226A exhibited enhanced activity relative to wt CHAO for most (S)-enantiomers of
      primary amines and some secondary amines. While mutants T198I, L199I, L199F,
      M226I and M226T were more active than wt CHAO toward the primary amines, mutants
      T198F, L199T, Y321A, Y321T, Y321I and Y321F enhanced the enzyme activity toward
      the secondary amines. In particular, mutant Y321I displayed an enhanced catalytic
      efficiency toward 1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
      octahydroisoquinoline (13). Whereas a double mutant, Y321I/M226T, acted on (S)-N
      (prop-2-yn-1-yl)-2, 3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-amine [(S)-8]. Since (R)-8 is an
      irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase and (S)-13 is an intermediate of
      dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant drug, deracemizations of 8 and 13 were
      carried out with crude enzyme extracts of the respective mutants. This resulted
      in 51% and 78% isolated yields of (R)-8 and (S)-13, respectively, each with high
      enantiomeric excess (93% and 99% ee). The results demonstrated the application
      potential of the evolved CHAO mutants in drug synthesis requiring chiral
      secondary amines.

PMID- 27138091
TI  - KIR2DL2 inhibitory pathway enhances Th17 cytokine secretion by NK cells in
      response to herpesvirus infection in multiple sclerosis patients.
AB  - We have previously demonstrated that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with
      KIR2DL2 expression on Natural killer (NK) cells are more susceptible to herpes
      simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection. We explored cytokine expression by NK cells
      during HSV-1 infection in association with KIR2DL2 expression. MS KIR2DL2(+) NK
      cells failed to control HSV-1 infection and secreted high levels of Th17
      cytokines, while MS KIR2DL2(-) NK cells released Th1 cytokines, mainly IFN-gamma.
      Our data showed, for the first time, a peculiar Th17 cytokine secretion by MS
      KIR2DL2(+) NK cells in the presence of HSV-1 infection, that could be implicated
      in MS pathogenesis.

PMID- 27138092
TI  - Hydrogen-rich water improves neurological functional recovery in experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the
      central nervous system (CNS). The high costs, inconvenient administration, and
      side effects of current Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs often
      lead to poor adherence to the long-term treatment of MS. Molecular hydrogen (H2)
      has been reported to exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory,
      anti-allergy, and anti-cancer effects. In the present study, we explored the
      prophylactic and therapeutic effects of hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on the progress
      of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model for MS. We
      found that prophylactic administration of both 0.36mM and 0.89mM HRW was able to
      delay EAE onset and reduce maximum clinical scores. Moreover, 0.89mM HRW also
      reduced disease severity, CNS infiltration, and demyelination when administered
      after the onset of disease. Furthermore, HRW treatment prevented infiltration of
      CD4(+) T lymphocytes into the CNS and inhibited Th17 cell development without
      affecting Th1 cell populations. Because HRW is non-toxic, inexpensive, easily
      administered, and can readily cross the blood-brain barrier, our experiments
      suggest that HRW may have great potential in the treatment of MS.

PMID- 27138093
TI  - EBNA1 antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Epidemiological data suggests that Epstein-Barr virus may be involved in the
      pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We aimed to determine the frequency of
      CD8+ T cells specific for one EBNA1-derived epitope (HPVGEADYFEY) in
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood of patients with MS and other inflammatory
      neurological diseases (OIND). The frequency of specific CD8+ T cells was assessed
      by HLA-class-I-binding pentamers restricted to HLA-B35. The frequency of
      HPVGEADYFEY-specific CD8+ T cells did neither differ significantly in blood nor
      CSF in MS compared to OIND, but was consistently higher in CSF compared to blood
      regardless of diagnosis.

PMID- 27138094
TI  - Hypovitaminosis D upscales B-cell immunoreactivity in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While vitamin D is increasingly recognized as a potential immune
      regulator of MS disease activity, its impact on B lymphocytes, however, remains
      ill-defined. METHODS: We assessed the impact of vitamin D on B-cell proliferation
      and cytokine secretion ex vivo and screened for effects of hypovitaminosis D and
      vitamin D supplementation on the compartmentalized distribution of B-cell
      subtypes in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with
      relapsing remitting MS (n=95) and various neurologic and healthy controls (n=57).
      RESULTS: B cells from MS patients with 25(OH)D serum levels <20ng/ml, displayed
      enhanced immunoreactivity ex vivo as a consequence of more vigorous responses of
      CD27(+) memory phenotypes. Immune responses decreased when B cells from either
      source were co-cultured in the presence of vitamin D or when retesting B cells
      from MS patients after prolonged supplementation with vitamin D. Hypovitaminosis
      D was detectable in the serum of 40/95 MS patients, correlated with decreased
      vitamin D concentrations in CSF and with higher disease activity, and was
      paralleled by intrathecal accumulation of CD27(+) B-cell subtypes and plasma
      cells. CONCLUSION: B-cell immunoreactivity is attenuated by vitamin D. Our
      finding that vitamin D deficiency affects the intrathecal compartment and
      coincides with increased frequencies of effector B-cell subtypes in the CSF
      suggests that hypovitaminosis D might contribute to augmenting disease activity
      in the target organ and supports a potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation
      in MS.

PMID- 27138095
TI  - Human leukocyte antigen-G overexpression predicts poor clinical outcomes in low
      grade gliomas.
AB  - Overexpression of human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), a non-classical major
      histocompatibility complex class-I molecule associated with immunosuppression,
      has been reported in various human malignancies. In the present study, we
      examined the role of HLA-G in gliomas. Clinical characteristics, mRNA expression
      microarrays and follow-up data pertaining to 293 patients with histologically
      confirmed gliomas were analyzed. The expression levels of HLA-G were compared
      between different grades of gliomas and correlated with progression-free survival
      (PFS) and overall survival (OS) to evaluate its prognostic value. We found that
      HLA-G was overexpressed in gliomas as compared to that in normal brain tissue
      samples (-1.288+/-0.265). The highest expression levels were in glioblastomas
      (GBMs), anaplastic gliomas (AGs) and low-grade gliomas (LGGs), in that order
      (0.328+/-0.778, 0.176+/-0.881, -0.388+/-0.686, respectively). Significant inter
      group differences were observed between low-grade and high-grade glioma tissues
      (p<0.001 and p<0.001, t-test, AGs and GBMs, respectively). More astrocytoma
      patients exhibited increased HLA-G expression as compared to other LGG patients
      (p=0.004, Chi-square test). Significant differences were observed with respect to
      PFS and OS (p=0.009 and 0.032, log-rank test, for PFS and OS, respectively)
      between the high- and low-expression subgroups in patients with LGGs. On Cox
      regression analysis, overexpression of HLA-G appeared to be an independent
      predictor of clinical outcomes (p=0.007 and 0.026, for PFS and OS, respectively).
      Our results suggest that HLA-G expression may serve as a potential biomarker for
      predicting aggressive tumor grades of gliomas and for histological subtype of
      LGGs. Elevated HLA-G expression could serve as an independent predictor of poor
      clinical outcomes in patients with low-grade gliomas.

PMID- 27138096
TI  - Epigenetic modifications of Dexras 1 along the nNOS pathway in an animal model of
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - The development of multiple sclerosis, a major neurodegenerative disease, is due
      to both genetic and environmental factors that might trigger aberrant epigenetic
      changes of the genome. In this study, we analysed global DNA methylation in the
      brain of mice upon induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE),
      and the effect of environmental enrichment (EE). We demonstrate that global DNA
      methylation decreased in the striatum, but not in the cortex, of EAE mice
      compared to healthy controls, in particular in neuronal nitric oxide synthase
      (nNOS)-positive interneurons of this brain area. Also, in the striatum but again
      not in the cortex, decreased DNA methylation of the nNOS downstream effector,
      dexamethasone-induced Ras protein 1 (Dexras 1), was observed in EAE mice, and was
      paralleled by an increase in its mRNA. Interestingly, EE was able to revert EAE
      effects on mRNA expression and DNA methylation levels of Dexras 1 and reduced
      gene expression of nNOS and 5-lipoxygenase (Alox5). Conversely, interleukin-1beta
      (IL-1beta) gene expression was found up-regulated in EAE mice compared to
      controls and was not affected by EE. Taken together, these data demonstrate an
      unprecedented epigenetic modulation of nNOS-signaling in the pathogenesis of
      multiple sclerosis, and show that EE can specifically revert EAE effects on
      Dexras 1 along this pathway.

PMID- 27138097
TI  - Circulating innate lymphoid cells are unchanged in response to DAC HYP therapy.
AB  - Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) play an important role in immunity, inflammation,
      and tissue remodeling and their dysregulation is implicated in autoimmune and
      inflammatory disorders. We analyzed the impact of daclizumab, a humanized
      monoclonal anti-CD25 antibody, on circulating natural killer (NK) cells and ILCs
      in a cohort of multiple sclerosis patients. An increase in CD56(bright) NK cells
      and CD56(hi)CD16(intermediate) transitional NK cells was observed. No significant
      change in total ILCs or major ILC subpopulations was observed. These results
      refine our understanding of the impact of daclizumab on innate lymphoid cell
      populations.

PMID- 27138099
TI  - Influence of strain on water adsorption and dissociation on rutile TiO2(110)
      surface.
AB  - The influence of externally applied strain on water adsorption and dissociation
      on a defect-free rutile TiO2(110) surface is studied by using first-principles
      calculations. We found that while compressive strain makes water adsorption and
      dissociation less favorable, tensile strain increases the energy gain of water
      adsorption, and decreases the energy cost of water dissociation. Specifically,
      dissociative water becomes more stable than molecular water when an 8% tensile in
      plane strain is applied. Moreover, the dissociation barrier decreases with
      increasing strain more rapidly for more isolated water. The rate of decrease of
      this barrier for nearly isolated water is 0.017 eV per 1% biaxial strain. This
      demonstrates that applying strain is a possible way to engineer the surface
      adsorption and dissociation of water on a TiO2(110) surface, and therefore
      engineer the relevant surface reactivity.

PMID- 27138098
TI  - Exogenous BDNF increases neurogenesis in the hippocampus in experimental
      Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the effective use of antibiotics, occurrences of mortality
      and neurological sequelae following Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis remain
      high. METHODS: We investigated the neurogenesis of endogenous neural stem cells
      (NSCs) after inoculation with exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
      in the hippocampus dentate gyrus following experimental S. pneumoniae meningitis
      using a double-labeling immunofluorescence analysis with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine
      (BrdU), Nestin, DCX and NeuN. RESULTS: Our results showed that 7days after
      inoculation, the number of BrdU & Nestin co-labeled cells increased in the
      hippocampus in meningitis rats compared with control rats (p<0.05). But the
      number of DCX-positive cells decreased in the dentate gyrus of infected rats
      treated with saline (p<0.05). However, these cell numbers returned to close to
      normal-control levels in infected rats treated with BDNF (p>0.05). After
      treatment with exogenous BDNF, the number of BrdU & Nestin co-labeled cells
      increased in the hippocampus in both the meningitis rats and normal control rats
      (p<0.05), but this increase was more significant in the former (p<0.05). We found
      that the percentage of BrdU & DCX/BrdU co-labeled cells increased in infected
      rats treated with BDNF both 7days and 14days after inoculation in a greater
      proportion compared to other groups (p<0.05). No significant differences were
      found in the percentage of BrdU & NeuN/BrdU 28days after inoculation among all of
      the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that S. pneumoniae
      meningitis activates the proliferation of endogenous NSCs, but impairs their
      early differentiation. Administration of exogenous BDNF might improve the
      neurogenesis of endogenous NSCs in the hippocampus and may provide a promising
      therapy after bacterial meningitis.

PMID- 27138100
TI  - Alteration of fatty acid profile and nucleotide-related substances in post-mortem
      breast meat of alpha-lipoic acid-fed broiler chickens.
AB  - The present study was conducted to determine the effects of alpha-lipoic acid
      supplementation on post-mortem changes in the fatty acid profile and
      concentrations of nucleotide-related substances, especially those of a taste
      active compound, inosine 5'-monophosphate, in chicken meat. Mixed-sex broiler
      chicks aged 14 d were divided into three groups of 16 birds each and were fed on
      diets supplemented with alpha-lipoic acid at levels of 0, 100 or 200 mg/kg for 4
      weeks. Blood and breast muscle samples were taken at 42 d of age under the fed
      condition and then after fasting for 18 h. The breast muscle obtained from fasted
      chickens was subsequently refrigerated at 2 degrees C for one and 3 d. alpha
      Lipoic acid supplementation did not affect any plasma metabolite concentration
      independently of feeding condition, while a slight increase in plasma glucose
      concentration was shown with both administration levels of alpha-lipoic acid. In
      early post-mortem breast muscle under the fed condition, alpha-lipoic acid had no
      effect on concentrations of fatty acids or nucleotides of ATP, ADP, and AMP. In
      post-mortem breast tissues obtained from fasted chickens, total fatty acid
      concentrations were markedly increased by alpha-lipoic acid feeding at 200 mg/kg
      irrespective of length of refrigeration. This effect was dependent on stearic
      acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid. However, among fatty acids,
      the only predominantly increased unsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid. Dietary
      supplementation with alpha-lipoic acid at 200 mg/kg increased the inosine 5'
      monophosphate concentration in breast meat and, in contrast, reduced the
      subsequent catabolites, inosine and xanthine, regardless of the length of
      refrigeration. Therefore, the present study suggests that alpha-lipoic acid
      administration altered the fatty acid profile and improved meat quality by
      increasing taste-active substances in the post-mortem meat obtained from fasted
      chickens. 

PMID- 27138101
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and biological activities of semicarbazones and their
      copper complexes.
AB  - Substituted semicarbazones/thiosemicarbazones and their copper complexes have
      been prepared and several single crystal structures examined. The copper
      complexes of these semicarbazone/thiosemicarbazones were prepared and several
      crystal structures examined. The single crystal X-ray structure of the pyridyl
      substituted semicarbazone showed two types of copper complexes, a monomer and a
      dimer. We also found that the p-nitrophenyl semicarbazone formed a conventional
      'magic lantern' acetate-bridged dimer. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) of
      several of the copper complexes was consistent with the results of single crystal
      X-ray crystallography. The EPR spectra of the p-nitrophenyl semicarbazone copper
      complex in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) showed the presence of two species,
      confirming the structural information. Since thiosemicarbazones and
      semicarbazones have been reported to exhibit anticancer activity, we examined the
      anticancer activity of several of the derivatives reported in the present study
      and interestingly only the thiosemicarbazone showed activity while the
      semicarbazones were not active indicating that introduction of sulphur atom
      alters the biological profile of these thiosemicarbazones.

PMID- 27138102
TI  - Divergent assembly mechanisms of the manganese/iron cofactors in R2lox and R2c
      proteins.
AB  - A manganese/iron cofactor which performs multi-electron oxidative chemistry is
      found in two classes of ferritin-like proteins, the small subunit (R2) of class
      Ic ribonucleotide reductase (R2c) and the R2-like ligand-binding oxidase (R2lox).
      It is unclear how a heterodimeric Mn/Fe metallocofactor is assembled in these two
      related proteins as opposed to a homodimeric Fe/Fe cofactor, especially
      considering the structural similarity and proximity of the two metal-binding
      sites in both protein scaffolds and the similar first coordination sphere ligand
      preferences of MnII and FeII. Using EPR and Mossbauer spectroscopies as well as X
      ray anomalous dispersion, we examined metal loading and cofactor activation of
      both proteins in vitro (in solution). We find divergent cofactor assembly
      mechanisms for the two systems. In both cases, excess MnII promotes
      heterobimetallic cofactor assembly. In the absence of FeII, R2c cooperatively
      binds MnII at both metal sites, whereas R2lox does not readily bind MnII at
      either site. Heterometallic cofactor assembly is favored at substoichiometric
      FeII concentrations in R2lox. FeII and MnII likely bind to the protein in a
      stepwise fashion, with FeII binding to site 2 initiating cofactor assembly. In
      R2c, however, heterometallic assembly is presumably achieved by the displacement
      of MnII by FeII at site 2. The divergent metal loading mechanisms are correlated
      with the putative in vivo functions of R2c and R2lox, and most likely with the
      intracellular MnII/FeII concentrations in the host organisms from which they were
      isolated.

PMID- 27138103
TI  - Deferoxamine-induced increase in the intracellular iron levels in highly
      aggressive breast cancer cells leads to increased cell migration by enhancing TNF
      alpha-dependent NF-kappaB signaling and TGF-beta signaling.
AB  - Recent studies have suggested that excess iron accumulation may be a risk factor
      for breast cancer. However the role of iron in breast cancer metastasis has
      remained unclear. The major goal of our study is to investigate the roles of iron
      in breast cancer metastasis. We modulated the intracellular iron levels of human
      breast cancer cells, including the aggressive MDA-MB-231 cells and non-aggressive
      MCF-7 cells, by using Deferoxamine (DFO) - a most widely used iron chelator. We
      found that DFO treatment could deplete intracellular iron in MCF-7 cells. In
      contrast, DFO treatment led to a significant increase in the intracellular iron
      level in MDA-MB-231 cells. The MDA-MB-231 cells with the increased intracellular
      iron level exhibited increases in both mesenchymal markers and cell migration.
      Furthermore, the DFO-treated MDA-MB-231 cells showed increases in both tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB)
      signaling and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling, which could
      contribute to the enhanced cell migration. Collectively, our study has provided
      the first evidence suggesting that increased intracellular iron levels could lead
      to enhanced migration of aggressive breast cancer cells by increasing TNF-alpha
      dependent NF-kappaB signaling and TGF-beta signaling. Our study has also
      suggested that caution should be taken when DFO is applied for treating breast
      cancer cells, since DFO could produce differential effects on the intracellular
      iron levels for aggressive breast cancer cells and non-aggressive breast cancer
      cells.

PMID- 27138104
TI  - OH reactivity in urban and suburban regions in Seoul, South Korea - an East Asian
      megacity in a rapid transition.
AB  - South Korea has recently achieved developed country status with the second
      largest megacity in the world, the Seoul Metropolitan Area (SMA). This study
      provides insights into future changes in air quality for rapidly emerging
      megacities in the East Asian region. We present total OH reactivity observations
      in the SMA conducted at an urban Seoul site (May-June, 2015) and a suburban
      forest site (Sep, 2015). The total OH reactivity in an urban site during the
      daytime was observed at similar levels (~15 s(-1)) to those previously reported
      from other East Asian megacity studies. Trace gas observations indicate that OH
      reactivity is largely accounted for by NOX (~50%) followed by volatile organic
      compounds (VOCs) (~35%). Isoprene accounts for a substantial fraction of OH
      reactivity among the comprehensive VOC observational dataset (25-47%). In
      general, observed total OH reactivity can be accounted for by the observed trace
      gas dataset. However, observed total OH reactivity in the suburban forest area
      cannot be largely accounted for (~70%) by the trace gas measurements. The
      importance of biogenic VOC (BVOCs) emissions and oxidations used to evaluate the
      impacts of East Asian megacity outflows for the regional air quality and climate
      contexts are highlighted in this study.

PMID- 27138105
TI  - Farnesol-mediated shift in the metabolic origin of prenyl groups used for protein
      prenylation in plants.
AB  - Little is known about how plant cells regulate the exchange of prenyl
      diphosphates between the two compartmentalized isoprenoid biosynthesis pathways.
      Prenylation of proteins is a suitable model to study such interactions between
      the plastidial methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) and the cytosolic mevalonate
      (MVA) pathways because prenyl moieties used to modify proteins rely on both
      origins. Tobacco cells expressing a prenylatable GFP were treated with specific
      MEP and/or MVA pathways inhibitors to block the formation of prenyl diphosphates
      and therefore the possibility to modify the proteins. Chemical complementation
      assays using prenyl alcohol precursors restore the prenylation. Indeed,
      geranylgeraniol (C20 prenyl alcohol) and to a lesser but significant level C15
      farnesol restored the prenylation of a protein bearing a geranylgeranylation CaaX
      motif, which under standard conditions is modified by a MEP-derived prenyl group.
      However, the restoration takes place in different ways. While geranylgeraniol
      operates directly as a metabolic precursor, the C15-prenyl alcohol functions
      indirectly as a signal that leads to shift the metabolic origin of prenyl groups
      in modified proteins, here from the plastidial MEP pathway in favor of the
      cytosolic MVA pathway. Furthermore, farnesol interferes negatively with the MEP
      pathway in an engineered Escherichia coli strain synthesizing isoprenoids either
      starting from MVA or from MEP. Following the cellular uptake of a fluorescent
      analog of farnesol, we showed its close interaction with tobacco plastids and
      modification of plastid homeostasis. As a consequence, in tobacco farnesol
      supposedly inhibits the plastidial MEP pathway and activates the cytosolic MVA
      pathway, leading to the shift in the metabolic origin and thereby acts as a
      potential regulator of crosstalk between the two pathways. Together, those
      results suggest a new role for farnesol (or a metabolite thereof) as a central
      molecule for the regulation of isoprenoid biosynthesis in plants. 

PMID- 27138106
TI  - Alcoholic beverage consumption contributes to caloric and moisture intakes and
      body weight status.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study provides cross-sectional information on alcoholic
      beverages as potential sources of moisture and calories for drinkers in the
      United States. Associations between number of drinks per day and body weight
      status were also studied. METHODS: Multivariable regression models were used to
      ascertain associations while controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS:
      Compared to nondrinkers, daily moisture intake increased as the number of drinks
      increased. Increase in daily moisture intake of drinkers remained significant
      even after correcting for diuretic effects of ethanol (men: 270.6 g [95%
      confidence interval (CI), 115.7-425.4], P = 0.001) and (women: 193.0 g [95% CI,
      76.8-309.4], P = 0.002). The increase in daily moisture intake after correcting
      for diuretic losses were men: 3.9% to 9.6%; and women: 4.1% to 12.8% depending on
      number of drinks. The increase in calorie intake was 6.7% to 16.2% of men's, and
      6.4% to 16.0% of women's daily intake. Compared to nondrinking counterparts, men
      who consumed 2 or more drinks per day were more likely to be overweight whereas
      men who consumed 4 or more drinks per day were more likely to be obese (odds
      ratio: 1.63 [95% CI, 1.10-2.40], P = 0.015). Women at all levels of drinking were
      less likely to be obese (odds ratio: 0.70 [95% CI, 0.55-0.88], P = 0.004)
      compared to nondrinking counterparts. CONCLUSION: Alcoholic beverages contribute
      to moisture intake despite the diuretic effect of their ethanol content. Calorie
      intake increase with increasing alcohol intake among men and women but only men
      associate with increased likelihood of overweight and obesity. Women drinkers
      associate with lower body mass index and are less likely to be overweight or
      obese.

PMID- 27138107
TI  - Passiflora edulis peel intake improves insulin sensitivity, increasing incretins
      and hypothalamic satietogenic neuropeptide in rats on a high-fat diet.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Passiflora edulis peel
      flour (PEPF) intake on hypothalamic neuropeptides messenger RNA expression,
      insulin sensitivity, and other metabolic parameters in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a
      high-fat (HF) diet. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided in 3 groups: a
      control group, fed on a normal fat diet; a HF group, fed on a high-fat diet (35%
      fat [w/w]); and a high-fat Passiflora flour (HFPF) group, fed on a HF diet
      containing PEPF. The rats from the HFPF group as well as the HF group were kept
      on an HF diet for the first 4 wk to induce metabolic conditions related to
      obesity. Then the HFPF group was switched to a HF diet containing PEPF for
      additional 6 wk. Other groups were kept on normal-fat and HF diet without
      addition of PEPF during the whole period of experiment. The glucose tolerance and
      insulin sensitivity were evaluated through the glucose tolerance test (GTT) and
      the insulin tolerance test (ITT). Gut hormones and adipokines were measured
      through an immunoassay. The hypothalamic neuropeptides expression was assessed by
      real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The PEPF intake increased the
      hypothalamic cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript expression (CART) (P <
      0.05), counteracted cumulative body weight gain (P < 0.001), decreased adiposity
      (P < 0.05) and leptin level (P < 0.01), whereas increased adiponectin (P < 0.01),
      glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (P < 0.01), and glucagon-like
      peptide-1 (GLP-1) (P < 0.001) improved the insulin sensitivity in diet-induced
      obesity rats by increasing the kITT (glucose disappearance rate) (P < 0.01),
      which was calculated during the ITT. Other gut hormones (peptide tyrosine
      tyrosine, pancreatic polypeptide, and amylin) and interleukins (IL) (IL-6, tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1beta, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) were not
      changed by the PEPF intake. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide a further
      understanding of how the PEPF works as a dietary component to improve glucose
      homeostasis and demonstrate a molecular mechanism that may increase satiety by
      PEPF in diet-induced obesity.

PMID- 27138108
TI  - Nutrients and mild cognitive impairment: Food for thought.

PMID- 27138109
TI  - Adiposity is associated with early reduction in bone mass in pediatric
      inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The effect of adiposity on bone mass in the early phases of
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children and adolescents is unclear. The aim
      of this study was to determine the role of adiposity on bone mass in the first 3
      y of diagnosis of IBD. The expected result is that increased adiposity will be
      associated with increased bone mass in both the controls and IBD subjects.
      METHODS: Height-adjusted bone mineral density (BMD) z-scores of 25 subjects, age
      13.97 +/- 2.70 y, diagnosed with IBD for <4 y were compared to 24 controls, age
      13.65 +/- 2.60 y. Overweight was defined as BMI of >=85th but <95th percentile,
      and obesity as BMI >=95th percentile. Severity of IBD was determined by the
      Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index and Lichtiger Colitis Activity Index.
      RESULTS: Before stratification by BMI criterion, height-adjusted BMD z-scores
      were not significantly lower in IBD subjects versus controls for both the femoral
      neck (-0.8 +/- 1.1 versus -0.06 +/- 1.1, P = 0.070) and lumbar vertebrae (-0.4 +/
      1.2 versus 0.2 +/- 1.2, P = 0.086). Following stratification, height-adjusted
      BMD z-scores were significantly lower in the overweight/obese IBD subjects versus
      overweight/obese controls for femoral neck (-0.9 +/- 0.9 versus 0.3 +/- 1.3, P =
      0.032); and non-significantly lower for the lumbar spine z-score (-0.4 +/- 1.6
      versus 0.5 +/- 1.3, P = 0.197). BMD z-score had no relationship with the duration
      of disease, steroid therapy, and the severity of disease. CONCLUSION: Adiposity
      was associated with reduced bone mass in the early phases of IBD, but with
      increased bone mass in the controls.

PMID- 27138110
TI  - A comparison of a behavioral weight loss program to a stress management program:
      A pilot randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study compared a behavioral weight loss program (BWL) with a
      stress management-based program, Emotional Brain Training (EBT), on weight loss,
      blood pressure, depression, perceived stress, diet, and physical activity.
      METHODS: Subjects with a body mass index (BMI) of >28 and <45 kg/m(2) were
      recruited in Lexington, Kentucky in January 2014 and randomized to BWL or EBT for
      a 20-week intervention. Of those recruited, 49 participants were randomized to
      EBT or BWL. Randomization and allocation to group were performed using SPSS
      software. Weight, blood pressure, depression, perceived stress, dietary intake,
      and physical activity were measured at baseline, 10 week, and 20 week. Linear
      models for change over time were fit to calculate 95% confidence intervals of
      intervention effects. RESULTS: BWL produced greater changes in BMI than EBT at
      both 10 (P = 0.02) and 20 wk (P = 0.03). At 10 wk, both EBT and BWL improved BMI,
      systolic blood pressure, depression and perceived stress (P < 0.05). BWL also
      improved diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.005). At 20 wk, EBT maintained
      improvements in BMI, systolic blood pressure, depression, and perceived stress
      while BWL maintained improvements only in BMI and depression (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: BWL produced greater weight loss than EBT; however, EBT produced
      sustained improvements in stress, depression, and systolic blood pressure. A
      combination of the two approaches should be explored.

PMID- 27138111
TI  - Enantioselective Synthesis of 3,3-Difluoropyrrolidin-4-ol, a Valuable Building
      Block in Medicinal Chemistry.
AB  - In this paper, we report for the first time two enantioselective routes to 4,4
      difluoropyrrolidin-3-ol, a valuable building block in medicinal chemistry. In the
      first route, we took advantage of the C2 symmetry of (3R,4R)-3,4
      dihydroxypyrrolidine in which the desired chirality was derived from the chiral
      pool (l-(+)-tartaric acid). In the second route, we efficiently assembled the
      pyrrolidine ring in the presence of a gem-difluoro moiety to avoid using
      potentially hazardous deoxofluorinating reagents and subsequently introduced the
      chirality by a stereoselective iridium-diamine-catalyzed asymmetric transfer
      hydrogenation reaction.

PMID- 27138113
TI  - Engineering biomechanically functional neocartilage derived from expanded
      articular chondrocytes through the manipulation of cell-seeding density and
      dexamethasone concentration.
AB  - Recent work has established methods to engineer self-assembled, scaffold-free
      neocartilage from an expanded articular chondrocyte (AC) cell source. In
      continuing such work, the objective of the present study was to investigate the
      effects of cell-seeding density and dexamethasone concentration on these
      neocartilage constructs. Neocartilage discs (5 mm diameter) were formed by self
      assembling passaged leporine articular chondrocytes into non-adherent agarose
      moulds. The cell-seeding densities (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 million cells/construct) and
      dexamethasone concentrations (10 and 100 nm) in the culture medium were varied in
      a full-factorial study. After 4 weeks, the neocartilage constructs were assessed
      for morphological, biochemical and biomechanical properties. The cell-seeding
      density profoundly affected neocartilage properties. The two dexamethasone
      concentrations explored did not induce overall significant differences.
      Constructs formed using lower cell-seeding densities possessed much higher
      biochemical and biomechanical properties than constructs seeded with higher cell
      densities. Notably, the 2 million cells/construct group formed hyaline-like
      neocartilage with a collagen wet weight (WW) content of ~7% and a Young's modulus
      of ~4 MPa, representing the high end of values achieved in self-assembled
      neocartilage. Excitingly, the mechanical properties of these constructs were on a
      par with that of native cartilage tissues tested under similar conditions.
      Through optimization of cell-seeding density, this study shows for the first time
      the use of expanded ACs to form homogeneous self-assembled neocartilage with
      exceptionally high tensile strength. With such functional properties, these
      engineered neocartilage constructs provide a promising alternative for treating
      articular lesions. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27138112
TI  - COMT Val(158) Met genotype is associated with reward learning: a replication
      study and meta-analysis.
AB  - Identifying mechanisms through which individual differences in reward learning
      emerge offers an opportunity to understand both a fundamental form of adaptive
      responding as well as etiological pathways through which aberrant reward learning
      may contribute to maladaptive behaviors and psychopathology. One candidate
      mechanism through which individual differences in reward learning may emerge is
      variability in dopaminergic reinforcement signaling. A common functional
      polymorphism within the catechol-O-methyl transferase gene (COMT; rs4680,
      Val(158) Met) has been linked to reward learning, where homozygosity for the Met
      allele (linked to heightened prefrontal dopamine function and decreased dopamine
      synthesis in the midbrain) has been associated with relatively increased reward
      learning. Here, we used a probabilistic reward learning task to asses response
      bias, a behavioral form of reward learning, across three separate samples that
      were combined for analyses (age: 21.80 +/- 3.95; n = 392; 268 female; European
      American: n = 208). We replicate prior reports that COMT rs4680 Met allele
      homozygosity is associated with increased reward learning in European-American
      participants (beta = 0.20, t = 2.75, P < 0.01; DeltaR(2) = 0.04). Moreover, a
      meta-analysis of 4 studies, including the current one, confirmed the association
      between COMT rs4680 genotype and reward learning (95% CI -0.11 to -0.03; z = 3.2;
      P < 0.01). These results suggest that variability in dopamine signaling
      associated with COMT rs4680 influences individual differences in reward which may
      potentially contribute to psychopathology characterized by reward dysfunction.

PMID- 27138114
TI  - Impact of the reference choice on scalp EEG connectivity estimation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several scalp EEG functional connectivity studies, mostly clinical,
      seem to overlook the reference electrode impact. The subsequent interpretation of
      brain connectivity is thus often biased by the choice of a non-neutral reference.
      This study aims at systematically investigating these effects. APPROACH: As EEG
      reference, we examined the vertex electrode (Cz), the digitally linked mastoids
      (DLM), the average reference (AVE), and the reference electrode standardization
      technique (REST). As a connectivity metric, we used the imaginary part of the
      coherency. We tested simulated and real data (eyes-open resting state) by
      evaluating the influence of electrode density, the effect of head model accuracy
      in the REST transformation, and the impact on the characterization of the
      topology of functional networks from graph analysis. MAIN RESULTS: Simulations
      demonstrated that REST significantly reduced the distortion of connectivity
      patterns when compared to AVE, Cz, and DLM references. Moreover, the availability
      of high-density EEG systems and an accurate knowledge of the head model are
      crucial elements to improve REST performance, with the individual realistic head
      model being preferable to the standard realistic head model. For real data, a
      systematic change of the spatial pattern of functional connectivity depending on
      the chosen reference was also observed. The distortion of connectivity patterns
      was larger for the Cz reference, and progressively decreased when using the DLM,
      the AVE, and the REST. Strikingly, we also showed that network attributes derived
      from graph analysis, i.e. node degree and local efficiency, are significantly
      influenced by the EEG reference choice. SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, this study
      highlights that significant differences arise in scalp EEG functional
      connectivity and graph network properties, in dependence on the chosen reference.
      We hope that our study will convey the message that caution should be used when
      interpreting and comparing results obtained from different laboratories using
      different reference schemes.

PMID- 27138115
TI  - Impact of metabolic syndrome and its components on kidney stone in aging
      Taiwanese males.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MtS) and kidney stone are two common aging
      diseases with male dominant. This is the first study regarding the potential
      impact of MtS and its components on kidney stone in aging Chinese population.
      METHODS: A total of 694 males with a mean age of 55.6 years were enrolled. The
      definition of MtS was according to the modified criteria developed by the Bureau
      of Health Promotion in Taiwan. Subjects were classified as having a disease of
      kidney stones according to diagnosis by a physician with available medical
      records or evidence from ultrasonography judged by an investigator of urologist.
      RESULTS: Using age-adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, our
      results showed that subjects with kidney stone had significantly higher
      prevalence of MtS (p = 0.04, OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.0 1-3.00). The presence of MtS
      had significant correlation with kidney stone (p = 0.01, OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.1 4
      2.93), which were associated with the increment of MtS components (p < 0.01).
      After adjusting for age and testosterone level, abnormal blood pressure (BP) was
      the most significantly independent component of MtS for kidney stone among the
      MtS components (p < 0.01, OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.46-5.39). CONCLUSIONS: In aging
      Taiwanese males, the presence of MtS and its components are strongly associated
      with kidney stone. Abnormal BP is the most significant risk component of MtS for
      kidney stone.

PMID- 27138116
TI  - The Online Bingo Boom in the UK: A Qualitative Examination of Its Appeal.
AB  - Online bingo has seen significant growth in recent years. This study sought to
      increase understanding of this growth by exploring the appeal of online bingo.
      Our aim was to examine the content of ten online bingo websites in the UK and
      analyse a qualitative secondary dataset of 12 female bingo players to investigate
      the appeal of online bingo. Using two distinct data sources allowed us to assess
      how the key messages online websites are trying to convey compare with actual
      players' motivation to play bingo. Our analysis of bingo websites found a common
      theme where websites were easy to navigate and structured to present a light
      hearted, fun, reassuring, social image of gambling. In addition, the design
      decisions reflected in the bingo sites had the effect of positioning online bingo
      as a benign, child-like, homely, women-friendly, social activity. Comparison of
      the website content with our participants' reasons to play bingo showed
      congruence between the strategies used by the bingo websites and the motivations
      of bingo players themselves and the benefits which they seek; suggesting that
      bingo websites strive to replicate and update the sociability of traditional
      bingo halls. Online bingo differs from traditional forms of bingo in its ability
      to be played anywhere and at any time, and its capacity to offer a deeply
      immersive experience. The potential for this type of online immersion in gambling
      to lead to harm is only just being investigated and further research is required
      to understand how the industry is regulated, as well as the effects of online
      bingo on individual gambling 'careers.'

PMID- 27138117
TI  - [Enlarged blind spot and reduced visual evoked potentials due to melanocytoma of
      the optic disc].
AB  - A 59-year-old male patient presented with clinical characteristics of a
      melanocytoma of the optic disc in the right eye. Using functional tests, such as
      visual acuity, visual fields, visual evoked potentials (VEP) and imaging
      procedures (e.g., fundus photography and spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography) the findings were documented. Best corrected visual acuity was 25/20
      in both eyes. Ophthalmoscopy showed a slightly prominent and pigmented tumor in
      the upper third of the optic disc. Comparing both eyes, an enlarged blind spot
      and a reduction of VEP were detectable.

PMID- 27138118
TI  - [Localization of scotomas in AMD by reading test : Random series of words in
      standardized format].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reading performance that can be measured by reading tests depends on
      whether reading material with or without contextual continuity is used.
      OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to create a German version of the SKread
      test and to evaluate it in a clinical setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      evaluation of the SKread test was first performed on two groups of visually
      healthy subjects of different ages: a junior group of 25 persons with ages
      between 20 and 30 years (mean = 25.84 years, SD +/- 2.41 years) and a senior
      group of 25 persons with ages between 51 and 84 years (mean = 62.40 +/- 8.46
      years). The same measurements were also performed on a group of 18 patients with
      age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with ages between 75 and 95 years (mean =
      81.89 +/- 5.48 years). The reading performance was also measured using Radner
      charts. RESULTS: Using reading material without syntactic continuity considerably
      slowed down the reading speed and increased the error rate. Median reading rates
      of 11.53 characters/s (CPS) for the junior group and 8.96 CPS for the senior
      group were clearly lower than those for the Radner charts (22.02 CPS and 18.48
      CPS, respectively). In the AMD patients, a statistical analysis of the error
      rates showed a highly significant difference between the Radner charts and the
      SKread test (p = 0.00014). Furthermore, by analyzing the errors made in the
      SKread test information could be obtained about the position of central scotomas.
      The test-retest reliability of the SKread was very good. CONCLUSION: Information
      about the position of a central scotoma can be acquired by using the SKread test
      and an analysis of reading errors, which can augment effective clinical
      monitoring in AMD and subsequent visual rehabilitation.

PMID- 27138119
TI  - The relevance of cytochrome P450 polymorphism in forensic medicine and akathisia
      related violence and suicide.
AB  - Adverse drug reactions and interactions are among the major causes of death in
      the United States. Antidepressants have been reported as causing suicide and
      homicide and share the class attribute of frequently producing akathisia, a state
      of severe restlessness associated with thoughts of death and violence. Medical
      examiners can now identify some pharmacogenetic interactions that cause drugs,
      deemed safe for most, to be lethal to others. Such deaths do not yet include
      medication-induced, akathisia-related suicides and homicides. An extrapyramidal
      side effect, akathisia is a manifestation of drug toxicity whose causes lie,
      inter alia, in drugs, doses, and co-prescribed medications that inhibit and
      compete for metabolizing enzymes, which may themselves be defective. In this
      paper, we report our investigation into adverse drug reactions/interactions in
      three persons who committed homicide, two also intending suicide, while on
      antidepressants prescribed for stressful life events. Their histories of
      medication use, adverse reactions and reasons for changes in medications are
      presented. DNA samples were screened for variants in the cytochrome P450 gene
      family; that produce drug metabolizing enzymes. All three cases exhibit genotype
      based diminished metabolic capability that, in combination with their enzyme
      inhibiting/competing medications, decreased metabolism further and are the likely
      cause of these catastrophic events. 

PMID- 27138120
TI  - [Good long-term survival after ECMO treatment].
AB  - ECMO is used more and more globally, and to date more than 60,000 patients have
      undergone ECMO treatment. At the ECMO Center Karolinska in Stockholm, Sweden,
      more than 900 neonatal, pediatric and adult patients with primarily respiratory
      failure have been treated since 1987. This study investigated 217 consecutive
      patients of all ages who were treated 1995-2005 at our center, of which 76 %
      survived treatment. The mean follow-up time was 7.9 years. Of the patients who
      survived more than 90 days after treatment, 91 % were alive at follow-up 5 years
      later, similar in all age categories (89-93 %). The highest mortality risk was
      observed within the first months after ECMO. We conclude that both short and long
      term survival is high in all age categories, especially considering the high
      mortality risk of the patients eligible for ECMO treatment. More studies are
      needed to evaluate long term prognostic markers, cognitive functions and quality
      of life, especially in the adult.

PMID- 27138121
TI  - [Important to investigate the cause of acute kidney injury. Treatment should aim
      to limit the damage and prevent progression].
AB  - An acute worsening of renal function, so called acute kidney injury, is common in
      patients admitted to hospital. Acute kidney injury is associated with an
      increased long-term risk for chronic kidney disease, myocardial infarction, heart
      failure, and death. In order to prevent further deterioration of kidney function
      early identification of causes for acute kindey injury is of utmost importance.
      In most cases, there is no specific treatment of acute kidney injury, but several
      general principles should be followed: to strive for normovolemia, optimize
      hemodynamics, treat electrolyte disturbances, discontinue nephrotoxic agents, and
      to adjust dosages of medications which are renally eliminated. The aim with this
      review was to provide an overview of the current knowledge for the initial
      management of acute kidney injury and to summarize the most important measures to
      take.

PMID- 27138122
TI  - [Validation of the Swedish melanoma registry shows limited misreporting.
      Incomplete for 4 percent of patients in sentinel node diagnostics].
AB  - Registers of quality can be used to ensure that health care recommendations are
      followed, to verify the logistics of care and serve as a basis for research when
      population based data are needed. Validation of quality is important and is the
      fundament of accurate interpretation of collected data. In the present validation
      of sentinel node biopsy (SN) for malignant melanoma in Southern Sweden during 
      2013, we see that registration is incomplete in 4% of the cases. In some of the
      cases it appears that treating physicians may be unaware of treatment
      recommendations regarding SN in melanoma.

PMID- 27138124
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27138123
TI  - [Acute kidney injury is a common and serious condition. The clinical significance
      is great and probably underestimated].
AB  - Acute kidney injury, previously called acute renal failure, is very common in
      different health care settings. Acute kidney injury is strongly related to an
      increased risk of death, myocardial infarction, heart failure and dialysis
      dependent chronic kidney disease. The established classification of acute kidney
      injury, KDIGO, uses changes in serum creatinine values, and/or urine output to
      define different stages (stages 1-3). Acute kidney injury stage 1 is defined as
      an increase in serum creatinine levels of 26 MUmol/l, or an 1.5-2-fold increase
      in serum creatinine levels compared with baseline values, which often goes
      undetected. The aim of this review was to give an overview of the classification,
      epidemiology, and importance of acute kidney injury for prognosis in different
      clinical settings.

PMID- 27138125
TI  - [Scientific journals must take responsibility].

PMID- 27138126
TI  - [Diabetes care for children must not fail in the hunt for low HbA1c].

PMID- 27138127
TI  - [Introduce generic prescription - now].

PMID- 27138128
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27138129
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27138131
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27138130
TI  - [A structured way into the medical profession, regardless of country of
      education].

PMID- 27138132
TI  - Long-Term Clinical and Electroencephalography (EEG) Consequences of Idiopathic
      Partial Epilepsies.
AB  - BACKGROUND Idiopathic partial epilepsies of childhood (IPE) affect a considerable
      proportion of children. Three main electroclinical syndromes of IPE are the
      Benign Childhood Epilepsy with Centro-temporal Spikes (BECTS), Panayiotopoulos
      Syndrome (PS), and Childhood Epilepsy with Occipital Paroxysms (CEOP). In this
      study we investigated the long-term prognosis of patients with IPE and discussed
      the semiological and electroencephalography (EEG) data in terms of syndromic
      characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study included a group of consecutive
      patients with IPE who had been followed since 1990. Demographic and clinical
      variables were investigated. Patients were divided into 3 groups - A: Cases
      suitable for a single IPE (BECTS, PS and CEOP); B: cases with intermediate
      characteristics within IPEs; and C: cases with both IPE and IGE characteristics.
      Long-term data regarding the individual seizure types and EEG findings were re
      evaluated. RESULTS A total of 61 patients were included in the study. Mean follow
      up duration was 7.8 +/- 4.50 years. The mean age at onset of seizures was 7.7
      years. There were 40 patients in group A 40, 14 in group B, and 7 in group C.
      Seizure and EEG characteristics were also explored independently from the
      syndromic approach. Incidence of autonomic seizures is considerably high at 2-5
      years and incidence of oromotor seizures is high at age 9-11 years. The EEG is
      most abnormal at 6-8 years. The vast majority (86%) of epileptic activity (EA)
      with parietooccipital is present at 2-5 years, whereas EA with fronto-temporal or
      multiple sites become more abundant between ages 6 and 11. CONCLUSIONS Results of
      the present study provide support for the age-related characteristics of the
      seizures and EEGs in IPE syndromes. Acknowledgement of those phenomena may
      improve the management of IPEs and give a better estimate of the future
      consequences.

PMID- 27138133
TI  - Compelling Relationship of CYP3A Induction to Levels of the Putative Biomarker
      4beta-Hydroxycholesterol and Changes in Midazolam Exposure.

PMID- 27138134
TI  - Acute White Matter Tract Damage after Frontal Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.
AB  - Our understanding of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is still in its infancy
      and to gain a greater understanding, relevant animal models should replicate many
      of the features seen in human mTBI. These include changes to diffusion tensor
      imaging (DTI) parameters, absence of anatomical lesions on conventional
      neuroimaging, and neurobehavioral deficits. The Maryland closed head TBI model
      causes anterior-posterior plus sagittal rotational acceleration of the brain,
      frequently observed with motor vehicle and sports-related TBI injuries. The
      injury reflects a concussive injury model without skull fracture. The goal of our
      study was to characterize the acute (72 h) pathophysiological changes occurring
      following a single mTBI using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), behavioral
      assays, and histology. We assessed changes in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean
      (MD), longitudinal (LD), and radial (RD) diffusivities relative to pre-injury
      baseline measures. Significant differences were observed in both the longitudinal
      and radial diffusivities in the fimbria compared with baseline. A significant
      difference in radial diffusivity was also observed in the splenium of the corpus
      callosum compared with baseline. The exploratory activity of the mTBI animals was
      also assessed using computerized activity monitoring. A significant decrease was
      observed in ambulatory distance, average velocity, stereotypic counts, and
      vertical counts compared with baseline. Histological examination of the mTBI
      brain sections indicated a significant decrease in the expression of myelin basic
      protein in the fimbria, splenium, and internal capsule. Our findings demonstrate
      the vulnerability of the white matter tracts, specifically the fimbria and
      splenium, and the ability of DTI to identify changes to the integrity of the
      white matter tracts following mTBI.

PMID- 27138135
TI  - Importance of Patella, Quadriceps Forces, and Depthwise Cartilage Structure on
      Knee Joint Motion and Cartilage Response During Gait.
AB  - In finite-element (FE) models of the knee joint, patella is often omitted. We
      investigated the importance of patella and quadriceps forces on the knee joint
      motion by creating an FE model of the subject's knee. In addition, depthwise
      strains and stresses in patellar cartilage with different tissue properties were
      determined. An FE model was created from subject's magnetic resonance images.
      Knee rotations, moments, and translational forces during gait were recorded in a
      motion laboratory and used as an input for the model. Three material models were
      implemented into the patellar cartilage: (1) homogeneous model, (2) inhomogeneous
      (arcadelike fibrils), and (3) random fibrils at the superficial zone, mimicking
      early stages of osteoarthritis (OA). Implementation of patella and quadriceps
      forces into the model substantially reduced the internal-external femoral
      rotations (versus without patella). The simulated rotations in the model with the
      patella matched the measured rotations at its best. In the inhomogeneous model,
      maximum principal stresses increased substantially in the middle zone of the
      cartilage. The early OA model showed increased compressive strains in the
      superficial and middle zones of the cartilage and decreased stresses and fibril
      strains especially in the middle zone. The results suggest that patella and
      quadriceps forces should be included in moment- and force-driven FE knee joint
      models. The results indicate that the middle zone has a major role in resisting
      shear forces in the patellar cartilage. Also, early degenerative changes in the
      collagen network substantially affect the cartilage depthwise response in the
      patella during walking.

PMID- 27138136
TI  - Erratum: Mimicking titration experiments with MD simulations: A protocol for the
      investigation of pH-dependent effects on proteins.

PMID- 27138137
TI  - N3 Protonation Induces Base Rotation of 2'-Deoxyadenosine-5'-monophosphate and
      Adenosine-5'-monophosphate.
AB  - Infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) action spectroscopy experiments
      combined with theoretical calculations are performed to investigate the stable
      gas-phase conformations of the protonated adenine mononucleotides, [pdAdo+H](+)
      and [pAdo+H](+). Conformations that are present in the experiments are elucidated
      via comparative analyses of the experimental IRMPD spectra and the B3LYP/6
      311+G(d,p) IR spectra predicted for the conformers optimized at this level of
      theory. N3 protonation is preferred as it induces base rotation, which allows a
      strong hydrogen bond to be formed between the excess proton of adenine and the
      phosphate moiety. In contrast, both N1 and N7 protonation are predicted to be >35
      kJ/mol less favorable than N3 protonation. Only N3 protonated conformers are
      present in the experiments in measurable abundance. Both the low-energy
      conformers computed and the experimental IRMPD spectra of [pdAdo+H](+) and
      [pAdo+H](+) indicate that the 2'-hydroxyl moiety does not significantly impact
      the structure of the most stable conformer or the IRMPD spectral profile of
      [pAdo+H](+) vs that of [pdAdo+H](+). However, the 2'-hydroxyl leads to a 3-fold
      enhancement in the IRMPD yield of [pAdo+H](+) in the fingerprint region.
      Comparison of present results to those reported in a previous IRMPD study of the
      analogous protonated adenine nucleosides allows the effects of the phosphate
      moiety on the gas-phase conformations to be elucidated.

PMID- 27138138
TI  - Optical Projection Tomography Technique for Image Texture and Mass Transport
      Studies in Hydrogels Based on Gellan Gum.
AB  - The microstructure and permeability are crucial factors for the development of
      hydrogels for tissue engineering, since they influence cell nutrition,
      penetration, and proliferation. The currently available imaging methods able to
      characterize hydrogels have many limitations. They often require sample drying
      and other destructive processing, which can change hydrogel structure, or they
      have limited imaging penetration depth. In this work, we show for the first time
      an alternative nondestructive method, based on optical projection tomography
      (OPT) imaging, to characterize hydrated hydrogels without the need of sample
      processing. As proof of concept, we used gellan gum (GG) hydrogels obtained by
      several cross-linking methods. Transmission mode OPT was used to analyze image
      microtextures, and emission mode OPT to study mass transport. Differences in
      hydrogel structure related to different types of cross-linking and between
      modified and native GG were found through the acquired Haralick's image texture
      features followed by multiple discriminant analysis (MDA). In mass transport
      studies, the mobility of FITC-dextran (MW 20, 150, 2000 kDa) was analyzed through
      the macroscopic hydrogel. The FITC-dextran velocities were found to be inversely
      proportional to the size of the dextran as expected. Furthermore, the threshold
      size in which the transport is affected by the hydrogel mesh was found to be 150
      kDa (Stokes' radii between 69 and 95 A). On the other hand, the mass transport
      study allowed us to define an index of homogeneity to assess the cross-linking
      distribution, structure inside the hydrogel, and repeatability of hydrogel
      production. As a conclusion, we showed that the set of OPT imaging based material
      characterization methods presented here are useful for screening many
      characteristics of hydrogel compositions in relatively short time in an
      inexpensive manner, providing tools for improving the process of designing
      hydrogels for tissue engineering and drugs/cells delivery applications.

PMID- 27138139
TI  - Exploring the divalent effect in fucosidase inhibition with stereoisomeric
      pyrrolidine dimers.
AB  - Multi-valent inhibitors offer promise for the enhancement of therapeutic
      compounds across a range of chemical and biological processes. Here, a
      significant increase in enzyme-inhibition potencies was observed with a dimeric
      iminosugar-templated fucosidase inhibitor (IC50 = 0.108 MUM) when compared to its
      monovalent equivalent (IC50 = 2.0 MUM). Such a gain in binding is often
      attributed to a "multivalent effect" rising from alternative recapture of the
      scaffolded binding epitopes. The use of control molecules such as the meso
      analogue (IC50 = 0.365 MUM) or the enantiomer (IC50 = 569 MUM), as well as
      structural analysis of the fucosidase-inhibitor complex, allowed a detailed
      analysis of the possible mechanism of action, at the molecular level. Here, the
      enhanced binding affinity of the dimer over the monomer can be attributed to
      additional interactions in non-catalytic sites as also revealed in the 3-D
      structure of a bacterial fucosidase inhibitor complex. 

PMID- 27138140
TI  - Are coping styles consistent in the teleost fish Sparus aurata through sexual
      maturation and sex reversal?
AB  - Individual differences in behaviour and physiological responses to stress are
      associated with evolutionary adaptive variation and thus raw material for
      evolution. In farmed animals, the interest in consistent trait associations, i.e.
      coping styles, has increased dramatically over the last years. However, one of
      limitations of the available knowledge, regarding the temporal consistency, is
      that it refers always to short-term consistency (usually few weeks). The present
      study used an escape response during a net restraining test, previously shown to
      be an indicative of coping styles in seabream, to investigate long-term
      consistency of coping styles both over time and during different life history
      stages. Results showed both short-term (14 days) consistency and long-term (8
      months) consistency of escape response. However, we did not found consistency in
      the same behaviour after sexual maturation when the restraining test was repeated
      16, 22 and 23 months after the first test was performed. In conclusion, this
      study showed consistent behaviour traits in seabream when juveniles, and a loss
      of this behavioural traits when adults. Therefore, these results underline that
      adding a life story approach to data interpretation as an essential step forward
      towards coping styles foreground. Furthermore, a fine-tuning of aquaculture
      rearing strategies to adapt to different coping strategies may need to be
      adjusted differently at early stages of development and adults to improve the
      welfare of farmed fish. 

PMID- 27138142
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27138141
TI  - MiR-122 Reverses the Doxorubicin-Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
      through Regulating the Tumor Metabolism.
AB  - Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most commonly used anticancer drugs in the
      treatment of hepatoma. However, acquired drug resistance is one of the major
      challenges for the chemotherapy. In this study, a down-regulation of miR-122 was
      observed in doxorubicin-resistant Huh7 (Huh7/R) cells compared with its parental
      Huh7 cells, suggesting miR-122 is associated with the chemoresistance. Meanwhile,
      luciferase reporter assay proved that the PKM2 is the target of miR-122, and we
      reported that the glucose metabolism is significantly up-regulated in Huh7/R
      cells. Importantly, overexpression of miR-122 in Huh7/R cells reversed the
      doxorubicin-resistance through the inhibition of PKM2, inducing the apoptosis in
      doxorubicin-resistant cancer cells. Thus, this study revealed that the
      dysregulated glucose metabolism contributes to doxorubicin resistance, and the
      inhibition of glycolysis induced by miR-122 might be a promising therapeutic
      strategy to overcome doxorubicin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 27138143
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Health Technology Assessment (HTA) defines the systematic analysis of short and
      long-term consequences of the application of medical technologies with the aim of
      supporting decisions in policy-making and practice. The aim of directly
      supporting decision-making at a political level is the major difference to
      evidence-based medicine and guideline development. In Germany, HTA is being
      established only since the nineties. In this period, however, important steps for
      a permanent establishment of HTA in the German health service have been
      undertaken. One of these steps was the German HTA project, which was funded from
      1995 to 2001 by the Federal Ministry of Health. Beginning in 2001, this
      initiative will be relaunched by the German Institute for Medical Documentation
      and Information (DIMDI) as a regular HTA program. The bodies managing the German
      health care system rely increasingly on HTA reports when deciding on coverage of
      health technologies. HTA thus proves to be an instrument, which could be of
      benefit in the optimisation of the health care system. 

PMID- 27138144
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - With the Health Reform Act 2000 the assessment of medical procedures (Health
      Technology Assessment, HTA) was first applied to quality assurance in German
      public health. Since taking this step Germany belongs to the group of countries
      (Great Britain, Sweden, Australia, etc.) that employ HTA as an objective
      instrument to determine scientific grounds for political health decisions, for
      instance for decisions concerning absorption of costs or the development of a
      benefit catalogue. The German Agency for Health Technology Assessment was founded
      in September 2000 at the German Institute for Medical Documentation and
      Information (DAHTA@DIMDI) to fulfil the legal requirements. DAHTA set up and
      operates a databank-supported information system to supply HTA- relevant
      information. Additionally research assignments are commissioned for this area and
      quality standards determined. The goal is to create an up to date and objective
      information base for health politics and also for medical qualified personnel and
      consumers that considers the social, ethical, economical and legal results
      besides the efficacy and effectiveness of medical procedures. 

PMID- 27138145
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Quality-oriented medicine, which has the goal of healing or improving the
      patients quality of life as highest imperative, also has the obligation to fulfil
      the required standards itself. Standards, defined for the implementation of this
      goal, are supported thereby by standard operating procedures (SOPs), the
      structured and systematic descriptions of the necessary working processes. Both
      (Standards and SOPs) are part of the integrated quality management of the Total
      Quality Management (TQM).The quality demands of the German agency for Health
      Technology Assessment (DAHTA@DIMDI) apply to the processes of product creation as
      well as to the product itself. The quality management used by DAHTA@DIMDI orients
      itself on internationally recognized quality assurance standards (e.g. DIN EN ISO
      9000:2000FF). The DAHTA@DIMDI pursues the goal, that the development processes
      and the contents of the evaluation of medical procedures (Health Technology
      Assessment - HTA) attains the highest acceptance possible in all target groups. 

PMID- 27138146
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were introduced into clinical research in the
      fourties, in the United Kingdom. The RCT established as a gold standard that is
      still the best option for proving efficacy of medical interventions. However, as
      well as testing efficacy, clinical trials must analyze the safety of therapeutic
      methods. Retrospective, individual experiences or case series remain important in
      medical science, but, due to methodological flaws, both are regarded as less
      reliable when compared to evidences obtained from prospective, controlled trials.
      Depending on the method used for analyzing efficacy the information obtained
      differ in quality. Therefore a hierarchy of evidences has been established.
      Initially it has been used to assess the quality of preventive interventions, but
      it may also be applied to other fields, for example, diagnostics. This hierarchy
      of evidence is one of the cornerstones of evidence-based medicine. It is also of
      value in areas such as accreditation and approval of medical interventions. For
      instance, the statutory German Standing Committee of Physicians and Sickness
      Funds has adopted a hierarchy of evidence for the accreditation of medical
      interventions in public, ambulatory health care. 

PMID- 27138147
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Health technology assessment (HTA) has been established in Denmark 20 years ago.
      However, it only came into fashion a few years ago. This happened when
      politicians and health service decision-makers realised that due to the
      increasing limitation of resources prioritization was an inescapable fact. HTA
      was supposed to support this effort by providing a broad spectrum of information
      designed for decision-making. Events speeded up from that point on: a national
      HTA strategy, a national HTA institution, satellite institutions and many HTA
      projects were set up . at national, regional and local levels. The diversity and
      decentralisation of decision-making combined with a broad and interdisciplinary
      approach to methodology guided the development of danish HTA. Experiences with
      HTA were gained from successful applications and disappointing encounters with
      uncontrollable political processes. Politicians seem, in general, to be satisfied
      with the achievements. An evaluation of the impact of HTA has not yet been
      undertaken and a good deal of work lies ahead. The implementation of HTA-results
      will be one of the greatest challenges of the years ahead. 

PMID- 27138148
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - In Germany, dentistry has been largely ignorant of Health Technology Assessment
      (HTA). Nonetheless, HTA projects related to clinically and socioeconomically
      relevant topics may prove to be very valuable for a variety of "dental"
      conditions. One representative example are temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).
      Among the conditions summarized under this term, pain - located in or around the
      temporomandibular joints and/or the masticatory muscles - is the most
      conspicuous. Considering a prevalence of about 3% in the German population, TMDs
      represent a significant health problem. However, dentists tend to adhere to a
      traditional dental/biomedical approach, while fundamental principles of diagnosis
      and management of chronic pain are hardly known. Too often, diagnostic and
      therapeutic measures are based on unverified hypotheses and are characterized by
      unfavourable cost-benefit and risk-benefit ratios. In this situation - and in
      spite of the increasing financial limitation of the German health system - HTA
      appears to be suitable to improve the quality of care in dentistry. 

PMID- 27138149
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Since the nineties positron emission tomography (PET) has been increasingly used
      in clinical diagnostics in the area of oncology, cardiology, and
      neurology/psychiatry in Germany. As the use of PET requires a complex and
      expensive infrastructure, analysis of the cost-effectiveness of PET compared to
      common diagnostic methods is becoming increasingly important. This article
      summarizes and discusses the results of a report on cost-effectiveness studies on
      PET. 

PMID- 27138150
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Biochemical screening during pregnancy - used since the early nineties in
      different combinations to detect fetal numerical chromosomal abnormalities (e.g.
      Down Syndrome) and open neural tube defects (spina bifida) - still remains
      controversial for a variety of reasons. Therefore a health technology assessment
      (HTA) was carried out to determine the medical effectiveness of the screening
      method. Systematic searches were performed in publication and project lists of
      international technology assessment institutions and in different biomedical and
      HTA-specific databases. The publications had to accomplish predefined criteria
      and were reviewed by check lists. Eighteen systematic reviews, meta-analyses and
      decision analyses as well as nine primary studies were used for the study. The
      data analyzed are highly consistent with regard to sensitivity and specificity of
      different combinations of biochemical and sonographical markers and stages of
      pregnancy. The detection rate (sensitivity) in second trimester screening
      averages 60% to 65% (false positive rate: 5%) when a screening covers maternal
      age, AFP, hCG, and uE3. Sensitivity stays the same when the screening includes
      Inhibin A as a fourth parameter. The detection rate in first trimester is 70% to
      75% (false positive rate: 5%) on average when a combinatorial screening on
      maternal age, fetal nuchal translucency, PAPP-A, and free beta-hCG is performed.
      The more common second trimester screening may cause ethical problems, because
      termination of pregnancy, which may be asked for by women in case of an existing
      fetal chromosomal abnormality, has to be performed at an advanced gestational
      age. Actually there are new molecular technologies which promise a significant
      higher screening sensitivity and will allow faster results to be obtained. 

PMID- 27138151
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - Over the last 10 years there has been an increasing awareness of the limitation
      of resources even in the Health Care System and that rationing can, therefore,
      not be avoided. However, it is possible to reduce "hard" rationing by introducing
      rationalizing techniques. To achieve this goal it will be necessary to assess the
      values of medical interventions. In the present paper, we describe a method for
      rationalization of health care services which has been applied in a health
      centre. This includes the explanation of the concept of Evidence-based Medicine,
      the six steps in which this concept is realized and the criteria which have to be
      met to gain support from physicians for this project. The results which have been
      made so far are discussed. 

PMID- 27138152
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27138153
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27138154
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27138156
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27138155
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27138157
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27138158
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27138159
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27138160
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27138161
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27138162
TI  - The Multidisciplinary Swallowing Team Approach Decreases Pneumonia Onset in Acute
      Stroke Patients.
AB  - Dysphagia occurs in acute stroke patients at high rates, and many of them develop
      aspiration pneumonia. Team approaches with the cooperation of various
      professionals have the power to improve the quality of medical care, utilizing
      the specialized knowledge and skills of each professional. In our hospital, a
      multidisciplinary participatory swallowing team was organized. The aim of this
      study was to clarify the influence of a team approach on dysphagia by comparing
      the rates of pneumonia in acute stroke patients prior to and post team
      organization. All consecutive acute stroke patients who were admitted to our
      hospital between April 2009 and March 2014 were registered. We analyzed the
      difference in the rate of pneumonia onset between the periods before team
      organization (prior period) and after team organization (post period). Univariate
      and multivariate analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards model
      to determine the predictors of pneumonia. We recruited 132 acute stroke patients
      from the prior period and 173 patients from the post period. Pneumonia onset was
      less frequent in the post period compared with the prior period (6.9% vs. 15.9%,
      respectively; p = 0.01). Based on a multivariate analysis using a Cox
      proportional hazards model, it was determined that a swallowing team approach was
      related to pneumonia onset independent from the National Institutes of Health
      Stroke Scale score on admission (adjusted hazard ratio 0.41, 95% confidence
      interval 0.19-0.84, p = 0.02). The multidisciplinary participatory swallowing
      team effectively decreased the pneumonia onset in acute stroke patients.

PMID- 27138163
TI  - Primary intracranial neuroendocrine tumor: two case reports.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumor originates from the diffuse neuroendocrine
      system. Intracranial originating is lower to 0.74 %. CASE PRESENTATION: We
      present two cases of primary intracranial neuroendocrine tumor A 39-year-old
      woman was admitted with headache, fever, polydipsia and polyuria. Biochemical and
      endocrinological results showed hyponatremia, hypothyroidism and hypopituitarism.
      MRI scans demonstrated an obviouslyenhancing lesion in seller and superseller
      area. Then a gross removal of tumor was achieved during the single nostril
      transsphenoidal approach surgery. Pathological diagnosis was high-grade small
      cell neuroendocrine tumor. A 40-year-old woman presented with multiple symptoms
      and neurological deficit. Neuroimaging results demonstrated a huge obviously
      enhancing tumor in anterior cranial fossa. Biochemical and hormone findings
      revealed hypokalemia, high glucose and hypercortisolemia. The intracranial
      surgery achieved a gross removal through a right frontal craniotomy. Pathological
      diagnosis was low-grade small-cell neuroendocrine tumor with immuno-negativity
      for ACTH. CONCLUSION: The mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of neuroendocrine
      tumor are still challenging.

PMID- 27138164
TI  - GQ-16, a TZD-Derived Partial PPARgamma Agonist, Induces the Expression of
      Thermogenesis-Related Genes in Brown Fat and Visceral White Fat and Decreases
      Visceral Adiposity in Obese and Hyperglycemic Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Beige adipocytes comprise a unique thermogenic cell type in the white
      adipose tissue (WAT) of rodents and humans, and play a critical role in energy
      homeostasis. In this scenario, recruitment of beige cells has been an important
      focus of interest for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to treat
      obesity. PPARgamma activation by full agonists (thiazolidinediones, TZDs) drives
      the appearance of beige cells, a process so-called browning of WAT. However, this
      does not translate into increased energy expenditure, and TZDs are associated
      with weight gain. Partial PPARgamma agonists, on the other hand, do not induce
      weight gain, but have not been shown to drive WAT browning. The present study was
      designed to investigate the effects of GQ-16 on BAT and on browning of WAT in
      obese mice. METHODS: Male Swiss mice with obesity and hyperglycemia induced by
      high fat diet were treated with vehicle, rosiglitazone (4 mg/kg/d) or the TZD
      derived partial PPARgamma agonist GQ-16 (40 mg/kg/d) for 14 days. Fasting blood
      glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lipid profile
      were measured. WAT and brown adipose tissue (BAT) depots were excised for
      determination of adiposity, relative expression of Ucp-1, Cidea, Prdm16, Cd40 and
      Tmem26 by RT-qPCR, histological analysis, and UCP-1 protein expression analysis
      by immunohistochemistry. Liver samples were also removed for histological
      analysis and determination of hepatic triglyceride content. RESULTS: GQ-16
      treatment reduced high fat diet-induced weight gain in mice despite increasing
      energy intake. This was accompanied by reduced epididymal fat mass, reduced liver
      triglyceride content, morphological signs of increased BAT activity, increased
      expression of thermogenesis-related genes in interscapular BAT and epididymal
      WAT, and increased UCP-1 protein expression in interscapular BAT and in
      epididymal and inguinal WAT. CONCLUSION: This study suggests for the first time
      that a partial PPARgamma agonist may increase BAT activity and induce the
      expression of thermogenesis-related genes in visceral WAT. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE:
      These findings suggest that PPARgamma activity might be modulated by partial
      agonists to induce WAT browning and treat obesity.

PMID- 27138165
TI  - Beyond Joints: a Review of Ocular Abnormalities in Gout and Hyperuricemia.
AB  - Gout is a common inflammatory arthritis among middle-aged men and postmenopausal
      women and can be a debilitating disease. Gout results from an elevated body uric
      acid pool, which leads to deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, mainly
      in and around the joints. The MSU crystals trigger release of proinflammatory
      cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)
      alpha. Ocular manifestations have been uncommonly reported in patients with gout.
      These include descriptions of tophaceous deposits in different locations of the
      eye including the eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, iris, sclera, and orbit. Some
      depositions were coincidentally diagnosed in asymptomatic patients, while the
      majority were symptomatic. Other ocular abnormalities include dry eye syndrome,
      red eye, uveitis, intraocular hypertension, glaucoma, and cataracts. Herein, we
      review the medical literature pertaining to ocular manifestations in gout and
      hyperuricemia and propose a possible association between ocular abnormalities,
      hyperuricemia, and gout, including their common risk factors and comorbidities. 

PMID- 27138166
TI  - The effect of AQP3 deficiency on fuel selection during a single bout of
      exhausting exercise.
AB  - Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) is an integral membrane protein that facilitates the transport
      of water and glycerol across cell membranes. However, the precise localization
      and function of AQP3 in skeletal muscles is currently unknown. In this study, we
      investigated the capacity of AQP3 knockout mice to perform a single bout of
      exhausting exercise and analyzed the parameters related to skeletal muscle energy
      metabolism during exhausting exercise. Mice were exposed to a single bout of
      treadmill running at a speed of 12 m/min with 10 degrees  inclination until
      exhaustion, and sacrificed immediately, 24 h and 48 h after exercise. Both
      immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence staining revealed that AQP3 is
      expressed at the cell surface with no evidence of colocalization with either AQP1
      or AQP4 in hamstring skeletal muscles. When exposed to a single bout of
      exhaustive exercise, AQP3 knockout mice fatigued more easily with the average
      time to exhaustion shorter than the wild-type mice. After exhausting exercise,
      plasma glucose, muscle glycogen, muscle triglyceride, and muscle free fatty acid
      levels decreased compared with the values before exercise in both AQP3 knockout
      and wild-type mice. However, muscle glycerol concentration after exercise
      decreased in the wild-type mice, but rather increased in AQP3 knockout mice.
      These findings suggest that decreased glycerol efflux from the skeletal muscles
      in AQP3 knockout mice may result in low exercise capacity, presumably due to the
      limitations in the constant energy supply through hepatic gluconeogenesis from
      glycerol during the prolonged endurance exercise.

PMID- 27138167
TI  - Revealing the activation pathway for TMEM16A chloride channels from macroscopic
      currents and kinetic models.
AB  - TMEM16A (ANO1), the pore-forming subunit of calcium-activated chloride channels,
      regulates several physiological and pathophysiological processes such as smooth
      muscle contraction, cardiac and neuronal excitability, salivary secretion, tumour
      growth and cancer progression. Gating of TMEM16A is complex because it involves
      the interplay between increases in intracellular calcium concentration
      ([Ca(2+)]i), membrane depolarization, extracellular Cl(-) or permeant anions and
      intracellular protons. Our goal here was to understand how these variables
      regulate TMEM16A gating and to explain four observations. (a) TMEM16A is
      activated by voltage in the absence of intracellular Ca(2+). (b) The Cl(-)
      conductance is decreased after reducing extracellular Cl(-) concentration ([Cl(
      )]o). (c) ICl is regulated by physiological concentrations of [Cl(-)]o. (d) In
      cells dialyzed with 0.2 MUM [Ca(2+)]i, Cl(-) has a bimodal effect: at [Cl(-)]o
      <30 mM TMEM16A current activates with a monoexponential time course, but above 30
      mM, [Cl(-)]o ICl activation displays fast and slow kinetics. To explain the
      contribution of Vm, Ca(2+) and Cl(-) to gating, we developed a 12-state Markov
      chain model. This model explains TMEM16A activation as a sequential, direct, and
      Vm-dependent binding of two Ca(2+) ions coupled to a Vm-dependent binding of an
      external Cl(-) ion, with Vm-dependent transitions between states. Our model
      predicts that extracellular Cl(-) does not alter the apparent Ca(2+) affinity of
      TMEM16A, which we corroborated experimentally. Rather, extracellular Cl(-) acts
      by stabilizing the open configuration induced by Ca(2+) and by contributing to
      the Vm dependence of activation.

PMID- 27138168
TI  - MicroRNA's impact on neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems: small but mighty
      mediators of anxiety.
AB  - Psychiatric disorders rank among the most common severe diseases worldwide, with
      millions of people affected worldwide every year. The symptoms are manifold, and
      the outcome for the patients is often unclear. As a high and yearly rising cost
      burden for society, anxiety disorders, depression and their related mental
      disorders are currently a well-researched topic in order to develop new
      functional pharmacological therapies as alternatives to those that are in use and
      bear many unpleasant side effects. Brain circuitries, such as those underlying
      anxiety formations, are mainly driven by the interplay of various
      neurotransmitter systems and the interaction of different brain loci, as well as
      the modulating impact of neuropeptides. Targeting those networks is a complex but
      promising way to regulate mood. Alterations on molecular level of the neuronal
      cell in response to respective receptor activation, especially at post
      transcriptional level via the highly regulatory function of non-coding RNAs such
      as microRNAs (miRNAs) seem to hold a promising future in the development of novel
      therapeutic strategies and are therefore under intensified investigation. This
      review focusses on the impact of miRNAs on the neurotransmitter and neuropeptide
      systems of the central nervous system relevant for the formation of anxiety
      disorders and discusses the potential of miRNAs for the development of new
      therapeutic strategies for anxiety and mood disorders.

PMID- 27138169
TI  - Physiological and pathophysiological role of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay.
AB  - Nonsense-mediated messenger RNA (mRNA) decay (NMD) is a quality control mechanism
      that degrades irregular or faulty mRNAs. NMD mainly degrades mRNAs, which contain
      a premature termination codon (PTC) and therefore encode a truncated protein.
      Furthermore, NMD alters the expression of different types of cellular mRNAs, the
      so-called endogenous NMD substrates. In this review, we focus on the impact of
      NMD on cellular and molecular physiology. We specify key classes of NMD
      substrates and provide a detailed overview of the physiological function of gene
      regulation by NMD. We also describe different mechanisms of NMD substrate
      degradation and how the regulation of the NMD machinery affects cellular
      physiology. Finally, we outline the physiological functions of central NMD
      factors.

PMID- 27138170
TI  - The Impact of Marijuana Use on Memory in HIV-Infected Patients: A Comprehensive
      Review of the HIV and Marijuana Literatures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most robust neurocognitive effect of marijuana use is memory
      impairment. Memory deficits are also high among persons living with HIV/AIDS, and
      marijuana is the most commonly used drug in this population. Yet research
      examining neurocognitive outcomes resulting from co-occurring marijuana and HIV
      is limited. OBJECTIVE: The primary objectives of this comprehensive review are
      to: (1) examine the literature on memory functioning in HIV-infected individuals;
      (2) examine the literature on memory functioning in marijuana users; (3)
      synthesize findings and propose a theoretical framework to guide future research.
      METHOD: PubMed was searched for English publications 2000-2013. Twenty-two
      studies met inclusion criteria in the HIV literature, and 23 studies in the
      marijuana literature. RESULTS: Among HIV-infected individuals, memory deficits
      with medium to large effect sizes were observed. Marijuana users also
      demonstrated memory problems, but results were less consistent due to the
      diversity of samples. CONCLUSION: A compensatory hypothesis, based on the
      cognitive aging literature, is proposed to provide a framework to explore the
      interaction between marijuana and HIV. There is some evidence that individuals
      infected with HIV recruit additional brain regions during memory tasks to
      compensate for HIV-related declines in neurocognitive functioning. Marijuana is
      associated with disturbance in similar brain systems, and thus it is hypothesized
      that the added neural strain of marijuana can exhaust neural resources, resulting
      in pronounced memory impairment. It will be important to test this hypothesis
      empirically, and future research priorities are discussed.

PMID- 27138171
TI  - Surface fractal dimension, water adsorption efficiency, and cloud nucleation
      activity of insoluble aerosol.
AB  - Surface porosity affects the ability of a substance to adsorb gases. The surface
      fractal dimension D is a measure that indicates the amount that a surface fills a
      space, and can thereby be used to characterize the surface porosity. Here we
      propose a new method for determining D, based on measuring both the water vapour
      adsorption isotherm of a given substance, and its ability to act as a cloud
      condensation nucleus when introduced to humidified air in aerosol form. We show
      that our method agrees well with previous methods based on measurement of
      nitrogen adsorption. Besides proving the usefulness of the new method for general
      surface characterization of materials, our results show that the surface fractal
      dimension is an important determinant in cloud drop formation on water insoluble
      particles. We suggest that a closure can be obtained between experimental
      critical supersaturation for cloud drop activation and that calculated based on
      water adsorption data, if the latter is corrected using the surface fractal
      dimension of the insoluble cloud nucleus.

PMID- 27138172
TI  - The Dark Side of Internet Use: Two Longitudinal Studies of Excessive Internet
      Use, Depressive Symptoms, School Burnout and Engagement Among Finnish Early and
      Late Adolescents.
AB  - Recent research shows an increased concern with well-being at school and
      potential problems associated with students' use of socio-digital technologies,
      i.e., the mobile devices, computers, social media, and the Internet.
      Simultaneously with supporting creative social activities, socio-digital
      participation may also lead to compulsive and addictive behavioral patterns
      affecting both general and school-related mental health problems. Using two
      longitudinal data waves gathered among 1702 (53 % female) early (age 12-14) and
      1636 (64 % female) late (age 16-18) Finnish adolescents, we examined cross-lagged
      paths between excessive internet use, school engagement and burnout, and
      depressive symptoms. Structural equation modeling revealed reciprocal cross
      lagged paths between excessive internet use and school burnout among both
      adolescent groups: school burnout predicted later excessive internet use and
      excessive internet use predicted later school burnout. Reciprocal paths between
      school burnout and depressive symptoms were also found. Girls typically suffered
      more than boys from depressive symptoms and, in late adolescence, school burnout.
      Boys, in turn, more typically suffered from excessive internet use. These results
      show that, among adolescents, excessive internet use can be a cause of school
      burnout that can later spill over to depressive symptoms.

PMID- 27138173
TI  - The Costs and Benefits of Active Coping for Adolescents Residing in Urban
      Poverty.
AB  - The present study addresses the lack of specificity and diversity highlighted in
      recent stress literature reviews by examining active coping in relationships
      between exposure to violence and internalizing and externalizing symptoms in a
      sample of urban youth from predominantly low-income, African American and Latino
      backgrounds. Two hundred and forty-one youth (mean age at Time 1 = 13 years; 66 %
      female; 41 % African American, 28 % Latino, 14 % European American, 6 % Asian
      American, 7 % mixed/biracial, 1 % American Indian/native American, .5 %
      Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 2 % other) and their parents participated in this
      three-wave study. Hierarchical regression analyses tested for moderation, and a
      cross lag panel path analysis tested for mediation. The results provide greater
      support for active coping as a variable that changes the relationship between
      exposure to community violence and externalizing symptoms, or moderation, rather
      than one that explains or mediates it. Further, specificity did not emerge for
      type of psychological outcome but did emerge for gender, such that active coping
      exacerbated the association between exposure to community violence and both
      internalizing and externalizing symptoms for girls, but not boys. These findings
      highlight the importance of contextual and demographic factors in influencing
      stress and coping processes during adolescence. 

PMID- 27138174
TI  - Exposure to Violence in the Community Predicts Friendships with Academically
      Disengaged Peers During Middle Adolescence.
AB  - Adolescents who have been exposed to violence in the community often experience
      subsequent difficulties with academic achievement. Because competence in the
      classroom is a salient developmental task during the adolescent years, outcomes
      in this critical context can then have broader implications for social and
      psychological functioning. In the current study, we tested a hypothesized
      progression in which the association between violence exposure and deficient
      achievement is presumed to potentiate friendships with academically disengaged
      peers. We followed 415 urban adolescents (53 % girls; average age of 14.6 years)
      for a one-year period, with two annual assessment of psychosocial functioning.
      Exposure to violence in the community and academic engagement were assessed with
      a self-report inventory; reciprocated friendships were assessed with a peer
      interview; and achievement was indexed based on a review of school records.
      Consistent with our hypotheses, neighborhood violence was associated with
      deficient classroom achievement. Poor achievement, in turn, mediated associations
      between community violence exposure and low academic engagement among friends.
      Our findings highlight pathways though which exposure to community violence
      potentially predicts later dysfunction.

PMID- 27138175
TI  - The Complex QT/RR Relationship in Mice.
AB  - The QT interval reflects the time between the depolarization of ventricles until
      their repolarization and is usually used as a predictive marker for the
      occurrence of arrhythmias. This parameter varies with the heart rate, expressed
      as the RR interval (time between two successive ventricular depolarizations). To
      calculate the QT independently of the RR, correction formulae are currently used.
      In mice, the QT-RR relationship as such has never been studied in conscious
      animals, and correction formulas are mainly empirical. In the present paper we
      studied how QT varies when the RR changes physiologically (comparison of
      nocturnal and diurnal periods) or after dosing mice with tachycardic agents
      (norepinephrine or nitroprusside). Our results show that there is significant
      variability of QT and RR in a given condition, resulting in the need to average
      at least 200 consecutive complexes to accurately compare the QT. Even following
      this method, no obvious shortening of the QT was observed with increased heart
      rate, regardless of whether or not this change occurs abruptly. In conclusion,
      the relationship between QT and RR in mice is weak, which renders the use of
      correction formulae inappropriate and misleading in this species.

PMID- 27138176
TI  - Targeting TSLP With shRNA Alleviates Airway Inflammation and Decreases Epithelial
      CCL17 in a Murine Model of Asthma.
AB  - Airway epithelium defends the invasion from microorganisms and regulates immune
      responses in allergic asthma. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) from inflamed
      epithelium promotes maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) to prime Th2 responses
      via CCL17, which induces chemotaxis of CD4(+) T cells to mediate inflammation.
      However, few studies have investigated the regulation of epithelial CCL17. In
      this study, we used shRNA against TSLP to clarify the role of TSLP in the airway
      inflammation and whether TSLP affects the airway inflammation via epithelial
      CCL17. Specific shTSLP was delivered by lentivirus and selected by the knockdown
      efficiency. Allergic mice were intratracheally pretreated with the lentivirus and
      followed by intranasal ovalbumin (OVA) challenges. The sera antibody levels,
      airway inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), cytokine levels in
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, and CCL17 expressions in lungs were determined. In
      vivo, TSLP attenuation reduced the AHR, decreased the airway inflammation,
      inhibited the maturations of DCs, and suppressed the migration of T cells.
      Furthermore, the expression of CCL17 was particularly decreased in bronchial
      epithelium. In vitro, CCL17 induction was regulated by TSLP. In conclusion, TSLP
      might coordinate airway inflammation partially via CCL17-mediated responses and
      this study provides the vital utility of TSLP to develop the therapeutic approach
      in allergic airway inflammation. 

PMID- 27138177
TI  - Disposition and Pharmacology of a GalNAc3-conjugated ASO Targeting Human
      Lipoprotein (a) in Mice.
AB  - Triantennary N-acetyl galactosamine (GalNAc3)-conjugated antisense
      oligonucleotides (ASOs) have greatly improved potency via receptor-mediated
      uptake. In the present study, the in vivo pharmacology of a 2'-O-(2-methoxyethyl)
      modified ASO conjugated with GalNAc3 (ISIS 681257) together with its unmodified
      congener (ISIS 494372) targeting human apolipoprotein (a) (apo(a)), were studied
      in human LPA transgenic mice. Further, the disposition kinetics of ISIS 681257
      was studied in CD-1 mice. ISIS 681257 demonstrated over 20-fold improvement in
      potency over ISIS 494372 as measured by liver apo(a) mRNA and plasma apo(a)
      protein levels. Following subcutaneous (SC) dosing, ISIS 681257 cleared rapidly
      from plasma and distributed to tissues. Intact ISIS 681257 was the major full
      length oligonucleotide species in plasma. In tissues, however, GalNAc sugar
      moiety was rapidly metabolized and unconjugated ISIS 681257 accounted > 97% of
      the total exposure, which was then cleared slowly from tissues with a half-life
      of 7-8 days, similar to the half-life in plasma. ISIS 681257 is highly bound to
      plasma proteins (> 94% bound), which limited its urinary excretion. This study
      confirmed dose-dependent exposure to the parent drug ISIS 681257 in plasma and
      rapid conversion to unconjugated ASO in tissues. Safety data and the extended
      half-life support its further development and weekly dosing in phase 1 clinical
      studies. 

PMID- 27138178
TI  - A Tumor-specific MicroRNA Recognition System Facilitates the Accurate Targeting
      to Tumor Cells by Magnetic Nanoparticles.
AB  - Targeted therapy for cancer is a research area of great interest, and magnetic
      nanoparticles (MNPs) show great potential as targeted carriers for therapeutics.
      One important class of cancer biomarkers is microRNAs (miRNAs), which play a
      significant role in tumor initiation and progression. In this study, a cascade
      recognition system containing multiple plasmids, including a Tet activator, a
      lacI repressor gene driven by the TetOn promoter, and a reporter gene repressed
      by the lacI repressor and influenced by multiple endogenous miRNAs, was used to
      recognize cells that display miRNA signals that are characteristic of cancer. For
      this purpose, three types of signal miRNAs with high proliferation and metastasis
      abilities were chosen (miR-21, miR-145, and miR-9). The response of this system
      to the human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line was 3.2-fold higher than that to the
      human breast epithelial HBL100 cell line and almost 7.5-fold higher than that to
      human embryonic kidney HEK293T cells. In combination with polyethyleneimine
      modified MNPs, this recognition system targeted the tumor location in situ in an
      animal model, and an ~42% repression of tumor growth was achieved. Our study
      provides a new combination of magnetic nanocarrier and gene therapy based on
      miRNAs that are active in vivo, which has potential for use in future cancer
      therapies. 

PMID- 27138179
TI  - Fusogen-assisted rapid reconstitution of anatomophysiologic continuity of the
      transected spinal cord.
AB  - The GEMINI spinal cord fusion protocol exploits the ability of so-called
      fusogens, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), to achieve rapid neural restoration
      of electrical continuity across the ends of a transected spinal cord.
      Experimental evidence suggests that motor recovery can occur after complete
      transection of the cervical and dorsal spinal cord in mice and rats following
      application of PEG. This allows for the possibility of spinal cord
      "reconstruction" in humans and even the possibility of head transplantation in
      the future.

PMID- 27138180
TI  - A leadership development program for surgeons: First-year participant evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a dynamic health care system, strong leadership has never been
      more important for surgeons. Little is known about how to design and conduct
      effectively a leadership program specifically for surgeons. We sought to evaluate
      critically a Leadership Development Program for practicing surgeons by exploring
      how the program's strengths and weaknesses affected the surgeons' development as
      physician-leaders. METHODS: At a large academic institution, we conducted
      semistructured interviews with 21 surgical faculty members who applied
      voluntarily, were selected, and completed a newly created Leadership Development
      Program in December 2012. Interview transcripts underwent qualitative descriptive
      analysis with thematic coding based on grounded theory. Themes were extracted
      regarding surgeons' evaluations of the program on their development as physician
      leaders. RESULTS: After completing the program, surgeons reported personal
      improvements in the following 4 areas: self-empowerment to lead, self-awareness,
      team-building skills, and knowledge in business and leadership. Surgeons felt
      "more confident about stepping up as a leader" and more aware of "how others view
      me and my interactions." They described a stronger grasp on "giving feedback" as
      well as a better understanding of "business/organizational issues." Overall,
      surgeon-participants reported positive impacts of the program on their day-to-day
      work activities and general career perspective as well as on their long-term
      career development plans. Surgeons also recommended areas where the program could
      potentially be improved. CONCLUSION: These interviews detailed self-reported
      improvements in leadership knowledge and capabilities for practicing surgeons who
      completed a Leadership Development Program. A curriculum designed specifically
      for surgeons may enable future programs to equip surgeons better for important
      leadership roles in a complex health care environment.

PMID- 27138181
TI  - Relation of Persistent Depressive Symptoms to Coronary Artery Calcification in
      Women Aged 46 to 59 Years.
AB  - Depressive disorders have been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but
      the impact of depression on early atherogenesis has not been well described,
      particularly in women and minorities. The relation between repeated episodes of
      high depressive symptoms and coronary calcium (CAC) is unknown in women at
      midlife when depression is common. Participants in the Study of Women's Health
      Across the Nation Heart study were assessed annually for depressive symptoms
      (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale [CES-D scale]) over 5 years
      before CAC assessment and classified as high (CES-D >=16) or not. CAC, measured
      by computed tomography, was analyzed as a categorical variable using cumulative
      logit partial proportional odds models. In these middle-aged women free of CVD
      and diabetes (194 black, 334 white), high depressive symptoms over 5 years were
      common; 19% had 1, 9% had 2, and 11% experienced >=3 episodes. CAC was low; 54%
      had no CAC, 25% had scores from 0 to 10, and 21% had CAC >=10 Agatston score.
      After adjusting for CVD risk factors, women with >=3 episodes were twice as
      likely to have significant CAC (>=10 Agatston units) than women with no
      depressive episodes (odds ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.13 to 4.28, p =
      0.020) with no difference by race. Women with 1 or 2 episodes did not differ from
      women with no episodes. In conclusion, in healthy women aged 46 to 59 years
      without clinical CVD or diabetes, persistent depressive symptoms were
      significantly associated with elevated CAC scores, suggesting that they are more
      likely to have pathophysiological and behavioral effects on the development of
      subclinical CVD than does a single episode of elevated depressive symptoms. 

PMID- 27138182
TI  - Protective Effect of Diabetes Mellitus in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy?

PMID- 27138183
TI  - Effect of End-Stage Renal Disease on Rate of Progression of Aortic Stenosis.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the progression of mild-to-moderate aortic
      stenosis (AS) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and determine its
      metabolic and hemodynamic contributors and clinical outcomes. A total of 74
      patients with ESRD (50 men, age 72 +/- 11 years) with mild-to-moderate AS were
      compared with 79 age- and gender-matched controls with normal kidney function.
      Clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic features and clinical outcomes
      including aortic valve (AV) intervention, hospitalization due to heart failure,
      and cardiovascular death were analyzed. Patients with ESRD were divided into 2
      subgroups according to their rate of AV area changes (group 1 [n = 28], rapid
      progression; and group 2 [n = 46], slow progression). Progression in the degree
      of AS was noted in 38% of patients with ESRD and 18% of controls (p <0.01) during
      comparable echocardiographic follow-up durations (29 +/- 15 vs 27 +/- 24 months,
      respectively, p = 0.57). In ESRD, patients in group 1 were older (p <0.01) with
      higher baseline log parathyroid hormone (p <0.01) and larger stroke volume (p =
      0.03) than those in group 2. During clinical follow-up (48 +/- 23 months),
      patients in group 1 showed poorer clinical outcomes than those in group 2 and
      controls (log-rank p <0.01). Age, left atrial volume index >=42 ml/m(2), and
      annual increases of peak pressure gradient across the AV (mm Hg/year)
      demonstrated additive predictive values for prognosis. AS in ESRD progresses in
      an accelerated manner along with higher metabolic and hemodynamic loads on AV
      compared with those with normal kidney function. Accelerated progression of mild
      to-moderate AS in ESRD results in poor prognosis.

PMID- 27138184
TI  - Community Screening for Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy in Asymptomatic Subjects >=65
      Years With Stage B Heart Failure.
AB  - A process to identify and target a selected population at risk of heart failure
      (HF) could facilitate screening and prevention. We sought to develop an effective
      screening process from clinical characteristics, functional capacity, and
      electrocardiogram (ECG). Asymptomatic subjects >=65 years, with >=1 HF risks were
      recruited from the community. Subjects with valvular disease, ejection fraction
      <40%, and atrial fibrillation were excluded. All underwent clinical evaluation
      including assessment of HF risk using Framingham HF score and Atherosclerosis
      Risk in Communities (ARIC) score, ECG, echocardiography, and 6-minute walk (6 MW)
      test. After 14 +/- 4 months, new HF was assessed using Framingham criteria. A
      randomly selected derivation cohort was used to integrate ARIC score and 6 MW in
      a classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, with the remaining
      population used for validation. Of the 419 subjects (age 70 +/- 5; 48% men), 52
      developed HF. ARIC was more effective than the Framingham HF score (area under
      the curve 0.65 vs 0.53, p = 0.01). CART selected ARIC (>9.5%) and 6 MW (<501 m)
      as cutoffs to define low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups. Abnormal ECG
      further divided the intermediate group into high and low risks. The 134 subjects
      identified as high risk by a combined clinical and electrocardiographic strategy
      showed more echocardiographic features of cardiac dysfunction including LV mass,
      mitral e', mitral E/e', and longitudinal strain (p <0.01). New HF was
      significantly more frequent than in the remaining patients (20% vs 10%, p =
      0.003; hazard ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.21 to 3.57, p = 0.008). Thus,
      initial clinical risk and electrocardiographic assessment facilitate effective HF
      screening by identifying a high-risk group. 

PMID- 27138185
TI  - Effect of ETC-1002 on Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in
      Hypercholesterolemic Patients Receiving Statin Therapy.
AB  - ETC-1002 is an oral, once-daily medication that inhibits adenosine triphosphate
      citrate lyase, an enzyme upstream of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A
      reductase, to reduce cholesterol biosynthesis. ETC-1002 monotherapy has
      demonstrated significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
      compared with placebo in phase 2 studies. The objective of this study was to
      compare the lipid-lowering efficacy of ETC-1002 versus placebo when added to
      ongoing statin therapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia. This phase 2b,
      multicenter, double-blind trial (NCT02072161) randomized 134 hypercholesterolemic
      patients (LDL-C, 115 to 220 mg/dl) on stable background statin therapy to 12
      weeks of add-on treatment with ETC-1002 120 mg, ETC-1002 180 mg, or placebo. The
      primary efficacy end point was the percent change in calculated LDL-C from
      baseline to week 12. For LDL-C, the least-squares mean percent change +/-
      standard error from baseline to week 12 was significantly greater with ETC-1002
      120 mg (-17 +/- 4%, p = 0.0055) and ETC-1002 180 mg (-24 +/- 4%, p <0.0001) than
      placebo (-4 +/- 4%). ETC-1002 also dose dependently reduced apolipoprotein B by
      15% to 17%, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 14% to 17%, total
      cholesterol by 13% to 15%, and LDL particle number by 17% to 21%. All these
      reductions in ETC-1002-treated cohorts were significantly greater than those with
      placebo. Rates of adverse events (AEs), muscle-related AEs, and discontinuations
      for AEs with ETC-1002 were similar to placebo. In conclusion, ETC-1002 120 mg or
      180 mg added to stable statin therapy significantly reduced LDL-C compared to
      placebo and has a similar tolerability profile. 

PMID- 27138186
TI  - Diabetes Mellitus in Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Versus
      Takotsubo Syndrome.

PMID- 27138187
TI  - Serial Optical Coherence Tomography and Intravascular Ultrasound Analysis of
      Gender Difference in Changes of Plaque Phenotype in Response to Lipid-Lowering
      Therapy.
AB  - Although the clinical benefit of statins have been demonstrated in both genders,
      gender differences in the response to statin therapy on plaque morphologic
      changes have not been reported. A total of 66 nonculprit plaques from 46 patients
      who had serial image acquisition at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months by both
      optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were included.
      Patients were treated with atorvastatin 60 mg (AT60) or 20 mg (AT20). The
      baseline characteristics were similar between women (n = 16) and men (n = 30)
      except for age (59.3 +/- 6.8 vs 52.5 +/- 10.6 years, p = 0.027) and smoking
      status (12.5% vs 70.0%, p <0.001). The change in fibrous cap thickness (FCT) at
      12 months was significant in both groups (108.8 +/- 87.4 MUm, p <0.001, 91.3 +/-
      70.1 MUm, p <0.001, respectively) without significant difference between the
      groups (p = 0.437). The percent change in mean lipid arc at 6 months was
      significantly greater in women than that in men (-12.8 +/- 18.8% vs -1.56 +/-
      21.8%, p = 0.040). In women, the percent change of FCT in the AT20 group was
      similar to that in the AT60 group (182.5 +/- 199.5% vs 192.9 +/- 149.7%, p =
      0.886). However, in men, the percent change of FCT in the AT20 group was
      significantly smaller than that in the AT60 group (92.2 +/- 90.5% vs 225.9 +/-
      104.3%, p <0.001). No significant change in percent atheroma volume by IVUS was
      seen at 12 months in both women and men. In conclusion, statin therapy was
      effective in both genders for plaque stabilization at 12-month follow-up. High
      intensity statin therapy may be particularly important in men. 

PMID- 27138188
TI  - Survey Reported Participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation and Survival After Mitral
      or Aortic Valve Surgery.
AB  - We sought to measure the impact of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on mortality in
      patients with mitral or aortic heart valve surgery (HVS) and nonobstructive
      coronary artery disease. We surveyed all patients (or a close family member if
      the patient was deceased) who had HVS without coronary artery bypass in 2006
      through 2010 at the Mayo Clinic to assess if they attended CR after their HVS. We
      performed a propensity-adjusted landmark analysis to test the association between
      CR attendance and long-term all-cause mortality conditional on surviving the
      first year after HVS. Survey response rate was 40% (573/1,420), with responders
      more likely to be older, have longer hospitalizations, and have more aortic valve
      disease. A total of 547 patients (59% aortic surgery, ejection fraction 64%) with
      valid survey responses and 1-year follow-up were included in the propensity
      analysis, of whom 296 (54%) attended CR. There were 100 deaths during a median
      follow-up of 5.8 years. For all patients, the propensity-adjusted model suggested
      no impact of CR on mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.03, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.62). When
      stratified by procedure, results suggested a potentially favorable, but
      nonsignificant, effect in patients with mitral valve surgery (HR 0.49, 95% CI
      0.15 to 1.56), but not in patients with aortic valve surgery (HR 1.00, 95% CI
      0.61 to 1.64.) In conclusion, we found no survival advantage for patients with
      normal preoperative ejection fraction who attended CR after surgical "correction"
      of their severe aortic or mitral valve disease.

PMID- 27138189
TI  - Peripheral angioplasty as a day case: science fiction or everyday reality?

PMID- 27138190
TI  - CNV analysis in 169 patients with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex (BEEC) represents the severe
      end of the congenital uro-rectal malformation spectrum. Initial studies have
      implicated rare copy number variations (CNVs), including recurrent duplications
      of chromosomal region 22q11.21, in BEEC etiology. METHODS: To detect further
      CNVs, array analysis was performed in 169 BEEC patients. Prior to inclusion,
      22q11.21 duplications were excluded using multiplex ligation-dependent probe
      amplification. RESULTS: Following the application of stringent filter criteria,
      seven rare CNVs were identified: n = 4, not present in 1307 in-house controls; n
      = 3, frequency of <0.002 in controls. These CNVs ranged from 1 to 6.08 Mb in
      size. To identify smaller CNVs, relaxed filter criteria used in the detection of
      previously reported BEEC associated chromosomal regions were applied. This
      resulted in the identification of six additional rare CNVs: n = 4, not present in
      1307 in-house controls; n = 2, frequency <0.0008 in controls. These CNVs ranged
      from 0.03-0.08 Mb in size. For 10 of these 13 CNVs, confirmation and segregation
      analyses were performed (5 of maternal origin; 5 of paternal origin).
      Interestingly, one female with classic bladder extrophy carried a 1.18 Mb
      duplication of 22q11.1, a chromosomal region that is associated with cat eye
      syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: A number of rare CNVs were identified in BEEC patients,
      and these represent candidates for further evaluation. Rare inherited CNVs may
      constitute modifiers of, or contributors to, multifactorial BEEC phenotypes.

PMID- 27138191
TI  - Higher Expression of Proteins in IGF/IR Axes in Colorectal Cancer is Associated
      with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Preexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus (preDM) increases occurrence and mortality
      of colorectal cancer (CRC). Insulin growth factor (IGF)/insulin receptor (IR)
      axes play an important role in the development of both diabetes and CRC. We aimed
      to explore the characteristics of proteins expression in IGF/IR axes in CRC
      tissues with preDM. Two hundred fifty CRC patients in West China hospital were
      included in analysis. Among them, 125 patients had history of diabetes matched by
      125 CRC without diabetes at a 1:1 ratio. Immunohistochemical staining was used to
      detect the expression of proteins in IGF/IR axis. More positive expression of IGF
      1, IGF-1R and IR were found in CRC group with diabetes than in non-diabetes
      group. No difference was detected in the expression of IR substrate-1, IR
      substrate-2, IGF-2, IGF binding protein 3, and mammalian target of rapamycin
      between two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes history was
      associated with all of the expression of IGF-1, IGF-1R and IR, and higher T
      staging and lymph node metastasis were respectively independent factors of IGF-1
      and IGF-1R expression in CRC patients. Besides, IGF-1 expression was positively
      associated with IGF-1R and IR expression in all CRC tissues, and the association
      of IGF-1 and IR expression seemed to be closer in diabetes group than in non
      diabetes group. Higher expression of IGF-1, IGF-1R and IR proteins in CRC was
      associated with diabetes, suggesting IGF-1/IR signaling may play a special part
      in development of CRC in patients with diabetes. 

PMID- 27138192
TI  - Immunohistochemical Study EMT-Related Proteins in HPV-, and EBV-Negative Patients
      with Sinonasal Tumours.
AB  - Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process in which the
      epithelial cells, transform to mesenchymal cells via multiple biochemical
      modifications. Immunohistochemical method was used to examine the expression of
      EMT-related proteins: Slug, E-cadherin and fibronectin, in 41 cases of sinonasal
      inverted papilloma (SIP), 33 cases of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNC),
      and 22 cases of normal mucosa as a control. In all cases negative viral status
      was previously confirmed using both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical
      method. The immunoexpression of Slug and fibronectin were significantly increased
      in the SNC group as compared to SIPs and control cases. The immunoexpresssion of
      Slug was also higher in SIPs as compared to controls. The immunoexpression of E
      cadherin was significantly lower in SNCs group as compared with SIPs and
      controls, but no statistically significant difference in E-cadherin
      immunoexpression was noted between SIPs and control cases. There were
      statistically significant negative correlations between immunoexpression of Slug
      vs E-cadherin, E-cadherin vs fibronectin and positive correlation between Slug vs
      fibronectin in SNC. Statistically significant correlation between Slug and
      fibronectin immunoexpression in SIPs was also found. In conclusion, our findings
      suggest that relationships between Slug, E-cadherin and fibronectin could
      potentially point to EMT in the sinonasal cancer. Lack of correlation between EMT
      related proteins in tested SIPs could reflect a benign nature of those cases. 

PMID- 27138193
TI  - Robust imaging of hippocampal inner structure at 7T: in vivo acquisition protocol
      and methodological choices.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Motion-robust multi-slab imaging of hippocampal inner structure in
      vivo at 7T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Motion is a crucial issue for ultra-high
      resolution imaging, such as can be achieved with 7T MRI. An acquisition protocol
      was designed for imaging hippocampal inner structure at 7T. It relies on a
      compromise between anatomical details visibility and robustness to motion. In
      order to reduce acquisition time and motion artifacts, the full slab covering the
      hippocampus was split into separate slabs with lower acquisition time. A robust
      registration approach was implemented to combine the acquired slabs within a
      final 3D-consistent high-resolution slab covering the whole hippocampus.
      Evaluation was performed on 50 subjects overall, made of three groups of subjects
      acquired using three acquisition settings; it focused on three issues: visibility
      of hippocampal inner structure, robustness to motion artifacts and registration
      procedure performance. RESULTS: Overall, T2-weighted acquisitions with
      interleaved slabs proved robust. Multi-slab registration yielded high quality
      datasets in 96 % of the subjects, thus compatible with further analyses of
      hippocampal inner structure. CONCLUSION: Multi-slab acquisition and registration
      setting is efficient for reducing acquisition time and consequently motion
      artifacts for ultra-high resolution imaging of the inner structure of the
      hippocampus.

PMID- 27138194
TI  - Mesomorphism and Photophysics of Some Metallomesogens Based on Hexasubstituted
      2,2':6', 2''-Terpyridines.
AB  - The luminescent and mesomorphic properties of a series of metal complexes based
      on hexacatenar 2,2':6',2''-terpyridines are investigated using experimental
      methods and density functional theory (DFT). Two types of ligand are examined,
      namely 5,5''-di(3,4,5-trialkoxyphenyl)terpyridine with or without a fused
      cyclopentene ring on each pyridine and their complexes were prepared with the
      following transition metals: Zn(II) , Co(III) , Rh(III) , Ir(III) , Eu(III) and
      Dy(III) . The exact geometry of some of these complexes was determined by single
      X-ray diffraction. All complexes with long alkyl chains were found to be liquid
      crystalline, which property was induced on complexation. The liquid-crystalline
      behaviour of the complexes was studied by polarising optical microscopy and small
      angle X-ray diffraction. Some of the transition metal complexes (for example,
      those with Zn(II) and Ir(III) ) are luminescent in solution, the solid state and
      the mesophase; their photophysical properties were studied both experimentally
      and using DFT methods (M06-2X and B3LYP).

PMID- 27138195
TI  - A novel synaptic plasticity rule explains homeostasis of neuromuscular
      transmission.
AB  - Excitability differs among muscle fibers and undergoes continuous changes during
      development and growth, yet the neuromuscular synapse maintains a remarkable
      fidelity of execution. Here we show in two evolutionarily distant vertebrates
      (Xenopus laevis cell culture and mouse nerve-muscle ex-vivo) that the skeletal
      muscle cell constantly senses, through two identified calcium signals, synaptic
      events and their efficacy in eliciting spikes. These sensors trigger retrograde
      signal(s) that control presynaptic neurotransmitter release, resulting in
      synaptic potentiation or depression. In the absence of spikes, synaptic events
      trigger potentiation. Once the synapse is sufficiently strong to initiate
      spiking, the occurrence of these spikes activates a negative retrograde feedback.
      These opposing signals dynamically balance the synapse in order to continuously
      adjust neurotransmitter release to a level matching current muscle cell
      excitability.

PMID- 27138196
TI  - Low activity of complement in the cerebrospinal fluid of the patients with
      various prion diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the state of activity and levels
      of complement in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with various prion
      diseases (PrDs). FINDINGS: The proteomic data emphasized the levels of 20 known
      complement components found in the CSF of the sCJD panel that were lower than
      those found in the non-PrD panel. 50 % of the complement hemolytic activity
      (CH50) assays revealed significantly lower activity of complement in the CSF of
      the sCJD panel. The decreased levels of three key complement subunits, C3a/alpha,
      C4beta, and C9 in the CSF of the sCJD panel were verified by Western blots.
      Furthermore, the CH50 values in the CSF of 136 sCJD, 39 gCJD, 22 FFI and 145 non
      CJD patients were individually tested. Compared with the control of non-PrD, the
      CH50 value in the CSF specimens of various PrDs, especially in three subtypes of
      inherited PrDs, were significantly lower. Relationship analysis identified that
      the CH50 activity in the CSF was negatively associated with the protein 14-3-3
      positive in the CSF. CONCLUSION: These results indicate a silent complement
      system in the CSF of PrD patients.

PMID- 27138197
TI  - Electrochemical immunosensors for Salmonella detection in food.
AB  - Pathogen detection is a critical point for the identification and the prevention
      of problems related to food safety. Failures at detecting contaminations in food
      may cause outbreaks with drastic consequences to public health. In spite of the
      real need for obtaining analytical results in the shortest time possible,
      conventional methods may take several days to produce a diagnosis. Salmonella
      spp. is the major cause of foodborne diseases worldwide and its absence is a
      requirement of the health authorities. Biosensors are bioelectronic devices,
      comprising bioreceptor molecules and transducer elements, able to detect analytes
      (chemical and/or biological species) rapidly and quantitatively. Electrochemical
      immunosensors use antibody molecules as bioreceptors and an electrochemical
      transducer. These devices have been widely used for pathogen detection at low
      cost. There are four main techniques for electrochemical immunosensors:
      amperometric, impedimetric, conductometric, and potentiometric. Almost all types
      of immunosensors are applicable to Salmonella detection. This article reviews the
      developments and the applications of electrochemical immunosensors for Salmonella
      detection, particularly the advantages of each specific technique. Immunosensors
      serve as exciting alternatives to conventional methods, allowing "real-time" and
      multiple analyses that are essential characteristics for pathogen detection and
      much desired in health and safety control in the food industry. 

PMID- 27138198
TI  - Comparative analysis of lignin peroxidase and manganese peroxidase activity on
      coniferous and deciduous wood using ToF-SIMS.
AB  - White-rot fungi are distinguished by their ability to efficiently degrade lignin
      via lignin-modifying type II peroxidases, including manganese peroxidase (MnP)
      and lignin peroxidase (LiP). In the present study, time-of flight secondary ion
      mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was used to evaluate lignin modification in three
      coniferous and three deciduous wood preparations following treatment with
      commercial preparations of LiP and MnP from two different white-rot fungi.
      Percent modification of lignin was calculated as a loss of intact methoxylated
      lignin over nonfunctionalized aromatic rings, which is consistent with oxidative
      cleavage of methoxy moieties within the lignin structure. Exposure to MnP
      resulted in greater modification of lignin in coniferous compared to deciduous
      wood (28 vs. 18 % modification of lignin); and greater modification of G-lignin
      compared to S-lignin within the deciduous wood samples (21 vs. 12 %). In
      contrast, exposure to LiP resulted in similar percent modification of lignin in
      all wood samples (21 vs 22 %), and of G- and S-lignin within the deciduous wood
      (22 vs. 23 %). These findings suggest that the selected MnP and LiP may
      particularly benefit delignification of coniferous and deciduous wood,
      respectively. Moreover, the current analysis further demonstrates the utility of
      ToF-SIMS for characterizing enzymatic modification of lignin in wood fibre along
      with potential advantages over UV and HPCL-MS detection of solubilized
      delignification products. 

PMID- 27138199
TI  - An aryl-alcohol oxidase of Pleurotus sapidus: heterologous expression,
      characterization, and application in a 2-enzyme system.
AB  - Aryl-alcohol oxidases (AAOs) are enzymes supporting the degradation of lignin by
      fungal derived class II peroxidases produced by white-rot fungi. AAOs are able to
      generate H2O2 as a by-product via oxidation of an aryl-alcohol into its
      correspondent aldehyde. In this study, an AAO was heterologously expressed in a
      basidiomycete host for the first time. The gene for an AAO of the white-rot
      fungus Pleurotus sapidus, a close relative to the oyster mushroom Pleurotus
      ostreatus, was cloned into an expression vector and put under control of the
      promotor of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene 2 (gpdII) of the
      button mushroom Agaricus bisporus. The expression vector was transformed into the
      model basidiomycete Coprinopsis cinerea, and several positive transformants were
      obtained. The best producing transformants were grown in shake-flasks and in a
      stirred tank reactor reaching enzymatic activities of up to 125 U L(-1) using
      veratryl alcohol as a substrate. The purified AAO was biochemically characterized
      and compared to the previously described native and recombinant AAOs from other
      Pleurotus species. In addition, a two-enzyme system comprising a dye-decolorizing
      peroxidase (DyP) from Mycetinis scorodonius and the P. sapidus AAO was
      successfully employed to bleach the anthraquinone dye Reactive Blue 5. 

PMID- 27138200
TI  - Characterization of two Listeria innocua chitinases of different sizes that were
      expressed in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Two putative chitinase genes, lin0153 and lin1996, from the nonpathogenic
      bacterium Listeria innocua were expressed in Escherichia coli, and the gene
      products were characterized. The genes were close homologs of chitinases from the
      pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, in which chitinases and chitin
      binding proteins play important roles in pathogenesis in mice-infection models.
      The purified recombinant enzymes that are different in size, LinChi78 (lin0153
      product) and LinChi35 (lin1996 product)-with molecular masses of 82 and 38 kDa,
      including vector-derived additional sequences, respectively-exhibited optimum
      catalytic activity under neutral and acidic conditions at 50  degrees C,
      respectively, and were stable over broad pH (4-11) and temperature (4-40  degrees
      C) ranges. LinChi35 displayed higher k cat and K M values for 4-nitrophenyl N,N
      diacetyl-beta-D-chitobioside [4NP-(GlcNAc)2] than LinChi78. Both enzymes produced
      primarily dimers from colloidal chitin as a substrate. However, LinChi78 and
      LinChi35 could hydrolyze oligomeric substrates in a processive exo- and
      nonprocessive endo-manner, respectively, and showed different reactivity toward
      oligomeric substrates. Both enzymes could bind chitin beads but were different in
      their binding ability toward crystalline alpha-chitin and cellulose. The
      structure-function relationships of these chitinases are discussed in reference
      to other bacterial chitinases. 

PMID- 27138201
TI  - The alkaloid gramine in the anaerobic digestion process-inhibition and adaptation
      of the methanogenic community.
AB  - As many plant secondary metabolites have antimicrobial activity, microorganisms
      of the anaerobic digestion process might be affected when plant material rich in
      these compounds is digested. Hitherto, the effects of plant secondary metabolites
      on the anaerobic digestion process are poorly investigated. In this study, the
      alkaloid gramine, a constituent of reed canary grass, was added daily to a
      continuous co-digestion of grass silage and cow manure. A transient decrease of
      the methane yield by 17 % and a subsequent recovery was observed, but no effect
      on other process parameters. When gramine was infrequently spiked in higher
      amounts, the observed inhibitory effect was even more pronounced including a 53 %
      decrease of the methane yield and an increase of acetic acid concentrations up to
      96 mM. However, the process recovered and the process parameters were finally at
      initial values (methane yield around 255 LN CH4 per gram volatile solids of
      substrate and acetic acid concentration lower than 2 mM). The bacterial
      communities of the reactors remained stable upon gramine addition. In contrast,
      the methanogenic community changed from a well-balanced mixture of five
      phylotypes towards a strong dominance of Methanosarcina (more than two thirds of
      the methanogenic community) while Methanosaeta disappeared. Batch inhibition
      assays revealed that acetic acid was only converted to methane via acetoclastic
      methanogenesis which was more strongly affected by gramine than hydrogenotrophic
      methanogenesis and acetogenesis. Hence, when acetoclastic methanogenesis is the
      dominant pathway, a shift of the methanogenic community is necessary to digest
      gramine-rich plant material. 

PMID- 27138202
TI  - Improvement of thermostability and activity of Trichoderma reesei endo-xylanase
      Xyn III on insoluble substrates.
AB  - Trichoderma reesei Xyn III, an endo-beta-1,4-xylanase belonging to glycoside
      hydrolase family 10 (GH10), is vital for the saccharification of xylans in plant
      biomass. However, its enzymatic thermostability and hydrolytic activity on
      insoluble substrates are low. To overcome these difficulties, the thermostability
      of Xyn III was improved using random mutagenesis and directed evolution, and its
      hydrolytic activity on insoluble substrates was improved by creating a chimeric
      protein. In the screening of thermostable Xyn III mutants from a random
      mutagenesis library, we identified two amino acid residues, Gln286 and Asn340,
      which are important for the thermostability of Xyn III. The Xyn III
      Gln286Ala/Asn340Tyr mutant showed xylanase activity even after heat treatment at
      60  degrees C for 30 min or 50  degrees C for 96 h, indicating a dramatic
      enhancement in thermostability. In addition, we found that the addition of a
      xylan-binding domain (XBD) to the C-terminal of Xyn III improved its hydrolytic
      activity on insoluble xylan. 

PMID- 27138203
TI  - Microbial sequencing methods for monitoring of anaerobic treatment of antibiotics
      to optimize performance and prevent system failure.
AB  - As a result of developments in molecular technologies and the use of sequencing
      technologies, the analyses of the anaerobic microbial community in biological
      treatment process has become increasingly prevalent. This review examines the
      ways in which microbial sequencing methods can be applied to achieve an extensive
      understanding of the phylogenetic and functional characteristics of microbial
      assemblages in anaerobic reactor if the substrate is contaminated by antibiotics
      which is one of the most important toxic compounds. It will discuss some of the
      advantages and disadvantages associated with microbial sequencing techniques that
      are more commonly employed and will assess how a combination of the existing
      methods may be applied to develop a more comprehensive understanding of microbial
      communities and improve the validity and depth of the results for the enhancement
      of the stability of anaerobic reactors. 

PMID- 27138204
TI  - The impact of Basaglia on Brazilian psychiatry.

PMID- 27138205
TI  - A single glance at natural face images generate larger and qualitatively
      different category-selective spatio-temporal signatures than other ecologically
      relevant categories in the human brain.
AB  - Although humans discriminate natural images of faces from other categories at a
      single glance, clarifying the neural specificity and spatio-temporal dynamics of
      this process without low-level visual confounds remains a challenge. We recorded
      high-density scalp electroencephalogram while presenting natural images of
      various objects at a fast periodic rate (5.88images/s). In different stimulation
      sequences, numerous variable exemplars of three categories associated with
      cortical specialization in neuroimaging - faces, body parts, or houses - appeared
      every five images (5.88Hz/5=1.18Hz). In these fast periodic visual stimulation
      (FPVS) sequences, common low- and high-level visual processes between these
      categories and other objects are captured at the 5.88Hz frequency, while high
      level category-selective responses are objectively quantified at the 1.18Hz
      frequency and harmonics. Category-selective responses differed quantitatively and
      qualitatively between faces, body parts and houses. First, they were much larger
      (2-4 times) for faces over the whole scalp. Second, specific and reliable scalp
      topographical maps of category-selective responses pointed to distinct principle
      neural sources for faces (ventral occipito-temporal), body parts (lateral
      occipito-temporal) and houses (dorso-medial occipital). Category-selective EEG
      responses were found at multiple time-windows from 110 to 600ms post-stimulus
      onset. Faces elicited the most complex spatio-temporal profile with up to four
      selective responses, although body parts and houses also elicited selective
      responses more complex than previously described. These observations indicate
      that a single glance at natural face images inserted in a rapid stream of natural
      objects generates a quantitatively and qualitatively unique category-selective
      spatio-temporal signature in occipito-temporal cortical areas of the human brain.

PMID- 27138206
TI  - Olfactory modulation of affective touch processing - A neurophysiological
      investigation.
AB  - Touch can be highly emotional, and depending on the environment, it can be
      perceived as pleasant and comforting or disgusting and dangerous. Here, we
      studied the impact of context on the processing of tactile stimuli using a
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm. This was achieved by
      embedding tactile stimulation in a variable olfactory environment. Twenty people
      were scanned with BOLD fMRI while receiving the following stimulus blocks: Slow
      stroking Touch, Civette odor (feces like), Rose odor, Touch+Civette, and
      Touch+Rose. Ratings of pleasantness and intensity of tactile stimuli and ratings
      of disgust and intensity of olfactory stimuli were collected. The impact of the
      olfactory context on the processing of touch was studied using covariance
      analyses. Coupling between olfactory processing and somatosensory processing
      areas was assessed with psychophysiological interaction analysis (PPI). A
      subjectively disgusting olfactory environment significantly reduced the perceived
      pleasantness of touch. The touch fMRI activation in the secondary somatosensory
      cortex, operculum 1 (OP1), was positively correlated with the disgust towards the
      odors. Decreased pleasantness of touch was related to decreased posterior insula
      activity. PPI analysis revealed a significant interaction between the OP1,
      posterior insula, and regions processing the disgust of odors (orbitofrontal
      cortex and amygdala). We conclude that the disgust evaluation of the olfactory
      environment moderates neural reactivity in somatosensory regions by upregulation
      of the OP1 and downregulation of the posterior insula. This adaptive regulation
      of affective touch processing may facilitate adaptive reaction to a potentially
      harmful stimulus.

PMID- 27138207
TI  - Multidirectional and Topography-based Dynamic-scale Varifold Representations with
      Application to Matching Developing Cortical Surfaces.
AB  - The human cerebral cortex is marked by great complexity as well as substantial
      dynamic changes during early postnatal development. To obtain a fairly
      comprehensive picture of its age-induced and/or disorder-related cortical
      changes, one needs to match cortical surfaces to one another, while maximizing
      their anatomical alignment. Methods that geodesically shoot surfaces into one
      another as currents (a distribution of oriented normals) and varifolds (a
      distribution of non-oriented normals) provide an elegant Riemannian framework for
      generic surface matching and reliable statistical analysis. However, both
      conventional current and varifold matching methods have two key limitations.
      First, they only use the normals of the surface to measure its geometry and guide
      the warping process, which overlooks the importance of the orientations of the
      inherently convoluted cortical sulcal and gyral folds. Second, the 'conversion'
      of a surface into a current or a varifold operates at a fixed scale under which
      geometric surface details will be neglected, which ignores the dynamic scales of
      cortical foldings. To overcome these limitations and improve varifold-based
      cortical surface registration, we propose two different strategies. The first
      strategy decomposes each cortical surface into its normal and tangent varifold
      representations, by integrating principal curvature direction field into the
      varifold matching framework, thus providing rich information of the orientation
      of cortical folding and better characterization of the complex cortical geometry.
      The second strategy explores the informative cortical geometric features to
      perform a dynamic-scale measurement of the cortical surface that depends on the
      local surface topography (e.g., principal curvature), thereby we introduce the
      concept of a topography-based dynamic-scale varifold. We tested the proposed
      varifold variants for registering 12 pairs of dynamically developing cortical
      surfaces from 0 to 6 months of age. Both variants improved the matching accuracy
      in terms of closeness to the target surface and the goodness of alignment with
      regional anatomical boundaries, when compared with three state-of-the-art
      methods: (1) diffeomorphic spectral matching, (2) conventional current-based
      surface matching, and (3) conventional varifold-based surface matching.

PMID- 27138208
TI  - Influences of unconscious priming on voluntary actions: Role of the rostral
      cingulate zone.
AB  - The ability to make voluntary, free choices is fundamental to what it means to be
      human. A key brain region that is involved in free choices is the rostral
      cingulate zone (RCZ), which is part of the medial frontal cortex. Previous
      research has shown that activity in this brain region can be modulated by bottom
      up information while making free choices. The current study extends those
      findings, and shows, for the first time, that activation in the RCZ can also be
      modulated by subliminal information. We used a subliminal response priming
      paradigm to bias free and cued choices. We observed more activation in the RCZ
      when participants made a choice that went against the prime's suggestion,
      compared to when they chose according to the prime. This shows that the RCZ plays
      an important role in overcoming externally-triggered conflict between different
      response options, even when the stimuli triggering this conflict are not
      consciously perceived. Our results suggest that an important mechanism of
      endogenous action in the RCZ may therefore involve exerting an internally
      generated action choice against conflicting influences, such as external sensory
      evidence. We further found that subliminal information also modulated activity in
      the anterior insula and the supramarginal gyrus.

PMID- 27138209
TI  - Inter-site and inter-scanner diffusion MRI data harmonization.
AB  - We propose a novel method to harmonize diffusion MRI data acquired from multiple
      sites and scanners, which is imperative for joint analysis of the data to
      significantly increase sample size and statistical power of neuroimaging studies.
      Our method incorporates the following main novelties: i) we take into account the
      scanner-dependent spatial variability of the diffusion signal in different parts
      of the brain; ii) our method is independent of compartmental modeling of
      diffusion (e.g., tensor, and intra/extra cellular compartments) and the acquired
      signal itself is corrected for scanner related differences; and iii) inter
      subject variability as measured by the coefficient of variation is maintained at
      each site. We represent the signal in a basis of spherical harmonics and compute
      several rotation invariant spherical harmonic features to estimate a region and
      tissue specific linear mapping between the signal from different sites (and
      scanners). We validate our method on diffusion data acquired from seven different
      sites (including two GE, three Philips, and two Siemens scanners) on a group of
      age-matched healthy subjects. Since the extracted rotation invariant spherical
      harmonic features depend on the accuracy of the brain parcellation provided by
      Freesurfer, we propose a feature based refinement of the original parcellation
      such that it better characterizes the anatomy and provides robust linear mappings
      to harmonize the dMRI data. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method by
      statistically comparing diffusion measures such as fractional anisotropy, mean
      diffusivity and generalized fractional anisotropy across multiple sites before
      and after data harmonization. We also show results using tract-based spatial
      statistics before and after harmonization for independent validation of the
      proposed methodology. Our experimental results demonstrate that, for nearly
      identical acquisition protocol across sites, scanner-specific differences can be
      accurately removed using the proposed method.

PMID- 27138210
TI  - Multiple neural representations of elementary logical connectives.
AB  - A defining trait of human cognition is the capacity to form compounds out of
      simple thoughts. This ability relies on the logical connectives AND, OR and IF.
      Simple propositions, e.g., 'There is a fork' and 'There is a knife', can be
      combined in alternative ways using logical connectives: e.g., 'There is a fork
      AND there is a knife', 'There is a fork OR there is a knife', 'IF there is a
      fork, there is a knife'. How does the brain represent compounds based on
      different logical connectives, and how are compounds evaluated in relation to new
      facts? In the present study, participants had to maintain and evaluate
      conjunctive (AND), disjunctive (OR) or conditional (IF) compounds while
      undergoing functional MRI. Our results suggest that, during maintenance, the left
      posterior inferior frontal gyrus (pIFG, BA44, or Broca's area) represents the
      surface form of compounds. During evaluation, the left pIFG switches to
      processing the full logical meaning of compounds, and two additional areas are
      recruited: the left anterior inferior frontal gyrus (aIFG, BA47) and the left
      intraparietal sulcus (IPS, BA40). The aIFG shows a pattern of activation similar
      to pIFG, and compatible with processing the full logical meaning of compounds,
      whereas activations in IPS differ with alternative interpretations of
      conditionals: logical vs conjunctive. These results uncover the functions of a
      basic cortical network underlying human compositional thought, and provide a
      shared neural foundation for the cognitive science of language and reasoning.

PMID- 27138211
TI  - Treatments and compositions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a
      patent review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a syndrome
      that affects children prior to 12 years of age. ADHD manifests as inappropriate
      behavior and learning difficulties and, in many cases, it persists into
      adulthood. In most cases, pharmacological treatment is sufficient; however, this
      approach frequently does not address all symptomatology of comorbidities and also
      affects the risk of secondary side effects that may influence compliance. AREAS
      COVERED: This review emphasizes the recent progress in ADHD treatment, which was
      published in the patent literature from 2005-2015. We focused on novel mechanisms
      of action and potential treatments for achieving control of ADHD comorbidities,
      offering theoretical advantages compared with current medication. Newer agents
      are also proposed in recent patents and compounds for child and adult ADHD.
      EXPERT OPINION: The patented drugs and compositions may provide a greater
      opportunity to develop more personalized, effective, and tolerable medications,
      without the liability of abuse. Particularly interesting will be the results
      obtained with drugs with a dual mechanism of action, agonists of trace amine
      receptors, and compounds that exhibit cognitive enhancing properties.
      Effectiveness and efficacy studies are also necessary to determine whether the
      characteristics of different drugs are related to their effects on disease.

PMID- 27138212
TI  - Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
      delivered via a modified perfusion system for peritoneal carcinomatosis of
      colorectal origin.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The long-term survival of patients with peritoneal
      carcinomatosis of colorectal origin has been achieved with cytoreductive surgery,
      which removes all macroscopic implants, combined with hyperthermic
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The current technology for administering
      intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy is expensive and, for some institutions,
      unaffordable. We conducted this study to assess the temperature stability
      provided by a modified, inexpensive system, to offer a simple and low cost
      alternative to the standard HIPEC delivery equipment. METHODS: Ten patients with
      histologically diagnosed peritoneal metastases of adenocarcinoma or pseudomyxoma
      peritonei underwent cytoreductive surgery and received HIPEC with 5-fluorouracil
      for 90 min, delivered via our modified system. The temperature was recorded from
      two probes: one in the inflow catheter and one in the outflow catheter. The intra
      abdominal temperature was monitored meticulously to maintain it at between 41 and
      42  degrees C. RESULTS: All patients underwent cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC
      using our modified delivery system. Temperature stability was achieved in all
      patients, with a mean of 41.4 degrees . There were no thermal injuries associated
      with any of the ten perfusions. The mean hospital stay was 15 days and the median
      survival was 30 months. CONCLUSION: Analysis of this data demonstrates that the
      uniform delivery of HIPEC at 41 degrees  with this modified system is feasible
      and safe. The outcome of the patients treated with cytoreductive surgery and
      HIPEC with this modified system compares favorably to other published series. Its
      low cost and simple design will give more patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis
      access to this treatment.

PMID- 27138213
TI  - Oxygen as a chemoattractant: confirming cellular hypoxia in paper-based invasion
      assays.
AB  - Low oxygen tension, or hypoxia, is a common occurrence in solid tumors. Hypoxia
      is a master regulator of cellular phenotype, and is associated with increased
      tumor invasion and aggressiveness as well as adverse patient prognosis. Oxygen
      has recently been linked with the selective movement of different cancer cell
      types in three-dimensional invasion assays utilizing paper-based scaffolds. It
      has remained unclear, however, if cells in these paper-based invasion assays are
      experiencing hypoxia. In this manuscript, we adapted cell-based methods to
      measure oxygen tension in our 3D invasion assays: the adduction of pimonidazole
      to free thiols in the cell, indicative of a reducing environment; the
      localization of hypoxia inducible factors to the nucleus; and the expression of
      hypoxia-regulated gene products. We utilized each method to compare the oxygen
      tension in different locations of the paper-based invasion stacks and found an
      oxygen gradient is indeed forming. Specifically, we found that the extent of
      pimonidazole binding, as well as the levels and activities of nucleus-localized
      HIF-alpha proteins, increase as the distance between the cells and the source of
      fresh medium increases. These complementary cell-based readouts not only confirm
      the selective invasion we observe is due to an oxygen gradient, they also show
      the gradient is temporal in nature and evolves with increasing culture period. 

PMID- 27138214
TI  - Canonical Cortical Circuit Model Explains Rivalry, Intermittent Rivalry, and
      Rivalry Memory.
AB  - It has been shown that the same canonical cortical circuit model with mutual
      inhibition and a fatigue process can explain perceptual rivalry and other
      neurophysiological responses to a range of static stimuli. However, it has been
      proposed that this model cannot explain responses to dynamic inputs such as found
      in intermittent rivalry and rivalry memory, where maintenance of a percept when
      the stimulus is absent is required. This challenges the universality of the basic
      canonical cortical circuit. Here, we show that by including an overlooked
      realistic small nonspecific background neural activity, the same basic model can
      reproduce intermittent rivalry and rivalry memory without compromising static
      rivalry and other cortical phenomena. The background activity induces a mutual
      inhibition mechanism for short-term memory, which is robust to noise and where
      fine-tuning of recurrent excitation or inclusion of sub-threshold currents or
      synaptic facilitation is unnecessary. We prove existence conditions for the
      mechanism and show that it can explain experimental results from the quartet
      apparent motion illusion, which is a prototypical intermittent rivalry stimulus.

PMID- 27138215
TI  - Cervical dystonia and quality of life.
AB  - Cervical dystonia is focal dystonia characterized by involuntary movement of the
      neck muscle, which leads to abnormal head posture. It can be accompanied with
      pain and tremor. In this study, we evaluated the presence of depression and
      anxiety in patients with cervical dystonia and the influence of dystonia symptoms
      on the quality of life. Psychiatric symptoms were evaluated by use of the Beck
      Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Toronto Western
      Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) was used to evaluate the cervical
      dystonia symptoms. Quality of life was assessed by the craniocervical dystonia
      questionnaire (CDQ-24) and short form 36 health survey (SF-36). Nineteen patients
      were analyzed. Most of the patients had mild cervical dystonia (mean TWSTRS
      23.89). Depression was present in 42.1 % and anxiety in 57.9 % of the patients.
      Disability due to cervical dystonia correlated with the occurrence of depression
      (rho = 0.534) and anxiety (r = 0.652). Disability was found to significantly
      influence the stigma, emotional state, pain, daily activity, social life,
      physical function, and physical and mental disability. Pain influenced some
      aspects of body pain, physical function, and physical and mental disability.
      Being associated with disability and pain, cervical dystonia decreases the
      quality of life in many aspects. Disability also influenced depression and
      anxiety, which were present in half of study patients. In addition to follow up
      for cervical dystonia symptoms, patients with cervical dystonia should also be
      assessed for psychiatric symptoms on routine clinical check-ups. In addition to
      botulinum toxin, psychopharmaceuticals should be considered as a treatment option
      in these patients.

PMID- 27138216
TI  - Housing Trajectories of Forensic Psychiatric Patients.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to describe the disposition and housing
      trajectories of individuals found Not Criminally Responsible on account of Mental
      Disorder (NCRMD), and the factors that predict different trajectories. To do so,
      disposition and housing status were coded for 934 NCRMD patients over a 36-month
      follow-up period. Sequential data analysis resulted in four distinct
      trajectories: detention in hospital, conditional discharge in supportive housing,
      conditional discharge in independent housing, and absolute discharge to unknown
      housing. The likelihood of a placement in supportive housing compared with
      detention significantly decreased for individuals with a higher index offense
      severity. Less restrictive trajectories were significantly predicted by clinical
      factors. The results revealed little change in the disposition and housing
      trajectories of NCRMD patients. Furthermore, decisions about disposition and
      housing placement reflect a knowledge-practice gap between risk factors known to
      be predictive of community resources use in the forensic population. Copyright
      (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27138217
TI  - What is new in the 2015 American Heart Association guidelines, what is recycled
      from 2010, and what is relevant for emergency medicine in Canada.

PMID- 27138218
TI  - Helpless Healer.

PMID- 27138219
TI  - Relationship between body mass index changes and blood pressure changes from
      childhood to adulthood in a general Chinese population: a 26 year cohort follow
      up study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to estimate the relationship between body mass index
      (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) in a Chinese population with 26 year follow-up. The
      study included 4211 schoolchildren aged 6-17 years in Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province,
      China. Body weight, height, waist circumference, and BP were measured in 1987,
      1989, 1992, 1995 and 2013. Cox proportional hazards model were fitted to examine
      the effect of BMI on BP. At the 26 year follow-up, 6.93% of male and 3.43% of
      female subjects had high SBP, and 12.8% of male and 4.56% of female had high DBP.
      The average age of subjects with high SBP was 40.3 years in males and 41.4 years
      in females; while the average age with high DBP was 38.1 years in males and 38.9
      years in females. Obese subjects were 2.96 times and 2.88 times more likely to
      have high SBP and high DBP than normal weight counterparts, respectively; while
      overweight subjects were 1.81 times and 2.03 times more likely to have high SBP
      and high DBP, respectively. These findings underscore the urgent need to prevent
      increasing body weight. Targeting intervention in adolescence may be a critical
      method for preventing high BP in later life.

PMID- 27138220
TI  - Curriculum change and acknowledging the 'fear factors' in medical school.

PMID- 27138221
TI  - Preadmission use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and short-term
      mortality in diabetic patients hospitalized due to stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of stroke with a poor
      prognosis. Moreover, diabetic patients are at increased risk of depression and
      therefore likely to use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). We
      examined whether preadmission SSRI use was associated with increased mortality in
      diabetic patients hospitalized due to stroke. METHODS: Population-based medical
      databases were used to identify all first-time stroke-related hospitalizations
      and subsequent mortality in diabetic patients in Denmark between 2004 and 2012 (n
      = 12 620). Based on redeemed prescriptions, SSRI use was categorized as current
      (new or long term), former or nonuse, and absolute 30-day mortality and mortality
      rate ratios (MRRs) were computed using Cox regression controlling for confounding
      factors. RESULTS: Amongst SSRI nonusers, 30-day stroke mortality was 15.8% (10.4%
      for ischaemic stroke, 41.8% for intracerebral haemorrhage and 27.3% for
      subarachnoid haemorrhage). Amongst current SSRI users, 30-day stroke mortality
      was 23.3% (17.1% for ischaemic stroke, 50.7% for intracerebral haemorrhage and
      28.6% for subarachnoid haemorrhage). Current SSRI use was associated with
      increased 30-day stroke mortality compared with nonuse [adjusted MRR 1.3, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.5], with the highest risk observed amongst new
      users (MRR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.8). Overall stroke mortality was driven by increased
      mortality due to ischaemic stroke, with adjusted MRRs of 1.3 (95% CI 1.1-1.7) for
      current users and 1.7 (95% CI 1.2-2.4) for new users. Propensity score-matched
      results were similar and robust across subgroups. CONCLUSION: In patients with
      diabetes, preadmission SSRI use was associated with increased mortality following
      ischaemic stroke, compared with nonuse.

PMID- 27138222
TI  - Training Lymnaea in the presence of a predator scent results in a long-lasting
      ability to form enhanced long-term memory.
AB  - Lymnaea exposed to crayfish effluent (CE) gain an enhanced ability to form long
      term memory (LTM). We test the hypothesis that a single CE exposure and operant
      conditioning training leads to long lasting changes in the capability of snails
      to form LTM when tested in pond water four weeks later. We trained both juvenile
      and adult snails with a single 0.5 h training session in CE and show that LTM was
      present 24 h later. Snails trained in a similar manner in just pond water show no
      LTM. We then asked if such training in CE conferred enhanced memory forming
      capabilities on these snails four weeks later. That is, would LTM be formed in
      these snails four weeks later following a single 0.5 h training session in pond
      water? We found that both adult and juvenile snails previously trained in CE one
      month previously had enhanced LTM formation abilities. The injection of a DNA
      methylation blocker, 5-AZA, prior to training in adult snails blocked enhanced
      LTM formation four weeks later. Finally, this enhanced LTM forming ability was
      not passed on to the next generation of snails.

PMID- 27138224
TI  - The interaction between hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskite and selective
      contacts in perovskite solar cells: an infrared spectroscopy study.
AB  - The interaction of hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskite and selective
      contacts is crucial to get efficient, stable and hysteresis-free perovskite-based
      solar cells. In this report, we analyze the vibrational properties of
      methylammonium lead halide perovskites deposited on different substrates by
      infrared absorption (IR) measurements (4000-500 cm(-1)). The materials employed
      as substrates are not only characterized by different chemical natures (TiO2, ZnO
      and Al2O3), but also by different morphologies. For all of them, we have
      investigated the influence of these substrate properties on perovskite formation
      and its degradation by humidity. The effect of selective-hole contact (Spiro
      OmeTad and P3HT) layers on the degradation rate by moisture has also been
      studied. Our IR results reveal the existence of a strong interaction between
      perovskite and all ZnO materials considered, evidenced by a shift of the peaks
      related to the N-H vibrational modes. The interaction even induces a
      morphological change in ZnO nanoparticles after perovskite deposition, pointing
      to an acid-base reaction that takes place through the NH3(+) groups of the
      methylammonium cation. Our IR and X-ray diffraction results also indicate that
      this specific interaction favors perovskite decomposition and PbI2 formation for
      ZnO/perovskite films subjected to humid conditions. Although no interaction is
      observed for TiO2, Al2O3, and the hole selective contact, the morphology and
      chemical nature of both contacts appear to play an important role in the rate of
      degradation upon exposure to moisture.

PMID- 27138223
TI  - PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Is Essential for Survival of Induced Pluripotent Stem
      Cells.
AB  - Apoptosis is a highly conserved biochemical mechanism which is tightly controlled
      in cells. It contributes to maintenance of tissue homeostasis and normally
      eliminates highly proliferative cells with malignant properties. Induced
      pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have recently been described with significant
      functional and morphological similarities to embryonic stem cells. Human iPSCs
      are of great hope for regenerative medicine due to their broad potential to
      differentiate into specialized cell types in culture. They may be useful for
      exploring disease mechanisms and may provide the basis for future cell-based
      replacement therapies. However, there is only poor insight into iPSCs cell
      signaling as the regulation of apoptosis. In this study, we focused our attention
      on the apoptotic response of Alzheimer fibroblast-derived iPSCs and two other
      Alzheimer free iPSCs to five biologically relevant kinase inhibitors as well as
      to the death ligand TRAIL. To our knowledge, we are the first to report that the
      relatively high basal apoptotic rate of iPSCs is strongly suppressed by the
      pancaspase inhibitor QVD-Oph, thus underlining the dependency on proapoptotic
      caspase cascades. Furthermore, wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphoinositid-3
      kinase / Akt signaling (PI3K-AKT), dramatically and rapidly induced apoptosis in
      iPSCs. In contrast, parental fibroblasts as well as iPSC-derived neuronal cells
      were not responsive. The resulting condensation and fragmentation of DNA and
      decrease of the membrane potential are typical features of apoptosis. Comparable
      effects were observed with an AKT inhibitor (MK-2206). Wortmannin resulted in
      disappearance of phosphorylated AKT and activation of the main effector caspase-3
      in iPSCs. These results clearly demonstrate for the first time that PI3K-AKT
      represents a highly essential survival signaling pathway in iPSCs. The findings
      provide improved understanding on the underlying mechanisms of apoptosis
      regulation in iPSCs.

PMID- 27138225
TI  - Listen to the patient - what about patients' perceptions of suicidal risk?

PMID- 27138227
TI  - Micro-RNAs in the parathyroid: a new portal in understanding secondary
      hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are important to the function of many
      cells including endocrine systems. We present the reported changes in miRNA
      profiles in parathyroid adenomas and carcinomas. We review the essential roles of
      parathyroid miRNAs to the response of the parathyroid to hypocalcemia and uremia.
      RECENT FINDINGS: miRNA profiling in parathyroid adenomas and carcinomas revealed
      alterations in their miRNA expression. To study the function of miRNAs in the
      parathyroid, mice with parathyroid-specific deletion of dicer, the enzyme
      essential for miRNA maturation, were studied. Remarkably, the parathyroid-Dicer
      mice failed to increase serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) after acute hypocalcemia
      and in parathyroid organ cultures. Moreover, the parathyroid-Dicer mice had an
      impaired increase in serum PTH, PTH mRNA and parathyroid cell proliferation after
      both chronic hypocalcemia and uremia. In contrast, the response of the
      parathyroid- Dicer mice to hypercalcemia and a calcimimetic was intact. SUMMARY:
      The stimulation of the parathyroid by hypocalcemia and uremia is miRNA dependent,
      as opposed to suppression of the parathyroid by hypercalcemia or a calcimimetic
      that is miRNA independent. miRNAs are essential for the generation of
      experimental secondary hyperparathyroidism and may be novel targets for its
      management in chronic kidney disease patients.

PMID- 27138226
TI  - Fc-based delivery system enhances immunogenicity of a tuberculosis subunit
      vaccine candidate consisting of the ESAT-6:CFP-10 complex.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health threat despite chemotherapy and
      Bacilli Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination. Therefore, a safer and more effective
      vaccine against TB is urgently needed. This study evaluated the immunogenicity of
      a recombinant fusion protein consisting of early secreted antigenic target
      protein 6 kDa (ESAT-6), culture filtrate protein 10 kDa (CFP-10) and the Fc
      domain of mouse IgG2a as a novel subunit vaccine. The recombinant expression
      vectors (pPICZalphaA-ESAT-6:CFP-10:Fcgamma2a and pPICZalphaA-ESAT-6:CFP-10:His)
      were transferred into Pichia pastoris. After SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting, the
      immunogenicity of the recombinant proteins was evaluated in mice. When both
      recombinant proteins (ESAT-6:CFP-10:Fcgamma2a and ESAT-6:CFP-10:His) were used
      for vaccination, Th1-type cellular responses were induced producing high levels
      of IFN-gamma and IL-12. However, the Fc-tagged recombinant protein induced more
      effective Th1-type cellular responses with a small increase in IL-4 as compared
      to the BCG and ESAT-6:CFP-10:His groups. Moreover, mice primed with BCG and then
      supplemented with ESAT-6:CFP-10:Fcgamma2a produced the highest levels of IFN
      gamma and IL-12 in immunized groups. The findings indicate that when Fcgamma2a is
      fused to the ESAT-6:CFP-10 complex, as a delivery vehicle, there could be an
      increase in the immunogenicity of this type of subunit vaccine. Therefore,
      additional investigations are necessary for the development of appropriate Fc
      based tuberculosis vaccines.

PMID- 27138228
TI  - New strategies to tackle diabetic kidney disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of recent
      preclinical and clinical studies, which demonstrate new insights for the
      treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and to outline future directions with
      respect to novel therapies. RECENT FINDINGS: Positive findings with respect to
      new glucose-lowering agents such as sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2
      inhibitors may lead to a change in the way we treat diabetic individuals with or
      at risk of DKD. Additional positive phase 2 clinical studies with drugs that have
      hemodynamic actions such as endothelin antagonists and mineralocorticoid receptor
      antagonists have led to larger phase 3 trials with atrasentan and finerenone,
      respectively, in order to address if these drugs indeed delay the development of
      end-stage renal disease. A number of other pathways are currently under active
      preclinical investigation and hopefully over the next decade will lead to
      promising drug candidates for subsequent clinical trials. SUMMARY: DKD remains an
      area of active preclinical and clinical investigation. Positive results with some
      of the more promising agents should lead to strategies to reverse, attenuate or
      prevent DKD.

PMID- 27138229
TI  - Occlusal force characteristics of masseteric muscles after intramuscular
      injection of botulinum toxin A(BTX - A)for treatment of temporomandibular
      disorder.
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate the occlusal force and therapeutic efficacy of the
      masseteric muscles after intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) for
      the treatment of patients with concurrent temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and
      bruxism. Thirty patients with TMD associated with bruxism were randomised into
      three groups (n=10 in each group), and treated by bilateral intramuscular
      injection of BTX-A into the masseter, placebo, or control. We used an occlusal
      force analysis system to collect several measures of occlusal force such as
      duration of biting and closing, the maximum occlusal force, and the distribution
      of occlusal force. The occlusal force in the intercuspid position was reduced in
      all three groups. There was a significant difference between the BTX-A and
      placebo groups (F(df=1)=8.08, p=0.01) but not between the control group and the
      other two(F(df=1)=4.34, p=0.047). The duration of occlusion was significantly
      increased in the BTX-A group after 3 months' treatment (t=4.07, p=0.003). The
      asymmetrical distribution of occlusal force was reduced in all three groups, but
      not significantly so (Levene's test F(df=2)=0.25, p=0.78,ANOVA F(df=2)=0.50,
      p=0.61). Treatment of TMD with BTX-A is effective in reducing the occlusal force,
      but psychological intervention plays an important part in treatment. 

PMID- 27138230
TI  - Oral myiasis in a patient with neurological signs.

PMID- 27138231
TI  - Cross-Validation of Resting Metabolic Rate Prediction Equations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) measurement is time consuming and
      requires specialized equipment. Prediction equations provide an easy method to
      estimate RMR; however, their accuracy likely varies across individuals.
      Understanding the factors that influence the accuracy of RMR predictions will
      help to revise existing, or develop new and improved, equations. OBJECTIVE: Our
      aim was to test the validity of RMR predicted in healthy adults by the Harris
      Benedict, World Health Organization, Mifflin-St Jeor, Nelson, Wang equations, and
      three meta-equations of Sabounchi. DESIGN: Predicted RMR was tested for agreement
      with indirect calorimetry. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Men and women (n=30) age 18 to
      65 years from Grand Forks, ND, were recruited and included for analysis during
      spring/summer 2014. Participants were nonobese or obese (body mass index range=19
      to 39) and primarly white. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Agreement between measured
      (indirect calorimetry) and predicted RMR was measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The
      methods of Bland and Altman were employed to determine mean bias (predicted minus
      measured RMR, kcal/day) and limits of agreement between predicted and measured
      RMR. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test for bias in RMR
      predicted from each equation vs the measured RMR. RESULTS: Bias (mean+/-2
      standard deviations) was lowest for the Harris-Benedict (-14+/-378 kcal/24 h) and
      World Health Organization (-25+/-394 kcal/24 h) equations. These equations also
      predicted RMR that were not different from measured. Mean RMR predictions from
      all other equations significantly differed from indirect calorimetry. The 2
      standard deviation limits of agreement were moderate or large for all equations
      tested, ranging from 314 to 445 kcal/24 h. Prediction bias was inversely
      associated with the magnitude of RMR and with fat-free mass. CONCLUSIONS: At the
      group level, the traditional Harris-Benedict and World Health Organization
      equations were the most accurate. However, these equations did not perform well
      at the individual level. As fat-free mass increased, the prediction equations
      further underestimated RMR.

PMID- 27138232
TI  - The reliability and validity of the Greenspan Social Emotional Growth Chart
      (GSEGC) in Israeli children with developmental delay and autism-A pilot study.
AB  - Healthy social-emotional development in early childhood is important as an
      indicator of general well-being and for positive outcome in later childhood.
      Therefore, screening for potential social emotional problems is valuable.
      Accurate, usable, and affordable screening tools have been especially difficult
      to develop. The cross cultural validity of a screening instrument should be
      assessed. The aim of the current study was to investigate the reliability and
      validity of the Greenspan social-emotional growth chart (GSEGC) in Israeli
      children of three diagnostic groups: (1) Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) (2)
      Developmental language disorder (DLD) and (3) Developmental motor delay (DMD). An
      internal reliability of alpha of 0.95 for the GSEGC standardized for age score
      and of 0.78 for the sensory processing sub scores was found. A confirmatory
      factor analysis (CFA) using a 5-factor model confirmed an acceptable fit.
      Positive (62.86%) and negative (94.73%) predictive values also support the
      clinical usefulness of the GSEGC in identifying children at low risk for ASD.
      CONCLUSIONS: The GSEGC appears to be a promising tool for the screening of social
      emotional problems in early childhood. Further studies in different cultures are
      warranted.

PMID- 27138233
TI  - Letter to the Editor.

PMID- 27138234
TI  - Molecular Buffers Permit Sensitivity Tuning and Inversion of Riboswitch Signals.
AB  - Predictable integration of foreign biological signals and parts remains a key
      challenge in the systematic engineering of synthetic cellular actuations, and
      general methods to improve signal transduction and sensitivity are needed. To
      address this problem we modeled and built a molecular signal buffer network in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae inspired by chemical pH buffer systems. The molecular
      buffer system context-insulates a riboswitch enabling synthetic control of colony
      formation and modular signal manipulations. The riboswitch signal is relayed to a
      transcriptional activation domain of a split transcription factor, while
      interacting DNA-binding domains mediate the transduction of signal and form an
      interacting molecular buffer. The molecular buffer system enables modular signal
      inversion through integration with repressor modules. Further, tuning of input
      sensitivity was achieved through perturbation of the buffer pair ratio guided by
      a mathematical model. Such buffered signal tuning networks will be useful for
      domestication of RNA-based sensors enabling tunable outputs and library-wide
      selections for drug discovery and metabolic engineering.

PMID- 27138235
TI  - [Non-Antibiotic Strategies to Prevent the Recurrence of Uncomplicated Urinary
      Tract Infections in Women].
AB  - The aim of all medical treatment is "primum nihil nocere" ("First, do no
      harm").Restoring the integrity of intestinal microbiota and optimising the immune
      response in recurrent infections, especially in the urinary tract, are treatment
      alternatives which are closer to this target than the usual focus on antibiotic
      prevention of recurrence.In the future, antibiotics will continue to be
      recommended for the prevention of urinary tract infections on a case-by-case
      basis. However, the problems of an excessive use of antibiotics, e. g. resistance
      and long-term interference with intestinal microbiota, are forcing us to search
      for alternatives. The use of probiotics alone or in combination with
      immunotherapeutics, or the sole use of immunotherapeutics, are important
      treatment options, which are already routinely available in clinical practice.
      These therapies are focused on the pathomechanism of an infection and tackle the
      root cause of the problem. Phytotherapeutics or small molecules like mannose,
      which restricts the adherence of bacteria to the urothelium, are complementary
      approaches.The EAU guidelines recommend the following treatments for the long
      term prevention of urinary tract infections:Oral and parenteral immunostimulants
      (StroVac((r))), local estrogen replacement and administration of Lactobacillus
      rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri.

PMID- 27138237
TI  - Amino acid-promoted C-H alkylation with alkylboronic acids using a removable
      directing group.
AB  - Palladium-catalyzed C-H alkylation reaction with alkylboronic acids has
      successfully been developed using a removable pyridyldiisopropylsilyl directing
      group. The amino acid played a crucial role as a ligand in the reaction. The
      alkylation protocol is also applicable to the coupling of C(sp(3))-H bonds with
      alkylboronic acids. 

PMID- 27138236
TI  - Levosimendan Versus Dobutamine in Myocardial Injury Patients with Septic Shock: A
      Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the effect of levosimendan on biomarkers of
      myocardial injury and systemic hemodynamics in patients with septic shock.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS After achieving normovolemia and a mean arterial pressure of
      at least 65 mmHg, 38 septic shock patients with low cardiac output (left
      ventricular ejective fraction), LEVF L45%) were randomly divided into two groups:
      levosimendan dobutamine. Patients in the levosimendan and dobutamine groups were
      maintained with intravenous infusion of levosimendan (0.2 MUg/kg/minute) and
      dobutamine (5 MUg/kg/minute) for 24 hours respectively. During treatment we
      monitored hemodynamics and LVEF, and measured levels of heart-type fatty acid
      binding protein (HFABP), troponin I (TNI), and brain natriuretic peptide(BNP). In
      addition, the length of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) stay,
      hospital stay, and 28-day mortality were compared between the two groups. RESULTS
      The levosimendan group and the dobutamine group were well matched with respect to
      age (years, 55.4 +/- 1 7.5 versus 50.2 +/- 13.6) and gender (males, 68.4% versus
      57.9%). Levosimendan-treated patients had higher stroke volume index (SVI),
      cardiac index (CI), LVEF, and left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI), and
      lower extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) compared to dobutamine-treated
      patients (p<0.05). HFABP, TNI, and BNP in the levosimendan group were less than
      in the dobutamine group (p<0.05). There was no difference in the mechanical
      ventilation time, length of stay in ICU and hospital, and 28-day mortality
      between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Compared with dobutamine, levosimendan
      reduces biomarkers of myocardial injury and improves systemic hemodynamics in
      patients with septic shock. However, it does not reduce the days on mechanical
      ventilation, length of stay in ICU and hospital, or 28-day mortality.

PMID- 27138238
TI  - An unusual method of forensic human identification: use of selfie photographs.
AB  - As with other methods of identification, in forensic odontology, antemortem data
      are compared with postmortem findings. In the absence of dental documentation,
      photographs of the smile play an important role in this comparison. As yet, there
      are no reports of the use of the selfie photograph for identification purposes.
      Owing to advancements in technology, electronic devices, and social networks,
      this type of photograph has become increasingly common. This paper describes a
      case in which selfie photographs were used to identify a carbonized body, by
      using the smile line and image superimposition. This low-cost, rapid, and easy to
      analyze technique provides highly reliable results. Nevertheless, there are
      disadvantages, such as the limited number of teeth that are visible in a
      photograph, low image quality, possibility of morphological changes in the teeth
      after the antemortem image was taken, and difficulty of making comparisons
      depending on the orientation of the photo. In forensic odontology, new methods of
      identification must be sought to accompany technological evolution, particularly
      when no traditional methods of comparison, such as clinical record charts or
      radiographs, are available. 

PMID- 27138239
TI  - Combined sodium ion sensitivity in agonist binding and internalization of
      vasopressin V1b receptors.
AB  - Reducing Na(+) in the extracellular environment may lead to two beneficial
      effects for increasing agonist binding to cell surface G-protein coupled
      receptors (GPCRs): reduction of Na(+)-mediated binding block and reduce of
      receptor internalization. However, such combined effects have not been explored.
      We used Chinese Hamster Ovary cells expressing vasopressin V1b receptors as a
      model to explore Na(+) sensitivity in agonist binding and receptor
      internalization. Under basal conditions, a large fraction of V1b receptors is
      located intracellularly, and a small fraction is in the plasma membrane.
      Decreases in external Na(+) increased cell surface [(3)H]AVP binding and
      decreased receptor internalization. Substitution of Na(+) by Cs(+) or NH4(+)
      inhibited agonist binding. To suppress receptor internalization, the
      concentration of NaCl, but not of CsCl, had to be less than 50 mM, due to the
      high sensitivity of the internalization machinery to Na(+) over Cs(+). Iso
      osmotic supplementation of glucose or NH4Cl maintained internalization of the V1b
      receptor, even in a low-NaCl environment. Moreover, iodide ions, which acted as a
      counter anion, inhibited V1b agonist binding. In summary, we found external ionic
      conditions that could increase the presence of high-affinity state receptors at
      the cell surface with minimum internalization during agonist stimulations.

PMID- 27138240
TI  - Spontaneous bone regeneration after segmental mandibular resection: a
      retrospective study of 13 cases.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of cases of
      spontaneous bone regeneration of the mandible after segmental resection. This
      retrospective study covered a 23-year period and used data obtained from the
      hospital records; patient data were entered into a pro-forma questionnaire.
      Overall, the cases of 636 patients with mandibular lesions treated by segmental
      resection were reviewed; 13 (2.0%) had spontaneous bone regeneration. The time
      post-surgery at which bone regeneration was first noticed ranged from 9 to 17
      weeks. Seven patients were male (53.8%) and six were female (46.2%), giving a
      male to female ratio of 1.2:1. The patients ranged in age from 16 to 51 years
      (mean 26.6+/-3.6 years). The periosteum was completely excised after resection in
      eight patients (61.5%), while it was partially preserved in five (38.5%). The
      younger the patient, the earlier the spontaneous bone regeneration occurred in
      the defect (P=0.001), particularly in those who had complete excision of the
      periosteum. Radiographically, the new bone formed was observed to have the same
      appearance as the cortical bone of the mandibular stumps, but lacked height. This
      study suggests that bone graft reconstructions may still be necessary for this
      group of patients who show spontaneous bone regeneration. 

PMID- 27138241
TI  - Racial and Ethnic Health Care Disparities Among Women in the Veterans Affairs
      Healthcare System: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women are a rapidly growing segment of patients who seek care in the
      Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, yet many questions regarding their
      health care experiences and outcomes remain unanswered. Racial and ethnic
      disparities have been well-documented in the general population and among
      veterans; however, prior disparities research conducted in the VA focused
      primarily on male veterans. We sought to characterize the findings and gaps in
      the literature on racial and ethnic disparities among women using the VA.
      METHODS: We systematically reviewed the literature on racial and ethnic health
      care disparities exclusively among women using the VA Healthcare System. We
      included studies that examined health care use, satisfaction, and/or quality, and
      stratified data by race or ethnicity. RESULTS: Nine studies of the 2,591 searched
      met our inclusion criteria. The included studies examined contraception
      provision/access (n = 3), treatment of low bone mass (n = 1), hormone therapy (n
      = 1), use of mental health or substance abuse-related services (n = 2), trauma
      exposure and use of various services (n = 1), and satisfaction with primary care
      (n = 1). Five of nine studies showed evidence of a significant racial or ethnic
      difference. CONCLUSION: In contrast with the wealth of literature examining
      disparities both among the male veterans and women in non-VA settings, only nine
      studies examine racial and ethnic disparities specifically among women in the VA
      Healthcare System. These results demonstrate that there is an unmet need to
      further assess health care disparities among female VA users.

PMID- 27138242
TI  - Prevalence and Correlates of Having a Regular Physician among Women Presenting
      for Induced Abortion.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and correlates of having a regular
      physician among women presenting for induced abortion. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective review of women presenting to an urban, university-based family
      planning clinic for abortion between January 2008 and September 2011. We
      conducted bivariate analyses, comparing women with and without a regular
      physician, and multivariable regression modeling, to identify factors associated
      with not having a regular physician. RESULTS: Of 834 women, 521 (62.5%) had a
      regular physician and 313 (37.5%) did not. Women with a prior pregnancy, live
      birth, or spontaneous abortion were more likely than women without these
      experiences to have a regular physician. Women with a prior induced abortion were
      not more likely than women who had never had a prior induced abortion to have a
      regular physician. Compared with women younger than 18 years, women aged 18 to 26
      years were less likely to have a physician (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.25; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.10-0.62). Women with a prior live birth had increased
      odds of having a regular physician compared with women without a prior pregnancy
      (aOR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.13-3.16). Women without medical/fetal indications and who
      had not been victims of sexual assault (self-indicated) were less likely to
      report having a regular physician compared with women with medical/fetal
      indications (aOR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.17-0.82). CONCLUSIONS: The abortion visit is a
      point of contact with a large number of women without a regular physician and
      therefore provides an opportunity to integrate women into health care.

PMID- 27138243
TI  - Synthesis and in-vitro reactivation screening of imidazolium aldoximes as
      reactivators of sarin and VX-inhibited human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE).
AB  - Post-treatment of organophosphate (OP) poisoning involves the application of
      oxime reactivator as an antidote. Structurally different oximes are widely
      studied to examine their kinetic and mechanistic behavior against OP-inhibited
      cholinesterase enzyme. A series of structurally related 1,3-disubstituted-2
      [(hydroxyiminomethyl)alkyl]imidazolium halides (5a-5e, 9a-9c) were synthesized
      and further evaluated for their in-vitro reactivation ability to reactivate sarin
      and VX-inhibited human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE). The observed results were
      compared with the reactivation efficacy of standard reactivators; 2-PAM,
      obidoxime and HI-6. Amongst the synthesized oximes, 5a, 9a and 9b were found to
      be most potent reactivators against sarin-inhibited hAChE while in case of VX
      only 9a exhibited comparable reactivity with 2-PAM. Incorporation of pyridinium
      ring to the imidazole ring resulted in substantial increase in the reactivation
      strength of prepared reactivator. Physicochemical properties of synthesized
      reactivators have also been evaluated.

PMID- 27138244
TI  - Circulating of CMY-2 beta-lactamase gene in weaned pigs and their environment in
      a commercial farm and the effect of feed supplementation with a clay mineral.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the mechanisms leading to an increase in the prevalence of
      blaCMY -2 conferring resistance to ceftiofur in pigs receiving a feed medicated
      with chlortetracycline and penicillin, and to examine the effect of
      supplementation with a clay mineral on this phenomenon. METHODS AND RESULTS: In
      138 blaCMY -2 -positive Escherichia coli isolates from faeces of pigs receiving
      feed supplemented or not with 2% clinoptilolite, from day 2 to day 28 after
      weaning, isolates from the two groups differed significantly with respect to
      their phylogenetic group: phylotype A predominated in the supplemented group,
      whereas phylotypes B1 and D predominated in the control group, as determined by
      PCR. In 36 representative isolates, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and
      antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the blaCMY -2 -positive E.
      coli isolates were polyclonal with diverse antimicrobial resistance patterns and
      blaCMY -2 -carrying plasmids of incompatibility (Inc) groups, A/C, I1 and ColE
      were observed in transformants as detected by PCR. Enterobacter cloacae
      possessing blaCMY -2 -carrying IncA/C plasmids were found in the pens before
      introduction of this batch of pigs. The blaCMY -2 -positive E. coli isolates were
      more clonally diverse in the control group than the supplemented group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The blaCMY -2 gene appears to have spread both horizontally and
      clonally in this batch of pigs and may have spread from previous batches of pigs
      via plasmids carried by Ent. cloacae and expanded in animals of the present batch
      in the presence of the selection pressure due to administration of
      chlortetracycline and penicillin in the feed. Feed supplementation may have an
      effect on clonal diversity of blaCMY -2 -positive isolates. SIGNIFICANCE AND
      IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Implementation of improved hygiene measures, decreased
      administration of certain antimicrobials on farm and feed supplementation with
      certain ingredients may limit antimicrobial resistance spread between and within
      batches of animals.

PMID- 27138245
TI  - Effects of an integrated health education and elastic band resistance training
      program on physical function and muscle strength in community-dwelling elderly
      women: Healthy Aging and Happy Aging II study.
AB  - AIM: In the present study, we determined the effect of an integrated health
      education and elastic band resistance training program on body composition,
      physical function, muscle strength and quality in community-dwelling elderly
      women. METHODS: We recruited participants with eligibility inclusion criteria,
      and randomly assigned them to either the control group (n = 19) or the
      intervention group (n = 19). The integrated intervention program comprised of
      health education and individual counseling, and elastic band training for 18
      weeks (8 weeks of supervised training and 10 weeks of self-directed training). We
      assessed body composition, muscle strength and quality, and physical function at
      pre-, after 8 weeks (mid-) and 18 weeks (post-training). RESULTS: After the
      intervention, there were no significant changes in skeletal muscle index, fat
      free mass, total lean mass and total fat mass for both the control group and
      intervention group. However, the interaction effect was significantly different
      in SPPB score (P < 0.05), isokinetic strength (60 deg/s, P < 0.001; 120 deg/s; P
      < 0.05) and muscle quality (P < 0.05) after 18 weeks of intervention relative to
      the baseline of the control and intervention groups. The supervised elastic band
      training of 8 weeks did not improve short physical performance battery score and
      isokinetic strength, whereas there was a significant increase of those outcomes
      (10.6% improvement, 9.8~23.5% improvement) after 10 weeks of following self
      directed exercise compared with the baseline. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the
      effectiveness of following self-directed resistance training with health
      education after supervised training cessation in improvement of short physical
      performance battery and leg muscle strength. This intervention program might be
      an effective method to promote muscle strength and quality, and to prevent
      frailty in elderly women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 825-833.

PMID- 27138246
TI  - Maternal smoking during pregnancy leaves lasting marks on the child's genetic
      regulatory machinery contributing to lung disease development later in life.

PMID- 27138247
TI  - Inhibitory Effect on Lipid Absorption and Variability of Chemical Constituents
      from Capparis sicula subsp. sicula and Capparis orientalis.
AB  - In continuation of our research program on Mediterranean dietary plants, a
      bioassay-guided fractionation of extracts from several accessions of Capparis
      sicula subsp. sicula and Capparis orientalis aerial parts was carried out.
      Antilipidemic activity of samples was assayed using inhibition of pancreatic
      lipase. To study the metabolic variability in Capparis species, HPTLC analyses
      were performed in order to characterize the species through the detection,
      isolation, and quantitative evaluation of rutin taken as significant chemical
      marker. The best activity was exerted by C. orientalis accession no. C10 and C.
      sicula subsp. sicula accession no. C6. The bioactivity evaluation of specific
      chemical markers, rutin and glucocapparin, led to the identification of a potent
      antilipidemic compound rutin. The HPTLC analysis showed large variation among the
      different analyzed samples with respect to rutin concentration. The chemical
      investigation showed a different composition between the species and between the
      collection zones. The variations showed by the studied accessions of caper could
      be attributed to exogenous factors. Capparis species contained predominantly
      quercetin rutinoside (rutin), accompanied by other constituents such as the
      glucosinolate glucocapparin. These rutin-rich extracts exhibited pronounced dose
      dependent enzyme inhibitory activities toward pancreatic lipase. 

PMID- 27138248
TI  - Approach Behaviour, Stress and Substance Use in Young Adults.
AB  - We investigated the interaction between approach behaviours (measured through
      performance on a resource-gathering task) and self-reported global life stress to
      predict substance use. Our hypothesis that high levels of approach behaviour in
      combination with high life stress would predict elevated substance use was guided
      by the reinforcement sensitivity theory (Gray & McNaughton, ). Ninety-three young
      adult students (61 women and 32 men) completed a computerized resource-gathering
      task and questionnaires assessing global life stress and substance use.
      Consistent with the hypothesis, approach behaviour was positively related to
      substance use for individuals with high life stress. The findings suggest that
      person by environment interactions are useful in understanding substance use and
      we discuss how approach-motivated individuals may arrive at different substance
      use outcomes as a function of stressful contexts. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27138249
TI  - Lipoprotein secretion: It takes two to TANGO.
AB  - An unsolved mystery in cell biology is how unusually large secretory cargoes are
      exported from the endoplasmic reticulum. In this issue, Santos et al. (2016. J.
      Cell Biol http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201603072) report the function of a
      Mia2/cTAGE5 transcript fusion, named TALI, in the endoplasmic reticulum export of
      chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins, but not collagen XII.

PMID- 27138250
TI  - Sliding of centrosome-unattached microtubules defines key features of neuronal
      phenotype.
AB  - Contemporary models for neuronal migration are grounded in the view that
      virtually all functionally relevant microtubules (MTs) in migrating neurons are
      attached to the centrosome, which occupies a position between the nucleus and a
      short leading process. It is assumed that MTs do not undergo independent
      movements but rather transduce forces that enable movements of the centrosome and
      nucleus. The present results demonstrate that although this is mostly true, a
      small fraction of the MTs are centrosome-unattached, and this permits limited
      sliding of MTs. When this sliding is pharmacologically inhibited, the leading
      process becomes shorter, migration of the neuron deviates from its normal path,
      and the MTs within the leading process become buckled. Partial depletion of
      ninein, a protein that attaches MTs to the centrosome, leads to greater numbers
      of centrosome-unattached MTs as well as greater sliding of MTs. Concomitantly,
      the soma becomes less mobile and the leading process acquires an elongated
      morphology akin to an axon.

PMID- 27138251
TI  - Tipping the spindle into the right position.
AB  - The position of the mitotic spindle determines the cleavage plane in animal
      cells, but what controls spindle positioning? Kern et al. (2016. J. Cell Biol.
      http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201510117) demonstrate that the microtubule plus
      end-associated SKAP/Astrin complex participates in this process, possibly by
      affecting dynein-dependent pulling forces exerted on the tips of astral
      microtubules.

PMID- 27138252
TI  - Regulation of podocalyxin trafficking by Rab small GTPases in 2D and 3D
      epithelial cell cultures.
AB  - MDCK II cells, a widely used model of polarized epithelia, develop into different
      structures depending on culture conditions: two-dimensional (2D) monolayers when
      grown on synthetic supports or three-dimensional (3D) cysts when surrounded by an
      extracellular matrix. The establishment of epithelial polarity is accompanied by
      transcytosis of the apical marker podocalyxin from the outer plasma membrane to
      the newly formed apical domain, but its exact route and regulation remain poorly
      understood. Here, through comprehensive colocalization and knockdown screenings,
      we identified the Rab GTPases mediating podocalyxin transcytosis and showed that
      different sets of Rabs coordinate its transport during cell polarization in 2D
      and 3D structures. Moreover, we demonstrated that different Rab35 effectors
      regulate podocalyxin trafficking in 2D and 3D environments; trafficking is
      mediated by OCRL in 2D monolayers and ACAP2 in 3D cysts. Our results give
      substantial insight into regulation of the transcytosis of this apical marker and
      highlight differences between trafficking mechanisms in 2D and 3D cell cultures.

PMID- 27138253
TI  - Secretory cargo sorting by Ca2+-dependent Cab45 oligomerization at the trans
      Golgi network.
AB  - Sorting and export of transmembrane cargoes and lysosomal hydrolases at the trans
      Golgi network (TGN) are well understood. However, elucidation of the mechanism by
      which secretory cargoes are segregated for their release into the extracellular
      space remains a challenge. We have previously demonstrated that, in a reaction
      that requires Ca(2+), the soluble TGN-resident protein Cab45 is necessary for the
      sorting of secretory cargoes at the TGN. Here, we report that Cab45 reversibly
      assembles into oligomers in the presence of Ca(2+) These Cab45 oligomers
      specifically bind secretory proteins, such as COMP and LyzC, in a Ca(2+)
      dependent manner in vitro. In intact cells, mutation of the Ca(2+)-binding sites
      in Cab45 impairs oligomerization, as well as COMP and LyzC sorting.
      Superresolution microscopy revealed that Cab45 colocalizes with secretory
      proteins and the TGN Ca(2+) pump (SPCA1) in specific TGN microdomains. These
      findings reveal that Ca(2+)-dependent changes in Cab45 mediate sorting of
      specific cargo molecules at the TGN.

PMID- 27138254
TI  - Rab-mediated membrane trafficking and the control of epithelial cell polarity.
AB  - Development of cell polarity requires apical trafficking of podocalyxin; yet the
      regulation of its transport is unclear. In this issue, Mrozowska and Fukuda
      (2016. J. Cell Biol http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201512024) demonstrate that
      different sets of Rabs and Rab effectors are used to regulate podocalyxin
      trafficking in two- versus three-dimensional model systems.

PMID- 27138255
TI  - TANGO1 and Mia2/cTAGE5 (TALI) cooperate to export bulky pre-chylomicrons/VLDLs
      from the endoplasmic reticulum.
AB  - Procollagens, pre-chylomicrons, and pre-very low-density lipoproteins (pre-VLDLs)
      are too big to fit into conventional COPII-coated vesicles, so how are these
      bulky cargoes exported from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)? We have shown that
      TANGO1 located at the ER exit site is necessary for procollagen export. We report
      a role for TANGO1 and TANGO1-like (TALI), a chimeric protein resulting from
      fusion of MIA2 and cTAGE5 gene products, in the export of pre-chylomicrons and
      pre-VLDLs from the ER. TANGO1 binds TALI, and both interact with apolipoprotein B
      (ApoB) and are necessary for the recruitment of ApoB-containing lipid particles
      to ER exit sites for their subsequent export. Although export of ApoB requires
      the function of both TANGO1 and TALI, the export of procollagen XII by the same
      cells requires only TANGO1. These findings reveal a general role for TANGO1 in
      the export of bulky cargoes from the ER and identify a specific requirement for
      TALI in assisting TANGO1 to export bulky lipid particles.

PMID- 27138256
TI  - RhoB controls endothelial barrier recovery by inhibiting Rac1 trafficking to the
      cell border.
AB  - Endothelial barrier dysfunction underlies chronic inflammatory diseases. In
      searching for new proteins essential to the human endothelial inflammatory
      response, we have found that the endosomal GTPase RhoB is up-regulated in
      response to inflammatory cytokines and expressed in the endothelium of some
      chronically inflamed tissues. We show that although RhoB and the related RhoA and
      RhoC play additive and redundant roles in various aspects of endothelial barrier
      function, RhoB specifically inhibits barrier restoration after acute cell
      contraction by preventing plasma membrane extension. During barrier restoration,
      RhoB trafficking is induced between vesicles containing RhoB nanoclusters and
      plasma membrane protrusions. The Rho GTPase Rac1 controls membrane spreading and
      stabilizes endothelial barriers. We show that RhoB colocalizes with Rac1 in
      endosomes and inhibits Rac1 activity and trafficking to the cell border during
      barrier recovery. Inhibition of endosomal trafficking impairs barrier
      reformation, whereas induction of Rac1 translocation to the plasma membrane
      accelerates it. Therefore, RhoB-specific regulation of Rac1 trafficking controls
      endothelial barrier integrity during inflammation.

PMID- 27138257
TI  - A mitotic SKAP isoform regulates spindle positioning at astral microtubule plus
      ends.
AB  - The Astrin/SKAP complex plays important roles in mitotic chromosome alignment and
      centrosome integrity, but previous work found conflicting results for SKAP
      function. Here, we demonstrate that SKAP is expressed as two distinct isoforms in
      mammals: a longer, testis-specific isoform that was used for the previous studies
      in mitotic cells and a novel, shorter mitotic isoform. Unlike the long isoform,
      short SKAP rescues SKAP depletion in mitosis and displays robust microtubule plus
      end tracking, including localization to astral microtubules. Eliminating SKAP
      microtubule binding results in severe chromosome segregation defects. In
      contrast, SKAP mutants specifically defective for plus-end tracking facilitate
      proper chromosome segregation but display spindle positioning defects. Cells
      lacking SKAP plus-end tracking have reduced Clasp1 localization at microtubule
      plus ends and display increased lateral microtubule contacts with the cell
      cortex, which we propose results in unbalanced dynein-dependent cortical pulling
      forces. Our work reveals an unappreciated role for the Astrin/SKAP complex as an
      astral microtubule mediator of mitotic spindle positioning.

PMID- 27138259
TI  - The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ): Factor Structure and Gender
      Equivalence in Norwegian Adolescents.
AB  - Although frequently used with older adolescents, few studies of the factor
      structure, internal consistency and gender equivalence of the SDQ exists for this
      age group, with inconsistent findings. In the present study, confirmatory factor
      analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the five-factor structure of the SDQ in a
      population sample of 10,254 16-18 year-olds from the youth@hordaland study.
      Measurement invariance across gender was assessed using multigroup CFA. A
      modestly modified five-factor solution fitted the data acceptably, accounting for
      one cross loading and some local dependencies. Importantly, partial measurement
      non-invariance was identified, with differential item functioning in eight items,
      and higher correlations between emotional and conduct problems for boys compared
      to girls. Implications for use clinically and in research are discussed.

PMID- 27138258
TI  - Thyroid hormones and cardiac remodeling.
AB  - Thyroid hormones have many cardioprotective actions expressed mainly through the
      action of T3 on thyroid receptors alpha1 and beta1. They are procontractile anti
      apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic, promote angiogenesis and
      regeneration, and have beneficial effects on microRNA profiles. They have proven
      to be anti-remodeling in numerous animal studies, mostly in rodents; a specific
      action on the border zone has been described. Studies in humans with DIPTA have
      been in conclusion. Remodeling can be defined as an increase of >=20 % of the end
      diastolic or end-systolic volume, together with a return to the fetal phenotype.
      An overview of animal and clinical studies is given.

PMID- 27138260
TI  - A case of acute paraneoplastic neurological syndrome in BRAF mutant metastatic
      melanoma.
AB  - A 58-year-old man with indolent metastatic BRAF mutant melanoma presented with
      several days' history of progressive ataxia and dysdiadochokinesia. His
      PET/computed tomography restaging scan indicated two new fluorine-18
      fluorodeoxyglucose-avid mesenteric lymph nodes. Meanwhile, his MRI brain and
      whole spine were within normal limits. A lumbar puncture indicated an elevated
      protein level with a normal cell count and negative paraneoplastic antibodies.
      Because of the lack of an alternative differential, the diagnosis of
      paraneoplastic syndrome was made. He was started on high-dose corticosteroids as
      well as dabrafenib and trametinib. Despite this, his neurological symptoms
      continued to progress. Consequently, he was trialed on a course of intravenous
      immunoglobulin, which stabilized his symptoms. He continued to improve over
      several weeks, with near-complete resolution of all his neurological symptoms,
      and showed a complete radiological response of his disease. To our knowledge,
      this is the first reported case of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome with
      mixed neurology associated with BRAF mutant cutaneous melanoma that responded to
      BRAF targeted therapy.

PMID- 27138261
TI  - Long-Range Ordering of Ionic Liquid Fluid Films.
AB  - We report the transformation of ionic liquid films from isotropic bulk to a fluid
      ordered state over micrometer length scales. Data from infrared and nonlinear
      spectroscopy measurements show clear transitions that, for varying ionic liquids,
      occur over time frames of 10 min to 2 h. These maturation times depend linearly
      on the chosen ionic liquids' bulk viscosities. Interestingly, the ionic liquids
      do not form solids upon ordering but do exhibit strong preferential alignments of
      molecules that persist throughout the fluid films' thicknesses. Our measurements
      characterize this ordering process and show that it is largely insensitive to
      substrate surface chemistry or small amounts of absorbed water. Additional
      experiments show the transition is observed across several of the most common
      ionic liquid cations and that the process is completely reversible. The driving
      force for this organization is attributed to electrostatic and steric forces
      combined with a slow shearing of the viscous ionic liquid. These interactions
      work together to slowly bring the molecules within the film to a preferred,
      global orientation. The physical length and time scales of this transformation
      are unexpected and intriguing and invite additional studies to develop an
      understanding and control of ionic liquid materials' behavior, particularly near
      surfaces, to benefit their uses in lubrication, capacitive energy storage, and
      heterogeneous catalysis.

PMID- 27138263
TI  - Nephrogenic Adenoma: Clinical Features, Management, and Diagnostic Pitfalls.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the diagnosis and management of nephrogenic adenoma (NA), an
      uncommon benign lesion found in the urinary tract. This lesion arises from a
      proliferation of implanted renal tubular cells. Although more common in adults,
      it can occur in all ages. NAs can recur and cause significant morbidity in
      patients. NAs are also a potential diagnostic pitfall as they can clinically and
      histologically mimic malignancy in the urinary tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      performed an Institutional Board Review approved search of our surgical pathology
      database from 2005 to 2015 for cases of NA. A retrospective chart review was
      performed with a focus on the clinical, pathologic, and radiographic findings in
      these patients. RESULTS: We identified 32 cases of NA in 31 patients. Lesions
      were most common in Caucasian males (male-to-female ratio of 2:1) with an average
      age at diagnosis of 55 years (range 25-77). Bladder was the most common site of
      occurrence (81.2%), followed by ureter (9.4%), urethra (6.3%), and intrarenal
      collecting system (3.1%). Most patients (72%) were symptomatic and presented with
      hematuria (41%), lower urinary tract symptoms (28%), pelvic or flank pain (6%),
      hydronephrosis (19%), or urinary incontinence (13%). NA was asymptomatic and
      identified incidentally in 9 (28%) patients. One patient (3%) had a renal
      transplant and 8 (26%) patients had diabetes mellitus. Twenty-six (84%) patients
      were managed with endoscopic resection of their tumors. CONCLUSION: NAs are
      benign lesions that may cause significant morbidity and mimic malignant tumors.
      There should be increased suspicion in patients with predisposing factors.

PMID- 27138264
TI  - Re: Shoskes et al: The Urinary Microbiome Differs Significantly Between Patients
      With Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Controls as Well as
      Between Patients With Different Clinical Phenotypes (Urology 2016 March 9. pii:
      S0090-4295(16)00267-3. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2016.02.043).

PMID- 27138265
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27138266
TI  - Antimicrobial Practice Patterns for Urethroplasty: Opportunity for Improved
      Stewardship.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current antimicrobial administration practice patterns
      for urethroplasty among genitourinary reconstruction experts. Improper use of
      antimicrobials is a global concern. The American Urological Association suggests
      that for perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis, a single dose of intravenous
      cephalosporin be administered for open surgery involving the urinary system. No
      specific guidelines exist for urethral reconstruction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A 27
      question survey was designed to assess antimicrobial practice patterns and was
      administered to 40 international members of the Society of Genitourinary
      Reconstructive Surgeons who commonly perform urethroplasty. RESULTS: The response
      rate was 85% (n = 34). Preoperative: Seventy-one percent order a urine culture
      preoperatively despite urine analysis result, and 32% do so 1 week prior.
      Regardless of catheter status, 41.8% use a urine bacteria threshold of 10K colony
      forming units/mL to initiate treatment and ideal duration was 7 days in 35%.
      Meanwhile, 58.8% would not postpone surgery if preferred duration was not met,
      and 35% would empirically treat with antimicrobials if a urine culture was not
      performed. Perioperative: The majority administer 2 antimicrobials
      intraoperatively with 42% preferring aminoglycoside + penicillin regardless of.
      Postoperative: Eighteen percent to 24% of respondents continue intravenous
      antimicrobials for longer than 24 hours. Sixty-one percent administer oral
      antimicrobials until postoperative catheter removal (2-4 weeks), and the majority
      give additional antimicrobials at catheter removal. CONCLUSION: There is
      substantial variability and likely overuse of preoperative, perioperative, and
      postoperative antimicrobial administration for urethroplasty. Extended
      prophylactic duration is common postoperatively. Antimicrobial stewardship is our
      responsibility, and opportunity exists for improvement in antibiotic
      administration in urethral reconstruction. Prospective trials are requisite to
      establish guidelines for judicious yet effective regimens.

PMID- 27138267
TI  - [Pioneering surgical innovations in Germany : Part 2: public funding and origins
      of surgical innovations].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years research that conforms with evidence-based medicine
      (EBM) has been demanded even in surgery. Uniform studies were carried out to
      prove the benefits of new procedures; however, compared to other research
      sectors, public third party funding for surgical research was significantly cut
      back. OBJECTIVE: Collation of special features in surgery with respect to
      external funding of surgical top level research. Examination of the benefits of a
      continuous promotion and of organizations involved in research. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Part one of this investigation presented the methods used to identify
      and analyze pioneering research in surgery. RESULTS: Out of a total of 15
      revolutionary innovations only 3 projects were financed by external funding and 2
      projects received indirect financial support as a result of a cooperation with
      the medical industry. This demonstrates that the majority of projects were
      neither directly nor indirectly subsidized. Apart from one instance the majority
      of innovations were generated by university hospitals highly active in research.
      DISCUSSION: In effect, the non-existing external funding for outstanding surgical
      innovations and hospitals suggests that a reformation of surgical research is
      required. To strengthen the quality of innovations in surgery a concentration of
      funding to institutions that are highly active in research makes sense.
      Institutional funding directly linked to a project should form a key component of
      support particularly in the early stages of development.

PMID- 27138268
TI  - [Acute and chronic mediastinitis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: A systematic approach to the etiology and possible course of acute
      mediastinitis is a prerequisite for adequate diagnostics and therapy. Chronic
      mediastinitis represents a rarity in the clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      A selective literature search was carried out. RESULTS: An acute infection of the
      mediastinum occurs after perforation of mediastinal structures, such as the
      esophagus and trachea mostly of iatrogenic origin and as descending necrotizing
      mediastinitis (DNM) from oropharyngeal foci. The mortality rate of esophageal
      injuries, irrespective of the cause is currently given as 12 %. A DNM results
      from an unobstructed spread along the cervicothoracic spaces and is a severe
      infection which manifests as a clinical picture of sepsis. The mortality rate
      given in the currently available literature is 14 %. Chronic mediastinitis is a
      very rare condition which is characterized by the proliferation of fibrous and
      collagenous tissue in the mediastinum. Whereas the pathogenesis remains unclear,
      there are indications for a Histoplasma capsulatum infection as the causal link.
      The prognosis is good. CONCLUSION: After perforation of the esophagus or trachea
      there is always the risk of an infection of the mediastinum; therefore, the
      diagnosis is followed by further evaluation and early therapy. The DNM can cause
      unspecific symptoms of sepsis without an obvious focal point. It is important to
      be aware of a possible correlation between an oropharyngeal center of infection
      and mediastinitis in order to initiate appropriate diagnostic imaging in cases
      with the slightest suspicion. Chronic mediastinitis is a rare condition with
      varying courses and can be difficult to diagnose. An histological clarification
      for distinction from malignant diseases appears to be a sensible approach.

PMID- 27138269
TI  - [Prevalence of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) - low response in vascular surgery].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research has revealed that a decreased antiplatelet effect (low
      response [LR]/high on-treatment platelet reactivity [HPR]) of acetylsalicylic
      acid (ASA) and clopidogrel is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic
      events. There are extensive ASA low response (ALR) and clopidogrel low response
      (CLR) prevalence data in the literature, but there are only a few studies
      concerning vascular surgical patients. The aim of this study was to examine the
      prevalence and risk factors of ALR and CLR in vascular surgical patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined n = 154 patients with an antiplatelet long
      term therapy, who were treated due to peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAD)
      and/or arteria carotis interna stenosis (CVD). To detect an ALR or CLR, we
      examined full blood probes with impedance aggregometry (ChronoLog(r) Aggregometer
      model 590). Risk factors were examined by acquisition of concomitant disease,
      severity of vascular disease, laboratory test results and medication. RESULTS: We
      found a prevalence of 19.3 % in the ALR group and of 21.1 % in the CLR group.
      Risk factors for ALR were an increased platelet and leucocyte count and co
      medication with pantoprazole. We found no significant risk factors for a
      decreased antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel treatment. CONCLUSION: The
      investigated prevalence for ALR and CLR are in the range of other studies,
      particularly based on cardiological patients. More investigations are needed to
      gain a better evaluation of the risk factors for HPR and to develop an effective
      antiplatelet therapy regime to prevent cardiovascular complications.

PMID- 27138270
TI  - [Resection of advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma : Extended indications].
AB  - In the current German S3 guidelines surgical treatment is not recommended for
      metastatic gastric cancer or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric
      junction; however, in routine practice the indications can be extended so that
      there may be occasions in which radical surgical intervention for specific
      individuals may be appropriate as part of a multimodal therapy with curative
      intent. This article presents the scientific rationale of such an approach based
      on the available literature considering modern, multimodal therapy concepts
      including criteria to be met for radical surgery. Currently only retrospective
      trials and limited current meta-analysis data are available for justifying
      surgical treatment for metastatic adenocarcinoma. The recently published initial
      results of the FLOT-3 study identified a patient subgroup that benefits from a
      resection even though metastasis has occurred. Whether surgical therapy will
      become an integral part of the treatment of limited metastatic adenocarcinoma of
      the stomach and esophagus in the future, has to be demonstrated by large
      prospective randomized studies, such as the RENAISSANCE/FLOT-5 study. 

PMID- 27138271
TI  - [Resection for advanced pancreatic cancer following multimodal therapy].
AB  - Pancreatic cancer patients presenting with borderline resectable or locally
      advanced unresectable tumors remain a therapeutic challenge. Despite the lack of
      high quality randomized controlled trials, perioperative neoadjuvant treatment
      strategies are often employed for this group of patients. At present the
      FOLFIRINOX regimen, which was established in the palliative setting, is the
      backbone of neoadjuvant therapy, whereas local ablative treatment, such as
      stereotactic irradiation and irreversible electroporation are currently under
      investigation. Resection after modern multimodal neoadjuvant therapy follows the
      same principles and guidelines as upfront surgery specifically regarding the
      extent of resection, e.g. lymphadenectomy, vascular resection and multivisceral
      resection. Because it is still exceedingly difficult to predict tumor response
      after neoadjuvant therapy, a special treatment approach is necessary. In the case
      of localized stable disease following neoadjuvant therapy, aggressive surgical
      exploration with serial frozen sections at critical (vascular) margins might be
      necessary to minimize the risk of debulking procedures and maximize the chance of
      a curative resection. A multidisciplinary and individualized approach is
      mandatory in this challenging group of patients. 

PMID- 27138273
TI  - Asynchronous decoding of finger movements from ECoG signals using long-range
      dependencies conditional random fields.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this work we propose the use of conditional random fields with long
      range dependencies for the classification of finger movements from
      electrocorticographic recordings. APPROACH: The proposed method uses long-range
      dependencies taking into consideration time-lags between the brain activity and
      the execution of the motor task. In addition, the proposed method models the
      dynamics of the task executed by the subject and uses information about these
      dynamics as prior information during the classification stage. MAIN RESULTS: The
      results show that incorporating temporal information about the executed task as
      well as incorporating long-range dependencies between the brain signals and the
      labels effectively increases the system's classification performance compared to
      methods in the state of art. SIGNIFICANCE: The method proposed in this work makes
      use of probabilistic graphical models to incorporate temporal information in the
      classification of finger movements from electrocorticographic recordings. The
      proposed method highlights the importance of including prior information about
      the task that the subjects execute. As the results show, the combination of these
      two features effectively produce a significant improvement of the system's
      classification performance.

PMID- 27138272
TI  - Genome-Wide Analysis of the Expression of WRKY Family Genes in Different
      Developmental Stages of Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) Fruit.
AB  - WRKY proteins play important regulatory roles in plant developmental processes
      such as senescence, trichome initiation and embryo morphogenesis. In strawberry,
      only FaWRKY1 (Fragaria * ananassa) has been characterized, leaving numerous WRKY
      genes to be identified and their function characterized. The publication of the
      draft genome sequence of the strawberry genome allowed us to conduct a genome
      wide search for WRKY proteins in Fragaria vesca, and to compare the identified
      proteins with their homologs in model plants. Fifty-nine FvWRKY genes were
      identified and annotated from the F. vesca genome. Detailed analysis, including
      gene classification, annotation, phylogenetic evaluation, conserved motif
      determination and expression profiling, based on RNA-seq data, were performed on
      all members of the family. Additionally, the expression patterns of the WRKY
      genes in different fruit developmental stages were further investigated using qRT
      PCR, to provide a foundation for further comparative genomics and functional
      studies of this important class of transcriptional regulators in strawberry.

PMID- 27138274
TI  - Engineering zonal cartilaginous tissue by modulating oxygen levels and mechanical
      cues through the depth of infrapatellar fat pad stem cell laden hydrogels.
AB  - Engineering tissues with a structure and spatial composition mimicking those of
      native articular cartilage (AC) remains a challenge. This study examined if
      infrapatellar fat pad-derived stem cells (FPSCs) can be used to engineer
      cartilage grafts with a bulk composition and a spatial distribution of matrix
      similar to the native tissue. In an attempt to mimic the oxygen gradients and
      mechanical environment within AC, FPSC-laden hydrogels (either 2 mm or 4 mm in
      height) were confined to half of their thickness and/or subjected to dynamic
      compression (DC). Confining FPSC-laden hydrogels was predicted to accentuate the
      gradient in oxygen tension through the depth of the constructs (higher in the top
      and lower in the bottom), leading to enhanced glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and
      collagen synthesis in 2 mm high tissues. When subjected to DC alone, both GAG and
      collagen accumulation increased within 2 mm high unconfined constructs.
      Furthermore, the dynamic modulus of constructs increased from 0.96 MPa to 1.45
      MPa following the application of DC. There was no synergistic benefit of coupling
      confinement and DC on overall levels of matrix accumulation; however in all
      constructs, irrespective of their height, the combination of these boundary
      conditions led to the development of engineered tissues that spatially best
      resembled native AC. The superficial region of these constructs mimicked that of
      native tissue, staining weakly for GAG, strongly for type II collagen, and in 4
      mm high tissues more intensely for proteoglycan 4 (lubricin). This study
      demonstrated that FPSCs respond to joint-like environmental conditions by
      producing cartilage tissues mimicking native AC. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27138275
TI  - ALFRED: A Practical Method for Alignment-Free Distance Computation.
AB  - Alignment-free approaches are gaining persistent interest in many sequence
      analysis applications such as phylogenetic inference and metagenomic
      classification/clustering, especially for large-scale sequence datasets. Besides
      the widely used k-mer methods, the average common substring (ACS) approach has
      emerged to be one of the well-known alignment-free approaches. Two recent works
      further generalize this ACS approach by allowing a bounded number k of mismatches
      in the common substrings, relying on approximation (linear time) and exact
      computation, respectively. Albeit having a good worst-case time complexity
      [Formula: see text], the exact approach is complex and unlikely to be efficient
      in practice. Herein, we present ALFRED, an alignment-free distance computation
      method, which solves the generalized common substring search problem via exact
      computation. Compared to the theoretical approach, our algorithm is easier to
      implement and more practical to use, while still providing highly competitive
      theoretical performances with an expected run-time of [Formula: see text]. By
      applying our program to phylogenetic inference as a case study, we find that our
      program facilitates to exactly reconstruct the topology of the reference
      phylogenetic tree for a set of 27 primate mitochondrial genomes, at reasonably
      acceptable speed. ALFRED is implemented in C++ programming language and the
      source code is freely available online.

PMID- 27138276
TI  - Peanut protein structure, polyphenol content and immune response to peanut
      proteins in vivo are modulated by laccase.
AB  - Food texture can be improved by enzyme-mediated covalent cross-linking of
      different food components, such as proteins and carbohydrates. Cross-linking
      changes the biological and immunological properties of proteins and may change
      the sensitizing potential of food allergens. In this study we applied a microbial
      polyphenol oxidase, laccase, to cross-link peanut proteins. The size and
      morphology of the obtained cross-linked proteins were analyzed by electrophoresis
      and electron microscopy. Structural changes in proteins were analyzed by CD
      spectroscopy and by using specific antibodies to major peanut allergens. The
      bioavailability of peanut proteins was analyzed using a Caco-2 epithelial cell
      model. The in vivo sensitizing potential of laccase-treated peanut proteins was
      analyzed using a mouse model of food allergy. Finally, peanut polyphenols were
      analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS, before and after the enzymatic reaction with laccase.
      Laccase treatment of peanut proteins yielded a covalently cross-linked material,
      with the modified tertiary structure of peanut proteins, improved bioavailability
      of Ara h 2 (by 70 fold, p < 0.05) and modulated allergic immune response in vivo.
      The modulation of the immune response was related to the increased production of
      IgG2a antibodies 11 fold (p < 0.05) and reduced IL-13 secretion in in vitro
      cultured splenocytes 7 fold (p < 0.05). Analysis of the peanut polyphenol content
      and profile by HPLC-MS/MS revealed that laccase treatment depleted the peanut
      extract of polyphenol compounds leaving mostly isorhamnetin derivatives and
      procyanidin dimer B-type in detectable amounts. Treatment of complex food
      extracts rich in polyphenols with laccase results in both protein cross-linking
      and modification of polyphenol compounds. These extensively cross-linked proteins
      have unchanged potency to induce allergic sensitization in vivo, but certain
      immunomodulatory changes were observed. 

PMID- 27138277
TI  - Transformation in Dang-ki Healing: The Embodied Self and Perceived Legitimacy.
AB  - Since spirit possession in mediumship and shamanism resembles psychotic symptoms,
      early researchers perceived spirit mediums and shamans as psychiatric patients
      whose psychopathology was culturally sanctioned. However, other researchers have
      not only challenged this assumption, but also proposed that spirit possession has
      transformative benefits. The idiom of spirit possession provides cultural
      meanings for spirit mediums and shamans to express and transform their personal
      experiences. The present case study focuses on dang-ki healing, a form of Chinese
      mediumship practiced in Singapore, in which a deity possesses a human (i.e., dang
      ki) to offer aid to supplicants. This study seeks to explore whether involvement
      in dang-ki healing is transformative; and if so, how the dang-ki's transformation
      is related to his self and the perceived legitimacy of his mediumship. At a
      shrine, I interviewed 20 participants, including a male dang-ki, 10 temple
      assistants, and nine clients. The results obtained were supportive of the
      therapeutic nature of spirit possession. First, there is a relationship between
      his self-transformation and the perceived legitimacy of his mediumship. As his
      clients and community have recognized his spirit possession as genuine, and the
      healing power of his possessing god, he is able to make use of mediumship as a
      means for spiritual development. Second, he has developed his spirituality by
      internalizing his god's positive traits (e.g., compassion). Deities worshipped in
      dang-ki healing can be conceptualized as ideal selves who represent a wide range
      of positive traits and moral values of Chinese culture. Thus, the possession of a
      deity is the embodiment of an ideal self. Finally, the dang-ki's transformation
      may run parallel to his god's transformation. In Chinese religions, gods have to
      constantly develop their spirituality even though they are already gods. An
      understanding of the god's spiritual development further sheds light on the dang
      ki's self-transformation. 

PMID- 27138278
TI  - Skatole (3-Methylindole) Is a Partial Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonist and
      Induces CYP1A1/2 and CYP1B1 Expression in Primary Human Hepatocytes.
AB  - Skatole (3-methylindole) is a product of bacterial fermentation of tryptophan in
      the intestine. A significant amount of skatole can also be inhaled during
      cigarette smoking. Skatole is a pulmonary toxin that induces the expression of
      aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) regulated genes, such as cytochrome P450 1A1
      (CYP1A1), in human bronchial cells. The liver has a high metabolic capacity for
      skatole and is the first organ encountered by the absorbed skatole; however, the
      effect of skatole in the liver is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the impact
      of skatole on hepatic AhR activity and AhR-regulated gene expression. Using
      reporter gene assays, we showed that skatole activates AhR and that this is
      accompanied by an increase of CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 expression in HepG2-C3
      and primary human hepatocytes. Specific AhR antagonists and siRNA-mediated AhR
      silencing demonstrated that skatole-induced CYP1A1 expression is dependent on AhR
      activation. The effect of skatole was reduced by blocking intrinsic cytochrome
      P450 activity and indole-3-carbinole, a known skatole metabolite, was a more
      potent inducer than skatole. Finally, skatole could reduce TCDD-induced CYP1A1
      expression, suggesting that skatole is a partial AhR agonist. In conclusion, our
      findings suggest that skatole and its metabolites affect liver homeostasis by
      modulating the AhR pathway.

PMID- 27138279
TI  - Co-authorship network analysis in health research: method and potential use.
AB  - Scientific collaboration networks are a hallmark of contemporary academic
      research. Researchers are no longer independent players, but members of teams
      that bring together complementary skills and multidisciplinary approaches around
      common goals. Social network analysis and co-authorship networks are increasingly
      used as powerful tools to assess collaboration trends and to identify leading
      scientists and organizations. The analysis reveals the social structure of the
      networks by identifying actors and their connections. This article reviews the
      method and potential applications of co-authorship network analysis in health.
      The basic steps for conducting co-authorship studies in health research are
      described and common network metrics are presented. The application of the method
      is exemplified by an overview of the global research network for Chikungunya
      virus vaccines. 

PMID- 27138280
TI  - Moderate modulation of disease in the G93A model of ALS by the compound 2-(2
      hydroxyphenyl)-benzoxazole (HBX).
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurological
      disease characterized by degeneration and death of motor neurons. Aberrant
      protein aggregation and oxidative stress are implicated in the etiology of ALS;
      thus preventing propagation of early aggregation events and oxidative damage
      could be an effective therapy. We tested the effect of dietary supplementation
      (initiated 40 days of age) with 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-benzoxazole (HBX), a compound
      with metal chelator and anti-aggregation properties, on disease onset,
      progression and lifespan in the G93A mouse model of ALS. Tests were not
      sufficiently powerful to detect any change to survival distribution of mice
      treated with HBX. However, the disease onset was delayed and max lifespan was
      increased in the treatment group. Additionally, disease progression was moderated
      as shown by reduced neuromuscular denervation measured by repetitive nerve
      stimulation. F2-isoprostanes, a marker of oxidative damage, are elevated in
      skeletal muscle from G93A mice at onset and this increase is prevented in HBX fed
      G93A mice. Furthermore, HBX treatment reduced mutant SOD1 protein aggregation in
      whole spinal cord of G93A mice at disease onset. Overall, our data suggests that
      HBX may be able to improve the degenerative symptoms of ALS through the
      prevention of oxidative damage and protein aggregation. Further studies are
      needed to uncover the mechanistic effects of HBX in ameliorating ALS pathology.

PMID- 27138281
TI  - Postpartum sacral stress fracture: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress fractures are classified as insufficiency and fatigue
      fractures. Insufficiency fractures occur when normal stresses are placed on bone
      with decreased mineralization and elastic resistance; whereas fatigue fractures
      occur when abnormal forces are applied to normal bone. CASE PRESENTATION: We
      report a case of postpartum bilateral sacral fracture in the absence of
      documented osteoporosis in a 30 year old Lebanese female, thus satisfying the
      classification of fatigue fractures. Clinical presentation was mainly low back
      pain, pelvic pain, and abnormal gait. CONCLUSIONS: This case stresses the
      importance of including sacral fractures in the differential diagnosis of
      patients presenting with similar symptoms during pregnancy or the postpartum
      period.

PMID- 27138282
TI  - Multivariate heritability of shape in June sucker (Chasmistes liorus) and Utah
      sucker (Catostomus ardens): shape as a functional trait for discriminating
      closely related species.
AB  - Molecular genetic data suggest that June sucker (Chasmistes liorus) is only
      shallowly diverged from the co-occurring but phenotypically distinct Utah sucker
      (Catostomus ardens) in Utah Lake. Phenotypes representing both extreme
      morphologies (June sucker and Utah sucker) are observed in the small wild
      population, but relatively large numbers of intermediate phenotypes are also
      present. This relatively continuous variation between the two putative species
      could result from extensive hybridization (including reticulate evolutionary
      patterns) of genetically based phenotypes or incomplete divergence among lineages
      and extensive phenotypic plasticity with little genetic basis. To help inform the
      evolutionary history of June sucker and to provide critical information for
      management and restoration of June sucker populations, we evaluated the
      distribution of shape phenotypes among purebreds of each species and their
      hybrids and determined the heritability of shape and ecological performance
      between June sucker (C. liorus) and its sister species Utah sucker (C. ardens).
      Mouth shape of purebred June sucker and Utah sucker are located at the extremes,
      and hybrids are located midway between the purebreds. Multivariate heritability
      was relatively high for mouth shape at 0.27. Heritability for growth rate was
      high at 0.32-0.42, but variation was not associated with cross type. Genetically
      based variation in mouth shape has evolved fairly rapidly or has been maintained
      in the face of ongoing hybridization between the two species. Currently, there
      seems to be little evidence for differential selection between species that would
      maintain shape variation.

PMID- 27138283
TI  - Type III polyketide synthase repertoire in Zingiberaceae: computational insights
      into the sequence, structure and evolution.
AB  - Zingiberaceae or 'ginger family' is the largest family in the order
      'Zingiberales' with more than 1300 species in 52 genera, which are mostly
      distributed throughout Asia, tropical Africa and the native regions of America
      with their maximum diversity in Southeast Asia. Many of the members are important
      spice, medicinal or ornamental plants including ginger, turmeric, cardamom and
      kaempferia. These plants are distinguished for the highly valuable metabolic
      products, which are synthesised through phenylpropanoid pathway, where type III
      polyketide synthase is the key enzyme. In our present study, we used sequence,
      structural and evolutionary approaches to scrutinise the type III polyketide
      synthase (PKS) repertoire encoded in the Zingiberaceae family. Highly conserved
      amino acid residues in the sequence alignment and phylogram suggested strong
      relationships between the type III PKS members of Zingiberaceae. Sequence and
      structural level investigation of type III PKSs showed a small number of
      variations in the substrate binding pocket, leading to functional divergence
      among these PKS members. Molecular evolutionary studies indicate that type III
      PKSs within Zingiberaceae evolved under strong purifying selection pressure, and
      positive selections were rarely detected in the family. Structural modelling and
      protein-small molecule interaction studies on Zingiber officinale PKS 'a
      representative from Zingiberaceae' suggested that the protein is comparatively
      stable without much disorder and exhibited wide substrate acceptance.

PMID- 27138284
TI  - Two new ursane-type triterpenoid saponins from Elsholtzia bodinieri.
AB  - Two new ursane-type triterpenoid saponins, bodiniosides M (1) and N (2), along
      with three known saponins, oblonganosides I (3), pseudobuxussaponin B (4) and
      bodinioside A (5), were isolated from the aerial parts of Elsholtzia bodinieri.
      The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were characterized by spectroscopic data as
      well as acid hydrolysis and GC analysis as 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-19alpha
      hydroxy-23-acetoxy-urs-12(13)-en-28-oic acid 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)
      beta-D-glucopyranoside and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-2alpha,19alpha-dihydroxy-urs
      12(13)-en-28,20beta-lactone. Compounds 1 and 5 exhibited potent anti-HCV
      activities in vitro with a selective index of 6.53 and 4.41, respectively. 

PMID- 27138285
TI  - Antilipidemic effects and gene expression profiling of the glycosaminoglycans
      from cricket in rats on a high fat diet.
AB  - Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) from cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) was studied as a
      potential health supplement. Antiatherosclerotic and antilipidemic effects of the
      GAG of G. bimaculatus (GbG, 5 or 10 mg/kg) were investigated in 15-week old
      Wistar rats treated with GbG for over a month. GbG produced a meaningful anti
      edema effect with inhibition of C-reactive protein (CRP). Also, the weights of
      abdominal and epididymidal fat were also reduced in conjunction with a mild
      increase in body weight. Furthermore, the sero-biochemical parameters showed an
      antihyperlipidemic effect with decreased levels of phospholipid, AST, ALT, total
      cholesterol and glucose in a dose-dependent manner. In addition anticoagulant and
      antithrombotic effects were seen: platelet, thrombin time, prothrombin time and
      Factor I were increased with GbG treatment. Furthermore, the GbG treated rat
      group (at 10 mg/kg) compared to control, showed that 588 genes (test/control
      ratio >2.0) including lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) and alpha 2-macroglobulin (A2 m) were up
      regulated, and 569 genes (test/control ratio >0.5) including stearoyl-coenzyme A
      desaturase 1 (Scd1) were down-regulated. Based on these results, GbG could
      potentially prevent or treat fatty liver or hyperlipidemia in rats on a high-fat
      diet. 

PMID- 27138286
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of YJC-10592, a novel chemokine receptor 2 (CCR-2) antagonist,
      in rats.
AB  - YJC-10592, a novel chemokine receptor 2 (CCR-2) antagonist, was developed for
      treating asthma and atopic dermatitis. We studied the pharmacokinetic
      characteristics of YJC-10592 after intravenous (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) and oral (100
      and 200 mg/kg) administration of the drug to rats. Tissue distribution of YJC
      10592 was also evaluated after intravenous administration of YJC-10592, 10 mg/kg,
      to rats. The pharmacokinetics of YJC-10592 was dose-dependent from 20 mg/kg after
      intravenous administration to rats. The values of the area under the plasma
      concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC) of YJC-10592 were dose
      dependent from 20 mg/kg and the time-averaged total body (CL) and nonrenal (CLNR)
      clearances of YJC-10592 were significantly lower at dose of 20 mg/kg, suggesting
      that saturable metabolism may be involved. The absolute bioavailability (F) of
      YJC-10592 was generally low (<2.55 %) for both oral doses due to incomplete
      absorption and low urinary excretion. YJC-10592 had a great affinity to all rat
      tissues studied except brain, which was supported by a relatively high value of
      the apparent volume of distribution at steady state (V ss) (890-1385 mL/kg). In
      conclusion, YJC-10592 showed dose-dependent pharmacokinetics and low F value due
      to slower elimination and incomplete absorption. 

PMID- 27138287
TI  - Pathophysiology and Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension in Parkinsonian
      Disorders.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is defined as a sustained
      pathological reduction in blood pressure within 3 min after orthostatic stress
      such as tilt-table testing or active standing. Non-neurogenic OH is caused by
      either decreased cardiac output or impaired vasoconstriction without a primary
      autonomic disorder whereas neurogenic OH results from inadequate release of
      norepinephrine in the vasomotor sympathetic system. Once non-neurogenic causes of
      OH such as medications and cardiac problems are ruled out, neurogenic OH can be
      considered. Neurogenic OH can accompany parkinsonian diseases in different stages
      and is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The
      pathophysiology of neurogenic OH in parkinsonian diseases includes sympathetic
      neurocirculatory failure and impaired cardiovagal activity. The inadequate
      release of peripheral norepinephrine upon orthostatic stress is a final
      pathologic pathway for neurogenic OH and is important for many therapeutic
      interventions. With mild or early autonomic failure, OH that occurs beyond 3 min
      of standing (defined as delayed OH) can result in orthostatic intolerance. Supine
      hypertension and postprandial hypotension are frequent comorbidities and may
      exacerbate orthostatic hypotension. The non-pharmacologic therapies should be
      tried initially, followed by pharmacologic treatments. Common medications used in
      the treatment of OH include fludrocortisone, midodrine, pyridostigmine, and
      droxidopa. Only midodrine and droxidopa have received FDA approval for the
      treatment of orthostatic hypotension.

PMID- 27138288
TI  - Epigenetically regulated miR-449a enhances hepatitis B virus replication by
      targeting cAMP-responsive element binding protein 5 and modulating hepatocytes
      phenotype.
AB  - Cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) are able to influence hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      replication directly by binding to HBV transcripts or indirectly by targeting
      cellular factors. Here, we investigate the effect of epigenetically regulated miR
      449a on HBV replication and the underlying mechanisms. miR-449a expression was
      lower in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells than in primary hepatocytes
      and could be induced by trichostatin A. Ectopic miR-449a expression in HCC cells
      strongly enhanced HBV replication, transcription, progeny virions secretion, and
      antigen expression in a dose-dependent manner. miR-449a directly targeted cAMP
      responsive element binding protein 5 (CREB5), which in turn induced the
      expression of farnesoid X receptor alpha (FXRalpha), a transcription factor that
      facilitates HBV replication. CREB5 knockdown and overexpression demonstrated that
      it is a negative regulator of HBV replication. Additionally, miR-449a
      overexpression inhibited proliferation, caused cell cycle arrest, and promoted
      HCC cell differentiation. The results indicated that epigenetically regulated miR
      449a targets CREB5 to increase FXRalpha expression, thereby promoting HBV
      replication and gene expression. Our findings provide a new understanding of the
      role of miRNAs in HBV replication.

PMID- 27138289
TI  - Pragmatism (or Realism) in Research: Is There an Ecohealth Scope of Practice?

PMID- 27138290
TI  - Bat Predation by Cercopithecus Monkeys: Implications for Zoonotic Disease
      Transmission.
AB  - The relationship between bats and primates, which may contribute to zoonotic
      disease transmission, is poorly documented. We provide the first behavioral
      accounts of predation on bats by Cercopithecus monkeys, both of which are known
      to harbor zoonotic disease. We witnessed 13 bat predation events over 6.5 years
      in two forests in Kenya and Tanzania. Monkeys sometimes had prolonged contact
      with the bat carcass, consuming it entirely. All predation events occurred in
      forest-edge or plantation habitat. Predator-prey relations between bats and
      primates are little considered by disease ecologists, but may contribute to
      transmission of zoonotic disease, including Ebolavirus.

PMID- 27138291
TI  - Milk-Derived Nanoparticle Fraction Promotes the Formation of Small Osteoclasts
      But Reduces Bone Resorption.
AB  - The general consensus is that milk promotes bone growth and density because is a
      source of calcium and contains components that enhance intestinal calcium uptake
      or directly affect bone metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effect of
      bovine-derived milk 100,000 g pellet (P100), which contains nanoparticles (<220
      nm) including extracellular vesicles, on osteoclast differentiation and bone
      resorption. Bone marrow-derived osteoclast precursor cells were differentiated
      into osteoclasts by M-CSF and RANKL (control) and in the presence of milk P100.
      Milk P100 treatment until day 4 increased the number of TRAP-positive mononuclear
      cells and small (<=5 nuclei) osteoclasts. The number of large (>=6 nuclei)
      osteoclasts remained the same. These alterations were associated with increased
      expression of TRAP, NFATc1, and c-Fos. Cells seeded in a calcium-phosphate coated
      plate or bone slices showed reduced resorption area when exposed to milk P100
      during the differentiation phase and even after osteoclast formation.
      Interestingly, milk P100 treatment enhanced Cathepsin K expression but reduced
      Carbonic Anhydrase 2 gene expression. Moreover, intracellular acid production was
      also decreased by milk P100 treatment. Oral delivery of milk P100 to female
      DBA1/J mice for 7 weeks did not alter bone area; however, increased osteoclast
      number and area in tibia without changes in serum RANKL and CTX-I levels. We
      showed for the first time the effect of milk P100 on osteoclast differentiation
      both in vitro and in vivo and found that milk P100 increased the formation of
      small osteoclasts but this does not lead to more bone resorption probably due to
      reduced acid secretion. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 225-233, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27138292
TI  - Accurate Electron Affinity of Iron and Fine Structures of Negative Iron ions.
AB  - Ionization potential (IP) is defined as the amount of energy required to remove
      the most loosely bound electron of an atom, while electron affinity (EA) is
      defined as the amount of energy released when an electron is attached to a
      neutral atom. Both IP and EA are critical for understanding chemical properties
      of an element. In contrast to accurate IPs and structures of neutral atoms, EAs
      and structures of negative ions are relatively unexplored, especially for the
      transition metal anions. Here, we report the accurate EA value of Fe and fine
      structures of Fe(-) using the slow electron velocity imaging method. These
      measurements yield a very accurate EA value of Fe, 1235.93(28) cm(-1) or
      153.236(34) meV. The fine structures of Fe(-) were also successfully resolved.
      The present work provides a reliable benchmark for theoretical calculations, and
      also paves the way for improving the EA measurements of other transition metal
      atoms to the sub cm(-1) accuracy.

PMID- 27138293
TI  - Another look at the phylogenetic position of the grape order Vitales: Chloroplast
      phylogenomics with an expanded sampling of key lineages.
AB  - Vitales is well-known for including the economically important fruit crop, the
      wine grape (Vitis vinifera). However, the position of the Vitales in the higher
      eudicots has been a subject of much debate. It has been variously reported to be
      sister to the Saxifragales and together as sister to the rest of rosids, or
      sister to the fabids-malvids clade, or sister to the Santalales, or sister to the
      fabids-malvids-Saxifragales clade. However, in all of these scenarios, the
      support values for the relationship of Vitales on the phylogenies were only low
      to moderate. Additionally, all previous studies sampled only Vitis vinifera as
      the representative of the Vitales. We herein expanded the sampling of the Vitales
      to include representatives of all major clades of the order, as well as
      representatives of other key lineages including Saxifragales, Dilleniales, and
      Santalales. Extensive likelihood and Bayesian analyses were conducted to test the
      position of Vitales, using different numbers of genes, a variety of partitioning
      strategies, and both nucleotide and amino acid sequences. With the expanded
      sampling strategy, almost all analyses supported the relationship of Vitales as
      sister to Saxifragales. This relationship was supported in a 72-gene data set
      with a bootstrap value of 91%, the highest support value reported to date. Based
      on this topology, we discuss possible morphological synapomorphies shared between
      Vitales and Saxifragales. Furthermore, a hypothesis of reticulate evolution was
      postulated as an explanation for the incongruence of Vitales' position when
      comparing plastid and nuclear gene phylogenies.

PMID- 27138294
TI  - Imaging Phenotype of Occupational Endotoxin-Related Lung Function Decline.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although occupational exposures contribute to a significant
      proportion of obstructive lung disease, the phenotype of obstructive lung disease
      associated with work-related organic dust exposure independent of smoking remains
      poorly defined. OBJECTIVE: We identified the relative contributions of smoking
      and occupational endotoxin exposure to parenchymal and airway remodeling as
      defined by quantitative computed tomography (CT). METHODS: The Shanghai Textile
      Worker Study is a longitudinal study of endotoxin-exposed cotton workers and
      endotoxin-unexposed silk workers that was initiated in 1981. Spirometry,
      occupational endotoxin exposure, and smoking habits were assessed at 5-year
      intervals. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) was performed in 464 retired
      workers in 2011, along with quantitative lung densitometric and airway analysis.
      RESULTS: Significant differences in all CT measures were noted across exposure
      groups. Occupational endotoxin exposure was associated with a decrease (-1.3%) in
      percent emphysema (LAAI-950), a 3.3-Hounsfield unit increase in 15th percentile
      density, an 18.1-g increase in lung mass, and a 2.3% increase in wall area
      percent. Current but not former smoking was associated with a similar CT
      phenotype. Changes in LAAI-950 were highly correlated with 15th percentile
      density (correlation -1.0). Lung mass was the only measure associated with forced
      expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) decline, with each 10-g increase in lung mass
      associated with an additional loss (-6.1 mL) of FEV1 (p = 0.001) between 1981 and
      2011. CONCLUSIONS: There are many similarities between the effects of
      occupational endotoxin exposure and those of tobacco smoke exposure on lung
      parenchyma and airway remodeling. The effects of occupational endotoxin exposure
      appear to persist even after the cessation of exposure. LAAI-950 may not be a
      reliable indicator of emphysema in subjects without spirometric impairment. Lung
      mass is a CT-based biomarker of accelerated lung function decline. CITATION: Lai
      PS, Hang J, Zhang F, Sun J, Zheng BY, Su L, Washko GR, Christiani DC. 2016.
      Imaging phenotype of occupational endotoxin-related lung function decline.
      Environ Health Perspect 124:1436-1442; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP195.

PMID- 27138295
TI  - Single-Dose Pharmacokinetic Study of Tramadol Extended-Release Tablets in
      Children and Adolescents.
AB  - Combined analyses from 2 open-label, phase-1 studies-the pharmacokinetic profile
      of tramadol and its metabolite (M1) following a single oral dose of tramadol
      extended release (ER) (25 to 100 mg) in children (7 to 11 years old; study 1: n =
      37) and adolescents (12 to 17 years old; study 2: n = 38) with painful conditions
      were historically compared with that of healthy adults following similar dosing.
      The dose-normalized area under the curve (DN AUC0-24h ) and maximum concentration
      (DN Cmax ) of tramadol and of M1 in children and in adolescents were lower than
      those in adults (children vs adults: tramadol, DN AUC0-24h 82.19%; DN Cmax
      80.38%, P = .0031; M1, DN AUC0-24h 51.19%, DN Cmax 52.68%, P < .0001; adolescents
      vs adults: tramadol, DN AUC0-24h 89.56%, DN Cmax 84.01%; M1, DN AUC0-24h 85.28%,
      DN Cmax 83.03%, P = .0004). The arithmetic mean terminal elimination t1/2 of
      tramadol in children and adolescents was comparable to that in adults (children
      8.4 hours; adolescents 8.5 hours; adults 7.9 hours). The most frequently reported
      (>=5% of participants) treatment-emergent adverse events in children included
      headache, upper abdominal pain and constipation, and in adolescents were
      headache, nausea, dizziness, and stomach discomfort. Multiple factors may have
      contributed to these observations, including a higher proportion of children
      (56%) who may have a lower activity of CYP2D6, resulting in reduced clearance of
      tramadol. 

PMID- 27138296
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of Ciclopirox Olamine after Buccal Administration in Rabbits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prevalence of oral mucosal fungal infections increases with the
      frequent administration of antibiotics, corticosteroids and immunosuppressive
      drugs. Therapeutically used antifungals are usually associated with a variety of
      drug interactions. Furthermore, there has been a noticeable increase in
      microorganisms resistant to these preparations. Mucoadhesive buccal films
      represent a modern therapeutic system for the treatment of oral mucosal fungal
      infection paired with a high degree of patient compliance. Ciclopirox olamine
      applied directly onto the oral mucosa offers an attractive alternative to
      treatment with systemic antifungals thanks to its low incidence of resistance and
      side effects. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to evaluate the pharmacokinetic
      parameters of ciclopirox olamine after the buccal application of mucoadhesive
      film prepared by the solvent casting method. METHOD: A chromatographic method
      using an internal standard was developed and validated for evaluation of
      ciclopirox olamine plasma concentrations. Method accuracy was 88.5-104.6% and
      89.5-99.7% for interday and intraday assays, respectively. RESULTS: The
      pharmacokinetic properties of ciclopirox olamine were studied in New Zealand
      White rabbits. The mucoadhesive films containing ciclopirox olamine in a total
      dose of 34.4 (33.0; 35.9) mg kg-1 were applied to all the rabbits. Plasma
      ciclopirox olamine concentrations were determined during the 12 h following
      application. The time taken to reach maximum plasma concentration was 1.7 (1.1;
      2.2) h after the drug administration with cmax 5.73 (4.18; 7.28) MUg mL-1.
      Overall elimination half-life was 3.8 (1.9; 10.8) h. CONCLUSION: The experiment
      suggests that oral mucoadhesive film may be a valuable alternative ciclopirox
      olamine administration.

PMID- 27138297
TI  - Transdermal Oxandrolone: Ex Vivo Percutaneous Absorption Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxandrolone is a potent synthetic testosterone analogue that
      possesses strong anabolic property and weak androgenic activity. Apart of their
      clinical implicances, oral oxandrolone can potentially promote several adverse
      effects. It is known that the transdermal delivery of drugs may represent a means
      to avoid or minimize oral adverse effects Thus, the objective of this study was
      to evaluate the permeability of oxandrolone in human skin on a preliminary basis
      for possible future determination of the transdermal route as an alternative to
      oral treatments. METHODS: We used a percutaneous absorption assay in Franz
      diffusion cells coupled with freshly excised human skin. The drug release
      kinetics were determined to predict the efficiency of this alternative route for
      the drug. RESULTS: Nearly 236 MUg (86.7%, in terms of applied dose) of the
      product was prevented to permeate due to the barrier function of the stratum
      corneum (SC); 21.6% reached the receptor medium (RM), and the remaining 4.3% were
      quantified within viable layers of the skin (in vivo, dermis is vascularized).
      The total amount of drug able to exert effect is the sum of the drug quantified
      within remained skin (RS) and RM: then, a total of 247.6 MUg of oxandrolone
      (25.9% of the applied dose) would be able to permeate through a non damaged skin.
      The accuracy of the data is demonstrated by the calculated mass balance (average
      recovery = 112.6%). CONCLUSION: Transdermal oxandrolone could be a viable
      alternative for traditional oral form, once clinical studies are conducted to
      prove this hypothesis.

PMID- 27138298
TI  - Novel Salted Anionic-Cationic Polymethacrylate Polymer Blends for Sustained
      Release of Acidic and Basic Drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since a unique matrix tablet formulation that independently controls
      the release of various drug types is in a great demand, the objective of this
      research was to develop a sustained release matrix tablet as a universal dosage
      form using a binary mixture of the salt forms of Eudragit polymers rather than
      their interpolyelectrolyte complexes. METHODS: Tablets were prepared by wet
      granulation and compressed at different compression forces, depending on drug
      type. Dissolution tests were conducted using USP XXII rotating paddle apparatus
      at 50 rpm at 37 degrees C in consecutive pH stages. RESULTS: Tablets containing
      Ibuprofen (IB) as a model acidic drug and Metronidazole (MD) as a model basic
      drug showed controlled/sustained release behavior. For IB tablets containing 80%
      Ibuprofen and 5% (w/w) polymeric combination; the time for 50% of the drug
      release was about 24 hours compared to 8.5 hours for plain tablets containing 80%
      IB. In case of MD, the drug release extended to about 7 hours for tablets
      containing 80% MD and 5% (w/w) polymeric combination, compared to about 1 hour
      for plain tablets containing 80% MD. In terms of extending the release of
      medications, the dissolution profiles of the tablets containing polymeric salts
      forms were found to be statistically superior to tablets prepared by direct
      compression of the polymers in their powdered base forms, and superior to tablets
      containing the same polymers granulated using isopropyl alcohol. CONCLUSION: The
      findings indicated the significance of combining the polymers in their salt forms
      in controlling the release of various drug types from matrices.

PMID- 27138299
TI  - New Generation of Fluconazole: A Review on Existing Researches and Technologies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The frontline drug fluconazole (FLZ) has been used for treating skin
      fungal infections for over 35 years. FLZ has relatively large molecular size and
      hydrophobicity which improves its bioavailability via intravenous or oral routes
      but makes its use in a topical application problematic. In recent years, nano
      based strategies have been examined to eliminate FLZ adverse effects and increase
      the drug efficiency. The present overview surveys nano-drug delivery systems used
      to improve FLZ efficiency; the strengths and weaknesses of the systems and the
      relevant achievements of pharmaceutical technology follow. METHODS: A systematic
      literature search study was developed based on the significant concepts being
      used in the review. Key search terms and a matrix-based search strategy using
      Boolean logic strategy were defined. Nano-formulations affecting dermal
      permeation of nanomaterials and experimental setups for studying skin absorbance
      of FLZ-nanomaterials were analysed. RESULTS: In recent years, nano-based
      strategies including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid
      carriers (NLCs), liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, microemulsions, nanoemulsions
      have been examined to increase FLZ antifungal efficiency and eliminate drug
      adverse effects. Significant differences was demonstrated in FLZ efficiency by
      different nanoparticles. Few data are available regarding a comparison of FLZ
      antifungal effects using various nanoparticles, but the present research suggests
      a positive impact on penetration. CONCLUSION: Various nano-formulations have been
      applied to optimize fluconazole topical delivery. The present review indicated
      that the data related to improve fluconazole efficacy by nanoparticles are few
      and defining the appropriate nano-formulation is not currently possible. More
      research is needed to compare the capability of various nanoparticles on
      fluconazole skin permeation, and to translate these findings into clinical arena.

PMID- 27138300
TI  - Development and Optimization of Dual Drugs (Isoniazid and Moxiflox-acin) Loaded
      Functional PLGA Nanoparticles for the Synergistic Treatment of Tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of TB is difficult due to the resistance developed by
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis against anti-tubercular drugs causes the new
      challenges for treating and managing the disease. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the
      study was to combat multiple drug resistance (MDR) exhibited by mycobacterium
      species by synthesizing Dual Drug Conjugate nanoparticle (DDC) using Isoniazid
      (INH) and Moxifloxacin (MOXI). METHOD: The reaction was nucleophilic substitution
      using hydrolysable linkers like Chloroacetyl chloride (CAC) & Succinyl chloride
      (SCL). The drugs were covalently linked as INH-CAC-MOXI (DDC-1) and INH-SCL-MOXI
      (DDC-2). The DDC-1 & DDC-2 were subjected to hydrolysability tests at different
      pH solutions. The modified drugs were formulated into Poly (D, L-Lactic-co
      Glycolide) nanoparticles using single emulsion technique. Design Expert(r)
      (version 8.0.1) software was used for designing, and evaluating the prepared
      formulation by employing response surface, optimal design of experiment
      technique. RESULT: The prepared nanoparticles were characterized for
      compatibility studies using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Nuclear
      Magnetic Resonance, particle size, size distribution, Zeta potential, drug
      entrapment efficiency and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Microbiological studies
      on pure drug and the conjugate indicated better activity of conjugate compared to
      pure drug alone or 1:1 physical mixture of drug. The nanoparticles were further
      subjected to drug release studies and accelerated stability studies. CONCLUSION:
      The present study offers a key to the challenge of loading different types of
      drugs onto the same drug delivery vehicle with efficient loading capacity, thus
      enabling better treatment for TB.

PMID- 27138301
TI  - A case report: A rare case of infant gastrointestinal canthariasis caused by
      larvae of Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Canthariasis is a disease of humans caused by the infestation of
      beetle larvae. It is the second important insectal disease after myiasis. Several
      species of beetles are reported to cause the disease in gastrointestinal tract,
      urogenital system, nasal sinuses, ears and faces of mammals. The cigarette beetle
      Lasioderma serricorne is a widespread and destructive pest that usually feeds on
      tobacco, tea, beans, cereal grains, and animal and plant specimen. While there
      was no previous evidence of human infestation by this worm, we report the first
      case of L. serricorne infestation in a baby girl in China. CASE PRESENTATION:
      Here the case, an eight-month-old baby girl with irritable feeling, rubbing eyes,
      history of contact with mud and eating oranges twice during five days before
      attendance, and having "worms" in her stool was admitted to the First Affiliated
      Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. The clinical examination
      revealed that the pulse rate, blood pressure and temperature were regular, and
      the examination of the head, neck, and chest were unremarkable. The stool
      specimens containing "worms" were sent to the Department of Parasitology,
      Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University. The worms were recovered,
      studied morphologically using naked eyes and anatomical lens, PCR analyzed
      targeting cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) and 18S rRNA genes, examined by
      sequence analyses of the PCR products and finally classified by phylogenetic
      analysis to identify their species. Based on the findings, the worms were
      diagnosed as the larvae of L. serricorne. CONCLUSION: This report implies that
      the baby had an infestation with the larvae of L. serricorne in the
      gastrointestine. During contact with mud or eating oranges by the girl, worm eggs
      were swallowed into the stomach and resisted gastric acid digestion which
      eventually hatched into larvae and caused canthariasis. The 8 months girl had
      underdeveloped immune system which might facilitate the disease. This report
      implicates that L. serricorne can infest human accidentally and cause
      canthariasis that may lead to severe damage to infant and older patient upon
      involvement of important organs of the body. The patients once diagnosed having
      canthariasis should be treated in time.

PMID- 27138302
TI  - On the Limitations of Progesterone Treatment in Very Severe Traumatic Brain
      Injury: What Can Be Learned from Allitt et al., "Progesterone Exacerbates Short
      Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury".

PMID- 27138303
TI  - Risk factors for convertion to clinically defined multiple sclerosis after
      clinically isolated syndrome in a racially mixed Brazilian cohort.
AB  - Clinically isolated syndrome may reflect the first symptom of Multiple Sclerosis.
      Though more prevalent in Caucasians, MS can also affect Afrodescendts. Modifying
      disease drugs can delay convertion to clinically defined multiple sclerosis,
      therefore, identify patients at a higher risk of convertion is important. However
      data of risk factors in racially mixed population are scarce. OBJECTIVES: To
      analyze predictor factors to the conversion from CIS to CDMS in a mixed race
      Brazilian cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a prognostic observational
      retrospective study, in 122 patients from MS referential center at Hospital da
      Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro-Brazil. Demographic and clinical features, as well as MRI
      and cerebrospinal fluid data were analyzed. RESULTS: After five years follow-up
      87.3% converted to CDMS. Regarding to median time of conversion, there was no
      difference between gender, race, age at onset, mono or polysymptomatic
      presentation. Cerebellar CIS significantly reduced time to second event; likewise
      sphincter impairment. Considering DMD, patients without treatment converted
      earlier. CONCLUSION: Ancestry did not influence conversion risk. Cerebellar and
      shpincter impairment as well as MRI criteria both Barkhof/Tintore and Swanton
      were important predictors. In future studies it should be also analysed the risk
      factors of progression in mixed race populations.

PMID- 27138304
TI  - Does cervical disc arthroplasty have lower incidence of dysphagia than anterior
      cervical discectomy and fusion? A meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dysphagia is a common occurrence after anterior cervical spine
      surgery. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the incidence of dysphagia
      after ervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) compared with anterior cervical discectomy
      and fusion (ACDF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The electronic databases, including
      PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched
      to identify the randomized controlled trials comparing CDA with ACDF. Studies
      were included only if the incidence of postoperative dysphagia was investigated.
      Study selection, "risk of bias" assessment, and data extraction were
      independently performed by two investigators. Data analyses were conducted with
      RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Ten studies involving 2711 patients (CDA group,
      n=1512; ACDF group, n=1199) were identified. All studies were determined to have
      a low risk of bias. Pooling analysis of these studies showed that the incidence
      of dysphagia was 9.46% (143/1512) after CDA versus 12.09% (145/1199) after ACDF.
      Meta-analysis showed the statistical difference between two groups with regards
      to the incidence of dysphagia (risk ratio 0.76; 95% confidence interval [0.61,
      0.94]; P=0.01). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis indicates that patients have a
      significantly lower incidence of dysphagia after CDA than after ACDF. Additional
      studies are needed.

PMID- 27138305
TI  - Designing Tunable White-Light Emission from an Aurophilic Cu(I) /Au(I)
      Coordination Polymer with Thioether Ligands.
AB  - White-light emitters have attracted considerable attention due to their
      importance in current and future technologies. By incorporating molecular
      fragments that independently emit in the blue, green/yellow, and red visible
      regions, specifically Cu-NC, Au???Au interactions, and Cu-SR2 , respectively,
      into a single material, new white-light-emitting systems have been targeted. With
      this goal, three new Cu(I) /thioether-based coordination polymers containing
      bridging [Au(CN)2 ](-) units have been synthesized and structurally
      characterized, and their photoluminescence properties (at room and low
      temperatures) have been delineated. Using this approach, white-light emission
      (tunable from slightly yellow to slightly blue, depending on lambdaex ) is
      generated from Cu(Me2 S)[Au(CN)2 ], a feature uncommon in such simple
      coordination compounds.

PMID- 27138306
TI  - Coronary slow flow.

PMID- 27138307
TI  - Use of inhaled nitric oxide in pediatric cardiac intensive care unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Experience with administration of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in
      pediatric cardiac intensive care unit was retrospectively reviewed. METHODS: Data
      from 32 pediatric patients treated with iNO between 2011 and 2012 were collected.
      Patients were divided into 3 groups: Group I comprised postoperative patients,
      Group II comprised newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH), and
      Group III comprised patients with primary pulmonary hypertension (PH) or
      Eisenmenger's syndrome. Age, sex, weight, primary diagnosis, arterial blood
      sample, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), systemic arterial pressure (SAP), and
      oxygen saturation levels were analyzed. RESULTS: Groups I, II, and III included
      25, 3, and 4 patients, respectively. Median weight was 8 kg (range: 3-40 kg), and
      median age was 7 months (range: 2 days-10 years). On average, iNO treatment was
      initiated at the 12th hour after admission to the unit (range: 1-48 hours) and
      continued for a median duration of 24 hours (range: 12-168 hours). Systolic PAP
      was 40+/-15 mmHg, mean SAP was 57+/-18 mmHg, PAP/SAP ratio was 0.69, and oxygen
      saturation levels were 88% prior to iNO treatment. Following iNO treatment, PAP
      decreased to 24+/-9 mmHg (p<0.05), PAP/SAP ratio decreased to 0.4 (p<0.05), SAP
      showed no change (60+/-12 mmHg), and saturation levels increased to 98% (p<0.05).
      Seven patients died during follow-up (Group I, n=5; Group II, n=1; Group III,
      n=1). CONCLUSION: iNO seems to effectively reduce PAP, and can be used
      effectively and safely to prevent pulmonary hypertensive crises in pediatric
      cardiac intensive care units.

PMID- 27138308
TI  - Prevalence and three-year follow-up of patients with isolated myocardial bridge
      in the mid-Black Sea region: a retrospective single-center study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Myocardial bridge (MB), also known as muscular bridge, is a rare
      congenital disease with relatively good prognosis. However, it has been
      associated with unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death.
      Incidence and prognosis of patients diagnosed with isolated MB after having
      undergone coronary angiography are evaluated in the present retrospective study.
      METHODS: Coronary angiograms of 18,250 patients, obtained between 2008 and 2011,
      were reexamined for presence of MB at the cardiology clinic. Of these patients,
      241 (0.95%) had MB, and 181 (0.99%) had it as an isolated finding. Patients with
      isolated MB were divided into 2 groups according to severity of the lesion in the
      cardiac systole. Group 1 was comprised of patients with non-critical (<70%)
      stenosis; group 2 was comprised of patients with critical (>=70%) stenosis.
      Demographic characteristics, symptoms at initial diagnosis, and coronary
      angiographic findings regarding localization and severity of stenosis were noted.
      Follow-up was performed by phone, with outpatient clinic visits, and by reviewing
      hospital records. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (13%) had critical stenosis
      (group 2), and 146 (87%) had non-critical stenosis (group 1). Mean follow-up
      duration was 38+/-7 months. Recurrent angina and repeated coronary angiography
      were reported in 15 group 1 patients (10.2%) and in 2 group 2 patients (8.0%)
      (p=non-significant). No instance of myocardial infarction was reported.
      CONCLUSION: Isolated MB seems to be a relatively benign disease, a conclusion
      made in accordance with those of previous studies. Symptoms and prognosis are not
      determined by degree of stenosis generated by the muscular bridge.

PMID- 27138309
TI  - Is there a relationship between slow coronary flow and normal to mildly impaired
      renal function?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI)
      equation is more effective at estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) than
      the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation, particularly in
      patients with mildly impaired renal function. Recent studies have demonstrated,
      using the Cockroft-Gault and MDRD formulas, a significant correlation between
      slow coronary flow (SCF) and normal to mildly impaired renal function. However,
      these studies had some limitations. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the relationship between SCF and normal to mildly impaired renal
      function using the CKD-EPI equation. METHODS: A total of 370 patients were
      included, 172 with normal coronary flow (NCF) and 198 with SCF. All participants
      had normal to mildly impaired renal function. Both the CKD-EPI and MDRD formulas
      were used to calculated estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which was
      compared between groups. RESULTS: No significant difference in mean values of
      eGFR was found between the NCF and SCF groups (CKD-EPI: 92.9+/-14.7 vs 92.7+/
      14.2, p=0.72; MDRD: 89.5+/-19.5 vs 88.2+/-17.0, p=0.70, respectively). Among
      patients with eGFR(MDRD) >=90 mL/min/1.73 m2, mean eGFR levels were lower among
      patients with SCF (107.0+/-12.7 vs 102.7+/-10.0, p=0.02). CONCLUSION: No
      correlation was found between SCF and normal to mildly impaired renal function.

PMID- 27138311
TI  - Design and rationale of dabigatran's stroke prevention in real life in Turkey (D
      SPIRIT).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The D-SPIRIT registry is designed to investigate the safety and
      efficacy of dabigatran etexilate in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
      (NVAF) and to collect data on outcomes in clinical practice. METHODS: The D
      SPIRIT is a national, prospective, observational, post-marketing registry
      involving patients with NVAF who have been taking dabigatran etexilate therapy
      for stroke prevention for a minimum of 6 months prior to enrollment. The registry
      will collect and analyze data from routine care, enrolling up to 600 patients in
      9 centers. Patients will be followed up for 2 years to evaluate effectiveness and
      safety. A sample size of 600 subjects is proposed based on the following
      assumptions; Two-sided significance level of 0.05 (1-sided significance level of
      0.025), ischemic stroke incidence rate of 0.768%-1.111%, hemorrhagic stroke
      incidence rate of 0.109%-0.130%, transient ischemic attack incidence rate of
      0.722%-0.623%, therapy discontinuation incidence rate of 40% at day 730, and
      duration of enrollment period of 12 months with non-uniformed enrollment rate.
      Ethics approval was given by Dokuz Eylul University Ethics Committee of Clinical
      Research (2014/54) and approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health. CONCLUSION:
      Potential results of D-SPIRIT registry will add data from clinical practice to
      those from the RE-LY trial to expand knowledge of dabigatran etexilate treatment
      in patients with NVAF.

PMID- 27138310
TI  - Rationale, design and methodology of the RAMSES Study: ReAl-life Multicenter
      Survey Evaluating Stroke Prevention Strategies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia and is associated
      with a five- fold increased risk of thromboembolic events. Vitamin K antagonists
      (VKAs) have been the mainstay of oral anticoagulant prophylaxis and the data on
      stroke prevention strategies are limited to VKA era. The purpose of this study is
      to evaluate the use of VKA, non-Vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC),
      and antiplatelet agents in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).
      METHODS: The ReAl-life Multicenter Survey Evaluating Stroke prevention strategies
      in Turkey (RAMSES) is an observational, multicenter, prospective study of
      patients with NVAF. The study targeted enrollment of 7835 patients from 68 sites
      in Turkey. All the data will be collected at one point in time and current
      clinical practice will be evaluated. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT02344901).
      RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of patients, antithrombotic therapies,
      transition to NOACs and rate/rhythm control strategies will be evaluated.
      CONCLUSION: The RAMSES registry will be the largest study in Turkish NVAF
      patients. The study will provide insights into real-world problems and
      anticoagulant treatment in patients with NVAF.

PMID- 27138312
TI  - The psychological effects of cardiac rehabilitation after coronary
      revascularization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prevalence of depression and anxiety increases following cardiac
      revascularization. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a cardiac
      rehabilitation program on psychological status of patients after cardiac
      revascularization. METHODS: A total of 120 patients who underwent either coronary
      artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were
      enrolled in an 8-week rehabilitation program. A brief mood survey was
      administered before the program and repeated following its completion.
      Psychological state was assessed for depression, anxiety, panic symptoms,
      difficulty in adaptation, and relational satisfaction. Changes in mood scores
      were analyzed with paired t-tests and linear regression models to predict
      response. RESULTS: A total of 95 men and 25 women were enrolled. Average age was
      60.0+/-8.4 years. Eighty-two patients underwent PCI, the remaining 38 underwent
      CABG. Following rehabilitation, depression reduced from 28.3% to 10.8% (p=0.002),
      anxiety decreased from 21.7% to 9.1% (p=0.012), panic symptoms reduced from 16.7%
      to 5.8% (p=0.014), and difficulty in adaptation decreased from 30.0% to 10.9%
      (p=0.0002). Changes in state of depression were not predicted by medical, social,
      or physical factors, while changes in anxiety were negatively affected by
      smoking. Psychological changes after rehabilitation were not influenced by
      presence of acute myocardial infarction (MI) before revascularization.
      CONCLUSION: Enrollment in cardiac rehabilitation after coronary revascularization
      positively impacts psychological status of patients, as assessed by brief mood
      survey.

PMID- 27138313
TI  - Atrial fibrillation due to licorice root syrup.
AB  - While it is known that consumption of licorice may lead to cardiac arrhythmias,
      there have been no reports of atrial fibrillation resulting from the consumption
      of licorice root syrup. A 57-year-old male with no prior history of
      cardiovascular disease was admitted to the emergency department with palpitation.
      His electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation with a moderate to rapid
      ventricular rate. In laboratory assessment, potassium was 2.0 mmol/L and plasma
      renin activity and aldosterone level were suppressed (<300 ng/L/hour, 42 ng/L
      respectively). Volumes of the heart chambers were within normal range and
      functions and structures of the heart valves were normal in echocardiographic
      assessment. The arrhythmia was resolved with propafenone infusion. 

PMID- 27138314
TI  - Congenital absence of left pulmonary artery with collateralization from all major
      coronary arteries.
AB  - Unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis (UPA) is a rarely-observed congenital
      anomaly with diverse clinical signs and symptoms. It is most often diagnosed in
      childhood due to the high mortality rate prior to adulthood. This report
      describes the case of a 71-year-old woman who presented with exertional chest
      pain, dyspnea and palpitations and who was diagnosed as having left pulmonary
      artery (LPA) agenesis, hypoplastic left lung supplied by collateralization from
      each of the three normal major coronary arteries, and atrial fibrillation. 

PMID- 27138315
TI  - Use of steerable delivery catheter to successfully deliver a Ceraflex septal
      occluder to close an atrial septal defect in a child with interrupted inferior
      vena cava with azygos continuation.
AB  - The closure of a secundum atrial septal defect through the jugular vein in a
      child with interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation by steerable
      delivery catheter is described in the present report. The steerable catheter can
      be used to correct the perpendicular position of the device over the margins of
      the defect, and is particularly useful in cases of large defects. 

PMID- 27138316
TI  - Wolff-Parkinson-White and left ventricular noncompaction in a Fabry patient: A
      case report.
AB  - Fabry disease is the second most common inherited (X-linked recessive) lysosomal
      storage disease associated with multiple organ involvement. Cardiac involvement
      of Fabry disease varies. Successful radiofrequency ablation of a Fabry disease
      patient with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and left ventricular noncompaction is
      described in the present report. 

PMID- 27138317
TI  - Cholesterol embolization syndrome: A report of two cases.
AB  - Cholesterol embolization syndrome (CES) is a multisystemic disease with
      immunological features, and a rare but an important cause of acute kidney injury
      (AKI) following invasive angiography. It frequently occurs in the elderly male
      population with extensive atherosclerosis. CES should be considered in the
      differential diagnosis of AKI following angiography, as prognosis and treatment
      are completely different from contrast-induced nephropathy. Two cases of CES that
      developed after invasive angiography are described in the present report. In the
      first case, renal biopsy was performed, and CES was diagnosed by presence of
      characteristic renal lesions. The second patient had blue toe syndrome and
      persistent renal dysfunction. 

PMID- 27138318
TI  - A different approach to treatment of failing Fontan: Transcatheter covered stent
      implantation.
AB  - A 5-year-old male with a double outlet right ventricle with noncommitted
      ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis underwent a bidirectional Glenn
      operation at 2 years and a Fontan operation with ligation of the pulmonary trunk
      at 5 years. He presented with pleural effusion 3 months after the Fontan
      operation. Physical examination revealed a grade 3/6 systolic murmur in the
      pulmonary area. Echocardiographic evaluation revealed an antegrade pulmonary flow
      (APF) of gradient 80 mmHg across the ventriculopulmonary communication. Cardiac
      catheterization and angiography demonstrated the presence of residual antegrade
      pulmonary flow and stenosis at the pulmonary artery bifurcation. Both pathologies
      were treated using a single covered stent. Relief of the pulmonary artery
      stenosis and total occlusion of the residual APF was demonstrated on a control
      angiogram. 

PMID- 27138319
TI  - [Echocardiography in transcatheter aortic valve implantation].
AB  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a novel therapeutic option,
      recommended for the treatment of patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at
      high risk from conventional open surgery. Multiple registries have documented
      favorable outcomes, including survival and quality of life. Success of TAVI
      depends upon the consideration of patient selection. Echocardiography is a
      mandatory tool to provide important data in patient selection, evaluation,
      guidance of intervention, and patient follow-up. 

PMID- 27138320
TI  - Case images: Quadricuspid aortic valve with moderate aortic regurgitation
      demonstrated by three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

PMID- 27138321
TI  - Case images: Aortic graft distortion.

PMID- 27138322
TI  - Case images: Significant obstruction of right outflow tract caused by double
      chambered right ventricle.

PMID- 27138323
TI  - Case images: Absence of posterior mitral valve leaflet detected in late
      adulthood.

PMID- 27138324
TI  - Case images: Treatment of huge saphenous aneurysms with covered graft stents.

PMID- 27138325
TI  - Structure and Dynamic Properties of a Ti-Binding Peptide Bound to TiO2
      Nanoparticles As Accessed by (1)H NMR Spectroscopy.
AB  - Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy is a powerful method for
      detecting and characterizing ligand-receptor interactions. In this study, the STD
      method was used to characterize the interactions of a Ti-binding peptide
      (TBP:RKLPDA) with TiO2 nanoparticles. The water peak in the NMR spectrum was
      selectively saturated, and the STD amplitudes for TBP were observed in the
      presence of TiO2, demonstrating that the side chains of the N-terminal residues
      Arg1 and Lys2 exhibit the strongest saturation transfer effect from water
      molecules; i.e., the two N-terminal residues are in contact with the TiO2
      surface. The relaxation rate in the rotating frame, R1rho, was observed to be
      high at the N-terminal residues; R1rho decelerated toward the C-terminus,
      indicating that the N-terminal residues serve as anchors on the TiO2 surface and
      that the TBP motion bound to TiO2 particles is modeled as a wobble-in-cone with a
      fairly flexible C-terminus. The dissociation constant Kd of the TBP-TiO2
      nanoparticle complex was 4.9 +/- 1.8 mM, as estimated from the STD experiments
      and R1rho measurements. The combination of these results and the negative zeta
      potential of the TiO2 surface validate that both the positively charged guanidyl
      group of Arg1 and amino group of Lys2 play key roles in interaction with the TiO2
      surface by electrostatic force.

PMID- 27138326
TI  - Management of Type 9 Hepatic Arterial Anatomy at the time of
      Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Considerations for Preservation and Reconstruction of a
      Completely Replaced Common Hepatic Artery.
AB  - Recognition and management of aberrant hepatic arterial anatomy for patients
      undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are critical to ensure safe completion of
      the operation. When the common hepatic artery (CHA) is noted to emanate from the
      superior mesenteric artery (Michels' type 9 variant), it is vulnerable to injury
      during the dissection required for PD. While this anatomy does not preclude an
      operation, care must be taken to avoid injury, often by identifying the CHA
      throughout its entire course before beginning the dissection of the portal venous
      structures. The oncologic principle that cautions against resection of a
      pancreatic cancer when it involves the CHA in its standard position may not
      universally apply to tumors that focally involve the CHA in the type 9 anatomic
      variant. In highly selected patients, surgical resection may be entertained as
      disease biology may be analogous to local involvement of the gastroduodenal
      artery in a patient with standard anatomy. Here, we review the indications,
      techniques, and outcomes associated with arterial resection and reconstruction
      during pancreatectomy among patients with a pancreatic tumor involving a common
      hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery.

PMID- 27138327
TI  - Effects of microcurrent therapy on excisional elastic cartilage defects in young
      rats.
AB  - The effects of microcurrent application on the elastic cartilage defects in the
      outer ear of young animals were analyzed. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided
      into a control (CG) and a treated group (TG). An excisional lesion was created in
      the right outer ear of each animal. Daily treatment was started after 24h and
      consisted of the application of a low-intensity (20MUA) continuous electrical
      current to the site of injury for 5min. The animals were euthanized after 7, 14
      and 28 days of injury and the samples were submitted to analyses. In CG, areas of
      newly formed cartilage and intense basophilia were seen at 28 days, while in TG
      the same observations were made already at 14 days. The percentage of
      birefringent collagen fibers was higher in CG at 28 days. The number of
      connective tissue cells and granulocytes was significantly higher in TG.
      Ultrastructural analysis revealed the presence of chondrocytes in TG at 14 days,
      while these cells were observed in CG only at 28 days. Cuprolinic blue staining
      and the amount of glycosaminoglycans were significantly higher in TG at 14 days
      and 28 days. The amount of hydroxyproline was significantly higher in TG at all
      time points studied. The active isoform of MMP-2 was higher activity in TG at 14
      days. Immunoblotting for type II collagen and decorin was positive in both groups
      and at all time points. The treatment stimulated the proliferation and
      differentiation of connective tissue cells, the deposition of glycosaminoglycans
      and collagen, and the structural reorganization of these elements during elastic
      cartilage repair. 

PMID- 27138328
TI  - The Clinical Utility of ASRS-v1.1 for Identifying ADHD in Alcoholics Using PRISM
      as the Reference Standard.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the clinical utility of the Adult ADHD
      Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) in identifying ADHD in alcoholics using the
      Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders (PRISM) as the
      diagnostic "gold standard." METHOD: We performed a secondary analysis of data
      from 379 treatment-seeking alcoholics who completed the ASRS-v1.1 and the ADHD
      module of the PRISM. Data analysis included descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of ADHD was 7.7% (95% CI = [5.4, 10.8]). The positive predictive value
      (PPV) of the ASRS-v1.1 was 18.1% (95% CI = [12.4, 25.7]) and the negative
      predictive value (NPV) was 97.6% (95% CI = [94.9, 98.9]). The ASRS-v1.1
      demonstrated a sensitivity of 79.3% (95% CI = [61.6, 90.2]) and a specificity of
      70.3% (95% CI = [65.3, 74.8]). CONCLUSION: The ASRS-v1.1 demonstrated acceptable
      sensitivity and specificity in a sample of treatment-seeking alcoholics when
      compared with the PRISM as the reference standard for ADHD diagnosis.

PMID- 27138329
TI  - Mapping of cortical language function by functional magnetic resonance imaging
      and repetitive navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation in 40 healthy
      subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is considered to be the
      standard method regarding non-invasive language mapping. However, repetitive
      navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) gains increasing importance
      with respect to that purpose. However, comparisons between both methods are
      sparse. METHODS: We performed fMRI and rTMS language mapping of the left
      hemisphere in 40 healthy, right-handed subjects in combination with the tasks
      that are most commonly used in the neurosurgical context (fMRI: word-generation =
      WGEN task; rTMS: object-naming = ON task). Different rTMS error rate thresholds
      (ERTs) were calculated, and Cohen's kappa coefficient and the cortical
      parcellation system (CPS) were used for systematic comparison of the two
      techniques. RESULTS: Overall, mean kappa coefficients were low, revealing no
      distinct agreement. We found the highest agreement for both techniques when using
      the 2-out-of-3 rule (CPS region defined as language positive in terms of rTMS if
      at least 2 out of 3 stimulations led to a naming error). However, kappa for this
      threshold was only 0.24 (kappa of <0, 0.01-0.20, 0.21-0.40, 0.41-0.60, 0.61-0.80
      and 0.81-0.99 indicate less than chance, slight, fair, moderate, substantial and
      almost perfect agreement, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Because of the inherent
      differences in the underlying physiology of fMRI and rTMS, the different tasks
      used and the impossibility of verifying the results via direct cortical
      stimulation (DCS) in the population of healthy volunteers, one must exercise
      caution in drawing conclusions about the relative usefulness of each technique
      for language mapping. Nevertheless, this study yields valuable insights into
      these two mapping techniques for the most common language tasks currently used in
      neurosurgical practice.

PMID- 27138330
TI  - Double balloon protection during carotid artery stenting for vulnerable carotid
      stenosis reduces the incidence of new brain lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of distal filter protection alone is associated with a high
      risk of ischemic complications when vulnerable carotid stenosis is treated by
      carotid artery stenting (CAS). Double balloon protection, a combination of distal
      balloon protection and proximal balloon occlusion, can be utilized. We assessed
      the outcome and complications of the double balloon protection method for
      vulnerable carotid stenosis. METHODS: Among 130 patients who underwent CAS from
      2009 to 2014, we enrolled the following patients: those whose target lesion was
      vulnerable as evaluated by MRI, i.e., a signal ratio of plaque to posterior
      cervical muscle on T1-weighted images before CAS of >=1.5, and those who
      underwent diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) studies within 48 h after the
      procedure. Ninety patients were enrolled. We investigated DWI findings of the
      double balloon protection group compared with those of the simple distal balloon
      protection and distal filter protection groups. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (71
      %) underwent double balloon protection, 15 patients (17 %) simple distal balloon
      protection, and 11 patients (12 %) distal filter protection. Symptomatic embolic
      complications and new lesions on DWI after CAS were significantly less common in
      patients undergoing double balloon protection compared to distal balloon
      protection or distal filter protection (0 % vs. 20 %, 9 %, P < 0.01, and 30 % vs.
      67 %, 82 %, P < 0.01, respectively). Logistic regression analysis also identified
      the odds ratio of double balloon protection for new lesions on DWI after CAS of
      0.23 (95 % confidence interval: 0.07-0.70, P < 0.01) compared to simple distal
      protections. CONCLUSIONS: In the patients who underwent CAS for vulnerable
      carotid stenosis, double balloon protection was an independent significant factor
      associated with a reduction in the risk of new lesions on DWI after the procedure
      compared to conventional distal protections.

PMID- 27138331
TI  - Semi-quantitative assessment of flow dynamics during indocyanine green video
      angiography in the treatment of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: how I
      do it.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green video-angiography (IG-VA) is applied for
      intraoperative localisation and verification of surgical disconnection of
      intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (iDAVFs). METHOD: We describe the
      technique of semiquantitative flow analysis using Flow800 software that
      implements conventional IG-VA. Our method relies on simple comparison of the
      fluorescence curves of the exposed vessels, allowing precise localisation of the
      DAVF draining vein and verification of its surgical disconnection. CONCLUSIONS:
      Semi-quantitative flow analysis with Flow800 software during IG-VA is a
      reproducible technique that may overcome the limitations of conventional IG-VA in
      the surgical treatment of DAVFs.

PMID- 27138332
TI  - (18)F-FDG hepatic superscan caused by a non-germinal center subtype of diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma.

PMID- 27138334
TI  - The characteristics and outcome of bacteraemia in renal transplant recipients and
      non-transplant renal patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is lack of outcome data for bacteraemic patients on specialist
      renal units. We described demographic, clinical, microbiological data and
      outcomes for bacteraemic adult renal transplant and non-transplant patients at a
      London Teaching Hospital. We also assessed the appropriateness of empirical
      antibiotic policy. METHODS: From December 2012 to November 2013, demographic,
      clinical and microbiological data were collected on consecutive patients with
      bacteraemia on a specialist UK renal unit. Empirical anti-microbial policy, based
      upon sites of infection, was piperacillin/tazobactam and amikacin, or meropenem
      for graft pyelonephritis, and vancomycin and gentamicin for suspected central
      venous catheter (CVC) associated infection. RESULTS: 113 bacteraemic episodes
      occurred in 83 patients. One patient had two bacteraemic episodes, one on
      haemodialysis and another after transplantation so appear in both groups. In the
      non-transplant group, 30-day mortality was 4/59 (6.8 %), more than the renal
      transplant group, 0/25 (0 %). While graft pyelonephritis was the predominant
      cause of bacteraemic episodes in renal transplant patients, 25/36 (69.4 %), there
      were a variety of other causes in the non-transplant group including
      uncomplicated line associated bacteraemia, 36/77 (46.8 %), complicated line
      associated bacteraemia, 11/77 (14.3 %) and bacteraemia unrelated to vascular
      access sites 19/77 (24.7 %). Overall, commonest isolates were Methicillin
      sensitive Staphylococcus aureus 20/77 (26.3 %), and Escherichia coli 28/113 (24.8
      %). There were no Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates and, among
      Enterobacteriaceae, 15/57 (26.3 %) were extended spectrum beta-lactamase
      producers. CONCLUSIONS: Death only occurred in the non-transplant renal group.
      Empirical antibiotic treatment with either piperacillin/tazobactam and amikacin,
      or meropenem was appropriate for renal transplant recipients as most bacteraemic
      episodes were secondary to graft pyelonephritis. Vancomycin and gentamicin was
      appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment for non-transplant patients with CVC
      associated infections, but not optimal for other sites of infection.

PMID- 27138333
TI  - A MAPK-Driven Feedback Loop Suppresses Rac Activity to Promote RhoA-Driven Cancer
      Cell Invasion.
AB  - Cell migration in 3D microenvironments is fundamental to development, homeostasis
      and the pathobiology of diseases such as cancer. Rab-coupling protein (RCP)
      dependent co-trafficking of alpha5beta1 and EGFR1 promotes cancer cell invasion
      into fibronectin (FN) containing extracellular matrix (ECM), by potentiating
      EGFR1 signalling at the front of invasive cells. This promotes a switch in
      RhoGTPase signalling to inhibit Rac1 and activate a RhoA-ROCK-Formin homology
      domain-containing 3 (FHOD3) pathway and generate filopodial actin-spike
      protrusions which drive invasion. To further understand the signalling network
      that drives RCP-driven invasive migration, we generated a Boolean logical model
      based on existing network pathways/models, where each node can be interrogated by
      computational simulation. The model predicted an unanticipated feedback loop,
      whereby Raf/MEK/ERK signalling maintains suppression of Rac1 by inhibiting the
      Rac-activating Sos1-Eps8-Abi1 complex, allowing RhoA activity to predominate in
      invasive protrusions. MEK inhibition was sufficient to promote lamellipodia
      formation and oppose filopodial actin-spike formation, and led to activation of
      Rac and inactivation of RhoA at the leading edge of cells moving in 3D matrix.
      Furthermore, MEK inhibition abrogated RCP/alpha5beta1/EGFR1-driven invasive
      migration. However, upon knockdown of Eps8 (to suppress the Sos1-Abi1-Eps8
      complex), MEK inhibition had no effect on RhoGTPase activity and did not oppose
      invasive migration, suggesting that MEK-ERK signalling suppresses the Rac
      activating Sos1-Abi1-Eps8 complex to maintain RhoA activity and promote
      filopodial actin-spike formation and invasive migration. Our study highlights the
      predictive potential of mathematical modelling approaches, and demonstrates that
      a simple intervention (MEK-inhibition) could be of therapeutic benefit in
      preventing invasive migration and metastasis.

PMID- 27138335
TI  - Cranial imaging findings in neurobrucellosis: results of Istanbul-3 study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neuroimaging abnormalities in central nervous system (CNS) brucellosis
      are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence
      of imaging abnormalities in neurobrucellosis and to identify factors associated
      with leptomeningeal and basal enhancement, which frequently results in
      unfavorable outcomes. METHODS: Istanbul-3 study evaluated 263 adult patients with
      CNS brucellosis from 26 referral centers and reviewed their 242 magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) and 226 computerized tomography (CT) scans of the brain.
      RESULTS: A normal CT or MRI scan was seen in 143 of 263 patients (54.3 %).
      Abnormal imaging findings were grouped into the following four categories: (a)
      inflammatory findings: leptomeningeal involvements (44), basal meningeal
      enhancements (30), cranial nerve involvements (14), spinal nerve roots
      enhancement (8), brain abscesses (7), granulomas (6), and arachnoiditis (4). (b)
      White-matter involvement: white-matter involvement (32) with or without
      demyelinating lesions (7). (c) Vascular involvement: vascular involvement (42)
      mostly with chronic cerebral ischemic changes (37). (d) Hydrocephalus/cerebral
      edema: hydrocephalus (20) and brain edema (40). On multivariate logistic
      regression analysis duration of symptoms since the onset (OR 1.007; 95 % CI 1-28,
      p = 0.01), polyneuropathy and radiculopathy (OR 5.4; 95 % CI 1.002-1.013, p =
      0.044), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum glucose rate (OR 0.001; 95 % CI 000
      0.067, p = 0.001), and CSF protein (OR 2.5; 95 % CI 2.3-2.7, p = 0.0001) were
      associated with diffuse inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 45 % of
      neurobrucellosis patients had abnormal neuroimaging findings. The duration of
      symptoms, polyneuropathy and radiculopathy, high CSF protein level, and low
      CSF/serum glucose rate were associated with inflammatory findings on imaging
      analyses.

PMID- 27138336
TI  - Highly variable cancer subpopulations that exhibit enhanced transcriptome
      variability and metastatic fitness.
AB  - Individual cells within a tumour can exhibit distinct genetic and molecular
      features. The impact of such diversification on metastatic potential is unknown.
      Here we identify clonal human breast cancer subpopulations that display different
      levels of morphological and molecular diversity. Highly variable subpopulations
      are more proficient at metastatic colonization and chemotherapeutic survival.
      Through single-cell RNA-sequencing, inter-cell transcript expression variability
      is identified as a defining feature of the highly variable subpopulations that
      leads to protein-level variation. Furthermore, we identify high variability in
      the spliceosomal machinery gene set. Engineered variable expression of the
      spliceosomal gene SNRNP40 promotes metastasis, attributable to cells with low
      expression. Clinically, low SNRNP40 expression is associated with metastatic
      relapse. Our findings reveal transcriptomic variability generation as a mechanism
      by which cancer subpopulations can diversify gene expression states, which may
      allow for enhanced fitness under changing environmental pressures encountered
      during cancer progression. 

PMID- 27138337
TI  - Sex and age differences in hibernation patterns of common hamsters: adult females
      hibernate for shorter periods than males.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the timing and duration of hibernation as well as
      body temperature patterns in free-ranging common hamsters (Cricetus cricetus)
      with regard to sex and age differences. Body temperature was recorded using
      subcutaneously implanted data loggers. The results demonstrate that although
      immergence and vernal emergence sequences of sex and age groups resembled those
      of most hibernators, particularly adult females delayed hibernation onset until
      up to early January. Thus, in contrast to other hibernators, female common
      hamsters hibernated for shorter periods than males and correspondingly spent less
      time in torpor. These sex differences were absent in juvenile hamsters. The
      period between the termination of hibernation and vernal emergence varied among
      individuals but did not differ between the sex and age groups. This period of
      preemergence euthermy was related to emergence body mass: individuals that
      terminated hibernation earlier in spring and had longer euthermic phases prior to
      emergence started the active season in a better condition. In addition, males
      with longer periods of preemergence euthermy had larger testes at emergence. In
      conclusion, females have to rely on sufficient food stores but may adjust the use
      of torpor in relation to the available external energy reserves, whereas males
      show a more pronounced energy-saving strategy by hibernating for longer periods.
      Nonetheless, food caches seem to be important for both males and females as
      indicated by the euthermic preemergence phase and the fact that some individuals,
      mainly yearlings, emerged with a higher body mass than shortly before immergence
      in autumn.

PMID- 27138338
TI  - Enzymatic capacities of metabolic fuel use in cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) and
      responses to food deprivation: insight into the metabolic organization and
      starvation survival strategy of cephalopods.
AB  - Food limitation is a common challenge for animals. Cephalopods are sensitive to
      starvation because of high metabolic rates and growth rates related to their
      "live fast, die young" life history. We investigated how enzymatic capacities of
      key metabolic pathways are modulated during starvation in the common cuttlefish
      (Sepia officinalis) to gain insight into the metabolic organization of
      cephalopods and their strategies for coping with food limitation. In particular,
      lipids have traditionally been considered unimportant fuels in cephalopods, yet,
      puzzlingly, many species (including cuttlefish) mobilize the lipid stores in
      their digestive gland during starvation. Using a comprehensive multi-tissue assay
      of enzymatic capacities for energy metabolism, we show that, during long-term
      starvation (12 days), glycolytic capacity for glucose use is decreased in
      cuttlefish tissues, while capacities for use of lipid-based fuels (fatty acids
      and ketone bodies) and amino acid fuels are retained or increased. Specifically,
      the capacity to use the ketone body acetoacetate as fuel is widespread across
      tissues and gill has a previously unrecognized capacity for fatty acid
      catabolism, albeit at low rates. The capacity for de novo glucose synthesis
      (gluconeogenesis), important for glucose homeostasis, likely is restricted to the
      digestive gland, contrary to previous reports of widespread gluconeogenesis among
      cephalopod tissues. Short-term starvation (3-5 days) had few effects on enzymatic
      capacities. Similar to vertebrates, lipid-based fuels, putatively mobilized from
      fat stores in the digestive gland, appear to be important energy sources for
      cephalopods, especially during starvation when glycolytic capacity is decreased
      perhaps to conserve available glucose.

PMID- 27138340
TI  - Rapid Progression and Overlapping of Skin Eruptions in a Patient with Secondary
      and Tertiary Syphilis Coinfected with HIV.

PMID- 27138339
TI  - RNA Polymerase II cluster dynamics predict mRNA output in living cells.
AB  - Protein clustering is a hallmark of genome regulation in mammalian cells.
      However, the dynamic molecular processes involved make it difficult to correlate
      clustering with functional consequences in vivo. We developed a live-cell super
      resolution approach to uncover the correlation between mRNA synthesis and the
      dynamics of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) clusters at a gene locus. For endogenous
      beta-actin genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we observe that short-lived (~8
      s) Pol II clusters correlate with basal mRNA output. During serum stimulation, a
      stereotyped increase in Pol II cluster lifetime correlates with a proportionate
      increase in the number of mRNAs synthesized. Our findings suggest that transient
      clustering of Pol II may constitute a pre-transcriptional regulatory event that
      predictably modulates nascent mRNA output.

PMID- 27138341
TI  - Fine-Tuning of Pten Localization and Phosphatase Activity Is Essential for
      Zebrafish Angiogenesis.
AB  - The lipid- and protein phosphatase PTEN is an essential tumor suppressor that is
      highly conserved among all higher eukaryotes. As an antagonist of the PI3K/Akt
      cell survival and proliferation pathway, it exerts its most prominent function at
      the cell membrane, but (PIP3-independent) functions of nuclear PTEN have been
      discovered as well. PTEN subcellular localization is tightly controlled by its
      protein conformation. In the closed conformation, PTEN localizes predominantly to
      the cytoplasm. Opening up of the conformation of PTEN exposes N-terminal and C
      terminal regions of the protein that are required for both interaction with the
      cell membrane and translocation to the nucleus. Lack of Pten leads to
      hyperbranching of the intersegmental vessels during zebrafish embryogenesis,
      which is rescued by expression of exogenous Pten. Here, we observed that
      expression of mutant PTEN with an open conformation rescued the hyperbranching
      phenotype in pten double homozygous embryos and suppressed the increased p-Akt
      levels that are characteristic for embryos lacking Pten. In addition, in pten
      mutant and wild type embryos alike, open conformation PTEN induced stalled
      intersegmental vessels, which fail to connect with the dorsal longitudinal
      anastomotic vessel. Functional hyperactivity of open conformation PTEN in
      comparison to wild type PTEN seems to result predominantly from its enhanced
      recruitment to the cell membrane. Enhanced recruitment of phosphatase inactive
      mutants to the membrane did not induce the stalled vessel phenotype nor did it
      rescue the hyperbranching phenotype in pten double homozygous embryos, indicating
      that PTEN phosphatase activity is indispensable for its regulatory function
      during angiogenesis. Taken together, our data suggest that PTEN phosphatase
      activity needs to be carefully fine-tuned for normal embryogenesis and that the
      control of its subcellular localization is a key mechanism in this process.

PMID- 27138343
TI  - Improving the analytical performance and versatility of paper spray mass
      spectrometry via paper microfluidics.
AB  - Two paper-based microfluidic techniques, photolithography and wax patterning,
      were investigated for their potential to improve upon the sensitivity,
      reproducibility, and versatility of paper spray mass spectrometry. The main
      limitation of photolithography was the significant signal (approximately three
      orders of magnitude) above background which was attributed to the chemicals used
      in the photoresist process. Hydrophobic barriers created via wax patterning were
      discovered to have approximately 2 orders of magnitude less background signal
      compared to analogous barriers created using photolithography. A minimum printed
      wax barrier thickness of approximately 0.3 mm was necessary to consistently
      retain commonly used paper spray solvents (1 : 1 water : acetonitrile/methanol)
      and avoid leakage. Constricting capillary flow via wax-printed channels yielded
      both a significant increase in signal and detection time for detection of model
      analytes. This signal increase, which was attributed to restricting the radial
      flow of analyte/solvent on paper (i.e., a concentrating effect), afforded a
      significant increase in sensitivity (p ? 0.05) for the detection of pesticides
      spiked into residential tap water using a five-point calibration curve. Finally,
      unique mixing designs using wax patterning can be envisioned to perform on-paper
      analyte derivatization. 

PMID- 27138342
TI  - Global diversity in the TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor: revisiting a classic
      evolutionary PROPosal.
AB  - The ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is
      a polymorphic trait mediated by the TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor gene. It has
      long been hypothesized that global genetic diversity at this locus evolved under
      pervasive pressures from balancing natural selection. However, recent high
      resolution population genetic studies of TAS2Rs suggest that demographic events
      have played a critical role in the evolution of these genes. We here utilized the
      largest TAS2R38 database yet analyzed, consisting of 5,589 individuals from 105
      populations, to examine natural selection, haplotype frequencies and linkage
      disequilibrium to estimate the effects of both selection and demography on
      contemporary patterns of variation at this locus. We found signs of an ancient
      balancing selection acting on this gene but no post Out-Of-Africa departures from
      neutrality, implying that the current observed patterns of variation can be
      predominantly explained by demographic, rather than selective events. In
      addition, we found signatures of ancient selective forces acting on different
      African TAS2R38 haplotypes. Collectively our results provide evidence for a
      relaxation of recent selective forces acting on this gene and a revised
      hypothesis for the origins of the present-day worldwide distribution of TAS2R38
      haplotypes.

PMID- 27138344
TI  - Corrigendum to "The influence of footwear on functional outcome after total ankle
      replacement, ankle arthrodesis, and tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis" [Clin.
      Biomech. 32 (2016) 34-39].

PMID- 27138345
TI  - Synthesis, Structural Elucidation, and Biological Evaluation of NSC12, an Orally
      Available Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) Ligand Trap for the Treatment of FGF
      Dependent Lung Tumors.
AB  - NSC12 is an orally available pan-FGF trap able to inhibit FGF2/FGFR interaction
      and endowed with promising antitumor activity. It was identified by virtual
      screening from a NCI small molecule library, but no data were available about its
      synthesis, stereochemistry, and physicochemical properties. We report here a
      synthetic route that allowed us to characterize and unambiguously identify the
      structure of the active compound by a combination of NMR spectroscopy and in
      silico conformational analysis. The synthetic protocol allowed us to sustain
      experiments aimed at assessing its therapeutic potential for the treatment of FGF
      dependent lung cancers. A crucial step in the synthesis generated a couple of
      diastereoisomers, with only one able to act as a FGF trap molecule and to inhibit
      FGF-dependent receptor activation, cell proliferation, and tumor growth when
      tested in vitro and in vivo on murine and human lung cancer cells.

PMID- 27138347
TI  - Enhancement of two photon absorption properties and intersystem crossing by
      charge transfer in pentaaryl boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives.
AB  - Novel BODIPY derivatives containing N,N-diphenylamine, 4-methoxyphenyl, 2,4
      dimethoxyphenyl, triphenylamine, and 1-pyrene moieties were designed and
      synthesized for the first time by employing the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki
      Miyaura coupling on pentaaryl boron dipyrromethene compounds. The effect of
      various moieties and charge transfer on linear and nonlinear optical absorption
      was investigated. It was found that moieties with strong electron donor
      properties and long conjugation lengths increase charge transfer and enhance
      intersystem crossing in the investigated compounds. Besides, the investigated
      compounds showed strong two photon absorption properties at near infrared
      wavelengths (800 nm and 900 nm), which is required for two photon photodynamic
      therapy. Two photon absorption cross section values were found to be 83, 454,
      331, 472 and 413 GM for , , , and compounds at 800 nm wavelength, respectively.
      The highest two-photon absorption cross-section value was obtained for the
      compound containing a triphenylamine moiety due to its more efficient charge
      transfer characteristics. Strong two-photon absorption properties in the near
      infrared region, efficient intersystem crossing and heavy atom free nature of the
      investigated compounds make them good candidates for two photon photodynamic
      therapy applications. We believe that this work will be one of the leading
      studies for two-photon photodynamic therapy applications of pentaaryl BODIPY
      derivatives.

PMID- 27138348
TI  - Iron-Sulfide-Associated Products Formed during Reductive Dechlorination of Carbon
      Tetrachloride.
AB  - This paper investigated the mackinawite (FeS)-associated products formed during
      reaction between FeS and carbon tetrachloride (CT) at pH 7 and 8. At pH 8,
      reaction of FeS with CT led to formation of abundant spherical particles with
      diameters between 50 and 400 nm on the FeS surface and in solution; far fewer
      such particles were observed at pH 7. Analysis of the FeS surface by energy
      dispersive X-ray spectroscopy after reaction with CT at pH 8 showed decreased
      sulfur and elevated oxygen compared to unreacted FeS. The spherical particles
      that formed upon FeS reaction with CT were mostly amorphous with localized areas
      of poorly crystalline two-line ferrihydrite. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      indicated that the predominant Fe surface species after reaction with CT at pH 8
      was Fe(III)-O, consistent with ferrihydrite and other amorphous iron (hydr)oxides
      as major products. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis suggested formation of
      greigite upon reaction of FeS with CT at pH 7. Both ferrihydrite and Fe(2+),
      which is a product of greigite dissolution, can react with dissolved HS(-) to
      form FeS, suggesting that, after oxidation by chlorinated aliphatics, FeS can be
      regenerated by addition or microbial generation of sulfide.

PMID- 27138349
TI  - Arteriovenous malformation of the inferior mesenteric artery presenting as
      ischemic colitis.

PMID- 27138350
TI  - Important non-disease-related determinants of exhaled nitric oxide levels in mild
      asthma - results from the Swedish GA(2) LEN study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has a potential clinical role
      in asthma management. Constitutive factors such as age, height and gender, as
      well as individual characteristics, such as IgE sensitization and smoking, affect
      the levels of FeNO in population-based studies. However, their effect on FeNO in
      subjects with asthma has been scarcely studied. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects
      on FeNO of these commonly regarded determinants, as demonstrated in healthy
      subjects, as well as menarche age and parental smoking, in a population of
      asthmatics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fractional exhaled nitric oxide was measured in
      557 subjects with asthma from the Swedish GA(2) LEN study. Allergic sensitization
      was assessed by skin prick tests to most common aeroallergens. Upper airway
      comorbidities, smoking habits, smoking exposure during childhood and hormonal
      status (for women) were questionnaire-assessed. RESULTS: Male gender (P < 0.001),
      greater height (P < 0.001) and sensitization to both perennial allergens and
      pollen (P < 0.001) are related to higher FeNO levels. Current smoking (P < 0.001)
      and having both parents smoking during childhood, vs. having neither (P < 0.001)
      or only one parent smoking (P = 0.002), are related to lower FeNO. Women with
      menarche between 9 and 11 years of age had lower FeNO than those with menarche
      between 12 and 14 years of age (P = 0.03) or 15 and 17 years of age (P = 0.003).
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Interpreting FeNO levels in clinical practice
      is complex, and constitutional determinants, as well as smoking and IgE
      sensitisation, are of importance in asthmatic subjects and should be accounted
      for when interpreting FeNO levels. Furthermore, menarche age and parental smoking
      during childhood and their effects on lowering FeNO deserve further studies.

PMID- 27138352
TI  - Autophagy is involved in regulating VEGF during high-glucose-induced podocyte
      injury.
AB  - Podocytes are the major sites of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      production in kidneys. Over-expression of VEGF is involved in the pathogenesis of
      diabetic nephropathy (DN), and an emerging body of evidence suggests that
      autophagy plays an important role in DN. In this study, the effect of autophagy
      on over-expressed VEGF along with its underlying mechanism was investigated in
      streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and high glucose (HG)-induced
      podocytes. We found that diabetes caused podocyte foot process effacement and
      VEGF upregulation significantly. In vitro, high glucose induced VEGF and reduced
      the podocyte viability. After treatment with rapamycin in podocytes, an autophagy
      inducer, VEGF activation was significantly abrogated and podocyte injury was
      ameliorated. In contrast, podocytes treated with 3-methyladenine (3-MA), a potent
      autophagy inhibitor, had increased VEGF expression. Furthermore, 3-MA
      significantly increased the production of HG-induced reactive oxygen species
      (ROS), whereas rapamycin decreased the cellular ROS level. Inhibition of ROS
      production by N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) effectively reduced the over-expression
      of VEGF. These studies show the vital role of autophagy in the regulation of
      VEGF, which presents a protective effect on HG-induced podocyte injury. ROS
      production may be an important mechanism for mediating this process.

PMID- 27138353
TI  - Estrogen and progestogen inhibit NF-kappaB in atherosclerotic tissues of
      ovariectomized ApoE (-/-) mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of estrogen and progestogen treatment on
      atherosclerotic inflammation and vascular remodeling. METHODS: Atherosclerosis
      was induced by feeding ovariectomized ApoE (-/-) mice a cholesterol-rich diet.
      Estrogen and progestogen were supplied as estradiol valerate (E2V, orally, 0.07
      mg/kg/day) and dydrogesterone (DG, orally, 0.2 mg/kg/day), respectively, for 8
      weeks. Levels of the vascular inflammatory marker nuclear factor kappa B (NF
      kappaB) and arterial remodeling marker matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were
      examined. Estrogen receptor (ER) involvement was analyzed by treating with
      antagonists. RESULTS: E2V and DG treatment reduced NF-kappaB mRNA and protein
      levels in atherosclerotic tissue from ovariectomized ApoE (-/-) mice, and the
      difference in expression trended towards statistical significance. Moreover,
      treatment with the ERbeta-specific antagonist significantly increased NF-kappaB
      mRNA and protein levels in both the E2V treatment group and the E2V and DG
      combined treatment group (p < 0.05), suggesting that E2V inhibits NF-kappaB
      overexpression in atherosclerotic tissue through ERbeta-mediated signaling.
      However, E2V and DG co-treatment did not significantly affect MMP-9 mRNA or
      protein expression in atherosclerotic tissue. Introduction of ER antagonists to
      E2V and DG co-treatment still did not significantly affect MMP-9 expression.
      CONCLUSION: E2V and DG treatment may inhibit arterial inflammation by regulating
      ERbeta-related signaling pathways.

PMID- 27138351
TI  - Selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs): progesterone receptor action,
      mode of action on the endometrium and treatment options in gynecological
      therapies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The progesterone receptor plays an essential role in uterine
      physiology and reproduction. Selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs)
      have emerged as a valuable treatment option for hormone dependent conditions like
      uterine fibroids, which have a major impact on women's quality of life. SPRMs
      offer potential for longer term medical treatment and thereby patients may avoid
      surgical intervention. AREAS COVERED: The authors have reviewed the functional
      role of the progesterone receptor and its isoforms and their molecular mechanisms
      of action via genomic and non-genomic pathways. The current knowledge of the
      interaction of the PR and different SPRMs tested in clinical trials has been
      reviewed. The authors focused on pharmacological effects of selected SPRMs on the
      endometrium, their anti-proliferative action, and their suppression of bleeding.
      Potential underlying molecular mechanisms and the specific histological changes
      in the endometrium induced by SPRMs (PAEC; Progesterone receptor modulator
      Associated Endometrial Changes) have been discussed. The clinical potential of
      this compound class including its impact on quality of life has been covered.
      EXPERT OPINION: Clinical studies indicate SPRMs hold promise for treatment of
      benign gynecological complaints (fibroids, heavy menstrual bleeding; HMB). There
      however remains a knowledge gap concerning mechanism of action.

PMID- 27138354
TI  - Comparison of outcomes after endovascular and open repair of abdominal aortic
      aneurysms in low-risk patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In randomized trials endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has
      been shown to have superior perioperative outcomes compared with open aneurysm
      repair (OAR). However, outcomes in patients at low risk of complications are
      unclear and many surgeons still prefer OAR in this cohort. The objective was to
      analyse perioperative and longer-term outcomes of OAR and EVAR in this low-risk
      group of patients. METHODS: All elective infrarenal EVARs and OARs in the
      Vascular Study Group of New England database were reviewed from 2003 to 2014. The
      Medicare scoring system was used to identity patients at low risk of
      perioperative complications and death. Perioperative and longer-term outcomes
      were analysed in this cohort. A Kaplan-Meier plot was constructed for evaluation
      of longer-term survival. Further propensity matching and multivariable analysis
      were performed to analyse additional differences between the two groups. RESULTS:
      Some 1070 patients who underwent EVAR and 476 who had OAR were identified.
      Mean(s.d.) age was 67.3(5.7) and 65.1(6.3) years respectively (P < 0.001). EVAR
      was associated with a lower overall perioperative complication rate (4.2 versus
      26.5 per cent; P < 0.001). There was no difference in 30-day mortality (0.4
      versus 0.6 per cent; P = 0.446). Overall survival at 3 years was similar after
      EVAR and OAR (92.5 versus 92.1 per cent respectively; P = 0.592). In
      multivariable analyses there was no difference in freedom from reintervention
      (odds ratio 1.69, 95 per cent c.i. 0.73 to 3.90; P = 0.220) or survival (hazard
      ratio 0.85, 0.61 to 1.20; P = 0.353). CONCLUSION: In patients predicted to be at
      low risk of perioperative death following aneurysm repair, EVAR resulted in fewer
      perioperative complications than OAR. However, perioperative mortality,
      reinterventions and survival rates in the longer term appeared similar between
      endovascular and open repair.

PMID- 27138355
TI  - Update on mandibular condylar fracture management.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Fractures of the mandibular condyle have provided a lasting
      source of controversy in the field of facial trauma. Concerns regarding facial
      nerve injury as well as reasonable functional outcomes with closed management led
      to a reluctance to treat with an open operative intervention. This article
      reviews how incorporating new technologies and surgical methods have changed the
      treatment paradigm. RECENT FINDINGS: Multiple large studies and meta-analyses
      continue to demonstrate superior outcomes for condylar fractures when managed
      surgically. Innovations, including endoscopic techniques, three-dimensional
      miniplates, and angled drills provide increased options in the treatment of
      condylar fractures. The literature on pediatric condylar fractures is limited and
      continues to favor a more conservative approach. SUMMARY: There continues to be
      mounting evidence in radiographic, quality of life, and functional outcome
      studies to support open reduction with internal fixation for the treatment of
      condylar fractures in patients with malocclusion, significant displacement, or
      dislocation of the temporomandibular joint. The utilization of three-dimensional
      trapezoidal miniplates has shown improved outcomes and theoretically enhanced
      biomechanical properties when compared with traditional fixation with single or
      double miniplates. Endoscopic-assisted techniques can decrease surgical
      morbidity, but are technically challenging, require skilled assistants, and
      utilize specialized equipment.

PMID- 27138356
TI  - Correction of saddle and short noses.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The review summarizes the basic concepts and recent updates on
      the management of saddle and short noses, with a particular focus on the
      selection of septal reconstruction techniques and dorsal augmentation material.
      RECENT FINDINGS: Different techniques have been reported for septal cartilage
      reconstruction, including various combinations of extended spreader and caudal
      septal extension grafts, as well as L-strut grafts. For dorsal augmentation,
      materials that help avoid costal cartilage warping including, diced costal
      cartilage with or without fascia, costal cartilage obtained by oblique cutting,
      diced conchal cartilage with perichondrial attachments, and lipofilling of the
      nasal dorsum have been reported. SUMMARY: The article highlights the importance
      of rebuilding the septal cartilage support system by the proper use of costal
      cartilage and selection of an appropriate technique for the successful management
      of saddle and short noses. In addition, the importance of selecting suitable
      dorsal augmentation materials and other adjunctive maneuvers are emphasized.

PMID- 27138357
TI  - The surgical management of cephalalgia.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Management of headache disorders is not part of most
      craniomaxillofacial surgery practices; however there are certain indications for
      surgical management of headaches by the craniomaxillofacial surgeon. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Migraine headaches are the most amenable to surgical management and
      while the exact mechanism of migraine is unknown, a central or peripheral trigger
      such as compressive neuropathy of trigeminal nerve branches leading to neurogenic
      inflammation has been suggested. The primary management for episodic migraine
      headache should be lifestyle modification and medication, whereas for chronic
      migraine (>15 headache days/month) use of medication and botulinum neurotoxin is
      effective, whereas some patients may choose to explore surgical options. Trigger
      site decompression for chronic migraine surgically relieves anatomic impingement
      at various sites and has been shown to reduce by at least 50% the frequency,
      intensity, and duration of headaches in over 85% and elimination of headaches in
      almost 60%. Trigger points may also lead to exacerbation of cluster headaches and
      treatment with botulinum neurotoxin may reduce attacks. SUMMARY: Trigger site
      decompression is an effective treatment for chronic migraine, as are botulinum
      neurotoxin injections in reducing attacks in cluster headaches. The
      craniomaxillofacial surgeon is uniquely qualified to treat these primary headache
      disorders.

PMID- 27138359
TI  - Neutrophils, oxidative killing mechanisms and chemiluminescence.
AB  - Neutrophils engaged in phagocytosis show a "respiratory burst" which is
      characterised by an increased consumption of oxygen, the production of hydrogen
      peroxide and unstable oxygen intermediates and an increase in the activity of the
      hexose monophosphate shunt. These metabolic events are accompanied by the
      emission of light from the nhaeocvtosing cell. Measurement of this
      chemiluminescence provides a convenient method of akessing the mkrokidal
      competence of neutrophils. 

PMID- 27138358
TI  - A Characteristic-Based Constitutive Law for Dispersed Fibers.
AB  - Biological tissues are typically constituted of dispersed fibers. Modeling the
      constitutive laws of such tissues remains a challenge. Direct integration over
      all fibers is considered to be accurate but requires very expensive numerical
      integration. A general structure tensor (GST) model was previously developed to
      bypass this costly numerical integration step, but there are concerns about the
      model's accuracy. Here we estimate the approximation error of the GST model. We
      further reveal that the GST model ignores strain energy induced by shearing
      motions. Subsequently, we propose a new characteristic-based constitutive law to
      better approximate the direct integration model. The new model is very cost
      effective and closely approximates the "true" strain energy as calculated by the
      direct integration when stress-strain nonlinearity or fiber dispersion angle is
      small.

PMID- 27138360
TI  - Generating action descriptions from statistically integrated representations of
      human motions and sentences.
AB  - It is desirable for robots to be able to linguistically understand human actions
      during human-robot interactions. Previous research has developed frameworks for
      encoding human full body motion into model parameters and for classifying motion
      into specific categories. For full understanding, the motion categories need to
      be connected to the natural language such that the robots can interpret human
      motions as linguistic expressions. This paper proposes a novel framework for
      integrating observation of human motion with that of natural language. This
      framework consists of two models; the first model statistically learns the
      relations between motions and their relevant words, and the second statistically
      learns sentence structures as word n-grams. Integration of these two models
      allows robots to generate sentences from human motions by searching for words
      relevant to the motion using the first model and then arranging these words in
      appropriate order using the second model. This allows making sentences that are
      the most likely to be generated from the motion. The proposed framework was
      tested on human full body motion measured by an optical motion capture system. In
      this, descriptive sentences were manually attached to the motions, and the
      validity of the system was demonstrated. 

PMID- 27138361
TI  - Corrections.

PMID- 27138362
TI  - Isorhamnetin ameliorates LPS-induced inflammatory response through downregulation
      of NF-kappaB signaling.
AB  - Isorhamnetin, a flavonoid mainly found in Hippophae fhamnoides L. fruit, has been
      known for its antioxidant activity and its ability to regulate immune response.
      In this study, we investigated whether isorhamnetin exerts potent
      antiinflammatory effects in RAW264.7 cell and mouse model stimulated by LPS. The
      cytokine (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6) levels were determined. In the mouse
      model of acute lung injury, the phosphorylation of NF-kappaB proteins was
      analyzed and inhibitor of NF-kappaB signaling (PDTC) was used on mice. Our
      results showed that isorhamnetin markedly decreased TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6
      concentrations and suppressed the activation of NF-kappaB signaling. Meanwhile,
      isorhamnetin reduced the amount of inflammatory cells, the lung wet-to-dry weight
      ratio, protein leakage, and myeloperoxidase activity. Interference with specific
      inhibitor revealed that isorhamnetin-mediated suppression of cytokines and
      protein was via NF-kappaB signaling. So, it suggests that isorhamnetin might be a
      potential therapeutic agent for preventing inflammatory diseases. 

PMID- 27138363
TI  - Baseline cartilage quality is associated with voxel-based T1rho and T2 following
      ACL reconstruction: A multicenter pilot study.
AB  - In this multi-center study, voxel-based relaxometry (VBR), a novel technique to
      automatically quantify localized cartilage change, was used to investigate T1rho
      and T2 relaxation times of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
      at the time of injury and 6 months after reconstructive surgery. Sixty-four ACL
      injured patients from three sites underwent bilateral 3T MR T1rho and T2 mapping;
      56 patients returned 6 months after surgery. Cross-sectional and longitudinal VBR
      comparisons of relaxation times were calculated. Noyes Score (NS) clinical grades
      of cartilage lesions were noted at both times and correlated with relaxation
      times. Lastly, patients were divided into two groups based on baseline NS grades
      in the injured knee. T1rho times of each group were assessed with VBR and
      compared. Results illustrate the feasibility of VBR for efficiently analyzing
      data from patients at different sites. Significant relaxation time elevations at
      baseline were observed in the injured knee compared to the uninjured,
      particularly in the posterolateral tibia (pLT). Longitudinally, a decrease was
      observed in the pLT and patella, while an increase was noted in the trochlea.
      Stratifying patients by baseline lesion presence revealed T1rho increased more 6
      months after surgery in patients with lesions. Such findings propose that the
      presence of cartilage lesions at baseline are associated with the longitudinal
      progression of T1rho and T2 after ACL injury, and may contribute to early
      cartilage degeneration. Furthermore, the speed and localized specificity of
      automatic VBR analysis may translate well for clinical application, as seen in
      this multicenter study. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:688-698, 2017.

PMID- 27138365
TI  - Gold and diazo reagents: a fruitful tool for developing molecular complexity.
AB  - Since the discovery in 2005 of the potential of soluble Au complexes to catalyse
      the transfer of carbene groups from diazo compounds to organic substrates, an
      increasing number of transformations have been reported. In this contribution,
      the advances in the field are presented as foundations for further developments
      in the incoming years. 

PMID- 27138364
TI  - Development and Psychometric Validation of the EDE-QS, a 12 Item Short Form of
      the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a short form of the
      Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) for routine, including session
      by session, outcome assessment. METHOD: The current, 28-item version (6.0) of the
      EDE-Q was completed by 489 individuals aged 18-72 with various eating disorders
      recruited from three UK specialist eating disorder services. Rasch analysis was
      carried out on factors identified by means of principal component analysis, which
      in combination with expert ratings informed the development of an EDE-Q short
      form. The shortened questionnaire's reliability, validity and sensitivity was
      assessed based on online data collected from students of a UK university and
      volunteers with a history of eating disorders recruited from a national eating
      disorders charity aged 18-74 (N = 559). RESULTS: A 12-item short form, the Eating
      Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short (EDE-QS) was derived. The new measure
      showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .913) and temporal stability
      (ICC = .93; p < .001). It was highly correlated with the original EDE-Q (r = .91
      for people without ED; r = .82 for people with ED) and other measures of eating
      disorder and comorbid psychopathology. It was sufficiently sensitive to
      distinguish between people with and without eating disorders. DISCUSSION: The EDE
      QS is a brief, reliable and valid measure of eating disorder symptom severity
      that performs similarly to the EDE-Q and that lends itself for the use of
      sessional outcome monitoring in treatment and research.

PMID- 27138366
TI  - Hernia of the tympanic membrane.
AB  - Although tympanic bulging is commonly encountered, tympanic herniation occupying
      the external auditory canal is extremely rare. A 66-year-old man was presented to
      our hospital with left aural fullness, bilateral hearing loss and otorrhea.
      Preoperative findings suggested tympanic membrane (TM) hernia located in the left
      external auditory canal. We performed total resection of the soft mass by a
      transcanal approach using endoscopy. Ventilation tubes were inserted into
      bilateral ears. Histopathological findings confirmed diagnosis of TM hernia.
      Passive opening pressure of this patient was higher than normal condition of the
      Eustachian tube, where active opening was not observed. Hernia of the TM most
      likely resulted from long-term excessive Valsalva maneuver.

PMID- 27138367
TI  - [12 years of Computer-Aided Surgery around the Head : Developments in surgical
      planning and simulation from a Bern perspective].
AB  - Over the past years, the multidisciplinary character of the international
      Computer-Aided Surgery around the Head (CAS-H) symposium has advanced many
      medical technologies, which were often adopted by industry. In Bern, the
      synergetic effects of the CAS-H symposium have enabled many experiences and
      developments in the area of computer-aided surgery. Planning and simulation
      methods in the areas of craniomaxillofacial surgery and otorhinolaryngology were
      developed and tested in clinical settings. In the future, further CAS-H symposia
      should follow, in order to promote the possibilities and applications of computer
      assisted surgery around the head. 

PMID- 27138368
TI  - [The German Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery award winners 2015].

PMID- 27138369
TI  - Importance of cystatin C and uric acid levels in the association of
      cardiometabolic risk factors in Japanese junior high school students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum cystatin C (CysC), a novel marker of renal function, is
      associated with the components of metabolic syndrome in adults. Little is known
      about the utility of CysC and its association with cardiometabolic risks in young
      subjects. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a cohort of 454 Japanese junior high school
      students, the distribution of serum CysC levels and associated variables were
      analyzed. CysC levels were significantly higher in boys than in girls (0.92+/
      0.10mg/L vs. 0.77+/-0.08mg/L, p<0.001). CysC was significantly correlated with
      serum creatinine (r=0.473, p<0.001), and serum uric acid (SUA) (r=0.546,
      p<0.001). Multivariable regression analysis revealed significant associations
      between CysC and SUA in all subjects (beta=0.241, p<0.001), and in boys and girls
      separately (beta=0.264 and 0.240, respectively, both p<0.001). Importantly,
      subjects with elevation of both serum CysC and SUA levels had the highest ratio
      of triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: CysC had
      significant associations with both creatinine and SUA in Japanese junior high
      school students. The concomitant elevation of serum CysC and SUA levels was
      associated with subclinical lipid metabolism dysregulation, and suggested the
      presence of cardiometabolic risk accumulation.

PMID- 27138370
TI  - Converging Work-Talk Patterns in Online Task-Oriented Communities.
AB  - Much of what we do is accomplished by working collaboratively with others, and a
      large portion of our lives are spent working and talking; the patterns embodied
      in the alternation of working and talking can provide much useful insight into
      task-oriented social behaviors. The available electronic traces of the different
      kinds of human activities in online communities are an empirical goldmine that
      can enable the holistic study and understanding of these social systems. Open
      Source Software (OSS) projects are prototypical examples of collaborative, task
      oriented communities, depending on volunteers for high-quality work. Here, we use
      sequence analysis methods to identify the work-talk patterns of software
      developers in online communities of Open Source Software projects. We find that
      software developers prefer to persist in same kinds of activities, i.e., a string
      of work activities followed by a string of talk activities and so forth, rather
      than switch them frequently; this tendency strengthens with time, suggesting that
      developers become more efficient, and can work longer with fewer interruptions.
      This process is accompanied by the formation of community culture: developers'
      patterns in the same communities get closer with time while different communities
      get relatively more different. The emergence of community culture is apparently
      driven by both "talk" and "work". Finally, we also find that workers with good
      balance between "work" and "talk" tend to produce just as much work as those that
      focus strongly on "work"; however, the former appear to be more likely to
      continue to be active contributors in the communities.

PMID- 27138371
TI  - C2-Alkenylation of N-heteroaromatic compounds via Bronsted acid catalysis.
AB  - Substituted heteroaromatic compounds, especially those based on pyridine, hold a
      privileged position within drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. However,
      functionalisation of the C2 position of 6-membered heteroarenes is challenging
      because of (a) the difficulties of installing a halogen at this site and (b) the
      instability of C2 heteroaryl-metal reagents. Here we show that C2-alkenylated
      heteroaromatics can be accessed by simple Bronsted acid catalysed union of
      diverse heteroarene N-oxides with alkenes. The approach is notable because (a) it
      is operationally simple, (b) the Bronsted acid catalyst is cheap, non-toxic and
      sustainable, (c) the N-oxide activator disappears during the reaction, and (d)
      water is the sole stoichiometric byproduct of the process. The new protocol
      offers orthogonal functional group tolerance to metal-catalysed methods and can
      be integrated easily into synthetic sequences to provide polyfunctionalised
      targets. In broader terms, this study demonstrates how classical organic
      reactivity can still be used to provide solutions to contemporary synthetic
      challenges that might otherwise be approached using transition metal catalysis. 

PMID- 27138372
TI  - Observational learning in capuchin monkeys: a video deficit effect.
AB  - Young human children have been shown to learn less effectively from video or
      televised images than from real-life demonstrations. Although nonhuman primates
      respond to and can learn from video images, there is a lack of direct comparisons
      of task acquisition from video and live demonstrations. To address this gap in
      knowledge, we presented capuchin monkeys with video clips of a human demonstrator
      explicitly hiding food under one of two containers. The clips were presented at
      normal, faster than normal, or slower than normal speed, and then the monkeys
      were allowed to choose between the real containers. Even after 55 sessions and
      hundreds of video demonstration trials the monkeys' performances indicated no
      mastery of the task, and there was no effect of video speed. When given live
      demonstrations of the hiding act, the monkeys' performances were vastly improved.
      Upon subsequent return to video demonstrations, performances declined to pre-live
      demonstration levels, but this time with evidence for an advantage of fast video
      demonstrations. Demonstration action speed may be one aspect of images that
      influence nonhuman primates' ability to learn from video images, an ability that
      in monkeys, as in young children, appears limited compared to learning from live
      models.

PMID- 27138373
TI  - Sequence Conservation and Sexually Dimorphic Expression of the Ftz-F1 Gene in the
      Crustacean Daphnia magna.
AB  - Identifying the genes required for environmental sex determination is important
      for understanding the evolution of diverse sex determination mechanisms in
      animals. Orthologs of Drosophila orphan receptor Fushi tarazu factor-1 (Ftz-F1)
      are known to function in genetic sex determination. In contrast, their roles in
      environmental sex determination remain unknown. In this study, we have cloned and
      characterized the Ftz-F1 ortholog in the branchiopod crustacean Daphnia magna,
      which produces males in response to environmental stimuli. Similar to that
      observed in Drosophila, D. magna Ftz-F1 (DapmaFtz-F1) produces two splicing
      variants, alphaFtz-F1 and betaFtz-F1, which encode 699 and 777 amino acids,
      respectively. Both isoforms share a DNA-binding domain, a ligand-binding domain,
      and an AF-2 activation domain and differ only at the A/B domain. The phylogenetic
      position and genomic structure of DapmaFtz-F1 suggested that this gene has
      diverged from an ancestral gene common to branchiopod crustacean and insect Ftz
      F1 genes. qRT-PCR showed that at the one cell and gastrulation stages, both
      DapmaFtz-F1 isoforms are two-fold more abundant in males than in females. In
      addition, in later stages, their sexual dimorphic expressions were maintained in
      spite of reduced expression. Time-lapse imaging of DapmaFtz-F1 RNAi embryos was
      performed in H2B-GFP expressing transgenic Daphnia, demonstrating that
      development of the RNAi embryos slowed down after the gastrulation stage and
      stopped at 30-48 h after ovulation. DapmaFtz-F1 shows high homology to insect Ftz
      F1 orthologs based on its amino acid sequence and exon-intron organization. The
      sexually dimorphic expression of DapmaFtz-F1 suggests that it plays a role in
      environmental sex determination of D. magna.

PMID- 27138374
TI  - Acetylcholine polarizes dendritic cells toward a Th2-promoting profile.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A growing body of research shows a reciprocal regulation between the
      neural and immune systems. Acetylcholine (ACh) is the most important
      parasympathetic neurotransmitter, and increasing evidence indicates that it is
      able to modulate the immune response. Interestingly, in recent years, it has
      become clear that immune cells express a non-neuronal cholinergic system, which
      is stimulated in the course of inflammatory processes. We have previously shown
      that dendritic cells (DC) express muscarinic receptors, as well as the enzymes
      responsible for the synthesis and degradation of ACh. Here, we analyzed whether
      ACh could also modulate the functional profile of DC. METHODS: Dendritic cells
      were obtained from monocytes cultured for 5 days with GM-CSF+IL-4 or isolated
      from peripheral blood (CD1c+ DC). The phenotype of DC was evaluated by flow
      cytometry, the production of cytokines was analyzed by ELISA or intracellular
      staining and flow cytometry, and the expression of muscarinic and nicotinic
      receptors was evaluated by flow cytometry or qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Treatment of DC
      with ACh stimulated the expression of the Th2-promoter OX40L, the production of
      the Th2-chemokines MDC (macrophage-derived chemokine/CCL22) and TARC (thymus and
      activation-regulated chemokine/CCL17), and the synthesis of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13
      by T cells, in the course of the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). Moreover, we
      found that the stimulation of OX40L, HLA-DR, and CD83 expressions in DC induced
      by the Th2-promoting cytokine TSLP, as well as the production of IL-13, IL-4, and
      IL-5 by T cells in the course of the MLR, was further enhanced when DC were
      treated with TSLP plus ACh, instead of TSLP or ACh alone. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      observations suggest that ACh polarizes DC toward a Th2-promoting profile.

PMID- 27138375
TI  - Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles acutely promote thrombosis
      and cardiac oxidative stress and DNA damage in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIO) are
      being developed for several biomedical applications including drug delivery and
      imaging. However, little is known about their possible adverse effects on
      thrombosis and cardiac oxidative and DNA damage. METHODS: Presently, we
      investigated the acute (1 h) effect of intravenously (i.v.) administered USPIO in
      mice (0.4, 2 and 10 MUg/kg). Diesel exhaust particles (DEP; 400 MUg/kg) were used
      as positive control. RESULTS: USPIO induced a prothrombotic effect in pial
      arterioles and venules in vivo and increased the plasma plasminogen activator
      inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Both thrombogenicity and PAI-1 concentration were increased
      by DEP. The direct addition of USPIO (0.008, 0.04 and 0.2 MUg/ml) to untreated
      mouse blood dose-dependently induced in vitro platelet aggregation. USPIO caused
      a shortening of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time
      (PT). Similarly, DEP administration (1 MUg/ml) triggered platelet aggregation in
      vitro in whole blood. DEP also reduced PT and aPTT. The plasma levels of creatine
      phosphokinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and troponin-I
      were increased by USPIO. DEP induced a significant increase of CK-MB, LDH and
      troponin I levels in plasma. The cardiac levels of markers of oxidative stress
      including lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species and superoxide dismutase
      activity were increased by USPIO. Moreover, USPIO caused DNA damage in the heart.
      Likewise, DEP increased the markers of oxidative stress and induced DNA damage in
      the heart. CONCLUSION: We conclude that acute i.v. administration of USPIO caused
      thrombosis and cardiac oxidative stress and DNA damage. These findings provide
      novel insight into the pathophysiological effects of USPIO on cardiovascular
      homeostasis, and highlight the need for a thorough evaluation of their toxicity.

PMID- 27138376
TI  - Early life stress affects limited regional brain activity in depression.
AB  - Early life stress (ELS) can alter brain function and increases the risk of major
      depressive disorder (MDD) in later life. This study investigated whether ELS
      contributes to differences in regional brain activity between MDD patients and
      healthy controls (HC), as measured by amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation
      (ALFF)/fractional (f)ALFF. Eighteen first-episode, treatment-naive MDD patients
      and HC were assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and resting-state
      functional magnetic resonance imaging. We compared ALFF/fALFF between MDD
      patients and HC, with or without controlling for ELS, and determined whether ELS
      level was correlated with regional brain activity in each group. After regressing
      out ELS, we found that ALFF increased in bilateral amygdala and left
      orbital/cerebellum, while fALFF decreased in left inferior temporal and right
      middle frontal gyri in MDD patients relative to controls. ELS positively
      correlated with regional activity in the left cerebellum in MDD and in the right
      post-central/inferior temporal/superior frontal cingulate, inferior frontal gyrus
      and bilateral cerebellum in HC. Our findings indicate that there is only very
      limited region showing correlation between ELS and brain activity in MDD, while
      diverse areas in HC, suggesting ELS has few impacts on MDD patients.

PMID- 27138377
TI  - Appropriate Implantable Defibrillator Therapy in Adults With Hypertrophic
      Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are effective at
      terminating the ventricular arrhythmias that cause sudden cardiac death (SCD) in
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, identifying patients at risk for SCD
      remains an ongoing challenge. METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively studied all
      adult patients with HCM treated with ICDs at our referral center from 2000 to
      2013 to determine the risk factor profile, rates of appropriate ICD therapy, and
      complications associated with ICD implantation and discharge. Over a mean follow
      up period of 5.2 +/- 4.5 years, ICDs provided appropriate therapy to 25 of 135
      patients (2.6%/year for primary prevention, 9.8%/year for secondary prevention).
      Established risk factors for SCD were equally prevalent among patients who
      received appropriate therapy and those who did not. There were similar rates of
      appropriate therapy for primary prevention patients with each risk factor.
      Patients with multiple risk factors had similar rates of appropriate therapy to
      patients with a single risk factor. Patients who underwent implantation at a
      younger age were more likely to experience appropriate therapy. Inappropriate
      therapy occurred in 27 of 135 patients (20%). CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate
      that the rate of appropriate ICD therapy for primary prevention in a contemporary
      adult HCM population is lower than previously reported. The frequency of
      appropriate therapy was equally modest regardless of the nature and number of
      risk factors that led to ICD implantation, and patients with multiple risk
      factors for SCD did not have an increased rate of appropriate therapy.

PMID- 27138378
TI  - Distribution of axial length, anterior chamber depth, and corneal curvature in an
      aged population in South China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ocular biometry is important for preoperative assessment in cataract
      and anterior segment surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate
      normative ocular biometric parameters and their associations in an older Chinese
      population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study. From 2013 to
      2014, we recruited inhabitants aged 50 years or older in Guangzhou, China. Among
      1,117 participants in the study, data from 1,015 phakic right eyes were used for
      analyses. Ocular parameters including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth
      (ACD), and corneal curvature (K) were measured using an IOL Master. RESULTS: The
      mean AL, ACD, and K were 23.48 mm [95 % confidence interval (CI), 23.40-23.55],
      3.03 mm (CI, 3.01-3.05), and 44.20 mm (CI, 44.11-44.29), respectively. A mean
      reduction in ACD with age was observed (P = 0.002) in male subjects but not in
      female subjects (P = 0.558). Male subjects had significantly longer ALs (23.68 mm
      versus 23.23 mm, P < 0.001), deeper ACDs (3.13 mm versus 2.95 mm, P < 0.001), and
      flatter Ks (43.85D versus 44.50 D, P < 0.001) than female subjects. Eyes with
      axial elongation had a flatter cornea (r = -0.437, P < 0.001) and a deeper
      anterior chamber (r = 0.652, p < 0.001). The ACD was correlated with K (r = 
      0.266, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These data provide normative values for AL, ACD,
      and K using the IOL Master for a population in South China. The AL in this
      Chinese cohort was greater than that observed in the Singaporean Chinese but
      smaller than that observed in Malaysia and for Caucasians. The Chinese have a
      shallower ACD than some other racial groups. Age and sex were the most consistent
      predictors of ocular biometry in the older population from South China.

PMID- 27138379
TI  - Autonomy and Fear of Synthetic Biology: How Can Patients' Autonomy Be Enhanced in
      the Field of Synthetic Biology? A Qualitative Study with Stable Patients.
AB  - We analyzed stable patients' views regarding synthetic biology in general, the
      medical application of synthetic biology, and their potential participation in
      trials of synthetic biology in particular. The aim of the study was to find out
      whether patients' views and preferences change after receiving more detailed
      information about synthetic biology and its clinical applications. The
      qualitative study was carried out with a purposive sample of 36 stable patients,
      who suffered from diabetes or gout. Interviews were transcribed verbatim,
      translated and fully anonymized. Thematic analysis was applied in order to
      examine stable patients' attitudes towards synthetic biology, its medical
      application, and their participation in trials. When patients were asked about
      synthetic biology in general, most of them were anxious that something
      uncontrollable could be created. After a concrete example of possible future
      treatment options, patients started to see synthetic biology in a more positive
      way. Our study constitutes an important first empirical insight into stable
      patients' views on synthetic biology and into the kind of fears triggered by the
      term "synthetic biology." Our results show that clear and concrete information
      can change patients' initial negative feelings towards synthetic biology.
      Information should thus be transmitted with great accuracy and transparency in
      order to reduce irrational fears of patients and to minimize the risk that
      researchers present facts too positively for the purposes of persuading patients
      to participate in clinical trials. Potential participants need to be adequately
      informed in order to be able to autonomously decide whether to participate in
      human subject research involving synthetic biology.

PMID- 27138381
TI  - Severe Congenital Protein C Deficiency: Practical Aspects of Management.
AB  - Subcutaneous (SC) protein C (PC) was used in a child with purpura fulminans
      secondary to severe congenital PC deficiency. For maintenance, PC 80-120 IU/kg,
      given over 60-90 min SC Q48hr, has been successful as a home therapy for more
      than 3 years. The treatment was monitored by measuring trough PC chromogenic
      activity (target >=15%) and D-dimer levels. No change in clinical course was
      appreciated after discontinuing enoxaparin (and leaving the patient on
      prophylactic PC replacement alone). A significant discrepancy between clotting
      based and chromogenic-based PC activity is shown.

PMID- 27138380
TI  - Varicella Zoster Virus: A Common Cause of Stroke in Children and Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a neurotropic, exclusively human
      herpesvirus. Primary infection causes varicella (chickenpox), after which the
      virus becomes latent in ganglionic neurons along the entire neuraxis. As cell
      mediated immunity to VZV declines with advancing age and immunosuppression, VZV
      reactivates to produce zoster (shingles). One of the most serious complications
      of zoster is VZV vasculopathy. METHODS: We reviewed recent studies of stroke
      associated with varicella and zoster, how VZV vasculopathy is verified
      virologically, vaccination to prevent varicella and immunization to prevent
      zoster, and VZV in giant cell arteritis (GCA). FINDINGS: We report recent
      epidemiological studies revealing an increased risk of stroke after zoster; the
      clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of VZV vasculopathy; that VZV
      vasculopathy is confirmed by the presence of either VZV DNA or anti-VZV IgG
      antibody in cerebrospinal fluid; special features of VZV vasculopathy in
      children; vaccination to prevent varicella and immunization to prevent zoster;
      and the latest evidence linking VZV to GCA. CONCLUSION: In children and adults,
      VZV is a common cause of stroke.

PMID- 27138382
TI  - Semiquantitative prediction of early response of conventional transcatheter
      arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma using postprocedural
      plain cone-beam computed tomography.
AB  - AIM: To investigate whether plain cone-beam computed tomography (CT) immediately
      after conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (c-TACE) can help to
      predict tumor response semiquantitatively in patients with hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Analysis was carried out retrospectively on 262
      targeted HCCs in 169 patients treated with c-TACE. Dynamic CT was performed at
      baseline and 1-4 months after c-TACE. Receiver-operating characteristic curve
      analysis was undertaken to evaluate whether voxel values of cone-beam CT could
      predict a complete response and to identify the cut-off value. Final tumor
      response assessment and early prediction using the retention pattern of iodized
      oil, the cut-off value of the density, and the combination of the cut-off density
      value and retention pattern of iodized oil in HCCs on postprocedural cone-beam CT
      were compared. RESULTS: Complete response was obtained in 72.9% of lesions.
      According to the pattern of iodized oil uptake, the sensitivity, specificity, and
      accuracy for predicting complete response were 85.9%, 70.4%, and 81.7%,
      respectively by excellent uptake on cone-beam CT. The area under the curve was
      0.86 with the optimal cut-off at a voxel value of 200.13. According to not only
      the density but also the homogeneity of iodized oil retention, the sensitivity,
      specificity, and accuracy values for predicting complete response were 86.4%,
      95.8%, and 88.9%, respectively. The predictive accuracy was significantly better
      than that of the pattern of iodized oil retention only (P = 0.019). CONCLUSION:
      The combination of density and visual estimate of homogeneity is superior to
      either alone in predicting tumor response of c-TACE in HCC patients.

PMID- 27138384
TI  - HPB Surgery: The Specialty is Here to Stay, but the Training is in Evolution.

PMID- 27138383
TI  - Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Medications Significantly Increase the Risk of
      Postoperative Hematoma: Review of over 4500 Thyroid and Parathyroid Procedures.
AB  - PURPOSE: Antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medication use is common. Abstinence a
      week before surgery may still result in altered hemostasis. The study aim was to
      report on perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulant use in thyroidectomy and
      parathyroidectomy patients, and to determine the association with postoperative
      hematoma (POH) rates. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospective endocrine
      surgery database was performed. Procedure extent was defined as unilateral,
      bilateral, or extensive. Antiplatelets were categorized as none, 325 mg aspirin
      (ASA), <325 mg ASA, clopidogrel, or other. Anticoagulants were categorized as
      none, oral, or injectable. RESULTS: A total of 4514 patients were identified. POH
      developed in 22 patients (0.5 %). Rates were similar between age, gender, and
      reoperative status. POH were seven times more common after thyroidectomy (0.8 vs.
      0.1 %, p < 0.01). Unilateral procedures had lower POH rates than bilateral or
      extensive (0.1 vs. 0.9 vs. 0.8 %, p < 0.01). POH rates in patients receiving 325
      mg ASA (0.8 %) or clopidogrel (2.2 %) were much higher than patients not
      receiving antiplatelets (0.5 %) or receiving <325 mg ASA (0.1 %, p = 0.04). Oral
      anticoagulants (2.2 %) and injectable anticoagulants (10.7 %) had much higher POH
      rates than patients not receiving anticoagulants (0.4 %, p < 0.01). Target organ,
      patient gender, procedure extent, antiplatelet use, and anticoagulant use were
      included on logistic regression to determine association with POH. Bilateral
      procedures, thyroidectomy, clopidogrel, oral, and injectable anticoagulants were
      all independently associated with POH. CONCLUSIONS: POH occur more frequently
      after thyroidectomy and during bilateral procedures. Patients requiring
      clopidogrel or any anticoagulant coverage are at much higher risk for POH. These
      higher-risk patients should be considered for observation to ensure prompt POH
      recognition and intervention.

PMID- 27138385
TI  - A map of the human neocortex showing the estimated overall myelin content of the
      individual architectonic areas based on the studies of Adolf Hopf.
AB  - During the period extending from 1910 to 1970, Oscar and Cecile Vogt and their
      numerous collaborators published a large number of myeloarchitectonic studies on
      the cortex of the various lobes of the human cerebrum. In a previous publication
      [Nieuwenhuys et al (Brain Struct Funct 220:2551-2573, 2015; Erratum in Brain
      Struct Funct 220: 3753-3755, 2015)], we used the data provided by the Vogt-Vogt
      school for the composition of a myeloarchitectonic map of the entire human
      neocortex. Because these data were derived from many different brains, a standard
      brain had to be introduced to which all data available could be transferred. As
      such the Colin 27 structural scan, aligned to the MNI305 template was selected.
      The resultant map includes 180 myeloarchitectonic areas, 64 frontal, 30 parietal,
      6 insular, 17 occipital and 63 temporal. Here we present a supplementary map in
      which the overall density of the myelinated fibers in the individual
      architectonic areas is indicated, based on a meta-analysis of data provided by
      Adolf Hopf, a prominent collaborator of the Vogts. This map shows that the
      primary sensory and motor regions are densely myelinated and that, in general,
      myelination decreases stepwise with the distance from these primary regions. The
      map also reveals the presence of a number of heavily myelinated formations,
      situated beyond the primary sensory and motor domains, each consisting of two or
      more myeloarchitectonic areas. These formations were provisionally designated as
      the orbitofrontal, intraparietal, posterolateral temporal, and basal temporal
      dark clusters. Recently published MRI-based in vivo myelin content mappings show,
      with regard to the primary sensory and motor regions, a striking concordance with
      our map. As regards the heavily myelinated clusters shown by our map, scrutiny of
      the current literature revealed that correlates of all of these clusters have
      been identified in in vivo structural MRI studies and appear to correspond either
      entirely or largely to known cytoarchitectonic entities. Moreover, functional
      neuroimaging studies indicate that all of these clusters are involved in vision
      related cognitive functions.

PMID- 27138386
TI  - Breast cancer screening with digital breast tomosynthesis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To give an overview of studies comparing full-field digital mammography
      (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in breast cancer screening.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The implementation of tomosynthesis in breast imaging is
      rapidly increasing world-wide. Experimental clinical studies of relevance for DBT
      screening have shown that tomosynthesis might have a great potential in breast
      cancer screening, although most of these retrospective reading studies are based
      on small populations, so that final conclusions are difficult to draw from
      individual reports. Several retrospective studies and three prospective trials on
      tomosynthesis in breast cancer screening have been published so far, confirming
      the great potential of DBT in mammography screening. The main results of these
      screening studies are presented. RESULTS: The retrospective screening studies
      from USA have all shown a significant decrease in the recall rate using DBT as
      adjunct to mammography. Most of these studies have also shown an increase in the
      cancer detection rate, and the non-significant results in some studies might be
      explained by a lack of statistical power. All the three prospective European
      trials have shown a significant increase in the cancer detection rate.
      CONCLUSION: The retrospective and the prospective screening studies comparing
      FFDM and DBT have all demonstrated that tomosynthesis has a great potential for
      improving breast cancer screening. DBT should be regarded as a better mammogram
      that could improve or overcome limitations of the conventional mammography, and
      tomosynthesis might be considered as the new technique in the next future of
      breast cancer screening.

PMID- 27138387
TI  - Immune infiltrates in the breast cancer microenvironment: detection,
      characterization and clinical implication.
AB  - Although unlike melanoma, breast cancer is not generally viewed as a highly
      immunogenic cancer, recent studies have described a rich tumor immune
      microenvironment in a subset of breast cancers. These immune infiltrates,
      comprised cells from the innate and adaptive immune response, can be detected and
      characterized in biopsy specimens and have prognostic value. Tumor-infiltrating
      lymphocytes (TILs) represent the majority of mononuclear immune infiltrates in
      the breast tumor microenvironment and can be easily identified in formalin-fixed
      paraffin-embedded tissues after standard hematoxylin and eosin staining. High
      levels of TILs are most common in HER2+ and basal-like subtypes where they are
      associated with good prognosis and with response to certain therapies such as the
      anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab. International collaborative efforts are underway
      to standardize the assessment of TILs so as to facilitate their implementation as
      a breast cancer biomarker. Using immunohistochemistry to further characterize
      TILs, recent reports describe the presence of important lymphocyte populations
      including CD8+ cytotoxic, FOXP3+ regulatory, and CD4+ helper and follicular T
      cells which have overlapping associations with prognosis and response to
      therapies. Moreover, recently identified immune checkpoint markers (PD-1, PD-L1)
      are present in some breast cancers, implying some cases might be especially
      amenable to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment strategies which are being
      evaluated in a number of active clinical trials.

PMID- 27138424
TI  - Building Trust Between Institutional Review Boards and Researchers.

PMID- 27138426
TI  - More than Meets the Eye: Metastatic Uveal Melanoma.

PMID- 27138425
TI  - Worklife and Wellness in Academic General Internal Medicine: Results from a
      National Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: General internal medicine (GIM) careers are increasingly viewed as
      challenging and unsustainable. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess academic GIM
      worklife and determine remediable predictors of stress and burnout. DESIGN: We
      conducted an email survey. PARTICIPANTS: Physicians, nurse practitioners, and
      physician assistants in 15 GIM divisions participated. MAIN MEASURES: A ten-item
      survey queried stress, burnout, and work conditions such as electronic medical
      record (EMR) challenges. An open-ended question assessed stressors and solutions.
      Results were categorized into burnout, high stress, high control, chaos, good
      teamwork, high values alignment, documentation time pressure, and excessive home
      EMR use. Frequencies were determined for national data, Veterans Affairs (VA)
      versus civilian populations, and hospitalist versus ambulatory roles. A General
      Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) evaluated associations with burnout. A formal content
      analysis was performed for open-ended question responses. KEY RESULTS: Of 1235
      clinicians sampled, 579 responded (47 %). High stress was present in 67 %, with
      38 % burned out (burnout range 10-56 % by division). Half of respondents had low
      work control, 60 % reported high documentation time pressure, half described too
      much home EMR time, and most reported very busy or chaotic workplaces. Two-thirds
      felt aligned with departmental leaders' values, and three-quarters were satisfied
      with teamwork. Burnout was associated with high stress, low work control, and low
      values alignment with leaders (all p < 0.001). The 45 VA faculty had less burnout
      than civilian counterparts (17 % vs. 40 %, p < 0.05). Hospitalists described
      better teamwork than ambulatory clinicians and fewer hospitalists noted
      documentation time pressure (both p < 0.001). Key themes from the qualitative
      analysis were short visits, insufficient support staff, a Relative Value Unit
      mentality, documentation time pressure, and undervaluing education. CONCLUSIONS:
      While GIM divisions overall demonstrate high stress and burnout, division rates
      vary widely. Sustainability efforts within GIM could focus on visit length, staff
      support, schedule control, clinic chaos, and EMR stress.

PMID- 27138427
TI  - Dressed for the Party : Remembering his death-for R. (1985-2015).

PMID- 27138428
TI  - Progress in deep brain stimulation of the pedunculopontine nucleus and other
      structures: implications for motor and non-motor disorders.

PMID- 27138429
TI  - Ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) as a target of the dorsolateral
      prefrontal modulation by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in drug
      addiction.
AB  - Here, we report some electrophysiologic and imaging effects of the transcranial
      direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC)
      in drug addiction, notably in alcohol and crack-cocaine dependence. The low
      resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) analysis obtained through event
      related potentials (ERPs) under drug-related cues, more specifically in its P3
      segment (300-500 ms) in both, alcoholics and crack-cocaine users, showed that the
      ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) was the brain area with the largest
      change towards increasing activation under drug-related cues in those subjects
      that kept abstinence during and after the treatment with bilateral tDCS (2 mA, 35
      cm(2), cathodal left and anodal right) over dlPFC, applied repetitively (five
      daily sessions). In an additional study in crack-cocaine, which showed craving
      decreases after repetitive bilateral tDCS, we examined data originating from
      diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and we found increased DTI parameters in the left
      connection between vmPFC and nucleus accumbens (NAcc), such as the number of
      voxels, fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), in
      tDCS-treated crack-cocaine users when compared to the sham-tDCS group. This
      increasing of DTI parameters was significantly correlated with craving decreasing
      after the repetitive tDCS. The vmPFC relates to the control of drug seeking,
      possibly by extinguishing this behavior. In our studies, the bilateral dlPFC tDCS
      reduced relapses and craving to the drug use, and increased the vmPFC activation
      under drug cues, which may be of a great importance in the control of drug use in
      drug addiction.

PMID- 27138430
TI  - The role of ASTN2 variants in childhood and adult ADHD, comorbid disorders and
      associated personality traits.
AB  - Previous linkage and genome wide association (GWA) studies in ADHD indicated
      astrotactin 2 (ASTN2) as a candidate gene for attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD). ASTN2 plays a key role in glial-guided neuronal migration. To
      investigate whether common variants in ASTN2 contribute to ADHD disorder risk, we
      tested 63 SNPs spanning ASTN2 for association with ADHD and specific comorbid
      disorders in two samples: 171 families of children with ADHD and their parents (N
      = 592), and an adult sample comprising 604 adult ADHD cases and 974 controls. The
      C-allele of rs12376789 in ASTN2 nominally increased the risk for ADHD in the trio
      sample (p = 0.025). This was not observed in the adult case-control sample alone,
      but retained in the combined sample (nominal p = 0.030). Several other SNPs
      showed nominally significant association with comorbid disorders, especially
      anxiety disorder, in the childhood and adult ADHD samples. Some ASTN2 variants
      were nominally associated with personality traits in the adult ADHD sample and
      overlapped with risk alleles for comorbid disorders in childhood. None of the
      findings survived correction for multiple testing, thus, results do not support a
      major role of common variants in ASTN2 in the pathogenesis of ADHD, its comorbid
      disorders or ADHD associated personality traits.

PMID- 27138432
TI  - Milk of calcium bile.

PMID- 27138433
TI  - How and why a generation of radiologists must be trained to accurately interpret
      prostate mpMRI.

PMID- 27138431
TI  - The Caenorhabditis elegans Protein FIC-1 Is an AMPylase That Covalently Modifies
      Heat-Shock 70 Family Proteins, Translation Elongation Factors and Histones.
AB  - Protein AMPylation by Fic domain-containing proteins (Fic proteins) is an ancient
      and conserved post-translational modification of mostly unexplored significance.
      Here we characterize the Caenorhabditis elegans Fic protein FIC-1 in vitro and in
      vivo. FIC-1 is an AMPylase that localizes to the nuclear surface and modifies
      core histones H2 and H3 as well as heat shock protein 70 family members and
      translation elongation factors. The three-dimensional structure of FIC-1 is
      similar to that of its human ortholog, HYPE, with 38% sequence identity. We
      identify a link between FIC-1-mediated AMPylation and susceptibility to the
      pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, establishing a connection between AMPylation and
      innate immunity in C. elegans.

PMID- 27138434
TI  - Acute colonic diverticulitis: an update on clinical classification and management
      with MDCT correlation.
AB  - Currently, the most commonly used classification of acute colonic diverticulitis
      (ACD) is the modified Hinchey classification, which corresponds to a slightly
      more complex classification by comparison with the original description. This
      modified classification allows to categorize patients with ACD into four major
      categories (I, II, III, IV) and two additional subcategories (Ia and Ib),
      depending on the severity of the disease. Several studies have clearly
      demonstrated the impact of this classification for determining the best
      therapeutic approach and predicting perioperative complications for patients who
      need surgery. This review provides an update on the classification of ACD along
      with a special emphasis on the corresponding MDCT features of the different
      categories and subcategories. This modified Hinchey classification should be
      known by emergency physicians, radiologists, and surgeons in order to improve
      patient care and management because each category has a specific therapeutic
      approach.

PMID- 27138435
TI  - Commentary regarding the inter-reader reproducibility of PI-RADS version 2.

PMID- 27138436
TI  - Engaging and educating patients in prostate imaging via social media.

PMID- 27138437
TI  - Histogram analysis of noncancerous liver parenchyma on gadoxetic acid-enhanced
      MRI: predictive value for liver function and pathology.
AB  - PURPOSE: To clarify whether the heterogeneity of hepatic parenchyma in the
      hepatobiliary phase on gadoxetic acid-magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is
      correlated with liver damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined
      the cases of 98 patients with or without chronic liver disease who underwent
      gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3T MR imaging before a hepatectomy between December 2010
      and October 2014. For the evaluation of the heterogeneity of the signal intensity
      in the hepatobiliary phase, we placed the region of interest on the hepatic
      parenchyma, and the skewness and kurtosis were calculated using ImageJ software.
      A discriminant analysis was performed to examine the routine preoperative
      laboratory test results including indocyanine green retention at 15 min (ICG
      R15), necro-inflammation grade, and liver fibrosis stage according to the METAVIR
      system: A0/1 (n = 69) and A2 (n = 29); F0/1 (n = 47), F2/3 (n = 31), and F4 (n =
      20). RESULTS: The combination of skewness and kurtosis could discriminate the
      high ICG-R15 (>20) and low (<20) groups (lambda; 0.925, p = 0.025), necro
      inflammatory grade (lambda; 0.926, p = 0.026), and fibrosis stage (lambda; 0.752,
      p < 0.0001) with statistical significance. The difference between the patients
      with normal values and those with an abnormal platelet count or aspartate
      transaminase level was also detectable (lambda; 0.901, p < 0.007, and lambda;
      0.864, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Histogram analyses of the
      hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging have potential as a
      biomarker for the assessment of liver function, liver fibrosis, and necro
      inflammation.

PMID- 27138438
TI  - A urologist's perspective on prostate cancer imaging: past, present, and future.
AB  - Prostate cancer is unique in that unlike other solid organ malignancies, only
      recently has imaging been employed to routinely detect and localize disease. The
      introduction of transrectal ultrasound was a significant development,
      transitioning digitally guided prostate biopsies to ultrasound guidance. The
      arrival of multiparametric MRI has become the next major step, transforming the
      way Urologist's diagnose, stage, and treat prostate cancer. Recent
      recommendations against PSA screening have changed the landscape of urologic
      oncology with the changing needs being reflected in the initiation of additional
      robust imaging techniques at different time points in prostate cancer care. The
      current review aims to provide a clinical perspective in the history, current
      standard of care, and novel imaging modalities in the evaluation of prostate
      cancer.

PMID- 27138439
TI  - Omega-3 Fatty Acid Formulations in Cardiovascular Disease: Dietary Supplements
      are Not Substitutes for Prescription Products.
AB  - Omega-3 fatty acid products are available as prescription formulations (icosapent
      ethyl, omega-3-acid ethyl esters, omega-3-acid ethyl esters A, omega-3-carboxylic
      acids) and dietary supplements (predominantly fish oils). Most dietary
      supplements and all but one prescription formulation contain mixtures of the
      omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
      Products containing both EPA and DHA may raise low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL-C). In clinical trials, the EPA-only prescription product,
      icosapent ethyl, did not raise LDL-C compared with placebo. To correct a common
      misconception, it is important to note that omega-3 fatty acid dietary
      supplements are not US FDA-approved over-the-counter drugs and are not required
      to demonstrate safety and efficacy prior to marketing. Conversely, prescription
      products are supported by extensive clinical safety and efficacy investigations
      required for FDA approval and have active and ongoing safety monitoring programs.
      While omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements may have a place in the
      supplementation of diet, they generally contain lower levels of EPA and DHA than
      prescription products and are not approved or intended to treat disease. Perhaps
      due to the lack of regulation of dietary supplements, EPA and DHA levels may vary
      widely within and between brands, and products may also contain unwanted
      cholesterol or fats or potentially harmful components, including toxins and
      oxidized fatty acids. Accordingly, omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplements should
      not be substituted for prescription products. Similarly, prescription products
      containing DHA and EPA should not be substituted for the EPA-only prescription
      product, as DHA may raise LDL-C and thereby complicate the management of patients
      with dyslipidemia. 

PMID- 27138440
TI  - Particulate Air Pollution, Exceptional Aging, and Rates of Centenarians: A
      Nationwide Analysis of the United States, 1980-2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exceptional aging, defined as reaching age 85 years, shows geographic
      inequalities that may depend on local environmental conditions. Links between
      particulate pollution-a well-recognized environmental risk factor-and exceptional
      aging have not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: We conducted a nationwide analysis
      of ~28 million adults in 3,034 United States counties to determine whether local
      PM2.5 levels (particulate matter < 2.5 MUm in aerodynamic diameter) affected the
      probability of becoming 85- to 94-year-olds or centenarians (100- to 104-year
      olds) in 2010 for individuals who were 55-64 or 70-74 years old, respectively, in
      1980. METHODS: We used population-weighted regression models including county
      level PM2.5 from hybrid land-use regression and geostatistical interpolation,
      smoking, obesity, sociodemographic, and age-specific migration variables.
      RESULTS: On average, 2,295 and 71.4 per 10,000 of the 55- to 64- and 70- to 74
      year-olds in 1980, respectively, remained in the 85- to 94- and 100- to 104-year
      old population in 2010. An interquartile range (4.19 MUg/m3) increase in PM2.5
      was associated with 93.7 fewer 85- to 94-year-olds (p < 0.001) and 3.5 fewer
      centenarians (p < 0.05). These associations were nearly linear, were stable to
      model specification, and were detectable below the annual PM2.5 national
      standard. Exceptional aging was strongly associated with smoking, with an
      interquartile range (4.77%) increase in population who smoked associated with
      181.9 fewer 85- to 94-year-olds (p < 0.001) and 6.4 fewer centenarians (p <
      0.001). Exceptional aging was also associated with obesity rates and median
      income. CONCLUSIONS: Communities with the most exceptional aging have low ambient
      air pollution and low rates of smoking, poverty, and obesity. Improvements in
      these determinants may contribute to increasing exceptional aging. Citation:
      Baccarelli AA, Hales N, Burnett RT, Jerrett M, Mix C, Dockery DW, Pope CA III.
      2016. Particulate air pollution, exceptional aging, and rates of centenarians: a
      nationwide analysis of the United States, 1980-2010. Environ Health Perspect
      124:1744-1750; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP197.

PMID- 27138441
TI  - The development of a pseudo-chamber after balloon pulmonary angioplasty: long
      term complications of balloon pulmonary angioplasty.
AB  - We experienced a rare complication where extravasation developed a pseudo-chamber
      long after the balloon pulmonary angioplasty for supravalvular pulmonary
      stenosis. A 3-month-old girl was diagnosed with an anomalous origin of the left
      coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. She underwent the Takeuchi procedure
      at 10 months of age. During the follow-up, the supravalvular pulmonary stenosis
      deteriorated, and was treated by balloon pulmonary angioplasty with the double
      balloon technique catheter at 6 years of age. Angiography at the main pulmonary
      artery showed a small amount of extravasation contrast medium after the
      procedure. Follow-up echocardiography showed a diminished extravasation
      hemorrhage. Twelve years later, right ventricular enlargement due to pulmonary
      regurgitation had been observed on echocardiography. In addition, abnormal echo
      free space was detected at the left posterior of the left atrium. Enhanced
      computed tomography clearly demonstrated there was an orifice and extent of the
      pseudo-chamber. Surgical findings revealed a large tear just distal to the
      coronary tunnel. We speculated that extravasation blood was limited in the
      perivascular area early after the procedure but eventually reached the non
      adhesive oblique pericardial sinus with age. Consequently, pulmonary to oblique
      pericardial sinus communication was established and looked like a pseudo-chamber
      long after the procedure. In conclusion, even if extravasation seems to be
      limited immediately after the balloon pulmonary angioplasty, it could expand for
      non-adhesive space and could develop a huge blood space like chamber. Long-term
      careful observation should be necessary for extravasation of pulmonary artery
      even with surgical adhesion.

PMID- 27138442
TI  - [{beta-SiNi2W10O36(OH)2(H2O)}2]12-]: a robust visible light-driven water
      oxidation catalyst based on nickel-containing polyoxometalate'
AB  - [{beta-SiNi2W10O36(OH)2(H2O)}2]12- (1)]  was reported as an efficient, robust
      visible light-driven water oxidation catalyst for the first time. Of the reported
      polyoxometalates containing nickel, 1 shows the best photocatalytic O2 evolution
      activity with a TON of 335 and TOF of 1.7 s-1 [corrected].

PMID- 27138443
TI  - Immunological findings associated with Argentinean strains of Mycobacterium avium
      subsp. paratuberculosis in bovine models.
AB  - Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is the causative agent of
      ruminant paratuberculosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological
      behavior of different Argentinean strains of MAP in two bovine infection models:
      macrophage (in vitro) and calf (in vivo) through the evaluation of early immune
      responses at the peripheral and local levels. Two MAP strains (A and C) were
      selected taking into account the different patterns of TNF-alpha and IL-10
      secretion displayed by infected bovine macrophages in vitro. Two groups of calves
      were infected with 250mg of total wet weight live MAP: strain A infected group
      (MA, n=3), strain C infected group (MC, n=2). Another group of animals was mock
      infected (MI, n=3). Infection was confirmed by MAP culture of feces and
      microscopic observation of granulomatous lesions in the gut tissue. All infected
      calves showed positive results in the DTH skin test. A significant increase in
      peripheral CD4CD25(+) cells in MC group on day 150 was detected. The specific
      cellular immune response developed allowed the identification of the infection as
      early as 30days in the MA group. However, the percentage of CD8CD25(+) cells was
      significantly increased on day 120 in MC group. Significant differences between
      groups in proliferation and cellular responses were also detected in ileocecal
      lymph node samples. In summary, the strains of MAP employed herein induced
      differential immune responses in peripheral cells, in the proliferative responses
      and in cell functionality at the local level. Our findings support the hypotheses
      that the in vitro behavior displayed by macrophages could be a tool to identify
      differences among MAP strains infecting bovines and that the host-pathogen
      interactions occurring upon infection are dependent on the strain of MAP
      involved. 

PMID- 27138444
TI  - A Symmetric Length-Aware Enrichment Test.
AB  - Young et al., (2010) showed that due to gene length bias the popular Fisher Exact
      Test should not be used to study the association between a group of
      differentially expressed (DE) genes and a specific Gene Ontology (GO) category.
      Instead they suggest a test where one conditions on the genes in the GO category
      and draws the pseudo DE expressed genes according to a length-dependent
      distribution. The same model was presented in a different context by Kazemian et
      al., (2011) who went on to offer a dynamic programming (DP) algorithm to exactly
      compute the significance of the proposed test. Here we point out that while
      valid, the test proposed by these authors is no longer symmetric as Fisher's
      Exact Test is: one gets different answers if one conditions on the observed GO
      category than on the DE set. As an alternative we offer a symmetric
      generalization of Fisher's Exact Test and provide efficient algorithms to
      evaluate its significance.

PMID- 27138445
TI  - Polarimetric response of magnetodielectric core-shell nanoparticles: an analysis
      of scattering directionality and sensing.
AB  - The influence of increasing the core size of Ag-Si core-shell nanoparticles has
      been investigated by using the values of the linear polarization degree at a
      right-angle scattering configuration, [Formula: see text]. Changes in dipolar
      resonances and scattering directionality conditions as a function of the core
      radius (R int) for a fixed shell size ([Formula: see text] nm) have been
      analysed. An empirical formula to obtain the ratio [Formula: see text] by
      monitoring the influence of the magnetic dipolar resonance in [Formula: see text]
      has been found. The effect of the refractive index of the surrounding medium, m
      med, in the zero backward and almost-zero forward scattering conditions has also
      been studied. We have weighed up the sensitivity of [Formula: see text] to m med.
      It has been demonstrated that multipolar contributions strongly influence
      [Formula: see text]. This influence can be used as a fast m med estimate. In all
      cases, the results show that the bigger the cores, the higher the sensitivity to
      m med. 

PMID- 27138446
TI  - Lactate dehydrogenase in sickle cell disease.
AB  - Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity is elevated in many pathological states.
      Interest in LDH activity in sickle cell disease (SCD) has developed out of an
      increased comprehension of the pathophysiological process and the clinical course
      of the disease. Elevated LDH activity in SCD comes from various mechanisms,
      especially intravascular hemolysis, as well as ischemia-reperfusion damage and
      tissular necrosis. Intravascular hemolysis is associated with vasoconstriction,
      platelet activation, endothelial damage, and vascular complications. LDH has been
      used as a diagnostic and prognostic factor of acute and chronic complications. In
      this review we have evaluated the literature where LDH activity was examined
      during steady-state or acute conditions in SCD. 

PMID- 27138447
TI  - Self-Report Versus Medical Record for Mammography Screening Among Minority Women.
AB  - Self-report is the most common means of obtaining mammography screening data. The
      purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of minority women's self
      reported mammography by comparing their self-reported dates of mammograms with
      those in their medical records from a community-based randomized control trial.
      We found that out of 192 women, 116 signed the Health Information Portability and
      Accountability Act form and, among these, 97 had medical records that could be
      verified (97 / 116 = 83.6%). Ninety-two records matched where both sources
      confirmed a mammogram; 48 of 92 (52.2%) matched perfectly on self-reported date
      of mammogram. Complexities in the verification process warrant caution when
      verifying self-reported mammography screening in minority populations. In spite
      of some limitations, our findings support the usage of self-reported data on
      mammography as a validated tool for other researchers investigating mammography
      screening among minority women who continue to have low screening rates.

PMID- 27138449
TI  - Karydakis flap for post-proctectomy perineal sinus: A case series and review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Persistent perineal sinus (PPS) may occur in up to 38% of patients
      undergoing proctectomy. The available therapeutic options range from simple but
      ineffective to relatively successful but complex. The Karydakis procedure is a
      straightforward day-case operation, commonly performed by general surgeons in the
      treatment of pilonidal disease, a not dissimilar pathology to PPS. This report is
      the first in the literature describing the use of Karydakis procedure in patients
      who developed PPS after proctectomy for Crohn's disease. PRESENTATION OF CASE:
      Two patients, both of whom suffered from Crohn's disease and a PPS, underwent a
      Karydakis procedure as first-line treatment for PPS. Case 1 had a relatively
      superficial PPS while Case 2 had a deeper, more complex and longstanding PPS.
      Both patients had no post-operative complications and were discharged on the same
      day. They achieved complete healing in eight weeks and eight months respectively.
      The follow up range was 8-16 months. DISCUSSION: Various techniques, including
      complex myocutaneous flap reconstruction, have been described in the literature
      to treat PPS. In contrast to these complex techniques, Karydakis operation is a
      simple day case procedure that was successful in treating PPS in our patients.
      While there is robust data regarding low recurrence rates following a Karydakis
      flap for pilonidal disease, there is no existing data for the indication outlined
      in this report. CONCLUSION: While it requires further assessment, the Karydakis
      operation has potential as a simple, safe and effective first-line treatment in
      selected patients with PPS while not precluding more complex operative options in
      the future.

PMID- 27138448
TI  - Development of a Simple Clinical Risk Score for Early Prediction of Severe Dengue
      in Adult Patients.
AB  - We aimed to develop and validate a risk score to aid in the early identification
      of laboratory-confirmed dengue patients at high risk of severe dengue (SD) (i.e.
      severe plasma leakage with shock or respiratory distress, or severe bleeding or
      organ impairment). We retrospectively analyzed data of 1184 non-SD patients at
      hospital presentation and 69 SD patients before SD onset. We fit a logistic
      regression model using 85% of the population and converted the model coefficients
      to a numeric risk score. Subsequently, we validated the score using the remaining
      15% of patients. Using the derivation cohort, two scoring algorithms for
      predicting SD were developed: models 1 (dengue illness <=4 days) and 2 (dengue
      illness >4 days). In model 1, we identified four variables: age >=65 years, minor
      gastrointestinal bleeding, leukocytosis, and platelet count >=100*10(9) cells/L.
      Model 1 (ranging from -2 to +6 points) showed good discrimination between SD and
      non-SD, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of
      0.848 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.771-0.924). The optimal cutoff value for
      model 1 was 1 point, with a sensitivity and specificity for predicting SD of
      70.3% and 90.6%, respectively. In model 2 (ranging from 0 to +3 points),
      significant predictors were age >=65 years and leukocytosis. Model 2 showed an
      AUC of 0.859 (95% CI, 0.756-0.963), with an optimal cutoff value of 1 point
      (sensitivity, 80.3%; specificity, 85.8%). The median interval from hospital
      presentation to SD was 1 day. This finding underscores the importance of close
      monitoring, timely resuscitation of shock including intravenous fluid adjustment
      and early correction of dengue-related complications to prevent the progressive
      dengue severity. In the validation data, AUCs of 0.904 (95% CI, 0.825-0.983) and
      0.917 (95% CI, 0.833-1.0) in models 1 and 2, respectively, were achieved. The
      observed SD rates (in both cohorts) were <3% for patients with a score <1 point,
      but >50% for those with a score of >=2 points, irrespective of the day of illness
      onset, suggesting that our simple risk score can be easily implemented in
      resource-limited countries for early prediction of dengue patients at risk of SD
      provided that they have rapid dengue confirmed tests. For patients with other
      acute febrile illnesses or bacterial infections usually have SD risk score of >1.
      Thus, these scoring algorithms cannot totally replace good clinical judgement of
      the physician, and most importantly, early differentiating dengue from other
      febrile illnesses is critical for appropriate monitoring and management.

PMID- 27138450
TI  - Hemangiopericytoma/solitary fibrous tumor of the greater omentum: A case report
      and review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) has been first described in 1942 by Stout
      as a tumor originating from the capillary surrounding pericytes. It is known to
      occur in any anatomical site, especially the extremities and retroperitoneum.
      PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a case of a 24year old patient presenting with
      lower abdominal pain due to a tumor of the greater omentum, the patient was
      treated by conventional laparotomy with tumor resection and the histological
      evaluation confirmed the diagnosis Hemangiopericytoma/Solitary fibrous tumor
      (HPC/SFT). The patient has regularly followed-up with periodic imaging for the
      last 4 years, with no recurrences. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to our
      knowledge, HPC rarely develops in the greater omentum, only 20 cases were
      described in the literature. Primary surgical resection is the treatment of
      choice. There is no benefit of radiation or systemic chemotherapy. Angiogenic
      inhibitors represent promising systemic therapeutic concepts.

PMID- 27138451
TI  - Indoor and outdoor falls among older adult trauma patients: A comparison of
      patient characteristics, associated factors and outcomes.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to examine significant differences in
      patient characteristics, associated factors and outcomes for indoor versus
      outdoor falls among trauma patients. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional
      study using data from the trauma registry and electronic medical records at a
      level 1 trauma center in the USA was carried out. People aged 55 years or older,
      for whom fall location could be identified (n = 712), were included in the study.
      Demographic information, functional status before admission, comorbid conditions,
      activation level, Injury Severity Score, discharge disposition and injury type
      were included in the comparative analyses. Associated factors for falls and
      fractures in each location were also examined using logistic regression. RESULTS:
      Significant differences were found in patient characteristics between indoor and
      outdoor fallers. Significant differences in outcomes were found related to
      discharge disposition and injury type. Open wounds were more common among outdoor
      fallers (26.5%) as compared with indoor fallers (16.3%, P = 0.002). Although
      disorders of joints with difficulty walking were associated with fractures among
      both indoor (OR 7.20, CI 2.19-23.66) and outdoor fallers (OR 5.65, CI 1.27
      25.06), sex was only associated with fractures among those who fell indoors (OR
      1.69 CI 1.12-2.56). CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences exist in characteristics
      of indoor and outdoor fallers, and for discharge disposition and injury type for
      each fall location among patients admitted for trauma care. Factors associated
      with fractures differ between indoor and outdoor fallers. Results can help to
      inform targeted primary and secondary prevention initiatives. Geriatr Gerontol
      Int 2017; 17: 905-912.

PMID- 27138452
TI  - Structural characterization in mixed lipid membrane systems by neutron and X-ray
      scattering.
AB  - Lipids membranes, the primary component of the living cell, involve collective
      behaviour of numerous interacting molecules. The rich morphology and complex
      phase diagram of the lipid systems require different strategies in describing bio
      membranes in order to capture the essential properties of self-assembly processes
      as well as the underling molecular collective phenomena involved in biological
      functions. Among the experimental methods used, the scattering techniques such as
      small angle neutrons and X-rays scattering (SANS and SAXS) are probably the most
      important experimental approaches for the structural investigation of bio
      membranes and mixed lipids complex systems. In this tutorial review we describe
      the main approaches employed in the investigation of lipid bio-membranes by means
      of the neutron and x-ray scattering techniques. While introducing the main
      structural properties of lipid bio-membranes we highlight the important role of
      lipid components in different biological functions of living organisms. This
      article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Science for Life" Guest Editor: Dr.
      Austen Angell, Dr. Salvatore Magazu and Dr. Federica Migliardo.

PMID- 27138455
TI  - Recent developments in the layer-by-layer assembly of polyaniline and carbon
      nanomaterials for energy storage and sensing applications. From synthetic aspects
      to structural and functional characterization.
AB  - The construction of hybrid polymer-inorganic nanoarchitectures for
      electrochemical purposes based on the layer-by-layer assembly of conducting
      polymers and carbon nanomaterials has become increasingly popular over the last
      decade. This explosion of interest is primarily related to the increasing mastery
      in the design of supramolecular constructs using simple wet chemical approaches.
      Concomitantly, this continuous research activity paved the way to the rapid
      development of nanocomposites or "nanoblends" readily integrable into energy
      storage and sensing devices. In this sense, the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly
      technique has allowed us to access three-dimensional (3D) multicomponent carbon
      based network nanoarchitectures displaying addressable electrical,
      electrochemical and transport properties in which conducting polymers, such as
      polyaniline, and carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes or nanographene,
      play unique roles without disrupting their inherent functions - complementary
      entities coexisting in harmony. Over the last few years the level of functional
      sophistication reached by LbL-assembled carbon-based 3D network
      nanoarchitectures, and the level of knowledge related to how to design, fabricate
      and optimize the properties of these 3D nanoconstructs have advanced enormously.
      This feature article presents and discusses not only the recent advances but also
      the emerging challenges in complex hybrid nanoarchitectures that result from the
      layer-by-layer assembly of polyaniline, a quintessential conducting polymer, and
      diverse carbon nanomaterials. This is a rapidly developing research area, and
      this work attempts to provide an overview of the diverse 3D network
      nanoarchitectures prepared up to now. The importance of materials processing and
      LbL integration is explored within each section and while the overall emphasis is
      on energy storage and sensing applications, the most widely-used synthetic
      strategies and characterization methods for "nanoblend" formation and performance
      evaluation are also presented. 

PMID- 27138456
TI  - "Ovarian cancers: Evolving paradigms in research and care": Report from the
      Institute of Medicine.

PMID- 27138457
TI  - Society of Gynecologic Oncology 2016 Annual Meeting: Highlights and context.

PMID- 27138454
TI  - Interplay between diet, gut microbiota, epigenetic events, and colorectal cancer.
AB  - Despite the success of colonoscopy screening, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one
      of the most common and deadly cancers, and CRC incidence is rising in some
      countries where screening is not routine and populations have recently switched
      from traditional diets to western diets. Diet and energy balance influence CRC by
      multiple mechanisms. They modulate the composition and function of gut
      microbiota, which have a prodigious metabolic capacity and can produce
      oncometabolites or tumor-suppressive metabolites depending, in part, on which
      dietary factors and digestive components are present in the GI tract. Gut
      microbiota also have a profound effect on immune cells in the lamina propria,
      which influences inflammation and subsequently CRC. Nutrient availability, which
      is an outcome of diet and energy balance, determines the abundance of certain
      energy metabolites that are essential co-factors for epigenetic enzymes and
      therefore impinges upon epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Aberrant
      epigenetic marks accumulate during CRC, and epimutations that are selected for
      drive tumorigenesis by causing transcriptome profiles to diverge from the cell of
      origin. In some instances, the above mechanisms are intertwined as exemplified by
      dietary fiber being metabolized by colonic bacteria into butyrate, which is both
      a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor that
      epigenetically upregulates tumor-suppressor genes in CRC cells and anti
      inflammatory genes in immune cells.

PMID- 27138458
TI  - Treatment of in-transit and metastatic melanoma in two patients treated with
      ipilimumab and topical imiquimod.
AB  - Checkpoint blockade inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic
      melanoma. Despite the success of these agents in improving the overall survival
      of patients with metastatic melanoma, not all patients achieve clinical benefit,
      leaving room for improvement. The presence of cutaneous metastases in patients
      with metastatic melanoma provides the unique opportunity to treat the cutaneous
      lesions with a local modality while simultaneously treating systemic disease with
      systemic therapy. Herein, we describe the treatment of two patients with both in
      transit and metastatic melanoma with the combination of the topical toll-like
      receptor 7 agonist imiquimod with systemic ipilimumab. Both patients appeared to
      have progressed and developed new cutaneous and systemic metastases while on
      single agent ipilimumab only to respond when started on topical imiquimod. Both
      patients tolerated the combination of imiquimod and ipilimumab without serious
      adverse events, and both patients had excellent clinical responses. These cases
      provide a proof of principle of the possibility of the combination of toll-like
      receptor 7 agonists with immune checkpoint blockade inhibitors.

PMID- 27138459
TI  - Protein-Backbone Thermodynamics across the Membrane Interface.
AB  - The thermodynamics of insertion of a protein in a membrane depends on the fine
      interplay between backbone and side-chain contributions interacting with the
      lipid environment. Using computer simulations, we probe how different
      descriptions of the backbone glycyl unit affect the thermodynamics of insertion
      of individual residues, dipeptides, and entire transmembrane helices. Due to the
      lack of reference data, we first introduce an efficient methodology to estimate
      atomistic potential of mean force (PMF) curves from a series of representative
      and uncorrelated coarse-grained (CG) snapshots. We find strong discrepancies
      between two CG models, Martini and PLUM, against reference atomistic PMFs and
      experiments. Atomistic simulations suggest a weak free energy of insertion
      between water and a POPC membrane for the glycyl unit, in overall agreement with
      experimental results despite severe assumptions in our calculations. We show that
      refining the backbone contribution in PLUM significantly improves the PMF of
      insertion of the WALP16 transmembrane peptide. An improper balance between the
      glycyl backbone and the attached side chain will lead to energetic artifacts,
      rationalizing Martini's overstabilization of WALP's adsorbed interfacial state.
      It illustrates difficulties associated with free-energy-based parametrizations of
      single-residue models, as the relevant free energy of partitioning used for force
      field parametrization does not arise from the entire residue but rather the
      solvent-accessible chemical groups.

PMID- 27138453
TI  - Pancreatic Beta Cell G-Protein Coupled Receptors and Second Messenger
      Interactions: A Systems Biology Computational Analysis.
AB  - Insulin secretory in pancreatic beta-cells responses to nutrient stimuli and
      hormonal modulators include multiple messengers and signaling pathways with
      complex interdependencies. Here we present a computational model that
      incorporates recent data on glucose metabolism, plasma membrane potential, G
      protein-coupled-receptors (GPCR), cytoplasmic and endoplasmic reticulum calcium
      dynamics, cAMP and phospholipase C pathways that regulate interactions between
      second messengers in pancreatic beta-cells. The values of key model parameters
      were inferred from published experimental data. The model gives a reasonable fit
      to important aspects of experimentally measured metabolic and second messenger
      concentrations and provides a framework for analyzing the role of metabolic,
      hormones and neurotransmitters changes on insulin secretion. Our analysis of the
      dynamic data provides support for the hypothesis that activation of Ca2+
      dependent adenylyl cyclases play a critical role in modulating the effects of
      glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide
      (GIP) and catecholamines. The regulatory properties of adenylyl cyclase isoforms
      determine fluctuations in cytoplasmic cAMP concentration and reveal a synergistic
      action of glucose, GLP-1 and GIP on insulin secretion. On the other hand, the
      regulatory properties of phospholipase C isoforms determine the interaction of
      glucose, acetylcholine and free fatty acids (FFA) (that act through the FFA
      receptors) on insulin secretion. We found that a combination of GPCR agonists
      activating different messenger pathways can stimulate insulin secretion more
      effectively than a combination of GPCR agonists for a single pathway. This
      analysis also suggests that the activators of GLP-1, GIP and FFA receptors may
      have a relatively low risk of hypoglycemia in fasting conditions whereas an
      activator of muscarinic receptors can increase this risk. This computational
      analysis demonstrates that study of second messenger pathway interactions will
      improve understanding of critical regulatory sites, how different GPCRs interact
      and pharmacological targets for modulating insulin secretion in type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 27138460
TI  - Modulated Magnetic Nanowires for Controlling Domain Wall Motion: Toward 3D
      Magnetic Memories.
AB  - Cylindrical magnetic nanowires are attractive materials for next generation data
      storage devices owing to the theoretically achievable high domain wall velocity
      and their efficient fabrication in highly dense arrays. In order to obtain
      control over domain wall motion, reliable and well-defined pinning sites are
      required. Here, we show that modulated nanowires consisting of alternating nickel
      and cobalt sections facilitate efficient domain wall pinning at the interfaces of
      those sections. By combining electron holography with micromagnetic simulations,
      the pinning effect can be explained by the interaction of the stray fields
      generated at the interface and the domain wall. Utilizing a modified differential
      phase contrast imaging, we visualized the pinned domain wall with a high
      resolution, revealing its three-dimensional vortex structure with the previously
      predicted Bloch point at its center. These findings suggest the potential of
      modulated nanowires for the development of high-density, three-dimensional data
      storage devices.

PMID- 27138461
TI  - Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated With
      Targeted Therapies: A Systematic Review With a Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC)
      (resection of the primary tumor for debulking purposes) was considered to be an
      important part of oncological treatment when used with cytokines, and was
      associated with an overall survival (OS) benefit. However, the role of CN in the
      targeted therapy era is not well-defined. We conducted a systematic review and
      meta-analysis to determine the prognostic role of CN performed during the course
      of advanced disease in patients with mRCC treated with molecular agents. We
      searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, LILACS, the
      Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS for studies reporting survival data for participants
      who underwent CN with targeted therapy (CN+) versus those treated with targeted
      therapy alone (CN-). In a multivariate analysis, data were aggregated using
      hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for OS related to CN+. Twelve studies
      involving 39,953 patients were identified. In 11 publications with OS data
      available, the patients treated with CN+ had a reduced risk of death compared
      with those treated with targeted therapies alone (hazard ratio, 0.46; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.32-0.64; P < .01; I2 = 99%). Based on these results, CN+
      reduces the risk of death in mRCC by more than 50% and should be discussed and
      included in the therapeutic armamentarium, as it still plays a therapeutic role,
      even in the post-cytokine era.

PMID- 27138462
TI  - The role of human fibronectin- or placenta basement membrane extract-based gels
      in favouring the formation of polarized salivary acinar-like structures.
AB  - Head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy commonly experience
      hyposalivation and oral/tooth infections, leading to a reduced quality of life.
      Clinical management is currently unsatisfactory for dry mouth. Thus, there is a
      need for growing salivary fluid-secreting (acinar) cells for these patients.
      However, functionally-grown salivary acinar cells are cultured in Matrigel, a
      product that cannot be used clinically, owing to its source from a mouse sarcoma.
      Therefore, finding a gel suitable for clinical use and possessing properties
      similar to that of Matrigel would allow biopsied salivary cells to be expanded in
      vitro and transplanted into the mouths of xerostomic patients. This study tested
      gels made with human placenta basement membrane extract (BME) or fibronectin for
      the growth and differentiation of human salivary biopsies into acinar cells. We
      report here that, following expansion of primary human salivary gland epithelial
      cells (huSGs) in serum-free medium, using these gels (made from human proteins)
      allowed morphological and functional differentiation of salivary ductal cells
      into acinar-like cells. These (human) gels gave comparable results to Matrigel,
      such as differentiation into polarized acinar 3D units or monolayers with tight
      junction proteins (claudin-1, -2, -3) and exhibiting adequate transepithelial
      electrical resistance, acinar proteins (AQP5, alpha-amylase, mucin-1, NKCC1) and
      acinar adhesion-related cell markers (CD44, CD166). Ultrastructural, mRNA and
      protein analyses confirmed the formation of differentiated acinar polarized
      cells. The mitotic activity was highest with human placenta BME gel. This human
      culture model provided a reproducible approach to studying human salivary cell
      expansion and differentiation for tissue engineering. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27138463
TI  - Associations With Eicosapentaenoic Acid to Arachidonic Acid Ratio and Mortality
      in Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) lowers the risk
      of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events, particularly ischemic heart disease. In
      addition, the ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; n-3 PUFA) to arachidonic acid
      (AA; n-6 PUFA) has recently been recognized as a risk marker of cardiovascular
      disease. In contrast, the prognostic impact of the EPA/AA ratio on patients with
      heart failure (HF) remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 577
      consecutive patients admitted for HF were divided into 2 groups based on median
      of the EPA/AA ratio: low EPA/AA (EPA/AA <0.32 mg/dl, n = 291) and high EPA/AA
      (EPA/AA >=0.32, n = 286) groups. We compared laboratory data and
      echocardiographic findings and followed cardiac mortality. Although body mass
      index, blood pressure, B-type natriuretic peptide, hemoglobin, estimated
      glomerular filtration rate, total protein, albumin, sodium, C-reactive protein,
      and left ventricular ejection fraction did not differ between the 2 groups,
      cardiac mortality was significantly higher in the low EPA/AA group than in the
      high EPA/AA group (12.7 vs 5.9%, log-rank P = .004). Multivariate Cox
      proportional hazard analysis revealed that the EPA/AA ratio was an independent
      predictor of cardiac mortality (hazard ratio 0.677, 95% confidence interval 0.453
      0.983, P = .041) in patients with HF. CONCLUSION: The EPA/AA ratio was an
      independent predictor of cardiac mortality in patients with HF; therefore, the
      prognosis of patients with HF may be improved by taking appropriate management to
      control the EPA/AA balance.

PMID- 27138464
TI  - Developmental changes in electroencephalographic frontal asymmetry in young
      children at risk for depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of studies have reported that depression is associated with
      lower relative left frontal activity in the alpha band (i.e. frontal asymmetry,
      or FA), as measured by electroencephalogram. FA has also been hypothesized to be
      a vulnerability marker for depression. If this is the case, FA should be evident
      in offspring of depressed mothers, a group at elevated risk for depression.
      However, the results of previous offspring studies have been inconsistent and
      none of these studies has considered whether the relationship between FA and risk
      changes over development in children. METHOD: We assessed FA twice, at ages 3 and
      6, in 253 never depressed children from a community sample. Maternal history of
      depressive disorders was determined by a diagnostic interview completed by the
      mothers at the first assessment. RESULTS: There was a significant interaction
      between maternal depression and offspring age at assessment, indicating that FA
      exhibits different developmental trajectories depending on level of familial risk
      for depression. Offspring of depressed mothers exhibited a decreasing relative
      left FA over the course of early childhood, while offspring of nondepressed
      mothers exhibited relatively similar, symmetrical, levels of frontal alpha
      activity at both assessment points. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that
      changes in FA from early to middle childhood distinguish those at risk for
      depression and that cross-sectional assessment of FA may have limited value in
      understanding risk. These results highlight the importance of considering
      development in understanding the role of FA in depression.

PMID- 27138466
TI  - Understanding the Fragmentation Pattern of Marine Plastic Debris.
AB  - The global estimation of microplastic afloat in the ocean is only approximately
      1% of annual global plastic inputs. This reflects fundamental knowledge gaps in
      the transformation, fragmentation, and fates of microplastics in the ocean. In
      order to better understand microplastic fragmentation we proceeded to a thorough
      physicochemical characterization of samples collected from the North Artlantic
      subtropical gyre during the sea campaign Expedition seventh Continent in May
      2014. The results were confronted with a mathematical approach. The introduction
      of mass distribution in opposition to the size distribution commonly proposed in
      this area clarify the fragmentation pattern. The mathematical analysis of the
      mass distribution points out a lack of debris with mass lighter than 1 mg.
      Characterization by means of microscopy, microtomography, and infrared microscopy
      gives a better understanding of the behavior of microplastic at sea. Flat pieces
      of debris (2 to 5 mm in length) typically have one face that is more
      photodegraded (due to exposure to the sun) and the other with more biofilm,
      suggesting that they float in a preferred orientation. Smaller debris, with a
      cubic shape (below 2 mm), seems to roll at sea. All faces are evenly
      photodegraded and they are less colonized. The breakpoint in the mathematical
      model and the experimental observation around 2 mm leads to the conclusion that
      there is a discontinuity in the rate of fragmentation: we hypothesized that the
      smaller microplastics, the cubic ones mostly, are fragmented much faster than the
      parallelepipeds.

PMID- 27138465
TI  - Message in a molecule.
AB  - Since ancient times, steganography, the art of concealing information, has
      largely relied on secret inks as a tool for hiding messages. However, as the
      methods for detecting these inks improved, the use of simple and accessible
      chemicals as a means to secure communication was practically abolished. Here, we
      describe a method that enables one to conceal multiple different messages within
      the emission spectra of a unimolecular fluorescent sensor. Similar to secret
      inks, this molecular-scale messaging sensor (m-SMS) can be hidden on regular
      paper and the messages can be encoded or decoded within seconds using common
      chemicals, including commercial ingredients that can be obtained in grocery
      stores or pharmacies. Unlike with invisible inks, however, uncovering these
      messages by an unauthorized user is almost impossible because they are protected
      by three different defence mechanisms: steganography, cryptography and by
      entering a password, which are used to hide, encrypt or prevent access to the
      information, respectively. 

PMID- 27138467
TI  - Use of Distress Screening To Identify Shorter Life Expectancy in Patients with
      Advanced Cancer Newly Referred to Palliative Care.

PMID- 27138468
TI  - Distribution of Biopsy-Proven Presumed Primary Glomerulonephropathies in 2000
      2011 Among a Racially and Ethnically Diverse US Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence and distribution of primary glomerulonephropathies vary
      throughout the world and by race and ethnicity. We sought to evaluate the
      distribution of primary glomerulonephropathies among a large racially and
      ethnically diverse population of the United States. STUDY DESIGN: Case series
      from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2011. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Adults
      (aged >= 18 years) of an integrated health system who underwent native kidney
      biopsy and had kidney biopsy findings demonstrating focal segmental
      glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN), minimal change
      disease (MCD), immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), and other. OUTCOMES: Rates
      and characteristics of the most common primary glomerulonephropathies overall and
      by race and ethnicity. RESULTS: 2,501 patients with primary glomerulonephropathy
      were identified, with a mean age 50.6 years, 45.7% women, 36.1% Hispanics, 31.2%
      non-Hispanic whites, 17.4% blacks, and 12.4% Asians. FSGS was the most common
      glomerulonephropathy (38.9%) across all race and ethnic groups, followed by MGN
      (12.7%), MCD (11.0%), IgAN (10.2%), and other (27.3%). The FSGS category had the
      greatest proportion of blacks, and patients with FSGS had the highest rate of
      poverty. IgAN was the second most common glomerulonephropathy among Asians
      (28.6%), whereas it was 1.2% among blacks. Patients with MGN presented with the
      highest proteinuria (protein excretion, 8.3g) whereas patients with FSGS had the
      highest creatinine levels (2.6mg/dL). Overall glomerulonephropathy rates
      increased annually in our 12-year observation period, driven by FSGS (2.7
      cases/100,000) and IgAN (0.7 cases/100,000). MGN and MCD rates remained flat.
      LIMITATIONS: Missing data for urine albumin and sediment, indication bias in
      performing kidney biopsies, and inexact classification of primary versus
      secondary disease. CONCLUSIONS: Among a racially and ethnically diverse cohort
      from a single geographical area and similar environment, FSGS was the most common
      glomerulonephropathy, but there was variability of other glomerulonephropathies
      based on race and ethnicity.

PMID- 27138470
TI  - CuH-Catalysed Hydroamination of Styrene with Hydroxylamine Esters: A Coupled
      Cluster Scrutiny of Mechanistic Pathways.
AB  - A detailed computational exploration of mechanistic intricacies of the copper(I)
      hydride (CuH)-catalysed hydroamination of styrene with a prototype hydroxylamine
      ester by a recently reported [(dppbz)CuH] catalyst (dppbz={P^P}=1,2
      bis(diphenylphosphino)-benzene) is presented. A variety of plausible mechanistic
      avenues have been pursued by means of a sophisticated computational methodology,
      from which a general understanding of the factors controlling hydroamination
      catalysis emerged. The catalytically competent {P^P}Cu(I) hydride, which is
      predominantly present as its dimer, involves in irreversible hydrocupration
      proceeding with complete 2,1 regioselectivity to form a secondary {P^P}Cu(I)
      benzyl intermediate. Its interception with benzylamine ester produces the
      branched tertiary amine product and {P^P}Cu(I) benzoate upon intramolecular SN 2
      disruption of the amine electrophile's N-O linkage, to precede a highly rapid,
      strongly exergonic C-N bond-forming reductive elimination. The {P^P}Cu(I)
      benzoate corresponds to the catalyst resting state and its conversion back into
      the {P^P}Cu(I) hydride upon transmetalation with a hydrosilane is turnover
      limiting. The effect of electronic perturbations at the amine electrophile upon
      the reaction rate for productive hydroamination catalysis and also non-productive
      reduction of the hydroxylamine ester has been gauged, which unveiled a more
      fundamental insight into catalytic structure-performance relationships. 

PMID- 27138469
TI  - The Validity of Left Ventricular Mass as a Surrogate End Point for All-Cause and
      Cardiovascular Mortality Outcomes in People With CKD: A Systematic Review and
      Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular mass (LVM) is a widely used surrogate end point in
      randomized trials involving people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) because
      treatment-induced LVM reductions are assumed to lower cardiovascular risk. The
      aim of this study was to assess the validity of LVM as a surrogate end point for
      all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in CKD. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review
      and meta-analysis. SETTING & POPULATION: Participants with any stages of CKD.
      SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES: Randomized controlled trials with 3 or more
      months' follow-up that reported LVM data. INTERVENTION: Any pharmacologic or
      nonpharmacologic intervention. OUTCOMES: The surrogate outcome of interest was
      LVM change from baseline to last measurement, and clinical outcomes of interest
      were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Standardized mean differences (SMDs)
      of LVM change and relative risk for mortality were estimated using pairwise
      random-effects meta-analysis. Correlations between surrogate and clinical
      outcomes were summarized across all interventions combined using bivariate random
      effects Bayesian models, and 95% credible intervals were computed. RESULTS: 73
      trials (6,732 participants) covering 25 intervention classes were included in the
      meta-analysis. Overall, risk of bias was uncertain or high. Only 3 interventions
      reduced LVM: erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (9 trials; SMD, -0.13; 95% CI, 
      0.23 to -0.03), renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (13 trials; SMD, 
      0.28; 95% CI, -0.45 to -0.12), and isosorbide mononitrate (2 trials; SMD, -0.43;
      95% CI, -0.72 to -0.14). All interventions had uncertain effects on all-cause and
      cardiovascular mortality. There were weak and imprecise associations between the
      effects of interventions on LVM change and all-cause (32 trials; 5,044
      participants; correlation coefficient, 0.28; 95% credible interval, -0.13 to
      0.59) and cardiovascular mortality (13 trials; 2,327 participants; correlation
      coefficient, 0.30; 95% credible interval, -0.54 to 0.76). LIMITATIONS: Limited
      long-term data, suboptimal quality of included studies. CONCLUSIONS: There was no
      clear and consistent association between intervention-induced LVM change and
      mortality. Evidence for LVM as a valid surrogate end point in CKD is currently
      lacking.

PMID- 27138471
TI  - Cerium oxide-catalyzed multicomponent condensation approach to spirooxindoles in
      water.
AB  - An efficient and facile green synthesis of spirooxindole derivatives bearing
      pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole moiety has been achieved via a [Formula: see text]-NPs
      catalyzed four-component reaction in water. The protocol offers an
      environmentally benign and effective approach to highly functionalized and
      biologically interesting spiro[indoline-3,4[Formula: see text]-pyrano[2,3
      c]pyrazole] derivatives. The synthesized compounds exhibit potent antioxidant and
      antibacterial activities.

PMID- 27138472
TI  - Helicobacter pylori HP0231 Influences Bacterial Virulence and Is Essential for
      Gastric Colonization.
AB  - The Dsb protein family is responsible for introducing disulfide bonds into
      nascent proteins in prokaryotes, stabilizing the structure of many proteins.
      Helicobacter pylori HP0231 is a Dsb-like protein, shown to catalyze disulfide
      bond formation and to participate in redox homeostasis. Notably, many H. pylori
      virulence factors are stabilized by the formation of disulfide bonds. By
      employing H. pylori HP0231 deficient strains we analyzed the effect of lack of
      this bacterial protein on the functionality of virulence factors containing
      putative disulfide bonds. The lack of H. pylori HP0231 impaired CagA
      translocation into gastric epithelial cells and reduced VacA-induced cellular
      vacuolation. Moreover, H. pylori HP0231 deficient bacteria were not able to
      colonize the gastric mucosa of mice, probably due to compromised motility.
      Together, our data demonstrate an essential function for H. pylori HP0231 in
      gastric colonization and proper function of bacterial virulence factors related
      to gastric pathology.

PMID- 27138473
TI  - A Novel System for the Surgical Staging of Primary High-grade Osteosarcoma: The
      Birmingham Classification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy response and surgical margins have been shown to be
      associated with the risk of local recurrence in patients with osteosarcoma.
      However, existing surgical staging systems fail to reflect the response to
      chemotherapy or define an appropriate safe metric distance from the tumor that
      will allow complete excision and closely predict the chance of disease
      recurrence. We therefore sought to review a group of patients with primary high
      grade osteosarcoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection
      and analyzed margins and chemotherapy response in terms of local recurrence.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What predictor or combination of predictors available to
      the clinician can be assessed that more reliably predict the likelihood of local
      recurrence? (2) Can we determine a better predictor of local recurrence-free
      survival than the currently applied system of surgical margins? (3) Can we
      determine a better predictor of overall survival than the currently applied
      system of surgical margins? METHODS: This retrospective study included all
      patients with high-grade conventional osteosarcomas without metastasis at
      diagnosis treated at one center between 1997 and 2012 with preoperative
      chemotherapy followed by resection or amputation of the primary tumor who were
      younger than age 50 years with minimum 24-month followup for those still alive. A
      total of 389 participants matched the inclusion criteria. Univariate log-rank
      test and multivariate Cox analyses were undertaken to identify predictors of
      local recurrence-free survival (LRFS). The Birmingham classification was devised
      on the basis of two stems: the response to chemotherapy (good response = >= 90%
      necrosis; poor response = < 90% necrosis) and margins (< 2 mm or >= 2 mm). The 5
      year overall survival rate was 67% (95% confidence interval [CI], 61%-71%) and 47
      patients developed local recurrence (12%). RESULTS: Intralesional margins (hazard
      ratio [HR], 9.9; 95% CI, 1.2-82; p = 0.03 versus radical margin HR, 1) and a poor
      response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.7-8.4; p = 0.001 versus
      good response HR, 1) were independent risk factors for local recurrence (LR). The
      best predictor of LR, however, was a combination of margins <= 2 mm and a less
      than 90% necrosis response to chemotherapy (Birmingham 2b HR, 19.6; 95% CI, 2.6
      144; p = 0.003 versus Birmingham 1a; margin >2 mm and more than 90% necrosis HR,
      1). Two-stage Cox regression model and higher Harrell's C statistic demonstrate
      that the Birmingham classification was superior to the Musculoskeletal Tumor
      Society (MSTS) margin classification for predicting LR (Harrell's C statistic
      Birmingham classification 0.68, MSTS criteria 0.59). A difference in overall
      survival was seen between groups of the Birmingham classification (log-rank test
      p < 0.0001), whereas the MSTS margin system was not discriminatory (log-rank test
      p = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these observations, we believe that a
      combination of the recording of surgical margins in millimeters and the response
      to neoadjuvant chemotherapy can more accurately predict the risk of local
      recurrence than the current MSTS system. A multicenter collaboration study
      initiated by the International Society of Limb Salvage is recommended to test the
      validity of the proposed classification and if these findings are confirmed, this
      classification system might be considered the standard practice in oncology
      centers treating patients with osteosarcomas and allow more effective
      communication of margin status for research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV,
      prognostic study.

PMID- 27138474
TI  - Empathy in health professional students: A comparative cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been shown that empathy strengthens the relationship between
      patients and health professionals and also improves patient and health
      professional satisfaction, which helps promote the best clinical outcomes.
      Empathy is considered an essential prerequisite for a nurse to effectively care
      for a patient and for a holistic understanding of a patient's perspective in a
      student population. OBJECTIVES: The main aim was to compare empathy levels
      between health professional students attending different university courses.
      DESIGN: A comparative study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted in two
      successive academic year cohorts of 1st year health professional students at a
      public Italian university. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A sample of 1st year health
      professional students at a public Italian university was investigated using the
      Jefferson Scale of Empathy Health Professional Students version (JSE-HPS).
      RESULTS: Overall, 502 health professional students were included in the study.
      The students in nursing showed significantly higher empathy levels than the
      students in other health professions. Furthermore, the female students were found
      to exhibit significantly more overall empathy than the male students were.
      CONCLUSIONS: The undergraduate nursing students showed a significantly higher
      mean score of empathy measured by the Jefferson Scale of Empathy Health
      Professional Students version (JSE-HPS) than the students attending other health
      undergraduate courses. This could mean that a particular aptitude in establishing
      a help-relationship with other people exists among the students that choose to
      become a nurse.

PMID- 27138475
TI  - Students who developed logical reasoning skills reported improved confidence in
      drug dose calculation: Feedback from remedial maths classes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The safe administration of drugs is a focus of attention in
      healthcare. It is regarded as acceptable that a formula card or mnemonic can be
      used to find the correct dose and fill a prescription even though this removes
      any requirement for performing the underlying computation. Feedback and
      discussion in class reveal that confidence in arithmetic skills can be low even
      when students are able to pass the end of semester drug calculation exam.
      OBJECTIVE: To see if confidence in the understanding and performance of
      arithmetic for drug calculations can be increased by emphasising student's innate
      powers of logical reasoning after reflection. DESIGN: Remedial classes offered
      for students who have declared a dislike or lack of confidence in arithmetic have
      been developed from student feedback adopting a reasoning by logical step
      methodology. Students who gave up two hours of their free learning time were
      observed to engage seriously with the learning methods, focussing on the innate
      ability to perform logical reasoning necessary for drug calculation problems.
      Working in small groups allowed some discussion of the route to the answer and
      this was followed by class discussion and reflection. RESULTS: The results were
      recorded as weekly self-assessment scores for confidence in calculation. A self
      selecting group who successfully completed the end of semester drug calculation
      exam reported low to moderate confidence in arithmetic. After four weeks
      focussing on logical skills a significant increase in self-belief was measured.
      This continued to rise in students who remained in the classes. CONCLUSION: Many
      students hold a negative belief regarding their own mathematical abilities. This
      restricts the learning of arithmetic skills making alternate routes using
      mnemonics and memorised steps an attractive alternative. Practising stepwise
      logical reasoning skills consolidated by personal reflection has been effective
      in developing student's confidence and awareness of their innate powers of
      deduction supporting an increase in competence in drug administration.

PMID- 27138476
TI  - Nursing students' perceptions of caring for dying people, after one year in
      nursing school.
AB  - AIM: To describe Swedish nursing students' perceptions of caring for dying people
      after the first year of a three year in a nursing programme at three university
      nursing schools in Sweden. METHODS: Interviews (n=17) were undertaken with
      nursing students at the end of their first year. A phenomenographic approach was
      used to design and structure the analysis of the nursing students' perceptions.
      RESULTS: The analysis resulted in five categories: 1) from abstract to reality,
      2) from scary to natural, 3) increased knowledge can give bad conscience, 4) time
      limits versus fear of end-of-life conversations, and 5) meeting with relatives.
      CONCLUSION: Nursing students need to be prepared both theoretically and within
      practice to encounter death and dying and to care for dying persons. By combining
      their theoretical knowledge of dying and death with their own encounters of death
      and dying people in practice, the students can be supported to develop an
      understanding of dying and death as a natural part of life rather than something
      frightening.

PMID- 27138477
TI  - Study time within pre-registration nurse education: A critical review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pre-registration nursing students throughout the United Kingdom (UK)
      are required to complete a minimum number of theory hours within the course.
      Anecdotal evidence suggests that students are required to attend campus for
      approximately fifty percent of the theory hours. The remaining theory hours are
      often labelled as 'study time' in which students are not required to attend
      campus. There is a general assumption amongst many academics that all students
      are prepared and motivated to direct their learning and therefore use this time
      to study. However some students chose to work during this time and many have
      dependents. Considering the increasing cost of nurse education combined with the
      government cuts to student bursaries in England it is timely to review the
      literature to determine how study time is used within pre-registration nurse
      education. OBJECTIVE: To present a critical review of the literature pertaining
      to study time in pre-registration nurse education. DESIGN: An integrative review
      of the literature. DATA SOURCES: A search of electronic databases: Cumulative
      Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL); Cochrane; Medline; Science Direct;
      Blackwell Synergy; Electronic Journals Service (EJS); Scopus; Taylor & Francis,
      Eric and Routledge Wiley was undertaken. REVIEW METHODS: The inclusion criteria
      consisted of peer reviewed primary research, discussion papers, unpublished
      doctoral theses' and editorial papers directly related to the key words and nurse
      education published in English. RESULTS: Twelve papers were included in the
      review. Analysis of the papers led to the development of two themes: orientation
      to self-directed learning (SDL) and preparation for SDL. CONCLUSIONS: The
      literature demonstrates that pre-registration nursing students lack the necessary
      skills for SDL. There is a lack of research on how study time is used within pre
      registration nurse education. This calls for empirical research to fully explore
      how nursing students and lecturers perceive study time within pre-registration
      nursing curricula.

PMID- 27138478
TI  - Strengthening pre-service training for skilled birth attendance - An evaluation
      of the maternal and child health aide training programme in Sierra Leone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high maternal mortality rate in Sierra Leone combined with an
      ongoing shortage of midwives has led to the introduction of new cadres of
      healthcare workers. Maternal and Child Health Aides are one such cadre and now
      provide 56% of patient care. The quality of the education training programme for
      MCHA is therefore of paramount importance if high quality maternal care is to be
      provided. OBJECTIVE: To conduct an evaluation of the MCHAide training programme
      in Sierra Leone. DESIGN: Mapping of programme and focus group discussions (FGDs)
      with key informants. Analysis of data using a thematic approach and formulation
      of recommendations for national, district and individual levels. SETTING: All 14
      MCHAide schools across Sierra Leone. PARTICIPANTS: The National Coordinator,
      Coordinators from 14 MCHAide schools and District Health Sisters from District
      Health Management Teams. METHODS: Focus group discussions were held with tutors
      facilitated by a group member to encourage a free flowing discussion.
      Participants were divided into 4 groups, one for each province, with 5-8
      participants per group and 50min for the discussion. RESULTS: Strengths,
      weaknesses and opportunities of the MCHAide training programme were identified.
      Four major themes were identified; the need for autonomy and support within the
      programme from stakeholders; the effect of poor infrastructure on teaching and
      student learning; the need to ensure rigorous academic quality including teaching
      quality, curricula content and the academic ability of the students; and the
      benefits of community support. CONCLUSIONS: It is important that the key
      personnel be involved in the development and introduction of training programmes
      for new cadres of staff from the earliest stages of development. On-going
      programme review and development is essential and those implementing the
      programme are the best placed to lead and contribute to this. Gathering the
      experiences and perceptions of key informants helps provide an in-depth
      examination that can inform recommendations.

PMID- 27138479
TI  - Workplace violence experienced by nursing students: A UK survey.
AB  - AIMS: To appreciate the nature and scope of workplace violence amongst a sample
      of the UK nursing student population during clinical placement and to recommend
      strategies universities can implement to successfully manage the impact.
      BACKGROUND: Workplace violence is defined as a violent act(s) directed toward
      workers and can include physical, psychological or verbal behaviour. It is
      prevalent in nursing and causes victims work-based stress that can affect not
      only the individual but also the quality of care. Similar negative experiences
      amongst students can have a direct impact on the development of future
      professional skills. DESIGN: This study employed a cross-sectional survey design.
      Questions were uploaded in the format of a commercial internet survey provider
      (SurveyMonkey.com) and distributed across a sample of nursing schools in the UK.
      The survey was voluntary and employed a validated tool to assess workplace
      violence and was based on a similar study in Australia. The number of respondents
      was 657. This paper reports on the quantitative results. FINDINGS: Nearly half of
      the students (42.18%) indicated they had experienced bullying/harassment in the
      past year while on clinical placement. One-third (30.4%) had witnessed
      bullying/harassment of other students and 19.6% of incidents involved a qualified
      nurse. The unwanted behaviours made some students consider leaving nursing
      (19.8%). Some respondents said the standard of patient care (12.3%) and their
      work with others (25.9%) were negatively affected. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace
      violence can influence nursing students' attitude toward the profession and their
      level of satisfaction with the work. Whilst it was reassuring to note that the
      majority of the participants knew where/how to report, only one fifth had
      actively reported an episode of bullying/harassment. Current students are the
      nurses and leaders of the future and have a key role in shaping the culture of
      generations to come. Universities and clinical providers need to work together to
      reduce the incidence and impact of workplace violence in order to improve the
      culture of practice.

PMID- 27138480
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of educational interventions designed to
      improve medication administration skills and safety of registered nurses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the nature, quality and
      effectiveness of educational interventions designed to increase the medication
      administration skills and safety of registered nurses working in hospitals.
      DESIGN: A systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Intervention
      studies designed to increase the medication administration skills and safety of
      nurses, indexed in one or more databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane,
      PsycInfo, or Medic), and published in peer-reviewed journals between January 2000
      and April 2015. REVIEW METHODS: The nature of the interventions was evaluated by
      narrative analysis, the quality of studies was assessed using the Effective
      Public Health Practise Project Quality Assessment Tool and the effectiveness of
      the interventions was ascertained by calculating effect sizes and conducting a
      meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 755 studies were identified and 14
      intervention studies were reviewed. Interventions differed by their nature,
      including traditional classroom training, simulation, e-learning, slide show
      presentations, interactive CD-ROM programme, and the use of posters and
      pamphlets. All interventions appeared to improve medication administration safety
      and skills based on original p-values. Only five studies reached strong (n=1) or
      moderate (n=4) quality ratings and one of them had to be omitted from the meta
      analysis due unclear measures of dispersion. The meta-analysis favoured the
      interventions, the pooled effect size (Hedges' g) was large, 1.06. The most
      effective interventions were a blended learning programme including e-learning
      and a 60-min PowerPoint presentation. The least effective educational
      intervention, an interactive internet-based e-learning course, was reported in
      the study that achieved the only strong quality rating. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      challenging to recommend any specific intervention, because all educational
      interventions seem to have a positive effect, although the size of the effect
      greatly varies. In the future, studies sharing similar contents and methods
      should be compared with each other.

PMID- 27138481
TI  - Nursing students' perceptions of their instructors' caring behaviors: A four
      country study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caring is the core and essence of the nursing profession. Nurse
      educators, are in a key position to role model for perspective nurses the role of
      caring while including caring as a vital component in a nursing curriculum.
      OBJECTIVES: This paper is a report on students' perceptions of instructors'
      caring behavior in four countries: India, Greece, Nigeria, and the Philippines.
      METHODS: This study utilized a quantitative, cross-sectional, comparative
      approach. A total of 450 nursing students participated with an almost equal
      nursing student frequency distribution. The main instrument used in this study
      was the Nursing Students' Perceptions of Instructor Caring (NSPIC). The study was
      conducted during the months of September 2013 to January 2014. Descriptive
      statistics, correlations analysis, linear regression model and one-way analysis
      of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data collected. FINDINGS: The
      highest rated subscale in the NSPIC was "instills confidence through caring"
      (M=4.268, SD=0.964), while the lowest ranked subscale was for the subscale
      "Control versus flexibility" (M=3.609, SD=1.076). No significant correlations
      were found between the NSPIC scale and gender (F=0.060, p=0.807), age (F=3.220,
      p=0.073), educational level (F=0.100, p=0.752) and family status of students
      (F=1.417, p=0.235), except the country of origin (F=3.703, p=0.012,
      eta(2)=0.024). CONCLUSION: With this study as an initial investigation into
      ascertaining nursing instructors caring focused on a cross-country approach,
      nurse educators can utilize this information to better portray their role as a
      nurse educator when being perceived by their nursing students.

PMID- 27138482
TI  - Framework for a virtual nursing faculty and student learning collaboration
      between universities in Sweden and the United States: A theoretical paper.
AB  - A sound pedagogical framework must be explored and identified to implement
      opportunities for collaborative learning through international exchange. This
      paper identifies the framework used by two universities, in Sweden and the United
      States. Virtual learning environments and meaningful learning activities can be
      constructed using web-based learning platforms. The goal for this initiative was
      'internationalisation on home plan' for nursing faculty and students that opened
      up internationalised learning opportunities for all students, including those who
      do not participate in study abroad/mobility activities. This broader opportunity
      supports the development of cultural awareness and understanding of global health
      care practices and the nursing profession on mutual topics of concern, in this
      case patient safety. Learning activities and learning outcomes can be stipulated.
      The pedagogical framework was compatible with the Bologna Process' constructive
      alignment, deep learning and a student focus. The student nurses were not only
      given the opportunity to explore the learning objective of patient safety and
      participate in an international collaboration with another university, but also
      gained university academic credit for fulfilling the task. There is a great gain
      in using virtual collaboration and learning modules that are embedded in courses
      for the purpose of 'internationalisation on home plan' since not all students can
      participate in student mobility activities. 

PMID- 27138483
TI  - How do nurse academics value and engage with evidence-based practice across
      Australia: Findings from a grounded theory study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integrating evidence-based practice (EBP) into undergraduate
      education and preparing future nurses to embrace EBP in clinical practice becomes
      paramount in today's complex and evolving healthcare environment. The role that
      EBP plays in the practical lives of nursing students will depend on the degree to
      which it is promoted by academics, how it is incorporated into courses and its
      application to clinical setting. Hence, nursing academics play a crucial role in
      influencing its integration into curricula. Drawn from a larger doctoral study,
      this paper presents findings discussing how nurse academics value and engage with
      EBP. METHODS: Grounded theory was employed to explore processes used by nursing
      academics while incorporating EBP into teaching and learning practices. Twenty
      three academics across Australian universities were interviewed. Nine were also
      observed while teaching undergraduate students. Data were collected from semi
      structured interviews and non-participant observation. In keeping with the tenets
      of grounded theory, data collection and analysis continued until theoretical
      saturation was reached. In total, four categories emerged. This paper focuses on
      the category conceptualised as Valuing and Engaging with EBP. RESULTS: How
      nursing academics valued and engaged with EBP was closely associated with
      meanings they constructed around understanding it, attitudes and commitment to
      implementation while teaching and working clinically. Different opinions also
      existed in regard to what actually constituted EBP. However, they engaged with
      and valued EBP by keeping themselves up-to-date, being involved in research
      activities, using evidence in teaching, therefore leading by example.
      Participants identified a number of barriers influencing their engagement with
      EBP including heavy workloads, limited time, lack of commitment within their
      schools, lack of confidence with teaching EBP, and complexity of EBP application.
      Faculty clinical practice, committed academics, workload management and
      continuing education were highlighted as facilitators. CONCLUSION: A number of
      barriers prevented academics from fully engaging with EBP at academic or practice
      levels. Academic institutions and practice settings need to employ strategic
      planning to overcome such barriers.

PMID- 27138484
TI  - Development and assessment of the validity and reliability of a scale for
      measuring the mentoring competencies of Japanese clinical midwives: An
      exploratory quantitative research study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Midwives are always involved in educational activities whenever
      novice midwives are present. Although various scales for measuring the
      educational competencies of nurses have already been developed in previous
      studies, a scale for the educational competencies particular to midwives has yet
      to be developed, or even no previous studies have revealed their functions as
      clinical educators. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to develop a scale
      to measure the mentoring competencies of clinical midwives (MCCM Scale) and to
      confirm its validity and reliability. DESIGN: An exploratory quantitative
      research study. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed to 1,645 midwives at 148
      facilities who had previously instructed novice midwives. 1,004 midwives (61.0%)
      voluntarily returned valid responses and 296 (18.0%) voluntarily agreed to
      participate in the survey for test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Exploratory
      factor analyses were performed over 41 items and the following seven factors were
      extracted with a reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) of 0.953: (i)
      supporting experimental study, (ii) personal characteristics particularly in
      clinical educators, (iii) thoughtfulness and empathy for new midwives, (iv) self
      awareness and self-reflection for finding confidence, (v) making effective use of
      the new midwives' own experience, (vi) commitment to educational activities, and
      (vii) sharing their midwifery practice. Test-retest reliability was measured
      based on a convenience sample of 246 (83.1%). Pearson's test-retest correlation
      coefficient for the entire scale was r=0.863. The factor loadings of each item on
      its respective factor were 0.313-0.925. The total score of the MCCM Scale was
      positively correlated with that of the Quality of Nurses' Occupational Experience
      Scale (r=0.641, p=0.000) and was negatively correlated with the total score of
      the Japanese Burnout Scale (r=-0.480, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: The MCCM Scale is
      composed of 41 items and three subscales measured from a total of seven factors.
      The validity and reliability of the MCCM Scale was supported by the statistical
      analyses.

PMID- 27138485
TI  - Dynamic online peer evaluations to improve group assignments in nursing e
      learning environment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the use of online peer
      evaluation forms for online group activities in improving group project outcomes.
      DESIGN: The investigator developed and used a web-based Google Forms(r) self and
      peer evaluation form of 2 group assignments' rubric for junior and senior nursing
      students. The form covered elements of the assignments including: research
      activity, analysis of the literature, writing of report, participation in making
      of presentation, overall contribution to the project, and participation in the
      weekly group discussions. Items were rated from 1 (did not contribute) to 5
      (outstanding contribution) in addition to NA when one activity did not apply.
      PROCEDURE: The self and peer evaluation process was conducted twice: once after
      group assignment 1 and once after group assignment 2. The group assignments final
      products were done in the form of VoiceThread online presentations that were
      shared with the rest of the class reflecting the groups' work on a health
      informatics topic of interest. DATA SOURCES: Data collected as the students
      completed self and peer evaluations for group assignments 1 and 2. Also, optional
      comments regarding member performance were collected to add contextual
      information in addition to ratings. Students received credit for completing the
      peer evaluations and the grade for the particular assignment was affected by
      their performance based on peer evaluations of their contributions. RESULTS:
      Students' peer evaluations showed in a color-coded spreadsheet which enabled the
      course faculty to view real time results of students' ratings after each
      assignment. The faculty provided timely and tailored feedback to groups or
      individuals as needed, using positive feedback and commending high performance
      while urging struggling individual students and groups to improve lower ratings
      in specific areas. Comparing evaluations of both assignments, there were
      statistically significant improvements among all students. The mean scores of the
      entire sample were skewed toward the higher end of the scale, suggesting an
      overall high performance group. However, analysis of the lower performing
      individuals showed consistent and statistically significant improvements in all
      areas of the evaluation criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Anonymous peer evaluation
      activities and timely faculty feedback in e-Learning environment can be a useful
      tool to faculty to improve group performance over time by engaging the learners
      within their groups. Peer evaluations provided real time view of group mid
      semester formative evaluations that allowed the faculty to provide timely and
      tailored feedback on student performance which allowed for better outcomes.

PMID- 27138486
TI  - Student midwives and paramedic students' experiences of shared learning in pre
      hospital childbirth.
AB  - AIM: To explore the experiences of midwifery and paramedic students undertaking
      interprofessional learning. METHOD: A one day interprofessional learning workshop
      incorporating peer assisted learning for undergraduate pre-registration midwifery
      and paramedic students was developed based on collaborative practice theory and
      simulation based learning. Twenty-five student midwives and thirty-one paramedic
      students participated in one of two identical workshops conducted over separate
      days. Videoed focus group sessions were held following the workshop sessions in
      order to obtain qualitative data around student experience. Qualitative data
      analysis software (ATLAS.ti) was used to collate the transcriptions from the
      focus group sessions and the video recordings were scrutinised. Thematic analysis
      was adopted. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified around the understanding
      of each other's roles and responsibilities, the value of interprofessional
      learning, organisation and future learning. Students appeared to benefit from a
      variety of learning opportunities including interprofessional learning and peer
      assisted learning through the adoption of both formal and informal teaching
      methods, including simulation based learning. A positive regard for each other's
      profession including professional practice, professional governing bodies,
      professional codes and scope of practice was apparent. Students expressed a
      desire to undertake similar workshops with other professional students.
      CONCLUSION: Interprofessional learning workshops were found to be a positive
      experience for the students involved. Consideration needs to be given to
      developing interprofessional learning with other student groups aligned with
      midwifery at appropriate times in relation to stage of education.

PMID- 27138487
TI  - Molecular Imaging of Activated Platelets Allows the Detection of Pulmonary
      Embolism with Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
AB  - Early and reliable detection of pulmonary embolism (PE) is critical for improving
      patient morbidity and mortality. The desire for low-threshold screening for
      pulmonary embolism is contradicted by unfavorable radiation of currently used
      computed tomography or nuclear techniques, while standard magnetic resonance
      imaging still struggles to provide sufficient diagnostic sensitivity in the lung.
      In this study we evaluate a molecular-targeted contrast agent against activated
      platelets for non-invasive detection of murine pulmonary thromboembolism using
      magnetic resonance imaging. By intravenous injection of human thrombin, pulmonary
      thromboembolism were consistently induced as confirmed by immunohistochemistry of
      the lung. Magnetic resonance imaging after thrombin injection showed local tissue
      edema in weighted images which co-localized with the histological presence of
      pulmonary thromboembolism. Furthermore, injection of a functionalized contrast
      agent targeting activated platelets provided sensitive evidence of focal
      accumulation of activated platelets within the edematous area, which, ex vivo,
      correlated well with the size of the pulmonary embolism. In summary, we here show
      delivery and specific binding of a functionalized molecular contrast agent
      against activated platelets for targeting pulmonary thromboembolism. Going
      forward, molecular imaging may provide new opportunities to increase sensitivity
      of magnetic resonance imaging for detection of pulmonary embolism.

PMID- 27138488
TI  - Synthesis of the Paralytic Shellfish Poisons (+)-Gonyautoxin 2, (+)-Gonyautoxin
      3, and (+)-11,11-Dihydroxysaxitoxin.
AB  - The paralytic shellfish poisons are a collection of guanidine-containing natural
      products that are biosynthesized by prokaryote and eukaryote marine organisms.
      These compounds bind and inhibit isoforms of the mammalian voltage-gated Na(+)
      ion channel at concentrations ranging from 10(-11) to 10(-5) M. Here, we describe
      the de novo synthesis of three paralytic shellfish poisons, gonyautoxin 2,
      gonyautoxin 3, and 11,11-dihydroxysaxitoxin. Key steps include a
      diastereoselective Pictet-Spengler reaction and an intramolecular amination of an
      N-guanidyl pyrrole by a sulfonyl guanidine. The IC50's of GTX 2, GTX 3, and 11,11
      dhSTX have been measured against rat NaV1.4, and are found to be 22 nM, 15 nM,
      and 2.2 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 27138489
TI  - [Recommendations for the diagnosis and prevention of infectious diseases in
      pediatric and adolescent refugees in Germany : Statement of the German Society of
      Pediatric Infectious Diseases, the Society of Tropical Pediatrics and
      International Child Health, and the Professional Association of Pediatricians].
AB  - Child and adolescent refugees in Germany represent a particularly vulnerable
      social group and treating infectious diseases forms a crucial part of providing
      their medical care. From an infectious diseases perspective, refugees themselves,
      as a result of their difficult personal circumstances, are the ones at highest
      risk. Even in crisis situations, medical practitioners are medically and
      ethically obliged to provide a high standard of care. The guidelines presented
      here propose recommendations for diagnosing and preventing infectious diseases
      among refugees under 18 in Germany. The guidelines are intended to assist in
      optimizing vaccine protection and treatment of diseases while taking into
      consideration factors such as refugees' challenging living conditions, cultural
      differences and potential language barriers.Upon refugees' arrival at the first
      housing sites, it is recommended that a basic clinical screening (and not just a
      brief visual inspection) be provided in order to identify and initiate treatment
      for acute medical problems and potentially contagious diseases (including
      tuberculosis), as well as to close gaps in vaccination coverage. Documentation of
      the clinical findings is critical, both to avoid redundant investigations and to
      optimize individual medical care. For this, an effective communication system
      must be established.Once refugees have been transferred into their destination
      community, outpatient and inpatient care providers should collaborate to bring
      refugees up-to-date with all vaccines recommended by STIKO (German Standing
      Committee on Vaccination). The same high standard of medical care should be
      delivered to refugees as would be to the general population. Due to the high
      prevalence of multi-resistant organisms (MRO) in the refugees' countries of
      origin, MRO screening is recommended for most patients receiving inpatient care. 

PMID- 27138490
TI  - Coalicion de Salud Comunitaria (COSACO): using a Healthy Community Partnership
      framework to integrate short-term global health experiences into broader
      community development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing concern that short-term experiences in global health
      experiences (STEGH), undertaken by healthcare providers, trainees, and volunteers
      from high income countries in lower and middle income countries, risk harming the
      community by creating a parallel system of care separate from established
      community development efforts. At the same time, the inclusion of non-traditional
      actors in health planning has been the basis of the development of many Healthy
      Community Partnerships (HCP) being rolled out in Canada and the United States.
      These partnerships aim to bring all stakeholders with a role to play in health to
      the table to align efforts, goals and programs towards broad community health
      goals. RESULTS: This methodology paper reports on the process used in La Romana,
      Dominican Republic, in applying a modified HCP framework. This project succeeded
      at bringing visiting STEGH organizations into a coalition with key community
      partners and supported attempts to embed the work of STEGH within longer-term,
      established development plans. CONCLUSIONS: In presenting the work and process
      and lessons learned, the hope is that other communities that encounter
      significant investment from STEGH groups, and will gain the same benefits that
      were seen in La Romana with regards to improved information exchange, increased
      cross-communication between silos, and the integration of STEGH into the work of
      community partners.

PMID- 27138491
TI  - A novel fibrillin-1 gene missense mutation associated with neonatal Marfan
      syndrome: a case report and review of the mutation spectrum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a heritable disorder of connective tissue
      resulting from pathogenic variants of the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1). Neonatal
      Marfan syndrome (nMFS) is rare and the most severe form of MFS, involving rapidly
      progressive cardiovascular dysfunction leading to death during early childhood.
      The constant enrichment of the nMFS mutation spectrum is helpful to improve our
      understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations in the disease. Herein, we
      report a novel dominant mutation in exon 26 of FBN1 (c.3331 T > C) in a sporadic
      case with nMFS. CASE PRESENTATION: An 8-month-old Han Chinese girl presented with
      the classic nMFS phenotype, including prominent manifestations of bone
      overgrowth, aortic root dilatation, and multiple cardiac valve dysfunctions.
      Genetic analysis revealed that she was heterozygous for a de novo FBN1 missense
      mutation (c.3331 T > C). The mutation leads to the substitution of a highly
      conserved FBN1 cysteine residue (p.Cys1111Arg), which is likely to severely
      perturb the FBN1 structure because of an alteration of the disulfide bond pattern
      in the calcium-binding epidermal growth factor-like (cbEGF) 12 domain. This
      variant was absent in 208 ethnically matched controls, providing further evidence
      that it may be causative of nMFS. An analysis of nMFS-associated mutations from
      the UMD-FBN1 database indicates that those de novo mutations altering disulfide
      bonds or Ca(2+) binding sites of the cbEGF domains encoded by exons 25-33, and a
      lack of phenotypic heterogeneity may be associated with an increased risk for
      nMFS. CONCLUSION: We diagnosed an infant with rare nMFS showing rapidly
      progressive cardiovascular dysfunction and widely systemic features. As the only
      causal FBN1 mutation identified in the patient, the missense mutation c.3331 T >
      C (p.Cys1111Arg) was associated with the severe phenotype of MFS. However, the
      pathogenicity of the novel mutation needs further confirmation in other patients
      with nMFS. Our review of the prominent characteristics of nMFS mutations relative
      to classic or incomplete MFS-related mutations will be helpful for the
      recognition of novel nMFS-associated variants.

PMID- 27138492
TI  - Nurse Staffing Calculation in the Emergency Department - Performance-Oriented
      Calculation Based on the Manchester Triage System at the University Hospital
      Bonn.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, there are no valid statistics regarding the number of full
      time staff necessary for nursing care in emergency departments in Europe.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Staff requirement calculations were performed using state
      of-the art procedures which take both fluctuating patient volume and individual
      staff shortfall rates into consideration. In a longitudinal observational study,
      the average nursing staff engagement time per patient was assessed for 503
      patients. For this purpose, a full-time staffing calculation was estimated based
      on the five priority levels of the Manchester Triage System (MTS), taking into
      account specific workload fluctuations (50th-95th percentiles). RESULTS: Patients
      classified to the MTS category red (n = 35) required the most engagement time
      with an average of 97.93 min per patient. On weighted average, for orange MTS
      category patients (n = 118), nursing staff were required for 85.07 min, for
      patients in the yellow MTS category (n = 181), 40.95 min, while the two MTS
      categories with the least acute patients, green (n = 129) and blue (n = 40)
      required 23.18 min and 14.99 min engagement time per patient, respectively.
      Individual staff shortfall due to sick days and vacation time was 20.87% of the
      total working hours. When extrapolating this to 21,899 (2010) emergency patients,
      67-123 emergency patients (50-95% percentile) per month can be seen by one nurse.
      The calculated full time staffing requirement depending on the percentiles was
      14.8 to 27.1. CONCLUSION: Performance-oriented staff planning offers an objective
      instrument for calculation of the full-time nursing staff required in emergency
      departments.

PMID- 27138494
TI  - Protected time for study needed.

PMID- 27138495
TI  - Poor career paths are forcing thousands out of nursing profession.

PMID- 27138493
TI  - Early life exposure to environmental tobacco smoke alters immune response to
      asbestos via a shift in inflammatory phenotype resulting in increased disease
      development.
AB  - Asbestos in combination with tobacco smoke exposure reportedly leads to more
      severe physiological consequences than asbestos alone; limited data also show an
      increased disease risk due to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure.
      Environmental influences during gestation and early lung development can result
      in physiological changes that alter risk for disease development throughout an
      individual's lifetime. Therefore, maternal lifestyle may impact the ability of
      offspring to subsequently respond to environmental insults and alter overall
      disease susceptibility. In this study, we examined the effects of exposure to ETS
      in utero and during early postnatal development on asbestos-related inflammation
      and disease in adulthood. ETS exposure in utero appeared to shift inflammation
      towards a Th2 phenotype, via suppression of Th1 inflammatory cytokine production.
      This effect was further pronounced in mice exposed to ETS in utero and during
      early postnatal development. In utero ETS exposure led to increased collagen
      deposition, a marker of fibrotic disease, when the offspring was later exposed to
      asbestos, which was further increased with additional ETS exposure during early
      postnatal development. These data suggest that ETS exposure in utero alters the
      immune responses and leads to greater disease development after asbestos
      exposure, which is further exacerbated when exposure to ETS continues during
      early postnatal development.

PMID- 27138496
TI  - Hospital discharge can improve with joined-up thinking, claims report.

PMID- 27138498
TI  - Prior experience counts towards degrees for healthcare assistants.

PMID- 27138501
TI  - Nurses call for protected time for revalidation CPD.

PMID- 27138499
TI  - Nursing associates on band 4 must be regulated, feedback on the role reveals.

PMID- 27138502
TI  - Support system for whistleblowers.

PMID- 27138503
TI  - Teachable moments.

PMID- 27138504
TI  - Sharing victory.

PMID- 27138507
TI  - Susan Williams - International outlook.

PMID- 27138508
TI  - Vantage point - Everyone's a leader.

PMID- 27138517
TI  - A joined-up approach to improving older people's health and wellbeing.
AB  - This article describes how a joined-up approach to housing, health and wellbeing
      is making a difference to the lives of older people and particularly the lives of
      frail individuals. It looks at the services available at ExtraCare Charitable
      Trust's retirement villages and discusses how investing in the right staff and
      tools produces the best results and helps to keep people out of hospital. 

PMID- 27138518
TI  - Why revalidation, why now?

PMID- 27138519
TI  - Involving healthcare support workers in education design.
AB  - NHS Education for Scotland (NES) has adopted a co-production model in its
      development work with HCSWs (HCSWs). The approach means that HCSWs are at the
      centre of NES activity, and ensures their voice is strong and influential in the
      creation, implementation and evaluation of education initiatives related to their
      development. This article describes how the co-production model has been advanced
      through a HCSW advisory group that oversees relevant NES activity. 

PMID- 27138520
TI  - How anxiety about communication affects the role of nurse leaders in
      international social networks.
AB  - Social network analysis examines the way individuals are connected within groups
      or networks, and the role they play in these groups. In terms of its application
      to issues related to nurse leaders, much of the research focuses on the structure
      of their networks, the roles they play, and whether the networks can be changed
      to improve communication flows. This article reports results of a study that
      aimed to deepen understanding of how a particular trait - communication
      apprehension - can affect the roles that nurse leaders play within network
      structures. It also shows how the research expands understanding of the factors
      that influence connections between senior nurse leaders internationally, and
      describes the communication apprehension instrument used, which provides a
      practical tool to assist aspirant nurse leaders to identify areas for personal
      development. 

PMID- 27138521
TI  - A privileged position.

PMID- 27138522
TI  - Photo-crosslinking of clinically relevant kinases using H89-derived photo
      affinity probes.
AB  - The profiling of kinases using established proteomics techniques is hampered by
      their non-covalent mode-of-action. One way to overcome this caveat is the use of
      probes featuring photo-labelling groups that can be activated by UV irradiation
      to generate a reactive species that will establish a covalent bond to the enzyme.
      In this study we have used the well-known kinase inhibitor H89 as a lead for the
      development of probes for the affinity-based profiling of clinically relevant
      kinases. A labelling protocol was established for recombinant kinases and more
      complex protein mixtures using gel-based techniques. We also show that the probes
      act in a competitive manner with other kinase inhibitors.

PMID- 27138524
TI  - Impact of Bi-Axial Shear on Atherogenic Gene Expression by Endothelial Cells.
AB  - This study demonstrated the effects of the directionality of oscillatory wall
      shear stress (WSS) on proliferation and proatherogenic gene expression (I-CAM, E
      Selectin, and IL-6) in the presence of inflammatory mediators leukotriene B4
      (LTB4) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from endothelial cells grown in an
      orbiting culture dish. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was applied to quantify
      the flow in the dish, while an analytical solution representing an extension of
      Stokes second problem was used for validation. Results indicated that WSS
      magnitude was relatively constant near the center of the dish and oscillated
      significantly (0-0.9 Pa) near the side walls. Experiments showed that LTB4
      dominated the shear effects on cell proliferation and area. Addition of LPS
      didn't change proliferation, but significantly affected cell area. The expression
      of I-CAM1, E-Selectin and IL-6 were altered by directional oscillatory shear
      index (DOSI, a measure of the biaxiality of oscillatory shear), but not shear
      magnitude. The significance of DOSI was further reinforced by the strength of its
      interactions with other atherogenic factors. Hence, directionality of shear
      appears to be an important factor in regulating gene expression and provides a
      potential explanation of the propensity for increased vascular lesions in regions
      in the arteries with oscillating biaxial flow.

PMID- 27138525
TI  - A Novel Analytical Approach to Pulsatile Blood Flow in the Arterial Network.
AB  - Haemodynamic simulations using one-dimensional (1-D) computational models exhibit
      many of the features of the systemic circulation under normal and diseased
      conditions. We propose a novel linear 1-D dynamical theory of blood flow in
      networks of flexible vessels that is based on a generalized Darcy's model and for
      which a full analytical solution exists in frequency domain. We assess the
      accuracy of this formulation in a series of benchmark test cases for which
      computational 1-D and 3-D solutions are available. Accordingly, we calculate
      blood flow and pressure waves, and velocity profiles in the human common carotid
      artery, upper thoracic aorta, aortic bifurcation, and a 20-artery model of the
      aorta and its larger branches. Our analytical solution is in good agreement with
      the available solutions and reproduces the main features of pulse waveforms in
      networks of large arteries under normal physiological conditions. Our model
      reduces computational time and provides a new approach for studying arterial
      pulse wave mechanics; e.g.,  the analyticity of our model allows for a direct
      identification of the role played by physical properties of the cardiovascular
      system on the pressure waves.

PMID- 27138526
TI  - Design of Fucoidan Functionalized - Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Biomedical
      Applications.
AB  - This research aims to develop an iron oxide nanoparticle drug delivery system
      utilizing a recent material discovered from ocean, fucoidan. The material has
      drawn much interest due to many biomedical functions that have been proven for
      human health. One interesting point herein is that fucoidan is not only a
      sulfated polysaccharide, a polymer for stabilization of iron oxide nanoparticles,
      but plays a role of an anticancer agent also. Various approaches were
      investigated to optimize the high loading efficiency and explain the mechanism of
      nanoparticle formations. Fucoidan was functionalized on iron oxide nanoparticles
      by a direct coating or via amine groups. Also, a hydrophobic part of oleic acid
      was conjugated to the amine groups for a more favorable loading of poorly water
      soluble anticancer drugs. This study proposed a novel system and an efficient
      method to functionalize fucoidan on iron oxide nanoparticle systems which will
      lead to a facilitation of a double strength treatment of cancer. 

PMID- 27138523
TI  - Multi-scale Modeling of the Cardiovascular System: Disease Development,
      Progression, and Clinical Intervention.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the western
      world. With the current development of clinical diagnostics to more accurately
      measure the extent and specifics of CVDs, a laudable goal is a better
      understanding of the structure-function relation in the cardiovascular system.
      Much of this fundamental understanding comes from the development and study of
      models that integrate biology, medicine, imaging, and biomechanics. Information
      from these models provides guidance for developing diagnostics, and
      implementation of these diagnostics to the clinical setting, in turn, provides
      data for refining the models. In this review, we introduce multi-scale and multi
      physical models for understanding disease development, progression, and designing
      clinical interventions. We begin with multi-scale models of cardiac
      electrophysiology and mechanics for diagnosis, clinical decision support,
      personalized and precision medicine in cardiology with examples in arrhythmia and
      heart failure. We then introduce computational models of vasculature mechanics
      and associated mechanical forces for understanding vascular disease progression,
      designing clinical interventions, and elucidating mechanisms that underlie
      diverse vascular conditions. We conclude with a discussion of barriers that must
      be overcome to provide enhanced insights, predictions, and decisions in pre
      clinical and clinical applications.

PMID- 27138527
TI  - Cation Tuning toward the Inference of the Gelation Behavior of Supramolecular
      Gels.
AB  - We serendipitously discovered that the tripeptide Asp-Phe-Phe trifluoroacetic
      acid salt (hereafter abbreviated as beta-AspFF) formed a reversible thermotropic
      gel in chloroform solution (at temperatures higher than the boiling point of
      chloroform), and a stable gel in toluene solution (at equal to or lower than the
      room temperature). Experimental results indicate that doping metal ions into beta
      AspFF toluene gels can trigger morphological variations in the gel skeleton,
      thereby increasing gel volume and inducing the collapse of organogels.
      Investigation on the cation-tuned gelation behavior of beta-AspFF can be used to
      elucidate heating-induced gel collapse (of normal gel) or reverse thermotropic
      gelation as well as select carbamide and acetamide as activators of beta-AspFF
      gels in chloroform solution at room temperature.

PMID- 27138528
TI  - Abnormalities of voxel-based whole-brain functional connectivity patterns predict
      the progression of hepatic encephalopathy.
AB  - Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is an important tool
      for understanding the functional reorganization of the brain in cirrhotic
      patients. Previous studies revealed that functional integration failure were
      observed in the whole brain. However, the whole-brain functional connectivity
      analysis methods used in these studies have the limitation that the result relied
      on a priori definition of network nodes. Moreover, the utility of resting state
      functional connectivity in the diagnosis and prediction of hepatic encephalopathy
      (HE) is not well examined. In this study, we recruited 87 subjects consisting of
      patients without HE, with HE, and healthy controls. We employed a voxel-based,
      unbiased functional connectivity analysis and the functional connectivity density
      (FCD) metric to precisely study abnormalities in the intrinsic functional
      connectivity patterns of cirrhotic patients. FCD analyses showed that hub regions
      in the brain were less topologically important in cirrhotic patients, whereas non
      hub regions became topologically important in the disease state. This trend was
      more apparent with the progression of cirrhosis severity. Most FCD abnormalities
      were associated with deficits in psychomotor function, executive control, or
      visual-spatial abilities (p < 0.05, AlphaSim corrected). FCD alterations in the
      left inferior parietal lobe and the right hippocampal gyrus/parahippocampal gyrus
      were significantly correlated with cognitive ability and blood ammonia level (p <
      0.05, AlphaSim corrected). A pattern classification analysis indicated that whole
      brain FCD differences distinguished cirrhotic patients from healthy controls and
      predicted disease severity with high accuracies. These findings suggest that
      voxel-based FCD analysis may be clinically important for the diagnosis and
      prediction of HE.

PMID- 27138529
TI  - Multi-parametric quantitative MRI of normal appearing white matter in multiple
      sclerosis, and the effect of disease activity on T2.
AB  - White matter (WM) lesions with a distinct lesion-tissue contrast are the main
      radiological hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS) in standard magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI). Pathological WM changes beyond lesion development lack suitable
      contrasts, rendering the investigation of normal appearing WM (NAWM) more
      challenging. In this study, repeat quantitative MRI (qMRI) was collected in 9
      relapsing remitting MS patients with mild disease over nine months. The
      relaxation times T1 and T2, the proton density (PD), and the magnetization
      transfer ratio (MTR) were analysed in the NAWM. For each parameter, both the mean
      value and the standard deviation were determined across large NAWM regions. The
      resulting 8-dimensional multi-parameter space includes parameter non-uniformities
      as additional descriptors of NAWM inhomogeneity. The goals of the study were to
      investigate (1) which of the eight parameters differ significantly between NAWM
      and normal WM, (2) if parameter time courses differ between patients with and
      without radiological disease activity, and (3) if a suitable biomarker can be
      derived from the multi-parameter space, allowing for NAWM characterization and
      differentiation from controls. On a group level, all parameters investigated
      except mean T1 values were significantly affected in MS NAWM. Group
      classification accuracy using a multi-parametric support vector machine approach
      in NAWM was 66.7 %. In addition, mean T2 values increased significantly with time
      for patients with radiological disease activity, but not for patients without
      radiological activity. In conclusion, our data demonstrate the potential of qMRI
      for investigating MS pathology in NAWM. T2 measurements in NAWM may enable
      monitoring of disease activity outside of overt lesions.

PMID- 27138530
TI  - The role of rumen-protected choline in hepatic function and performance of
      transition dairy cows.
AB  - High-producing dairy cows enter a period of negative energy balance during the
      first weeks of lactation. Energy intake is usually sufficient to cover the
      increase in energy requirements for fetal growth during the period before
      calving, but meeting the demand for energy is often difficult during the early
      stages of lactation. A catabolic state predominates during the transition period,
      leading to the mobilisation of energy reserves (NEFA and amino acids) that are
      utilised mainly by the liver and muscle. Increased uptake of mobilised NEFA by
      the liver, combined with the limited capacity of hepatocytes to either oxidise
      fatty acids for energy or to incorporate esterified fatty acids into VLDL results
      in fatty liver syndrome and ketosis. This metabolic disturbance can affect the
      general health, and it causes economic losses. Different nutritional strategies
      have been used to restrict negative effects associated with the energy challenge
      in transition cows. The provision of choline in the form of rumen-protected
      choline (RPC) can potentially improve liver function by increasing VLDL
      exportation from the liver. RPC increases gene expression of microsomal TAG
      transfer protein and APOB100 that are required for VLDL synthesis and secretion.
      Studies with RPC have looked at gene expression, metabolic hormones, metabolite
      profiles, milk production and postpartum reproduction. A reduction in liver fat
      and enhanced milk production has been observed with RPC supplementation. However,
      the effects of RPC on health and reproduction are equivocal, which could reflect
      the lack of sufficient dose-response studies.

PMID- 27138531
TI  - Differentiating Patients with Parkinson's Disease from Normal Controls Using Gray
      Matter in the Cerebellum.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders in
      the world. Previous studies have focused on the basal ganglia and cerebral
      cortices. To date, the cerebellum has not been systematically investigated in
      patients with PD. In the current study, 45 probable PD patients and 40 age- and
      gender-matched healthy controls underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging,
      and we used support vector machines combining with voxel-based morphometry to
      explore the cerebellar structural changes in the probable PD patients relative to
      healthy controls. The results revealed that the gray matter alterations were
      primarily located within the cerebellar Crus I, implying a possible important
      role of this region in PD. Furthermore, the gray matter alterations in the
      cerebellum could differentiate the probable PD patients from healthy controls
      with accuracies of more than 95 % (p < 0.001, permutation test) via cross
      validation, suggesting the potential of analyzing the cerebellum in the clinical
      diagnosis of PD.

PMID- 27138533
TI  - Individual and Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and the Association between Air
      Pollution and Cardiovascular Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is linked with
      cardiovascular disease, and disadvantaged status may increase susceptibility to
      air pollution-related health effects. In addition, there are concerns that this
      association may be partially explained by confounding by socioeconomic status
      (SES). OBJECTIVES: We examined the roles that individual- and neighborhood-level
      SES (NSES) play in the association between PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular
      disease. METHODS: The study population comprised 51,754 postmenopausal women from
      the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. PM2.5 concentrations were
      predicted at participant residences using fine-scale regionalized universal
      kriging models. We assessed individual-level SES and NSES (Census-tract level)
      across several SES domains including education, occupation, and income/wealth, as
      well as through an NSES score, which captures several important dimensions of
      SES. Cox proportional-hazards regression adjusted for SES factors and other
      covariates to determine the risk of a first cardiovascular event. RESULTS: A 5
      MUg/m3 higher exposure to PM2.5 was associated with a 13% increased risk of
      cardiovascular event [hazard ratio (HR) 1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02,
      1.26]. Adjustment for SES factors did not meaningfully affect the risk estimate.
      Higher risk estimates were observed among participants living in low-SES
      neighborhoods. The most and least disadvantaged quartiles of the NSES score had
      HRs of 1.39 (95% CI: 1.21, 1.61) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.72, 1.07), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Women with lower NSES may be more susceptible to air pollution
      related health effects. The association between air pollution and cardiovascular
      disease was not explained by confounding from individual-level SES or NSES.
      Citation: Chi GC, Hajat A, Bird CE, Cullen MR, Griffin BA, Miller KA, Shih RA,
      Stefanick ML, Vedal S, Whitsel EA, Kaufman JD. 2016. Individual and neighborhood
      socioeconomic status and the association between air pollution and cardiovascular
      disease. Environ Health Perspect 124:1840-1847; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP199.

PMID- 27138546
TI  - An Exposure-Response Modeling Approach to Examine the Relationship Between
      Potency of CYP3A Inducer and Plasma 4beta-Hydroxycholesterol in Healthy Subjects.
AB  - The objectives of this analysis were to establish the exposure-response
      relationship between plasma rifampicin and 4beta-hydroxycholesterol (4betaHC)
      concentration and to estimate the effect of weak, moderate, and potent CYP3A
      induction. Plasma rifampicin and 4betaHC concentration-time data from a drug-drug
      interaction study with rifampicin 600 mg were used for model development. An
      indirect response model with an effect compartment described the relationship
      between rifampicin and 4betaHC concentrations. The model predicted that the
      equilibration t1/2 and 4betaHC t1/2 were 72.8 and 142 hours, respectively. EM50
      and Emax of rifampicin induction were 32.6 MUg and 8.39-fold, respectively. The
      population PK-PD model was then used to simulate the effects of rifampicin 10,
      20, and 100 mg on plasma 4betaHC for up to 21 days, in which rifampicin 10, 20,
      and 100 mg were used to represent weak, moderate, and strong inducers,
      respectively. The model-predicted median (5th, 95th percentiles) 1.13 (1.04,
      1.44)-, 1.28 (1.10, 1.71)-, and 2.10 (1.45, 3.49)-fold increases in plasma
      4betaHC after 14-day treatment with rifampicin 10, 20, and 100 mg, respectively.
      A new drug candidate can likely be classified as a weak, moderate, or strong
      inducer if baseline-normalized plasma 4betaHC increases by <1.13-, 1.13- to 2.10
      , or >2.10-fold, respectively, after 14 days of dosing.

PMID- 27138547
TI  - Construction of Nontoxic Polymeric UV-Absorber with Great Resistance to UV
      Photoaging.
AB  - In this article, we developed a series of new nontoxic polymeric UV-absorbers
      through covalently attaching a benzophenone derivative onto the main chain of
      poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) via mild and quantitative click chemistry. Azide
      groups were firstly introduced into the backbone of PVC via a nucleophilic
      reaction without affecting polymeric skeleton. Copper-catalyzed Husigen-Click
      cycloaddition reaction was performed between the pendant azide groups of PVC and
      alkynyl of (2-hydroxy-4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)phenyl)(phenyl)methanone at ambient
      temperature for affording the desired PVC-based UV-absorbers (PVC-UV) with
      different amounts of benzophenone moieties, which displayed great resistance to
      photoaging without degradation while exposed to UV irradiation. These polymeric
      UV-absorbers also showed good solubilities in common organic solvents and no
      cytotoxicity vs. HaCat cell. Small amounts of PVC-UV were homogeneously mixed
      with PVC as additive for stabilizing PVC against UV-photoaging without
      degradation and releasing small molecule even after 200 h while keeping thermal
      stability. This route of polymeric additive clearly paved an efficient way for
      solving the puzzle of separation of small molecule additive.

PMID- 27138548
TI  - Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of respiratory viral infections in
      children in Shanghai, China.
AB  - Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) due to various viruses are not only
      the most common causes of upper and lower respiratory infection but are also
      major causes of morbidity and mortality in children. In this study, we
      investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of children with virus
      related ARTIs and determined the spectrum of respiratory viruses and their
      correlation with meteorological variables in Jiading District, Shanghai, China.
      Nasopharyngeal swabs from 2819 children with ARTIs were collected from August
      2011 to December 2014, and used for detection of respiratory viruses by multiplex
      RT-PCR. Seventeen respiratory viruses were detected among 691 (24.5 %) of 2819
      patients. The highest prevalence of respiratory viruses was detected in the age
      group of less than 1 year (29.0 %), and the prevalence decreased with age. This
      suggests that children less than one year old are the most susceptible to
      infection. Influenza virus (IFV) was the most frequently detected virus (5.8 %),
      followed by parainfluenza virus (PIV) (5.7 %), enterovirus (EV) (4.3 %), and
      respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (3.6 %). Statistical analysis showed that
      epidemics of IFV, PIV and EV had distinct seasonal variations. Mean monthly
      temperature appeared to be the only meteorological factor associated with IFV and
      PIV infection. These findings will provide valuable information for decision
      making, prevention and treatment of ARTIs in children. 

PMID- 27138549
TI  - A genetically novel, narrow-host-range isolate of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV)
      from rosemary.
AB  - An isolate of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), designated CMV-Rom, was isolated from
      rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) plants in several locations near Avignon,
      France. Laboratory studies showed that, unlike typical CMV isolates, CMV-Rom has
      a particularly narrow host range. It could be transmitted by aphids Aphis
      gossypii and Myzus persicae, but with low efficacy compared to a typical CMV
      isolate. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the CMV-Rom genomic
      RNAs shows that this isolate does not belong to any of the previously described
      CMV subgroups, IA, IB, II or III. 

PMID- 27138532
TI  - Strategies to genetically engineer T cells for cancer immunotherapy.
AB  - Immunotherapy is one of the most promising and innovative approaches to treat
      cancer, viral infections, and other immune-modulated diseases. Adoptive
      immunotherapy using gene-modified T cells is an exciting and rapidly evolving
      field. Exploiting knowledge of basic T cell biology and immune cell receptor
      function has fostered innovative approaches to modify immune cell function.
      Highly translatable clinical technologies have been developed to redirect T cell
      specificity by introducing designed receptors. The ability to engineer T cells to
      manifest desired phenotypes and functions is now a thrilling reality. In this
      review, we focus on outlining different varieties of genetically engineered T
      cells, their respective advantages and disadvantages as tools for immunotherapy,
      and their promise and drawbacks in the clinic.

PMID- 27138550
TI  - Virulence of a novel reassortant canine H3N2 influenza virus in ferret, dog and
      mouse models.
AB  - An outbreak of a canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N2 reassortant derived from
      pandemic (pdm) H1N1 and CIV H3N2 in companion animals has underscored the urgent
      need to monitor CIV infections for potential zoonotic transmission of influenza
      viruses to humans. In this study, we assessed the virulence of a novel CIV H3N2
      reassortant, VC378, which was obtained from a dog that was coinfected with pdm
      H1N1 and CIV H3N2, in ferrets, dogs, and mice. Significantly enhanced virulence
      of VC378 was demonstrated in mice, although the transmissibility and
      pathogenicity of VC378 were similar to those of classical H3N2 in ferrets and
      dogs. This is notable because mice inoculated with an equivalent dose of
      classical CIV H3N2 showed no clinical signs and no lethality. We found that the
      PA and NS gene segments of VC378 were introduced from pdmH1N1, and these genes
      included the amino acid substitutions PA-P224S and NS-I123V, which were
      previously found to be associated with increased virulence in mice. Thus, we
      speculate that the natural reassortment between pdm H1N1 and CIV H3N2 can confer
      virulence and that continuous surveillance is needed to monitor the evolution of
      CIV in companion animals. 

PMID- 27138551
TI  - A new member of the family Totiviridae associated with arboreal ants (Camponotus
      nipponicus).
AB  - A putative new member of the family Totiviridae was identified in arboreal ants
      (Camponotus nipponicus). The viral dsRNA consisted of 5,713 nt with two
      overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 encodes a putative capsid protein.
      ORF2 encodes a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). ORF2 could be
      translated as a fusion protein with the ORF1 product through a -1 frameshift in
      the overlapping ORF1. Phylogenetic analysis based on the RdRp revealed that the
      virus from C. nipponicus is closely related to Camponotus yamaokai virus, a
      member of the family Totiviridae, from another ant species. The name Camponotus
      nipponicus virus (CNV) is proposed for the new virus. 

PMID- 27138553
TI  - Role of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on tenocytes and myoblasts-potential
      application for treating rotator cuff tears.
AB  - The post-surgery integrity of the tendons and muscle quality are the two major
      factors in success of rotator cuff (RC) repair. Though surgical techniques for
      rotator cuff repair have significantly improved in the past two decades, there
      are no effective treatments to improve tendon-to-bone healing and muscle quality
      after repair at this point in time. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) have
      previously been used for promoting fracture healing. Previous studies have shown
      that PEMF has a positive role in promoting osteoblast precursors proliferation
      and differentiation. However, PEMFs effect on tenocytes and muscle cells has not
      been determined fully yet. The purpose of this study is to define the role of a
      commercially available PEMF on tenocytes and myoblasts growth and differentiation
      in vitro. Human rotator cuff tenocytes and C2C12 murine myoblasts were cultured
      and treated with PEMF for 2 weeks under regular and inflammatory conditions. Our
      results showed that 2 weeks treatment of PEMF enhanced gene expressions of growth
      factors in human rotator cuff tenocytes under inflammatory conditions. PEMF
      significantly enhanced C2C12 myotube formation under normal and inflammatory
      conditions. Results from this study suggest that PEMF has a positive role in
      promoting tenocyte gene expression and myoblast differentiation. Therefore, PEMF
      may potentially serve as a non-operative treatment to improve clinical incomes
      rotator cuff tendon repairs. Results (c) 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society.
      Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:956-964, 2017.

PMID- 27138554
TI  - Lymphomatoid Papulosis in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a lymphoproliferative disorder that
      is rare among adults and even rarer among children. In adults, LyP is associated
      with an increased risk of secondary lymphomas. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      systematic review was to describe the clinical and histopathological features of
      LyP in children, to assess the risk of associated lymphomas, and to compare the
      disease to the adult form. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using the
      MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from inception to June
      2015. Articles were included if data were extractable from studies, case series,
      and single reports of pediatric LyP patients. RESULTS: A total of 251 children
      and adolescents with LyP were identified, with the mean age at diagnosis being
      9.3 +/- 4.6 years (n = 187). The female to male ratio was 1:1.4, and the majority
      of children reported on were Caucasian (n = 74, 85.1 %). The predominant
      histologic subtype was type A (n = 106, 79.1 %). Clinically, LyP lesions
      presented as erythematous papules or nodules, appearing preferentially on the
      extremities and the trunk. LyP has to be differentiated from pityriasis
      lichenoides (PL) and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). PL
      and associated lymphomas were diagnosed before, with, and after LyP in 19 and 14
      cases, respectively. Of the 14 subjects with associated lymphomas, two children
      developed systemic ALCL. CONCLUSION: LyP has to be differentiated from ALCL to
      avoid erroneous treatments. Due to the increased risk of development of non
      Hodgkin lymphomas, lifelong follow-up and proper patient counseling are
      warranted.

PMID- 27138555
TI  - An unusual association of classical Joubert syndrome with retrocerebellar
      arachnoid cyst.

PMID- 27138556
TI  - Neonatal neuroradiological aspects in Zika virus infection.

PMID- 27138557
TI  - Canine total hip prosthesis: a case report.
AB  - This communication describes the use of a total hip prosthesis to successfully
      alleviate the symptoms of severe coxofemoral osteoarthrosis in a seven-year-old
      Samoyed dog. Prior to implantation of the prosthesis, the dog had been treated
      with analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs and a bilateral pectineal myectomy had
      been performed. These measures had achieved only limited control of the symptoms.
      After total hip replacement there was a rapid improvement in the dog's demeanour
      and use of the leg which had been operated on. This improvement was maintained
      during the twelve-month follow-up period. 

PMID- 27138552
TI  - Chloroplast RNA-Binding Protein RBD1 Promotes Chilling Tolerance through 23S rRNA
      Processing in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Plants have varying abilities to tolerate chilling (low but not freezing
      temperatures), and it is largely unknown how plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana
      achieve chilling tolerance. Here, we describe a genome-wide screen for genes
      important for chilling tolerance by their putative knockout mutants in
      Arabidopsis thaliana. Out of 11,000 T-DNA insertion mutant lines representing
      half of the genome, 54 lines associated with disruption of 49 genes had a drastic
      chilling sensitive phenotype. Sixteen of these genes encode proteins with
      chloroplast localization, suggesting a critical role of chloroplast function in
      chilling tolerance. Study of one of these proteins RBD1 with an RNA binding
      domain further reveals the importance of chloroplast translation in chilling
      tolerance. RBD1 is expressed in the green tissues and is localized in the
      chloroplast nucleoid. It binds directly to 23S rRNA and the binding is stronger
      under chilling than at normal growth temperatures. The rbd1 mutants are defective
      in generating mature 23S rRNAs and deficient in chloroplast protein synthesis
      especially under chilling conditions. Together, our study identifies RBD1 as a
      regulator of 23S rRNA processing and reveals the importance of chloroplast
      function especially protein translation in chilling tolerance.

PMID- 27138558
TI  - Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of quantum dot-sensitized TiO2 nanotube
      arrays with Al2O3 overcoating by atomic layer deposition.
AB  - While TiO2 nanotube arrays cosensitized with CdS and PbS quantum dots can achieve
      water splitting under visible light excitation, the use of quantum dots is
      limited by the relatively slow interfacial hole transfer rate and low internal
      quantum efficiencies in the visible region. Al2O3 overcoating by atomic layer
      deposition (ALD) can drastically enhance the photoelectrochemical performance of
      the quantum dot-sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays. 30 ALD cycles of the Al2O3
      overlayer can achieve a good balance between surface coverage and charge transfer
      resistance. The resulting maximum photocurrent density of 5.19 mA cm(-2) under
      simulated solar illumination shows a 52 times improvement over the pure TiO2
      nanotube arrays, and more significantly, a 60% enhancement over bare quantum dot
      sensitized TiO2 nanotube arrays. The incident photon-to-current conversion
      efficiency can reach the record value of 83% at 350 nm and remain above 30% up to
      450 nm. A systematic examination of the role of the ALD Al2O3 overlayer indicates
      that surface recombination passivation, catalytic improvement in interfacial
      charge transfer kinetics, and chemical stabilization might synergistically
      enhance the photoelectrochemical performance in the visible region. These results
      provide a physical insight into the facile surface treatment, which could be
      applied to develop and optimize high-performance photoelectrodes for artificial
      photosynthesis. 

PMID- 27138561
TI  - MENA Promotes Tumor-Intrinsic Metastasis through ECM Remodeling and Haptotaxis.
AB  - Oudin and colleagues report a novel and specific function of MENA in mediating
      directional migration of breast cancer cells toward a fibronectin gradient of
      increasing concentration. This MENA-mediated haptotactic response depends on the
      binding of MENA to the alpha5beta1 integrin receptor, adhesion protein signaling,
      and fibronectin fibrillogenesis. Cancer Discov; 6(5); 474-6. (c)2016 AACRSee
      related article by Oudin et al., p. 516.

PMID- 27138562
TI  - PD-1 Shapes B Cells as Evildoers in the Tumor Microenvironment.
AB  - Protumorigenic PD-1(hi) B cells, induced in hepatocellular carcinoma, suppress
      tumor-specific T-cell response via IL10-dependent pathways upon PD-1/PD-L1
      interaction. Anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies may function not only through
      blocking the PD-1 coinhibitory pathway in T cells but also via abolishing the
      suppressive function of regulatory B cells. Cancer Discov; 6(5); 477-8. (c)2016
      AACRSee related article by Xiao et al., p. 546.

PMID- 27138563
TI  - Effects of Detrital Subsidies on Soft-Sediment Ecosystem Function Are Transient
      and Source-Dependent.
AB  - Detrital subsidies from marine macrophytes are prevalent in temperate estuaries,
      and their role in structuring benthic macrofaunal communities is well documented,
      but the resulting impact on ecosystem function is not understood. We conducted a
      field experiment to test the effects of detrital decay on soft-sediment primary
      production, community metabolism and nutrient regeneration (measures of ecosystem
      function). Twenty four (2 m(2)) plots were established on an intertidal sandflat,
      to which we added 0 or 220 g DW m(-2) of detritus from either mangroves
      (Avicennia marina), seagrass (Zostera muelleri), or kelp (Ecklonia radiata) (n =
      6 plots per treatment). Then, after 4, 17 and 46 d we measured ecosystem
      function, macrofaunal community structure and sediment properties. We
      hypothesized that (1) detrital decay would stimulate benthic primary production
      either by supplying nutrients to the benthic macrophytes, or by altering the
      macrofaunal community; and (2) ecosystem responses would depend on the stage and
      rate of macrophyte decay (a function of source). Avicennia detritus decayed the
      slowest with a half-life (t50) of 46 d, while Zostera and Ecklonia had t50 values
      of 28 and 2.6 d, respectively. However, ecosystem responses were not related to
      these differences. Instead, we found transient effects (up to 17 d) of Avicennia
      and Ecklonia detritus on benthic primary production, where initially (4 d) these
      detrital sources suppressed primary production, but after 17 d, primary
      production was stimulated in Avicennia plots relative to controls. Other
      ecosystem function response variables and the macrofaunal community composition
      were not altered by the addition of detritus, but did vary with time. By sampling
      ecosystem function temporally, we were able to capture the in situ transient
      effects of detrital subsidies on important benthic ecosystem functions.

PMID- 27138564
TI  - Fluoroquinolone-Associated Tendinopathy: Does Levofloxacin Pose the Greatest
      Risk?
AB  - Fluoroquinolone antibiotics recently have gained increased national attention due
      to safety concerns. A well-described and serious adverse event associated with
      receipt of fluoroquinolones is tendinitis and tendon rupture. These tendon
      injuries can result in long-term sequelae, including chronic pain and mobility
      restrictions, and may warrant surgery. Due to the severity of these adverse
      events, a black box warning is included in the product labeling of all
      fluoroquinolones. In light of the mounting concerns surrounding fluoroquinolone
      associated toxicities, the purpose of this clinical review is to provide a
      comprehensive summary of the risk of tendinopathy associated with levofloxacin,
      one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics in the United States, across in
      vitro, animal, and clinical studies, relative to other antibiotics. As part of
      this review, clinical presentation and onset, proposed mechanisms, patient
      specific risk factors, and management of fluoroquinolone-induced tendon injury
      are summarized. Data were obtained from a comprehensive PubMed literature search
      and a review of U.S. Food and Drug Administration documents. Although
      tendinopathy is considered a fluoroquinolone class-wide toxicity, data from in
      vitro studies, animal studies, patient-level analyses, and large national and
      international surveillance reports suggest that levofloxacin, as well as its
      parent compound ofloxacin, possess higher propensities to cause tendon damage
      relative to other fluoroquinolones. Risk with ofloxacin and levofloxacin appears
      to be exposure dependent, with higher doses and longer durations being most
      commonly associated with tendinopathy. Other well-described patient risk factors
      for fluoroquinolone-associated tendinopathy include older age (older than 60
      yrs), receipt of concomitant corticosteroid therapy, presence of renal
      dysfunction, and history of solid organ transplantation. Given widespread use of
      levofloxacin across patient care settings, knowledge of both patient- and drug
      specific characteristics associated with increased risk of tendinitis and tendon
      rupture can promote safe use of levofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones.

PMID- 27138565
TI  - Successful correction of hemophilia by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in vivo:
      delivery vector and immune responses are the key to success.

PMID- 27138566
TI  - The anti-hypertensive drug prazosin inhibits glioblastoma growth via the PKCdelta
      dependent inhibition of the AKT pathway.
AB  - A variety of drugs targeting monoamine receptors are routinely used in human
      pharmacology. We assessed the effect of these drugs on the viability of tumor
      initiating cells isolated from patients with glioblastoma. Among the drugs
      targeting monoamine receptors, we identified prazosin, an alpha1- and alpha2B
      adrenergic receptor antagonist, as the most potent inducer of patient-derived
      glioblastoma-initiating cell death. Prazosin triggered apoptosis of glioblastoma
      initiating cells and of their differentiated progeny, inhibited glioblastoma
      growth in orthotopic xenografts of patient-derived glioblastoma-initiating cells,
      and increased survival of glioblastoma-bearing mice. We found that prazosin acted
      in glioblastoma-initiating cells independently from adrenergic receptors. Its off
      target activity occurred via a PKCdelta-dependent inhibition of the AKT pathway,
      which resulted in caspase-3 activation. Blockade of PKCdelta activation prevented
      all molecular changes observed in prazosin-treated glioblastoma-initiating cells,
      as well as prazosin-induced apoptosis. Based on these data, we conclude that
      prazosin, an FDA-approved drug for the control of hypertension, inhibits
      glioblastoma growth through a PKCdelta-dependent mechanism. These findings open
      up promising prospects for the use of prazosin as an adjuvant therapy for
      glioblastoma patients.

PMID- 27138567
TI  - MET inhibition overcomes radiation resistance of glioblastoma stem-like cells.
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) contains stem-like cells (GSCs) known to be resistant to
      ionizing radiation and thus responsible for therapeutic failure and rapidly
      lethal tumor recurrence. It is known that GSC radioresistance relies on efficient
      activation of the DNA damage response, but the mechanisms linking this response
      with the stem status are still unclear. Here, we show that the MET receptor
      kinase, a functional marker of GSCs, is specifically expressed in a subset of
      radioresistant GSCs and overexpressed in human GBM recurring after radiotherapy.
      We elucidate that MET promotes GSC radioresistance through a novel mechanism,
      relying on AKT activity and leading to (i) sustained activation of Aurora kinase
      A, ATM kinase, and the downstream effectors of DNA repair, and (ii)
      phosphorylation and cytoplasmic retention of p21, which is associated with anti
      apoptotic functions. We show that MET pharmacological inhibition causes DNA
      damage accumulation in irradiated GSCs and their depletion in vitro and in GBMs
      generated by GSC xenotransplantation. Preclinical evidence is thus provided that
      MET inhibitors can radiosensitize tumors and convert GSC-positive selection,
      induced by radiotherapy, into GSC eradication.

PMID- 27138569
TI  - Checkpoint inhibitors and gastrointestinal immune-related adverse events.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent development of checkpoint inhibitors is a challenge for
      oncologists. Indeed, it leads to specific immune adverse events, close to
      autoimmune disorders, which require a specific management. Colitis is one of the
      most frequent immune adverse events, in particular with anticytotoxic T
      lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) therapy. RECENT FINDINGS: Severe colitis
      is frequent with immune checkpoint inhibitors and leads in a few cases to bowel
      perforation and death. This review focuses on specific pathogenic pathway and
      recent findings on risk factors and managements of colitis. SUMMARY: Anti-CTLA-4
      antibodies are the most involved immune checkpoint inhibitors in colitis, and the
      combinations with anti-programmed death ligand 1 dramatically increase the rate
      of colitis. The early use of budesonide, and in some cases corticosteroids and/or
      infliximab should be recommended, as colitis is responsive to infliximab in
      almost all cases. Immune-related colitis shares some characteristics with
      inflammatory bowel disease but with little specificity. In particular, it has
      been recently showed that gut microbiota could interact with anti-CTLA-4
      treatment to modulate efficacy but also to induce colitis. This opens the way for
      preventive or curative treatments capable of inducing modulation of the
      microbiota or fecal transplantation.

PMID- 27138568
TI  - The mitochondrial calcium uniporter regulates breast cancer progression via HIF
      1alpha.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the most aggressive breast tumor
      subtype. However, the molecular determinants responsible for the metastatic TNBC
      phenotype are only partially understood. We here show that expression of the
      mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU), the selective channel responsible for
      mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake, correlates with tumor size and lymph node
      infiltration, suggesting that mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake might be instrumental
      for tumor growth and metastatic formation. Accordingly, MCU downregulation
      hampered cell motility and invasiveness and reduced tumor growth, lymph node
      infiltration, and lung metastasis in TNBC xenografts. In MCU-silenced cells,
      production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) is blunted and
      expression of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is reduced,
      suggesting a signaling role for mROS and HIF-1alpha, downstream of mitochondrial
      Ca(2+) Finally, in breast cancer mRNA samples, a positive correlation of MCU
      expression with HIF-1alpha signaling route is present. Our results indicate that
      MCU plays a central role in TNBC growth and metastasis formation and suggest that
      mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake is a potential novel therapeutic target for clinical
      intervention.

PMID- 27138570
TI  - Immune-mediated respiratory adverse events of checkpoint inhibitors.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated remarkable
      efficacy with durable responses in the treatment of various malignancies. This
      new class of therapeutic agents is associated with a toxicity profile that
      differs from conventional cytotoxic therapy. The present review is focused on one
      of these toxicities affecting the respiratory system. RECENT FINDINGS: Many types
      of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have been identified since the emergence
      of checkpoint inhibitors including colitis, nephritis, myasthenia gravis-like
      syndromes, acute interstitial nephritis, pneumonitis, and endocrinopathies.
      Although pneumonitis is relatively less frequent than other irAEs, this toxicity
      is by no means inconsequential as it has led to treatment-related deaths during
      the initial testing phases. SUMMARY: Immune-mediated pneumonitis is a potentially
      serious but relatively infrequent adverse event associated with the use of immune
      checkpoint inhibitors. IrAEs can be challenging for oncologists who are still
      unfamiliar with the early presenting symptoms and subsequent management of these
      toxicities, especially in the context of a rapidly expanding science. A high
      index of suspicion for pneumonitis must be maintained in patients receiving
      checkpoint inhibitors and who present new onset respiratory symptoms because this
      type of toxicity can be severe and potentially fatal.

PMID- 27138571
TI  - Will clinical heterogeneity of neuroendocrine tumors impact their management in
      the future? Lessons from recent trials.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a group of biologically and
      clinically heterogeneous neoplasms arising from the diffuse neuroendocrine
      system. In the last few years, advances in our understanding of the biology of
      these tumors have translated into an expansion of treatment options for patients
      with NETs. Current treatment modalities include somatostatin analogs (SSAs),
      radiolabeled SSAs, targeted agents, cytotoxic drugs and liver-directed therapies
      for the management of metastatic disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have
      expanded the role of SSAs in gastroenteropancreatic (GEP)-NETs, and everolimus
      has shown robust antitumor activity across a broad range of NETs of the lung and
      GEP tract. The radiolobeled SSA Lu-DOTATATE has been investigated in a randomized
      phase III trial, and has demonstrated exceptional efficacy and tolerability in
      patients with progressive midgut NETs. The new serotonin inhibitor telotristat
      etiprate has shown significant activity in the palliation of symptoms of
      carcinoid syndrome, and its approval by regulatory authorities is expected soon.
      SUMMARY: The field of NETs has been transformed from one dominated by limited
      treatment options to one characterized by an increasing number of therapeutic
      agents and active clinical trials. Navigating the current therapeutic algorithm
      may be challenging, and requires an understanding both of the heterogeneity of
      NETs and of characteristics that are shared by NETs across tumor subtypes.

PMID- 27138572
TI  - Too little benefit for too much toxicity: rethinking the adjuvant development
      model in colon cancer.

PMID- 27138573
TI  - A Scalable and Modular Dome Illumination System for Scientific Microphotography
      on a Budget.
AB  - A scalable and modular LED illumination dome for microscopic scientific
      photography is described and illustrated, and methods for constructing such a
      dome are detailed. Dome illumination for insect specimens has become standard
      practice across the field of insect systematics, but many dome designs remain
      expensive and inflexible with respect to new LED technology. Further, a one-size
      fits-all dome cannot accommodate the large breadth of insect size encountered in
      nature, forcing the photographer to adapt, in some cases, to a less than ideal
      dome design. The dome described here is scalable, as it is based on a
      isodecahedron, and the template for the dome is available as a downloaded file
      from the internet that can be printed on any printer, on the photographer's
      choice of media. As a result, a photographer can afford, using this design, to
      produce a series of domes of various sizes and materials, and LED ring lights of
      various sizes and color temperatures, depending on the need.

PMID- 27138574
TI  - Genotyping and In Vitro Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Fusarium Isolates
      from Onychomycosis in India.
AB  - Onychomycosis refers to fungal infection of the nail and is commonly caused by
      dermatophytes, while yeasts and non-dermatophytic molds (NDM) are increasingly
      recognized as pathogens in nail infections. The present study was done to
      delineate molecular epidemiology of Fusarium onychomycosis in India. Five hundred
      nail samples of Indian patients clinically suspected of onychomycosis were
      subjected to direct microscopy and fungal culture. Representative Fusarium
      isolates were further identified to species level by multi-locus sequencing for
      internal transcribed spacer, translation elongation factor 1 alpha (tef1-alpha)
      and RNA polymerase II subunit (rpb2) regions (primer pairs: ITS1/ITS4, EF1/EF2,
      5f2/7cr, respectively). These representative strains were also tested for in
      vitro antifungal susceptibility by the broth microdilution method. Members of the
      genus Fusarium proved to be the most common NDM responsible for onychomycosis.
      The Fusarium spp. responsible for onychomycosis belonged to the Fusarium solani
      species complex (F. keratoplasticum and F. falciforme) and Fusarium fujikuroi
      species complex (F. proliferatum, F. acutatum and F. sacchari). Antifungal
      susceptibility results indicated that amphotericin B was the most effective
      antifungal across all isolates (MIC ranging 0.5-2 mg/L), followed by voriconazole
      (MIC ranging 1-8 ug/ml). However, a large variation was shown in susceptibility
      to posaconazole (MIC ranging 0.5 to >16 ug/ml). To conclude, we identified
      different Fusarium spp. responsible for onychomycosis in India with variation
      within species in susceptibility to antifungal agents, showing that fusariosis
      requires correct and prompt diagnosis as well as antifungal susceptibility
      testing. 

PMID- 27138576
TI  - Radiation Dose-Response Relationship for Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in
      Survivors of Hodgkin Lymphoma.

PMID- 27138575
TI  - Phase III Trial Evaluating Letrozole As First-Line Endocrine Therapy With or
      Without Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Postmenopausal Women With Hormone
      Receptor-Positive Advanced-Stage Breast Cancer: CALGB 40503 (Alliance).
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy
      with bevacizumab prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) when added to first
      line letrozole as treatment of hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer
      (MBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women with hormone receptor-positive MBC were
      randomly assigned 1:1 in a multicenter, open-label, phase III trial of letrozole
      (2.5 mg orally per day) with or without bevacizumab (15 mg/kg intravenously once
      every 3 weeks) within strata defined by measurable disease and disease-free
      interval. This trial had 90% power to detect a 50% improvement in median PFS from
      6 to 9 months. Using a one-sided alpha = .025, a target sample size of 352
      patients was planned. RESULTS: From May 2008 to November 2011, 350 women were
      recruited; 343 received treatment and were observed for efficacy and safety.
      Median age was 58 years (range, 25 to 87 years). Sixty-two percent had measurable
      disease, and 45% had de novo MBC. At a median follow-up of 39 months, the
      addition of bevacizumab resulted in a significant reduction in the hazard of
      progression (hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.96; P = .016) and a
      prolongation in median PFS from 15.6 months with letrozole to 20.2 months with
      letrozole plus bevacizumab. There was no significant difference in overall
      survival (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.18; P = .188), with median
      overall survival of 43.9 months with letrozole versus 47.2 months with letrozole
      plus bevacizumab. The largest increases in incidence of grade 3 to 4 treatment
      related toxicities with the addition of bevacizumab were hypertension (24% v 2%)
      and proteinuria (11% v 0%). CONCLUSION: The addition of bevacizumab to letrozole
      improved PFS in hormone receptor-positive MBC, but this benefit was associated
      with a markedly increased risk of grade 3 to 4 toxicities. Research on predictive
      markers will be required to clarify the role of bevacizumab in this setting.

PMID- 27138577
TI  - Development and Validation of a Radiomics Nomogram for Preoperative Prediction of
      Lymph Node Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram for preoperative prediction
      of lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: The prediction model was developed in a primary cohort that
      consisted of 326 patients with clinicopathologically confirmed CRC, and data was
      gathered from January 2007 to April 2010. Radiomic features were extracted from
      portal venous-phase computed tomography (CT) of CRC. Lasso regression model was
      used for data dimension reduction, feature selection, and radiomics signature
      building. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to develop the
      predicting model, we incorporated the radiomics signature, CT-reported LN status,
      and independent clinicopathologic risk factors, and this was presented with a
      radiomics nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed with respect to
      its calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness. Internal validation was
      assessed. An independent validation cohort contained 200 consecutive patients
      from May 2010 to December 2011. RESULTS: The radiomics signature, which consisted
      of 24 selected features, was significantly associated with LN status (P < .001
      for both primary and validation cohorts). Predictors contained in the
      individualized prediction nomogram included the radiomics signature, CT-reported
      LN status, and carcinoembryonic antigen level. Addition of histologic grade to
      the nomogram failed to show incremental prognostic value. The model showed good
      discrimination, with a C-index of 0.736 (C-index, 0.759 and 0.766 through
      internal validation), and good calibration. Application of the nomogram in the
      validation cohort still gave good discrimination (C-index, 0.778 [95% CI, 0.769
      to 0.787]) and good calibration. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the
      radiomics nomogram was clinically useful. CONCLUSION: This study presents a
      radiomics nomogram that incorporates the radiomics signature, CT-reported LN
      status, and clinical risk factors, which can be conveniently used to facilitate
      the preoperative individualized prediction of LN metastasis in patients with CRC.

PMID- 27138578
TI  - Reply to T.A. Yap et al.

PMID- 27138579
TI  - Reply to D. Vordermark and T. Pelz and R. Mazzola et al.

PMID- 27138580
TI  - Coronary Heart Disease After Mediastinal Radiotherapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma: Can
      Risk Calculations From Historic Cohorts Be Used Today?

PMID- 27138581
TI  - Biopsy-Derived Biomarkers in Phase I Trials: Building Confidence in Drug
      Development.

PMID- 27138582
TI  - Pembrolizumab in Patients With Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Phase Ib
      KEYNOTE-012 Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Immune checkpoint inhibition has been demonstrated to be an effective
      anticancer strategy. Several lines of evidence support the study of immunotherapy
      in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We assessed the safety and antitumor
      activity of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor pembrolizumab in
      patients with advanced TNBC. METHODS: KEYNOTE-012 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
      NCT01848834) was a multicenter, nonrandomized phase Ib trial of single-agent
      pembrolizumab given intravenously at 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks to patients with
      advanced PD-L1-positive (expression in stroma or >= 1% of tumor cells by
      immunohistochemistry) TNBC, gastric cancer, urothelial cancer, and head and neck
      cancer. This report focuses on the TNBC cohort. RESULTS: Among 111 patients with
      TNBC whose tumor samples were screened for PD-L1 expression, 58.6% had PD-L1
      positive tumors. Thirty-two women (median age, 50.5 years; range, 29 to 72 years)
      were enrolled and assessed for safety and antitumor activity. The median number
      of doses administered was five (range, 1 to 36 doses). Common toxicities were
      mild and similar to those observed in other tumor cohorts (eg, arthralgia,
      fatigue, myalgia, and nausea), and included five (15.6%) patients with grade >= 3
      toxicity and one treatment-related death. Among the 27 patients who were
      evaluable for antitumor activity, the overall response rate was 18.5%, the median
      time to response was 17.9 weeks (range, 7.3 to 32.4 weeks), and the median
      duration of response was not yet reached (range, 15.0 to >= 47.3 weeks).
      CONCLUSION: This phase Ib study describes preliminary evidence of clinical
      activity and a potentially acceptable safety profile of pembrolizumab given every
      2 weeks to patients with heavily pretreated, advanced TNBC. A single-agent phase
      II study examining a 200-mg dose given once every 3 weeks (ClinicalTrials.gov
      identifier: NCT02447003) is ongoing.

PMID- 27138583
TI  - Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Survival Among Patients With Young-Onset Colorectal
      Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Racial disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) persist, despite overall
      reductions in morbidity and mortality. In addition, incidence is rising among
      individuals younger than 50 years of age. We compared the survival of young-onset
      CRC among non-Hispanic black (NHB), non-Hispanic white (NHW), and Hispanic
      individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the National Cancer Institute's
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program data, we identified
      individuals between the ages of 20 and 49 years, diagnosed with CRC between 2000
      and 2009. Survival rates and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare
      stage-specific 5-year survival among NHBs, NHWs, and Hispanics. RESULTS: We
      identified 28,145 patients with young-onset CRC (19,497 NHW; 4,384 NHB; 4,264
      Hispanic) during the 10-year study period. Overall survival at 5 years after CRC
      diagnosis was 54.9% among NHB, 68.1% among NHW, and 62.9% among Hispanic
      individuals (P < .001). NHB individuals had a significantly higher hazard of
      cancer-specific death compared with NHWs after adjusting for age, sex, race,
      stage, county-level poverty, and treatment history in cases of colon (hazard
      ratio [HR], 1.35; 95% CI 1.26 to 1.45) and rectum/rectosigmoid junction (HR,
      1.51; 95% CI, 1.37 to 1.68) cancers, whereas there was no significant difference
      in survival between NHWs and Hispanics. The greatest racial disparities in cancer
      specific survival were observed among NHB and NHW patients diagnosed with stage
      II cancers of the colon (HR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.33 to 2.14) and stage III cancers of
      the rectum (HR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.63 to 2.40). CONCLUSION: Survival after CRC
      diagnosis at a young age is significantly worse among NHBs compared with NHWs,
      even among patients with early-stage disease. Further study is needed to
      determine whether differences in tumor biology and/or treatment are associated
      with racial disparities in outcomes, which would have implications for CRC
      treatment and prevention.

PMID- 27138584
TI  - Automatic coronary artery calcium scoring in cardiac CT angiography using paired
      convolutional neural networks.
AB  - The amount of coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a strong and independent
      predictor of cardiovascular events. CAC is clinically quantified in cardiac
      calcium scoring CT (CSCT), but it has been shown that cardiac CT angiography
      (CCTA) may also be used for this purpose. We present a method for automatic CAC
      quantification in CCTA. This method uses supervised learning to directly identify
      and quantify CAC without a need for coronary artery extraction commonly used in
      existing methods. The study included cardiac CT exams of 250 patients for whom
      both a CCTA and a CSCT scan were available. To restrict the volume-of-interest
      for analysis, a bounding box around the heart is automatically determined. The
      bounding box detection algorithm employs a combination of three ConvNets, where
      each detects the heart in a different orthogonal plane (axial, sagittal,
      coronal). These ConvNets were trained using 50 cardiac CT exams. In the remaining
      200 exams, a reference standard for CAC was defined in CSCT and CCTA. Out of
      these, 100 CCTA scans were used for training, and the remaining 100 for
      evaluation of a voxel classification method for CAC identification. The method
      uses ConvPairs, pairs of convolutional neural networks (ConvNets). The first
      ConvNet in a pair identifies voxels likely to be CAC, thereby discarding the
      majority of non-CAC-like voxels such as lung and fatty tissue. The identified CAC
      like voxels are further classified by the second ConvNet in the pair, which
      distinguishes between CAC and CAC-like negatives. Given the different task of
      each ConvNet, they share their architecture, but not their weights. Input patches
      are either 2.5D or 3D. The ConvNets are purely convolutional, i.e. no pooling
      layers are present and fully connected layers are implemented as convolutions,
      thereby allowing efficient voxel classification. The performance of individual
      2.5D and 3D ConvPairs with input sizes of 15 and 25 voxels, as well as the
      performance of ensembles of these ConvPairs, were evaluated by a comparison with
      reference annotations in CCTA and CSCT. In all cases, ensembles of ConvPairs
      outperformed their individual members. The best performing individual ConvPair
      detected 72% of lesions in the test set, with on average 0.85 false positive (FP)
      errors per scan. The best performing ensemble combined all ConvPairs and obtained
      a sensitivity of 71% at 0.48 FP errors per scan. For this ensemble, agreement
      with the reference mass score in CSCT was excellent (ICC 0.944 [0.918-0.962]).
      Aditionally, based on the Agatston score in CCTA, this ensemble assigned 83% of
      patients to the same cardiovascular risk category as reference CSCT. In
      conclusion, CAC can be accurately automatically identified and quantified in CCTA
      using the proposed pattern recognition method. This might obviate the need to
      acquire a dedicated CSCT scan for CAC scoring, which is regularly acquired prior
      to a CCTA, and thus reduce the CT radiation dose received by patients.

PMID- 27138585
TI  - Actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spine development and plasticity.
AB  - Synapses are the basic unit of neuronal communication and their disruption is
      associated with many neurological disorders. Significant progress has been made
      towards understanding the molecular and genetic regulation of synapse formation,
      modulation, and dysfunction, but the underlying cellular mechanisms remain
      incomplete. The actin cytoskeleton not only provides the structural foundation
      for synapses, but also regulates a diverse array of cellular activities
      underlying synaptic function. Here we will discuss the regulation of the actin
      cytoskeleton in dendritic spines, the postsynaptic compartment of excitatory
      synapses. We will focus on a select number of actin regulatory processes,
      highlighting recent advances, the complexity of crosstalk between different
      pathways, and the challenges of understanding their precise impact on the
      structure and function of synapses.

PMID- 27138586
TI  - The Effect of Concomitant Treatment With SSRIs and Statins: A Population-Based
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Both preclinical studies and clinical trials have indicated that the
      combination of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a statin may
      have superior antidepressant effects compared with SSRI treatment alone. The
      authors sought to assess whether this beneficial effect can be generalized to a
      more heterogeneous population of SSRI users. METHOD: In a nationwide cohort study
      that included all incident SSRI users in Denmark between 1997 and 2012, the
      authors compared people who had periods of concomitant use of SSRIs and statins
      with people who had periods of SSRI treatment alone. Outcomes included the rates
      of psychiatric hospital contacts (any cause), psychiatric hospital contacts due
      to depression, suicidal behavior, and all-cause mortality. Using Cox regression
      and competing risk analysis, the authors calculated crude and adjusted hazard
      ratios for these outcomes. RESULTS: The authors identified 872,216 incident SSRI
      users, of whom 113,108 (13.0%) used a statin concomitantly. Compared with SSRI
      treatment alone, the combined use of an SSRI and a statin was associated with a
      significantly lower risk for both psychiatric hospital contacts (adjusted hazard
      ratio=0.75 (95% CI=0.69, 0.82) and psychiatric hospital contacts due to
      depression (adjusted hazard ratio=0.64, 95% CI=0.55, 0.75). Compared with SSRI
      treatment alone, the concomitant use of SSRIs and statins was not associated with
      significant increases in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio=1.04, 95%
      CI=0.96, 1.12) or suicidal behavior (adjusted hazard ratio=0.85, 95% CI=0.61,
      1.18). CONCLUSIONS: In a large naturalistic cohort, concomitant treatment with
      SSRIs and statins resulted in robust advantages compared with SSRIs alone.

PMID- 27138588
TI  - The Phenomenology of Major Depression and the Representativeness and Nature of
      DSM Criteria.
AB  - How should DSM criteria relate to the disorders they are designed to assess? To
      address this question empirically, the author examines how well DSM-5 symptomatic
      criteria for major depression capture the descriptions of clinical depression in
      the post-Kraepelin Western psychiatric tradition as described in textbooks
      published between 1900 and 1960. Eighteen symptoms and signs of depression were
      described, 10 of which are covered by the DSM criteria for major depression or
      melancholia. For two symptoms (mood and cognitive content), DSM criteria are
      considerably narrower than those described in the textbooks. Five symptoms and
      signs (changes in volition/motivation, slowing of speech, anxiety, other physical
      symptoms, and depersonalization/derealization) are not present in the DSM
      criteria. Compared with the DSM criteria, these authors gave greater emphasis to
      cognitive, physical, and psychomotor changes, and less to neurovegetative
      symptoms. These results suggest that important features of major depression are
      not captured by DSM criteria. This is unproblematic as long as DSM criteria are
      understood to index rather than constitute psychiatric disorders. However, since
      DSM-III, our field has moved toward a reification of DSM that implicitly assumes
      that psychiatric disorders are actually just the DSM criteria. That is, we have
      taken an index of something for the thing itself. For example, good diagnostic
      criteria should be succinct and require minimal inference, but some critical
      clinical phenomena are subtle, difficult to assess, and experienced in widely
      varying ways. This conceptual error has contributed to the impoverishment of
      psychopathology and has affected our research, clinical work, and teaching in
      some undesirable ways. 

PMID- 27138587
TI  - Concurrent and Sustained Cumulative Effects of Adolescent Marijuana Use on
      Subclinical Psychotic Symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Adolescents who regularly use marijuana may be at heightened risk of
      developing subclinical and clinical psychotic symptoms. However, this association
      could be explained by reverse causation or other factors. To address these
      limitations, the current study examined whether adolescents who engage in regular
      marijuana use exhibit a systematic increase in subclinical psychotic symptoms
      that persists during periods of sustained abstinence. METHOD: The sample
      comprised 1,009 boys who were recruited in 1st and 7th grades. Self-reported
      frequency of marijuana use, subclinical psychotic symptoms, and several time
      varying confounds (e.g., other substance use, internalizing/externalizing
      problems) were recorded annually from age 13 to 18. Fixed-effects (within
      individual change) models examined whether adolescents exhibited an increase in
      their subclinical psychotic symptoms as a function of their recent and/or
      cumulative history of regular marijuana use and whether these effects were
      sustained following abstinence. Models controlled for all time-stable factors
      (default) and several time-varying covariates as potential confounds. RESULTS:
      For each year adolescent boys engaged in regular marijuana use, their expected
      level of subsequent subclinical psychotic symptoms rose by 21% and their expected
      odds of experiencing subsequent subclinical paranoia or hallucinations rose by
      133% and 92%, respectively. The effect of prior regular marijuana use on
      subsequent subclinical psychotic symptoms persisted even when adolescents stopped
      using marijuana for a year. These effects were after controlling for all time
      stable and several time-varying confounds. No support was found for reverse
      causation. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that regular marijuana use may
      significantly increase the risk that an adolescent will experience persistent
      subclinical psychotic symptoms.

PMID- 27138589
TI  - Follicular helper T cells are responsible for IgE responses to Der p 1 following
      house dust mite sensitization in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Th2 cells have long been considered responsible for the switching of
      B cells to production of IgE during cognate interaction, primarily due to their
      expression of CD40L and secretion of IL-4. This concept has been challenged by
      the more recent definition of follicular helper T cells (Tfh) as the key T cell
      subset in B cell isotype switching, due to their physical location at the
      boundary of T cell:B cell areas in lymphoid follicles and ability to express IL-4
      and CD40L. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Tfh cells are responsible for IgE
      responses to Der p 1 allergen after house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic
      sensitization. METHODS: Mice deficient in Tfh cells were sensitized to HDM and
      Der p 1-specific IgE measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Mice with a mutation in T cell
      expressed IL-6R were unable to expand Tfh populations after HDM sensitization,
      and their anti-Der p 1 IgE, IgG1 and total IgE responses were reduced by 80-90%
      compared with wild-type mice. These animals displayed unaltered lung Th2 and
      eosinophilic responses after intranasal HDM challenge and normal IL-4 production,
      but B cell infiltration of the airways was abrogated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Our data indicate that Tfh cells are largely responsible for switching
      B cells to IgE synthesis, most likely via an IgG1(+) intermediate. However, Th2
      cells are the major source of IL-4 during HDM sensitization and this might
      contribute to IgE synthesis at a stage distal to Tfh-mediated isotype switching.
      The IL-6/follicular helper T cell pathway is a potential therapeutic target in
      allergic disease.

PMID- 27138591
TI  - The association between cigarette smoking and primary open-angle glaucoma: a
      systematic review.
AB  - Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of irreversible blindness, globally.
      Findings from the Blue Mountain Eye Study suggest a moderate positive association
      between smoking and increased IOP (a significant risk factor for glaucoma). The
      previous two reviews investigating the association between smoking and primary
      open-angle glaucoma (POAG) show inconsistent findings and do not include recent
      studies investigating the dose-response effect of smoking. The current study aims
      to conduct an up-to-date, comprehensive evaluation of the existing literature.
      Identification of relevant existing literature was performed by an online search
      in MEDLINE for studies published from 1st January 1946 to 5th February 2015. The
      MESH headings (keywords) included "open-angle glaucoma" and "cigarette" or
      "smoking" or "tobacco". Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of
      each report based on predefined inclusion criteria. Odds ratios and 95 %
      confidence intervals (95 % CIs) were obtained from studies, for the change in
      risk of glaucoma due to both past and current smoking. Of the 26 abstracts
      reviewed, 17 papers were included in the final analysis. Nine of these were case
      control studies, five cohort studies and three cross-sectional in design. Six of
      the case-control studies found a positive association between smoking and POAG,
      unlike the remaining studies. However, two relatively recent, large studies
      (including one prospective cohort study) investigating the effect of smoking dose
      have found a significant increase in risk of POAG in very heavy smokers. There is
      limited evidence for a causal association between tobacco smoking and POAG. The
      evidence for a link between current smoking and POAG appears stronger than that
      of past smoking, but recent studies suggest that heavy smoking may increase the
      risk of POAG. Future studies must further investigate the possible positive
      association between heavy smoking and POAG by stratifying participants by pack
      years and age.

PMID- 27138592
TI  - Analysis of components of total astigmatism in infants and young children.
AB  - The aim of this study is to examine and analyze the contribution of corneal and
      lenticular components of total astigmatism (TA) in infants and young children and
      to determine whether there is any compensation for astigmatism by the lenticular
      component or not. The study was conducted on 614 eyes of 307 infants and young
      children. Cycloplegic refraction and keratometric measures using the Hand-held
      Autokeratometer (Nidek Co. Ltd., Hiroishi, Japan) were done for the study group
      under general anesthesia in Paediatric Ophthalmology Center, Sohag City, Egypt.
      We divided the sample into high astigmats (total cylinder >= 1.00 D; mean, 1.99
      +/- 0.89 D; n = 431 eyes; 70 %) and normal astigmats (total cylinder <= 0.75 D;
      mean, 0.55 +/- 0.22 D; n = 183; 30 %). The prevalence of corneal astigmatism (CA)
      >= 1.00 D was (73 %), any degree of lenticular astigmatism (LA) was (85 %), (LA >
      0.25 D = 72 %) TA was predominantly with the rule (n = 499 eyes, 81 %). Eyes with
      against the rule astigmatism were (n = 33 eyes, 5.3 %) and eyes with oblique
      astigmatism were (n = 82 eyes; 13.3 %). Gender or age differences in TA, CA, LA,
      or type of astigmatism were not significant. The prevalence of astigmatism found
      in this population of newlyborn infants and young children was relatively high,
      primarily corneal, and WTR astigmatism with high prevalence of oblique
      astigmatism. LA was much less than previous reports (mean = -0.0044 D),
      associated with more hyperopic eyes and eyes with high TA. The data suggest that
      a compensatory process exists between CA and LA to decrease the amount of TA.

PMID- 27138593
TI  - Mobile ultra-clean unidirectional airflow screen reduces air contamination in a
      simulated setting for intra-vitreal injection.
AB  - The aim of this study is to determine whether the use of a mobile ultra-clean
      laminar airflow screen reduces the air-borne particle counts in the setting of a
      simulated procedure of an intra-vitreal injection. A mobile ultra-clean
      unidirectional airflow (UDF) screen was tested in a simulated procedure for intra
      vitreal injections in a treatment room without mechanical ventilation. One UDF
      was passed over the instrument tray and the surgical area. The concentration of
      particles was measured in the background, over the instrument table, and next to
      the ocular area. The degree of protection was calculated at the instrument table
      and at the surgical site. Use of the UDF mobile screen reduced the mean particle
      concentration (particles > 0.3 microns) on the instrument table by a factor of at
      least 100.000 (p < 0.05), and over the patient's eye by at least a factor of 436
      (p < 0.05), which in clinical practice translates into significantly reduced air
      contamination. Mobile UDF screen reduces the mean particle concentration
      substantially. The mobile UDF screen may therefore allow for a safer procedural
      environment for ambulatory care procedures such as intra-vitreal injections in
      treatment rooms.

PMID- 27138594
TI  - Repair or Violation Detection? Pre-Attentive Processing Strategies of Phonotactic
      Illegality Demonstrated on the Constraint of g-Deletion in German.
AB  - PURPOSE: Effects of categorical phonotactic knowledge on pre-attentive speech
      processing were investigated by presenting illegal speech input that violated a
      phonotactic constraint in German called "g-deletion." The present study aimed to
      extend previous findings of automatic processing of phonotactic violations and to
      investigate the role of stimulus context in triggering either an automatic
      phonotactic repair or a detection of the violation. METHOD: The mismatch
      negativity event-related potential component was obtained in 2 identical cross
      sectional experiments with speaker variation and 16 healthy adult participants
      each. Four pseudowords were used as stimuli, 3 of them phonotactically legal and
      1 illegal. Stimuli were contrasted pairwise in passive oddball conditions and
      presented binaurally via headphones. Results were analyzed by means of mixed
      design analyses of variance. RESULTS: Phonotactically illegal stimuli were found
      to be processed differently compared to legal ones. Results indicate evidence for
      both automatic repair and detection of the phonotactic violation depending on the
      linguistic context the illegal stimulus was embedded in. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings corroborate notions that categorical phonotactic knowledge is activated
      and applied even in the absence of attention. Thus, our findings contribute to
      the general understanding of sublexical phonological processing and may be of use
      for further developing speech recognition models.

PMID- 27138595
TI  - Shear bond strength and debonding characteristics of a new premixed self-etching
      with a reference total-etch adhesive.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index of a
      new premixed self-etching primer and adhesive (Tectosan, BonaDent, Germany) for
      orthodontic appliances in comparison to a reference total-etch system Transbond
      XT. METHODS: Bovine incisors were embedded in resin and randomly divided into two
      groups of 16 samples each. Brackets (Discovery, Dentaurum, Germany) were bonded
      in group 1 (total-etch-system, Transbond XT) and in group 2 (self-etch-system,
      Tectosan) with curing light for 40 s. Shear bonding strengths were measured after
      24 h of storage in distilled water at 37  degrees C with a Zwicki 1120 testing
      machine (Zwick Roell, Germany). A force was applied on the bracket base at the
      wings in occluso-gingival direction. Then the adhesive remnant index (ARI) was
      determined. RESULTS: No statistical differences on SBS were found for both
      bonding agents (p = 0.63). ARI scores however differed statistically
      significantly (p = 0.035): in the total-etch group more adhesive remained on the
      teeth, whereas in the self-etch group more adhesive remained on the brackets.
      There were no visible enamel damages in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: No differences
      in the shear bond strength were found between both bonding agents. In our study
      the self-etch-system shifted the adhesive remnant index from more adhesive on the
      teeth to more adhesive on the bracket - as other already published self-etch
      systems did - with the new benefit of not increased enamel damages. Tectosan
      might therefore be a promising alternative to adhesive systems.

PMID- 27138596
TI  - Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Metabolically Healthy versus
      Unhealthy Obese and Non-Obese Individuals - The Maastricht Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both obesity and the metabolic syndrome are associated with increased
      risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Although both frequently
      occur together in the same individual, obesity and the metabolic syndrome can
      also develop independently from each other. The (patho)physiology of
      "metabolically healthy obese" (i.e. obese without metabolic syndrome) and
      "metabolically unhealthy non-obese" phenotypes (i.e. non-obese with metabolic
      syndrome) is not fully understood, but physical activity and sedentary behavior
      may play a role. OBJECTIVE: To examine objectively measured physical activity and
      sedentary behavior across four groups: I) "metabolically healthy obese" (MHO);
      II) "metabolically unhealthy obese" (MUO); III)"metabolically healthy non-obese"
      (MHNO); and IV) "metabolically unhealthy non-obese" (MUNO). METHODS: Data were
      available from 2,449 men and women aged 40-75 years who participated in The
      Maastricht Study from 2010 to 2013. Participants were classified into the four
      groups according to obesity (BMI>=30kg/m2) and metabolic syndrome (ATPIII
      definition). Daily activity was measured for 7 days with the activPAL physical
      activity monitor and classified as time spent sitting, standing, and stepping.
      RESULTS: In our study population, 562 individuals were obese. 19.4% of the obese
      individuals and 72.7% of the non-obese individuals was metabolically healthy.
      After adjustments for age, sex, educational level, smoking, alcohol use, waking
      time, T2DM, history of CVD and mobility limitation, MHO (n = 107) spent, per day,
      more time stepping (118.2 versus 105.2 min; p<0.01) and less time sedentary
      (563.5 versus 593.0 min., p = 0.02) than MUO (n = 440). In parallel, MHNO (n =
      1384) spent more time stepping (125.0 versus 115.4 min; p<0.01) and less time
      sedentary (553.3 versus 576.6 min., p<0.01) than MUNO (n = 518). CONCLUSION:
      Overall, the metabolically healthy groups were less sedentary and more physically
      active than the metabolically unhealthy groups. Therefore, physical activity and
      sedentary time may partly explain the presence of the metabolic syndrome in obese
      as well as non-obese individuals.

PMID- 27138597
TI  - Influence of the Environmental Factors on the Accumulation of the Bioactive
      Ingredients in Chinese Rhubarb Products.
AB  - To provide a basis for controlling the quality of rhubarb under artificial
      cultivation, the present work was designed to evaluate the contents of 14 active
      pharmaceutical ingredients (API) of rhubarb in major rhubarb production areas in
      China and analyze the correlations between the contents of API and such factors
      as species, geographic distribution and soil. The levels of fourteen API in
      rhubarb were measured using HPLC. The geographic distributions were collected
      using GPS and the nutrients in the soil were measured using the methods in the
      literature. The results showed that the levels of major API vary significantly
      among plants of different locations according to variance analysis. The species
      factor has few obvious effect on the overall properties of the rhubarb by the
      cluster analysis because of the two source species occurring in all divided three
      groups. However, Rheum tanguticum Maxim.ex Balf. is less effective at
      synthesizing and accumulating 9 API out of 14 than Rheum palmatum L. The
      correlation analysis and regression analysis also indicated that a lower latitude
      should be considered in the accumulation of API and a lower longitude should be
      considered to produce more compound anthraquinones. Lower levels of total P,
      rapidly available P and available molybdenum (Mo) and higher available K and
      available Zn in the soil were significantly correlated to accumulation of API in
      rhubarb. These results provide a basis for the clinical application and
      controlling the levels of the major API of rhubarb during artificial cultivation.

PMID- 27138598
TI  - Strategies for the Assessment of Metabolic Profiles of Steroid Hormones in View
      of Diagnostics and Drug Monitoring: Analytical Problems and Challenges.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During the last few years there has been a growing interest in
      research focused on the metabolism of steroid hormones despite that the study of
      metabolic hormone pathways is still a difficult and demanding task because of low
      steroid concentrations and a complexity of the analysed matrices. Thus, there has
      been an increasing interest in the development of new, more selective and
      sensitive methods for monitoring these compounds in biological samples. METHODS:
      A lot of bibliographic databases for world research literature were structurally
      searched using selected review question and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Next,
      the reports of the highest quality were selected using standard tools (181) and
      they were described to evaluate the advantages and limitations of different
      approaches in the measurements of the steroids and their metabolites. RESULTS:
      The overview of the analytical challenges, development of methods used in the
      assessment of the metabolic pathways of steroid hormones, and the priorities for
      future research with a special consideration for liquid chromatography (LC) and
      capillary electrophoresis (CE) techniques have been presented. Moreover, many LC
      and CE applications in pharmacological and psychological studies as well as
      endocrinology and sports medicine, taking into account the recent progress in the
      area of the metabolic profiling of steroids, have been critically discussed.
      CONCLUSION: The latest reports show that LC systems coupled with mass
      spectrometry have the predominant position in the research of steroid profiles.
      Moreover, CE techniques are going to gain a prominent position in the diagnosis
      of hormone levels in the near future.

PMID- 27138599
TI  - Compared to Sleeve Gastrectomy, Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy
      Gives Better Glycemic Control in T2DM Patients, with a Lower beta-Cell Response
      and Similar Appetite Sensations: Mixed-Meal Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional studies of how duodenal-jejunal exclusion (DJE) brings a
      superior glycemic control when added to sleeve gastrectomy in duodenal-jejunal
      bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (DJB-SG) patients, are lacking. To study this, we
      compared the appetite sensations and the beta-cell response following a standard
      mixed meal in patients with DJB-SG, versus those with sleeve gastrectomy (SG)
      alone. METHODS: Twenty one patients who underwent DJB-SG and 25 with SG, who
      participated in mixed-meal tests (MMTT) preoperatively and at 1 year, with
      complete data were included and compared. Blood glucose, C-peptide, and insulin
      levels were estimated, along with the visual analogue scale (VAS) scoring of the
      six appetite sensations, as a part of the MMTT. RESULTS: At 1 year following
      surgery, compared to SG group, DJB-SG group had greater complete remission rates
      (HbA1C <6.0 %) of 62 versus 32 % (p < 0.05), with similar total body weight loss
      (25.7 vs. 22 %). There were significantly lower post-prandial blood glucose and
      lower C-peptide levels during the MMTT in the patients with DJB-SG compared to SG
      group. There were no significant differences in the appetite sensations (mean
      VAS) scores between the groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of DJE component to SG,
      as in DJB-SG, was associated with higher diabetes remission rates, lower glycemic
      fluctuations, and lower C-peptide levels. This may point to a beta-cell
      preserving glucose control which could result in longer remission of type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This effect also may be unrelated to food intake as
      there were no significant differences in the appetite sensations.

PMID- 27138600
TI  - A Comparison of Health Professionals' and Patients' Views of the Importance of
      Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A comprehensive evaluation of bariatric surgery is required to inform
      decision-making. This will include measures of benefit and risk. It is possible
      that stakeholders involved with surgery value these outcomes differently,
      although this has not previously been explored. This study aimed to investigate
      and compare how professionals and patients prioritise outcomes of bariatric
      surgery. METHODS: Systematic reviews and qualitative interviews created an
      exhaustive list of outcomes. This informed the development of a 130-item
      questionnaire, structured in four sections (complications of surgery; clinical
      effectiveness; signs, symptoms, and other measures; quality of life). Health
      professionals and patients rated the importance of each item on a 1-9 scale.
      Items rated 8-9 by at least 70 % of the participants were considered prioritised.
      Items prioritised in each section were compared between professionals and
      patients and interrater agreement assessed using kappa statistics (K). RESULTS:
      One hundred sixty-eight out of four hundred fifty-nine professionals (36.6 %) and
      90/465 patients (19.4 %) completed the questionnaire. Professionals and patients
      prioritised 18 and 25 items, respectively, with 10 overlapping items and 23
      discordant items (K 0.363). Examples of items prioritised by both included
      'diabetes' and 'leakage from bowel joins'. Examples of discordant items included
      're-admission rates' (professionals only) and 'excess skin' (patients only). Poor
      agreement was seen in the 'quality of life' section (0 overlapping items, 8
      discordant, K -0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Although there was some overlap of outcomes
      prioritised by professionals and patients, there were important differences. We
      recommend that the views of all relevant health professionals and patients are
      considered when deciding on outcomes to evaluate bariatric surgery.

PMID- 27138601
TI  - No Islet Cell Hyperfunction, but Altered Gut-Islet Regulation and Postprandial
      Hypoglycemia in Glucose-Tolerant Patients 3 Years After Gastric Bypass Surgery.
AB  - Postprandial hyperinsulinemia characterizes Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and
      sometimes leads to reactive hypoglycemia. We prospectively evaluated changes in
      beta cell function in seven RYGB-operated patients with a median follow-up of 2.9
      years with hyperglycemic clamps and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). Three
      years after RYGB, weight loss was 26 % and insulin sensitivity had improved.
      Insulin secretion during clamp experiments was largely unchanged compared to
      before surgery. In contrast, insulin secretion in response to the OGTTs doubled
      when evaluated by the disposition index and 2-h plasma glucose declined to a mean
      of 3.3 +/- 0.3 mmol/l postoperatively. Our findings indicate that intrinsic beta
      cell function remains unchanged in glucose-tolerant patients even years after
      RYGB, while altered gut-islet regulation drive risk of postprandial
      hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia.

PMID- 27138602
TI  - Weight-Independent Percentile Chart of 2880 Gastric Bypass Patients: a New Look
      at Bariatric Weight Loss Results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percentile charts would be ideal for assessing sufficient weight loss
      in bariatric surgery. They allow comparing individual results to the outcome of
      many others, at any postoperative time. Unfortunately, percentile charts can be
      problematic when comparing unequally heavy peers, a circumstance not uncommon
      among bariatric patients. We investigate the relevance of this disadvantage and
      combine new insights to improve the practical use of percentile charts in
      bariatric surgery. METHODS: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass outcome
      expressed with body mass index (BMI), excess weight loss (%EWL), total weight
      loss (%TWL), and alterable weight loss (%AWL), a new metric rendering outcome
      independent of baseline BMI, is used to build percentile curves
      p97/p90/p75/p50/p25/p10/p03 with the lambda-mu-sigma method. We used the %AWL p25
      curve as baseline BMI-independent reference for sufficient weight loss and
      compared it to p25 curves based on common metrics and to traditional criteria
      >=50 % EWL, <25 % EWL, and BMI < 35 kg/m2. RESULTS: We operated 2880 patients,
      with baseline BMI of 43.4 kg/m2, follow-up 71 %, and mean of 23.3 (0-87.6)
      months. Independent %AWL outcome is presented in one percentile chart. Percentile
      curves p25/p50/p75 show 40/48/57 % AWL at nadir 15/16/19 months, 35/45/54 % AWL
      at 3 years, and 30/38/47 % AWL at 7 years. Traditional criteria and p25 curves
      based on %EWL and BMI match with most sufficient results (high sensitivities),
      but overlook many insufficient results (low specificities). CONCLUSIONS: We
      present the first baseline BMI-independent bariatric weight loss percentile
      chart. It allows comparing heavier patients to lighter peers and vice versa, at
      any postoperative time, up to 7 years. With these advantages, we compared it to
      traditional bariatric criteria like >=50 % EWL and found that they are weak in
      recognizing insufficient weight loss. The visual aspect of consecutive results
      plotted on a chart among the percentile curves of peers conveys a strong,
      intuitive message on the personal progress of postoperative weight loss.

PMID- 27138603
TI  - Revision of Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass for Weight Regain: a Systematic Review of
      Techniques and Outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Weight regain has led to an increase in revision of Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass (RYGB) surgeries. There is no standardized approach to revisional surgery
      after failed RYGB. We performed an exhaustive literature search to elucidate
      surgical revision options. Our objective was to evaluate outcomes and
      complications of various methods of revision after RYGB to identify the option
      with the best outcomes for failed primary RYGB. METHOD: A systematic literature
      search was conducted using the following search tools and databases: PubMed,
      Google Scholar, Cochrane Clinical Trials Database, Cochrane Review Database,
      EMBASE, and Allied and Complementary Medicine to identify all relevant studies
      describing revision after failed RYGB. Inclusion criteria comprised of revisional
      surgery for weight gain after RYGB. RESULTS: Of the 1200 articles found, only 799
      were selected for our study. Of the 799, 24 studies, with a total of 866
      patients, were included for a systematic review. Of the 24 studies, 5 were
      conversion to Distal Roux-en-y gastric bypass (DRYGB), 5 were revision of gastric
      pouch and anastomosis, 6 were revision with gastric band, 2 were revision to
      biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch (BPD/DS), and 6 were revision to
      endoluminal procedures (i.e., stomaphyx). Mean percent excess body mass index
      loss (%EBMIL) after revision up to 1 and 3-year follow-up for BPD/DS was 63.7 and
      76 %, DRYGB was 54 and 52.2 %, gastric banding revision 47.6 and 47.3 %, gastric
      pouch/anastomosis revision 43.3 and 14 %, and endoluminal procedures at 32.1 %,
      respectively. Gastric pouch/anastomosis revision resulted in the lowest major
      complication rate at 3.5 % and DRYGB with the highest at 11.9 % when compared to
      the other revisional procedures. The mortality rate was 0.6 % which only occurred
      in the DRYGB group. CONCLUSION: All 866 patients in the 24 studies reported
      significant early initial weight loss after revision for failed RYGB. However, of
      the five surgical revision options considered, BPD/DS, DRYGB, and gastric banding
      resulted in sustained weight loss, with acceptable complication rate.

PMID- 27138605
TI  - Mechanism-Oriented Therapy of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
AB  - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common and well-accepted diagnosis but often
      imprecisely applied to patients in usual clinical practice. Diagnosis is entirely
      based on symptom criteria that tend to include broad strata of abdominal
      complainers. Established criteria for diagnosis are strictly followed in
      controlled clinical trials for new therapeutic agents, but physicians are more
      lax in the clinic. Predictably, in light of the above ambiguities, many
      pathogenetic mechanisms and pathophysiological disturbances appear to be involved
      in IBS, but so far no mechanism-based subgroupings to guide specific therapy have
      been soundly established. Thus, diverse therapeutic approaches coexist and are
      discretionally prescribed by attending clinicians on the basis of major
      manifestations (i.e., diarrhea-predominance or constipation-predominance), more
      or less apparent psychological disturbances, and patient preferences
      (pharmacological versus dietary or microbiological approaches). In this review,
      we have attempted to update scientific knowledge about the more relevant disease
      mechanisms involved and relate this more fundamental basis to the various
      treatment options available today.

PMID- 27138604
TI  - Quality of Life in Glaucoma: A Review of the Literature.
AB  - The ultimate goal of glaucoma management is the preservation of patients' visual
      function and quality of life (QoL). The disease itself as well as the medical or
      surgical treatment can have an enormous impact on a patient's QoL. Even the mere
      diagnosis of a chronic, irreversible, potentially blinding disorder can adversely
      affect the patient's sense of well-being and QoL by eliciting significant
      anxiety. Patients with primary open-angle glaucoma rarely present with visual
      symptoms, at least early in the course of the disease. A better understanding of
      patient-reported QoL can improve patient-physician interaction and enhance
      treatment adherence by customizing treatment options based on individual patient
      profile, thus optimizing long-term prognosis. These aspects are summarized and
      critically appraised in this article.

PMID- 27138606
TI  - Human herpesviruses respiratory infections in patients with acute respiratory
      distress (ARDS).
AB  - Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is today a leading cause of
      hospitalization in intensive care unit (ICU). ARDS and pneumonia are closely
      related to critically ill patients; however, the etiologic agent is not always
      identified. The presence of human herpes simplex virus 1, human cytomegalovirus
      and Epstein-Barr virus in respiratory samples of critically ill patients is
      increasingly reported even without canonical immunosuppression. The main aim of
      this study was to better understand the significance of herpesviruses finding in
      lower respiratory tract of ARDS patients hospitalized in ICU. The presence of
      this group of herpesviruses, in addition to the research of influenza viruses and
      other common respiratory viruses, was investigated in respiratory samples from 54
      patients hospitalized in ICU, without a known microbiological causative agent.
      Moreover, the immunophenotype of each patient was analyzed. Herpesviruses DNA
      presence in the lower respiratory tract seemed not attributable to an impaired
      immunophenotype, whereas a significant correlation was observed between
      herpesviruses positivity and influenza virus infection. A higher ICU mortality
      was significantly related to the presence of herpesvirus infection in the lower
      respiratory tract as well as to impaired immunophenotype, as patients with poor
      outcome showed severe lymphopenia, affecting in particular T (CD3+) cells, since
      the first days of ICU hospitalization. In conclusion, these results indicate that
      herpesviruses lower respiratory tract infection, which occurs more frequently
      following influenza virus infection, can be a negative prognostic marker. An
      independent risk factor for ICU patients with ARDS is an impaired
      immunophenotype. 

PMID- 27138607
TI  - Considerations in performing open surgical excision of dorsal wrist ganglion
      cysts.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate which conditions should be considered to make a
      successful resection of the entire ganglion complex during open excision.
      METHODS: We reviewed 52 patients who underwent open surgical excision of dorsal
      wrist ganglions. The inclusion criterion was a symptomatic ganglion causing pain,
      weakness and limitation of range of motion. The mean follow-up was 26 (range 12
      45) months. We recorded operative details including whether or not the stalk was
      identified, how the ganglia were resected, and where the stalk originated.
      Intentional rupture of cyst was performed when the stalk was not easily
      identified with dissection. Pain score was measured using a visual analog scale
      system pre-operatively and post-operatively. Recurrence was also described.
      RESULTS: A stalk was identified in eight cases using dissection and in 43 cases
      by rupturing the cyst. The entire ganglion complex was resected in 50 cases. The
      stalk originated most commonly in the radio-lunate joint. The average pain score
      improved from 3.9 to 1.8 after ganglion removal. The ganglion recurred in two
      cases where incomplete resection of the ganglion was made. CONCLUSIONS: In the
      majority of ganglions, it is difficult to identify the stalk and its capsular
      attachment due to a large cyst with severe adhesion to adjacent soft tissues
      including joint capsule. Rupturing a cyst on purpose helps to identify the stalk
      and minimize capsular loss. A ganglion over the radiolunate joint was most
      commonly found and excision of joint capsule over scapholunate joint without
      identification of the stalk and its capsular attachment might result in
      recurrence. Recurrence was definitely related to incomplete resection which was
      more commonly made in ganglions over uncommon sites. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level
      III, therapeutic study. See the guidelines online for a complete description of
      level of evidence.

PMID- 27138608
TI  - Metabolic syndrome and shoulder arthroplasty: epidemiology and peri-operative
      outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Little is known about metabolic syndrome in the peri-operative shoulder
      surgery setting. We sought to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in
      patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, and to characterize its relationship
      with in-hospital adverse events, prolonged length of stay, and non-routine
      disposition. METHODS: Using discharge records from the 2002-2011 Nationwide
      Inpatient Sample, temporal trends were assessed and multivariable logistic
      regression modeling was used to measure the association of metabolic syndrome
      with peri-operative outcomes. RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome
      increased by 257 % from 2002 to 2011 (4.2 to 15.0 %). Metabolic syndrome was
      associated with increased aggregate morbidity (OR 1.34, 95 % CI 1.30-1.38),
      including acute renal failure (OR 1.51, 95 % CI 1.41-1.63), surgical site
      infection (OR 1.41, 95 % CI 1.16-1.71), myocardial infarction (OR 1.32, 95 % CI
      1.12-1.55), acute posthemorrhagic anemia (OR 1.30, 95 % CI 1.26-1.34), and
      pulmonary embolism (OR 1.27, 95 % CI 1.06-1.52). It was also associated with
      prolonged hospital stay (OR 1.13, 95 % CI 1.10-1.16), non-homebound discharge (OR
      1.29, 95 % CI 1.26-1.32), and increased blood transfusion use (OR 1.09, 95 % CI
      1.06-1.13). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome is increasing rapidly among shoulder
      arthroplasty patients and is associated with considerable peri-operative
      morbidity and resource utilization. Greater awareness of metabolic syndrome and
      its health consequences may contribute to improvements in the peri-operative
      management of shoulder arthroplasty patients.

PMID- 27138609
TI  - Prospective randomized study comparing results of fixation for clavicular shaft
      fractures with intramedullary nail or locking compression plate.
AB  - PURPOSE: To reveal whether minimal invasive implantation of a novel
      intramedullary device produces comparable outcomes with LCP fixation in patients
      with displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. METHODS: A prospective randomized two
      arm study was performed on patients presenting with Robinson type 2B1 and 2B2
      displaced midshaft clavicle fractures with >2 cm shortening. In group 1 (n = 35,
      mean age; 42.02 +/- 13.87) patients received minimal invasive intramedullary
      fixation with Sonoma Crx device (Sonoma, USA) whereas in group 2 (n = 40, mean
      age; 39.07 +/- 7.04) patients received 3.5 mm locking compression plate (Synthes,
      USA). Functional assessment was made using range of motion measurement (ROM),
      constant shoulder score and DASH disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH)
      scoring. RESULTS: Mean time of operation was similar between the two groups (p =
      0.46) whereas mean time of fluoroscopy was significantly longer in group 1
      compared to group 2 (p < 0.001). At the 12 month follow-up, there was a slight
      but significant difference in ROM degrees between the two groups (p = 0.005).
      Mean quick DASH score was significantly lower in group 1 than that in group 2 (p
      < 0.001) whereas there was no significant difference in constant shoulder scores
      between the two groups (p = 0.06). Time to bony union was also shorter in group 1
      compared to group 2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Minimal invasive intramedullary
      implantation technique provided satisfactory clinical outcomes and shortened the
      time until bony union compared to LCP fixation. Further study on larger
      populations is required to establish whether the technique offers lower
      complication rates than LCP fixation.

PMID- 27138610
TI  - Computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty marketing and patient education: an
      evaluation of quality, content and accuracy of related websites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The internet is increasingly being used as a resource for health
      related information by the general public. We sought to establish the authorship,
      content and accuracy of the information available online regarding computer
      assisted total knee arthroplasty (CA-TKA). METHODS: One hundred fifty search
      results from three leading search engines available online (Google, Yahoo!, Bing)
      from ten different countries worldwide were reviewed. RESULTS: While private
      physicians/groups authored 50.7 % of the websites, only 17.3 % were authored by a
      hospital/university. As compared to traditional TKA, 59.3 % of the websites
      claimed that navigated TKA offers better longevity, 46.6 % claimed accelerated
      recovery and 26 % claimed fewer complications. Only 11.3 % mentioned the
      prolonged operating room time required, and only 15.3 % noted the current lack of
      long-term evidence in support of this technology. CONCLUSIONS: Patients seeking
      information regarding CA-TKA through the major search engines are likely to
      encounter websites presenting a narrow, unscientific, viewpoint of the present
      technology, putting emphasis on unsubstantiated benefits while disregarding
      potential drawbacks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Survey of Materials-Internet.

PMID- 27138623
TI  - Acoustotaxis -in vitro stimulation in a wound healing assay employing surface
      acoustic waves.
AB  - A novel, ultrasound based approach for the dynamic stimulation and promotion of
      tissue healing processes employing surface acoustic waves (SAW) on a chip is
      presented for the example of osteoblast-like SaOs-2 cells. In our investigations,
      we directly irradiate cells with SAW on a SiO2 covered piezoelectric LiNbO3
      substrate. Observing the temporal evolution of cell growth and migration and
      comparing non-irradiated to irradiated areas on the chip, we find that the SAW
      treated cells exhibit a significantly increased migration as compared to the
      control samples. Apart from quantifying our experimental findings on the cell
      migration stimulation, we also demonstrate the full bio compatibility and bio
      functionality of our SAW technique by using LDH assays. We safely exclude
      parasitic side effects such as a SAW related increased substrate temperature or
      nutrient flow by thoroughly monitoring the temperature and the flow field using
      infrared microscopy and micro particle image velocimetry. Our results show that
      the SAW induced dynamic mechanical and electrical stimulation obviously directly
      promotes the cell growth. We conclude that this stimulation method offers a
      powerful platform for future medical treatment, e.g. being implemented as a
      implantable biochip with wireless extra-corporal power supply to treat deeper
      tissue. 

PMID- 27138624
TI  - Less-invasive analysis of DNA methylation using psoriatic scales.

PMID- 27138625
TI  - Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway activates melanocyte stem cells in vitro and
      in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) are the origin of melanocytes that are
      periodically refreshed in skin and hair follicle. Previously, we reported that
      Wnt3a could promote melanogenesis, but the mechanism of McSCs activation remains
      unclear. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to illustrate the roles of Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling pathway during McSC activation. METHODS: Adenovirus-mediated
      overexpression of Wnt3a and Wnt10b were used. In vitro experiments were performed
      on the immortalized melanocyte progenitor cell line iMC23, wheres in vivo
      experiments were performed in Dct-LacZ mice. Immunofluorescence and western blot
      were used to determine the protein expression. RESULTS: Wnt3a promotes the
      differentiation and melanogenesis of iMC23, by activating Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling pathway. Wnt3a induces hair follicle regeneration and McSC activation.
      Detailed analysis indicats that Wnt3a activated Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      pathway, thus promoting the differentiation of McSCs during this process. Wnt10b,
      another canonical Wnt signaling ligand, induces hair follicle regeneration and
      McSC activation as well. CONCLUSION: Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway activates
      McSCs both in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 27138626
TI  - Cardiac thrombus with risk of fulminant pulmonary embolism in paediatric
      antiphospholipid syndrome.
AB  - Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) describes a systemic disease caused by
      autoantibodies to membrane components. Involving coagulation pathways, complement
      factors and immune cells, it results in thrombosis in any blood vessel. Its
      clinical presentation varies considerably depending upon the organ affected.
      Paediatric data on APS remain sparse. Most case reports focus on catastrophic APS
      with multiple small-vessel occlusions and a life-threatening course. Here, we
      report on a 15-year-old patient with deep vein thrombosis and a right ventricular
      tumour posing the risk of a fulminant pulmonary embolism. The tumour was
      surgically removed. Histology revealed it to be a thrombus. The patient fully
      recovered and is currently treated with long term anticoagulation. 

PMID- 27138627
TI  - Creatine supplementation with methylglyoxal: a potent therapy for cancer in
      experimental models.
AB  - The anti-cancer effect of methylglyoxal (MG) is now well established in the
      literature. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of creatine
      as a supplement in combination with MG both in vitro and in vivo. In case of the
      in vitro studies, two different cell lines, namely MCF-7 (human breast cancer
      cell line) and C2C12 (mouse myoblast cell line) were chosen. MG in combination
      with creatine showed enhanced apoptosis as well as higher cytotoxicity in the
      breast cancer MCF-7 cell line, compared to MG alone. Pre-treatment of well
      differentiated C2C12 myotubes with cancerogenic 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC)
      induced a dedifferentiation of these myotubes towards cancerous cells (that mimic
      the effect of 3MC observed in solid fibro-sarcoma animal models) and subsequent
      exposure of these induced cancer cells with MG proved to be cytotoxic. Thus,
      creatine plus ascorbic acid enhanced the anti-cancer effects of MG. In contrast,
      when normal C2C12 muscle cells or myotubes (mouse normal myoblast cell line) were
      treated with MG or MG plus creatine and ascorbic acid, no detrimental effects
      were seen. This indicated that cytotoxic effects of MG are specifically limited
      towards cancer cells and are further enhanced when MG is used in combination with
      creatine and ascorbic acid. For the in vivo studies, tumors were induced by
      injecting Sarcoma-180 cells (2 * 10(6) cells/mouse) in the left hind leg. After 7
      days of tumor inoculation, treatments were started with MG (20 mg/kg body wt/day,
      via the intravenous route), with or without creatine (150 mg/kg body wt/day, fed
      orally) and ascorbic acid (50 mg/kg body wt/day, fed orally) and continued for 10
      consecutive days. Significant regression of tumor size was observed when Sarcoma
      180 tumor-bearing mice were treated with MG and even more so with the aforesaid
      combination. The creatine-supplemented group demonstrated better overall survival
      in comparison with tumor-bearing mice without creatine. In conclusion, it may be
      stated that the anti-cancer effect of MG is enhanced by concomitant creatine
      supplementation, both in chemically transformed (by 3MC) muscle cells in vitro as
      well as in sarcoma animal model in vivo. These data strongly suggest that
      creatine supplementation may gain importance as a safe and effective supplement
      in therapeutic intervention with the anti-cancer agent MG.

PMID- 27138629
TI  - The Reality of Relapse: Impact of Cancer Relapse on Survivorship Interventions
      and Patient-Reported Outcomes Data.

PMID- 27138628
TI  - Determination of the safety of leucine supplementation in healthy elderly men.
AB  - Leucine, a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), has been shown to stimulate muscle
      protein synthesis, and thus has been proposed to prevent age-related muscle
      atrophy (sarcopenia). Therefore, leucine supplementation may have potential
      benefits in elderly populations to preserve muscle mass. The tolerable upper
      intake level (UL) for leucine intake in young men has recently been determined to
      be 500 mg kg(-1) day(-1), and increases in blood ammonia concentrations were seen
      at intake levels above 500 mg kg(-1) day(-1); the UL for leucine in elderly is
      unknown. The objective of the current study was to determine the safety of
      leucine supplementation in healthy elderly men. Six healthy elderly men (72.2 +/-
      3.5 years) received graded stepwise increases in leucine intakes ranging from 50
      to 750 mg kg(-1) day(-1), on eight separate study days. Plasma and urinary
      biochemical variables, including blood ammonia, and an oral primed-continuous
      protocol of L-1-(13)C-Leucine was performed. Blood ammonia concentrations above
      normal values (35 umol/L) were observed at leucine intakes >550 mg kg(-1) day(
      1). Leucine oxidation measured as a F(13)CO2 (rate of label tracer oxidation)
      increased with increasing leucine intakes and started to plateau after 450 mg kg(
      1) day(-1). Two-phased linear regression analysis of the F(13)CO2 data revealed a
      breakpoint of 431 mg kg(-1) day(-1) (R (2) = 0.73), suggesting that the upper
      limit to oxidize leucine was reached at that point. Taking the data together the
      upper limit for leucine intake in healthy elderly could be set similar to young
      men at 500 mg kg(-1) day(-1) or ~35 g/day for an individual weighing 70 kg.

PMID- 27138630
TI  - Novel exposure biomarkers of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET): Data from the 2007
      2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) is a widely used insect repellent in
      the United States. OBJECTIVES: To assess exposure to DEET in a representative
      sample of persons 6years and older in the U.S. general population from the 2007
      2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. METHODS: We analyzed 5348
      urine samples by using online solid-phase extraction coupled to isotope dilution
      high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We used
      regression models to examine associations of various demographic parameters with
      urinary concentrations of DEET biomarkers. RESULTS: We detected DEET in ~3% of
      samples and at concentration ranges (>0.08MUg/L-45.1MUg/L) much lower than those
      of 3-(diethylcarbamoyl)benzoic acid (DCBA) (>0.48MUg/L-30,400MUg/L) and N,N
      diethyl-3-hydroxymethylbenzamide (DHMB) (>0.09MUg/L-332MUg/L). DCBA was the most
      frequently detected metabolite (~84%). Regardless of survey cycle and the
      person's race/ethnicity or income, adjusted geometric mean concentrations of DCBA
      were higher in May-Sep than in Oct-Apr. Furthermore, non-Hispanic whites in the
      warm season were more likely than in the colder months [adjusted odds ratio
      (OR)=10.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 3.28-35.79] and more likely than non
      Hispanic blacks (OR=3.45; 95% CI, 1.51-7.87) to have DCBA concentrations above
      the 95th percentile. CONCLUSIONS: The general U.S. population, including school
      age children, is exposed to DEET. However, reliance on DEET as the sole urinary
      biomarker would likely underestimate the prevalence of exposure. Instead,
      oxidative metabolites of DEET are the most adequate exposure biomarkers.
      Differences by season of the year based on demographic variables including
      race/ethnicity likely reflect different lifestyle uses of DEET-containing
      products.

PMID- 27138631
TI  - [Museum, library, and archives of the German Society of Urology as a corporate
      museum : A neglected, sizeable dimension of scientific collections owened by
      professional societies].
AB  - Corporate museums make important contributions to science history and daily life.
      They are an essential part of the historical marketing of organizations,
      including scientific associations. The museum for the history of urology
      organized and housed by the German Society of Urology (DGU) can be compared to a
      corporate museum, because the institution serves two purposes: it represents the
      society to a wider public and it helps to reconstruct and analyze the history of
      urology and the history of the society. In a close collaboration with medical
      historians from all over the world the museum serves as a research institution
      for the history of urology. The institution is founded at the frontier between a
      commercial corporate museum similar to that of international companies and a
      classical scientific museum. The paper describes these aspects of the museum and
      discusses the inherent value of a museum for a scientific association. 

PMID- 27138632
TI  - [Study on the therapy of castration-resistant prostate cancer : Randomized phase
      II study of abiraterone acetate with LHRH therapy vs. abiraterone acetate without
      LHRH therapy in patients with progressive chemotherapy-naive castration-resistant
      prostate cancer (SPARE) - AP 67/11 of the Association of Urogenital Oncology
      (AUO)].

PMID- 27138633
TI  - [GeSRU 4 Students - the young talent program].

PMID- 27138634
TI  - [Self-concept and erectile dysfunction in 45-year-old men : Results of a
      corollary study of the PROBASE trial].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-concept consists of self-perceptions and is influenced by the
      life course of the person. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated associations
      between self-concept and erectile dysfunction (ED) in 45-year-old German men.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five-year-old, heterosexual men who had participated
      in the PROBASE-study were included. Erectile Function was evaluated using the
      International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6). The presence of ED was defined
      by IIEF-6 score <= 25. Self-concept was assessed using the facets "body image"
      (three items from the Dresden Body Image Inventory, DKB-35), "perception of
      masculinity" (three items from the Male Role Norms Scale, MRNS), "perceived
      social pressure with regard to sexual performance" (four newly constructed
      items), and "sexual self-esteem" (three newly constructed items). Scores for
      these facets of self-concept can range from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate a more
      positive body image, higher sexual self-esteem, a more modern understanding of
      masculinity, and greater perceived social pressure. Differences in self-concept
      between men with ED and without ED were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney-U-test.
      Furthermore, Cohen's d effect sizes (ES d) were calculated. RESULTS: The
      responses of 3143 men were analyzed. Men with ED (16.2 %) have significantly
      lower scores regarding body image (mean 3.6 +/- 0.6 vs 3.8 +/- 0.5; p < 0.001; ES
      d = -0.5), perception of masculinity (mean 3.4 +/- 0.7 vs 3.7 +/- 0.6; p < 0.001;
      ES d = -0.4), and sexual self-esteem (mean 3.6 +/- 0.6 vs 3.9 +/- 0.5; p < 0.001,
      ES d = -0.4) than men without ED. Furthermore, they had significantly higher
      scores for perceived social pressure (mean 2.1 +/- 0.7 vs 1.5 +/- 0.5; p < 0.001;
      ES d = 1.2). CONCLUSIONS: Self-concept and ED are associated in 45-year-old men.
      Men with ED have a more negative body image, a more traditional understanding of
      masculinity, more negative sexual self-esteem, and greater perceived social
      pressure with regard to sexual performance than men without ED.

PMID- 27138635
TI  - [Report on the 5th symposium of the German research network bladder carcinoma].

PMID- 27138636
TI  - How did the Introduction of Biosimilar Filgrastim Influence the Prescribing
      Pattern of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factors? Results from a Multicentre,
      Population-Based Study, from Five Italian Centres in the Years 2009-2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) are biological
      products for which the main indication of use is chemotherapy-induced
      neutropenia. Biosimilars of G-CSFs have been available in Europe since 2007.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the prescribing pattern
      of G-CSFs in five Italian centres using different healthcare policy interventions
      to promote the use of biosimilars in routine care. METHODS: This retrospective,
      population-based drug utilization study was conducted during the years 2009-2014
      using the administrative databases of the Caserta, Treviso and Palermo Local
      Health Units (LHUs) and the Tuscany and Umbria regions. G-CSF users were
      characterized and the prevalence of use, proportion of biosimilar users and
      switching pattern of different G-CSFs were evaluated over time and across
      centres. RESULTS: Overall, 30,247 patients were treated with G-CSFs in the years
      2009-2014, of which 29,083 (96.2 %) were naive users. The overall prevalence of G
      CSF use increased from 0.8 per 1000 inhabitants in 2009 to 1.1 per 1000 in 2014.
      An increase in the proportion of the use of the biosimilar filgrastim by the
      total G-CSF users was observed in all centres: from 0.2 % (2009) to 66.2 %
      (2014). However, heterogeneity across different centres was reported, with the
      largest increase in Treviso LHU (from 0 to 89.1 % from 2009 to 2014). During the
      first year of treatment, switching between different G-CSFs was frequent (20.3
      %). CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneity in the use of G-CSF and, in particular, biosimilar
      filgrastim across different Italian centres was observed, probably due to
      different regional healthcare policy interventions. During the first year of
      treatment, switching between different G-CSFs was frequent. Considering the
      impact of biological drugs on pharmaceutical expenses, it is necessary to
      harmonize healthcare policies promoting the use of biological drugs with the
      lowest cost.

PMID- 27138637
TI  - Infections after keratoprosthesis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose is to provide an overview of the recent
      advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of microbial keratitis and
      endophthalmitis after keratoprosthesis implantation. RECENT FINDINGS: The
      addition of vancomycin daily to a fluoroquinolone in the postoperative management
      of keratoprosthesis patients successfully reduced the number of cases of
      bacterial keratitis and endophthalmitis with an increased number of fungal
      infections now documented both in the United States and abroad. SUMMARY:
      Compliance with the regimen of a fluoroquinolone and vancomycin daily for life
      after keratoprosthesis implantation should be stressed with the patient. Further
      research is needed to investigate whether intermittent use of 5% povidone-iodine
      and frequent replacement of the bandage contact lens could reduce fungal
      infection after keratoprosthesis surgery. Future advancements in the Boston
      keratoprosthesis design and/or postoperative management are needed to further
      reduce infection after keratoprosthesis placement.

PMID- 27138638
TI  - Infections after refractive surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of the review is to provide a summary of the
      recent literature concerning infections after refractive surgery pertinent to
      each procedure category. RECENT FINDINGS: New data from a large retrospective
      study suggest that the incidence of post-laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis
      infectious keratitis is declining. Additionally, recent case studies have
      reported viral, fungal, and Acanthamoeba pathogens. Corneal collagen cross
      linking is emerging as an alternative therapeutic option for early stage post
      LASIK infectious keratitis. Postoperative bandage contact lens used in patients
      undergoing surface ablation procedures may confer a higher risk of infection
      because of greater colonization rates in those individuals, such as healthcare
      providers, with relatively high risk of exposure to potential pathogens. In the
      setting of post-penetrating keratoplasty astigmatism, femtosecond laser
      astigmatic keratotomy procedures pose a risk of infectious keratitis and even
      endophthalmitis. Lastly, recent case reports of endophthalmitis after refractive
      lens procedures highlight the importance of postoperative monitoring for this
      sight threatening, albeit rare, complication. SUMMARY: The risks and management
      of infections after surgical refractive procedures vary widely depending on the
      specific technique employed. As technology and treatment options continue to
      evolve with further research, we anticipate continued success in the management
      of postoperative infections after refractive surgery.

PMID- 27138639
TI  - Cornea donors who have had prior refractive surgery: data from the Eye Bank
      Association of America.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Millions of Americans have undergone refractive surgeries,
      including radial keratotomy, photorefractive keratectomy, and laser-assisted in
      situ keratomileusis. Eye Bank Association of America medical standards do not
      permit corneas from patients who have undergone refractive procedures to be used
      in penetrating keratoplasty, anterior lamellar keratoplasty, or tectonic grafting
      procedures. Such corneas, can, however, be used for endothelial corneal
      transplantation. The objective of this article is to provide an update on current
      trends for the screening and usage of corneas that have undergone refractive
      surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Several case reports have highlighted the difficulty in
      using postrefractive surgery corneas in penetrating keratoplasty. However, tissue
      with anterior stromal flaws, including a history of refractive surgery, has been
      used in endothelial keratoplasty with equivalent outcomes in topography,
      endothelial cell count, and visual acuity. Many modalities for proper
      identification of postmortem donor corneas that have undergone refractive surgery
      have been studied. SUMMARY: Corneas with a history of refractive surgery have
      found use in endothelial keratoplasty. Multiple objective methods of tissue
      identification have been investigated to avoid the use of these corneas in
      penetrating or anterior keratoplasty surgeries.

PMID- 27138640
TI  - Laparoscopic resection of right colon cancer-a matched pairs analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Laparoscopy for colorectal cancer resection bares early post-operative
      advantages and results in equal oncologic long-term outcome. However, data on
      laparoscopic right hemi-colectomy is scarce. Aim of the present study was to
      analyze a well selected collective of patients with right-sided colon cancer
      treated open and laparoscopically with regard to peri-operative and long-term
      outcome. METHODS: We analyzed all patients who underwent right-sided hemi
      colectomy for colon cancer between January 1996 and March 2013. Data was
      extracted from our prospective database. Inclusion criteria were tumor
      localization in the ascending colon, oncologic resection, histology of an
      adenocarcinoma, tumors UICC I-III, and R0 resection. Exclusion criteria were
      multiple malignancies including colon, emergency operation, adenoma or pT0
      status, and UICC IV. For the matched pairs approach between patients undergoing
      laparoscopic (LAP) or open (OPEN) surgery, the parameters age, UICC stage, tumor
      grading, and sex were applied. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients was included in
      the analysis with n = 94 in both the LAP and the OPEN group. Some peri-operative
      results demonstrated advantages for laparoscopy including median return to liquid
      (p < 0.0001) and solid diet (p = 0.008), median length of ICU stay (p < 0.0001),
      and median length of hospital stay (p = 0.022). No significant differences were
      revealed for complication rates, rates of anastomotic leakage, or 30-day
      mortality. Lymph node yield was identical. Also, no differences in oncologic long
      term outcome were detected. Rates for local recurrence were 4.3 and 2.0 %.
      CONCLUSION: This matched pairs analysis verifies peri-operative advantages of
      laparoscopy explicitly for the sub-group of CRC patients undergoing right-sided
      hemi-colectomy in comparison to open surgery while demonstrating equivalent
      oncologic long-term results.

PMID- 27138641
TI  - Large retroperitoneal pelvic low-grade mucinous neoplasia 25 years after pull
      through operation for imperforate anus.

PMID- 27138643
TI  - Low-level intermittent quadriceps activity during transcranial direct current
      stimulation facilitates knee extensor force-generating capacity.
AB  - Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is known to increase the
      force-generating capacity of the skeletal muscles. However, when tDCS is
      concurrently combined with a motor task, interference may occur that hinders tDCS
      effects. Here, we tested the interaction and time course of tDCS effects on force
      production when paired with a low-level force-matching task. Twenty-two subjects
      were randomized into two groups: tDCS-Matching and tDCS-Resting. Each group
      received tDCS and a sham stimulation, separated by one week. Maximal knee
      extensor and flexor torques were measured before and up to twenty-five minutes
      following the stimulation. The tDCS-Matching group produced greater knee
      extension torques relative to sham when compared with the tDCS-Resting group.
      There was no significant effect for knee flexion. This suggests that interference
      does not occur for force production tasks when tDCS is combined with a motor
      task. Rather, the task appears to aid and isolate the effects to the muscle
      groups involved in the task.

PMID- 27138642
TI  - An extrasynaptic GABAergic signal modulates a pattern of forward movement in
      Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - As a common neurotransmitter in the nervous system, gamma-aminobutyric acid
      (GABA) modulates locomotory patterns in both vertebrates and invertebrates.
      However, the signaling mechanisms underlying the behavioral effects of GABAergic
      modulation are not completely understood. Here, we demonstrate that a GABAergic
      signal in C. elegans modulates the amplitude of undulatory head bending through
      extrasynaptic neurotransmission and conserved metabotropic receptors. We show
      that the GABAergic RME head motor neurons generate undulatory activity patterns
      that correlate with head bending and the activity of RME causally links with head
      bending amplitude. The undulatory activity of RME is regulated by a pair of
      cholinergic head motor neurons SMD, which facilitate head bending, and inhibits
      SMD to limit head bending. The extrasynaptic neurotransmission between SMD and
      RME provides a gain control system to set head bending amplitude to a value
      correlated with optimal efficiency of forward movement.

PMID- 27138644
TI  - Methamphetamine reduces expression of caveolin-1 in the dorsal striatum:
      Implication for dysregulation of neuronal function.
AB  - Role of striatal dopamine D1 receptors (D1Rs) in methamphetamine (Meth) taking
      and seeking is recognized from contingent Meth self-administration studies. For
      example, Meth increases levels of D1Rs in the dorsal striatum in animal models of
      Meth addiction, and blockade of striatal D1Rs decreased responding for Meth and
      reduced Meth priming-induced drug seeking. However, the mechanism underlying
      enhanced expression of striatal D1Rs in animals self-administering Meth is
      unknown and is hypothesized to involve maladaptive intracellular signal
      transduction mechanism via hyperphosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated
      kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). D1Rs are predominantly localized to detergent-resistant
      membrane/lipid raft fractions (MLR fraction), and in vitro studies indicate that
      D1R signaling and recycling is regulated by the MLR-resident protein caveolin-1
      (Cav-1), in an endocytotic-dependent manner. Notably, expression of Cav-1 is
      inversely regulated by ERK1/2 activation, suggesting a signaling interplay among
      D1Rs, ERK1/2 and Cav-1. We therefore evaluated the effects of extended access
      Meth self-administration on expression of striatal D1Rs, activated ERK1/2 and Cav
      1. We first report that Cav-1 is heavily expressed in neurons located in the
      dorsal striatum. We also report that extended access Meth produces compulsive
      like unregulated intake of the drug, and these behavioral outcomes are associated
      with enhanced expression of D1Rs, increased activity of ERK1/2, and reduced Cav-1
      expression in the dorsal striatum. These data suggest a possible cellular
      mechanism that involves Cav-1 regulation of D1R expression in response to
      escalated Meth intake, and how this response of altered D1Rs and enhanced ERK1/2
      activation to Meth self-administration contributes to contingent-related
      processes such as addiction.

PMID- 27138645
TI  - The role of connexin43 in hemorrhagic transformation after thrombolysis in vivo
      and in vitro.
AB  - Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the most
      effective drug treatment for acute ischemic stroke within 4.5h after symptom
      onset. However, the use of rtPA may increase the risk of hemorrhagic
      transformation (HT), particularly when it is administered after the first 4.5h.
      However, no effective treatments are available to reduce the HT risk. Disruption
      of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is central to the genesis of HT. Connexin43
      (Cx43)-mediated gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) has been
      demonstrated to regulate the integrity of the BBB in ischemia. We investigated
      the effect of Cx43 on BBB permeability during rtPA-induced HT. Spontaneously
      hypertensive rats (SHRs) underwent a 1.5-h middle cerebral artery occlusion and
      were treated with rtPA at 4.5h. The rats were sacrificed at 24h, and their brains
      were evaluated for BBB permeability and the expression of tight junction (TJ)
      proteins and Cx43. We examined whether the effects were Cx43 dependent using
      multiple Cx43 inhibitors. Phosphorylated Cx43 (p-Cx43) but not total Cx43 protein
      expression was increased after rtPA treatment. Delayed rtPA administration
      induced significant HT and BBB disruption. These effects were attenuated by
      inhibitors that blocked GJIC and Cx43 phosphorylation and expression but not Cx43
      redistribution. Additionally, rtPA administration upregulated p-Cx43 expression
      in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-exposed brain endothelial cells. These effects
      were suppressed by the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002
      and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor U0126. We
      suggest that rtPA-associated hemorrhage due to an alteration in the integrity of
      the BBB is highly associated with an increase in p-Cx43 resulting from the
      activation of the PI3K and ERK pathways.

PMID- 27138647
TI  - Effects of Molecular Symmetry on the Electronic Transitions in Carotenoids.
AB  - The aim of this work is the verification of symmetry effects on the electronic
      absorption spectra of carotenoids. The symmetry breaking in cis-beta-carotenes
      and in carotenoids with nonlinear pi-electron system is of virtually no effect on
      the dark transitions in these pigments, in spite of the loss of the inversion
      center and evident changes in their electronic structure. In the cis isomers, the
      S2 state couples with the higher excited states and the extent of this coupling
      depends on the position of the cis bend. A confrontation of symmetry properties
      of carotenoids with their electronic absorption and IR and Raman spectra shows
      that they belong to the C1 or C2 but not the C2h symmetry group, as commonly
      assumed. In these realistic symmetries all the electronic transitions are
      symmetry-allowed and the absence of some transitions, such as the dark S0 -> S1
      transition, must have another physical origin. Most likely it is a severe
      deformation of the carotenoid molecule in the S1 state, unachievable directly
      from the ground state, which means that the Franck-Condon factors for a vertical
      S0 -> S1 transition are negligible because the final state is massively displaced
      along the vibrational coordinates. The implications of our findings have an
      impact on the understanding of the photophysics and functioning of carotenoids.

PMID- 27138648
TI  - Stability criteria for T-S fuzzy systems with interval time-varying delays and
      nonlinear perturbations based on geometric progression delay partitioning method.
AB  - In this paper, a novel delay partitioning method is proposed by introducing the
      theory of geometric progression for the stability analysis of T-S fuzzy systems
      with interval time-varying delays and nonlinear perturbations. Based on the
      common ratio alpha, the delay interval is unequally separated into multiple
      subintervals. A newly modified Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional (LKF) is
      established which includes triple-integral terms and augmented factors with
      respect to the length of every related proportional subintervals. In addition, a
      recently developed free-matrix-based integral inequality is employed to avoid the
      overabundance of the enlargement when dealing with the derivative of the LKF.
      This innovative development can dramatically enhance the efficiency of obtaining
      the maximum upper bound of the time delay. Finally, much less conservative
      stability criteria are presented. Numerical examples are conducted to demonstrate
      the significant improvements of this proposed approach. 

PMID- 27138649
TI  - Partial Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in Swine Model
      of Hemorrhagic Shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complete resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (C
      REBOA) increases proximal mean arterial pressure (MAP) at the cost of distal
      organ ischemia, limiting the duration of intervention. We hypothesized that
      partial aortic occlusion (P-REBOA) would maintain a more physiologic proximal MAP
      and reduce distal tissue ischemia. We investigated the hemodynamic and
      physiologic effects of P-REBOA vs C-REBOA. STUDY DESIGN: Fifteen swine were
      anesthetized, instrumented, splenectomized, and subjected to rapid 25% blood
      volume loss. They were randomized to C-REBOA, P-REBOA, or no intervention
      (controls). Partial REBOA was created by partially inflating an aortic balloon
      catheter to generate a 50% blood pressure gradient across the balloon.
      Hemodynamics were recorded and serum makers of ischemia and inflammation were
      measured. After 90 minutes of treatment, balloons were deflated to evaluate the
      immediate effects of reperfusion. End organs were histologically examined.
      RESULTS: Complete REBOA produced supraphysiologic increases in proximal MAP after
      hemorrhage compared with more modest augmentation in the P-REBOA group (p <
      0.01), with both groups significantly greater than controls (p < 0.01). Less
      rebound hypotension after balloon deflation was seen in the P-REBOA compared with
      C-REBOA groups. Complete REBOA resulted in higher serum lactate than both P-REBOA
      and controls (p < 0.01). Histology revealed early necrosis and disruption of
      duodenal mucosa in all C-REBOA animals, but none in P-REBOA animals. CONCLUSIONS:
      In a porcine hemorrhagic shock model, P-REBOA resulted in more physiologically
      tolerable hemodynamic and ischemic changes compared with C-REBOA. Additional work
      is needed to determine whether the benefits associated with P-REBOA can both
      extend the duration of intervention and increase survival.

PMID- 27138646
TI  - Building a Science of Individual Differences from fMRI.
AB  - To date, fMRI research has been concerned primarily with evincing generic
      principles of brain function through averaging data from multiple subjects. Given
      rapid developments in both hardware and analysis tools, the field is now poised
      to study fMRI-derived measures in individual subjects, and to relate these to
      psychological traits or genetic variations. We discuss issues of validity,
      reliability and statistical assessment that arise when the focus shifts to
      individual subjects and that are applicable also to other imaging modalities. We
      emphasize that individual assessment of neural function with fMRI presents
      specific challenges and necessitates careful consideration of anatomical and
      vascular between-subject variability as well as sources of within-subject
      variability.

PMID- 27138650
TI  - Laminin regulates PDGFRbeta(+) cell stemness and muscle development.
AB  - Muscle-resident PDGFRbeta(+) cells, which include pericytes and PW1(+)
      interstitial cells (PICs), play a dual role in muscular dystrophy. They can
      either undergo myogenesis to promote muscle regeneration or differentiate into
      adipocytes and other cells to compromise regeneration. How the differentiation
      and fate determination of PDGFRbeta(+) cells are regulated, however, remains
      unclear. Here, by utilizing a conditional knockout mouse line, we report that
      PDGFRbeta(+) cell-derived laminin inhibits their proliferation and adipogenesis,
      but is indispensable for their myogenesis. In addition, we show that laminin
      alone is able to partially reverse the muscle dystrophic phenotype in these mice
      at the molecular, structural and functional levels. Further RNAseq analysis
      reveals that laminin regulates PDGFRbeta(+) cell differentiation/fate
      determination via gpihbp1. These data support a critical role of laminin in the
      regulation of PDGFRbeta(+) cell stemness, identify an innovative target for
      future drug development and may provide an effective treatment for muscular
      dystrophy. 

PMID- 27138651
TI  - How Toddlers Acquire and Transfer Tool Knowledge: Developmental Changes and the
      Role of Executive Functions.
AB  - This report investigates tool learning and its relations to executive functions
      (EFs) in toddlers. In Study 1 (N = 93), 18-, 20-, 22-, and 24-month-old children
      learned equally well to choose a correct tool from observation, whereas
      performance based on feedback improved with age. Knowledge transfer showed
      significant progress after 22 months of age: Older children ignored irrelevant
      features more easily and adjusted their behavior more flexibly. Study 2 (N = 62)
      revealed that spontaneous transfer in 22- to 24-month-olds was related to set
      shifting skills and response inhibition. Flexible adaptation to feedback
      correlated with working-memory capacity. These findings suggest that toddlerhood
      is a highly dynamic phase of tool learning and that EFs are related to transfer
      performance at this age.

PMID- 27138653
TI  - Obstetric violence in South Africa.

PMID- 27138652
TI  - Electrocardiographic Effects of a Supratherapeutic Dose of Oritavancin.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to measure oritavancin's electrocardiographic
      effects at a supratherapeutic dose of 1600 mg given intravenously (IV) over 3
      hours. A cohort of 150 healthy volunteers were randomized to receive placebo,
      oritavancin, or oral moxifloxacin 400 mg in a parallel designed thorough QT
      study. A supratherapeutic mean maximum oritavancin concentration (Cmax ) of 232
      MUg/mL was achieved. There was no significant effect on baseline and placebo
      corrected (dd) QTcF, QRS, or heart rate; ddPR was slightly increased at most time
      points, with a maximum mean change of 7.7 milliseconds 1 hour after infusion.
      Linear PK-PD modeling predicted a 3.2-millisecond change in the PR interval for
      the Cmax (138 MUg/mL) observed in pivotal phase 3 studies after 1200 mg of
      oritavancin. Moxifloxacin produced the expected increase in ddQTcF, validating
      assay sensitivity. At plasma concentrations above the clinical exposures of
      oritavancin, no clinically or statistically significant effect on QTcF, QRS, or
      heart rate was observed. The increase in PR is considered clinically
      insignificant, given the rapid decline in initial plasma concentration of
      oritavancin after infusion and the expected lower Cmax in patients. A therapeutic
      1200-mg single dose of oritavancin is not anticipated to cause any clinically
      significant effect on cardiac electrophysiology.

PMID- 27138654
TI  - Persistent burden from non-communicable diseases in South Africa needs strong
      action.
AB  - Continued effort and politcal will must be directed towards preventing, delaying
      the onset of and managing non-communicable diseases in South Africa. 

PMID- 27138655
TI  - A complementary model for medical subspecialty training in South Africa.
AB  - The shortage of healthcare workers and doctors in the developing world compared
      with the developed world is problematic, and will continue to be so owing to the
      ongoing migration of qualified professionals and the inability of the state to
      remedy the shortfalls. This will seriously hamper the government's National
      Health Insurance plan and the sustainability of South Africa (SA)'s healthcare
      sector. Furthermore, it is well known that the duration of medical training in SA
      is exceptionally long, which discourages trainees. Medical corporates have taken
      a limited initiative to fund education projects in collaboration with academic
      institutions. These projects have been unstructured, mostly ad hoc, and poorly co
      ordinated. The private corporate medical sector has expressed a desire to become
      involved on a much larger scale by means of more formalised structures. Given
      this background, the primary objective of our research was to develop a business
      model to complement the current academic medical subspecialty training. 

PMID- 27138656
TI  - South African Guidelines Excellence (SAGE): Efficient, effective and unbiased
      clinical practice guideline teams.
AB  - A range of different evidence-based methods for clinical practice guideline
      activities have been established, and there is common agreement in these that
      poorly conceived CPG team composition and management can jeopardise CPG
      integrity.  Recognised CPG initiatives therefore provide guidance on CPG team
      construction and management. In this editorial, we outline steps for effective,
      efficient and outcome-focused CPG team membership, roles and management: (i)
      determine responsibilities and tasks; (ii) identify 'experts' and their 'voices';
      (iii) identify a CPG team leader; (iv) determine and declare conflicts of
      interest; (v) determine CPG team terms of reference; (vi) establish CPG
      timeframes and tailored capacity development; and (vii) establish consensus.
      Writing CPGs can be time-consuming and expensive.Efforts therefore need to be
      underpinned by efficient, respectful and agreed processes. Justifying CPG team
      membership, declaring conflicts of interest, identifying efficient ways of
      hearing constituent 'voices', defining and time-lining team tasks and roles,
      providing necessary training, and respecting individuals' efforts and time should
      ensure that CPG team members enjoy their experiences. This will contribute to
      growing CPG expertise in South Africa and beyond. 

PMID- 27138657
TI  - Emergence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance (MCR-1) among Escherichia coli
      isolated from South African patients.
AB  - The polymyxin antibiotic colistin is an antibiotic of last resort for the
      treatment of extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including
      carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The State of the World's Antibiotics
      report in 2015 highlighted South Africa (SA)'s increasing incidence of these
      'superbugs' (3.2% of Klebsiella pneumoniae reported from SA were carbapenemase
      producers), and in doing so, underscored SA's increasing reliance on colistin as
      a last line of defence. Colistin resistance effectively renders such increasingly
      common infections untreatable. 

PMID- 27138658
TI  - HIV testing of children is not simple for health providers and researchers: Legal
      and policy frameworks guidance in South Africa.
AB  - Antiretroviral treatment coverage for children and adolescents is significantly
      lower than that for adults. A first step in improving this situation is ensuring
      increased access to HIV counselling and testing services. Current legal and
      policy frameworks outline four norms that should inform HIV testing of children
      in South Africa: limiting HIV testing to defined circumstances, and ensuring that
      consent is obtained, counselling is provided and confidentiality is maintained.
      Implementing these norms is not simple. We discuss the challenges and
      opportunities these norms present for children, their families, health providers
      and researchers working in this area. Better alignment between evolving public
      health approaches and the HIV counselling and testing legal/policy frameworks
      (and the internal coherence of domestic frameworks) would better serve children,
      their parents and those who work with them. 

PMID- 27138659
TI  - Advances in stroke treatment are within reach.
AB  - Five recent trials have shown that mechanical removal of clot from cerebral
      arteries after a stroke can achieve a functional independent outcome in up to 60%
      of patients. This was an absolute benefit of between 13.5% and 31% for patients
      who had clot removal initiated within 6 hours of symptoms over those who had best
      medical treatment. Coupled with this, there is a strong drive to develop stroke
      units internationally and in South Africa. As a starting point, more primary
      stroke care centres that can administer intravenous thrombolysis are needed.
      Comprehensive stroke centres that can offer mechanical thrombectomy are
      available, but more will be required as referral of patients increases.
      Collaboration of all roleplayers will ensure that we can deliver training and
      care at the best level for stroke patients. 

PMID- 27138660
TI  - Introducing a multifaceted approach to the management of diabetes mellitus in
      resource-limited settings.
AB  - Globally diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications are placing an enormous
      burden on individual patients and countries alike. South Africa is a developing
      country already under enormous pressure from communicable diseases such as HIV
      and tuberculosis. Added to this is DM, which serves to fuel the interactions
      between communicable and non-communicable diseases. Data from KwaZulu-Natal
      Province (KZN) have demonstrated that the majority of patients with DM in the
      public healthcare sector are diagnosed and started on treatment at their local
      resource-limited healthcare clinics. This article describes introduction of a
      multifaceted approach to the management of DM in a resource-limited clinic at
      Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, KZN. Strategies like this may help provide a
      blueprint for other resource-limited healthcare facilities in developing
      countries. 

PMID- 27138661
TI  - Haemotoxic snakebite in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A case presenting with
      haematemesis.
AB  - A 36-year-old man who had been bitten on his left index finger by a snake
      identified as a boomslang (Dispholidus typus) presented with haematemesis and
      hypovolaemic shock. Coagolopathy was presumed, and the platelet count was 2 *
      109/L. Findings on upper endoscopy included oesophageal petechial haemorrhages,
      severe haemorrhagic gastritis and an antral ulcer. The patient was successfully
      managed using freeze-dried plasma, packed red blood cells, isotonic crystalloids
      and polyvalent antivenom. 

PMID- 27138662
TI  - On your toes: Detecting mediastinal air on the chest radiograph in ecstasy
      abusers.
AB  - Abnormal mediastinal air may be caused by inhalational illicit drug use
      subsequent to barotrauma resulting from coughing after deep inhalation and breath
      holding. It may also arise from oesophageal rupture due to retching after
      ingestion of the illicit drug. The history can alert the practitioner to this
      cause of chest pain. As chest radiographs are widely accessible and mediastinal
      air is easily recognisable, the chest radiograph should be included and carefully
      scrutinised in the diagnostic workup of chest pain in the recreational drug
      abuser. It is prudent to exclude oesophageal rupture, particularly in the setting
      of retching, before deciding on conservative and expectant management. 

PMID- 27138663
TI  - Sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman disease) and
      cirrhosis of the liver: A case report and literature review.
AB  - Patients with cirrhosis of the liver usually present with a small shrunken liver
      and a large spleen. The presence of an unusually huge liver should prompt the
      treating doctor to look for another cause, as this may be treatable and improve
      the patient's outcome. In South Africa tuberculosis and lymphoma in the presence
      of HIV infection should be excluded. Sinus histiocytosis with massive
      lymphadenopathy and cirrhosis is a rare combination and has not been reported
      before in the literature. This case is intended to make clinicians aware of this
      rare combination of diseases. 

PMID- 27138664
TI  - Syphilitic lymphadenitis clinically and histologically mimicking lymphogranuloma
      venereum.
AB  - An inguinal lymph node was discovered incidentally during surgery for a suspected
      strangulated inguinal hernia. The patient had recently been treated for candidal
      balanoposthitis and was known to have a paraphimosis. A new foreskin ulcer was
      discovered when he was admitted for the hernia surgery. The lymph node histology
      showed stellate abscesses suggestive of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV).
      Chlamydial serologic tests were negative. As the histological appearance and
      clinical details provided were thought to suggest LGV, tissue was also sent for a
      real-time quadriplex polymerase chain reaction assay. This was used to screen for
      Chlamydia trachomatis in conjunction with other genital ulcer-related pathogens.
      The assay was negative for C. trachomatis, but positive for Treponema pallidum.
      Further histochemical staining of the histological specimen confirmed the
      presence of spirochaetes. 

PMID- 27138665
TI  - Culture-negative endocarditis due to Bartonella quintana.
AB  - Bartonella spp. was first described as a possible cause of culture-negative
      endocarditis in 1993, and has since emerged as a significant cause of this
      condition worldwide. We describe a complicated case of culture-negative
      endocarditis in an immune-competent male patient, which was confirmed on resected
      heart valves to have been caused by Bartonella quintana by broad-range 16S
      ribosomal RNA polymerase chain reaction. The objective of this report is to
      highlight the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of Bartonella
      endocarditis. 

PMID- 27138666
TI  - Maternal deaths from bleeding associated with caesarean delivery: A national
      emergency.
AB  - Maternal deaths associated with caesarean deliveries (CDs) have been increasing
      in South Africa over the past decade. The objective of this report is to bring
      national attention to this increasing epidemic of maternal deaths due to bleeding
      associated with CD in the majority of provinces of the country. Individual chart
      reviews of women who died from bleeding at or after CD show that 71% had
      avoidable factors. Among the steps we can take are to improve surgical skills and
      experience, especially in rural hospitals, to improve clinical observations in
      the immediate postoperative period and in the postnatal wards, and to ensure that
      appropriate oxytocic agents are given to prevent postpartum haemorrhage. CEOs and
      medical managers of health facilities, district clinical specialists, heads of
      obstetrics and gynaecology, and midwifery training institutions must show
      leadership and accountability in providing an appropriate environment to ensure
      that women who require CD receive the procedure for the correct indications and
      in a safe manner to minimise risks. 

PMID- 27138667
TI  - Emerging trends in non-communicable disease mortality in South Africa, 1997 -
      2010.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: National trends in age-standardised death rates (ASDRs) for non
      communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa (SA) were identified between 1997
      and 2010. METHODS: As part of the second National Burden of Disease Study, vital
      registration data were used after validity checks, proportional redistribution of
      missing age, sex and population group, demographic adjustments for registration
      incompleteness, and identification of misclassified AIDS deaths. Garbage codes
      were redistributed proportionally to specified codes by age, sex and population
      group. ASDRs were calculated using mid-year population estimates and the World
      Health Organization world standard. RESULTS: Of 594 071 deaths in 2010, 38.9%
      were due to NCDs (42.6% females). ASDRs were 287/100 000 for cardiovascular
      diseases (CVDs), 114/100 000 for cancers (malignant neoplasms), 58/100 000 for
      chronic respiratory conditions and 52/100 000 for diabetes mellitus. An overall
      annual decrease of 0.4% was observed resulting from declines in stroke, ischaemic
      heart disease, oesophageal and lung cancer, asthma and chronic respiratory
      disease, while increases were observed for diabetes, renal disease, endocrine and
      nutritional disorders, and breast and prostate cancers. Stroke was the leading
      NCD cause of death, accounting for 17.5% of total NCD deaths. Compared with those
      for whites, NCD mortality rates for other population groups were higher at 1.3
      for black Africans, 1.4 for Indians and 1.4 for coloureds, but varied by
      condition. CONCLUSIONS: NCDs contribute to premature mortality in SA, threatening
      socioeconomic development. While NCD mortality rates have decreased slightly, it
      is necessary to strengthen prevention and healthcare provision and monitor
      emerging trends in cause-specific mortality to inform these strategies if the
      target of 2% annual decline is to be achieved.

PMID- 27138668
TI  - National priorities for perioperative research in South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perioperative research is currently unco-ordinated in South Africa
      (SA), with no clear research agenda. OBJECTIVE: To determine the top ten national
      research priorities for perioperative research in SA. METHODS: A Delphi technique
      was used to establish consensus on the top ten research priorities. RESULTS: The
      top ten research priorities were as follows: (i) establishment of a national
      database of (a) critical care outcomes, and (b) critical care resources; (ii) a
      randomised controlled trial of preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide-guided
      medical therapy to decrease major adverse cardiac events following non-cardiac
      surgery; (iii) a national prospective observational study of the outcomes
      associated with paediatric surgical cases; (iv) a national observational study of
      maternal and fetal outcomes following operative delivery in SA; (v) a stepped
      wedge trial of an enhanced recovery after surgery programme for (a) surgery, (b)
      obstetrics, (c) emergency surgery, and (d) trauma surgery; (vi) a stepped-wedge
      trial of a surgical safety checklist on patient outcomes in SA; (vii) a
      prospective observational study of perioperative outcomes after surgery in
      district general hospitals in SA; (viii) short-course interventions to improve
      anaesthetic skills in rural doctors; (ix) studies of the efficacy of simulation
      training to improve (a) patient outcomes, (b) team dynamics, and (c) leadership;
      and (x) development and validation of a risk stratification tool for SA surgery
      based on the South African Surgical Outcomes Study (SASOS) data. CONCLUSIONS:
      These research priorities provide the structure for an intermediate-term research
      agenda.

PMID- 27138669
TI  - Active surveillance of hospital-acquired infections in South Africa:
      Implementation, impact and challenges.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant although
      unquantified burden in South Africa. Lack of adequate surveillance compounds this
      problem. OBJECTIVE: To report on the establishment and outcomes of a unit
      specific surveillance system for hospital-acquired infections, based on
      international standards, in a private academic hospital. METHODS: Active unit
      specific surveillance of device-associated infections (DAIs) was introduced over
      a 2-year period. The surveillance system was based on the US National Healthcare
      Safety Network (NHSN) utilising standardised definitions. Analysis of DAI rates
      and device utilisation was done according to Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention methods. Comparative analysis using study-derived annualised data and
      existing NHSN data was done. RESULTS: Surveillance results of DAI rates showed
      significant reductions in intensive care unit-related ventilator-associated
      pneumonia (42%) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (100%) over a
      3-year period. Substantial variations in DAI rates and utilisation ratios between
      wards highlight the importance of unit-specific surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: Active
      surveillance requires a significant investment in resources and is a sustained
      operational challenge, although equally significant benefits are derived from a
      better understanding of HAIs with more targeted interventions and efficient use
      of resources. A robust surveillance system is an essential component of any
      healthcare infection prevention and control programme and is a prerequisite to
      contextualising the HAI burden of hospitals.

PMID- 27138670
TI  - Identity tags: A vector for cross-infection?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections represent one of the challenging problems of
      modern medicine. Healthcare providers play an important role in the transmission
      of these infections on their hands, clothing and equipment. Modern security
      systems require personnel to wear clearly displayed identity (ID) tags, and to
      have an easily accessible access disc. These access and ID tags are often worn
      around the neck on a lanyard, and could possibly harbour bacteria and be a vector
      for cross-infection. METHOD: Saline-moistened swabs of the front and back of ID
      tags of 50 healthcare workers were taken for bacterial culture. Swabs were
      inoculated onto standard microbiological media. Potential pathogens were
      subjected to sensitivity testing while organisms resembling normal skin
      commensals were reported as such. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of the 50 (56%) ID swabs
      cultured exhibited no bacterial growth. Eighteen (36%) swabs grew primarily skin
      flora. Neutrophils were observed under microscopy on two (4%) swabs. Seven (14%)
      swabs grew potentially pathogenic bacteria. Doctors were found to have almost
      three times the risk of carrying pathogenic bacteria on their ID tags compared
      with nurses. Recent patient contact also showed a higher incidence of
      colonisation. There were no statistically significant differences between
      variables such as ward or area of work, nature of patient contact, time since
      qualification, level of qualification or length of employment at Red Cross War
      Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention of
      hospital-acquired infections is important in any setting. The ID tag has been
      identified as a possible source of infection spread in this and previous studies.
      The ID tag has to date been neglected as a potential source of pathogen spread,
      and efforts to make staff aware of this potential danger should be considered in
      every institution.

PMID- 27138671
TI  - The costs of delivering human papillomavirus vaccination to Grade 4 learners in
      KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The national human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination roll-out in South
      Africa provides two doses of Cervarix to all female Grade 4 learners in state
      schools. This study estimated the costs of vaccinating all learners in KwaZulu
      Natal Province (females or males and females) using either the two- or three-dose
      strategies for both the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine costs of the HPV vaccination programme in KwaZulu-Natal. METHODS: Costs
      were determined adapting World Health Organization vaccination costing
      guidelines. RESULTS: The 2014 current cost of delivering three doses of Gardasil
      was ZAR510 per learner. The projected cost of delivering Cervarix to female
      learners at two or three doses over the period 2014 - 2018, adjusted for
      inflation, was ZAR172 717 342 and ZAR250 048 426, respectively. Similarly, the
      cost for Gardasil at these doses was ZAR197 482 200 and ZAR287 194 361,
      respectively. For male and female learners the cost for Cervarix over this period
      at two or three doses was ZAR337 101 132 and ZAR540 150 713, respectively.
      Similarly, the cost for Gardasil at these doses was ZAR426 597 971 and ZAR620 392
      784, respectively. Accounting for population variation for females over 5 years,
      the cost of two doses of Cervarix ranged from ZAR168 888 677 to ZAR 176 545 977
      at the lower and upper 95% confidence intervals (CIs), respectively. For three
      doses the cost ranged from ZAR244 505 544 to ZAR255 591 263 at the lower and
      upper 95% CIs, respectively. Similarly, the cost for two doses of Gardasil ranged
      from ZAR193 104 566 to ZAR201 859 798. For three doses the cost ranged from
      ZAR280 828 057 to ZAR293 560 614. CONCLUSION: This study gives decision makers a
      basis for structured planning and cost apportionment to ensure effective roll-out
      of the HPV vaccination programme.

PMID- 27138672
TI  - Intimate partner violence in early adolescence: The role of gender, socioeconomic
      factors and the school.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) among adolescents is common
      worldwide, but our understanding of perpetration, gender differences and the role
      of social-ecological factors remains limited. OBJECTIVES: To explore the
      prevalence of physical and sexual IPV perpetration and victimisation by gender,
      and associated risk and protective factors. METHODS: Young adolescents (N=2 839)
      from 41 randomly selected public high schools in the Western Cape region of South
      Africa (SA), participating in the PREPARE study, completed a self-administered
      questionnaire. RESULTS: The participants' mean age was 13.65 years (standard
      deviation 1.01), with 19.1% (541/2 839) reporting being victims/survivors of IPV
      and 13.0% (370/2 839) reporting perpetrating IPV. Girls were less likely to
      report being a victim/survivor of physical IPV (odds ratio (OR) 0.72; 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.57 - 0.92) and less likely to be a perpetrator of
      sexual IPV than boys (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.21 - 0.52). Factors associated with
      perpetration of physical and sexual IPV were similar and included being a
      victim/survivor (physical IPV: OR 12.42; 95% CI 8.89 - 17.36, sexual IPV: OR
      20.76; 95% CI 11.67 - 36.93), being older (physical IPV: OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.08 -
      1.47, sexual IPV: OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.14 - 1.62 ), having lower scores on school
      connectedness (physical IPV: OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.46 - 0.75, sexual IPV: OR 0.56;
      95% CI 0.42 - 0.76) and scoring lower on feelings of school safety (physical IPV:
      OR 0.66; 95% CI 0.57 - 0.77, sexual IPV: OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.40 - 0.62).
      CONCLUSIONS: Physical and sexual IPV was commonly reported among young
      adolescents in SA. Further qualitative exploration of the role of reciprocal
      violence by gender is needed, and the role of 'school climate'-related factors
      should be taken into account when developing preventive interventions.

PMID- 27138673
TI  - Hypoxaemia on arrival in a multidisciplinary intensive care unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transport of the critically ill patient poses the risk of numerous
      complications. Hypoxaemia is one such serious adverse event and is associated
      with potential morbidity and mortality. It is, however, potentially preventable.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of hypoxaemia on arrival in a tertiary
      multidisciplinary intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify risk factors for this
      complication. METHOD: A retrospective observational study was conducted at King
      Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa, from May 2013 to February 2014.
      RESULTS: Hypoxaemia occurred in 15.5% of admissions sampled. Statistically
      significant risk factors for hypoxaemia on univariate analysis (p<0.05) included
      lack of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring, transfer by an
      intern as opposed to other medical/paramedical staff, and transfer from internal
      medicine. Use of neuromuscular blockers and transfer from theatre were
      protective. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed lack of SpO2 monitoring
      to be the only significant independent predictor of hypoxaemia (odds ratio 6.1;
      95% confidence interval 1.5 - 24.5; p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Hypoxaemia is common on
      admission to the ICU and may be prevented by simple interventions such as
      appropriate transport monitoring.

PMID- 27138674
TI  - An analysis of inter-healthcare facility transfer of neonates within the
      eThekwini Health District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate delays in the transfer of neonates between healthcare
      facilities and to detect any adverse events encountered during neonatal transfer.
      METHODS: A prospective study was conducted from December 2011 to January 2012. A
      quantitative, non-experimental design was used to undertake a descriptive
      analysis of 120 inter-healthcare facility transfers of neonates within the
      eThekwini Health District (Durban) of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Data
      collection was via questionnaire. Data collection was restricted to the Emergency
      Medical Services (EMSs) of eThekwini Health District, which is the local public
      ambulance provider. RESULTS: All transfers were undertaken by road ambulances: 83
      (62.2%) by frontline ambulances; 35 (29.2%) by the obstetric unit; and 2 (1.7%)
      by the planned patient transport vehicles. Twenty-nine (24.2%) transfers involved
      critically ill neonates. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) time to complete an
      inter-healthcare facility transfer was 3 h 49 min (1 h 57 min) (range 0 h 55 min 
      10 h 34 min). Problems with transfer equipment were common due to poor resource
      allocation, malfunctioning equipment, inappropriate equipment for the type of
      transfer and dirty or unsterile equipment. The study identified 10 (8.3%)
      physiologically related adverse events, which included 1 (0.8%) death plus a
      further 18 (15.0%) equipment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: EMS is involved
      in transporting a significant number of intensive care and non-intensive care
      neonates between healthcare facilities. This study has identified numerous
      factors affecting the efficiency of inter-facility transfer of neonates and
      highlights a number of areas requiring improvement.

PMID- 27138675
TI  - Publication trends of clinical trials performed in South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Investigators and sponsors of clinical trials have an ethical
      obligation to disseminate clinical trial results, whether positive or negative,
      in a timely manner. OBJECTIVES: To determine the publication rate and average
      time to reporting for clinical trials carried out in South Africa (SA) and to
      explore factors indicating whether a study is published or not. METHODS: A
      registry-based quantitative retrospective analysis of 79 SA clinical trials for
      new medicines registered between January 2008 and December 2010 was performed.
      The relevant trial identification number in the register was used to track all
      peer-reviewed publications subsequent to registration. Tracking of clinical
      trials was done through a systematic literature search of the electronic journal
      databases of the South African Medical Journal (SAMJ), the Cochrane Library,
      Public Library of Science Medical Journal (PLoS Medicine) and BioMed Central, all
      of which are indexed on MEDLINE via PubMed. In addition, a manual search of the
      Open Access Journal of Clinical Trials databases and reference lists on articles
      related to the trial medicine was performed. RESULTS: Of the 79 clinical trials
      surveyed, 72 were concluded by December 2014. Only 35 (48.6%) of them had the
      results published in a peer-reviewed journal, the current benchmark for
      dissemination of trial results. The majority (82.9%) of those published had a
      positive outcome. Of the 35 trials that were published, 77.1% were published
      within 2 years. The average time from completion to initial reporting was 22
      months. Fewer than half (40.5%) of the clinical trials surveyed were placebo
      controlled. CONCLUSION: The absence of complete outcomes data from SA clinical
      trials warrants utmost attention. The study puts forward a case to the regulatory
      body and research ethics committees to compel all data from clinical trials to be
      made accessible to clinicians and the public in general by being published in an
      easily accessible form and in a timely manner.

PMID- 27138676
TI  - Strengthening rural health placements for medical students: Lessons for South
      Africa from international experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This article derives lessons from international experience of
      innovative rural health placements for medical students. It provides pointers for
      strengthening South African undergraduate rural health programmes in support of
      the government's rural health, primary healthcare and National Health Insurance
      strategies. METHODS: The article draws on a review of the literature on 39
      training programmes around the world, and the experiential knowledge of 28 local
      and international experts consulted through a structured workshop. RESULTS: There
      is a range of models for rural health placements: some offer only limited
      exposure to rural settings, while others offer immersion experiences to students.
      Factors facilitating successful rural health placements include faculty champions
      who drive rural programmes and persuade faculties to embrace a rural mission,
      preferential selection of students with a rural background, positioning rural
      placements within a broader rural curriculum, creating rural training centres,
      the active nurturing of rural service staff, assigning students to mentors, the
      involvement of communities, and adapting rural programmes to the local context.
      Common obstacles include difficulties with student selection, negative social
      attitudes towards rural health, shortages of teaching staff, a sense of isolation
      experienced by rural students and staff, and difficulties with programme
      evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Faculties seeking to expand rural placements should
      locate their vision within new health system developments, start off small and
      create voluntary rural tracks, apply preferential admission for rural students,
      set up a rural training centre, find practical ways of working with communities,
      and evaluate the educational and clinical achievements of rural health
      placements.

PMID- 27138677
TI  - Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes in breast
      cancer at a tertiary hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast carcinoma remains the most prevalent cancer among women, with
      over 300 000 deaths annually worldwide. Axillary lymph node status is essential
      for the clinical staging of breast carcinoma and remains the single most
      important predictor of disease-free survival in breast carcinoma. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine effective histological examination of sentinel lymph node (SLN)
      sections for the detection of metastatic breast carcinoma. METHODS: A prospective
      hospital-based study was done, including 20 patients with confirmed infiltrating
      breast carcinoma who underwent tumour excision or simple mastectomy as well as
      SLN biopsies. All the lymph nodes harvested were sectioned and embedded. Three
      sets of 15 consecutive serial sections were prepared from each case at one
      sitting, each measuring 3 - 5 MUm in thickness and mounted on separate slides.
      Each set of 15 consecutive sections was grouped into three levels, each
      comprising 5 serial sections. The first 4 sections were stained with haematoxylin
      and eosin (H&E). The fifth section was stained for pancytokeratins, using MNF116.
      RESULTS: Twenty patients who met the inclusion criteria of this study underwent
      SLN biopsies and simple mastectomies or tumour excisions. Twelve SLNs of 11
      patients contained metastatic carcinoma, all detected at level I, with one case
      requiring MNF116 immunohistochemistry staining, revealing metastatic carcinoma,
      measuring 0.08 * 0.08 mm (micrometastases). The size of metastatic carcinoma
      ranged between 0.08 * 0.08 mm (micrometastases) and 25 * 15 mm. Nine cases showed
      macrometastases, varying in size between 2 * 3.5 mm and 25 * 15 mm. Tumour
      sections of three patients with infiltrating carcinoma, of no specific type
      (NST), revealed lymphovascular invasion. The breast tumour sizes of these cases
      measured 40 * 25 mm (1/1 node involved), 30 * 20 mm (1/3 nodes involved) and 15 *
      12 mm (1/1 node involved), respectively. Nine patients (19 nodes in total, mean
      2.1, range 1 - 5) did not have demonstrable metastatic disease in the 45 sections
      of levels I - IX, including MNF116 on every fifth section. Patients with negative
      SLNs varied in age between 29 and 68 years and had breast tumour sizes ranging
      between 10 * 10 mm and 30 * 30 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study supports
      a conservative and cost-effective approach that comprises embedding of the entire
      SLN and the histopathological examination of four H&E-stained sections, which
      will usually demonstrate metastatic carcinoma. In the event of absence of
      metastatic carcinoma, immunohistochemical staining for pancytokeratin will detect
      tumour cells in a small percentage of cases. Examination of additional H&E- or
      pancytokeratin-stained sections is not cost effective. This finding can guide
      decisions pertaining to protocols for the histopathological assessment of SLN in
      breast carcinoma especially in resource-limited settings.

PMID- 27138678
TI  - McArdle's disease presenting with acute renal failure.
AB  - We report on an interesting patient who presented with acute renal failure from
      rhabdomyolysis and was found to have McArdle's disease on further investigation. 

PMID- 27138679
TI  - The case of the exploding egg.
AB  - The vast majority of paediatric burns occur in developing countries, and many of
      these injuries are entirely preventable. In general, four paediatric injury
      patterns have been identified in toddlers and infants, who are at a significantly
      increased risk of burn injuries. Children <2 years of age are often innocent
      bystanders, but as they grow older physical mobility, social independence and
      gender-specific high-risk activities come into play. 

PMID- 27138680
TI  - Maternal deaths from bleeding associated with caesarean delivery: A national
      emergency.
AB  - An article in the May issue of SAMJ by Fawcus et al. draws attention to the
      epidemic of avoidable maternal deaths from caesarean-related haemorrhage in South
      Africa. This editorial looks at how this epidemic can be addressed. 

PMID- 27138681
TI  - Kounis syndrome.

PMID- 27138682
TI  - Consciously cutting to the bone of SA's surgical/anaesthetic delivery.

PMID- 27138683
TI  - Quantification of Gas-Wall Partitioning in Teflon Environmental Chambers Using
      Rapid Bursts of Low-Volatility Oxidized Species Generated in Situ.
AB  - Partitioning of gas-phase organic compounds to the walls of Teflon environmental
      chambers is a recently reported phenomenon than can affect the yields of reaction
      products and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) measured in laboratory experiments.
      Reported time scales for reaching gas-wall partitioning (GWP) equilibrium
      (tauGWE) differ by up to 3 orders of magnitude, however, leading to predicted
      effects that vary from substantial to negligible. A new technique is demonstrated
      here in which semi- and low-volatility oxidized organic compounds (saturation
      concentration c* < 100 MUg m(-3)) were photochemically generated in rapid bursts
      in situ in an 8 m(3) environmental chamber, and then their decay in the absence
      of aerosol was measured using a high-resolution chemical ionization mass
      spectrometer (CIMS) equipped with an "inlet-less" NO3(-) ion source. Measured
      tauGWE were 7-13 min (rel. std. dev. 33%) for all compounds. The fraction of each
      compound that partitioned to the walls at equilibrium follows absorptive
      partitioning theory with an equivalent wall mass concentration in the range 0.3
      10 mg m(-3). Measurements using a CIMS equipped with a standard ion-molecule
      reaction region showed large biases due to the contact of compounds with walls.
      On the basis of these results, a set of parameters is proposed for modeling GWP
      in chamber experiments.

PMID- 27138684
TI  - Monitoring of local CD8beta-expressing cell populations during Eimeria tenella
      infection of naive and immune chickens.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to monitor abundance and activation of local
      CD8beta-expressing T-cell populations during Eimeria tenella infections of naive
      chickens and chickens immune by previous infections. Chickens were infected with
      E. tenella up to three times. Caecal T-cell receptor (TCR) gamma/delta-CD8beta+
      cells (cytotoxic T lymphocytes; CTL) and TCRgamma/delta+CD8beta+ cells were
      characterized with respect to activation markers (blast transformation, CD25 and
      cell surface CD107a). Cells were also induced to degranulate in vitro as a
      measure of activation potential. Major findings included a prominent long
      lasting, up to 6 weeks, increase in the proportion of CTL among caecal CD45+
      cells in the later stages after primary E. tenella infection. These CTL also
      showed clear signs of activation, that is blast transformation and increased in
      vitro induced degranulation. At second and third E. tenella infection, chickens
      showed strong protective immunity but discrete signs of cellular activation were
      observed, for example increased in vitro induced degranulation of CTL. Thus,
      primary E. tenella infection induced clear recruitment and activation of local
      CTL. Upon subsequent infections of strongly immune chickens cellular changes were
      less prominent, possibly due to lower overall numbers of cells being activated
      because of the severe restriction of parasite replication.

PMID- 27138685
TI  - The use of SPHARM-PDM and mean latitude axis to evaluate airway changes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To introduce new 3-D imaging techniques to characterize shape and
      volume changes of the oropharyngeal space after bilateral sagittal split
      osteotomy (BSSO) advancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Longitudinal cone-beam
      computed tomography (CBCT) scans were obtained for 20 patients undergoing BSSO
      advancement at three time points (T1 = presurgery, T2 = splint removal, and T3 =
      1 year after surgery). Segmentation of the airway was performed using the
      following boundaries: hard palate/posterior nasal spine superiorly and lower
      border of C3 to the base of the epiglottis inferiorly. For shape measurements,
      point-based correspondent models and mean latitude axis were obtained for all the
      data using SPHARM-PDM software. All 3-D correspondent models were rigidly
      registered using Procrustes alignment. Absolute distance maps and corresponding
      vector maps were calculated to show shape and vector differences between each
      correspondent point. Mean latitude axis is a new imaging method to calculate
      minimum cross-sectional areas along the long axis of the airway independent of
      head position/alignment. RESULTS: The airway volume increased (P < .01) after
      BSSO advancement (2973.9 mm3 +/- 27882.0) and was stable (-439.9 mm3 +/- 3308.8)
      1 year post-op. 3-D color maps and semitransparency overlays showed more lateral
      than anteroposterior expansion of the airway after BSSO advancement. Mean
      latitude axis was used to measure minimum cross-sectional area, showing a
      statistically significant increase (52.7 mm2 +/- 46.7) (P < .01) after surgery
      and remained stable (-10.3 mm2 +/- 43.3) 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS:
      SPHARM-PDM and mean latitude axis are useful tools to assess airway shape change.
      BSSO advancement produces a significant increase in pharyngeal airway volume and
      minimum cross-sectional area. The airway space increased more transversely than
      anteroposteriorly.

PMID- 27138686
TI  - Phylogenetic Analyses of Armillaria Reveal at Least 15 Phylogenetic Lineages in
      China, Seven of Which Are Associated with Cultivated Gastrodia elata.
AB  - Fungal species of Armillaria, which can act as plant pathogens and/or symbionts
      of the Chinese traditional medicinal herb Gastrodia elata ("Tianma"), are
      ecologically and economically important and have consequently attracted the
      attention of mycologists. However, their taxonomy has been highly dependent on
      morphological characterization and mating tests. In this study, we
      phylogenetically analyzed Chinese Armillaria samples using the sequences of the
      internal transcribed spacer region, translation elongation factor-1 alpha gene
      and beta-tubulin gene. Our data revealed at least 15 phylogenetic lineages of
      Armillaria from China, of which seven were newly discovered and two were recorded
      from China for the first time. Fourteen Chinese biological species of Armillaria,
      which were previously defined based on mating tests, could be assigned to the 15
      phylogenetic lineages identified herein. Seven of the 15 phylogenetic lineages
      were found to be disjunctively distributed in different continents of the
      Northern Hemisphere, while eight were revealed to be endemic to certain
      continents. In addition, we found that seven phylogenetic lineages of Armillaria
      were used for the cultivation of Tianma, only two of which had been recorded to
      be associated with Tianma previously. We also illustrated that G. elata f. glauca
      ("Brown Tianma") and G. elata f. elata ("Red Tianma"), two cultivars of Tianma
      grown in different regions of China, form symbiotic relationships with different
      phylogenetic lineages of Armillaria. These findings should aid the development of
      Tianma cultivation in China.

PMID- 27138687
TI  - Brachypodium distachyon T-DNA insertion lines: a model pathosystem to study
      nonhost resistance to wheat stripe rust.
AB  - Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (PST), is one of
      the most destructive diseases and can cause severe yield losses in many regions
      of the world. Because of the large size and complexity of wheat genome, it is
      difficult to study the molecular mechanism of interaction between wheat and PST.
      Brachypodium distachyon has become a model system for temperate grasses'
      functional genomics research. The phenotypic evaluation showed that the response
      of Brachypodium distachyon to PST was nonhost resistance (NHR), which allowed us
      to present this plant-pathogen system as a model to explore the immune response
      and the molecular mechanism underlying wheat and PST. Here we reported the
      generation of about 7,000 T-DNA insertion lines based on a highly efficient
      Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system. Hundreds of mutants either more
      susceptible or more resistant to PST than that of the wild type Bd21 were
      obtained. The three putative target genes, Bradi5g17540, BdMYB102 and
      Bradi5g11590, of three T-DNA insertion mutants could be involved in NHR of
      Brachypodium distachyon to wheat stripe rust. The systemic pathologic study of
      this T-DNA mutants would broaden our knowledge of NHR, and assist in breeding
      wheat cultivars with durable resistance.

PMID- 27138688
TI  - In vivo 3D measurement of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin distributions in the
      mouse cornea using multiphoton microscopy.
AB  - Moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin are fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotics
      used in the clinic to prevent or treat ocular infections. Their pharmacokinetics
      in the cornea is usually measured from extracted ocular fluids or tissues, and in
      vivo direct measurement is difficult. In this study multiphoton microscopy (MPM),
      which is a 3D optical microscopic technique based on multiphoton fluorescence,
      was applied to the measurement of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin distribution in
      the cornea. Intrinsic multiphoton fluorescence properties of moxifloxacin and
      gatifloxacin were characterized, and their distributions in mouse cornea in vivo
      were measured by 3D MPM imaging. Both moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin had similar
      multiphoton spectra, while moxifloxacin had stronger fluorescence than
      gatifloxacin. MPM imaging of mouse cornea in vivo showed (1) moxifloxacin had
      good penetration through the superficial corneal epithelium, while gatifloxacin
      had relatively poor penetration, (2) both ophthalmic solutions had high
      intracellular distribution. In vivo MPM results were consistent with previous
      studies. This study demonstrates the feasibility of MPM as a method for in vivo
      direct measurement of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin in the cornea.

PMID- 27138689
TI  - Fast and effective low-temperature freezing extraction technique to determine
      organotin compounds in edible vegetable oil.
AB  - Most organotin compounds that have been widely used in food packaging materials
      and production process show serious toxicity effects to human health. In this
      study, a simple and low-cost method based on high-performance liquid
      chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the
      simultaneous determination of four organotins in edible vegetable oil samples was
      developed. Four organotins including dibutyltin dichloride, tributyltin chloride,
      diphenyltin dichloride, and triphenyltin chloride were simultaneously extracted
      with methanol using the low-temperature precipitation process. After being
      concentrated, the extracts were purified by matrix solid-phase dispersion using
      graphitized carbon black. The experimental parameters such as extraction solvent
      and clean-up material were optimized. To evaluate the accuracy of the new method,
      the recoveries were investigated. In addition, a liquid chromatography with
      tandem mass spectrometry method was also proposed for comparison. The procedures
      of extracting and purifying samples for the analysis were simple and easy to
      perform batch operations, also showed good efficiency with lower relative
      standard deviation. The limits of detection of the four organotins were 0.28-0.59
      MUg/L, and the limits of quantification of the four organotins were 0.93-1.8
      MUg/L, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the
      simultaneous analysis of the four organotins in edible vegetable oil. Some
      analytes were detected at the level of 2.5-28.8 MUg/kg. 

PMID- 27138690
TI  - Importance of joint line preservation in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty:
      Finite element analysis.
AB  - Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is an effective surgical technique for
      pain relief and functional restoration in patients with localized osteoarthritis
      of the knee joint. However, the role of the joint line in UKA, especially its
      biomechanical effect, has not been previously investigated. This study
      numerically evaluates the effects of the joint line on the contact stresses in
      polyethylene (PE) inserts, articular cartilage, and lateral meniscus using the
      finite element (FE) analysis. The FE model for joint line was modeled as the
      orthogonal projection line from the medial tibial plateau to the anatomical axis.
      The joint line was varied from -6 to +6 mm in 2 mm intervals, and the seven FE
      models were analyzed and compared under ISO gait loading conditions. The contact
      stresses in the PE insert, articular cartilage, and lateral meniscus matched
      those of the reference joint line (0 mm) in the +/-2 and +/-4 mm joint line cases
      but significantly differed from the reference in the +/-6 mm joint line cases. On
      the +6 mm joint line, the contact stress was greater on the PE insert than on the
      articular cartilage, whereas the reverse occurred on the -6 mm joint line. This
      study confirms the post-operative significance of joint line preservation in UKA
      implantation surgery. (c) 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:347-352, 2017.

PMID- 27138691
TI  - Blood banks meet the paradox of Gabriel's Horn: what are the options to maintain
      supply as demand decreases?
AB  - Blood services worldwide have observed a decline in the demand for red blood
      cells (RBC). Despite this general decline, the demand profile has changed
      significantly with the demand for O D negative RBCs being maintained; whereas B D
      positive and AB D positive RBC demand has been reduced. In 2015, the blood type O
      D negative was seen in 6.3% of the combined first time donors among the five
      American Blood Centres involved in this study and 7.4% of first time Australian
      donors in 2014/2015, whereas O D negative distributions accounted for 10.5% of
      all red cell units issued by the American centres and 13.9% by the Australian
      centres. Inventory can therefore be of sufficient overall quantity but may not be
      adequate for the demand for units with specific blood types. Recruitment of new
      donors may need to become more targeted and/or financial or inventory control
      measures could also be required to ensure inventory matches demand. Blood
      Services will need to consider the available options in order to ensure that
      sufficiency of supply is secure and the donor panel is optimised to meet the new
      demand paradigm. 

PMID- 27138692
TI  - Secondhand smoke exposure and susceptibility to initiating cigarette smoking
      among never-smoking students in selected African countries: Findings from the
      Global Youth Tobacco Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) causes premature death and illness
      in non-smokers. We examined SHS exposure at home and in public places, as well as
      susceptibility to initiate cigarette smoking among never cigarette smokers. We
      used 2006-2011 Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) data from 29 African countries
      (56,967 students). METHODS: GYTS is a nationally representative, self
      administered school-based survey, conducted among students aged 13-15years.
      Prevalence ratio, estimates and 95% confidence intervals were computed for SHS
      exposure in the homes and public places separately. The two-sample t-test was
      used to assess the difference in susceptibility to smoking by SHS exposure among
      never-smoking students (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Among never-smoking students,
      exposure to SHS at home ranged from 12.7% (Cape Verde) to 44.0% (Senegal). The
      prevalence ratio (PR) comparing susceptibility to smoking initiation among never
      smokers exposed to SHS at home to those who were not exposed at home ranged from
      1.2 to 2.6. Exposure to SHS in public places ranged from 23.9% (Cape Verde) to
      80.4% (Mali). Of the countries being studied, 8 countries showed a significant
      difference in susceptibility to smoking initiation among never smokers exposed to
      SHS in public places compared to those not exposed in public places. (PR ranged
      from 0.5-3.5). CONCLUSION: In many African countries in the study, a substantial
      proportion of students who never smoked are exposed to SHS at home and in public
      places. Majority of never smokers who were exposed to SHS at home and in public
      places had a higher prevalence of susceptibility to initiate smoking than those
      that were not exposed to SHS at home and in public places. Adoption and
      enforcement of smoke-free policies in public places and smoke-free rules at home
      could substantially contribute to reducing SHS exposure in many of these
      countries.

PMID- 27138693
TI  - Ideology and health professional education scholarship.

PMID- 27138694
TI  - Comprehensive study on the roles of released ions from biodegradable Mg-5 wt% Ca
      1 wt% Zn alloy in bone regeneration.
AB  - We report here the effect of micro-environmental changes from biodegradable
      magnesium alloys on the activities of cells - osteoblasts, osteoclasts and
      macrophages - which play critical roles in each phase of the bone-regeneration
      process. Despite positive bone formation effects from several in vivo studies,
      minimal progress has been made in identifying underlying mechanisms through in
      vitro studies, which are currently concentrated on osteoblastic activities. The
      observed in vitro and in vivo results indicated that alkaline pH and released
      magnesium and zinc ions derived from Mg-5 wt% Ca-1 wt% Zn alloy biodegradation
      promote the progress of bone formation. In contrast, alkaline pH and magnesium
      ions remarkably suppressed osteoclastic activities and pro-inflammatory cytokine
      production, closely related to osteolysis and prosthesis failure. Findings from
      the present study conclude that the degradation of Mg-5 wt% Ca-1 wt% Zn alloys
      can promote new bone formation by simultaneously affecting the complex
      combination of variable cellular activities and phases. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27138695
TI  - Peripheral blood mRNA expressions of stress biomarkers in manic episode and
      subsequent remission.
AB  - Theoretical models of the neuroprogressive nature of bipolar disorder (BD) are
      based on the hypothesis that it is an accelerated aging disease, with the
      allostatic load playing a major role. Glucocorticoids, oxidative stress markers,
      inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophins play important roles in BD. The
      messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic
      factor (BDNF), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), glucocorticoid receptor (GR),
      heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were
      examined in the peripheral blood of 20 adult male, drug-free BD patients during
      manic and remission periods and in 20 adult male, healthy controls. mRNA
      expression was measured using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction (qRT-PCR). Compared to the controls, the expressions of BDNF and tPA
      mRNA were down-regulated in mania. In remission, BNDF and tPA mRNA levels
      increased, but they were still lower than those of the controls. Between mania
      and remission periods, only the change in mRNA levels of BDNF reached statistical
      significance. The results suggest that BDNF and tPA may be biomarkers of BD and
      that proteolytic conversion of BDNF may be important in the pathophysiology of
      BD. The change in BDNF levels between mania and remission could be adaptive and
      used to follow the progression of BD.

PMID- 27138696
TI  - Prediction of atrial fibrillation risk in the community.

PMID- 27138697
TI  - Spontaneous coronary artery dissection: A hint into its diagnosis and therapy.

PMID- 27138698
TI  - Survival risk of salivary cortisol and serum N-terminal pro-hormone B-type
      natriuretic peptide in patients with systolic heart failure.

PMID- 27138699
TI  - Prognostic value of left ventricular reverse remodeling.

PMID- 27138701
TI  - Evaluation of the effect of diminished pulsatility as seen in continuous flow
      ventricular assist devices on arterial endothelial cell phenotype and function.

PMID- 27138702
TI  - Elevated immune monitoring as measured by increased adenosine triphosphate
      production in activated lymphocytes is associated with accelerated development of
      cardiac allograft vasculopathy after cardiac transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated immune monitoring (IM), as measured by adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) release from activated lymphocytes, has been suggested to
      represent an under-immunosuppressed state. Its association with the development
      of angiographic cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is unknown. METHODS:
      Patients transplanted between January 2007 and December 2011 with annual
      angiograms and at least 1 IM assay were included in the analysis. Peak IM scores
      were determined for each patient. Patients with peak IM in the highest quartile
      (Group 2) were compared with those with scores in the lower quartiles (Group 1).
      Mild disease was scored as Grade 1 (CAV1) and moderate or severe disease was
      scored as Grades 2 or 3 (CAV2/3). RESULTS: Two hundred forty patients were
      included. The mean age at transplant was 54.2 +/- 12.1 years. Time to peak IM
      assay was 105.9 +/- 44.1 days and average number of assays obtained per patient
      was 3.1 +/- 1.8. Patients in the highest quartile (Group 2) had peak IM >=446 ng
      ATP/ml. Mean clinical follow-up was 4.6 +/- 1.7 years. CAV1 was observed in 86 of
      180 (47.8%) patients in Group 1 and 39 of 60 (65.0%) in Group 2. Freedom from
      CAV1 was significantly lower in patients in Group 2 (log rank, p = 0.012). CAV2/3
      occurred in 7 of 180 (3.7%) patients in Group 1 and 9 of 60 (15.0%) patients in
      Group 2. Freedom from CAV2/3 was significantly lower in patients in Group 2 (p =
      0.003). In multivariate analysis elevated peak IM assay was still found to be
      associated with angiographic CAV (hazard ratio 1.647, confidence interval 1.020
      to 2.661, p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Elevated peak IM, as measured by increased ATP
      production, in activated lymphocytes is associated with decreased freedom from
      angiographic CAV.

PMID- 27138700
TI  - HO-1 Protects against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in
      H9c2 Cardiomyocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial dysfunction would ultimately lead to myocardial cell
      apoptosis and death during ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Autophagy could
      ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction by autophagosome forming, which is a
      catabolic process to preserve the mitochondrial's structural and functional
      integrity. HO-1 induction and expression are important protective mechanisms.
      This study in order to investigate the role of HO-1 during mitochondrial damage
      and its mechanism. METHODS AND RESULTS: The H9c2 cardiomyocyte cell line were
      incubated by hypoxic and then reoxygenated for the indicated time (2, 6, 12, 18,
      and 24 h). Cell viability was tested with CCK-8 kit. The expression of endogenous
      HO-1(RT-PCR and Western blot) increased with the duration of reoxygenation and
      reached maximum levels after 2 hours of H/R; thereafter, the expression gradually
      decreased to a stable level. Mitochondrial dysfunction (Flow cytometry quantified
      the ROS generation and JC-1 staining) and autophagy (The Confocal microscopy
      measured the autophagy. RFP-GFP-LC3 double-labeled adenovirus was used for
      testing.) were induced after 6 hours of H/R. Then, genetic engineering technology
      was employed to construct an Lv-HO1-H9c2 cell line. When HO-1 was overexpressed,
      the LC3II levels were significantly increased after reoxygenation, p62 protein
      expression was significantly decreased, the level of autophagy was unchanged, the
      mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly increased, and the
      mitochondrial ROS level was significantly decreased. Furthermore, when the HO-1
      inhibitor ZnPP was applied the level of autophagy after reoxygenation was
      significantly inhibited, and no significant improvement in mitochondrial
      dysfunction was observed. CONCLUSIONS: During myocardial hypoxia-reoxygenation
      injury, HO-1 overexpression induces autophagy to protect the stability of the
      mitochondrial membrane and reduce the amount of mitochondrial oxidation products,
      thereby exerting a protective effect.

PMID- 27138703
TI  - Can Fat Deposition After Myocardial Infarction Alter the Performance of RF
      Catheter Ablation of Scar-Related Ventricular Tachycardia?: Results from a
      Computer Modeling Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The outcomes of catheter ablation of scar-mediated ventricular
      tachycardia (VT) remain far from perfect. The presence of fat as a component of
      the underlying substrate for scar-mediated VT could be relevant since this entity
      can seriously impede the passage of RF current due to its low electrical
      conductivity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Computer models of RF ablation were built in
      order to investigate the means by which the spatial heterogeneity of different
      tissues represented within the ventricular infarct zone, including the viable
      myocardium, fibrous tissue, and fat, could influence temperature distributions
      during RF ablation. The results demonstrated that spatial distributions of
      different tissue types significantly alter the density of electrical current
      largely as a result of fat impeding the passage of current. However, the thermal
      lesions appear minimally unaffected by this phenomenon, with variations in depth
      of ~1 mm. CONCLUSION: While during RF ablation of scar-related ventricular
      tachycardia differences in tissue characteristics may affect the density of
      electrical current on a small-scale, overall this does not appear to
      significantly impact the size of the created thermal lesions.

PMID- 27138705
TI  - Rapid and quantitative discrimination of tumour cells on tissue slices.
AB  - After a needle biopsy, immunohistochemistry is generally used to stain tissue
      slices for clinically confirming tumours. Currently, tissue slices are immersed
      in a bioprobe-linked fluorescent reagent for several minutes, washed to remove
      the unbound reagent, and then observed using a fluorescence microscope. However,
      the observation must be performed by experienced pathologists, and producing a
      qualitative analysis is time consuming. Therefore, this study proposes a novel
      scanning superconducting quantum interference device biosusceptometry (SSB)
      method for avoiding these drawbacks. First, stain reagents were synthesised for
      the dual modalities of fluorescent and magnetic imaging by combining iron-oxide
      magnetic nanoparticles and the currently used fluorescent reagent. The reagent
      for the proposed approach was stained using the same procedure as that for the
      current fluorescent reagent, and tissue slices were rapidly imaged using the
      developed SSB for obtaining coregistered optical and magnetic images. Analysing
      the total intensity of magnetic spots in SSB images enables quantitatively
      determining the tumour cells of tissue slices. To confirm the magnetic imaging
      results, a traditional observation methodology entailing the use of a
      fluorescence microscope was also performed as the gold standard. This study
      determined high consistency between the fluorescent and magnetic spots in
      different regions of the tissue slices, demonstrating the feasibility of the
      proposed approach, which will benefit future clinical pathology. 

PMID- 27138704
TI  - Assessing histidine tags for recruiting deoxyribozymes to catalyze peptide and
      protein modification reactions.
AB  - We evaluate the ability of hexahistidine (His6) tags on peptide and protein
      substrates to recruit deoxyribozymes for modifying those substrates. For two
      different deoxyribozymes, one that creates tyrosine-RNA nucleopeptides and
      another that phosphorylates tyrosine side chains, we find substantial
      improvements in yield, kobs, and Km for peptide substrates due to recruiting by
      His6/Cu(2+). However, the recruiting benefits of the histidine tag are not
      observed for larger protein substrates, likely because the tested deoxyribozymes
      either cannot access the target peptide segments or cannot function when these
      segments are presented in a structured protein context. 

PMID- 27138706
TI  - Functional characterization of insulin-like growth factors in an ancestral fish
      species, the Shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorhynchus.
AB  - Observations from the present study provide the first characterization of the GH
      IGF axis in Shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorhynchus, an ancestral fish
      species. An initial characterization of steady-state IGF-I and IGF-II gene
      expression in multiple tissues was conducted using real-time RT-qPCR. Overall,
      the tissues had significantly different profiles of IGF-I gene expression, with
      the highest IGF-I expression observed in the liver. The highest IGF-II gene
      expression was also observed in the liver, with minimal or no detection in
      muscle. A comparison between IGF-I and IGF-II expression within individual
      tissues revealed higher levels of IGF-II than IGF-I mRNA in the spleen, stomach
      and trunk kidney, and higher levels of relative IGF-I mRNA expression in the
      intestine and muscle. The GH-IGF axis was further elucidated by observing the
      effects of exogenous GH on IGF-I and IGF-II expression in liver and muscle
      tissue. The results revealed a significant dose-dependent response of both
      hepatic IGF-I and IGF-II, and muscle IGF-I mRNA expression following rbGH
      administration. At the highest rbGH concentration (240MUg/g BW), IGF-I mRNA
      levels in liver and muscle peaked significantly at 48h, indicating both hepatic
      and muscle IGF-I expression to be stimulated by GH. Hepatic IGF-II expression was
      also stimulated 48h following rbGH administration. Expression of IGF-II mRNA was
      not inducible in the muscle. Few studies have evaluated the effects of exogenous
      GH on IGF expression in ancestral vertebrate species, and as such, this research
      provides valuable insight into the evolution of the somatotropic axis in
      vertebrates.

PMID- 27138710
TI  - Risk Stratification for the elderly - a pressing issue.

PMID- 27138708
TI  - Moracin M inhibits airway inflammation by interrupting the JNK/c-Jun and NF
      kappaB pathways in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - The therapeutic effectiveness of moracins as 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives against
      airway inflammation was examined. Moracin M, O, and R were isolated from the root
      barks of Morus alba, and they inhibited interleukin (IL)-6 production from IL
      1beta-treated lung epithelial cells (A549) at 101-00MUM. Among them, moracin M
      showed the strongest inhibitory effect (IC50=8.1MUM). Downregulation of IL-6
      expression by moracin M was mediated by interrupting the c-Jun N-terminal kinase
      (JNK)/c-Jun pathway. Moracin derivatives inhibited inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS)-catalyzed NO production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated
      alveolar macrophages (MH-S) at 50-100MUM. In particular, moracin M inhibited NO
      production by downregulating iNOS. When orally administered, moracin M (20
      60mg/kg) showed comparable inhibitory action with dexamethasone (30mg/kg) against
      LPS-induced lung inflammation, acute lung injury, in mice with that of
      dexamethasone (30mg/kg). The action mechanism included interfering with the
      activation of nuclear transcription factor-kappaB in inflamed lungs. Therefore,
      it is concluded that moracin M inhibited airway inflammation in vitro and in
      vivo, and it has therapeutic potential for treating lung inflammatory disorders. 

PMID- 27138707
TI  - Cystathionine-gamma lyase-derived hydrogen sulfide mediates the cardiovascular
      protective effects of moxonidine in diabetic rats.
AB  - Blunted cystathionine-gamma lyase (CSE) activity (reduced endogenous H2S-level)
      is implicated in hypertension and myocardial dysfunction in diabetes. Here, we
      tested the hypothesis that CSE derived H2S mediates the cardiovascular protection
      conferred by the imidazoline I1 receptor agonist moxonidine in a diabetic rat
      model. We utilized streptozotocin (STZ; 55mg/kg i.p) to induce diabetes in male
      Wistar rats. Four weeks later, STZ-treated rats received vehicle, moxonidine (2
      or 6mg/kg; gavage), CSE inhibitor DL-propargylglycine, (37.5mg/kg i.p) or DL
      propargylglycine with moxonidine (6mg/kg) for 3 weeks. Moxonidine improved the
      glycemic state, and reversed myocardial hypertrophy, hypertension and baroreflex
      dysfunction in STZ-treated rats. Ex vivo studies revealed that STZ caused
      reductions in CSE expression/activity, H2S and nitric oxide (NO) levels and serum
      adiponectin and elevations in myocardial imidazoline I1 receptor expression, p38
      and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, ERK1/2, phosphorylation and lipid
      peroxidation (expressed as malondialdehyde). Moxonidine reversed these
      biochemical responses, and suppressed the expression of death associated protein
      kinase-3. Finally, pharmacologic CSE inhibition (DL-propargylglycine) abrogated
      the favorable cardiovascular, glycemic and biochemical responses elicited by
      moxonidine. These findings present the first evidence for a mechanistic role for
      CSE derived H2S in the glycemic control and in the favorable cardiovascular
      effects conferred by imidazoline I1 receptor activation (moxonidine) in a
      diabetic rat model. 

PMID- 27138711
TI  - Report of the Asociacion Espanola de Coloproctologia President.

PMID- 27138712
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27138713
TI  - A special look at fistula.

PMID- 27138716
TI  - Applying theories of health behaviour and change to hearing health research: Time
      for a new approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In recent years, there has been an increase in the application of
      behavioural models, such as social cognition models, to the promotion of hearing
      health. Despite this, there exists a well-developed body of literature that
      suggests such models may fail to consistently explain reliable amounts of
      variability in human behaviours. DESIGN: This paper provides a summary of this
      research across selected models of health-related behaviour, outlining the
      current state of the evidence. RESULTS: Recent work in the field of behaviour
      change is presented together with commentary on the design and reporting of
      behaviour change interventions. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that attempts to use
      unreliable models to explain and predict hearing health behaviours should now be
      replaced by work which integrates the latest in behaviour change science, such as
      the Behaviour Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework.

PMID- 27138724
TI  - Preparation and Biological Activity of New Collagen Composites, Part I:
      Collagen/Zinc Titanate Nanocomposites.
AB  - The aim of this investigation was to develop new antimicrobial collagen/zinc
      titanate (ZnTiO3) biomaterials using a sol-gel cryogenic draying technology in
      keeping the native collagen activity. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity was
      demonstrated against Firmicutes (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus, and
      Candida lusitaniae) and Gracilicutes (Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and
      Pseudomonas putida) microorganisms. The antimicrobial activity as well as the
      cytotoxicity were specific for the different test microorganisms (Gram-positive
      and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi) and model eukaryotic cells (osteosarcoma,
      fibroblast, and keratinocyte cells), respectively, and both were depending on the
      ZnTiO3 concentration. Three mechanisms of the antimicrobial action were supposed,
      including (i) mechanical demolition of the cell wall and membrane by the crystal
      nanoparticles of the ZnTiO3 entrapped in the collagen matrix, (ii) chelation of
      its metal ions, and (iii) formation of free oxygen radicals due to the
      interaction between the microbial cells and antimicrobial agent. It was concluded
      that the optimal balance between antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity could be
      achieved by a variation of the ZnTiO3 concentration. The antifungal and broad
      spectrum antibacterial activity of the studied collagen/ZnTiO3 nanocomposites,
      combined with a low cytotoxicity, makes them a promising anti-infection
      biomaterial. 

PMID- 27138725
TI  - Thermal Destabilization of Rhizomucor miehei Rennet with Aldehyde Dextran
      Sulfate: Purification, Bioconjugation and Milk-Clotting Activities.
AB  - High thermal stability of Rhizomucor miehei Rennet, which is a thermostable
      enzyme used in cheese production, causes undesired cases at elevated
      temperatures. This study aims to decrease the thermal stability of the R. miehei
      Rennet at high temperatures. To achieve this goal, bioconjugates of R. miehei
      Rennet with aldehyde derivative of dextran sulfate were synthesized in different
      molar ratios. Physico-chemical properties of bioconjugates were characterized
      with particle size analyzer and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) techniques.
      The enzyme and biopolymer were conjugated with medium efficiency. Milk-clotting
      activities of bioconjugates decreased drastically at high temperatures in all
      molar ratios, which reveals that covalent bioconjugation of the enzyme with
      aldehyde derivative of dextran sulfate caused a decrease in thermal resistance of
      this enzyme. 

PMID- 27138726
TI  - Detoxification of Olive Mill Wastewater and Bioconversion of Olive Crop Residues
      into High-Value-Added Biomass by the Choice Edible Mushroom Hericium erinaceus.
AB  - Environmentally acceptable disposal of olive cultivation residues (e.g., olive
      prunings; olive pruning residues (OLPR)) and olive mill wastes is of paramount
      importance since they are generated in huge quantities within a short time.
      Moreover, olive mill wastewater (OMW) or sludge-like effluents ("alperujo"; two
      phase olive mill waste (TPOMW)) are highly biotoxic. Hericium erinaceus is a
      white-rot fungus which produces choice edible mushrooms on substrates rich in
      lignocellulosics, and its suitability for the treatment of olive by-products was
      examined for the first time. Fungal growth resulted in a notable reduction of
      OMW's pollution parameters (i.e., 65 % decolorization, 47 % total phenolic
      reduction, and 52 % phytotoxicity decrease) and correlated with laccase and
      manganese peroxidase activities. Solid-state fermentation of various mixtures of
      OLPR, TPOMW, and beech sawdust (control) by H. erinaceus qualified OLPR in
      subsequent cultivation experiments, where it exhibited high mushroom yields and
      biological efficiency (31 %). Analyses of proximate composition and bioactive
      compound content revealed that mushrooms deriving from OLPR substrates showed
      significantly higher crude fat, total glucan, beta-glucan, total phenolics, and
      ferric-reducing antioxidant potential values than the control. H. erinaceus
      demonstrated the potential to detoxify OMW and bioconvert OLPR into high-quality
      biomass, and hence, this fungus could be successfully exploited for the treatment
      of such by-products. 

PMID- 27138727
TI  - The toxicity of Datura stramonium (thorn apple) to horses.
AB  - Meal contaminated by Datura stramonium seeds at the rate of 0.5% by weight was
      fed to two horses. Both horses showed clinical signs of depression, anorexia,
      weight loss, rapi heart and respiration rates, mydriasis, polyuria, polydipsia
      and diarrhoea. Both recovered with treatment. Maize screenings contaminated by
      the seeds had been used in the manufacture of the meal. 

PMID- 27138728
TI  - Correction: Chemical proteomics approaches for identifying the cellular targets
      of natural products.
AB  - Correction for 'Chemical proteomics approaches for identifying the cellular
      targets of natural products' by M. H. Wright et al., Nat. Prod. Rep., 2016, DOI:
      10.1039/c6np00001k.

PMID- 27138729
TI  - Pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease.
AB  - Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has become one of the most critical health problems
      in many countries, including Japan. Liver injury in ALD ranges from steatosis and
      steatohepatitis to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Many
      factors are thought to contribute to the development and progression of ALD,
      particularly insulin resistance, generation of reactive oxygen species during
      alcohol metabolism, adipokines from visceral adipose tissue, and endotoxin
      derived from the gut. Although the pathogenesis of ALD has been widely
      investigated, the precise mechanisms are yet to be elucidated and many questions
      remain. This article reviews the possible mechanisms for the development of ALD
      identified to date.

PMID- 27138730
TI  - Evaluation of a Once/Day Tobramycin Regimen to Achieve Target Concentrations in
      Adult Patients with Cystic Fibrosis.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success of an initial tobramycin dosing regimen
      to achieve target peak and trough concentrations in adult patients with pulmonary
      exacerbations of cystic fibrosis (CF). DESIGN: Retrospective single-center
      medical record review. SETTING: Large tertiary care academic medical center.
      PATIENTS: A total of 186 patient encounters where 112 patients with CF were
      treated for acute pulmonary exacerbations with 10 mg/kg/day of tobramycin between
      January 1, 2009, and December 5, 2014. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Baseline
      demographics, clinical characteristics, tobramycin data, and pharmacokinetic
      variables were collected. The primary outcome evaluated the success of the
      initial tobramycin dosing regimen in attaining the target peak concentration.
      Secondary end points were achievement of the target trough concentration,
      achievement of combined peak and trough targets, and incidence of nephrotoxicity.
      Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated
      with achieving target concentrations. Of the 186 patient encounters, 41% achieved
      the target peak with the first dosing regimen, 62% achieved a target trough, and
      23% achieved the target peak and trough. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 10% of
      patient encounters. A body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2) was associated
      with higher odds of meeting the target peak compared with a BMI lower than 18.5
      kg/m(2) (odds ratio [OR] 24.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2-117.2).
      Conversely, a BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2) was associated with lower odds of
      attaining the target trough compared with a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m(2) (OR 0.16;
      95% CI 0.05-0.56). Higher volume of distribution and elimination rate constants
      (Kel ) were associated with significantly lower odds of achieving the target
      peak. In addition, higher Kel values were associated with significantly higher
      odds of achieving the target trough. CONCLUSIONS: The current initial tobramycin
      regimen did not achieve target serum tobramycin concentrations reliably.
      Optimization of the initial CF tobramycin dosing regimen is warranted.

PMID- 27138731
TI  - Rituximab in the Treatment of Refractory Noninfectious Scleritis.

PMID- 27138733
TI  - Rhino-orbital mucormycosis in a patient with diabetes.

PMID- 27138732
TI  - The Association between Resting Functional Connectivity and Visual Creativity.
AB  - Resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC), the temporal correlation of
      intrinsic activation between different brain regions, has become one of the most
      fascinating field in the functional imaging studies. To better understand the
      association between RSFC and individual creativity, we used RSFC and the figure
      Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT-F) to investigate the relationship
      between creativity measured by TTCT and RSFC within two different brain networks,
      default mode network and the cognitive control network, in a large healthy sample
      (304). We took the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and the bilateral dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortices (DLPFC) to be the seed regions and investigated the
      association across subjects between the score of TTCT-F and the strength of RSFC
      between these seed regions and other voxels in the whole brain. Results revealed
      that the strength of RSFC with the MPFC was significantly and negatively
      correlated with the score of TTCT-F in the precuneus. Meanwhile, we also found
      that the strength of RSFC with the left DLPFC was significantly and positively
      correlated with the score of TTCT-F in the right DLPFC. It suggests that the
      decreased RSFC within DMN and the increased RSFC within CCN presents a potential
      interaction mechanism between different region for higher creativity.

PMID- 27138734
TI  - The role of glucagon in the artificial pancreas.

PMID- 27138735
TI  - Growth Mechanism of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Monolayers: The Role of Self
      Seeding Fullerene Nuclei.
AB  - Due to their unique optoelectronic properties and potential for next generation
      devices, monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted a great
      deal of interest since the first observation of monolayer MoS2 a few years ago.
      While initially isolated in monolayer form by mechanical exfoliation, the field
      has evolved to more sophisticated methods capable of direct growth of large-area
      monolayer TMDs. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is the technique used most
      prominently throughout the literature and is based on the sulfurization of
      transition metal oxide precursors. CVD-grown monolayers exhibit excellent
      quality, and this process is widely used in studies ranging from the fundamental
      to the applied. However, little is known about the specifics of the nucleation
      and growth mechanisms occurring during the CVD process. In this study, we have
      investigated the nucleation centers or "seeds" from which monolayer TMDs
      typically grow. This was accomplished using aberration-corrected scanning
      transmission electron microscopy to analyze the structure and composition of the
      nuclei present in CVD-grown MoS2-MoSe2 alloys. We find that monolayer growth
      proceeds from nominally oxi-chalcogenide nanoparticles which act as heterogeneous
      nucleation sites for monolayer growth. The oxi-chalcogenide nanoparticles are
      typically encased in a fullerene-like shell made of the TMD. Using this
      information, we propose a step-by-step nucleation and growth mechanism for
      monolayer TMDs. Understanding this mechanism may pave the way for precise control
      over the synthesis of 2D materials, heterostructures, and related complexes.

PMID- 27138736
TI  - Growth and Metastasis of Intraocular Tumors in Aged Mice.
AB  - PURPOSE: Since deterioration of the immune apparatus is closely associated with
      cancer, we examined the effect of aging on the growth and metastasis of
      intraocular melanomas in mice. METHODS: Murine B16LS9 melanoma cells were
      transplanted into the posterior compartment of the eye (vitreous chamber) and
      intraocular tumor growth and development of liver metastases were evaluated in
      young (8-10 weeks of age) and old (>18 months of age) mice. Liver metastases were
      also induced by intrasplenic injection of melanoma cells. Natural killer (NK)
      cells from the livers of mice harboring liver metastases were evaluated in vitro
      for their cytolytic activity. RESULTS: Tumors grew more rapidly in the eyes of
      young mice than old mice, yet old mice developed significantly more liver
      metastases. Increased liver metastasis in old mice was evident even when melanoma
      cells were injected intrasplenically as a means of bypassing the influence of the
      ocular immunosuppressive environment. Increased liver metastases in old mice
      correlated with reduced cytolytic activity of liver NK cells. Lethally irradiated
      young mice reconstituted with bone marrow from old donors developed significantly
      more liver metastases than young mice reconstituted with bone marrow from young
      donors, indicating that bone marrow-derived cells were the root cause of the
      heightened development of metastases in old mice. CONCLUSIONS: Aging affects the
      growth and metastasis of intraocular melanomas. Even though intraocular melanomas
      grow slower in old mice, the development of liver metastases is exacerbated and
      correlates with a reduction in liver NK cell activity in the old mouse.

PMID- 27138738
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27138737
TI  - Plasma Kallikrein Mediates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Induced Retinal
      Dysfunction and Thickening.
AB  - PURPOSE: Plasma kallikrein is a serine protease and circulating component of
      inflammation, which exerts clinically significant effects on vasogenic edema.
      This study examines the role of plasma kallikrein in VEGF-induced retinal edema.
      METHODS: Intravitreal injections of VEGF and saline vehicle were performed in
      plasma prekallikrein-deficient (KLKB1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice, and in both
      rats and mice receiving a selective plasma kallikrein inhibitor, VA999272.
      Retinal vascular permeability (RVP) and retinal thickness were measured by Evans
      blue permeation and optical coherence tomography, respectively. The retinal
      kallikrein kinin system was examined by Western blotting and
      immunohistochemistry. Retinal neovascularization was investigated in KLKB1-/- and
      WT mice subjected to oxygen-induced retinopathy. RESULTS: Vascular endothelial
      growth factor-induced RVP and retinal thickening were reduced in KLKB1-/- mice by
      68% and 47%, respectively, compared to VEGF responses in WT mice. Plasma
      kallikrein also contributes to TNFalpha-induced retinal thickening, which was
      reduced by 52% in KLKB1-/- mice. Systemic administration of VA999272 reduced VEGF
      induced retinal thickening by 57% (P < 0.001) in mice and 53% (P < 0.001) in
      rats, compared to vehicle-treated controls. Intravitreal injection of VEGF in WT
      mice increased plasma prekallikrein in the retina, which was diffusely
      distributed throughout the inner and outer retinal layers. Avascular and
      neovascular areas induced by oxygen-induced retinopathy were similar in WT and
      KLKB1-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular endothelial growth factor increases
      extravasation of plasma kallikrein into the retina, and plasma kallikrein is
      required for the full effects of VEGF on RVP and retinal thickening in rodents.
      Systemic plasma kallikrein inhibition may provide a therapeutic opportunity to
      treat VEGF-induced retina edema.

PMID- 27138739
TI  - omega-3 Tear Film Lipids Correlate With Clinical Measures of Dry Eye.
AB  - PURPOSE: omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate inflammatory
      processes throughout the body through distinct classes of lipid mediators that
      possess both proinflammatory and proresolving properties. The purpose of this
      cross-sectional study was to explore the relationship between lipid profiles in
      human tears and dry eye (DE) symptoms and signs. METHODS: Forty-one patients with
      normal eyelid and corneal anatomy were prospectively recruited from a Veterans
      Administration Hospital over 18 months. Symptoms and signs of DE were assessed,
      and tear samples was analyzed by mass spectrometry-based lipidomics. Statistical
      analyses comparing the relationship between tear film lipids and DE included
      Pearson/Spearman correlations and t-tests. RESULTS: Arachidonic acid (AA),
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were present in more
      than 90% of tear film samples. The ratio of omega-6 (AA) to omega-3 (DHA+EPA)
      fatty acids was correlated with multiple measures of tear film dysfunction (tear
      breakup time, Schirmer 2 scores, and corneal staining; all P < 0.05). Arachidonic
      acid-derived prostaglandin E2 was detected in the majority of samples and
      correlated with low tear osmolarity, meibomian gland plugging, and corneal
      staining. CONCLUSIONS: Both omega-3 and omega-6 lipid circuits are activated in
      the human tear film. The ratio of omega-6:omega-3 tear lipids is elevated in DE
      patients in proportion to the degree of tear film dysfunction and corneal
      staining. Metabolic deficiency of omega-3 tear film lipids may be a driver of
      chronic ocular surface inflammation in DE.

PMID- 27138740
TI  - The effects of cordycepin on the cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis in
      human lung cancer cell lines A549 and NCI-H460.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of cordycepin on human lung
      cancer cell lines A549 and NCI-H460. METHODS: Human lung cancer A549 cells and
      NCI-H460 cells were treated with different concentrations of cordycepin for
      different times. Cells incubated without cordycepin were defined as a control.
      The cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were, respectively, determined by
      MTT assay, transwell migration assay and flow cytometry. Additionally, the
      expression levels of related proteins associated with cell cycle, epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis were examined. KEY FINDINGS: The
      survival rate of A549 cells and NCI-H460 cells treated with cordycepin
      significantly decreased compared with untreated cells in a concentration
      dependent manner, while the apoptosis rate increased. The migration number of
      cells treated with cordycepin significantly decreased as the increase in
      concentration. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the aberrant
      expression of related molecules associated with cell cycle, migration and
      apoptosis was observed in the lung cancer cells, such as cyclin B, cyclin E, MMP
      9, caspase-3 and Bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS: Cordycepin may exert inhibitory effects on
      the development of human lung cancer via inhibiting cell proliferation,
      suppressing migration and inducing apoptosis, suggesting that cordycepin may have
      therapeutic potential for the treatment of this disease.

PMID- 27138741
TI  - Noise exposure of residential areas along LRT lines in a mountainous city.
AB  - Light rapid transit (LRT) has been widely used in a number of Chinese cities in
      recent years. Different from plain cities, the urban areas in mountainous cities
      are featured with dense road networks and high density of buildings. The noise
      impact of urban LRT could be more complex and significant due to the special
      morphological conditions in mountainous cities. This paper aims to investigate
      the noise exposure of residential areas along LRT lines in a typical mountainous
      city, namely Chongqing in Southwest China, through a series of field measurements
      and questionnaire surveys. Eight typical spatial configurations were classified
      to represent the relationships between LRT lines and urban mountainous
      environment. Both the outdoor and indoor acoustic environment of residential
      areas along LRT lines largely exceeded the national standards by up to 15dBA,
      with dominant at low frequencies. The LRT noises tend to be more dominant on the
      'below track' and 'passing through' rather than 'above track' areas or 'facing
      towards' locations. Good agreements were achieved between acoustic measurements
      and subjective evaluations from the local residents. Residents in the noisier
      areas tend to be more annoyed and influenced by the LRT noise, and 63.2% of
      interviewed residents once were awakened by the LRT noise. Among various urban
      noise sources, LRT noise resulted in the largest percentages of highly annoyed
      residents (30.9%), and acoustic environment was identified by 42.2% of the
      participants as the most urgent environmental factor to be improved. The
      preferred control strategies for LRT noise are possible but limited in practice.
      Moreover, noise sensitivity and age might significantly affect LRT noise
      annoyance and impact, whereas window glazing and residence time have no
      significant influence. 

PMID- 27138742
TI  - Resilience of Mediterranean terrestrial ecosystems and fire severity in semiarid
      areas: Responses of Aleppo pine forests in the short, mid and long term.
AB  - In recent decades, the fire regime of the Mediterranean Basin has been disturbed
      by various factors: climate change; forest management policies; land cover;
      changed landscape. Size and severity have notably increased, which in turn have
      increased large fires events with >500ha burned (high severity). In spite of
      Mediterranean ecosystems' high resilience to fire, these changes have implied
      more vulnerability and reduced natural recovery with irreparable long-term
      negative effects. Knowledge of the response of ecosystems to increasing severity,
      mainly in semiarid areas, is still lacking, which is needed to rehabilitate and
      restore burned areas. Our approach assessed the resilience concept by focusing on
      the recovery of ecosystem functions and services, measured as changes in the
      composition and diversity of plant community vegetation and structure. This will
      be validated in the long term as a model of ecosystem response. Also, depending
      on the pre-fire characteristics of vegetation, fire severity and the post-fire
      management, this approach will lead to tools that can be applied to implement
      post-fire restoration efforts in order to help decision making in planning
      activities. Regarding Mediterranean ecosystems' ability to recover after
      wildfires, this study concludes that pre-fire communities are resilient in these
      fire-prone areas, but the window for natural recovery in semiarid areas of Aleppo
      pine forest in SE Iberian Peninsula varied from 3 to 15 post-fire years. Fire
      severity was also key for effects on the ecosystem: the vegetation types of areas
      burned with low and medium severity recovered naturally, while those areas with a
      high-severity burn induced shrublands. We concluded that very strong regeneration
      activity exists in the short term, and that the negative effects of medium- and
      high-severity fire are evidenced in the mid and long term, which affect natural
      recovery. Adaptive forest management to rehabilitate and restore burned
      Mediterranean ecosystems should be implemented.

PMID- 27138743
TI  - Influence of vibration in the reactive scattering of D + MuH: the effect of
      dynamical bonding.
AB  - The dynamics of the D + MuH(v = 1) reaction has been investigated using time
      independent quantum mechanical calculations. The total reaction cross sections
      and rate coefficients have been calculated for the two exit channels of the
      reaction leading, respectively, to DMu + H and DH + Mu. Over the 100-1000 K
      temperature range investigated the rate coefficients for the DMu + H channel are
      of the order of 10(-10) cm(3) s(-1) and those for the DH + Mu channel vary
      between 1 * 10(-12) and 8 * 10(-11) cm(3) s(-1). These results point to a
      virtually barrierless reaction for the DMu + H channel and to the presence of a
      comparatively small barrier for the DH + Mu channel and are consistent with the
      profiles of their respective collinear vibrationally adiabatic potentials (VAPs).
      The effective barrier in the VAP of the DH + Mu channel is located in the
      reactant valley and, consequently, translation is found to be more efficient than
      vibration for the promotion of the reaction over a large energy interval in the
      post threshold region. Below this barrier, the DH + Mu channel can be accessible
      through an indirect mechanism implying crossing from the DMu + H pathway. The
      most salient feature found in the present study is revealed in the total reaction
      cross section for the DMu + H channel, which shows a sharp resonance caused by
      the presence of a deep well in the vibrationally adiabatic potential. This well
      has a dynamical origin, reminiscent of that found recently in the vibrationally
      bonded BrMuBr complex [Fleming, et al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed., 2014, 53, 1], and
      is due to the stabilizing effect of the light Mu atom oscillating between the
      heavier H and D isotopes and to the bond softening associated with vibrational
      excitation of MuH.

PMID- 27138744
TI  - Corrigendum to "Congenital neurogenic muscular atrophy in megaconial myopathy due
      to a mutation in CHKB gene" [Brain Dev. 38 (2016) 167-172].

PMID- 27138745
TI  - Long-term outcomes of modified laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for advanced pelvic
      organ prolapse: a 3-year prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the anatomical and functional
      outcomes of modified laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (MLSC) for the treatment of
      advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: From May 2009 to September 2012, a
      consecutive prospective observational study of 30 participants was conducted to
      evaluate MLSC as a treatment for symptomatic advanced POP at Peking Union Medical
      College Hospital. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) classification
      was used to determine the POP stage. Validated tools were used to evaluate
      symptoms (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, PFDI-20) and sexual function (Pelvic
      Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, PISQ-12). Measurements
      were recorded preoperatively and then at 3 months and yearly after surgery. We
      compared the follow-up results with the preoperative data. RESULTS: All
      participants completed a 3-year clinical follow-up routine. The anatomical
      results at 3 months showed significant improvements (P < 0.05) compared with the
      preoperative results based on the POP-Q measurements. This improvement remained
      significant after 3 years (P < 0.05). The anatomical cure rate was 100% and 96.7%
      at 3 months and 3 years after surgery, respectively. Pelvic floor function
      remained significantly improved after surgery compared with preceding surgery (P
      < 0.05) according to the following measures: PFDI-20 (106.2 vs 36.0), Pelvic
      Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6, 47.9 vs 13.7), Colorectal-Anal
      Distress Inventory-8 (CRADI-8, 29.2 vs 9.2), and Urinary Distress Inventory-6
      (UDI-6, 29.2 vs 13.2). The participants maintained a high level of sexual
      function (PISQ-12: 29.0 vs 35.1, P < 0.05). One case of mesh exposure (3.3%) and
      two cases of de novo dyspareunia (8.7%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: MLSC seems to
      be a safe and effective procedure that achieves good long-term anatomical and
      functional results.

PMID- 27138747
TI  - Stationary bubble formation and cavity collapse in wedge-shaped hoppers.
AB  - The hourglass is one of the apparatuses familiar to everyone, but reveals
      intriguing behaviors peculiar to granular materials, and many issues are remained
      to be explored. In this study, we examined the dynamics of falling sand in a
      special form of hourglass, i.e., a wedge-shaped hopper, when a suspended granular
      layer is stabilized to a certain degree. As a result, we found remarkably
      different dynamic regimes of bubbling and cavity. In the bubbling regime, bubbles
      of nearly equal size are created in the sand at a regular time interval. In the
      cavity regime, a cavity grows as sand beads fall before a sudden collapse of the
      cavity. Bubbling found here is quite visible to a level never discussed in the
      physics literature and the cavity regime is a novel phase, which is neither
      continuous, intermittent nor completely blocked phase. We elucidate the physical
      conditions necessary for the bubbling and cavity regimes and develop simple
      theories for the regimes to successfully explain the observed phenomena by
      considering the stability of a suspended granular layer and clogging of granular
      flow at the outlet of the hopper. The bubbling and cavity regimes could be useful
      for mixing a fluid with granular materials.

PMID- 27138748
TI  - Cognitive Functioning in Adolescents with Self-Reported ADHD and Depression:
      Results from a Population-Based Study.
AB  - This study aims to assess cognitive functioning differences among adolescents
      with retrospectively self-reported: ADHD and an onset of depression, only ADHD,
      only depression, and neither ADHD nor depression. Data from the Tracking
      Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS) cohort was used in this study.
      Neuropsychological functioning was assessed in 1549 adolescents, at baseline and
      follow-up (mean ages 11 and 19 years). The Composite International Diagnostic
      Interview was used to classify adolescents into 4 groups: ADHD with onset of
      depression, only ADHD, only depression, and neither ADHD nor depression. Linear
      mixed effects models were used to analyse group differences in cognitive
      functioning at baseline and follow-up, and the change in cognitive functioning
      between these 2 time-points. Results showed a significant main effect of group on
      response time variability at baseline, working memory maintenance at follow up,
      and change in response time variability scores between baseline and follow-up. As
      compared to the healthy and depressed-only groups, adolescents with only ADHD
      showed longer response time variability at baseline and, which declined between
      baseline and follow-up. Adolescents with ADHD plus depression showed higher
      reaction time for working memory maintenance than the depressed only and healthy
      groups at follow-up. In conclusion, adolescents with self-reported ADHD show
      poorer cognitive functioning than healthy adolescents and those with only
      depression. Amongst adolescents with ADHD, specific cognitive domains show poor
      functioning depending on the presence or absence of comorbid depression. While
      adolescents with only ADHD have lower reaction time variability, those with
      comorbid depression have poorer working memory maintenance.

PMID- 27138749
TI  - Regional hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy in paediatric, adolescent and
      young adult patients: current and future perspectives.
AB  - Here we evaluate the current status of clinical research on regional hyperthermia
      (RHT) in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy in paediatric
      oncology.Data were identified in searches of MEDLINE, Current Contents, PubMed,
      and references from relevant articles using medical subject headings including
      hyperthermia, cancer, paediatric oncology, children, radiation therapy and
      chemotherapy. Currently, only two RHT centres exist in Europe which treat
      children. Clinical RHT research in paediatric oncology has as yet been limited to
      children with sarcomas and germ cell tumours that respond poorly to or recur
      after chemotherapy. RHT is a safe and effective treatment delivering local
      thermic effects, which may also stimulate immunological processes via heat-shock
      protein reactions. RHT is used chiefly in children and adolescents with sarcomas
      or germ cell tumours located in the abdomino-pelvic region, chest wall or
      extremities to improve operability or render the tumour operable. It could
      potentially be combined with radiation therapy in a post-operative R1 setting
      where more radical surgery is not possible or combined with chemotherapy instead
      of radiation therapy in cases where the necessary radiation dose is impossible to
      achieve or would have mutilating consequences. RHT might also be an option for
      chemotherapy intensification in the neoadjuvant first-line treatment setting for
      children and adolescents, as was recently reflected in the promising long-term
      outcome data in adults with high-risk soft tissue sarcomas (EORTC 62961/ESHO
      trial).The limited data available indicate that combining RHT with chemotherapy
      is a promising option to treat germ cell tumours and, potentially, sarcomas. RHT
      may also be beneficial in first-line therapy in children, adolescents and young
      adults. The research should focus on optimising necessary technical demands and
      then initiate several clinical trials incorporating RHT into interdisciplinary
      treatment of children, adolescents and young adults that include translational
      research components exploring potential immunological mechanisms of action. 

PMID- 27138750
TI  - Clinical utility of the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale for the
      detection of depression among bariatric surgery candidates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical assessment of depression is an important part of pre
      surgical assessment among individuals with morbid obesity. However, there is no
      agreed-upon instrument to identify mood psychopathology in this population. We
      examined the reliability and criterion validity of the clinician-administered
      Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the utility of a short
      version for bariatric surgery candidates. METHODS: The sample was 374 patients
      with obesity, consecutively recruited from the waiting list of a bariatric
      surgery clinic of University Hospital, Brazil: women 80%, mean BMI 47 kg/m(2),
      mean age 43.0 years. The 10-item MADRS was analyzed against the SCID-I. Items
      that showed small relevance to sample's characteristics and contribution to data
      variability were removed to develop the short 5-item version of scale. We
      calculated the sensitivity and specificity of cutoff points of both versions
      MADRS, and values were plotted as a receiver operating characteristic curve.
      RESULTS: For the 10-item MADRS, the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.93. When
      compared against SCID-I, the best cut-off threshold was 13/14, yielding
      sensitivity of 0.81 and specificity 0.85. Following items were removed: reduced
      appetite, reduced sleep, concentration difficulties, suicide thought and
      lassitude. The 5-item version showed an alpha coefficient of 0.94 and a best cut
      off threshold of 10/11, yielding sensitivity of 0.81 and specificity 0.87.
      Similar overall ability to discriminate depression of almost 90% was found for
      both 10-item and 5-item MADRS. CONCLUSION: The MADRS is a reliable and valid
      instrument to assess depressive symptoms among treatment-seeking bariatric
      patients. Systematic application of the abbreviated version of the MADRS can be
      recommended for enhancing the clinical detection of depression during
      perioperative period.

PMID- 27138751
TI  - Child Odors and Parenting: A Survey Examination of the Role of Odor in Child
      Rearing.
AB  - Parental caregiving is critical for the survival of our young and continuation of
      our species. In humans, visual and auditory signals from offspring have been
      shown to be potent facilitators of parenting. However, whether odors emitted by
      our young also influence human parenting remains unclear. To explore this, we
      conducted a series of questionnaire surveys targeting parents with children under
      6 years old. First, we collected episodes on experiencing odors/sniffing various
      parts of a child's body (n = 507). The prevalence of experiencing events
      described in those episodes was examined in a separate survey (n = 384). Based on
      those results, the Child Odor in Parenting scale (COPs) was developed, and
      subsequently used in the main survey (n = 888). We found COPs to have adequate
      content validity, concurrent validity, and reliability. Responses to the COPs
      demonstrated that parents, especially mothers with infants, are aware of odors
      from their offspring, and actively seek them in daily child-rearing. The factor
      structure and content of the COPs items indicated that child odors have both
      affective and instrumental roles. Affective experiences induce loving feeling and
      affectionate sniffing, while instrumental experiences pertain to specific
      hygienic needs. The head was the most frequent source of affective experiences,
      and the child's bottom of instrumental. Each was experienced by more than 90% of
      the mothers with a child below 1 year of age. Affective experiences significantly
      declined as the child grew older, possibly associated with the decline of
      physical proximity between parents and child. This age-related decline was not
      prominent for instrumental experiences, except for the bottom, which
      significantly declined after 3 years of age. The present findings suggest that
      child odors play roles in human parenting, and that their nature and significance
      change during the course of a child's development.

PMID- 27138752
TI  - The Relative Importance of Spatial and Local Environmental Factors in Determining
      Beetle Assemblages in the Inner Mongolia Grassland.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to increase understanding of the relative importance of
      the input of geographic and local environmental factors on richness and
      composition of epigaeic steppe beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae and Tenebrionidae)
      along a geographic (longitudinal/precipitation) gradient in the Inner Mongolia
      grassland. Specifically, we evaluate the associations of environmental variables
      representing climate and environmental heterogeneity with beetle assemblages.
      Beetles were sampled using pitfall traps at 25 sites scattered across the full
      geographic extent of the study biome in 2011-2012. We used variance partitioning
      techniques and multi-model selection based on the Akaike information criterion to
      assess the relative importance of the spatial and environmental variables on
      beetle assemblages. Species richness and abundance showed unimodal patterns along
      the geographic gradient. Together with space, climate variables associated with
      precipitation, water-energy balance and harshness of climate had strong
      explanatory power in richness pattern. Abundance pattern showed strongest
      association with variation in temperature and environmental heterogeneity.
      Climatic factors associated with temperature and precipitation variables and the
      interaction between climate with space were able to explain a substantial amount
      of variation in community structure. In addition, the turnover of species
      increased significantly as geographic distances increased. We confirmed that
      spatial and local environmental factors worked together to shape epigaeic beetle
      communities along the geographic gradient in the Inner Mongolia grassland.
      Moreover, the climate features, especially precipitation, water-energy balance
      and temperature, and the interaction between climate with space and environmental
      heterogeneity appeared to play important roles on controlling richness and
      abundance, and species compositions of epigaeic beetles.

PMID- 27138753
TI  - An in vitro evaluation of fibrinogen and gelatin containing cryogels as dermal
      regeneration scaffolds.
AB  - Macroporous cryogels containing mixtures of two key components of the dermal
      extracellular matrix, fibrinogen and collagen-derived gelatin, were evaluated for
      use as dermal tissue regeneration scaffolds. The infiltration of human dermal
      fibroblasts into these matrices was quantitatively assessed in vitro using a
      combination of cell culture and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The extent of
      cellular infiltration, as measured by the number of cells per distance travelled
      versus time, was found to be positively correlated with the fibrinogen
      concentration of the cryogel scaffolds; a known potentiator of cell migration and
      angiogenesis within regenerating tissue. An analysis of the proteins expressed by
      infiltrating fibroblasts revealed that the cells that had migrated into the
      interior portion of the scaffolds expressed predominantly F-actin along their
      cytoplasmic stress fibres, whereas those present on the periphery of the
      scaffolds expressed predominantly alpha-smooth muscle actin, indicative of a
      nonmotile, myofibroblast phenotype associated with wound contraction. In
      conclusion, the cryogels produced in this study were found to be biocompatible
      and, by alteration of the fibrinogen content, could be rendered more amenable to
      cellular infiltration. 

PMID- 27138754
TI  - Exploration of Structural and Functional Variations Owing to Point Mutations in
      alpha-NAGA.
AB  - Schindler disease is a lysosomal storage disorder caused due to deficiency or
      defective activity of alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (alpha-NAGA). Mutations in
      gene encoding alpha-NAGA cause wide range of diseases, characterized with mild to
      severe clinical features. Molecular effects of these mutations are yet to be
      explored in detail. Therefore, this study was focused on four missense mutations
      of alpha-NAGA namely, S160C, E325K, R329Q and R329W. Native and mutant structures
      of alpha-NAGA were analysed to determine geometrical deviations such as the
      contours of root mean square deviation, root mean square fluctuation, percentage
      of residues in allowed regions of Ramachandran plot and solvent accessible
      surface area, using conformational sampling technique. Additionally, global
      energy-minimized structures of native and mutants were further analysed to
      compute their intra-molecular interactions, hydrogen bond dilution and
      distribution of secondary structure. In addition, docking studies were also
      performed to determine variations in binding energies between native and mutants.
      The deleterious effects of mutants were evident due to variations in their active
      site residues pertaining to spatial conformation and flexibility, comparatively.
      Hence, variations exhibited by mutants, namely S160C, E325K, R329Q and R329W to
      that of native, consequently, lead to the detrimental effects causing Schindler
      disease. This study computationally explains the underlying reasons for the
      pathogenesis of the disease, thereby aiding future researchers in drug
      development and disease management.

PMID- 27138755
TI  - Molecular Targets and Angiogenesis in Renal Cell Carcinoma, A Multitarget
      Approach: Mini Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 2% of all adult malignancies
      and is associated with a case fatality rate as high as 40%. RCC has been on the
      rise for the last 6 decades at a steady increase of 2% per annum. Much work has
      been done to uncover the pathogenesis of the disease and the role of angiogenesis
      has been a recurrent denominator connected to vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) and its downstream effectors along with the mammalian target of rapamycin
      (mTOR) mediated signal transduction pathway. OBJECTIVE: This review will discuss
      relevant inhibitors of key biomarkers to the disease in hopes of paving the way
      for novel treatments geared towards improving RCC morbidity and mortality rates.
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Currently, treatment of advanced RCC includes one or more
      of the following: partial or radical nephrectomy, systemic therapy, immunotherapy
      and targeted therapy. Still drug resistance continues to be a challenge to many
      of the approved drugs and those undergoing clinical trials. However, the
      inclusion of targeted therapies has improved advanced RCC treatment success rates
      over that of surgery alone, and over that of the use of traditional chemotherapy
      for this relatively chemo-resistant disease. In an era of personalized medicine,
      research utilizing a polypharmacology approach could enhance efficacy of drug
      leads to treating RCC.

PMID- 27138756
TI  - Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Clinical Management and Unmet Needs New Perspectives for
      an Old Problem.
AB  - Small cell lung cancer is a highly aggressive, difficult to treat neoplasm. Among
      all lung tumors, small cell lung cancers account for about 20%. Patients
      typically include heavy smokers in 70s age group, presenting with symptoms such
      as intrathoracic tumors growth, distant spread or paraneoplastic syndromes at the
      time of diagnosis. A useful and functional classification divides small cell lung
      cancers into limited disease and extensive disease. Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy
      is the standard treatment for limited disease, with improved survival when
      combined with prophylactic cranial irradiation. Platinum compounds
      (cisplatin/carboplatin) plus etoposide remain the cornerstone for extensive
      disease. Nevertheless, despite high chemo- and radio-sensitivity of this cancer,
      nearly all patients relapse within the first two years and the prognosis is
      extremely poor. A deeper understanding about small cell lung cancer
      carcinogenesis led to develop and test a considerable number of new and targeted
      agents but the results are currently weak or insufficient. To date, small cell
      lung cancer is still a challenge for researchers. In this review, key aspects of
      small cell lung cancer management and controversial points of standard and new
      treatments will be discussed.

PMID- 27138757
TI  - Mechanism and Potential Inhibitors of GlmU: A Novel Target for Antimicrobial Drug
      Discovery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multidrug resistant Gram negative pathogens pose a persistent threat
      to the health care system and require investigation of new targets and molecules
      for the development of antibiotics to treat infections caused by MDR bacterial
      pathogens. OBJECTIVE: It is essential to work on multidisciplinary approaches and
      diverse strategies for developing new compounds acting on novel antibacterial
      targets. N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphateuridyltransferase/ glucosamine-1
      phosphate-acetyltransferase (GlmU) is one such target which is involved in the
      synthesis of both peptidoglycan and Lipopolysaccharide in Gram negative and Gram
      positive bacteria making GlmU an attractive target for developing antibacterials.
      RESULTS: GlmU, as revealed by X- ray crystallographic studies, is made up of two
      domains connected by alpha helical arm; the N-terminal uridyltransferase domain
      resembles a dinucleotide Rossmann fold and the C- terminal acetyltransferase
      domain adopts a left handed parallel beta helix structure. The GlmU molecules are
      arranged in a trimeric array, the acetyltransferase active site being formed at
      the junction of adjacent LbetaH domain. Many potent inhibitors of both the
      acetyltransferase and uridyltransferase activity of GlmU have been identified.
      Inhibitors of the acetyltransferase activity of GlmU include nonspecific thiol
      reactive agents, 2-phenylbenzofurans, arylamines and arylsulfonamides. A
      aminopiperidine based inhibitor has also been reported to inhibit
      uridyltransferase activity of hiGlmU. CONCLUSION: The present review provides an
      insight of the structure of GlmU and its reported inhibitors which make GlmU a
      potential target for drug designing. The GlmU is a promising target for drug
      discovery against Gram negative pathogens and future studies should focus on GlmU
      for the development of more potent compounds for treating Gram negative
      infections.

PMID- 27138758
TI  - Antiangiogenics and Hypoxic Response: Role of Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitors.
AB  - One proposed mechanism through which antiangiogenics exert their effect in
      epithelial malignancies is by improving the status of the aberrant vascular
      network and secondarily facilitating the delivery of concurrently administrated
      cytotoxic agents. During this process, known as vascular normalization, the
      oxygenation of the tumor is usually improved. Many mechanisms of resistance have
      been proposed to evade the action of this drug class elicited through this
      mechanism of action. However, a less explored mechanism of action is vascular
      choking, as increased hypoxia is thought to be associated with the inevitable
      progression of certain tumor-promotion features. Here we review the available
      evidence regarding decreased blood flow as a mechanism of action of
      antiangiogenics at the preclinical and clinical level. Similar to vascular
      normalization, there are also escape mechanisms against chronic hypoxia generated
      by treatment with antiangiogenics. Among other compensatory responses, chronic
      hypoxia is related with the upregulation of lipidic anabolism. Therefore, we
      focus on how fatty acid synthase, a key player in this response, can be targeted
      to delay acquired resistance against antiangiogenics, including experimental data
      from our group. This effect seems to be specific to those cases in which the
      antiangiogenic treatment induces a hypoxic response, but not in models where the
      antiangiogenic agent induced normalizing effects. Whether antiangiogenics induce
      vascular normalization or a hypoxic environment seems to be tractable with a
      noninvasive PET-tracer: 18F-fluoromisonidazole PET.

PMID- 27138759
TI  - Strategies Targeting DNA Topoisomerase I in Cancer Chemotherapy: Camptothecins,
      Nanocarriers for Camptothecins, Organic Non-Camptothecin Compounds and Metal
      Complexes.
AB  - Topoisomerase I (Topo I) is a nuclear enzyme engaged in adjustment of DNA
      topological structure during cell cycle by cleaving and reannealing one of the
      two strands of the DNA double helix. Inhibition of this enzyme results in DNA
      strand breaks, ultimately leads to apoptosis and cell death; additionally it is
      in raised level in solid tumors contrasted with healthy tissues. Consequently,
      Topo I has a great potential as a target for the treatment of tumors. Although
      significant anti-tumor activity of first Topo I inhibitor, camptothecin (CPT),
      was observed on colon, lung, ovarian, breast, liver, pancreas and stomach
      cancers, CPT and its clinical derivatives (topotecan and irinotecan) have several
      restrictions. In addition to their low water solubility and cell resistance to
      CPTs, lactone ring opening causes a reduction in cytotoxic activity and severe
      side effects in physiological conditions (pH: 7.4, 37 degrees C). Although
      numerous efficient nano drug delivery systems were developed for CPT and its
      derivatives to compensate the handicaps of these compounds, none of them has been
      approved so far. On the other hand, organic non-CPT compounds have been searched;
      indolocarbazoles, indenoisoquinolines and dibenzonaphthyridines have been applied
      to clinical development. Especially, indenoisoquinolines and
      dibenzonaphthyridines have favorable characteristics compared to CPTs: They are
      chemically stable; they have the ability to overcome cell resistance; they
      stabilize enzyme-DNA cleavage complexes more persistently. In addition to the
      approaches based on organic compounds, recently some metal complexes (e.g.,
      platinum, gold, copper, cobalt, zinc, vanadium, ruthenium) have also been
      reported as inhibitors of Topo I. This review will discuss the whole aspects of
      strategies targeting Topo I in cancer chemotherapy from past to the recent
      progresses.

PMID- 27138760
TI  - The Molecular Concept of Atheromatous Plaques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, there are scientific attempts to discover new drugs in the
      biotechnology industry in order to treat various diseases including
      atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the present review was to
      highlight the cellular, molecular biology and inflammatory process related to the
      atheromatous plaques. METHODS: A thorough literature search of Pubmed, Google and
      Scopus databases was done. RESULTS: Atherosclerosis is considered to be a leading
      cause of death throughout the world. Atherosclerosis involves oxidative damage to
      the cells with production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Development of
      atheromatous plaques in the arterial wall is a common feature. Specific
      inflammatory markers pertaining to the arterial wall in atherosclerosis may be
      useful for both diagnosis and treatment. These include Nitric oxide (NO),
      cytokines, macrophage inhibiting factor (MIF), leucocytes and Pselectin. Modern
      therapeutic paradigms involving endothelial progenitor cells therapy, angiotensin
      II type-2 (AT<sub>2</sub>R) and ATP-activated purinergic receptor therapy are
      notable to mention. CONCLUSION: Future drugs may be designed aiming three
      signalling mechanisms of AT<sub>2</sub>R which are (a) activation of protein
      phosphatases resulting in protein dephosphorylation (b) activation of
      bradykinin/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine 3&#039;,5&#039;-monophosphate pathway by
      vasodilation and (c) stimulation of phospholipase A(2) and release of arachidonic
      acid. Drugs may also be designed to act on ATP-activated purinergic receptor
      channel type P2X7 molecules which acts on cardiovascular system.

PMID- 27138761
TI  - Future Targets in Endothelial Biology: Endothelial Cell to Mesenchymal
      Transition.
AB  - Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a poorly understood phenomenon
      that results in normal endothelial cells acquiring a mesenchymal phenotype. EndMT
      has been observed in a number of pathological conditions, from cancer to fibrosis
      to cardiovascular disease and the process itself may play an important
      mechanistic role in the development of these disease states.

PMID- 27138762
TI  - Chemical Modifications and Biological Activities of Polysaccharides.
AB  - The chemical modifications of polysaccharides involve the use of chemical methods
      to modify some special structures or functional groups of polysaccharides on the
      main chains or side chains. The chemical methods include sulfation,
      phosphorylation, acetylation, carboxymethylation etc. Therefore, spatial
      structures, and physical and chemical properties of polysaccharides change, which
      enhance the biological activities of polysaccharides, e.g., immune regulation,
      antivirus, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, etc.

PMID- 27138763
TI  - The Benefits and Side Effects of Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent
      Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of deaths attributable to
      gynecologic malignancies. Late diagnosis and a high tendency of metastasis and
      drug resistance often lead to recurrence and poor outcomes. Anti-angiogenesis is
      considered a promising therapeutic strategy for recurrent ovarian cancers. Anti
      VEGF body, bevacizumab, is an angiogenesis inhibitor with demonstrated activity
      and tolerable toxicity. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the benefits and side effects of
      bevacizumab for the therapy of recurrent ovarian cancer. METHODS: Reviewed the
      results of published clinical trials. RESULTS: Recent Phase II studies indicated
      that bevacizumab monotherapy or in combination with conventional or other anti
      angiogenic chemotherapy reagents could be effective for recurrent (platinum-
      sensitive and -resistant) ovarian cancers. Additionally, two phase III randomized
      trials reached similar conclusions that in either platinum-sensitive or 
      resistant ovarian cancers, adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy can improve
      progression-free survival. Despite the general recognition of bevacizumab as a
      well-tolerated drug in recurrent ovarian cancer patients, oncologists have become
      aware of the significant risks associated with gastrointestinal perforation.
      CONCLUSION: Bevacizumab used alone or combined with other chemotherapy reagents
      is efficacious and tolerable in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27138765
TI  - Withdrawn: Long-term issues after Immunosuppressive therapy for Aplastic Anemia.
AB  - Withdrawn by the publisher.

PMID- 27138764
TI  - The Roles of Sox Family Genes in Sarcoma.
AB  - Sox (SRY-related HMG-box) family genes are important regulators of cell
      development, homeostasis, and regeneration. Deregulation of certain members of
      the Sox gene family has been implicated in a number of human malignancies,
      including in sarcoma. Accumulating evidence suggests that Sox genes play crucial
      roles in sarcoma cell pathogenesis, growth, and proliferation. Here, we review
      the biological relevance of Sox2 and Sox9 genes in osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma
      and chordoma; Sox2, Sox6, and Sox17 genes in Ewing's sarcoma; Sox2, Sox9, and
      Sox10 genes in synovial sarcoma; Sox2 gene in fibrosarcoma; and Sox21 gene in
      liposarcoma. These findings potentiate the targeting of Sox genes for novel
      therapeutic interventions in sarcoma and may also hold valuable clinical
      potential to improve the care of patients with sarcoma.

PMID- 27138766
TI  - MicroRNAs as Potential Targets for Treatment of Osteoclast-Related Diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the roles of miRNAs in osteoclasts has great potential
      in the diagnosis and treatment of osteolytic diseases. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of
      this paper was to describe the current knowledge of miRNA biogenesis and
      summarize recent work on the roles of miRNAs in osteoclasts. RESULTS: There is
      accumulating evidence to indicate that miRNAs constitute a novel and efficient
      mechanism for the regulation of gene expression. CONCLUSION: Untangling the role
      that miRNAs play in osteoclastogenesis will illuminate new strategies and
      specific drug targets for the treatment of osteolytic diseases. Many questions
      remain, but an in-depth comprehension of the network and kinetics of miRNAs
      expression, and their connection with cognate genes will not be trivial, but
      fruitful.

PMID- 27138768
TI  - Superficial Fascia (SF) in the Cheek and Parotid Area: Histology and Magnetic
      Resonance Image (MRI).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the superficial fascia (SF) in
      the cheek and parotid areas histologically and through MRI. METHODS: An in vitro
      study included a histological report and an MRI of the cheek of two Korean adult
      cadavers. The in vivo study included 100 MRI images and three axial image cuts
      (mandibular condyle, notch, and half the distance between the top of the condyle
      and the angle). Four angles, one length, and four thicknesses were measured and
      compared. RESULTS: The MRI results were in concord with the gross specimen or
      histology. The SF consisted of multilayered horizontal and vertical fibrous
      connective tissues at all three levels in both the histology and MRI. In the
      cheek, both histology and MRI showed horizontal fibrous connective tissues which
      were connected with the zygomaticus major, visualized as a continuous membrane
      (membranous layer, MSF). MSF divided the SF into the superficial fatty layer
      (SFS) and the deep fatty layer. The thickness of the SF depended upon the
      thickness of the SFS since the thickness of the MSF was very similar irrespective
      of the three levels. The thickness of the SFS was thicker in females than in
      males. At the condyle level, the AS-PS angle (AP line-the most posterior
      superficial fascia angle) and AS-PS length increased significantly (p = 0.001, y
      = 0.15x + 16.19, and p < 0.001, y = 0.33x + 14.68, respectively). CONCLUSION: We
      hope the information we have gathered could be useful to provide subcutaneous
      dissection or sub-SMAS dissection in facelift surgeries. NO LEVEL ASSIGNED: This
      journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a
      full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the
      Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

PMID- 27138767
TI  - The pathophysiology of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis with special emphasis
      on the circadian rhythm of renal physiology.
AB  - Nocturnal polyuria in monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) has so far mainly
      been attributed to a disturbed circadian rhythm of renal water handling. Low
      vasopressin levels overnight correlate with absent maximal concentrating
      activity, resulting in an increased nocturnal diuresis with low urinary
      osmolality. Therefore, treatment with desmopressin is a rational choice.
      Unfortunately, 20 to 60 % of children with monosymptomatic enuresis are
      desmopressin-resistant. There is increasing evidence that other disturbed
      circadian rhythms might play a role in nocturnal polyuria. This review focuses on
      renal aspects in the pathophysiology of nocturnal polyuria in MNE, with special
      emphasis on circadian rhythms. Articles related to renal circadian rhythms and
      enuresis were searched through the PubMed library with the goal of providing a
      concise review. CONCLUSION: Nocturnal polyuria can only partially be explained by
      blunted circadian rhythm of vasopressin secretion. Other alterations in the
      intrinsic renal circadian clock system also seem to be involved, especially in
      desmopressin-resistant enuresis. WHAT IS KNOWN: * Disturbance in the circadian
      rhythm of arginine vasopressin secretion is related to nocturnal polyuria in
      children with enuresis. * Desmopressin is recommended as a treatment for
      monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis, working as a vasopressin analogue acting on
      V2 receptors in the collecting ducts of the kidney. What is New: * Other renal
      circadian rhythms might play a role in nocturnal polyuria, especially in
      desmopressin-resistant case.

PMID- 27138782
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27138781
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27138769
TI  - Risk of Advanced Neoplasia in First-Degree Relatives with Colorectal Cancer: A
      Large Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: First-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with colorectal cancer have
      a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than the general population. For
      this reason, screening guidelines recommend colonoscopy every 5 or 10 y, starting
      at the age of 40, depending on whether colorectal cancer in the index-case is
      diagnosed at <60 or >=60 y, respectively. However, studies on the risk of
      neoplastic lesions are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the
      risk of advanced neoplasia (three or more non-advanced adenomas, advanced
      adenoma, or invasive cancer) in FDR of patients with colorectal cancer compared
      to average-risk individuals (i.e., asymptomatic adults 50 to 69 y of age with no
      family history of colorectal cancer). METHODS AND FINDINGS: This cross-sectional
      analysis includes data from 8,498 individuals undergoing their first lifetime
      screening colonoscopy between 2006 and 2012 at six Spanish tertiary hospitals. Of
      these individuals, 3,015 were defined as asymptomatic FDR of patients with
      colorectal cancer ("familial-risk group") and 3,038 as asymptomatic with average
      risk for colorectal cancer ("average-risk group"). The familial-risk group was
      stratified as one FDR, with one family member diagnosed with colorectal cancer at
      >=60 y (n = 1,884) or at <60 y (n = 831), and as two FDR, with two family members
      diagnosed with colorectal cancer at any age (n = 300). Multiple logistic
      regression analysis was used for between-group comparisons after adjusting for
      potential confounders (age, gender, and center). Compared with the average-risk
      group, advanced neoplasia was significantly more prevalent in individuals having
      two FDR with colorectal cancer (odds ratio [OR] 1.90; 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 1.36-2.66, p < 0.001), but not in those having one FDR with colorectal
      cancer diagnosed at >=60 y (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.83-1.27, p = 0.77) and <60 y (OR
      1.19; 95% CI 0.90-1.58, p = 0.20). After the age of 50 y, men developed advanced
      neoplasia over two times more frequently than women and advanced neoplasia
      appeared at least ten y earlier. Fewer colonoscopies by 2-fold were required to
      detect one advanced neoplasia in men than in women. Major limitations of this
      study were first that although average-risk individuals were consecutively
      included in a randomized control trial, this was not the case for all individuals
      in the familial-risk cohort; and second, the difference in age between the
      average-risk and familial-risk cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals having two FDR
      with colorectal cancer showed an increased risk of advanced neoplasia compared to
      those with average-risk for colorectal cancer. Men had over 2-fold higher risk of
      advanced neoplasia than women, independent of family history. These data suggest
      that screening colonoscopy guidelines should be revised in the familial-risk
      population.

PMID- 27138783
TI  - Role of self-compassion in psychological well-being among perinatal women.
AB  - Self-compassion is associated with depression and anxiety in general samples.
      Although recent research indicates that dysfunctional maternal attitudes predict
      the development of perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms, no research to date
      has examined the construct of self-compassion and its relationship with
      psychological well-being in perinatal women. Pregnant and postpartum women (N =
      189) completed self-report measures of depression and anxiety history, current
      depression and anxiety symptom severity, and self-compassion. Women with higher
      depression and anxiety symptom severity had significantly lower self-compassion.
      Additionally, women with self-reported prior history of depression or anxiety had
      significantly lower self-compassion even while controlling for current depression
      or anxiety symptom severity, respectively. Our results suggest that self
      compassion warrants further attention in the study of the development,
      maintenance, and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

PMID- 27138784
TI  - Epistasis together with partial dominance, over-dominance and QTL by environment
      interactions contribute to yield heterosis in upland cotton.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: QTL mapping based on backcross and RIL populations suggests that
      epistasis together with partial dominance, over-dominance and their environmental
      interactions of QTLs play an important role in yield heterosis in upland cotton.
      A backcross population (BC) was constructed to explore the genetic basis of
      heterosis in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). For yield and yield
      components, recombinant inbred line (RIL) and BC populations were evaluated
      simultaneously at three different locations. A total of 35 and 30 quantitative
      trait loci (QTLs) were detected based on the RILs and BC data, respectively. Six
      (16.7 %) additive QTLs, 19 (52.8 %) partial dominant QTLs and 11 (30.6 %) over
      dominant QTLs were detected by single-locus analysis using composite interval
      mapping in BC population. QTLs detected for mid-parent heterosis (MPH) were
      mostly related to those detected in the BC population. No significant correlation
      was found between marker heterozygosity and performance. It indicated that
      heterozygosity was not always favorable for performance. Two-locus analysis
      revealed 46, 25 and 12 QTLs with main effects (M-QTLs), and 55, 63 and 33 QTLs
      involved in digenic interactions (E-QTLs) were detected for yield and yield
      components in RIL, BC and MPH, respectively. A large number of M-QTLs and E-QTLs
      showed QTL by environment interactions (QEs) in three environments. These results
      suggest that epistasis together with partial dominance, over-dominance and QEs
      all contribute to yield heterosis in upland cotton.

PMID- 27138785
TI  - The Effect of Weight and CYP3A5 Genotype on the Population Pharmacokinetics of
      Tacrolimus in Stable Paediatric Renal Transplant Recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic
      model of tacrolimus in paediatric patients at least 1 year after renal
      transplantation and simulate individualised dosage regimens. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We included 54 children with median age of 11.1 years (range 3.8-18.4
      years) with 120 pharmacokinetic profiles performed over 2 to 4 h. The
      pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using the non-linear mixed-effects
      modelling software (NONMEM((r))). The impact of covariates including concomitant
      medications, age, the cytochrome P450 (CYP) CYP3A5*3 gene and the adenosine
      triphosphate binding cassette protein B1 (ABCB1) 3435 C->T gene polymorphism on
      tacrolimus pharmacokinetics was analysed. The final model was externally
      validated on an independent dataset and dosing regimens were simulated. RESULTS:
      A two-compartment model adequately described tacrolimus pharmacokinetics.
      Apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was associated with weight (allometric scaling)
      but not age. Children with lower weight and CYP3A5 expressers required higher
      weight-normalised tacrolimus doses. CL/F was inversely associated with
      haematocrit (P < 0.05) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gammaGT) (P < 0.001)
      and was increased by 45 % in carriers of the CYP3A5*1 allele (P < 0.001). CL/F
      was not associated with concomitant medications. Dose simulations show that a
      daily tacrolimus dose of 0.2 mg/kg generates a pre-dose concentration (C 0)
      ranging from 5 to 10 ug/L depending on the weight and CYP3A5 polymorphism. The
      median area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) corresponding with a
      tacrolimus C 0 of 4-8 ug/L was 97 h.ug/L (interquartile range 80-120).
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients beyond the first year after transplantation, there is a
      cumulative effect of CYP3A5*1 polymorphism and weight on the tacrolimus C 0.
      Children with lower weight and carriers of the CYP3A5*1 allele have higher weight
      normalised tacrolimus dose requirements.

PMID- 27138786
TI  - Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Analyses of 5-Fluorouracil in East-Asian
      Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: 5-Fluorouracil plus cisplatin is the most commonly used
      chemotherapy regimen for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The objective of this
      study was to establish an individualized 5-fluorouracil treatment model based on
      pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses of 5-fluorouracil in East-Asian NPC
      patients. METHODS: A total of 122 NPC patients were administered 5-fluorouracil
      plus cisplatin treatment. Blood samples were collected to calculate the area
      under the concentration-time curve (AUC) for 5-fluorouracil, and expressions of
      thymidylate synthase (TS) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) at both
      protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were analyzed in the tumor tissues from
      73 patients in the same cohort. RESULTS: The results showed a wide (sevenfold)
      pharmacokinetic variability of 5-fluorouracil exposure (measured as AUC) based on
      body surface area (BSA) dosing. Pharmacokinetic analyses revealed that the 5
      fluorouracil AUC range had a significant impact on the response of patients to 5
      fluorouracil and related toxicities. Patients with 5-fluorouracil AUC <25 mg.h/L
      responded unsatisfactorily to 5-fluorouracil (overall response rate [ORR] 17.5 %
      lower than patients with AUC 25-35, p = 0.176; and 26.1 % lower than patients
      with AUC >35, p = 0.031). On the other hand, patients with 5-fluorouracil AUC >35
      mg.h/L experienced more 5-fluorouracil-related toxicities (a grade 3 or higher
      toxicity rate 57.1 % higher than patients with AUC 25-35, p < 0.001; and 60.0 %
      higher than AUC >35, p < 0.001). The established 5-fluorouracil therapeutic
      window in head and neck cancer (HNC) [AUC 25-35 mg.h/L) was verified in our
      study. Pharmacodynamic analyses indicated a positive correlation between TS and
      DPD expression (p < 0.001) and, despite the pharmacokinetic influences, low
      expression of TS mRNA in tumor tended to have a better ORR (81.0 vs. 54.3 %, p =
      0.051). No significant association was found between DPD expression and ORR.
      CONCLUSIONS: The therapeutic window of 5-fluorouracil for East-Asian NPC patients
      was verified as 25-35 mg.h/L based on lower toxicity and higher efficacy. TS mRNA
      expression showed potentially predictive value in 5-fluorouracil treatment, and
      personalized treatment based on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics proved to
      be clinically beneficial and is worthy of further clinical studies.

PMID- 27138787
TI  - Population Pharmacokinetic Modelling and Bayesian Estimation of Tacrolimus
      Exposure: Is this Clinically Useful for Dosage Prediction Yet?
AB  - This review summarises the available data on the population pharmacokinetics of
      tacrolimus and use of Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) Bayesian estimation to predict
      tacrolimus exposure and subsequent drug dosage requirements in solid organ
      transplant recipients. A literature search was conducted which identified 56
      studies that assessed the population pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus based on non
      linear mixed effects modelling and 14 studies that assessed the predictive
      performance of MAP Bayesian estimation of tacrolimus area under the plasma
      concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to the end of the dosing interval.
      Studies were most commonly undertaken in adult kidney transplant recipients and
      investigated the immediate-release formulation. The pharmacokinetics of
      tacrolimus were described using one- and two-compartment disposition models with
      first-order elimination in 61 and 39 % of population pharmacokinetic studies,
      respectively. Variability in tacrolimus whole blood apparent clearance amongst
      transplant recipients was most commonly related to cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5
      genotype (rs776746), patient haematocrit, patient weight, post-operative day and
      hepatic function (aspartate aminotransferase). Bias, as calculated using
      estimation of the mean predictive error (MPE) or mean percentage predictive error
      (MPPE) associated with prediction of the tacrolimus AUC, ranged from -15 to 9.95
      %. Imprecision, as calculated through estimation of the root mean squared error
      (RMSE) or mean absolute prediction error (MAPE), was generally much poorer
      overall, ranging from 0.81 to 40. r 2 values ranged from 0.27 to 0.99 %. Of the
      Bayesian forecasting strategies that used two or more tacrolimus concentrations,
      71 % showed bias of 10 % or less; however, only 39 % showed imprecision of 10 %
      or less. The combination of sampling times at 0, 1 and 3 h post-dose consistently
      showed bias and imprecision values of less than 15 %. No studies to date have
      examined how closely MAP Bayesian dosage predictions of tacrolimus actually
      achieve target AUC by comparing dosage prediction from one occasion with a future
      measured AUC. Further research involving larger prospective studies including
      more diverse transplant groups and the extended-release formulation of tacrolimus
      is needed. Several questions require further examination, including the
      following. Do Bayesian forecasting methods currently use the most appropriate
      population pharmacokinetic models and optimal sampling times for dosage
      prediction? Does Bayesian forecasting perform well when applied to make dosage
      predictions on a subsequent occasion? How can Bayesian forecasting be simplified
      for use in the clinical setting? And, are patient outcomes improved with dosage
      prediction based on Bayesian forecasting compared with trough concentration
      monitoring?

PMID- 27138788
TI  - [Standards of care for people with rheumatoid arthritis in Europe : Translation
      and comments of the eumusc.net recommendations supported by EULAR performed by a
      national task force of the professional organisations DGRh and VRA supported by
      "Deutsche Rheumaliga"].
AB  - In a joint initiative by the boards of the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh)
      and the Association of Rheumatology Clinics (VRA) the European "standards of
      care" for rheumatoid arthritis, recently suggested by the European
      Musculoskeletal Conditions Surveillance and Information Network (eumusc.net) and
      supported by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), were translated and
      annotated. The recommendations include aspects of the management of the disease,
      actual medical care, and access to information - this includes all types of
      support people with RA need, and, last but not least communication of the
      necessary knowledge. Furthermore, health care structures such as the availability
      of medical staff with relevant expertise are also important. 

PMID- 27138789
TI  - Association between Circulating Vitamin D Metabolites and Fecal Bile Acid
      Concentrations.
AB  - Although hydrophobic bile acids have been demonstrated to exhibit cytotoxic and
      carcinogenic effects in the colorectum, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been
      investigated as a potential chemopreventive agent. Vitamin D has been shown to
      play a role in both bile acid metabolism and in the development of colorectal
      neoplasia. Using a cross-sectional design, we sought to determine whether
      baseline circulating concentrations of the vitamin D metabolites 25(OH)D and
      1,25(OH)2D were associated with baseline fecal bile acid concentrations in a
      trial of UDCA for the prevention of colorectal adenoma recurrence. We also
      prospectively evaluated whether vitamin D metabolite concentrations modified the
      effect of UDCA on adenoma recurrence. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI,
      physical activity, and calcium intake, adequate concentrations of 25(OH)D (>=30
      ng/mL) were statistically significantly associated with reduced odds for high
      levels of total [OR, 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.38-0.97], and primary
      (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.38-0.96) bile acids, as well as individually with
      chenodeoxycholic acid (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.24-0.63) and cholic acid (OR, 0.56;
      95% CI, 0.36-0.90). No significant associations were observed for 1,25(OH)2D and
      high versus low fecal bile acid concentrations. In addition, neither 25(OH)D nor
      1,25(OH)2D modified the effect of UDCA on colorectal adenoma recurrence. In
      conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate an inverse relationship
      between circulating levels of 25(OH)D and primary fecal bile acid concentrations.
      These results support prior data demonstrating that vitamin D plays a key role in
      bile acid metabolism, and suggest a potential mechanism of action for 25(OH)D in
      colorectal cancer prevention. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 589-97. (c)2016 AACR. 

PMID- 27138791
TI  - Surrogate Markers: Lessons from the Next Gen?
AB  - The article by Banerjee and colleagues published in this issue of the journal
      involving a randomized control prevention trial of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in
      Barrett esophagus reported a null outcome despite being well designed and
      executed. Possible reasons for this null outcome are discussed focusing on use of
      surrogate endpoints in the trial. The trial is especially topical because it
      comes at a time when there are calls for a Pre-Cancer Genome Atlas (PCGA) for
      "understanding the earliest molecular and cellular events associated with cancer
      initiation..." This commentary discusses current concepts in prevention research
      including branched evolution that leads to therapeutic resistance. Length bias
      sampling postulates underdiagnosis is due to rapidly progressing disease that is
      difficult to detect by screening because it progresses to cancer too rapidly and
      that overdiagnosis is the result of very slowly or nonprogressing disease that is
      easy to detect by screening because it persists for a lifetime and the patient
      dies of unrelated causes. Finally, it also explores study designs, including
      surrogate endpoints in Barrett esophagus trials, and opportunities and pitfalls
      for a PCGA in the context of high levels of over and underdiagnosis of Barrett
      esophagus as well as many other cancers and their precursors. Cancer Prev Res;
      9(7); 512-7. (c)2016 AACRSee related article by Banerjee, et al., p. 528. 

PMID- 27138790
TI  - Diallyl Disulfide (DADS), a Constituent of Garlic, Inactivates NF-kappaB and
      Prevents Colitis-Induced Colorectal Cancer by Inhibiting GSK-3beta.
AB  - There is a strong belief that garlic has medicinal properties and may even reduce
      the risk of developing certain cancers including those of the gastrointestinal
      tract. The chemopreventive effects of garlic may be attributed to the anti
      inflammatory properties of the sulfur-containing constituents of garlic, which
      includes diallyl disulfide (DADS). Here, we demonstrate that DADS prevented
      colorectal tumorigenesis in a mouse model of colitis-induced colorectal cancer.
      Supplementation with 85 ppm of DADS (60 mg daily human equivalent dose) in the
      diet of FVB/N mice treated with chemical carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM) and
      colonic irritant dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) resulted in the reduction in tumor
      incidence, tumor number, and tumor burden by 21.54%, 47.3%, and 66.4%,
      respectively. Further analysis revealed that mice fed the DADS-supplemented diet
      resolved the initial DSS-induced inflammation faster than those on the control
      diet, preventing prolonged inflammation and cellular transformation. Subsequent
      mechanistic studies in vitro suggest that DADS chemopreventive effects are
      mediated through NF-kappaB signaling. When SW480 colorectal cancer cells were
      treated with DADS, NF-kappaB nuclear localization and activity were diminished.
      Interestingly, NF-kappaB suppression was found to be dependent on DADS inhibition
      of GSK-3beta, a positive regulator of NF-kappaB. Inhibition of GSK-3beta and loss
      of nuclear NF-kappaB activity were also observed in vivo in AOM/DSS-treated mice
      fed a diet supplemented with 85 ppm DADS. Our results indicate that DADS can
      prevent tumorigenesis by suppressing inflammation, a process largely involving
      GSK-3beta inhibition and consequential reduction in NF-kappaB nuclear
      localization. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 607-15. (c)2016 AACR. 

PMID- 27138792
TI  - Disease Interception: Myths, Mountains, and Mole Hills.
AB  - Malignant diseases develop slowly over time and are often preceded by
      identifiable premalignancies. As malignancy progresses, so does genomic
      complexity and the ability of cancers to evade most therapeutic interventions.
      Accordingly, with some notable exceptions, a relatively low percentage of
      advanced cancers are effectively treated and even fewer are cured. Despite this
      appreciation, much less attention has been paid to intercepting the disease
      process compared with that of treating well-established and refractory disease.
      One frequently cited reason is that the pharmaceutical industry is not interested
      in these pursuits. In this commentary, we attempt to define the true hurdles, the
      degree of difficulty inherent in each, and some important approaches to be
      considered. Cancer Prev Res; 9(8); 635-7. (c)2016 AACR. 

PMID- 27138793
TI  - Phospho-Aspirin (MDC-22) Prevents Pancreatic Carcinogenesis in Mice.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is a deadly disease with a dismal 5-year survival rate of <6%.
      The currently limited treatment options for pancreatic cancer underscore the need
      for novel chemopreventive and therapeutic agents. Accumulating evidence indicates
      that aspirin use is associated with a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer.
      However, the anticancer properties of aspirin are restricted by its
      gastrointestinal toxicity and its limited efficacy. Therefore, we developed
      phospho-aspirin (MDC-22), a novel derivative of aspirin, and evaluated its
      chemopreventive efficacy in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. Phospho
      aspirin inhibited the growth of human pancreatic cancer cell lines 8- to 12-fold
      more potently than aspirin; based on the 24-hour IC50 values. In a Panc-1
      xenograft model, phospho-aspirin, at a dose of 100 mg/kg/d 5 times per week for
      30 days, reduced tumor growth by 78% (P < 0.01 vs. vehicle control). Furthermore,
      phospho-aspirin prevented pancreatitis-accelerated acinar-to-ductal metaplasia in
      mice with activated Kras. In p48-Cre;Kras(G12D) mice, cerulein treatment (6
      hourly injections two times per week for 3 weeks) led to a significant increase
      in ductal metaplasia, replacing the majority of the exocrine compartment.
      Administration of phospho-aspirin 100 mg/kg/day five times per week for 21 days
      (starting on the first day of cerulein injection) inhibited the acinar-to-ductal
      metaplasia, reducing it by 87% (P < 0.01, vs. cerulein-treated control). Phospho
      aspirin appeared to be safe, with the animals showing no signs of toxicity during
      treatment. Mechanistically, phospho-aspirin inhibited EGFR activation in
      pancreatic cancer, an effect consistently observed in pancreatic cancer cells,
      primary acinar explants and in vivo In conclusion, our findings indicate that
      phospho-aspirin has strong anticancer efficacy in preclinical models of
      pancreatic cancer, warranting its further evaluation. Cancer Prev Res; 9(7); 624
      34. (c)2016 AACR. 

PMID- 27138794
TI  - Adjunctive selective estrogen receptor modulator increases neural activity in the
      hippocampus and inferior frontal gyrus during emotional face recognition in
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Estrogen has been implicated in the development and course of schizophrenia with
      most evidence suggesting a neuroprotective effect. Treatment with raloxifene, a
      selective estrogen receptor modulator, can reduce symptom severity, improve
      cognition and normalize brain activity during learning in schizophrenia. People
      with schizophrenia are especially impaired in the identification of negative
      facial emotions. The present study was designed to determine the extent to which
      adjunctive raloxifene treatment would alter abnormal neural activity during angry
      facial emotion recognition in schizophrenia. Twenty people with schizophrenia (12
      men, 8 women) participated in a 13-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo
      controlled, crossover trial of adjunctive raloxifene treatment (120 mg per day
      orally) and performed a facial emotion recognition task during functional
      magnetic resonance imaging after each treatment phase. Two-sample t-tests in
      regions of interest selected a priori were performed to assess activation
      differences between raloxifene and placebo conditions during the recognition of
      angry faces. Adjunctive raloxifene significantly increased activation in the
      right hippocampus and left inferior frontal gyrus compared with the placebo
      condition (family-wise error, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in
      performance accuracy or reaction time between active and placebo conditions. To
      the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence suggesting that
      adjunctive raloxifene treatment changes neural activity in brain regions
      associated with facial emotion recognition in schizophrenia. These findings
      support the hypothesis that estrogen plays a modifying role in schizophrenia and
      shows that adjunctive raloxifene treatment may reverse abnormal neural activity
      during facial emotion recognition, which is relevant to impaired social
      functioning in men and women with schizophrenia.

PMID- 27138795
TI  - Schizophrenia and subsequent neighborhood deprivation: revisiting the social
      drift hypothesis using population, twin and molecular genetic data.
AB  - Neighborhood influences in the etiology of schizophrenia have been emphasized in
      a number of systematic reviews, but causality remains uncertain. To test the
      social drift hypothesis, we used three complementary genetically informed Swedish
      cohorts. First, we used nationwide Swedish data on approximately 760 000 full-
      and half-sibling pairs born between 1951 and 1974 and quantitative genetic models
      to study genetic and environmental influences on the overlap between
      schizophrenia in young adulthood and subsequent residence in socioeconomically
      deprived neighborhoods. Schizophrenia diagnoses were ascertained using the
      National Patient Registry. Second, we tested the overlap between childhood
      psychotic experiences and neighborhood deprivation in early adulthood in the
      longitudinal Twin Study of Child and Adolescent Development (TCHAD; n=2960).
      Third, we investigated to what extent polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia
      predicted residence in deprived neighborhoods during late adulthood using the
      TwinGene sample (n=6796). Sibling data suggested that living in deprived
      neighborhoods was substantially heritable; 65% (95% confidence interval (95% CI):
      60-71%) of the variance was attributed to genetic influences. Although the
      correlation between schizophrenia and neighborhood deprivation was moderate in
      magnitude (r=0.22; 95% CI: 0.20-0.24), it was entirely explained by genetic
      influences. We replicated these findings in the TCHAD sample. Moreover, the
      association between polygenic risk for schizophrenia and neighborhood deprivation
      was statistically significant (R(2)=0.15%, P=0.002). Our findings are primarily
      consistent with a genetic selection interpretation where genetic liability for
      schizophrenia also predicts subsequent residence in socioeconomically deprived
      neighborhoods. Previous studies may have overemphasized the relative importance
      of environmental influences in the social drift of schizophrenia patients.
      Clinical and policy interventions will therefore benefit from the future
      identification of potentially causal pathways between different dimensions of
      cognitive functions and socioeconomic trajectories derived from studies adopting
      family-based research designs.

PMID- 27138796
TI  - HPA-axis function and grey matter volume reductions: imaging the diathesis-stress
      model in individuals at ultra-high risk of psychosis.
AB  - The onset of psychosis is thought to involve interactions between environmental
      stressors and the brain, with cortisol as a putative mediator. We examined the
      relationship between the cortisol stress response and brain structure in subjects
      at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis. Waking salivary cortisol was measured in
      22 individuals at UHR for psychosis and 17 healthy controls. Grey matter volume
      was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T. The relationship between
      the stress response and grey matter volume was investigated using voxel-based
      analyses. Our predictions of the topography of cortisol action as a structural
      brain modulator were informed by measures of brain glucocorticoid and
      mineralcorticoid receptor distribution obtained from the multimodal
      neuroanatomical and genetic Allen Brain Atlas. Across all subjects, reduced
      responsivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was correlated with
      smaller grey matter volumes in the frontal, parietal and temporal cortex and in
      the hippocampus. This relationship was particularly marked in the UHR subjects in
      the right prefrontal, left parahippocampal/fusiform and parietal cortices. The
      subgroup that subsequently developed psychosis showed a significant blunting of
      HPA stress response, observed at trend level also in the whole UHR sample.
      Altered responses to stress in people at high risk of psychosis are related to
      reductions in grey matter volume in areas implicated in the vulnerability to
      psychotic disorders. These areas may represent the neural components of a stress
      vulnerability model.

PMID- 27138797
TI  - Financial difficulties but not other types of recent negative life events show
      strong interactions with 5-HTTLPR genotype in the development of depressive
      symptoms.
AB  - Several studies indicate that 5-HTTLPR mediates the effect of childhood adversity
      in the development of depression, while results are contradictory for recent
      negative life events. For childhood adversity the interaction with genotype is
      strongest for sexual abuse, but not for other types of childhood maltreatment;
      however, possible interactions with specific recent life events have not been
      investigated separately. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of
      four distinct types of recent life events in the development of depressive
      symptoms in a large community sample. Interaction between different types of
      recent life events measured by the List of Threatening Experiences and the 5
      HTTLPR genotype on current depression measured by the depression subscale and
      additional items of the Brief Symptom Inventory was investigated in 2588 subjects
      in Manchester and Budapest. Only a nominal interaction was found between life
      events overall and 5-HTTLPR on depression, which failed to survive correction for
      multiple testing. However, subcategorising life events into four categories
      showed a robust interaction between financial difficulties and the 5-HTTLPR
      genotype, and a weaker interaction in the case of illness/injury. No interaction
      effect for the other two life event categories was present. We investigated a
      general non-representative sample in a cross-sectional approach. Depressive
      symptoms and life event evaluations were self-reported. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism
      showed a differential interaction pattern with different types of recent life
      events, with the strongest interaction effects of financial difficulties on
      depressive symptoms. This specificity of interaction with only particular types
      of life events may help to explain previous contradictory findings. 

PMID- 27138798
TI  - Childhood trauma predicts antidepressant response in adults with major
      depression: data from the randomized international study to predict optimized
      treatment for depression.
AB  - Few reliable predictors indicate which depressed individuals respond to
      antidepressants. Several studies suggest that a history of early-life trauma
      predicts poorer response to antidepressant therapy but results are variable and
      limited in adults. The major goal of the present study was to evaluate the role
      of early-life trauma in predicting acute response outcomes to antidepressants in
      a large sample of well-characterized patients with major depressive disorder
      (MDD). The international Study to Predict Optimized Treatment for Depression
      (iSPOT-D) is a randomized clinical trial with enrollment from December 2008 to
      January 2012 at eight academic and nine private clinical settings in five
      countries. Patients (n=1008) meeting DSM-IV criteria for MDD and 336 matched
      healthy controls comprised the study sample. Six participants withdrew due to
      serious adverse events. Randomization was to 8 weeks of treatment with
      escitalopram, sertraline or venlafaxine with dosage adjusted by the participant's
      treating clinician per routine clinical practice. Exposure to 18 types of
      traumatic events before the age of 18 was assessed using the Early-Life Stress
      Questionnaire. Impact of early-life stressors-overall trauma 'load' and specific
      type of abuse-on treatment outcomes measures: response: (?50% improvement on the
      17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, HRSD17 or on the 16-item Quick
      Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-Rated, QIDS_SR16) and remission
      (score ?7 on the HRSD17 and ?5 on the QIDS_SR16). Trauma prevalence in MDD was
      compared with controls. Depressed participants were significantly more likely to
      report early-life stress than controls; 62.5% of MDD participants reported more
      than two traumatic events compared with 28.4% of controls. The higher rate of
      early-life trauma was most apparent for experiences of interpersonal violation
      (emotional, sexual and physical abuses). Abuse and notably abuse occurring at ?7
      years of age predicted poorer outcomes after 8 weeks of antidepressants, across
      the three treatment arms. In addition, the abuses occurring between ages 4 and 7
      years differentially predicted the poorest outcome following the treatment with
      sertraline. Specific types of early-life trauma, particularly physical, emotional
      and sexual abuse, especially when occurring at ?7 years of age are important
      moderators of subsequent response to antidepressant therapy for MDD. 

PMID- 27138799
TI  - Physical activity delays hippocampal neurodegeneration and rescues memory
      deficits in an Alzheimer disease mouse model.
AB  - The evidence for a protective role of physical activity on the risk and
      progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been growing in the last years. Here
      we studied the influence of a prolonged physical and cognitive stimulation on
      neurodegeneration, with special emphasis on hippocampal neuron loss and
      associated behavioral impairment in the Tg4-42 mouse model of AD. Tg4-42 mice
      overexpress Abeta4-42 without any mutations, and develop an age-dependent
      hippocampal neuron loss associated with a severe memory decline. We demonstrate
      that long-term voluntary exercise diminishes CA1 neuron loss and completely
      rescues spatial memory deficits in different experimental settings. This was
      accompanied by changes in the gene expression profile of Tg4-42 mice. Deep
      sequencing analysis revealed an upregulation of chaperones involved in
      endoplasmatic reticulum protein processing, which might be intimately linked to
      the beneficial effects seen upon long-term exercise. We believe that we provide
      evidence for the first time that enhanced physical activity counteracts neuron
      loss and behavioral deficits in a transgenic AD mouse model. The present findings
      underscore the relevance of increased physical activity as a potential strategy
      in the prevention of dementia. 

PMID- 27138801
TI  - Prognostic Role of BRAF Mutation in Stage II/III Colorectal Cancer Receiving
      Curative Resection and Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis Based on Randomized
      Clinical Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Studies examining the prognostic value of the BRAF
      mutation on relapse-free survival (RFS), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall
      survival (OS) in stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients receiving curative
      resection and adjuvant chemotherapy so far showed discrepant results. Therefore,
      a meta-analysis of relevant studies was performed for clarification. METHODS:
      Randomized trials of stage II/III colorectal cancer treated with curative
      resection followed by adjuvant chemotherapy were selected to conduct a meta
      analysis. The necessary descriptive and statistical information such as hazard
      ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from published
      survival data. RESULTS: Seven phase III randomized clinical trials (RCTs)
      including 1,035 BRAF mutation stage II/III CRC patients receiving curative
      resection and adjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed. Overall, BRAF mutation
      resulted in poorer OS (HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.25-1.60; P < 0.00001), and poorer DFS
      (HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07-1.48, P = 0.006) compared with BRAF wild-type CRC. The
      prognostic role on RFS could not be elucidated in the meta-analysis because of
      limited data. CONCLUSIONS: BRAF mutation was significantly related with shorter
      DFS and OS among stage II/III CRC patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after
      curative resection. Its prognostic role for RFS needs to be further analyzed when
      more data is available.

PMID- 27138800
TI  - Intensified vmPFC surveillance over PTSS under perturbed microRNA-608/AChE
      interaction.
AB  - Trauma causes variable risk of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) owing to yet
      unknown genome-neuronal interactions. Here, we report co-intensified amygdala and
      ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) emotional responses that may overcome PTSS
      in individuals with the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs17228616 in the
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene. We have recently shown that in individuals with
      the minor rs17228616 allele, this SNP interrupts AChE suppression by microRNA
      (miRNA)-608, leading to cortical elevation of brain AChE and reduced cortisol and
      the miRNA-608 target GABAergic modulator CDC42, all stress-associated. To examine
      whether this SNP has effects on PTSS and threat-related brain circuits, we
      exposed 76 healthy Israel Defense Forces soldiers who experienced chronic
      military stress to a functional magnetic resonance imaging task of emotional and
      neutral visual stimuli. Minor allele individuals predictably reacted to emotional
      stimuli by hyperactivated amygdala, a hallmark of PTSS and a predisposing factor
      of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite this, minor allele individuals
      showed no difference in PTSS levels. Mediation analyses indicated that the
      potentiated amygdala reactivity in minor allele soldiers promoted enhanced vmPFC
      recruitment that was associated with their limited PTSS. Furthermore, we found
      interrelated expression levels of several miRNA-608 targets including CD44, CDC42
      and interleukin 6 in human amygdala samples (N=7). Our findings suggest that
      miRNA-608/AChE interaction is involved in the threat circuitry and PTSS and
      support a model where greater vmPFC regulatory activity compensates for amygdala
      hyperactivation in minor allele individuals to neutralize their PTSS
      susceptibility. 

PMID- 27138802
TI  - Is Metastatic Rhabdomyosarcoma an Indication for Cardioverter Defibrillator
      Implantation?

PMID- 27138803
TI  - The mechanism of action of FXR1P-related miR-19b-3p in SH-SY5Y.
AB  - The biological effects of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) have
      been widely studied. Dysregulation of miRNAs plays a critical role in the
      progression of nervous system diseases and in cell proliferation and
      differentiation. Our previous study validated that miR-19b-3p was associated with
      FXR1 (Fragile X related gene 1), one of homologous genes of FMR1 (Fragile X
      mental retardation 1). The purpose of this study was to investigate the
      relationship of FXR1 and miR-19b-3p, and the crucial role of miR-19b-3p in FXS
      and to validate whether miR-19b-3p could regulate the growth of SH-SY5Y cells. We
      determined that miR-19b-3p could regulate the expression of not only USP32, RAB18
      and Dusp6 but also FXR1, and FXR1 could in turn regulate the expression of miR
      19b-3p. What's more, the overexpression of miR-19b-3p significantly inhibited the
      proliferation, contributed the apoptosis and slowed down the cycle of SH-SY5Y
      cells. Taken together, our results indicate that miR-19b-3p plays a significant
      role in the molecular pathology of FXS by interacting with FXR1 and influencing
      the growth of SH-SY5Y cells. 

PMID- 27138805
TI  - Diagnosis of Lyme disease in the pediatric acute care setting.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review the current evidence concerning the diagnosis of
      Lyme disease in children for application in the acute care setting. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Recent studies suggest that Lyme disease incidence is substantially
      higher than previously described. Although efforts are ongoing to identify
      alternative testing strategies, two-tiered serologic testing remains the
      diagnostic standard in children with compatible clinical syndromes. Published
      clinical prediction rules can assist clinicians caring for children with
      potential Lyme disease. SUMMARY: Two-tiered serologic testing remains the
      mainstay of the diagnosis of Lyme disease. To minimize the risk of a false
      positive test, serologic testing should be limited to those children with
      symptoms compatible with Lyme disease with potential exposure to ticks from
      endemic regions.

PMID- 27138804
TI  - MCL-1 is the key target of adjuvant chemotherapy to reverse the cisplatin
      resistance in NSCLC.
AB  - Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment
      of lung cancer. However, the acquired resistance occurred in cancer cells limits
      the clinical application of cisplatin. MCL-1, which is an important member in the
      pro-survival Bcl-2 family, plays a critical role in multidrug resistance (MDR).
      The aim of the present study is to investigate the value of Pan-Bcl-2 inhibitor
      as sensitizer for the chemotherapy of cisplatin-resistant non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) cells. We found the obatoclax but not the ABT-737 significantly
      decreased the IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) of cisplatin in
      cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the mechanism
      of obatoclax-promoted cell death induced by cisplatin was dependent on the
      inhibition of MCL-1, which couldn't be inhibited by ABT-737 but is the target of
      obatoclax. Moreover, inhibition of MCL-1 recovered the function of NOXA and BAK
      in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells, leading to the promotion of mitochondrial
      apoptosis induced by cisplatin. Interestingly, our date indicated the obatoclax
      also reversed the cross-resistance in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells. Therefore,
      we demonstrated that the targeted therapy with MCL-1 inhibitors, such as
      obatoclax, may represent a novel strategy for cancer therapy. 

PMID- 27138806
TI  - Current status of surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux in children.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Surgical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is
      controversial with considerable debate ranging from the indications for
      antireflux surgery to surgical technique. This article will attempt to clarify
      these issues with the most up-to-date information available on the prevalence,
      pathophysiology, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of GERD in children. Although
      laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) has become the most popular operation
      performed for pathologic reflux, its superiority over both open surgery and other
      types of fundoplication is not well established. RECENT FINDINGS: Large
      retrospective studies suggest LNF has a lower complication rate than open
      surgery. However, three prospective randomized controlled trials have been
      published recently which cast doubt on the superiority of LNF and suggest that
      LNF may have a higher failure rate compared to open fundoplication. Antireflux
      surgery has higher morbidity and failure rates in infants and in children with
      neurologic impairment. SUMMARY: Based on the best available evidence, LNF may be
      less morbid, but have a higher rate of failure than open surgery. Pediatric
      surgeons should be mindful of the risks and benefits of both approaches to best
      counsel their patients. Larger prospective randomized controlled trials are
      needed to determine the best treatments for pediatric GERD.

PMID- 27138807
TI  - Undescended testes: an update.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article summarizes the latest evidence on the risk
      factors, management and outcomes of undescended testes (UDTs). RECENT FINDINGS:
      UDTs remain common, with increasing evidence that acquired UDT or the ascending
      testis syndrome should be considered part of the spectrum of this disease. Prompt
      diagnosis and early referral for surgical evaluation and treatment would seem
      most likely to result in an optimal functional and cosmetic outcome. Hormonal
      treatment, rather than orchidopexy, remains popular in some centers, despite a
      lack of good evidence to support its efficacy, although it may have an important
      adjunct role in optimizing fertility. Although often performed, ultrasound does
      not generally assist in the diagnosis and management of UDT, with enhanced
      education of primary care physicians more likely to facilitate early referral.
      The testis, rather than quiescent, appears biologically active in the male
      infant, with increasing evidence of an adverse impact on future spermatogenesis
      and fertility in men with a UDT. SUMMARY: Male infants with a UDT should be
      diagnosed and referred early for surgical evaluation. It seems likely that the
      optimal timing for surgery should be before the boy's first birthday. There
      remains a need for high-quality, long-term outcomes data to guide optimal
      management.

PMID- 27138808
TI  - Changes in the axis of astigmatism and in fundus torsion following inferior
      oblique muscle weakening.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the changes in fundus torsion and in the axis of astigmatism
      following inferior oblique (IO) myectomy in patients with inferior oblique
      overaction (IOOA). METHODS: The degree of fundus torsion and corneal astigmatism
      were prospectively evaluated before and 3 months after IO myectomy in patients
      with IOOA grade +2 or more in one or both eyes and an astigmatic error of >=1 D.
      Fundus torsion was evaluated by measuring the disk foveal angle (DFA) using
      fundus photography. The axis of astigmatism was identified from the anterior
      sagittal map using Pentacam corneal imaging. RESULTS: A total of 54 eyes of 27
      patients were included. Patients were divided into two groups: those with
      esotropia and those with exotropia. All patients had a preoperative DFA >8
      degrees , which decreased postoperatively in both groups (P < 0.01).
      Postoperatively, there was incyclorotation of the axis of astigmatism by >5
      degrees  in 80% of the esotropic group and 75% of the exotropic groups (P <
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Incyclorotation of the axis of astigmatism occurs after IO
      myectomy. Measurement of the change in the axis of astigmatism can be used to
      assess the torsional changes after IO myectomy in patients with IOOA.

PMID- 27138809
TI  - Nonabsorbable versus absorbable sutures in large, hang-back medial rectus muscle
      recessions.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the value of nonabsorbable sutures in reducing the
      incidence of consecutive exotropia after large, "hang-back" medial rectus
      recessions. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent medial rectus
      recession of >=6.5 mm in individuals <=2 years of age, or >=7.0 mm in those >2
      years were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based
      on suture material used: absorbable, polyglactin 910 sutures (44 patients);
      nonabsorbable, polyester sutures (50 patients). Preoperative measurements,
      ductions, strabismus surgery, and postoperative results were analyzed. Inadequate
      anchoring of the medial rectus muscle was suspected when consecutive exotropia
      developed 4-7 weeks after surgery after initial satisfactory alignment and was
      confirmed if during reoperation the medial rectus muscle appeared recessed >2 mm
      beyond the originally intended recession. RESULTS: Consecutive exotropia due to
      inadequate anchoring of the medial rectus muscle occurred in 11 of 66 muscles
      (17%) in the absorbable suture group. The muscle was found 6-10 mm posterior to
      the intended recession. Limited duction in the field of action of the involved
      medial rectus muscle occurred in 9 of the 11 muscles (82%). None of the eyes with
      nonabsorbable sutures showed inadequate anchoring. The incidence of consecutive
      exotropia was higher in the absorbable suture group (30%) than in the
      nonabsorbable suture group (6%) (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Using nonabsorbable
      suture for large, hang-back medial rectus recessions greatly reduces the
      incidence of consecutive exotropia that can occur when absorbable suture
      dissolves.

PMID- 27138810
TI  - Facing Death: Palliative Care, Erik Erikson, and the Final Stage of Life.

PMID- 27138811
TI  - Regional and Gender Differences in Years with and without Mobility Limitation in
      the Older Population of Thailand.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine gender and regional differences in health expectancies
      based on the measure of mobility. METHODS: Health expectancies by gender and
      region were computed by Sullivan's method from the fourth Thai National Health
      Examination Survey (2009). A total of 9,210 older persons aged 60 years and older
      were included. Mobility limitation was defined as self-reporting of ability to
      perform only with assistances/aids at least one of: walking at least 400 metres;
      or going up or down a flight of 10 stairs. Severe limitation was defined as
      complete inability to do at least one of these two functions, even with
      assistances or aids. RESULTS: At age 60, females compared to males, spent
      significantly fewer years without mobility limitation (male-female = 3.2 years)
      and more years with any limitation (female-male = 6.7 years) and with severe
      limitation (female-male = 3.2 years). For both genders, years lived with severe
      limitation were remarkably constant across age. Significant regional inequalities
      in years lived without and with limitation were evident, with a consistent
      pattern by gender in years free of mobility limitation (Central ranked the best
      and the North East ranked the worst). Finally, both males and females in the
      South had the longest life expectancy and the most years of life with severe
      mobility limitation. CONCLUSION: This study identifies inequalities in years
      without and with mobility limitations with important policy implication.

PMID- 27138812
TI  - Intergenerational Transmission of Educational Attitudes in Chinese American
      Families: Interplay of Socioeconomic Status and Acculturation.
AB  - This longitudinal study examined the influence of parents' educational attitudes
      on adolescents' educational attitudes and identified antecedents (i.e., parent
      education, family income, and parent acculturation), consequences (i.e., academic
      achievement and engagement), and a potential moderator (i.e., adolescent
      acculturation) of the transmission process. The sample was 444 Chinese American
      mothers, fathers, and adolescents (12-15 at W1). Using path analysis, this study
      found significant two-way interactions among parent education, income, and
      acculturation in predicting parents' concurrent positive educational attitudes,
      which, in turn, predicted adolescents' attitudes at W2. The latter link was
      further moderated by W1 and W2 adolescent acculturation for mother-adolescent and
      father-adolescent dyads. Adolescents' positive educational attitudes at W2, in
      turn, were positively associated with their concurrent academic achievement and
      engagement.

PMID- 27138813
TI  - Entamoeba histolytica induces human neutrophils to form NETs.
AB  - Entamoeba histolytica invades the intestine and other organs during the
      pathogenesis of amoebiasis. In the early stages, the host organism responds with
      an inflammatory infiltrate composed mostly of neutrophils. It has been reported
      that these immune cells, activated by E. histolytica, exert a protective role by
      releasing proteolytic enzymes and generating reactive oxygen/nitrogen species
      (ROS/RNS) and antimicrobial peptides. It is now known that neutrophils also
      produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are able to damage and kill
      pathogens. Studies have shown that intracellular protozoan pathogens, including
      Toxoplasma gondi, Plasmodium falciparum and Leishmania spp, induce neutrophils to
      release NETs and are damaged by them. However, the action of this mechanism has
      not been explored in relation to E. histolytica trophozoites. Through scanning
      electron, epifluorescence microscopy and viability assays, we show for first time
      that during in vitro interaction with E. histolytica trophozoites, human
      neutrophils released NETs that covered amoebas and reduced amoebic viability.
      These NETs presented histones, myeloperoxidase and decondensed chromatin. The
      results suggest that NETs participate in the elimination of the parasite.

PMID- 27138814
TI  - Internalized stigma of mental illness and depressive and psychotic symptoms in
      homeless veterans over 6 months.
AB  - We investigated the relationship between internalized stigma of mental illness at
      baseline and depressive and psychotic symptoms 3 and 6 months later, controlling
      for baseline symptoms. Data on homeless veterans with severe mental illness (SMI)
      were provided by the Northeast Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC) Special Needs
      Chronic Mental Illness (SN-CMI) study (Kasprow and Rosenheck, 2008). The study
      used the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale to measure
      internalized stigma at baseline and the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) to
      measure depressive and psychotic symptoms at baseline and 3 and 6 month follow
      ups. Higher levels of internalized stigma were associated with greater levels of
      depressive and psychotic symptoms 3 and 6 months later, even controlling for
      symptoms at baseline. Alienation and Discrimination Experience were the subscales
      most strongly associated with symptoms. Exploratory analyses of individual items
      yielded further insight into characteristics of potentially successful
      interventions that could be studied. Overall, our findings show that homeless
      veterans with SMI experiencing higher levels of internalized stigma are likely to
      experience more depression and psychosis over time. This quasi-experimental study
      replicates and extends findings of other studies and has implications for future
      controlled research into the potential long-term effects of anti-stigma
      interventions on mental health recovery.

PMID- 27138815
TI  - Striatal but not frontal cortical up-regulation of the epidermal growth factor
      receptor in rats exposed to immune activation in utero and cannabinoid treatment
      in adolescence.
AB  - In utero maternal immune activation (MIA) and cannabinoid exposure during
      adolescence constitute environmental risk factors for schizophrenia. We
      investigated these risk factors alone and in combination ("two-hit") on epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) and neuregulin-1 receptor (ErbB4) levels in the rat
      brain. EGFR but not ErbB4 receptor protein levels were significantly increased in
      the nucleus accumbens and striatum of "two-hit" rats only, with no changes seen
      at the mRNA level. These findings support region specific EGF-system
      dysregulation as a plausible mechanism in this animal model of schizophrenia
      pathogenesis.

PMID- 27138816
TI  - Add on testosterone therapy in negative symptoms of schizophrenia with gonadal
      trauma: Hitting the bull's eye.
AB  - The coincidence or causal incidence of hormonal dysregulation leading to
      psychotic manifestation had been a point of debate. The interplay of these
      hormones in pathogenesis of psychotic symptom domains is still inconclusive along
      with some symptom domains which worsen with antipsychotics. Early detection and
      treatment with liaison approach is of great help to such patients. We report a
      case of schizophrenia with primary hypogonadism that responded dramatically to
      add on testosterone supplement.

PMID- 27138817
TI  - Psychopathological factors associated with problematic alcohol and problematic
      Internet use in a sample of adolescents in Germany.
AB  - In Germany, high prevalence rates for problematic alcohol use and problematic
      Internet use in adolescents were reported. The objective of the present study was
      to identify psychopathological factors associated with these two behavior
      patterns. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation assessing
      psychopathological factors for both problematic alcohol and problematic Internet
      use in the same sample of adolescents. We surveyed a sample of 1444 adolescents
      in Germany regarding problematic alcohol use, problematic Internet use,
      psychopathology and psychological well-being. We conducted binary logistic
      regression analyses. 5.6% of the sample showed problematic alcohol use, 4.8%
      problematic Internet use, and 0.8% both problematic alcohol and problematic
      Internet use. Problematic alcohol use was higher in adolescents with problematic
      Internet use compared to those without problematic Internet use. Conduct problems
      and depressive symptoms were statistically significant associated with both
      problematic alcohol and problematic Internet use. Prosocial behavior was related
      to problematic Internet use. Male gender and less peer problems were associated
      with problematic alcohol use. For the first time associations between adolescent
      problematic alcohol and problematic Internet use due to common psychopathological
      factors were identified. However, in addition to shared factors, we found also
      specific psychopathological correlates associated with these two behavior
      patterns.

PMID- 27138818
TI  - Diagnosis and characterization of mania: Quantifying increased energy and
      activity in the human behavioral pattern monitor.
AB  - Increased energy or activity is now an essential feature of the mania of Bipolar
      Disorder (BD) according to DSM-5. This study examined whether objective measures
      of increased energy can differentiate manic BD individuals and provide greater
      diagnostic accuracy compared to rating scales, extending the work of previous
      studies with smaller samples. We also tested the relationship between objective
      measures of energy and rating scales. 50 hospitalized manic BD patients were
      compared to healthy subjects (HCS, n=39) in the human Behavioral Pattern Monitor
      (hBPM) which quantifies motor activity and goal-directed behavior in an
      environment containing novel stimuli. Archival hBPM data from 17 schizophrenia
      patients were used in sensitivity and specificity analyses. Manic BD patients
      exhibited higher motor activity than HCS and higher novel object interactions.
      hBPM activity measures were not correlated with observer-rated symptoms, and hBPM
      activity was more sensitive in accurately classifying hospitalized BD subjects
      than observer ratings. Although the findings can only be generalized to inpatient
      populations, they suggest that increased energy, particularly specific and goal
      directed exploration, is a distinguishing feature of BD mania and is best
      quantified by objective measures of motor activity. A better understanding is
      needed of the biological underpinnings of this cardinal feature.

PMID- 27138819
TI  - Reduced detection of positive expressions in major depression.
AB  - In patients with depression, negative biases have been reported in various
      cognitive domains, but few studies have examined whether even detection is
      affected, i.e. are depressed patients more likely to detect the presence of
      negative stimuli? This study compared detection of sad and happy faces in
      patients (n=17) and healthy participants (n=18) using an attentional blink task.
      Patients with depression detected significantly fewer happy faces than matched
      healthy participants, but for sad faces the group difference was non-significant.
      The results suggest that depression may affect the detection of positive stimuli.

PMID- 27138820
TI  - The number of past manic episodes is the best predictor of antidepressant
      emergent manic switch in a cohort of bipolar depressed patients.
AB  - The present study sought to identify factors associated with the onset of a manic
      or hypomanic episode during the month following a new antidepressant therapy in
      depressed bipolar patients. Patients receiving mood stabilizers for >=3 months
      were screened from 400 French centers and were assessed for a 4-week period
      following prescription of a first or a new antidepressant. Of the 1242 included
      participants, 4.8% (n=60) experienced antidepressant-emergent manic switch
      (AEMS). AEMS was more frequently associated with lifetime manic, depressive, and
      total mood episodes, and with past AEMS. A higher score at two items of the
      Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (pessimistic and suicidal thoughts)
      were significantly associated with AEMS. Logistic regression analysis showed that
      the number of lifetime manic episodes and past AEMS were the two most factors
      associated with an AEMS. Having more than four past manic episodes was associated
      with a 2.84 fold increased risk of AEMS. Cumulative number of past mood episodes
      seems to be the most important factor for switching to a manic episode following
      antidepressants in patients with bipolar disorder. Longer-term studies are
      required to further delineate antidepressant causality from natural disease
      course.

PMID- 27138821
TI  - Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), 4-OH-nonenal and Vitamin E levels in chronic
      schizophrenic patients.

PMID- 27138822
TI  - The case for moderate-risk buyers: An empirical investigation.
AB  - Despite recent increase in research on compulsive buying and excessive buying,
      the category of buyers whose buying patterns are approaching the clinical level
      but still somewhat below it has rarely been recognized in the literature. In this
      paper, we propose the case for the category of moderate-risk buyers. Following
      Ridgway et al.'s (2008) findings, moderate-risk buyers were operationalized as
      scoring 21-24 on Compulsive Buying Index. We hypothesized that moderate-risk
      buyers would hold significantly higher materialistic values than non-compulsive
      buyers, while exhibiting significantly less depressive symptoms and covert
      narcissism than full-fledged compulsive buyers. An online survey of individuals
      who frequently engaged in buying lapses was used (N=809). We found that moderate
      risk buyers were significantly different from both compulsive buyers and non
      compulsive buyers in the frequency of buying lapses, hiding purchases and
      frequency of experiencing negative feelings leading to buying lapses.
      Furthermore, consistent with our hypothesis, moderate-risk buyers held
      significantly lower covert narcissism and depression than full-fledged compulsive
      buyers, but their materialism was not significantly different from each other.
      Our findings support the case for moderate-risk buyers as a separate group from
      full-fledged compulsive buyers.

PMID- 27138823
TI  - Self-clarity and different clusters of insight and self-stigma in mental illness.
AB  - The current study explored the self-experience of persons with Serious Mental
      Illness (SMI) by investigating the associations between different insight and
      self-stigma clusters, self-clarity, hope, recovery, and functioning. One hundred
      seven persons diagnosed with a SMI were administered six scales: self-concept
      clarity, self-stigma, insight into the illness, hope, recovery, and functioning.
      Correlations and cluster analyses were performed. Insight, as measured by a self
      report scale was not related to any other variable. Self-stigma was negatively
      associated with self-clarity, hope, recovery and functioning. Three clusters
      emerged: moderate stigma/high insight (n=31), high stigma/moderate insight
      (n=28), and low stigma/low insight (n=42). The group with low stigma and low
      insight had higher mean levels of self-clarity and hope than the other two
      groups. There were no significant differences between cluster 1 (moderate
      stigma/high insight) and cluster 2 (high stigma/moderate insight) in all the
      variables beside self-clarity. The group with moderate stigma and high insight
      had significantly higher mean levels of self-clarity than the group with high
      stigma and moderate insight. Results reveal that when people diagnosed with SMI
      do not have high levels of self-stigma they often report a positive and clear
      sense of self accompanied with hope, regardless of having low insight.

PMID- 27138825
TI  - The influence of variations in eating disorder-related symptoms on processing of
      emotional faces in a non-clinical female sample: An eye-tracking study.
AB  - This study aimed to: (i) determine if the attention bias towards angry faces
      reported in eating disorders generalises to a non-clinical sample varying in
      eating disorder-related symptoms; (ii) examine if the bias occurs during initial
      orientation or later strategic processing; and (iii) confirm previous findings of
      impaired facial emotion recognition in non-clinical disordered eating. Fifty-two
      females viewed a series of face-pairs (happy or angry paired with neutral) whilst
      their attentional deployment was continuously monitored using an eye-tracker.
      They subsequently identified the emotion portrayed in a separate series of faces.
      The highest (n=18) and lowest scorers (n=17) on the Eating Disorders Inventory
      (EDI) were compared on the attention and facial emotion recognition tasks. Those
      with relatively high scores exhibited impaired facial emotion recognition,
      confirming previous findings in similar non-clinical samples. They also displayed
      biased attention away from emotional faces during later strategic processing,
      which is consistent with previously observed impairments in clinical samples.
      These differences were related to drive-for-thinness. Although we found no
      evidence of a bias towards angry faces, it is plausible that the observed
      impairments in emotion recognition and avoidance of emotional faces could disrupt
      social functioning and act as a risk factor for the development of eating
      disorders.

PMID- 27138824
TI  - Abnormal gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and their membrane-bound
      receptors in the lymphocytes of depressed patients.
AB  - Abnormalities of protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines and their soluble
      receptors have been reported in plasma of depressed patients. In this study, we
      examined the role of cytokines and their membrane-bound receptors in major
      depressive disorder (MDD). We determined the protein and mRNA expression of
      proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor
      (TNF)-alpha, and mRNA expression of their membrane-bound receptors in the
      lymphocytes from 31 hospitalized MDD patients and 30 non-hospitalized normal
      control (NC) subjects. The subjects were diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria.
      Protein levels of cytokines were determined by ELISA, and mRNA levels in
      lymphocytes were determined by the qPCR method. We found that the mean mRNA
      levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, their
      receptors, TNFR1, TNFR2, IL-1R1 and the antagonist IL-1RA were significantly
      increased in the lymphocytes of MDD patients compared with NC. No significant
      differences in the lymphocyte mRNA levels of IL-1R2, IL-6R, and Gp130 were
      observed between MDD patients and NC. These studies suggest abnormal gene
      expression of these cytokines and their membrane-bound receptors in the
      lymphocytes of MDD patients, and that their mRNA expression levels in the
      lymphocytes could be a useful biomarker for depression.

PMID- 27138826
TI  - Normal interoceptive accuracy in women with bulimia nervosa.
AB  - Previous studies suggest that patients suffering from bulimia nervosa (BN) have
      difficulties in perceiving internal bodily signals, mostly assessed by self
      report questionnaires. Whether interoception is, in this case, attenuated or not
      remains an open question. Therefore, interoceptive processes were examined in
      twenty-three patients with current BN and were compared to healthy participants.
      We investigated Interoceptive Accuracy (IAc) assessed by the heartbeat detection
      task and Interoceptive Awareness (IA) assessed by the Eating Disorder Inventory
      2. Patients with BN and healthy participants did not differ in terms of IAc when
      controlling for BMI, depression and anxiety, whereas IA among BN patients was
      found to have decreased. Although IAc and IA were not related among controls, we
      observed an inverse correlation in BN, suggesting that an abnormal overlap
      between these two levels of interoceptive signal processing is present in BN. The
      current study introduces a new perspective concerning the role of interoceptive
      processes in BN and generates further questions regarding the therapeutic utility
      of methods targeting the interaction between different levels of interoception in
      the treatment of BN.

PMID- 27138827
TI  - Delayed effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on negative
      symptoms of schizophrenia: Findings from a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Evidence is inconsistent regarding the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic
      stimulation (rTMS) on negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In this study, 47
      patients were randomized to receive either active rTMS over left dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex (n=25) or sham stimulation (n=22). Negative symptoms were
      assessed with the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) at
      baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. At 4 weeks, there was no difference in SANS scores
      between 2 groups. By 8 weeks, patients with active rTMS had significantly reduced
      SANS score than controls. Our findings suggest a delayed effect of rTMS on
      negative symptoms.

PMID- 27138828
TI  - Factors affecting severity of positive and negative symptoms of psychosis in a
      polysubstance using population with psychostimulant dependence.
AB  - Approximately half of psychostimulant users experience psychotic symptoms, which
      include both positive and negative symptoms. Prior reports have exclusively used
      positive symptoms to characterize psychostimulant associated psychosis. Symptoms
      vary dramatically in severity, though most investigations categorize psychosis as
      a dichotomous occurrence. To explore the association between different substances
      of abuse and the severity of psychotic symptoms, we investigated 171 individuals
      meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for psychostimulant (cocaine or methamphetamine)
      dependence in an observational cross-sectional study. Participants were
      predominantly male (72.5%), recruited from a socially disadvantaged neighborhood
      in Vancouver, Canada, with a mean age of 45.5(+/-8.8) years. Of the total sample,
      85% were dependent on cocaine, and 28.1% were dependent on methamphetamine.
      Participants had a median total PANSS score of 63, ranging from 37 to 111.
      Demographic information, current substance use and early substance exposure were
      used to predict positive and negative psychotic symptom severity in linear
      regression models. Increased severity of positive psychotic symptoms was
      significantly related to greater methamphetamine and marijuana use in the past 28
      days, and methadone-abstinence. Negative symptom severity was related to
      increased opioid use in the past 28 days. There was no overlap between predictors
      of positive and negative symptom severity.

PMID- 27138829
TI  - Depression in breast cancer patients.
AB  - Breast cancer is the third most common illness in the world and the most frequent
      malignant disease with women. Cytotoxic therapy is connected to significant
      psychiatric adverse effects, and the appearance of depressive symptoms is the
      most common. The main goal is determining the degree of depression with breast
      cancer patients in the oncology ward of the University Clinical Hospital in Nis
      and its connection to their marital status, age, level of education, economic
      status and the number of therapy cycles. This research is a prospective study.
      The statistical data analysis included measures of descriptive and analytical
      statistics. The presence of depressive symptoms of different intensity was showed
      in 76.00% of the interviewees in group I, and the second included 77.4%. The
      frequency distributions show that 27.084% interviewees from the first group
      showed signs of depressive symptoms, while the second included 25%. The intensity
      of these symptoms categorizes them into the group of moderate to significantly
      expressed depressive states, so they require therapeutic treatment. Depression is
      significantly more often recorded with cancer patients receiving cytotoxic
      therapy; mild depression is the most common, followed by moderate and severe
      depression.

PMID- 27138831
TI  - The association of adverse childhood experiences and appetitive aggression with
      suicide attempts and violent crimes in male forensic psychiatry inpatients.
AB  - Although previous studies in inmates, forensic and psychiatric samples suggest
      the relation between childhood trauma and suicide behavior as well as between
      childhood trauma and violent delinquency, the understanding of possible
      underlying mechanisms is still fragmentary. In a naturalistic study design, we
      tested if suicidal attempts and violent crimes are differently associated with
      adverse childhood experiences and levels of appetitive aggression in male
      forensic psychiatry inpatients. Adverse childhood experiences and appetitive
      aggression styles were collected by means of self-report measures, suicide
      attempts were taken from the medical history and violent crimes were appraised by
      official court records. The data were analyzed by the means of generalized linear
      models. Results revealed that appetitive aggression and adverse childhood
      experiences were significant predictors of suicide attempts, whereas violent
      crimes were associated solely with appetitive aggression. Suicide attempts and
      violent delinquency in forensic patients seem to be both positively associated
      with high levels of appetitive aggression, whereas their etiological pathways
      might differ with regard to adverse childhood experiences. Considering these
      interrelations to a greater extent might improve both diagnostics and treatment
      of forensic patients.

PMID- 27138830
TI  - Assessment of left ventricle systolic and diastolic functions in schizophrenia
      patients.
AB  - The objective of the study was to scrutinize in detail the changes that occur in
      left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic functions using echocardiography in
      patients with at least 5 years of history and 40 healthy volunteers matching the
      patients in age and gender, who were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. All
      cases were examined with Tei Index, an index that could assess LV systolic and
      diastolic functions in conjuction, and with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) that
      assesses systolic function. In addition, Mitral E and A wave velocities,
      Isovolemic relaxation time (IVRT), Tissue Doppler Em (peak early motion) and Am
      (peak after motion) waves, which evaluate diastolic functions were measured. Tei
      Index was calculated as 0.61+/-0.19 in the patient group, and as 0.39+/-0.10 in
      the control group and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001).
      LVEF was measured as 58%+/-5 in the patient group, and as 62%+/-3 in the control
      group and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Also the IVRT
      values were significantly different between the tissue Doppler Em and Em/Am ratio
      among the groups (p<0.001). Echocardiographic myocardial performance, LV systolic
      and diastolic functions in schizophrenia patients was found to be worse than
      those of the control group.

PMID- 27138832
TI  - Prolonged grief and depression after unnatural loss: Latent class analyses and
      cognitive correlates.
AB  - This study sought to identify (a) subgroups among people confronted with
      unnatural/violent loss characterized by different symptoms profiles of prolonged
      grief disorder (PGD) and depression, and (b) socio-demographic, loss-related, and
      cognitive variables associated with subgroup membership. We used data from 245
      individuals confronted with the death of a loved one due to an accident (47.3%),
      suicide (49%) or homicide (3.7%). Latent class analysis revealed three classes of
      participants: a resilient-class (25.3%), a predominantly PGD-class (39.2%), and a
      combined PGD/Depression-class (35.5%). Membership in the resilient-class was
      predicted by longer time since loss and lower age; membership in the combined
      class was predicted by lower education. Endorsement of negative cognitions about
      the self, life, the future, and one's own grief-reactions was lowest in the
      Resilient-class, intermediate in the PGD-class, and highest in the combined
      PGD/Depression-class. When all socio-demographic, loss-related, and cognitive
      variables were included in multinomial regression analyses predicting class
      membership, it was found that negative cognitions about one's grief was the only
      variable predicting membership of the PGD-class. Negative cognitions about the
      self, life, and grief predicted membership of the combined PGD/Depression-class.
      These findings provide valuable information for the development of interventions
      for different subgroups of bereaved individuals confronted with unnatural/violent
      loss.

PMID- 27138834
TI  - Associations between psychiatric symptoms and cortisol levels in Nicaraguan young
      school-age children.
AB  - The regulation of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA-axis) with its end
      product cortisol seems to be affected in several psychiatric disorders. Although
      findings are not conclusive, internalizing symptoms have primarily been
      associated with higher diurnal cortisol levels and externalizing symptoms with
      lower cortisol levels. In this study on nine-year-olds in Nicaragua (n=111), we
      investigated associations between child psychiatric symptoms, using the Child
      Behavior Check List (CBCL), and saliva cortisol levels collected in the morning
      and afternoon, also adjusting for potential confounders. In line with previous
      findings, internalizing symptoms were significantly associated with higher
      morning, but not afternoon cortisol levels. Surprisingly, externalizing symptoms
      were also significantly associated with higher morning cortisol levels. Possibly,
      this association between externalizing symptoms and cortisol levels may be
      characteristic of early ages, representing a higher exposure to external
      stressors. The study highlights the need for prospective studies, following the
      development of the HPA-axis and its association with psychiatric symptoms.

PMID- 27138833
TI  - Electrophysiological correlates of bilateral and unilateral repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with bipolar depression.
AB  - Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been demonstrated to have
      efficacy in the treatment of unipolar depression but limited research has
      explored the efficacy of rTMS in bipolar depression. Therefore, we conducted a
      comparative clinical trial evaluating clinical responses to prefrontal bilateral
      and unilateral rTMS in patients suffering from bipolar depression. We
      hypothesized that, 1) the response to the treatment would be associated with a
      decrease in the frequency of beta waves, 2) bilateral stimulation of the cortex
      would bring about more extensive changes in brain activity than unilateral
      stimulation, and 3) bilateral stimulation is more effective than unilateral.
      Thirty patients with bipolar depression were divided into two groups. Bilateral
      Group (n=15) who received rTMS in the left DLPFC (10Hz) and right DLPFC (1-Hz),
      and unilateral group (n=15) who received the stimulation only in the right DLPFC
      (1-Hz) during 20 treatment sessions. The proportion of responders in the
      bilateral stimulation group was significantly higher than that in the unilateral
      group [80% versus 47%]. The remission rate was 40% in the bilateral group and 40%
      in the unilateral group (not significant). In the responders to bilateral rTMS
      treatment, a significant reduction of alpha1-2, beta 1-3, and gamma frequencies
      were observed in medial and superior frontal and cingulate gyrus . Responders to
      the unilateral treatment showed decrease of gamma frequency in postcentral gyrus,
      precuneus, superior and inferior parietal lobule, Cuneus and angular gyrus. In
      conclusion, we found that bilateral stimulation was more effective than the
      unilateral stimulation and evidence that beta frequency activity could possibly
      be used as a marker for response to rTMS.

PMID- 27138835
TI  - Motivational drive and alprazolam misuse: A recipe for aggression?
AB  - Benzodiazepine-related aggression has received insufficient research attention,
      in particular little is known about the motivational factors which may contribute
      to the development of this paradoxical response. The revised Reinforcement
      Sensitivity Theory provides a theoretical framework from which to understand the
      relevant underlying motivational processes. The current study aimed to identify
      the role of approach and avoidance motivational tendencies in the occurrence of
      benzodiazepine-related aggression. Data regarding benzodiazepine and other
      substance use, approach and avoidance motivation, and general and physical
      aggressive behaviour were collected via self-report questionnaires. Participants
      were a convenience sample (n=204) who reported using benzodiazepines in the
      previous year. Participants were primarily male (62.7%), aged 18-51 years old.
      Hierarchical multiple regressions indicated that general and physical aggression
      were predicted by alprazolam use and Drive, a facet of approach motivation.
      Overall, lower diazepam use significantly predicted higher levels of general
      aggression. However, when diazepam-preferring participants were examined in
      isolation of the larger sample (23.5% of sample), problematic (dependent)
      diazepam use was associated with greater aggression scores, as was dependence
      risk for alprazolam-preferring participants (39.7% of sample). The findings
      highlight the importance of motivational factors and benzodiazepine use patterns
      in understanding benzodiazepine-related aggression, with implications for violent
      offender rehabilitation.

PMID- 27138836
TI  - Clinical utility of the Multiple Errands Test in schizophrenia: A preliminary
      assessment.
AB  - Schizophrenia (SZ) is a chronic, severe disease, which results in misperception
      of reality, major social withdrawal, and cognitive disturbances. One type of
      cognitive disturbance, known as executive dysfunction, is widely considered as a
      primary determinant of functional outcome. However, classic neuropsychological
      measures of executive functioning (EF) poorly represent patients' functional
      outcome, and thus seem inappropriate for evaluating the real-world functional
      impact of diseases such as SZ. We hypothesized that the Multiple Errands Test
      (MET), an ecological assessment of executive function would show greater ability
      to measure everyday adaptive functioning SZ, compared to conventional EF
      assessment methods. 100 clinically stable SZ patients were administered the MET,
      Wisconsin Card Sorting Test - 64 and a paper version of MET. Correlation analyses
      were performed between each EF measure and functional outcome, as measured by the
      Social Autonomy Scale (SAS). After adjusting for age, education, IQ and illness
      duration, SAS was significantly predicted by MET global score. No other EF
      measure correlated with SAS. Results from this study suggest that MET offers a
      valuable prediction of daily life functional outcome in this large sample of SZ
      patients. Therefore, it could be used as a complementary measure to improve the
      identification of executive dysfunctions prior to psychosocial interventions.

PMID- 27138837
TI  - Role of assessment components and recent adverse outcomes in risk estimation and
      prediction: Use of the Short Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) in
      an adult secure inpatient mental health service.
AB  - The Short Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability is a structured judgement tool
      used to inform risk estimation for multiple adverse outcomes. In research, risk
      estimates outperform the tool's strength and vulnerability scales for violence
      prediction. Little is known about what its'component parts contribute to the
      assignment of risk estimates and how those estimates fare in prediction of non
      violent adverse outcomes compared with the structured components. START
      assessment and outcomes data from a secure mental health service (N=84) was
      collected. Binomial and multinomial regression analyses determined the
      contribution of selected elements of the START structured domain and recent
      adverse risk events to risk estimates and outcomes prediction for violence, self
      harm/suicidality, victimisation, and self-neglect. START vulnerabilities and
      lifetime history of violence, predicted the violence risk estimate; self-harm and
      victimisation estimates were predicted only by corresponding recent adverse
      events. Recent adverse events uniquely predicted all corresponding outcomes, with
      the exception of self-neglect which was predicted by the strength scale. Only for
      victimisation did the risk estimate outperform prediction based on the START
      components and recent adverse events. In the absence of recent corresponding risk
      behaviour, restrictions imposed on the basis of START-informed risk estimates
      could be unwarranted and may be unethical.

PMID- 27138838
TI  - Low-Level Environmental Phthalate Exposure Associates with Urine Metabolome
      Alteration in a Chinese Male Cohort.
AB  - The general population is exposed to phthalates through various sources and
      routes. Integration of omics data and epidemiological data is a key step toward
      directly linking phthalate biomonitoring data with biological response. Urine
      metabolomics is a powerful tool to identify exposure biomarkers and delineate the
      modes of action of environmental stressors. The objectives of this study are to
      investigate the association between low-level environmental phthalate exposure
      and urine metabolome alteration in male population, and to unveil the metabolic
      pathways involved in the mechanisms of phthalate toxicity. In this retrospective
      cross-sectional study, we studied the urine metabolomic profiles of 364 male
      subjects exposed to low-level environmental phthalates. Di(2-ethylhexyl)
      phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) are the most widely used phthalates.
      ?DEHP and MBP (the major metabolite of DBP) were associated with significant
      alteration of global urine metabolome in the male population. We observed
      significant increase in the levels of acetylneuraminic acid, carnitine C8:1,
      carnitine C18:0, cystine, phenylglycine, phenylpyruvic acid and
      glutamylphenylalanine; and meanwhile, decrease in the levels of carnitine C16:2,
      diacetylspermine, alanine, taurine, tryptophan, ornithine, methylglutaconic acid,
      hydroxyl-PEG2 and keto-PGE2 in high exposure group. The observations indicated
      that low-level environmental phthalate exposure associated with increased
      oxidative stress and fatty acid oxidation and decreased prostaglandin metabolism.
      Urea cycle, tryptophan and phenylalanine metabolism disruption was also observed.
      The urine metabolome disruption effects associated with ?DEHP and MBP were
      similar, but not identical. The multibiomarker models presented AUC values of
      0.845 and 0.834 for ?DEHP and MBP, respectively. The predictive accuracy rates of
      established models were 81% for SigmaDEHP and 73% for MBP. Our results suggest
      that low-level environmental phthalate exposure associates with urine metabolome
      disruption in male population, providing new insight into the early molecular
      events of phthalate exposure.

PMID- 27138839
TI  - Galeazzi fractures: Is DRUJ instability predicted by current guidelines?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Clinically significant distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) injuries can
      occur with radial shaft fractures. Several radiographic methods of diagnosis,
      such as radial shortening of >5mm or fracture line within 7.5cm from the lunate
      facet, have been proposed but not clinically validated. The purpose of this study
      was to compare radiographic measurements of radial shaft fractures associated
      with and without clinically significant DRUJ injury (i.e., true Galeazzi fracture
      dislocation) in order to evaluate the predictive value of reported parameters of
      DRUJ injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective record and radiographic review
      was performed of 66 consecutive skeletally mature patients with isolated radial
      shaft fractures from 2004 to 2014 treated at one level 1 academic trauma center.
      Intraoperatively determined DRUJ instability after radial shaft fixation was used
      as the gold standard for diagnosis of a Galeazzi fracture-dislocation. RESULTS:
      Average age was 34 years old (range: 18-90). By thirds, there were 10 proximal
      (15%), 27 middle (41%), and 29 distal (44%) fractures. 13 (20%) had an associated
      ulnar styloid fracture. 7 (11%) patients had DRUJ instability after radial
      fixation. Radial shortening averaged 4.4+/-5.2mm (-2.6-22), and 21 had shortening
      of >5mm. Twenty-six (39%) fractures were within 7.5cm of the wrist joint.
      Previous guidelines were only moderately accurate. Even greater shortening did
      not predict instability (3/7 patients with >10mm shortening had a true injury).
      Four out of 7 cases with instability had ulnar styloid fractures (p=0.02).
      DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Using a larger data set than has historically been
      evaluated, previously reported radiographic guidelines are only moderately
      accurate. The presence of an ulnar styloid fracture can be helpful. Surgeons
      should be aware of these associations but rely primarily on intraoperative
      assessment of the DRUJ after radial fixation to determine treatment.

PMID- 27138841
TI  - Hsp90 Is Involved in the Regulation of Cytosolic Precursor Protein Abundance in
      Tomato.

PMID- 27138840
TI  - The economic burden of outpatient appointments following paediatric fractures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Paediatric fractures are common and frequently followed-up. The aim
      of this study is to quantify the private costs for the affected families, as well
      as the costs for society due to paediatric fracture clinic follow-up
      appointments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 295 paired parent and surgeon questionnaire
      regarding the cost related to a scheduled follow-up appointment for an upper limb
      fracture in children aged 6-13 years were collected prospectively over 7 months.
      In addition, the medical appropriateness of the appointment and whether or not
      the control changed the management of the fracture was investigated. RESULTS: The
      direct cost of attending a paediatric upper limb fracture clinic was estimated to
      ?48.5 while the cost for society due to productivity loss was ?78.4 per
      consultation. In 89.2% of the cases the surgeons found the appointment necessary,
      it was deemed unnecessary or inconclusive in 10.6%. The treatment plan was
      altered in 6.8%, and an extra follow up was scheduled in 5.8%. Fractures of the
      clavicle were most often regarded as unnecessary to follow up clinically or
      radiologically by the surgeons. DISCUSSION: The direct cost for the affected
      families and the costs for society due to productivity loss of paediatric
      fracture follow-up appointments are noticeable. Although most patients and
      surgeons deem these controls as valuable, they lead to a change in treatment plan
      in only 12.6% of the cases. A stringent management protocol can safely reduce the
      number of clinical and radiographical follow-ups.

PMID- 27138842
TI  - Development of a nanosphere adsorbent for the removal of fluoride from water.
AB  - A new uniform-sized CeCO3OH nanosphere adsorbent was developed, and tested to
      establish its efficiency, using kinetic and thermodynamic studies, for fluoride
      removal. The results demonstrated that the CeCO3OH nanospheres exhibited much
      high adsorption capacities for fluoride anions due to electrostatic interactions
      and exchange of the carbonate and hydroxyl groups on the adsorbent surface with
      fluoride anions. Adsorption kinetics was fitted well by the pseudo-second-order
      model as compared to a pseudo-first-order rate expression, and adsorption
      isotherm data were well described by Langmuir model with max adsorption capacity
      of 45mg/g at pH 7.0. Thermodynamic examination demonstrated that fluoride
      adsorption on the CeCO3OH nanospheres was reasonably endothermic and spontaneous.
      Moreover, the CeCO3OH nanospheres have less influence on adsorption of F(-) by pH
      and co-exiting ions, such as SO4(2-), Cl(-), HCO3(-), CO3(2-), NO3(-) and PO4(3
      ), and the adsorption efficiency is very high at the low initial fluoride
      concentrations in the basis of the equilibrium adsorption capacities. This study
      indicated that the CeCO3OH nanospheres could be developed into a very viable
      technology for highly effective removal of fluoride from drinking water. 

PMID- 27138843
TI  - Initiation or maintenance of beta-blocker therapy in patients hospitalized for
      acute heart failure.
AB  - Background Beta-blockers have been recommended for patients with heart failure
      and reduced ejection fraction for their long-term benefits. However, the
      tolerance to betablockers in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure
      should be evaluated. Objective To estimate the proportion of patients
      hospitalized with acute heart failure who can tolerate these agents in clinical
      practice and compare the clinical outcomes of patients who can and cannot
      tolerate treatment with beta-blockers. Setting Two reference hospitals in
      cardiology. Methods Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients
      hospitalized for acute heart failure between September 2008 and May 2012.
      Population-based sample. During the study period, 325 patients were admitted
      consecutively, including 194 individuals with an acute heart failure diagnosis
      and systolic left ventricular dysfunction and ejection fraction <=45 %, who were
      candidates for the initiation or continuation of beta-blockers. Main outcome
      measure The percentage of patients intolerant to beta-blockers and the clinical
      characteristics of patients. Results On admission, 61.8 % of patients were
      already using beta-blockers, and 73.2 % were using beta-blockers on discharge.
      During hospitalization, 85 % of patients used these agents for some period. The
      main reasons for not using betablockers were low cardiac output syndrome (24.4
      %), bradycardia (24.4 %), severe hypotension or shock (17.8 %), and chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (13.3 %). Patients who were intolerant or did not
      use a beta-blocker had a longer hospital stay (18.3 vs. 11.0 days; p < .001),
      greater use of vasoactive drugs (41.5 vs. 16.3 %; p < .001, CI 1.80-7.35), sepsis
      and septic shock (RR = 3.02; CI 95 % 1.59-5.75), and higher mortality rate during
      hospitalization (22.6 vs. 2.9 %; p < .001; CI 3.05-32.26). Conclusion Beta
      blockers could be used in 73.2 % of patients hospitalized for acute heart
      failure. Patients who can not tolerate BB presented a higher frequency of adverse
      clinical outcomes including frequency of sepsis, use of vasoactive drugs, average
      length of hospitalization, and death. 

PMID- 27138844
TI  - Resveratrol Inhibition of Rac1-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species by AMPK Decreases
      Blood Pressure in a Fructose-Induced Rat Model of Hypertension.
AB  - Recent studies have reported that the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase
      (AMPK) suppressed oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to examine whether
      the activation of AMPK in the brain decreased Rac1-induced ROS generation,
      thereby reducing blood pressure (BP) in rats with fructose-induced hypertension.
      The inhibition of ROS by treatment with an AMPK activator (oral resveratrol, 10
      mg/kg/day) for 1 week decreased the BP and increased the NO production in the
      rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) of fructose-fed rats but not in control
      Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. In addition, resveratrol treatment abolished the Rac1
      induced increases in the activity of the NADPH oxidase subunits p22-phox and
      reduced the activity of SOD2, while treatment with an AMPK inhibitor (compound C,
      40 MUM/day) had the opposite effect, in the fructose-fed rats. Interestingly, the
      activation of AMPK abolished Rac1 activation and decreased BP by inducing the
      activities of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and
      ribosomal protein S6 kinase (RSK) and nNOS phosphorylation in the fructose-fed
      rats. We conclude that the activation of AMPK decreased BP, abolished ROS
      generation, and enhanced ERK1/2-RSK-nNOS pathway activity by negatively
      regulating Racl-induced NADPH oxidase levels in the RVLM during oxidative stress
      associated hypertension.

PMID- 27138845
TI  - Functionalizing Ascl1 with Novel Intracellular Protein Delivery Technology for
      Promoting Neuronal Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.
AB  - Pluripotent stem cells can become any cell type found in the body. Accordingly,
      one of the major challenges when working with pluripotent stem cells is producing
      a highly homogenous population of differentiated cells, which can then be used
      for downstream applications such as cell therapies or drug screening. The
      transcription factor Ascl1 plays a key role in neural development and previous
      work has shown that Ascl1 overexpression using viral vectors can reprogram
      fibroblasts directly into neurons. Here we report on how a recombinant version of
      the Ascl1 protein functionalized with intracellular protein delivery technology
      (Ascl1-IPTD) can be used to rapidly differentiate human induced pluripotent stem
      cells (hiPSCs) into neurons. We first evaluated a range of Ascl1-IPTD
      concentrations to determine the most effective amount for generating neurons from
      hiPSCs cultured in serum free media. Next, we looked at the frequency of Ascl1
      IPTD supplementation in the media on differentiation and found that one time
      supplementation is sufficient enough to trigger the neural differentiation
      process. Ascl1-IPTD was efficiently taken up by the hiPSCs and enabled rapid
      differentiation into TUJ1-positive and NeuN-positive populations with neuronal
      morphology after 8 days. After 12 days of culture, hiPSC-derived neurons produced
      by Ascl1-IPTD treatment exhibited greater neurite length and higher numbers of
      branch points compared to neurons derived using a standard neural progenitor
      differentiation protocol. This work validates Ascl1-IPTD as a powerful tool for
      engineering neural tissue from pluripotent stem cells.

PMID- 27138847
TI  - First-line tracheal resection and primary anastomosis for postintubation tracheal
      stenosis.
AB  - Introduction Tracheal stenosis following intubation is the most common indication
      for tracheal resection and reconstruction. Endoscopic dilation is almost always
      associated with recurrence. This study investigated first-line surgical resection
      and anastomosis performed in fit patients presenting with postintubation tracheal
      stenosis. Methods Between February 2011 and November 2014, a prospective study
      was performed involving patients who underwent first-line tracheal resection and
      primary anastomosis after presenting with postintubation tracheal stenosis.
      Results A total of 30 patients (20 male) were operated on. The median age was
      23.5 years (range: 13-77 years). Seventeen patients (56.7%) had had previous
      endoscopic tracheal dilation, four (13.3%) had had tracheal stents inserted prior
      to surgery and one (3.3%) had undergone previous tracheal resection. Nineteen
      patients (63.3%) had had a tracheostomy. Eight patients (26.7%) had had no
      previous tracheal interventions. The median time of intubation in those
      developing tracheal stenosis was 20.5 days (range: 0-45 days). The median length
      of hospital stay was 10.5 days (range: 7-21 days). The success rate for
      anastomoses was 96.7% (29/30). One patient needed a permanent tracheostomy. The
      in-hospital mortality rate was 3.3%: 1 patient died from a chest infection 21
      days after surgery. There was no mortality or morbidity in the group undergoing
      first-line surgery for de novo tracheal lesions. Conclusions First-line tracheal
      resection with primary anastomosis is a safe option for the treatment of tracheal
      stenosis following intubation and obviates the need for repeated dilations.
      Endoscopic dilation should be reserved for those patients with significant co
      morbidities or as a temporary measure in non-equipped centres. 

PMID- 27138848
TI  - Minimally invasive open thyroid surgery combined with facelift approach for the
      surgical management of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma.

PMID- 27138846
TI  - Efficient and Controlled Generation of 2D and 3D Bile Duct Tissue from Human
      Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Spheroids.
AB  - While in vitro liver tissue engineering has been increasingly studied during the
      last several years, presently engineered liver tissues lack the bile duct system.
      The lack of bile drainage not only hinders essential digestive functions of the
      liver, but also leads to accumulation of bile that is toxic to hepatocytes and
      known to cause liver cirrhosis. Clearly, generation of bile duct tissue is
      essential for engineering functional and healthy liver. Differentiation of human
      induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to bile duct tissue requires long and/or
      complex culture conditions, and has been inefficient so far. Towards generating a
      fully functional liver containing biliary system, we have developed defined and
      controlled conditions for efficient 2D and 3D bile duct epithelial tissue
      generation. A marker for multipotent liver progenitor in both adult human liver
      and ductal plate in human fetal liver, EpCAM, is highly expressed in hepatic
      spheroids generated from human iPSCs. The EpCAM high hepatic spheroids can, not
      only efficiently generate a monolayer of biliary epithelial cells
      (cholangiocytes), in a 2D differentiation condition, but also form functional
      ductal structures in a 3D condition. Importantly, this EpCAM high spheroid based
      biliary tissue generation is significantly faster than other existing methods and
      does not require cell sorting. In addition, we show that a knock-in CK7 reporter
      human iPSC line generated by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology greatly
      facilitates the analysis of biliary differentiation. This new ductal
      differentiation method will provide a more efficient method of obtaining bile
      duct cells and tissues, which may facilitate engineering of complete and
      functional liver tissue in the future.

PMID- 27138849
TI  - Determinants of return to work 12 months after total hip and knee arthroplasty.
AB  - Introduction A substantial number of patients undergoing total hip or knee
      arthroplasty (THA or TKA) do not or only partially return to work. This study
      aimed to identify differences in determinants of return to work in THA and TKA.
      Methods We conducted a prospective, observational study of working patients aged
      <65 years undergoing THA or TKA for osteoarthritis. The primary outcome was full
      versus partial or no return to work 12 months postoperatively. Factors analysed
      included preoperative sociodemographic and work characteristics, alongside the
      Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS)/Knee Injury and
      Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Oxford Hip and Knee Scores. Results Of
      67 THA and 56 TKA patients, 9 (13%) and 10 (19%), respectively, returned
      partially and 5 (7%) and 6 (11%), respectively, did not return to work 1 year
      postoperatively. Preoperative factors associated with partial or no return to
      work in THA patients were self-employment, absence from work and a better HOOS
      Activities of Daily Living (ADL) subscale score, whereas only work absence was
      relevant in TKA patients. Type of surgery modified the impact of ADL scores on
      return to work. Conclusions In both THA and TKA, absence from work affected
      return to work, whereas self-employment and better preoperative ADL subscale
      scores were also associated in THA patients. The impact of ADL scores on return
      to work was modified by type of surgery. These results suggest that strategies
      aiming to influence modifiable factors should consider THA and TKA separately. 

PMID- 27138850
TI  - Neonatal compartment syndrome.
AB  - A term neonate was born with a grossly swollen and discoloured left hand and
      forearm. He was transferred from the local hospital to the plastic surgical unit,
      where a diagnosis of compartment syndrome was made and he underwent emergency
      forearm fasciotomies at six hours of age. Following serial debridements of
      necrotic tissue, he underwent split-thickness skin grafting of the resultant
      defects of his forearm, hand and digits. At the clinic follow-up appointment two
      months after the procedure, he was found to have developed severe flexion
      contractures despite regular outpatient hand therapy and splintage. He has had
      further reconstruction with contracture release, use of artificial dermal matrix,
      and K-wire fixation of the thumb and wrist. Despite this, the long term outcome
      is likely to be an arm with poor function. The key learning point from this case
      is that despite prompt transfer, diagnosis and appropriate surgical management,
      the outcome for neonatal compartment syndrome may still be poor. 

PMID- 27138851
TI  - The impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on cardiopulmonary physical fitness in
      gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Introduction Operable oesophagogastric adenocarcinoma management in the UK
      includes three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by resection.
      Determination of oxygen uptake at the anaerobic threshold (AT) with
      cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is used to objectively measure
      cardiorespiratory reserve. Oxygen uptake at AT predicts perioperative risk, with
      low values associated with increased morbidity. Previous studies indicate NAC may
      have a detrimental impact on cardiorespiratory reserve. Methods CPET was
      completed by 30 patients before and after a standardised NAC protocol. The
      ventilatory AT was determined using the V-slope method, and the peak oxygen
      uptake and ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide measured. Median AT before
      and after chemotherapy was compared using a paired Student's t-test. Results
      Median oxygen uptake at AT pre- and post-NAC was 13.9+/-3.1 ml/kg/min and 11.5+/
      2.0 ml/kg/min, respectively. The mean decrease was 2.4 ml/kg/min (95% confidence
      interval [CI] 1.3-3.85; p<0.001). Median peak oxygen delivery also decreased by
      2.17 ml/kg/min (95% CI 1.02-3.84; p=0.001) after NAC. Ventilatory equivalents
      were unchanged. Conclusions This reduction in AT objectively quantifies a
      decrease in cardiorespiratory reserve after NAC. Patients with lower
      cardiorespiratory reserve have increased postoperative morbidity and mortality.
      Preventing this decrease in cardiorespiratory reserve during chemotherapy, or
      optimising the timing of surgical resection after recovery of AT, may allow
      perioperative risk-reduction. 

PMID- 27138853
TI  - Routine use of nasogastric drainage tubes.

PMID- 27138852
TI  - Intraoperative assessment of flexor hallucis longus tendon integrity following
      hallux valgus correction.

PMID- 27138854
TI  - The impact of The Royal College of Surgeons of England research fellowship
      scheme.
AB  - Introduction The research fellowship scheme for surgeons in training run by The
      Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) had its 20th anniversary in 2013. A
      survey was undertaken to assess outcomes of the scheme during those 20 years.
      Methods Fellowship recipients were invited to complete an online 20-item
      questionnaire about their fellowship research and research activities since its
      completion. The questionnaire covered type of research undertaken, higher
      research degree enrolment, publications resulting from the fellowship research
      and subsequent research career. Results Of the 502 RCS fellowship recipients, 361
      responded (72%). Their research covered a broad array of topics, Almost two
      thirds (62%) undertook laboratory-based research and most of the remainder
      conducted patient-based clinical research. The vast majority (96%) of respondents
      had enrolled for a higher degree, with a high completion rate: 91% of fellowship
      recipients in the first 15 years of the scheme obtained their degree. Of the
      fellowships from the first 15 years of the scheme, between a fifth and a third of
      recipients subsequently held an academic position. The median number of peer
      reviewed articles and presentations per recipient was 3 and 6 respectively.
      Almost two-thirds (60%) of respondents had obtained funding for further research,
      with over half of these receiving grants from national research funding bodies.
      Conclusions The RCS research fellowship scheme has helped trainee surgeons to
      undertake research towards the start of their career. Most trainees used RCS
      fellowships as part of their funding towards a higher degree and this was
      regularly achieved, along with a number of peer reviewed publications. A
      significant proportion of fellowship recipients progressed into academic
      positions in surgery. 

PMID- 27138855
TI  - Efficiency and safety of ondansetron in preventing postanaesthesia shivering.
AB  - Introduction Shivering is one of the most frequent complications of operation
      during the postanaesthesia period. Ondansetron has been proved to be valid in
      preventing postanaesthesia shivering (PAS) in several studies. However, its
      efficiency and safety are still disputable. We therefore performed an updated
      meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for evaluation and to
      clarify this issue. Methods A literature search using the PubMed, EmbaseTM and
      Cochrane Library databases was performed (from inception to January 2015). RCTs
      that evaluated the efficiency and safety of ondansetron in the prevention of PAS
      were included in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome measure was incidence of
      PAS, and secondary outcomes included subgroup analysis and the side effects of
      ondansetron. Results A total of 8 RCTs containing 905 subjects were identified as
      suitable for this review. Compared with placebo, ondansetron was associated with
      a significant reduction of PAS (relative risk [RR]: 0.33, 95% confidence interval
      [CI]: 0.19-0.58, p=0.0001) while no difference was detected between ondansetron
      and pethidine (RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.41-1.94, p=0.78). There was no significant
      difference between ondansetron and placebo or pethidine in terms of risk of
      bradycardia but ondansetron was associated with a lower risk of hypotension (RR:
      0.26, 95% CI: 0.08-0.79, p=0.020) than placebo. There was no difference in
      hypotension when ondansetron was compared with pethidine. Conclusions Ondansetron
      can prevent PAS effectively and reduce the risk of hypotension. 

PMID- 27138856
TI  - Short and medium-term outcomes for general surgery in nonagenarian patients in a
      district general hospital.
AB  - Introduction Surgeons are increasingly performing surgery on older patients.
      There are currently no tools specifically for risk prediction in this group. The
      aim of this study was to review general surgical operations carried out on
      patients aged over 90 years and their outcome, before comparing these with
      predictors of morbidity and mortality. Methods A retrospective review was carried
      out at our district general hospital of all general surgery patients aged over 90
      years who underwent a general surgical operation over a period of 14 years.
      Information collected included demographics, details of procedures, P-POSSUM
      (Portsmouth Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of
      Mortality and morbidity), complications and outcomes. Results A total of 119
      procedures were carried out, 72 involving entry into the peritoneal cavity.
      Overall, 14 patients (12%) died within 30 days and 34 (29%) died within one year.
      Postoperative complications included infection (56%), renal failure (24%), need
      for transfusion (17%) and readmission within 30 days (11%). Logistical regression
      analysis showed that the P-POSSUM correlated well with observed mortality and
      infection was a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (p=0.003).
      Conclusions The P-POSSUM correlates significantly with outcome and should be used
      when planning major elective or emergency surgery in patients over 90 years of
      age. Infective complications appear to be a significant predictor of
      postoperative mortality. This study supports operative intervention as an option
      in this extreme age group but we emphasise the importance of appropriate patient
      selection and judicious clinical care. 

PMID- 27138858
TI  - Challenges and Perspectives in Designing Artificial Photosynthetic Systems.
AB  - The development of artificial photosynthetic systems for water splitting and CO2
      reduction on a large scale for practical applications is the ultimate goal
      towards worldwide sustainability. This Concept highlights the state-of-the-art
      research trends of artificial photosynthesis concepts and designs from some new
      perspectives. Particularly, it is focused on five important aspects for the
      design of promising artificial photosynthetic systems: 1) catalyst development,
      2) architecture design, 3) device buildup 4) mechanism exploration, and 5)
      theoretical investigations. Some typical progress and challenges, the most
      significant milestones achieved to date, as well as possible future directions
      are illustrated and discussed. This Concept article presents a selection of new
      developments to highlight new trends and possibilities, main barriers, or
      challenges; with this, we hope to inspire more advances in the field of
      artificial photosynthesis. 

PMID- 27138857
TI  - Wnt pathway activation by ADP-ribosylation.
AB  - Wnt/beta-catenin signalling directs fundamental processes during metazoan
      development and can be aberrantly activated in cancer. Wnt stimulation induces
      the recruitment of the scaffold protein Axin from an inhibitory destruction
      complex to a stimulatory signalosome. Here we analyse the early effects of Wnt on
      Axin and find that the ADP-ribose polymerase Tankyrase (Tnks)--known to target
      Axin for proteolysis-regulates Axin's rapid transition following Wnt stimulation.
      We demonstrate that the pool of ADP-ribosylated Axin, which is degraded under
      basal conditions, increases immediately following Wnt stimulation in both
      Drosophila and human cells. ADP-ribosylation of Axin enhances its interaction
      with the Wnt co-receptor LRP6, an essential step in signalosome assembly. We
      suggest that in addition to controlling Axin levels, Tnks-dependent ADP
      ribosylation promotes the reprogramming of Axin following Wnt stimulation; and
      propose that Tnks inhibition blocks Wnt signalling not only by increasing
      destruction complex activity, but also by impeding signalosome assembly.

PMID- 27138859
TI  - Development of emulsifying property in Persian gum using octenyl succinic
      anhydride (OSA).
AB  - In the present study, the influence of octenyle succinic anhydride (OSA),gum
      concentration, pH, temperature and reaction time on esterification of Persian gum
      (PG), and its soluble (SFPG) and insoluble (IFPG) fractions, were investigated by
      response surface methodology (RSM) in order to optimize the reaction conditions
      based on the degree of substitution (DS). The individual effect of all
      independent variables as well as the interactive effects of temperature-OSA
      concentration, and OSA-PG concentrations on DS was significant. However, the
      latter interactive effect (OSA-SFPG) was not significant in case of SFPG. The
      IFPG did not have any esterification reaction with OSA. The highest DS for PG and
      SFPG were 0.0285 and 0.0303 at the optimal conditions, respectively. The FTIR
      spectrums also confirmed the carbonyl group attachment in OSA-PG and OSA-SFPG.
      The enhancement of emulsifying capability was also confirmed by ECI and EAI
      values, microscopic images as well as rheological measurements. 

PMID- 27138860
TI  - Effect of Ca(2+) on Abeta40 fibrillation is characteristically different.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the only one among top ten diseases in USA that
      cannot be cured, prevented or slowed down. At molecular level the mechanism of
      onset has been closely associated with mis-folding of Abeta40 and Abeta42 and is
      well supported by the genetic data for AD. Extensive research efforts have led to
      identification of factors and metal ions that could manipulate Abeta equilibrium,
      especially Ca(2+). Previously, we reported selectively acceleration of Abeta42
      fibril formation by Ca(2+)in vitro within physiological concentrations (BBA
      (2009) 1794:1536). Abeta40 on the other hand did not appear to be significantly
      affected by Ca(2+) addition. In an effort to understand the distinctive behavior
      of Abeta40, we monitored changes of Abeta40 aggregation by intrinsic tyrosine
      fluorescence and CD and took different approaches for data processing. Our
      analysis of CD data indicates a complex effect induced by the addition of 2mM
      Ca(2+) resulting in an increase in the rate of transformation from monomer to
      beta-sheet rich fibrilar or intermediate species formation in Abeta40.
      Surprisingly, the kinetics observed by intrinsic fluorescence studies in this
      article and ThT, SEC or EM studies in our previous report were not able to
      unravel the existence of this effect in Abeta40. 

PMID- 27138861
TI  - Development of a recombinant d-mannose isomerase and its characterizations for d
      mannose synthesis.
AB  - d-Mannose isomerase (MIase) catalyzes the conversion of d-fructose to d-mannose.
      In this study, the MIase encoding gene (yihS) from Escherichia coli BL21 contains
      an ORF of 1242bp, was cloned and expressed in Bacillus subtilis WB800. This
      heterologous expression resulted in a hexamer with a molecular weight of 274.5kDa
      and Tm of 61.4 degrees C. Efficient MIase secretory expression by the robust
      recombinant B. subtilis was achieved with activity of 51.2U/ml (d-mannose
      forming). Its optimal temperature and pH were 45.0 degrees C and 7.0,
      respectively. Using d-fructose as the substrate, Km, kcat and catalytic
      efficiency value of kinetic reaction were 203.7+/-6.7mM, 27.7+/-0.7s(-1) and
      136.0+/-2.9M(-1)s(-1), respectively. The production of d-mannose reached about
      150g/l with approximately 25% turnover yield under the optimum conditions. These
      results demonstrated that B. subtilis was a promising candidate of MIase
      expression system for d-mannose production. 

PMID- 27138863
TI  - A laser-assisted process to produce patterned growth of vertically aligned
      nanowire arrays for monolithic microwave integrated devices.
AB  - An experimental process for the fabrication of microwave devices made of nanowire
      arrays embedded in a dielectric template is presented. A pulse laser process is
      used to produce a patterned surface mask on alumina templates, defining precisely
      the wire growing areas during electroplating. This technique makes it possible to
      finely position multiple nanowire arrays in the template, as well as produce
      large areas and complex structures, combining transmission line sections with
      various nanowire heights. The efficiency of this process is demonstrated through
      the realisation of a microstrip electromagnetic band-gap filter and a substrate
      integrated waveguide. 

PMID- 27138862
TI  - Fabrication of boronate-decorated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes grafted
      cotton fiber for the selective enrichment of nucleosides in urine.
AB  - Various cotton fiber based boronate-affinity adsorbents are recently developed
      for the sample pretreatment of cis-diol-containing biomolecules, but most do not
      have efficient capacity due to limited binding sites on the surface of cotton
      fibers. To increase the density of boronate groups on the surface of cotton
      fiber, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes were used to modify cotton fiber to
      provide plentiful reactive sites for subsequent functionalization with 4
      formylphenylboronic acid. The new adsorbent showed special recognition ability
      towards cis-diols and high adsorption capacity (175 MUg/g for catechol, 250 MUg/g
      for dopamine, 400 MUg/g for adenosine). The in-pipette-tip solid-phase extraction
      was investigated under different conditions, including pH and ionic strength of
      solution, adsorbent amount, pipette times, washing solvent, and elution solvent.
      The in-pipette-tip solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid
      chromatography was used to analyze four nucleosides in urine samples. Under the
      optimal extraction conditions, the detection limits were determined to be between
      5.1 and 6.1 ng/mL (S/N  =  3), and the linearity ranged from 20 to 500 ng/mL for
      these analytes. The accuracy of the analytical method was examined by studying
      the relative recoveries of analytes in real urine samples with recoveries varying
      from 83 to 104% (RSD = 3.9-10.2%, n = 3). 

PMID- 27138864
TI  - Obesogenic behaviours and depressive symptoms in children: a narrative literature
      review.
AB  - This review examines peer-reviewed, published articles exploring the role of
      obesogenic behaviours, including physical activity, screen time, and diet, and
      depressive symptoms, in 6- to 12-year-old children. Searches were conducted March
      May 2014 and in August 2015 using PubMed, PsychInfo, and Embase. Eligible studies
      published between January 1990-August 2015 included 8- to 12-year-old children,
      any of the three previously identified obesogenic behaviours, and a measure of
      depressive symptoms. The search yielded 415 articles that were screened and
      assessed for eligibility; 21 were retained. Some studies included depression and
      a single obesogenic behaviour, while others included multiple obesogenic
      behaviours. Fifteen studies assessed physical activity, twelve assessed screen
      time, and five assessed dietary intake. Lower physical activity was associated
      with higher depression in 80% of studies. Higher screen time was associated with
      higher depression in all studies. Poor dietary intake was associated with higher
      depression in 60% of studies. Significant associations were found between
      depression and all three obesogenic behaviours. Stronger associations were found
      between depression and physical activity and screen time than between depression
      and dietary intake. This review broadens the understanding of the relationship
      between obesogenic behaviours and depression, and shows outcome consistency
      despite the lack of a consistent measurement technique. (c) 2016 World Obesity.

PMID- 27138865
TI  - Parenting style and oral health practices in early childhood caries: a case
      control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a need to carry out controlled investigations regarding risk
      factors for early childhood caries (ECC). AIM: To study the type of parenting
      style and oral health practices as risk factors among children with ECC in an
      Indian preschool population. METHODS: Two hundred and eleven children with ECC
      and equal number of controls participated in this case-control study. A
      questionnaire was answered by parents regarding oral health practices such as
      oral hygiene methods, feeding habits, daily sugar intake, and dental attendance
      pattern along with socioeconomic and demographic status. The parenting style was
      determined using Parenting Styles Dimension Questionnaire (PSDQ) index. Data were
      statistically analyzed using chi-square test and multiple logistic regression
      analysis. RESULTS: Risk factors associated with ECC were higher birth order,
      lower socioeconomic status, non-use of fluoridated toothpaste, breast/bottle
      feeding for more than one year, presence of formula milk or milk with sugar in
      the feeding bottle while falling asleep, higher sweet scores in the diet chart,
      and visiting dentist only when a problem was perceived. Majority of parents of
      children with and without ECC had authoritative parenting style. CONCLUSION:
      Improper oral health practices are the risk factors for ECC. The association of
      parenting style with ECC could not be confirmed.

PMID- 27138866
TI  - Very broadband diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy: (19)F DOSY.
AB  - A new pulse sequence, CHORUS Oneshot, allows measurements of diffusion-ordered
      spectroscopy (DOSY) spectra over the full chemical shift range of (19)F for the
      first time. Swept-frequency pulses are used to give very broadband excitation;
      the sequence is a prototype for a large family of very broadband liquid state NMR
      methods. 

PMID- 27138867
TI  - Mole Ratio Dependence of the Mutual Deliquescence Relative Humidity of Aqueous
      Salts of Atmospheric Importance.
AB  - The response of the mutual deliquescence relative humidity (MDRH) of several
      mixed salt systems to changes in mole ratio is presented here. The MDRH values of
      NH4Cl-NaCl, NH4Cl-(NH4)2SO4, and, for the first time, the NaCl-NaBr systems were
      acquired as a function of mole ratio. These changes were studied using attenuated
      total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The MDRH
      values of 1:1 salt mixtures were consistently found to be lower than the values
      of the individual deliquescence relative humidity (iDRH) of NH4Cl-NaCl and NH4Cl
      (NH4)2SO4. The exception was the MDRH of the NaCl-NaBr system, which was found to
      be higher than the iDRH of NaBr particles, but lower than the iDRH of NaCl
      particles. When the mole ratio of the mixed system was varied, the MDRH of the
      mixtures showed a slight dependence on the mole ratio. 

PMID- 27138868
TI  - Confirmation of Biosimilarity in a Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Study in
      Healthy Volunteers for an Analytically Highly Similar Pegfilgrastim.
AB  - A phase 1 pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) study was conducted to
      demonstrate similarity of a proposed pegfilgrastim biosimilar to its reference
      product. In a single-dose, randomized, assessor-blinded, 2-way crossover, active
      controlled PK/PD study, 66 healthy adults received the proposed pegfilgrastim
      biosimilar and US-licensed pegfilgrastim reference product. Primary end points
      were pegfilgrastim AUCt and Cmax (PK), and absolute neutrophil count AUECt and
      Emax (PD). Safety and immunogenicity were also measured. Fifty-six subjects
      completed both arms of the study. Mean pegfilgrastim concentration-time profile
      for both products was similar, with the 90% confidence intervals (CI) of the
      relative mean ratio for the primary end points falling within the predefined
      acceptance criteria of 80%-125% (91.7%-116.1% and 86.7%-110.2% for AUCt and Cmax
      , respectively). PD similarity was also demonstrated by the 95%CI of the relative
      mean ratio of the primary end point parameters within the predefined acceptance
      margins of 80%-125% (96.0%-101.6% and 92.6%-100.1% for AUECt and Emax ,
      respectively). No statistically meaningful PK/PD differences were observed. No
      clinically meaningful safety or immunological differences were observed with the
      proposed pegfilgrastim biosimilar that were not previously identified with the
      reference product. The proposed pegfilgrastim biosimilar product is highly
      similar to the reference product with regard to PK/PD. 

PMID- 27138869
TI  - Type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy and concomitant
      microalbuminuria showed typical diabetic glomerulosclerosis and progressive renal
      dysfunction.
AB  - AIMS: To determine whether or not diabetic retinopathy (DR) in type 2 diabetic
      patients can predict the renal functional decline. METHODS: We examined 32 normo
      microalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients by renal biopsy (23 men, age 49+/
      10yrs) divided into two groups according to the presence (n=19) or absence (n=13)
      of DR. Electron microscopic morphometry including mesangial fractional volume
      [Vv(Mes/glom)] were performed and light microscopic tissues were categorized as:
      C1, normal/near normal renal structure; C2, typical diabetic glomerulopathy; C3,
      atypical injury patterns. Patients were followed up for 7.1+/-3.8years, and
      glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary albumin excretion (UAE) measurements
      were taken annually. RESULTS: Vv(Mes/glom) was larger in DR+ than that in DR-.
      Vv(Mes/glom) positively correlated with the UAE if patients had DR. The patients
      with DR had a significant higher rate of C2 pattern compared to those in DR-.
      Among patients with DR and C2, GFR in microalbuminuria (n=7) decreased while GFR
      in normoalbuminuria (n=5) did not change during the observation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Type 2 diabetic patients with DR and C2 showed progressive renal dysfunction
      after they had microalbuminuria. DR and albuminuria should be considered to
      determine renal function decline in type 2 diabetic patients.

PMID- 27138870
TI  - Mortality risk in admitted patients with diabetes mellitus according to
      treatment.
AB  - AIMS: Investigate the importance of treating diabetes by evaluating mortality
      risk of untreated and medically-treated diabetic patients. METHODS: Historical
      prospectively collected observational data of hospitalized patient >=18years,
      admitted for any-cause to medical wards, between January 2011 and December 2013.
      Main outcome was all-cause mortality at end of follow-up. RESULTS: Cohort
      included 35,340 patients (51% male, median age 70years); 24,159 without diabetes
      and 11,181 with diabetes. Within the diabetic group, 2,188 patients (20%) were
      not receiving medical treatment for diabetes and 8993 were being treated as
      follows: 4550 (41%) non-insulin monotherapy; 1550 (14%) non-insulin combination
      therapy; 2,893 (26%) insulin. Hazard ratios were compared for the entire follow
      up, indicating a significant difference in overall survival between medically
      untreated DM and all groups, except insulin-treated. Subset analysis with
      adjustment for age, gender, BMI, alcohol and smoking indicated a significant
      survival difference between untreated DM and all groups. Rates of hypertension,
      ischemic heart disease, renal failure, and congestive heart disease were higher
      in the untreated and insulin-treated diabetic patients than in the nondiabetic
      and diabetic patients on non-insulin treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of treatment
      for diabetes might have serious consequences. Further studies are needed to see
      if targeted treatment approach may decrease mortality.

PMID- 27138871
TI  - Mean platelet volume-to-lymphocyte ratio: a novel marker of poor short- and long
      term prognosis in patients with diabetes mellitus and acute myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Platelet activation and hyperreactivity plays a pivotal role in
      developing intravascular thrombus in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
      Mean platelet volume (MPV), which is readily available in clinical settings, has
      been linked to poor prognosis following STEMI. Recently, platelet-to-lymphocyte
      ratio (PLR) has emerged as a new marker of worse outcomes linking inflammation
      and thrombosis. We investigated the prognostic significance of the new marker,
      MPVLR, in diabetic patients with STEMI undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI). METHODS: A total of 623 patients with diabetes mellitus and
      STEMI undergoing primary PCI were enrolled and divided based on the median MPVLR
      on admission into two groups: group 1 (N=266) with an MPVLR <=4.46 and group 2
      (N=257) with an MPVLR >4,46. RESULTS: Despite similar clinical features patients
      with elevated MPVLR (group 2) had worse angiographic characteristic suggestive of
      a higher thrombus burden. In-hospital and one-year mortality was higher in group
      2. ROC analysis revealed moderate diagnostic value in predicting in-hospital
      mortality (adjusted HR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04-1.23; P=0.003; MPVLR cut-off >6.13)
      similar to that of PLR a good diagnostic value in predicting long-term mortality
      (adjusted HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.42-1.63; P<0.0001; MPVLR cut-off >5.88) better than
      that of PLR. MPVLR remained an independent risk factor of early and late
      mortality. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever
      study that has investigated MPVLR. Despite similar clinical characteristics,
      patients with elevated MPVLR had worse angiographic features which may indicate a
      greater thrombus burden. Elevated MPVLR is an independent risk factor of early
      and late mortality following STEMI. In addition, it has similar value to PLR in
      predicting in-hospital mortality, and a better value than PLR in predicting long
      term mortality.

PMID- 27138872
TI  - An update on potential therapeutic strategies for Parkinson's disease based on
      pathogenic mechanisms.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder mainly
      caused by the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons, of which the pathogenesis
      remains essentially unknown. Current therapeutic strategies help manage signs and
      symptoms but have no effect in disease modification. Over the past several
      decades, scientists have devoted a lot of effort to clarifying the pathological
      mechanism and searching for new targets for Parkinson's disease treatment. AREAS
      COVERED: Treatment of Parkinson's disease. Expert Commentary: Illustrated in this
      review are newly found discoveries and evidence that contribute to the
      understanding of Parkinson's disease pathogenic mechanism. Also discussed are
      potential therapeutic strategies that are being studied, including disease
      modifying and genetically mediated small molecule compounds, cell- and gene-based
      therapeutic strategies, immunization strategies and anti-diabetic therapy, which
      may be very promising therapeutic methods in the future.

PMID- 27138873
TI  - Development of Telscreen: a telephone-based speech-in-noise hearing screening
      test with a novel masking noise and scoring procedure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In 2006 the National Acoustic Laboratories was commissioned to create
      a telephone-based hearing screening test. DESIGN: NAL developed 'Telscreen', a
      speech-in-noise test modelled on the Dutch and UK telephone tests. The first
      version, Telscreen I, had several novel features: individual scoring of digits;
      individual equalization of digit intelligibility; and accuracy-determined test
      termination. Evaluation of Telscreen I revealed that it did not discriminate
      satisfactorily between those with and without hearing impairment. Subsequently
      Telscreen II, which included a novel sensitized masking noise, was developed.
      STUDY SAMPLE: Telscreen I was evaluated by 105 participants (22-86 years), 37%
      with normal hearing (all thresholds <20 dB HL in the test ear), 63% with hearing
      impairment (all thresholds >20 dB HL in the test ear). Telscreen II was evaluated
      by 75 participants (25-86 years), 33% with normal hearing, 67% with hearing
      impairment. RESULTS: Correlations between Telscreen I results and hearing
      thresholds, r = 0.57, and hearing disability scores, r = 0.51 were highly
      significant, but lower than expected. Correlations for Telscreen II were higher:
      r = 0.77 and 0.65, respectively. Telscreen II was found to have high sensitivity:
      90%; and specificity: 90.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Telscreen II is an efficient, reliable,
      and innovative hearing screening test that provides a solid foundation for future
      tests delivered via mobile and internet technologies.

PMID- 27138874
TI  - Evaluation of surgical outcome of Jack vertebral dilator kyphoplasty for
      osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture-clinical experience of 218 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture is a serious complication
      of osteoporosis. Various vertebral kyphoplasty surgeries, which have their own
      unique features, are commonly used for osteoporotic vertebral compression
      fracture. Based on the anatomic property of the thoracolumbar vertebral pedicle
      that its horizontal diameter is twice that of the vertical diameter, we designed
      Jack vertebral dilator for better restoration of the vertebral height by
      manipulating the mechanical force. METHODS: A total of 218 patients (236
      vertebrae) with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture were treated with
      Jack vertebral dilator. Surgery was successfully completed in all cases, and all
      the 218 patients were followed up for an average of 14.2 months (range 3 to 30
      months). RESULTS: Bone cement leakage occurred in 12 cases, but no symptoms were
      reported. No other complications were noticed. The VAS scores were 8.2 +/- 1.3,
      1.7 +/- 0.9, and 1.8 +/- 0.8 and the ODI was 78.2 +/- 13.3 %, 18.5 +/- 7.3 %, and
      20.9 +/- 6.8 % before surgery and 1 week after surgery and at the final follow
      up, respectively. The anterior vertebral body height was 19.3 +/- 3.2, 25.1 +/-
      2.6, and 24.9 +/- 2.6 mm and the central vertebral body height was 18.7 +/- 3.0,
      24.8 +/- 3.0, and 24.5 +/- 2.9 mm before surgery and 1 week after surgery and at
      the final follow-up, respectively. Cobb angle was 16.2 degrees  +/- 6.6 degrees ,
      8.1 degrees  +/- 5.6 degrees , and 8.5 degrees  +/- 5.6 degrees  before surgery
      and 1 week after surgery and at the final follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Jack vertebral dilator kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression
      fracture is safe, feasible, and effective and has the prospect of further broad
      application in the future.

PMID- 27138875
TI  - Patterns and predictors of help-seeking contacts with health services and general
      practitioner detection of suicidality prior to suicide: a cohort analysis of
      suicides occurring over a two-year period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Contact with primary care and psychiatric services prior to suicide
      may be considerable, presenting opportunities for intervention. However, there is
      scant knowledge on the frequency, nature and determinants of contact. METHOD:
      Retrospective cohort study-an analysis of deaths recorded as suicide by the
      Northern Ireland Coroner's Office linked with data from General Practice patient
      records over a 2 year period RESULTS: Eighty-seven per cent of suicides were in
      contact with General Practice services in the 12 months before suicide. The
      frequency of contact with services was considerable, particularly among patients
      with a common mental disorder or substance misuse problems. A diagnosis of
      psychiatric problems was absent in 40% of suicides. Excluding suicide attempts,
      the main predictors of a noted general practitioner concern for patient
      suicidality are male gender, frequency of consultations, diagnosis of mental
      illness and substance misuse. CONCLUSIONS: Despite widespread and frequent
      contact, a substantial proportion of suicidal people were undiagnosed and
      untreated for mental health problems. General Practitioner alertness to
      suicidality may be too narrowly focused.

PMID- 27138876
TI  - Bronsted base-catalyzed three-component coupling reaction of alpha-ketoesters,
      imines, and diethyl phosphite utilizing [1,2]-phospha-Brook rearrangement.
AB  - A three-component coupling reaction of alpha-ketoesters, imines, and diethyl
      phosphite under Bronsted base catalysis was developed by utilizing the [1,2]
      phospha-Brook rearrangement. The reaction involves the generation of ester
      enolates via the umpolung process, i.e., the chemoselective addition of diethyl
      phosphite to alpha-ketoesters followed by the [1,2]-phospha-Brook rearrangement,
      and the trapping of the resulting enolates by imines preferentially over alpha
      ketoesters and protons. This operationally simple reaction can provide densely
      functionalized beta-amino acid derivatives including an oxygen functionality at
      the alpha-position in good yields. The diastereoselectivity is highly dependent
      on the substrates and reaction temperature, which is attributed to the
      reversibility of the addition of the ester enolates to the imines. The
      methodology was further extended to the reaction of alpha-ketoesters, beta
      nitrostyrenes, and diethyl phosphite. 

PMID- 27138878
TI  - Simultaneous High-Throughput Conformational and Colloidal Stability Screening
      Using a Fluorescent Molecular Rotor Dye, 4-(4-(Dimethylamino)styryl)-N
      Methylpyridinium Iodide (DASPMI).
AB  - Technologies to improve the throughput for screening protein formulations are
      continuously evolving. The purpose of this article is to highlight novel
      applications of a molecular rotor dye, 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N
      methylpyridinium iodide (DASPMI) in screening for the conformational stability,
      colloidal stability, and subtle pretransition dynamics of protein structures
      during early formulation development. The measurement of the apparent unfolding
      temperature (Tm) for a monoclonal antibody in the presence of Tween 80 was
      conducted and data were compared to the results of differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Additionally, measuring the fluorescence
      intensity of DASPMI as a function of protein concentration shows consistent
      correlation to the diffusion interaction parameter (kD) for two distinct
      monoclonal antibody formulations measured by DLS. Lastly, due to the sensitivity
      of the molecular rotor dye to changes in microviscosity (etamicro), subtle
      pretransition dynamics were discernable for two monoclonal antibody formulations
      that correlate with findings by red-edge excitation shift (REES) experiments.
      This novel application of molecular rotor dyes offers a valuable and promising
      approach for streamlining the early formulation development process due to low
      material consumption and rapid analysis time in a 96-well plate format. 

PMID- 27138877
TI  - In Vitro Influence of Mycophenolic Acid on Selected Parameters of Stimulated
      Peripheral Canine Lymphocytes.
AB  - Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an active metabolite of mycophenolate mofetil, a new
      immunosuppressive drug effective in the treatment of canine autoimmune diseases.
      The impact of MPA on immunity is ambiguous and its influence on the canine immune
      system is unknown. The aim of the study was to determine markers of changes in
      stimulated peripheral canine lymphocytes after treatment with MPA in vitro.
      Twenty nine healthy dogs were studied. Phenotypic and functional analysis of
      lymphocytes was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured with
      mitogens and different MPA concentrations- 1 MUM (10(-3) mol/m(3)), 10 MUM or 100
      MUM. Apoptotic cells were detected by Annexin V and 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD).
      The expression of antigens (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD21, CD25, forkhead box P3 [FoxP3]
      and proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA]) was assessed with monoclonal
      antibodies. The proliferation indices were analyzed in carboxyfluorescein
      diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-labeled cells. All analyses were performed
      using flow cytometry. The influence of MPA on apoptosis was dependent on the
      mechanism of cell activation and MPA concentration. MPA caused a decrease in the
      expression of lymphocyte surface antigens, CD3, CD8 and CD25. Its impact on the
      expression of CD4 and CD21 was negligible. Its negative influence on the
      expression of FoxP3 was dependent on cell stimulation. MPA inhibited lymphocyte
      proliferation. In conclusion, MPA inhibited the activity of stimulated canine
      lymphocytes by blocking lymphocyte activation and proliferation. The influence of
      MPA on the development of immune tolerance-expansion of Treg cells and lymphocyte
      apoptosis-was ambiguous and was dependent on the mechanism of cellular
      activation. The concentration that MPA reaches in the blood may lead to
      inhibition of the functions of the canine immune system. The applied panel of
      markers can be used for evaluation of the effects of immunosuppressive compounds
      in the dog.

PMID- 27138879
TI  - High-dose radiotherapy with helical tomotherapy and long-term androgen
      deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: 5-year outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to examine outcomes of high-dose radiotherapy with helical
      tomotherapy (HT) and long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for T1-4N0M0
      prostate cancer. METHODS: A total of 391 patients treated with HT between June
      2006 and December 2013 were included in this retrospective study. All patients
      received neoadjuvant ADT for a median duration of 10 months followed by HT at a
      median dose of 78 Gy [interquartile range (IQR) 78-78]. The times of median
      adjuvant and total ADT were 19 and 27 months (IQR 20-31), respectively. The risk
      stratification followed the 2015 National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria.
      Biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS) followed the Phoenix definition.
      Toxicity was scored according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group morbidity
      grading scale. RESULTS: Median follow-up from HT start was 60 months (IQR 42-81).
      Five-year bDFS rates for low-, intermediate-, high-, and very-high-risk groups
      were 100, 98.2, 97.7, and 87.9 %, respectively. We observed clinical relapse in
      nine very-high-risk patients and one high-risk patient, resulting in a 5-year
      clinical relapse-free survival of 100, 100, 99.4, and 91.7 %, respectively, for
      each risk group. Three patients died of prostate cancer, resulting in a 5-year
      prostate cancer-specific survival of 99.6 %. The late grade 2 or higher
      gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities were 9.7 and 10.7 %. No
      cardiovascular fatal events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This report confirmed the
      excellent outcomes with acceptable late toxicities with the combination of HT and
      long-term ADT. Longer follow-up is crucial to further determine the treatment
      effect and toxicity.

PMID- 27138880
TI  - What Kind of Incision Should Be Used in Thoracic Trauma Patients in Emergent
      Cases? Reply.

PMID- 27138881
TI  - Comparison of Surgical Outcomes Between Radical Antegrade Modular
      Pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) and Standard Retrograde Pancreatosplenectomy (SPRS)
      for Left-Sided Pancreatic Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) is a
      modification of standard retrograde pancreatosplenectomy (SRPS) used to achieve
      the dissection of N1 lymph nodes, early vascular control, and negative posterior
      margins. However, there have been few comparative studies regarding the clinical
      outcomes of the RAMPS and SRPS procedures. METHODS: Ninety-three patients
      underwent distal pancreatectomy for the treatment of pancreas body and tail
      adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2014. Clinicopathologic data were retrospectively
      analyzed in this study. We compared short- and long-term outcomes between RAMPS
      and SRPS. In addition, we investigated the significance of clinicopathologic
      factors in left-sided pancreatic cancers. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients underwent
      RAMPS and 40 patients underwent SRPS. RAMPS revealed a larger number of retrieved
      lymph nodes [28.4 +/- 11.6 vs 20.7 +/- 10.1; P = 0.0016], more frequent R0
      resection [90.5 vs 67.5 %; P = 0.0053], less intraoperative bleeding than SRPS
      [485.4 +/- 63.3 vs 682.3 +/- 72.8 ml; P = 0.0444], and shorter operating time
      (267.3 +/- 11.5 vs 339.4 +/- 13.2 min; P < 0.0001) as compared with SRPS. In
      comparing RAMPS and SRPS, RAMPS showed a tendency for improvement of the median
      survival times than SRPS (47 vs 34 months) (P = 0.1920). In the multivariate
      analysis, R1 resection, histologic grade, and vascular invasion for overall
      survival (OS) were found to be independent factors. CONCLUSIONS: There were a
      decrease of intraoperative bleeding and an increase in the number of retrieved
      lymph nodes and the R0 resection rate using RAMPS as compared with SRPS.

PMID- 27138882
TI  - BRAF(V600E) Mutation is Associated with Decreased Disease-Free Survival in
      Papillary Thyroid Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The BRAF (V600E) mutation is a recognised molecular marker in
      papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), reported incidence from 30 to 80 %. BRAF(V600E)
      aberrantly activates the MAPK pathway, a central regulator of cell growth and
      proliferation. Previous studies have reported conflicting data regarding the
      impact of BRAF(V600E) on clinicopathological features of PTC. The study aims to
      determine whether BRAF(V600E) is useful as a prognostic biomarker in PTC.
      METHODS: A cohort study of patients undergoing surgery for PTC was undertaken.
      The primary outcome measure was disease-free survival. Secondary outcome measures
      were tumour size, nodal positivity and radioactive iodine ablation rate. All
      cases were re-examined to confirm PTC. Immunohistochemistry for BRAF(V600E) was
      performed on tissue microarrays. A single endocrine pathologist, blinded to
      clinicopathological data, interpreted staining. RESULTS: 496 patients with PTC
      were included, and 309 (62 %) were BRAF(V600E) positive. Tumour size was similar
      for BRAF(V600E)-positive and -negative tumours (21.3 vs. 23.2 mm, p = 0.23).
      BRAF(V600E)-positive patients were significantly older at first operation (mean
      age 45 versus 49 years, p = 0.003). BRAF(V600E)-positive PTCs had a higher rate
      of disease recurrence (12.9 vs. 5.6 %, p = 0.004), lymph node metastasis (44 vs.
      29.4 %, p = 0.004) and extra-thyroidal extension (44 vs. 22 %, p < 0.001). Five
      year disease-free survival was 89.6 % for BRAF(V600E) positive and 96.3 % for
      negative tumours, p < 0.001. There was no difference between groups for vascular
      invasion or multifocality. The mean follow-up was 57 months for both groups.
      CONCLUSION: BRAF(V600E) in PTC predicts an increased risk of lymph node
      metastasis, extra-thyroidal extension and reduced disease-free survival. It is an
      additional useful prognostic biomarker.

PMID- 27138883
TI  - Non-trauma Emergency Pancreatoduodenectomies: A Single-Center Retrospective
      Analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively assess the frequency and indications for emergency
      pancreatoduodenctomies in a tertiary referral center. METHODS:
      Pancreatoduodenectomies between January 2005 and January 2014 were
      retrospectively assessed for emergency indications defined as surgery following
      unplanned hospital admission in less than 24 h. Data on indications and on the
      intraoperative as well as the post-operative course were collected. RESULTS: Out
      of 583 pancreatoduodenectomies during the interval, a total of 10 (1.7 %) were
      performed as an emergency surgery. Indications included uncontrollable bleeding,
      duodenal and proximal jejunal perforations, and endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography-related complications. Three of the 10 (30.0 %) patients
      died during the hospital course. In one patient, an intraoperative mass
      transfusion was necessary. No intraoperative death occurred. All but one patient
      were American Society of Anesthesiologists class three or higher. In two cases,
      the pancreatic remnant was left without anastomosis for second-stage
      pancreatojejunostomy. Median operation time was 326.5 min (SD 100.3 min).
      Hospital stay of the surviving patients was prolonged (median 43.0 days; SD 24.0
      days). CONCLUSION: Emergency pancreatoduodenectomies are non-frequent, have a
      diverse range of indications and serve as an ultima ratio to cope with severe
      injuries and complications around the pancreatic head area.

PMID- 27138884
TI  - Robotic Liver Resection For Primary Hepatolithiasis: Is It Beneficial?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary hepatolithiasis is a disease characterized by primary biliary
      ductal abnormality with stone formation predominantly within the intrahepatic
      bile ducts. Its management is difficult, but liver resection has emerged as a
      promising treatment option. METHODS: Robotic liver resection (RLR) has been
      adopted in our center for the management of patients with hepatolithiasis. The
      operative and short-term outcomes of this cohort of patients were compared with a
      historical cohort of patients using open approach (OLR). A subgroup analysis was
      performed for left lateral sectionectomy. RESULTS: Between September 2010 and
      April 2015, 15 RLRs were performed on patients with primary hepatolithiasis. The
      historical cohort consisted of 42 OLRs with operation done between January 2005
      and January 2014. No differences were found in patient demographics, disease
      characteristics, or types of resection. No operative deaths occurred, and no
      difference was seen in complication rates. RLR had significantly less blood loss
      (100 vs. 235 ml; p = 0.011) and shorter hospital stays (6 vs. 8 days; p = 0.003).
      After a median follow-up of 19.4 months for RLRs and 79.2 months for OLRs (p <
      0.001), there were no differences in residual stone rate, recurrent stone rate,
      or rate of recurrent cholangitis. Subgroup analysis of lateral sectionectomy (10
      RLRs vs. 27 OLRs) revealed similar outcomes, i.e., less blood loss and shorter
      hospital stays in RLR. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic liver resection reduces blood loss
      and shortens hospital stays compared with OLR. A longer follow-up is needed to
      assess the long-term outcomes of RLR regarding prevention of recurrent stones and
      cholangitis.

PMID- 27138885
TI  - Prospective Validation of Optimal Drain Management "The 3 * 3 Rule" after Liver
      Resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously established an optimal postoperative drain management
      rule after liver resection (i.e., drain removal on postoperative day 3 if the
      drain fluid bilirubin concentration is <3 mg/dl) from the results of 514 drains
      of 316 consecutive patients. This test set predicts that 274 of 316 patients
      (87.0 %) will be safely managed without adverse events when drain management is
      performed without deviation from the rule. OBJECTIVE: To validate the feasibility
      of our rule in recent time period. METHODS: The data from 493 drains of 274
      consecutive patients were prospectively collected. Drain fluid volumes, bilirubin
      levels, and bacteriological cultures were measured on postoperative days (POD) 1,
      3, 5, and 7. The drains were removed according to the management rule. The
      achievement rate of the rule, postoperative adverse events, hospital stay,
      medical costs, and predictive value for reoperation according to the rule were
      validated. RESULTS: The rule was achieved in 255 of 274 (93.1 %) patients. The
      drain removal time was significantly shorter [3 days (1-30) vs. 7 (2-105), p <
      0.01], drain fluid infection was less frequent [4 patients (1.5 %) vs. 58 (18.4
      %), p < 0.01], postoperative hospital stay was shorter [11 days (6-73) vs. 16 (9
      59), p = 0.04], and medical costs were decreased [1453 USD (968-6859) vs. 1847
      (4667-9498), p < 0.01] in the validation set compared with the test set. Five
      patients who required reoperation were predicted by the drain-based information
      and treated within 2 days after operation. CONCLUSIONS: Our 3 * 3 rule is
      clinically feasible and allows for the early removal of the drain tube with
      minimum infection risk after liver resection.

PMID- 27138886
TI  - Risk Factors for Early Recurrence of Single Lesion Hepatocellular Carcinoma After
      Curative Resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatic resection is established as the treatment for
      HCC. However, patients sometimes experience early recurrence of HCC (ER HCC)
      after curative resection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 193
      patients with single HCC who underwent curative liver resection in our medical
      center between April 2000 and March 2013. We divided the cohort into two groups;
      early recurrence group (ER G) which experienced recurrence within 6 months after
      resection, and non-early recurrence group (NER G). Risk factors for ER HCC were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine out of 193 (20.2 %) patients had ER HCC.
      Univariate analysis showed Glasgow prognostic score (GPS, p = 0.036), neutrophil
      to lymphocyte ratio (NLR, p = 0.001), level of PIVKA-II (p = 0.0001), level of
      AFP (p = 0.0001), amounts of blood loss (p = 0.001), operating time (p = 0.002),
      tumor size (p = 0.0001), stage III and IV (p = 0.0001), and microvascular
      invasions (portal vein: p = 0.0001 and hepatic vein: p = 0.001) to be associated
      with ER HCC. By multivariate analysis, there were significant differences in high
      NLR (p = 0.029) and high AFP (p = 0.0001) in patients with ER HCC. CONCLUSIONS:
      Preoperative high AFP (more than 250 ng/ml) and high NLR (more than 1.829) were
      independent risk factors for ER HCC.

PMID- 27138889
TI  - We Agree That Self-Reported Energy Intake Should Not Be Used as a Basis for
      Conclusions about Energy Intake in Scientific Research.

PMID- 27138890
TI  - Reply to NV Dhurandhar et al.

PMID- 27138888
TI  - Sanitation and Hygiene-Specific Risk Factors for Moderate-to-Severe Diarrhea in
      Young Children in the Global Enteric Multicenter Study, 2007-2011: Case-Control
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of disease in children
      less than 5 y of age. Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions are the
      primary routes of exposure and infection. Sanitation and hygiene interventions
      are estimated to generate a 36% and 48% reduction in diarrheal risk in young
      children, respectively. Little is known about whether the number of households
      sharing a sanitation facility affects a child's risk of diarrhea. The objective
      of this study was to describe sanitation and hygiene access across the Global
      Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS) sites in Africa and South Asia and to assess
      sanitation and hygiene exposures, including shared sanitation access, as risk
      factors for moderate-to-severe diarrhea (MSD) in children less than 5 y of age.
      METHODS/FINDINGS: The GEMS matched case-control study was conducted between
      December 1, 2007, and March 3, 2011, at seven sites in Basse, The Gambia; Nyanza
      Province, Kenya; Bamako, Mali; Manhica, Mozambique; Mirzapur, Bangladesh;
      Kolkata, India; and Karachi, Pakistan. Data was collected for 8,592 case children
      aged <5 y old experiencing MSD and for 12,390 asymptomatic age, gender, and
      neighborhood-matched controls. An MSD case was defined as a child with a
      diarrheal illness <7 d duration comprising >=3 loose stools in 24 h and >=1 of
      the following: sunken eyes, skin tenting, dysentery, intravenous (IV)
      rehydration, or hospitalization. Site-specific conditional logistic regression
      models were used to explore the association between sanitation and hygiene
      exposures and MSD. Most households at six sites (>93%) had access to a sanitation
      facility, while 70% of households in rural Kenya had access to a facility.
      Practicing open defecation was a risk factor for MSD in children <5 y old in
      Kenya. Sharing sanitation facilities with 1-2 or >=3 other households was a
      statistically significant risk factor for MSD in Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, and
      Pakistan. Among those with a designated handwashing area near the home, soap or
      ash were more frequently observed at control households and were significantly
      protective against MSD in Mozambique and India. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests
      that sharing a sanitation facility with just one to two other households can
      increase the risk of MSD in young children, compared to using a private facility.
      Interventions aimed at increasing access to private household sanitation
      facilities may reduce the burden of MSD in children. These findings support the
      current World Health Organization/ United Nations Children's Emergency Fund
      (UNICEF) system that categorizes shared sanitation as unimproved.

PMID- 27138887
TI  - Brain-gut Axis and Pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Theoretical and Practical
      Implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brain-gut interaction involves, among others, peptidergic growth
      factors which are native in GI tract and have strong antiulcer potency and thus
      could from periphery beneficially affect CNS-disorders. We focused on the stable
      gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, an antiulcer peptidergic agent, safe in
      inflammatory bowel disease trials and now in multiple sclerosis trial, native and
      stable in human gastric juice. METHODS: Review of our research on BPC 157 in
      terms of brain-gut axis. RESULTS: BPC 157 may serve as a novel mediator of
      Robert's cytoprotection, involved in maintaining of GI mucosa integrity, with no
      toxic effect. BPC 157 was successful in the therapy of GI tract, periodontitis,
      liver and pancreas lesions, and in the healing of various tissues and wounds.
      Stimulated Egr-1 gene, NAB2, FAK-paxillin and JAK-2 pathways are hitherto
      implicated. Initially corresponding beneficial central influence was seen when
      BPC 157 was given peripherally and a serotonin release in particular brain areas,
      mostly nigrostriatal, was changed. BPC 157 modulates serotonergic and
      dopaminergic systems, beneficially affects various behavioral disturbances that
      otherwise appeared due to specifically (over)stimulated/damaged neurotransmitters
      systems. Besides, BPC 157 has neuroprotective effects: protects somatosensory
      neurons; peripheral nerve regeneration appearent after transection; after
      traumatic brain injury counteracts the otherwise progressing course, in rat
      spinal cord compression with tail paralysis, axonal and neuronal necrosis,
      demyelination, cyst formation and rescues tail function in both short-terms and
      long-terms; after NSAIDs or insulin overdose or cuprizone encephalopathies were
      attenuated along with GI, liver and vascular injuries. CONCLUSION: BPC 157, a
      gastric peptide, may serve as remedy in various CNS-disorders.

PMID- 27138891
TI  - Comments on Early Breastfeeding Problems Mediate the Negative Association between
      Maternal Obesity and Exclusive Breastfeeding at 1 and 2 Months Postpartum.

PMID- 27138893
TI  - School based cognitive behavioural therapy targeting anxiety in children with
      autistic spectrum disorder: a quasi-experimental randomised controlled trail
      incorporating a mixed methods approach.
AB  - Children with a diagnosis of autism are more likely to experience anxiety than
      their typically developing peers. Research suggests that Cognitive Behavioural
      Therapy (CBT) could offer a way to help children with autism manage their anxiety
      but most evidence is based on clinical trials. This study investigated a school
      based CBT programme using a quasi-experimental design incorporating the child and
      parent versions of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (Spence, J Abnorm Psy
      106(2):280-297, 1997) and the Coping Scale for Children and Youth (Brodzinsky et
      al., J Appl Dev Psychol 13:195-214, 1992). Interview data was incorporated to
      help understand the process of change further. Children in the experimental
      condition had lower levels of anxiety, maintained at follow-up and changes were
      found in coping behaviours such as lower behavioural avoidance strategies but
      increased problem solving strategies at follow-up. Limitations of the research
      together with future directions are also discussed.

PMID- 27138894
TI  - Applicability of the Schwartz Equation and the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children
      Bedside Equation for Estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate in Overweight
      Children.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine if significant correlations exist between
      glomerular filtration rate (GFR) prediction equation values, derived by using the
      original Schwartz equation and the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD)
      bedside equation with a 24-hour urine creatinine clearance (Clcr ) value
      normalized to a body surface area of 1.73 m(2) in overweight and obese children.
      DESIGN: Prospective analysis (20 patients) and retrospective analysis (43
      patients). SETTING: Pediatric inpatient ward and pediatric nephrology clinic at a
      comprehensive academic medical center. PATIENTS: Sixty-three pediatric patients
      (aged 5-17 years), of whom 27 were overweight (body mass index [BMI] at the 85th
      percentile or higher) and 36 were not overweight (BMI lower than the 85th
      percentile [controls]) between 2007 and 2012. METHODS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data from
      the overweight patients were compared with nonoverweight controls. GFR values
      were calculated by using the original Schwartz equation and the CKiD bedside
      equation. Each patient's 24-hour urine Clcr value normalized to a body surface
      area of 1.73 m(2) served as the index value. A Pearson correlation coefficient
      model was used to determine association between the 24-hour urine Clcr value
      (index value) with the Schwartz and CKiD GFR estimations. Significant correlation
      was found to exist between the Schwartz and CKiD bedside GFR estimations relative
      to the 24-hour urine Clcr in the control subjects (r = 0.85, p<0.0001, and r =
      0.85, p<0.0001, respectively). Significant correlation was also found to exist
      between the Schwartz and CKiD bedside GFR values with the 24-hour urine Clcr
      value in overweight subjects (r = 0.86, p<0.0001, and r = 0.86, p<0.0001,
      respectively). The Schwartz equation estimated average GFR 21.75 ml/minute/1.73
      m(2) higher than 24-hour urine Clcr (p<0.0001) in overweight children with a
      kidney disorder. The CKiD bedside GFR estimations were not significantly
      different compared with 24-hour urine Clcr values for the overweight group with
      kidney disorder (p=0.85). CONCLUSION: The Schwartz and CKiD bedside estimations
      of GFR correlated with 24-hour urine Clcr values in both overweight and
      nonoverweight children. Compared with the Schwartz equation, which tended to
      overestimate renal function, the CKiD bedside equation appeared to approximate 24
      hour urine Clcr more closely in overweight children with kidney disorder.

PMID- 27138895
TI  - Two Clades of Type-1 Brassica napus Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase Exhibit
      Differences in Acyl-CoA Preference.
AB  - Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) catalyzes the acyl-CoA-dependent acylation
      of sn-1, 2-diacylglycerol to produce triacylglycerol, which is the main component
      of the seed oil of Brassica oilseed species. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino
      acid sequences encoded by four transcriptionally active DGAT1 genes from Brassica
      napus suggests that the gene forms diverged over time into two clades (I and II),
      with representative members in each genome (A and C). The majority of the amino
      acid sequence differences in these forms of DGAT1, however, reside outside of
      motifs suggested to be involved in catalysis. Despite this, the clade II enzymes
      displayed a significantly enhanced preference for linoleoyl-CoA when assessed
      using in-vitro enzyme assays with yeast microsomes containing recombinant enzyme
      forms. These findings contribute to our understanding of triacylglycerol
      biosynthesis in B. napus, and may advance our ability to engineer DGAT1s with
      desired substrate selectivity properties.

PMID- 27138896
TI  - Bronchial blocker versus left double-lumen endotracheal tube in video-assisted
      thoracoscopic surgery: a randomized-controlled trial examining time and quality
      of lung deflation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Double-lumen endotracheal tubes (DL-ETT) and bronchial blockers
      (BB) have both been used for lung isolation in video-assisted thoracic surgery
      (VATS). Though not well studied, it is widely thought that a DL-ETT provides
      faster and better quality lung collapse. The aim of this study was to compare a
      BB technique vs a left-sided DL-ETT strategy with regard to the time and quality
      of lung collapse during one-lung ventilation (OLV) for elective VATS. METHODS:
      Forty patients requiring OLV for VATS were randomized to receive a BB (n = 20) or
      a left-sided DL-ETT (n = 20). The primary endpoint was the time from pleural
      opening (performed by the surgeon) until complete lung collapse. The time was
      evaluated offline by reviewing video recorded during the VATS. The quality of
      lung deflation was also graded offline using a visual scale (1 = no lung
      collapse; 2 = partial lung collapse; and 3 = total lung collapse) and was
      recorded at several time points after pleural incision. The surgeon also graded
      the time to complete lung collapse and quality of lung deflation during the
      procedure. The surgeon's guess as to which device was used for lung isolation was
      also recorded. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients enrolled in the study, 20 patients in
      the DL-ETT group and 18 in the BB group were analyzed. There mean (standard
      deviation) time to complete lung collapse of the operative lung was significantly
      faster using the BB compared with using the DL-ETT [7.5 (3.8) min vs 36.6 (29.1)
      min, respectively; mean difference, 29.1 min; 95% confidence interval, 1.8 to
      7.2; P < 0.001]. Overall, a higher proportion of patients in the BB group than in
      the DL-ETT group achieved a quality of lung collapse score of 3 at five minutes
      (57% vs 6%, respectively; P < 0.004), ten minutes (73% vs 14%, respectively; P =
      0.005), and 20 min (100% vs 25%, respectively; P = 0.002) after opening the
      pleura. The surgeon incorrectly guessed the type of device used in 78% of the BB
      group and 50% of the DL-ETT group (P = 0.10). CONCLUSION: The time and quality of
      lung collapse during OLV for VATS was significantly better when using a BB than
      when using a left-sided DL-ETT. Surgeons could not reliably determine which
      device was being used based on the time and quality of lung collapse. This trial
      was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01615263.

PMID- 27138897
TI  - An ion-controlled four-color fluorescent telomeric switch on DNA origami
      structures.
AB  - The folding of single-stranded telomeric DNA into guanine (G) quadruplexes is a
      conformational change that plays a major role in sensing and drug targeting. The
      telomeric DNA can be placed on DNA origami nanostructures to make the folding
      process extremely selective for K(+) ions even in the presence of high Na(+)
      concentrations. Here, we demonstrate that the K(+)-selective G-quadruplex
      formation is reversible when using a cryptand to remove K(+) from the G
      quadruplex. We present a full characterization of the reversible switching
      between single-stranded telomeric DNA and G-quadruplex structures using Forster
      resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the dyes fluorescein (FAM) and cyanine3
      (Cy3). When attached to the DNA origami platform, the G-quadruplex switch can be
      incorporated into more complex photonic networks, which is demonstrated for a
      three-color and a four-color FRET cascade from FAM over Cy3 and Cy5 to IRDye700
      with G-quadruplex-Cy3 acting as a switchable transmitter. 

PMID- 27138898
TI  - Knockdown of ApoL1 in Zebrafish Larvae Affects the Glomerular Filtration Barrier
      and the Expression of Nephrin.
AB  - APOL1, a secreted high-density lipoprotein, is expressed in different human
      tissues. Genetic variants of APOL1 are described to be associated with the
      development of end stage renal diseases in African Americans. In human kidney,
      APOL1 is mainly expressed in podocytes that are responsible for proper blood
      filtration. Since mice do not express ApoL1, the zebrafish is an ideal model to
      study the role of ApoL1. Injection of morpholinos against zApoL1 into zebrafish
      eggs and larvae, respectively, induces severe edema indicating a leakage of the
      filtration barrier. This was demonstrated in zApoL1 knockdown larvae by
      intravascular injection of fluorescently-labeled 10- and 500-kDa dextrans and by
      clearance of the vitamin D-binding protein from the circulation.
      Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR revealed the reduction of nephrin, a podocyte
      specific protein essential for blood filtration. Coinjection of human nephrin
      mRNA rescued the zApoL1 knockdown induced phenotype. Reduced APOL1 and nephrin
      levels were also found in biopsies of patients suffering from end stage renal
      diseases. Our results demonstrate that zApoL1 is essential for proper blood
      filtration in the zebrafish glomerulus and that zApoL1 affects the expression of
      nephrin.

PMID- 27138899
TI  - Engineering Immunomodulatory Biomaterials To Tune the Inflammatory Response.
AB  - Current state-of-the-art biomedical implants and tissue engineering methods
      promise technologies to improve or even restore the function of diseased organs.
      However, one of the biggest challenges to clinical success is the lack of
      functional integration. A series of cellular and molecular events following
      biomaterial implantation poses an important bottleneck for developing
      breakthrough solutions. With inflammation increasingly recognized as a crucial
      component influencing regeneration, immunomodulation or immuno-engineering has
      emerged as a potential solution to overcome this key challenge in regenerative
      medicine. We postulate possibilities to utilize biomaterial physicochemical
      modifications to modulate the host inflammatory response and develop strategies
      for effective biomaterial integration. Biomaterial-based immunomodulation
      strategies can significantly ameliorate the outcomes of medical implants and
      tissue engineering therapies.

PMID- 27138900
TI  - Exploiting the Phenomenon of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation for Enhanced and
      Sustained Membrane Transport of a Poorly Water-Soluble Drug.
AB  - Recent studies on aqueous supersaturated lipophilic drug solutions prepared by
      methods including antisolvent addition, pH swing, or dissolution of amorphous
      solid dispersions (ASDs) have demonstrated that when crystallization is slow,
      these systems undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) when the
      concentration of the drug in the medium exceeds its amorphous solubility.
      Following LLPS, a metastable equilibrium is formed where the concentration of
      drug in the continuous phase corresponds to the amorphous solubility while the
      dispersed phase is composed of a nanosized drug-rich phase. It has been reasoned
      that the drug-rich phase may act as a reservoir, enabling the rate of passive
      transport of the drug across a membrane to be maintained at the maximum value for
      an extended period of time. Herein, using clotrimazole as a model drug, and a
      flow-through diffusion cell, the reservoir effect is demonstrated. Supersaturated
      clotrimazole solutions at concentrations below the amorphous solubility show a
      linear relationship between the maximum flux and the initial concentration. Once
      the concentration exceeds the amorphous solubility, the maximum flux achieved
      reaches a plateau. However, the duration for which the high flux persists was
      found to be highly dependent on the number of drug-rich nanodroplets present in
      the donor compartment. Macroscopic amorphous particles of clotrimazole did not
      lead to the same reservoir effect observed with the nanodroplets formed through
      the process of LLPS. A first-principles mathematical model was developed which
      was able to fit the experimental receiver concentration-time profiles for
      concentration regimes both below and above amorphous solubility, providing
      support for the contention that the nanodroplet phase does not directly diffuse
      across the membrane but, instead, rapidly replenishes the drug in the aqueous
      phase that has been removed by transport across the membrane. This study provides
      important insight into the properties of supersaturated solutions and how these
      might in turn impact oral absorption through effects on passive membrane
      transport rates.

PMID- 27138901
TI  - Erratum to: Responses of peripheral endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-related
      compounds to hedonic eating in obesity.

PMID- 27138902
TI  - Giant prolactinomas larger than 60 mm in size: a cohort of massive and aggressive
      prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Prolactin (PRL)-secreting macroadenomas usually measure between 10
      and 40 mm. Giant (adenoma size >=40 mm) PRL-tumors are not common, and larger
      prolactinomas (maximal diameter >=60 mm) are rare, and their management outcomes
      have not been well characterized. METHODS: We have identified 18 subjects (16
      men, 2 females) with giant PRL-adenomas (size >=60 mm; PRL > 1000 ng/ml) and
      summarized their characteristics and response to treatment. RESULTS: Mean age was
      36.3 +/- 13.5 years (range 12-59 years). Mean adenoma size was 71.8 +/- 10.2 mm
      (60-92 mm). Complaints at presentation included headaches in 11 patients, visual
      deterioration in 9, sexual dysfunction in 9 males, and behavioral changes in two.
      Fourteen (78 %) had visual field defects. Mean PRL at presentation was 28,465
      ng/ml (range 1300-270,000). All patients were treated with cabergoline (3.9 +/-
      2.0 mg/week), except for one who received bromocriptine. Treatment achieved PRL
      normalization in 11/18 patients within a median interval of 20 months. Visual
      improvement occurred in 12/14 patients with pre-treatment visual abnormalities.
      Nine patients underwent surgery (transsphenoidal, 7; transcranial, 2). None of
      the seven patients with elevated PRL before surgery achieved remission post
      operatively. After a follow-up of 7.8 +/- 5.1 years, 15/18 patients had
      significant adenoma shrinkage. Eleven patients are normoprolactinemic, 3 are
      partially controlled (PRL < 3 * ULN), and 4 remain with significantly elevated
      PRL. Most patients reported disappearance or improvement of their complaints.
      CONCLUSIONS: These enormous PRL-adenomas are invasive but respond fairly well to
      medical treatment. Long-term therapy with high dose cabergoline together with a
      pituitary surgery in some patients was the key for their successful management,
      achieving biochemical and clinical remission in most patients.

PMID- 27138903
TI  - Assessment of tumor heterogeneity in treatment-naive adrenocortical cancer
      patients using (18)F-FDG positron emission tomography.
AB  - As an orphan malignancy, only limited treatment options are available in
      adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Non-invasive risk assessment has not been
      described but may be of value to stratify patients for treatment. We aimed to
      evaluate the potential value of intra-individual tumor heterogeneity as assessed
      by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed
      tomography (PET/CT) for outcome prediction in treatment-naive ACC patients. Ten
      patients with primary diagnosis of ACC were included in this study. Prior to any
      treatment initiation, baseline (18)F-FDG PET scans were performed. Tumor staging
      was performed using the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors (ENS@T).
      Intratumoral heterogeneity of the primary tumor was assessed by manual
      segmentation using conventional PET parameters (standardized uptake values and
      tumor-to-liver ratios) and textural features. The impact of tumoral heterogeneity
      based on pre-therapeutic (18)F-FDG PET to predict progression-free (PFS) and
      overall survival (OS) was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic
      analysis. On average, tumor recurrence or progression was detected after median
      of 561 days (range 71-1434 days) after the pre-therapeutic baseline PET scan. 50
      % of the patients died of ACC within the follow-up period (mean 983 +/- 404
      days). Pre-therapeutic tumor volume was associated with PFS (r = -0.67, p = 0.05)
      and Ki67 index with OS (r = -0.66, p = 0.04). ENS@T tumor stage was the only
      parameter to correlate with both PFS and OS (r = -0.82, p = 0.001, and r = -0.72,
      p = 0.01, respectively). In the subgroup of patients without distant metastases
      (ENS@T stages II and III), age and pre-therapeutic tumor volume correlated
      significantly with PFS (r = 0.96, p = 0.01 and r = -0.93, p = 0.02, respectively)
      and OS (r = 0.95, p = 0.02 and r = -0.90, p = 0.04, respectively). None of the
      investigated classic or textural PET parameters predicted PFS or OS. In this
      pilot study in treatment-naive ACC patients, conventional (18)F-FDG PET-derived
      parameters and textural tumor heterogeneity features were not suitable to
      identify high-risk patients. 

PMID- 27138904
TI  - Activation of Aurora A kinase through the FGF1/FGFR signaling axis sustains the
      stem cell characteristics of glioblastoma cells.
AB  - Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) binds and activates FGF receptors, thereby
      regulating cell proliferation and neurogenesis. Human FGF1 gene 1B promoter (-540
      to +31)-driven SV40 T antigen has been shown to result in tumorigenesis in the
      brains of transgenic mice. FGF1B promoter (-540 to +31)-driven green fluorescent
      protein (F1BGFP) has also been used in isolating neural stem cells (NSCs) with
      self-renewal and multipotency from developing and adult mouse brains. In this
      study, we provide six lines of evidence to demonstrate that FGF1/FGFR signaling
      is implicated in the expression of Aurora A (AurA) and the activation of its
      kinase domain (Thr288 phosphorylation) in the maintenance of glioblastoma (GBM)
      cells and NSCs. First, treatment of FGF1 increases AurA expression in human GBM
      cell lines. Second, using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we observed that
      F1BGFP reporter facilitates the isolation of F1BGFP(+) GBM cells with higher
      expression levels of FGFR and AurA. Third, both FGFR inhibitor (SU5402) and AurA
      inhibitor (VX680) could down-regulate F1BGFP-dependent AurA activity. Fourth,
      inhibition of AurA activity by two different AurA inhibitors (VX680 and valproic
      acid) not only reduced neurosphere formation but also induced neuronal
      differentiation of F1BGFP(+) GBM cells. Fifth, flow cytometric analyses
      demonstrated that F1BGFP(+) GBM cells possessed different NSC cell surface
      markers. Finally, inhibition of AurA by VX680 reduced the neurosphere formation
      of different types of NSCs. Our results show that activation of AurA kinase
      through FGF1/FGFR signaling axis sustains the stem cell characteristics of GBM
      cells. IMPLICATIONS: This study identified a novel mechanism for the malignancy
      of GBM, which could be a potential therapeutic target for GBM.

PMID- 27138905
TI  - Radiofrequency and Cryo-Ablation Effect on Transvenous Pacing and Defibrillatory
      Lead Integrity: An In Vitro Study.
AB  - INTORDUCTION: Medical societies and cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)
      manufacturers recommend avoiding close or direct contact between the body of
      transvenous leads and ablation catheters used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. These
      recommendations are made despite the lack of clinical studies. However, the
      target myocardium for successful ablation can be contiguous to CIED leads.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: We examine in vitro the effects of direct application of
      radiofrequency (RF) and cryo-ablation energy on the integrity and functionality
      of CIED leads (excluding the pacing electrodes and defibrillation coils). A
      saline bath was created to mimic the body milieu. CIED leads, including all
      commercially available lead insulation materials, were connected to a CIED pulse
      generator and placed in direct contact with an ablation catheter in the tissue
      bath. RF and cryo-ablation energy were delivered under various conditions,
      including maximal ablation power, temperature, and impedance via the RF
      generator. CIED lead functionality, reflective of conductor integrity, was
      evaluated through lead impedance monitoring during ablation. CIED leads were then
      visually inspected, and examined with optic and electron microscopy as per
      protocol. A total of 42 leads were studied. All leads showed the absence of
      insulation damage at the site of ablation visually and with microscopy. Lead
      functionality was also preserved in all leads. CONCLUSION: Catheter ablation in
      contact with CIED leads using radiofrequency or cryo-ablation in vitro did not
      affect lead body integrity and function despite aggressive ablation settings. It
      may be reasonable to perform ablation in contact with the body of CIED leads when
      clinically necessary.

PMID- 27138906
TI  - Butanol-Partitioned Extraction from Aqueous Extract of Gracilaria tenuistipitata
      Inhibits Cell Proliferation of Oral Cancer Cells Involving Apoptosis and
      Oxidative Stress.
AB  - We have previously found that the aqueous extract of Gracilaria tenuistipitata
      (AEGT) and its partitioned fractions had antioxidant properties in biochemical
      assays. Although the butanol-partitioned fraction of AEGT (AEGT-pBuOH) had a
      stronger antioxidant performance than AEGT, its biological effects are still
      unknown. In this study, the cellular responses of oral cancer cells to AEGT-pBuOH
      were monitored in terms of cell viability, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and
      oxidative stress responses. In an ATP content assay, the cell viability of oral
      cancer cells treated with AEGT-pBuOH was dose responsively inhibited (p < 0.005).
      For flow cytometry, AEGT-pBuOH was also found to dose responsively induce cell
      cycle disturbance by propidium iodide (PI) staining and to induce apoptosis by
      annexin V/PI and pan-caspase staining (p < 0.005). In AEGT-pBuOH-treated oral
      cancer cells, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased and mitochondrial
      membrane potential was decreased in a dose-response manner (p < 0.005). These
      results suggest that AEGT-pBuOH inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis
      of oral cancer cells involving the ROS generation and mitochondrial
      depolarization. 

PMID- 27138912
TI  - The evidence base of methylphenidate for children and adolescents with attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder is in fact flawed.

PMID- 27138913
TI  - Neuronal human BACE1 knockin induces systemic diabetes in mice.
AB  - AIMS: beta-Secretase 1 (BACE1) is a key enzyme in Alzheimer's disease
      pathogenesis that catalyses the amyloidogenic cleavage of amyloid precursor
      protein (APP). Recently, global Bace1 deletion was shown to protect against diet
      induced obesity and diabetes, suggesting that BACE1 is a potential regulator of
      glucose homeostasis. Here, we investigated whether increased neuronal BACE1 is
      sufficient to alter systemic glucose metabolism, using a neuron-specific human
      BACE1 knockin mouse model (PLB4). METHODS: Glucose homeostasis and adiposity were
      determined by glucose tolerance tests and EchoMRI, lipid species were measured by
      quantitative lipidomics, and biochemical and molecular alterations were assessed
      by western blotting, quantitative PCR and ELISAs. Glucose uptake in the brain and
      upper body was measured via (18)FDG-PET imaging. RESULTS: Physiological and
      molecular analyses demonstrated that centrally expressed human BACE1 induced
      systemic glucose intolerance in mice from 4 months of age onward, alongside a
      fatty liver phenotype and impaired hepatic glycogen storage. This diabetic
      phenotype was associated with hypothalamic pathology, i.e. deregulation of the
      melanocortin system, and advanced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress indicated by
      elevated central C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) signalling and
      hyperphosphorylation of its regulator eukaryotic translation initiation factor
      2alpha (eIF2alpha). In vivo (18)FDG-PET imaging further confirmed brain glucose
      hypometabolism in these mice; this corresponded with altered neuronal insulin
      related signalling, enhanced protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and retinol
      binding protein 4 (RBP4) levels, along with upregulation of the ribosomal protein
      and lipid translation machinery. Increased forebrain and plasma lipid
      accumulation (i.e. ceramides, triacylglycerols, phospholipids) was identified via
      lipidomics analysis. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our data reveal that neuronal
      BACE1 is a key regulator of metabolic homeostasis and provide a potential
      mechanism for the high prevalence of metabolic disturbance in Alzheimer's
      disease.

PMID- 27138914
TI  - Inactivation of class II PI3K-C2alpha induces leptin resistance, age-dependent
      insulin resistance and obesity in male mice.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: While the class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are well
      documented positive regulators of metabolism, the involvement of class II PI3K
      isoforms (PI3K-C2alpha, -C2beta and -C2gamma) in metabolic regulation is just
      emerging. Organismal inactivation of PI3K-C2beta increases insulin signalling and
      sensitivity, whereas PI3K-C2gamma inactivation has a negative metabolic impact.
      In contrast, the role of PI3K-C2alpha in organismal metabolism remains
      unexplored. In this study, we investigated whether kinase inactivation of PI3K
      C2alpha affects glucose metabolism in mice. METHODS: We have generated and
      characterised a mouse line with a constitutive inactivating knock-in (KI)
      mutation in the kinase domain of the gene encoding PI3K-C2alpha (Pik3c2a).
      RESULTS: While homozygosity for kinase-dead PI3K-C2alpha was embryonic lethal,
      heterozygous PI3K-C2alpha KI mice were viable and fertile, with no significant
      histopathological findings. However, male heterozygous mice showed early onset
      leptin resistance, with a defect in leptin signalling in the hypothalamus,
      correlating with a mild, age-dependent obesity, insulin resistance and glucose
      intolerance. Insulin signalling was unaffected in insulin target tissues of PI3K
      C2alpha KI mice, in contrast to previous reports in which downregulation of PI3K
      C2alpha in cell lines was shown to dampen insulin signalling. Interestingly, no
      metabolic phenotypes were detected in female PI3K-C2alpha KI mice at any age.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our data uncover a sex-dependent role for PI3K
      C2alpha in the modulation of hypothalamic leptin action and systemic glucose
      homeostasis. ACCESS TO RESEARCH MATERIALS: All reagents are available upon
      request.

PMID- 27138916
TI  - Levodopa-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is available in several
      countries for the treatment of advanced levodopa-responsive Parkinson's disease
      (PD) with severe motor fluctuations and dyskinesia when other treatments have not
      given satisfactory results. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to summarize the present
      evidence base for LCIG therapy through a systematic review of the literature.
      METHODS: Studies were identified from the PubMed and EMBASE databases up to 12
      March 2016 using the following search terms: Parkinson disease, duodopa,
      levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel, levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel, LCIG, l
      dopa infusion, levodopa infusion, duodenal l-dopa infusion, and duodenal levodopa
      infusion. Data extraction focused on whether LCIG therapy improves motor and non
      motor outcomes as well as quality of life in PD patients compared with
      conventional therapy, apomorphine infusion, or deep brain stimulation. Randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies, with or without a control
      group, that included more than ten patients were included. The search was limited
      to peer-reviewed articles published in full in the English language and involving
      humans. RESULTS: Infusion of LCIG reduced "off" time, increased "on" time without
      increasing troublesome dyskinesias, and improved quality of life in three RCTs
      (one double-blind). Open-label follow-ups confirm these findings. The data
      evaluating long-term efficacy and safety are still limited. CONCLUSIONS: The
      quality of evidence that LCIG is effective in reducing fluctuating motor symptoms
      and improving quality of life is moderate. Quality of evidence for reduction of
      non-motor symptoms is very low. Safety issues mainly relate to the intestinal
      infusion system. LCIG might be a useful treatment option in PD patients with
      severe motor fluctuations.

PMID- 27138918
TI  - Proficiency Testing for Quantification of Pesticide Residues in Treated Brown
      Rice Samples: Comparison of Performance of Japanese Official Multiresidue,
      Modified QuEChERS, and QuEChERS Methods.
AB  - To support analytical skill development, testing of proficiency in pesticide
      residue analysis in brown rice was conducted for 86 participating Japanese
      laboratories. Brown rice test samples containing three target pesticides
      (etofenprox, fenitrothion, and thiamethoxam) were distributed to participants who
      were free to choose an appropriate analytical method. Reported results were
      evaluated using a z-score based on the consensus values calculated from the
      participant analytical results and a z-score based on the high-reliability
      reference values determined by the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ).
      It was found that 80-89 and 82-85% of participants achieved acceptable consensus
      value-based and NMIJ-reference-value-based z-scores, respectively. More than 80%
      of participants reported results obtained using the Japanese official
      multiresidue method, solid-phase extraction technique with the Quick, Easy,
      Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (modified QuEChERS) method or QuEChERS method.
      We show that the concentrations determined by the NMIJ using these three methods
      combined with isotope-dilution MS having high reliability agreed well and that
      the method performances were comparable.

PMID- 27138915
TI  - Safety of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Pregnancy: A Review of
      Current Evidence.
AB  - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed
      antidepressant medications worldwide. However, over the past decade, their use
      during pregnancy, a period of extreme vulnerability to the onset of depression,
      has become highly concerning to patients and their healthcare providers in terms
      of safety to the developing fetus. Exposure to SSRIs in pregnancy has been
      associated with miscarriage, premature delivery, neonatal complications, birth
      defects-specifically cardiac defects-and, more recently, neurodevelopmental
      disorders in childhood, specifically autism spectrum disorders. Studies
      addressing the effect of individual SSRIs indicate a small but higher risk for
      birth defects with maternal fluoxetine and paroxetine use. Though the excess in
      absolute risk is small, it may still be of concern to some patients. Meanwhile,
      antenatal depression itself is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, and
      discontinuing antidepressant treatment during pregnancy is associated with a high
      risk of relapse of depression. Whether the observed adverse fetal effects are
      related to the mother's medication use or her underlying maternal illness remains
      difficult to determine. It is important that every pregnant woman being treated
      with an SSRI (or considering such treatment) carefully weighs the risks of
      treatment against the risk of untreated depression for both herself and her
      child. The importance of recognizing a higher risk for the development of adverse
      outcomes lies in the potential for surveillance and possibly a timely
      intervention. Therefore, we recommend that pregnant women exposed to any SSRI in
      early pregnancy be offered options for prenatal diagnosis through ultrasound
      examinations and fetal echocardiography to detect the presence of birth defects.
      Tapering off or switching to other therapy in early pregnancy, if appropriate for
      the individual, may also be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

PMID- 27138917
TI  - The Gutenberg health study: associations between occupational and private stress
      factors and work-privacy conflict.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Work-privacy conflict (WPC) is no longer a rarity but constitutes a
      societal problem. The objectives of the present study were (1) to investigate the
      distribution and prevalence of WPC among the employed participants in the
      Gutenberg Health Study at baseline and (2) to study the dependence of WPC on a
      broad range of private life and occupational characteristics as well as on
      psychosocial working conditions. METHODS: This analysis is based on a
      representative, population-based sample of 3,709 employees participating in the
      Gutenberg Health Study. Descriptive and bivariable analyses were carried out
      separately for women and men. Distribution and prevalence of WPC were examined
      according to socio-demographic and occupational characteristics as well as
      psychosocial working conditions. Further, stepwise selection of Poisson log
      linear regression models were performed to determine which socio-demographic and
      occupational characteristics were most associated with the outcome variable WPC
      and to obtain adjusted prevalence ratios from the final model. The multivariable
      analyses were conducted both separately for women and men and with all subjects
      together in one analysis. RESULTS: There was a high prevalence of WPC in the
      present study (27.4 % of the men and 23.0 % of the women reported a high or very
      high WPC). A variety of factors was associated with WPC, e.g. full-time
      employment, depression and many of the psychosocial risk factors at work. Also,
      the multivariable results showed that women were of higher risk for a WPC.
      CONCLUSIONS: By affecting the individual work life, home life, and the general
      well-being and health, WPC may lead to detrimental effects in employees, their
      families, employers, and society as a whole. Therefore, the high prevalence of
      WPC in our sample should be of concern. Among women, the risk for suffering from
      WPC was even higher, most likely due to multiple burdens.

PMID- 27138919
TI  - A synthetic antimicrobial peptide BTD-S expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana confers
      enhanced resistance to Verticillium dahliae.
AB  - BTD-S is a synthetic non-cyclic theta-defensin derivative which was previously
      designed in our laboratory based on baboon theta-defensins (BTDs). It shows
      robust antimicrobial activity against economically important phytopathogen,
      Verticillium dahliae. Here, we deduced the coding nucleotide sequence of BTD-S
      and introduced the gene into wild-type (ecotype Columbia-0) Arabidopsis thaliana
      plants. Results demonstrated that BTD-S-transgenic lines displayed in bioassays
      inhibitory effects on the growth of V. dahliae in vivo and in vitro. Based on
      symptom severity, enhanced resistance was found in a survey of BTD-S-transgenic
      lines. Besides, crude protein extracts from root tissues of BTD-S-transformed
      plants significantly restricted the growth of fungal hyphae and the germination
      of conidia. Also, fungal biomass over time determined by real-time PCR
      demonstrated the overgrowth of V. dahliae in wild-type plants 2-3 weeks after
      inoculation, while almost no fungal DNA was detected in aerial tissues of their
      transgenic progenitors. The result suggested that fungus failed to invade and
      progress acropetally up to establish a systemic infection in BTD-S-transgenic
      plants. Moreover, the assessment of basal defense responses was performed in the
      leaves of WT and BTD-S-transgenic plants. The mitigated oxidative stress and low
      antioxidase level in BTD-S-transgenic plants revealed that BTD-S acts via
      permeabilizing target microbial membranes, which is in a category different from
      hypersensitive response-dependent defense. Taken together, our results
      demonstrate that BTD-S is a promising gene to be explored for transgenic
      engineering for plant protection against Verticillium wilt. 

PMID- 27138921
TI  - Erythrophagocytosis by peripheral monocytes and histiocytes in diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma.

PMID- 27138922
TI  - Resolution of organizing pneumonia following immunosuppressive therapy for large
      granular lymphocytic leukemia.

PMID- 27138920
TI  - Genome-wide identification and characterization of novel lncRNAs in Populus under
      nitrogen deficiency.
AB  - Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as important regulatory
      factors of gene expression in eukaryotic species, such as Homo sapiens,
      Arabidopsis thaliana, and Oryza sativa. However, the systematic identification of
      potential lncRNAs in trees is comparatively rare. In particular, the
      characteristics, expression, and regulatory roles of lncRNAs in trees under
      nutrient stress remain largely unknown. A genome-wide strategy was used in this
      investigation to identify and characterize novel and low-nitrogen (N)-responsive
      lncRNAs in Populus tomentosa; 388 unique lncRNA candidates belonging to 380 gene
      loci were detected and only seven lncRNAs were found to belong to seven conserved
      non-coding RNA families indicating the majority of P. tomentosa lncRNAs are
      species-specific. In total, 126 lncRNAs were significantly altered under low-N
      stress; 8 were repressed, and 118 were induced. Furthermore, 9 and 5 lncRNAs were
      detected as precursors of 11 known and 14 novel Populus miRNAs, respectively,
      whereas 4 lncRNAs were targeted by 29 miRNAs belonging to 5 families, including
      22 conserved and 7 non-conserved miRNAs. In addition, 15 antisense lncRNAs were
      identified to be generated from opposite strands of 14 corresponding protein
      coding genes. In total, 111 protein-coding genes with regions complementary to 38
      lncRNAs were also predicted with some lncRNAs corresponding to multiple genes and
      vice versa, and their functions were annotated, which further demonstrated the
      complex regulatory relationship between lncRNAs and protein-coding genes in
      plants. Moreover, an interaction network among lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs was
      investigated. These findings enrich our understanding of lncRNAs in Populus,
      expand the methods of miRNA identification. Our results present the first global
      characterization of lncRNAs and their potential target genes in response to
      nitrogen stress in trees, which provides more information on low-nutrition
      adaptation mechanisms in woody plants. 

PMID- 27138923
TI  - Successful treatment of severe acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease
      complicated by cytomegalovirus gastroenteritis with intra-arterial steroid
      infusion.

PMID- 27138924
TI  - Interpreting the Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS) Findings on Sanitation,
      Hygiene, and Diarrhea.
AB  - In this Perspective on the GEMS study by Kelly Baker and colleagues, Jonny
      Crocker and Jamie Bartram consider the implications of associations found and not
      found between diarrheal disease and sanitation and hygiene.

PMID- 27138925
TI  - Gender and Cardiovascular Mortality in Northern and Southern European
      Populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no ready explanations for differences in ischemic heart
      disease incidence between women and men under an epidemiological perspective.
      However, when myocardial infarction occurs, there are more likely individuals who
      happen to die. METHODS: This review from a more recent literature was performed
      for a two-fold purpose, to describe gender wise: a) the role of classical and
      novel factors defined to evaluate coronary artery disease (CAD) risk and
      mortality, aimed at assessing applicability and relevance for primary and
      secondary prevention; b) the differences in northern versus southern European
      Countries in risk factors and CAD mortality. RESULTS: Age-related risk patterns
      differ in men and women. It is uncertain whether standard factors may index CAD
      risk, including mortality, in different ways and/or whether specific factors
      might be targeted gender-wise. A list might be compiled: HDL-cholesterol levels,
      higher in pre-menopausal women than in men, are more strictly related to CAD;
      high triglycerides and Lp(a) have a similar relationship; HDL-cholesterol levels
      have an inverse relation with CAD incidence and mortality. The role of statins is
      not completely defined in primary prevention for women. However, in secondary
      prevention statins are equally effective in both genders. Weight and glycemic
      control are effective to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in women
      from middle to older age. Similarly, CVD mortality in women, from middle to older
      age, might be reduced by controlling blood pressure, particularly among diabetic
      or over weighted women. Renal dysfunction, either defined by UAE or eGFR or both
      may usefully predict primary CVD incidence and risk in both genders. In secondary
      prediction, kidney dysfunction predicts sudden death in women when left
      ventricular ejection fraction is also evaluated. Serum uric acid that normally
      increases with age, differentiates gender-related CVD incidences with a peculiar
      importance in women as compared to men. There has been much interest to
      investigate loss of ovarian function in explaining age-related differences
      between genders. More recently, some emphasis has been laid on the loss of
      ovarian function-related iron stores. There are subgroups of women as those with
      mitral valve prolapse and increased circulating levels of catecholamines in whom
      QT interval, physiologically longer in women than men, may be an arrhythmogenic
      risk index. However, no large population-based studies were ever conducted to
      assess this. Therefore, in the future, it will be important to implement risk
      score instruments (charts and softwares) in women using novel parameters, and
      among these inflammatory markers and reproductive hormones and serum uric acid.
      The important results of the WHO MONICA Project confirmed the northern versus
      southern European gradient in both men and women, for death rates and the
      proportion of all deaths from cardiovascular causes (including CAD, stroke and
      other CVD causes). The coronary event rate was initially as high as 1, 000 per
      100, 000 inhabitants in Finland and less than 1 fifth of that in Spain with the
      corresponding figures in women of 200 and 30, respectively. CONCLUSION: No doubt
      might still exist that all efforts need be undertaken for both men and women, for
      health and prolongation of life to effectively treat common risk factors such as
      cigarette consumption, high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and physical
      inactivity by also paying attention to optimal diet.

PMID- 27138928
TI  - Squamous papilloma of esophagus.

PMID- 27138926
TI  - Targeting TDP-43 phosphorylation by Casein Kinase-1delta inhibitors: a novel
      strategy for the treatment of frontotemporal dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutations in the progranulin gene (GRN) are the most common cause of
      frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 inclusions (FTLD-TDP). TDP-43
      pathology is characterized by the hyperphosphorylation of the protein at Serine
      409/410 residues. Casein kinase-1delta (CK-1delta) was reported to phosphorylate
      TDP-43 directly. Previous works from our laboratory described the presence of
      CDK6/pRb-dependent cell cycle alterations, and cytosolic accumulation of TDP-43
      protein in lymphoblast from FTLD-TDP patients carriers of a loss-of function
      mutation in GRN gene (c.709-1G > A). In this work, we have investigated the
      effects of two brain penetrant CK-1delta inhibitors (IGS-2.7 and IGS-3.27)
      designed and synthetized in our laboratory on cell proliferation, TDP-43
      phosphorylation and subcellular localization, as well as their effects on the
      known nuclear TDP-43 function repressing the expression of CDK6. RESULTS: We
      report here that both CK-1delta inhibitors (IGS-2.7 and IGS-3.27) normalized the
      proliferative activity of PGRN-deficient lymphoblasts by preventing the
      phosphorylation of TDP-43 fragments, its nucleo-cytosol translocation and the
      overactivation of the CDK6/pRb cascade. Moreover, ours results show
      neuroprotective effects of CK-1delta inhibitors in a neuronal cell model of
      induced TDP-43 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that modulating
      CK-1delta activity could be considered a novel therapeutic approach for the
      treatment of FTLD-TDP and other TDP-43 proteinopathies.

PMID- 27138927
TI  - Association between Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasites in an Anu
      indigenous community of Venezuela.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and enteroparasite infections are highly
      prevalent in populations with poor living conditions, like the Amerindian
      communities. Identifying associations between both types of infectious agents
      could help to detect shared risk factors or transmission routes in these minority
      ethnic groups. Therefore, the prevalence and association between Hp and
      enteroparasites were investigated in an indigenous community whose living
      conditions favor such infectious diseases. METHODS: Seropositivity (anti-Hp
      specific IgG) and active infection (stool antigen test), intestinal parasitosis
      (direct and concentrated coproparasitological test, methylene blue, and Kinyoun
      stains), and risk factors for fecal-oral transmission were determined in 167
      children and 151 adults of the Anu indigenous community living at the Sinamaica
      Lagoon, in Venezuela. RESULTS: A high rate of Hp infection (seropositivity and
      active infection) and enteroparasitosis was evidenced, as expected. Some
      significant associations were detected: direct associations between Hp and
      polyparasitic infection, helminths, and protozoan (particularly in children);
      inverse association between Hp and Giardia lamblia. No shared epidemiological
      factors were identified for Hp and the detected intestinal parasites, probably
      due to overlapping factors. CONCLUSION: Direct associations detected support the
      participation of the fecal-oral route in the transmission of the involved
      infectious agents. Inverse relationship (Hp) and G. lamblia may suggest the
      existence of antagonistic interactions between them. Further research is required
      to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these associations.

PMID- 27138929
TI  - Retrospective comparison of sedated and non-sedated colonoscopy in an outpatient
      practice.
AB  - Although sedation and analgesia for patients undergoing colonoscopy are the
      standard practice in western countries, non-sedated colonoscopy is still in
      practice in Europe and the Far East. This variation in sedation practice relies
      on the different cultural attitudes of both patients and endoscopists across
      these countries. Data from the literature consistently report that, in non
      sedated patients, the use of alternative techniques, such as water irrigation or
      carbon dioxide insufflation, can allow a high-quality and well-tolerated
      examination. We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected performance
      improvement in endoscopy unit at King Khalid Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia. The
      tolerance of colonoscopy without sedation in terms of patient's ability to return
      to routine work and drive if necessary on the same day of procedure was
      evaluated. A total of 538 patients who underwent a colonoscopy at King Khalid
      Hospital endoscopy unit (Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) were reviewed from
      September 2011 to November 2013. All of the procedures were performed by two
      expert endoscopists, assisted by well-trained nursing staff. Insertion of the
      colonoscope was aided by insufflations of air, and in a few instances, by water
      through the colonoscope to minimize air insufflations. IV sedatives were
      administered upon the judgment of the physician when patient was unable to
      tolerate the procedure. Of 538 patients who underwent a colonoscopy, 79 patients
      required sedation. Forty-seven during the procedure and 32 requested pre
      procedure sedation, most of them below 20 years of age. Thirty-two who requested
      pre-procedure sedation were excluded from our statistics. Of the remaining 506
      cases, 47 (9.3 %) required sedation during procedure while 459 (90.7 %) tolerated
      the procedure without sedation. This shortened the hospital stay time, improved
      the ability to return to work much earlier, and undertake daily activities such
      as driving. It is also cost effective. The approach of non-sedative colonoscopy
      and use of sedation on-demand with minimal air insufflation or water infusion
      when needed during the procedure were well tolerated by approximately 91 % of
      patients at a single center in Saudi Arabia. 

PMID- 27138931
TI  - Pioglitazone increases PGC1-alpha signaling within chronically ischemic
      myocardium.
AB  - The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma drug pioglitazone
      (PIO) has been shown to protect tissue against oxidant stress. In a swine model
      of chronic myocardial ischemia, we tested whether PIO increases PGC1-alpha
      signaling and the expression of mitochondrial antioxidant peptides. Eighteen pigs
      underwent a thoracotomy with placement of a fixed constrictor around the LAD
      artery. At 8 weeks, diet was supplemented with either PIO (3 mg/kg) or placebo
      for 4 weeks. Regional myocardial function and blood flow were determined at the
      time of the terminal study. PGC1-alpha expression was quantified from nuclear
      membranes by gels and respiration, oxidant stress markers and proteomics by iTRAQ
      were determined from isolated mitochondria. In the chronically ischemic LAD
      region, wall thickening from the PIO and control groups was 42 +/- 6 and 45 +/- 5
      %, respectively (NS) with no intergroup differences in basal blood flow (0.72 +/-
      0.04 versus 0.74 +/- 0.04 ml/min g, respectively; NS). In the PIO group, the
      expression of nuclear bound PGC1-alpha was higher (11.3 +/- 2.6 versus 4.4 +/-
      1.4 AU; P < 0.05) and the content of mitochondrial antioxidant peptides including
      superoxide dismutase 2, aldose reductase, glutathione S-transferase and
      thioredoxin reductase were greater than controls. Although isolated mitochondria
      from the PIO group showed lower state 3 respiration (102 +/- 13 versus 161 +/- 22
      nmol/min mg; P < 0.05), no differences in oxidant stress were noted by protein
      carbonyl (1.7 +/- 0.7 versus 1.1 +/- 0.1 nmol/mg). Chronic pioglitazone does not
      reduce regional myocardial blood flow or function in a swine model of chronic
      myocardial ischemia, but may have an important role in increasing expression of
      antioxidant proteins through PGC1-alpha signaling.

PMID- 27138930
TI  - Coding and non-coding variants in the SHOX2 gene in patients with early-onset
      atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia with a strong
      genetic component. Molecular pathways involving the homeodomain transcription
      factor Shox2 control the development and function of the cardiac conduction
      system in mouse and zebrafish. Here we report the analysis of human SHOX2 as a
      potential susceptibility gene for early-onset AF. To identify causal variants and
      define the underlying mechanisms, results from 378 patients with early-onset AF
      before the age of 60 years were analyzed and compared to 1870 controls or
      reference datasets. We identified two missense mutations (p.G81E, p.H283Q), that
      were predicted as damaging. Transactivation studies using SHOX2 targets and
      phenotypic rescue experiments in zebrafish demonstrated that the p.H283Q mutation
      severely affects SHOX2 pacemaker function. We also demonstrate an association
      between a 3'UTR variant c.*28T>C of SHOX2 and AF (p = 0.00515). Patients carrying
      this variant present significantly longer PR intervals. Mechanistically, this
      variant creates a functional binding site for hsa-miR-92b-5p. Circulating hsa-miR
      92b-5p plasma levels were significantly altered in AF patients carrying the 3'UTR
      variant (p = 0.0095). Finally, we demonstrate significantly reduced SHOX2
      expression levels in right atrial appendages of AF patients compared to patients
      with sinus rhythm. Together, these results suggest a genetic contribution of
      SHOX2 in early-onset AF.

PMID- 27138932
TI  - Intervening at the Setting Level to Prevent Behavioral Incidents in Residential
      Child Care: Efficacy of the CARE Program Model.
AB  - The current study examined the impact of a setting-level intervention on the
      prevention of aggressive or dangerous behavioral incidents involving youth living
      in group care environments. Eleven group care agencies implemented Children and
      Residential Experiences (CARE), a principle-based program that helps agencies use
      a set of evidence-informed principles to guide programming and enrich the
      relational dynamics throughout the agency. All agencies served mostly youth
      referred from child welfare. The 3-year implementation of CARE involved intensive
      agency-wide training and on-site consultation to agency leaders and managers
      around supporting and facilitating day-to-day application of the principles in
      both childcare and staff management arenas. Agencies provided data over 48 months
      on the monthly frequency of behavioral incidents most related to program
      objectives. Using multiple baseline interrupted time series analysis to assess
      program effects, we tested whether trends during the program implementation
      period declined significantly compared to the 12 months before implementation.
      Results showed significant program effects on incidents involving youth
      aggression toward adult staff, property destruction, and running away. Effects on
      aggression toward peers and self-harm were also found but were less consistent.
      Staff ratings of positive organizational social context (OSC) predicted fewer
      incidents, but there was no clear relationship between OSC and observed program
      effects. Findings support the potential efficacy of the CARE model and illustrate
      that intervening "upstream" at the setting level may help to prevent coercive
      caregiving patterns and increase opportunities for healthy social interactions.

PMID- 27138934
TI  - Hypocalcaemia associated with high dose rates of zinc oxide to lactating dairy
      cows.
AB  - Clinical hypocalcaemia was associated with single doses of three oi more days'
      supply of zinc oxide to dairy cows for facial eczema control. Experimental hand
      dosing of a single dose of zinc oxide (40 and 120 mg Zn/kg h wt) to Jersey cows
      caused a significant drop in serum calcium concentration at 24 h followed by a
      rise to concentrations higher than controls at subsequent samplings over four
      days. At the highest zinc dose rate, 78% of serum calcium values were equal to or
      lower than the lowest control value at 24 h post dosing. Serum magnesium
      concentrations had a reciprocal relationship to the calcium levels at all
      samplings. Serum zinc concentrations were most elevated over the 48 h post
      dosing, returning to normal levels at the fifth day. Following the highest zinc
      dose milk yields were reduced by approximately 1.5 kg milk/cow/day for 48 h.
      Similar results were obtained when cows grazed pasture on which large amounts of
      zinc oxide had been sprayed. 

PMID- 27138933
TI  - PLCzeta sequence, protein levels, and distribution in human sperm do not
      correlate with semen characteristics and fertilization rates after ICSI.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sperm-borne PLCzeta protein induces Ca(2+) oscillations in the oocyte
      and is believed to play a major role during oocyte activation. However, its
      implication in fertilization failure following ICSI is still debated. We analyzed
      PLCzeta gene sequence, protein expression level, and localization in both
      patients with previous failed fertilization by ICSI and sperm donors with proven
      fertility in order to assess the association of PLCzeta with both sperm
      characteristics and ability to fertilize. METHODS: Semen from 15 patients and 13
      sperm donors with proven fertility was included in the study. Analysis of the
      PLCzeta gene sequence, protein expression through Western blot, and protein
      localization by immunofluorescence were performed. RESULTS: Two patients with
      total fertilization failure presented mutations in heterozygosis in the PLCzeta
      gene. Comparison with donor sample sequences displayed comparable SNP allele
      frequency. Distribution pattern of PLCzeta did not vary significantly between
      donor and patient samples. Levels of PLCzeta protein in sperm cells showed an
      interindividual variability both in patient and donor samples. Several SNPs
      previously reported in infertile patients were also present in fertile men.
      CONCLUSION: Failed fertilization occurs even when levels and distribution of
      PLCzeta protein are within normal range. PLCzeta seems to be a necessary but not
      sufficient factor in determining the molecular pathway involved in oocyte
      activation.

PMID- 27138935
TI  - Systematic review: risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in musicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although many musicians suffer from musculoskeletal disorders,
      aetiological factors are unclear. AIMS: To systematically search for and
      synthesize the best available evidence on risk factors for musculoskeletal
      disorders in musicians. METHODS: A database search was performed in PubMed,
      EMBASE, CINAHL, Pedro, OTseeker and Psychinfo. A manual search was conducted in
      the journals Medical Problems of Performing Artists and Psychology of Music.
      Studies with an objective to investigate determinants associated with playing
      related musculoskeletal disorders were included. Papers were selected based on
      adequacy of statistical methods for the purpose of the study. Search, first
      screening and selection were performed by one author. Two reviewers independently
      performed the final selection using full-text reports. Methodological quality
      assessment was performed by two reviewers independently. RESULTS: One case
      control and 14 cross-sectional studies were included. Methodological quality was
      in general low. Large heterogeneity existed in study design, population,
      measurement of determinant and outcome and analysis techniques. Data were
      presented descriptively. Consistent results were found indicating that previous
      musculoskeletal injury, music performance anxiety, high levels of stress and
      being a female playing a stringed instrument seemed to be associated with more
      musculoskeletal disorders. Influence over or support at work, orchestra
      category/status, exercise behaviour and cigarette smoking seemed to be unrelated
      with musculoskeletal disorders. No conclusions could be made on causality, as the
      current data only represent cross-sectional associations. CONCLUSIONS: Because of
      lack of prospective studies, no causal relations could be identified in the
      aetiology of (playing-related) musculoskeletal disorders in instrumental
      musicians.

PMID- 27138936
TI  - A further comparison of graphene and thin metal layers for plasmonics.
AB  - Which one is much more suitable for plasmonic materials, graphene or metal? To
      address this problem well, the plasmonic properties of thin metal sheets at
      different thicknesses have been investigated and compared with a graphene layer.
      As demonstration examples, the propagation properties of insulator-metal
      insulator and metamaterials (MMs) structures are also shown. The results manifest
      that the plasmonic properties of the graphene layer are comparable to that of
      thin metal sheets with the thickness of tens of nanometers. For the graphene MMs
      structure, by using the periodic stack structure in the active region, the
      resonant transmission strength significantly improves. At the optimum period
      number, 3-5 periods of graphene/SiO2, the graphene MMs structure manifests good
      frequency and amplitude tunable properties simultaneously, and the resonant
      strength is also strong with large values of the Q-factor. Therefore, graphene is
      a good tunable plasmonic material. The results are very helpful to develop novel
      graphene plasmonic devices, such as modulators, antenna and filters. 

PMID- 27138937
TI  - Clinical use of echocardiography in structural heart disease.
AB  - Recently, a development of devices for transcatheter interventions, such as
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation for aortic stenosis, percutaneous mitral
      valve repair for mitral regurgitation, and percutaneous closure of atrial septal
      defect, has led to a greatly expanded armamentarium of catheter-based approaches
      for patients with structural heart disease (SHD). Comorbidity and anatomical
      limitations specific to each procedure are known to influence outcomes during and
      after the intervention. Therefore, risk stratification of the intervention
      including anatomical and functional assessments is critically important.
      Furthermore, echocardiography reveals both physiological and anatomical
      abnormalities of SHD in real-time even in the operation theater. Consequently,
      echocardiography plays an essential role in providing not only preoperative
      assessment of SHD but also intra-procedural monitoring and postoperative follow
      up. This document is intended as a reference for cardiac surgeons using
      echocardiography clinically for patients with SHD, particularly those with
      valvular heart disease and atrial septal defect. 

PMID- 27138939
TI  - Maturational effect on Functional Movement ScreenTM score in adolescent soccer
      players.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The effect of maturity on Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores in
      elite, adolescent soccer players was examined. DESIGN: A cross-sectional
      observational study was completed. METHODS: Participants were 1163 male English
      Football League soccer players (age 8-18 years). Players were mid-foundation
      phase (MF) (U9); late foundation phase (LF) (U10 and U11); early youth
      development phase (EYD) (U12 and U13); mid-youth development (MYD) phase (U14
      U15); Late Youth Development Phase (LYD) (U16) and early professional development
      phase (EPD) (U18). Age from peak height velocity was estimated and players were
      categorized as pre- or post-peak height velocity (PHV). To analyse where
      differences in FMStotal score existed we separated the screen into FMSmove (3
      movement tests); FMSflex (2 mobility tests) and FMSstab (2 stability tests).
      RESULTS: FMStotal median score ranged from 11 at MF to 14 for EPD. There was a
      substantial increase (10%) in those able to achieve a score of >=14 on FMStotal
      in those who were post-PHV compared to pre-PHV. This was explained by a
      substantial increase in those achieving a score of >=4 on FMSstab (21%). There
      was a substantial increase in the proportion of players who achieved the FMStotal
      threshold of >=14 with an increase of 47.5 (41.4-53.6)% from the MF phase to the
      EPD phase due to improvements in FMSmove and FMSstab. CONCLUSIONS: PHV and
      maturity have substantial effects on FMS performance. FMS assessment appears to
      be invalid for very young players. Findings are relevant to those analyzing
      movement in soccer players.

PMID- 27138938
TI  - Identification and Characterization of Two Novel RNA Viruses from Anopheles
      gambiae Species Complex Mosquitoes.
AB  - Mosquitoes of the Anopheles gambiae complex display strong preference for human
      bloodmeals and are major malaria vectors in Africa. However, their interaction
      with viruses or role in arbovirus transmission during epidemics has been little
      examined, with the exception of O'nyong-nyong virus, closely related to
      Chikungunya virus. Deep-sequencing has revealed different RNA viruses in natural
      insect viromes, but none have been previously described in the Anopheles gambiae
      species complex. Here, we describe two novel insect RNA viruses, a Dicistrovirus
      and a Cypovirus, found in laboratory colonies of An. gambiae taxa using small-RNA
      deep sequencing. Sequence analysis was done with Metavisitor, an open-source
      bioinformatic pipeline for virus discovery and de novo genome assembly. Wild
      collected Anopheles from Senegal and Cambodia were positive for the Dicistrovirus
      and Cypovirus, displaying high sequence identity to the laboratory-derived virus.
      Thus, the Dicistrovirus (Anopheles C virus, AnCV) and Cypovirus (Anopheles
      Cypovirus, AnCPV) are components of the natural virome of at least some
      anopheline species. Their possible influence on mosquito immunity or transmission
      of other pathogens is unknown. These natural viruses could be developed as models
      for the study of Anopheles-RNA virus interactions in low security laboratory
      settings, in an analogous manner to the use of rodent malaria parasites for
      studies of mosquito anti-parasite immunity.

PMID- 27138941
TI  - Low Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Level in Obesity Nephropathy: A New Risk Factor?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) is a hormone involved in cell
      growth and other important processes. In the kidney, IGF-1 has a stimulating
      effect, increasing the blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. Although many
      experimental animal studies regarding the role of IGF-1 in the kidney have been
      conducted, few human studies are available in the literature. Obesity is a cause
      of renal failure, and several glomerular lesions associated with obesity have
      been described. However, no studies regarding the levels of IGF-1 in morbidly
      obese patients with renal injury associated with obesity have been conducted.
      AIM: To determine the serum IGF-1 concentrations in morbidly obese patients with
      normal renal function but with different types of early obesity-related
      glomerular lesions and to evaluate the possible relationship between IGF-1 and
      the presence of renal lesions. METHODS: Eighty morbidly obese patients with renal
      biopsy, including 11 patients with no evidence of renal lesion, 17 patients with
      single glomerulomegaly, 21 patients with single podocyte hypertrophy, 10 patients
      with glomerulomegaly and podocyte hypertrophy, 5 patients with focal segmental
      hyalinosis, and 16 patients with increased mesangial matrix and/or mesangial
      proliferation, participated in this study. Biological parameters, including serum
      IGF-1 concentrations with the standard deviation score for age (SDS-IGF-1), were
      determined for all patients. RESULTS: Eighty patients (50 women and 30 men) with
      a mean BMI of 52.63 +/- 8.71 and a mean age of 42.40 +/- 9.45 years were included
      in this study. IGF-1, IGF-1 SDS and IGF-1BP3 levels according to the renal injury
      were compared (normal glomeruli: IGF-1 = 190.17 +/- 72.46; glomerulomegaly: IGF-1
      = 122.3 +/- 50.05; podocyte hypertrophy: IGF-1 = 119.81 +/- 60.34; focal
      segmental hyalinosis: IGF-1 170.98 +/- 100.83, increased mesangial matrix and/or
      mesangial proliferation: IGF-1 117.73 +/- 63.87). Statistically significant
      differences were observed between serum levels of IGF-1 and between the levels of
      SDS-IGF-1 by comparing the group without glomerular lesion with the group formed
      by patients with any type of glomerular injury. Logistic regression analysis was
      performed, with the dependent variable defined as the glomerular injury. In the
      multivariate analysis, only SDS-IGF-1 was associated with glomerular injury, and
      low levels of IGF-1 SDS were a risk factor for kidney injury. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study demonstrates that low IGF-1 serum levels are associated with renal lesions
      in morbidly obese patients without overt clinical renal manifestations.

PMID- 27138942
TI  - MetastamiRs: A promising choice for antihepatocellular carcinoma nucleic acid
      drug development.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality
      worldwide, which can be explained at least in part by its propensity towards
      metastasis and the limited efficacy of adjuvant therapy. MetastamiRs are miRNAs
      that promote or suppress migration and metastasis of cancer cells, and their
      functional status is significantly correlated with HCC prognosis. Unlike targeted
      therapy, metastamiRs have the potential to target multiple genes and signaling
      pathways and dramatically suppress cancer metastasis. In this review, we discuss
      the regulatory role of metastamiRs in the HCC invasion-metastasis cascade.
      Moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis has
      shown that many extensively studied metastamiRs target several critical signaling
      pathways and these have remarkable therapeutic potential in HCC. The information
      reviewed here may assist in further anti-HCC miRNA drug screening and
      development.

PMID- 27138940
TI  - Vaccine delivery by penetratin: mechanism of antigen presentation by dendritic
      cells.
AB  - Cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) or membrane-translocating peptides such as
      penetratin from Antennapedia homeodomain or TAT from human immunodeficiency virus
      are useful vectors for the delivery of protein antigens or their cytotoxic (Tc)
      or helper (Th) T cell epitopes to antigen-presenting cells. Mice immunized with
      CPP containing immunogens elicit antigen-specific Tc and/or Th responses and
      could be protected from tumor challenges. In the present paper, we investigate
      the mechanism of class I and class II antigen presentation of ovalbumin
      covalently linked to penetratin (AntpOVA) by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells
      with the use of biochemical inhibitors of various pathways of antigen processing
      and presentation. Results from our study suggested that uptake of AntpOVA is via
      a combination of energy-independent (membrane fusion) and energy-dependent
      pathways (endocytosis). Once internalized by either mechanism, multiple tap
      dependent or independent antigen presentation pathways are accessed while not
      completely dependent on proteasomal processing but involving proteolytic trimming
      in the ER and Golgi compartments. Our study provides an understanding on the
      mechanism of antigen presentation mediated by CPP and leads to greater insights
      into future development of vaccine formulations.

PMID- 27138943
TI  - Charge collection kinetics on ferroelectric polymer surface using charge gradient
      microscopy.
AB  - A charge gradient microscopy (CGM) probe was used to collect surface screening
      charges on poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] thin films.
      These charges are naturally formed on unscreened ferroelectric domains in ambient
      condition. The CGM data were used to map the local electric current originating
      from the collected surface charges on the poled ferroelectric domains in the
      P(VDF-TrFE) thin films. Both the direction and amount of the collected current
      were controlled by changing the polarity and area of the poled domains. The
      endurance of charge collection by rubbing the CGM tip on the polymer film was
      limited to 20 scan cycles, after which the current reduced to almost zero. This
      degradation was attributed to the increase of the chemical bonding strength
      between the external screening charges and the polarization charges. Once this
      degradation mechanism is mitigated, the CGM technique can be applied to efficient
      energy harvesting devices using polymer ferroelectrics.

PMID- 27138944
TI  - Selenium and mercury levels in rat liver slices co-treated with diphenyl
      diselenide and methylmercury.
AB  - Organoseleno-compounds have been investigated for its beneficial effects against
      methylmercury toxicity. In this way, diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 was demonstrated
      to decrease Hg accumulation in mice, protect against MeHg-induced mitochondrial
      dysfunction, and protect against the overall toxicity of this metal. In the
      present study we aimed to investigate if co-treatment with (PhSe)2 and MeHg could
      decrease accumulation of Hg in liver slices of rats. Rat liver slices were co
      treated with (PhSe)2 (0.5; 5 uM) and/or MeHg (25 uM) for 30 min at 37  degrees C
      and Se and Hg levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass
      spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the slices homogenate, P1 fraction, mitochondria and
      incubation medium. Co-treatment with (PhSe)2 and MeHg did not significantly alter
      Se levels in any of the samples when compared with compounds alone. In addition,
      co-treatment with (PhSe)2 and MeHg did not decrease Hg levels in any of the
      samples tested, although, co-incubation significantly increased Hg levels in
      homogenate. We suggest here that (PhSe)2 could exert its previously demonstrated
      protective effects not by reducing MeHg levels, but forming a complex with MeHg
      avoiding it to bind to critical molecules in cell.

PMID- 27138945
TI  - Theoretical study on the initial reaction mechanisms of ansa-metallocene
      zirconium precursor on hydroxylated Si(1 0 0) surface.
AB  - The initial reaction mechanisms for depositing ZrO2 thin films using ansa
      metallocene zirconium (Cp2CMe2)ZrMe2 precursor were studied by density functional
      theory (DFT) calculations. The (Cp2CMe2)ZrMe2 precursor could be absorbed on the
      hydroxylated Si(1 0 0) surface via physisorption. Possible reaction pathways of
      (Cp2CMe2)ZrMe2 were proposed. For each reaction, the activation energies and
      reaction energies were compared, and stationary points along the reaction
      pathways were shown. In addition, the influence of dispersion effects on the
      reactions was evaluated by non-local dispersion corrected DFT calculations. 

PMID- 27138946
TI  - On the performance of ruthenium dyes in dye sensitized solar cells: a free
      cluster approach based on theoretical indexes.
AB  - The performance of ruthenium dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) with different
      types of ligand was studied by means of a theoretical model where the ruthenium
      complex is bound to two [Ti(OH)3](+) units, instead of the more usual cluster
      TiO2 model. Electron injection is proposed to proceed from a thermalized (3)MLCT
      state rather than from higher vibrational excited states. The efficiency of the
      dye linked to the two [Ti(OH)3](+) units was determined in terms of a global
      index (xi), calculated as the product of three theoretical indexes (FI) built
      from the results of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT)
      calculations. The index considers the harvested and delivered energy (F1), the
      charge transferred to the semiconductor (F2), and dye regeneration (F3). The
      results show that this set of parameters is unique for each dye, and allows the
      comparative evaluation of the performance of a series of dyes, with a different
      ancillary ligand at each stage of the cell operation. The method provides
      insights that can help explain the improved performance of N3 and black dyes
      compared to other dyes.

PMID- 27138947
TI  - Social protection spending and inequalities in depressive symptoms across Europe.
AB  - PURPOSE: Common mental disorders are an increasing global public health concern.
      The least advantaged in society experience a greater burden of mental illness,
      but inequalities in mental health vary by social, political, and economic
      contexts. This study investigates whether spending on different types of social
      protection alters the extent of social inequality in depressive symptoms.
      METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2006 and 2012 cross-sectional waves of the
      European Social Survey, which included 48,397 individuals from 18 European
      countries. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Centre for Epidemiologic
      Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D 8). Statistical interactions between country
      level social protection spending and individuals' education level, employment and
      family status were explored using multilevel regression models. RESULTS: Higher
      spending on active labour market programmes was related to narrower inequality in
      depressive symptoms by education level. Compared to men with high education, the
      marginal effect of having low education was 1.67 (95 % CI, 1.46-1.87) among men
      in countries with lower spending and 0.85 (95 % CI, 0.66-1.03) in higher spending
      countries. Single parents exhibited fewer depressive symptoms, as spending on
      family policies increased. Little evidence was found for an overall association
      between spending on unemployment benefits and employment-related inequalities in
      depressive symptoms, but in 2012, unemployment spending appeared beneficial to
      mental health among the unemployed. CONCLUSIONS: Greater investment in social
      protection may act to reduce inequalities in depressive symptoms. Reductions in
      spending levels or increased conditionality may adversely affect the mental
      health of disadvantaged social groups.

PMID- 27138948
TI  - Psychiatric disorders and mental health treatment in American Indians and Alaska
      Natives: results of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related
      Conditions.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the prevalence of common psychiatric disorders and associated
      treatment-seeking, stratified by gender, among American Indians/Alaska Natives
      and non-Hispanic whites in the United States. Lifetime and 12-month rates are
      estimated, both unadjusted and adjusted for sociodemographic correlates. METHOD:
      Analyses were conducted with the American Indians/Alaska Native (n = 701) and Non
      Hispanic white (n = 24,507) samples in the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic
      Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions [(NESARC) n = 43,093]. RESULTS: Overall,
      70 % of the American Indian/Alaska Native men and 63 % of the women met criteria
      for at least one Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV lifetime disorder, compared
      to 62 and 53 % of Non-Hispanic white men and women, respectively. Adjusting for
      sociodemographic correlates attenuated the differences found. Nearly half of
      American Indians/Alaska Natives had a psychiatric disorder in the previous year;
      again, sociodemographic adjustments explained some of the differences found.
      Overall, the comparisons to non-Hispanic whites showed differences were more
      common among American Indian/Alaska Native women than men. Among those with a
      disorder, American Indian/Alaska Native women had greater odds of treatment
      seeking for 12-month anxiety disorders. CONCLUSION: As the first study to provide
      national estimates, by gender, of the prevalence and treatment of a broad range
      of psychiatric disorders among American Indians/Alaska Natives, a pattern of
      higher prevalence of psychiatric disorder was found relative to Non-Hispanic
      whites. Such differences were more common among women than men. Prevalence may be
      overestimated due to cultural limitations in measurement. Unmeasured risk
      factors, some specific to American Indians/Alaska Natives, may also partially
      explain these results.

PMID- 27138950
TI  - Expression of Nogo receptor 1 in the regeneration process of the mouse olfactory
      epithelium.
AB  - Nogo receptor 1 (NgR1) is the most important Nogo-A receptor. By its interaction
      with myelin-associated inhibitory proteins, NgR1 inhibits the regeneration of
      axons and is extensively expressed in the central nervous system. However, the
      expression of NgR1 in regenerable neurons, such as olfactory neurons, and its
      expression in the regeneration progress of olfactory neurons have not been
      reported. In this study, we demonstrated that NgR1 was expressed in the cell
      bodies of certain mature olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) but was not expressed
      in immature ORNs in the olfactory epithelium (OE) of normal adult mice. On day 21
      after OE injury, NgR1 was expressed not only in the cell bodies of mature ORNs
      but also in the cell bodies of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive
      cells in the top and submucosal layers of the OE. On day 48 after model
      establishment, NgR1 expression decreased in the cell bodies of the GFAP-positive
      cells. On day 56 after model establishment, no NgR1 expression was found in the
      cell bodies of the GFAP-positive cells, and NgR1 was again expressed only in the
      mature ORNs. Our results demonstrated that NgR1 expression is upregulated in the
      OE after injury, which suggests that NgR1 might be involved in the regeneration
      of the OE.

PMID- 27138949
TI  - Prevalence of antenatal depression and associated factors among pregnant women
      hospitalized in a high-risk pregnancy unit in Greece.
AB  - PURPOSE: Women who face pregnancy complications may require hospitalization in a
      high-risk pregnancy unit (HRPU), and this may have a negative impact on the
      pregnant woman's mental health. The purpose of this study was to screen for
      depressive symptoms in pregnant women admitted in a high-risk pregnancy unit and
      also to investigate associated risk factors. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional
      study that enrolled pregnant women admitted at >=24 gestational weeks in a
      university hospital HRPU, between September 2014 and November 2015. The Edinburgh
      Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptoms on admission. A
      cutoff score >=13 was considered as indicative of depression. Test results were
      then correlated with the reasons that led to the women's admission as well as
      socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 157 of the women admitted in
      the HRPU during the study period were eligible for the study and agreed to
      complete the questionnaire. The mean age of the pregnant women was 30 +/- 6
      years, and the mean gestational week at admission was 32 +/- 3 weeks. The
      prevalence of antenatal depression (score >=13) was 28 % (44/157). In the
      multivariate analysis, antenatal depression was significantly correlated with
      smoking (OR = 2.681, 95 % CI 1.089-6.601) and the existence of thoughts for
      pregnancy termination (OR = 3.624, 95 % CI 1.149-11.427). CONCLUSIONS:
      Approximately one quarter of pregnant women hospitalized in the HRPU may show
      signs of depression at the time of admission. Smoking and an unwanted pregnancy
      were found to be independently associated with antenatal depression, whereas no
      association was found with any obstetric parameters.

PMID- 27138951
TI  - Language, aging, and cognition: frontal aslant tract and superior longitudinal
      fasciculus contribute toward working memory performance in older adults.
AB  - Previous research has documented change in white matter tract integrity with
      increasing age. Both interhemispheric and intrahemispheric tracts that underlie
      language processing are susceptible to these age-related changes. The aim of the
      current study was to explore age and white matter integrity in language-related
      tracts as predictors of cognitive task performance in younger and older adults.
      To this end, we carried out principal component analyses of white matter tracts
      and confirmatory factor analysis of neuropsychological measures. We next carried
      out a series of regression analyses that used white matter components to predict
      scores on each of the neuropsychological components. For both younger and older
      adults, age was a significant predictor of processing speed and working memory.
      However, white matter integrity did not contribute independently toward these
      models. In older adults only, both age and a white matter component that included
      the bilateral frontal aslant tract and left superior longitudinal fasciculus were
      significant predictors of working memory. Taken together, these results extend
      our understanding of the contributions of language-related white matter structure
      to cognitive processing and highlight the effects of age-related differences in
      both frontal and dorsal tracts.

PMID- 27138952
TI  - Activin A increases arterial pressure in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus
      in rats by angiotension II.
AB  - Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, plays an
      important role in the central nervous system as a neurotrophic and
      neuroprotective factor. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in the
      central nervous system is characterized as an important integrative site to
      regulate arterial pressure (AP). However, whether activin A in the PVN is
      involved in the regulation of AP is not well characterized. This study aimed to
      determine the effect of activin A on AP in the PVN in rats. The results showed
      that activin betaA, activin type IIA and IIB receptors (ActRIIA and ActRIIB), and
      Smad2 and Smad3 mRNA expressions were detectable in the PVN of WKY rats by
      reverse-transcription PCR, and the expression of ActRIIA protein in the PVN was
      further confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. A microinjection of
      angiotensin II (AngII) (0.1 nmol/100 nl) or activin A (2 ng/100 nl) into the PVN
      increased AP significantly in WKY rats (P<0.05). Moreover, activin A (5 ng/ml)
      promoted AngII release from the primary cultured PVN neurons that can increase AP
      and upregulated the expressions of ActRIIA and Smad3 mRNA in the primary cultured
      PVN neurons (P<0.05). These data suggest that activin A can regulate AP in the
      PVN in an autocrine or a paracrine manner, which is related to AngII release and
      the ActRIIA-Smad3 signal pathway.

PMID- 27138953
TI  - Positive bias in self-appraisals from friend's perspective: an event-related
      potential study.
AB  - The present study investigated how positive bias in self-appraisals is
      differentially modulated when taking a friend's versus a stranger's perspective.
      Reaction time and event-related potentials were recorded while the participants
      performed a self-descriptiveness task with positive and negative trait adjectives
      from one's own perspective, a friend's perspective, or a stranger's perspective.
      The results showed that faster reaction times and reduced N400 amplitudes were
      induced by positive relative to negative words both in the self-perspective and
      friend-perspective conditions, but not in the stranger-perspective condition.
      This suggests that the perceived closeness between oneself and the other may
      modulate the neural basis of positive bias in self-appraisals during perspective
      taking.

PMID- 27138954
TI  - Pharmacological Management of Elderly Patients with Asthma-Chronic Obstructive
      Pulmonary Disease Overlap Syndrome: Room for Speculation?
AB  - Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two distinct diseases
      that share a condition of chronic inflammation of the airways and bronchial
      obstruction. In clinical settings, it is not rare to come across patients who
      present with clinical and functional features of both diseases, posing a
      diagnostic dilemma. The overlap condition has been termed asthma-COPD overlap
      syndrome (ACOS), and mainly occurs in individuals with long-standing asthma,
      especially if they are also current or former smokers. Patients with ACOS have
      poorer health-related quality of life and a higher exacerbation rate than
      subjects with asthma or COPD alone. Whether ACOS is a distinct nosological entity
      with genetic variants or rather a condition of concomitant diseases that overlap
      is still a matter of debate. However, there is no doubt that extended life
      expectancy has increased the prevalence of asthma and COPD in older ages, and
      thus the probability that overlap conditions occur in clinical settings. In
      addition, age-associated changes of the lung create the basis for the two
      entities to converge on the same subject. ACOS patients may benefit from a
      stepwise treatment similar to that of asthma and COPD; however, the proposed
      therapeutic algorithms are only speculative and extrapolated from studies that
      are not representative of the ACOS population. Inhaled corticosteroids are the
      mainstay of therapy, and always in conjunction with long-acting bronchodilators.
      The potential heterogeneity of the overlap syndrome in terms of inflammatory
      features (T helper-1 vs. T helper-2 pathways) may be responsible for the
      different responses to treatments. The interaction between respiratory drugs and
      concomitant diseases should be carefully evaluated. Similarly, the effect of non
      respiratory drugs, such as aspirin, statins, and beta-blockers, on lung function
      needs to be properly assessed.

PMID- 27138955
TI  - Impact of Drug-Drug and Drug-Disease Interactions on Gait Speed in Community
      Dwelling Older Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gait speed decline, an early marker of functional impairment, is a
      sensitive predictor of adverse health outcomes in older adults. The effect of
      potentially inappropriate medications, including drug-disease and drug-drug
      interactions, on gait speed decline is not well known. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to determine if drug interactions impair functional status as measured
      by gait speed. METHODS: The sample included 2402 older adults with medication and
      gait speed data from the Health, Aging and Body Composition study. The
      independent variable was the frequency of drug-disease and/or drug-drug
      interactions at baseline and 3 additional years. The main outcome was a
      clinically meaningful gait speed decline of >=0.1 m/s the year following drug
      interaction assessment. Adjusted odds ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs)
      were calculated using multivariate generalized estimating equations for both the
      overall sample and a sample stratified by gait speed at time of drug interaction
      assessment. RESULTS: The prevalence of drug-disease and drug-drug interactions
      ranged from 7.6 to 9.3 and 10.5 to 12.3 %, respectively, with few participants
      (3.8-5.7 %) having multiple drug interactions. At least 22 % of participants had
      a gait speed decline of >=0.1 m/s annually. Drug interactions were not
      significantly associated with gait speed decline overall or in the stratified
      sample of fast walkers. There was some evidence, however, that drug interactions
      increased the risk of gait speed decline among those participants with slower
      gait speeds, though p values did not reach statistical significance (adjusted
      odds ratio 1.22; 95 % CIs 0.96-1.56; p = 0.11). Moreover, a marginally
      significant dose-response relationship was seen with multiple drug interactions
      and gait speed decline (adjusted odds ratio 1.40; 95 % CIs 0.95-2.04; p = 0.08).
      CONCLUSIONS: Drug interactions may increase the likelihood of gait speed decline
      among older adults with evidence of preexisting debility. Future studies should
      focus on frail elders with less physiological reserve who may be more susceptible
      to the harms associated with potentially inappropriate medications.

PMID- 27138956
TI  - Therapeutic Potential of Antidiabetic Medications in the Treatment of Cognitive
      Dysfunction and Dementia.
AB  - It has been established that diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for
      dementia, and recent studies have clearly shown that dementia is one of the
      complications of DM. The increase of cognitively impaired subjects with the
      progression of aging in the population is an urgent worldwide issue. Due to the
      pharmacological advancement in the field of DM, we now have many kinds of
      antidiabetic medications with a wide variety of mechanisms of action and
      characteristics. It is a good time to review the characteristics of each
      antidiabetic medication and the evidence related to their prevention of cognitive
      dysfunction or preservation of cognition. The available data on the effects of
      antidiabetics on cognitive dysfunction and dementia show that several of the
      antidiabetics have the potential to improve cognition. The accumulation of more
      data to determine the best ways to use antidiabetics in order to prevent
      cognitive impairment would be warranted. To this end, the present review will try
      to illustrate the horizon of achievement in this field.

PMID- 27138957
TI  - Associations Between Statin Use and Physical Function in Older Adults from The
      Netherlands and Australia: Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam and Australian
      Longitudinal Study on Women's Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Statin therapy may cause myopathy, but long-term effects on physical
      function are unclear. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether statin use is associated
      with poorer physical function in two population-based cohorts of older adults.
      METHODS: Data were from 691 men and women (aged 69-102 years in 2005/2006) in the
      LASA (Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam) and 5912 women (aged 79-84 years in
      2005) in the ALSWH (Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health). Statin use
      and dose were sourced from containers (LASA) and administrative databases
      (ALSWH). Physical function was assessed using performance tests, questionnaires
      on functional limitations and the SF-12 (LASA) and SF-36 (ALSWH) questionnaires.
      Cross-sectional (both studies) and 3-year prospective associations (ALSWH) were
      analysed for different statin dosage using linear and logistic regression.
      RESULTS: In total, 25 % of participants in LASA and 61 % in ALSWH used statins.
      In the cross-sectional models in LASA, statin users were less likely to have
      functional limitations (percentage of subjects with at least 1 limitation 63.9
      vs. 64.2; odds ratio [OR] 0.6; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.3-0.9) and had
      better SF-12 physical component scores (mean [adjusted] 47.3 vs. 44.5; beta [B] =
      2.8; 95 % CI 1.1-4.5); in ALSWH, statin users had better SF-36 physical component
      scores (mean [adjusted] 37.4 vs. 36.5; B = 0.9; 95 % CI 0.3-1.5) and physical
      functioning subscale scores (mean [adjusted] 55.1 vs. 52.6; B = 2.4; 95 % CI 1.1
      3.8) than non-users. Similar associations were found for low- and high-dose users
      and in the prospective models. In contrast, no significant associations were
      found with performance tests. CONCLUSIONS: Two databases from longitudinal
      population studies in older adults gave comparable results, even though different
      outcome measures were used. In these two large cohorts, statin use was associated
      with better self-perceived physical function.

PMID- 27138958
TI  - Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy for Rectal Cancer in Patients Aged 75 Years and
      Older: Acute Toxicity, Compliance with Treatment, and Early Results.
AB  - PURPOSE: Treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (T3-T4 or N+) is based on
      short-course radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery. It
      is estimated that 30-40 % of rectal cancer occurs in patients aged 75 years or
      more. Data on adherence to neoadjuvant CRT and its safety remain poor owing to
      the under-representation of older patients in randomized clinical trials and the
      discordance in the results from retrospective studies. The aim of this study was
      to assess adherence with preoperative CRT and tolerability in older patients with
      a stage II/III unresectable rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients aged 75 years or
      more with stage II/III rectal cancer treated with preoperative CRT at the
      University Hospital of Besancon from 1993 to 2011 were included. Feasibility,
      toxicities, overall survival, and local recurrence rates were studied. RESULTS:
      Fifty-six patients with a Charlson score from 2 to 6 were included. The mean age
      was 78 years. The compliance rates for RT and chemotherapy were 91 and 41.1 %,
      respectively. Two patients stopped CRT; one for hemostatic surgery, and one for
      severe sepsis. For CRT, the rate of grade >=3 toxicity was 14.29 %, mainly the
      digestive type. Fifty-two patients underwent tumor resection, including 76.79 %
      total mesorectal excision resection with 84.6 % complete resection, and a rate of
      postoperative complications of 39.6 %. At 2 years, the overall survival and local
      recurrences rates were 87.3 and 7.8 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: In older
      patients, selected preoperative CRT, with an adapted chemotherapy dose, is well
      tolerated. The main toxicity was gastrointestinal. Adherence to RT is comparable
      to that of younger patients.

PMID- 27138959
TI  - Compliance to the smoke-free law in Guatemala 5-years after implementation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoke-free environments decrease smoking prevalence and consequently
      the incidence of heart disease and lung cancer. Due to issues related to poor
      enforcement, scant data is currently available from low/middle income countries
      on the long-term compliance to smoke-free laws. In 2006, high levels of
      secondhand smoke (SHS) were found in bars and restaurants in Guatemala City. Six
      months after a smoking ban was implemented in 2009, levels significantly
      decreased. However, in 2010, poor law compliance was observed. Therefore, we
      sought to assess long-term compliance to the ban using SHS measurements. METHODS:
      In 2014 we assessed SHS exposure using airborne nicotine monitors in bars (n = 9)
      and restaurants (n = 12) for 7 days using the same protocol as in 2006 and in
      2009. Nicotine was measured using gas-chromatography (MUg/m(3)) and compared to
      levels pre- (2006) and post-ban (2009). Employees responded to a survey about SHS
      exposure, perceived economic impact of the ban and customers' electronic
      cigarette use. In addition, we estimated the fines that could have been collected
      for each law infringement. RESULTS: Most (71 %) venues still have a smoking
      section, violating the law. The percentage of samples with detectable nicotine
      concentrations was 100, 85 and 43 % in 2006, 2009 and 2014, respectively. In
      bars, median (25(th) and 75(th) percentiles) nicotine concentrations were 4.58
      MUg/m(3) (1.71, 6.45) in 2006, 0.28 (0.17, 0.66) in 2009, and 0.59 (0.01, 1.45)
      in 2014. In restaurants, the corresponding medians were 0.58 MUg/m(3) (0.44,
      0.71), 0.04 (0.01, 0.11), and 0.01 (0.01, 0.09). Support for the law continues to
      be high (88 %) among bar and restaurant employees. Most employees report no
      economic impact of the law and that a high proportion of customers (78 %) use e
      cigarettes. A total of US$50,012 could have been collected in fines. CONCLUSIONS:
      Long-term compliance to the smoking ban in Guatemala is decreasing. Additional
      research that evaluates the determinants of non-compliance is needed and could
      also contribute to improve enforcement and implementation of the smoke-free law
      in Guatemala.

PMID- 27138960
TI  - Correlates of HIV Testing Experience among Migrant Workers from Myanmar Residing
      in Thailand: A Secondary Data Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thailand continues to attract an increasing number of migrant workers
      (MW) from neighboring countries including mainly Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos;
      however, little is known about the extent to which MWs from these countries have
      access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care services. We used data from the
      baseline survey of the Prevention of HIV/AIDS among MWs in Thailand (PHAMIT-2)
      project to document the prevalence of, and factors associated with, HIV testing
      among MWs from Myanmar, the largest group of MWs in Thailand. METHODS AND
      FINDINGS: The baseline survey of PHAMIT-2 was conducted in 2010 among MWs from
      Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos in 10 purposely-selected provinces of Thailand. Of
      the 1,034 participants who qualified for the analysis to identify correlates of
      HIV testing, only 5.3% reported ever having been tested for HIV. Factors
      associated with HIV testing included having a secondary or higher education level
      (AOR, 2.58; CI, 1.36-4.90; P = 0.004), being female (AOR, 1.96; CI, 1.05-3.66; P
      = 0.033), knowing someone who died of AIDS (AOR, 1.81; CI, 1.00-3.27; P = 0.048),
      working in the fishery sector (AOR, 2.51; CI, 1.28-4.92; P = 0.007), and not
      having a work permit (AOR, 3.71; CI, 1.36-10.13; P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Our
      study, in addition to revealing significantly low HIV testing among MWs from
      Myanmar, identifies important barriers to HIV testing which could be addressed
      through interventions that promote migrants' culturally-sensitive and friendly
      service, for example by facilitating flow of information about places for HIV
      testing, availability of language assistance, and ensuring confidentiality of HIV
      testing.

PMID- 27138961
TI  - Effectiveness of and Financial Returns to Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision for
      HIV Prevention in South Africa: An Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Empirical studies and population-level policy simulations show the
      importance of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) in generalized
      epidemics. This paper complements available scenario-based studies (projecting
      costs and outcomes over some policy period, typically spanning decades) by
      adopting an incremental approach-analyzing the expected consequences of
      circumcising one male individual with specific characteristics in a specific
      year. This approach yields more precise estimates of VMMC's cost-effectiveness
      and identifies the outcomes of current investments in VMMC (e.g., within a fiscal
      budget period) rather than of investments spread over the entire policy period.
      METHODS/FINDINGS: The model has three components. We adapted the ASSA2008 model,
      a demographic and epidemiological model of the HIV epidemic in South Africa, to
      analyze the impact of one VMMC on HIV incidence over time and across the
      population. A costing module tracked the costs of VMMC and the resulting
      financial savings owing to reduced HIV incidence over time. Then, we used several
      financial indicators to assess the cost-effectiveness of and financial return on
      investments in VMMC. One circumcision of a young man up to age 20 prevents on
      average over 0.2 HIV infections, but this effect declines steeply with age, e.g.,
      to 0.08 by age 30. Net financial savings from one VMMC at age 20 are estimated at
      US$617 at a discount rate of 5% and are lower for circumcisions both at younger
      ages (because the savings occur later and are discounted more) and at older ages
      (because male circumcision becomes less effective). Investments in male
      circumcision carry a financial rate of return of up to 14.5% (for circumcisions
      at age 20). The cost of a male circumcision is refinanced fastest, after 13 y,
      for circumcisions at ages 20 to 25. Principal limitations of the analysis arise
      from the long time (decades) over which the effects of VMMC unfold-the results
      are therefore sensitive to the discount rate applied, and more generally to the
      future course of the epidemic and of HIV/AIDS-related policies pursued by the
      government. CONCLUSIONS: VMMC in South Africa is highly effective in reducing
      both HIV incidence and the financial costs of the HIV response. The return on
      investment is highest if males are circumcised between ages 20 and 25, but this
      return on investment declines steeply with age.

PMID- 27138962
TI  - Question order sensitivity of subjective well-being measures: focus on life
      satisfaction, self-rated health, and subjective life expectancy in survey
      instruments.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study examines the effect of question context created by order in
      questionnaires on three subjective well-being measures: life satisfaction, self
      rated health, and subjective life expectancy. METHODS: We conducted two Web
      survey experiments. The first experiment (n = 648) altered the order of life
      satisfaction and self-rated health: (1) life satisfaction asked immediately after
      self-rated health; (2) self-rated health immediately after life satisfaction; and
      (3) two items placed apart. We examined their correlation coefficient by
      experimental condition and further examined its interaction with objective
      health. The second experiment (n = 479) asked life expectancy before and after
      parental mortality questions. Responses to life expectancy were compared by order
      using ANOVA, and we examined interaction with parental mortality status using
      ANCOVA. Additionally, response time and probes were examined. RESULTS:
      Correlation coefficients between self-rated health and life satisfaction differed
      significantly by order: 0.313 (life satisfaction first), 0.508 (apart), and 0.643
      (self-rated health first). Differences were larger among respondents with chronic
      conditions. Response times were the shortest when self-rated health was asked
      first. When life expectancy asked after parental mortality questions, respondents
      reported considering parents more for answering life expectancy; and respondents
      with deceased parents reported significantly lower expectancy, but not those
      whose parents were alive. CONCLUSION: Question context effects exist. Findings
      suggest placing life satisfaction and self-rated health apart to avoid artificial
      attenuation or inflation in their association. Asking about parental mortality
      prior to life expectancy appears advantageous as this leads respondents to
      consider parental longevity more, an important factor for true longevity.

PMID- 27138963
TI  - Refined comorbidity index based on dimensionality of comorbidity for use in
      studies of health-related quality of life.
AB  - PURPOSE: To refine two subscales of the health-related quality of life
      comorbidity index (HRQoL-CI) into a single index measure. METHODS: The 2010 and
      2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys were utilized as development and
      validation datasets, respectively. The least absolute shrinkage and selection
      operator was applied to select important comorbidity candidates associated with
      HRQoL. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were
      used to assess dimensionality in comorbidity. Statistical weights were derived
      based on standardized factor loadings from CFA and regression coefficients from
      the model predicting HRQoL. Prediction errors and model R(2) values were compared
      between HRQoL-CI and Charlson CI (CCI). RESULTS: Eighteen comorbid conditions
      were identified. CFA models indicated that the second-order multidimensional
      comorbidity structure had a better fit to the data than did the first-order
      unidimensional structure. The predictive performance of the refined scale under a
      multidimensional structure utilizing statistical weights outperformed the
      original scale and CCI in terms of average prediction error and R(2) in the
      prediction models (R(2) values from refined scale model are 0.25, 0.30, and 0.28
      versus those from CCI of 0.10, 0.09, and 0.06 for general health, SF-6D, and EQ
      5D, respectively). CONCLUSION: The dimensionality of comorbidity and the weight
      scheme significantly improved the performance of the refined HRQoL-CI. The
      refined single HRQoL-CI measure appears to be an appropriate and valid instrument
      specific for risk adjustment in studies of HRQoL. Future research that validates
      the refined scales for different cultures, age groups, and healthcare settings is
      warranted.

PMID- 27138964
TI  - Minimal clinically important differences in the EORTC QLQ-BM22 and EORTC QLQ-C15
      PAL modules in patients with bone metastases undergoing palliative radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Validated tools for evaluating quality of life (QOL) in patients with
      bone metastases include the EORTC QLQ-BM22 and QLQ-C15-PAL modules. A
      statistically significant difference in metric scores may not be clinically
      significant. To aid in their interpretation, we performed analyses to determine
      the minimal clinically important differences (MCID) for these QOL instruments.
      METHODS: Both anchor-based and distribution-based methods were used to determine
      the MCID among patients with bone metastases enrolled in a randomized phase III
      trial. For the anchor-based approach, overall QOL as measured by the QLQ-C15-PAL
      module was used as the anchor and only the subscales with moderate or better
      correlation were used for subsequent MCID analysis. In the anchor-based approach,
      patients were classified as improved, stable or deteriorated by the change in the
      overall QOL score from baseline to follow-up after 42 days. The MCID and
      confidence interval was then calculated for all subscales. In the distribution
      based approach, the MCID was expressed as a proportion of the standard deviation
      and standard error measurement from the subscale score distribution. RESULTS: A
      total of 204 patients completed the questionnaires at baseline and follow-up.
      Only the dyspnea and insomnia subscales did not have at least moderate
      correlation with the overall QOL anchor. Using the anchor-based approach, 10/11
      subscales had an MCID score significantly different than 0 for improvement and
      3/11 subscales had a significant MCID score for deterioration. The magnitude of
      MCID scores was higher for improvement in comparison with deterioration. For
      improvement, the anchor-based approach showed good agreement with the
      distribution-based approach when using 0.5 SD as the MCID. However, there was
      greater lack of agreement between these approaches for deterioration. CONCLUSION:
      We present the MCID scores for the EORTC QLQ-BM22 and QLQ-C15-PAL QOL
      instruments. The results of this study can guide clinicians in the interpretation
      of these instruments. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY: NCT01248585.

PMID- 27138965
TI  - The joint association of self-rated health and diabetes status on 14-year
      mortality in elderly men and women.
AB  - PURPOSE: Low self-rated health (SRH) has been found to be associated with
      increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and with mortality. We examined the
      possible interaction between SRH and diabetic state on all-cause mortality in a
      large cohort of elderly subjects, followed for 14 years. METHODS: During the
      years 2000-2004, survivors of the nationwide longitudinal Israel Study of Glucose
      Intolerance, Obesity and Hypertension were interviewed and examined for the third
      follow-up. The 1037 participants (mean age 72.4 +/- 7.2 years) were asked to rate
      their health as: excellent, good, fair, poor, or very poor. Glucose categories
      were as follows: Normoglycemic, Prediabetes, T2D and Undiagnosed diabetes.
      Survival time was defined as the time from interview to date of death or date of
      last vital status follow-up (August 1, 2013). Multivariate Cox proportional
      hazards models were performed in order to assess whether SRH interacts with
      glycemic state in the association with mortality. RESULTS: A better SRH was
      reported by those with undiagnosed than known diabetes, and best for
      normoglycemic and prediabetic individuals. While all individuals with fair or
      poor/very poor SRH were at increased risk of mortality compared to those with
      excellent/good SRH, in the known diabetic individuals a greater hazard was
      observed in the excellent/good SRH (HR 3.32, 95 % CI 1.71-6.47) than in those
      with fair or poor/very poor SRH (HR 2.19, 95 % CI 1.25-3.86), after adjusting for
      age, sex, ethnic origin, marital status, education, BMI, physical activity, CVD,
      tumors, and creatinine level (p for interaction = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Self-rated
      health is not a sensitive tool for predicting mortality in elderly men and women
      with known T2D.

PMID- 27138966
TI  - Stimuli-responsive chitosan/poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) semi-interpenetrating
      polymer networks: effect of pH and temperature on their rheological and swelling
      properties.
AB  - The aim of this work was to synthesize semi-interpenetrating polymer networks
      (semi-IPNs) by free radical polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide [poly
      (NIPAAm)], in the presence of chitosan (CHI), and to study the effect of pH and
      temperature changes on their rheological and swelling properties. The semi-IPNs
      are thermally stable up to about 400  degrees C and the presence of CHI increases
      the thermal degradation rate compared to bare poly (NIPAAm). The prepared systems
      presents a well-defined porosity and proved to be non-toxic, in vitro, on human
      embryonic skin fibroblast, thus offering appropriate support for cell
      proliferation. The semi-IPNs present, at physiological pH, swelling degrees well
      below those of the pure poly (NIPAAm). Differently, at acidic pH, the CHI
      macromolecules are protonated and become much more permeable to the diffusion of
      water giving a swelling degree that approaches that of bare poly (NIPAAm). The
      viscoelastic moduli of the semi-IPNs increase as a function of pH while the LCST
      remain unchanged. Moreover, the semi-IPNs viscoelastic moduli increase with the
      increase of CHI content and, in particular, the difference between the elastic
      modulus before and after the sol/gel transition is higher for the semi-IPN than
      for bare poly (NIPAAm) just at about physiological conditions.

PMID- 27138967
TI  - Particles with Tunable Porosity and Morphology by Controlling Interfacial
      Instability in Block Copolymer Emulsions.
AB  - A series of porous block copolymer (BCP) particles with controllable morphology
      and pore sizes was fabricated by tuning the interfacial behavior of BCP droplets
      in oil-in-water emulsions. A synergistic adsorption of polystyrene-b-poly(4
      vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) BCPs and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to the surface
      of the emulsion droplet induced a dramatic decrease in the interfacial tension
      and generated interfacial instability at the particle surface. In particular, the
      SDS concentration and the P4VP volume fraction of PS-b-P4VP were key parameters
      in determining the degree of interfacial instability, leading to different types
      of particles including micelles, capsules, closed-porosity particles, and open
      porosity particles with tunable pore sizes ranging from 10 to 500 nm. The
      particles with open-porosity could be used as pH-responsive, high capacity
      delivery systems where the uptake and release of multiple dyes could be achieved.

PMID- 27138969
TI  - Depression in old age-the first step to dementia?

PMID- 27138968
TI  - Evaluation of the Effect of Tofacitinib on the Pharmacokinetics of Oral
      Contraceptive Steroids in Healthy Female Volunteers.
AB  - Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor. Tofacitinib metabolism is
      primarily mediated by cytochrome P450 3A4. This phase 1 randomized, open-label, 2
      way crossover study (NCT01137708) evaluated the effect of tofacitinib 30 mg twice
      daily on the single-dose pharmacokinetics of combination oral contraceptives
      ethinylestradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LN). EE and LN were administered as a
      single Microgynon 30(r) tablet (30 MUg EE and 150 MUg LN) to 19 healthy women. In
      the presence of tofacitinib, the area under the curve from time zero to infinity
      (AUCinfinity ) increased by 6.6% and 0.9% for EE and LN, respectively. Maximal
      plasma concentrations decreased by 10.4% for EE and increased by 12.2% for LN
      when coadministered with tofacitinib. The 90% confidence intervals for the
      adjusted geometric mean ratios for AUCinfinity fell within the 80%-125% region
      for both EE and LN. Mean half-life was similar in the presence and absence of
      tofacitinib: 13.8 and 13.3 hours, respectively, for EE; 25.9 and 25.4 hours,
      respectively, for LN. Tofacitinib had no clinically relevant net inhibitory or
      inductive effect on the pharmacokinetics of EE and LN. Therefore, there is no
      evidence to suggest dose adjustments of oral contraceptive drugs containing EE or
      LN when coadministered with tofacitinib. 

PMID- 27138970
TI  - 10-year trajectories of depressive symptoms and risk of dementia: a population
      based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Late-life depressive symptoms have been extensively studied for their
      relationship with incident dementia, but have been typically assessed at a single
      timepoint. Such an approach neglects the course of depression, which, given its
      remitting and relapsing nature, might provide further insights into the complex
      association of depression with dementia. We therefore repeatedly measured
      depressive symptoms in a population of adults over a decade to study the
      subsequent risk of dementia. METHODS: Our study was embedded in the Rotterdam
      Study, a population-based study of adults aged 55 years or older in Rotterdam
      (Netherlands), ongoing since 1990. The cohort is monitored continuously for major
      events by data linkage between the study database and general practitioners. We
      examined a cohort of participants who were free from dementia, but had data for
      depressive symptoms from at least one examination round in 1993-95, 1997-99, or
      2002-04. We assessed depressive symptoms with the validated Dutch version of the
      Center for Epidemiology Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Hospital Anxiety and
      Depression Scale-Depression. We used these data to identify 11-year trajectories
      of depressive symptoms by latent class trajectory modelling. We screened
      participants for dementia at each examination round and followed up participants
      for 10 years for incident dementia by latent trajectory from the third
      examination round to 2014. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) for dementia by
      assigned trajectory using two Cox proportional hazards models (model 1 adjusted
      for age and sex only, and model 2 adjusted additionally for APOEE4 carrier
      status, educational level, body-mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption,
      cognitive score, use of antidepressants, and prevalent disease status at
      baseline). We repeated the analyses censoring for incident stroke, restricting to
      Alzheimer's disease as an outcome, and accounting for mortality as a competing
      risk for dementia. FINDINGS: From 1993-2004, we obtained data for depressive
      symptoms from at least one examination round for 3325 participants (median age:
      74.88 years [IQR 70.62-80.06], 1995 [60%] women). We identified five trajectories
      of depressive symptoms in these 3325 individuals, characterised by maintained low
      CES-D scores (low; 2441 [73%]); moderately high starting scores but then
      remitting (decreasing; 369 [11%]); low starting scores, increasing, then
      remitting (remitting; 170 [5%]); low starting scores that steadily increased
      (increasing; 255 [8%]); and maintained high scores (high; 90 [3%]). During 26 330
      person-years, 434 participants developed incident dementia. Only the trajectory
      with increasing depressive symptoms was associated with a higher risk of dementia
      compared with the low depressive symptom trajectory, using model 2 (HR 1.42, 95%
      CI 1.05-1.94; p=0.024). Additionally, only the increasing trajectory was
      associated with a higher risk of dementia compared with the low trajectory after
      censoring for incident stroke (1.58, 1.15-2.16; p=0.0041), restricting to
      Alzheimer's disease as an outcome (1.44, 1.03-2.02; p=0.034), and accounting for
      mortality as a competing risk (1.45, 1.06-1.97; p=0.019). INTERPRETATION: Risk of
      dementia differed with different courses of depression, which could not be
      captured by a single assessment of depressive symptoms. The higher risk of
      dementia only in the increasing trajectory suggests depression might be a
      prodrome of dementia. FUNDING: Erasmus Medical Center; ZonMw; the Netherlands
      Ministry of Education Culture and Science; and the Netherlands Ministry for
      Health, Welfare and Sports.

PMID- 27138971
TI  - Evidence for the essentiality of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid in the
      postnatal maternal and infant diet for the development of the infant's immune
      system early in life.
AB  - Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), especially the balance between
      arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids are known to have important
      immunomodulatory roles during the postnatal period when the immune system is
      rapidly developing. AA and DHA are required in infant formula in many countries
      but are optional in North America. The rationale for adding these LCPUFA to full
      term formula is based on their presence in breast milk and randomized controlled
      studies that suggest improved cognitive function in preterm infants, but results
      are more variable in full-term infants. Recently, the European Food Safety
      Authority has proposed, based on a lack of functional evidence, that AA is not
      required in infant formula for full-term infants during the first year of life
      but DHA should remain mandatory. The purpose of this review is to review the
      evidence from epidemiological and intervention studies regarding the essentiality
      of AA and DHA in the postnatal infant and maternal diet (breast-feeding) for the
      immune system development early in life. Although studies support the
      essentiality of DHA for the immune system development, more research is needed to
      rule out the essentiality of AA. Nevertheless, intervention studies have
      demonstrated improvement in many markers of immune function in infants fed
      formula supplemented with AA and DHA compared with unsupplemented formula, which
      appears to consistently result in beneficial health outcomes including reduction
      in the risk of developing allergic and atopic disease early in life. 

PMID- 27138973
TI  - Proceedings from the 2015 Canadian Nutrition Society Conference on Advances in
      Protein Nutrition Across the Lifespan / Compte rendu du congres de la 2015
      Societe canadienne de nutrition - " Advances in Protein Nutrition Across the
      Lifespan ".

PMID- 27138972
TI  - Higher milk fat content is associated with higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D
      concentration in early childhood.
AB  - Current guidelines for cow's milk consumption in children older than age 2 years
      suggest 1% or 2% milk to reduce the risk of obesity. Given that milk is the main
      dietary source of vitamin D for North American children and that vitamin D is fat
      soluble, we hypothesized 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration to be
      positively associated with the fat content of milk. The objective was to
      determine the relationship between the fat content of milk consumed and the serum
      25(OH)D concentration; our secondary objective was to explore the role that the
      volume of milk consumed played in this relationship. We completed a cross
      sectional study of children aged 12-72 months in the TARGetKids! research
      network. Multivariable linear regression was used to test the association between
      milk fat content and child 25(OH)D, adjusted for clinically relevant covariates.
      The interaction between volume of milk and fat content was examined. Two thousand
      eight hundred fifty-seven children were included in the analysis. The fat content
      of milk was positively associated with 25(OH)D (p = 0.03), and the interaction
      between the volume of milk consumed and the milk fat content was statistically
      significant (p = 0.005). Children who drank 1% milk needed 2.46 cups (95%
      confidence interval (CI) 2.38-2.54) of milk to have a 25(OH)D concentration
      similar to that of children who drank 1 cup of homogenized milk (3.25% fat).
      Children who consumed 1% milk had 2.05 (95% CI 1.73-2.42) times higher odds of
      having a 25(OH)D concentration <50 nmol/L compared with children who consumed
      homogenized milk. In conclusion, recommendations for children to drink lower-fat
      milk (1% or 2%) may compromise serum 25(OH)D levels and may require study to
      ensure optimal childhood health. 

PMID- 27138974
TI  - Advances in Protein Nutrition Across the Lifespan.

PMID- 27138975
TI  - Direct estimation of the permeation of topical excipients through artificial
      membranes and human skin with non-invasive Terahertz time-domain techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug permeation through skin, or a synthetic membrane, from locally
      acting pharmaceutical products can be influenced by the permeation behaviour of
      pharmaceutical excipients. OBJECTIVE: Terahertz time-domain technology is
      investigated as a non-invasive method for a direct and accurate measurement of
      excipients permeation through synthetic membranes or human skin. METHODS: A
      series of in-vitro release and skin permeation experiments of liquid excipients
      (e.g. propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol 400) has been conducted with
      vertical diffusion cells. The permeation profiles of excipients through different
      synthetic membranes or skin were obtained using Terahertz pulses providing a
      direct measurement. Corresponding permeation flux and permeability coefficient
      values were calculated based on temporal changes of the terahertz pulses.
      RESULTS: The influence of different experimental conditions, such as the polarity
      of the membrane and the viscosity of the permeant, was assessed in release
      experiments. Specific transmembrane flux values of those excipients were directly
      calculated with statistical differences between cases. Finally, an attempt to
      estimate the skin permeation of propylene glycol with this technique was also
      achieved. All these permeation results were likely comparable to those obtained
      by other authors with usual analytical techniques. CONCLUSION: Terahertz time
      domain technology is shown to be a suitable technique for an accurate and non
      destructive measurement of the permeation of liquid substances through different
      synthetic membranes or even human skin.

PMID- 27138976
TI  - Arterial blood pressure differences between AutoPulseTM and Lucas2TM during
      mechanic cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
AB  - We present a 39-year-old patient under constant mechanical CPR with an arterial
      line in place. The use of AutoPulseTM resulted in higher arterial pressures than
      the use of LUCAS2TM. 

PMID- 27138977
TI  - Mentoring Education and Training: Lessons From the Past 5 Years.

PMID- 27138978
TI  - Presentation of the Julius M. Friedenwald Medal to C. Richard Boland, MD, AGAF.

PMID- 27138979
TI  - Is an Ounce of Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure: Postoperative Recurrence of
      Crohn's Disease?

PMID- 27138980
TI  - Shifting Away From Estrogen-Containing Oral Contraceptives in Crohn's Disease.

PMID- 27138981
TI  - Physician Leaders: Musings and Maxims.

PMID- 27138982
TI  - Relation of Serum Estrogen Metabolites with Terminal Duct Lobular Unit Involution
      Among Women Undergoing Diagnostic Image-Guided Breast Biopsy.
AB  - Higher levels of circulating estrogens and estrogen metabolites (EMs) have been
      associated with higher breast cancer risk. In breast tissues, reduced levels of
      terminal duct lobular unit (TDLU) involution, as reflected by higher numbers of
      TDLUs and acini per TDLU, have also been linked to elevated breast cancer risk.
      However, it is unknown whether reduced TDLU involution mediates the risk
      associated with circulating EMs. In a cross-sectional analysis of 94
      premenopausal and 92 postmenopausal women referred for clinical breast biopsy at
      an academic facility in Vermont, we examined the associations of 15 EMs,
      quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, with the number
      of TDLUs and acini count/TDLU using zero-inflated Poisson regression with a
      robust variance estimator and ordinal logistic regression models, respectively.
      All analyses were stratified by menopausal status and adjusted for potential
      confounders. Among premenopausal women, comparing the highest vs. the lowest
      tertiles, levels of unconjugated estradiol (risk ratio (RR) = 1.74, 95 %
      confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-2.87, p trend = 0.03), 2-hydroxyestrone (RR =
      1.74, 95 % CI = 1.01-3.01, p trend = 0.04), and 4-hydroxyestrone (RR = 1.74, 95 %
      CI = 0.99-3.06, p trend = 0.04) were associated with significantly higher TDLU
      count. Among postmenopausal women, higher levels of estradiol (RR = 2.09, 95 % CI
      = 1.01-4.30, p trend = 0.04) and 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (RR = 2.27, 95 % CI =
      1.29-3.99, p trend = 0.02) were significantly associated with higher TDLU count.
      Among postmenopausal women, higher levels of EMs, specifically conjugated estrone
      and 2- and 4-pathway catechols, were also associated with higher acini
      count/TDLU. Our data suggest that higher levels of serum EMs are generally
      associated with lower levels of TDLU involution.

PMID- 27138983
TI  - Mouse model for molybdenum cofactor deficiency type B recapitulates the phenotype
      observed in molybdenum cofactor deficient patients.
AB  - Molybdenum cofactor (MoCo) deficiency is a rare, autosomal-recessive disorder,
      mainly caused by mutations in MOCS1 (MoCo deficiency type A) or MOCS2 (MoCo
      deficiency type B) genes; the absence of active MoCo results in a deficiency in
      all MoCo-dependent enzymes. Patients with MoCo deficiency present with neonatal
      seizures, feeding difficulties, severe developmental delay, brain atrophy and
      early childhood death. Although substitution therapy with cyclic pyranopterin
      monophosphate (cPMP) has been successfully used in both Mocs1 knockout mice and
      in patients with MoCo deficiency type A, there is currently no Mocs2 knockout
      mouse and no curative therapy for patients with MoCo deficiency type B.
      Therefore, we generated and characterized a Mocs2-null mouse model of MoCo
      deficiency type B. Expression analyses of Mocs2 revealed a ubiquitous expression
      pattern; however, at the cellular level, specific cells show prominent Mocs2
      expression, e.g., neuronal cells in cortex, hippocampus and brainstem. Phenotypic
      analyses demonstrated that Mocs2 knockout mice failed to thrive and died within
      11 days after birth. None of the tested MoCo-dependent enzymes were active in
      Mocs2-deficient mice, leading to elevated concentrations of purines, such as
      hypoxanthine and xanthine, and non-detectable levels of uric acid in the serum
      and urine. Moreover, elevated concentrations of S-sulfocysteine were measured in
      the serum and urine. Increased levels of xanthine resulted in bladder and kidney
      stone formation, whereas increased concentrations of toxic sulfite triggered
      neuronal apoptosis. In conclusion, Mocs2-deficient mice recapitulate the severe
      phenotype observed in humans and can now serve as a model for preclinical
      therapeutic approaches for MoCo deficiency type B.

PMID- 27138984
TI  - Intraneuronal aggregation of the beta-CTF fragment of APP (C99) induces Abeta
      independent lysosomal-autophagic pathology.
AB  - Endosomal-autophagic-lysosomal (EAL) dysfunction is an early and prominent
      neuropathological feature of Alzheimers's disease, yet the exact molecular
      mechanisms contributing to this pathology remain undefined. By combined
      biochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural approaches, we demonstrate a
      link between EAL pathology and the intraneuronal accumulation of the beta
      secretase-derived betaAPP fragment (C99) in two in vivo models, 3xTgAD mice and
      adeno-associated viral-mediated C99-infected mice. We present a pathological loop
      in which the accumulation of C99 is both the effect and causality of impaired
      lysosomal-autophagic function. The deleterious effect of C99 was found to be
      linked to its aggregation within EAL-vesicle membranes leading to disrupted
      lysosomal proteolysis and autophagic impairment. This effect was Abeta
      independent and was even exacerbated when gamma-secretase was pharmacologically
      inhibited. No effect was observed in inhibitor-treated wild-type animals
      suggesting that lysosomal dysfunction was indeed directly linked to C99
      accumulation. In some brain areas, strong C99 expression also led to inflammatory
      responses and synaptic dysfunction. Taken together, this work demonstrates a
      toxic effect of C99 which could underlie some of the early-stage anatomical
      hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease pathology. Our work also proposes molecular
      mechanisms likely explaining some of the unfavorable side-effects associated with
      gamma-secretase inhibitor-directed therapies.

PMID- 27138986
TI  - Social influence in childhood obesity interventions: a systematic review.
AB  - The objective of this study is to understand the pathways through which social
      influence at the family level moderates the impact of childhood obesity
      interventions. We conducted a systematic review of obesity interventions in which
      parents' behaviours are targeted to change children's obesity outcomes, because
      of the potential social and environmental influence of parents on the nutrition
      and physical activity behaviours of children. PubMed (1966-2013) and the Web of
      Science (1900-2013) were searched, and 32 studies satisfied our inclusion
      criteria. Results for existing mechanisms that moderate parents' influence on
      children's behaviour are discussed, and a causal pathway diagram is developed to
      map out social influence mechanisms that affect childhood obesity. We provide
      health professionals and researchers with recommendations for leveraging family
      based social influence mechanisms to increase the efficacy of obesity
      intervention programmes. (c) 2016 World Obesity.

PMID- 27138985
TI  - A Computerized Test of Design Fluency.
AB  - Tests of design fluency (DF) assess a participant's ability to generate geometric
      patterns and are thought to measure executive functions involving the non
      dominant frontal lobe. Here, we describe the properties of a rapidly administered
      computerized design-fluency (C-DF) test that measures response times, and is
      automatically scored. In Experiment 1, we found that the number of unique
      patterns produced over 90 s by 180 control participants (ages 18 to 82 years)
      correlated with age, education, and daily computer-use. Each line in the
      continuous 4-line patterns required approximately 1.0 s to draw. The rate of
      pattern production and the incidence of repeated patterns both increased over the
      90 s test. Unique pattern z-scores (corrected for age and computer-use)
      correlated with the results of other neuropsychological tests performed on the
      same day. Experiment 2 analyzed C-DF test-retest reliability in 55 participants
      in three test sessions at weekly intervals and found high z-score intraclass
      correlation coefficients (ICC = 0.79). Z-scores in the first session did not
      differ significantly from those of Experiment 1, but performance improved
      significantly over repeated tests. Experiment 3 investigated the performance of
      Experiment 2 participants when instructed to simulate malingering. Z-scores were
      significantly reduced and pattern repetitions increased, but there was
      considerable overlap with the performance of the control population. Experiment 4
      examined performance in veteran patients tested more than one year after
      traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients with mild TBI performed within the normal
      range, but patients with severe TBI showed reduced z-scores. The C-DF test
      reliably measures visuospatial pattern generation ability and reveals performance
      deficits in patients with severe TBI.

PMID- 27138988
TI  - High Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in Children with Cancer in India is Not
      Related to Transfusions or Hospital Admissions.

PMID- 27138987
TI  - Influence of DNA extraction methods on relative telomere length measurements and
      its impact on epidemiological studies.
AB  - Measurement of telomere length is widely used in epidemiologic studies.
      Insufficient standardization of the measurements processes has, however,
      complicated the comparison of results between studies. We aimed to investigate
      whether DNA extraction methods have an influence on measured values of relative
      telomere length (RTL) and whether this has consequences for epidemiological
      studies. We performed four experiments with RTL measurement in quadruplicate by
      qPCR using DNA extracted with different methods: 1) a standardized validation
      experiment including three extraction methods (magnetic-particle-method EZ1,
      salting-out-method INV, phenol-chloroform-isoamyl-alcohol PCI) each in the same
      20 samples demonstrated pronounced differences in RTL with lowest values with EZ1
      followed by INV and PCI-isolated DNA; 2) a comparison of 307 samples from an
      epidemiological study showing EZ1-measurements 40% lower than INV-measurements;
      3) a matching-approach of two similar non-diseased control groups including 143
      pairs of subjects revealed significantly shorter RTL in EZ1 than INV-extracted
      DNA (0.844 +/- 0.157 vs. 1.357 +/- 0.242); 4) an association analysis of RTL with
      prevalent cardiovascular disease detected a stronger association with INV than
      with EZ1-extracted DNA. In summary, DNA extraction methods have a pronounced
      influence on the measured RTL-values. This might result in spurious or lost
      associations in epidemiological studies under certain circumstances.

PMID- 27138989
TI  - Heterologous Overexpression and Biochemical Characterization of a Nitroreductase
      from Gluconobacter oxydans 621H.
AB  - A NADPH-dependent and FMN-containing nitroreductase (Gox0834) from Gluconobacter
      oxydans was cloned and heterogeneously expressed in Escherichia coli. The
      purified enzyme existed as a dimer with an apparent molecular mass of about 31.4
      kDa. The enzyme displayed broad substrate specificity and reduced a variety of
      mononitrated, polynitrated, and polycyclic nitroaromatic compounds to the
      corresponding amino products. The highest activity was observed for the reduction
      of CB1954 (5-(1-aziridinyl)-2,4-dinitrobenzamide). The enzyme kinetics analysis
      showed that Gox0834 had relatively low K m (54 +/- 11 MUM) but high k cat/K m
      value (0.020 s(-1)/MUM) for CB1954 when compared with known nitroreductases.
      Nitrobenzene and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) were preferred substrates for this
      enzyme with specific activity of 11.0 and 8.9 MUmol/min/mg, respectively. Gox0834
      exhibited a broad temperature optimum of 40-60  degrees C for the reduction of
      CB1954 with a pH optimum between 7.5 and 8.5. The purified enzyme was very stable
      below 37  degrees C over a broad pH range of 6.0-10.0. These characteristics
      suggest that the nitroreductase Gox0834 may be a possible candidate for
      catalyzing prodrug activation, bioremediation, or biocatalytic processes. 

PMID- 27138990
TI  - Identification of Candidate Serum Biomarkers for Schistosoma mansoni Infected
      Mice Using Multiple Proteomic Platforms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is an important helminth infection of humans. There
      are few reliable diagnostic biomarkers for early infection, for recurrent
      infection or to document successful treatment. In this study, we compared serum
      protein profiles in uninfected and infected mice to identify disease stage
      specific biomarkers. METHODS: Serum collected from CD1 mice infected with 50-200
      Schistosoma mansoni cercariae were analyzed before infection and at 3, 6 and 12
      weeks post-infection using three mass spectrometric (MS) platforms. RESULTS:
      Using SELDI-TOF MS, 66 discriminating m/z peaks were detected between S. mansoni
      infected mice and healthy controls. Used in various combinations, these peaks
      could 1) reliably diagnose early-stage disease, 2) distinguish between acute and
      chronic infection and 3) diagnose S. mansoni infection regardless the parasite
      burden. The most important contributors to these diagnostic algorithms were peaks
      at 3.7, 13 and 46 kDa. Employing sample fractionation and differential gel
      electrophoresis, we analyzed gel slices either by MALDI-TOF MS or Velos Orbitrap
      MS. The former yielded eight differentially-expressed host proteins in the serum
      at different disease stages including transferrin and alpha 1- antitrypsin. The
      latter suggested the presence of a surprising number of parasite-origin proteins
      in the serum during both the acute (n = 200) and chronic (n = 105) stages. The
      Orbitrap platform also identified many differentially-expressed host-origin serum
      proteins during the acute and chronic stages (296 and 220 respectively). The
      presence of one of the schistosome proteins, glutathione S transferase (GST: 25
      KDa), was confirmed by Western Blot. This study provides proof-of-principle for
      an approach that can yield a large number of novel candidate biomarkers for
      Schistosoma infection.

PMID- 27138991
TI  - Computational comparison of regional stress and deformation characteristics in
      tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valve leaflets.
AB  - The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital valvular defect and
      a major risk factor for secondary calcific aortic valve disease. While
      hemodynamics is presumed to be a potential contributor to this complication, the
      validation of this theory has been hampered by the limited knowledge of the
      mechanical stress abnormalities experienced by BAV leaflets and their dependence
      on the heterogeneous BAV fusion patterns. The objective of this study was to
      compare computationally the regional and temporal fluid wall shear stress (WSS)
      and structural deformation characteristics in tricuspid aortic valve (TAV), type
      0, and type-I BAV leaflets. Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian fluid-structure
      interaction models were designed to simulate the flow and leaflet dynamics in
      idealized TAV, type-0, and type-I BAV geometries subjected to physiologic
      transvalvular pressure. The regional leaflet mechanics was quantified in terms of
      temporal shear magnitude (TSM), oscillatory shear index (OSI), temporal shear
      gradient (TSG), and stretch. The simulations identified regions of WSS overloads
      and increased WSS bidirectionality (174% increase in temporal shear magnitude,
      0.10 increase in OSI on type-0 leaflets) in BAV leaflets relative to TAV
      leaflets. BAV leaflets also experienced larger radial deformations than TAV
      leaflets (4% increase in type-0 BAV leaflets). Type-I BAV leaflets exhibited
      contrasted WSS environments marked by WSS overloads on the non-coronary leaflet
      and sub-physiologic WSS levels on the fused leaflet. This study provides
      important insights into the mechanical characteristics of BAV leaflets, which may
      further our understanding of the role played by hemodynamic forces in BAV
      disease. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27138992
TI  - Mitochondrial bioenergetics and posthepatectomy liver dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver regeneration requires an enormous energy supply. Experimental
      evidence suggests that mitochondrial function is of paramount importance for
      liver regeneration. However, this has not been investigated in the clinical
      setting. We aimed to: (i) evaluate changes in mitochondrial function during
      hepatectomy, especially after hepatic pedicle clamping; and (ii) correlate these
      changes with postoperative hepatocellular function and clinical outcome.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study of thirty patients undergoing
      hepatectomy. Measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration and
      adenosine triphosphate content in intra-operative liver biopsies performed in
      nonresected parenchyma. Correlation of findings with duration of hepatic pedicle
      clamping, postoperative markers of hepatocellular necrosis and function
      (aminotransferases, arterial lactate, international normalized ratio, bilirubin),
      and morbidity. RESULTS: Longer hepatic pedicle clamping was associated with worse
      mitochondrial depolarization (r = -0.519; P = 0.011) and longer lag phase (r =
      0.568; P = 0.006). Higher postoperative peak aminotransferases, international
      normalized ratio and bilirubin correlated with worse mitochondrial function (P <
      0.05). After major hepatectomy, mitochondrial respiration correlated with
      postoperative arterial lactate clearance (r = 0.756; P = 0.049). Mitochondrial
      bioenergetic parameters were significantly decreased in patients with liver
      specific morbidity and postoperative liver failure (P < 0.05). On multivariate
      analysis, decrease in mitochondrial potential was an independent risk factor for
      liver-specific morbidity (OR = 13.7; P = 0.043). Worse lag phase was highly
      predictive of posthepatectomy liver failure (area under the curve: 0.933; P =
      0.008). CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between mitochondrial function,
      duration of hepatic pedicle clamping and clinical outcome after hepatectomy.
      Mitochondrial bioenergetics can potentially translate into clinical practice,
      assisting in earlier diagnosis of postoperative liver dysfunction, and as a
      target for future pharmacological therapies.

PMID- 27138993
TI  - Pancreatic cancer survivors' preferences, barriers, and facilitators related to
      physical activity and diet interventions.
AB  - PURPOSE: To conduct a telephone survey establishing pancreatic cancer survivors'
      level of interest in, preferences for, and perceived barriers and facilitators to
      participating in exercise and diet intervention programming. These data will
      inform the development of such interventions for newly-diagnosed patients.
      METHODS: Seventy-one survivors treated for resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma
      from October 2011 to August 2014 were identified through an institutional cancer
      registry and contacted via telephone. A telephone survey was conducted to query
      survivors' level of interest in, preferences for, and perceived barriers and
      facilitators to participating in an exercise and dietary intervention program
      shortly after disease diagnosis. Acceptability of a technology-based visual
      communication (e.g., SkypeTM, FaceTime(r)) intervention was also assessed.
      RESULTS: Fifty participants completed the survey (response rate 71.8 %). Over two
      thirds of participants reported interest in exercise and diet intervention
      programming. Over half reported comfort with a technology-delivered visual
      communication intervention. Barriers to participation included older age and
      physical, personal, and emotional problems. The most common facilitator was
      program awareness. Outcomes for future research important to participants were
      supportive care and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Most pancreatic cancer patients
      are interested in exercise and diet interventions shortly after diagnosis;
      however, some barriers to program participation exist. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER
      SURVIVORS: Future research and intervention planning for pancreatic cancer
      survivors should focus on developing messaging and strategies that provide
      support for survivorship outcomes, increase survivor awareness, address lack of
      familiarity with technology, reduce fears about potential barriers, and help
      survivors overcome these barriers. In so doing, survivorship needs can be better
      met and quality of life improved in this understudied population.

PMID- 27138995
TI  - Micro fluorescence in situ hybridization (MUFISH) for spatially multiplexed
      analysis of a cell monolayer.
AB  - We here present a micrometer-scale implementation of fluorescence in situ
      hybridization that we term MUFISH. This MUFISH implementation makes use of a non
      contact scanning probe technology, namely, a microfluidic probe (MFP) that
      hydrodynamically shapes nanoliter volumes of liquid on a surface with micrometer
      resolution. By confining FISH probes at the tip of this microfabricated scanning
      probe, we locally exposed approximately 1000 selected MCF-7 cells of a monolayer
      to perform incubation of probes - the rate-limiting step in conventional FISH.
      This method is compatible with the standard workflow of conventional FISH, allows
      re-budgeting of the sample for various tests, and results in a ~ 15-fold
      reduction in probe consumption. The continuous flow of probes and shaping liquid
      on these selected cells resulted in a 120-fold reduction of the hybridization
      time compared with the standard protocol (3 min vs. 6 h) and efficient rinsing,
      thereby shortening the total FISH assay time for centromeric probes. We further
      demonstrated spatially multiplexed MUFISH, enabling the use of spectrally
      equivalent probes for detailed and real-time analysis of a cell monolayer, which
      paves the way towards rapid and automated multiplexed FISH on standard
      cytological supports. 

PMID- 27138994
TI  - The role of the GP in follow-up cancer care: a systematic literature review.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to explore the role of the general
      practitioners, family physicians and primary care physicians (GP) in the
      provision of follow-up cancer care. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE and CINAHL were
      systematically searched for primary research focussing on the role of the GP from
      the perspective of GPs and patients. Data were extracted using a standardised
      form and synthesised using a qualitative descriptive approach. RESULTS: The
      initial search generated 6487 articles: 25 quantitative and 33 qualitative
      articles were included. Articles focused on patients' and GPs' perspectives of
      the GP role in follow-up cancer care. Some studies reported on the current role
      of the GP, barriers and enablers to GP involvement from the perspective of the GP
      and suggestions for future GP roles. Variations in guidelines and practice of
      follow-up cancer care in the primary health care sector exist. However, GPs and
      patients across the included studies supported a greater GP role in follow-up
      cancer care. This included greater support for care coordination, screening,
      diagnosis and management of physical and psychological effects of cancer and its
      treatment, symptom and pain relief, health promotion, palliative care and
      continuing normal general health care provision. CONCLUSION: While there are
      variations in guidelines and practice of follow-up cancer care in the primary
      health care sector, GPs and patients across the reviewed studies supported a
      greater role by the GP. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Greater GP role in
      cancer care could improve the quality of patient care for cancer survivors.
      Better communication between the tertiary sector and GP across the cancer phases
      would enable clear delineation of roles.

PMID- 27138997
TI  - Optical coherence tomography and neurodegeneration: are eyes the windows to the
      brain?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system (CNS) pathologies have ocular manifestations
      due to direct and/or retrograde degeneration of the visual pathways, most often
      related to a direct injury to the optic nerve, retinal ganglion cells and/or its
      surrounding cells. These ocular manifestations can be recognized and monitored by
      a non-invasive technique called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). AREAS
      COVERED: This review article describes the OCT technique and its application in
      various neurological pathologies. OCT helps in the measurement of retinal nerve
      fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) and macular thickness which consists of retinal
      ganglion cells. OCT provides a near-histological level of image resolution up to
      5um by using principles of interferometry that can detect CNS inflammatory, as
      well as degenerative, pathologies (i.e Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease
      and Alzheimer's Disease etc.) at initial clinical and possibly subclinical
      stages. Expert Commentary: RNFLT and macular volumes measured by OCT can serve as
      biomarkers for early recognition and progression of a variety of neurological
      disease, although the specificity of these findings in clinical diagnosis
      requires further refinement. An early biomarker can help in an earlier
      therapeutic intervention and thus preventing further progression and provide the
      opportunity for possible regenerative interventions of the underlying disease
      process. With the advent of "next-generation" OCT technology an increase in use
      is foreseen in research as well as in clinical practice.

PMID- 27138998
TI  - Redesign of chronic illness care in children and adolescents: evidence for the
      chronic care model.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article provides an overview of the chronic care model
      (CCM), examines the evidence for its utility in pediatric and adolescent chronic
      illness, and discusses practical steps for improving chronic illness care in the
      pediatric medical home. RECENT FINDINGS: Few studies have used the CCM as an
      improvement framework in pediatrics. However, in recent years, several quality
      improvement efforts based on the CCM have demonstrated improvement in important
      process measures or clinical outcomes in pediatric or adolescent obesity,
      inflammatory bowel disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression,
      and asthma. SUMMARY: The CCM is an improvement framework that has demonstrated
      success in improving the care of children and adolescents with chronic disease.
      More research is needed to identify priority conditions for improvement efforts,
      to better understand the mediators of health outcomes in pediatric chronic
      disease, and to rigorously demonstrate the effectiveness of new models of chronic
      illness care. The evidence to date suggests that the CCM may be useful in guiding
      the redesign of care delivery systems to improve the health outcomes of young
      people with chronic disease.

PMID- 27138999
TI  - Menstrual management and reproductive concerns in adolescent and young adult
      women with underlying hematologic or oncologic disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Heavy menstrual bleeding is common among adolescent and young
      adult women, and can affect health-related quality of life. The cause of heavy
      menstrual bleeding is not uncommonly because of an underlying hematologic or
      oncologic disease process, which substantially influences the way patients are
      counseled and treated. RECENT FINDINGS: Options for menstrual management are more
      numerous today than ever before and range from minimizing monthly blood loss to
      suppressing the cycle altogether. However, an underlying bleeding disorder or
      malignancy can introduce many nuances and limits in individual patient care,
      which this review highlights. Additionally, because survival rates for adolescent
      and young adult cancers are improving, more of these patients are planning for
      lives after their disease, which may include starting or adding to a family.
      Options for fertility preservation during cancer therapy regimens are solidifying
      and both primary practitioners and subspecialists should be aware of the
      possibilities. SUMMARY: Patients with underlying hematologic or oncologic disease
      require management of menstrual bleeding, but also deserve a comprehensive
      evaluation and counseling regarding their individualized contraceptive needs and
      fertility preservation options during their reproductive years. This review
      employs the latest evidence from current literature to help guide clinicians
      caring for this unique demographic.

PMID- 27139000
TI  - Nongenomic regulation of gene expression.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent advances
      in epigenetic regulation and chromatin biology for a better understanding of gene
      regulation related to human disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Alterations to chromatin
      influence genomic function, including gene transcription. At its most simple
      level, this involves DNA methylation and posttranscriptional histone
      modifications. However, recent developments in biochemical and molecular
      techniques have revealed that transcriptional regulation is far more complex,
      involving combinations of histone modifications and discriminating transcription
      factor binding, and long-range chromatin loops with enhancers, to generate a
      multifaceted code. Here, we describe the most recent advances, culminating in the
      example of genomic imprinting, the parent-of-origin monoallelic expression that
      utilizes the majority of these mechanisms to attain one active and one repressed
      allele. SUMMARY: It is becoming increasingly evident that epigenetic mechanisms
      work in unison to maintain tight control of gene expression and genome function.
      With the wealth of knowledge gained from recent molecular studies, future goals
      should focus on the application of this information in deciphering their role in
      developmental diseases.

PMID- 27139001
TI  - Evaluation and management of thyroid nodules in children.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The review is focused on new information about the
      presentation and management of thyroid nodules in children and adolescents.
      RECENT FINDINGS: Palpable thyroid nodules are uncommon in children but many
      children have nodules detected by radiologic imaging. How to evaluate them, when
      to suspect thyroid cancer, and how best to follow apparently benign nodules has
      become an area of great interest. The American Thyroid Association recently
      published treatment guidelines for children with thyroid nodules and cancers but
      much has been learned since that publication. SUMMARY: Personal and family
      history, ultrasound features, and fine needle aspiration cytology are used to
      determine the risk of cancer in thyroid nodules, which are then managed according
      to cancer risk.

PMID- 27139002
TI  - The role of regulatory T cells during Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS infection
      in BALB/c mice.
AB  - An inappropriate immune response to parasite infection is one of the primary
      drivers of malaria pathogenesis. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), an important subset
      of CD4(+) T cells, can maintain self-tolerance and prevent autoimmune diseases.
      However, there is little consensus about their role in malaria pathogenesis. In
      this study, we transiently depleted Tregs (CD25(+) T cells) using an anti-CD25
      mAb (7D4 clone) at different time points following Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi
      AS infection in BALB/c mice and investigated the effect of depletion of Tregs in
      this model. In control mice, Tregs proliferated significantly and their
      suppressive function was enhanced after infection. IL-10 was increased
      drastically during infection. Depletion of Tregs at various time points can lead
      to divergent outcomes. When Tregs were depleted prior to or during the early
      phase of infection, most mice survived and had a robust Th1 immune response. In
      contrast, when Tregs were depleted close to peak parasitemia, all mice died as a
      result of inflammation. Taken together, these data suggest that in P. c. chabaudi
      AS-infected BALB/c mice, Tregs inhibit the Th1 response and macrophage
      activation, leading to increased parasite load; however, they also control
      inflammation-mediated pathology by secreting high levels of IL-10.

PMID- 27139003
TI  - Dynamic Stabilization of Expressed Proteins in Engineered Diatom Biosilica
      Matrices.
AB  - Self-assembly of recombinant proteins within the biosilica of living diatoms
      represents a means to construct functional materials in a reproducible and
      scalable manner that will enable applications that harness the inherent
      specificities of proteins to sense and respond to environmental cues. Here we
      describe the use of a silaffin-derived lysine-rich 39-amino-acid targeting
      sequence (Sil3T8) that directs a single chain fragment variable (scFv) antibody
      or an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to assemble within the biosilica
      frustule, resulting in abundance of >200 000 proteins per frustule. Using either
      a fluorescent ligand bound to the scFv or the intrinsic fluorescence of EGFP, we
      monitored protein conformational dynamics, accessibility to external quenchers,
      binding affinity, and conformational stability. Like proteins in solution,
      proteins within isolated frustules undergo isotropic rotational motion, but with
      2-fold increases in rotational correlation times that are indicative of weak
      macromolecular associations within the biosilica. Solvent accessibilities and
      high-affinity (pM) binding are comparable to those in solution. In contrast to
      solution conditions, scFv antibodies within the biosilica matrix retain their
      binding affinity in the presence of chaotropic agents (i.e., 8 M urea). Together,
      these results argue that dramatic increases in protein conformational stability
      within the biosilica matrices arise through molecular crowding, acting to retain
      native protein folds and associated functionality with the potential to allow the
      utility of engineered proteins under a range of harsh environmental conditions
      associated with environmental sensing and industrial catalytic transformations.

PMID- 27139004
TI  - A Common Susceptibility Gene for Type 2 Diabetes Is Associated with Drug Response
      to a DPP-4 Inhibitor: Pharmacogenomic Cohort in Okinawa Japan.
AB  - We investigated the association between common type 2 susceptibility variants of
      CDK5 regulatory subunit associated protein 1-like 1(CDKAL1) and therapeutic
      responses to anti-diabetic agents among patients with type 2 diabetes. Two SNPs
      (rs7754840: C>G, rs7756992: A>G) were genotyped via the Taqman PCR method. A
      total of 798 type 2 diabetic patients were included. HbA1c reduction after use of
      DPP-4 inhibitors for 3 months was significantly greater in patients with a risk
      allele for type 2 diabetes (GG -0.4%, CG -0.5%, CC -0.8%, p = 0.02 for rs7754840
      and AA -0.4%, AG -0.5%, GG -0.8%, p = 0.01 for rs7756992). Linear regression
      analysis showed that per allele reductions of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) after 3
      months were -0.10% for rs7754840 (p = 0.02) and -0.13% for rs7756992 (p = 0.0008)
      after adjusting for clinically influential covariates such as age, sex, BMI,
      duration of diabetes, baseline HbA1c and concomitant anti-diabetic agents. The
      results suggested that common variants of CDKAL1 are associated with therapeutic
      response to DPP-4 inhibitors.

PMID- 27139005
TI  - Joint kinematic calculation based on clinical direct kinematic versus inverse
      kinematic gait models.
AB  - Most clinical gait laboratories use the conventional gait analysis model. This
      model uses a computational method called Direct Kinematics (DK) to calculate
      joint kinematics. In contrast, musculoskeletal modelling approaches use Inverse
      Kinematics (IK) to obtain joint angles. IK allows additional analysis (e.g.
      muscle-tendon length estimates), which may provide valuable information for
      clinical decision-making in people with movement disorders. The twofold aims of
      the current study were: (1) to compare joint kinematics obtained by a clinical DK
      model (Vicon Plug-in-Gait) with those produced by a widely used IK model
      (available with the OpenSim distribution), and (2) to evaluate the difference in
      joint kinematics that can be solely attributed to the different computational
      methods (DK versus IK), anatomical models and marker sets by using MRI based
      models. Eight children with cerebral palsy were recruited and presented for gait
      and MRI data collection sessions. Differences in joint kinematics up to 13
      degrees  were found between the Plug-in-Gait and the gait 2392 OpenSim model. The
      majority of these differences (94.4%) were attributed to differences in the
      anatomical models, which included different anatomical segment frames and joint
      constraints. Different computational methods (DK versus IK) were responsible for
      only 2.7% of the differences. We recommend using the same anatomical model for
      kinematic and musculoskeletal analysis to ensure consistency between the obtained
      joint angles and musculoskeletal estimates.

PMID- 27139006
TI  - How a housing advocacy coalition adds health: A culture of claims-making.
AB  - Organizations that pursue health advocacy often tackle other issues too. How do
      these multi-issue organizations articulate and combine health with other issues?
      We examine how a Los Angeles coalition focused primarily on housing took up
      health in its 2008-2011 campaign against a residential development. Participant
      observation and archival data reveal that cultural context influenced how the
      coalition made claims about health, in two ways. First, advocates shared two
      major symbolic categories, which oriented the great bulk of their appeals
      regarding health. Second, advocates crafted rhetorical appeals that reflected
      their shared sense of social identity and obligation as spokespersons for a
      distinctive kind of community. These two kinds of cultural context influenced
      advocates' claims in public, formal settings as well more internal communication.
      These distinct, cultural influences on claims-making create challenges for
      socioeconomically diverse coalitions collaborating on health problems.

PMID- 27139007
TI  - Letter in Response to Evaluation of Early Dexmedetomidine Addition to the
      Standard of Care for Severe Alcohol Withdrawal in the ICU: A Retrospective
      Controlled Cohort Study.

PMID- 27139008
TI  - Impact of Obesity on Outcomes in a Multiethnic Cohort of Medical Intensive Care
      Unit Patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the association of obesity with in-hospital mortality and
      complications during critical illness. METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      analysis of a multiethnic cohort of 699 patients admitted to medical intensive
      care unit between January 2010 and May 2011 at Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount
      Sinai West Hospitals, tertiary care centers in New York City. Multivariate
      logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between obesity
      (body mass index [BMI] >= 30] and in-hospital mortality. Subgroup analysis was
      performed in elderly patients (age >=65 years). RESULTS: Compared to normal BMI,
      obese patients had lower in-hospital mortality (24.4% vs 17.6%, P = .04). On
      multivariate analysis, obesity was independently associated with lower in
      hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27
      0.89, P = .018). There was no significant difference in rates of mechanical
      ventilation, reintubation, and vasopressor requirement across BMI categories. In
      subgroup analysis, elderly obese patients did not display lower in-hospital
      mortality (adjusted OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.40-1.82, P = .68). CONCLUSION: Our study
      supports the hypothesis that obesity is associated with decreased mortality
      during critical illness. However, this finding was not observed among elderly
      obese patients. Further studies should explore the interaction between age,
      obesity, and outcomes in critical illness.

PMID- 27139009
TI  - Resolution of a Mobile Right Atrial Thrombus Complicating Acute Pulmonary
      Embolism With Low-Dose Tissue Plasminogen Activator in a Patient With Recent
      Craniotomy.
AB  - Right heart thrombus in transit (RHTT) is a rare, severe form of venous
      thromboembolism that carries a high mortality rate. The optimal treatment for
      RHTT has not been well established. Thrombolysis is a therapeutic modality for
      RHTT but carries the risk of bleeding complications including intracranial
      hemorrhage. Low-dose thrombolysis has been shown to be effective in treating
      submassive pulmonary emboli without an increased risk in bleeding complications,
      but it has not been studied in patients with RHTT. Here, we discuss the case of a
      74-year-old male with lung cancer and recent craniotomy with metastasectomy 30
      days prior to admission presenting with RHTT and bilateral pulmonary emboli (PE).
      He was treated successfully with low-dose thrombolysis, despite his relative
      contraindication to thrombolytics. To our knowledge, this is the first reported
      case of low-dose alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]) used to treat an
      in-transit PE in the setting of recent craniotomy with metastasectomy. 

PMID- 27139010
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of a Colistin Loading Dose, High-Dose Maintenance Regimen in
      Critically Ill Patients With Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Pneumonia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative (GN) pathogens
      and lack of novel antibiotics have increased the use of colistin, despite unknown
      optimal dosing. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a
      colistin loading dose, high-dose (LDHD) maintenance regimen in patients with MDR
      GN pneumonia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed comparing
      critically ill patients with MDR-GN pneumonia pre- and postimplementation of a
      colistin LDHD guideline with a primary outcome of clinical cure. Safety was
      assessed using incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) based on RIFLE (risk,
      injury, failure, loss, end-stage renal disease) criteria. RESULTS: Seventy-two
      patients met the inclusion criteria (42 preimplementation and 30
      postimplementation). Clinical cure was achieved in 23 (55%) patients in the
      preimplementation group and 20 (67%) patients in the postimplementation group ( P
      = .31). AKI occurred in 50% of the patients during the preimplementation period
      and 58% during the postimplementation period ( P = .59) with no difference in
      initiation rates of renal replacement therapy. CONCLUSION: The increased clinical
      cure rate after implementation of the colistin LDHD guideline did not reach
      statistical significance. The LDHD guideline, however, was not associated with an
      increased incidence of AKI, despite higher intravenous colistin doses.
      Opportunity exists to optimize colistin dosage while balancing toxicity, but
      larger studies are warranted.

PMID- 27139011
TI  - Investigation of local structural environments and room-temperature
      ferromagnetism in (Fe,Cu)-codoped In2O3 diluted magnetic oxide films.
AB  - The local structural, optical, magnetic and transport properties of (In0.95
      xFexCu0.05)2O3 (0.06 <= x <= 0.20) films deposited by RF-magnetron sputtering
      have been systemically studied by different experimental techniques. Detailed
      structural analyses using XRD, XPS, EXAFS and full multiple-scattering ab initio
      theoretical calculations of Fe K-edge XANES show that the (In0.95-xFexCu0.05)2O3
      films have the same cubic bixbyite structure as pure In2O3. The doped Fe ions
      exist at both +2 and +3 oxidation states, substituting for the In(3+) sites in
      the In2O3 lattice and forming a FeIn + 2VO complex with the O vacancy in the
      first coordination shell of Fe. However, the co-doped Cu atoms are not
      incorporated into the In2O3 lattice and form the Cu metal clusters due to high
      ionization energy. UV-Vis measurements show that the optical band gap Eg
      decreases monotonically with the increase of Fe concentration, implying an
      increasing s-pd exchange interaction in the films. All the films display
      intrinsic room-temperature (RT) ferromagnetism and the saturated magnetization
      (Ms) increases monotonically with Fe doping. The temperature dependence of the
      resistivity data suggests the conduction mechanism of Mott variable-range hopping
      (VRH) at low temperature, confirming that the carriers are localized. It can be
      concluded that the observed RT ferromagnetism in the films originates from the
      overlapping of polarons mediated by oxygen vacancies based on the bound magnetic
      polaron (BMP) model. The variation of the localization effect of carriers with Fe
      doping can obviously adjust the magnetic exchange interaction in the (In0.95
      xFexCu0.05)2O3 films.

PMID- 27139012
TI  - Characterisation of Population Pharmacokinetics and Endogenous Follicle
      Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels After Multiple Dosing of a Recombinant Human FSH
      (FE 999049) in Healthy Women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterise the population
      pharmacokinetics of FE 999049, a novel recombinant human follicle-stimulating
      hormone (FSH), after multiple dosing in healthy women, taking into account
      endogenous FSH levels and the reproductive hormone dynamics. METHODS:
      Longitudinal measurements of FSH, luteinising hormone, progesterone, estradiol,
      and inhibin B levels were collected after repeated subcutaneous dosing with 225
      IU of FE 999049 in 24 gonadotropin downregulated healthy women. The FSH data were
      described using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. RESULTS: The measured FSH
      levels were modelled as a sum of endogenous FSH and FE 999049. The FE 999049
      population pharmacokinetics were best described using a one-compartment model
      with first-order absorption and elimination, and a transit model for delayed
      absorption. The apparent clearance and volume of distribution increased with body
      weight in accordance with an allometrically scaled power exponent of 0.75 and 1,
      respectively. Endogenous FSH levels were lower in individuals with higher
      progesterone levels at baseline and were further suppressed over time with
      increasing inhibin B levels. CONCLUSIONS: This characterisation of FE 999049
      population pharmacokinetics after repeated dosing is in line with previous
      findings after single-dose administration. The results provide a basis for study
      design and data evaluation in the future development of recombinant FSH products,
      and show it can be of importance to account for endogenous FSH levels and its
      variation over time for accurate estimation of exogenously administered FSH
      pharmacokinetic parameters. Thus, correcting FSH concentrations by the observed
      endogenous FSH baseline value at all time points may be incorrect.

PMID- 27139013
TI  - Determinants of domestic violence against women in Ghana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of domestic violence remains unacceptably high with
      numerous consequences ranging from psychological to maternal and neonatal
      mortality and morbidity outcomes in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to
      identify factors that increased the likelihood of an event of domestic violence
      as reported by ever married Ghanaian women. METHODS: Data from the 2008 Ghana
      Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) was analysed using a multivariate logistic
      model and risk factors were obtained using the forward selection procedure.
      RESULTS: Of the 1524 ever married women in this study, 33.6 % had ever
      experienced domestic violence. The risk of ever experiencing domestic violence
      was 35 % for women who reside in urban areas. Risk of domestic violence was 41 %
      higher for women whose husbands ever experienced their father beating their
      mother. Women whose mother ever beat their father were three times more likely to
      experience domestic violence as compared to women whose mother did not beat their
      father. The risk of ever experiencing domestic violence was 48 % less likely for
      women whose husbands had higher than secondary education as compared to women
      whose husbands never had any formal education. Women whose husbands drink alcohol
      were 2.5 times more likely to experience domestic violence as compared to women
      whose husbands do not drink alcohol. CONCLUSION: Place of residence, alcohol use
      by husband and family history of violence do increase a woman's risk of ever
      experiencing domestic violence. Higher than secondary education acted as a
      protective buffer against domestic violence. Domestic violence against women is
      still persistent and greater efforts should be channelled into curtailing it by
      using a multi-stakeholder approach and enforcing stricter punishments to
      perpetrators.

PMID- 27139014
TI  - Clinical and instrumental evaluation of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid filler
      dermal injection: effects on nasolabial folds skin biophysical parameters and
      augmentation from a single-dose, monocentric, open-label trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When a hyaluronic acid dermal device to fill soft tissues is chosen,
      efficacy, safety and durability are key concerns. This is an open-label
      prospective study to instrumentally evaluate the effects of HA filler dermal
      injection on nasolabial folds skin biophysical parameters and augmentation.
      METHODS: A single Italian site treated female subjects aged 40-55, for nasolabial
      folds, with a single standardized injection. The outcome was evaluated with
      objective quantitative measurements after 90 (T1) and 180 days (T2) from the
      injection comparing to baseline (T0) by means of Corneometer (skin hydration
      measurement), Cutometer (skin elasticity measurement), and Visioface devices for
      digital and UV computerized image analysis. Secondary endpoints were safety
      assessment, subject investigator satisfaction with the intervention. Assessment
      of aesthetic results included photographic documentation. RESULTS: The
      computerized image analysis confirmed the clinical assessment showing
      statistically significant reduction in nasolabial folds both at T1 and T2.
      Visioface(r) indexes showed a marked and statistical significant response. An
      excellent profile of satisfaction of the product at T2 from investigators and
      patients was recorded. Skin hydration and elasticity did not show significant
      changes. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, a standardized HA filler dermal injection on
      nasolabial folds did not influence skin biophysical parameters such as skin
      hydration and elasticity. Nasolabial folds showed a persistent and significative
      response at T2 confirmed by instrumental evaluation. The tolerability and safety
      profile of the product was excellent.

PMID- 27139015
TI  - Chronic hand eczema: is IL-36alpha helpful in diagnosis and classification?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is not a homogenous disease, necessitating
      complex differential diagnostics. Interleukin (IL) -1 family members are
      significantly up-regulated in ACD and psoriasis patients skin. METHODS: The
      present study aims to deepen the knowledge about clinical assessment and
      characterization of patients affected by chronic hand dermatitis (CHD) as well as
      to investigate the role of possible biomarkers which may help in the diagnostic
      process. An observational case-control study was performed enrolling 30 CHD
      patients and 20 healthy controls. Each patient underwent detailed medical
      history, clinical examination, epicutaneous patch test, and lesional skin
      biopsies for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: Patient
      history, clinical examination and patch testing led us to a final CHD
      characterization in only 8/30 subjects (26.7%). In the remaining subjects,
      clinical and histological features suggested a diagnosis of psoriasis in 9/22
      (30%) and idiopathic chronic hand eczema (CHE) in 13/22 (43.3%). Trying to find a
      possible marker for the latter dermatosis, we analyzed IL-1 family in all the
      recruited subjects. IL-1 members were increased in all conditions, but IL-36alpha
      was the only analyzed cytokine able to characterize patients who end up with a
      diagnosis of idiopathic CHE. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we can assess that
      medical history and patch testing remain essential investigations in CHD patients
      even if not always sufficient to perform a final diagnosis. Moreover, IL-1
      members are probably involved in CHE skin inflammation, with IL-36alpha being a
      possible future biomarker which might help in the complex diagnostic process of
      CHE.

PMID- 27139016
TI  - Exotic SiO(2)H(2) Isomers: Theory and Experiment Working in Harmony.
AB  - Replacing carbon with silicon can result in dramatic and unanticipated changes in
      isomeric stability, as the well-studied CO2H2 and the essentially unknown SiO2H2
      systems illustrate. Guided by coupled-cluster calculations, three SiO2H2 isomers
      have been detected and spectroscopically characterized in a molecular beam
      discharge source using rotational spectroscopy. The cis,trans conformer of
      dihydroxysilylene HOSiOH, the ground-state isomer, and the high-energy,
      metastable dioxasilirane c-H2SiO2 are abundantly produced in a dilute SiH4/O2
      electrical discharge, enabling precise structural determinations of both by a
      combination of isotopic measurements and calculated vibrational corrections. The
      isotopic studies also provide insight into their formation route, suggesting that
      c-H2SiO2 is formed promptly in the expansion but that cis,trans-HOSiOH is likely
      formed by secondary reactions following formation of the most stable dissociation
      pair, SiO + H2O. Although less abundant, the rotational spectrum of trans
      silanoic acid, the silicon analogue of formic acid, HSi(O)OH, has also been
      observed.

PMID- 27139017
TI  - Near Work Related Behaviors Associated with Myopic Shifts among Primary School
      Students in the Jiading District of Shanghai: A School-Based One-Year Cohort
      Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the characteristics of various near work related
      behaviors among primary students and their associations with changes in myopia
      related ocular biometric parameters during one-year of follow up. METHODS: A
      school-based sample of 4,814 primary 1st to 4th grade students aged 6-10 years
      old were selected by cluster randomization based on probability proportion to
      size in 2013. At baseline, students together with their parents filled in a self
      administered questionnaire on 9 aspects of near work related behaviors and some
      important covariants of myopia. A comprehensive set of eye examinations including
      axial length (AL) and cycloplegic refraction was conducted both at baseline and
      one year later. RESULTS: With the grade level increase, students did increasingly
      better at finding various ways to have an eye break, but they were increasingly
      likely to continuously do long-time near work without an eye break. Keeping a
      reasonable eye distance and correct hand posture for reading, writing, or
      watching TV became worse for the first time before grade 2, but then became
      better at grade 3. In contrast, selecting appropriate lighting environments or
      situations and keeping a balanced diet became better for the first time before
      grade 2, but then became worse at grade 3. At one-year follow up, the mean AL
      increased by 0.32 +/- 0.35 mm, the ratio of AL divided by the mean corneal radius
      of curvature (AL/CR ratio) increased by 0.032 +/- 0.054, the myopic spherical
      equivalent (SE) increased by -0.51 +/- 0.51 diopters and the incidence of myopia
      was 16.0% (237/1,477). After controlling for the confounding effects of parental
      myopia, student's age, gender, height, daily near work time, daily outdoor
      activity time and all of the other near work related behaviors, keeping a
      reasonable distance when reading, writing and watching TV was associated with
      elongation of the AL [standard coefficient beta = -0.062, P = 0.004], a change in
      SE [beta = -0.072, P = 0.020] and incident myopia [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) =
      0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84-0.96]. Selecting an environment with
      adequate light for visual comfort to read and write was related to elongation of
      the AL [beta = -0.039, P = 0.034] and increase of AL/CR ratio [beta = -0.030, P =
      0.048]. Also, not continuing to do near work for more than 30-40 minutes without
      an eye break was related to increase of the AL/CR ratio [beta = -0.028, P =
      0.044] and a change in SE [beta = -0.064, P = 0.023]. CONCLUSION: Various near
      work related behaviors changed according to grade level in primary school
      students. Independent of hereditary factors, daily near work load and outdoor
      activity, near work related behaviors such as keeping an inappropriate eye
      distance for near work, selecting inadequate lighting environments, and
      continuing to do near work without an eye break were risk factors for myopic
      shifts.

PMID- 27139018
TI  - Prevention of post-operative bleeding in hemostatic compromised patients using
      native porcine collagen fleeces-retrospective study of a consecutive case series.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Various anticoagulant therapy regimes bear the risk of postsurgical
      bleeding events after dental extractions. Local hemostyptic measures, e.g.,
      collagen fleeces, are applied by surgeons to prevent such bleedings. No standard
      protocol in prevention of bleeding events has met general acceptance among
      surgeons yet. PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine
      if post-operative bleeding can be prevented by suturing native collagen fleeces
      into extraction wounds immediately after teeth removal, regardless what
      anticoagulant regime is performed. METHODS: A total of 741 extraction units were
      removed from 200 consecutive in-ward patients with or without alternation of
      different anticoagulant therapy regimes. Anti-vitamin K agents were the most
      prescribed drugs (n = 104, 52 %), followed by Acetylsalicylate (ASS) (n = 78, 39
      %). Nineteen (9.5 %) patients received a dual anti-platelet therapy. Out of 104
      patients receiving an anti-vitamin K agent (phenprocoumon), 84 patients were
      bridged, 20 patients continued to their anticoagulant therapy without
      alterations. Following careful tooth extraction, extraction sockets were filled
      using a native type I and III porcine collagen sponge (Collacone, Botiss
      Biomaterials, Berlin), supported by single and mattress sutures for local
      hemostasis. Post-operative bleeding events were rated according to their clinical
      relevance. RESULTS: In the post-operative phase, 8 out of 200 consecutively
      treated patients experienced a post-operative bleeding event. All of them had
      been designated for a long-term anti-vitamin K therapy (p <= 0.05), and
      extractions were performed under a heparin bridging regime (n = 6) or an
      uninterrupted anti-vitamin K agent therapy (n = 2). No bleeding events occurred
      in patients with ASS 100 therapy or low-dose LMWH therapy (p <= 0.05), or in
      patients with dual anti-platelet therapy (0 out of 24). None of the bleeding
      events put patients' health at risk or required systemic intervention.
      CONCLUSION: Sufficiently performed local hemostyptic measures, like the
      application of collagen fleeces in combination with atraumatic surgery, bears a
      great potential for preventing heavy bleeding events in hemostatic compromised
      patients, regardless of their anticoagulant therapy.

PMID- 27139020
TI  - Hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia: follow the string!

PMID- 27139019
TI  - Oral health-related quality of life following third molar surgery with or without
      application of ice pack therapy.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effect of ice pack therapy on oral health-related quality of
      life (OHRQoL) following third molar surgery. METHODS: All consecutive subjects
      who required surgical extraction of lower third molars and satisfied the
      inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into two groups. Subjects in group A
      were instructed to apply ice packs directly over the masseteric region on the
      operated side intermittently after third molar surgery. This first application
      was supervised in the clinic and was repeated at the 24-h postoperative review.
      Subjects in group A were further instructed to apply the ice pack when at home
      every one and a half hours on postoperative days 0 and 1 while he/she was awake
      as described. Group B subjects did not apply ice pack therapy. Facial swelling,
      pain, trismus, and quality of life (using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14)
      instrument) were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively. Postoperative
      scores in both groups were compared. RESULTS: A significant increase in the mean
      total and subscale scores of OHIP-14 was found in both groups postoperatively
      when compared with preoperative value. Subjects who received ice pack therapy had
      a better quality of life than those who did not. Subjects whose postoperative QoL
      were affected were statistically significantly higher in group B than in group A
      at all postoperative evaluation points (P < 0.05). Statistically significant
      differences were also observed between the groups in the various subscales
      analyzed, with better quality of life seen among subjects in group A.
      CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life after third molar surgery was significantly better
      in subjects who had cryotherapy after third molar than those who did not have
      cryotherapy. Cryotherapy is a viable alternative or adjunct to other established
      modes of improving the quality of life of patients following surgical extraction
      of third molars.

PMID- 27139021
TI  - Distinct neurological disorders with C9orf72 mutations: genetics, pathogenesis,
      and therapy.
AB  - The G4C2 repeat expansion within C9orf72 has been recently identified as the most
      common genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis. This mutation has also been detected in a variety of other
      neurological diseases with distinct clinical manifestations. The exact mechanisms
      of how this mutation leads to the wide spectrum of clinical syndromes remain
      unknown. A series of molecular changes together with some potential modifiers may
      play a key role. Nucleolar stress, nucleocytoplasmic transport defect, oxidative
      damage, inhibited stress granules assembly, activated endoplasmic reticulum
      stress, and inhibited proteasome activity are mechanisms that contribute to the
      pathogenesis of these diseases. Additional mutations, epigenetic modifiers, and
      repeat size are potential modifiers that modulate specific phenotypes on the
      basis of the molecular changes. Here, we summarize distinct C9orf72-related
      neurological disorders and their corresponding neuropathological changes. Then,
      we elucidate the existing molecular knowledge and the potential modifiers.
      Finally, we detail the main target of treatment aiming at controlling expanded
      RNA transcripts.

PMID- 27139022
TI  - Alzheimer, mitochondria and gender.
AB  - Epidemiological studies revealed that two-thirds of Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      patients are women and the drop of sex steroid hormones after the menopause has
      been proposed to be one risk factor in AD. Similarly, the decrease of circulating
      testosterone levels with aging may also increase the risk of AD in men. Studies
      attest the neuroprotective effects of sex hormones in animal models of AD, but
      clinical trial data remain controversial. Here, we discuss the implication of
      mitochondria in gender differences observed in AD patients and animal models of
      AD. We summarize the role of mitochondria in aging and AD, pointing to the
      potential correlation between the loss of sex hormones and changes in the brain
      redox status. We discuss the protective effects of the sex hormones, estradiol,
      progesterone and testosterone with a specific focus on mitochondrial dysfunction
      in AD. The understanding of pathological processes linking the loss of sex
      hormones with mitochondrial dysfunction and mechanisms that initiate the disease
      onset may open new avenues for the development of gender-specific therapeutic
      approaches.

PMID- 27139023
TI  - Microbiome associations in pigs with the best and worst clinical outcomes
      following co-infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
      (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2).
AB  - On a world-wide basis, co-infections involving porcine reproductive and
      respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) are
      common and contribute to a range of polymicrobial disease syndromes in swine.
      Both viruses compromise host defenses, resulting in increased susceptibility to
      infections by primary and secondary pathogens that can affect growth performance
      as well as increased morbidity and mortality. An experimental population of 95
      pigs was co-infected with PRRSV and PCV2. At 70days post-infection (dpi), 20
      representative pigs were selected as having the best or worst clinical outcome
      based on average daily gain (ADG) and the presence of clinical disease. Worst
      clinical outcome pigs had prolonged and greater levels of viremia as measured by
      qPCR. Serum, lung and fecal samples collected at 70 dpi were analyzed using a
      comprehensive DNA microarray technology, the Lawrence Livermore Microbial
      Detection Array, to detect over 8000 microbes. Bacterial species, such as
      Bacillus cereus, were detected at a higher rate in the serum of worst performing
      pigs. At the level of the fecal microbiome, the overall microbial diversity was
      lower in the worst clinical outcome group. The results reinforce the importance
      of pathogen load in determining clinical outcome and suggest an important role of
      microbial diversity as a contributing factor in disease. 

PMID- 27139024
TI  - Lethal dose and clinical signs of Aeromonas hydrophila in Arapaima gigas
      (Arapaimidae), the giant fish from Amazon.
AB  - Aeromonas hydrophila is causing substantial economic losses in world aquaculture.
      This study determined the tolerance limit (LD50-96h) of A. hydrophila in Arapaima
      gigas, and also investigated the clinical signs after intradermal inoculation.
      Arapaima gigas fingerlings were inoculated intraperitoneally with 0 (control),
      1.0*10(5), 1.0*10(6), 1.0*10(7), 1.0*10(9) and 1.0*10(10)CFU/mL of A. hydrophila
      for the determination of LD50-96h, which was 1.8*10(8)CFU/mL. In another trial
      with intradermal inoculation of 1.8*10(8)CFU/mL A. hydrophila, there was a 91.6%
      of mortality between 8 and 23h, and several clinical signs were found. As
      follows: depigmentation in the tegument, lesions in the tail and fins, loss of
      balance, reduction of respiratory movements, hemorrhagic foci, necrotic
      hemorrhages in the kidney, liver and swim bladder, splenomegaly, ascites in the
      abdominal cavity and hyperemia, enlargement of the gall bladder, among other
      clinical signs observed. The results showed that A. gigas has a relative
      tolerance to A. hydrophila when compared to other Neotropical fish species. 

PMID- 27139025
TI  - Chloroquine inhibits Rhodococcus equi replication in murine and foal alveolar
      macrophages by iron-starvation.
AB  - Rhodococcus equi preferentially infects macrophages causing pyogranulomatous
      pneumonia in young foals. Both the vapA and rhbC genes are up-regulated in an
      iron (Fe)-deprived environment, such as that found within macrophages.
      Chloroquine (CQ) is a drug widely used against malaria that suppresses the
      intracellular availability of Fe in eukaryotic cells. The main objective of this
      study was to evaluate the ability of CQ to inhibit replication of virulent R.
      equi within murine (J774A.1) and foal alveolar macrophages (AMs) and to verify
      whether the mechanism of inhibition could be Fe-deprivation-dependent. CQ effect
      on R. equi extracellular survival and toxicity to J774A.1 were evaluated. R. equi
      survival within J774A.1 and foal AMs was evaluated under CQ (10 and 20MUM),
      bovine saturated transferrin (bHTF), and bovine unsaturated transferrin (bATF)
      exposure. To explore the action mechanism of CQ, the superoxide anion production,
      the lysozyme activity, as well as the relative mRNA expression of vapA and rhbC
      were examined. CQ at<=20MUM had no effect on R. equi extracellular multiplication
      and J774A.1 viability. Exposure to CQ significantly and markedly reduced survival
      of R. equi within J774A.1 and foal AMs. Treatment with bHTF did not reverse CQ
      effect on R. equi. Exposure to CQ did not affected superoxide anion production or
      lysozyme activity, however vapA and rhbC expression was significantly increased.
      Our results reinforce the hypothesis that intracellular availability of Fe is
      required for R. equi survival, and our initial hypothesis that CQ can limit
      replication of R. equi in J774A.1 and foal AMs, most likely by Fe starvation. 

PMID- 27139026
TI  - Whole genome characterization of a G6P[5] rotavirus A strain isolated from a
      stray cat in Japan.
AB  - The whole genome of an unusual G6P[5] rotavirus A strain named FRV537, which was
      isolated from a stray cat in Japan, was characterized to determine its species of
      origin. The genotype constellation of FRV537 was G6-P[5]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A13-N2- T6
      E2-H3. No known feline rotavirus has this genotype constellation; the Japanese
      equine strain OH-4 is the only known strain that does. While FRV537 shares the
      same genotype with some feline rotaviruses in all genes except those encoding VP4
      and NSP1, none of these genes are closely related to those of known feline
      rotaviruses. By contrast, G6P[5] is almost exclusively present in bovine
      rotaviruses. The VP7 and VP4 genes of FRV537 formed a lineage with typical bovine
      rotaviruses with high bootstrap values. As to the internal capsid and
      nonstructural gene constellation, three bovine rotavirus strains had a
      constellation identical to that of FRV537. Moreover, each of the genotypes of
      FRV537 was found to be a common bovine genotype. In addition to the high
      nucleotide sequence identities between FRV537 and bovine rotaviruses in each
      genome segment (>=95%), phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship to
      bovine/artiodactyl rotaviruses. Thus, the molecular and phylogenetic evidence
      suggests that FRV537 isolated from a stray cat was of bovine rotavirus origin. 

PMID- 27139027
TI  - Polarisation of equine pregnancy outcome associated with a maternal MHC class I
      allele: Preliminary evidence.
AB  - Identification of risk factors which are associated with severe clinical signs
      can assist in the management of disease outbreaks and indicate future research
      areas. Pregnancy loss during late gestation in the mare compromises welfare,
      reduces fecundity and has financial implications for horse owners. This
      retrospective study focussed on the identification of risk factors associated
      with pregnancy loss among 46 Thoroughbred mares on a single British stud farm,
      with some but not all losses involving equid herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection. In
      a sub-group of 30 mares, association between pregnancy loss and the presence of
      five common Thoroughbred horse haplotypes of the equine Major Histocompatibility
      Complex (MHC) was assessed. This involved development of sequence specific,
      reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions and in several mares,
      measurement of cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity. Of the 46 mares, 10 suffered late
      gestation pregnancy loss or neonatal foal death, five of which were EHV-1
      positive. Maternal factors including age, parity, number of EHV-1 specific
      vaccinations and the number of days between final vaccination and foaling or
      abortion were not significantly associated with pregnancy loss. In contrast, a
      statistically significant association between the presence of the MHC class I B2
      allele and pregnancy loss was identified, regardless of the fetus/foal's EHV-1
      status (p=0.002). In conclusion, this study demonstrated a significantly positive
      association between pregnancy loss in Thoroughbred mares and a specific MHC class
      I allele in the mother. This association requires independent validation and
      further investigation of the mechanism by which the mare's genetic background
      contributes to pregnancy outcome. 

PMID- 27139028
TI  - Persistent spread of the rmtB 16S rRNA methyltransferase gene among Escherichia
      coli isolates from diseased food-producing animals in China.
AB  - A total of 963 non-duplicate Escherichia coli strains isolated from food
      producing animals between 2002 and 2012 were screened for the presence of the 16S
      rRNA methyltransferase genes. Among the positive isolates, resistance
      determinants to extended spectrum beta-lactamases, plasmid-mediated quinolone
      resistance genes as well as floR and fosA/A3/C2 were detected using PCR analysis.
      These isolates were further subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing,
      molecular typing, PCR-based plasmid replicon typing and plasmid analysis. Of the
      963 E. coli isolates, 173 (18.0%), 3 (0.3%) and 2 (0.2%) were rmtB-, armA- and
      rmtE-positive strains, respectively. All the 16S rRNA methyltransferase gene
      positive isolates were multidrug resistant and over 90% of them carried one or
      more type of resistance gene. IncF (especially IncFII) and non-typeable plasmids
      played the main role in the dissemination of rmtB, followed by the IncN plasmids.
      Plasmids that harbored rmtB ranged in size from 20kb to 340kb EcoRI-RFLP testing
      of the 109 rmtB-positive plasmids from different years and different origins
      suggested that horizontal (among diverse animals) and vertical transfer of IncF,
      non-typeable and IncN-type plasmids were responsible for the spread of rmtB gene.
      In summary, our findings highlight that rmtB was the most prevalent 16S rRNA
      methyltransferase gene, which present persistent spread in food-producing animals
      in China and a diverse group of plasmids was responsible for rmtB dissemination. 

PMID- 27139029
TI  - Thymic depletion of lymphocytes is associated with the virulence of PRRSV-1
      strains.
AB  - Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) exists as two
      distinct viruses, type 1 (PRRSV-1) and type 2 (PRRSV-2). Atrophy of the thymus in
      PRRSV-2 infected piglets has been associated with a loss of thymocytes. The
      present study aimed to evaluate the impact of PRRSV-1 strains of differing
      virulence on the thymus of infected piglets by analysing the histomorphometry,
      the presence of apoptotic cells and cells producing cytokines. Thymic samples
      were taken from animals experimentally infected (with LV, SU1-bel, and 215-06
      strains) or mock inoculated animals at 3, 7 and 35days post-infection (dpi) and
      processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. PRRSV antigen
      was detected in the thymus from 3dpi until the end of the study in all virus
      infected animals with the highest numbers of infected cells detected in SU1-bel
      group. The histomorphometry analysis and counts of CD3(+) thymocytes in the
      thymic cortex displayed significant differences between strains at different time
      points (p<=0.011), with SU1-bel group showing the most severe changes at 7dpi.
      Cell death displayed statistically significant increase in the cortex of all
      infected animals, with SU1-bel group showing the highest rate at 3 and 7dpi. The
      number of cells immunostained against IL-1alpha, TNF-alpha and IL-10 were
      predominantly detected in the medulla (p<=0.01). An increase in the number of TNF
      alpha and IL-10 positive cells was observed in LV and SU-1bel groups. Our results
      demonstrate that different PRRSV-1 strains induced depletion of the thymic cortex
      due to apoptosis of thymocytes and that the most severe depletion was associated
      with the highly virulent SU1-bel strain. 

PMID- 27139030
TI  - Experimental induced avian E. coli salpingitis: Significant impact of strain and
      host factors on the clinical and pathological outcome.
AB  - Several types of Escherichia coli have been associated with extra-intestinal
      infections in poultry, however, they may vary significantly in their virulence
      potential. The aim of the present study was to investigate the virulence of five
      strains of E. coli obtained from different disease manifestations or from the
      cloacae of a healthy chicken. The virulence potential of the strains were
      evaluated in an avian experimental model for ascending infections, and
      experiments were conducted in both layers and broiler breeders. The clinical
      outcome of infection was highly depending on the challenge strain, however, not
      significantly reflecting the origin of the strain. In general, broiler breeders
      had a more severe clinical outcomes of infection compared to layers, but major
      with-in group diversity was observed for all challenge strains of clinical
      origin. A single strain of ST95 (phylogroup B2) had a distinct ability to cause
      disease. Results of the study shows major differences in virulence of different
      strains of E. coli in ascending infections; however, there was no indication of
      tissue-specific adaptation, since strains obtained from lesions unrelated to the
      reproductive system were fully capable of causing experimental infection. In
      conclusion, the study provides evidence for the clinical outcome of infection
      with E. coli in poultry is largely influenced by the specific strain as well as
      individual host factors. 

PMID- 27139033
TI  - How to Compute Electron Ionization Mass Spectra from First Principles.
AB  - The prediction of electron ionization (EI) mass spectra (MS) from first
      principles has been a major challenge for quantum chemistry (QC). The
      unimolecular reaction space grows rapidly with increasing molecular size. On the
      one hand, statistical models like Eyring's quasi-equilibrium theory and Rice
      Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus theory have provided valuable insight, and some
      predictions and quantitative results can be obtained from such calculations. On
      the other hand, molecular dynamics-based methods are able to explore
      automatically the energetically available regions of phase space and thus yield
      reaction paths in an unbiased way. We describe in this feature article the status
      of both methodologies in relation to mass spectrometry for small to medium sized
      molecules. We further present results obtained with the QCEIMS program developed
      in our laboratory. Our method, which incorporates stochastic and dynamic
      elements, has been a significant step toward the reliable routine calculation of
      EI mass spectra. 

PMID- 27139031
TI  - Tackling aspecific side reactions during histone propionylation: The promise of
      reversing overpropionylation.
AB  - Histone proteins are essential elements for DNA packaging. Moreover, the PTMs
      that are extremely abundant on these proteins, contribute in modeling chromatin
      structure and recruiting enzymes involved in gene regulation, DNA repair and
      chromosome condensation. This fundamental aspect, together with the epigenetic
      inheritance of histone PTMs, underlines the importance of having biochemical
      techniques for their characterization. Over the past two decades, significant
      improvements in mass accuracy and resolution of mass spectrometers have made LC
      coupled MS the strategy of choice for accurate identification and quantification
      of protein PTMs. Nevertheless, in previous work we disclosed the limitations and
      biases of the most widely adopted sample preparation protocols for histone
      propionylation, required prior to bottom-up MS analysis. In this work, however,
      we put forward a new specific and efficient propionylation strategy by means of
      propionic anhydride. In this method, aspecific overpropionylation at serine (S),
      threonine (T) and tyrosine (Y) is reversed by adding hydroxylamine (HA). We
      recommend using this method for future analysis of histones through bottom-up MS.

PMID- 27139032
TI  - A Public Health Paradox: The Women Most Vulnerable to Malaria Are the Least
      Protected.
AB  - Raquel Gonzalez and colleagues highlight an urgent need to evaluate antimalarials
      that can be safely administered to HIV-infected pregnant women on antiretroviral
      treatment and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.

PMID- 27139034
TI  - Excitation and tuning of Fano-like cavity plasmon resonances in dielectric-metal
      core-shell resonators.
AB  - Fano resonances have been realized in plasmonic systems and have found intriguing
      applications, in which, however, precisely controlled symmetry breaking or
      particular arrangement of multiple constituents is usually involved. Although
      simple core-shell type architectures composed of a spherical dielectric core and
      a concentric metallic shell layer have been proposed as good candidates that
      support inherent Fano resonances, these theoretical predictions have rarely seen
      any detailed experimental investigation. Here, we report on the experimental
      investigation of the magnetic and electric-based multipolar plasmonic Fano
      resonances in the dielectric-metal core-shell resonators that are formed by
      wrapping a nearly perfect metal shell layer around a dielectric sphere. We
      demonstrate that these Fano resonances originate from the interference between
      the Mie cavity and sphere plasmon resonances. Moreover, we present that the
      variation on either the dielectric core size or core refractive index allows for
      easily tuning the observed Fano resonances over a wide spectral range. Our
      findings are supported by excellent agreement with analytical calculations, and
      offer unprecedented opportunities for realizing ultrasensitive bio-sensors,
      lasing and nonlinear optical devices. 

PMID- 27139036
TI  - A phase I study evaluating cixutumumab, a type 1 insulin-like growth factor
      receptor inhibitor, given every 2 or 3 weeks in Japanese patients with advanced
      solid tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The primary objective of this phase I trial was to establish the safety
      profile and pharmacokinetics of cixutumumab administered every 2 weeks (q2w) or
      every 3 weeks (q3w) in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. Exploratory
      analyses included preliminary antitumor activity. METHODS: Patients received
      intravenous cixutumumab q2w or q3w (6-week cycle) in a standard 3 + 3 study
      design. Safety was evaluated by National Cancer Institute Common Terminology
      Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0. Patients received treatment until evidence of
      progressive disease or other withdrawal criteria were met. Pharmacokinetics were
      described using noncompartmental analyses. Antitumor activity was evaluated using
      Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.0. RESULTS: A total of 21
      patients were treated in one of four cohorts: 6 mg/kg q2w (n = 4); 10 mg/kg q2w
      (n = 7); 15 mg/kg q3w (n = 3); or 20 mg/kg q3w (n = 7). No patients experienced
      dose-limiting toxicity. A majority of patients (61.9 %) experienced one or more
      drug-related adverse event (AE). Related AEs included impaired glucose tolerance
      (n = 6 [28.6 %]) and diarrhea, nausea, stomatitis, fatigue, weight decrease,
      anorexia, rash, and hypertension (n = 2 each [9.5 %]). A best overall response of
      stable disease was seen in seven patients (33.3 %). The median duration of stable
      disease was 6.9 months (range 2.8, 6.9) for all cohorts. Although limited,
      pharmacokinetic results were as expected and were comparable between Japanese and
      Caucasian patients. CONCLUSION: Cixutumumab was generally well tolerated with no
      new safety concerns. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT01007032.

PMID- 27139037
TI  - A Review of Antiviral and Antifungal Use and Safety during Pregnancy.
AB  - Antiviral and antifungal use in pregnancy presents challenges because of the
      paucity of clinical and safety data for many agents in these classes. If
      untreated, viral and fungal infections can have deleterious effects on both
      maternal and fetal health. Understanding the use and risks of these medications
      in pregnancy is vital to provide appropriate care. This article reviews the
      current literature for the use of antiviral and antifungals, the pharmacokinetics
      of these agents, and their safety in pregnancy.

PMID- 27139035
TI  - Induction of P-glycoprotein expression and activity by Aconitum alkaloids:
      Implication for clinical drug-drug interactions.
AB  - The Aconitum species, which mainly contain bioactive Aconitum alkaloids, are
      frequently administered concomitantly with other herbal medicines or chemical
      drugs in clinics. The potential risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) arising
      from co-administration of Aconitum alkaloids and other drugs against specific
      targets such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp) must be evaluated. This study focused on
      the effects of three representative Aconitum alkaloids: aconitine (AC),
      benzoylaconine (BAC), and aconine, on the expression and activity of P-gp. We
      observed that Aconitum alkaloids increased P-gp expression in LS174T and Caco-2
      cells in the order AC > BAC > aconine. Nuclear receptors were involved in the
      induction of P-gp. AC and BAC increased the P-gp transport activity. Strikingly,
      intracellular ATP levels and mitochondrial mass also increased. Furthermore,
      exposure to AC decreased the toxicity of vincristine and doxorubicin towards the
      cells. In vivo, AC significantly up-regulated the P-gp protein levels in the
      jejunum, ileum, and colon of FVB mice, and protected them against acute AC
      toxicity. Taken together, the findings of our in vitro and in vivo experiments
      indicate that AC can induce P-gp expression, and that co-administration of AC
      with P-gp substrate drugs may cause DDIs. Our findings have important
      implications for Aconitum therapy in clinics.

PMID- 27139038
TI  - Novel formulations of ballistic gelatin. 1. Rheological properties.
AB  - Ballistic gelatin is the simulant of the human body during field tests in
      forensics and other related fields, due to its physical and mechanical
      similarities to human trunk and organs. Since the ballistic gelatin used in
      present has important issues to overcome, an alternative approach is the use of
      gelatin-polymer composites, where a key factor is the insertion of biocompatible
      materials, which replicate accurately the human tissues. In order to be able to
      obtain an improved material in terms of mechanical performances by an easy
      industrial-scale technology, before the verification of the ballistic parameters
      by shooting in agreement with military standards, one of the best and cheapest
      solutions is to perform a thorough check of their rheological properties, in
      standard conditions.

PMID- 27139039
TI  - Zwitterionic [4]helicene: a water-soluble and reversible pH-triggered ECD/CPL
      chiroptical switch in the UV and red spectral regions.
AB  - The chiroptical switching properties of a readily accessible and water-soluble
      diaza [4]helicene are disclosed. This zwitterionic dye displays pH-dependent
      absorption and emission properties and this enables a reversible turn on/off of
      electronic circular dichroism at 300 nm and of circularly polarized luminescence
      in the red region upon protonation/deprotonation. 

PMID- 27139040
TI  - Toward Biopredictive Dissolution for Enteric Coated Dosage Forms.
AB  - The aim of this work was to develop a phosphate buffer based dissolution method
      for enteric-coated formulations with improved biopredictivity for fasted
      conditions. Two commercially available enteric-coated aspirin products were used
      as model formulations (Aspirin Protect 300 mg, and Walgreens Aspirin 325 mg). The
      disintegration performance of these products in a physiological 8 mM pH 6.5
      bicarbonate buffer (representing the conditions in the proximal small intestine)
      was used as a standard to optimize the employed phosphate buffer molarity. To
      account for the fact that a pH and buffer molarity gradient exists along the
      small intestine, the introduction of such a gradient was proposed for products
      with prolonged lag times (when it leads to a release lower than 75% in the first
      hour post acid stage) in the proposed buffer. This would allow the method also to
      predict the performance of later-disintegrating products. Dissolution performance
      using the accordingly developed method was compared to that observed when using
      two well-established dissolution methods: the United States Pharmacopeia (USP)
      method and blank fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF). The resulting
      dissolution profiles were convoluted using GastroPlus software to obtain
      predicted pharmacokinetic profiles. A pharmacokinetic study on healthy human
      volunteers was performed to evaluate the predictions made by the different
      dissolution setups. The novel method provided the best prediction, by a
      relatively wide margin, for the difference between the lag times of the two
      tested formulations, indicating its being able to predict the post gastric
      emptying onset of drug release with reasonable accuracy. Both the new and the
      blank FaSSIF methods showed potential for establishing in vitro-in vivo
      correlation (IVIVC) concerning the prediction of Cmax and AUC0-24 (prediction
      errors not more than 20%). However, these predictions are strongly affected by
      the highly variable first pass metabolism necessitating the evaluation of an
      absorption rate metric that is more independent of the first-pass effect. The
      Cmax/AUC0-24 ratio was selected for this purpose. Regarding this metric's
      predictions, the new method provided very good prediction of the two products'
      performances relative to each other (only 1.05% prediction error in this regard),
      while its predictions for the individual products' values in absolute terms were
      borderline, narrowly missing the regulatory 20% prediction error limits (21.51%
      for Aspirin Protect and 22.58% for Walgreens Aspirin). The blank FaSSIF-based
      method provided good Cmax/AUC0-24 ratio prediction, in absolute terms, for
      Aspirin Protect (9.05% prediction error), but its prediction for Walgreens
      Aspirin (33.97% prediction error) was overwhelmingly poor. Thus it gave
      practically the same average but much higher maximum prediction errors compared
      to the new method, and it was strongly overdiscriminating as for predicting their
      performances relative to one another. The USP method, despite not being
      overdiscriminating, provided poor predictions of the individual products'
      Cmax/AUC0-24 ratios. This indicates that, overall, the new method is of improved
      biopredictivity compared to established methods.

PMID- 27139043
TI  - Market in San Miguel: Lew Davis.

PMID- 27139044
TI  - Cultural Influences Reflected in Divergent US vs UK Human Embryo Research
      Policies.

PMID- 27139052
TI  - Patient Safety at the Crossroads.

PMID- 27139053
TI  - A PIECE OF MY MIND. Tasteless Insights.

PMID- 27139054
TI  - Optimizing Treatment for Locally Advanced Pancreas Cancer: Progress but No
      Precision.

PMID- 27139055
TI  - Addressing the Appropriateness of Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing in the United
      States: An Important First Step.

PMID- 27139056
TI  - Price Transparency: Not a Panacea for High Health Care Costs.

PMID- 27139058
TI  - Effect of a Web-Based Guided Self-help Intervention for Prevention of Major
      Depression in Adults With Subthreshold Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Evidence-based treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) are not
      very successful in improving functional and health outcomes. Attention has
      increasingly been focused on the prevention of MDD. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      effectiveness of a web-based guided self-help intervention for the prevention of
      MDD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Two-group randomized clinical trial
      conducted between March 1, 2013, and March 4, 2015. Participants were recruited
      in Germany from the general population via a large statutory health insurance
      company (ie, insurance funded by joint employer-employee contributions).
      Participants included 406 self-selected adults with subthreshold depression
      (Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score >=16, no current MDD
      according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fourth
      Edition, Text Revision] criteria). INTERVENTIONS: All participants had
      unrestricted access to usual care (visits to the primary care clinician) and were
      randomized to either a web-based guided self-help intervention (cognitive
      behavioral and problem-solving therapy supported by an online trainer; n = 202)
      or a web-based psychoeducation program (n = 204). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The
      primary outcome was time to onset of MDD in the intervention group relative to
      the control group over a 12-month follow-up period as assessed by blinded
      diagnostic raters using the telephone-administered Structured Clinical Interview
      for DSM-IV Axis Disorders at 6- and 12-month follow-up, covering the period to
      the previous assessment. RESULTS: Among 406 randomized patients (mean age, 45
      years; 73.9% women), 335 (82%) completed the telephone follow-up at 12 months.
      Fifty-five participants (27%) in the intervention group experienced MDD compared
      with 84 participants (41%) in the control group. Cox regression analyses
      controlling for baseline depressive symptom severity revealed a hazard ratio of
      0.59 (95% CI, 0.42-0.82; P = .002) at 12-month follow-up. The number needed to
      treat to avoid 1 new case of MDD was 5.9 (95% CI, 3.9-14.6). CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Among patients with subthreshold depression, the use of a web-based
      guided self-help intervention compared with enhanced usual care reduced the
      incidence of MDD over 12 months. Further research is needed to understand whether
      the effects are generalizable to both first onset of depression and depression
      recurrence as well as efficacy without the use of an online trainer. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: DRKS00004709.

PMID- 27139057
TI  - Effect of Chemoradiotherapy vs Chemotherapy on Survival in Patients With Locally
      Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Controlled After 4 Months of Gemcitabine With or
      Without Erlotinib: The LAP07 Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: In locally advanced pancreatic cancer, the role of chemoradiotherapy
      is controversial and the efficacy of erlotinib is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To assess
      whether chemoradiotherapy improves overall survival of patients with locally
      advanced pancreatic cancer controlled after 4 months of gemcitabine-based
      induction chemotherapy and to assess the effect of erlotinib on survival. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In LAP07, an international, open-label, phase 3
      randomized trial, 449 patients were enrolled between 2008 and 2011. Follow-up
      ended in February 2013. INTERVENTIONS: In the first randomization, 223 patients
      received 1000 mg/m2 weekly of gemcitabine alone and 219 patients received 1000
      mg/m2 of gemcitabine plus 100 mg/d of erlotinib. In the second randomization
      involving patients with progression-free disease after 4 months, 136 patients
      received 2 months of the same chemotherapy and 133 underwent chemoradiotherapy
      (54 Gy plus capecitabine). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was
      overall survival from the date of the first randomization. Secondary outcomes
      were the effect of erlotinib and quality assurance of radiotherapy on overall
      survival, progression-free survival of gemcitabine-erlotinib and erlotinib
      maintenance with gemcitabine alone at the second randomization, and toxic
      effects. RESULTS: A total of 442 of the 449 patients (232 men; median age, 63.3
      years) enrolled underwent the first randomization. Of these, 269 underwent the
      second randomization. Interim analysis was performed when 221 patients died (109
      in the chemoradiotherapy group and 112 in the chemotherapy group), reaching the
      early stopping boundaries for futility. With a median follow-up of 36.7 months,
      the median overall survival from the date of the first randomization was not
      significantly different between chemotherapy at 16.5 months (95% CI, 14.5-18.5
      months) and chemoradiotherapy at 15.2 months (95% CI, 13.9-17.3 months; hazard
      ratio [HR], 1.03; 95% CI, 0.79-1.34; P = .83). Median overall survival from the
      date of the first randomization for the 223 patients receiving gemcitabine was
      13.6 months (95% CI, 12.3-15.3 months) and was 11.9 months (95% CI, 10.4-13.5
      months) for the 219 patients receiving gemcitabine plus erlotinib (HR, 1.19; 95%
      CI, 0.97-1.45; P = .09; 188 deaths vs 191 deaths). Chemoradiotherapy was
      associated with decreased local progression (32% vs 46%, P = .03) and no increase
      in grade 3 to 4 toxicity, except for nausea. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this
      open-label, randomized trial involving patients with locally advanced pancreatic
      cancer with disease controlled after 4 months of induction chemotherapy, there
      was no significant difference in overall survival with chemoradiotherapy compared
      with chemotherapy alone and there was no significant difference in overall
      survival with gemcitabine compared with gemcitabine plus erlotinib used as
      maintenance therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:
      NCT00634725.

PMID- 27139059
TI  - Prevalence of Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescriptions Among US Ambulatory Care
      Visits, 2010-2011.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
      set a goal of reducing inappropriate outpatient antibiotic use by 50% by 2020,
      but the extent of inappropriate outpatient antibiotic use is unknown. OBJECTIVE:
      To estimate the rates of outpatient oral antibiotic prescribing by age and
      diagnosis, and the estimated portions of antibiotic use that may be inappropriate
      in adults and children in the United States. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
      Using the 2010-2011 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital
      Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, annual numbers and population-adjusted rates with
      95% confidence intervals of ambulatory visits with oral antibiotic prescriptions
      by age, region, and diagnosis in the United States were estimated. EXPOSURES:
      Ambulatory care visits. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Based on national guidelines
      and regional variation in prescribing, diagnosis-specific prevalence and rates of
      total and appropriate antibiotic prescriptions were determined. These rates were
      combined to calculate an estimate of the appropriate annual rate of antibiotic
      prescriptions per 1000 population. RESULTS: Of the 184,032 sampled visits, 12.6%
      of visits (95% CI, 12.0%-13.3%) resulted in antibiotic prescriptions. Sinusitis
      was the single diagnosis associated with the most antibiotic prescriptions per
      1000 population (56 antibiotic prescriptions [95% CI, 48-64]), followed by
      suppurative otitis media (47 antibiotic prescriptions [95% CI, 41-54]), and
      pharyngitis (43 antibiotic prescriptions [95% CI, 38-49]). Collectively, acute
      respiratory conditions per 1000 population led to 221 antibiotic prescriptions
      (95% CI, 198-245) annually, but only 111 antibiotic prescriptions were estimated
      to be appropriate for these conditions. Per 1000 population, among all conditions
      and ages combined in 2010-2011, an estimated 506 antibiotic prescriptions (95%
      CI, 458-554) were written annually, and, of these, 353 antibiotic prescriptions
      were estimated to be appropriate antibiotic prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: In the United States in 2010-2011, there was an estimated annual
      antibiotic prescription rate per 1000 population of 506, but only an estimated
      353 antibiotic prescriptions were likely appropriate, supporting the need for
      establishing a goal for outpatient antibiotic stewardship.

PMID- 27139060
TI  - Association Between Availability of a Price Transparency Tool and Outpatient
      Spending.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: There is increasing interest in using price transparency tools to
      decrease health care spending. OBJECTIVE: To measure the association between
      offering a health care price transparency tool and outpatient spending. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Two large employers represented in multiple market
      areas across the United States offered an online health care price transparency
      tool to their employees. One introduced it on April 1, 2011, and the other on
      January 1, 2012. The tool provided users information about what they would pay
      out of pocket for services from different physicians, hospitals, or other
      clinical sites. Using a matched difference-in-differences design, outpatient
      spending among employees offered the tool (n=148,655) was compared with that
      among employees from other companies not offered the tool (n=295,983) in the year
      before and after it was introduced. EXPOSURE: Availability of a price
      transparency tool. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Annual outpatient spending,
      outpatient out-of-pocket spending, use rates of the tool. RESULTS: Mean
      outpatient spending among employees offered the tool was $2021 in the year before
      the tool was introduced and $2233 in the year after. In comparison, among
      controls, mean outpatient spending changed from $1985 to $2138. After adjusting
      for demographic and health characteristics, being offered the tool was associated
      with a mean $59 (95% CI, $25-$93) increase in outpatient spending. Mean
      outpatient out-of-pocket spending among those offered the tool was $507 in the
      year before introduction of the tool and $555 in the year after. Among the
      comparison group, mean outpatient out-of-pocket spending changed from $490 to
      $520. Being offered the price transparency tool was associated with a mean $18
      (95% CI, $12-$25) increase in out-of-pocket spending after adjusting for relevant
      factors. In the first 12 months, 10% of employees who were offered the tool used
      it at least once. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among employees at 2 large
      companies, offering a price transparency tool was not associated with lower
      health care spending. The tool was used by only a small percentage of eligible
      employees.

PMID- 27139061
TI  - Pancreatic Cyst Disease: A Review.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Cystic lesions of the pancreas are common and increasingly detected
      in the primary care setting. Some patients have a low risk for developing a
      malignancy and others have a high risk and need further testing and
      interventions. OBSERVATIONS: Pancreatic cysts may be intraductal mucinous
      neoplasms, mucinous cystic neoplasms, serous cystadenomas, solid pseudopapillary
      neoplasms, cystic variations of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinomas, or 1 of several types of nonneoplastic cysts. Mucinous
      (intraductal mucinous neoplasm or mucinous cystic neoplasm) lesions have
      malignant potential and should be distinguished from serous lesions (serous
      cystadenomas) that are nearly always benign. Symptomatic patients or those having
      high-risk features on initial imaging (eg, main pancreatic duct dilatation, a
      solid component, or mural nodule) require further evaluation with advanced
      imaging, possibly followed by surgical resection. Advanced imaging includes
      endoscopic ultrasound with cyst fluid analysis and cytology to confirm the type
      of cyst and determine the risk of malignancy. Small cysts (size <3 cm) in
      asymptomatic patients without any suspicious features may be observed with serial
      imaging because the risk for malignancy is low. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The
      management of pancreatic cysts requires risk stratification for malignant
      potential based on the presence or absence of symptoms and high-risk features on
      cross-sectional imaging. Because pancreatic cysts are becoming more frequently
      diagnosed, clinicians should have a systematic approach for establishing a
      diagnosis and determining which patients require treatment.

PMID- 27139062
TI  - Recognizing Sun Safety as an Employee Health Issue.

PMID- 27139063
TI  - An Elderly Unresponsive Patient.

PMID- 27139064
TI  - Infections in Early Life and Development of Type 1 Diabetes.

PMID- 27139065
TI  - Noninvasive Ventilation and Outcomes Among Immunocompromised Patients.

PMID- 27139066
TI  - Noninvasive Ventilation and Outcomes Among Immunocompromised Patients.

PMID- 27139067
TI  - Noninvasive Ventilation and Outcomes Among Immunocompromised Patients--Reply.

PMID- 27139068
TI  - The Undiagnosed Diseases Program.

PMID- 27139069
TI  - Treatment of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease.

PMID- 27139070
TI  - The Undiagnosed Diseases Program--Reply.

PMID- 27139071
TI  - Treatment of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease.

PMID- 27139072
TI  - Treatment of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease--Reply.

PMID- 27139075
TI  - Cooperation in Social Insurance Investigation.

PMID- 27139073
TI  - Treatment of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease--Reply.

PMID- 27139076
TI  - JAMA PATIENT PAGE. Dietary Guidelines for Americans--Eat Less Fat.

PMID- 27139078
TI  - Reacknowledging a "motor dimension" will lead to biologically reliable phenotypes
      and innovative treatment strategies in mental disorders.

PMID- 27139077
TI  - Executive dysfunction and cognitive subgroups in a large sample of euthymic
      patients with bipolar disorder.
AB  - Bipolar disorder (BP), at the group level, is associated with significant but
      modest cognitive deficits, including executive dysfunction. Among executive
      functions, response inhibition deficits have been suggested to be particularly
      relevant to BP. However, BP is associated with significant heterogeneity in
      neurocognitive performance and level of functioning. Very few studies have
      investigated neurocognitive subgroups in BP with data-driven methods rather than
      arbitrarily defined criteria. Other than having relatively small sample sizes,
      previous studies have not taken into consideration the neurocognitive variability
      in healthy subjects. Five-hundred-fifty-six euthymic patients with BP and 416
      healthy controls were assessed using a battery of cognitive tests and clinical
      measures. Neurocognitive subgroups were investigated using latent class analysis,
      based on executive functions. Four neurocognitive subgroups, including a good
      performance cluster, two moderately low-performance groups, which differ in
      response inhibition and reasoning abilities, and a severe impairment cluster were
      found. In comparison to healthy controls, BP patients were overrepresented in
      severe impairment cluster (27% vs 5.3%) and underrepresented in good performance
      cluster. BP patients with lower educational attainment and older age were
      significantly more likely to be members of cognitively impaired subgroups.
      Antipsychotic use was less common in good performance cluster. These results
      suggest that there is a considerable overlap of cognitive functions between BP
      and healthy controls. Neurocognitive differences between BP and healthy controls
      are driven by a subgroup of patients who have severe and global, rather than
      selective, cognitive deficits.

PMID- 27139079
TI  - A meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials of vortioxetine for the
      treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.
AB  - The efficacy and safety of vortioxetine, an antidepressant approved for the
      treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), was studied in 11
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of 6/8 weeks' treatment
      duration. An aggregated study-level meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the
      magnitude and dose-relationship of the clinical effect of approved doses of
      vortioxetine (5-20mg/day). The primary outcome measure was change from baseline
      to endpoint in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score.
      Differences from placebo were analyzed using mixed model for repeated
      measurements (MMRM) analysis, with a sensitivity analysis also conducted using
      last observation carried forward. Secondary outcomes included MADRS single-item
      scores, response rate (>=50% reduction in baseline MADRS), remission rate (MADRS
      <=10), and Clinical Global Impressions scores. Across the 11 studies, 1824
      patients were treated with placebo and 3304 with vortioxetine (5mg/day: n=1001;
      10mg/day: n=1042; 15mg/day: n=449; 20mg/day: n=812). The MMRM meta-analysis
      demonstrated that vortioxetine 5, 10, and 20mg/day were associated with
      significant reductions in MADRS total score (Delta-2.27, Delta-3.57, and Delta
      4.57, respectively; p<0.01) versus placebo. The effects of 15mg/day (Delta-2.60;
      p=0.105) were not significantly different from placebo. Vortioxetine 10 and
      20mg/day were associated with significant reductions in 9 of 10 MADRS single-item
      scores. Vortioxetine treatment was also associated with significantly higher
      rates of response and remission and with significant improvements in other
      depression-related scores versus placebo. This meta-analysis of vortioxetine (5
      20mg/day) in adults with MDD supports the efficacy demonstrated in the individual
      studies, with treatment effect increasing with dose.

PMID- 27139080
TI  - Between-person and within-person approaches to the prediction of ambulatory blood
      pressure: the role of affective valence and intensity.
AB  - Identifying momentary influences on ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) will help
      explain ABP variability; however, most research only examines aggregate ABP at
      the between-person level. This study used within-person methods to examine
      whether affective dimensions-valence and arousal-differentially predicted
      momentary ABP levels. A community sample (n = 39) wore an ABP cuff that took BP
      measurements every 20 min for 24 h. At each measurement, participants reported
      levels of valence and arousal on electronic diaries. Multilevel modeling was used
      to examine the effects of momentary and person-averaged levels of valence and
      arousal on ABP. Greater momentary negative valence and arousal predicted higher
      systolic BP compared to more positive or lower arousal assessments; higher
      averaged levels of arousal predicted higher DBP. The results suggest the
      independence of the effects of valence and arousal on BP. These findings have
      important implications for designing interventions to lower ABP.

PMID- 27139081
TI  - Variability in the diagnostic performance of a bedside rapid diagnostic influenza
      test over four epidemic seasons in a pediatric emergency department.
AB  - We wanted to determine the diagnostic performance of a rapid influenza diagnostic
      test (RIDT) used bedside in a pediatric emergency department (PED). This was a
      prospective study over four consecutive winters (2009-2013), comparing the
      results of a RIDT (QuickVue(r)) with RT-PCR in children admitted to a PED. Among
      the 764 children included, we did not observe any significant differences in the
      diagnostic performance of RIDT except during the H1N1 pandemic. The overall
      sensitivity of the test was 0.82; the specificity 0.98; the positive and negative
      likelihood ratios 37.8 and 0.19. The positive and negative post-test
      probabilities of infection were 98% and 17%. The diagnostic performance was
      increased for influenza B cases (P = 0.03). RIDTs are suitable for use every
      winter with few differences in its diagnostic value, except during specific
      pandemic periods. This test could limit unnecessary complementary exams and guide
      the prescription of antivirals during influenza epidemic periods in PEDs. 

PMID- 27139082
TI  - Integrating physiology, behavior, and energetics: Biologging in a free-living
      arctic hibernator.
AB  - The use of animal-borne instruments (ABIs), including biologgers and
      biotransmitters, has played an integral role in advancing our understanding of
      adjustments made by animals in their physiology and behavior across their annual
      and daily cycles and in response to weather and environmental change. Here, we
      review our research employing body temperature (Tb), light, and acceleration
      biologgers to measure patterns of physiology and behavior of a free-living, semi
      fossorial hibernator, the arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryii). We have
      used these devices to address a variety of physiological, ecological, and
      evolutionary questions within the fields of hibernation physiology, phenology,
      behavioral ecology, and chronobiology. We have also combined biologging with
      other approaches, such as endocrinology and tracking the thermal environment, to
      provide insights into the physiological mechanisms that underlie fundamental
      questions in biology including physiological performance trade-offs, timing and
      functional energetics. Finally, we explore the practical and methodological
      considerations that need to be addressed in biologging studies of free-living
      vertebrates and discuss future technological advancements that will increase the
      power and potential of biologging as a tool for assessing physiological function
      in dynamic and changing environments.

PMID- 27139083
TI  - Estimates of metabolic rate and major constituents of metabolic demand in fishes
      under field conditions: Methods, proxies, and new perspectives.
AB  - Metabolic costs are central to individual energy budgets, making estimates of
      metabolic rate vital to understanding how an organism interacts with its
      environment as well as the role of species in their ecosystem. Despite the
      ecological and commercial importance of fishes, there are currently no widely
      adopted means of measuring field metabolic rate in fishes. The lack of recognized
      methods is in part due to the logistical difficulties of measuring metabolic
      rates in free swimming fishes. However, further development and refinement of
      techniques applicable for field-based studies on free swimming animals would
      greatly enhance the capacity to study fish under environmentally relevant
      conditions. In an effort to foster discussion in this area, from field ecologists
      to biochemists alike, we review aspects of energy metabolism and give details on
      approaches that have been used to estimate energetic parameters in fishes. In
      some cases, the techniques have been applied to field conditions; while in
      others, the methods have been primarily used on laboratory held fishes but should
      be applicable, with validation, to fishes in their natural environment.
      Limitations, experimental considerations and caveats of these measurements and
      the study of metabolism in wild fishes in general are also discussed. Potential
      novel approaches to FMR estimates are also presented for consideration. The
      innovation of methods for measuring field metabolic rate in free-ranging wild
      fish would revolutionize the study of physiological ecology.

PMID- 27139084
TI  - Incidence of Sperm Surface Autoantibodies and Relationship with Routine Semen
      Parameters and Sperm Kinematics.
AB  - PROBLEM: Antisperm antibodies (ASA) are associated with male subfertility.
      However, results on sperm surface autoantibodies are controversial, the
      relationship between ASA and semen parameters (WHO, 2010) is unknown, and data on
      ASA and sperm kinematics are scarce. METHOD OF STUDY: A retrospective study
      carried out in men undergoing routine semen analysis (WHO 2010), ASA evaluation
      (direct SpermMAR(TM) (IgG) test), and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA).
      RESULTS: A 2.6% and a 5.9% incidence of ASA-positive cases were found (cut-off
      50% and 10%, respectively; n = 7492). ASA-positive samples had lower (P < 0.0001)
      sperm concentration, count, motility, and hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test score.
      HOS results did not correlate with sperm vitality in normozoospermic samples with
      high ASA levels. In unselected samples, ASA-positive samples (cut-off 50%) showed
      decreased sperm kinematics (VSL, VAP, LIN, ALH, STR, BCF, WOB), but in
      normozoospermic samples, ASA-positive and ASA-negative subgroups had similar CASA
      results. CONCLUSIONS: ASA evaluation is highly relevant in full semen assessment.

PMID- 27139112
TI  - Experimental evolution reveals that high relatedness protects multicellular
      cooperation from cheaters.
AB  - In multicellular organisms, there is a potential risk that cheating mutants gain
      access to the germline. Development from a single-celled zygote resets
      relatedness among cells to its maximum value each generation, which should
      accomplish segregation of cheating mutants from non-cheaters and thereby protect
      multicellular cooperation. Here we provide the crucial direct comparison between
      high- and low-relatedness conditions to test this hypothesis. We allow two
      variants of the fungus Neurospora crassa to evolve, one with and one without the
      ability to form chimeras with other individuals, thus generating two relatedness
      levels. While multicellular cooperation remains high in the high-relatedness
      lines, it significantly decreases in all replicate low-relatedness lines,
      resulting in an average threefold decrease in spore yield. This reduction is
      caused by cheating mutants with reduced investment in somatic functions, but
      increased competitive success when fusing with non-cheaters. Our experiments
      demonstrate that high genetic relatedness is crucial to sustain multicellular
      cooperation. 

PMID- 27139113
TI  - Facebook Advertising To Recruit Pediatric Populations.

PMID- 27139114
TI  - Non-18F-FDG PET/CT in the management of patients affected by HNC: state-of-the
      art.
AB  - PET/computed tomography with F-fluorodeoxyglucose is considered a powerful
      molecular imaging technique that can provide useful information in the management
      of patients affected by head and neck cancer. However, misleading findings have
      been reported because of nonspecific uptake caused by peritumoural inflammation
      and physiologic changes in nonmalignant tissues in the head and neck region. More
      specific beta-emitting tracers have been introduced that can track other
      pathological processes. We aimed to review the existing literature performing the
      search until June 2015 on non-F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET tracers in head and neck
      cancer to highlight their role in clinical practice. 

PMID- 27139116
TI  - A Review of Radiation Protection Solutions for the Staff in the Cardiac
      Catheterisation Laboratory.
AB  - Adverse health effects of radiation exposure to staff in cardiac catheterisation
      laboratories have been well documented in the literature. Examples include
      increased risk of cataracts as well as possible malignancies. These risks can be
      partly mitigated by reducing scatter radiation exposure to staff during
      diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures. There are currently
      commercially available radiation protection tools, including radioprotective
      caps, gloves, eyewear, thyroid collars, aprons, mounted shields, table skirts and
      patient drapes to protect staff from excessive radiation exposure. Furthermore,
      real-time dose feedback could lead to procedural changes that reduce operator
      dose. The objective of this review is to examine the efficacy of these tools and
      provide practical recommendations to reduce occupational radiation exposure with
      the aim of minimising long-term adverse health outcomes. 

PMID- 27139115
TI  - Comparing Performance of Risk Scores for Combined Aortic Valve Replacement and
      Coronary Bypass Grafting Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) and/or coronary artery bypass grafting
      (CABG) make up the majority of cardiac surgery with increasing demand as the
      population ages. Accuracy of risk stratification is important, in predicting
      adverse outcomes and selecting modality of intervention, but has been rarely
      studied for the combined AVR+CABG operation. We compared the prognostic utility
      of EuroSCORE, EuroSCORE II and Society of Thoracic Surgeons' (STS) Score for
      AVR+CABG. METHODS: All patients (n=450) undergoing AVR+CABG at Auckland City
      Hospital during 2005-2012 with mean follow-up of 4.7+/-2.5 years were included.
      The three risk scores were calculated and their discrimination and calibration
      for mortality and morbidities assessed. RESULTS: Operative mortality was 6.4%
      (29), and mean scores were EuroSCORE 12.5+/-11.1%, EuroSCORE II 6.6+/-6.1% and
      STS Score 5.5+/-4.4%. C-statistics were 0.587, 0.669 and 0.699 respectively for
      operative mortality, Hosmer-Lemeshow test P-values were 0.064, 0.718 and 0.567,
      and Brier Score 0.716, 0.585 and 0.588. Independent predictors of operative
      mortality were history of myocardial infarction and impaired renal function.
      Society of Thoracic Surgeons' score also was the most accurate score for
      predicting mortality during follow-up (c=0.663), composite morbidity (c=0.627),
      stroke (c=0.642), prolonged ventilation>24hours (c=0.642), and return to theatre
      (c=0.612). CONCLUSION: The STS score has the best discriminative ability for
      mortality and the majority of complications after AVR+CABG, while its calibration
      was similar to EuroSCORE II and superior to EuroSCORE. It should therefore be
      used for risk stratification and when considering surgical versus percutaneous
      intervention in those with concurrent aortic valve and coronary artery disease.

PMID- 27139117
TI  - An Unusual Cause of Localised ST Elevation following Insertion of a Permanent
      Pacemaker.

PMID- 27139118
TI  - Potential exposure routes and accumulation kinetics for poly- and perfluorinated
      alkyl compounds for a freshwater amphipod: Gammarus spp. (Crustacea).
AB  - Gammarids were exposed to sediments from a deposition site located on the Rhone
      River (France) downstream of a fluoropolymer manufacturing plant. Gammarids
      accumulated to various extents four long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids
      (PFCAs) from C9 to C13, one sulfonate, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and three
      of its precursors (the perflurooctane sulfonamide (FOSA), the N-methyl
      perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (MeFOSAA), the N-ethyl perfluorooctane
      sulfonamidoacetic acid (EtFOSAA) and the 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (6:2
      FTSA). Whatever the compound, the steady state was not achieved after a 3-week
      exposure; elimination was almost complete after a 3-week depuration period for
      perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), PFOS, the three precursors and the 6:2FTSA.
      However, this was not the case for long-chain PFCAs, whose elimination rates
      decreased with increasing chain length. PFAS accumulation in gammarids occurred
      via the trophic and respiratory pathways, in proportions varying with the carbon
      chain length and the terminal moiety. 

PMID- 27139119
TI  - Influence of organic acids on kinetic release of chromium in soil contaminated
      with leather factory waste in the presence of some adsorbents.
AB  - In this study, batch experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of
      nanoparticles (NPs) (MgO, ZnO, TiO2) and clay minerals (bentonite, zeolite) on
      the release of chromium (Cr) from leather factory waste (LFW) and LFW treated
      soil using organic acids. Chromium release from all treatments was studied in the
      presence of citric acid, oxalic acid and CaCl2 solutions. The results showed
      that, in all treatments, organic acids released more Cr than inorganic salt
      (CaCl2). The release of Cr by citric acid was higher than that by oxalic acid. In
      LFW treated soil and LFW, the release of Cr from the all treatments with NPs was
      less than that from the clay mineral treatments. On the other hand, in the
      presence of organic acids, Cr release by NPs and clay minerals decreased. Two
      kinetic models including pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order model were tested
      to describe the time dependent Cr release data. Among the kinetic models used,
      the pseudo-second-order model generally gave the best fits to experimental data.
      Before and after release experiments, Cr in LFW, treated LFW, control soil and
      LFW treated soils were fractionated. In all treatments, the greatest amounts of
      Cr were found in the residual fraction (RES). The organic acids were effective in
      reducing the exchangeable (EXC), bound to organic matter (OM) and bound to
      carbonate (CAR) fractions of Cr in all treatments, whereas, after release of Cr
      from treated soils, Cr remained mainly in the RES fraction. The application of
      NPs and clay minerals in soil led to a significant transformation of Cr from
      mobile fractions to the RES fraction. Therefore, organic ligands played a
      dominant role in mobility and bioavailability of Cr and the removal of Cr by
      adsorbents. 

PMID- 27139120
TI  - Assessing chemical toxicity of ionic liquids on Vibrio fischeri: Correlation with
      structure and composition.
AB  - One of the most important properties of ionic liquids is their non-volatility,
      making them potentially "green" alternatives to volatile organic compounds.
      However, they are widely soluble in water, meaning that they can be released into
      aquatic ecosystems and so contribute to water pollution. Nevertheless, although
      the toxicity of ILs has been widely assessed in the literature, the information
      is still scarce due to the great number of ionic liquids that have been
      synthesized. The present work reports the toxicity of twenty-nine imidazolium-,
      pyridinium- and ammonium-based ionic liquids towards the bioluminescent
      photobacterium Vibrio fischeri. When the effect of the type of anion, the length
      of the alkyl chain of the cation, the cation core and the presence of a
      functionalized side chain in the cation on ionic liquid toxicity were analyzed,
      the main influence was seen to be exercised by the alkyl chain length. A
      Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships-based method was used to compare
      the experimental results with previously estimated values and very good agreement
      was obtained. A relationship between the toxicity, expressed as Log EC50, and the
      1-octanol-water partition coefficient was established. 

PMID- 27139121
TI  - Toxicities of glyphosate- and cypermethrin-based pesticides are antagonic in the
      tenspotted livebearer fish (Cnesterodon decemmaculatus).
AB  - Although pesticide contamination of surface waters normally occurs in the form of
      mixtures, the toxicity and interactions displayed by such mixtures have been
      little characterized until now. The present study examined the interactions
      prevailing in equitoxic and non-equitoxic binary mixtures of formulations of
      glyphosate (Glifoglex((r))) and cypermethrin (Glextrin((r))) to the tenspotted
      livebearer (Cnesterodon decemmaculatus), a widely distributed South American
      fish. The following 96 h-LC50s were obtained when pesticide formulations were
      tested individually: Glifoglex((r)) 41.4 and 53 mg ae glyphosate/L; Glextrin((r))
      1.89 and 2.60 MUg cypermethrin/L. Equitoxic and non-equitoxic mixtures were
      significantly antagonic in all combinations tested. The magnitude of the
      antagonism (factor by which toxicity differed from concentration addition) varied
      between 1.37 and 3.09 times in the different non-equitoxic mixtures tested.
      Antagonism was due to a strong inhibition of cypermethrin toxicity by the
      glyphosate formulation, the toxicity of the cypermethrin-based pesticide being
      almost completely overridden by the glyphosate formulation. Results obtained in
      the current study with fish are radically opposite to those previously observed
      in tadpoles where synergy was observed when Glifoglex((r)) and Glextrin((r)) were
      present in mixtures (Brodeur et al., 2014). 

PMID- 27139122
TI  - Transcriptional changes in steroidogenesis by perfluoroalkyl acids (PFOA and
      PFOS) regulate the synthesis of sex hormones in H295R cells.
AB  - Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are two of the
      most widely used perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). Because of their strong
      persistence, they have become widely distributed throughout the environment and
      human bodies. PFOA and PFOS are suspected to disrupt the endocrine system based
      upon many in vivo studies, but the underlying mechanisms are currently unclear.
      In this study, we investigated the endocrine-related effects of PFOA and PFOS
      using in vitro estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) transactivation
      assays and steroidogenesis assay. The results showed that PFOA and PFOS exhibited
      weak antagonistic ER transactivation but did not exhibit agonistic ER or AR
      transactivation. In the steroidogenesis assay, PFOA and PFOS induced 17beta
      estradiol (E2) level and reduced testosterone level, which would be caused by the
      induction of aromatase activity. The qPCR analysis of genes involved in
      steroidogenesis indicates that PFOA and PFOS associate with sex hormone synthesis
      by the transcriptional induction of two genes, cyp19 and 3beta-hsd2. Moreover,
      the transcriptional induction of cyp11b2 by PFOS suggests that this chemical may
      underlie the disruption of several physiological functions related to
      aldosterone. The results of the current study suggest that PFOA and PFOS are
      potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and provide information for
      further studies on the molecular events that initiate the adverse endocrine
      effects. 

PMID- 27139123
TI  - Effect of humic monomers on the adsorption of sulfamethoxazole sulfonamide
      antibiotic into a high silica zeolite Y: An interdisciplinary study.
AB  - The adsorption efficiency of a high silica zeolite Y towards sulfamethoxazole, a
      sulfonamide antibiotic, was evaluated in the presence of two humic monomers,
      vanillin and caffeic acid, representative of phenolic compounds usually occurring
      in water bodies, owing their dimension comparable to those of the zeolite
      microporosity. In the entire range of investigated pH (5-8), adsorption of
      vanillin, as a single component, was reversible whereas it was irreversible for
      sulfamethoxazole. In equimolar ternary mixtures, vanillin coadsorbed with
      sulfamethoxazole, conversely to what observed for caffeic acid, accordingly to
      their adsorption kinetics and pKa values. Lower and higher adsorptions were
      observed for sulfamethoxazole and vanillin, respectively, than what it was
      observed as single components, clearly revealing guest-guest interactions. An
      adduct formed through H-bonding between the carbonyl oxygen of vanillin and the
      heterocycle NH of sulfamethoxazole in amide form was observed in the zeolite pore
      by combined FTIR and Rietveld analysis, in agreement with Density Functional
      Theory calculations of the adduct stabilization energies. The formation of
      similar adducts, able to stabilize other naturally occurring phenolic compounds
      in the microporosities of hydrophobic sorbents, was proposed. 

PMID- 27139124
TI  - Moderate salinity reduced phenanthrene-induced stress in the halophyte plant
      model Thellungiella salsuginea compared to its glycophyte relative Arabidopsis
      thaliana: Cross talk and metabolite profiling.
AB  - It was shown that halophytes experience higher cross-tolerance to stresses than
      glycophytes, which was often associated with their more powerful antioxidant
      systems. Moreover, salinity was reported to enhance halophyte tolerance to
      several stresses. The aim of the present work was to investigate whether a
      moderate salinity enhances phenanthrene stress tolerance in the halophyte
      Thellungiella salsuginea. The model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, considered as its
      glycophyte relative, was used as reference. Our study was based on morpho
      physiological, antioxidant, and metabolomic parameters. Results showed that T.
      salsuginea was more tolerant to phenanthrene stress as compared to A. thaliana.
      An improvement of phenanthrene-induced responses was recorded in the two plants
      in the presence of 25 mM NaCl, but the effect was significantly more obvious in
      the halophyte. This observation was particularly related to the higher
      antioxidant activities and the induction of more adapted metabolism in the
      halophyte. Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to
      quantify alcohols, ammonium, sugars, and organic acids. It showed the
      accumulation of several metabolites, many of them are known to be involved in
      signaling and abiotic stress tolerance. Moderate salinity and phenanthrene cross
      tolerance involved in these two stresses was discussed. 

PMID- 27139125
TI  - Barriers to early cochlear implantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identify variables associated with paediatric access to cochlear
      implants (CIs). DESIGN: Part 1. Trends over time for age at CI surgery (N = 802)
      and age at hearing aid (HA) fitting (n = 487) were examined with regard to
      periods before, during, and after newborn hearing screening (NHS). Part 2.
      Demographic factors were explored for 417 children implanted under 3 years of
      age. Part 3. Pre-implant steps for the first 20 children to receive CIs under 12
      months were examined. RESULTS: Part 1. Age at HA fitting and CI surgery reduced
      over time, and were associated with NHS implementation. Part 2. For children
      implanted under 3 years, earlier age at HA fitting and higher family socio
      economic status were associated with earlier CI. Progressive hearing loss was
      associated with later CIs. Children with a Connexin 26 diagnosis received CIs
      earlier than children with a premature / low birth weight history. Part 3. The
      longest pre-CI steps were Step 1: Birth to diagnosis/identification of hearing
      loss (mean 16.43 weeks), and Step 11: MRI scans to implant surgery (mean 15.05
      weeks) for the first 20 infants with CIs under 12 months. CONCLUSION: NHS
      implementation was associated with reductions in age at device intervention in
      this cohort.

PMID- 27139126
TI  - Prognostic value of blood-biomarkers related to hypoxia, inflammation, immune
      response and tumour load in non-small cell lung cancer - A survival model with
      external validation.
AB  - AIM: Improve the prognostic prediction of clinical variables for non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC), by selecting from blood-biomarkers, non-invasively
      describing hypoxia, inflammation and tumour load. METHODS: Model development and
      validation included 182 and 181 inoperable stage I-IIIB NSCLC patients treated
      radically with radiotherapy (55.2%) or chemo-radiotherapy (44.8%). Least absolute
      shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), selected from blood-biomarkers related
      to hypoxia [osteopontin (OPN) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CA-IX)], inflammation
      [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and C-reactive protein (CRP)], and tumour load
      [carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and cytokeratin fragment 21-1 (Cyfra 21-1)].
      Sequent model extension selected from alpha-2-macroglobulin (alpha2M), serum
      interleukin-2 receptor (sIL2r), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Discrimination was reported by concordance
      index. RESULTS: OPN and Cyfra 21-1 (hazard ratios of 3.3 and 1.7) significantly
      improved a clinical model comprising gender, World Health Organization
      performance-status, forced expiratory volume in 1s, number of positive lymph node
      stations, and gross tumour volume, from a concordance-index of 0.66 to 0.70
      (validation=0.62 and 0.66). Extension of the validated model yielded a
      concordance-index of 0.67, including alpha2M, sIL2r and VEGF (hazard ratios of
      4.6, 3.1, and 1.4). CONCLUSION: Improvement of a clinical model including hypoxia
      and tumour load blood-biomarkers was validated. New immunological markers were
      associated with overall survival. Data and models can be found at
      www.cancerdata.org (http://dx.doi.org/10.17195/candat.2016.04.1) and
      www.predictcancer.org.

PMID- 27139127
TI  - Eligibility Criteria for Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease, Tremor,
      and Dystonia.
AB  - In this review, the available evidence to guide clinicians regarding eligibility
      for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the main conditions in which these forms of
      therapy are generally indicated-Parkinson's disease (PD), tremor, and dystonia-is
      presented. In general, the literature shows that DBS is effective for PD,
      essential tremor, and idiopathic dystonia. In these cases, key points in patient
      selection must include the level of disability and inability to manage symptoms
      using the best available medical therapy. Results are, however, still not optimal
      when dealing with other aetiologies, such as secondary tremors and symptomatic
      dystonia. Also, in PD, issues such as age and neuropsychiatric profile are still
      debatable parameters. Overall, currently available literature is able to guide
      physicians on basic aspects of patient selection and indications for DBS;
      however, a few points are still debatable and controversial. These issues should
      be refined and clarified in future studies. 

PMID- 27139128
TI  - Emergency Nurse Practitioner Certification (ENP-C).

PMID- 27139129
TI  - Why Do Patients Return to the Emergency Department?
AB  - Review of recent evidence with translation to practice for the advanced practice
      nurse (APN) role is presented using a case study module for "Return Visits to the
      Emergency Department: The Patient Perspective." This qualitative inquiry
      performed 60 semistructured interviews of patients who returned to the emergency
      department within 9 days of their primary visit for the same complaint. Patients
      most often returned because of concerns that their initial visit did not
      adequately address their complaint, and they needed assurance from providers that
      their clinical condition was not a serious health concern. Patients also
      expressed a lack of contact with a provider between the 2 visits either to answer
      questions or to address ongoing concerns. This study highlights the important
      role of the APN in providing quality care, reassurance, and communication related
      to follow-up care. 

PMID- 27139130
TI  - Patellar Dislocations and Reduction Procedure.
AB  - Acute patellar dislocations are a common injury occurring in adolescents involved
      in sports and dancing activities. This injury usually occurs when the knee is in
      full extension and sustains a valgus stress on the knee. The medial
      patellofemoral ligament is the medial restraint that assists in stabilizing the
      patella from lateral dislocations. The patella usually dislocates laterally and
      is usually not difficult to reduce after patient evaluation and prereduction
      radiographs. After postreduction radiographs confirm proper position of the
      patella postreduction and the absence of fractures, the patient is usually
      treated conservatively with initial immobilization, orthopedic referral, and
      physical therapy. 

PMID- 27139131
TI  - Complements Are Not Always a Good Thing: Novel Therapies for Angioedema.
AB  - Hereditary angioedema attacks are rare, but emergency care providers must be
      aware of the clinical presentation and treatment of these patients because the
      emergency department remains the most common setting where these patients seek
      treatment. If providers are not aware of the past medical history of these
      patients, they are likely to receive standard therapies for respiratory distress
      and anaphylaxis including antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine.
      However, these medications may not work in these patients, given the
      pathophysiology of their underlying disease. Since 2009, several new therapies
      have been approved for the treatment of acute hereditary angioedema attacks. This
      article discusses pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and use of novel
      therapies for the management of angioedema. 

PMID- 27139132
TI  - A Zebra Among Horses: A Case of Brugada Syndrome and Coronary Artery Disease.
AB  - Brugada syndrome (BrS) is recognized as a hereditary ion channel disorder with
      electrocardiographic changes. First appearing in the literature about 20 years
      ago, contemporary thoughts are that BrS may be responsible for many sudden
      cardiac deaths and is associated with ventricular dysrhythmias that can lead to
      syncope or cardiac arrest. Many individuals with BrS may have no or limited
      structural heart disease, whereas others may have subtle morphological changes in
      histopathology. This case reviews a single patient with BrS Type 1 who was found
      to have a high-level of coronary artery disease. Changes noted in the original
      electrocardiogram were of significant importance in reaching the diagnosis. 

PMID- 27139133
TI  - Predictors of Patient Satisfaction With Pain Management in the Emergency
      Department.
AB  - To identify predictors of patient satisfaction with pain control measured after
      emergency department (ED) discharge. This was a prospective, cross-sectional
      study conducted in an academic, urban ED in the United States. Adult patients
      with a pain-related complaint were interviewed via telephone within 72 hr of
      discharge from the ED. A standardized questionnaire was used to obtain
      demographic and clinical information. The primary outcome of interest was patient
      satisfaction with pain management in the ED measured using the following
      question: "How often was your pain well controlled in the ED?" (0-10 scale; 0 =
      never, 10 = always). Linear regression analyses were used to identify predictors
      of pain satisfaction. The study included 75 patients. The mean age of patients
      was 43 +/- 18 years, and the majority of patients were female (n = 47; 63%).
      There were 24 patients (32%) who had chronic pain conditions, 23 (31%) with
      depression, and 2 patients who admitted to using heroin. In the multivariate
      regression analysis, patient perception of enough pain medication provision
      (coefficient = 2.81; 95% CI [1.35, 4.26]; p < 0.001), staff helpfulness
      (coefficient = 0.35; 95% CI [0.10, 0.59]; p = 0.006), report of generalized pain
      (coefficient = -1.62; 95% CI [-2.87, -0.36]; p = 0.013), and lowest pain score
      achieved in the ED (coefficient = -0.30; 95% CI [-0.53, -0.04]; p = 0.021) was
      significantly associated with patient satisfaction (model R = 0.57). Patient
      perception of enough pain medication provision, staff helpfulness, lowest pain
      scores achieved, and patient report of generalized pain were associated with
      satisfaction with pain management in the ED. 

PMID- 27139134
TI  - Evaluation of a Sickle Cell Disease Educational Website for Emergency Providers.
AB  - Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a complex multisystem debilitating disease. Despite
      its complexity, health care providers who are not SCD experts receive little
      formal education on SCD. An open-access, educational website, "Emergency
      Department Sickle Cell Disease: Crisis Management and Beyond," was created to
      provide education about SCD to emergency department (ED) providers who are not
      SCD experts but who provide care for patients with SCD. Electronic surveys were
      used to conduct a formal evaluation of the accuracy and relevance of the
      website's content, as well as the effectiveness of the education modules in
      improving knowledge among health care providers. The evaluation consisted of (1)
      individual module pre- and post-knowledge assessment, (2) content validity
      assessment of educational modules, (3) overall website content assessment, and
      (4) overall website assessment (Health on the Net core principles). A convenient
      sample of ED providers, accelerated bachelor of science in nursing students, SCD
      experts, and website experts completed the anonymous surveys. Descriptive
      statistics and paired t tests were used to compare mean difference in post- minus
      pre-knowledge test scores. Knowledge scores statistically improved for nursing
      students (p value less than 0.0001). Emergency department providers showed a mean
      improvement of 3.2 points on the eight-item knowledge assessment. Both SCD
      experts and ED providers agreed that the module content was clear and easy to
      understand, accurate, comprehensive, relevant, and met module objectives.
      Participants agreed that the website was clear, easy to navigate, and visually
      appealing. Website experts stated that the website met much of the Health on the
      Net criteria. The website is a useful resource for providers and nursing
      students, especially those who serve or plan to serve in EDs. 

PMID- 27139135
TI  - Exploring the Relationship Among Moral Distress, Coping, and the Practice
      Environment in Emergency Department Nurses.
AB  - Emergency department (ED) nurses practice in environments that are highly charged
      and unpredictable in nature and can precipitate conflict between the necessary
      prescribed actions and the individual's sense of what is morally the right thing
      to do. As a consequence of multiple moral dilemmas, ED staff nurses are at risk
      for experiencing distress and how they cope with these challenges may impact
      their practice. To examine moral distress in ED nurses and its relationship to
      coping in that specialty group. Using survey methods approach. One hundred ninety
      eight ED nurses completed a moral distress, coping, and demographic collection
      instruments. Advanced statistical analysis was completed to look at relationships
      between the variables. Data analysis did show that moral distress is present in
      ED nurses (M = 80.19, SD = 53.27), and when separated into age groups, the
      greater the age, the less the experience of moral distress. A positive
      relationship between moral distress and some coping mechanisms and the ED
      environment was also noted. This study's findings suggest that ED nurses
      experience moral distress and could receive some benefit from utilization of
      appropriate coping skills. This study also suggests that the environment in which
      ED nurses practice has a significant impact on the experience of moral distress.
      Because health care is continuing to evolve, it is critical that issues such as
      moral distress and coping be studied in ED nurses to help eliminate human
      suffering. 

PMID- 27139136
TI  - Intervening to Improve Compassion Fatigue Resiliency in Forensic Nurses.
AB  - Evidence suggests that forensic nurses (FNs) may be predisposed to compassion
      fatigue (CF) as a result of the challenges of the profession including high
      caseloads, role ambiguity, prosecution goals, vicarious traumatization, attending
      to survivors' emotional needs, and empowering victims. The purpose of this
      exploratory study was to determine the prevalence of CF in a convenience sample
      of 55 FNs and examine the treatment effectiveness of a multifaceted education
      program in an intervention subset. The intervention was intended to increase
      compassion satisfaction (CS) and decrease CF symptoms in FNs in one organization
      who participated in the training. The hypothesis was that the FNs will have
      moderate to high CF and moderate to high CS and the CF intervention will add in
      CF prevention and resiliency as measured with an improvement in the Professional
      Quality of Life test scores (B. H. ). In the prevalence sample, 69% of the FNs
      had moderate to low CS, 73% had moderate to high burnout, and 73% had moderate to
      high levels of secondary traumatic stress (STS). In the intervention group, the
      education program resulted in a statistically significant increase in CS and
      decreases in STS symptoms. 

PMID- 27139137
TI  - Association of Blood Component Ratio With Clinical Outcomes in Patients After
      Trauma and Massive Transfusion: A Systematic Review.
AB  - Component ratios that mimic whole blood may produce survival benefit in patients
      massively transfused after trauma; other outcomes have not been reviewed. The
      purpose of this review was to systematically analyze studies where clinical
      outcomes were compared on the basis of the component ratios administered during
      massive transfusion in adult patients after trauma. PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE
      (Ovid) were searched for studies published in English between 2007 and 2015,
      performed at Level I or major trauma centers. Twenty-one studies were included in
      the analysis. We used an adapted 9-item instrument to assess bias risk. The
      average bias score for the studies was 2.86 +/- 1.39 out of 16, indicating a low
      bias risk. The most common bias sources were lack of data about primary outcomes
      and adverse events. Those who received high ratios experienced not only greater
      survival benefit but also higher rates of multiple-organ failure; all other
      clinical outcomes findings were equivocal. 

PMID- 27139138
TI  - A Zebra Among Horses: A Case of Brugada Syndrome and Coronary Artery Disease.

PMID- 27139139
TI  - pH- and Thiol-Responsive BODIPY-Based Photosensitizers for Targeted Photodynamic
      Therapy.
AB  - A diiodo distyryl boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) core was conjugated to two
      ferrocenyl quenchers through acid-labile ketal and/or thiol-cleavable disulfide
      linkers, of which the fluorescence and photosensitizing properties were
      significantly quenched through a photoinduced electron-transfer process. The two
      symmetrical analogues that contained either the ketal or disulfide linkers could
      only be activated by a single stimulus, whereas the unsymmetrical analogue was
      responsive to dual stimuli. Upon interaction with acid and/or dithiothreitol
      (DTT), these linkers were cleaved selectively. The separation of the BODIPY core
      and the ferrocenyl moieties restored the photoactivities of the former in
      phosphate buffered saline and inside the MCF-7 breast cancer cells, rendering
      these compounds as potential activable photosensitizers for targeted photodynamic
      therapy. The dual activable analogue exhibited the greatest enhancement in
      intracellular fluorescence intensity in both an acidic environment (pH 5) and the
      presence of DTT (4 mm). Its photocytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells also increased
      by about twofold upon preincubation with 4 mm of DTT. The activation of this
      compound was also demonstrated in nude mice bearing a HT29 human colorectal
      carcinoma. A significant increase in fluorescence intensity in the tumor was
      observed over 9 h after intratumoral injection.

PMID- 27139141
TI  - Cross-sectional studies of ultimate pH in lambs.
AB  - The ultimate pH of the longissimus muscle was measured in 1536 lambs routinely
      slaughtered at a meat export works in the southern part of the North Island
      during the 1981/82 season. The mean ultimate pH of ail samples was 5.60, and 7.2
      percent of the carcases had values equal to, or above, 6.00 whereas 85.3 percent
      of carcases had values below 5.80 which is considered to be optimal. The ultimate
      pH values of samples from lambs slaughtered during the summer period was
      significantly higher than those obtained during three other seasonal sampling
      periods and Perendale lambs had significantly higher ultimate pH values as
      compared to Iambs of other breeds. There was no statistical association between
      distance travelled before slaughter and the ultimate pH of carcases but there was
      a highly significant direct correlation between holding periods of lambs in the
      stockyards and ultimate pH of their meat. There was also a highly significant
      inverse correlation between fleece weight and ultimate pH and it is suggested
      that both this effect and the seasonal pattern of ultimate pH values indirectly
      reflect the major role that nutrition may play in the development of high
      ultimate pH meat in lambs. It is further suggested that washing of animals prior
      to slaughter and the length of subsequent resting periods are important factors
      in relation to the development of undesirably high ultimate pH values. 

PMID- 27139140
TI  - pGlyco: a pipeline for the identification of intact N-glycopeptides by using HCD-
      and CID-MS/MS and MS3.
AB  - Confident characterization of the microheterogeneity of protein glycosylation
      through identification of intact glycopeptides remains one of the toughest
      analytical challenges for glycoproteomics. Recently proposed mass spectrometry
      (MS)-based methods still have some defects such as lack of the false discovery
      rate (FDR) analysis for the glycan identification and lack of sufficient
      fragmentation information for the peptide identification. Here we proposed
      pGlyco, a novel pipeline for the identification of intact glycopeptides by using
      complementary MS techniques: 1) HCD-MS/MS followed by product-dependent CID-MS/MS
      was used to provide complementary fragments to identify the glycans, and a novel
      target-decoy method was developed to estimate the false discovery rate of the
      glycan identification; 2) data-dependent acquisition of MS3 for some most intense
      peaks of HCD-MS/MS was used to provide fragments to identify the peptide
      backbones. By integrating HCD-MS/MS, CID-MS/MS and MS3, intact glycopeptides
      could be confidently identified. With pGlyco, a standard glycoprotein mixture was
      analyzed in the Orbitrap Fusion, and 309 non-redundant intact glycopeptides were
      identified with detailed spectral information of both glycans and peptides.

PMID- 27139142
TI  - Comparison of pharmaceutical nanoformulations for curcumin: Enhancement of
      aqueous solubility and carrier retention.
AB  - Curcumin, originally used in traditional medicine and as a spice, is one of the
      most studied and most popular natural products of the past decade. It has been
      described to be an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer drug and protects
      against chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis.
      Despite these promising pharmacological properties, curcumin is also very
      lipophilic, which makes its formulation challenging. Ideally the nanocarrier
      should additionally also retain the encapsulated curcumin to provide target
      tissue accumulation. In this study we aimed to tackle this aqueous solubility and
      carrier retention challenge of curcumin by encapsulating curcumin in different
      nanoparticles. We successfully loaded LDL (30nm), polymeric micelles (80nm),
      liposomes (180nm) and Intralipid (280nm) with curcumin. The relative loading
      capacity was inversely related to the size of the particle. The stability for all
      formulations was determined in fetal bovine serum over a course of 24h. Although
      all curcumin-nanoparticles were stable in buffer solution, all leaked more than
      70% of curcumin under physiological conditions. Altogether, tested nanoparticles
      do solve the aqueous insolubility problem of curcumin, however, because of their
      leaky nature, the challenge of carrier retention remains. 

PMID- 27139143
TI  - A flexible polymersome system with tunable morphology and release profiles for
      efficient intracellular delivery.
AB  - Polymersomes are widely used as drug delivery system however they have
      shortcomings in drug-eluting properties that are attributable to the high
      molecular weight of the copolymers forming their membrane. Here we demonstrate
      for the first time how novel class of polymersomes from very short, liquid to
      soft star-shaped copolymers can be empowered to form an efficient drug delivery
      system. The copolymers undergo self-assembly in water into a stable, nano-sized
      rod or a spherical shape polymersomes. Increasing the Mw of the hydrophobic
      moieties the CMC value is decreased accompanied with the tendency to form a more
      spherical structure. The poorly water-soluble anticancer drug camptothecin was
      loaded into the fabricated polymersomes, resulting in a high drug loading
      content, and released over a period of over three days. Furthermore, this
      biocompatible system could deliver a variety of drugs intracellularly in a rapid
      yet controlled manner. Therefore, this nano system's tailorable properties,
      biocompatibility and ability to incorporate hydrophobic drugs and release them
      intracellularly are desirable traits for anti-cancer delivery system and other
      biomedical applications. 

PMID- 27139145
TI  - Shell effects on hole-coupled electron transfer dynamics from CdSe/CdS quantum
      dots to methyl viologen.
AB  - Electron transfer (ET) dynamics from the 1Se electron state in quasi-type II
      CdSe/CdS core/shell quantum dots (QDs) to adsorbed methyl viologen (MV(2+)) were
      measured using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The intrinsic ET
      rate kET was determined from the measured average number of ET-active MV(2+) per
      QD, which permits reliable comparisons of variant shell thickness and different
      hole states. The 1Se electron was extracted efficiently from the CdSe core, even
      for CdS shells up to 20 A thick. The ET rate decayed exponentially from 10(10) to
      10(9) s(-1) for increasing CdS shell thicknesses with an attenuation factor beta~
      0.13 A(-1). We observed that compared to the ground state exciton 1Se1S3/2 the
      electron coupled to the 2S3/2 hot hole state exhibited slower ET rates for thin
      CdS shells. We attribute this behaviour to an Auger-assisted ET process (AAET),
      which depends on electron-hole coupling controlled by the CdS shell thickness. 

PMID- 27139144
TI  - Cyclodextrin-based telmisartan ophthalmic suspension: Formulation development for
      water-insoluble drugs.
AB  - In this study, cyclodextrin-based aqueous eye drop suspension of the water
      insoluble drug telmisartan was developed. Formation of a drug/gamma-cyclodextrin
      complex was enabled by preventing formation of a poorly water-soluble zwitterion
      using a volatile base that was removed upon drying of the complex powder.
      Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was shown to have the overall best effect,
      stabilizing the complexes without hampering the drug release from the
      formulation. Two strategies for preparing cyclodextrin-based aqueous eye drop
      suspensions of telmisartan were investigated, one where hydroxypropyl
      methylcellulose was added to the medium during preparation of the drug/gamma
      cyclodextrin complex powder (ternary complex) and the other where hydroxypropyl
      methylcellulose was added to the complex powder after preparation of the complex
      (binary complex). The complexation was characterized by DSC, FT-IR and (1)H NMR
      and the eye drop suspensions formed were examined regarding their stability and
      in vitro mucoadhesion property. The ternary complex exhibited inferior
      mucoadhesive property compared to the binary complex. However, the ternary
      complex was more stable as no notable change in particle size and particle size
      distribution was observed during storage at 4 degrees C over 6 months (p<0.05)
      with the mean particle size determined between 2.0 and 2.5MUm. 

PMID- 27139146
TI  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after pediatric heart
      transplantation: Increased risk for children with preexisting Glenn/Fontan
      physiology.
AB  - Identification of risk factors for PRES after organ transplant can improve early
      detection and avoid permanent neurological injury. High calcineurin-inhibitor
      levels and hypertension are recognized risk factors for PRES in adult transplant
      recipients. Limited data exist regarding PRES after pediatric HTx, with studies
      limited to case reports. We performed a retrospective review of 128 pediatric HTx
      recipients to identify risk factors for PRES. Seven of 128 (5.5%) recipients
      developed PRES at a median of 10 days (5-57) after HTx. The median age of
      recipients with PRES was 10.0 yr (5.7-19.0), compared to 1.4 yr (0.0-19.8) for
      recipients without PRES (p = 0.010). Fewer than half of recipients with PRES had
      elevated post-transplant calcineurin-inhibitor levels (n = 3) and/or preceding
      severe hypertension (n = 3). Four of seven who developed PRES (57%) had
      pretransplant Glenn or Fontan physiology (G/F). G/F was a significant risk factor
      for PRES (RR 4.99, 95% CI: 1.19-21.0, p = 0.036). Two recipients (29%), both with
      severe PRES, had residual neurological symptoms. In summary, PRES occurred in
      5.5% of pediatric HTx recipients and presented early after HTx. All recipients
      with PRES were > 5 yr. Patients with pretransplant G/F were at increased risk, a
      risks factor not previously described.

PMID- 27139147
TI  - Why epigenetics is not a vindication of Lamarckism - and why that matters.

PMID- 27139148
TI  - evoText: A new tool for analyzing the biological sciences.
AB  - We introduce here evoText, a new tool for automated analysis of the literature in
      the biological sciences. evoText contains a database of hundreds of thousands of
      journal articles and an array of analysis tools for generating quantitative data
      on the nature and history of life science, especially ecology and evolutionary
      biology. This article describes the features of evoText, presents a variety of
      examples of the kinds of analyses that evoText can run, and offers a brief
      tutorial describing how to use it. 

PMID- 27139149
TI  - Bacteria Absorption-Based Mn2P2O7-Carbon@Reduced Graphene Oxides for High
      Performance Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes.
AB  - The development of freestanding flexible electrodes with high capacity and long
      cycle-life is a central issue for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here, we use
      bacteria absorption of metallic Mn(2+) ions to in situ synthesize natural micro
      yolk-shell-structure Mn2P2O7-carbon, followed by the use of vacuum filtration to
      obtain Mn2P2O7-carbon@reduced graphene oxides (RGO) papers for LIBs anodes. The
      Mn2P2O7 particles are completely encapsulated within the carbon film, which was
      obtained by carbonizing the bacterial wall. The resulting carbon microstructure
      reduces the electrode-electrolyte contact area, yielding high Coulombic
      efficiency. In addition, the yolk-shell structure with its internal void spaces
      is ideal for sustaining volume expansion of Mn2P2O7 during charge/discharge
      processes, and the carbon shells act as an ideal barrier, limiting most solid
      electrolyte interphase formation on the surface of the carbon films (instead of
      forming on individual particles). Notably, the RGO films have high conductivity
      and robust mechanical flexibility. As a result of our combined strategies
      delineated in this article, our binder-free flexible anodes exhibit high
      capacities, long cycle-life, and excellent rate performance.

PMID- 27139151
TI  - Licensure in the Era of Genomic Medicine.

PMID- 27139150
TI  - Interobserver Variability in the Diagnosis of Uterine High-Grade Endometrioid
      Carcinoma.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Low interobserver diagnostic agreement exists among high-grade
      endometrial carcinomas. OBJECTIVE: -To evaluate diagnostic variability in
      International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grade 3 endometrioid
      adenocarcinoma (G3EC) in 2 different sign-out practices. DESIGN: -Sixty-six G3EC
      cases were identified from pathology archives of Wayne State University (WSU,
      Detroit, Michigan) (general surgical pathology sign-out) and 65 from Memorial
      Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK, New York, New York) (gynecologic pathology
      focused sign-out). Each case was reviewed together by 2 gynecologic pathologists,
      one from each institution, and classified into the G3EC group or a reclassified
      group. Clinicopathologic parameters were compared. RESULTS: -Twenty-five WSU
      cases (38%) were reclassified as undifferentiated (n = 2), serous (n = 4), mixed
      endometrioid and serous carcinomas (n = 12), and FIGO grade 2 endometrioid
      adenocarcinomas with focal marked nuclear atypia (n = 7). Eleven MSK cases (17%)
      were reclassified as undifferentiated (n = 5), serous (n = 1), mixed endometrioid
      and serous carcinomas (n = 4), and mixed endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas
      (n = 1). Agreement rate between original and review diagnosis was 83% (54 of 65)
      at MSK and 62% (41 of 66) at WSU (P = .01) with an overall rate of 73% (95 of
      131). There were more undifferentiated carcinomas at MSK than there were at WSU
      (45% [5 of 11] versus 8% [2 of 25]; P = .02). There were more grade 2
      endometrioid adenocarcinomas with focal, marked nuclear atypia at WSU (28%; 7 of
      25) than there were at MSK (0%) (P = .03). Mixed endometrioid and serous
      carcinoma was the most common misclassified subtype (44%; 16 of 36). CONCLUSION: 
      Moderate interobserver variability exists in the diagnosis of G3EC with a
      significantly greater diagnostic agreement rate in gynecologic pathology-focused
      sign-out than in general sign-out practice.

PMID- 27139152
TI  - The Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine: The Most Widely Read Pathology
      Journal Today.
AB  - The Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine was first published in 1926 as a
      subspecialty journal of the American Medical Association. It became the official
      journal of the College of American Pathologists in 1995. Under the dynamic
      leadership of its most recent editor-in-chief, Philip T. Cagle, MD, and his
      vibrant editorial board, the Archives has nearly doubled its impact factor and
      become the most widely read general pathology journal today. Dr Cagle has
      consistently added leading pathologists to the editorial board, and the
      collective expertise of these individuals is clearly evident in new, cutting-edge
      journal masthead sections. The Archives has featured innovative content in the
      field of digital pathology, including articles on the utilization of smart phones
      in pathology and incorporation of whole-slide images and videos into the content
      of articles. Special sections have characterized the Archives during the current
      editorial board's tenure and have proven immensely popular with the journal's
      readership. As the Archives celebrates its 90th anniversary, its editorial board
      remains committed to providing insightful and relevant medical knowledge. The
      journal's open access Web site ( www.archivesofpathology.org ) allows the
      dissemination of this knowledge to every corner of the globe at no expense to
      those who wish to be educated or improve their medical practice. 

PMID- 27139153
TI  - The Politics Underlying the Provision of and Changes in Pathology and Laboratory
      Services in the United States During the Roaring Twenties.
AB  - CONTEXT: -Prior to 1900, laboratory tests were simple enough to be performed by
      clinicians on the wards and most pathologists were academicians with little
      involvement in patient care issues. In the next 2 decades, laboratory test menus
      expanded rapidly and the increasing complexity of the tests created a potential
      niche for clinical pathologists (ie, pathologists providing patient-oriented
      anatomic and clinical pathology services). In the late 1910s and early 1920s,
      most of these services were provided by mail-order commercial laboratories or
      state public health laboratories rather than by hospital-based pathologists.
      OBJECTIVE: -To describe the political events in the 1920s that would drastically
      alter the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine and that would have been
      important to the discipline at the time the Archives of Pathology and Laboratory
      Medicine was being conceived and first published. DESIGN: -Available primary and
      secondary historical sources were reviewed. RESULTS: -In the 1920s, clinical
      pathologists organized, forming the American Society of Clinical Pathologists,
      and took on the powerful American Medical Association for permitting
      advertisements by private laboratories in the pages of the Journal of the
      American Medical Association that listed test prices as if these were
      commodities. They found a strong partner in the American College of Surgeons,
      which was attempting to elevate surgical practice by creating minimum standards
      for hospitals. Through this symbiotic relationship, hospital-based practice was
      firmly established and the commercial laboratory model faltered. CONCLUSIONS: 
      The Roaring Twenties was the time when the practice of pathology and laboratory
      medicine evolved into what we recognize today.

PMID- 27139154
TI  - Emergent biomarker derived from next-generation sequencing to identify pain
      patients requiring uncommonly high opioid doses.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides unrestricted access to the genome, but
      it produces 'big data' exceeding in amount and complexity the classical
      analytical approaches. We introduce a bioinformatics-based classifying biomarker
      that uses emergent properties in genetics to separate pain patients requiring
      extremely high opioid doses from controls. Following precisely calculated
      selection of the 34 most informative markers in the OPRM1, OPRK1, OPRD1 and
      SIGMAR1 genes, pattern of genotypes belonging to either patient group could be
      derived using a k-nearest neighbor (kNN) classifier that provided a diagnostic
      accuracy of 80.6+/-4%. This outperformed alternative classifiers such as
      reportedly functional opioid receptor gene variants or complex biomarkers
      obtained via multiple regression or decision tree analysis. The accumulation of
      several genetic variants with only minor functional influences may result in a
      qualitative consequence affecting complex phenotypes, pointing at emergent
      properties in genetics.

PMID- 27139156
TI  - Detecting 5-methylcytosine using an enzyme-free DNA strand exchange reaction
      without pretreatment under physiological conditions.
AB  - We present here a novel and efficient method for 5mC detection using a DNA strand
      exchange reaction (SER) strategy. This enzyme-free method needs no pre-treatment
      of target DNAs and can be adapted to most of the target duplexes under
      physiological conditions. The high sequence selectivity of this method can
      distinguish 5mC from normal cytosine in an accurate manner. 

PMID- 27139155
TI  - Endothelin-1 genetic polymorphism as predictive marker for bevacizumab in
      metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - Biomarkers for bevacizumab efficacy in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) are of
      urgent need. The genetic variability of genes involved in angiogenesis could
      explain the interpatient variability of drug effects. For this biomarker study
      DNA was extracted from tumor blocks or blood samples of patients with human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative MBC treated with bevacizumab
      in combination with chemotherapy (bevacizumab cohort, 163 patients) or
      chemotherapy only (control cohort, 105 patients). We assessed the correlation of
      10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes modulating angiogenesis
      (vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR-1), serine
      threonine kinase 39 (STK39)) or hypertension (endothelin-1 and uromodulin) with
      outcome and toxicity. In the bevacizumab cohort, the SNP rs5370-TT in endothelin
      1 (EDN1) showed a significantly shorter median overall survival (OS, 6.3 vs 21.3
      months; hazard ratio (HR) 2.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-6.26; log-rank
      P=0.0069) and a trend toward worse median progression-free survival (3.5 vs 7.9
      months; HR 2.05, 95% CI 0.96-4.39; log-rank P=0.065) compared with the alternate
      genotypes combined. Similarly, patients harboring the VEGF-936 (rs3025039) TT
      alleles showed a significantly shorter median OS than patients with VEGF-936 CC
      or CT (14.9 vs 21.3 months; HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.09-5.13; P=0.0286). In multivariate
      analysis including important clinical parameters like disease-free survival
      (DFS), adjuvant chemotherapy, ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group)
      performance score, histologic subtype, grade, hormone receptor status, visceral
      metastases and treatment line, only the association of rs5370 (EDN1) with OS was
      still statistically significant (P=0.012). In the control cohort, no association
      of the EDN1 genotype with outcome was seen, suggesting a predictive value for
      bevacizumab. In conclusion, the SNP rs5370 in endothelin-1 could help identifying
      patients who unlikely gain any benefit from bevacizumab.

PMID- 27139158
TI  - Clinical Experience With Desvenlafaxine in Treatment of Patients With
      Fibromyalgia Syndrome.
AB  - Two multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, adaptive-design trials of
      desvenlafaxine for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) were conducted. In study 1, male
      and female patients were randomized to a 27-week treatment with placebo or
      desvenlafaxine 50, 100, 200, or 400 mg/d. In study 2, female patients were
      randomized to an 8-week treatment with placebo, desvenlafaxine 200 mg/d, or
      pregabalin 450 mg/d after a placebo run-in. The primary efficacy end point was
      change from baseline in numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score. Protocol-specified
      interim analyses were planned after 12 (study 1) and 8 (study 2) weeks of
      treatment. Safety data were collected. In all, 697 patients were randomly
      assigned to treatment in study 1. At the interim analysis (n = 346), none of the
      desvenlafaxine doses met the efficacy criteria (mean [SE] advantage over placebo,
      -0.21 [0.36] to 0.04 [0.35]), and the study was terminated. Study 2 was stopped
      for business reasons before the planned interim analysis. NRS scores in week 8
      were -1.98 (0.37), -1.60 (0.37), and -1.70 (0.38) for placebo (n = 26),
      desvenlafaxine 250 mg/d (n = 24), and pregabalin 450 mg/d (n = 21), respectively;
      neither active treatment differed significantly from placebo. Desvenlafaxine was
      generally safe and well tolerated. Efficacy of desvenlafaxine for pain associated
      with FMS was not demonstrated.

PMID- 27139157
TI  - Preliminary evaluation of prostate-targeted radiotherapy using (131) I-MIP-1095
      in combination with radiosensitising chemotherapeutic drugs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Despite recent advances in the treatment of metastatic prostate
      cancer, survival rates are low and treatment options are limited to chemotherapy
      and hormonal therapy. (131) I-MIP-1095 is a recently developed prostate-specific
      membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting, small molecular weight radiopharmaceutical
      which has anti-tumour activity as a single agent. Our purpose was to determine in
      vitro the potential benefit to be gained by combining (131) I-MIP-1095 with
      cytotoxic drug treatments. METHODS: Various cytotoxic agents were evaluated in
      combination with (131) I-MIP-1095 for their capacity to delay the growth of LNCaP
      cells cultured as multicellular tumour spheroids. Two end-points were used to
      assess treatment efficacy: (i) the time required for doubling of spheroid volume
      and (ii) the area under the volume-time growth curves. KEY FINDINGS: The PARP-1
      inhibitor olaparib, the topoisomerase I inhibitor topotecan, the proteasome
      inhibitor bortezomib, the inhibitor of the P53-MDM2 interaction nutlin-3 and the
      copper-chelated form of the oxidising agent disulfiram (DSF:Cu) all significantly
      enhanced the inhibition of the growth of spheroids induced by (131) I-MIP-1095.
      However, the Chk1 inhibitor AZD7762 failed to potentiate the effect of (131) I
      MIP-1095. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that targeted radiotherapy of
      prostate cancer may be optimised by combining its administration with
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 27139159
TI  - Silica Nanopollens Enhance Adhesion for Long-Term Bacterial Inhibition.
AB  - Nature's creations with spiky topological features typically exhibit intriguing
      surface adhesive properties. From micrometer-sized pollen grains that can easily
      stick to hairy insects for pollination to nanoscale virus particles that are
      highly infectious toward host cells, multivalent interactions are formed taking
      advantage of rough surfaces. Herein, this nature-inspired concept is employed to
      develop novel drug delivery nanocarriers for antimicrobial applications. A facile
      new approach is developed to fabricate silica nanopollens (mesoporous silica
      nanospheres with rough surfaces), which show enhanced adhesion toward bacteria
      surfaces compared to their counterparts with smooth surfaces. Lysozyme, a natural
      antimicrobial enzyme, is loaded into silica nanopollens and shows sustained
      release behavior, potent antimicrobial activity, and long-term total bacterial
      inhibition up to 3 days toward Escherichia coli. The potent antibacterial
      activity of lysozyme-loaded silica nanopollens is further demonstrated ex vivo by
      using a small-intestine infection model. Our strategy provides a novel pathway in
      the rational design of nanocarriers for efficient drug delivery.

PMID- 27139160
TI  - Altered anatomy ERCP with spiral overtube-assisted stent placement.

PMID- 27139161
TI  - Probability of IV antibiotic retreatment within thirty days is associated with
      duration and location of IV antibiotic treatment for pulmonary exacerbation in
      cystic fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few objective data to guide management of cystic fibrosis
      (CF) pulmonary exacerbations. We studied intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment
      failure as defined by a need to retreat patients with IV antibiotics within
      30days of completion of a prior IV antibiotic treatment for pulmonary
      exacerbation. METHODS: The first IV-treated exacerbation on or after Jan. 1, 2010
      among US CF Foundation Patient Registry patients was studied, combining
      treatments separated by <7days into single treatments. IV treatment duration
      categories were: 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13-16, 17-22, and >=23days (inclusive). Logistic
      regressions for IV retreatment in <=30days were adjusted with 12 categorical
      covariates, including age, sex, lung function, prior-year exacerbations, CF
      complications, CF Care Program, and ever/never treated in hospital. RESULTS: 777
      of 13,579 patients (5.7%) were retreated within 30days, with incidence varying by
      treatment duration: 1-4days, 8.7%; 5-8days; 6.6%; 9-12days, 3.2%; 13-16days,
      4.5%; 17-22days, 6.2%; >=23days, 10.3% and hospitalization: ever, 5.0%; never
      8.5%. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for retreatment (compared to 13-16days treatment)
      were: 1-4days, 1.94 [95%CI 1.49, 2.54] P<.001; 5-8days, 1.55 [1.18, 2.04] P=.002;
      9-12days, 0.78 [0.58, 1.04] P=.09; 17-22days, 1.12 [0.88, 1.42] P=.37; >=23days,
      1.46 [1.12, 1.91] P=.005. Adjusted retreatment OR for never/ever hospitalized was
      1.57 [1.29, 1.90] P<.001. Prior-year exacerbation number, oxygen therapy, non
      invasive ventilation, and female sex were significantly associated with
      retreatment. Modeling hazard rate time-dependence showed that treatment duration
      and location-associated hazard rates attenuated within a few months after
      treatment. CONCLUSION: After adjustment for covariates known to be associated
      with increased risk of IV treatment for exacerbation, IV antibiotic treatments of
      <9 and >=23days and those without hospitalization were significant risk factors
      for IV retreatment within 30days of completion of an exacerbation treatment.

PMID- 27139163
TI  - [m-health in an age of e-health. Promises, challenges and liabilities].
AB  - e-Health offers perspectives for patients, healthcare professionals and
      healthcare system, although this concept appears difficult to appreciate and to
      define. Uncertainties remain on the efficiency of these tools and their safety in
      particular with respect to personal data of the patients. Thus, we can observe
      the emergence of new categories of liabilities, not only with respect to the
      development of these new tools, but also regarding their distribution.

PMID- 27139162
TI  - Variation of glucose tolerance in adult patients with cystic fibrosis: What is
      the potential contribution of insulin sensitivity?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduced insulin secretion is a key factor to explain high prevalence
      of glucose intolerance in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, the role
      of insulin sensitivity remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate
      the association of insulin secretion and sensitivity with the evolution of
      glucose tolerance. METHODS: A total of 152 patients without known diabetes from
      the Montreal CF cohort underwent two 2-h oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) at
      baseline and again after 21.2+/-5.5months. Pulmonary function and anthropometric
      measurements were also collected at each visit. At both visits, based on their
      OGTT results, patients were categorized in glucose tolerance groups (normal
      glucose tolerance, impaired glucose tolerance or CF-related diabetes) and
      stratified in 3 groups according to the variation of their glucose tolerance:
      stable, improved or deteriorated. RESULTS: At baseline, patients in the
      deteriorated group had a better sensitivity to insulin than those in the improved
      group (P=0.029). At follow-up glucose tolerance remained stable in 55.3%,
      improved in 14.5% and deteriorated in 30.3% of patients. During follow-up,
      insulin secretion remained stable in all 3 groups. While insulin sensitivity
      remained stable in patients without changes in glucose tolerance it worsened in
      patients who deteriorated glucose tolerance (P<0.001) and improved in patients
      who improved their glucose tolerance (P=0.003). CONCLUSION: In a context of
      significantly reduced insulin secretion, variations of insulin sensitivity are
      associated with variations of glucose tolerance in adult patients with CF.

PMID- 27139164
TI  - [Introduction of Health technology assessment at hospital].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Medical Devices Committee (CODIMS) of the Assistance publique
      Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP) is responsible for deciding whether innovative and
      costly sterile medical devices (SMD) should be adopted for the AP-HP network and
      for issuing recommendations on their proper use. The aim of this study was to
      qualify retrospectively the level of evidence of clinical studies used for the
      device evaluations by the CODIMS in 2012 and 2013 and to analyze the relationship
      between levels of evidence and decisions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Executive
      summaries written in 2012 and 2013 about studied SMD was analyzed and the level
      of evidence of clinical studies used was qualified in high/low levels of evidence
      according to the scale of Sackett et al. Then, levels of evidence were correlated
      to decisions published by the CODIMS. RESULTS: Sixty-one files of SMD (72.1% of
      implantable MD) have been evaluated (225 clinical studies). Among them, only 28%
      of clinical studies had a high level of evidence (and 28.6% of MD at-risk) and
      18% did not have any clinical studies. The CODIMS delivered an unfavourable
      opinion for 16 SMD: only 28 clinicals studies were available for evaluation.
      Among these, only 6 studies had a high level of evidence. DISCUSSION ET
      CONCLUSION: The amount and level of evidence of clinical studies is naturally
      correlated to admittance of SMD. These findings suggest that the clinical
      evidence used to demonstrate safety and efficacy for high-risk medical devices is
      based on clinical studies with poor quality data, making more difficult the
      evaluation of SMD in hospital. The development of a multi-criteria tool to help
      decision-making would improve the process of SMD evaluation by the CODIMS.

PMID- 27139165
TI  - A gain-of-function ACTC1 3'UTR mutation that introduces a miR-139-5p target site
      may be associated with a dominant familial atrial septal defect.
AB  - The ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASDII) is the most common type of
      congenital heart disease and is characterized by a left to right shunting of
      oxygenated blood caused by incomplete closure of the septum secundum. We
      identified a familial form of isolated ASDII that affects four individuals in a
      family of five and shows autosomal dominant inheritance. By whole genome
      sequencing, we discovered a new mutation (c.*1784T > C) in the 3'-untranslated
      region (3'UTR) of ACTC1, which encodes the predominant actin in the embryonic
      heart. Further analysis demonstrated that the c.*1784T > C mutation results in a
      new target site for miRNA-139-5p, a microRNA that is involved in cell migration,
      invasion, and proliferation. Functional analysis demonstrated that the c.*1784T >
      C mutation specifically downregulates gene expression in a luciferase assay.
      Additionally, miR-139-5p mimic causes further decrease, whereas miR-139-5p
      inhibitor can dramatically rescue the decline in gene expression caused by this
      mutation. These findings suggest that the familial ASDII may be a result of an
      ACTC1 3'UTR gain-of-function mutation caused by the introduction of a new miR-139
      5p target site. Our results provide the first evidence of a pathogenic mutation
      in the ACTC1 3'UTR that may be associated with familial isolated ASDII.

PMID- 27139166
TI  - Tocilizumab-induced mucosal ulcers in a patient with relapsing polychondritis: An
      adverse drug reaction?

PMID- 27139167
TI  - Thrombotic complications after radial arterial line placement in systemic
      sclerosis: A case series.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate potential thrombotic complications after radial
      arterial line placement in patients with scleroderma. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective case series of 4 patients with scleroderma who were hospitalized in
      the intensive care unit (ICU) requiring invasive hemodynamic monitoring and
      developed severe complications after radial arterial line placement. We reviewed
      their medical records to assess their laboratory findings and clinical
      presentations. RESULTS: All 4 patients met the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria for
      systemic sclerosis and had a radial arterial line placement in the setting of
      invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Overall, 2 of 4 patients had arterial line
      placement during surgery; while 1 patient had it placed for invasive blood
      pressure monitoring during an ICU admission for renal crisis; and 1 patient had
      arterial line placement during cardiac resuscitation, but before administration
      of vasopressor support. In all, 3 of 4 patients had major ischemic events
      including digital gangrene, hand auto-amputation, and below-elbow amputation.
      Among all, 1 patient had temporary hand ischemia with recovery of perfusion with
      immediate arterial line removal within 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Radial arterial
      line placement may trigger critical ischemic events in scleroderma patients. This
      experience suggests that placement of radial lines needs to be thoughtfully
      weighed prior to insertion in patients with scleroderma, and alternative options
      should be carefully considered.

PMID- 27139168
TI  - Clinical manifestations and long-term outcome of anti-Jo1 antisynthetase patients
      in a large cohort of Spanish patients from the GEAS-IIM group.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical manifestations, long-term clinical outcome
      and longitudinal pulmonary function in a large cohort of Spanish patients with
      anti-Jo1 antibodies. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and
      lung function parameters of 148 anti-Jo1 patients recruited from a multicentre
      registry including 18 Spanish hospitals. A composite endpoint was defined,
      comprising death due to respiratory failure directly related to antisynthetase
      syndrome (ASS), the need for long-term oxygen therapy or lung transplantation.
      RESULTS: Median follow-up was 78.3 months. Clinical presentation patterns at
      onset are as follows: isolated interstitial lung disease (ILD) (32.4%), isolated
      myositis (26.9%), concomitant myositis and ILD (22.8%), and isolated
      polyarthritis (17.9%). Myositis with ILD was the most frequent final clinical
      phenotype (67.6%). In most ASS patients, ILD was a non-progressive disease,
      tending to stabilize with therapy. The endpoint was reached in a significantly
      larger number of ILD patients with dyspnea at onset than those with
      paucisymptomatic or asymptomatic forms (p = 0.01). A steady FVC decrease was the
      hallmark of patients with end-stage lung disease. Estimated survival rates were
      87.7% and 75.4% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Cancer (p = 0.02) and advanced
      age at ASS diagnosis (p < 0.0001) were related to poorer survival. Mortality was
      significantly higher than in the general Spanish population, with a standardised
      mortality ratio (95% CI) of 4.03 (2.79-5.64). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-Jo1 ASS is a
      heterogeneous syndrome. ILD in ASS under immunosuppressive therapy is mainly a
      non-progressive disease. Dyspnea at ILD onset and a steady FVC decrease over time
      were related to a poorer respiratory prognosis.

PMID- 27139169
TI  - Exploring reasons for the observed inconsistent trial reports on intra-articular
      injections with hyaluronic acid in the treatment of osteoarthritis: Meta
      regression analyses of randomized trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim was to identify factors explaining inconsistent observations
      concerning the efficacy of intra-articular hyaluronic acid compared to intra
      articular sham/control, or non-intervention control, in patients with symptomatic
      osteoarthritis, based on randomized clinical trials (RCTs). METHODS: A systematic
      review and meta-regression analyses of available randomized trials were
      conducted. The outcome, pain, was assessed according to a pre-specified hierarchy
      of potentially available outcomes. Hedges's standardized mean difference [SMD
      (95% CI)] served as effect size. REstricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) mixed
      effects models were used to combine study results, and heterogeneity was
      calculated and interpreted as Tau-squared and I-squared, respectively. RESULTS:
      Overall, 99 studies (14,804 patients) met the inclusion criteria: Of these, only
      71 studies (72%), including 85 comparisons (11,216 patients), had adequate data
      available for inclusion in the primary meta-analysis. Overall, compared with
      placebo, intra-articular hyaluronic acid reduced pain with an effect size of 
      0.39 [-0.47 to -0.31; P < 0.001], combining very heterogeneous trial findings
      (I(2) = 73%). The three most important covariates in reducing heterogeneity were
      overall risk of bias, blinding of personnel and trial size, reducing
      heterogeneity with 26%, 26%, and 25%, respectively (Interaction: P <= 0.001).
      Adjusting for publication/selective outcome reporting bias (by imputing "null
      effects") in 24 of the comparisons with no data available reduced the combined
      estimate to -0.30 [-0.36 to -0.23; P < 0.001] still in favor of hyaluronic acid.
      CONCLUSION: Based on available trial data, intra-articular hyaluronic acid showed
      a better effect than intra-articular saline on pain reduction in osteoarthritis.
      Publication bias and the risk of selective outcome reporting suggest only small
      clinical effect compared to saline.

PMID- 27139170
TI  - Sociodemographic and clinical factors affecting body image, sexual function and
      sexual satisfaction in women with breast cancer.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of sociodemographic and clinical
      factors on body image, sexual function and sexual satisfaction in women following
      breast cancer treatment. BACKGROUND: Women with breast cancer may experience a
      wide range of symptoms associated with body image and sexuality that can severely
      affect their quality of life. Therefore, the health care professional's ability
      to understand the patient's complaints and her sexual history is highly relevant
      in specialised multidisciplinary care. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. METHODS:
      Seventy-seven participants were included. Body image, sexual function and sexual
      satisfaction were evaluated using the EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaire. Results were
      shown as means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages. Cronbach's
      alpha was calculated. Spearman's correlation test, the chi-square test and
      multivariate logistic regression were used in the statistical analysis, conducted
      using the spss statistical software package, version 17.0. RESULTS: Low scores
      were found in the desire (34.63), frequency (32.03) and sexual satisfaction
      (45.91) domains, while body image scores were higher (63.57). No strong
      correlation was found between body image and any of the other domains. Patients
      without a steady partner experienced more sexual desire (p < 0.04) and more
      frequent sexual activity (p < 0.01). Sexual activity was also more frequent (p <
      0.03) in women with a higher education level and in those using aromatase
      inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual function and satisfaction were affected to a
      greater extent than body image. No association was found between body image and
      sexual performance. The effect of marital status and education level on sexual
      function merits particular attention. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A well
      trained multidisciplinary team should be available to evaluate women's need for
      support and to provide information on the disease, its treatment and its impact
      on their lives and on their sexuality.

PMID- 27139171
TI  - The unmet supportive care needs of long-term head and neck cancer caregivers in
      the extended survivorship period.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine the unmet supportive care needs of long-term head
      and neck cancer caregivers, and the factors associated with those needs.
      BACKGROUND: Research on the unmet needs of head and neck cancer caregivers is
      lacking, particularly in the long-term survivorship period. DESIGN: Survey of 197
      caregivers. METHODS: The study collected information on caregivers' demographic
      characteristics and their unmet supportive care needs (as measured by the
      Partners and Caregivers Supportive Care Needs Survey). An overall score of unmet
      need was generated, as were scores for four separate domains of unmet needs
      (emotional, health, information and work/social). RESULTS: Seventy six percentage
      of respondents were female, and 88% reported being married or living with a
      partner. Mean age was 57 years. Most caregivers had low levels of unmet needs.
      Managing fears about the cancer recurring was the most commonly reported
      individual need, described by slightly more than one in five respondents. The
      highest levels of need were located in the emotional and the health services
      domains. Loneliness and financial stress were consistently and significantly
      associated with high levels of unmet need in the multivariable analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most head and neck cancer caregivers appear to have low levels of
      unmet need in the extended survivorship period. The greatest levels of unmet need
      that are experienced occur in relation to emotional and health service domains.
      Needs diminish over time. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Health professionals
      should be aware that a minority of long-term head and neck caregivers continue to
      experience strong fears of cancer recurrence. To reduce unmet needs across
      multiple domains, health professionals should seek to reduce caregivers' feelings
      of loneliness, and to assist caregivers to reduce the financial burdens that they
      experience as a result of long-term caring.

PMID- 27139172
TI  - Healthcare professionals' documentation in nursing homes when caring for patients
      with dementia in end of life - a retrospective records review.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate how end-of-life care was described by
      healthcare professionals in records of deceased persons affected by dementia who
      had lived in Swedish nursing homes. BACKGROUND: In the final stage of dementia
      disease, the persons are often cared for at nursing homes and they often die
      there. The research concurs that a palliative approach to end-of-life care is
      essential but there are still some limitations regarding research about what
      constitutes the end-of-life care provided to persons affected by dementia in
      Sweden. DESIGN: Descriptive qualitative method with a retrospective approach.
      METHOD: Nursing records (n = 50) and medical records (n = 50) were
      retrospectively reviewed in two nursing homes. The analysis was conducted using
      deductive and inductive content analysis. Three phases of The Liverpool Care
      Pathway; Initial assessment, Continuous assessment and Follow-up, were used
      deductively to first sort the text in the records, then the text in each phase
      was further analysed with inductive content analysis. Four categories and 11
      subcategories described the content in the records. RESULTS: The end-of-life care
      was described in the healthcare records based on such categories as decision
      making, participation and communication, assessment and prevention of symptom and
      following up after the residents had died. CONCLUSION: Paticularly, physical
      symptoms were documented and, to a lesser degree, psychological or
      existential/spiritual needs. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Healthcare
      professionals must have a holistic view of the person affected by dementia during
      the end-of-life care and, according to this study, more focus must be placed on
      their psychosocial and existential needs in the documentation of end-of-life
      care.

PMID- 27139173
TI  - From expert generalists to ambiguity masters: using ambiguity tolerance theory to
      redefine the practice of rural nurses.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To redefine the practice of rural nurses and describe a
      model that conceptualises the capabilities and characteristics required in the
      rural environment. BACKGROUND: The way in which the practice of rural nurses has
      been conceptualised is problematic. Definitions of rural nursing have been
      identified primarily through the functional context of rural health service
      delivery. The expert generalist term has provided a foundation theory for rural
      nurses with understandings informed by the scope of practice needed to meet
      service delivery requirements. However, authors exploring intrinsic
      characteristics of rural nurses have challenged this definition, as it does not
      adequately address the deeper, intangible complexities of practice required in
      the rural context. Despite this discourse, an alternative way to articulate the
      distinctive nature of rural nursing practice has eluded authors in Australia and
      internationally. DESIGN: A theoretical paper based on primary research. METHODS:
      The development of the model was informed by the findings of a study that
      explored the nursing practice of managing telephone presentations in rural health
      services in Victoria, Australia. The study involved policy review from State and
      Federal governments, nursing and medical professional bodies, and five rural
      health services; semi-structured interviews with eight Directors of Nursing,
      seven registered nurses and focus group interviews with eight registered nurses.
      RESULTS: An ambiguity tolerance model drawn from corporate global
      entrepreneurship theory was adapted to explain the findings of the study. The
      adapted model presents capabilities and characteristics used by nurses to
      successfully manage the ambiguity of providing care in the rural context.
      CONCLUSIONS: Redefining the practice of rural nurses, through an adapted theory
      of ambiguity tolerance, highlights nursing characteristics and capabilities
      required in the rural context. This perspective offers new ways of thinking about
      the work of rural nurses, rural nurse policy, education, recruitment, retention
      and clinical governance. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: A greater understanding
      of rural nurse practice will assist in achieving positive care outcomes in an
      environment with competing stakeholder needs, and limited resources and options
      for care.

PMID- 27139175
TI  - Retraction statement: The impact of nurse short message services and telephone
      follow-ups on diabetic adherence: which one is more effective?

PMID- 27139174
TI  - An examination of the association of cognitive functioning, adherence to sodium
      restriction and Na/K ratios in Korean heart failure patients.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Maintaining adequate ratios of sodium-to-potassium requires
      heart failure patients to be adherent to recommended dietary guidelines. A
      potential deterrent to adherence is poor cognitive functioning. The aims of this
      study were to (1) estimate dietary sodium and potassium intake and sodium-to
      potassium ratios and (2) examine the associations between cognitive functioning
      and sodium-to-potassium ratios. BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment may impact
      levels of adherence and subsequently sodium-to-potassium ratios; however, little
      is known about the relationship of cognitive functioning, adherence to dietary
      restrictions and sodium-to-potassium ratios. DESIGN: This study used a
      descriptive correlational design. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted
      with heart failure patients with preserved or reduced left ventricular ejection
      fraction. Standard cognitive measures were used and included neuropsychological
      tests of global cognition, immediate and delayed recall, and executive function.
      Further, patients were instructed to complete a three-day food diary as an
      indirect measure of sodium-to-potassium intake. RESULTS: Ninety-one Korean
      patients with heart failure participated in this study (age 57 years, women 33%,
      education 10 years). A major underlying cause for heart failure was dilated
      cardiomyopathy (40%), followed by ischaemic cause (24%); the mean heart failure
      duration was 37 months. Average sodium intake was 3982 mg/day, with men consuming
      a significantly higher amount than women (4207 vs. 3523 mg). Potassium intake was
      2583 mg/day, with both men and women consuming similarly insufficient amounts.
      Sodium-to-potassium ratio was 1.60, with men having a significantly elevated
      ratio compared with women (1.68 vs. 1.44). Cognitive function by sodium-to
      potassium quartile groups showed nonlinear associations. CONCLUSION: Participants
      in the study consumed excessive sodium and insufficient potassium;
      correspondingly, elevated sodium-to-potassium ratios showed significant
      associations with cognitive function (memory). RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE:
      Dietary guidelines tailored to levels of cognitive function as well as Korean
      dining culture may be important in ensuring sodium-to-potassium balance in these
      heart failure patients.

PMID- 27139176
TI  - Comparison of Modern 3D and 2D MR Imaging Sequences of the Wrist at 3 Tesla.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the image quality of modern 3 D and 2 D sequences for
      dedicated wrist imaging at 3 Tesla (T) MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At 3 T MRI, 18
      patients (mean age: 36.2 years) with wrist pain and 16 healthy volunteers (mean
      age: 26.4 years) were examined using 2 D proton density-weighted fat-saturated
      (PDfs), isotropic 3 D TrueFISP, 3 D MEDIC, and 3 D PDfs SPACE sequences. Image
      quality was rated on a five-point scale (0 - 4) including overall image quality
      (OIQ), visibility of important structures (cartilage, ligaments, TFCC) and degree
      of artifacts. Signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of
      cartilage/bone/muscle/fluid as well as the mean overall SNR/CNR were calculated
      using region-of-interest analysis. ANOVA, paired t-, and Wilcoxon-signed-rank
      tests were applied. RESULTS: The image quality of all tested sequences was
      superior to 3 D PDfs SPACE (p < 0.01). 3 D TrueFISP had the highest combined
      cartilage score (mean: 3.4) and performed better in cartilage comparisons against
      3 D PDfs SPACE in both groups and 2 D PDfs in volunteers (p < 0.05). 3 D MEDIC
      performed better in 7 of 8 comparisons (p < 0.05) regarding ligaments and TFCC. 2
      D PDfs provided constantly high scores. The mean overall SNR/CNR for 2 D PDfs, 3
      D PDfs SPACE, 3 D TrueFISP, and 3 D MEDIC were 68/65, 32/27, 45/47, and 57/45,
      respectively. 2 D PDfs performed best in most SNR/CNR comparisons (p < 0.05) and
      3 D MEDIC performed best within the 3 D sequences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Except
      3 D PDfs SPACE, all tested 3 D and 2 D sequences provided high image quality. 3 D
      TrueFISP was best for cartilage imaging, 3 D MEDIC for ligaments and TFCC and 2 D
      PDfs for general wrist imaging. KEY POINTS: * 3 D TrueFISP is recommended for
      cartilage imaging of the wrist at 3 T.* 3 D MEDIC is recommended for ligaments
      and TFCC.* Robust 2 D PDfs should be used in routine protocols. 3 D sequences may
      be added depending on the clinical question.* 3 D PDfs SPACE is currently
      inferior. Citation Format: * Rehnitz C, Klaan B, von Stillfried F et al.
      Comparison of Modern 3D and 2D MR Imaging Sequences of the Wrist at 3 Tesla.
      Fortschr Rontgenstr 2016; 188: 753 - 762.

PMID- 27139177
TI  - Population-Based Imaging and Radiomics: Rationale and Perspective of the German
      National Cohort MRI Study.
AB  - The MRI study within the German National Cohort, a large-scale, population-based,
      longitudinal study in Germany, comprises comprehensive characterization and
      phenotyping of a total of 30 000 participants using 3-Tesla whole-body MR
      imaging. A multi-centric study design was established together with dedicated
      core facilities for e. g. managing incidental findings or providing quality
      assurance. As such, the study represents a unique opportunity to substantially
      impact imaging-based risk stratification leading to personalized and precision
      medicine. Supported by the developments in the field of computational science,
      the newly developing scientific field of radiomics has large potential for the
      future. In the present article we provide an overview on population-based imaging
      and Radiomics and conceptualize the rationale and design of the MRI study within
      the German National Cohort. KEY POINTS: * Population-based imaging and Radiomics
      constitute two emerging fields with great oppertunities and challenges for
      Radiology.* As part of the MRI-study of the NAKO approximately 30 000 subjects
      will undergo 3 Tesla whole-body MRI.* MR Imaging data is publicly accessable and
      will provide important insights into the natural history of disease processes and
      personalized risk profiles of the general population. Citation Format: * Schlett
      CL, Hendel T, Weckbach S et al. Population-Based Imaging and Radiomics: Rationale
      and Perspective of the German National Cohort MRI Study. Fortschr Rontgenstr
      2016; 188: 652 - 661.

PMID- 27139178
TI  - Construction of near-infrared light-triggered reactive oxygen species-sensitive
      (UCN/SiO2-RB + DOX)@PPADT nanoparticles for simultaneous chemotherapy and
      photodynamic therapy.
AB  - Combined therapy now plays a major role in cancer therapy due to the outcome of
      huge amounts of scientific experiments in recent years. However, all systems
      designed previously have been unable to simultaneously deliver therapy effects
      using several methods to produce a greater overall therapeutic effect. To solve
      the problem, we constructed a delivery system of near-infrared light (NIR)
      triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive nanoparticles (NPs) for
      simultaneous chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The inner NP was
      assembled from a hydrophobic upconverting nanoparticle (UCN) core, with a thin
      silica shell linked with rose bengal (RB). Finally, a type of ROS-induced
      biodegradable polymer named poly-(1, 4-phenyleneacetone dimethylenethioketal)
      (PPADT) was self-assembled to form the NP as an outer shell to load the inner NP
      and doxorubicin (DOX). As the results show, the UCN core works as a transducer to
      convert deeply penetrating NIR to visible light for activating the
      photosensitizer RB for PDT under NIR excitation. In the meantime, the redundant
      ROS caused PPADT to biodegrade to release the loaded DOX, realizing simultaneous
      chemotherapy and PDT. Properties such as structure, size distribution,
      morphology, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ROS production test, cell
      uptake test and combined therapy treatment effect in vitro were evaluated to
      prove NIR triggered ROS-sensitive (UCN/SiO2-RB + DOX)@PPADT NPs. Based on our
      data, this delivery system could provide an effective means to realize
      simultaneous chemotherapy and PDT through external NIR-triggered ROS sensitivity.

PMID- 27139179
TI  - First percutaneous implantation of a completely tissue-engineered self-expanding
      pulmonary heart valve prosthesis using a newly developed delivery system: a
      feasibility study in sheep.
AB  - In a European consortium, a decellularized tissue-engineered heart valve (dTEHV)
      based on vessel-derived cells, a fast-degrading scaffold and a self-expanding
      stent has been developed. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that
      percutaneous delivery is feasible. To implant this valve prosthesis
      transcutaneously into pulmonary position, a catheter delivery system was designed
      and custom made. Three sheep underwent transjugular prototype implantation.
      Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), angiography and computed tomography (CT)
      were applied to assess the position, morphology, function and dimensions of the
      stented dTEHV. One animal was killed 3 h after implantation and two animals were
      followed up for 12 weeks. Explanted valves were analyzed macroscopically and
      microscopically. In all animals, the percutaneous implantation of the stented
      dTEHV was successful. The prototype delivery system worked at first attempt in
      all animals. In the first implantation a 22 F system was used: the valve was
      slightly damaged during crimping. Loading was difficult due to valve-catheter
      mismatch in volume. In the second and third implantation a 26 F system was used:
      the valves fitted adequately and stayed intact. Following implantation, these two
      valves showed moderate regurgitation due to insufficient coaptation. During
      follow-up, regurgitation increased due to shortened leaflets. At explantation,
      macroscopic and microscopic analysis confirmed the second and third valve to be
      intact. Histology revealed autologous recellularization of the decellularized
      valve after 12 weeks in vivo. It was demonstrated that completely in vitro tissue
      engineered heart valves are thin and stable enough to be crimped and implanted
      transvenously into pulmonary position.

PMID- 27139180
TI  - alphav integrins: key regulators of tissue fibrosis.
AB  - Chronic tissue injury with fibrosis results in the disruption of tissue
      architecture, organ dysfunction and eventual organ failure. Therefore, the
      development of effective anti-fibrotic therapies is urgently required. During
      fibrogenesis, complex interplay occurs between cellular and extracellular matrix
      components of the wound healing response. Integrins, a family of transmembrane
      cell adhesion molecules, play a key role in mediating intercellular and cell
      matrix interactions. Thus, integrins provide a major node of communication
      between the extracellular matrix, inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and parenchymal
      cells and, as such, are intimately involved in the initiation, maintenance and
      resolution of tissue fibrosis. Modulation of members of the alphav integrin
      family has exhibited profound effects on fibrosis in multiple organs and disease
      states. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of the mechanisms of
      alphav-integrin-mediated regulation of fibrogenesis and show that the therapeutic
      targeting of specific alphav integrins represents a promising avenue to treat
      patients with a broad range of fibrotic diseases.

PMID- 27139181
TI  - Advantages of pulsatile hormone treatment for assessing hormone-induced gene
      expression by cultured rat Sertoli cells.
AB  - In response to various hormonal (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] and
      testosterone [T]) and biochemical inputs, testicular Sertoli cells (Sc) produce
      factors that regulate spermatogenesis. A number of FSH- and T-responsive Sc
      specific genes, necessary for spermatogenesis, have been identified to date.
      However, the hormone-induced in vitro expression pattern of most of these genes
      is reported to be inconsistent at various time points in primary rat Sc cultures.
      As a matter of convenience, cultured Sc are constantly exposed to hormones for a
      few hours to days in the reported literature, although Sc are exposed to
      pulsatile FSH and T in vivo. The major aim of the present study is to evaluate
      the advantage, if any, of the in vitro administration of pulsatile hormone (FSH
      and T in combination) treatment on gene expression of cultured Sc as compared
      with that of constant hormone treatment. Pulsatile treatment (a 30-min hormonal
      exposure every 3 h) mimicking the in vivo condition reveals a more prominent
      effect of hormones in augmenting gene expression as compared with constant
      treatment. Our results indicate that the expressions of Stem cell factor (Scf,
      only responsive to FSH), Claudin11 (only responsive to T) and Transferrin (both
      FSH- and T-responsive) mRNAs are significantly higher at 12 h upon pulsatile
      treatment than upon constant hormonal treatment. Maximal expression of relevant
      genes because of pulsatile treatment with hormones suggests that this protocol
      provides a more suitable premise for assessing hormone-induced gene expression in
      isolated Sc than one involving constant exposure to hormones.

PMID- 27139182
TI  - Human 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in human breast cancer: clinical
      significance and prognostic associations.
AB  - Active sex steroids including estrogens and androgens are locally produced from
      circulating inactive steroids by various steroid-metabolizing enzymes, and play
      pivotal roles in the progression of hormone-dependent breast cancers. Human 3beta
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (3beta-HSD type 1) is a critical enzyme in
      the formation of all classes of active steroid hormones, and is also involved in
      the inactivation of potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Therefore, this
      enzyme is suggested to modulate active sex steroid production or inactivation,
      with a role in hormone-dependent breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate the clinical significance of 3beta-HSD type 1 in human breast cancer.
      Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we evaluated 3beta-HSD type 1 expression in 161
      human breast cancers and analyzed correlations of 3beta-HSD type 1 expression
      with various clinicopathological factors. Of 161 breast cancer cases, 3beta-HSD
      type 1 expression in cancer cells was detected in 119 cases (73.9%), and was
      positively correlated with estrogen receptor (ER)-positivity but not HER-2
      status. In ER-positive cases (n = 130), 3beta-HSD type 1 expression was inversely
      correlated with invasive tumor size (P = 0.0009), presence of invasive region (P
      = 0.0107), and lymphatic involvement (P = 0.0004). 3beta-HSD type 1 expression
      was significantly associated with decreased risk of recurrence or improved
      prognosis by both univariate (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.009, respectively) and
      multivariate (P = 0.027 and P = 0.023, respectively) analyses. Our findings
      indicate that this enzyme is a prognostic factor in hormone-dependent breast
      cancer.

PMID- 27139183
TI  - A second family with CATSHL syndrome: Confirmatory report of another unique FGFR3
      syndrome.
AB  - Here we describe the second reported family with the CATSHL syndrome, a condition
      resulting from a unique mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3
      (FGFR3) gene. Our family confirms the consistent and unique phenotype of this
      condition, and the specificity of the mutation in FGFR3. The CATSHL syndrome
      appears to be an autosomal dominant disorder with full penetrance. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27139184
TI  - Retrospective quantitative cartilage and semi-quantitative morphological
      evaluation at 6 years after ACL reconstruction.
AB  - Purpose We analyzed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) patients in
      order to evaluate degenerative changes and the effect of meniscal insufficiency
      at mid-term follow-up. METHODS: Sixty subjects (40 patients at 5.9 years after
      ACLR, 20 healthy controls) underwent 3T MRI. Quantitative cartilage T2 mapping
      and morphological Whole Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS) evaluation
      were performed. Self-reported questionnaires were used for subjective clinical
      evaluation. Based on the meniscal status at ACLR, further subdivision within each
      compartment (lateral and medial) was made: menisci intact and menisci
      insufficient. RESULTS: The ACLR subjects showed significantly elevated T2 values
      and higher WORMS scores compared to the control group. T2 values of the anterior
      lateral femoral subcompartment were significantly higher in menisci insufficient
      group compared to the control group. In both compartments significantly higher
      WORMS scores were observed in the menisci insufficient group compared to the
      menisci intact group. CONCLUSIONS: ACLR knees exhibit cartilage matrix and
      morphological degeneration at mid-term follow-up. Lateral meniscal insufficiency
      noted at ACLR presents a higher risk of developing degenerative changes than does
      the medial meniscus insufficiency; however, this difference may not be detected
      clinically.

PMID- 27139185
TI  - Eponymous hip joint approaches.
AB  - After the low friction arthroplasty by John Charnley was no longer confined to
      specialized hospitals but commonplace in the general orthopedic practice, the
      issue remained how to most optimally reach the hip. The names of the authors of
      these approaches remain in a lot of cases connected to the approach. By
      evaluating the original articles in which the approaches are described we
      ascertain the original description and technique. By various sources we obtained
      the (short) biography of the people whose name is connected to the approach. Our
      research covers the biographies of colleagues Smith-Petersen, Watson-Jones,
      Hardinge, Charnley, Moore and Ludloff. The eponymous approaches are shown and
      described after the short biography on each individual. This study shows that
      without the work of our colleagues we cannot proceed in our profession. An
      understanding and knowledge of the people who dedicated themselves to developing
      the orthopedic surgery to the high standard it has today is the least honour we
      should give them. 

PMID- 27139186
TI  - Arthroscopic knotless suprapectoral tenodesis of the long head of biceps:
      clinical and structural results.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Different techniques for tenodesis of the long head of biceps (LHB)
      have been described. Previous studies focused on intraosseously performed
      techniques while only little clinical data exists for epiosseously performed
      knotless LHB tenodesis. The hypothesis is that arthroscopic suprapectoral
      knotless epiosseous tenodesis of the LHB would have good clinical, cosmetic and
      structural results. METHODS: Forty-nine patients [16 women, 33 men; mean age 58;
      mean follow-up 36.4 months (range 24-57 months)], in whom a tenodesis of the long
      biceps tendon (LHB) has been performed, were included into this study. The
      clinical evaluation included the Constant score as well as the LHB score. In
      addition elbow flexion and supination strength were assessed. The integrity of
      the tenodesis construct was evaluated indirectly by sonographic detection of the
      LHB in the bicipital groove. RESULTS: The overall Constant score did not reveal
      any significant differences comparing both sides [mean, 86 +/- 19 points vs. 89
      +/- 16 points (p > 0.05)]. The mean LHB score reached 88.3 points (range 54-100
      points). Thirty-four patients (69 %) presented an examiner-dependent upper arm
      deformity although only three patients (6 %) confirmed a subjective cosmetic
      deformity. Both, flexion and supination strength were significantly decreased
      compared to the non-operated side (p < 0.05). In five patients (10 %) it was not
      possible to verify the LHB sonographically in the bicipital groove. Therefore the
      biceps tenodesis was classified as a failure. CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic
      suprapectoral epiosseous knotless tenodesis of the LHB provides good functional
      results. The high rate of examiner-dependent upper arm deformities can be
      explained by a non-physiological situation of the primary length-tension
      relationship or an elongation of the tendon after fixation.

PMID- 27139187
TI  - Efferocytosis as a regulator of macrophage chemokine receptor expression and
      polarization.
AB  - Efferocytosis has been suggested to promote macrophage resolution programs that
      are dependent on motility and emigration, however, few studies have addressed
      directed migration in resolving macrophages. In this report, we hypothesized that
      efferocytosis would induce differential chemokine receptor expression. Polarized
      macrophage populations, including macrophages actively engaged in efferocytosis,
      were characterized by PCR array and traditional transwell motility assays. We
      identified specific up-regulation of chemokine receptor CXCR4 on both mouse and
      human macrophages and characterized in vivo expression of CXCR4 in a resolving
      model of murine peritonitis. Using adoptive transfer and AMD3100 blocking, we
      confirmed a role for CXCR4 in macrophage egress to draining lymphatics.
      Collectively these data provide an important mechanistic link between
      efferocytosis and macrophage emigration.

PMID- 27139188
TI  - Bioactive Compounds in Potato Tubers: Effects of Farming System, Cooking Method,
      and Flesh Color.
AB  - We investigated the effect of cultivation system (conventional or organic),
      cooking method, and flesh color on the contents of ascorbic acid (AA) and total
      phenolics (TPs), and on total antioxidant activity (Trolox equivalents, TE) in
      Solanum tuberosum (potato) tubers. The research material, consisting of 4 potato
      cultivars, was grown in experimental fields, using organic and conventional
      systems, at the experimental station in 2012 and 2013. The analysis showed that
      organically grown potatoes with creamy, light yellow, and yellow flesh had
      significantly higher TPs than did potatoes grown conventionally. Flesh color and
      cooking method also affected AA. The greatest losses of AA occurred in yellow
      fleshed potatoes grown conventionally and cooked in the microwave; such losses
      were not observed in potatoes grown organically. A dry cooking method (baking in
      a microwave) increased the TP contents in potatoes by about 30%, regardless of
      the flesh color and the production system. TE was significantly higher in
      organically grown potatoes (raw and cooked in a steamer) than in conventionally
      grown potatoes. TE and AA contents showed a significant positive correlation, but
      only in potatoes from the organic system [R2 = 0.686]. By contrast, the positive
      correlation between TE and TPs was observed regardless of the production system.
      Therefore, we have identified the effects of farming system, cooking method, and
      flesh color on the contents of bioactive compounds in potato tubers.

PMID- 27139190
TI  - Mutation testing for directing upfront targeted therapy and post-progression
      combination therapy strategies in lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Advances in the biology of non-small-cell lung cancer, especially
      adenocarcinoma, reveal multiple molecular subtypes driving oncogenesis.
      Accordingly, individualized targeted therapeutics are based on mutational
      diagnostics. AREAS COVERED: Advances in strategies and techniques for
      individualized treatment, particularly of adenocarcinoma, are described through
      literature review. Approved therapies are established for some molecular subsets,
      with new driver mutations emerging that represent increasing proportions of
      patients. Actionable mutations are de novo oncogenic drivers or acquired
      resistance mediators, and mutational profiling is important for directing
      therapy. Patients should be monitored for emerging actionable resistance
      mutations. Liquid biopsy and associated multiplex diagnostics will be important
      means to monitor patients during treatment. Expert commentary: Outcomes with
      targeted agents may be improved by integrating mutation screens during treatment
      to optimize subsequent therapy. In order for this to be translated into impactful
      patient benefit, appropriate platforms and strategies need to be optimized and
      then implemented universally.

PMID- 27139192
TI  - Fertility and sexual dysfunction issues in adults with genitourinary congenital
      anomalies.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As growing numbers of adolescents with a history of congenital
      genitourinary anomalies successfully enter adulthood, their spectrum of urologic
      concerns broadens to include sexual function and reproduction. RECENT FINDINGS:
      In hypospadias repair, preoperative testosterone was found to reduce rates of
      postoperative complications of urethrocutaneous fistula formation and meatal
      stenosis. Following hypospadias correction, dissatisfaction with surgical
      outcomes has been observed to correlate with psychological outcomes, rather than
      objective measurements such as location of meatus degree of curvature. In women
      with a congenital absence of a vagina, sigmoid vaginoplasty and dilation yield
      similar sexual outcomes, however, vaginoplasty was associated with a 20% rate of
      reoperation. Ilioinguinal-to-dorsal neurorrhaphy for restoration of penile
      sensation in myelomeningocele has shown success in a small pilot study. Both
      sexual activity and paternity rates are higher in women, compared with men who
      are born with bladder exstrophy. SUMMARY: The extent and complexity of issues
      related to sexual function and fertility in the population of patients with a
      history of genitourinary malformation requires a thoughtful approach to timely
      surgical management and consistent care through their transition from childhood
      to adulthood.

PMID- 27139193
TI  - Monitoring and malignancy concerns in patients with congenital bladder anomalies.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There are concerns that patients with congenital bladder
      anomalies (CBA) may be at higher risk for developing bladder malignancy later in
      life. To date there is no consensus on how to monitor these patients to prevent
      this devastating malignancy. We will review the current understanding of bladder
      malignancy in patients with CBA and the status of surveillance tests. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Initial reports observed that augmentation cystoplasty in CBA may be an
      independent risk factor for bladder malignancy. Since that time, studies have
      identified that the augmented bladder may not be the culprit, but the congenital
      bladder itself may be at risk. Further, reports determined cystoscopy and
      cytology are not cost-effective at detecting these malignancies. Bladder cancer
      in these patients at presentation is typically aggressive and presents at a
      younger age, high stage with high mortality. SUMMARY: Surveillance cystoscopy and
      cytology of the adult congenital bladder should be discontinued as the evidence
      shows they are not effective, given the low incidence, high cost, and inability
      to alter the course of disease. Symptomatic patients should prompt a detailed
      evaluation for bladder cancer using standard testing.

PMID- 27139191
TI  - The potential role of liver stem cells in initiation of primary liver cancer.
AB  - Identification of the cellular origin of primary liver cancer remains
      challenging. Some data point toward liver stem cells (LSCs) or liver progenitor
      cells (LPCs) not only as propagators of liver regeneration, but also as
      initiators of liver cancer. LSCs exhibit a long lifespan and strong duplicative
      potential upon activation and are inclined to accumulate more mutations that can
      be passed down to the next generations. Recent evidence shows that dysregulation
      of signaling pathways associated with self-renewal of LSCs can drive their
      aberrant proliferation and even malignant transformation. If LSCs could be proved
      to be an initiator of liver carcinogenesis, they would be promising for ultra
      early diagnosis and targeting therapy of liver cancer. This review mainly
      summarizes the potential role of LSCs in the carcinogenesis of primary liver
      cancer.

PMID- 27139194
TI  - Purification and characterization of a melanin biodegradation enzyme from
      Geotrichum sp.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Melanin is a black or brown phenolic polymer present mainly in skin
      and hair. Although melanin can be degraded by some microbial species, the melanin
      degradation capacity of Geotrichum sp. is unknown. The aim of this study was to
      characterize a melanin biodegradation enzyme from Geotrichum sp. METHODS: In this
      study, we assessed the melanin degradation activity of Geotrichum sp. in
      comparison with the major melanin-degrading enzymes, manganese-dependent
      peroxidase (MnP), manganese-independent peroxidase, lignin peroxidase and
      laccase. Furthermore, the effect of several carbohydrates on melanin degradation
      by Geotrichum sp. was determined. The MnP enzyme was purified using ammonium
      sulphate precipitation and Sephadex G-200 column chromatography, and then the
      conditions for optimal enzymatic activity were determined by adjusting the pH,
      temperature and Tween-80 concentration. RESULTS: Compared with extracellular
      ligninolytic enzymes of Geotrichum sp., MnP had the highest ligninolytic enzyme
      activity; and the highest enzymatic activity was observed in the presence of
      glucose. The final purified MnP enzyme exhibited 6 U mL-1 activity and had a
      molecular weight of 54.2 kDa. The enzymatic activity was highest at pH 4.5 and 25
      35 degrees C in the absence of Tween-80. CONCLUSION: These results indicate the
      potential of MnP purified from Geotrichum sp. as a skin-lightening agent in the
      cosmetic industry.

PMID- 27139196
TI  - Neuraminidase Resistant Sialosides for the Detection of Influenza Viruses.
AB  - We report the synthesis of influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) resistant
      sialosides that include different glycoside linkages (C-, S-, and triazole).
      These unnatural sialosides were printed onto glass slides to generate a small
      focused microarray. We evaluated the binding affinity of multiple lectins and
      compared the stability of these sialosides with O-linked sialosides toward
      influenza virus neuraminidase and intact virus. We demonstrated the ability of
      these molecules to capture eight different strains of influenza virus at ambient
      temperature without the addition of NA inhibitors. The glycans capture extremely
      low, clinically relevant concentrations of viruses and each strain gives rise to
      a specific "fingerprint" binding pattern, which could potentially be used in
      rapid diagnostic tests.

PMID- 27139195
TI  - The Anorexigenic Peptide Neuromedin U (NMU) Attenuates Amphetamine-Induced
      Locomotor Stimulation, Accumbal Dopamine Release and Expression of Conditioned
      Place Preference in Mice.
AB  - Amphetamine dependence, besides its substantial economical consequence, is a
      serious cause of mortality and morbidity. By investigations of the neurochemical
      correlates through which addictive drugs, such as amphetamine, activate the
      mesoaccumbal dopamine system unique targets for treatment of drug addiction can
      be identified. This reward link consists of a dopamine projection from the
      ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) suggesting that these brain
      areas are important for reward. The physiological function of gut-brain peptides
      has expanded beyond food intake modulation and involves regulation of drug
      reinforcement. A novel candidate for reward regulation is the anorexigenic
      peptide neuromedin U (NMU). We therefore investigated the effects of
      intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of NMU on amphetamine's well
      documented effects on the mesoaccumbal dopamine system, i.e. locomotor
      stimulation and accumbal dopamine release in mice. In addition, the effect of
      accumbal NMU administration on locomotor activity was examined. The effect of
      NMU, icv or intra-NAc, on the expression of conditioned place preference (CPP)
      was elucidated. Firstly, we showed that icv administration of NMU attenuate the
      amphetamine-induced locomotor stimulation, accumbal dopamine release and
      expression of CPP in mice. Secondly, we found that a lower dose of NMU (icv)
      reduce the amphetamine-induced locomotor stimulation in mice. Thirdly, we
      demonstrated that NMU administration into the NAc block the ability of
      amphetamine to cause a locomotor stimulation in mice. However, accumbal NMU
      administration did not attenuate the amphetamine-induced expression of CPP in
      mice. Our novel data suggest that central NMU signalling is involved in
      development of amphetamine dependence.

PMID- 27139197
TI  - Procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in early diagnosis of sepsis caused by
      either Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sepsis is the most frequent cause of systemic inflammatory response
      syndrome (SIRS). Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are well-known
      predictors of sepsis. Serum PCT levels are associated with blood culture
      positivity in patients with sepsis, but the magnitude of elevation of PCT and CRP
      levels at the onset of sepsis is unknown in Gram-negative (GN) bacteremia and in
      Gram-positive (GP) bacteremia. AIMS: To evaluate the PCT and CRP levels in 72 h
      at the onset of sepsis in GN and GP bacteremia. METHODS: We retrospectively
      analyzed the data from 648 blood-positive specimens from three integrated
      teaching hospitals in Xiamen, China. One hundred and forty-seven adult patients
      with sepsis within 72 h enrolled in the study. Serum PCT and CRP level were
      assessed according GN or GP bacteremia. RESULTS: A total of 147 (22.68 %)
      patients were eligible for inclusion in the study, including 56 GP sepsis and 91
      GN sepsis. PCT, but not CRP levels, was significantly higher in patients in the
      GP group than in the GN group (23.64 vs 6.18 ng/mL, p < 0.001). The area under
      the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve of PCT was 0.73 (95 %
      confidence interval 0.65-0.81) and that under the ROC curve of CRP was 0.52 (95 %
      confidence interval 0.43-0.62). A positive predictive value of 72.5 % and a
      negative predictive value of 67.9 % were achieved with a PCT cutoff value of 2.1
      ng/ml. CONCLUSION: Serum PCT levels are higher in GN sepsis than GP sepsis in 72
      h. There are not differences in CRP. The separation of PCT and CRP phenomenon is
      helpful for early diagnosis of GP sepsis.

PMID- 27139198
TI  - Effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on oxidant and anti-oxidant status of
      liver and serum in a rat model with acute methanol intoxication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methanol toxicity is one of the major public health problems because
      it can cause severe morbidity and mortality. Methanol intoxication causes changes
      in the balance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant capacity.
      AIMS: We aimed to investigate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)
      on the total oxidant status, total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress
      index (OSI) parameters of the liver and the serum in a rat model of acute
      methanol intoxication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were treated with
      intraperitoneal (i.p.) Methotrexate (MTX) for 7 days. On the 8th day, i.p.
      Methanol was administered in the methanol, ethanol and CAPE groups. Four hours
      after methanol treatment, ethanol was injected i.p. in the ethanol group; CAPE
      (i.p.) in the CAPE group; serum physiologic i.p. in other groups. After 8 hours,
      rats were killed and the serum and the liver samples were obtained for
      biochemical analyses. RESULTS: The OSI value was significantly higher in the
      methanol group compared to the ethanol and CAPE groups. Serum TAS levels of the
      methanol group were significantly different compared to the control group, but
      not compared to the MTX group. The amelioration of oxidative stress was greater
      in the CAPE group compared to the ethanol group but was not statistically
      significant. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that CAPE treatment ameliorates
      oxidative stress in the serum and liver in a rat model of acute methanol
      intoxication.

PMID- 27139200
TI  - From Pipeline to Mainstream: Increasing the Number of Dental Students and
      Residents Pursuing Academic Careers.

PMID- 27139199
TI  - Genetic cause and prevalence of hydroxyprolinemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydroxyprolinemia is an inborn error of amino acid degradation that
      is considered a non-disease. Known for more than 50 years, its genetic cause and
      prevalence have remained unclear. In MS/MS newborn screening, the mass spectrum
      of hydroxyproline cannot be differentiated from isoleucine and leucine causing
      false positive newborn screening test results for maple syrup urine disease
      (MSUD). METHODS: We studied two siblings with hydroxyprolinemia via exome
      sequencing and confirmed the candidate gene in five further individuals with
      hydroxyprolinemia, who were all characterized biochemically and clinically. The
      prevalence was calculated based on the number of individuals with
      hydroxyprolinemia detected via MS/MS newborn screening at our centre from 2003 to
      2014. RESULTS: In six cases, we identified homozygous or compound heterozygous
      mutations in PRODH2 as the underlying genetic cause of hydroxyprolinemia. One
      individual was heterozygous for a deletion in PRODH2 and had an intermittent
      biochemical phenotype with partial normalization of hydroxyproline
      concentrations. In one further individual with persistent hydroxyprolinemia no
      mutation in PRODH2 was found, raising the possibility of another defect of
      hydroxyproline degradation yet to be identified as the underlying cause of
      hydroxyprolinemia. Plasma hydroxyproline concentrations were clearly elevated in
      all individuals with biallelic mutations in PRODH2. All studied individuals
      remained asymptomatic, giving further evidence that hydroxyprolinemia is a benign
      condition. The estimated prevalence of hydroxyprolinemia in Germany is about one
      in 47,300 newborns. CONCLUSION: Our results establish mutations in PRODH2 as a
      cause of human hydroxyprolinemia via impaired dehydrogenation of hydroxyproline
      to delta1-pyroline-3-hydroxy-5-carboxylic acid, and we suggest PRODH2 be renamed
      HYPDH. Hydroxyprolinemia is an autosomal-recessively inherited benign condition.
      It is a frequent cause of false positive screening results for MSUD, the
      prevalence being about 2.5 times higher than that of MSUD.

PMID- 27139201
TI  - Training Future Dentists for an Academic Career: A Three-Tiered Model.
AB  - The anticipated shortage of dental faculty presents a challenge for dental
      education as it will greatly impact the training of the next generation of
      practicing dentists. One way to alleviate shortages is to identify students who
      are interested in an academic career at the predoctoral level and provide them
      with training in teaching, research, and leadership. Based on available evidence,
      formal programs offer the best way to introduce students to academia as a viable
      career path. A well-designed program can also equip interested students with the
      necessary skills and basic knowledge to facilitate starting an academic career.
      The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine has developed a three
      tiered model for providing its dental students with exposure to and training in
      academic dentistry. The three tiers reflect differing levels of commitment: 1) a
      two-year academic career track program, 2) academic career track elective
      courses, and 3) extracurricular activities. The aim of this study was to provide
      an initial assessment of the program's overall effectiveness. Data were collected
      using student and faculty surveys and student applications for the two-year
      academic career track program. The data gathered included characteristics of, and
      feedback from, students taking the elective courses, as well as student and
      faculty feedback about student teacher effectiveness. The study found overall
      positive responses to the three-tiered program from faculty, students, and
      student teachers at this initial stage. Whether these students ultimately become
      faculty members (the ultimate goal of the program) will be assessed in the
      future. 

PMID- 27139202
TI  - Changes in Dental Students' Attitudes About Treating Underserved Populations: A
      Longitudinal Study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess changes in a group of dental students'
      feelings about, willingness to treat, and perceived responsibility in treating
      underserved populations as they progressed through their predoctoral education. A
      questionnaire was developed to assess the first- through fourth-year (D1-D4)
      students' attitudes about treating 13 underserved populations after graduation.
      Surveys were distributed from 2008 to 2014, resulting in longitudinal data from
      three graduating classes (D1 year: N=240; eligible D4 participants: N=221). A
      total of 132 students from the three classes (Class of 2012 N=41; 2013 N=46; 2014
      N=45; adjusted response rate 60%) completed all surveys (D1-D4). The results
      showed that changes in students' feelings about treating and willingness to treat
      underserved populations were population-specific rather than universal. Compared
      to the D1 year, the students in later years anticipated feeling more negatively
      towards treating low-income, frail elderly, homebound, homeless, other ethnic
      groups, and non-English-speaking patients, while their feelings were more
      positive towards treating known drug users and HIV/AIDS populations. Across the
      four years, students' willingness to treat low-income, frail elderly, homebound,
      and non-English-speaking populations after graduation became more negative, while
      their willingness to treat medically complex populations, known drug users, and
      HIV/AIDS populations became more positive. The students also became less likely
      to strongly agree that it is their responsibility as dentists to treat
      underserved populations as they progressed through school. These respondents
      reported that clinical and faculty interactions had impacted their likelihood to
      treat underserved populations. These findings may point to specific types of
      interventions and faculty mentoring to bring about change. 

PMID- 27139203
TI  - Association Between Dental Students' Emotional Intelligence and Academic
      Performance: A Study at Six Dental Colleges in India.
AB  - Since the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in achieving academic excellence
      requires further research, the aims of this cross-sectional study were to assess
      EI and its associated factors and to determine any association between EI and
      academic performance among final-year dental students in Bengaluru, India. In
      2015, 208 dental students from six dental colleges in Bengaluru were invited to
      participate in the study. Their demographic and lifestyle data were collected,
      and EI was assessed with the 30-item Emotional Quotient Self-Assessment Checklist
      developed by Sterrett. Academic performance was assessed using grades obtained in
      the final-year undergraduate examination. The response rate was 96% (N=200).
      Overall, 54.5% of the participants had high EI scores (>=120), although only 51
      (25.5%) had a high EI score in all the domains (>=20). EI was significantly
      greater in females than males. Gender, sleep, meeting friends, physical exercise,
      recreational activities, and academic performance were significantly associated
      with EI and accounted for 42% variance in hierarchical regression analysis. EI
      was also positively associated with academic performance. Gender and healthy
      lifestyle habits were positively associated with EI, which in turn influenced
      these students' academic performance. These findings suggest a possible need for
      attention to developing dental students' EI. 

PMID- 27139204
TI  - The Patient Educator Presentation in Dental Education: Reinforcing the Importance
      of Learning About Rare Conditions.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether a patient educator presentation
      (PEP) on pemphigus vulgaris would increase second-year dental students' awareness
      of the importance of learning about rare conditions and improve their retention
      of rare disease knowledge. The study involved students' subjective assessments of
      a PEP experience at two U.S. dental schools. In this mixed methods study, cross
      sectional data were obtained by surveys and in-depth interviews. Questions
      focused on students' assessment of the messages acquired from the PEP and its
      likely impact on their future clinical care. At University 1, students completed
      paper surveys with open-ended questions and participated in a focus group. At
      University 2, students completed an online survey consisting of rating scale and
      open-ended questions. Responses to open-ended questions were categorized into
      themes. At University 1, 79 students (out of a possible 102; response rate 77.5%)
      completed the survey, and an additional ten students participated in a focus
      group. At University 2, 30 students (out of a possible 104; response rate 28.8%)
      completed the survey. At Universities 1 and 2, 88% and 100%, respectively, of
      respondents stated the PEP would influence their future clinical decision making.
      The vast majority of respondents (94% and 100% at University 1 and University 2,
      respectively) were of the opinion that the personal testimonial from a patient
      would help them recall information about pemphigus vulgaris in five years' time.
      Respondents from both universities commented that the PEP emphasized the
      importance of not dismissing a patient's concerns. These results suggest that a
      presentation by a patient with a rare condition can be an effective educational
      tool for preclinical dental students. 

PMID- 27139205
TI  - Dental Student Study Strategies: Are Self-Testing and Scheduling Related to
      Academic Performance?
AB  - Self-testing, a strategy wherein a student actively engages in creating questions
      and answers from study materials to assist with studying, has been found to be
      especially advantageous because it enhances future retrieval of information.
      Studies have found correlations among students' grade point averages (GPAs), self
      testing, and rereading study strategies, as well as the spacing of study sessions
      over time. The aim of this study was to assess relationships among dental
      students' study strategies, scheduling of study time, and academic achievement. A
      16-item survey requesting information on study habits, study schedules, and GPAs
      was distributed to 358 second-year dental students at New York University College
      of Dentistry. Additionally, the survey asked students to report the average
      number of hours per week they devoted to studying for didactic courses and
      preparing for hands-on preclinical courses. Of the 358 students, 94 (26%)
      responded to the survey. The vast majority of the respondents reported utilizing
      self-testing and rereading study strategies. High performers (with higher GPAs)
      were more likely to use self-testing, especially with flashcards, and to space
      their studying over multiple sessions. Lower performing students were more likely
      to highlight or underline their notes and to mass their study sessions or cram.
      Longer hours devoted to studying and practicing for simulation courses were
      associated with stronger performance; lower performers reported spending
      significantly fewer hours practicing for simulation courses. Half of the dental
      students surveyed said that they felt their studying would be more productive in
      the morning, although 84% reported doing most of their studying in the evening or
      late night. Sound study decisions depend on accurate regulation of ongoing
      learning and appropriate use and timing of evidence-based study strategies, so
      these results suggest that dental students may require guidance in these areas. 

PMID- 27139206
TI  - Agreement in Scoring Preclinical Dental Procedures: Impact on Grades and
      Instructor-Related Determinants.
AB  - The aims of this study were to assess agreement among instructors in scoring
      preclinical dental procedures, the effect of this agreement on grades, and
      factors associated with agreement and grades differences. Twenty-six instructors
      from five clinical specialties participated in a scoring exercise at the College
      of Dentistry, University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in January 2015. Instructors
      blindly and independently scored 19-20 anonymous students' procedures, filling
      forms with rating scales as used in preclinical lab sessions. Their scores were
      compared to those of gold standard instructors in the same specialty. Percent
      agreement and having one letter grade difference from gold standard instructors
      were assessed, and associated factors were investigated after controlling for the
      effect of specialty/student. Agreement between instructors and their specialty
      gold standards occurred in 54.3% of decisions, with only 12.8% similar scores and
      52.8% of scores representing underestimation in relation to gold standards.
      Instructor-related variables accounted for 40-50% of the variation in percent
      score as well as percent agreement and percent difference between instructors and
      gold standards. Educational background and teaching experience were significantly
      associated with less agreement among instructors and odds of one letter grade
      difference. Modest agreement existed among instructors in scoring various
      preclinical procedures, and there was a considerable percentage of one letter
      grade difference from gold standard instructors. Some factors associated with
      these outcomes are non-modifiable, but corrective measures are needed to increase
      agreement in scoring among instructors. 

PMID- 27139207
TI  - Instructor and Dental Student Perceptions of Clinical Communication Skills via
      Structured Assessments.
AB  - The aim of this study was to use structured assessments to assess dental
      students' clinical communication skills exhibited during patient appointments.
      Fourth-year dental students (n=55) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
      evaluated their own interpersonal skills in a clinical setting utilizing the Four
      Habits Coding Scheme. An instructor also assessed student-patient clinical
      communication. These assessments were used to identify perceived strengths and
      weaknesses in students' clinical communication. Both instructor assessments and
      student self-assessments pinpointed the following clinical communication skills
      as effective the most often: patient greeting, avoidance of jargon, and non
      verbal behavior. There was also relative agreement between instructor assessments
      and student self-assessments regarding clinical communication skills that were
      rated as not effective most frequently: ensuring patient comprehension,
      identification of patient feelings, and exploration of barriers to treatment.
      These resulted pointed to strengths and weaknesses in the portion of the
      curriculum designed to prepare students for effective provider-patient
      communication. These results may suggest a need for the school's current
      behavioral science curriculum to better address discussion of potential treatment
      barriers and patient feelings as well as techniques to ensure patient
      comprehension. 

PMID- 27139208
TI  - A Systematic Literature Review of the Information-Seeking Behavior of Dentists in
      Developed Countries.
AB  - Understanding the information-seeking behavior of dentists may inform ways to
      increase the dentist uptake of evidence-based research for clinical decision
      making and the practice of evidence-based dentistry, but no systematic review of
      dentist information-seeking behavior has been conducted. This review aimed to
      synthesize the best available evidence on where and how dentists seek
      information. A literature search of Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and reference
      lists of English language studies from the Organization for Economic Cooperation
      and Development countries of dentists' information-seeking behavior published
      between 2002 and 2014 was conducted. Selected articles were assessed using mixed
      methods analysis, and the data extracted were thematically synthesized. Nine
      studies met the inclusion criteria, and four main themes were identified:
      dentists' difficulty translating evidence-based resources into clinical practice;
      dentists' preference for face-to-face meetings, collegial discussion, and print
      materials over evidence-based resources; dentists' perceptions of the validity of
      evidence-based resources and the role of specialist and experienced dentists as
      information sources for general and less experienced dentists; and differences
      between early and late adopters of research evidence. Dentists in these studies
      tended to adopt new materials/techniques after discussion with a colleague, a
      dental specialist, or a respected dental expert. These dentists also reported
      lacking time, experience, skills, and confidence to find and use evidence-based
      resources. Many of the dentists studied were cautious about making decisions
      based on documentary sources like literature reviews and preferred to seek advice
      from an experienced or specialist colleague or to participate in face-to-face
      meetings. 

PMID- 27139209
TI  - Assessment of the Influence of Demographic and Professional Characteristics on
      Health Care Providers' Pain Management Decisions Using Virtual Humans.
AB  - Disparities in health care associated with patients' gender, race, and age are
      well documented. Previous studies using virtual human (VH) technology have
      demonstrated that provider characteristics may play an important role in pain
      management decisions. However, these studies have largely emphasized group
      differences. The aims of this study were to examine dentists' and physicians' use
      of VH characteristics when making clinical judgments (i.e., cue use) and to
      identify provider characteristics associated with the magnitude of the impact of
      these cues (beta-weights). Providers (N=152; 76 physicians, 76 dentists) viewed
      video vignettes of VH patients varying in gender (male/female), race
      (white/black), and age (younger/older). Participants rated VH patients' pain
      intensity and unpleasantness and then rated their own likelihood of administering
      non-opioid and opioid analgesics. Compared to physicians, dentists had
      significantly lower beta-weights associated with VH age cues for all ratings
      (p<0.001; d>0.69). These effects varied by provider race and gender. For pain
      intensity, professional differences were present only among non-white providers.
      White providers had greater beta-weights than non-white providers for pain
      unpleasantness but only among men. Provider differences regarding the use of VH
      age cues in non-opioid analgesic administration were present among all providers
      except non-white males. These findings highlight the interaction of patient and
      provider factors in driving clinical decision making. Although profession was
      related to use of VH age cues in pain-related clinical judgments, this
      relationship was modified by providers' personal characteristics. Additional
      research is needed to understand what aspects of professional training or
      practice may account for differences between physicians and dentists and what
      forms of continuing education may help to mitigate the disparities. 

PMID- 27139210
TI  - Generational Learning Differences in Today's Dental Students: A Popular Myth.

PMID- 27139211
TI  - Leadership in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Programs: A Pilot Study Comparing
      Stand-Alone Leadership Courses and Leadership-Infused Curricula.
AB  - The aim of this study was to define the extent to which leadership and leadership
      skills are taught in dental hygiene degree completion programs by comparing stand
      alone leadership courses/hybrid programs with programs that infuse leadership
      skills throughout the curricula. The study involved a mixed-methods approach
      using qualitative and quantitative data. Semi-structured interviews were
      conducted with program directors and faculty members who teach a stand-alone
      leadership course, a hybrid program, or leadership-infused courses in these
      programs. A quantitative comparison of course syllabi determined differences in
      the extent of leadership content and experiences between stand-alone leadership
      courses and leadership-infused curricula. Of the 53 U.S. dental hygiene programs
      that offer degree completion programs, 49 met the inclusion criteria, and 19
      programs provided course syllabi. Of the program directors and faculty members
      who teach a stand-alone leadership course or leadership-infused curriculum, 16
      participated in the interview portion of the study. The results suggested that
      competencies related to leadership were not clearly defined or measurable in
      current teaching. Reported barriers to incorporating a stand-alone leadership
      course included overcrowded curricula, limited qualified faculty, and lack of
      resources. The findings of this study provide a synopsis of leadership content
      and gaps in leadership education for degree completion programs. Suggested
      changes included defining a need for leadership competencies and providing
      additional resources to educators such as courses provided by the American Dental
      Education Association and the American Dental Hygienists' Association. 

PMID- 27139212
TI  - Assessment of Mass Fatality Preparedness and Response Content in Dental Hygiene
      Education.
AB  - When mass fatality incidents (MFIs) occur, they can quickly overwhelm local,
      state, and government agencies, resources, and personnel. It is important to have
      a rapid and effective response with skilled, multidisciplinary victim
      identification teams since specific skill sets are necessary to participate in
      mass fatality preparedness and response. The aims of this study were to determine
      the extent of formal education related to mass fatality preparedness and response
      training in U.S. dental hygiene programs and to assess program directors'
      perceptions of the need for such training. A 23-item cross-sectional survey was
      emailed to 319 U.S. dental hygiene programs in 2015. Survey questions addressed
      if the program offered mass fatality preparedness and response training to its
      students and how much training was given, as well as collecting respondents'
      demographics and opinions regarding education and training. An overall response
      rate of 36% was obtained, with 111 program chairs completing the survey. The
      results showed that only a small percentage of responding programs incorporated
      coursework related to mass fatality and preparedness in their curricula. Of the
      responding programs, 84% had no formal instruction on the role of a dental
      hygienist in MFIs; however, 53 of 69 program directors agreed or strongly agreed
      that the role of dental hygienists in MFIs should be covered in dental hygiene
      curricula. The top three barriers to incorporating such training reported by
      respondents were time requirements, lack of faculty expertise, and lack of
      equipment. Future research is needed to establish standardized competencies for
      mass fatality preparedness and response in dental hygiene education. 

PMID- 27139213
TI  - Evaluation of a recent product to remove lipids and other matrix co-extractives
      in the analysis of pesticide residues and environmental contaminants in foods.
AB  - This study demonstrates the application of a novel lipid removal product to the
      residue analysis of 65 pesticides and 52 environmental contaminants in kale,
      pork, salmon, and avocado by fast, low pressure gas chromatography - tandem mass
      spectrometry (LPGC-MS/MS). Sample preparation involves QuEChERS extraction
      followed by use of EMR-Lipid ("enhanced matrix removal of lipids") and an
      additional salting out step for cleanup. The optimal amount of EMR-Lipid was
      determined to be 500mg for 2.5mL extracts for most of the analytes. The co
      extractive removal efficiency by the EMR-Lipid cleanup step was 83-98% for fatty
      samples and 79% for kale, including 76% removal of chlorophyll. Matrix effects
      were typically less than +/-20%, in part because analyte protectants were used in
      the LPGC-MS/MS analysis. The recoveries of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and
      diverse pesticides were mostly 70-120%, whereas recoveries of nonpolar
      polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls were mostly lower
      than 70% through the cleanup procedure. With the use of internal standards,
      method validation results showed that 76-85 of the 117 analytes achieved
      satisfactory results (recoveries of 70-120% and RSD<=20%) in pork, avocado, and
      kale, while 53 analytes had satisfactory results in salmon. Detection limits were
      5-10ng/g for all but a few analytes. EMR-Lipid is a new sample preparation tool
      that serves as another useful option for cleanup in multiresidue analysis,
      particularly of fatty foods. 

PMID- 27139214
TI  - Calibration of nylon organic chemical integrative samplers and sentinel samplers
      for quantitative measurement of pulsed aquatic exposures.
AB  - Environmental exposures often occur through short, pulsed events; therefore, the
      ability to accurately measure these toxicologically-relevant concentrations is
      important. Three different integrative passive sampler configurations were
      evaluated under different flow and pulsed exposure conditions for the measurement
      of current-use pesticides (n=19), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (n=10), and personal
      care products (n=5) spanning a broad range of hydrophobicities (log Kow 1.5-7.6).
      Two modified POCIS-style samplers were investigated using macroporous nylon mesh
      membranes (35MUm pores) and two different sorbent materials (i.e. Oasis HLB and
      Dowex Optipore L-493). A recently developed design, the Sentinel Sampler (ABS
      Materials), utilizing Osorb media enclosed within stainless steel mesh (145MUm
      pores), was also investigated. Relatively high sampling rates (Rs) were achieved
      for all sampler configurations during the short eight-day exposure (4300-27mL/d).
      Under flow conditions, median Rs were approximately 5-10 times higher for POCIS
      style samplers and 27 times higher for Sentinel Samplers, as compared to static
      conditions. The ability of samplers to rapidly measure hydrophobic contaminants
      may be a trade off with increased flow dependence. Analyte accumulation was
      integrative under pulsed and continuous exposures for POCIS-style samplers with
      mean difference between treatments of 11% and 33%; however, accumulation into
      Sentinel Samplers was more variable. Collectively, results show that reducing
      membrane limitations allows for rapid, integrative accumulation of a broad range
      of analytes even under pulsed exposures. As such, these sampler designs may be
      suitable for monitoring environmental substances that have short aquatic half
      lives. 

PMID- 27139215
TI  - Simple automatic strategy for background drift correction in chromatographic data
      analysis.
AB  - Chromatographic background drift correction, which influences peak detection and
      time shift alignment results, is a critical stage in chromatographic data
      analysis. In this study, an automatic background drift correction methodology was
      developed. Local minimum values in a chromatogram were initially detected and
      organized as a new baseline vector. Iterative optimization was then employed to
      recognize outliers, which belong to the chromatographic peaks, in this vector,
      and update the outliers in the baseline until convergence. The optimized baseline
      vector was finally expanded into the original chromatogram, and linear
      interpolation was employed to estimate background drift in the chromatogram. The
      principle underlying the proposed method was confirmed using a complex gas
      chromatographic dataset. Finally, the proposed approach was applied to eliminate
      background drift in liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight samples used
      in the metabolic study of Escherichia coli samples. The proposed method was
      comparable with three classical techniques: morphological weighted penalized
      least squares, moving window minimum value strategy and background drift
      correction by orthogonal subspace projection. The proposed method allows almost
      automatic implementation of background drift correction, which is convenient for
      practical use. 

PMID- 27139216
TI  - Fluoro-substituted tetraphenyl-phenyl grafted polysiloxanes as highly selective
      stationary phases for gas chromatography.
AB  - In this work, two new types of polycyclic aromatic grafted polysiloxanes, namely,
      3,4-bis(4-fluoro phenyl)-2,5-diphenyl polysiloxane (FPP) and 3,4-bis(3,4,5
      trifluoro phenyl)-2,5-diphenyl polysiloxane (TFPP), were synthesized and
      statically coated onto capillary columns as stationary phases for gas
      chromatography (GC). Based on their McReynolds constants, both columns exhibited
      moderate polarity. The efficiencies of the FPP and TFPP columns were 3316
      (k=3.96, naphthalene; 0.25mm inner diameter) and 3768 (k=4.14, naphthalene;
      0.25mm inner diameter) plates/m, respectively. The thermostability of the
      polymers was tested by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and results revealed
      that both TFPP and FPP began to decompose slightly at 380 degrees C. Separation
      of polyethylene pyrolysis products showed that the upper working temperature of
      the two columns can reach up to 360 degrees C. Relying on their unique
      polarizable characteristics in combination with other types of interactions, such
      as H-bond acceptor, dipole-dipole, and dispersive interactions, the newly
      synthesized polarizable stationary phases offered unique selectivity for aromatic
      isomers and substituted benzenes. A slight separation difference between TPP and
      TFPP was observed. TFPP also exerted excellent selectivity for polycyclic
      aromatic hydrocarbons, fatty acid esters, and fatty alcohols. Overall, FPP and
      TFPP demonstrated considerable potential for further applications because of
      their unique structures and outstanding separation performance. 

PMID- 27139217
TI  - The metal-organic framework MIL-101(Cr) as efficient adsorbent in a vortex
      assisted dispersive solid-phase extraction of imatinib mesylate in rat plasma
      coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry:
      Application to a pharmacokinetic study.
AB  - Metal-organic framework MIL-101(Cr) was successfully used as an efficient sorbent
      in a vortex-assisted dispersive solid-phase extraction (VA-DSPE) and applied for
      the determination and the pharmacokinetic of imatinib mesylate in rat plasma by
      UPLC-MS/MS. In the enrichment of imatinib from rat plasma, the analyte was
      efficiently adsorbed on MIL-101(Cr) and simply recovered by using initial mobile
      phase (0.1% formic acid-methanol (6:4 v/v)) as elution solvent. Meanwhile, the
      protein in the plasma samples was excluded from the porous structure of MIL
      101(Cr), leading to direct extraction of drug molecule from protein-rich
      biological samples without any other pretreatment procedure. After being removed,
      the supernatant was filtered and directly injected into the UPLC-MS/MS for the
      analysis of the target. The experimental parameters, including nature of MOFs,
      amount of MIL-101(Cr), pH value of aqueous solution, extraction time, type and
      volume of elution solvent, were systematically optimized. After VA-DSPE,
      chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC((r)) BEH C18 column
      (2.1mm*100mm, 1.7MUm) with a 3min gradient elution using 0.1% formic acid and
      methanol as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.3mL/min. The detection was
      accomplished on a tandem mass spectrometer via an electrospray ionization (ESI)
      source by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in the positive ionization mode. The
      lower limit of quantification of 1ng/mL was achieved and the mean recovery of the
      analyte was higher than 81.2%. Moreover, computational simulation was primarily
      applied to predict the adsorption behavior and revealed the molecular
      interactions and free binding energies between MIL-101(Cr) and imatinib with the
      molecular modeling method, providing certain explanation of the adsorption
      mechanism. The originally established pretreatment and detection method has some
      merits, such as less solvent consumption, easy operation, higher sensitivity and
      lower matrix effect. And the MIL-101(Cr) exhibited a potential as an efficient
      sorbent in the enrichment of the analyte from complex biosamples. 

PMID- 27139218
TI  - Analysis of sucrose acetates in a crude 6-O-acetyl sucrose product by on-line
      hydrolysis-high-performance liquid chromatography with pulsed amperometric
      detection.
AB  - A standard-free and sensitive method was developed for analysis of sucrose
      acetates in a crude 6-O-acetyl sucrose (S-6-a) product by on-line hydrolysis-high
      performance liquid chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (PAD).
      Sucrose, three regio-isomers of acetyl sucrose and five regio-isomers of diacetyl
      sucrose were separated on a C18 column using 3% (v/v) acetonitrile in water as
      eluent within 25min. After purification with LC followed by semi-preparative
      HPLC, their chemical structures were identified by 1D, 2D NMR and LC-MS.
      Moreover, quantification of those regio-isomers was achieved by on-line alkaline
      hydrolysis to liberate sucrose using a post-column delivery system, and then
      detected by PAD for indirect estimation of the sucrose acetate content. Under
      optimal conditions, the linear ranges were from 0.03 to 150MUmolL(-1) for sucrose
      corresponding to sucrose acetates with coefficient of determination as 0.9997 and
      detection limit as 0.01MUmolL(-1) (S/N=3). Good repeatability was obtained
      (RSD<3%, n=6). Furthermore, this method has been successfully applied to the
      analysis of sucrose and sucrose acetates in a crude S-6-a product during
      synthesis, purification and structure elucidation studies. The recoveries were
      from 94.89% to 102.31% for sucrose and sucrose acetates. 

PMID- 27139219
TI  - Febrile or Exanthematous Illness Associated with Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya
      Viruses, Panama.

PMID- 27139221
TI  - Gas phase complexes of H3NCuF and H3NCuI studied by rotational spectroscopy and
      ab initio calculations: the effect of X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) in OCCuX and H3NCuX.
AB  - Complexes of H3NCuF and H3NCuI have been synthesised in the gas phase and
      characterized by microwave spectroscopy. The rotational spectra of 4
      isotopologues of H3NCuF and 5 isotopologues of H3NCuI have been measured in the
      6.5-18.5 GHz frequency range using a chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave
      spectrometer. Each complex is generated from a gas sample containing NH3 and a
      halogen-containing precursor diluted in Ar. Copper is introduced by laser
      ablation of a solid target prior to supersonic expansion of the sample into the
      vacuum chamber of the microwave spectrometer. The spectrum of each complex is
      characteristic of a symmetric rotor and a C3v geometry in which the N, Cu and X
      atoms (where X is F or I) lie on the C axis. The rotational constant (B0),
      centrifugal distortion constants (DJ and DJK), nuclear spin-rotation (Cbb(Cu) =
      Ccc(Cu)) constant (for H3NCuF only) and nuclear quadrupole coupling constants
      (chiaa(X) where (X = N, Cu, I)) are fitted to the observed transition
      frequencies. Structural parameters are determined from the measured rotational
      constants and also calculated ab initio at the CCSD(T)(F12*)/AVQZ level of
      theory. Force constants describing the interaction between ammonia and each metal
      halide are determined from DJ for each complex. Trends in the interaction
      strengths and geometries of BCuX (B = NH3, CO) (X = F, Cl, Br, I) are discussed.

PMID- 27139222
TI  - Evolution and Analysis of Cultural and Cognitive Factors Related With Domestic
      Violence Against Women.
AB  - Despite the occurrence of encouraging political and social changes in the past
      few years, many beliefs about women's role in intimate relationships persist,
      influencing their response to domestic violence (DV). This study aims to analyze
      the influence of recent policies against DV in Portugal, concerning particularly
      intimate partner violence against women and their perceptions about the
      victimization process. Two samples of women (n = 126 each) reporting an
      aggressive act allegedly perpetrated by the current or former male partner were
      interviewed with a hiatus of 5 years (before and after some most relevant policy
      updates). Results suggest a positive influence of the recent policies against DV.
      Many significant and encouraging changes were found in the more recent women
      sample (S2) relatively to the first sample (S1) regarding their information,
      awareness, perceptions, and attitudes toward DV. They seem to show less tolerance
      and endurance to DV, placing responsibility on the offender, as well as seem more
      empowered to report. In S2, there was a decrease in the acceptance of violent
      behaviors as normal and of reasons to explain violence; the fears, shame, and
      helplessness about DV; the elapsed time between the beginning of the abuse and
      its report; and the prevalence of more severe types of physical abuse. In S2,
      there was an increase on the acknowledgment of DV as a crime, the number of
      reports in cases without cohabitation, the report of psychological abuses, and
      the feeling of safety and assurance while reporting.

PMID- 27139220
TI  - Oral Serum-Derived Bovine Immunoglobulin/Protein Isolate Has Immunomodulatory
      Effects on the Colon of Mice that Spontaneously Develop Colitis.
AB  - Dietary immunoglobulin concentrates prepared from animal plasma can modulate the
      immune response of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Previous studies have
      revealed that supplementation with serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein
      isolate (SBI) ameliorates colonic barrier alterations in the mdr1a-/- genetic
      mouse model of IBD. Here, we examine the effects of SBI on mucosal inflammation
      in mdr1a-/- mice that spontaneously develop colitis. Wild type (WT) mice and mice
      lacking the mdr1a gene (KO) were fed diets supplemented with either SBI (2% w/w)
      or milk proteins (Control diet), from day 21 (weaning) until day 56. Leucocytes
      in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and in lamina propria were determined, as was
      mucosal cytokine production. Neutrophil recruitment and activation in MLN and
      lamina propria of KO mice were increased, but were significantly reduced in both
      by SBI supplementation (p < 0.05). The increased neutrophil recruitment and
      activation observed in KO mice correlated with increased colon oxidative stress
      (p < 0.05) and SBI supplementation reduced this variable (p < 0.05). The
      Tact/Treg lymphocyte ratios in MLN and lamina propria were also increased in KO
      animals, but SBI prevented these changes (both p < 0.05). In the colon of KO
      mice, there was an increased production of mucosal pro-inflammatory cytokines
      such as IL-2 (2-fold), IL-6 (26-fold) and IL-17 (19-fold), and of chemokines MIP
      1beta (4.5-fold) and MCP-1 (7.2-fold). These effects were significantly prevented
      by SBI (p < 0.05). SBI also significantly increased TGF-beta secretion in the
      colon mucosa, suggesting a role of this anti-inflammatory cytokine in the
      modulation of GALT and the reduction of the severity of the inflammatory response
      during the onset of colitis.

PMID- 27139223
TI  - Ultrafast Relaxation Dynamics of the Ethylene Cation C(2)H(4)+.
AB  - We present a combined experimental and computational study of the relaxation
      dynamics of the ethylene cation. In the experiment, we apply an extreme
      ultraviolet-pump/infrared-probe scheme that permits us to resolve time scales on
      the order of 10 fs. The photoionization of ethylene followed by an infrared (IR)
      probe pulse leads to a rich structure in the fragment ion yields reflecting the
      fast response of the molecule and its nuclei. The temporal resolution of our
      setup enables us to pinpoint an upper bound of the previously defined ethylene
      ethylidene isomerization time to 30 +/- 3 fs. Time-dependent density functional
      based trajectory surface hopping simulations show that internal relaxation
      between the first excited states and the ground state occurs via three different
      conical intersections. This relaxation unfolds on femtosecond time scales and can
      be probed by ultrashort IR pulses. Through this probe mechanism, we demonstrate a
      route to optical control of the important dissociation pathways leading to
      separation of H or H2.

PMID- 27139224
TI  - Patients' Early Post-Operative Experiences with Lung Transplantation: A
      Longitudinal Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lung transplantation is a complex medical treatment,
      and for patients with end-stage lung diseases it is often the last therapeutic
      option available for survival. However, lung transplantation poses not only a
      physical but also a psychological challenge for patients. The aim of this study
      was to gain a deeper understanding of patients' individual concerns related to
      their lung transplantation within the first 6 months post-transplant. METHODS:
      Forty lung transplant patients were interviewed at three different measurement
      timepoints post-transplant (T1: 2 weeks; T2: 3 months; and T3: 6 months) using
      semi-structured interviews to address their thoughts, feelings, and attitudes
      with respect to the transplantation process, their new lungs, and their
      medication. Interviews were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis.
      RESULTS: "Physical complaints", "fear of organ rejection", "side effects of
      medication", and "restrictions in everyday life" were the most frequently named
      concerns within the first 6 months post-transplant. Most themes remained
      unchanged over time, whereas mentions of restrictions in everyday life increased
      significantly over the three assessments. CONCLUSIONS: Although the majority of
      the patients experienced considerable improvements in physical health after
      transplantation, they simultaneously reported that they were suffering from
      physical complaints, fear of organ rejection and infections, medication adverse
      effects, and restrictions in everyday life. For patients, lung transplantation
      therefore often means replacing one disease with another. Healthcare providers
      are challenged to support patients in dealing with this unresolvable dilemma.

PMID- 27139225
TI  - Association between gastrointestinal events and osteoporosis treatment initiation
      in women diagnosed with osteoporosis in France: a retrospective analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A substantial portion of women diagnosed with osteoporosis (OP) do
      not initiate pharmacotherapy to reduce fracture risk. In clinical practice,
      gastrointestinal (GI) events have been linked with OP therapy discontinuation.
      However, there is limited research examining GI events as barrier to treatment
      initiation following an OP diagnosis. The objective of this study was to examine
      the association between gastrointestinal (GI) events and osteoporosis (OP)
      treatment initiation among post-menopausal women diagnosed with osteoporosis in
      France. METHODS: A retrospective claims analysis of the Mediplus France database
      during 1997 to 2010 identified women aged >= 55 with an OP diagnosis and without
      prior OP treatment (first diagnosis date was defined as the index date). GI
      events were identified during the 1 year pre-index and up to 1 year post-index.
      OP treatment initiation post-index was identified based on the presence of claims
      for any bisphosphonate (BIS) or non-BIS OP medication within 1 year post-index.
      Multivariate models (logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards regression and
      discrete choice) adjusted for pre-index patient characteristics were used to
      assess the association of pre- and post-index GI events with the likelihood of
      initiating OP treatment, and the type of treatment initiated (BIS vs. non-BIS).
      RESULTS: A total of 10,292 women (mean age 70.3 years) were identified; only 25%
      initiated OP treatment. Post-index GI events occurred in 11.5% of patients, and
      were associated with a 75.7% lower likelihood of initiating OP treatment. Among
      treated patients, a discrete choice model estimated that patients with post-index
      GI events were 34.6% less likely to receive BIS vs non-BIS as compared to
      patients without post-index GI events. CONCLUSION: Among women aged >= 55 years
      with an OP diagnosis, post-index GI events were associated with a lower
      likelihood of OP treatment initiation.

PMID- 27139227
TI  - Comparison of long-term clinical outcomes after bilateral mobile-bearing total
      knee arthroplasties using PCL-retaining and PCL-substituting implants in the same
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Whether the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) should be retained or
      substituted in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains an issue of concern. The
      purpose of this study was to perform within-patient comparisons of mid- and long
      term clinical outcomes after mobile-bearing TKA using PCL-retaining (PCLR) and
      PCL-substituting (PCLS) implant designs. METHODS: Clinical outcomes were assessed
      in thirty-eight patients (76 knees) who underwent bilateral scheduled staged TKA
      with a PCLR design on one side and a PCLS design on the other. Median follow-up
      periods were 118 months (range 60-211) and 114 months (62-198) in knees with PCLR
      and PCLS implants, respectively. The preoperative diagnosis for all patients was
      osteoarthritis. The postoperative clinical results of mobile-bearing TKAs using
      PCLR and PCLS implant designs were evaluated. RESULTS: The postoperative Hospital
      for Special Surgery and the new Knee Society Knee Scoring System scores revealed
      no differences between PCLR and PCLS implant designs. Postoperative flexion and
      extension also did not differ between designs. Postoperative median femorotibial
      alignment was 4 degrees  for PCLR and 5 degrees  for PCLS implants, respectively;
      this difference was not significant. Six of the knees with PCLR and three of the
      knees with PCLS implants had radiolucent lines around the tibial prostheses;
      these were less than 1 mm and nonprogressive. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically good
      results were obtained at approximately 10 years after mobile-bearing TKA using
      both PCLR and PCLS implant designs bilaterally in the same patients. These
      results provide conclusive evidence that equivalent clinical results can be
      obtained with either implant design. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level
      II.

PMID- 27139226
TI  - Modulation of microRNA Expression in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome and
      Decrease of Cholesterol Efflux from Macrophages via microRNA-33-Mediated
      Attenuation of ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1 Expression by Statins.
AB  - Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complicated health problem that encompasses a
      variety of metabolic disorders. In this study, we analyzed the relationship
      between the major biochemical parameters associated with MetS and circulating
      levels of microRNA (miR)-33, miR-103, and miR-155. We found that miRNA-33 levels
      were positively correlated with levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated
      hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triacylglycerol, but
      negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol levels. In the cellular study, miR-33
      levels were increased in macrophages treated with high glucose and cholesterol
      lowering drugs atorvastatin and pitavastatin. miR-33 has been reported to play an
      essential role in cholesterol homeostasis through ATP-binding cassette
      transporter A1 (ABCA1) regulation and reverse cholesterol transport. However, the
      molecular mechanism underlying the linkage between miR-33 and statin treatment
      remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether atorvastatin and
      pitavastatin exert their functions through the modulation of miR-33 and ABCA1
      mediated cholesterol efflux from macrophages. The results showed that treatment
      of the statins up-regulated miR-33 expression, but down-regulated ABCA1 mRNA
      levels in RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages. Statin-mediated
      ABCA1 regulation occurs at the post-transcriptional level through targeting of
      the 3'-UTR of the ABCA1 transcript by miR-33. Additionally, we found significant
      down-regulation of ABCA1 protein expression in macrophages treated with statins.
      Finally, we showed that high glucose and statin treatment significantly
      suppressed cholesterol efflux from macrophages. These findings have highlighted
      the complexity of statins, which may exert detrimental effects on metabolic
      abnormalities through regulation of miR-33 target genes.

PMID- 27139228
TI  - A modified technique to reduce tibial keel cutting errors during an Oxford
      unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bone cutting errors can cause malalignment of unicompartmental knee
      arthroplasties (UKA). Although the extent of tibial malalignment due to
      horizontal cutting errors has been well reported, there is a lack of studies
      evaluating malalignment as a consequence of keel cutting errors, particularly in
      the Oxford UKA. The purpose of this study was to examine keel cutting errors
      during Oxford UKA placement using a navigation system and to clarify whether two
      different tibial keel cutting techniques would have different error rates.
      METHODS: The alignment of the tibial cut surface after a horizontal osteotomy and
      the surface of the tibial trial component was measured with a navigation system.
      Cutting error was defined as the angular difference between these measurements.
      The following two techniques were used: the standard "pushing" technique in 83
      patients (group P) and a modified "dolphin" technique in 41 patients (group D).
      RESULTS: In all 123 patients studied, the mean absolute keel cutting error was
      1.7 degrees  and 1.4 degrees  in the coronal and sagittal planes, respectively.
      In group P, there were 22 outlier patients (27 %) in the coronal plane and 13 (16
      %) in the sagittal plane. Group D had three outlier patients (8 %) in the coronal
      plane and none (0 %) in the sagittal plane. Significant differences were observed
      in the outlier ratio of these techniques in both the sagittal (P = 0.014) and
      coronal (P = 0.008) planes. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated overall keel
      cutting errors of 1.7 degrees  in the coronal plane and 1.4 degrees  in the
      sagittal plane. The "dolphin" technique was found to significantly reduce keel
      cutting errors on the tibial side. This technique will be useful for accurate
      component positioning and therefore improve the longevity of Oxford UKAs. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

PMID- 27139229
TI  - Knee contact forces and lower extremity support moments during running in young
      individuals post-partial meniscectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: While partial meniscectomy results in a compromised tibiofemoral joint,
      little is known regarding tibiofemoral joint loading during running in
      individuals who are post-partial meniscectomy. It was hypothesized that
      individuals post-partial meniscectomy would run with a greater hip support
      moment, yielding reduced peak knee extension moments and reduced tibiofemoral
      joint contact forces. METHODS: 3-D Treadmill running mechanics were evaluated in
      23 athletic individuals post-partial meniscectomy (37.5 +/- 19.0 months post
      partial meniscectomy) and 23 matched controls. Bilateral hip, knee and ankle
      contributions to the total support moment and the peak knee extension moment were
      calculated. A musculoskeletal model estimated peak and impulse tibiofemoral joint
      contact forces. Knee function was quantified with the Knee injury and
      Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). RESULTS: During running, the partial
      meniscectomy group had a greater hip support moment (p = 0.002) and a reduced
      knee support moment (p < 0.001) relative to the total support moment. This
      movement pattern was associated with a 14.5 % reduction (p = 0.019) in the peak
      knee extension moment. Despite these differences, there were no significant group
      differences in peak or impulse tibiofemoral joint contact forces. Lower KOOS
      Quality of Life scores were associated with greater hip support moment (p =
      0.004, r = -0.58), reduced knee support moment (p = 0.006, r = 0.55) and reduced
      peak knee extension moment (p = 0.01, r = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: Disordered running
      mechanics are present long term post-partial meniscectomy. A coordination
      strategy that shifts a proportion of the total support moment away from the knee
      to the hip reduces the peak knee extension moment, but does not equate to reduced
      tibiofemoral joint contact forces during running in individuals post-partial
      meniscectomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 27139230
TI  - Rotator cuff tendon connections with the rotator cable.
AB  - PURPOSE: The literature currently contains no descriptions of the rotator cuff
      tendons, which also describes in relation to the presence and characteristics of
      the rotator cable (anatomically known as the ligamentum semicirculare humeri).
      The aim of the current study was to elucidate the detailed anatomy of the rotator
      cuff tendons in association with the rotator cable. METHODS: Anatomic dissection
      was performed on 21 fresh-frozen shoulder specimens with an average age of 68
      years. The rotator cuff tendons were dissected from each other and from the
      glenohumeral joint capsule, and the superior glenohumeral, coracohumeral,
      coracoglenoidal and semicircular (rotator cable) ligaments were dissected.
      Dissection was performed layer by layer and from the bursal side to the joint.
      All ligaments and tendons were dissected in fine detail. RESULTS: The rotator
      cable was found in all specimens. It was tightly connected to the supraspinatus
      (SSP) tendon, which was partly covered by the infraspinatus (ISP) tendon. The
      posterior insertion area of the rotator cable was located in the region between
      the middle and inferior facets of the greater tubercle of the humerus insertion
      areas for the teres minor (TM), and ISP tendons were also present and fibres from
      the SSP extended through the rotator cable to those areas. CONCLUSION: The
      connection between the rotator cable and rotator cuff tendons is tight and
      confirms the suspension bridge theory for rotator cuff tears in most areas
      between the SSP tendons and rotator cable. In its posterior insertion area, the
      rotator cable is a connecting structure between the TM, ISP and SSP tendons.
      These findings might explain why some patients with relatively large rotator cuff
      tears can maintain seamless shoulder function.

PMID- 27139231
TI  - Cross-cultural adaptation and multi-centric validation of the Italian version of
      the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS).
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to translate the Achilles tendon Total
      Rupture Score (ATRS) into Italian and establish its cultural adaptiveness and
      validity. METHODS: The original version of the ATRS was translated into Italian
      in accordance with the stages recommended by Guillemin. A web-based survey was
      developed to test the construct validity of the Italian ATRS. Eighty patients
      with an average age of 45.5 years (SD 11) were included in the study. The ATRS
      was completed twice at 5 days intervals for test-retest reliability. The
      intraclass correlation coefficient was used to calculate the test-retest
      reliability, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used for internal consistency.
      Validity was evaluated by external correlation (Spearman's rank correlation
      coefficient, r) of the ATRS with the Italian versions of the Victorian Institute
      of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A), the 17-Italian Foot
      Function Index (17-FFI), the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and the
      Short-Form 36 (SF-36). RESULTS: The internal consistency (alpha = 0.97) and the
      test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.96) were excellent. The correlation coefficient
      showed strong correlation of the Italian ATRS with the VISA-A and the LEFS (r =
      0.72 and r = 0.70, respectively, p < 0.0001), a weak correlation with the 17-FFI
      (r = -0.30, p = 0.007), and high-to-moderate correlation with the physical
      functioning, bodily pain, physical role functioning, social functioning, role
      emotional, and vitality of the SF-36 (r = 0.75, r = 0.61, r = 0.52, r = 0.49, r =
      0.40 and r = 0.34, respectively, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The Italian version of
      the ATRS is a valid instrumentation to assess the functional limitations of
      Italian patients after Achilles tendon rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 27139232
TI  - Ethanol withdrawal induces anxiety-like effects: Role of nitric oxide synthase in
      the dorsal raphe nucleus of rats.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) mediated transmission in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) has
      been shown to be involved in the modulation of anxiety-like behaviors. We
      investigated whether inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the DRN would
      prevent anxiety-like behavior induced by ethanol withdrawal. Male Wistar rats
      were treated with ethanol 2-6% (v/v) for a period of 21 days. Ethanol withdrawal
      was induced by abrupt discontinuation of the treatment. Experiments were
      performed 48 h after ethanol discontinuation. Rats with a guide cannula aimed at
      the DRN received intra-DRN injections of the non-selective NOS inhibitor NG-nitro
      l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), selective neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibitor
      N(omega)-propyl-l-arginine (NPLA), or selective inhibitor of inducible NOS (iNOS)
      N-([3-(aminomethyl)phenyl] methyl) ethanimidamidedihydrochloride (1400W). Five
      minutes later, the animals were tested in the elevated plus maze (EPM). Plasma
      ethanol levels were determined by gas chromatography. There was a reduction in
      plasma ethanol levels 48 h after ethanol withdrawal. Rats from the ethanol
      withdrawal group showed decreased exploration of the open arms of the EPM with no
      change in the exploration of enclosed arms. Intra-DRN treatment with l-NAME (100
      nmoles/0.2 MUL) and 1400W (1 nmol/0.2 MUL), but not NPLA (10 nmoles/0.2 MUL) in
      the DRN attenuated the decrease in the exploration of the open arms of the EPM
      induced by ethanol withdrawal. The major new finding of the present study is that
      iNOS in the DRN plays a role in the anxiety-like behavior induced by ethanol
      withdrawal.

PMID- 27139234
TI  - Fear conditioning in mouse lines genetically selected for binge-like ethanol
      drinking.
AB  - The comorbidity of substance- and alcohol-use disorders (AUD) with other
      psychiatric conditions, especially those related to stress such as post-traumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD), is well-established. Binge-like intoxication is thought
      to be a crucial stage in the development of the chronic relapsing nature of the
      addictions, and self-medication through binge-like drinking is commonly seen in
      PTSD patients. We have selectively bred two separate High Drinking in the Dark
      (HDID-1 and HDID-2) mouse lines to reach high blood ethanol concentrations (BECs)
      after a 4-h period of access to 20% ethanol starting shortly after the onset of
      circadian dark. As an initial step toward the eventual goal of employing binge
      prone HDID mice to study PTSD-like behavior including alcohol binge drinking, we
      sought first to determine their ability to acquire conditioned fear. We asked
      whether these mice acquired, generalized, or extinguished conditioned freezing to
      a greater or lesser extent than unselected control HS/Npt mice. In two
      experiments, we trained groups of 16 adult male mice in a standard conditioned
      fear protocol. Mice were tested for context-elicited freezing, and then, in a
      novel context, for cue-induced freezing. After extinction tests, renewal of
      conditioned fear was tested in the original context. Mice of all three genotypes
      showed typical fear responding. Context paired with shock elicited freezing
      behavior in a control experiment, but cue unpaired with shock did not. These
      studies indicate that fear learning per se does not appear to be influenced by
      genes causing predisposition to binge drinking, suggesting distinct neural
      mechanisms. However, HDID mice are shown to be a suitable model for studying the
      role of conditioned fear specifically in binge-like drinking.

PMID- 27139235
TI  - The NSW brain tissue resource centre: Banking for alcohol and major
      neuropsychiatric disorders research.
AB  - The New South Wales Brain Tissue Resource Centre (NSWBTRC) at the University of
      Sydney (Australia) is an established human brain bank providing tissue to the
      neuroscience research community for investigations on alcohol-related brain
      damage and major psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia. The NSWBTRC relies
      on wide community engagement to encourage those with and without neuropsychiatric
      illness to consent to donation through its allied research programs. The
      subsequent provision of high-quality samples relies on standardized operational
      protocols, associated clinical data, quality control measures, integrated
      information systems, robust infrastructure, and governance. These processes are
      continually augmented to complement the changes in internal and external
      governance as well as the complexity and diversity of advanced investigation
      techniques. This report provides an overview of the dynamic process of brain
      banking and discusses the challenges of meeting the future needs of researchers,
      including synchronicity with other disease-focus collections.

PMID- 27139236
TI  - The association between healed skeletal fractures indicative of interpersonal
      violence and alcoholic liver disease in a cadaver cohort from the Western Cape,
      South Africa.
AB  - Interpersonal violence (IPV) and heavy alcohol consumption are major problems in
      the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Cranio-maxillofacial fractures,
      particularly nasal and zygomatic bone fractures, as well as isolated radial
      fractures (Colles fractures) and ulnar shaft fractures (parry fractures), are
      indicative of IPV, while alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the consequence of
      chronic alcohol abuse. We therefore aim to investigate whether a significant
      association exists between the prevalence of cranio-maxillofacial fractures and
      parry fractures and ALD in a Western Cape population. Embalmed cadavers (n = 124)
      used for medical students' anatomy training at the Division of Anatomy and
      Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University were
      studied. The cadavers were dissected according to departmental protocol. The
      liver of each cadaver was investigated for macroscopic pathology lesions. Tissue
      samples were removed, processed to wax, and sectioned and stained with
      hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). All soft tissue was removed from the skulls, radii,
      and ulnae, which were then investigated for healed skeletal trauma. The results
      showed 37/124 (29.8%) cadavers had healed cranio-maxillofacial fractures and
      24/124 (19.4%) cadavers had morphologic features of ALD. A total of 12/124 (9.7%)
      cadavers showed signs of both ALD and healed cranio-maxillofacial trauma. More
      males were affected than females, and left-sided facial fractures were
      statistically more common compared to the right side. This study illustrated a
      significant trend between alcohol abuse and cranio-maxillofacial fractures in
      individuals from communities with a low socio-economic status (SES) where IPV is
      a major problem.

PMID- 27139233
TI  - Persistent adaptation by chronic alcohol is facilitated by neuroimmune activation
      linked to stress and CRF.
AB  - This review updates the conceptual basis for the association of alcohol abuse
      with an insidious adaptation that facilitates negative affect during withdrawal
      from chronic intermittent alcohol (CIA) exposure - a change that later supports
      sensitization of stress-induced anxiety following alcohol abstinence. The finding
      that a CRF1-receptor antagonist (CRF1RA) minimized CIA withdrawal-induced
      negative affect supported an association of alcohol withdrawal with a stress
      mechanism. The finding that repeated stresses or multiple CRF injections into
      selected brain sites prior to a single 5-day chronic alcohol (CA) exposure
      induced anxiety during withdrawal provided critical support for a linkage of CIA
      withdrawal with stress. The determination that CRF1RA injection into positive CRF
      sensitive brain sites prevented CIA withdrawal-induced anxiety provided support
      that neural path integration maintains the persistent CIA adaptation. Based upon
      reports that stress increases neuroimmune function, an effort was undertaken to
      test whether cytokines would support the adaptation induced by stress/CA
      exposure. Twenty-four hours after withdrawal from CIA, cytokine mRNAs were found
      to be increased in cortex as well as other sites in brain. Further, repeated
      cytokine injections into previously identified brain sites substituted for stress
      and CRF induction of anxiety during CA withdrawal. Discovery that a CRF1RA
      prevented the brain cytokine mRNA increase induced by CA withdrawal provided
      critical evidence for CRF involvement in this neuroimmune induction after CA
      withdrawal. However, the CRF1RA did not block the stress increase in cytokine
      mRNA increases in controls. The latter data supported the hypothesis that
      distinct mechanisms linked to stress and CA withdrawal can support common
      neuroimmune functions within a brain site. As evidence evolves concerning neural
      involvement in brain neuroimmune function, a better understanding of the
      progressive adaptation associated with CIA exposure will advance new knowledge
      that could possibly lead to strategies to combat alcohol abuse.

PMID- 27139237
TI  - Heme oxygenase 1 protects ethanol-administered liver tissue in Aldh2 knockout
      mice.
AB  - A genetic polymorphism of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene, ALDH2*2,
      encodes an enzymatically defective ALDH2 protein. Recent epidemiological studies
      suggest that possessing ALDH2*2 is a protective factor for liver tissue in
      healthy individuals, although these studies lack a mechanistic explanation. Our
      animal studies have shown the same trend: levels of serum alanine transaminase
      (ALT), hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), and hepatic tumor necrosis factor alpha
      (TNF-alpha) were lower in Aldh2 knockout (Aldh2(-/-)) mice than in wild-type
      (Aldh2(+/+)) mice after ethanol administration. To propose a mechanistic
      hypothesis, residual liver specimens from the previous experiment were analyzed.
      An anti-oxidative protein, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and an oxidative stress
      producing protein, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), were detected at higher levels
      in Aldh2(-/-) mice than in Aldh2(+/+) mice, regardless of ethanol treatment.
      Other oxidative stress-related proteins and inflammatory cytokines did not show
      such a significant difference. To conclude, we propose a protective role of HO-1
      in individuals with ALDH2*2. Our continued studies support the epidemiological
      finding that possession of ALDH2*2 is a protective factor in the liver of the
      healthy individual.

PMID- 27139238
TI  - Chronic ethanol intake leads to structural and molecular alterations in the rat
      endometrium.
AB  - We described the effects of low- and high-dose ethanol intake on the structure
      and apoptosis signaling of the uterine endometrium of UChA and UChB rats (animals
      with voluntary ethanol consumption). Thirty adult female rats, 90 days old, were
      divided into three groups (n = 10/group): UChA rats fed with 10% (v/v) ethanol ad
      libitum (free choice for water or ethanol) drinking < 1.9 g/kg/day; UChB rats fed
      with 10% (v/v) ethanol ad libitum (free choice for water or ethanol) drinking
      from 2 to 5 g/kg/day; control rats without ethanol (only water). After 120 days
      of treatment, rats displaying estrus were euthanized. Uterine epithelial cells of
      the UCh rats showed dilated cisterns of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, presence
      of lipid droplets, altered nuclear chromatin, and disrupted mitochondria. The UCh
      rats exhibited intense atrophied epithelial cells with smaller areas and
      perimeters of cytoplasm and nuclei. The endometrium of UChA rats showed higher
      levels of caspase-3 while Xiap and Bcl2 varied from moderate to weak. Both UChA
      and UChB rats exhibited a stronger immunoreaction to Ki-67 and IGFR-1 on
      epithelial and stromal cells. Chronic ethanol intake leads to structural and
      molecular alterations in the uterine endometrium of UCh rats, regardless of low-
      or high-dose consumption, promoting reproductive disorders.

PMID- 27139239
TI  - Increased steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone levels in post
      mortem brain samples of alcoholics.
AB  - Intra-tissue levels of steroid hormones (e.g., dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA],
      pregnenolone [PREGN], and testosterone [T]) may influence the pathological
      changes seen in neurotransmitter systems of alcoholic brains. Our aim was to
      compare levels of these steroid hormones between the post-mortem brain samples of
      alcoholics and non-alcoholic controls. We studied steroid levels with
      quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in post
      mortem brain samples of alcoholics (N = 14) and non-alcoholic controls (N = 10).
      Significant differences were observed between study groups in DHEA and PREGN
      levels (p values 0.0056 and 0.019, respectively), but not in T levels.
      Differences between the study groups were most prominent in the nucleus accumbens
      (NAC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and anterior insula (AINS). DHEA levels
      were increased in most alcoholic subjects compared to controls. However, only a
      subgroup of alcoholics showed increased PREGN levels. Negative Spearman
      correlations between tissue levels of PREGN and previous reports of
      [(3)H]naloxone binding to MU-opioid receptors were observed in the AINS, ACC,
      NAC, and frontal cortex (R values between -0.6 and -0.8; p values <= 0.002),
      suggesting an association between the opioid system and brain PREGN levels.
      Although preliminary, and from relatively small diagnostic groups, these results
      show significantly increased levels of DHEA and PREGN in the brains of
      alcoholics, and could be associated with the pathology of alcoholism.

PMID- 27139240
TI  - Detection and qualitative analysis of fatty acid amides in the urine of
      alcoholics using HPLC-QTOF-MS.
AB  - Fatty acid amides (FAAs) in alcoholism lead to liver diseases. These amides have
      been reported in plasma and in other organs of the body, while their detection or
      presence in the urine is still unknown. Therefore, the focus of the current study
      was to detect and analyze FAAs qualitatively in urine samples of alcoholics.
      Furthermore, the effects of Tinospora cordifolia (hepatoprotective medicinal
      plant) intervention on FAA levels in moderate alcoholics were also analyzed. In
      the study, asymptomatic chronic alcoholics (n = 22) without chronic liver disease
      and nonalcoholic healthy volunteers (n = 24) with a mean age of 39 +/- 2.0 years
      were selected. The first-pass urine and fasting blood samples were collected in
      the morning on day 0 and day 14 after T. cordifolia water extract (TCE) treatment
      and analyzed using automated biochemistry analyzer and HPLC-QTOF-MS. Results
      indicated the increased levels of serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and liver
      function enzymes in alcoholic subjects, which were significantly down-regulated
      by TCE intervention. Multivariate discrimination analysis of QTOF-MS data showed
      increased urinary levels of oleoamide (2.55-fold), palmitamide (5.6-fold), and
      erucamide (1.6-fold) in alcoholics as compared to control subjects. Levels of
      oleamide (1.8-fold), palmitamide (1.7-fold), and linoleamide (1.5-fold) were
      found to be increased in plasma. Treatment with TCE in alcoholics (3.0 g
      lyophilized water extract/day) significantly decreased the plasma and urinary
      levels of all FAAs except linoleamide. The HPLC-QTOF-MS approach for FAAs
      analysis in both urinary and plasma samples of alcoholics worked very well.
      Moreover, findings (i.e., increased levels of FAAs in urine and in plasma)
      further support other findings that these amides play a very important role in
      alcoholism. Further, like our previous findings, TCE proved its hepatoprotective
      effect against alcoholism not only by lowering the levels of these detected FAAs,
      but also by decreasing the level of liver-specific enzymes and lipids.

PMID- 27139241
TI  - Human endothelial cells hollow fiber membrane bioreactor as a model of the blood
      vessel for in vitro studies.
AB  - Human endothelial cells are used in experimental models for studying in vitro
      pathophysiological mechanisms of different diseases. We developed an original
      bioreactor, which can simulate human blood vessel, with capillary polysulfone
      membranes covered with the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and we
      characterized its properties. The elaborated cell seeding and culturing
      procedures ensured formation of a confluent cell monolayer on the inside surface
      of capillaries within 24 h of culturing under the shear stress of 6.6 dyn/cm(2).
      The optimal density of cells to be seeded was 60,000 cells/cm(2). Labeling HUVECs
      with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) did not influence cells'
      metabolism. Flow cytometry-based analysis of HUVECs stained with CFSE
      demonstrated that in a presence of the shear stress cells' proliferation was much
      inhibited (after 72 h proliferation index was equal to 1.9 and 6.2 for cultures
      with and without shear stress, respectively) and the monolayer was formed mainly
      due to migration and spreading of cells that were physiologically elongated in a
      direction of the flow. Monitoring of cells' metabolism showed that HUVECs
      cultured in a presence of the shear stress preferred anaerobic metabolism and
      they consumed 1.5 times more glucose and produced 2.3 times more lactate than the
      cells cultured under static conditions. Daily von Willebrand factor production by
      HUVECs was near 2 times higher in a presence of the shear stress. The developed
      model can be used for at least 3 days in target studies under conditions
      mimicking the in vivo state more closely than the static HUVEC cultures. 

PMID- 27139242
TI  - Pharmacological characterization of histamine-gated chloride channels from the
      housefly Musca domestica.
AB  - The biogenic amine histamine (HA) is not only the neurotransmitter of
      photoreceptors but also has important roles in mechanosensory reception,
      temperature preference, sleep and olfactory processing in insects. Two cDNAs
      (MdhclA and MdhclB) that encode HA-gated chloride channel subunits (MdHCLA and
      MdHCLB) were cloned from the housefly Musca domestica. The cRNAs were injected
      into Xenopus laevis oocytes to examine the functions and pharmacological
      characteristics of MdHCLA and MdHCLB channels using a two-electrode voltage clamp
      method. HA was used to activate MdHCLA and MdHCLB channels to evoke inward
      currents with EC50s of 33.1MUM and 6.28MUM, respectively. 2-(3
      Trifluoromethylphenyl)histamine, an HA H1 receptor agonist, was a partial agonist
      of MdHCLB receptors with an EC50 of 49.4MUM. MdHCLB channels were also activated
      by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and monoamines, such as octopamine, serotonin
      (5-HT) and dopamine (DA); 5-HT and DA also acted as competitive antagonists. GABA
      acted as a full agonist of MdHCLB receptors with an EC50 of 1.11mM. d
      Tubocurarine, cimetidine and picrotoxinin were poor inhibitors of HA- and GABA
      evoked currents in MdHCLB channels. Our data show that HCLB channels are more
      sensitive to agonists when compared with HCLA channels. HCLB channels are also
      affected by antagonists but insusceptible to known insecticides that target GABA-
      and glutamate-gated chloride channels.

PMID- 27139244
TI  - A Silk Fibroin and Peptide Amphiphile-Based Co-Culture Model for Osteochondral
      Tissue Engineering.
AB  - New biomaterials with the properties of both bone and cartilage extracellular
      matrices (ECM) should be designed and used with co-culture systems to address
      clinically applicable osteochondral constructs. Herein, a co-culture model is
      described based on a trilayered silk fibroin-peptide amphiphile (PA) scaffold
      cultured with human articular chondrocytes (hACs) and human bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) in an osteochondral cocktail medium for the
      cartilage and bone sides, respectively. The presence of hACs in the co-cultures
      significantly increases the osteogenic differentiation potential of hBMSCs based
      on ALP activity, RT-PCR for osteogenic markers, calcium analyses, and
      histological stainings, whereas hACs produces a significant amount of
      glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) for the cartilage region, even in the absence of growth
      factor TGF-beta family in the co-culture medium. This trilayered scaffold with
      trophic effects offers a promising strategy for the study of osteochondral
      defects.

PMID- 27139243
TI  - Obstructive Sleep Apnea is Linked to Depression and Cognitive Impairment:
      Evidence and Potential Mechanisms.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent but very frequently
      undiagnosed. OSA is an independent risk factor for depression and cognitive
      impairment/dementia. Herein the authors review studies in the literature
      pertinent to the effects of OSA on the cerebral microvascular and neurovascular
      systems and present a model to describe the key pathophysiologic mechanisms that
      may underlie the associations, including hypoperfusion, endothelial dysfunction,
      and neuroinflammation. Intermittent hypoxia plays a critical role in initiating
      and amplifying these pathologic processes. Hypoperfusion and impaired cerebral
      vasomotor reactivity lead to the development or progression of cerebral small
      vessel disease (C-SVD). Hypoxemia exacerbates these processes, resulting in white
      matter lesions, white matter integrity abnormalities, and gray matter loss. Blood
      brain barrier (BBB) hyperpermeability and neuroinflammation lead to altered
      synaptic plasticity, neuronal damage, and worsening C-SVD. Thus, OSA may initiate
      or amplify the pathologic processes of C-SVD and BBB dysfunction, resulting in
      the development or exacerbation of depressive symptoms and cognitive deficits.
      Given the evidence that adequate treatment of OSA with continuous positive airway
      pressure improves depression and neurocognitive functions, it is important to
      identify OSA when assessing patients with depression or cognitive impairment.
      Whether treatment of OSA changes the deteriorating trajectory of elderly patients
      with already-diagnosed vascular depression and cognitive impairment/dementia
      remains to be determined in randomized controlled trials.

PMID- 27139246
TI  - Hexapole-Oriented Asymmetric-Top Molecules and Their Stereodirectional
      Photodissociation Dynamics.
AB  - Molecular orientation is a fundamental requisite in the study of stereodirected
      dynamics of collisional and photoinitiated processes. In this past decade,
      variable hexapolar electric filters have been developed and employed for the
      rotational-state selection and the alignment of molecules of increasing
      complexity, for which the main difficulties are their mass, their low symmetry,
      and the very dense rotational manifold. In this work, for the first time, a
      complex molecule such as 2-bromobutane, an asymmetric top containing a heavy atom
      (the bromine), was successfully oriented by a weak homogeneous field placed
      downstream from the hexapolar filter. Efficiency of the orientation was
      characterized experimentally, by combining time-of-flight measurements and a
      slice-ion-imaging detection technique. The application is described to the
      photodissociation dynamics of the oriented 2-bromobutane, which was carried out
      at a laser wavelength of 234 nm, corresponding to the breaking of the C-Br bond.
      The Br photofragment is produced in both the ground Br ((2)P3/2) and the excited
      Br ((2)P1/2) electronic states, and both channels are studied by the slice
      imaging technique, revealing new features in the velocity and angular
      distributions with respect to previous investigations on nonoriented molecules. 

PMID- 27139245
TI  - Prevalence of River Epilepsy in the Orientale Province in the Democratic Republic
      of the Congo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increased prevalence of epilepsy has been reported in many
      onchocerciasis endemic areas. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and
      distribution of epilepsy in an onchocerciasis endemic region in the Democratic
      Republic of the Congo (DRC). DESIGN/METHODS: An epilepsy prevalence study was
      carried out in 2014, in two localities of the Bas-Uele district, an
      onchocerciasis endemic region in the Orientale Province of the DRC. Risk factors
      for epilepsy were identified using a random effects logistic regression model and
      the distribution of epilepsy cases was investigated using the Moran's I statistic
      of spatial auto-correlation. RESULTS: Among the 12,776 individuals of Dingila,
      373 (2.9%) individuals with epilepsy were identified. In a house-to-house survey
      in Titule, 68 (2.3%) of the 2,908 people who participated in the survey were
      found to present episodes of epilepsy. Epilepsy showed a marked spatial pattern
      with clustering of cases occurring within and between adjacent households.
      Individual risk of epilepsy was found to be associated with living close to the
      nearest fast flowing river where blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae)-the vector of
      Onchocerca volvulus-oviposit and breed. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of epilepsy
      in villages in the Bas-Uele district in the DRC was higher than in non
      onchocerciasis endemic regions in Africa. Living close to a blackflies infested
      river was found to be a risk factor for epilepsy.

PMID- 27139247
TI  - Reverse saturable absorption and nonlinear refraction of ultrathin ZrS3
      nanobelts.
AB  - The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of a ZrS3 nanobelt were measured with a
      6.5 ns pulse laser at 532 nm. Its optical response to the incident light exhibits
      good optical absorptive and refractive effects, with the nonlinear absorption
      coefficient beta = 4.42 * 10(-10) m W(-1) and the nonlinear refraction
      coefficient gamma = 5.86 * 10(-17) m(2) W(-1) for the ZrS3 nanobelt in ethanol
      dispersions at an input energy of 34.25 MUJ. In addition, the beta values and
      gamma values have dependence on input energy. Results show that the ZrS3
      nanobelts have an excellent reverse saturable absorption (RSA) performance in
      nanosecond pulses, demonstrating that ZrS3 nanobelts are an extraordinarily
      promising novel optical power limiting material. Meanwhile, compared to the pure
      ZrS3, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO), composites (ZrS3/GRO)
      exhibit an enhanced nonlinear absorption response at the same input energy. 

PMID- 27139248
TI  - Protein crystal screening and characterization for serial femtosecond
      nanocrystallography.
AB  - The recent development of X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) has spurred the
      development of serial femtosecond nanocrystallography (SFX) which, for the first
      time, is enabling structure retrieval from sub-micron protein crystals. Although
      there are already a growing number of structures published using SFX, the
      technology is still very new and presents a number of unique challenges as well
      as opportunities for structural biologists. One of the biggest barriers to the
      success of SFX experiments is the preparation and selection of suitable protein
      crystal samples. Here we outline a protocol for preparing and screening for
      suitable XFEL targets.

PMID- 27139249
TI  - First-Principles Investigations of the Structure, Electronic, and Optical
      Properties of Mullite-Type Orthorhombic Bi2M4O9 (M = Al(3+), Ga(3+)).
AB  - The structure, electronic band structure, density of state, projected wave
      function, and optical properties of mullite-type orthorhombic Bi2M4O9 (M =
      Al(3+), Ga(3+)) crystals have been studied by applying density functional theory
      based on the Vanderbilt ultrasoft pseudopotential in the frame of the generalized
      gradient approximation as an exchange-correlation function. Satisfactory
      agreement between experimental and theoretical results indicates that the used
      method and conditions are suitable. M-O bonds in tetrahedral MO4 environments are
      stronger and more covalent with respect to octahedral MO6; also Bi-O bonds in
      both studied structures are almost ionic in nature. The photocatalytic activity
      of Bi2Al4O9 and Bi2Ga4O9 is enhanced due to unequal values of Mulliken charges on
      the O atoms in MO4, MO6, and BiO6E groups. Bi2Al4O9 and Bi2Ga4O9 are direct and
      indirect band gap semiconductors with band gaps of 2.71 and 2.86 eV,
      respectively. Higher photocatalytic activity of Bi2Al4O9 is inferable from the
      lower effective masses of photogenerated carriers around the conduction band
      minimum and valence band maximum, in comparison with Bi2Ga4O9. The presence of M
      and O orbitals in the valence and conduction bands reveals that symmetry breaking
      in the MO4 and MO6 units has an important role in separating charges and
      increasing photocatalytic activity. Photocatalytic activities of Bi2Al4O9 and
      Bi2Ga4O9 for decomposition of organic pollutants and generation of hydrogen from
      water splitting are confirmed from band edge potentials.

PMID- 27139250
TI  - A flexible, interpretable framework for assessing sensitivity to unmeasured
      confounding.
AB  - When estimating causal effects, unmeasured confounding and model misspecification
      are both potential sources of bias. We propose a method to simultaneously address
      both issues in the form of a semi-parametric sensitivity analysis. In particular,
      our approach incorporates Bayesian Additive Regression Trees into a two-parameter
      sensitivity analysis strategy that assesses sensitivity of posterior
      distributions of treatment effects to choices of sensitivity parameters. This
      results in an easily interpretable framework for testing for the impact of an
      unmeasured confounder that also limits the number of modeling assumptions. We
      evaluate our approach in a large-scale simulation setting and with high blood
      pressure data taken from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey. The model is implemented as open-source software, integrated into the
      treatSens package for the R statistical programming language. (c) 2016 The
      Authors. Statistics in Medicine Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27139251
TI  - Synthesis and amylin receptor activity of glycomimetics of pramlintide using
      click chemistry.
AB  - Pramlintide (Symlin(r)), a synthetic analogue of the neuroendocrine hormone
      amylin, is devoid of the tendency to form cytotoxic amyloid fibrils and is
      currently used in patients with type I and type II diabetes mellitus as an
      adjunctive therapy with insulin or insulin analogues. As part of an on-going
      search for a pramlintide analogue with improved pharmacokinetic properties, we
      herein report the synthesis of mono- and di-glycosylated analogues of pramlintide
      and their activity at the AMY1(a) receptor. Introduction of N-glycosylated amino
      acids into the pramlintide sequence afforded the native N-linked glycomimetics
      whilst use of Cu(i)-catalysed azide-alkyne 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (click)
      chemistry delivered 1,2,3-triazole linked glycomimetics. AMY1(a) receptor
      activity was retained by incorporation of single or multiple GlcNAc moieties at
      positions 21 and 35 of native pramlintide. Importantly, no difference in AMY1(a)
      activity was observed between native N-linked glycomimetics and 1,2,3-triazole
      linked glycomimetics demonstrating that the click variants can act as surrogates
      for the native N-glycosides in a biological setting. 

PMID- 27139252
TI  - In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory
      Activity of Fermented Soybean Milk by Lactobacillus casei Strains.
AB  - Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of fermented soybean milk
      (FSM) by Lactobacillus casei strains in vitro was investigated in this study.
      Effects of fermented soybean milk administration by gavage on systolic blood
      pressure and diastolic blood pressure was also evaluated in spontaneously
      hypertensive rats (SHR) rats and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Results showed that,
      CICC 20280 and CICC 23184 FSM showed high ACE inhibitory activity in vitro test
      and ACE inhibitory activity of CICC 23184 FSM was higher than CICC 20280 FSM. The
      bioactive substances of FSM were peptide and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
      Their contents in CICC 20280 FSM and CICC 23184 FSM were 3.97 +/- 0.67 mg/ml
      (peptide), 1.71 +/- 0.36 mg/ml (GABA) and 5.17 +/- 0.22 mg/ml (peptide), 1.57 +/-
      0.21 mg/ml (GABA), respectively. Moreover, CICC 20280 and CICC 23184 FSM
      administration by gavage could effectively lower the blood pressure of SHR to a
      normal level, while there was no effect on blood pressure of WKY rats. This
      result indicated that the bioactive substances could play an antihypertensive
      role when the blood pressure was not within the normal levels (high levels). 

PMID- 27139253
TI  - Antimicrobial Activities of Some Actinomycetes Isolated from Different
      Rhizospheric Soils in Tunisia.
AB  - Fifty four isolates of actinomycetes were collected from four different
      rhizospheric soils: 18 strains from palm tree bark and soil, 12 strains from an
      olive field soil, 9 strains from a coastal forest, and 15 strains from an
      agriculture soil situated in the Algerian-Tunisian border (Oum Tboul). Based on
      morphological and cultural characters, the isolates were classified as
      Streptomyces (42 strains), Micromonospora (4 strains), Pseudonocardia (1 strain),
      Actinomadura (1 strain), Nocardia (1 strain), and non-Streptomyces (5 strains).
      More than half of the isolates inhibited at least one tested pathogenic
      microorganisms in liquid culture. In addition, antimicrobial activities of some
      strains were tested on solid culture. Several bioactive compounds were identified
      by liquid chromatography joined with low-resolution mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) and
      analysed by MEDINA's database and by the dictionary of natural products Chapman &
      Hall. An interesting chlorinated compound with the molecular formula
      C20H37ClN2O4, produced by three different strains (SF1, SF2, and SF5), was
      subject of an attempted purification. However, it was demonstrated using confocal
      microscopy and LC/MS high resolution that this compound is produced only on solid
      culture. These three potential antimicrobial isolates showed high similarity with
      Streptomyces thinghirensis and Streptomyces lienomycini, in terms of
      morphological characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequences (bootstrap 97 %). All
      these findings prove the high antimicrobial diversity of the studied soils. The
      potential of the selected and other relatively unexplored extreme environments
      constitute a source of interesting actinomycete strains producing several
      biologically active secondary metabolites. 

PMID- 27139254
TI  - Effect of treating sugarcane bagasse with urea and calcium hydroxide on feed
      intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation in beef cattle.
AB  - Four beef cattle with initial body weight of 283 +/- 14 kg were randomly
      allocated according to a 4 * 4 Latin square design to study on the effect of
      feeding sugarcane bagasse (SB) treated with urea and/or calcium hydroxide
      (Ca(OH)2) on feed intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation. The treatments
      were as follows: rice straw (RS), untreated SB (SB), 4 % urea-treated SB (SBU),
      and 2 % urea + 2 % Ca(OH)2-treated SB (SBUC), respectively. The results revealed
      that cattle fed with SBU and SBUC had higher feed intake and apparent
      digestibility. Ammonia nitrogen and blood urea nitrogen were increased in cattle
      fed with SB as roughage source (P < 0.05). Feeding SBU and SBUC to cattle
      resulted in higher propionic acid and lower acetic acid, acetic to propionic
      ratio, and methane production (P < 0.05). Moreover, the number of fungi was
      increased in SBU- and SBUC-fed groups while protozoa population was unchanged.
      This study concluded that the nutritive value of SB was improved by urea and/or
      Ca(OH)2 treatment, and feeding treated SB could increase feed intake,
      digestibility, and rumen fermentation. This study suggested that SB treated with
      2 % urea + 2 % Ca(OH)2 could be used as an alternative roughage source for
      ruminant feeding. 

PMID- 27139255
TI  - Beneficial effects of ankle-foot orthosis daytime use on the gait of Duchenne
      muscular dystrophy patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Orthosis use prevents muscle contracture and prolongs ambulation in
      patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, its biomechanical
      effects on gait are unclear. This study assessed the effects of daytime and night
      time use of Articulated Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) on kinematic, kinetic and
      spatial/temporal gait parameters of DMD patients. METHODS: Twenty ambulatory
      patients (4-12years of age) were assigned to one of three groups: no orthosis
      (NoO; n=7), night-time orthosis (NiO; n=7), day-time orthosis (DO; n=6). All
      subjects were evaluated once (Ev1) and five of them were re-evaluated between
      five and seven months after Ev1 (Ev2). FINDINGS: Cross-sectional analysis with
      linear mixed-effects models (ANOVA) showed increased peak dorsiflexion angle and
      dorsiflexor moment and decreased plantar flexion angle and ankle joint power
      generation for the DOwith group when compared to the NoO group (P<0.05). The
      DOwith group also showed decreased peak hip flexion angle, hip power absorption,
      plantar flexion angle and increased peak dorsiflexion moment when compared to the
      NoO group (P<0.05). Analysis of gait cycle curves showed significant and
      clinically relevant changes in kinematic and kinetic parameters for the DOwith
      group when compared to the other experimental groups. Longitudinal analysis
      suggest that night-time use of Articulated AFO can promote positive changes in
      gait parameters of DMD patients, when used before the functional deficit is too
      advanced. INTERPRETATION: Early daytime and night-time use of Articulated AFO
      changed gait and minimized typical compensations seen in DMD patients, thus it is
      recommended in order to prolong gait ability.

PMID- 27139256
TI  - Initial mechanical ventilator settings and lung protective ventilation in the ED.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mechanical ventilation with low tidal volumes has been shown to
      improve outcomes for patients both with and without acute respiratory distress
      syndrome. This study aims to characterize mechanically ventilated patients in the
      emergency department (ED), describe the initial ED ventilator settings, and
      assess for associations between lung protective ventilation strategies in the ED
      and outcomes. METHODS: This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study
      of mechanical ventilation at 3 academic EDs. We defined lung protective
      ventilation as a tidal volume of less than or equal to 8 mL/kg of predicted body
      weight and compared outcomes for patients ventilated with lung protective vs non
      lung protective ventilation, including inhospital mortality, ventilator days,
      intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: Data
      from 433 patients were analyzed. Altered mental status without respiratory
      pathology was the most common reason for intubation, followed by trauma and
      respiratory failure. Two hundred sixty-one patients (60.3%) received lung
      protective ventilation, but most patients were ventilated with a low positive end
      expiratory pressure, high fraction of inspired oxygen strategy. Patients were
      ventilated in the ED for a mean of 5 hours and 7 minutes but had few ventilator
      adjustments. Outcomes were not significantly different between patients receiving
      lung protective vs non-lung protective ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 40% of ED
      patients were ventilated with non-lung protective ventilation as well as with low
      positive end-expiratory pressure and high fraction of inspired oxygen. Despite a
      mean ED ventilation time of more than 5 hours, few patients had adjustments made
      to their ventilators.

PMID- 27139257
TI  - Validation of the bacterial meningitis score in adults presenting to the ED with
      meningitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Bacterial Meningitis Score classifies children with meningitis
      and none of the following high-risk predictors at very low risk for bacterial
      meningitis: positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Gram stain, CSF protein >=80mg/dL,
      CSF absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >=1000 cells/mm(3), peripheral ANC >=10,000
      cells/mm(3), and seizure at or prior to presentation. Although extensively
      validated in children, the Bacterial Meningitis Score has not been rigorously
      evaluated in adults. METHODS: We performed a single-center cross-sectional
      retrospective study of adults presenting to the emergency department between 2003
      and 2013 with meningitis (defined by CSF white blood cell count >=10
      cells/mm(3)). We defined a case of bacterial meningitis with either a positive
      CSF or blood culture. We report the performance of the Bacterial Meningitis Score
      in the study population. RESULTS: We identified 441 eligible patients of which, 4
      (1%) had bacterial meningitis. The Bacterial Meningitis Score had a sensitivity
      of 100% [95% confidence interval (CI) 40%-100%], specificity 51% (95% CI, 46%
      56%) and negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI, 98%-100%). None of the low
      risk adults had bacterial meningitis. If Bacterial Meningitis Score had been
      applied prospectively, the hospital admission rate would have dropped from 84% to
      49% without missing any patients with bacterial meningitis. CONCLUSIONS: The
      Bacterial Meningitis Score accurately identified patients at low risk for
      bacterial meningitis and could assist clinical decision-making for adults with
      meningitis.

PMID- 27139258
TI  - Higher prehospital blood pressure prolongs door to needle thrombolysis times: a
      target for quality improvement?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Per the American Heart Association guidelines, blood pressure (BP)
      should be less than 185/110 to be eligible for stroke thrombolysis. No studies
      have focused on prehospital BP and its impact on door to needle (DTN) times. We
      hypothesized that DTN times would be longer for patients with higher prehospital
      BP. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of acute ischemic stroke
      patients who presented between January 2010 and December 2010 to our emergency
      department (ED) through emergency medical services within 3 hours of symptom
      onset. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: prehospital BP greater than or
      equal to 185/110 (group 1) and less than 185/110 (group 2). Blood pressure
      records were abstracted from emergency medical services run sheets. Primary
      outcome measure was DTN time, and secondary outcome measures were modified Rankin
      Score at discharge, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, length of stay in stroke
      unit, and discharge disposition. RESULTS: A total of 107 consecutive patients
      were identified. Of these, 75 patients (70%) were thrombolysed. Mean DTN times
      were significantly higher in group 1 (adjusted mean [95% confidence interval],
      86minutes [76-97] vs 56minutes [45-68]; P<.0001). A greater number of patients
      required antihypertensive medications before thrombolysis in the ED in group 1
      compared to group 2 (54% vs 27%; P=.02). CONCLUSION: Higher prehospital BP is
      associated with prolonged DTN times and DTN time remains prolonged if prehospital
      BP greater than or equal to 185/110 is untreated before ED arrival. Prehospital
      BP control could be a potential area for improvement to reduce DTN times in
      patients with acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27139259
TI  - Top 10 Tips About the Physician Quality Reporting System for Palliative Care
      Professionals.
AB  - The U.S. healthcare system is shifting from a fee-for-service (FFS) system to a
      valued-based reimbursement system focused on improving the quality of healthcare.
      The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented the Physician
      Quality Reporting System (PQRS) as an important component of this transition. All
      clinicians, including physicians, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants
      who bill to Medicare Part B FFS, should submit quality data to the PQRS in 2015
      or they will receive up to a 4% negative reimbursement penalty in 2017. As
      implementing and reporting PQRS measures can be a daunting task, especially for
      palliative care professionals, this article provides high priority tips
      identified by the authors for PQRS reporting in the palliative care field.

PMID- 27139260
TI  - Exploiting dominant-negative toxins to combat Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis.

PMID- 27139261
TI  - In vitro evidence in rainbow trout supporting glucosensing mediated by sweet
      taste receptor, LXR, and mitochondrial activity in Brockmann bodies, and sweet
      taste receptor in liver.
AB  - We previously obtained evidence in rainbow trout peripheral tissues such as liver
      and Brockmann bodies (BB) for the presence and response to changes in circulating
      levels of glucose (induced by intraperitoneal hypoglycaemic and hyperglycaemic
      treatments) of glucosensing mechanisms others than that mediated by glucokinase
      (GK). There were based on mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) leading to increased expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and sweet
      taste receptor in liver and BB, and on liver X receptor (LXR) and sodium/glucose
      co-transporter 1 (SGLT-1) in BB. We aimed in the present study to obtain further
      in vitro evidence for the presence and functioning of these systems. In a first
      experiment, pools of sliced liver and BB were incubated for 6h at 15 degrees C in
      modified Hanks' medium containing 2, 4, or 8mM d-glucose, and we assessed the
      response of parameters related to these glucosensing mechanisms. In a second
      experiment, pools of sliced liver and BB were incubated for 6h at 15 degrees C in
      modified Hanks' medium with 8mM d-glucose alone (control) or containing 1mM
      phloridzin (SGLT-1 antagonist), 20MUM genipin (UCP2 inhibitor), 1MUM trolox (ROS
      scavenger), 100MUM bezafibrate (T1R3 inhibitor), and 50MUM geranyl-geranyl
      pyrophosphate (LXR inhibitor). The results obtained in both experiments support
      the presence and functioning of glucosensor mechanisms in liver based on sweet
      taste receptor whereas in BB the evidence support those based on LXR,
      mitochondrial activity and sweet taste receptor. 

PMID- 27139262
TI  - Omission of Breast Radiotherapy in Low-risk Luminal A Breast Cancer: Impact on
      Health Care Costs.
AB  - AIMS: The economic burden of cancer care is substantial, including steep
      increases in costs for breast cancer management. There is mounting evidence that
      women age >= 60 years with grade I/II T1N0 luminal A (ER/PR+, HER2- and Ki67 <=
      13%) breast cancer have such low local recurrence rates that adjuvant breast
      radiotherapy might offer limited value. We aimed to determine the total savings
      to a publicly funded health care system should omission of radiotherapy become
      standard of care for these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The number of women
      aged >= 60 years who received adjuvant radiotherapy for T1N0 ER+ HER2- breast
      cancer in Ontario was obtained from the provincial cancer agency. The cost of
      adjuvant breast radiotherapy was estimated through activity-based costing from a
      public payer perspective. The total saving was calculated by multiplying the
      estimated number of luminal A cases that received radiotherapy by the cost of
      radiotherapy minus Ki-67 testing. RESULTS: In 2010, 748 women age >= 60 years
      underwent surgery for pT1N0 ER+ HER2- breast cancer; 539 (72%) underwent adjuvant
      radiotherapy, of whom 329 were estimated to be grade I/II luminal A subtype. The
      cost of adjuvant breast radiotherapy per case was estimated at $6135.85; the cost
      of Ki-67 at $114.71. This translated into an annual saving of about $2.0million
      if radiotherapy was omitted for all low-risk luminal A breast cancer patients in
      Ontario and $5.1million across Canada. CONCLUSION: There will be significant
      savings to the health care system should omission of radiotherapy become standard
      practice for women with low-risk luminal A breast cancer.

PMID- 27139264
TI  - Tomosynthesis in the Diagnostic Setting: Changing Rates of BI-RADS Final
      Assessment over Time.
AB  - Purpose To evaluate the effect of tomosynthesis in diagnostic mammography on the
      Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) final assessment categories
      over time. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was approved by the
      institutional review board. The authors reviewed all diagnostic mammograms
      obtained during a 12-month interval before (two-dimensional [2D] mammography
      [June 2, 2010, to June 1, 2011]) and for 3 consecutive years after (tomosynthesis
      year 1 [2012], tomosynthesis year 2 [2013], and tomosynthesis year 3 [2014]) the
      implementation of tomosynthesis. The requirement to obtain informed consent was
      waived. The rates of BI-RADS final assessment categories 1-5 were compared
      between the 2D and tomosynthesis groups. The positive predictive values after
      biopsy (PPV3) for BI-RADS category 4 and 5 cases were compared. The mammographic
      features (masses, architectural distortions, calcifications, focal asymmetries)
      of lesions categorized as probably benign (BI-RADS category 3) and those for
      which biopsy was recommended (BI-RADS category 4 or 5) were reviewed. The chi(2)
      test was used to compare the rates of BI-RADS final assessment categories 1-5
      between the two groups, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was
      performed to compare all diagnostic studies categorized as BI-RADS 3-5. Results
      There was an increase in the percentage of cases reported as negative or benign
      (BI-RADS category 1 or 2) with tomosynthesis (58.7% with 2D mammography vs 75.8%
      with tomosynthesis at year 3, P < .0001). A reduction in the percentage of
      probably benign (BI-RADS category 3) final assessments also occurred (33.3% with
      2D mammography vs 16.4% with tomosynthesis at year 3, P < .0001). Although the
      rates of BI-RADS 4 or 5 assessments did not change significantly with
      tomosynthesis (8.0% with 2D mammography vs 7.8% with tomosynthesis at year 3, P =
      .2), there was a significant increase in the PPV3 (29.6% vs 50%, respectively; P
      < .0001). These trends increased during the 3 years of tomosynthesis use.
      Conclusion Tomosynthesis in the diagnostic setting resulted in progressive shifts
      in the BI-RADS final assessment categories over time, with a significant increase
      in the proportion of studies classified as normal, a continued decrease in the
      rate of studies categorized as probably benign, and improved diagnostic
      confidence in biopsy recommendations. ((c)) RSNA, 2016.

PMID- 27139288
TI  - An Audit of Top Citations Published in Pediatric Emergency Care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify and compare the 100 articles
      published in Pediatric Emergency Care (PEC) from its inception in 1985 to date
      that are most often cited. METHODS: Three online citation indices, Scopus, Web of
      Science, and Google Scholar, were examined to identify the 100 top cited articles
      from PEC. Mean citation numbers were used to rank the studies, due to differences
      in the results among the 3 citation indexes. Median citation number, country of
      origin, study topic within the field of pediatric emergency medicine, and year of
      publication were compiled, compared, and analyzed. Those articles that had an
      outcome with the same mean citation number were listed in the table in
      alphabetical order according to the last name of the primary author of the
      publication. RESULTS: Mean citation numbers were used to identify the 100 most
      often cited articles from PEC. The citation counts ranged from a high of 132 to a
      low of 42 citations, the median being 55. Research for 84 of the 100 articles was
      conducted in the United States with no other country contributing more than 3
      articles each. The top subjects of these articles (and their frequencies)
      included infectious disease (12), resuscitation (11), anesthesia (10), and
      toxicology (9). The number 1 ranked article was graduate medical education (GME)
      related and evaluated resident training/education, with respect to the field of
      resuscitation. All articles in the top 100 cited were published between 1985 and
      2010. The top publication years included 1997, 2000, and 2001, wherein 9 articles
      were published in each of those 3 years. Of the top 100 articles cited, 78% were
      published in 1997 and later. CONCLUSIONS: In reviewing the literature and to our
      knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in the field of pediatric
      emergency medicine to determine the influence of articles in a journal by
      evaluating citation number. It identified the 100 articles with the highest
      number of citations that were utilized in subsequent journal articles and
      published in PEC since 1985. The clinical relevance of identifying the most
      popular article topics cited supports the value to the pediatric emergency
      medicine readership of emphasizing subjects of core curriculum content for
      further education. In addition, reviewing the literature using PEC as a source
      for articles published 10 to 15 years ago can be helpful because these articles
      may be considered benchmark articles that many authors choose to cite, creating
      an impact in their more recent publications.

PMID- 27139289
TI  - Meta-analysis to Determine Risk for Serious Bacterial Infection in Febrile
      Outpatient Neonates With RSV Infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze a large group of febrile neonates 28 days
      or younger who received outpatient sepsis evaluation and nasopharyngeal aspirate
      antigen testing (NPAT) for respiratory syncytial viral (RSV) infection to
      determine whether there is a clinically significant association between viral
      study results and risk for serious bacterial infection (SBI: bacterial
      meningitis, bacteremia, urinary tract infection, bacterial enteritis). METHODS:
      We evaluated consecutive febrile neonates 28 days or younger presenting to our
      urban pediatric emergency department [Maimonides Medical Center (MMC)] during a 6
      year period, all of whom received a sepsis evaluation (cerebrospinal fluid,
      blood, urine cultures) and RSV NPAT. To achieve adequate power (80%), the MMC
      data were combined with similar data reported from a prior prospective PEM-CRC
      study of like-aged febrile neonates who received similar evaluation. RESULTS:
      From the MMC data of consecutively evaluated cases, the prevalence rate of +RSV
      in 387 febrile neonates was 6%. Of these, 378 (98%) received both a sepsis
      evaluation and RSV NPAT; +SBI occurred in 4/22 (18.1%) with +RSV versus 58/356
      (16.2%) with -RSV (P = 0.77). Combined with the PEM-CRC cohort of 411 febrile
      neonates 28 days or younger who received similar evaluation, a total of 789 cases
      were analyzed using meta-analysis. Overall, there were 117 (14.8%) cases of +SBI
      and 104 (13.2%) cases of +RSV. The rate of +SBI was 11.5% in those with +RSV
      versus 15.3% in those with -RSV. Meta-analysis performed showed no significant
      difference in rates of +SBI between those with and without +RSV (odds ratio,
      0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-1.50; P = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of +SBI
      are not significantly different between febrile neonates 28 days or younger with
      and without +RSV. Respiratory viral infection status is not an accurate clinical
      determinant in distinguishing SBI risk in febrile neonates.

PMID- 27139263
TI  - The clinical implications of hepatitis B virus genotypes and HBeAg in pediatrics.
AB  - Although a successful vaccine against HBV has been implemented in 184 countries,
      eradication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still not on the horizon. There are
      over 240 million chronic carriers of HBV globally. The risk of developing chronic
      hepatitis ranges from >90% in newborns of hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)-positive
      mothers, 25%-35% in children under 5 years of age and <5% in adults. HBeAg, a non
      particulate viral protein, is a marker of HBV replication. This is the only HBV
      antigen to cross the placenta, leading to specific unresponsiveness of helper T
      cells to the capsid protein and HBeAg in newborns. HBeAg is tolerated in utero
      and acts as a tolerogen after birth. Perinatal transmission is frequent when
      mothers are HBeAg-positive, whereas it occurs less frequently when mothers are
      HBeAg-negative. Sequence heterogeneity is a feature of HBV. Based on an
      intergroup divergence >7.5% across the complete genome, HBV is classified
      phylogenetically into at least nine genotypes. With between ~4% and 8% intergroup
      nucleotide divergence, genotypes A-D, F, H and I are classified further into
      subgenotypes. HBV genotypes/subgenotypes may have distinct geographical
      distribution and can develop different mutations in the regions of the HBV genome
      that code for HBeAg. These differences can be related to the role of HBV
      genotypes to the natural history of infection and mode of transmission. Thus
      genotypes/subgenotypes of HBV can be responsible for the different natural
      history of infection and modes of transmission in children, found in various
      regions of the world, where different genotypes/subgenotypes prevail. Copyright
      (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27139290
TI  - Telephone Out Patient Score: The Derivation and Validation of a Telephone Follow
      up Assessment Tool for Use in Clinical Research in Children With Croup.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to derive a simple clinical scoring instrument for
      assessing children with croup by telephone for use in clinical research studies.
      METHODS: We reviewed published literature on croup scores, surveyed experienced
      pediatric emergency nurses and physicians, and conducted a prospective cohort
      study. Score items were derived from published literature and surveys of
      experienced clinicians. We enrolled children with croup attending an urban
      pediatric emergency department. Families of children enrolled were contacted
      daily by telephone and asked standardized questions about their child's clinical
      symptoms and family functioning. Data from this survey were used to derive the
      clinical score. RESULTS: We identified 11 unique croup scores from the literature
      and interviewed 6 experienced clinicians. We enrolled 330 children and achieved
      complete follow-up for 301. Of the various groupings of items and duration of
      assessment, the 2-item score (barky cough and stridor) was the simplest and most
      reliable. Three days of follow-up yielded optimal correlations. CONCLUSIONS: We
      derived a 2-item Telephone Out Patient score assessed daily for 3 days after an
      emergency department visit. Validation of this score in a future, independent
      prospective cohort is needed.

PMID- 27139291
TI  - Low Compliance of Urgent Care Centers in the United States With Recommendations
      for Office-Based Disaster Preparedness.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the compliance of urgent care
      centers in the United States with published recommendations for office-based
      disaster preparedness. METHODS: An electronic questionnaire was distributed to
      urgent care center administrators as identified by the American Academy of Urgent
      Care Medicine directory. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two questionnaires of the
      872 distributed were available for analysis (14% usable response rate). Twenty
      seven percent of centers have an established disaster plan for events that
      involve their establishment and surrounding community; 49% practice the plan at
      least once a year, 19% less frequent than once a year, and 32% never practice.
      Forty-seven percent of centers are familiar with designated emergency shelters
      and community evacuation plans. Seventeen percent of centers function as part of
      a surveillance system to provide early detection of any biologic/chemical/nuclear
      agents. Twenty-two percent of centers take part in local community and hospital
      disaster planning, exercises, and drills through emergency medical services and
      public health systems. Five percent of centers aid schools, child care centers,
      camps, and other child congregate facilities in disaster planning. Twenty-eight
      percent of centers have an assembled emergency/disaster kit, containing such
      items as water, first aid supplies, radios, flashlights, batteries, heavy-duty
      gloves, food, and sanitation supplies. CONCLUSIONS: Areas for improvement in
      urgent care center disaster preparedness were identified, such as developing an
      office disaster plan that is practiced at least yearly, becoming familiar with
      designated emergency shelters and community evacuation plans, providing
      surveillance to detect potential acts of terrorism, assisting community
      organizations (hospitals, schools, child care centers, etc) in disaster planning,
      and assembling office emergency/disaster kits.

PMID- 27139292
TI  - Methemoglobinemia Secondary to Topical Benzocaine Application to Gastrostomy
      Site.
AB  - Benzocaine is a common topical anesthetic that has the ability to induce
      methemoglobinemia (MetHgb) in large doses. We describe a 4-year-old girl who
      received a standard dose of topical benzocaine to her gastrostomy mucosa that
      resulted in rapid, severe MetHgb. She required intubation, mechanical
      ventilation, and multiple doses of methylene blue for treatment. The resultant
      tissue hypoxia from MetHgb caused profound confusion, cyanosis, and myocardial
      infarction. Although the patient did not sustain any permanent disability, this
      case demonstrates the need for emergency providers to rapidly identify and treat
      MetHgb to reverse tissue hypoxia and prevent long-term sequelae. 

PMID- 27139293
TI  - Abdominal Lymphatic Malformation Presenting as Acute Abdominal Pain: A Common
      Pediatric Complaint, but an Unusual Diagnosis.
AB  - We present the clinical and radiological findings involving a mesenteric
      lymphatic malformation causing volvulus in a toddler presenting with acute
      abdominal pain, as well as its treatment options. 

PMID- 27139294
TI  - Neutropenia in the Febrile Child.
AB  - Fever in the pediatric population is a common chief complaint presenting to the
      emergency department and may be one of the first indications of a life
      threatening infection, especially in patients with neutropenia. Given that
      pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia frequently present to emergency
      departments for emergent care, it is critical for emergency medicine physicians
      and pediatricians and family physicians working in the emergency department to
      know the key aspects of the clinical approach to these patients. This review of
      the clinical evaluation and treatment of the pediatric patient presenting with
      fever and confirmed or suspected neutropenia will provide health care providers
      with the necessary tools to effectively care for this patient population. 

PMID- 27139295
TI  - Neutropenia in the Febrile Child.

PMID- 27139296
TI  - Essentials of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship: Part 1: An Overview.
AB  - This article is the first in a 7-part series (Table 1) that aims to
      comprehensively describe the current state and future directions of pediatric
      emergency medicine fellowship training from the essential requirements to
      considerations for successfully administering and managing a program to the
      careers that may be anticipated on program completion. This overview article
      provides a framework for the series. 

PMID- 27139297
TI  - Late Complication of Esophageal Atresia/Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair.

PMID- 27139298
TI  - ECGs in the ED.

PMID- 27139300
TI  - Delayed surgery in hip fracture patients. Can we afford it?
AB  - : The aim is to analyze whether time to surgery (TtoS) in hip fracture patients
      is associated with longer than expected length of stay (LofS) and whether there
      is any particular group in which this is especially relevant. We developed an
      observational study in Madrid, Spain. From 771 patients admitted to the
      orthopedic ward, we selected 723 with surgical delay <=7 days. Age was
      characterized as younger (<81), elderly (81-90), very elderly (>90). Modified
      Barthel Index was classified as very dependent (<41), moderately dependent (41
      80), independent (>80). RESULTS: Median (IQR) TtoS was 3 (1-4) days; LofS 12 (7
      15). Mean age was 84.3 years, 78.4% were women. TtoS was associated with LofS,
      which increased by 1.80 days (95% CI, 1.50-2.10) per delayed day (p<0.001). After
      adjustment for age, sex, functional status, we found an increase of 1.75 days
      (1.46-2.04) per day (p<0.001). We did not find effect of age or sex. Functional
      status had a higher effect in moderately dependent patients 2.25 days (1.78-2.72)
      than in very dependent or independent patients, 1.33 (0.37-2.30) and 1.50 days
      (1.09-1.91) respectively (p 0.012). As conclusion we could affirm that increasing
      TtoS leads to longer than expected LofS in hip fracture patients, particularly
      moderately dependent patients. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27139299
TI  - The Arabidopsis NPF3 protein is a GA transporter.
AB  - Gibberellins (GAs) are plant hormones that promote a wide range of developmental
      processes. While GA signalling is well understood, little is known about how GA
      is transported or how GA distribution is regulated. Here we utilize fluorescently
      labelled GAs (GA-Fl) to screen for Arabidopsis mutants deficient in GA transport.
      We show that the NPF3 transporter efficiently transports GA across cell membranes
      in vitro and GA-Fl in vivo. NPF3 is expressed in root endodermis and repressed by
      GA. NPF3 is targeted to the plasma membrane and subject to rapid BFA-dependent
      recycling. We show that abscisic acid (ABA), an antagonist of GA, is also
      transported by NPF3 in vitro. ABA promotes NPF3 expression and GA-Fl uptake in
      plants. On the basis of these results, we propose that GA distribution and
      activity in Arabidopsis is partly regulated by NPF3 acting as an influx carrier
      and that GA-ABA interaction may occur at the level of transport. 

PMID- 27139301
TI  - Blue sharks (Prionace glauca) as bioindicators of pollution and health in the
      Atlantic Ocean: Contamination levels and biochemical stress responses.
AB  - Marine ecosystems are constantly being threatened by contaminants produced by
      human activities. There is an urge to better understand their impacts on marine
      organisms and develop reliable tools for biomonitoring studies, while also
      assessing their potential impacts on human health. Given their position on top of
      food webs, sharks are particularly susceptible to bioaccumulation, making them
      potential sentinel species of marine contamination. The main objective of this
      study was to find suitable biomarkers for future marine pollution biomonitoring
      studies by correlating biochemical responses with tissue contaminant body burden
      in blue sharks (Prionace glauca), a species heavily caught and consumed by
      humans, while also addressing their general health. The chemical contaminants
      analysed comprised different persistent organic pollutants (POPs) families from
      polychlorinated compounds to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and
      perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and different trace and heavy metals.
      Concentrations of some contaminants in sharks' tissues were found to be above the
      legally allowed limits for human consumption. A canonical correspondence analysis
      (CCA) was performed and some strong associations were found between biochemical
      responses and contaminants' accumulation levels. DNA damage and lipid
      peroxidation levels, as well as the inhibition of the antioxidant enzyme
      glutathione peroxidase, were the main effects and consequences of contamination.
      The impact of contamination on these vital macromolecules underlines the
      suboptimal conditions of the sampled P. glauca, which can ultimately lead to the
      degradation of core ecological aspects, such as swimming, feeding, and
      reproduction. It can be concluded that P. glauca demonstrates great potential to
      be used as environmental sentinel and suitable biomarker candidates were
      identified in this work. Moreover, this study also highlights the risks that the
      consumption of blue shark derived products can pose to human health, which is of
      upmost interest as the sampled organisms were still juveniles and already
      presented values above regulatory limits. 

PMID- 27139302
TI  - Rain pH estimation based on the particulate matter pollutants and wet deposition
      study.
AB  - In forecasting of rain pH, the changes caused by particulate matter (PM) are
      generally neglected. In regions of high PM concentration like Dhanbad, the role
      of PM in deciding the rain pH becomes important. Present work takes into account
      theoretical prediction of rain pH by two methods. First method considers only
      acid causing gases (ACG) like CO2, SO2 and NOx in pH estimation, whereas, second
      method additionally accounts for effect of PM (ACG-PM). In order to predict the
      rain pH, site specific deposited dust that represents local PM was studied
      experimentally for its impact on pH of neutral water. After incorporation of PM
      correction factor, it was found that, rain pH values estimated were more
      representative of the observed ones. Fractional bias (FB) for the ACG-PM method
      reduced to values of the order of 10(-2) from those with order of 10(-1) for the
      ACG method. The study confirms neutralization of rain acidity by PM. On account
      of this, rain pH was found in the slightly acidic to near neutral range, despite
      of the high sulfate flux found in rain water. Although, the safer range of rain
      pH blurs the severity of acid rain from the picture, yet huge flux of acidic and
      other ions get transferred to water bodies, soil and ultimately to the ground
      water system. Simple use of rain pH for rain water quality fails to address the
      issues of its increased ionic composition due to the interfering pollutants and
      thus undermines severity of pollutants transferred from air to rain water and
      then to water bodies and soil. 

PMID- 27139303
TI  - Does bioleaching represent a biotechnological strategy for remediation of
      contaminated sediments?
AB  - Bioleaching is a consolidated biotechnology in the mining industry and in bio
      hydrometallurgy, where microorganisms mediate the solubilisation of metals and
      semi-metals from mineral ores and concentrates. Bioleaching also has the
      potential for ex-situ/on-site remediation of aquatic sediments that are
      contaminated with metals, which represent a key environmental issue of global
      concern. By eliminating or reducing (semi-)metal contamination of aquatic
      sediments, bioleaching may represent an environmentally friendly and low-cost
      strategy for management of contaminated dredged sediments. Nevertheless, the
      efficiency of bioleaching in this context is greatly influenced by several
      abiotic and biotic factors. These factors need to be carefully taken into account
      before selecting bioleaching as a suitable remediation strategy. Here we review
      the application of bioleaching for sediment bioremediation, and provide a
      critical view of the main factors that affect its performance. We also discuss
      future research needs to improve bioleaching strategies for contaminated aquatic
      sediments, in view of large-scale applications. 

PMID- 27139304
TI  - Full-scale post denitrifying biofilters: sinks of dissolved N2O?
AB  - In this study, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from a full-scale denitrifying
      biofilter plant were continuously monitored over two periods (summer campaign in
      September 2014 and winter campaign in February 2015). Results of the summer
      campaign showed that the major part (>99%) of N2O flux was found in the liquid
      phase and was discharged with the effluent. N2O emissions were highly variable
      and represented in average 1.28+/-1.99% and 0.22+/-0.31% of the nitrate uptake
      rate during summer and winter campaigns, respectively. Denitrification was able
      to consume a large amount of dissolved N2O coming from the upstream nitrification
      stage. In the absence of methanol injection failure and with an influent BOD/NO3
      N ratio higher than 3, average reduction of N2O was estimated to be of 93%. The
      control of exogenous carbon dosage is essential to minimize N2O production from
      denitrifying biofilters, in correlation to NO2-N concentrations in the filter. 

PMID- 27139305
TI  - Composition and fate of mine- and smelter-derived particles in soils of humid
      subtropical and hot semi-arid areas.
AB  - We studied the heavy mineral fraction, separated from mining- and smelter
      affected topsoils, from both a humid subtropical area (Mufulira, Zambian
      Copperbelt) and a hot semi-arid area (Tsumeb, Namibia). High concentrations of
      metal(loid)s were detected in the studied soils: up to 1450mgAskg(-1),
      8980mgCukg(-1), 4640mgPbkg(-1), 2620mgZnkg(-1). A combination of X-ray
      diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), and electron
      probe microanalysis (EPMA) helped to identify the phases forming individual
      metal(loid)-bearing particles. Whereas spherical particles originate from the
      smelting and flue gas cleaning processes, angular particles have either geogenic
      origins or they are windblown from the mining operations and mine waste disposal
      sites. Sulphides from ores and mine tailings often exhibit weathering rims in
      contrast to smelter-derived high-temperature sulphides (chalcocite [Cu2S],
      digenite [Cu9S5], covellite [CuS], non-stoichiometric quenched Cu-Fe-S phases).
      Soils from humid subtropical areas exhibit higher available concentrations of
      metal(loids), and higher frequencies of weathering features (especially for
      copper-bearing oxides such as delafossite [Cu(1+)Fe(3+)O2]) are observed. In
      contrast, metal(loid)s are efficiently retained in semi-arid soils, where a high
      proportion of non-weathered smelter slag particles and low-solubility Ca-Cu-Pb
      arsenates occur. Our results indicate that compared to semi-arid areas (where
      inorganic contaminants were rather immobile in soils despite their high
      concentrations) a higher potential risk exists for agriculture in mine- and
      smelter-affected humid subtropical areas (where metal(loid) contaminants can be
      highly available for the uptake by crops). 

PMID- 27139306
TI  - Contamination with bacterial zoonotic pathogen genes in U.S. streams influenced
      by varying types of animal agriculture.
AB  - Animal waste, stream water, and streambed sediment from 19 small (<32km(2))
      watersheds in 12U.S. states having either no major animal agriculture (control,
      n=4), or predominantly beef (n=4), dairy (n=3), swine (n=5), or poultry (n=3)
      were tested for: 1) cholesterol, coprostanol, estrone, and fecal indicator
      bacteria (FIB) concentrations, and 2) shiga-toxin producing and enterotoxigenic
      Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and pathogenic and vancomycin
      resistant enterococci by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on enrichments, and/or
      direct quantitative PCR. Pathogen genes were most frequently detected in dairy
      wastes, followed by beef, swine and poultry wastes in that order; there was only
      one detection of an animal-source-specific pathogen gene (stx1) in any water or
      sediment sample in any control watershed. Post-rainfall pathogen gene numbers in
      stream water were significantly correlated with FIB, cholesterol and coprostanol
      concentrations, and were most highly correlated in dairy watershed samples
      collected from 3 different states. Although collected across multiple states and
      ecoregions, animal-waste gene profiles were distinctive via discriminant
      analysis. Stream water gene profiles could also be discriminated by the watershed
      animal type. Although pathogen genes were not abundant in stream water or
      streambed samples, PCR on enrichments indicated that many genes were from viable
      organisms, including several (shiga-toxin producing or enterotoxigenic E. coli,
      Salmonella, vancomycin-resistant enterococci) that could potentially affect
      either human or animal health. Pathogen gene numbers and types in stream water
      samples were influenced most by animal type, by local factors such as whether
      animals had stream access, and by the amount of local rainfall, and not by
      studied watershed soil or physical characteristics. Our results indicated that
      stream water in small agricultural U.S. watersheds was susceptible to pathogen
      gene inputs under typical agricultural practices and environmental conditions.
      Pathogen gene profiles may offer the potential to address both source of, and
      risks associated with, fecal pollution. 

PMID- 27139307
TI  - Veterinary antibiotics in animal waste, its distribution in soil and uptake by
      plants: A review.
AB  - Therapeutic and sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics in livestock farming is and
      has been, a common practice worldwide. These bioactive organic compounds have
      short retention period and partial uptake into the animal system. The uptake
      effects of this pharmaceutics, with plants as the primary focus, has not been
      reviewed so far. This review addresses three main concerns 1) the extensive use
      of veterinary antibiotics in livestock farming, 2) disposal of animal waste
      containing active biosolids and 3) effects of veterinary antibiotics in plants.
      Depending upon the plant species and the antibiotic used, the response can be
      phytotoxic, hormetic as well as mutational. Additionally, the physiological
      interactions that make the uptake of these compounds relatively easy have also
      been discussed. High water solubility, longer half-lives, and continued
      introduction make them relatively persistent in the environment. Lastly, some
      prevention measures that can help limit their impact on the environment have been
      reviewed. There are three methods of control: treatment of animal manure before
      field application, an alternative bio-agent for disease treatment and a well
      targeted legalized use of antibiotics. Limiting the movement of these biosolids
      in the environment can be a challenge because of their varying physiological
      interactions. Electron irradiation and supervised inoculation of beneficial
      microorganisms can be effective remediation strategies. Thus, extensive future
      research should be focused in this area. 

PMID- 27139308
TI  - Concentration of heavy metals and trace elements in soils, waters and vegetables
      and assessment of health risk in the vicinity of a lignite-fired power plant.
AB  - The pollution of agricultural soils, waters and products in the regions of
      lignite mines and fired power plants is of great importance. The concentration of
      As, Betaa, Co, Cr, Sr, Sc, Th, U, Zn in soils and waters in the vicinity of a
      lignite-fired power plant in Northern Greece was determined using Instrumental
      Neutron Activation Analysis. The determination frequency was every three months
      during a period of one year in order to evaluate the seasonal impact of the
      pollution to the environment. Measurements were performed in three locations
      around the lignite mine as well as in one reference location at a certain
      distance from the mine. The results, which exhibited a slight seasonal variation,
      were compared, where possible, with literature values from other countries. The
      obtained data in most of the cases did not exceed the normal levels and indicated
      that the investigated area was only slightly contaminated. The concentration of
      heavy and trace metals was also measured in three common garden crops (tomato,
      cucumber and parsley) grown in this area. The calculated transfer factors (TF)
      from soil to vegetables and health risk quotients (HQ) do not denote a health
      risk. 

PMID- 27139309
TI  - Predicting the bioaccumulation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated
      biphenyls in benthic animals in sediments.
AB  - There were two main objectives in this study. The first was to compare the
      accuracy of different prediction methods for the chemical concentrations of
      polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the
      organism, based on the measured chemical concentrations existing in sediment dry
      matter or pore water. The predicted tissue concentrations were compared to the
      measured ones after 28-day laboratory test using oligochaeta worms (Lumbriculus
      variegatus). The second objective was to compare the bioaccumulation of PAHs and
      PCBs in the laboratory test with the in situ bioaccumulation of these compounds.
      Using the traditional organic carbon-water partitioning model, tissue
      concentrations were greatly overestimated, based on the concentrations in the
      sediment dry matter. Use of an additional correction factor for black carbon with
      a two-carbon model, significantly improved the bioaccumulation predictions, thus
      confirming that black carbon was important in binding the chemicals and reducing
      their accumulation. The predicted PAH tissue concentrations were, however, high
      compared to the observed values. The chemical concentrations were most accurately
      predicted from their freely dissolved pore water concentrations, determined using
      equilibrium passive sampling. The patterns of PCB and PAH accumulation in
      sediments for laboratory-exposed L. variegatus were similar to those in field
      collected Lumbriculidae worms. Field-collected benthic invertebrates and L.
      variegatus accumulated less PAHs than PCBs with similar lipophilicity. The biota
      to sediment accumulation factors of PAHs tended to decrease with increasing
      sediment organic carbon normalized concentrations. The presented data yields
      bioconcentration factors (BCF) describing the chemical water-lipid partition,
      which were found to be higher than the octanol-water partition coefficients, but
      on a similar level with BCFs drawn from relevant literature. In conclusion, using
      the two-carbon model method, or the measured freely dissolved pore water
      concentrations method is recommended for predicting the bioaccumulation of PAHs
      and PCBs. 

PMID- 27139310
TI  - Influence of stimulation position on the sensitivity for bone conduction hearing
      aids without skin penetration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study explores the influence of stimulation position on bone
      conduction (BC) hearing sensitivity with a BC transducer attached using a
      headband. DESIGN: (1) The cochlear promontory motion was measured in cadaver
      heads using laser Doppler vibrometry while seven different positions around the
      pinna were stimulated using a bone anchored hearing aid transducer attached using
      a headband. (2) The BC hearing thresholds were measured in human subjects, with
      the bone vibrator Radioear B71 attached to the same seven stimulation positions.
      STUDY SAMPLE: Three cadaver heads and twenty participants. RESULTS: Stimulation
      on a position superior-anterior to the pinna generated the largest promontory
      motion and the lowest BC thresholds. Stimulations on the positions superior to
      the pinna, the mastoid, and posterior-inferior to the pinna showed similar
      magnitudes of promontory motion and similar levels of BC thresholds. CONCLUSION:
      Stimulations on the regions superior to the pinna, the mastoid, and posterior
      inferior to the pinna provide stable BC transmission, and are insensitive to
      small changes of the stimulation position. Therefore it is reliable to use the
      mastoid to determine BC thresholds in clinical audiometry. However, stimulation
      on a position superior-anterior to the pinna provides more efficient BC
      transmission than stimulation on the mastoid.

PMID- 27139311
TI  - Risk Factors for Central Venous Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infection in
      Pediatric Patients: A Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To examine the incidence of central-line-associated bloodstream
      infection (CLABSI) over time and to determine risk factors for CLABSI in
      hospitalized children. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Pediatric
      tertiary care referral center in Halifax, Nova Scotia, serving a population of
      2.3 million. PARTICIPANTS Patients ages 0-18 years with central venous catheters
      (CVCs) inserted at this facility between 1995 and 2013. METHODS Participants were
      followed from CVC insertion to CLABSI event or until CVC removal. Data were
      prospectively collected by clinicians, infection prevention and control staff,
      and nursing staff for the purposes of patient care, surveillance, and quality
      improvement. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify risk
      factors for CLABSI. RESULTS Among 5,648 patients, 385 developed CLABSI (0.74
      CLABSI per 1,000 line days; or 3.87 per 1,000 in-hospital line days). Most
      infections occurred within 60 days of insertion. CLABSI rates decreased from 4.87
      per 1,000 in-hospital line days in 1995 to 0.78 per 1,000 in-hospital line days
      in 2013, corresponding to an 84% reduction. A temporal association of CLABSI
      reduction with a hand hygiene promotion campaign was identified. CVC type, number
      of lumens, dressing type, insertion vein, and being in the critical care unit
      were statistically significantly associated with CLABSI. CONCLUSIONS Hospital
      wide surveillance over an 18-year period identified children at highest risk for
      CLABSI and decreasing risk over time; this decrease was temporally associated
      with a hand hygiene campaign. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:939-945.

PMID- 27139312
TI  - Recent advances in CRISPR/Cas9 technology for targeting latent HIV-1 reservoirs.

PMID- 27139313
TI  - Cumulative antiretroviral therapy exposure increases annual incidence of chronic
      kidney disease in a large international cohort study.

PMID- 27139314
TI  - Protecting the mucosal immune response in treatment-naive HIV-infected patients.

PMID- 27139315
TI  - Comparison of efavirenz and protease inhibitor based combination antiretroviral
      therapy regimens in treatment-naive people living with HIV with baseline
      resistance.
AB  - A retrospective cohort analysis comparing the efficacy of boosted protease
      inhibitor-based and efavirenz-based combination antiretroviral therapy in
      treatment-naive people living with HIV with baseline resistance found that
      efavirenz-based treatment led to a shorter mean time to undetectable viral load.
      A higher proportion of patients with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitor related baseline resistance mutations in the efavirenz-treatment group
      achieved an undetectable viral load at both 6 and 12 months post-treatment
      initiation, compared with the boosted protease-inhibitor-treatment
      group.Supplementary content: http://links.lww.com/QAD/A930.

PMID- 27139316
TI  - Does the shortage of antiretroviral drugs in Uganda signal a trend?

PMID- 27139317
TI  - Preexposure prophylaxis on-demand dramatically reduces HIV incidence in MSM.

PMID- 27139318
TI  - Adjacent Lone Pair (ALP) Effect: A Computational Approach for Its Origin.
AB  - The adjacent lone pair (ALP) effect is an experimental phenomenon in certain
      nitrogenous heterocyclic systems exhibiting the preference of the products with
      lone pairs separated over other isomers with lone pairs adjacent. A theoretical
      elucidation of the ALP effect requires the decomposition of intramolecular energy
      terms and the isolation of lone pair-lone pair interactions. Here we used the
      block-localized wavefunction (BLW) method within the ab initio valence bond (VB)
      theory to derive the strictly localized orbitals which are used to accommodate
      one-atom centered lone pairs and two-atom centered sigma or pi bonds. As such,
      interactions among electron pairs can be directly derived. Two-electron integrals
      between adjacent lone pairs do not support the view that the lone pair-lone pair
      repulsion is responsible for the ALP effect. Instead, the disabling of pi
      conjugation greatly diminishes the ALP effect, indicating that the reduction of
      pi conjugation in deprotonated forms with two sigma lone pairs adjacent is one of
      the major causes for the ALP effect. Further electrostatic potential analysis and
      intramolecular energy decomposition confirm that the other key factor is the
      favorable electrostatic attraction within the isomers with lone pairs separated.

PMID- 27139322
TI  - A comparison of three serological tests for the diagnosis of B. owis infection in
      rams.
AB  - The complement fixation test (CFT), the enzyme labelled immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) and the gel diffusion precipitin test (GD) were compared, for the
      diagnosis of Brucellu ovis infection in rams. The sensitivities of the tests in
      109 rams which were shedding B. ovis in their semen were: CFT 96.3%; ELISA 97.2%;
      GD 91.7%. The specificities of the tests in 141 rams from non-infected flocks
      were: CFI 99.3%; ELISA 98.6%; GD 100%. Predictive values of the three tests were
      measured in 285 rams from infected flocks. Thirty-eight percent of these rams
      were shedding B. ovis in their semen. Predictive values of positive tests were:
      CFT 75.5%; ELISA 66.7%; GD 72.5%. Predictive values of negative tests were: CFI
      97.1%; ELISA 97.6%; GD 93.8%. 

PMID- 27139319
TI  - Dislocation Majorana zero modes in perovskite oxide 2DEG.
AB  - Much of the current experimental efforts for detecting Majorana zero modes have
      been centered on probing the boundary of quantum wires with strong spin-orbit
      coupling. The same type of Majorana zero mode can also be realized at crystalline
      dislocations in 2D superconductors with the nontrivial weak topological indices.
      Unlike at an Abrikosov vortex, at such a dislocation, there is no other low-lying
      midgap state than the Majorana zero mode so that it avoids usual complications
      encountered in experimental detections such as scanning tunneling microscope
      (STM) measurements. We will show that, using the anisotropic dispersion of the
      t2g orbitals of Ti or Ta atoms, such a weak topological superconductivity can be
      realized when the surface two-dimensional electronic gas (2DEG) of SrTiO3 or
      KTaO3 becomes superconducting, which can occur through either intrinsic pairing
      or proximity to existing s-wave superconductors.

PMID- 27139323
TI  - Frequency selectivity of the human cochlea: Suppression tuning of spontaneous
      otoacoustic emissions.
AB  - Frequency selectivity is a key functional property of the inner ear and since
      hearing research began, the frequency resolution of the human ear has been a
      central question. In contrast to animal studies, which permit invasive recording
      of neural activity, human studies must rely on indirect methods to determine
      hearing selectivity. Psychophysical studies, which used masking of a tone by
      other sounds, indicate a modest frequency selectivity in humans. By contrast,
      estimates using the phase delays of stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions
      (SFOAE) predict a remarkably high selectivity, unique among mammals. An
      alternative measure of cochlear frequency selectivity are suppression tuning
      curves of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAE). Several animal studies show
      that these measures are in excellent agreement with neural frequency selectivity.
      Here we contribute a large data set from normal-hearing young humans on
      suppression tuning curves (STC) of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAE). The
      frequency selectivities of human STC measured near threshold levels agree with
      the earlier, much lower, psychophysical estimates. They differ, however, from the
      typical patterns seen in animal auditory nerve data in that the selectivity is
      remarkably independent of frequency. In addition, SOAE are suppressed by higher
      level tones in narrow frequency bands clearly above the main suppression
      frequencies. These narrow suppression bands suggest interactions between the
      suppressor tone and a cochlear standing wave corresponding to the SOAE frequency
      being suppressed. The data show that the relationship between pre-neural
      mechanical processing in the cochlea and neural coding at the hair-cell/auditory
      nerve synapse needs to be reconsidered.

PMID- 27139324
TI  - Remarkable enhancement of upconversion luminescence on 2-D anodic aluminum oxide
      photonic crystals.
AB  - Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are attracting extensive
      attention due to their unique physical properties and great application
      potential. However, the lower luminescence quantum yield/strength is still an
      obstacle for real application. Local field modulation is a promising method to
      highly enhance the upconversion luminescence (UCL) of the UCNPs. In this work, a
      novel kind of two-dimensional photonic crystal (2D-PC), anodic aluminum oxides
      (AAOs), was explored to improve the UCL of NaYF4:Yb(3+),Er(3+) nanoplates (NPs).
      An optimum enhancement factor (EF) of 65-fold was obtained for the overall
      intensity of Er(3+) under 980 nm excitation, and 130-fold for the red emission.
      Systematic studies indicate that UCL enhancement mainly originates from the
      enlargement of the excitation field by scattering and reflection of AAO PCs. It
      should also be highlighted that the modulation of 2D-PC on the UCL of
      NaYF4:Yb(3+),Er(3+) NPs demonstrates weak size-dependent and thickness-dependent
      behavior, which is well consistent with the stimulated electromagnetic field
      distribution by the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. 

PMID- 27139326
TI  - Botulism.

PMID- 27139327
TI  - Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents.

PMID- 27139328
TI  - Pediatric Sedation Management.

PMID- 27139329
TI  - Case 1: Sudden Collapse in a 13-Year-Old Boy.

PMID- 27139330
TI  - Case 2: Diffuse Papulopustular Rash in an 11-week-old Boy.

PMID- 27139331
TI  - Correction, Clarification.

PMID- 27139332
TI  - Case 3: Episodic Weakness in an 18-month-old Girl.

PMID- 27139333
TI  - Measles.

PMID- 27139334
TI  - Visual Diagnosis: A Boy with a Fever and a Swollen, Blistering Finger.

PMID- 27139335
TI  - Robust Magnetic Properties of a Sublimable Single-Molecule Magnet.
AB  - The organization of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) on surfaces via thermal
      sublimation is a prerequisite for the development of future devices for
      spintronics exploiting the richness of properties offered by these magnetic
      molecules. However, a change in the SMM properties due to the interaction with
      specific surfaces is usually observed. Here we present a rare example of an SMM
      system that can be thermally sublimated on gold surfaces while maintaining its
      intact chemical structure and magnetic properties. Muon spin relaxation and ac
      susceptibility measurements are used to demonstrate that, unlike other SMMs, the
      magnetic properties of this system in thin films are very similar to those in the
      bulk, throughout the full volume of the film, including regions near the metal
      and vacuum interfaces. These results exhibit the robustness of chemical and
      magnetic properties of this complex and provide important clues for the
      development of nanostructures based on SMMs.

PMID- 27139336
TI  - Redox Proteomics Applied to the Thiol Secretome.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Secreted proteins are important both as signaling molecules and
      potential biomarkers. Recent Advances: Protein can undergo different types of
      oxidation, both in physiological conditions or under oxidative stress. Several
      redox proteomics techniques have been successfully applied to the identification
      of glutathionylated proteins, an oxidative post-translational modification
      consisting in the formation of a mixed disulfide between a protein cysteine and
      glutathione. Redox proteomics has also been used to study other forms of protein
      oxidation. CRITICAL ISSUES: Because of the highest proportion of free cysteines
      in the cytosol, redox proteomics of protein thiols has focused, so far, on
      intracellular proteins. However, plasma proteins, such as transthyretin and
      albumin, have been described as glutathionylated or cysteinylated. The present
      review discusses the redox state of protein cysteines in relation to their
      cellular distribution. We describe the various approaches used to detect secreted
      glutathionylated proteins, the only thiol modification studied so far in secreted
      proteins, and the specific problems presented in the study of the secretome.
      FUTURE DIRECTIONS: This review focusses on glutathionylated proteins secreted
      under inflammatory conditions and that may act as soluble mediators (cytokines).
      Future studies on the redox secretome (including other forms of oxidation) might
      identify new soluble mediators and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Antioxid.
      Redox Signal. 26, 299-312.

PMID- 27139338
TI  - Cardioprotective effect of Salvianolic acid B on acute myocardial infarction by
      promoting autophagy and neovascularization and inhibiting apoptosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective effect
      of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rats and
      its potential mechanisms. METHODS: The AMI model was established in rats to study
      the effect of Sal B on AMI. Haematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate
      the pathological change in AMI rats. Immunofluorescence and TUNEL staining were
      used to detect autophagy and apoptosis of myocardial cells in hearts of AMI rats,
      respectively. Protein expression of apoptosis-related, autophagy-related and
      angiogenesis-related proteins were examined by Western blot. KEY FINDINGS: Sal B
      attenuated myocardial infarction significantly compared with that of the model
      group. Rats administered with Sal B showed higher inhibition rate of infarction
      and lower infarct size than those of the model group. Moreover, Sal B decreased
      the serum levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and malondialdehyde,
      while increased such level of superoxide dismutase significantly compared with
      those of the model group. Sal B inhibited the expression of Bax, cleaved caspase
      9 and cleaved PARP, while promoted the expression of Bcl-2, LC3-II, Beclin1 and
      VEGF. CONCLUSIONS: Sal B has cardioprotective effect on AMI and Sal B may be a
      promising candidate for AMI treatment.

PMID- 27139339
TI  - Subdermal Flexible Solar Cell Arrays for Powering Medical Electronic Implants.
AB  - A subdermally implantable flexible photovoltatic (IPV) device is proposed for
      supplying sustainable electric power to in vivo medical implants. Electric
      properties of the implanted IPV device are characterized in live animal models.
      Feasibility of this strategy is demonstrated by operating a flexible pacemaker
      with the subdermal IPV device which generates DC electric power of ~647 MUW under
      the skin.

PMID- 27139340
TI  - Aggregation of C70-Fragment Buckybowls on Surfaces: pi-H and pi-pi Bonding in
      Bowl Up-Side-Down Ensembles.
AB  - The self-assembly of the C38H14-buckybowl, a fragment bowl of the C70 fullerene,
      has been studied with scanning tunneling microscopy on the Cu(111) surface.
      Isolated molecules adsorb bowl opening-up with the center C6 ring parallel to the
      surface. In extended 2D islands, however, 1/3 of the molecules are oriented such
      that the bowl opening points down. From a detailed analysis of relative
      orientation of the molecules, the nature of intermolecular lateral interactions
      is identified. In densely packed islands, pi-pi bonding between convex sides of
      the bowls dominate, while pi-H bonding between rim and convex sides plays the
      important role in small molecular 2D clusters.

PMID- 27139342
TI  - Inequalities in health and social policy.
AB  - WHO and the European Commission impart great importance to promoting activities
      aimed at reducing inequalities in health. The article raised methodological
      problems of studies on the causes of inequalities in health. Author draws
      attention to the need for field studies focused on comparing well-specified
      population groups in order to achieve greater accuracy of studies to obtain
      preventive actions better fit to the specific needs of a given population. He
      also indicates the difficulties related to the comparisons made on an
      international scale due to the large number of variables that could interfere
      with investigated exposure. A significant part of the article is devoted to the
      interpretation of the measurement of poverty and the relationship between
      economic inequality and inequities in health. The author points out that there
      are no simple relations in this area, but the impact of economic inequality is
      particularly pronounced where inequalities in income of families bring large
      fractions of a society below the threshold of poverty.

PMID- 27139341
TI  - Thin filament length in the cardiac sarcomere varies with sarcomere length but is
      independent of titin and nebulin.
AB  - Thin filament length (TFL) is an important determinant of the force-sarcomere
      length (SL) relation of cardiac muscle. However, the various mechanisms that
      control TFL are not well understood. Here we tested the previously proposed
      hypothesis that the actin-binding protein nebulin contributes to TFL regulation
      in the heart by using a cardiac-specific nebulin cKO mouse model (alphaMHC Cre
      Neb cKO). Atrial myocytes were studied because nebulin expression has been
      reported to be most prominent in this cell type. TFL was measured in right and
      left atrial myocytes using deconvolution optical microscopy and staining for
      filamentous actin with phalloidin and for the thin filament pointed-end with an
      antibody to the capping protein Tropomodulin-1 (Tmod1). Results showed that TFLs
      in Neb cKO and littermate control mice were not different. Thus, deletion of
      nebulin in the heart does not alter TFL. However, TFL was found to be ~0.05MUm
      longer in the right than in the left atrium and Tmod1 expression was increased in
      the right atrium. We also tested the hypothesis that the length of titin's spring
      region is a factor controlling TFL by studying the Rbm20(DeltaRRM) mouse which
      expresses titins that are ~500kDa (heterozygous mice) and ~1000kDa (homozygous
      mice) longer than in control mice. Results revealed that TFL was not different in
      Rbm20(DeltaRRM) mice. An unexpected finding in all genotypes studied was that TFL
      increased as sarcomeres were stretched (~0.1MUm per 0.35MUm of SL increase). This
      apparent increase in TFL reached a maximum at a SL of ~3.0MUm where TFL was
      ~1.05MUm. The SL dependence of TFL was independent of chemical fixation or the
      presence of cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C). In summary, we found that
      in cardiac myocytes TFL varies with SL in a manner that is independent of the
      size of titin or the presence of nebulin.

PMID- 27139343
TI  - Occurrence and prevalence of selected zoonotic agents: Echinococcus
      multilocularis, Trichinella spiralis and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the
      population of Polish hunters--results of the study conducted in 2010-2012.
AB  - In Poland the development of the knowledge concerning zoonotic pathogens, of
      which free-living animals are the reservoir of is gaining in importance both in
      epidemiological aspect as well as in the context of prevention for improving
      public health. Dietary habits such as the consumption of forest undergrowth
      products and wild game meat, and the way of those products being prepared (in the
      process of barbequing) pose a risk factors of infection with the foodborne
      pathogens such as Echinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella spp., and HEV. AIM:
      The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of infections caused by
      Trichinella spp., Echinococcus multilocularis, and HEV in the population of
      Polish hunters, describing their geographical distribution in Poland, and to try
      to define basic factors, which may contribute to their occurrence. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: In 2010-2012 a cross-sectional study was carried out among Polish
      hunters. A blood samples were collected as well as a survey of 1027 participants
      recruited in the 16 provinces was also carried out. Serological tests were
      performed for the presence of specific antibodies against Echinococcus
      multilocularis, Trichinella spp. and HEV using commercial or "in home" ELISA
      tests. In case of positive result for Echinococcus, an Em2plus ELISA or/and
      western blot test were carried out, and for positive results for IgM for HEV a
      recomLine HEV IgM test was carried out. RESULTS: In the studied population a
      total number of 2 cases of Echinococcus multilocularis infection were found.
      Moreover in 47 (4,6%) participants presence of antibodies against Trichinella
      spp. were found, including 17 positive and 30 borderline results. In 206 persons
      (25%) IgG anti-HEV antibodies were found (by ELISA test). Geographical diversity
      in prevalence of both, the Trichinella spp. and HEV cases was observed. SUMMARY
      AND CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed presence of zoonotic infections such as
      Echinococcus multilocularis, Trichinella spp., and hepatitis E (HEV) among Polish
      hunters. In the case of Echinococcus multilocularis, and Trichinella spp., it
      appears that these infections are more common in the studied sample than in the
      general population. Additionally results on the prevalence of HEV infections
      indicate a need for further research on the occurrence of the virus in the
      country.

PMID- 27139344
TI  - Emerging infectious diseases not covered by routine vaccination in Europe in 2010
      2015--the review of WHO and ECDC notifications for the National IHR Focal Point
      in Poland.
AB  - The National IHR Focal Point is a center set up by each Member State of the World
      Health Organization (WHO) in accordance with the International Health Regulations
      (2005). The International Health Regulations (IHR) were adopted on 23 May 2005 at
      the World Health Assembly and entered into force since 15 June 2007 as the legal
      instrument designed to help protect all countries from uncontrolled international
      spread of diseases and other urgent public health threats. According to Article 2
      of IHR the purpose and scope of these Regulations are to prevent, protect
      against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread
      of disease in ways that are commensurate with and restricted to public health
      risks, and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and
      trade. Primarily, the scope of IHR is to establish a system of early warning (in
      accordance with Article 6 and 7) with the functioning in each country National
      IHR Focal Point which is available at any time to communicate with WHO IHR
      Contact Points and other entities. The tasks of the National IHR Fo- cal Point in
      Poland which was appointed by the Minister of Health and runs in the Department
      of Epidemiology, National Institute of Public Health--National Institute of
      Hygiene from 1 September 2007 are the notification of events that may constitute
      a public health emergency of international concern occurring in Poland or abroad
      and the dissemination of this information to the WHO, other National IHR Focal
      Points or competent authorities responsible for public health. The task of the
      National IHR Focal Point in Poland is also the dissemination of WHO and ECDC
      notifications, including recommendation and risk assessment documents. The aim of
      this work is the review of WHO and ECDC notifications received by National IHR
      Focal Point in Poland in the period from 2010 to 2015 which were related to
      emerging infectious diseases not covered by routine vaccination programs or for
      which there are no effective vaccines that have occurred in the WHO European
      Region. The review includes verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O104: H4
      infections, MERS-CoV infections, Ebola virus disease, malaria, dengue fever, West
      Nile fever, chikungunya and cholera.

PMID- 27139345
TI  - Epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in the world based on a report of the
      World Health Organization 2013.
AB  - The epidemiological situation of tuberculosis is regionally diverse and
      dynamically changing. It is related not only to the health status of people but
      also to the organization of health care, financial possibilities, and cultural
      problems affecting the dissemination of the infection. The actions taken by the
      WHO since the 90s have been effective and from 2005 a decrease in the prevalence
      has been noted and even earlier a decrease in mortality was observed. The best
      situation is in North America and in Western Europe. The highest number of TB
      cases are observed in South-East Asia; however the highest incidence index is in
      Sub-Saharan Africa. Demographic differences related to sex and age are still
      observed. Men suffer more often than women. In countries with a good
      epidemiological situation elderly people are ill more frequently, while in
      epidemic regions more children and young people are ill.

PMID- 27139346
TI  - The burden of Herpes Zoster and its complications in Poland in according to the
      age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Incidence of shingles in different regions of the world ranged from
      300 to 500/100,000 persons, and in the population older than 80 years of age
      reaches more than 1000/100,000. In the age group 50+ the incidence is enough high
      to be a serious medical and economic burden. Lack of details about the incidence
      and frequency of complications in Polish population let us too made an attempt to
      assess the scale of the problem, among others to the purpose of the evaluation of
      the legitimacy of implementing vaccination in the 50+ population. METHODS: First,
      based on coming data from the Swietokrzyskie Province Division of the National
      Health Fund we judged the incidence of shingles in this province in 2013 in
      individual ancient groups and depending on detailed diagnoses and with the
      division into the basic health, clinic and hospital care. Second, based on
      gathered data through NIZP-PZH, we judged hospital morbidity connected with
      shingles in Poland in 2008-2012 years, in individual ancient groups. RESULTS:
      Extrapolating the data from the Swietokrzyskie province we assess the incidence
      of shingles on average 338.8/100,000. She is tallest in the age group 50+
      (614.3/100,000) and in this group also the most complications are being observed.
      Hospital morbidity in entire Poland showed in 2008-2012 years the frequency on
      average 4.93-5.42/100,000, in the group of 0-19 years; 0.10-1.50/100,000, in the
      group of 20-49 years; 4.9-5.42/100,000 and in the 50+ group--9.99-13.37/100,000.
      CONCLUSIONS: (1) Shingles, especially in the 50+ age group, constitutes a serious
      health problem in Poland, being a cause of numerous advices in basic health care
      and at clinics in Poland, as well of numerous hospitalizations and dangerous
      complications. (2) It seems, that active immunization against shingles,
      especially of 50+ persons, would be a favourable solution from the individual, as
      well as public perspective.

PMID- 27139347
TI  - Concerns of occupational HIV infection among surgical Staff in the light of anti
      HIV sero-status and the distribution of Delta32 allele of the CCR5 gene: a cross
      sectional study.
AB  - Surgical staff might be considered at most risk of accidental viral infection due
      to their higher exposure to blood. AIM: To evaluate surgical staff concerns about
      occupational HIV infection, to determine contributing factors, to assess their
      sero-status regarding this pathogen, and the frequency of the Delta32 allele of
      the CCR5 gene. METHODS: With the use of a self-administered anonymous
      questionnaire a cross-sectional sero-survey was conducted from February 2009
      January 2010 among doctors/nurses from the surgical/ gynaecological wards of 16
      randomly selected hospitals in Western Pomerania, Poland. Fear level was measured
      by the use of the VAS scale (range 0-10). Serum samples were tested by ELISA.
      Genotyping was performed using a PCR-AFLP assay. RESULTS: Response rate 84.9%;
      427 participants, 88.3% females; 84.8% nurses, 15.2% doctors (median age 42
      years, range 22-61 years). More than two thirds of respondents (67.2%)
      overestimated HIV single exposure risk. The median level of occupational HIV fear
      was 6.67. The prevalence of anti-HIV was 0.0% (95%CI: 0-0.9%); 1.2% (95%CI: 0.5%
      2.9%) of participants were homozygotes Delta32/Delta32. The stepwise regression
      model revealed that job category (nurse) was associated with HIV fear (p<0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The risk of contracting occupational HIV infection remains low; no
      anti-HIV positive individuals were found among surgical staff, one in one hundred
      were resistant to HIV infection. Staff members, especially nurses, were much
      concerned with acquiring an occupational HIV infection, possibly due to the lack
      of knowledge on single exposure risk. Educational actions and better access to
      specialists which would help surgical staff in managing anxiety at the workplace
      is urgently needed.

PMID- 27139348
TI  - Chemokine CXCL13 concentration in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with
      neuroborreliosis--own observations.
AB  - THE AIM: of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of cerebrospinal fluid
      chemokine CXCL13 concentration assay in diagnostics of neuroborreliosis in
      adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Investigations were carried out in 22 patients
      treated for neuroborreliosis , manifested as lymphocytic meningitis, at the
      Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Silesia, in Bytom
      between 2011-2013. Based on the presence or absence of anti-borrelial antibodies
      in the cerebrospinal fluid, the examined individuals were divided into two groups
      on the day of admission: group I--patients with antiborrelial antibodies in the
      cerebrospinal fluid (confirmed diagnosis of neuroborreliosis), group II--patients
      without antiborrelial antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (possible diagnosis
      of neuroborreliosis). In all patients the cerebrospinal fluid CXCL13 level was
      assessed on the first day of hospitalization. Control tests were performed in
      both groups after 14 days of therapy with antibiotics. RESULTS: Mean
      cerebrospinal fluid CXCL13 concentration in group I on the 1st day was 4123
      pg/mL, and in group II--3422 pg/mL. Differences in mean concentrations of this
      chemokine were statistically insignificant. No correlations between examined mean
      CXCL13 concentrations and other cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory parameters were
      revealed. The control tests showed the evident decrease of CXCL13 level in
      cerebrospinal fluid in both groups. Besides, in individuals of group II anti
      Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies appeared in cerebrospinal fluid, whereas in group
      I, the control results of this parameter were similar to preliminary values.
      CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicate a kind of usefulness of estimation of
      cerebrospinal fluid chemokine CXCL13 concentration in diagnostics of early, acute
      neuroborreliosis, manifested as lymphocytic meningitis, especially in case of
      anti-borrelia antibodies absence in cerebrospinal fluid. Changes in this
      chemokine concentrations, opposite to cerebrospinal fluid levels of anti-borrelia
      antibodies, may be prognostic in acute, early neuroborreliosis.

PMID- 27139349
TI  - The epidemiological and clinical analysis of Clostridium difficile infections in
      patients hospitalized due to the infection at the Department of Infectious
      Diseases in Bytom.
AB  - Clostridium difficile infections are becoming a more serious problem as hospital
      acquired infections and the consequence of common antibiotic therapy, also on an
      out-patient basis. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was the epidemiological
      and clinical analysis of patients with Clostridium difficile-associated disease
      (CDAD) at the Clinical Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Bytom in
      2014. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the medical documentation
      of patients with the diagnosis of CDAD was performed. The study group was
      comprised of 24 patients. The following factors were analysed: gender, age,
      recent hospitalization, use of proton-pump inhibitors, H2-receptor inhibitors,
      use of antibiotics, co-morbidities, and the clinical course with consideration
      given to additional laboratory tests (CRP, creatinine, WBC count). RESULTS: All
      patients with diagnosed CDAD had been previously hospitalized and 75% of subjects
      were treated with antibiotics in the period preceding the onset of the disease.
      Recurrence of the disease was observed in 29% of cases, on average, 12.5 days
      after hospital discharge. In 16.7% of patients, CDAD resulted in death. Higher
      CRP concentrations on admission were observed in patients who died compared to
      the survivors (91.1 mg/l vs. 33.6 mg/l, p=0.015). Additionally, higher
      concentrations of CRP and leukocytosis were observed in patients with an
      unfavourable outcome of the disease. Respiratory insufficiency and hypotension
      were connected with a higher risk of death. CONCLUSION: Hospitalization,
      antibiotic therapy, advanced age and co-morbidities may contribute to the
      occurrence of CDAD. In our study, initially high concentrations of CRP,
      respiratory insufficiency and hypotension were the predictive factors of a fatal
      outcome of the disease. The dynamics of changes in the leukocyte value and CRP
      concentration were of lesser importance.

PMID- 27139350
TI  - Are vancomycin-resistant enterococci a problem in Polish hospitals?
AB  - Vancomycin-resistant enterococci are responsible for a significant percentage of
      hospital-acquired infections in the world. They can easily spread from patient to
      patient in the hospital environment, usually via the hands of medical staff. The
      infection most often develops in at-risk patients and poses an enormous
      epidemiological, as well as therapeutic, problem. In Poland, vancomycin-resistant
      enterococci are considered to be bacterial alert pathogens, currently viewed as
      particularly dangerous to public health. Until now, eight phenotypes of acquired
      vancomycin resistance have been described, but the most important clinically are
      VanA and VanB phenotypes because of their incidence and the speed of phenotype
      acquisition between enterococcal cells. VRE strains isolated in Poland belong to
      the clonal complex CC17, which is widespread in Europe and worldwide. First VanA
      VRE strains were described in 1996 in Gdansk. The first isolate of VanB VRE
      phenotype was isolated in 1999 from a patient undergoing long-term therapy with
      vancomycin and hospitalized in the intensive care unit of one of Warsaw's
      hospitals. The latest European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network
      report places Poland among countries with a proportion of resistant strains at 10
      to < 25%, along with Germany, Portugal, England, Greece, Romania and Latvia.

PMID- 27139351
TI  - Looking for new preparations for antibacterial therapy. IV. New antimicrobial
      agents from the aminoglycoside, macrolide and tetracycline groups in clinical
      trials.
AB  - This paper is the fourth in a series on the search for new antibacterial
      therapies, and covers new compounds belonging to the aminoglycoside, macrolide
      and tetracycline groups of antibiotics. The article describes eight new
      substances at the clinical trial stage of development. One of them is an
      aminoglycoside (plazomicin), four are macrolides, collectively known as ketolides
      (cethromycin, solithromycin, EDP-420 and EDP-788), and the remaining three are
      members of the tetracycline group (omadacycline, eravacycline, sarecycline).
      Despite the long-term and very expensive process of collecting documentation
      proving the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs, there is a possibility, that
      particular compounds find use as active ingredients of medicinal products
      allowing for the triumph over the clinically relevant, dangerous bacteria.

PMID- 27139352
TI  - Aluminium-adjuvanted vaccines--a review of the current state of knowledge.
AB  - Since decades aluminium formulations such as aluminium hydroxide and aluminium
      phosphate are widely used as adjuvants in vaccines for human use. They increase
      immune response induced by the vaccine antigens by mechanisms eg. a depot effect
      at the injection site, activation of the complement and stimulation of the
      macrophages. Many studies, both case control ones and those performed in vivo on
      animal models, confirmed the safety of aluminium adjuvants even in vaccinated
      infants and children. Although some of the aluminium-adjuvanted vaccines have
      certain limitations such as no Th1 reactivity and low stability at temperatures
      below 2oC, its easy use, safety profile and low manufacturing costs confirm its
      suitability.

PMID- 27139353
TI  - Effectivity of antiseptics against some pathogens.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of antiseptics against bacteria and fungi is
      different. The choice of optimal antiseptic solution is very important in
      prophylaxis of hospital infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study the
      efficacy of different antiseptics against some pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae
      ESBL (+), Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus
      MRSA, Candida dublinensis) was analyzed. The disc diffusion, similar to the
      method used in antibiotic sensitivity testing was applied. We assumed that the
      size of inhibition zone of bacterial growth corresponds with the efficacy of
      antiseptic. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The 2% alcoholic solution of chlorhexidine
      was the most effective antiseptic in our study.

PMID- 27139354
TI  - Significance of biofilms in dentistry.
AB  - In the past decades significant scientific progress has taken place in the
      knowledge about biofilms. They constitute multilayer conglomerates of bacteria
      and fungi, surrounded by carbohydrates which they produce, as well as substances
      derived from saliva and gingival fluid. Modern techniques showed significant
      diversity of the biofilm environment and a system of microbial communication
      (quorum sensing), enhancing their survival. At present it is believed that the
      majority of infections, particularly chronic with exacerbations, are a result of
      biofilm formation, particularly in the presence of biomaterials. It should be
      emphasised that penetration of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents into
      deeper layers of a biofilm is poor, causing therapeutic problems and
      necessitating sometimes removal of the implant or prosthesis. Biofilms play an
      increasing role in dentistry as a result of more and more broad use in dental
      practice of plastic and implantable materials. Biofilms are produced on the
      surfaces of teeth as dental plaque, in the para-nasal sinuses, on prostheses,
      dental implants, as well as in waterlines of a dental unit, constituting a
      particular risk for severely immunocompromised patients. New methods of therapy
      and prevention of infections linked to biofilms are under development.

PMID- 27139355
TI  - Pertussis in Poland in 2013.
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 schedule. THE
      AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the epidemiological situation of pertussis in Poland
      in 2013 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 2013" and
      bulletin "Immunizations in Poland in 2013" (MP Czarkowski et al. Warsaw 2014,
      NIPH-NIH, GIS). RESULTS: In 2013, number of registered cases of whooping cough
      was 2182. The incidence was 5.7 per 100 000 population, which was approximately
      two times lower in comparison with last year (12.2 cases per 100 000 population).
      The majority of cases was among adolescents above 15 years of age (92%). Number
      of hospitalized persons was 705 (32.3%), of reported cases. In 2013, there were
      no deaths from whooping cough. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Observed in 2013, the
      decrease in the incidence of pertussis in comparison with previous year,
      indicates periodicity in incidence, circulation of bacteria in the environment
      and remaining high sensitivity of the population to infection.

PMID- 27139356
TI  - Salmonellosis in Poland in 2013.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the epidemiologic situation of
      salmonellosis in Poland in 2013 compared to previous years. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The main source of data for this study are statistical overviews
      included in annual bulletin "Infectious Diseases in Poland in 2013", information
      from sanitary station laboratories as well as forms of outbreak investigations
      obtained from the sanitary stations. Information on deaths due to infectious and
      parasitic diseases registered in Poland in 2013 and earlier years is based on the
      data of the Department for Demographic Research of Central Statistical Office.
      For the purpose of surveillance cases were qualified according to the current
      definition. RESULTS: In Poland in 2013, a total of 7 578 cases of zoonotic
      salmonellosis were reported including 7 407 cases of intestinal salmonellosis and
      171 of parenteral one. The incidence was 19,7/100 000. The criteria for a
      confirmed case were met by more than 96% of cases. The number of reported cases
      was lower than in previous year, reflecting the continued downward trend in the
      number of cases of salmonellosis in Poland. A very high percentage (more than
      72%) of hospitalizations of people infected with zoonotic Salmonella continues.
      In the outbreaks the proportion of hospitalizations accounted only for 35% of all
      cases. Predominantly children below 5 years of age suffer from the illness.
      Salmonellosis was an indicated cause of death only in 10 of the cases. In 2013
      179 outbreaks were reported, in which Salmonella was found to be the etiological
      agent. Majority of them were small household outbreaks and they cumulated for a
      total number of cases of 1 218. The most common species of Salmonella responsible
      for infection in Poland is S. Enteritidis. For many years, up to date a slight
      increase is observed in reported cases of the disease, but without known serotype
      of Salmonella. In 2013 it was 16% and (as in previous year) it was the highest in
      pomorskie voivodeship (58%). CONCLUSIONS: High percentage of hospitalizations for
      salmonellosis combined with the fact of rarely performed laboratory diagnostics
      of gastro-intestinal diseases indicates much underreporting of salmonellosis
      throughout the country. However decreasing number of cases registered yearly and
      also decreasing percentage of persons infected, involved in food processing leads
      to a conclusion of constant decreasing trend of salmonellosis prevalence.

PMID- 27139357
TI  - Foodborne infections and intoxications in Poland in 2013.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of the study is to assess the epidemiological situation of food
      poisonings and infections in Poland in 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      evaluation was based on the analysis of information from reports of
      epidemiological investigations in outbreaks of food poisonings and infections,
      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", 2006-2013. Warsaw, NIPH-NIH and GIS).
      RESULTS: In 2013 a further decrease in the number of infections and intoxications
      with bacterial etiology and an increase in the infections of viral etiology was
      observed. Furthermore 2013 is another year with low number of cases of
      trichinellosis (9 cases in total). In 2013 a total number of 491 foodborne
      infections and intoxications outbreaks were reported in which there were 29,179
      persons exposed and 5,664 (including 2 193 children up to 14 years of age)
      persons ill. Hospitalization was required for 1,445 persons. The most frequent
      etiological agent in those outbreaks was Salmonella spp.--which was responsible
      for 36,3% of outbreaks and 21,5% of cases. Viruses were responsible for 29,7 of
      outbreaks and 45,7 cases, in 19,3% of outbreaks no etiological agent was
      established. Like in 2012 the most frequent vehicle were dishes made from eggs
      and milk combined with eggs (9,4% of outbreaks). In 65% of outbreaks reported no
      vehicle could be found. Moreover in 2013 a total number of 3 outbreaks in which
      more than 100 cases were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the number of
      foodborne outbreaks of viral etiology shows the need of adjustment some aspects
      of epidemiological investigations especially such features as: laboratory
      conformation of etiological agent of ill persons as well as persons involved in
      the food processing and meals preparing and the aspect of food samples testing.

PMID- 27139358
TI  - Lyme disease in Poland in 2013.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease, caused by
      spirochetes of the Borrelia genus transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus.
      Infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi occur throughout Poland and therefore,
      according also to ECDC description, the whole country should be considered as
      endemic area. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological
      situation of Lyme disease in Poland in 2013 in comparison to the previous years.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The descriptive analysis was based on data retrieved from
      routine mandatory surveillance system and published in the annual bulletin
      "Infectious diseases and poisonings in Poland in 2013" (MP Czarkowski et al.,
      Warsaw 2014, NIZP-PZH, GIS). RESULTS: In total, 12,773 cases of Lyme disease
      registered in Poland in 2013, i.e. 45% more cases than in 2012. The overall
      incidence in the country was 33.2 per 100,000 population. The highest incidence
      rate was recorded in Podlaskie voivodeship--100.2 per 100,000. In 2013, 2,155
      people were hospitalized due to Lyme disease. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: In 2013
      there was a significant increase in the incidence of Lyme disease in Poland. In
      comparison to the previous year, about 45% more cases were registered in 2013.

PMID- 27139359
TI  - Comparison of economic and health implications from earlier detection of HIV
      infection in the United Kingdom and Poland.
AB  - PURPOSE: To model the financial and survival impact of early HIV infection
      detection versus late and compare results between the UK and Polish setting among
      the newly detected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A Microsoft Excel decision
      model (SUNRISE) was designed to generate a set of outcomes for a defined
      population. Survival was modelled on the COHERE study extrapolated to a 5-year
      horizon as a constant hazard. Hazard rates were specific to age, sex and whether
      detection was early or late. The primary outcomes for each year up to 5 years
      were: annual costs, numbers of infected cases, hospital admissions and surviving
      cases. Total population was observed in UK and Poland. ISPOR Budget Impact Model 
      Principles of Good Practice were utilised in SUNRISE development. RESULTS: The
      projected cumulative cost-savings over 5 years in Poland and UK were 5,823,479
      PLN (L1,109,234) and L21,608,562 respectfully. When including the value of life
      years saved projected cumulative cost-savings in Poland and UK amounted to
      8,374,018 PLN (L1,595,051) and L29,834,679 respectively. Savings were insensitive
      to transmission rates, but were sensitive in direct proportion to the percentage
      shift from late to early detection. In UK, savings were in higher proportion to
      Poland, due to much higher overall cost of HIV treatment (whether early or late
      HIV detected patient). CONCLUSION: Estimated cost savings that could be
      translated into identification of appropriate programmes (providing wider
      coverage of HIV testing, awareness building) that would lead towards higher
      proportion of early HIV detected patients are very sensitive to the cost of HIV
      test and overall HIV treatment cost.

PMID- 27139361
TI  - Body mass index as a predictor of colorectal cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in the world.
      Each year in Poland, 16 000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 9 000
      patients die of it. Factors that may increase a chance of developing colorectal
      cancer include: male sex, advanced age, smoking, and positive family history of
      this condition. Recently, scientists have discovered that obesity also belongs to
      the group of risk factors. The present research aims at establishing whether
      there exists any relationship between BMI and colorectal cancer in Poland.
      METHODS: This research is based on the analysis of the results of a clinical
      study conducted in the period from May 2011 to December 2014 in another group of
      319 patients undergoing colonoscopy in the district hospital in Wejherowo.
      Colonoscopy results were compared between 136 patients with colorectal cancer
      and/or dysplastic polyps and 167 healthy patients. RESULTS: The study revealed
      that the number of males, elderly people, and smokers was much bigger among
      patients with colon abnormalities than among healthy people. The multiple factor
      analysis demonstrates that the body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher
      among men and women diagnosed with colorectal cancer as compared to healthy
      patients. Both overweight (BMI reaching from 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2) and obesity
      (BMI>=30 kg/m2) were independent risk factors associated with colorectal cancer.
      CONCLUSIONS: An increased BMI should also be considered as an independent risk
      factor for colorectal cancer in the Polish population. This may indicate a need
      for conducting and increasing the frequency of colonoscopic examinations among
      patients with high BMI in Poland.

PMID- 27139360
TI  - Epidemiology of eye diseases and infrastructure of ophthalmology in Poland.
AB  - ADMISSION: Untreated eye diseases are the leading cause of blindness in the
      world. Most people suffering from visual impairment is in the age group above 50
      years of age. As many as 82% of people in this group is suffering from eye
      diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to present the epidemiology of eye
      diseases and state of infrastructure of ophthalmology in Poland. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Based on data by WHO prepared review of world and Polish literature on
      issues in the field of ophthalmology and epidemiology of eye diseases. On the
      analysis developed epidemiological situation of the most common eye diseases-
      cataract, glaucoma and AMD--leading to loss of vision in Poland. Using databases
      CSIOZ, the Central Statistical Office and WHO listed infrastructure resources of
      ophthalmology in Poland. RESULTS: The main eye diseases leading to blindness
      indicated cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration. In 80% of cases, vision
      loss can be avoided by early detection and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention and
      early detection is an essential tool for reducing the incidence of blindness,
      especially in elderly.

PMID- 27139362
TI  - Reasons for patients' visits in the dental offices of Cracow in the years 2005
      2006 and 2013-2014.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Caries is a serious health problem affecting the Polish population,
      mostly due to a low level of health awareness, which is reflected in irregular
      check-ups and a tendency for patients to visit the dentist only when they are
      already experiencing pain. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: to compare patients' reasons
      for visiting dental offices and the treatment they received during the years 2005
      2006 and 2013-2014. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data was obtained from 495 medical
      files stored in 4 randomly selected dental offices in Cracow. Information was
      gathered on age, sex, place of residence, reasons for visiting the dentist,
      referrals, frequency of dental visits and procedures performed. RESULTS: The
      study showed that women visited dental offices more frequently (56%) than men.
      The participants were aged between 1 and 91. The majority of the patients lived
      in large towns or cities (81.6%). Approximately 50% of the patients visited a
      dental office once a month. The study showed a significant increase in one-time
      visits (from 18.5% to 30.6%). The most frequent motivation for visiting a dental
      office was to receive conservative treatment, while the least common reasons were
      prophylaxis and tooth injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Throughout the period under review,
      changes occurred in the profile of the patients who visited dental offices during
      these periods. One alarming trend was the significant increase in the number of
      patients who visited dental offices only once (12%). The main reason why patients
      visited dental offices did not change--more than 60% came to have caries treated
      but often after a single visit they did not continue the treatment despite
      needing to do so.

PMID- 27139363
TI  - Physical activity as a factor protecting teenage boys from tobacco and marihuana
      use.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to answer the question if physical activity
      protects teenagers from psychoactive substance use, and whether this relationship
      depends on gender and activity intensity and frequency. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The
      study was conducted in 2013/14 as part of the international HBSC study (Health
      Behaviour in School-aged Children), using the method of auditorium survey,
      conducted among a random sample of Polish teenagers. In the analysis, only
      answers of the oldest group of respondents (1484 students aged 14.6-16.5) were
      taken into consideration. Girls constituted 52.8% of the sample; 75.6% of pupils
      attended 3rd grade of lower secondary school. The research tool was an
      international questionnaire containing, among others, questions about physical
      activity (moderate and intense) and the use of psychoactive substances (tobacco,
      alcohol, marihuana) within 30 days prior to the survey. RESULTS: In respect to
      both moderate and intense physical activity, boys were more active than girls
      (p<0.001). Within 30 days preceding the study, 39.0% of respondents drank
      alcohol, 23.5% smoked cigarettes, and 10.7% smoked marihuana. Among the group of
      boys, the more physical activity they undertook, the less they smoked tobacco and
      used marihuana. With regard to alcohol in boys and among girls, for all
      psychoactive substances, association with physical activity has not been
      confirmed. The chance of abstinence from cigarettes and marihuana rose about 2-4
      times in boys who devoted at least one hour four times a week to moderate
      physical activity. CONCLUSION: Physical activity protects boys from tobacco and
      marihuana use. Preventive programs designed to reduce these psychoactive
      substances use should engage teenagers in physical activity.

PMID- 27139364
TI  - Jan Karol Kostrzewski (1915-2005). In the 100 anniversary of the birth.

PMID- 27139365
TI  - Report on activities of Editorial Office of quarterly Przeglad Epidemiologiczny-
      Epidemiological Review for 2012-2015.

PMID- 27139366
TI  - [Urinary iodine levels and dairy consumption in pre-school children in Southwest
      Asturias (Spain)].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: For decades dairy products have been a major source of iodine for
      decades. The purpose of this study was to determine the iodine nutritional status
      and its relationship with dairy consumption in pre-schooler children between 2 to
      5 years old in a rural area with 27,847 inhabitants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It was
      planned to study 200 participants, selected by random sampling, proportional to
      the size of the municipality, age, and sex. Parents provided urine samples to
      analyse urinary iodine, as well as the nutritional information through an
      interview. A glass of milk or a slice of cheese was considered as a ration, and a
      portion of other milk derivatives were considered as half rations. The
      nutritional status of iodine was interpreted with the median (P[percentile]50) of
      the urinary iodine levels, and iodine intake was estimated using the mean of
      ration/day of milk and dairy products, fish, and eggs. RESULTS: Of the total of
      198 subjects that took part, 193 provide urine specimens for the determination of
      iodine levels. The mean dairy ration/day was 3.8 (SD:1.4). More than two-thirds
      (69.9%) drank >= 2 glasses of milk/day, and 88.1% consumed a dairy ration of
      another dairy product. The median urinary iodine level was 184 MUg/l, but was
      dependent on glasses of milk/day (282.5 MUg/l >= 4 glasses) and/or the type of
      milk (233.0 MUg/l in semi-skimmed). An intake of 115.1 MUg/day to 170.2 MUg/day
      of iodine was estimated, and that milk was the food which provided more iodine
      (89.9 MUg/day). CONCLUSIONS: Iodine intake was adequate, although higher than
      necessary when four or more glasses of milk were consumed, and/or when the milk
      was skimmed. The consumption of dairy products should be monitored to prevent
      both excessive and deficient intake of iodine.

PMID- 27139367
TI  - [Bone marrow transplant in patients with sickle cell anaemia. Experience in one
      centre].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sickle cell disease (SCD), despite the improvement in the medical
      management, is still associated with severe morbidity and decreased survival.
      Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) currently provides
      the only curative therapy. A report is presented on our experience in children
      with SCD, who underwent Allo-HSCT in a single centre. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A
      single centre descriptive study was conducted on patients with SCD who underwent
      a bone marrow transplant from an HLA-identical sibling donor between January 2010
      and December 2014. Epidemiological, clinical and analytical parameters were
      collected with a follow-up to December 2015. Data are presented as frequencies,
      percentages, and medians (range). RESULTS: Allo-HCST was performed in 11 patients
      (8 males) with a median age of 7 years (2-13), all of them with comorbidity prior
      to the HCST. A stable graft was achieved in 10 out of 11 patients, 9 of them with
      complete donor chimerism, and one patient with stable mixed chimerism after 1
      year of allo-HSCT. One patient has secondary graft failure with re-appearance of
      symptoms associated with SCD on day 180. Complications of Allo-HSCT are: arterial
      hypertension 7/11, acute renal failure 3/11, CMV reactivation 9/11, neurological
      complications 4/11 (subarachnoid haemorrhage, seizure), and acute graft versus
      host disease (aGVHD) of the skin 6/11, one of whom developed grade iv intestinal
      aGVHD, causing his death (day 51). None of the patients developed chronic GVHD.
      The overall survival and event-free survival was 90.9% and 81.9%, respectively,
      with a median follow-up of 3.1 (1-5.7) years. CONCLUSIONS: Allo-HSCT, the only
      curative therapy, remains associated with morbidity. There was a transplant
      related mortality in our study, consistent with multicentre studies (1/11), and
      with aGVHD being the main cause. Other problems still include graft failure
      (1/11), and neurological complications (4/11), although the permanent sequelae
      are mild.

PMID- 27139368
TI  - Limited Utility of Tricuspid Valve Repair at the Time of Left Ventricular Assist
      Device Implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal management of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients
      undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is controversial.
      This study was undertaken to determine the impact of tricuspid valve repair (TVR)
      at the time of LVAD implantation on survival. METHODS: The Interagency Registry
      for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support was used to analyze the outcomes of
      patients undergoing LVAD implantation as destination therapy with or without
      concomitant TVR. RESULTS: Among 2,527 patients undergoing implant of a continuous
      flow LVAD as destination therapy during the study period, 989 (39%) had moderate
      or severe TR. The management of TR was not uniform among these patients. Patients
      with moderate and severe TR underwent TVR in 16.7% and 35.3% of cases,
      respectively. Moderate and severe TR at the time of LVAD implantation were
      associated with poorer survival over the entire follow-up period (p = 0.009).
      Interestingly, TVR at the time of LVAD implantation did not confer improved
      survival, even among patients with preimplant moderate or severe TR. A potential
      explanation for this finding is that patients with preimplant moderate or severe
      TR who underwent LVAD implant with concomitant TVR commonly experienced
      recurrent, late TR (21% to 27%). CONCLUSIONS: Tricuspid valve repair is performed
      commonly at the time of LVAD implant despite the fact that it does not confer a
      clear survival benefit. For many patients, LVAD implant alone relieves preimplant
      TR as effectively as LVAD implant with TVR. Further study is necessary to
      determine what factors lead to recurrence of late TR in LVAD patients both with
      and without TVR.

PMID- 27139369
TI  - Improved Results of Aortic Arch Reconstruction in the Norwood Procedure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite several surgical modifications, the reported incidence of
      neoaortic coarctation after stage 1 palliation (S1P) of hypoplastic left heart
      syndrome remains high. A modification of aortic arch reconstruction that may
      decrease the incidence of neoaortic coarctation after S1P is described. METHODS:
      Between January 2008 and May 2013, 114 patients with hypoplastic left heart
      syndrome underwent S1P. The hospital records of the 101 surviving patients (89%)
      were reviewed. Demographic data and perioperative variables for S1P were
      collected. A modified technique for aortic arch reconstruction that contains a
      bovine pericardial patch tailored and sutured in a specific way was used in 51
      patients (group MT), whereas the traditional technique was used in 50 patients
      (group TT). Clinical echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization data were
      analyzed to determine the incidence and location of neoaortic coarctation.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics,
      the intraoperative course, or hospital mortality between the two groups of
      subjects. Duration of ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospitalization
      were significantly shorter in group MT. The mean follow-up was 2.02 +/- 0.63
      years and 3.98 +/- 0.66 years in each group, respectively. Coarctation developed
      in 4 of 51 patients (7.8%) in group MT compared with 10/50 patients (20%) in
      group TT. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the estimated
      odds of coarctation for group MT were 0.41 (95% confidence interval: 0.04, 4.32)
      times the estimated odds of coarctation for group TT. CONCLUSIONS: The described
      technique may decrease the incidence of recoarctation after S1P by minimizing
      aortic arch and descending aorta distortion and providing ample enlargement of
      the aorta at its narrowest diameter.

PMID- 27139370
TI  - Does Roller Pump-Induced Pulsatile CPB Perfusion Affect Microvascular Fluid
      Shifts and Tissue Perfusion?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulsatile versus nonpulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) perfusion
      remains debated. Beneficial effects on tissue perfusion, inflammation, and
      microvascular fluid exchange have been linked to pulsatile perfusion by some
      investigators and denied by others. This study evaluated fluid extravasation and
      tissue perfusion during nonpulsatile or pulsatile roller pump-induced CPB
      perfusion. METHODS: Fourteen pigs underwent roller pump-induced pulsatile (n = 7)
      or nonpulsatile CPB perfusion (n = 7) for 90 minutes. Fluid input/losses, colloid
      osmotic pressures (plasma/interstitium), hematocrit, serum electrolytes, serum
      proteins, tissue perfusion, and total tissue water content were measured, and
      plasma volume and fluid extravasation were calculated. RESULTS: Fluid
      additions/losses, plasma volume, and fluid extravasation changed similarly in
      both groups during CPB with no between-group differences. Neither was between
      group differences observed for tissue perfusion and total tissue water content,
      with one exception. Total tissue water content of the right (3.92 +/- 0.26 versus
      4.32 +/- 0.28 g/g dry weight) and left ventricle (4.02 +/- 0.25 versus 4.33 +/-
      0.24 g/g dry weight) was lowered in the pulsatile group. CONCLUSIONS: No
      important differences were found between pulsatile and nonpulsatile CPB perfusion
      for microvascular fluid balance and tissue perfusion.

PMID- 27139371
TI  - Transatlantic Editorial: A Comparison Between European and North American
      Guidelines on Myocardial Revascularization.

PMID- 27139372
TI  - A clinically applicable molecular classification for high-grade serous ovarian
      cancer based on hormone receptor expression.
AB  - To establish an effective hormone receptor-based molecular classification of high
      grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC), we retrospectively examined 875 consecutive
      HGSC patients who underwent primary surgery at our hospital and constructed
      tissue microarrays from these specimens. The expression levels of the hormone
      receptors were as follows: ER 64.4%, PR 12.6%, AR 35.6%, FSHR 54.5%, LHR 34.8%,
      and GnRHR 88.3%. Based on clustering of their expression patterns, we classified
      patients into five subgroups with distinctive clinical features (PR+, PR - ER +
      AR+, PR - ER + AR-, PR - ER - AR+, and PR - ER - AR-). Patients in the PR + group
      were younger compared to those in the other groups (p < 0.001). More patients
      were of advanced stage in the PR - ER + AR- group than the other groups (p =
      0.020). A greater proportion of patients were sensitive to platinum-based
      chemotherapy in the PR - ER - AR + group compared with the other groups (p =
      0.034). A trend of increasing risk of death was observed among these subgroups (p
      < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, patients also had orderly increased
      hazard ratios for death in the PR + (HR = 2.256, 95% CI, 0.983-5.175), PR - ER +
      AR + (HR = 2.188, 95% CI, 1.004-4.796), PR - ER - AR- (HR = 2.316, 95% CI, 1.097
      5.082) and PR - ER + AR- (HR = 2.928, 95% CI, 1.366-6.276) subgroups compared to
      the PR - ER - AR+ subgroup. Our classification could help predict patient
      clinical outcomes, guide individual treatments and stratify patients in future
      clinical trials.

PMID- 27139373
TI  - Hospital care following emergency admission: a critical incident case study of
      the experiences of patients with advanced lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive
      Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences of patients with advanced Chronic
      Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and lung cancer, their carers and healthcare
      professionals following emergency admission to acute care hospital. BACKGROUND:
      Emergency admissions of people with lung cancer and COPD have increased and there
      is global concern about the number of patients who die in hospital. The
      experience of patients with advanced lung cancer and COPD admitted to hospital as
      an emergency when nearing the end of life has not previously been investigated.
      DESIGN: Qualitative critical incident case study. METHODS: Semistructured
      interviews were conducted with 39 patients (15 with COPD and 24 with lung
      cancer), 20 informal carers and 50 healthcare professionals, exploring patients'
      experiences of emergency hospital admission. Interviews took place after
      admission and following discharge. Participants nominated relatives and
      healthcare professionals for interview. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS:
      Patients were satisfied with their 'emergency' care but not the care they
      received once their initial symptoms had been stabilised. The poorer quality care
      they experienced was characterised by a lack of attention to their fundamental
      needs, lack of involvement of the family, poor communication about care plans and
      a lack of continuity between primary and secondary care. A conceptual model of
      'spectacular' and 'subtacular' trajectories of care was used to relate the
      findings to the wider context of health care provision. CONCLUSION: The complex
      nature of illness for patients with advanced respiratory disease makes emergency
      hospital admissions likely. Whilst patients (with COPD and lung cancer) were
      satisfied with care in the acute 'spectacular' phase of their admission, more
      attention needs to be given to the continuing care needs of patients in the
      'subtacular' phase. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This is the first study to
      explore the patient experience of acute care following an emergency admission and
      identifies where there is potential for care to be improved.

PMID- 27139374
TI  - Ellagic Acid Increases Osteocalcin and Alkaline Phosphatase After Tooth
      Extraction in Nicotinic-Treated Rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: -To examine the effect of nicotine (Ni) on bone socket healing
      treated with Ellagic acid (EA) after tooth extraction in rat. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty-Two Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats were divided into four groups.
      The group 1 was administrated with distilled water intragastrically and injected
      sterile saline subcutaneously. The group 2 was administrated with EA orally and
      injected with sterile saline subcutaneously. The groups 3 & 4 were subcutaneously
      exposed to Ni for 4 weeks twice daily before tooth extraction procedure, and
      maintained Ni injection until the animals were sacrificed. After one month Ni
      exposure, the group 4 was fed with EA while continuing Ni injection. All the
      groups were anesthetized, and the upper left incisor was extracted. Four rats
      from each group were sacrificed on 14(th) and 28(th) days. Tumour necrosis factor
      alpha (TNFalpha), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) were
      applied to assess in serum rat at 14th and 28(th) days. Superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBRAS) levels were assessed to
      evaluate the antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation accordingly after tooth
      extraction in homogenized gingival maxilla tissue of rat at 14(th) and 28(th)
      days. The socket hard tissue was stained by eosin and hematoxylin (H&E);
      immunohistochemical technique was used to assess the healing process by
      Osteocalcin (OCN) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) biomarkers. RESULTS: Ni-induced
      rats administered with EA compound (Group 4) dropped the elevated concentration
      of pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly when compared to Ni-induced rats
      (Group 3) (p<0.05). Ni-induced rats administrated with EA compound (Group 4)
      showed significant production of SOD and recession in TBRAS level when compared
      to Ni-induced rats (Group 3) (p<0.05). The immunohistochemistry analysis has
      revealed that OCN and ALP have presented stronger expression in Ni-induced rats
      treated with EA (Group 4), as against Ni-induced rats (Group 3). CONCLUSION: We
      have concluded that, Ni-induced rats, treated with EA have exerted positive
      effect on the trabecular bone formation after tooth extraction in nicotinic rats
      could be due to the antioxidant activity of EA which lead to upregulate of OCN
      and ALP proteins which are responsible for osteogenesis.

PMID- 27139375
TI  - Evaluation of Perfusion Quantification Methods with Ultrasound Contrast Agents in
      a Machine-Perfused Pig Liver.
AB  - PURPOSE:  To evaluate dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCEUS) as a tool for
      measuring blood flow in the macro- and microcirculation of an ex-vivo machine
      perfused pig liver and to confirm the ability of DCEUS to accurately detect
      induced flow rate changes so that it could then be used clinically for monitoring
      flow changes in liver tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Bolus injections of
      contrast agents in the hepatic artery (HA) and portal vein (PV) were administered
      to 3 machine-perfused pig livers. Flow changes were induced by the pump of the
      machine perfusion system. The induced flow rates were of clinical relevance (150 
      400 ml/min for HA and 400 - 1400 ml/min for PV). Quantification parameters from
      time-intensity curves [rise time (RT), mean transit time (MTT), area under the
      curve (AUC) and peak intensity (PI)] were extracted in order to evaluate whether
      the induced flow changes were reflected in these parameters. RESULTS:  A linear
      relationship between the image intensity and the microbubble concentration was
      confirmed first, while time parameters (RT and MMT) were found to be independent
      of concentration. The induced flow changes which propagated from the larger
      vessels to the parenchyma were reflected in the quantification parameters.
      Specifically, RT, MTT and AUC correlated with flow rate changes. CONCLUSION: 
      Machine-perfused pig liver is an excellent test bed for DCEUS quantification
      approaches for the study of the hepatic vascular networks. DCEUS quantification
      parameters (RT, MTT, and AUC) can measure relative flow changes of about 20 % and
      above in the liver vasculature. DCEUS quantification is a promising tool for real
      time monitoring of the vascular network of tumors.

PMID- 27139376
TI  - Adding Liver Stiffness Measurement to the Routine Evaluation of Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma Resectability Can Optimize Clinical Outcome.
AB  - Purpose Liver stiffness (LS) has been shown to be of use in chronic liver disease
      patients but its utility in surgical judgment still needs to be proven. A
      decision-making approach was applied to evaluate whether LS measurement before
      surgery of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be useful in avoiding post
      hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). Materials and Methods Decision curve analysis
      (DCA) was applied to 202 HCC patients (2008 - 14) with LS measurement prior to
      hepatectomy to verify whether the occurrence of PHLF grades B/C should be reduced
      through a decision-making approach with LS.  Results Within 90 days of surgery, 4
      patients died (2 %) and grades B/C PHLF occurred in 29.7 % of cases. Ascites
      and/or pleural effusion, treatable with medical therapy, were the most frequent
      complications. DCA showed that using the "expected utility theory" LS measurement
      can reduce up to 39 % of cases of PHLF without the exclusion of any patient from
      surgery that duly undergoes an uncomplicated postoperative course. LS measurement
      does not add any information to normal clinical judgment for patients with a low
      (< 10 %) risk of PHLF. Conclusion LS measurement can determine a reduction of
      PHLF under "expected utility theory" fulfilment. However, the degree of PHLF can
      be minor and "risk seeking" individuals can accept such a risk on the basis of
      surgical benefits.

PMID- 27139378
TI  - Cardiovascular Dysautonomias Diagnosis Using Crisp and Fuzzy Decision Tree: A
      Comparative Study.
AB  - Decision trees (DTs) are one of the most popular techniques for learning
      classification systems, especially when it comes to learning from discrete
      examples. In real world, many data occurred in a fuzzy form. Hence a DT must be
      able to deal with such fuzzy data. In fact, integrating fuzzy logic when dealing
      with imprecise and uncertain data allows reducing uncertainty and providing the
      ability to model fine knowledge details. In this paper, a fuzzy decision tree
      (FDT) algorithm was applied on a dataset extracted from the ANS (Autonomic
      Nervous System) unit of the Moroccan university hospital Avicenne. This unit is
      specialized on performing several dynamic tests to diagnose patients with
      autonomic disorder and suggest them the appropriate treatment. A set of fuzzy
      classifiers were generated using FID 3.4. The error rates of the generated FDTs
      were calculated to measure their performances. Moreover, a comparison between the
      error rates obtained using crisp and FDTs was carried out and has proved that the
      results of FDTs were better than those obtained using crisp DTs. 

PMID- 27139377
TI  - ChromNet: Learning the human chromatin network from all ENCODE ChIP-seq data.
AB  - A cell's epigenome arises from interactions among regulatory factors
      transcription factors and histone modifications-co-localized at particular
      genomic regions. We developed a novel statistical method, ChromNet, to infer a
      network of these interactions, the chromatin network, by inferring conditional
      dependence relationships among a large number of ChIP-seq data sets. We applied
      ChromNet to all available 1451 ChIP-seq data sets from the ENCODE Project, and
      showed that ChromNet revealed previously known physical interactions better than
      alternative approaches. We experimentally validated one of the previously
      unreported interactions, MYC-HCFC1. An interactive visualization tool is
      available at http://chromnet.cs.washington.edu.

PMID- 27139379
TI  - Data Driven Methods for Predicting Blood Transfusion Needs in Elective Surgery.
AB  - Research in blood transfusions mainly focuses on Donor Blood Management,
      including donation, screening, storage and transport. However, the last years saw
      an increasing interest in recipient related optimizations, i.e. Patient Blood
      Management (PBM). Although PBM already aims at reducing transfusion rates by pre-
      and intra-surgical optimization, there is still a high potential of improvement
      on an individual level. The present paper investigates the feasibility of
      predicting blood transfusions needs based on datasets from various treatment
      phases, using data which have been collected in two previous studies. Results
      indicate that prediction of blood transfusions can be further improved by
      predictive modelling including individual pre-surgical parameters. This also
      allows to identify the main predictors influencing transfusion practice. If
      confirmed in a prospective dataset, these or similar predictive methods could be
      a valuable tool to support PBM with the ultimate goal to reduce costs and improve
      patient outcomes. 

PMID- 27139380
TI  - Clinical Decision Support for the Classification of Diabetic Retinopathy: A
      Comparison of Manual and Automated Results.
AB  - The management of diabetic retinopathy, a frequent ophthalmological manifestation
      of diabetes mellitus, consists of regular examinations and a standardized, manual
      classification of disease severity, which is used to recommend re-examination
      intervals. To evaluate the feasibility and safety of implementing automated,
      guideline-based diabetic retinopathy (DR) grading into clinical routine by
      applying established clinical decision support (CDS) technology. We compared
      manual with automated classification that was generated using medical
      documentation and an Arden server with a specific medical logic module. Of 7169
      included eyes, 47% (n=3373) showed inter-method classification agreement,
      specifically 29.4% in mild DR, 38.3% in moderate DR, 27.6% in severe DR, and
      65.7% in proliferative DR. We demonstrate that the implementation of a CDS system
      for automated disease severity classification in diabetic retinopathy is feasible
      but also that, due to the highly individual nature of medical documentation,
      certain important criteria for the used electronic health record system need to
      be met in order to achieve reliable results. 

PMID- 27139381
TI  - Analyzing Readmissions Patterns: Assessment of the LACE Tool Impact.
AB  - This paper will discuss the assessment of the use of the LACE tool at North York
      General Hospital (NYGH). The LACE tool estimates the readmission risk of
      patients. This paper describes the tool and a modified LACE score implementation
      and use at NYGH. We also describe our statistical analysis for the LACE
      effectiveness in order to inform future decisions in resource allocations. We
      will look at suggestions for adjustments in the way the LACE tool is used as well
      as implications for service delivery and patients' quality of life. Our study
      shows that the modified LACE is a predictive tool for readmission risk in day-to
      day hospital activity, but that implementation of LACE alone cannot reduce
      readmission rates unless coupled with efforts of those in charge of providing
      community-based care. 

PMID- 27139382
TI  - Piloting the European Unified Patient Identity Management (EUPID) Concept to
      Facilitate Secondary Use of Neuroblastoma Data from Clinical Trials and
      Biobanking.
AB  - Data from two contexts, i.e. the European Unresectable Neuroblastoma (EUNB)
      clinical trial and results from comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) analyses
      from corresponding tumour samples shall be provided to existing repositories for
      secondary use. Utilizing the European Unified Patient IDentity Management (EUPID)
      as developed in the course of the ENCCA project, the following processes were
      applied to the data: standardization (providing interoperability),
      pseudonymization (generating distinct but linkable pseudonyms for both contexts),
      and linking both data sources. The applied procedures resulted in a joined
      dataset that did not contain any identifiers that would allow to backtrack the
      records to either data sources. This provided a high degree of privacy to the
      involved patients as required by data protection regulations, without preventing
      proper analysis. 

PMID- 27139383
TI  - Interoperability Architecture for a Paediatric Oncology European Reference
      Network.
AB  - With the Directive 2011/24/EU on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare and
      the related delegated decisions, the European Commission defined a legal
      framework on how healthcare shall be organised by European Union (EU) member
      states (MS) where patients can move beyond the borders of their home country.
      Among other aspects, Article 12 of the directive is concerned with supporting MS
      with the development of so called European Reference Networks (ERN), dedicated to
      the treatment of "patients with a medical condition requiring a particular
      concentration of expertise in medical domains where expertise is rare". In the
      "European Expert Paediatric Oncology Reference Network for Diagnostics and
      Treatment" (ExPO-r-Net) project, the establishment of such an ERN in the domain
      of Paediatric Oncology is currently piloted. The present paper describes the high
      level use cases, the main requirements and a corresponding interoperability
      architecture capable to serve as the necessary IT platform to facilitate cross
      border health data exchange. 

PMID- 27139384
TI  - An IT-Supported Evaluation Tool for Biobanks Based on International Guidelines to
      Improve the Biosample Quality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The quality of samples stored within a biobank relies on the specimen
      collection, the transportation, the pre-analytical processing and the long-term
      storage. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are essential tools to guarantee
      the quality of samples. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to present an IT
      supported tool (Pre-An Evaluation Tool) that allows assessing the compliance of
      current pre-analytical procedures (defined in SOPs) of a biobank with
      international guidelines. The Pre-An Evaluation Tool was implemented based on CEN
      technical specifications for pre-analytical procedures using REDCap. RESULTS: The
      data collection instrument of the Pre-An Evaluation tool consists of more than
      250 items related to the CEN technical specifications. In order to create a
      dynamic questionnaire, items following a branching logic were implemented.
      CONCLUSION: The Pre-An Evaluation tool is a user-friendly tool that facilitates
      the assessment of the coverage of the CEN technical specifications by specific
      SOPs. This tool can help to identify gaps within SOPs and therefore contribute to
      the overall quality of biological samples stored within a biobank.

PMID- 27139385
TI  - Towards a Holistic Biomedical Information Platform for Primary and Secondary Use
      Settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical information is often used for biomedical research. Data
      warehouses can help providing researchers with data and the opportunity to find
      eligible participants for clinical trials. OBJECTIVES: To define an information
      platform for healthcare and biomedical research based on requirements by
      clinicians and researchers. METHODS: Interviews with clinicians, researchers,
      data privacy officers, IT and hospital administration combined with a
      questionnaire sent to 60 medical departments at our hospital were conducted.
      RESULTS: Resulting requirements were grouped and a platform architecture was
      designed based on the requirements. CONCLUSION: Requirements lead to a single
      platform supporting both, patient care and biomedical research.

PMID- 27139386
TI  - Automated Transformation of openEHR Data Instances to OWL.
AB  - Standard-based integration and semantic enrichment of clinical data originating
      from electronic medical records has shown to be critical to enable secondary use.
      To facilitate the utilization of semantic technologies on clinical data, we
      introduce a methodology to enable automated transformation of openEHR-based data
      to Web Ontology Language (OWL) individuals. To test the correctness of the
      implementation, de-identified data of 229 patients of the pediatric intensive
      care unit of Hannover Medical School has been transformed into 2.983.436
      individuals. Querying of the resulting ontology for symptoms of the systemic
      inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) yielded the same result set as a SQL query
      on an openEHR-based clinical data repository. 

PMID- 27139387
TI  - Extraction of UMLS(r) Concepts Using Apache cTAKESTM for German Language.
AB  - Automatic information extraction of medical concepts and classification with
      semantic standards from medical reports is useful for standardization and for
      clinical research. This paper presents an approach for an UMLS concept extraction
      with a customized natural language processing pipeline for German clinical notes
      using Apache cTAKES. The objectives are, to test the natural language processing
      tool for German language if it is suitable to identify UMLS concepts and map
      these with SNOMED-CT. The German UMLS database and German OpenNLP models extended
      the natural language processing pipeline, so the pipeline can normalize to domain
      ontologies such as SNOMED-CT using the German concepts. For testing, the
      ShARe/CLEF eHealth 2013 training dataset translated into German was used. The
      implemented algorithms are tested with a set of 199 German reports, obtaining a
      result of average 0.36 F1 measure without German stemming, pre- and post
      processing of the reports. 

PMID- 27139388
TI  - A Patient Safety Information Model for Interoperability.
AB  - Current systems that target Patient Safety (PS) like mandatory reporting systems
      and specific vigilance reporting systems share the same information types but are
      not interoperable. Ten years ago, WHO embarked on an international project to
      standardize quality management information systems for PS. The goal is to support
      interoperability between different systems in a country and to expand
      international sharing of data on quality and safety management particularly for
      less developed countries. Two approaches have been used: (i) a bottom-up one
      starting with existing national PS reporting and international or national
      vigilance systems, and (ii) a top-down approach that uses the Patient Safety
      Categorial Structure (PS-CAST) and the Basic Formal Ontology (BFO) upper level
      ontology versions 1 and 2. The output is currently tested as an integrated
      information system for quality and PS management in four WHO member states. 

PMID- 27139389
TI  - Automatic Analysis of Critical Incident Reports: Requirements and Use Cases.
AB  - Increasingly, critical incident reports are used as a means to increase patient
      safety and quality of care. The entire potential of these sources of experiential
      knowledge remains often unconsidered since retrieval and analysis is difficult
      and time-consuming, and the reporting systems often do not provide support for
      these tasks. The objective of this paper is to identify potential use cases for
      automatic methods that analyse critical incident reports. In more detail, we will
      describe how faceted search could offer an intuitive retrieval of critical
      incident reports and how text mining could support in analysing relations among
      events. To realise an automated analysis, natural language processing needs to be
      applied. Therefore, we analyse the language of critical incident reports and
      derive requirements towards automatic processing methods. We learned that there
      is a huge potential for an automatic analysis of incident reports, but there are
      still challenges to be solved. 

PMID- 27139391
TI  - Bridging the Gap between HL7 CDA and HL7 FHIR: A JSON Based Mapping.
AB  - The Austrian electronic health record (EHR) system ELGA went live in December
      2016. It is a document oriented EHR system and is based on the HL7 Clinical
      Document Architecture (CDA). The HL7 Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources
      (FHIR) is a relatively new standard that combines the advantages of HL7 messages
      and CDA Documents. In order to offer easier access to information stored in ELGA
      we present a method based on adapted FHIR resources to map CDA documents to FHIR
      resources. A proof-of-concept tool using Java, the open-source FHIR framework
      HAPI-FHIR and publicly available FHIR servers was created to evaluate the
      presented mapping. In contrast to other approaches the close resemblance of the
      mapping file to the FHIR specification allows existing FHIR infrastructure to be
      reused. In order to reduce information overload and facilitate the access to CDA
      documents, FHIR could offer a standardized way to query CDA data on a fine
      granular base in Austria. 

PMID- 27139390
TI  - SEMCARE: Multilingual Semantic Search in Semi-Structured Clinical Data.
AB  - The vast amount of clinical data in electronic health records constitutes a great
      potential for secondary use. However, most of this content consists of
      unstructured or semi-structured texts, which is difficult to process. Several
      challenges are still pending: medical language idiosyncrasies in different
      natural languages, and the large variety of medical terminology systems. In this
      paper we present SEMCARE, a European initiative designed to minimize these
      problems by providing a multi-lingual platform (English, German, and Dutch) that
      allows users to express complex queries and obtain relevant search results from
      clinical texts. SEMCARE is based on a selection of adapted biomedical
      terminologies, together with Apache UIMA and Apache Solr as open source state-of
      the-art natural language pipeline and indexing technologies. SEMCARE has been
      deployed and is currently being tested at three medical institutions in the UK,
      Austria, and the Netherlands, showing promising results in a cardiology use case.

PMID- 27139392
TI  - Accessing Patient Information for Probabilistic Patient Models Using Existing
      Standards.
AB  - Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are developed to facilitate physicians'
      decision making, particularly for complex, oncological diseases. Access to
      relevant patient specific information from electronic health records (EHR) is
      limited to the structure and transmission formats in the respective hospital
      information system. We propose a system-architecture for a standardized access to
      patient specific information for a CDSS for laryngeal cancer. Following the idea
      of a CDSS using Bayesian Networks, we developed an architecture concept applying
      clinical standards. We recommend the application of Arden Syntax for the
      definition and processing of needed medical knowledge and clinical information,
      as well as the use of HL7 FHIR to identify the relevant data elements in an EHR
      to increase the interoperability the CDSS. 

PMID- 27139393
TI  - Developing an Approach for Aggregating Information From a EHR into a Fully
      Structured Patient Summary.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Providing healthcare professionals with adequate access to well
      filled electronic patient records and health-related information contributes to
      an improvement of the treatment process. Compared to conventional Electronic
      Medical Records these EHR systems commonly contain more medical artifacts due to
      their cross institutional, multipurpose use cases. Physicians and health
      professionals are therefore concerned about information overflow. OBJECTIVES:
      Goal of this paper is to elaborate new concepts for the automated aggregation of
      a fully-structured patient summary document based on information extracted from
      documents which are published in large-scale EHRs. METHODS: The first step was
      the conduction of semi-structured group interviews with experts and customers.
      This was followed by a qualitative literature analysis. Consequently technical
      and medical standards in the field of interoperability were screened. RESULTS:
      The result of this paper is the elaboration of an architectural approach to
      integrate an automatic patient summary creation into well established workflows
      of large ehealth projects based on standard IHE XDS infrastructures, taking the
      Austrian ELGA as an example.

PMID- 27139394
TI  - Impact of Internet on Cytology Information Management.
AB  - Internet technologies and services impose global information standards in the
      sphere of healthcare as a whole, which are then implied and applied in the domain
      of cytology laboratories. Web-based operations form a significant operating
      segment of any contemporary cytology laboratory as they enable operations by the
      use of technology, which is usually free of the restrictions imposed by the
      traditional way of business (geographic area and narrow localisation of
      activities). In their operations, almost all healthcare organisations currently
      create and use electronic data anddocuments, which can originate both inside and
      outside the organisation. An enormous amount of information thus used and
      exchanged may be processed timely and in a high-quality way only by integrated
      information systems, given three basic safety requirements: data confidentiality,
      integrity and availability. In the Republic of Croatia, integration of private
      and public healthcare information systems has been ongoing for several years but
      the private healthcare does not yet operate as an integrated system. Instead,
      each office operates using its own separate information system, i.e. DATABASE:
      This paper elaborates the argument that the sample private cytology laboratory
      possesses an IT system that meets current market and stakeholder needs of the
      healthcare sector in Croatia, given that private doctors' offices/polyclinics use
      IT technologies in their operations but make only partial use of Internet
      capacities in the segment of communication with their business associates and
      patients, implying the need to continue the research on a statistically relevant
      sample of EU countries.

PMID- 27139395
TI  - Requirements for Workflow-Based EHR Systems - Results of a Qualitative Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Today's high quality healthcare delivery strongly relies on efficient
      electronic health records (EHR). These EHR systems or in general healthcare IT
      systems are usually developed in a static manner according to a given workflow.
      Hence, they are not flexible enough to enable access to EHR data and to execute
      individual actions within a consultation. OBJECTIVES: This paper reports on
      requirements pointed by experts in the domain of diabetes mellitus to design a
      system for supporting dynamic workflows to serve personalization within a medical
      activity. METHODS: Requirements were collected by means of expert interviews.
      These interviews completed a conducted triangulation approach, aimed to gather
      requirements for workflow-based EHR interactions. The data from the interviews
      was analyzed through a qualitative approach resulting in a set of requirements
      enhancing EHR functionality from the user's perspective. RESULTS: Requirements
      were classified according to four different categorizations: (1) process-related
      requirements, (2) information needs, (3) required functions, (4) non-functional
      requirements. CONCLUSION: Workflow related requirements were identified which
      should be considered when developing and deploying EHR systems.

PMID- 27139396
TI  - AAL Service Performance Measurement Cube - Key Criteria for AAL New Service
      Development.
AB  - The living environments of senior citizens are gaining in complexity with regard
      to health, mobility, information, support and behaviour. The development of
      Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) services in order to reduce this complexity is
      becoming increasingly important. The question is: What relevant criteria support
      the development, measurement and evaluation of business models of hybrid AAL
      services which have to be considered in an appropriate Performance Measurement
      Set? Within the EU funded research project DALIA (Assistant for Daily Life
      Activities at Home) a Service Performance Measurement Criteria (SPMC) Set has
      been developed and described. With the help of literature review and expert
      interviews relevant performance criteria were identified and described in the
      context of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). In conjunction with an AAL business
      models scanning, a set of performance measurement criteria could be created.
      DISCUSSION: The development and application of a specific AAL SPMC Set offers the
      possibility in a targeted and conceptual way advance the development of
      marketable AAL services. Here it will be important to integrate with software
      support the SPMC Set in the service development process of future marketable AAL
      applications. With the application of an adjusted AAL Service Performance
      Measurement Cube, the conceptual development of marketable AAL services can be
      maintained and relevant decisions can be supported.

PMID- 27139397
TI  - Requirements for Evidence-Based Templates in Electronic Case Report Forms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electronic case report forms (eCRF) play a key role in medical
      studies and medical data registries (MDR) for clinical research. The creation of
      suitable eCRFs is a challenging and yet a very individual task. OBJECTIVES: We
      plan to create evidence-based templates for eCRFs which are aligned with existing
      studies or MDRs. METHODS: In this paper we investigated existing standards for
      eCRFs, defined uses cases and derived requirements needed to identify and
      annotate data items and pertinent information within study protocols, literature
      or patient cases. RESULTS: In order to establish evidence-based eCRF templates
      based on annotated text documents, a standard-based, hierarchical structure with
      linkage to existing data repositories needs to be modeled. Standards like ISO/IEC
      11179 provide a necessary base, which needs to be extended with proper linking
      functions. CONCLUSION: Linking evidence-based sources with eCRFs allows creating
      templates, which could be used to define eCRFs for new clinical studies or even
      compare studies among them. As a next step, the derived requirements from this
      paper will be used to establish an ontology-based structure for annotating
      existing text-documents with eCRF data elements.

PMID- 27139398
TI  - Identifying eHealth Opportunities to Support Medication Adherence - Findings of a
      Focus Group Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among New Zealand (NZ)
      indigenous people (Maori) is well recognized. A major challenge to CVD risk
      management is to improve adherence to long-term medications. OBJECTIVES: To
      elicit patients' and providers' perspectives on how to support Maori with high
      CVD risk and low medication adherence to achieve better adherence. METHODS:
      Analysis of electronic health records (EHR) of four NZ general practices
      identified medication adherence status of Maori patients with high CVD risk
      (>=15%, 5-year). A random sample of these patients participated in focus group
      discussions on barriers to long-term medication adherence. Their primary care
      providers also participated in separate focus groups on the same topic. RESULTS:
      A range of factors are identified influencing adherence behaviour, including
      patient's medication knowledge, patient-doctor communication effectiveness and
      cost. CONCLUSION: Analysis of barriers to medication adherence in primary care
      suggests opportunities for health information technology to improve adherence,
      including patient education, decision support, clinician training and self
      service facilities.

PMID- 27139399
TI  - Specific Requirements of Physiotherapists on the Practical Use of Software in the
      Therapeutical Process.
AB  - The current healthcare system requires more effective management. New media and
      technology are supposed to support the demands of the current healthcare system.
      By the example of physiotherapy, the primary objective of this study was to
      define the specific requirements of therapists on the practical use of software
      which cover the administration, documentation and evaluation of the entire
      therapy process, including a database with pictures/videos about exercises which
      can be adapted individually by the therapists. Another objective was to show what
      conditions for a successful implementation of advanced applications during the
      entire treatment process have to be fulfilled. The approach of mixed-methods
      designs was chosen. In the first part a two-stage qualitative study was carried
      out, followed by a quantitative survey. The results show that the use of the
      software regarding the therapy-related part is dependent on how adaptable the
      software is to the special needs of the therapists, that the whole treatment
      process is mapped on the software and that an additional training during the
      professional practice must be implemented in order to deploy the use of the
      software successfully in the therapeutic process. 

PMID- 27139400
TI  - KATIS: An eHealth System for Complementary Medicine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Much of the information on the complementary medicine is spread
      across literature and the internet. However, various literature and web resources
      provide information just of one specialist field. In addition, these resources do
      not allow users to search for suitable therapies based on patient-specific
      indications. OBJECTIVES: Aggregating knowledge about complementary medicine into
      one database makes the search more efficient. METHODS: Data integration is a
      promising method for providing well-based knowledge. Therefore, integrative
      methods were used to create the database ALTMEDA, which includes complementary
      and drug-related data. RESULTS: Based on this comprehensive database ALTMEDA, the
      new eHealth system KATIS and the corresponding app ALMEKO for the mobile usage
      were implemented. CONCLUSION: KATIS is a web-based system for complementary
      medicine. KATIS provides knowledge about ten different specialist fields, which
      enables users not only to look up a particular complementary therapy, but also to
      find suitable therapies for indications more efficiently.
      [http://www.komplementare-medizin.de].

PMID- 27139401
TI  - Electronic Certification of Death in Slovenia - System Considerations and
      Development Opportunities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate and consistent death certification facilitates morbidity and
      mortality surveillance, and consequently supports evidence-informed health
      policies. OBJECTIVES: The paper initially explores the current death
      certification practice in Slovenia, and identifies related deficiencies and
      system inconsistencies. Finally, the paper outlines a conceptualization of ICT
      based model of death certification including renovation of business processes and
      organizational changes. METHODS: The research is based on focus group
      methodology. Structured discussions were conducted with 29 experts from cross
      sectional areas related to death certification. RESULTS: Research results imply
      that effective ICT-based transformation of the existing death certification model
      should involve a redefinition of functions and relationships between the main
      actors, as well as a reconfiguration of the technological, organizational, and
      regulatory elements in the field. CONCLUSION: The paper provides an insight into
      the complexities of the death certification and may provide the groundwork for
      ICT-based transformation of the death certification model in Slovenia.

PMID- 27139402
TI  - A Process Model for IT Migrations in the Context of a Hospital Merger - Results
      from an Austrian Case Study.
AB  - In 2016, a new university hospital merged from three former independent Austrian
      hospitals started its operation. This paper presents a process model developed to
      coordinate the IT migration after the merger, using five phases to meet the
      requirements of the specific setting. A methodological mix of interviews, surveys
      and workshops was applied during the IT migration process. High stakeholder
      participation and a transparent methodical approach led to a broad agreement on
      success factors, migration objectives, and evaluation results. Thus, acceptance
      for the finally selected migration scenario was very high among employees, which
      is known to be crucial for the success of migration projects. 

PMID- 27139403
TI  - Animated Scatterplot - Analysis of Time-Oriented Data of Diabetes Patients.
AB  - Animated scatterplot visualizations promise to be useful tools for analyzing
      trends in time-oriented data. We evaluated such a visualization for the analysis
      of time-oriented medical data. We found 10 medical professionals to test the
      software which visualizes clinical diabetes patient cohorts. To analyze the
      usability of the software, the methods "Thinking Aloud" and structured interviews
      were used. Results show that animated scatterplots do support medical
      professionals in their daily work, in contrast to more negative results of
      scientific research in the past. 

PMID- 27139404
TI  - How Is My Field Evolving? - Network Based Analysis of Biomedical Scientific
      Discourse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gaining overview on a biomedical field of research becomes
      challenging due to the increasing amount of publications. Computer-supported
      discourse analysis based on bibliometric data could help scientists to identify
      focal points and trends. OBJECTIVES: The project aimed at implementing an
      automatic processing pipeline starting from a PubMed query and leading to a
      suitable visualization of the thematic evolution of a domain fostering meaningful
      interpretation. METHODS: The four-step processing pipeline includes bibliographic
      data acquisition, preprocessing, network-based analysis of co-occurring keywords
      (degree and betweenness centrality), and its visualization by heatmap diagrams.
      RESULTS: Applying the implemented workflow we analyzed the field of clinical
      decision support systems based on 5.094 PubMed results yielding a total of
      174.663 inter-keyword links. The resulting heatmap shows e.g. increased relevance
      of electronic health record and (patients') age. CONCLUSION: Network-based
      discourse analysis can be implemented using an efficient processing pipeline and
      may add valuable insight on the thematic evolution of scientific domains.

PMID- 27139405
TI  - Evaluation of Game Engines for Cross-Platform Development of Mobile Serious Games
      for Health.
AB  - Studies have shown that serious games for health can improve patient compliance
      and help to increase the quality of medical education. Due to a growing
      availability of mobile devices, especially the development of cross-platform
      mobile apps is helpful for improving healthcare. As the development can be highly
      time-consuming and expensive, an alternative development process is needed. Game
      engines are expected to simplify this process. Therefore, this article examines
      the question whether using game engines for cross-platform serious games for
      health can simplify the development compared to the development of a plain HTML5
      app. At first, a systematic review of the literature was conducted in different
      databases (MEDLINE, ACM and IEEE). Afterwards three different game engines were
      chosen, evaluated in different categories and compared to the development of a
      HTML5 app. This was realized by implementing a prototypical application in the
      different engines and conducting a utility analysis. The evaluation shows that
      the Marmalade engine is the best choice for development in this scenario.
      Furthermore, it is obvious that the game engines have great benefits against
      plain HTML5 development as they provide components for graphics, physics, sounds,
      etc. The authors recommend to use the Marmalade Engine for a cross-platform
      mobile Serious Game for Health. 

PMID- 27139406
TI  - Integrated Patient Education on U.S. Hospital Web Sites.
AB  - Based on a census of the 2015 Most Wired Hospitals, this content analysis aimed
      to find out how patient education has been integrated on these best IT hospitals'
      Web sites to serve the purposes of marketing and meeting online visitors' needs.
      This study will help hospitals to understand where the weaknesses are in their
      interactive patient education implementation and come up with a smart integration
      strategy. The study found that 70% of these hospitals had adopted interactive
      patient education contents, 76.6% of such contents were from a third-party
      developer, and only 20% of the hospitals linked their patient education contents
      to one or more of the hospital's resources while 26% cross-references such
      contents. The authors concluded that more hospitals should take advantage of
      modern information communication technology to cross-reference their patient
      education contents and to integrate such contents into their overall online
      marketing strategy to benefit patients and themselves. 

PMID- 27139407
TI  - User Interface Design in Medical Distributed Web Applications.
AB  - User interfaces are important to facilitate easy learning and operating with an
      IT application especially in the medical world. An easy to use interface has to
      be simple and to customize the user needs and mode of operation. The technology
      in the background is an important tool to accomplish this. The present work aims
      to creating a web interface using specific technology (HTML table design combined
      with CSS3) to provide an optimized responsive interface for a complex web
      application. In the first phase, the current icMED web medical application layout
      is analyzed, and its structure is designed using specific tools, on source files.
      In the second phase, a new graphic adaptable interface to different mobile
      terminals is proposed, (using HTML table design (TD) and CSS3 method) that uses
      no source files, just lines of code for layout design, improving the interaction
      in terms of speed and simplicity. For a complex medical software application a
      new prototype layout was designed and developed using HTML tables. The method
      uses a CSS code with only CSS classes applied to one or multiple HTML table
      elements, instead of CSS styles that can be applied to just one DIV tag at once.
      The technique has the advantage of a simplified CSS code, and a better
      adaptability to different media resolutions compared to DIV-CSS style method. The
      presented work is a proof that adaptive web interfaces can be developed just
      using and combining different types of design methods and technologies, using
      HTML table design, resulting in a simpler to learn and use interface, suitable
      for healthcare services. 

PMID- 27139408
TI  - Medical Informatics and Information Technology Supporting Oral Medicine.
AB  - Electronic healthcare documentation is the key element of electronic healthcare
      (eHealth). Electronic oral health record (EOHR) supporting oral medicine is
      discussed. To provide dentists with a methodology and instrument to create oral
      health documentation in more efficient way, support information exchange and
      integration in dental domain and to ease dental decision-making and forensic
      dentistry identification tasks.The proposed methodology is used to model lifelong
      EOHR based on a small specific ontology where the use of other classification
      systems and nomenclatures, e.g. SNODENT, is possible. EOHRwith Lifelong DentCross
      user interface was developed and it has been supporting dental care at the
      University Hospital in Prague-Motol. The user interface is working in four
      languages and controlled by voice or keyboard. Lifelong DentCross user interface
      is reflecting the way of the work in dentistry and the EOHR can provide both
      structured and free text information to oral medicine. 

PMID- 27139409
TI  - Continual Screening of Patients Using mHealth: The Rolling Score Concept Applied
      to Sleep Medicine.
AB  - Continual monitoring of patients utilizing mHealth-based telemonitoring
      applications are more and more used for individual management of patients. A new
      approach in risk assessment called Rolling Score Concept uses standardized
      questionnaires for continual scoring of individuals' health state through
      electronic patient reported outcome (ePRO). Using self-rated questionnaires and
      adding a specific Time Schedule to each question result in a movement of the
      questionnaires' scores over time, the Rolling Score. A text-processing pipeline
      was implemented with KNIME analytics platform to extract a Score Mapping Rule Set
      for three standardized screening questionnaires in the field of sleep medicine. A
      feasibility study was performed in 10 healthy volunteers equipped with a mHealth
      application on a smartphone and a sleep tracker. Results show that the proposed
      Rolling Score Concept is feasible and deviations of scores are in a reasonable
      range (< 7%), sustaining the new approach. However, further studies are required
      for verification. In addition, parameter quantification could avoid incorrect
      subjective evaluation by substitution of questions with sensor data. 

PMID- 27139410
TI  - Secondary Use of Claims Data from the Austrian Health Insurance System with i2b2:
      A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In conformity with increasing international efforts to reuse routine
      health data for scientific purposes, the Main Association of Austrian Social
      Security Organisations provides pseudonymized claims data of the Austrian health
      care system for clinical research. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine, whether an
      integration of the corresponding database into i2b2 would be possible and provide
      benefits. METHODS: We applied docker-based software containers and data
      transformations to set up the system. To assess the benefits of i2b2 we plan to
      reenact the task of cohort formation of an earlier research project. RESULTS: The
      claims database was successfully integrated into i2b2. The docker-based
      installation approach will be published as git repository. The assessment of
      i2b2's benefits is currently work in progress and will be presented at the
      conference. CONCLUSIONS: Docker enables a flexible, reproducible, and resource
      efficient installation of i2b2 within the restricted environment implied by our
      highly secured target system. First preliminary tests indicated several potential
      benefits of i2b2 compared to the methods applied during the earlier research
      project.

PMID- 27139411
TI  - How Many Patients Could Benefit From Pre-emptive Pharmacogenomic Testing and
      Decision Support? A Retrospective Study Based on Nationwide Austrian Claims Data.
AB  - Pre-emptive pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing combined with clinical decision support
      is a promising new strategy for making pharmacotherapy safer and more effective.
      To estimate the number of patients whose therapies could be guided by this
      approach, we analysed claims data for patients in Austria in the years 2006 and
      2007. We calculated the number of patients receiving one or several drugs for
      with pharmacogenomic guidelines are available (PGx drugs). The cohort consisted
      of 6,761,034 patients and was split into four age groups. Patients in the age
      group >= 65 were prescribed the most PGx drugs, with 72% of the patients
      receiving at least one PGx drug. 39.1% of all people over 65 received at least
      one drug metabolized by the three most frequent cytochrome P450 enzymes. Our data
      indicate that a sizable fraction of elderly patients could profit from the
      implementation of pre-emptive PGx testing and decision support. 

PMID- 27139412
TI  - A Smartwatch-Based Assistance System for the Elderly Performing Fall Detection,
      Unusual Inactivity Recognition and Medication Reminding.
AB  - The growing number of elderly people in our society makes it increasingly
      important to help them live an independent and self-determined life up until a
      high age. A smartwatch-based assistance system should be implemented that is
      capable of automatically detecting emergencies and helping elderly people to
      adhere to their medical therapy. Using the acceleration data of a widely
      available smartwatch, we implemented fall detection and inactivity recognition
      based on a smartphone connected via Bluetooth. The resulting system is capable of
      performing fall detection, inactivity recognition, issuing medication reminders
      and alerting relatives upon manual activation. Though some challenges, like the
      dependence on a smartphone remain, the resulting system is a promising approach
      to help elderly people as well as their relatives to live independently and with
      a feeling of safety. 

PMID- 27139413
TI  - ICD-11 (JLMMS) and SCT Inter-Operation.
AB  - The goal of this work is to contribute to a smooth and semantically sound inter
      operability between the ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases-11th
      revision Joint Linearization for Mortality, Morbidity and Statistics) and SNOMED
      CT (SCT). To guarantee such inter-operation between a classification,
      characterized by a single hierarchy of mutually exclusive and exhaustive classes,
      as is the JLMMS successor of ICD-10 on the one hand, and the multi-hierarchical,
      ontology-based clinical terminology SCT on the other hand, we use ontology axioms
      that logically express generalizable truths. This is expressed by the
      compositional grammar of SCT, together with queries on axiomsof SCT. We test the
      feasibility of the method on the circulatory chapter of ICD-11 JLMMS and present
      limitations and results. 

PMID- 27139414
TI  - A Diabetes Self-Management Prototype in an AAL-Environment to Detect Remarkable
      Health States.
AB  - Every year life span is increasing and simultaneously the proportion of people
      with one or more chronic diseases. This paper presents an implementation of a
      prototype with a decision tree to detect dangerous health conditions for Diabetes
      Type 1 and Diabetes Type 2. With the information we collect from Personal Health
      Devices and data from the Active-Assisted-Living environment, we are in the
      position to customize thresholds and to get individual results. With the help of
      a modified Glucose-Insulin Model (based on the minimal model of Stolwijk & Hardy)
      we predicted the future glucose concentration of the patient. We validated our
      model with an intention-to-treat pilot study including 8 subjects and obtained a
      significantly better (p < 2.2<sup>-16</sup>) result than the original model. 

PMID- 27139415
TI  - Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes in Paediatric Oncology - Applying Mobile and
      Near Field Communication Technology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes (ePRO) gathered using
      telemonitoring solutions might be a valuable source of information in rare cancer
      research. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this paper was to develop a concept and
      implement a prototype for introducing ePRO into the existing neuroblastoma
      research network by applying Near Field Communication and mobile technology.
      METHODS: For physicians, an application was developed for registering patients
      within the research network and providing patients with an ID card and a PIN for
      authentication when transmitting telemonitoring data to the Electronic Data
      Capture system OpenClinica. For patients, a previously developed telemonitoring
      system was extended by a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) interface for
      transmitting nine different health parameters and toxicities. RESULTS: The
      concept was fully implemented on the front-end side. The developed application
      for physicians was prototypically implemented and the mobile application of the
      telemonitoring system was successfully connected to OpenClinica. Future work will
      focus on the implementation of the back-end features.

PMID- 27139419
TI  - Exome sequencing identifies a de novo frameshift mutation in the imprinted gene
      ZDBF2 in a sporadic patient with Nasopalpebral Lipoma-coloboma syndrome.
AB  - Nasopalpebral lipoma-coloboma syndrome (NPLCS, OMIM%167730) is an uncommon
      malformation entity with autosomal dominant inheritance characterized by the
      combination of nasopalpebral lipoma, colobomas in upper and lower eyelids,
      telecanthus, and maxillary hypoplasia. To date, no genetic defects have been
      associated with familial or sporadic NPLCS cases and the etiology of the disease
      remains unknown. In this work, the results of whole exome sequencing in a
      sporadic NPLCS patient are presented. Exome sequencing identified a de novo
      heterozygous frameshift dinucleotide insertion c.6245_6246 insTT (p.His2082fs*67)
      in ZDBF2 (zinc finger, DBF-type containing 2), a gene located at 2q33.3. This
      variant was absent in parental DNA, in a set of 300 ethnically matched controls,
      and in public exome variant databases. This is the first genetic variant
      identified in a NPLCS patient and evidence supporting the pathogenicity of the
      identified mutation is discussed. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27139420
TI  - Fatty acid synthase regulates invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer via
      Wnt signaling pathway.
AB  - Fatty acid synthase (Fasn) is the key metabolic enzyme that accounts for the
      terminal catalytic step in fatty acid synthesis, which is hyperactivated in
      various tumors. In this study, we depicted that Fasn expression was elevated in
      human colorectal cancer (CRC), which accordingly led to lymphatic and distant
      metastasis and a more advanced clinical phenotype. Genetic perturbations
      demonstrated that knocking down Fasn inhibited cell migration and invasion both
      in SW480 and HT29 CRC cell lines. Further mechanical exploration revealed that
      Fasn knockdown could attenuate Wnt signaling pathway via downregulating
      distinctive genes, namely Wnt5a, Wnt5b, Fzd2, which at least partly contributed
      to the decrease in metastasis. Clinical evidence verified a positive correlation
      between Fasn expression and Wnt signal marker gene expression in a cohort of 43
      CRC patients. In conclusion, we shed light on metabolic switches took place
      during CRC carcinogenesis, among which Fasn is a critical factor and a potential
      therapeutic target.

PMID- 27139421
TI  - Statistical evidence for common ancestry: Application to primates.
AB  - Since Darwin, biologists have come to recognize that the theory of descent from
      common ancestry (CA) is very well supported by diverse lines of evidence.
      However, while the qualitative evidence is overwhelming, we also need formal
      methods for quantifying the evidential support for CA over the alternative
      hypothesis of separate ancestry (SA). In this article, we explore a diversity of
      statistical methods using data from the primates. We focus on two alternatives to
      CA, species SA (the separate origin of each named species) and family SA (the
      separate origin of each family). We implemented statistical tests based on
      morphological, molecular, and biogeographic data and developed two new methods:
      one that tests for phylogenetic autocorrelation while correcting for variation
      due to confounding ecological traits and a method for examining whether fossil
      taxa have fewer derived differences than living taxa. We overwhelmingly rejected
      both species and family SA with infinitesimal P values. We compare these results
      with those from two companion papers, which also found tremendously strong
      support for the CA of all primates, and discuss future directions and general
      philosophical issues that pertain to statistical testing of historical hypotheses
      such as CA.

PMID- 27139422
TI  - Docosahexaenoic diet supplementation, exercise and temperature affect cytokine
      production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mononuclear cells.
AB  - Acute exercise induces changes in peripheral mononuclear cells' (PBMCs)
      capabilities to produce cytokines. The aim was to investigate the effect of
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) diet supplementation on cytokine production, by
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PBMCs after exercise, and the in vitro
      influence of temperature. Fifteen male soccer players were randomly assigned to a
      placebo or an experimental group. The experimental group consumed an almond-based
      beverage enriched with DHA (1.16 g DHA/day) for 8 weeks, whereas the placebo
      group consumed a similar non-enriched beverage. Blood samples were taken before
      and after the nutritional intervention in basal conditions and 2 h after acute
      exercise. Nutritional intervention significantly increased the DHA content in
      erythrocytes only in experimental group (from 34 +/- 3.6 to 43 +/- 3.6 nmols
      DHA/10(9) erythrocytes). Exercise significantly increased Toll-like receptor 4
      (TLR4) in PBMCs but only in the placebo group (203 %). Exercise also
      significantly increased IL6, IL8, VEGF, INFgamma, TNFalpha, IL1alpha, IL1beta,
      MCP1, and EGG production rates by LPS-stimulated PBMCs, and this response was
      attenuated by DHA supplementation. Temperature but not DHA also affected the
      pattern of cytokine production increasing IL6, IL8, IL1beta, and MCP1 synthesis.
      The higher change was evidenced in IL1beta increasing the production rate at 39.5
      degrees C from 3.19 +/- 0.77 to 22.4 +/- 6.1 pg/h 10(6) PBMC in placebo and from
      2.36 +/- 0.11 to 10.6 +/- 0.38 pg/h 10(6) PBMC in the supplemented group. The
      profile of affected cytokines differs between temperature and exercise,
      suggesting a different PBMC activation pathway. DHA diet supplementation only
      attenuated cytokine production after exercise and not that induced by
      temperature. 

PMID- 27139424
TI  - Is there an alternative to quality-adjusted life years for supporting healthcare
      decision making?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Over the years, a number of criticisms have been raised about the
      robustness of the Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY) indicator and its use in
      cost-utility analyses; however, costs/QALY are still nowadays recommended as
      reference case by several Health Technology Assessment (HTA) agencies from some
      Commonwealth countries, such as the National Institute for Health and Care
      Excellence (NICE) in the UK, claiming that no alternatives exist to allocate
      health care resources. AREAS COVERED: This review presents a selection of robust
      alternative methodologies that could be used to support HTA decisions more
      accurately and more fairly than using the QALYs, including for determining the
      level of patient access and reimbursement coverage to healthcare interventions.
      Expert commentary: Because of the scientific complexity of the situations raised
      by existing and innovative health technologies and interventions, there is
      currently no single alternative paradigm to propose at this time, but a spectrum
      of additional analytical techniques which could handle various outcomes including
      costs and health consequences, and which are not based on a simple multiplicative
      formula.

PMID- 27139423
TI  - Fitness, adiposopathy, and adiposity are independent predictors of insulin
      sensitivity in middle-aged men without diabetes.
AB  - Adiposopathy, or sick fat, refers to adipose tissue dysfunction that can lead to
      several complications such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and
      hyperglycemia. The relative contribution of adiposopathy in predicting insulin
      resistance remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between
      adiposopathy, as assessed as a low plasma adiponectin/leptin ratio, with
      anthropometry, body composition (hydrostatic weighing), insulin sensitivity
      (hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp), inflammation, and fitness level (ergocycle
      VO2max, mL/kgFFM/min) in 53 men (aged 34-53 years) from four groups: sedentary
      controls without obesity (body mass index [BMI] <25 kg/m(2)), sedentary with
      obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m(2)), sedentary with obesity and glucose intolerance, and
      endurance trained active without obesity. The adiponectin/leptin ratio was the
      highest in trained men (4.75 +/- 0.82) and the lowest in glucose intolerant
      subjects with obesity (0.27 +/- 0.06; ANOVA p < 0.0001) indicating increased
      adiposopathy in those with obesity. The ratio was negatively associated with
      adiposity (e.g., waist circumference, r = -0.59, p < 0.01) and positively
      associated with VO2max (r = 0.67, p < 0.01) and insulin sensitivity (M/I, r =
      0.73, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed fitness as the strongest
      independent predictor of insulin sensitivity (partial R (2) = 0.61). While
      adiposopathy was also an independent and significant contributor (partial R (2) =
      0.10), waist circumference added little power to the model (partial R (2) =
      0.024). All three variables remained significant independent predictors when
      trained subjects were excluded from the model. Plasma lipids were not retained in
      the model. We conclude that low fitness, adiposopathy, as well as adiposity (and
      in particular abdominal obesity) are independent contributors to insulin
      resistance in men without diabetes. 

PMID- 27139425
TI  - Ultraviolet-B-induced DNA damage and ultraviolet-B tolerance mechanisms in
      species with different functional groups coexisting in subalpine moorlands.
AB  - High doses of ultraviolet-B (UV-B; 280-315 nm) radiation can have detrimental
      effects on plants, and especially damage their DNA. Plants have DNA repair and
      protection mechanisms to prevent UV-B damage. However, it remains unclear how DNA
      damage and tolerance mechanisms vary among field species. We studied DNA damage
      and tolerance mechanisms in 26 species with different functional groups
      coexisting in two moorlands at two elevations. We collected current-year leaves
      in July and August, and determined accumulation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer
      (CPD) as UV-B damage and photorepair activity (PRA) and concentrations of UV
      absorbing compounds (UACs) and carotenoids (CARs) as UV-B tolerance mechanisms.
      DNA damage was greater in dicot than in monocot species, and higher in herbaceous
      than in woody species. Evergreen species accumulated more CPDs than deciduous
      species. PRA was higher in Poaceae than in species of other families. UACs were
      significantly higher in woody than in herbaceous species. The CPD level was not
      explained by the mechanisms across species, but was significantly related to PRA
      and UACs when we ignored species with low CPD, PRA and UACs, implying the
      presence of another effective tolerance mechanism. UACs were correlated
      negatively with PRA and positively with CARs. Our results revealed that UV
      induced DNA damage significantly varies among native species, and this variation
      is related to functional groups. DNA repair, rather than UV-B protection,
      dominates in UV-B tolerance in the field. Our findings also suggest that UV-B
      tolerance mechanisms vary among species under evolutionary trade-off and
      synergism.

PMID- 27139426
TI  - Alpine bird distributions along elevation gradients: the consistency of climate
      and habitat effects across geographic regions.
AB  - Many species have shown recent shifts in their distributions in response to
      climate change. Patterns in species occurrence or abundance along altitudinal
      gradients often serve as the basis for detecting such changes and assessing
      future sensitivity. Quantifying the distribution of species along altitudinal
      gradients acts as a fundamental basis for future studies on environmental change
      impacts, but in order for models of altitudinal distribution to have wide
      applicability, it is necessary to know the extent to which altitudinal trends in
      occurrence are consistent across geographically separated areas. This was
      assessed by fitting models of bird species occurrence across altitudinal
      gradients in relation to habitat and climate variables in two geographically
      separated alpine regions, Piedmont and Trentino. The ten species studied showed
      non-random altitudinal distributions which in most cases were consistent across
      regions in terms of pattern. Trends in relation to altitude and differences
      between regions could be explained mostly by habitat or a combination of habitat
      and climate variables. Variation partitioning showed that most variation
      explained by the models was attributable to habitat, or habitat and climate
      together, rather than climate alone or geographic region. The shape and position
      of the altitudinal distribution curve is important as it can be related to
      vulnerability where the available space is limited, i.e. where mountains are not
      of sufficient altitude for expansion. This study therefore suggests that
      incorporating habitat and climate variables should be sufficient to construct
      models with high transferability for many alpine species.

PMID- 27139428
TI  - Enhanced recovery programmes for the elderly.

PMID- 27139427
TI  - Density-dependence across dispersal stages in a hermaphrodite land snail:
      insights from discrete choice models.
AB  - Dispersal movements, i.e. movements leading to gene flow, are key behaviours with
      important, but only partially understood, consequences for the dynamics and
      evolution of populations. In particular, density-dependent dispersal has been
      widely described, yet how it is determined by the interaction with individual
      traits, and whether density effects differ between the three steps of dispersal
      (departure, transience, and settlement), remains largely unknown. Using a semi
      natural landscape, we studied dispersal choices of Cornu aspersum land snails, a
      species in which negative effects of crowding are well documented, and analysed
      them using dispersal discrete choice models, a new method allowing the analysis
      of dispersal decisions by explicitly considering the characteristics of all
      available alternatives and their interaction with individual traits. Subadults
      were more dispersive than adults, confirming existing results. In addition,
      departure and settlement were both density dependent: snails avoided crowded
      patches at both ends of the dispersal process, and subadults were more reluctant
      to settle into crowded patches than adults. Moreover, we found support for carry
      over effects of release density on subsequent settlement decisions: snails from
      crowded contexts were more sensitive to density in their subsequent immigration
      choices. The fact that settlement decisions were informed indicates that costs of
      prospecting are not as important as previously thought in snails, and/or that
      snails use alternative ways to collect information, such as indirect social
      information (e.g. trail following). The observed density-dependent dispersal
      dynamics may play an important role in the ability of C. aspersum to successfully
      colonise frequently human-disturbed habitats around the world.

PMID- 27139429
TI  - Cardiac troponins and volatile anaesthetics in on-pump coronary surgery: How much
      longer do we need to state the obvious?

PMID- 27139430
TI  - Current and future direction in the management of scleroderma.
AB  - Scleroderma is a heterogeneous disease with a complex etiology. As more
      information is gained about the underlying mechanisms and the improved
      classifications of scleroderma subtypes, treatments can be better personalized.
      Improving scleroderma patients' early diagnosis before end organ manifestations
      occur should improve clinical trial design and outcomes. Two recently FDA
      approved antifibrotics for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may be effective
      treatments in patients with pulmonary fibrosis secondary to scleroderma after
      further investigation. The potential impact of Nanobiotechnology in improving the
      efficacy and safety of existing antifibrotics and immunomodulators might present
      an exciting new approach in the management of scleroderma. 

PMID- 27139431
TI  - Frequency of fragmented QRS in patient with psoriasis vulgaris without
      cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Myocardial fibrosis causes the fragmentation of QRS complexes on
      electrocardiogram. We hypothesized that the frequency of fragmented QRS (fQRS)
      could be more common in patients with psoriasis vulgaris than in healthy control
      subjects. In this prospective study, 100 patients with psoriasis vulgaris who did
      not have any cardiovascular disease were compared with 50 healthy volunteers in
      control group. The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) was used for expressing
      the severity of psoriasis. Patients with psoriasis were categorized according to
      presence of fQRS in ECG [fQRS (+) group and fQRS (-) group]. Patients with
      psoriasis had higher frequency of fQRS, higher levels of C reactive protein (CRP)
      and sedimentation rate (ESR) than the control group (n = 49, 49 % vs. n = 3, 6 %,
      p < 0.001; 9.91 +/- 17.86 vs. 3.59 +/- 0.79 mg/dL, p = 0.014; 17.37 +/- 17.40 vs.
      5.66 +/- 5.22 mm/h, p < 0.001, respectively). Within the patient group there was
      no statistically significant difference between fQRS (+) and fQRS (-) subgroups
      with regards to sex, disease duration, CRP, ESR, medications and PASI score. It
      was suggested that presence of fQRS in ECG may be related with myocardial
      fibrosis in patients with psoriasis who do not have cardiovascular disease. For
      this reason, in our opinion, fQRS could be used as a predictive marker for
      myocardial fibrosis in patients with psoriasis. 

PMID- 27139432
TI  - Microbiological risk assessment for personal care products.
AB  - Regulatory decisions regarding microbiological safety of cosmetics and personal
      care products are primarily hazard-based, where the presence of a potential
      pathogen determines decision-making. This contrasts with the Food industry where
      it is a commonplace to use a risk-based approach for ensuring microbiological
      safety. A risk-based approach allows consideration of the degree of exposure to
      assess unacceptable health risks. As there can be a number of advantages in using
      a risk-based approach to safety, this study explores the Codex Alimentarius
      (Codex) four-step Microbiological Risk Assessment (MRA) framework frequently used
      in the Food industry and examines how it can be applied to the safety assessment
      of personal care products. The hazard identification and hazard characterization
      steps (one and two) of the Codex MRA framework consider the main microorganisms
      of concern. These are addressed by reviewing the current industry guidelines for
      objectionable organisms and analysing reports of contaminated products notified
      by government agencies over a recent 5-year period, together with examples of
      reported outbreaks. Data related to estimation of exposure (step three) are
      discussed, and examples of possible calculations and references are included. The
      fourth step, performed by the risk assessor (risk characterization), is specific
      to each assessment and brings together the information from the first three steps
      to assess the risk. Although there are very few documented uses of the MRA
      approach for personal care products, this study illustrates that it is a
      practicable and sound approach for producing products that are safe by design. It
      can be helpful in the context of designing products and processes going to market
      and with setting of microbiological specifications. Additionally, it can be
      applied reactively to facilitate decision-making when contaminated products are
      released on to the marketplace. Currently, the knowledge available may only allow
      a qualitative or semi-quantitative rather than fully quantitative risk
      assessment, but an added benefit is that the disciplined structuring of available
      knowledge enables clear identification of gaps to target resources and if
      appropriate, instigate data generation.

PMID- 27139433
TI  - Global Dynamic Transcriptome Programming of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Anther
      at Different Development Stages.
AB  - Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an important oil crop worldwide and exhibits
      significant heterosis. Effective pollination control systems, which are closely
      linked to anther development, are a prerequisite for utilizing heterosis. The
      anther, which is the male organ in flowering plants, undergoes many metabolic
      processes during development. Although the gene expression patterns underlying
      pollen development are well studied in model plant Arabidopsis, the regulatory
      networks of genome-wide gene expression during rapeseed anther development is
      poorly understood, especially regarding metabolic regulations. In this study, we
      systematically analyzed metabolic processes occurring during anther development
      in rapeseed using ultrastructural observation and global transcriptome analysis.
      Anther ultrastructure exhibited that numerous cellular organelles abundant with
      metabolic materials, such as elaioplast, tapetosomes, plastids (containing starch
      deposits) etc. appeared, accompanied with anther structural alterations during
      anther development, suggesting many metabolic processes occurring. Global
      transcriptome analysis revealed dynamic changes in gene expression during anther
      development that corresponded to dynamic functional alterations between early and
      late anther developmental stages. The early stage anthers preferentially
      expressed genes involved in lipid metabolism that are related to pollen extine
      formation as well as elaioplast and tapetosome biosynthesis, whereas the late
      stage anthers expressed genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism to form
      pollen intine and to accumulate starch in mature pollen grains. Finally, a
      predictive gene regulatory module responsible for early pollen extine formation
      was generated. Taken together, this analysis provides a comprehensive
      understanding of dynamic gene expression programming of metabolic processes in
      the rapeseed anther, especially with respect to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism
      during pollen development.

PMID- 27139434
TI  - Epigenetic changes of CDX2 in gastric adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Gastric cancer is one of the most commonplace and lethal cancers in the world.
      Molecular investigation of this disease, in order to obtain diagnostic and
      treatments achievements is important and vital. Relatively, in this research
      study, one of the most important epigenetic factors, the methylation of CDX2 gene
      was investigated in tumoral and non-tumoral tissues of gastric cancer patients by
      bisulfite treatment followed by sequencing of the 5'UTR region of CDX2 in both
      tissues. The results indicated a hypomethylation in tumoral tissues of
      adenocarcinoma. Consequently, the methylation amount of CDX2 in tumoral tissues
      was significantly reduced compared with non-tumoral tissues.

PMID- 27139436
TI  - Individual differences in nonlinguistic event categorization predict later motion
      verb comprehension.
AB  - This study probes how individual differences in early event perception predict
      later verb knowledge. At Time 1, when infants were 13 to 15months of age, they
      saw videotaped silent scenes performed by a human actor. The goal was to see
      whether infants could form categories of path (a figure's trajectory with respect
      to a ground object) and manner (how an action is performed). Infants either saw
      the same manner (e.g., jogging) taking place across three different paths
      (around, through, and behind) or saw the same path (e.g., around a tent) taking
      place across three different manners (running, crawling, and walking). After
      familiarization, either the path or the manner was changed and visual fixation
      was monitored using preferential looking. At Time 2, the same children were
      tested on their comprehension of verbs in a two-choice pointing task showing two
      simultaneous actions (e.g., running vs. jumping). Success at categorization of
      path and manner at Time 1 predicted verb comprehension at Time 2, even when
      taking language knowledge at both time points into account. These preliminary
      results represent headway in identifying the factors that may contribute to
      children's language learning. They suggest that skill in categorizing semantic
      components present in nonlinguistic events is predictive of children's later verb
      vocabulary.

PMID- 27139435
TI  - An integrated signal transduction network of macrophage migration inhibitory
      factor.
AB  - Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a glycosylated multi-functional
      protein that acts as an enzyme as well as a cytokine. MIF mediates its actions
      through a cell surface class II major histocompatibility chaperone, CD74 and co
      receptors such as CD44, CXCR2, CXCR4 or CXCR7. MIF has been implicated in the
      pathogenesis of several acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Although MIF is
      a molecule of biomedical importance, a public resource of MIF signaling pathway
      is currently lacking. In view of this, we carried out detailed data mining and
      documentation of the signaling events pertaining to MIF from published literature
      and developed an integrated reaction map of MIF signaling. This resulted in the
      cataloguing of 68 molecules belonging to MIF signaling pathway, which includes 24
      protein-protein interactions, 44 post-translational modifications, 11 protein
      translocation events and 8 activation/inhibition events. In addition, 65 gene
      regulation events at the mRNA levels induced by MIF signaling have also been
      catalogued. This signaling pathway has been integrated into NetPath (
      http://www.netpath.org ), a freely available human signaling pathway resource
      developed previously by our group. The MIF pathway data is freely available
      online in various community standard data exchange formats. We expect that data
      on signaling events and a detailed signaling map of MIF will provide the
      scientific community with an improved platform to facilitate further molecular as
      well as biomedical investigations on MIF. 

PMID- 27139437
TI  - Artemether-Lumefantrine Concentrations in Tablets and Powders from Ghana Measured
      by a New High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method.
AB  - We developed and validated a new analytical method for the simultaneous
      quantification of artemether and lumefantrine in fixed-dose tablets and powders
      for reconstitution into pediatric suspensions (PSs). The method showed linearity
      (r(2) > 0.9947), precision (coefficient of variation < 2%), accuracy (deviation
      of mean from actual concentrations < 4%), and specificity (peak purities > 99%).
      The validated method was used to analyze 24 batches of fixed-dose tablets and PSs
      of artemether and lumefantrine. Of the samples, 23 were obtained using
      convenience sampling of commonly available brands within Accra in Ghana and one
      was obtained from Aarhus University Hospital. In all, 83.3% (confidence interval:
      80-120%) passed for both artemether and lumefantrine contents, 16.7% failed by
      the U.S. Pharmacopoeia standards, 8.3% failed for one content, and 8.3% failed
      for both contents. All four products (16.7%) that failed were PSs, and two (8.3%)
      showed higher levels of artemether than prescribed (222% and 756%). 

PMID- 27139439
TI  - The Development of Small Animal Models for Zika Virus Vaccine Efficacy Testing
      and Pathological Assessment.

PMID- 27139438
TI  - What Happens When "Germs Don't Get Killed and They Attack Again and Again":
      Perceptions of Antimicrobial Resistance in the Context of Diarrheal Disease
      Treatment Among Laypersons and Health-Care Providers in Karachi, Pakistan.
AB  - In south Asia, where diarrhea is common and antibiotics are accessible without
      prescription, antimicrobial resistance is an emerging and serious problem.
      However, beliefs and behaviors related to antimicrobial resistance are poorly
      understood. We explored laypersons' and health-care providers' (HCP) awareness
      and perceptions of antimicrobial resistance in the context of treatment of adult
      diarrheal disease in Karachi, Pakistan. In-depth, open-ended interviews were
      conducted with 40 laypersons and 45 HCPs in a lower-middle-class urban
      neighborhood. Interviews conducted in Urdu were audiotaped, transcribed,
      translated, and coded using applied thematic analysis. Slightly over half of
      laypersons and two-thirds of HCPs were aware that antimicrobial medication could
      lose effectiveness, but misperceptions were common. Laypersons and HCPs often
      believed that "the body becomes immune" or "bacteria attack more strongly" if
      medications are taken "improperly." Another prevalent theme was that causes and
      effects of antimicrobial resistance are limited to the individual taking the
      antimicrobial medication and to the specific diarrheal episode. Participants
      often attributed antimicrobial resistance to patient behaviors; HCP behavior was
      rarely discussed. Less than half of the HCPs were aware of treatment guidelines.
      To combat antimicrobial resistance in urban Pakistan, a health systems strategy
      and community-supported outreach campaigns on appropriate antimicrobial use are
      needed.

PMID- 27139440
TI  - Zika Virus Disease in Travelers Returning to the United States, 2010-2014.
AB  - Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus that typically causes a mild
      febrile illness with rash, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis. Zika virus has recently
      caused large outbreaks of disease in southeast Asia, Pacific Ocean Islands, and
      the Americas. We identified all positive Zika virus test results performed at
      U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2010 to 2014. For persons
      with test results indicating a recent infection with Zika virus, we collected
      information on demographics, travel history, and clinical features. Eleven Zika
      virus disease cases were identified among travelers returning to the United
      States. The median age of cases was 50 years (range: 29-74 years) and six (55%)
      were male. Nine (82%) cases had their illness onset from January to April. All
      cases reported a travel history to islands in the Pacific Ocean during the days
      preceding illness onset, and all cases were potentially viremic while in the
      United States. Public health prevention messages about decreasing mosquito
      exposure, preventing sexual exposure, and preventing infection in pregnant women
      should be targeted to individuals traveling to or living in areas with Zika virus
      activity. Health-care providers and public health officials should be educated
      about the recognition, diagnosis, and prevention of Zika virus disease.

PMID- 27139441
TI  - Adverse Events from a Randomized, Multi-Arm, Placebo-Controlled Trial of
      Mebendazole in Children 12-24 Months of Age.
AB  - Large-scale deworming interventions, using anthelminthic drugs, are recommended
      in areas where the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infection is high.
      Anthelminthic safety has been established primarily in school-age children. Our
      objective was to provide evidence on adverse events from anthelminthic use in
      early childhood. A randomized multi-arm, placebo-controlled trial of mebendazole,
      administered at different times and frequencies, was conducted in children 12
      months of age living in Iquitos, Peru. Children were followed up to 24 months of
      age. The association between mebendazole administration and the occurrence of a
      serious or minor adverse event was determined using logistic regression. There
      was a total of 1,686 administrations of mebendazole and 1,676 administrations of
      placebo to 1,760 children. Eighteen serious adverse events (i.e., 11 deaths and
      seven hospitalizations) and 31 minor adverse events were reported. There was no
      association between mebendazole and the occurrence of a serious adverse event
      (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.47, 3.09) or a minor
      adverse event (OR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.41, 1.72). Results from our trial support
      evidence of safety in administering mebendazole during early childhood. These
      results support World Health Organization deworming policy and the scaling up of
      interventions to reach children as of 12 months of age in endemic areas. 

PMID- 27139442
TI  - Molecular Characterization of Two Major Dengue Outbreaks in Costa Rica.
AB  - Dengue virus (DENV) (Flavivirus, Flaviviridae) is a reemerging arthropod-borne
      virus with a worldwide circulation, transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti and Aedes
      albopictus mosquitoes. Since the first detection of its main transmitting vector
      in 1992 and the invasion of DENV-1 in 1993, Costa Rica has faced dengue outbreaks
      yearly. In 2007 and 2013, Costa Rica experienced two of the largest outbreaks in
      terms of total and severe cases. To provide genetic information about the
      etiologic agents producing these outbreaks, we conducted phylogenetic analysis of
      viruses isolated from human samples. A total of 23 DENV-1 and DENV-2 sequences
      were characterized. These analyses signaled that DENV-1 genotype V and DENV-2
      American/Asian genotype were circulating in those outbreaks. Our results suggest
      that the 2007 and 2013 outbreak viral strains of DENV-1 and DENV-2 originated
      from nearby countries and underwent in situ microevolution.

PMID- 27139443
TI  - Dengue Patients with Early Hemorrhagic Manifestations Lose Coordinate Expression
      of the Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine IL-10 with the Inflammatory Cytokines IL-6 and
      IL-8.
AB  - Dengue is responsible for a wide range of clinical manifestations, ranging from
      asymptomatic infections to severe cases. The alteration of cytokine levels
      correlated with clinical characteristics can help determine prognostic markers of
      the disease and the identification of targets for immunotherapy. We measured the
      viral load, serotype, and cytokine levels of 212 serum samples from patients with
      acute dengue infection during days 1-4 after the onset of symptoms. The patients
      were classified as either with hemorrhagic manifestations (HM) or with no
      hemorrhagic manifestations (NHM). The cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and
      IL-10 were increased (P < 0.05) in the dengue virus+ group, compared with the
      control group. A higher viral load (P < 0.05) and IL-6 was detected in the HM
      group compared with the NHM group. Interestingly, the NHM group demonstrated a
      significant positive correlation between inflammatory (IL-6 and 8) and anti
      inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines, whereas the HM group did not. These findings
      suggest that a disturbance in the balance of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8
      with the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, combined with the high levels of IL-6
      and viral load, characterize possible mechanisms related to the formation of HM.

PMID- 27139444
TI  - Malaria Transmission Under an Unusual Circumstance Causing Death in Two Siblings.
AB  - Two school-going siblings from a family residing in a presumed malaria non
      endemic locality ~90 km from Mangalore city in southwestern India contracted
      Plasmodium falciparum infection. In both cases, misunderstanding of initial
      clinical symptoms as due to viral hepatitis resulted in progression to severe
      malaria before malaria treatment was initiated. Despite treatment at a tertiary
      hospital, the children died of cerebral malaria and multi-organ dysfunction.
      Active case detection in the affected locality suggested that the infection was
      transmitted from infected individuals who worked in nearby malaria-endemic areas
      and periodically visited their families. A lesson from this study is that lethal
      falciparum malaria can be transmitted in regions of India, believed to be non
      endemic for the disease, resulting in fatal outcomes if diagnosis is missed or
      delayed. Implementation of effective surveillance and control measures as well as
      preparedness for malaria detection and diagnosis are necessary in areas that are
      potentially disposed to malaria transmission even though they are presumed to be
      non-endemic. 

PMID- 27139445
TI  - Visceral Leishmaniasis in Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia:
      Reemerging or Emerging?
AB  - Kala-azar is a growing public health problem in Ethiopia. Benishangul-Gumuz
      regional state was previously not known to be endemic for the disease. In
      response to a case report from the region, we conducted a rapid assessment
      survey. A pretested questionnaire was used to capture sociodemographic and
      clinical histories pertinent to kala-azar. Study participants with complaints of
      fever and headache for 2 weeks or more were tested for kala-azar and malaria. All
      participants were screened with the leishmanin skin test and the direct
      agglutination test for exposure to Leishmania, defined as a positive result with
      either or both tests. Of 275 participants, 20 were exposed giving an overall
      leishmaniasis seroprevalence rate of 7.3%. Among the 20 positive individuals, 19
      were farmers and nine of them reported no travel history outside their district.
      It appears that kala-azar is emerging in Dangur and Guba districts of Benishangul
      Gumuz regional state, probably in connection with human encroachment into one or
      several previously out-of-reach zoonotic foci. We recommend integrated
      epidemiological surveys for confirmation and early containment of disease
      transmission in the area.

PMID- 27139446
TI  - Improving Capture of Vaccine History: Case Study from an Evaluation of 10-Valent
      Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Introduction in Kenya.
AB  - With the accelerated introduction of new vaccines in low-income settings,
      understanding immunization program performance is critical. We sought to improve
      immunization history acquisition from Ministry of Health vaccination cards during
      a vaccine impact study of 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on
      pneumococcal carriage among young children in Kenya in 2012 and 2013. We captured
      immunization history in a low proportion of study participants in 2012 using
      vaccination cards. To overcome this challenge, we implemented a household-based
      reminder system in 2013 using community health workers (CHWs), and increased the
      retrieval of vaccine cards from 62% in 2012 to 89% in 2013 (P < 0.001). The home
      based reminder system using CHWs is an example of an approach that improved
      immunization history data quality in a resource-poor setting.

PMID- 27139447
TI  - Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in the San
      Francisco Bay Area, California.
AB  - In California, the agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), Anaplasma
      phagocytophilum, is transmitted by western black-legged ticks (Ixodes pacificus).
      Cases of HGA are infrequent in California but do occur annually. We investigated
      nymphal and adult western black-legged tick populations in 20 recreational areas
      in California's San Francisco Bay Area (Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara,
      Santa Cruz, and Sonoma counties). Overall, prevalence of A. phagocytophilum in
      adult ticks was 0.8% (11/1,465), and in nymphal ticks was 4.2% (24/568), though
      presence was patchy and prevalence varied locally. We detected significant
      sequence variation in our quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-positive
      samples. This included four sequences that grouped within a clade that contains
      clinical human and veterinary isolates as well as four others that grouped with
      sequences from PCR-positive lizards from northern California. Tick populations in
      our study sites harbor genetically diverse strains of A. phagocytophilum, which
      may influence potential risk in the region.

PMID- 27139448
TI  - Sennetsu Neorickettsiosis, Spotted Fever Group, and Typhus Group Rickettsioses in
      Three Provinces in Thailand.
AB  - We estimated the seroprevalence and determined the frequency of acute infections
      with Neorickettsia sennetsu, spotted fever group rickettsiae, Rickettsia typhi,
      and Orientia tsutsugamushi among 2,225 febrile patients presenting to community
      hospitals in three rural Thailand provinces during 2002-2005. The seroprevalence
      was 0.2% for sennetsu neorickettsiosis (SN), 0.8% for spotted fever group (SFG)
      rickettsiae, 4.2% for murine typhus (MT), and 4.2% for scrub typhus (ST). The
      frequency of acute infections was 0.1% for SN, 0.6% for SFG, 2.2% for MT, and
      1.5% for ST. Additional studies to confirm the distribution of these pathogens
      and to identify animal reservoirs and transmission cycles are needed to
      understand the risk of infection.

PMID- 27139450
TI  - A Case of Lagochilascariasis in Suriname with the Involvement of the ENT System
      and the Skull Base.
AB  - We describe a case of human lagochilascariasis, with skull-base involvement and a
      chronic and relapsing course after treatment. This rare parasitic infection is
      usually manifested in the head and neck area, characterized by progressive
      granulomatous inflammation and the formation of abscesses. Transmission to humans
      most likely occurs by the consumption of undercooked meat of wild rodents. On the
      basis of literature studies, we propose the most likely life cycle of the
      parasite that involves wild feline and rodent species, with humans as accidental
      hosts. Even in endemic areas, it is very difficult to recognize the disease at an
      early stage. Progression will eventually lead to involvement of the (central)
      nervous system, as described in our case. Treatment is often difficult and
      involves resection and prolonged treatment with anthelmintic drugs. Recurrences
      are not uncommon and at present, long-term oral administration of ivermectin
      seems to be the most effective treatment. 

PMID- 27139449
TI  - The Influence of Contextual and Psychosocial Factors on Handwashing.
AB  - Even though washing hands with soap is among the most effective measures to
      reduce the risk of infection, handwashing rates in infrastructure-restricted
      settings remain seriously low. Little is known about how context alone and in
      interaction with psychosocial factors influence hand hygiene behavior. The aim of
      this article was to explore how both contextual and psychosocial factors affect
      handwashing practices. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 660 caregivers
      of primary school children in rural Burundi. Hierarchical regression analyses
      revealed that household wealth, the amount of water per person, and having a
      designated place for washing hands were contextual factors significantly
      predicting handwashing frequency, whereas the contextual factors, time spent
      collecting water and amount of money spent on soap, were not significant
      predictors. The contextual factors explained about 13% of the variance of
      reported handwashing frequency. The addition of the psychosocial factors to the
      regression model resulted in a significant 41% increase of explained variation in
      handwashing frequency. In this final model, the amount of water was the only
      contextual factor that remained a significant predictor. The most important
      predictors were a belief of self-efficacy, planning how, when, and where to wash
      hands, and always remembering to do so. The findings suggest that contextual
      constraints might be perceived rather than actual barriers and highlight the role
      of psychosocial factors in understanding hygiene behaviors.

PMID- 27139451
TI  - Endemic Q Fever in New South Wales, Australia: A Case Series (2005-2013).
AB  - Q fever is endemic in Australia, and during the period 2005-2013 our laboratory
      diagnosed 379 cases in New South Wales. To evaluate clinical symptoms,
      epidemiology, mode of diagnosis, antibody profiles, and treatment, a subset of
      160 (42%) Q fever cases were analyzed in detail following the return of a
      questionnaire by the patient's doctor and from their laboratory reports. Overall,
      82% patients were male and predominantly middle aged. The majority of patients
      (89%) had animal contact among which 63% were with cattle, 11% with sheep, and 7%
      with kangaroos. Clinical symptoms were nonspecific: myalgia (94%), fever (91%),
      headache (80%), acute fatigue (64%), and arthralgia (55%). Most cases (93%) were
      acute, and serology (immunofluorescence) was the main diagnostic modality.
      Positive real-time polymerase chain reaction results were useful in the diagnosis
      of both acute and chronic Q fever, as was the isolation of Coxiella burnetii in
      cell culture. Doxycycline was the antibiotic most commonly used.

PMID- 27139452
TI  - Detection and Quantification of Viable and Nonviable Trypanosoma cruzi Parasites
      by a Propidium Monoazide Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay.
AB  - Molecular techniques based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) allow
      the detection and quantification of DNA but are unable to distinguish between
      signals from dead or live cells. Because of the lack of simple techniques to
      differentiate between viable and nonviable cells, the aim of this study was to
      optimize and evaluate a straightforward test based on propidium monoazide (PMA)
      dye action combined with a qPCR assay (PMA-qPCR) for the selective quantification
      of viable/nonviable epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi PMA has the ability to
      penetrate the plasma membrane of dead cells and covalently cross-link to the DNA
      during exposure to bright visible light, thereby inhibiting PCR amplification.
      Different concentrations of PMA (50-200 MUM) and epimastigotes of the Maracay
      strain of T. cruzi (1 * 10(5)-10 parasites/mL) were assayed; viable and nonviable
      parasites were tested and quantified by qPCR with a TaqMan probe specific for T.
      cruzi. In the PMA-qPCR assay optimized at 100 MUM PMA, a significant qPCR signal
      reduction was observed in the nonviable versus viable epimastigotes treated with
      PMA, with a mean signal reduction of 2.5 logarithm units and a percentage of
      signal reduction > 98%, in all concentrations of parasites assayed. This signal
      reduction was also observed when PMA-qPCR was applied to a mixture of live/dead
      parasites, which allowed the detection of live cells, except when the
      concentration of live parasites was low (10 parasites/mL). The PMA-qPCR developed
      allows differentiation between viable and nonviable epimastigotes of T. cruzi and
      could thus be a potential method of parasite viability assessment and
      quantification.

PMID- 27139453
TI  - Toxoplasmosis and Toxocariasis: An Assessment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus
      Comorbidity and Health-Care Costs in Canada.
AB  - Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. are zoonotic parasites with potentially
      severe long-term consequences for those infected. We estimated incidence and
      investigated distribution, risk factors, and costs associated with these
      parasites by examining hospital discharge abstracts submitted to the Canadian
      Institute for Health Information (2002-2011). Annual incidence of serious
      toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis was 0.257 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.254
      0.260) and 0.010 (95% CI: 0.007-0.014) cases per 100,000 persons, respectively.
      Median annual health-care costs per serious case of congenital, adult-acquired,
      and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated toxoplasmosis were $1,971,
      $763, and $5,744, respectively, with an overall cost of C$1,686,860 annually
      (2015 Canadian dollars). However, the total economic burden of toxoplasmosis is
      likely much higher than these direct health-care cost estimates. HIV was reported
      as a comorbidity in 40% of toxoplasmosis cases and accounted for over half of
      direct health-care costs associated with clinical toxoplasmosis. A One Health
      approach, integrating physician and veterinary input, is recommended for
      increasing public awareness and decreasing the economic burden of these
      preventable zoonoses.

PMID- 27139454
TI  - Epidemiological Aspects of Blastocystis Colonization in Children in Ilero,
      Nigeria.
AB  - This study aimed to elucidate aspects of the epidemiology of Blastocystis in
      Nigerian school children, including the distribution of subtypes (STs) and ST
      alleles. A total of 199 genomic DNAs extracted from fecal samples from 199
      Nigerian children aged 2-14 years were tested by real-time polymerase chain
      reaction for Blastocystis Positive DNAs were submitted to barcoding by PCR and
      sequencing to obtain information on STs and ST alleles. A total of 167 (84%)
      samples were positive for Blastocystis, with prevalence increasing by age. No
      association between Blastocystis colonization and gender (P = 0.51) or
      type/presence of toilet facilities (P = 0.21) was observed. Blastocystis carriers
      were more prone to using water collected from wells than from sachets (P =
      0.0044). Moreover, Blastocystis positivity was associated with positivity for
      fecal-orally transmitted protozoa (P = 0.018) and helminths (P < 0.0001). A clear
      inverse association of Blastocystis colonization and malaria infection was
      observed (P < 0.0001); however, malaria-positive children being younger than
      malaria-negative children, this finding was attributed to the age effect of
      Blastocystis colonization. ST data were available for 127/167 (76%) samples.
      Fifty-one children were positive for ST1, while 42 and 33 children were colonized
      with ST2 and ST3, respectively; a single case of ST7 was observed. By and large,
      the ST alleles identified for ST1 and ST2 did not differ from those observed in
      humans in other regions of the world; meanwhile, the distribution of ST3 alleles
      was remarkably distinct and potentially specific to humans in sub-Saharan Africa.

PMID- 27139455
TI  - Plasmodium falciparum Genetic Diversity in Bangladesh Does Not Suggest a
      Hypoendemic Population Structure.
AB  - Despite the recommendation for the use of merozoite surface protein 1 (msp1),
      merozoite surface protein 2 (msp2), and glutamate-rich protein (glurp) genes as
      markers in drug efficacy studies by World Health Organization and their limited
      use in Bangladesh, the circulating Plasmodium falciparum population genetic
      structure has not yet been assessed in Bangladesh. This study presents a
      comprehensive report on the circulating P. falciparum population structure based
      on msp1, msp2, and glurp polymorphic gene markers in Bangladesh. Among the 130
      pretreatment (day 0) P. falciparum samples from seven malaria-endemic districts,
      14 distinct genotypes were observed for msp1, 20 for msp2, and 13 for glurp
      Polyclonal infection was reported in 94.6% (N = 123) of the samples. Multiplicity
      of infection (MOI) for msp1 was the highest (1.5) among the MOIs of the markers.
      The heterozygosity for msp1, msp2, and glurp was 0.89, 0.93, and 0.83,
      respectively. Data according to different malaria-endemic areas are also
      presented and discussed. Bangladesh is considered as a malaria-hypoendemic
      country. However, the prevalence of polyclonal infection and the genetic
      diversity of P. falciparum do not represent hypoendemicity.

PMID- 27139456
TI  - Mental Health Inequalities in Adolescents Growing Up in Post-Apartheid South
      Africa: Cross-Sectional Survey, SHaW Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: South Africa is one of the most 'unequal' societies in the world.
      Despite apartheid ending more than 20 years ago, material inequalities remain
      interwoven with ethnic/racial inequalities. There is limited research on the
      prevalence/predictors of common mental disorders (CMD) among young people.
      Adolescence is a unique time-point during which intervention may lead to improved
      mental health and reduced social problems later. The study objective was to
      assess mental health disparities in a representative sample of adolescents
      growing up in South Africa. METHODS: Cross-sectional associations of
      race/ethnicity and material disadvantage with CMD and Post Traumatic Stress
      Disorder (PTSD) were assessed in a stratified random sample representative of
      school-attendees, aged 14-15 years, in a large metropolitan area of Cape Town.
      Validated instruments assessed mental disorders; these included: Harvard Trauma
      Questionnaire (PTSD); Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire (depression); Zung
      self-rated anxiety scale (anxiety). Self-ascribed ethnicity was determined using
      procedures similar to the South African census and previous national surveys.
      RESULTS: Response rate was 88% (1034 of 1169 individuals). Adolescents
      experienced a high prevalence of depression (41%), anxiety (16%) and PTSD (21%).
      A gradient between material disadvantage and CMD/ PTSD was evident across all
      ethnic/racial groups. Respondents self-identifying as 'black' or 'coloured' were
      disadvantaged across most indicators. After adjusting for confounders, relative
      to white children, relative risk (RR) of CMD in black children was 2.27 (95%
      CI:1.24, 4.15) and for PTSD was RR: 2.21 (95% CI:1.73, 2.83). Relative risk of
      CMD was elevated in children self-identifying as 'coloured' (RR: 1.73, 95%
      CI:1.11, 2.70). Putative mediators (violence, racially motivated bullying, social
      support, self-esteem) partially accounted for differences in CMD and fully for
      PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent mental health inequalities in Cape Town are
      associated with material disadvantage and self-identification with historically
      disadvantaged groups.

PMID- 27139458
TI  - Bilateral symmetry of human carotid artery atherosclerosis: a multi-contrast
      weighted MR study.
AB  - The systemic nature of atherosclerotic disease may entail an association in
      disease severity between left and right carotid arteries. However, the etiology
      of plaque features in high-risk lesions is presumably attributed to local risk
      factors. We explored the symmetry of plaque morphology and composition across a
      broad range of atherosclerotic disease severities. All participants underwent
      carotid MR imaging on a 3.0 T scanner with a bilateral four-element phased-array
      surface coil. Vessel boundary and plaque components [calcification, lipid-rich
      necrotic core (LRNC) and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH)] of bilateral carotid
      arteries were outlined. Normalized wall index (NWI) was calculated as follows:
      NWI = wall volume/total vessel volume. Carotid atherosclerosis score (CAS) was
      computed for plaque risk stratification. Associations of volume measurements
      between sides were evaluated using Pearson's correlation. Cohen's kappa was used
      to assess agreement between dichotomous variables. In the 177 participants with
      images of sufficient quality, there were very strong correlations between left
      and right lumen volumes (r = 0.85), total vessel volumes (r = 0.88), and strong
      correlations between wall volumes (r = 0.79), mean wall thickness (r = 0.66) and
      NWI (r = 0.71), and a moderate correlation between max wall thickness (r = 0.56)
      (all P < 0.001). There were moderate between-side agreements for the presence of
      calcification (kappa = 0.54) and LRNC (kappa = 0.49), but only fair agreement for
      IPH (kappa = 0.31). The correlation of volume between left and right carotid
      arteries was strong for calcification (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) and weak for LRNC (r
      = 0.39, P < 0.001), but there was no significant correlation for IPH (r = 0.01, P
      = 0.99). Fair agreement (kappa = 0.34) for CAS between paired carotid arteries
      was observed. Only 16 of 47 participants with CAS = 4 on at least one side had
      the same CAS on the contralateral side. Plaque morphology, calcification, and
      LRNC may develop symmetrically, but there is a relatively poor correlation for
      lipid content between sides. The weak symmetry of IPH and CAS indicates that the
      development of atherosclerosis into high-risk lesions may be regulated by local
      rather than systemic factors. 

PMID- 27139457
TI  - Current Standards in Treatment of Radioiodine Refractory Thyroid Cancer.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAI-R
      DTC) is a challenging malignancy with limited prognosis and treatment options.
      Recently, clinical trials with targeted therapies have advanced the outlook of
      these patients, and inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      axis has led to the approval of small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)
      for first-line treatment of radioiodine refractory disease. In addition to
      approved therapies (sorafenib and lenvatinib), other multi-targeted tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors that are commercially available have been recognized as viable
      treatment options for RAI-R DTC. Our preference is to initially use lenvatinib,
      given the dramatic progression-free survival (PFS) improvement versus placebo,
      with the caveat that 24 mg daily is not often tolerated and lower doses often
      used. In patients with BRAF V600E mutation, BRAF inhibitors are now considered
      for treatment, especially if patients are at high risk from antiangiogenic
      therapy. Research is continuing to evolve in identifying mechanisms related to
      radioiodine refractoriness, and trials are evaluating therapeutic molecules to
      overcome this resistance. Clinical care of patients with RAI-R DTC requires
      careful consideration of both patient and disease characteristics. Many patients
      with asymptomatic and indolent disease can be followed for years without
      treatment while others with high volume or rapidly progressive disease merit
      early intervention.

PMID- 27139459
TI  - Determinants of image quality of rotational angiography for on-line assessment of
      frame geometry after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
AB  - To study the determinants of image quality of rotational angiography using
      dedicated research prototype software for motion compensation without rapid
      ventricular pacing after the implantation of four commercially available catheter
      based valves. Prospective observational study including 179 consecutive patients
      who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with either the
      Medtronic CoreValve (MCS), Edward-SAPIEN Valve (ESV), Boston Sadra Lotus (BSL) or
      Saint-Jude Portico Valve (SJP) in whom rotational angiography (R-angio) with
      motion compensation 3D image reconstruction was performed. Image quality was
      evaluated from grade 1 (excellent image quality) to grade 5 (strongly degraded).
      Distinction was made between good (grades 1, 2) and poor image quality (grades 3
      5). Clinical (gender, body mass index, Agatston score, heart rate and rhythm,
      artifacts), procedural (valve type) and technical variables (isocentricity) were
      related with the image quality assessment. Image quality was good in 128 (72 %)
      and poor in 51 (28 %) patients. By univariable analysis only valve type (BSL) and
      the presence of an artefact negatively affected image quality. By multivariate
      analysis (in which BMI was forced into the model) BSL valve (Odds 3.5, 95 % CI
      [1.3-9.6], p = 0.02), presence of an artifact (Odds 2.5, 95 % CI [1.2-5.4], p =
      0.02) and BMI (Odds 1.1, 95 % CI [1.0-1.2], p = 0.04) were independent predictors
      of poor image quality. Rotational angiography with motion compensation 3D image
      reconstruction using a dedicated research prototype software offers good image
      quality for the evaluation of frame geometry after TAVI in the majority of
      patients. Valve type, presence of artifacts and higher BMI negatively affect
      image quality. 

PMID- 27139461
TI  - Proximal culprit lesion and coronary artery occlusion independently predict the
      risk of microvascular obstruction in acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - Microvascular obstruction (MO) and coronary flow have been independently
      described to have a high prognostic impact after acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI). Their interdependence has not been precisely elucidated, so far. Aim of
      this study was to investigate the impact of coronary flow on the occurrence of MO
      in patients with AMI. 336 patients with revascularized AMI were examined by
      cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were categorised into two groups
      based on the presence of MO. Procedural characteristics and marker of infarct
      size were analyzed. MO was present in 110 (33 %) and absent in 226 (67 %)
      patients. Both groups differed significantly regarding pre- and post
      interventional thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow. After
      multivariable regression analysis pre-interventional TIMI-flow 0, proximal
      culprit lesion, post-interventional TIMI-flow <III and creatine-kinase-myocardial
      band (CK-MB) remained strong independent predictors for MO. Odds ratios for pre
      interventional TIMI-flow 0 were 2.31 (95 % CI 1.04-5.11, P = 0.034); for proximal
      culprit lesion 11.94 (95 % CI 5.70-25.01, P < 0.001); for post-interventional
      TIMI-flow III 0.28 (95 % CI 0.10-0.74, P = 0.010) and for CK-MB 1.50 (95 % CI
      1.24-1.82, P < 0.001). Pre-interventional proximal coronary artery occlusion
      (TIMI 0) and insufficient post-interventional coronary reperfusion (TIMI-flow 
      <III) have a high impact on the occurrence of MO in AMI. 

PMID- 27139460
TI  - Sudden cardiac death from structural heart diseases in adults: imaging findings
      with cardiovascular computed tomography and magnetic resonance.
AB  - Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is defined as the unexpected natural death from a
      cardiac cause within an hour of the onset of symptoms in the absence of any other
      cause. Although such a rapid course of death is mainly attributed to a cardiac
      arrhythmia, identification of structural heart disease by cardiovascular computed
      tomography (CCT) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is important
      to predict the long-term risk of SCD. In adults, SCD most commonly results from
      coronary artery diseases, coronary artery anomalies, inherited cardiomyopathies,
      valvular heart diseases, myocarditis, and aortic dissection with coronary artery
      involvement or acute aortic regurgitation. This review describes the CCT and CMR
      findings of structural heart diseases related to SCD, which are essential for
      radiologists to diagnose or predict. 

PMID- 27139462
TI  - Non-contrast cardiac CT immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention:
      does it predict the risk of left ventricular remodeling in patients with ST
      elevation myocardial infarction?
AB  - To assess the clinical utility of non-contrast cardiac CT (CCT) immediately after
      successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for predicting the risk of
      left ventricle (LV) remodeling in the management of patients with acute
      myocardial infarction (AMI), 35 patients with AMI underwent non-contrast CCT
      immediately after PCI. Volume and transmural extent of myocardial delayed
      enhancement (DE) were assessed on non-contrast CCT. Serial echocardiography and
      serologic biomarkers were evaluated at baseline and at 2 and 12 months after AMI.
      Based on an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) >=20 % at 2
      months, patients were classified into two groups: LV remodeling (group 1, n = 14)
      and no LV remodeling (group 2, n = 21). Clinical characteristics, imaging
      parameters, and serologic biomarkers were compared between the two groups. Higher
      incidence of hypertension, longer time to reperfusion, and higher Killip
      classification at admission were observed for group 1 than for group 2, but these
      differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Greater volume and
      transmural extent of DE on non-contrast CCT and poorer resolution of ST-segment
      elevation on ECG were observed in group 1 compared to group 2, but these results
      were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Measurement of biochemical markers
      showed that probrain natriuretic peptide (proBNP), initial high sensitivity C
      reactive protein (hs-CRP), and maximum troponin T level were significantly higher
      in group 1 than in group 2 (P < 0.05) at 2 months. Based on the trend of greater
      volume and transmural extent of DE in group 1 compared to group 2, non-contrast
      CCT immediately after PCI, in combination with serologic biomarkers (proBNP, hs
      CRP, and troponin T) might be useful for managing patients with AMI. 

PMID- 27139463
TI  - Antifungal Mechanism of Action of Lactoferrin: Identification of H+-ATPase (P3A
      Type) as a New Apoptotic-Cell Membrane Receptor.
AB  - Human lactoferrin (hLf) is a protein of the innate immune system which induces an
      apoptotic-like process in yeast. Determination of the susceptibility to
      lactoferrin of several yeast species under different metabolic conditions,
      respiratory activity, cytoplasmic ATP levels, and external medium acidification
      mediated by glucose assays suggested plasma membrane Pma1p (P3A-type ATPase) as
      the hLf molecular target. The inhibition of plasma membrane ATPase activity by
      hLf and the identification of Pma1p as the hLf-binding membrane protein confirmed
      the previous physiological evidence. Consistent with this, cytoplasmic ATP levels
      progressively increased in hLf-treated Candida albicans cells. However,
      oligomycin, a specific inhibitor of the mitochondrial F-type ATPase proton pump
      (mtATPase), abrogated the antifungal activity of hLf, indicating a crucial role
      for mtATPase in the apoptotic process. We suggest that lactoferrin targeted
      plasma membrane Pma1p H(+)-ATPase, perturbing the cytoplasmic ion homeostasis
      (i.e., cytoplasmic H(+) accumulation and subsequent K(+) efflux) and inducing a
      lethal mitochondrial dysfunction. This initial event involved a normal
      mitochondrial ATP synthase activity responsible for both the ATP increment and
      subsequent hypothetical mitochondrial proton flooding process. We conclude that
      human lactoferrin inhibited Pma1p H(+)-ATPase, inducing an apoptotic-like process
      in metabolically active yeast. Involvement of mitochondrial H(+)-ATPase
      (nonreverted) was essential for the progress of this programmed cell death in
      which the ionic homeostasis perturbation seems to precede classical nonionic
      apoptotic events.

PMID- 27139464
TI  - Sideromimic Modification of Lactivicin Dramatically Increases Potency against
      Extensively Drug-Resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Clinical Isolates.
AB  - Acetamido derivatives of the naturally antibacterial non-beta-lactam lactivicin
      (LTV) have improved activity against their penicillin binding protein targets and
      reduced hydrolysis by beta-lactamases, but penetration into Gram-negative
      bacteria is still relatively poor. Here we report that modification of the LTV
      lactone with a catechol-type siderophore increases potency 1,000-fold against
      Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a species renowned for its insusceptibility to
      antimicrobials. The MIC90 of modified lactone compound 17 (LTV17) against a
      global collection of extensively drug-resistant clinical S. maltophilia isolates
      was 0.063 MUg . ml(-1) Sideromimic modification does not reduce the ability of
      LTVs to induce production of the L1 and L2 beta-lactamases in S. maltophilia and
      does not reduce the rate at which LTVs are hydrolyzed by L1 or L2. We conclude,
      therefore, that lactivicin modification with a siderophore known to be
      preferentially used by S. maltophilia substantially increases penetration via
      siderophore uptake. LTV17 has the potential to be developed as a novel
      antimicrobial for treatment of infections by S. maltophilia More generally, our
      work shows that sideromimic modification in a species-targeted manner might prove
      useful for the development of narrow-spectrum antimicrobials that have reduced
      collateral effects.

PMID- 27139465
TI  - Stability of Novel Siderophore Cephalosporin S-649266 against Clinically Relevant
      Carbapenemases.
AB  - To better understand the antibacterial activity of S-649266 against carbapenemase
      producers, its stability against clinically relevant carbapenemases was
      investigated. The catalytic efficiencies (kcat/Km) of IMP-1, VIM-2, and L1 for S
      649266 were 0.0048, 0.0050, and 0.024 MUM(-1) s(-1), respectively, which were
      more than 260-fold lower than that for meropenem. Only slight hydrolysis of S
      649266 against KPC-3 was observed. NDM-1 hydrolyzed meropenem 3-fold faster than
      S-649266 at 200 MUM.

PMID- 27139466
TI  - Antimalarial Activity of Small-Molecule Benzothiazole Hydrazones.
AB  - We synthesized a new series of conjugated hydrazones that were found to be active
      against malaria parasite in vitro, as well as in vivo in a murine model. These
      hydrazones concentration-dependently chelated free iron and offered antimalarial
      activity. Upon screening of the synthesized hydrazones, compound 5f was found to
      be the most active iron chelator, as well as antiplasmodial. Compound 5f also
      interacted with free heme (KD [equilibrium dissociation constant] = 1.17 +/- 0.8
      MUM), an iron-containing tetrapyrrole released after hemoglobin digestion by the
      parasite, and inhibited heme polymerization by parasite lysate. Structure
      activity relationship studies indicated that a nitrogen- and sulfur-substituted
      five-membered aromatic ring present within the benzothiazole hydrazones might be
      responsible for their antimalarial activity. The dose-dependent antimalarial and
      heme polymerization inhibitory activities of the lead compound 5f were further
      validated by following [(3)H]hypoxanthine incorporation and hemozoin formation in
      parasite, respectively. It is worth mentioning that compound 5f exhibited
      antiplasmodial activity in vitro against a chloroquine/pyrimethamine-resistant
      strain of Plasmodium falciparum (K1). We also evaluated in vivo antimalarial
      activity of compound 5f in a murine model where a lethal multiple-drug-resistant
      strain of Plasmodium yoelii was used to infect Swiss albino mice. Compound 5f
      significantly suppressed the growth of parasite, and the infected mice
      experienced longer life spans upon treatment with this compound. During in vitro
      and in vivo toxicity assays, compound 5f showed minimal alteration in biochemical
      and hematological parameters compared to control. In conclusion, we identified a
      new class of hydrazone with therapeutic potential against malaria.

PMID- 27139467
TI  - Quinolone Amides as Antitrypanosomal Lead Compounds with In Vivo Activity.
AB  - Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a major tropical disease for which few
      drugs for treatment are available, driving the need for novel active compounds.
      Recently, morpholino-substituted benzyl amides of the fluoroquinolone-type
      antibiotics were identified to be compounds highly active against Trypanosoma
      brucei brucei Since the lead compound GHQ168 was challenged by poor water
      solubility in previous trials, the aim of this study was to introduce structural
      variations to GHQ168 as well as to formulate GHQ168 with the ultimate goal to
      increase its aqueous solubility while maintaining its in vitro antitrypanosomal
      activity. The pharmacokinetic parameters of spray-dried GHQ168 and the newly
      synthesized compounds GHQ242 and GHQ243 in mice were characterized by elimination
      half-lives ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 h after intraperitoneal administration (4
      mice/compound), moderate to strong human serum albumin binding for GHQ168 (80%)
      and GHQ243 (45%), and very high human serum albumin binding (>99%) for GHQ242.
      For the lead compound, GHQ168, the apparent clearance was 112 ml/h and the
      apparent volume of distribution was 14 liters/kg of body weight (BW). Mice
      infected with T. b. rhodesiense (STIB900) were treated in a stringent study
      scheme (2 daily applications between days 3 and 6 postinfection). Exposure to
      spray-dried GHQ168 in contrast to the control treatment resulted in mean survival
      durations of 17 versus 9 days, respectively, a difference that was statistically
      significant. Results that were statistically insignificantly different were
      obtained between the control and the GHQ242 and GHQ243 treatments. Therefore,
      GHQ168 was further profiled in an early-treatment scheme (2 daily applications at
      days 1 to 4 postinfection), and the results were compared with those obtained
      with a control treatment. The result was statistically significant mean survival
      times exceeding 32 days (end of the observation period) versus 7 days for the
      GHQ168 and control treatments, respectively. Spray-dried GHQ168 demonstrated
      exciting antitrypanosomal efficacy.

PMID- 27139468
TI  - Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of the Potential Clinical Utility of Fosfomycin and
      Meropenem in Combination Therapy against KPC-2-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.
AB  - KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae causes serious infections associated with
      high death rates worldwide. Combination therapy consisting of fosfomycin and a
      carbapenem is better than monotherapy to combat multidrug-resistant
      microorganisms, but no dosages for the combination have been defined. The MICs of
      meropenem and fosfomycin were evaluated against 18 clinical isolates of KPC-2
      producing K. pneumoniae The activities of combination antimicrobials were also
      determined by the checkerboard method. The MIC50 and MIC90 of each agent alone
      and in combination were challenged against short (1.5-h) or prolonged (3-h)
      infusion regimens of meropenem (1 g every 8 h [q8h], 1.5 g q6h, 2 g q8h) and
      fosfomycin (4 g q8h, 6 g q6h, 8 g q8h) by Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the
      time above the MIC of the free drug concentration as a percentage of the dosing
      interval (fT>MIC). The monotherapy MIC50s and MIC90s were 32 and 256 mg/liter for
      meropenem and 64 and 512 mg/liter for fosfomycin, respectively. Antimicrobial
      combination increased bacterial susceptibility to 1/4 the MIC50s and to 1/8 to
      1/16 the MIC90s of monotherapy. The antimicrobial combination demonstrated a
      synergistic effect for at least two-thirds of the isolates. In combination
      therapy, fosfomycin regimens of 6 g q6h and 8 g q8h as a 3-h infusion against the
      MIC50 and MIC90 had better chances of achieving >=90% probability of target
      attainment (PTA) of 70% fT>MIC. Meropenem regimens of 1.5 g q6h and 2 g q8h in
      prolonged infusion can achieve close to 90% PTA of 40% fT>MIC for MIC50 but not
      MIC90 The significant reduction in the MIC values and the achievement of
      appropriate PTA demonstrated that regimens containing fosfomycin with meropenem
      can be effective against KPC-2-producing K. pneumoniae.

PMID- 27139469
TI  - Detection of Carbapenemase Genes in Aquatic Environments in Rio de Janeiro,
      Brazil.
AB  - This study reveals the presence of different carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaNDM,
      blaGES, and blaOXA48-like genes) detected directly from water samples and clonal
      dispersion (by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis [PFGE] and multilocus sequence
      typing [MLST]) of KPC-2-producing Enterobacteriaceae in two important urban
      aquatic matrixes from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, highlighting the role of aquatic
      environments as gene pools and the possibility of community spreading.

PMID- 27139471
TI  - Synergy between Colistin and the Signal Peptidase Inhibitor MD3 Is Dependent on
      the Mechanism of Colistin Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii.
AB  - Synergy between colistin and the signal peptidase inhibitor MD3 was tested
      against isogenic mutants and clinical pairs of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates.
      Checkerboard assays and growth curves showed synergy against both colistin
      susceptible strains (fractional inhibitory concentration index [FICindex] = 0.13
      to 0.24) and colistin-resistant strains with mutations in pmrB and
      phosphoethanolamine modification of lipid A (FICindex = 0.14 to 0.25) but not
      against colistin-resistant Deltalpx strains with loss of lipopolysaccharide
      (FICindex = 0.75 to 1). A colistin/MD3 combination would need to be targeted to
      strains with specific colistin resistance mechanisms.

PMID- 27139470
TI  - Anti-infective Activity of 2-Cyano-3-Acrylamide Inhibitors with Improved Drug
      Like Properties against Two Intracellular Pathogens.
AB  - Due to the rise of antibiotic resistance and the small number of effective
      antiviral drugs, new approaches for treating infectious diseases are urgently
      needed. Identifying targets for host-based therapies represents an emerging
      strategy for drug discovery. The ubiquitin-proteasome system is a central mode of
      signaling in the eukaryotic cell and may be a promising target for therapies that
      bolster the host's ability to control infection. Deubiquitinase (DUB) enzymes are
      key regulators of the host inflammatory response, and we previously demonstrated
      that a selective DUB inhibitor and its derivative promote anti-infective
      activities in host cells. To find compounds with anti-infective efficacy but
      improved toxicity profiles, we tested a library of predominantly 2-cyano-3
      acrylamide small-molecule DUB inhibitors for anti-infective activity in
      macrophages against two intracellular pathogens: murine norovirus (MNV) and
      Listeria monocytogenes We identified compound C6, which inhibited DUB activity in
      human and murine cells and reduced intracellular replication of both pathogens
      with minimal toxicity in cell culture. Treatment with C6 did not significantly
      affect the ability of macrophages to internalize virus, suggesting that the anti
      infective activity interferes with postentry stages of the MNV life cycle.
      Metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic assays showed that C6 has a half-life in
      mouse liver microsomes of ~20 min and has a half-life of approximately 4 h in
      mice when administered intravenously. Our results provide a framework for
      targeting the host ubiquitin system in the development of host-based therapies
      for infectious disease. Compound C6 represents a promising tool with which to
      elucidate the role of DUBs in the macrophage response to infection.

PMID- 27139472
TI  - High Systemic Exposure of Pyrazinoic Acid Has Limited Antituberculosis Activity
      in Murine and Rabbit Models of Tuberculosis.
AB  - Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a prodrug requiring conversion to pyrazinoic acid (POA) by
      an amidase encoded by pncA for in vitro activity. Mutation of pncA is the most
      common cause of PZA resistance in clinical isolates. To determine whether the
      systemic delivery of POA or host-mediated conversion of PZA to POA could
      circumvent such resistance, we evaluated the efficacy of orally administered and
      host-derived POA in vivo Dose-ranging plasma and intrapulmonary POA
      pharmacokinetics and the efficacy of oral POA or PZA treatment against PZA
      susceptible tuberculosis were determined in BALB/c and C3HeB/FeJ mice. The
      activity of host-derived POA was assessed in rabbits infected with a pncA-null
      mutant and treated with PZA. Median plasma POA values for the area under the
      concentration-time curve from 0 h to infinity (AUC0-infinity) were 139 to 222
      MUg.h/ml and 178 to 287 MUg.h/ml after doses of PZA and POA of 150 mg/kg of body
      weight, respectively, in mice. Epithelial lining fluid POA concentrations in
      infected mice were comparable after POA and PZA administration. In chronically
      infected BALB/c mice, PZA at 150 mg/kg reduced lung CFU counts by >2 log10 after
      4 weeks. POA was effective only at 450 mg/kg, which reduced lung CFU counts by
      ~0.7 log10 POA had no demonstrable bactericidal activity in C3HeB/FeJ mice, nor
      did PZA administered to rabbits infected with a PZA-resistant mutant. Oral POA
      administration and host-mediated conversion of PZA to POA producing plasma POA
      exposures comparable to PZA administration was significantly less effective than
      PZA. These results suggest that the intrabacillary delivery of POA and that
      producing higher POA concentrations at the site of infection will be more
      effective strategies for maximizing POA efficacy.

PMID- 27139474
TI  - Systematic Review of Factors Associated with Antibiotic Prescribing for
      Respiratory Tract Infections.
AB  - Antibiotic use is a modifiable driver of antibiotic resistance. In many
      circumstances, antibiotic use is overly broad or unnecessary. We systematically
      assessed factors associated with antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract
      infections (RTI). Studies were included if they used actual (not self-reported or
      intended) prescribing data, assessed factors associated with antibiotic
      prescribing for RTIs, and performed multivariable analysis of associations. We
      searched Medline, Embase, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts using
      keyword and MeSH (medical subject headings) search terms. Two authors reviewed
      each abstract and independently appraised all included texts. Data on factors
      affecting antibiotic prescribing were extracted. Our searches retrieved a total
      of 2,848 abstracts, with 97 included in full-text review and 28 meeting full
      inclusion criteria. Compared to other factors, diagnosis of acute bronchitis was
      associated with increased antibiotic prescribing (range of adjusted odds ratios
      [aOR], 1.56 to 15.9). Features on physical exam, such as fever, purulent sputum,
      abnormal respiratory exam, and tonsillar exudate, were also associated with
      higher odds of antibiotic prescribing. Patient desire for an antibiotic was not
      associated or was modestly associated with prescription (range of aORs, 0.61 to
      9.87), in contrast to physician perception of patient desire for antibiotics,
      which showed a stronger association (range of aORs, 2.11 to 23.3). Physician's
      perception of patient desire for antibiotics was strongly associated with
      antibiotic prescribing. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should continue to
      expand in the outpatient setting and should emphasize clear and direct
      communication between patients and physicians, as well as signs and symptoms that
      do and do not predict bacterial etiology of upper respiratory tract infections.

PMID- 27139473
TI  - A Multinational, Preregistered Cohort Study of beta-Lactam/beta-Lactamase
      Inhibitor Combinations for Treatment of Bloodstream Infections Due to Extended
      Spectrum-beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae.
AB  - The spread of extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) is leading to increased carbapenem consumption.
      Alternatives to carbapenems need to be investigated. We investigated whether beta
      lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor (BLBLI) combinations are as effective as
      carbapenems in the treatment of bloodstream infections (BSI) due to ESBL-E. A
      multinational, retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients with
      monomicrobial BSI due to ESBL-E were studied; specific criteria were applied for
      inclusion of patients in the empirical-therapy (ET) cohort (ETC; 365 patients),
      targeted-therapy (TT) cohort (TTC; 601 patients), and global cohort (GC; 627
      patients). The main outcome variables were cure/improvement rate at day 14 and
      all-cause 30-day mortality. Multivariate analysis, propensity scores (PS), and
      sensitivity analyses were used to control for confounding. The cure/improvement
      rates with BLBLIs and carbapenems were 80.0% and 78.9% in the ETC and 90.2% and
      85.5% in the TTC, respectively. The 30-day mortality rates were 17.6% and 20% in
      the ETC and 9.8% and 13.9% in the TTC, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio (OR)
      (95% confidence interval [CI]) values for cure/improvement rate with ET with
      BLBLIs were 1.37 (0.69 to 2.76); for TT, they were 1.61 (0.58 to 4.86). Regarding
      30-day mortality, the adjusted OR (95% CI) values were 0.55 (0.25 to 1.18) for ET
      and 0.59 (0.19 to 1.71) for TT. The results were consistent in all subgroups
      studied, in a stratified analysis according to quartiles of PS, in PS-matched
      cases, and in the GC. BLBLIs, if active in vitro, appear to be as effective as
      carbapenems for ET and TT of BSI due to ESLB-E regardless of the source and
      specific species. These data may help to avoid the overuse of carbapenems. (This
      study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no.
      NCT01764490.).

PMID- 27139475
TI  - Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Quick-Dissolving Polymeric Vaginal Films
      Delivering the Antiretroviral IQP-0528 for Preexposure Prophylaxis.
AB  - For human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, microbicides or drugs
      delivered as quick-dissolving films may be more acceptable to women than gels
      because of their compact size, minimal waste, lack of an applicator, and easier
      storage and transport. This has the potential to improve adherence to promising
      products for preexposure prophylaxis. Vaginal films containing IQP-0528, a
      nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, were evaluated for their
      pharmacokinetics in pigtailed macaques. Polymeric films (22 by 44 by 0.1 mm;
      providing 75% of a human dose) containing IQP-0528 (1.5%, wt/wt) with and without
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticle encapsulation were inserted
      vaginally into pigtailed macaques in a crossover study design (n = 6). With
      unencapsulated drug, the median (range) vaginal fluid concentrations of IQP-0528
      were 160.97 (2.73 to 2,104), 181.79 (1.86 to 15,800), and 484.50 (8.26 to 4,045)
      MUg/ml at 1, 4, and 24 h after film application, respectively. Median vaginal
      tissue IQP-0528 concentrations at 24 h were 3.10 (0.03 to 222.58) MUg/g. The
      values were similar at locations proximal, medial, and distal to the cervix. The
      IQP-0528 nanoparticle-formulated films delivered IQP-0528 in vaginal tissue and
      secretions at levels similar to those obtained with the unencapsulated
      formulation. A single application of either formulation did not disturb the
      vaginal microflora or the pH (7.24 +/- 0.84 [mean +/- standard deviation]). The
      high mucosal IQP-0528 levels delivered by both vaginal film formulations were
      between 1 and 5 log higher than the in vitro 90% inhibitory concentration (IC90)
      of 0.146 MUg/ml. The excellent coverage and high mucosal levels of IQP-0528, well
      above the IC90, suggest that the films may be protective and warrant further
      evaluation in a vaginal repeated low dose simian-human immunodeficiency virus
      (SHIV) transmission study in macaques and clinically in women.

PMID- 27139477
TI  - Characteristics and Outcomes of Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections Involving
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Ceftolozane
      Tazobactam Study.
AB  - Ceftolozane-tazobactam is active against Gram-negative pathogens, including
      multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa In a subgroup analysis of patients
      with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) involving P. aeruginosa from
      a phase 3 program, ceftolozane-tazobactam demonstrated potent in vitro activity
      against P. aeruginosa Clinical cure in the microbiologically evaluable population
      was 100% (26/26) for ceftolozane-tazobactam plus metronidazole and 93.1% (27/29)
      for meropenem. These findings support the use of ceftolozane-tazobactam in the
      management of cIAI when P. aeruginosa is suspected or confirmed. (This study has
      been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01445665 and
      NCT01445678.).

PMID- 27139476
TI  - Effect of Fluoroquinolones and Macrolides on Eradication and Resistance of
      Haemophilus influenzae in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - Little is known about the effect of antibiotics on eradication of carriage and
      development of resistance in Haemophilus influenzae in individuals with chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our goals were to assess antibiotic
      susceptibilities, prevalence of resistance genes, and development of resistance
      in H. influenzae and to evaluate the effect of macrolide and fluoroquinolone
      administration on H. influenzae eradication. Data were from a 15-year
      longitudinal study of COPD. Genome sequence data were used to determine genotype
      and identify resistance genes. MICs of antibiotics were determined by reference
      broth microdilution. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate
      associations between antibiotic use and H. influenzae eradication. We examined
      267 H. influenzae isolates from 77 individuals. All newly acquired H. influenzae
      isolates were susceptible to azithromycin. Five of 27 (19%) strains developed 4
      fold increases in azithromycin MICs and reached or exceeded the susceptibility
      breakpoint (<=4 MUg/ml) during exposure. H. influenzae isolates were uniformly
      susceptible to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin (MIC90s of 0.015,
      0.015, and 0.06, respectively); there were no mutations in quinolone resistance
      determining regions. Fluoroquinolone administration was associated with increased
      H. influenzae eradication compared to macrolides (odds ratio [OR], 16.67; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 2.67 to 104.09). There was no difference in H.
      influenzae eradication when comparing macrolide administration to no antibiotic
      (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 0.43 to 8.30). Fluoroquinolones are effective in eradicating
      H. influenzae in individuals with COPD. Macrolides are ineffective in eradicating
      H. influenzae, and their use in COPD patients may lead to decreased macrolide
      susceptibility and resistance.

PMID- 27139478
TI  - Geographic Differences in the Contribution of ubiA Mutations to High-Level
      Ethambutol Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - Ethambutol (EMB) resistance can evolve through a multistep process, and mutations
      in the ubiA (Rv3806c) gene appear to be responsible for high-level EMB resistance
      in Mycobacterium tuberculosis We evaluated the prevalence of ubiA and embB
      (Rv3795) mutations in EMB-resistant strains originating from Africa and South
      Korea. No differences in embB mutation frequencies were observed between strains
      from both origins. However, ubiA mutations were present in 45.5% +/- 6.5% of the
      African EMB-resistant isolates but in only 9.5% +/- 1.5% of the South Korean EMB
      resistant isolates. The ubiA mutations associated with EMB resistance were
      localized to regions encoding the transmembrane domains of the protein, whereas
      the embB mutations were localized to regions encoding the extramembrane domains.
      Larger studies are needed to investigate the causes of increased ubiA mutations
      as a pathway to high-level EMB resistance in African countries, such as extended
      EMB usage during tuberculosis treatment.

PMID- 27139479
TI  - A Silenced vanA Gene Cluster on a Transferable Plasmid Caused an Outbreak of
      Vancomycin-Variable Enterococci.
AB  - We report an outbreak of vancomycin-variable vanA(+) enterococci (VVE) able to
      escape phenotypic detection by current guidelines and demonstrate the molecular
      mechanisms for in vivo switching into vancomycin resistance and horizontal spread
      of the vanA cluster. Forty-eight vanA(+) Enterococcus faecium isolates and one
      Enterococcus faecalis isolate were analyzed for clonality with pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE), and their vanA gene cluster compositions were assessed by
      PCR and whole-genome sequencing of six isolates. The susceptible VVE strains were
      cultivated in brain heart infusion broth containing vancomycin at 8 MUg/ml for in
      vitro development of resistant VVE. The transcription profiles of susceptible VVE
      and their resistant revertants were assessed using quantitative reverse
      transcription-PCR. Plasmid content was analyzed with S1 nuclease PFGE and
      hybridizations. Conjugative transfer of vanA was assessed by filter mating. The
      only genetic difference between the vanA clusters of susceptible and resistant
      VVE was an ISL3-family element upstream of vanHAX, which silenced vanHAX gene
      transcription in susceptible VVE. Furthermore, the VVE had an insertion of IS1542
      between orf2 and vanR that attenuated the expression of vanHAX Growth of
      susceptible VVE occurred after 24 to 72 h of exposure to vancomycin due to
      excision of the ISL3-family element. The vanA gene cluster was located on a
      transferable broad-host-range plasmid also detected in outbreak isolates with
      different pulsotypes, including one E. faecalis isolate. Horizontally
      transferable silenced vanA able to escape detection and revert into resistance
      during vancomycin therapy represents a new challenge in the clinic. Genotypic
      testing of invasive vancomycin-susceptible enterococci by vanA-PCR is advised.

PMID- 27139480
TI  - Involvement of Antibiotic Efflux Machinery in Glutathione-Mediated Decreased
      Ciprofloxacin Activity in Escherichia coli.
AB  - We have analyzed the contribution of different efflux components to glutathione
      mediated abrogation of ciprofloxacin's activity in Escherichia coli and the
      underlying potential mechanism(s) behind this phenomenon. The results indicated
      that glutathione increased the total active efflux, thereby partially
      contributing to glutathione-mediated neutralization of ciprofloxacin's
      antibacterial action in E. coli However, the role of glutathione-mediated
      increased efflux becomes evident in the absence of a functional TolC-AcrAB efflux
      pump.

PMID- 27139481
TI  - Potency and Stereoselectivity of Cyclopropavir Triphosphate Action on Human
      Cytomegalovirus DNA Polymerase.
AB  - Cyclopropavir (CPV) is a promising antiviral drug against human cytomegalovirus
      (HCMV). As with ganciclovir (GCV), the current standard for HCMV treatment,
      activation of CPV requires multiple steps of phosphorylation and is
      enantioselective. We hypothesized that the resulting CPV triphosphate (CPV-TP)
      would stereoselectively target HCMV DNA polymerase and terminate DNA synthesis.
      To test this hypothesis, we synthesized both enantiomers of CPV-TP [(+) and (-)]
      and investigated their action on HCMV polymerase. Both enantiomers inhibited HCMV
      polymerase competitively with dGTP, with (+)-CPV-TP exhibiting a more than 20
      fold lower apparent Ki than (-)-CPV-TP. Moreover, (+)-CPV-TP was a more potent
      inhibitor than GCV-TP. (+)-CPV-TP also exhibited substantially lower apparent Km
      and somewhat higher apparent kcat values than (-)-CPV-TP and GCV-TP for
      incorporation into DNA by the viral polymerase. As is the case for GCV-TP, both
      CPV-TP enantiomers behaved as nonobligate chain terminators, with the polymerase
      terminating DNA synthesis after incorporation of one additional nucleotide. These
      results elucidate how CPV-TP acts on HCMV DNA polymerase and help explain why CPV
      is more potent against HCMV replication than GCV.

PMID- 27139482
TI  - Urinary Tract Physiological Conditions Promote Ciprofloxacin Resistance in Low
      Level-Quinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli.
AB  - Escherichia coli isolates carrying chromosomally encoded low-level-quinolone
      resistant (LLQR) determinants are frequently found in urinary tract infections
      (UTIs). LLQR mutations are considered the first step in the evolutionary pathway
      producing high-level fluoroquinolone resistance. Therefore, their evolution and
      dissemination might influence the outcome of fluoroquinolone treatments of UTI.
      Previous studies support the notion that low urine pH decreases susceptibility to
      ciprofloxacin (CIP) in E. coli However, the effect of the urinary tract
      physiological parameters on the activity of ciprofloxacin against LLQR E. coli
      strains has received little attention. We have studied the activity of
      ciprofloxacin under physiological urinary tract conditions against a set of well
      characterized isogenic E. coli derivatives carrying the most prevalent
      chromosomal mutations (DeltamarR, gyrA-S83L, gyrA-D87N, and parC-S80R and some
      combinations). The results presented here demonstrate that all the LLQR strains
      studied became resistant to ciprofloxacin (according to CLSI guidelines) under
      physiological conditions whereas the control strain lacking LLQR mutations did
      not. Moreover, the survival of some LLQR E. coli variants increased up to 100
      fold after challenge with a high concentration of ciprofloxacin under UTI
      conditions compared to the results seen with Mueller-Hinton broth. These
      selective conditions could explain the high prevalence of LLQR mutations in E.
      coli Furthermore, our data strongly suggest that recommended methods for MIC
      determination produce poor estimations of CIP activity against LLQR E. coli in
      UTIs.

PMID- 27139483
TI  - Ecological Effect of Solithromycin on Normal Human Oropharyngeal and Intestinal
      Microbiota.
AB  - Solithromycin is a new fluoroketolide. The purpose of the present study was to
      investigate the effect of orally administered solithromycin on the human
      oropharyngeal and intestinal microbiota. Thirteen healthy volunteers (median age,
      27.3 years) received oral solithromycin at 800 mg on day 1 followed by 400 mg
      daily on days 2 to 7. Fecal and saliva samples were collected at baseline and on
      days 2, 5, 7, 9, 14, and 21 for pharmacokinetic and microbiological analyses.
      Plasma samples were collected predose on days 2, 5, and 7 as proof of exposure,
      and solithromycin concentration ranges were 21.9 to 258 ng/ml, 18.0 to 386 ng/ml,
      and 16.9 to 417 ng/ml, respectively. The solithromycin concentrations in feces
      were 15.8 to 65.4 mg/kg, 24.5 to 82.7 mg/kg, 21.4 to 82.7 mg/kg, 12.1 to 72.4
      mg/kg, 0.2 to 25.6 mg/kg, and 0 to 0.5 mg/kg on days 2, 5, 7, 9, 14, and 21,
      respectively. The numbers of enterobacteria and enterococci decreased and were
      normalized on day 14. The numbers of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria decreased
      from day 2 to day 14 and were normalized on day 21. The clostridia decreased on
      days 2, 7, and 14 and were normalized on day 21. No Clostridium difficile strains
      or toxins were detected during the study period. The number of Bacteroides
      strains was not significantly changed. The solithromycin concentrations in saliva
      were 0 to 1.2 mg/liter, 0 to 0.5 mg/liter, 0 to 0.5 mg/liter, and 0 to 0.1
      mg/liter on days 2, 5, 7, and 9, respectively. The numbers of streptococci
      decreased on day 2 and were normalized on day 5. The numbers of lactobacilli,
      prevotellae, fusobacteria, and leptotrichiae decreased from day 2 and were
      normalized on day 21.

PMID- 27139484
TI  - Component Analysis of Multipurpose Contact Lens Solutions To Enhance Activity
      against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - More than 125 million people wear contact lenses worldwide, and contact lens use
      is the single greatest risk factor for developing microbial keratitis. We tested
      the antibacterial activity of multipurpose contact lens solutions and their
      individual component preservatives against the two most common pathogens causing
      bacterial keratitis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus The in
      vitro antibacterial activity of five multipurpose contact lens solutions (Opti
      Free GP, Boston Simplus, Boston Advance, Menicare GP, and Lobob) was assayed by
      the standard broth dilution method. Synergy between the preservative components
      found in the top performing solutions was assayed using checkerboard and time
      kill assays. The ISO 14729 criteria and the standard broth dilution method were
      used to define an optimized contact lens solution formulation against a clinical
      panel of drug-susceptible and drug-resistant P. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains.
      Preservatives with the biguanide function group, chlorhexidine and
      polyaminopropylbiguanide (PAPB), had the best antistaphylococcal activity, while
      EDTA was the best antipseudomonal preservative. The combination of chlorhexidine
      and EDTA had excellent synergy against P. aeruginosa A solution formulation
      containing chlorhexidine (30 ppm), PAPB (5 ppm), and EDTA (5,000 ppm) had three
      to seven times more antipseudomonal activity than anything available to consumers
      today. A multipurpose contact lens solution containing a combination of
      chlorhexidine, PAPB, and EDTA could help to reduce the incidence of microbial
      keratitis for contact lens users worldwide.

PMID- 27139485
TI  - Dynamics of Mutations during Development of Resistance by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      against Five Antibiotics.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes considerable
      morbidity and mortality, specifically during intensive care. Antibiotic-resistant
      variants of this organism are more difficult to treat and cause substantial extra
      costs compared to susceptible strains. In the laboratory, P. aeruginosa rapidly
      developed resistance to five medically relevant antibiotics upon exposure to
      stepwise increasing concentrations. At several time points during the acquisition
      of resistance, samples were taken for whole-genome sequencing. The increase in
      the MIC of ciprofloxacin was linked to specific mutations in gyrA, parC, and
      gyrB, appearing sequentially. In the case of tobramycin, mutations in fusA,
      HP02880, rplB, and capD were induced. The MICs of the beta-lactam compounds
      meropenem and ceftazidime and the combination of piperacillin and tazobactam
      correlated linearly with beta-lactamase activity but not always with individual
      mutations. The genes that were mutated during the development of beta-lactam
      resistance differed for each antibiotic. A quantitative relationship between the
      frequency of mutations and the increase in resistance could not be established
      for any of the antibiotics. When the adapted strains are grown in the absence of
      the antibiotic, some mutations remained and others were reversed, but this
      reversal did not necessarily lower the MIC. The increased MIC came at the cost of
      moderately reduced cellular functions or a somewhat lower growth rate. In all
      cases except ciprofloxacin, the increase in resistance seems to be the result of
      complex interactions among several cellular systems rather than individual
      mutations.

PMID- 27139486
TI  - Previous Antibiotic Exposure Increases Risk of Infection with Extended-Spectrum
      beta-Lactamase- and AmpC-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in
      Pediatric Patients.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine whether antibiotic exposure is
      associated with extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase- or AmpC-producing Escherichia
      coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in children. We collected extended
      spectrum-beta-lactamase- or AmpC-producing E. coli or K. pneumoniae isolates and
      same-species susceptible controls from normally sterile sites of patients aged
      <=21 years, along with associated clinical data, at four free-standing pediatric
      centers. After controlling for potential confounders, the relative risk of having
      an extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing isolate rather than a susceptible
      isolate was 2.2 times higher (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49 to 3.35) among
      those with antibiotic exposure in the 30 days prior to infection than in those
      with no antibiotic exposure. The results were similar when analyses were limited
      to exposure to third-generation cephalosporins, other broad-spectrum beta
      lactams, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Conversely, the relative risk of
      having an AmpC-producing versus a susceptible isolate was not significantly
      elevated with any antibiotic exposure in the 30 days prior to infection (adjusted
      relative risk ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.91). However, when examining
      subgroups of antibiotics, the relative risk of having an AmpC-producing isolate
      was higher for patients with exposure to third-generation cephalosporins
      (adjusted relative risk ratio, 4.48; 95% CI, 1.75 to 11.43). Dose-response
      relationships between antibiotic exposure and extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase
      producing or AmpC-producing isolates were not demonstrated. These results
      reinforce the need to study and implement pediatric antimicrobial stewardship
      strategies, and they indicate that epidemiological studies of third-generation
      cephalosporin-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates should include
      resistance mechanisms when possible.

PMID- 27139487
TI  - Mycophenolic Acid and Its Derivatives as Potential Chemotherapeutic Agents
      Targeting Inosine Monophosphate Dehydrogenase in Trypanosoma congolense.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the trypanocidal activity of mycophenolic acid (MPA)
      and its derivatives for Trypanosoma congolense The proliferation of T. congolense
      was completely inhibited by adding <1 MUM MPA and its derivatives. In addition,
      the IMP dehydrogenase in T. congolense was molecularly characterized as the
      target of these compounds. The results suggest that MPA and its derivatives have
      the potential to be new candidates as novel trypanocidal drugs.

PMID- 27139490
TI  - NLRP3 recruitment by NLRC4 during Salmonella infection.
AB  - NLRC4 and NLRP3, of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) family of intracellular proteins,
      are expressed in innate immune cells and are thought to nucleate distinct
      inflammasome complexes that promote caspase-1 activation, secretion of the
      proinflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-18, and a form of cell death termed
      pyroptosis. We show that NLRP3 associates with NLRC4 in macrophages infected with
      Salmonella typhimurium or transfected with flagellin. The significance of the
      interaction between the NLRC4 NACHT domain and NLRP3 was revealed when
      Nlrc4(S533A/S533A) bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) expressing
      phosphorylation site mutant NLRC4 S533A had only a mild defect in caspase-1
      activation when compared with NLRC4-deficient BMDMs. NLRC4 S533A activated
      caspase-1 by recruiting NLRP3 and its adaptor protein ASC. Thus,
      Nlrc4(S533A/S533A) Nlrp3(-/-) BMDMs more closely resembled Nlrc4(-/-) BMDMs in
      their response to S. typhimurium or flagellin. The interplay between NLRP3 and
      NLRC4 reveals an unexpected overlap between what had been considered distinct
      inflammasome scaffolds.

PMID- 27139489
TI  - Interferon-gamma facilitates hepatic antiviral T cell retention for the
      maintenance of liver-induced systemic tolerance.
AB  - Persistent exposure to liver pathogens leads to systemic antigen-specific
      tolerance, a major cause of chronicity during hepatotropic infection. The
      mechanism regarding how this systemic tolerance is maintained remains poorly
      elucidated. In a well established mouse model of hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      persistence-induced systemic tolerance, we observed that interferon-gamma (IFN
      gamma) deficiency led to complete loss of tolerance, resulting in robust anti-HBV
      responses upon peripheral vaccination. The recovery of vaccine-induced anti-HBV
      responses was mainly caused by the retained antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells
      rather than decreased functional inhibitory cells in the periphery.
      Mechanistically, HBV persistence induced sustained hepatic CD4(+) T cell-derived
      IFN-gamma production. IFN-gamma was found to promote CXCL9 secretion from liver
      resident macrophages. This T cell chemokine facilitated the retention of
      antiviral CD4(+) T cells in the liver in a CXCR3-dependent manner. Hepatic
      sequestrated antiviral CD4(+) T cells subsequently underwent local apoptotic
      elimination partially via cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 ligation.
      These findings reveal an unexpected tolerogenic role for IFN-gamma during viral
      persistence in the liver, providing new mechanistic insights regarding the
      maintenance of systemic antigen-specific tolerance during HBV persistence.

PMID- 27139488
TI  - Single-cell transcriptional analysis of normal, aberrant, and malignant
      hematopoiesis in zebrafish.
AB  - Hematopoiesis culminates in the production of functionally heterogeneous blood
      cell types. In zebrafish, the lack of cell surface antibodies has compelled
      researchers to use fluorescent transgenic reporter lines to label specific blood
      cell fractions. However, these approaches are limited by the availability of
      transgenic lines and fluorescent protein combinations that can be distinguished.
      Here, we have transcriptionally profiled single hematopoietic cells from
      zebrafish to define erythroid, myeloid, B, and T cell lineages. We also used our
      approach to identify hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and a novel NK-lysin
      4(+) cell type, representing a putative cytotoxic T/NK cell. Our platform also
      quantified hematopoietic defects in rag2(E450fs) mutant fish and showed that
      these fish have reduced T cells with a subsequent expansion of NK-lysin 4(+)
      cells and myeloid cells. These data suggest compensatory regulation of the innate
      immune system in rag2(E450fs) mutant zebrafish. Finally, analysis of Myc-induced
      T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia showed that cells are arrested at the
      CD4(+)/CD8(+) cortical thymocyte stage and that a subset of leukemia cells
      inappropriately reexpress stem cell genes, including bmi1 and cmyb In total, our
      experiments provide new tools and biological insights into single-cell
      heterogeneity found in zebrafish blood and leukemia.

PMID- 27139491
TI  - Myeloid cell transmigration across the CNS vasculature triggers IL-1beta-driven
      neuroinflammation during autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice.
AB  - Growing evidence supports a role for IL-1 in multiple sclerosis and experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), but how it impacts neuroinflammation is
      poorly understood. We show that susceptibility to EAE requires activation of IL
      1R1 on radiation-resistant cells via IL-1beta secreted by bone marrow-derived
      cells. Neutrophils and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) are the main source of
      IL-1beta and produce this cytokine as a result of their transmigration across the
      inflamed blood-spinal cord barrier. IL-1R1 expression in the spinal cord is found
      in endothelial cells (ECs) of the pial venous plexus. Accordingly, leukocyte
      infiltration at EAE onset is restricted to IL-1R1(+) subpial and subarachnoid
      vessels. In response to IL-1beta, primary cultures of central nervous system ECs
      produce GM-CSF, G-CSF, IL-6, Cxcl1, and Cxcl2. Initiation of EAE or subdural
      injection of IL-1beta induces a similar cytokine/chemokine signature in spinal
      cord vessels. Furthermore, the transfer of Gr1(+) cells on the spinal cord is
      sufficient to induce illness in EAE-resistant IL-1beta knockout (KO) mice.
      Notably, transfer of Gr1(+) cells isolated from C57BL/6 mice induce massive
      recruitment of recipient myeloid cells compared with cells from IL-1beta KO
      donors, and this recruitment translates into more severe paralysis. These
      findings suggest that an IL-1beta-dependent paracrine loop between infiltrated
      neutrophils/MDMs and ECs drives neuroinflammation.

PMID- 27139493
TI  - Recent thymic emigrants are tolerized in the absence of inflammation.
AB  - T cell development requires a period of postthymic maturation. Why this is the
      case has remained a mystery, particularly given the rigors of intrathymic
      developmental checkpoints, successfully traversed by only ~5% of thymocytes. We
      now show that the first few weeks of T cell residence in the lymphoid periphery
      define a period of heightened susceptibility to tolerance induction to tissue
      restricted antigens (TRAs), the outcome of which depends on the context in which
      recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) encounter antigen. After encounter with TRAs in
      the absence of inflammation, RTEs exhibited defects in proliferation, diminished
      cytokine production, elevated expression of anergy-associated genes, and
      diminished diabetogenicity. These properties were mirrored in vitro by enhanced
      RTE susceptibility to regulatory T cell-mediated suppression. In the presence of
      inflammation, RTEs and mature T cells were, in contrast, equally capable of
      inducing diabetes, proliferating, and producing cytokines. Thus, recirculating
      RTEs encounter TRAs during a transitional developmental stage that facilitates
      tolerance induction, but inflammation converts antigen-exposed, tolerance-prone
      RTEs into competent effector cells.

PMID- 27139492
TI  - Class-switched anti-insulin antibodies originate from unconventional antigen
      presentation in multiple lymphoid sites.
AB  - Autoantibodies to insulin are a harbinger of autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes in
      humans and in non-obese diabetic mice. To understand the genesis of these
      autoantibodies, we investigated the interactions of insulin-specific T and B
      lymphocytes using T cell and B cell receptor transgenic mice. We found
      spontaneous anti-insulin germinal center (GC) formation throughout lymphoid
      tissues with GC B cells binding insulin. Moreover, because of the nature of the
      insulin epitope recognized by the T cells, it was evident that GC B cells
      presented a broader repertoire of insulin epitopes. Such broader recognition was
      reproduced by activating naive B cells ex vivo with a combination of CD40 ligand
      and interleukin 4. Thus, insulin immunoreactivity extends beyond the pancreatic
      lymph node-islets of Langerhans axis and indicates that circulating insulin,
      despite its very low levels, can have an influence on diabetogenesis.

PMID- 27139494
TI  - A Depleting Anti-CD45 Monoclonal Antibody as Isolated Conditioning for Bone
      Marrow Transplantation in the Rat.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the leukocyte common antigen CD45
      (RT7 in rats) could facilitate bone marrow transplantation (BMT). This study in
      rats evaluates a depletive rat anti-RT7a mAb as isolated tool for BMT
      conditioning without using irradiation or any chemotherapeutic /
      immunosuppressive agent. METHODS: The model used a CD45 di-allelic polymorphism
      (RT7a/RT7b). The anti-RT7a mAb was intravenously administered to LEW.1W rats
      (RT1uRT7a) at 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg. 1x10(8) BM cells of MHC syngeneic (RT1u), MHC
      disparate (RT1l) or MHC haploidentical (RT1u/l) donors were transplanted. All BM
      donor strains carried the RT7b allele so that their CD45+ cells were not affected
      by the anti-RT7a mAb. Recipients were monitored for reconstitution and donor
      chimerism in blood leukocytes. RESULTS: mAb dosages of 5 or 10 mg/kg were
      myelosuppressive, whereas 15 mg/kg was myeloablative. Multi-lineage donor
      chimerism at day 100 indicated engraftment of MHC syngeneic BM after any used mAb
      dosage (5 mg/kg: 46+/-7%; 10 mg/kg: 62+/-5%; 15 mg/kg: 80+/-4%). MHC disparate BM
      resulted in autologous reconstitution after conditioning by 10 mg/kg of the mAb
      and caused transient chimerism ending up in death associated with aplasia after
      conditioning by 15 mg/kg of the mAb. MHC haploidentical BM (F1 to parental)
      engrafted only after conditioning by 15 mg/kg (chimerism at day 100: 78+/-7%).
      Abandonment of alpha/beta TCR+ cell depletion from BM grafts impaired the
      engraftment process after conditioning using 15 mg/kg of the mAb in the MHC
      syngeneic setting (2 of 6 recipients failed to engraft) and the MHC
      haploidentical setting (3 of 6 recipients failed). CONCLUSION: This depletive
      anti-RT7a mAb is myelosuppressive and conditions for engraftment of MHC syngeneic
      BM. The mAb also facilitates engraftment of MHC haploidentical BM, if a
      myeloablative dose is used. RT7b expressing, BM-seeded alpha/beta TCR+ cells seem
      to impair the engraftment process after myeloablative mAb conditioning.

PMID- 27139495
TI  - Exercise and load modification versus corticosteroid injection versus 'wait and
      see' for persistent gluteus medius/minimus tendinopathy (the LEAP trial): a
      protocol for a randomised clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lateral hip pain is common, particularly in females aged 40-60 years.
      The pain can affect sleep and daily activities, and is frequently recalcitrant.
      The condition is often diagnosed as trochanteric bursitis, however radiological
      and surgical studies have revealed that the most common pathology is gluteus
      medius/minimus tendinopathy. Patients are usually offered three treatment
      options: (a) corticosteroid injection (CSI), (b) physiotherapy, or (c)
      reassurance and observation. Research on Achilles and patellar tendons has shown
      that load modification and exercise appears to be more effective than other
      treatments for managing tendinopathy, however, it is unclear whether a CSI, or a
      load modification and exercise-based physiotherapy approach is more effective in
      gluteal tendinopathy. This randomised controlled trial aims to compare the
      efficacy on pain and function of a load modification and exercise-based programme
      with a CSI and a 'wait and see' approach for gluteal tendinopathy. METHODS: Two
      hundred one people with gluteal tendinopathy will be randomly allocated into one
      of three groups: (i) CSI; (ii) physiotherapist-administered load modification and
      exercise intervention; and (iii) wait and see approach. The CSI therapy will
      consist of one ultrasound (US) guided CSI around the affected tendons and advice
      on tendon care. Education about load modification will be delivered in
      physiotherapy clinics and the exercise programme will be both home-based and
      supervised. The group allocated the wait and see approach will receive basic
      tendon care advice and reassurance in a single session by a trial
      physiotherapist. Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, 4, 8, 12, 26 and 52
      weeks using validated global rating of change, pain and physical function scales,
      psychological measures, quality of life and physical activity levels. Hip
      abductor muscle strength will be measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Economic
      evaluation will be performed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of the active
      interventions compared with the wait and see approach. Analyses will be conducted
      on an intention-to-treat basis using logistic and linear mixed regression models
      and the economic evaluation will report incremental cost-utility ratios. The
      trial reporting will comply with CONSORT guidelines. DISCUSSION: This study will
      provide clinicians with directly applicable evidence of the relative efficacy of
      three common approaches to the management of gluteal tendinopathy. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612001126808.
      Date Registered: 22/10/2012.

PMID- 27139496
TI  - Optimal Management of Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome in Children.
AB  - Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is a disorder of abnormal
      lymphocyte homeostasis, resulting from mutations in the Fas apoptotic pathway.
      Clinical manifestations include noninfectious and nonmalignant lymphadenopathy,
      splenomegaly, and autoimmune pathology-most commonly, autoimmune cytopenias.
      Rarely, and in association with specific genetic mutations, patients with ALPS
      may go on to develop secondary lymphoid malignancies. Though ALPS is a rare
      disorder, it should be suspected and ruled out in children presenting with
      chronic and refractory multilineage cytopenias associated with nonmalignant
      lymphoproliferation. Revised diagnostic criteria and insights into disease
      biology have improved both diagnosis and treatment. Sirolimus and mycophenolate
      mofetil are the best-studied and most effective corticosteroid-sparing therapies
      for ALPS, and they should be considered first-line therapy for patients who need
      chronic treatment. This review highlights practical clinical considerations for
      diagnosis and management of ALPS. 

PMID- 27139497
TI  - The Accuracy of Praziquantel Dose Poles for Mass Treatment of Schistosomiasis in
      School Girls in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More than 260 million people live with schistosomiasis and regular
      mass-treatment should be implemented to prevent morbidity. Praziquantel, dosed at
      40 milligrams per kilogram bodyweight, is the drug of choice. During the last
      decades the WHO Tablet Pole-which estimates tablet need by height as representing
      weight-has been used as a practical and cheap tool in mass treatment. In South
      Africa this method could be inaccurate given the prevalence of overweight and
      obesity. In this study in female pupils in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, we
      explored the accuracy of the WHO Tablet Pole and the recently developed Modified
      Dose Pole for adults with two additional intervals and correction for body mass
      index (BMI). METHODOLOGY: In randomly selected primary and secondary schools of
      schistosomiasis-endemic areas, height and weight of female pupils were measured.
      The WHO Tablet Pole and Modified Dose Pole were used to indicate the amount of
      praziquantel according to height and the dose in milligrams per kilogram
      bodyweight was calculated. The BMI correction was performed by adding 600
      milligrams (1 tablet) to the indicated dose if a person was overweight/obese.
      PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: 3157 female students were investigated and 35% were found to
      be overweight/obese. Using the WHO Tablet Pole, 73% would have received an
      adequate dose (range 30-60 mg/kg). When correcting for BMI, this would have been
      94%. Using the Modified Dose Pole with BMI correction, 97% would have been
      adequately treated. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the WHO Tablet Pole will
      be inaccurate in estimating the dose of praziquantel in South African girls due
      to high prevalence of overweight/obesity. Under-dosing of individuals who appear
      overweight/obese could be largely prevented by adding an extra praziquantel
      tablet to the recommended dose. Further research must be done to explore if
      subjective weight estimates are reliable.

PMID- 27139498
TI  - Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin injection for interstitial
      cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the overall treatment efficacy and safety of botulinum
      toxin type A (BoNTA) injections compared with placebo in interstitial
      cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). METHODS: We conducted a systematic
      review and meta-analysis of the published literature in PubMed, Cochrane Library,
      and EMBASE on BoNTA use in IC/BPS. Outcome measures included changes of OLS,
      ICSI, ICPI, VAS, frequency, nocturia, FBC, Qmax, and PVR from baseline and also
      included adverse events. RESULTS: A total of five studies were included, with a
      total sample size of 252 subjects (133 subjects in the experimental group and 119
      subjects in the control group). The duration of follow-up ranged from 8 to 12
      weeks. The BoNTA dosage was from 50 to 200 U. The pooled overall SMD in the mean
      change of VAS for the BoNTA group versus the placebo group was -0.49 (95 % CI 
      0.74, -0.23). There were also significant improvements in ICPI and frequency. The
      other outcomes (ICSI, nocturia, Qmax, and FBC) were not statistically different
      between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Although BoNTA is not regulatory approved
      indication, this first evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis of
      BoNTA injection for IC/BPS showed significant differences in efficacy of
      treatment compared with placebo, especially for pain control, and also showed no
      differences in the rate of procedure-related adverse events.

PMID- 27139499
TI  - The kidney regulates regeneration, but don't upset the balance.
AB  - Better understanding of the cellular pathophysiological process undergoing kidney
      injury and repair will be hopefully result in the design of more targeted
      therapies to prevent injury, hasten repair, and minimize chronic progressive
      kidney diseases. The relevance of CSF-1 signalling for kidney organ development
      and inflammatory disease has been highlighted by numerous studies. Interestingly,
      there are different functions of CSF-1 in acute kidney injury versus chronic
      kidney disease (CKD). Within CKD, an enhanced expression of CSF-1 results in more
      damage, and thus disruption of the CSF-1/CSF-1R interaction/activation is
      protective. A reverse scenario is seen during acute kidney injury, where
      inhibition of CSF-1 leads to delayed recovery of kidney function and less
      regenerative (M2) macrophages. However, the major factor to stimulate epithelial
      cell repair and the cell type(s) generating the factor in response to acute
      kidney injury remained unclear. In their recent report Wang et al. used a
      specific CSF-1 knockout in the proximal tubular cells, induced acute kidney
      injury, and analyzed the recovery of kidney function. They nicely demonstrated a
      strong positive effect of renal and proximal tubular secreted CSF-1. It mediates
      the differentiation of infiltrated monocytes into M2 macrophages, also denoted as
      reparative macrophages. Mice with a deletion of CSF-1 within the proximal tubular
      cells exhibited a delayed recovery from acute kidney injury. These findings may
      pave the path to therapeutic intervention in acute kidney injury. 

PMID- 27139500
TI  - Switching Patients to Home-Based Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin: an Economic
      Evaluation of an Interprofessional Drug Therapy Management Program.
AB  - PURPOSE: Home-based subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy is an alternative
      to hospital-based intravenous infusions (IVIg). However, SCIg requires patient
      training and long-term support to ensure proper adherence, optimal efficacy and
      safety. We evaluated if switching patients to home-based SCIg including an
      interprofessional drug therapy management program (physician, community
      pharmacist and nurse) would be cost-effective within the Swiss healthcare system.
      METHODS: A 3-year cost-minimization analysis was performed from a societal
      perspective comparing monthly IVIg in an outpatient clinic and home-based weekly
      SCIg including an interprofessional program. Healthcare costs (immunoglobulin,
      professional time, infusion pump and disposables) were derived from
      administrative data. Transportation and productivity loss were estimated by
      expert opinion. The results were expressed in Swiss francs (CHF) and converted to
      Euros and US dollars (1 CHF = 0.92?, 1 CHF = $1.02; www.xe.com , 12/14/2015).
      RESULTS: Under base case assumptions, SCIg was estimated to cost 35,862 CHF
      (33,134?; $36,595) per patient during the first year and 30,309 CHF (28,004?;
      $30,929) in subsequent years versus 35,370 CHF (32,679?; $36,095) per year for
      IVIg. The total savings from switching to SCIg with the interprofessional program
      were 9630 CHF (8897?; $9828) per patient over 3 years. The results were
      relatively sensitive to the cost per gram of IgG, the cost of equipment and the
      annual number of infusions. CONCLUSION: Home-based SCIg including an
      interprofessional therapy management program may be an efficient alternative for
      patients. The program provides long-term support from self-administration
      training to the responsible use of therapy (proper adherence, optimal efficacy
      and safety). Over the short term, additional costs from purchasing equipment and
      the drug therapy management program were offset by avoiding hospital costs.

PMID- 27139501
TI  - A flexible parametric approach for estimating continuous-time inverse probability
      of treatment and censoring weights.
AB  - Marginal structural Cox models are used for quantifying marginal treatment
      effects on outcome event hazard function. Such models are estimated using inverse
      probability of treatment and censoring (IPTC) weighting, which properly accounts
      for the impact of time-dependent confounders, avoiding conditioning on factors on
      the causal pathway. To estimate the IPTC weights, the treatment assignment
      mechanism is conventionally modeled in discrete time. While this is natural in
      situations where treatment information is recorded at scheduled follow-up visits,
      in other contexts, the events specifying the treatment history can be modeled in
      continuous time using the tools of event history analysis. This is particularly
      the case for treatment procedures, such as surgeries. In this paper, we propose a
      novel approach for flexible parametric estimation of continuous-time IPTC weights
      and illustrate it in assessing the relationship between metastasectomy and
      mortality in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27139502
TI  - Effects of psychological interventions and patients' affect on short-term quality
      of life in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.
AB  - Psychological interventions can improve Quality of Life (QoL). Object of interest
      was if different psychological interventions influence short-term QoL after
      colonic resection for carcinoma. Furthermore, we wanted to see if there is a
      correlation between patients' preoperative affect and postoperative QoL. Sixty
      patients that underwent colorectal surgery were divided into three groups. Group
      one (n = 20) received Guided Imagery and group 2 (n = 22) Progressive Muscle
      Relaxation. The third group (Control, n = 18) had no intervention. Quality of
      Life (QoL) was measured using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the Gastrointestinal Quality
      of life Index (GIQLI). Patients' affect was measured by the PANAS questionnaire.
      The higher the preoperative Negative Affect was, the lower were the scores for
      QoL on the 30th postoperative day. Patients' QoL was highest preoperatively and
      lowest on the third postoperative day. On the 30th postoperative day scores for
      QoL were almost as high as preoperative without difference between the three
      groups. Neither Guided Imagery nor Progressive Relaxation was influencing short
      term QoL measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the GIQLI questionnaire after
      colorectal surgery for cancer. Screening patients' with the PANAS questionnaire
      might help to identify individuals that are more likely to have a worse QoL
      postoperatively.

PMID- 27139503
TI  - Assessing the effects of a sequestered germline on interdomain lateral gene
      transfer in Metazoa.
AB  - A sequestered germline in Metazoa has been argued to be an obstacle to lateral
      gene transfer (LGT), though few studies have specifically assessed this claim.
      Here, we test the hypothesis that the origin of a sequestered germline reduced
      LGT events in Bilateria (i.e., triploblast lineages) as compared to early
      diverging Metazoa (i.e., Ctenophora, Cnidaria, Porifera, and Placozoa). We
      analyze single-gene phylogenies generated with over 900 species sampled from
      among Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryota to identify well-supported interdomain
      LGTs. We focus on ancient interdomain LGT (i.e., those between prokaryotes and
      multiple lineages of Metazoa) as systematic errors in single-gene tree
      reconstruction create uncertainties for interpreting eukaryote-to-eukaryote
      transfer. The breadth of the sampled Metazoa enables us to estimate the timing of
      LGTs, and to examine the pattern before versus after the evolution of a
      sequestered germline. We identified 58 LGTs found only in Metazoa and prokaryotes
      (i.e., bacteria and/or archaea), and seven genes transferred from prokaryotes
      into Metazoa plus one other eukaryotic clade. Our analyses indicate that more
      interdomain transfers occurred before the development of a sequestered germline,
      consistent with the hypothesis that this feature is an obstacle to LGT.

PMID- 27139504
TI  - Coumarin-appended phosphorescent cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes as
      mitochondria-targeted theranostic anticancer agents.
AB  - Theranostic anticancer agents incorporating anticancer properties with
      capabilities for real-time treatment assessment are appealing candidates for
      chemotherapy. The design of mitochondria-targeted cytotoxic drugs represents a
      promising approach to target tumors selectively and overcome resistance to
      current anticancer therapies. In this work, three coumarin-appended
      phosphorescent cyclometalated iridium(iii) complexes 1-3 have been explored as
      mitochondria-targeted theranostic anticancer agents. These complexes display rich
      photophysical properties, which facilitate the study of their intracellular fate.
      All three complexes can specifically target mitochondria and show much higher
      antiproliferative activities than cisplatin against various cancer cells
      including cisplatin-resistant cells. 1-3 can penetrate into human cervical
      carcinoma (HeLa) cells quickly and efficiently, and they can carry out
      theranostic functions by simultaneously inducing and monitoring the morphological
      changes in mitochondria. Mechanism studies show that 1-3 exert their anticancer
      efficacy by initiating a cascade of events related to mitochondrial dysfunction.
      Genome-wide transcriptional and Connectivity Map analyses reveal that the
      cytotoxicity of complex 3 is associated with pathways involved in mitochondrial
      dysfunction and apoptosis. 

PMID- 27139505
TI  - The correlation between ECochG parameters and early auditory behavior after
      cochlear implantation in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The individual outcome after cochlear implantation in children with
      auditory synaptopathy/neuropathy (AS/AN) is difficult to predict. A tool for
      preoperative assessment would be helpful for counseling parents. This study
      evaluates the outcome after CI in children with AS/AN and with sensorineural
      hearing loss (SNHL), and correlates it with the preoperative ECochG results in
      order to find specific parameters of prognostic value. DESIGN: The improvement of
      auditory behavior after CI was retrospectively assessed using the LittlEARS
      questionnaire and quantified in a score (LS). This score was correlated with the
      CAP/SP ratio in the preoperative ECochG. The score was further correlated with
      the patient's age six months following CI. STUDY SAMPLE: Nine children with AS/AN
      were compared to nine children with SNHL. RESULTS: Both groups showed a
      significant improvement in LS following CI. There was a significant positive
      correlation between the CAP/SP ratio and the improvement in LS in all children.
      The correlation between age and LS was significantly negative in the SNHL group
      and positive in the AS/AN group. CONCLUSION: All children with AS/AN and SNHL
      benefit to a similar extent from CI. The preoperatively assessed CAP/SP ratio has
      a prognostic value for the development of auditory behavior following CI.

PMID- 27139507
TI  - Medical management of side effects related to CAR T cell therapy in hematologic
      malignancies.

PMID- 27139506
TI  - Up-Regulation of CREG Expression by the Transcription Factor GATA1 Inhibits High
      Glucose- and High Palmitate-Induced Apoptosis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial
      Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis plays a vital role in the
      pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), but the
      underlying mechanism remains unclear. Cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes
      (CREG) is a novel gene reported to be involved in maintaining the homeostasis of
      ECs. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the role of CREG in high
      glucose/high palmitate-induced EC apoptosis and to decipher the upstream
      regulatory mechanism underlying the transcriptional regulation of CREG. METHODS:
      The expression of CREG and the rate of apoptosis were assessed in lower-limb
      atherosclerotic lesions from patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). Primary human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were isolated and cultured in a high
      glucose/high palmitate medium (25 mmol/L D-glucose, 0.4 mmol/L palmitate), and
      the over-expression and knock-down of CREG were performed in HUVECs to determine
      the role of CREG in EC apoptosis. The upstream regulatory mechanism of CREG was
      identified using a promoter-binding transcription-factor profiling array,
      chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and a mutation analysis. RESULTS:
      Compared with normal arteries from non-diabetic patients, reduced CREG expression
      and increased apoptosis were found in the endothelium of atherosclerotic lesions
      from patients with T2DM. In vitro treatment of HUVECs with a high glucose/high
      palmitate medium also resulted in decreased CREG expression and increased
      apoptosis. Moreover, high glucose/high palmitate induced-HUVEC apoptosis was
      increased by the knock-down of CREG and rescued by the over-expression of CREG.
      We also demonstrated that GATA1 was able to bind to the promoter of the human
      CREG gene. A deletion mutation at -297/-292 in the CREG promoter disrupted GATA1
      binding and reduced the activation of CREG transcription by approximately 83.3%.
      Finally, the overexpression of GATA1 abrogated the high glucose/high palmitate
      induced apoptosis in HUVECs. CONCLUSIONS: The over-expression of CREG inhibits
      high glucose/high palmitate-induced apoptosis in HUVECs. CREG is
      transcriptionally upregulated by GATA1. Thus, CREG might be a potential
      therapeutic target for intervention of vascular complications related to
      diabetes.

PMID- 27139508
TI  - Discovery, Total Synthesis and Key Structural Elements for the Immunosuppressive
      Activity of Cocosolide, a Symmetrical Glycosylated Macrolide Dimer from Marine
      Cyanobacteria.
AB  - A new dimeric macrolide xylopyranoside, cocosolide (1), was isolated from the
      marine cyanobacterium preliminarily identified as Symploca sp. from Guam. The
      structure was determined by a combination of NMR spectroscopy, HRMS, X-ray
      diffraction studies and Mosher's analysis of the base hydrolysis product. Its
      carbon skeleton closely resembles that of clavosolides A-D isolated from the
      sponge Myriastra clavosa, for which no bioactivity is known. We performed the
      first total synthesis of cocosolide (1) along with its [alpha,alpha]-anomer (26)
      and macrocyclic core (28), thus leading to the confirmation of the structure of
      natural 1. The convergent synthesis featured Wadsworth-Emmons cyclopropanation,
      Sakurai annulation, Yamaguchi macrocyclization/dimerization reaction, alpha
      selective glycosidation and beta-selective glycosidation. Compounds 1 and 26
      potently inhibited IL-2 production in both T-cell receptor dependent and
      independent manners. Full activity requires the presence of the sugar moiety as
      well as the intact dimeric structure. Cocosolide also suppressed the
      proliferation of anti-CD3-stimulated T-cells in a dose-dependent manner.

PMID- 27139509
TI  - Plant extracts: from encapsulation to application.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Plants are a natural source of various products with diverse
      biological activities offering treatment for several diseases. Plant extract is a
      complex mixture of compounds, which can have antioxidant, antibiotic, antiviral,
      anticancer, antiparasitic, antifungal, hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive and
      insecticide properties. The extraction of these extracts requires the use of
      organic solvents, which not only complicates the formulations but also makes it
      difficult to directly use the extracts for humans. To overcome these problems,
      recent research has been focused on developing new ways to formulate the plant
      extracts and delivering them safely with enhanced therapeutic efficacy. AREAS
      COVERED: This review focuses on the research done in the development and use of
      polymeric nanoparticles for the encapsulation and administration of plant
      extracts. It describes in detail, the different encapsulation techniques, main
      physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles, toxicity tests and results
      obtained from in vivo or in vitro assays. EXPERT OPINION: Major obstacles
      associated with the use of plant extracts for clinical applications include their
      complex composition, toxicity risks and extract instability. It is observed that
      encapsulation can be successfully used to decrease plant extracts toxicity, to
      provide targeted drug delivery and to solve stability related problems.

PMID- 27139510
TI  - Daily Water Intake Among U.S. Men and Women, 2009-2012.
AB  - KEY FINDINGS: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,
      2009-2012 *Among U.S. adults, men consumed an average of 3.46 liters (117 ounces)
      of water per day, and women consumed 2.75 liters (93 ounces) per day. *Men aged
      60 and over consumed less water (2.92 liters) than men aged 20-39 (3.61 liters)
      and 40-59 (3.63 liters). Similarly, women aged 60 and over consumed less water
      (2.51 liters) than women aged 20-39 (2.78 liters) and 40-59 (2.9 liters). *Non
      Hispanic white men and women consumed more water daily than non-Hispanic black
      and Hispanic men and women. *Water intake increased with physical activity level
      for both men and women. *Among men, 30% of total water consumed was plain water
      (with the remainder from other foods and liquids) compared with 34% for women.

PMID- 27139512
TI  - IgG4 deposits in pure and combined membranous lupus nephritis.
AB  - The aim of this study is to determine the frequency and prognosis of IgG4
      deposits in renal biopsy of patients with membranous lupus nephritis (MLN). This
      is a retrospective cohort study in which we included patients with class V alone
      or combined (III/V or IV/V) of lupus nephritis according to the 2004 ISN/RPS. All
      the patients included must have availability of renal tissue for
      immunohistochemistry analyses. We excluded other classes of lupus nephritis. The
      renal tissue was examined by a nephro-pathologist. We included 65 patients with
      MLN; of these, 24 (37 %) were class V, and the other had proliferative
      concomitant with membranous patterns. Seven renal specimens had IgG4 deposits (10
      %). Patients with IgG4 deposits had higher levels of eosinophils in serum. All of
      the patients with IgG4 had renal involvement as first manifestations of systemic
      lupus erythematosus. The rate of renal failure was 42 and 43 % in IgG4 positive
      and negative, respectively, 28 % of IgG4 required renal replacement therapy. From
      a histological view, 42 % of IgG4 had evidence of arteriolar vasculitis in renal
      biopsies. Lupus patients with IgG4 deposits were more likely to have renal
      involvement as a first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, and they
      course with a worse prognosis since they required more dialysis. Also, they have
      more probability of vascular inflammation on the renal biopsy. 

PMID- 27139513
TI  - Tophaceous gout in a female premenopausal patient with an unexpected diagnosis of
      glycogen storage disease type Ia: a case report and literature review.
AB  - A young female with recurrent tophaceous gout and infertility presented to our
      clinic. On clinical evaluation, hypoglycaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, lactic
      acidosis, and hepatomegaly were noted. Targeted gene sequencing revealed a novel
      composite heterozygous c.190G>T/c.508C>T mutation in the G6PC gene of the
      patient, leading to a diagnosis of glycogen storage disease type Ia. Her father
      possessed a heterozygous c.190G>T mutation, and her mother possessed a
      heterozygous c.508C>T mutation. A search of the previous literature revealed 16
      reported cases of glycogen storage disease type Ia with gout. Here, we describe a
      female patient with gout, review previous cases, and discuss the mechanisms of
      gout and hyperuricaemia in glycogen storage disease type Ia.

PMID- 27139514
TI  - Evaluation of cardiac functions in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus with two
      dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate subclinical systolic and diastolic
      dysfunction in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (j-SLE) patients with
      speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and the effects of disease activity on
      left ventricular (LV) regional functions. Thirty-five patients with j-SLE and 30
      healthy children (control group) were evaluated between January and August 2015.
      STE was performed on all patients and controls. Medical records, including
      diagnosis criteria, age at diagnosis, and duration of disease, were evaluated.
      SLE disease activity was assessed using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).
      j-SLE patients had lower ejection fraction than did control subjects but still
      within normal range. LV end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions were
      significantly larger in j-SLE patients (32.43 +/- 3.2 vs 28.3 +/- 3.1 and 21.1 +/
      1.9 vs 18.9.0 +/- 2.2, respectively; p = 0.001). There was a significant
      reduction in longitudinal strain of LV segments in the j-SLE patients compared
      with controls. J-SLE patients were further divided into subgroups. Group 1
      comprised patients having SLEDAI scores >8 at the onset of disease but who
      improved with therapy during follow-up. Group 2 included j-SLE patients with
      SLEDAI scores >8 at diagnosis and persistently >4 at the end of follow-up. In the
      LV mid-inferior and mid-inferolateral segments, STE strain measurements of group
      2 were significantly lower than those of group 1 (15.9 +/- 6.4 vs 20.0 +/- 4.4,
      17.9 +/- 7.2 vs 23.2 +/- 3.8; p = 0.075, p = 0.055, respectively). Simple and non
      invasive STE would be helpful in predicting cardiovascular prognosis with new
      therapeutic medications/interventions or in objectively comparing the effects of
      immunosuppressive drugs in comparison with preceding STE evaluation. 

PMID- 27139515
TI  - Association of consumption of dairy products and meat with retinal vessel
      calibers in subjects at increased cardiovascular risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Association of dairy products and meat consumption with
      macrocirculation is previously described, but such association with
      microcirculation is poorly investigated. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the
      consumption of high- and low-fat dairy products as well as red, white, and
      processed meat is associated with retinal vessel calibers in adults at an
      increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS AND RESULTS: In
      consecutive subjects (n = 181, age: 51.3 +/- 12.4 years, 51.4% women) without CVD
      and diabetes mellitus but with increased CVD risk, we obtained digital left and
      right retinal images. These images were assessed with validated software to
      determine central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalents and the arteriolar
      to venular ratio (CRAE, CRVE, and AVR, respectively). The consumption of dairy
      products and meat was assessed through 24-h recalls in all volunteers. After
      adjustment for potential confounders, the following findings were obtained: (i)
      low-fat milk and yogurt were positively associated with CRAE (b=0.145, p=0.031
      left; b=0.141, p=0.038 right) and inversely associated with CRVE (b=-0.155,
      p=0.026 left; b=-0.146, p=0.041 right); (ii) low-fat cheese was positively
      associated with CRAE (b=0.164, p=0.011 left and b=0.155, p=0.017 right); and
      (iii) red meat was inversely associated with CRAE (b=-0.143, p=0.032 left; b=
      0.114, p=0.050 right). High-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese or white and processed
      meat were not found to be associated with retinal vessel calibers. CONCLUSIONS:
      High consumption of low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese and low consumption of red
      meat could be beneficial for retinal microvascular health. Prospective studies
      are needed to verify these findings.

PMID- 27139516
TI  - Hepcidin and iron metabolism associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in
      children: A case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of
      cardiometabolic disease; however, the association between cardiometabolic risk
      factors (CMRFs) and hepcidin as well as other iron parameters remains unclear in
      children. The aims of this study were to compare the circulating hepcidin levels
      and iron metabolism between children with and without CMRFs and to investigate
      the association between those iron parameters and CMRFs. METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      case-control study was conducted among 1126 children aged 7-14 years in the case
      group (n = 563) with CMRFs and the healthy control group (n = 563). Iron
      parameters, lipids, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated. The
      information on demographics, diet, and physical activities was either children
      reported or parent reported. Compared with the healthy controls, children with
      CMRFs had higher levels of hepcidin and lower levels of serum iron, transferrin,
      and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR; P < 0.001). Besides, the odds ratios
      (ORs) for low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were 2.03, 0.21, and 0.33
      in children with higher hepcidin, transferrin, and sTfR levels (P < 0.05).
      Furthermore, ORs for cardiometabolic risk were 0.50 (95% confidence interval
      (CI): 0.30-0.85, P < 0.05), 0.22 (95% CI: 0.12, 0.42, P < 0.01) and 0.19 (95% CI:
      0.10, 0.36, P < 0.01) in children with higher serum iron, transferrin, and sTfR
      levels, respectively. CONCLUSION: The levels of hepcidin were higher, while those
      of iron, transferrin, and sTfR were lower in children with CMRF. Hepcidin was
      positively associated with the risk of low HDL levels, whereas transferrin and
      sTfR levels negatively correlated with the risk of low HDL levels. In addition,
      serum iron, transferrin, and sTfR levels were negatively associated with
      cardiometabolic risk.

PMID- 27139517
TI  - Pharmacology of dextromethorphan: Relevance to dextromethorphan/quinidine
      (Nuedexta(r)) clinical use.
AB  - Dextromethorphan (DM) has been used for more than 50years as an over-the-counter
      antitussive. Studies have revealed a complex pharmacology of DM with mechanisms
      beyond blockade of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and inhibition of
      glutamate excitotoxicity, likely contributing to its pharmacological activity and
      clinical potential. DM is rapidly metabolized to dextrorphan, which has hampered
      the exploration of DM therapy separate from its metabolites. Coadministration of
      DM with a low dose of quinidine inhibits DM metabolism, yields greater
      bioavailability and enables more specific testing of the therapeutic properties
      of DM apart from its metabolites. The development of the drug combination DM
      hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate (DM/Q), with subsequent approval by the US
      Food and Drug Administration for pseudobulbar affect, led to renewed interest in
      understanding DM pharmacology. This review summarizes the interactions of DM with
      brain receptors and transporters and also considers its metabolic and
      pharmacokinetic properties. To assess the potential clinical relevance of these
      interactions, we provide an analysis comparing DM activity from in vitro
      functional assays with the estimated free drug DM concentrations in the brain
      following oral DM/Q administration. The findings suggest that DM/Q likely
      inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also blocks NMDA receptors
      with rapid kinetics. Use of DM/Q may also antagonize nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptors, particularly those composed of alpha3beta4 subunits, and cause agonist
      activity at sigma-1 receptors.

PMID- 27139518
TI  - Therapeutic targeting of hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factors in cancer.
AB  - Insufficient tissue oxygenation, or hypoxia, contributes to tumor aggressiveness
      and has a profound impact on clinical outcomes in cancer patients. At decreased
      oxygen tensions, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) 1 and 2 are stabilized and
      mediate a hypoxic response, primarily by acting as transcription factors. HIFs
      exert differential effects on tumor growth and affect important cancer hallmarks
      including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation,
      vascularization/angiogenesis, genetic instability, tumor metabolism, tumor immune
      responses, and invasion and metastasis. As a consequence, HIFs mediate resistance
      to chemo- and radiotherapy and are associated with poor prognosis in cancer
      patients. Intriguingly, perivascular tumor cells can also express HIF-2alpha,
      thereby forming a "pseudohypoxic" phenotype that further contributes to tumor
      aggressiveness. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of HIFs in cancer has the
      potential to improve treatment efficacy. Different strategies to target hypoxic
      cancer cells and/or HIFs include hypoxia-activated prodrugs and inhibition of HIF
      dimerization, mRNA or protein expression, DNA binding capacity, and
      transcriptional activity. Here we review the functions of HIFs in the progression
      and treatment of malignant solid tumors. We also highlight how HIFs may be
      targeted to improve the management of patients with therapy-resistant and
      metastatic cancer.

PMID- 27139519
TI  - The intensity of caregiving is a more important predictor of adverse bereavement
      outcomes for adult-child than spousal caregivers of patients who die of cancer.
AB  - Increasing attention is being paid to specific difficulties experienced by
      bereaved family caregivers (FCs). Limited capacity within health and social care
      structures results in high intensity of informal caregiving. The focus of recent
      research is the identification of specific predictors of adverse FC outcomes, in
      order to identify those FCs who will benefit most from intervention and support.
      Research is challenged by multiple influencing and confounding variables. This
      study aimed to evaluate factors of care associated with higher grief intensity in
      bereaved adult-child (AC-FCs) and spousal FCs (S-FCs). Data from the Qualycare
      study, a mortality follow-back study of bereaved FCs of patients who died of
      cancer, was analyzed. Four hundred eighty-four patient-FC dyads were included:
      246 AC-FCs and 238 S-FCs. S-FCs received more formal (SPC) (p = 0.026), and AC
      FCs more informal (p < 0.001), support. AC-FCs were more likely to continue to
      work while caregiving (p < 0.001). Patients with AC-FCs were more likely to spend
      time in and die in a nursing home (p < 0.001). Higher grief intensity was
      associated with higher caregiving intensity (p < 0.001), as well as other
      factors. AC-FCs whose relative died in NH experienced significantly lower grief
      intensity (p < 0.001). Intensity of caregiving predicted 11.6% of variance in
      grief intensity for AC-FCs compared to 0.5% for S-FCs. The 'relief model' of
      bereavement is relevant for AC-FCs. The support needs of AC-FCs and S-FCs differ.
      AC-FCs should be targeted for practical supports and interventions, in order to
      support home-death, if desired by patient and FC, and optimize bereavement
      outcomes.Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27139520
TI  - A pilot programme of clinical practice improvement for future consultant doctors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To provide junior doctors with tools to improve patient care in their
      workplace, a partnership was developed between the Clinical Excellence Commission
      (CEC) and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) to help trainee
      consultants carry out clinical practice improvement (CPI) projects during
      clinical work. METHODS: Based on a patient-care problem they wished to resolve,
      trainee consultants attended a 2-day face-to-face workshop to learn quality
      improvement methods, describe their proposals and refine them using CPI
      methodology. They were provided with continuing supervision, participated in a
      mid-point review and were responsible for driving their projects. Trainee
      consultants attended a 2-day face-to-face workshop to learn quality-improvement
      methods RESULTS: Examples of five projects are: reducing mislabelled specimens
      leaving an emergency department, from 82 in the baseline period to 18 following
      the intervention; creating a multidisciplinary team to reduce hypoglycaemic
      episodes on a diabetic ward, from 23 episodes at baseline to three episodes over
      the same time period after the intervention; establishing an acute paediatric
      review clinic that reduced avoidable admissions of pneumonia by 74 per cent;
      providing 100 per cent of patients in a palliative care unit with an effective
      pain-management plan; developing an education package to increase staff
      confidence in recognising and responding to anaphylaxis in children, producing an
      increase in confidence from 51 per cent at baseline to 100 per cent after the
      intervention. DISCUSSION: Involving a learned college such as the RACP in patient
      care improvement, with educational input from a partner organisation, shows how
      junior staff can become effective leaders in improving patient care.

PMID- 27139521
TI  - Epithelial expression of cytokeratins 15 and 19 in vitiligo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytokeratins (CK) belong to the family of intermediate filament
      proteins, and among them specific epithelial keratins are considered markers for
      stem cells activation. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the expression
      of CK15 and CK19 as possible stem cell markers in vitiligo during phototherapy.
      METHODS: The study was conducted on vitiligo patients receiving narrow-band
      ultraviolet therapy. Immunohistochemical staining for CK15 and CK19 was carried
      out, and clinical follow-up continued for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Of 28 patients, CK15
      expression was demonstrated in 17 cases (61%) while CK19 expression was
      demonstrated in 11 cases (39%). Cells expressing positive staining were
      demonstrated in follicular and interfollicular epithelium. Expression was clearly
      demonstrated in patients younger than 20 years old, with shorter disease
      duration, with disease stability, and with normally pigmented hairs. Expression
      of cytokeratins was significantly correlated to improvement of vitiligo lesions.
      CONCLUSION: CK15 and CK19 are expressed in vitiligo during UV repigmentation in
      the follicular and interfollicular epithelium. This expression of cytokeratins
      was significantly correlated to improvement and can be considered valuable tool
      to monitor stem cells stimulation for the sake of the repigmentation process in
      vitiligo.

PMID- 27139525
TI  - Hypoelectronic 8-11-Vertex Irida- and Rhodaboranes.
AB  - A series of novel isocloso-diiridaboranes [(Cp*Ir)2B6H6], 1, 2; [1,7
      (Cp*Ir)2B8H8], 4; [1,4-(Cp*Ir)2B8H8], 5; [(Cp*Ir)2B9H9], 8; isonido
      [(Cp*Ir)2B7H7], 3; and 10-vertex cluster [5,7-(Cp*Ir)2B8H12], 6 (Cp* = eta(5)
      C5Me5) have been isolated and structurally characterized from the pyrolysis of
      [Cp*IrCl2]2 and BH3.thf. On the other hand, the corresponding rhodium system
      afforded 10- and 11-vertices clusters [5-(Cp*Rh)B9H13)], 7, and [(Cp*Rh)2B9H9],
      9, respectively. Clusters 1 and 2 are topological isomers. The geometry of 1 is
      dodecahedral, similar to that of its parent borane [B8H8](2-), in which two of
      the [BH] vertices are replaced by two [Cp*Ir] fragments. The geometry of 2 can be
      derived from a nine-vertex tricapped trigonal prism by removing one of the capped
      vertices. Compounds 4 and 5 are 10-vertex isocloso clusters based on a 10-vertex
      bicapped square antiprism structure. The only difference between them is the
      presence of a metal-metal bond in 5. The solid-state structures of 8 and 9 attain
      an 11-vertex geometry in which a unique six-membered B6H6 moiety is bonded to the
      metal center. In addition, quantum-chemical calculations have been used to
      provide further insight into the electronic structure and stability of the
      clusters. All the compounds have been characterized by IR and (1)H, (11)B, and
      (13)C NMR spectroscopy in solution, and the solid-state structures were
      established by X-ray crystallographic analysis.

PMID- 27139523
TI  - More with Less: A Trial of Reduced-Intensity Treatment in Transplant-Ineligible
      Hemodialysis Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An increasing proportion of hemodialysis patients are ineligible for
      transplant. Often these patients are elderly, with multiple comorbidities and
      decreased functional status. Such patients may benefit from modified treatment
      goals to reduce symptom burden. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of a
      trial of reduced-intensity treatment in nontransplantable patients with end-stage
      renal disease (ESRD). STUDY DESIGN: A 6-week study randomized patients to a
      reduced-intensity intervention versus usual care. Intervention subjects were
      treated with liberalized goals for serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH)
      as well as predialysis blood pressure in comparison with usual care subjects.
      Outcomes included assessed feasibility of recruitment, randomization, and data
      collection. SETTING AND POPULATION: Sixteen transplant-ineligible hemodialysis
      patients were recruited from two urban units. MEASUREMENTS: Blood pressure was
      recorded weekly, while serum PTH and phosphorus were assessed every 10 days. A
      quality-of-life measure was administered before and after the trial. RESULTS: Of
      300 patients, 51 were eligible and 16 consented. All were randomized and
      completed the trial. Patients in the intervention group received significantly
      lower doses of phosphorus binders and vitamin D analogues, and were less likely
      to have their dry weight reduced. All patient surveys were completed.
      CONCLUSIONS: High-risk hemodialysis patients may benefit from liberalized
      treatment guidelines but larger studies are necessary.

PMID- 27139524
TI  - A Hospice Rotation for Military Medical Residents: A Mixed Methods, Multi
      Perspective Program Evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An estimated 6,000 to 18,000 additional hospice and palliative
      medicine (HPM) physicians are needed in the United States. A source could be the
      military graduate medical education system where 15% of U.S. medical residents
      are trained. A community-based hospice and palliative care organization created a
      one-week rotation for military residents including participation in
      interdisciplinary group visits at patients' homes, facilities, and an inpatient
      hospice unit. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of a one-week
      community HPM rotation for military medical residents. METHODS: A mixed-methods,
      multi-stakeholder perspective program evaluation model was used for program years
      2011 to 2013. Data were managed and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Atlas.ti.
      Participants in the rotation were residents training at two local military
      hospitals. Program evaluation data were collected from residents, military
      program liaisons, and hospice clinical preceptors. Quantitative data included pre
      and post-tests based on Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
      competencies completed by residents. Qualitative data included resident essays
      and semi-structured interviews with hospice preceptors and military program
      liaisons. RESULTS: Quantitative and qualitative data suggested that the rotation
      increased military residents' knowledge, attitudes, and comfort level with HPM.
      Quantitative analysis of test scores indicated improvements from pre- to post
      tests in each of five areas of learning. Qualitative data indicated the rotation
      created a greater appreciation for the overall importance of HPM and increased
      understanding of eligibility and methods for pain and symptom management.
      CONCLUSIONS: A one-week community hospice rotation for medical military residents
      impacts participant's knowledge of and attitudes toward HPM.

PMID- 27139526
TI  - Giant electric-field-induced strain in lead-free piezoelectric materials.
AB  - First-principles calculations are performed to investigate the structures,
      electrical, and magnetic properties of compressive BiFeO3 films under electric
      field and pressure perpendicular to the films. A reversible electric-field
      induced strain up 10% is achieved in the compressive BiFeO3 films. The giant
      strain originates from rhombohedral-tetragonal (R-T) phase transition under
      electric-filed, and is recoverable from tetragonal-rhombohedral (T-R) phase
      transition by compressive stress. Additionally, the weak ferromagnetism in BiFeO3
      films is largely changed in R-T phase transition under electric-filed and T-R
      phase transition under pressure - reminiscent of magnetoelectric effect and
      magnetoelastic effect. These results suggest exciting device opportunities
      arising from the giant filed-induced strain, large magnetoelectric effect and
      magnetoelastic effect.

PMID- 27139569
TI  - Evaluation of a modified in-plane ultrasound technique for routine arterial
      catheterisation: A prospective observational study.

PMID- 27139568
TI  - Protective effects of continuous positive airway pressure on a nonventilated lung
      during one-lung ventilation: A prospective laboratory study in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of one-lung ventilation (OLV) to facilitate intrathoracic
      surgery is a cause of lung injury. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesised that application of
      continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a nonventilated lung during OLV
      would prevent alveolar hypoxia and blood flow shift from the nonventilated to the
      ventilated lung, thereby attenuating lung injury. DESIGN: Controlled animal
      study. SETTINGS: University laboratory. STUDY PARTICIPANTS: Adult male Sprague
      Dawley rats (n = 4 to 8 per group, depending on experiments). INTERVENTIONS: Rats
      were alternately assigned to one of two ventilation protocol groups: control and
      CPAP groups. Rats received 240 min of OLV followed by 240 min of two-lung
      reventilation (re-TLV). The nonventilated lungs of rats in the control group were
      collapsed during OLV whereas rats in the CPAP group received CPAP (5 cmH2O with
      100% oxygen) to the nonventilated lungs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pulmonary blood
      flow during OLV was measured by quantification of lung radioactivity after
      intravenous infusion of indium-labelled macroaggregated albumin. Inflammatory
      cytokines in the lungs after 240 min of OLV, and after the subsequent 240 min of
      re-TLV were measured. Additionally, we measured lung wet-to-dry weight ratios
      after re-TLV. We also measured lung malondialdehyde levels after re-TLV as an
      indicator of reactive oxygen species produced by reoxygenation. RESULTS:
      Application of CPAP attenuated the pulmonary blood flow shift from the
      nonventilated to the ventilated lung. CPAP decreased the levels of IL-6, CXC
      chemokine ligand-1 and CC chemokine ligand-2 in both lungs after 240 min of OLV.
      CPAP also decreased CXC chemokine ligand-1 in the nonventilated lung and CC
      chemokine ligand-2 in both lungs after re-TLV. Moreover, wet-to-dry weight ratios
      of both lungs were decreased by application of CPAP. However, lung
      malondialdehyde concentrations were not affected by CPAP. CONCLUSIONS: CPAP
      applied to the nonventilated lung during OLV suppresses blood flow shift and
      decreases inflammatory cytokines and water content in both lungs. Application of
      CPAP may attenuate lung injury during and after OLV.

PMID- 27139570
TI  - Effects of Geum urbanum L. root extracts and its constituents on
      polymorphonuclear leucocytes functions. Significance in periodontal diseases.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Geum urbanum L. (wood avens) root infusions and
      decoctions have been used externally for reducing the bleeding and inflammation
      of gums (gingivitis), and mucous membranes. AIM OF THE STUDY: Taking into account
      that primed and hyperactivated neutrophils are an important factor in the
      transition from gingivitis to periodontitis, we investigated the effects of
      phytochemically characterised (HPLC-DAD-MS(n)) extracts of different polarity
      from Geum urbanum root on oxidative burst, elastase, metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9),
      interleukin 8 (IL-8) and 1beta (IL-1beta), tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha)
      release, expression of adhesion molecules (CD62L and CD11b) and delayed apoptosis
      in stimulated neutrophils. As gemin A is a dominating compound in a raw material,
      so we considered its activity in parallel with the positive control quercetin.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extracts were characterised by HPLC-DAD- MS(n) method.
      The inhibition of ROS production by stimulated neutrophils was determined using
      luminol dependent chemiluminescence method. The effect on MMP-9, IL-1beta, TNF
      alpha and IL-8 production by neutrophils was measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Neutrophil elastase release was established
      spectrophotometrically. The expression of adhesion molecules and the apoptosis of
      neutrophils was analyzed with flow cytometry. RESULTS: The main compounds
      detected in the extract belong mainly to the group of ellagitannin: pedunculagin,
      stachyurin, casuarynin and gemin A, and ellagic acid derivatives. Procyanidins
      and one complex tannin were found as minor compounds. Gemin A significantly
      affected the functions of stimulated neutrophils by reducing the surface
      expression of CD11b, and inhibiting the release of reactive oxygen species, and
      proteases (elastase, MMP-9), chemokines and cytokines (interleukins IL-8, IL
      1beta). Interestingly, gemin A stimulated the release of TNF-alpha, which may be
      one of the stimulators of apoptosis of neutrophil cells. The primary aqueous
      extract, the ethyl acetate and the butanolic fractions, all containing the
      highest level of gemin A, have exerted similar but weaker activity. CONCLUSION:
      The modulating effect on the neutrophils function of extracts, and its main
      constituent gemin A, support the traditional use of this plant material in cavity
      inflammation including mucositis, gingivitis and periodontosis.

PMID- 27139571
TI  - Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect of Calea urticifolia lyophilized
      aqueous extract on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Calea urticifolia leaves are traditionally used
      as a remedy to treat gastric ulcers, diabetes, and inflammation by the Xi'uy
      ancient native community of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim
      was to assess the effects of the aqueous extract of the Mexican plant C.
      urticifolia as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and to provide evidence on the phenolic
      compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RAW 264.7 macrophages were stimulated with
      1ug/mL of LPS and treated with 10, 25 50, 75 y 100ug/mL of Calea urticifolia
      lyophilized aqueous extract (CuAqE). Nitric oxide (NO) release, tumor necrosis
      factor alpha, prostaglandin E2 production, inducible nitric oxide synthase
      (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) p65, NF-kappaB p50
      expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured; other pro
      inflammatory proteins were measured with membrane antibody array. Phenolic
      compounds were analyzed by LC-ESI-MS. RESULTS: Inflammation was inhibited by
      suppressing iNOS/NO pathway through inhibiting nucleus translocation of NF-kappaB
      p65 and p50 sub-units. ROS production was significantly (P<0.05) inhibited in a
      dose-dependent manner in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Moreover, the expression of
      inflammatory markers was suppressed (34.5-88.3%) by CuAqE. A mix of
      caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and flavonoid-glycosides were found in CuAqE.
      CONCLUSION: Phenolic compounds in CuAqE such as caffeoylquinic acid derivatives
      and flavonoid glycosides could be responsible for inhibiting LPS-induced
      inflammation and oxidative stress by iNOS/NO pathway through suppressing NF
      kappaB signaling pathway and by inhibition of ROS production in RAW 264.7
      macrophages. Therefore, these results support the traditional knowledge of C.
      urticifolia tea such as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.

PMID- 27139572
TI  - Semi-metallic Be5C2 monolayer global minimum with quasi-planar pentacoordinate
      carbons and negative Poisson's ratio.
AB  - Designing new materials with novel topological properties and reduced
      dimensionality is always desirable for material innovation. Here we report the
      design of a two-dimensional material, namely Be5C2 monolayer on the basis of
      density functional theory computations. In Be5C2 monolayer, each carbon atom
      binds with five beryllium atoms in almost the same plane, forming a quasi-planar
      pentacoordinate carbon moiety. Be5C2 monolayer appears to have good stability as
      revealed by its moderate cohesive energy, positive phonon modes and high melting
      point. It is the lowest-energy structure with the Be5C2 stoichiometry in two
      dimensional space and therefore holds some promise to be realized experimentally.
      Be5C2 monolayer is a gapless semiconductor with a Dirac-like point in the band
      structure and also has an unusual negative Poisson's ratio. If synthesized, Be5C2
      monolayer may find applications in electronics and mechanics. 

PMID- 27139573
TI  - Phase-factor-dependent symmetries and quantum phases in a three-level cavity QED
      system.
AB  - Unlike conventional two-level particles, three-level particles may support some
      unitary-invariant phase factors when they interact coherently with a single-mode
      quantized light field. To gain a better understanding of light-matter
      interaction, it is thus necessary to explore the phase-factor-dependent physics
      in such a system. In this report, we consider the collective interaction between
      degenerate V-type three-level particles and a single-mode quantized light field,
      whose different components are labeled by different phase factors. We mainly
      establish an important relation between the phase factors and the symmetry or
      symmetry-broken physics. Specifically, we find that the phase factors affect
      dramatically the system symmetry. When these symmetries are breaking separately,
      rich quantum phases emerge. Finally, we propose a possible scheme to
      experimentally probe the predicted physics of our model. Our work provides a way
      to explore phase-factor-induced nontrivial physics by introducing additional
      particle levels.

PMID- 27139574
TI  - Correction: Substrate specificity of FUT8 and chemoenzymatic synthesis of core
      fucosylated asymmetric N-glycans.
AB  - Correction for 'Substrate specificity of FUT8 and chemoenzymatic synthesis of
      core-fucosylated asymmetric N-glycans' by Angie D. Calderon et al., Org. Biomol.
      Chem., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c6ob00586a.

PMID- 27139575
TI  - Use of Antibiotics Reserved for Resistant Gram-Negative Infections at
      Freestanding U.S. Children's Hospitals from 2004 to 2014.
AB  - We used the Pediatric Health Information System database to assess the use of
      antibiotics reserved for the treatment of resistant Gram-negative infections in
      children from 2004 to 2014. Overall, use of these agents increased in children
      from 2004 to 2007 and subsequently decreased. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
      2016:37:967-970.

PMID- 27139576
TI  - Patient-provider communication about the emotional cues and concerns of
      adolescent and young adult patients and their family members when receiving a
      diagnosis of cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine how emotional cues/concerns are expressed
      and responded to in medical consultations with adolescent and young adults (AYA),
      an understudied patient group, at the time of cancer diagnosis. METHODS: Nine
      consultations in which AYA patients aged 12-25 years were informed about their
      cancer diagnosis and treatment plans were audio recorded. Expressions of
      emotional cues/concerns and physicians' responses were identified and coded using
      The Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences (VR-CoDES). RESULTS: A total
      of 135 emotional cues/concerns (range: 2-26, median: 13) were identified. Cues or
      concerns that were expressed by patients and relatives following questions from
      physicians were more often explicit than patient-initiated cues/concerns.
      Questions about medical and practical issues could often be understood as ways of
      expressing emotional cues. When patients or relatives expressed less explicit
      verbal cues about underlying concerns, physicians often responded by presenting
      medical information without commenting on the emotional aspect indicated by the
      cue. CONCLUSION: The communication was dominated by information-giving, but the
      questions from patients and relatives and their responses to the information
      often had emotional connotations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Patients' requests for
      information may include an emotional aspect. These preliminary findings should be
      tested in a larger sample.

PMID- 27139577
TI  - Histamine Stimulates Ciliary Beat Frequency via the H2 Receptor in the
      Protochordate Botryllus schlosseri.
AB  - Histamine is a biogenic molecule that plays a role in many physiological pathways
      via binding to a specific receptor. Histaminergic receptors belong to the large
      family of seven-transmembrane alpha-helix domain receptors classified in mammals
      into four distinct classes: H1, H2, H3, and H4. Despite being widely studied in
      vertebrates, few data are available on the invertebrate receptors, with only
      predicted H1 and H2 sequences for nonchordate deuterostomes. Here, we report the
      first characterized transcript sequence for an H2 receptor from the colonial
      ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, describing the localization of both transcript and
      protein during blastogenic development through in situ hybridization and
      immunohistochemistry. Its phylogenetic relationships with deuterostome
      orthologous proteins are reported, its role in ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in
      cultured stigma cells of the branchial basket is outlined, and the effects of
      histamine and its receptor agonists and antagonists are analyzed. In the presence
      of increasing concentrations of histamine in the medium, CBF increases similarly
      to the selective H2 receptor agonist dimaprit. In contrast, ranitidine, which is
      an inhibitor of the H2 receptor, causes a significant inhibition of CBF, similar
      to that observed after preincubation with the specific anti-BsHRH2 or the anti
      human HRH2 antibody. In cells bordering the branchial basket stigmata, both
      antibodies colocalize in the proximal region of the ciliary plasmalemma, and
      histamine is present inside vesicles of the apical region, thus supporting the
      hypothesis of a histamine-binding H2 receptor control of the pharyngeal
      mucociliary transport similar to that of the upper respiratory tract and middle
      ear in mammals.

PMID- 27139578
TI  - Effect of different mixing methods on the bacterial microleakage of calcium
      enriched mixture cement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calcium-Enriched Mixture Cement is used in the field of endodontics.
      It is similar to Mineral Trioxide Aggregate in its main ingredients.The present
      study investigated the effect of different mixing methods on the bacterial
      microleakage of CEM cement. METHODS: A total of 55 human single-rooted human
      permanent teeth were decoronated so that 14- mm-long samples were obtained and
      obturated with AH26 sealer and gutta-percha using lateral condensation technique.
      Three millimeters of the root end were cut off and randomly divided into 3 groups
      of 15 each (3 mixing methods of amalgamator, ultrasonic and conventional) and 2
      negative and positive control groups (each containing 5 samples). BHI (Brain
      Heart Infusion Agar) suspension containing Enterococcus faecalis was used for
      bacterial leakage assessment. Statistical analysis was carried out using
      descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with censored data and log
      rank test. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: The survival
      means for conventional, amalgamator and ultrasonic methods were 62.13+/-12.44,
      68.87+/-12.79 and 77.53+/-12.52 days, respectively. The log rank test showed no
      significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of
      the present study it can be concluded that different mixing methods had no
      significant effect on the bacterial microleakage of CEM cement.

PMID- 27139579
TI  - Mechanobiology of the tooth movement during the orthodontic treatment: a
      literature review.
AB  - Orthodontic tooth movement differs significantly from the physiological tooth
      movement, because it effects a biological response of the surrounding tissues of
      the teeth, resulting in a remodeling of the periodontal ligament and the alveolar
      bone. The result is a biochemical adaptive response to the application of the
      orthodontic force with the reorganization of the intracellular and the
      extracellular matrix, in addition to a change of the local vascularization. This
      in turn leads to the synthesis and the release of arachidonic acid, growth
      factors, metabolites, cytokines and various enzymes. Biologically, not only the
      intensity of the force, but also the duration of this and the tissue response to
      the application of the same are important for the purpose of tooth movement.
      Having these insights it will possible to examine the concept of optimal
      orthodontic force, a determining factor for the success of orthodontic treatment.
      The purpose of this revision is to describe the biological processes and future
      perspective that occur following the application of orthodontic force, by
      providing relevant information to understand what are the changes at the
      molecular and cellular level that undergo when the tissues are subjected to such
      forces. More knowledge on the subject of mechanics and biology in orthodontics
      are constantly growing, producing an increasingly strong basis for clinical
      success.

PMID- 27139580
TI  - Sodium transport through the cerebral sodium-glucose transporter exacerbates
      neuron damage during cerebral ischaemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We recently demonstrated that the cerebral sodium-glucose transporter
      (SGLT) is involved in postischaemic hyperglycaemia-induced exacerbation of
      cerebral ischaemia. However, the associated SGLT-mediated mechanisms remain
      unclear. Thus, we examined the involvement of cerebral SGLT-induced excessive
      sodium ion influx in the development of cerebral ischaemic neuronal damage.
      METHODS: [Na+]i was estimated according to sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate
      fluorescence. In the in vitro study, primary cortical neurons were prepared from
      fetuses of ddY mice. Primary cortical neurons were cultured for 5 days before
      each treatment with reagents, and these survival rates were assessed using
      biochemical assays. In in vivo study, a mouse model of focal ischaemia was
      generated using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). KEY FINDINGS: In these
      experiments, treatment with high concentrations of glucose induced increment in
      [Na+]i, and this phenomenon was suppressed by the SGLT-specific inhibitor
      phlorizin. SGLT-specific sodium ion influx was induced using a-methyl-D
      glucopyranoside (a-MG) treatments, which led to significant concentration
      dependent declines in neuronal survival rates and exacerbated hydrogen peroxide
      induced neuronal cell death. Moreover, phlorizin ameliorated these effects.
      Finally, intracerebroventricular administration of a-MG exacerbated the
      development of neuronal damage induced by MCAO, and these effects were
      ameliorated by the administration of phlorizin. CONCLUSIONS: Hence, excessive
      influx of sodium ions into neuronal cells through cerebral SGLT may exacerbate
      the development of cerebral ischaemic neuronal damage.

PMID- 27139581
TI  - A comparison of experiences, competencies and development needs of doctor
      managers in Kenya and the United Kingdom (UK).
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the research was to explore and compare the experiences,
      leadership and management competencies and development needs of doctor managers
      in Kenya and the UK. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY: A comparative study d258esign involving
      fieldwork in Kenya and the UK was adopted. Data were collected using a multi
      method approach: qualitative interviews and a survey with doctor managers. The
      template method was used for qualitative data analysis while appropriate
      statistical tests in SPSS were used for quantitative data analysis. FINDINGS: The
      findings of the study add to the knowledge on experiences of doctor managers,
      competencies and development needs. Ways of addressing some of the difficulties
      are proposed. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The study highlights issues of a
      comparative study across different cultures and the issue of bias that is
      associated with self reports. PRACTICAL AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: It is assumed
      that management decisions have much in common and the training and socialisation
      of doctors as professionals is somewhat similar. This paper explores if there are
      any experiences that are transferable and if competency frameworks in healthcare
      used in developed countries are transferable to a developing country.
      ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study gives baseline knowledge and insight into the
      experiences, competencies and development needs of doctor managers in a
      developing country and adds to existing knowledge on doctor managers in the UK.
      This study has also provided currently the only international study comparing the
      experiences, competencies and development needs of doctors in management.

PMID- 27139582
TI  - Coating nanofiber scaffolds with beta cell membrane to promote cell proliferation
      and function.
AB  - The cell membrane cloaking technique has emerged as an intriguing strategy in
      nanomaterial functionalization. Coating synthetic nanostructures with natural
      cell membranes bestows the nanostructures with unique cell surface antigens and
      functions. Previous studies have focused primarily on development of cell
      membrane-coated spherical nanoparticles and the uses thereof. Herein, we attempt
      to extend the cell membrane cloaking technique to nanofibers, a class of
      functional nanomaterials that are drastically different from nanoparticles in
      terms of dimensional and mechanophysical characteristics. Using pancreatic beta
      cells as a model cell line, we demonstrate successful preparation of cell
      membrane-coated nanofibers and validate that the modified nanofibers possess an
      antigenic exterior closely resembling that of the source beta cells. When such
      nanofiber scaffolds are used to culture beta cells, both cell proliferation rate
      and function are significantly enhanced. Specifically, glucose-dependent insulin
      secretion from the cells is increased by near five-fold compared with the same
      beta cells cultured in regular, unmodified nanofiber scaffolds. Overall, coating
      cell membranes onto nanofibers could add another dimension of flexibility and
      controllability in harnessing cell membrane functions and offer new opportunities
      for innovative applications. 

PMID- 27139583
TI  - Adaptation to size affects saccades with long but not short latencies.
AB  - Maintained exposure to a specific stimulus property-such as size, color, or
      motion-induces perceptual adaptation aftereffects, usually in the opposite
      direction to that of the adaptor. Here we studied how adaptation to size affects
      perceived position and visually guided action (saccadic eye movements) to that
      position. Subjects saccaded to the border of a diamond-shaped object after
      adaptation to a smaller diamond shape. For saccades in the normal latency range,
      amplitudes decreased, consistent with saccading to a larger object. Short-latency
      saccades, however, tended to be affected less by the adaptation, suggesting that
      they were only partly triggered by a signal representing the illusory target
      position. We also tested size perception after adaptation, followed by a mask
      stimulus at the probe location after various delays. Similar size adaptation
      magnitudes were found for all probe-mask delays. In agreement with earlier
      studies, these results suggest that the duration of the saccade latency period
      determines the reference frame that codes the probe location.

PMID- 27139584
TI  - Retrospective triggering of conscious perception by an interstimulus interaction.
AB  - Attention facilitates conscious perception of a visual stimulus at an attended
      location. Interestingly, a recent study (using the Posner spatial-cueing task)
      reported that attention facilitated conscious perception even when it was cued
      after a stimulus was gone (postcued-attention or retroperception effect). Here,
      we show that this effect can be induced without any contribution of attention.
      Contrary to previous situations, we fixed a position of a target (Gabor patch)
      and cue (luminance change of a circle encompassing the target) across trials so
      that subjects always could allocate their full attention to the target position.
      The cue (luminance change) improved objective and subjective visibility of the
      nearby target even when it was given ~200 ms after the target's offset. This
      retrospective improvement was diminished when a shape of the cue was changed from
      a circle to a dot pattern, suggesting that the improvement emerged from a visual
      interaction (combinations of shapes) between the circular cue and target. Those
      results indicated that a local visual interaction between the target and cue is
      sufficient to trigger consciousness of the target, revealing a new type of
      retroperception effect mediated by sensory (nonattentional) mechanisms.

PMID- 27139585
TI  - Salicylic acid confers enhanced resistance to Glomerella leaf spot in apple.
AB  - Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) caused by Glomerella cingulata is a newly emergent
      disease that results in severe defoliation and fruit spots in apple. Currently,
      there are no effective means to control this disease except for the traditional
      fungicide sprays. Induced resistance by elicitors against pathogens infection is
      a widely accepted eco-friendly strategy. In the present study, we investigated
      whether exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) could improve resistance to
      GLS in a highly susceptible apple cultivar (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. 'Gala')
      and the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that pretreatment with SA, at
      0.1-1.0 mM, induced strong resistance against GLS in 'Gala' apple leaves, with SA
      treated leaves showing significant reduction in lesion numbers and disease index.
      Concurrent with the enhanced disease resistance, SA treatment markedly increased
      the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and defence-related enzyme activities,
      including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD),
      phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). As expected, SA
      treatment also induced the expression levels of five pathogenesis-related (PR)
      genes including PR1, PR5, PR8, Chitinase and beta-1,3-glucanase. Furthermore, the
      most pronounced and/or rapid increase was observed in leaves treated with SA and
      subsequently inoculated with G. cingulata compared to the treatment with SA or
      inoculation with the pathogen. Together, these results suggest that exogenous SA
      triggered increase in reactive oxygen species levels and the antioxidant system
      might be responsible for enhanced resistance against G. cingulata in 'Gala' apple
      leaves. 

PMID- 27139587
TI  - Brief Biography: Jeffrey Laurence, MD.

PMID- 27139591
TI  - The Effects of Plyometric Training on Change-of-Direction Ability: A Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To show a clear picture about the possible variables of enhancements of
      change-of-direction (COD) ability using longitudinal plyometric-training (PT)
      studies and determine specific factors that influence the training effects.
      METHODS: A computerized search was performed, and 24 articles with a total of 46
      effect sizes (ESs) in an experimental group and 25 ESs in a control group were
      reviewed to analyze the role of various factors on the impact of PT on COD
      performance. RESULTS: The results showed that participants with good fitness
      levels obtained greater improvements in COD performance (P < .05), and basketball
      players gained more benefits of PT than other athletes. Also, men obtained COD
      results similar to those of women after PT. In relation to the variables of PT
      design, it appears that 7 wk (with 2 sessions/wk) using moderate intensity and
      100 jumps per training session with a 72-h rest interval tends to improve COD
      ability. Performing PT with a combination of different types of plyometric
      exercises such as drop jumps + vertical jumps + standing long jumps is better
      than 1 form of exercise. CONCLUSION: It is apparent that PT can be effective at
      improving COD ability. The loading parameters are essential for exercise
      professionals, coaches, and strength and conditioning professionals with regard
      to the most appropriate dose-response trends to optimize plyometric-induced COD
      ability gains.

PMID- 27139586
TI  - Imaging Reactive Oxygen Species-Induced Modifications in Living Systems.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) may regulate signaling, ion channels,
      transcription factors, and biosynthetic processes. ROS-related diseases can be
      due to either a shortage or an excess of ROS. RECENT ADVANCES: Since the
      biological activity of ROS depends on not only concentration but also
      spatiotemporal distribution, real-time imaging of ROS, possibly in vivo, has
      become a need for scientists, with potential for clinical translation. New
      imaging techniques as well as new contrast agents in clinically established
      modalities were developed in the previous decade. CRITICAL ISSUES: An ideal
      imaging technique should determine ROS changes with high spatio-temporal
      resolution, detect physiologically relevant variations in ROS concentration, and
      provide specificity toward different redox couples. Furthermore, for in vivo
      applications, bioavailability of sensors, tissue penetration, and a high signal
      to-noise ratio are additional requirements to be satisfied. FUTURE DIRECTIONS:
      None of the presented techniques fulfill all requirements for clinical
      translation. The obvious way forward is to incorporate anatomical and functional
      imaging into a common hybrid-imaging platform. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 24, 939
      958.

PMID- 27139592
TI  - Added value of molecular assay Xpert MTB/RIF compared to sputum smear microscopy
      to assess the risk of tuberculosis transmission in a low-prevalence country.
AB  - Airborne precautions are required at hospital admission for patients with
      suspected pulmonary tuberculosis. The isolation is maintained until 3 serially
      collected sputum smears are acid-fast bacilli negative, a time- and labor
      intensive method with limited sensitivity and specificity, which has a great
      impact on patient flow management. We evaluated the possibility of replacing the
      result of microscopy by the semiquantitative result of the molecular point-of
      care test Xpert MTB/RIF to assess patients' transmission risk to quickly guide
      airborne isolation decisions in low-endemic countries. The performance of the
      Xpert MTB/RIF, used as a first-line test, was compared to the results of
      microscopy for specimens (n=242) collected from May 2010 to December 2014 in
      Lausanne, Switzerland. The sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF were
      91.5% (65/71) and 99.6% (170/171), respectively, vs. 64.8% (46/71) and 94.2%
      (161/171) for microscopy. Samples with negative Xpert MTB/RIF were all smear
      negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (negative predictive value, 100%). The
      semiquantitative results of Xpert MTB/RIF-high, medium, low or very low-were
      found to correlate with acid-fast bacilli detection: positive predictive value of
      100% (6/6), 96.5% (27/28), 52.2% (12/23) and 11.1% (1/9) respectively. Finally,
      when including clinical criteria, we identified 11 smear-negative but Xpert
      MTB/RIF-positive patients with a significant transmission potential. In
      conclusion, our data support the introduction of an Xpert MTB/RIF-based strategy
      as a replacement of smear microscopy for a faster and more accurate management of
      tuberculosis patients' transmission risk in a low-prevalence country. 

PMID- 27139593
TI  - Obsolete anti-pneumococcal vaccination recommendations in the spanish guidelines
      for the management of asthma (GEMA 4.0): The authors reply.

PMID- 27139594
TI  - Lady Windermere Syndrome: Does It Occur Only in Women?

PMID- 27139595
TI  - Does gratitude writing improve the mental health of psychotherapy clients?
      Evidence from a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Although the past decade has witnessed growing research interest in positive
      psychological interventions (PPIs), their potential as adjunctive interventions
      for psychotherapy remains relatively unexplored. Therefore, this article expands
      the frontiers of PPI research by reporting the first randomized controlled trial
      to test a gratitude writing adjunctive intervention for psychotherapy clients.
      Participants were 293 adults seeking university-based psychotherapy services.
      Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (a) control
      (psychotherapy only), (b) a psychotherapy plus expressive writing, and (c) a
      psychotherapy plus gratitude writing. Participants in the gratitude condition
      wrote letters expressing gratitude to others, whereas those in the expressive
      writing condition wrote about their deepest thoughts and feelings about stressful
      experiences. About 4 weeks as well as 12 weeks after the conclusion of the
      writing intervention, participants in the gratitude condition reported
      significantly better mental health than those in the expressive and control
      conditions, whereas those in the expressive and control conditions did not differ
      significantly. Moreover, lower proportions of negative emotion words in
      participants' writing mediated the positive effect of condition (gratitude versus
      expressive writing) on mental health. These findings are discussed in light of
      the use of gratitude interventions as adjunctive interventions for psychotherapy
      clients.

PMID- 27139596
TI  - Cobalt-Catalyzed Enantioselective Vinylation of Activated Ketones and Imines.
AB  - We present here an unprecedented cobalt-catalyzed enantioselective vinylation of
      alpha-ketoesters, isatins, and imines to deliver a range of synthetically useful
      allylic alcohols and amines in high enantiopurity. This method employs
      commercially available and easy to handle catalysts and reagents and exhibits a
      high degree of practicality. The efficiency, selectivity, and operational
      simplicity of this catalytic system coupled with the substrate generality render
      this method a valuable tool in organic synthesis.

PMID- 27139597
TI  - Noninvasive Measurement of Electrical Events Associated with a Single Chlorovirus
      Infection of a Microalgal Cell.
AB  - Chlorovirus Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus 1 (PBCV-1) contains a viral
      encoded K(+) channel imbedded in its internal membrane, which triggers host
      plasma membrane depolarization during virus infection. This early stage of
      infection was monitored at high resolution by recording the cell membrane
      depolarization of a single Chlorella cell during infection by a single PBCV-1
      particle. The measurement was achieved by depositing the cells onto a network of
      one-dimensional necklaces of Au nanoparticles, which spanned two electrodes 70
      MUm apart. The nanoparticle necklace array has been shown to behave as a single
      electron device at room temperature. The resulting electrochemical field-effect
      transistor (eFET) was gated by the cell membrane potential, which allowed a
      quantitative measurement of the electrophysiological changes across the rigid
      cell wall of the microalgae due to a single viral attack at high sensitivity. The
      single viral infection signature was quantitatively confirmed by coupling the
      eFET measurement with a method in which a single viral particle was delivered for
      infection by a scanning probe microscope cantilever.

PMID- 27139598
TI  - Electron interaction with a DNA duplex: dCpdC:dGpdG.
AB  - Electron attachment to double-stranded cytosine-rich DNA, dCpdC:dGpdG, has been
      studied by density functional theory. This system represents a minimal
      descriptive unit of a cytosine-rich double-stranded DNA helix. A significant
      electron affinity for the formation of a cytosine-centered radical anion is
      revealed to be about 2.2 eV. The excess electron may reside on the nucleobase at
      the 5' position (dC(-)pdC:dGpdG) or at the 3' position (dCpdC(-):dGpdG). The
      inter-strand proton transfer between the radical anion centered cytosine (N3) and
      the paired guanine (HN1) results in the formation of radical anion center
      separated complexes dC1HpdC:dG2-H(-)pdG and dCpdC2H:dGpdG1-H(-). These distonic
      radical anions are found to be approximately 1 to 4 kcal mol(-1) more stable than
      the normal radical anions. Intra-strand cytosine pi->pi transition energies are
      below the electron detachment energy. Inter-strand pi->pi transitions of the
      excess electron from C to G are predicted to be less than 2.79 eV. Electron
      transfer might also be possible through the inter-strand base-jumping mode. An
      analysis of absorption visible spectra reveals the absorption bands ranging from
      500 nm to 700 nm for the cytosine-rich radical anions of the DNA duplex. Electron
      attachment to cytidine oligomers might add color to the DNA duplex.

PMID- 27139599
TI  - Using a map-based assessment tool for the development of cost-effective WFD river
      basin action programmes in a changing climate.
AB  - For the 2nd and 3rd river basin management cycles (2015-2027) of the Water
      Framework Directive (WFD), EU Member States are required to fully integrate
      climate change into the process of river basin management planning (RBMP).
      Complying with the main WFD objective of achieving 'good ecological status' in
      all water bodies in Denmark requires Programmes of Measures (PoMs) to reduce
      nitrogen (N) pollution from point and diffuse sources. Denmark is among the
      world's most intensively farmed countries and in spite of thirty years of
      significant policy actions to reduce diffuse nutrient emissions, there is still a
      need for further reductions. In addition, the impacts of climate change are
      projected to lead to a situation where nutrient loads will have to be reduced
      still further in comparison to current climate conditions. There is an urgent
      need to address this challenge in WFD action programmes in order to develop
      robust and cost-effective adaptation strategies for the next WFD RBMP cycles. The
      aim of this paper is to demonstrate and discuss how a map-based PoMs assessment
      tool can support the development of adaptive and cost-effective strategies to
      reduce N losses in the Isefjord and Roskilde Fjord River Basin in the north east
      of Denmark. The tool facilitates assessments of the application of agri
      environmental measures that are targeted towards low retention agricultural
      areas, where limited or no surface and subsurface N reduction takes place.
      Effects of climate change on nitrate leaching were evaluated using the dynamic
      agro-ecosystem model 'Daisy'. Results show that nitrate leaching rates increase
      by approx. 25% under current management practices. This impact outweighs the
      expected total N reduction effect of Baseline 2015 and the first RBMP in the case
      study river basin. The particular PoMs investigated in our study show that WFD N
      reduction targets can be achieved by targeted land use changes on approx. 4% of
      the agricultural area under current climate conditions and approx. 9% of the
      agricultural area, when projected climate change impacts on nitrate leaching
      rates are included in the assessment. The study highlights the potential of the
      PoMs assessment tool to assist in evaluation of alternative WFD RBMP scenarios to
      achieve spatially targeted and cost-effective reductions of N loads at catchment
      scale in the context of a changing climate. 

PMID- 27139600
TI  - Screening PCR Versus Sanger Sequencing: Detection of CALR Mutations in Patients
      With Thrombocytosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutations in calreticulin (CALR) have been reported to be key markers
      in the molecular diagnosis of myeloid proliferative neoplasms. In most previous
      reports, CALR mutations were analyzed by using Sanger sequencing. Here, we report
      a new, rapid, and convenient system for screening CALR mutations without
      sequencing. METHODS: Eighty-three bone marrow samples were obtained from 81
      patients with thrombocytosis. PCR primers were designed to detect wild-type CALR
      (product: 357 bp) and CALR with type 1 (product: 302 bp) and type 2 mutations
      (product: 272 bp) in one reaction. The results were confirmed by Sanger
      sequencing and compared with results from fragment analysis. RESULTS: The minimum
      detection limit of the screening PCR was 10 ng for type 1, 1 ng for type 2, and
      0.1 ng for cases with both mutations. CALR type 1 and type 2 mutants were
      detected with screening PCR with a maximal analytical sensitivity of 3.2% and
      <0.8%, respectively. The screening PCR detected 94.1% (16/17) of mutation cases
      and showed concordant results with sequencing in the cases of type 1 and type 2
      mutations. Sanger sequencing identified one novel mutation
      (c.1123_1132delinsTGC). Compared with sequencing, the screening PCR showed 94.1%
      sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, 100.0% positive predictive value, and 98.5%
      negative predictive value. Compared with fragment analysis, the screening PCR
      presented 88.9% sensitivity and 100.0% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: This screening
      PCR is a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective method for the detection of major
      CALR mutations.

PMID- 27139601
TI  - Plasma Levels of Soluble CD146 Reflect the Severity of Pulmonary Congestion
      Better Than Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Acute Coronary Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute heart failure negatively affects short-term outcomes of
      patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Therefore, reliable and non-invasive
      assessment of pulmonary congestion is needed to select patients requiring more
      intensive monitoring and therapy. Since plasma levels of natriuretic peptides are
      influenced by myocardial ischemia, they might not reliably reflect congestion in
      the context of ACS. The novel endothelial biomarker, soluble CD146 (sCD146),
      presents discriminative power for detecting the cardiac origin of acute dyspnea
      similar to that of natriuretic peptides and is associated with systemic
      congestion. We evaluated the performance of sCD146 for the assessment of
      pulmonary congestion in the early phase of ACS. METHODS: One thousand twenty-one
      consecutive patients with ACS were prospectively enrolled. Plasma levels of
      sCD146, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and high-sensitive troponin T were
      measured within 24 hr after the onset of chest pain. Pulmonary congestion on
      chest radiography was determined and classified in three groups according to the
      degree of congestion. RESULTS: Nine hundred twenty-seven patients with ACS were
      analyzed. Ninety-two (10%) patients showed signs of pulmonary edema on chest
      radiography. Plasma levels of sCD146 reflected the radiological severity of
      pulmonary congestion. Higher plasma levels of sCD146 were associated with the
      worse degree of pulmonary congestion. In contrast to BNP, sCD146 levels were not
      affected by the level of troponin T. CONCLUSIONS: The novel endothelial
      biomarker, sCD146, correlates with radiological severity of pulmonary congestion
      in the early phase of ACS and, in contrast to BNP, is not affected by the amount
      of myocardial cell necrosis.

PMID- 27139602
TI  - Diagnostic Utility of Serum Glycated Albumin for Diabetes Mellitus and Its
      Correlation With Hyperlipidemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glycated albumin (GA) is a better marker of short-term glycemic
      control than glycated hemoglobin (A1c). Dyslipidemia is the main cause of
      cardiovascular complications in diabetes mellitus (DM). Studies on the
      correlation of GA with lipid indices are sparse. We investigated the diagnostic
      utility of GA for DM and its relationship with serum lipid profiles compared with
      that of A1c. METHODS: The GA enzymatic method was used to determine the
      diagnostic utility of GA for DM by using samples from 163 normal subjects (group
      1) and 102 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 DM (T2DM; group 2). To analyze
      the lipid profiles, 263 patients with T2DM receiving treatment (group 3) were
      recruited. RESULTS: GA correlated with A1c (r=0.934, P<0.0001). Linear regression
      analysis indicated that GA levels were about 2.48 folds those of A1c. In the ROC
      analysis for GA to diagnose DM, the areas under the curve (0.988, 95% confidence
      interval 0.972-1.004) was excellent. HDL levels were significantly lower in
      groups 2 and 3. In group 1, positive correlations were observed between A1c and
      triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL, TG/HDL, TC/HDL, and LDL/HDL
      levels. A negative correlation was observed between HDL and A1c levels. In group
      3, HDL levels (P=0.0124 and P=0.0141, respectively) were significantly higher and
      LDL levels tended to be lower, not statistically significant, in the well
      controlled group categorized using the A1c and GA cut-off values. CONCLUSIONS: GA
      is a potential diagnostic tool for DM. Compared with A1c, GA seems less relevant
      to dyslipidemia.

PMID- 27139603
TI  - Prognostic Value of Soluble ST2 During Hospitalization for ST-Segment Elevation
      Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studying the role of soluble ST2 (sST2) during hospitalization for
      myocardial infarction (MI) can be helpful for predicting the course of the
      hospitalization and development of complications. METHODS: We included 88
      patients with MI (median age, 58 yr). Depending on the course of the
      hospitalization, the patients were divided into two groups: the favorable (n=58)
      and unfavorable (n=30) outcome groups. On days 1 and 12 after MI, serum sST2 and
      N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured by ELISA.
      RESULTS: On day 1, the concentrations of sST2 and NT-proBNP increased 2.4- and
      4.5-fold, compared with the controls. Measurements on day 12 showed a significant
      decrease in the sST2 level (P=0.001), whereas the NT-proBNP level did not change.
      On day 1, the sST2 level in the unfavorable outcome group was 2-fold higher than
      that in the favorable outcome group and 3.7-fold higher than in the controls. On
      day 12, the marker level decreased in both groups. On day 1, the NT-proBNP level
      in the unfavorable outcome group was 6.8-fold higher than in the controls and 1.8
      fold higher than in the favorable outcome group. On day 12, the level of NT
      proBNP remained elevated in both groups. Determining the levels of both sST2 and
      NT-proBNP increases their diagnostic significance (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.7-3.2; areas under curve [AUC] 0.89; P=0.004).
      CONCLUSIONS: The level of sST2 is a more sensitive indicator during MI
      hospitalization than NT-proBNP.

PMID- 27139604
TI  - Prediction of Putative Resistance Islands in a Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter
      baumannii Global Clone 2 Clinical Isolate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the whole genome sequence (WGS) of a carbapenem
      resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolate belonging to the global clone 2 (GC2)
      and predicted resistance islands using a software tool. METHODS: A. baumannii
      strain YU-R612 was isolated from the sputum of a 61-yr-old man with sepsis. The
      WGS of the YU-R612 strain was obtained by using the PacBio RS II Sequencing
      System (Pacific Biosciences Inc., USA). Antimicrobial resistance genes and
      resistance islands were analyzed by using ResFinder and Genomic Island Prediction
      software (GIPSy), respectively. RESULTS: The YU-R612 genome consisted of a
      circular chromosome (ca. 4,075 kb) and two plasmids (ca. 74 kb and 5 kb). Its
      sequence type (ST) under the Oxford scheme was ST191, consistent with assignment
      to GC2. ResFinder analysis showed that YU-R612 possessed the following resistance
      genes: four beta-lactamase genes bla(ADC-30), bla(OXA-66), bla(OXA-23), and
      bla(TEM-1); armA, aadA1, and aacA4 as aminoglycoside resistance-encoding genes;
      aac(6')Ib-cr for fluoroquinolone resistance; msr(E) for macrolide, lincosamide,
      and streptogramin B resistance; catB8 for phenicol resistance; and sul1 for
      sulfonamide resistance. By GIPSy analysis, six putative resistant islands (PRIs)
      were determined on the YU-R612 chromosome. Among them, PRI1 possessed two copies
      of Tn2009 carrying bla(OXA-23), and PRI5 carried two copies of a class I integron
      carrying sul1 and armA genes. CONCLUSIONS: By prediction of resistance islands in
      the carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii YU-R612 GC2 strain isolated in Korea, PRIs
      were detected on the chromosome that possessed Tn2009 and class I integrons. The
      prediction of resistance islands using software tools was useful for analysis of
      the WGS.

PMID- 27139605
TI  - Identification of Acinetobacter Species Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption
      Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii has a greater clinical impact and exhibits
      higher antimicrobial resistance rates than the non-baumannii Acinetobacter
      species. Therefore, the correct identification of Acinetobacter species is
      clinically important. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight
      (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) has recently become the method of choice for
      identifying bacterial species. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      ability of MALDI-TOF MS (Bruker Daltonics GmbH, Germany) in combination with an
      improved database to identify various Acinetobacter species. METHODS: A total of
      729 Acinetobacter clinical isolates were investigated, including 447 A.
      baumannii, 146 A. nosocomialis, 78 A. pittii, 18 A. ursingii, 9 A. bereziniae, 9
      A. soli, 4 A. johnsonii, 4 A. radioresistens, 3 A. gyllenbergii, 3 A.
      haemolyticus, 2 A. lwoffii, 2 A. junii, 2 A. venetianus, and 2 A. genomospecies
      14TU. After 212 isolates were tested with the default Bruker database, the
      profiles of 63 additional Acinetobacter strains were added to the default
      database, and 517 isolates from 32 hospitals were assayed for validation. All
      strains in this study were confirmed by rpoB sequencing. RESULTS: The addition of
      the 63 Acinetobacter strains' profiles to the default Bruker database increased
      the overall concordance rate between MALDI-TOF MS and rpoB sequencing from 69.8%
      (148/212) to 100.0% (517/517). Moreover, after library modification, all
      previously mismatched 64 Acinetobacter strains were correctly identified.
      CONCLUSIONS: MALDI-TOF MS enables the prompt and accurate identification of
      clinically significant Acinetobacter species when used with the improved
      database.

PMID- 27139606
TI  - Serious Adverse Transfusion Reactions Reported in the National Recipient
      Triggered Trace Back System in Korea (2006-2014).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adverse transfusion reactions (ATRs) are clinically relevant to
      patients with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to review the
      cases of ATR reported in the recipient-triggered trace back system for a recent
      nine-year period in Korea. METHODS: Nine-year data obtained from 2006 to 2014 by
      the trace back system at the Division of Human Blood Safety Surveillance of the
      Korean Centers for Disease Control (KCDC) were reviewed. The suspected cases were
      assessed according to six categories: (i) related to, (ii) probably related to,
      (iii) probably not related to, (iv) not related to transfusion, (v) unable to
      investigate, and (vi) under investigation. RESULTS: Since 2006, 199 suspected
      serious ATRs were reported in hospitals and medical institutions in Korea, and
      these ATRs were reassessed by the division of Human Blood Safety Surveillance of
      the KCDC. Among the reported 193 cases as transfusion related infections,
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (135, 67.8%) was reported most frequently,
      followed by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (27, 13.6%), HIV infection (13,
      6.5%), syphilis (9, 4.5%), malarial infection (4, 2.0%), other bacterial
      infections (3, 1.5%), HTLV infection (1, 0.5%), and scrub typhus infection (1,
      0.5%), respectively. Of the 199 cases, 13 (6.5%) cases were confirmed as
      transfusion-related (3 HCV infections, 3 malarial infections, 1 HBV infection, 2
      Staphylococcus aureus sepsis, 3 transfusion-related acute lung injuries, and 1
      hemolytic transfusion reaction). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first nationwide data
      regarding serious ATRs in Korea and could contribute to the implementation of an
      effective hemovigilance system.

PMID- 27139607
TI  - Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based In Vitro Metabolic Profiling
      Reveals Altered Enzyme Expressions in Eicosanoid Metabolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eicosanoids are metabolites of arachidonic acid that are rapidly
      biosynthesized and degraded during inflammation, and their metabolic changes
      reveal altered enzyme expression following drug treatment. We developed an
      eicosanoid profiling method and evaluated their changes on drug treatment.
      METHODS: Simultaneous quantitative profiling of 32 eicosanoids in liver S9
      fractions obtained from rabbits with carrageenan-induced inflammation was
      performed and validated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled to
      anion-exchange solid-phase purification. RESULTS: The limit of quantification for
      the devised method ranged from 0.5 to 20.0 ng/mg protein, and calibration
      linearity was achieved (R2>0.99). The precision (% CV) and accuracy (% bias)
      ranged from 4.7 to 10.3% and 88.4 to 110.9%, respectively, and overall recoveries
      ranged from 58.0 to 105.3%. Our method was then applied and showed that
      epitestosterone treatment reduced the levels of all eicosanoids that were
      generated by cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative
      eicosanoid profiling combined with in vitro metabolic assays may be useful for
      evaluating metabolic changes affected by drugs during eicosanoid metabolism.

PMID- 27139608
TI  - In vitro Stability of Heat Shock Protein 27 in Serum and Plasma Under Different
      Pre-analytical Conditions: Implications for Large-Scale Clinical Studies.
AB  - The effects of storage temperatures, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, or delays in
      separating plasma or serum from blood samples are largely unknown for heat shock
      protein 27 (HSP27). We evaluated (1) the imprecision of the HSP27 assay used in
      this study; (2) the in vitro stability of HSP27 in blood samples stored at 4
      degrees C for up to 6 hr with immediate and delayed serum/plasma separation from
      cells; and (3) the in vitro stability of HSP27 in blood samples stored at -80
      degrees C after repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The ELISA to detect HSP27 in this
      study showed a within-run CV of <9% and a total CV of <15%. After 4-6 hr of
      storage at 4 degrees C, HSP27 concentrations remained stable when using serum
      tubes irrespective of sample handling, but HSP27 concentrations decreased by 25
      45% when using EDTA plasma tubes. Compared with baseline HSP27, one freeze-thaw
      cycle had no effect on serum concentrations. However, plasma concentrations
      increased by 3.1-fold after one freeze-thaw cycle and by 7.3-fold after five
      freeze-thaw cycles. In conclusion, serum is an appropriate biological sample type
      for use in epidemiological and large-scale clinical studies. 

PMID- 27139609
TI  - Preparation of Internal Quality Control Material for Lymphocyte Subset Analysis.
AB  - Lymphocyte subset analysis is widely used in clinical laboratories, and more than
      two levels of daily QC materials are required for reliable results. Commercially
      available, expensive QC materials have short shelf lives and may not be suitable
      in resource-poor settings. We compared different methods for preparing homemade
      QC material, including fixation with 1%, 2%, or 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA);
      freezing with 10% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 0.1% bovine serum albumin-phosphate
      buffered saline, or after ethanolic dehydration; and using cryopreservation
      temperatures of -20 degrees C, -80 degrees C, or -196 degrees C. We found an
      optimal experimental condition, which is 'fixation with 4% PFA, freezing with 10%
      DMSO, and storage at 80 degrees C'. To evaluate long-term stability of QC
      materials prepared in this optimal condition, two levels of QC materials (QM1 and
      QM2) were thawed after 30, 33, 35, 37, 60, 62, 64, and 67 days of
      cryopreservation. Lymphocyte subset was analyzed with BD Multitest IMK kit (BD
      Biosciences, USA). QM1 and QM2 were stable after 1-2 months of cryopreservation
      (CV <3% for CD3, CD4, and CD8 and 5-7% for CD16/56 and CD19). We propose this
      method as an alternative cost-effective protocol for preparing homemade internal
      QC materials for lymphocyte subset analysis in resource-poor settings. 

PMID- 27139610
TI  - Effect of Irradiation on Microparticles in Red Blood Cell Concentrates.
AB  - Changes in microparticles (MP) from red blood cell (RBC) concentrates in the
      context of irradiation have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate how irradiation affects the number of MPs within transfusion components.
      Twenty RBC concentrates, within 14 days after donation, were exposed to gamma
      rays (dose rate: 25 cGy) from a cesium-137 irradiator. Flow cytometry was used to
      determine the numbers of MPs derived from RBC concentrates before and 24 hr after
      irradiation. The mean number of MPs (+/-standard deviation) in RBC concentrates
      was 21.9*109/L (+/-22.7*109/L), and the total number of MPs ranged from 2.6*109/L
      to 96.9*109/L. The mean number of MPs increased to 22.6*109/L (+/-31.6*109/L)
      after irradiation. Before irradiation, the CD41-positive and CD235a-positive MPs
      constituted 9.5% (1.0*109/L) and 2.2% (263*106/L) of total MPs, respectively.
      After irradiation, CD41-positive MPs increased to 12.1% (1.5*109/L) (P=0.014),
      but the CD235a-positive MPs decreased to 2.0% (214*106/L) of the total MPs
      (P=0.369). Irradiation increases the number of CD41-positive MPs within RBC
      concentrates, suggesting the irradiation of RBC concentrates could be associated
      with thrombotic risk of circulating blood through the numerical change. 

PMID- 27139611
TI  - Two Cases of Bacteremia Due to Roseomonas mucosa.
AB  - Roseomonas is a genus of pink-pigmented nonfermentative bacilli. These slow
      growing, gram-negative cocobacilli form pink-colored colonies on sheep blood
      agar. They differ from other pink-pigmented nonfermenters, including
      Methylobacterium, in morphology, biochemical characteristics, and DNA sequence.
      Roseomonas strains are rarely isolated in clinical laboratories; therefore, we
      report two cases in order to improve our ability to identify these pathogens. We
      isolated two strains of Roseomonas mucosa from the venous blood cultures of two
      patients, an 84-yr-old woman with common bile duct obstruction and a 17-yr-old
      male with acute myeloid leukemia who had an indwelling central-venous catheter
      for chemotherapy. The isolated strains were confirmed as R. mucosa by 16S rRNA
      sequencing.

PMID- 27139612
TI  - A Novel KIT INDEL Mutation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia With t(8;21)(q22;q22); RUNX1
      RUNX1T1.

PMID- 27139613
TI  - Hemoglobin Camperdown [beta104Arg->Ser] Detection During Hemoglobin A(1c)
      Measurement via Capillary Electrophoresis.

PMID- 27139614
TI  - Myelodysplasia-Related Features of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Evolving From
      Philadelphia-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

PMID- 27139615
TI  - First Case of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Subtype of Monomorphic Post
      Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder With 3q27 Translocation.

PMID- 27139616
TI  - Molecular Features of Three Children Diagnosed With Early T-Cell Precursor Acute
      Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

PMID- 27139617
TI  - Fusobacterium Isolates Recovered From Colonic Biopsies of Inflammatory Bowel
      Disease Patients in Korea.

PMID- 27139618
TI  - First Case of Human Brucellosis Caused by Brucella melitensis in Korea.

PMID- 27139619
TI  - Possible Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury Following Convalescent Plasma
      Transfusion in a Patient With Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

PMID- 27139620
TI  - t(12;17)(p13;q12)/TAF15-ZNF384 Rearrangement in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

PMID- 27139621
TI  - Myoepithelioma of Soft Tissues: A Single Institution Retrospective Case Series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myoepithelioma of the soft tissues is a rare entity and little is
      known about how best to manage locally recurrent and high-grade disease. Here, we
      retrospectively examined outcomes of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy
      (RT) for treatment of low-grade and high-grade myoepithelioma of soft tissues.
      METHODS: We reviewed 20 cases of myoepithelioma of soft tissues seen at Mayo
      Clinic between 1994 and 2014. The effect of histologic grade and therapies
      received on relapse and survival were assessed. RESULTS: We identified 13
      patients with low-grade disease and 7 patients with high-grade disease. We found
      that low-grade disease was frequently effectively managed with surgical resection
      alone, whereas high-grade disease frequently metastasized and was often fatal.
      The 5-year event-free survival was 88% (confidence interval, 46%-98%) for low
      grade disease versus 36% (confidence interval, 7%-75%; P=0.04) for high-grade
      disease. The relapse rate in low-grade disease was 29% at 5 years versus 64%
      (P=0.04) in high-grade disease. No significant responses to chemotherapy were
      noted, however, excellent responses to perioperative RT were seen. CONCLUSIONS:
      Surgery continues as the primary modality of treatment for myoepithelioma of soft
      tissues. Our study did not show a clear benefit of chemotherapy in the metastatic
      disease setting, but supports the use of perioperative RT in the management of
      high-grade disease; further investigation is warranted.

PMID- 27139622
TI  - Challenges in tissue engineering - towards cell control inside artificial
      scaffolds.
AB  - Control of living cells is vital for the survival of organisms. Each cell inside
      an organism is exposed to diverse external mechano-chemical cues, all coordinated
      in a spatio-temporal pattern triggering individual cell functions. This complex
      interplay between external chemical cues and mechanical 3D environments is
      translated into intracellular signaling loops. Here, we describe how external
      mechano-chemical cues control cell functions, especially cell migration, and
      influence intracellular information transport. In particular, this work focuses
      on the quantitative analysis of (1) intracellular vesicle transport to understand
      intracellular state changes in response to external cues, (2) cellular sensing of
      external chemotactic cues, and (3) the cells' ability to migrate in 3D structured
      environments, artificially fabricated to mimic the 3D environment of tissue in
      the human body.

PMID- 27139623
TI  - Objective evaluation of radiation damage in a nucleoprotein complex.

PMID- 27139624
TI  - Transmission electron microscopy for the evaluation and optimization of crystal
      growth.
AB  - The crystallization of protein samples remains the most significant challenge in
      structure determination by X-ray crystallography. Here, the effectiveness of
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis to aid in the crystallization of
      biological macromolecules is demonstrated. It was found that the presence of well
      ordered lattices with higher order Bragg spots, revealed by Fourier analysis of
      TEM images, is a good predictor of diffraction-quality crystals. Moreover, the
      use of TEM allowed (i) comparison of lattice quality among crystals from
      different conditions in crystallization screens; (ii) the detection of crystal
      pathologies that could contribute to poor X-ray diffraction, including crystal
      lattice defects, anisotropic diffraction and crystal contamination by heavy
      protein aggregates and nanocrystal nuclei; (iii) the qualitative estimation of
      crystal solvent content to explore the effect of lattice dehydration on
      diffraction and (iv) the selection of high-quality crystal fragments for
      microseeding experiments to generate reproducibly larger sized crystals.
      Applications to X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) and micro-electron diffraction
      (microED) experiments are also discussed.

PMID- 27139625
TI  - Using iterative fragment assembly and progressive sequence truncation to
      facilitate phasing and crystal structure determination of distantly related
      proteins.
AB  - Molecular replacement (MR) often requires templates with high homology to solve
      the phase problem in X-ray crystallography. I-TASSER-MR has been developed to
      test whether the success rate for structure determination of distant-homology
      proteins could be improved by a combination of iterative fragmental structure
      assembly simulations with progressive sequence truncation designed to trim
      regions with high variation. The pipeline was tested on two independent protein
      sets consisting of 61 proteins from CASP8 and 100 high-resolution proteins from
      the PDB. After excluding homologous templates, I-TASSER generated full-length
      models with an average TM-score of 0.773, which is 12% higher than the best
      threading templates. Using these as search models, I-TASSER-MR found correct MR
      solutions for 95 of 161 targets as judged by having a TFZ of >8 or with the final
      structure closer to the native than the initial search models. The success rate
      was 16% higher than when using the best threading templates. I-TASSER-MR was also
      applied to 14 protein targets from structure genomics centers. Seven of these
      were successfully solved by I-TASSER-MR. These results confirm that advanced
      structure assembly and progressive structural editing can significantly improve
      the success rate of MR for targets with distant homology to proteins of known
      structure.

PMID- 27139626
TI  - A generic protocol for protein crystal dehydration using the HC1b humidity
      controller.
AB  - Dehydration may change the crystal lattice and affect the mosaicity, resolution
      and quality of X-ray diffraction data. A dehydrating environment can be generated
      around a crystal in several ways with various degrees of precision and
      complexity. This study uses a high-precision crystal humidifier/dehumidifier to
      provide an airstream of known relative humidity in which the crystals are
      mounted: a precise yet hassle-free approach to altering crystal hydration. A
      protocol is introduced to assess the impact of crystal dehydration systematically
      applied to nine experimental crystal systems. In one case, that of glucose
      isomerase, dehydration triggering a change of space group from I222 to P21212 was
      observed. This observation is supported by an extended study of the behaviour of
      the glucose isomerase crystal structure during crystal dehydration.

PMID- 27139627
TI  - Crystal structures of Escherichia coli branching enzyme in complex with
      cyclodextrins.
AB  - Branching enzyme (BE) is responsible for the third step in glycogen/starch
      biosynthesis. It catalyzes the cleavage of alpha-1,4 glucan linkages and
      subsequent reattachment to form alpha-1,6 branch points. These branches are
      crucial to the final structure of glycogen and starch. The crystal structures of
      Escherichia coli BE (EcBE) in complex with alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrin
      were determined in order to better understand substrate binding. Four
      cyclodextrin-binding sites were identified in EcBE; they were all located on the
      surface of the enzyme, with none in the vicinity of the active site. While three
      of the sites were also identified as linear polysaccharide-binding sites, one of
      the sites is specific for cyclodextrins. In previous work three additional
      binding sites were identified as exclusively binding linear malto
      oligosaccharides. Comparison of the binding sites shed light on this apparent
      specificity. Binding site IV is located in the carbohydrate-binding module 48
      (CBM48) domain of EcBE and superimposes with the cyclodextrin-binding site found
      in the CBM48 domain of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Comparison of
      these sites shows the similarities and differences in the two binding modes.
      While some of the binding sites were found to be conserved between branching
      enzymes of different organisms, some are quite divergent, indicating both
      similarities and differences between oligosaccharide binding in branching enzymes
      from various sources.

PMID- 27139628
TI  - RNA protects a nucleoprotein complex against radiation damage.
AB  - Radiation damage during macromolecular X-ray crystallographic data collection is
      still the main impediment for many macromolecular structure determinations. Even
      when an eventual model results from the crystallographic pipeline, the
      manifestations of radiation-induced structural and conformation changes, the so
      called specific damage, within crystalline macromolecules can lead to false
      interpretations of biological mechanisms. Although this has been well
      characterized within protein crystals, far less is known about specific damage
      effects within the larger class of nucleoprotein complexes. Here, a methodology
      has been developed whereby per-atom density changes could be quantified with
      increasing dose over a wide (1.3-25.0 MGy) range and at higher resolution (1.98
      A) than the previous systematic specific damage study on a protein-DNA complex.
      Specific damage manifestations were determined within the large trp RNA-binding
      attenuation protein (TRAP) bound to a single-stranded RNA that forms a belt
      around the protein. Over a large dose range, the RNA was found to be far less
      susceptible to radiation-induced chemical changes than the protein. The
      availability of two TRAP molecules in the asymmetric unit, of which only one
      contained bound RNA, allowed a controlled investigation into the exact role of
      RNA binding in protein specific damage susceptibility. The 11-fold symmetry
      within each TRAP ring permitted statistically significant analysis of the Glu and
      Asp damage patterns, with RNA binding unexpectedly being observed to protect
      these otherwise highly sensitive residues within the 11 RNA-binding pockets
      distributed around the outside of the protein molecule. Additionally, the method
      enabled a quantification of the reduction in radiation-induced Lys and Phe
      disordering upon RNA binding directly from the electron density.

PMID- 27139629
TI  - Crystal structures of apo and inhibitor-bound TGFbetaR2 kinase domain: insights
      into TGFbetaR isoform selectivity.
AB  - The cytokine TGF-beta modulates a number of cellular activities and plays a
      critical role in development, hemostasis and physiology, as well as in diseases
      including cancer and fibrosis. TGF-beta signals through two transmembrane
      serine/threonine kinase receptors: TGFbetaR1 and TGFbetaR2. Multiple structures
      of the TGFbetaR1 kinase domain are known, but the structure of TGFbetaR2 remains
      unreported. Wild-type TGFbetaR2 kinase domain was refractory to crystallization,
      leading to the design of two mutated constructs: firstly, a TGFbetaR1 chimeric
      protein with seven ATP-site residues mutated to their counterparts in TGFbetaR2,
      and secondly, a reduction of surface entropy through mutation of six charged
      residues on the surface of the TGFbetaR2 kinase domain to alanines. These yielded
      apo and inhibitor-bound crystals that diffracted to high resolution (<2 A).
      Comparison of these structures with those of TGFbetaR1 reveal shared ligand
      contacts as well as differences in the ATP-binding sites, suggesting strategies
      for the design of pan and selective TGFbetaR inhibitors.

PMID- 27139630
TI  - Structural analysis of cofactor binding for a prolyl 4-hydroxylase from the
      pathogenic bacterium Bacillus anthracis.
AB  - The prolyl 4-hydroxylases (P4Hs) are mononuclear nonheme iron enzymes that
      catalyze the formation of 4R-hydroxyproline from many different substrates, with
      various biological implications. P4H is a key player in collagen accumulation,
      which has implications in fibrotic disorders. The stabilization of collagen
      triple-helical structure via prolyl hydroxylation is the rate-limiting step in
      collagen biosynthesis, and therefore P4H has been extensively investigated as a
      potential therapeutic target of fibrotic disease. Understanding how these enzymes
      recognize cofactors and substrates is important and will aid in the future design
      of inhibitors of P4H. In this article, X-ray crystal structures of a
      metallocofactor- and alpha-ketoglutarate (alphaKG)-bound form of P4H from
      Bacillus anthracis (BaP4H) are reported. Structures of BaP4H were solved at 1.63
      and 2.35 A resolution and contained a cadmium ion and alphaKG bound in the active
      site. The alphaKG-Cd-BaP4H ternary complex reveals conformational changes of
      conserved residues upon the binding of metal ion and alphaKG, resulting in a
      closed active-site configuration required for dioxygen, substrate binding and
      catalysis.

PMID- 27139633
TI  - Is nutrition deficiency a key factor of adverse outcomes for pregnant
      adolescents?

PMID- 27139631
TI  - Discovery of a novel allosteric inhibitor-binding site in ERK5: comparison with
      the canonical kinase hinge ATP-binding site.
AB  - MAP kinases act as an integration point for multiple biochemical signals and are
      involved in a wide variety of cellular processes such as proliferation,
      differentiation, regulation of transcription and development. As a member of the
      MAP kinase family, ERK5 (MAPK7) is involved in the downstream signalling pathways
      of various cell-surface receptors, including receptor tyrosine kinases and G
      protein-coupled receptors. In the current study, five structures of the ERK5
      kinase domain co-crystallized with ERK5 inhibitors are reported. Interestingly,
      three of the compounds bind at a novel allosteric binding site in ERK5, while the
      other two bind at the typical ATP-binding site. Binding of inhibitors at the
      allosteric site is accompanied by displacement of the P-loop into the ATP-binding
      site and is shown to be ATP-competitive in an enzymatic assay of ERK5 kinase
      activity. Kinase selectivity data show that the most potent allosteric inhibitor
      exhibits superior kinase selectivity compared with the two inhibitors that bind
      at the canonical ATP-binding site. An analysis of these structures and comparison
      with both a previously published ERK5-inhibitor complex structure (PDB entry
      4b99) and the structures of three other kinases (CDK2, ITK and MEK) in complex
      with allosteric inhibitors are presented.

PMID- 27139632
TI  - Structural insights into chaperone-activity enhancement by a K354E mutation in
      tomato acidic leucine aminopeptidase.
AB  - Tomato plants express acidic leucine aminopeptidase (LAP-A) in response to
      various environmental stressors. LAP-A not only functions as a peptidase for
      diverse peptide substrates, but also displays chaperone activity. A K354E
      mutation has been shown to abolish the peptidase activity but to enhance the
      chaperone activity of LAP-A. To better understand this moonlighting function of
      LAP-A, the crystal structure of the K354E mutant was determined at 2.15 A
      resolution. The structure reveals that the K354E mutation destabilizes an active
      site loop and causes significant rearrangement of active-site residues, leading
      to loss of the catalytic metal-ion coordination required for the peptidase
      activity. Although the mutant was crystallized in the same hexameric form as wild
      type LAP-A, gel-filtration chromatography revealed an apparent shift from the
      hexamer to lower-order oligomers for the K354E mutant, showing a mixture of
      monomers to trimers in solution. In addition, surface-probing assays indicated
      that the K354E mutant has more accessible hydrophobic areas than wild-type LAP-A.
      Consistently, computational thermodynamic estimations of the interfaces between
      LAP-A monomers suggest that increased exposure of hydrophobic surfaces occurs
      upon hexamer breakdown. These results suggest that the K354E mutation disrupts
      the active-site loop, which also contributes to the hexameric assembly, and
      destabilizes the hexamers, resulting in much greater hydrophobic areas accessible
      for efficient chaperone activity than in the wild-type LAP-A.

PMID- 27139634
TI  - Atomistic Hydrodynamics and the Dynamical Hydrophobic Effect in Porous Graphene.
AB  - Mirroring their role in electrical and optical physics, two-dimensional crystals
      are emerging as novel platforms for fluid separations and water desalination,
      which are hydrodynamic processes that occur in nanoscale environments. For
      numerical simulation to play a predictive and descriptive role, one must have
      theoretically sound methods that span orders of magnitude in physical scales,
      from the atomistic motions of particles inside the channels to the large-scale
      hydrodynamic gradients that drive transport. Here, we use constraint dynamics to
      derive a nonequilibrium molecular dynamics method for simulating steady-state
      mass flow of a fluid moving through the nanoscopic spaces of a porous solid.
      After validating our method on a model system, we use it to study the hydrophobic
      effect of water moving through pores of electrically doped single-layer graphene.
      The trend in permeability that we calculate does not follow the hydrophobicity of
      the membrane but is instead governed by a crossover between two competing
      molecular transport mechanisms.

PMID- 27139635
TI  - Sex, offspring and carcass determine antimicrobial peptide expression in the
      burying beetle.
AB  - The burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides has emerged as a model system for the
      investigation of adaptations that allow the utilization of carrion as a diet and
      as a resource for reproduction. The survival of beetles and their offspring given
      their exposure to soil-dwelling and cadaver-borne microbes requires mechanisms
      that reduce bacterial contamination in the diet and that achieve sanitation of
      the microhabitat. To explore the role of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in this
      context, we analyzed burying beetle males and females at different stages of
      their breeding cycle using the RNA-Seq and proteomics approaches. To address
      variation in immune functions, we investigated the impact of adult sex, the
      presence or absence of offspring (social context), and the presence of carrion
      (environmental context) on the expression of the identified immune effector
      genes. We found that particular AMPs are sex-specific and tightly regulated by
      the presence of a carcass or offspring and identified the two most context
      dependent antimicrobial proteins in anal secretions. The context-specific
      expression dynamics of particular AMPs and lysozymes reveals a complex regulatory
      system, reflecting adaptations to specific ecological niches. This study
      highlights how burying beetles cope with microorganisms found on carrion and
      identifies candidates for both internal and external immunity.

PMID- 27139636
TI  - Healthcare providers' experiences of working with alcohol addiction treatment in
      Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of alcohol consumption, together with its
      associated health risk factors, has long-term negative impacts on both society
      and the economy in Thailand. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the
      experiences of healthcare providers working with people experiencing alcohol
      addiction and the treatment programs in a Thai hospital. METHODS: Qualitative
      study was applied in this study by conducting focus group interviews with 32
      interdisciplinary healthcare providers, most of which were nurses. Content
      analysis was applied to analyze the verbatim-transcribed data. FINDINGS: Two main
      topics emerged: (1) the collaborative practices related to alcohol treatment, and
      (2) the fit of the program, including how the treatment program functions.
      Obstacles were identified and formulated from several sub-categories.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings included obstacles linked to the imported (Western)
      program and the patriarchal structure in Thai culture, which seem to intersect
      and reinforce each other.

PMID- 27139637
TI  - Auricular Acupuncture for the Treatment of Pediatric Migraines in the Emergency
      Department.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Headache remains a frequent complaint for children presenting to a
      pediatric emergency department (ED). Typical treatments include oral or
      intravenous medications, but do not always relieve pain. An alternative
      intervention is auricular acupuncture. It has been shown to be effective in the
      treatment of migraines in adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
      utility and adverse effects of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of
      pediatric migraines in the ED. METHODS: This was a prospective, interventional,
      cohort study of patients 8 to 18 years of age. Efficacious ear points were
      located by needle contact or electrical point finder with attention to 2 migraine
      lines on the ear. ASP gold semipermanent ear needles were placed in the
      efficacious points and patients were monitored for 15 minutes. The primary
      outcome was the change in preintervention and postintervention pain scores using
      a numerical self-reported pain visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Nineteen
      patients elected to enroll in the study. The mean change in the VAS scores was
      both clinically and statistically significant at 7.03 (interquartile range, 6
      8.5) with a P value of less than 0.001. Two patients elected to withdraw from the
      study secondary to incomplete resolution of migraine pain despite improvement in
      VAS scores. There were no known adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: With all subjects
      showing improvement or resolution of migraine headache, this pilot study
      introduces an alternative intervention to pediatric migraine management. Further
      studies are needed to evaluate the duration of symptom resolution and comparative
      effectiveness; auricular acupuncture seems to be a valid alternative.

PMID- 27139638
TI  - Comparison of Primary Care Provider Office Hours and Pediatric Emergency
      Department Return Visits.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of primary care
      office hours of operation on 48-hour return visits (RVs) to a pediatric emergency
      department (ED). We compared characteristics of patients who return with those
      who follow up outpatient to determine the feasibility of opening off-hour clinics
      to decrease the RV rate. METHODS: The study was a retrospective chart review of
      patients presenting to a pediatric ED for a 3-year period. A subset of patients
      with a hospital-affiliated primary care provider was evaluated to compare those
      with 48-hour ED RVs with those with office follow-up. RESULTS: Patients with a
      hospital-affiliated primary care provider had 30,231 visits, of whom 842 had a 48
      hour return (2.79%). A significant number (48.5%) of those who returned had seen
      their primary care doctor between emergency visits. The percentage of RVs
      occurring at night (55.7%) was slightly lower than the percentage of all visits
      occurring off hours (58.1%). Patients with more acute presentation at initial
      visit (emergency severity index level acuity 2, >20 orders placed) were more
      likely to follow up with their provider than return to the ED. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings from this study show no significant increase in RVs during the evening
      and overnight hours and many patients with outpatient follow-up before returning
      to the ED. Opening a clinic at our hospital during nontraditional hours would not
      likely significantly decrease RV rate.

PMID- 27139639
TI  - Preparation of alpha-bisabolol and phenylethyl resorcinol/TiO2 hybrid composites
      for potential applications in cosmetics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bifunctional alpha-bisabolol and phenylethyl resorcinol/TiO2 hybrids
      were prepared to apply in cosmetic fields, particularly in anti-ageing and
      hyperpigmentation treatment. The synergistic effect of combined antioxidant and
      UV filtering properties was achieved through functionalization of TiO2 particles
      with skin-lightening materials such as alpha-bisabolol and phenylethyl
      resorcinol. METHODS: TiO2 microspheres with a diameter of about 1 MUm were
      synthesized through surfactant-assisted sol-gel method for use as supporting
      materials in the formation of hybrid composites. Carboxylation treatment was
      performed for surface modification of the TiO2 surface with carboxyl groups as
      chemical binders. Esterification reaction between carboxyl groups of carboxylated
      TiO2 and hydroxyl groups of alpha-bisabolol or phenylethyl resorcinol was
      performed. The hybrids were characterized using various techniques such as FE
      SEM, DLS, EDS, ATR-FTIR, XPS and TGA. For application of prepared TiO2 composites
      in the field of cosmetics, the anti-radicular antioxidant abilities were
      evaluated using ABTS and DPPH colorimetric antioxidant assay. RESULTS:
      Organic/inorganic hybrid composites were successfully formed using esterification
      reaction between the carboxyl groups at TiO2 surface and the hydroxyl groups of
      the skin-lightening materials. The results demonstrate that both functionalized
      microspheres show scavenging ability towards the ABTS(*) and DPPH(*) radicals.
      Specifically, the phenylethyl resorcinol/TiO2 composites exhibited the highest
      antioxidant ability among the prepared samples owing to the presence of phenolic
      groups to scavenge free radicals. CONCLUSION: Using this strategy, it could be
      possible to prepare not only inorganic UV filter but also hybrid
      organic/inorganic materials with multifunctions and advantages which would be in
      a great demand for cosmetic applications.

PMID- 27139640
TI  - For Better or Worse: Cytosolic DNA Sensing during Intracellular Bacterial
      Infection Induces Potent Innate Immune Responses.
AB  - Many intracellular bacterial pathogens previously thought to remain sealed within
      a vacuole can be recognized by cytosolic innate immune sensors. While a wide
      array of cytosolic nucleic acid sensors have been characterized in the context of
      viral infection, we are only now beginning to examine how these same molecules
      function in the context of bacterial infection. Interestingly, in addition to
      helping the host control the replication of some intracellular bacteria,
      cytosolic sensing of bacterial DNA has also been implicated in eliciting immune
      responses that enhance bacterial survival and promote pathogenesis, suggesting
      that activation of these host DNA sensing pathways is an evolutionarily conserved
      bacterial adaptation. Unlocking the mechanistic detail of these paradoxical
      innate immune events will be crucial for understanding how they influence the
      overall immune response during bacterial infection and how we may develop
      therapeutics to tip the balance in favor of the host.

PMID- 27139642
TI  - Functional and Structural Insights of the Zinc-Finger HIT protein family members
      Involved in Box C/D snoRNP Biogenesis.
AB  - Zf-HIT family members share the zf-HIT domain (ZHD), which is characterized by a
      fold in "treble-clef" through interleaved CCCC and CCHC ZnF motifs that both bind
      a zinc atom. Six proteins containing ZHD are present in human and three in yeast
      proteome, all belonging to multimodular RNA/protein complexes involved in gene
      regulation, chromatin remodeling, and snoRNP assembly. An interesting
      characteristic of the cellular complexes that ensure these functions is the
      presence of the RuvBL1/2/Rvb1/2 ATPases closely linked with zf-HIT proteins.
      Human ZNHIT6/BCD1 and its counterpart in yeast Bcd1p were previously
      characterized as assembly factors of the box C/D snoRNPs. Our data reveal that
      the ZHD of Bcd1p is necessary but not sufficient for yeast growth and that the
      motif has no direct RNA-binding capacity but helps Bcd1p maintain the box C/D
      snoRNAs level in steady state. However, we demonstrated that Bcd1p interacts
      nonspecifically with RNAs depending on their length. Interestingly, the ZHD of
      Bcd1p is functionally interchangeable with that of Hit1p, another box C/D snoRNP
      assembly factor belonging to the zf-HIT family. This prompted us to use NMR to
      solve the 3D structures of ZHD from yeast Bcd1p and Hit1p to highlight the
      structural similarity in the zf-HIT family. We identified structural features
      associated with the requirement of Hit1p and Bcd1p ZHD for cell growth and box
      C/D snoRNA stability under heat stress. Altogether, our data suggest an important
      role of ZHD could be to maintain functional folding to the rest of the protein,
      especially under heat stress conditions.

PMID- 27139641
TI  - 1.92 Angstrom Zinc-Free APOBEC3F Catalytic Domain Crystal Structure.
AB  - The APOBEC3 family of DNA cytosine deaminases is capable of restricting the
      replication of HIV-1 and other pathogens. Here, we report a 1.92 A resolution
      crystal structure of the Vif-binding and catalytic domain of APOBEC3F (A3F). This
      structure is distinct from the previously published APOBEC and phylogenetically
      related deaminase structures, as it is the first without zinc in the active site.
      We determined an additional structure containing zinc in the same crystal form
      that allows direct comparison with the zinc-free structure. In the absence of
      zinc, the conserved active site residues that normally participate in zinc
      coordination show unique conformations, including a 90 degree rotation of His249
      and disulfide bond formation between Cys280 and Cys283. We found that zinc
      coordination is influenced by pH, and treating the protein at low pH in
      crystallization buffer is sufficient to remove zinc. Zinc coordination and
      catalytic activity are reconstituted with the addition of zinc only in a reduced
      environment likely due to the two active site cysteines readily forming a
      disulfide bond when not coordinating zinc. We show that the enzyme is active in
      the presence of zinc and cobalt but not with other divalent metals. These results
      unexpectedly demonstrate that zinc is not required for the structural integrity
      of A3F and suggest that metal coordination may be a strategy for regulating the
      activity of A3F and related deaminases.

PMID- 27139644
TI  - Green pulsed lidar-radar emitter based on a multipass frequency-shifting external
      cavity.
AB  - This paper investigates the radio frequency (RF) up-conversion properties of a
      frequency-shifting external cavity on a laser beam. We consider an infrared
      passively Q-switched pulsed laser whose intensity modulation results from the
      multiple round-trips in the external cavity, which contains a frequency shifter.
      The output beam undergoes optical second-harmonic generation necessary to reach
      the green wavelength. We model the pulse train using a rate-equation model to
      simulate the laser pulses, together with a time-delayed interference calculation
      taking both the diffraction efficiency and the Gaussian beam propagation into
      account. The predictions are verified experimentally using a diode-pumped Nd:YAG
      laser passively Q-switched by Cr<sup>4+:</sup>YAG whose pulse train makes
      multiple round-trips in a mode-matched external cavity containing an acousto
      optic frequency shifter driven at 85 MHz. Second-harmonic generation is realized
      in a KTP crystal, yielding RF-modulated pulses at 532 nm with a modulation
      contrast of almost 100%. RF harmonics up to the 6th order (1.020 GHz) are
      observed in the green output pulses. Such a RF-modulated green laser may find
      applications in underwater detection and ranging.

PMID- 27139645
TI  - High-efficiency generation of 355  nm radiation by a diode-end-pumped passively Q
      switched Nd:YAG/Nd:YVO<sub>4</sub> laser.
AB  - In this paper we have demonstrated an efficient generation of 355 nm radiation by
      a diode-end-pumped Nd:YAG/Nd:YVO<sub>4</sub> passively Q-switched 1064 nm laser.
      Cr:YAG is used as a saturable absorber for pulse generation. Compared to
      Nd:YAG/Cr:YAG, a passively Q-switched 1064 nm laser with higher polarization
      ratio is obtained in an Nd:YAG/Nd:YVO<sub>4</sub>/Cr:YAG configuration, which is
      helpful to nonlinear frequency conversion. The maximum output power of 8.56 W at
      1064 nm is obtained with the pulse repetition rate of 38.6 kHz. Under incident
      pump power of 25.8 W the polarization ratio of 1064 nm is more than 15?1. Type I
      and type II critical phase-matching lithium triborate are used as nonlinear
      frequency conversion crystals. A tripling harmonic-generation output power of
      2.22 W at 355 nm is achieved.

PMID- 27139646
TI  - Quantitative measurement of acoustic pressure in the focal zone of acoustic lens
      line focusing using the Schlieren method.
AB  - This paper proposes a theory and method for quantitative measurement of the
      acoustic lens-line focusing ultrasonic (ALLFU) field in its focal spot size and
      acoustic pressure using the Schlieren imaging technique. Using Fourier
      transformation, the relationship between the brightness of the Schlieren image
      and the acoustic pressure was introduced. The ALLFU field was simulated using
      finite element method and compared with the Schlieren acoustic field image. The
      measurement of the focal spot size was performed using the Schlieren method. The
      acoustic pressure in the focal zone of the ALLFU field and the transducer
      transmitting voltage response were quantitatively determined by measuring the
      diffraction light fringe intensity. The results show that the brightness of the
      Schlieren image is a linear function of the acoustic intensity when the acousto
      optic interaction length remains constant and the acoustic field is weak.

PMID- 27139643
TI  - Walker-A Motif Acts to Coordinate ATP Hydrolysis with Motor Output in Viral DNA
      Packaging.
AB  - During the assembly of many viruses, a powerful ATP-driven motor translocates DNA
      into a preformed procapsid. A Walker-A "P-loop" motif is proposed to coordinate
      ATP binding and hydrolysis with DNA translocation. We use genetic, biochemical,
      and biophysical techniques to survey the roles of P-loop residues in
      bacteriophage lambda motor function. We identify 55 point mutations that reduce
      virus yield to below detectable levels in a highly sensitive genetic
      complementation assay and 33 that cause varying reductions in yield. Most changes
      in the predicted conserved residues K76, R79, G81, and S83 produce no detectable
      yield. Biochemical analyses show that R79A and S83A mutant proteins fold,
      assemble, and display genome maturation activity similar to wild-type (WT) but
      exhibit little ATPase or DNA packaging activity. Kinetic DNA cleavage and ATPase
      measurements implicate R79 in motor ring assembly on DNA, supporting recent
      structural models that locate the P-loop at the interface between motor subunits.
      Single-molecule measurements detect no translocation for K76A and K76R, while
      G81A and S83A exhibit strong impairments, consistent with their predicted roles
      in ATP binding. We identify eight residue changes spanning A78-K84 that yield
      impaired translocation phenotypes and show that Walker-A residues play important
      roles in determining motor velocity, pausing, and processivity. The efficiency of
      initiation of packaging correlates strongly with motor velocity. Frequent pausing
      and slipping caused by changes A78V and R79K suggest that these residues are
      important for ATP alignment and coupling of ATP binding to DNA gripping. Our
      findings support recent structural models implicating the P-loop arginine in ATP
      hydrolysis and mechanochemical coupling.

PMID- 27139647
TI  - Deconvolution of partially compensated solar images from additional wavefront
      sensing.
AB  - A technique for restoring solar images partially compensated with adaptive optics
      is developed. An additional wavefront sensor is installed in an adaptive optics
      system to acquire residual wavefront information simultaneously to a solar image.
      A point spread function is derived from the wavefront information and used to
      deconvolve the solar image. Successful image restorations are demonstrated when
      the estimated point spread functions have relatively high Strehl ratios.

PMID- 27139648
TI  - 3D spatial resolution and spectral resolution of interferometric 3D imaging
      spectrometry.
AB  - Recently developed interferometric 3D imaging spectrometry (J. Opt. Soc. Am A18,
      765 [2001]1084-7529JOAOD610.1364/JOSAA.18.000765) enables obtainment of the
      spectral information and 3D spatial information for incoherently illuminated or
      self-luminous object simultaneously. Using this method, we can obtain
      multispectral components of complex holograms, which correspond directly to the
      phase distribution of the wavefronts propagated from the polychromatic object.
      This paper focuses on the analysis of spectral resolution and 3D spatial
      resolution in interferometric 3D imaging spectrometry. Our analysis is based on a
      novel analytical impulse response function defined over four-dimensional space.
      We found that the experimental results agree well with the theoretical
      prediction. This work also suggests a new criterion and estimate method regarding
      3D spatial resolution of digital holography.

PMID- 27139649
TI  - High efficiency Tm:YAG slab laser with hundred-watts-level output power.
AB  - We report on a hundred-watts-level high power Tm:YAG slab laser system operating
      at room temperature. The laser has a threshold pump power of 46.7 W, benefiting
      from the good mode matching of an end-pumping scheme and the excellent heat
      dissipation capability of our cooling system. At 350 W of incident pump power,
      100 W of output power at ~2015  nm has been generated, corresponding to a slope
      efficiency of 33.6% with respect to the incident pump power and an optical-to
      optical conversion efficiency of 28.6%. As far as we know, this is the highest
      optical-to-optical conversion efficiency so far achieved in a high power Tm:YAG
      laser system operating at a hundred-watts level.

PMID- 27139650
TI  - Far off-resonance laser frequency stabilization using multipass cells in Faraday
      rotation spectroscopy.
AB  - We propose a far off-resonance laser frequency stabilization method by using
      multipass cells in Rb Faraday rotation spectroscopy. Based on the detuning
      equation, if multipass cells with several meters optical path length are used in
      the conventional Faraday spectroscopy, the detuning of the lock point can be
      extended much further from the alkali metal resonance. A plate beam splitter was
      used to generate two different Faraday signals at the same time. The transmitted
      optical path length was L=50  mm and the reflected optical path length was 2L=100
      mm. When the optical path length doubled, the detuning of the lock points moved
      further away from the atomic resonance. The temperature dependence of the
      detuning of the lock point was also analyzed. A temperature-insensitive lock
      point was found near resonance when the cell temperature was between 110 degrees
      C and 130 degrees C. We achieved an rms fluctuation of 0.9 MHz/23 h at a detuning
      of 0.5 GHz. A frequency drift of 16 MHz/h at a detuning of -5.6  GHz and 4 MHz/h
      at a detuning of -5.2  GHz were also obtained for the transmitted and reflected
      light Faraday signal.

PMID- 27139651
TI  - Orthogonality breaking through few-mode optical fiber.
AB  - Polarization sensing and imaging through optical fibers is a technological
      challenge motivated by promising applications for in vivo, in situ polarimetric
      endoscopy for biomedical diagnosis. Among the recent approaches proposed to solve
      this issue, the depolarization/dichroism sensing by polarization orthogonality
      breaking (DSOB) technique was shown to perform remotely through single-mode
      optical fibers for depolarization/diattenuation measurements. In this article, we
      investigate the applicability of such a technique in slightly multimode
      waveguides. Through theoretical modeling and numerical simulations, we evidence
      the conditions required for the polarization orthogonality to be preserved after
      propagation in a few-mode fiber, notably in terms of detection geometry of the
      spatial modes. Original experiments realized in few-mode fibers both in
      transmission and reflection configurations are also reported and validate the
      theoretical predictions. These results allow us to analyze the influence of the
      experimental parameters, such as detection geometry, sample tilt, or fiber
      length, on orthogonality preservation and on the measurement dynamics of the DSOB
      technique in slightly multimode waveguides.

PMID- 27139652
TI  - Multispectral quantitative phase imaging of human red blood cells using
      inexpensive narrowband multicolor LEDs.
AB  - We report multispectral phase-shifting interference microscopy for quantitative
      phase imaging of human red blood cells (RBCs). A wide range of wavelengths are
      covered by means of using multiple color light emitting diodes (LEDs) with narrow
      spectral bandwidth ranging from violet to deep red color. The multicolor LED
      light source was designed and operated sequentially, which works as a
      multispectral scanning light source. Corresponding to each color LED source, five
      phase-shifted interferograms were recorded sequentially for the measurement of
      phase maps, as well as the refractive index of RBCs within the entire visible
      region. The proposed technique provides information about the effect of
      wavelengths on the morphology and refractive index of human RBCs. The system does
      not require expensive multiple color filters or any wavelength scanning mechanism
      along with broadband light source.

PMID- 27139653
TI  - Subaperture translation estimation accuracy in transverse translation diversity
      phase retrieval.
AB  - For optical metrology by transverse translation diversity phase retrieval (or
      ptychography), information theoretic limits on the ability to estimate
      subaperture translation, essential for accurate metrology, are assessed as a
      function of the optical aberrations of the system being measured. Special
      attention is given to the case that an unknown linear phase aberration, or
      equivalent detector or target motion, is present that varies with each point
      spread function in the measured data.

PMID- 27139654
TI  - Aplanatic lenses revisited: the full landscape.
AB  - The full scope of solutions for dual-contour aplanatic lenses that can approach
      the basic limit for radiation transfer are identified, analyzed, and illustrated.
      Complementary solutions are shown to yield lenses that are either monolithic or
      have two refractive contours separated by an air gap. The performance of a
      promising representative design for LED collimation is presented.

PMID- 27139655
TI  - Decomposition of a depolarizing Mueller matrix into its nondepolarizing
      components by using symmetry conditions.
AB  - A procedure for the parallel decomposition of a depolarizing Mueller matrix with
      an associated rank 2 covariance matrix into its two nondepolarizing components is
      presented. We show that, if one of the components agrees with certain symmetry
      conditions, the arbitrary decomposition becomes unique, and its calculation is
      straightforward. Solutions for six different symmetries, which are relevant for
      the physical interpretation of polarimetric measurements, are provided. With this
      procedure, a single polarimetric measurement is sufficient to fully disclose the
      complete polarimetric response of two different systems and evaluate their
      weights in the overall response. The decomposition method we propose is
      illustrated by obtaining the ellipsometric responses of a silicon wafer and a
      holographic grating from a single measurement in which the light spot illuminates
      sectors of both materials. In a second example, we use the decomposition to
      analyze an optical system in which a polarizing film is partially covered by
      another misaligned film.

PMID- 27139656
TI  - Application of the lamp mapping technique for overlap function for Raman lidar
      systems.
AB  - Traditionally, the lidar water vapor mixing ratio (WVMR) is corrected for overlap
      using data from another instrument, such as a radiosonde. Here we introduce a new
      experimental method to determine the overlap function using the lamp mapping
      technique (LMT), which relies on the lidar optics and detection system. The LMT
      discussed here involves a standard halogen lamp being scanned over the aperture
      of a Raman lidar telescope in synchronization with the lidar detection system
      [Appl. Opt.50, 4622 (2011)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.50.004622, Appl. Opt.53, 8538
      (2014)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.53.008535]. In this paper, we show results for a
      LMT-determined overlap function for individual channels, as well as a WVMR
      overlap function. We found that the LMT-determined WVMR overlap functions deviate
      within 5% of the traditional radiosonde-determined overlap.

PMID- 27139657
TI  - Dual V-type resonators to enhance beam quality of Yb:YAG thin-disk lasers.
AB  - In this paper, the operating characteristics of a Yb:YAG thin-disk laser using
      double V-type resonators are reported. The laser maintained stable performance by
      independently activating either the main or the auxiliary V-type resonator
      depending on the pumping laser power. Experimental investigations revealed that
      by reducing the dynamic range in which the main resonator was used for stability
      and instead employing the auxiliary resonator, the laser beam quality factor
      M<sup>2</sup> could be reduced from 40.2 to 32.3, representing a beam quality
      enhancement of approximately 20%.

PMID- 27139658
TI  - Linear phase encoding for holographic data storage with a single phase-only
      spatial light modulator.
AB  - A linear phase encoding is presented for realizing a compact and simple
      holographic data storage system with a single spatial light modulator (SLM). This
      encoding method makes it possible to modulate a complex amplitude distribution
      with a single phase-only SLM in a holographic storage system. In addition, an
      undesired light due to the imperfection of an SLM can be removed by spatial
      frequency filtering with a Nyquist aperture. The linear phase encoding is
      introduced to coaxial holographic data storage. The generation of a signal beam
      using linear phase encoding is experimentally verified in an interferometer. In a
      coaxial holographic data storage system, single data recording, shift
      selectivity, and shift multiplexed recording are experimentally demonstrated.

PMID- 27139659
TI  - Fiber optic refractometric sensors using a semi-ellipsoidal sensing element.
AB  - We present theoretical and experimental results for a fiber optic refractometric
      sensor employing a semi-ellipsoidal sensing element made of polymethyl
      methacrylate. The double internal reflection of light inside the element provides
      sensitivity to the refractive index of the external analyte. We demonstrate that
      the developed sensor, operating at a wavelength of 632 nm, is capable of
      measurement within a wide range of refractive indices from n=1.00 to n=1.47 with
      sensitivity over 500 dB/RIU. A comparison of the developed sensor with two more
      complex refractometric sensors, one based on tapered optical fiber and the other
      based on suspended-core microstructure optical fiber, is presented.

PMID- 27139660
TI  - High-resolution light field reconstruction using a hybrid imaging system.
AB  - Recently, light field cameras have drawn much attraction for their innovative
      performance in photographic and scientific applications. However, narrow
      baselines and constrained spatial resolution of current light field cameras
      impose restrictions on their usability. Therefore, we design a hybrid imaging
      system containing a light field camera and a high-resolution digital single lens
      reflex camera, and these two kinds of cameras share the same optical path with a
      beam splitter so as to achieve the reconstruction of high-resolution light
      fields. The high-resolution 4D light fields are reconstructed with a phase-based
      perspective variation strategy. First, we apply complex steerable pyramid
      decomposition on the high-resolution image from the digital single lens reflex
      camera. Then, we perform phase-based perspective-shift processing with the
      disparity value, which is extracted from the upsampled light field depth map, to
      create high-resolution synthetic light field images. High-resolution digital
      refocused images and high-resolution depth maps can be generated in this way.
      Furthermore, controlling the magnitude of the perspective shift enables us to
      change the depth of field rendering in the digital refocused images. We show
      several experimental results to demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.

PMID- 27139661
TI  - High-precision displacement measurement method for three degrees of freedom
      compliant mechanisms based on computer micro-vision.
AB  - A practical method for the high-precision displacement measurements of the three
      degrees of freedom-compliant mechanisms based on computer micro-vision is
      proposed. The method consists of two steps. In the first step, the candidate
      pixels are selected using a ring projection transform matching approach. In the
      second step, the exact location is determined by an improved pseudo-Zernike
      moment method. The setup of the micro-vision system is also introduced. A series
      of simulations is carried out and the results show that the proposed algorithm
      enjoys extremely high precision and robustness in the presence of image
      translations and rotations. Finally, a micro-vision system and a laser
      interferometer measurement (LIM) system are built up to validate and compare the
      actual performances of the proposed method. The experimental results demonstrate
      that the proposed approach can obtain a high accuracy and shows higher
      operability and stability than the LIM system. Moreover, the measuring accuracy
      can reach a pixel.

PMID- 27139662
TI  - Grating design for interlayer optical interconnection of in-plane waveguides.
AB  - Interlayer grating-to-grating optical interconnect coupling efficiency is
      simulated and optimized using rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) for the case
      of binary rectangular-groove gratings. The "equivalent index slab (EIS)" concept
      is proposed to alleviate the numerical sensitivity problem inherent in the RCWA
      leaky-wave approach, making the method applicable to any multilayer structure
      that has an arbitrary grating profile, large refractive-index differences, and a
      limited grating length. The method is easy to implement and computationally
      efficient and can provide optimal designs based on the system designer's need. To
      determine the viability of the RCWA-EIS approach, results are compared to those
      obtained using the finite-difference time-domain method, and an excellent
      agreement is found.

PMID- 27139663
TI  - Optical Fano resonances in a nonconcentric nanoshell.
AB  - The interaction of light with a metal nanoshell with an off-center core generates
      multipoles of all orders. We show here that the matrix elements used to compute
      the multipole expansion coefficients can be derived analytically and, with this
      result, we can show explicitly how the dipole and quadrupole terms in the
      expansion are coupled and give rise to a Fano resonance. We also show that the
      off-center core significantly increases the electric field enhancement at the
      shell surface compared to the concentric case, which can be exploited for surface
      enhanced sensing. The multipole solutions are confirmed with finite-element
      calculations.

PMID- 27139664
TI  - Analytical model for ring heater thermal compensation in the Advanced Laser
      Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory.
AB  - Advanced laser interferometer gravitational-wave detectors use high laser power
      to achieve design sensitivity. A small part of this power is absorbed in the
      interferometer cavity mirrors where it creates thermal lenses, causing
      aberrations in the main laser beam that must be minimized by the actuation of
      "ring heaters," which are additional heater elements that are aimed to reduce the
      temperature gradients in the mirrors. In this article we derive the first, to the
      best of our knowledge, analytical model of the temperature field generated by an
      ideal ring heater. We express the resulting optical aberration contribution to
      the main laser beam in this axisymmetric case. Used in conjunction with wavefront
      measurements, our model provides a more complete understanding of the thermal
      state of the cavity mirrors and will allow a more efficient use of the ring
      heaters in the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory.

PMID- 27139665
TI  - Aberration and boresight error correction for conformal aircraft windows using
      the inner window surface and tilted fixed correctors.
AB  - A static solution to aberrations and boresight error for tilted conformal
      aircraft windows at different look angles is reported. The solution uses the
      inner window surface to correct the window aberrations at a 0 degrees  look angle
      and uses fixed correctors behind the window to correct the residual window
      aberrations at other look angles. Then, the boresight error for the window at
      different look angles is corrected by tilting the fixed correctors. The principle
      of the solution is discussed, and a design example shows that the solution is
      effective in correcting the aberrations and boresight error for a tilted
      conformal aircraft window at different look angles.

PMID- 27139666
TI  - Guided-mode resonance, resonant grating thickness, and finite-size effects in
      dielectric laser acceleration structures.
AB  - The possibility of exciting guided-mode resonances in dielectric grating laser
      accelerator structures is discussed. Finite-element method calculations of the
      accelerating electromagnetic field are presented both for periodic boundary
      conditions (infinite periodicity) and for finite gratings.

PMID- 27139667
TI  - Bending losses of trench-assisted few-mode optical fibers.
AB  - A semianalytical method based on the perturbation theory is developed to
      calculate the bending losses of individual modes of few-mode fibers (FMFs); it is
      applicable for optical fibers with arbitrary circularly symmetric index profile,
      especially for trench-assisted fibers. The bending performance of trench-assisted
      step-index FMFs and parabolic-index FMFs are investigated with three key
      parameters (i.e., the refractive index difference of trench-cladding, the width
      of the trench, and the distance of the core-trench). Then, a performance index is
      defined to estimate the bending performance for FMFs. It is shown that changing
      the distance of the trench-core, for each order of mode, there is a minimum
      bending loss, which can be used for fiber optimization. This optimization
      position (core-trench distance) decreases as the mode order increases. It is
      found that the bending performance of parabolic-index FMFs is better than that of
      step-index FMFs with fixed core radius and cutoff wavelength. The conclusions are
      helpful for understanding the mechanism of bending loss for FMFs, and make
      contributions to designing and manufacturing of few-mode bend-insensitive fibers.

PMID- 27139668
TI  - Fundamental-frequency-absorbed oxyfluoride glass in a high-power laser.
AB  - A high-power third-harmonic laser faces challenges in the filtering remnant
      unconverted fundamental frequency, which is from the frequency converting
      crystal. In this work, a novel fundamental-frequency-absorbed oxyfluoride glass
      has been prepared, which provides a possible option to solve the problem. By
      being doped with Fe<sup>2+</sup> ion, the glass shows strong absorption property
      at 1053 nm, and the glass's transmittances at 351 and 1053 nm are stable with
      changing the laser power or increasing the irradiation times under high-power
      laser irradiation. Meanwhile, the laser-induced damage threshold of the glass is
      12.5  J/cm<sup>2</sup> at 351 nm, which is two times higher than that of fused
      silica whose threshold is 6.2  J/cm<sup>2</sup> in the same testing condition.
      The glass also exhibits a higher laser-induced damage threshold as well as 36.6 
      J/cm<sup>2</sup> at its absorption wavelength of 1053 nm. The results indicate
      that this glass is promising as a color-separation optic, thus allowing a novel
      design for the final optics assembly in an inertial confinement fusion laser
      system.

PMID- 27139669
TI  - Solution approach of a laser plane based on Plucker matrices of the projective
      lines on a flexible 2D target.
AB  - A calibration method adopting Plucker matrices is proposed to explore the laser
      plane in a structured light measurement. The calibration model establishes the
      geometrical relationship among the camera, 2D target, and laser plane. The laser
      plane is constructed by multiple Plucker matrices of the dual 3D crossing lines
      between the laser plane and target planes in the camera coordinate system.
      Moreover, the validity of this calibration method is experimentally analyzed
      through the impact factors of noise magnitude and number of images. The mean
      errors of three directional angles of the normal vector to the laser plane are 
      0.174 degrees , 0.170 degrees , and -0.022 degrees , respectively. The variances
      of the errors of three directional angles are 0.069 degrees , 0.046 degrees , and
      0.160 degrees , respectively. The maximal absolute errors of three directional
      angles are 1.362 degrees , 1.351 degrees , and 1.347 degrees , respectively. The
      experiments prove that the calibration method is available to provide an accurate
      calibration for the laser plane.

PMID- 27139670
TI  - Controlling the duty cycle of holographic crossed gratings by in situ endpoint
      detection during development.
AB  - A method of in situ development endpoint detection is proposed to control the
      duty cycle of holographic crossed gratings. Based on the observation that after
      the developer first touches the substrate surface the topography of the crossed
      grating undergoes an evolution process from a hole array of increasing diameter
      to a pillar array of decreasing diameter, we set up a development model. In this
      model, the shapes of both holes and pillars are assumed to have square in-plane
      cross sections, rotated 45 degrees  with respect to the main periodic directions,
      and straight side walls perpendicular to the grating plane. Thus, the main
      development process, including the transition from a hole array to a pillar
      array, can be characterized by a single parameter continuously, and the change of
      diffraction efficiency during the process can be theoretically calculated. Two
      different in situ development monitoring conditions were simulated and tested
      experimentally. Using this method, crossed gratings with various duty cycles were
      fabricated under different incident and monitoring conditions.

PMID- 27139671
TI  - Formularization and simulation of Bragg selectivity of readout signals in angular
      multiplexing holographic data storage.
AB  - Bragg selectivity of readout signals in angular-multiplexing holographic data
      storage was investigated. The effects of degrading factors, namely, volume
      change, refractive-index change, and positional change (tilt and rotation) of a
      hologram, and the effects of compensating variables, namely, wavelength shift and
      reference-beam-angle shift, on Bragg selectivity were evaluated. Deviation of
      wave vectors of recovered pixels of a hologram from the Bragg condition under
      degrading factors and compensating variables, namely, Bragg mismatch, Deltasigma,
      was mathematically derived. Approximating Deltasigma by using the first-order
      Maclaurin series with respect to degrading factors and compensating variables
      revealed their effects on Bragg selectivity. The extent to which wavelength and
      angle of reference beam should be shifted to compensate for the degrading factors
      were determined. Then, readout images were simulated under multiple degrading
      factors and compensating variables. These simulated images were found to agree
      well with the experimentally obtained ones, which reveals the validity of the
      formalization of Bragg selectivity.

PMID- 27139672
TI  - Harmonic peak locations based on the twice fast Fourier transform algorithm in a
      Sagnac intrusion sensing system.
AB  - Null frequencies in the spectrum of a phase difference signal are used for
      intrusion localization since their values are associated with the position of
      intrusion in a Sagnac interferometer. However, searching the null frequencies
      individually is troublesome and unreliable for localization. In this paper, an
      algorithm which directly captures the interval of null frequencies is proposed to
      achieve a simpler and more robust intrusion localization. By applying the
      modified spectrum to a second fast Fourier transform, the interval responds as
      multiple peaks in the resulting location curve. After determining the values of
      the base peak and its harmonic peaks, the intrusion's distance can be localized.
      Intrusions are applied at a position of 130 km in a sensing fiber. Due to the
      resolution increase as peak order, localization performance of 2nd harmonic peak
      is 25 m, which is 34% better than the base peaks. By calculating the average of
      the localization results by all remarkable peaks, localization performance
      improves by 47% in laboratory experiments and by 24% in practical applications
      over the previous single-peak localization algorithm.

PMID- 27139673
TI  - Propagation of polarized light in the biological tissue: a numerical study by
      polarized geometric Monte Carlo method.
AB  - To investigate the influence of polarization on the polarized light propagation
      in biological tissue, a polarized geometric Monte Carlo method is developed. The
      Stokes-Mueller formalism is expounded to describe the shifting of light
      polarization during propagation events, including scattering and interface
      interaction. The scattering amplitudes and optical parameters of different tissue
      structures are obtained using Mie theory. Through simulations of polarized light
      (pulsed dye laser at wavelength of 585 nm) propagation in an infinite slab tissue
      model and a discrete vessel tissue model, energy depositions in tissue structures
      are calculated and compared with those obtained through general geometric Monte
      Carlo simulation under the same parameters but without consideration of
      polarization effect. It is found that the absorption depth of the polarized light
      is about one half of that determined by conventional simulations. In the discrete
      vessel model, low penetrability manifests in three aspects: diffuse reflection
      became the main contributor to the energy escape, the proportion of epidermal
      energy deposition increased significantly, and energy deposition in the blood
      became weaker and more uneven. This may indicate that the actual thermal damage
      of epidermis during the real-world treatment is higher and the deep buried blood
      vessels are insufficiently damaged by consideration of polarization effect,
      compared with the conventional prediction.

PMID- 27139674
TI  - System for the measurement of the deviation of a laser beam from the vertical
      direction.
AB  - If a used "vertical beam" is not perfectly vertical in a measurement, a cosine
      error will be introduced into it. To decrease and compensate for this cosine
      error, a measurement system is proposed to measure the deviation of the laser
      beam from the vertical direction. The structure of our measurement system is
      illustrated, and a model for solving for the deviation angle is established. As
      the distance of the beam spots on the charge-coupled device is the essential
      parameter for the measurement results, the acquisition process for this distance
      is explained. Moreover, the accuracy of the algorithm used in the acquisition
      process is also tested by experiments. Further, a self-correction module is
      designed and applied to reduce the error caused by the corner cube reflector in
      the system. The characteristics of the measurement system such as the resolution,
      stability, temperature drift, and direction accuracy are analyzed through
      experiments. The combined uncertainty of the measurement system is calculated to
      be 11*10<sup>-6</sup>  rad.

PMID- 27139675
TI  - Research on encoding multi-gray-scale phase hologram and wavefront
      reconstruction.
AB  - Application of computer-generated holography for wavefront generation is
      beneficial for optical interferometry and 3D image display. However, there is a
      noticeable encoding error in computer-generated holograms, which is encoded by
      using the object's wavefront function in a computer. The encoding error will be
      transmitted and amplified during fabrication of a hologram, which can cause a
      reconstructed error in the generated wavefront. A correction method of encoding
      errors based on the least-squares fitting is proposed. A validating experiment is
      completed by using a liquid crystal spatial light modulator to reconstruct a
      group of paraboloid wavefronts. The results show that encoding errors increase
      the reconstructed error of a wavefront less than optical system errors, and the
      root-mean-square value drops 0.022lambda after the correction of the encoding
      error, but it falls 0.092lambda after the correction of optical system errors.
      The total error has been reduced by 0.114lambda. This research is helpful for
      prediction of encoding errors and improvement of wavefront reconstruction
      accuracy.

PMID- 27139676
TI  - Development of a temporal evolution model for aero-optical effects caused by
      vortices in the supersonic mixing layer.
AB  - The vortices inside mixing layers impose remarkable aero-optical distortions on a
      beam even at moderate subsonic speeds. Knowledge about aero-optical effects
      caused by vortices in the flow field, especially their spatial and temporal
      evolution, is limited for supersonic mixing layers because the flows have very
      high speeds. In this paper, the temporal evolution of aero-optical effects caused
      by vortices in the supersonic mixing layer was investigated. A large eddy
      simulation was used to simulate the supersonic flow. A novel approach, coordinate
      extraction of vortex core, which is based on the relationship between vortices
      and the profile of the optical path length over the flow field, was proposed to
      quantitatively calculate the radii and convective speeds of vortices. A model
      used to quantitatively describe the temporal evolution of aero-optical effects
      caused by vortices in the supersonic mixing layer was developed and validated
      with data of numerical calculation. The results indicated that the model is
      available. Finally, several conclusions drawn from this work were presented.

PMID- 27139677
TI  - Ultrathin Alvarez lens system actuated by artificial muscles.
AB  - A key feature of Alvarez lenses is that they may be tuned in focal length using
      lateral rather than axial translation, thus reducing the overall length of a
      focus-tunable optical system. Nevertheless the bulk of classical microsystems
      actuators limits further miniaturization. We present here a new, ultrathin focus
      tunable Alvarez lens fabricated using molding techniques and actuated using
      liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) artificial muscle actuators. The large deformation
      generated by the LCE actuators permits the integration of the actuators in-plane
      with the mechanical and optical system and thus reduces the device thickness to
      only 1.6 mm. Movement of the Alvarez lens pair of 178 MUm results in a focal
      length change of 3.3 mm, based on an initial focal length of 28.4 mm. This design
      is of considerable interest for realization of ultraflat focus-tunable and zoom
      systems.

PMID- 27139678
TI  - Optical fiber couplers for precision spaceborne metrology.
AB  - We describe the optical and mechanical design, construction philosophy, and
      testing of a pair of matched, spaceflight-qualified fiber couplers. The couplers
      were developed for the LISA Pathfinder mission but are relevant for other
      applications-both on ground and in space-where a robust fiber coupler with well
      controlled beam parameters and stable beam pointing is required. This particular
      implementation of the design called for two couplers providing collimated beams
      with individual waist sizes and positions. The target values were a 522 MUm waist
      145 mm after the collimating lens for one coupler and a virtual 520 MUm waist 194
      mm before the collimating lens for the second coupler. Values of (542+/-4)  MUm
      at (142+/-19) mm and (500+/-8)  MUm at (-275+/-8)  mm were achieved, fully
      meeting the mission requirements. To control spurious noise effects in the
      interferometer, the optical system design also specified tight limits on relative
      beam curvature at an intended interference point. With nominal curvatures at this
      location of ~2.35  m, the matching between the outputs of the two fiber couplers
      was measured to be lambda/33 peak-valley over the central 1 mm of the beams.
      Results showing pointing stability of 3 MUrad/ degrees C over a 50 degrees C
      range are presented. The vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum environmental
      testing conditions to which a pair of qualification fiber couplers were subjected
      without change in performance-are listed.

PMID- 27139679
TI  - Reconstruction of in vivo fluorophore concentration variation with structural
      priors and smooth penalty.
AB  - Reconstruction of fluorophore concentration variation in fluorescence molecular
      tomography is expected to reveal the metabolic processes of fluorescent
      biomarkers in vivo. However, the complicated and strong noise within in vivo data
      inhibits its applications for in vivo cases. A smooth penalty method is presented
      in this work to suppress the noise. The method is based on a recursive
      reconstruction scheme which reconstructs the fluorophore concentration variation
      rates (FCVRs) of two neighboring frames at the same time within an inner
      iteration. In addition, the performance of the Laplacian-type regularization
      incorporating structural priors is investigated. Results of simulations suggest
      that the smooth penalty method almost has no influence on the reconstructed FCVRs
      when the target curve is smooth, and results of in vivo experiments on mice
      indicate that the method is capable of suppressing the noise and achieving smooth
      time courses of fluorescent yield. Results of both the simulations and in vivo
      experiments demonstrate that the Laplacian-type regularization can improve the
      image quality.

PMID- 27139680
TI  - Characterization of local thermodynamic equilibrium in a laser-induced aluminum
      alloy plasma.
AB  - The electron temperature was evaluated using the line-to-continuum ratio method,
      and whether the plasma was close to the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE)
      state was investigated in detail. The results showed that approximately 5 MUs
      after the plasma formed, the changes in the electron and excitation temperatures,
      which were determined using a Boltzmann plot, overlapped in the 15% error range,
      which indicated that the LTE state was reached. The recombination of electrons
      and ions and the free electron expansion process led to the deviation from the
      LTE state. The plasma's expansion rate slowed over time, and when the expansion
      time was close to the ionization equilibrium time, the LTE state was almost
      reached. The McWhirter criterion was adopted to calculate the threshold electron
      density for different species, and the results showed that experimental electron
      density was greater than the threshold electron density, which meant that the LTE
      state may have existed. However, for the nonmetal element N, the threshold
      electron density was greater than the value experimental value approximately 0.8
      MUs after the plasma formed, which meant that LTE state did not exist for N.

PMID- 27139681
TI  - Refractive index modulating Raman spectroscopy based on perovskite PMN-PT
      ceramics.
AB  - A three-layer planar waveguide structure comprising a perovskite (1
      x)Pb(Mg<sub>1/3</sub>Nb<sub>2/3</sub>Nb<sub>2/3</sub>)O<sub>3
      x</sub>PbTiO<sub>3</sub> (PMN-PT) ceramic sandwiched by two silver films is
      designed and called PMPW. Using the high sensitivity of ultrahigh-order modes,
      theoretical analysis is performed to calculate the effective refractive index
      (ERI) of the PMPW. A detailed analysis of the Raman spectrum of PMN-PT at 795 
      cm<sup>-1</sup> is performed. A comparison of the numerical analysis and
      experimental results reveals that the nonlinear change in ERI plays a primary
      role in the Raman signal variation. Analysis of the Raman spectrum of a sample
      deposited on PMPW confirms that it is effective for modulating Raman signals.

PMID- 27139682
TI  - Fiber Bragg grating dynamic strain sensor using an adaptive reflective
      semiconductor optical amplifier source.
AB  - In this paper, a reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA) is configured
      to demodulate dynamic spectral shifts of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) dynamic
      strain sensor. The FBG sensor and the RSOA source form an adaptive fiber cavity
      laser. As the reflective spectrum of the FBG sensor changes due to dynamic
      strains, the wavelength of the laser output shifts accordingly, which is
      subsequently converted into a corresponding phase shift and demodulated by an
      unbalanced Michelson interferometer. Due to the short transition time of the
      RSOA, the RSOA-FBG cavity can respond to dynamic strains at high frequencies
      extending to megahertz. A demodulator using a PID controller is used to
      compensate for low-frequency drifts induced by temperature and large quasi-static
      strains. As the sensitivity of the demodulator is a function of the optical path
      difference and the FBG spectral width, optimal parameters to obtain high
      sensitivity are presented. Multiplexing to demodulate multiple FBG sensors is
      also discussed.

PMID- 27139683
TI  - Improved method for rapid shape recovery of large specular surfaces based on
      phase measuring deflectometry.
AB  - Incorporating the modal and zonal estimation approaches into a unifying scheme,
      we introduce an improved three-dimensional shape reconstruction version of
      specular surfaces based on phase measuring deflectometry in this paper. The modal
      estimation is first implemented to derive the coarse height information of the
      measured surface as initial iteration values. Then the real shape can be
      recovered utilizing a modified zonal wavefront reconstruction algorithm to
      simultaneously achieve consistently high accuracy and dramatically rapid
      convergence. Moreover, the iterative process based on an advanced successive over
      relaxation technique shows a consistent rejection of measurement errors,
      guaranteeing the stability and robustness in practical applications. The
      reconstruction results of numerical examples of the sphere, hyperbolic, and
      arbitrary surfaces, as well as an experimentally measured sphere mirror
      demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the proposed improved method. In the
      simulations, the proposed method increases the rate of convergence by fourfold
      compared with the existing zonal approach and realizes three orders of magnitude
      improvement in reconstruction accuracy compared with the modal technique when
      handling the sample points of 401*401  pixels of a sphere surface. Furthermore,
      the computation time decreases approximately 74.92% in contrast to the zonal
      estimation, and the surface error is about 6.68 MUm with reconstruction points of
      391*529  pixels of an experimentally measured sphere mirror. In general, this new
      method can be conducted with fast convergence speed and high accuracy, providing
      an efficient, stable, and real-time approach for shape reconstruction in
      practical situations.

PMID- 27139684
TI  - Miniature Schwarzschild objective as a micro-optical component free of main
      aberrations: concept, design, and first realization with silicon-glass
      micromachining.
AB  - This paper presents the conception of a new micro-optical component fabricated
      within the wafer-level approach: a micromachined reflective objective, the so
      called micro-Schwarzschild objective, characterized by superior optical
      performances than widespread microlenses. The system, made of two vertically
      integrated mirrors, works in transmission similarly as microlenses. While the
      specific geometric configuration of the two-mirrors allows elimination of most
      common optical aberrations, the reflective architecture provides inherent
      achromaticity. This paper presents in detail the optical design and analyzes
      fabrication tolerances. It also describes a fabrication flow chart based on
      silicon micromachining done at the wafer level that could allow production of
      thousands of such micro-optical devices within a single fabrication run. The
      realized prototype employs the two-step KOH etching process to generate the
      micromirror pairs followed by glass reflow for the secondary mirror generation
      and selective metallic deposition. Despite an insufficient mirror quality
      attributed to this specific silicon etching technique and highlighted by the
      reflective configuration, the objective fabrication in terms of alignment,
      bonding, and coating is shown as feasible.

PMID- 27139685
TI  - Artificial neural network modeling of plasmonic transmission lines.
AB  - In this paper, new models based on an artificial neural network (ANN) are
      developed to predict the propagation characteristics of plasmonic nanostrip and
      coupled nanostrips transmission lines. The trained ANNs are capable of providing
      the required propagation characteristics with good accuracy and almost
      instantaneously. The nonlinear mapping performed by the trained ANNs is written
      as closed-form expressions, which facilitate the direct use of the results
      obtained in this research. The propagation characteristics of the investigated
      transmission lines include the effective refractive index and the characteristic
      impedance. The time needed to simulate 1000 different versions of the
      transmission line structure is about 48 h, using a full-wave electromagnetic
      solver compared to 3 s using the developed ANN model.

PMID- 27139686
TI  - Curvature wavefront sensing based on a single defocused image and intensity
      compensation.
AB  - Curvature wavefront sensing usually requires the measurement of two defocused
      images at equal distances before and after the focus. In this paper, a new
      wavefront recovery algorithm based on only one defocused image is proposed. This
      algorithm contains the following four steps: response matrix calculation,
      establishment of intensity distribution equations, Zernike coefficients solution
      derived from the least squares method, and defocused image compensation with the
      solved Zernike coefficients. The performance of the algorithm in a large
      obscuration ratio and fast focal ratio optical system on axis and the edge of the
      field of view (FOV) is examined. Two optical systems of the Hubble telescope and
      a modified Paul-Baker telescope are employed to test the algorithm. The
      simulations show that the proposed algorithm outperforms in structural
      simplicity, and applications are expected in the wavefront recovery of the
      extreme environment (i.e., in space and the Antarctic).

PMID- 27139688
TI  - Infrared spectrum blind deconvolution algorithm via learned dictionaries and
      sparse representation.
AB  - Band overlap and random noise are a serious problem in infrared spectra,
      especially for aging spectrometers. In this paper, we have presented a simple
      method for spectrum restoration. The proposed method is based on local
      operations, and involves sparse decompositions of each spectrum piece under an
      evolving overcomplete dictionary, and a simple averaging calculation. The content
      of the dictionary is of prime importance for the deconvolution process.
      Quantitative assessments of this technique on simulated and real spectra show
      significant improvements over the state-of-the-art methods. The proposed method
      can almost eliminate the effects of instrument aging. The features of these
      deconvoluted infrared spectra are more easily extracted, aiding the
      interpretation of unknown chemical mixtures.

PMID- 27139687
TI  - Studies on design of 351  nm focal plane diagnostic system prototype and focusing
      characteristic of SGII-upgraded facility at half achievable energy performance.
AB  - In order to obtain the intensity distribution of a 351 nm focal spot and
      smoothing by spectral dispersion (SSD) focal plane profile of a SGII-upgraded
      facility, a type of off-axis imaging system with three spherical mirrors,
      suitable for a finite distance source point to be imaged near the diffraction
      limit has been designed. The quality factor of the image system is 1.6 times of
      the diffraction limit tested by a 1053 nm point source. Because of the absence of
      a 351 nm point source, we can use a Collins diffraction imaging integral with
      respect to lambda=351  nm, corresponding to a quality factor that is 3.8 times
      the diffraction limit at 351 nm. The calibration results show that at least the
      range of +/-10  mrad of view field angle and +/-50  mm along the axial direction
      around the optimum object distance can be satisfied with near diffraction limited
      image that is consistent with the design value. Using this image system, the No.
      2 beam of the SGII-upgraded facility has been tested. The test result of the
      focal spot of final optics assembly (FOA) at 351 nm indicates that about 80% of
      energy is encompassed in 14.1 times the diffraction limit, while the output
      energy of the No. 2 beam is 908 J at 1053 nm. According to convolution theorem,
      the true value of a 351 nm focal spot of FOA is about 12 times the diffraction
      limit because of the influence of the quality factor. Further experimental
      studies indicate that the RMS value along the smoothing direction is less than
      15.98% in the SSD spot test experiment. Computer simulations show that the
      quality factor of the image system used in the experiment has almost no effect on
      the SSD focal spot test. The image system can remarkably distort the SSD focal
      spot distribution under the circumstance of the quality factor 15 times worse
      than the diffraction limit. The distorted image shows a steep slope in the
      contour of the SSD focal spot along the smoothing direction that otherwise has a
      relatively flat top region around the focal spot center.

PMID- 27139689
TI  - Analytical approximation for photonic array modes in 1D photonic crystal
      superlattices.
AB  - We present a comprehensive analytical approximation for array modes (both the
      modal fields and their associated propagation constants) for 1D photonic crystal
      superlattices (i.e., large periodic arrays of repeated sequences of different
      coupled waveguides/lasers). In this class, a regular periodicity of a photonic
      lattice is supplemented with the additional periodicity of a larger scale. Our
      approximation is a vectorial approach, accounting for the TE and TM
      polarizations. It can be applied to both the low- and high-contrast photonic
      devices. We used the model of standing waves for analytical evaluation of
      envelopes of array modes in a photonic superlattice. Combination of the model of
      standing waves with the coupled-mode formalism for infinite photonic
      superlattices allows evaluation of propagation constants of the array modes. Both
      the evaluations require only a fraction of a second for computation. Still, the
      results, acquired with the analytical approximation, are very close to those of
      well-established approaches. Furthermore, for the first time, analytical
      expressions for the modal fields and propagation constants become available.

PMID- 27139690
TI  - Reconstruction of a conic-section surface from autocollimator-based
      deflectometric profilometry.
AB  - We present a description of our method to process a set of autocollimator-based
      deflectometer one-dimensional line scans taken over a large optical surface and
      reconstruct them to a best-fit conic-section surface. The challenge with our task
      is that each line scan is in a different (unknown) coordinate reference frame
      with respect to the other line scans in the set. This problem arises due to the
      limited angular measurement range of the autocollimator used in the deflectometer
      and the need to measure over a greater range. This results in the optic under
      measurement being rotated (in pitch and roll) between each scan to bring the
      autocollimator back into measurement range and therefore each scan is taken in a
      different coordinate frame. We describe an approach using a 6N+2 dimension
      optimization (where N is the number of scan lines taken across the mirror) that
      uses a gradient-based nonlinear least squares fitting combined with a multistart
      global-search strategy to find the best-fit surface. Careful formulation of the
      problem is required to reduce numerical noise and allow the routine to converge
      on a solution of the required accuracy.

PMID- 27139691
TI  - Resonance Raman Spectra of o-Safranin Dye, Free and Adsorbed on Silver
      Nanoparticles: Experiment and Density Functional Theory Calculation.
AB  - The properties of o-Safranin (SO) dye in the first electronic excited state were
      studied with combined experimental and theoretical methods. The electronic
      absorption spectra of SO molecules are measured in water solution and in the
      presence of silver nanoparticles. The normal Raman (NRS) and resonance Raman (RR)
      spectra of solid SO and the surface enhanced Raman (SERS) and surface enhanced
      resonance Raman (SE[R]RS) spectra of SO adsorbed on silver nanoparticles are
      measured at different excitation energies. The enhancement factors for selected
      vibrational bands of the RR, SERS, and SE[R]RS spectra of SO have been obtained
      with respect to the NRS spectra of the solid after a careful evaluation of the
      experimental conditions. The data furnished useful information on the excited
      electronic states and the interactions of SO with silver nanoparticles. The
      experimental results are discussed on the basis of DFT and TD-DFT calculations
      (B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p)) on the isolated SO molecule. 

PMID- 27139693
TI  - Mental health nurses' attitudes, behaviour, experience and knowledge regarding
      adults with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder: systematic,
      integrative literature review.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To establish whether mental health nurses responses to
      people with borderline personality disorder are problematic and, if so, to inform
      solutions to support change. BACKGROUND: There is some evidence that people
      diagnosed with borderline personality disorder are unpopular among mental health
      nurses who respond to them in ways which could be counter-therapeutic.
      Interventions to improve nurses' attitudes have had limited success. DESIGN:
      Systematic, integrative literature review. METHODS: Computerised databases were
      searched from inception to April 2015 for papers describing primary research
      focused on mental health nurses' attitudes, behaviour, experience, and knowledge
      regarding adults diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Analysis of
      qualitative studies employed metasynthesis; analysis of quantitative studies was
      informed by the theory of planned behaviour. RESULTS: Forty studies were
      included. Only one used direct observation of clinical practice. Nurses'
      knowledge and experiences vary widely. They find the group very challenging to
      work with, report having many training needs, and, objectively, their attitudes
      are poorer than other professionals' and poorer than towards other diagnostic
      groups. Nurses say they need a coherent therapeutic framework to guide their
      practice, and their experience of caregiving seems improved where this exists.
      CONCLUSIONS: Mental health nurses' responses to people with borderline
      personality disorder are sometimes counter-therapeutic. As interventions to
      change them have had limited success there is a need for fresh thinking.
      Observational research to better understand the link between attitudes and
      clinical practice is required. Evidence-based education about borderline
      personality disorder is necessary, but developing nurses to lead in the design,
      implementation and teaching of coherent therapeutic frameworks may have greater
      benefits. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: There should be greater focus on
      development and implementation of a team-wide approach, with nurses as equal
      partners, when working with patients with borderline personality disorder.

PMID- 27139692
TI  - Quantitative proteomics of the tobacco pollen tube secretome identifies novel
      pollen tube guidance proteins important for fertilization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As in animals, cell-cell communication plays a pivotal role in male
      female recognition during plant sexual reproduction. Prelaid peptides secreted
      from the female reproductive tissues guide pollen tubes towards ovules for
      fertilization. However, the elaborate mechanisms for this dialogue have remained
      elusive, particularly from the male perspective. RESULTS: We performed genome
      wide quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of a
      pistil-stimulated pollen tube secretome and identified 801 pollen tube-secreted
      proteins. Interestingly, in silico analysis reveals that the pollen tube
      secretome is dominated by proteins that are secreted unconventionally,
      representing 57 % of the total secretome. In support, we show that an
      unconventionally secreted protein, translationally controlled tumor protein, is
      secreted to the apoplast. Remarkably, we discovered that this protein could be
      secreted by infiltrating through the initial phases of the conventional secretory
      pathway and could reach the apoplast via exosomes, as demonstrated by co
      localization with Oleisin1 exosome marker. We demonstrate that translationally
      controlled tumor protein-knockdown Arabidopsis thaliana plants produce pollen
      tubes that navigate poorly to the target ovule and that the mutant allele is
      poorly transmitted through the male. Further, we show that regulators of the
      endoplasmic reticulum-trans-Golgi network protein secretory pathway control
      secretion of Nicotiana tabacum Pollen tube-secreted cysteine-rich protein 2 and
      Lorelei-like GPI-anchor protein 3 and that a regulator of endoplasmic reticulum
      trans-Golgi protein translocation is essential for pollen tube growth, pollen
      tube guidance and ovule-targeting competence. CONCLUSIONS: This work, the first
      study on the pollen tube secretome, identifies novel genome-wide pollen tube
      secreted proteins with potential functions in pollen tube guidance towards ovules
      for sexual reproduction. Functional analysis highlights a potential mechanism for
      unconventional secretion of pollen tube proteins and reveals likely regulators of
      conventional pollen tube protein secretion. The association of pollen tube
      secreted proteins with marker proteins shown to be secreted via exosomes in other
      species suggests exosome secretion is a possible mechanism for cell-cell
      communication between the pollen tube and female reproductive cells.

PMID- 27139694
TI  - A Wound-Healing Assay Based on Ultraviolet Light Ablation.
AB  - Collective cell migration plays important roles in many physiological processes
      such as embryonic development, tissue repair, and angiogenesis. A "wound" occurs
      when epithelial cells are lost and/or damaged due to some external factors, and
      collective cell migration takes place in the following wound-healing process. To
      study this cellular behavior, various kinds of wound-healing assays are
      developed. In these assays, a "wound," or a "cell-free region," is created in a
      cell monolayer mechanically, chemically, optically, or electrically. These assays
      are useful tools in studying the effects of certain physical or chemical stimuli
      on the wound-healing process. Most of these methods have disadvantages such as
      creating wounds of different sizes or shapes, yielding batch-to-batch variation,
      and damaging the coating of the cell culture surface. In this study, we used
      ultraviolet (UV) lights to selectively kill cells and create a wound out of a
      cell monolayer. A comparison between the current assay and the traditional
      scratch assay was made, indicating that these two methods resulted in similar
      wound-healing rates. The advantages of this UV-created wound-healing assay
      include fast and easy procedure, high throughput, and no direct contact to cells.

PMID- 27139695
TI  - Testing for Local Adaptation to Spawning Habitat in Sympatric Subpopulations of
      Pike by Reciprocal Translocation of Embryos.
AB  - We tested for local adaption in early life-history traits by performing a
      reciprocal translocation experiment with approximately 2,500 embryos of pike
      (Esox lucius) divided in paired split-family batches. The experiment indicated
      local adaptation in one of the two subpopulations manifested as enhanced hatching
      success of eggs in the native habitat, both when compared to siblings transferred
      to a non-native habitat, and when compared to immigrant genotypes from the other
      subpopulation. Gene-by-environment effects on viability of eggs and larvae were
      evident in both subpopulations, showing that there existed genetic variation
      allowing for evolutionary responses to divergent selection, and indicating a
      capacity for plastic responses to environmental change. Next, we tested for
      differences in female life-history traits. Results uncovered that females from
      one population invested more resources into reproduction and also produced more
      (but smaller) eggs in relation to their body size compared to females from the
      other population. We suggest that these females have adjusted their reproductive
      strategies as a counter-adaptation because a high amount of sedimentation on the
      eggs in that subpopulations spawning habitat might benefit smaller eggs.
      Collectively, our findings point to adaptive divergence among sympatric
      subpopulations that are physically separated only for a short period during
      reproduction and early development-which is rare. These results illustrate how
      combinations of translocation experiments and field studies of life-history
      traits might infer about local adaptation and evolutionary divergence among
      populations. Local adaptations in subdivided populations are important to
      consider in management and conservation of biodiversity, because they may
      otherwise be negatively affected by harvesting, supplementation, and
      reintroduction efforts targeted at endangered populations.

PMID- 27139696
TI  - Utility of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in patients suspected of paraneoplastic neurological
      syndrome: importance of risk classification.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic impact of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in patients suspected
      of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome (PNS) based on our own pre-test risk
      classification (PRC). METHODS: A multicenter retrospective longitudinal study was
      conducted from 2006 to 2014. We designed a seven-point scoring system using the
      clinical syndrome characteristics [classical (CS) and non-classical syndromes
      (NCS)] and its location (central, peripheral, in the neuromuscular junction or
      combined), onconeural antibodies and tumor markers. Patients were classified as
      low (score 0-2), intermediate (3-4) and high (5-7) pre-test risk of PNS. FDG
      PET/CT was classified as negative or positive. Final diagnosis according Graus'
      criteria (definite, possible or no PNS) was established. Relations between
      clinical and metabolic variables with the final diagnosis were studied. RESULTS:
      73 patients were included, with a follow-up time of 33 months. Eleven (15 %)
      patients were finally diagnosed with neoplasm (8 invasive cancers). Ultimately,
      13 (18 %) and 24 (33 %) subjects were diagnosed as definite or possible PNS. All
      the patients with final diagnosis of neoplasm had a CS (p = 0.005). PET/CT was
      helpful to diagnose 6/8 (75 %) invasive cancers. PET/CT findings were associated
      with the final diagnosis of neoplasm (p = 0.003) and the diagnosis of PNS
      attending to Graus' criteria (p = 0.019). PRC showed significant association with
      the final diagnosis of neoplasm and PET/CT results. A majority of patients
      (10/11) diagnosed of neoplasm had intermediate/high-risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our PRC
      seems to be a valid tool to select candidates for PET/CT imaging in this setting.
      PET/CT detected malignancy in a significant proportion of patients with invasive
      cancer.

PMID- 27139697
TI  - Using a Mixed Model to Evaluate Job Satisfaction in High-Tech Industries.
AB  - R&D professionals are the impetus behind technological innovation, and their
      competitiveness and capability drive the growth of a company. However, high-tech
      industries have a chronic shortage of such indispensable professionals.
      Accordingly, reducing R&D personnel turnover has become a major human resource
      management challenge facing innovative companies. This study combined importance
      performance analysis (IPA) with the decision-making trial and evaluation
      laboratory (DEMATEL) method to propose an IPA-DEMATEL model. Establishing this
      model involved three steps. First, an IPA was conducted to measure the importance
      of and satisfaction gained from job satisfaction criteria. Second, the DEMATEL
      method was used to determine the causal relationships of and interactive
      influence among the criteria. Third, a criteria model was constructed to evaluate
      job satisfaction of high-tech R&D personnel. On the basis of the findings,
      managerial suggestions are proposed.

PMID- 27139698
TI  - Modified criteria for carotid sinus hypersensitivity are associated with
      increased mortality in a population-based study.
AB  - AIMS: Carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) is arbitrarily defined as >=3 s
      asystole or vasodepression of >=50 mmHg in response to carotid sinus massage
      (CSM). Using this definition, 39% of older people meet the criteria for CSH. It
      has been suggested that current criteria are too sensitive. Krediet et al. [The
      history of diagnosing carotid sinus hypersensitivity: why are the current
      criteria too sensitive? Europace 2011;13:14-22] and Kerr et al. [Carotid sinus
      hypersensitivity in asymptomatic older persons: implications for diagnosis of
      syncope and falls. Arch Intern Med 2006;166:515-20] have proposed modified
      criteria. This population-based study aimed to compare the prevalence of CSH
      defined according to standard, Krediet and Kerr criteria, and to establish if CSH
      defined according these criteria is associated with all-cause mortality. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: A total of 272 community-dwelling people aged >=65 were recruited at
      random. Carotid sinus massage was performed for 5 s in supine and head-up
      positions. Heart rate and blood pressure response were recorded using an
      electrocardiogram and photoplethysmography. Cox regression analysis was used to
      examine the association between each definition of CSH and all-cause mortality.
      The prevalence of CSH defined according to standard, Krediet, and Kerr criteria
      was 39, 52, and 10%, respectively. Seventy-one participants died over a mean
      follow-up of 8.6 years (SD 2.1). Carotid sinus hypersensitivity defined according
      to standard and Krediet criteria was not associated with survival. Carotid sinus
      hypersensitivity defined according to Kerr criteria was associated with all-cause
      mortality independent of age and sex [hazard ratio (HR) 2.023 (95% confidence
      interval (95% CI) 1.131-3.618) P = 0.018)]. This remained significant after
      adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors [HR 2.174 (1.075-3.900) P = 0.009].
      CONCLUSION: Carotid sinus hypersensitivity defined according to Kerr criteria is
      associated with increased mortality. This raises an interesting question as to
      the suitability of the current criteria used to define CSH.

PMID- 27139699
TI  - The preservation of swollen middle ear mucosa could be important to the post
      tympanoplasty audiologic outcome.

PMID- 27139700
TI  - Using peak direct subglottic pressure level as an objective measure during
      medialization thyroplasty: a prospective study.
AB  - Type I medialization thyroplasty (MT) was introduced by Isshiki more than 40
      years ago. It is one of the most widely used surgical options to correct glottic
      insufficiency. Intraoperatively, the surgeon relies solely on perceptual
      subjective measures to help to achieve an optimal glottic closure by bringing the
      affected vocal fold closer to the midline in order to close the glottic gap. One
      of the challenges of MT is the persistence of symptoms due to incorrect choice of
      implant size. As of now, no standard objective measure is being used to determine
      the optimal implant size needed to achieve the glottic closure required. Peak
      direct subglottic pressure (PDSGP) is one of the aerodynamic objective
      measurements of vocal efficiency that significantly increases in cases of glottic
      insufficiency. It is easily measured during MT by inserting a catheter through
      the cricothyroid membrane. A prospective study was carried out on patients
      undergoing MT using the Montgomery Implant((r)). Choice of implant size was
      carried out based on the standard perceptual subjective assessment by the
      operating surgeon and was based on degree of glottic closure and voice quality.
      PDSGP was recorded for each implant size and then we tested the agreement between
      the chosen implant size and the lowest PDSGP. The agreement between the implant
      size of choice and the lowest PDSGP recorded was 62.5 % [CI 44-79 %]. PDSGP was
      easy to measure and resulted in no complications. PDSGP is a useful tool that
      could assist in the choice of the correct implant size needed during MT. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27139701
TI  - Dry and wet edges of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations.

PMID- 27139702
TI  - Endoscopic-assisted transoral-transpharyngeal approach to parapharyngeal space
      and infratemporal fossa: focus on feasibility and lessons learned.
AB  - The parapharyngeal space (PPS) is a challenging anatomical region, rich in
      vascular and nervous vital structures. Surgery is considered the treatment of
      choice for the majority of PPS lesions. Herein, we present a retrospective
      evaluation on ten patients with various types of lesions of the parapharyngeal
      and infratemporal fossa (ITF) regions operated on via an endoscopic-assisted
      transoral-transpharyngeal approach (EATTA), focusing on feasibility and safety. A
      retrospective evaluation of patients treated by means of EATTA to PPS and/or ITF
      lesions was carried out. The clinical records of patients who were operated on
      with EATTA for PPS and/or ITF lesions between March 2009 and October 2015 at two
      referral centres were reviewed and the intra-operative and post-operative
      complications were analysed. Ten patients who underwent EATTA on the PPS and ITF
      were included in this series. The procedure was performed in six patients for
      tumour removal, in three patients for diagnostic purposes and in one patient for
      pain control. No major complications occurred. No conversion to external approach
      was required. We observed only two minor complications which were promptly
      solved. No dysphagia or other problems during the food intake were observed in
      our series. One day after surgery all patients, except one, referred a value of
      VAS minor than 4. To date, no evidence of disease recurrence has been assessed in
      all six oncological cases. Although preliminary, our experience seems to
      demonstrate the feasibility and safety of EATTA when properly planned and
      performed.

PMID- 27139703
TI  - Simulation-trained junior residents perform better than general surgeons on
      advanced laparoscopic cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple simulation training programs have demonstrated that
      effective transfer of skills can be attained and applied into a more complex
      scenario, but evidence regarding transfer to the operating room is limited.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess junior residents trained with simulation performing an
      advanced laparoscopic procedure in the OR and compare results to those of general
      surgeons without simulation training and expert laparoscopic surgeons. METHODS:
      Experimental study: After a validated 16-session advanced laparoscopy simulation
      training program, junior trainees were compared to general surgeons (GS) with no
      simulation training and expert bariatric surgeons (BS) in performing a stapled
      jejuno-jejunostomy (JJO) in the OR. Global rating scale (GRS) and specific rating
      scale scores, operative time and the distance traveled by both hands measured
      with a tracking device, were assessed. In addition, all perioperative and
      immediate postoperative morbidities were registered. RESULTS: Ten junior
      trainees, 12 GS and 5 BS experts were assessed performing a JJO in the OR. All
      trainees completed the entire JJO in the OR without any takeovers by the BS. Six
      (50 %) BS takeovers took place in the GS group. Trainees had significantly better
      results in all measured outcomes when compared to GS with considerable higher GRS
      median [19.5 (18.8-23.5) vs. 12 (9-13.8) p < 0.001] and lower operative time. One
      morbidity was registered; a patient in the trainees group was readmitted at
      postoperative day 10 for mechanical ileus that resolved with medical treatment.
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated transfer of advanced laparoscopic skills
      acquired through a simulated training program in novice surgical residents to the
      OR.

PMID- 27139704
TI  - Cost analysis of robotic versus laparoscopic general surgery procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robotic surgical systems have been used at a rapidly increasing rate
      in general surgery. Many of these procedures have been performed laparoscopically
      for years. In a surgical encounter, a significant portion of the total costs is
      associated with consumable supplies. Our hospital system has invested in a
      software program that can track the costs of consumable surgical supplies. We
      sought to determine the differences in cost of consumables with elective
      laparoscopic and robotic procedures for our health care organization. METHODS: De
      identified procedural cost and equipment utilization data were collected from the
      Surgical Profitability Compass Procedure Cost Manager System (The Advisory Board
      Company, Washington, DC) for our health care system for laparoscopic and robotic
      cholecystectomy, fundoplication, and inguinal hernia between the years 2013 and
      2015. Outcomes were length of stay, case duration, and supply cost. Statistical
      analysis was performed using a t-test for continuous variables, and statistical
      significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The total cost of consumable
      surgical supplies was significantly greater for all robotic procedures. Length of
      stay did not differ for fundoplication or cholecystectomy. Length of stay was
      greater for robotic inguinal hernia repair. Case duration was similar for
      cholecystectomy (84.3 robotic and 75.5 min laparoscopic, p = 0.08), but
      significantly longer for robotic fundoplication (197.2 robotic and 162.1 min
      laparoscopic, p = 0.01) and inguinal hernia repair (124.0 robotic and 84.4 min
      laparoscopic, p = ?0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We found a significantly increased cost of
      general surgery procedures for our health care system when cases commonly
      performed laparoscopically are instead performed robotically. Our analysis is
      limited by the fact that we only included costs associated with consumable
      surgical supplies. The initial acquisition cost (over $1 million for robotic
      surgical system), depreciation, and service contract for the robotic and
      laparoscopic systems were not included in this analysis.

PMID- 27139705
TI  - Changing attitudes and improving skills: demonstrating the value of the SAGES
      flexible endoscopy course for fellows.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the
      SAGES flexible endoscopy course in improving fellows' attitudes, confidence, and
      skills related to implementing endoscopy in practice. METHODS: Fellows
      participated in a 2-day course consisting of case presentations, expert panels,
      and hands-on laboratory training. Before and after the course, fellows completed
      a questionnaire assessing demographics, experiences in residency, practice plans,
      plans to implement flexible endoscopy in practice, and level of confidence
      performing 15 endoscopic procedures. Half of the fellows were randomly assigned
      to complete pre- and post-skills testing using a previously validated endoscopic
      targeting model. RESULTS: Fifty-four fellows (90 %; age 33.5 +/- 2.8; 58 % male)
      completed the pre- and post-questionnaire. All MIS fellowship types were
      represented. Almost half (48 %) reported none or very little flexible endoscopy
      in their current fellowship. The average prior case volume among those completing
      an ACGME-approved residency (42/54) was 76 upper and 75 lower endoscopies with
      one-third reporting no experience in therapeutic EGD (33 %) or polypectomy (31
      %). Intentions to implement flexible endoscopy in practice significantly improved
      after the course overall (3.72 +/- .85-3.92 +/- .69, p < 0.05; 1 = never; 5 =
      very frequently). Prior to the course, 39 % of fellows reported plans to use
      endoscopy in practice "occasionally" or "rarely." After, this decreased to 28
      with 72 % planning to implement "frequently" or "very frequently." Mean levels of
      confidence performing all 15 endoscopic tasks improved significantly after the
      course. Skills performance for the 27 fellows improved significantly as well;
      participants decreased their time to perform the targeting task by 40 % (222.3 +/
      119.8-133.0 +/- 70.1 s; p < 0.001) and decreased errors by 49 % (2.9 +/- 1.7-1.5
      +/- 1.5; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the SAGES flexible
      endoscopy course increases fellow confidence to implement endoscopic techniques,
      expands the ways in which they plan to include endoscopy in practice, and
      enhances their endoscopic skills.

PMID- 27139706
TI  - A modified Delphi method toward multidisciplinary consensus on functional
      convalescence recommendations after abdominal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence-based information on the resumption of daily activities
      following uncomplicated abdominal surgery is scarce and not yet standardized in
      medical guidelines. As a consequence, convalescence recommendations are generally
      not provided after surgery, leading to patients' insecurity, needlessly delayed
      recovery and prolonged sick leave. The aim of this study was to generate
      consensus-based multidisciplinary convalescence recommendations, including advice
      on return to work, applicable for both patients and physicians. METHOD: Using a
      modified Delphi method among a multidisciplinary panel of 13 experts consisting
      of surgeons, occupational physicians and general practitioners, detailed
      recommendations were developed for graded resumption of 34 activities after
      uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic and open appendectomy,
      laparoscopic and open colectomy and laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair.
      A sample of occupational physicians, general practitioners and surgeons assessed
      the recommendations on feasibility in daily practice. The response of this group
      of care providers was discussed with the experts in the final Delphi
      questionnaire round. RESULTS: Out of initially 56 activities, the expert panel
      selected 34 relevant activities for which convalescence recommendations were
      developed. After four Delphi rounds, consensus was reached for all of the 34
      activities for all the surgical procedures. A sample of occupational physicians,
      general practitioners and surgeons regarded the recommendations as feasible in
      daily practice. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary convalescence recommendations
      regarding uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy (laparoscopic,
      open), colectomy (laparoscopic, open) and inguinal hernia repair (laparoscopic,
      open) were developed by a modified Delphi procedure. Further research is required
      to evaluate whether these recommendations are realistic and effective in daily
      practice.

PMID- 27139707
TI  - From Death to Death Certificate: What do the Dead say?
AB  - This is an overview of medicolegal death investigation and death certification.
      Postmortem toxicological analysis, particularly for ethanol and drugs of abuse,
      plays a large role in the forensic investigation of natural and unnatural deaths.
      Postmortem drug concentrations must be interpreted in light of the autopsy
      findings and circumstances. Interpretations of drug and ethanol concentrations
      are important for death certification, but they also may be important for other
      stakeholders such as police, attorneys, public health practitioners, and the next
      of-kin.

PMID- 27139708
TI  - Pediatric Concerns Due to Expanded Cannabis Use: Unintended Consequences of
      Legalization.
AB  - An "unintended consequence" of marijuana legalization is the impact on the
      pediatric population. From prenatal exposure to unintentional childhood
      exposures, through concerns of adolescence abuse and marijuana use for medicinal
      indications in children, marijuana exposure can affect pediatric patients at
      every stage in childhood. Regardless of the stage or reason of exposure, concerns
      exist about short-term and long-term consequences in a child's physical and
      mental health. The use of cannabidiol (CBD) may have some benefit for the
      treatment of epilepsy, but emphasis needs to be on rigorous clinical trials to
      evaluate efficacy and safety. As more states allow both medical and recreational
      marijuana, availability and prevalence of use will likely increase and more
      surveillance and research is needed to evaluate the consequences on the pediatric
      population.

PMID- 27139709
TI  - Antiplatelet Management for Coronary Heart Disease: Advances and Challenges.
AB  - Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death in the USA. CHD
      accounts for 48 % of all cardiovascular mortality or approximately one of every
      seven deaths. Disruption of atherosclerotic plaques--usually by rupture or
      erosion--and superimposed thrombosis can result in acute coronary syndromes and
      sudden cardiac death. Silent plaque disruption may also occur and result in
      coronary plaque progression and ultimately the symptomatic manifestations of
      stable CHD. Antiplatelet agents remain the cornerstone therapy for acute
      thrombotic coronary syndromes and are essential for thromboprophylaxis against
      these events in patients with stable CHD. Antiplatelet drugs are also important
      adjunct therapies during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as they
      mitigate equipment-associated thrombotic complications that are partially induced
      by iatrogenic plaque rupture by interventionalists during balloon angioplasty in
      the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Since the introduction of clopidogrel,
      there has been considerable development in this field with at least three novel
      P2Y12 antagonists approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the
      past decade. Rapidly accumulating evidence is helping to guide the optimal
      duration of treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy after stenting, especially
      with the newer drug-eluting stents. More data are also emerging on the hazards
      and long-term safety of these agents. It is therefore prudent for clinicians to
      remain current on treatment options and recent advances in this area. We herein
      review current and emerging antiplatelet therapies and summarize their
      characteristics and indications of use as well as challenges and areas of ongoing
      research.

PMID- 27139711
TI  - Polymorphisms in key regulator genes of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway in risk
      and clinical presentation of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

PMID- 27139710
TI  - Exploring the directionality of Escherichia coli formate hydrogenlyase: a
      membrane-bound enzyme capable of fixing carbon dioxide to organic acid.
AB  - During mixed-acid fermentation Escherichia coli produces formate, which is
      initially excreted out the cell. Accumulation of formate, and dropping
      extracellular pH, leads to biosynthesis of the formate hydrogenlyase (FHL)
      complex. FHL consists of membrane and soluble domains anchored within the inner
      membrane. The soluble domain comprises a [NiFe] hydrogenase and a formate
      dehydrogenase that link formate oxidation directly to proton reduction with the
      release of CO2 and H2 . Thus, the function of FHL is to oxidize excess formate at
      low pH. FHL subunits share identity with subunits of the respiratory Complex I.
      In particular, the FHL membrane domain contains subunits (HycC and HycD) that are
      homologs of NuoL/M/N and NuoH, respectively, which have been implicated in proton
      translocation. In this work, strain engineering and new assays demonstrate
      unequivocally the nonphysiological reverse activity of FHL in vivo and in vitro.
      Harnessing FHL to reduce CO2 to formate is biotechnologically important.
      Moreover, assays for both possible FHL reactions provide opportunities to explore
      the bioenergetics using biochemical and genetic approaches. Comprehensive
      mutagenesis of hycC did not identify any single amino acid residues essential for
      FHL operation. However, the HycD E199, E201, and E203 residues were found to be
      critically important for FHL function.

PMID- 27139712
TI  - Recent selection for self-compatibility in a population of Leavenworthia
      alabamica.
AB  - The evolution of self-compatibility (SC) is the first step in the evolutionary
      transition in plants from outcrossing enforced by self-incompatibility (SI) to
      self-fertilization. In the Brassicaceae, SI is controlled by alleles of two
      tightly linked genes at the S-locus. Despite permitting inbreeding, mutations at
      the S-locus leading to SC may be selected if they provide reproductive assurance
      and/or gain a transmission advantage in a population when SC plants self- and
      outcross. Positive selection can leave a genomic signature in the regions
      physically linked to the focus of selection when selection has occurred recently.
      From an SC population of Leavenworthia alabamica with a known nonfunctional
      mutation at the S-locus, we collected sequence data from a ~690 Kb region
      surrounding the S-locus, as well as from regions not linked to the S-locus. To
      test for recent positive selection acting at the S-locus, we examined
      polymorphism and the site-frequency spectra. Using forward simulations, we
      demonstrate that recent selection of the strength expected for SC at a locus
      formerly under balancing selection can generate patterns similar to those seen in
      our empirical data.

PMID- 27139714
TI  - Activation of CS2 by a "masked" terminal nickel sulfide.
AB  - The "masked" terminal nickel sulfide complexes [K(L)][(L(tBu))Ni(II)(S)] (L(tBu)
      = {(2,6-(i)Pr2C6H3)NC((t)Bu)}2CH, L = 18-crown-6, 2,2,2-cryptand) activate CS2 to
      give the trithiocarbonate products [(L(tBu))Ni(II)(S,S:kappa2-CS3)](-) or
      [(S,S:kappa2-CS3)Ni(II){S,S:kappa2-CS2(L(tBu))}](-), further confirming the
      nucleophilicity of the sulfide (S(2-)) ligand in these complexes. 

PMID- 27139713
TI  - Adipokine Imbalance in the Pericardial Cavity of Cardiac and Vascular Disease
      Patients.
AB  - AIM: Obesity and especially hypertrophy of epicardial adipose tissue accelerate
      coronary atherogenesis. We aimed at comparing levels of inflammatory and
      atherogenic hormones from adipose tissue in the pericardial fluid and circulation
      of cardiovascular disease patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Venous plasma (P) and
      pericardial fluid (PF) were obtained from elective cardiothoracic surgery
      patients (n = 37). Concentrations of leptin, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein
      (A-FABP) and adiponectin (APN) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assays (ELISA). The median concentration of leptin in PF (4.3 (interquartile
      range: 2.8-9.1) MUg/L) was comparable to that in P (5.9 (2.2-11) MUg/L) and these
      were significantly correlated to most of the same patient characteristics. The
      concentration of A-FABP was markedly higher (73 (28-124) versus 8.4 (5.2-14)
      MUg/L) and that of APN was markedly lower (2.8 (1.7-4.2) versus 13 (7.2-19) mg/L)
      in PF compared to P. APN in PF was unlike in P not significantly related to age,
      body mass index, plasma triglycerides or coronary artery disease. PF levels of
      APN, but not A-FABP, were related to the size of paracardial adipocytes. PF
      levels of APN and A-FABP were not related to the immunoreactivity of paracardial
      adipocytes for these proteins. CONCLUSION: In cardiac and vascular disease
      patients, PF is enriched in A-FABP and poor in APN. This adipokine
      microenvironment is more likely determined by the heart than by the circulation
      or paracardial adipose tissue.

PMID- 27139715
TI  - The value of multidisciplinary team meetings within an early pregnancy assessment
      unit.
AB  - This is the first study to ascertain the value of multidisciplinary team (MDT)
      meetings within an early pregnancy assessment unit (EPAU). Our national telephone
      survey identified that in the United Kingdom, overall 37% of EPAU utilise regular
      MDT meetings. Secondary and tertiary hospitals are just as likely to hold regular
      MDT meetings. The participants in our interview study expressed the principal
      benefits of regular MDT meetings as communication, education and effective stress
      management. The perceived additional benefits included improved care quality,
      better patient experience and enhanced team cohesion. During the meetings, at
      least, one representative from every tier of staffing was present. The caseload
      of the MDT meeting comprised ectopic pregnancies and pregnancies of unknown
      location. We propose a number of research studies, which would build on this
      study. Such efforts will help enhance the effectiveness of the MDT-based EPAU
      service.

PMID- 27139716
TI  - The clinical characteristics of older people with chronic multiple-site joint
      pains and their utilisation of therapeutic interventions: data from a prospective
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic multiple-site joint pain (MSJP) is common in older people and
      associated with poor outcomes, yet under-researched. Our aim was to detail the
      clinical characteristics of people with MSJP and their utilisation of therapies.
      METHODS: MSJP was defined as pain in at least one large joint and one other joint
      for >6 weeks in the last three months. A mixed community, primary and secondary
      care cohort of people >50 years old underwent detailed history and examination by
      a single clinician. Treatment utilisation was recorded comprehensively. RESULTS:
      201 adults were recruited, 82% women, mean age 63, BMI 31 kg/m(2). Median number
      of painful joints per patient was 6 (IQR 4-9; range 2-17); most common painful
      sites were knee (84%), lower back (62%) and shoulder (47%). 194/201 (96%) had an
      osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis, 155/194 (80%) also had soft tissue pathology and
      72% had back problems. 85% had OA at multiple sites. Upper and lower limb
      weakness was common (90 and 77% respectively). Lower limb weakness was
      significantly associated with obesity. Only 26% had received written information
      about their joints. Though 79% had attended physiotherapy, the majority (93%) had
      muscle weakness. Only 36 % of overweight participants had accessed weight-loss
      support. Half of those with foot pain had seen a podiatrist or used appliances.
      Multiple concurrent pharmacological therapies were used by 47%. CONCLUSION: MSJP
      represents a combination of OA, back pain and soft tissue disorders; muscle
      weakness is extremely common. Therapies appear underutilised in people with MJSP.
      Identifying the reasons for this should guide effective intervention research.

PMID- 27139717
TI  - Surgical excision of urethral prolapse.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Urethral prolapse is a rare condition that results in the eversion
      of the urethral mucosa through the distal urethra. Management is divided into two
      categories: conservative and surgical treatment. METHODS: We present a case of
      urethral prolapse with severe symptoms that were minimally responsive to topical
      estrogen. Surgical excision was achieved with resection of the redundant urethral
      mucosa. RESULTS: This video highlights surgical techniques that can be used for
      the excision of urethral prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: The management of urethral
      prolapse should be individualized based on symptom severity, anatomical
      compromise, and surgical morbidity. Surgical management should be considered in
      cases of vascular compromise or failed medical management.

PMID- 27139718
TI  - Outcomes following surgical repair using layered closure of unrepaired 4th degree
      perineal tear in rural western Uganda.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In many rural low-income countries, perineal tears at time of
      vaginal birth are not repaired at time of delivery. The aims of this study are to
      describe the surgical technique for management of the unrepaired 4th degree tear,
      performed without flaps, and short-term follow up on anal incontinence symptoms
      using a validated questionnaire. METHODS: Women presenting to fistula camps in
      western Uganda with unrepaired 4th degree tears were interviewed using the
      Cleveland Clinic Continence Score. Interviews were undertaken pre-operatively, at
      4-6 weeks post-operatively and 12 months following surgery. Repair of the 4th
      degree tear was performed in layers, with an overlapping anal sphincter repair
      and reconstruction of the perineal body, without flaps. All women were examined
      prior to discharge. RESULTS: 68 women completed pre-operative Cleveland Clinic
      Continence Scores. Prior to surgery, 59 % of women complained of daily
      incontinence to solid stools. Over 70 % of women complained of restriction to
      lifestyle due to the unrepaired 4th degree tear. About 50 % of the women are
      rejected by their husbands because of the condition. Only 1 woman had wound
      breakdown on Day 2. At 4 to 6 weeks follow-up, 61 women were contacted and all
      reported perfect continence. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the hidden problem
      of unrepaired 4th degree tears in rural areas of low-income countries where most
      deliveries are undertaken in the village without professional health care
      workers. These tears have significant impact on quality of life and anal
      incontinence. Short-term outcomes following surgical repair using a layered
      closure are promising.

PMID- 27139719
TI  - Newborn screening for SCID: lessons learned.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Newborn screening (NBS) for Severe combined immunodeficiency
      (SCID)/severe T cell lymphopenia (sTCL) is being increasingly used worldwide.
      AREAS COVERED: In this manuscript we will discuss the following: 1) The rationale
      for screening newborns for SCID/sTCL; 2) The scientific basis for the use of the
      T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) assay in screening newborns for SCID/sTCL;
      3) The published outcomes of current NBS programs. Expert commentary: 4) Some of
      the ethical dilemmas that occur when screening newborns for SCID. Finally, we
      will discuss the future directions for expanding NBS to include other primary
      immunodeficiencies.

PMID- 27139720
TI  - Exploiting Free-Energy Minima to Design Novel EphA2 Protein-Protein Antagonists:
      From Simulation to Experiment and Return.
AB  - The free-energy surface (FES) of protein-ligand binding contains information
      useful for drug design. Here we show how to exploit a free-energy minimum of a
      protein-ligand complex identified by metadynamics simulations to design a new
      EphA2 antagonist with improved inhibitory potency. 

PMID- 27139721
TI  - Angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells from cord
      blood: soluble factors and extracellular vesicles for cell regeneration.
AB  - In a recent work, our group showed the existence of two distinct mesenchymal stem
      cell (MSC) subsets within human umbilical cord blood. One less proliferative and
      short-living (SL-CBMSC), the other with higher growth rate and long-living (LL
      CBMSC), and therefore better suited for regenerative medicine applications. We
      examined whether LL-CBMSC possess peculiar paracrine properties able to affect
      angiogenesis or inflammatory processes. It was shown for the first time that pro
      angiogenic, proliferation-stimulating and tissue repairing factors were released
      at high level not only as soluble cytokines, but also as mRNA precursors embedded
      in membrane vesicles. The combination of this primary (proteic factors
      interacting with surface receptors) and delayed (mRNA transferred and translated
      via vesicle fusion and cargo release) interaction in endothelial target cells
      resulted in strong blood vessel induction with the development of capillary-like
      structures. In addition, LL-CBMSC dynamically modulated their release of pro
      angiogenic and anti-inflammatory factors in an in vitro model of damage. In
      conclusion, LL-CBMSC synthesize and secrete multiple factors that may be attuned
      in response to the status of the target cell, a crucial requisite when paracrine
      mechanisms are needed at onset of tissue regeneration. 

PMID- 27139722
TI  - Low Protective Efficacy of the Current Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine against the
      Emerging Genotype 5 Japanese Encephalitis Virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine derived from G3 JE
      virus (JEV) can induce protective immunity against G1-G4 JEV genotypes. However,
      protective efficacy against the emerging G5 genotype has not been reported.
      METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using in vitro and in vivo tests, biological
      phenotype and cross-immunoreactions were compared between G3 JEV and G5 JEV (wild
      strains). The PRNT90 method was used to detect neutralizing antibodies against
      different genotypes of JEV in JE vaccine-immunized subjects and JE patients. In
      JE vaccine-immunized mice, the lethal challenge protection rates against G3 and
      G5 JEV wild strains were 100% and 50%, respectively. The seroconversion rates
      (SCRs) of virus antibodies against G3 and G5 JEV among vaccinated healthy
      subjects were 100% and 35%, respectively. All clinically identified JE patients
      showed high levels of G3 JEV neutralizing antibodies (>=1:10-1280) with positive
      serum geometric mean titers (GMTs) of 43.2, while for G5 JEV, neutralizing
      antibody conversion rates were only 64% with positive serum GMTs of 11.14.
      Moreover, the positive rate of JEV neutralizing antibodies against G5 JEV in
      pediatric patients was lower than in adults. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Low levels
      of neutralizing/protective antibodies induced by the current JE vaccine, based on
      the G3 genotype, were observed against the emerging G5 JEV genotype. Our results
      demonstrate the need for more detailed studies to reevaluate whether or not the
      apparent emergence of G5 JEV can be attributed to failure of the current vaccine
      to induce appropriate immune protectivity against this genotype of JEV.

PMID- 27139723
TI  - Efficacy of Exercise Intervention for Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese
      Adolescents: Meta-Analysis and Implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The global rise in obesity prevalence among children and adolescents
      has been linked to modifiable lifestyle factors, including lack of physical
      activity. However, no known meta-analysis has been conducted on the effects of
      exercise intervention on body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in
      overweight and obese adolescents. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to (1)
      estimate whether exercise intervention meaningfully improves body composition and
      cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adolescents; and (2) discuss
      the implications of the findings in terms of primary healthcare provision and
      public health policy, using New Zealand as an exemplar context. DATA SOURCES:
      Electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Google Scholar) from
      inception to May 2015. The reference lists of eligible articles and relevant
      reviews were also checked. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria were (1)
      randomized controlled trial; (2) structured exercise intervention, alone or
      combined with any other kind of intervention; (3) control group received no
      structured exercise or behavioural modification designed to increase physical
      activity; (4) participants overweight or obese (body mass index [BMI] >=85th
      percentile); and (5) participants aged between 10 and 19 years. APPRAISAL AND
      SYNTHESIS METHODS: Initially, 1667 articles were identified. After evaluation of
      study characteristics, quality and validity, data from 13 articles (15 trials)
      involving 556 participants (176 male, 193 female, 187 unknown) were extracted for
      meta-analysis. Meta-analyses were completed on five body composition parameters
      and ten cardiometabolic parameters. Effect sizes (ESs) were calculated as mean
      differences, as well as standardized mean differences in order to determine
      effect magnitude. RESULTS: Exercise intervention reduced BMI (mean 2.0 kg/m2, 95
      % CI 1.5-2.5; ES moderate), body weight (mean 3.7 kg, 95 % CI 1.7-5.8; ES small),
      body fat percentage (3.1 %, 95 % CI 2.2-4.1; ES small), waist circumference (3.0
      cm, 95 % CI 1.3-4.8; ES small), but the increase (improvement) in lean mass was
      trivial (mean 1.6 kg, 95 % CI 0.5-2.6). The response to an oral glucose tolerance
      test following exercise intervention was for a decrease in the area under the
      curve for insulin (mean 162 MUU/MUl, 95 % CI 93-231; ES large) and blood glucose
      (mean 39 mg/dl, 95 % CI 9.4-69; ES moderate). Improvements in the homeostatic
      model assessment were also noted (mean 1.0, 95 % CI 0.7-1.4; ES moderate) and
      systolic blood pressure (mean 7.1 mmHg, 95 % CI 3.5-10.7; ES moderate). The
      effects of exercise on total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting insulin and fasting blood glucose
      were inconclusive. LIMITATIONS: Most of the included trials were short term (6-36
      weeks) and 13 had methodological limitations. Additionally, the meta-analyses for
      some of the secondary outcomes had a small number of participants or substantial
      statistical heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence suggests that
      exercise intervention in overweight and obese adolescents improves body
      composition, particularly by lowering body fat. The limited available evidence
      further indicates that exercise intervention may improve some cardiometabolic
      risk factors.

PMID- 27139724
TI  - The ARCANE Project: How an Ecological Dynamics Framework Can Enhance Performance
      Assessment and Prediction in Football.
AB  - This paper discusses how an ecological dynamics framework can be implemented to
      interpret data, design practice tasks and interpret athletic performance in
      collective sports, exemplified here by research ideas within the Augmented
      peRCeption ANalysis framEwork for Football (ARCANE) project promoting an
      augmented perception of football teams for scientists and practitioners. An
      ecological dynamics rationale can provide an interpretation of athletes'
      positional and physiological data during performance, using new methods to assess
      athletes' behaviours in real-time and, to some extent, predict health and
      performance outcomes. The proposed approach signals practical applications for
      coaches, sports analysts, exercise physiologists and practitioners through
      merging a large volume of data into a smaller set of variables, resulting in a
      deeper analysis than typical measures of performance outcomes of competitive
      games.

PMID- 27139725
TI  - Expression of VO2peak in Children and Youth, with Special Reference to Allometric
      Scaling.
AB  - The aim of this review was to highlight research that has focused on examining
      expressions of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in children and youth, with special
      reference to allometric scaling. VO2peak is considered the highest VO2 during an
      increasing workload treadmill or bicycle ergometer test until volitional
      termination. We have reviewed scholarly works identified from PubMed, One Search,
      EBSCOhost and Google Scholar that examined VO2peak in absolute units (L.min(-1)),
      relative units [body mass, fat-free mass (FFM)], and allometric expressions
      [mass, height, lean body mass (LBM) or LBM of the legs raised to a power
      function] through July 2015. Often, the objective of measuring VO2peak is to
      evaluate cardiorespiratory function and fitness level. Since body size (body mass
      and height) frequently vary greatly in children and youth, expressing VO2peak in
      dimensionless units is often inappropriate for comparative or explanatory
      purposes. Consequently, expressing VO2peak in allometric units has gained
      increased research attention over the past 2 decades. In our review, scaling mass
      was the most frequent variable employed, with coefficients ranging from
      approximately 0.30 to over 1.0. The wide variance is probably due to several
      factors, including mass, height, LBM, sex, age, physical training, and small
      sample size. In summary, we recommend that since skeletal muscle is paramount for
      human locomotion, an allometric expression of VO2peak relative to LBM is the best
      expression of VO2peak in children and youth. 

PMID- 27139726
TI  - Performance of a closed-loop feedback computer-controlled infusion system for
      maintaining blood pressure during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: a
      randomized controlled comparison of norepinephrine versus phenylephrine.
AB  - Closed-loop feedback computer-controlled vasopressor infusion has been previously
      described for maintaining blood pressure during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean
      section but there are limited data available comparing the relative performance
      of different vasopressors. The aim of this study was to compare the performance
      of norepinephrine versus phenylephrine in this system. Data from a randomized,
      two-arm parallel group, double-blinded controlled trial were reanalyzed. 104
      patients scheduled for elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were
      randomized to receive computer-controlled closed-loop infusion of either
      norepinephrine 5 ug ml-1 or phenylephrine 100 ug ml-1. This was started
      immediately after induction of spinal anaesthesia and used an algorithm designed
      to maintain systolic blood pressure near baseline until fetal delivery.
      Performance error calculations were used to compare the performance of the two
      vasopressors. The primary outcome was defined as the median absolute performance
      error. Median performance error, wobble and divergence were also compared. Median
      absolute performance error was smaller in the norepinephrine group (median 3.79
      [interquartile range 2.82-5.17] %) versus the phenylephrine group (4.70 [3.23
      6.57] %, P = 0.028). In addition, median performance error was smaller (0.75 [
      1.56-2.52] %) versus 2.61 [0.83-4.57] %, P = 0.002) and wobble was smaller (2.85
      [2.07-5.17] %) versus 3.39 [2.62-4.90] %, P = 0.028) in the norepinephrine group
      versus the phenylephrine group. Divergence was similar between groups. The
      precision of the control of blood pressure was greater with norepinephrine
      compared with phenylephrine at the drug concentrations used.

PMID- 27139727
TI  - Hibiscus latent Fort Pierce virus in Brazil and synthesis of its biologically
      active full-length cDNA clone.
AB  - A Brazilian isolate of Hibiscus latent Fort Pierce virus (HLFPV-BR) was firstly
      found in a hibiscus plant in Limeira, SP, Brazil. RACE PCR was carried out to
      obtain the full-length sequences of HLFPV-BR which is 6453 nucleotides and has
      more than 99.15 % of complete genomic RNA nucleotide sequence identity with that
      of HLFPV Japanese isolate. The genomic structure of HLFPV-BR is similar to other
      tobamoviruses. It includes a 5' untranslated region (UTR), followed by open
      reading frames encoding for a 128-kDa protein and a 188-kDa readthrough protein,
      a 38-kDa movement protein, 18-kDa coat protein, and a 3' UTR. Interestingly, the
      unique feature of poly(A) tract is also found within its 3'-UTR. Furthermore,
      from the total RNA extracted from the local lesions of HLFPV-BR-infected
      Chenopodium quinoa leaves, a biologically active, full-length cDNA clone
      encompassing the genome of HLFPV-BR was amplified and placed adjacent to a T7 RNA
      polymerase promoter. The capped in vitro transcripts from the cloned cDNA were
      infectious when mechanically inoculated into C. quinoa and Nicotiana benthamiana
      plants. This is the first report of the presence of an isolate of HLFPV in Brazil
      and the successful synthesis of a biologically active HLFPV-BR full-length cDNA
      clone. 

PMID- 27139728
TI  - The high-throughput production of dsRNA against sacbrood virus for use in the
      honey bee Apis cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae).
AB  - Sacbrood virus (SBV) is a serious threat to honey bees. Currently, there is no
      specific drug available for the treatment of SBV that does not affect the quality
      of the bee product. RNA interference (RNAi) is an important antiviral strategy
      for disease control. To effectively utilize this technology, the large-scale
      production and purification of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is necessary. Here, a
      dsRNA-expressing plasmid targeting the VP1 gene of Chinese sacbrood virus (CSBV)
      was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) HT115 (DE3). After
      lysing and ethanol precipitation from E. coli, dsRNA VP1 was purified with an
      anion exchange chromatography column. Second instar larvae of Apis cerana were
      fed the purified dsRNA VP1. A significant decrease in larval mortality and the
      level of expression of the VP1 gene after CSBV infection was demonstrated after
      the ingestion of dsRNA VP1. This result provides a potential method for the large
      scale production of dsRNA to protect A. cerana from CSBV infection. 

PMID- 27139729
TI  - A safety evaluation of brentuximab vedotin for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Brentuximab vedotin is an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody-drug
      conjugate approved for treating relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. The
      pivotal trial demonstrated brentuximab vedotin's efficacy and manageable toxicity
      profile with peripheral neuropathy and neutropenia being the most common side
      effects. The phase I study of brentuximab vedotin combined with ABVD or AVD
      revealed its contraindication with bleomycin due to pulmonary toxicity. As trials
      continue to investigate the drug in frontline and relapsed settings, emerging
      safety data will further define brentuximab vedotin's role in managing Hodgkin
      lymphoma. AREAS COVERED: This article reviews the current literature on
      brentuximab vedotin in Hodgkin lymphoma treatment, both as a single agent and in
      combination regimens. The review focuses on safety findings from clinical trials,
      expected adverse events, and rare serious toxicities. EXPERT OPINION: Brentuximab
      vedotin is a breakthrough antibody-drug conjugate that may provide new options in
      earlier lines of therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma. Results from the ongoing phase III
      trial comparing ABVD to AVD + brentuximab vedotin will inform whether brentuximab
      vedotin adds benefit to frontline therapy over the current standard of care. The
      optimal duration of treatment and brentuximab vedotin's potential as an
      alternative to radiation in early stage disease still warrant investigation.

PMID- 27139731
TI  - Declines in Triplet and Higher-order Multiple Births in the United States, 1998
      2014.
AB  - KEY FINDINGS: Data from the National Vital Statistics System *The triplet and
      higher-order birth rate declined 41% from 1998 to 2014, or from about 1 in every
      515 births in 1998 to one in every 880 births in 2014. *Triplet and higher-order
      birth rates were down by about 50% or more for women aged 25 and over. Rates were
      essentially unchanged for women under 25. *The largest declines in triplet and
      higher-order birth rates by race and Hispanic origin for 1998-2014 were for non
      Hispanic white women, down 46% compared with a 15% decline for Hispanic women,
      and essentially no change for non-Hispanic black women. *Triplet and higher-order
      birth rates were down from 1998-2000 to 2012-2014 in 42 states; declines of more
      than 50% were observed in 7 states.

PMID- 27139732
TI  - Practical Bias Correction in Aerial Surveys of Large Mammals: Validation of
      Hybrid Double-Observer with Sightability Method against Known Abundance of Feral
      Horse (Equus caballus) Populations.
AB  - Reliably estimating wildlife abundance is fundamental to effective management.
      Aerial surveys are one of the only spatially robust tools for estimating large
      mammal populations, but statistical sampling methods are required to address
      detection biases that affect accuracy and precision of the estimates. Although
      various methods for correcting aerial survey bias are employed on large mammal
      species around the world, these have rarely been rigorously validated. Several
      populations of feral horses (Equus caballus) in the western United States have
      been intensively studied, resulting in identification of all unique individuals.
      This provided a rare opportunity to test aerial survey bias correction on
      populations of known abundance. We hypothesized that a hybrid method combining
      simultaneous double-observer and sightability bias correction techniques would
      accurately estimate abundance. We validated this integrated technique on
      populations of known size and also on a pair of surveys before and after a known
      number was removed. Our analysis identified several covariates across the surveys
      that explained and corrected biases in the estimates. All six tests on known
      populations produced estimates with deviations from the known value ranging from 
      8.5% to +13.7% and <0.7 standard errors. Precision varied widely, from 6.1% CV to
      25.0% CV. In contrast, the pair of surveys conducted around a known management
      removal produced an estimated change in population between the surveys that was
      significantly larger than the known reduction. Although the deviation between was
      only 9.1%, the precision estimate (CV = 1.6%) may have been artificially low. It
      was apparent that use of a helicopter in those surveys perturbed the horses,
      introducing detection error and heterogeneity in a manner that could not be
      corrected by our statistical models. Our results validate the hybrid method,
      highlight its potentially broad applicability, identify some limitations, and
      provide insight and guidance for improving survey designs.

PMID- 27139733
TI  - A novel free-style forearm flap for wound coverage of the hand: A case report.

PMID- 27139734
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Predictor of Survival Free of Life-Threatening
      Arrhythmias and Transplantation in Cardiac Sarcoidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging has a key role in today's
      diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis. We set out to investigate whether cardiac
      magnetic resonance imaging also helps predict outcome in cardiac sarcoidosis.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Our work involved 59 patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (38
      female, mean age 46+/-10 years) seen at our hospital since February 2004 and
      followed up after contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The
      extent of myocardial late gadolinium enhancement (measured as percentage of left
      ventricular mass), the volumes and ejection fractions of the left and right
      ventricles, and the thickness of the basal interventricular septum were
      determined and analyzed for prognostic significance. By April 2015, 23 patients
      had reached the study's end point, consisting of a composite of cardiac death
      (n=3), cardiac transplantation (n=1), and occurrence of life-threatening
      ventricular tachyarrhythmias (n=19; ventricular fibrillation in 5 and sustained
      ventricular tachycardia in 14 patients). In univariate analysis, myocardial
      extent of late gadolinium enhancement predicted event-free survival, as did scar
      like thinning (<4 mm) of the basal interventricular septum and the ejection
      fraction of the right ventricle (P<0.05 for all). In multivariate Cox regression
      analysis, extent of late gadolinium enhancement was the only independent
      predictor of outcome events on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, with a hazard
      ratio of 2.22 per tertile (95% CI 1.07-4.59). An extent of late gadolinium
      enhancement >22% (third tertile) had positive and negative predictive values for
      serious cardiac events of 75% and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Findings on
      cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and the extent of myocardial late gadolinium
      enhancement in particular help predict serious cardiac events in cardiac
      sarcoidosis.

PMID- 27139736
TI  - Model of minor stroke with mild peri-infarct ischemic injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transient ischemic attack, minor stroke and stroke recurrence need
      improved treatment but lack animal models for research. The aim was to modify
      photothrombosis methods thereby producing both a minor stroke (with adjacent mild
      damage) or a minor recurrent stroke. NEW METHOD: A minor stroke, as detected
      using magnetic resonance imaging and histology, was produced using a low
      intensity beam of white light with a bright centre, a low dose of Rose Bengal and
      a short 5min illumination of thinned skull. A recurrent minor stroke was produced
      by repeating the procedure two days later except the cortical mask was positioned
      1.5mm posteriorly. RESULTS: The minor photothrombosis procedure produced a small
      superficial infarct surrounded by a region of scattered necrosis detected
      histologically. Marked hyperintensities in diffusion weighted and T2 images
      identified the infarct. Peri-infarct regions with modest T2 increases
      corresponded to regions of scattered cell death. A recurrent minor
      photothrombosis produced additional damage in regions with overlapping mild
      injury. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Previous photothrombosis methods
      usually produce large cortical infarcts with little penumbra. The current method
      produces small infarcts with diffuse mild peri-infarct ischemic injury that can
      be diagnosed using T2 imaging. CONCLUSIONS: The modified photothrombotic
      procedure will produce a minor stroke consisting of a small infarct in a region
      with marked diffusion and T2 hyperintensities and a peri-infarct region of
      selective necrosis with modest T2 changes. Minor recurrent stroke is readily
      produced but imaging is key for assessing size and location of each insult.

PMID- 27139735
TI  - Prehospital Phase of the Stroke Chain of Survival: A Prospective Observational
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have discussed the emergency call and prehospital care as
      a continuous process to decrease the prehospital and in-hospital delays for acute
      stroke. To identify features associated with early hospital arrival (<90 minutes)
      and treatment (<120 minutes), we analyzed the operation of current dispatch
      protocol and emergency medical services and compared stroke recognition by
      dispatchers and ambulance crews. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a 2-year
      prospective observational study. All stroke patients who were transported to the
      hospital by emergency medical services and received recanalization therapy were
      recruited for the study. For a sample of 308 patients, the stroke code was
      activated in 206 (67%) and high priority was used in 258 (84%) of the emergency
      calls. Emergency medical services transported 285 (93%) of the patients using the
      stroke code and 269 (87%) using high priority. In the univariate analysis, the
      most dominant predictors of early hospital arrival were transport using stroke
      code (P=0.001) and high priority (P=0.002) and onset-to-call (P<0.0001) and on
      scene times (P=0.052). In the regression analysis, the influences of high
      priority transport (P<0.01) and onset-to-call time (P<0.001) prevailed as
      significant in both dichotomies of early arrival and treatment. The on-scene time
      was found to be surprisingly long (>23.5 minutes) for both early and late
      arriving patients. CONCLUSIONS: Fast emergency medical services activation and
      ambulance transport promoted early hospital arrival and treatment. Although
      patient-dependent delays still dominate the prehospital process, it should be
      ensured that the minutes on the scene are well spent.

PMID- 27139737
TI  - Two step Gaussian mixture model approach to characterize white matter disease
      based on distributional changes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging reveals macro- and microstructural
      correlates of neurodegeneration, which are often assessed using voxel-by-voxel t
      tests for comparing mean image intensities measured by fractional anisotropy (FA)
      between cases and controls or regression analysis for associating mean intensity
      with putative risk factors. This analytic strategy focusing on mean intensity in
      individual voxels, however, fails to account for change in distribution of image
      intensities due to disease. NEW METHOD: We propose a method that aims to
      facilitate simple and clear characterization of underlying distribution. Our
      method consists of two steps: subject-level (Step 1) and group-level or a
      specific risk-level density function estimation across subjects (Step 2).
      RESULTS: The proposed method was demonstrated with a simulated data set and real
      FA data sets from two white matter tracts, where the proposed method successfully
      detected any departure of the FA distribution from the normal state by disease:
      p<0.001 for simulated data; p=0.047 for the posterior limb of internal capsule;
      p=0.06 for the posterior thalamic radiation. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S):
      The proposed method found significant disease effect (p<0.001) while conventional
      2-group t-test focused only on mean intensity did not (p=0.61) in a simulation
      study. While significant age effects were found for each white matter tract from
      conventional linear model analysis with real FA data, the proposed method further
      confirmed that aging also triggers distribution-wide change. CONCLUSION: Our
      proposed method is powerful for detection of risk factors associated with any
      type of microstructural neurodegenerations with brain imaging data.

PMID- 27139738
TI  - Very large and giant microsurgical bifurcation aneurysms in rabbits: Proof of
      feasibility and comparability using computational fluid dynamics and
      biomechanical testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Giant aneurysms are challenging lesions with unacceptable high rates
      of aneurysm recanalization and rerupture following embolization. Reliable in vivo
      models are urgently needed to test the performance of new more efficient
      endovascular devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aneurysms were created in 11 New
      Zealand white rabbits (4.5-5.5kg): A long venous pouch (length 25-30mm) mimicking
      the aneurysm sac was derived from the external jugular vein and sutured into a
      microsurgically created bifurcation between both common carotid arteries. After 4
      weeks the rabbits underwent 3T Magnetic resonance angiography (3T-MRA). Exemplary
      computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to compare the flow
      conditions of giant rabbit and human aneurysms. We used species-related boundary
      conditions, in particular, we measured blood viscosity values. Biaxial mechanical
      tests were performed for the mechanical characterization and comparison.
      COMPARISON WITH EXISITING METHOD(S): None. RESULTS: No peri- or postoperative
      mortality was observed. 3T-MRA showed aneurysm patency in 10 out of 11 aneurysms
      (90.9%). Aneurysm lengths ranged from 21.5-25.6mm and aneurysm necks from 7.3
      9.8mm. CFD showed complex flow profiles with multiple vortices in both, rabbit
      and human aneurysms. Lower blood viscosity values of the rabbit (3.92mPas vs.
      human 5.34mPas) resulted in considerable lower wall shear stress rates (rabbit
      0.38Pa vs. human 1.66Pa). Mechanical tests showed lower stiffness of rabbit
      aneurysms compared to unruptured human aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed model
      showed favorable aneurysm patency rates, low morbidity and good hemodynamic
      comparability with complex flow patterns. Biomechanical testing suggests that
      experimental aneurysms might be even more fragile compared to human aneurysms.

PMID- 27139739
TI  - Separation and Determination of Four Tanshinones in Danshen and Related Medicinal
      Plants by Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography Using Ionic Liquids as Modifier.
AB  - A simple and fast micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method using
      ionic liquids as modifier was established for simultaneous determination of four
      hydrophobic tanshinones, including dihydrotanshinone I ( 1: ), cryptotanshinone (
      2: ), tanshinone I ( 3: ) and tanshinone IIA ( 4: ), in Danshen and related
      medicinal plants. In normal MEKC using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as surfactant
      and organic solvents as additives, the four tanshinones, especially
      cryptotanshinone and tanshinone I, could not be well separated. Fortunately,
      further addition of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate
      ([bmim]BF4) resulted in a baseline separation of these four analytes. After an
      optimization study, 10 mM borax-10 mM SDS-10 mM [bmim]BF4 containing 15%
      acetonitrile (v/v) at pH 9.6 was adopted as the running buffer to complete the
      separation within 16 min at the voltage of 25 kV, temperature of 25 degrees C and
      detection wavelength of 254 nm. The relative standard deviations of migration
      time and peak area were in the range of 0.62-2.21 and 1.33-3.90%, respectively,
      indicating the good repeatability of the developed method. This method was
      extensively validated by evaluating the linearity (R(2) >= 0.9992), limits of
      detection (0.75-1.11 MUg mL(-1)), limits of quantification (2.26-3.32 MUg mL(-1))
      and recovery (96.11-103.74%). Under the optimum conditions, samples of Danshen
      and related medicinal plants were well analyzed with high separation efficiency. 

PMID- 27139740
TI  - Separation of Key Biogenic Amines by Capillary Electrophoresis and Determination
      of Possible Indicators of Sport Fatigue in Athlete's Urine.
AB  - This article aims to build up a simple, rapid and accurate capillary zone
      electrophoresis (CZE) method for the separation of biogenic amines (BAs). Here,
      10 key BAs (phenethylamine, histamine, tryptamine, tyramine, 5-hydroxytryptamine,
      octopamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and carnosine) owning
      significant functions were chosen for method development. The baseline separation
      and identification of 10 standards of the mixture by CZE were eventually achieved
      in 150.0 mmol/L phosphate buffer (Na2HPO4-NaH2PO4) containing 1.0 mmol/L borax at
      a pH of 6.1. The addition of borax was found effective for improving the isomeric
      separation of octopamine and dopamine. The proposed method allowed the limits of
      detections of BAs to be in the range of 0.2-1.2 umol/L at UV detection (200 nm);
      the relative standard deviation of the migration time and the peak area were in
      the ranges 0.08-0.12 and 2.74-4.63% (n = 5), respectively. Formaldehyde (a
      possible antiseptic in urine) and five main matrices in urine were studied for
      the identification of BAs. Finally, profiling of BAs in actual urine from
      athletes was carried out. Currently, only phenethylamine, norepinephrine and
      carnosine were designated by spiking the standards. In addition, their variation
      in athletes' urine has been checked at different states of sport fatigue with the
      goal of obtaining possible indicators of sport fatigue. 

PMID- 27139741
TI  - Stabilization of Natural Antioxidants by Silk Biomaterials.
AB  - The stabilities of three natural antioxidants, vitamin C (VC), (-)
      epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and curcumin, in silk films were examined and
      mechanisms of stabilization were elucidated. The antioxidants were physically
      incorporated into three types of silk films: as-cast, dried from hydrogels, and
      methanol-treated. Films were stored at 4, 37, and 45  degrees C for 30 days in
      phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.4, along with controls consisting of free
      antioxidants. Incorporation of antioxidants did not significantly change film
      morphology or secondary structure. When stored at 4  degrees C, all samples
      showed similar antioxidant activities (percent scavenging) at different time
      points, determined by the colorimetric 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)
      assay. At higher temperatures, VC in the as-cast film, EGCG in the as-cast and
      dried hydrogel films, and curcumin in the methanol-treated films retained more
      than 50% scavenging activity after 14 days of storage, significantly higher than
      the other samples. Interaction between antioxidants and silk, as well as
      degradation of the antioxidants, was investigated by fast-performance liquid
      chromatography (FPLC) and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), with an aim
      of understanding the mechanisms of silk-based stabilization. Binding of
      antioxidant molecules to hydrophobic or to hydrophilic/hydrophilic boundary
      regions of silk, depending on the chemical properties of the antioxidant, may
      account for the observed stabilization effects. The data can help guide further
      engineering of antioxidant-functionalized silk biomaterials. 

PMID- 27139742
TI  - A Review of Surgical Atrioventricular Block with Emphasis in Patients with Single
      Ventricle Physiology.
AB  - We perceived an increased incidence of surgical atrioventricular (AV) block in
      patients with single ventricle physiology undergoing two ventricle rehabilitation
      for hypoplastic left heart syndrome compared to the overall incidence of surgical
      AV block for our institution. Retrospective investigation of our center's data
      revealed a statistically significant increase in the incidence of surgical AV
      block in the single ventricle population and two ventricle rehabilitation
      population compared to the two ventricle population. Here we review the
      literature with respect to historic definitions, incidence, risk factors, pre-
      and post-op management, current indications for pacemaker placement and added
      cost and comorbidity associated with surgical AV block. We then offer possible
      strategies for decreasing the incidence of surgical AV block within both the
      single and two ventricle populations.

PMID- 27139743
TI  - Frequency-specific alterations in the fractional amplitude of low-frequency
      fluctuations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and
      fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) method to investigate
      low-frequency spontaneous neural activity at the bands of slow-5 (0.01-0.027 Hz)
      and slow-4 (0.027-0.073 Hz) in 20 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
      (ALS) and 20 healthy controls. We determined that, at slow-5 band, patients with
      ALS showed increased fALFF in the right middle frontal gyrus and decreased fALFF
      in the left middle occipital gyrus. However, compared with healthy controls,
      patients with ALS exhibited higher fALFF in the right caudate nucleus, left
      superior frontal gyrus, and right anterior cingulate cortex and lower fALFF in
      the right inferior occipital gyrus and bilateral middle occipital gyrus at slow-4
      band. Furthermore, the fALFF value in the left superior frontal gyrus at slow-4
      band was negatively correlated with functional rating scale-revised score. Our
      results demonstrated that the fALFF changes in ALS were widespread and frequency
      dependent. These findings may provide a novel way to look into the
      pathophysiology mechanisms underlying ALS. 

PMID- 27139744
TI  - Lack of evidence for GDF11 as a rejuvenator of aged skeletal muscle satellite
      cells.
AB  - Recent high-profile studies report GDF11 to be a key circulating 'anti-aging'
      factor. However, a screen of extracellular proteins attempting to identify
      factors with 'anti-aging' phenotypes in aged murine skeletal muscle satellite
      cells did not identify GDF11 activity. We have been unable to confirm the
      reported activity of GDF11, similar to other laboratories offering conflicting
      data and describe our attempts to do so in this short take.

PMID- 27139745
TI  - Laparoscopic Transcystic Common Bile Duct Exploration: T-Shaped Incision of
      Cystic Duct with FREDDY Laser Lithotripsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Optimal laparoscopic techniques for management of gallstones
      concomitant with common bile duct (CBD) stones remain under debate. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate a novel approach to managing gallstones concomitant
      with large or impacted CBD stones through a modified laparoscopic transcystic CBD
      exploration (LTCBDE) with frequency-doubled double-pulse neodymium:YAG (FREDDY)
      laser lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective review includes 32
      consecutive patients with gallstones concomitant with large or impacted CBD
      stones who were offered LTCBDE with FREDDY laser lithotripsy between June 2012
      and December 2014. Demographic, perioperative, and follow-up data were collected
      and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: CBD stone clearance was achieved for all
      patients. There were 13 males and 19 females, among whom there were three
      patients with a history of abdominal surgery. The diameter of the CBD ranged from
      10 to 20 (mean 15.1) mm, and the number of CBD stones ranged from 1 to 5. CBD
      stones ranged in diameter from 9 to 18 (mean 11.7) mm and 9 patients had stones
      that were impacted in the CBD. The mean operative time was 123 +/- 18 minutes
      with a range of 72 to 155 minutes. The mean length of postoperative hospital stay
      was 5.3 (range 4-7) days. All patients recovered normally without morbidity or
      mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The modified LTCBDE with a T-shaped incision of the
      cystic duct and FREDDY laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective means of
      managing gallstones concomitant with large or impacted CBD stones.

PMID- 27139746
TI  - Rare-Earth-Substituted Strontium Titanate: Insight into Local Oxygen-Rich
      Structures and Redox Kinetics.

PMID- 27139747
TI  - Stretchable Binary Fresnel Lens for Focus Tuning.
AB  - This paper presents a tuneable binary amplitude Fresnel lens produced by wafer
      level microfabrication. The Fresnel lens is fabricated by encapsulating
      lithographically defined vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) bundles inside
      a polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) layer. The composite lens material combines the
      excellent optical absorption properties of the CNT with the transparency and
      stretchability of the PDMS. By stretching the elastomeric composite in radial
      direction, the lens focal length is tuned. Good focusing response is demonstrated
      and a large focus change (>=24%) was achieved by stretching lenses up to 11.4%.

PMID- 27139774
TI  - The ERCC2/XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism affects DNA repair of benzo[a]pyrene induced
      damage, tested in an in vitro model.
AB  - Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is an important defense mechanism of the body to
      exogenous carcinogens and mutagens, such as benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Genetic
      polymorphisms in ERCC2/XPD, a critical element in NER, are thought to be
      associated with individual's cancer susceptibility. Although ERCC2/XPD Lys751Gln
      (rs13181) is the most studied polymorphism, the impact of this polymorphism on
      DNA repair capacity to carcinogen remains unclear. In the present study, cDNA
      clones carrying different genotypes of ERCC2/XPD (Lys751Gln) were introduced into
      an ERCC2/XPD deficient cell line (UV5) in a well-controlled biological system.
      After B[a]P treatment, cell growth inhibition rates and DNA damage levels in all
      cells were detected respectively. As expected, we found that the DNA repair
      capacity in UV5 cells was restored to levels similar to wildtype parent AA8 cells
      upon introduction of the cDNA clone of ERCC2/XPD (Lys751). Interestingly, after
      B[a]P treatment, transfected cells expressing variant ERCC2/XPD (751Gln) showed
      an enhanced cellular sensitivity and a diminished DNA repair capacity. The
      wildtype genotype AA (Lys) was found to be associated with a higher DNA repair
      capacity as compared to its polymorphic genotype CC (Gln). These data indicate
      that ERCC2/XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism affects DNA repair capacity after exposure
      to environmental carcinogens such as B[a]P in this well-controlled in vitro
      system and could act as a biomarker to increase the predictive value to develop
      cancer. 

PMID- 27139775
TI  - Dietary patterns and endometrial cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Previous studies have attempted to assess the relation between different dietary
      patterns and the risk of endometrial cancer (EC); however, a consistent
      perspective has not been established to date. Therefore, we carried out this meta
      analysis to evaluate the associations between dietary patterns and the risk of
      EC. The most common dietary patterns with high loadings of foods and/or nutrients
      were selected. A total of 27 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were
      included in the present meta-analysis. There was evidence of a decreased risk of
      EC in the highest compared with the lowest categories of healthy dietary pattern
      [odds ratio (OR)=0.74; confidence interval (CI): 0.62-0.88; P=0.008]. An
      increased risk of EC was shown for the highest compared with the lowest category
      of a western-style dietary pattern (OR=1.37; CI: 1.15-1.64; P=0.0005). No
      significant association with the risk of EC was found in the highest compared
      with the lowest category of alcohol-drinking pattern (OR=0.98; CI: 0.73-1.30;
      P=0.87). The results of this meta-analysis indicate that some dietary patterns
      may be associated with the risk of EC.

PMID- 27139776
TI  - Microglia protect against brain injury and their selective elimination
      dysregulates neuronal network activity after stroke.
AB  - Microglia are the main immune cells of the brain and contribute to common brain
      diseases. However, it is unclear how microglia influence neuronal activity and
      survival in the injured brain in vivo. Here we develop a precisely controlled
      model of brain injury induced by cerebral ischaemia combined with fast in vivo
      two-photon calcium imaging and selective microglial manipulation. We show that
      selective elimination of microglia leads to a striking, 60% increase in infarct
      size, which is reversed by microglial repopulation. Microglia-mediated protection
      includes reduction of excitotoxic injury, since an absence of microglia leads to
      dysregulated neuronal calcium responses, calcium overload and increased neuronal
      death. Furthermore, the incidence of spreading depolarization (SD) is markedly
      reduced in the absence of microglia. Thus, microglia are involved in changes in
      neuronal network activity and SD after brain injury in vivo that could have
      important implications for common brain diseases.

PMID- 27139777
TI  - Efficient generation of FVII gene knockout mice using CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease and
      truncated guided RNAs.
AB  - We investigated the effects of 5'-end truncated CRISPR RNA-guided Cas9 nuclease
      (tru-RGN, 17/18 nucleotides) on genome editing capability in NIH/3T3 cells, and
      its efficiencies on generating Factor VII (FVII) gene-knockout (KO) mice. In
      cultured cells, RGNs on-target editing activity had been varied when gRNAs was
      truncated, higher at Site Two (tF7-2 vs. F7-2, 49.5 vs. 30.1%) while lower in
      other two sites (Site One, tF7-1 vs.F7-1, 12.1 vs. 23.6%; Site Three, tF7-3 vs.F7
      3, 7.7 vs 10.9%) (P < 0.05). Out of 15 predicated off-target sites, tru-RGNs
      showed significantly decreased frequencies at 5 sites. By microinjecting tru-RGN
      RNAs into zygotes, FVII KO mice were generated with higher efficiency at Site Two
      (80.1 vs. 35.8%) and Site One (55.0 vs 3.7%) (P < 0.05), but not at Site three
      (39.4 vs 27.8%) (P > 0.05) when compared with standard RGN controls. Knockout
      FVII mice demonstrated a delayed prothrombin time and decreased plasma FVII
      expression. Our study first demonstrates that truncated gRNAs to 18 complementary
      nucleotides and Cas9 nucleases, can effectively generate FVII gene KO mice with a
      significantly higher efficiency in a site-dependent manner. In addition, the off
      target frequency was much lower in KO mice than in cell lines via RGN expression
      vector-mediated genome editing.

PMID- 27139778
TI  - Spatial memory impairment in Morris water maze after electroconvulsive seizures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most efficient
      treatments for severe major depression, but some patients suffer from retrograde
      memory loss after treatment. Electroconvulsive seizures (ECS), an animal model of
      ECT, have repeatedly been shown to increase hippocampal neurogenesis, and
      multiple ECS treatments cause retrograde amnesia in hippocampus-dependent memory
      tasks. Since recent studies propose that addition of newborn hippocampal neurons
      might degrade existing memories, we investigated whether the memory impairment
      after multiple ECS treatments is a cumulative effect of repeated treatments, or
      if it is the result of a delayed effect after a single ECS. METHODS: We used the
      hippocampus-dependent memory task Morris water maze (MWM) to evaluate spatial
      memory. Rats were exposed to an 8-day training paradigm before receiving either a
      single ECS or sham treatment and tested in the MWM 24 h, 72 h, or 7 days after
      this treatment, or multiple (four) ECS or sham treatments and tested 7 days after
      the first treatment. RESULTS: A single ECS treatment was not sufficient to cause
      retrograde amnesia whereas multiple ECS treatments strongly disrupted spatial
      memory in the MWM. CONCLUSION: The retrograde amnesia after multiple ECS is a
      cumulative effect of repeated treatments rather than a delayed effect after a
      single ECS.

PMID- 27139779
TI  - Statistical learning is constrained to less abstract patterns in complex sensory
      input (but not the least).
AB  - The influence of statistical information on behavior (either through learning or
      adaptation) is quickly becoming foundational to many domains of cognitive
      psychology and cognitive neuroscience, from language comprehension to visual
      development. We investigate a central problem impacting these diverse fields:
      when encountering input with rich statistical information, are there any
      constraints on learning? This paper examines learning outcomes when adult
      learners are given statistical information across multiple levels of abstraction
      simultaneously: from abstract, semantic categories of everyday objects to
      individual viewpoints on these objects. After revealing statistical learning of
      abstract, semantic categories with scrambled individual exemplars (Exp. 1),
      participants viewed pictures where the categories as well as the individual
      objects predicted picture order (e.g., bird1-dog1, bird2-dog2). Our findings
      suggest that participants preferentially encode the relationships between the
      individual objects, even in the presence of statistical regularities linking
      semantic categories (Exps. 2 and 3). In a final experiment we investigate whether
      learners are biased towards learning object-level regularities or simply
      construct the most detailed model given the data (and therefore best able to
      predict the specifics of the upcoming stimulus) by investigating whether
      participants preferentially learn from the statistical regularities linking
      individual snapshots of objects or the relationship between the objects
      themselves (e.g., bird_picture1-dog_picture1, bird_picture2-dog_picture2). We
      find that participants fail to learn the relationships between individual
      snapshots, suggesting a bias towards object-level statistical regularities as
      opposed to merely constructing the most complete model of the input. This work
      moves beyond the previous existence proofs that statistical learning is possible
      at both very high and very low levels of abstraction (categories vs. individual
      objects) and suggests that, at least with the current categories and type of
      learner, there are biases to pick up on statistical regularities between
      individual objects even when robust statistical information is present at other
      levels of abstraction. These findings speak directly to emerging theories about
      how systems supporting statistical learning and prediction operate in our
      structure-rich environments. Moreover, the theoretical implications of the
      current work across multiple domains of study is already clear: statistical
      learning cannot be assumed to be unconstrained even if statistical learning has
      previously been established at a given level of abstraction when that information
      is presented in isolation.

PMID- 27139780
TI  - Discovery of Benzocycloalkane Derivatives Efficiently Blocking Bacterial
      Virulence for the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) Infections
      by Targeting Diapophytoene Desaturase (CrtN).
AB  - Antivirulence strategies are now attracting interest for the inherent mechanism
      of action advantages. In our previous work, diapophytoene desaturase (CrtN) was
      identified to be an attractive and drugable target for fighting pigmented S.
      aureus infections. In this research, we developed a series of effective
      benzocycloalkane-derived CrtN inhibitors with submicromolar IC50. Analogue 8
      blocked the pigment biosynthesis of three MRSA strains with a nanomolar IC50
      value. Corresponding to its mode of action, 8 did not function as a bactericidal
      agent. 8 could sensitize S. aureus to immune clearance. In vivo, 8 was proven to
      be efficacious in an S. aureus Newman sepsis model and abscess formation model.
      For two typical MRSAs, USA400 MW2 and Mu50, 8 significantly decreased the
      staphylococcal loads in the liver and kidneys. Moreover, 8 showed minimal
      antifungal activity compared to that of NTF. In summary, 8 has the potential to
      be developed as a therapeutic drug, especially against intractable MRSA issues.

PMID- 27139781
TI  - Multimodality imaging of foreign bodies in and around the heart.
AB  - Foreign objects are occasionally seen on computed tomography and could pose a
      diagnostic challenge to the radiologist and clinicians. It is important to
      recognize, characterize and localize these objects and determine their clinical
      significance. Most foreign objects in and around the heart are the result of
      direct penetrating injury or represent venous embolization to the heart. Foreign
      objects may cause symptoms and require prompt medical attention or maybe
      asymptomatic. Clinicians should be familiar with foreign objects that are
      encountered and understand treatment options. This paper looks at some of foreign
      objects that can be found and correlates with pathology where possible.

PMID- 27139782
TI  - Heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene femoropopliteal bypass grafts
      outperform expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts without heparin in a long-term
      comparison.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts have become an
      acceptable prosthetic alternative to autologous vein for infrainguinal arterial
      reconstructions. Recently, heparin bonding to the graft's luminal surface has
      been used as an adjunctive method of improving graft patency. We retrospectively
      evaluated a prospective experience with heparin-bonded ePTFE (HePTFE) vs the
      results of a prior experience with standard ePTFE (SePTFE) to compare patency
      rates in above-knee (AK) and below-knee (BK) femoropopliteal bypass through the 5
      year follow-up. METHODS: Prosthetic femoropopliteal bypasses performed by our
      four-surgeon group were constructed using 6-mm SePTFE grafts before August 2007.
      Subsequently, all such bypasses were constructed using 6-mm HePTFE (Propaten
      graft; W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz). The surgical technique used in
      all cases throughout the study was similar irrespective of surgeon or graft
      material. Loss of primary patency was defined by graft thrombosis; duplex scan
      confirmed graft failure. Descriptive estimation of patency rates was carried out
      using standard Kaplan-Meier methods. Cox proportional hazards regression was used
      to analyze relationships between predictors and time to loss of patency. RESULTS:
      There were 192 AK (87 Propaten, 105 SePTFE) and 60 BK (42 Propaten, 18 SePTFE)
      grafts. Overall primary patency for Propaten was statistically better than SePTFE
      at years 1 (93.6% vs 84.2%), 2 (79.7% vs 73.8%), 3 (79.7% vs 69.5%), 4 (74.5% vs
      59.9%) and 5 (74.5% vs 56.2%; log-rank test, P = .036). Five-year primary patency
      was superior for Propaten AK grafts (85.2% vs 59.3%; log-rank test, P = .028) and
      for Propaten BK grafts (59.6% vs 0.0/undeterminable; log-rank test, P = .016).
      Variables significantly associated with loss of patency for Propaten and SePTFE
      were claudication (hazard ratio [HR], 0.41), age (HR, 0.95), isolated popliteal
      artery (HR, 3.1-4.4), and ankle-brachial index after the procedure (HR, 0.10).
      Controlling for conduit effect, clopidogrel use did not significantly affect
      patency (P = .076). No grafts were associated with heparin-induced
      thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that the Propaten HePTFE graft
      offered significantly better long-term patency over the SePTFE graft, suggesting
      Propaten as the prosthetic graft of choice for bypasses to the femoropopliteal
      artery when autologous vein is unavailable or inappropriate.

PMID- 27139783
TI  - Ankle-brachial index predicts change over time in functional status in the San
      Diego Population Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions of people, both in
      the U.S. and worldwide. Even when asymptomatic, PAD and the ankle-brachial index
      (ABI), the major clinical diagnostic criterion for PAD, are associated with
      decreased functional status and quality of life, as well as mobility impairment.
      Whether the ABI or change in the ABI predicts decline in functional status over
      time has not been previously assessed in a population-based setting. METHODS:
      Participants were 812 non-Hispanic white, African American, Hispanic, and Asian
      men and women from the San Diego Population Study (SDPS) who attended a baseline
      examination (1994-1998), and follow-up clinic examination approximately 11 years
      later. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) was obtained at both
      the baseline and follow-up examinations, and the summary performance score (SPS)
      at the follow-up examination. Associations of the baseline ABI and clinically
      relevant change in the ABI (<-0.15 vs >=-0.15) with change in SF-36 scores over
      time were assessed using growth curve models, a type of mixed model that accounts
      for within participant correlation of measurements over time, and using linear
      regression for SPS. Models were adjusted for baseline age, sex, race/ethnicity,
      body mass index, ever smoking, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes, and
      dyslipidemia. RESULTS: Mean +/- standard deviation (SD) for the baseline ABI was
      1.11 +/- 0.10, and 50.8 +/- 9.0 for the baseline Physical Component Score (PCS),
      50.1 +/- 9.5 for the baseline Mental Component Score (MCS), and 11.2 +/- 1.9 for
      the SPS at the follow-up examination. In fully adjusted models, each SD lower of
      the baseline ABI was significantly associated with an average decrease over time
      of 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.1 to -0.1; P = .02) units on SF-36 PCS.
      Each SD lower of the baseline ABI was also significantly associated with an
      average decrease over time of 1.2 units (95% CI, -2.3 to -0.2; P = .02) on the SF
      36 physical functioning subscale, and a decrease of 1.3 units (95% CI, -2.3 to 
      0.3; P = .01) on the SF-36 energy/vitality subscale in fully adjusted models.
      Baseline ABI was not significantly associated with change in the SF-36 MCS over
      time, or the SPS at the follow-up examination. Change in the ABI was not
      associated with SF-36 PCS, MCS, or the SPS. CONCLUSIONS: In this multiethnic
      population of healthy middle-aged community-living men and women, we showed that
      participants with a lower baseline ABI had declines in functional status over 11
      years. Findings suggest that small differences in the ABI, even within the normal
      range, may identify subclinical lower extremity PAD, which in turn may help to
      identify individuals at risk for declining functional status with age.

PMID- 27139784
TI  - Pilot assessment of a human extracellular matrix-based vascular graft in a rabbit
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Herein we describe a small-diameter vascular graft constructed from
      rolled human amniotic membrane (hAM), with in vitro evaluation and subsequent in
      vivo assessment of its mechanical and initial biologic viability in the early
      postimplantation period. This approach for graft construction allows
      customization of graft dimensions, with wide-ranging potential clinical
      applicability as a nonautologous, allogeneic, cell-free graft material. METHODS:
      Acellular hAMs were rolled into layered conduits (3.2-mm diameter) that were
      bound with fibrin and lyophilized. Constructs were seeded with human smooth
      muscle cells and cultured under controlled arterial hemodynamic conditions in
      vitro. Additionally, the acellular hAM conduits were surgically implanted as
      arterial interposition grafts into the carotid arteries of immunocompetent
      rabbits. RESULTS: On in vitro analysis, smooth muscle cells were shown to adhere
      to, proliferate within, and remodel the scaffold during a 4-week culture period.
      At the end of the culture period, there was histologic and biomechanical evidence
      of graft wall layer coalescence. In vivo analysis demonstrated graft patency
      after 4 weeks (n = 3), with no hyperacute rejection or thrombotic occlusion.
      Explants displayed histologic evidence of active cellular remodeling, with
      endogenous cell repopulation of the graft wall concurrent with degradation of
      initial graft material. Cells were shown to align circumferentially to resemble a
      vascular medial layer. CONCLUSIONS: The vascular grafts were shown to provide a
      supportive scaffold allowing cellular infiltration and remodeling by host cell
      populations in vivo. By use of this approach, "off-the-shelf" vascular grafts can
      be created with specified diameters and wall thicknesses to satisfy specific
      anatomic requirements in diverse populations of patients.

PMID- 27139785
TI  - Implantation sequence modification averts distal stent graft-induced new entry
      after endovascular repair of Stanford type B aortic dissection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated predisposing factors of distal stent graft
      induced new entry (SINE). METHODS: Data from November 2006 to May 2012 were
      abstracted retrospectively from the records of 73 patients with complicated type
      B aortic dissection who had received stent graft treatment in our institution.
      Diameters of the true and false lumen, area and circumference of the true lumen,
      prestent and poststent oversize, taper, and mismatch ratio were recorded and
      analyzed to see if there were any significant differences between the SINE (n =
      19) and non-SINE (n = 54) population and between those in whom the initial
      endograft was inserted from the proximal thoracic aorta (n = 49) or the distal
      thoracic aorta (n = 24). RESULTS: A distal-first sequence of stent graft
      deployment produced significantly fewer instances of distal SINE. The area
      oversizing ratio of the distal end of the stent graft was greater in the SINE vs
      non-SINE groups (3.76 +/- 1.7 vs 2.63 +/- 2.57; P = .002) and in the proximal
      first vs distal-first deployment sequence groups (3.67 +/- 2.57 vs 1.39 +/- 0.90;
      P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Minimizing the preprocedure distal oversizing ratio with
      a distal small graft-first procedure could reduce the risk of late distal SINE
      for Stanford type B aortic dissection. Furthermore, the area ratio is a
      potentially more sensitive modality for size assessment and prediction of distal
      SINE occurrence.

PMID- 27139786
TI  - Loss of kidney function in patients with critical limb ischemia treated
      endovascularly or surgically.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury after the administration of contrast material
      during endovascular procedures for peripheral arterial disease generally recovers
      with supportive treatment. However, long-term effects of endovascular procedures
      for critical limb ischemia on renal function remain to be investigated. METHODS:
      This retrospective observational cohort study included all patients who newly
      presented to the vascular surgery outpatient clinic with Rutherford class 4 to
      class 6 peripheral arterial disease and who were treated with either endovascular
      or surgical interventions. Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
      after 1 year were compared between the two types of intervention. Multivariate
      linear regression analysis was done to correct for potential confounders.
      RESULTS: One year after treatment, eGFR was reduced by 15.0 mL/min (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 13.1-17.0; P < .001) after endovascular interventions
      (n = 209) and by 7.6 mL/min (95% CI, 5.1-10.0; P < .001) after surgical therapy
      (n = 81). Although eGFR rates decreased in both groups, loss of renal function
      was significantly greater in patients after endovascular interventions (P <
      .001). Furthermore, 77% of patients receiving endovascular interventions
      experienced fast renal decline (defined as >4 mL/min loss of eGFR within 1 year)
      compared with 54% of patients treated surgically (P < .001). After correction for
      potential confounders, endovascular intervention was associated with 7.4 mL/min
      (95% CI, 5.4-9.3; P < .001) greater loss of renal function compared with patients
      treated surgically. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular procedures for critical limb
      ischemia are associated with clinically relevant permanent long-term loss of
      kidney function. This loss of renal function is greater than in comparable
      patients who were treated with open surgery.

PMID- 27139787
TI  - Increased homocysteine and lipoprotein(a) levels highlight systemic
      atherosclerotic burden in patients with a history of acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strong evidence supports an association between high levels of
      homocysteine (Hcy) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and an increased rate of ischemic
      vascular events. METHODS: The study population comprised 162 patients (50 women
      [30.9%]; age, 66.71 +/- 12.76 years) having a history of acute coronary syndrome
      within 1 year who underwent fasting blood sampling, measurement of intima-media
      thickness and pulse wave velocity at the common carotid and femoral arteries by
      Doppler ultrasound, and ankle-brachial index measurement. Cutoff values were
      considered 0.9 mm and 1.2 mm for carotid and femoral intima-media thickness,
      respectively; 12 m/s for pulse wave velocity; and <0.9 for ankle-brachial index.
      We included hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, overweight/obesity, smoking,
      and family history of cardiovascular disease in the count of traditional risk
      factors (CRFs). Adding Hcy >=15 MUmol/L and Lp(a) >=500 mg/L to CRFs, we obtained
      a new score, named TOTAL. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, Hcy and Lp(a) were
      significantly associated with presence of atherosclerotic extracoronary lesions
      (for Hcy: beta = .934; standard error = 0.178; P < .0001; for Lp(a): beta = .961;
      standard error = 0.177; P < .0001) and compliance alterations (for Hcy: odds
      ratio, 13.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.9-45.3; P < .0001; for Lp(a): odds ratio,
      14.6; 95% confidence interval, 5.69-37.62; P < .0001). On multivariate analysis,
      Lp(a) and Hcy were significantly associated with extracoronary atherosclerosis,
      even after correction for CRFs. The area under the curve of the TOTAL score for
      both atherosclerosis and vascular compliance alterations was significantly higher
      than the area under the curve of traditional CRFs plus only Hcy >=15 MUmol/L or
      plus Lp(a) >=500 mg/L, separately added. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of evaluation
      of Hcy >=15 MUmol/L and Lp(a) >=500 mg/L to the traditional CRF count does
      improve detection of systemic atherosclerotic burden of patients with acute
      coronary syndrome and can offer a new opportunity to optimize secondary
      prevention.

PMID- 27139788
TI  - Readmission rates after lower extremity bypass vary significantly by surgical
      indication.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Readmission rates after vascular surgery are among the highest within
      surgical specialties, and lower extremity bypass has the highest readmission rate
      of vascular surgery procedures. We analyzed how 30-day readmissions and risk
      factors for readmissions vary by indication for lower extremity bypass. METHODS:
      We queried the 2012-2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program procedure-targeted vascular cohort to identify all patients
      who underwent lower extremity bypass. Emergent procedures and planned
      readmissions were excluded. Patients were stratified by surgical indication:
      claudication, critical limb ischemia rest pain (CLI RP), critical limb ischemia
      tissue loss (CLI TL), and other. The chi2 and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used
      to test the differences between categorical and continuous variables,
      respectively. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for predictors
      of readmission adjusted for preoperative factors that were selected a priori.
      RESULTS: The overall 30-day readmission rate among the 6112 patients who
      underwent lower extremity bypass was 14.8%. Readmission rates varied
      significantly on the basis of the indication for surgery. In unadjusted
      comparisons, 18.8% of patients with CLI TL were readmitted compared with 16.5%
      with CLI RP, 9.4% with claudication, and 8.2% with other indications (P < .001).
      After adjustment for preoperative factors, 30-day readmissions were higher for
      patients with CLI TL (odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-2.06) and
      CLI RP (odds ratio, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-2.09) compared with
      patients with claudication. CONCLUSIONS: The 30-day readmission rates after lower
      extremity bypass vary significantly by surgical indication. Because lower
      extremity bypasses are performed for multiple indications, if readmission rates
      are publically reported and hospitals can be penalized for higher than expected
      readmission rates, the expected readmission rates should be adjusted for surgical
      indication.

PMID- 27139790
TI  - Discussion.

PMID- 27139789
TI  - Results from the Tack Optimized Balloon Angioplasty (TOBA) study demonstrate the
      benefits of minimal metal implants for dissection repair after angioplasty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The mechanism of angioplasty is disruption of atherosclerotic plaque,
      which often results in dissections. Dissection after percutaneous transluminal
      angioplasty (PTA) remains a significant clinical problem and untreated may cause
      acute occlusion or later restenosis. Stents are used to manage dissections, which
      is often followed by in-stent restenosis and occasionally stent fracture. Tack
      (Intact Vascular, Wayne, Pa) implants have minimal metal and low radial force and
      are specifically designed for dissection repair. This study evaluated Tack
      implants for treatment of dissections resulting from standard balloon PTA for
      femoral-popliteal arterial disease. Twelve-month outcomes after Tack treatment of
      post-PTA dissections are described. METHODS: This prospective, single-arm study
      evaluated patients with ischemia (Rutherford clinical category 2-4) caused by
      lesions of the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries. Patients were treated
      with standard balloon angioplasty, and post-PTA dissections were treated with
      Tacks. The primary end points were core laboratory-adjudicated device technical
      success, defined as the ability of the Tack implants to resolve post-PTA
      dissection, and device safety, defined as the absence of new-onset major adverse
      events. Patients were followed up to 12 months after implantation. RESULTS: Tacks
      were used in 130 patients with post-PTA dissections (74.0% >= grade C). Technical
      success was achieved in 128 (98.5%) patients with no major adverse events at 30
      days. The 12-month patency was 76.4%, and freedom from target lesion
      revascularization was 89.5%. Significant improvement from baseline was observed
      in Rutherford clinical category (82.8% with grade <=1) and ankle-brachial index
      (0.68 +/- 0.18 to 0.94 +/- 0.15; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Tack implant treatment
      of post-PTA dissection was safe, produced reasonable patency, and resulted in low
      rates of target lesion revascularization. Tack treatment represents a new,
      minimal metal paradigm for dissection repair that can safely improve the clinical
      results associated with PTA.

PMID- 27139791
TI  - Immunohistochemical and Western Blotting Analyses of Ganoine in the Ganoid Scales
      of Lepisosteus oculatus: an Actinopterygian Fish.
AB  - In order to compare its characteristics with those of jaw tooth collar enamel,
      normally developing and experimentally regenerating ganoine from ganoid scales of
      Lepisosteus oculatus (spotted gar), an actinopterygian fish species, was examined
      by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Amelogenin, a major enamel matrix
      protein (EMP), is widely found from sarcopterygian fish to mammals. Therefore, we
      used antimammalian amelogenin antibodies and antisera: an antibody against bovine
      amelogenin; antiserum against porcine amelogenin; and region-specific antibodies
      or antiserum against the C-terminus, middle region, or N-terminus of porcine
      amelogenin in this study. Positive immunoreactivity with the antibody against
      bovine amelogenin, antiserum against porcine amelogenin, and the middle and C
      terminal region-specific antibodies was detected in both normally developing and
      regenerating ganoine matrix, as well as in granules found within inner ganoine
      epithelial cells. These immunohistochemical analyses indicated that the
      Lepisosteus ganoine matrix contains EMP-like proteins with epitopes similar to
      mammalian amelogenins. In Western blotting analyses of regenerating ganoid scales
      with the antibovine amelogenin antibody, two protein bands with molecular weights
      of approximately 78 and 65 kDa were detected, which were similar to those found
      in Lepisosteus tooth enamel. Our study suggests that in Lepisosteus, EMP-like
      proteins in the ganoine matrix corresponded to those in tooth enamel. However, it
      was revealed that the 78 and 65 kDa EMP-like proteins were different from 27 kDa
      bovine amelogenin.

PMID- 27139792
TI  - Antidoping attitudes among elite athletes: a cross sectional study in biathlon
      using a suitably developed questionnaire.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The attitude of athletes towards antidoping interventions was
      surveyed among biathletes by a properly developed questionnaire. METHODS: Topics
      and items were identified by a multidisciplinary team. A demographics and an
      awareness sections exploring respondents' characteristics and knowledge of the
      antidoping rules were added. The anonymous, self-administered tool was
      distributed to athletes during two international events. Two hundred forty-four
      biathletes participated in the survey. The structure of the questionnaire,
      determined by factor analysis, included three domains: safety (items N.=12)
      acceptance (N.=11), and satisfaction (N.=13) exploring respectively the perceived
      protection from cheating, the acceptance of the limitations on daily activities
      imposed by the antidoping interventions and the satisfaction with antidoping
      rules and actions. The domain scores and a general antidoping attitude score were
      calculated. RESULTS: The questionnaire, which displayed construct validity
      (r=0.500, P<0.001), good internal consistency (alpha=0.82) and significant
      acceptable test-retest reliability (k=0.59), revealed a good antidoping attitude
      (general score: 64.9/100+/-8.8) and in relation to each domain a satisfaction of
      athletes with antidoping interventions (65.3+/-13.6), good acceptance of the
      related restrictions (70.1+/-10.9), and concerns about safety (59.5+/-11.9),
      which was the lowest scoring domain (P<0.001). The degree of awareness,
      differently from age and gender, influenced the antidoping attitude score.
      CONCLUSIONS: The new questionnaire revealed a positive mood of biathletes towards
      antidoping interventions, pointed out their necessity of protection from cheating
      and highlighted the positive influence of awareness of the rules on antidoping
      attitude. The questionnaire is not sport-specific, which allows any international
      federation to evaluate the impact of antidoping strategies on athletes.

PMID- 27139793
TI  - Volumetric and functional assessment of the left atrium in young competitive
      athletes without left ventricular hypertrophy: the MAGYAR-Sport Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) remodeling may be regarded as a physiologic
      adaptation to exercise conditioning. Three-dimensional speckle tracking
      echocardiography (3DSTE) is a new promising tool for volumetric and functional
      characterization of the LA. The present study was undertaken to assess adaptive
      changes in LA volumes and functional properties respecting cardiac cycle in young
      competitive athletes without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by detailed 3DSTE
      assessment. METHODS: The study group consisted of 20 young elite basketball and
      handball players (mean age: 28.1+/-10.1 years, 8 men) without LVH, their results
      were compared to 23 age- and gender-matched non-sportive healthy controls (mean
      age: 31.7+/-8.5 years, 11 men. All subjects had undergone standard transthoracic
      two-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic study with 3DSTE. RESULTS: Increased
      systolic maximum (66.5+/-13.6 mL vs. 38.5+/-8.6 mL, P<0.0001) and diastolic
      minimum (36.7+/-8.1 mL vs. 17.5+/-5.8 mL, P<0.0001) and preatrial contraction
      (46.2+/-10.1 mL vs. 26.2+/-7.8 mL, P<0.0001) LA volumes could be demonstrated in
      athletes. Total (29.7+/-9.0 mL vs. 20.7+/-5.0 mL, P=0.0002) and passive LA stroke
      volumes (19.8+/-8.7 mL vs. 12.4+/-4.6 mL, P=0.0009) were increased, while total
      (44.2+/-9.1 mL vs. 54.2+/-9.4 mL, P=0.001) and active LA emptying fractions
      (20.6+/-11.8% vs. 31.9+/-8.7%, P=0.0008) proved to be decreased in athletes as
      compared to controls. Active LA stroke volume (9.9+/-5.8 mL vs. 8.3+/-3.3 mL,
      P=0.29) and passive LA emptying fraction (29.1+/-10.6 mL vs. 32.6+/-11.2 mL,
      P=0.31) did not differ between the groups. Only circumferential global (21.1+/
      7.7% vs. 27.6+/-9.9%, P=0.02) and mean segmental (26.1+/-7.1% vs. 35.7+/-12.0%,
      P=0.003) peak LA strains proved to be significantly reduced in athletes as
      compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: 3DSTE-derived increased cyclic LA volumes and
      specific alterations in LA functional properties could be demonstrated in young
      competing athletes which is most likely a physiologic consequence of a global
      cardiac adaptation to intensive and chronic training.

PMID- 27139794
TI  - Who jumps the highest? Anthropometric and physiological correlations of vertical
      jump in youth elite female volleyball players.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship of
      vertical jump (Abalakov jump [AJ]) with anthropometric and physiological
      parameters in youth elite female volleyball players. METHODS: Seventy-two
      selected volleyball players from the region of Athens (age 13.3+/-0.7 years, body
      mass 62.0+/-7.2 kg, height 171.5+/-5.7 cm, body fat 21.2+/-4.5%), classified into
      quartiles according to AJ performance (group A, 21.4-26.5 cm; group B, 26.8-29.9
      cm; group C, 30.5-33.7 cm; group D, 33.8-45.9 cm), performed a series of physical
      fitness tests. RESULTS: AJ was correlated with anthropometric (age at peak height
      velocity [APHV]: r=0.38, P<0.001; body mass: r=-0.43, P<0.001; Body Mass Index
      [BMI]: r=-0.37, P<0.001; body fat percentage [BF]: r=-0.64, P<0.001) and
      physiological parameters (isometric strength: r=0.50, P<0.001; squat jump [SJ]:
      r=0.92, P<0.001; countermovement jump [CMJ]: r=0.95, P<0.001, Bosco Test: r=0.70,
      P<0.001; mean power [Pmean]: r=0.61, P<0.001; Fatigue Index: r=-0.33, P=0.005) in
      the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT). A one-way analysis of variance showed
      significant differences in APHV, chronological age, body mass, BMI, BF, aerobic
      capacity (step test and physical working capacity at heart rate 170 bpm), Pmean
      in the WAnT, isometric strength, SJ, CMJ and 30-s Bosco Test (P<0.05). A
      Bonferroni post-hoc analysis revealed that group D had older APHV and lower BMI,
      better aerobic capacity, isometric strength, SJ, CMJ, performance in the Bosco
      Test, and Pmean in the WAnT, was older and lighter than groups A, B, and C
      (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both the findings of the comparison among groups differing
      for AJ and the correlation analysis highlighted the negative role of excess body
      mass and fat, and the positive role of muscle strength and power on AJ. Also,
      there was indication that volleyball players that jumped the highest were those
      who matured later than others.

PMID- 27139795
TI  - Core strengthening and synchronized swimming: TRX(r) suspension training in young
      female athletes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Developing muscle strength and full body stability is essential for
      the efficient execution of technical moves in synchronized swimming. However,
      many swimmers find it difficult to control body stability while executing
      particular figures in water. We evaluated the effects of TRX(r) suspension
      training (2 sessions weekly for 6 months on core strength and core stability in
      young female. METHODS: Twenty synchronized swimmers (Beginners A category, mean
      age 10+/-1 years) are divided in experimental group (EG; N.=10 athletes) and
      control group (CG; N.=10 athletes). EG received suspension training twice weekly
      (each session lasting about 15 min) as dryland exercises for 6 months in addition
      to routine training. CG completed routine training with conventional dryland
      exercises. Before (T1) and after (T2) completion of the study oblique and
      transversus abdominis muscle force was measured using a Stabilizer Pressure
      Biofeedback unit, in prone and supine positions, and isotonic muscle endurance
      was evaluated with the McGill Test. RESULTS: Non-parametric statistical analysis
      showed a significant increase (P<0.0001) in the majority of the parameters in the
      experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: The study results provide evidence for the
      benefit of integrating TRX(r) suspension training in dryland exercises for muscle
      strengthening in young athletes practicing synchronized swimming, and in general
      reiterates the importance of strengthening the core area to ensure stability and
      specific adaptations, improve the quality of the movement and prevent against
      injury.

PMID- 27139796
TI  - Blood markers of recovery from Ironman distance races in an elite triathlete.
AB  - To understand the recovery of a top triathlete from Ironman distance triathlon
      races and the timing of training resumption, this study followed an elite male
      triathlete for 4 years and examined blood parameters after 6 Ironman triathlon
      races, in which he finished either first (3 races) or second (3 races), with
      finishing times of 8:00:21 to 8:49:38 (hours:minutes:seconds). The blood was
      taken either 5, 6 or 8 days after each triathlon race without any training
      sessions or recovery interventions after the race until the blood sampling. The
      blood analyses consisted of full hematology including red cell count and
      differential leucocyte counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils,
      basophils), full iron status (serum iron, total serum capacity, transferrin,
      saturation index, and ferritin) and general biochemistry (glucose, urea,
      creatinine, total proteins, aspartate transaminase [AST], alanine transaminase
      [AST], creatine kinase [CK]). No abnormal values were found for hematology and
      full iron status. CK activity exceeded the normal reference range (32-162 IU/L)
      after 3 races that he finished second (Roth 2007: 255 IU/L; Frankfurt 2008: 413
      IU/L; Frankfurt 2009: 308 IU/L), but the blood samples were taken at 5 days after
      the two Frankfurt races and were not different from the athlete's normal training
      values. AST and ALT activities were also slightly elevated after the two
      Frankfurt races (2008: 57 IU/L, 61 IU/L; 2009: 43 IU/L, 46 IU/L). It appears that
      despite slightly elevated CK activity, this elite triathlete recovered from
      Ironman distance triathlon races within approximately one week and could
      therefore resume full training within that time frame.

PMID- 27139797
TI  - Intensity related changes of running economy in recreational level distance
      runners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Running economy (RE) is often described as a key demand of running
      performance. The variety of currently used assessment methods with different
      running intensities and outcomes restricts interindividual comparability of RE in
      recreational level runners. The purpose of this study was to compare the
      influence of RE, assessed as oxygen cost (OC) and caloric unit cost (CUC), on
      running speed at individual physiological thresholds. METHODS: Eighteen
      recreational runners performed: 1) a graded exercise test to estimate first
      ventilatory threshold (VT1), respiratory compensation point (RCP) and maximal
      oxygen uptake (VO2max); 2) discontinuous RE assessment to determine relative OC
      in milliliters per kilogram per kilometer (mL/kg/km) and CUC in kilocalories per
      kilogram per kilometer (kcal/kg/km) at three different running intensities: VT1,
      RCP and at a third standardized reference point (TP) in between. RESULTS: OC
      (mL/kg/km; at VT1: 235.4+/-26.2; at TP: 227.8+/-23.4; at RCP: 224.9+/-21.9) and
      CUC (kcal/kg/km at VT1: 1.18+/-0.13; at TP: 1.14+/-0.12; at RCP: 1.13+/-0.11)
      decreased with increasing intensities (P<=0.01). Controlling for the influence of
      sex OC and CUC linearly correlated with running speed at RCP and VO2max
      (P<=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: RE, even assessed at low intensity, is strongly related
      to running performance in recreational athletes. Both calculation methods used
      (OC and CUC) are sensitive for monitoring intensity related changes of substrate
      utilization. RE values decreased with higher running intensity indicating an
      increase of anaerobic and subsequent decrease of aerobic substrate utilization.

PMID- 27139798
TI  - Effect of body composition, aerobic performance and physical activity on exercise
      induced oxidative stress in healthy subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress could be the result of an increase in ATP
      resynthesis during exercise. The aim of the study was to compare prooxidant
      antioxidant balance (PAB) disturbances induced by exercise at maximal intensity
      in young men with differing body compositions. METHODS: Thirty-nine subjects were
      selected from 1549 volunteers aged 18-30, based on lean body mass (LBM) and body
      fat percentage (%BF), and then assigned into one of the following groups: control
      group (CON), including subjects with average LBM (59.0-64.3 kg) and average %BF
      (14.0-18.5%); high body fat (HBF) group, including subjects with high %BF
      (>21.5%) and average LBM; and high lean body mass (HLBM) group, including
      subjects with high LBM (>66.3 kg) and average %BF. Participants' physical
      activity was determined. A running test with a gradually increased load was used.
      Before and 3 minutes after exercise, total oxidative status (TOS) and total
      antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in the plasma, and the Oxidative
      Stress Index (OSI = TOS/TAC) was calculated. RESULTS: Maximal oxygen uptake
      (VO2max) was comparable in the HBF and HLBM groups (53.12+/-1.51 mL/kg and
      50.25+/-1.27 mL/kg, respectively) and significantly lower compared to the CON
      group (58.23+/-1.62 mL/kg). The CON, HBF and HLBM groups showed similar
      significant (P<0.05) increases in TOS levels (36%, 35% and 31%, respectively).
      Post-exercise TAC increased by 8% in the HBF and HLBM groups (P<0.05), compared
      to the 3% increase in the CON group (P>0.05). There was significant negative
      correlation between OSI, measured before and after exercise, and participants'
      physical activity. There was no correlation between OSI and VO2max, BM, LBM, %BF
      and BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise at maximal intensity causes a similar increase in
      TOS and in TAC in subjects with increased %BF and elevated content of LBM and
      regardless of body composition, the ratios of TOS/TAC concentrations before and
      after maximal-intensity exercise, have lower values in people with higher
      physical activity levels and are not dependent on aerobic performance (VO2max).

PMID- 27139799
TI  - Anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of professional handball
      players: influence of playing position.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to examine the anthropometric and physical
      performance characteristics of professional handball players classified by
      playing position. METHODS: Twenty-one competitors (age: 25.2+/-5.1 years) were
      categorized as backs, pivots, wings or goalkeepers. Measures included
      anthropometrics (body height and mass), scores on the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery
      Test (total distance covered, TD), repeated-sprint ability (6 repetitions of 2x15
      m shuttle sprints with recording of best time for a single trial, RSAbest) and
      performance on a complex handball test (HBKT) of throw slap (TS) and throw jump
      (TJ) with and without precision. RESULTS: The anthropometric data revealed a
      significantly lower body height for wings and pivots than for goalkeepers. Wings,
      pivots and goalkeepers were significantly shorter than backs, but had a similar
      BMI. The TD was greater for the wings (2.400 m) than for backs (1.832 m) and
      pivots (2.067m). Wings also achieved a better RSAbest (5.41 s) than backs (5.68
      s) or pivots (5.82 s). Body height was significantly related to throw slap (TS)
      and jump (JT) (r=0.53, P<0.01; r=0.51, P<0.01 respectively). No significant
      difference (P=0.675; eta2=0.009) was seen between JT with precision and JT
      without precision. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial differences of body build and
      physical performance between playing positions underline the importance of a
      careful assignment of such positions and the development of position-specific
      training for professional handball players by modifying both intermittent aerobic
      and anaerobic endurance components of training sessions.

PMID- 27139800
TI  - Outcomes in thyroid surgery are affected by racial, economic, and healthcare
      system demographics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Disparities in economic and social parameters have been
      identified as underlying factors that influence diseases outcomes. We aim to
      examine the influence of community-specific measures on outcomes related to
      thyroid surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study utilizing the State
      Inpatient databases and State Ambulatory Surgery and Services databases, 2010 to
      2011. Those databases were merged with the County Health Ranking database.
      METHODS: The study population included adult (>=18 years) inpatients and
      outpatients who underwent thyroidectomy. Access and outcomes of thyroidectomy was
      assessed in relation to demographics and health-risk status of the patient's
      community. RESULTS: A total of 14,220 inpatient and 7,215 outpatient
      thyroidectomies were included. Low-volume surgeons were more likely to operate on
      patients living in high-risk communities (P < .05). Patients from these
      communities of high health risk were more likely to be women, and African
      Americans (P < .05 each). Compared to low-risk communities, patients from high
      risk settings had a higher risk of postoperative complications (odds ratio: 1.58,
      95% confidence interval: 1.23, 2.04, P < .001). They also experienced longer
      hospitalization (P = .003) and higher readmission risk (3.0% vs. 1.5%, P = .03).
      Interestingly, despite divergent and lower outcome parameters, hospital charges
      for patients of high-risk communities were in the highest quartile (>$34,535.55)
      compared to low-health-risk communities (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients from
      high-health-risk communities and who are undergoing thyroidectomies are more
      likely to be women and African Americans. Management of those patients is more
      likely to be performed by low-volume surgeons and more likely to be associated
      with unfavorable outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 126:2194-2199,
      2016.

PMID- 27139801
TI  - Robust analysis of the determinants of healthcare expenditure growth: evidence
      from panel data for low-, middle- and high-income countries.
AB  - This paper examines the determinants of healthcare expenditure for low-, middle-
      and high-income countries, and it quantifies their influences in order to assess
      policies for achieving universal health coverage. We elaborate two models, a
      fixed-effect model and the dynamic panel model, to estimate the factors
      associated with the total health expenditure growth as well as its major
      components for 167 countries over the period of 1993-2013. The panel data on
      total health expenditure per capita and its components were taken from the World
      Development Indicators. Overall, our results showed that total health expenditure
      per capita is rising in all countries over time as a result of rising incomes.
      However, our estimates showed that the income elasticity of health expenditure
      ranged from 0.75 to 0.96 in the fixed-effect static panel model, while in the
      dynamic panel model, it was smaller and ranged from 0.16 to 0.47. Our empirical
      findings indicate that development assistance for health reduced government
      domestic spending on health but increased total government health spending. Our
      results also indicate that the trend in health expenditure growth is
      significantly depending with the country's economic development. In addition, out
      of-pocket expenditure is powerfully influenced by a country's capacity to
      increase general government revenues and social insurance contributions.
      Knowledge of factors associated to health expenditure might help policy makers to
      make wise judgments, plan health reforms and allocate resources efficiently.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27139802
TI  - Heat-enhanced symmetry breaking in dynamic gold nanorod oligomers: the importance
      of interface control.
AB  - We reported a surprisingly strong plasmonic circular dichroism (PCD) response in
      side-by-side (SS) oligomers of gold nanorods (GNRs) just by a simple heat
      treatment. The maximal anisotropic (g) factor achieved was up to 0.065, one of
      the largest reported for plasmon-enhanced chiral nanostructures based on a bottom
      up strategy. The introduction of chiral thiolated molecules is suggested to guide
      the symmetry breaking of GNR assemblies and heat treatment provides the necessary
      energy to assist this process, and thus produces a huge PCD. Furthermore, we
      first demonstrated the critical role of the non-chiral component (surfactant
      layer) on the gold nanorod surface in mediating symmetry breaking. Our findings
      highlight the importance of interface control in the formation of chiral
      configuration for a plasmonic nanoparticle system. It offers new possibilities
      for fabricating nanostructures with strong chiroptical activity by the rational
      design of interface layers. 

PMID- 27139803
TI  - Possible role of interference, protein noise, and sink effects in
      nonphotochemical quenching in photosynthetic complexes.
AB  - We analyze theoretically a simple and consistent quantum mechanical model that
      reveals the possible role of quantum interference, protein noise, and sink
      effects in the nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) in light-harvesting complexes
      (LHCs). The model consists of a network of five interconnected sites (excitonic
      states of light-sensitive molecules) responsible for the NPQ mechanism. The model
      also includes the "damaging" and the dissipative channels. The damaging channel
      is responsible for production of singlet oxygen and other destructive outcomes.
      In our model, both damaging and "dissipative" charge transfer channels are
      described by discrete electron energy levels attached to their sinks, that mimic
      the continuum part of electron energy spectrum. All five excitonic sites interact
      with the protein environment that is modeled using a stochastic process. Our
      approach allowed us to derive the exact and closed system of linear ordinary
      differential equations for the reduced density matrix and its first momentums.
      These equations are solved numerically including for strong interactions between
      the light-sensitive molecules and protein environment. As an example, we apply
      our model to demonstrate possible contributions of quantum interference, protein
      noise, and sink effects in the NPQ mechanism in the CP29 minor LHC. The numerical
      simulations show that using proper combination of quantum interference effects,
      properties of noise, and sinks, one can significantly suppress the damaging
      channel. Our findings demonstrate the possible role of interference, protein
      noise, and sink effects for modeling, engineering, and optimizing the performance
      of the NPQ processes in both natural and artificial light-harvesting complexes.

PMID- 27139804
TI  - Inhibition of Excessive Oxidative Protein Folding Is Protective in MPP(+)
      Toxicity-Induced Parkinson's Disease Models.
AB  - AIMS: Protein misfolding occurs in neurodegenerative diseases, including
      Parkinson's disease (PD). In endoplasmic reticulum (ER), an overload of misfolded
      proteins, particularly alpha-synuclein (alphaSyn) in PD, may cause stress and
      activate the unfolded protein response (UPR). This UPR includes activation of
      chaperones, such as protein disulphide isomerase (PDI), which assists refolding
      and contributes to removal of unfolded proteins. Although up-regulation of PDI is
      considered a protective response, its activation is coupled with increased
      activity of ER oxidoreductin 1 (Ero1), producing harmful hydroperoxide. The
      objective of this study was to assess whether inhibition of excessive oxidative
      folding protects against neuronal death in well-established 1-methyl-4
      phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) models of PD. RESULTS: We found that the MPP(+)
      neurotoxicity and accumulation of alphaSyn in the ER are prevented by inhibition
      of PDI or Ero1alpha. The MPP(+) neurotoxicity was associated with a reductive
      shift in the ER, an increase in the reduced form of PDI, an increase in
      intracellular Ca(2+), and an increase in Ca(2+)-sensitive calpain activity. All
      these MPP(+)-induced changes were abolished by inhibiting PDI. Importantly,
      inhibition of PDI resulted in increased autophagy, and it prevented MPP(+)
      induced death of dopaminergic neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans. INNOVATION AND
      CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that although inhibition of PDI suppresses
      excessive protein folding and ER stress, it induces clearance of aggregated
      alphaSyn by autophagy as an alternative degradation pathway. These findings
      suggest a novel model explaining the contribution of ER dysfunction to MPP(+)
      induced neurodegeneration and highlight PDI inhibitors as potential treatment in
      diseases involving protein misfolding. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 25, 485-497.

PMID- 27139805
TI  - Safety and immunogenicity of an investigational maternal trivalent group B
      streptococcus vaccine in healthy women and their infants: a randomised phase 1b/2
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal group B streptococcus (GBS) serotype-specific capsular
      antibody concentrations are correlated with susceptibility to neonatal GBS
      invasive disease. Maternal immunisation against GBS during pregnancy might
      protect infants across the period of susceptibility to invasive disease, but no
      licensed vaccine exists. This study assessed the safety and immunogenicity of a
      CRM197-conjugated trivalent GBS vaccine in non-pregnant and pregnant women, and
      antibody transfer to their infants. METHODS: We did a phase 1b/2, randomised,
      observer-blind single-centre study of an investigational trivalent GBS vaccine in
      healthy non-pregnant women (cohort 1), and a dose-ranging study in healthy
      pregnant women (cohort 2). The study was done at the Chris Hani Baragwanath
      Academic Hospital in Soweto, South Africa. Participants were healthy non-pregnant
      or pregnant (28-35 weeks' gestation) women aged 18-40 years. In cohort 1, non
      pregnant women were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive the investigational
      vaccine (two injections, 1 month apart, of a 20 MUg dose [of each serotype] of
      aluminium hydroxide-adjuvanted investigational vaccine) or placebo. In cohort 2,
      pregnant women were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to receive one injection at 28-35
      weeks' gestation of 0.5 MUg, 2.5 MUg, or 5.0 MUg of the non-adjuvanted
      investigational vaccine (for each serotype), or placebo. All study participants
      and study staff not involved with vaccine preparation were masked to the
      randomisation group. The vaccine contained an equal dose (0.5 MUg, 2.5 MUg, 5.0
      MUg, or 20 MUg) of each of three glycoconjugates (serotypes Ia, Ib and III).
      Reactogenicity was monitored to day 7 and unsolicited adverse events (adverse
      events) and infant safety were recorded throughout the study. The primary
      outcomes were tolerability and GBS-specific antibody response (measured as
      geometric mean concentrations [GMCs] in MUg/mL) following the two injections for
      cohort 1, and selection of one vaccine dose based on analysis of serotype
      specific antibody responses at delivery (+72 h) for use in subsequent studies.
      These outcomes were assessed in participants or infants of participants who
      correctly received the study vaccine with no major protocol deviations, and
      provided evaluable serum samples at day 1 and the scheduled timepoints throughout
      the study. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01193920.
      FINDINGS: Between Oct 5, 2010, and Sept 21, 2011, we screened 75 non-pregnant and
      417 pregnant healthy South African women. Of these, 60 non-pregnant women were
      enrolled in cohort 1 (40 randomly assigned to the GBS 20 MUg group and 40
      randomly assigned to the placebo group) and 320 pregnant women were enrolled in
      cohort 2 (80 in each of the four groups). Among the randomised groups of pregnant
      women, 33-40% experienced at least one local and 54-71% one systemic solicited
      adverse event, less than 4% of which were severe, and the rate did not differ by
      study group. Also, 2% of the pregnancies resulted in stillbirth and 3.5% of the
      liveborn babies died by 12 months age, none of these deaths were attributed to
      vaccination. There was one death in a GBS-vaccine recipient, which too was
      unrelated to vaccination. For cohort 1, serotype-specific antibody concentrations
      were significantly higher, as evident by no overlap of the 95% CIs of GMCs
      against all three serotypes in the vaccinated group than the placebo group. For
      cohort 2, pregnant women in all vaccine groups had significantly higher GMCs than
      did those in the placebo group at delivery (eg, GMCs against serotype Ia were 11
      MUg/mL [95% CI 7.0-18] for the GBS vaccine 0.5 MUg group, 18 MUg/mL [11-29] for
      the GBS vaccine 2.5 MUg group, 22 MUg/mL [13-35] for the GBS vaccine 5.0 MUg
      group, and 0.64 MUg/mL [0.42-0.98] for the placebo group) and at all measured
      timepoints. GMCs did not differ significantly between the vaccine doses at any of
      the measured timepoints (p>0.05). INTERPRETATION: The vaccine was well tolerated
      and induced capsular-specific antibody responses, in non-pregnant and pregnant
      women. Maternal vaccination led to higher GBS serotype-specific antibody
      concentrations in infants than did placebo, with both interventions resulting in
      similar safety profiles. FUNDING: Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics division, now
      part of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

PMID- 27139806
TI  - Group B streptococcal maternal vaccination, the goal is near.

PMID- 27139810
TI  - Howard Green, M.D. (1925-2015).

PMID- 27139812
TI  - Relationship Between Blood Flow and Performance Recovery: A Randomized, Placebo
      Controlled Study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of different limb blood-flow levels on cycling
      performance recovery, blood lactate concentration, and heart rate. METHODS:
      Thirty-three high-intensity intermittent-trained athletes completed two 30-s
      Wingate anaerobic test sessions, 3 * 30-s (WAnT 1-3) and 1 * 30-s (WAnT 4), on a
      cycling ergometer. WAnT 1-3 and WAnT 4 were separated by a randomly assigned 24
      min recovery intervention selected from among blood-flow restriction, passive
      rest, placebo stimulation, or neuromuscular electrical-stimulation-induced blood
      flow. Calf arterial inflow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography at
      regular intervals throughout the recovery period. Performance was measured in
      terms of peak and mean power output during WAnT 1 and WAnT 4. RESULTS: After the
      recovery interventions, a large (r = .68 [90% CL .42; .83]) and very large (r =
      .72 (90% CL .49; .86]) positive correlation were observed between the change in
      calf arterial inflow and the change in mean and peak power output, respectively.
      Calf arterial inflow was significantly higher during the neuromuscular-electrical
      stimulation recovery intervention than with the blood-flow-restriction, passive
      rest, and placebo-stimulation interventions (P < .001). This corresponds to the
      only intervention that allowed performance recovery (P > .05). No recovery effect
      was linked to heart rate or blood lactate concentration levels. CONCLUSIONS: For
      the first time, these data support the existence of a positive correlation
      between an increase in blood flow and performance recovery between bouts of high
      intensity exercise. As a practical consideration, this effect can be obtained by
      using neuromuscular electrical stimulation-induced blood flow since this passive,
      simple strategy could be easily applied during short-term recovery.

PMID- 27139813
TI  - Sterically-controlled intermolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation with twisted amides
      via selective N-C cleavage under mild conditions.
AB  - Highly chemoselective Friedel-Crafts acylation with twisted amides under mild
      conditions is reported for the first time. The reaction shows high functional
      group tolerance, obviating the need for preformed sensitive organometallic
      reagents and expensive transition metal catalysts. The high reactivity of amides
      is switched on by ground-state steric distortion to disrupt the amide bond nN
      >piCO* resonance as a critical design feature. Conceptually, this new acid
      promoted mechanism of twisted amides provides direct access to bench-stable
      acylating reagents under mild, metal-free conditions. 

PMID- 27139814
TI  - Direct and Base-Catalyzed Diboration of Alkynes Using the Unsymmetrical
      Diborane(4), pinB-BMes2.
AB  - In the absence of transition metal catalysts, the unsymmetrical diborane(4), pinB
      BMes2, reacted with alkynes to afford diborylalkenes. The isomer ratio of the
      products could be controlled via temperature, solvent, and additive(s). A
      reaction mechanism was proposed on the basis of two isolated intermediates, and
      this reaction could furthermore be applied to synthesize a luminescent molecule.

PMID- 27139815
TI  - Pleomorphic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi induce distinct immune responses.
AB  - Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of tick-borne Lyme disease. As a
      response to environmental stress B. burgdorferi can change its morphology to a
      round body form. The role of B. burgdorferi pleomorphic forms in Lyme disease
      pathogenesis has long been debated and unclear. Here, we demonstrated that round
      bodies were processed differently in differentiated macrophages, consequently
      inducing distinct immune responses compared to spirochetes in vitro.
      Colocalization analysis indicated that the F-actin participates in
      internalization of both forms. However, round bodies end up less in macrophage
      lysosomes than spirochetes suggesting that there are differences in processing of
      these forms in phagocytic cells. Furthermore, round bodies stimulated distinct
      cytokine and chemokine production in these cells. We confirmed that spirochetes
      and round bodies present different protein profiles and antigenicity. In a
      Western blot analysis Lyme disease patients had more intense responses to round
      bodies when compared to spirochetes. These results suggest that round bodies have
      a role in Lyme disease pathogenesis.

PMID- 27139816
TI  - Alliance ruptures and repairs in psychotherapy in primary care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The association between alliance level and outcome in psychotherapy
      has been extensively studied. One way to expand this knowledge is to study
      alliance patterns. The main aims of this study were to examine how frequent
      alliance patterns with ruptures or rupture-repair episodes were in a naturalistic
      sample of psychotherapies in primary care, and if three alliance patterns (a
      Rupture pattern, a Repair pattern, and a No Rupture pattern) were differentially
      associated with treatment outcome. METHOD: The psychotherapies (N = 605) included
      a wide range of different treatment orientations and patient diagnoses. Alliance
      patterns were studied at session-to-session level, using patient-rated alliance
      scores. Outcome data were analyzed using longitudinal multilevel modeling with a
      slopes-as-outcomes model. RESULTS: The Repair pattern accounted for 14.7% (n =
      89) of the treatments, 10.7% (n = 65) exhibited a Rupture pattern, and 74.5% (n =
      451) contained no ruptures. The Rupture pattern was associated with inferior
      treatment outcomes. The Repair pattern was, in longer treatments, associated with
      better outcomes than the No Rupture pattern. CONCLUSIONS: The results support
      theory about the importance of ruptures in the therapeutic alliance and suggest
      that identification of alliance ruptures is important in alliance-outcome
      research, for feedback purposes in clinical practice, and in training of
      therapists.

PMID- 27139817
TI  - Binary breath figures for straightforward and controllable self-assembly of
      microspherical caps.
AB  - The intense interest surrounding asymmetrical microparticles originates from
      their unique anisotropic properties and promising applications. In this work,
      direct self-assembly of polymeric microspherical caps without the assistance of
      any additives has been achieved by using low-surface-tension methanol (MeOH) and
      high-surface-tension water as binary breath figures (BFs). With the evaporation
      of polystyrene (PS) solution containing low-boiling-point solvent in the binary
      vapors, the formed MeOH BFs could quickly diffuse into solution, while water BFs
      tended to remain at the solution surface. This led to the formation of a gradient
      nonsolvent layer at the vapor/solution interface, which induced the formation of
      nuclei and guided further asymmetrical growth of polymer particles. After the
      spontaneous removal of MeOH, water and residual solvent by evaporation, polymeric
      microspherical caps were left on the substrate. Through controlling the
      proportion of water introduced by adjusting the ratios of MeOH and water,
      polymeric microspherical caps with a range of controllable shapes (divided at
      different positions of a sphere) were successfully obtained. The formation
      mechanism was explained based on the difference of vapor pressure, surface
      tension and miscibility between the employed solvents and nonsolvents. A solvent
      possessing a high vapor pressure, low surface tension and good miscibility with
      MeOH contributed to the formation of microspherical caps. This flexible, green
      and straightforward technique is a nondestructive strategy, and avoids
      complicated work on design, preparation and removal of hard templates and
      additives.

PMID- 27139818
TI  - Characterization and identification of the chemical constituents in the root of
      Lindera reflexa Hemsl. using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled
      with linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry.
AB  - The root of Lindera reflexa Hemsl. (LR) is a newly discovered herbal drug and has
      been used to treat gastritis and peptic ulcers. Nevertheless, the chemical
      profile of LR has not been established. In this study, ultra-high performance
      liquid chromatography coupled with linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass
      spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) was performed to investigate the
      fragmentation behaviors of multiple compounds from LR. The 12 standards were
      divided into five types according to their basic skeletons: stilbenes,
      flavonoids, alkaloids, pyranone I and pyranone II. The MS(n) spectra of the
      [M+H](+) or [M+/-NH4](+) ions for these compounds provided a wealth of structural
      information on the five different types of compounds. Stilbenes yielded ions with
      successive loss of 78Da (C6H6) and 28Da (CO). The subsequent loss of H2O, CO, RDA
      and C-ring fragmentation were the most possible fragmentation pathways for
      flavonoids. Fragmentation with successive loss of 17Da (NH3) or 31Da (CH5N), 32Da
      (CH4O) and 28Da (CO) in the MS(n) spectra were characteristics of alkaloids. The
      characteristic ions for Pyranone I were m/z 255.1013, m/z 243.1013 and m/z
      237.0909, and the diagnostic ions for Pyranone II were m/z 227.0700, m/z
      215.0700, m/z 185.0594 and m/z 131.0489. Using accurate mass measurements for
      each precursor ion and the subsequent fragmented ions, a total of 42 compounds
      were identified or tentatively characterized in LR, including 24 potentially new
      compounds. 

PMID- 27139819
TI  - Dipolar interactions between domains in lipid monolayers at the air-water
      interface.
AB  - A great variety of biologically relevant monolayers present phase coexistence
      characterized by domains formed by lipids in an ordered phase state dispersed in
      a continuous, disordered phase. From the difference in surface densities between
      these phases, inter-domain dipolar interactions arise. These interactions are
      relevant for the determination of the spacial distribution of domains as well as
      their dynamics. In this work, we propose a novel way of estimating the dipolar
      repulsion using a passive method that involves the analysis of images of the
      monolayer with phase coexistence. This method is based on the comparison of the
      pair correlation function obtained from experiments with that obtained from
      Brownian dynamics simulations of a model system. As an example, we determined the
      difference in dipolar density of a binary monolayer of DSPC/DMPC at the air-water
      interface from the analysis of the radial distribution of domains, and the
      results are compared with those obtained by surface potential determinations. A
      systematic analysis for the experimentally relevant parameter range is given,
      which may be used as a working curve for obtaining the dipolar repulsion in
      different systems. 

PMID- 27139820
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of cabozantinib tablet and capsule formulations in healthy
      adults.
AB  - Cabozantinib capsules (COMETRIQ) are approved for the treatment of patients with
      progressive metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. Cabozantinib tablets are
      investigational drug products considered to be potentially preferred
      pharmaceutical dosing forms. Two phase I open-label single-dose studies in
      healthy individuals were carried out to characterize the plasma pharmacokinetics
      of cabozantinib capsule and tablet formulations: a two-way crossover
      bioequivalence study (n=77) comparing the tablet formulation and the marketed
      capsule formulation at the approved 140 mg dose and a dose-proportionality study
      (n=21 per treatment arm) evaluating the 20, 40, and 60 mg tablet strengths. In
      the bioequivalence study, plasma exposure [area under the plasma concentration
      time curve (AUC0-t and AUC0-inf)] values were similar (<10% difference) for both
      formulations and the 90% confidence intervals (CIs) around the ratio of geometric
      least-squares means (GLSM) were within the accepted bioequivalence limits of 80
      125%. However, the GLSM for Cmax was 19% higher for the tablet formulation and
      the upper 90% CI for the ratio of GLSM (131.65%) was beyond the 80-125% range.
      Thus, the tablet and capsule formulations failed to fulfill the bioequivalence
      study acceptance criteria. In the dose-proportionality study, single doses of the
      20, 40, and 60 mg cabozantinib tablet strengths showed dose-proportional
      increases where the 95% CIs for the slopes of the ln-transformed Cmax, AUC0-t,
      and AUC0-inf values versus ln-transformed cabozantinib dose included the value of
      1. These findings indicate that cabozantinib plasma exposures increased
      proportionally with increasing cabozantinib dose over the 20-60 mg tablet
      strength dose range.

PMID- 27139821
TI  - Blood pressure reverse dipping may associate with stable coronary artery disease
      in patients with essential hypertension: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - The dipping variations of circadian blood pressure (BP) correlate closely with
      target-organ damages and cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the relationship between BP reverse dipping and the prevalence of
      stable coronary artery disease (sCAD) in hypertensive patients. Clinical data and
      the results of 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) were obtained from 718
      hypertensive patients (390 males, mean age 59.6 +/- 13.8 years) in a single
      centre in Northern China. Reverse dipping pattern was defined as nocturnal
      systolic BP (SBP) was higher than daytime SBP. A logistic regression model was
      applied to explore the independent risk factors of sCAD. The patients with BP
      reverse dipping accounted for 31.5% in sCAD group and 19.5% in control group (P <
      0.05). In multivariate analysis, BP reverse dipping remained significantly
      associated with the prevalence of sCAD (Odds ratio [OR], 1.772; p = 0.027).
      Furthermore, the circadian decline rate of SBP was independently associated with
      sCAD (OR, 0.975; p = 0.043). The hypertensive patients with reverse BP dipping
      were found to be more frequently suffering from sCAD. BP reverse dipping examined
      with 24-hour ABPM may indicate sCAD.

PMID- 27139823
TI  - Perceptions of Taiwanese nursing students' English-language progression following
      interactive scenario development and role play.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The English language has been recognised as an international
      language, enabling the globalisation of education and work opportunities. An
      institute in Taiwan has committed to strengthening English teaching by
      implementing a student-centred teaching and learning activity using role play. In
      addition, the involvement of a visiting teacher from Australia has been
      established. METHOD: Data collection consisted of a questionnaire that collected
      qualitative and quantitative data that revealed student perceptions and attitudes
      towards learning English including nursing terminology, teamwork and
      communication. RESULTS: Fifty five of sixty students participating in the
      activity completed the questionnaire. Students regarded this as a positive
      experience for learning English, collegiality and teamwork. CONCLUSION: This
      project revealed that students who are not generally exposed to English-speaking
      people enjoyed this experience. They gained confidence in their ability to learn
      English in a collegial atmosphere where teamwork and supportive relationships
      were developed, despite the perception that learning English was difficult.

PMID- 27139822
TI  - Humanized mouse model of mast cell-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and
      passive systemic anaphylaxis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mast cells are a critical component of allergic responses in humans,
      and animal models that allow the in vivo investigation of their contribution to
      allergy and evaluation of new human-specific therapeutics are urgently needed.
      OBJECTIVE: To develop a new humanized mouse model that supports human mast cell
      engraftment and human IgE-dependent allergic responses. METHODS: This model is
      based on the NOD-scid IL2rg(null)SCF/GM-CSF/IL3 (NSG-SGM3) strain of mice
      engrafted with human thymus, liver, and hematopoietic stem cells (termed Bone
      marrow, Liver, Thymus [BLT]). RESULTS: Large numbers of human mast cells develop
      in NSG-SGM3 BLT mice and populate the immune system, peritoneal cavity, and
      peripheral tissues. The human mast cells in NSG-SGM3 BLT mice are phenotypically
      similar to primary human mast cells and express CD117, tryptase, and FcepsilonRI.
      These mast cells undergo degranulation in an IgE-dependent and -independent
      manner, and can be readily cultured in vitro for additional studies. Intradermal
      priming of engrafted NSG-SGM3 mice with a chimeric IgE containing human constant
      regions resulted in the development of a robust passive cutaneous anaphylaxis
      response. Moreover, we describe the first report of a human mast cell antigen
      dependent passive systemic anaphylaxis response in primed mice. CONCLUSIONS: NSG
      SGM3 BLT mice provide a readily available source of human mast cells for
      investigation of mast cell biology and a preclinical model of passive cutaneous
      anaphylaxis and passive systemic anaphylaxis that can be used to investigate the
      pathogenesis of human allergic responses and to test new therapeutics before
      their advancement to the clinic.

PMID- 27139824
TI  - Co-crystal structures of the protein kinase haspin with bisubstrate inhibitors.
AB  - Haspin is a mitotic protein kinase that is responsible for the phosphorylation of
      Thr3 of histone H3, thereby creating a recognition motif for docking of the
      chromosomal passenger complex that is crucial for the progression of cell
      division. Here, two high-resolution models of haspin with previously reported
      inhibitors consisting of an ATP analogue and a histone H3(1-7) peptide analogue
      are presented. The structures of the complexes confirm the bisubstrate character
      of the inhibitors by revealing the signature binding modes of the moieties
      targeting the ATP-binding site and the protein substrate-binding site of the
      kinase. This is the first structural model of a bisubstrate inhibitor targeting
      haspin. The presented structural data represent a model for the future
      development of more specific haspin inhibitors.

PMID- 27139825
TI  - Structures of endothiapepsin-fragment complexes from crystallographic fragment
      screening using a novel, diverse and affordable 96-compound fragment library.
AB  - Crystallographic screening of the binding of small organic compounds (termed
      fragments) to proteins is increasingly important for medicinal chemistry-oriented
      drug discovery. To enable such experiments in a widespread manner, an affordable
      96-compound library has been assembled for fragment screening in both academia
      and industry. The library is selected from already existing protein-ligand
      structures and is characterized by a broad ligand diversity, including buffer
      ingredients, carbohydrates, nucleotides, amino acids, peptide-like fragments and
      various drug-like organic compounds. When applied to the model protease
      endothiapepsin in a crystallographic screening experiment, a hit rate of nearly
      10% was obtained. In comparison to other fragment libraries and considering that
      no pre-screening was performed, this hit rate is remarkably high. This
      demonstrates the general suitability of the selected compounds for an initial
      fragment-screening campaign. The library composition, experimental considerations
      and time requirements for a complete crystallographic fragment-screening campaign
      are discussed as well as the nine fully refined obtained endothiapepsin-fragment
      structures. While most of the fragments bind close to the catalytic centre of
      endothiapepsin in poses that have been observed previously, two fragments address
      new sites on the protein surface. ITC measurements show that the fragments bind
      to endothiapepsin with millimolar affinity.

PMID- 27139826
TI  - The Myb domain of LUX ARRHYTHMO in complex with DNA: expression, purification and
      crystallization.
AB  - LUX ARRHYTHMO (LUX) is a Myb-domain transcription factor that plays an important
      role in regulating the circadian clock. Lux mutations cause severe clock defects
      and arrhythmia in constant light and dark. In order to examine the molecular
      mechanisms underlying the function of LUX, the DNA-binding Myb domain was cloned,
      expressed and purified. The DNA-binding activity of the Myb domain was confirmed
      using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), demonstrating that the LUX
      Myb domain is able to bind to DNA with nanomolar affinity. In order to
      investigate the specificity determinants of protein-DNA interactions, the protein
      was co-crystallized with a 10-mer cognate DNA. Initial crystallization results
      for the selenomethionine-derivatized protein and data-set collection statistics
      are reported. Data collection was performed using the MeshAndCollect workflow
      available at the ESRF.

PMID- 27139827
TI  - Structural analysis of a phosphonate hydroxylase with an access tunnel at the
      back of the active site.
AB  - FrbJ is a member of the Fe(2+)/alpha-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase family
      which hydroxylates the natural product FR-900098 of Streptomyces rubellomurinus,
      yielding the phosphonate antibiotic FR-33289. Here, the crystal structure of
      FrbJ, which shows structural homology to taurine dioxygenase (TauD), a key member
      of the same family, is reported. Unlike other members of the family, FrbJ has an
      unusual lid structure which consists of two beta-strands with a long loop between
      them. To investigate the role of this lid motif, a molecular-dynamics simulation
      was performed with the FrbJ structure. The molecular-dynamics simulation analysis
      implies that the lid-loop region is highly flexible, which is consistent with the
      fact that FrbJ has a relatively broad spectrum of substrates with different
      lengths. Interestingly, an access tunnel is found at the back of the active site
      which connects the putative binding site of alpha-ketoglutarate to the solvent
      outside.

PMID- 27139828
TI  - Crystal structure of ketopantoate reductase from Thermococcus kodakarensis
      complexed with NADP(.).
AB  - Coenzyme A (CoA) plays pivotal roles in a variety of metabolic pathways in all
      organisms. The biosynthetic pathway of CoA is strictly regulated by feedback
      inhibition. In the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis,
      ketopantoate reductase (KPR), which catalyzes the NAD(P)H-dependent reduction of
      2-oxopantoate, is a target of feedback inhibition by CoA. The crystal structure
      of KPR from T. kodakarensis (Tk-KPR) complexed with CoA and 2-oxopantoate has
      previously been reported. The structure provided an explanation for the
      competitive inhibition mechanism. Here, further biochemical analyses of Tk-KPR
      and the crystal structure of Tk-KPR in complex with NADP(+) are reported. A
      mutational analysis implies that the residues in the binding pocket cooperatively
      contribute to the recognition of CoA. The structure reveals the same dimer
      architecture as the Tk-KPR-CoA-2-oxopantoate complex. Moreover, the positions of
      the residues involved in the dimer interaction are not changed by the binding of
      CoA and 2-oxopantoate, suggesting individual conformational changes of Tk-KPR
      monomers.

PMID- 27139829
TI  - Crystal structure of bile salt hydrolase from Lactobacillus salivarius.
AB  - Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) is a gut-bacterial enzyme that negatively influences
      host fat digestion and energy harvesting. The BSH enzyme activity functions as a
      gateway reaction in the small intestine by the deconjugation of glycine
      conjugated or taurine-conjugated bile acids. Extensive gut-microbiota studies
      have suggested that BSH is a key mechanistic microbiome target for the
      development of novel non-antibiotic food additives to improve animal feed
      production and for the design of new measures to control obesity in humans.
      However, research on BSH is still in its infancy, particularly in terms of the
      structural basis of BSH function, which has hampered the development of BSH-based
      strategies for improving human and animal health. As an initial step towards the
      structure-function analysis of BSH, C-terminally His-tagged BSH from
      Lactobacillus salivarius NRRL B-30514 was crystallized in this study. The 1.90 A
      resolution crystal structure of L. salivarius BSH was determined by molecular
      replacement using the structure of Clostridium perfringens BSH as a starting
      model. It revealed this BSH to be a member of the N-terminal nucleophile
      hydrolase superfamily. Crystals of apo BSH belonged to space group P21212, with
      unit-cell parameters a = 90.79, b = 87.35, c = 86.76 A (PDB entry 5hke). Two BSH
      molecules packed perfectly as a dimer in one asymmetric unit. Comparative
      structural analysis of L. salivarius BSH also identified potential residues that
      contribute to catalysis and substrate specificity.

PMID- 27139830
TI  - The periplasmic sensing domain of Vibrio fischeri chemoreceptor protein A (VfcA):
      cloning, purification and crystallographic analysis.
AB  - Flagella-mediated motility and chemotaxis towards nutrients are important
      characteristics of Vibrio fischeri that play a crucial role in the development of
      its symbiotic relationship with its Hawaiian squid host Euprymna scolopes. The V.
      fischeri chemoreceptor A (VfcA) mediates chemotaxis toward amino acids. The
      periplasmic sensory domain of VfcA has been crystallized by the hanging-drop
      vapour-diffusion method using polyethylene glycol 3350 as a precipitating agent.
      The crystals belonged to space group P1, with unit-cell parameters a = 39.9, b =
      57.0, c = 117.0 A, alpha = 88.9, beta = 80.5, gamma = 89.7 degrees . A complete X
      ray diffraction data set has been collected to 1.8 A resolution using cryocooling
      conditions and synchrotron radiation.

PMID- 27139831
TI  - Structural and functional insights into the stationary-phase survival protein
      SurE, an important virulence factor of Brucella abortus.
AB  - The stationary-phase survival protein SurE from Brucella abortus (BaSurE) is a
      metal-dependent phosphatase that is essential for the survival of this bacterium
      in the stationary phase of its life cycle. Here, BaSurE has been biochemically
      characterized and its crystal structure has been determined to a resolution of
      1.9 A. BaSurE was found to be a robust enzyme, showing activity over wide ranges
      of temperature and pH and with various phosphoester substrates. The active
      biomolecule is a tetramer and each monomer was found to consist of two domains:
      an N-terminal domain, which forms an approximate alpha + beta fold, and a C
      terminal domain that belongs to the alpha/beta class. The active site lies at the
      junction of these two domains and was identified by the presence of conserved
      negatively charged residues and a bound Mg(2+) ion. Comparisons of BaSurE with
      its homologues have revealed both common features and differences in this class
      of enzymes. The number and arrangement of some of the equivalent secondary
      structures, which are seen to differ between BaSurE and its homologues, are
      responsible for a difference in the size of the active-site area and the overall
      oligomeric state of this enzyme in other organisms. As it is absent in mammals,
      it has the potential to be a drug target.

PMID- 27139832
TI  - RRM domain of human RBM7: purification, crystallization and structure
      determination.
AB  - RNA decay is an important process that is essential for controlling the
      abundance, quality and maturation of transcripts. In eukaryotes, RNA decay in the
      3'-5' direction is carried out by the exosome, an RNA-degradation machine that is
      conserved from yeast to humans. A range of cofactors stimulate the enzymatic
      activity of the exosome and serve as adapters for the many RNA substrates. In
      human cells, the exosome associates with the heterotrimeric nuclear exosome
      targeting (NEXT) complex consisting of the DExH-box helicase hMTR4, the zinc
      finger protein hZCCHC8 and the RRM-type protein hRBM7. Here, the 2.5 A resolution
      crystal structure of the RRM domain of human RBM7 is reported. Molecular
      replacement using a previously determined solution structure of RBM7 was
      unsuccessful. Instead, RBM8 and CBP20 RRM-domain crystal structures were used to
      successfully determine the RBM7 structure by molecular replacement. The structure
      reveals a ring-shaped pentameric assembly, which is most likely a consequence of
      crystal packing.

PMID- 27139833
TI  - 1.2 A resolution crystal structure of the periplasmic aminotransferase PvdN from
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - The Gram-negative pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a nonribosomal peptide
      synthetase (NRPS) biosynthetic cluster for the production of a peptide
      siderophore. In addition to four multimodular NRPS proteins, the biosynthetic
      pathway also requires several additional enzymes involved in the production of
      nonproteinogenic amino acids and maturation of the peptide product. Among the
      proteins that are required for the final steps in pyoverdine synthesis is PvdN, a
      pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme that catalyzes an uncharacterized step in
      pyoverdine production. This study reports the high-resolution structure of PvdN
      bound to a PLP cofactor solved by multi-wavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD).
      The PvdN model shows high structural homology to type I aspartate
      aminotransferases and also contains positive density that suggests an
      uncharacterized external aldimine.

PMID- 27139834
TI  - Structural analysis of the spliceosomal RNA helicase Prp28 from the thermophilic
      eukaryote Chaetomium thermophilum.
AB  - Prp28 (pre-mRNA-splicing ATP-dependent RNA helicase 28) is a spliceosomal DEAD
      box helicase which is involved in two steps of spliceosome assembly. It is
      required for the formation of commitment complex 2 in an ATP-independent manner
      as well as for the formation of the pre-catalytic spliceosome, which in contrast
      is ATP-dependent. During the latter step, Prp28 is crucial for the integration of
      the U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP since it displaces the U1 snRNP and allows the U6 snRNP to
      base-pair with the 5'-splice site. Here, the crystal structure of Prp28 from the
      thermophilic fungus Chaetomium thermophilum is reported at 3.2 A resolution and
      is compared with the available structures of homologues.

PMID- 27139835
TI  - Complex System Assembly Underlies a Two-Tiered Model of Highly Delocalized
      Electrons.
AB  - Amyloid fibrils are exceptionally stable oligomeric structures with extensive,
      highly cooperative H-bonding networks whose physical origin remains elusive.
      While nonpolar systems benefit from both H-bonds and hydrophobic interactions, we
      found that highly polar sequences containing glutamine and asparagine amino acid
      residues form hyperpolarized H-bonds. This feature, observed by density
      functional theory calculations, encodes the origin of these polar oligomers' high
      stability. These results are explained in a theoretical model for complex amyloid
      assembly based on two different types of cooperative effects resulting from
      highly delocalized electrons, one of which is always present in both polar and
      hydrophobic systems. Experimental electric conductivity measurements, ThT
      fluorescence enhancement, and NMR spectroscopy support this proposal and reveal
      the conditions for disassembly.

PMID- 27139836
TI  - Contrasting exome constancy and regulatory region variation in the gene encoding
      CYP3A4: an examination of the extent and potential implications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: CYP3A4 expression varies up to 100-fold among individuals, and, to
      date, genetic causes remain elusive. As a major drug-metabolizing enzyme,
      elucidation of such genetic causes would increase the potential for introducing
      personalized dose adjustment of therapies involving CYP3A4 drug substrates. The
      foetal CYP3A isoform, CYP3A7, is reported to be expressed in ~10% of European
      adults and may thus contribute towards the metabolism of endogenous substances
      and CYP3A drug substrates. However, little is known about the distribution of the
      variant expressed in the adult. METHODS: We resequenced the exons, flanking
      introns, regulatory elements and 3'UTR of CYP3A4 in five Ethiopian populations
      and incorporated data from the 1000 Genomes Project. Using bioinformatic
      analysis, we assessed likely consequences of observed CYP3A4 genomic variation.
      We also conducted the first extensive geographic survey of alleles associated
      with adult expression of CYP3A7 - that is, CYP3A7*1B and CYP3A7*1C. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSION: Ethiopia contained 60 CYP3A4 variants (26 novel) and more variants
      (>1%) than all non-African populations combined. No nonsynonymous mutation was
      found in the homozygous form or at more than 2.8% in any population. Seventy-nine
      per cent of haplotypes contained 3'UTR and/or regulatory region variation with
      striking pairwise population differentiation, highlighting the potential for
      interethnic variation in CYP3A4 expression. Conversely, coding region variation
      showed that significant interethnic variation is unlikely at the protein level.
      CYP3A7*1C was found at up to 17.5% in North African populations and in
      significant linkage disequilibrium with CYP3A5*3, indicating that adult
      expression of the foetal isoform is likely to be accompanied by reduced or null
      expression of CYP3A5.

PMID- 27139838
TI  - Abiogenesis as a theoretical challenge: Some reflections.
AB  - In this paper I will reflect on the intellectual rationale underlying the origin
      of life scientific research efforts by reconsidering some of its conceptual
      premises and difficulties.

PMID- 27139837
TI  - Vitamin D pathway gene polymorphisms as predictors of hepatitis C virus-related
      mixed cryoglobulinemia.
AB  - Mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is the most frequent extrahepatic hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) complication. Vitamin D is a modulator of several biological processes,
      including immune and skeletal systems and MC presence and systemic vasculitis
      were associated independently with low levels of vitamin D. Considering the
      impact of vitamin D, we aimed to evaluate the role of some single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) of vitamin D pathway genes in the prediction of MC in HCV
      patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. We investigated SNPs in
      IL-28B, CYP27B1, CYP27A1, CYP24A1, VDBP, and VDR genes through real-time PCR. VDR
      gene SNPs were related to baseline viral load: VDR BsmI AA (P=0.018), TaqI CC
      (P=0.009), and ApaI AA (P=0.004) showed a lower baseline HCV count. Among vitamin
      D pathway gene polymorphisms, VDR FokI T>C was a factor associated with the
      presence of MC in the study population (P=0.011): related to C allele carriers
      (TT vs. TC/CC), we obtained a P-value of 0.003. In the logistic regression
      analysis to assess which demographic, clinical, or genetic factors could predict
      the presence of cryoglobulin, the TT/CC IL-28B rs8099917/rs12979860 haplotype
      [P<0.001; odds ratio (OR) 3.516 (1.951-6.336)], baseline viral load [P<0.001; OR
      1.000 (0.999-1.001)], and VDR FokI TC/CC genotypes [0.044; OR 0.463 (0.218
      0.981)] remained in the final regression model. These data could help physicians
      identify patients with a higher probability of developing MC extrahepatic
      complications.

PMID- 27139839
TI  - The Impact of Renal Failure and Renal Replacement Therapy on Outcome During
      Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy.
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients treated with veno-arterial (VA-)
      or veno-venous (VV-) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In this setting,
      the use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) can help to optimize fluid
      status but may also negatively impact on patients' outcome. In contrast, the
      relationship between AKI, CRRT, and survival in critically ill adult patients
      receiving ECMO is not well defined. The institutional ECMO database (n = 162)
      from November 2008 to December 2013, excluding patients with ICU survival <24
      hours was reviewed. Demographics, co-morbidities, and concomitant therapies for
      all patients were collected. AKI was defined according to the Acute Kidney Injury
      Network (AKIN) criteria. ICU mortality was noted. Data were retrieved for 135
      patients (79 with VA-ECMO and 56 with VV-ECMO). Of these, 95 developed AKI, 63
      (47%) of whom required CRRT; thus three groups of patients were identified: (a)
      no AKI; (b) AKI without CRRT (AKINOCRRT ); and (c) CRRT with AKI (AKICRRT ).
      AKINOCCRT patients were more likely to have preexisting heart disease, to be more
      severely ill, and to be treated with VA-ECMO than those without AKI. AKICRRT
      patients were also more likely to be treated with VA-ECMO, had more organ
      dysfunction at the time of ECMO insertion, and needed more transfusions and
      inotropic agents than patients without AKI. ICU mortality was 53% (72/135) and
      was similar in the three groups, even when different AKI stages or VA/VV-ECMO
      were analyzed separately. In this study, the use of CRRT was not associated with
      an increased mortality in an adult population of patients treated with ECMO, even
      after adjustment for confounders. 

PMID- 27139840
TI  - Research and Responsibility: Best Practices in Resident Education.

PMID- 27139842
TI  - Modeling and experimental investigation of an integrated optical microheater in
      silicon-on-insulator.
AB  - A linear piecewise model has been formulated to analyze the performance of a
      metallic microheater integrated with single-mode waveguides (lambda~1550  nm) in
      silicon-on-insulator (SOI). The model has been used to evaluate integrated
      optical microheaters fabricated in a SOI substrate with 2 um device layer
      thickness. The Fabry-Perot modulation technique has been used to extract the
      effective thermo-optic phase shift and response time. The effective thermal power
      budget of P<sub>eff,pi</sub>~500  uW (out of actually consumed power
      P<sub>pi</sub>=1.1  mW) for a pi phase shift and a switching time of tau~9  us,
      have been recorded for a typical Ti heater stripe of length L<sub>H</sub>=50  um,
      width W<sub>H</sub>=2  um, and thickness t<sub>H</sub>~150  nm, integrated with a
      Fabry-Perot waveguide cavity of length ~20  mm. It has been shown that the
      performance of a heater improves (in terms of power budget) as the length of a
      microheater decreases. However, smaller heater size requires higher joule heating
      to obtain a desired phase shift, which is again found to be dependent on
      polarization of the guided mode because of thermal stress. 

PMID- 27139841
TI  - Life-course blood pressure in relation to brain volumes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The impact of blood pressure on brain volumes may be time-dependent
      or pattern-dependent. METHODS: Of 1678 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk
      in Communities Neurocognitive Study, we quantified the association between
      measures and patterns of blood pressure over three time points (~24 or ~15 years
      prior and concurrent with neuroimaging) with late life brain volumes. RESULTS:
      Higher diastolic blood pressure ~24 years prior, higher systolic and pulse
      pressure ~15 years prior, and consistently elevated or rising systolic blood
      pressure from ~15 years prior to concurrent with neuroimaging, but not blood
      pressures measured concurrent with neuroimaging, were associated with smaller
      volumes. The pattern of hypertension ~15 years prior and hypotension concurrent
      with neuroimaging was associated with smaller volumes in regions preferentially
      affected by Alzheimer's disease (e.g., hippocampus: -0.27 standard units, 95% CI:
      -0.51, -0.03). DISCUSSION: Hypertension 15 to 24 years prior is relevant to
      current brain volumes. Hypertension followed by hypotension appears particularly
      detrimental.

PMID- 27139843
TI  - Generalized phase-shifting for three-wave shearing interferometry.
AB  - A generalized phase-shifting method for three-wave shearing interferometry is
      proposed. The phase-shifting algorithm is derived by an optimal process based on
      least-squares fitting. With this generalized algorithm, the steps of phase
      shifting can be reduced to five, which greatly simplifies the measurement and
      decreases the burden of computation. Both the numerical simulation and the
      optical experiment are carried out to demonstrate the adaptability of the method.

PMID- 27139844
TI  - Electro-optically cavity-dumped 3  ns Tm:LuAG laser.
AB  - It is reported in this paper that a cavity-dumped electro-optically Q-switched
      Tm:LuAG oscillator offers a unique combination of high power, constant short
      pulse duration, and high repetition rate at a wavelength of 2012.7 nm. The
      constant short pulse durations of 3 ns were achieved by the cavity-dumped
      technology at different repetition rates from 60 to 100 kHz. An average power of
      1.22 W and a peak power of 4.1 kW were obtained at a repetition rate of 100 kHz
      and an incident pump power of 42.3 W, corresponding to the slope efficiency of 6%
      and beam quality factor of M<sup>2</sup>~1.4. In addition, the accumulation time
      of intracavity photons from 500 to 1000 ns was studied for the performance of the
      output characteristic. 

PMID- 27139845
TI  - Simulation of free-space optical guiding structure based on colliding gas flows:
      erratum.
AB  - A typographical error in Kaganovich et al. [Appl. Opt.54, F144
      (2015)10.1364/AO.54.00F144APOPAI0003-6935] is corrected here. 

PMID- 27139846
TI  - 34  mJ Ho:YAG ceramic master oscillator and power amplifier laser at 2097  nm.
AB  - We demonstrated a 2097 nm Ho:YAG ceramic master oscillator and power amplifier
      system pumped by Tm:YLF lasers. Laser characteristics of 0.6 at.% and 0.4 at.%
      Ho:YAG ceramics were studied in CW and Q-switched modes. An output energy of 20.6
      mJ at a pulse repetition frequency of 200 Hz was achieved from the master
      oscillator. The pulse energy was amplified to 34 mJ by the Ho:YAG ceramic
      amplifier with a pulse duration of 54 ns. 

PMID- 27139847
TI  - Effect of pump polarization direction on power characteristics in monolithic
      microchip Nd:YAG dual-frequency laser.
AB  - The pump polarization direction can greatly influence the characteristics of the
      laser diode end-pumped monolithic microchip Nd:YAG dual-frequency laser. We
      experimentally observe the lasing thresholds and the optical powers of two
      splitting modes versus the pump polarization direction. The effect of the pump
      induced gain anisotropy on the mode oscillation sequence is analyzed. And the
      effect on the intensities of these modes is also proved with a rate equation
      model. This study contributes to the improvement of the stability and the
      reliability of the Nd:YAG dual-frequency laser. 

PMID- 27139848
TI  - Analysis of tolerances in polytopic-multiplexing holographic data storage.
AB  - A fast Fourier transformation (FFT)-based simulator was developed to analyze a
      recovered image of a hologram formed by polytopic multiplexing holographic data
      storage and to determine the positional tolerances of optical devices. By
      focusing the positional shift of 4f configuration devices (phase mask, SLM,
      polytopic filter, and camera), the number of FFT iterations was reduced, and the
      calculation speed was improved. Using the simulator, the positional tolerances of
      these devices were determined. Also, to validate the simulator, simulated readout
      images under defocuses of the phase mask and camera were compared with
      experimentally obtained images and found to agree well. 

PMID- 27139849
TI  - Calibration of digital optical phase conjugation setups based on orthonormal
      rectangular polynomials.
AB  - Digital optical phase conjugation (DOPC) has proven to be a promising technique
      in deep tissue fluorescence imaging. Nonetheless, DOPC optical setups require
      precise alignment of all optical components to accurately read the wavefront of
      scattered light in a turbid medium and playback the conjugated beam toward the
      sample. Minor misalignments and possible imperfections in the arrangement or the
      structure of the optical components significantly reduce the performance of the
      method. In this paper, a calibration procedure based on orthogonal rectangular
      polynomials is introduced to compensate major imperfections including the optical
      aberration in the wavefront of the reference beam and the substrate curvature of
      the spatial light modulator without adding extra optical components to the
      original setup. The proposed algorithm also provides a systematic calibration
      procedure for mechanical fine tuning of DOPC systems. It is shown experimentally
      that the proposed calibration process improves the peak-to-background ratio when
      focusing light after passing through a highly scattering medium. 

PMID- 27139850
TI  - Comparison of different active polarimetric imaging modes for target detection in
      outdoor environment.
AB  - We address the detection of manufactured objects in different types of
      environments with active polarimetric imaging. Using an original, fully adaptive
      imager, we compare several imaging modes having different numbers of polarimetric
      degrees of freedom. We demonstrate the efficiency of active polarimetric imaging
      for decamouflage and hazardous object detection, and underline the
      characteristics that a polarimetric imager aimed at this type of application
      should possess. We show that in most encountered scenarios the Mueller matrices
      are nearly diagonal, and sufficient detection performance can be obtained with
      simple polarimetric imaging systems having reduced degrees of freedom. Moreover,
      intensity normalization of images is of paramount importance to better reveal
      polarimetric contrast. 

PMID- 27139851
TI  - High-speed (20  kHz) digital in-line holography for transient particle tracking
      and sizing in multiphase flows.
AB  - High-speed (20 kHz) digital in-line holography (DIH) is applied for 3D
      quantification of the size and velocity of fragments formed from the impact of a
      single water drop onto a thin film of water and burning aluminum particles from
      the combustion of a solid rocket propellant. To address the depth-of-focus
      problem in DIH, a regression-based multiframe tracking algorithm is employed, and
      out-of-plane experimental displacement accuracy is shown to be improved by an
      order-of-magnitude. Comparison of the results with previous DIH measurements
      using low-speed recording shows improved positional accuracy with the added
      advantage of detailed resolution of transient dynamics from single experimental
      realizations. The method is shown to be particularly advantageous for
      quantification of particle mass flow rates. For the investigated particle fields,
      the mass flows rates, which have been automatically measured from single
      experimental realizations, are found to be within 8% of the expected values. 

PMID- 27139852
TI  - Measurement of the optical path length difference in an interferometer using a
      sinusoidally frequency-modulated light source.
AB  - We develop a technique for measuring the optical path length difference (OPLD) in
      an interferometer using a frequency-modulated light source. Compared with
      conventional methods, this technique offers a high sampling rate, high precision,
      and cost efficiency, and is capable of determining which of the two optical paths
      is longer. In addition, we show that this technique works properly even when the
      OPLD is significantly longer than the coherence length of the light source. 

PMID- 27139853
TI  - Theoretical and experimental analysis of high-power frequency-stabilized
      semiconductor master oscillator power-amplifier system.
AB  - We present a compact high-power 780 nm frequency-stabilized diode laser with a
      power of as high as 2.825 W, corresponding to an estimated overall efficiency of
      38.5%. The tapered amplifier (TPA) gain was about 24.5 dB, which was basically
      consistent with the simulation results. The beam quality factor was
      M<sup>2</sup><1.72. The core feature of the system was stabilizing the frequency
      of the narrowband semiconductor TPA system with the matured saturated absorption
      spectrum technique. The laser frequency was stabilized against mode hops for a
      period of >4200  s with a frequency fluctuation around 6.7*10<sup>-10</sup>
      within 1 s of the observation period, and the linewidth was no more than 0.95
      MHz. The laser performance indicates that the current frequency-stabilized
      semiconductor laser has great potential in certain conditions that require
      several watts of output power. 

PMID- 27139854
TI  - CO<sub>2</sub> laser-fabricated cladding light strippers for high-power fiber
      lasers and amplifiers.
AB  - We present and characterize a simple CO<sub>2</sub> laser processing technique
      for the fabrication of compact all-glass optical fiber cladding light strippers.
      We investigate the cladding light loss as a function of radiation angle of
      incidence and demonstrate devices in a 400 MUm diameter fiber with cladding
      losses of greater than 20 dB for a 7 cm device length. The core losses are also
      measured giving a loss of <0.008+/-0.006  dB/cm. Finally we demonstrate the
      successful cladding light stripping of a 300 W laser diode with minimal heating
      of the fiber coating and packaging adhesives. 

PMID- 27139855
TI  - Importance sampling-based Monte Carlo simulation of time-domain optical coherence
      tomography with embedded objects.
AB  - Monte Carlo simulation for light propagation in biological tissue is widely used
      to study light-tissue interaction. Simulation for optical coherence tomography
      (OCT) studies requires handling of embedded objects of various shapes. In this
      work, time-domain OCT simulations for multilayered tissue with embedded objects
      (such as sphere, cylinder, ellipsoid, and cuboid) was done. Improved importance
      sampling (IS) was implemented for the proposed OCT simulation for faster speed.
      At first, IS was validated against standard and angular biased Monte Carlo
      methods for OCT. Both class I and class II photons were in agreement in all the
      three methods. However, the IS method had more than tenfold improvement in terms
      of simulation time. Next, B-scan images were obtained for four types of embedded
      objects. All the four shapes are clearly visible from the B-scan OCT images. With
      the improved IS B-scan OCT images of embedded objects can be obtained with
      reasonable simulation time using a standard desktop computer. User-friendly, C
      based, Monte Carlo simulation for tissue layers with embedded objects for OCT
      (MCEO-OCT) will be very useful for time-domain OCT simulations in many biological
      applications. 

PMID- 27139856
TI  - Widely tunable monolithic dual-mode laser for W-band photonic millimeter-wave
      generation and all-optical clock recovery.
AB  - We demonstrate a monolithic dual-mode amplified feedback laser for photonic
      millimeter-wave generation and all-optical clock recovery. Dual-mode lasing with
      beating frequency around 100 GHz was realized by using a single-mode distributed
      feedback (DFB) laser with a short feedback cavity that was integrated by simple
      quantum-well intermixing technology. By tuning the bias currents of the laser
      sections, the beating-frequency can be continuously tuned from 75 to 109 GHz,
      almost covering the entire W-band (75-110 GHz). Furthermore, by using this
      device, an all-optical clock recovery for 100 Gbit/s return-to-zero on-off-keying
      signal was achieved with a timing jitter of 301 fs. 

PMID- 27139857
TI  - Absorption enhancement in graphene photonic crystal structures.
AB  - Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice, is
      attracting significant interest because of its potential applications in
      electronic and optoelectronic devices. Although graphene exhibits almost uniform
      absorption within a large wavelength range, its interaction with light is weak.
      In this paper, the enhancement of the optical absorption in graphene photonic
      crystal structures is studied: the structure is modified by introducing
      scatterers and mirrors. It is shown that the absorption of the graphene photonic
      crystal structure can be enhanced about four times (nearly 40%) with respect to
      initial reference absorption of 9.8%. The study can be a useful tool for
      investigating graphene physics in different optical settings. 

PMID- 27139858
TI  - Aberration correction method for the catadioptric imaging system design.
AB  - A practical method is proposed for aberration correction in the catadioptric
      imaging system design. Based on the analytical relationship between the object
      distance and the image distance of the aspherical mirror imaging system in the
      meridional plane, the catadioptric imaging system aberration correction becomes a
      refractive lens optimization problem that is much simpler, thus there is no need
      of a complex surface figure to insure the optimization convergence. With the
      proposed method, it is convenient for the designer to keep the aberrations at a
      low level throughout the process and to focus on distortion correction or search
      for robust initial configuration. The design process of a catadioptric ultrashort
      distance projector is presented to illustrate the proposed method more clearly.
      The real performance of the ultrashort distance projector is also presented. 

PMID- 27139859
TI  - Waveband selection within 400-4000  cm<sup>-1</sup> of optical identification of
      airborne dust in coal mine tunneling face.
AB  - Aimed at the optical evaluation of pollution levels caused by rock dust in an
      underground coal mine tunneling face, the optimal detection line and optical
      channel were investigated. The spatial distribution of airborne rock dust under
      local mining and ventilation conditions was simulated by the computational fluid
      dynamics method; thus, combined with the scattering and absorption properties of
      dust particles and gas molecules, the spectral transmission characteristics of a
      polluted atmosphere, including dust aerosols within 400-4000  cm<sup>-1</sup>,
      were obtained. By eliminating the optical background of mine gases, the pure
      infrared signals of rock dust were further analyzed. Based on the comparison
      results, the detection line, which is 1.5 m high and 0.3 m away from the right
      wall, was determined to be the best observation position, and a waveband of 1505
      1525  cm<sup>-1</sup> was selected to estimate the dust concentration. In
      addition, a dual-band detection method was presented, which can simultaneously
      identify the dust distribution and dispersion. 

PMID- 27139860
TI  - Large-aperture subwavelength grating couplers.
AB  - Subwavelength nanostructure grating couplers fabricated on silicon-on-insulator
      substrates are used to simplify the fabrication process while maintaining high
      coupling efficiency. The main obstacle for their application in photonic
      integrated circuits is the small aperture size of the nanostructure when TE
      polarization is involved, since they are difficult to achieve with 193 nm deep
      ultraviolet lithography and cause problems in inductively coupled plasma etching.
      A larger lateral period has been used to increase the aperture size. Here, we
      propose that decreasing the effective index of the nanostructure can also enlarge
      the aperture size. We analyze the two methods in detail with a rectangle-hole
      nanostructure and 220 nm thick waveguide layer, aiming at TE polarization
      centered at 1560 nm. We find performance degenerations for large lateral periods,
      and this can be simply compensated by adjusting the width of the rectangle hole.
      The minimum linewidth of the nanostructure can reach 240 nm, while the coupling
      efficiency is just slightly decreased. The backreflections of a large-aperture
      grating increase but stay in the same order with ordinary ones, and we also show
      that this can be overcome by apodizing the grating structure. Finally, we
      experimentally demonstrate the designed large-aperture grating couplers and the
      coupling efficiencies are higher than 35%, and reach a rectangle-hole width. 

PMID- 27139861
TI  - Light manipulation with flat and conformal inhomogeneous dispersive impedance
      sheets: an efficient FDTD modeling.
AB  - An efficient auxiliary differential equation method for incorporating 2D
      inhomogeneous dispersive impedance sheets in the finite-difference time-domain
      solver is presented. This unique proposed method can successfully solve optical
      problems of current interest involving 2D sheets. It eliminates the need for
      ultrafine meshing in the thickness direction, resulting in a significant
      reduction of computation time and memory requirements. We apply the method to
      characterize a novel broad-beam leaky-wave antenna created by cascading three
      sinusoidally modulated reactance surfaces and also to study the effect of
      curvature on the radiation characteristic of a conformal impedance sheet
      holographic antenna. Considerable improvement in the simulation time based on our
      technique in comparison with the traditional volumetric model is reported. Both
      applications are of great interest in the field of antennas and 2D sheets. 

PMID- 27139862
TI  - Fourth-order mutual coherence function in oceanic turbulence.
AB  - We have recently expressed the structure constant of atmospheric turbulence in
      terms of the oceanic turbulence parameters, which are the ratio of temperature to
      salinity contributions to the refractive index spectrum, rate of dissipation of
      kinetic energy per unit mass of fluid, rate of dissipation of the mean-squared
      temperature, wavelength, Kolmogorov microscale, and link length. In this paper,
      utilizing this recently found structure constant and the fourth-order mutual
      coherence function of atmospheric turbulence, we present the fourth-order mutual
      coherence function to be used in oceanic turbulence evaluations. Thus, the found
      fourth-order mutual coherence function of oceanic turbulence is evaluated for the
      special case of a point source located at the transmitter origin and at a single
      receiver point. The variations of this special case of the fourth-order mutual
      coherence function of oceanic turbulence against the changes in the ratio of
      temperature to salinity contributions to the refractive index spectrum, the rate
      of dissipation of kinetic energy per unit mass of fluid, the rate of dissipation
      of the mean-squared temperature, the wavelength, and the Kolmogorov microscale at
      various link lengths are presented. 

PMID- 27139863
TI  - Tunneling-induced optical bistability in an asymmetric double quantum well.
AB  - Optical bistable behaviors induced by tunneling coupling are demonstrated in an
      asymmetric double quantum-well structure including a unidirectional ring cavity.
      We analytically find that optical bistability can be obtained with the existence
      of resonant tunneling. Furthermore, the threshold of the optical bistability can
      be modulated by the intensity or the detuning of the driving fields. 

PMID- 27139864
TI  - Interference signal frequency tracking for extracting phase in frequency scanning
      interferometry using an extended Kalman filter.
AB  - Optical frequency scanning nonlinearity seriously affects interference signal
      phase extraction accuracy in frequency-scanning interferometry systems using
      external cavity diode lasers. In this paper, an interference signal frequency
      tracking method using an extended Kalman filter is proposed. The interferometric
      phase is obtained by integrating the estimated instantaneous frequency over time.
      The method is independent of the laser's optical frequency scanning nonlinearity.
      The method is validated through simulations and experiments. The experimental
      results demonstrate that the relative phase extraction error in the fractional
      part is <1.5% with the proposed method and the standard deviation of absolute
      distance measurement is <2.4  MUm. 

PMID- 27139865
TI  - Designing optical metamaterial with hyperbolic dispersion based on an Al:ZnO/ZnO
      nano-layered structure using the atomic layer deposition technique.
AB  - Nano-layered Al:ZnO/ZnO hyperbolic dispersion metamaterial with a large number of
      layers was fabricated using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique.
      Experimental dielectric functions for Al:ZnO/ZnO structures are obtained by an
      ellipsometry technique in the visible and near-infrared spectral ranges. The
      theoretical modeling of the Al:ZnO/ZnO dielectric permittivity is done using
      effective medium approximation. A method for analysis of spectroscopic
      ellipsometry data is demonstrated to extract the optical permittivity for this
      highly anisotropic nano-layered metamaterial. The results of the ellipsometry
      analysis show that Al:ZnO/ZnO structures with a 1:9 ALD cycle ratio exhibit
      hyperbolic dispersion transition change near 1.8 MUm wavelength. 

PMID- 27139866
TI  - Multipath interference characterization of bend-insensitive optical fibers and
      short jumpers.
AB  - Multipath interference (MPI) in bend-insensitive optical fibers is investigated
      by analyzing different aspects, ranging from a review of the theoretical
      background, through the analysis of measurement issues, to the characterization
      of short patch cords. Two setups for the characterization of MPI are analyzed,
      highlighting their advantages and limitations. Then, a number of commercial bend
      insensitive fibers are compared, showing that they generally exhibit a level
      below -30  dB in the range of 1250-1350 nm. The investigation also includes short
      offset-spliced fiber segments, with lengths to 1 cm, to simulate the behavior of
      field-installable connectors and isolate their contribution to the MPI. The
      results show a step-like increment of MPI when two or more cm-long fiber segments
      are cascaded. 

PMID- 27139867
TI  - Green laser interferometric metrology system with sub-nanometer periodic
      nonlinearity.
AB  - This paper describes the design and realization of a heterodyne laser
      interferometer system that is applicable to metrology comparison. In this
      research, an iodine-stabilized Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm served as the light source.
      Two spatially separated beams with different offset frequencies are generated by
      two acousto-optic modulators to prevent any source mixing and polarization
      leakage. The interferometry components are integrated to a monolithic prism to
      reduce the difficulty of the light path adjustment and to guarantee the measuring
      accuracy. The experimental results show there is a sub-nanometer periodic
      nonlinearity, which mainly results from the ghost reflection. Placed in a vacuum
      chamber, the interferometer is applicable for measuring comparison using a piezo
      nanopositioner and a precision translation stage. Finally, a commercial
      interferometer is calibrated with the interferometer system. 

PMID- 27139868
TI  - Diode-pumped dual-wavelength Nd:LSO laser at 1059 and 1067  nm with nearly
      diffraction-limited beam quality.
AB  - We report a diode-pumped continuous-wave simultaneous dual-wavelength Nd:LSO
      laser at 1059 and 1067 nm. By employing a specially coated output coupler with
      relatively high transmissions at high-gain emission lines of 1075 and 1079 nm,
      the two low-gain emission lines, 1059 and 1067 nm, can be achieved, for the first
      time to our knowledge, with maximum output power of 1.27 W and slope efficiency
      of about 29.2%. The output power is only limited by the available pump power.
      Output beam quality is also measured to be about 1.19 and 1.21 of the beam
      propagation factors in the x and y directions, respectively. 

PMID- 27139869
TI  - Post-processing of fused silica and its effects on damage resistance to
      nanosecond pulsed UV lasers.
AB  - HF-based (hydrofluoric acid) chemical etching has been a widely accepted
      technique to improve the laser damage performance of fused silica optics and
      ensure high-power UV laser systems at designed fluence. Etching processes such as
      acid concentration, composition, material removal amount, and etching state
      (etching with additional acoustic power or not) may have a great impact on the
      laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of treated sample surfaces. In order to
      find out the effects of these factors, we utilized the Taguchi method to
      determine the etching conditions that are helpful in raising the LIDT. Our
      results show that the most influential factors are concentration of etchants and
      the material etched away from the viewpoint of damage performance of fused silica
      optics. In addition, the additional acoustic power (~0.6  W.cm<sup>-2</sup>) may
      not benefit the etching rate and damage performance of fused silica. Moreover,
      the post-cleaning procedure of etched samples is also important in damage
      performances of fused silica optics. Different post-cleaning procedures were,
      thus, experiments on samples treated under the same etching conditions. It is
      found that the "spraying + rinsing + spraying" cleaning process is favorable to
      the removal of etching-induced deposits. Residuals on the etched surface are
      harmful to surface roughness and optical transmission as well as laser damage
      performance. 

PMID- 27139870
TI  - Bi<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>3</sub> based passively Q-switched fiber laser with
      cylindrical vector beam emission.
AB  - We report a passively Q-switched fiber laser with cylindrical vector beam output
      modes using a few-mode fiber Bragg grating as a polarization-selective output
      coupler and Bi<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>3</sub> as the saturable absorber. Both radially
      and azimuthally polarized beams can be readily generated, and the output
      polarization can be switchable by tuning the polarization controllers inside the
      laser cavity. The repetition rate of the Q-switched laser can be tuned from 31.54
      to 49.40 kHz when the pump power increases from 103.5 to 139.5 mW. The fiber
      laser operates at a single wavelength of 1557.5 nm with a 3 dB linewidth of <0.04
      nm. 

PMID- 27139871
TI  - Measuring absorption coefficient of scattering liquids using a tube inside an
      integrating sphere.
AB  - A method for measuring the absorption coefficient MU<sub>a</sub> of absorbing and
      scattering liquid samples is presented. The sample is injected into a small
      transparent tube mounted through an integrating sphere. Two models for
      determining the absorption coefficient using the relative optical output signal
      are described and validated using aqueous ink absorbers of 0.5 vol.% (0.3 
      mm<sup>-1</sup><MU<sub>a</sub><1.55  mm<sup>-1</sup>) and 1.0 vol.% (1.0  mm<sup>
      1</sup><MU<sub>a</sub><4.0  mm<sup>-1</sup>) concentrations with 1 vol.%
      (MUs'~1.4  mm<sup>-1</sup>) and 10 vol.% (MUs'~14  mm<sup>-1</sup>) Intralipid
      dilutions. The low concentrations give MU<sub>a</sub> and MU<sub>s</sub> values,
      which are comparable with those of biological tissues. One model assumes a
      uniform light distribution within the sample, which is valid for low absorption.
      Another model considers light attenuation that obeys Lambert-Beer's law, which
      may be used for relatively high absorption. Measurements with low and high
      scattering samples are done for the wavelength range of 400-900 nm. Measured
      spectra of purely absorbing samples are within 15% agreement with measurements
      using standard transmission spectrophotometry. For 0.5 vol.% ink absorbers and at
      wavelengths below 700 nm, measured MU<sub>a</sub> values are higher for samples
      with low scattering and lower for those with high scattering. At wavelengths
      above 700 nm, measured MU<sub>a</sub> values do not vary significantly with
      amount of scattering. For 1.0 vol.% ink absorbers, measured spectra do not change
      with low scattering. These results indicate that the method can be used for
      measuring absorption spectra of scattering liquid samples with optical properties
      similar to biological absorbers, particularly at wavelengths above 700 nm, which
      is difficult to accomplish with standard transmission spectrophotometry. 

PMID- 27139872
TI  - Generation of atmospheric wavefronts using binary micromirror arrays.
AB  - To simulate in the laboratory the influence that a turbulent atmosphere has on
      light beams, we introduce a practical method for generating atmospheric wavefront
      distortions that considers digital holographic reconstruction using a
      programmable binary micromirror array. We analyze the efficiency of the approach
      for different configurations of the micromirror array and experimentally
      demonstrate the benchtop technique. Though the mirrors on the digital array can
      only be positioned in one of two states, we show that the holographic technique
      can be used to devise a wide variety of atmospheric wavefront aberrations in a
      controllable and predictable way for a fraction of the cost of phase-only spatial
      light modulators. 

PMID- 27139873
TI  - Analysis of the depth of field in hexagonal array integral imaging systems based
      on modulation transfer function and Strehl ratio.
AB  - Integral imaging is a technique for displaying three-dimensional images using
      microlens arrays. In this paper, a method for calculating root mean squared
      wavefront error and modulation transfer function (MTF) of a defocused integral
      imaging capture system with hexagonal aperture microlens arrays is introduced.
      Also, maximum allowable depth of field with Century MTF analyzing and Strehl
      criterion are obtained. 

PMID- 27139874
TI  - Influence of four-wave mixing in short- and medium-range 1310  nm dense
      wavelength division multiplexing systems.
AB  - In this paper, we demonstrate a comprehensive analysis of the impact of four-wave
      mixing (FWM) on the quality of transmission in short- and medium-range dense
      wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems in the 1310 nm wavelength domain.
      The presented analysis proves that, for the system with uniform power per channel
      assignment, setting proper input channel power can substantially reduce the
      influence of the FWM effect on bit error rate in low channel spaced short-range
      systems, despite the position of the DWDM grid around the zero-dispersion
      wavelength. Simulations and experimental analysis of the possibility of FWM
      suppression have been provided. The power penalty measurements show that the
      influence of FWM on system performance may be as low as 0.3 dB with reasonable
      input power (i.e., -11  dBm per channel), making possible the transmission of
      data by fiber over distances of 25 km. Finally, we demonstrate that, for channel
      spacing as low as 120 GHz, error-free transmission in the 1310 nm wavelength
      domain is possible, despite high efficiency of FWM generation. The results prove
      that utilization of the 1310 nm wavelength domain in a system with low channel
      spacing, i.e., with better bandwidth allocation, is an interesting solution for
      data storage and processing center applications. 

PMID- 27139875
TI  - Optical design and system engineering of a multiresolution foveated laparoscope.
AB  - The trade-off between the spatial resolution and field of view is one major
      limitation of state-of-the-art laparoscopes. In order to address this limitation,
      we demonstrated a multiresolution foveated laparoscope (MRFL) which is capable of
      simultaneously capturing both a wide-angle overview for situational awareness and
      a high-resolution zoomed-in view for accurate surgical operation. In this paper,
      we focus on presenting the optical design and system engineering process for
      developing the MRFL prototype. More specifically, the first-order specifications
      and properties of the optical system are discussed, followed by a detailed
      discussion on the optical design strategy and procedures of each subsystem. The
      optical performance of the final system, including diffraction efficiency,
      tolerance analysis, stray light and ghost image, is fully analyzed. Finally, the
      prototype assembly process and the final prototype are demonstrated. 

PMID- 27139876
TI  - Displacement damage in bit error ratio performance of on-off keying, pulse
      position modulation, differential phase shift keying, and homodyne binary phase
      shift keying-based optical intersatellite communication system.
AB  - Displacement damage (DD) effect induced bit error ratio (BER) performance
      degradations in on-off keying (OOK), pulse position modulation (PPM),
      differential phase-shift keying (DPSK), and homodyne binary phase shift keying
      (BPSK) based systems were simulated and discussed under 1 MeV neutron irradiation
      to a total fluence of 1*10<sup>12</sup>  n/cm<sup>2</sup> in this paper.
      Degradation of main optoelectronic devices included in communication systems were
      analyzed on the basis of existing experimental data. The system BER degradation
      was subsequently simulated and the variations of BER with different neutron
      irradiation location were also achieved. The result shows that DD on an Er-doped
      fiber amplifier (EDFA) is the dominant cause of system degradation, and a BPSK
      based system performs better than the other three systems against DD. In order to
      improve radiation hardness of communication systems against DD, protection and
      enhancement of EDFA are required, and the use of a homodyne BPSK modulation
      scheme is a considered choice. 

PMID- 27139877
TI  - Adaptive slab laser beam quality improvement using a weighted least-squares
      reconstruction algorithm.
AB  - Adaptive optics is an important technology for improving beam quality in solid
      state slab lasers. However, there are uncorrectable aberrations in partial areas
      of the beam. In the criterion of the conventional least-squares reconstruction
      method, it makes the zones with small aberrations nonsensitive and hinders this
      zone from being further corrected. In this paper, a weighted least-squares
      reconstruction method is proposed to improve the relative sensitivity of zones
      with small aberrations and to further improve beam quality. Relatively small
      weights are applied to the zones with large residual aberrations. Comparisons of
      results show that peak intensity in the far field improved from 1242 analog
      digital units (ADU) to 2248 ADU, and beam quality beta improved from 2.5 to 2.0.
      This indicates the weighted least-squares method has better performance than the
      least-squares reconstruction method when there are large zonal uncorrectable
      aberrations in the slab laser system. 

PMID- 27139878
TI  - Spectral supralinearity of silicon photodiodes in visible light due to surface
      recombination.
AB  - Spectral supralinearity of silicon photodiodes in visible light was investigated.
      The experimental spectral supralinearity results were compared with the
      calculation results using a device simulator, PC1D that includes the front
      surface recombination parameters, and these comparison results were in reasonable
      agreement for a silicon photodiode. These comparison results show that
      supralinearity in visible light clearly occurs with a front surface charge
      density of more than 10<sup>12</sup>  cm<sup>-2</sup> and the included parameters
      are adequate for quantitatively predicting the internal quantum efficiency of
      silicon photodiodes. 

PMID- 27139879
TI  - Experimental demonstration of 3D accelerating beam arrays.
AB  - Accelerating beams have attracted much attention in the frontiers of optical
      physics and technology owing to their unique propagation dynamics of
      nondiffracting, self-healing, and freely accelerating along curved trajectories.
      Such behaviors essentially arise from the particular phase factor occurring in
      their spatial frequency spectrum, e.g., the cubic phase associated to the
      spectrum of Airy beam. In this paper, we theoretically and experimentally
      demonstrate a sort of accelerating beam arrays, which are composed of spatially
      separated accelerating beams. By superimposing kinoforms of multifocal patterns
      into the spatial frequency spectrum of accelerating beams, different types of
      beam arrays, e.g., Airy beam arrays and two-main-lobe accelerating beam arrays,
      are generated and measured by scanning a reflection mirror near the focal region
      along the optical axis. The 3D intensity patterns reconstructed from the
      experimental data present good agreement with the theoretical counterparts. The
      combination of accelerating beams with optical beam arrays proposed here may find
      potential applications in various fields such as optical microscopes, optical
      micromachining, optical trapping, and so on. 

PMID- 27139880
TI  - Pentagraph image fusion scheme for motion blur prevention using multiple
      monochromatic images.
AB  - This paper introduces the pentagraph image fusion (PIF) scheme for motion-related
      blur prevention in images. The PIF algorithm processes five monochromatic images
      into a single, low-noise, no-blur color image. The images are acquired using a
      new photography scheme, sequential filter photography (SFP), where instead of
      using a stationary Bayer pattern color filter array in front of the image sensor,
      a tunable color filter array is used. Using this approach, several monochromatic
      images are captured one by one and later fused into one color image. The SFP
      introduces various advantages such as higher resolution, better SNR, and the
      ability to control both exposure time and color filter separately for each image.
      The PIF algorithm harnesses all the advantages of SFP for the first time, to the
      best of our knowledge, in the field of blur-free image acquisition. Five images
      are taken with controllable exposure time and color filter, three images for the
      color bands, and two high-signal panchromatic images. These images are fused
      together to be a single, low-noise, no-blur color image. The algorithm presents a
      generic approach of dealing with both local and global motion blur and does not
      require any user intervention. 

PMID- 27139881
TI  - Is there a relationship between hospital volume and patient outcomes in
      gastroschisis repair?
AB  - PURPOSE: Given the well-established relationship between surgical volume and
      outcomes for many surgical procedures, we examined whether the same relationship
      exists for gastroschisis closure. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis
      of infants who underwent gastroschisis closure between 1999 and 2007 using a
      California birth-linked cohort. Hospitals were divided into terciles based on the
      number of gastroschisis closures performed annually. Using regression techniques,
      we examined the effects of hospital volume on patient mortality and length of
      stay while controlling for patient and hospital confounders. RESULTS: We
      identified 1537 infants who underwent gastroschisis repair at 55 hospitals, 4 of
      which were high-volume and 42 of which were low-volume. The overall in-hospital
      mortality rate was 4.8% and the median length of stay was 46.5days. After
      controlling for other factors, patients treated at high-volume hospitals had
      significantly lower odds of inpatient mortality (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.21, 0.76).
      There was a near-significant trend towards shorter hospital length of stay at
      highvolume hospitals (p=0.066). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who undergo gastroschisis
      closure at high-volume hospitals in California experience lower odds of in
      hospital mortality compared to those treated at low-volume hospitals. These
      findings offer initial evidence to support policies that limit the number of
      hospitals providing complex newborn surgical care.

PMID- 27139882
TI  - Predictors of effective de-escalation in acute inpatient psychiatric settings.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the factors that influence the use of de
      escalation and its success in halting conflict in acute psychiatric inpatient
      setting. BACKGROUND: De-escalation is the use of verbal and nonverbal
      communication to reduce or eliminate aggression and violence during the
      escalation phase of a patient's behaviour. Although de-escalation is a first-line
      intervention in aggression management in acute psychiatric settings, little is
      known about the use or effectiveness of this technique. DESIGN: A retrospective
      case note analysis. METHODS: For each patient (n = 522), their involvement in
      conflict (e.g. aggression) or containment (e.g. coerced medication) during the
      first two weeks of their admission was recorded. The frequency and order of the
      conflict and containment events were identified during each shift. The sequences
      of events occurring in shifts involving de-escalation were analysed. Sequences
      where de-escalation ended the pattern of conflict or containment were categorised
      as 'successful', and all others were categorised as 'unsuccessful'. RESULTS: Over
      half of patients (53%) experienced de-escalation during the first two weeks of
      admission, with the majority of these (37%) experiencing multiple episodes. De
      escalation was successful in approximately 60% of cases. Successful de
      escalations were preceded by fewer, and less aggressive, conflict events,
      compared with unsuccessful de-escalations, which were most frequently followed by
      administration of pro re nata medication. Patients with a history of violence
      were more likely to experience de-escalation, and it was more likely to be
      unsuccessful. CONCLUSIONS: De-escalation is frequently effective in halting a
      sequence of conflict in acute inpatient settings, but patients with a history of
      violence may be specifically challenging. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These
      findings provide support for de-escalation in practice but suggest that nurses
      may lack confidence in using the technique when the risk of violence is greater.
      Providing evidence-based staff training may improve staff confidence in the use
      of this potentially powerful technique.

PMID- 27139884
TI  - The 2015 Jones Criteria for Acute Rheumatic Fever - Need for a Critical
      Reappraisal.

PMID- 27139883
TI  - Application of single-cell RNA sequencing in optimizing a combinatorial
      therapeutic strategy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intratumoral heterogeneity hampers the success of marker-based
      anticancer treatment because the targeted therapy may eliminate a specific
      subpopulation of tumor cells while leaving others unharmed. Accordingly, a
      rational strategy minimizing survival of the drug-resistant subpopulation is
      essential to achieve long-term therapeutic efficacy. RESULTS: Using single-cell
      RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we examine the intratumoral heterogeneity of a pair of
      primary renal cell carcinoma and its lung metastasis. Activation of drug target
      pathways demonstrates considerable variability between the primary and metastatic
      sites, as well as among individual cancer cells within each site. Based on the
      prediction of multiple drug target pathway activation, we derive a combinatorial
      regimen co-targeting two mutually exclusive pathways for the metastatic cancer
      cells. This combinatorial strategy shows significant increase in the treatment
      efficacy over monotherapy in the experimental validation using patient-derived
      xenograft platforms in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate
      the investigational application of single-cell RNA-seq in the design of an
      anticancer regimen. The approach may overcome intratumoral heterogeneity which
      hampers the success of precision medicine.

PMID- 27139885
TI  - Introducing Donor Milk in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Developing Country's
      Perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To replace 75 % of formula feeds by donor human milk (DHM) feeds in
      the first three days of life in neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care
      unit (NICU). METHODS: It was a prospective observational study in the NICU in a
      resource-limited set up in India. All neonates admitted during December 2013 and
      August 2014, were included in the study without any exclusion. Expressed DHM was
      administered within 2-3 h of manual expression without refrigeration or
      pasteurization. It was left standing at room temperature in a covered stainless
      steel container prior to use. Prospective entries of 2 hourly neonatal feeds, for
      first 3 d of life, (36 entries) were made in the charts. Main outcome was the
      desired percentage replacement of formula feeds. RESULTS: Total 168 neonates were
      admitted to the NICU over the study period. Their median [Interquartile range
      (IQR); Range] gestation and birth weight was 37 (36, 38; 24-42) wk and 2300
      (2100, 2700; 500-2950) g respectively. A total of 4136/6027 (68.6 %) charted
      feeds were of human milk and 1891(31.4 %) were of formula milk. Thus, 68.6 % of
      formula feeds were replaced by DHM. Neonates weighing <=2 kg were at a lower risk
      of getting >25 % formula feeds. CONCLUSIONS: A simple low cost method was
      effective in replacing a significant proportion of formula feeds by DHM in the
      first three days of life for neonates in a resource poor set up.

PMID- 27139887
TI  - The Future of Intensive Care Unit Sedation: A Report of Continuous Infusion
      Ketamine as an Alternative Sedative Agent.
AB  - This report describes a patient case utilizing a nontraditional sedative,
      continuous infusion ketamine, as an alternative agent for intensive care unit
      (ICU) sedation. A 27-year-old female presented for neurosurgical management of a
      coup contrecoup injury, left temporal fracture, epidural hemorrhage (EDH), and
      temporal contusion leading to sustained mechanical ventilation. The patient
      experienced profound agitation during mechanical ventilation and developed
      adverse effects with all traditional sedatives: benzodiazepines, dexmedetomidine,
      opioids, and propofol. Ketamine was titrated to effect and eliminated the need
      for other agents. This led to successful ventilator weaning, extubation, and
      transition of care. Given the unique side effect profile of ketamine, it is
      imperative that information is disseminated on potential utilization of this
      agent. More information is needed regarding dosing, monitoring, and long-term
      effects of utilizing ketamine as a continuous ICU sedative, but given the
      analgesia, anesthesia, and cardiopulmonary stability, future utilization of this
      medication for this indication seems promising.

PMID- 27139886
TI  - Variability of Bacterial Communities in the Moth Heliothis virescens Indicates
      Transient Association with the Host.
AB  - Microbes associated with insects can confer a wide range of ecologically relevant
      benefits to their hosts. Since insect-associated bacteria often increase the
      nutritive value of their hosts' diets, the study of bacterial communities is
      especially interesting in species that are important agricultural pests. We
      investigated the composition of bacterial communities in the noctuid moth
      Heliothis virescens and its variability in relation to developmental stage, diet
      and population (field and laboratory), using bacterial tag-encoded FLX
      pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons. In larvae, bacterial communities differed
      depending on the food plant on which they had been reared, although the within
      group variation between biological replicates was high as well. Moreover, larvae
      originating from a field or laboratory population did not share any OTUs.
      Interestingly, Enterococcus sp. was found to be the dominant taxon in laboratory
      reared larvae, but was completely absent from field larvae, indicating dramatic
      shifts in microbial community profiles upon cultivation of the moths in the
      laboratory. Furthermore, microbiota composition varied strongly across
      developmental stages in individuals of the field population, and we found no
      evidence for vertical transmission of bacteria from mothers to offspring. Since
      sample sizes in our study were small due to pooling of samples for sequencing, we
      cautiously conclude that the high variability in bacterial communities suggests a
      loose and temporary association of the identified bacteria with H. virescens.

PMID- 27139888
TI  - Cecal microbiota of Tibetan Chickens from five geographic regions were determined
      by 16S rRNA sequencing.
AB  - Tibetan Chickens should have unique gastrointestinal microbiota because of their
      particular habitats. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the cecal
      microbiota of Tibetan Chickens from five typical high-altitude regions of China.
      Lohmann egg-laying hens (LMs) and Daheng broiler chickens (DHs) were chosen as
      controls. The cecal bacterial populations of Tibetan Chickens were surveyed by
      high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of the bacterial 16S rRNA hypervariable region
      V3-V4 (16S rRNAV3-V4) combined with community-fingerprinting analysis of the 16S
      rRNA gene based on polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). The results revealed that the majority of cecal
      microbiota differed between the Tibetan Chicken and LM/DH. The microbial
      communities in the cecum were composed of 16 phyla, 28 classes, 36 orders, 57
      families, 101 genera, and 189 species. Represented phyla were Bacteroidetes
      (>47%), Firmicutes (>18.8%), Spirochaetae (>0.3%), and Proteobacteria (>0.4%).
      Bacteroides and the RC9 gut group were the two most abundant genera. There were
      relatively more Christensenellaceae, Subdoligranulum, Spirochaeta, and Treponema
      in Tibetan Chickens, whereas there were more Phascolarctobacterium,
      Faecalibacterium, Megamonas, and Desulfovibrio in LMs and DHs. The cecal
      microbiota of Tibetan Chicken have slightly diverged due to exposure to different
      geographic environments. Differences in the intestinal bacterial communities of
      Tibetan Chicken and LM/DH were noted.

PMID- 27139889
TI  - The Impact of Variable Degrees of Freedom and Scale Parameters in Bayesian
      Methods for Genomic Prediction in Chinese Simmental Beef Cattle.
AB  - Three conventional Bayesian approaches (BayesA, BayesB and BayesCpi) have been
      demonstrated to be powerful in predicting genomic merit for complex traits in
      livestock. A priori, these Bayesian models assume that the non-zero SNP effects
      (marginally) follow a t-distribution depending on two fixed hyperparameters,
      degrees of freedom and scale parameters. In this study, we performed genomic
      prediction in Chinese Simmental beef cattle and treated degrees of freedom and
      scale parameters as unknown with inappropriate priors. Furthermore, we compared
      the modified methods (BayesFA, BayesFB and BayesFCpi) with their corresponding
      counterparts using simulation datasets. We found that the modified methods with
      distribution assumed to the two hyperparameters were beneficial for improving the
      predictive accuracy. Our results showed that the predictive accuracies of the
      modified methods were slightly higher than those of their counterparts especially
      for traits with low heritability and a small number of QTLs. Moreover, cross
      validation analysis for three traits, namely carcass weight, live weight and
      tenderloin weight, in 1136 Simmental beef cattle suggested that predictive
      accuracy of BayesFCpi noticeably outperformed BayesCpi with the highest increase
      (3.8%) for live weight using the cohort masking cross-validation.

PMID- 27139890
TI  - The value of EUS in combination with cytological, flow cytometry, and gene
      rearrangement in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal lymphoma.
AB  - Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) have
      a great value in clinical practice of gastrointestinal lymphoma (GIL). Auxiliary
      methods such as flow cytometry (FCM) and gene rearrangement provide additional
      information for the diagnosis. Current study aims to explore the diagnostic value
      of EUS-FNA combined with FCM and gene rearrangement for GIL in our single
      institution. Suspected GIL cases, which were referred to EUS, FNA, FCM, or gene
      rearrangement examination, were retrospectively reviewed from January 2011 to May
      2014. Definitive final diagnosis was included based on the pathological and
      immunostaining evidence. The gene scan analysis was applied for fragment
      detection in gene rearrangement. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were
      considered and calculated. Fifty-three EUS cases were identified, including 38
      GIL, 10 inflammations, 4 linitis plastica, and one multiple myeloma. EUS-FNA was
      successfully conducted in 39 out of 53 cases. After combined with FCM, the
      sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were increased from 60.7% to 76.9%, 90.9%
      to 100%, and from 69.2% to 81.8% respectively. Among 33 cases for FCM, 11 of them
      gained positive B or T non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, and 28 out of 53 specimens
      were delivered for gene rearrangement. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy
      of gene rearrangement were 68.2%, 100%, and 75% respectively. EUS-FNA is a
      possible technique for the diagnosis of GIL, With additional FCM examination may
      further improve the diagnostic efficiency and facilitate subclassification.
      Moreover, gene rearrangement assay by gene scan is also a considerable method in
      the specimens from GIL. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27139892
TI  - Effects of novel maleimide derivatives on cell cultures with different
      properties.
AB  - The paper is focused on pilot study of effects of novel synthetic protein kinase
      inhibitors-maleimide derivatives in different concentrations on normal,
      transformed and multipotent cell lines. Influence on cell proliferation and
      morphological characteristics has been demonstrated. The chosen agents cause
      antiproliferative effect on transformed cells and are not cytotoxic to normal
      cell lines. Moreover, different maleimide derivatives' effects on multipotent
      cells in attached and floating states has been shown. Described results can be
      used for further research of the maleimide derivatives as antitumor agents. 

PMID- 27139893
TI  - Diagnosis and surgical treatment of defects in the wall of the orbit of children
      and adults using demineralized bone allografts.
AB  - Accuracy of diagnosis defines the quality of treatment in patients with traumatic
      damage to eyelet walls. In this area, complex functional and anatomical breaches
      are typical and require full characterization of pathological changes in bone and
      soft tissue structures. A new plastic material with a high degree level of
      demineralization called "Perfoost" can be used to treat defects in the bones of
      the face of children and adults. In the present study, 79 patients with fractured
      eyelet walls were treated between 1999 and 2006 by grafting the defect wall with
      demineralized bone allografts. Grafts were applied from 2 days to 18 months after
      trauma. Magnetic resonance computer CT was used to check the realignment of
      allografts every 6 months after the reconstructive operation. The post-operative
      period of the observation was from 6 months to 7 years after the operation. Good
      or satisfactory results were obtained for 97.47 % of patients. 

PMID- 27139891
TI  - Identification of novel bile acids as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of
      Niemann-Pick C disease.
AB  - This article describes a rapid UPLC-MS/MS method to quantitate novel bile acids
      in biological fluids and the evaluation of their diagnostic potential in Niemann
      Pick C (NPC). Two new compounds, NPCBA1 (3beta-hydroxy,7beta-N-acetylglucosaminyl
      5-cholenoic acid) and NPCBA2 (probably 3beta,5alpha,6beta-trihydroxycholanoyl
      glycine), were observed to accumulate preferentially in NPC patients: median
      plasma concentrations of NPCBA1 and NPCBA2 were 40- and 10-fold higher in
      patients than in controls. However, NPCBA1 concentrations were normal in some
      patients because they carried a common mutation inactivating the GlcNAc
      transferase required for the synthesis of this bile acid. NPCBA2, not containing
      a GlcNAc moiety, is thus a better NPC biomarker. 

PMID- 27139894
TI  - Chorionic villi derived mesenchymal like stem cells and expression of embryonic
      stem cells markers during long-term culturing.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be obtained from a variety of human tissues.
      MSCs derived from placental chorionic villi of the first trimester are likely to
      resemble, biologically, embryonic stem cells (ESC), due to the earlier
      development stage of placenta. In the present study long-term cultures of MSC
      like cells were assessed in order to evaluate MSCs multipotent characteristics
      and molecular features during the period of culture. CV-cells obtained from 10
      samples of chorionic villus displayed typical fibroblastoid morphology, undergone
      20 passages during a period of 120 days, maintaining a stable karyotype
      throughout long term expansion. The cells were positive, for CD90, CD73, CD105,
      CD29, CD44, HLA ABC antigens and negative for CD14, CD34, AC133, and HLA DR
      antigens as resulted from the flow cytometry analysis. CV-cells were
      differentiated in adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes and neuronal cells under
      specific culture conditions. The expression of the ESC-gene markers POU5F1 (Oct
      4) and NANOG was observed at earliest stages (4-12 passages) and not at the late
      stages (14-20 passages) by RT-PCR analysis. ZFP42 and SOX2 expression were not
      detected. Moreover, CV-cells were found to express GATA4 but not NES (Nestin).
      Chorionic villi-derived cells possess multipotent properties, display high
      proliferation rate and self-renew capacity, share common surface antigens with
      adult MSCs and express certain embryonics stem cells gene markers. These
      characteristics highlight chorionic villi as an attractive source of MSCs for the
      needs of regenerative medicine. 

PMID- 27139895
TI  - Facile water-stability evaluation of metal-organic frameworks and the property of
      selective removal of dyes from aqueous solution.
AB  - A facile and universal method was developed to evaluate the relative water
      stability of porous MOFs and morphological evolution was achieved by controlling
      the volume ratio of DMF and H2O. The relative water stability of the studied MOFs
      is in the order HKUST-1 > MOF-505 ~ UMCM-150 > NOTT-101 > DUT-23(Cu) >
      [Zn2(BPnDC)2(DABCO)] ~ [Cu3(TPTrC)2(DABCO)] > MOF-5. In addition, DUT-23(Cu)
      [Cu6(BTB)4(BPY)3] (H3BTB = 4,4',4''-benzene-1,3,5-triyl-tribenzoic acid, BPY =
      4,4'-bipyridine) nanoparticles obtained with a volume ratio of DMF and H2O of 18
      : 2 show excellent adsorption capacity for methylene blue (MB) (814 mg g(-1))
      with high selectivity compared with methyl orange, rhodamine B, and acid chrome
      blue K dyes due to the size and the electrostatic repulsion effects in aqueous
      solution. 

PMID- 27139896
TI  - Role of dacarbazine in the treatment of recurrent mullerian adenosarcoma with
      sarcomatous overgrowth: Our experience.

PMID- 27139897
TI  - CVVHD treatment with CARPEDIEM: small solute clearance at different blood and
      dialysate flows with three different surface area filter configurations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The CARdiorenal PEDIatric EMergency (CARPEDIEM) machine was
      originally designed to perform only continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH)
      in neonatal and pediatric patients. In some cases, adequate convective clearance
      may not be reached because of a limited blood flow. In such conditions, the
      application of diffusive clearance [continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD)]
      would help optimize blood purification. In this study, the CARPEDIEMTM machine
      was modified to enable the circulation of dialysis through the filter allowing
      testing of the performance of CARPEDIEMTM machine in CVVHD. METHODS: Three
      different polyethersulfone hemodialyzers (surface area = 0.1 m(2), 0.2 m(2), and
      0.35 m(2), respectively) were tested in vitro with a scheduled combination of
      plasma flow rates (Qp = 10-20-30 ml/min) and dialysis fluid flow rate (Qd = 5-10
      15 ml/min). Three sessions were performed in co-current and one in counter
      current configuration (as control) for each filter size. Clearance was measured
      from the blood and dialysate sides and results with mass balance error greater
      than 5 % were discarded. RESULTS: Urea and creatinine clearances for each
      plasma/dialysate combination are reported: clearance increase progressively for
      every filter proportionally to plasma flow rates. Similarly, clearances increase
      progressively with dialysate flow rates at a given plasma flow. The clearance
      curve tends to present a steep increase for small increases in plasma flow in the
      range below 10 ml/min, while the curve tends to plateau for values averaging 30
      ml/min. As expected, the plateau is reached earlier with the smaller filter
      showing the effect of membrane surface-area limitation. At every plasma flow, the
      effect of dialysate flow increase is evident and well defined, showing that
      saturation of effluent was not achieved completely in any of the experimental
      conditions explored. No differences (p > 0.05 for all values) were obtained in
      experiments using whole blood instead of plasma or using co-current versus
      counter-current dialysate flow configuration. CONCLUSIONS: Although plasma flow
      and filter surface give an important contribution to the level of clearance urea
      and creatinine, it appears evident that dialysate flow plays an essential role in
      the blood purification process, justifying the use of CVVHD versus CVVH in case
      of high dialysis dose requirement and/or limited blood flow rate.

PMID- 27139898
TI  - Novel urinary tubular injury markers reveal an evidence of underlying kidney
      injury in children with reduced left ventricular systolic function: a pilot
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evolving data suggest tubular injury markers (TIM) to be diagnostic
      and prognostic biomarkers of kidney injury in adults with chronic cardiac
      dysfunction. Such data are not well delineated in asymptomatic children with
      cardiomyopathy. This study sought to evaluate kidney involvement in children with
      left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. METHODS: We conducted a cross
      sectional case-control study in 61 asymptomatic children (aged 1.7-21.9 years)
      with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) < 55 %. Routine
      conventional kidney function markers and the following urinary TIM were measured:
      KIM-1, IL-18, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and L-FABP.
      Characteristics and TIM data of cases were compared with those of 61 age- and
      gender-matched healthy controls. RESULTS: Children with DCM had higher TIM
      concentrations compared with controls for IL-18 (28.2 pg/mg, IQR [15.9-42.5]
      vs19.0 [12.6-28.6], p < 0.001), NGAL (13.2 ng/mg [6.5-44.3] vs 8.3 [3.1-17.5], p
      = 0.01), and KIM-1 (386 pg/mg (248-597) vs 307 [182-432], p = 0.02). All
      conventional kidney function markers were within normal limits in the DCM cohort.
      A combined model using cut-off values of KIM-1 >= 235, IL-18 >= 17.5, and (BNP) >
      15 pg/ml resulted in distinction between patients with mildly depressed LV (55 >
      LVEF >= 45) and those with LVEF < 45 %. The sensitivity of this model was >=80 %
      when any of the cut-off values was met and specificity 83 % when all cut-off
      values were met. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that asymptomatic children with
      LVEF < 55 % might have subclinical kidney injury that cannot be detected with
      conventional kidney function markers. TIM in conjunction with other cardiac
      function markers may be utilized to distinguish asymptomatic children with DCM
      and moderate or worse LV dysfunction (LFEV < 45 %) from those with mild LV
      dysfunction (55 > LVEF >= 45 %).

PMID- 27139899
TI  - Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome: a clinical conundrum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients negative for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are
      categorized as having atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and are associated
      with an increased risk for complement mutations and poorer prognosis compared
      with typical HUS. However, STEC identification is limited by the natural history
      of HUS. METHODS: The current study is aimed at identifying HUS patients with poor
      outcomes based on the presence or absence of diarrhea (D) or Shiga toxin (S). A
      single-center retrospective review (2003-2012) of 42 HUS patients (follow-up 31.3
      +/- 38.7 months) was carried out. HUS was managed clinically with supportive
      treatments such as dialysis, plasma therapy, and eculizumab. RESULTS: There was
      no significant difference in the D+S+ (31 %), D+S- (50 %) and D-S- (19 %) groups
      in the outcome variables of chronic kidney disease stages I-II (100 % vs 81 % vs
      67 %) and proteinuria at follow-up (20 % vs 12.5 % vs 33.3 %), hospitalization
      duration (16.0 +/- 8.7 vs 18.1 +/- 9.5 vs 23.7 +/- 12.9 days); dialysis
      requirement (50 % vs 81 % vs 66.7 %), and dialysis duration (10.2 +/- 1.9 vs 33.3
      +/- 72.8 vs 10.3 +/- 8.1 days). There was no significant difference in study
      outcomes in STEC+ (59 %) versus STEC- (41 %) groups. Genetic testing was
      performed in 12 % of HUS patients based on age, recurrent HUS, familial HUS,
      persistently low C3, or prolonged dialysis, and 80 % of the patients tested were
      positive for genetic mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Our study does not show poorer
      outcomes in STEC- HUS. Indications and the cost-effectiveness of genetic testing,
      eculizumab, and plasmapheresis in STEC- HUS need to be evaluated further.

PMID- 27139900
TI  - Biopsy-proven paediatric tubulointerstitial nephritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) is an uncommon condition in which
      the aetiology, treatment and outcome is not well defined. We describe a large
      series of children with biopsy-proven TIN. METHODS: All children with biopsy
      proven TIN presenting to our institution during a 23-year period were
      retrospectively reviewed for aetiology, symptoms, treatment, and long-term
      outcome. RESULTS: A total of 27 children (16 girls) were described. Median age
      was 12 years (range 8 months to 15 years). A potentially adverse drug reaction
      was found in 12 (44 %) and infection in 8 (30 %). In 13 (48 %) no initiating
      factor was identified. All but 1 patient were treated with corticosteroids owing
      to worsening kidney function and 4 patients with other immunosuppressive agents.
      Fifteen children (56 %) had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of
      less than 80 ml/min/1.73 m(2) at last follow-up. Fifteen of the 23 children
      investigated (65 %) had coexistent uveitis. CONCLUSION: This series represents a
      subset of paediatric TIN patients in whom there was a clinical indication for a
      renal biopsy, hence presenting with more severe disease than previously reported.
      This group were more likely to have no identifiable underlying cause and an
      increased requirement for corticosteroid treatment. Furthermore, more than half
      of the cases developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) with impaired kidney
      function.

PMID- 27139903
TI  - HIV+ patients and HIV eradication - allogeneic transplantation.

PMID- 27139901
TI  - Vesicoureteral reflux and the extracellular matrix connection.
AB  - Primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a common pediatric condition due to a
      developmental defect in the ureterovesical junction. The prevalence of VUR among
      individuals with connective tissue disorders, as well as the importance of the
      ureter and bladder wall musculature for the anti-reflux mechanism, suggest that
      defects in the extracellular matrix (ECM) within the ureterovesical junction may
      result in VUR. This review will discuss the function of the smooth muscle and its
      supporting ECM microenvironment with respect to VUR, and explore the association
      of VUR with mutations in ECM-related genes.

PMID- 27139902
TI  - Genomics of Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common clinical arrhythmia that appears to be
      highly heritable, despite representing a complex interplay of several disease
      processes that generally do not manifest until later in life. In this manuscript,
      we will review the genetic basis of this complex trait established through
      studies of familial AF, linkage and candidate gene studies of common AF, genome
      wide association studies (GWAS) of common AF, and transcriptomic studies of AF.
      Since AF is associated with a five-fold increase in the risk of stroke, we also
      review the intersection of common genetic factors associated with both of these
      conditions. Similarly, we highlight the intersection of common genetic markers
      associated with some risk factors for AF, such as hypertension and obesity, and
      AF. Lastly, we describe a paradigm where genetic factors predispose to the risk
      of AF, but which may require additional stress and trigger factors in older age
      to allow for the clinical manifestation of AF.

PMID- 27139904
TI  - Mg(II) -Mediated Catalytic Asymmetric Dearomatization (CADA) Reaction of beta
      Naphthols with Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylates.
AB  - A Mg(II) -mediated catalytic asymmetric dearomatization (CADA) reaction of beta
      naphthols has been developed. The reaction proceeds under ambient temperature and
      give a series of chiral trisubstituted olefins with good chemoselectivities, Z/E
      ratios, and excellent enantioselectivities. A fluorinated beta-naphthol was
      designed to generate chiral organofluorine skeletons through the current CADA
      reaction. Moreover, an interesting tandem cyclization reaction was observed in
      the following transformation process through an undiscovered intramolecular
      hydride transfer pathway.

PMID- 27139905
TI  - On Temporal Patterns and Circulation of Influenza Virus Strains in Taiwan, 2008
      2014: Implications of 2009 pH1N1 Pandemic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been observed that, historically, strains of pandemic
      influenza led to succeeding seasonal waves, albeit with decidedly different
      patterns. Recent studies suggest that the 2009 A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic has had an
      impact on the circulation patterns of seasonal influenza strains in the post
      pandemic years. In this work we aim to investigate this issue and also to compare
      the relative transmissibility of these waves of differing strains using Taiwan
      influenza surveillance data before, during and after the pandemic. METHODS: We
      make use of the Taiwan Center for Disease Control and Prevention influenza
      surveillance data on laboratory-confirmed subtyping of samples and a mathematical
      model to determine the waves of circulating (and co-circulating) H1, H3 and B
      virus strains in Taiwan during 2008-2014; or namely, short before, during and
      after the 2009 pandemic. We further pinpoint the turning points and relative
      transmissibility of each wave, in order to ascertain whether any temporal pattern
      exists. RESULTS/FINDINGS: For two consecutive years following the 2009 pandemic,
      A(H1N1)pdm09 circulated in Taiwan (as in most of Northern Hemisphere), sometimes
      co-circulating with AH3. From the evolution point of view, A(H1N1)pdm09 and AH3
      were able to sustain their circulation patterns to the end of 2010. In fact,
      A(H1N1)pdm09 virus circulated in six separate waves in Taiwan between summer of
      2009 and spring of 2014. Since 2009, a wave of A(H1N1)pmd09 occurred every
      fall/winter influenza season during our study period except 2011-2012 season,
      when mainly influenza strain B circulated. In comparing transmissibility, while
      the estimated per capita weekly growth rates for cumulative case numbers (and the
      reproduction number) seem to be lower for most of the influenza B waves
      (0.06~0.26; range of 95% CIs: 0.05~0.32) when compared to those of influenza A,
      the wave of influenza B from week 8 to week 38 of 2010 immediately following the
      fall/winter wave of 2009 A(H1N1) pdm09 was substantially higher at r = 0.89 (95%
      CI: 0.49, 1.28), in fact highest among all the waves detected in this study.
      Moreover, when AH3 or A(H1N1)pdm09 exhibit high incidence, reported cases of
      subtype B decreases and vice versa. Further modeling analysis indicated that
      during the study period, Taiwan nearly experienced at least one wave of influenza
      epidemic of some strain every summer except in 2012. DISCUSSION: Estimates of R
      for seasonal influenza are consistent with that of temperate and tropical
      subtropical regions, while estimate of R for A(H1N1)pdm09 is comparatively less
      than countries in Europe and North America, but similar to that of tropical
      subtropical regions. This offers indication of regional differences in
      transmissibility of influenza virus that exists only for pandemic influenza.
      Despite obvious limitations in the data used, this study, designed to
      qualitatively compare the temporal patterns and transmissibility of the waves of
      different strains, illustrates how influenza subtyping data can be utilized to
      explore the mechanism for various influenza strains to compete or to circulate,
      to possibly provide predictors of future trends in the evolution of influenza
      viruses of various subtypes, and perhaps more importantly, to be of use to future
      annual seasonal influenza vaccine design.

PMID- 27139906
TI  - Vitamin E homologues alpha- and gamma-tocopherol are not associated with bone
      turnover markers or bone mineral density in peri-menopausal and post-menopausal
      women.
AB  - In a large cohort of older women, we investigated the relationships that
      different forms of vitamin E may have with bone turnover markers and bone mineral
      density (BMD). We found a suggestive positive association between serum alpha
      tocopherol and BMD at the femoral neck, but no other clinically relevant
      observations. INTRODUCTION: Vitamin E has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory
      properties hypothesized to benefit bone, but limited studies exist regarding its
      homologues. We examined circulating and dietary alpha- and gamma-tocopherols with
      bone turnover markers (BTMs) and bone mineral density (BMD), and the role of
      inflammation in this relationship. METHODS: We performed two cross-sectional
      analyses from two visits (V2, 1997-1999, n = 3883; V3, 2007-2011, n = 2130) of
      the Aberdeen Prospective Osteoporosis Screening Study. Dietary and supplement
      intakes by food frequency questionnaire were assessed at both visits. V2 BTMs
      (urinary free pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline, serum N-terminal propeptide of
      type 1 collagen) and V3 serum alpha- and gamma-tocopherols, inflammatory markers
      (interleukin-6 [IL-6], serum amyloid A [SAA], high-sensitivity C-reactive protein
      [hs-CRP], E-selectin) and dual X-ray absorptiometry BMD at the femoral neck and
      lumbar spine were collected. Food sources of tocopherol homologues and diet-serum
      correlations were determined. The relationships between dietary tocopherols and
      BTMs (V2), and dietary and serum tocopherols with BMD (V3) were examined by
      multivariable regression (adjusting for age, cholesterol, inflammatory markers,
      carotenoids, body mass index, physical activity level, alcohol intake, smoking
      status and national deprivation category). RESULTS: Serum gamma-tocopherol was
      associated with increasing concentrations of hs-CRP, SAA and E-selectin (P-trend
      all <0.0001), while alpha-tocopherol was associated with decreasing
      concentrations of IL-6 and hs-CRP (P-trend all <0.001). Controlling for
      covariates, serum alpha-tocopherol was positively associated with BMD at the
      femoral neck (beta = 0.002, P = 0.04) among those not reporting vitamin E
      supplementation. CONCLUSION: We did not find biologically meaningful results
      between dietary and tocopherol homologues with BTMs or BMD.

PMID- 27139907
TI  - Tegument Glycoproteins and Cathepsins of Newly Excysted Juvenile Fasciola
      hepatica Carry Mannosidic and Paucimannosidic N-glycans.
AB  - Recently, the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in some areas has increased
      considerably and the availability of a vaccine to protect livestock from
      infection would represent a major advance in tools available for controlling this
      disease. To date, most vaccine-target discovery research on this parasite has
      concentrated on proteomic and transcriptomic approaches whereas little work has
      been carried out on glycosylation. As the F. hepatica tegument (Teg) may contain
      glycans potentially relevant to vaccine development and the Newly Excysted
      Juvenile (NEJ) is the first lifecycle stage in contact with the definitive host,
      our work has focused on assessing the glycosylation of the NEJTeg and identifying
      the NEJTeg glycoprotein repertoire. After in vitro excystation, NEJ were fixed
      and NEJTeg was extracted. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of
      flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis of released N-glycans revealed
      that oligomannose and core-fucosylated truncated N-glycans were the most dominant
      glycan types. By lectin binding studies these glycans were identified mainly on
      the NEJ surface, together with the oral and ventral suckers. NEJTeg glycoproteins
      were affinity purified after targeted biotinylation of the glycans and identified
      using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). From the
      total set of proteins previously identified in NEJTeg, eighteen were also
      detected in the glycosylated fraction, including the F. hepatica Cathepsin B3
      (FhCB3) and two of the Cathepsin L3 (FhCL3) proteins, among others. To confirm
      glycosylation of cathepsins, analysis at the glycopeptide level by LC-ESI-ion
      trap-MS/MS with collision-induced dissociation (CID) and electron-transfer
      dissociation (ETD) was carried out. We established that cathepsin B1 (FhCB1) on
      position N80, and FhCL3 (BN1106_s10139B000014, scaffold10139) on position N153,
      carry unusual paucimannosidic Man2GlcNAc2 glycans. To our knowledge, this is the
      first description of F. hepatica NEJ glycosylation and the first report of N
      glycosylation of F. hepatica cathepsins. The significance of these findings for
      immunological studies and vaccine development is discussed.

PMID- 27139909
TI  - NLOphoric Carbazole-Containing Push-Pull Extended Styryl Chromophores: Study of
      Photophysical Properties by Solvatochromic and DFT Method.
AB  - Carbazole based extended Donor-pi-Acceptor styryl dyes with intramolecular charge
      transfer characteristics were examined for their linear and nonlinear optical
      properties using solvatochromism, shifts in emission and density functional
      theory computations. All the extended styryls demonstrated positive
      solvatochromism. The extended styryl dyes showed largely improved photophysical
      properties and large Stokes shifts. The donor-acceptor interactions of the
      extended styryls were investigated by using generalized Mulliken-Hush method.
      Oscillator strengths and transition state dipole moments have been studied to
      understand charge transfer within the molecules. The nonlinear optical properties
      of the extended styryl were investigated by solvatochromic and density functional
      theory method. 

PMID- 27139908
TI  - The Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the HGF/cMET Axis in Ovarian Cancer.
AB  - Survival rates for ovarian cancer have remained relatively stable for the past 2
      decades despite advances in surgical techniques and cytotoxic chemotherapeutics,
      indicating a requirement for better therapies. One pathway currently proposed for
      targeting is the HGF/cMET pathway. Upregulated in a number of tumour types, cMET
      is a tyrosine kinase receptor expressed on epithelial cells. In ovarian cancer,
      it has been identified as highly expressed in the four major subtypes, with
      expression estimates ranging from 11 to 68 % of cases. HGF, the only known ligand
      for cMET, is found at high levels in both serum and ascites in women with ovarian
      cancer, and is proposed to induce both migration and metastasis. However,
      clinically validated biomarkers are not yet available for either HGF or cMET,
      preventing a clear understanding of the true rate of overexpression, or its
      correlation with prognosis. Despite this, a number of agents against HGF and cMET
      are currently being investigated in clinical trials for multiple tumour types,
      including ovarian. However, a lack of patient selection, biomarker usage, and
      post hoc analysis correlating response with expression has resulted in the
      majority of these trials showing little beneficial effect from these agents,
      indicating that additional research is required to determine their usefulness in
      patients with ovarian cancer. 

PMID- 27139910
TI  - Left Atrial Appendage and Closure: Who, When, and How.
AB  - Patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation have a 4- to 5-fold increase in
      strokes and that rhythm may be responsible for 15% to 20% of all strokes,
      particularly in the elderly. In this setting, thrombus in the left atrial
      appendage has been found to be the source of stroke in 90% of cases. Although
      oral anticoagulants have been found effective in reducing stroke rates, for a
      variety of issues, they may only be used in 40% to 50% of patients at increased
      risk for stroke. Given pathophysiology of stroke, site-specific therapy directed
      at left atrial appendage occlusion has been now studied for stroke prevention,
      and one device is FDA approved (Watchman). A meta-analysis of 2 randomized
      clinical trials and 2 registries with this device documented the following: (1)
      patients receiving the device had significantly fewer hemorrhagic strokes (hazard
      ratio 0.22, P=0.004); (2) a significant reduction in cardiovascular or
      unexplained death (hazard ratio 0.48, P=0.004); (3) more ischemic strokes in the
      device group; however, when periprocedural events were excluded, the difference
      was not significant; and (4) a significant reduction in nonprocedural bleeding
      with the device (hazard ratio 0.51, P=0.006) versus control. At present, the only
      device approved in the United States is indicated in patients with nonvalvular
      atrial fibrillation with acceptable anatomy who are at increased risk for stroke
      and would be candidates for anticoagulation in whom there is concern about the
      risk/benefit ratio for chronic anticoagulation. Unresolved issues include optimal
      patient selection criteria, the role of devices in patients in whom
      anticoagulation is contraindicated, and the relative role of novel oral
      anticoagulants versus the device which has not been tested in randomized trials. 

PMID- 27139911
TI  - Highlights of the Issue 5, 2016.

PMID- 27139912
TI  - Multiple Visual Field Representations in the Visual Wulst of a Laterally Eyed
      Bird, the Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata).
AB  - The visual wulst is the telencephalic target of the avian thalamofugal visual
      system. It contains several retinotopically organised representations of the
      contralateral visual field. We used optical imaging of intrinsic signals,
      electrophysiological recordings, and retrograde tracing with two fluorescent
      tracers to evaluate properties of these representations in the zebra finch, a
      songbird with laterally placed eyes. Our experiments revealed that there is some
      variability of the neuronal maps between individuals and also concerning the
      number of detectable maps. It was nonetheless possible to identify three
      different maps, a posterolateral, a posteromedial, and an anterior one, which
      were quite constant in their relation to each other. The posterolateral map was
      in contrast to the two others constantly visible in each successful experiment.
      The topography of the two other maps was mirrored against that map.
      Electrophysiological recordings in the anterior and the posterolateral map
      revealed that all units responded to flashes and to moving bars. Mean directional
      preferences as well as latencies were different between neurons of the two maps.
      Tracing experiments confirmed previous reports on the thalamo-wulst connections
      and showed that the anterior and the posterolateral map receive projections from
      separate clusters within the thalamic nuclei. Maps are connected to each other by
      wulst intrinsic projections. Our experiments confirm that the avian visual wulst
      contains several separate retinotopic maps with both different physiological
      properties and different thalamo-wulst afferents. This confirms that the
      functional organization of the visual wulst is very similar to its mammalian
      equivalent, the visual cortex.

PMID- 27139913
TI  - Individual Detection and Electrochemically Assisted Identification of Adsorbed
      Nanoparticles by Using Surface Plasmon Microscopy.
AB  - The increasing production and application of nanoparticles necessitates a highly
      sensitive analytical method for the quantification and identification of these
      potentially hazardous materials. We describe here an application of surface
      plasmon microscopy for the individual detection of each adsorbed nanoparticle and
      for visualization of its electrochemical conversion. Whereas the adsorption rate
      characterizes the number concentration of nanoparticles, the potential at which
      the adsorbed nanoparticles disappear during an anodic potential sweep
      characterizes the type of material. All the adsorbed nanoparticles are subjected
      to the potential sweep simultaneously; nevertheless, each of the up to a million
      adsorbed nanoparticles is identified individually by its electrochemical
      dissolution potential. The technique has been tested with silver and copper
      nanoparticles, but can be extended to many other electrochemically active
      nanomaterials.

PMID- 27139914
TI  - Emerging agents for the prevention of treatment induced neutropenia in adult
      cancer patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The administration of myeloid growth factors is the only approved
      treatment for the prevention of chemotherapy induced neutropenia and febrile
      neutropenia. However, their specific indications and contraindications and
      potential side effects limit their application to only a relatively small subset
      of patients at the highest risk for complications, such as infection. AREAS
      COVERED: A computerized systematic literature search was performed through
      Medline, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, the Pharmaprojects database and the
      clinicaltrials.gov website. The shortcomings of the existing treatment approach
      are reviewed, along with a synopsis of the characteristics of novel agents that
      protect bone marrow progenitors from the cytotoxic effects of antineoplastic
      treatment that may be used in the future as a stand-alone preventive strategy or
      as an adjunct to growth factors. EXPERT OPINION: There is an abundance of agents
      undergoing evaluation for the prevention of treatment-induced neutropenia. The
      appropriate selection of patients, the optimization of the use of existing agents
      and the increasing competition from biosimilars which likely ensure future
      decreases in healthcare costs are essential for growth factors to retain their
      dominant position in this setting.

PMID- 27139915
TI  - A Systematic Evaluation of Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Back and
      Limb Pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditional tonic spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been approved by
      FDA for chronic pain of intractable back and limb pain. However, it induces
      paresthesia and relieves pain poorly to some extent. Recently, burst SCS has been
      developed for pain reduction without the mandatory paresthesia. STUDY DESIGN: A
      systematic review of burst SCS for chronic back and limb pain. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of this systematic review is to determine the effects of burst SCS on
      pain relief without paresthesia for various conditions including failed back
      surgery syndrome, painful diabetic neuropathy, and radiculopathy. METHODS: The
      available literature on burst SCS in managing chronic pain without paresthesia
      was reviewed. The 2011 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Classification of
      Evidence Guidelines Process Manual was used to grade the evidence and risk of
      bias. Data sources included relevant literature identified through searches of
      PubMed, MEDLINE/OVID, SCOPUS, and manual searches of the bibliographies of known
      primary and review articles. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was
      pain relief and paresthesia status. Secondary outcome measures were improvement
      in pain quality, functional status, and complications. RESULTS: For this review,
      five studies including a total of 117 patients met the eligibility criteria. All
      studies were graded a Class IV study. LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this
      systematic review include an overall paucity of high quality studies. CONCLUSION:
      Burst SCS is a new approach that possibly causes more pain reduction for short
      term duration than tonic SCS without eliciting paresthesia. The evidence based on
      this systematic review for burst SCS in treating chronic intractable pain is
      considered fair and limited. This is an AAN recommendation level U. Further
      research is needed with a larger sample size and a standardized study design.

PMID- 27139916
TI  - Impact of long-term gastric acid suppression on spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
      in patients with advanced decompensated liver cirrhosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have presented conflicting results on the association
      between gastric acid suppression and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). The
      long-term effects of gastric acid suppression on SBP in cirrhotic patients remain
      unclear. This study evaluated the risk of SBP in advanced decompensated cirrhotic
      patients with long-term gastric acid suppression. METHODS: Using the Taiwan
      National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 4788 patients with
      decompensated cirrhosis from 1998 to 2011. The SBP incidence rate was compared
      among proton pump inhibitor (PPI), H2-receptor antagonist (H2RA), and control
      cohorts. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regressions analysis was conducted
      to confirm the association between gastric acid suppression and SBP. RESULTS:
      Totally, 4788 patients were analyzed: 1870 in the PPI cohort, 1728 in the H2RA
      cohort, and 1190 in the control cohort. The overall incidences of SBP were 16.8,
      11.9, and 9.80 per 1000 person-years in the PPI, H2RA, and control cohorts,
      respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of SBP during the follow-up period
      was 1.16- (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-1.86) and 1.00-fold (95% CI, 0.63
      1.57) higher in the PPI and H2RA cohorts, respectively, than in the control
      cohort; the result was non-significant. Compared with the control cohort,
      patients with >180days of PPI therapy had significantly higher risks of SBP, with
      an aHR of 2.28 (95% CI, 1.37-3.78). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term PPI use is associated
      with a high risk of SBP in advanced decompensated cirrhotic patients. Well
      designed prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the safety of long-term
      PPI use in such patients.

PMID- 27139917
TI  - Barriers to influenza vaccine uptake in obese people in Italy: Changes 2005-2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is an independent risk factor for developing flu-related
      complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze influenza vaccine
      uptake (VU) in the Italian obese, before and after the introduction of obesity
      among the national recommendations, and to evaluate factors associated to VU.
      METHODS: The comparison of two editions of the national survey carried out in
      2004-2005, before the inclusion of obese people among the specific high risk
      categories for flu complications, and in 2013, reaching a sample of 21,857
      persons who declared to have a BMI>30. Multilevel logistic regression was used to
      evaluate potential independent predictors of influenza immunization. RESULTS:
      Influenza vaccination coverage was 27.16% in 2013, versus 31.61% in 2005. A
      significant reduction of VU was registered after the introduction of obesity
      among the high risk conditions, for which flu VU was recommended. Regression
      modeling, both in adults and in older people, confirmed that barriers to VU in
      2013 were younger age, medium level of education, absence of chronic disease,
      smoking habit, and reporting no contacts with GPs during the previous 12months.
      Among those aged 65 or more, the role of regional policies was associated to VU.
      CONCLUSIONS: Immunization rates among young obese population are low, especially
      if not affected by comorbidities. Moreover, a reduction was registered in 2013
      with respect to 2005. Flu vaccine uptake among the older population seems to be
      influenced by regional vaccination strategies. The development of novel strategy
      is warranted, especially among the young adults.

PMID- 27139918
TI  - Fluorescent Heterodoped Nanotetrapods as Synergistically Enhancing Positive and
      Negative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents.
AB  - In this work, we report Mn-Fe heterodoped ZnSe tetrapod nanocrystals (NCs)
      synthesized to synergistically enhance contrast in both T1- and T2-weighted
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The proposed NCs were prepared using a
      customized heteroarchitecture such that the manganese (Mn) is confined in the
      core and iron (Fe) in the branches of the tetrapods. The elemental composition
      and profile of these NCs were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,
      energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass
      spectroscopy. Photoluminescence quantum yield of these heterodoped NCs in water
      is ~30%. Magnetic measurements reveal the simultaneous presence of
      superparamagnetic and paramagnetic behavior in these NCs because of the
      coexistence of Mn(2+) and Fe(2+) dopants. Their potential as simultaneous
      positive and negative MRI contrast agents was demonstrated by relaxivity
      measurements and in vivo MRI. From the in vivo studies, we also found that these
      NCs (with a hydrodynamic diameter of 20 nm) are excreted from the body within 24
      h after the injection. Therefore, these heterodoped tetrapods NCs, while being
      fluorescent and safe, hold great future as a synergistically enhancing dual-modal
      MRI contrast agent.

PMID- 27139919
TI  - Comparative idiosyncrasies in life extension by reduced mTOR signalling and its
      distinctiveness from dietary restriction.
AB  - Reduced mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling extends lifespan in
      yeast, nematodes, fruit flies and mice, highlighting a physiological pathway that
      could modulate aging in evolutionarily divergent organisms. This signalling
      system is also hypothesized to play a central role in lifespan extension via
      dietary restriction. By collating data from 48 available published studies
      examining lifespan with reduced mTOR signalling, we show that reduced mTOR
      signalling provides similar increases in median lifespan across species, with
      genetic mTOR manipulations consistently providing greater life extension than
      pharmacological treatment with rapamycin. In contrast to the consistency in
      changes in median lifespan, however, the demographic causes for life extension
      are highly species specific. Reduced mTOR signalling extends lifespan in
      nematodes by strongly reducing the degree to which mortality rates increase with
      age (aging rate). By contrast, life extension in mice and yeast occurs largely by
      pushing back the onset of aging, but not altering the shape of the mortality
      curve once aging starts. Importantly, in mice, the altered pattern of mortality
      induced by reduced mTOR signalling is different to that induced by dietary
      restriction, which reduces the rate of aging. Effects of mTOR signalling were
      also sex dependent, but only within mice, and not within flies, thus again
      species specific. An alleviation of age-associated mortality is not a shared
      feature of reduced mTOR signalling across model organisms and does not replicate
      the established age-related survival benefits of dietary restriction. 

PMID- 27139920
TI  - Targeted Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Novel Bioactive Molecules to
      Pancreatic Cancer Cells.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease with poor
      prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Therefore, there is an urgent need to
      identify new, safe, and targeted therapeutics for effective treatment of late as
      well as early stage disease. Plectin-1 (Plec-1) was recently identified as
      specific biomarker for detecting PDAC at an early stage. We envisioned that
      multivalent attachment of nanocarriers incorporating certain drugs to Plec-1
      derived peptide would increase specific binding affinity and impart high
      specificity for PDAC cells. Previously, we discovered a novel class of compounds
      (e.g., quinazolinediones, QDs) that exert their cytotoxic effects by modulating
      ROS-mediated cell signaling. Herein, we prepared novel QD242-encapsulated
      polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with a peptide to selectively bind
      to Plec-1. Similarly, we prepared QD-based NPs densely decorated with an isatoic
      anhydride derivative. Furthermore, we evaluated their impact on ligand binding
      and antiproliferative activity against PDAC cells. The targeted NPs were more
      potent than the nontargeted constructs in PDAC cells warranting further
      development.

PMID- 27139922
TI  - Cutaneous Porphyrias: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and the Danish Incidence 1989
      2013.
AB  - Porphyrias are rare diseases caused by altered haem synthesis leading to the
      accumulation of different haem intermediates. Neurovisceral attacks may occur in
      acute porphyrias, while photosensitivity is the presenting symptom in cutaneous
      porphyrias. We present here an overview of symptoms and a flowchart for the
      diagnosis of cutaneous porphyrias, with recommendations for monitoring and an
      update of treatment options. From the Danish Porphyria Register, we present the
      incidences and approximate prevalences of cutaneous porphyrias within the last 25
      years. A total of 650 patients with porphyria cutanea tarda were identified, 73
      with erythropoietic protoporphyria, 9 with variegate porphyria, 4 with hereditary
      coproporphyria and one with congenital erythropoietic porphyria. The total
      incidence of all porphyrias was ~0.52/100,000 per year.

PMID- 27139923
TI  - Functional porous composites by blending with solution-processable molecular
      pores.
AB  - We present a simple method for rendering non-porous materials porous by solution
      co-processing with organic cage molecules. This method can be used both for small
      functional molecules and for polymers, thus creating porous composites by
      molecular blending, rather than the more traditional approach of supporting
      functional molecules on pre-frabricated porous supports. 

PMID- 27139924
TI  - Recommendations of French Alcohol Society and European Federation of Addiction
      Societies.

PMID- 27139925
TI  - Nasal obstruction has a limited impact on sleep quality and quality of life in
      patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Nasal obstruction is a cardinal symptom in diagnosing
      chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and decreased sleep quality (SQ) and quality of
      life (QOL) are commonly reported in CRS. It is, however, unclear what role nasal
      obstruction severity plays in this decreased SQ and QOL. Using validated
      instruments, we evaluated the relationship between nasal obstruction severity,
      SQ, and QOL. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Patients with CRS
      refractory to standard medical therapy (n = 28) were prospectively enrolled and
      completed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE), Pittsburg Sleep
      Quality Index (PSQI), Rhinosinusitis Disability Index, and the 22-item Sinonasal
      Outcome Test. CRS disease severity was evaluated with computed tomography and
      endoscopy. NOSE scores were compared to SQ, QOL, and disease severity measures.
      Spearman correlations were used to identify significant associations between
      measures. RESULTS: All patients reported symptomatic nasal obstruction (NOSE
      score >= 30), whereas poor sleep (PSQI >= 5) was reported by 82%. The NOSE
      sleeping subdomain correlated strongly with the PSQI total score, whereas other
      elements of the NOSE instrument correlated weakly or not at all with this
      measurement of SQ. Nasal obstruction correlated weakly with disease-specific QOL
      and had no correlation with the PSQI total. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal obstruction
      appears to have a limited association with CRS-specific QOL and CRS-associated
      decrease in SQ. Further, the NOSE instrument, because it contains a question
      about sleep, may have overlap with the PSQI as a measure of SQ. The total NOSE
      score in CRS patients does not appear to be purely a measure of nasal
      obstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 126:1971-1976, 2016.

PMID- 27139926
TI  - ahg12 is a dominant proteasome mutant that affects multiple regulatory systems
      for germination of Arabidopsis.
AB  - The ubiquitin-proteasome system is fundamentally involved in myriad biological
      phenomena of eukaryotes. In plants, this regulated protein degradation system has
      a pivotal role in the cellular response mechanisms for both internal and external
      stimuli, such as plant hormones and environmental stresses. Information about
      substrate selection by the ubiquitination machinery has accumulated, but there is
      very little information about selectivity for substrates at the proteasome. Here,
      we report characterization of a novel abscisic acid (ABA)-hypersensitive mutant
      named ABA hypersensitive germination12 (ahg12) in Arabidopsis. The ahg12 mutant
      showed a unique pleiotropic phenotype, including hypersensitivity to ABA and
      ethylene, and hyposensitivity to light. Map-based cloning identified the ahg12
      mutation to cause an amino acid conversion in the L23 loop of RPT5a, which is
      predicted to form the pore structure of the 19S RP complex of the proteasome.
      Transient expression assays demonstrated that some plant-specific signaling
      components accumulated at higher levels in the ahg12 mutant. These results
      suggest that the ahg12 mutation led to changes in the substrate preference of the
      26S proteasome. The discovery of the ahg12 mutation thus will contribute to
      elucidate the characteristics of the regulated protein degradation system.

PMID- 27139927
TI  - The mechanical properties of a cell-based numerical model of epithelium.
AB  - In this work we use a computational cell-based model to study the influence of
      the mechanical properties of cells on the mechanics of epithelial tissues. We
      analyze the effect of the model parameters on the elasticity and the mechanical
      response of tissues subjected to stress loading application. We compare our
      numerical results with experimental measurements of epithelial cell monolayer
      mechanics. Unlike previous studies, we have been able to estimate in physical
      units the parameter values that match the experimental results. A key observation
      is that the model parameters must vary with the tissue strain. In particular, it
      was found that, while the perimeter contractility and the area elasticity of
      cells remain constant at lower strains (<20%), they must increase to respond to
      larger strains (>20%). However, above a threshold of 50% extension, the cells
      stop counteracting the tissue strain and reduce both their perimeter
      contractility and area elasticity. 

PMID- 27139928
TI  - High prevalence of frequent attendance in the over 65s.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Characteristics of older frequent users of Emergency Departments
      (EDs) are poorly understood. Our aim was to examine the characteristics of the ED
      frequent attenders (FAs) by age (under 65 and over 65 years). METHODS: We
      examined the prevalence of FA attending the ED of an Urban Teaching Hospital in a
      cross-sectional study between 2009 and 2011. FA was defined as an individual who
      presented to the ED four or more times over a 12-month period. Randomly selected
      groups of FA and non-FA from two age groups (under 65 and over 65 years) were
      then examined to compare the characteristics between older FAs and non-FAs and
      older FAs and younger FAs. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds
      ratio and 95% confidence intervals for 12-month mortality in FA compared with non
      FA aged at least 65 years. RESULTS: Overall, 137 150 ED attendances were recorded
      between 2009 and 2011. A total of 21.6% were aged at least 65 years, 4.4% of whom
      were FAs, accounting for 18.4% of attendances by patients older than 65 years.
      There was a bimodal age distribution of FA (mean+/-SD; under 65 years 40+/-12.7;
      and over 65 years 76.9+/-7.4). Older FAs were five times more likely to present
      outside normal working hours and 5.5 times more likely to require admission.
      Cardiovascular emergencies were the most common complaint, in contrast with the
      younger FA group, where injury and psychosocial conditions dominated. The odds
      ratio for death at 12 months was 2.07 (95% confidence interval 0.93-4.63;
      P=0.07), adjusting for age and sex. CONCLUSION: One-in-five ED patients older
      than 65 years of age are FAs. Older FAs largely present with complex medical
      conditions. Enhanced access to expert gerontology assessment should be considered
      as part of effective intervention strategies for older ED users.

PMID- 27139929
TI  - Leukocyte opioid receptors mediate analgesia via Ca(2+)-regulated release of
      opioid peptides.
AB  - Opioids are the most powerful analgesics. As pain is driven by sensory
      transmission and opioid receptors couple to inhibitory G proteins, according to
      the classical concept, opioids alleviate pain by activating receptors on neurons
      and blocking the release of excitatory mediators (e.g., substance P). Here we
      show that analgesia can be mediated by opioid receptors in immune cells. We
      propose that activation of leukocyte opioid receptors leads to the secretion of
      opioid peptides Met-enkephalin, beta-endorphin and dynorphin A (1-17), which
      subsequently act at local neuronal receptors, to relieve pain. In a mouse model
      of neuropathic pain induced by a chronic constriction injury of the sciatic
      nerve, exogenous agonists of delta-, MU- and kappa-opioid receptors injected at
      the damaged nerve infiltrated by opioid peptide- and receptor-expressing
      leukocytes, produced analgesia, as assessed with von Frey filaments. The
      analgesia was attenuated by pharmacological or genetic inactivation of opioid
      peptides, and by leukocyte depletion. This decrease in analgesia was restored by
      the transfer of wild-type, but not opioid receptor-lacking leukocytes. Ex vivo,
      exogenous opioids triggered secretion of opioid peptides from wild-type immune
      cells isolated from damaged nerves, which was diminished by blockade of Galphai/o
      or Gbetagamma (but not Galphas) proteins, by chelator of intracellular (but not
      extracellular) Ca(2+), by blockers of phospholipase C (PLC) and inositol 1,4,5
      trisphosphate (IP3) receptors, and was partially attenuated by protein kinase C
      inhibitor. Similarly, the leukocyte depletion-induced decrease in exogenous
      opioid analgesia was re-established by transfer of immune cells ex vivo
      pretreated with extracellular Ca(2+) chelator, but was unaltered by leukocytes
      pretreated with intracellular Ca(2+) chelator or blockers of Galphai/o and
      Gbetagamma proteins. Thus, both ex vivo opioid peptide release and in vivo
      analgesia were mediated by leukocyte opioid receptors coupled to the Galphai/o
      Gbetagamma protein-PLC-IP3 receptors-intracellular Ca(2+) pathway. Our findings
      suggest that opioid receptors in immune cells are important targets for the
      control of pathological pain. 

PMID- 27139930
TI  - Psychophysiological Responses to Repeated-Sprint Training in Normobaric Hypoxia
      and Normoxia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare psychophysiological responses to 6 repeated-sprint sessions
      in normobaric hypoxia (RSH) and normoxia (RSN) in team-sport athletes during a 2
      wk "live high-train low" training camp. METHODS: While residing under normobaric
      hypoxia (>=14 h/d, FiO2 14.5-14.2%), 23 lowland elite field hockey players
      performed, in addition to their usual training, 6 sessions (4 * 5 * 5-s maximal
      sprints, 25-s passive recovery, 5 min rest) under either RSH (FiO2 ~14.5%) or RSN
      (FiO2 21%). Sprint 1 and 5 times, physiological strain (heart rate [HR], arterial
      oxyhemoglobin saturation [SpO2]), and perceptual responses (overall peripheral
      discomfort, difficulty breathing, and lower-limb discomfort) were monitored.
      RESULTS: During the 1st session, HR increased across sets (P < .001)
      independently of the conditions, while SpO2 was globally lower (P < .001) for RSH
      (averaged value: 91.9% +/- 1.2%) vs RSN (96.9% +/- 0.6%). Thereafter, SpO2 and HR
      remained similar across sessions for each condition. While 1st-sprint time
      remained similar, last-sprint time and fatigue index significantly decreased
      across sets (P < .01) and sessions (P < .05) but not between conditions. Ratings
      of overall perceived discomfort, difficulty breathing, and lower-limb discomfort
      were higher (P < .05) in RSH vs RSN at the 1st session. During subsequent
      sessions, values for overall perceived discomfort (time [P < .001] and condition
      [P < .05] effects), difficulty breathing (time effect; P < .001), and lower-limb
      discomfort (condition [P < .001] and interaction [P < .05] effects) decreased to
      a larger extent in RSH vs RSN. CONCLUSION: Despite higher hypoxia-induced
      physiological and perceptual strain during the 1st session, perceptual responses
      improved thereafter in RSH so as not to differ from RSN. This indicates an
      effective acclimation and tolerance to this innovative training.

PMID- 27139931
TI  - Molecular Structures of N,N'-Dimethylbenzimidazoline-2-germylene and -stannylene
      in Solution and in Solid State by Means of Optical (Raman and UV-vis)
      Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemistry Methods.
AB  - X-ray data obtained for germylene 1 evidence its monomeric structure, unlike that
      of stannylene 2, which had been shown previously to form a coordination dimer.
      Raman spectra of solid and liquid 1 are identical, whereas the Raman spectra of
      solid 2 and its solution 2a differ significantly. The spectrum of 2 is
      complicated and contains the lines corresponding to N -> Sn coordination bonds
      forming a dimer. The spectrum of 2a is simpler and close to that of monomeric 1,
      thus pointing to the rupture of the dimer in solution. The UV-vis spectrum of
      solid 2 exhibits a band corresponding to a transition involving the N -> Sn
      coordination bonds. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules data estimate the energy
      of this bond as ~19 kcal/mol. The aromaticity of 1 and 2 with their 10 pi
      electron systems including divalent Ge or Sn atoms is confirmed by negative
      nucleus-independent chemical shift values.

PMID- 27139932
TI  - A Method-bridging Study for Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D to Standardize Historical
      Radioimmunoassay Data to Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were measured for
      the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) over the 1988-2006
      period using a radioimmunoassay (RIA). In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control
      and Prevention (CDC) reissued RIA-harmonized 25OHD for NHANES 2004 and 2006, and
      advised users to adjust the original RIA data from 1988-1994 by using an
      equation. Beginning with NHANES 2007-2008, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method measured 25OHD. METHODS: A method comparison
      (bridging) study was designed to convert original RIA 25OHD to LC-MS/MS
      equivalents. This report compares the predictive ability of a competitor
      regression model (Model 2) to the equations that CDC publicly released in 2015
      (Model 1). The models differ by time period variable and use of transformations.
      RESULTS: The two models provided similar adjusted R(2) (Model 1: 88.9%, Model 2:
      90.4%) and root mean square error of prediction (plus or minus 9 to 10 nanomoles
      per liter [nmol/L]). Applying these models to NHANES 1988-2006 RIA 25OHD, the
      Pearson correlation of LC-MS/MS-equivalent concentrations was 0.99; the median
      difference between models was 0 nmol/L (interquartile range: -2.8 to 1 nmol/L).
      In contrast to declining RIA-harmonized 25OHD, both models showed little change
      in LC-MS/MS-predicted 25OHD over the 1988-2006 period. For 2001-2006, both models
      predicted similar prevalences of 25OHD less than 30 nmol/L, which were lower than
      the prevalence estimates based on RIA-harmonized data. Mean weighted LC-MS/MS
      equivalent concentrations based on either model were about 3 nmol/L lower for the
      1988-1994 survey and about 3 nmol/L higher for the 2001-2006 surveys, effectively
      smoothing out temporal trends observed using the harmonized RIA data.
      CONCLUSIONS: Given minimal differences between models, final selection was based
      on public availability of the regression data. The bridging equations provide a
      way to use the previous RIA results to obtain LC-MS/MS-equivalent concentrations
      and evaluate temporal trends in vitamin D status.

PMID- 27139933
TI  - The informative nature of unexpected results: reply to Telleria and Yapu-Alcazar.

PMID- 27139934
TI  - Neonatal finasteride administration decreases dopamine release in nucleus
      accumbens after alcohol and food presentation in adult male rats.
AB  - Endogenous levels of the neurosteroid (NS) allopregnanolone (AlloP) during
      neonatal stages are crucial for the correct development of the central nervous
      system (CNS). In a recent work we reported that the neonatal administration of
      AlloP or finasteride (Finas), an inhibitor of the enzyme 5alpha-reductase needed
      for AlloP synthesis, altered the voluntary consumption of ethanol and the
      ventrostriatal dopamine (DA) levels in adulthood, suggesting that neonatal NS
      manipulations can increase alcohol abuse vulnerability in adulthood. Moreover,
      other authors have associated neonatal NS alterations with diverse dopaminergic
      (DAergic) alterations. Thus, the aim of the present work is to analyse if
      manipulations of neonatal AlloP alter the DAergic response in the nucleus
      accumbens (NAcc) during alcohol intake in rats. We administered AlloP or Finas
      from postnatal day (PND) 5 to PND9. At PND98, we measured alcohol consumption
      using a two-bottle free-choice model (ethanol 10% (v/v)+glucose 3% (w/v), and
      glucose 3% (w/v)) for 12 days. On the last day of consumption, we measured the DA
      and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) release in NAcc in response to ethanol
      intake. The samples were obtained by means of in vivo microdialysis in freely
      moving rats, and DA and DOPAC levels were determined by means of high-performance
      liquid chromatography analysis (HPLC). The results revealed that neonatal Finas
      increased ethanol consumption in some days of the consumption phase, and
      decreased the DA release in the NAcc in response to solutions (ethanol+glucose)
      and food presentation. Taken together, these results suggest that neonatal NS
      alterations can affect alcohol rewarding properties.

PMID- 27139935
TI  - Effects of chronic testosterone administration on body weight and food intake
      differ among pre-pubertal, gonadal-intact, and ovariectomized female rats.
AB  - In females, estrogens play pivotal roles in preventing excessive body weight
      gain. On the other hand, the roles of androgen in female appetite and body weight
      regulation have not been fully studied. In this study, whether the roles of
      androgen in the regulation of body weight and appetite were different among ages
      and/or the estrogen milieu in females was evaluated. Body weight gain and food
      intake were increased by chronic testosterone administration in pre-pubertal and
      gonadal-intact female rats, but not in ovariectomized female rats. Testosterone
      administration also affected the serum leptin level and adipose leptin gene
      expression levels differently in each experimental condition. Hypothalamic mRNA
      levels of ERalpha, which plays pivotal roles in regulation of body weight and
      metabolism, were decreased by chronic testosterone administration in pre-pubertal
      and gonadal-intact female rats, but not in ovariectomized female rats. These
      results indicate that the effects of testosterone on body weight and appetite
      differed among ages and/or estrogen milieu in female rats, and that attenuation
      of estrogens' actions on the hypothalamus might be partly involved in the
      androgen-induced increases of body weight gain and food intake in females.

PMID- 27139936
TI  - Thoracoscopic thymectomy versus open thymectomy for the treatment of thymoma: A
      meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some studies compared the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic
      thymectomy (OT) with open thymectomy (TT) in the treatment of thymoma, but the
      results remained controversial. This meta-analysis was designed to determine the
      safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic thymectomy in comparison with open
      thymectomy in the treatment of thymoma. METHODS: Relevant studies were searched
      in databases of PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Comparative studies of
      thoracoscopic thymectomy and open thymectomy in the treatment of thymoma were
      included. Both short-term perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes were
      analyzed. RESULTS: 14 Eligible studies were identified through electronic
      databases. Our analysis suggested, when compared with open thymectomy, patients
      having thoracoscopy might benefit from less blood loss (p = 0.004), lower blood
      transfusion rate (p = 0.02), shorter mean duration of chest tube (p = 0.002),
      hospital stay (p < 0.001) and lower complication (p = 0.03). There was no
      statistical difference in 5-year OS rate (p = 0.14) and DFS/RFS rate (p = 0.07)
      between two groups. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that thoracoscopic thymectomy
      could become a valid alternative to open thymectomy in selected patients with
      thymoma.

PMID- 27139937
TI  - Prenatal DNA diagnosis of Noonan syndrome in a fetus with increased nuchal
      translucency using next-generation sequencing.

PMID- 27139938
TI  - Solo-Surgeon Retroauricular Approach Endoscopic Thyroidectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of solo
      surgeon retroauricular thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For solo-surgery, we
      used an Endoeye Flex Laparo-Thoraco Videoscope (Olympus America, Inc.). A Vitom
      Karl Storz holding system (Karl Storz GmbH & Co.) composed of several bars
      connected by a ball-joint system was used for fixation of endoscope. A snake
      retractor and a brain-spoon retractor were used on the sternocleidomastoid.
      RESULTS: Endoscopic thyroidectomy using the solo-surgeon technique was performed
      in 10 patients having papillary thyroid carcinoma. The mean patient age was 36.0
      +/- 11.1 years, and all patients were female. There were no postoperative
      complications such as vocal cord paralysis and hematoma. When compared with the
      operating times and volume of drainage of a control group of 100 patients who
      underwent surgery through the conventional retroauricular approach between May
      2013 and December 2015, the operating times and volume of drainage were not
      significantly different (P = .781 and .541, respectively). CONCLUSION: Solo
      surgeon retroauricular thyroidectomy is safe and feasible when performed by a
      surgeon competent in endoscopic thyroidectomy.

PMID- 27139939
TI  - Emergence of Signal-Based Self-Replication without Manual Design.
AB  - In the realm of cellular-automata-based artificial life, configurations that self
      reproduce employing signals are a more advanced form than those that reproduce
      holistically by simple fission. One might view those signals as a very
      rudimentary genetic code, since they guide the formation of the "child" from its
      "parent." In principle, the signals could mutate to deliver a child better suited
      to reproduction in this artificial world. But even the simplest signal-based
      replicator discovered so far requires 58 specific CA transition rules that have
      been carefully hand-crafted to exactly meet the requirement of self-replication.
      Could such a system emerge without human design? This article considers how that
      might occur. Specifically, it demonstrates that the application of two heuristics
      can increase the probability that self-replication will emerge when needed
      transition rules are completed at random. The heuristics are using minimum total
      resources (parsimony) and maintaining structural continuity. Finally, the article
      suggests why parsimony is effective in catalyzing the emergence of self
      replication.

PMID- 27139940
TI  - Artificial Metamorphosis: Evolutionary Design of Transforming, Soft-Bodied
      Robots.
AB  - We show how the concept of metamorphosis, together with a biologically inspired
      model of multicellular development, can be used to evolve soft-bodied robots that
      are adapted to two very different tasks, such as being able to move in an aquatic
      and in a terrestrial environment. Each evolved solution defines two pairs of
      morphologies and controllers, together with a process of transforming one pair
      into the other. Animats develop from a single cell and grow through cellular
      divisions and deaths until they reach an initial larval form adapted to a first
      environment. To obtain the adult form adapted to a second environment, the larva
      undergoes metamorphosis, during which new cells are added or removed and its
      controller is modified. Importantly, our approach assumes nothing about what
      morphologies or methods of locomotion are preferred. Instead, it successfully
      searches the vast space of possible designs and comes up with complex,
      surprising, lifelike solutions that are reminiscent of amphibian metamorphosis.
      We analyze obtained solutions and investigate whether the morphological changes
      during metamorphosis are indeed adaptive. We then compare the effectiveness of
      three different types of selective pressures used to evolve metamorphic
      individuals. Finally, we investigate potential advantages of using metamorphosis
      to automatically produce soft-bodied designs by comparing the performance of
      metamorphic individuals with their specialized counterparts and designs that are
      robust to both environments.

PMID- 27139941
TI  - Evolution of Swarming Behavior Is Shaped by How Predators Attack.
AB  - Animal grouping behaviors have been widely studied due to their implications for
      understanding social intelligence, collective cognition, and potential
      applications in engineering, artificial intelligence, and robotics. An important
      biological aspect of these studies is discerning which selection pressures favor
      the evolution of grouping behavior. In the past decade, researchers have begun
      using evolutionary computation to study the evolutionary effects of these
      selection pressures in predator-prey models. The selfish herd hypothesis states
      that concentrated groups arise because prey selfishly attempt to place their
      conspecifics between themselves and the predator, thus causing an endless cycle
      of movement toward the center of the group. Using an evolutionary model of a
      predator-prey system, we show that how predators attack is critical to the
      evolution of the selfish herd. Following this discovery, we show that density
      dependent predation provides an abstraction of Hamilton's original formulation of
      domains of danger. Finally, we verify that density-dependent predation provides a
      sufficient selective advantage for prey to evolve the selfish herd in response to
      predation by coevolving predators. Thus, our work corroborates Hamilton's selfish
      herd hypothesis in a digital evolutionary model, refines the assumptions of the
      selfish herd hypothesis, and generalizes the domain of danger concept to density
      dependent predation.

PMID- 27139982
TI  - Polygonumnolides C1-C4; minor dianthrone glycosides from the roots of Polygonum
      multiflorum Thunb.
AB  - Four new dianthrone glycosides, named polygonumnolides C1-C4 (1-4), were isolated
      from the dried roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb, together with two known
      emodin dianthrones (5-6). Their hepatotoxicities were evaluated against L-02 cell
      lines. Compounds 1-4 showed weak hepatotoxicity against L-02 cell lines with IC50
      values of 313.05, 205.20, 294.20, and 207.35 MUM, respectively. 

PMID- 27139983
TI  - General Synthesis of Amino Acid Salts from Amino Alcohols and Basic Water
      Liberating H2.
AB  - An atom-economical and environmentally friendly method to transform amino
      alcohols to amino acid salts using just basic water, without the need of pre
      protection or added oxidant, catalyzed by a ruthenium pincer complex, is
      developed. Water is the solvent, the source of the oxygen atom of the carboxylic
      acid group, and the actual oxidant, with liberation of dihydrogen. Many important
      and useful natural and unnatural amino acid salts can be produced in excellent
      yields by applying this new method.

PMID- 27139984
TI  - Evolution of frameworks for expediting access to new drugs in Japan.
AB  - Japanese clinical research and regulatory frameworks have evolved considerably in
      the past two decades to reduce the delay in the introduction of new drugs in
      Japan compared with other major markets. However, recently introduced changes
      related to access to unapproved drugs might have the opposite effect and might
      not benefit all patients.

PMID- 27139985
TI  - Drug developers delve into the cell's trash-disposal machinery.

PMID- 27139986
TI  - NIH tackles clinical trial shortcomings.

PMID- 27139987
TI  - US drug spending hits $425 billion.

PMID- 27139988
TI  - EMA greenlights second gene therapy.

PMID- 27139989
TI  - FDA rejects first cognitive claim for antidepressant.

PMID- 27139990
TI  - Deal watch: Bristol-Myers Squibb acquires potential keys to treating rheumatoid
      arthritis.

PMID- 27139991
TI  - Stevin Zorn.

PMID- 27139992
TI  - Cardiovascular disease: Dissolving cholesterol to unclog arteries.

PMID- 27139993
TI  - Ovarian cancer: Cyclic peptide inhibits metastases.

PMID- 27139994
TI  - Spinal cord injury: Clamping down on calpains to treat injury-induced spasticity.

PMID- 27139995
TI  - Breast cancer: Inhibiting fatty acid oxidation blocks tumour growth.

PMID- 27139996
TI  - Metabolic disease: Beige cells secrete thermogenic factor.

PMID- 27139997
TI  - Anticancer drugs: Tumour-specific angiogenesis inhibition.

PMID- 27139998
TI  - Efficient visibility-driven medical image visualisation via adaptive binned
      visibility histogram.
AB  - 'Visibility' is a fundamental optical property that represents the observable, by
      users, proportion of the voxels in a volume during interactive volume rendering.
      The manipulation of this 'visibility' improves the volume rendering processes;
      for instance by ensuring the visibility of regions of interest (ROIs) or by
      guiding the identification of an optimal rendering view-point. The construction
      of visibility histograms (VHs), which represent the distribution of all the
      visibility of all voxels in the rendered volume, enables users to explore the
      volume with real-time feedback about occlusion patterns among spatially related
      structures during volume rendering manipulations. Volume rendered medical images
      have been a primary beneficiary of VH given the need to ensure that specific ROIs
      are visible relative to the surrounding structures, e.g. the visualisation of
      tumours that may otherwise be occluded by neighbouring structures. VH
      construction and its subsequent manipulations, however, are computationally
      expensive due to the histogram binning of the visibilities. This limits the real
      time application of VH to medical images that have large intensity ranges and
      volume dimensions and require a large number of histogram bins. In this study, we
      introduce an efficient adaptive binned visibility histogram (AB-VH) in which a
      smaller number of histogram bins are used to represent the visibility
      distribution of the full VH. We adaptively bin medical images by using a cluster
      analysis algorithm that groups the voxels according to their intensity
      similarities into a smaller subset of bins while preserving the distribution of
      the intensity range of the original images. We increase efficiency by exploiting
      the parallel computation and multiple render targets (MRT) extension of the
      modern graphical processing units (GPUs) and this enables efficient computation
      of the histogram. We show the application of our method to single-modality
      computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and multi-modality
      positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT). In our experiments, the AB-VH markedly
      improved the computational efficiency for the VH construction and thus improved
      the subsequent VH-driven volume manipulations. This efficiency was achieved
      without major degradation in the VH visually and numerical differences between
      the AB-VH and its full-bin counterpart. We applied several variants of the K
      means clustering algorithm with varying Ks (the number of clusters) and found
      that higher values of K resulted in better performance at a lower computational
      gain. The AB-VH also had an improved performance when compared to the
      conventional method of down-sampling of the histogram bins (equal binning) for
      volume rendering visualisation.

PMID- 27139999
TI  - A bladder diverticulum model in rabbits.
AB  - PURPOSE: Shuttling of some of the bladder volume into the bladder diverticulum
      (BD) can cause urinary retention, lower urinary tract dysfunction, infection, and
      stone formation. This experimental study is the first to create a rabbit BD to
      study micturition physiology (urodynamics and pathology) that mimics clinical
      findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 16 New Zealand adult male
      rabbits in the BD group and 16 sham-operated controls. BD creation consisted of a
      lower midline laparotomy and bladder entry via the spacing between the detrusor
      muscle fibers and the mucosa, posterolaterally from the bladder wall. The
      detrusor was excised to provide a mucosal prolapsus, creating a narrow BD neck
      (Figure). The sham group underwent bladder exposure with a midline incision. All
      rabbits underwent urodynamic study preoperatively and postoperatively, consisting
      of postmicturition residue (PMR), maximum bladder capacity (MBC), voiding
      detrusor pressure (VPdet), filling detrusor pressure (FPdet), compliance, and
      urine flow (Qflow). The animals were then sacrificed and their bladders assessed
      for pathology and stone formation. RESULTS: Preoperative MBC, Pdet, and Qmax were
      within reference ranges. No animals had PMR or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
      The BD group showed urodynamic and pathologic bladder changes, including
      decreased (28%) cystometric bladder capacity and compliance (Sham: 26.8 +/- 0.4;
      BD: 4.46 +/- 1.08, p = 0.0001) and increased post-void residual PMR (8.3 +/- 2.4
      mL). Pathology revealed increased bladder detrusor thickness correlated with
      urodynamic findings of increased filling detrusor pressures (Sham: 1.58 +/- 0.2;
      BD: 4.89 +/- 0.93, p = 0.0001). Urodynamics revealed intermittent BD bladder
      contraction during the filling phases. Eight BD group rabbits had UTIs; five had
      stone formation (4-9 mm). DISCUSSION: In the literature, it has not been
      determined whether lower urinary tract disorders (LUTD) could cause diverticula,
      or if a congenital diverticula could be reason for LUTD. Anatomical or
      neurological reasons for a low-compliance bladder can cause diverticulosis. As
      demonstrated in our study with rabbits, the congenital diverticulum could further
      reduce the compliance of the bladder. Further, a decrease in compliance logically
      correlates with the progressive decompensation of the bladder. CONCLUSIONS: The
      nature of diverticula remains undetermined. All the information presented for
      this model is relevant to our clinical observations. We conclude that the rabbit
      bladder can be used for research into experimental diverticulum-induced changes
      in the activity of the bladder and for experimental detrusor research.

PMID- 27140000
TI  - State appellant cases for testicular torsion: Case review from 1985 to 2015.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Testicular torsion is one of the most common diagnoses involved in
      lawsuits in the pediatric patient. Missed diagnosis and diagnostic delays put
      patients at risk for testicular loss and have resulted in malpractice litigation.
      Using a national database, we sought to describe testicular torsion malpractice
      cases tried at the state and federal level and investigate factors associated
      with successful defense by the provider. METHOD: We reviewed the Lexis Nexis
      academic legal database. We searched all cases using the terms "testicular
      torsion" and "medical malpractice" from 1985 to 2015. From this search, we
      compiled various medical and legal aspects of the case including the outcome of
      the trial. We performed multivariate logistic regression to determine which
      factors were associated with successful defense at the state level. RESULTS:
      Fifty-three malpractice cases of testicular torsion were included. State appeals
      were in favor of providers in 26 (50%) of cases. The average time between initial
      presentation of the patient and the state verdict decision was 5 years. Emergency
      room (ER) physicians were the most common provider sued (35%). Approximately half
      of the patients (26, 51%) first presented to the ER, and atypical presentations
      were common, as 16 (31%) presented with abdominal pain only. The proportion of
      patients with false-negative ultrasounds was 16 of 25 (64%). If the patient first
      presented to the ER, the doctor was less likely to have a successful defense (OR
      = 0.23; 95% CI 0.06-0.79]). Most verdicts (8/9, 89%) were in favor of urologists.
      One urologist lost at the state level because of delayed time to the operating
      room. CONCLUSIONS: Atypical clinical presentations and false-negative ultrasound
      findings are common in testicular torsion malpractice litigation at the state and
      federal level. Providers who used ultrasound were not more likely to win the
      state appeal, and providers whose patients presented to the ER were less likely
      to have a successful defense. Although 50% of providers won the state appeal, the
      time from initial patient presentation and final state verdict decision was
      substantial.

PMID- 27140001
TI  - Open versus minimally invasive ureteroneocystostomy: A population-level analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Open ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) is the gold standard for surgical
      correction of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Beyond single-center reports, there
      are few published data on outcomes of minimally-invasive (MIS) UNC. Our objective
      was to compare postoperative outcomes of open and MIS UNC using national,
      population-level data. METHOD: We reviewed the 1998-2012 Nationwide Inpatient
      Sample to identify pediatric (<=18 years) VUR patients who underwent either open
      or MIS UNC. Demographics, National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP)
      complications, length of stay (LOS), and cost data were extracted. Statistical
      analysis was performed using weighted, hierarchical multivariate logistic
      regression (complications) and negative binomial regression (LOS, cost). RESULTS:
      We identified 780 MIS and 75,976 open UNC admissions. Compared with patients
      undergoing open UNC, patients who underwent MIS UNC were likely to be older (6.2
      versus 4.8 years, p < 0.001), publically insured (43 versus 26%, p < 0.001), and
      treated in recent years (90 versus 46% after 2005, p < 0.001). MIS admissions
      were associated with a significantly shorter length of stay (1.0 versus 1.8 days,
      p < 0.001) and higher cost ($9230 versus $6,304, p = 0.002). After adjusting for
      patient-level confounders (age, gender, insurance, treatment year, and
      comorbidity), and hospital-level factors (region, bedsize, and teaching status),
      MIS UNC was associated with a significantly higher rate of postoperative urinary
      complications such as UTIs, urinary retention, and renal injury (OR 3.1, p =
      0.02), shorter LOS (RR 0.8, p = 0.02), and higher cost (RR 1.4, p = 0.008).
      DISCUSSION: Strengths of this study are its large cohort size, long time horizon,
      national estimation, and cost data. Most prior studies are case-series limited to
      the size of the institutional cohort. Our analysis of 76,756 operative encounters
      revealed that open UNC continues to be performed at far greater frequency than
      MIS UNC, outpacing the latter modality by nearly 100:1. Children treated with MIS
      UNC had three times greater odds of developing postoperative urinary
      complications, and MIS UNC patients incurred average costs per admission that
      were nearly 1.5 times higher than those of children who underwent open UNC. These
      children were also likely to be older, publically insured, and treated in more
      recent years. On the other hand, patients treated with MIS UNC required
      substantially shorter postoperative hospitalization, with an average LOS roughly
      half that of open UNC cases. Limitations include the retrospective nature of the
      administrative database, lack of detailed patient-level data, and no available
      long-term postoperative outcomes. Compared with open surgery, MIS UNC was
      associated with shorter LOS but higher costs and possibly higher urinary
      complication rates.

PMID- 27140002
TI  - Commentary regarding "What is a representative voiding pattern in children with
      lower urinary tract symptoms? Lack of consistent findings in ambulatory and
      conventional urodynamics tests".

PMID- 27140003
TI  - Postural therapy for renal stones in children: A Rolling Stones procedure.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite many advances, the management of renal stones - especially
      lower caliceal stones (LCS) - remains a challenge. The gravity-dependent location
      of the lower calices hinders the spontaneous clearance of fragments, which can be
      a nidus for future growth and symptomatic recurrence. Currently, there is no
      standard adjunctive therapy to facilitate fragment passage. OBJECTIVES: To report
      the safety and effectiveness of mechanical percussion diuresis and inversion
      (PDI) therapy for eliminating renal stones in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Since November 2013, children with residual fragments (after shock wave
      lithotripsy or flexible ureteroscopy) or native symptomatic renal stones were
      prospectively included in a protocol of four PDI sessions. After giving written
      consent, the children drank 10 ml/kg of water 30 min before therapy. They then
      laid in a prone Trendelenburg position on a couch angled at 45 degrees  and
      received continuous 10-min mechanical percussion applied over the affected flank
      by a physiotherapist (Figure summary). Tolerance stone burden reduction and stone
      clearance were documented with ultrasound 4 weeks after the last session.
      RESULTS: Seventeen participants, with a median age of 10.8 years (range 18 months
      to 18 years), received 82 PDI sessions performed over 22 months. The median stone
      diameter was 5 mm (range 3-9). All children tolerated the PDI therapy well. Over
      a median follow-up of 11 months (range 3-18), no significant adverse effects were
      noted. The overall stone-free rate was 65%. Four of the six patients with
      residual fragment passed their fragments. The patients who did not become stone
      free by PDI experienced a decrease in fragment size of 57% (range 34-71). The
      observance rate was 100%. DISCUSSION: Many studies have demonstrated that the
      gravity-dependent position of the lower calyces appears to be an important factor
      limiting the clearance of LCS. Positioning patients with a degree of inversion in
      order to put the collecting system beyond the horizontal plane affected the LCS
      through gravitational force. Complications were rare. PDI appeared to save costs
      and have similar success rates as shock wave lithotripsy for native small renal
      stones in children. CONCLUSION: PDI is safe and effective for facilitating
      gravity-dependent drainage of renal stones and provides an opportunity to treat
      children in a quick, non-invasive, economic, painless, non-radiative and
      diverting fashion. This therapy is a valuable alternative in the pattern of stone
      management. In case of persistent fragments, it is recommend that the number of
      sessions be increased to six.

PMID- 27140004
TI  - Scanning Single-Molecule Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy Enables Kinetics
      Study of DNA Hairpin Folding with a Time Window from Microseconds to Seconds.
AB  - Single-molecule fluorescence measurements have been widely used to explore
      kinetics and dynamics of biological systems. Among them, single-molecule imaging
      (SMI) is good at tracking processes slower than tens of milliseconds, whereas
      fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is good at probing processes faster
      than submilliseconds. However, there is still shortage of simple yet effective
      single-molecule fluorescence method to cover the time-scale between
      submilliseconds and tens of milliseconds. To effectively bridge this millisecond
      gap, we developed a single-molecule fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (smFCS)
      method that works on surface-immobilized single molecules through surface
      scanning. We validated it by monitoring the classical DNA hairpin folding
      process. With a wide time window from microseconds to seconds, the experimental
      data are well fitted to the two-state folding model. All relevant molecular
      parameters, including the relative fluorescence brightness, equilibrium constant,
      and reaction rate constants, were uniquely determined.

PMID- 27140005
TI  - Commentary on "The aging physician and surgeon" by Sataloff et al [Guest
      Editorial[.

PMID- 27140006
TI  - Endoscopic identification and powered removal of the uncinate process.

PMID- 27140007
TI  - Improved visualization of a dehiscent facial nerve with otoendoscopy.

PMID- 27140008
TI  - Gore-Tex extrusion following type I thyroplasty.

PMID- 27140009
TI  - Lichen nitidus on the dorsal tongue.

PMID- 27140010
TI  - Nasal polyp with osseous metaplasia.

PMID- 27140011
TI  - Ear and temporal bone meningioma.

PMID- 27140012
TI  - Cervical disc herniation causing difficulty swallowing.

PMID- 27140013
TI  - Infant with an unusual neck mass.

PMID- 27140014
TI  - The rare fourth branchial cleft anomaly.

PMID- 27140015
TI  - Efficacy of allograft fascia lata in tympanic membrane repair.
AB  - We conducted a retrospective study to determine the efficacy of allograft fascia
      lata in both primary and revision tympanic membrane surgery (myringoplasty). Our
      patient population included 64 patients-31 men and 33 women, aged 19 to 98 years
      (mean: 49.5)-who had undergone tympanic membrane surgery with allograft fascia
      lata. Patients were grouped according to whether they had undergone primary
      surgery (n = 47) or revision surgery (n = 17). Data were compiled at preoperative
      and immediate postoperative visits, as well as at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months
      postoperatively. Residual perforations were defined as those present for less
      than 6 weeks postoperatively, and recurrent perforations were defined as those
      that occurred more than 6 weeks postoperatively. A residual perforation was found
      in only 1 patient (1.6%), a primary surgery patient. Recurrent perforations were
      found in 8 of the 64 patients (12.5%), including 5 in the primary group (10.6%)
      and 3 in the revision group (17.6%). We conclude that allograft fascia lata is a
      comparable alternative to other graft materials for performing myringoplasty. 

PMID- 27140016
TI  - Sympathetic hearing loss: A review of current understanding and report of 2
      cases.
AB  - Sympathetic hearing loss (SHL) is a rare complication that appears to occur when
      the immune system is primed against sequestered inner ear antigens. SHL has been
      implicated in delayed hearing loss after acoustic tumor removal, revision
      stapedectomy, and temporal bone fractures. We present 2 cases of suspected SHL
      after excision of skull base tumors during which the surgical approach had
      violated the otic capsule. Both patients experienced delayed contralateral
      sensorineural hearing loss. In comparing our cases with those previously
      reported, we hope to inspire others to do likewise and to develop an
      understanding of this clinical entity. 

PMID- 27140017
TI  - Pneumocephalus after insertion of an inflatable nasal tampon for the management
      of epistaxis.
AB  - While the fundamental principles of epistaxis management have not changed over
      the decades, the methods by which tamponade is achieved have been evolving.
      Inflatable nasal tampons are being used and seen with increasing frequency in our
      ENT clinic. They are usually placed by emergency department personnel, who then
      refer patients to our clinic for removal. The classically described complications
      of nasal packs are induction of the nasopulmonary reflex, toxic shock syndrome,
      and discomfort. In this article, we describe a case of pneumocephalus following
      placement of an inflatable nasal tampon. To the best of our knowledge, this is
      the first report of pneumocephalus after placement of an inflatable nasal tampon.

PMID- 27140018
TI  - An extended toboggan technique for resection of substernal thyroid goiters.
AB  - We describe our technique for the safe resection of substernal thyroid goiters.
      Early mobilization of the thyroid gland from tracheal attachments anteriorly and
      laterally facilitates extraction of the goiter from the mediastinum. Retrograde
      dissection through the ligament of Berry on the ipsilateral side can also
      facilitate identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and delivery of the
      substernal portion of the gland. We describe 2 representative cases in which we
      successfully used this technique. 

PMID- 27140019
TI  - Is unenhanced 18F-FDG-PET/CT better than enhanced CT in the detection of
      retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma?
AB  - Positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has been proposed as a
      means to enhance the pretreatment evaluation of cervical lymph node status in
      patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). We conducted a prospective study to
      compare PET/CT and enhanced CT for the detection of retropharyngeal lymph node
      (RLN) metastasis in NPC, and to ascertain the factors that affect its diagnostic
      performance. Our study population was made up of 33 patients-24 men and 9 women,
      aged 30 to 81 years (mean: 52)-with newly diagnosed NPC who had been treated over
      a 2-year period. All patients underwent enhanced CT first, followed by unenhanced
      18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT. The detection rate of RLN metastasis on
      PET/CT was significantly lower than that on enhanced CT (36.4 vs. 75.8%; p <
      0.001). A total of 25 of 26 nodes with a discordant finding were negative on
      PET/CT; they included 13 metastatic lymph nodes with low FDG uptake, 9 that were
      located close to the primary tumor, 2 that were confluent RLNs, and 1 that was
      adjacent to the physiologic FDG-avid prevertebral muscle. The maximum
      standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of RLNs was positively correlated with the
      minimum axial diameter (r = 0.803, p < 0.001). The PET/CT detection rate was 0%
      for lymph nodes smaller than 5 mm, 9% for those 5 to 10 mm, and 73% for those 1
      cm or larger. The detection rate of PET/CT at level C1 was significantly lower
      than that at C2 (22 vs. 67%; p = 0.035). We conclude that unenhanced PET/CT is
      markedly inferior to enhanced CT for detecting RLN metastasis in NPC, especially
      in lymph nodes with a minimum axial diameter of less than 1 cm and those in
      proximity to the primary tumor. Using enhanced CT in PET/CT is justified to
      improve the recognition of RLN metastasis in patients with NPC. 

PMID- 27140020
TI  - If cytology of Warthin tumor is accurate, can management be conservative?
AB  - We conducted a retrospective study to assess the accuracy of fine-needle
      aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of Warthin tumor and to evaluate the
      subsequent risk of conservative nonsurgical management. We reviewed the records
      of 75 patients (76 tumors) with a parotid mass that had been diagnosed as a
      Warthin tumor by FNAC. This patient population was made up of 64 men and 11
      women, aged 46 to 93 years (mean: 67). Of the 76 tumors, 40 were treated with
      surgical excision and 36 with conservative measures. Histology of the 40 excised
      parotid masses revealed that 38 (95%) were indeed Warthin tumors, 1 (2.5%) was a
      low-grade adenocarcinoma, and 1 was benign-not otherwise specified. None of the
      36 tumors underwent malignant transformation either clinically or on repeat FNAC
      (if performed) during a follow-up of 4 to 120 months (mean: 55.5 +/- 32.2). We
      conclude that conservative management of Warthin tumors confidently diagnosed on
      FNAC may be an option for patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo
      surgical excision. 

PMID- 27140021
TI  - OK-432 injection therapy for cystadenocarcinoma of the parotid gland: A case
      report.
AB  - OK-432 is an immunomodulator that has been reported to be efficacious as an
      injection therapy for cervical lymphomas and ranulas. We performed OK-432
      injection therapy to treat a cystadenocarcinoma of the parotid gland in a 72-year
      old man. The 50 * 46-mm tumor was located in the deep lobe of the gland. The
      tumor had compressed the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and hypoglossal nerves, causing
      neurally mediated syncope, hoarseness, dysphagia, and dysarthria. A concentration
      of 5 KE/2 ml of OK-432 was injected. Within 2 months, the cyst had disappeared;
      no recurrence was apparent during 59 months of follow-up. To the best of our
      knowledge, no previous report has described injection of OK-432 for malignant
      cystic disease. We describe the injection method, injection dose, and
      postinjection course in the hope that this information will prove useful for
      future applications against malignant cystic disease. 

PMID- 27140022
TI  - Primary NK/T-cell lymphoma of the larynx: Report of 2 cases and review of the
      English-, Japanese-, and Chinese-language literature.
AB  - Natural killer/T (NK/T) -cell lymphoma in the larynx is extremely rare, as only
      29 cases have been previously reported in the English-language, Japanese
      language, and Chinese-language literature. Its characteristics have never been
      systematically illustrated. We report 2 new cases of laryngeal NK/T-cell
      lymphoma, and we discuss the process of the diagnosis of this disease, the choice
      of treatment, and treatment outcomes. We also summarize all 31 cases reported
      thus far. Symptoms of laryngeal NK/T-cell lymphoma are difficult to differentiate
      from those of other laryngeal diseases. The most common laryngeal subsite in the
      reported cases was the supraglottis, and roughly one-third of these cases
      involved the cervical lymph nodes. Because of our limited experience with this
      disease and the difficulties encountered in interpreting the pathologic findings,
      most patients required multiple biopsies over a few months before their diagnosis
      was confirmed. The outcome of treatment was generally poor. Radiotherapy, alone
      or combined with chemotherapy, was superior to chemotherapy alone in treating
      this disease in its early stages. In view of the frequency of local lymph node
      metastasis, irradiation fields should cover the entire cervical area. We believe
      that prompt diagnosis and treatment with radiotherapy are both critical to
      improving survival for patients with laryngeal NK/T-cell lymphoma. 

PMID- 27140023
TI  - A case of pediatric parapharyngeal space ganglioneuroma.
AB  - Ganglioneuromas are rare, benign neoplasms derived from sympathetic neural crest
      progenitor cells. In the pediatric population, ganglioneuromas usually develop in
      the mediastinum or retroperitoneum. We report the case of a 3-year-old boy who
      presented with a painless enlarging neck mass, which was found to be a
      parapharyngeal space ganglioneuroma that extended to the skull base. We summarize
      the current principles regarding the diagnostic workup and treatment of these
      neoplasms, and we briefly review the literature. 

PMID- 27140024
TI  - Effectiveness of steroid injections for bamboo nodules: A case report.
AB  - Vocal nodules are generally caused by vocal abuse, and conservative treatments
      such as voice therapy have been advocated as a first-choice treatment for vocal
      nodules. Reports of vocal fold lesions related to autoimmune diseases, such as
      bamboo nodules, are rare in the literature. Here we report a very rare case of
      bamboo nodules in a 30-year-old woman treated by steroid injection into the vocal
      folds by videoendoscopic laryngeal surgery in an outpatient setting. She was
      successfully treated without further recurrence. This report indicates that a
      steroid injection into bamboo nodules might be a useful treatment option,
      especially in patients who have not shown any improvement after conservative
      treatments. 

PMID- 27140025
TI  - A large vestibular schwannoma after recent negative MRI: A case report.
AB  - Vestibular schwannomas are, on average, slowly growing tumors that may remain
      quiescent for some time before manifesting themselves symptomatically or being
      found incidentally on imaging. We describe a case of a vestibular schwannoma that
      grew rapidly and to a large size in a patient who had undergone negative imaging
      5 years earlier for unrelated issues. This case highlights the importance of
      repeat imaging in patients with symptoms concerning for vestibular schwannoma who
      might have previously undergone negative scans. 

PMID- 27140026
TI  - Intramuscular hemangiomas of the head and neck: Three case reports.
AB  - Hemangiomas are tumors of vascular origin that frequently occur on the skin and
      mucosal surfaces in the pediatric age group. Hemangiomas located in skeletal
      muscles are called intramuscular hemangiomas. Intramuscular hemangiomas mostly
      occur in the extremities and the trunk. In this article, 3 cases of surgically
      treated intramuscular hemangiomas that could not be diagnosed by routine
      preoperative investigations are presented in light of recent literature. 

PMID- 27140027
TI  - Synchronous bilateral tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma related to human
      papillomavirus: Two case reports and a brief review of the literature.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) was recently identified as a risk factor for
      oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) independent of tobacco and alcohol
      use. The prognosis of patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinomas is
      better than that for patients with non-HPV-related cancers. Researchers and
      clinicians can test for HPV infection in cancer by (1) testing directly for HPV
      DNA and (2) testing for overexpression of the downstream p16 protein; there is
      currently no consensus regarding which is the better test. The chances of
      developing a reliable oropharyngeal HPV screening test for high-risk populations
      are promising. Such a test would allow for secondary prevention by identifying
      individuals with precursor or early-stage cancerous lesions that are more
      amenable to treatment. HPV testing has particular significance in SCC of an
      unknown primary site in head and neck cancer. Successful HPV testing of nodal
      metastasis can localize cancer specifically to the oropharynx. The optimal
      evaluation for SCC of an unknown primary in the head and neck has yet to be
      determined. Some studies have shown that the tonsillar fossa is the most probable
      primary site, followed closely by the base of the tongue. Biopsies often miss
      tonsillar carcinoma in the deep crypts of the lymph tissue, as well as in those
      rare cases in which the primary tumor is located contralateral to the metastatic
      lymph node. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of reports of
      diagnosed synchronous bilateral HPV-related tonsillar carcinomas. This increase
      has profound implications for the surgical approach of SCC of an unknown primary
      site in the head and neck and in tonsillar carcinoma, and it supports the need
      for bilateral tonsillectomy. We present 2 cases of incidentally discovered
      synchronous bilateral tonsillar carcinoma, and we review the literature. 

PMID- 27140028
TI  - The aging physician and surgeon.
AB  - As the population of aging physicians increases, methods of assessing physicians'
      cognitive function and predicting clinically significant changes in clinical
      performance become increasingly important. Although several approaches have been
      suggested, no evaluation system is accepted or utilized widely. This article
      reviews literature using MEDLINE, PubMed, and other sources. Articles discussing
      the problems of geriatric physicians are summarized, stressing publications that
      proposed methods of evaluation. Selected literature on evaluating aging pilots
      also was reviewed, and potential applications for physician evaluation are
      proposed. Neuropsychological cognitive test protocols were summarized, and a
      reduced evaluation protocol is proposed for interdisciplinary longitudinal
      research. Although there are several articles evaluating cognitive function in
      aging physicians and aging pilots, and although a few institutions have
      instituted cognitive evaluation, there are no longitudinal data assessing
      cognitive function in physicians over time or correlating them with performance.
      Valid, reliable testing of cognitive function of physicians is needed. In order
      to understand its predictive value, physicians should be tested over time
      starting when they are young, and results should be correlated with physician
      performance. Early testing is needed to determine whether cognitive deficits are
      age-related or long-standing. A multi-institutional study over many years is
      proposed. Additional assessments of other factors such as manual dexterity
      (perhaps using simulators) and physician frailty are recommended. 

PMID- 27140029
TI  - Long-term effects of intracochlear electrical stimulation with looped patterns on
      tinnitus: A case study.
AB  - Electrical stimulation by cochlear implant (CI) has been proven to be a viable
      treatment option for tinnitus in many recent studies. In addition, intracochlear
      electrical stimulation independent of an acoustic input appears to suppress
      tinnitus, at least in the short term. We conducted a case study to investigate
      the long-term effects of both standard CI and intracochlear electrical
      stimulation independent of an acoustic input on tinnitus in a patient with single
      sided deafness and tinnitus. We found no negative effects of intracochlear
      electrical stimulation independent of an acoustic input on speech perception in
      noise. Furthermore, the additional use of a standard CI was advantageous for
      speech discrimination in our patient. We conclude that long-term tinnitus
      suppression can be achieved via intracochlear electrical stimulation with looped
      patterns. Our findings in terms of speech discrimination in our patient were
      consistent with those reported in previous studies. 

PMID- 27140030
TI  - Timing or Dosing of Intravenous Proton Pump Inhibitors in Acute Upper
      Gastrointestinal Bleeding Has Low Impact on Costs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: High-dose intravenous proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) post endoscopy
      are recommended in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), as they
      improve outcomes of patients with high-risk lesions. Determine the budget impact
      of using different PPI regimens in treating non-variceal UGIB, including pre- and
      post-endoscopic use, continuous infusion (high dose), and intermittent bolus
      (twice daily) dosing. METHODS: A budget impact analysis using a decision model
      informed with data from the literature adopting a US third party payer's
      perspective with a 30-day time horizon was used to determine the total cost per
      patient (US$2014) presenting with acute UGIB. The base-case employing high-dose
      pre- and post-endoscopic IV PPI was compared with using only post-endoscopic PPI.
      For each, continuous or intermittent dosing regimens were assessed with
      associated incremental costs. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity
      analyses were performed. RESULTS: The overall cost per patient is $11,399 when
      high-dose IV PPIs are initiated before endoscopy. The incremental costs are all
      inferior in alternate-case scenarios: $106 less if only post-endoscopic high-dose
      IVs are used; with intermittent IV bolus dosing, the savings are $223 if used
      both pre and post endoscopy and $191 if only administered post endoscopy.
      Subgroup analysis suggests cost savings in patients with clean-base ulcers who
      are discharged early after endoscopy. Results are robust to sensitivity analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The incremental costs of using different IV PPI regimens are modest
      compared with total per patient costs.

PMID- 27140031
TI  - Developmental Care in North American Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Units:
      Survey of Current Practices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Developmental care practices across pediatric cardiac intensive care
      units (CICUs) have not previously been described. PURPOSE: To characterize
      current developmental care practices in North American CICUs. METHODS: A 47-item
      online survey of developmental care practices was developed and sent to 35
      dedicated pediatric CICUs. Staff members who were knowledgeable about
      developmental care practices in the CICU completed the survey. FINDINGS/RESULTS:
      Completed surveys were received from 28 CICUs (80% response rate). Eighty-nine
      percent reported targeted efforts to promote developmental care, but only 50% and
      43% reported having a developmental care committee and holding developmental
      rounds, respectively. Many CICUs provide darkness for sleep (86%) and indirect
      lighting for alertness (71%), but fewer provide low levels of sound (43%),
      television restrictions (43%), or designated quiet times (21%). Attempts to
      cluster care (82%) and support self-soothing during difficult procedures (86%)
      were commonly reported, but parental involvement in these activities is not
      consistently encouraged. All CICUs engage in infant holding, but practices vary
      on the basis of medical status and only 46% have formal holding policies.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Implementation of developmental care in the CICU
      requires a well-planned process to ensure successful adoption of practice
      changes, beginning with a strong commitment from leadership and a focus on staff
      education, family support, value of parents as the primary caregivers, and
      policies to increase consistency of practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future
      studies should examine the short- and long-term effects of developmental care
      practices on infants born with congenital heart disease and cared for in a
      pediatric CICU.

PMID- 27140032
TI  - Neonatal Resuscitation Training: Implications of Course Construct and Discipline
      Compartmentalization on Role Confusion and Role Ambiguity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Neonatal Resuscitation Program's (NRP's) Sixth Edition introduced
      simulation-based training (SBT) into neonatal life support training. SBT offers
      neonatal emergency response teams a safe, secure environment to rehearse
      coordinated neonatal resuscitations. Teamwork and communication training can
      reduce tension and anxiety during neonatal medical emergencies. PURPOSE: To
      discuss the implications of variability in number and type of simulation
      scenario, number and type of learners who comprise a course, and their influence
      upon scope of practice, role confusion, and role ambiguity. METHODS: Relevant
      articles from MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, the World Health
      Organization, the American Heart Association, and NRP were included in this
      integrative review of the literature. FINDINGS/RESULTS: Purposeful synergy of
      optimal SBT course construct with teamwork and communication can resist
      discipline compartmentalization, role confusion, and role ambiguity. Five key
      themes were identified and coined the "5 Rights" of NRP SBT. These "5 Rights" can
      guide healthcare institutions with planning, implementation, and evaluation of
      NRP SBT courses. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: NRP SBT can facilitate optimal team
      function and reduce errors when teams of learners and varied scenarios are woven
      into the course construct. The simulated environment must be realistic and fully
      equipped to encourage knowledge transfer and attainment of the NRP's key
      behavioral outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Investigation of teamwork and
      communication training with NRP SBT, course construct, discipline
      compartmentalization, and behavioral and clinical outcomes is indicated.
      Investigation of outcomes of SBT using a team-teaching model, combining basic and
      advanced practice NRP instructors, is indicated.

PMID- 27140033
TI  - Perceptions of Palliative Care in the NICU.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The American Academy of Pediatrics supports palliative
      care (PC) for all children with life-threatening illnesses. Thus, many neonatal
      intensive care unit (NICU) patients and their families could benefit from PC. Our
      study objective was to examine provision of PC as experienced by mothers and
      healthcare providers (HCPs) of NICU patients with life-threatening illnesses.
      Palliative care components explored included communication, choices, comfort,
      psychosocial and spiritual needs, and coordination of care. METHODS: In this
      qualitative, descriptive study, we conducted semistructured interviews with
      mothers of infants with life-threatening illnesses and NICU HCPs who cared for
      these infants. Mothers selected HCPs who were key figures during their infant's
      NICU stay to participate. Interviews were transcribed and manually coded until
      themes emerged and theoretical saturation was achieved. Researchers reviewed
      charts for demographics and notes pertaining to PC. Triangulation of maternal
      interviews, HCP interviews, and chart notes was performed. RESULTS: Theoretical
      saturation was achieved after 12 interviews. Mothers identified 5 nurses and 1
      physician to be interviewed. Five themes were identified following data analysis
      and triangulation: (1) communication, (2) privacy, (3) continuity of care and
      relationship building, (4) maternal knowledge seeking, and (5) emotional turmoil.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Of domains of pediatric PC explored,
      participants emphasized transparent communication, family meetings as a venue for
      collaboration and shared decision making, the significance of psychosocial
      support for maternal emotional distress, and the importance of continuity of care
      across an often long and stressful hospitalization. Although mothers desired
      privacy, participants valued the security of the open-room NICU design. Future
      research should address components of PC that predominate in this specialized
      population.

PMID- 27140034
TI  - Zebrafish as a possible bioindicator of organic pollutants in drinking waters
      with effects on reproduction: are effects cumulative or reversible?
AB  - Organic pollutants are present in drinking waters due to inefficient detection
      and removal treatments. For this reason, zebrafish is proposed as a complementary
      indicator in conventional potabilization treatments. Based on the most sensitive
      parameters detected in our previous work, in this study we attempted to examine
      the possible cumulative effect between generations of environmental pollutants
      likely present in drinking waters, when specimens were cultured in the same water
      and/or the possible reversibility of these effects when cultured in control
      water. To this end, embryos with the chorion intact were cultured in three
      drinking waters from different sources and in one control water for up to 5
      months in 20 l glass tanks. Four replicates were performed in all water groups.
      Results in water group C (tap water from a city also located in a region with
      intensive agricultural activity, but from the hydrological basin of the river
      Xuquer) revealed a non-reversible effect on fertility rate. Also in water C there
      was an alteration of sex ratio towards females, although in this case the
      alteration was reversible. A transgenerational alteration in the germ-line via an
      epigenetic mechanism from the previous generation is proposed as the most
      plausible explanation of this effect. 

PMID- 27140035
TI  - Secondary pharmacology: screening and interpretation of off-target activities -
      focus on translation.
AB  - Secondary pharmacology is an essential component of drug discovery and is used
      extensively in the pharmaceutical industry for achieving optimal specificity of
      new drugs via early hazard identification and off-target mitigation. The
      importance of this discipline has been achieved by increasing its translational
      value, based on the recognition of biological target-drug molecule-adverse drug
      reaction (ADR) associations and integration of secondary pharmacology data with
      pharmacokinetic parameters. Information obtained from clinical ADRs, from
      recognition of specific phenotypes of animal models and from hereditary diseases
      provides increasing regulatory confidence in the target-based approach to ADR
      prediction and mitigation. Here, we review the progress of secondary pharmacology
      during the past decade and highlight and demonstrate its applications and impact
      in drug discovery.

PMID- 27140036
TI  - Well-being at work: graduating nursing students' perspective in Finland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Young nurses' intent to leave the nursing profession is a recognized
      problem. Ensuring well-being at work is one method to support nurses' continuance
      in the profession. AIM: To identify factors that promote the well-being at work
      of graduating nursing students. DESIGN: The data were collected from nursing
      students (n = 16) during their training in University of Applied Sciences in
      Finland using purposeful sampling and open data collection forms. The data were
      analyzed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: Well-being at work was
      divided into: meaningfulness of work shift planning, professionally developing,
      meaningful work and feeling of competence, helping, supporting and respectful
      work community and reasonable preconditions of work. CONCLUSIONS: Feeling of
      respect, adequate support at work, flexible working times and good possibilities
      for professional development would enhance young nurses' well-being at work.

PMID- 27140037
TI  - Correction of Severely Contracted Nose.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severely contracted nose is manifested with a tight and hardened
      nasal envelope. Expansion of the contracted skin is an important first step in
      correcting these revision cases. The underlying weak lower lateral cartilage
      makes the tip projection structurally difficult to achieve and maintain without
      rigid supporting cartilage grafting. METHODS: A total 59 of patients were treated
      with isolated adipose-derived stromal cells before revision surgery to soften the
      nasal envelope. Adipose tissues were digested at 37 degrees C with sterile 0.075%
      collagenase type 2. The average isolated adipose-derived stromal cell count of
      each serial injection was 5 * 10 cells (total injection volume, 0.5 ml; 1 * 10
      cells/ml). Intraoperatively, the lower lateral cartilage was released from
      surrounding scar tissue to allow for advancement. Rib cartilage and other
      autologous grafts were used in reconstruction of the internal framework. RESULTS:
      The follow-up period ranged from January of 2009 to April of 2014. The mean
      follow-up period was 10 months. Fifty-one of 59 patients were satisfied with
      their results. Eight patients underwent revision surgery for the following:
      infection (two patients), deviation (one patient), warping (two patients), and
      cosmetic dissatisfaction (three patients). There were two cases of additional
      warping, but the patients refused revision surgery. Nine patients required
      additional adipose-derived stromal cell injections at the tip. CONCLUSIONS: The
      combination of isolated fat grafting to soften the nasal skin envelope and rigid
      tip support results in correction of silicone-induced contracted nose. There were
      no incidences of recurrent nasal contraction or ischemic injury. CLINICAL
      QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

PMID- 27140038
TI  - Intravenous Hyaluronidase with Urokinase as Treatment for Arterial Hyaluronic
      Acid Embolism.

PMID- 27140039
TI  - The Use of Autologous Fat Grafting for Treatment of Scar Tissue and Scar-Related
      Conditions: A Systematic Review.

PMID- 27140040
TI  - Surgical Timing and the Menstrual Cycle Affect Wound Healing in Young Breast
      Reduction Patients.

PMID- 27140041
TI  - The Effect of Normovolemic and Hypervolemic Hemodilution on a Perforator Flap
      with Twisted Pedicle Model: Experimental Study in Rats.

PMID- 27140042
TI  - The Effect of Normovolemic and Hypervolemic Hemodilution on a Perforator Flap
      with Twisted Pedicle Model: Experimental Study in Rats.

PMID- 27140043
TI  - Long-Term Operative Outcomes of Preoperative Computed Tomography-Guided Virtual
      Surgical Planning for Osteocutaneous Free Flap Mandible Reconstruction.

PMID- 27140044
TI  - Volumetric Evaluation of the Mammary Gland and Pectoralis Major Muscle following
      Subglandular and Submuscular Breast Augmentation.

PMID- 27140045
TI  - Surgical Timing and the Menstrual Cycle Affect Wound Healing in Young Breast
      Reduction Patients.

PMID- 27140046
TI  - Reply: The Effect of Normovolemic and Hypervolemic Hemodilution on a Perforator
      Flap with Twisted Pedicle Model: Experimental Study in Rats.

PMID- 27140047
TI  - Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Patients Seeking Abdominoplasty, Rhinoplasty, and
      Rhytidectomy.

PMID- 27140048
TI  - Reply: Intravenous Hyaluronidase with Urokinase as Treatment for Arterial
      Hyaluronic Acid Embolism.

PMID- 27140049
TI  - Reply: Long-Term Operative Outcomes of Preoperative Computed Tomography-Guided
      Virtual Surgical Planning for Osteocutaneous Free Flap Mandible Reconstruction.

PMID- 27140050
TI  - Discussion: National Institutes of Health Funding in Plastic Surgery: A Crisis?

PMID- 27140051
TI  - Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Wall Nerve Blocks to Reduce Postoperative Pain and
      Eliminate Opioid Consumption in Patients Undergoing Implant-Based Breast
      Reconstruction.

PMID- 27140052
TI  - Reply: The Continuous Nature of Body Dysmorphic Symptoms and Plastic Surgery.

PMID- 27140053
TI  - Reply: Comparison of Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra Contoured Cohesive Gel Breast
      Implants: A Single Surgeon's 10-Year Experience.

PMID- 27140055
TI  - Tendon Regeneration with Tendon Hydrogel-Based Cell Delivery: A Comparison of
      Fibroblasts and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tendon hydrogel is a promising biomaterial for improving repair
      strength after tendon injury. This study compares the capacity of fibroblasts and
      adipose-derived stem cells to proliferate, survive, and acquire tenogenic
      properties when seeded into tendon hydrogel in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The
      effect of cell density on hydrogel contraction was measured macroscopically. To
      assess tenogenic properties, RNA was isolated from cells seeded in vitro in
      hydrogel, and tenocyte markers were quantified. To assess in vitro proliferation
      and survival, MTS and live-dead assays were performed. Finally, to assess the in
      vivo survival of cells in hydrogel, subcutaneous injections were performed on
      rats and in vivo imaging was performed. RESULTS: At 0.5 million cells/ml, both
      the fibroblasts and adipose-derived stem cells induced minimal hydrogel
      contraction compared with higher cellular concentrations. Fibroblasts and adipose
      derived stem cells seeded at 0.5 million cells/ml in tendon hydrogel up-regulated
      several tenocyte markers after 1 week. On MTS assay, fibroblasts and adipose
      derived stem cells proliferated in hydrogel at similar rates. On live-dead assay,
      fibroblasts survived longer than adipose-derived stem cells. With use of the in
      vivo imaging system and histologic evaluation, fibroblasts survived longer than
      adipose-derived stem cells in hydrogel in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Tendon healing is
      mediated by the proliferation, survival, and tenogenic differentiation of cells
      at the site of injury. Tendon hydrogel delivering dermal fibroblasts may improve
      and stimulate this process compared with adipose-derived stem cells. Future
      studies will be needed to evaluate the effects of this hydrogel-based cell
      delivery on chronic tendon injuries.

PMID- 27140060
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27140056
TI  - High-performance planar green light-emitting diodes based on a
      PEDOT:PSS/CH3NH3PbBr3/ZnO sandwich structure.
AB  - Recently, perovskite-based light-emitting diodes based on organometal halide
      emitters have attracted much attention because of their excellent properties of
      high color purity, tunable emission wavelength and a low-temperature processing
      technique. As is well-known, organic light-emitting diodes have shown powerful
      capabilities in this field; however, the fabrication of these devices typically
      relies on high-temperature and high-vacuum processes, which increases the final
      cost of the product and renders them uneconomical for use in large-area displays.
      Organic/inorganic hybrid halide perovskites match with these material
      requirements, as it is possible to prepare such materials with high crystallinity
      through solution processing at low temperature. Herein, we demonstrated a high
      brightness green light-emitting diode based on PEDOT: PSS/CH3NH3PbBr3/ZnO
      sandwich structures by a spin-coating method combined with a sputtering system.
      Under forward bias, a dominant emission peak at ~530 nm with a low full width of
      half-maximum (FWHM) of 30 nm can be achieved at room temperature. Owing to the
      high surface coverage of the CH3NH3PbBr3 layer and a device design based on
      carrier injection and a confinement configuration, the proposed diode exhibits
      good electroluminescence performance, with an external quantum efficiency of
      0.0645%. More importantly, we investigated the working stability of the studied
      diode under continuous operation to verify the sensitivity of the
      electroluminescence performance to ambient atmosphere and to assess the
      suitability of the diode for practical applications. Moreover, the underlying
      reasons for the undesirable emission decay are tentatively discussed. This
      demonstration of an effective green electroluminescence based on CH3NH3PbBr3
      provides valuable information for the design and development of perovskites as
      efficient emitters, thus facilitating their use in existing applications and
      suggesting new potential applications.

PMID- 27140061
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27140062
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27140064
TI  - Breaking the geometric magnetic frustration in controlled off-stoichiometric
      LuMn1+zO3+delta compounds.
AB  - This study explores controlled off-stoichiometric LuMn1+zO3+delta (|z| < 0.1)
      compounds, intended to retain the utter LuMnO3 intrinsic hexagonal symmetry and
      ferroelectric properties. X-ray powder diffraction measurements evidenced a
      single phase P63cm structure. Thermo-gravimetric experiments show a narrow impact
      of oxygen vacancies while a distinguishable gas exchange at ~700 K, a
      surprisingly lower temperature when compared to perovskite systems. A comparison
      of different nominal ceramics revealed pertinent structural and magnetic property
      variations owing to subtle self-doping effects. Deviations from the archetypal
      antiferromagnetic state were detected below ~90 K suggesting local rearrangements
      of the nominal Mn(3+) ions matrix, breaking the ideal geometrical spin
      frustration, leading to a non-compensated magnetic structure.

PMID- 27140065
TI  - Standardizing the definition of adverse pathology for lower risk men undergoing
      radical prostatectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Numerous definitions of adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy (RP)
      have been proposed and implemented for both research and clinical care, and there
      is tremendous variation in the specific criteria used to define adverse pathology
      in these settings. Given the current landscape in which magnetic resonance
      imaging criteria and biomarker cutoffs are validated for disparate adverse
      pathology definitions, we sought to identify which of these is most closely tied
      to biochemical recurrence (BCR) after RP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2,837
      patients who underwent RP at a single institution for localized prostate cancer
      (PCa) were included. We evaluated the following existing definitions of adverse
      pathology at RP: (1) Gleason score >=7, (2) primary Gleason pattern >=4, (3)
      Gleason score >=7 or pathologic stage T3-4, (4) pathologic stage T3-4, (5)
      primary Gleason pattern >=4 or pathologic stage T3-4. The primary outcome measure
      was BCR. Multiple statistical techniques were used to assess BCR prediction.
      RESULTS: Of the 5 definitions assessed, 1 (primary Gleason pattern >=4 or
      pathologic stage T3-4, 540 patients [19% of cohort]) consistently outperformed
      the other definitions across all statistical measures. Additionally, a total of
      only 13 (6.6%) and 34 (10.3%) men with very-low-risk and low-risk cancer per
      National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline, respectively, met this
      definition of adverse pathology at the time of RP. CONCLUSIONS: Varying
      definitions of adverse pathology differ in their prognostic performance. The
      criteria defined by either primary Gleason pattern >=4 or pT3-4 disease appears
      to most accurately predict BCR in this subset of patients with lower risk PCa at
      the time of diagnosis. Additionally, men with very-low-risk or low-risk PCa per
      National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines are relatively unlikely to have
      adverse pathology at the time of surgical resection. These data may help inform
      the use of imaging and molecular markers as well as the intensity of surveillance
      in men with newly diagnosed PCa.

PMID- 27140063
TI  - The arachidonic acid metabolite 11beta-ProstaglandinF2alpha controls intestinal
      epithelial healing: deficiency in patients with Crohn's disease.
AB  - In healthy gut enteric glial cells (EGC) are essential to intestinal epithelial
      barrier (IEB) functions. In Crohn's Disease (CD), both EGC phenotype and IEB
      functions are altered, but putative involvement of EGC in CD pathogenesis remains
      unknown and study of human EGC are lacking. EGC isolated from CD and control
      patients showed similar expression of glial markers and EGC-derived soluble
      factors (IL6, TGF-beta, proEGF, GSH) but CD EGC failed to increase IEB resistance
      and healing. Lipid profiling showed that CD EGC produced decreased amounts of 15
      HETE, 18-HEPE, 15dPGJ2 and 11betaPGF2alpha as compared to healthy EGC. They also
      had reduced expression of the L-PGDS and AKR1C3 enzymes. Produced by healthy EGC,
      the 11betaPGF2 activated PPARgamma receptor of intestinal epithelial cells to
      induce cell spreading and IEB wound repair. In addition to this novel healing
      mechanism our data show that CD EGC presented impaired ability to promote IEB
      functions through defect in L-PGDS-AKR1C3-11betaPGF2alpha dependent pathway.

PMID- 27140067
TI  - Asymmetries in the spread of drops impacting on hydrophobic micropillar arrays.
AB  - Studies of water drop impacts on microstructured surfaces are important for
      understanding dynamic wetting on rough surfaces, and for developing related
      design principles. Here, high-speed imaging has been used to study asymmetries
      within the spreading phase following vertical water drop impacts at Weber numbers
      between 34 and 167. The eleven polydimethylsiloxane surfaces studied had
      micropillars arranged in square and rectangular arrays, with feature sizes
      ranging from ~5 MUm to ~240 MUm and various pillar cross-sections, in most cases
      supporting a static Cassie state. Two contrasting and apparently independent
      asymmetries were identified. Firstly, partial (rather than full) microstructure
      penetration occurred on five of the surfaces, with the edges of the penetrated
      profiles tending to lie parallel to the array rows and columns. These
      observations are best explained by considering surface energies. Secondly, the
      perimeter of a spreading drop tends to lie at 45 degrees  to the rows and
      columns. This shape is caused by movement of air from underneath the impacting
      drop, which generates jets and subsequent fingers in preferred directions at the
      edge of the drop. The area of the 'corridor' through which the air escapes is an
      important quantitative parameter. Experiments also demonstrate the effects of
      microstructures on the maximum spreading diameter, and formation of off-centre
      microbubble patterns. 

PMID- 27140066
TI  - Hydrogen Gas Ameliorates Hepatic Reperfusion Injury After Prolonged Cold
      Preservation in Isolated Perfused Rat Liver.
AB  - Hydrogen gas reduces ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) in the liver and other
      organs. However, the precise mechanism remains elusive. We investigated whether
      hydrogen gas ameliorated hepatic I/R injury after cold preservation. Rat liver
      was subjected to 48-h cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution. The graft
      was reperfused with oxygenated buffer with or without hydrogen at 37 degrees  for
      90 min on an isolated perfusion apparatus, comprising the H2 (+) and H2 (-)
      groups, respectively. In the control group (CT), grafts were reperfused
      immediately without preservation. Graft function, injury, and circulatory status
      were assessed throughout the perfusion. Tissue samples at the end of perfusion
      were collected to determine histopathology, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. In
      the H2 (-) group, IRI was indicated by a higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST),
      alanine aminotransferase (ALT) leakage, portal resistance, 8-hydroxy-2
      deoxyguanosine-positive cell rate, apoptotic index, and endothelial endothelin-1
      expression, together with reduced bile production, oxygen consumption, and
      GSH/GSSG ratio (vs. CT). In the H2 (+) group, these harmful changes were
      significantly suppressed [vs. H2 (-)]. Hydrogen gas reduced hepatic reperfusion
      injury after prolonged cold preservation via the maintenance of portal flow, by
      protecting mitochondrial function during the early phase of reperfusion, and via
      the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades thereafter.

PMID- 27140068
TI  - A poster and a mobile healthcare application as information tools for dental
      trauma management.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Prompt management of dental trauma in children affects outcomes,
      and multiple educational resources are available. The aim of this study was to
      compare subjects' accuracy in answering a survey about dental trauma management
      utilizing a poster and a mobile healthcare application and to determine user
      preference for mode of delivery of information. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey
      was administered to parents of patients in two pediatric dental practices.
      Questions collected demographic information, frequency of internet use, and
      responses to questions regarding dental trauma management for two separate
      scenarios. Participants used both a poster and a mobile application, but were
      randomly assigned as to which tool was utilized first. RESULTS: Eighty-nine
      surveys were usable. The majority of respondents were aged 36-45 years (50.6%),
      had education beyond high school (64%), and had private insurance (52.8%). Less
      educated individuals were more likely to report searching the Internet (74%)
      compared to individuals with a graduate degree (57%) (P = 0.017). The majority of
      subjects answered trauma management questions correctly with both tools. However,
      for an avulsed permanent tooth, individuals receiving the mobile application were
      more likely to select: 'put the tooth back in place' (71.1%) compared to those
      utilizing the poster, who chose 'put the tooth in milk' (56.8%) (P = 0.004). Less
      educated individuals were willing to pay more for the application (P = 0.015) and
      were more likely to report being interested in receiving dental information
      through mobile technology in the future (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Both a poster
      and a mobile healthcare application are effective in delivering dental trauma
      information.

PMID- 27140069
TI  - How Much Information is Lost When You Only Collect One 24-Hour Urine Sample
      during the Initial Metabolic Evaluation?
AB  - PURPOSE: During the initial metabolic evaluation the need for 1 vs 2, 24-hour
      urine collections is debated. While data suggest that mean urine chemistry
      measures are similar on consecutive samples, it remains unclear how much, if any,
      information is lost when only 1 sample is collected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using
      analytical files from Litholink Corporation(r) (1995 to 2013) we identified
      adults with kidney stones who underwent initial metabolic testing. Next we
      determined the subset of patients who collected 2, 24-hour urine samples with
      urine creatinine varying by 10% or less during a 7-day time window. We then
      examined the degree of variability in urine chemistry profiles. Specifically we
      calculated the mean absolute value of the difference between samples as well as
      the percent difference for individual urine parameters. RESULTS: We identified
      70,192 patients meeting our eligibility criteria. While the overall means for
      individual urine parameters did not vary between samples, the percent difference
      between the samples varied widely. For example, nearly 1 in 3 patients had a 30%
      or greater difference in urine calcium and volume between 2 consecutive samples.
      We noted that inconsistencies between samples often involved multiple parameters.
      For instance, 29% and 25% of patients had a 20% difference in 2 and 3 or more
      parameters, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We observed substantial differences
      between consecutive 24-hour urine samples that could affect clinical decision
      making. In light of these findings clinicians must weigh the information lost
      from only 1 collection vs the burden to the patient of collecting 2.

PMID- 27140070
TI  - Patients with an Orthotopic Low Pressure Bladder Substitute Enjoy Long-Term Good
      Function.
AB  - PURPOSE: Orthotopic bladder substitution has been performed on a regular basis
      for more than 30 years and yet data on long-term functional outcomes are still
      lacking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 181 men and 19 women who underwent
      radical cystectomy and urinary diversion with ileal orthotopic bladder
      substitution from 1985 to 2004 and who had 10 years or more of followup. RESULTS:
      Median age at radical cystectomy was 63 years (IQR 57-69). Median followup was
      167 months (IQR 137-206). Daytime and nighttime continence rates peaked 24 months
      postoperatively and decreased slightly thereafter during almost 2 decades. At 10,
      15 and 20 years daytime continence rates were 92%, 90% and 79%, and nighttime
      continence rates were 70%, 65% and 55%, respectively. During the day and at night
      fewer than 3% and 10% of patients, respectively, had urine loss 100 ml or greater
      at any time 10 years or longer after surgery. At 10 and 20 years 11 of 200
      patients (6%) and 1 of 29 (3%), respectively, had to perform clean intermittent
      self-catheterization. After an initial postoperative decrease in the estimated
      glomerular filtration rate the subsequent decrease was less than 1 ml/minute/1.73
      m(2) per year. A total of 81 complications were observed in 42 of the 200
      patients (21%) 10 years or longer after radical cystectomy with pyelonephritis as
      the most frequent cause. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who survive up to 20 years after
      radical cystectomy and diversion with an ileal orthotopic bladder substitution
      may enjoy satisfactory urinary continence and retain the ability to void
      spontaneously while experiencing no more than a physiological decrease in renal
      function.

PMID- 27140071
TI  - A Prospective, Comparative Study of Quality of Life among Patients with Small
      Renal Masses Choosing Active Surveillance and Primary Intervention.
AB  - PURPOSE: To our knowledge quality of life has not been evaluated in rigorous
      fashion in patients undergoing active surveillance for small renal masses. The
      prospective, multi-institutional DISSRM (Delayed Intervention and Surveillance
      for Small Renal Masses) Registry was opened on January 1, 2009, enrolling
      patients with cT1a (4.0 cm or less) small renal masses who elected primary
      intervention or active surveillance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were
      enrolled following a choice of active surveillance or primary intervention. The
      active surveillance protocol includes imaging every 4 to 6 months for 2 years and
      every 6 to 12 months thereafter. The SF12(r) quality of life questionnaire was
      completed at study enrollment, at 6 and 12 months, and annually thereafter. MCS
      (Mental Component Summary), PCS (Physical Component Summary) and overall score
      were evaluated among the groups and with time using ANOVA and linear regression
      mixed modeling. RESULTS: At 82 months among 3 institutions 539 patients were
      enrolled with a mean +/- SD followup of 1.8 +/- 1.7 years. Of the patients 254
      were on active surveillance, 285 were on primary intervention and 21 were on
      active surveillance but crossed over to delayed intervention. A total of 1,497
      questionnaires were completed. Total and PCS quality of life scores were better
      for primary intervention at enrollment through 5 years. There were generally no
      differences in MCS scores among the groups and there was a trend of improving
      scores with time. CONCLUSIONS: In a prospective registry of patients undergoing
      active surveillance or primary intervention for small renal masses those
      undergoing primary intervention had higher quality of life scores at baseline.
      This was due to a perceived benefit in the physical health domain, which
      persisted throughout followup. Mental health, which includes the domains of
      depression and anxiety, was not adversely affected while on active surveillance,
      and it improved with time after selecting a management strategy.

PMID- 27140072
TI  - Diagnostic Challenges of Kidney Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Role of
      Positron Emission Tomography-Computerized Tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: Positron emission tomography-computerized tomography is a leading
      imaging modality for many types of solid tumors. The ability to characterize
      molecular processes noninvasively during a relatively fast whole-body scan is the
      major advantage of this technology. We reviewed the literature in an attempt to
      clarify the usefulness of positron emission tomography-computerized tomography in
      patients with a renal mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed(r) for
      articles published from 2004 through September 2015 using the keywords "renal,"
      "kidney," "mass," "tumor," "cancer," and "PET/CT." RESULTS: A total of 158
      relevant articles were included in the review. Most diagnostic studies used (18)F
      fluorodeoxyglucose, a marker of glucose metabolism, as the radiotracer. The
      results were substandard, with sensitivity rates in the range of 31.5% to 77% for
      diagnosis of renal cell carcinomas. There were higher success rates for diagnosis
      of clear cell carcinomas. Carbonic anhydrase IX is an enzyme expressed in 95% of
      clear cell carcinomas but not in normal renal tissue or in benign or nonclear
      cell malignancies. A chimeric mouse-human antibody to carbonic anhydrase IX
      labeled with (124)I-girentuximab was demonstrated to diagnose clear cell tumors
      with sensitivity of 86.2% and specificity of 85.9%. For diagnosis of metastases
      positron emission tomography-computerized tomography with (18)F
      fluorodeoxyglucose was observed to be more accurate than computerized tomography
      alone (94% vs 89%). Studies with other tracers also reveal encouraging results.
      Positron emission tomography-computerized tomography holds great promise in
      predicting prognosis and response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Current tyrosine
      kinase inhibitor treatments usually induce only mild lesion shrinkage. Thus,
      assessment of response based on changes in size of metastases is insufficient.
      Low (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake before treatment and decreased uptake after 2
      cycles of treatment are associated with better survival. Using labeled
      medications as radiotracers before actual treatment may assist in selection of
      the most effective medication for a specific patient. CONCLUSIONS: Positron
      emission tomography-computerized tomography with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose
      currently has lower sensitivity compared to enhanced computerized tomography for
      diagnosis of primary renal masses but better sensitivity for diagnosis of
      metastases. Predicting and monitoring response to targeted therapy could direct
      the clinician toward drug selection or modification during therapy. The
      possibility of treating patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma with (124)I
      girentuximab attached to (177)Lu, a strong beta-emitter, is investigated.

PMID- 27140073
TI  - Clinical Use of PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG Urinary Biomarkers in African-American Men
      Undergoing Prostate Biopsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prostate specific antigen has decreased performance characteristics for
      the detection of prostate cancer in African-American men. We evaluated urinary
      PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG in a racially diverse group of men. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      After institutional review board approval, post-examination urine was
      prospectively collected before prostate biopsy. PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG RNA copies
      were quantified using transcription mediated amplification assays (Hologic, San
      Diego, California). Prediction models were created using standard of care
      variables (age, race, family history, prior biopsy, abnormal digital rectal
      examination) plus prostate specific antigen. Decision curve analysis was
      performed to compare the net benefit of PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG. RESULTS: Of 304
      patients 182 (60%) were African-American and 139 (46%) were diagnosed with
      prostate cancer (69% African-American). PCA3 and TMPRSS2:ERG scores were greater
      in men with prostate cancer, 3 or more cores, 33.3% or more cores, greater than
      50% involvement of greatest biopsy core and Epstein significant prostate cancer
      (p <0.01). PCA3 added to the standard of care plus prostate specific antigen
      model for the detection of any prostate cancer in the overall cohort (0.747 vs
      0.677, p <0.0001) in African-American men only (0.711 vs 0.638, p=0.0002) and
      nonAfrican-American men (0.781 vs 0.732, p=0.0016). PCA3 added to the model for
      the prediction of high grade prostate cancer for the overall cohort (0.804 vs
      0.78, p=0.0002) and African-American men only (0.759 vs 0.717, p=0.0003) but not
      nonAfrican-American men. Decision curve analysis demonstrated improvement with
      the addition of PCA3. For African-American men TMPRSS2:ERG did not improve
      concordance statistics for the detection of prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: For
      African-American men urinary PCA3 improves the ability to predict the presence of
      any and high grade prostate cancer. However, the TMPRSS2:ERG urinary assay does
      not add significantly to standard tools.

PMID- 27140074
TI  - Multi-Order Investigation of the Nonlinear Susceptibility Tensors of Individual
      Nanoparticles.
AB  - We use Hyper Rayleigh Scattering and polarization resolved multiphoton microscopy
      to investigate simultaneously the second and third-order nonlinear response of
      Potassium Niobate and Bismuth Ferrite harmonic nanoparticles. We first derive the
      second-to-third harmonic intensity ratio for colloidal ensembles and estimate the
      average third-order efficiency of these two materials. Successively, we explore
      the orientation dependent tensorial response of individual nanoparticles fixed on
      a substrate. The multi-order polarization resolved emission curves are globally
      fitted with an analytical model to retrieve individual elements of susceptibility
      tensors.

PMID- 27140075
TI  - Refraction near the horizon-an empirical approach. Part 1: terrestrial refraction
      of the dip.
AB  - This study aims at providing improved closed-form refraction estimates for
      observations near the horizon. In this first part, over 1800 previously published
      direct measurements of the horizon's depression (dip) over the sea are reanalyzed
      using a nonconventional robust procedure for coping with numerous real, large,
      and asymmetric outliers from abnormal dips. The derived 1-parameter function
      agrees with those proposed in modern almanacs and for land surveying. It is found
      that the dips of warmer and colder sea surfaces vs. air are best described with
      two different functions. The two proposed 3-parameter functions, also using
      temperature difference between air and sea and wind speed, reduce the estimated
      error of the 1-parameter function by ~1/3 and the number of outliers by ~2/3. 

PMID- 27140076
TI  - Zernike olivary polynomials for applications with olivary pupils.
AB  - Orthonormal polynomials have been extensively applied in optical image systems.
      One important optical pupil, which is widely processed in lateral shearing
      interferometers (LSI) and subaperture stitch tests (SST), is the overlap region
      of two circular wavefronts that are displaced from each other. We call it an
      olivary pupil. In this paper, the normalized process of an olivary pupil in a
      unit circle is first presented. Then, using a nonrecursive matrix method, Zernike
      olivary polynomials (ZOPs) are obtained. Previously, Zernike elliptical
      polynomials (ZEPs) have been considered as an approximation over an olivary
      pupil. We compare ZOPs with their ZEPs counterparts. Results show that they share
      the same components but are in different proportions. For some low-order
      aberrations such as defocus, coma, and spherical, the differences are
      considerable and may lead to deviations. Using a least-squares method to fit
      coefficient curves, we present a power-series expansion form for the first 15
      ZOPs, which can be used conveniently with less than 0.1% error. The applications
      of ZOP are demonstrated in wavefront decomposition, LSI interferogram
      reconstruction, and SST overlap domain evaluation. 

PMID- 27140077
TI  - Performance of an electro-optical solar compass in partially obscured Sun
      conditions.
AB  - Solar compasses are designed to accurately find true North on sunny days.
      However, no data on their performance are available when sunlight is partially
      blocked, e.g., by a cloud. We have measured, for the first time to the best of
      our knowledge, the performance of one of the most accurate electro-optical solar
      compasses (accuracy better than 0.01  deg) as a function of the solar disk
      obscuration during the Sun's eclipse on 20 March 2015. The measurements show that
      the accuracy level is mainly dependent on the asymmetry of the obscuration with
      respect to the main axis of the optical detection system and, to a lesser extent,
      on the percentage of the solar disk covered. In particular, azimuth measurement
      suffered a maximum deviation of 0.08 deg when 35% of the solar disk was
      asymmetrically obscured. The deviation was smaller when 46% of the solar disk was
      more symmetrically obscured. This experiment demonstrates that, even in the case
      of a partially obscured Sun, the electro-optical solar compass maintains an
      accuracy better than magnetic and electronic compasses. 

PMID- 27140078
TI  - "Metallic burn paper" used for in situ characterization of laser beam properties.
AB  - In situ ablation of thin metal films on fused silica substrates by picosecond
      class lasers was investigated as a method of characterizing the beam at the
      sample plane. The technique involved plotting the areas enclosed by constant
      fluence contours identified in optical microscope images of the ablation sites
      versus the logs of the pulse energies. Inconel films on commercially available
      neutral density filters as well as magnetron sputtered gold films were used. It
      was also shown that this technique could be used to calibrate real-time beam
      profile diagnostics against the beam at the sample plane. The contours were shown
      to correspond to the boundary where part or all of the film was ablated. 

PMID- 27140079
TI  - Reduction of phase noise to amplitude noise conversion in silicon waveguide-based
      phase-sensitive amplification.
AB  - We use a vector phase sensitive amplification (PSA) scheme, which can eliminate
      the inherent phase noise (PN) to amplitude noise (AN) conversion in a
      conventional PSA process. A dispersion-engineered silicon strip waveguide is used
      to investigate the vector PSA scheme at the telecom wavelengths. The phase
      dependent gain and phase-to-phase transfer functions as well as constellation
      diagram at different signal polarization states (SPSs) are numerically analyzed.
      It is found that the PN to AN conversion is completely suppressed when the SPS is
      identical to one of the pump polarization states. Moreover, the binary phase
      shift keying signal is regenerated by the proposed vector PSA scheme, and the
      error vector magnitude is calculated to assess the regeneration capacity. Our
      results have potential application in all-optical signal processing. 

PMID- 27140080
TI  - Phase-matching properties of yellow color HgGa<sub>2</sub>S<sub>4</sub> for SHG
      and SFG in the 0.944-10.5910  MUm range.
AB  - We report new experimental results on the phase-matching properties of yellow
      color HgGa<sub>2</sub>S<sub>4</sub> crystals for harmonic generation of an Nd:YAG
      laser-pumped KTiOPO<sub>4</sub> (KTP) optical parametric oscillator (OPO) and
      CO<sub>2</sub> lasers in the 0.944-10.5910 MUm range. In addition, we present new
      Sellmeier equations that provide a good reproduction of the present experimental
      results as well as the published data points for second-harmonic generation of
      CO<sub>2</sub> laser radiation at 9.2197-9.6392 MUm and Nd:YAG laser-pumped OPOs
      at 1.205-1.725 MUm and 2.77-9.10 MUm that were achieved with the orange and
      yellow color crystals. 

PMID- 27140081
TI  - Multichannel tunable imager architecture for hyperspectral imaging in relevant
      spectral domains.
AB  - In this paper, we present a technique for dimensionality reduction in
      hyperspectral imaging during the data collection process. A four-channel
      hyperspectral imager using liquid crystal Fabry-Perot etalons has been built and
      used to verify this method for four applications: auroral imaging, plant study,
      landscape classification, and anomaly detection. This imager is capable of making
      measurements simultaneously in four wavelength ranges while being tunable within
      those ranges, and thus can be used to measure narrow contiguous bands in four
      spectral domains. In this paper, we describe the design, concept of operation,
      and deployment of this instrument. The results from preliminary testing of this
      instrument are discussed and are promising and demonstrate this instrument as a
      good candidate for hyperspectral imaging. 

PMID- 27140082
TI  - Effect of masking phase-only holograms on the quality of reconstructed images.
AB  - A phase-only hologram modulates the phase of the incident light and diffracts it
      efficiently with low energy loss because of the minimum absorption. Much research
      attention has been focused on how to generate phase-only holograms, and little
      work has been done to understand the effect and limitation of their partial
      implementation, possibly due to physical defects and constraints, in particular
      as in the practical situations where a phase-only hologram is confined or needs
      to be sliced or tiled. The present study simulates the effect of masking phase
      only holograms on the quality of reconstructed images in three different
      scenarios with different filling factors, filling positions, and illumination
      intensity profiles. Quantitative analysis confirms that the width of the image
      point spread function becomes wider and the image quality decreases, as expected,
      when the filling factor decreases, and the image quality remains the same for
      different filling positions as well. The width of the image point spread function
      as derived from different filling factors shows a consistent behavior to that as
      measured directly from the reconstructed image, especially as the filling factor
      becomes small. Finally, mask profiles of different shapes and intensity
      distributions are shown to have more complicated effects on the image point
      spread function, which in turn affects the quality and textures of the
      reconstructed image. 

PMID- 27140083
TI  - High refractive index immersion liquid for superresolution 3D imaging using
      sapphire-based aplanatic numerical aperture increasing lens optics.
AB  - Optically transparent immersion liquids with refractive index (n~1.77) to match
      the sapphire-based aplanatic numerical aperture increasing lens (aNAIL) are
      necessary for achieving deep 3D imaging with high spatial resolution. We report
      that antimony tribromide (SbBr<sub>3</sub>) salt dissolved in liquid
      diiodomethane (CH<sub>2</sub>I<sub>2</sub>) provides a new high refractive index
      immersion liquid for optics applications. The refractive index is tunable from
      n=1.74 (pure) to n=1.873 (saturated), by adjusting either salt concentration or
      temperature; this allows it to match (or even exceed) the refractive index of
      sapphire. Importantly, the solution gives excellent light transmittance in the
      ultraviolet to near-infrared range, an improvement over commercially available
      immersion liquids. This refractive-index-matched immersion liquid formulation has
      enabled us to develop a sapphire-based aNAIL objective that has both high
      numerical aperture (NA=1.17) and long working distance (WD=12  mm). This opens up
      new possibilities for deep 3D imaging with high spatial resolution. 

PMID- 27140084
TI  - Optical constants of e-beam-deposited zirconium dioxide measured in the 55-150 A
      wavelength region using the reflectivity technique.
AB  - In the present study, optical constants of e-beam-deposited zirconium dioxide
      (ZrO<sub>2</sub>) thin film are determined in the 55-150 A soft x-ray wavelength
      region using the angle-dependent reflectivity technique. Soft x-ray reflectivity
      measurements are carried out using the reflectivity beamline at the Indus-1
      synchrotron radiation source. Derived optical constants (delta and beta) are
      compared with the tabulated values of Henke et al.
      [http://henke.lbl.gov/optical_constants/asf.html]. It is found that the measured
      delta values are consistently lower than the tabulated bulk values in the 70-150
      A wavelength region. In this region, the delta values are lower by 19%-24% from
      the tabulated data. Below the Zr M<sub>4</sub> edge (66.3 A), a deviation in
      delta values is found as ~2%-21%. These changes are attributed to growth-related
      defects (oxygen and voids) and variation in film stoichiometry. To the best of
      our knowledge, the present study gives the first reported experimental values of
      optical constants for ZrO<sub>2</sub> in the 55-150 A wavelength region. 

PMID- 27140085
TI  - Wavelength-tunable perfect absorber based on guided-mode resonances.
AB  - We numerically investigate the triple-band perfect absorption in a metal
      insulator-metal structure. The absorption peak from the TE-polarized guided-mode
      resonance (GMR) is highly sensitive to the incident angle. Thus a wavelength
      tunable perfect absorber (PA) based on the TE GMR is proposed for the first time.
      By the precise control of the incident angle, the ~5  nm narrowband perfect
      absorber can be modulated linearly about 3 nm/ degrees  in our structure. For
      single frequency light, the intensity tunability of the absorption between 6.2%
      99.27% is realized only by changing the incident angle of 5 degrees . The further
      study focused on TM polarization confirms the possibility to realize a
      polarization-independent wavelength-tunable PA. Such a PA possesses potential for
      applications in absorption filter, thermal emitter, surface-enhanced Raman
      scattering, biosensing, and nonlinear optics. 

PMID- 27140086
TI  - Genetic apertures: an improved sparse aperture design framework.
AB  - The majority of optical sparse aperture imaging research in the remote sensing
      field has been confined to a small set of aperture layouts. While these layouts
      possess some desirable properties for imaging, they may not be ideal for all
      applications. This work introduces an optimization framework for sparse aperture
      layouts based on genetic algorithms as well as a small set of fitness functions
      for incoherent sparse aperture image quality. The optimization results
      demonstrate the merits of existing designs and the opportunity for creating new
      sparse aperture layouts. 

PMID- 27140087
TI  - Wavefront aberration measurement method for a hyper-NA lithographic projection
      lens based on principal component analysis of an aerial image.
AB  - A wavefront aberration measurement method for a hyper-NA lithographic projection
      lens by use of an aerial image based on principal component analysis is proposed.
      Aerial images of the hyper-NA lithographic projection lens are expressed
      accurately by using polarized light and a vector imaging model, as well as by
      considering the polarization properties. As a result, the wavefront aberrations
      of the hyper-NA lithographic projection lens are measured accurately. The
      lithographic simulator PROLITH is used to validate the accuracies of the
      wavefront aberration measurement and analyze the impact of the polarization
      rotation of illumination on the accuracy of the wavefront aberration measurement,
      as well as the degree of polarized light and the sample interval of aerial
      images. The result shows that the proposed method can retrieve 33 terms of
      Zernike coefficients (Z<sub>5</sub>-Z<sub>37</sub>) with a maximum error of less
      than 0.00085lambda. 

PMID- 27140088
TI  - Alignment of multiple-off-axis-beam imaging/interference systems.
AB  - The alignment of components in complex multibeam arrangements is typically prone
      to errors that limit the performance of the system. A systematic procedure for
      aligning such systems is presented here. The method facilitates the precision
      alignment of the optical elements to achieve the accurate projection of multiple
      on- and off-axis images and the simultaneous interference of the multiple beams.
      In addition to the multibeam imaging/interference system presented, the procedure
      can be employed in other multibeam imaging and/or interfering configurations. 

PMID- 27140089
TI  - Determining optimal pattern sequences for three-dimensional structured light
      sensory systems.
AB  - Structured light (SL) techniques are used for three-dimensional (3D) measurements
      of objects in a wide variety of applications. SL-based sensory systems obtain the
      3D surface profile of an object from the deformation of light patterns projected
      onto the object of interest. The number of fringes used in the projected light
      patterns has a direct effect on the 3D reconstruction errors. This paper presents
      a novel methodology for determining the optimal sequence of multi-fringe patterns
      that minimizes reconstruction errors caused by random noise. Experiments
      conducted with a variety of objects as well as a comparison study demonstrate the
      effectiveness of the proposed methodology. 

PMID- 27140090
TI  - Backscattering measurements of micron-sized spherical particles.
AB  - An apparatus was designed and assembled to measure scattered light in the range
      of 180 degrees +/-6 degrees  where enhanced backscattering, the cause of a glory,
      occurs. The apparatus was calibrated and tested using Fraunhofer circular
      aperture diffraction, angle of incidence correction, and a diffuse reflector.
      Theory indicates that backscattering is strongly dependent on particle size,
      refractive index, and shape. Experimental measurements from polystyrene latex
      spheres of two sizes and water droplets showed good agreement with Mie theory,
      but also indicated the extreme sensitivity of the backscattering to particle
      parameters. The results presented should have use in the fields of particle
      scattering, particle metrology, and LIDAR. 

PMID- 27140091
TI  - Comparison of two panoramic front unit arrangements in design of a super wide
      angle panoramic annular lens.
AB  - In this paper, a new panoramic annular lens (PAL) with a super wide angle of (30
      degrees -120 degrees )*360 degrees  is introduced that consists of two parts: a
      panoramic front unit (PFU) and a relay lens. First, two PFU arrangements
      referring to the block structured panoramic front unit (BSPFU) and the shell
      structured panoramic front unit are compared and analyzed in terms of their field
      curvature correction ability and structural feasibility for obtaining a wide
      angle PAL. From the comparison, the BSPFU arrangement turns out to be more
      promising for its good field curvature correction, structure compactness, and
      convenience for manufacture and assembly. Second, a relay lens composed of six
      lenses with three Q<sub>bfs</sub> aspheres has been designed to match the BSPFU.
      Finally, image performance analysis of the optimized super wide angle PAL is
      presented. The results show that the designed PAL equipped with a BSPFU and a
      Q<sub>bfs</sub> aspherized relay lens achieves good performance under a super
      wide field of view of (30 degrees -120 degrees )*360 degrees . 

PMID- 27140092
TI  - Bio-inspired hierarchical patterning of silicon by laser interference
      lithography.
AB  - This paper presents a facile approach for the rapid and maskless fabrication of
      hierarchical structures by multibeam laser interference. In the work, three- and
      four-beam laser interference lithographies were proposed to fabricate ordered
      multiscale surface structures instead of six or more beam interference with a
      complicated system setup. The pitch and shape of hierarchical structures can be
      controlled by adjusting the parameters of incident light. The experiment results
      have shown that the hierarchical anisotropy and isotropy surface structures can
      be fabricated by this method with the control of the parameters of each incident
      beam, which is in accordance with the theoretical analysis and computer
      simulations. 

PMID- 27140093
TI  - Approach for determination of detonation performance and aluminum percentage of
      aluminized-based explosives by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
AB  - Energetic materials containing aluminum powder are hazardous compounds, which
      have wide applications as propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. This work
      introduces a new method on the basis of the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
      technique in air and argon atmospheres to investigate determination of aluminum
      content and detonation performance of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX)-based
      aluminized explosives. Plasma emission of aluminized RDX explosives are recorded
      where atomic lines of Al, C, H, N, and O, as well as molecular bands of AlO and
      CN are identified. The formation mechanism of AlO and CN molecular bands is
      affected by the aluminum percentage and oxygen content present in the composition
      and plasma. Relative intensity of the Al/O is used to determine detonation
      velocity and pressure of the RDX/Al samples. The released energy in the laser
      induced plasma of aluminized RDX composition is related to the heat of explosion
      and percentage of aluminum. 

PMID- 27140094
TI  - Comparison of geometrical and diffraction imaging in the space and frequency
      domains.
AB  - The geometrical and diffraction point-spread functions of an optical imaging
      system have been reviewed and compared in the past [Proc. SPIE3729, 434
      (1999)PSISDG0277-786X10.1117/12.346821]. In this paper, we review and compare
      corresponding optical transfer functions. While the truth lies with the
      diffraction optical-transfer functions (OTF), it is considered easier and quicker
      to calculate the geometrical OTF, especially for large aberrations. We describe
      the theory of the two OTFs and explore the range of spatial frequencies and the
      magnitude of the primary aberrations over which the geometrical OTF may provide a
      reasonable approximation of the diffraction OTF. Moreover, balancing of spherical
      aberration with defocus for optimum diffraction OTF is studied as a function of
      both the aberration value as well as the spatial frequency. How to gauge the
      progress of an optical design in the frequency domain based on the geometrical
      OTF is outlined as the ray spot size is used in the space domain. 

PMID- 27140095
TI  - Method for modeling radiative transport in luminescent particulate media.
AB  - Modeling radiative transport in luminescent particulate media is important to a
      variety of applications, from biomedical imaging to solar power harvesting. When
      absorption and scattering from individual particles must be considered, the
      description of radiative transport is not straightforward. For large particles
      and interparticle spacing, geometrical optics can be employed. However, this
      approach requires accurate knowledge of several particle properties, such as
      index of refraction and absorption coefficient, along with particle geometry and
      positioning. Because the determination of these variables is often nontrivial, we
      developed an approach for modeling radiative transport in such media, which
      combines two simple experiments with Monte Carlo simulations to determine the
      particle extinction coefficient (Gamma) and the probability of absorption of
      light by a particle (P<sub>A</sub>). The method is validated on samples
      consisting of luminescent phosphor powder dispersed in a silicone matrix. 

PMID- 27140096
TI  - In situ time-series monitoring of collagen fibers produced by standing-cultured
      osteoblasts using a second-harmonic-generation microscope.
AB  - In bone tissue engineering and regeneration, there is a considerable need for an
      unstained method of monitoring collagen fibers produced by osteoblasts. This is
      because collagen fibers play an important role as a bone matrix and continuous
      monitoring of their temporal dynamics is important in clarifying the organization
      process toward forming bone tissue. In the work described here, using a second
      harmonic-generation (SHG) microscope, we performed in situ time-series monitoring
      of collagen fibers produced by cultured osteoblasts without the need for
      staining. Use of the 19 fs near-infrared pulsed light enables us to visualize the
      temporal dynamics in a thin layer of collagen fibers produced by a single layer
      of osteoblasts in high-contrast SHG images. While the collagen fibers were
      produced and stored inside the osteoblasts at an early stage of culturing, the
      network structure of collagen fibers was formed and locally condensed at a late
      stage. Furthermore, we extracted a quantitative parameter of collagen maturity
      degree in the cultured sample by use of image analysis based on a two-dimensional
      Fourier transform of the SHG image. The proposed method will be useful for in
      situ quality and quantity control of collagen fibers in bone tissue engineering
      and regeneration. 

PMID- 27140097
TI  - Low-repetition rate femtosecond laser writing of optical waveguides in water
      white glass slides.
AB  - Energy dose ranges for fabrication of subsurface and ablated ridge waveguides
      were defined using a low repetition rate femtosecond laser. The waveguides were
      written along the width of water-white glass slides. The buried waveguides
      written between 0.23 and 0.62  MUJ/MUm<sup>3</sup> energy dose show strong
      guidance at 633 nm, reaching in the best cases propagation losses of 0.7 dB/cm.
      Meanwhile, the ridge waveguides were fabricated between 2.04 and 31.9 
      MUJ/MUm<sup>3</sup>, with a best case of 3.1 dB/cm. Outcomes of this study are
      promising for use in the manufacturing of sensing devices. 

PMID- 27140098
TI  - Resonant fiber optic gyro based on a sinusoidal wave modulation and square wave
      demodulation technique.
AB  - New developments are made in the resonant fiber optic gyro (RFOG), which is an
      optical sensor for the measurement of rotation rate. The digital signal
      processing system based on the phase modulation technique is capable of detecting
      the weak frequency difference induced by the Sagnac effect and suppressing the
      reciprocal noise in the circuit, which determines the detection sensitivity of
      the RFOG. A new technique based on the sinusoidal wave modulation and square wave
      demodulation is implemented, and the demodulation curve of the system is
      simulated and measured. Compared with the past technique using sinusoidal
      modulation and demodulation, it increases the slope of the demodulation curve by
      a factor of 1.56, improves the spectrum efficiency of the modulated signal, and
      reduces the occupancy of the field-programmable gate array resource. On the basis
      of this new phase modulation technique, the loop is successfully locked and
      achieves a short-term bias stability of 1.08 degrees /h, which is improved by a
      factor of 1.47. 

PMID- 27140099
TI  - Sizing charged particles by phase Doppler anemometry.
AB  - Phase Doppler anemometry (PDA) is one of the most popular optical techniques used
      to measure particle sizes. The configuration of PDA layout is important for
      accurate measurement. In this paper, considering the fact that particles are very
      likely charged due to many reasons, the selection of PDA layout parameters for
      measuring charged particles is studied. Effective regions in the receiver's
      configuration parameter plane are found for charged particles. When parameters
      are selected from the effective regions, the phase-diameter curves of the PDA are
      linear, which satisfies the requirement of the working principle of PDA for
      measuring particle diameter. It is found that the scattered power of charged
      particles is attenuated, and the attenuation only has small oscillation with the
      variation of particle diameter and is mainly dominated by the surface
      conductivity, a phenomenological parameter for describing net surface charges
      carried by particles. A method is proposed to identify charged particles as well
      as their surface conductivities. 

PMID- 27140100
TI  - Characterization of the eigenmode frequency spectrum influenced by the
      polarization states and light field distribution in a nonplanar ring resonator.
AB  - We present the evolution of the eigenmode frequency spectrum in a nonplanar ring
      resonator based on the Jones matrix and the Fresnel-Kirchhoff diffraction
      integral. Taking the modes TEM<sub>(q+1)01</sub> and TEM<sub>q10</sub> with
      different polarization states as examples, we numerically derive the frequency
      difference between them versus the folding angles of the resonator by considering
      the polarization and the light field distribution of the eigenmodes
      synchronously. It can be found that the extreme values of frequency difference
      between TEM<sub>(q+1)01</sub> and TEM<sub>q10</sub> are particularly affected by
      the polarization states of the eigenmode, and the locations of these consecutive
      extreme values correspond to the total image rotation angle with values of the
      integer multiple of 90 degrees . Moreover, the influence of the resonator
      structure on the frequency difference of eigenmodes with the identical
      polarization state is also analyzed. The results prove that the frequency
      difference between the fundamental mode and higher order modes declines with the
      increase of the spherical mirrors' radius of curvature but increases with the
      augmentation of the resonator's total length. These interesting findings are
      important for the mode selection in high-accuracy ring laser gyroscopes with
      nonplanar structure by modulating the polarization states and the light field
      distribution of the eigenmodes to control the frequency difference between them. 

PMID- 27140101
TI  - Narrow linewidth operation of a spectral beam combined diode laser bar.
AB  - Our experiment is expected to provide an approach for realizing ultranarrow
      linewidth for a spectral beam combined diode laser bar. The beams of a diode
      laser bar are combined in a fast axis after a beam transformation system. With
      the help of relay optics and a transform lens with a long focal length of 1.5 m,
      the whole wavelength of a spectral combined laser bar can be narrowed down to
      0.48 nm from more than 10 nm. We have achieved 56.7 W cw from a 19-element single
      bar with an M<sup>2</sup> of 1.4  (in horizontal direction)*11.6  (in vertical
      direction). These parameters are good evidence that all the beams from the diode
      laser bar are combined together to increase the brightness. 

PMID- 27140102
TI  - Imaging characteristics of an 8.8  mm long and 125  MUm thick graded-index short
      multimode fiber probe.
AB  - We demonstrated the feasibility of an ultrathin imaging probe with a 50-MUm core
      diameter, a 125 MUm total diameter, and an 8.8 mm length, which is a typical
      graded-index multimode fiber for optical communications. We used an ABCD matrix
      to analyze the imaging conditions and magnification, which corresponded closely
      to the measured results. The lateral resolution was calculated at 1.2 MUm with a
      wavelength of 730 nm, which reflects the image test pattern where a period of
      4.38 MUm was measured with a wavelength of 730 nm. In the numerical aperture of
      the objective lens, we experimentally evaluated the tradeoff between the
      magnification and the coupling efficiency. At four wavelengths of 540 nm, 632 nm,
      730 nm, and 852 nm, the contrast and signal intensity versus the wavelength were
      investigated to show that the contrast at 632 and 730 nm is relatively high. By
      using a thin random phase screen model, we explained that as the wavelength
      decreases the greater the decrease in the optical transfer function at higher
      spatial frequencies. Using a 635 nm LED light source, we imaged the surfaces of
      chicken tendons in contact and the surface roughness was visible. 

PMID- 27140103
TI  - Sensitivity improvement of reflective tilted FBGs.
AB  - Tilted fiber Bragg gratings are used as energy couplers in which the core mode
      and cladding modes can be coupled together. Cladding modes have extensive
      importance in sensing applications due to their sensitive characteristics to the
      surrounding refractive index. The cladding modes are investigated theoretically
      by studying a three-layer model of optical fibers, whereas the core mode is
      investigated by studying a two-layer model of optical fibers. The analysis
      reveals that to increase the coupling of the energy transferred from the core
      mode to cladding modes, the cladding radius needs to be decreased. Such behavior
      is illustrated through studying the change in the electric field distribution and
      is used to improve the sensitivity of the sensing refractive index of the
      surrounding medium. 

PMID- 27140104
TI  - 8.13  MUm in length and CMOS compatible polarization beam splitter based on an
      asymmetrical directional coupler.
AB  - A compact silicon polarization beam splitter (PBS) is proposed based on an
      asymmetrical directional coupler consisting of a wide waveguide and a dielectric
      loaded narrow waveguide. Given that TE and TM polarizations are the dominant mode
      in the wide and narrow waveguides, respectively, a perfect phase-matching
      condition in the TM mode but a huge phase mismatching in the TE mode can be
      achieved. Therefore, the TE mode is almost uncoupled regardless of device length
      but the TM mode can only completely couple to the cross port at an appropriate
      coupling length. An ultrashort (~8.13  MUm long) PBS is designed based on a
      silicon-on-insulator nanowire with a loading refractive index of 2.0 and a gap
      width of 200 nm. Numerical simulations show that the proposed PBS has a broad
      bandwidth (~100  nm) with large extinction ratio (>10  dB) and low insertion loss
      (<0.61  dB). The fabrication-error tolerance of the PBS is also discussed. 

PMID- 27140105
TI  - Compact dual-wavelength thulium-doped fiber laser employing a double-ring filter.
AB  - In this paper, we report on stable dual-wavelength operation of a thulium-doped
      compact all-fiber laser using a double-ring filter as the wavelength selective
      element. Simultaneously lasing at 2014.4 and 2018.4 nm has been obtained via
      tuning the polarization controllers to adjust the relative gain and loss of the
      laser cavity. The side mode suppression ratios are greater than 52 dB and the
      output power difference between the two lasing lines is less than 0.08 dB under
      2.6 W of incident pump power. 

PMID- 27140106
TI  - Use of optical spacers to enhance infrared Mueller ellipsometry sensitivity:
      application to the characterization of organic thin films.
AB  - Mueller ellipsometry in the mid-infrared (IR) spectral range can be used to
      obtain information about chemical composition through the vibrational spectra of
      samples. In the case of very thin films (<100  nm), the ellipsometric spectral
      features due to vibrational absorption are in general quite weak, and sometimes
      they are hidden by the noise in the measured data. In this work, we present one
      method based on the use of optical spacers as a tool to enhance the sensitivity
      of IR Mueller ellipsometry. An optical spacer is a thin film made of a known
      material which is between the substrate and the layer of interest. We show that,
      when the thickness of the two layers fulfills a given condition, the spectral
      features due to vibrational absorptions are enhanced. We explain the enhancement
      effect in terms of the Airy formula. The theoretical discussion is illustrated
      with two examples. We analyzed polystyrene thin films deposited on silicon
      wafers. Some of the wafers were covered by a thin film of thermal silicon dioxide
      (SiO<sub>2</sub>), which was used as a spacer. The results show the suitability
      of the proposed technique to overcome the lack of sensitivity in ellipsometric
      measurements when it comes to working with either very thin films or materials
      with low absorption. 

PMID- 27140107
TI  - Compound liquid crystal microlens array with convergent and divergent functions.
AB  - Based on the common liquid crystal microlens, a new compound structure for a
      liquid crystal (LC) microlens array is proposed. The structure consists of two
      sub LC microlens arrays with properties of light divergence and convergence. The
      structure has two LC layers: one to form the positive sub lens, one for the
      negative. The patterned electrode and plane electrode are used in both sub
      microlens arrays. When two sub microlens arrays are electrically controlled
      separately, they can diverge or converge the incident light, respectively. As two
      sub microlens arrays are both applied on the voltage, the focal length of the
      compound LC microlens becomes larger than that of the LC microlens with a single
      LC layer. Another feature of a compound LC microlens array is that it can make
      the target contour become visible under intense light. The mechanisms are
      described in detail, and the experimental data are given. 

PMID- 27140108
TI  - Stable multi-wavelength fiber laser with single-mode fiber in a Sagnac loop.
AB  - In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a stable multi
      wavelength fiber laser at 1.5 MUm with single-mode fiber (SMF). The Sagnac loop
      structure with a 48.6:51.4 coupler and 2 km SMF has an intensity-dependent loss,
      which contributes to suppress the mode competition in the cavity and leads to a
      steady multi-wavelength output. In the experiment, five stable lasing wavelengths
      are obtained with a pump power of 300 mW at 980 nm. The demonstrated multi
      wavelength fiber laser has great potential for applications in optical
      communications and optical sensing systems. 

PMID- 27140109
TI  - Two-photon, three-photon, and four-photon near-infrared quantum cutting
      luminescence of an Er<sup>3+</sup> activator in tellurium glass phosphor.
AB  - Multiphoton near-IR downconversion quantum cutting luminescence of
      Er<sup>3+</sup>-ion-doped tellurium glass is studied. We find that the excitation
      spectra of 1532.0 nm IR light and 550.0 nm visible light are very similar in wave
      shape and peak wavelength. When the concentration of Er<sup>3+</sup> ions is
      increased from 0.5% to 3.2%, we observe that both the IR luminescence and
      excitation intensity of the samples are increased by a factor of 1.80-5.49, with
      a concomitant decrease in both visible luminescence and excitation intensity by a
      factor of 0.87-1.91. Therefore, we conclude that the present phenomenon is a
      multiphoton near-IR quantum cutting luminescence phenomenon. We also find that
      the near-IR quantum cutting efficiency up-limits of the I<sub>9/2</sub>4,
      F<sub>9/2</sub>4, S<sub>3/2</sub>4, and H<sub>11/2</sub>2 states are respectively
      157%, 138%, 193%, and 192% for Er<sup>3+</sup>(3.2%):tellurium glass and 175%,
      154%, 233%, and 233% for Er<sup>3+</sup>(5.0%):tellurium glass. 

PMID- 27140110
TI  - Numerical analysis of pulse signal restoration by stochastic resonance in a
      buckled microcavity.
AB  - A novel scheme is proposed to restore weak pulse signals immersed in noise by
      stochastic resonance based on photothermal-effect-induced optical bistability in
      a buckled dome microcavity. The bistable properties of the dome microcavity are
      analyzed with different initial detuning wavelengths and effective cavity
      lengths, and bistable transmission can be obtained for input powers in
      submilliwatt range. A theoretical model is derived to interpret the nonlinear
      process of pulse signal recovery through double-well potential theory. The cross
      correlation coefficient between output signals and pure input pulses is
      calculated to quantitatively analyze the influence of noise intensity on
      stochastic resonance. A cross-correlation gain of 7 is obtained, and the noise
      hidden signal can be recovered effectively though the buckled dome microcavity
      with negligible distortion. The simulation results show the potential of using
      this structure to restore low-level or noise-hidden pulse signals in all-optical
      integrated systems. 

PMID- 27140111
TI  - Compressive adaptive ghost imaging via sharing mechanism and fellow relationship.
AB  - For lower sampling rate and better imaging quality, a compressive adaptive ghost
      imaging is proposed by adopting the sharing mechanism and fellow relationship in
      the wavelet tree. The sharing mechanisms, including intrascale and interscale
      sharing mechanisms, and fellow relationship are excavated from the wavelet tree
      and utilized for sampling. The shared coefficients, which are part of the
      approximation subband, are localized according to the parent coefficients and
      sampled based on the interscale sharing mechanism and fellow relationship. The
      sampling rate can be reduced owing to the fact that some shared coefficients can
      be calculated by adopting the parent coefficients and the sampled sum of shared
      coefficients. According to the shared coefficients and parent coefficients, the
      proposed method predicts the positions of significant coefficients and samples
      them based on the intrascale sharing mechanism. The ghost image, reconstructed by
      the significant coefficients and the coarse image at the given largest scale,
      achieves better quality because the significant coefficients contain more
      detailed information. The simulations demonstrate that the proposed method
      improves the imaging quality at the same sampling rate and also achieves a lower
      sampling rate for the same imaging quality for different types of target object
      images in noise-free and noisy environments. 

PMID- 27140112
TI  - Optical properties of ZnSe(Te) with ytterbium impurity.
AB  - We report the results on infrared transmission measurements of non-doped and
      tellurium-doped crystals of zinc selenide grown from the melt. It was found that
      non-doped samples feature high transmission (50%-60%) for the wavelengths of 1-22
      MUm. The efficient scintillating crystals of ZnSe(Te) are almost opaque for
      lambda>7  MUm. Doping these samples with ytterbium from the gas phase does not
      achieve any significant transmission increase for non-doped ZnSe samples in the
      spectral range of 1-22 MUm. However, it considerably increases (up to 50%)
      transmission for doped ZnSe(Te) at the wavelengths lambda>10  MUm. These optical
      peculiarities were analyzed taking into account restructurization of point defect
      ensembles created by Te and Yb impurities. 

PMID- 27140113
TI  - Computational algorithms for simulations in atmospheric optics.
AB  - A computer simulation technique for atmospheric and adaptive optics based on
      parallel programing is discussed. A parallel propagation algorithm is designed
      and a modified spectral-phase method for computer generation of 2D time-variant
      random fields is developed. Temporal power spectra of Laguerre-Gaussian beam
      fluctuations are considered as an example to illustrate the applications
      discussed. Implementation of the proposed algorithms using Intel MKL and IPP
      libraries and NVIDIA CUDA technology is shown to be very fast and accurate. The
      hardware system for the computer simulation is an off-the-shelf desktop with an
      Intel Core i7-4790K CPU operating at a turbo-speed frequency up to 5 GHz and an
      NVIDIA GeForce GTX-960 graphics accelerator with 1024 1.5 GHz processors. 

PMID- 27140114
TI  - Electric-field-induced linear birefringence in
      TmAl<sub>3</sub>(BO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub>.
AB  - The linear birefringence induced by the electric field was first detected in a
      TmAl<sub>3</sub>(BO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub> single crystal. The electric field
      dependence of the birefringence was investigated. The estimation of the electro
      optical coefficient of the material gives ~1.5*10<sup>-10</sup>  cm/V for a
      wavelength 632.8 nm. 

PMID- 27140115
TI  - Jones-matrix mapping of complex degree of mutual anisotropy of birefringent
      protein networks during the differentiation of myocardium necrotic changes.
AB  - The azimuthally stable method of Jones-matrix mapping of histological sections of
      myocardium tissue biopsy using spatial-frequency selection of the mechanisms of
      linear and circular birefringence is proposed. Correlation parameter-the complex
      degree of mutual anisotropy-and its diagnostic application are analytically
      substantiated. The method of measuring the complex degree of mutual-anisotropy
      coordinate distributions using spatial filtration of their high- and low
      frequency components is developed. The interconnections between such
      distributions and parameters of linear and circular birefringence of myocardium
      tissue histological sections are defined. The comparative investigations of
      coordinate distributions of the complex degree of mutual anisotropy formed by
      fibrillar networks of myocardium tissues of different necrotic states (dead due
      to coronary heart disease and acute coronary insufficiency) are performed. The
      values and ranges of change of the statistical (moments of the first-fourth
      order) parameters of coordinate distributions of the complex degree of mutual
      anisotropy are defined. The objective criteria of cause of death differentiation
      are determined. 

PMID- 27140116
TI  - Direct and inverse problems in x-ray three-crystal triple Laue case
      interferometry.
AB  - We study the mechanisms of forming x-ray moire images arising under the action of
      one-dimensional rows of local concentrated forces at the output surface of a
      triple-crystalline triple Laue case interferometer for the cases of their
      orientation parallel and perpendicular to the vector of diffraction. The presence
      of constant phase shift of one of the interfering waves in the interferometer's
      analyzer results in the diminishing of period, contrast, and area of deformation
      moire fringes. It is shown that the area of efficient interaction of phase and
      deformation moires depends on both the magnitude of the constant phase shift and
      the magnitude and character of arrangement of local concentrated forces in rows. 

PMID- 27140117
TI  - Polarization-dependent laser autofluorescence of the polycrystalline networks of
      blood plasma films in the task of liver pathology differentiation.
AB  - Current research presents the results of the investigation of diagnostic
      efficiency of laser polarization autofluorescence for the set of endogenous
      fluorophores of blood plasma polycrystalline films in two spectral regions (0.5
      0.53 MUm and 0.63-0.67 MUm) under the excitation of laser radiation with a
      wavelength of 0.405 MUm. A model of generalized optical anisotropy of protein
      networks of blood plasma polycrystalline films is proposed for the purpose of
      defining laser autofluorescence processes. Both phase (linear birefringence and
      optical activity) and amplitude (linear and circular dichroisms) anisotropies
      have been considered. Interconnections between the optimal condition of probing
      beam polarization state and the efficiency of induction laser autofluorescence
      have been found. Statistical analysis of coordinate distributions of laser
      polarization autofluorescence intensities is suggested by means of determination
      of the quantitative criteria (statistical moments of the 1st-4th orders). The
      efficiency of laser polarization autofluorescence of polycrystalline networks in
      the task of differentiation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic
      hepatitis of human liver has been analyzed. 

PMID- 27140118
TI  - Chemical adjustment possibilities in the physical properties of azobenzene
      polycomplexes with metal.
AB  - Changes in the physical properties of polymeric composites based on azobenzene by
      means of chemical modifications of the polycomplexes' structure and composition
      are investigated. The main emphasis was on the adjustment of characteristics of
      electro-optical effect observed in these composites. Among the methods of
      chemical modification for the coordination of metallic ion include changing the
      dipole moment of the azobenzene fragment and the "spacer" length connecting the
      azobenzene fragment to the main polymeric chain. Introduction of the organic dyes
      in the azobenzene polymeric composites are also considered. Demonstrated
      flexibility in the properties of the investigated media is important for their
      practical application as information or optically active media. 

PMID- 27140119
TI  - Light trapping at Dirac point in 2D triangular Archimedean-like lattice photonic
      crystal.
AB  - Optical cavities and waveguides are critical parts of modern optical devices.
      Traditionally, optical cavities and waveguides rely on photonic bandgaps, or
      total internal reflection, to achieve light trapping. It has been reported that a
      novel light trapping, which exists in triangular and honeycomb lattices, is
      attributed to the so-called Dirac point. Our analysis reveals that 2D triangular
      Archimedean-like lattice photonic crystals also can support this Dirac mode with
      similar characteristics. This is a new type of localized mode with a different
      algebraic field profile at a different specified Dirac frequency, which is also
      beyond any complete photonic bandgap. The new wave localization has different
      features and can be applied to the design of new optical devices. 

PMID- 27140120
TI  - Polarization state transformation using two quarter wave plates: application to
      Mueller polarimetry.
AB  - We show that there are a number of ways to transform an arbitrary polarization
      state into another with just two quarter wave plates (QWPs). We have verified
      this geometrically using the trajectories of the initial and final polarization
      states corresponding to all the fast axis orientations of a QWP on the Poincare
      sphere. The exact analytical expression for the locus of polarization states has
      also been given, and describes the trajectory. An analytical treatment of the
      equations obtained through matrix operations corresponding to the transformation
      supports the geometrical representation. This knowledge can be used to obtain the
      Mueller matrix by just using QWPs, which has been shown experimentally by
      exploiting projections of the output states on the input states. 

PMID- 27140121
TI  - Magnetic and structural changes in the near-surface epitaxial
      Y<sub>2.95</sub>La<sub>0.05</sub>Fe<sub>5</sub>O<sub>12</sub> films after high
      dose ion implantation.
AB  - The method of magnetic force microscopy was used to study the domain structure of
      various-thickness epitaxial
      Y<sub>2.95</sub>La<sub>0.05</sub>Fe<sub>5</sub>O<sub>12</sub> iron-yttrium garnet
      films modified by high-dose implantation of N<sup>+</sup> nitrogen ions. The
      results of multi-crystal x-ray diffractometry were analyzed, and a possible
      defect structure of garnets prior to and after implantation was identified. It
      was established that the reduction of magnetic losses observed after high-dose
      ion implantation is accompanied by the essential ordering of magnetic domains on
      the surface of implanted films. There is a direct dependence of electromagnetic
      properties on the dose of implanted atoms followed by a considerable sputtering
      and amorphization of the near-surface film layer and formation of a well-defined
      electromagnetic structure. 

PMID- 27140122
TI  - Adaptive wavefront sensor based on the Talbot phenomenon.
AB  - A new adaptive method of wavefront sensing is proposed and demonstrated. The
      method is based on the Talbot self-imaging effect, which is observed in an
      illuminating light beam with strong second-order aberration. Compensation of
      defocus and astigmatism is achieved with an appropriate choice of size of the
      rectangular unit cell of the diffraction grating, which is performed iteratively.
      A liquid-crystal spatial light modulator is used for this purpose. Self-imaging
      of rectangular grating in the astigmatic light beam is demonstrated
      experimentally. High-order aberrations are detected with respect to the
      compensated second-order aberration. The comparative results of wavefront sensing
      with a Shack-Hartmann sensor and the proposed sensor are adduced. 

PMID- 27140123
TI  - Raman spectroscopy of Cu-Sn-S ternary compound thin films prepared by the low
      cost spray-pyrolysis technique.
AB  - Cu-Sn-S (CTS) thin films were deposited onto bare and molybdenum (Mo) coated
      glass substrates by means of the spray pyrolysis technique under different
      conditions. The CTS thin films obtained are shown, by means of Raman
      spectroscopy, to consist of two main phases: Cu<sub>2</sub>SnS<sub>3</sub> and
      Cu<sub>3</sub>SnS<sub>4</sub> as well as of the secondary phase of Cu<sub>2
      x</sub>S. The electrical conductivity of the spray-deposited p-type CTS thin
      films under investigation is determined by two shallow acceptor levels: Ev+0.07 
      eV at T<334  K and Ev+0.1  eV at T>334  K. The material of the CTS thin films was
      established to be a direct-band semiconductor with the bandgap E<sub>g</sub>=1.89
      eV. The SEM and x-ray energy dispersive analysis show the surface and cross
      section of the CTS thin film deposited onto molybdenum-coated glass ceramics
      substrate with the actual atomic ratios of Cu:Sn:S being 2.9:1:2.64, which is in
      good agreement with the Raman spectra. Also, a small content of residual Cl atoms
      was found in the CTS thin films under investigation as the by-product of the
      pyrolytic reactions. 

PMID- 27140124
TI  - Causes of non-Kolmogorov turbulence in the atmosphere.
AB  - In the present work, we briefly describe a model for atmospheric turbulence
      energy on the basis of experimental data obtained in Siberia. A series of new
      studies is considered and the results of our long-term experimental observations
      are summarized. The results of these studies form the basis for an explanation of
      some effects in interactions between optical waves and atmospheric turbulence.
      Our numerous experimental results point to the possible generation of so-called
      coherent turbulence in the atmosphere. When analyzing the problem, we proceeded
      based on our own experimental data and comprehension that the coherent turbulence
      is a result of the action of self-organizing nonlinear processes, which run in
      continuous media, including atmospheric air. The experimental data confirmed the
      effect of attenuation of light fluctuations in coherent turbulence. 

PMID- 27140125
TI  - Analytical model of the optical vortex microscope.
AB  - This paper presents an analytical model of the optical vortex scanning
      microscope. In this microscope the Gaussian beam with an embedded optical vortex
      is focused into the sample plane. Additionally, the optical vortex can be moved
      inside the beam, which allows fine scanning of the sample. We provide an
      analytical solution of the whole path of the beam in the system (within paraxial
      approximation)-from the vortex lens to the observation plane situated on the CCD
      camera. The calculations are performed step by step from one optical element to
      the next. We show that at each step, the expression for light complex amplitude
      has the same form with only four coefficients modified. We also derive a simple
      expression for the vortex trajectory of small vortex displacements. 

PMID- 27140126
TI  - Correlation between topological structure and its properties in dynamic singular
      vector fields.
AB  - A new technique for establishment of topology measurements for static and dynamic
      singular vector fields is elaborated. It is based on precise measurement of the
      3D landscape of ellipticity distribution for a checked singular optical field
      with C points on the tops of ellipticity hills. Vector fields possess three
      component topology: areas with right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) ellipses, and
      delimiting those L lines as the singularities of handedness. The azimuth map of
      polarization ellipses is common for both RH and LH ellipses of vector fields and
      do not feel L lines. The strict rules were confirmed experimentally, which define
      the connection between the sign of underlying optical vortices and morphological
      parameters of upper-lying C points. Percolation phenomena explain their
      realization in-between singular vector fields and long duration of their chains
      of 10<sup>3</sup>  s order. 

PMID- 27140127
TI  - Some features of information properties of holographic recording media based on a
      photoconducting carbazolyl-containing oligomer doped with an organic electron
      acceptor.
AB  - Unusual multimodal kinetics of diffraction efficiency in the cycle of hologram
      recording and erasing were observed in the recording media for the holographic
      photothermoplastic technique. It was shown that this effect is caused by
      competition between the simultaneous development of regular and random "frosty"
      surface reliefs of the photoconducting polymer film during the hologram
      development. The mechanism explaining the decrease of the maximal diffraction
      efficiency as compared to its calculated value is discussed. 

PMID- 27140128
TI  - Some current views on the origins and prospects of correlation optics.
AB  - The state of the art modern branch of optics and photonics now referred to as
      correlation optics is discussed in connection with both its origins and promising
      prospects. We use here the term "correlation" not only as a synonym of the term
      "coherence," but also for emphasizing the necessity of taking into account fine,
      sometimes enigmatic, phase relations among the components of complex optical
      fields, even if such fields are conventionally defined as completely coherent.
      Selection of topics for this brief review of correlation optics outlooks was not
      dictated by intention of comprehensive representation of this field of research,
      but rather by the scientific interests of the authors, ranging from classical
      theory of diffraction, holography, and light-scattering to modern singular
      optics. 

PMID- 27140129
TI  - Ostwald's ripening of single-layer carbon nanotubes.
AB  - Analysis of experimentally obtained size distribution functions in the form of
      percentage of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) versus their diameters shows increasing
      intermediate tube diameters with increasing concentration of the source of carbon
      atoms. In this paper, the mechanism of growth is associated with Ostwald's
      ripening CNTs, which are considered massive cylindrical nanoclusters of various
      diameter and height embedded in a solution (volume or surface) of carbon atoms.
      Interaction of nanoclusters is realized through the Gibbs-Thomson effect,
      resulting in increasing their average diameters. Validity of the proposed
      mechanism of increasing average diameters of nanotubes is proved by comparison of
      the experimentally obtained histograms with theoretically computed dependences.
      We use the generalized Lifshitz-Slyozov-Wagner and the Chakraverty-Wagner
      distributions, both computed via assumption that growth of nanoclusters
      (nanotubes) is controlled simultaneously by (volume or surface) diffusion and by
      speed of chemical connections' formation or by chemical reaction (Wagner's
      mechanism of growth). Under specified technological parameters and conditions of
      synthesis, the obtained theoretically distributions fit well with the
      experimental histograms for single-layer CNTs. 

PMID- 27140130
TI  - Photonic nanohelix generated by a binary spiral axicon.
AB  - We demonstrate the possibility of generating a photonic nanojet with a helix
      shape (photonic nanohelix) at the diffraction of a Gaussian beam on a binary
      spiral axicon. We investigate the influence of the illuminating beam parameters
      on the shape and size of the generated photonic nanohelix by solving the
      Helmholtz equation using the finite element method. The simulated photonic
      nanohelix has depth of focus (DOF) of 2.21 MUm (3.49lambda) and FWHM of 304.5 nm
      (0.48lambda), and the intensity maximum is 11.59 times higher than the incident
      beam maximum intensity. Using a near-field scanning optical microscope with a
      metal tip, it has been demonstrated that when we illuminate a binary spiral
      axicon with NA=0.5 and depth of etching of 500 nm by a linearly polarized plane
      wave (lambda=633  nm), the output beam is in the form of a photonic nanohelix of
      DOF 2.00+/-0.25  MUm (3.16+/-0.39lambda) with FWHM 339+/-5  nm (0.54+/
      0.01lambda). 

PMID- 27140131
TI  - Temperature transformations of optical spectra in semiconductor flat
      heterostructures with quantum wells.
AB  - The results of theoretical study of the temperature dependence of a long-wave
      range fundamental absorption edge in flat nanoheterostructures with a single
      quantum well (nanofilms) are adduced. The quantum well is assumed to be
      rectangular, of finite depth, and with unstrained heterojunctions as the nanofilm
      surface. Energies of electrons, holes, and excitons have been calculated within
      the framework of the effective mass model using the Green functions techniques,
      with account of their interaction with polar optical phonons confined within a
      quantum well. Numerical calculations are performed for nanofilms beta-CdS/beta
      HgS/beta-CdS and
      Al<sub>0.3</sub>Ga<sub>0.7</sub>As/GaAs/Al<sub>0.3</sub>Ga<sub>0.7</sub>As. It is
      shown that interaction with optical phonons causes a long-wave shift of the
      threshold frequency of the fundamental absorption band and a shift of exciton
      peaks by hundreds of A for the first mentioned nanofilm and by dozens of A for
      the second one, which is characterized by lower magnitudes of the constants of
      the electron-phonon coupling. The shift magnitude, as well as the height and half
      width of the exciton absorption band, changes when the temperature exceeds 80 and
      100 K, respectively. 

PMID- 27140132
TI  - Fourier polarimetry of human skin in the tasks of differentiation of benign and
      malignant formations.
AB  - The optical model of polycrystalline networks of human tissue has been proposed.
      The values of statistical parameters (statistical moments of the first to fourth
      order) characterizing the polarization-inhomogeneous images of skin surface in
      the Fourier domain have been measured. The diagnostic criteria of pathological
      processes in human skin and the differentiation of its severity degree have been
      determined. 

PMID- 27140133
TI  - Integral momenta of vortex Bessel-Gaussian beams in turbulent atmosphere.
AB  - The orbital angular momentum of vortex Bessel-Gaussian beams propagating in
      turbulent atmosphere is studied theoretically. The field of an optical beam is
      determined through the solution of the paraxial wave equation for a randomly
      inhomogeneous medium with fluctuations of the refraction index of the turbulent
      atmosphere. Peculiarities in the behavior of the total power of the vortex Bessel
      Gaussian beam at the receiver (or transmitter) are examined. The dependence of
      the total power of the vortex Bessel-Gaussian beam on optical beam parameters,
      namely, the transverse wave number of optical radiation, amplitude factor radius,
      and, especially, topological charge of the optical beam, is analyzed in detail.
      It turns out that the mean value of the orbital angular momentum of the vortex
      Bessel-Gaussian beam remains constant during propagation in the turbulent
      atmosphere. It is shown that the variance of fluctuations of the orbital angular
      momentum of the vortex Bessel-Gaussian beam propagating in turbulent atmosphere
      calculated with the "mean-intensity" approximation is equal to zero identically.
      Thus, it is possible to declare confidently that the variance of fluctuations of
      the orbital angular momentum of the vortex Bessel-Gaussian beam in turbulent
      atmosphere is not very large. 

PMID- 27140134
TI  - Polarization-phase images of liquor polycrystalline films in determining time of
      death.
AB  - An optical model for generalized optical anisotropy of polycrystalline networks
      of albumin and globulin liquor of the human brain has been suggested. The
      polarization-phase method for spatial and frequency differentiation of linear and
      circular birefringence coordinate distributions has been analytically
      substantiated. A set of criteria documenting the dynamics of polarization-phase
      images of liquor polycrystalline films has been identified in determining time of
      death. 

PMID- 27140135
TI  - Temporal coherence characterization of supercontinuum pulse trains using
      Michelson's interferometer.
AB  - Temporal coherence properties of supercontinuum pulse trains generated in
      nonlinear fibers are analyzed within the framework of the second-order coherence
      theory of nonstationary light. Time-resolved Michelson's interference patterns
      are simulated, from which the full two-time mutual coherence function can (at
      least in principle) be determined experimentally. Standard time-integrated
      Michelson's interferograms are also simulated and shown to provide a rough
      estimate for the coherence time of the quasi-stationary contribution. A simple
      but illustrative analytical model representing supercontinuum pulse trains is
      presented, and numerically simulated realizations of such pulse trains are
      considered. 

PMID- 27140136
TI  - Additional approaches to solving the phase problem in optics.
AB  - The paper presents principal approaches to diagnosing the structure-forming
      skeleton of a complex optical field. Analysis of optical field singularity
      algorithms, depending on intensity discretization and image resolution, has been
      carried out. An optimal approach is chosen, which allows us to get much closer to
      the solution of the phase problem of localization speckle-field special points.
      The use of a "window" 2D Hilbert transform for reconstruction of the phase
      distribution of the intensity of a speckle field is proposed. It is shown that
      the advantage of this approach consists in the invariance of a phase map to a
      position change of the kernel of transformation and in a possibility to
      reconstruct the structure-forming elements of the skeleton of an optical field,
      including singular points and saddle points. We demonstrate the possibility to
      reconstruct the equi-phase lines within a narrow confidence interval and
      introduce an additional algorithm for solving the phase problem for random 2D
      intensity distributions. 

PMID- 27140137
TI  - Birefringence images of polycrystalline films of human urine in early diagnostics
      of kidney pathology.
AB  - We propose an optical model of the Mueller-matrix description of mechanisms of
      optical anisotropy of polycrystalline films of urine, namely, optical activity
      and birefringence. The algorithm of reconstruction of distributions of parameters
      optical rotation angles and phase shifts of the indicated anisotropy types-are
      elaborated upon. The objective criteria of differentiation of urine films taken
      from healthy donors and albuminuria patients by means of statistical analysis of
      such distributions are determined. The operational characteristics (sensitivity,
      specificity, and accuracy) of the Mueller-matrix reconstruction method of the
      optical anisotropy parameters are defined. 

PMID- 27140138
TI  - Generation of optical vortex dipole from superposition of two transversely scaled
      Gaussian beams.
AB  - We propose a distinct concept on the generation of optical vortex through
      coupling between the amplitude and phase differences of the superposing beams.
      For the proof-of-concept demonstration, we propose a simple free-space optics
      recipe for the controlled synthesis of an optical beam with a vortex dipole by
      superposing two transversely scaled Gaussian beams. The experimental
      demonstration using a Sagnac interferometer introduces the desired amount of
      radial shear and linear phase difference between the two out-of-phase Gaussian
      beams to create a vortex pair of opposite topological charge in the superposed
      beam. Flexibility to tune their location and separation using the choice of
      direction of the linear phase difference and the amount of amplitude difference
      between the superposing beams has potential applications in optical tweezers and
      traps utilizing the local variation in angular momentum across the beam cross
      section. 

PMID- 27140139
TI  - Nonnormal operators in physics, a singular-vectors approach: illustration in
      polarization optics.
AB  - The singular-vectors analysis of a general nonnormal operator defined on a finite
      dimensional complex vector space is given in the frame of a pure operatorial
      ("nonmatrix," "coordinate-free") approach, performed in a Dirac language. The
      general results are applied in the field of polarization optics, where the
      nonnormal operators are widespread as operators of various polarization devices.
      Two nonnormal polarization devices representative for the class of nonnormal and
      even pathological operators-the standard two-layer elliptical ideal polarizer
      (singular operator) and the three-layer ambidextrous ideal polarizer (singular
      and defective operator)-are analyzed in detail. It is pointed out that the
      unitary polar component of the operator exists and preserves, in such
      pathological case too, its role of converting the input singular basis of the
      operator in its output singular basis. It is shown that for any nonnormal ideal
      polarizer a complementary one exists, so that the tandem of their operators
      uniquely determines their (common) unitary polar component. 

PMID- 27140140
TI  - Changing image of correlation optics: introduction.
AB  - This feature issue of Applied Optics contains a series of selected papers
      reflecting recent progress of correlation optics and illustrating current trends
      in vector singular optics, internal energy flows at light fields, optical science
      of materials, and new biomedical applications of lasers. 

PMID- 27140141
TI  - Timothy Edwards: A tribute.
AB  - Editor-in-Chief Ron Driggers pays tribute to colleague and friend, Timothy
      Edwards. 

PMID- 27140142
TI  - Simulation of FEL pulse length calculation with THz streaking method.
AB  - Having accurate and comprehensive photon diagnostics for the X-ray pulses
      delivered by free-electron laser (FEL) facilities is of utmost importance. Along
      with various parameters of the photon beam (such as photon energy, beam
      intensity, etc.), the pulse length measurements are particularly useful both for
      the machine operators to measure the beam parameters and monitor the stability of
      the machine performance, and for the users carrying out pump-probe experiments at
      such facilities to better understand their measurement results. One of the most
      promising pulse length measurement techniques used for photon diagnostics is the
      THz streak camera which is capable of simultaneously measuring the lengths of the
      photon pulses and their arrival times with respect to the pump laser. This work
      presents simulations of a THz streak camera performance. The simulation procedure
      utilizes FEL pulses with two different photon energies in hard and soft X-ray
      regions, respectively. It recreates the energy spectra of the photoelectrons
      produced by the photon pulses and streaks them by a single-cycle THz pulse.
      Following the pulse-retrieval procedure of the THz streak camera, the lengths
      were calculated from the streaked spectra. To validate the pulse length
      calculation procedure, the precision and the accuracy of the method were
      estimated for streaking configuration corresponding to previously performed
      experiments. The obtained results show that for the discussed setup the method is
      capable of measuring FEL pulses with about a femtosecond accuracy and precision.

PMID- 27140143
TI  - Versatile variable temperature insert at the DEIMOS beamline for in situ
      electrical transport measurements.
AB  - The design and the first experiments are described of a versatile cryogenic
      insert used for its electrical transport capabilities. The insert is designed for
      the cryomagnet installed on the DEIMOS beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron
      dedicated to magnetic characterizations through X-ray absorption spectroscopy
      (XAS) measurements. This development was spurred by the multifunctional
      properties of novel materials such as multiferroics, in which, for example, the
      magnetic and electrical orders are intertwined and may be probed using XAS. The
      insert thus enables XAS to in situ probe this interplay. The implementation of
      redundant wiring and careful shielding also enables studies on operating
      electronic devices. Measurements on magnetic tunnel junctions illustrate the
      potential of the equipment toward XAS studies of in operando electronic devices.

PMID- 27140144
TI  - Sapphire hard X-ray Fabry-Perot resonators for synchrotron experiments.
AB  - Hard X-ray Fabry-Perot resonators (FPRs) made from sapphire crystals were
      constructed and characterized. The FPRs consisted of two crystal plates, part of
      a monolithic crystal structure of Al2O3, acting as a pair of mirrors, for the
      backward reflection (0 0 0 30) of hard X-rays at 14.3147 keV. The dimensional
      accuracy during manufacturing and the defect density in the crystal in relation
      to the resonance efficiency of sapphire FPRs were analyzed from a theoretical
      standpoint based on X-ray cavity resonance and measurements using scanning
      electron microscopic and X-ray topographic techniques for crystal defects. Well
      defined resonance spectra of sapphire FPRs were successfully obtained, and were
      comparable with the theoretical predictions.

PMID- 27140145
TI  - DABAM: an open-source database of X-ray mirrors metrology.
AB  - An open-source database containing metrology data for X-ray mirrors is presented.
      It makes available metrology data (mirror heights and slopes profiles) that can
      be used with simulation tools for calculating the effects of optical surface
      errors in the performances of an optical instrument, such as a synchrotron
      beamline. A typical case is the degradation of the intensity profile at the focal
      position in a beamline due to mirror surface errors. This database for metrology
      (DABAM) aims to provide to the users of simulation tools the data of real
      mirrors. The data included in the database are described in this paper, with
      details of how the mirror parameters are stored. An accompanying software is
      provided to allow simple access and processing of these data, calculate the most
      usual statistical parameters, and also include the option of creating input files
      for most used simulation codes. Some optics simulations are presented and
      discussed to illustrate the real use of the profiles from the database.

PMID- 27140146
TI  - Submillisecond X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy from a pixel array detector
      with fast dual gating and no readout dead-time.
AB  - Small-angle scattering X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) studies were
      performed using a novel photon-counting pixel array detector with dual counters
      for each pixel. Each counter can be read out independently from the other to
      ensure there is no readout dead-time between the neighboring frames. A maximum
      frame rate of 11.8 kHz was achieved. Results on test samples show good agreement
      with simple diffusion. The potential of extending the time resolution of XPCS
      beyond the limit set by the detector frame rate using dual counters is also
      discussed.

PMID- 27140147
TI  - Evaluating scintillator performance in time-resolved hard X-ray studies at
      synchrotron light sources.
AB  - The short pulse duration, small effective source size and high flux of
      synchrotron radiation is ideally suited for probing a wide range of transient
      deformation processes in materials under extreme conditions. In this paper, the
      challenges of high-resolution time-resolved indirect X-ray detection are reviewed
      in the context of dynamic synchrotron experiments. In particular, the discussion
      is targeted at two-dimensional integrating detector methods, such as those
      focused on dynamic radiography and diffraction experiments. The response of a
      scintillator to periodic synchrotron X-ray excitation is modelled and validated
      against experimental data collected at the Diamond Light Source (DLS) and
      European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). An upper bound on the dynamic
      range accessible in a time-resolved experiment for a given bunch separation is
      calculated for a range of scintillators. New bunch structures are suggested for
      DLS and ESRF using the highest-performing commercially available crystal LYSO:Ce,
      allowing time-resolved experiments with an interframe time of 189 ns and a
      maximum dynamic range of 98 (6.6 bits).

PMID- 27140148
TI  - A sample cell for in situ electric-field-dependent structural characterization
      and macroscopic strain measurements.
AB  - When studying electro-mechanical materials, observing the structural changes
      during the actuation process is necessary for gaining a complete picture of the
      structure-property relationship as certain mechanisms may be meta-stable during
      actuation. In situ diffraction methods offer a powerful and direct means of
      quantifying the structural contributions to the macroscopic strain of these
      materials. Here, a sample cell is demonstrated capable of measuring the
      structural variations of electro-mechanical materials under applied electric
      potentials up to 10 kV. The cell is designed for use with X-ray scattering
      techniques in reflection geometry, while simultaneously collecting macroscopic
      strain data using a linear displacement sensor. The results show that the
      macroscopic strain measured using the cell can be directly correlated with the
      microscopic response of the material obtained from diffraction data. The
      capabilities of the cell have been successfully demonstrated at the Powder
      Diffraction beamline of the Australian Synchrotron and the potential
      implementation of this cell with laboratory X-ray diffraction instrumentation is
      also discussed.

PMID- 27140149
TI  - Analysis of the halo background in femtosecond slicing experiments.
AB  - The slicing facility FemtoSpeX at BESSY II offers unique opportunities to study
      photo-induced dynamics on femtosecond time scales by means of X-ray magnetic
      circular dichroism, resonant and non-resonant X-ray diffraction, and X-ray
      absorption spectroscopy experiments in the soft X-ray regime. Besides femtosecond
      X-ray pulses, slicing sources inherently also produce a so-called 'halo'
      background with a different time structure, polarization and pointing. Here a
      detailed experimental characterization of the halo radiation is presented, and a
      method is demonstrated for its correct and unambiguous removal from femtosecond
      time-resolved data using a special laser triggering scheme as well as analytical
      models. Examples are given for time-resolved measurements with corresponding halo
      correction, and errors of the relevant physical quantities caused by either
      neglecting or by applying a simplified model to describe this background are
      estimated.

PMID- 27140150
TI  - Dynamic crystal rotation resolved by high-speed synchrotron X-ray Laue
      diffraction.
AB  - Dynamic compression experiments are performed on single-crystal Si under split
      Hopkinson pressure bar loading, together with simultaneous high-speed (250-350 ns
      resolution) synchrotron X-ray Laue diffraction and phase-contrast imaging. A
      methodology is presented which determines crystal rotation parameters, i.e.
      instantaneous rotation axes and angles, from two unindexed Laue diffraction
      spots. Two-dimensional translation is obtained from dynamic imaging by a single
      camera. High-speed motion of crystals, including translation and rotation, can be
      tracked in real time via simultaneous imaging and diffraction.

PMID- 27140151
TI  - Temperature-driven directional coalescence of silver nanoparticles.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles were synthesized with a chemical reduction method in the
      presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone as stabilizing agent. The thermal stability
      behavior of the silver nanoparticles was studied in the temperature range from 25
      to 700 degrees C. Thermal gravimetric analysis was used to measure the weight
      loss of the silver nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy and high
      resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the morphology
      and the change in shape of the silver nanoparticles. In situ temperature
      dependent small-angle X-ray scattering was used to detect the increase in
      particle size with temperature. In situ temperature-dependent X-ray diffraction
      was used to characterize the increase in nanocrystal size and the thermal
      expansion coefficient. The results demonstrate that sequential slow and fast
      Ostward ripening are the main methods of nanoparticle growth at lower
      temperatures (<500 degrees C), whereas successive random and directional
      coalescences are the main methods of nanoparticle growth at higher temperatures
      (>500 degrees C). A four-stage model can be used to describe the whole sintering
      process. The thermal expansion coefficient (2.8 * 10(-5) K(-1)) of silver
      nanoparticles is about 30% larger than that of bulk silver. To our knowledge, the
      temperature-driven directional coalescence of silver nanocrystals is reported for
      the first time. Two possible mechanisms of directional coalescence have been
      proposed. This study is of importance not only in terms of its fundamental
      academic interest but also in terms of the thermal stability of silver
      nanoparticles.

PMID- 27140152
TI  - Multiple scattering in grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction: impact on lattice
      constant determination in thin films.
AB  - Dynamical scattering effects are observed in grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction
      experiments using an organic thin film of 2,2':6',2''-ternaphthalene grown on
      oxidized silicon as substrate. Here, a splitting of all Bragg peaks in the out-of
      plane direction (z-direction) has been observed, the magnitude of which depends
      both on the incidence angle of the primary beam and the out-of-plane angle of the
      scattered beam. The incident angle was varied between 0.09 degrees  and 0.25
      degrees  for synchrotron radiation of 10.5 keV. This study reveals comparable
      intensities of the split peaks with a maximum for incidence angles close to the
      critical angle of total external reflection of the substrate. This observation is
      rationalized by two different scattering pathways resulting in diffraction peaks
      at different positions at the detector. In order to minimize the splitting, the
      data suggest either using incident angles well below the critical angle of total
      reflection or angles well above, which sufficiently attenuates the contributions
      from the second scattering path. This study highlights that the refraction of X
      rays in (organic) thin films has to be corrected accordingly to allow for the
      determination of peak positions with sufficient accuracy. Based thereon, a
      reliable determination of the lattice constants becomes feasible, which is
      required for crystallographic structure solutions from thin films.

PMID- 27140153
TI  - Polarized hard X-ray photoemission system with micro-positioning technique for
      probing ground-state symmetry of strongly correlated materials.
AB  - An angle-resolved linearly polarized hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy
      (HAXPES) system has been developed to study the ground-state symmetry of strongly
      correlated materials. The linear polarization of the incoming X-ray beam is
      switched by a transmission-type phase retarder composed of two diamond (100)
      crystals. The best value of the degree of linear polarization was found to be 
      0.96, containing a vertical polarization component of 98%. A newly developed low
      temperature two-axis manipulator enables easy polar and azimuthal rotations to
      select the detection direction of photoelectrons. The lowest temperature achieved
      was 9 K, offering the chance to access the ground state even for strongly
      correlated electron systems in cubic symmetry. A co-axial sample monitoring
      system with long-working-distance microscope enables the same region on the
      sample surface to be measured before and after rotation. Combining this sample
      monitoring system with a micro-focused X-ray beam by means of an ellipsoidal
      Kirkpatrick-Baez mirror (25 um * 25 um FWHM), polarized valence-band HAXPES has
      been performed on NiO for voltage application as resistive random access memory
      to demonstrate the micro-positioning technique and polarization switching.

PMID- 27140154
TI  - XAS spectroelectrochemistry: reliable measurement of X-ray absorption spectra
      from redox manipulated solutions at room temperature.
AB  - The design and operation of a low-volume spectroelectrochemical cell for X-ray
      absorption spectroscopy (XAS) of solutions at room temperature is described.
      Fluorescence XAS measurements are obtained from samples contained in the void
      space of a 50 uL reticulated vitreous carbon (sponge) working electrode. Both
      rapid electrosynthesis and control of the effects of photoreduction are achieved
      by control over the flow properties of the solution through the working
      electrode, where a good balance between the rate of consumption of sample and the
      minimization of decomposition was obtained by pulsing the flow of the solution by
      1-2 uL with duty cycle of ~3 s while maintaining a small net flow rate (26-100 uL
      h(-1)). The performance of the cell in terms of control of the redox state of the
      sample and minimization of the effects of photoreduction was demonstrated by XAS
      measurements of aqueous solutions of the photosensitive Fe(III) species,
      [Fe(C2O4)3](3-), together with that of the electrogenerated [Fe(C2O4)3](4-)
      product. The current response from the cell during the collection of XAS spectra
      provides an independent measure of the stability of the sample of the
      measurement. The suitability of the approach for the study of small volumes of mM
      concentrations of protein samples was demonstrated by the measurement of the
      oxidized and electrochemically reduced forms of cytochrome c.

PMID- 27140155
TI  - Spectrum splitting for fast polarization switching of undulator radiation.
AB  - A simple scheme to quickly switch the polarity of circular radiation is proposed,
      which is based on spectrum splitting of undulator radiation. In this scheme, two
      helical undulators with opposite helicities are placed tandem in one straight
      section, both of which are divided into several segments. The optical phases
      between segments are tuned so that light waves from one of the two undulators are
      out of phase, while those from the other are in phase. Then the radiation
      spectrum of the former is split and the intensity at the fundamental photon
      energy vanishes. As a consequence, the monochromated photon beam at the
      fundamental energy is circularly polarized with the helicity specified by the in
      phase undulator, which can be quickly flipped by tuning the optical phase.
      Numerical calculations carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed
      scheme show that a relatively high degree of circular polarization is expected if
      the angular acceptance of the beamline is not too large.

PMID- 27140156
TI  - Extraction of local coordination structure in a low-concentration uranyl system
      by XANES.
AB  - Obtaining structural information of uranyl species at an atomic/molecular scale
      is a critical step to control and predict their physical and chemical properties.
      To obtain such information, experimental and theoretical L3-edge X-ray absorption
      near-edge structure (XANES) spectra of uranium were studied systematically for
      uranyl complexes. It was demonstrated that the bond lengths (R) in the uranyl
      species and relative energy positions (DeltaE) of the XANES were determined as
      follows: DeltaE1 = 168.3/R(U-Oax)(2) - 38.5 (for the axial plane) and DeltaE2 =
      428.4/R(U-Oeq)(2) - 37.1 (for the equatorial plane). These formulae could be used
      to directly extract the distances between the uranium absorber and oxygen ligand
      atoms in the axial and equatorial planes of uranyl ions based on the U L3-edge
      XANES experimental data. In addition, the relative weights were estimated for
      each configuration derived from the water molecule and nitrate ligand based on
      the obtained average equatorial coordination bond lengths in a series of uranyl
      nitrate complexes with progressively varied nitrate concentrations. Results
      obtained from XANES analysis were identical to that from extended X-ray
      absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) analysis. XANES analysis is applicable to
      ubiquitous uranyl-ligand complexes, such as the uranyl-carbonate complex. Most
      importantly, the XANES research method could be extended to low-concentration
      uranyl systems, as indicated by the results of the uranyl-amidoximate complex
      (~40 p.p.m. uranium). Quantitative XANES analysis, a reliable and straightforward
      method, provides a simplified approach applied to the structural chemistry of
      actinides.

PMID- 27140157
TI  - Time- and spatial-resolved XAFS spectroscopy in a single shot: new analytical
      possibilities for in situ material characterization.
AB  - A new concept that comprises both time- and lateral-resolved X-ray absorption
      fine-structure information simultaneously in a single shot is presented. This
      uncomplicated set-up was tested at the BAMline at BESSY-II (Berlin, Germany). The
      primary broadband beam was generated by a double multilayer monochromator. The
      transmitted beam through the sample is diffracted by a convexly bent Si (111)
      crystal, producing a divergent beam. This, in turn, is collected by either an
      energy-sensitive area detector, the so-called color X-ray camera, or by an area
      sensitive detector based on a CCD camera, in theta-2theta geometry. The first
      tests were performed with thin metal foils and some iron oxide mixtures. A time
      resolution of lower than 1 s together with a spatial resolution in one dimension
      of at least 50 um is achieved.

PMID- 27140158
TI  - Synchrotron-radiation-based X-ray micro-computed tomography reveals dental bur
      debris under dental composite restorations.
AB  - Dental burs are used extensively in dentistry to mechanically prepare tooth
      structures for restorations (fillings), yet little has been reported on the bur
      debris left behind in the teeth, and whether it poses potential health risks to
      patients. Here it is aimed to image dental bur debris under dental fillings, and
      allude to the potential health hazards that can be caused by this debris when
      left in direct contact with the biological surroundings, specifically when the
      debris is made of a non-biocompatible material. Non-destructive micro-computed
      tomography using the BioMedical Imaging & Therapy facility 05ID-2 beamline at the
      Canadian Light Source was pursued at 50 keV and at a pixel size of 4 um to image
      dental bur fragments under a composite resin dental filling. The bur's cutting
      edges that produced the fragment were also chemically analyzed. The technique
      revealed dental bur fragments of different sizes in different locations on the
      floor of the prepared surface of the teeth and under the filling, which places
      them in direct contact with the dentinal tubules and the dentinal fluid
      circulating within them. Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental analysis of the
      dental bur edges revealed that the fragments are made of tungsten carbide-cobalt,
      which is bio-incompatible.

PMID- 27140159
TI  - MMX-I: data-processing software for multimodal X-ray imaging and tomography.
AB  - A new multi-platform freeware has been developed for the processing and
      reconstruction of scanning multi-technique X-ray imaging and tomography datasets.
      The software platform aims to treat different scanning imaging techniques: X-ray
      fluorescence, phase, absorption and dark field and any of their combinations,
      thus providing an easy-to-use data processing tool for the X-ray imaging user
      community. A dedicated data input stream copes with the input and management of
      large datasets (several hundred GB) collected during a typical multi-technique
      fast scan at the Nanoscopium beamline and even on a standard PC. To the authors'
      knowledge, this is the first software tool that aims at treating all of the
      modalities of scanning multi-technique imaging and tomography experiments.

PMID- 27140160
TI  - Synchrotron X-ray phase contrast imaging of leaf venation in soybean (Glycine
      max) after exclusion of solar UV (280-400 nm) radiation.
AB  - The hydraulic efficiency of a leaf depends on its vascular structure as this is
      responsible for transport activities. To investigate the effect of exclusion of
      UVAB and UVB radiation from the solar spectrum on the micro-structure of leaves
      of soybean (Glycine max, variety JS-335), a field experiment was conducted using
      synchrotron-based phase contrast imaging (PCI). Plants were grown in specially
      designed UV exclusion chambers, and wrapped with filters that excluded UVB (280
      315 nm) or UVAB (280-400 nm), or transmitted all the ambient solar UV (280-400
      nm) radiation (filter control). Qualitative observation of high-resolution X-ray
      PCI images obtained at 10 keV has shown the differences in major and minor vein
      structures of the leaves. The mid-rib width of the middle leaflet of third
      trifoliate leaves, for all treatments, were obtained using quantitative image
      analysis. The width of the mid-rib of the middle leaflet of third trifoliate
      leaves of UVB excluded plants was found to be more compared to leaves of filter
      control plants, which are exposed to ambient UV. The mid-rib or the main
      conducting vein transports water and sugars to the whole plant; therefore, mid
      rib enhancement by the exclusion of solar UV radiation possibly implies
      enhancement in the leaf area which in turn causes an increased rate of
      photosynthesis.

PMID- 27140161
TI  - Using synchrotron radiation inline phase-contrast imaging computed tomography to
      visualize three-dimensional printed hybrid constructs for cartilage tissue
      engineering.
AB  - Synchrotron radiation inline phase-contrast imaging combined with computed
      tomography (SR-inline-PCI-CT) offers great potential for non-invasive
      characterization and three-dimensional visualization of fine features in weakly
      absorbing materials and tissues. For cartilage tissue engineering, the
      biomaterials and any associated cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) that is
      secreted over time are difficult to image using conventional absorption-based
      imaging techniques. For example, three-dimensional printed polycaprolactone
      (PCL)/alginate/cell hybrid constructs have low, but different, refractive indices
      and thicknesses. This paper presents a study on the optimization and utilization
      of inline-PCI-CT for visualizing the components of three-dimensional printed
      PCL/alginate/cell hybrid constructs for cartilage tissue engineering. First,
      histological analysis using Alcian blue staining and immunofluorescent staining
      assessed the secretion of sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) and collagen type II
      (Col2) in the cell-laden hybrid constructs over time. Second, optimization of
      inline PCI-CT was performed by investigating three sample-to-detector distances
      (SDD): 0.25, 1 and 3 m. Then, the optimal SDD was utilized to visualize
      structural changes in the constructs over a 42-day culture period. The results
      showed that there was progressive secretion of cartilage-specific ECM by ATDC5
      cells in the hybrid constructs over time. An SDD of 3 m provided edge-enhancement
      fringes that enabled simultaneous visualization of all components of hybrid
      constructs in aqueous solution. Structural changes that might reflect formation
      of ECM also were evident in SR-inline-PCI-CT images. Summarily, SR-inline-PCI-CT
      images captured at the optimized SDD enables visualization of the different
      components in hybrid cartilage constructs over a 42-day culture period.

PMID- 27140162
TI  - Amyloid-beta plaque deposition measured using propagation-based X-ray phase
      contrast CT imaging.
AB  - Amyloid beta accumulation into insoluble plaques (Abetap) is known to play a
      significant role in the pathological process in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The
      presence of Abetap is also one of the neuropathological hallmarks for the
      disease. AD final diagnosis is generally acknowledged after the evaluation of
      Abetap deposition in the brain. Insoluble Abetap accumulation may also concur to
      cause AD as postulated in the so-called amyloid hypothesis. Therefore, the
      visualization, evaluation and quantification of Abetap are nowadays the keys for
      a better understanding of the disease, which may point to a possible cure for AD
      in the near future. Synchrotron-based X-ray phase contrast (XPC) has been
      demonstrated as the only imaging method that can retrieve the Abetap signal with
      high spatial resolution (up to 10 um), high sensitivity and three-dimensional
      information at the same time. Although at the moment XPC is suitable for ex vivo
      samples only, it may develop into an alternative to positron emission tomography
      and magnetic resonance imaging in Abetap imaging. In this contribution the
      possibility of using synchrotron-based X-ray phase propagation computed
      tomography to visualize and measure Abetap on mouse brains is presented. A
      careful setup optimization for this application leads to a significant
      improvement of spatial resolution (~1 um), data acquisition speed (five times
      faster), X-ray dose (five times lower) and setup complexity, without a
      substantial loss in sensitivity when compared with the classic implementation of
      grating-based X-ray interferometry.

PMID- 27140163
TI  - A setup for synchrotron-radiation-induced total reflection X-ray fluorescence and
      X-ray absorption near-edge structure recently commissioned at BESSY II BAMline.
AB  - An automatic sample changer chamber for total reflection X-ray fluorescence
      (TXRF) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis in TXRF geometry
      was successfully set up at the BAMline at BESSY II. TXRF and TXRF-XANES are
      valuable tools for elemental determination and speciation, especially where
      sample amounts are limited (<1 mg) and concentrations are low (ng ml(-1) to ug
      ml(-1)). TXRF requires a well defined geometry regarding the reflecting surface
      of a sample carrier and the synchrotron beam. The newly installed chamber allows
      for reliable sample positioning, remote sample changing and evacuation of the
      fluorescence beam path. The chamber was successfully used showing accurate
      determination of elemental amounts in the certified reference material NIST water
      1640. Low limits of detection of less than 100 fg absolute (10 pg ml(-1)) for Ni
      were found. TXRF-XANES on different Re species was applied. An unknown species of
      Re was found to be Re in the +7 oxidation state.

PMID- 27140164
TI  - A new multipurpose diffractometer PILATUS@SNBL.
AB  - The diffraction beamline BM01A at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
      (CRG Swiss-Norwegian beamlines) has been successfully operational for 20 years.
      Recently, a new multifunctional diffractometer based on the Dectris Pilatus 2M
      detector has been constructed, commissioned and offered to users. The
      diffractometer combines a fast and low-noise area detector, which can be tilted
      and moved horizontally and vertically, together with flexible goniometry for
      sample positioning and orientation. The diffractometer is controlled by a user
      friendly and GUI-based software Pylatus which is also used to control various
      auxiliary equipment. The latter includes several heating and cooling devices, in
      situ cells and complimentary spectroscopic tools.

PMID- 27140165
TI  - Implementation of ultrafast X-ray diffraction at the 1W2B wiggler beamline of
      Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility.
AB  - The implementation of a laser pump/X-ray probe scheme for performing picosecond
      resolution X-ray diffraction at the 1W2B wiggler beamline at Beijing Synchrotron
      Radiation Facility is reported. With the hybrid fill pattern in top-up mode, a
      pixel array X-ray detector was optimized to gate out the signal from the singlet
      bunch with interval 85 ns from the bunch train. The singlet pulse intensity is
      ~2.5 * 10(6) photons pulse(-1) at 10 keV. The laser pulse is synchronized to this
      singlet bunch at a 1 kHz repetition rate. A polycapillary X-ray lens was used for
      secondary focusing to obtain a 72 um (FWHM) X-ray spot. Transient photo-induced
      strain in BiFeO3 film was observed at a ~150 ps time resolution for
      demonstration.

PMID- 27140166
TI  - A Johann-type X-ray emission spectrometer at the Rossendorf beamline.
AB  - This paper gives a detailed description, including equations, of the Johann-type
      X-ray emission spectrometer which has been recently installed and tested at the
      Rossendorf beamline (ROBL) of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. The
      spectrometer consists of a single spherically bent crystal analyzer and an
      avalanche photodiode detector positioned on the vertical Rowland cycle of 1 m
      diameter. The hard X-ray emission spectrometer (~3.5-25 keV) operates at
      atmospheric pressure and covers the Bragg angles of 65 degrees -89 degrees . The
      instrument has been tested at high and intermediate incident energies, i.e. at
      the Zr K-edge and at the Au L3-edge, in the second experimental hutch of ROBL.
      The spectrometer is dedicated for studying actinides in materials and
      environmental samples by high-energy-resolution X-ray absorption and X-ray
      emission spectroscopies.

PMID- 27140167
TI  - Integration of TomoPy and the ASTRA toolbox for advanced processing and
      reconstruction of tomographic synchrotron data.
AB  - The processing of tomographic synchrotron data requires advanced and efficient
      software to be able to produce accurate results in reasonable time. In this
      paper, the integration of two software toolboxes, TomoPy and the ASTRA toolbox,
      which, together, provide a powerful framework for processing tomographic data, is
      presented. The integration combines the advantages of both toolboxes, such as the
      user-friendliness and CPU-efficient methods of TomoPy and the flexibility and
      optimized GPU-based reconstruction methods of the ASTRA toolbox. It is shown that
      both toolboxes can be easily installed and used together, requiring only minor
      changes to existing TomoPy scripts. Furthermore, it is shown that the efficient
      GPU-based reconstruction methods of the ASTRA toolbox can significantly decrease
      the time needed to reconstruct large datasets, and that advanced reconstruction
      methods can improve reconstruction quality compared with TomoPy's standard
      reconstruction method.

PMID- 27140168
TI  - Single-crystal diamond refractive lens for focusing X-rays in two dimensions.
      Erratum.
AB  - A correction is made to a citation in the article by Antipov et al. (2016) [J.
      Synchrotron Rad. 23, 163-168].

PMID- 27140169
TI  - Work hard, play hard-especially with the little ones.

PMID- 27140170
TI  - Work-related frustration among senior nurses at a medical centre.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the levels and causes of work-related
      frustration among senior nurses. BACKGROUND: Role changes and the associated
      expectations and setbacks faced by senior middle-aged nurses can easily result in
      low morale. Therefore, working setbacks experienced by senior nurses must be
      investigated. DESIGN: A cross-sectional questionnaire study. METHODS: Purposive
      sampling was used to select questionnaire recipients. In total, 482 senior nurses
      completed and returned a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The predictive
      factors for frustration at work among senior nurses included age, service unit,
      and the impact of sleep disorders, which jointly explained 54% of the variance.
      In particular, age and service unit were important predictive factors for
      frustration at work. CONCLUSIONS: Senior nurses had medium-to-low scores for
      frustration at work and did not perceive a high level of frustration. RELEVANCE
      TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The outpatient departments and other medical departments in
      this sector should provide a reasonable system of incentives and promotion
      opportunities if they are to retain their most senior and experienced nurses. The
      results of this study could serve as a reference for hospital administrations.

PMID- 27140171
TI  - A novel HLA-B allele, HLA-B*40:01:47.
AB  - HLA-B*40:01:47 differs from HLA-B*40:01:01 by one nucleotide exchange at position
      420 in exon 3.

PMID- 27140172
TI  - Quantification of bone marrow plasma cell infiltration in multiple myeloma:
      usefulness of bone marrow aspirate clot with CD138 immunohistochemistry.
AB  - Accurate quantification of plasma cells (PCs) in bone marrow (BM) is critical for
      diagnosis and assessment of treatment response in patients with multiple myeloma
      (MM). We compared the % of BM PC quantified by 250 cell differential count on May
      Giemsa-stained BM smears, by counting 500 - 2500 cells in 2 - 5 representative
      microscopy fields in CD138-immunostained BM clot and biopsy sections, and
      CD38/CD45/CD138 gated BM PCs on flow cytometry (FCM) in 150 sets of BM samples
      from 120 patients. Percentages of PC were significantly correlated between BM
      biopsy and clot, and between smear and FCM (r = 0.96, 0.93, respectively).
      However, quantification by smear and FCM significantly underestimated the PC
      compared to biopsy or clot, and the degree of underestimation increased with
      blood dilution. FCM consistently showed lower % of PC compared to aspirate
      smears. Fifty-nine of 103 patients with M-protein level < 3000 mg/dL in serum or
      500 mg/24 h in urine and diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined
      significance (MGUS) based on smear alone were reclassified as smoldering MM when
      reassessed using CD138-stained biopsy/clot sections. Among the 72 patients with
      sMM diagnosed by BM biopsy and/clot, three patients (4.2%) had extensive BM
      infiltration of PC (>= 60%) and required treatment. Our data clearly showed the
      necessity of CD138 immunostaining of BM biopsy/clot specimens for correct
      diagnosis of MM and related disorders. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27140173
TI  - Integrative genomic deconvolution of rheumatoid arthritis GWAS loci into gene and
      cell type associations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over
      100 genetic loci associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), our ability to
      translate these results into disease understanding and novel therapeutics is
      limited. Most RA GWAS loci reside outside of protein-coding regions and likely
      affect distal transcriptional enhancers. Furthermore, GWAS do not identify the
      cell types where the associated causal gene functions. Thus, mapping the
      transcriptional regulatory roles of GWAS hits and the relevant cell types will
      lead to better understanding of RA pathogenesis. RESULTS: We combine the whole
      genome sequences and blood transcription profiles of 377 RA patients and identify
      over 6000 unique genes with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). We
      demonstrate the quality of the identified eQTLs through comparison to non-RA
      individuals. We integrate the eQTLs with immune cell epigenome maps, RA GWAS risk
      loci, and adjustment for linkage disequilibrium to propose target genes of immune
      cell enhancers that overlap RA risk loci. We examine 20 immune cell epigenomes
      and perform a focused analysis on primary monocytes, B cells, and T cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: We highlight cell-specific gene associations with relevance to RA
      pathogenesis including the identification of FCGR2B in B cells as possessing both
      intragenic and enhancer regulatory GWAS hits. We show that our RA patient cohort
      derived eQTL network is more informative for studying RA than that from a healthy
      cohort. While not experimentally validated here, the reported eQTLs and cell type
      specific RA risk associations can prioritize future experiments with the goal of
      elucidating the regulatory mechanisms behind genetic risk associations.

PMID- 27140174
TI  - Wage Growth for the Health Care Workforce: Projecting the Affordable Care Act
      Impact.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To predict changes in wage growth for health care workers based on
      projections of insurance enrollment from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). DATA
      SOURCES: Enrollment data came from three large employers and a sampling of
      premiums from ehealthinsurance.com. Information on state Medicaid eligibility
      rules and costs were from the Kaiser Family Foundation. National predictions were
      based on the MEPS and Medicare Current Beneficiary surveys. Bureau of Labor
      Statistics data were used to estimate employment. STUDY DESIGN: We projected
      health insurance enrollment by plan type using a health plan choice model. Using
      claims data, we measured the services demanded for each plan choice and year.
      Projections of labor demand were based on current output/input ratios. Changes in
      wages resulting from changes in labor demand from 2014 to 2021 were based on
      labor supply and demand elasticities. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Expenditures required
      to retain and grow the health care workforce will increase substantially. Wages
      will increase most for professions with the greatest training requirements
      (physicians and registered nurses). The largest impact will be felt in 2015.
      CONCLUSIONS: Projected wage increases for health care workers may drive
      substantial growth in insurance premiums and reduce the affordability of health
      insurance.

PMID- 27140175
TI  - Intraoral Pseudo-Onion Bulb Intraneural Proliferations in a Patient with
      Hemimandibular Hyperplasia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - This report and review of the literature describes a case of benign intraoral
      lesions of perineurial origin in a patient with symptomatic hemimandibular
      hyperplasia causing partial denture soreness. Perineuriomas are a benign
      peripheral nerve sheath tumor composed of perineurial cells. Intraoral
      perineuriomas are an extremely rare entity. Two main types of perineuriomas have
      been described: intraneural and extraneural perineuriomas. A third, similar
      entity, called an intraneural pseudoperineuriomatous proliferation, has recently
      been proposed in the literature as a separate and distinctive diagnosis. This
      report describes the histologic and clinical presentation of intraneural
      pseudoperineuriomatous proliferations in a patient with hemimandibular
      hyperplasia.

PMID- 27140176
TI  - Interobserver Variation Among Pathologists in Evaluating Perineural Invasion for
      Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - The aims of this study are as follows: (1) to assess variations among
      pathologists in evaluating perineural invasion (PNI) in oral squamous cell
      carcinoma (OSCC), (2) to survey PNI criteria used by pathologists and how they
      came to adopt those criteria. An electronic survey was sent to 363 oral and/or
      surgical pathologists. Eligibility criteria included pathology board
      certification. The survey participants were asked to rate whether PNI was
      present, absent, or uncertain for 15 provided photomicrographs, which depicted
      various types of tumor-nerve relationships without excessive desmoplasia or
      lymphocytic host response. The survey obtained information regarding
      demographics, whether PNI criteria were taught during residency, criteria used by
      participants to evaluate PNI, how the participants developed their criteria, and
      agreement with six proposed PNI definitions. 88 pathologists completed the
      survey. The participants included 47 males and 41 females, with average age = 49
      years and average practice experience = 17 years. Practice settings included
      dental school (40 %), medical school (36 %), private pathology lab (13 %), and
      other (11 %). Agreement between participants in rating PNI status for the
      provided images was fair (kappa = .38, 95 % CI .37-.39). 56 % of respondents
      indicated that they were taught PNI criteria during residency training. The basis
      for criteria currently used by participants included residency training (n = 42),
      published literature (n = 29), and own experience/views (n = 32). Agreement
      regarding six proposed PNI definitions was slight (kappa = .10, 95 % CI .08-.11).
      In conclusion, interobserver agreement in assessing PNI status was fair. Our
      results suggest that more widely accepted, objective, and reproducible criteria
      are needed for evaluating PNI in OSCC.

PMID- 27140177
TI  - Tuberous Sclerosis with Severe Cutaneous Manifestation and Multiples Facial
      Angiofibromas.
AB  - Tuberous sclerosis is an extremely variable disease that can affect virtually any
      organ in the body. The most common findings are cutaneous manifestations, that
      are critical features in helping to establish diagnosis. We present a case of
      young man with diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis presenting multiple shagreen
      patches around the trunk, in the neck and genital region; large plaques with
      uneven surfaces on the right side of the lower back; and multiple papular lesions
      in his face, particularly around the nasolabial region, eyebrows and forehead.
      Considering that tuberous sclerosis is a disease with a highly variable clinical
      presentation, thus dentists and doctors should be aware of the different
      manifestations that may be found.

PMID- 27140178
TI  - Tuning the properties of the metal-organic framework UiO-67-bpy via post
      synthetic N-quaternization of pyridine sites.
AB  - A new UiO-67-type zirconium metal organic framework (MOF) material UiO-67-bpy-Me
      (bpy = 2,2-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, Me = methyl) was prepared by N
      quaternization of the pyridine sites in UiO-67-bpy. After N-quaternization, the
      pristine neutral framework turned cationic while its high thermal and chemical
      stabilities were primarily preserved. Fast and enhanced anionic dye adsorption
      was observed in UiO-67-bpy-Me. In addition, despite the decrease in surface area
      and pore volume, UiO-67-bpy-Me exhibited an evident increase in CO2 uptake
      compared to UiO-67-bpy. The enhancement was ascribed to the strong interactions
      between CO2 and the N-quaternized framework. More importantly, as the N
      quaternization has changed the electronic structure of the organic linker. UiO-67
      bpy-Me showed optical absorption up to ca. 800 nm with a large red shift of 450
      nm compared to the pristine UiO-67-bpy (ca. 350 nm). The extended optical
      absorption may lead to more efficiency in light utilization. A proof-of-concept
      demonstration showed that UiO-67-bpy-Me could more efficiently catalyze methyl
      orange degradation under UV-Vis light irradiation than the pristine UiO-67-bpy.
      These findings demonstrate that N-quaternization could serve as a facile post
      synthetic modification method to tune the chemical/physical properties of free
      pyridyl-containing MOFs. 

PMID- 27140179
TI  - Effects of Malnutrition on Left Ventricular Mass in a North-Malagasy Children
      Population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malnutrition among children population of less developed countries is
      a major health problem. Inadequate food intake and infectious diseases are
      combined to increase further the prevalence. Malnourishment brings to muscle
      cells loss with development of cardiac complications, like arrhythmias,
      cardiomyopathy and sudden death. In developed countries, malnutrition has
      generally a different etiology, like chronic diseases. The aim of our study was
      to investigate the correlation between malnutrition and left ventricular mass in
      an African children population. METHODS: 313 children were studied, in the region
      of Antsiranana, Madagascar, with age ranging from 4 to 16 years old (mean 7,8 +/-
      3 years). A clinical and echocardiographic evaluation was performed with
      annotation of anthropometric and left ventricle parameters. Malnutrition was
      defined as a body mass index (BMI) value age- and sex-specific of 16, 17 and 18,5
      at the age of 18, or under the 15th percentile. Left ventricle mass was indexed
      by height2.7 (LVMI). RESULTS: We identified a very high prevalence of children
      malnutrition: 124 children, according to BMI values, and 100 children under the
      15th percentile. LVMI values have shown to be increased in proportion to BMI
      percentiles ranging from 29,8 +/- 10,8 g/m2.7 in the malnutrition group to 45 +/-
      15,1 g/m2.7 in >95th percentile group. LVMI values in children < 15th BMI
      percentile were significantly lower compared to normal nutritional status (29,8
      +/- 10,8 g/m2,7 vs. 32,9 +/- 12,1 g/m2,7, p = 0.02). Also with BMI values
      evaluation, malnourished children showed statistically lower values of LVMI (29,3
      +/- 10,1 g/m2,7 vs. 33,6 +/- 12,5 g/m2,7, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In African
      children population, the malnourishment status is correlated with cardiac muscle
      mass decrease, which appears to be reduced in proportion to the decrease in body
      size.

PMID- 27140180
TI  - The impact of insulin resistance on clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters
      in lean women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - This study was performed to assess insulin resistance (IR) in lean women with
      polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive lean
      (body mass index <25 kg/m2) PCOS subjects was performed. Subjects were divided
      into two groups according to homeostasis model assessment IR index (HOMA-IR), as
      IR + and IR-. A HOMA-IR value >2.5 was used to indicate IR. A total of 100 lean
      PCOS subjects were enrolled in the study, of which 47% were insulin resistant.
      Comparison of group means showed significantly higher values for waist-to-hip
      ratio (WHR), diastolic blood pressure and Ferriman-Gallwey score (FGS) in IR +
      group. HOMA-IR values were found to be positively correlated with WHR (r = 0.500,
      p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure (r = 0.265, p < 0.01), diastolic blood
      pressure (r = 0.273, p < 0.01), estradiol levels (r = 0.218, p < 0.05), FGS (r =
      0.456, p < 0.01) and total testosterone levels (r = 0.291, p < 0.01). When
      evaluating PCOS subjects, the insulin resistant group should be separated as
      unique and IR should also be evaluated in lean women with PCOS.

PMID- 27140181
TI  - Antimicrobial Activity of Synthesized 2-Methylthiobenzo[g][1,2,4]- triazolo[1,5
      a]quinazoline Derivatives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study was carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial
      activity of a synthesized 2-methylthio-benzo[g][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5- a]quinazoline
      series. The compounds (1-21) were tested against a variety of Gram-positive
      bacterial species including Bacillus subtilis (RCMB 01001 69-3), Enterococcus
      faecalis (RCMB 0100154-2), Staphylococcus aureus (RCMB 0100183-9), Staphylococcus
      epidermidis (RCMB 0100183-9) and Streptococcus pyogenes (RCMB 0100172-5). In
      addition, Gram-negative bacteria were also tested including Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa (RCMB 0100243-5), Escherichia coli (RCMB 010052-6), Proteus mirabilis
      (RCMB 01002 54-2), Klebsiella oxytoca (RCMB 01002 83-4) and Enterobacter cloacae
      (RCMB 01002 64-5). Furthermore, their activities were screened against ten types
      of fungi i.e. Aspergillus fumigatus (RCMB 02568), Syncephalastrum racemosum (RCMB
      05922), Geotricum candidum (RCMB 05097), Candida albicans (RCMB 05036),
      Aspergillus niger (RCMB 02724), Cryptococcus neoformans (RCMB 05642), Candida
      tropicalis (RCMBA 05239), Penicillium expansum (RCMB 01924), Microsporum canis
      (RCMB 0834) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (RCMB 0925). METHODS: Evaluation of
      antimicrobial activity was performed using agar well diffusion method in
      comparison with ampicillin and gentamycin as antibacterial reference drugs, and
      amphotericin B as antifungal reference drug. The minimum inhibitory concentration
      (MIC) was determined using the broth double dilution technique. RESULTS: The MIC
      values of the tested compounds were reported in .g/mL in which ampicillin,
      gentamicin and amphotericin B were used as standard reference drugs. The obtained
      results revealed that compounds 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21
      showed significant antimicrobial activity against six bacterial and six fungal
      strains. CONCLUSION: The promising compounds could be employed as useful
      scaffolds for building of new derivatives with more potent antimicrobial effects.

PMID- 27140182
TI  - Three Arachidonoylamide Derivatives Inhibit Pro-Inflammatory Genes Expression by
      Modulating NF-kB and AP1 Activities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the anti-inflammatory activity of arachidonic acid derivatives
      was previously reported, we synthesized three new amide derivatives of
      arachidonic acid (AA-Ds) and tested their anti-inflammatory effects on an in
      vitro skin inflammation model. Aim of our study was to find derivatives of
      natural compounds able to down regulate inflammatory signal transduction pathway.
      METHODS: Human keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT) was cultured and induced by
      cytokines in the presence of AA-Ds. Cytokines administration elicited an
      inflammatory response mediated by NF-kB and STAT-1 activation that induced
      proinflammatory genes expression. RESULTS: By real time PCR we found that 24
      hours after induction all AA-Ds significantly inhibit inducible Nitric Oxide
      Synthase (iNOS), TNFalpha, Inhibitor alpha of NF-kB, chemokine (C-X-C motif)
      ligand 9 and 10 genes expression. We analyzed their molecular effects in
      particular on the iNOS gene expression. Since iNOS transcript half-life did not
      change with AA-Ds treatment, we excluded a prominent role of post-transcriptional
      regulation for this gene and focused our attention on its transcriptional
      regulation. Starting three-five hours after cytokines induction, HaCaT cells,
      pretreated with each compound, showed inhibition of both NF-kB DNA-binding and NF
      kB p65-Ser536 phosphorylation. STAT1 activation was inhibited only by AA-D4
      derivative. To explain why the inhibition of iNOS expression began late after
      induction we analyzed activities of others key transcription factors. AA-Ds
      treatment elicited early increases of AP1 DNA binding as well as c-Jun, c-Fos and
      Fra-1 mRNA levels. Our data agree with the repressing effects of AP1 on human
      iNOS promoter previously described in others cell systems (Kleinert et al.).
      CONCLUSION: AA-Ds shown to be good candidates as inhibitors of several pro
      inflammatory genes induction and our study provides indications for their
      possible use as new antiinflammatory drugs.

PMID- 27140183
TI  - Synthesis and Biological Evaluations of Cytotoxic and Antiangiogenic
      Triterpenoids-Jacaranone Conjugates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of antiangiogenic agents arises as a more effective
      and selective therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. In addition to
      reduced acute toxicity, the efficacy of chemotherapy could be improved when
      administered in combination specific antiangiogenic with cytotoxic agents. The
      conjugation or hybridization of bifunctional molecules is one of the alternative
      rational design strategies for co-administration of anticancer drugs. OBJECTIVE
      AND METHODS: The goal of this work is to prepare the conjugates of an
      antiangiogenic triterpene, 3-oxo oleanolic acid, and structurally related
      triterpenoids with a cytotoxic semibenzoquinone, jacaranone. The cytotoxic,
      antiproliferative and antiangiogenic activities of segments and conjugates were
      determined. The possible targets of conjugates 6a-6h were predicted using
      Similarity Ensemble Approach (SEA). RESULTS: The results showed that these
      conjugates are more potent in both cytotoxic and antiangiogenic assays than their
      corresponding parent molecules, and are also selectively more active against
      melanoma cells B16 and metastatic B16BL6 than the two other cancer cell lines
      (A549 and MCF-7) tested. The predicted antiangiogenesis related targets could
      involve glycogen phosphorylase, neuraminidase, interferon gamma, and tubulin beta
      chain. CONCLUSION: The bifunctional conjugates could be useful as dual acting
      antitumor/antigiogenic agents.

PMID- 27140184
TI  - New Hopes in Cancer Battle - A Review of New Molecules and Treatment Strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the most serious illnesses of our civilization.
      Therefore, scientists of different disciplines try to find new treatment
      strategies and new chemical molecules which might be useful in a cancer
      treatment. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this work is to perform the most significant
      achievements in the area of chemotherapeutic treatment, published during the last
      two years. METHODS: We reviewed almost 80 contributions, searching for new
      molecules with anticancer activity and treatment strategies. RESULTS: We have
      presented tens of new anticancer molecules interacting with DNA or affecting cell
      cycle and new findings in this area. These compounds are chemically synthesized
      as well as are isolated from natural sources. The discovered molecules may induce
      cancer cells apoptosis, improve other cancer treatments, such as radiotherapy or
      reduce side effects of chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The review shows that the cancer
      battle is still in progress and the combined studies in different disciplines,
      devoted to this subject, are a rapidly expanding area.

PMID- 27140185
TI  - Microwave Assisted Organic Synthesis of Heterocycles in Aqueous Media: Recent
      Advances in Medicinal Chemistry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Green chemistry is a discipline of great interest in medicinal
      chemistry. It involves all fields of chemistry and it is based on the principle
      to conduct chemical reactions protecting the environment at the same time,
      through the use of chemical procedures able to avoid pollution. In this context,
      water as solvent is a good choice because it is abundant, nontoxic, non-caustic,
      and non-combustible. Even if microwave assisted organic reactions in conventional
      solvents have quickly progressed, in the recent years medicinal chemists have
      focused their attention to processes deemed not dangerous for the environment,
      using nanotechnology and greener solvents as water. OBJECTIVE: Several reports of
      reaction optimizations and selectivities, demonstrating the capability of
      microwave to allow the obtaining of increased yields have been recently published
      using water as solvent. In this review, we selected the available knowledge
      related to microwave assisted organic synthesis in aqueous medium, furnishing
      examples of the newest strategies to obtain useful scaffolds and novel
      derivatives for medicinal chemistry purposes. CONCLUSION: The intention of this
      review is to demonstrate the exclusive ability of MAOS in water as solvent or as
      co-solvent. For this purpose we report here the most representative applications
      of MAOS using water as solvent, focusing on medicinal chemistry processes leading
      to interesting nitrogen containing heterocycles with potential pharmaceutical
      applications.

PMID- 27140186
TI  - Synthesis, Anticlotting and Antiplatelet Effects of 1,2,3-Triazoles Derivatives.
AB  - : Cardiovascular diseases, such as thrombosis and stroke, represent the major
      cause of disability and death worldwide; and dysfunctions in platelet aggregation
      and blood coagulation processes are involved. The regular antithrombotic drugs
      have unsatisfactory results and may produce side effects. Therefore, alternative
      therapies have been extensively investigated. OBJECTIVE: The anticoagulant and
      antiplatelet aggregation potential of a series of six synthetic 1,2,3-triazole
      derivatives were investigated through in vitro models. METHODS: Coagulation tests
      included the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)
      and thrombin time (TT) assays, and were performed on a multichannel coagulometer,
      using human plasma. The platelet aggregation assays were carried out using human
      platelet-rich-plasma (PRP). Aggregation was initiated by adding ADP or collagen
      and monitored turbidimetrically on a Whole Blood Aggregometer. Toxicity of
      derivatives was evaluated on platelets and red blood cells, by measuring the
      release of lactate dehydrogenase and hemoglobin, respectively. Moreover,
      theoretical toxicity of derivatives was calculated using the software Osiris(r)
      Property Explorer. RESULTS: All the six derivatives tested inhibited, but with
      different potencies, the plasma coagulation assessed by the PT and TT assays, and
      also inhibited platelet aggregation of PRP induced by collagen or ADP. The
      derivatives did not interfere in the aPTT assay and did not affect the viability
      of platelets or red blood cells. Theoretical studies also revealed that all
      derivatives will likely to have low toxicity, great pharmacological and oral
      bioavailability profiles, and a Druglikeness and Drug score similar to some
      commercial anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. CONCLUSION: 1,2,3-triazoles are
      potential candidates for molecular modeling of new antithrombotic drugs.

PMID- 27140187
TI  - The Effect of Noseband Tightening on Horses' Behavior, Eye Temperature, and
      Cardiac Responses.
AB  - Restrictive nosebands are common in equestrian sport. This is concerning, as
      recent evidence suggests that very tight nosebands can cause a physiological
      stress response, and may compromise welfare. The objective of the current study
      was to investigate relationships that noseband tightness has with oral behavior
      and with physiological changes that indicate a stress response, such as increases
      in eye temperature (measured with infrared thermography) and heart rate and
      decreases in heart rate variability (HRV). Horses (n = 12) wearing a double
      bridle and crank noseband, as is common in dressage at elite levels, were
      randomly assigned to four treatments: unfastened noseband (UN), conventional area
      under noseband (CAUN) with two fingers of space available under the noseband,
      half conventional area under noseband (HCAUN) with one finger of space under the
      noseband, and no area under the noseband (NAUN). During the tightest treatment
      (NAUN), horse heart rate increased (P = 0.003), HRV decreased (P < 0.001), and
      eye temperature increased (P = 0.011) compared with baseline readings, indicating
      a physiological stress response. The behavioral results suggest some effects from
      bits alone but the chief findings are the physiological readings that reflect
      responses to the nosebands at their tightest. Chewing decreased during the HCAUN
      (P < 0.001) and NAUN (P < 0.001) treatments. Yawning rates were negligible in all
      treatments. Similarly, licking was eliminated by the NAUN treatment. Following
      the removal of the noseband and double bridle during the recovery session,
      yawning (P = 0.015), swallowing (P = 0.003), and licking (P < 0.001)
      significantly increased compared with baseline, indicating a post-inhibitory
      rebound response. This suggests a rise in motivation to perform these behaviors
      and implies that their inhibition may place horses in a state of deprivation. It
      is evident that a very tight noseband can cause physiological stress responses
      and inhibit the expression of oral behaviors.

PMID- 27140188
TI  - Age Weights for Health Services Derived from the Relative Social Willingness-to
      Pay Instrument.
AB  - The effect of a patient's age on the social valuation of health services remains
      controversial, with empirical results varying in magnitude and implying a
      different age-value profile. This article employs a new methodology to re-examine
      these questions. Data were obtained from 2 independent Web-based surveys that
      administered the Relative Social Willingness to Pay instrument. In the first
      survey, the age of the patient receiving a life-saving service was varied.
      Patients were left with either poor mental or physical health. In the second
      survey, patient age was varied for a service that fully cured the patient's poor
      mental or physical health. In total, therefore, 4 sets of age weights were
      obtained: weights for life-extending services with poor physical or mental health
      outcomes and weights for quality-of-life improvement for patients in poor mental
      or physical health. Results were consistent. Increasing age was associated in
      each case with a monotonic decrease in the social valuation of the services. The
      decrease in value was quantitatively small until age 60 years. By age 80 years,
      the social value of services had declined by about 50%. The decline commenced at
      an earlier age in the context of physical health, although the magnitude of the
      decrement by age 80 years was unrelated to the type of service. With 1 exception,
      there was little difference in the valuation of services by the age of the survey
      respondent. Respondents aged >60 years placed a lower, not higher, value on
      quality-of-life improvement for elderly individuals than other respondents. There
      was no difference in the valuation of life-extending services.

PMID- 27140189
TI  - Thiamine Deficiency Increases Ca2+ Current and CaV1.2 L-type Ca2+ Channel Levels
      in Cerebellum Granular Neurons.
AB  - Thiamine (vitamin B1) is co-factor for three pivotal enzymes for glycolytic
      metabolism: pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and
      transketolase. Thiamine deficiency leads to neurodegeneration of several brain
      regions, especially the cerebellum. In addition, several neurodegenerative
      diseases are associated with impairments of glycolytic metabolism, including
      Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, understanding the link between dysfunction of the
      glycolytic pathway and neuronal death will be an important step to comprehend the
      mechanism and progression of neuronal degeneration as well as the development of
      new treatment for neurodegenerative states. Here, using an in vitro model to
      study the effects of thiamine deficiency on cerebellum granule neurons, we show
      an increase in Ca2+ current density and CaV1.2 expression. These results indicate
      a link between alterations in glycolytic metabolism and changes to Ca2+ dynamics,
      two factors that have been implicated in neurodegeneration.

PMID- 27140190
TI  - Increased Expression of 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase in Spinal
      Astrocytes During Disease Progression in a Model of Amyotrophic Lateral
      Sclerosis.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset, progressive, and fatal
      neurodegenerative disease caused by selective loss of motor neurons. Both ALS
      model mice and patients with sporadic ALS have increased levels of prostaglandin
      E2 (PGE2). Furthermore, the protein levels of microsomal PGE synthase-1 and
      cyclooxygenase-2, which catalyze PGE2 biosynthesis, are significantly increased
      in the spinal cord of ALS model mice. However, it is unclear whether PGE2
      metabolism in the spinal cord is altered. In the present study, we investigated
      the protein level of 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), a key
      enzyme in prostaglandin metabolism, in ALS model mice at three different disease
      stages. Western blotting revealed that the 15-PGDH level was significantly
      increased in the lumbar spinal cord at the symptomatic stage and end stage.
      Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that 15-PGDH immunoreactivity was
      localized in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes at the
      end stage. In contrast, 15-PGDH immunoreactivity was not identified in NeuN
      positive large cells showing the typical morphology of motor neurons in the
      anterior horn. Unlike 15-PGDH, the level of PGE2 in the spinal cord was increased
      only at the end stage. These results suggest that the significant increase of
      PGE2 at the end stage of ALS in this mouse model is attributable to an imbalance
      of the synthetic pathway and 15-PGDH-dependent scavenging system for PGE2, and
      that this drives the pathogenetic mechanism responsible for transition from the
      symptomatic stage.

PMID- 27140191
TI  - A New Score for Estimating Survival After Definitive Radiochemotherapy of Limited
      Disease Small Cell Lung Cancers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Most patients with limited disease small cell lung cancer (LD-SCLC)
      receive definitive radiochemotherapy. Some patients cannot withstand combined
      modality treatments. Patients with short life expectancies should receive less
      time-consuming programs. For patients with favorable prognoses, cure while
      avoiding late toxicity is important. Personalized treatment programs are
      required. An instrument to estimate the survival after radiochemotherapy of LD
      SCLC was created. METHODS: Seventy-one patients receiving definitive
      radiochemotherapy for LD-SCLC were retrospectively analyzed. Eight factors were
      evaluated for survival including gender, age, Karnofsky performance score, T
      stage, N-stage, tumor substage, number of pack years, and pre-radiotherapy
      hemoglobin level. Factors that were significant (p < 0.05) or showed a trend (p
      <= 0.08) on multivariate analyses were incorporated in the score. Scoring points
      were derived from 2-year survival rates divided by 10 and added to scores for
      individual patients. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis, gender (p = 0.03),
      performance score (p < 0.001), and pre-radiotherapy hemoglobin level (p = 0.04)
      were significant, and tumor substage showed a trend (p = 0.08). Taking into
      account the 2-year survival rates of these factors, scores for single patients
      ranged from 9 to 26 points. Three groups were identified: 9-13, 14-18, and 19-26
      points. One-year survival rates were 8, 73, and 100 %, respectively (p < 0.001).
      Two-year survival rates were 0, 35, and 87 %, respectively (p < 0.001). The 3
      year survival rates were 0, 19, and 75 %, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      This score including three groups with significantly different survival rates is
      a helpful instrument for personalization of therapy for patients with LD-SCLC.
      When using this instrument, the limitations if this study must be taken into
      account.

PMID- 27140192
TI  - Down-Regulation of Soluble alpha-Klotho is Associated with Reduction in Serum
      Irisin Levels in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: The klotho gene was originally identified as a putative aging-suppressor
      gene. Klotho-depleted mice display a shortened life span and exhibit a variety of
      premature aging-related phenotypes such as pulmonary emphysema and sarcopenia.
      This study was designed to determine the roles of secreted-type klotho protein on
      lung and skeletal muscle in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
      METHODS: Serum alpha-klotho and irisin levels were assayed in 16 non-smokers, 13
      smokers without COPD, and 24 smokers with COPD. Moreover, we examined
      correlations between soluble alpha-klotho levels and the results of lung function
      test, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and skeletal muscle function in
      smokers with COPD. RESULTS: Soluble alpha-klotho levels were significantly lower
      in smokers with COPD compared to non-smokers and smokers without COPD. In smokers
      with COPD, those levels did not significantly correlate with any parameters of
      lung function test. In CPET, peak VO2 significantly correlated with FEV1 (%
      predicted) (r = 0.76, p = 0.0003) and DLCO (% predicted) (r = 0.62, p = 0.003).
      In contrast, soluble alpha-klotho levels did not significantly correlate with
      peak VO2. Irisin levels were also significantly lower in smokers with COPD.
      Moreover, there was a significant correlation between soluble alpha-klotho and
      serum irisin levels (r = 0.61, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could
      provide a critical first step to understanding the impacts of soluble alpha
      klotho on skeletal muscle in COPD and may lead to the identification of new
      molecular targets for the treatment of COPD.

PMID- 27140193
TI  - Frequent Exacerbator: The Phenotype at Risk of Depressive Symptoms in Geriatric
      COPD Patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Depression is associated with a poorer quality of life and higher
      rate of COPD exacerbations and mortality. However, with multiple confounding
      factors, 'independent' risk factor for depression among COPD patients remains
      ambiguous. Our study aims to identify independent risk factors for depression by
      specifically evaluating for any independent relationship between frequent
      exacerbations and various domains of the BODE index on depression. METHODS: This
      study is a cross-sectional study, conducted in Hong Kong SAR. Age and comorbidity
      matched COPD and control subjects were recruited. Depressive symptoms were
      measured by a validated Chinese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15
      items). Prevalence rates of depressive symptoms were compared between COPD and
      control groups. Predictors for depression (GDS >= 8) were determined using
      univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients (89 and 72
      patients, mean ages 75.2 and 75.6 in COPD and control group, respectively) were
      recruited. Higher prevalence rate of significant depressive symptoms was seen in
      COPD patients (20.2 vs. 4.2 %, p = 0.006*). Univariate analysis suggested that
      predictors for depression in COPD patients included (i) exacerbation frequencies
      in prior year, (ii) dyspnea level, (iii) BMI, (iv) functional status (Barthel
      index, 6MWD, activity domain of SGRQ), and (v) BODE index. In multivariate
      analysis, only the 'exacerbation frequencies in prior year' (OR 1.46, p = 0.042*)
      and 'dyspnea level' (MMRC) (OR 2.75, p = 0.001*) remained significant independent
      predictors for depression in COPD patients. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of
      depressive symptoms was observed in COPD patients. 'Frequent exacerbation
      phenotype' remained a significant independent predictor for depressive symptoms
      in COPD. Among the BODE index domains, dyspnea level is the most important
      predictor for depression in COPD patients.

PMID- 27140195
TI  - Strong and Reversible Circularly Polarized Luminescence Emission of a Chiral 1,8
      Naphthalimide Fluorophore Induced by Excimer Emission and Orderly Aggregation.
AB  - Four chiral 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (DACH)-based molecules (R,R/S,S-2 and R,R/S,S
      4) incorporating 1,8-naphthalimide fluorophores exhibit strong circularly
      polarized luminescence (CPL) emission signals in common organic solvents.
      Interestingly, the reversed CPL signals can be observed in the aggregated state,
      which is due to the orderly aggregation. 

PMID- 27140196
TI  - In Situ STEM-EELS Observation of Nanoscale Interfacial Phenomena in All-Solid
      State Batteries.
AB  - Behaviors of functional interfaces are crucial factors in the performance and
      safety of energy storage and conversion devices. Indeed, solid electrode-solid
      electrolyte interfacial impedance is now considered the main limiting factor in
      all-solid-state batteries rather than low ionic conductivity of the solid
      electrolyte. Here, we present a new approach to conducting in situ scanning
      transmission electron microscopy (STEM) coupled with electron energy loss
      spectroscopy (EELS) in order to uncover the unique interfacial phenomena related
      to lithium ion transport and its corresponding charge transfer. Our approach
      allowed quantitative spectroscopic characterization of a galvanostatically biased
      electrochemical system under in situ conditions. Using a LiCoO2/LiPON/Si thin
      film battery, an unexpected structurally disordered interfacial layer between
      LiCoO2 cathode and LiPON electrolyte was discovered to be inherent to this
      interface without cycling. During in situ charging, spectroscopic
      characterization revealed that this interfacial layer evolved to form highly
      oxidized Co ions species along with lithium oxide and lithium peroxide species.
      These findings suggest that the mechanism of interfacial impedance at the
      LiCoO2/LiPON interface is caused by chemical changes rather than space charge
      effects. Insights gained from this technique will shed light on important
      challenges of interfaces in all-solid-state energy storage and conversion systems
      and facilitate improved engineering of devices operated far from equilibrium.

PMID- 27140194
TI  - Intact glycopeptide characterization using mass spectrometry.
AB  - Glycosylation is one of the most prominent and extensively studied protein post
      translational modifications. However, traditional proteomic studies at the
      peptide level (bottom-up) rarely characterize intact glycopeptides (glycosylated
      peptides without removing glycans), so no glycoprotein heterogeneity information
      is retained. Intact glycopeptide characterization, on the other hand, provides
      opportunities to simultaneously elucidate the glycan structure and the
      glycosylation site needed to reveal the actual biological function of protein
      glycosylation. Recently, significant improvements have been made in the
      characterization of intact glycopeptides, ranging from enrichment and separation,
      mass spectroscopy (MS) detection, to bioinformatics analysis. In this review, we
      recapitulated currently available intact glycopeptide characterization methods
      with respect to their advantages and limitations as well as their potential
      applications.

PMID- 27140197
TI  - Fast Marching and Runge-Kutta Based Method for Centreline Extraction of Right
      Coronary Artery in Human Patients.
AB  - The CT angiography (CTA) is a clinically indicated test for the assessment of
      coronary luminal stenosis that requires centerline extractions. There is
      currently no centerline extraction algorithm that is automatic, real-time and
      very accurate. Therefore, we sought to (i) develop a hybrid approach by
      incorporating fast marching and Runge-Kutta based methods for the extraction of
      coronary artery centerlines from CTA; (ii) evaluate the accuracy of the present
      method compared to Van's method by using ground truth centerline as a reference;
      (iii) evaluate the coronary lumen area of our centerline method in comparison
      with the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as the standard of reference. The
      proposed method was found to be more computationally efficient, and performed
      better than the Van's method in terms of overlap measures (i.e., OV: [Formula:
      see text] vs. [Formula: see text]; OF: [Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see
      text]; and OT: [Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text], all [Formula: see
      text]). In comparison with IVUS derived coronary lumen area, the proposed
      approach was more accurate than the Van's method. This hybrid approach by
      incorporating fast marching and Runge-Kutta based methods could offer fast and
      accurate extraction of centerline as well as the lumen area. This method may
      garner wider clinical potential as a real-time coronary stenosis assessment tool.

PMID- 27140198
TI  - Down with doublespeak: NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasomes get specific.

PMID- 27140199
TI  - Microbial Nitrogen-Cycle Gene Abundance in Soil of Cropland Abandoned for
      Different Periods.
AB  - In Inner Mongolia, steppe grasslands face desertification or degradation because
      of human overuse and abandonment after inappropriate agricultural management. The
      soils in these abandoned croplands exist in heterogeneous environments
      characterized by widely fluctuating microbial growth. Quantitative polymerase
      chain reaction analysis of microbial genes encoding proteins involved in the
      nitrogen cycle was used to study Azotobacter species, nitrifiers, and
      denitrifiers in the soils from steppe grasslands and croplands abandoned for 2,
      6, and 26 years. Except for nitrifying archaea and nitrous oxide-reducing
      bacteria, the relative genotypic abundance of microbial communities involved in
      nitrogen metabolism differed by approximately 2- to 10-fold between abandoned
      cropland and steppe grassland soils. Although nitrogen-cycle gene abundances
      varied with abandonment time, the abundance patterns of nitrogen-cycle genes
      separated distinctly into abandoned cropland versus light-grazing steppe
      grassland, despite the lack of any cultivation for over a quarter-century. Plant
      biomass and plant diversity exerted a significant effect on the abundance of
      microbial communities that mediate the nitrogen cycle (P < 0.002 and P < 0.03,
      respectively). The present study elucidates the ecology of bacteria that mediate
      the nitrogen cycle in recently abandoned croplands.

PMID- 27140200
TI  - Heteroresistance to colistin in Klebsiella pneumoniae is triggered by small
      colony variants sub-populations within biofilms.
AB  - The emergence of Klebsiella pneumoniae multidrug-resistant strains paves the way
      to the re-introduction of colistin as a salvage therapy. However, recent
      planktonic studies have reported several cases of heteroresistance to this
      antimicrobial agent. The aim of this present work was to gain better
      understanding about the response of K. pneumoniae biofilms to colistin
      antibiotherapy and inspect the occurrence of heteroresistance in biofilm-derived
      cells. Biofilm formation and its susceptibility to colistin were evaluated
      through the determination of biofilm-cells viability. The profiling of planktonic
      and biofilm cell populations was conducted to assess the occurrence of
      heteroresistance. Colony morphology was further characterized in order to inspect
      the potential role of colistin in K. pneumoniae phenotypic differentiation.
      Results show that K. pneumoniae was susceptible to colistin in its planktonic
      form, but biofilms presented enhanced resistance. Population analysis profiles
      pointed out that K. pneumoniae manifest heteroresistance to colistin only when
      grown in biofilm arrangements, and it was possible to identify a resistant sub
      population presenting a small colony morphology (diameter around 5 mm). To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first report linking heteroresistance to
      biofilm formation and a morphological distinctive sub-population. Moreover, this
      is the first evidence that biofilm formation can trigger the emergence of
      heteroresistance in an apparently susceptible strain.

PMID- 27140201
TI  - Community-associated Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia among Greek children:
      epidemiology, molecular characteristics, treatment, and outcome.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is an infrequent cause of community-associated (CA-SA)
      pneumonia in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical,
      epidemiological, microbiological, and molecular characteristics of CA-SA
      pneumonia among children hospitalized in two large tertiary care referral centers
      during an 8-year period. Cases of CA-SA pneumonia admitted between 2007 and 2014
      were retrospectively examined through medical record review. Molecular
      investigation was performed for available strains; mecA, Panton-Valentine
      leukocidin (PVL) (lukS-lukF-PV), and fibronectin binding protein A (fnbA) genes
      were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clones were assigned by agr
      groups, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), SCCmec, and multilocus
      sequencing typing (MLST). In total, 41 cases were recorded (boys, 61 %), with a
      median age of 4.3 months (range, 1-175). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)
      accounted for 31 cases (75.6 %). Complications included empyema (25/41, 61 %),
      pneumatoceles (7/41, 17 %), and lung abscess (1/41, 2.5 %). Intensive care unit
      (ICU) admission was required in 58.5 %. Two deaths occurred (4.9 %). Definitive
      therapy was based on vancomycin with or without other antibiotics (55.9 %),
      followed by clindamycin and linezolid (26.5 % each). All isolates were
      susceptible to vancomycin (MIC90 2 mg/L, range 1-2), teicoplanin, and linezolid,
      whereas 26.8 % were resistant to clindamycin. Among the 25 studied strains, 20
      were mecA-positive (MRSA), carrying also the fnbA gene. Of these, 90 % belonged
      to the ST80-IV/agr3/PVL-positive clone. Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA)
      strains showed polyclonality, 3/5 were PVL-positive, and 3/5 were fnbA-positive.
      MRSA and particularly the ST80-IV clone predominated among staphylococcal
      pneumonia cases in children. Treatment provided was effective in all but two
      patients, despite the relatively high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of
      vancomycin and a high resistance to clindamycin. 

PMID- 27140202
TI  - Assessment of Continuity of Care among Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions
      in Italy.
AB  - The aims of the present study were to evaluate the extent of continuity of care
      and to investigate its association with several factors among a sample of
      outpatients with chronic diseases in Italy. The survey was conducted, using face
      to face interview, from March to December 2014 in a random sample of 633
      outpatients with chronic conditions who were going in cardiology, metabolic
      disorders, and respiratory ambulatory center of four hospitals. A multivariate
      ordered logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with
      the outpatients continuity of care. The mean of the Bice-Boxerman continuity of
      care (COC) index related to the entire sample was 0.44, and 27.9%, 58.4%, 13.7%
      had a low, intermediate, and high value of the index based on the tertiles of the
      distribution. The results of the ordered logistic regression analysis showed that
      female patients, those older, those who had a lower score of Katz Index of
      independence in activities of daily living, those who had a lower Charlson et al.
      comorbidity score, and those who had no hospitalization in the last year, were
      significantly more likely to have a higher value of the COC index. Patients who
      had completed a secondary school education had significantly lower odds of having
      a high value of COC index in comparison to patients with a college degree
      educational level. Policy makers and clinicians involved in the care of patients
      should implement comprehensively and efficiently efforts in order to improve the
      continuity of care in patients with chronic diseases.

PMID- 27140205
TI  - The current state and a perspective towards the future of osteosarcoma in dogs.

PMID- 27140204
TI  - Changes in Dyspnea Status During Hospitalization and Postdischarge Health-Related
      Quality of Life in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure: Findings From the
      EVEREST Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dyspnea is the most common symptom among hospitalized patients with
      heart failure and represents a therapeutic target. However, the association
      between short-term dyspnea relief and postdischarge clinical outcomes and health
      related quality of life (HRQOL) remains uncertain. METHODS AND RESULTS: A post
      hoc analysis was performed of the Efficacy of Vasopressin Antagonism in Heart
      Failure: Outcome Study with Tolvaptan (EVEREST) trial, which enrolled 4133
      patients within 48 hours of admission for heart failure with an ejection fraction
      <=40%. Physician-assessed dyspnea was recorded on a daily basis from baseline
      until discharge or day 7 as none, seldom, frequent, or continuous. Patient
      reported dyspnea was measured using a 7-point Likert scale, and patients
      experiencing moderate or marked dyspnea improvement on day 1 were classified as
      early responders. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary score,
      which ranges from 0 to 100, was collected postdischarge at week 1. The primary
      outcome was unfavorable HRQOL, defined a priori as a Kansas City Cardiomyopathy
      Questionnaire score <45. Secondary outcomes included 30-day all-cause mortality,
      and all-cause and cause-specific hospitalizations. The final analytic cohort
      included 1567 patients discharged alive with complete HRQOL data. Patients were
      66.0+/-12.7 years old and had a mean ejection fraction of 25+/-8%. Physician
      assessed dyspnea was rated as frequent or continuous in 1399 patients (90%) at
      baseline, which decreased to 250 patients (16%) by discharge, whereas patient
      reported early dyspnea relief was reported by 610 patients (40%). The median
      Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score at week 1 was 50 (35, 65). All
      cause mortality was 3.0%, and all-cause hospitalization was 20.5% within 30 days
      of discharge. Physician-assessed and patient-reported dyspnea was not
      independently associated with HRQOL, all-cause mortality, or all-cause or cause
      specific hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital physician-assessed, and
      patient-reported dyspnea was not independently associated with postdischarge
      HRQOL, survival, or readmissions. Although dyspnea relief remains a goal of
      therapy for hospitalized patients with heart failure with reduced ejection
      fraction, this measure may not be a reliable surrogate for long-term patient
      centered or hard clinical outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00071331.

PMID- 27140203
TI  - Oral Iron Therapy for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Design and
      Rationale for Oral Iron Repletion Effects on Oxygen Uptake in Heart Failure.
AB  - : Iron deficiency is present in ~50% of patients with heart failure and is an
      independent predictor of mortality. Despite growing recognition of the functional
      and prognostic significance of iron deficiency, randomized multicenter trials
      exploring the use of oral iron supplementation in heart failure, a therapy that
      is inexpensive, readily available, and safe, have not been performed. Moreover,
      patient characteristics that influence responsiveness to oral iron in patients
      with heart failure have not been defined. Although results of intravenous iron
      repletion trials have been promising, regularly treating patients with
      intravenous iron products is both expensive and poses logistical challenges for
      outpatients. Herein, we describe the rationale for the Oral Iron Repletion
      effects on Oxygen Uptake in Heart Failure (IRONOUT HF) trial. This National
      Institute of Health-sponsored trial will investigate oral iron polysaccharide
      compared with matching placebo with the primary end point of change in exercise
      capacity as measured by peak oxygen consumption at baseline and at 16 weeks.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique
      identifier: NCT02188784.

PMID- 27140207
TI  - Densely Packed Hydrophobic Clustering: Encapsulated Valerates Form a High
      Temperature-Stable {Mo132 } Capsule System.
AB  - Porous molecular nanocontainers of {Mo132 }-type Keplerates offer unique
      opportunities to study a wide variety of relevant phenomena. An impressive
      example is provided by the highly reactive {Mo132 -CO3 } capsule, the reaction of
      which with valeric acid results in the very easy release of carbon dioxide and
      the uptake of 24 valerate ions/ligands that are integrated as a densely packed
      aggregate, thus indicating the unique possibility of hydrophobic clustering
      inside the cavity. Two-dimensional NMR techniques were used to demonstrate the
      presence of the 24 valerates and the stability of the capsule up to ca. 100 
      degrees C. Increasing the number of hydrophobic parts enhances the stability of
      the whole system. This situation also occurs in biological systems, such as
      globular proteins or protein pockets.

PMID- 27140209
TI  - Urotensin II((4-11)) Azasulfuryl Peptides: Synthesis and Biological Activity.
AB  - Cyclic azasulfuryl (As) peptide analogs of the urotensin II (UII, 1, H-Glu-Thr
      Pro-Asp-c[Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys]-Val-OH) fragment 4-11 were synthesized to
      explore the influences of backbone structure on biological activity. N
      Aminosulfamides were inserted as surrogates of the Trp(7) and Lys(8) residues in
      the biologically relevant Trp-Lys-Tyr triad. A combination of solution- and solid
      phase methods were used to prepare novel UII((4-11)) analogs 6-11 by routes
      featuring alkylation of azasulfuryl-glycine tripeptide precursors to install
      various side chains. The pharmacological profiles of derivatives 6-11 were tested
      in vitro using a competitive binding assay and ex vivo using a rat aortic ring
      bioassay. Although the analogs exhibited weak affinity for the urotensin II
      receptor (UT) without agonistic activity, azasulfuryl-UII((4-11)) derivatives 7-9
      reduced up to 50% of the effects of UII and urotensin II-related peptide (URP)
      without affecting their potency.

PMID- 27140210
TI  - Morphological and Functional Attenuation of Degeneration of Peripheral Neurons by
      Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Conditioned Medium in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1-Knock
      in Mice.
AB  - AIMS: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is caused by the ataxin-1 protein
      (ATXN1) with an abnormally expanded polyglutamine tract and is characterized by
      progressive neurodegeneration. We previously showed that intrathecal injection of
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during the nonsymptomatic stage mitigates the
      degeneration of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) neurons in SCA1-knock-in
      (SCA1-KI) mice. We tested in this study whether the therapeutic effects of MSCs
      in SCA1-KI mice could be reproduced with MSC-releasing factor(s). METHODS: To
      test the effects of MSC-releasing factor(s), we used MSC-conditioned medium (MSC
      CM). MSC-CM was intrathecally and/or intravenously injected into young SCA1-KI
      mice, and the therapeutic effects were assessed in the PNS at later ages using
      immunostaining, electrophysiology, and behavioral tests. RESULTS: MSC-CM
      attenuated the degeneration of axons and myelin of spinal motor neurons.
      Consequently, the injected SCA1-KI mice exhibited smaller reductions in nerve
      conduction velocity in spinal motor neurons and reduced motor incoordination than
      the untreated mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that factors released from
      MSC mitigate the morphological and functional abnormalities in the PNS that are
      observed in SCA1-KI mice in a paracrine manner.

PMID- 27140211
TI  - The European New Car Assessment Programme: A historical review.
AB  - Established in 1997, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP)
      provides consumers with a safety performance assessment for the majority of the
      most popular cars in Europe. Thanks to its rigorous crash tests, Euro NCAP has
      rapidly become an important driver safety improvement to new cars. After ten
      years of rating vehicles, Euro NCAP felt that a change was necessary to stay in
      tune with rapidly emerging driver assistance and crash avoidance systems and to
      respond to shifting priorities in road safety. A new overall rating system was
      introduced that combines the most important aspects of vehicle safety under a
      single star rating. The overall rating system has allowed Euro NCAP to continue
      to push for better fitment and higher performance for vehicles sold on the
      European market. In the coming years, the safety rating is expected to play an
      important role in the support of the roll-out of highly automated vehicles. 

PMID- 27140212
TI  - Epidemiology of traffic crash mortality in west of Iran in a 9 year period.
AB  - PURPOSE: In Iran, the most common cause of injuries and the second leading cause
      of deaths are traffic accidents, and those problems impose a substantial
      financial burden on the society. This study aims to determine traffic accident
      mortality trends and their epidemiologic characteristics in the Kermanshah
      province, west of Iran. METHODS: In a cross sectional study, road traffic
      fatality data from 2004 to 2013 were analyzed to determine the epidemiological
      pattern of traffic accident mortality. Trend assessment was performed to
      ascertain the decreasing or increasing status. Chi-square and one-way analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) tests, as well as Poisson regression were used to determine the
      significance of the data in time. Data were analyzed using Excel and statistical
      package of SPSS version 19. RESULTS: Out of 5110 people that died in traffic
      accidents, 4024 (78.7%) were males. The state of accidents indicated that 404
      (43.8%) female pedestrians died as a result of car crashes, and 1330 (41.4%)
      males died because of car collisions. 1554 (31.9%) deaths happened to pedestrians
      and 1556 (32.1%) to vehicle drivers, and the rest belonged to vehicle passengers.
      Head trauma was the cause of death for as much as 3400 (69.9%) cases. Fatal
      crashes in which pedestrians were involved mostly occurred between the hours
      13:00 to 15:00, while the time for vehicle drivers was between 16:00 to 18:00.
      2882 people (59.1%) died before reaching to health care facilities. Traffic crash
      mortality trend for pedestrians follows a linear pattern with a gentle downward
      slope, but the trend shows various swings when it comes to vehicle drivers.
      CONCLUSION: The number of traffic crash deaths from 2004 to 2013 indicates a
      decreasing trend in two groups of road users: vehicle drivers and car occupants.
      This can be due to some interventions such as modification of traffic rules and
      enhancement of police control which has been implemented in recent years.
      Moreover, more attention should be paid to promote the optimal health care
      services to save the lives of the injured from traffic accidents.

PMID- 27140213
TI  - Are falls more common than road traffic accidents in pediatric trauma? Experience
      from a Level 1 trauma centre in New Delhi, India.
AB  - PURPOSE: The epidemiology of pediatric trauma is different in different parts of
      the world. Some re- searchers suggest falls as the most common mechanism, whereas
      others report road traffic accidents (RTAs) as the most common cause. The aim of
      this study is to find out the leading cause of pediatric admissions in Trauma
      Surgery in New Delhi, India. METHODS: Inpatient data from January 2012 to
      September 2014 was searched retrospectively in Jai Prakash Narayan Apex Trauma
      Centre Trauma Registry. All patients aged 18 years or less on index presentation
      admitted to surgical ward/ICU or later taken transfer by the Department of Trauma
      Surgery were included. Data were retrieved in predesigned proformas. Information
      thus compiled was coded in unique alphanumeric codes for each variable and
      subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: We had 300
      patients over a 33 month period. Among them, 236 (78.6%) were males and 64
      (21.3%) females. Overall the predominant cause was RTAs in 132 (43%) patients. On
      subgroup analysis of up to 12 years age group (n = 147), the most common cause
      was found to be RTAs again. However, falls showed an incremental upward trend
      (36.05% in up to 12 age group versus 27% overall), catching up with RTAs
      (44.89%). Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS) ranged from 0 to 12 with a mean of 8.12 +/
      2.022. 223 (74.33%) patients experienced trauma limited to one anatomic region
      only, whereas 77 (25.66%) patients suffered polytrauma. 288 patients were
      discharged to home care. Overall, 12 patients expired in the cohort. Median
      hospital stay was 6 days (range 1-182). CONCLUSION: Pediatric trauma is becoming
      a cause of increasing concern, especially in the developing countries. The
      leading cause of admissions in Trauma Surgery is RTAs (43%) as compared to falls
      from height (27%); however, falls from height are showing an increasing trend as
      we move to younger age groups. Enhancing road safety alone may not be a lasting
      solution for prevention of pediatric trauma and local injury patterns must be
      taken into account when formulating policies to address this unique challenge.

PMID- 27140214
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors of alcohol and substance abuse among motorcycle
      drivers in Fars province, Iran.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this present study is to investigate the prevalence of
      alcohol and substance abuse (ASA) and its relationship with other risky driving
      behaviors among motorcycle drivers. METHODS: This is a cross sectional study
      which is performed at Shiraz city of Iran. Data from motorcycle drivers were
      collected using a standard questionnaire in eight major streets at different
      times of the day. The data includes consumption of alcohol and other substances
      two hours before driving and some of the risky behaviors during driving. RESULTS:
      A total of 414 drivers with a mean +/- SD age of (27.0 +/- 9.3) years
      participated in the study. Alcohol or substance consumptions two hours before
      driving was significantly associated with risky driving behaviors such as using
      mobile phone during driving, poor maneuvering, and driving over the speed limit
      (both p < 0.001). It was also associated with carelessness about safety such as
      driving with technical defects (p < 0.001) and not wearing a crash helmet
      (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: Screening for alcohol and substance consumption among
      motorcycle drivers is an efficient way to identify drivers that are at a greater
      risk for road traffic accidents.

PMID- 27140215
TI  - Effect of salvianolic acid B on TNF-alpha induced cerebral microcirculatory
      changes in a micro-invasive mouse model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of salvianolic acid B (SAB) on tumor necrosis
      factor a (TNF-alpha) induced alterations of cerebral microcirculation with a bone
      abrading model. METHODS: The influences of craniotomy model and bone-abrading
      model on cerebral microcirculation were compared. The bone-abrading method was
      used to detect the effects of intracerebroventricular application of 40 MUg/kg.bw
      TNF-alpha on cerebral venular leakage of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-
      albulmin and the rolling and adhesion of leukocytes on venules with fluorescence
      tracer rhodamine 6G. The therapeutical effects of SAB on TNF-alpha induced
      microcirculatory alteration were observed, with continuous intravenous injection
      of 5 mg/kg.h SAB starting at 20 min before or 20 min after TNF-alpha
      administration, respectively. The expressions of CD11b/CD18 and CD62L in
      leukocytes were measured with flow cytometry. Immunohistochemical staining was
      also used to detect E-selectin and ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells.
      RESULTS: Compared with craniotomy method, the bone-abrading method preserved a
      higher erythrocyte velocity in cerebral venules and more opening capillaries. TNF
      alpha intervention only caused responses of vascular hyperpermeability and
      leukocyte rolling on venular walls, without leukocyte adhesion and other
      hemodynamic changes. Pre- or post-SAB treatment attenuated those responses and
      suppressed the enhanced expressions of CD11b/CD18 and CD62L in leukocytes and E
      selectin and ICAM-1 in endothelial cells induced by TNF-alpha. CONCLUSIONS: The
      pre- and post-applications of SAB during TNF-alpha stimulation could suppress
      adhesive molecular expression and subsequently attenuate the increase of cerebral
      vascular permeability and leukocyte rolling.

PMID- 27140216
TI  - Clinical study of midazolam sequential with dexmedetomidine for agitated patients
      undergoing weaning to implement light sedation in intensive care unit.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate midazolam sequential with dexmedetomidine for agitated
      patients undergoing weaning to implement light sedation in ICU. METHODS: This
      randomized, prospective study was conducted in Tianjin Third Central Hospital,
      China. Using a sealed-envelope method, the patients were randomly divided into 2
      groups (40 patients per group). Each patient of group A received an initial
      loading dose of midazolam at 0.3-3mg/kg.h 24 h before extubation, followed by an
      infusion of dexmedetomidine at a rate of 0.2-1 MUg/kg.h until extubation. Each
      patient of group B received midazolam at a dose of 0.3-3 mg/kg.h until
      extubation. The dose of sedation was regulated according to RASS sedative scores
      maintaining in the range of -2-1. All patients were continuously monitored for 60
      min after extubation. During the course, heart rate (HR), mean artery pressure
      (MAP), extubation time, adverse reactions, ICU stay, and hospital stay were
      observed and recorded continuously at the following time points: 24 h before
      extubation (T1), 12 h before extubation (T2), extubation (T3), 30 min after
      extubation (T4), 60 min after extubation (T5). RESULTS: Both groups reached the
      goal of sedation needed for ICU patients. Dexmedetomidine was associated with a
      significant increase in extubation quality compared with midazolam, reflected in
      the prevalence of delirium after extubation (20% (8/40) vs 45% (18/40)),
      respectively (p= 0.017). There were no clinically significant decreases in HR and
      MAP after infusing dexmedetomidine or midazolam. In the group A, HR was not
      significantly increased after extubation; however, in the group B, HR was
      significantly increased compared with the preextubation values (p < 0.05). HR was
      significantly higher in the group B compared with the group A at 30 and 60 min
      after extubation (both, p <0.05). Compared with preextubation values, MAP was
      significantly increased at extubation in the group B (p < 0.05) and MAP was
      significantly higher at T3, T4, T5 in the group B than group A (p < 0.05). There
      was a significant difference in extubation time ((3.0 +/- 1.5) d vs (4.3 +/- 2.2)
      d, p < 0.05), ICU stay ((5.4 +/- 2.1) d vs (8.0 +/- 1.4) d, p < 0.05), hospital
      stay ((10.1 +/- 3.0) d vs (15.3 +/- 2.6) d, p <0.05) between group A and B.
      CONCLUSION: Midazolam sequential with dexmedetomidine can reach the goal of
      sedation for ICU agitated patients, meanwhile it can maintain the respiratory and
      circulation parameters and reduce adverse reactions.

PMID- 27140217
TI  - Topical Moltkia coerulea hydroethanolic extract accelerates the repair of
      excision wound in a rat model.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a hydroethanolic extract of Moltkia coerulea
      ointment (MCO) on the healing of excision wound in a rat model. METHODS: Circular
      surgical full thickness excision wound, with 314 mm2 size, was induced in the
      anterior-dorsal side of each rat. Three different doses of MCO (1%, 3% and 6%)
      were administrated. On Day 3, 7, 14 and 21, the tissue was sampled and immune
      cells, fibroblasts and fibrocytes distribution per one mm2 of wound area,
      collagen density and re-epithelialization were analyzed. Moreover, the total
      flavnoid, phenols and anti-oxidant potential of the MCO were evaluated.
      Ultimately, the percentage of wound contraction in different groups was compared
      with each other. RESULTS: Hydroethanolic extract of MCO significantly (p < 0.05)
      increased wound contraction percentage. The animals in medium and high dose MCO
      treated groups exhibited remarkably (p<0.05) higher fibroblast and fibrocyte
      distribution and significantly (p < 0.05) lower immune cells infiltration. On Day
      7 after injury, MCO up-regulated neovascularization in a dose-dependent way.
      CONCLUSION: Our data showed that MCO shortened the inflammation phase by
      provoking the fibroblast proliferation. Moreover, MCO promoted the healing
      process by up-regulating the angiogenesis and provoking the structural cells
      proliferation as well as increasing the collagen synthesis, cross-linking, and
      deposition.

PMID- 27140218
TI  - Distal tibial fracture: An ideal indication for external fixation using locking
      plate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficiency of one-stage external
      fixation by using locking plate in distal tibial fractures. METHODS: In this non
      control prospective study, 28 patients with distal tibial fractures were included
      and underwent one-stage external fixation by using locking plate. There were 21
      males and 7 females, with a mean age of 43 years (19-63). According to AO/OTA
      fracture classification, there were 9 cases of Type A1, 9 of Type A2, 10 of Type
      A3 fractures. There were 21 close and 7 open fractures. The locking plate was
      placed on the anteromedial aspect of the tibia with 4-5 bicortical screws
      inserted in both distal met- aphysis and diaphysis. The radiographic and clinic
      results were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for the average of
      16 months (ranging from 12 to 21 months). The average surgery duration was 38 (25
      60) minutes. The mean time to fracture healing were 14.6 +/- 2.67, 17.5 +/- 3.66,
      and 18.4 +/- 3.37 (p < 0.05) weeks in type A1, A2, and A3 fractures respectively.
      By the end of the follow-ups, the mean AOFAS score were 96.11 +/- 2.32, 92.67 +/-
      1.80 and 92.00 +/- 2.06 (p > 0.05) in type A1, A2, and A3 fractures respectively.
      None of nonunion, deep infection, or breakage of screw or plate were observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Distal tibial fracture was the ideal indication for external
      fixation using locking plate. The external plating is characterized by ease of
      performance, less invasive, fewer soft tissue impingement, improved cosmesis, and
      convenient for removal.

PMID- 27140219
TI  - Surgical factors contributing to nonunion in femoral shaft fracture following
      intramedullary nailing.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the possible surgical factors related with nonunion in
      femoral shaft fracture following intramedullary nailing. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed totally 425 patients with femoral shaft fracture in
      level I urban trauma center, including 254 males and 171 females, with an average
      age of 37.6 (ranging from 21 to 56) years old. The inclusion criteria included:
      (1) traumatically closed fracture of femoral shaft, with pre- operative films
      showing non-comminuted fracture, such as transverse fracture, oblique fracture or
      spiral fracture; (2) closed reduction and fixation with interlocking
      intramedullary nail at 3-7 days after trauma; (3) complete follow-up data
      available. The relationship between the following factors (fracture site,
      reduction degree, direction of nail insertion and nail size) and nonunion was
      studied. RESULTS: The incidence of femoral nonunion was 2.8% in patients with
      closed simple fracture undergoing interlocking intrameduallary nailing, including
      11 cases of hypertrophic nonunion. Nonunion was related significantly to distal
      fracture, unsatisfactory reduction and unreamed nail (p < 0.05). There was no
      significant difference between antegrade nail and retrograde nail (p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Nonunion in femoral shaft facture following interlocking
      intramedullary nailing is related to fracture site, fracture reduction and nail
      diameter. The choice of reamed nails or unreamed nails depends on the fracture
      site and reduction degree.

PMID- 27140220
TI  - Extended anterolateral thigh pedicled flap for reconstruction of trochanteric and
      gluteal defects: A new & innovative approach for reconstruction.
AB  - Descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) is commonly
      used pedicle for ante- rolateral thigh (ALT) flap. Oblique branch of LCFA is an
      alternative pedicle that can be used in micro- vascular surgery. According to
      review of literature and to the best of our knowledge we could not find the use
      of oblique branch of LCFA as a pedicle of the ALT flap in regional soft tissue
      reconstruction. Here we presented a case of a 55-year-old man sustaining soft
      tissue injury and wound over the left trochanteric and gluteal region following a
      road traffic accident, who was treated by the use of extended ALT pedicle flap
      with oblique branch of LCFA as the pedicle for reconstruction of soft tissue
      defect in trochanteric and gluteal regions with successful outcome. 

PMID- 27140221
TI  - Acute arterial occlusion in the midpiece of femoral artery following total knee
      arthroplasty: Report of one case.
AB  - Acute arterial occlusion is a rare complication following total knee arthroplasty
      (TKA). The incidence as reported previously is from 0.03% to 0.17%; however, the
      sequelae can be disastrous because of its potential threat to limb loss.We report
      a case of acute arterial occlusion in the midpiece of femoral artery following
      TKA occurred 40 min postoperatively. The occlusion site existed at the midpiece
      of femoral artery is uncommon. Arterial circulation of the lower limb could not
      be restored by the thrombolysis and thrombectomy treatments performed within 11 h
      after TKA. In the end, amputation had to be carried out. In the treatment of
      acute arterial occlusion following TKA with a tourniquet, it is important to
      fully consider that arteriosclerosis may induce atheromatous plaque disruption,
      which might be the reason for acute arterial occlusion. 

PMID- 27140222
TI  - Malunited anterior inferior iliac spine fracture as a cause of hip impingement: A
      case report and review of literature.
AB  - Apophyseal injuries of the pelvis have increased recently with increased
      participation of teenagers in contact sports. Apophyseal fractures of the pelvis
      should be ruled out from apophysitis, os acetabuli and bony tumors. We report a
      case of fracture of anterior-inferior iliac spine following indirect injury to
      the hip in a young football player. The patient failed to get better with
      nonoperative management and continued to have pain in the left hip and signs and
      symptoms of impingement. He improved following surgical excision of the
      heterotopic bone and did not have any evidence of recurrence at 2 years follow-
      up. 

PMID- 27140223
TI  - Non-traumatic myositis ossificans circumscripta at elbow joint in a 9-year old
      child.
AB  - Myositis ossificans circumscripta (MOC) is a kind of self-localized, benign and
      tumor-like lesions often seen in adults, with approximately 75% of cases caused
      by trauma. We reported a case of non-traumatic MOC occurred at the elbow joint in
      a 9-year old child and it has been excised by surgery. After 18 months follow-up,
      a favorable outcome has been achieved with the Broberg-Morrey score of 100. We
      suggest that surgical resection should be done as soon as the diagnosis is
      confirmed. 

PMID- 27140224
TI  - Side-chain Engineering of Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene Core-structured Small
      Molecules for High-Performance Organic Solar Cells.
AB  - Three novel small molecules have been developed by side-chain engineering on
      benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene (BDT) core. The typical acceptor-donor-acceptor (A
      D-A) structure is adopted with 4,8-functionalized BDT moieties as core,
      dioctylterthiophene as pi bridge and 3-ethylrhodanine as electron-withdrawing end
      group. Side-chain engineering on BDT core exhibits small but measurable effect on
      the optoelectronic properties of small molecules. Theoretical simulation and X
      ray diffraction study reveal the subtle tuning of interchain distance between
      conjugated backbones has large effect on the charge transport and thus the
      photovoltaic performance of these molecules. Bulk-heterojunction solar cells
      fabricated with a configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/SM:PC71BM/PFN/Al exhibit a
      highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.99% after solvent vapor annealing.

PMID- 27140225
TI  - Prognosis after Hospitalization for Erythroderma.
AB  - Erythrodermic psoriasis (EP) and erythroderma exfoliativa (EE) are acute and
      potentially life-threatening inflammatory reactions. We estimated hazard ratios
      (HRs) of 3-year mortality following hospitalization for EP or EE compared with
      general population controls, patients hospitalized for psoriasis vulgaris, and
      toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), respectively. We identified 26 and 48 patients
      with a first-time hospitalization (1997-2010) for EP and EE, respectively (10
      matched population-controls for each patient), 1,998 patients with psoriasis
      vulgaris, and 60 patients with TEN. During follow-up, 8 (30.8%) patients with EP,
      19 (39.6%) patients with EE, and 34 (56.7%) patients with TEN died. Compared with
      population-controls, adjusted HRs were 4.40 (95% CI 1.66-11.70) for EP and 2.16
      (1.21-3.82) for EE. Compared with psoriasis vulgaris, adjusted HRs were 1.83
      (0.90-3.73) for EP, and 1.28 (1.01-1.63) for EE. The risk was significantly lower
      in EP (0.38 (0.16-0.91)) and in EE (0.50 (0.36-0.71)), compared with TEN.
      Mortality in EP and EE is high, and close follow-up is advised.

PMID- 27140226
TI  - Charge-controlled nano-structuring in partially collapsed star-shaped
      macromolecules.
AB  - Hydrophobic polyelectrolytes exhibit intra-molecular nano-scale self-organization
      instead of macroscopic phase separation because of the interplay between short
      range hydrophobic attraction and long-range electrostatic repulsion. We aim to
      unravel how the morphology of the intra-molecular nanostructures can be
      controlled through the topology of the macromolecule on one hand and by
      adjustable ionization on the other hand. Specifically, we focus on hydrophobic
      star-branched polyelectrolytes, composed of either strong or weak acidic
      monomers. While both collapse in a globule when uncharged, and expand to full
      stretching of arms at high ionization, they exhibit quite different intermediate
      scenarios. For the strong ones, we observe the formation of bundles of arms as
      the main structural motif, and for the weak ones the intramolecular micelle-like
      structure is found at the same overall charge of the macromolecule. Here
      intramolecular disproportionation leaves some arms in a collapsed virtually
      neutral core, while others are substantially ionized and stretched in the corona.

PMID- 27140227
TI  - Validation of a Self-Administered Audiometry Application: An Equivalence Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To compare hearing measurements made at home using self
      administered audiometric software against audiological tests performed on the
      same subjects in a clinical setting STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, crossover
      equivalence study METHODS: In experiment 1, adults with varying degrees of
      hearing loss (N = 19) performed air-conduction audiometry, frequency
      discrimination, and speech recognition in noise testing twice at home with an
      automated tablet application and twice in sound-treated clinical booths with an
      audiologist. The accuracy and reliability of computer-guided home hearing tests
      were compared to audiologist administered tests. In experiment 2, the reliability
      and accuracy of pure-tone audiometric results were examined in a separate cohort
      across a variety of clinical settings (N = 21). RESULTS: Remote, automated
      audiograms were statistically equivalent to manual, clinic-based testing from 500
      to 8,000 Hz (P <= .02); however, 250 Hz thresholds were elevated when collected
      at home. Remote and sound-treated booth testing of frequency discrimination and
      speech recognition thresholds were equivalent (P <= 5 * 10(-5) ). In the second
      experiment, remote testing was equivalent to manual sound-booth testing from 500
      to 8,000 Hz (P <= .02) for a different cohort who received clinic-based testing
      in a variety of settings. CONCLUSION: These data provide a proof of concept that
      several self-administered, automated hearing measurements are statistically
      equivalent to manual measurements made by an audiologist in the clinic. The
      demonstration of statistical equivalency for these basic behavioral hearing tests
      points toward the eventual feasibility of monitoring progressive or fluctuant
      hearing disorders outside of the clinic to increase the efficiency of clinical
      information collection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b. Laryngoscope, 126:2382-2388, 2016.

PMID- 27140228
TI  - The slow-pull capillary technique increases the quality of endoscopic ultrasound
      fine needle biopsy samples in solid pancreatic lesions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling is used routinely for the
      diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses. We aimed to compare the standard suction
      technique with the recently described 'slow-pull' technique. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Patients with a solid pancreatic mass of more than 2 cm undergoing
      endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy with the same endoscopist using a
      22 G core biopsy needle were included in the study. Patients had a first suction
      pass, followed by either another suction pass or a slow-pull pass. The rate of
      samples contributive to the diagnosis, cellularity, presence of tissue
      microfragments, and blood contamination were assessed and compared between each
      pass and each technique. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients with a lesion diameter
      of 33.1+/-10 mm were analyzed. Lesions were adenocarcinomas in 83%,
      neuroendocrine tumors in 6%, and benign lesions in 11% of the cases. The rate of
      contributive samples of the first suction pass, the slow-pull pass, and the
      second suction pass were 96.9, 97.9, and 90.2%, respectively (P=NS). The slow
      pull capillary technique, compared with the suction technique, provided samples
      with better cellularity, higher proportion of representative and tumor cells, and
      more tissue microfragments (P=0.002, 0.0004, 0.006, and 0.005, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy sampling of solid
      pancreatic lesions using the slow-pull technique yielded overall outcomes similar
      to the standard suction technique in terms of diagnostic performance. However,
      the slow-pull capillary technique improved the histological quality of the
      samples, mainly through a higher proportion of tissue microfragments and tumor
      cells.

PMID- 27140229
TI  - Short article: Faldaprevir, deleobuvir and ribavirin in IL28B non-CC patients
      with HCV genotype-1a infection included in the SOUND-C3 phase 2b study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: SOUND-C3 was a multicentre, open-label, phase 2b study exploring the
      safety and efficacy of the interferon-free combination of faldaprevir (an NS3/A4
      protease inhibitor), deleobuvir (BI 207127, a non-nucleoside polymerase
      inhibitor) and ribavirin in treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) genotype-1 infection. Results in patients with HCV genotype-1b and in
      IL28B CC genotype patients with HCV genotype-1a have been described previously.
      This report describes the results in IL28B non-CC genotype patients with HCV
      genotype-1a. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive faldaprevir 120 mg once
      daily with deleobuvir at either 800 mg twice daily (b.i.d.; N=26) or 600 mg three
      times daily (t.i.d.; N=25), and weight-based ribavirin for 24 weeks. The primary
      endpoint was sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12).
      RESULTS: In each group, five patients completed 24 weeks of treatment. SVR12
      rates were 19% (5/26) and 8% (2/25) in the b.i.d. and t.i.d. groups,
      respectively. On-treatment breakthrough [50% (13/26) and 68% (17/25) in the
      b.i.d. and t.i.d. groups, respectively] was the most frequent reason for not
      achieving SVR12. Adverse events led to premature treatment discontinuation in six
      (23%) patients in the b.i.d. group and in two patients (8%) in the t.i.d. group.
      The majority of adverse events were mild or moderate; the most frequently
      reported were nausea (67%), fatigue (35%) and diarrhoea (35%). CONCLUSION: In
      this small study, the interferon-free regimen of faldaprevir, deleobuvir and
      ribavirin resulted in high rates of virological breakthrough and low rates of
      SVR12 in IL28B non-CC genotype patients infected with genotype-1a HCV
      (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01132313).

PMID- 27140230
TI  - Impact of a Planned Workflow Change: Super Track Improves Quality and Service for
      Low-Acuity Patients at an Inner-City Hospital.
AB  - : ED volume and acuity were anticipated to increase at an inner-city hospital. A
      strategy to mitigate the impact was needed. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team
      facilitated a workflow modification project implementing a Super Track to treat
      low-acuity patients. A literature review led to the creation of an evidence-based
      framework. Staff education regarding the change process and the results of an
      analysis in the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threat format, along
      with simulation exercises and a pilot project, supported implementation of this
      strategy. RESULTS: Simulation exercises demonstrated that the proposed workflow
      with a Super Track had the potential to reduce the length of stay among level 4
      and 5 patients coming to the emergency department. Implementing a Super Track
      reduced the patient arrival-to-provider time for low-acuity patients, but length
      of stay was not affected. After implementation, the number of patients who left
      without being seen decreased by 40%, and patient satisfaction increased by 36%.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A modified front-end workflow process produced a
      statistically significant, sustainable improvement in patient flow of low-acuity
      patients in our emergency department. Use of an evidence-based, multidisciplinary
      team approach supported the change process.

PMID- 27140231
TI  - NADPH oxidase 4 deficiency leads to impaired wound repair and reduced dityrosine
      crosslinking, but does not affect myofibroblast formation.
AB  - NADPH oxidases (NOX) mediate redox signaling by generating superoxide and/or
      hydrogen peroxide, which are involved in biosynthetic pathways, e.g. thyroid
      hormone generation, dityrosine crosslinking, as well as bacterial killing. Data
      investigating the role of NOX enzymes in cutaneous wound repair is limited and
      specifically their function in skin myofibroblast expression is unknown. The
      isoform NOX4 was recently shown to be a pre-requisite for the differentiation of
      cardiac and pulmonary myofibroblasts. In this study we investigate the role of
      NOX4 in wound repair using a wound model in NOX4 knockout mice (n=16) and
      wildtype mice (n=16). Wounds were photographed daily until complete wound
      closure. Mice were sacrificed at day 3, 7, 14; wound tissue was harvested. NOX4
      deficient mice healed significantly slower (22 days, SD=1.9) than wild-type mice
      (17 days, SD=1.4, p<0.005). However, there was no difference in myofibroblast
      expression. Strong dityrosine formation was observed, but was significantly
      weaker in NOX4-/- mice (p<0.05). NOX2, HIF1alpha and CD31 expression was
      significantly weaker in NOX4-/- mice (p<0.05). In this study we show for the
      first time that NOX4 plays a role in cutaneous wound repair. Our data suggests
      that NOX4 mediates HIF1alpha expression and neoangiogenesis during wound repair.
      NOX4 deletion led to a decreased expression of NOX2, implying a role of NOX4 in
      phagocytic cell recruitment. NOX4 was required for effective wound contraction
      but not myofibroblast expression. We suggest that myofibroblast contraction in
      NOX4-deficient mice is less effective in contracting the wound because of
      insufficient dityrosine-crosslinking of the ECM, providing the first indication
      for a physiological function of dityrosine crosslinking in higher animals.

PMID- 27140232
TI  - Lipid peroxidation in the pathogenesis of neuroborreliosis.
AB  - This study analyzed the onset of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in neuroborreliosis and
      the effects of ceftriaxone therapy on LPO. Twenty-two patients with early
      neuroborreliosis and 22 healthy subjects were studied. LPO in the cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF), as well as the plasma and urine was estimated by the levels of
      reactive aldehydes: 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), 4-hydroxyhexenal, malondialdehyde,
      and 4-oxononenal, F2-isoprostanes and A4/J4-neuroprostanes (NPs). The plasma
      level of 4-HNE-protein adducts arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
      and vitamin E was determined. Additionally, enzymatic activities of phospholipase
      A2 (PLA2), platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) and glutathione
      peroxidase (GSH-Px) were determined. A decrease of AA, DHA levels and GSH-Px
      activity in plasma was associated with a significant increase of aldehydes in the
      CSF, plasma and urine. Similarly, the increase of F2-isoprostanes and NPs in the
      CSF and plasma was associated with the decreased activity of PLA2 and PAF-AH.
      Ceftriaxone therapy cured patients and reduced the levels of F2-isoprostanes, NPs
      and reactive aldehydes. However, the activities of PLA2 and PAF-AH increased.
      Pathophysiological association of neuroborreliosis with systemic LPO was
      revealed. Effective antibiotic therapy attenuated LPO. Biomarkers of LPO could be
      useful to monitor the onset of neuroborreliosis and show the effectiveness of
      pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 27140233
TI  - Alterations in glutamate cysteine ligase content in the retina of two retinitis
      pigmentosa animal models.
AB  - Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) comprises a group of rare genetic retinal disorders in
      which one of several different mutations induces photoreceptor death. Oxidative
      stress and glutathione (GSH) alterations may be related to the pathogenesis of
      RP. GSH has been shown to be present in high concentrations in the retina. In
      addition, the retina has the capability to synthesize GSH. In this study, we
      tested whether the two subunits of glutamate cysteine ligase, the rate-limiting
      enzyme in GSH synthesis, and the concentrations of retinal GSH, oxidized
      glutathione (GSSG), cysteine (Cys) and glutamate are altered in the retina of two
      different RP mice models. Retinas from C3H and rd1 mice at different postnatal
      days (P7, P11, P15, P19, P21 and P28) and from C57BL/6 and rd10 mice at P21 were
      obtained. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein content of
      catalytic and modulatory subunits from glutamate cysteine ligase (GCLC and GCLM,
      respectively). In another set of experiments, control and rd1 mice were
      administered buthinine sulfoximine, a glutathione synthase inhibitor, or
      paraquat. GSH, GSSG, glutamate and Cys concentrations were determined, by HPLC. A
      decrease in retinal GCLC content was observed in C3H and rd1 mice with age,
      nevertheless, there was an increase in retinal GCLC in rd1 mice compared to
      control retinas at P19. No modifications in GCLM content with age and no
      difference between GCLM content in rd1 and control retinas were observed. The GSH
      concentration decreased in the rd1 retinas compared with control ones at P15, it
      increased at P19, and was again similar at P21 and P28. No changes in GSSG
      concentration in control retinas with age were observed; the GSSG levels in rd1
      retinas were similar from P7 to P19 and then increased significantly at P21 and
      P28. Glutamate concentration was increased in the rd1 retinas compared to control
      mice from P7 to P15 and were comparable at P21 and P28. The Cys concentrations
      was measured in control and rd1 retinas, but no significant changes were observed
      between them. BSO administration decreases GSH retinal concentration in control
      and rd1 mice, while paraquat administration induced an increase in GSH retinal
      concentration in control mice and a decrease in GSH in rd1 mice retina. Retinal
      GCLC was significantly increased in rd10 mice at P21 as well as GSSG. Our results
      suggest alterations in retinal GCLC content and GSH and/or its precursors in
      these two RP animal models. Regulation of the enzymes related to GSH metabolism
      and the retinal concentration of glutamate may be a possible target to delay
      especially cone death in RP.

PMID- 27140234
TI  - Conservation priorities for Bolivian mammals: response to Penaranda and
      Simonetti.

PMID- 27140235
TI  - Effects of gamma-Irradiation on the Molecular Structures and Functions of Human
      Serum Albumin.
AB  - In this paper, we use spectroscopic methods (fluorescence spectroscopy, UV
      absorption spectroscopy, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy) to elucidate
      the effects of reactive oxygen species generated by gamma-irradiation on the
      molecular properties of human serum albumin (HSA). The results of fluorescence
      spectroscopy indicated that oxidation by gamma-irradiation can lead to
      conformational changes of HSA. Data of CD spectra suggested that with the
      increase of radiation dose the percentage of alpha-helix in HSA has decreased.
      The determination of protein hydrophobicity showed that the effective
      hydrophobicity of HSA decreased up to 62% compared to the native HSA solution due
      to the exposure to the gamma-irradiation. Furthermore, small changes in the
      esterase-like activity of HSA were introduced because of oxidation. The content
      of bityrosine increased markedly, suggesting that the oxidized HSA was
      aggregated. Moreover, there was no obvious change in the molecular properties of
      HSA with low gamma-irradiation dose. Changes happened when the irradiation dose
      exceeded 200 Gy.

PMID- 27140280
TI  - Similarity of a 16.5kDa tegumental protein of the human liver fluke Opisthorchis
      viverrini to nematode cytoplasmic motility protein.
AB  - Opisthorchis viverrini is the causative agent of human opisthorchiasis in
      Thailand and long lasting infection with the parasite has been correlated with
      the development of cholangiocarcinoma. In this work we have molecularly
      characterized the first member of a protein family carrying two DM9 repeats in
      this parasite (OvDM9-1). InterPro and other protein family databases describe the
      DM9 repeat as a protein domain of unknown function that has been first noted in
      Drosophila melanogaster. Two paralogous proteins have been partially
      characterized in the genus Fasciola, Fasciola hepatica TP16.5, a novel tegumental
      antigen in human fascioliasis and, recently F. gigantica DM9-1, a parenchymal
      protein with structural similarity to nematode cytoplasmic motility protein
      (MFP2). In this study, we show further evidence that this family of trematode
      proteins is related to MFP2 in sequence and structure. Soluble recombinant OvDM9
      1 was used for structural analyses and for production of specific antisera. The
      native protein was detected in soluble and insoluble crude worm extracts and in
      seemingly various oligomeric forms in the latter. The potential for
      oligomerization was supported by cross-linking experiments of recombinant OvDM9
      1. Structure prediction suggested a beta-rich secondary structure of the protein
      and this was supported by a circular dichroism analysis. Molecular modeling in
      Phyre2 identified both MFP2 domains as distant homologs of OvDM9-1. The protein
      was located in tegumental type tissue and the cecal epithelium in the mature
      parasite. Recombinant OvDM9-1 was used as target in indirect ELISA but sera from
      infected hamsters showed only marginal reactivity towards it. It is proposed that
      OvDM9-1 and other members of this protein family have a role in cellular
      transport through functions on the cytoskeleton.

PMID- 27140281
TI  - Genetic variation: Linking TF binding to disease risk using pooled ChIP-seq.

PMID- 27140282
TI  - RNA modifications: what have we learned and where are we headed?
AB  - Proper control of the transcriptome is key for diverse aspects of gene
      expression, cellular functions and development, and its disruption can result in
      disease. A rapidly accumulating wealth of studies are identifying and
      functionally characterizing diverse types of RNA base modifications in protein
      coding and non-coding RNAs, which have energized the emerging field of
      'epitranscriptomics'. In this Viewpoint article, five experts discuss our latest
      understanding of RNA modifications, including recommendations for best practices
      and visions for the future.

PMID- 27140284
TI  - Physical Predictors of Elite Skeleton Start Performance.
AB  - PURPOSE: An extensive battery of physical tests is typically employed to evaluate
      athletic status and/or development, often resulting in a multitude of output
      variables. The authors aimed to identify independent physical predictors of elite
      skeleton start performance to overcome the general problem of practitioners
      employing multiple tests with little knowledge of their predictive utility.
      METHODS: Multiple 2-d testing sessions were undertaken by 13 high-level skeleton
      athletes across a 24-wk training season and consisted of flexibility, dry-land
      push-track, sprint, countermovement-jump, and leg-press tests. To reduce the
      large number of output variables to independent factors, principal-component
      analysis (PCA) was conducted. The variable most strongly correlated to each
      component was entered into a stepwise multiple-regression analysis, and K-fold
      validation assessed model stability. RESULTS: PCA revealed 3 components
      underlying the physical variables: sprint ability, lower-limb power, and strength
      power characteristics. Three variables that represented these components
      (unresisted 15-m sprint time, 0-kg jump height, and leg-press force at peak
      power, respectively) significantly contributed (P < .01) to the prediction (R2 =
      .86, 1.52% standard error of estimate) of start performance (15-m sled velocity).
      Finally, the K-fold validation revealed the model to be stable (predicted vs
      actual R2 = .77; 1.97% standard error of estimate). CONCLUSIONS: Only 3 physical
      test scores were needed to obtain a valid and stable prediction of skeleton start
      ability. This method of isolating independent physical variables underlying
      performance could improve the validity and efficiency of athlete monitoring,
      potentially benefitting sport scientists, coaches, and athletes alike.

PMID- 27140285
TI  - Confined Gelatin Dehydration as a Viable Route To Go Beyond Micromilling
      Resolution and Miniaturize Biological Assays.
AB  - Nowadays, microfluidic channels of a few tens of micrometers are required and
      widely used in many fields, especially for surface-processing applications and
      miniaturization of biological assays. Herein, we selected micromilling as a low
      cost technology and proposed an approach capable of overcoming its limitations;
      in fact, microstructures below 20-30 MUm in depth are difficult to obtain, and
      the manufacturing error is rather high, as it is inversely proportional to the
      depth. Indeed, the proposed method uses a confined dehydration process of a
      patterned gelatin substrate fabricated via replica molding onto a micromilled
      poly(methyl methacrylate) substrate to produce a gelatin master with demonstrated
      final micrometric features down to 3 MUm for the channel depth and, in specific
      configurations, down to 5 MUm for the channel width. Finally, we demonstrated the
      ability to flux liquids in miniaturized microfluidic devices and fabricated and
      tested-as an example-micrometric microstructures arrays connected via
      microchannels for biological assays.

PMID- 27140286
TI  - Role of Tricoordinate Al Sites in CH3ReO3/Al2O3 Olefin Metathesis Catalysts.
AB  - Re2O7 supported on gamma-alumina is an alkene metathesis catalyst active at room
      temperature, compatible with functional groups, but the exact structures of the
      active sites are unknown. Using CH3ReO3/Al2O3 as a model for Re2O7/Al2O3, we show
      through a combination of reactivity studies, in situ solid-state NMR, and an
      extensive series of DFT calculations, that MU-methylene structures (Al-CH2-ReO3
      Al) containing a Re?O bound to a tricoordinated Al (AlIII) and CH2 bound to a
      four-coordinated Al (AlIVb) are the precursors of the most active sites for
      olefin metathesis. The resting state of CH3ReO3/Al2O3 is a distribution of MU
      methylene species formed by the activation of the C-H bond of CH3ReO3 on
      different surface Al-O sites. In situ reaction with ethylene results in the
      formation of Re metallacycle intermediates, which were studied in detail through
      a combination of solid-state NMR experiments, using labeled ethylene, and DFT
      calculations. In particular, we were able to distinguish between metallacycles in
      TBP (trigonal-bipyramidal) and SP (square-pyramidal) geometry, the latter being
      inactive and detrimental to catalytic activity. The SP sites are more likely to
      be formed on other Al sites (AlIVa/AlIVa). Experimentally, the activity of
      CH3ReO3/Al2O3 depends on the activation temperature of alumina; catalysts
      activated at or above 500  degrees C contain more active sites than those
      activated at 300  degrees C. We show that the dependence of catalytic activity on
      the Al2O3 activation temperature is related to the quantity of available AlIII
      defect sites and adsorbed H2O.

PMID- 27140283
TI  - Developing and evaluating polygenic risk prediction models for stratified disease
      prevention.
AB  - Knowledge of genetics and its implications for human health is rapidly evolving
      in accordance with recent events, such as discoveries of large numbers of disease
      susceptibility loci from genome-wide association studies, the US Supreme Court
      ruling of the non-patentability of human genes, and the development of a
      regulatory framework for commercial genetic tests. In anticipation of the
      increasing relevance of genetic testing for the assessment of disease risks, this
      Review provides a summary of the methodologies used for building, evaluating and
      applying risk prediction models that include information from genetic testing and
      environmental risk factors. Potential applications of models for primary and
      secondary disease prevention are illustrated through several case studies, and
      future challenges and opportunities are discussed.

PMID- 27140287
TI  - Graph Measures of Node Strength for Characterizing Preictal Synchrony in Partial
      Epilepsy.
AB  - The reference electrophysiological pattern at seizure onset is the "rapid
      discharge," as visible on intracerebral electroencephalography (EEG). This
      discharge typically corresponds to a decrease of synchrony across brain areas. In
      contrast, the preictal period can exhibit patterns of increased synchrony, which
      can be quantified by network measures. Our objective was to compare preictal
      synchrony with a quantification of the rapid discharge as provided by the
      epileptogenicity index (EI). We investigated 24 seizures from 12 patients
      recorded by stereotaxic EEG (SEEG). Seizures were classified visually as
      containing preictal synchrony or not. We computed pairwise nonlinear correlation
      (h(2)) across channels in the 8 sec preceding the rapid discharge. The sum of
      ingoing and outgoing links (IN and OUT node strength), as well as the sum of all
      links (total strength, TOT) were computed for each region. We tested several
      filtering schemes, and quantified the capacity of each strength measure to serve
      as a detector of regions with high EI values using a receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) analysis. We found that the best correspondence between node
      strength and EI was obtained for the OUT and TOT measures, for signals filtered
      in the 15-40 Hz band-that is, for the band corresponding to the spiky part of
      epileptic discharges. In agreement with these results, we also found that the ROC
      results were improved when considering only seizures with visible synchronous
      patterns in the preictal period. Our results suggest that measuring strength of
      preictal connectivity graphs can bring useful clinical information on the
      epileptogenic zone.

PMID- 27140288
TI  - Re: Prostate Cancer in Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men: A
      Review, by Simon Rosser et al. (LGBT Health 2016;3:32-41).

PMID- 27140289
TI  - Toward a better understanding of the oocyte donation/pre-eclampsia connection.

PMID- 27140290
TI  - Two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging of uterus and fallopian tubes in
      female infertility.
AB  - Noninvasive imaging techniques play an important role in the female infertility
      diagnostic algorithm. In this review article, a description of the diagnostic
      performance and potential clinical value of both computerized tomographic virtual
      hysterosalpingography (CT-VHGS) and magnetic-resonance virtual
      hysterosalpingography (MR-VHSG) is made, describing for both techniques, to
      guarantee the best possible diagnostic outcome, patient preparation and normal
      and principal pathologic findings. Both noninvasive diagnostic imaging modalities
      improve the diagnostic confidence in identification of the specific cause of
      female infertility. These procedures are well tolerated and can be performed
      without tenaculum and sedation. The combined analysis of all the imaging data
      offers the gynecologist a wide information spectrum, enabling a better
      therapeutic decision. CT-VHSG and MR-VHSG are consistent diagnostic imaging
      modalities for the evaluation of the female reproductive system, with an
      excellent diagnostic performance compared with traditional diagnostic exams and
      allowing a comprehensive assessment of the female reproductive system.

PMID- 27140291
TI  - Ultrasound in assisted reproduction: a call to fill the endometrial gap.
AB  - Ultrasound offers essential details and an overall view of the anatomic features
      of the reproductive organs, as well as physiologic assessment. There is still a
      great gap, however, in our understanding and interpretation of endometrial
      sonographic findings. Endometrial thickness, growth, and sonographic patterns
      have been repeatedly tested and compared with pregnancy rates in IVF cycles,
      yielding conflicting results. Generally, the data accrued so far suggest
      refraining from clinical decisions based solely on endometrial thickness. The
      three-layer ultrasound pattern reflects normal follicular/proliferative dynamics,
      and its presence in the pre-hCG period was reported to carry a better outcome:
      Significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates were found in patients with this
      pattern on the day of hCG administration among IVF cohorts. Subendometrial
      contractility (endometrial "waves") offers a tool that can be used in cases of
      repeated implantation failure in patients reporting cramps around the planned
      time of embryo transfer, or as a reassuring modality to assess uterine quiescence
      during preparations for embryo transfer. We support the creation of an integrated
      endometrial score incorporating conservative endometrial measurements,
      endometrial-myometrial junction studies, and endometrial contractility, as well
      as new concepts that remain to be tested, such as endometrial surface area. Such
      scores may enable us to improve the effectiveness of endometrial ultrasound
      imaging in the clinical setting.

PMID- 27140292
TI  - In situ scanning tunneling microscopy studies of the SEI formation on graphite
      electrodes for Li(+)-ion batteries.
AB  - The SEI-formation on graphitic electrodes operated as an Li(+)-ion battery anode
      in a standard 1 M LiPF6 EC/DMC (1 : 1) electrolyte has been studied in situ by EC
      STM. Two different modes of in situ study were applied, one, which allowed to
      follow topographic and crystallographic changes (solvent cointercalation,
      graphite exfoliation, SEI precipitation on the HOPG basal plane) of the graphite
      electrode during SEI-formation, and the second, which gave an insight into the
      SEI precipitation on the HOPG basal plane in real time. From the in situ EC-STM
      studies, not only conclusions about the SEI-topography could be drawn, but also
      about the formation mechanism and the chemical composition, which strongly depend
      on the electrode potential. It was shown that above 1.0 V vs. Li/Li(+) the SEI
      formation is still reversible, since the molecular structure of the solvent
      molecules remains intact during an initial reduction step. During further
      reduction, the molecular structures of the solvents are destructed, which causes
      the irreversible charge loss. The STM studies were completed by electrochemical
      methods, like cyclic voltammetry, the potentiostatic intermittent titration
      technique and charge/discharge tests of MCMB electrodes. 

PMID- 27140293
TI  - Reactive Oxygen Species Limit the Ability of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells to Support
      Hematopoietic Reconstitution in Aging Mice.
AB  - Aging of organ and abnormal tissue regeneration are recurrent problems in
      physiological and pathophysiological conditions. This is most crucial in case of
      high-turnover tissues, like bone marrow (BM). Using reciprocal transplantation
      experiments in mouse, we have shown that self-renewal potential of hematopoietic
      stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and BM cellularity are markedly influenced with
      the age of the recipient mice rather than donor mice. Moreover, accumulation of
      excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in BM stromal cells compared to HSPC
      compartment, in time-dependent manner, suggests that oxidative stress is involved
      in suppression of BM cellularity by affecting microenvironment in aged mice.
      Treatment of these mice with a polyphenolic antioxidant curcumin is found to
      partially quench ROS, thereby rescues stromal cells from oxidative stress
      dependent cellular injury. This rejuvenation of stromal cells significantly
      improves hematopoietic reconstitution in 18-month-old mice compared to age
      control mice. In conclusion, this study implicates the role of ROS in
      perturbation of stromal cell function upon aging, which in turn affects BM's
      reconstitution ability in aged mice. Thus, a rejuvenation therapy using curcumin,
      before HSPC transplantation, is found to be an efficient strategy for successful
      marrow reconstitution in older mice.

PMID- 27140294
TI  - In vitro 2D PIV measurements and related aperture areas of tricuspid
      bioprosthetic mitral valves at the beginning of diastole.
AB  - PURPOSE: Besides ventricular parameters, the design and angular orientation of a
      prosthetic heart valve induce a specific flow field. The aim of this study was to
      know the inflow characteristics of a left ventricular model (LVM), investigating
      the behavior of tricuspid bioprosthetic mitral valves in terms of velocity
      profiles and related valve aperture areas at the beginning of diastole, under
      different conditions. METHODS: 3 heart rates (HRs) were established in the LVM
      and each mitral bioprosthesis (27 and 31 mm diameter) was installed in 2
      orientations, rotated by 180 degrees  . For each experimental setup, 2
      dimensional particle image velocimetry (2D PIV) measurements and simultaneous
      mitral valve (MV) area detection were obtained from 50 samples. RESULTS: The
      results from the velocity profiles immediately downstream of mitral bioprostheses
      showed the influence of valve orientation for moderate HRs, although for a
      similar magnitude of mean velocity vectors. The geometries of MV open areas for
      each HR were similar regardless of valve orientation, except for the 27-mm valve
      at 90 beats per minute (bpm), and for the 31-mm valve at 60 bpm. Moreover, for
      each HR, similar percentages of valve open area were obtained regardless of MV
      nominal diameters. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the experimental setup for the 2D
      PIV measurements synchronized with the MV area detection was a useful tool for
      knowing the inflow characteristics of the LVM.

PMID- 27140295
TI  - Treatment of post-cardiopulmonary bypass SIRS by hemoadsorption: a case series.
AB  - The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cardiothoracic surgery results in a
      well-known activation of the immunologic response. In some cases, however, this
      triggered immunologic response may be excessive, leading to a severe systemic
      inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and induced organ dysfunction. For example,
      patients frequently develop hemodynamic instability with hypotension and low
      systemic vascular resistance. To date, different therapeutic approaches, such as
      steroids, have been tried to control this maladaptive postoperative SIRS
      response, yet definitive proof of clinical efficacy is missing. A new cytokine
      adsorber device (CytoSorb; CytoSorbents) may be a useful approach to control
      hyperinflammatory systemic reactions by reducing a broad range of proinflammatory
      cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. This may, in turn, help to
      reestablish a physiologic immune response and help to restore deranged clinical
      parameters in these patients. In this retrospective case series study, we
      describe 16 cardiac surgery patients following prolonged CPB with post-CPB SIRS
      and subsequent acute kidney injury, who were then treated with hemoadsorption
      using CytoSorb in combination with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).
      Treatment of patients with CytoSorb who presented with severe post-CPB SIRS
      resulted in a reduction of elevated cytokine levels, which was associated with a
      clear stabilization of deranged hemodynamic, metabolic, and organ function
      parameters. Treatment was well tolerated and safe, with no device-related adverse
      events occurring. CytoSorb therapy combined with CRRT is a potentially promising
      new treatment approach to achieve hemodynamic stability, cytokine reduction, and
      improved organ function in cardiac surgery patients who develop post-CPB SIRS. 

PMID- 27140296
TI  - ESRD patients in Greece during the financial crisis.

PMID- 27140297
TI  - Synchronization and Artificial Insemination Strategies in Beef Cattle.
AB  - Utilization of estrus or ovulation synchronization and fixed-timed artificial
      insemination (TAI) has facilitated the widespread utilization of artificial
      insemination (AI) and can greatly impact the economic viability of cow-calf
      systems by enhancing weaning weights. Implementation of TAI programs by beef
      producers results in limited frequency of handling cattle and elimination of the
      need to detect estrus. Continued use of intensive reproductive management tools
      such as estrus synchronization and AI will result positive changes to calving
      distribution, pregnancy rates, and subsequent calf value. 

PMID- 27140298
TI  - Diagnosis and Control of Viral Diseases of Reproductive Importance: Infectious
      Bovine Rhinotracheitis and Bovine Viral Diarrhea.
AB  - Both bovine viral diarrhea virus and bovine herpesvirus 1 can have significant
      negative reproductive impacts on cattle health. Vaccination is the primary
      control method for the viral pathogens in US cattle herds. Polyvalent, modified
      live vaccines are recommended to provide optimal protection against various viral
      field strains. Of particular importance to bovine viral diarrhea control is the
      limitation of contact of pregnant cattle with potential viral reservoirs during
      the critical first 125 days of gestation. 

PMID- 27140299
TI  - Embryo Transfer (Techniques, Donors, and Recipients).
AB  - Commercial embryo transfer has evolved as an art and as a science since the early
      1970s. Today's multiple ovulation embryo transfer is a widely used reproductive
      tool on many farms and is performed by veterinarians throughout the world.
      Propagation of the female genomes of select donors, through embryo transfer, has
      allowed a rapid progression of genetic gain in many breeds, much like what
      happened with artificial insemination since the 1940s. Advancement of this
      technology is migrating to in vitro fertilization technology today, allowing a
      higher volume of offspring to be produced with sex selection in the laboratory. 

PMID- 27140300
TI  - Modification of membrane cholesterol and its impact on frozen-thawed chicken
      sperm characteristics.
AB  - This study was conducted to determine the changes in chicken sperm plasma
      membranes fluidity and polarity as lipid packing arrangement induced by
      cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) and 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin
      (HBCD) and how sperm cryopreservation outcomes are improved by these changes.
      Treatment with 2 mg HBCD supported the highest (P < 0.01) percentage of viable
      spermatozoa compared with the control and CLCs groups after cryopreservation. The
      percentage of post-thaw progressive and rapid sperm motility was highest in 2 mg
      HBCD (P < 0.01). After thawing, sperm treated with 1 or 2 mg CLC showed the
      highest anisotropy at 5, 21, 25 and 40 degrees C (P < 0.01). At 25 degrees C, the
      lowest anisotropy was observed in the thawed semen from the control group. The
      highest value (P < 0.01) of generalized polarization (GP) (0.5) at 5 degrees C
      was observed in the 1 mg CLC treated sample. After 2 h of incubation, the highest
      percentage of viable spermatozoa was observed in the HBCD group in relation to
      the other treatments (P < 0.01). Exposure to 1 mg or 2 mg of CLC significantly
      decreased the percentage of live spermatozoa after thawing (P < 0.01). In
      conclusion, HBCD appears to play a role in the modification of sperm membranes,
      increasing their fluidity and preventing them against membrane phase transition
      to gel, thus minimizing freezing-thaw sperm damage. HBCD treatment enhances
      chicken sperm viability and motility after cryopreservation and subsequent
      storage. This novel procedure may be useful for improving the technology for
      cryopreservation of fowl spermatozoa. 

PMID- 27140301
TI  - A qualitative study on how adolescent males in South India view reproductive
      health.
AB  - : In India it is taboo to discuss sexual and reproductive health (RH) issues,
      especially with adolescent boys. Minimal research has been done in India to
      address the adolescent mindset of boys. Our aim was to study the unaddressed
      issues among boys and to highlight their perspectives regarding RH. METHODS: A
      qualitative study design-using focus group discussions (FGD) in a rural-urban
      setting in South India was conducted. A convenient sample of 60 boys aged 16-19
      years participated in six FGD and 10 boys had participated in in-depth
      interviews. RESULTS: The study revealed that a cordial environment both at home
      and school were primary needs. Peer pressure and media instigated adolescents to
      get involved in risky behaviour and substance use. "Pornography", "wrong myths
      about RH", "substance use", and "sexual attractions" were the primary unaddressed
      issues of boys. Participants had poor awareness about RH services. CONCLUSION: RH
      services are inadequate and proper infrastructure is required for providing these
      services to adolescent boys.

PMID- 27140302
TI  - Electric wire in the urinary bladder in an adolescent boy.
AB  - Self-inserted foreign bodies in the bladder is an uncommon entity in males due to
      the lengthy urethra. Here we present a case of insulated electric wire present in
      the urinary bladder of a 15-year-old male inserted for sexual arousal. Diagnosis
      was made by history and radiological investigation and it was removed by
      cystoscope with an uneventful recovery.

PMID- 27140303
TI  - Nematicidal effect of plumbagin on Caenorhabditis elegans: a model for testing a
      nematicidal drug.
AB  - Plumbagin, (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone), a natural substance found in
      the roots of plant species in the genus Plumbago, has been used as a traditional
      medicine against many diseases. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans was used as
      a model for testing the anthelmintic effect of plumbagin. The compound exhibited
      a nematicidal effect against all stages of C. elegans: L4 was least susceptible,
      while L1 was most susceptible to plumbagin with an LC(50) of 220 and 156 MUM,
      respectively. Plumbagin inhibited C. elegans development from L1 to adult stages
      with an IC(50) of 235 MUM, and body length was also reduced at concentrations of
      25 and 50 MUg/ml. Brood sizes decreased from 203+/-6 to 43+/-6 and 18+/-3 eggs
      per hatch in plumbagin-treated worms at 10, 25, 50 MUg/ml, respectively.
      Furthermore, plumbagin was lethal to strains resistant to the nematicides
      levamisole, albendazole, and ivermectin, indicating that it possesses a strong
      and unique nematicidal action. Plumbagin decreased the number of mitochondria in
      hypodermal and intestinal cells and body wall muscles and damaged the
      ultrastructure of these tissues. Taken together, plumbagin may be a new drug
      against parasitic nematodes.

PMID- 27140304
TI  - Effects of Processing Solvent on the Photophysics and Nanomorphology of Poly(3
      butyl-thiophene) Nanowires:PCBM Blends.
AB  - We report the effect of the processing solvent on the nanoscale morphology and
      photophysical dynamics of poly(3-butyl-thiophene) nanowires (P3BT-nw). P3BT-nw
      assembled in ortho-dichlorobenzene (ODCB) show higher crystallization and a
      longer conjugation length with increased exciton delocalization compared with
      those assembled in chlorobenzene (CB). It is proposed that this solvent effect is
      associated with the higher ordered structures formed from ODCB solution state.
      Charge-transfer dynamics and phase separation for P3BT-nw:PCBM blends were
      investigated by ultrafast fluorescence techniques. The more efficient
      fluorescence quenching observed in P3BT-nw:PCBM blend films processed from ODCB
      suggests that there is intimate contact between P3BT-nw and PCBM that facilitates
      charge transfer. The superior performance of organic photovoltaic devices based
      on P3BT-nw:PCBM bulk heterojunctions processed using ODCB is attributed to the
      higher crystallization of P3BT-nw, optimized phase separation, and more efficient
      charge transfer from P3BT-nw to PCBM.

PMID- 27140305
TI  - Chicken IgY-based coproantigen capture ELISA for diagnosis of human
      opisthorchiasis.
AB  - Diagnosis of Opisthorchis viverrini infection by conventional stool examination
      is increasingly difficult due to the low intensity of the infection after several
      rounds of control programmes in endemic regions as well as coinfections with
      intestinal flukes. Therefore sensitive and specific diagnostic test is needed. In
      this study, a coproantigen sandwich ELISA using recombinant O. viverrini
      cathepsin F (rOv-CF) was developed. This sandwich ELISA employing chicken IgY
      raised against rOv-CF in combination with rabbit IgG antibody to the somatic O.
      viverrini antigens showed a lower detection limit (LLD) of 70ng native O.
      viverrini somatic antigens by spiking the parasite antigens into control feces.
      When applied to the diagnosis, the IgY-based sandwich ELISA exhibited sensitivity
      and specificity of 93.3% and 76.7%, respectively, in an investigation of 90 human
      cases positive or negative for opisthorchiasis. The positive predictive value
      (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for this coproantigen detection were
      66.7% and 95.2%, respectively. This IgY-based sandwich ELISA using parasite
      cathepsin F detection shows a promising immunodiagnostic alternative for human
      opisthorchiasis in endemic regions.

PMID- 27140306
TI  - The Herbal Medicine Cordyceps sinensis Protects Pancreatic Beta Cells from
      Streptozotocin-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our previous work found that Cordyceps sinensis (CS) improves the
      activity and secretory function of pancreatic islet beta cells. The objective was
      to observe a further possible role of CS in the protection of insulin-secreting
      cells. METHODS: A rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus was developed with
      streptozotocin (STZ) and a high-energy fat diet (HFD). CS was administered in the
      successful model of rats with type 2 diabetes. After 4 weeks, the biochemistry
      index of blood samples was measured, and pathologic observation was performed by
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In the rats with type 2 diabetes induced by a HFD
      and STZ, the levels of fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin were elevated,
      and the insulin sensitivity index was decreased. Pathologic examination found an
      increased number of apoptotic cells, an elevated protein expression of pro
      apoptotic C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and an increased c-Jun level by means
      of JNK phosphorylation, responsive to the endoplasmic reticulum stress of islet
      beta cells. With treatment by CS for 4 weeks, the elevated levels of both fasting
      blood glucose and fasting insulin in the rats with type 2 diabetes were
      significantly lower, and the decreased insulin sensitivity index was reversed.
      Compared to the control rats with type 2 diabetes, CS application significantly
      reduced the number of apoptotic cells and decreased protein expression of both
      CHOP and c-Jun. CONCLUSIONS: The herbal compound CS could protect pancreatic beta
      cells from the pro-apoptotic endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by HFD-STZ.
      This suggests an alternative approach to treating type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 27140307
TI  - High-sensitivity assay for Hg (II) and Ag (I) ion detection: A new class of
      droplet digital PCR logic gates for an intelligent DNA calculator.
AB  - The first example of droplet digital PCR logic gates ("YES", "OR" and "AND") for
      Hg (II) and Ag (I) ion detection has been constructed based on two amplification
      events triggered by a metal-ion-mediated base mispairing (T-Hg(II)-T and C-Ag(I)
      C). In this work, Hg(II) and Ag(I) were used as the input, and the "true"
      hierarchical colors or "false" green were the output. Through accurate molecular
      recognition and high sensitivity amplification, positive droplets were generated
      by droplet digital PCR and viewed as the basis of hierarchical digital signals.
      Based on this principle, YES gate for Hg(II) (or Ag(I)) detection, OR gate for
      Hg(II) or Ag(I) detection and AND gate for Hg(II) and Ag(I) detection were
      developed, and their sensitively and selectivity were reported. The results
      indicate that the ddPCR logic system developed based on the different indicators
      for Hg(II) and Ag(I) ions provides a useful strategy for developing advanced
      detection methods, which are promising for multiplex metal ion analysis and
      intelligent DNA calculator design applications. 

PMID- 27140308
TI  - Enzyme assays using sensor arrays based on ion-selective carbon nanotube field
      effect transistors.
AB  - In the fields of clinical diagnostics and point-of-care diagnosis as well as food
      and environmental monitoring there is a high demand for reliable high-throughput,
      rapid and highly sensitive assays for a simultaneous detection of several
      analytes in complex and low-volume samples. Sensor platforms based on solution
      processable electrolyte-gated carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs)
      are a simple and cost-effective alternative for conventional assays. In this work
      we demonstrate a selective as well as direct detection of the products of an
      enzyme-substrate interaction, here the for metabolic processes important urea
      urease system, with sensors based on spray-coated CNT-FETs. The selective and
      direct detection is achieved by immobilizing the enzyme urease via certain
      surface functionalization techniques on the sensor surface and further modifying
      the active interfaces with polymeric ion-selective membranes as well as pH
      sensitive layers. Thereby, we can avoid the generally applied approach for a
      field-effect based detection of enzyme reactions via detecting changes in the pH
      value due to an on-going enzymatic reaction and directly detect selectively the
      products of the enzymatic conversion. Thus, we can realize a buffering-capacity
      independent monitoring of changes in the substrate concentration. 

PMID- 27140310
TI  - Context-dependent effects of cellular senescence in cancer development.
AB  - Cellular senescence is an established tumour-suppressive mechanism that prevents
      the proliferation of premalignant cells. However, several lines of evidence show
      that senescent cells, which often persist in vivo, can also promote tumour
      progression in addition to other age-related pathologies via the senescence
      associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Moreover, new insights suggest the SASP
      can facilitate tissue repair. Here, we review the beneficial and detrimental
      roles of senescent cells, highlighting conditions under which the senescence
      response does and does not promote pathology, particularly cancer. By better
      understanding the context-dependent effects of cellular senescence, it may be
      feasible to limit its detrimental properties while preserving its beneficial
      effects, and develop novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat cancer and
      possibly other age-associated diseases. 

PMID- 27140309
TI  - In vivo imaging of eribulin-induced reoxygenation in advanced breast cancer
      patients: a comparison to bevacizumab.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eribulin mesylate (eribulin) is a first-in-class halichondrin B-based
      microtubule dynamics inhibitor. To compare the anti-angiogenic activity of
      eribulin to that of bevacizumab, we compared tumour vessel remodelling and
      reoxygenation between the two agents. METHODS: Patients with advanced breast
      cancer with stage III/IV were eligible for the study. Patients were assigned to
      receive either eribulin or single-agent bevacizumab. Tissue concentrations of
      oxyhaemoglobin (O2Hb) and deoxyhaemoglobin (HHb), and oxygen saturation (SO2) of
      breast tumours before and day 7 after the first infusion were repeatedly measured
      using diffuse optical spectroscopic imaging (DOSI). A pair of blood samples was
      collected for multiplex biomarker studies. RESULTS: Baseline DOSI measurement of
      all 29 patients (eribulin, n=14 and bevacizumab, n=15) revealed significantly
      higher tumour concentrations of O2Hb and HHb than that in the normal breast
      tissue. After eribulin treatment, DOSI revealed a significant decrease in HHb
      concentration and increased SO2 during the observation period. This trend was not
      observed for bevacizumab. Instead, bevacizumab significantly decreased the
      concentration of O2Hb. The multiplex biomarker study revealed that both eribulin
      and bevacizumab decreased plasma concentrations of VEGF and bFGF, but only
      eribulin treatment suppressed the plasma concentration of TGF-beta1. CONCLUSIONS:
      Eribulin, but not bevacizumab, treatment increased tumour SO2. Suppression of TGF
      beta1 by eribulin could have a favourable anti-angiogenic effect. Our results
      suggest that differences in vascular remodelling between these two agents may
      account for their different effects on tumour reoxygenation.

PMID- 27140311
TI  - Comment on: 'Hypertensive diseases in pregnancy and breast cancer risk'.

PMID- 27140312
TI  - Full-length LGR5-positive cells have chemoresistant characteristics in colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is
      a target of Wnt signalling and considered both a cancer stem cell marker and
      intestinal stem cell marker. We found first some splice variants of LGR5 in human
      intestine and elucidated the functional feature of full-length LGR5 (LGR5FL).
      METHODS: Reverse transcript PCR using mRNA extracted from intestine revealed the
      existence of LGR5 splice variants. We designed an antibody that recognises only
      LGR5FL and assessed immunohistochemically the distribution of LGR5FL-positive
      cells and Ki-67-positive cells in clinical samples. RESULTS: Two LGR5 splice
      variants were expressed in the human intestine crypt cells; one lacked exon 5 and
      the other lacked exons 5-8. Only LGR5FL appeared during cell cycle arrest,
      whereas the transcript variants appeared when the cell cycle was proceeding.
      Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation showed that LGR5FL-positive cells
      were negative for Ki-67. Comparing prechemotherapy and post-chemotherapy
      specimens, the population of LGR5FL-positive cells significantly increased with
      therapy (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The function of LGR5FL-positive cells had low cell
      proliferative ability compared with the cells, which expressed splice variants of
      LGR5 and remained after chemotherapy. Designing therapeutic strategies that
      target LGR5FL-positive cells seems to be important in colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27140313
TI  - Targeting cell death signalling in cancer: minimising 'Collateral damage'.
AB  - Targeting apoptosis for the treatment of cancer has become an increasingly
      attractive strategy, with agents in development to trigger extrinsic apoptosis
      via TRAIL signalling, or to prevent the anti-apoptotic activity of BCL-2 proteins
      or inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins. Although the evasion of apoptosis is
      one of the hallmarks of cancer, many cancers have intact apoptotic signalling
      pathways, which if unblocked could efficiently kill cancerous cells. However, it
      is becoming increasing clear that without a detailed understanding of both
      apoptotic and non-apoptotic signalling, and the key proteins that regulate these
      pathways, there can be dose-limiting toxicity and adverse effects associated with
      their modulation. Here we review the main apoptotic pathways directly targeted
      for anti-cancer therapy and the unforeseen consequences of their modulation.
      Furthermore, we highlight the importance of an in-depth mechanistic understanding
      of both the apoptotic and non-apoptotic functions of those proteins under
      investigation as anti-cancer drug targets and outline some novel approaches to
      sensitise cancer cells to apoptosis, thereby improving the efficacy of existing
      therapies when used in combination with novel targeted agents. 

PMID- 27140314
TI  - Inhibition of Bcl-2 family members sensitises soft tissue leiomyosarcomas to
      chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leiomyosarcoma is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with a 5-year
      survival rate of 15 to 60%. Treatment options for inoperable or metastatic
      patients are limited owing to frequent resistance of tumours to chemotherapy and
      radiation. In this study, we hypothesised that antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family
      proteins might contribute to leiomyosarcoma chemoresistance and therefore
      inhibition of Bcl-2 family proteins might sensitise leiomyosarcomas to
      conventional chemotherapy. METHODS: Expression of the Bcl-2 family proteins Bcl
      xL, Bcl-w and Bcl-2 was investigated using immunohistochemistry on a tissue
      microarray containing 43 leiomyosarcomas. Furthermore, we investigated whether
      ABT-737, a potent BH3 mimetic, sensitises leiomyosarcoma cells to doxorubicin
      treatment in vitro. RESULTS: Seventy-seven per cent, 84% and 42% of
      leiomyosarcomas demonstrated high expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Bcl-w,
      respectively. Single-agent treatment with ABT-737 resulted in a minor reduction
      of cell viability. However, combination treatment of ABT-737 and doxorubicin
      revealed synergism in all four cell lines, by inducing apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: In
      conclusion, Bcl-2 family proteins contribute to soft tissue leiomyosarcoma
      chemoresistance. Antiapoptotic proteins are highly expressed in leiomyosarcoma of
      soft tissue, and inhibition of these proteins using a BH3 mimetic increases
      leiomyosarcoma sensitivity to doxorubicin.

PMID- 27140315
TI  - A role for dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in predicting
      tumour radiation response.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI may provide prognostic insights
      into tumour radiation response. This study examined quantitative DCE MRI
      parameters in rat tumours, as potential biomarkers of tumour growth delay
      following single high-dose irradiation. METHODS: Dunning R3327-AT1 prostate
      tumours were evaluated by DCE MRI following intravenous injection of Gd-DTPA. The
      next day tumours were irradiated (single dose of 30 Gy), while animals breathed
      air (n=4) or oxygen (n=4); two animals were non-irradiated controls. Growth was
      followed and tumour volume-quadrupling time (T4) was compared with pre
      irradiation DCE assessments. RESULTS: Irradiation caused significant tumour
      growth delay (T4 ranged from 28 to 48 days for air-breathing rats, and 40 to 75
      days for oxygen-breathing rats) compared with the controls (T4=7 to 9 days). A
      strong correlation was observed between T4 and extravascular-extracellular volume
      fraction (ve) irrespective of the gas inhaled during irradiation. There was also
      a correlation between T4 and volume transfer constant (K(trans)) for the air
      breathing group alone. CONCLUSIONS: The data provide rationale for expanded
      studies of other tumour sites, types and progressively patients, and are
      potentially significant, as many patients undergo contrast-enhanced MRI as part
      of treatment planning.

PMID- 27140317
TI  - "A Zebra in the Water": Inspiring Science in Spain.
AB  - The zebrafish model can play a role in education because of its suitability for
      manipulation and attractiveness to students compared to traditional lecture-based
      instruction. Furthermore, zebrafish offer advantages over other model species.
      Seeing as fewer and fewer students are entering science degree programs, this
      project has been developed to encourage scientific vocations among secondary
      school students. To do so, an aquarium was given to 114 schools so that they
      could look after adult zebrafish, mate them, and visualize embryo development.
      For training on more sophisticated techniques, a virtual tool was developed to
      simulate a real genetics laboratory on a personal computer. Results based on
      teachers' feedback indicate that the students were fully dedicated to the project
      and achieved better understanding of genetic concepts and techniques. These
      results demonstrate the potential of alternative teaching methods for engaging
      students in science learning.

PMID- 27140316
TI  - First-in-human phase I study of the DNA-repair inhibitor DT01 in combination with
      radiotherapy in patients with skin metastases from melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DT01 is a DNA-repair inhibitor preventing recruitment of DNA-repair
      enzymes at damage sites. Safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy
      through intratumoural and peritumoural injections of DT01 were evaluated in
      combination with radiotherapy in a first-in-human phase I trial in patients with
      unresectable skin metastases from melanoma. METHODS: Twenty-three patients were
      included and received radiotherapy (30 Gy in 10 sessions) on all selected tumour
      lesions, comprising of two lesions injected with DT01 three times a week during
      the 2 weeks of radiotherapy. DT01 dose levels of 16, 32, 48, 64 and 96 mg were
      used, in a 3+3 dose escalation design, with an expansion cohort at 96 mg.
      RESULTS: The median follow-up was 180 days. All patients were evaluable for
      safety and pharmacokinetics. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed and the
      maximum-tolerated dose was not reached. Most frequent adverse events were
      reversible grades 1 and 2 injection site reactions. Pharmacokinetic analyses
      demonstrated a systemic passage of DT01. Twenty-one patients were evaluable for
      efficacy on 76 lesions. Objective response was observed in 45 lesions (59%),
      including 23 complete responses (30%). CONCLUSIONS: Intratumoural and
      peritumoural DT01 in combination with radiotherapy is safe and pharmacokinetic
      analyses suggest a systemic passage of DT01.

PMID- 27140318
TI  - Reactivity of Proton Sources with a Nickel Hydride Complex in Acetonitrile:
      Implications for the Study of Fuel-Forming Catalysts.

PMID- 27140319
TI  - Body Positioning of Buried Avalanche Victims.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The immediate medical management of buried avalanche victims will to
      some extent be dictated by the victim's body positioning in the snow. Medical
      personnel are trained to assess and manage victims in a supine body position.
      Furthermore, avalanche first responders are trained to handle extricated
      avalanche victims carefully out of concerns for causing hemodynamic instability
      or for aggravating spinal injury. Thus, locating and extricating avalanche
      victims in positions other than supine has the potential to complicate immediate
      medical management. To our knowledge, the current medical literature does not
      detail the body positioning of buried victims. METHODS: In order to ascertain the
      most common body positioning of buried avalanche victims we reviewed the
      avalanche incident database of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).
      This comprehensive database strives to track over 160 fields of information for
      each avalanche victim, including the body and head positioning of buried victims.
      RESULTS: Head positioning was recorded for 159 buried victims. We found that 65%
      of buried avalanche victims were found with their heads in a downhill position,
      23% with their heads uphill and 11% with their heads in the same level as the
      rest of their bodies. Body positioning was recorded in 253 victims. 45% of
      victims were found lying prone, 24% supine, 16% were sitting or standing and 15%
      were found lying on their sides. We identified 135 victims where both head and
      body position was registered. 40% of victims were found prone with their heads in
      a downhill position CONCLUSIONS: The majority of victims will be extricated with
      their heads in a downhill position. Moreover, almost half of victims will be
      found prone. We believe this will have significant impact on the immediate
      medical management. We believe current training in avalanche medical rescue
      should emphasize managing victims in non-supine positions. Finally, our findings
      may represent another benefit of modern extrication techniques.

PMID- 27140320
TI  - WEM Live and Embracing Differing Perspectives.

PMID- 27140321
TI  - Species and Media Effects on Soil Carbon Dynamics in the Landscape.
AB  - Three woody shrub species [cleyera (Ternstroemia gymnanthera Thunb. 'Conthery'),
      Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica L.) and loropetalum (Loropetalum chinensis
      Oliv.'Ruby')] were container-grown for one growing season in 2008 using either
      pinebark (industry standard), clean chip residual or WholeTree (derived by
      products from the forestry industry) as potting substrates and then transplanted
      into the landscape in 2008. An Automated Carbon Efflux System was used to
      continually monitor soil CO2 efflux from December 2010 through November 2011 in
      each species and substrate combination. Changes in soil carbon (C) levels as a
      result of potting substrate were assessed through soil sampling in 2009 and 2011
      and plant biomass was determined at study conclusion. Results showed that soil
      CO2-C efflux was similar among all species and substrates, with few main effects
      of species or substrate observed throughout the study. Soil analysis showed that
      plots with pinebark contained higher levels of soil C in both 2009 and 2011,
      suggesting that pinebark decomposes slower than clean chip residual or WholeTree
      and consequently has greater C storage potential than the two alternative
      substrates. Results showed a net C gain for all species and substrate
      combinations; however, plants grown in pinebark had greater C sequestration
      potential.

PMID- 27140322
TI  - Nine new compounds from the whole plants of Rehmannia chingii.
AB  - Nine new compounds, together with 16 known analogs, were isolated from the whole
      plants of Rehmannia chingii. The structures of compounds 1-9 were elucidated on
      the basis of their spectroscopic data and chemical evidence. In addition, the new
      compounds were tested for their hepatoprotective activities against APAP-induced
      HepG2 cell damage and their ability to inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide
      production in the murine microglia BV2 cell line. Compounds 2 and 5 exhibited
      pronounced hepatoprotective activities against APAP-induced HepG2 cell damage at
      a concentration of 10 MUM, and compounds 4 and 9 showed moderate inhibitory
      activity against microglial inflammation factor with IC50 values of 3.51 and 7.11
      MUM, respectively. 

PMID- 27140323
TI  - Clinical Snippets.

PMID- 27140326
TI  - Martin Leverkus, MD (1965-2016).

PMID- 27140327
TI  - The role of native lichens in the biomonitoring of gaseous mercury at
      contaminated sites.
AB  - Contamination by atmospheric mercury has been assessed in two different areas
      from Spain (Las Cuevas, Ciudad Real and Flix, Tarragona) using lichens as
      biomonitors. The relationship established between mercury contents in the soils
      and the gaseous mercury (GM) was also observed. It was found that the GM is
      highest in the vicinity of the source and it is dispersed depending on of the
      distance to the source and the wind directions. The mercury concentration in the
      gas phase in Flix was higher than that found in Las Cuevas and also higher than
      the value that the US EPA recommended. The mercury bioaccumulation in the native
      lichens from genders Ramalina and Xanthoria were used as biomonitors for
      absorbing mercury in Las Cuevas and Flix, respectively. The mercury uptake by
      Ramalina was higher than the amount accumulated by Xanthoria, a difference that
      was mainly due to the lichen characteristics. The content of mercury in lichens
      in relation to the mercury in gas was fitted by a Freundlich type equation,
      indicating that the equilibrium between both phases was established. Besides,
      transplanted Ramalina lichen in Las Cuevas allowed to obtain the kinetic of
      mercury uptake. A kinetic model of first order based on the equilibrium was
      proposed and the mass transfer constants for each sampling station were
      estimated. As it was expected, these values increased with the predominant wind
      flow direction.

PMID- 27140328
TI  - Prenatal attachment and its association with foetal movement during pregnancy - A
      population based survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the magnitude of foetal
      movements and level of prenatal attachment within a 24h period among women in the
      third trimester of pregnancy. DESIGN: a prospective population-based survey.
      SETTING: A county in central Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: Low risk pregnant women from
      34 to 42 weeks gestation, N=456, 299 multiparous and 157 primiparous women.
      MEASUREMENTS: The revised version of the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI-R)
      and assessment of the perception of foetal movements per 24h in the current
      gestational week. FINDINGS: A total of 81 per cent of the eligible women
      completed the questionnaire. The overall sample of women found that the majority
      (96%) felt their baby move mostly in the evening. More than half of the
      respondents (55%) stated that they perceived frequent foetal movement on two
      occasions during a 24h period, while almost a fifth (18%) never or only once
      reported frequent foetal movement in a 24h period. Just over a quarter (26%) of
      respondents perceived frequent movement at least three times during a 24h period.
      Perceiving frequent foetal movements on three or more occasions during a 24h
      period, was associated with higher scores of prenatal attachment in all the three
      subscales. KEY CONCLUSION: Perceiving frequent foetal movements at least during
      three occasions per 24h periods in late pregnancy was associated with prenatal
      attachment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: encouraging women to focus on foetal
      movements may positively affect prenatal attachment, especially among multiparous
      women >35 years.

PMID- 27140329
TI  - Extending the plasmonic lifetime of tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy probes.
AB  - Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is an emerging technique for simultaneous
      mapping of chemical composition and topography of a surface at the nanoscale.
      However, rapid degradation of TERS probes, especially those coated with silver,
      is a major bottleneck to the widespread uptake of this technique and severely
      prohibits the success of many TERS experiments. In this work, we carry out a
      systematic time-series study of the plasmonic degradation of Ag-coated TERS
      probes under different environmental conditions and demonstrate that a low oxygen
      (<1 ppm) and a low moisture (<1 ppm) environment can significantly improve the
      plasmonic lifetime of TERS probes from a few hours to a few months. Furthermore,
      using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements on Ag nanoparticles we
      show that the rapid plasmonic degradation of Ag-coated TERS probes can be
      correlated to surface oxide formation. Finally, we present practical guidelines
      for the effective use and storage of TERS probes to improve their plasmonic
      lifetime based on the results of this study.

PMID- 27140330
TI  - Investigation of particle lateral migration in sample-sheath flow of viscoelastic
      fluid and Newtonian fluid.
AB  - In this work, particle lateral migration in sample-sheath flow of viscoelastic
      fluid and Newtonian fluid was experimentally investigated. The 4.8-MUm micro
      particles were dispersed in a polyethylene oxide (PEO) viscoelastic solution, and
      then the solution was injected into a straight rectangular channel with a
      deionised (DI) water Newtonian sheath flow. Micro-particles suspended in PEO
      solution migrated laterally to a DI water stream, but migration in the opposite
      direction from a DI water stream to a PEO solution stream or from one DI water
      stream to another DI water stream could not be achieved. The lateral migration of
      particles depends on the viscoelastic properties of the sample fluids.
      Furthermore, the effects of channel length, flow rate, and PEO concentration were
      studied. By using viscoelastic sample flow and Newtonian sheath flow, a selective
      particle lateral migration can be achieved in a simple straight channel, without
      any external force fields. This particle lateral migration technique could be
      potentially used in solution exchange fields such as automated cell staining and
      washing in microfluidic platforms, and holds numerous biomedical applications.

PMID- 27140331
TI  - Aluminium foil as a single-use substrate for MALDI-MS fingerprinting of different
      melanoma cell lines.
AB  - Herein, we present the intact cell matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) for the fingerprinting of human melanoma cancer cell
      lines grown on aluminium foil. To perform the MALDI-MS assay, melanoma cells were
      cultured on a flat and thin foil, which was directly transferred to the target
      plate of MALDI-MS for analysis. The influence of a wide range of cell fixation
      protocols (i.e. formalin-based and alcohol-based methods) and MALDI matrices on
      the obtained characteristic spectra was investigated. For the optimization of the
      MALDI-MS protocol, the MS fingerprints of the melanoma WM-239 cell line with and
      without an overexpressed enhanced green fluorescent protein were employed. The
      fingerprints obtained from WM-239 cells grown on aluminium foil were compared
      with the intact cell MALDI-MS of the cell pellet and presented higher sensitivity
      in a high m/z range. The optimized protocol was subsequently applied to
      characterise melanoma cell lines derived from different cancer stages and allowed
      identification of unique MS signals that could be used for differentiation
      between the studied cell lines (i.e. molecular weight equal to 10.0 kDa and 26.1
      kDa). 

PMID- 27140332
TI  - Pulse oximetry: a useful test for evaluating pulp vitality in traumatized teeth.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Subjective pulp tests are not trustworthy, particularly in
      traumatized teeth, and may lead to inaccurate diagnosis. The use of an objective
      test such as pulse oximetry (PO) could be a more reliable method to properly
      evaluate pulp status in this condition. The aim of this study was to analyze the
      effectiveness of PO in determining pulp vitality in traumatized teeth based on
      oxygen saturation measurements (%SpO2 ). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine
      permanent teeth that had undergone lateral luxation, and which were unresponsive
      to a cold spray test and were free from signs of necrosis, were selected and
      tested with PO at 7, 30 and 60 days after trauma. RESULTS: Fifty-nine teeth were
      tested. At 7 days after trauma, 8 teeth had low rates of oxygenation, compared to
      10 at 30 and 60 days. Low rates were defined as a saturation reading <=77%SpO2 .
      These teeth were assigned to the pulp necrosis (PN) group. The other 49 teeth
      were either considered to have healthy pulps (HP) (saturation >=90%SpO2 ) or were
      assigned to a pulpitis (PP) group (saturation >=78 to <=89%SpO2 ). The 10 non
      responsive teeth were followed up for 1 year and all exhibited indications for
      endodontic treatment. The other 49 teeth (HP or PP) began to show positive
      responses to the cold spray (after 3-9 months of follow up). No significant
      differences (P < 0.05) were detected between the three periods analyzed, but
      %SpO2 rates were significantly different (P < 0.01) between the groups (HP vs PP,
      HP vs PN and PP vs PN). CONCLUSIONS: PO can be extremely useful for the
      assessment of dental pulp status in traumatized teeth, particularly when these
      teeth do not show signs of PN and do not respond to cold tests.

PMID- 27140333
TI  - Non-canonical role of matrix metalloprotease (MMP) in activation and migration of
      hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).
AB  - AIMS: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade extracellular matrix (ECM)
      and help to resolve the excess matrix are considered to be under-expressed in
      fibrosis. MMPs are generally anti-fibrotic, however others can have pro-fibrotic
      functions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find out the mechanism of pro
      fibrotic function of MMPs in hepatic stellate cells' (HSC's) activation and
      migration. MAIN METHODS: Human MMP Antibody Array from Abcam was used to profile
      MMPs in macrophages. Gelatin or casein zymography was performed using 10% SDS
      polyacrylamide gels (SDS-PAGE) containing gelatin (1mg/ml) or Casein (1mg/ml) as
      substrate. HSCs migration assay was performed using Boyden chamber as described
      previously (Guo et al., 2007, McGarrigle et al., 2006, Shan et al., 2006 and Yang
      and Huang, 2005). Real-time PCR with SYBR green was performed using iTaqTM
      universal SYBR(r) Green supermix (BIO-RAD) and a 7500 Real-Time PCR System
      (Applied Biosystems). Collagen, type I, alpha 1 (COL1A1), alpha smooth muscle
      actin (alpha-SMA) expression was determined by immunoblot analysis. KEY FINDINGS:
      We first profiled the expression of all MMPs in primary murine bone marrow
      derived macrophages (BMDMs) and differentiated THP-1 cells and found that MMP-8, 
      10, & -13, were significantly overexpressed after 12h of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      treatment. Based on this pattern of expression, we speculated that macrophage MMP
      8,-10, &-13 might play a non-canonical role in HSCs activation. Further, we found
      that exogenous active MMP-8 (Collagenase-2) treated HSC shows markedly increased
      migration and COL1A1 expression as compared to MMP-10 and MMP-13 treated HSCs.
      Thus, macrophage MMP-8 (Collagenase-2) expression in macrophages emerges as an
      important moderator of HSC cell migration and invasion. SIGNIFICANCE: These
      findings suggest that macrophage MMP-8 promotes HSC activation and might have a
      role in liver disease progression. MMP-8 targeting in the liver may have
      therapeutic potential in alcoholic liver disease (ALD).

PMID- 27140335
TI  - Correlation of accessory pathway location with gender and their manifest or
      concealed presentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular reentrant tachycardias account for approximately one
      third of cases referred for electrophysiological study (EPS). The anatomical
      substrate responsible for the reentry is an accessory pathway (AP) able to
      conduct the electrical stimulus in an anterograde, retrograde or bidirectional
      manner. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of AP location with the male and
      female genders and AP clinical presentation, whether manifest or concealed.
      METHODS: Retrospective observational study including 942 consecutive patients,
      all diagnosed with EPS-confirmed AP from January 1994 to December 2008. APs were
      classified into eight anatomical groups: left lateral (LL), left posterior (LP),
      left posteroseptal (LPS), right posteroseptal (RPS), right midseptal (RMS), right
      anteroseptal (RAS), right lateral (RL), and right posterior (RP). RESULTS: Of the
      942 patients, 52.6% were males. The mean age was 31.2+/-13.8years. As regards
      gender, APs were more prevalent among men. However, a statistically significant
      difference was observed only in the LPS (p=0.029) and RL (p=0.003) regions. In
      relation to the form of presentation of AP, the manifest form was more frequent
      than the concealed form in six of the eight regions studied, except for the LL
      and LPS regions. CONCLUSION: AP predominated in males and the manifest form was
      more frequent than the concealed form in most of the regions studied.

PMID- 27140334
TI  - Cellular, structural and functional cardiac remodelling following pressure
      overload and unloading.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cardiac remodelling process in advanced heart failure due to
      pressure overload has not been clearly defined but likely involves mechanisms of
      cardiac fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to
      examine pressure overload (PO)-induced cardiac remodelling processes and their
      reversibility after unloading in both humans with heart failure and a mouse model
      of PO induced by aortic constriction. METHODS & RESULTS: Speckle tracking
      echocardiography showed PO-induced cardiac dysfunction in mice was reversible
      after removal of aortic constriction to unload. Masson's Trichrome staining
      suggested that PO-induced myocardial fibrosis was reversible, however detailed
      analysis of 3-dimensional collagen architecture by scanning electron microscopy
      demonstrated that matrix remodelling was not completely normalised as a
      disorganised network of thin collagen fibres was evident. Analysis of human left
      ventricular biopsy samples from HF patients revealed increased presence of large
      collagen fibres which were greatly reduced in paired samples from the same
      individuals after unloading by left ventricular assist device implantation.
      Again, an extensive network of small collagen fibres was still clearly seen to
      closely surround cardiomyocytes after unloading. Other features of PO-induced
      remodelling including increased myofibroblast content, cardiomyocyte disarray and
      hypertrophy were largely reversed upon unloading in both humans and mouse model.
      Previous work in humans demonstrated that receptors for adiponectin, an important
      mediator of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy, decreased in heart failure patients
      and returned to normal after unloading. Here we provide novel data showing a
      similar trend for adiponectin receptor adaptor protein APPL1, but not APPL2
      isoform. CONCLUSIONS: LV unloading diminishes PO-induced cardiac remodelling and
      improves function. These findings add new insights into the cardiac remodelling
      process, and provide novel targets for future pharmacologic therapies.

PMID- 27140336
TI  - New approaches to hyperkalemia in patients with indications for renin angiotensin
      aldosterone inhibitors: Considerations for trial design and regulatory approval.
AB  - Hyperkalemia is a common clinical problem, especially in patients with chronic
      kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, or heart failure. Treatment with renin
      angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitors exacerbates the risk of hyperkalemia in
      these patients. Concern about hyperkalemia can result in the failure to initiate,
      suboptimal dosing, or discontinuation of renin angiotensin aldosterone system
      inhibitor therapy in patients; effective treatments for hyperkalemia might
      mitigate such undertreatment. New treatments for hyperkalemia in development may
      offer better efficacy, tolerability and safety profiles than do existing approved
      treatments. These compounds might enable more eligible patients to receive renin
      angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitor therapy or to receive renin angiotensin
      aldosterone system inhibitors at target doses. The evidence needed to support a
      treatment claim (reduction in serum potassium) differs from that needed to
      support a prevention claim (preventing hyperkalemia to allow renin angiotensin
      aldosterone system inhibitor treatment). Thus, several issues related to clinical
      trial design and drug development need to be considered. This paper summarizes
      and expands upon a discussion at the Global Cardiovascular Clinical Trialists
      2014 Forum and examines methodologic considerations for trials of new potassium
      binders for the prevention and management of hyperkalemia in patients with renin
      angiotensin aldosterone system inhibitor indications. 

PMID- 27140337
TI  - 64 slice-coronary computed tomography sensitivity and specificity in the
      evaluation of coronary artery bypass graft stenosis: A meta-analysis.
AB  - A non-invasive approach to define grafts patency and stenosis in the follow-up of
      coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients may be an interesting alternative to
      coronary angiography. 64-slice-coronary computed tomography is nowadays a
      diffused non-invasive method that permits an accurate evaluation of coronary
      stenosis, due to a high temporal and spatial resolution. However, its sensitivity
      and specificity in CABG evaluation has to be clearly defined, since published
      studies used different protocols and scanners. We collected all studies
      investigating patients with stable symptoms and previous CABG and reporting the
      comparison between diagnostic performances of invasive coronary angiography and
      64-slice-coronary computed tomography. As a result, sensitivity and specificity
      of 64-slice-coronary computed tomography for CABG occlusion were 0.99 (95% CI
      0.97-1.00) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.99-1.00) with an area under the curve (AUC) of
      0.99. 64-slice-coronary computed tomography sensitivity and specificity for the
      presence of any CABG stenosis >50% were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99) and 0.98 (95%
      CI: 0.96-0.98), while AUC was 0.99. At meta-regression, neither the age nor the
      time from graft implantation had effect on sensitivity and specificity of 64
      slice-coronary computed tomography detection of significant CABG stenosis or
      occlusion. In conclusion 64-slice-coronary computed tomography confirmed its high
      sensitivity and specificity in CABG stenosis or occlusion evaluation. 

PMID- 27140338
TI  - Colchicine aggravates coxsackievirus B3 infection in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a clinical need for immunosuppressive therapy that can treat
      myocarditis patients in the presence of an active viral infection. In this study
      we therefore investigated the effects of colchicine, an immunosuppressive drug
      which has been used successfully as treatment for pericarditis patients, in a
      mouse model of coxsackievirus B3(CVB3)-induced myocarditis. METHODS: Four groups
      of C3H mice were included: control mice (n=8), mice infected with CVB3 (1*10(5)
      PFU, n=10), mice with colchicine administration (2mg/kg i.p, n=5) and mice with
      combined CVB3 infection and colchicine administration (n=10). After three days,
      the heart, pancreas and spleen were harvested and evaluated using
      (immuno)histochemical analysis and CVB3 qPCR. RESULTS: Mice were terminated at
      day 3 post-virus infection as colchicine treatment rapidly resulted in severe
      illness and mortality in CVB3-infected mice. Colchicine significantly decreased
      the number of macrophages in the heart in CVB3-infected mice (p<0.01) but
      significantly increased the number of neutrophils (p<0.01). In the pancreas,
      colchicine caused complete destruction of the acini in the CVB3-infected mice and
      also significantly decreased macrophage (p<0.01) and increased neutrophil numbers
      (p<0.01). In the spleen, colchicine treatment of CVB3-infected mice induced
      massive apoptosis in the white pulp and significantly inhibited the virus-induced
      increase of megakaryocytes in the spleen (p<0.001). Finally, we observed that
      colchicine significantly increased CVB3 levels in both the pancreas and the
      heart. CONCLUSIONS: Colchicine treatment in CVB3-induced myocarditis has a
      detrimental effect as it causes complete destruction of the exocrine pancreas and
      enhances viral load in both heart and pancreas.

PMID- 27140339
TI  - Development and validation of cardiovascular risk scores for haemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A simple clinical tool to predict cardiovascular disease risk does
      not exist for haemodialysis patients. The long-term coronary risk Framingham
      Heart Study Risk score (FRS), although used in this population, may be
      inadequate. Therefore, we developed separate risk-scores for cardiovascular
      mortality (CVM) and cardiovascular morbidity & mortality (CVMM) in a Fresenius
      Medical Care-based haemodialysis patient cohort (AROii). METHODS: Applying a
      modified FRS approach, we derived and internally validated two-year risk-scores
      in incident European adult patients randomly assigned to a development (N=4831)
      or a validation (N=4796) dataset. External validation was conducted in the third
      Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS III) cohort. Additional
      discrimination comparing to the FRS was performed. RESULTS: The overall two-year
      CVM and CVMM event rates were 5.0 and 22.6 per 100 person-years respectively.
      Common risk predictors included increasing age, cardiovascular disease history,
      primary diabetic nephropathy, low blood pressure, and inflammation. The CVM score
      was more predictive in AROii (c-statistic 0.72) and in DOPPS III (c-statistic
      0.73-0.74) than the CVMM score (c-statistic 0.66-0.67 & 0.63 respectively). The
      FRS was not predictive of either CVM (c-statistic 0.54) or CVMM (c-statistic
      0.56) in AROii. CONCLUSIONS: We describe novel, easy-to-apply and interpret CV
      risk-scores for haemodialysis patients. Our improved cardiovascular prediction
      performance over traditional (FRS) scores reflected its tailored development and
      validation in haemodialysis populations, and the integration of non-classical
      cardiovascular risk factors. The lower expected versus observed CVM and CVMM risk
      suggests the existence of novel cardiovascular risk factors in this patient
      population not measured in this study.

PMID- 27140340
TI  - Telemonitoring predicts in advance heart failure admissions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is increasingly common and characterised by
      frequent admissions to hospital. To reduce the risk of HF hospitalisation (HFH),
      approaches as telemonitoring (TM) have been introduced. This study aimed to
      develop an algorithm for detecting patients at high risk of HFH, using daily
      collected physiological data (blood pressure, heart rate, weight) by non-invasive
      TM. METHODS: The analysis was based on home-TM data collected from a single
      centre as part of HF care. The prediction of HFH was considered as a signal
      processing and classification problem. Signal processing aimed to transform the
      signals to enhance the information relevant to HFH. We attempted to construct an
      algorithm that could identify such patterns and classify them as abnormal by
      assessing the predictive value of each of the monitored signals and their
      combinations using analysis of vectors (e.g. vectors of raw signal values,
      vectors of signals obtained by Multi-Resolution Analysis). RESULTS: The best
      predictive results were achieved with the combined used of weight and diastolic
      BP. The highest predictive performance was achieved using 8-day TM data (area
      under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) 0.82+/-0.02). Prediction
      based on 4-day TM data was slightly less accurate with an AUC of 0.77+/-0.01.
      CONCLUSION: We have found that using an algorithm based on weight and diastolic
      blood pressure measured over 8days predicts heart failure admissions with a high
      degree of accuracy. The value of such an algorithm should be tested in clinical
      trials.

PMID- 27140341
TI  - Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator riociguat and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor
      sildenafil ameliorate pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular
      dysfunction worsens prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).
      Preclinical and clinical studies suggest a role for the impaired nitric oxide
      (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)
      signaling pathway in both PH and CHF. Hence, we examined the effects of the NO
      sGC-cGMP pathway modulation by the PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil or sGC stimulator
      riociguat on pulmonary hemodynamics and heart function in a murine model of
      secondary PH induced by transverse aortic constriction. METHODS: C57Bl/6N mice
      were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for 6weeks to induce left
      heart failure and secondary PH and were subsequently treated with either
      sildenafil (100mg/kg/day) or riociguat (10mg/kg/day) or placebo for 2weeks.
      RESULTS: Six weeks after surgery, TAC induced significant left ventricular
      hypertrophy and dysfunction associated with development of PH. Treatment with
      riociguat and sildenafil neither reduced left ventricular hypertrophy nor
      improved its function. However, both sildenafil and riociguat ameliorated PH,
      reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling and improved right ventricular function.
      CONCLUSIONS: Thus, modulation of the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway by the PDE5 inhibitor
      sildenafil or sGC stimulator riociguat exerts direct beneficial effects on
      pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular function in the experimental model
      of secondary PH due to left heart disease and these drugs may offer a new
      therapeutic option for therapy of this condition.

PMID- 27140342
TI  - Rivaroxaban induced liver injury: A cholestatic pattern.

PMID- 27140343
TI  - Coupled grain boundary motion in aluminium: the effect of structural
      multiplicity.
AB  - The shear-induced coupled grain boundary motion plays an important role in the
      deformation of nanocrystalline (NC) materials. It has been known that the atomic
      structure of the grain boundary (GB) is not necessarily unique for a given set of
      misorientation and inclination of the boundary plane. However, the effect of the
      structural multiplicity of the GB on its coupled motion has not been reported. In
      the present study we investigated the structural multiplicity of the symmetric
      tilt Sigma5(310) boundary in aluminium and its influence on the GB behaviour at a
      temperature range of 300 K-600 K using molecular dynamic simulations. Two
      starting atomic configurations were adopted in the simulations which resulted in
      three different GB structures at different temperatures. Under the applied shear
      deformation each GB structure exhibited its unique GB behaviour. A dual GB
      behaviour, namely the transformation of one GB behaviour to another during
      deformation, was observed for the second starting configuration at a temperature
      of 500 K. The atomistic mechanisms responsible for these behaviour were analysed
      in detail. The result of this study implicates a strong relationship between GB
      structures and their behaviour, and provides a further information of the grain
      boundary mediated plasticity in nanocrystalline materials.

PMID- 27140344
TI  - Gain-saturated one-pump fiber optical parametric amplifiers in presence of
      longitudinal dispersion fluctuations.
AB  - In this paper, we investigate the impact of longitudinal dispersion fluctuations
      of the optical fiber on the gain spectrum and the saturation behavior of one-pump
      fiber-optical parametric amplifiers (1-P FOPAs). The gain spectra and the
      saturation curves of 1-P FOPAs are simulated by solving the coupled amplitude
      equations numerically and taking into account the dispersion fluctuations as a
      stochastic process with a given standard deviation and correlation length.
      Results show that the shape and the level of the gain spectrum and also the
      saturation power of 1-P FOPAs are considerably changed in the presence of
      dispersion fluctuations in comparison with the case when dispersion fluctuations
      are ignored. This feature is also totally different compared with the small
      signal gain spectrum of the FOPA in the presence of dispersion fluctuations.
      Moreover, the value of the change in the gain and the saturation power depends
      strongly on the fluctuation parameters, i.e., the standard deviation and the
      correlation length. 

PMID- 27140345
TI  - Computation of astigmatic and trefoil figure errors and misalignments for two
      mirror telescopes using nodal-aberration theory.
AB  - In active optics systems, one concern is how to quantitatively separate the
      effects of astigmatic and trefoil figure errors and misalignments that couple
      together in determining the total aberration fields when wavefront measurements
      are available at only a few field points. In this paper, we first quantitatively
      describe the impact of mount-induced trefoil deformation on the net aberration
      fields by proposing a modified theoretical formulation for the field-dependent
      aberration behavior of freeform surfaces based on the framework of nodal
      aberration theory. This formulation explicitly expresses the quantitative
      relationships between the magnitude of freeform surfaces and the induced
      aberration components where the freeform surfaces can be located away from the
      aperture stop and decentered from the optical axis. On this basis, and in
      combination with the mathematical presentation of nodal aberration theory for the
      effects of misalignments, we present the analytic expressions for the aberration
      fields of two-mirror telescopes in the presence of astigmatic primary mirror
      figure errors, mount-induced trefoil deformations on both mirrors, and
      misalignments. We quantitatively separate these effects using the analytical
      expressions with wavefront measurements at a few field points and pointing
      errors. Valuable insights are provided on how to separate these coupled effects
      in the computation process. Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to demonstrate
      the correctness and accuracy of the analytic method presented in this paper. 

PMID- 27140346
TI  - Automated spoof-detection for fingerprints using optical coherence tomography.
AB  - Fingerprint recognition systems are prevalent in high-security applications. As a
      result, the act of spoofing these systems with artificial fingerprints is of
      increasing concern. This research presents an automatic means for spoof-detection
      using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This technology is able to capture a 3D
      representation of the internal structure of the skin and is thus not limited to a
      2D surface scan. The additional information afforded by this representation means
      that accurate spoof-detection can be achieved. Two features were extracted to
      detect the presence of (1) an additional thin layer on the surface of the skin
      and (2) a thicker additional layer or a complete artificial finger. An analysis
      of these features showed that they are highly separable, resulting in 100%
      accuracy regarding spoof-detection, with no false rejections of real fingers.
      This is the first attempt at fully automated spoof-detection using OCT. 

PMID- 27140347
TI  - Watermarking scheme for microlens-array-based four-dimensional light field
      imaging.
AB  - This paper proposes a watermark scheme for lenslet-based light field imaging
      operating on its 4D Fourier domain. In this scheme, the computational light field
      of the 2D watermark is first obtained. A slice of its frequency spectrum is then
      generated. After that, the watermark is embedded into the host light field by
      slice displacement. The experimental simulations show that the proposed scheme is
      simple in complexity while the robustness is strong. In addition, it does not
      bring significant artifacts or distortion into the refocused image or the depth
      map. 

PMID- 27140348
TI  - Theory of plasmonic quantum-dot-based intermediate band solar cells.
AB  - High scattering cross section of plasmonic nanoparticles in intermediate band
      solar cells (IBSCs) based on quantum dots (QDs) can obviate the low photon
      absorption in QD layers. In this report, we present a modeling procedure to
      extract the optical and electrical characteristics of a GaAs-based plasmonic
      intermediate band solar cell (PIBSC). It is shown that metal nanoparticles (MNPs)
      that are responsible for scattering of incident photons in the absorber layer can
      lead to photocurrent enhancement, provided that an optimum size and density is
      calculated. Proper design of QD layers that control the intermediate energy band
      location, as well as the loss-scattering trade-off of MNPs, can result in an
      efficiency increase of ~4.2% in the PIBSC compared to a similar IBSC, and an
      increase of ~5.9% compared to a reference GaAs PIN cell. A comprehensive
      discussion on the effect of intermediate band region width and current-voltage
      characteristics of the designed cell is presented. 

PMID- 27140349
TI  - Improvement of depth resolution in depth-resolved wavenumber-scanning
      interferometry using wavenumber-domain least-squares algorithm: comparison and
      experiment.
AB  - It is important to improve the depth resolution in depth-resolved wavenumber
      scanning interferometry (DRWSI) owing to the limited range of wavenumber
      scanning. In this work, a new nonlinear iterative least-squares algorithm called
      the wavenumber-domain least-squares algorithm (WLSA) is proposed for evaluating
      the phase of DRWSI. The simulated and experimental results of the Fourier
      transform (FT), complex-number least-squares algorithm (CNLSA), eigenvalue
      decomposition and least-squares algorithm (EDLSA), and WLSA were compared and
      analyzed. According to the results, the WLSA is less dependent on the initial
      values, and the depth resolution deltaz is approximately changed from deltaz to
      deltaz/6. Thus, the WLSA exhibits a better performance than the FT, CNLSA, and
      EDLSA. 

PMID- 27140350
TI  - Tentative detection of clear-air turbulence using a ground-based Rayleigh lidar.
AB  - Atmospheric gravity waves and turbulence generate small-scale fluctuations of
      wind, pressure, density, and temperature in the atmosphere. These fluctuations
      represent a real hazard for commercial aircraft and are known by the generic name
      of clear-air turbulence (CAT). Numerical weather prediction models do not resolve
      CAT and therefore provide only a probability of occurrence. A ground-based
      Rayleigh lidar was designed and implemented to remotely detect and characterize
      the atmospheric variability induced by turbulence in vertical scales between 40 m
      and a few hundred meters. Field measurements were performed at Observatoire de
      Haute-Provence (OHP, France) on 8 December 2008 and 23 June 2009. The estimate of
      the mean squared amplitude of bidimensional fluctuations of lidar signal showed
      excess compared to the estimated contribution of the instrumental noise. This
      excess can be attributed to atmospheric turbulence with a 95% confidence level.
      During the first night, data from collocated stratosphere-troposphere (ST) radar
      were available. Altitudes of the turbulent layers detected by the lidar were
      roughly consistent with those of layers with enhanced radar echo. The derived
      values of turbulence parameters Cn2 or CT2 were in the range of those published
      in the literature using ST radar data. However, the detection was at the limit of
      the instrumental noise and additional measurement campaigns are highly desirable
      to confirm these initial results. This is to our knowledge the first successful
      attempt to detect CAT in the free troposphere using an incoherent Rayleigh lidar
      system. The built lidar device may serve as a test bed for the definition of
      embarked CAT detection lidar systems aboard airliners. 

PMID- 27140351
TI  - Stimulated Raman scattering holography for time-resolved imaging of methane gas.
AB  - In this paper, pulsed digital holographic detection is coupled to the stimulated
      Raman scattering (SRS) process for imaging gases. A Q-switched Nd-YAG laser (532
      nm) has been used to pump methane gas (CH<sub>4</sub>) at pressures up to 12
      bars. The frequency-tripled (355 nm) beam from the same laser was used to pump an
      optical parametric oscillator (OPO). The Stokes beam (from the OPO) has been
      tuned to 629.93 nm so that the frequency difference between the pump (532 nm) and
      the Stokes beams fits a Raman active vibrational mode of the methane molecule
      (2922  cm<sup>-1</sup>). The pump beam has been spatially modulated with fringes
      produced in a Michelson interferometer. The pump and the Stokes beams were
      overlapped in time, space, and polarization on the gas molecules, resulting in a
      stimulated Raman gain of the Stokes beam and a corresponding loss of the pump
      beam through the SRS process. The resulting gain of the Stokes beam has been
      detected using pulsed digital holography by blending it with a reference beam on
      the detector. Two holograms of the Stokes beam, without and with the pump beam
      fringes present, were recorded. Intensity maps calculated from the recorded
      digital holograms showed amplification of the Stokes beam at the position of
      overlap with the pump beam fringes and the gas molecules. The gain of the Stokes
      beam has been separated from the background in the Fourier domain. A gain of
      about 4.5% at a pump beam average intensity of 4  MW/cm<sup>2</sup> and a Stokes
      beam intensity of 0.16  MW/cm<sup>2</sup> have been recorded at a gas pressure of
      12 bars. The gain decreased linearly with decreasing gas pressure. The results
      show that SRS holography is a promising technique to pinpoint a specific species
      and record its spatial and temporal distribution. 

PMID- 27140352
TI  - Weighted pose estimation method from lines intersecting at a point.
AB  - A weighted pose estimation method using lines that intersect at a point is
      proposed. Because of the weak constraints, the accuracy of pose estimation using
      lines in this configuration is sensitive to the error of a two-dimensional (2D)
      line parameter. Therefore, we construct the objective function directly based on
      weighted image line points instead of 2D lines; the influence of errors
      introduced through image line points is reduced by the reasonably designed
      weights. The translation parameter T cannot be determined based on lines in this
      configuration; thus, when the rotation R is obtained, T is solved linearly by
      introducing one or more additional points. The experimental results indicate that
      our method outperforms other methods in terms of accuracy and noise robustness. 

PMID- 27140353
TI  - Flatness parameter influence on scintillation reduction for multi-Gaussian Schell
      model beams propagating in turbulent air.
AB  - Reduction in the scintillation index of multi-Gaussian Schell-model beams
      propagating in turbulent air is demonstrated as a function of two source
      parameters: the r.m.s. coherence width and the summation index. The beams were
      generated with the help of a nematic phase-only, reflective spatial light
      modulator at a cycling rate of 333 frames per second and recorded after
      propagating through a weakly turbulent air channel over a distance of 70 m.
      Experimental results are in good agreement with theory. 

PMID- 27140354
TI  - High-energy passively Q-switched laser operation of
      Yb:Ca<sub>3</sub>La<sub>2</sub>(BO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub> disordered crystal.
AB  - Efficient high-energy passively Q-switched laser operation was demonstrated with
      Yb:Ca<sub>3</sub>La<sub>2</sub>(BO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>4</sub> disordered crystal,
      producing an average output power of 3.0 W at 1018.7 nm, at a pulse repetition
      frequency of 5.0 kHz; the resulting pulse energy, duration, and peak power were
      600 MUJ, 5.3 ns, and 113.2 kW, respectively. 

PMID- 27140356
TI  - Hamiltonian-based ray-tracing method with triangular-mesh representation for a
      large-scale cloaking device with an arbitrary shape.
AB  - Hamiltonian-based ray-tracing technique with mesh representation is presented for
      designing large-scale cloaking devices with three-dimensional arbitrary shapes,
      which have inhomogeneity and anisotropy in their electric permittivity and
      magnetic permeability. In order to deal with arbitrary shapes, the surfaces of
      the cloaking devices are represented by triangular meshes. Comparison between the
      result of cloaking simulations with the mesh representation and those with the
      rigorous function representation is presented. The numerical results showed that
      fine-mesh resolution is required for accurate evaluation of cloaking
      performances. 

PMID- 27140355
TI  - Reflected-light-source-based three-dimensional display with high brightness.
AB  - A reflected-light-source (RLS)-based 3D display is proposed. This display
      consists of an RLS and a 2D display panel. The 2D display panel is located in
      front of the RLS. The RLS consists of a light source, a light guide plate (LGP),
      and a reflection cavity. The light source and the LGP are located in the
      reflection cavity. Light from the light source can enter into the LGP and reflect
      continuously in the reflection cavity. The reflection cavity has a series of
      slits, and light can exit only from these slits. These slits can work as a
      postpositional parallax barrier, so when they modulate the parallax images on the
      2D display, 3D images are formed. Different from the conventional 3D display
      based on a parallax barrier, this RLS has less optical loss, so it can provide
      higher brightness. A prototype of this display is developed. Experimental results
      show that this RLS-based 3D display can provide higher brightness than the
      conventional one. 

PMID- 27140357
TI  - Terahertz imaging and tomography as efficient instruments for testing polymer
      additive manufacturing objects.
AB  - Additive manufacturing (AM) technology is not only used to make 3D objects but
      also for rapid prototyping. In industry and laboratories, quality controls for
      these objects are necessary though difficult to implement compared to classical
      methods of fabrication because the layer-by-layer printing allows for very
      complex object manufacturing that is unachievable with standard tools.
      Furthermore, AM can induce unknown or unexpected defects. Consequently, we
      demonstrate terahertz (THz) imaging as an innovative method for 2D inspection of
      polymer materials. Moreover, THz tomography may be considered as an alternative
      to x-ray tomography and cheaper 3D imaging for routine control. This paper
      proposes an experimental study of 3D polymer objects obtained by additive
      manufacturing techniques. This approach allows us to characterize defects and to
      control dimensions by volumetric measurements on 3D data reconstructed by
      tomography. 

PMID- 27140358
TI  - Signal of microstrip scanning near-field optical microscope in far- and near
      field zones.
AB  - An analytical model of interference between an electromagnetic field of
      fundamental quasi-TM(EH)<sub>00</sub>-mode and an electromagnetic field of
      background radiation at the apex of a near-field probe based on an optical
      plasmon microstrip line (microstrip probe) has been proposed. The condition of
      the occurrence of electromagnetic energy reverse flux at the apex of the
      microstrip probe was obtained. It has been shown that the nature of the
      interference depends on the length of the probe. Numerical simulation of the
      sample scanning process was conducted in illumination-reflection and illumination
      collection modes. Results of numerical simulation have shown that interference
      affects the scanning signal in both modes. However, in illumination-collection
      mode (pure near-field mode), the signal shape and its polarity are practically
      insensible to probe length change; only signal amplitude (contrast) is slightly
      changed. However, changing the probe length strongly affects the signal amplitude
      and shape in the illumination-reflection mode (the signal formed in the far-field
      zone). Thus, we can conclude that even small background radiation can
      significantly influence the signal in the far-field zone and has practically no
      influence on a pure near-field signal. 

PMID- 27140359
TI  - Scheme for improving laser stability via feedback control of intracavity
      nonlinear loss.
AB  - We present a novel and efficient scheme to enhance the stability of laser output
      via feedback control to a nonlinear loss deliberately introduced to the laser
      resonator. By means of the feedback control to the intracavity nonlinear loss of
      an all-solid-state continuous-wave single-frequency laser with high output power
      at 1064 nm, its intensity and frequency stabilities are significantly improved. A
      lithium triborate crystal is deliberately placed inside the laser resonator to be
      an element of the nonlinear loss, and the temperature of the crystal is feedback
      controlled by an electronic loop. The control signal is generated by
      distinguishing the deviation of the output power and used for manipulating the
      intracavity nonlinear loss to compensate the deviation of the laser power
      actively. With the feedback-control loop, the intensity and frequency
      fluctuations of the output laser at 1064 nm are reduced from +/-0.59% and 21.82
      MHz without the feedback to +/-0.26% and 9.84 MHz, respectively. 

PMID- 27140360
TI  - Fast bistable intensive light scattering in helix-free ferroelectric liquid
      crystals.
AB  - A new type of ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) is considered, where the
      reorientation of the director (main optical axes) at the interaction of an
      electric field with the FLC's spontaneous polarization is due to the movement of
      spatially localized waves with a stationary profile: solitons arise at the
      transition due to the Maxwellian mechanism of energy dissipation. Under certain
      conditions, the appearance of such waves leads to the formation of a structure of
      transient domains, and as a consequence, to the scattering of light. The
      Maxwellian mechanism of energy dissipation allows one to reduce the electric
      field strength at which the maximum efficiency of light scattering is achieved
      down to 2-3 V/MUm and to increase the frequency of light modulation up to 3-5
      kHz. Intensive bistable light scattering in an electro-optical cell filled with a
      specially designed helix-free FLC was studied, and a stable scattering state can
      be switched on and off for a few tens of microseconds and memorized for a few
      tens of seconds. 

PMID- 27140361
TI  - Analysis of noise-reducing phase retrieval.
AB  - Previous work described a phase retrieval algorithm that accepts highly noisy
      Fourier modulus data and uses the numerous constraints on the coherence data, the
      image, and their interrelations to obtain high-quality images. In the context of
      intensity correlation imaging, computational results have shown that the
      technique is able to reduce the necessary imaging time by many orders of
      magnitude. The present paper is a theoretical examination of the algorithm,
      including the issues of convergence, the properties of the convergent image, and
      the relation between invariance of the image to random initial conditions and the
      accuracy of the foreground specification. 

PMID- 27140362
TI  - Millimeter-wave broadband antireflection coatings using laser ablation of
      subwavelength structures.
AB  - We report on the first use of laser ablation to make submillimeter, broadband,
      antireflection coatings (ARCs) based on subwavelength structures (SWSs) on
      alumina and sapphire. We used a 515 nm laser to produce pyramid-shaped structures
      with a pitch of about 320 MUm and a total height of near 800 MUm. Transmission
      measurements between 70 and 140 GHz are in agreement with simulations using
      electromagnetic propagation software. The simulations indicate that SWS-ARCs with
      the fabricated shape should have a fractional bandwidth response of
      Deltanu/nu<sub>center</sub>=0.55 centered on 235 GHz for which reflections are
      below 3%. Extension of the bandwidth to both lower and higher frequencies,
      between a few tens of gigahertz and a few terahertz, should be straightforward
      with appropriate adjustment of laser ablation parameters. 

PMID- 27140363
TI  - Radially and azimuthally polarized laser beams by thin-disk laser.
AB  - The generation of radially and azimuthally polarized beams is theoretically
      investigated in thin-disk laser configurations by writing Jones matrices for
      optical elements. Higher modes are omitted by aperture and the mode-selection
      operation is done by discontinuous phase elements. Two modes, TEM<sub>01x</sub>
      and TEM<sub>01y</sub>, are combined to generate the radially and azimuthally
      polarized laser beam. The polarization of the output beams is studied by the
      extended Jones matrices. In addition, the output power of the thin-disk laser is
      numerically estimated by solving the rate equations in ytterbium-doped materials.

PMID- 27140364
TI  - Robust sky light polarization detection with an S-wave plate in a light field
      camera.
AB  - The sky light polarization navigator has many advantages, such as low cost, no
      decrease in accuracy with continuous operation, etc. However, current celestial
      polarization measurement methods often suffer from low performance when the sky
      is covered by clouds, which reduce the accuracy of navigation. In this paper we
      introduce a new method and structure based on a handheld light field camera and a
      radial polarizer, composed of an S-wave plate and a linear polarizer, to detect
      the sky light polarization pattern across a wide field of view in a single
      snapshot. Each micro-subimage has a special intensity distribution. After
      extracting the texture feature of these subimages, stable distribution
      information of the angle of polarization under a cloudy sky can be obtained. Our
      experimental results match well with the predicted properties of the theory.
      Because the polarization pattern is obtained through image processing, rather
      than traditional methods based on mathematical computation, this method is less
      sensitive to errors of pixel gray value and thus has better anti-interference
      performance. 

PMID- 27140365
TI  - Eliminating the effect of phase shift between injection current and amplitude
      modulation in DFB-LD WMS for high-precision measurement.
AB  - Phase shift between the injection current and amplitude modulation due to the
      characteristics of diode lasers is discussed in this paper. Phase shift has no
      apparent regularity, but it has an obvious effect on measurement results,
      especially for high-precision measurement. A new method is proposed to suppress
      the influence of this phase shift. Water vapor is chosen as the target gas for
      experiment in this paper. A new detection system with the new method applied is
      presented and shows much better performance than the traditional wavelength
      modulation spectroscopy detection system. Phase shift fluctuation between the
      injection current and amplitude modulation is suppressed from 0.72 deg to 0.07
      deg; accuracy is improved from 0.88 ppm to 0.16 ppm. 

PMID- 27140366
TI  - Ultracompact silicon-on-insulator-based reflective arrayed waveguide gratings for
      spectroscopic applications.
AB  - Ultracompact reflective arrayed waveguide gratings (RAWGs) employing a half
      horseshoe-shaped waveguide layout and distributed Bragg reflector mirrors in the
      array region are designed and fabricated. Two sets of RAWGs with 400 and 200 GHz
      channel spacing are experimentally demonstrated for TE and TM polarizations,
      respectively. Because of the high-index contrast between the silicon core and the
      oxide cladding, these RAWGs have very compact sizes. With the off-centered light
      input, we obtained the minimal on-chip losses of 7 and 9 dB and cross talks of <
      8 and <-5  dB for 9*400  GHz and 20*200  GHz RAWGs, respectively, for TE
      polarization. The measured minimal on-chip losses are 10 and 12.5 dB, and cross
      talks are <-11 and <-7  dB for 8*400  GHz and 10*200  GHz RAWGs, respectively,
      for TM polarization. These RAWGs can find applications for on-chip spectroscopic
      sensing. 

PMID- 27140367
TI  - Simultaneous measurement of refractive index and temperature using a dual
      polarization ring.
AB  - We present the design, fabrication, and characterization of a dual polarization
      silicon-on-insulator (SOI) microring resonator (MRR) for simultaneous measurement
      of refractive index (RI) and temperature. Due to the different energy
      distribution of transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes for
      the SOI waveguide, the TE and TM polarizations can have quite different
      sensitivities toward the changes of ambient RI and temperature. By using a
      gapless asymmetric coupling section, TE0 mode and TM0 mode have been excited
      simultaneously in the MRR. We demonstrated the feasibility ofobtaining RI and
      temperature simultaneously with a single measurement, achieving a RI sensitivity
      of 104 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) and a temperature sensitivity of 78.7 pm/
      degrees C for TE0 mode and a RI sensitivity of 319 nm/RIU and a temperature
      sensitivity of 34.1 pm/ degrees C for TM0 mode. 

PMID- 27140368
TI  - Multiple-wavelength double random phase encoding with CCD-plane sparse-phase
      multiplexing for optical information verification: erratum.
AB  - A typographical error in Chen [Appl. Opt.54, 10711-10716
      (2015)10.1364/AO.54.010711APOPAI0003-6935] is corrected here. 

PMID- 27140369
TI  - PDMS-coated fiber volatile organic compounds sensors.
AB  - The functionality of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based interferometric fiber
      sensors for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection is investigated and
      experimentally demonstrated. Two interferometric configurations are considered in
      this work, namely Fabry-Perot (FP) and Sagnac interferometers (SI). Both sensors
      are functionalized with a thin layer of VOC-sensitive polymer: PDMS, whose degree
      of swelling varies as a function of VOC concentrations. This swelling effect will
      result in an optical path length and birefringence modulation for FP and SI
      sensors, respectively. In this paper, the two common VOCs, ethanol and 2
      propanol, were detected by the proposed sensor and the inverse matrix method was
      used to differentiate the VOC in gas mixture. 

PMID- 27140370
TI  - High diffraction efficiency of three-layer diffractive optics designed for wide
      temperature range and large incident angle.
AB  - A mathematical model of diffraction efficiency and polychromatic integral
      diffraction efficiency affected by environment temperature change and incident
      angle for three-layer diffractive optics with different dispersion materials is
      put forward, and its effects are analyzed. Taking optical materials N-FK5 and N
      SF1 as the substrates of multilayer diffractive optics, the effect on diffraction
      efficiency and polychromatic integral diffraction efficiency with intermediate
      materials POLYCARB is analyzed with environment temperature change as well as
      incident angle. Therefore, three-layer diffractive optics can be applied in more
      wide environmental temperature ranges and larger incident angles for refractive
      diffractive hybrid optical systems, which can obtain better image quality.
      Analysis results can be used to guide the hybrid imaging optical system design
      for optical engineers. 

PMID- 27140371
TI  - Focus variation microscope: linear theory and surface tilt sensitivity.
AB  - In a recent publication [3rd International Conference on Surface Metrology,
      Annecy, France, 2012, p. 1] it was shown that surface roughness measurements made
      using a focus variation microscope (FVM) are influenced by surface tilt. The
      effect appears to be most significant when the surface has microscale roughness
      (Ra~50  nm) that is sufficient to provide a diffusely scattered signal that is
      comparable in magnitude to the specular component. This paper explores, from
      first principles, image formation using the focus variation method. With the
      assumption of incoherent scattering, it is shown that the process is linear and
      the 3D point spread characteristics and transfer characteristics of the
      instrument are well defined. It is argued that for the case of microscale
      roughness and through the objective illumination, the assumption of incoherence
      cannot be justified and more rigorous analysis is required. Using a foil model of
      surface scattering, the images that are recorded by a FVM have been calculated.
      It is shown that for the case of through-the-objective illumination at small tilt
      angles, the signal quality is degraded in a systematic manner. This is attributed
      to the mixing of specular and diffusely reflected components and leads to an
      asymmetry in the k-space representation of the output signals. It is shown that
      by using extra-aperture illumination or tilt angles greater than the acceptance
      angle of aperture (such that the specular component is lost), the incoherent
      assumption can be justified once again. The work highlights the importance of
      using ring-light illumination and/or polarizing optics, which are often available
      as options on commercial instruments, as a means to mitigate or prevent these
      effects. 

PMID- 27140372
TI  - Design of all-polymer asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer sensors.
AB  - New design concepts for all-polymer integrated optical Mach-Zehnder
      interferometers (MZIs) optimized for environmental sensing are presented.
      Fabricated using large-area printing techniques, these polymer-based components
      are designed for low cost fabrication while maintaining suitable sensitivities to
      external refractive index changes. One key aspect in their design is obviating
      the need for an "interaction window" over one arm of the interferometer, as is
      usually defined in semiconductor or glass components, but requiring additional
      lithography, deposition and etching steps not suitable for polymer printing
      technology. We thus employ an asymmetric MZI, and derive the form of structures
      with optimized sensitivity and operating characteristics. Using the derived
      design criteria, experimental verification using a chemical test system finally
      demonstrates the utility of the approach. 

PMID- 27140373
TI  - High-accuracy spectral reduction algorithm for the echelle spectrometer.
AB  - A spectral reduction algorithm for an echelle spectrometer with spherical mirrors
      that builds a one-to-one correspondence between the wavelength and pixel position
      is proposed. The algorithm accuracy is improved by calculating the offset
      distance of the principal ray from the center of the image plane in the two
      dimensional vertical direction and compensating the spectral line bending from
      the reflecting prism. The simulation and experimental results verify that the
      maximum deviation of the entire image plane is less than one pixel. This
      algorithm ensures that the wavelengths calculated from spectrograms have a high
      spectral resolution, meaning the precision from the spectral analysis reaches
      engineering standards of practice. 

PMID- 27140374
TI  - Three-dimensional atom localization via electromagnetically induced transparency
      in a three-level atomic system.
AB  - We present a new scheme for three-dimensional (3D) atom localization in a three
      level atomic system via measuring the absorption of a weak probe field. Owing to
      the space-dependent atom-field interaction, the position probability distribution
      of the atom can be directly determined by measuring the probe absorption. It is
      found that, by properly varying the parameters of the system, the probability of
      finding the atom in 3D space can be almost 100%. Our scheme opens a promising way
      to achieve high-precision and high-efficiency 3D atom localization, which
      provides some potential applications in laser cooling or atom nano-lithography
      via atom localization. 

PMID- 27140375
TI  - Wave propagation through photonic waveguide lattices in the presence of optical
      gain and loss.
AB  - We investigate the effects of gain and loss on the light propagation through a
      lattice of coupled optical waveguides. We demonstrate that superdiffusive
      transport becomes diffusive in the presence of optical loss after a critical
      propagation distance as in [Phys. Rev. Lett.113, 123903 (2014)PRLTAO0031
      900710.1103/PhysRevLett.113.123903]. However, when optical gain is introduced in
      the lattice of coupled waveguides, the beam broadening slows down from a
      superdiffusive to a highly subdiffusive regime after another critical distance.
      The critical distance decreases with increase of loss or gain in the waveguide
      lattice. For equal gain and loss, the value of critical distance in the array of
      active waveguides is much smaller than that in the case of lattice of lossy
      waveguides. Furthermore, we find that the effective width in the case of lossy
      waveguides decreases with increase of loss at the same propagation distance. Our
      results confirm that the regime of beam broadening does not depend on whether the
      gain is introduced in the waveguides or in their surroundings. 

PMID- 27140376
TI  - Size, weight, and power reduction regimes in achromatic gradient-index singlets.
AB  - By analyzing the limitations that achromatic gradient-index (GRIN) lens solutions
      in the radial and axial extremes place on lens thickness and surface curvature, a
      radial-axial hybrid GRIN theory is developed in order to overcome these
      restrictions and expose a larger solution space. With the achromatic hybrid GRIN
      theory, the trade-offs between thickness, curvature, and GRIN type can be
      directly studied in the context of size, weight, and power (SWaP) reduction.
      Finally, the achromatic solution space of a silicon-germanium-based material
      system is explored, and several designs are verified with ray tracing. 

PMID- 27140377
TI  - Ray tracing method in phase space for two-dimensional optical systems.
AB  - Ray tracing is a forward method to calculate the photometric variables at the
      target of a non-imaging optical system. In this paper, a new ray tracing
      technique is presented to improve the accuracy and to reduce the computational
      time of the classical ray tracing approach. The method is based on the phase
      space representation of the source and the target of the optical system, and it
      is applied to a two-dimensional TIR-collimator. The strength of the method lies
      in tracing fewer rays through the system. Only rays that lie in the meridional
      plane are considered. A procedure that disregards rays in smooth regions in phase
      space, where the luminance is continuous, is implemented and only the rays close
      to discontinuities are traced. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated by
      numerical simulations that compare the new method with Monte Carlo ray tracing.
      The results show that the phase space approach is faster and more accurate than
      the already existing ray tracing method; moreover the phase space method
      converges as one over the number of rays traced unlike Monte Carlo ray tracing in
      which the speed of convergence is proportional to one over the square root of the
      number of rays. 

PMID- 27140378
TI  - Highly reliable optical system for a rubidium space cold atom clock.
AB  - We describe a highly reliable optical system designed for a rubidium space cold
      atom clock (SCAC), presenting its design, key technologies, and optical
      components. All of the optical and electronic components are integrated onto an
      optimized two-sided 300  mm*290  mm*30  mm optical bench. The compact optical
      structure and special thermal design ensure that the optical system can pass all
      of the space environmental qualification tests including both thermal vacuum and
      mechanical tests. To verify its performance, the optical system is carefully
      checked before and after each test. The results indicate that this optical system
      is suitably robust for the space applications for which the rubidium SCAC was
      built. 

PMID- 27140379
TI  - Improvements to the modal holographic wavefront sensor.
AB  - The Zernike coefficients of a light wavefront can be calculated directly by
      intensity ratios of pairs of spots in the reconstructed image plane of a
      holographic wavefront sensor (HWFS). However, the response curve of the HWFS
      heavily depends on the position and size of the detector for each spot and the
      distortions introduced by other aberrations. In this paper, we propose a method
      to measure the intensity of each spot by setting a threshold to select effective
      pixels and using the weighted average intensity within a selected window.
      Compared with using the integral intensity over a small window for each spot, we
      show through a numerical simulation that the proposed method reduces the
      dependency of the HWFS's response curve on the selection of the detector window.
      We also recorded a HWFS on a holographic plate using a blue laser and
      demonstrated its capability to detect the strength of encoded Zernike terms in an
      aberrated beam. 

PMID- 27140380
TI  - Microring resonator composed of vertical slot waveguides with minimum
      polarization mode dispersion over a wide spectral range.
AB  - This paper proposes the design of a vertical slot waveguide-based optical ring
      resonator on a silicon photonic platform with minimized polarization mode
      dispersion (PMD) in the presence of waveguide dispersion over a wide band. Slot
      waveguides provide more degrees of freedom in the design, thereby achieving the
      minimum PMD over the communication wavelengths. The minimum PMD leads to nearly
      identical accumulated phase in the optical ring resonator for quasi-TE and TM
      modes, and thus the resonant wavelength mismatch between the quasi-TE and TM
      modes can be minimized from 1510 to 1590 nm. 

PMID- 27140381
TI  - Image segmentation by nonlinear filtering of optical Hough transform.
AB  - The identification and extraction (i.e., segmentation) of geometrical features is
      crucial in many tasks requiring image analysis. We present a method for the
      optical segmentation of features of interest from an edge enhanced image. The
      proposed method is based on the nonlinear filtering (implemented by the use of a
      spatial light modulator) of the generalized optical Hough transform and is
      capable of discriminating features by shape and by size. The robustness of the
      method against noise in the input, low contrast, or overlapping of geometrical
      features is assessed, and experimental validation of the working principle is
      presented. 

PMID- 27140382
TI  - Dual-wavelength synchronous mode-locked Yb:LSO laser using a double-walled carbon
      nanotube saturable absorber.
AB  - A dual-wavelength, passively mode-locked Yb:LSO laser was demonstrated using a
      double-walled carbon nanotube as a saturable absorber. The maximum average output
      power of the laser was 1.34 W at the incident pump power of 9.94 W. The two
      central wavelengths were 1057 and 1058 nm. The corresponding pulse duration of
      the autocorrelation interference pattern was about 15 ps, while the beat pulse
      repetition rate was 0.17 THz and the width of one beat pulse about 2 ps. When the
      incident pump power was above 10.25 W, a multiwavelength mode-locked oscillation
      phenomenon was observed. After employing a pair of SF10 prisms, a 1058.7 nm
      single-wavelength mode-locked laser was obtained with a pulse width of 7 ps. 

PMID- 27140383
TI  - Visible-range hollow waveguides by guided buckling of
      Ta<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> multilayers.
AB  - Hollow waveguides operating near 550 nm wavelength were fabricated by guided
      formation of delamination buckles within
      Ta<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> multilayers. The fabrication process
      employed a pair of sequentially deposited 10-period Bragg mirrors separated by a
      patterned, low-adhesion fluorocarbon layer. Propagation loss as low as a few
      dB/cm was measured, consistent with theoretical predictions. 

PMID- 27140384
TI  - Parabolic cell for low-background Raman analysis of gas samples.
AB  - A compact Raman system constructed by a parabolic sample cell and an imaging
      spectrograph, which has good capability for enhancing a Raman signal and
      compressing a continuous background, has been put forward. In the Raman spectra
      of ambient air acquired by this system, the signal level of N<sub>2</sub> was
      enhanced up to 14 times compared with free space, and the related signal to
      background ratio was increased nearly to 96. With an integration time of 10 s,
      the rotational fine structure of O<sub>2</sub> and N<sub>2</sub> were clearly
      recognized. Besides, a standard analytic gas mixture consisting of H<sub>2</sub>,
      CO<sub>2</sub>, and CO was also tested, and the 3sigma LODs of 68 ppm for
      H<sub>2</sub>, 54 ppm for CO<sub>2</sub> and 116 ppm for CO were obtained. 

PMID- 27140385
TI  - Naphthalene laser-induced fluorescence measurements at low temperature and
      pressure.
AB  - Few studies on naphthalene vapor fluorescence have been conducted at low
      temperature and pressure conditions. The current study focuses on conducting
      measurements of naphthalene quenching and absorption cross section in a
      temperature- and pressure-regulated test cell with 266 nm laser excitation. The
      test-cell measurements were of the naphthalene-fluorescence lifetime and
      integrated fluorescence signal over the temperature range of 100 to 525 K and
      pressure range of 1 to 40 kPa in air. These data enabled the calculation of
      naphthalene-fluorescence quantum yield and absorption cross section over the
      range of temperatures and pressures tested, which were then fit to simple
      functional forms for future use in the calibration of naphthalene laser-induced
      fluorescence (LIF) measurements. Furthermore, the variation of naphthalene
      fluorescence signal with respect to temperature was investigated for four
      different excitation wavelengths, demonstrating that a two-line naphthalene LIF
      thermometry technique may be feasible. 

PMID- 27140386
TI  - Single pixel imaging with tunable terahertz parametric oscillator.
AB  - A method of active terahertz imaging based on compressive sampling is
      demonstrated. A metal mask structure is designed with all modulation matrices
      engraved on. The imaging approach based on the mask eliminates the need for
      imaging object movement in point-wise scanning and shows high sensitivity. A
      terahertz parametric oscillator with tunability from 0.5 to 2.7 THz was used as
      the light source. Holes with circular, rectangular, and letter "H" shapes were
      imaged at 1.75 THz at 20% sampling rate. The influence of sampling rates and
      averaging times on the image was analyzed. Imaging of the letter "H" at different
      frequencies from 1.0 to 2.2 THz was tested and evaluated, and recognizable
      results were obtained in the range of 1.4-2.0 THz. 

PMID- 27140387
TI  - Two-dimensional photonic-crystal-based double switch-divider.
AB  - We propose and investigate a new multifunctional component, consisting of a T
      junction of three waveguides in 2D photonic crystal with a square lattice. One
      waveguide is the input port, while the other two serve as output ports. This
      component can fulfil three functions: First, it can switch OFF the two output
      ports; second, our component can be used as a 3 dB divider of the input power;
      and third, it can switch ON any one of the two output ports. Changing the regime
      is achieved by a DC magnetic field that magnetizes a cylindrical ferrite
      resonator placed in the T-junction. We present an analysis of the scattering
      matrices of the component and calculated frequency characteristics in the low
      terahertz region. In the frequency band of about 1 GHz with a central frequency
      of f=98.46  GHz, the device has the following parameters: isolation of the output
      ports from the input port in the first regime is better than -30  dB, division of
      the input signal is about (-3.8+/-1.0)  dB in the second regime, and isolation in
      the regime switch ON, where any one of the two output ports is higher than -15 
      dB and the insertion loss is lower than -2.0  dB. 

PMID- 27140388
TI  - Fast generation of a high-quality computer-generated hologram using a scalable
      and flexible PC cluster.
AB  - In order to efficiently generate a high-quality computer-generated hologram (HQ
      CGH), which requires that both a three-dimensional object image and its computer
      generated hologram (CGH) are in high-definition resolution, we implement a fast
      CGH generation system using a scalable and flexible personal computer (PC)
      cluster. From experimental results obtained in generating a HQ-CGH with a CGH
      resolution of 1536*1536 and 2,155,898 light sources using a PC cluster comprising
      a server PC and nine client PCs, it is verified that the proposed system is
      approximately 4.7 times faster than a single PC with two high-performance GPUs. 

PMID- 27140389
TI  - Space target optical characteristic calculation model and method in the
      photoelectric detection target.
AB  - This paper researches the calculation method of space target optical
      characteristics to improve performance and sensitivity of the photoelectric
      detection target. In accordance with the detection principle of the photoelectric
      detection target and the detection screen thickness geometrical relationship,
      this paper sets up the space target spectral characteristic model using the
      surface element mesh analysis method and the bidirectional reflection
      distribution function. It provides the incident radiation energy calculation
      function in the optical lens entrance pupil of the photoelectric detection target
      detection area in order to determine the total spectral radiance intensity
      calculation function of the space target. The paper also reports on the minimum
      flux calculation function detected by the photoelectric detection target based on
      the definition of detection sensitivity and the change curve of the target's
      radiation energy when entering the detection area at different incident angles.
      Lastly, it demonstrates the spectral illuminations of an optical detection system
      under different radiation wavelengths and reflection radiation angles, as well as
      change curves of the target's spectral radiation intensity passing through the
      detection screen area and at different incident angles from the same distance. 

PMID- 27140390
TI  - Nondestructive analysis of automotive paints with spectral domain optical
      coherence tomography.
AB  - We have demonstrated for the first time, to our knowledge, the use of optical
      coherence tomography (OCT) as an analytical tool for nondestructively
      characterizing the individual paint layer thickness of multiple layered
      automotive paints. A graph-based segmentation method was used for automatic
      analysis of the thickness distribution for the top layers of solid color paints.
      The thicknesses measured with OCT were in good agreement with the optical
      microscope and ultrasonic techniques that are the current standard in the
      automobile industry. Because of its high axial resolution (5.5 MUm), the OCT
      technique was shown to be able to resolve the thickness of individual paint
      layers down to 11 MUm. With its high lateral resolution (12.4 MUm), the OCT
      system was also able to measure the cross-sectional area of the aluminum flakes
      in a metallic automotive paint. The range of values measured was 300-1850 
      MUm<sup>2</sup>. In summary, the proposed OCT is a noncontact, high-resolution
      technique that has the potential for inclusion as part of the quality assurance
      process in automobile coating. 

PMID- 27140391
TI  - Corrigendum to: A Fusarium graminearum strain-comparative proteomic approach
      identifies regulatory changes triggered by agmatine [J. Proteomics (2016) 137;
      107-116].

PMID- 27140392
TI  - Screening and brief intervention for unhealthy substance use in patients with
      chronic medical conditions: a systematic review.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This systematic review describes studies evaluating
      screening tools and brief interventions for addressing unhealthy substance use in
      primary care patients with hypertension, diabetes or depression. BACKGROUND:
      Primary care is the main entry point to the health care system for most patients
      with comorbid unhealthy substance use and chronic medical conditions. Although of
      great public health importance, systematic reviews of screening tools and brief
      interventions for unhealthy substance use in this population that are also
      feasible for use in primary care have not been conducted. DESIGN: Systematic
      review. METHODS: We systematically review the research literature on evidence
      based tools for screening for unhealthy substance use in primary care patients
      with depression, diabetes and hypertension, and utilising brief interventions
      with this population. RESULTS: Despite recommendations to screen for and
      intervene with unhealthy substance use in primary care patients with chronic
      medical conditions, the review found little indication of routine use of these
      practices. Limited evidence suggested the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification
      Test and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-C screeners had adequate
      psychometric characteristics in patients with the selected chronic medical
      conditions. Screening scores indicating more severe alcohol use were associated
      with health-risk behaviours and poorer health outcomes, adding to the potential
      usefulness of screening for unhealthy alcohol use in this population.
      CONCLUSIONS: Studies support brief interventions' effectiveness with patients
      treated for hypertension or depression who hazardously use alcohol or cannabis,
      for both substance use and chronic medical condition outcomes. RELEVANCE TO
      CLINICAL PRACTICE: Although small, the international evidence base suggests that
      screening with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test or Alcohol Use
      Disorders Identification Test-C and brief interventions for primary care patients
      with chronic medical conditions, delivered by nurses or other providers, are
      effective for identifying unhealthy substance use and associated with healthy
      behaviours and improved outcomes. Lacking are studies screening for illicit drug
      use, and using single-item screening tools, which could be especially helpful for
      frontline primary care providers including nurses.

PMID- 27140393
TI  - Hydrodynamic properties of San Quintin Bay, Baja California: Merging models and
      observations.
AB  - We investigated the physical dynamics of San Quintin Bay, a coastal lagoon
      located on the Pacific coast of northern Baja California, Mexico. We implemented,
      validated and used a finite element 2-D hydrodynamic model to characterize the
      spatial and temporal variability of the hydrodynamic of the bay in response to
      variability in the tidal regime and in meteorological forcing patterns. Our
      analysis of general circulation, residual currents, residence times, and tidal
      propagation delays allowed us to characterize spatial variability in the
      hydrodynamic basin features. The eulerian water residence time is -on average and
      under reference conditions- approximately 7days, although this can change
      significantly by region and season and under different tidal and meteorological
      conditions. Ocean upwelling events that bring colder waters into the bay mouth
      affect hydrodynamic properties in all areas of the lagoon and may affect
      ecological dynamics. A return to pre-upwelling conditions would take
      approximately 10days. 

PMID- 27140394
TI  - Primary cardiac lymphoma: diagnosis, treatment and outcome in a modern series.
AB  - Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) represents a rare subset of extranodal lymphomas
      for which the primary lesion arises from the heart and/or the pericardium.
      Fundamental characteristics of PCL remain uncertain, regarding optimal diagnosis
      strategy, pathological features, treatments, as well as prognostic factors. This
      is a single-institution retrospective study of patients with histologically
      proven lymphoma, presenting with exclusive or predominant myocardial invasion at
      time of diagnosis. Thirteen patients were included, all of whom had symptoms
      related to cardiac tumour location with chronic chest pain in six (46%), dyspnea
      in seven (54%) and arythmia in three (23%). Sub-acute and acute congestive heart
      failure were noticed in respectively nine (70%) and one (9%). PCL was identified
      at transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography scan in 80 and 100% of
      patients, respectively. Most frequent location was the right atrium in 10 (77%)
      patients. Pericardial effusion was identified in 10 (77%). Pathological diagnosis
      diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 12 cases and Burkitt in 1 case-was made on
      cardiac surgical biopsies in 9 cases and by intravascular procedure in 2 cases.
      All patients received first-line chemotherapy, with a complete response rate of
      62%. Recurrences occurred in 55% of patients, mostly at extracardiac extranodal
      sites. Our data confirm that PCL harbours specific clinical and anatomical
      features. The aggressiveness of PCL mainly results from the possible onset of
      acute cardiac events. Further molecular characterization may help to further
      individualize PCL among diffuse and intrathoracic lymphomas. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27140395
TI  - Guidelines for Measuring Disease Episodes: An Analysis of the Effects on the
      Components of Expenditure Growth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide guidelines to researchers measuring health expenditures by
      disease and compare these methodologies' implied inflation estimates. DATA
      SOURCE: A convenience sample of commercially insured individuals over the 2003 to
      2007 period from Truven Health. Population weights are applied, based on age,
      sex, and region, to make the sample of over 4 million enrollees representative of
      the entire commercially insured population. STUDY DESIGN: Different methods are
      used to allocate medical-care expenditures to distinct condition categories. We
      compare the estimates of disease-price inflation by method. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Across a variety of methods, the compound annual growth rate stays within the
      range 3.1 to 3.9 percentage points. Disease-specific inflation measures are more
      sensitive to the selected methodology. CONCLUSION: The selected allocation method
      impacts aggregate inflation rates, but considering the variety of methods
      applied, the differences appear small. Future research is necessary to better
      understand these differences in other population samples and to connect disease
      expenditures to measures of quality.

PMID- 27140396
TI  - Alternatively activated macrophages determine repair of the infarcted adult
      murine heart.
AB  - Alternatively activated (also known as M2) macrophages are involved in the repair
      of various types of organs. However, the contribution of M2 macrophages to
      cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI) remains to be fully
      characterized. Here, we identified CD206+F4/80+CD11b+ M2-like macrophages in the
      murine heart and demonstrated that this cell population predominantly increases
      in the infarct area and exhibits strengthened reparative abilities after MI. We
      evaluated mice lacking the kinase TRIB1 (Trib1-/-), which exhibit a selective
      depletion of M2 macrophages after MI. Compared with control animals, Trib1-/-
      mice had a catastrophic prognosis, with frequent cardiac rupture, as the result
      of markedly reduced collagen fibril formation in the infarct area due to impaired
      fibroblast activation. The decreased tissue repair observed in Trib1-/- mice was
      entirely rescued by an external supply of M2-like macrophages. Furthermore, IL
      1alpha and osteopontin were suggested to be mediators of M2-like macrophage
      induced fibroblast activation. In addition, IL-4 administration achieved a
      targeted increase in the number of M2-like macrophages and enhanced the post-MI
      prognosis of WT mice, corresponding with amplified fibroblast activation and
      formation of more supportive fibrous tissues in the infarcts. Together, these
      data demonstrate that M2-like macrophages critically determine the repair of
      infarcted adult murine heart by regulating fibroblast activation and suggest that
      IL-4 is a potential biological drug for treating MI.

PMID- 27140397
TI  - cAMP/CREB-regulated LINC00473 marks LKB1-inactivated lung cancer and mediates
      tumor growth.
AB  - The LKB1 tumor suppressor gene is frequently mutated and inactivated in non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Loss of LKB1 promotes cancer progression and influences
      therapeutic responses in preclinical studies; however, specific targeted
      therapies for lung cancer with LKB1 inactivation are currently unavailable. Here,
      we have identified a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature that is associated
      with the loss of LKB1 function. We discovered that LINC00473 is consistently the
      most highly induced gene in LKB1-inactivated human primary NSCLC samples and
      derived cell lines. Elevated LINC00473 expression correlated with poor prognosis,
      and sustained LINC00473 expression was required for the growth and survival of
      LKB1-inactivated NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, LINC00473 was induced by LKB1
      inactivation and subsequent cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein
      (CREB)/CREB-regulated transcription coactivator (CRTC) activation. We determined
      that LINC00473 is a nuclear lncRNA and interacts with NONO, a component of the
      cAMP signaling pathway, thereby facilitating CRTC/CREB-mediated transcription.
      Collectively, our study demonstrates that LINC00473 expression potentially serves
      as a robust biomarker for tumor LKB1 functional status that can be integrated
      into clinical trials for patient selection and treatment evaluation, and
      implicates LINC00473 as a therapeutic target for LKB1-inactivated NSCLC.

PMID- 27140399
TI  - Two superoxide dismutase prion strains transmit amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
      like disease.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset degeneration of motor
      neurons that is commonly caused by mutations in the gene encoding superoxide
      dismutase 1 (SOD1). Both patients and Tg mice expressing mutant human SOD1
      (hSOD1) develop aggregates of unknown importance. In Tg mice, 2 different strains
      of hSOD1 aggregates (denoted A and B) can arise; however, the role of these
      aggregates in disease pathogenesis has not been fully characterized. Here, minute
      amounts of strain A and B hSOD1 aggregate seeds that were prepared by
      centrifugation through a density cushion were inoculated into lumbar spinal cords
      of 100-day-old mice carrying a human SOD1 Tg. Mice seeded with A or B aggregates
      developed premature signs of ALS and became terminally ill after approximately
      100 days, which is 200 days earlier than for mice that had not been inoculated or
      were given a control preparation. Concomitantly, exponentially growing strain A
      and B hSOD1 aggregations propagated rostrally throughout the spinal cord and
      brainstem. The phenotypes provoked by the A and B strains differed regarding
      progression rates, distribution, end-stage aggregate levels, and histopathology.
      Together, our data indicate that the aggregate strains are prions that transmit a
      templated, spreading aggregation of hSOD1, resulting in a fatal ALS-like disease.

PMID- 27140398
TI  - Hepatic glycogen can regulate hypoglycemic counterregulation via a liver-brain
      axis.
AB  - Liver glycogen is important for the counterregulation of hypoglycemia and is
      reduced in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Here, we examined the effect
      of varying hepatic glycogen content on the counterregulatory response to low
      blood sugar in dogs. During the first 4 hours of each study, hepatic glycogen was
      increased by augmenting hepatic glucose uptake using hyperglycemia and a low-dose
      intraportal fructose infusion. After hepatic glycogen levels were increased,
      animals underwent a 2-hour control period with no fructose infusion followed by a
      2-hour hyperinsulinemic/hypoglycemic clamp. Compared with control treatment,
      fructose infusion caused a large increase in liver glycogen that markedly
      elevated the response of epinephrine and glucagon to a given hypoglycemia and
      increased net hepatic glucose output (NHGO). Moreover, prior denervation of the
      liver abolished the improved counterregulatory responses that resulted from
      increased liver glycogen content. When hepatic glycogen content was lowered,
      glucagon and NHGO responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia were reduced. We
      conclude that there is a liver-brain counterregulatory axis that is responsive to
      liver glycogen content. It remains to be determined whether the risk of
      iatrogenic hypoglycemia in T1D humans could be lessened by targeting metabolic
      pathway(s) associated with hepatic glycogen repletion.

PMID- 27140400
TI  - CHD4-regulated plasmin activation impacts lymphovenous hemostasis and hepatic
      vascular integrity.
AB  - The chromatin-remodeling enzyme CHD4 maintains vascular integrity at mid
      gestation; however, it is unknown whether this enzyme contributes to later blood
      vessel or lymphatic vessel development. Here, we addressed this issue in mice
      harboring a deletion of Chd4 specifically in cells that express lymphatic vessel
      endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE1), which include lymphatic endothelial
      cells (LECs) and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. Chd4 mutant embryos died
      before birth and exhibited severe edema, blood-filled lymphatics, and liver
      hemorrhage. CHD4-deficient embryos developed normal lymphovenous (LV) valves,
      which regulate the return of lymph to the blood circulation; however, these
      valves lacked the fibrin-rich thrombi that prevent blood from entering the
      lymphatic system. Transcripts of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor
      (uPAR), which facilitates activation of the fibrin-degrading protease plasmin,
      were upregulated in Chd4 mutant LYVE1+ cells, and plasmin activity was elevated
      near the LV valves. Genetic reduction of the uPAR ligand urokinase prevented
      degradation of fibrin-rich thrombi at the LV valves and largely resolved the
      blood-filled lymphatics in Chd4 mutants. Urokinase reduction also ameliorated
      liver hemorrhage and prolonged embryonic survival by reducing plasmin-mediated
      extracellular matrix degradation around sinusoidal blood vessels. These results
      highlight the susceptibility of LV thrombi and liver sinusoidal vessels to
      plasmin-mediated damage and demonstrate the importance of CHD4 in regulating
      embryonic plasmin activation after mid-gestation.

PMID- 27140402
TI  - Electrophilic phosphonium cations (EPCs) with perchlorinated-aryl substituents:
      towards air-stable phosphorus-based Lewis acid catalysts.
AB  - A series of phosphines incorporating (C6Cl5) substituents, Ph2P(C6Cl5) 1,
      PhP(C6Cl5)22, P(C6Cl5)33 and (C6F5)P(C6Cl5)24 were prepared. In the case of 1, 2
      and 4, these were converted to the corresponding aryl-difluorophosphoranes 5-7via
      reaction with XeF2, whereas reaction of 3 with XeF2 afforded only an inseparable
      mixture of products. The compounds 5-7 were converted to the fluorophosphonium
      cations 8-10, whereas the reaction of 3 with Selectfluor afforded (C6Cl5)2POF and
      (C6Cl5)2. The fluorophosphonium salts showed evidence of improved air stability
      as well as Lewis acid catalytic activity in hydrodefluorination, hydrosilylation,
      deoxygenation and dehydrocoupling chemistry. 

PMID- 27140403
TI  - Dedicated call center (SOS-HAE) for hereditary angioedema attacks: study protocol
      for a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of guidelines for the specific treatment of
      hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks, HAE morbidity and mortality rates remain
      substantial. HAE attacks are a major medical issue requiring specific treatment
      as well as a considerable socio-economic burden. We report a protocol designed to
      test whether a dedicated call centre is more effective than usual practice in the
      management of patients experiencing an HAE attack. METHODS/DESIGN: This
      prospective, cluster-randomised, single-blind, parallel-group, multicentre trial
      evaluates the morbidity and consequent socio-economic costs of the management of
      patients experiencing an HAE attack by a dedicated call centre as compared to
      usual practice. The trial aims to recruit 200 patients. Patients in the
      intervention arm are provided with an SOS-HAE card with the call centre's
      freephone number that they can access in the case of an attack. The centre's
      mission is to provide recommended expert advice on early home treatment. The
      centre can route the call to a local emergency medical service with competency in
      HAE management or even arrange for the drugs needed for the specific treatment of
      an HAE attack to be sent to the emergency department of the local hospital. The
      primary outcome measure is the number of hospital admissions for an HAE attack.
      Each patient will be followed up every 2 months for 2 years. The study has been
      approved by the ethics committee (Comite de Protection des Personnes d'Ile de
      France 10; registration number: 2012-A00044-39; date of approval: 19 January
      2012). DISCUSSION: The SOS-HAE protocol has been designed to address the handling
      of attacks experienced by patients with HAE in the home. The proposed trial will
      determine whether the setting up of a dedicated call centre is more effective
      than usual practice in terms of reducing morbidity as given by the numbers of
      hospital admissions. The results are also anticipated to have important
      implications in terms of socio-economic costs for both healthcare services and
      patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01679912 .

PMID- 27140401
TI  - Clinical iron deficiency disturbs normal human responses to hypoxia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iron bioavailability has been identified as a factor that influences
      cellular hypoxia sensing, putatively via an action on the hypoxia-inducible
      factor (HIF) pathway. We therefore hypothesized that clinical iron deficiency
      would disturb integrated human responses to hypoxia. METHODS: We performed a
      prospective, controlled, observational study of the effects of iron status on
      hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Individuals with absolute iron deficiency (ID)
      and an iron-replete (IR) control group were exposed to two 6-hour periods of
      isocapnic hypoxia. The second hypoxic exposure was preceded by i.v. infusion of
      iron. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was serially assessed with
      Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: Thirteen ID individuals completed the study
      and were age- and sex-matched with controls. PASP did not differ by group or
      study day before each hypoxic exposure. During the first 6-hour hypoxic exposure,
      the rise in PASP was 6.2 mmHg greater in the ID group (absolute rises 16.1 and
      10.7 mmHg, respectively; 95% CI for difference, 2.7-9.7 mmHg, P = 0.001).
      Intravenous iron attenuated the PASP rise in both groups; however, the effect was
      greater in ID participants than in controls (absolute reductions 11.1 and 6.8
      mmHg, respectively; 95% CI for difference in change, -8.3 to -0.3 mmHg, P =
      0.035). Serum erythropoietin responses to hypoxia also differed between groups.
      CONCLUSION: Clinical iron deficiency disturbs normal responses to hypoxia, as
      evidenced by exaggerated hypoxic pulmonary hypertension that is reversed by
      subsequent iron administration. Disturbed hypoxia sensing and signaling provides
      a mechanism through which iron deficiency may be detrimental to human health.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01847352). FUNDING: M.C. Frise is the
      recipient of a British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Training Fellowship
      (FS/14/48/30828). K.L. Dorrington is supported by the Dunhill Medical Trust
      (R178/1110). D.J. Roberts was supported by R&D funding from National Health
      Service (NHS) Blood and Transplant and a National Institute for Health Research
      (NIHR) Programme grant (RP-PG-0310-1004). This research was funded by the NIHR
      Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Programme.

PMID- 27140404
TI  - A regional approach for CAR T-cell therapy for mesothelioma: from mouse models to
      clinical trial.

PMID- 27140405
TI  - Tofacitinib in ulcerative colitis.
AB  - Cytokines orchestrate immune and inflammatory responses involved in the
      pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Protein kinases are essential for signal
      transduction in eukaryotic cells. Janus kinases (JAKs) are a family of protein
      tyrosine kinases that play a pivotal role in cytokine receptor signaling. Indeed,
      a major subgroup of cytokines use Type I and II cytokine receptors which signal
      via the activation of JAKs. Tofacitinib is an oral JAK inhibitor that has been
      studied in autoimmune pathologies, including UC and rheumatoid arthritis with
      good overall efficacy and acceptable safety profile. This literature review was
      performed with the goal of summarizing the knowledge on JAK inhibitors in UC
      treatment.

PMID- 27140406
TI  - TG4010: a vaccine with a therapeutic role in cancer.
AB  - One of the strategies to enhance immune response against tumors has been the use
      of vaccines against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). MUC1 is a TAA that is
      overexpressed in many malignancies being linked to worse prognosis. Moreover,
      tumor MUC1 is hypoglycosylated revealing new epitopes that are antigenic and
      potential T-cell targets. TG4010 is a recombinant viral vaccine targeting MUC1,
      also encoding for IL-2. TG4010 has been tested in Phase I-II trials demonstrating
      a consistent safety profile with mild local reactions as main side effect. These
      studies have confirmed immune responses to the vaccine product. Clinical efficacy
      has been observed mainly in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer in
      combination with chemotherapy. Peripheral activated NK cells are currently being
      validated as biomarkers of response.

PMID- 27140408
TI  - In vitro Treg expansion favors the full-length splicing isoform of CTLA4.
AB  - AIM: We compared fresh and in vitro expanded human Tregs for their CTLA4 splicing
      isoform expression. METHODS: The CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(low/-)phenotype was used for
      sorting Tregs and mRNA levels were measured with relative qRT-PCR. RESULTS: In
      fresh Tregs the level of soluble CTLA4 (sCTLA4) was half of that of full-length
      CTLA4, whereas in expanded cells sCTLA4 level was tenfold lower. The most
      striking change took place early on: sCTLA4 expression decreased significantly
      when cells were simply kept in culture. CONCLUSION: In the in vitro expanded
      Tregs, the splicing of CTLA4 is affected. Our findings can be significant for
      clinical cell manufacturing. First, even minimal processing of cells may impact
      the functional molecules. Second, Treg expansion yields more potent CTLA4
      receptor bearing cells.

PMID- 27140407
TI  - Adoptive transfer of aminobisphonate-expanded Vgamma9Vdelta2+ T cells does not
      control HIV replication in a humanized mouse model.
AB  - AIM: Vgamma9Vdelta2 gammadelta T cells have effector potential against several
      cancers and infectious agents. Whether these cells control HIV replication was
      tested in humanized mouse model. METHODS: NOD SCID gamma mice engrafted with
      human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and infected with HIVBAL were
      treated with zoledronate-expanded Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells either alone or in
      combination with an anti-HIV envelope antibody b12. RESULTS: Severe depletion of
      CD4+CCR5+ T cells was observed in PBMCs of all infected mice. HIV plasma p24
      levels were comparable in all infected groups with no decrease in plasma viremia
      achieved by adoptive transfer of cells. CONCLUSION: Autologous transfer of ex
      vivo expanded Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells may not be a successful treatment choice for
      controlling HIV replication in vivo.

PMID- 27140409
TI  - Allergen immunotherapy for birch pollen-allergic patients: recent advances.
AB  - As of today, allergen immunotherapy is performed with aqueous natural allergen
      extracts. Recombinant allergen vaccines are not yet commercially available,
      although they could provide patients with well-defined and highly consistent drug
      substances. As Bet v 1 is the major allergen involved in birch pollen allergy,
      with more than 95% of patients sensitized to this allergen, pharmaceutical-grade
      recombinant Bet v 1-based vaccines were produced and clinically tested. Herein,
      we compare the clinical results and modes of action of treatments based on either
      a birch pollen extract or recombinant Bet v 1 expressed as hypoallergenic or
      natural-like molecules. We also discuss the future of allergen immunotherapy with
      improved drugs intended for birch pollen-allergic patients suffering from
      rhinoconjunctivitis.

PMID- 27140410
TI  - Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: from
      uncertainties to promises.
AB  - Over the last two decades, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has
      improved patient outcome in B-cell malignancies, and confirmed CD20 as an
      important target in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Until recently, the gold
      standard was based on the utilization of rituximab combined with chemotherapy
      (fludarabine and cyclophosphamide), but patients often relapse. Next, with our
      better understanding of mAb engineering, anti-CD20 mAb therapy has evolved with
      the development of new mAb permitting significant clinical responses by improving
      pharmacokinetics, safety, activity and immunogenicity. Last but not least, the
      development of key tumoral tyrosine kinase inhibitors and their association with
      anti-CD20 mAb is a work in progress with promising results.

PMID- 27140411
TI  - Beyond melanoma: inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in solid tumors.
AB  - Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been identified as breakthrough treatment in
      melanoma given its dramatic response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. This is likely to
      extend to many other cancers as hundreds of clinical trials are being conducted
      or proposed using this exciting modality of therapy in a variety of malignancies.
      While immune checkpoint inhibitors have been extensively studied in melanoma and
      more recently in lung cancer, little is known regarding immune checkpoint
      blockade in other cancers. This review will focus on the tumor immune
      microenvironment, the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and the effect of immune
      modulation using PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with head and neck,
      prostate, urothelial, renal, breast, gastrointestinal and lung cancers.

PMID- 27140412
TI  - The potential of intravenous immunoglobulins for cancer therapy: a road that is
      worth taking?
AB  - Much has been learned recently about the role of immunoglobulins as effector
      molecules of the adaptive immunity and as active elements in the maintenance of
      immune homeostasis. The increasing number of pathologies where intravenous
      immunoglobulins (IVIg) display a beneficial action illustrates their therapeutic
      relevance. Considering recent findings on the ability of IVIg to modulate
      macrophage polarization, herein we review evidences on the antitumoral activity
      of IVIg. Fragmentary and nonconclusive, available evidences are just suggestive
      of the potential of IVIg in antitumoral therapy, but encourage for the generation
      of additional evidences through well-designed clinical trials, and for additional
      studies to address the molecular effects of IVIg as a means to avoid the
      extrapolation of data gathered from animal models.

PMID- 27140413
TI  - Novel immunotherapies for the treatment of melanoma.
AB  - Immunotherapies are achieving clinical success for the treatment of many cancers.
      However, it has taken a long time to exploit the potential of the immune system
      for the treatment of human cancers. We cannot forget that this has been the
      consequence of very extensive work in basic research in preclinical models and in
      human patients. Thus, it is rather hard to compile all of it while giving a
      comprehensive view on this subject. Here we have attempted to give an overall
      perspective in immunotherapy of melanoma. A brief overview on current therapies
      is provided, followed by adoptive cell therapies. Gene engineering strategies to
      improve these therapies are also explained, finishing with therapies based on
      interference with immune checkpoint pathways.

PMID- 27140414
TI  - Effect of passive immunotherapy against Clostridium difficile infection: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - This systematic review aimed to determine the effect of antibody therapy against
      Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) using meta-analysis. In total, 28 studies
      (animals - 12; human - 17) were identified from the database on the basis of
      inclusion criteria; then selected studies were systematically reviewed and
      statistically analyzed. In animal experiments, the pooled relative risk of eight
      potential studies suggested that the antibody treatment could reduce the risk of
      CDI. However, the methodological heterogeneity was moderately higher. In human
      subjects, the majority of reports demonstrated the beneficial effect of passive
      immunotherapy against CDI. However, this systematic review and meta-analysis
      recommends that more intensive controlled studies are indispensable for
      legitimate confirmation.

PMID- 27140415
TI  - A network meta-analysis of the risk of immune-related renal toxicity in cancer
      patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We performed a network meta-analysis of the risk of immune-related
      renal toxicity associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. METHODS: Eligible
      studies included randomized trials of patients with immune checkpoint inhibitors;
      describing events of immune-related renal toxicity. RESULTS: Compared with
      chemotherapy control, immune checkpoint inhibitors carry a higher risk of all
      grade (but not high-grade) immune-related renal toxicity. The risk with both
      nivolumab/ipilimumab combination was higher than the risk with either ipilimumab
      or nivolumab alone (odds ratio: 0.47 [95% credible interval: 0.21-0.99] and 0.11
      [95% credible interval: 0.03-0.29]); for nivolumab/ipilimumab combination versus
      ipilimumab or nivolumab monotherapy). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis demonstrated
      that the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is associated with an increased risk
      of all-grade immune-related renal toxicity compared with chemotherapy control.

PMID- 27140417
TI  - Opening the 'Vaccine Hesitancy' black box: how trust in institutions affects
      French GPs' vaccination practices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, vaccine hesitancy among health professionals has
      emerged as an important issue on public health agendas. However, we do not yet
      know very much about whether, and if so how, trust in institutions affects their
      practices. METHODS: A path analysis model explaining the influence of trust on
      GPs' vaccine hesitancy was applied to a cross-sectional survey of 1,582 French
      GPs performed in 2014. We hypothesized that distrust in public health
      institutions influences GPs' concerns about the safety of various vaccines, their
      perceptions about the importance of vaccination, their self-efficacy in the
      doctor-patient relationship, and ultimately their vaccination recommendations to
      patients. RESULTS: GPs' trust in institutions was found to be significantly
      associated with lower vaccine hesitancy, an association mediated to a large
      extent by the vaccine's perceived safety (beta = 0.09, P < 0.01) and the
      importance of vaccination (beta = 0.46, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest that restoration of high vaccination coverage may require the re
      establishment of a significant degree of trust in the public health system among
      health professionals.

PMID- 27140418
TI  - Ordered Layered Dendrimers Constructed from Two Known Dendrimer Families:
      Inheritance and Emergence of Properties.
AB  - A new concept is presented, namely the synthesis of dendrimers intrinsically
      composed in alternation of building blocks pertaining to two known families of
      dendrimers: phosphorhydrazone dendrimers and triazine-piperazine dendrimers.
      These mixed dendrimers with layered controlled architecture inherit their easy
      (31) P NMR characterization and their thermal stability from the
      phosphorhydrazone family, and their decreased solubility from the triazine
      piperazine family. However, they have also their own and original
      characteristics. Both parent families are white powders, whereas the mixed
      dendrimers are yellow, orange, or red powders, depending on the generation. DFT
      calculations were carried out on model dendrons to understand these special color
      features. Remarkably, these dendrimers incorporating redox-active organic
      entities allow for the first time the monitoring of the growth of an organic
      dendrimer by electrochemistry while highlighting an even-odd generation behavior.

PMID- 27140419
TI  - Point-prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections in Beijing, China: a
      survey and analysis in 2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Point-prevalence studies can identify priorities for infection
      control. AIM: In May 2014, the Beijing Nosocomial Infection Control and Quality
      Improvement Centre organized a point-prevalence survey in 124 acute care
      hospitals in Beijing province. By analysing the survey results and factors
      affecting the point prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) in
      secondary and tertiary acute care hospitals in a certain area of China, this
      study provides evidence and reference to monitor HCAIs in a wide variety of
      hospitals. METHODS: An epidemiological cross-sectional survey conducted by
      infection control practitioners was used to assess the point-prevalence rate of
      HCAIs by reviewing cases and performing bedside surveys. FINDINGS: In total, 124
      hospitals and 61,990 patients were surveyed, and 1389 (2.2%) HCAIs were diagnosed
      in 1294 (2.1%) patients. Respiratory tract infections were the most common HCAIs
      (54.4%, 51.7-56.9%), followed by urinary tract infections (15.0%, 13.2-16.9%),
      gastrointestinal tract infections (7.7%, 6.3-9.1%), surgical site infections
      (6.3%, 5.1-7.6%) and bloodstream infections (5.5%, 4.3-6.8%). In this survey, the
      top three pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and
      Escherichia coli. Rates of central vein catheter insertion, urethral
      catheterization and mechanical ventilation were 9.9%, 12.4% and 3.8%,
      respectively. Overall, 23.7% of the patients underwent surgery on or before the
      date of the survey. HCAIs were present in 14.5% of intensive care unit patients,
      2.3% of medical patients and 2% of surgical patients. Diarrhoea was found in 0.8%
      of the assessed cases; however, tests for Clostridium difficile are not routinely
      available in China. CONCLUSION: In areas with limited personnel and resources,
      regular investigation of the point prevalence of HCAIs can be performed in lieu
      of comprehensive monitoring to elucidate risk factors and disease burdens of
      HCAIs.

PMID- 27140416
TI  - Conserved Senescence Associated Genes and Pathways in Primary Human Fibroblasts
      Detected by RNA-Seq.
AB  - Cellular senescence correlates with changes in the transcriptome. To obtain a
      complete view on senescence-associated transcription networks and pathways, we
      assessed by deep RNA sequencing the transcriptomes of five of the most commonly
      used laboratory strains of human fibroblasts during their transition into
      senescence. In a number of cases, we verified the RNA-seq data by real-time PCR.
      By determining cellular protein levels we observed that the age-related
      expression of most but not all genes is regulated at the transcriptional level.
      We found that 78% of the age-affected differentially expressed genes were
      commonly regulated in the same direction (either up- or down-regulated) in all
      five fibroblast strains, indicating a strong conservation of age-associated
      changes in the transcriptome. KEGG pathway analyses confirmed up-regulation of
      the senescence-associated secretory phenotype and down-regulation of DNA
      synthesis/repair and most cell cycle pathways common in all five cell strains.
      Newly identified senescence-induced pathways include up-regulation of
      endocytotic/phagocytic pathways and down-regulation of the mRNA metabolism and
      the mRNA splicing pathways. Our results provide an unprecedented comprehensive
      and deep view into the individual and common transcriptome and pathway changes
      during the transition into of senescence of five human fibroblast cell strains.

PMID- 27140420
TI  - Influence of risk assessment inspection on the prevention of nosocomial
      infection.

PMID- 27140421
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus dry-surface biofilms are not killed by sodium hypochlorite:
      implications for infection control.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dry hospital environments are contaminated with pathogenic bacteria
      in biofilms, which suggests that current cleaning practices and disinfectants are
      failing. AIM: To test the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite solution against
      Staphylococcus aureus dry-surface biofilms. METHODS: The Centers for Disease
      Control and Prevention Biofilm Reactor was adapted to create a dry-surface
      biofilm, containing 1.36 * 10(7)S. aureus/coupon, by alternating cycles of growth
      and dehydration over 12 days. Biofilm was detected qualitatively using live/dead
      stain confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and quantitatively with
      sonicated viable plate counts and crystal violet assay. Sodium hypochlorite (1000
      20,000parts per million) was applied to the dry-surface biofilm for 10min,
      coupons were rinsed three times, and residual biofilm viability was determined by
      CLSM, plate counts and prolonged culture up to 16 days. Isolates before and after
      exposure underwent minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum eradication
      concentration (MEC) testing, and one pair underwent whole-genome sequencing.
      FINDINGS: Hypochlorite exposure reduced plate counts by a factor of 7 log10, and
      reduced biofilm biomass by a factor of 100; however, staining of residual biofilm
      showed that live S. aureus cells remained. On prolonged incubation, S. aureus
      regrew and formed biofilms. Post-exposure S. aureus isolates had MICs and MECs
      that were not significantly different from the parent strains. Whole-genome
      sequencing of one pre- and post-exposure pair found that they were virtually
      identical. CONCLUSIONS: Hypochlorite exposure led to a 7-log kill but the
      organisms regrew. No resistance mutations occurred, implying that hypochlorite
      resistance is an intrinsic property of S. aureus biofilms. The clinical
      significance of this warrants further study.

PMID- 27140423
TI  - Multilayer Graphene Enables Higher Efficiency in Improving Thermal Conductivities
      of Graphene/Epoxy Composites.
AB  - The effects of number of graphene layers (n) and size of multilayer graphene
      sheets on thermal conductivities (TCs) of their epoxy composites are
      investigated. Molecular dynamics simulations show that the in-plane TCs of
      graphene sheets and the TCs across the graphene/epoxy interface simultaneously
      increase with increasing n. However, such higher TCs of multilayer graphene
      sheets will not translate into higher TCs of bulk composites unless they have
      large lateral sizes to maintain their aspect ratios comparable to the monolayer
      counterparts. The benefits of using large, multilayer graphene sheets are
      confirmed by experiments, showing that the composites made from graphite
      nanoplatelets (n > 10) with over 30 MUm in diameter deliver a TC of ~1.5 W m(-1)
      K(-1) at only 2.8 vol %, consistently higher than those containing monolayer or
      few-layer graphene at the same graphene loading. Our findings offer a guideline
      to use cost-effective multilayer graphene as conductive fillers for various
      thermal management applications.

PMID- 27140422
TI  - Assessing Metabolic Changes in Response to mTOR Inhibition in a Mantle Cell
      Lymphoma Xenograft Model Using AcidoCEST MRI.
AB  - AcidoCEST magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has previously been shown to measure
      tumor extracellular pH (pHe) with excellent accuracy and precision. This study
      investigated the ability of acidoCEST MRI to monitor changes in tumor pHe in
      response to therapy. To perform this study, we used the Granta 519 human mantle
      cell lymphoma cell line, which is an aggressive B-cell malignancy that
      demonstrates activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target
      of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. We performed in vitro and in vivo studies using the
      Granta 519 cell line to investigate the efficacy and associated changes induced
      by the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus (RAD001). AcidoCEST MRI studies showed a
      statistically significant increase in tumor pHe of 0.10 pH unit within 1 day of
      initiating treatment, which foreshadowed a decrease in tumor growth of the Granta
      519 xenograft model. AcidoCEST MRI then measured a decrease in tumor pHe 7 days
      after initiating treatment, which foreshadowed a return to normal tumor growth
      rate. Therefore, this study is a strong example that acidoCEST MRI can be used to
      measure tumor pHe that may serve as a marker for therapeutic efficacy of
      anticancer therapies.

PMID- 27140424
TI  - Immortalization and characterization of a new canine mammary tumour cell line
      FR37-CMT.
AB  - Here we describe the establishment of a new canine mammary tumour (CMT) cell
      line, FR37-CMT that does not show dependence on female hormonal signaling to
      induce tumour xenografts in NOD-SCID mice. FR37-CMT cell line has a stellate or
      fusiform shape, displays the ability to reorganize the collagen matrix, expresses
      vimentin, CD44 and shows the loss of E-cadherin which is considered a fundamental
      event in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The up-regulation of ZEB1,
      the detection of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and the downregulation of DICER1 and miR
      200c are also in accordance with the mesenchymal characteristics of FR37-CMT cell
      line. FR37-CMT shows a higher resistance to cisplatin (IC50 >50 uM) and to
      doxorubicin (IC50 >5.3 uM) compared with other CMT cell lines. These results
      support the use of FR37-CMT as a new CMT model that may assist the understanding
      of the molecular mechanisms underlying EMT, CMT drug resistance, fostering the
      development of novel therapies targeting CMT.

PMID- 27140426
TI  - Correction: Approximating a Giving Up Smoking Dynamic on Adolescent Nicotine
      Dependence in Fractional Order.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103617.].

PMID- 27140425
TI  - Lidocaine Enhances Contractile Function of Ischemic Myocardial Regions in Mouse
      Model of Sustained Myocardial Ischemia.
AB  - RATIONALE: Perioperative myocardial ischemia is common in high-risk patients. The
      use of interventional revascularisation or even thrombolysis is limited in this
      patient subset due to exceedingly high bleeding risks. Blockade of voltage-gated
      sodium channels (VGSC) with lidocaine had been suggested to reduce infarct size
      and cardiomyocyte cell death in ischemia/reperfusion models. However, the impact
      of lidocaine on cardiac function during sustained ischemia still remains unclear.
      METHODS: Sustained myocardial ischemia was induced by ligation of the left
      anterior descending artery in 12-16 weeks old male BALB/c mice. Subcutaneous
      lidocaine (30 mg/kg) was used to block VGSC. Cardiac function was quantified at
      baseline and at 72h by conventional and speckle-tracking based echocardiography
      to allow high-sensitivity in vivo phenotyping. Infarct size and cardiomyocyte
      cell death were assessed post mortem histologically and indirectly using troponin
      measurements. RESULTS: Ischemia strongly impaired both, global systolic and
      diastolic function, which were partially rescued in lidocaine treated in mice. No
      differences regarding infarct size and cardiomyocyte cell death were observed.
      Mechanistically, and as shown with speckle-tracking analysis, lidocaine
      specifically improves residual contractility in the ischemic but not in the
      remote, non-ischemic myocardium. CONCLUSION: VGSC blockade with lidocaine rescues
      function of ischemic myocardium as a potential bridging to revascularisation in
      the setting of perioperative myocardial ischemia.

PMID- 27140427
TI  - Drug interactions between buprenorphine, methadone and hepatitis C therapeutics.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: People who inject drugs (PWID) and other individuals with opioid
      use disorders have a dramatically higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      infection than the general population. The availability of novel direct acting
      antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of HCV infection with very high efficacy,
      improved tolerability and shortened treatment durations have led to global
      efforts to ramp up treatment for all HCV-infected individuals to prevent or delay
      complications of the disease. Individuals with opioid use disorders, including
      those on medication-assisted therapy such as methadone or buprenorphine, are a
      key demographic group that can benefit from HCV treatment given their high HCV
      prevalence; however, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug interactions could
      blunt their utility. AREAS COVERED: We performed a comprehensive literature
      review of published and unpublished data from PubMed database, relevant
      conference abstracts/proceedings and FDA approved drug package inserts, to review
      the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and drug interactions between currently approved
      HCV DAAs and methadone and buprenorphine. EXPERT OPINION: The paper highlights
      specific drug combinations which result in altered opioid drug levels including
      telaprevir/methadone, daclatasvir/buprenorphine, and Abbvie 3D combination
      regimen (paritaprevir, ritonavir, ombitasvir and dasabuvir)/buprenorphine.
      However, concurrent pharmacodynamics assessments did not reveal significant signs
      and symptoms of opioid withdrawal or toxicity that would preclude concurrent
      administration.

PMID- 27140428
TI  - Ultra-pH-Responsive and Tumor-Penetrating Nanoplatform for Targeted siRNA
      Delivery with Robust Anti-Cancer Efficacy.
AB  - RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing technologies have shown significant
      potential for treating various diseases, including cancer. However, clinical
      success in cancer therapy remains elusive, mainly owing to suboptimal in vivo
      delivery of RNAi therapeutics such as small interference RNA (siRNA) to tumors.
      Herein, we developed a library of polymers that respond to a narrow pH change
      (ultra-pH-responsive), and demonstrated the utility of these materials in
      targeted and deep tumor-penetrating nanoparticle (NP) for in vivo RNAi. The new
      NP platform is mainly composed of the following key components: i) internalizing
      RGD (iRGD) to enhance tumor targeting and tissue penetration; ii) polyethylene
      glycol (PEG) chains to prolong blood circulation; and iii) sharp pH-responsive
      hydrophobic polymer to improve endosome escape. Through systematic studies of
      structure-function relationship, the optimized RNAi NPs (<70 nm) showed efficient
      gene silencing and significant inhibition of tumor growth with negligible
      toxicities in vivo.

PMID- 27140429
TI  - Screening and Biological Effects of Marine Pyrroloiminoquinone Alkaloids:
      Potential Inhibitors of the HIF-1alpha/p300 Interaction.
AB  - Inhibition of the hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) pathway by
      disrupting its association with the transcriptional coactivator p300 inhibits
      angiogenesis and tumor development. Development of HIF-1alpha/p300 inhibitors has
      been hampered by preclinical toxicity; therefore, we aimed to identify novel HIF
      1alpha/p300 inhibitors. Using a cell-free assay designed to test compounds that
      block HIF-1alpha/p300 binding, 170 298 crude natural product extracts and
      prefractionated samples were screened, identifying 25 active extracts. One of
      these extracts, originating from the marine sponge Latrunculia sp., afforded six
      pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids that were identified as positive hits (IC50 values:
      1-35 MUM). Luciferase assays confirmed inhibition of HIF-1alpha transcriptional
      activity by discorhabdin B (1) and its dimer (2), 3-dihydrodiscorhabdin C (3),
      makaluvamine F (5), discorhabdin H (8), discorhabdin L (9), and discorhabdin W
      (11) in HCT 116 colon cancer cells (0.1-10 MUM, p < 0.05). Except for 11, all of
      these compounds also reduced HIF-1alpha transcriptional activity in LNCaP
      prostate cancer cells (0.1-10 MUM, p < 0.05). These effects occurred at
      noncytotoxic concentrations (<50% cell death) under hypoxic conditions. At the
      downstream HIF-1alpha target level, compound 8 (0.5 MUM) significantly decreased
      VEGF secretion in LNCaP cells (p < 0.05). In COLO 205 colon cancer cells no
      activity was shown in the luciferase or cytotoxicity assays. Pyrroloiminoquinone
      alkaloids are a novel class of HIF-1alpha inhibitors, which interrupt the protein
      protein interaction between HIF-1alpha and p300 and consequently reduce HIF
      related transcription.

PMID- 27140430
TI  - Drug policy and harm reduction in the Middle East and North Africa: The role of
      civil society.
AB  - Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are the
      principal partners of government in scaling up the response to HIV and in
      implementing national policies. In return, CSOs expect endorsement of their work
      by the governments. Some CSOs face weaknesses and need capacity-building in order
      for them to reach the level of response required for reducing drug-related harm
      in this region. Substance use and the transmission of HIV are increasing in the
      MENA region. The limited data available on drug use show that there are
      approximately 630,000 people who inject drugs (PWID) across the region. The HIV
      epidemic remains concentrated among PWID and other key populations in the region.
      Comprehensive harm reduction programs which include prevention, care, and HIV
      treatment for PWID are being implemented by CSOs. This could not happen without
      the presence of a conducive environment which has been facilitated by the CSOs,
      and which aims to lead to a positive response in health policies, and thus to
      harm reduction programs in some countries in the region. However, based on the
      international data, antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage remains low in these
      countries, even if the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving ART is
      increasing. This increase can sometimes mask important challenges in equity: in
      several countries PWID are the most likely to be infected with HIV while being
      the least likely to be receiving care and ART. Therefore, concentrated efforts
      need to continue toward the goal of having mainstream harm reduction approaches
      in region.

PMID- 27140431
TI  - Shaping drug policy in Poland.
AB  - Poland, a post-socialist democracy with a high interest in successful integration
      with the European Union and a strong catholic tradition, currently has some of
      the most restrictive anti-drug laws in Europe. Structural violence towards drug
      users has intensified as a result of decades of shifting drug policies and,
      surprisingly, the more recent process of political and economic liberalization.
      This commentary considers the contextual and historical dynamics of drug policy
      making in Poland. It traces transitions in Poland's drug control policy,
      throughout Poland's history as a soviet satellite state, under martial law, and
      in the democracy that it is today. This case study draws on an analysis of
      interviews with key actors and participant observations in combination with
      documents and archival records. This paper follows the changes in Poland's drug
      control policy, throughout Poland's history as a soviet satellite state, under
      martial law, and in the democracy that it is today. Factors contributing to the
      enactment of restrictive drug laws have occurred in a highly politicized context
      during a series of dramatic political transitions. Current drug policies are
      woefully inadequate for treating those in need of drug treatment and care as well
      as for preventing HIV and other harms linked to drug injecting.

PMID- 27140432
TI  - The effects of extended public transport operating hours and venue lockout
      policies on drinking-related harms in Melbourne, Australia: Results from
      SimDrink, an agent-based simulation model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The late-night accessibility of entertainment precincts is a
      contributing factor to acute drinking-related harms. Using computer simulation we
      test the effects of improved public transport (PT) and venue lockouts on verbal
      aggression, consumption-related harms and transport-related harms among a
      population of young adults engaging in heavy drinking in Melbourne. METHODS:
      Using an agent-based model we implemented: a two-hour PT extension/24-hour PT;
      1am/3am venue lockouts; and combinations of both. Outcomes determined for outer
      urban (OU) and inner-city (IC) residents were: the number of incidents of verbal
      aggression inside public and private venues; the number of people ejected from
      public venues for being intoxicated; and the percentage of people experiencing
      verbal aggression, consumption-related harms and transport-related harms.
      RESULTS: All-night PT reduced verbal aggression in the model by 21% but displaced
      some incidents among OU residents from private to public settings. Comparatively,
      1am lockouts reduced verbal aggression in the model by 19% but led to IC
      residents spending more time in private rather than public venues where their
      consumption-related harms increased. Extending PT by 2h had similar outcomes to
      24-hour PT except with fewer incidents of verbal aggression displaced. Although
      3am lockouts were inferior to 1am lockouts, when modelled in combination with any
      extension of PT both policies were similar. CONCLUSIONS: A two-hour extension of
      PT is likely to be more effective in reducing verbal aggression and consumption
      related harms than venue lockouts. Modelling a further extension of PT to 24h had
      minimal additional benefits but the potential to displace incidents of verbal
      aggression among OU residents from private to public venues.

PMID- 27140433
TI  - Catastrophic Magnetic Resonance Images in the Central Nervous System of Patients
      Undergoing Treatment with Fingolimod.

PMID- 27140434
TI  - Island shape and electronic structure in diindenoperylene thin films deposited on
      Au(110) single crystals.
AB  - We have investigated diindenoperylene (DIP) thin films deposited on Au(110)
      single crystals, by using a multi-technique approach based on X-ray photoemission
      spectroscopy (XPS), resonant photoemission spectroscopy (RPES), near edge X-ray
      absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM)
      and photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM). DIP molecules are physisorbed on
      gold, with image-charge screening playing the major role as an interface
      phenomenon. DIP thin films show Stranski-Krastanov growth mode and the structural
      herringbone arrangement mimics the arrangement found in DIP single crystals.
      These results are common with the (100) and (111) gold substrate geometries. On
      the contrary, the island aggregation is substrate geometry-dependent. This paves
      the way to exploit the degree of anisotropy in different lattice geometries as a
      tool for molecular patterning of inorganic surfaces, keeping the electronic
      structure preserved.

PMID- 27140436
TI  - Critical Role of Diels-Adler Adducts to Realise Stretchable Transparent
      Electrodes Based on Silver Nanowires and Silicone Elastomer.
AB  - This paper presents the successful fabrication of a transparent electrode
      comprising a sandwich structure of silicone/Ag nanowires (AgNWs)/silicone
      equipped with Diels-Alder (DA) adducts as crosslinkers to realise highly stable
      stretchability. Because of the reversible DA reaction, the crosslinked silicone
      successfully bonds with the silicone overcoat, which should completely seal the
      electrode. Thus, any surrounding liquid cannot leak through the interfaces among
      the constituents. Furthermore, the nanowires are protected by the silicone cover
      when they are stressed by mechanical loads such as bending, folding, and
      stretching. After delicate optimisation of the layered silicone/AgNW/silicone
      sandwich structure, a stretchable transparent electrode which can withstand 1000
      cycles of 50% stretching-releasing with an exceptionally high stability and
      reversibility was fabricated. This structure can be used as a transparent strain
      sensor; it possesses a strong piezoresistivity with a gauge factor greater than
      11.

PMID- 27140435
TI  - Targeted Ablation of Periostin-Expressing Activated Fibroblasts Prevents Adverse
      Cardiac Remodeling in Mice.
AB  - RATIONALE: Activated cardiac fibroblasts (CF) are crucial players in the cardiac
      damage response; excess fibrosis, however, may result in myocardial stiffening
      and heart failure development. Inhibition of activated CF has been suggested as a
      therapeutic strategy in cardiac disease, but whether this truly improves cardiac
      function is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of CF ablation on cardiac
      remodeling. METHODS AND RESULTS: We characterized subgroups of murine CF by
      single-cell expression analysis and identified periostin as the marker showing
      the highest correlation to an activated CF phenotype. We generated bacterial
      artificial chromosome-transgenic mice allowing tamoxifen-inducible Cre expression
      in periostin-positive cells as well as their diphtheria toxin-mediated ablation.
      In the healthy heart, periostin expression was restricted to valvular
      fibroblasts; ablation of this population did not affect cardiac function. After
      chronic angiotensin II exposure, ablation of activated CF resulted in
      significantly reduced cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function. After
      myocardial infarction, ablation of periostin-expressing CF resulted in reduced
      fibrosis without compromising scar stability, and cardiac function was
      significantly improved. Single-cell transcriptional analysis revealed reduced CF
      activation but increased expression of prohypertrophic factors in cardiac
      macrophages and cardiomyocytes, resulting in localized cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Modulation of the activated CF population is a promising approach to
      prevent adverse cardiac remodeling in response to angiotensin II and after
      myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27140437
TI  - Target-sequence Capture and High Throughput Sequencing Identify a De novo CARD14
      Mutation in an Infant with Erythrodermic Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris.

PMID- 27140438
TI  - Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, certolizumab pegol, golimumab, tocilizumab
      and abatacept for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated
      with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and after the failure of conventional
      disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs only: systematic review and economic
      evaluation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease
      associated with increasing disability, reduced quality of life and substantial
      costs (as a result of both intervention acquisition and hospitalisation). The
      objective was to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of
      seven biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) compared with each
      other and conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs). The
      decision problem was divided into those patients who were cDMARD naive and those
      who were cDMARD experienced; whether a patient had severe or moderate to severe
      disease; and whether or not an individual could tolerate methotrexate (MTX). DATA
      SOURCES: The following databases were searched: MEDLINE from 1948 to July 2013;
      EMBASE from 1980 to July 2013; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 1996
      to May 2013; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1898 to May
      2013; Health Technology Assessment Database from 1995 to May 2013; Database of
      Abstracts of Reviews of Effects from 1995 to May 2013; Cumulative Index to
      Nursing and Allied Health Literature from 1982 to April 2013; and TOXLINE from
      1840 to July 2013. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated the
      impact of a bDMARD used within licensed indications on an outcome of interest
      compared against an appropriate comparator in one of the stated population
      subgroups within a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Outcomes of interest
      included American College of Rheumatology (ACR) scores and European League
      Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response. Interrogation of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
      Study (ERAS) data was undertaken to assess the Health Assessment Questionnaire
      (HAQ) progression while on cDMARDs. METHODS: Network meta-analyses (NMAs) were
      undertaken for patients who were cDMARD naive and for those who were cDMARD
      experienced. These were undertaken separately for EULAR and ACR data. Sensitivity
      analyses were undertaken to explore the impact of including RCTs with a small
      proportion of bDMARD experienced patients and where MTX exposure was deemed
      insufficient. A mathematical model was constructed to simulate the experiences of
      hypothetical patients. The model was based on EULAR response as this is commonly
      used in clinical practice in England. Observational databases, published
      literature and NMA results were used to populate the model. The outcome measure
      was cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. RESULTS: Sixty RCTs met
      the review inclusion criteria for clinical effectiveness, 38 of these trials
      provided ACR and/or EULAR response data for the NMA. Fourteen additional trials
      contributed data to sensitivity analyses. There was uncertainty in the relative
      effectiveness of the interventions. It was not clear whether or not formal
      ranking of interventions would result in clinically meaningful differences.
      Results from the analysis of ERAS data indicated that historical assumptions
      regarding HAQ progression had been pessimistic. The typical incremental cost per
      QALY of bDMARDs compared with cDMARDs alone for those with severe RA is >
      L40,000. This increases for those who cannot tolerate MTX (L50,000) and is >
      L60,000 per QALY when bDMARDs were used prior to cDMARDs. Values for individuals
      with moderate to severe RA were higher than those with severe RA. Results
      produced using EULAR and ACR data were similar. The key parameter that affected
      the results is the assumed HAQ progression while on cDMARDs. When historic
      assumptions were used typical incremental cost per QALY values fell to L38,000
      for those with severe disease who could tolerate MTX. CONCLUSIONS: bDMARDs appear
      to have cost per QALY values greater than the thresholds stated by the National
      Institute for Health and Care Excellence for interventions to be cost-effective.
      Future research priorities include: the evaluation of the long-term HAQ
      trajectory while on cDMARDs; the relationship between HAQ direct medical costs;
      and whether or not bDMARDs could be stopped once a patient has achieved a stated
      target (e.g. remission). STUDY REGISTRATION: This study is registered as PROSPERO
      CRD42012003386. FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research Health
      Technology Assessment programme.

PMID- 27140439
TI  - Head and neck microvascular free flap reconstruction: An analysis of unplanned
      readmissions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Unplanned readmissions within 30 days of surgery represent
      a significant marker for healthcare quality. Small institutional studies have
      described rates of readmission for patients undergoing head and neck free flap
      reconstruction. However, large, multi-institutional analyses have not previously
      been described. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of cases from the American
      College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.
      METHODS: Patients who underwent free flap reconstruction of the head and neck
      from 2011 to 2013 were identified. Univariate and multivariate analyses of
      unplanned readmission based on patient, laboratory, and hospital course
      characteristics were conducted. RESULTS: In total, 1,238 patients who underwent
      head and neck microvascular free flap reconstruction were included within the
      database, of which 1,204 patients had information pertaining to readmission.
      Overall 30-day readmission rate was 9.6%. A multivariate analysis of preoperative
      variables demonstrated that leukocytosis, diabetes mellitus, and hyponatremia
      were all associated with increased rates of readmission (odds ratio 2.224, 1.843,
      and 1.7423, respectively). A similar analysis of postoperative variables
      demonstrated that wound-related complications (surgical site infections and wound
      disruption), perioperative blood transfusion, and sepsis were associated with an
      increased rate of readmission. CONCLUSION: In patients with microvascular free
      flap reconstruction of the head and neck, the 30-day readmission rate was 9.6%.
      Preoperative diabetes mellitus, hyponatremia, and leukocytosis were associated
      with an increased rate of 30-day readmissions. Postoperative complications,
      particularly wound infections, perioperative blood transfusions, and sepsis, were
      found to be significant contributors to readmission. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.
      Laryngoscope, 2016 127:325-330, 2017.

PMID- 27140440
TI  - A role for jasmonates in the release of dormancy by cold stratification in wheat.
AB  - Hydration at low temperatures, commonly referred to as cold stratification, is
      widely used for releasing dormancy and triggering germination in a wide range of
      species including wheat. However, the molecular mechanism that underlies its
      effect on germination has largely remained unknown. Our previous studies showed
      that methyl-jasmonate, a derivative of jasmonic acid (JA), promotes dormancy
      release in wheat. In this study, we found that cold-stimulated germination of
      dormant grains correlated with a transient increase in JA content and expression
      of JA biosynthesis genes in the dormant embryos after transfer to 20 (o)C. The
      induction of JA production was dependent on the extent of cold imbibition and
      precedes germination. Blocking JA biosynthesis with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
      inhibited the cold-stimulated germination in a dose-dependent manner. In
      addition, we have explored the relationship between JA and abscisic acid (ABA), a
      well-known dormancy promoter, in cold regulation of dormancy. We found an inverse
      relationship between JA and ABA content in dormant wheat embryos following
      stratification. ABA content decreased rapidly in response to stratification, and
      the decrease was reversed by addition of ASA. Our results indicate that the
      action of JA on cold-stratified grains is mediated by suppression of two key ABA
      biosynthesis genes, TaNCED1 and TaNCED2.

PMID- 27140441
TI  - Vegetative and reproductive growth of salt-stressed chickpea are carbon-limited:
      sucrose infusion at the reproductive stage improves salt tolerance.
AB  - Reproductive processes of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) are particularly
      sensitive to salinity. We tested whether limited photoassimilate availability
      contributes to reproductive failure in salt-stressed chickpea. Rupali, a salt
      sensitive genotype, was grown in aerated nutrient solution, either with non
      saline (control) or 30mM NaCl treatment. At flowering, stems were either infused
      with sucrose solution (0.44M), water only or maintained without any infusion, for
      75 d. The sucrose and water infusion treatments of non-saline plants had no
      effect on growth or yield, but photosynthesis declined in response to sucrose
      infusion. Salt stress reduced photosynthesis, decreased tissue sugars by 22-47%,
      and vegetative and reproductive growth were severely impaired. Sucrose infusion
      of salt-treated plants increased total sugars in stems, leaves and developing
      pods, to levels similar to those of non-saline plants. In salt-stressed plants,
      sucrose infusion increased dry mass (2.6-fold), pod numbers (3.8-fold), seed
      numbers (6.5-fold) and seed yield (10.4-fold), yet vegetative growth and
      reproductive failure were not rescued completely by sucrose infusion. Sucrose
      infusion partly rescued reproductive failure in chickpea by increasing vegetative
      growth enabling more flower production and by providing sucrose for pod and seed
      growth. We conclude that insufficient assimilate availability limits yield in
      salt-stressed chickpea.

PMID- 27140442
TI  - Serum concentration of magnesium as an independent risk factor in migraine
      attacks: a matched case-control study and review of the literature.
AB  - There is controversy over the role of magnesium in the etiology of migraine
      headaches. We aimed to evaluate and compare serum levels of magnesium between
      healthy individuals and those with migraine headaches during migraine attacks and
      between attacks to evaluate the role of magnesium in the etiology of migraine
      headaches. Forty patients with migraine headaches and 40 healthy individuals were
      enrolled in this matched case-control study. Malnutrition, digestive system
      disorders, history of smoking, drug abuse, and history of medications use were
      recorded at baseline. The pain scores of patients were measured and recorded
      based on a 10 cm visual analog scale. Subsequently, blood samples were collected
      at 8-10 in the morning to determine serum levels of magnesium. Analysis of
      variance, chi-test, and conditional logistic regression were used for data
      analysis. There were no significant differences in demographic data between the
      two groups. There were significant differences in magnesium serum levels between
      the three groups (1.09+/-0.2 mg/dl during migraine headaches; 1.95+/-0.3 mg/dl
      between the attacks; and 1.3+/-0.4 mh/dl in the control group; P<0.0001). Odds of
      acute migraine headaches increased 35.3 times (odds ratio=35.3; 95% confidence
      interval: 12.4-95.2; P=0.001) when serum levels of magnesium reached below the
      normal level. The odds in patients who are not in the acute attack phase were 6.9
      folds higher (odds ratio=6.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.3-2.1; P=0.02). The
      serum level of magnesium is an independent factor for migraine headaches and
      patients with migraine have lower serum levels of magnesium during the migraine
      attacks and between the attacks compared with healthy individuals.

PMID- 27140443
TI  - Management of a Previously Treated, Calcified, and Dilacerated Maxillary Lateral
      Incisor: A Combined Nonsurgical/Surgical Approach Assisted by Cone-beam Computed
      Tomography.
AB  - Teeth with calcified canals, dilacerated roots, and associated large
      periradicular lesions involving both cortical plates pose a challenge to
      dentists. In addition to the nonsurgical endodontic treatment, such teeth may
      require surgical intervention with concomitant use of bone grafting materials and
      barrier techniques. These techniques, when combined with the use of a host
      modulating agent such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), may improve the chances of
      success. A 26-year-old woman was referred for dental treatment with a recurrence
      of an intraoral sinus tract 2 months after periradicular surgery in the upper
      anterior region. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed a calcified and
      perforated maxillary left lateral incisor with a severely dilacerated root as
      well as an associated large radiolucent lesion surrounding the roots of the
      maxillary left central and lateral incisors. A cone-beam computed tomographic
      scan of the anterior maxilla showed erosion of the labial and palatal cortical
      plates in the same region. A calcified canal in the lateral incisor was
      negotiated up to the straight line portion of the canal. Periradicular surgery
      with root-end resection was performed, and root-end filling was performed with
      mineral trioxide aggregate. The perforation present on the middle third of the
      labial surface of the root was repaired with mineral trioxide aggregate, and the
      canal was cleaned, shaped, and obturated. A PRF scaffold was prepared and used
      with a collagen membrane and a freeze-dried bone allograft. Follow-up visits
      after 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year revealed satisfactory clinical and
      radiographic healing. The combined use of nonsurgical and surgical modes of
      treatment cannot be overemphasized in this case. The use of PRF along with a bone
      graft and a barrier membrane may have enhanced the speed of healing and the
      resolution of periradicular radiolucency by enhancing bone regeneration. 

PMID- 27140444
TI  - Empirical evaluation of which trial characteristics are associated with treatment
      effect estimates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Meta-epidemiological studies provide empirical evidence of trial
      characteristics associated with treatment effects. We aimed to evaluate methods
      used and characteristics associated with treatment effect in these studies. STUDY
      DESIGN AND SETTING: For this systematic review, we searched MEDLINE, Embase,
      Cochrane Methodology Register, Web of Science, and PROSPERO up to April 2015. We
      particularly assessed four key methodological components: constitution of the
      collection, clustering of trials within meta-analyses, heterogeneity assessment,
      and adjustment on meta-confounders. We also assessed trial characteristics
      evaluated and their association with treatment effect. RESULTS: We included 56
      meta-epidemiological studies with data from 3,199 meta-analyses, 32 networks, and
      21,468 trials. Thirty-two (58%) were published since 2010. Only 13 (23%) included
      all key methodological components. Overall, 58 trial characteristics were
      assessed. Allocation concealment and sequence generation were assessed in 22
      (39%) and 17 (30%) meta-epidemiological studies, respectively, and trial size in
      9 (16%). These characteristics were consistently associated with treatment effect
      estimates with larger effects in trials with inadequate sequence generation or
      allocation concealment or smaller trials. CONCLUSIONS: Key methodological
      components (e.g., constitution of the collection) were frequently missing.
      Concerning trial characteristics evaluated, there was consistent evidence that
      allocation concealment, sequence generation, and trial size were associated with
      treatment effect.

PMID- 27140445
TI  - Cancer-specific promoters for expression-targeted gene therapy: ran, brms1 and
      mcm5.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To expand the library of promoters that can be used for expression
      targeted gene delivery to cancer cells, the specificity and strength of
      expression of three cancer-related gene promoters was evaluated: RAS-related
      nuclear protein ((P) ran), breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 ((P) brms1) and
      minichromosome maintenance complex component 5 ((P) mcm5). METHODS: The
      expression of reporter genes under the control of these promoters demonstrated
      selectivity in cancer cell lines of breast, prostate and ovarian origins versus a
      panel of normal cell types. The (P) ran was next used to regulate the expression
      of a bioactive exon (a constitutively active form of human caspase 3) to induce
      apoptosis in cancer cells. Further evaluation was performed in an orthotopic
      model of murine bladder cancer. RESULTS: The average strengths of reporter
      expression had relative intensities of 99.8% ((P) ran), 87.7% ((P) brms1) and
      55.8% ((P) mcm5) versus the strong (P) cmv-driven positive control. Comparisons
      of expression-targeted reporter gene expression for these three promoters versus
      the clinically interesting promoter for the human telomerase reverse
      transcriptase gene ((P) hTERT) yielded an improvement of two- to 15-fold.
      Following transfection, cell death was evident from morphologic observations and
      viability assays performed on the cancer cells lines, with little (if any)
      effects seen when the same genes were delivered to normal cells. Cell viability
      was reduced by up to 60% after one treatment, with cell death via apoptosis
      implied by caspase 3 detection. During the in vivo preclinical study, reduced
      tumor burden, lack of mineralization and decreased inflammation were demonstrated
      after only three treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The ran, brms1, and mcm5 promoters have
      the specificity and strength needed for cancer-specific expression-targeted gene
      therapy. (p) ran in particular produced exciting results when coupled with a
      version of the caspase 3 exon to treat bladder cancer. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27140446
TI  - Adhesion of Blood Clots Can Be Enhanced When Copolymerized with a Macromer That
      Is Crosslinked by Coagulation Factor XIIIa.
AB  - The adhesion of blood clots to blood vessels, such as through the adhesion of
      fibrin, is essential in hemostasis. While numerous strategies for initiating clot
      formation and preventing clot lysis are being developed to create improved
      hemostatic agents, strategies for enhancing clot adhesion have not been widely
      explored. Here, we show that adhesion of blood clots can be increased by adding a
      previously characterized synthetic polymer that is crosslinked by coagulation
      factor XIIIa during clotting. Addition of the polymer to normal plasma increased
      the adhesive strength of clots by 2-fold. It also recovered the adhesive strength
      of nonadhesive fibrinogen-deficient whole blood clots from <0.06 kPa to 1.9 +/-
      0.14 kPa, which is similar to the adhesive strength of a fibrinogen-rich clot
      (1.8 +/- 0.64 kPa). The polymer also enabled plasma clots to remain adhered under
      fibrinolytic conditions. By demonstrating that the adhesive strength of clots can
      be increased with a synthetic material, this provides a potential strategy for
      creating advanced hemostatic materials, such as treatments for fibrinogen
      deficiency in trauma-induced coagulopathy.

PMID- 27140447
TI  - Anti-HLA sensitization after kidney allograft nephrectomy: changes one year post
      surgery and beneficial effect of intravenous immunoglobulin.
AB  - The analysis of anti-HLA sensitization at the time of and following allograft
      nephrectomy may help clinicians to define better both the indications for
      nephrectomy and preventive therapeutic strategies. We carried out a retrospective
      analysis of anti-HLA antibodies in 63 clinically indicated nephrectomies
      (baseline and three and 12 months after) according to the time elapsed since
      transplantation (six months) and clinical background. An intervention study
      included 10 patients without donor-specific antibodies (DSA) at the time of
      nephrectomy treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (1.5 g/kg).
      Early nephrectomies were performed in 15 patients (24%). Among the late
      nephrectomies, 14 patients (22%) were asymptomatic and 34 (54%) had graft
      intolerance syndrome (GIS). At baseline, anti-HLA sensitization was significantly
      lower in the early and late asymptomatic groups than in the GIS group, but
      increased considerably within the three months following surgery. In the group of
      10 patients treated with IVIG, only the number of class I non-DSA increased in
      the three months after surgery, whereas in the control group (N = 13), all anti
      HLA variables increased significantly. All patients undergoing a clinically
      indicated allograft nephrectomy become highly sensitized within the 12 months
      after surgery. In patients without DSA before nephrectomy, high doses of IVIG may
      prevent anti-HLA sensitization. 

PMID- 27140478
TI  - Targeting succinate:ubiquinone reductase potentiates the efficacy of anticancer
      therapy.
AB  - Mitochondria play a pivotal role in apoptosis: permeabilization of the outer
      mitochondrial membrane and the release of pro-apoptotic proteins from the
      intermembrane space of mitochondria are regarded as the key event in apoptosis
      induction. Here we demonstrate how non-toxic doses of the mitochondrial Complex
      II inhibitor thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA), which specifically inhibits the
      ubiquinone-binding site of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), synergistically
      stimulated cell death, induced by harmless doses of cisplatin in a panel of
      chemoresistant neuroblastoma cell lines. Apoptotic cell death was confirmed by
      cytochrome c release from the mitochondria, cleavage of poly ADP-ribose
      polymerase, processing of caspase-3, which is an important executive enzyme in
      apoptosis, and caspase-3-like activity. Methyl malonate, an inhibitor of the SDHA
      subunit partially reversed apoptosis stimulated by TTFA in SK-N-BE(2)
      neuroblastoma cells (NB), indicating that sensitization requires oxidation of
      succinate. In contrast, in IMR-32 NB cells, the same concentrations of TTFA
      markedly suppressed cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Comparison of oxygen consumption
      in cisplatin-resistant SK-N-BE(2) and cisplatin-sensitive IMR-32 cells clearly
      demonstrated impaired Complex II activity in IMR-32 cells. We also found that in
      SK-N-BE(2) cells co-treatment with cisplatin and TTFA markedly stimulated
      formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas in IMR cells, cisplatin
      mediated ROS production was attenuated by TTFA, which explains apoptosis
      suppression in these cells. Thus, functionally active SDH is a prerequisite for
      the ROS-mediated sensitization to treatment by TTFA.

PMID- 27140479
TI  - Division of labour by CD4(+) T helper cells.

PMID- 27140480
TI  - Biobutanol as Fuel for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells-Investigation of Sn-Modified Pt
      Catalyst for Butanol Electro-oxidation.
AB  - Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) mostly use low molecular weight alcohols such
      as methanol and ethanol as fuels. However, short-chain alcohol molecules have a
      relative high membrane crossover rate in DAFCs and a low energy density. Long
      chain alcohols such as butanol have a higher energy density, as well as a lower
      membrane crossover rate compared to methanol and ethanol. Although a significant
      number of studies have been dedicated to low molecular weight alcohols in DAFCs,
      very few studies are available for longer chain alcohols such as butanol. A
      significant development in the production of biobutanol and its proposed
      application as an alternative fuel to gasoline in the past decade makes butanol
      an interesting candidate fuel for fuel cells. Different butanol isomers were
      compared in this study on various Pt and PtSn bimetallic catalysts for their
      electro-oxidation activities in acidic media. Clear distinctive behaviors were
      observed for each of the different butanol isomers using cyclic voltammetry (CV),
      indicating a difference in activity and the mechanism of oxidation. The
      voltammograms of both n-butanol and iso-butanol showed similar characteristic
      features, indicating a similar reaction mechanism, whereas 2-butanol showed
      completely different features; for example, it did not show any indication of
      poisoning. Ter-butanol was found to be inactive for oxidation on Pt. In situ FTIR
      and CV analysis showed that OHads was essential for the oxidation of primary
      butanol isomers which only forms at high potentials on Pt. In order to enhance
      the water oxidation and produce OHads at lower potentials, Pt was modified by the
      oxophilic metal Sn and the bimetallic PtSn was studied for the oxidation of
      butanol isomers. A significant enhancement in the oxidation of the 1 degrees 
      butanol isomers was observed on addition of Sn to the Pt, resulting in an
      oxidation peak at a potential ~520 mV lower than that found on pure Pt. The
      higher activity of PtSn was attributed to the bifunctional mechanism on PtSn
      catalyst. The positive influence of Sn was also confirmed in the PtSn
      nanoparticle catalyst prepared by the modification of commercial Pt/C
      nanoparticle and a higher activity was observed for PtSn (3:1) composition. The
      temperature-dependent data showed that the activation energy for butanol
      oxidation reaction over PtSn/C is lower than that over Pt/C.

PMID- 27140481
TI  - The Effects of Sport-Specific Drills Training or High-Intensity Interval Training
      in Young Tennis Players.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the effects of combining high-intensity training (HIT) and
      sport-specific drill training (MT) versus sportspecific drill training alone (DT)
      on fitness performance characteristics in young tennis players. METHODS: Twenty
      young tennis players (14.8 +/- 0.1 y) were assigned to either DT (n = 10) or MT
      (n = 10) for 8 wk. Tennis drills consisted of two 16- to 22-min on-court exercise
      sessions separated by 3 min of passive rest, while MT consisted of 1 sport
      specific DT session and 1 HIT session, using 16-22 min of runs at intensities (90
      95%) related to the velocity obtained in the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test
      (VIFT) separated by 3 min of passive rest. Pre- and posttests included peak
      oxygen uptake (VO2peak), VIFT, speed (20 m, with 5- and 10-m splits), 505 Agility
      Test, and countermovement jump (CMJ). RESULTS: There were significant
      improvements after the training period in VO2peak (DT 2.4%, ES = moderate; MT
      4.2%, ES = large) and VIFT (DT 2.2%, ES = small; MT 6.3%, ES = large) for both DT
      and MT, with no differences between training protocols. Results also showed a
      large increase in the 505 Agility Test after MT, while no changes were reported
      in the other tests (sprint and CMJ), either for MT or DT. CONCLUSIONS: Even
      though both training programs resulted in significant improvements in aerobic
      performance, a mixed program combining tennis drills and runs based on the VIFT
      led to greater gains and should be considered the preferred training method for
      improving aerobic power in young athletes.

PMID- 27140482
TI  - Trigonal Planar [HgSe3](4-) Unit: A New Kind of Basic Functional Group in IR
      Nonlinear Optical Materials with Large Susceptibility and Physicochemical
      Stability.
AB  - A new mercury selenide BaHgSe2 was synthesized. This air-stable compound displays
      a large nonlinear optical (NLO) response and melts congruently. The structure
      contains chains of corner-sharing [HgSe3](4-) anions in the form of trigonal
      planar units, which may serve as a new kind of basic functional group in IR NLO
      materials to confer large NLO susceptibilities and physicochemical stability.
      Such trigonal planar units may inspire a path to finding new classes of IR NLO
      materials of practical utility that are totally different from traditional
      chalcopyrite materials.

PMID- 27140485
TI  - A Rare Cause of Esophageal Varices.

PMID- 27140483
TI  - Sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the preference between
      NNRTIs and PIs for the initial treatment of HIV infection: Perfil-es study.
AB  - The Perfil-es study demonstrated that, while non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitor (NNRTI)-based initial antiretroviral therapy (ART) is more frequently
      used in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected naive patients, ritonavir
      boosted protease inhibitors (PI/r)-based regimens are the preferred option in
      patients with advanced infectious stages or high baseline viral load. The present
      analysis focused on the second phase of the Perfil-es study, where
      sociodemographic and clinical data were retrospectively collected from patients
      starting NNRTI- or PI/r-based regimens in order to identify factors that could
      influence the choice of initial ART. Patients' characteristics were compared by
      both bivariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 642 patients were evaluated.
      The main transmission group was men who have sex with men (MSM) (48%), and 24% of
      patients were coinfected with hepatitis B or C. Patients with cardiovascular risk
      accounted for 56%, and 15% had a neuropsychiatric history. Anxiolytics (29%),
      antidepressants (18%) and methadone (18%) were the most frequent concomitant
      medications. The use of PI/r-based regimens was more frequent in older patients,
      childbearing potential women patients coinfected with hepatitis B or C, and those
      with cardiovascular risk and a neuropsychiatric history. The presence of a
      neuropsychiatric disorder (OR: 1.912; CI 95%: 1.146-3.191; p < .05) and the use
      of concomitant medication (OR: 1.736; CI 95%: 1.204-2.502; p < .01) were
      identified as independent factors associated with the selection of PI/r-based
      regimens. MSM sexual conduct was the only independent factor related to the
      selection of NNRTI-based ART (OR: 0.699; CI 95%: 0.504-0.970; p < .05). Neither
      the physicians' characteristics nor the geographical area where HIV patients were
      attended influenced the choice of ART. In conclusion, patients' comorbidity,
      pregnancy potential and lifestyle seem to influence the choice of ART.
      Neuropsychiatric comorbidity and concomitant medication, mainly related to this
      condition, appear to be associated with the use of PI/r-based initial ART while
      MSM seem more likely to receive NNRTI-based regimens in Spain.

PMID- 27140486
TI  - An Unusual Cause of Postcholecystectomy Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage.

PMID- 27140487
TI  - Endocuff and Detection of Colorectal Adenomas: Results of a Randomized Controlled
      Study.

PMID- 27140488
TI  - Beyond Intestinal Barrier: The Blood Endothelium as a Second Wall of Defense
      Against Bacterial Invasion.

PMID- 27140489
TI  - Targeting Viral Polymerase for Treating Hepatitis E Infection: How Far Are We?

PMID- 27140490
TI  - Biliary Cirrhosis Treated With Ursodeoxycholic Acid.

PMID- 27140491
TI  - A Challenging Diagnosis for a Biliary Stricture.

PMID- 27140492
TI  - Abdominal Pain in a Patient 13 Years After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

PMID- 27140493
TI  - Interleukin-17 in a Mouse Model of Biliary Atresia and in Livers of Patients: The
      Study Control Matters.

PMID- 27140494
TI  - Predicting Lymph Node Metastases in Superficial Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27140495
TI  - Spectral triangulation: a 3D method for locating single-walled carbon nanotubes
      in vivo.
AB  - Nanomaterials with luminescence in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) region are of
      special interest for biological research and medical diagnostics because of
      favorable tissue transparency and low autofluorescence backgrounds in that
      region. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) show well-known sharp SWIR
      spectral signatures and therefore have potential for noninvasive detection and
      imaging of cancer tumours, when linked to selective targeting agents such as
      antibodies. However, such applications face the challenge of sensitively
      detecting and localizing the source of SWIR emission from inside tissues. A new
      method, called spectral triangulation, is presented for three dimensional (3D)
      localization using sparse optical measurements made at the specimen surface.
      Structurally unsorted SWCNT samples emitting over a range of wavelengths are
      excited inside tissue phantoms by an LED matrix. The resulting SWIR emission is
      sampled at points on the surface by a scanning fibre optic probe leading to an
      InGaAs spectrometer or a spectrally filtered InGaAs avalanche photodiode
      detector. Because of water absorption, attenuation of the SWCNT fluorescence in
      tissues is strongly wavelength-dependent. We therefore gauge the SWCNT-probe
      distance by analysing differential changes in the measured SWCNT emission
      spectra. SWCNT fluorescence can be clearly detected through at least 20 mm of
      tissue phantom, and the 3D locations of embedded SWCNT test samples are found
      with sub-millimeter accuracy at depths up to 10 mm. Our method can also
      distinguish and locate two embedded SWCNT sources at distinct positions. 

PMID- 27140496
TI  - Wasabi leaf extracts attenuate adipocyte hypertrophy through PPARgamma and AMPK.
AB  - Hypertrophy of adipocytes in obese adipose tissues causes metabolic abnormality
      by adipocytokine dysregulation, which promotes type 2 diabetes mellitus,
      hypertension, and dyslipidemia. We investigated the effects of wasabi (Wasabia
      japonica Matsum) leaf extracts on metabolic abnormalities in SHRSP.Z
      Leprfa/IzmDmcr rats (SHRSP/ZF), which are a model of metabolic syndrome. Male
      SHRSP/ZF rats aged 7 weeks were divided into two groups: control and wasabi leaf
      extract (WLE) groups, which received water or oral treatment with 4 g/kg/day WLE
      for 6 weeks. WLE improved the body weight gain and high blood pressure in
      SHRSP/ZF rats, and the plasma triglyceride levels were significantly lower in the
      WLE group. Adipocyte hypertrophy was markedly prevented in adipose tissue. The
      expression of PPARgamma and subsequent downstream genes was suppressed in the WLE
      group adipose tissues. Our data suggest that WLE inhibits adipose hypertrophy by
      suppressing PPARgamma expression in adipose tissue and stimulating the AMPK
      activity by increased adiponectin. 

PMID- 27140497
TI  - Editorial: Centennial Celebration - An Interview With Dr Dolores Shoback on 100
      Years of Osteoporosis and Bone Research.

PMID- 27140500
TI  - Single dose intra-articular morphine for pain control after knee arthroscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knee arthroscopy is a common procedure and is associated with
      postoperative pain. Intra-articular (IA) injection of morphine for pain control
      has been widely studied, but its analgesic effect after knee arthroscopy is
      uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relative effects on pain relief and
      adverse events of IA morphine given for pain control after knee arthroscopy
      compared with placebo, other analgesics (local anaesthetics, non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other opioids) and other routes of morphine
      administration. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library Issue
      4, 2015), MEDLINE via Ovid (January 1966 to May 2015), EMBASE via Ovid (January
      1988 to May 2015), and the reference lists of included articles. We also searched
      the metaRegister of controlled trials, clinicaltrials.gov and the World Health
      Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing
      trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We identified all the randomised, double-blind
      controlled trials that compared single dose IA morphine with other interventions
      for the treatment of postoperative pain after knee arthroscopy. We excluded
      studies with fewer than 10 participants in each group, using spinal or epidural
      anaesthesia, or assessing the analgesic effect of IA morphine on chronic pain.
      DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed the quality of
      each trial and extracted information on pain intensity, supplementary analgesics
      consumption and adverse events. We assessed the evidence using GRADE (Grading of
      Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) and created 'Summary of
      findings' tables. MAIN RESULTS: We included 28 small, low quality studies (29
      reports) involving 2564 participants. Of 20 studies (21 reports) comparing
      morphine with placebo, nine studies with adequate data were included in the meta
      analysis. Overall, the risk of bias was unclear. Overall, the quality of the
      evidence assessed using GRADE was low to very low, downgraded primarily due to
      risk of bias, small study size, and imprecision.No statistical difference was
      found between 1 mg IA morphine and placebo in pain intensity (visual analogue
      scale (VAS)) at early phase (zero to two hours) (mean difference (MD) -0.50, 95%
      CI -1.15 to 0.14; participants = 297; studies = 7; low quality evidence), medium
      phase (two to six hours) (MD -0.47, 95% CI -1.09 to 0.14; participants = 297;
      studies = 7; low quality evidence) and late phase (six to 30 hours) (MD -0.88,
      95% CI -1.81 to 0.04; participants = 297; studies = 7; low quality evidence). No
      significant difference was found between 1 mg and 2 mg morphine for pain
      intensity at early phase (MD -0.56, 95% CI -1.93 to 0.81; participants = 105;
      studies = 2; low quality evidence), while 4 mg/5 mg morphine provided better
      analgesia than 1 mg morphine at late phase (MD 0.67, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.25;
      participants = 97; studies = 3; low quality evidence). IA morphine was not better
      than local anaesthetic agents at early phase (MD 1.43, 95% CI 0.49 to 2.37;
      participants = 248; studies = 5; low quality evidence), NSAIDs at early phase (MD
      0.95, 95% CI -0.95 to 2.85; participants = 80; studies = 2; very low quality
      evidence), sufentanil, fentanyl or pethidine for pain intensity. IA morphine was
      similar to intramuscular (IM) morphine for pain intensity at early phase (MD
      0.21, 95% CI -0.48 to 0.90; participants = 72; studies = 2; very low quality
      evidence).Meta-analysis indicated that there was no difference between IA
      morphine and placebo or bupivacaine in time to first analgesic request. Eleven
      out of 20 studies comparing morphine with placebo reported adverse events and no
      statistical difference was obtained regarding the incidence of adverse events
      (risk ratio (RR) 1.09, 95% CI 0.51 to 2.36; participants = 314; studies = 8; low
      quality evidence). Seven of 28 studies reported participants' withdrawal. There
      were not enough data for withdrawals to be able to perform meta-analysis.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We have not found high quality evidence that 1 mg IA
      morphine is better than placebo at reducing pain intensity at early, medium or
      late phases. No statistical difference was reported between IA morphine and
      placebo regarding the incidence of adverse events. The relative effects of 1 mg
      morphine when compared with IA bupivacaine, NSAIDs, sufentanil, fentanyl and
      pethidine are uncertain. The quality of the evidence is limited by high risk of
      bias and small size of the included studies, which might bias the results. More
      high quality studies are needed to get more conclusive results.

PMID- 27140501
TI  - Health Literacy and Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity During Aging, 2004
      2013.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Health literacy (the ability to read and understand health
      information) may help to support sustained participation in moderate to vigorous
      physical activity (MVPA) during aging; this relationship has never been examined
      longitudinally. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health
      literacy and participation in weekly MVPA over an 8-year period among older
      adults. METHODS: Data were from interviews with 4,345 adults aged 52-79 years in
      the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing from 2004/2005 to 2012/2013, analyzed in
      2015. Health literacy was assessed in 2004/2005 as reading comprehension of a
      medicine label, defined as "low" (<=2/4 items correct); "medium" (3/4); and
      "high" (4/4). The outcome was maintaining weekly MVPA at all of five time points
      from 2004/2005 to 2012/2013. A population-weighted logistic regression model was
      adjusted for sociodemographic, physical health, and cognitive (memory and verbal
      fluency) covariates. RESULTS: Overall, 72% (3,128/4,345) of the sample had high
      health literacy; 18% (797/4,345) had medium health literacy; and 10% (420/4,345)
      had low health literacy. Of those with high health literacy, 59% (1,840/3,128)
      consistently reported weekly participation in MVPA, compared with 33% (138/420)
      of those with low health literacy (AOR=1.37, 95% CI=1.04, 1.80). Better memory
      was weakly positively associated with long-term MVPA (AOR=1.03, 95% CI=1.00,
      1.05, per point increase out of 24), as was better verbal fluency (AOR=1.05, 95%
      CI=1.01, 1.09, per point increase out of 9). CONCLUSIONS: High health literacy
      and good cognitive function are independently associated with participation in
      weekly MVPA over an 8-year period during aging.

PMID- 27140502
TI  - Influence of temperature, needle gauge and injection rate on the size
      distribution, concentration and acoustic responses of ultrasound contrast agents
      at high frequency.
AB  - This paper investigated the influence of needle gauge (19G and 27G), injection
      rate (0.85ml.min(-1), 3ml.min(-1)) and temperature (room temperature (RT) and
      body temperature (BT)) on the mean diameter, concentration, acoustic attenuation,
      contrast to tissue ratio (CTR) and normalised subharmonic intensity (NSI) of
      three ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs): Definity, SonoVue and MicroMarker
      (untargeted). A broadband substitution technique was used to acquire the acoustic
      properties over the frequency range 17-31MHz with a preclinical ultrasound
      scanner Vevo770 (Visualsonics, Canada). Significant differences (P<0.001-P<0.05)
      between typical in vitro setting (19G needle, 3ml.min(-1) at RT) and typical in
      vivo setting (27G needle, 0.85ml.min(-1) at BT) were found for SonoVue and
      MicroMarker. Moreover we found that the mean volume-based diameter and
      concentration of both SonoVue and Definity reduced significantly when changing
      from typical in vitro to in vivo experimental set-ups, while those for
      MicroMarker did not significantly change. From our limited measurements of
      Definity, we found no significant change in attenuation, CTR and NSI with needle
      gauge. For SonoVue, all the measured acoustic properties (attenuation, CTR and
      NSI) reduced significantly when changing from typical in vitro to in vivo
      experimental conditions, while for MicroMarker, only the NSI reduced, with
      attenuation and CTR increasing significantly. These differences suggest that
      changes in physical compression and temperature are likely to alter the shell
      structure of the UCAs resulting in measureable and significant changes in the
      physical and high frequency acoustical properties of the contrast agents under
      typical in vitro and preclinical in vivo experimental conditions.

PMID- 27140503
TI  - Effect of anisomycin, a protein synthesis inhibitor, on the in vitro
      developmental potential, ploidy and embryo quality of bovine ICSI embryos.
AB  - Increasing the efficiency of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in domestic
      animals has been attempted by many researchers, however embryonic development to
      the blastocyst stage remains low compared with that of in vitro fertilization
      (IVF) embryos. One of the main problems observed in cattle is inadequate oocyte
      activation after ICSI. The present study compared the effect of cycloheximide
      (CHX), 6-dimethylaminopurine (DMAP), and anisomycin (ANY) on the fertilization
      rate, development, ploidy and quality of bovine embryos generated by ICSI.
      Although no differences were observed between treatments in terms of cleavage,
      higher blastocyst rates were observed for ANY (37.3%) compared with CHX (21.8%, P
      0.05) treatments. No differences were observed in the quality of embryos as
      assessed by the total number of cells, their distribution to the different embryo
      compartments [inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE)], the proportion of
      ICM cells to the total cell numbers and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase
      dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL)-positive cells. Similarly, no differences were
      observed in the normal ploidy of embryos (56, 67, and 55%) for ANY, CHX and DMAP,
      respectively. However, higher fertilization rates were observed for ANY (75%) and
      CHX (87%) treatments compared with DMAP (35%). In conclusion, ANY showed a
      superior developmental rate compared with CHX treatment. Although no significant
      differences were observed compared with an improved protocol of DMAP (2Io-DMAP),
      the lower fertilization rate recorded with DMAP strongly suggests that ANY could
      be a better alternative for oocyte activation than traditional chemical compounds
      used currently in ICSI. 

PMID- 27140504
TI  - Microwave-assisted fabrication of porous hematite photoanodes for efficient solar
      water splitting.
AB  - Porous hematite photoanodes with wormlike networks were prepared by microwave
      assisted rapid annealing of beta-FeOOH grown directly on a FTO glass. The
      enhanced electrochemical characteristics such as large surface area and good
      permeation of an electrolyte lead to the excellent photoelectrochemical
      performance toward the solar-driven water splitting for hydrogen production. 

PMID- 27140505
TI  - Development of ovary structures in the last larval and adult stages of psyllids
      (Insecta, Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea).
AB  - The development and organization of the ovaries of ten species from four
      Psylloidea families (Psyllidae, Triozidae, Aphalaridae and Liviidae) have been
      investigated. The ovaries of the last larval stage (i.e. fifth instar) of all
      examined species are filled with numerous clusters of cystocytes which undergo
      synchronous incomplete mitotic division. Cystocytes of the given cluster are
      arranged into a rosette with polyfusome in the centre. These clusters are
      associated with single somatic cells. At the end of the fifth instar, the
      clusters begin to separate from each other, forming spherical ovarioles which are
      surrounded by a single layer of somatic cells. In the ovarioles of very young
      females all cystocytes enter the prophase of meiosis and differentiate shortly
      thereafter into oocytes and trophocytes (nurse cells). Meanwhile, somatic cells
      differentiate into cells of the inner epithelial sheath surrounding the
      trophocytes and into the prefollicular cells that encompass the oocytes. During
      this final differentiation, the trophocytes lose their cell membranes and become
      syncytial. Oocytes remain cellular and most of them (termed arrested oocytes) do
      not grow. In the ovarioles of older females, one oocyte encompassed by its
      follicle cells starts growing, still connected to the syncytial tropharium by a
      nutritive cord. After the short phase of previtellogenesis alone, the oocyte
      enters its vitellogenic the growth phase in the vitellarium. At that time, the
      second oocyte may enter the vitellarium and start its previtellogenic growth. In
      the light of the obtained results, the phylogeny of psyllids, as well as
      phylogenetic relationships between taxa of Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha are
      discussed. 

PMID- 27140506
TI  - Voglibose-inspired synthesis of new potent alpha-glucosidase inhibitors N-1,3
      dihydroxypropylaminocyclitols.
AB  - Voglibose, an N-1,3-dihydroxypropylaminocyclitol, has widely been used as an
      effective alpha-glucosidase inhibitor for diabetes therapy. Several attempts have
      been made to synthesize closely related analogues through the coupling of various
      aminocyclitols and propane-1,3-diol; however, most of them showed weaker or no
      inhibition. In this communication, we synthesized a pair of new N-1,3
      dihydroxypropylaminocyclitols (10 and 11) using (+)-proto-quercitol (1) as a
      cyclitol core structure. The newly synthesized compounds revealed potent rat
      intestinal alpha-glucosidases, particularly against maltase, with IC50 values at
      submicromolar. Subsequent study on mechanisms underlying the inhibition of 11
      indicated the competitive manner towards maltase and sucrase. The potent
      inhibition of these compounds was elaborated by docking study, in which their
      binding profiles towards key amino acid residues in the active site were similar
      to that of voglibose. Therefore, introduction of propane-1,3-diol moiety to
      suitable cyclohexane core structure such as aminoquercitol would be a potential
      approach to discover a new series of effective alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. 

PMID- 27140507
TI  - Regional analysis of potential polychlorinated biphenyl degrading bacterial
      strains from China.
AB  - Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the chlorinated derivatives of biphenyl, are
      one of the most prevalent, highly toxic and persistent groups of contaminants in
      the environment. The objective of this study was to investigate the
      biodegradation of PCBs in northeastern (Heilongjiang Province), northern (Shanxi
      Province) and eastern China (Shanghai municipality). From these areas, nine soil
      samples were screened for PCB-degrading bacteria using a functional
      complementarity method. The genomic 16S rDNA locus was amplified and the products
      were sequenced to identify the bacterial genera. Seven Pseudomonas strains were
      selected to compare the capacity of bacteria from different regions to degrade
      biphenyl by HPLC. Compared to the biphenyl content in controls of 100%, the
      biphenyl content went down to 3.7% for strain P9-324, 36.3% for P2-11, and 20.0%
      for the other five strains. These results indicate that a longer processing time
      led to more degradation of biphenyl. PCB-degrading bacterial strains are
      distributed differently in different regions of China. 

PMID- 27140508
TI  - Retracted: Measuring Postoperative Complications: On the Right Path but Far Away
      From the Destination.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the proposed complication
      severity score (CSS) with comprehensive complication index (CCI) using a
      questionnaire-based survey of experienced gastrointestinal and hepato-pancreatico
      biliary surgeons. BACKGROUND: Morbidity rate has become an important outcome
      measure, as the mortality rates of most surgical procedures have decreased
      substantially. The recently developed CCI for measuring complications is a step
      forward in this process but has some drawbacks. We developed a new scoring system
      for calculating morbidity and compared it with CCI. METHODS: We designed a
      questionnaire with 9 scenarios wherein each scenario compared a hypothetical
      patient who developed a number of lower grade complications with another
      hypothetical patient who underwent the same surgical procedure but developed a
      single higher grade complication. The questionnaire was sent to 50 experienced
      surgeons who were asked to choose the patient who in their opinion had more
      severe complication. The results thus obtained were compared with the CSS and the
      CCI for these patients. RESULTS: Forty-nine of fifty experienced surgeons
      replied. Of the 9 sets of scenarios, experienced surgeons' opinion matched with
      CSS alone in six, CSS as well as CCI in one, and neither CSS or CCI in two
      scenarios. Of the total 441 responses, 281 matched with CSS while 143 matched
      with CCI (P = 0.0001, odds ratio: 3.7; 95% CI 2.8-4.8). CONCLUSIONS: CCI was not
      accurate in calculating the severity of a combination of postoperative
      complications. The CSS more often matched the opinion of experienced senior
      surgeons but requires further modifications.

PMID- 27140509
TI  - Retracted: Diagnosis and Treatment of Intestinal Melanoma Metastases in the Era
      of Effective Systemic Treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to describe different presentations,
      diagnostic tools, and available treatments for melanoma metastasized to the
      intestines. BACKGROUND: The intestine is a frequent site of metastases in
      melanoma patients. In the current era, with long-term survival after systemic
      treatment, there is a need for a timely diagnosis and optimal treatment of
      intestinal metastases. METHODS: Patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2015 with
      intestinal metastases of melanoma were included. Diagnostic procedures, treatment
      strategies, and their outcome were analyzed for all patients. RESULTS: A total of
      22 patients were included. Twenty patients received systemic therapy for widely
      disseminated disease. Fourteen of these twenty patients received local treatment
      for symptomatic intestinal metastases. Median overall survival after detection of
      intestinal metastasis in patients receiving systemic treatment was 22 months. On
      the basis of this cohort, a treatment algorithm for treatment of patients with
      symptomatic intestinal melanoma metastases was constructed. CONCLUSIONS: The
      treatment of intestinal melanoma metastases has changed due to the introduction
      of novel systemic treatments that can result in long-term survival of patients
      with widely metastatic melanoma. Surgeons and other clinicians should be aware of
      these changes in clinical practice as well as the diverse presentation of
      intestinal melanoma metastases and the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas
      involved.

PMID- 27140510
TI  - Reply: Factors Associated With Recurrence and Survival in N0 Gastric Cancer.

PMID- 27140511
TI  - Trans-surgical Disciplines Collaboration Is an Effective Strategy for Expediting
      Quality Improvement.

PMID- 27140512
TI  - Mechanisms, timescales and principles of trans-generational epigenetic
      inheritance in animals.
AB  - Development never starts from a blank slate of DNA. Therefore, in principle,
      plenty beyond DNA could transmit phenotypic information from one generation to
      the next. However, the extent to which epigenetic information is actually
      transmitted between generations and whether this information is modulated by the
      environment are questions that have only recently started to be investigated at
      the molecular level. Here we review molecular work on inter-generation epigenetic
      effects in animals and highlight some principles of epigenetic transmission. We
      argue that the need to stably repress repetitive DNA facilitated the evolution of
      mechanisms conferring long-term epigenetic memory, that individual effectors such
      as small RNAs can provide short-term epigenetic memory, and that feedback between
      different epigenetic mechanisms - for example between chromatin and small RNAs -
      could contribute to more stable long-term inheritance. Environmentally-triggered
      epigenetic 'wounds' in heterochromatin that take one or more generations to
      'heal' may also represent quite a generic mechanism for the transmission of
      acquired traits. Whether and how somatic cells alter epigenetic information in
      the germline, and whether and how long-term epigenetic memory can be transmitted
      without establishing permanent epigenetic states are key questions for future
      research.

PMID- 27140513
TI  - Biliary Anastomotic Stricture After Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation With
      Duct-to-Duct Reconstruction: Outcome After Endoscopic Treatment Including
      Rendezvous Procedure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the outcomes and investigate the factors associated with
      restricture after endoscopic treatment. METHODS: Between April 2001 and July
      2014, 98 patients experienced biliary anastomotic stricture (BAS) after living
      donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with duct-to-duct reconstruction, and all were
      first referred to Okayama University Hospital for endoscopic stent deployment.
      When deployment was unsuccessful, a percutaneous transhepatic procedure was used.
      Treatment outcomes, including stricture resolution, BAS recurrence, and risk
      factors of BAS recurrence, were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Successful
      stent deployment was achieved in 90 of 98 patients (91.8%) by both procedures.
      Among the 90 patients, stricture resolution was eventually observed in 72. The
      median number of endoscopic retrograde cholangiographies performed was 5. After a
      median follow-up period of 48.8 months from stent removal, BAS recurrence that
      required intervention occurred in 22 patients (30.6%). In multivariate analysis,
      portal vein stenosis after LDLT was associated with BAS recurrence after
      endoscopic treatment (P = 0.03). Among the 22 patients who required
      reintervention, 16 (73%) had their stents removed, and recurrence after
      retreatment occurred in 3 patients (18.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment is
      a useful procedure for the treatment for BAS after LDLT with duct-to-duct
      reconstruction. Portal vein stenosis may be one of the risks associated with the
      recurrence of BAS.

PMID- 27140514
TI  - Modulation of Donor-Specific Antibody Production After Organ Transplantation by
      Valproic Acid: A Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibody-mediated rejection, mediated by donor-specific antibodies,
      is emerging as a leading cause for allograft dysfunction in organ
      transplantation. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have potential
      immunosuppressive action, but their effects on antibody-mediated rejection and B
      cell function in organ transplantation have not been fully explored. METHODS: The
      impacts of valproic acid (VPA), an HDACi, on isolated murine B cell
      proliferation, apoptosis, class switch recombination (CSR), differentiation, and
      secretion of immunoglobulin were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Molecular
      mechanisms were also explored by analyzing the expression of the activation
      induced cytidinedeaminase, B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp
      1/Pridm1), X-box-binding protein 1 and interferon-regulatory factor 4. Mouse
      cardiac transplant model was used to evaluate the regulatory effects of VPA on B
      cell response in vivo. RESULTS: Valproic acid significantly inhibited B cell CSR,
      plasma cell differentiation, thereby reduced antibody generation in a dose
      dependent manner without altering B cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro and
      in vivo. Activation-induced cytidinedeaminase, Blimp-1/Pridm1 and X-box-binding
      protein 1 expression were repressed by VPA treatment in a dose-dependent manner,
      whereas no obvious changes were observed on interferon-regulatory factor 4
      expression. Although VPA alone did not prolong the graft medium survival time
      after murine heart transplantation, the low levels of donor-specific antibody,
      especially IgG in serum and the less numbers of plasma cells in the spleen were
      observed in VPA-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: Valproic acid inhibited B cell CSR and
      plasma cell differentiation in vitro and in nitrophenyl-chicken gamma globulin
      immunized and heart transplant recipient mice. HDACi might be a therapeutic agent
      targeting B cell response after organ transplantation.

PMID- 27140515
TI  - The Presence of Pretransplant Antiphospholipid Antibodies IgA Anti-beta-2
      Glycoprotein I as a Predictor of Graft Thrombosis After Renal Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vessel thrombosis is a severe complication after renal
      transplantation. Antibodies anti-beta-2 glycoprotein-I of IgA isotype (IgA
      aB2GP1) have been linked to thrombotic events and mortality in hemodialysis
      patients. METHODS: All kidney transplanted patients from 2000 to 2011 (n = 1375)
      in our hospital were followed up for 2 years, evaluating 3 time periods. RESULTS:
      At transplantation, 401 patients were positive for IgA-aB2GPI (29.2%, group 1),
      and the remaining patients were negative (group 2). Graft loss at 6 months
      posttransplantation was higher in group 1 (18% vs 7.2%; P < 0.001). The most
      frequent cause of early graft loss was vessel thrombosis, especially in group 1
      (12.2% vs 2.6% of patients; P < 0.001). In fact, vessel thrombosis was the most
      important cause of graft loss in the 3 time periods, irrespective of demographic
      changes and introduction of transplantation with asystolic donors.Notably, IgA
      aB2GP1 was an independent risk factor for graft thrombosis (odds ratio, 5.047; P
      < 0.001). Furthermore, the presence of IgA-aB2GP1 was associated with early graft
      loss and delayed graft function. Mortality at 24 months was also higher in group
      1. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, pretransplant IgA-aB2GP1 was the main risk factor
      for graft thrombosis and early graft loss. Further research should be made on
      whether anticoagulation in antibody-positive patients could ameliorate this
      catastrophic complication.

PMID- 27140516
TI  - Interpreting Anti-HLA Antibody Testing Data: A Practical Guide for Physicians.
AB  - The development of sensitive methods for alloantibody detection has been a
      significant advance in clinical transplantation. However, the complexity of the
      data from solid phase and crossmatch assays has led to potential confusion about
      how to use the results for clinical decision making. The goal of this review is
      to provide a practical guide for transplant physicians for the interpretation of
      antibody data to supplement consultation with local tissue typing experts.
      Sources of variability in both the solid phase and crossmatch assay are discussed
      as are recent data regarding C1q binding antibodies and IgG subclass testing.
      Although definitive approaches to alloantibody testing are not possible with our
      current knowledge, we outline a pragmatic approach that we hope will enhance
      clinical management in this area. 

PMID- 27140517
TI  - Intragraft Antiviral-Specific Gene Expression as a Distinctive Transcriptional
      Signature for Studies in Polyomavirus-Associated Nephropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polyomavirus nephropathy (PVAN) is a common cause of kidney allograft
      dysfunction and loss. To identify PVAN-specific gene expression and underlying
      molecular mechanisms, we analyzed kidney biopsies with and without PVAN. METHODS:
      The study included 168 posttransplant renal allograft biopsies (T cell-mediated
      rejection [TCMR] = 26, PVAN = 10, normal functioning graft = 73, and interstitial
      fibrosis/tubular atrophy = 59) from 168 unique kidney allograft recipients. We
      performed gene expression assays and bioinformatics analysis to identify a set of
      PVAN-specific genes. Validity and relevance of a subset of these genes are
      validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.
      RESULTS: Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of all the biopsies
      revealed high similarity between PVAN and TCMR gene expression. Increased
      statistical stringency identified 158 and 252 unique PVAN and TCMR injury
      specific gene transcripts respectively. Although TCMR-specific genes were
      overwhelmingly involved in immune response costimulation and TCR signaling, PVAN
      specific genes were mainly related to DNA replication process, RNA polymerase
      assembly, and pathogen recognition receptors. A principal component analysis
      (PCA) using these genes further confirmed the most optimal separation between the
      3 different clinical phenotypes. Validation of 4 PVAN-specific genes (RPS15,
      complement factor D, lactotransferrin, and nitric oxide synthase interacting
      protein) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and confirmation by
      immunohistochemistry of 2 PVAN-specific proteins with antiviral function
      (lactotransferrin and IFN-inducible transmembrane 1) was done. CONCLUSIONS: In
      conclusion, even though PVAN and TCMR kidney allografts share great similarities
      on gene perturbation, PVAN-specific genes were identified with well-known
      antiviral properties that provide tools for discerning PVAN and AR as well as
      attractive targets for rational drug design.

PMID- 27140518
TI  - Outcomes of Solid Organ Transplants After Simultaneous Solid Organ and
      Vascularized Composite Allograft Procurements: A Nationwide Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current knowledge of the impact of facial vascularized composite
      allograft (VCA) procurement on the transplantation outcomes of the concomitantly
      recovered solid organs is limited to isolated case reports and short-term
      results. Here we report on a nationwide analysis of facial allograft donor
      surgery experience and long-term outcomes of the concomitantly recovered solid
      organs and their recipients. METHODS: There were 10 facial VCA procurements in
      organ donors between December 2008 and October 2014. We identified the population
      of subjects who received solid organs from these 10 donors using the Scientific
      Registry of Transplant Recipients. We retrospectively reviewed operative
      characteristics, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS:
      Six of 10 donor surgeries were performed at outside institutions, all on brain
      dead donors. Mean operative duration for facial VCA recovery was 6.9 hours
      (range, 4-13.25 hours). A total of 36 solid organs were recovered and
      transplanted into 35 recipients. Survival rates for kidney and liver recipients
      were 100% and 90% at a median follow-up of 33 and 27.5 months, respectively
      (range, 6-72 months). Graft survival rates for kidneys and livers were 15 of 16
      (94%) and 9 of 10 (90%), respectively. Recipient and graft survival rates for
      hearts and lungs were 75% (n = 4) and 100% (n = 3) at mean follow-up time of
      14.75 and 16 months, respectively. A liver recipient died at 22 months from
      unknown causes and a heart recipient died of leukemia at 10 months. CONCLUSIONS:
      Facial VCA procurement does not appear to adversely affect the outcomes of
      transplant recipients of concomitantly recovered solid organ allografts.

PMID- 27140519
TI  - The Effect of Chronic Arsenic Exposure in Zebrafish.
AB  - Arsenic is a prevalent environmental toxin and a Group one human carcinogenic
      agent. Chronic arsenic exposure has been associated with many human diseases. The
      aim of this study is to evaluate zebrafish as an animal model to assess arsenic
      toxicity in elevated long-term arsenic exposure. With prolonged exposure (6
      months) to various concentrations of arsenic from 50 ppb to 300 ppb, effects of
      arsenic accumulation in zebrafish tissues, and phenotypes were investigated.
      Results showed that there are no significant changes of arsenic retention in
      zebrafish tissues, and zebrafish did not exhibit any visible tumor formation
      under arsenic exposure conditions. However, the zebrafish demonstrate a
      dysfunction in their neurological system, which is reflected by a reduction of
      locomotive activity. Moreover, elevated levels of the superoxide dismutase (SOD2)
      protein were detected in the eye and liver, suggesting increased oxidative
      stress. In addition, the progenies of arsenic-treated parents displayed a smaller
      biomass (four-fold reduction in body weight) compared with those from their
      parental controls. This result indicates that arsenic may induce genetic or
      epigenetic changes that are then passed on to the next generation. Overall, this
      study demonstrates that zebrafish is a convenient vertebrate model with
      advantages in the evaluation of arsenic-associated neurological disorders as well
      as its influences on the offspring.

PMID- 27140520
TI  - Sequencing proteins with transverse ionic transport in nanochannels.
AB  - De novo protein sequencing is essential for understanding cellular processes that
      govern the function of living organisms and all sequence modifications that occur
      after a protein has been constructed from its corresponding DNA code. By
      obtaining the order of the amino acids that compose a given protein one can then
      determine both its secondary and tertiary structures through structure
      prediction, which is used to create models for protein aggregation diseases such
      as Alzheimer's Disease. Here, we propose a new technique for de novo protein
      sequencing that involves translocating a polypeptide through a synthetic
      nanochannel and measuring the ionic current of each amino acid through an
      intersecting perpendicular nanochannel. We find that the distribution of ionic
      currents for each of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids encoded by eukaryotic genes
      is statistically distinct, showing this technique's potential for de novo protein
      sequencing.

PMID- 27140521
TI  - Non-Invasive Ultrasound Liver Ablation Using Histotripsy: Chronic Study in an In
      Vivo Rodent Model.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver cancer, has the fastest growing incidence
      among cancers in the United States. Current liver ablation methods are thermal
      based and share limitations due to the heat sink effect from the blood flow
      through the highly vascular liver. Recently, our group has investigated
      histotripsy as a non-invasive liver cancer ablation method. Histotripsy is a non
      thermal ultrasonic ablation method that fractionates tissue through the control
      of acoustic cavitation. Previous experiments in an in vivo porcine model show
      that histotripsy can create well-confined lesions in the liver through ribcage
      obstruction without damaging the overlying ribs and other tissues. Histotripsy
      can also completely fractionate liver tissue surrounding major vessels while
      preserving the vessels. In this study, we investigate the long-term effects of
      histotripsy liver ablation in a rodent model. We hypothesize that the
      fractionated histotripsy lesion will be resorbed by the liver, resulting in
      effective tissue healing. To test this hypothesis, the livers of 20 healthy rats
      were treated with histotripsy using an 8-element 1-MHz histotripsy transducer.
      Rats were euthanized after 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days (n = 4). In vivo and post
      mortem results showed histotripsy lesions were successfully generated through the
      intact abdomen in all 20 rats. Magnetic resonance imaging found primarily
      negative contrast on day 0, positive contrast on day 3 and rapid normalization of
      signal intensity thereafter (i.e., signal amplitude returned to baseline levels
      seen in healthy liver tissue). Histologically, lesions were completely
      fractionated into an acellular homogenate. The lesions had a maximum cross
      sectional area of 17.2 +/- 1.9 mm(2) and sharp boundaries between the lesion and
      the healthy surrounding tissue after treatment. As the animals recovered after
      treatment, the histotripsy tissue homogenate was almost completely replaced by
      regenerated liver parenchyma, resulting in a small fibrous lesion (<1 mm(2)
      maximum cross-section) remaining after 28 d. The results of this study suggest
      that histotripsy has potential as a non-invasive liver ablation method for
      effective tissue removal.

PMID- 27140522
TI  - Pediatric Cardiac Shear Wave Elastography for Quantitative Assessment of
      Myocardial Stiffness: A Pilot Study in Healthy Controls.
AB  - The long-term goal of this study is to assess chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity
      for pediatric cancer patients using cardiac ultrasound shear wave (SW)
      elastography. This pilot study aimed to systematically investigate the
      feasibility of using cardiac SW elastography in children and provide myocardial
      stiffness control data for cancer patients. Twenty healthy volunteers (ages 5-18)
      were recruited. A novel cardiac SW elastography sequence with pulse-inversion
      harmonic imaging and time-aligned sequential tracking was developed for this
      study. Cardiac SW elastography produces and detects transient SWs propagating in
      the myocardium in late-diastole, which can be used to quantify myocardial
      stiffness. The parasternal long-axis (L-A) and short-axis (S-A) views of the
      interventricular septum (IVS) were feasible for pediatric cardiac SW
      elastography. The L-A and S-A views of the basal and mid IVS provided better
      success rates than those of the apical IVS. Success rates decreased with
      increased body mass index (BMI), but did not differ with age or gender. Two
      dimensional SW speed measurements were 1.26, 1.22, 1.71 and 1.67 m/s for L-A
      base, L-A mid, S-A base and S-A mid IVS, respectively. All S-A SW speed values
      were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than L-A values due to myocardial
      anisotropy. No SW speed difference was observed for different ages and genders.
      This pilot study demonstrated, for the first time, the feasibility of using
      cardiac SW elastography to measure quantitative myocardial stiffness in children,
      and established control SW speed values for using SW elastography to assess chemo
      induced cardiotoxicity for pediatric cancer patients. The results showed that the
      myocardial anisotropy needs to be accounted for when comparing SW speed from
      different imaging axes.

PMID- 27140523
TI  - Evaluation of cover effects on bare stent mechanical response.
AB  - Covered tracheobronchial stents are used to prevent tumour growth from
      reoccluding the airways. In the present work a combination of experimental and
      computational methods are used to present the mechanical effects that adhered
      covers can have on stent performance. A prototype tracheobronchial stent is
      characterised in bare and covered configurations using radial force, flat plate
      and a novel non-uniform radial force test, while computational modelling is
      performed in parallel to extensively inform the physical testing. Results of the
      study show that cover configuration can have a significant structural effect on
      stent performance, and that stent response (bare or covered) is especially
      loading specific, highlighting that the loading configuration that a stent is
      about to be subjected to should be considered before stent implantation.

PMID- 27140524
TI  - Tetrahydrofuran lignans from Viburnum betulifolium.
AB  - A phytochemical investigation of the EtOH extract from the aerial parts of
      Viburnum betulifolium Batal. afforded four new tetrahydrofuran lignans,
      betulifolium A-D (1, 2, 4, and 5), together with two known compounds vibsanol-9'
      al (3) and sarcomeginal (6). This paper deals with the isolation and structure
      elucidation of the new compounds on the basis of spectroscopic methods, including
      1D NMR, 2D NMR analyses and HR-ESI-MS data. 

PMID- 27140525
TI  - Risk factors for traumatic dental injuries in the primary dentition: concepts,
      interpretation, and evidence.
AB  - The purpose of this comprehensive review is to explore the main concepts related
      to quantification and interpretation of risk factors and investigate
      characteristics associated with traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in the primary
      dentition. Initially, the main concepts related to causality and risk factors
      were summarized, including how to measure, express, and compare risk as well as
      interpret statistical significance. Based on a structured search through PubMed,
      original research articles regarding TDI and associated factors in the primary
      dentition were then reviewed by two examiners. Studies with a sample size of at
      least 300 children aged between 0 and 6 years were summarized according to
      journal, country, study design, and type of statistical analysis. Variables
      associated with TDI in primary teeth were identified from studies with
      multivariable analysis. Measures of effect size and P values were presented.
      Thirty-two studies were retrieved: most were cross-sectional in design and only
      17 (53.1%) performed multivariable analysis. Most investigations did not find an
      association between gender and socioeconomic variables with TDI. Increased
      overjet was the only factor consistently identified as an associated factor.
      Behavioral characteristics have been recently investigated and suggested as
      potential risk factors for TDI in the primary dentition. In conclusion, increased
      overjet is undoubtedly associated with TDI in the primary dentition. As
      behavioral factors may be targeted by preventive strategies, their role on TDI
      occurrence should be clarified in future cohort studies. Clinicians should
      understand the terms and measures described in studies on risk factors to
      properly apply knowledge and benefit patients.

PMID- 27140526
TI  - Erratum to "The topological pressure-temperature phase diagram of ritonavir, an
      extraordinary case of crystalline dimorphism" [Ann. Pharm. Fr. 73 (2015) 22-30].

PMID- 27140527
TI  - A probabilistic approach for lateralization of seizure onset zone in drug
      resistant epilepsy with bilateral cerebral pathology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lateralization of seizure-onset zone (SOZ) during
      electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring in people with bilateral potentially
      epileptogenic lesions is important to facilitate clinical decision making for
      resective surgery. METHODS: We develop two Bayesian approaches for estimating the
      number of consecutive ipsilateral seizures required to lateralize the SOZ to a
      given lower limit of 95% credible interval (LLI, assuming continuous prior
      distribution), or to a given posterior probability (assuming mixture of discrete
      and continuous prior probabilities). RESULTS: With estimation approach, if both
      the cerebral hemispheres are a priori equi-probable to contain SOZ, then using
      Jeffrey's prior, a minimum of 9, 18, and 38 consecutive ipsilateral seizures will
      yield an LLI of 0.81, 0.90, and 0.95 respectively. If one of the hemisphere is a
      priori more likely to have SOZ, then prior beta distributions with alpha=3,
      beta=2, and alpha=4, beta=3 will require a minimum of 18 and 24 consecutive
      ipsilateral seizures to yield an LLI of 0.80. Contrariwise, the testing approach
      allows approximation of the number of consecutive ipsilateral seizures to
      lateralize the SOZ depending on an estimate of prior probability of lateralized
      SOZ, to a desired posterior probability. For a prior probability of 0.5, using
      uniform prior, mixture model will require 7, 17, and 37 consecutive ipsilateral
      seizures to lateralize the SOZ with a posterior probability of 0.8, 0.9, and 0.95
      respectively. CONCLUSION: While the reasoning presented here is based on
      probability theory, it is hoped that it may help clinical decision making and
      stimulate further validation with actual clinical data.

PMID- 27140528
TI  - Mathematical modeling of the cells repair regulations in Nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma.
AB  - Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant cancer which is caused by the
      activation of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) via some external factors. In the cells
      repair regulations, the p53 gene mutation can be used as the early indication of
      the NPC growth. The NPC growth is due to the DNA damage accumulation caused by
      the EBV infection. In this paper we construct the cells repair regulations model
      to characterize the NPC growth. The model is a 15 dimensional of first order ODE
      system and consists the proteins and enzymes reactions. We do some numerical
      simulations to show the inactivation of the phosphorylated and acetylated p53,
      and the chromosomal instability of p53 gene, which can be used as the earlier
      stage detection of NPC.

PMID- 27140529
TI  - Evaluating the usefulness of paratransgenesis for malaria control.
AB  - Malaria is a serious global health problem which is especially devastating to the
      developing world. Most malaria control programs use insecticides for controlling
      mosquito populations. Large scale usage of these insecticides exerts massive
      selection pressure on mosquitoes resulting in insecticide resistant mosquito
      breeds. Thus, developing alternative strategies are crucial for sustainable
      malaria control. Here, we explore the usefulness of an alternative strategy,
      paratransgenesis: the introduction of genetically engineered plasmodium killing
      bacteria inside the mosquito gut. The genetically modified bacterial culture is
      housed in cotton balls dipped in a sugar solution (sugar bait) and they enter a
      mosquito's midgut when it drinks from a sugar bait. We study scenarios where
      vectors and hosts mix homogeneously as well as heterogeneously and calculate the
      amount of baits required to prevent a malaria outbreak. Given the baits are
      attractive, we show that the basic reproductive number drops rapidly with the
      increase in bait density. Furthermore, we propose a targeted bait distribution
      strategy for minimizing the reproductive number for the heterogeneous case. Our
      results can prove to be useful for designing future experiments and field trials
      of alternative malaria control mechanisms and they also have implications on the
      development of malaria control programs.

PMID- 27140530
TI  - Specific Cues Associated With Honey Bee Social Defence against Varroa destructor
      Infested Brood.
AB  - Social immunity forms an essential part of the defence repertoire of social
      insects. In response to infestation by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and
      its associated viruses, honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) have developed a specific
      behaviour (varroa-sensitive hygiene, or VSH) that helps protect the colony from
      this parasite. Brood cells heavily infested with mites are uncapped, the brood
      killed, and the cell contents removed. For this extreme sacrifice to be
      beneficial to the colony, the targeting of parasitized brood for removal must be
      accurate and selective. Here we show that varroa-infested brood produce uniquely
      identifiable cues that could be used by VSH-performing bees to identify with high
      specificity which brood cells to sacrifice. This selective elimination of mite
      infested brood is a disease resistance strategy analogous to programmed cell
      death, where young bees likely to be highly dysfunctional as adults are
      sacrificed for the greater good of the colony.

PMID- 27140531
TI  - Methodological aspects of QM/MM calculations: A case study on matrix
      metalloproteinase-2.
AB  - We address methodological issues in quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM)
      calculations on a zinc-dependent enzyme. We focus on the first stage of peptide
      bond cleavage by matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), that is, the nucleophilic
      attack of the zinc-coordinating water molecule on the carbonyl carbon atom of the
      scissile fragment of the substrate. This step is accompanied by significant
      charge redistribution around the zinc cation, bond cleavage, and bond formation.
      We vary the size and initial geometry of the model system as well as the
      computational protocol to demonstrate the influence of these choices on the
      results obtained. We present QM/MM potential energy profiles for a set of
      snapshots randomly selected from QM/MM-based molecular dynamics simulations and
      analyze the differences in the computed profiles in structural terms. Since the
      substrate in MMP-2 is located on the protein surface, we investigate the
      influence of the thickness of the water layer around the enzyme on the QM/MM
      energy profile. Thin water layers (0-2 A) give unrealistic results because of
      structural reorganizations in the active-site region at the protein surface. A 12
      A water layer appears to be sufficient to capture the effect of the solvent; the
      corresponding QM/MM energy profile is very close to that obtained from QM/MM/SMBP
      calculations using the solvent macromolecular boundary potential (SMBP). We apply
      the optimized computational protocol to explain the origin of the different
      catalytic activity of the Glu116Asp mutant: the energy barrier for the first step
      is higher, which is rationalized on structural grounds. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27140532
TI  - Cooperative hydrogen-bonding of the adenine-thymine pair as a strategy for
      lowering the limit of detection of thymine by surface-enhanced Raman
      spectroscopy.
AB  - The formation of cooperative hydrogen bonds between the thymine-adenine pair was
      used to indirectly determine thymine in aqueous solution by surface-enhanced
      Raman spectroscopy (SERS), therefore improving the limit of detection (LOD)
      values up to two orders of magnitude. The concentration of adenine was held
      constant and SERS spectra over gold nanoparticles were acquired through variable
      concentrations of thymine. The overall methodology followed a multivariate
      approach leading us to find the most suitable adenine concentrations to determine
      thymine and evidence the formation of new species whose response maintains a
      linear correlation with thymine nominal concentrations. Partial Least Squares
      (PLS) regression has been applied for modelling the data and close values of the
      root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV) and root mean square error of
      prediction (RMSEP) were obtained as indicators of model quality for modelling and
      prediction. The LOD for the thymine determination has been lowered from ~20 to
      0.278 mmol L(-1) with a mean prediction error of 3.3%. It was verified that the
      improvement in LOD is only possible if the base pair is formed prior to the
      addition of the plasmonic nanoparticles. Finally, the assessment of the effect of
      an interference species introducing uracil to the system showed that it was
      possible to isolate the analyte response from the overall signals. 

PMID- 27140534
TI  - Vitamin B-12 and neuropathy in the elderly.

PMID- 27140533
TI  - Alterations in human milk leptin and insulin are associated with early changes in
      the infant intestinal microbiome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased maternal body mass index (BMI) is a robust risk factor for
      later pediatric obesity. Accumulating evidence suggests that human milk (HM) may
      attenuate the transfer of obesity from mother to offspring, potentially through
      its effects on early development of the infant microbiome. OBJECTIVES: Our
      objective was to identify early differences in intestinal microbiota in a cohort
      of breastfeeding infants born to obese compared with normal-weight (NW) mothers.
      We also investigated relations between HM hormones (leptin and insulin) and both
      the taxonomic and functional potentials of the infant microbiome. DESIGN:
      Clinical data and infant stool and fasting HM samples were collected from 18 NW
      [prepregnancy BMI (in kg/m(2)) <24.0] and 12 obese (prepregnancy BMI >30.0)
      mothers and their exclusively breastfed infants at 2 wk postpartum. Infant body
      composition at 2 wk was determined by air-displacement plethysmography. Infant
      gastrointestinal microbes were estimated by using 16S amplicon and whole-genome
      sequencing. HM insulin and leptin were determined by ELISA; short-chain fatty
      acids (SCFAs) were measured in stool samples by using gas chromatography. Power
      was set at 80%. RESULTS: Infants born to obese mothers were exposed to 2-fold
      higher HM insulin and leptin concentrations (P < 0.01) and showed a significant
      reduction in the early pioneering bacteria Gammaproteobacteria (P = 0.03) and
      exhibited a trend for elevated total SCFA content (P < 0.06). Independent of
      maternal prepregnancy BMI, HM insulin was positively associated with both
      microbial taxonomic diversity (P = 0.03) and Gammaproteobacteria (e.g.,
      Enterobacteriaceae; P = 0.04) and was negatively associated with Lactobacillales
      (e.g., Streptococcaceae; P = 0.05). Metagenomic analysis showed that HM leptin
      and insulin were associated with decreased bacterial proteases, which are
      implicated in intestinal permeability, and reduced concentrations of pyruvate
      kinase, a biomarker of pediatric gastrointestinal inflammation. CONCLUSION: Our
      results indicate that, although maternal obesity may adversely affect the early
      infant intestinal microbiome, HM insulin and leptin are independently associated
      with beneficial microbial metabolic pathways predicted to increase intestinal
      barrier function and reduce intestinal inflammation. This trial was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01693406.

PMID- 27140535
TI  - Reply to LR Solomon.

PMID- 27140537
TI  - Statistical generation of training sets for measuring NO3(-), NH4(+) and major
      ions in natural waters using an ion selective electrode array.
AB  - Knowledge of ionic concentrations in natural waters is essential to understand
      watershed processes. Inorganic nitrogen, in the form of nitrate and ammonium
      ions, is a key nutrient as well as a participant in redox, acid-base, and
      photochemical processes of natural waters, leading to spatiotemporal patterns of
      ion concentrations at scales as small as meters or hours. Current options for
      measurement in situ are costly, relying primarily on instruments adapted from
      laboratory methods (e.g., colorimetric, UV absorption); free-standing and
      inexpensive ISE sensors for NO3(-) and NH4(+) could be attractive alternatives if
      interferences from other constituents were overcome. Multi-sensor arrays, coupled
      with appropriate non-linear signal processing, offer promise in this capacity but
      have not yet successfully achieved signal separation for NO3(-) and NH4(+)in situ
      at naturally occurring levels in unprocessed water samples. A novel signal
      processor, underpinned by an appropriate sensor array, is proposed that overcomes
      previous limitations by explicitly integrating basic chemical constraints (e.g.,
      charge balance). This work further presents a rationalized process for the
      development of such in situ instrumentation for NO3(-) and NH4(+), including a
      statistical-modeling strategy for instrument design, training/calibration, and
      validation. Statistical analysis reveals that historical concentrations of major
      ionic constituents in natural waters across New England strongly covary and are
      multi-modal. This informs the design of a statistically appropriate training set,
      suggesting that the strong covariance of constituents across environmental
      samples can be exploited through appropriate signal processing mechanisms to
      further improve estimates of minor constituents. Two artificial neural network
      architectures, one expanded to incorporate knowledge of basic chemical
      constraints, were tested to process outputs of a multi-sensor array, trained
      using datasets of varying degrees of statistical representativeness to natural
      water samples. The accuracy of ANN results improves monotonically with the
      statistical representativeness of the training set (error decreases by ~5*),
      while the expanded neural network architecture contributes a further factor of 2
      3.5 decrease in error when trained with the most representative sample set.
      Results using the most statistically accurate set of training samples (which
      retain environmentally relevant ion concentrations but avoid the potential
      interference of humic acids) demonstrated accurate, unbiased quantification of
      nitrate and ammonium at natural environmental levels (+/-20% down to <10 MUM), as
      well as the major ions Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Cl(-), and SO4(2-), in
      unprocessed samples. These results show promise for the development of new in
      situ instrumentation for the support of scientific field work. 

PMID- 27140538
TI  - 'It's much worse than dying': the experiences of female victims of sexual
      violence.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe the experiences of women who have suffered
      sexual violence and the impact and importance of that violence on their lives.
      BACKGROUND: Sexual violence against women is a serious problem worldwide. Studies
      need to investigate how women reorganise their lives after experiencing sexual
      violence. DESIGN: A qualitative design was used to explore women's experiences.
      METHODS: This study analysed semistructured interviews of 11 women who had
      experienced a sexual assault. The interviews were performed at a specialised walk
      in clinic at a university hospital in the interior of Sao Paulo State, Brazil. A
      thematic analysis of the content led to the identification of the following
      themes: (1) impact and meaning of the violence; (2) feelings; (3) overcoming the
      violence and (4) expectations for the future. RESULTS: Sexual violence had a
      devastating impact on the lives of these women. The women's postviolence
      experiences caused feelings of guilt, impotence, fragility and immobility. These
      experiences also instilled a belief that they may have 'provoked' the violence.
      Nevertheless, the women showed resilience, investing all of their energy in
      returning their lives to pre-violence conditions. Family, friends and other
      important people, as well as the care that the women received from health
      services, were cited as factors that sustained this attitude of resilience.
      CONCLUSIONS: Providing appropriate care to female victims of sexual assault
      requires not only treating the physical damage caused by the violence but also
      evaluating the particularities of the experience's emotional impact on each woman
      and the psychosocial repercussions of the experience. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL
      PRACTICE: Health professionals should follow up with women during their recovery
      period.

PMID- 27140539
TI  - 26-Year-Old Man With New Abdominal Pain.

PMID- 27140540
TI  - 68-Year-Old Woman With Fever, Headache, Bicytopenia, and Transaminitis.

PMID- 27140541
TI  - Lifelong Exercise Patterns and Cardiovascular Health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between lifelong exercise dose and the
      prevalence of cardiovascular morbidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 1, 2011,
      through December 31, 2014, 21,266 individuals completed an online questionnaire
      regarding their lifelong exercise patterns and cardiovascular health status.
      Cardiovascular disease (CVD) was defined as a diagnosis of myocardial infarction,
      stroke, or heart failure, and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) were defined as
      hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or type 2 diabetes. Lifelong exercise
      patterns were measured over a median of 32 years for 405 patients with CVD, 1379
      patients with CVRFs, and 10,656 controls. Participants were categorized into
      nonexercisers and quintiles (Q1-Q5) of exercise dose (metabolic equivalent task
      [MET] minutes per week). RESULTS: The CVD/CVRF prevalence was lower for each
      exercise quintile compared with nonexercisers (CVD: nonexercisers, 9.6% vs Q1:
      4.4%, Q2: 2.8%, Q3: 2.4%, Q4: 3.6%, Q5: 3.9%; P<.001; CVRF: nonexercisers, 24.6%
      vs Q1: 13.8%, Q2: 10.2%, Q3: 9.0%, Q4: 9.4%, Q5: 12.0%; P<.001). The lowest
      exercise dose (Q1) significantly reduced CVD and CVRF prevalence, but the largest
      reductions were found at 764 to 1091 MET-min/wk for CVD (adjusted odds
      ratio=0.31; 95% CI, 0.20-0.48) and CVRFs (adjusted odds ratio=0.36; 95% CI, 0.28
      0.47). The CVD/CVRF prevalence did not further decrease in higher exercise dose
      groups. Exercise intensity did not influence the relationship between exercise
      patterns and CVD or CVRFs. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate a curvilinear
      relationship between lifelong exercise patterns and cardiovascular morbidity. Low
      exercise doses can effectively reduce CVD/CVRF prevalence, but engagement in
      exercise for 764 to 1091 MET-min/wk is associated with the lowest CVD/CVRF
      prevalence. Higher exercise doses do not yield additional benefits.

PMID- 27140542
TI  - Comparison of ablation mechanisms at low fluence for ultrashort and short-pulse
      laser exposure of very thin molybdenum films on glass.
AB  - Complete removal of a loosely adhered very thin molybdenum film from a glass
      substrate is investigated for both femtosecond and nanosecond lasers at different
      wavelengths. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirm
      that ablation of the molybdenum film by femtosecond pulses occurs close to the
      damage threshold fluence, creating minimal damage to the substrate. This is in
      contrast to nanosecond laser processing where significant substrate damage at the
      equivalent damage threshold fluence is observed. Simulations predict a two-stage
      mechanical buckling mechanism in the femtosecond case. Out-of-plane thermal
      expansion first results in a tensile expansion of molybdenum film from the glass
      substrate; this locally delaminated film is then buckled by a subsequent
      compressive stress, leading to thin film spallation. Ablation by nanosecond laser
      pulses behaves differently. The appreciable heat diffusion length (~700  nm) in
      molybdenum, observed for the nanosecond case, results in an increased thermal
      expansion of the glass. The thermally induced stress generated by the molten
      glass creates a delaminated area, which "pushes" the compressed film away from
      the substrate. These findings are relevant to future selective laser patterning
      of very thin molybdenum layers.

PMID- 27140543
TI  - Advanced materials for multilayer mirrors for extreme ultraviolet solar
      astronomy.
AB  - We provide an analysis of contemporary multilayer optics for extreme ultraviolet
      (EUV) solar astronomy in the wavelength ranges: lambda=12.9-13.3  nm, lambda=17
      21  nm, lambda=28-33  nm, and lambda=58.4  nm. We found new material pairs, which
      will make new spaceborne experiments possible due to the high reflection
      efficiencies, spectral resolution, and long-term stabilities of the proposed
      multilayer coatings. In the spectral range lambda=13  nm, Mo/Be multilayer
      mirrors were shown to demonstrate a better ratio of reflection efficiency and
      spectral resolution compared with the commonly used Mo/Si. In the spectral range
      lambda=17-21  nm, a new multilayer structure Al/Si was proposed, which had higher
      spectral resolution along with comparable reflection efficiency compared with the
      commonly used Al/Zr multilayer structures. In the spectral range lambda=30  nm,
      the Si/B<sub>4</sub>C/Mg/Cr multilayer structure turned out to best obey
      reflection efficiency and long-term stability. The B<sub>4</sub>C and Cr layers
      prevented mutual diffusion of the Si and Mg layers. For the spectral range
      lambda=58  nm, a new multilayer Mo/Mg-based structure was developed; its
      reflection efficiency and long-term stability have been analyzed. We also
      investigated intrinsic stresses inherent for most of the multilayer structures
      and proposed possibilities for stress elimination.

PMID- 27140544
TI  - Optofluidic laser scanner based on a rotating liquid prism.
AB  - We demonstrate an electrowetting-actuated optofluidic system based on a rotatable
      liquid prism implemented as a two-dimensional laser scanner. The system is
      fabricated through a novel technology using a patterned flexible polymeric foil
      on which a high density of electrodes is structured and which is subsequently
      inserted into a cylindrical housing. The resulting radial electrode array is used
      for electrowetting actuation of two fluids filled into the cylinder, which allows
      a controllable tilt and orientation of the planar liquid interface and thus
      represents a tunable rotating prism. Finite element simulations and subsequent
      experimental verification show that this highly planar and precisely positionable
      liquid/liquid interface may be actuated to a deflection angle of +/-6.4 degrees ,
      with a standard deviation of +/-0.18 degrees , and rotated 360 degrees  about the
      vertical axis. Power consumption is limited to several microwatts, and switching
      times of several hundred milliseconds were determined.

PMID- 27140545
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of silicon nanorod on n-type porous silicon.
AB  - This work reports a new method for growing semiconductor nanorods on a porous
      silicon substrate. After preparation of n-type porous silicon samples, a thin
      layer of gold was deposited on them. Gold deposited samples were annealed at
      different temperatures. The structural, thermal, and optical properties of the
      samples were studied using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM),
      photoacoustic spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy, respectively.
      FESEM analysis revealed that silicon nanorods of different sizes grew on the
      annealed samples. Thermal behavior of the samples was studied using photoacoustic
      spectroscopy. Photoluminescence spectroscopy showed that the emission peaks were
      degraded by gold deposition and attenuated for all samples by annealing.

PMID- 27140546
TI  - High-speed ultrashort pulse fiber ring laser using charcoal nanoparticles.
AB  - A mode-locked erbium-doped fiber ring laser that is easy to set up is proposed
      and experimentally demonstrated to generate a high-repetition-rate optical pulse
      train with an ultrashort pulse width. The laser combines a rational harmonic mode
      locking technique and charcoal nanoparticles as saturable absorbers. Compared to
      a solely active mode-locking scheme, the scheme with charcoal nanoparticles can
      remove the supermodes and narrow the pulse width by a factor of 0.57 at a
      repetition rate of 20 GHz. Numerical simulation of the laser performance is also
      provided, which shows good agreement with the experimental results.

PMID- 27140547
TI  - High-precision tilt sensor using a folded Mach-Zehnder geometry in-phase and
      quadrature interferometer.
AB  - A new high-sensitivity homodyne in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) -interferometer
      scheme for measuring the tilt change of a target is presented. The new tilt
      sensor is a Mach-Zehnder interferometer folded by the target, in which the phase
      change is induced by the in-plane tilt change of the target but is not sensitive
      to any other motions. The interferometer is specially designed to minimize
      interferences caused by environmental perturbations. The induced phase is
      directly measured by using the I/Q-demodulation scheme. The tilt sensor exhibits
      an excellent sensitivity 10  prad/Hz<sup>1/2</sup> at a frequency slightly above
      1 Hz and a 0.4  prad/Hz<sup>1/2</sup> at a frequency higher than 30 Hz.

PMID- 27140548
TI  - Nonlinear differential equations for the wavefront surface at arbitrary Hartmann
      plane distances.
AB  - In the Hartmann test, a wave aberration function W is estimated from the
      information of the spot diagram drawn in an observation plane. The distance from
      a reference plane to the observation plane, the Hartmann-plane distance, is
      typically chosen as z=f, where f is the radius of a reference sphere. The
      function W and the transversal aberrations {X,Y} calculated at the plane z=f are
      related by two well-known linear differential equations. Here, we propose two
      nonlinear differential equations to denote a more general relation between W and
      the transversal aberrations {U,V} calculated at any arbitrary Hartmann-plane
      distance z=r. We also show how to directly estimate the wavefront surface w from
      the information of {U,V}. The use of arbitrary r values could improve the
      reliability of the measurements of W, or w, when finding difficulties in adequate
      ray identification at z=f.

PMID- 27140549
TI  - Ambient temperature-independent dual-band mid-infrared radiation thermometry.
AB  - For temperature measurements of targets at low temperatures, dual-band radiation
      thermometry using mid-infrared detectors has been investigated extensively.
      However, the accuracy is greatly affected by the reflected ambient radiation and
      stray radiation, which depend on the ambient temperature. To ensure measurement
      accuracy, an improved dual-band measurement model is established by considering
      the reflected ambient radiation and the stray radiation. The effect of ambient
      temperature fluctuation on temperature measurement is then further analyzed in
      detail. Experimental results of measuring a gray-body confirm that the proposed
      method yields high accuracy at varying ambient temperatures. This method provides
      a practical approach to remove the effect of ambient temperature fluctuations on
      temperature measurements.

PMID- 27140550
TI  - Extended x-ray absorption fine structure measurements on radio frequency
      magnetron sputtered HfO<sub>2</sub> thin films deposited with different oxygen
      partial pressures.
AB  - Two sets of HfO<sub>2</sub> thin film have been deposited by the radio frequency
      magnetron sputtering technique at various oxygen partial pressures, one set
      without any substrate bias and another set with a 50 W pulsed dc substrate bias.
      The films have been characterized by extended x-ray absorption fine structure
      (EXAFS) measurements at the Hf L<sub>3</sub> edge, and the structural information
      obtained from analysis of the EXAFS data has been used to explain the macroscopic
      behavior of the refractive index obtained from spectroscopic ellipsometry
      measurements. It has been observed that the variation of refractive index with
      oxygen partial pressure depends on the Hf-Hf bond length for the set of films
      deposited without substrate bias, while for the other set of films deposited with
      pulsed dc substrate bias, it depends on the oxygen coordination of the nearest
      neighbor shell surrounding Hf sites.

PMID- 27140551
TI  - Manganese modified structural and optical properties of zinc soda lime silica
      glasses.
AB  - A series of MnO-doped zinc soda lime silica glass systems was prepared by a
      conventional melt and quenching technique. In this study, the x-ray diffraction
      analysis was applied to confirm the amorphous nature of the glasses. Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy shows the glass network consists of
      MnO<sub>4</sub>, SiO<sub>4</sub>, and ZnO<sub>4</sub> units as basic structural
      units. The glass samples under field emission scanning electron microscopy
      observation demonstrated irregularity in shape and size with glassy phase-like
      structure. The optical absorption studies revealed that the optical bandgap
      (E<sub>opt</sub>) values decrease with an increase of MnO content. Through the
      results of various measurements, the doping of MnO in the glass matrix had
      effects on the performance of the glasses and significantly improved the
      properties of the glass sample as a potential host for phosphor material.

PMID- 27140552
TI  - Retrieval of aerosol parameters from multiwavelength lidar: investigation of the
      underlying inverse mathematical problem.
AB  - We present an investigation of some important mathematical and numerical features
      related to the retrieval of microphysical parameters [complex refractive index,
      single-scattering albedo, effective radius, total number, surface area, and
      volume concentrations] of ambient aerosol particles using multiwavelength Raman
      or high-spectral-resolution lidar. Using simple examples, we prove the non
      uniqueness of an inverse solution to be the major source of the retrieval
      difficulties. Some theoretically possible ways of partially compensating for
      these difficulties are offered. For instance, an increase in the variety of input
      data via combination of lidar and certain passive remote sensing instruments will
      be helpful to reduce the error of estimation of the complex refractive index. We
      also demonstrate a significant interference between Aitken and accumulation
      aerosol modes in our inversion algorithm, and confirm that the solutions can be
      better constrained by limiting the particle radii. Applying a combination of an
      analytical approach and numerical simulations, we explain the statistical
      behavior of the microphysical size parameters. We reveal and clarify why the
      total surface area concentration is consistent even in the presence of non-unique
      solution sets and is on average the most stable parameter to be estimated, as
      long as at least one extinction optical coefficient is employed. We find that for
      selected particle size distributions, the total surface area and volume
      concentrations can be quickly retrieved with fair precision using only single
      extinction coefficients in a simple arithmetical relationship.

PMID- 27140553
TI  - Angle-of-incidence performance of random anti-reflection structures on curved
      surfaces.
AB  - Random anti-reflection structured surfaces (rARSS) have been reported to improve
      transmittance of optical-grade fused silica planar substrates to values greater
      than 99%. These textures are fabricated directly on the substrates using reactive
      ion etching techniques, and often result in transmitted spectra with no
      measurable interference effects (fringes) for a wide range of wavelengths. The
      inductively coupled reactive-ion plasma (ICP-RIE) used in the fabrication process
      to etch the rARSS is anisotropic and thus well suited for planar components. The
      improvement in spectral transmission has been found to be independent of optical
      incidence angles for values from 0 degrees  to +/-30 degrees . Qualifying and
      quantifying the rARSS performance on curved substrates, such as convex lenses, is
      required to optimize the fabrication of the desired AR effect on optical-power
      elements. In this work, rARSS was fabricated on fused silica plano-convex lenses
      using a planar-substrate optimized ICP-RIE process to maximize optical
      transmission in the range from 500 to 1100 nm. Results are presented from optical
      transmission tests of rARSS lenses for both TE and TM incident polarizations at a
      wavelength of 633 nm and over a 70 degrees  full field of view. These results
      suggest optimization of the fabrication process to account for anisotropy is not
      required, mainly due to the wide angle-of-incidence AR tolerance performance of
      the rARSS lenses.

PMID- 27140554
TI  - General construction of transform-domain filters, filtering methods for
      electronic speckle pattern interferometry, and comparative analyses.
AB  - In this paper, we first present a general method for the construction of
      transform-domain filters for the removal of speckle noise in electronic speckle
      pattern interferometry (ESPI) wrapped phase patterns. Then we review the
      construction of previously published representative transform-domain filters,
      including the Fourier transform (FT), the wavelet transform, windowed Fourier
      filtering, and the localized FT filter. Furthermore, we fully evaluate the
      performance of the four filters via a variety of test cases and a comparable mean
      square error. Lastly, we also propose three new transform-domain filters for the
      removal of speckle noise in ESPI based on the general method. The three new
      methods are developed by selecting the input image function and filter function
      with better performance. The filtering results of the three proposed methods have
      been demonstrated via comparisons with four previously published filters.

PMID- 27140555
TI  - Active modulation of refractive index by stress in the terahertz frequency range:
      erratum.
AB  - A previous paper [Appl. Opt.52, 6364 (2013)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.52.006364]
      presented experimental work on the stress-optical effect in the terahertz
      frequency range. Although the theoretical model of experimental measurement is
      correct, there are two errors in the original version. As a result, the presented
      experimentally measured value of the refractive index-stress coefficient A of
      polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is erroneous. This erratum points out the errors
      in the original paper and reports the correct values.

PMID- 27140556
TI  - Multiscale optical simulation settings: challenging applications handled with an
      iterative ray-tracing FDTD interface method.
AB  - We show that with an appropriate combination of two optical simulation techniques
      classical ray-tracing and the finite difference time domain method-an optical
      device containing multiple diffractive and refractive optical elements can be
      accurately simulated in an iterative simulation approach. We compare the
      simulation results with experimental measurements of the device to discuss the
      applicability and accuracy of our iterative simulation procedure.

PMID- 27140557
TI  - Multi-focus image fusion using a guided-filter-based difference image.
AB  - The aim of multi-focus image fusion technology is to integrate different
      partially focused images into one all-focused image. To realize this goal, a new
      multi-focus image fusion method based on a guided filter is proposed and an
      efficient salient feature extraction method is presented in this paper.
      Furthermore, feature extraction is primarily the main objective of the present
      work. Based on salient feature extraction, the guided filter is first used to
      acquire the smoothing image containing the most sharpness regions. To obtain the
      initial fusion map, we compose a mixed focus measure by combining the variance of
      image intensities and the energy of the image gradient together. Then, the
      initial fusion map is further processed by a morphological filter to obtain a
      good reprocessed fusion map. Lastly, the final fusion map is determined via the
      reprocessed fusion map and is optimized by a guided filter. Experimental results
      demonstrate that the proposed method does markedly improve the fusion performance
      compared to previous fusion methods and can be competitive with or even
      outperform state-of-the-art fusion methods in terms of both subjective visual
      effects and objective quality metrics.

PMID- 27140558
TI  - Optical eye simulator for laser dazzle events.
AB  - An optical simulator of the human eye and its application to laser dazzle events
      are presented. The simulator combines optical design software (ZEMAX) with a
      scientific programming language (MATLAB) and allows the user to implement and
      analyze a dazzle scenario using practical, real-world parameters. Contrary to
      conventional analytical glare analysis, this work uses ray tracing and the
      scattering model and parameters for each optical element of the eye. The
      theoretical background of each such element is presented in relation to the
      model. The overall simulator's calibration, validation, and performance analysis
      are achieved by comparison with a simpler model based uponCIE disability glare
      data. Results demonstrate that this kind of advanced optical eye simulation can
      be used to represent laser dazzle and has the potential to extend the range of
      applicability of analytical models.

PMID- 27140559
TI  - Research on laser-induced damage resistance of fused silica optics by the fluid
      jet polishing method.
AB  - Laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) is one important evaluation index for
      optical glasses applied in large laser instruments which are exposed to high
      light irradiation flux. As a new kind of precise polishing technology, fluid jet
      polishing (FJP) has been widely used in generating planar, spherical, and
      aspherical optics with high-accuracy surfaces. Laser damage resistances of fused
      silica optics by the FJP process are studied in this paper. Fused silica samples
      with various FJP parameters are prepared, and laser damage experiments are
      performed with 351 nm wavelength and a 5.5 ns pulse width laser. Experimental
      results demonstrate that the LIDT of the samples treated with FJP processes did
      not increase, compared to their original state. The surface quality of the
      samples is one factor for the decrease of LIDT. For ceria solution polished
      samples, the cerium element remaining is another factor of the lower LIDT.

PMID- 27140560
TI  - High-performance visible blind ultraviolet photodetector based on
      KTaO<sub>3</sub> single crystal.
AB  - We report a visible-blind ultraviolet photoconductive detector with
      interdigitated electrodes based on KTaO<sub>3</sub> (KTO) single crystals. Both
      the steady spectral responses and the transient photovoltaic measurements clearly
      exhibit a cutoff wavelength at 344 nm (~3.6  eV), in accordance with the bandgap
      of KTO. The KTO photodetectors show a low dark current ~1.5  pA at 20 V, and a
      high UV-to-visible rejection ratio with 3 orders of magnitude at room
      temperature. The quantum efficiency is 37.49% under 20 V bias, and the
      detectivity D<sup>*</sup> of 3.85*10<sup>12</sup>  cm.Hz<sup>0.5</sup>/W, which
      is comparable to that of silicon photodetectors in the UV region. The rise time
      of photoelectric response is ~260  ps, indicating an ultrafast photoelectric
      response characteristic. The present work offers appealing prospects for the
      application of KTO materials in high-performance visible blind ultraviolet
      photodetectors.

PMID- 27140561
TI  - Tuning range and output power optimization of an external-cavity GaN diode laser
      at 455  nm.
AB  - In this paper we discuss how different feedback gratings affect the tuning range
      and the output power of external feedback diode laser systems. A tunable high
      power narrow-spectrum external-cavity diode laser system around 455 nm is
      investigated. The laser system is based on a high-power GaN diode laser in a
      Littrow external-cavity. Both a holographic diffraction grating and a ruled
      diffraction grating are used as feedback elements in the external cavity. The
      output power, spectral bandwidth, and tunable range of the external cavity diode
      laser system are measured and compared with the two gratings at different
      injected currents. When the holographic grating is used, the laser system can be
      tuned over a range of 1.4 nm with an output power around 530 mW. When the ruled
      grating is used, the laser system can be tuned over a range of 6.0 nm with an
      output power around 80 mW. The results can be used as a guide for selecting
      gratings for external-cavity diode lasers for different requirements.

PMID- 27140562
TI  - Flexible extrinsic calibration of a camera and a two-dimensional laser
      rangefinder with a folding pattern.
AB  - This paper proposes a novel folding pattern for flexible extrinsic calibration of
      a camera and a 2D laser rangefinder (LRF). The proposed pattern consists of
      multiple foldable facets. By folding and unfolding the facets, we can easily
      adjust the sizes and expanding angles of the pattern so that it can be observed
      by sensors with different view angles at different distances. Moreover, the
      folding pattern can have different numbers of facets such that it can flexibly
      generate different constraints to simplify the calibration process. The proposed
      pattern is thus very flexible and practical. Another important feature is that
      the proposed method does not require computing the metric information of the
      pattern, such as plane normal and distance, as required in existing methods.
      Therefore, it can further simplify the calibration process and enhance the
      calibration accuracy. In this method, we first derived a linear solution, and
      then refined the solution with the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method by
      both enforcing the rotation constraint and minimizing the sum of the square of
      the point-to-line distances. The proposed calibration pattern and method have
      been validated with both simulation and real data. Experimental results show that
      the method is very flexible and accurate for the extrinsic calibration of a
      camera and a 2D LRF.

PMID- 27140563
TI  - Simultaneous second- and third- order spectral phase control of Ti:sapphire laser
      pulses using achromatic doublet prisms.
AB  - The standard technique commonly utilized to introduce large amounts of negative
      group delay dispersion (GDD) into the beam path of ultrashort laser pulses with
      low insertion losses is the use of a pair of prisms in a double pass
      configuration. However, one disadvantage of this approach is the unavoidable
      introduction of additional high-order spectral phase errors, most notably third
      order dispersion (TOD) due to the characteristics of the refractive index of
      available optical materials. In this paper we provide an overview of the
      dispersive properties of more than 100 common types of optical glasses, used
      either as a bulk stretcher or in a prism compressor configuration. In addition,
      we present a novel method that enables independent control of GDD and TOD in a
      prism-only setup. The performance of different prism combinations is analyzed
      numerically, and design guidelines are given.

PMID- 27140564
TI  - Switched integration amplifier-based photocurrent meter for accurate spectral
      responsivity measurement of photometers.
AB  - This work introduces a switched integration amplifier (SIA)-based photocurrent
      meter for femtoampere (fA)-level current measurement, which enables us to measure
      a 10<sup>7</sup> dynamic range of spectral responsivity of photometers even with
      a common lamp-based monochromatic light source. We described design
      considerations and practices about operational amplifiers (op-amps), switches,
      readout methods, etc., to compose a stable SIA of low offset current in terms of
      leakage current and gain peaking in detail. According to the design, we made six
      SIAs of different integration capacitance and different op-amps and evaluated
      their offset currents. They showed an offset current of (1.5-85) fA with a slow
      variation of (0.5-10) fA for an hour under opened input. Applying a detector to
      the SIA input, the offset current and its variation were increased and the SIA
      readout became noisier due to finite shunt resistance and nonzero shunt
      capacitance of the detector. One of the SIAs with 10 pF nominal capacitance was
      calibrated using a calibrated current source at the current level of 10 nA to 1
      fA and at the integration time of 2 to 65,536 ms. As a result, we obtained a
      calibration formula for integration capacitance as a function of integration time
      rather than a single capacitance value because the SIA readout showed a distinct
      dependence on integration time at a given current level. Finally, we applied it
      to spectral responsivity measurement of a photometer. It is demonstrated that the
      home-made SIA of 10 pF was capable of measuring a 10<sup>7</sup> dynamic range of
      spectral responsivity of a photometer.

PMID- 27140565
TI  - Projector recalibration of three-dimensional profilometry system.
AB  - In three-dimensional profilometry, the primary disadvantage of the monocular
      system equipped with a projector and a camera is that it is often highly
      dependent on the projector calibration. The projector calibration errors of the
      principal point and focal length are analyzed in this paper, and result in
      measuring the object deviation, including not only the rigid transformation, but
      also the scale transformation. Unfortunately, the deviation cannot be revealed by
      reprojection, the normal error analysis method. Here, a systematic recalibration
      method is proposed to correct the projector calibration errors of the principal
      point and focal length, where an accurate binocular three-dimensional measurement
      system is applied. The experimental results show that the method is effective.
      The three-dimensional measurement accuracy of the monocular system is improved
      approximately from 1.0 mm before projector recalibration to 0.10 mm afterward.

PMID- 27140566
TI  - Photoacoustic endoscopy with hollow structured lens-focused polyvinylidine
      fluoride transducer.
AB  - Currently, most transducers in photoacoustic endoscopy (PAE) are ceramic based,
      which are complicated to fabricate and are expensive. In this work, we have for
      the first time presented a hollow structured epoxy lens-focused transducer that
      was based on a 52 MUm thick polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF) film for the purpose
      of PAE imaging. Intensive field characteristic tests were performed on
      transducers with different lens curvatures, and results show that with the 6 mm
      fixed aperture, a lateral resolution less than 0.5 mm can be obtained with a
      focal length around 19 mm, which is close to the theoretical calculations. The
      PAE application of the built transducer was also demonstrated with phantom
      experiments. Compared with the commonly used ceramic-based transducers, the
      proposed method has greatly reduced the design and fabrication cost of the hollow
      structured focused transducer as required in PAE, and facilitated the development
      of the PAE system in lab conditions. The built transducer may play an important
      role in the PAE imaging of some relatively large human structures and organs,
      such as the gastrointestinal tract and the cervical canal.

PMID- 27140567
TI  - Asymmetric large-mode-area photonic crystal fiber structure with effective single
      mode operation: design and analysis.
AB  - The asymmetrical structure of photonic crystal fiber has been reported for a
      large mode area with the single-mode operation. The design works on the principle
      of bend-induced mode filtering. The proposed structure can be designed (i) by
      introducing down-doped material rods in place of nine air holes of the inner ring
      near the core of the structure and (ii) by increasing the diameter of the rest of
      the three air holes of the same ring in the direction of bending. These three air
      holes together with nine down-doped material rods control the mode field inside
      the core region and hence the bending losses of the modes. The single-mode
      operation is ensured by introducing high bend loss for the first higher order
      mode and very low bend loss for the fundamental mode. The finite-element-method
      based anisotropic perfectly matched layer boundary condition has been applied for
      accurate analysis of bend loss of the structure. Numerical results show that
      effective single-mode operation can be ensured with a mode area as large as 1530 
      MUm<sup>2</sup> at bend state with a bend radius of 30 cm. The proposed photonic
      crystal optical fiber with such a large mode area can have potential applications
      in compact high-power delivery devices such as high-power fiber lasers and
      amplifiers.

PMID- 27140568
TI  - Out-of-band effects of satellite ocean color sensors.
AB  - We analyze the sensor out-of-band (OOB) effects for satellite ocean color sensors
      of the sea-viewing wild field-of-view sensor (SeaWiFS), the moderate resolution
      imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS), and the visible infrared imaging radiometer
      suite (VIIRS) for phytoplankton-dominated open oceans and turbid coastal and
      inland waters, following the approach of Wang et al. [Appl. Opt.40, 343
      (2001)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.40.000343]. The applicability of the open ocean
      water reflectance model of Morel and Maritorena [J. Geophys. Res.106, 7163
      (2001)JGREA20148-022710.1029/2000JC000319] (MM01) for the sensor OOB effects is
      analyzed for oligotrophic waters in Hawaii. The MM01 model predicted OOB
      contributions for oligotrophic waters are consistent with the result from in situ
      measurements. The OOB effects cause an apparent shift in sensor band center
      wavelengths in radiometric response, which depends on the sensor spectral
      response function and the target radiance being measured. Effective band center
      wavelength is introduced and calculated for three satellite sensors and for
      various water types. Using the effective band center wavelengths, satellite and
      in situ measured water optical property data can be more meaningfully and
      accurately compared. It is found that, for oligotrophic waters, the OOB effect is
      significant for the SeaWiFS 555 nm band (and somewhat 510 nm band), MODIS 412 nm
      band, and VIIRS 551 nm band. VIIRS and SeaWiFS have similar sensor OOB
      performance. For coastal and inland waters, however, the OOB effect is generally
      not significant for all three sensors, even though some small OOB effects do
      exist. This study highlights the importance of understanding the sensor OOB
      effect and the necessity of a complete prelaunch sensor characterization on the
      quality of ocean color products. Furthermore, it shows that hyperspectral in situ
      optics measurements are preferred for the purpose of accurately validating
      satellite-measured normalized water-leaving radiance spectra data.

PMID- 27140569
TI  - Dynamic photothermal-mechanical response of a microcantilever modified by carbon
      nanotube film.
AB  - Dynamic photothermal-mechanical response of a tri-material microcantilever
      illuminated by an intensity modulated laser source is theoretically analyzed
      using the heat dynamic differential model and finite element model based on the
      COMSOL 5.0. Tri-material microcantilever samples are fabricated by transferring
      carbon nanotube film onto a silicon microcantilever with aluminum coating. During
      the experiment, these samples are illuminated by an intensity-modulated laser
      pulse, and the maximum photothermal response frequency is ~173  Hz. Experimental
      results are consistent with theoretical analyses. The photothermal spectroscopy
      detection of water vapor in the open environment is carried out, and the linear
      correlation coefficient between spectroscopy signal and water concentration is
      0.997. Experimental results demonstrated the feasibility of tri-material
      microcantilever as a thermal sensor for photothermal deflection spectroscopy.

PMID- 27140570
TI  - Defect detection of capacitive touch panel using a nonnegative matrix
      factorization and tolerance model.
AB  - Capacitive touch panels (CTPs), as a medium of information interactions, have
      become essential parts in many consumer electronics. However, current methods
      such as image edge matching and frequency notch filter cannot suit the defect
      detection for the new-type complex CTP patterns, which have neither basic
      primitives nor periodicity. For solving the issues, we proposed a nonnegative
      matrix factorization (NMF)-based large-size image registration method, and
      combined it with image tolerance models to detect defects in such CTP patterns.
      The NMF-based image registration method can fast extract each CTP from a large
      image. And then, any three of registered images are selected as reference images,
      which are further processed by threshold processing and simple mathematical
      morphological operation to obtain tolerance models. Afterward, we can use the
      tolerance models to obtain a nondefective template. In the normal inspection
      stage, the defects in CTP patterns can be identified as long as comparing the
      tolerance models of the template and sensed images. The experimental results show
      that the proposed method can efficiently and accurately detect various types of
      defects in CTP patterns. Moreover, the detection results are robust under
      different illuminations. Therefore, this algorithm can be reliably applied in
      actual inspection of such new-type CTP patterns.

PMID- 27140571
TI  - Wavelength-modulated tunable diode-laser absorption spectrometry for real-time
      monitoring of microbial growth.
AB  - It is important to monitor and assess the growth of micro-organisms under various
      conditions. Yet, thus far there has been no technique to do this with the
      required speed and accuracy. This work demonstrates swift and accurate assessment
      of the concentration of carbon dioxide that is produced by use of a wavelength
      modulated tunable diode-laser based absorption spectroscopy (WM-TDLAS). It is
      shown by experiments on two types of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida
      albicans, that the technique can produce high signal-to-noise-ratio data from
      bacteria grown in confined spaces and exposed to limited amounts of nutrients
      that can be used for extraction of growth parameters by fitting of the Gompertz
      model. By applying the technique to S. aureus bacteria at various temperatures
      (in the 25 degrees C to 42 degrees C range), it is specifically shown that both
      the maximum growth rate and the so-called lag time have a strong temperature
      dependence (under the specific conditions with a maximum of the former at 37
      degrees C) that matches conventional models well for bacterial growth. Hence, it
      is demonstrated that WM-TDLAS monitoring CO<sub>2</sub> is a user-friendly, non
      intrusive, and label-free technique that swiftly, and with high signal-to-noise
      ratio, can be used for rapid (on the Hz scale) and accurate assessment of
      bacterial growth.

PMID- 27140572
TI  - Method for out-of-focus camera calibration.
AB  - State-of-the-art camera calibration methods assume that the camera is at least
      nearly in focus and thus fail if the camera is substantially defocused. This
      paper presents a method which enables the accurate calibration of an out-of-focus
      camera. Specifically, the proposed method uses a digital display (e.g., liquid
      crystal display monitor) to generate fringe patterns that encode feature points
      into the carrier phase; these feature points can be accurately recovered, even if
      the fringe patterns are substantially blurred (i.e., the camera is substantially
      defocused). Experiments demonstrated that the proposed method can accurately
      calibrate a camera regardless of the amount of defocusing: the focal length
      difference is approximately 0.2% when the camera is focused compared to when the
      camera is substantially defocused.

PMID- 27140573
TI  - Design of all-reflective dual-channel foveated imaging systems based on freeform
      optics.
AB  - This paper presents a practical method to design all-reflective dual-channel
      foveated imaging systems. Such a system statically has two optical channels, one
      with a wider field-of-view for searching and another with a long focal length for
      fine reconnaissance. The two channels have a common center field angle. These
      systems may be useful for remote sensing where coarse searching and fine
      observation are simultaneously needed. To demonstrate the method, two
      corresponding systems are designed. The results reveal an angular resolution of
      finer than 4 arcsec for fine observation and a zoom ratio of 2.9* or 2.5* between
      the two channels. The modulation transfer function curves of both channels are
      above 0.3 at 100 line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm). Freeform surfaces are adopted
      to improve imaging quality and obtain a proper structure for fabrication.

PMID- 27140574
TI  - Dual-wavelength interferometry based on the spatial carrier-frequency phase
      shifting method.
AB  - From a single-frame dual-wavelength spatial carrier-frequency interferogram
      (SCFI), we propose a novel phase retrieval method of dual-wavelength
      interferometry (DWI). First, by continuously moving the intercepted area pixel-by
      pixel in a single-frame SCFI along the horizontal and vertical directions, we
      construct a sequence of phase-shifting sub-interferograms. Second, the wrapped
      phases of each single wavelength can be retrieved from those phase-shifting sub
      interferograms via the least-squares iteration algorithm. Third, the phase of
      synthetic wavelength can be obtained by subtraction between the wrapped phases of
      single wavelengths. Both the numerical simulation and the experimental result
      demonstrate that the proposed method reveals greater accuracy and convenience.
      Furthermore, because only single-frame SCFI can perform the phase retrieval of
      DWI, the proposed method offers better ability in resisting external vibration
      and disturbance, which will greatly facilitate the application of DWI in the
      dynamic phase measurement.

PMID- 27140575
TI  - Analysis of upconversion luminescence in germanate glass and optical fiber
      codoped with Yb<sup>3+</sup>/Tb<sup>3+</sup>.
AB  - In this paper, upconversion (UC) luminescence processes in a GeO<sub>2</sub>
      Ga<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-BaO glass system codoped with
      0.7Yb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/(0.07-0.7)Tb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> (mol.%) and
      double-clad optical fiber codoped with
      0.7Yb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/0.7Tb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> (mol.%) were
      investigated. The highest emission intensity (energy transfer efficiency equals
      12.92%) was obtained for
      0.7Yb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/0.7Tb<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> codoped glass.
      Comparative analysis showed significant differences in the shape of luminescence
      of fabricated germanate glass and optical fiber. Due to dominant transition from
      D<sub>4</sub>5 sublevel the main green UC peak (Tb<sup>3+</sup>:  D<sub>4</sub>5
      >F<sub>5</sub>7) of fabricated double-clad optical fiber is shifted by 4 nm
      toward longer wavelengths.

PMID- 27140576
TI  - Surface plasmon polariton scattering by subwavelength silicon wires.
AB  - Surface plasmon polariton scattering from 2D subwavelength silicon wires is
      investigated using the finite-difference time-domain method. It is shown that
      coupling an incident surface plasmon polariton to intercavity modes of the
      particle can dramatically change transmitted fields and plasmon-induced forces.
      In particular, both transmission and optical forces are highly sensitive to the
      particle size that is related to the excitation of whispering gallery modes or
      standing wave modes depending on the particle shape and size. These features
      might have potential sensing applications.

PMID- 27140577
TI  - Reconstruction of perspective shifts and refocusing of a three-dimensional scene
      from a multi-focus image stack.
AB  - The convergence of optical imaging acquisition and image processing algorithms is
      a fast-evolving interdisciplinary research field focused on the reconstruction of
      images with novel features of interest. We propose a method for post-capture
      perspective shift reconstruction (in the x, y, and z directions) of a three
      dimensional scene as well as refocusing with apertures of arbitrary shapes and
      sizes from an optimal multi-focus image stack. The approach is based on the
      reorganization of the acquired visual information considering a depth-variant
      point-spread function, which allows it to be applied to strongly defocused multi
      focus image stacks. Our method is performed without estimating the depth map or
      segmenting the in-focus regions. A conventional camera combined with an
      electrically tunable lens is used for image acquisition and does not require
      scale transformation or registration between the acquired images. Experimental
      results for both real and synthetic data images are provided and compared to
      state-of-the-art schemes.

PMID- 27140578
TI  - Absolute flatness testing of skip-flat interferometry by matrix analysis in polar
      coordinates.
AB  - A new method utilizing matrix analysis in polar coordinates has been presented
      for absolute testing of skip-flat interferometry. The retrieval of the absolute
      profile mainly includes three steps: (1) transform the wavefront maps of the two
      cavity measurements into data in polar coordinates; (2) retrieve the profile of
      the reflective flat in polar coordinates by matrix analysis; and (3) transform
      the profile of the reflective flat back into data in Cartesian coordinates and
      retrieve the profile of the sample. Simulation of synthetic surface data has been
      provided, showing the capability of the approach to achieve an accuracy of the
      order of 0.01 nm RMS. The absolute profile can be retrieved by a set of closed
      mathematical formulas without polynomial fitting of wavefront maps or the
      iterative evaluation of an error function, making the new method more efficient
      for absolute testing.

PMID- 27140579
TI  - Computer vision for yarn microtension measurement.
AB  - Yarn tension is an important parameter for assuring textile quality. In this
      paper, an optical method to measure microtension of moving yarn automatically in
      the winding system is proposed. The proposed method can measure microtension of
      the moving yarn by analyzing the captured images. With a line laser illuminating
      the moving yarn, a linear array CCD camera is used to capture the images. Design
      principles of yarn microtension measuring equipment based on computer vision are
      presented. A local border difference algorithm is used to search the upper border
      of the moving yarn as the characteristic line, and Fourier descriptors are used
      to filter the high-frequency noises caused by unevenness of the yarn diameter.
      Based on the average value of the characteristic line, the captured images were
      classified into sagging images and vibration images. The average value is
      considered a sag coordinate of the sagging images. The peak and trough
      coordinates of the vibration are obtained by change-point detection. Then,
      according to axially moving string and catenary theory, we obtain the
      microtension of the moving yarn. Experiments were performed and compared with a
      resistance strain sensor, and the results prove that the proposed method is
      effective and of high accuracy.

PMID- 27140580
TI  - 1.6  MW peak power, 90  ps all-solid-state laser from an aberration self
      compensated double-passing end-pumped Nd:YVO<sub>4</sub> rod amplifier.
AB  - In this paper a delicately designed double-passing end-pumped Nd:YVO<sub>4</sub>
      rod amplifier is reported that produces 10.2 W average laser output when seeded
      by a 6 mW Nd:YVO<sub>4</sub> microchip laser at a repetition rate of 70 kHz with
      pulse duration of 90 ps. A pulse peak power of ~1.6  MW and pulse energy of ~143 
      MUJ is achieved. The beam quality is well preserved by a double-passing
      configuration for spherical-aberration compensation. The laser-beam size in the
      amplifier is optimized to prevent the unwanted damage from the high pulse peak
      power density. This study provides a simple and robust picosecond all-solid-state
      master oscillator power amplifier system with both high peak power and high beam
      quality, which shows great potential in the micromachining.

PMID- 27140581
TI  - Idler-efficiency-enhanced long-wave infrared beam generation using aperiodic
      orientation-patterned GaAs gratings.
AB  - In this paper, we design aperiodic gratings based on orientation-patterned
      gallium arsenide (OP-GaAs) for converting 2.1 MUm pump laser radiation into long
      wave infrared (8-12 MUm) in an idler-efficiency-enhanced scheme. These single OP
      GaAs gratings placed in an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) or an optical
      parametric generator (OPG) can simultaneously phase match two optical parametric
      amplification (OPA) processes, OPA 1 and OPA 2. We use two design methods that
      allow simultaneous phase matching of two arbitrary chi<sup>(2)</sup> processes
      and also free adjustment of their relative strength. The first aperiodic grating
      design method (Method 1) relies on generating a grating structure that has domain
      walls located at the zeros of the summation of two cosine functions, each of
      which has a spatial frequency that equals one of the phase-mismatch terms of the
      two processes. Some of the domain walls are discarded considering the minimum
      domain length that is achievable in the production process. In this paper, we
      propose a second design method (Method 2) that relies on discretizing the crystal
      length with sample lengths that are much smaller than the minimum domain length
      and testing each sample's contribution in such a way that the sign of the
      nonlinearity maximizes the magnitude sum of the real and imaginary parts of the
      Fourier transform of the grating function at the relevant phase mismatches.
      Method 2 produces a similar performance as Method 1 in terms of the maximization
      of the height of either Fourier peak located at the relevant phase mismatch while
      allowing an adjustable relative height for the two peaks. To our knowledge, this
      is the first time that aperiodic OP-GaAs gratings have been proposed for
      efficient long-wave infrared beam generation based on simultaneous phase
      matching.

PMID- 27140582
TI  - Chromatic-aberration diagnostic based on a spectrally resolved lateral-shearing
      interferometer.
AB  - A simple diagnostic characterizing one-dimensional chromatic aberrations in a
      broadband beam is introduced. A Ronchi grating placed in front of a spectrometer
      entrance slit provides spectrally coupled spatial phase information. The radial
      group delay of a refractive system and the pulse-front delay of a wedged glass
      plate have been characterized accurately in a demonstration experiment.

PMID- 27140583
TI  - Two-dimensional phase unwrapping using the transport of intensity equation.
AB  - We report a method for two-dimensional phase unwrapping based on the transport of
      intensity equation (TIE). Given a wrapped phase profile, we generate an auxiliary
      complex field and propagate it to small distances to simulate two intensity
      images on closely spaced planes. Using the longitudinal intensity derivative of
      the auxiliary field as an input, the TIE is solved by employing the regularized
      Fourier-transform-based approach. The resultant phase profile is automatically in
      the unwrapped form, as it has been obtained as a solution of a partial
      differential equation rather than as an argument of a complex-valued function.
      Our simulations and experimental results suggest that this approach is fast and
      accurate and provides a simple and practical solution for routine phase
      unwrapping tasks in interferometry and digital holography.

PMID- 27140584
TI  - Simultaneous measurement of dynamic displacement and strain in a single fiber
      using coarse wavelength-division multiplexing and fiber Bragg-grating filter
      based sensing system.
AB  - Displacement and strain, two of the most important physical quantities in
      experimental solid mechanics, are seldomly measured simultaneously in a single
      experimental configuration. In order to provide and improve corresponding sensing
      techniques, an experimental setup system for simultaneous measurement of dynamic
      displacement and strain on a flexible cantilever beam using two fiber Bragg
      gratings (FBGs) in a single fiber is proposed. To realize high-speed multiplexing
      and demodulation, a configuration incorporating a coarse wavelength-division
      multiplexing (CWDM) technique and an FBG transmission filter is implemented. The
      cantilever beam is subjected to steel-ball impact from which the dynamic
      multipoint displacement/strain sensing performances of the CWDM and FBG filter
      based sensing system are demonstrated. Experimental results in temporal and
      frequency domain are compared with those obtained by the finite element method
      (FEM) predictions based on identification of the impact-loading history. A
      noncontact Fotonic displacement sensor and a polyvinylidene-fluoride film (PVDF)
      strain sensor are also used for comparison. With transient and resonant frequency
      simulations conducted by the FEM, loading effects of the sensing system are
      examined. The results obtained in this study indicate that the proposed CWDM and
      FBG filter-based sensing system is capable of performing simultaneous multipoint
      displacement/strain measurements in a single fiber with large bandwidth, high
      sensitivity, and low intensity loss.

PMID- 27140585
TI  - Measuring refractive index and volume of liquid under high pressure with optical
      coherence tomography and light microscopy.
AB  - Measuring the refractive index and volume of liquid under high pressure
      simultaneously is a big challenge. This paper proposed an alternative solution by
      combing optical coherence tomography with microscopy. An experiment for a
      feasibility study was carried out on polydimethylsiloxane liquid in a diamond
      anvil cell. The refractive index of the sample increased dramatically with
      pressure loaded, and the curve of pressure volume was also obtained.

PMID- 27140586
TI  - Anisotropy of acousto-optic figure of merit for LiNbO<sub>3</sub> crystals:
      anisotropic diffraction.
AB  - We have developed a method for the analysis of anisotropy of an acousto-optic
      figure of merit (AOFM), which is valid for the case of anisotropic diffraction in
      the trigonal crystals of the point symmetries 3m, 32, and 3-m. The method is
      verified via the example of LiNbO<sub>3</sub> crystals. The relations for the
      effective elasto-optic coefficients and the AOFM are obtained for the three types
      of acousto-optic (AO) interactions peculiar for the anisotropic AO diffraction:
      the interaction of a so-called type VII with a quasi-longitudinal acoustic wave
      and the interactions of types VIII and IX with two quasi-transverse acoustic
      waves. The AO diffraction geometries providing maximal AOFM values have been
      determined for each of the mentioned interaction types. We have found that the
      maximum AOFM proper for LiNbO<sub>3</sub> is equal to 15.9*10<sup>-15</sup> 
      s<sup>3</sup>/kg. This value is achieved at the type IX of AO interactions in the
      interaction plane rotated by 60.0 deg around the principal X axis with respect to
      the principal X-Z plane. The type VIII of AO interactions is characterized by a
      comparable AOFM (15.1*10<sup>-15</sup>  s<sup>3</sup>/kg), which is realized in
      the Y-Z interaction plane. A close comparison of our results with the available
      experimental data demonstrates their fairly good agreement.

PMID- 27140587
TI  - Arc-discharge effects on residual stress and refractive index in single-mode
      optical fibers.
AB  - Arc-discharge effects on the residual stress and refractive index in single-mode
      optical fibers are investigated using a previously developed three-dimensional
      concurrent stress-index measurement method. Using commercial optical fibers and a
      commercial fusion splicer, the residual stress and refractive index perturbations
      caused by weak electrical arc discharges in single-mode fibers were measured.
      Refractive index changes greater than 10<sup>-4</sup> and longitudinal
      perturbation lengths of less than 500 MUm were shown to be possible. The
      subsequent prospects for arc-induced long-period fiber gratings are analyzed, and
      a typical transmission resonance is predicted to have a depth of 56 dB and a
      bandwidth of 0.08 nm at a wavelength of 1585 nm. The results of this
      investigation will be useful in modeling device performance and optimization of
      arc-induced long-period fiber grating fabrication.

PMID- 27140588
TI  - Micro-optical pattern-based selective transmission mechanism.
AB  - This paper presents a micro-optical pattern-based selective transmission
      mechanism with a simple modulation principle. The mechanism is composed of a
      patterned plate and liquid medium, and it does not contain a transparent
      conductor. The pattern uses 50 MUm rectangular pyramid shapes that satisfy a
      retro-reflection condition. An ultraprecision diamond-cutting machine is used to
      precisely fabricate the metallic patterned mold, and a hot embossing process
      creates the micro-optical pattern. The measurement results show that the proposed
      mechanism displays a much higher optical performance and more durability than the
      existing switchable glasses in the specific condition. It has specular
      transmittances of 84.1% in the transparent state and 0.2% in the translucent
      state, and its total reflectance is 50.4%. An optical simulation verifies the
      measurement results with a specific analysis.

PMID- 27140589
TI  - Frequency stabilization at the sub-kilohertz level of an external cavity diode
      laser.
AB  - A simple external cavity diode laser (ECDL) in a Littrow configuration was
      established and actively frequency-stabilized by using a side-of-fringe
      stabilization technique. A wavelength tuning range of 60 nm for the spectral
      range between 1000 and 1060 nm was demonstrated by rotating the diffraction
      grating. A sub-kilohertz frequency stabilization of the ECDL was achieved. The
      linewidth of the laser was narrowed from 160 kHz to 400 Hz by laser frequency
      locking to a flank of a Fabry-Perot interferometer peak.

PMID- 27140590
TI  - Origin-independent two-photon circular dichroism calculations in coupled cluster
      theory.
AB  - We present the first origin-independent approach for the treatment of two-photon
      circular dichroism (TPCD) using coupled cluster methods. The approach is assessed
      concerning its behavior on the choice of the basis set and different coupled
      cluster methods. We also provide a comparison of results from CC2 with those from
      density functional theory using the CAM-B3LYP functional. Concerning the basis
      set we note that in most cases an augmented triple zeta basis or a doubly
      augmented double zeta basis is needed for reasonably converged results. In the
      comparison of different coupled cluster methods results from CCSD, CC3 and CC2
      have been found to be quite similar in most cases, while CCS results differ
      remarkably from the results at the higher levels. However, this proof-of
      principle study also shows that further benchmarking of DFT and CC2 against
      accurate coupled cluster reference values (e.g. CCSD or CC3) is needed.

PMID- 27140591
TI  - Industrial Injury Hospitalizations Billed to Payers Other Than Workers'
      Compensation: Characteristics and Trends by State.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe characteristics of industrial injury hospitalizations, and
      to test the hypothesis that industrial injuries were increasingly billed to non
      workers' compensation (WC) payers over time. DATA SOURCES: Hospitalization data
      for 1998-2009 from State Inpatient Databases, Healthcare Cost and Utilization
      Project, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective secondary analyses described the distribution of payer, age,
      gender, race/ethnicity, and injury severity for injuries identified using
      industrial place of occurrence codes. Logistic regression models estimated trends
      in expected payer. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: There was a significant increase over time
      in the odds of an industrial injury not being billed to WC in California and
      Colorado, but a significant decrease in New York. These states had markedly
      different WC policy histories. Industrial injuries among older workers were more
      often billed to a non-WC payer, primarily Medicare. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest
      potentially dramatic cost shifting from WC to Medicare. This study adds to
      limited, but mounting evidence that, in at least some states, the burden on non
      WC payers to cover health care for industrial injuries is growing, even while WC
      related employer costs are decreasing-an area that warrants further research.

PMID- 27140592
TI  - Current Research in Translational Medicine.

PMID- 27140593
TI  - Clinical and molecular findings in three Moroccan families with distal renal
      tubular acidosis and deafness: Report of a novel mutation of ATP6V1B1 gene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is a rare genetic
      condition characterized by an impaired acid excretion by the intercalated cells
      in the renal collecting duct. Recessive forms of this disease are caused by
      mutations in tow major genes: ATP6V1B1 and ATP6V0A4. Causal mutations in ATP6V1B1
      gene are classically associated with early sensorineural hearing loss, however
      cases of tubular acidosis with early deafness have also been described in
      patients with mutations in the ATP6V0A4 gene. METHODS: The phenotype and genotype
      of three Moroccan consanguineous families with dRTA and deafness were assessed.
      Molecular analysis was performed by PCR amplification and direct sequencing of
      exon 12 of ATP6V1B1 gene. RESULTS: A novel c.1169dupC frameshift mutation of
      ATP6V1B1 gene was identified in one family and the c.1155dupC North African
      mutation in the tow other families. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In this report, we
      propose first line genetic testing based on screening of these two mutations both
      located in exon 12 of ATP6V1B1 gene in Moroccan patients with recessive form of
      dRTA associated to precocious hearing loss. Molecular diagnosis of dRTA leads to
      appropriate treatment and prevention of renal failure in affected individuals and
      to provide genetic counseling for families at risk.

PMID- 27140594
TI  - Unusual association of turner syndrome and hypopituitarism in a Tunisian family.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Familial occurrence of either Turner syndrome or
      hypopituitarism is very rare. Particularly, their association is an uncommon
      finding. In this context, we describe for the first time 4 sisters with Turner
      syndrome, hypopituitarism was reported in three among them. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Our cohort consists of four Tunisian adult sisters belonging to a consanguineous
      family. Biochemical analysis, resonance magnetic imaging and cytogenetic analyses
      were performed. RESULTS: Turner syndrome was diagnosed at the ages of 14, 17, 31
      and 43 years in cases 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. They suffered from short
      stature, dysmorphic syndrome and/or delayed puberty. Interestingly, 3 among them
      showed also hypopituitarism, hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and central
      hypothyroidism. Somatotropic insufficiency was proven in one case. Pituitary MRI
      has shown an empty sella turcica with hypoplastic pituitary gland in three cases.
      Their karyotypes were compatible with 45X in one case, 45X/46XX in the second and
      45X/46XX/47XXY with x label in two cases. CONCLUSION: Hence, the presence of
      these familial cases of TS must evoke new etiopathogenetic arguments. Coincidence
      of hypopituitarism in this family, might suggest common genetic background for
      the two diseases. This particular family would be a precious tool for an
      extensive molecular analysis. More attention should be given to other family's
      members mainly in the presence of delayed puberty and sterility in other members.

PMID- 27140596
TI  - Phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 ameliorates the severity of myosin
      induced myocarditis in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myocarditis, characterized by myocyte necrosis, fibrosis, and
      degeneration with mononuclear cell infiltration, always causes heart failure in
      patients. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is a pivotal kinase known to regulate
      inflammatory responses in cardiac diseases. Although previous research has
      suggested that PI3K was involved in cardiac diseases such as myocardial
      infarction, it is still unclear whether the inhibition of PI3K is essential for
      the treatment of myosin-induced myocarditis. The aim of this study was to explore
      whether pharmacological blockade of PI3K is able to protect mice against
      experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the
      cardiac myosin-induced murine EAM model to investigate the therapeutic effect of
      PI3K inhibitor LY294002 on autoimmune myocarditis in mice. RESULTS: LY294002
      significantly alleviated EAM injury in mice, as indicated by the reduction of
      cardiac necrosis, inflammatory infiltrates, and CD3(+) T cells. LY294002 also
      decreased the expression of p-Akt upon cardiac myosin treatment in the cardiac
      tissue of the mice. In the present study, LY294002 resulted in a moderate
      reduction in absolute CD4(+) cell numbers and a significant decrease in the
      absolute numbers of CD8(+) cells. Consequently, LY294002 increased the
      CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio compared with peptide treatment alone. CONCLUSION: This
      report provides evidence that PI3K inhibitor LY294002 has potent effects against
      cardiac injury caused by EAM, suggesting that it has therapeutic value for the
      treatment of myocarditis.

PMID- 27140595
TI  - Body weight and risk of molecular breast cancer subtypes among postmenopausal
      Mediterranean women.
AB  - Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor in women, obesity is
      associated with increased BC incidence and mortality and high levels of
      circulating insulin may negatively impact on cancer incidence. In the present
      study, we investigated whether the strength of several anthropometric and
      metabolic parameters varies between BC molecular subtypes. Eligible cases were
      991 non-metastatic BC patients recruited between January 2009 and December 2013.
      Anthropometric, clinical and immunohistochemical features were measured.
      Multivariate logistic regression models were built to assess HER2 positive BC
      risk, comparing (a) triple positive (TP) with luminal A, luminal B and triple
      negative (TN) and (b) HER2-enriched group with luminal A, luminal B and TN. We
      stratified patients in pre- and post-menopause: significant differences emerged
      for luminal A in relation to age: they were more likely to be older compared to
      other groups. Among postmenopausal patients, the adjusted multivariate analysis
      showed that high BMI and high waist circumference were inversely correlated to TP
      subtype when compared to luminal B (OR=0.48 and OR=0.49, respectively).
      Conversely, HOMA-IR was a risk factor for TP when compared to luminal A and TN
      (OR=2.47 and OR=3.15, respectively). Our findings suggest a potential role of
      higher abdominal fat in the development of specific BC molecular subtypes in
      postmenopausal women. Moreover, they support a potential role of insulin
      resistance in the development of HER2 positive BC, although this role appears to
      be stronger when hormone receptors are co-expressed, suggesting a difference in
      the etiology of these two BC subtypes. 

PMID- 27140597
TI  - State of the art. Autologous fat graft and adipose tissue-derived stromal
      vascular fraction injection for hand therapy in systemic sclerosis patients.
AB  - Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by sclerosis
      (hardening) of the skin and deep viscera associated with microvascular functional
      and structural alteration, which leads to chronic ischemia. In the hands of
      patients, ischemic and fibrotic damages lead to both pain and functional
      impairment. Hand disability creates a large burden in professional and daily
      activities, with social and psychological consequences. Currently, the proposed
      therapeutic options for hands rely mainly on hygienic measures, vasodilatator
      drugs and physiotherapy, but have many constraints and limited effects.
      Developing an innovative therapeutic approach is crucial to reduce symptoms and
      improve the quality of life. The discovery of adult stem cells from adipose
      tissue has increased the interest to use adipose tissue in plastic and
      regenerative surgery. Prepared as freshly isolated cells for immediate autologous
      transplantation, adipose tissue-derived stem cell therapy has emerged as a
      therapeutic alternative for the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues. We
      aim to update literature in the interest of autologous fat graft or adipose
      derived from stromal vascular fraction cell-based therapy for the hands of
      patients who suffer from systemic sclerosis. 

PMID- 27140598
TI  - [TAFRO syndrome and monoclonal gammapathy: Uncommon association!].
AB  - Castleman's disease is a lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by
      angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia. Recently, a new variant of multicentric
      Castleman's disease has been identified in Japan called TAFRO syndrome. It is
      characterized by a constellation of symptoms: thrombocytopenia, anasarca,
      reticulin fibrosis of the bone marrow, renal dysfunction and organomegaly
      (TAFRO). It is usually associated with polyclonal hyperimmunoglobulinemia. Here,
      we report the first and unique case of TAFRO syndrome with monoclonal gammapathy.

PMID- 27140599
TI  - Feasibility of the AML profiler (SkylineTM Array) for patient risk stratification
      in a multicentre trial: a preliminary comparison with the conventional approach.
AB  - Deoxyribonucleic acid microarrays allow researchers to measure mRNA levels of
      thousands of genes in a single experiment and could be useful for diagnostic
      purposes in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We assessed the
      feasibility of the AML profiler (SkylineTM Array) in genetic stratification of
      patients with de novo AML and compared the results with those obtained using the
      standard cytogenetic and molecular approach. Diagnostic bone marrow from 31
      consecutive de novo AML cases was used to test MLL-PTD, FLT3-ITD and TKD, NPM1
      and CEBPAdm mutations. Purified RNA was used to assess RUNX1-RUNX1T1, PML
      RARalpha and CBFbeta-MYH11 rearrangements. RNA remnants underwent gene expression
      profiling analysis using the AML profiler, which detects chromosomal aberrations:
      t(8;21), t(15;17), inv(16), mutations (CEBPAdm, ABD-NPM1) and BAALC and EVI1
      expression. Thirty cases were successfully analysed with both methods. Five cases
      had FLT3-ITD. In one case, a t(8;21) was correctly detected by both methods. Four
      cases had inv(16); in one, the RNA quality was unsatisfactory and it was not
      hybridized, and in the other three, the AML profiler detected the genetic lesion 
      this being a rare type I translocation in one case. Two cases with acute
      promyelocytic leukaemia were diagnosed by both methods. Results for NPM1
      mutations were concordant in all but two cases (2/11, non-ABD mutations).
      Analysis of costs and turnaround times showed that the AML profiler was no more
      expensive than the conventional molecular approach. These results suggest that
      the AML profiler could be useful in multicentre trials to rapidly identify
      patients with AML with a good prognosis. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 27140600
TI  - Functional evolution of IGF2:IGF2R domain 11 binding generates novel structural
      interactions and a specific IGF2 antagonist.
AB  - Among the 15 extracellular domains of the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth
      factor-2 receptor (M6P/IGF2R), domain 11 has evolved a binding site for IGF2 to
      negatively regulate ligand bioavailability and mammalian growth. Despite the
      highly evolved structural loops of the IGF2:domain 11 binding site, affinity
      enhancing AB loop mutations suggest that binding is modifiable. Here we examine
      the extent to which IGF2:domain 11 affinity, and its specificity over IGF1, can
      be enhanced, and we examine the structural basis of the mechanistic and
      functional consequences. Domain 11 binding loop mutants were selected by yeast
      surface display combined with high-resolution structure-based predictions, and
      validated by surface plasmon resonance. We discovered previously unidentified
      mutations in the ligand-interacting surface binding loops (AB, CD, FG, and HI).
      Five combined mutations increased rigidity of the AB loop, as confirmed by NMR.
      When added to three independently identified CD and FG loop mutations that
      reduced the koff value by twofold, these mutations resulted in an overall
      selective 100-fold improvement in affinity. The structural basis of the evolved
      affinity was improved shape complementarity established by interloop (AB-CD) and
      intraloop (FG-FG) side chain interactions. The high affinity of the combinatorial
      domain 11 Fc fusion proteins functioned as ligand-soluble antagonists or traps
      that depleted pathological IGF2 isoforms from serum and abrogated IGF2-dependent
      signaling in vivo. An evolved and reengineered high-specificity M6P/IGF2R domain
      11 binding site for IGF2 may improve therapeutic targeting of the frequent IGF2
      gain of function observed in human cancer.

PMID- 27140601
TI  - Three-dimensionally preserved minute larva of a great-appendage arthropod from
      the early Cambrian Chengjiang biota.
AB  - A three-dimensionally preserved 2-mm-long larva of the arthropod Leanchoilia
      illecebrosa from the 520-million-year-old early Cambrian Chengjiang biota of
      China represents the first evidence, to our knowledge, of such an early
      developmental stage in a short-great-appendage (SGA) arthropod. The larva
      possesses a pair of three-fingered great appendages, a hypostome, and four pairs
      of well-developed biramous appendages. More posteriorly, a series of rudimentary
      limb Anlagen revealed by X-ray microcomputed tomography shows a gradient of
      decreasing differentiation toward the rear. This, and postembryonic segment
      addition at the putative growth zone, are features of late-stage metanauplii of
      eucrustaceans. L. illecebrosa and other SGA arthropods, however, are considered
      representative of early chelicerates or part of the stem lineage of all
      euarthropods. The larva of an early Cambrian SGA arthropod with a small number of
      anterior segments and their respective appendages suggests that posthatching
      segment addition occurred in the ancestor of Euarthropoda.

PMID- 27140602
TI  - TGF-beta signaling in insects regulates metamorphosis via juvenile hormone
      biosynthesis.
AB  - Although butterflies undergo a dramatic morphological transformation from larva
      to adult via a pupal stage (holometamorphosis), crickets undergo a metamorphosis
      from nymph to adult without formation of a pupa (hemimetamorphosis). Despite
      these differences, both processes are regulated by common mechanisms that involve
      20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH). JH regulates many aspects of
      insect physiology, such as development, reproduction, diapause, and
      metamorphosis. Consequently, strict regulation of JH levels is crucial throughout
      an insect's life cycle. However, it remains unclear how JH synthesis is
      regulated. Here, we report that in the corpora allata of the cricket, Gryllus
      bimaculatus, Myoglianin (Gb'Myo), a homolog of Drosophila Myoglianin/vertebrate
      GDF8/11, is involved in the down-regulation of JH production by suppressing the
      expression of a gene encoding JH acid O-methyltransferase, Gb'jhamt In contrast,
      JH production is up-regulated by Decapentaplegic (Gb'Dpp) and Glass-bottom
      boat/60A (Gb'Gbb) signaling that occurs as part of the transcriptional activation
      of Gb'jhamt Gb'Myo defines the nature of each developmental transition by
      regulating JH titer and the interactions between JH and 20E. When Gb'myo
      expression is suppressed, the activation of Gb'jhamt expression and secretion of
      20E induce molting, thereby leading to the next instar before the last nymphal
      instar. Conversely, high Gb'myo expression induces metamorphosis during the last
      nymphal instar through the cessation of JH synthesis. Gb'myo also regulates final
      insect size. Because Myo/GDF8/11 and Dpp/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2/4
      Gbb/BMP5-8 are conserved in both invertebrates and vertebrates, the present
      findings provide common regulatory mechanisms for endocrine control of animal
      development.

PMID- 27140603
TI  - Extensive graft-derived dopaminergic innervation is maintained 24 years after
      transplantation in the degenerating parkinsonian brain.
AB  - Clinical trials using cells derived from embryonic ventral mesencephalon have
      shown that transplanted dopaminergic neurons can survive and function in the long
      term, as demonstrated by in vivo brain imaging using (18)F-fluorodopa and (11)C
      raclopride positron emission tomography. Here we report the postmortem analysis
      of a patient with Parkinson's disease who 24 y earlier underwent unilateral
      transplantation of embryonic dopaminergic neurons in the putamen and subsequently
      exhibited major motor improvement and recovery of striatal dopaminergic function.
      Histopathological analysis showed that a dense, near-normal graft-derived
      dopaminergic reinnervation of the putamen can be maintained for a quarter of a
      century despite severe host brain pathology and with no evidence of immune
      response. In addition, ubiquitin- and alpha-synuclein-positive inclusions were
      seen, some with the appearance of typical Lewy bodies, in 11-12% of the grafted
      dopaminergic neurons, reflecting the spread of pathology from the host brain to
      the transplants. Because the clinical benefits induced by transplantation in this
      patient were gradually lost after 14 y posttransplantation, our findings provide
      the first reported evidence, to our knowledge, that even a viable dopaminergic
      graft giving rise to extensive striatal reinnervation may lose its efficacy if
      widespread degenerative changes develop in the host brain.

PMID- 27140604
TI  - Control of active liquid crystals with a magnetic field.
AB  - Living cells sense the mechanical features of their environment and adapt to it
      by actively remodeling their peripheral network of filamentary proteins, known as
      cortical cytoskeleton. By mimicking this principle, we demonstrate an effective
      control strategy for a microtubule-based active nematic in contact with a
      hydrophobic thermotropic liquid crystal. By using well-established protocols for
      the orientation of liquid crystals with a uniform magnetic field, and through the
      mediation of anisotropic shear stresses, the active nematic reversibly self
      assembles with aligned flows and textures that feature orientational order at the
      millimeter scale. The turbulent flow, characteristic of active nematics, is in
      this way regularized into a laminar flow with periodic velocity oscillations.
      Once patterned, the microtubule assembly reveals its intrinsic length and time
      scales, which we correlate with the activity of motor proteins, as predicted by
      existing theories of active nematics. The demonstrated commanding strategy should
      be compatible with other viable active biomaterials at interfaces, and we
      envision its use to probe the mechanics of the intracellular matrix.

PMID- 27140605
TI  - Coordinated beating of algal flagella is mediated by basal coupling.
AB  - Cilia and flagella often exhibit synchronized behavior; this includes phase
      locking, as seen in Chlamydomonas, and metachronal wave formation in the
      respiratory cilia of higher organisms. Since the observations by Gray and
      Rothschild of phase synchrony of nearby swimming spermatozoa, it has been a
      working hypothesis that synchrony arises from hydrodynamic interactions between
      beating filaments. Recent work on the dynamics of physically separated pairs of
      flagella isolated from the multicellular alga Volvox has shown that hydrodynamic
      coupling alone is sufficient to produce synchrony. However, the situation is more
      complex in unicellular organisms bearing few flagella. We show that flagella of
      Chlamydomonas mutants deficient in filamentary connections between basal bodies
      display markedly different synchronization from the wild type. We perform
      micromanipulation on configurations of flagella and conclude that a mechanism,
      internal to the cell, must provide an additional flagellar coupling. In naturally
      occurring species with 4, 8, or even 16 flagella, we find diverse symmetries of
      basal body positioning and of the flagellar apparatus that are coincident with
      specific gaits of flagellar actuation, suggesting that it is a competition
      between intracellular coupling and hydrodynamic interactions that ultimately
      determines the precise form of flagellar coordination in unicellular algae.

PMID- 27140606
TI  - TPC2 controls pigmentation by regulating melanosome pH and size.
AB  - Melanin is responsible for pigmentation of skin and hair and is synthesized in a
      specialized organelle, the melanosome, in melanocytes. A genome-wide association
      study revealed that the two pore segment channel 2 (TPCN2) gene is strongly
      linked to pigmentation variations. TPCN2 encodes the two-pore channel 2 (TPC2)
      protein, a cation channel. Nevertheless, how TPC2 regulates pigmentation remains
      unknown. Here, we show that TPC2 is expressed in melanocytes and localizes to the
      melanosome-limiting membrane and, to a lesser extent, to endolysosomal
      compartments by confocal fluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy.
      Immunomagnetic isolation of TPC2-containing organelles confirmed its coresidence
      with melanosomal markers. TPCN2 knockout by means of clustered regularly
      interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR-associated 9 gene editing elicited a
      dramatic increase in pigment content in MNT-1 melanocytic cells. This effect was
      rescued by transient expression of TPC2-GFP. Consistently, siRNA-mediated
      knockdown of TPC2 also caused a substantial increase in melanin content in both
      MNT-1 cells and primary human melanocytes. Using a newly developed genetically
      encoded pH sensor targeted to melanosomes, we determined that the melanosome
      lumen in TPC2-KO MNT-1 cells and primary melanocytes subjected to TPC2 knockdown
      is less acidic than in control cells. Fluorescence and electron microscopy
      analysis revealed that TPC2-KO MNT-1 cells have significantly larger melanosomes
      than control cells, but the number of organelles is unchanged. TPC2 likely
      regulates melanosomes pH and size by mediating Ca(2+) release from the organelle,
      which is decreased in TPC2-KO MNT-1 cells, as determined with the Ca(2+) sensor
      tyrosinase-GCaMP6. Thus, our data show that TPC2 regulates pigmentation through
      two fundamental determinants of melanosome function: pH and size.

PMID- 27140607
TI  - Straining soft colloids in aqueous nematic liquid crystals.
AB  - Liquid crystals (LCs), because of their long-range molecular ordering, are
      anisotropic, elastic fluids. Herein, we report that elastic stresses imparted by
      nematic LCs can dynamically shape soft colloids and tune their physical
      properties. Specifically, we use giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) as soft
      colloids and explore the interplay of mechanical strain when the GUVs are
      confined within aqueous chromonic LC phases. Accompanying thermal quenching from
      isotropic to LC phases, we observe the elasticity of the LC phases to transform
      initially spherical GUVs (diameters of 2-50 um) into two distinct populations of
      GUVs with spindle-like shapes and aspect ratios as large as 10. Large GUVs are
      strained to a small extent (R/r < 1.54, where R and r are the major and minor
      radii, respectively), consistent with an LC elasticity-induced expansion of lipid
      membrane surface area of up to 3% and conservation of the internal GUV volume.
      Small GUVs, in contrast, form highly elongated spindles (1.54 < R/r < 10) that
      arise from an efflux of LCs from the GUVs during the shape transformation,
      consistent with LC-induced straining of the membrane leading to transient
      membrane pore formation. A thermodynamic analysis of both populations of GUVs
      reveals that the final shapes adopted by these soft colloids are dominated by a
      competition between the LC elasticity and an energy (~0.01 mN/m) associated with
      the GUV-LC interface. Overall, these results provide insight into the coupling of
      strain in soft materials and suggest previously unidentified designs of LC-based
      responsive and reconfigurable materials.

PMID- 27140608
TI  - Drift in ocean currents impacts intergenerational microbial exposure to
      temperature.
AB  - Microbes are the foundation of marine ecosystems [Falkowski PG, Fenchel T, Delong
      EF (2008) Science 320(5879):1034-1039]. Until now, the analytical framework for
      understanding the implications of ocean warming on microbes has not considered
      thermal exposure during transport in dynamic seascapes, implying that our current
      view of change for these critical organisms may be inaccurate. Here we show that
      upper-ocean microbes experience along-trajectory temperature variability up to 10
      degrees C greater than seasonal fluctuations estimated in a static frame, and
      that this variability depends strongly on location. These findings demonstrate
      that drift in ocean currents can increase the thermal exposure of microbes and
      suggests that microbial populations with broad thermal tolerance will survive
      transport to distant regions of the ocean and invade new habitats. Our findings
      also suggest that advection has the capacity to influence microbial community
      assemblies, such that regions with strong currents and large thermal fluctuations
      select for communities with greatest plasticity and evolvability, and communities
      with narrow thermal performance are found where ocean currents are weak or along
      trajectory temperature variation is low. Given that fluctuating environments
      select for individual plasticity in microbial lineages, and that physiological
      plasticity of ancestors can predict the magnitude of evolutionary responses of
      subsequent generations to environmental change [Schaum CE, Collins S (2014) Proc
      Biol Soc 281(1793):20141486], our findings suggest that microbial populations in
      the sub-Antarctic (~40 degrees S), North Pacific, and North Atlantic will have
      the most capacity to adapt to contemporary ocean warming.

PMID- 27140609
TI  - Electron tomography reveals the fibril structure and lipid interactions in
      amyloid deposits.
AB  - Electron tomography is an increasingly powerful method to study the detailed
      architecture of macromolecular complexes or cellular structures. Applied to
      amyloid deposits formed in a cell culture model of systemic amyloid A
      amyloidosis, we could determine the structural morphology of the fibrils directly
      in the deposit. The deposited fibrils are arranged in different networks, and
      depending on the relative fibril orientation, we can distinguish between fibril
      meshworks, fibril bundles, and amyloid stars. These networks are frequently
      infiltrated by vesicular lipid inclusions that may originate from the death of
      the amyloid-forming cells. Our data support the role of nonfibril components for
      constructing fibril deposits and provide structural views of different types of
      lipid-fibril interactions.

PMID- 27140610
TI  - Mesolimbic neuropeptide W coordinates stress responses under novel environments.
AB  - Neuropeptide B (NPB) and neuropeptide W (NPW) are endogenous neuropeptide ligands
      for the G protein-coupled receptors NPBWR1 and NPBWR2. Here we report that the
      majority of NPW neurons in the mesolimbic region possess tyrosine hydroxylase
      immunoreactivity, indicating that a small subset of dopaminergic neurons
      coexpress NPW. These NPW-containing neurons densely and exclusively innervate two
      limbic system nuclei in adult mouse brain: the lateral bed nucleus of the stria
      terminalis and the lateral part of the central amygdala nucleus (CeAL). In the
      CeAL of wild-type mice, restraint stress resulted in an inhibition of cellular
      activity, but this stress-induced inhibition was attenuated in the CeAL neurons
      of NPW(-/-) mice. Moreover, the response of NPW(-/-) mice to either formalin
      induced pain stimuli or a live rat (i.e., a potential predator) was abnormal only
      when they were placed in a novel environment: The mice failed to show the normal
      species-specific self-protective and aversive reactions. In contrast, the
      behavior of NPW(-/-) mice in a habituated environment was indistinguishable from
      that of wild-type mice. These results indicate that the NPW/NPBWR1 system could
      play a critical role in the gating of stressful stimuli during exposure to novel
      environments.

PMID- 27140611
TI  - Bacteriocin from epidemic Listeria strains alters the host intestinal microbiota
      to favor infection.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for gastroenteritis in healthy individuals
      and for a severe invasive disease in immunocompromised patients. Among the three
      identified L. monocytogenes evolutionary lineages, lineage I strains are
      overrepresented in epidemic listeriosis outbreaks, but the mechanisms underlying
      the higher virulence potential of strains of this lineage remain elusive. Here,
      we demonstrate that Listeriolysin S (LLS), a virulence factor only present in a
      subset of lineage I strains, is a bacteriocin highly expressed in the intestine
      of orally infected mice that alters the host intestinal microbiota and promotes
      intestinal colonization by L. monocytogenes, as well as deeper organ infection.
      To our knowledge, these results therefore identify LLS as the first bacteriocin
      described in L. monocytogenes and associate modulation of host microbiota by L.
      monocytogenes epidemic strains to increased virulence.

PMID- 27140612
TI  - Dopamine pathway is highly diverged in primate species that differ markedly in
      social behavior.
AB  - In the endeavor to associate genetic variation with complex traits, closely
      related taxa are particularly fruitful for understanding the neurophysiological
      and genetic underpinnings of species-specific attributes. Similarity to humans
      has motivated research into nonhuman primate models, yet few studies of wild
      primates have investigated immediate causal factors of evolutionarily diverged
      social behaviors. Neurotransmitter differences have been invoked to explain the
      distinct behavioral suites of two baboon species in Awash, Ethiopia, which differ
      markedly in social behavior despite evolutionary propinquity. With this natural
      experiment, we test the hypothesis that genomic regions associated with monoamine
      neurotransmitters would be highly differentiated, and we identify a dopamine
      pathway as an outlier, highlighting the system as a potential cause of species
      specific social behaviors. Dopamine levels and resultant variation in impulsivity
      were likely under differential selection in the species due to social system
      structure differences, with either brash or circumspect social behavior
      advantageous to secure mating opportunities depending on the social backdrop.
      Such comparative studies into the causes of the behavioral agendas that create
      and interact with social systems are of particular interest, and differences in
      temperament related to boldness and associated with dopamine variation likely
      played important roles in the evolution of all social, behaviorally complex
      animals, including baboons and humans.

PMID- 27140613
TI  - Express saccades and superior colliculus responses are sensitive to short
      wavelength cone contrast.
AB  - A key structure for directing saccadic eye movements is the superior colliculus
      (SC). The visual pathways that project to the SC have been reported to carry only
      luminance information and not color information. Short-wavelength-sensitive cones
      (S-cones) in the retina make little or no contribution to luminance signals,
      leading to the conclusion that S-cone stimuli should be invisible to SC neurons.
      The premise that S-cone stimuli are invisible to the SC has been used in numerous
      clinical and human psychophysical studies. The assumption that the SC cannot use
      S-cone stimuli to guide behavior has never been tested. We show here that express
      saccades, which depend on the SC, can be driven by S-cone input. Further, express
      saccade reaction times and changes in SC activity depend on the amount of S-cone
      contrast. These results demonstrate that the SC can use S-cone stimuli to guide
      behavior. We conclude that the use of S-cone stimuli is insufficient to isolate
      SC function in psychophysical and clinical studies of human subjects.

PMID- 27140614
TI  - Peptidoglycan-linked protein A promotes T cell-dependent antibody expansion
      during Staphylococcus aureus infection.
AB  - A hallmark of Staphylococcus aureus disease in humans is persistent infections
      without development of protective immune responses. Infected patients generate
      VH3 plasmablast expansions and increased VH3 idiotype Ig; however, the mechanisms
      for staphylococcal modification of immune responses are not known. We report here
      that S. aureus-infected mice generate VH3 antibody expansions via a mechanism
      requiring MHC-restricted antigen presentation to CD4(+) T cells and
      staphylococcal protein A (SpA), a cell wall-anchored surface molecule that binds
      Fcgamma and VH3 variant heavy chains of Ig. VH3 expansion occurred with
      peptidoglycan-linked SpA from the bacterial envelope but not with recombinant
      SpA, and optimally required five tandem repeats of its Ig-binding domains.
      Signaling via receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) was
      essential for implementing peptidoglycan-linked SpA superantigen activity. VH3
      clan IgG from S. aureus-infected or SpA-treated animals was not pathogen
      specific, suggesting that SpA cross-linking of VH3 idiotype B-cell receptors and
      activation via attached peptidoglycan are the determinants of staphylococcal
      escape from adaptive immune responses.

PMID- 27140615
TI  - Regulation of genetic flux between bacteria by restriction-modification systems.
AB  - Restriction-modification (R-M) systems are often regarded as bacteria's innate
      immune systems, protecting cells from infection by mobile genetic elements
      (MGEs). Their diversification has been recently associated with the emergence of
      particularly virulent lineages. However, we have previously found more R-M
      systems in genomes carrying more MGEs. Furthermore, it has been suggested that R
      M systems might favor genetic transfer by producing recombinogenic double
      stranded DNA ends. To test whether R-M systems favor or disfavor genetic
      exchanges, we analyzed their frequency with respect to the inferred events of
      homologous recombination and horizontal gene transfer within 79 bacterial
      species. Genetic exchanges were more frequent in bacteria with larger genomes and
      in those encoding more R-M systems. We created a recognition target motif
      predictor for Type II R-M systems that identifies genomes encoding systems with
      similar restriction sites. We found more genetic exchanges between these genomes,
      independently of their evolutionary distance. Our results reconcile previous
      studies by showing that R-M systems are more abundant in promiscuous species,
      wherein they establish preferential paths of genetic exchange within and between
      lineages with cognate R-M systems. Because the repertoire and/or specificity of R
      M systems in bacterial lineages vary quickly, the preferential fluxes of genetic
      transfer within species are expected to constantly change, producing time
      dependent networks of gene transfer.

PMID- 27140616
TI  - Living biofouling-resistant membranes as a model for the beneficial use of
      engineered biofilms.
AB  - Membrane systems are used increasingly for water treatment, recycling water from
      wastewater, during food processing, and energy production. They thus are a key
      technology to ensure water, energy, and food sustainability. However, biofouling,
      the build-up of microbes and their polymeric matrix, clogs these systems and
      reduces their efficiency. Realizing that a microbial film is inevitable, we
      engineered a beneficial biofilm that prevents membrane biofouling, limiting its
      own thickness by sensing the number of its cells that are present via a quorum
      sensing circuit. The beneficial biofilm also prevents biofilm formation by
      deleterious bacteria by secreting nitric oxide, a general biofilm dispersal
      agent, as demonstrated by both short-term dead-end filtration and long-term cross
      flow filtration tests. In addition, the beneficial biofilm was engineered to
      produce an epoxide hydrolase so that it efficiently removes the environmental
      pollutant epichlorohydrin. Thus, we have created a living biofouling-resistant
      membrane system that simultaneously reduces biofouling and provides a platform
      for biodegradation of persistent organic pollutants.

PMID- 27140618
TI  - Imaging through plasmonic nanoparticles.
AB  - The optical properties of metallic nanoparticles with plasmon resonances have
      been studied extensively, typically by measuring the transmission of light, as a
      function of wavelength, through a nanoparticle suspension. One question that has
      not yet been addressed, however, is how an image is transmitted through such a
      suspension of absorber-scatterers, in other words, how the various spatial
      frequencies are attenuated as they pass through the nanoparticle host medium.
      Here, we examine how the optical properties of a suspension of plasmonic
      nanoparticles affect the transmitted image. We use two distinct ways to assess
      transmitted image quality: the structural similarity index (SSIM), a perceptual
      distortion metric based on the human visual system, and the modulation transfer
      function (MTF), which assesses the resolvable spatial frequencies. We show that
      perceived image quality, as well as spatial resolution, are both dependent on the
      scattering and absorption cross-sections of the constituent nanoparticles.
      Surprisingly, we observe a nonlinear dependence of image quality on optical
      density by varying optical path length and nanoparticle concentration. This work
      is a first step toward understanding the requirements for visualizing and
      resolving objects through media consisting of subwavelength absorber-scatterer
      structures, an approach that should also prove useful in the assessment of
      metamaterial or metasurface-based optical imaging systems.

PMID- 27140617
TI  - PI3K-resistant GSK3 controls adiponectin formation and protects from metabolic
      syndrome.
AB  - Metabolic syndrome is characterized by insulin resistance, obesity, and
      dyslipidemia. It is the consequence of an imbalance between caloric intake and
      energy consumption. Adiponectin protects against metabolic syndrome. Insulin
      induced signaling includes activation of PI3 kinase and protein kinase B
      (PKB)/Akt. PKB/Akt in turn inactivates glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3, a major
      regulator of metabolism. Here, we studied the significance of PI3K-dependent GSK3
      inactivation for adiponectin formation in diet-induced metabolic syndrome. Mice
      expressing PI3K-insensitive GSK3 (gsk3(KI)) and wild-type mice (gsk3(WT)) were
      fed a high-fat diet. Compared with gsk3(WT) mice, gsk3(KI) mice were protected
      against the development of metabolic syndrome as evident from a markedly lower
      weight gain, lower total body and liver fat accumulation, better glucose
      tolerance, stronger hepatic insulin-dependent PKB/Akt phosphorylation, lower
      serum insulin, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, as well as higher energy
      expenditure. Serum adiponectin concentration and the activity of transcription
      factor C/EBPalpha controlling the expression of adiponectin in adipose tissue was
      significantly higher in gsk3(KI) mice than in gsk3(WT) mice. Treatment with GSK3
      inhibitor lithium significantly decreased the serum adiponectin concentration of
      gsk3(KI) mice and abrogated the difference in C/EBPalpha activity between the
      genotypes. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the expression of PI3K
      insensitive GSK3 stimulates the production of adiponectin and protects from diet
      induced metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 27140619
TI  - Spontaneous recovery of superhydrophobicity on nanotextured surfaces.
AB  - Rough or textured hydrophobic surfaces are dubbed "superhydrophobic" due to their
      numerous desirable properties, such as water repellency and interfacial slip.
      Superhydrophobicity stems from an aversion of water for the hydrophobic surface
      texture, so that a water droplet in the superhydrophobic "Cassie state" contacts
      only the tips of the rough surface. However, superhydrophobicity is remarkably
      fragile and can break down due to the wetting of the surface texture to yield the
      "Wenzel state" under various conditions, such as elevated pressures or droplet
      impact. Moreover, due to large energetic barriers that impede the reverse
      transition (dewetting), this breakdown in superhydrophobicity is widely believed
      to be irreversible. Using molecular simulations in conjunction with enhanced
      sampling techniques, here we show that on surfaces with nanoscale texture, water
      density fluctuations can lead to a reduction in the free energetic barriers to
      dewetting by circumventing the classical dewetting pathways. In particular, the
      fluctuation-mediated dewetting pathway involves a number of transitions between
      distinct dewetted morphologies, with each transition lowering the resistance to
      dewetting. Importantly, an understanding of the mechanistic pathways to dewetting
      and their dependence on pressure allows us to augment the surface texture design,
      so that the barriers to dewetting are eliminated altogether and the Wenzel state
      becomes unstable at ambient conditions. Such robust surfaces, which defy
      classical expectations and can spontaneously recover their superhydrophobicity,
      could have widespread importance, from underwater operation to phase-change heat
      transfer applications.

PMID- 27140621
TI  - Efficient electrolyzer for CO2 splitting in neutral water using earth-abundant
      materials.
AB  - Low-cost, efficient CO2-to-CO+O2 electrochemical splitting is a key step for
      liquid-fuel production for renewable energy storage and use of CO2 as a feedstock
      for chemicals. Heterogeneous catalysts for cathodic CO2-to-CO associated with an
      O2-evolving anodic reaction in high-energy-efficiency cells are not yet
      available. An iron porphyrin immobilized into a conductive Nafion/carbon powder
      layer is a stable cathode producing CO in pH neutral water with 90% faradaic
      efficiency. It is coupled with a water oxidation phosphate cobalt oxide anode in
      a home-made electrolyzer by means of a Nafion membrane. Current densities of
      approximately 1 mA/cm(2) over 30-h electrolysis are achieved at a 2.5-V cell
      voltage, splitting CO2 and H2O into CO and O2 with a 50% energy efficiency.
      Remarkably, CO2 reduction outweighs the concurrent water reduction. The setup
      does not prevent high-efficiency proton transport through the Nafion membrane
      separator: The ohmic drop loss is only 0.1 V and the pH remains stable. These
      results demonstrate the possibility to set up an efficient, low-voltage,
      electrochemical cell that converts CO2 into CO and O2 by associating a cathodic
      supported molecular catalyst based on an abundant transition metal with a cheap,
      easy-to-prepare anodic catalyst oxidizing water into O2.

PMID- 27140620
TI  - Thy1+IL-7+ lymphatic endothelial cells in iBALT provide a survival niche for
      memory T-helper cells in allergic airway inflammation.
AB  - Memory CD4(+) T helper (Th) cells are central to long-term protection against
      pathogens, but they can also be pathogenic and drive chronic inflammatory
      disorders. How these pathogenic memory Th cells are maintained, particularly at
      sites of local inflammation, remains unclear. We found that ectopic lymphoid-like
      structures called inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT) are
      formed during chronic allergic inflammation in the lung, and that memory-type
      pathogenic Th2 (Tpath2) cells capable of driving allergic inflammation are
      maintained within the iBALT structures. The maintenance of memory Th2 cells
      within iBALT is supported by Thy1(+)IL-7-producing lymphatic endothelial cells
      (LECs). The Thy1(+)IL-7-producing LECs express IL-33 and T-cell-attracting
      chemokines CCL21 and CCL19. Moreover, ectopic lymphoid structures consisting of
      memory CD4(+) T cells and IL-7(+)IL-33(+) LECs were found in nasal polyps of
      patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis. Thus, Thy1(+)IL-7-producing
      LECs control chronic allergic airway inflammation by providing a survival niche
      for memory-type Tpath2 cells.

PMID- 27140622
TI  - Cortical thickness of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex predicts strategic
      choices in economic games.
AB  - Human prosociality has been traditionally explained in the social sciences in
      terms of internalized social norms. Recent neuroscientific studies extended this
      traditional view of human prosociality by providing evidence that prosocial
      choices in economic games require cognitive control of the impulsive pursuit of
      self-interest. However, this view is challenged by an intuitive prosociality view
      emphasizing the spontaneous and heuristic basis of prosocial choices in economic
      games. We assessed the brain structure of 411 players of an ultimatum game (UG)
      and a dictator game (DG) and measured the strategic reasoning ability of 386.
      According to the reflective norm-enforcement view of prosociality, only those
      capable of strategically controlling their selfish impulses give a fair share in
      the UG, but cognitive control capability should not affect behavior in the DG.
      Conversely, we support the intuitive prosociality view by showing for the first
      time, to our knowledge, that strategic reasoning and cortical thickness of the
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were not related to giving in the UG but were
      negatively related to giving in the DG. This implies that the uncontrolled choice
      in the DG is prosocial rather than selfish, and those who have a thicker
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and are capable of strategic reasoning (goal
      directed use of the theory of mind) control this intuitive drive for prosociality
      as a means to maximize reward when there are no future implications of choices.

PMID- 27140623
TI  - Strain-enhanced stress relaxation impacts nonlinear elasticity in collagen gels.
AB  - The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex assembly of structural proteins that
      provides physical support and biochemical signaling to cells in tissues. The
      mechanical properties of the ECM have been found to play a key role in regulating
      cell behaviors such as differentiation and malignancy. Gels formed from ECM
      protein biopolymers such as collagen or fibrin are commonly used for 3D cell
      culture models of tissue. One of the most striking features of these gels is that
      they exhibit nonlinear elasticity, undergoing strain stiffening. However, these
      gels are also viscoelastic and exhibit stress relaxation, with the resistance of
      the gel to a deformation relaxing over time. Recent studies have suggested that
      cells sense and respond to both nonlinear elasticity and viscoelasticity of ECM,
      yet little is known about the connection between nonlinear elasticity and
      viscoelasticity. Here, we report that, as strain is increased, not only do
      biopolymer gels stiffen but they also exhibit faster stress relaxation, reducing
      the timescale over which elastic energy is dissipated. This effect is not
      universal to all biological gels and is mediated through weak cross-links.
      Mechanistically, computational modeling and atomic force microscopy (AFM)
      indicate that strain-enhanced stress relaxation of collagen gels arises from
      force-dependent unbinding of weak bonds between collagen fibers. The broader
      effect of strain-enhanced stress relaxation is to rapidly diminish strain
      stiffening over time. These results reveal the interplay between nonlinear
      elasticity and viscoelasticity in collagen gels, and highlight the complexity of
      the ECM mechanics that are likely sensed through cellular mechanotransduction.

PMID- 27140624
TI  - Transcription factors Mix1 and VegT, relocalization of vegt mRNA, and conserved
      endoderm and dorsal specification in frogs.
AB  - Protein expression of the transcription factor genes mix1 and vegt characterized
      the presumptive endoderm in embryos of the frogs Engystomops randi, Epipedobates
      machalilla, Gastrotheca riobambae, and Eleutherodactylus coqui, as in Xenopus
      laevis embryos. Protein VegT was detected in the animal hemisphere of the early
      blastula in all frogs, and only the animal pole was VegT-negative. This finding
      stimulated a vegt mRNA analysis in X. laevis eggs and embryos. vegt mRNA was
      detected in the animal region of X. laevis eggs and early embryos, in agreement
      with the VegT localization observed in the analyzed frogs. Moreover, a dorso
      animal relocalization of vegt mRNA occurred in the egg at fertilization. Thus,
      the comparative analysis indicated that vegt may participate in dorsal
      development besides its known roles in endoderm development, and germ-layer
      specification. Zygotic vegt (zvegt) mRNA was detected as a minor isoform besides
      the major maternal (mvegt) isoform of the X. laevis egg. In addition, alpha
      amanitin-insensitive vegt transcripts were detected around vegetal nuclei of the
      blastula. Thus, accumulation of vegt mRNA around vegetal nuclei was caused by
      relocalization rather than new mRNA synthesis. The localization of vegt mRNA
      around vegetal nuclei may contribute to the identity of vegetal blastomeres.
      These and previously reportedly localization features of vegt mRNA and protein
      derive from the master role of vegt in the development of frogs. The comparative
      analysis indicated that the strategies for endoderm, and dorsal specification,
      involving vegt and mix1, have been evolutionary conserved in frogs.

PMID- 27140625
TI  - Correction for van der Plas et al., Biotic homogenization can decrease landscape
      scale forest multifunctionality.

PMID- 27140626
TI  - Concealed d-wave pairs in the s+/- condensate of iron-based superconductors.
AB  - A central question in iron-based superconductivity is the mechanism by which the
      paired electrons minimize their strong mutual Coulomb repulsion. In most
      unconventional superconductors, Coulomb repulsion is minimized through the
      formation of higher angular momentum Cooper pairs, with Fermi surface nodes in
      the pair wavefunction. The apparent absence of such nodes in the iron-based
      superconductors has led to a belief they form an s-wave ([Formula: see text])
      singlet state, which changes sign between the electron and hole pockets. However,
      the multiorbital nature of these systems opens an alternative possibility. Here,
      we propose a new class of [Formula: see text] state containing a condensate of d
      wave Cooper pairs, concealed by their entanglement with the iron orbitals. By
      combining the d-wave ([Formula: see text]) motion of the pairs with the internal
      angular momenta [Formula: see text] of the iron orbitals to make a singlet
      ([Formula: see text]), an [Formula: see text] superconductor with a nontrivial
      topology is formed. This scenario allows us to understand the development of
      octet nodes in potassium-doped Ba1-x KXFe2As2 as a reconfiguration of the orbital
      and internal angular momentum into a high spin ([Formula: see text]) state; the
      reverse transition under pressure into a fully gapped state can then be
      interpreted as a return to the low-spin singlet. The formation of orbitally
      entangled pairs is predicted to give rise to a shift in the orbital content at
      the Fermi surface, which can be tested via laser-based angle-resolved
      photoemission spectroscopy.

PMID- 27140627
TI  - A genetic method for dating ancient genomes provides a direct estimate of human
      generation interval in the last 45,000 years.
AB  - The study of human evolution has been revolutionized by inferences from ancient
      DNA analyses. Key to these studies is the reliable estimation of the age of
      ancient specimens. High-resolution age estimates can often be obtained using
      radiocarbon dating, and, while precise and powerful, this method has some biases,
      making it of interest to directly use genetic data to infer a date for samples
      that have been sequenced. Here, we report a genetic method that uses the
      recombination clock. The idea is that an ancient genome has evolved less than the
      genomes of present-day individuals and thus has experienced fewer recombination
      events since the common ancestor. To implement this idea, we take advantage of
      the insight that all non-Africans have a common heritage of Neanderthal gene flow
      into their ancestors. Thus, we can estimate the date since Neanderthal admixture
      for present-day and ancient samples simultaneously and use the difference as a
      direct estimate of the ancient specimen's age. We apply our method to date five
      Upper Paleolithic Eurasian genomes with radiocarbon dates between 12,000 and
      45,000 y ago and show an excellent correlation of the genetic and (14)C dates. By
      considering the slope of the correlation between the genetic dates, which are in
      units of generations, and the (14)C dates, which are in units of years, we infer
      that the mean generation interval in humans over this period has been 26-30 y.
      Extensions of this methodology that use older shared events may be applicable for
      dating beyond the radiocarbon frontier.

PMID- 27140628
TI  - Cryptic sequence features within the disordered protein p27Kip1 regulate cell
      cycle signaling.
AB  - Peptide motifs embedded within intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of
      proteins are often the sites of posttranslational modifications that control cell
      signaling pathways. How do IDR sequences modulate the functionalities of motifs?
      We answer this question using the polyampholytic C-terminal IDR of the cell cycle
      inhibitory protein p27(Kip1) (p27). Phosphorylation of Thr-187 (T187) within the
      p27 IDR controls entry into S phase of the cell division cycle. Additionally, the
      conformational properties of polyampholytic sequences are predicted to be
      influenced by the linear patterning of oppositely charged residues. Therefore, we
      designed sequence variants of the p27 IDR to alter charge patterning outside the
      primary substrate motif containing T187. Computer simulations and biophysical
      measurements confirm predictions regarding the impact of charge patterning on the
      global dimensions of IDRs. Through functional studies, we uncover cryptic
      sequence features within the p27 IDR that influence the efficiency of T187
      phosphorylation. Specifically, we find a positive correlation between T187
      phosphorylation efficiency and the weighted net charge per residue of an
      auxiliary motif. We also find that accumulation of positive charges within the
      auxiliary motif can diminish the efficiency of T187 phosphorylation because this
      increases the likelihood of long-range intra-IDR interactions that involve both
      the primary and auxiliary motifs and inhibit their contributions to function.
      Importantly, our findings suggest that the cryptic sequence features of the WT
      p27 IDR negatively regulate T187 phosphorylation signaling. Our approaches
      provide a generalizable strategy for uncovering the influence of sequence
      contexts on the functionalities of primary motifs in other IDRs.

PMID- 27140629
TI  - Control of serotonin transporter phosphorylation by conformational state.
AB  - Serotonin transporter (SERT) is responsible for reuptake and recycling of 5
      hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) after its exocytotic release during
      neurotransmission. Mutations in human SERT are associated with psychiatric
      disorders and autism. Some of these mutations affect the regulation of SERT
      activity by cGMP-dependent phosphorylation. Here we provide direct evidence that
      this phosphorylation occurs at Thr276, predicted to lie near the cytoplasmic end
      of transmembrane helix 5 (TM5). Using membranes from HeLa cells expressing SERT
      and intact rat basophilic leukemia cells, we show that agents such as Na(+) and
      cocaine that stabilize outward-open conformations of SERT decreased
      phosphorylation and agents that stabilize inward-open conformations (e.g., 5-HT,
      ibogaine) increased phosphorylation. The opposing effects of the inhibitors
      cocaine and ibogaine were each reversed by an excess of the other inhibitor.
      Inhibition of phosphorylation by Na(+) and stimulation by ibogaine occurred at
      concentrations that induced outward opening and inward opening, respectively, as
      measured by the accessibility of cysteine residues in the extracellular and
      cytoplasmic permeation pathways, respectively. The results are consistent with a
      mechanism of SERT regulation that is activated by the transport of 5-HT, which
      increases the level of inward-open SERT and may lead to unwinding of the TM5
      helix to allow phosphorylation.

PMID- 27140630
TI  - Nitrogenase-mimic iron-containing chalcogels for photochemical reduction of
      dinitrogen to ammonia.
AB  - A nitrogenase-inspired biomimetic chalcogel system comprising double-cubane
      [Mo2Fe6S8(SPh)3] and single-cubane (Fe4S4) biomimetic clusters demonstrates
      photocatalytic N2 fixation and conversion to NH3 in ambient temperature and
      pressure conditions. Replacing the Fe4S4 clusters in this system with other inert
      ions such as Sb(3+), Sn(4+), Zn(2+) also gave chalcogels that were
      photocatalytically active. Finally, molybdenum-free chalcogels containing only
      Fe4S4 clusters are also capable of accomplishing the N2 fixation reaction with
      even higher efficiency than their Mo2Fe6S8(SPh)3-containing counterparts. Our
      results suggest that redox-active iron-sulfide-containing materials can activate
      the N2 molecule upon visible light excitation, which can be reduced all of the
      way to NH3 using protons and sacrificial electrons in aqueous solution.
      Evidently, whereas the Mo2Fe6S8(SPh)3 is capable of N2 fixation, Mo itself is not
      necessary to carry out this process. The initial binding of N2 with chalcogels
      under illumination was observed with in situ diffuse-reflectance Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS). (15)N2 isotope experiments confirm that
      the generated NH3 derives from N2 Density functional theory (DFT) electronic
      structure calculations suggest that the N2 binding is thermodynamically favorable
      only with the highly reduced active clusters. The results reported herein
      contribute to ongoing efforts of mimicking nitrogenase in fixing nitrogen and
      point to a promising path in developing catalysts for the reduction of N2 under
      ambient conditions.

PMID- 27140631
TI  - Modeling when, where, and how to manage a forest epidemic, motivated by sudden
      oak death in California.
AB  - Sudden oak death, caused by Phytophthora ramorum, has killed millions of oak and
      tanoak in California since its first detection in 1995. Despite some localized
      small-scale management, there has been no large-scale attempt to slow the spread
      of the pathogen in California. Here we use a stochastic spatially explicit model
      parameterized using data on the spread of P. ramorum to investigate whether and
      how the epidemic can be controlled. We find that slowing the spread of P. ramorum
      is now not possible, and has been impossible for a number of years. However,
      despite extensive cryptic (i.e., presymptomatic) infection and frequent long
      range transmission, effective exclusion of the pathogen from large parts of the
      state could, in principle, have been possible were it to have been started by
      2002. This is the approximate date by which sufficient knowledge of P. ramorum
      epidemiology had accumulated for large-scale management to be realistic. The
      necessary expenditure would have been very large, but could have been greatly
      reduced by optimizing the radius within which infected sites are treated and
      careful selection of sites to treat. In particular, we find that a dynamic
      strategy treating sites on the epidemic wave front leads to optimal performance.
      We also find that "front loading" the budget, that is, treating very heavily at
      the start of the management program, would greatly improve control. Our work
      introduces a framework for quantifying the likelihood of success and risks of
      failure of management that can be applied to invading pests and pathogens
      threatening forests worldwide.

PMID- 27140632
TI  - Roles for ROS and hydrogen sulfide in the longevity response to germline loss in
      Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - In Caenorhabditis elegans, removing germ cells slows aging and extends life. Here
      we show that transcription factors that extend life and confer protection to age
      related protein-aggregation toxicity are activated early in adulthood in response
      to a burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a shift in sulfur metabolism.
      Germline loss triggers H2S production, mitochondrial biogenesis, and a dynamic
      pattern of ROS in specific somatic tissues. A cytoskeletal protein, KRI-1, plays
      a key role in the generation of H2S and ROS. These kri-1-dependent redox species,
      in turn, promote life extension by activating SKN-1/Nrf2 and the mitochondrial
      unfolded-protein response, respectively. Both H2S and, remarkably, kri-1
      dependent ROS are required for the life extension produced by low levels of the
      superoxide-generator paraquat and by a mutation that inhibits respiration.
      Together our findings link reproductive signaling to mitochondria and define an
      inducible, kri-1-dependent redox-signaling module that can be invoked in
      different contexts to extend life and counteract proteotoxicity.

PMID- 27140633
TI  - Extreme cellular adaptations and cell differentiation required by a
      cyanobacterium for carbonate excavation.
AB  - Some cyanobacteria, known as euendoliths, excavate and grow into calcium
      carbonates, with their activity leading to significant marine and terrestrial
      carbonate erosion and to deleterious effects on coral reef and bivalve ecology.
      Despite their environmental relevance, the mechanisms by which they can bore have
      remained elusive and paradoxical, in that, as oxygenic phototrophs, cyanobacteria
      tend to alkalinize their surroundings, which will encourage carbonate
      precipitation, not dissolution. Therefore, cyanobacteria must rely on unique
      adaptations to bore. Studies with the filamentous euendolith, Mastigocoleus
      testarum, indicated that excavation requires both cellular energy and
      transcellular calcium transport, mediated by P-type ATPases, but the cellular
      basis for this phenomenon remains obscure. We present evidence that excavation in
      M. testarum involves two unique cellular adaptations. Long-range calcium
      transport is based on active pumping at multiple cells along boring filaments,
      orchestrated by the preferential localization of calcium ATPases at one cell
      pole, in a ring pattern, facing the cross-walls, and by repeating this placement
      and polarity, a pattern that breaks at branching and apical cells. In addition,
      M. testarum differentiates specialized cells we call calcicytes, that which
      accumulate calcium at concentrations more than 500-fold those found in other
      cyanobacteria, concomitantly and drastically lowering photosynthetic pigments and
      enduring severe cytoplasmatic alkalinization. Calcicytes occur commonly, but not
      exclusively, in apical parts of the filaments distal to the excavation front. We
      suggest that calcicytes allow for fast calcium flow at low, nontoxic
      concentrations through undifferentiated cells by providing buffering storage for
      excess calcium before final excretion to the outside medium.

PMID- 27140634
TI  - Decades of field data reveal that turtles senesce in the wild.
AB  - Lifespan and aging rates vary considerably across taxa; thus, understanding the
      factors that lead to this variation is a primary goal in biology and has
      ramifications for understanding constraints and flexibility in human aging.
      Theory predicts that senescence-declining reproduction and increasing mortality
      with advancing age-evolves when selection against harmful mutations is weaker at
      old ages relative to young ages or when selection favors pleiotropic alleles with
      beneficial effects early in life despite late-life costs. However, in many long
      lived ectotherms, selection is expected to remain strong at old ages because
      reproductive output typically increases with age, which may lead to the evolution
      of slow or even negligible senescence. We show that, contrary to current
      thinking, both reproduction and survival decline with adult age in the painted
      turtle, Chrysemys picta, based on data spanning >20 y from a wild population.
      Older females, despite relatively high reproductive output, produced eggs with
      reduced hatching success. Additionally, age-specific mark-recapture analyses
      revealed increasing mortality with advancing adult age. These findings of
      reproductive and mortality senescence challenge the contention that chelonians do
      not age and more generally provide evidence of reduced fitness at old ages in
      nonmammalian species that exhibit long chronological lifespans.

PMID- 27140635
TI  - Aquaporin gene therapy corrects Sjogren's syndrome phenotype in mice.
AB  - Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is
      estimated to affect 35 million people worldwide. Currently, no effective
      treatments exist for Sjogren's syndrome, and there is a limited understanding of
      the physiological mechanisms associated with xerostomia and hyposalivation. The
      present work revealed that aquaporin 5 expression, a water channel critical for
      salivary gland fluid secretion, is regulated by bone morphogenetic protein 6.
      Increased expression of this cytokine is strongly associated with the most common
      symptom of primary Sjogren's syndrome, the loss of salivary gland function. This
      finding led us to develop a therapy in the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome by
      increasing the water permeability of the gland to restore saliva flow. Our study
      demonstrates that the targeted increase of gland permeability not only resulted
      in the restoration of secretory gland function but also resolved the hallmark
      salivary gland inflammation and systemic inflammation associated with disease.
      Secretory function also increased in the lacrimal gland, suggesting this local
      therapy could treat the systemic symptoms associated with primary Sjogren's
      syndrome.

PMID- 27140636
TI  - Structure of a prereaction complex between the nerve agent sarin, its biological
      target acetylcholinesterase, and the antidote HI-6.
AB  - Organophosphorus nerve agents interfere with cholinergic signaling by covalently
      binding to the active site of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). This
      inhibition causes an accumulation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine,
      potentially leading to overstimulation of the nervous system and death. Current
      treatments include the use of antidotes that promote the release of functional
      AChE by an unknown reactivation mechanism. We have used diffusion trap
      cryocrystallography and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to determine
      and analyze prereaction conformers of the nerve agent antidote HI-6 in complex
      with Mus musculus AChE covalently inhibited by the nerve agent sarin. These
      analyses reveal previously unknown conformations of the system and suggest that
      the cleavage of the covalent enzyme-sarin bond is preceded by a conformational
      change in the sarin adduct itself. Together with data from the reactivation
      kinetics, this alternate conformation suggests a key interaction between Glu202
      and the O-isopropyl moiety of sarin. Moreover, solvent kinetic isotope effect
      experiments using deuterium oxide reveal that the reactivation mechanism features
      an isotope-sensitive step. These findings provide insights into the reactivation
      mechanism and provide a starting point for the development of improved antidotes.
      The work also illustrates how DFT calculations can guide the interpretation,
      analysis, and validation of crystallographic data for challenging reactive
      systems with complex conformational dynamics.

PMID- 27140637
TI  - DNA-based nanoparticle tension sensors reveal that T-cell receptors transmit
      defined pN forces to their antigens for enhanced fidelity.
AB  - T cells are triggered when the T-cell receptor (TCR) encounters its antigenic
      ligand, the peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC), on the surface of
      antigen presenting cells (APCs). Because T cells are highly migratory and antigen
      recognition occurs at an intermembrane junction where the T cell physically
      contacts the APC, there are long-standing questions of whether T cells transmit
      defined forces to their TCR complex and whether chemomechanical coupling
      influences immune function. Here we develop DNA-based gold nanoparticle tension
      sensors to provide, to our knowledge, the first pN tension maps of individual TCR
      pMHC complexes during T-cell activation. We show that naive T cells harness
      cytoskeletal coupling to transmit 12-19 pN of force to their TCRs within seconds
      of ligand binding and preceding initial calcium signaling. CD8 coreceptor binding
      and lymphocyte-specific kinase signaling are required for antigen-mediated cell
      spreading and force generation. Lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1)
      mediated adhesion modulates TCR-pMHC tension by intensifying its magnitude to
      values >19 pN and spatially reorganizes the location of TCR forces to the
      kinapse, the zone located at the trailing edge of migrating T cells, thus
      demonstrating chemomechanical crosstalk between TCR and LFA-1 receptor signaling.
      Finally, T cells display a dampened and poorly specific response to antigen
      agonists when TCR forces are chemically abolished or physically "filtered" to a
      level below ~12 pN using mechanically labile DNA tethers. Therefore, we conclude
      that T cells tune TCR mechanics with pN resolution to create a checkpoint of
      agonist quality necessary for specific immune response.

PMID- 27140638
TI  - Preventing diet-induced obesity in mice by adipose tissue transformation and
      angiogenesis using targeted nanoparticles.
AB  - The incidence of obesity, which is recognized by the American Medical Association
      as a disease, has nearly doubled since 1980, and obesity-related comorbidities
      have become a major threat to human health. Given that adipose tissue expansion
      and transformation require active growth of new blood vasculature, angiogenesis
      offers a potential target for the treatment of obesity-associated disorders. Here
      we construct two peptide-functionalized nanoparticle (NP) platforms to deliver
      either Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPARgamma) activator
      rosiglitazone (Rosi) or prostaglandin E2 analog (16,16-dimethyl PGE2) to adipose
      tissue vasculature. These NPs were engineered through self-assembly of a
      biodegradable triblock polymer composed of end-to-end linkages between
      poly(lactic-coglycolic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA-b-PEG) and an
      endothelial-targeted peptide. In this system, released Rosi promotes both
      transformation of white adipose tissue (WAT) into brown-like adipose tissue and
      angiogenesis, which facilitates the homing of targeted NPs to adipose angiogenic
      vessels, thereby amplifying their delivery. We show that i.v. administration of
      these NPs can target WAT vasculature, stimulate the angiogenesis that is required
      for the transformation of adipose tissue, and transform WAT into brown-like
      adipose tissue, by the up-regulation of angiogenesis and brown adipose tissue
      markers. In a diet-induced obese mouse model, these angiogenesis-targeted NPs
      have inhibited body weight gain and modulated several serological markers
      including cholesterol, triglyceride, and insulin, compared with the control
      group. These findings suggest that angiogenesis-targeting moieties with
      angiogenic stimulator-loaded NPs could be incorporated into effective therapeutic
      regimens for clinical treatment of obesity and other metabolic diseases.

PMID- 27140639
TI  - Correction for Beeby et al., Diverse high-torque bacterial flagellar motors
      assemble wider stator rings using a conserved protein scaffold.

PMID- 27140640
TI  - Predicting the evolutionary dynamics of seasonal adaptation to novel climates in
      Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Predicting whether and how populations will adapt to rapid climate change is a
      critical goal for evolutionary biology. To examine the genetic basis of fitness
      and predict adaptive evolution in novel climates with seasonal variation, we grew
      a diverse panel of the annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana (multiparent advanced
      generation intercross lines) in controlled conditions simulating four climates: a
      present-day reference climate, an increased-temperature climate, a winter-warming
      only climate, and a poleward-migration climate with increased photoperiod
      amplitude. In each climate, four successive seasonal cohorts experienced dynamic
      daily temperature and photoperiod variation over a year. We measured 12 traits
      and developed a genomic prediction model for fitness evolution in each seasonal
      environment. This model was used to simulate evolutionary trajectories of the
      base population over 50 y in each climate, as well as 100-y scenarios of gradual
      climate change following adaptation to a reference climate. Patterns of plastic
      and evolutionary fitness response varied across seasons and climates. The
      increased-temperature climate promoted genetic divergence of subpopulations
      across seasons, whereas in the winter-warming and poleward-migration climates,
      seasonal genetic differentiation was reduced. In silico "resurrection
      experiments" showed limited evolutionary rescue compared with the plastic
      response of fitness to seasonal climate change. The genetic basis of adaptation
      and, consequently, the dynamics of evolutionary change differed qualitatively
      among scenarios. Populations with fewer founding genotypes and populations with
      genetic diversity reduced by prior selection adapted less well to novel
      conditions, demonstrating that adaptation to rapid climate change requires the
      maintenance of sufficient standing variation.

PMID- 27140641
TI  - Intercellular signaling through secreted proteins induces free-energy gradient
      directed cell movement.
AB  - Controlling cell migration is important in tissue engineering and medicine. Cell
      motility depends on factors such as nutrient concentration gradients and soluble
      factor signaling. In particular, cell-cell signaling can depend on cell-cell
      separation distance and can influence cellular arrangements in bulk cultures.
      Here, we seek a physical-based approach, which identifies a potential governed by
      cell-cell signaling that induces a directed cell-cell motion. A single-cell
      barcode chip (SCBC) was used to experimentally interrogate secreted proteins in
      hundreds of isolated glioblastoma brain cancer cell pairs and to monitor their
      relative motions over time. We used these trajectories to identify a range of
      cell-cell separation distances where the signaling was most stable. We then used
      a thermodynamics-motivated analysis of secreted protein levels to characterize
      free-energy changes for different cell-cell distances. We show that glioblastoma
      cell-cell movement can be described as Brownian motion biased by cell-cell
      potential. To demonstrate that the free-energy potential as determined by the
      signaling is the driver of motion, we inhibited two proteins most involved in
      maintaining the free-energy gradient. Following inhibition, cell pairs showed an
      essentially random Brownian motion, similar to the case for untreated, isolated
      single cells.

PMID- 27140642
TI  - Physical and situational inequality on airplanes predicts air rage.
AB  - We posit that the modern airplane is a social microcosm of class-based society,
      and that the increasing incidence of "air rage" can be understood through the
      lens of inequality. Research on inequality typically examines the effects of
      relatively fixed, macrostructural forms of inequality, such as socioeconomic
      status; we examine how temporary exposure to both physical and situational
      inequality, induced by the design of environments, can foster antisocial
      behavior. We use a complete set of all onboard air rage incidents over several
      years from a large, international airline to test our predictions. Physical
      inequality on airplanes-that is, the presence of a first class cabin-is
      associated with more frequent air rage incidents in economy class. Situational
      inequality-boarding from the front (requiring walking through the first class
      cabin) versus the middle of the plane-also significantly increases the odds of
      air rage in both economy and first class. We show that physical design that
      highlights inequality can trigger antisocial behavior on airplanes. More broadly,
      these results point to the importance of considering the design of environments
      from airplanes to office layouts to stadium seating-in understanding both the
      form and emergence of antisocial behavior.

PMID- 27140643
TI  - Mode of action uncovered for the specific reduction of methane emissions from
      ruminants by the small molecule 3-nitrooxypropanol.
AB  - Ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats, predominantly ferment in their rumen
      plant material to acetate, propionate, butyrate, CO2, and methane. Whereas the
      short fatty acids are absorbed and metabolized by the animals, the greenhouse gas
      methane escapes via eructation and breathing of the animals into the atmosphere.
      Along with the methane, up to 12% of the gross energy content of the feedstock is
      lost. Therefore, our recent report has raised interest in 3-nitrooxypropanol (3
      NOP), which when added to the feed of ruminants in milligram amounts persistently
      reduces enteric methane emissions from livestock without apparent negative side
      effects [Hristov AN, et al. (2015) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 112(34):10663-10668].
      We now show with the aid of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo experiments that 3
      NOP specifically targets methyl-coenzyme M reductase (MCR). The nickel enzyme,
      which is only active when its Ni ion is in the +1 oxidation state, catalyzes the
      methane-forming step in the rumen fermentation. Molecular docking suggested that
      3-NOP preferably binds into the active site of MCR in a pose that places its
      reducible nitrate group in electron transfer distance to Ni(I). With purified
      MCR, we found that 3-NOP indeed inactivates MCR at micromolar concentrations by
      oxidation of its active site Ni(I). Concomitantly, the nitrate ester is reduced
      to nitrite, which also inactivates MCR at micromolar concentrations by oxidation
      of Ni(I). Using pure cultures, 3-NOP is demonstrated to inhibit growth of
      methanogenic archaea at concentrations that do not affect the growth of
      nonmethanogenic bacteria in the rumen.

PMID- 27140644
TI  - Selective expression of mutant huntingtin during development recapitulates
      characteristic features of Huntington's disease.
AB  - Recent studies have identified impairments in neural induction and in striatal
      and cortical neurogenesis in Huntington's disease (HD) knock-in mouse models and
      associated embryonic stem cell lines. However, the potential role of these
      developmental alterations for HD pathogenesis and progression is currently
      unknown. To address this issue, we used BACHD:CAG-Cre(ERT2) mice, which carry
      mutant huntingtin (mHtt) modified to harbor a floxed exon 1 containing the
      pathogenic polyglutamine expansion (Q97). Upon tamoxifen administration at
      postnatal day 21, the floxed mHtt-exon1 was removed and mHtt expression was
      terminated (Q97(CRE)). These conditional mice displayed similar profiles of
      impairments to those mice expressing mHtt throughout life: (i) striatal
      neurodegeneration, (ii) early vulnerability to NMDA-mediated excitotoxicity,
      (iii) impairments in motor coordination, (iv) temporally distinct abnormalities
      in striatal electrophysiological activity, and (v) altered corticostriatal
      functional connectivity and plasticity. These findings strongly suggest that
      developmental aberrations may play important roles in HD pathogenesis and
      progression.

PMID- 27140645
TI  - Hsp70 biases the folding pathways of client proteins.
AB  - The 70-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) family of chaperones bind cognate
      substrates to perform a variety of different processes that are integral to
      cellular homeostasis. Although detailed structural information is available on
      the chaperone, the structural features of folding competent substrates in the
      bound form have not been well characterized. Here we use paramagnetic relaxation
      enhancement (PRE) NMR spectroscopy to probe the existence of long-range
      interactions in one such folding competent substrate, human telomere repeat
      binding factor (hTRF1), which is bound to DnaK in a globally unfolded
      conformation. We show that DnaK binding modifies the energy landscape of the
      substrate by removing long-range interactions that are otherwise present in the
      unbound, unfolded conformation of hTRF1. Because the unfolded state of hTRF1 is
      only marginally populated and transiently formed, it is inaccessible to standard
      NMR approaches. We therefore developed a (1)H-based CEST experiment that allows
      measurement of PREs in sparse states, reporting on transiently sampled
      conformations. Our results suggest that DnaK binding can significantly bias the
      folding pathway of client substrates such that secondary structure forms first,
      followed by the development of longer-range contacts between more distal parts of
      the protein.

PMID- 27140646
TI  - Scaling laws predict global microbial diversity.
AB  - Scaling laws underpin unifying theories of biodiversity and are among the most
      predictively powerful relationships in biology. However, scaling laws developed
      for plants and animals often go untested or fail to hold for microorganisms. As a
      result, it is unclear whether scaling laws of biodiversity will span
      evolutionarily distant domains of life that encompass all modes of metabolism and
      scales of abundance. Using a global-scale compilation of ~35,000 sites and
      ~5.6?10(6) species, including the largest ever inventory of high-throughput
      molecular data and one of the largest compilations of plant and animal community
      data, we show similar rates of scaling in commonness and rarity across
      microorganisms and macroscopic plants and animals. We document a universal
      dominance scaling law that holds across 30 orders of magnitude, an unprecedented
      expanse that predicts the abundance of dominant ocean bacteria. In combining this
      scaling law with the lognormal model of biodiversity, we predict that Earth is
      home to upward of 1 trillion (10(12)) microbial species. Microbial biodiversity
      seems greater than ever anticipated yet predictable from the smallest to the
      largest microbiome.

PMID- 27140647
TI  - Riches of phenotype computationally extracted from microbial colonies.
AB  - The genetic, epigenetic, and physiological differences among cells in clonal
      microbial colonies are underexplored opportunities for discovery. A recently
      developed genetic assay reveals that transient losses of heterochromatic
      repression, a heritable form of gene silencing, occur throughout the growth of
      Saccharomyces colonies. This assay requires analyzing two-color fluorescence
      patterns in yeast colonies, which is qualitatively appealing but quantitatively
      challenging. In this paper, we developed a suite of automated image processing,
      visualization, and classification algorithms (MORPHE) that facilitated the
      analysis of heterochromatin dynamics in the context of colonial growth and that
      can be broadly adapted to many colony-based assays in Saccharomyces and other
      microbes. Using the features that were automatically extracted from fluorescence
      images, our classification method distinguished loss-of-silencing patterns
      between mutants and wild type with unprecedented precision. Application of MORPHE
      revealed subtle but significant differences in the stability of heterochromatic
      repression between various environmental conditions, revealed that haploid cells
      experienced higher rates of silencing loss than diploids, and uncovered the
      unexpected contribution of a sirtuin to heterochromatin dynamics.

PMID- 27140648
TI  - Light-induced actuating nanotransducers.
AB  - Nanoactuators and nanomachines have long been sought after, but key bottlenecks
      remain. Forces at submicrometer scales are weak and slow, control is hard to
      achieve, and power cannot be reliably supplied. Despite the increasing complexity
      of nanodevices such as DNA origami and molecular machines, rapid mechanical
      operations are not yet possible. Here, we bind temperature-responsive polymers to
      charged Au nanoparticles, storing elastic energy that can be rapidly released
      under light control for repeatable isotropic nanoactuation. Optically heating
      above a critical temperature [Formula: see text] = 32  degrees C using plasmonic
      absorption of an incident laser causes the coatings to expel water and collapse
      within a microsecond to the nanoscale, millions of times faster than the base
      polymer. This triggers a controllable number of nanoparticles to tightly bind in
      clusters. Surprisingly, by cooling below [Formula: see text] their strong van der
      Waals attraction is overcome as the polymer expands, exerting nanoscale forces of
      several nN. This large force depends on van der Waals attractions between Au
      cores being very large in the collapsed polymer state, setting up a tightly
      compressed polymer spring which can be triggered into the inflated state. Our
      insights lead toward rational design of diverse colloidal nanomachines.

PMID- 27140649
TI  - Correction: Lactic Acid Fermentation of Cactus Cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica L.)
      Generates Flavonoid Derivatives with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory
      Properties.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152575.].

PMID- 27140651
TI  - Psychometric Properties of Creative Self-Efficacy Inventory Among Distinguished
      Students in Saudi Arabian Universities.
AB  - This study examined the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of Abbott's
      Creative Self-Efficacy inventory. Saudi honors students (157 men vs. 163 women)
      participated. These students are undergraduates (M age = 19.5 year, SD = 1.9) who
      complete 30 credit hours with a grade point average of no less than 4.5 out of 5.
      The results showed that the internal consistency (alpha = .87) and the test
      retest reliabilities (r = .73) were satisfactory. The study sample was separated
      into two subsamples. The data from the first subsample (n = 60) were used to
      conduct an exploratory factor analysis, whereas the data from the second
      subsample (n = 260) were used to perform a confirmatory factor analysis. The
      results of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis indicated
      that creative self-efficacy was not a unidimensional construct but consisted of
      two factors labeled "creative thinking self-efficacy" and "creative performance
      self-efficacy." As expected, this two-factor model fit the data adequately,
      supporting prior research that treated creative self-efficacy as multidimensional
      construct. 

PMID- 27140650
TI  - Advanced Glycation Endproducts and Bone Material Properties in Type 1 Diabetic
      Mice.
AB  - Fractures, particularly at the lower extremities and hip, are a complication of
      diabetes. In both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), fracture risk is
      disproportionately worse than that predicted from the measurement of bone mineral
      density. Although an explanation for this discrepancy is the presence of organic
      matrix abnormalities, it has not been fully elucidated how advanced glycation
      endproducts (AGEs) relate to bone deterioration at both the macroscopic and
      microscopic levels. We hypothesized that there would be a relationship between
      skeletal AGE levels (determined by Raman microspectroscopy at specific anatomical
      locations) and bone macroscopic and microscopic properties, as demonstrated by
      the biomechanical measures of crack growth and microindentation respectively. We
      found that in OVE26 mice, a transgenic model of severe early onset T1D, AGEs were
      increased by Raman (carboxymethyl-lysine [CML] wildtype (WT): 0.0143 +/-0.0005 vs
      T1D: 0.0175 +/-0.0002, p = 0.003) at the periosteal surface. These differences
      were associated with less tough bone in T1D by fracture mechanics (propagation
      toughness WT: 4.73 +/- 0.32 vs T1D: 3.39 +/- 0.24 NM/m1/2, p = 0.010) and by
      reference point indentation (indentation distance increase WT: 6.85 +/- 0.44 vs
      T1D: 9.04 +/- 0.77 MUm; p = 0.043). Within T1D, higher AGEs by Raman correlated
      inversely with macroscopic bone toughness. These data add to the existing body of
      knowledge regarding AGEs and the relationship between skeletal AGEs with
      biomechanical indices.

PMID- 27140652
TI  - Race-specific genetic risk score is more accurate than nonrace-specific genetic
      risk score for predicting prostate cancer and high-grade diseases.
AB  - Genetic risk score (GRS) based on disease risk-associated single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) is an informative tool that can be used to provide inherited
      information for specific diseases in addition to family history. However, it is
      still unknown whether only SNPs that are implicated in a specific racial group
      should be used when calculating GRSs. The objective of this study is to compare
      the performance of race-specific GRS and nonrace-specific GRS for predicting
      prostate cancer (PCa) among 1338 patients underwent prostate biopsy in Shanghai,
      China. A race-specific GRS was calculated with seven PCa risk-associated SNPs
      implicated in East Asians (GRS7), and a nonrace-specific GRS was calculated based
      on 76 PCa risk-associated SNPs implicated in at least one racial group (GRS76).
      The means of GRS7 and GRS76 were 1.19 and 1.85, respectively, in the study
      population. Higher GRS7 and GRS76 were independent predictors for PCa and high
      grade PCa in univariate and multivariate analyses. GRS7 had a better area under
      the receiver-operating curve (AUC) than GRS76 for discriminating PCa (0.602 vs
      0.573) and high-grade PCa (0.603 vs 0.575) but did not reach statistical
      significance. GRS7 had a better (up to 13% at different cutoffs) positive
      predictive value (PPV) than GRS76. In conclusion, a race-specific GRS is more
      robust and has a better performance when predicting PCa in East Asian men than a
      GRS calculated using SNPs that are not shown to be associated with East Asians. 

PMID- 27140654
TI  - Controlled Exfoliation of Layered Silicate Heterostructures into Bilayers and
      Their Conversion into Giant Janus Platelets.
AB  - Ordered heterostructures of layered materials where interlayers with different
      reactivities strictly alternate in stacks offer predetermined slippage planes
      that provide a precise route for the preparation of bilayer materials. We use
      this route for the synthesis of a novel type of reinforced layered silicate
      bilayer that is 15 % stiffer than the corresponding monolayer. Furthermore, we
      will demonstrate that triggering cleavage of bilayers by osmotic swelling gives
      access to a generic toolbox for an asymmetrical modification of the two vis-a-vis
      standing basal planes of monolayers. Only two simple steps applying arbitrary
      commercial polycations are needed to obtain such Janus-type monolayers. The
      generic synthesis route will be applicable to many other layered compounds
      capable of osmotic swelling, rendering this approach interesting for a variety of
      materials and applications.

PMID- 27140655
TI  - Recycling of mixed plastic waste from electrical and electronic equipment. Added
      value by compatibilization.
AB  - Plastic waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) grows up
      exponentially fast in the last two decades. Either consumption increase of
      technological products, like cellphones or computers, or the short lifetime of
      this products contributes to this rise generating an accumulation of specific
      plastic materials such ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene), HIPS (High impact
      Polystyrene), PC (Polycarbonate), among others. All of they can be recycled by
      themselves. However, to separate them by type is neither easy nor economically
      viable, then an alternative is recycling them together as a blend. Taking into
      account that could be a deterioration in final properties, to enhance phase
      adhesion and add value to a new plastic WEEE blend a compatibilization is needed.
      In this work, a systematical study of different compatibilizers for blends of
      HIPS and ABS from WEEE was performed. A screening analysis was carried out by
      adding two different compatibilizer concentration (2wt% and 20wt%) on a HIPS/ABS
      physical blend 80/20 proportion from plastic e-waste. Three copolymers were
      selected as possible compatibilizers by their possible affinity with initial
      plastic WEEE. A complete characterization of each WEEE was performed and
      compatibilization efficiency was evaluated by comparing either mechanical or
      morphological blends aspects. Considering blends analyzed in this work, the best
      performance was achieved by using 2% of styrene-acrylonitrile rubber, obtaining a
      compatibilized blend with double ultimate strength and modulus respect to the
      physical blend, and also improve mechanical properties of initial WEEE plastics.
      The proposed way is a promise route to improve benefit of e-scrap with
      sustainable, low costs and easy handling process. Consequently, social recycling
      interest will be encouraged by both ecological and economical points of view. 

PMID- 27140653
TI  - Characterization of Emodin as a Therapeutic Agent for Diabetic Cataract.
AB  - Aldose reductase (AR) in the lens plays an important role in the pathogenesis of
      diabetic cataract (DC) by contributing to osmotic and oxidative stress associated
      with accelerated glucose metabolism through the polyol pathway. Therefore,
      inhibition of AR in the lens may hold the key to prevent DC formation. Emodin, a
      bioactive compound isolated from plants, has been implicated as a therapy for
      diabetes. However, its inhibitory activity against AR remains unclear. Our
      results showed that emodin has good selectively inhibitory activity against AR
      (IC50 = 2.69 +/- 0.90 MUM) but not other aldo-keto reductases and is stable at 37
      degrees C for at least 7 days. Enzyme kinetic studies demonstrated an
      uncompetitive inhibition against AR with a corresponding inhibition constant of
      2.113 +/- 0.095 MUM. In in vivo studies, oral administration of emodin reduced
      the incidence and severity of morphological markers of cataract in lenses of AR
      transgenic mice. Computational modeling of the AR-NADP(+)-emodin ternary complex
      indicated that the 3-hydroxy group of emodin plays an essential role by
      interacting with Ser302 through hydrogen bonding in the specificity pocket of AR.
      All the findings above provide encouraging evidence for emodin as a potential
      therapeutic agent to prevent cataract in diabetic patients.

PMID- 27140656
TI  - Disassembly properties and material characterisation of household small waste
      electric and electronic equipment.
AB  - This paper is focused on characterising small waste electric and electronic
      equipment, specifically small household appliances, from two different points of
      views: disassembly properties and material identification. The sample for this
      characterisation was obtained from a selective collection campaign organised in
      Castellon de la Plana (Spain). A total amount of 833.7kg (749 units) of small
      waste electric and electronic equipment was collected, of which 23.3% by weight
      and 22.4% by units belonged to the subcategory household equipment. This
      subcategory, composed of appliances such as vacuum cleaners, toasters, sandwich
      makers, hand blenders, juicers, coffee makers, hairdryers, scales, irons and
      heaters, was first disassembled in order to analyse different aspects of the
      disassembly process for each equipment type: type of joints, ease of
      identification of materials, ease of access to joints for extracting components,
      ease of separation of components from the whole, uniformity of tools needed for
      the disassembly process and possibility of reassembly after disassembly. Results
      show that the most common joints used in these equipment types are snap-fits and
      screws, although some permanent joints have also been identified. Next, the
      material composition of each component of each appliance belonging to each
      equipment type was identified visually and with additional mechanical trials and
      testing. It can be observed that plastic and electric/electronic components are
      present in all the equipment types analysed and are also the material fractions
      that appear with higher percentages in the material composition: 41.1wt% and
      39.1wt% for the plastic fraction and electric/electronic components,
      respectively. The most common plastics are: polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile
      butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC), while the most common
      electric/electronic components are: cable, plug and printed circuit boards.
      Results also show that disassembly properties and material characterisation vary
      widely from one equipment type to another. 

PMID- 27140657
TI  - Optimal Distinctiveness Signals Membership Trust.
AB  - According to optimal distinctiveness theory, sufficiently small minority groups
      are associated with greater membership trust, even among members otherwise
      unknown, because the groups are seen as optimally distinctive. This article
      elaborates on the prediction's motivational and cognitive processes and tests
      whether sufficiently small minorities (defined by relative size; for example,
      20%) are associated with greater membership trust relative to mere minorities
      (45%), and whether such trust is a function of optimal distinctiveness. Two
      experiments, examining observers' perceptions of minority and majority groups and
      using minimal groups and (in Experiment 2) a trust game, revealed greater
      membership trust in minorities than majorities. In Experiment 2, participants
      also preferred joining minorities over more powerful majorities. Both effects
      occurred only when minorities were 20% rather than 45%. In both studies,
      perceptions of optimal distinctiveness mediated effects. Discussion focuses on
      the value of relative size and optimal distinctiveness, and when membership trust
      manifests.

PMID- 27140658
TI  - Oxygen saturation and perfusion index from pulse oximetry in adult volunteers
      with viable incisors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of pulp vitality is an important diagnostic procedure in
      dentistry. Conventional techniques for measurement of pulp vitality, including
      thermal stimulation, electrical stimulation, or direct dentin stimulation, are
      frequently associated with false positive or false negative results. Recently,
      oxygen saturation from pulse oximetry has been utilized in the evaluation of pulp
      vitality. Perfusion index (PI) data calculated from photoplethysmography have
      been widely used to evaluate peripheral perfusion. The combination of oxygen
      saturation and PI may aid in the accurate measurement of pulp vitality. We aimed
      to investigate the baseline values of oxygen saturation and PI using pulse
      oximetry in adult volunteers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen adult volunteers with
      viable incisors were tested. To measure PI, a fabricated oxygen sensor was
      applied to an incisor without a pulp lesion while oxygen saturation was
      simultaneously measured in the finger. Oxygen saturation and PI were continuously
      measured with customized software. The normal reference values of oxygen
      saturation and PI were obtained by analyzing the recorded data. RESULTS: Pulse
      oximetry showed relatively stable, objective, and accurate oxygen saturation
      results. The tooth oxygen saturation ranged from 97% to 100%. The PI ranged from
      0.3% to 0.5%, and PI and oxygen saturation showed relatively consistent values
      across subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are some limitations to our study,
      these results may prove useful for detecting teeth with impaired vitality and non
      invasively differentiating between necrotic and vital pulp.

PMID- 27140659
TI  - Evaluation of the global DNA methylation in canine mast cell tumour samples by
      immunostaining of 5-methyl cytosine.
AB  - Cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCT) are the most common skin tumour in dogs, and to
      our knowledge, there are no previous studies regarding the global methylation of
      these tumours. DNA hypomethylation and hypermethylation have been described in
      several tumours and both mechanisms can lead to carcinogenesis. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate the global DNA methylation in canine MCT. A total of
      48 MCT samples were classified in grades 1, 2 and 3 or high-grade or low-grade.
      Monoclonal antibodies were used for the immunohistochemical detection of the 5
      methylcytosine. The immunostained nuclei were classified in strong, weak or
      negative pattern, and these were quantified in five distinct microscopic fields
      (40* objective) in each slide. The results showed that global DNA hypomethylation
      was predominant in grade 3, high-grade, less differentiated MCT. These epigenetic
      changes in neoplastic mast cells warrant further detailed investigation aiming
      the establishment of tumour epigenetic therapies.

PMID- 27140660
TI  - Utility of brain MRI in children with sleep-disordered breathing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To investigate the utility of a brain magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), classified as
      isolated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the absence of adenotonsillar
      hypertrophy, persistent OSA following adenotonsillectomy, isolated central sleep
      apnea (CSA) of unclear etiology, OSA with coexisting CSA of unclear etiology, or
      unexplained nocturnal hypoventilation (NH). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart
      review of polysomnography (PSG) and brain MRI data. METHODS: Children with PSG
      evidence of SDB, as described above, and who subsequently had their first brain
      MRI, were included. PSG, MRI data, and subsequent interventions were recorded.
      RESULTS: A total of 59 of 6,087 (1%) children met inclusion criteria. Of those,
      28 of 59 (47%) were nonsyndromic children and 31 of 59 (53%) were syndromic
      children with an underlying medical disorder. Abnormal brain MRI findings were
      observed in 19 of 59 (32%) children, where eight of 19 (42%) were nonsyndromic
      and 11 of 19 (58%) were syndromic. Abnormal brain MRI findings were most common
      in syndromic children with combined OSA and CSA without adenotonsillar
      hypertrophy. Isolated OSA was also a common PSG finding associated with an
      abnormal brain MRI. Of the nonsyndromic children with an abnormal brain MRI, the
      most common abnormal brain MRI finding was Chiari malformation (CM), observed in
      88% of the group. A brainstem tumor was identified in one nonsyndromic child.
      Interventions following brain MRI included neurosurgery, chemotherapy, and
      noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NiPPV). CONCLUSION: A brain MRI is an
      important diagnostic tool in syndromic and nonsyndromic children, especially in
      children with either isolated OSA or combined OSA and CSA without a clear
      etiology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:513-519, 2017.

PMID- 27140661
TI  - The Catalytic Mechanism of a Natural Diels-Alderase Revealed in Molecular Detail.
AB  - The Diels-Alder reaction, a [4 + 2] cycloaddition of a conjugated diene to a
      dienophile, is one of the most powerful reactions in synthetic chemistry.
      Biocatalysts capable of unlocking new and efficient Diels-Alder reactions would
      have major impact. Here we present a molecular-level description of the reaction
      mechanism of the spirotetronate cyclase AbyU, an enzyme shown here to be a bona
      fide natural Diels-Alderase. Using enzyme assays, X-ray crystal structures, and
      simulations of the reaction in the enzyme, we reveal how linear substrate chains
      are contorted within the AbyU active site to facilitate a transannular pericyclic
      reaction. This study provides compelling evidence for the existence of a natural
      enzyme evolved to catalyze a Diels-Alder reaction and shows how catalysis is
      achieved.

PMID- 27140662
TI  - Preventing invasive salmonellosis in children through vaccination.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vaccination is an important strategy to control endemic enteric
      fever (EF) and to interrupt transmission during outbreaks. The main aim of this
      paper is to discuss the efficacy of available EF vaccines in children and to
      highlight novel vaccination possibilities against EF and non-typhoid invasive
      salmonelloses. AREAS COVERED: Two types of typhoid vaccines are presently
      available in the industrialized world. One of these vaccines is administered
      parenterally and is based on the virulence-associated (Vi) capsular polysaccaride
      of Salmonella typhi. The second vaccine is based on a live attenuated strain of
      the pathogen and is given orally. In addition, a Vi-tetanus toxoid conjugated
      vaccine is currently licensed in India; however, it is not available anywhere
      else. Expert commentary: Unfortunately, only typhoid fever is addressed by the
      currently licensed typhoid vaccines. Moreover, they are unsuitable for infants
      and remain a possible aid for reducing the risk of EF only in older subjects.
      They should be used in developing countries with endemic EF. New vaccines able to
      confer long-term protection to subjects in the first years of life and those with
      immature immune systems could significantly reduce incidence rates of EF in
      younger children. Vi-conjugate preparations are promising solutions in this
      regard.

PMID- 27140663
TI  - Multiple welding of long fiber epoxy vitrimer composites.
AB  - Vitrimers appear as a new class of polymers that exhibit mechanical strength and
      are insoluble even at high temperatures, like thermosets, and yet, like
      thermoplastics, they are heat processable, recyclable and weldable. The question
      arises whether this welding property is maintained in composite materials made of
      more than 50 vol% of reinforcing fibers. In this paper, we quantitatively analyze
      the bond strength of epoxy vitrimer-based composite plates made by resin transfer
      molding and compare them to their non-vitrimer counterparts made of a standard
      thermoset epoxy. It is demonstrated that only epoxy vitrimer samples show
      substantial bond strength and the ability to be repeatedly welded thanks to the
      exchange reactions, which promote improved surface conformity and chemical
      bonding between the adherands at the joint interface. This opens the way towards
      joining composite parts without adhesives nor mechanical fasteners. 

PMID- 27140665
TI  - Effect of temperature during embryonic development and first feeding of
      Trichogaster leeri larvae.
AB  - Temperature is an environmental factor that influences the development of fish,
      and when changed abruptly can lead to high mortality. Some species of fish are
      influenced by this factor, exhibiting a longer time for embryonic development and
      time to first feeding. This study aims to evaluate the effect of water
      temperature on embryonic and larval development up to first feeding, to describe
      the time in hours post fertilization (hpf) of the emergence of different
      structures and to determine the best hatching rate and survival of animals under
      different treatments. Five different egg incubation temperatures were used (24,
      26, 28, 30 or 32 degrees C, respectively). The eggs were observed at regular
      intervals of 30 min up to 24 h, every 2 h until 48 h and every 4 h until the
      display of first feeding in all treatments. Embryonic development was longer for
      eggs incubated at 24 degrees C and the best results for hatching rate and
      survival of spawning efficiency were at 28 degrees C. We recommend that
      incubation of Trichogaster leeri eggs is carried out at 28 degrees C up to the
      first feeding of larvae. 

PMID- 27140664
TI  - Ceramide-tamoxifen regimen targets bioenergetic elements in acute myelogenous
      leukemia.
AB  - The objective of our study was to determine the mechanism of action of the short
      chain ceramide analog, C6-ceramide, and the breast cancer drug, tamoxifen, which
      we show coactively depress viability and induce apoptosis in human acute
      myelogenous leukemia cells. Exposure to the C6-ceramide-tamoxifen combination
      elicited decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential and complex I respiration,
      increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), and release of mitochondrial
      proapoptotic proteins. Decreases in ATP levels, reduced glycolytic capacity, and
      reduced expression of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins also resulted.
      Cytotoxicity of the drug combination was mitigated by exposure to antioxidant.
      Cells metabolized C6-ceramide by glycosylation and hydrolysis, the latter leading
      to increases in long-chain ceramides. Tamoxifen potently blocked glycosylation of
      C6-ceramide and long-chain ceramides. N-desmethyltamoxifen, a poor antiestrogen
      and the major tamoxifen metabolite in humans, was also effective with C6
      ceramide, indicating that traditional antiestrogen pathways are not involved in
      cellular responses. We conclude that cell death is driven by mitochondrial
      targeting and ROS generation and that tamoxifen enhances the ceramide effect by
      blocking its metabolism. As depletion of ATP and targeting the "Warburg effect"
      represent dynamic metabolic insult, this ceramide-containing combination may be
      of utility in the treatment of leukemia and other cancers.

PMID- 27140666
TI  - Perfect Spin-filtering in graphene monolayer-bilayer superlattice with zigzag
      boundaries.
AB  - We show that the spontaneous magnetization is formed at the zigzag boundary
      between monolayer and bilayer graphene by the self-consistent calculation based
      on Hubbard model. In a monolayer- bilayer graphene superlattice with zigzag
      boundaries, it is surprising that nearly 100% spin polarization is achieved in
      the energy window around the Dirac point, no matter the magnetization
      configuration at two boundaries is parallel or antiparallel. The reason is that
      the low-energy transport is only influenced by the magnetization at one edge, but
      not by that at the other. The underlying physics is unveiled by the spin-split
      band structure and the distribution of the wave-function pertaining to the lowest
      (highest) subband of electron (hole).

PMID- 27140667
TI  - Gap States at Low-Angle Grain Boundaries in Monolayer Tungsten Diselenide.
AB  - Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have revealed many
      novel properties of interest to future device applications. In particular, the
      presence of grain boundaries (GBs) can significantly influence the material
      properties of 2D TMDs. However, direct characterization of the electronic
      properties of the GB defects at the atomic scale remains extremely challenging.
      In this study, we employ scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy to
      investigate the atomic and electronic structure of low-angle GBs of monolayer
      tungsten diselenide (WSe2) with misorientation angles of 3-6 degrees . Butterfly
      features are observed along the GBs, with the periodicity depending on the
      misorientation angle. Density functional theory calculations show that these
      butterfly features correspond to gap states that arise in tetragonal dislocation
      cores and extend to distorted six-membered rings around the dislocation core.
      Understanding the nature of GB defects and their influence on transport and other
      device properties highlights the importance of defect engineering in future 2D
      device fabrication.

PMID- 27140669
TI  - Department of Error.

PMID- 27140668
TI  - Unexpected Michael Additions on the Way to 2.3,8.9-Dibenzanthanthrenes with
      Interesting Structural Properties.
AB  - The synthesis and properties of a new polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon containing
      eight annulated rings and based on the anthanthrene core is described. An
      unexpected, nucleophile-dependent Michael addition to a dibenzanthanthrene-1,7
      dione is found, giving a product with three triisopropylsilylacetylene units and
      a remarkable solid-state structure (as determined by X-ray crystallography). 

PMID- 27140670
TI  - Cystic fibrosis.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis is a common life-limiting autosomal recessive genetic disorder,
      with highest prevalence in Europe, North America, and Australia. The disease is
      caused by mutation of a gene that encodes a chloride-conducting transmembrane
      channel called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR),
      which regulates anion transport and mucociliary clearance in the airways.
      Functional failure of CFTR results in mucus retention and chronic infection and
      subsequently in local airway inflammation that is harmful to the lungs. CFTR
      dysfunction mainly affects epithelial cells, although there is evidence of a role
      in immune cells. Cystic fibrosis affects several body systems, and morbidity and
      mortality is mostly caused by bronchiectasis, small airways obstruction, and
      progressive respiratory impairment. Important comorbidities caused by epithelial
      cell dysfunction occur in the pancreas (malabsorption), liver (biliary
      cirrhosis), sweat glands (heat shock), and vas deferens (infertility). The
      development and delivery of drugs that improve the clearance of mucus from the
      lungs and treat the consequent infection, in combination with correction of
      pancreatic insufficiency and undernutrition by multidisciplinary teams, have
      resulted in remarkable improvements in quality of life and clinical outcomes in
      patients with cystic fibrosis, with median life expectancy now older than 40
      years. Innovative and transformational therapies that target the basic defect in
      cystic fibrosis have recently been developed and are effective in improving lung
      function and reducing pulmonary exacerbations. Further small molecule and gene
      based therapies are being developed to restore CFTR function; these therapies
      promise to be disease modifying and to improve the lives of people with cystic
      fibrosis.

PMID- 27140671
TI  - Skype clinics after intestinal transplantation - follow-up beyond post codes.
AB  - The follow-up after intestinal transplantation (ITX) is complex and limited to
      specialized centers. ITX recipients often travel all over the country to be seen
      in the outpatient clinic of specialized centers which is costly and time
      consuming. Videoconferences through Skype have been implemented to eliminate
      travel time, costs, and to improve patient compliance without jeopardizing
      safety. Eighteen of 19 patients followed up after ITX or modified multivisceral
      transplantation (MMVTX) in conventional outpatient clinics in Oxford agreed to
      attend additional Skype clinics. All patients who were followed up through Skype
      clinics after ITX/MMVTX received a questionnaire to measure their satisfaction
      with methods and technical aspects of videoconferencing as well as time/mode of
      traveling, travel expenses/costs, waiting time in outpatient clinic and patients'
      satisfaction. Mean travel distance to Oxford was 236 +/- 168 miles, mean travel
      time was 277 +/- 175 min, and mean travel cost was 200 +/- 56 Great Britain
      Pounds. A total of 56% had to take time off work and/or find child/family care
      for the time spent in travel. These patients reported a satisfaction score of
      4.38 +/- 0.77 of 5 points as opposed to 2.88 +/- 0.90 for attending the
      conventional outpatient clinic. Skype clinics have been proven successful and
      feasible in highly specialized fields like ITX in eligible patients.

PMID- 27140672
TI  - A picture's worth a thousand words: a food-selection observational method.
AB  - Issue addressed: Methods are needed to accurately measure and describe behaviour
      so that social marketers and other behaviour change researchers can gain consumer
      insights before designing behaviour change strategies and so, in time, they can
      measure the impact of strategies or interventions when implemented. This paper
      describes a photographic method developed to meet these needs.Methods: Direct
      observation and photographic methods were developed and used to capture food
      selection behaviour and examine those selections according to their
      healthfulness. Four meals (two lunches and two dinners) were observed at a
      workplace buffet-style cafeteria over a 1-week period. The healthfulness of
      individual meals was assessed using a classification scheme developed for the
      present study and based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines.Results:
      Approximately 27% of meals (n = 168) were photographed. Agreement was high
      between raters classifying dishes using the scheme, as well as between
      researchers when coding photographs. The subset of photographs was representative
      of patterns observed in the entire dining room. Diners chose main dishes in line
      with the proportions presented, but in opposition to the proportions presented
      for side dishes.Conclusions: The present study developed a rigorous observational
      method to investigate food choice behaviour. The comprehensive food
      classification scheme produced consistent classifications of foods. The
      photographic data collection method was found to be robust and accurate.
      Combining the two observation methods allows researchers and/or practitioners to
      accurately measure and interpret food selections. Consumer insights gained
      suggest that, in this setting, increasing the availability of green (healthful)
      offerings for main dishes would assist in improving healthfulness, whereas other
      strategies (e.g. promotion) may be needed for side dishes.So what?: Visual
      observation methods that accurately measure and interpret food-selection
      behaviour provide both insight for those developing healthy eating interventions
      and a means to evaluate the effect of implemented interventions on food
      selection.

PMID- 27140673
TI  - Food for Thought: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Emotional Freedom Techniques
      and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the Treatment of Food Cravings.
AB  - Addressing the internal determinants of dysfunctional eating behaviours (e.g.
      food cravings) in the prevention and treatment of obesity has been increasingly
      recognised. This study compared Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to Cognitive
      Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for food cravings in adults who were overweight or
      obese (N = 83) in an 8-week intervention. Outcome data were collected at
      baseline, post-intervention, and at 6- and 12-months follow-up. Overall, EFT and
      CBT demonstrated comparable efficacy in reducing food cravings, one's
      responsiveness to food in the environment (power of food), and dietary restraint,
      with Cohen's effect size values suggesting moderate to high practical
      significance for both interventions. Results also revealed that both EFT and CBT
      are capable of producing treatment effects that are clinically meaningful, with
      reductions in food cravings, the power of food, and dietary restraint normalising
      to the scores of a non-clinical community sample. While reductions in BMI were
      not observed, the current study supports the suggestion that psychological
      interventions are beneficial for food cravings and both CBT and EFT could serve
      as vital adjunct tools in a multidisciplinary approach to managing obesity. 

PMID- 27140674
TI  - Vacancy Structures and Melting Behavior in Rock-Salt GeSbTe.
AB  - Ge-Sb-Te alloys have been widely used in optical/electrical memory storage.
      Because of the extremely fast crystalline-amorphous transition, they are also
      expected to play a vital role in next generation nonvolatile microelectronic
      memory devices. However, the distribution and structural properties of vacancies
      have been one of the key issues in determining the speed of melting (or
      amorphization), phase-stability, and heat-dissipation of rock-salt GeSbTe, which
      is crucial for its technological breakthrough in memory devices. Using spherical
      aberration-aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and
      atomic scale energy-dispersive X-ray mapping, we observe a new rock-salt
      structure with high-degree vacancy ordering (or layered-like ordering) at an
      elevated temperature, which is a result of phase transition from the rock-salt
      phase with randomly distributed vacancies. First-principles calculations reveal
      that the phase transition is an energetically favored process. Moreover,
      molecular dynamics studies suggest that the melting of the cubic rock-salt phases
      is initiated at the vacancies, which propagate to nearby regions. The observation
      of multi-rock-salt phases suggests another route for multi-level data storage
      using GeSbTe.

PMID- 27140675
TI  - Long conducting polymer nanonecklaces with a 'beads-on-a-string' morphology: DNA
      nanotube-template synthesis and electrical properties.
AB  - Complex and functional nanostructures are always desired. Herein, we present the
      synthesis of novel long conducting polymer nanonecklaces with a 'beads-on-a
      string' morphology by the DNA nanotube-template approach and in situ oxidative
      polymerization of the 3-methylthiophene monomer with FeCl3 as the
      oxidant/catalyst. The length of the nanonecklaces is up to 60 MUm, and the
      polymer beads of around 20-25 nm in diameter are closely packed along the axis of
      the DNA nanotube template with a density of ca. 45 particles per MUm. The
      formation of porous DNA nanotubes impregnated with FeCl3 was also demonstrated as
      intermediate nanostructures. The mechanisms for the formation of both the porous
      DNA nanotubes and the conducting polymer nanonecklaces are discussed in detail.
      The as-synthesized polymer/DNA nanonecklaces exhibit good electrical properties. 

PMID- 27140676
TI  - Perfusion Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Rule-Out Test for Cardiac
      Allograft Vasculopathy.
AB  - Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a leading cause of mortality after heart
      transplantation. Noninvasive imaging techniques used in CAV evaluation have
      important limitations. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated perfusion
      cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to determine an optimal myocardial
      perfusion reserve index (MPR) cutoff for detecting CAV using receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis. We evaluated CMR performance using sensitivity,
      specificity and likelihood ratio analysis. We included 29 patients (mean 5 +/- 4
      years after transplant) scheduled for coronary angiography with intravascular
      ultrasound (IVUS) who completed CMR. CAV was defined as maximal intimal thickness
      (MIT) >0.5 mm by IVUS of the left anterior descending artery. CAV was evident in
      19 patients (70%) on IVUS (mean MIT 0.82 +/- 0.42 mm). MPR was significantly
      lower in patients with MIT >=0.50 mm (1.35 +/- 0.23 vs. 1.71 +/- 0.45, p =
      0.013). There was moderate inverse correlation between MPR and MIT (r = -0.36, p
      = 0.075). The optimal MPR cutoff <=1.68 for predicting CAV showed sensitivity of
      100%, specificity of 63%, a negative predictive value of 100%, a positive
      predictive value of 86% and a positive likelihood ratio of 2.7. An MPR <=1.68 has
      high negative predictive value, suggesting its potential as a test to rule out
      CAV.

PMID- 27140678
TI  - An ab initio molecular dynamics study of D2 dissociation on CO-precovered
      Ru(0001).
AB  - In dynamics calculations of H2 dissociating on metal surfaces often clean, high
      symmetry surfaces are used. Few such dynamics studies have been performed on
      surfaces with pre-adsorbed molecules, especially when also the motion of the
      surface and the adsorbate are considered. In this study, the dissociation of H2
      on a carbon monoxide-covered Ru(0001) surface is considered. Ab initio molecular
      dynamics (AIMD) calculations are performed on this system using the PBE-vdW-DF2
      functional, which accurately describes the reaction probability for H2 on
      Ru(0001). Using this functional, the reaction probability of H2 on the CO-covered
      Ru(0001) surface is found to be too low when compared to experiments. This
      suggests that exchange-correlation functionals that can describe the reaction of
      H2 on a bare metal surface are not in general able to describe the reaction of H2
      on a CO-precovered surface of the same metal, with the same accuracy. However, it
      cannot be ruled out that the discrepancy between theory and experiment is partly
      due to an inhomogeneous coverage of the surface by CO in the experiments. The
      incorporation of the motion of the surface has only a small effect on the
      reaction probability. It is found that when including surface motion for this
      system, the size of the simulation cell can be important. Upon collision, a
      considerable amount of energy is transferred to the surface, causing the adsorbed
      CO molecules to move apart, which opens the surface for reaction. In order to
      obtain converged reaction probabilities with respect to the size of the
      simulation cell, at least a 3 * 3 simulation cell is needed, because in the
      smaller cell the CO molecules cannot be pushed apart as only a single independent
      CO molecule is present, also leading to less energy exchange with the surface. 

PMID- 27140677
TI  - Bronchodilator responsiveness of peripheral airways in smokers with normal
      spirometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cigarette smoke exposure increases airway smooth muscle
      (ASM) contractility. Abnormalities in peripheral airway function in smokers with
      normal spirometry could be due to the effects of ASM tone. We aimed to determine
      the contribution of ASM tone to peripheral airway function in smokers with normal
      spirometry from the response to bronchodilator (BD). METHODS: Ventilation
      heterogeneity in peripheral conductive (Scond) and acinar (Sacin) airways were
      measured in 50 asymptomatic smokers and 20 never-smokers using multiple breath
      nitrogen washout, before and 20 min after inhalation of 200 ug salbutamol and 80
      ug ipratropium bromide. Z-scores were calculated to define abnormality in Sacin
      and Scond. RESULTS: Nineteen smokers had abnormal Sacin, and 12 had abnormal
      Scond; 7 had abnormalities in both. After BD, Sacin improved in smokers with
      normal Sacin (6.5 +/- 15.9%, P = 0.02), smokers with abnormal Sacin (9.2 +/-
      16.9%, P = 0.03) and in control subjects (11.7 +/- 18.2%, P = 0.01), with no
      differences in improvements between groups. Sacin remained abnormal in 15/19
      smokers and their post-BD values correlated with smoking exposure (r = 0.53, P =
      0.02). After BD, Scond improved in smokers with abnormal Scond (28.3 +/- 15.9%, P
      = 0.002) and normalized in 9/12 subjects, but not in those with normal Scond
      (0.25 +/- 32.7%, P = 0.44) or control subjects (-1.7 +/- 21.2%, P = 0.64).
      CONCLUSION: In smokers with normal spirometry, abnormal conductive airway
      function could be attributed to increased bronchomotor tone. In contrast,
      bronchomotor tone in acinar airways is unaffected by smoking and functional
      abnormality. There may be different causal mechanisms underlying acinar and
      conductive airway abnormalities in smokers with normal spirometry.

PMID- 27140679
TI  - Benzo(a)pyrene in Europe: Ambient air concentrations, population exposure and
      health effects.
AB  - This study estimated current benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) concentration levels,
      population exposure and potential health impacts of exposure to ambient air BaP
      in Europe. These estimates were done by combining the best available information
      from observations and chemical transport models through the use of spatial
      interpolation methods. Results show large exceedances of the European target
      value for BaP in 2012 over large areas, particularly in central-eastern Europe.
      Results also show large uncertainties in the concentration estimates in regions
      with a few or no measurement stations. The estimation of the population exposure
      to BaP concentrations and its health impacts was limited to 60% of the European
      population, covering only the modelled areas which met the data quality
      requirement for modelling of BaP concentrations set by the European directive
      2004/107/EC. The population exposure estimate shows that 20% of the European
      population is exposed to BaP background ambient concentrations above the EU
      target value and only 7% live in areas with concentrations under the estimated
      acceptable risk level of 0.12 ng m(-3). This exposure leads to an estimated 370
      lung cancer incidences per year, for the 60% of the European population included
      in the estimation. Emissions of BaP have increased in the last decade with the
      increase in emissions from household combustion of biomass. At the same time,
      climate mitigation policies are promoting the use of biomass burning for domestic
      heating. The current study shows that there is a need for more BaP measurements
      in areas of low measurement density, particularly where high concentrations are
      expected, e.g. in Romania, Bulgaria, and other Balkan states. Furthermore, this
      study shows that the health risk posed by PAH exposure calls for better
      coordination between air quality and climate mitigation policies in Europe. 

PMID- 27140680
TI  - Single-Leg Power Output and Between-Limbs Imbalances in Team-Sport Players:
      Unilateral Versus Bilateral Combined Resistance Training.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the effects of unilateral and bilateral resistance training
      on single-leg power output, between-limbs imbalance (BLI), bilateral deficit
      (BLD), change of direction (COD), and linear sprinting and jumping performance in
      young elite basketball players. METHODS: Twenty-two young (U-16-U-19) male
      basketball players were randomly assigned either to an exclusive unilateral (UNI)
      (n = 11) or a bilateral (BIL) (n = 11) resistance-training group during a 6-wk
      period. Both groups training consisted of 3 unilateral or bilateral 90 degrees 
      back-squat sets. A postdetermined number of repetitions was set until power
      output dropped to <10% of maximum power (MP) output. In addition, both groups
      performed 2 sets of 5 unilateral or bilateral drop jumps and 2 sets of 5
      unilateral or bilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ). Pre- and posttraining,
      performance was assessed by an incremental bilateral and unilateral squat-load
      test, a multiple-COD test (V-cut test), a 15-m-sprint test (7.5 + 7.5 m) with one
      180 degrees  COD performed with both right (180 degrees  RCOD) and left (180
      degrees  LCOD) legs, a 25-m-sprint test (5- and 15-m split time), and a CMJ test.
      RESULTS: Within-group analyses showed substantial improvements in 180 degrees 
      RCOD, bilateral and unilateral MP, 25-m-sprint test, and CMJ in both groups.
      Between-groups analyses showed substantially better results in 180 degrees  LCOD,
      MP with right and left legs, BLI, and BLD in UNI than in BIL. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      training programs substantially improved most of the physical-fitness tests, but
      only UNI reduced between-limbs asymmetry and achieved greater enhancements in
      actions that mostly required applying force unilaterally in basketball players.

PMID- 27140681
TI  - Deletion of inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 (IP6K1) reduces cell migration and
      invasion, conferring protection from aerodigestive tract carcinoma in mice.
AB  - Inositol hexakisphosphate kinases (IP6Ks), a family of enzymes found in all
      eukaryotes, are responsible for the synthesis of 5-diphosphoinositol
      pentakisphosphate (5-IP7) from inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6). Three isoforms of
      IP6Ks are found in mammals, and gene deletions of each isoform lead to diverse,
      non-overlapping phenotypes in mice. Previous studies show a facilitatory role for
      IP6K2 in cell migration and invasion, properties that are essential for the early
      stages of tumorigenesis. However, IP6K2 also has an essential role in cancer cell
      apoptosis, and mice lacking this protein are more susceptible to the development
      of aerodigestive tract carcinoma upon treatment with the oral carcinogen 4
      nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO). Not much is known about the functions of the
      equally abundant and ubiquitously expressed IP6K1 isoform in cell migration,
      invasion and cancer progression. We conducted a gene expression analysis on mouse
      embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking IP6K1, revealing a role for this protein in
      cell receptor-extracellular matrix interactions that regulate actin cytoskeleton
      dynamics. Consequently, cells lacking IP6K1 manifest defects in adhesion
      dependent signaling, evident by lower FAK and Paxillin activation, leading to
      reduced cell spreading and migration. Expression of active, but not inactive
      IP6K1 reverses migration defects in IP6K1 knockout MEFs, suggesting that 5-IP7
      synthesis by IP6K1 promotes cell locomotion. Actin cytoskeleton remodeling and
      cell migration support the ability of cancer cells to achieve their complete
      oncogenic potential. Cancer cells with lower IP6K1 levels display reduced
      migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth. When fed an oral
      carcinogen, mice lacking IP6K1 show reduced progression from epithelial dysplasia
      to invasive carcinoma. Thus, our data reveal that like IP6K2, IP6K1 is also
      involved in early cytoskeleton remodeling events during cancer progression.
      However, unlike IP6K2, IP6K1 is essential for 4NQO-induced invasive carcinoma.
      Our study therefore uncovers similarities and differences in the roles of IP6K1
      and IP6K2 in cancer progression, and we propose that an isoform-specific IP6K1
      inhibitor may provide a novel route to suppress carcinogenesis.

PMID- 27140682
TI  - LGR4 acts as a key receptor for R-spondin 2 to promote osteogenesis through Wnt
      signaling pathway.
AB  - R-spondin proteins are identified as secreted agonists of the canonical Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling pathway, and leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled
      receptors (LGR) are recognized as R-spondin receptors. The potential role of R
      spondin 2 (Rspo2) and LGR4 in mediating osteogenesis remains poorly understood.
      In our in vitro experiments, we found that Rspo2 could promote osteogenesis
      through activating the Wnt signaling pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells. However, this
      effect of Rsop2 disappeared in the cells with functional disruption of LGR4.
      Meanwhile, Rspo2 significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis and this effect of
      Rspo2 was dependent on the presence of osteoblasts with normal function of LGR4.
      In our in vivo experiments, we found that application of exogenous Rspo2 rescued
      the bone loss and improved the microarchitecture of bone in OVX mice. Rspo2 could
      be a positive regulator of bone metabolism through activating the canonical
      Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, and LGR4 acted as a key receptor for Rspo2 to promote
      osteogenesis.

PMID- 27140683
TI  - Stewart Acid-Base: A Simplified Bedside Approach.

PMID- 27140684
TI  - The Myth of Rescue Reversal in "Can't Intubate, Can't Ventilate" Scenarios.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An unanticipated difficult airway during induction of anesthesia can
      be a vexing problem. In the setting of can't intubate, can't ventilate (CICV),
      rapid recovery of spontaneous ventilation is a reasonable goal. The urgency of
      restoring ventilation is a function of how quickly a patient's hemoglobin oxygen
      saturation decreases versus how much time is required for the effects of
      induction drugs to dissipate, namely the duration of unresponsiveness,
      ventilatory depression, and neuromuscular blockade. It has been suggested that
      prompt reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex will
      allow respiratory activity to recover before significant arterial desaturation.
      Using pharmacologic simulation, we compared the duration of unresponsiveness,
      ventilatory depression, and neuromuscular blockade in normal, obese, and morbidly
      obese body sizes in this life-threatening CICV scenario. We hypothesized that
      although neuromuscular function could be rapidly restored with sugammadex,
      significant arterial desaturation will occur before the recovery from
      unresponsiveness and/or central ventilatory depression in obese and morbidly
      obese body sizes. METHODS: We used published models to simulate the duration of
      unresponsiveness and ventilatory depression using a common induction technique
      with predicted rates of oxygen desaturation in various size patients and explored
      to what degree rapid reversal of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade with
      sugammadex might improve the return of spontaneous ventilation in CICV
      situations. RESULTS: Our simulations showed that the duration of neuromuscular
      blockade was longer with 1.0 mg/kg succinylcholine than with 1.2 mg/kg rocuronium
      followed 3 minutes later by 16 mg/kg sugammadex (10.0 vs 4.5 minutes). Once
      rocuronium neuromuscular blockade was completely reversed with sugammadex, the
      duration of hemoglobin oxygen saturation >90%, loss of responsiveness, and
      intolerable ventilatory depression (a respiratory rate of <=4 breaths/min) were
      dependent on the body habitus and duration of oxygen administration. There is a
      high probability of intolerable ventilatory depression that extends well beyond
      the time when oxygen saturation decreases <90%, especially in obese and morbidly
      obese patients. If ventilatory rescue is inadequate, oxygen desaturation will
      persist in the latter groups, despite full reversal of neuromuscular blockade.
      Depending on body habitus, the duration of intolerable ventilatory depression
      after sugammadex reversal may be as long as 15 minutes in 5% of individuals.
      CONCLUSIONS: The clinical management of CICV should focus primarily on
      restoration of airway patency, oxygenation, and ventilation consistent with the
      American Society of Anesthesiologist's practice guidelines for management of the
      difficult airway. Pharmacologic intervention cannot be relied upon to rescue
      patients in a CICV crisis.

PMID- 27140685
TI  - Cycloartane triterpenes from Beesia calthaefolia and their anticomplement
      structure-activity relationship study.
AB  - Fifteen cycloartane triterpenes were isolated from Beesia calthaefolia and among
      them one was new cycloartane triterpenoid. The structure of new compound was
      determined by the application of spectroscopic analyses and chemical methods. The
      fifteen compounds were evaluated for their anticomplement activity by classic
      pathway. The structure-activity relationship analysis indicated that the
      configurations of 12-OH is preferable to be alpha than beta, and 18-OH can
      decrease while 15-OH can increase the anticomplement activity, but saponin with
      both 15-OH and 18-OH lost most of its activity. The glycosyl moiety of most
      isolated cycloartane triterpenes is xylosyl. When xylosyl was substituted by
      glucosyl or galactosyl, their anticomplement activities were decreased or
      increased, respectively. Further structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies
      must be carried out to achieve general conclusions regarding the effect of
      further functionalizations on the anticomplement saponins. 

PMID- 27140687
TI  - Antibiotics, gut bugs and the young.
AB  - Two recent studies have investigated the effects of antibiotic use on the
      intestinal microbiota of preterm infants and young children.

PMID- 27140690
TI  - Bacterial physiology: Persisters are under the pump.

PMID- 27140688
TI  - Gut microbial communities of social bees.
AB  - The gut microbiota can have profound effects on hosts, but the study of these
      relationships in humans is challenging. The specialized gut microbial community
      of honey bees is similar to the mammalian microbiota, as both are mostly composed
      of host-adapted, facultatively anaerobic and microaerophilic bacteria. However,
      the microbial community of the bee gut is far simpler than the mammalian
      microbiota, being dominated by only nine bacterial species clusters that are
      specific to bees and that are transmitted through social interactions between
      individuals. Recent developments, which include the discovery of extensive strain
      level variation, evidence of protective and nutritional functions, and reports of
      eco-physiological or disease-associated perturbations to the microbial community,
      have drawn attention to the role of the microbiota in bee health and its
      potential as a model for studying the ecology and evolution of gut symbionts.

PMID- 27140692
TI  - Prokineticins are neuroprotective in models of cerebral ischemia and ischemic
      tolerance in vitro.
AB  - Bv8/prokineticin 2 (PK2) is a member of a bioactive family of peptides that
      regulate multiple functions in the CNS including hyperalgesia, neurogenesis,
      neuronal survival and inflammation. Recent studies have associated PK2 and
      prokineticin receptors (PKR) with human diseases, but because their role in
      neuropathology is still debated we examined whether prokineticins exert a
      protective or deleterious role in models of cerebral ischemia and ischemic
      tolerance in vitro. In order to mimic cerebral ischemia, we exposed primary
      murine cortical cell cultures or rat organotypic hippocampal slices to
      appropriate periods of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), which leads to neuronal
      damage 24 h later. Ischemic tolerance was induced by exposing hippocampal slices
      to a preconditioning subtoxic pharmacological stimulus (3 MUM NMDA for 1 h) 24 h
      before the exposure to OGD. Bv8 (10-100 nM) attenuated OGD injury in cortical
      cultures and hippocampal slices, and the effect was prevented by the PKR
      antagonist PC7. The development of OGD tolerance was associated with an increase
      in the expression of PK2, PKR1 and PKR2 mRNA and proteins and was prevented by
      addition of the antagonist PC7 into the medium during preconditioning. Both Bv8
      at protective concentrations and the NMDA preconditioning stimulus promoted the
      phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt. These findings indicate that the prokineticin
      system can be up-regulated by a defensive preconditioning subtoxic NMDA stimulus
      and that PK2 may act as an endogenous neuroprotective factor through the
      activation of the ERK1/2 and Akt transduction pathways.

PMID- 27140693
TI  - The impact of metabotropic glutamate receptors into active neurodegenerative
      processes: A "dark side" in the development of new symptomatic treatments for
      neurologic and psychiatric disorders.
AB  - Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor ligands are under clinical development for
      the treatment of CNS disorders with high social and economic burden, such as
      schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), and
      are promising drug candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). So
      far, clinical studies have shown symptomatic effects of mGlu receptor ligands,
      but it is unknown whether these drugs act as disease modifiers or, at the
      opposite end, they accelerate disease progression by enhancing neurodegeneration.
      This is a fundamental issue in the treatment of PD and AD, and is also an
      emerging theme in the treatment of schizophrenia and MDD, in which
      neurodegeneration is also present and contribute to disease progression. Moving
      from in vitro data and preclinical studies, we discuss the potential impact of
      drugs targeting mGlu2, mGlu3, mGlu4 and mGlu5 receptor ligands on active
      neurodegeneration associated with AD, PD, schizophrenia, and MDD. We wish to
      highlight that our final comments on the best drug candidates are not influenced
      by commercial interests or by previous or ongoing collaborations with drug
      companies. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Metabotropic
      Glutamate Receptors, 5 years on'.

PMID- 27140694
TI  - Mutagenesis and computational docking studies support the existence of a
      histamine binding site at the extracellular beta3+beta3- interface of
      homooligomeric beta3 GABAA receptors.
AB  - Histamine is an important neurotransmitter that exerts its physiological actions
      through H1-4 metabotropic receptors in mammals. It also directly activates
      ionotropic GABAA receptor (GABAAR) beta3 homooligomers and potentiates GABA
      responses in alphabeta heterooligomers in vitro, but the respective histamine
      binding sites in GABAARs are unknown. We hypothesized that histamine binds at the
      extracellular beta+beta- interface at a position homologous to the GABA binding
      site of heterooligomeric GABAARs. To test this, we individually mutated several
      residues at the putative ligand binding minus side of a rat GABAAR beta3 wild
      type subunit and of a beta3 subunit that was made insensitive to trace Zn(2+)
      inhibition [beta3(H267A); called (Z)beta3]. (Z)beta3, (Z)beta3(Y62L),
      (Z)beta3(Q64A), (Z)beta3(Q64E), alpha1(Z)beta3, or alpha1(Z)beta3(Y62L) receptors
      were studied in HEK293T cells using whole cell voltage clamp recording. beta3,
      beta3(Y62C), beta3(Q64C), beta3(N41C), beta3(D43C), beta3(A45C) or beta3(M115C)
      receptors were examined in Xenopus oocytes using two-electrode voltage clamp.
      Histamine directly activated (Z)beta3 and beta3 homooligomers and potentiated
      GABA actions in alpha1(Z)beta3 heterooligomers. Receptors containing
      (Z)beta3(Y62L), beta3(Y62C) and beta3(D43C) showed markedly reduced histamine
      potency, but homo- and heterooligomers with (Z)beta3(Q64E) exhibited increased
      potency. The GABAAR alphabeta(gamma) competitive antagonist bicuculline elicited
      sub-maximal agonist currents through (Z)beta3 homooligomers, the potency of which
      was strongly decreased by (Z)beta3(Y62L). Mutations beta3(N41C), beta3(A45C) and
      beta3(M115C) disturbed receptor expression or assembly. Computational docking
      into the crystal structure of homooligomeric beta3 receptors resulted in a
      histamine pose highly consistent with the experimental findings, suggesting that
      histamine activates beta3 receptors via a site homologous to the GABA site in
      alphabetagamma receptors.

PMID- 27140695
TI  - Posing for a picture: vesicle immobilization in agarose gel.
AB  - Taking a photo typically requires the object of interest to stand still. In
      science, imaging is potentiated by optical and electron microscopy. However,
      living and soft matter are not still. Thus, biological preparations for
      microscopy usually include a fixation step. Similarly, immobilization strategies
      are required for or substantially facilitate imaging of cells or lipid vesicles,
      and even more so for acquiring high-quality data via fluorescence-based
      techniques. Here, we describe a simple yet efficient method to immobilize objects
      such as lipid vesicles with sizes between 0.1 and 100 MUm using agarose gel. We
      show that while large and giant unilamellar vesicles (LUVs and GUVs) can be caged
      in the pockets of the gel meshwork, small molecules, proteins and micelles remain
      free to diffuse through the gel and interact with membranes as in agarose-free
      solutions, and complex biochemical reactions involving several proteins can
      proceed in the gel. At the same time, immobilization in agarose has no adverse
      effect on the GUV size and stability. By applying techniques such as FRAP and
      FCS, we show that the lateral diffusion of lipids is not affected by the gel.
      Finally, our immobilization strategy allows capturing high-resolution 3D images
      of GUVs.

PMID- 27140696
TI  - Factors associated with Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus acquisition during a
      large outbreak.
AB  - Between 2013 and 2014 a Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) outbreak occurred
      in a teaching hospital in France. The outbreak was significant possibly due to
      the lack of implementation of recommended control measures. The aim of this study
      was to identify the effect of the lack of adherence to control measures for
      prevention of VRE acquisition in contact patients taking into account individual
      risk factors. Contact patients (first two months of the outbreak) with VRE
      acquisition were compared to patients without VRE acquisition (univariate and
      logistic regression), in terms of institutional characteristics (unit of
      hospitalization and isolation measures) and risk factors. Between December 2013
      and February 2014, 282 contact patients were included in the study. The
      prevalence of VRE acquisition was 6.4% (18/282). Significant risk factors for VRE
      acquisition according to logistic regression analysis were; lack of isolation,
      hospitalization in the same hospital unit as a VRE carrier patient and lack of
      isolation (RR=856.8, p=0.001), hospitalization in a specific unit (RR=927.4,
      p=0.002), McCabe score equal to 2 (RR=5233.6, p=0.008), age (RR=1.2 by year,
      p=0.011), hemodialysis (RR=36.1, p=0.011), central venous catheter (RR=25.4,
      p=0.021) and surgery (RR=0.012, p=0.007). Antibiotic use was a significant risk
      factor for VRE acquisition using univariate analysis (p<10-3). The findings
      confirm that the factors focused on by the study (lack of isolation and dedicated
      unit) had a significant effect on VRE acquisition as patient associated factors.
      It highlights the importance of observance of the guidelines.

PMID- 27140697
TI  - Clinical spectrum of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

PMID- 27140698
TI  - Cell wall structure and biogenesis in Aspergillus species.
AB  - Aspergillus species are among the most important filamentous fungi from the
      viewpoints of industry, pathogenesis, and mycotoxin production. Fungal cells are
      exposed to a variety of environmental stimuli, including changes in osmolality,
      temperature, and pH, which create stresses that primarily act on fungal cell
      walls. In addition, fungal cell walls are the first interactions with host cells
      in either human or plants. Thus, understanding cell wall structure and the
      mechanism of their biogenesis is important for the industrial, medical, and
      agricultural fields. Here, we provide a systematic review of fungal cell wall
      structure and recent findings regarding the cell wall integrity signaling
      pathways in aspergilli. This accumulated knowledge will be useful for
      understanding and improving the use of industrial aspergilli fermentation
      processes as well as treatments for some fungal infections. 

PMID- 27140699
TI  - Human antigen R is positively associated with malignant aggressiveness via
      upregulation of cell proliferation, migration, and vascular endothelial growth
      factors and cyclooxygenase-2 in prostate cancer.
AB  - Limited information is available on the pathologic significance of human antigen
      R (HuR) in prostate cancer (PCa). The main aim of this study was to clarify the
      relationship between HuR expression and malignant aggressiveness, outcome, and
      expression of cancer-related molecules in PCa. In vitro proliferation, colony
      formation, and migration assays were performed on LNCaP and PC-3 cells. HuR
      expression was knocked down (KD) using small interfering RNA. The relationships
      between HuR expression and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factors
      (VEGFs), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and heme oxygenase (HO)-1 were investigated in
      PCa cell lines using Western blotting. On KD of HuR, cell proliferation and
      migration were suppressed in both LNCaP and PC-3 cells, whereas expression of
      VEGF-A to -D and COX-2 was suppressed in PC-3 but not in LNCaP cells. In
      addition, expression of these cancer-related factors was analyzed in 182 hormone
      naive PCa and 23 castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) human tissues in
      vivo. Cytoplasmic (C)-HuR expression was significantly higher in CRPC > hormone
      naive PCa > nontumoral cells. C-HuR expression was positively associated with
      Gleason score, T stage, and metastasis, and it was considered to be a useful
      predictor of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. C-HuR expression
      was correlated with COX-2 expression in hormone-naive PCa, and with the
      expression of VEGF-A, VEGF-C, and COX-2 in CRPC tissues. Our results demonstrated
      that HuR plays important roles in determining malignant aggressiveness and
      outcome in PCa, especially in androgen-independent PCa cells, via the regulation
      of cell proliferation, migration, and expression of VEGF-A, -C, and COX-2.

PMID- 27140700
TI  - Device Thrombosis During Destination Therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Device thrombosis remains a complication of long-term mechanical
      circulatory support with HeartMate II. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective
      analysis of patients who underwent destination therapy (DT) with HeartMate II
      from January 2010-December 2013 at Tulane University Medical Center. RESULTS:
      Eighteen HeartMate II were implanted for DT. Survival rates were 72.2% at 1 year
      and 37% at 2 years. Device thrombosis in 7 of the 18 patients (39%) accounted for
      the low survival rate at 2 years. Known risk factors for device thrombosis were
      equally present in patients with and without device thrombosis. In contrast to
      patients without device thrombosis, all patients with device thrombosis had a pre
      existing systemic inflammatory condition. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pre-existing
      systemic inflammatory conditions are at risk of device thrombosis during DT.

PMID- 27140701
TI  - Systemic Sclerosis and Perceptions of Quality in Primary Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), early recognition of
      potentially life-threatening organ involvement is critical. Because prompt
      recognition of early signs of organ involvement can dramatically alter a
      patient's outcome, it is crucial that patients and primary care providers (PCPs)
      recognize these symptoms. We conducted a survey of patients with SSc regarding
      their perceptions of the quality of their primary care, and whether or not they
      perceive the quality of their primary care to be impaired by their scleroderma
      diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mail survey was sent to 525 patients with SSc
      seen at the Medical University of South Carolina. Questionnaire items addressed
      demographics and perceptions of their quality of their primary care. RESULTS: Of
      n = 140 respondents, most (74.5%) did not feel as though their diagnosis of SSc
      has resulted in barriers to appropriate or satisfactory care, and most (81.3%)
      answered that they had not ever felt as though their medical concerns were not
      being addressed because they had SSc. Perceptions of barriers were significantly
      (P < 0.05) associated with female sex and younger age, along with poorer overall
      quality of care and satisfaction with their primary care. CONCLUSIONS: Most
      patients with SSc value the quality of their primary care. However, some patients
      with SSc feel that their PCPs do not adequately monitor their blood pressure,
      reflux symptoms or shortness of breath. These results highlight the importance of
      PCPs in the overall care of patients with SSc and the need for continued
      education regarding close monitoring of signs and symptoms suggestive of possible
      life-threatening internal organ involvement.

PMID- 27140702
TI  - Peri-Infarction Zone as a Risk Marker for Patients With Postmyocardial
      Infarction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The role of contrast-enhanced (ce) cardiac magnetic resonance in
      risk stratification of patients with depressed left ventricle (LV) function is
      widely studied. In this study, we investigated the myocardial infarct size and
      characteristics by ce-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its relationship with
      spontaneous ventricular arrhythmia occurrence during follow-up of in patients
      with mild LV systolic dysfunction and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 32 patients with postmyocardial
      infarction with an LV ejection fraction between 40% and 50% and nonsustained VT.
      Cardiac MRI performed to identify cardiac scar size and characteristics. Dense
      scar, peri-infarction zone and total infarct masses were calculated, these values
      to LV mass ratios were obtained. All patients were followed up 48 +/- 6 months.
      Cardiac magnetic resonance data compared among patients with (n = 6) and without
      spontaneous sustained VT (n = 26). RESULTS: During follow-up, 6 patients
      experienced sustained VT (VT+ group), whereas 26 patients had no sustained
      ventricular arrhythmia (VT- group). The groups had similar baseline clinical
      characteristics. The LV masses, volumes and ejection fractions did not differ
      significantly between 2 groups. For the VT+ group versus VT- group dense scar to
      LV mass were similar (3.1 +/- 0.3% versus 3.3 +/- 0.9%, P = not significant).
      Ratio of peri-infarction zone to LV mass (30.9 +/- 6.1% versus 21.3 +/- 7.5%, P =
      0.007) and total infarct to LV mass (34.1 +/- 6.1% versus 24.6 +/- 7.9%, P =
      0.011) were larger in patients with sustained VT. CONCLUSIONS: This small study
      supports the potential utility of ce-MRI to identify patients with postmyocardial
      infarction prone to develop serious ventricular arrhythmias.

PMID- 27140703
TI  - Overuse of Head Computed Tomography in Cirrhosis With Altered Mental Status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Head computed tomography (CT) scans are ordered in patients with
      cirrhosis along with altered mental status (AMS) during admission, often, despite
      lack of evidence of any structural abnormality. Thus, we aimed to examine the use
      of head CT scans in patients with cirrhosis along with AMS and to correlate scan
      abnormalities with causes of AMS and physical findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      defined AMS as having impaired cognition, diminished attention, reduced awareness
      or altered level of consciousness or all of these, and categorized AMS into the
      following groups: hepatic encephalopathy (HE), sepsis or infectious, metabolic,
      exogenous drugs or toxins, structural lesions or psychiatric abnormalities. The
      primary outcome was presence of any structural brain lesion on head CT scan in
      patients with cirrhosis along with AMS with correlation of focal neurologic
      deficits, specifically in patients with HE. RESULTS: In total, 349 of 1,218
      patients with cirrhosis who were admitted to the hospital had AMS; HE was the
      most common cause of AMS (164 of 349, 47%). A total of 64% (223 of 349) of
      patients with cirrhosis along with AMS underwent head CT scanning on admission,
      including 99 of 164 (60%) patients with HE. No patient with HE had focal
      neurologic findings, or a focal abnormality on head CT scan. Of the patients with
      focal abnormalities on CT scans, 100% had focal neurologic findings. Patients
      with cirrhosis along with AMS undergoing head CT scan had similar mortality (76
      of 223, 34%) as those with AMS not undergoing head CT scans (47 of 126, 37%; P =
      nonsignificant). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly two-thirds of patients with cirrhosis along
      with AMS had head CT scans performed on admission; all patients with a structural
      lesion on head CT scan had abnormal neurologic examinations. The data suggest
      that routine brain imaging in patients with cirrhosis that do not have focal
      neurologic findings is likely not indicated.

PMID- 27140704
TI  - Prediction of Long-Term Mortality Based on Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio After
      Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The preprocedural neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is related to
      adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. We hypothesized that
      high NLR is a predictor of cardiac death after percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI). The objective of this investigation was to assess the associations of NLR,
      high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B type
      natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with the occurrence of cardiac death after PCI.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The NLR, hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP were analyzed in 372
      patients who underwent PCI. The primary end point was cardiac death. RESULTS: The
      median NLR was 2.3 (interquartile range: 1.5-4.1). There were 21 cardiac death
      events during a mean follow-up duration of 25.8 months. With the NLR cutoff level
      set to 3.3 using the receiver-operating characteristic curve, the sensitivity and
      specificity for differentiating between the group with cardiac death and the
      group without cardiac death were 85.7% and 59.3%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier
      analysis revealed that the higher NLR group (>=3.3) had a significantly higher
      cardiac death rate than the lower NLR group (<3.3) (11.1% versus 1.4%, log-rank:
      P < 0.0001). This value was more useful in patients with heart failure (NT-proBNP
      >= 300ng/L) or myocardial injury (hs-cTnT >= 100ng/L). CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes
      of the current study demonstrate that high NLR is a predictor of cardiac death
      after PCI, especially in patients with heart failure or myocardial injury.

PMID- 27140705
TI  - Prognosis of Patients With de novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia Resistant to Initial
      Induction Chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Initial induction chemotherapy is critical for patients with newly
      diagnosed de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The aim of the present study was
      to analyze the factors affecting the outcome of patients with AML who failed to
      initial chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical
      data of 311 adults with de novo AML. RESULTS: Compared with 179 patients showing
      complete remission (CR), 132 patients who failed to achieve CR were older with
      poorer prognostic stratification, higher proportion of FLT3-ITD mutations, higher
      expression rates of CD9, lower expression rates of cMPO and CD64 and poorer
      overall survival (OS). The 2-year OS rate of the non-CR groups was inferior to
      that of the CR groups (28.3% versus 53.3%, P < 0.001). However, there was no
      dramatic difference in 2-year OS rate between initial and reinduction
      chemotherapy if patients achieved a same remission status. The 2-year OS rate
      significantly improved following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant in
      patients who failed to initial treatment. The survival of patients with similar
      remission status was affected by FLT3-ITD mutation instead of CD9(+) expression.
      CONCLUSIONS: Initial induction failure or poorer prognostic stratification
      seriously affected the survival of patients with de novo AML. The allogeneic
      hematopoietic cell transplant is an alternative strategy to improve the survival
      of patients resistant to initial treatment.

PMID- 27140706
TI  - Concomitant Renal Cell Carcinoma and Hematologic Malignancy in Immunosuppressed
      Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Treatment of a renal mass in patients with hematologic malignancy or
      on immunosuppression can be complex and is not well defined. Surgical excision or
      thermal ablation of renal mass is generally recommended in view of concern for
      tumor progression in immunosuppressed patients. We report our management decision
      experience in patients and literature review on concomitant renal and hematologic
      malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective medical record review of
      patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and a hematologic malignancy over 3
      years at our University Hospital was performed. Data were collected including
      patient's demographics, renal tumor and hematologic malignancy characteristics
      (stage, pathologic subtype, time of diagnosis, treatment type and prognosis).
      Surgical and medical management of each malignancy was reviewed and perioperative
      and overall outcomes are reported. RESULTS: In total, 6 patients were identified
      with RCC and a hematologic malignancy of which 4 were on immunosuppressive
      therapy. A total of 5 patients had leukemia and 1 patient had multiple myeloma.
      Most kidney tumors were stage I, 83%; and 80% were Fuhrman grade II. There was
      equal distribution of clear cell and papillary-type RCC. All but 1 patient had
      undergone nephron-sparing surgery. Overall, 50% of our patients died within 1
      year after renal surgery for pT1a tumors from causes that are unrelated to renal
      cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Our small cohort showed significant mortality in patients
      with hematologic malignancy on immunosuppression, who had their renal mass
      treated with surgical excision or thermal ablation. However, this mortality was
      not secondary to surgical procedure itself. The prognosis of the hematologic
      malignancy might dictate the management of RCC.

PMID- 27140707
TI  - Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope, an Objective Submaximal Parameter in Evaluating
      Exercise Capacity in Pulmonary Thromboembolism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article was to study the oxygen uptake
      efficiency, an index of cardiopulmonary functional reserve that can be based upon
      a submaximal exercise effort, in pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) by performing the
      cardiopulmonary exercise test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cardiopulmonary
      exercise test with simultaneous respiratory gas measurement was performed in 50
      patients with PE and in 50 healthy individuals. All subjects also underwent the
      pulmonary function test. Peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), anaerobic threshold (AT),
      oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), oxygen uptake efficiency plateau (OUEP)
      and oxygen uptake efficiency at anaerobic threshold (OUE@AT), were determined.
      RESULTS: (1) Compared with the controls, the patients with PE had lower peak VO2,
      AT, OUES, OUEP and OUE@AT (P < 0.001). (2) In patients with PE, oxygen uptake
      efficiency (OUE = VO2/VE) at warming up, AT and peak exercise but not rest, were
      indicated statistically lower than the controls. The OUE in normal subjects
      increased as unloaded exercise began, and then increased further to OUEP just
      before the AT. Thereafter, the OUE decreased gradually until peak exercise. In
      contrast, the rate of changes of the OUE in patients with PE was relatively mild
      during exercise. (3) Of all the submaximal parameters, OUES correlated best with
      peak VO2 (r = 0.712, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The oxygen uptake efficiency of
      patients with PE was lower than the controls during exercise. The OUE is an
      objective measure of cardiopulmonary reserve that does not require a maximal
      exercise effort. Therefore, OUES could be helpful to assess exercise performance
      in patients with PE who are unable to perform a maximal exercise test in early
      recovery stage.

PMID- 27140708
TI  - The Ankle Brachial Index Exhibits Better Association of Cardiovascular Prognosis
      Than Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The association between ankle brachial index (ABI) and outcomes in
      diabetic subjects is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
      whether the ABI is more strongly associated with cardiovascular outcomes
      comparing with non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c). RESEARCH
      DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 452 type 2 diabetic subjects followed up for a
      mean of 5.8 years were grouped by ABI (<0.9 versus >=0.9) and non-HDL-c
      (<100mg/dL versus >=100mg/dL). Primary outcomes were composite events including
      all-cause mortality, hospitalization for coronary artery disease, stroke,
      revascularization, amputation and diabetic foot, and the secondary end point was
      all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Intergroup differences in percentage of men,
      duration of diabetes, hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol, triglycerides and estimated glomerular filtration rate were
      significant. A total of 64 composite events and 17 deaths were recorded. A higher
      number of composite events occurred in the group with abnormal ABI but optimal
      non-HDL-c than in those with suboptimal non-HDL-c but normal ABI (29% versus 11%,
      P < 0.05). A similar trend was observed in all-cause mortality (11% versus 1%, P
      < 0.05). The ABI was the dominant risk factor for both end points after adjusting
      other factors (for composite events, hazard ratio = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.00-0.10, P <
      0.001 and for all-cause mortality, hazard ratio = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.00-0.28, P =
      0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The ABI was more strongly associated with outcomes in
      diabetes than non-HDL-c. The ABI should be routinely screened in diabetes even
      without symptom.

PMID- 27140709
TI  - Serum Procalcitonin for Differential Diagnosis of Acute Exacerbation and
      Bacterial Pneumonia in Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbation and bacterial pneumonia are major life-threatening
      conditions in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The rapid
      recognition of these 2 different conditions is important for their proper
      treatment. An elevated procalcitonin (PCT) level is commonly detected in patients
      with bacterial infections. This study assessed the usefulness of the serum PCT
      level as a biomarker for the differential diagnosis of acute exacerbation and
      bacterial pneumonia in patients with ILD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this
      prospective observational study, we enrolled patients with ILD who had
      experienced recently progressive dyspnea and exhibited new infiltrations on chest
      radiographs. We classified these patients into an acute exacerbation group and a
      bacterial pneumonia group and compared their baseline characteristics and
      laboratory parameters, including the PCT level. RESULTS: Of 21 patients with ILD,
      9 patients had bacterial pneumonia. Both the groups showed similar baseline
      characteristics. The bacterial pneumonia group demonstrated a high PCT level. The
      PCT level in the acute exacerbation group was significantly lower than that in
      the bacterial pneumonia group (0.05 versus 0.91ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.001).
      Other parameters, such as the C-reactive protein level, leukocyte count and body
      temperature, were also lower in the acute exacerbation group. At a cutoff value
      of 0.1ng/mL, the sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive values of the
      serum PCT level were 88.9%, 100.0% and 92.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings suggest that the serum PCT level is useful in the differential diagnosis
      of acute exacerbation and bacterial pneumonia in patients with ILD.

PMID- 27140710
TI  - Effect of Somatostatin, Ulinastatin and Gabexate on the Treatment of Severe Acute
      Pancreatitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of
      somatostatin, ulinastatin and gabexate for the treatment of severe acute
      pancreatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 492 patients with severe acute
      pancreatitis were assigned randomly into the following 4 groups: (1)
      somatostatin; (2) somatostatin + ulinastatin; (3) somatostatin + gabexate and (4)
      somatostatin + ulinastatin + gabexate. Acute physiology and chronic health
      evaluation II scores; clinical parameters including time of abdominal pain and
      distention extinct; recovering to normality of heart rate and respiration rate;
      amylase and blood glucose; ratios of efficacy; multiple organ dysfunction
      syndrome (MODS); mortality; complication; levels of endotoxin; tumor necrosis
      factor alpha; interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8 and IL-10 and side effects were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II scores, time
      of abdominal pain extinct and distention extinct, time of recovering to normality
      of heart rate, time of recovering to normality of respiration rate and time of
      recovering to normality of amylase and blood glucose were significantly decreased
      in the somatostatin + ulinastatin, the somatostatin + gabexate and the
      somatostatin + ulinastatin + gabexate subgroups compared with the somatostatin
      subgroup. Ratios of efficacy were significantly improved, whereas ratios of MODS,
      mortality and complication were significantly decreased in the somatostatin +
      ulinastatin and the somatostatin + ulinastatin + gabexate subgroups compared with
      the somatostatin subgroup. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 levels on
      the fourth day after treatment showed significant decrease in the somatostatin +
      ulinastatin, the somatostatin + gabexate and the somatostatin + ulinastatin +
      gabexate subgroups compared with the somatostatin subgroup. The IL-10 levels on
      the fourth day were significantly improved in the somatostatin + ulinastatin, the
      somatostatin + gabexate and the somatostatin + ulinastatin + gabexate subgroups
      compared with the somatostatin subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Somatostatin is effective
      for the treatment of acute pancreatitis, ulinastatin demonstrates improvement in
      therapeutic benefits and gabexate can relieve the clinical symptoms and shorten
      the course of disease but cannot improve the effective ratio or decrease MODS,
      mortality and complication.

PMID- 27140711
TI  - Interlobular Arteries From 2-Kidney, 1-Clip Goldblatt Hypertensive Rats' Exhibit
      Impaired Vasodilator Response to Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small renal arteries have a significant role in the regulation of
      renal hemodynamics and blood pressure (BP). To study potential changes in the
      regulation of vascular function in hypertension, we examined renal vasodilatory
      responses of small arteries from nonclipped kidneys of the 2-kidney, 1-clip
      Goldblatt hypertensive rats to native epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) that are
      believed to be involved in the regulation of renal vascular function and BP. A
      total of 2 newly synthesized EET analogues were also examined. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Renal interlobular arteries isolated from the nonclipped kidneys on day
      28 after clipping were preconstricted with phenylephrine, pressurized and the
      effects of a 14,15-EET analogue, native 14,15-EET and 11,12-ether-EET-8ZE, an
      analogue of 11,12-EET, on the vascular diameter were determined and compared to
      the responses of arteries from the kidneys of sham-operated rats. RESULTS: In the
      arteries from nonclipped kidneys isolated in the maintenance phase of Goldblatt
      hypertension, the maximal vasodilatory response to 14,15-EET analogue was 30.1 +/
      2.8% versus 49.8 +/- 7.2% in sham-operated rats; the respective values for 11,12
      ther-EET-8ZE were 31.4 +/- 6.4% versus 80.4 +/- 6%, and for native EETs they were
      41.7 +/- 6.6% versus 62.8 +/- 4.4% (P <= 0.05 for each difference). CONCLUSIONS:
      We propose that reduced vasodilatory action and decreased intrarenal
      bioavailability of EETs combined with intrarenal angiotensin II levels that are
      inappropriately high for hypertensive rats underlie functional derangements of
      the nonclipped kidneys of 2-kidney, 1-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats. These
      derangements could play an important role in pathophysiology of sustained BP
      elevation observed in this animal model of human renovascular hypertension.

PMID- 27140712
TI  - Influence of Helicobacter pylori Infection on Gastrointestinal Hormone and Colon
      Motility of Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to study the relationships among Hp
      infection, secretion of gastrointestinal hormones and contraction of colon
      muscles of Sprague Dawley rats. Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is proved to be a chief
      criminal of gastric diseases. It can even be detected outside upper digestive
      tract like lung and kidney. Scientists found that Hp might modulate hormone
      secretion by influencing brain-gut axis. However, the specific relationships
      among Hp infection, hormone secretion and colonic motility are still undefined.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hp infection procedures were completed by intragastric
      administration to male Sprague Dawley rats. All model groups' rats were confirmed
      of Hp infection by rapid urease test and gastric mucosa biopsy. Plasma hormones
      were determined using Enzyme Immunoassay Kits after Hp infection. Colonic
      motility was assessed by counting numbers of fecal pellet output and recording
      contractions of isolated colonic strips through isometric force transducer.
      RESULTS: Hp infection groups significantly increased fecal pellet output compared
      with negative Hp infection groups (P < 0.05). The Hp infection groups' mean
      tension of spontaneous contraction of colon smooth muscle was significantly
      greater than the negative Hp infection groups' (P < 0.05). Significant
      differences can be found between Hp infection groups and negative Hp infection
      groups, concerning the concentration of gastrin, cholecystokinin and substance P
      (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hp infection probably activate the regulation of brain
      gut peptides and gastrointestinal hormones, which could interact with associated
      receptors in smooth muscle cells, leading to increased count of fecal pellet
      output and increased colon motility of smooth muscles.

PMID- 27140713
TI  - Varicella Pneumonia in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Adult.

PMID- 27140714
TI  - Origin, Evolution and Clinical Application of the Thermometer.
AB  - Although Galileo, Fahrenheit and Celsius are the names generally associated with
      the origin of the thermometer and its scale, many others were involved in
      bringing into existence the instrument we use today to monitor body temperature.
      In fact, the seed from which the thermometer arose was planted long before those
      credited with inventing it made their contributions, and nurtured by many other
      investigators during its evolution and clinical application. 

PMID- 27140715
TI  - Cardiovascular Toxicity and Management of Targeted Cancer Therapy.
AB  - The advent of effective oral, molecular-targeted drugs in oncology has changed
      many incurable malignancies such as chronic myeloid leukemia into chronic
      diseases similar to coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus. Oral agents
      including monoclonal antibodies, kinase inhibitors and hormone receptor blockers
      offer patients with cancer incremental improvements in both overall survival and
      quality of life. As it is imperative to recognize and manage side effects of
      platelet inhibitors, beta blockers, statins, human immunodeficiency virus drugs
      and fluoroquinolones by all healthcare providers, the same holds true for these
      newer targeted therapies; patients may present to their generalist or other
      subspecialist with drug-related symptoms. Cardiovascular adverse events are among
      the most frequent, and potentially serious, health issues in outpatient clinics,
      and among the most frequent side effects of targeted chemotherapy. Data support
      improved patient outcomes and satisfaction when primary care and other providers
      are cognizant of chemotherapy side effects, allowing for earlier intervention and
      reduction in morbidity and healthcare costs. With the implementation of
      accountable care and pay for performance, improved communication between
      generalists and subspecialists is essential to deliver cost-effective patient
      care.

PMID- 27140716
TI  - Deadly Portland Cement: The Triad of Pulmonary, Dermatologic and Hematological
      Manifestations.

PMID- 27140717
TI  - Severe Myocardial Dysfunction Reversed by Iron-Chelation Therapy in an Asian
      Patient with Hereditary Hemochromatosis.

PMID- 27140718
TI  - Megaesophagus in Achalasia.

PMID- 27140719
TI  - Point-of-Care Echocardiography Improves Assessment of Volume Status in Cirrhosis
      and Hepatorenal Syndrome.
AB  - The management of patients with cirrhosis along with acute kidney injury is
      complex and depends in large part on accurate assessment of intravascular volume
      status. Assessment of intravascular volume status by point-of-care
      echocardiography often relies solely on inferior vena cava size and variability
      evaluation; however, this parameter should be interpretated with an understanding
      of right ventricular function integrated with stroke volume and flow. Attempts to
      optimize intra-abdominal hemodynamics favorably are clearly problematic when
      physical examination findings or rudimentary assessments of central venous
      pressure or change in central venous pressure are used. Here, we have
      demonstrated the potential utility of point-of-care echocardiography to optimize
      the hemodynamic state in patients with decompensated cirrhosis along with acute
      kidney injury. This case is very unique and describes how this technique may have
      great promise in optimizing the intra-abdominal hemodynamics and predict the
      timing of large-volume paracentesis in patients with decompensated cirrhosis,
      which in turn can aid in promoting favorable renal recovery. 

PMID- 27140720
TI  - Lady Windermere Syndrome.

PMID- 27140721
TI  - Geographic Variation in Quality of Care for Commercially Insured Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extensive evidence documents geographic variation in spending, but
      limited research assesses geographic variation in quality, particularly among
      commercially insured enrollees. OBJECTIVE: To measure geographic variation in
      quality measures, correlation among measures, and correlation between measures
      and spending for commercially insured enrollees. DATA SOURCE: Administrative
      claims from the 2007-2009 Truven MarketScan database. METHODS: We calculated
      variation in, and correlations among, 10 quality measures across 306 Hospital
      Referral Regions (HRRs), adjusting for beneficiary traits and sample size
      differences. Further, we created a quality index and correlated it with spending.
      RESULTS: The coefficient of variation of HRR-level performance ranged from 0.04
      to 0.38. Correlations among quality measures generally ranged from 0.2 to 0.5.
      Quality was modestly positively related to spending. CONCLUSION: Quality varied
      across HRRs and there was only a modest geographic "quality footprint."

PMID- 27140722
TI  - Microwave Heating of Functionalized Graphene Nanoribbons in Thermoset Polymers
      for Wellbore Reinforcement.
AB  - Here, we introduce a systematic strategy to prepare composite materials for
      wellbore reinforcement using graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) in a thermoset polymer
      irradiated by microwaves. We show that microwave absorption by GNRs
      functionalized with poly(propylene oxide) (PPO-GNRs) cured the composite by
      reaching 200  degrees C under 30 W of microwave power. Nanoscale PPO-GNRs diffuse
      deep inside porous sandstone and dramatically enhance the mechanics of the entire
      structure via effective reinforcement. The bulk and the local mechanical
      properties measured by compression and nanoindentation mechanical tests,
      respectively, reveal that microwave heating of PPO-GNRs and direct polymeric
      curing are major reasons for this significant reinforcement effect.

PMID- 27140723
TI  - Micropapillary Variant Bladder Cancer: A Bad Apple or a New Fruit?

PMID- 27140724
TI  - Unraveling energy conversion modeling in the intrinsic persistent upconverted
      luminescence of solids: a study of native point defects in antiferromagnetic
      Er2O3.
AB  - We investigated the mechanism of the intrinsic persistent luminescence of Er2O3
      in the A-type lattice based on first-principles calculations. We found that the
      native point defects were engaged in mutual subtle interactions in the form of
      chemical reactions between different charge states. The release of energy related
      to lattice distortion facilitates the conversion of energy for electrons to be
      transported between the valence band and the trap levels or even between the deep
      trap levels so as to generate persistent luminescence. The defect transitions
      that take place along the zero-phonon line release energy to enable optical
      transitions, with the exact amount of negative effective correlation energy
      determined by the lattice distortions. Our calculations on the thermodynamic
      transition levels confirm that both the visible and NIR experimentally observed
      intrinsic persistent luminescence (phosphor or afterglow) are related to the
      thermodynamic transition levels of oxygen-related defects, and the thermodynamic
      transition levels within different charge states for these defects are
      independent of the chemical potentials of the given species. Lattice distortion
      defects such as anion Frenkel (a-Fr) pair defects play an important role in
      transporting O-related defects between different lattice sites. To obtain red
      persistent luminescence that matches the biological therapeutic window, it is
      suggested to increase the electron transition levels between high-coordinated O
      vacancies and related metastable a-Fr defects; a close-packed core-shell
      structure is required to quench low-coordinated O-related defects so as to reduce
      the green band luminescence. We further established a conversed chain reaction
      (CCR) model to interpret the energy conversion process of persistent luminescence
      in terms of the inter-reactions of native point defects between different charge
      states. It is advantageous to use the study of defect levels combined with
      formation energies to suggest limits to doping energy and explain photostimulated
      luminescence in terms of native point defects.

PMID- 27140725
TI  - Using prognostic factors from case series and cohort studies to identify
      individuals with poor long-term outcomes during periodontal maintenance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The accuracy of applying prognostic factors to individual patients is
      uncertain. AIM/METHOD: The aim was to apply prognostic factors from several
      outcome studies (case series and cohort) to identify: (1) patients who lost a
      tooth/teeth during periodontal maintenance; (2) patients who were non-responding
      to treatment; (3) patients needing re-treatment during periodontal maintenance.
      In addition, tooth loss was related to initial prognosis and it was determined
      which of the prognostic factors were also risk factors. Chi squared analysis was
      carried out for the outcomes of patients with-, and without prognostic factors.
      Significance level was set at p <= 0.05. Sensitivity and specificity was
      calculated for patients with and without prognostic factors. RESULTS: The
      prognostic factors only identified a small proportion of patients who lost teeth
      (34-38%). Combining the prognostic factors resulted in a lower accuracy. A higher
      proportion of patients with no prognostic factors lost teeth (53.8-96.2%). The
      chance of identifying a non-responding patient based on family history was 5.9%,
      for stress 32.4%, and for heavy smoking 8.7%. Significantly more patients (29/40
      , chi2 = 16.2 p < 0.05) with initial uncertain/poor prognosis and significantly
      fewer patients (11/40, chi2 = 16.2, p < 0.05) with erratic/no compliance needing
      re-treatment were identified. 21 of 40 patients (52.5%) (p = 0.655) with family
      history needing retreatment were identified. Combining the prognostic factors
      identified 5-22% out of a total of 40% of patients needing re-treatment. six out
      of nine (67%) teeth with an initial hopeless prognosis were lost, 10/109 (9%)
      teeth with a poor prognosis were lost, 11/346 (3%) teeth with a moderate
      prognosis were lost and 9/1972 (0.46%) of teeth with a good prognosis were lost.
      None of the prognostic factors was found also to be a risk factor for developing
      periodontal diseases. CONCLUSION: Applying prognostic factors to identify
      individual patients with poor long-term outcomes is associated with low accuracy.

PMID- 27140726
TI  - Corrigendum: How Positive Emotions Build Physical Health: Perceived Positive
      Social Connections Account for the Upward Spiral Between Positive Emotions and
      Vagal Tone.
AB  - Kok, B. E., Coffey, K. A., Cohn, M. A., Catalino, L. I., Vacharkulksemsuk, T.,
      Algoe, S. B., . . . Fredrickson, B. L. (2013). How positive emotions build
      physical health: Perceived positive social connections account for the upward
      spiral between positive emotions and vagal tone. Psychological Science, 24, 1123
      1132. (Original DOI: 10.1177/0956797612470827). 

PMID- 27140727
TI  - Synthesis of 2-acylated and sulfonated 4-hydroxycoumarins: In vitro urease
      inhibition and molecular docking studies.
AB  - Sixteen 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives were synthesized, characterized through EI
      MS and (1)H NMR and screened for urease inhibitory potential. Three compounds
      exhibited better urease inhibition than the standard inhibitor thiourea
      (IC50=21+/-0.11MUM) while other four compounds exhibited good to moderate
      inhibition with IC50 values between 29.45+/-1.1MUM and 69.53+/-0.9MUM. Structure
      activity relationship was established on the basis of molecular docking studies,
      which helped to predict the binding interactions of the most active compounds.

PMID- 27140728
TI  - Superiority of visual (verbal) vs. auditory test presentation modality in a P300
      based CIT: The Complex Trial Protocol for concealed autobiographical memory
      detection.
AB  - This paper continues our efforts to determine which modality is best for
      presentation of stimuli in the P300-based concealed information test (CIT) called
      the Complex Trial Protocol (CTP). The first part of the CTP trial involves
      presentation of the key probe or irrelevant stimuli, and is followed by
      presentation of target (T) or non-target (NT). In Rosenfeld et al. (2015), probes
      and irrelevants regularly alternated modality over trials, but Ts and NTs were
      always visual. In the present study, (in both its experiments, EXP 1 and EXP 2),
      probes and irrelevants alternated modalities on successive trials, as before. In
      present EXP 1, Ts and NTs were always auditory, but in EXP 2, they were
      simultaneously auditory and visual. Probe P300 data were different in each study:
      In Rosenfeld et al. (2015) and EXP 2 here, the bootstrap-based detection rates
      based on probe-minus-irrelevant differences, significantly differed favoring
      visual probe and irrelevant presentation modality. In EXP 1 here, detection rates
      were the same for the two modalities. In Rosenfeld et al. (2015) there was no
      main effect of probe modality, visual vs. auditory on probe-minus-irrelevant P300
      difference. There were such effects here in EXP 1 (p<0.08, effect size=0.19) and
      EXP 2 (p<0.02, effect size=0.31), favoring the visual modality. Probe P300
      latencies were shorter for visual than for auditory stimuli in Rosenfeld et al.
      (2015), a trend specifically reversed in the present pair of studies. RT was
      faster for visual stimuli in the present studies. The T and NT modality appears
      to interact with probe/irrelevant modality, and the best protocol for detecting
      concealed information is with the 2015 study protocol or that of EXP 2, using
      visual stimulus presentation.

PMID- 27140729
TI  - Central role for marginal zone B cells in an animal model of Sjogren's syndrome.
AB  - Patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) have been shown to have abnormal B cell
      function and increased numbers of marginal zone B cells (MZB and MZB precursors.
      The current studies utilized the Interleukin 14 alpha transgenic mouse model
      (IL14aTG) for SS to investigate the roles of marginal zone B cells (MZB) of the
      innate immune system in the pathophysiology of the disease. Eliminating MZB from
      IL14aTG mice by B cell specific deletion of RBP-J resulted in complete
      elimination of all disease manifestations of SS. Mice had normal salivary gland
      secretions, negative autoantibodies and normal histology of the salivary and
      lacrimal glands compared to IL14aTG mice at the same time points. In contrast,
      eliminating B1 cells by deleting btk did not ameliorate the disease. Therefore,
      MZB are critical for the development of SS. 

PMID- 27140740
TI  - Cost-effective and sensitive colorimetric immunosensing using an iron oxide-to
      Prussian blue nanoparticle conversion strategy.
AB  - The development of new sensitive, cost-effective and user-friendly colorimetric
      bioassays is in increasing demand to meet the requirement of modern clinical
      diagnostics and field detection. Herein, a novel iron oxide-to-Prussian blue (PB)
      nanoparticle (NP) conversion strategy was developed and applied to sensitive
      colorimetric immunosensing of cancer biomarkers. In a typical sandwich-type
      immunosensing system, the captured spherical antibody-conjugated iron oxide NPs
      were transformed into cubic PB NPs, which exhibited a highly visible blue color
      with high molar extinction coefficients. Hence, a new colorimetric immunosensing
      strategy was developed as a result of this low cost and simple transformation
      process. Without the aid of any complex nanoparticle stabilizing ligands and
      signal amplification processes, prostate-specific antigen as a model analyte can
      be detected at a concentration as low as 1.0 ng mL(-1) by the naked eye with good
      reliability for detection of real human serum samples. This is the first attempt
      to develop and apply the iron oxide-to-PB NP colorimetric conversion strategy for
      immunosensing, and shows great promise for the development of new sensitive, cost
      effective and user-friendly colorimetric bioassays in various bioanalytical
      applications, especially in low-resource settings. 

PMID- 27140747
TI  - Loperamide Abuse Associated With Cardiac Dysrhythmia and Death.
AB  - Loperamide is an over-the-counter antidiarrheal with MU-opioid agonist activity.
      Central nervous system opioid effects are not observed after therapeutic oral
      dosing because of poor bioavailability and minimal central nervous system
      penetration. However, central nervous system opioid effects do occur after
      supratherapeutic oral doses. Recently, oral loperamide abuse as an opioid
      substitute has been increasing among patients attempting to self-treat their
      opioid addiction. Ventricular dysrhythmias and prolongation of the QRS duration
      and QTc interval have been reported after oral loperamide abuse. We describe 2
      fatalities in the setting of significantly elevated loperamide concentrations.

PMID- 27140748
TI  - Encapsulation of anti-carbonic anhydrase IX antibody in hydrogel microspheres for
      tumor targeting.
AB  - Encapsulation is a well-established method of biomaterial protection, controlled
      release, and efficient delivery. Here we evaluated encapsulation of monoclonal
      antibody M75 directed to tumor biomarker carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) into
      alginate microbeads (SA-beads) or microcapsules made of sodium alginate,
      cellulose sulfate, and poly(methylene-co-guanidine) (PMCG). M75 antibody release
      was quantified using ELISA and its binding properties were assessed by
      immunodetection methods. SA-beads showed rapid M75 antibody release in the first
      hour, followed by steady release during the whole experiment of 7 days. In
      contrast, the M75 release from PMCG capsules was gradual, reaching the maximum
      concentration on the 7th day. The release was more efficient at pH 6.8 compared
      to pH 7.4. The released antibody could recognize CA IX, and target the CA IX
      positive cells in 3D spheroids. In conclusion, SA-beads and PMCG microcapsules
      can be considered as promising antibody reservoirs for targeting of cancer cells.

PMID- 27140749
TI  - Orthogonality-breaking sensing model based on the instantaneous Stokes vector and
      the Mueller calculus.
AB  - Polarimetric sensing by orthogonality breaking has been recently proposed as an
      alternative technique for performing direct and fast polarimetric measurements
      using a specific dual-frequency-dual-polarization (DFDP) source. Based on the
      instantaneous Stokes-Mueller formalism to describe the high-frequency evolution
      of the DFDP beam intensity, we thoroughly analyze the interaction of such a beam
      with birefringent, dichroic, and depolarizing samples. This allows us to confirm
      that orthogonality breaking is produced by the sample diattenuation, whereas this
      technique is immune to both birefringence and diagonal depolarization. We further
      analyze the robustness of this technique when polarimetric sensing is performed
      through a birefringent waveguide, and the optimal DFDP source configuration for
      fiber-based endoscopic measurements is subsequently identified. Finally, we
      consider a stochastic depolarization model based on an ensemble of random linear
      diattenuators, which makes it possible to understand the progressive vanishing of
      the detected orthogonality-breaking signal as the spatial heterogeneity of the
      sample increases, thus confirming the insensitivity of this method to diagonal
      depolarization. The fact that the orthogonality-breaking signal is exclusively
      due to the sample dichroism is an advantageous feature for the precise decoupled
      characterization of such an anisotropic parameter in samples showing several
      simultaneous effects.

PMID- 27140750
TI  - Noise robustness of a combined phase retrieval and reconstruction method for
      phase-contrast tomography.
AB  - Classical reconstruction methods for phase-contrast tomography consist of two
      stages: phase retrieval and tomographic reconstruction. A novel algebraic method
      combining the two was suggested by Kostenko et al. [Opt. Express21, 12185
      (2013)OPEXFF1094-408710.1364/OE.21.012185], and preliminary results demonstrated
      improved reconstruction compared with a given two-stage method. Using simulated
      free-space propagation experiments with a single sample-detector distance, we
      thoroughly compare the novel method with the two-stage method to address
      limitations of the preliminary results. We demonstrate that the novel method is
      substantially more robust toward noise; our simulations point to a possible
      reduction in counting times by an order of magnitude.

PMID- 27140751
TI  - Structure tensor based automated detection of macular edema and central serous
      retinopathy using optical coherence tomography images.
AB  - Macular edema (ME) and central serous retinopathy (CSR) are two macular diseases
      that affect the central vision of a person if they are left untreated. Optical
      coherence tomography (OCT) imaging is the latest eye examination technique that
      shows a cross-sectional region of the retinal layers and that can be used to
      detect many retinal disorders in an early stage. Many researchers have done
      clinical studies on ME and CSR and reported significant findings in macular OCT
      scans. However, this paper proposes an automated method for the classification of
      ME and CSR from OCT images using a support vector machine (SVM) classifier. Five
      distinct features (three based on the thickness profiles of the sub-retinal
      layers and two based on cyst fluids within the sub-retinal layers) are extracted
      from 30 labeled images (10 ME, 10 CSR, and 10 healthy), and SVM is trained on
      these. We applied our proposed algorithm on 90 time-domain OCT (TD-OCT) images
      (30 ME, 30 CSR, 30 healthy) of 73 patients. Our algorithm correctly classified 88
      out of 90 subjects with accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 97.77%, 100%,
      and 93.33%, respectively.

PMID- 27140752
TI  - Partially coherent contrast-transfer-function approximation.
AB  - The contrast-transfer-function (CTF) approximation, widely used in various phase
      contrast imaging techniques, is revisited. CTF validity conditions are extended
      to a wide class of strongly absorbing and refracting objects, as well as to
      nonuniform partially coherent incident illumination. Partially coherent free
      space propagators, describing amplitude and phase in-line contrast, are
      introduced and their properties are investigated. The present results are
      relevant to the design of imaging experiments with partially coherent sources, as
      well as to the analysis and interpretation of the corresponding images.

PMID- 27140753
TI  - Light scattering of a Laguerre-Gaussian vortex beam by a chiral sphere.
AB  - Since the development of the generalized Lorenz-Mie theory, electromagnetic
      scattering by arbitrary beams has drawn growing interest. The Laguerre-Gaussian
      (LG) vortex beam is well known for its orbital angular momentum. With the aim of
      investigating the analytical solution to the scattering of a chiral sphere by a
      LG vortex beam, particular attention is paid to the expansion expression of the
      LG vortex beam. The expansion coefficients are derived based on the expansion of
      a Hermite Guassian beam as the LG vortex beam can be expressed as the
      superposition of Hermite Guassian modes. The numerical results of the incident
      beam expansion coefficients convergence and the scattered field comparison with
      the reference prove the validity of the theoretical analysis and computation
      codes. The results reveal that there exists an optimal sphere size for the
      maximum scattered field which is determined by the topological charge, beam waist
      radius, and beam center position. The investigation could provide a foundation
      for the optical manipulation of chiral particles by a LG vortex beam.

PMID- 27140754
TI  - Modified anisotropic turbulence refractive-index fluctuations spectral model and
      its application in moderate-to-strong anisotropic turbulence.
AB  - In this study, the modified anisotropic turbulence refractive-index fluctuations
      spectral model is derived based on the extended Rytov approximation theory for
      the theoretical investigations of optical plane and spherical waves propagating
      through moderate-to-strong anisotropic non-Kolmogorov turbulence. The anisotropic
      factor which parameterizes the asymmetry of turbulence cells or eddies in the
      horizontal and vertical directions is introduced. The general spectral power law
      in the range of 3-4 is also considered compared with the conventional classic
      value of 11/3 for Kolmogorov turbulence. Based on the modified anisotropic
      turbulence refractive-index fluctuations spectrum, the analytic expressions of
      the irradiance scintillation index are also derived for optical plane and
      spherical waves propagating through moderate-to-strong anisotropic non-Kolmogorov
      turbulence. They are applicable in a wide range of turbulence strengths and can
      reduce correctly to the previously published results in the special cases of weak
      anisotropic turbulence and moderate-to-strong isotropic turbulence. Calculations
      are performed to analyze the derived models.

PMID- 27140755
TI  - Bias effects of short- and long-term color memory for unique objects.
AB  - Are objects remembered with a more saturated color? Some of the evidence
      supporting this statement comes from research using "memory colors"-the typical
      colors of particular objects, for example, the green of grass. The problematic
      aspect of these findings is that many different exemplars exist, some of which
      might exhibit a higher saturation than the one measured by the experimenter. Here
      we avoid this problem by using unique personal items and comparing long- and
      short-term color memory matches (in hue, value, and chroma) with those obtained
      with the object present. Our results, on average, confirm that objects are
      remembered as more saturated than they are.

PMID- 27140756
TI  - Frontally placed eyes versus laterally placed eyes: computational comparison of
      their functions for ego-motion estimation.
AB  - Both frontally placed eyes and laterally placed eyes are popular in nature, and
      although which one is better could be one of the most intuitive questions to ask,
      it could also be the hardest question to answer. Their most obvious difference is
      that, at least as supposed in the computer vision community, stereopsis plays the
      central role in the visual system composed of frontally placed eyes (or cameras);
      however, it is not available in the lateral configuration due to the lack of
      overlap between the visual fields. As a result, researchers have adopted
      completely different approaches to model the two configurations and developed
      computational mimics of them to address various vision problems. Recently, the
      advent of novel quasi-parallax conception unifies the ego-motion estimation
      procedure of these two eye configurations into the same framework and makes
      systematic comparison feasible. In this paper, we intend to establish the
      computational superiority of eye topography from the perspective of ego-motion
      estimation. Specifically, quasi-parallax is applied to fuse motion cues from
      individual cameras at an early stage, at the pixel level, and to recover the
      translation and rotation separately with high accuracy and efficiency without the
      need of feature matching. Furthermore, its applicability on the extended sideways
      arrangements is studied successfully to make our comparison more general and
      insightful. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real data have been done,
      and the computational superiority of the lateral configuration is verified.

PMID- 27140757
TI  - Noncoaxial Bessel-Gauss beams.
AB  - We proposed a new family of noncoaxial Gauss-truncated Bessel beams through
      multiplying conventional symmetrical Bessel beams by a noncoaxial Gauss function.
      These beams can also be regarded as the exponential-truncated version of Bessel
      Gauss beams since they can be transformed into the product of Bessel-Gauss beams
      and an exponential window function along a certain Cartesian axis. The closed
      form solutions of the angular spectra and paraxial propagation of these beams
      were derived. These beams have asymmetrical intensity distributions and carry the
      same orbit angular momentum per photon as the corresponding Bessel-Gauss beams.
      While propagating along the z axis, the mth (m?0) noncoaxial Bessel-Gauss beams
      rotate their intensity distributions and the mth-order vortex at the beam center
      has a transverse shift along the direction perpendicular to the offset axis.
      Depending on the product of the transverse scalar factor of the Bessel beams and
      the offset between the Gaussian window function and the center of the Bessel
      beams, the noncoaxial Bessel-Gauss beams can produce unit vortices with opposite
      signs in pairs during propagation.

PMID- 27140758
TI  - Strong suppression of forward or backward Mie scattering by using spatial
      coherence.
AB  - We derive analytic expressions relating Mie scattering with partially coherent
      fields to scattering with fully coherent fields. These equations are then used to
      demonstrate how the intensity of the forward- or backward-scattered field can be
      suppressed several orders of magnitude by tuning the spatial coherence properties
      of the incident field. This method allows the creation of cone-like scattered
      fields, with the angle of maximum intensity given by a simple formula.

PMID- 27140759
TI  - Theoretical performance assessment and empirical analysis of super-resolution
      under unknown affine sensor motion.
AB  - This paper deals with super-resolution (SR) processing and associated theoretical
      performance assessment for under-sampled video data collected from a moving
      imaging platform with unknown motion and assuming a relatively flat scene. This
      general scenario requires joint estimation of the high-resolution image and the
      parameters that determine a projective transform that relates the collected
      frames to one another. A quantitative assessment of the variance in the random
      error as achieved through a joint-estimation approach (e.g., SR image
      reconstruction and motion estimation) is carried out via the general framework of
      M-estimators and asymptotic statistics. This approach provides a performance
      measure on estimating the fine-resolution scene when there is a lack of
      perspective information and represents a significant advancement over previous
      work that considered only the more specific scenario of mis-registration. A
      succinct overview of the theoretical framework is presented along with some
      specific results on the approximate random error for the case of unknown
      translation and affine motions. A comparison is given between the approximated
      random error and that actually achieved by an M-estimator approach to the joint
      estimation problem. These results provide insight on the reduction in SR
      reconstruction accuracy when jointly estimating unknown inter-frame affine
      motion.

PMID- 27140760
TI  - Sparse coding generates curvature selectivity in V4 neurons.
AB  - The cortical area V4 produces a representation of curvature as the intermediate
      level representation of an object's shape. We investigated whether sparse coding
      is the principle driving the generation of the spatial properties of the
      receptive field in V4 that exhibit curvature selectivity. To investigate the role
      of sparseness in the construction of curvature representations, we applied
      component analysis with a sparseness constraint to the activity of model V2
      neurons that were responding to shapes derived from natural images. Our
      simulation results showed that single basis functions with medium degrees of
      sparseness (0.7-0.8) produced curvature selectivity, and their population
      activity produced acute curvature bias. The results support the hypothesis that
      sparseness plays an essential role in the construction of curvature selectivity
      in V4.

PMID- 27140761
TI  - Refraction in electrically thin inhomogeneous media.
AB  - This work presents a new formulation for refraction from flat electrically thin
      lenses and reflectors comprised of inhomogeneous material. Inhomogeneous
      electrically thin flat lenses and reflectors cannot make use of the Snell law
      since this classical formulation works solely at interfaces of planar homogeneous
      media. The refraction of a perpendicularly incident plane wave at a planar
      interface is physically explained through the phase advance of the rays within
      the medium. The Huygens principle is then used to construct the refracted
      wavefront. The formulation is validated using numerical full wave simulation for
      several examples where the refractive angle is predicted with good accuracy.
      Furthermore, the formulation gives a physical insight of the phenomenon of
      refraction from electrically thin inhomogeneous media.

PMID- 27140762
TI  - Self-calibration method for rotating laser positioning system using interscanning
      technology and ultrasonic ranging.
AB  - A rotating laser positioning system (RLPS) is an efficient measurement method for
      large-scale metrology. Due to multiple transmitter stations, which consist of a
      measurement network, the position relationship of these stations must be first
      calibrated. However, with such auxiliary devices such as a laser tracker, scale
      bar, and complex calibration process, the traditional calibration methods greatly
      reduce the measurement efficiency. This paper proposes a self-calibration method
      for RLPS, which can automatically obtain the position relationship. The method is
      implemented through interscanning technology by using a calibration bar mounted
      on the transmitter station. Each bar is composed of three RLPS receivers and one
      ultrasonic sensor whose coordinates are known in advance. The calibration
      algorithm is mainly based on multiplane and distance constraints and is
      introduced in detail through a two-station mathematical model. The repeated
      experiments demonstrate that the coordinate measurement uncertainty of spatial
      points by using this method is about 0.1 mm, and the accuracy experiments show
      that the average coordinate measurement deviation is about 0.3 mm compared with a
      laser tracker. The accuracy can meet the requirements of most applications, while
      the calibration efficiency is significantly improved.

PMID- 27140763
TI  - Radiative transport and optical tomography with large datasets.
AB  - We consider the inverse problem of optical tomography in the radiative transport
      regime. We report numerical tests of a direct reconstruction method that is
      suitable for use with large datasets. Reconstructions of experimental data
      obtained from a noncontact optical tomography system are also reported.

PMID- 27140764
TI  - Vectorial ray-based diffraction integral: erratum.
AB  - We report and correct errors in our recently published paper [J. Opt. Soc. Am.
      A32, 1403 (2015)10.1364/JOSAA.32.001403JOAOD61084-7529].

PMID- 27140765
TI  - Wave propagation modeling with non-Markov phase screens.
AB  - A recently introduced [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A30, 479
      (2013)10.1364/JOSAA.30.000479JOAOD61084-7529] sparse spectrum (SS) model of
      statistically homogeneous random fields makes it possible to generate 3D samples
      of refractive-index fluctuations with prescribed spectral density at a very
      reasonable computational cost. The SS technique can be used in the framework of
      the split-step Fourier method for numerical simulation of wave propagation in
      turbulence. It allows generation of the phase screen samples that are free from
      the limitations of the Markov approximation, which is commonly used for
      theoretical description and numerical modeling of optical waves propagation
      through turbulence. We investigate statistics of these phase screens and present
      a numerical algorithm for their generation.

PMID- 27140766
TI  - Shaping the Arago-Poisson spot with incomplete spiral phase modulation.
AB  - The Arago-Poisson spot played an important role in the discovery of the wave
      nature of light. We demonstrate a novel way to shape the Arago-Poisson spot by
      partially twisting the phase fronts of the incident light beam. We use a spatial
      light modulator to generate the holographic gratings both for mimicking the
      circular opaque objects and for modulating the spiral phase profiles. For
      incomplete spiral phase of five- and tenfold symmetry, we observe the gradual
      formation of the on-axis bright spots upon propagation. Our results show that two
      fundamental but seemingly independent optical phenomena, namely, the Arago
      Poisson spot and the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light, can be well
      connected by changing the phase height theta gradually from 0 to 2pi. The
      experimental results are well interpreted visually by plotting the Poynting
      vector flows. In addition, based on the decomposed OAM spectra, the observations
      can also be understood from the controllable mixture of a fundamental Gaussian
      beam and an OAM beam. Our work is an elegant demonstration that spiral phase
      modulation can add to the optical tool to effectively shape the diffraction of
      light and may have potential applications in the field of optical manipulations.

PMID- 27140767
TI  - Vector radiative transfer in a multilayer medium by natural element method.
AB  - The vector radiative transfer problem in a vertically multilayer scattering
      medium with spatial changes in the index of refraction is solved by the natural
      element method (NEM). The top boundary of the multilayer medium is irradiated by
      a collimated beam. In our model, the angular space is discretized by the discrete
      ordinates approach, and the spatial discretization is conducted by the Galerkin
      weighted residuals approach. In the solution procedure, the collimated component
      for the Stokes parameters is first solved by NEM, and then it is embedded into
      the vector radiative transfer equation for the diffuse component as a source
      term. To keep the consistency of the directions in all the layers, angular
      interpolation of the Stokes parameters at the interfaces is adopted. The NEM
      approach for the collimated component is first validated. Then, the classical
      coupled atmosphere-water system irradiated by different states of collimated beam
      is examined to verify the numerical performance of the method. Numerical results
      show that the NEM is accurate, flexible, and effective in solving polarized
      radiative transfer in a multilayer medium. Finally, polarized radiative transfer
      in a four-layer system is investigated and analyzed.

PMID- 27140768
TI  - Rank-based camera spectral sensitivity estimation.
AB  - In order to accurately predict a digital camera response to spectral stimuli, the
      spectral sensitivity functions of its sensor need to be known. These functions
      can be determined by direct measurement in the lab-a difficult and lengthy
      procedure-or through simple statistical inference. Statistical inference methods
      are based on the observation that when a camera responds linearly to spectral
      stimuli, the device spectral sensitivities are linearly related to the camera rgb
      response values, and so can be found through regression. However, for rendered
      images, such as the JPEG images taken by a mobile phone, this assumption of
      linearity is violated. Even small departures from linearity can negatively impact
      the accuracy of the recovered spectral sensitivities, when a regression method is
      used. In our work, we develop a novel camera spectral sensitivity estimation
      technique that can recover the linear device spectral sensitivities from linear
      images and the effective linear sensitivities from rendered images. According to
      our method, the rank order of a pair of responses imposes a constraint on the
      shape of the underlying spectral sensitivity curve (of the sensor). Technically,
      each rank-pair splits the space where the underlying sensor might lie in two
      parts (a feasible region and an infeasible region). By intersecting the feasible
      regions from all the ranked-pairs, we can find a feasible region of sensor space.
      Experiments demonstrate that using rank orders delivers equal estimation to the
      prior art. However, the Rank-based method delivers a step-change in estimation
      performance when the data is not linear and, for the first time, allows for the
      estimation of the effective sensitivities of devices that may not even have "raw
      mode." Experiments validate our method.

PMID- 27140769
TI  - Singular Mueller matrices.
AB  - Singular Mueller matrices play an important role in polarization algebra and have
      peculiar properties that stem from the fact that either the medium exhibits
      maximum diattenuation and/or polarizance or because its associated canonical
      depolarizer has the property of fully randomizing the circular component (at
      least) of the states of polarization of light incident on it. The formal reasons
      for which the Mueller matrix M of a given medium is singular are systematically
      investigated, analyzed, and interpreted in the framework of the serial
      decompositions and the characteristic ellipsoids of M. The analysis allows for a
      general classification and geometric representation of singular Mueller matrices,
      which are of potential usefulness to experimentalists dealing with such media.

PMID- 27140770
TI  - Fast semi-analytical solution of Maxwell's equations in Born approximation for
      periodic structures.
AB  - We propose a fast semi-analytical approach for solving Maxwell's equations in
      Born approximation based on the Fourier modal method (FMM). We show that, as a
      result of Born approximation, most matrices in the FMM algorithm become diagonal,
      thus allowing a reduction of computational complexity from cubic to linear.
      Moreover, due to the analytical representation of the solution in the vertical
      direction, the number of degrees of freedom in this direction is independent of
      the wavelength. The method is derived for planar illumination with two basic
      polarizations (TE/TM) and an arbitrary 2D geometry infinitely periodic in one
      horizontal direction.

PMID- 27140771
TI  - Demonstration of numerical equivalence of ensemble and spectral averaging in
      electromagnetic scattering by random particulate media.
AB  - The numerically exact superposition T-matrix method is used to model far-field
      electromagnetic scattering by two types of particulate object. Object 1 is a
      fixed configuration that consists of N identical spherical particles (with N=200
      or 400) quasi-randomly populating a spherical volume V having a median size
      parameter of 50. Object 2 is a true discrete random medium (DRM) comprising the
      same number N of particles randomly moving throughout V. The median particle size
      parameter is fixed at 4. We show that if Object 1 is illuminated by a quasi
      monochromatic parallel beam then it generates a typical speckle pattern having no
      resemblance to the scattering pattern generated by Object 2. However, if Object 1
      is illuminated by a parallel polychromatic beam with a 10% bandwidth then it
      generates a scattering pattern that is largely devoid of speckles and closely
      reproduces the quasi-monochromatic pattern generated by Object 2. This result
      serves to illustrate the capacity of the concept of electromagnetic scattering by
      a DRM to encompass fixed quasi-random particulate samples provided that they are
      illuminated by polychromatic light.

PMID- 27140772
TI  - Spectrum of an electromagnetic light wave on scattering from an anisotropic
      semisoft boundary medium.
AB  - Spectral shifts and spectral switches of a polychromatic electromagnetic light
      wave on scattering from an anisotropic semisoft boundary medium are discussed. It
      is shown that both the property of the incident field and the character of the
      scattering medium play roles in the change of the spectrum of the far-zone
      scattered field. It is also shown that the distribution of the far-zone scattered
      spectrum, including the magnitude of the spectral shift and the direction at
      which the spectral switch occurs, is rotationally nonsymmetric.

PMID- 27140773
TI  - Iterative l(1)-min algorithm for fixed pattern noise removal in fiber-bundle
      based endoscopic imaging.
AB  - In this study, we developed a signal processing method for fixed pattern noise
      removal in fiber-bundle-based endoscopic imaging. We physically acquired the
      fixed pattern of the fiber bundle and used it as a prior image in an l1 norm
      minimization (l1-min) algorithm. We chose an iterative shrinkage thresholding
      algorithm for l1 norm minimization. In addition to fixed pattern noise removal,
      this method also improved image contrast while preserving spatial resolution. The
      effectiveness of this method was demonstrated on images obtained from a dark
      field illuminated reflectance fiber-optic microscope (DRFM). The iterative l1-min
      algorithm presented in this paper, in combination with the DRFM system that we
      previously developed, enables high-resolution, high-sensitivity, intrinsic
      contrast, and in situ cellular imaging which has great potential in clinical
      diagnosis and biomedical research.

PMID- 27140774
TI  - 2.52  terahertz dual-axis reflection confocal scanning microscope.
AB  - We present a dual-axis reflection confocal scanning microscope operating at 2.52
      terahertz with axial resolution of 0.67 mm. The spatial resolution of the system
      was evaluated by utilizing the resolution test chart. Lateral resolution exceeded
      0.314 mm, and the lengthwise resolution was over 0.353 mm. We introduced a 0.3 mm
      pinhole to improve the resolution. Targets such as the Chinese character "TAI"
      written on paper with a pencil and the metal letter "G" were scanned to test the
      imaging quality. To verify the imaging ability of the axial sections, two pairs
      of metal straps and a combinatorial metal ring were scanned, further revealing
      the satisfying 3D imaging capability.

PMID- 27140775
TI  - Unitary rotation and gyration of pixelated images on rectangular screens.
AB  - In the two space dimensions of screens in optical systems, rotations, gyrations,
      and fractional Fourier transformations form the Fourier subgroup of the
      symplectic group of linear canonical transformations: U(2)F?Sp(4,R). Here, we
      study the action of this Fourier group on pixelated images within generic
      rectangular Nx*Ny screens; its elements here compose properly and act unitarily,
      i.e., without loss of information.

PMID- 27140776
TI  - Feature-based active contour model and occluding object detection.
AB  - This paper presents a method for image segmentation and object detection. The
      proposed strategy consists of two major stages. The first one corresponds to
      image segmentation, which is based on the active contour model (ACM) algorithm,
      using an automatic selection of the best candidate features among gradient,
      polarity, and depth, coupled with a combination of them by the kernel support
      vector machine (KSVM). Although existing techniques, such as the ones based on
      ACM, perform well in the single-object case and non-noisy environments, these
      techniques fail when the scene consists of multiple occluding objects, with
      possibly similar colors. Thus, the second stage corresponds to the identification
      of salient and occluded objects based on the fuzzy C-mean algorithm (FCM). In
      this stage, the depth is included as another clue that allows us to estimate the
      cluster number and to make the clustering process more robust. In particular,
      complex occlusions can be handled this way, and the objects can be properly
      segmented and identified. Experimental results on real images and on several
      standard datasets have shown the success and effectiveness of the proposed
      method.

PMID- 27140777
TI  - Laplace-Gauss and Helmholtz-Gauss paraxial modes in media with quadratic
      refraction index.
AB  - The scalar theory of paraxial wave propagation in an axisymmetric medium where
      the refraction index quadratically depends on transverse variables is addressed.
      Exact solutions of the corresponding parabolic equation are presented,
      generalizing the Laplace-Gauss and Helmholtz-Gauss modes earlier known for
      homogeneous media. Also, a generalization of a zero-order asymmetric Bessel-Gauss
      beam is given.

PMID- 27140778
TI  - Approximate solution for optical measurements of the diameter and refractive
      index of a small and transparent fiber.
AB  - When a plane electromagnetic wave is scattered by an optically transparent
      object, whose size is much larger than the wavelength, a series of bright and
      dark fringes forms the primary rainbow, which is one of the most splendid
      phenomena in nature. In this work, an optical technique is discussed for
      simultaneous measurement of the diameter and refractive index of an axisymmetric
      and dielectric fiber by studying some rainbow features. This noncontact optical
      technique uses a beam of light exhibiting low temporal coherence, which enabled
      us to reduce the detrimental sensitivity of the rainbow features to variations of
      the fiber properties, thus allowing for high-precision estimates. Approximate
      mathematical formulas for the diameter and refractive index measurements were
      derived from the lowest-order complex angular momentum correction to Airy theory
      of rainbow. Furthermore, sensitivity of the measurement data to small deformation
      of the fiber's cross section into an ellipse was discussed. Preliminary empirical
      results provide a qualitative verification.

PMID- 27140779
TI  - Deviation from orthogonal polarization for ordinary and extraordinary rays in
      uniaxial crystals.
AB  - We have derived a closed-form expression for the angle between polarizations of
      ordinary and extraordinary rays in uniaxial crystals for, first, any two rays
      propagating in the material, and, second, for rays coming from refraction. We
      show the cases in which orthogonality holds and that, in general, the deviation
      from orthogonality is rather small, for it depends on the difference of the
      optical indices. Specific examples for calcite and quartz are given.

PMID- 27140780
TI  - Calibration of wavefront distortion in light modulator setup by Fourier analysis
      of multibeam interference.
AB  - We present a method to calibrate wavefront distortion of the spatial light
      modulator setup by registering far-field images of several Gaussian beams
      diffracted off the modulator. The Fourier transform of resulting interference
      images reveals phase differences among typically five movable points on the
      modulator. Repeating this measurement yields a wavefront surface. Next, the
      amplitude efficiency is calibrated for registering the near-field image. For
      verification, we produced a superposition of seventh and eighth Bessel beams with
      different phase velocities and observed their interference.

PMID- 27140781
TI  - Development of an ideal observer that incorporates nuisance parameters and
      processes list-mode data.
AB  - Observer models were developed to process data in list-mode format in order to
      perform binary discrimination tasks for use in an arms-control-treaty context.
      Data used in this study was generated using GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulations for
      photons using custom models of plutonium inspection objects and a radiation
      imaging system. Observer model performance was evaluated and presented using the
      area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The ideal observer was
      studied under both signal-known-exactly conditions and in the presence of
      unknowns such as object orientation and absolute count-rate variability; when
      these additional sources of randomness were present, their incorporation into the
      observer yielded superior performance.

PMID- 27140782
TI  - Efficient evaluation of Sommerfeld integrals for the optical simulation of many
      scattering particles in planarly layered media.
AB  - A strategy for the efficient numerical evaluation of Sommerfeld integrals in the
      context of electromagnetic scattering at particles embedded in a plane parallel
      layer system is presented. The scheme relies on a lookup-table approach in
      combination with an asymptotic approximation of the Bessel function in order to
      enable the use of fast Fourier transformation. Accuracy of the algorithm is
      enhanced by means of singularity extraction and a novel technique to treat the
      integrand at small arguments. For short particle distances, this method is
      accomplished by a slower but more robust direct integration along a deflected
      contour. As an example, we investigate enhanced light extraction from an organic
      light-emitting diode by optical scattering particles. The calculations are
      discussed with respect to accuracy and computing time. By means of the present
      strategy, an accurate evaluation of the scattered field for several thousand
      wavelength scale particles can be achieved within a few hours on a conventional
      workstation computer.

PMID- 27140783
TI  - Fano resonance in high-permittivity dielectric spheres.
AB  - In this paper, an approximate model is presented to understand Fano resonance
      observed in the Mie scattering from a homogeneous dielectric sphere. By using the
      model, we can analyze the Fano parameters and resonance widths of the dielectric
      spheres with given lossless high-permittivity materials. An analytic condition
      for the occurrence of Fano resonance in the homogeneous spheres can be shown in
      the approximate model.

PMID- 27140784
TI  - Statistical framework for the utilization of simultaneous pupil plane and focal
      plane telemetry for exoplanet imaging. I. Accounting for aberrations in multiple
      planes.
AB  - A new generation of telescopes with mirror diameters of 20 m or more, called
      extremely large telescopes (ELTs), has the potential to provide unprecedented
      imaging and spectroscopy of exoplanetary systems, if the difficulties in
      achieving the extremely high dynamic range required to differentiate the
      planetary signal from the star can be overcome to a sufficient degree. Fully
      utilizing the potential of ELTs for exoplanet imaging will likely require
      simultaneous and self-consistent determination of both the planetary image and
      the unknown aberrations in multiple planes of the optical system, using
      statistical inference based on the wavefront sensor and science camera data
      streams. This approach promises to overcome the most important systematic errors
      inherent in the various schemes based on differential imaging, such as angular
      differential imaging and spectral differential imaging. This paper is the first
      in a series on this subject, in which a formalism is established for the
      exoplanet imaging problem, setting the stage for the statistical inference
      methods to follow in the future. Every effort has been made to be rigorous and
      complete, so that validity of approximations to be made later can be assessed.
      Here, the polarimetric image is expressed in terms of aberrations in the various
      planes of a polarizing telescope with an adaptive optics system. Further, it is
      shown that current methods that utilize focal plane sensing to correct the
      speckle field, e.g., electric field conjugation, rely on the tacit assumption
      that aberrations on multiple optical surfaces can be represented as aberration on
      a single optical surface, ultimately limiting their potential effectiveness for
      ground-based astronomy.

PMID- 27140785
TI  - Multi time-step wavefront reconstruction for tomographic adaptive-optics systems.
AB  - In tomographic adaptive-optics (AO) systems, errors due to tomographic wavefront
      reconstruction limit the performance and angular size of the scientific field of
      view (FoV), where AO correction is effective. We propose a multi time-step
      tomographic wavefront reconstruction method to reduce the tomographic error by
      using measurements from both the current and previous time steps simultaneously.
      We further outline the method to feed the reconstructor with both wind speed and
      direction of each turbulence layer. An end-to-end numerical simulation, assuming
      a multi-object AO (MOAO) system on a 30 m aperture telescope, shows that the
      multi time-step reconstruction increases the Strehl ratio (SR) over a scientific
      FoV of 10 arc min in diameter by a factor of 1.5-1.8 when compared to the
      classical tomographic reconstructor, depending on the guide star asterism and
      with perfect knowledge of wind speeds and directions. We also evaluate the multi
      time-step reconstruction method and the wind estimation method on the RAVEN
      demonstrator under laboratory setting conditions. The wind speeds and directions
      at multiple atmospheric layers are measured successfully in the laboratory
      experiment by our wind estimation method with errors below 2  ms-1. With these
      wind estimates, the multi time-step reconstructor increases the SR value by a
      factor of 1.2-1.5, which is consistent with a prediction from the end-to-end
      numerical simulation.

PMID- 27140786
TI  - Expressions for parallel decomposition of the Mueller matrix.
AB  - It is useful to convert between the Mueller matrix and two different Hermitian
      matrices, representing an optical material or system. We introduce forms for the
      matrices for transforming between the column vector forms of these different
      matrices. A review of matrix algebra is presented. We find that there is no great
      advantage, from the point of view of matrix manipulation, in using quantum
      mechanics ordering rather than the optical ordering of the Stokes parameters, as
      has been claimed elsewhere.

PMID- 27140787
TI  - Closed-form impulse response model of non-line-of-sight single-scatter
      propagation.
AB  - For optical scattering communication, a closed-form expression of channel impulse
      response (CIR) is favorable for further system design and channel capacity
      analysis. Combining the mean value theorem of integrals and L'Hopital's rule, the
      exact non-line-of-sight (NLOS) single-scatter propagation model is simplified to
      a closed-form CIR model for a laser source with a narrow beam. Based on this
      model, by joint geometrical and empirical approaches, a piecewise CIR expression
      is presented under certain system NLOS geometries. Through numerical results on
      CIR for various NLOS geometries, the proposed model is verified with the exact
      NLOS single-scatter propagation model and the previous Gamma fitting model,
      showing that our model agrees better with the former than the latter.

PMID- 27140788
TI  - Higher-order laser beam scintillation in weakly turbulent marine atmospheric
      medium.
AB  - The atmosphere above the sea or ocean, known as the marine atmosphere, affects
      optical waves propagating through it in a different manner than the atmosphere
      above land. Like other system design parameters, intensity fluctuations of laser
      light propagating in marine atmosphere, quantified by the scintillation index,
      also show different variations. The on-axis scintillations of higher-order laser
      beams are formulated and evaluated when such excitations are employed in a weakly
      turbulent marine atmospheric medium. Variations of the scintillation index with
      respect to the changes in the Gaussian beam size of the higher-order mode, link
      length, wavelength, and structure constant are reported. Our results can be used
      in the design of an optical wireless communication link design operating in
      marine atmospheres.

PMID- 27140789
TI  - On beam shaping of the field radiated by a line source coupled to finite or
      infinite photonic crystals.
AB  - Comparison of the beam-shaping effect of a field radiated by a line source, when
      an ideal infinite structure constituted by two photonic crystals and an actual
      finite one are considered, has been carried out by means of two different
      methods. The lattice sums technique combined with the generalized reflection
      matrix method is used to rigorously investigate the radiation from the infinite
      photonic crystals, whereas radiation from crystals composed of a finite number of
      rods along the layers is analyzed using the cylindrical-wave approach. A
      directive radiation is observed with the line source embedded in the structure.
      With an increased separation distance between the crystals, a significant edge
      diffraction appears that provides the main radiation mechanism in the finite
      layout. Suitable absorbers are implemented to reduce the above-mentioned
      diffraction and the reflections at the boundaries, thus obtaining good agreement
      between radiation patterns of a localized line source coupled to finite and
      infinite photonic crystals, when the number of periods of the finite structure is
      properly chosen.

PMID- 27140790
TI  - Surface reflectance retrieval from the intensity data of a terrestrial laser
      scanner.
AB  - The intensity data recorded by terrestrial laser scanning systems are considered
      significant measures of the spectral property of scanned objects. These data can
      be used in an extensive range of object-based applications. However, the direct
      retrieval of reflectance from intensity information is infeasible because
      intensity data are influenced by multiple variables, particularly distance and
      incidence angle. This study proposes a new method to recover the absolute
      reflectance value of the scanned surface by eliminating the effects of distance
      and incidence angle. The Faro Focus3D 120 terrestrial scanner is utilized in the
      case study. Two sets of experiments are designed to estimate the parameters of
      the developed model by using Lambertian targets at different reflectance values.
      With the estimated parameters, the proposed method is applied to recover the
      reflectance values of natural surfaces. The deviation of the retrieved
      reflectance values of natural surfaces from the reflectance values measured by a
      spectrometer is approximately 2.64%. Results show that the proposed method
      exhibits high accuracy in retrieving reflectance values and can be utilized for
      actual mapping tasks and geological applications.

PMID- 27140791
TI  - Splitting of absorptance peaks in absorbing multilayer backed by a periodically
      corrugated metallic reflector.
AB  - The excitation of modes of an open-face slab waveguide by light incident on a
      thin-film photovoltaic solar cell with a periodically corrugated metal
      backreflector is indicated by peaks in the absorptance spectrum. An absorptance
      peak due to the excitation of a waveguide mode (WGM) can split as the corrugation
      depth increases. The splitting can be explained in terms of the wavenumbers of
      the WGMs of two open-face slab waveguides with different thicknesses of the
      semiconductor layer. The splitting of short-wavelength peaks occurs for smaller
      corrugation depths than the splitting of long-wavelength peaks, suggesting that
      the corrugations need not be very deep for optimal absorption of solar photons.

PMID- 27140792
TI  - Free-form surface design method for a collimator TIR lens.
AB  - A free-form (FF) surface design method is proposed for a general axial
      symmetrical collimator system consisting of a light source and a total internal
      reflection lens with two coupled FF boundary surfaces. The profiles of the
      boundary surfaces are designed using a FF surface construction method such that
      each incident ray is directed (refracted and reflected) in such a way as to form
      a specified image pattern on the target plane. The light ray paths within the
      system are analyzed using an exact analytical model and a skew-ray tracing
      approach. In addition, the validity of the proposed FF design method is
      demonstrated by means of ZEMAX simulations. It is shown that the illumination
      distribution formed on the target plane is in good agreement with that specified
      by the user. The proposed surface construction method is mathematically
      straightforward and easily implemented in computer code. As such, it provides a
      useful tool for the design and analysis of general axial-symmetrical optical
      systems.

PMID- 27140793
TI  - Optical propagation through non-overturning, undulating temperature sheets in the
      atmosphere.
AB  - It is a standard assumption in the theory of optical propagation through the
      turbulent atmosphere that the refractive-index fluctuations n1(x) are
      statistically isotropic. It is well known, however, that n1(x) in the free
      atmosphere and in the nocturnal boundary layer is often strongly anisotropic,
      even at very small scales. Here we present and discuss a model atmosphere
      characterized by randomly undulating, non-turbulent and non-overturning, quasi
      horizontal refractive-index interfaces, or "sheets." We assume n1(x)=v[z-h(x,y)],
      where v(z) is a random function that has a 1D spectrum V(kappaz), and where
      h(x,y) is a vertical displacement that varies randomly as a function of the
      horizontal coordinates x and y. We derive a closed-form expression for the 3D
      spectrum Phi(kappa) and show that the horizontal 1D spectra have the same power
      law as V(kappaz) if the structure function of h(x,y) is quadratic. Moreover, we
      evaluate the scintillation index sigmaI2 for a plane wave propagating
      horizontally through the undulating sheets, and we compare sigmaI2 predicted for
      undulating sheets with Tatarskii's classical predictions of sigmaI2 for fully
      developed, isotropic turbulence. For Phillips-type sheets, where V(kappaz)?kappaz
      2, in the diffraction limit we find sigmaI2?k (where k=2pi/lambda is the optical
      wavenumber), which is only slightly different from Tatarskii's famous k7/6 law
      for propagation through fully developed, Obukhov-Corrsin-type, isotropic
      turbulence where Phi(kappa)?kappa-11/3. Our model predicts that sigmaI2 is
      inversely proportional to the sheet tilt angle standard deviation <thetax2>,
      regardless of whether or not diffraction plays a role and regardless of the value
      of the power-law exponent of V(kappaz).

PMID- 27140795
TI  - Regression and Correlation.

PMID- 27140796
TI  - Population pharmacokinetics of recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein.
AB  - Population pharmacokinetics (PK) of FVIII activity-time profiles following
      recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc) and recombinant factor VIII
      (rFVIII) dosing were evaluated in previously treated patients with severe
      hemophilia A (from two clinical trials). Potential covariates that may be
      determinants of variability in FVIII activity were identified. A 2-compartment
      model adequately described the PK of both compounds. von Willebrand Factor (VWF)
      concentration was the major covariate for rFVIIIFc clearance, reflecting its
      protective role in FVIII activity clearance. The effect of body weight and
      hematocrit on the central volume of distribution of rFVIIIFc was minor. The
      results of these analyses confirmed that rFVIIIFc clearance (1.65 dL/h) is much
      lower than that of rFVIII (2.53 dL/h), while the steady state volumes of
      distribution were similar. The strong positive correlations between the PK
      parameters of rFVIIIFc and rFVIII suggest that individuals who have high time
      related PK characteristics with rFVIII are likely to have comparable
      characteristics with rFVIIIFc. Steady-state activity-time profiles for selected
      rFVIIIFc dosing regimens were simulated accounting for uncertainty in model
      parameters. These population PK analyses and simulations provide a comprehensive
      characterization of the PK of rFVIIIFc and rFVIII and may be useful for designing
      dosing regimens.

PMID- 27140797
TI  - A thorough QT/QTc study of the effect of fasiglifam, a GPR40 agonist, on cardiac
      repolarization in healthy adults.
AB  - This double-blind, randomized, placebo- and active-controlled, parallel group
      trial evaluated the potential for multiple-dose fasiglifam to prolong the QT/QTc
      interval in healthy adults. A total of 280 men and women aged 18-50 years were
      randomized to receive 14 days of fasiglifam 50 mg (n = 69), fasiglifam 400 mg (n
      = 70), or placebo (n = 70), or 13 days of placebo followed by single-dose
      moxifloxacin 400 mg (positive control; n = 71). The primary endpoint was the
      least square mean difference between fasiglifam and placebo in time-matched
      change from baseline to last dosing day in QT interval corrected using the
      Fridericia method (QTcF, calculated as QT/RR(0) (.333) ). For both fasiglifam
      doses, differences from placebo in QTcF were between -4.9 and 3.0 milliseconds at
      all postdose time points; maximum upper bounds of the one-sided 95% confidence
      interval for the difference were 5.7 milliseconds for fasiglifam 50 mg and 2.3
      milliseconds for fasiglifam 400 mg, meeting predefined criteria for absence of
      prolongation. Alternate correction methods (Bazett and Individual) showed similar
      results. Fasiglifam was well tolerated; no subject withdrew due to an adverse
      event after receiving fasiglifam. In summary, multiple-dose fasiglifam did not
      affect cardiac repolarization at therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses and was
      well tolerated in healthy subjects.

PMID- 27140798
TI  - Single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic studies of tramadol immediate-release
      tablets in children and adolescents.
AB  - In these combined analyzes from 3 open-label, phase-1 studies, the
      pharmacokinetic profile of tramadol and its metabolite (M1) following
      administration of tramadol immediate-release (IR) tablets in children and
      adolescents, 7-16 years old (studies 1 and 2: n = 38; study 3: n = 21) with
      painful conditions following single oral dose of tramadol IR (25-100 mg) (studies
      1 and 2) or multiple oral doses of tramadol IR tablets every 6 hours for 3 days
      (study 3) were compared with that of healthy adults following similar treatment.
      Area under the curve of tramadol and its metabolite M1 in children and
      adolescents was lower compared with adults (Dose-normalized [DN] AUC, h ng/mL:
      tramadol: 1316.87 [children]; 1418.02 [adolescents];1838.29 [adults]; M1: 342.56
      [children]; 475.4 [adolescents]; 636.13 [adults]) while the Cmax remained similar
      (DN Cmax , ng/mL: tramadol: 203.75 [children]; 165.35 [adolescents]; 226.92
      [adults]; M1: 34.93 [children]; 38.42 [adolescents]; 52.14 [adults]). The DN AUC
      was further lower in children and adolescents with a lower body weight (<50 kg).
      The weight normalized oral clearance of tramadol was higher in children and
      adolescents compared with adults (CL/F, mL/min/kg: 12.66 [children]; 11.75
      [adolescents]; 9.06 [adults]). No new safety findings emerged. Tramadol was
      generally safe and well-tolerated by children and adolescents with painful
      conditions.

PMID- 27140799
TI  - Relative bioavailability and the effect of meal type and timing on the
      pharmacokinetics of migalastat in healthy volunteers.
AB  - Migalastat HCl is an investigational, pharmacological chaperone for mutant alpha
      galactosidase A, which is responsible for Fabry disease, an X-linked, lysosomal
      storage disorder. Two Phase I studies evaluated relative bioavailability, effect
      of meal type and timing on pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of
      migalastat HCl in healthy volunteers. Study 1 (N = 15, 19-55 years): single 100
      mg doses of migalastat HCl capsule and solution formulations were bioequivalent.
      The ratios of LSM (90% CIs) for Cmax were 97.1% (86.8-109) and AUC0-inf 97.9%
      (88.8-108) under fasted conditions. Single 100-mg doses of migalastat HCl
      capsules administered with a high-fat meal decreased Cmax by 40% and AUC0-inf by
      37%. A high-fat meal delayed tmax by approximately 1 hour. Study 2 (N = 20, 18-65
      years): A high-fat or light meal up to 1 hour before or after administration of
      single 150 mg doses of migalastat HCl capsules decreased Cmax and AUC0-inf up to
      40%, but had no apparent effect on tmax (range of medians with food: 1.5-3 hours,
      median fasted: 3 hours). A 50-g glucose drink co-administered with migalastat HCL
      did not result in clinically significant changes in migalastat absorption. No
      serious safety or tolerability issues were identified.

PMID- 27140800
TI  - Bioequivalence study with lapatinib powder for oral suspension and the original
      tablet formulation in cancer patients.
AB  - Lapatinib is approved for use in various therapeutic combinations for treating
      metastatic breast cancers that over-express HER2. To deliver the approved doses,
      up to six large tablets need to be ingested with the current 250-mg tablets. For
      ease of ingestion, a powder for oral suspension was developed. This study was an
      open-label, randomized, adaptive design, two-period crossover bioequivalence
      study of the powder for suspension relative to the commercial tablet at steady
      state following once daily dosing for 7 days in patients with advanced cancer. To
      minimize the number of cancer patients required for a pivotal bioequivalence
      study (144 in this case), a four-stage adaptive group sequential design with
      interim analyses after every 36 subjects was implemented to allow for early
      termination. Bioequivalence for the oral suspension relative to the commercial
      tablet was demonstrated in both the first (and only) interim analysis and the
      final analysis, as the 90% confidence intervals for the treatment comparison
      ratios for both AUC0-24 and Cmax were contained within the acceptance criteria
      (0.80, 1.25). Additionally, there was no statistical difference in tlag or tmax ,
      suggesting no difference in the absorption rate between treatments. There were no
      unexpected safety findings during this study.

PMID- 27140801
TI  - Population pharmacokinetic analysis of thrombomodulin alfa to support dosing
      rationale in patients with renal impairment.
AB  - Thrombomodulin alfa is a soluble recombinant human thrombomodulin that was
      reported to enhance the reversal of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
      in subjects with sepsis or hematologic malignancy and reduce mortality in
      subjects with sepsis and DIC. Population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of
      thrombomodulin alfa was performed based on rich samples collected in 24 healthy
      subjects (0.02 and 0.06 mg/kg) and sparse samples collected in 368 subjects with
      sepsis and DIC (0.06 mg/kg). Sources of variability (baseline characteristics,
      markers of renal/liver function, hematocrit, and disease severity) were explored
      using non-linear mixed effect modeling to support dosing rationale in patients
      with sepsis and DIC. Plasma concentrations of thrombomodulin alfa were best
      fitted with a one-compartment model. Body weight and creatinine clearance were
      important covariates describing the PK of thrombomodulin alfa. Typical CL values
      in patients with normal renal function, or mild, moderate and severe renal
      impairment were 0.158, 0.145, 0.128, and 0.105 L/h, respectively. Based on
      simulations, a 0.06 mg/kg dosing of thrombomodulin alfa is expected to result in
      drug exposure within the therapeutic range of the product (300-5,400 ng/mL), with
      minimum risks of bleeding in patient with normal and impaired renal functions.

PMID- 27140802
TI  - Pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence evaluation of single-tablet and separate
      tablet regimens for once-daily cobicistat-boosted elvitegravir in healthy
      Japanese male subjects: A randomized, two-way crossover study.
AB  - This randomized, two-way crossover study evaluated the bioavailability of
      elvitegravir administered as the new individual tablet containing 150 mg and a
      cobicistat 150 mg tablet, concomitantly with a fixed-dose combination tablet
      containing 200 mg of emtricitabine and 300 mg of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
      (EVG + COBI + FTC/TDF), in comparison with a single-tablet regimen containing the
      same dose of each component (EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF). Twenty-four healthy Japanese male
      subjects received the two different elvitegravir treatments, the separate-tablet
      or single-tablet regimen, once-daily for 10 days in each. The pharmacokinetic
      parameters (Cmax , AUCtau , and Ctau ) of elvitegravir were investigated at Day
      10 after each treatment, together with safety and tolerability. Relative to
      EVG/COBI/FTC/TDF, the geometric least-squares mean ratios (GMR) and 90%
      confidence intervals (CIs) for elvitegravir Cmax and AUCtau were within the
      boundary of 0.8-1.25, while the upper limit of the 90% CI of GMR for Ctau was
      narrowly below the lack of bioequivalence boundary (0.79). No deaths, serious
      AEs, or drug-related AEs occurred. In conclusion, Cmax and AUCtau of elvitegravir
      met the strict definition of bioequivalence, indicating that the two regimens
      were essentially bioequivalent. Treatment with both regimens for 10 days appeared
      to be safe and well tolerated.

PMID- 27140803
TI  - Effect of canagliflozin on the pharmacokinetics of glyburide, metformin, and
      simvastatin in healthy participants.
AB  - Drug-drug interactions between canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2
      inhibitor, and glyburide, metformin, and simvastatin were evaluated in three
      phase-1 studies in healthy participants. In these open-label, fixed sequence
      studies, participants received: Study 1-glyburide 1.25 mg/day (Day 1),
      canagliflozin 200 mg/day (Days 4-8), canagliflozin with glyburide (Day 9); Study
      2-metformin 2,000 mg/day (Day 1), canagliflozin 300 mg/day (Days 4-7), metformin
      with canagliflozin (Day 8); Study 3-simvastatin 40 mg/day (Day 1), canagliflozin
      300 mg/day (Days 2-6), simvastatin with canagliflozin (Day 7). Pharmacokinetic
      parameters were assessed at prespecified intervals. Co-administration of
      canagliflozin and glyburide did not affect the overall exposure (maximum plasma
      concentration [Cmax ] and area under the plasma concentration-time curve [AUC])
      of glyburide and its metabolites (4-trans-hydroxy-glyburide and 3-cis-hydroxy
      glyburide). Canagliflozin did not affect the peak concentration of metformin;
      however, AUC increased by 20%. Though Cmax and AUC were slightly increased for
      simvastatin (9% and 12%) and simvastatin acid (26% and 18%) following
      coadministration with canagliflozin, compared with simvastatin administration
      alone; however, no effect on active 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA)
      reductase inhibitory activity was observed. There were no serious adverse events
      or hypoglycemic episodes. No drug-drug interactions were observed between
      canagliflozin and glyburide, metformin, or simvastatin. All treatments were well
      tolerated in healthy participants.

PMID- 27140804
TI  - Assessment of relative bioavailability of two presentations of moroctocog alfa
      (AF-CC) in subjects with moderately severe or severe hemophilia A.
AB  - An open-label, single-dose, randomized, two-period, cross-over study comparing
      the pharmacokinetics of factor VIII activity in plasma ( FVIII: C) after
      administration of a new presentation of moroctocog alfa containing 3,000 IU in a
      dual-chamber syringe and the combined contents of approved 1,000 and 2,000 IU
      vials was conducted in 16 male subjects who had moderately severe or severe
      hemophilia A (FVIII:C <=2 IU/dL). Blood samples were collected for 72 hours after
      administration of the dose. FVIII: C were assayed using a chromogenic substrate
      assay in a central laboratory. The FVIII: C pharmacokinetic parameters were
      calculated using noncompartmental analysis. The dual-chamber syringe would be
      bioequivalent to the combined contents of the vials if the 90% confidence limits
      of the ratio of the geometric mean values of AUCinf , and Cmax fell within the
      interval of 80-125%. The bioequivalence criteria were met. A total of seven
      treatment related adverse events were observed in a total of five subjects. All
      were mild and none was determined to be related to administration of study
      medication.

PMID- 27140805
TI  - Direct Fabrication of Free-Standing MOF Superstructures with Desired Shapes by
      Micro-Confined Interfacial Synthesis.
AB  - Recently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with multifunctional pore chemistry
      have been intensively investigated for positioning the desired morphology at
      specific locations onto substrates for manufacturing devices. Herein, we develop
      a micro-confined interfacial synthesis (MIS) approach for fabrication of a
      variety of free-standing MOF superstructures with desired shapes. This approach
      for engineering MOFs provides three key features: 1) in situ synthesis of various
      free-standing MOF superstructures with controlled compositions, shape, and
      thickness using a mold membrane; 2) adding magnetic functionality into MOF
      superstructures by loading with Fe3 O4 nanoparticles; 3) transferring the
      synthesized MOF superstructural array on to flat or curved surface of various
      substrates. The MIS route with versatile potential opens the door for a number of
      new perspectives in various applications.

PMID- 27140806
TI  - Cobalt(iii)-catalyzed annulation of esters and alkynes: a facile route to
      indenones.
AB  - An efficient protocol for the synthesis of indenones has been developed via the
      annulation of benzoic esters and internal alkynes by exploiting the cobalt
      catalyst. 

PMID- 27140807
TI  - Biginkgosides A-I, Unexpected Minor Dimeric Flavonol Diglycosidic Truxinate and
      Truxillate Esters from Ginkgo biloba Leaves and Their Antineuroinflammatory and
      Neuroprotective Activities.
AB  - Nine unexpected new flavonol glycoside cyclodimers in the truxinate (1-7,
      biginkgosides A-G, respectively) or truxillate [biginkgosides H (8) and I (9)]
      forms were isolated as minor components from the extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves.
      The new dimers possess an unusual cyclobutane ring formed by a [2+2]
      cycloaddition between two symmetric (for compounds 1-5 and 7-9) or nonsymmetric
      (for 6) flavonol coumaroyl glucorhamnosides. A plausible biosynthetic pathway for
      these new compounds based on the frontier molecular orbital theory of
      cycloaddition reactions is briefly discussed. An antineuroinflammatory screening
      revealed that biginkgosides E (5) and H (8) inhibited nitric oxide production in
      lipopolysaccharide-activated BV-2 microglial cells, with IC50 values of 2.91 and
      17.23 MUM, respectively. Additionally, biginkgoside F (6) showed a significant
      neuroprotective effect (34.3% increase in cell viability at 1 MUM) against
      Abeta25-35-induced cell viability decrease in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.

PMID- 27140808
TI  - 5% Carbon Dioxide is safe but of limited efficacy as a treatment for paediatric
      non-convulsive status epilepticus: An open label observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the efficacy and tolerability of inhaled 5% carbon
      dioxide/95% oxygen as a treatment for paediatric non-convulsive status
      epilepticus (NCSE). METHODS: In an open label clinical trial, children in NCSE
      were given high flow inhaled 5% carbon dioxide/95% oxygen by face mask for 120 s
      under EEG control. RESULTS: Six children (five male; ages 3-13; all with severe
      underlying epilepsy and disability) were recruited. Inhalation was well tolerated
      in all cases. Capillary blood gasses showed no significant derangements at the
      end of the inhalation. Effects on EEG normalisation were limited and transient,
      and no clinical improvements were noted. No adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSION:
      Inhaled 5% carbon dioxide/95% oxygen has been suggested as a potent, well
      tolerated anticonvulsant. An anticonvulsant without sedating and respiration
      depressing effects would be particularly welcome in the management of NCSE where
      the justification for aggressive anticonvulsant therapy is often uncertain,
      however it appears that 5% carbon dioxide is of limited efficacy in this context.

PMID- 27140809
TI  - Sleep-wake distribution and circadian patterns of epileptic seizures in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurologic disorders.
      Daily periodicity of epileptic seizures has been known for over a century. The
      diurnal patterns of epileptic seizures have also been observed in studies. AIM:
      To investigate the sleep/wake cycle, day/night, and 24-h periodicity of various
      seizure subtypes and seizure onset localizations in children. METHODS: We
      analyzed the clinical seizures of 170 consecutive epilepsy patients who underwent
      video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring over the last 5 years. Semiology of
      the seizures was classified according to the semiological seizure classification.
      Origin of the seizures was defined by the onset of ictal activity on EEG.
      Seizures were evaluated in terms of occurrence during the day (06:00-18:00 h) or
      night (18:00-06:00 h), in wakefulness or in sleep, and within a 3-h time interval
      throughout 24 h. RESULTS: A total of 909 seizures were analyzed. Auras,
      dialeptic, myoclonic, hypomotor, atonic seizures, and epileptic spasms occurred
      more frequently in wakefulness; tonic, clonic, and hypermotor seizures occurred
      more frequently in sleep. Auras, dialeptic, and atonic seizures and epileptic
      spasms occurred more often during daytime; hypermotor seizures occurred more
      often at night. Generalized seizures were seen most frequently in wakefulness
      (between 12:00 and 18:00 h); frontal lobe seizures were seen at night and in
      sleep (between 24:00 and 03:00 h); temporal lobe seizures were seen in
      wakefulness (between 06:00 and 09:00 h and between 12:00 and 15:00 h); occipital
      seizures were seen during daytime and in wakefulness (between 09:00 and 12:00 h
      and between 15:00 and 18:00 h, respectively); parietal seizures were seen mostly
      during daytime. CONCLUSIONS: Seizures in children occur in specific circadian
      patterns and in specific sleep/wake distributions depending on seizure onset
      location and semiology.

PMID- 27140814
TI  - A Systematic Review of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Femoral Footprint Location
      Evaluated by Quadrant Method for Single-Bundle and Double-Bundle Anatomic
      Reconstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To unravel the standard position of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      femoral origin and deduce practical arthroscopic localization and postsurgical
      evaluation method. METHODS: Two independent reviewers searched PubMed using the
      terms ACL, footprint, femur, etc. We included studies published since January 1,
      2000, in which the results were measured by Bernard's quadrant method. This
      method consists of 4 distances, including total diameter of lateral condyle along
      Blumensaat's line (distance t), maximum intercondylar notch height (distance h),
      distance from center of footprint to proximal border (distance x), and distance
      from center of footprint to Blumensaat's line (distance y). The data of included
      studies were combined to calculate theoretical centers and standard area for both
      ACL as a whole bundle and as anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) bundles
      individually. Finally, we translated the combined data to arthroscopic
      localization and postsurgical evaluation. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were
      included. The theoretical centers of ACL as a whole bundle is 28.4% +/- 5.1% (x)
      of distance t and 35.7% +/- 6.9% (y) of distance h, whereas AM bundle is 24.2% +/
      4%, 21.6% +/- 5.2% (x, y) and PL bundle is 32.8% +/- 4.7%, 46.7% +/- 4.9% (x,
      y), respectively. The standard area of ACL footprint is a circle with a center of
      27.53%, 35.85% (x, y), and a radius of 4.58%, 9.2% (x, y), respectively.
      Translation of combined data shows that under arthroscopy, for single-bundle ACL
      reconstruction, the midpoint of distance from border of proximal to distal
      articular cartilage is the center of anatomic femoral socket. CONCLUSIONS:
      Combined data unravel the standard position of ACL femoral origin. It can be used
      by clinicians to localize anatomic tunnel both in surgery and postsurgical
      evaluation. For single-bundle ACL reconstruction, the midpoint of lateral femoral
      condyle corresponds to anatomic socket. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, systematic
      review of anatomic studies.

PMID- 27140815
TI  - Multifunctional graphene micro-islands: Rapid, low-temperature plasma-enabled
      synthesis and facile integration for bioengineering and genosensing applications.
AB  - Here, we present a rapid, low-temperature (200 degrees C) plasma-enabled
      synthesis of graphene micro-islands (GMs). Morphological analyses of GMs by
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) feature a
      uniform and open-networked array of aggregated graphene sheets. Structural and
      surface chemical characterizations by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy (XPS) support the presence of thin graphitic edges and reactive
      oxygen functional groups. We demonstrate that these inherent properties of GMs
      enable its multifunctional capabilities as a bioactive interface. GMs exhibit a
      biocompatibility of 80% cell viability with primary fibroblast lung cells after 5
      days. Further, GMs were assembled into an impedimetric genosensor, and its
      performance was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A
      dynamic sensing range of 1pM to 1nM is reported, and a limit of quantification
      (LOQ) of 2.03*10-13M is deduced, with selectivity to single-RNA-base mismatched
      sequences. The versatile nature of GMs may be explored to enable multi-faceted
      bioactive platforms for next-generation personalized healthcare technologies.

PMID- 27140816
TI  - Biosorption of effluent organic matter onto magnetic biochar composite: Behavior
      of fluorescent components and their binding properties.
AB  - Effluent organic matter (EfOM) is of great concern as one of main sources of
      organic pollutants from biologically treated wastewater, which is harmful to the
      quality of receiving waters. In present study, magnetic biochar composite (MBC)
      was successfully prepared, characterizated and applied to EfOM treatment. The
      interaction between EfOM and MBC was explored by a combination of excitation
      emission matrix (EEM), parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), synchronous
      fluorescence, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS), and molecular
      weight distribution. Result implied that two fluorescence components were derived
      from EEM-PARAFAC, and their relative fluorescence intensity scores expressed
      decreased trend. Moreover, fluorescence quenching of EfOM with increased MBC took
      place sequentially in the following order: protein-like fraction<fulvic-like and
      humic-like fractions. Molecular weight distribution suggested that MBC had
      different uptake ability to various size ranges of EfOM. The obtained results
      could provide a potential application of fluorescence spectroscopy for EfOM
      treatment assessment. 

PMID- 27140817
TI  - Optimizing gas transfer to improve growth rate of Haematococcus pluvialis in a
      raceway pond with chute and oscillating baffles.
AB  - Up-down chute and oscillating (UCO) baffles were used to generate vortex and
      oscillating flow field to improve growth rate of Haematococcus pluvialis in a
      raceway pond. Effects of gas flow rate, solution velocity, and solution depth on
      solution mass transfer coefficient and mixing time were evaluated using online pH
      and dissolved oxygen probes. Mass transfer coefficient increased by 1.3 times and
      mixing time decreased by 33% when UCO baffles were used in the H. pluvialis
      solution, resulting in an 18% increase in biomass yield with 2% CO2. The H.
      pluvialis biomass yield further increased to 1.5g/L, and astaxanthin composition
      accumulated to 29.7mg/L under relatively higher light intensity and salinity. 

PMID- 27140818
TI  - Nitrogen removal from wastewater and external waste activated sludge
      reutilization/reduction by simultaneous sludge fermentation, denitrification and
      anammox (SFDA).
AB  - This work demonstrates the feasibility of simultaneous nitrogen removal and
      external waste activated sludge (WAS) reutilization/reduction by using the
      synergy of sludge fermentation, denitrification and anammox processes in up-flow
      reactors (SFDA). Pre-treated domestic wastewater and synthetic wastewater
      (containing nitrite ~20mg/L, ammonium ~10mg/L in both) were fed to 1# and 2#
      SFDA, respectively. Long-term operation of 1# SFDA was investigated with
      achieving the peak ammonium removal rate of 0.021 and nitrite removal rate of
      0.081kgN/(m(3)d) as nitrogen loading rate elevated from 0.075 to
      0.106kgN/(m(3)d). Negative effect of dissolved oxygen on anammox or fermentation
      in the 2# SFDA was demonstrated negligible due to rapid depletion by
      microorganisms. Furthermore, a "net" sludge reduction of 38.8% was obtained due
      to sludge decay and organics consumption by denitrification. The SFDA process was
      expected to potentially be used for nitrogen removal and WAS
      reutilization/reduction in full-scale application. 

PMID- 27140819
TI  - Mechanical property of different corn stover morphological fractions and its
      correlations with high solids enzymatic hydrolysis by periodic peristalsis.
AB  - Selective structure fractionation combined with periodic peristalsis was
      exploited to improve the conversion performance of corn stover. The increase of
      glucan and lignin content and the decrease of xylan content in stem pith were
      highest after SE, whereas they were lowest in stem node. Glucan conversion
      increased in this order: steam node<stem rind<whole corn stover (WCS)<stem
      pith<leaf sheath<leaf. Glucan conversion using periodic peristalsis increased by
      10-17% before 24h compared with that using incubator shaker. Stem pith, leaf
      sheath, leaf, and WCS showed lower hardness and total work in texture profile
      analysis, resulting in higher glucan conversion compared with stem node and stem
      rind. Periodic peristalsis reduced hardness and total work before 24h, which was
      consistent with increased glucan conversion. Periodic peristalsis was an
      effective strategy to increase high solids enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of
      different corn stover morphological fractions. 

PMID- 27140820
TI  - HIV testing among social media-using Peruvian men who have sex with men:
      correlates and social context.
AB  - HIV remains concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Peru, and
      homophobia and AIDS-related stigmas have kept the epidemic difficult to address.
      Gay self-identity has been associated with increased HIV testing, though this
      relationship has not been examined extensively. Social media use has been rapidly
      increasing in Peru, yet little is known about MSM social media users in Peru.
      This study sought to investigate the demographic, behavioral, and stigma-related
      factors associated with HIV testing among social media-using Peruvian MSM. Five
      hundred and fifty-six MSM from Lima and surrounding areas were recruited from
      social networking websites to complete a survey on their sexual risk behaviors.
      We examined the demographic and social correlates of HIV testing behavior among
      this sample. Younger age and non-gay identity were significantly associated with
      lower likelihood of getting tested in univariate analysis. After controlling for
      key behaviors and AIDS-related stigma, younger age remained significantly
      associated with decreased testing. Participants who engaged in discussions online
      about HIV testing were more likely to get tested, while AIDS-related stigma
      presented a significant barrier to testing. Stigma severity also varied
      significantly by sexual identity. Youth appear to be significantly less likely
      than older individuals to test for HIV. Among Peruvian MSM, AIDS-related stigma
      remains a strong predictor of willingness to get tested. Social media-based
      intervention work targeting Peruvian youth should encourage discussion around HIV
      testing, and must also address AIDS-related stigma.

PMID- 27140821
TI  - Lifetime Socioeconomic Status and Late-life Health Trajectories: Longitudinal
      Results From the Mexican Health and Aging Study.
AB  - Objective : This article examines the association between childhood and adult
      socioeconomic status (SES) and late-life health trajectories for older adults in
      Mexico. Method : Data are from the Mexican Health and Aging Study, a panel survey
      that began with a nationally representative sample of Mexican adults 50 years and
      older at baseline (2001), with follow-up in 2003 and 2012. We use a hierarchical
      repeated measures model to estimate the relationship between SES and depressive
      symptoms, functional limitations, and self-rated health, respectively. We tested
      both discrete measures of SES in childhood and adulthood, as well as a combined
      indicator of lifetime SES. Results : Childhood SES was significantly associated
      with later-life health trajectories net of adulthood SES indicators. Adult SES
      was significantly associated with late-life health trajectories, with some
      differences by gender and outcome. There were significant SES disparities in
      health outcomes over the 11-year study period. However, there were no significant
      multiplicative interactions between SES and age, which would have indicated
      either diminishing or widening SES health disparities with age. Discussion :
      Socioeconomic disparities in health appear to persist into old age in the Mexican
      context. Efforts to reduce late-life health disparities in Mexico should target
      socioeconomic and material conditions across the life course.

PMID- 27140822
TI  - Laryngeal adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified: A population-based perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Laryngeal adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (LAdC
      NOS) is a category to which variants of minor salivary gland tumors of the larynx
      that do not fit other well-characterized histological subtypes are assigned. Its
      rare nature and inconsistency in available reports has hindered the investigation
      and further understanding of this malignancy. In this study, a national
      population-based resource was used to evaluate the epidemiology and survival of
      this rare entity. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective population-based analysis. METHODS:
      The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was searched for
      patients diagnosed with LAdC NOS between 1973 and 2012. Patient demographics,
      tumor location, TNM stage, grade, incidence, and survival trends were collected
      and analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred eleven patients met criteria for diagnosis of
      LAdC NOS, of which the majority were male (80.2%), white (84.7%), with a mean age
      of 65 years. The supraglottis was the most common site at presentation (38.7%).
      The majority presented with grade II tumor (45.7%). TNM staging revealed T2
      (36.8%), N0 (72.2%), and M0 (88.9%) to be the most common classification. The
      overall incidence between the years of 2000 and 2012 was 0.008/100,000
      individuals. The overall 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was 60.1%,
      compared to 85.7% in patients treated with combination surgery and radiotherapy.
      CONCLUSIONS: LAdC NOS is an uncommon malignancy. It most commonly affects men in
      their mid-60s, indiscriminate of race. Lesions most commonly present in the
      supraglottis and are more often low grade histologically. DSS is highest in
      patient treated with combination surgery and radiotherapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4
      Laryngoscope, 2016 127:424-429, 2017.

PMID- 27140823
TI  - Mum's absence(s): conceptual insights into absence as loss during a loved one's
      delirium.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine qualitative research findings about family
      experiences of absence or loss during older person delirium, and provide a
      critical discussion of the similarities and differences in these experiences with
      conceptual understandings of absence and loss. BACKGROUND: Families who care for
      older people with chronic illnesses experience many losses. However, the nondeath
      loss experiences of family during an older loved one's delirium, an acute
      condition accompanied by marked changes in demeanour, have received little
      consideration. DESIGN: Discursive position paper. METHODS: The findings from two
      qualitative research studies about family experiences during an older loved one's
      delirium are discussed in relation to the concepts of absence and nondeath loss.
      RESULTS: The uncharacteristic behaviours and cognitive changes that accompany
      delirium may estrange family who, despite the older person's corporeal presence,
      sense the profound absence or loss of their loved one. Although the notion of
      absence, a nondeath loss, is similar to the experiences of family of people with
      chronic conditions, there are differences that distinguish these encounters. The
      similarities and differences between absence during delirium and the concepts of
      psychological absence, nonfinite loss and psychosocial death are discussed.
      Psychosocial death, reversibility/irreversibility and partial marked change, are
      suggested as conceptual descriptions for the absence families experience during
      an older loved one's delirium. CONCLUSIONS: The sense of absence or loss that
      family may experience during their older loved one's delirium needs to be
      recognised, understood and addressed by healthcare staff. Understanding or
      appreciating conceptualisations of absence, as a nondeath loss, may enhance
      understandings of family member needs during delirium and enable better support
      strategies. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Conceptualisations of absence enhance
      understandings of family distress and needs during their older loved one's
      delirium. The potential for family members to experience their loved one's
      absence during delirium, a nondeath loss, needs to be considered by healthcare
      staff. Family experiences of absence during delirium need to be recognised by
      healthcare staff, acknowledged as a potential source of distress, and considered
      when involving family in the older person's care. Nurses are ideally placed to
      respond compassionately and provide appropriate family member re-assurance,
      support and information during delirium. Information should include possible
      impacts on family and coping strategies.

PMID- 27140824
TI  - Rupture and recoil of bent-core liquid crystal filaments.
AB  - The recoil process of free-standing liquid crystal filaments is investigated
      experimentally and theoretically. We focus on two aspects, the contraction speed
      of the filament and a spontaneously formed undulation instability. At the moment
      of rupture, the filaments buckle similarly to the classical Euler buckling of
      elastic rods. The tip velocity decays with decreasing filament length. The
      wavelength of buckling affinely decreases with the retracting filament tip. The
      energy gain related to the decrease of the total length and surface area of the
      filaments is mainly dissipated by layer rearrangements during thickening of the
      fibre. A flow back into the meniscus is relevant only in the final stage of the
      recoil process. We introduce a model for the quantitative description of the
      filament retraction speed. The dynamics of this recoil behaviour may find
      relevance as a model for biology-related filaments. 

PMID- 27140825
TI  - Spotlight on Volasertib: Preclinical and Clinical Evaluation of a Promising Plk1
      Inhibitor.
AB  - Considering the important side effects of conventional microtubule targeting
      agents, more and more research focuses on regulatory proteins for the development
      of mitosis-specific agents. Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), a master regulator of
      several cell cycle events, has arisen as an intriguing target in this research
      field. The observed overexpression of Plk1 in a broad range of human malignancies
      has given rise to the development of several potent and specific small molecule
      inhibitors targeting the kinase. In this review, we focus on volasertib (BI6727),
      the lead agent in category of Plk1 inhibitors at the moment. Numerous preclinical
      experiments have demonstrated that BI6727 is highly active across a variety of
      carcinoma cell lines, and the inhibitor has been reported to induce tumor
      regression in several xenograft models. Moreover, volasertib has shown clinical
      efficacy in multiple tumor types. As a result, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
      has recently awarded volasertib the Breakthrough Therapy status after significant
      benefit was observed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with the
      Plk1 inhibitor. Here, we discuss both preclinical and clinical data available for
      volasertib administered as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer
      therapies in a broad range of tumor types.

PMID- 27140826
TI  - Quality of life assessment in dogs and cats receiving chemotherapy - a review of
      current methods.
AB  - This study aimed to review currently reported methods of assessing the effects of
      chemotherapy on the quality of life (QoL) of canine and feline patients and to
      explore novel ways to assess QoL in such patients in the light of the experience
      to date in human pediatric oncology. A qualitative comparative analysis of
      published papers on the effects of chemotherapy on QoL in dogs and cats were
      conducted. This was supplemented with a comparison of the parameters and domains
      used in veterinary QoL-assessments with those used in the Pediatric Quality of
      Life Inventory (PedsQLTM ) questionnaire designed to assess QoL in toddlers. Each
      of the identified publications including QoL-assessment in dogs and cats
      receiving chemotherapy applied a different method of QoL-assessment. In addition,
      the veterinary QoL-assessments were mainly focused on physical clinical
      parameters, whereas the emotional (6/11), social (4/11) and role (4/11) domains
      were less represented. QoL-assessment of cats and dogs receiving chemotherapy is
      in its infancy. The most commonly reported method to assess QoL was questionnaire
      based and mostly included physical and clinical parameters. Standardizing and
      including a complete range of potentially relevant parameters in future QoL
      assessments may benefit owner decision making.

PMID- 27140827
TI  - Alpha2-adrenergic agonists for the management of opioid withdrawal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Withdrawal is a necessary step prior to drug-free treatment or as the
      endpoint of long-term substitution treatment. OBJECTIVES: To assess the
      effectiveness of interventions involving the use of alpha2-adrenergic agonists
      compared with placebo, reducing doses of methadone, symptomatic medications, or
      an alpha2-adrenergic agonist regimen different to the experimental intervention,
      for the management of the acute phase of opioid withdrawal. Outcomes included the
      withdrawal syndrome experienced, duration of treatment, occurrence of adverse
      effects, and completion of treatment. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (1946 to November week
      2, 2015), EMBASE (January 1985 to November week 2, 2015), PsycINFO (1806 to
      November week 2, 2015), Web of Science, and reference lists of articles.
      SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing alpha2-adrenergic
      agonists (clonidine, lofexidine, guanfacine, tizanidine) with reducing doses of
      methadone, symptomatic medications or placebo, or comparing different alpha2
      adrenergic agonists to modify the signs and symptoms of withdrawal in
      participants who were opioid dependent. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used
      standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. MAIN
      RESULTS: We included 26 randomised controlled trials involving 1728 participants.
      Six studies compared an alpha2-adrenergic agonist with placebo, 12 with reducing
      doses of methadone, four with symptomatic medications, and five compared
      different alpha2-adrenergic agonists. We assessed 10 studies as having a high
      risk of bias in at least one of the methodological domains that were
      considered.We found moderate-quality evidence that alpha2-adrenergic agonists
      were more effective than placebo in ameliorating withdrawal in terms of the
      likelihood of severe withdrawal (risk ratio (RR) 0.32, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.18 to 0.57; 3 studies; 148 participants). We found moderate-quality
      evidence that completion of treatment was significantly more likely with alpha2
      adrenergic agonists compared with placebo (RR 1.95, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.84; 3
      studies; 148 participants).Peak withdrawal severity may be greater with alpha2
      adrenergic agonists than with reducing doses of methadone, as measured by the
      likelihood of severe withdrawal (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.73; 5 studies; 340
      participants; low quality), and peak withdrawal score (standardised mean
      difference (SMD) 0.22, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.46; 2 studies; 263 participants;
      moderate quality), but these differences were not significant and there is no
      significant difference in severity when considered over the entire duration of
      the withdrawal episode (SMD 0.13, 95% CI -0.24 to 0.49; 3 studies; 119
      participants; moderate quality). The signs and symptoms of withdrawal occurred
      and resolved earlier with alpha2-adrenergic agonists. The duration of treatment
      was significantly longer with reducing doses of methadone (SMD -1.07, 95% CI 
      1.31 to -0.83; 3 studies; 310 participants; low quality). Hypotensive or other
      adverse effects were significantly more likely with alpha2-adrenergic agonists
      (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.10; 6 studies; 464 participants; low quality), but
      there was no significant difference in rates of completion of withdrawal
      treatment (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.05; 9 studies; 659 participants; low
      quality).There were insufficient data for quantitative comparison of different
      alpha2-adrenergic agonists. Available data suggest that lofexidine does not
      reduce blood pressure to the same extent as clonidine, but is otherwise similar
      to clonidine. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Clonidine and lofexidine are more effective
      than placebo for the management of withdrawal from heroin or methadone. We
      detected no significant difference in efficacy between treatment regimens based
      on clonidine or lofexidine and those based on reducing doses of methadone over a
      period of around 10 days, but methadone was associated with fewer adverse effects
      than clonidine, and lofexidine has a better safety profile than clonidine.

PMID- 27140828
TI  - Loss of Bmal1 decreases oocyte fertilization, early embryo development and
      implantation potential in female mice.
AB  - Biological clock genes expressed in reproductive tissues play important roles in
      maintaining the normal functions of reproductive system. However, disruption of
      female circadian rhythm on oocyte fertilization, preimplantation embryo
      development and blastocyst implantation potential is still unclear. In this
      study, ovulation, in vivo and in vitro oocyte fertilization, embryo development,
      implantation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ovary and
      oviduct were studied in female Bmal1+/+ and Bmal1-/- mice. The number of
      naturally ovulated oocyte in Bmal1-/- mice decreased (5.2 +/- 0.8 vs 7.8 +/- 0.8,
      P < 0.001), with an increasing abnormal oocyte ratio (20.4 +/- 3.5 vs 11.7 +/-
      2.0%, P = 0.001) after superovulation. Significantly lower fertilization rate and
      obtained blastocyst number were observed in Bmal1-/- female mice either mated
      with wild-type in vivo or fertilized by sperm from wild-type male mice in vitro
      (all P < 0.05). Interestingly, in vitro fertilization rate of oocytes derived
      from Bmal1-/- increased significantly compared with in vivo study (P < 0.01).
      After transferring blastocysts derived from Bmal1+/+ and Bmal1-/- female mice to
      pseudopregnant mice, the implantation sites of the latter decreased 5 days later
      (8.0 +/- 0.8 vs 5.3 +/- 1.0, P = 0.005). The intracellular ROS levels in the
      ovary on proestrus day and in the oviduct on metestrus day increased
      significantly in Bmal1-/- mice compared with that of Bmal1+/+ mice. Deletion of
      the core biological clock gene Bmal1 significantly decreases oocyte fertilization
      rate, early embryo development and implantation potential in female mice, and
      these may be possibly caused by excess ROS levels generated in ovary and oviduct.

PMID- 27140829
TI  - Molar-incisor hypomineralization and the association with childhood illnesses and
      antibiotics in a group of Finnish children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental enamel
      defect affecting 1-4 first permanent molars (FPMs) and often also incisors. The
      aim of this study was to assess whether childhood illnesses or medication are
      associated with MIH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: FPMs and incisors of 287 Finnish
      children were examined for MIH in line with the criteria of the EAPD. Health data
      from the first 3 years of life was collected from medical records and the
      associations with MIH and MIH2 (lesions in at least one FPM and incisor) were
      assessed using simple and multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of MIH and MIH2 were 11.5% and 6.3%, respectively. During the first 3
      years of life, the children with MIH had sought care for infectious illnesses
      more often than the children without MIH (mean number of visits (SD) 7.9(6.4) vs.
      6.0(5.1), p = 0.045, independent samples t-test). After adjustment for
      confounding factors, children who had received penicillin or macrolides within
      the first year, or amoxicillin within the first 3 years had a higher risk for MIH
      (2.61, 4.07 and 2.58 times, adjusted OR, respectively) or MIH2 (3.16 times, aOR
      for penicillin and amoxicillin) compared to those who had not received that
      antibiotic. Of the illnesses, children with at least one episode of otitis within
      the first year had a higher risk for MIH (2.28 times, aOR) than those who had not
      suffered from otitis. CONCLUSIONS: Acute otitis media and the use of certain
      antibiotics were associated with the elevated risk of MIH/MIH2.

PMID- 27140830
TI  - Diagnostic Accuracy in Subtyping Basal Cell Carcinoma by Clinical Diagnosis
      Compared with Punch Biopsy.

PMID- 27140831
TI  - Enzymatically Regulated Peptide Pairing and Catalysis for the Bioanalysis of
      Extracellular Prometastatic Activities of Functionally Linked Enzymes.
AB  - Diseases such as cancer arise from systematical reconfiguration of interactions
      of exceedingly large numbers of proteins in cell signaling. The study of such
      complicated molecular mechanisms requires multiplexed detection of the inter
      connected activities of several proteins in a disease-associated context.
      However, the existing methods are generally not well-equipped for this kind of
      application. Here a method for analyzing functionally linked protein activities
      is developed based on enzyme controlled pairing between complementary peptide
      helix strands, which simultaneously enables elaborate regulation of catalytic
      activity of the paired peptides. This method has been used to detect three
      different types of protein modification enzymes that participate in the
      modification of extracellular matrix and the formation of invasion front in
      tumour. In detecting breast cancer tissue samples using this method, up-regulated
      activity can be observed for two of the assessed enzymes, while the third enzyme
      is found to have a subtle fluctuation of activity. These results may point to the
      application of this method in evaluating prometastatic activities of proteins in
      tumour.

PMID- 27140832
TI  - Asymmetric Hydrogenation of 3-Substituted Pyridinium Salts.
AB  - The use of an equivalent amount of an organic base leads to high enantiomeric
      excess in the asymmetric hydrogenation of N-benzylated 3-substituted pyridinium
      salts into the corresponding piperidines. Indeed, in the presence of Et3 N, a Rh
      JosiPhos catalyst reduced a range of pyridinium salts with ee values up to 90 %.
      The role of the base was elucidated with a mechanistic study involving the
      isolation of the various reaction intermediates and isotopic labeling
      experiments. Additionally, this study provided some evidence for an
      enantiodetermining step involving a dihydropyridine intermediate. 

PMID- 27140833
TI  - Accuracy of Schneiderian membrane thickness: a cone-beam computed tomography
      analysis with histological validation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been used in the literature
      to evaluate Schneiderian membrane thickness (SMT), but its accuracy has never
      been validated. The primary aim of this study was to compare the SMT measured by
      CBCT to the gold standard histological assessment. The correlations between SMT
      and anatomical structures of the maxillary sinus and alveolar bone were also
      tested. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen fresh cadaver heads were used for the
      study, and 28 sinus lift augmentation procedures were performed to obtain the
      membrane samples. Samples were fixed in formalin and stained with hematoxylin
      eosine and Masson trichrome. Specimens were measured by optic microscope at three
      points, and a mean was obtained. Anatomical landmarks were used to accurately
      position the CBCT slice, so the SMT could be measured in predetermined locations.
      Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare values of histological and CBCT
      measurements, and Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to examine
      the relationship between thickness and anatomical parameters. RESULTS: A total of
      597 histological measurements were performed, and the mean SMT thickness was 0.30
      +/- 0.17 mm. The mean CBCT membrane thickness was 0.79 +/- 0.52 mm. A
      statistically significant difference from histological and radiological readings
      was observed (P = 0.000). Interestingly, 87.77% histological measurements had
      membrane less than 0.5 mm in thickness compared to 26.66% in CBCT assessment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this study, the median histological
      Schneiderian membrane thickness was 0.30 mm. Cone-beam computed tomography
      assessment was 2.6 times higher than the histological examination.

PMID- 27140834
TI  - Partnerships and the past: reflections on 1940s community centre endeavours of
      the National Fitness Council.
AB  - Issue addressed: Multisectoral and multilevel partnerships have been used in
      Australia since the 1940s to promote health. Examination of historical
      partnerships can offer insights into current practice. Methods: Historical method
      was used to analyse archival material regarding the role of the National Fitness
      Council (NFC) and its partnerships under the Federal Government's program to
      establish community centres. Results: Inadequate funding, messy organisational
      structures, a broadly defined goal and limited capacity within the NFC inhibited
      its work in regards to community centres. Conclusions: Although the policy of
      establishing community centres was ultimately unsuccessful, this examination has
      analysed the partnerships between the NFC and various levels of governments, and
      the effect of the political and economic context on them. So what?: Current
      health promotion practitioners can draw on the past to gain insight into
      potential problems and issues.

PMID- 27140835
TI  - Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodeno-jejunal bypass for morbid obesity in
      a patient with situs inversus totalis.
AB  - Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with duodeno-jejunal bypass (LSG/DJB) has been
      adopted in our center for the treatment of morbidly obese patients with both
      severe type 2 diabetes mellitus and existing risks factors for gastric cancer. We
      have successfully performed over 200 LSG/DJB procedures in our institution. Here
      we report the techniques used to perform LSG/DJB in a morbidly obese patient with
      situs inversus totalis. The only significant difference in executing LSG/DJB
      between normal anatomy and situs inversus totalis is changing the surgeon's
      position and switching the trocar placements during the intraoperative phase.
      Consequently, there were no significant difference in operative time between
      normal anatomy cases and the situs inversus totalis case. 

PMID- 27140836
TI  - Evaluation of the diagnostic value of 64 simultaneously measured autoantibodies
      for early detection of gastric cancer.
AB  - Autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) have been suggested as
      biomarkers for early detection of gastric cancer. However, studies that
      systematically assess the diagnostic performance of a large number of
      autoantibodies are rare. Here, we used bead-based multiplex serology to
      simultaneously measure autoantibody responses against 64 candidate TAAs in serum
      samples from 329 gastric cancer patients, 321 healthy controls and 124
      participants with other diseases of the upper digestive tract. At 98%
      specificity, sensitivities for the 64 tested autoantibodies ranged from 0-12% in
      the training set and a combination of autoantibodies against five TAAs (MAGEA4 +
      CTAG1 + TP53 + ERBB2_C + SDCCAG8) was able to detect 32% of the gastric cancer
      patients at a specificity of 87% in the validation set. Sensitivities for early
      and late stage gastric cancers were similar, while chronic atrophic gastritis, a
      precursor lesion of gastric cancer, was not detectable. However, the 5-marker
      combination also detected 26% of the esophageal cancer patients. In conclusion,
      the tested autoantibodies and combinations alone did not reach sufficient
      sensitivity for gastric cancer screening. Nevertheless, some autoantibodies, such
      as anti-MAGEA4, anti-CTAG1 or anti-TP53 and their combinations could possibly
      contribute to the development of cancer early detection tests (not necessarily
      restricted to gastric cancer) when being combined with other markers.

PMID- 27140837
TI  - Identification of Optimal Donor-Recipient Combinations Among Human
      Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Positive Kidney Transplant Recipients.
AB  - For some patient subgroups, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been
      associated with worse outcomes after kidney transplantation (KT); potentially
      modifiable factors may be responsible. The study goal was to identify factors
      that predict a higher risk of graft loss among HIV-positive KT recipients
      compared with a similar transplant among HIV-negative recipients. In this study,
      82 762 deceased donor KT recipients (HIV positive: 526; HIV negative: 82 236)
      reported to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) (2001-2013)
      were studied by interaction term analysis. Compared to HIV-negative recipients,
      the hepatitis C virus (HCV) amplified risk 2.72-fold among HIV-positive KT
      recipients (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.75
      4.22, p < 0.001). Forty-three percent of the excess risk was attributable to the
      interaction between HIV and HCV (attributable proportion of risk due to the
      interaction [AP]: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.23-0.63, p = 0.02). Among HIV-positive
      recipients with more than three HLA mismatches (MMs), risk was amplified 1.80
      fold compared to HIV-negative (aHR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.31-2.47, p < 0.001); 42% of
      the excess risk was attributable to the interaction between HIV and more than
      three HLA MMs (AP: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.24-0.60, p = 0.01). High-HIV-risk (HIV
      positive/HCV-positive HLAwith more than three MMs) recipients had a 3.86-fold
      increased risk compared to low-HIV-risk (HIV-positive/HCV-negative HLA with three
      or fewer MMs)) recipients (aHR: 3.86, 95% CI: 2.37-6.30, p < 0.001). Avoidance of
      more than three HLA MMs in HIV-positive KT recipients, particularly among
      coinfected patients, may mitigate the increased risk of graft loss associated
      with HIV infection.

PMID- 27140838
TI  - Effect of smoking status on the efficacy of the SMART regimen in high risk asthma
      - Reply.

PMID- 27140839
TI  - Anti-site mixing governs the electrochemical performances of olivine-type
      MgMnSiO4 cathodes for rechargeable magnesium batteries.
AB  - Rechargeable magnesium batteries are deemed as the next-generation secondary
      battery systems because of their high theoretical capacity and the terrestrial
      abundance of magnesium, which is used as the anode in these batteries. The
      cathode material is an important factor to improve the energy density of the
      magnesium batteries. In this study, we investigate olivine-type MgMnSiO4 cathode
      materials owing to their high theoretical capacity (>300 mA h g(-1)). The low
      temperature synthesis of MgMnSiO4 suppresses anti-site mixing between Mg and Mn,
      which drastically improves the charge-discharge capacities of the magnesium
      battery cathode. Our results show that the suppression of the degree of anti-site
      mixing between Mg and Mn enhances the diffusion of Mg(2+) during magnesium
      (de)insertion, and therefore, it is a dominant factor that affects the
      electrochemical performance of olivine-type MgMnSiO4.

PMID- 27140840
TI  - Anticipated stigma and blameless guilt: Mothers' evaluation of life with the sex
      linked disorder, hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (XHED).
AB  - Practical experience of a genetic disorder may influence how parents approach
      reproduction, if they know their child may be affected by an inherited condition.
      One important aspect of this practical experience is the stigmatisation which
      family members may experience or witness. We outline the concept of stigma and
      how it affects those in families with a condition that impacts upon physical
      appearance. We then consider the accounts given by females in families affected
      by the rare sex-linked disorder, X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia
      (XHED), which principally affects males but can be passed through female carriers
      to affect their sons. The stigmatisation of affected males is as important in the
      accounts given by their womenfolk as the physical effects of the condition; this
      impacts on their talk about transmission of the disorder to the next generation.
      Perspectives may also change over time. The mothers of affected sons differ from
      their daughters, who do not yet have children, and from their mothers, who may
      express more strongly their sense of guilt at having transmitted the condition,
      despite there being no question of moral culpability. We conclude with
      suggestions about other contexts where the possibility of stigma may influence
      reproductive decisions.

PMID- 27140841
TI  - Effect of ad Libitum Ice-Slurry and Cold-Fluid Ingestion on Cycling Time-Trial
      Performance in the Heat.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the physiological and performance effects of ad libitum cold
      fluid (CF) and ice-slurry (IS) ingestion on cycling time-trial (TT) performance
      in the heat. METHODS: Seven well-trained male triathletes and cyclists completed
      2 maximaleffort 40-km cycling TTs in hot (35 degrees C) and humid (60% relative
      humidity) conditions. In randomized order, participants ingested CF or IS
      (initial temperatures 4 degrees C and -1 degrees C, respectively) ad libitum
      during exercise. At each 5-km interval, time elapsed, power output, rectal and
      skin temperature, heart rate, and perceptual measures were recorded. The actual
      CF and IS temperatures during the 40-km TT were determined post hoc. RESULTS:
      Performance time (2.5% +/- 2.6%, ES = 0.27) and mean power (-2.2% +/- 3.2%, ES = 
      0.15) were likely worse in the IS trial. Differences in thermoregulatory and
      cardiovascular measures were largely unclear between trials, while feeling state
      was worse in the later stages of the IS trial (ES = -0.31 to -0.95). Fluid
      ingestion volume was very likely lower in the IS trial (-29.7% +/- 19.4%, ES = 
      0.97). The temperatures of CF and IS increased by 0.37 degrees C/min and 0.02
      degrees C/min, respectively, over the mean TT duration. CONCLUSIONS: Ad libitum
      ingestion of CF resulted in improved 40-km cycling TT performance compared with
      IS. Participants chose greater fluid-ingestion rates in the CF trial than in the
      IS trial and had improved feeling state. These findings suggest that ad libitum
      CF ingestion is preferable to IS during cycling TTs under conditions of
      environmental heat stress.

PMID- 27140842
TI  - Effects of cyclodextrins on the structure of LDL and its susceptibility to copper
      induced oxidation.
AB  - Cyclodextrins (CDs) have long been widely used as drug/food carriers and were
      recently developed as drugs for the treatment of diseases (e.g. Niemann-Pick C1
      and cancers). It is unknown whether cyclodextrins may influence the structure of
      low-density lipoprotein (LDL), its susceptibility to oxidation, and
      atherogenesis. In this study, four widely used cyclodextrins including alpha-CD,
      gamma-CD, and two derivatives of beta-CD (HPbetaCD and MbetaCD) were recruited.
      Interestingly, agarose gel electrophoresis (staining lipid and protein components
      of LDL with Sudan Black B and Coomassie brilliant blue, respectively but
      simultaneously) shows that cyclodextrins at relatively high concentrations caused
      disappearance of the LDL band and/or appearance of an additional protein-free
      lipid band, implying that cyclodextrins at relatively high concentrations can
      induce significant electrophoresis-detectable lipid depletion of LDL. Atomic
      force microscopy (AFM) detected that MbetaCD (as a representative of
      cyclodextrins) induced size decrease of LDL particles in a dose-dependent manner,
      further confirming the lipid depletion effects of cyclodextrins. Moreover, the
      data from agarose gel electrophoresis, conjugated diene formation, MDA
      production, and amino group blockage of copper-oxidized LDL show that
      cyclodextrins can impair LDL susceptibility to oxidation. It implies that
      cyclodextrins probably help to inhibit atherogenesis by lowering LDL oxidation. 

PMID- 27140843
TI  - A supersaturating delivery system of silibinin exhibiting high payload achieved
      by amorphous nano-complexation with chitosan.
AB  - The therapeutic potentials of silibinin - a phytochemical isolated from milk
      thistle plants - have not been fully realized due to its poor oral
      bioavailability caused by the low aqueous solubility. Existing solubility
      enhancement strategies of silibinin by nanonization were limited by their low
      payload. Herein we developed a supersaturating delivery system of silibinin
      exhibiting a high payload (~76%) in the form of amorphous silibinin-chitosan
      nanoparticle complex (or silibinin nanoplex in short) prepared by self-assembly
      drug-polysaccharide complexation. The effects of (1) pH and (2) charge ratio of
      chitosan to silibinin on the nanoplex's physical characteristics (i.e. size, zeta
      potential, and payload) and preparation efficiency (i.e. silibinin utilization,
      overall yield) were investigated. The formation of nanoplex (~240nm) was feasible
      only in a narrow pH range (5.1-5.8) and favored charge ratio below unity. At the
      optimal condition (pH 5.8 and charge ratio of 0.30), the nanoplex preparation
      exhibited 87% silibinin utilization rate and 63% yield signifying its high
      efficiency. The amorphous state and colloidal stabilities of the nanoplex during
      storage, and prolonged supersaturation generation (3h) at more than 10* of the
      saturation solubility were successfully demonstrated. 

PMID- 27140844
TI  - The effect of trimetazidine on ventricular repolarization indexes and left
      ventricular diastolic function in patients with coronary slow flow.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Coronary slow flow (CSF) is associated with an increased incidence of
      adverse cardiovascular events. Previous studies have shown increases in P wave
      dispersion, QT dispersion, and the Tp-e/QT ratio, and a prolonged Tp-e interval,
      as well as left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with CSF. We aimed
      to examine the effect of trimetazidine (TMZ) on these arrhythmia predictors and
      diastolic function of the left ventricle. METHODS: Our study included 30 patients
      with CSF and 30 individuals with normal coronary arteries. Twelve-lead ECG and
      echocardiography were used to evaluate patients before and 4 weeks after
      treatment with TMZ. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, corrected Pd
      (29.3+/-9.1 vs. 22.9+/-11.6, P=0.022), corrected QT dispersion (32.3+/-11.1 vs.
      27.4+/-6.8, P=0.032), corrected Tp-e interval (103.1+/-18.6 vs. 93.4+/-11.5,
      P=0.017), and Tp-e/QT ratio (0.236+/-0.03 vs. 0.210+/-0.02, P=0.001) were
      significantly longer, and the E/A ratio (0.905+/-0.16 vs. 0.986+/-0.12, P=0.037)
      and the mean Em/Am ratio (0.918+/-0.19 vs. 1.095+/-0.20, P=0.006) were lower in
      patients with CSF. Corrected Pd, corrected Tp-e interval, and the Tp-e/QT ratio
      were significantly decreased (29.3+/-9.12 vs. 22.5+/-9.20, P=0.022; 97.3+/-16.6
      vs. 88.2+/-16.4, P=0.031; 0.22+/-0.03 vs. 0.20+/-0.31, P=0.042 respectively), and
      left ventricle mitral annular mean Em/Am velocity was significantly increased
      (0.918+/-0.19 vs. 1.095+/-0.20, P=0.017) after treatment with TMZ. CONCLUSION:
      CSF may be related to increased P wave and QT dispersion, a prolonged Tp-e
      interval, and Tp-e/QT ratio, in addition to impaired diastolic filling. TMZ may
      be useful in restoring these findings.

PMID- 27140845
TI  - A nonlinear anisotropic inverse method for computational dissection of
      inhomogeneous planar tissues.
AB  - Quantification of the mechanical behavior of soft tissues is challenging due to
      their anisotropic, heterogeneous, and nonlinear nature. We present a method for
      the 'computational dissection' of a tissue, by which we mean the use of
      computational tools both to identify and to analyze regions within a tissue
      sample that have different mechanical properties. The approach employs an inverse
      technique applied to a series of planar biaxial experimental protocols. The
      aggregated data from multiple protocols provide the basis for (1) segmentation of
      the tissue into regions of similar properties, (2) linear analysis for the small
      strain behavior, assuming uniform, linear, anisotropic behavior within each
      region, (3) subsequent nonlinear analysis following each individual experimental
      protocol path and using local linear properties, and (4) construction of a strain
      energy data set W(E) at every point in the material by integrating the
      differential stress-strain functions along each strain path. The approach has
      been applied to simulated data and captures not only the general nonlinear
      behavior but also the regional differences introduced into the simulated tissue
      sample. 

PMID- 27140846
TI  - Elucidation of molecular and functional heterogeneity through differential
      expression network analyses of discrete tumor subsets.
AB  - Intratumor heterogeneity presents a major hurdle in cancer therapy. Most current
      research studies consider tumors as single entities and overlook molecular
      diversity between heterogeneous state(s) of different cells assumed to be
      homogenous. The present approach was designed for fluorescence-activated cell
      sorting-based resolution of heterogeneity arising from cancer stem cell (CSC)
      hierarchies and genetic instability in ovarian tumors, followed by microarray
      based expression profiling of sorted fractions. Through weighted gene correlation
      network analyses, we could assign enriched modules of co-regulated genes to each
      fraction. Such gene modules often correlate with biological functions; one such
      specific association was the enrichment of CD53 expression in CSCs, functional
      validation indicated CD53 to be a tumor-initiating cell- rather than quiescent
      CSC-marker. Another association defined a state of poise for stress-induced
      metastases in aneuploid cells. Our results thus emphasize the need for studying
      cell-specific functionalities relevant to regeneration, drug resistance and
      disease progression in discrete tumor cell fractions.

PMID- 27140848
TI  - Systemic lupus erythematosus: Defective noncanonical autophagy in SLE-like
      disease.

PMID- 27140851
TI  - Acute kidney injury: Collectin-11: a signal for complement activation.

PMID- 27140853
TI  - Acute kidney injury: Vagus nerve stimulation may prevent AKI.

PMID- 27140854
TI  - Polycystic kidney disease: Cilia and mechanosensation revisited.

PMID- 27140855
TI  - Long noncoding RNAs in kidney and cardiovascular diseases.
AB  - Transcription of a large part of the human genome results in RNA transcripts that
      have limited or no protein-coding potential. These include long noncoding RNAs
      (lncRNAs), which are defined as being >=200 nucleotides long. Unlike microRNAs,
      which have been extensively studied, little is known about the functional role of
      lncRNAs. However, studies over the past 5 years have shown that lncRNAs interfere
      with tissue homeostasis and have a role in pathological processes, including in
      the kidney and heart. The developmental expression of the microRNA sponge H19,
      for example, is altered in the kidneys of embryos carried by hyperglycaemic
      mothers, and the lncRNA Malat1 regulates hyperglycaemia-induced inflammation in
      endothelial cells. Putative roles for other lncRNAs have been identified in
      conditions such as heart failure, cardiac autophagy, hypertension, acute kidney
      injury, glomerular diseases, acute allograft rejection and renal cell carcinoma.
      This Review outlines our current understanding of the role and function of
      lncRNAs in kidney and cardiovascular disease as novel important regulators and
      potential therapeutic entry points of disease progression.

PMID- 27140857
TI  - Characterization of the reaction of decoupling ubiquinone with bovine
      mitochondrial respiratory complex I.
AB  - We previously produced the unique ubiquinone QT ("decoupling" quinone), the
      catalytic reduction of which in NADH-quinone oxidoreduction with bovine heart
      mitochondrial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) is completely decoupled
      from proton translocation across the membrane domain. This feature is markedly
      distinct from those of typical short-chain quinones such as ubiquinone-1. To
      further characterize the features of the QT reaction with complex I, we herein
      synthesized three QT analogs, QT2-QT4, and characterized their electron transfer
      reactions. We found that all aspects of electron transfer (e.g. electron
      accepting activity and membrane potential formation) vary significantly among
      these analogs. The features of QT2 as decoupling quinone were slightly superior
      to those of original QT. Based on these results, we conclude that the bound
      positions of QTs within the quinone binding cavity susceptibly change depending
      on their side-chain structures, and the positions, in turn, govern the behavior
      of QTs as electron acceptors. 

PMID- 27140856
TI  - Developmental signalling pathways in renal fibrosis: the roles of Notch, Wnt and
      Hedgehog.
AB  - Kidney fibrosis is a common histological manifestation of functional decline in
      the kidney. Fibrosis is a reactive process that develops in response to excessive
      epithelial injury and inflammation, leading to myofibroblast activation and an
      accumulation of extracellular matrix. Here, we describe how three key
      developmental signalling pathways - Notch, Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh) - are
      reactivated in response to kidney injury and contribute to the fibrotic response.
      Although transient activation of these pathways is needed for repair of injured
      tissue, their sustained activation is thought to promote fibrosis. Excessive Wnt
      and Notch expression prohibit epithelial differentiation, whereas increased Wnt
      and Hh expression induce fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblastic
      transdifferentiation. Notch, Wnt and Hh are fundamentally different signalling
      pathways, but their choreographed activation seems to be just as important for
      fibrosis as it is for embryonic kidney development. Decreasing the activity of
      Notch, Wnt or Hh signalling could potentially provide a new therapeutic strategy
      to ameliorate the development of fibrosis in chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 27140858
TI  - Effects of Repeated Complement Activation Associated with Chronic Treatment of
      Cynomolgus Monkeys with 2'-O-Methoxyethyl Modified Antisense Oligonucleotide.
AB  - The effects of repeated complement activation in cynomolgus monkeys after chronic
      antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment were evaluated by using ISIS 104838, a
      representative 2'-O-methoxyethyl (2'-MOE) modified ASO. The treatment was up to 9
      months with a total weekly dose of 30 mg/kg, given either as daily [4.3
      mg/kg/day, subcutaneous (s.c.) injection] or once weekly [30 mg/kg, either as
      s.c. injection or 30-min intravenous (i.v.) infusion]. Acute elevations of
      complement split products (Bb and C3a) and a transient decrease in C3 occurred
      after the first dose and were drug plasma concentration dependent. However, with
      repeated complement activation after chronic ASO treatment, there were
      progressive increases in basal (predose) levels of Bb and C3a, and a sustained C3
      reduction in all treated groups. There was also a progressive increase in C3d
      bound circulating immune complex (CIC) that was considered secondary to the C3
      depletion. Evidence of vascular inflammation was observed, mostly in the liver,
      kidney, and heart, and correlated with severe C3 depletion and increases in
      plasma IgG and IgM. Vascular inflammation was accompanied by increased C3 and IgM
      immunereactivity in the affected vasculatures and endothelial activation markers
      in serum. In summary, repeated complement activations in monkeys lead to a
      sustained decrease in circulating C3 over time. The concomitantly increased
      inflammatory signals and decreased CIC clearance due to impairment of complement
      function may lead to vascular inflammation after chronic ASO treatment in
      monkeys. However, based on the known sensitivity of monkeys to ASO-induced
      complement activation, these findings have limited relevance to humans.

PMID- 27140859
TI  - High rate of unrecognized dengue virus infection in parts of the rainforest
      region of Nigeria.
AB  - Outbreaks and sporadic dengue virus infections continue to occur in Africa.
      Several reports of dengue among travellers returning from some African countries
      to Europe and North America have raised concerns about the epidemiological
      situation in Africa. We investigated recent dengue infections in febrile patients
      during the rainy season in various urban centres in the rainforest region of
      Nigeria, West Africa. This cross-sectional study was conducted for 8 months in
      2014 with study participants from Adeoyo Hospital Yemetu - Ibadan, Nigeria.
      Plasma were collected from 274 febrile patients residing in 11 Local Government
      Areas of Oyo State. IgM antibodies were determined using semi-quantitative
      sandwich ELISA. Data was analyzed using Chi - Square and Fisher's exact test with
      SPSS 16.0. An overall prevalence of 23.4% dengue virus infection was found among
      study participants. Highest monthly prevalence of 40% was in April and August.
      The monthly distribution pattern of dengue virus infection indicates efficient
      virus transmission. Routine diagnosis will enhance dengue virus surveillance and
      improve patient care in West Africa. 

PMID- 27140860
TI  - Control of Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis: The best way forward for sub
      Saharan Africa?
AB  - Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis with
      significant economic and public health impacts. Control measures can be broadly
      grouped into community health education, improvements in hygiene and sanitary
      conditions, proper meat handling at household and community level, improved
      standards of meat inspection, pig management, treatment of individual patients
      and possibly human populations, and treatment and/or vaccination of porcine
      populations. This manuscript looks critically into currently existing control
      options and provides suggestions on which (combination of) tools would be most
      effective in the control of T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis in sub-Saharan
      Africa. Field data and disease transmission simulations suggest that
      implementation of a single intervention control strategy will not lead to a
      satisfactory reduction of disease morbidity or transmission. A feasible strategy
      to combat T. solium taeniasis/cysticercosis would include a combination of
      approaches focussing on both human (health education and treatment) and animal
      host (management, treatment and vaccination), which can vary for different
      communities and different geographical locations. Selection of the specific
      strategy depends on cost-effectiveness analyses based on solid field data,
      currently unavailable, though urgently needed; as well as on health priorities
      and resources of the country. A One Health approach involving medical,
      veterinary, environmental and social sectors is essential for T. solium to be
      controlled and eventually eliminated. Finally the success of any intervention is
      largely dependent on the level of societal and political acceptance, commitment
      and engagement.

PMID- 27140861
TI  - Strategic modeling of the neonatal nurse practitioner workforce.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) play a vital role in the medical
      care of newborns and infants. There is expected to be a shortage of NNPs in the
      near future. PURPOSE: To assess the present NNP workforce and study the impact of
      potential policy changes to alleviate forecasted shortages. METHODS: We modeled
      the education and workforce system for NNPs. Forecasting models were combined
      with optimal decision-making to derive best-case scenario admission levels for
      graduate and undergraduate programs. DISCUSSION: Under the best-case scenario for
      the current system, the shortage of NNPs is expected to last 10 years. We
      analyzed the impact of improving the certification examination passing rate,
      increasing the annual growth rate of master's programs, and reducing the
      workforce annual attrition rate. We found that policy changes may reduce the
      forecasted shortage to 4 years. CONCLUSION: Present forecasts of demand for NNPs
      indicate that the existing workforce and education system will be unable to
      satisfy the growing demand. Policy changes may reduce the expected shortage and
      potentially improve access to care for newborns and infants.

PMID- 27140862
TI  - The performance of telescoping fat pad biopsies for detecting systemic
      amyloidosis: a four and a half year retrospective analysis and brief review of
      the fine needle aspiration literature.
AB  - Systemic amyloidosis has historically been diagnosed by organ biopsy and Congo
      red staining, with reported sensitivities that exceed 90%. The abdominal fat pad
      fine needle aspiration (FNA), introduced in the 1970's, carries sensitivity
      estimates largely derived from studies with deficiencies. Patient follow-up is
      often unclear and proportionally low numbers of patients are verified as true
      negatives. Issues in other studies include only testing verified systemic
      amyloidosis cases. The telescoping fat pad biopsy (TFPB) is used as an
      alternative to FNA and is similarly carried out quickly with low morbidity.
      Although the two methods would seem to be comparable intuitively, this has not
      been established because sensitivity data for the TFPB method is scarce to non
      existent. The charts of 58 consecutive patients who underwent TFPB screening for
      amyloidosis in a single hospital from August of 2010 to January 2015 were
      examined. All six TFPB positive patients were determined to be true positives.
      Eight TFPB negative patients were concurrently determined to have systemic
      amyloidosis by other methods - organ biopsy (7) and mass spectrometry (1)
      resulting in a 43% sensitivity. The remaining patients were categorized into 25
      true negatives and 18 that were indeterminate based on clinical course and other
      biopsy results. 

PMID- 27140863
TI  - Observation of stable HO4(+) and DO4(+) ions from ion-molecule reactions in
      helium nanodroplets.
AB  - Ion-molecule reactions between clusters of H2/D2 and O2 in liquid helium
      nanodroplets were initiated by electron-induced ionization (at 70 eV). Reaction
      products were detected by mass spectrometry and can be explained by a primary
      reaction channel involving proton transfer from H3(+) or H3(+)(H2)n clusters and
      their deuterated equivalents. Very little HO2(+) is seen from the reaction of
      H3(+) with O2, which is attributed to an efficient secondary reaction between
      HO2(+) and H2. On the other hand HO4(+) is the most abundant product from the
      reaction of H3(+) with oxygen dimer, (O2)2. The experimental data suggest that
      HO4(+) is a particularly stable ion and this is consistent with recent
      theoretical studies of this ion.

PMID- 27140864
TI  - Cortical encoding and neurophysiological tracking of intensity and pitch cues
      signaling English stress patterns in native and nonnative speakers.
AB  - We examined cross-language differences in neural encoding and tracking of
      intensity and pitch cues signaling English stress patterns. Auditory mismatch
      negativities (MMNs) were recorded in English and Mandarin listeners in response
      to contrastive English pseudowords whose primary stress occurred either on the
      first or second syllable (i.e., "nocTICity" vs. "NOCticity"). The contrastive
      syllable stress elicited two consecutive MMNs in both language groups, but
      English speakers demonstrated larger responses to stress patterns than Mandarin
      speakers. Correlations between the amplitude of ERPs and continuous changes in
      the running intensity and pitch of speech assessed how well each language group's
      brain activity tracked these salient acoustic features of lexical stress. We
      found that English speakers' neural responses tracked intensity changes in speech
      more closely than Mandarin speakers (higher brain-acoustic correlation). Findings
      demonstrate more robust and precise processing of English stress (intensity)
      patterns in early auditory cortical responses of native relative to nonnative
      speakers.

PMID- 27140865
TI  - Rotational flaps in oncologic breast surgery. Anatomical and technical
      considerations.
AB  - Local flaps are a group of surgical procedures that can solve the thoracic
      closure of large defects after breast cancer surgery with low morbidity. Its use
      in skin necrosis complications after conservative surgery or skin sparing
      mastectomies facilitates the initiation of adjuvant treatments and reduces delays
      in this patient group. This article describes the anatomical basis for the
      planning of thoracic and abdominal local flaps. Also, the application of these
      local flaps for closing large defects in the chest and selective flaps for skin
      coverage by necrosis in breast conserving surgery. 

PMID- 27140866
TI  - Risk factor analysis and decision-making of surgical strategy for V3 segment
      anomaly: significance of preoperative CT angiography for posterior C1
      instrumentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Awareness of vascular anomalies is crucial to avoid
      iatrogenic injuries during surgical procedure. Although V3 segment anomaly has
      been well described, the incidence of V3 segment anomaly has been rather variable
      in the literature, and there are few reports regarding the adequate surgical
      strategy for each type of V3 segment anomaly. PURPOSE: This study aimed to
      analyze the incidence of V3 segment anomaly and demonstrate the importance of
      recognizing vertebral artery (VA) anomaly in deciding the surgical strategy for
      C1 screw placement. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was carried out.
      PATIENT SAMPLE: The sample included 147 patients who underwent C1 posterior
      instrumentation and preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography
      angiography (3D CTA). OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome of this study was the
      incidence of V3 segment anomaly using preoperative CTA, and the secondary outcome
      was the risk factor analysis of the V3 segment anomaly. METHODS: There were 147
      patients who underwent C1 posterior instrumentation to treat various kinds of
      upper cervical disease. The 3D CTA of the patients were assessed preoperatively
      to identify the anomaly of the VA. Each surgical technique of C1 posterior
      instrumentation was decided upon the shape and the course of the VA around the
      atlas. RESULTS: During the study period, 11 cases of V3 segment anomaly (7.5%)
      were found on 3D CTA. Persistent intersegmental artery was found in nine cases
      and was the most common variant of VA anomaly. Early branch of posterior inferior
      cerebellar artery was found in three cases. Most of V3 segment anomaly was found
      unilaterally, but there were two cases with bilateral V3 anomaly. Seven cases
      (63.6%) were associated with congenital bony abnormality around craniovertebral
      junction (CVJ), such as occipital assimilation, Klippel-Feil syndrome, and os
      odontoideum. V3 segment anomaly was significantly common in the cases with bony
      abnormality (29.2% (7/24) vs. 3.6% (4/123), p<.05). Compared with patient without
      bony abnormality, the odds ratio was 10.78 (95% CI: 2.88-40.37) for those with
      congenital bony abnormalities. Rheumatoid arthritis was not a risk factor of V3
      segment anomaly (p=.391). CONCLUSIONS: The course of the VA is heterogenous, and
      the V3 segment anomaly of the VA is more common in the cases with congenital bony
      abnormalities around CVJ. Therefore, preoperative radiological studies should be
      performed to identify V3 segment variations and reduce the risk of VA injury. To
      avoid significant morbidities associated with VA, surgical technique of C1
      posterior instrumentation should be decided depending upon the V3 segment
      anomaly. A more optimal entry point and trajectory for C1 fixation can be
      selected.

PMID- 27140867
TI  - Multilevel thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum in a Hispanic woman
      with achondroplasia.

PMID- 27140868
TI  - Carbon material distribution and flux analysis under varying glucose
      concentrations in hydrogen-producing Clostridium tyrobutyricum JM1.
AB  - Anaerobic glucose metabolism in hydrogen-producing Clostridium tyrobutyricum was
      investigated in batch culture with varying initial glucose concentrations (27.8
      333.6mM). To understand the regulation of metabolism, the carbon material and
      reduction balances were applied to estimate the carbon flux distribution for the
      first time, and metabolic flux analysis (MFA) was used to provide qualitative
      information and guidance for effective metabolic design. The overall flux
      distribution suggested that C. tyrobutyricum metabolism has a high capacity for
      the production of butyrate and hydrogen at an initial glucose concentration of
      222.4mM, with balanced activities of NADH and ATP. 

PMID- 27140869
TI  - Complete genome sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum LZ95, a potential probiotic
      strain producing bacteriocins and B-group vitamin riboflavin.
AB  - Lactobacillus plantarum LZ95 is a potential probiotic isolated from newborn
      infant fecal and it is identified to produce riboflavin with great antimicrobial
      activity. The complete genome sequence of this strain was reported in the present
      study. The genome contains a 3,261,418-bp chromosome and two plasmids. Genes,
      related to the biosynthesis of bacteriocins and riboflavin, were identified. This
      work will facilitate to reveal the biosynthetic mechanism of bacteriocins and B
      group vitamins in lactic acid bacteria and provide evidence for its potential
      application in food industry. 

PMID- 27140870
TI  - Rapid and efficient galactose fermentation by engineered Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae.
AB  - In the important industrial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, galactose metabolism
      requires energy production by respiration; therefore, this yeast cannot
      metabolize galactose under strict anaerobic conditions. While the respiratory
      dependence of galactose metabolism provides benefits in terms of cell growth and
      population stability, it is not advantageous for producing fuels and chemicals
      since a substantial fraction of consumed galactose is converted to carbon
      dioxide. In order to force S. cerevisiae to use galactose without respiration, a
      subunit (COX9) of a respiratory enzyme was deleted, but the resulting deletion
      mutant (Deltacox9) was impaired in terms of galactose assimilation.
      Interestingly, after serial sub-cultures on galactose, the mutant evolved rapidly
      and was able to use galactose via fermentation only. The evolved strain (JQ-G1)
      produced ethanol from galactose with a 94% increase in yield and 6.9-fold
      improvement in specific productivity as compared to the wild-type strain. (13)C
      metabolic flux analysis demonstrated a three-fold reduction in carbon flux
      through the TCA cycle of the evolved mutant with redirection of flux toward the
      fermentation pathway. Genome sequencing of the JQ-G1 strain revealed a loss of
      function mutation in a master negative regulator of the Leloir pathway (Gal80p).
      The mutation (Glu348*) in Gal80p was found to act synergistically with deletion
      of COX9 for efficient galactose fermentation, and thus the double deletion mutant
      Deltacox9Deltagal80 produced ethanol 2.4 times faster and with 35% higher yield
      than a single knockout mutant with deletion of GAL80 alone. When we introduced a
      functional COX9 cassette back into the JQ-G1 strain, the JQ-G1-COX9 strain showed
      a 33% reduction in specific galactose uptake rate and a 49% reduction in specific
      ethanol production rate as compared to JQ-G1. The wild-type strain was also
      subjected to serial sub-cultures on galactose but we failed to isolate a mutant
      capable of utilizing galactose without respiration. We concluded that the
      metabolic "death valley" (i.e. no galactose utilization by the Deltacox9 mutant)
      is a necessary intermediate phenotype to facilitate galactose utilization without
      respiration in yeast. The results in this study demonstrate a promising approach
      for directing adaptive evolution toward fermentative metabolism and for
      generating evolved yeast strains with improved phenotypes under anaerobic
      conditions. 

PMID- 27140871
TI  - Cholesterol-based cationic liposome increases dsRNA protection of yellow head
      virus infection in Penaeus vannamei.
AB  - Protection of shrimp from yellow head virus (YHV) infection has been demonstrated
      by injection and oral delivery of dsRNA-YHV protease gene (dsYHV) or shrimp
      endogenous gene (dsRab7). However, to achieve complete viral suppression and to
      prolong dsRNA activity, the development of an effective dsRNA delivery system is
      required. In this study, four cationic liposomes were synthesized and tested for
      their ability to increase dsRNA efficiency. The results demonstrated that
      entrapping dsYHV in a cholesterol-based cationic liposome gave the best
      protection against YHV infection when compared with other cationic lipids. The
      cholesterol-based cationic liposome-dsYHV (Chol-dsYHV) complex conferred YHV
      protection in a dose-dependent manner. Injection with Chol-dsYHV at 0.05MUg
      dsYHV/g shrimp could give comparable level of YHV protection to the injection
      with 1.25MUg naked dsYHV/g shrimp. The shrimp injected with Chol- dsYHV at
      1.25MUg dsRNA/g shrimp showed only 50% mortality at 60days post injection whereas
      the naked dsYHV at the same concentration gave 90% mortality. Thus, the liposome
      entrapped dsYHV could lower an effective dsRNA concentration in viral protection
      and prolong dsRNA activity. In addition, encapsulating dsRab7 in the cholesterol
      based cationic liposome could protect the dsRab7 from enzymatic digestion, and
      continuous feeding the shrimp with the diet formulated with the liposome
      entrapped dsRab7 for 4days in the total of 960MUg dsRab7/g shrimp could enhance
      YHV protection efficiency compared with the naked dsRab7. Our studies reveal that
      cholesterol-based cationic liposome is a promising dsRNA carrier to enhance dsRNA
      efficiency in both injection and oral delivery systems. 

PMID- 27140872
TI  - More than words (and faces): evidence for a Stroop effect of prosody in emotion
      word processing.
AB  - Humans typically combine linguistic and nonlinguistic information to comprehend
      emotions. We adopted an emotion identification Stroop task to investigate how
      different channels interact in emotion communication. In experiment 1, synonyms
      of "happy" and "sad" were spoken with happy and sad prosody. Participants had
      more difficulty ignoring prosody than ignoring verbal content. In experiment 2,
      synonyms of "happy" and "sad" were spoken with happy and sad prosody, while happy
      or sad faces were displayed. Accuracy was lower when two channels expressed an
      emotion that was incongruent with the channel participants had to focus on,
      compared with the cross-channel congruence condition. When participants were
      required to focus on verbal content, accuracy was significantly lower also when
      prosody was incongruent with verbal content and face. This suggests that prosody
      biases emotional verbal content processing, even when conflicting with verbal
      content and face simultaneously. Implications for multimodal communication and
      language evolution studies are discussed.

PMID- 27140873
TI  - Investigation of an SPR biosensor for determining the influence of connexin 43
      expression on the cytotoxicity of cisplatin.
AB  - The real-time and label free detection abilities of surface plasmon resonance
      (SPR) biosensors provide a way of evaluating the influence of some genes'
      expression on anti-tumor drug cytotoxicity. However, studies in this field are
      lacking. Connexin 43 is a tumor suppressor gene and the mechanism of its effect
      in cisplatin cytotoxicity is still unclear. A phase SPR biosensor was used to
      determine the influence of connexin 43 expression on cisplatin cytotoxicity in
      three cancer cell lines. The results showed that the SPR signal curves have two
      stages. In the first hour, the SPR signal shows dramatic changes which are
      related to connexin 43 expression. In the subsequent stage, the SPR signal slowly
      declines and is related to apoptosis. Comparison of SPR measurements from several
      conventional biological assays showed that connexin 43 expression can affect
      cellular response to cisplatin in the period of oxidative stress, and results in
      the cells being more sensitive to cisplatin. The conclusion is further confirmed
      by long-term SPR measurement results and cellular morphological changes. 

PMID- 27140874
TI  - Successful prostatic arterial embolization in a high-risk patient who refused
      blood transfusion.

PMID- 27140875
TI  - Suppressing the P2-O2 Phase Transition of Na0.67 Mn0.67 Ni0.33 O2 by Magnesium
      Substitution for Improved Sodium-Ion Batteries.
AB  - Room-temperature sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have shown great promise in grid
      scale energy storage, portable electronics, and electric vehicles because of the
      abundance of low-cost sodium. Sodium-based layered oxides with a P2-type layered
      framework have been considered as one of the most promising cathode materials for
      SIBs. However, they suffer from the undesired P2-O2 phase transition, which leads
      to rapid capacity decay and limited reversible capacities. Herein, we show that
      this problem can be significantly mitigated by substituting some of the nickel
      ions with magnesium to obtain Na0.67 Mn0.67 Ni0.33-x Mgx O2 (0<=x<=0.33). Both
      the reversible capacity and the capacity retention of the P2-type cathode
      material were remarkably improved as the P2-O2 phase transition was thus
      suppressed during cycling. This strategy might also be applicable to the
      modulation of the physical and chemical properties of layered oxides and provides
      new insight into the rational design of high-capacity and highly stable cathode
      materials for SIBs.

PMID- 27140876
TI  - Development of nanoliposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI, MM-398, PEP02) in the
      management of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Systemic chemotherapy remains the standard of care for patients
      with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The introductions of
      FOLFIRINOX and nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine combinations have improved the first
      line treatment outcomes of patients with metastatic PDAC; while second-line
      therapy options are limited. Based on the results of pivotal NAPOLI-1 study,
      nanoliposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) plus 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (5-FU/LV)
      became the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved regimen for
      patients with metastatic PDAC with previous gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in
      November 2015. AREAS COVERED: We reviewed and summarized the rationale,
      pharmacokinetics, therapeutic efficacy and adverse events of nal-IRI alone or
      combined with 5-FU/LV for metastatic PDAC with previous gemcitabine-based
      chemotherapy. EXPERT OPINION: In the NAPOLI study, nal-IRI plus 5-FU/LV
      significantly improved the overall survival, progression-free survival and
      objective response rate compared to 5-FU/LV alone. The nal-IRI plus 5-FU/LV
      treatment was associated with a manageable toxicity profile and comparable
      outcomes in patients with negative demographic characteristics. The relatively
      sparse of neurotoxicity makes nal-IRI plus 5-FU/LV as a more favorable option
      than oxaliplatin-containing regimens and the current recommended standard
      treatment for patients with metastatic PDAC after frontline nab
      paclitaxel/gemcitabine treatment. The front-line therapeutic role of nal-IRI is
      currently under investigation.

PMID- 27140877
TI  - Exact vectorial model for nonparaxial focusing by arbitrary axisymmetric
      surfaces.
AB  - We present a new approach, based on Richards-Wolf formalism, to rigorously model
      nonparaxial focusing of radially and azimuthally polarized electromagnetic beams
      by axisymmetric systems without a single-point focus. Our approach is based on a
      combined method that uses ray tracing and diffraction integrals. Our method is
      validated by comparing known results obtained with a parabolic mirror. Our
      integral representation of the focused beams, compliant with diffraction theory,
      is thoroughly discussed and solved for various conics that, so far, have not been
      treated analytically. The extension of the method to other polarization states is
      straightforward.

PMID- 27140878
TI  - Theoretical analysis and applications in inverse T-shape structure.
AB  - An inverse T-shape structure, consisting of a bus waveguide coupled with two
      perpendicular rectangular cavities, has been investigated numerically and
      theoretically. The position of the transparency window can be manipulated by
      adjusting the lateral displacement between the two perpendicular cavities. The
      effects of changing different structural parameters on the transmission features
      are investigated in detail. The results indicate that the length of two cavities
      play important roles in optimizing optical response. Finally, two simple
      applications based on the inverse T-shape structure are briefly discussed. The
      findings demonstrate that the first- and second-order modes can be separated
      without interference, and the sensitivity of the inverse T-shape is as high as
      1750 nm per refractive index unit (RIU); the corresponding figure of merit (FOM)
      reaches up to 77.1  RIU-1, which is higher than in previous reports. The
      plasmonic configuration possesses the advantages of easy fabrication,
      compactness, and higher sensitivity as well as higher FOM, which will greatly
      benefit the compact plasmonic filter and high-sensitivity nanosensor in highly
      integrated optical devices.

PMID- 27140879
TI  - On distributed wavefront reconstruction for large-scale adaptive optics systems.
AB  - The distributed-spline-based aberration reconstruction (D-SABRE) method is
      proposed for distributed wavefront reconstruction with applications to large
      scale adaptive optics systems. D-SABRE decomposes the wavefront sensor domain
      into any number of partitions and solves a local wavefront reconstruction problem
      on each partition using multivariate splines. D-SABRE accuracy is within 1% of a
      global approach with a speedup that scales quadratically with the number of
      partitions. The D-SABRE is compared to the distributed cumulative reconstruction
      (CuRe-D) method in open-loop and closed-loop simulations using the YAO adaptive
      optics simulation tool. D-SABRE accuracy exceeds CuRe-D for low levels of
      decomposition, and D-SABRE proved to be more robust to variations in the loop
      gain.

PMID- 27140880
TI  - Creation operators for Cartesian and circular beams.
AB  - Creation operators of fractional order, to derive the general Cartesian beams and
      circular beams from the lowest-order Gaussian beam, are introduced and discussed.
      Finding the creation operator for these general cases is a way to find the
      creation operator of all the special cases of Cartesian and circular beams.

PMID- 27140881
TI  - Vertical mode expansion method for numerical modeling of biperiodic structures.
AB  - Due to the existing nanofabrication techniques, many periodic photonic structures
      consist of different parts where the material properties depend only on one
      spatial variable. The vertical mode expansion method (VMEM) is a special
      computational method for analyzing the scattering of light by structures with
      this geometric feature. It provides two-dimensional (2D) formulations for the
      original three-dimensional problem. In this paper, two VMEM variants are
      presented for biperiodic structures with cylindrical objects of circular or
      general cross sections. Cylindrical wave expansions and boundary integral
      equations are used to handle the 2D Helmholtz equations that appear in the
      vertical mode expansion process. A number of techniques are introduced to
      overcome some difficulties associated with the periodicity. The method is
      relatively simple to implement and highly competitive in terms of efficiency and
      accuracy.

PMID- 27140882
TI  - Treatment of nonconvergence of the Fourier modal method and C method arising from
      field hypersingularities at lossless metal-dielectric arbitrary-angle edges.
AB  - Here, we report perturbative approaches to overcome the recently reported
      nonconvergence of the Fourier modal method (FMM) and the coordinate
      transformation method (C method) caused by the field hypersingularities (also
      called irregular field singularities) at lossless metal-dielectric arbitrary
      angle edges. For the example of triangular gratings, we replace the sharp edge
      with a rounded edge to remove the hypersingularities at the edge. With such
      profile perturbations, we observe the convergence of the C method. The converged
      values of the diffraction efficiency are tested by the finite element method.
      However, with the radius of the rounded edge approaching zero, the converged
      values of the diffraction efficiency cannot approach a fixed value. For the
      example of parallelogram gratings, we smooth the sharp lamellar boundaries with a
      medium having a gradually varied refractive index to remove the
      hypersingularities. With the decrease of the width of the perturbative medium,
      the converged values of the diffraction efficiency can approach a fixed value for
      some numerical examples but cannot for other examples. For parallelogram gratings
      with a period much smaller than the wavelength, we surprisingly find that the FMM
      tends to converge despite the existence of hypersingularities, and the converged
      value consists well with the theoretical value given by the effective medium
      theory.

PMID- 27140883
TI  - Theoretical study of Fourier-transform acousto-optic imaging.
AB  - We propose a full theoretical study of Fourier-transform acousto-optic imaging,
      which we recently introduced and experimentally assessed in [Opt. Lett.40, 705
      708 (2015)OPLEDP0146-959210.1364/OL.40.000705] as an alternative to achieve axial
      resolution in acousto-optic imaging with a higher signal-to-noise ratio.

PMID- 27140884
TI  - Complementary lattice arrays for coded aperture imaging.
AB  - In this work, we propose the concept of complementary lattice arrays in order to
      enable a broader range of designs for coded aperture imaging systems. We provide
      a general framework and methods that generate richer and more flexible designs
      compared to the existing techniques. Besides this, we review and interpret the
      state-of-the-art uniformly redundant array designs, broaden the related concepts,
      and propose new design methods.

PMID- 27140885
TI  - Propagation of magnetic dipole radiation through a medium.
AB  - An oscillating magnetic dipole moment emits radiation. We assume that the dipole
      is embedded in a medium with relative permittivity epsilonr and relative
      permeability MUr, and we have studied the effects of the surrounding material on
      the flow lines of the emitted energy. For a linear dipole moment in free space
      the flow lines of energy are straight lines, coming out of the dipole. When
      located in a medium, these field lines curve toward the dipole axis, due to the
      imaginary part of MUr. Some field lines end on the dipole axis, giving a
      nonradiating contribution to the energy flow. For a rotating dipole moment in
      free space, each field line of energy flow lies on a cone around the axis
      perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the dipole moment. The field line
      pattern is an optical vortex. When embedded in a material, the cone shape of the
      vortex becomes a funnel shape, and the windings are much less dense than for the
      pattern in free space. This is again due to the imaginary part of MUr. When the
      real part of MUr is negative, the field lines of the vortex swirl around the
      dipole axis opposite to the rotation direction of the dipole moment. For a near
      single-negative medium, the spatial extent of the vortex becomes huge. We compare
      the results for the magnetic dipole to the case of an embedded electric dipole.

PMID- 27140886
TI  - Cauchy graph embedding based diffusion model for salient object detection.
AB  - Salient object detection has been a rather hot research topic recently, due to
      its potential applications in image compression, scene classification, image
      registration, and so forth. The overwhelming majority of existing computational
      models are designed based on computer vision techniques by using lots of image
      cues and priors. Actually, salient object detection is derived from the
      biological perceptual mechanism, and biological evidence shows that the spread of
      the spatial attention generates the object attention. Inspired by this, we
      attempt to utilize the emerging spread mechanism of object attention to construct
      a new computational model. A novel Cauchy graph embedding based diffusion (CGED)
      model is proposed to fulfill the spread process. Combining the diffusion model
      and attention prediction model, a salient object detection approach is presented
      through perceptually grouping the multiscale diffused attention maps. The
      effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated on the salient object
      dataset. The experimental results show that the CGED process can obviously
      improve the performance of salient object detection compared with the input
      spatial attention map, and the proposed approach can achieve performance
      comparable to that of state-of-the-art approaches.

PMID- 27140887
TI  - Spatially resolving antenna arrays using frequency diversity.
AB  - Radio imaging devices and synthetic aperture radar typically use either
      mechanical scanning or phased arrays to illuminate a target with spatially
      varying radiation patterns. Mechanical scanning is unsuitable for many high-speed
      imaging applications, and phased arrays contain many active components and are
      technologically and cost prohibitive at millimeter and terahertz frequencies. We
      show that antennas deliberately designed to produce many different radiation
      patterns as the frequency is varied can reduce the number of active components
      necessary while still capturing high-quality images. This approach, called
      frequency-diversity imaging, can capture an entire two-dimensional image using
      only a single transmit and receive antenna with broadband illumination. We
      provide simple principles that ascertain whether a design is likely to achieve
      particular resolution specifications, and illustrate these principles with
      simulations.

PMID- 27140888
TI  - Circular paraboloid reflection cell for laser spectroscopic trace gas analysis.
AB  - Absorption cells with circular geometry are a class of multipass reflection cells
      consisting of a single, circular mirror. They can be particularly favorable for
      trace gas measurements because of their mechanical robustness, simplicity, and
      their optical versatility. In this article, we present detailed theoretical
      considerations and ray tracing simulations for the optimization of the optical
      design of circular multipass reflection cells. A parabolic mirror shape in a
      confocal arrangement is found to be most suitable for long optical paths in a
      small volume. We experimentally demonstrate more than 12 m optical path in a 14.5
      cm diameter gas cell and NO2 concentration measurements in ambient air with a
      measurement precision better than 0.1 ppb.

PMID- 27140889
TI  - Theoretical modeling of the effect of polymer chain immobilization rates on
      holographic recording in photopolymers.
AB  - This paper introduces an improved mathematical model for holographic grating
      formation in an acrylamide-based photopolymer, which consists of partial
      differential equations derived from physical laws. The model is based on the two
      way diffusion theory of [Appl. Opt.43, 2900 (2004)10.1364/AO.43.002900APOPAI1559
      128X], which assumes short polymer chains are free to diffuse, and generalizes a
      similar model presented in [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B27, 197
      (2010)10.1364/JOSAB.27.000197JOBPDE0740-3224] by introducing an immobilization
      rate governed by chain growth and cross-linking. Numerical simulations were
      carried out in order to investigate the behavior of the photopolymer system for
      short and long exposures, with particular emphasis on the effect of recording
      parameters (such as illumination frequency and intensity), as well as material
      permeability, on refractive index modulation, refractive index profile, and
      grating distortion. The model reproduces many well-known experimental
      observations, such as the decrease of refractive index modulation at high spatial
      frequencies and appearance of higher harmonics in the refractive index profile
      when the diffusion rate is much slower than the polymerization rate. These
      properties are supported by a theoretical investigation which uses perturbation
      techniques to approximate the solution over various time scales.

PMID- 27140890
TI  - Shannon information and receiver operating characteristic analysis for multiclass
      classification in imaging.
AB  - We show how Shannon information is mathematically related to receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) analysis for multiclass classification problems in imaging.
      In particular, the minimum probability of error for the ideal observer, as a
      function of the prior probabilities for each class, determines the Shannon
      Information for the classification task, also considered as a function of the
      prior probabilities on the classes. In the process, we show how an ROC
      hypersurface that has been studied by other researchers is mathematically related
      to a Shannon information ROC (SIROC) hypersurface. In fact, the ROC hypersurface
      completely determines the SIROC hypersurface via a non-local integral transform
      on the ROC hypersurface. We also show that both hypersurfaces are convex and
      satisfy other geometrical relationships via the Legendre transform.

PMID- 27140891
TI  - Nonuniformity correction for an infrared focal plane array based on diamond
      search block matching.
AB  - In scene-based nonuniformity correction algorithms, artificial ghosting and image
      blurring degrade the correction quality severely. In this paper, an improved
      algorithm based on the diamond search block matching algorithm and the adaptive
      learning rate is proposed. First, accurate transform pairs between two adjacent
      frames are estimated by the diamond search block matching algorithm. Then, based
      on the error between the corresponding transform pairs, the gradient descent
      algorithm is applied to update correction parameters. During the process of
      gradient descent, the local standard deviation and a threshold are utilized to
      control the learning rate to avoid the accumulation of matching error. Finally,
      the nonuniformity correction would be realized by a linear model with updated
      correction parameters. The performance of the proposed algorithm is thoroughly
      studied with four real infrared image sequences. Experimental results indicate
      that the proposed algorithm can reduce the nonuniformity with less ghosting
      artifacts in moving areas and can also overcome the problem of image blurring in
      static areas.

PMID- 27140892
TI  - Electromagnetic scattering by a buried sphere in a lossy medium of an
      inhomogeneous plane wave at arbitrary incidence: spectral-domain method.
AB  - A rigorous theoretical treatment to analyze the electromagnetic scattering of an
      inhomogeneous elliptically polarized plane wave by a sphere buried in a lossy
      half-space is presented. To consider the losses in the media an inhomogeneous
      plane wave is considered. The incident and the scattered electric field
      components are expanded in series of vectorial spherical harmonics using the
      Legendre functions generalized via hypergeometrical and gamma functions, with
      unknown expansion coefficients. The spectral-domain method to represent the
      scattered electric field is used in order to compute the scattered-reflected and
      scattered-transmitted fields, considering the reflection and transmission of each
      elementary plane wave by the interface. Finally, the unknown coefficients of the
      scattered field are computed by imposing the boundary condition on the spherical
      surface. In order to validate the model, a homemade code has been implemented.
      Comparisons with the simulations performed with a commercial software and the
      results in the literature are presented.

PMID- 27140893
TI  - Determination of the effective constitutive parameters of bianisotropic planar
      metamaterials in the terahertz region.
AB  - We propose analytical expressions to determine the effective constitutive
      parameters of a planar bianisotropic metamaterial from scattering parameters in
      the terahertz region. In our retrieval method, the transmission and reflection
      coefficients in only one wave propagation direction are applied. Considering the
      nonsymmetry of planar metamaterials in the wave propagation direction, the
      effective refractive index and the impedance should be obtained by a modified S
      parameters retrieval process. The effective parameters of the permittivity,
      permeability, and magnetoelectric coupling coefficient of planar bianisotropic
      metamaterials can be retrieved by derived equations. Specifically, the
      constitutive parameters for different planar metamaterials, among which two are
      isotropic and the other two are bianisotropic metamaterials, are determined. The
      intrinsic differences between the normal planar metamaterials and the
      bianisotropic metamaterials are evidently illustrated. The phenomenon including
      electric coupling to magnetic resonance and only electric response in the
      transmission spectrum is confirmed by retrieval effective permittivity and
      permeability.

PMID- 27140894
TI  - Ray optics of generalized lenses.
AB  - We study the ray optics of generalized lenses (glenses), which are ideal thin
      lenses generalized to have different object- and image-sided focal lengths, and
      the most general light-ray-direction-changing surfaces that stigmatically image
      any point in object space to a corresponding point in image space. Gabor
      superlenses [UK patent541,753 (1940); J. Opt. A1, 94 (1999)JOAOF81464
      425810.1088/1464-4258/1/1/013] can be seen as pixelated realizations of glenses.
      Our analysis is centered on the nodal point. Whereas the nodal point of a thin
      lens always resides in the lens plane, that of a glens can reside anywhere on the
      optical axis. Utilizing the nodal point, we derive simple equations that describe
      the mapping between object and image space and the light-ray-direction change. We
      demonstrate our findings with the help of ray-tracing simulations. Glenses allow
      novel optical instruments to be realized, at least theoretically, and our results
      facilitate the design and analysis of such devices.

PMID- 27140895
TI  - Axial nonimaging characteristics of imaging lenses: discussion.
AB  - At observation planes away from the image plane, an imaging lens is a nonimaging
      optic. We examine the variation of axial irradiance with distance in image space
      and highlight the following little-known observation for discussion: On a per
      unit-area basis, the position of the highest concentration in image space is
      generally not at the focal plane. This characteristic is contrary to common
      experience, and it offers an additional degree of freedom for the design of
      detection systems. Additionally, it would also apply to lenses with negative
      refractive index. The position of peak concentration and its irradiance is
      dependent upon the location and irradiance of the image. As such, this discussion
      also includes a close examination of expressions for image irradiance and
      explains how they are related to irradiance calculations beyond the image plane.
      This study is restricted to rotationally symmetric refractive imaging systems
      with incoherent extended Lambertian sources.

PMID- 27140896
TI  - Planar scanning method for detecting refraction characteristics of two
      dimensional photonic quasi-crystal wedge-shaped prisms.
AB  - In this study, a planar scanning method is proposed. This novel method adapts two
      monitors moving along double planar tracks that can be used to detect refraction
      characteristics of two-dimensional (2D) photonic quasi-crystal (PQC) wedge-shaped
      prisms. Refraction of a decagonal Penrose-type PQC prism is analyzed for a given
      incident beam and two polarization modes at different incident positions in the
      prism using this method. Refraction from the prism is irregular, indicating that
      nonuniformity in the arrangement of scatterers in the prism causes Bragg-like
      scattering irregularities. Numerical results show that this method can be used
      for guiding the design of a 2D PQC prism and for the analysis of its refraction
      characteristics.

PMID- 27140897
TI  - Angularly symmetric splitting of a light beam upon reflection and refraction at
      an air-dielectric plane boundary: comment.
AB  - In a recent paper, conditions for achieving equal and opposite angular
      deflections of a light beam by reflection and refraction at an interface between
      air and a dielectric were determined [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A32, 2436 (2015)JOAOD60740
      323210.1364/JOSAA.32.002436]. The paper gives plots of angles of incidence and
      refraction as a function of the prism refractive index as well as plots of
      reflectances and incident linear-polarization azimuth angles as functions of the
      refractive index. We show here that it is possible to express these quantities as
      simple algebraic functions of the refractive index.

PMID- 27140898
TI  - Angularly symmetric splitting of a light beam upon reflection and refraction at
      an air-dielectric plane boundary: reply.
AB  - The simplified explicit expressions derived by Andersen [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A33,
      984 (2016)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.32.000984], that relate to angularly
      symmetric beam splitting by reflection and refraction at an air-dielectric
      interface recently described by Azzam [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A32, 2436
      (2015)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.32.002436], are welcome. A few additional
      remarks are also included in my reply to Andersen's comment.

PMID- 27140899
TI  - Multiple scattering of polarized light in turbid infinite planes: Monte Carlo
      simulations.
AB  - Monte Carlo simulations were performed for infinite plane media containing
      spherical particles of different sizes. Most of the features of the surface plots
      for the elements of the effective scattering Mueller matrices are explained by
      the azimuthal dependence of the matrix predicted according to the theory of
      Rakovic et al. [Appl. Opt.38, 3399 (1999)10.1364/AO.38.003399APOPAI1559-128X].
      The reduced effective scattering Mueller matrices calculated according to the
      theory have eight nonzero elements, which are only dependent on the distance from
      the illumination point. The reduced matrices are factorized approximately into
      products of a depolarizer and retarding diattenuators. The turbid infinite plane
      media nearly behave as a pure depolarizer at long distances and become more
      diattenuating and birefringent with decreasing distance.

PMID- 27140900
TI  - Guided Bloch surface wave resonance for biosensor designs.
AB  - A guided Bloch surface wave resonance (GBR) configuration is introduced for label
      free biosensing. The GBR is realized by coupling the first-order diffraction of a
      subwavelength grating with the Bloch surface wave at the interface between a 1D
      photonic crystal slab and bio-solution. In addition to sustaining the Bloch
      surface mode, the photonic crystal provides the design freedom of simultaneously
      increasing the quality and decreasing the sideband transmissions of the resonance
      spectrum. The low sideband and high-quality features along with the large
      sensitivity rising from the strong overlap between the Bloch surface mode and the
      bio-solution make the GBR suitable for the design of biosensors. Biosensors with
      a high figure of merit are realized by the compact configurations.

PMID- 27140901
TI  - Formation of vortices by interference of surface plasmon polaritons.
AB  - The TM-mode of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) can be excited at the interface
      of a metal layer and a dielectric medium. The E-mode of the SPPs is excited due
      to reflection of the TM-mode from the boundary of inhomogeneity in the metal
      layer. The interference of these modes leads to the formation of the SPP vortices
      in the points of minima of the mode field in some components of the Poynting
      vector of the SPP. The SPP interference vortex pattern changes depending on the
      curvature of the boundary of inhomogeneity in the metal layer, and the vortices
      appear and disappear in the components of the Poynting vector.

PMID- 27140902
TI  - Heterogeneity in Spinal Bone Mineral Density Among Young Adults From Three
      Eastern Provincial Capital Cities in Mainland China.
AB  - This study compares spinal volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) with spinal
      areal bone mineral density (aBMD) among young adults from 3 eastern provincial
      capital cities in Mainland China. A total of 416 young adults (age range: 20-40
      yr) from 3 eastern provincial capital cities (Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou)
      in Mainland China were recruited in this study. From each subject, the vBMD of
      the lumbar spine was measured by the Mindways quantitative computed tomography
      system. Moreover, the aBMD of the lumbar spine, measured by the dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry, was extracted from a previous multicenter large-scale study, and
      the 420 participants were matched by age, gender, height, weight, as well as
      geographic territory. The vBMD and the aBMD values were further compared and
      analyzed. Generally, the bone mineral density (BMD) results were significantly
      different among participants from the 3 cities (p <0.05). Specifically, both vBMD
      and aBMD values of participants from Beijing were significantly different from
      those from Guangzhou (p <0.05). Additionally, a statistically significant
      difference in aBMD values was also found between participants from Beijing and
      Shanghai (p <0.05). However, no significant differences were found between
      participants from Shanghai and Guangzhou in terms of the aBMD and vBMD values (p1
      > 0.05 and p2 > 0.05). Interestingly, the overall mean vBMD value was 5.9%
      greater in women than those in men for all the 3 cities (p <0.001). This study
      demonstrated an overall heterogeneity in spinal BMD among young adults from 3
      eastern provincial capital cities in Mainland China. Specifically, the taller and
      heavier young adults from the northern part of China have smaller spinal vBMD but
      higher spinal aBMD values than those who were shorter and lighter from the
      southern part of China.

PMID- 27140903
TI  - [Biological follow-up of patients with HIV treated with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1
      for non-small cell bronchial carcinoma: A task group proposal].

PMID- 27140904
TI  - Sorption of trivalent lanthanides and actinides onto montmorillonite:
      Macroscopic, thermodynamic and structural evidence for ternary hydroxo and
      carbonato surface complexes on multiple sorption sites.
AB  - The credibility of long-term safety assessments of radioactive waste repositories
      may be greatly enhanced by a molecular level understanding of the sorption
      processes onto individual minerals present in the near- and far-fields. In this
      study we couple macroscopic sorption experiments to surface complexation
      modelling and spectroscopic investigations, including extended X-ray absorption
      fine structure (EXAFS) and time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopies
      (TRLFS), to elucidate the uptake mechanism of trivalent lanthanides and actinides
      (Ln/An(III)) by montmorillonite in the absence and presence of dissolved
      carbonate. Based on the experimental sorption isotherms for the carbonate-free
      system, the previously developed 2 site protolysis non electrostatic surface
      complexation and cation exchange (2SPNE SC/CE) model needed to be complemented
      with an additional surface complexation reaction onto weak sites. The fitting of
      sorption isotherms in the presence of carbonate required refinement of the
      previously published model by reducing the strong site capacity and by adding the
      formation of Ln/An(III)-carbonato complexes both on strong and weak sites. EXAFS
      spectra of selected Am samples and TRLFS spectra of selected Cm samples
      corroborate the model assumptions by showing the existence of different surface
      complexation sites and evidencing the formation of Ln/An(III) carbonate surface
      complexes. In the absence of carbonate and at low loadings, Ln/An(III) form
      strong inner-sphere complexes through binding to three Al(O,OH)6 octahedra, most
      likely by occupying vacant sites in the octahedral layers of montmorillonite,
      which are exposed on {010} and {110} edge faces. At higher loadings, Ln/An(III)
      binds to only one Al octahedron, forming a weaker, edge-sharing surface complex.
      In the presence of carbonate, we identified a ternary mono- or dicarbonato
      Ln/An(III) complex binding directly to one Al(O,OH)6 octahedron, revealing that
      type-A ternary complexes form with the one or two carbonate groups pointing away
      from the surface into the solution phase. Within the spectroscopically observable
      concentration range these complexes could only be identified on the weak sites,
      in line with the small strong site capacity suggested by the refined sorption
      model. When the solubility of carbonates was exceeded, formation of an Am
      carbonate hydroxide could be identified. The excellent agreement between the
      thermodynamic model parameters obtained by fitting the macroscopic data, and the
      spectroscopically identified mechanisms, demonstrates the mature state of the
      2SPNE SC/CE model for predicting and quantifying the retention of Ln/An(III)
      elements by montmorillonite-rich clay rocks.

PMID- 27140905
TI  - Iron-rich colloids as carriers of phosphorus in streams: A field-flow
      fractionation study.
AB  - Colloidal phosphorus (P) may represent an important fraction of the P in natural
      waters, but these colloids remain poorly characterized. In this work, we
      demonstrate the applicability of asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4)
      coupled to high resolution ICP-MS for the characterization of low concentrations
      of P-bearing colloids. Colloids from five streams draining catchments with
      contrasting properties were characterized by AF4-ICP-MS and by membrane
      filtration. All streams contain free humic substances (2-3 nm) and Fe-bearing
      colloids (3-1200 nm). Two soft water streams contain primary Fe oxyhydroxide
      humic nanoparticles (3-6 nm) and aggregates thereof (up to 150 nm). In contrast,
      three harder water streams contain larger aggregates (40-1200 nm) which consist
      of diverse associations between Fe oxyhydroxides, humic substances, clay
      minerals, and possibly ferric phosphate minerals. Despite the diversity of
      colloids encountered in these contrasting streams, P is in most of the samples
      predominantly associated with Fe-bearing colloids (mostly Fe oxyhydroxides) at
      molar P:Fe ratios between 0.02 and 1.5. The molar P:Fe ratio of the waters
      explains the partitioning of P between colloids and truly dissolved species.
      Waters with a high P:Fe ratio predominantly contain truly dissolved species
      because the Fe-rich colloids are saturated with P, whereas waters with a low P:Fe
      ratio mostly contain colloidal P species. Overall, AF4-ICP-MS is a suitable
      technique to characterize the diverse P-binding colloids in natural waters. Such
      colloids may increase the mobility or decrease the bioavailability of P, and they
      therefore need to be considered when addressing the transport and environmental
      effects of P in catchments.

PMID- 27140906
TI  - (Bio)degradation of glyphosate in water-sediment microcosms - A stable isotope co
      labeling approach.
AB  - Glyphosate and its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) are frequently
      detected in water and sediments. Up to date, there are no comprehensive studies
      on the fate of glyphosate in water-sediment microcosms according to OECD 308
      guideline. Stable isotope co-labeled (13)C3(15)N-glyphosate was used to determine
      the turnover mass balance, formation of metabolites, and formation of residues
      over a period of 80 days. In the water-sediment system, 56% of the initial (13)C3
      glyphosate equivalents was ultimately mineralized, whereas the mineralization in
      the water system (without sediment) was low, reaching only 2% of (13)C-glyphosate
      equivalents. This finding demonstrates the key role of sediments in its
      degradation. Glyphosate was detected below detection limit in the water
      compartment on day 40, but could still be detected in the sediments, ultimately
      reaching 5% of (13)C3(15)N-glyphosate equivalents. A rapid increase in (13)C(15)N
      AMPA was noted after 10 days, and these transformation products ultimately
      constituted 26% of the (13)C3-glyphosate equivalents and 79% of the (15)N
      glyphosate equivalents. In total, 10% of the (13)C label and 12% of the (15)N
      label were incorporated into amino acids, indicating no risk bearing biogenic
      residue formation from (13)C3(15)N-glyphosate. Initially, glyphosate was
      biodegraded via the sarcosine pathway related to microbial growth, as shown by co
      labeled (13)C(15)N-glycine and biogenic residue formation. Later, degradation via
      AMPA dominated under starvation conditions, as shown by the contents of (13)C
      glycine. The presented data provide the first evidence of the speciation of the
      non-extractable residues as well as the utilization of glyphosate as a carbon and
      nitrogen source in the water-sediment system. This study also highlights the
      contribution of both the sarcosine and the AMPA degradation pathways under these
      conditions.

PMID- 27140907
TI  - Differential Expression of Aquaporins in Cervical Precursor Lesions and Invasive
      Cervical Cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aquaporins (AQPs) are highly expressed in tumor cells of different
      origins, particularly the aggressive tumors. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the expression of AQP isoforms during progression of squamous
      cervical cancer (SCC) and explore their associations with clinicopathologic
      variables of SCC. METHODS: Expression of AQP isoforms (1, 3, 4, 5, and 8) was
      detected by immunohistochemistry in 47 SCCs, 37 cervical intraepithelial
      neoplasia (CIN), and 16 normal cervical tissues. Specific expression of AQP
      protein in SCC was detected by Western blot. Double immunohistochemistry was used
      to examine whether AQPs and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are
      coexpressed in SCC. RESULTS: Aquaporin 1 showed higher positivity rate in CIN
      than in SCC and normal cervical tissues (P < .05). The expression intensity of
      AQP3, 4, 5, and 8 was higher in SCC than that in normal cervical tissues,
      respectively (P < .05). The expression of AQP3 and 8 was higher in SCC than that
      in CIN, respectively (P < .05). The AQP4 expression was higher in CIN than in
      normal cervical tissues (P < .05). The expression of AQP3 in CIN III was higher
      than that in CIN I and II (P < .05). There was a significant increase in the
      expression of AQP1 in stage I than that in stage II (P < .05). Aquaporin 3 showed
      lower positivity in moderately and well-differentiated tumors compared to that in
      poorly differentiated tumors (P < .05). Finally, double immunohistochemistry
      illustrated that AQP1/AQP3/AQP8 and VEGF were coexpressed in SCC. CONCLUSIONS:
      Different AQP isoforms display specific expression patterns in normal cervical,
      CIN, and SCC tissues. This and the significant association with the
      clinicopathologic variables of SCC suggest that AQP isoforms might play different
      roles in the development of cervical cancer.

PMID- 27140908
TI  - Chymotrypsin Enhances Soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 1 Production Through
      Protease-Activated Receptor 2 in Placenta-Derived Immortalized Human Trophoblast
      Cells.
AB  - The production of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1) by exogenous
      chymotrypsin in trophoblast cells through protease-activated receptor (PAR) 2 was
      investigated to identify the role of a chymotrypsin-like serine protease in
      preeclampsia (PE) pathogenesis. We evaluated the expression of chymotrypsin,
      FLT1, and sFLT1 in monolayers of immortalized human trophoblast cells derived
      from placenta (TCL-1 cells). To investigate whether chymotrypsin enhances the
      production and release of sFLT1 through PAR-2, we examined changes in sFLT1
      protein levels in conditioned medium by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and
      sFLT1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels by real-time polymerase chain reaction in TCL-1
      cells treated with exogenous chymotrypsin in the presence or absence of a PAR-2
      antagonist or a chymotrypsin inhibitor (TPCK). We also examined changes in PAR-2
      expression in TCL-1 cells treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha in the
      presence or absence of a polyclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibody. Western blot
      analysis showed that TCL-1 trophoblast cells expressed chymotrypsin, FLT1, and
      sFLT1. Compared with the control cells, the sFLT1 level in the conditioned medium
      and sFLT1 mRNA level in cells were both significantly enhanced when treated with
      a PAR-2 agonist or chymotrypsin for 6 hours. In contrast, the sFLT1 level in the
      medium and sFLT1 mRNA level in cells treated with a PAR-2 agonist or chymotrypsin
      were suppressed in the presence of a PAR-2 antagonist or a chymotrypsin
      inhibitor. The PAR-2 expression was upregulated by TNF-alpha, which was
      suppressed in the presence of TNF-alpha antibodies. These results indicate that
      chymotrypsin-like serine protease enhances sFLT1 production through PAR-2 in
      trophoblast cells and thus plays an important additional role in PE pathogenesis.

PMID- 27140909
TI  - Nature and dementia: development of a person-centered approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to develop and try out an approach for
      personalized nature activities for people with dementia. METHODS: A qualitative
      descriptive study using focus group interviews with people with dementia was
      conducted. Based on the results of the focus groups and the relevant literature,
      the approach was developed. In a qualitative descriptive pilot study with a one
      group design, we tried out the approach regarding acceptability and experience of
      the intervention among people with dementia, and satisfaction with the approach
      among healthcare professionals. Additionally, we investigated the organizational
      feasibility. RESULTS: From the focus groups, eight key aspects of experiencing
      nature were identified as being important for quality of life (e.g. relaxation,
      freedom), as well as six categories of preferred activities (e.g. active,
      passive, and social activities). Based on these themes and categories, an
      approach was developed to design nature activities according to the personal
      wishes, needs, and experiences of people with dementia. During the intervention,
      participants in the pilot study showed high levels of positive behaviors and low
      levels of negative behaviors. As regards, organizational feasibility, eight
      themes for successful implementation of nature activities were identified.
      CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study contributes to the knowledge regarding the
      development and implementation of person-centered nature activities for people
      with dementia. The implementation of the activities could be improved by training
      professionals in person-centered care. The effect of the person-centered nature
      activities approach should be investigated.

PMID- 27140910
TI  - Therapeutic touch for healing acute wounds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic Touch (TT) is an alternative therapy that has gained
      popularity over the past two decades for helping wounds to heal. Practitioners
      enter a meditative state and pass their hands above the patient's body to find
      and correct any imbalances in the patient's 'life energy' or chi. Scientific
      instruments have been unable to detect this energy. The effect of TT on wound
      healing has been expounded in anecdotal publications. OBJECTIVES: To identify and
      review all relevant data to determine the effects of TT on healing acute wounds.
      SEARCH METHODS: In January 2014, for this fifth update, we searched The Cochrane
      Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled
      Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process &
      Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid EMBASE; and EBSCO CINAHL. SELECTION CRITERIA:
      All randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials, which compared the effect
      of TT with a placebo, another treatment, or no treatment control were considered.
      Studies which used TT as a stand-alone treatment, or as an adjunct to other
      therapies, were eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: One author (DO'M)
      determined the eligibility for inclusion of all trials in the review. Both
      authors conducted data extraction and evaluation of trial validity independently.
      Each trial was assessed using predetermined criteria. MAIN RESULTS: No new trials
      were identified for this update. Four trials in people with experimental wounds
      were included. The effect of TT on wound healing in these studies was variable.
      Two trials (n = 44 & 24) demonstrated a significant increase in healing
      associated with TT, while one trial found significantly worse healing after TT
      and the other found no significant difference. All trials are at high risk of
      bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is no robust evidence that TT promotes healing
      of acute wounds.

PMID- 27140911
TI  - Coverslip Cleaning and Functionalization for Total Internal Reflection
      Fluorescence Microscopy.
AB  - Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy allows visualization of
      biological events at the single-molecule level by restricting excitation to a
      precise focal plane near the coverslip and eliminating out-of-focus fluorescence.
      The quality of TIRF imaging relies on a high signal-to-noise ratio and therefore
      it is imperative to prevent adherence of molecules to the glass coverslip.
      Nonspecific interactions can make it difficult to distinguish true binding events
      and may also interfere with accurate quantification of background noise. In
      addition, nonspecific binding of the fluorescently tagged protein will lower the
      effective working concentration, thereby altering values used to calculate
      affinity constants. To prevent spurious interactions, we thoroughly clean the
      surface of the coverslip and then functionalize the glass either by applying a
      layer of silane or by coating with a lipid bilayer.

PMID- 27140912
TI  - Preparation of Reactions for Imaging with Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence
      Microscopy.
AB  - Here we present our standard protocol for studying the binding of kinetochore
      proteins to microtubules as a paradigm for designing single-molecule total
      internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy experiments. Several aspects
      of this protocol require empirical optimization, including the method for
      anchoring the polymer or substrate to the coverslip, the type and amount of
      blocking protein to prevent nonspecific protein adsorption to the glass, the
      appropriate protein concentration, the laser power, and the duration of imaging.
      Our method uses bovine serum albumin and kappa-casein as blocking agents to coat
      any imperfections in the coverslip silanization and thereby prevent protein
      adsorption to the coverslip. Protein concentration and duration of imaging must
      be optimized for each experiment and protein of interest. Ideally, a range is
      determined that allows for resolution of single complexes binding to microtubules
      to ensure proper measurement of kinetic off rates and diffusion along
      microtubules. Excessively high concentrations may lead to overlapping binding of
      proteins on microtubules, making it impossible to resolve single binding events.
      The duration of imaging must be long enough to capture very low off rates (long
      residence time on microtubules) and we typically image at 10 frames/sec for 200
      sec. The laser power can be adjusted to prevent photobleaching, but must be high
      enough to achieve a sufficient signal/noise ratio.

PMID- 27140913
TI  - Data Analysis for Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy.
AB  - In the microscopes we use to analyze total internal reflection fluorescence
      (TIRF), the emitted fluorescence is split chromatically, using dichroic filters,
      into either two or three different colors ("channels"). In our two-color
      instrument, the green emission wavelengths (405-488 nm; for imaging green
      fluorescent protein [GFP]-tagged proteins) and far-red emission wavelengths (650
      800 nm; for imaging Alexa-647-labeled microtubules) are projected onto the upper
      and lower halves, respectively, of a single camera. A single filter can be
      swapped to collect near-red wavelengths (561-640 nm; for imaging mCherry, or
      Alexa-568-labeled microtubules) instead of far-red. Our three-color instrument is
      very similar except that the green, near-red, and far-red color ranges are
      projected onto three separate cameras. In either case, the different colors can
      be imaged simultaneously. Typically, we collect images at 10 frames/sec for ~200
      sec. We have developed a series of semiautomated image analysis programs, written
      in LabView, to obtain the brightness, residence time, and mobility of individual
      particles bound to single microtubules. The basic analysis steps are
      straightforward and could also be implemented using ImageJ or Matlab. For
      convenience, this protocol describes the analysis of a single microtubule. Data
      from many microtubules across many experimental trials are needed to obtain
      robust conclusions that are independent of stochastic and trial-to-trial
      variability.

PMID- 27140914
TI  - The Use of Lysosomotropic Dyes to Exclude Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization.
AB  - Progressive lowering of pH is characteristic for the endocytic pathway and
      enables efficient degradation of molecules by hydrolytic enzymes at its distal
      end. The existence of the proton gradient over the endosomal/lysosomal membranes
      depends on the action of the vacuolar ATPase (v-ATPase). During lysosomal
      membrane permeabilization (LMP), protons leak through the destabilized membrane,
      resulting in loss of the pH gradient. Here, we present a protocol showing how
      this effect can be detected by staining cells with lysosomotropic dyes, which
      accumulate in acidic organelles after protonation. During LMP, cells lose the
      ability to retain these dyes and therefore appear pale. Among the most commonly
      used lysosomotropic dyes are LysoTracker reagents and acridine orange. Cells can
      be analyzed with a fluorescence microscope; however, flow-cytometric analysis
      enables fast, objective, and reliable evaluation of differences between samples.
      Advantages of the technique include the fact that sample preparation is
      relatively simple and can be scaled-up to test several different compounds or
      conditions. However, as we will discuss, cells treated with v-ATPase inhibitors
      also lose the pH gradient across lysosomal membranes and cannot be stained with
      lysosomotropic dyes, although this is not accompanied by LMP. Therefore, merely
      observing loss of staining is not in itself a proof of LMP.

PMID- 27140915
TI  - Measuring Cysteine Cathepsin Activity to Detect Lysosomal Membrane
      Permeabilization.
AB  - During lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP), lysosomal lumenal contents can
      be released into the cytosol. Small molecules are more likely to be released, and
      cysteine cathepsins, with mature forms possessing a mass of 25-30 kDa, are among
      the smallest lumenal lysosomal enzymes. In addition, specific substrates for
      cysteine cathepsins are available to investigators, and therefore the measurement
      of the cathepsin activity as a hallmark of LMP works well. Here, we present a
      protocol for measuring the activity of these enzymes after selective plasma
      membrane permeabilization with a low concentration of digitonin and after total
      cell membrane lysis with a high concentration of digitonin. A fluorogenic
      substrate can be added either directly to the well with lysed cells to show LMP
      or to the cell-free extract to show that the lysosomal membrane has been
      sufficiently destabilized to allow the translocation of lysosomal enzymes.
      Although the content of lysosomal cysteine cathepsins differs between cell lines,
      this method has general applicability, is sensitive, and has high throughput. The
      presented protocol shows how to measure cysteine cathepsin activity in the
      presence of lysed cells and also in cell-free extracts. Depending on the aim of
      the study, one or both types of measurements can be performed.

PMID- 27140916
TI  - Characterizing Cas9 Protospacer-Adjacent Motifs with High-Throughput Sequencing
      of Library Depletion Experiments.
AB  - This protocol outlines a general approach for characterizing the protospacer
      adjacent motifs (PAMs) of Cas9 orthologs. It uses a three-plasmid system: One
      plasmid carries Cas9 and its tracrRNA, a second targeting vector contains the
      spacer and repeat, and the third plasmid encodes the targeted sequence (as the
      protospacer) with varying PAM sequences. It leverages the Cas9 nuclease activity
      to cleave and destroy plasmids that bear a compatible PAM. The level of depletion
      of a library of targeted plasmids after Cas9-mediated selection can then be
      assessed by deep sequencing to reveal candidate PAMs for downstream validation.

PMID- 27140917
TI  - Identifying Products of Recombinase-Mediated Cassette Exchange (RMCE) in
      Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - Homologous recombination is highly efficient when mediated between two identical
      target sequences by recombination enzymes such as Cre. Exploiting this,
      recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) was developed for the genetic
      manipulation of eukaryotic cells, including those of Schizosaccharomyces pombe
      RMCE can be summarized in three stages: (1) A loxP-ura4(+)-loxM3 cassette is
      introduced into the genome using standard homologous recombination techniques to
      create a "base strain." (2) A Cre-expression plasmid carrying a protein tag or
      replacement gene flanked by loxP and loxM3 is introduced into the cell. (3)
      Cassette exchange between the chromosomal cassette and the plasmid cassette
      results in either gene tagging or gene replacement. This is selected for by loss
      of the marker. This protocol explains how to identify the products of the
      exchange events in the last stage.

PMID- 27140918
TI  - Extraction of Chromosomal DNA from Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - Extraction of DNA from Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells is required for various
      uses, including templating polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), Southern blotting,
      library construction, and high-throughput sequencing. To purify high-quality DNA,
      the cell wall is removed by digestion with Zymolyase or Lyticase and the
      resulting spheroplasts lysed using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Cell debris,
      SDS, and SDS-protein complexes are subsequently precipitated by the addition of
      potassium acetate and removed by centrifugation. Finally, DNA is precipitated
      using isopropanol. At this stage, purity is usually sufficient for PCR. However,
      for more sensitive procedures, such as restriction enzyme digestion, additional
      purification steps, including proteinase K digestion and phenol-chloroform
      extraction, are recommended. All of these steps are described in detail here.

PMID- 27140919
TI  - Colony Polymerase Chain Reaction with Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
AB  - When screening a large number of individual Schizosaccharomyces pombe strains by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a rapid "colony PCR" approach may be used.
      Numerous colony PCR protocols are available, and fundamental to them all is that
      the colony must be fresh (grown overnight) and that as few cells as possible are
      used. In this protocol, we present three reliable methods for preparing S. pombe
      cells for colony PCR.

PMID- 27140920
TI  - G-Protein Modulation of Voltage-Gated Ca2+ Channels from Isolated Adult Rat
      Superior Cervical Ganglion Neurons.
AB  - Sympathetic neurons isolated from adult rat superior cervical ganglia (SCG) are a
      well-established model to study G-protein modulation of voltage-gated Ca(2+)
      channels (VGCCs). SCG neurons can be easily dissociated and are amendable to
      heterologous expression of genes, including genetic tools to study G-protein
      signaling pathways, within a time frame to maintain good spatial voltage-clamp
      control of membrane potential during electrophysiological recordings (8-36 h
      postdissociation). This protocol focuses on examining G-protein modulation of
      VGCCs; however, the procedures and experimental setup for acute application of
      agonists can be applied to study modulation of other ion channels (e.g., M
      current, G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K(+) channels). We also discuss
      some common sources of artifacts that can arise during acute drug application
      onto dissociated neurons, which can mislead interpretation of results.

PMID- 27140921
TI  - Classical Genetics with Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an outstanding experimental model
      organism that has been exploited since the early part of the twentieth century
      for studies in biochemistry and genetics. It has been the premiere experimental
      system for modern functional genomics and continues to make important
      contributions to many areas of biology. Here we discuss its many virtues as an
      organism for classical genetic research.

PMID- 27140922
TI  - Single-Molecule Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy.
AB  - The advent of total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy has
      permitted visualization of biological events on an unprecedented scale: the
      single-molecule level. Using TIRF, it is now possible to view complex biological
      interactions such as cargo transport by a single molecular motor or DNA
      replication in real time. TIRF allows for visualization of single molecules by
      eliminating out-of-focus fluorescence and enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio.
      TIRF has been instrumental for studying in vitro interactions and has also been
      successfully implemented in live-cell imaging. Visualization of cytoskeletal
      structures and dynamics at the plasma membrane, such as endocytosis, exocytosis,
      and adhesion, has become much clearer using TIRF microscopy. Thanks to recent
      advances in optics and commercial availability, TIRF microscopy is becoming an
      increasingly popular and user-friendly technique. In this introduction, we
      describe the fundamental properties of TIRF microscopy and the advantages of
      using TIRF for single-molecule investigation.

PMID- 27140923
TI  - Characterization of Cas9-Guide RNA Orthologs.
AB  - In light of the multitude of new Cas9-mediated functionalities, the ability to
      carry out multiple Cas9-enabled processes simultaneously and in a single cell is
      becoming increasingly valuable. Accomplishing this aim requires a set of Cas9
      guide RNA (gRNA) pairings that are functionally independent and insulated from
      one another. For instance, two such protein-gRNA complexes would allow for
      concurrent activation and editing at independent target sites in the same cell.
      The problem of establishing orthogonal CRISPR systems can be decomposed into
      three stages. First, putatively orthogonal systems must be identified with an
      emphasis on minimizing sequence similarity of the Cas9 protein and its associated
      RNAs. Second, the systems must be characterized well enough to effectively
      express and target the systems using gRNAs. Third, the systems should be
      established as orthogonal to one another by testing for activity and cross talk.
      Here, we describe the value of these orthogonal CRISPR systems, outline steps for
      selecting and characterizing potentially orthogonal Cas9-gRNA pairs, and discuss
      considerations for the desired specificity in Cas9-coupled functions.

PMID- 27140924
TI  - Strategies for Investigating G-Protein Modulation of Voltage-Gated Ca2+ Channels.
AB  - G-protein-coupled receptor modulation of voltage-gated ion channels is a common
      means of fine-tuning the response of channels to changes in membrane potential.
      Such modulation impacts physiological processes such as synaptic transmission,
      and hence therapeutic strategies often directly or indirectly target these
      pathways. As an exemplar of channel modulation, we examine strategies for
      investigating G-protein modulation of CaV2.2 or N-type voltage-gated Ca(2+)
      channels. We focus on biochemical and genetic tools for defining the molecular
      mechanisms underlying the various forms of CaV2.2 channel modulation initiated
      following ligand binding to G-protein-coupled receptors.

PMID- 27140925
TI  - Molecular Genetic Tools and Techniques in Fission Yeast.
AB  - The molecular genetic tools used in fission yeast have generally been adapted
      from methods and approaches developed for use in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae Initially, the molecular genetics of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was
      developed to aid gene identification, but it is now applied extensively to the
      analysis of gene function and the manipulation of noncoding sequences that affect
      chromosome dynamics. Much current research using fission yeast thus relies on the
      basic processes of introducing DNA into the organism and the extraction of DNA
      for subsequent analysis. Targeted integration into specific genomic loci is often
      used to create site-specific mutants or changes to noncoding regulatory elements
      for subsequent phenotypic analysis. It is also regularly used to introduce
      additional sequences that generate tagged proteins or to create strains in which
      the levels of wild-type protein can be manipulated through transcriptional
      regulation and/or protein degradation. Here, we draw together a collection of
      core molecular genetic techniques that underpin much of modern research using S.
      pombe We summarize the most useful methods that are routinely used and provide
      guidance, learned from experience, for the successful application of these
      methods.

PMID- 27140926
TI  - Changes in Bone Turnover Marker Levels and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with
      Advanced Cancer and Bone Metastases Treated with Bone Antiresorptive Agents.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bone antiresorptive agents can significantly reduce bone turnover
      markers (BTM) in patients with advanced cancer. We evaluated association of
      changes in BTMs with overall survival (OS), disease progression (DP), and disease
      progression in bone (DPB) in patients with advanced cancer and bone metastases
      following denosumab or zoledronic acid treatment. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This is an
      integrated analysis of patient-level data from three identically designed,
      blinded, phase III trials with patients randomized to subcutaneous denosumab or
      intravenous zoledronic acid. Levels of the BTMs urinary N-telopeptide (uNTx) and
      serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (sBSAP) measured at study entry and
      month 3 were analyzed. OS, DP, and DPB were compared in patients with BTMs >=
      median versus < median based on month 3 assessments. RESULTS: uNTx levels >= the
      median of 10.0 nmol/mmol at month 3 were associated with significantly reduced OS
      compared with levels < median (HR for death, 1.85; P < 0.0001). sBSAP levels >=
      median of 12.6 ng/mL were associated with significantly reduced OS compared with
      levels < median (HR, 2.44; P < 0.0001). uNTx and sBSAP levels >= median at month
      3 were associated with significantly greater risk of DP (HR, 1.31; P < 0.0001 and
      HR, 1.71; P < 0.0001, respectively) and DPB (HR, 1.11; P = 0.0407 and HR, 1.27; P
      < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: BTM levels >= median after 3 months of bone
      antiresorptive treatment were associated with reduced OS and increased risk of DP
      and DPB. Assessment of uNTx and sBSAP levels after bone antiresorptive therapy
      may add to identification of patients at risk for worse clinical outcomes. Clin
      Cancer Res; 22(23); 5713-21. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27140927
TI  - Dual Block with Lapatinib and Trastuzumab Versus Single-Agent Trastuzumab
      Combined with Chemotherapy as Neoadjuvant Treatment of HER2-Positive Breast
      Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials.
AB  - PURPOSE: (Neo)adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy plus trastuzumab reduces
      recurrence and death risk in HER2-positive (HER2(+)) breast cancer. Randomized
      trials assessed HER2 dual block by adding lapatinib to trastuzumab and
      chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting using pathologic complete response (pCR)
      as the outcome measure. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized trials testing
      neoadjuvant dual block with lapatinib and trastuzumab versus trastuzumab alone in
      HER2(+) breast cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Trials were identified by Medline
      (PubMed), ISI Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded), Embase, Cochrane
      library, and reference lists of published studies, review articles, editorials,
      and by hand-searched reports from major cancer meeting reports. RESULTS: Six
      randomized trials including 1,155 patients were identified, of whom 483 (41.8%)
      were hormone receptor-negative, 672 (58.2%) hormone receptor-positive, 534
      (46.2%) received taxanes alone, and 621 (53.8%) anthracyclines plus taxanes or
      the docetaxel-carboplatin regimen. Overall, the dual block was associated with a
      significant 13% absolute improvement in pCR rate compared with single-agent
      trastuzumab (summary risk difference, SRD 0.13; 95% CI, 0.08-0.19). The activity
      was greater in hormone receptor-negative patients who received chemotherapy with
      taxanes alone (SRD 0.25; 95% CI, 0.13-0.37), compared to hormone receptor
      positive or hormone receptor-negative disease treated with anthracyclines plus
      taxanes or the docetaxel-carboplatin regimen (SRD 0.09; 95% CI, 0.02-0.15;
      Pinteraction = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of DeltapCR data, the dual block
      with trastuzumab and lapatinib plus chemotherapy is a very active treatment only
      in HER2(+) and hormone receptor-negative breast cancer treated with taxane
      monochemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 22(18); 4594-603. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27140928
TI  - Targeting Androgen Receptor Activation Function-1 with EPI to Overcome Resistance
      Mechanisms in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Persistent androgen receptor (AR) transcriptional activity is clinically
      evident in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Therefore, AR remains as
      a viable therapeutic target for CRPC. All current hormonal therapies target the C
      terminus ligand-binding domain (LBD) of AR. By using EPI to target AR activation
      function-1 (AF-1), in the N-terminal domain that is essential for AR
      transactivation, we evaluate the ability of EPI to overcome several clinically
      relevant AR-related mechanisms of resistance. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: To study the
      effect of EPI on AR transcriptional activity against overexpressed coactivators,
      such as SRC1-3 and p300, luciferase reporter assays were performed using LNCaP
      cells. AR-negative COS-1 cells were employed for reporter assays to examine
      whether the length of polyglutamine tract affects inhibition by EPI. The effect
      of EPI on constitutively active AR splice variants was studied in LNCaP95 cells,
      which express AR-V7 variant. To evaluate the effect of EPI on the proliferation
      of LNCaP95 cells, we performed in vitro BrdUrd incorporation assay and in vivo
      studies using xenografts in mice. RESULTS: EPI effectively overcame several
      molecular alterations underlying aberrant AR activity, including overexpressed
      coactivators, AR gain-of-function mutations, and constitutively active AR-V7. EPI
      inhibited AR transcriptional activity regardless of the length of polyglutamine
      tract. Importantly, EPI significantly inhibited the in vitro and in vivo
      proliferation of LNCaP95 prostate cancer cells, which are androgen independent
      and enzalutamide resistant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support EPI as a
      promising therapeutic agent to treat CRPC, particularly against tumors driven by
      constitutively active AR splice variants that are resistant to LBD-targeting
      drugs. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4466-77. (c)2016 AACRSee related commentary by
      Sharp et al., p. 4280.

PMID- 27140929
TI  - Concordance of actigraphy with polysomnography in children with and without
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - This study sought to: (1) compare actigraphy-derived estimated sleep variables to
      the same variables based on the gold-standard of sleep assessment,
      polysomnography; (2) examine whether the correlations between the measures differ
      between children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and typically
      developing children; and (3) determine whether these correlations are altered
      when children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are treated with
      medication. Participants (24 attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; 24
      typically developing), aged 6-12 years, completed a 1-week baseline assessment of
      typical sleep and daytime functioning. Following the baseline week, participants
      in the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder group completed a 4-week blinded
      randomized control trial of methylphenidate hydrochloride, including a 2-week
      placebo and 2-week methylphenidate hydrochloride treatment period. At the end of
      each observation (typically developing: baseline; attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder: baseline, placebo and methylphenidate hydrochloride treatment), all
      participants were invited to a sleep research laboratory, where overnight
      polysomnography and actigraphy were recorded concurrently. Findings from intra
      class correlations and Bland-Altman plots were consistent. Actigraphy was found
      to provide good estimates (e.g. intra-class correlations >0.61) of
      polysomnography results for sleep duration for all groups and conditions, as well
      as for sleep-onset latency and sleep efficiency for the typically developing
      group and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder group while on medication, but
      not for the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder group during baseline or
      placebo. Based on the Bland-Altman plots, actigraphy tended to underestimate for
      sleep duration (8.6-18.5 min), sleep efficiency (5.6-9.3%) and sleep-onset
      latency, except for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder during placebo in
      which actigraphy overestimated (-2.1 to 6.3 min). The results of the current
      study highlight the importance of utilizing a multimodal approach to sleep
      assessment in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

PMID- 27140930
TI  - A synergistic combination: using RNAseq to decipher both T-cell receptor sequence
      and transcriptional profile of individual T cells.

PMID- 27140931
TI  - All work and no Id2 makes a dull NKT cell.

PMID- 27140932
TI  - Th17 cell differentiation proceeds independently of IRF8.
AB  - The transcriptional repressor/activator interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8)
      modulates the differentiation of a multitude of hematopoietic lineages. However,
      the role of IRF8 in CD4(+) T-cell development is less well defined, with a recent
      study implicating IRF8 as an intrinsic repressor of interleukin-17 (IL-17)
      expressing T helper type 17 (Th17) cell differentiation. Using an IRF8-EGFP
      reporter strain we have confirmed that IRF8 is expressed in all T helper
      lineages, including Th17 cells. The loss of IRF8 did not affect Th17
      differentiation in vitro, beyond a small increase in IL-22 expression. Moreover,
      IRF8 deficiency did not enhance the Th17 immune response in experimental T-cell
      transfer colitis. Together, these results suggest that IRF8 does not play an
      essential intrinsic role in Th17 cell differentiation.

PMID- 27140933
TI  - AT-rich Interaction Domain-containing Protein 3B is a New Tumour Marker for
      Melanoma.

PMID- 27140934
TI  - Acidic Condensation of BODIPYs with Aldehydes: A Quick and Versatile Route to
      Alkenyl-BODIPYs and C(sp(3) )-Connected DYEmers.
AB  - The condensation of aldehydes with BODIPY (boron dipyrrin) luminophores was
      investigated. Formaldehyde can be used to connect two BODIPYs at each of the
      three pyrrolic C positions (alpha-, beta-, and beta'-positions) in a quick and
      highly selective manner, yielding new DYEmers (di- and oligomeric BODIPY
      derivatives) with varied photophysical properties. Benzaldehydes form DYEmers
      only at the beta- and the beta'-positions. For aliphatic aldehydes the DYEmer
      formation competes with the elimination of water from a proposed alcohol
      intermediate, leading to the formation of alpha- and beta-alkenyl-BODIPYs. 2
      Phenylacetaldehyde and similar precursors exclusively yield elimination products.
      These acid-mediated transformations are valuable alternatives to the well
      established, base-promoted Knoevenagel condensation protocol that is typically
      employed in the preparation of BODIPYs with near infrared (NIR)-shifted
      absorptions. 

PMID- 27140935
TI  - Quantitative evaluation of fiber fuse initiation with exposure to arc discharge
      provided by a fusion splicer.
AB  - The optical communication industry and power-over-fiber applications face a
      dilemma as a result of the expanding demand of light power delivery and the
      potential risks of high-power light manipulation including the fiber fuse
      phenomenon, a continuous destruction of the fiber core pumped by the propagating
      light and triggered by a heat-induced strong absorption of silica glass. However,
      we have limited knowledge on its initiation process in the viewpoint of energy
      flow in the reactive area. Therefore, the conditions required for a fiber fuse
      initiation in standard single-mode fibers were determined quantitatively, namely
      the power of a 1480 nm fiber laser and the arc discharge intensity provided by a
      fusion splicer for one second as an outer heat source. Systematic investigation
      on the energy flow balance between these energy sources revealed that the
      initiation process consists of two steps; the generation of a precursor at the
      heated spot and the transition to a stable fiber fuse. The latter step needs a
      certain degree of heat accumulation at the core where waveguide deformation is
      ongoing competitively. This method is useful for comparing the tolerance to fiber
      fuse initiation among various fibers with a fixed energy amount that was not
      noticed before.

PMID- 27140936
TI  - What we have learned about intrapartum fetal monitoring trials in the MFMU
      Network.
AB  - The vast majority of pregnant women are subjected to electronic fetal heart
      monitoring during labor. There is limited evidence to support its benefit
      compared with intermittent auscultation. In addition, there is significant
      variability in interpretation and its false-positive rate is high. The latter may
      have contributed to the rise in operative deliveries. In order to address the
      critical need for better approaches to intrapartum monitoring, the MFMU Network
      has completed two large multisite randomized trials, one to evaluate fetal pulse
      oximetry and the other to evaluate fetal ECG ST segment analysis (STAN). Both of
      these technologies had been approved for clinical use in the United States based
      on prior smaller trials. These technologies were evaluated in laboring women near
      term and their primary outcomes were overall cesarean delivery for the oximetry
      trial and a composite adverse neonatal outcome for STAN. Both the trials failed
      to show a benefit of the technology, neither in the rates of operative deliveries
      nor in the rates of adverse neonatal outcomes. The experience with these trials,
      summarized in this report, highlights the need for rigorous evidence before
      introduction of new technology into clinical practice and provides a blueprint
      for future trials to address the need for better intrapartum monitoring
      approaches.

PMID- 27140937
TI  - Genetic variants associated with physical and mental characteristics of the elite
      athletes in the Polish population.
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess whether selected genetic variants are
      associated with elite athlete performance in a group of 413 elite athletes and
      451 sedentary controls. Polymorphisms in ACE, ACTN3, AGT, NRF-2, PGC1A, PPARG,
      and TFAM implicated in physical performance traits were analyzed. Additionally,
      polymorphisms in CHRNB3 and FAAH coding for proteins modulating activity of
      brain's emotion centers were included. The results of univariate analyses
      indicated that the elite athletic performance is associated with four
      polymorphisms: ACE (rs4341, P = 0.0095), NRF-2 (rs12594956, P = 0.011), TFAM
      (rs2306604, P = 0.049), and FAAH (rs324420, P = 0.0041). The multivariate
      analysis adjusted for age and gender confirmed this association. The higher
      number of ACE D alleles (P = 0.0021) and the presence of NRF-2 rs12594956 A
      allele (P = 0.0067) are positive predictors, whereas TFAM rs2306604 GG genotype
      (P = 0.031) and FAAH rs324420 AA genotype (P = 0.0084) negatively affect the
      elite athletic performance. The CHRNB3 variant (rs4950, G allele) is
      significantly more frequent in the endurance athletes compared with the power
      ones (P = 0.025). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of rs4950
      G allele contributes to endurance performance (P = 0.0047). Our results suggest
      that genetic inheritance of psychological traits should be taken into
      consideration while trying to decipher a genetic profile of top athletic
      performance.

PMID- 27140938
TI  - An Efficient Visible and Near-Infrared (NIR) Emitting Sm(III) Metal-Organic
      Framework (Sm-MOF) Sensitized by Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer
      (ESIPT) Ligand.
AB  - We report herein an unprecedented example of a luminescent Sm(III) metal-organic
      framework (Sm-MOF), in which both the visible and near-infrared (NIR) emissions
      of Sm(3+) ions are able to be sensitized by an excited-state intramolecular
      proton transfer (ESIPT) ligand. Due to the solvent-mediated interchange between
      enol and keto excited states of the ligand and subsequent energy transfer rate to
      Sm(3+) ions, the luminescent decay lifetime of the Sm-MOF can be tuned in
      different solvent-grinding systems. 

PMID- 27140939
TI  - Effect of smoking status on the efficacy of the SMART regimen in high risk
      asthma.

PMID- 27140940
TI  - Clinical Significance of Pretransplant Donor-Specific Antibodies in the Setting
      of Negative Cell-Based Flow Cytometry Crossmatching in Kidney Transplant
      Recipients.
AB  - Antibodies to donor-specific HLA antigens (donor-specific antibodies [DSA])
      detected by single-antigen bead (SAB) analysis prior to kidney transplant have
      been associated with inferior graft outcomes. However, studies of pretransplant
      DSA, specifically in the setting of a negative flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM)
      without desensitization therapy, are limited. Six hundred and sixty kidney and
      kidney-pancreas recipients with a negative pretransplant FCXM from September 2007
      to August 2012 without desensitization therapy were analyzed with a median follow
      up of 4.2 years. All patients underwent cell-based FCXM and SAB analysis on
      current and historic sera prior to transplantation. One hundred and sixty-two
      patients (24.5%) had DSA detected prior to transplant. One-year acute rejection
      rates were similar in DSA-positive versus DSA-negative patients (15.4% vs. 11.4%,
      respectively; p = 0.18) and were higher in those with DSA mean fluorescence
      intensity (MFI) greater than or equal to 3000 in multivariable analysis (p =
      0.046). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 3 and 4 years was
      lower in the DSA(+) versus the DSA(-) group (p = 0.050 at 3 years) without an
      impact on 5-year death-censored graft survival (89.0% vs. 90.6%, respectively; p
      = 0.53). Timing (current or historic) of DSA detection did not alter these
      findings. In conclusion, pretransplant DSA in the setting of a negative FCXM
      confers minimal immunologic risk in the intermediate term, does not necessitate
      desensitization therapy and should not represent a barrier to renal transplant.

PMID- 27140941
TI  - No Improved Performance With Repeated-Sprint Training in Hypoxia Versus Normoxia:
      A Double-Blind and Crossover Study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Few recent studies indicate that short-term repeated-sprint (RS)
      training in hypoxia (RSH) improves RS performance compared with identical
      training under normoxic conditions (RSN) in endurance-trained subjects. PURPOSE:
      To determine the effects of RSH against RSN on RS performance under normoxic and
      moderate hypoxic conditions, using a randomized, doubleblind, crossover
      experimental design. METHODS: Fifteen endurance-trained male subjects (age 25 +/-
      4 y) performed 4 wk of RS training (3 sessions/wk) in normobaric hypoxia (RSH,
      FiO2 = 13.8%) and normoxia (RSN, FiO2 = 20.9%) in a crossover manner. Before and
      after completion of training, RS tests were performed on a cycle ergometer with
      no prior exercise (RSNE), after an incremental exercise test (RSIE), and after a
      time-trial test (RSTT) in normoxia and hypoxia. RESULTS: Peak power outputs at
      the incremental exercise test and time-trial performance were unaltered by RSH in
      normoxia and hypoxia. RS performance was generally enhanced by RSH, as well as
      RSN, but there were no additional effects of RSH over RSN on peak and mean sprint
      power output and the number of repeated sprints performed in the RSNE, RSIE, and
      RSTT trials under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The present
      double-blind crossover study indicates that RSH does not improve RS performance
      compared with RSN in normoxic and hypoxic conditions in endurance-trained
      subjects. Therefore, caution should be exercised when proposing RSH as an
      advantageous method to improve exercise performance.

PMID- 27140943
TI  - Direct Density Derivative Estimation.
AB  - Estimating the derivatives of probability density functions is an essential step
      in statistical data analysis. A naive approach to estimate the derivatives is to
      first perform density estimation and then compute its derivatives. However, this
      approach can be unreliable because a good density estimator does not necessarily
      mean a good density derivative estimator. To cope with this problem, in this
      letter, we propose a novel method that directly estimates density derivatives
      without going through density estimation. The proposed method provides
      computationally efficient estimation for the derivatives of any order on
      multidimensional data with a hyperparameter tuning method and achieves the
      optimal parametric convergence rate. We further discuss an extension of the
      proposed method by applying regularized multitask learning and a general
      framework for density derivative estimation based on Bregman divergences.
      Applications of the proposed method to nonparametric Kullback-Leibler divergence
      approximation and bandwidth matrix selection in kernel density estimation are
      also explored. 

PMID- 27140942
TI  - New Hosts of The Lassa Virus.
AB  - Lassa virus (LASV) causes a deadly haemorrhagic fever in humans, killing several
      thousand people in West Africa annually. For 40 years, the Natal multimammate
      rat, Mastomys natalensis, has been assumed to be the sole host of LASV. We found
      evidence that LASV is also hosted by other rodent species: the African wood mouse
      Hylomyscus pamfi in Nigeria, and the Guinea multimammate mouse Mastomys
      erythroleucus in both Nigeria and Guinea. Virus strains from these animals were
      isolated in the BSL-4 laboratory and fully sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of
      viral genes coding for glycoprotein, nucleoprotein, polymerase and matrix protein
      show that Lassa strains detected in M. erythroleucus belong to lineages III and
      IV. The strain from H. pamfi clusters close to lineage I (for S gene) and between
      II &III (for L gene). Discovery of new rodent hosts has implications for LASV
      evolution and its spread into new areas within West Africa.

PMID- 27140944
TI  - Recent developments in the use of computed tomography scanners in coronary artery
      imaging.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Within the past decade, substantial evolution of Coronary CT
      Angiography (CCTA) has affected evaluation and management of coronary artery
      disease. In particular, technical advancement of hardware technology and image
      reconstruction of CT scanners have played an important role in this context
      making it possible to acquire abundant data with excellent temporal and spatial
      resolution within a shorter scan time. In addition, a concern related to the high
      radiation exposure in the initial noninvasive coronary artery imaging has
      triggered improvement in dose reduction techniques. AREAS COVERED: In this review
      article, we have focused on recent technological developments in CT scanners and
      the impact of these developments on CCTA parameters. Expert Commentary: CCTA
      plays an important role in coronary artery disease management, and technical
      development of the CT scanners can be expected to address and remedy technical
      limitations.

PMID- 27140945
TI  - [Devastating surgical complications after aflibercept chemotherapy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of a new chemotherapy as adjuvant treatment of colorectal
      cancer is not free of complications. Monoclonal antibodies are associated with
      bleeding and intestinal perforations. OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a patient
      who developed a serious complication after treatment with an antiangiogenic drug
      for colorectal neoplasm. CLINICAL CASE: The case is presented of a 42-year-old
      male operated on due to subocclusive rectal cancer with metastasis at the time of
      diagnosis. Sixteen months after surgery during second-line adjuvant therapy, an
      intestinal perforation was observed with haemorrhage and intestinal leak to
      retroperitoneum and left lower extremity. Despite intensive medical and surgical
      treatment this complication had fatal consequences. CONCLUSIONS: Future research
      should be directed at obtaining biomarkers for the specific use of antiangiogenic
      agents in order to decrease the rate of adverse factors.

PMID- 27140946
TI  - Partner notification in cooperation with community-based organizations among HIV
      positive men who have sex with men in two Chinese cities.
AB  - The epidemic of HIV/AIDS among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) is rapidly
      escalating. We implemented partner notification among HIV-infected MSM,
      cooperating with MSM-serving community-based organizations (CBOs) in two Chinese
      cities from June 2014 to May 2015. CBOs participated in identifying new HIV
      positive MSM utilizing rapid HIV tests and partner notification among index
      cases. 253 index cases were recruited and 275 sexual partners were notified and
      tested with 10.5% screened positive. Compared with previously identified index
      cases, the proportion of contactable sexual partners of newly identified index
      cases was higher, but the testing rate was lower (p < 0.001). Overall, 83.7% of
      sexual partners were casual with a contactable rate of 24.9% and a HIV testing
      rate of 71.1%. Having no contact information for sexual partners and fear of
      disclosure of HIV status are the main reasons for declining partner notification.
      It is feasible and effective to perform partner notification in cooperation with
      CBOs serving Chinese MSM.

PMID- 27140947
TI  - The Clinical Significance and Management Implications of Chronic Total Occlusion
      Associated With Surgical Coronary Artery Revascularization.

PMID- 27140948
TI  - Is the Use of Bare-Metal Stents Justifiable in the Era of Second-Generation Drug
      Eluting Stents?

PMID- 27140949
TI  - Practical guidelines for examination of adults with asymptomatic
      hypertransaminasaemia.
AB  - The causes of sustained elevation of serum transaminases in asymptomatic adults,
      both hepatic and extrahepatic, are varied. In order to reach an aetiological
      diagnosis, a standardized protocol should be applied, aimed firstly at ruling out
      the most common causes, such as chronic hepatitis (viral or autoimmune),
      metabolic diseases, and toxic liver diseases. Several biochemical patterns, which
      take into account transaminase, cholestatic enzyme, muscle enzyme, ferritin and
      ceruloplasmin levels, as well protein electrophoresis and autoantibody
      measurement, will identify most causes. In cases in which a diagnosis cannot be
      reached with the use of these non-invasive methods, a needle liver biopsy will be
      justified.

PMID- 27140950
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Antiplatelet agents versus control or anticoagulation for heart
      failure in sinus rhythm.

PMID- 27140952
TI  - The Commonality Between Approaches to Determine Jump Fatigue During Basketball
      Activity in Junior Players: In-Game Versus Across-Game Decrements.
AB  - PURPOSE: Declines in high-intensity activity during game play (in-game approach)
      and performance tests measured pre- and postgame (across-game approach) have been
      used to assess player fatigue in basketball. However, a direct comparison of
      these approaches is not available. Consequently, this study examined the
      commonality between in- and across-game jump fatigue during simulated basketball
      game play. METHODS: Australian, state-level, junior male basketball players (n =
      10; 16.6 +/- 1.1 y, 182.4 +/- 4.3 cm, 68.3 +/- 10.2 kg) completed 4 * 10-min
      standardized quarters of simulated basketball game play. In-game jump height
      during game play was measured using video analysis, while across-game jump height
      was determined pre-, mid-, and postgame play using an in-ground force platform.
      Jump height was determined using the flight-time method, with jump decrement
      calculated for each approach across the first half, second half, and entire game.
      RESULTS: A greater jump decrement was apparent for the in-game approach than for
      the across-game approach in the first half (37.1% +/- 11.6% vs 1.7% +/- 6.2%; P =
      .005; d = 3.81, large), while nonsignificant, large differences were evident
      between approaches in the second half (d = 1.14) and entire game (d = 1.83).
      Nonsignificant associations were evident between in-game and across-game jump
      decrement, with shared variances of 3-26%. CONCLUSIONS: Large differences and a
      low commonality were observed between in- and across-game jump fatigue during
      basketball game play, suggesting that these approaches measure different
      constructs. Based on our findings, it is not recommended that basketball coaches
      use these approaches interchangeably to monitor player fatigue across the season.

PMID- 27140951
TI  - Immediate effects of phototherapy on sleep in very preterm neonates: an
      observational study.
AB  - Process C (internal clock) and Process S (sleep-wake homeostasis) are the basis
      of sleep-wake regulation. In the last trimester of pregnancy, foetal heart rate
      is synchronized with the maternal circadian rhythm. At birth, this interaction
      fails and an ultradian rhythm appears. Light exposure is a strong factor
      influencing the synchronization of sleep-wake processes. However, little is known
      about the effects of phototherapy on the sleep rhythm of premature babies. It was
      hypothesized that sleep in preterm infants would not differ during phototherapy,
      but that a maturation effect would be seen. Sleep states were studied in 38
      infants born < 32 weeks gestational age and/or < 1 500 g birth weight. Videos of
      3 h were taken over the first 5 days of life. Based on breathing and movement
      patterns, behavioural states were defined as: awake; active sleep; or quiet
      sleep. Videos with and without phototherapy were compared for amounts of quiet
      sleep and active states (awake + active sleep). No significant association
      between phototherapy and amount of quiet sleep was found (P = 0.083). Analysis of
      videos in infants not under phototherapy revealed an increase in time spent awake
      with increasing gestational age. The current data suggest that the ultradian
      rhythm of preterm infants seems to be independent of phototherapy, supporting the
      notion that sleep rhythm in this population is mainly driven by their internal
      clock.

PMID- 27140953
TI  - Stereoselective Synthesis and Retentive Trapping of alpha-Chiral Secondary
      Alkyllithiums Leading to Stereodefined alpha,beta-Dimethyl Carboxylic Esters.
AB  - The treatment of alpha-chiral secondary alkyl iodides with tBuLi at -100  degrees
      C leads to the corresponding secondary alkyllithiums with high retention of
      configuration. Subsequent quenching with various electrophiles such as Bu2 S2 ,
      DMF, MeOB(OR)2 , or Et2 CO provides the desired products with retention of
      configuration. Furthermore, a transmetalation with CuBr?P(OEt)3 also allows
      retentive trapping with acid chlorides and ethylene oxide. The quenching of the
      resulting alkyllithiums with ClCO2 Et furnishes stereoselectively syn- and anti
      ethyl-2,3-dimethyl ester carboxylates (d.r.>94 %). Related esters bearing three
      adjacent stereo-controlled centers (stereotriads) have also been prepared. This
      method has been applied to the synthesis of the ant pheromone (+/-)-lasiol in 26
      % overall yield (four steps) with d.r.=97:3 starting from commercially available
      cis-2,3-epoxybutane. 

PMID- 27140954
TI  - Practicability of prenatal testing using lectin-based enrichment of fetal
      erythroblasts.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the practicability and efficiency
      of lectin-based isolation of fetal erythroblasts for clinical use in non-invasive
      prenatal testing. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 39
      pregnant women. Leukocytes were removed with an anti-CD45 antibody after density
      gradient centrifugation. After blood cells were attached to slides by binding to
      a galactose-specific lectin and galactose-bound vinyl polymer, the slides were
      stained with May-Grunwald-Giemsa stain and cells were classified by automated
      image analysis based on their size and the nuclear area/cytoplasmic area ratio.
      In 14 samples from the women with male fetuses, fetal origin of the isolated
      erythroblasts was confirmed by detecting the Y chromosome using fluorescence in
      situ hybridization. In eight samples, single erythroblasts were collected by the
      laser capture microdissection technique for amplification of the sex-determining
      region Y gene to confirm fetal origin. RESULTS: Panning with an anti-CD45
      antibody achieved stable removal of leukocytes without aggregation. In all
      samples, erythroblasts were successfully identified by automated image analysis
      (18-6000/10 mL of blood). The number of slides required to examine 10 mL of blood
      ranged from one to six, which was reasonable for clinical use. The Y chromosome
      was detected in 7.5-43.6% of erythroblasts by fluorescence in situ hybridization,
      and the sex-determining region Y gene was amplified in seven of eight samples.
      CONCLUSION: The combination of lectin-based erythroblast isolation and automated
      image analysis is a practical and efficient method for isolating fetal
      erythroblasts as a source of fetal genomes.

PMID- 27140955
TI  - Elevated Bladder Cancer in Northern New England: The Role of Drinking Water and
      Arsenic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer mortality rates have been elevated in northern New
      England for at least five decades. Incidence rates in Maine, New Hampshire, and
      Vermont are about 20% higher than the United States overall. We explored reasons
      for this excess, focusing on arsenic in drinking water from private wells, which
      are particularly prevalent in the region. METHODS: In a population-based case
      control study in these three states, 1213 bladder cancer case patients and 1418
      control subjects provided information on suspected risk factors. Log transformed
      arsenic concentrations were estimated by linear regression based on measurements
      in water samples from current and past homes. All statistical tests were two
      sided. RESULTS: Bladder cancer risk increased with increasing water intake
      (Ptrend = .003). This trend was statistically significant among participants with
      a history of private well use (Ptrend = .01). Among private well users, this
      trend was apparent if well water was derived exclusively from shallow dug wells
      (which are vulnerable to contamination from manmade sources, Ptrend = .002) but
      not if well water was supplied only by deeper drilled wells (Ptrend = .48). If
      dug wells were used pre-1960, when arsenical pesticides were widely used in the
      region, heavier water consumers (>2.2 L/day) had double the risk of light users
      (<1.1 L/day, Ptrend = .01). Among all participants, cumulative arsenic exposure
      from all water sources, lagged 40 years, yielded a positive risk gradient (Ptrend
      = .004); among the highest-exposed participants (97.5th percentile), risk was
      twice that of the lowest-exposure quartile (odds ratio = 2.24, 95% confidence
      interval = 1.29 to 3.89). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support an association
      between low-to-moderate levels of arsenic in drinking water and bladder cancer
      risk in New England. In addition, historical consumption of water from private
      wells, particularly dug wells in an era when arsenical pesticides were widely
      used, was associated with increased bladder cancer risk and may have contributed
      to the New England excess.

PMID- 27140956
TI  - The Affordable Care Act and Cancer Stage at Diagnosis Among Young Adults.
AB  - The Affordable Care Act-dependent coverage expansion provision implemented in
      2010 allows young adults to be covered under their parents' health insurance
      until age 26 years, and millions of young adults have gained insurance as a
      result. The impact of this policy on cancer patients has yet to be determined.
      Using 2007 to 2012 data from 18 registries of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and
      End Results Program, comparing cancer patients age 19 to 25 years to a control
      group of patients age 26 to 34 years who were not affected by the provision, we
      observed a 2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7 to 3.4) percentage point
      decrease in uninsured rate and a 2.7 (95% CI = 0.6 to 4.8) percentage point
      increase in diagnosis at stage I disease for patients age 19-25 years. Further
      analyses by specific cancer site revealed that the statistically significant
      shifts were confined to carcinoma of cervix (21.2, 95% CI = 9.6 to 32.7
      percentage points) and osseous and chondromatous neoplasms (14.4, 95% CI = 0.3 to
      28.5 percentage points), which are detectable by either screening or clinical
      manifestation. These early observations suggest the policy has had positive
      benefits in cancer outcomes.

PMID- 27140957
TI  - Ecological Validity of the Session Rating of Perceived Exertion for Quantifying
      Internal Training Load in Fencing.
AB  - Session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) is known to significantly relate to
      heart-rate (HR) -based methods of quantifying internal training load (TL) in a
      variety of sports. However, to date this has not been investigated in fencing and
      was therefore the aim of this study. TL was calculated by multiplying the sRPE
      with exercise duration and through HR-based methods calculated using Banister and
      Edwards TRIMP. Seven male elite foil fencers (mean +/- SD age 22.3 +/- 1.6 y,
      height 181.3 +/- 6.5 cm, body mass 77.7 +/- 7.6 kg) were monitored over the
      period of 1 competitive season. The sRPE and HR of 67 training sessions and 3
      competitions (87 poule bouts and 12 knockout rounds) were recorded and analyzed.
      Correlation analysis was used to determine any relationships between sRPE- and HR
      based methods, accounting for individual variation, mode of training (footwork
      drills vs sparring sessions), and stage of competition (poules vs knockouts).
      Across 2 footwork sessions, sRPE and Banister and Edwards TRIMP were found to be
      reliable, with coefficient of variation values of 6.0%, 5.2%, and 4.5%,
      respectively. Significant correlations with sRPE for individual fencers (r = .84
      .98) and across mode of exercise (r = .73-.85) and competition stages (r = .82
      .92) were found with HR-based measures. sRPE is a simple and valuable tool
      coaches can use to quantify TL in fencing.

PMID- 27140962
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27140963
TI  - Moving Research From the Bedside Into Practice.

PMID- 27140964
TI  - On "Toward systems science in rehabilitation." Jette AM. Phys Ther. 2016;96:270
      271.

PMID- 27140965
TI  - Comparative genomic analysis of upstream miRNA regulatory motifs in
      Caenorhabditis.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) comprise a class of short noncoding RNA molecules that play
      diverse developmental and physiological roles by controlling mRNA abundance and
      protein output of the vast majority of transcripts. Despite the importance of
      miRNAs in regulating gene function, we still lack a complete understanding of how
      miRNAs themselves are transcriptionally regulated. To fill this gap, we predicted
      regulatory sequences by searching for abundant short motifs located upstream of
      miRNAs in eight species of Caenorhabditis nematodes. We identified three
      conserved motifs across the Caenorhabditis phylogeny that show clear signatures
      of purifying selection from comparative genomics, patterns of nucleotide changes
      in motifs of orthologous miRNAs, and correlation between motif incidence and
      miRNA expression. We then validated our predictions with transgenic green
      fluorescent protein reporters and site-directed mutagenesis for a subset of
      motifs located in an enhancer region upstream of let-7 We demonstrate that a CT
      dinucleotide motif is sufficient for proper expression of GFP in the seam cells
      of adult C. elegans, and that two other motifs play incremental roles in
      combination with the CT-rich motif. Thus, functional tests of sequence motifs
      identified through analysis of molecular evolutionary signatures provide a
      powerful path for efficiently characterizing the transcriptional regulation of
      miRNA genes.

PMID- 27140966
TI  - Lyapunov decay in quantum irreversibility.
AB  - The Loschmidt echo--also known as fidelity--is a very useful tool to study
      irreversibility in quantum mechanics due to perturbations or imperfections. Many
      different regimes, as a function of time and strength of the perturbation, have
      been identified. For chaotic systems, there is a range of perturbation strengths
      where the decay of the Loschmidt echo is perturbation independent, and given by
      the classical Lyapunov exponent. But observation of the Lyapunov decay depends
      strongly on the type of initial state upon which an average is carried out. This
      dependence can be removed by averaging the fidelity over the Haar measure, and
      the Lyapunov regime is recovered, as has been shown for quantum maps. In this
      work, we introduce an analogous quantity for systems with infinite dimensional
      Hilbert space, in particular the quantum stadium billiard, and we show clearly
      the universality of the Lyapunov regime.

PMID- 27140967
TI  - Applications of fidelity measures to complex quantum systems.
AB  - We revisit fidelity as a measure for the stability and the complexity of the
      quantum motion of single-and many-body systems. Within the context of cold atoms,
      we present an overview of applications of two fidelities, which we call static
      and dynamical fidelity, respectively. The static fidelity applies to quantum
      problems which can be diagonalized since it is defined via the eigenfunctions. In
      particular, we show that the static fidelity is a highly effective practical
      detector of avoided crossings characterizing the complexity of the systems and
      their evolutions. The dynamical fidelity is defined via the time-dependent wave
      functions. Focusing on the quantum kicked rotor system, we highlight a few
      practical applications of fidelity measurements in order to better understand the
      large variety of dynamical regimes of this paradigm of a low-dimensional system
      with mixed regular-chaotic phase space. 

PMID- 27140968
TI  - From Loschmidt daemons to time-reversed waves.
AB  - Time-reversal invariance can be exploited in wave physics to control wave
      propagation in complex media. Because time and space play a similar role in wave
      propagation, time-reversed waves can be obtained by manipulating spatial
      boundaries or by manipulating time boundaries. The two dual approaches will be
      discussed in this paper. The first approach uses 'time-reversal mirrors' with a
      wave manipulation along a spatial boundary sampled by a finite number of
      antennas. Related to this method, the role of the spatio-temporal degrees of
      freedom of the wavefield will be emphasized. In a second approach, waves are
      manipulated from a time boundary and we show that 'instantaneous time mirrors',
      mimicking the Loschmidt point of view, simultaneously acting in the entire space
      at once can also radiate time-reversed waves. 

PMID- 27140969
TI  - A generalized fidelity amplitude for open systems.
AB  - We consider a central system which is coupled via dephasing to an open system,
      i.e. an intermediate system which in turn is coupled to another environment.
      Considering the intermediate and far environment as one composite system, the
      coherences in the central system are given in the form of fidelity amplitudes for
      a certain perturbed echo dynamics in the composite environment. On the basis of
      the Born-Markov approximation, we derive a master equation for the reduction of
      that dynamics to the intermediate system alone. In distinction to an earlier
      paper (Moreno et al 2015 Phys. Rev. A 92, 030104.
      (doi:10.1103/PhysRevA.92.030104)), where we discussed the stabilizing effect of
      the far environment on the decoherence in the central system, we focus here on
      the possibility of using the measurable coherences in the central system for
      probing the open quantum dynamics in the intermediate system. We illustrate our
      results for the case of chaotic dynamics in the near environment, where we
      compare random matrix simulations with our analytical result. 

PMID- 27140970
TI  - Loschmidt echo in many-spin systems: contrasting time scales of local and global
      measurements.
AB  - A local excitation in a quantum many-spin system evolves deterministically. A
      time-reversal procedure, involving the inversion of the signs of every energy and
      interaction, should produce the excitation revival. This idea, experimentally
      coined in nuclear magnetic resonance, embodies the concept of the Loschmidt echo
      (LE). While such an implementation involves a single spin autocorrelation M(1,1),
      i.e. a local LE, theoretical efforts have focused on the study of the recovery
      probability of a complete many-body state, referred to here as global or many
      body LE MMB Here, we analyse the relation between these magnitudes, with regard
      to their characteristic time scales and their dependence on the number of spins N
      We show that the global LE can be understood, to some extent, as the simultaneous
      occurrence of N independent local LEs, i.e. MMB~(M(1,1))(N/4) This extensive
      hypothesis is exact for very short times and confirmed numerically beyond such a
      regime. Furthermore, we discuss a general picture of the decay of M1,1 as a
      consequence of the interplay between the time scale that characterizes the
      reversible interactions (T(2)) and that of the perturbation (tau(Sigma)). Our
      analysis suggests that the short-time decay, characterized by the time scale
      tau(Sigma), is greatly enhanced by the complex processes that occur beyond T(2)
      This would ultimately lead to the experimentally observed T(3), which was found
      to be roughly independent of tau(Sigma) but closely tied to T(2).

PMID- 27140971
TI  - Microwave experiments in the realm of fidelity.
AB  - In this review article, we will demonstrate the power of microwave experiments in
      the realm of fidelity also known as Loschmidt echoes. As the determination of the
      fidelity itself is experimentally tedious and error prone, we will introduce the
      scattering fidelity which under the conditions of chaotic systems and weak
      coupling approaches the fidelity itself. The main ingredient in fidelity
      investigations is the type and strength of a perturbation. The perturbations
      presented here will be both global and local boundary perturbations, as well as
      local perturber movements but also the change of coupling to the environment. All
      these perturbations will produce their own fidelity decay as a function of the
      perturbation strength, which will be discussed in this article. 

PMID- 27140972
TI  - Quantum dynamics of excitations and decoherence in many-spin systems detected
      with Loschmidt echoes: its relation to their spreading through the Hilbert space.
AB  - In this work, we overview time-reversal nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
      experiments in many-spin systems evolving under the dipolar Hamiltonian. The
      Loschmidt echo (LE) in NMR is the signal of excitations which, after evolving
      with a forward Hamiltonian, is recovered by means of a backward evolution. The
      presence of non-diagonal terms in the non-equilibrium density matrix of the many
      body state is directly monitored experimentally by encoding the multiple quantum
      coherences. This enables a spin counting procedure, giving information on the
      spreading of an excitation through the Hilbert space and the formation of
      clusters of correlated spins. Two samples representing different spin systems
      with coupled networks were used in the experiments. Protons in polycrystalline
      ferrocene correspond to an 'infinite' network. By contrast, the liquid crystal N
      (4-methoxybenzylidene)-4-butylaniline in the nematic mesophase represents a
      finite proton system with a hierarchical set of couplings. A close connection was
      established between the LE decay and the spin counting measurements, confirming
      the hypothesis that the complexity of the system is driven by the coherent
      dynamics. 

PMID- 27140973
TI  - Path integral approach to the quantum fidelity amplitude.
AB  - The Loschmidt echo is a measure of quantum irreversibility and is determined by
      the fidelity amplitude of an imperfect time-reversal protocol. Fidelity amplitude
      plays an important role both in the foundations of quantum mechanics and in its
      applications, such as time-resolved electronic spectroscopy. We derive an exact
      path integral formula for the fidelity amplitude and use it to obtain a series of
      increasingly accurate semiclassical approximations by truncating an exact
      expansion of the path integral exponent. While the zeroth-order expansion results
      in a remarkably simple, yet non-trivial approximation for the fidelity amplitude,
      the first-order expansion yields an alternative derivation of the so-called
      'dephasing representation,' circumventing the use of a semiclassical propagator
      as in the original derivation. We also obtain an approximate expression for
      fidelity based on the second-order expansion, which resolves several shortcomings
      of the dephasing representation. The rigorous derivation from the path integral
      permits the identification of sufficient conditions under which various
      approximations obtained become exact. 

PMID- 27140974
TI  - A semiclassical reversibility paradox in simple chaotic systems.
AB  - Using semiclassical methods, it is possible to construct very accurate
      approximations in the short-wavelength limit of quantum dynamics that rely
      exclusively on classical dynamical input. For systems whose classical realization
      is strongly chaotic, there is an exceedingly short logarithmic Ehrenfest time
      scale, beyond which the quantum and classical dynamics of a system necessarily
      diverge, and yet the semiclassical construction remains valid far beyond that
      time. This fact leads to a paradox if one ponders the reversibility and
      predictability properties of quantum and classical mechanics. They behave very
      differently relative to each other, with classical dynamics being essentially
      irreversible/unpredictable, whereas quantum dynamics is reversible/stable. This
      begs the question: 'How can an accurate approximation to a reversible/stable
      dynamics be constructed from an irreversible/unpredictable one?' The resolution
      of this incongruity depends on a couple of key ingredients: a well-known,
      inherent, one-way structural stability of chaotic systems; and an overlap
      integral not being amenable to the saddle point method. 

PMID- 27140975
TI  - Dynamical phase transitions and Loschmidt echo in the infinite-range XY model.
AB  - We compare two different notions of dynamical phase transitions in closed quantum
      systems. The first is identified through the time-averaged value of the
      equilibrium-order parameter, whereas the second corresponds to non-analyticities
      in the time behaviour of the Loschmidt echo. By exactly solving the dynamics of
      the infinite-range XY model, we show that in this model non-analyticities of the
      Loschmidt echo are not connected to standard dynamical phase transitions and are
      not robust against quantum fluctuations. Furthermore, we show that the existence
      of either of the two dynamical transitions is not necessarily connected to the
      equilibrium quantum phase transition. 

PMID- 27140976
TI  - The semiclassical propagator in Fock space: dynamical echo and many-body
      interference.
AB  - We present a semiclassical approach to many-body quantum propagation in terms of
      coherent sums over quantum amplitudes associated with the solutions of
      corresponding classical nonlinear wave equations. This approach adequately
      describes interference effects in the many-body space of interacting bosonic
      systems. The main quantity of interest, the transition amplitude between Fock
      states when the dynamics is driven by both single-particle contributions and many
      body interactions of similar magnitude, is non-perturbatively constructed in the
      spirit of Gutzwiller's derivation of the van Vleck propagator from the path
      integral representation of the time evolution operator, but lifted to the space
      of symmetrized many-body states. Effects beyond mean-field, here representing the
      classical limit of the theory, are semiclassically described by means of
      interfering amplitudes where the action and stability of the classical solutions
      enter. In this way, a genuinely many-body echo phenomenon, coherent
      backscattering in Fock space, is presented arising due to coherent quantum
      interference between classical solutions related by time reversal. 

PMID- 27140977
TI  - Loschmidt echo and time reversal in complex systems.
AB  - Echoes are ubiquitous phenomena in several branches of physics, ranging from
      acoustics, optics, condensed matter and cold atoms to geophysics. They are at the
      base of a number of very useful experimental techniques, such as nuclear magnetic
      resonance, photon echo and time-reversal mirrors. Particularly interesting
      physical effects are obtained when the echo studies are performed on complex
      systems, either classically chaotic, disordered or many-body. Consequently, the
      term Loschmidt echo has been coined to designate and quantify the revival
      occurring when an imperfect time-reversal procedure is applied to a complex
      quantum system, or equivalently to characterize the stability of quantum
      evolution in the presence of perturbations. Here, we present the articles which
      discuss the work that has shaped the field in the past few years. 

PMID- 27140978
TI  - Prescription Drugs, Global Health, And Population Health.

PMID- 27140979
TI  - A Lead Poisoning Crisis Enters Its Second Century.
AB  - The public health disaster in Flint, Michigan, represents the latest chapter in a
      long history of lead poisoning in the United States.

PMID- 27140981
TI  - Patient Segmentation Analysis Offers Significant Benefits For Integrated Care And
      Support.
AB  - Integrated care aims to organize care around the patient instead of the provider.
      It is therefore crucial to understand differences across patients and their
      needs. Segmentation analysis that uses big data can help divide a patient
      population into distinct groups, which can then be targeted with care models and
      intervention programs tailored to their needs. In this article we explore the
      potential applications of patient segmentation in integrated care. We propose a
      framework for population strategies in integrated care-whole populations,
      subpopulations, and high-risk populations-and show how patient segmentation can
      support these strategies. Through international case examples, we illustrate
      practical considerations such as choosing a segmentation logic, accessing data,
      and tailoring care models. Important issues for policy makers to consider are
      trade-offs between simplicity and precision, trade-offs between customized and
      off-the-shelf solutions, and the availability of linked data sets. We conclude
      that segmentation can provide many benefits to integrated care, and we encourage
      policy makers to support its use.

PMID- 27140980
TI  - Variation In Health Outcomes: The Role Of Spending On Social Services, Public
      Health, And Health Care, 2000-09.
AB  - Although spending rates on health care and social services vary substantially
      across the states, little is known about the possible association between
      variation in state-level health outcomes and the allocation of state spending
      between health care and social services. To estimate that association, we used
      state-level repeated measures multivariable modeling for the period 2000-09, with
      region and time fixed effects adjusted for total spending and state demographic
      and economic characteristics and with one- and two-year lags. We found that
      states with a higher ratio of social to health spending (calculated as the sum of
      social service spending and public health spending divided by the sum of Medicare
      spending and Medicaid spending) had significantly better subsequent health
      outcomes for the following seven measures: adult obesity; asthma; mentally
      unhealthy days; days with activity limitations; and mortality rates for lung
      cancer, acute myocardial infarction, and type 2 diabetes. Our study suggests that
      broadening the debate beyond what should be spent on health care to include what
      should be invested in health-not only in health care but also in social services
      and public health-is warranted.

PMID- 27140982
TI  - The Commercial Market For Priority Review Vouchers.
AB  - In 2007 the US Congress created the priority review voucher program to encourage
      the development of drugs for neglected diseases. Under the program, the developer
      of a drug that treats a neglected disease receives both a faster review of the
      drug by the Food and Drug Administration and a voucher for a faster review of a
      different drug. The developer can sell the voucher. We estimated the commercial
      value of the voucher using US sales of new treatments approved in the period 2007
      09. A third of the commercial value of a voucher comes from capturing market
      share from competitors, nearly half from the value of earlier sales because of
      the expedited review, and less than a quarter from lengthening the time between
      approval and the launch of a generic competitor. We estimate that if only one
      priority review voucher is available in a year, it will be worth more than $200
      million, but if four vouchers are available, the value could fall below $100
      million. Congress should be cautious about expanding the voucher program, because
      increasing the number of vouchers sharply decreases the expected price. Lower
      voucher prices could undermine the incentive to develop new medicines for
      neglected diseases.

PMID- 27140983
TI  - Funding Antibiotic Innovation With Vouchers: Recommendations On How To Strengthen
      A Flawed Incentive Policy.
AB  - A serious need to spur antibiotic innovation has arisen because of the lack of
      antibiotics to combat certain conditions and the overuse of other antibiotics
      leading to greater antibiotic resistance. In response to this need, proposals
      have been made to Congress to fund antibiotic research through a voucher program
      for new antibiotics, which would delay generic entry for any drug, even potential
      blockbuster lifesaving generics. We find this proposal to be inefficient, in part
      because of the mismatch between the private value of the voucher and the public
      value of the antibiotic innovation. However, vouchers have the political
      advantage in the United States of being able to raise sufficient amounts of money
      without annual appropriations from Congress. We propose that if antibiotic
      vouchers are to be considered, the design should include dollar and time caps to
      limit their volatility, sufficient advance notice to protect generic
      manufacturers, and market-based linkages between the value of the voucher and the
      value of the antibiotic innovation. We also explore a second option: The federal
      government could auction vouchers to the highest bidders and use the money to
      create an antibiotics innovation fund.

PMID- 27140984
TI  - 'Government Patent Use': A Legal Approach To Reducing Drug Spending.
AB  - The high cost of patent-protected brand-name drugs can strain budgets and curb
      the widespread use of new medicines. An example is the case of direct-acting
      antiviral drugs for the treatment of hepatitis C. While prices for these drugs
      have come down in recent months, they still create barriers to treatment.
      Additionally, prescribing restrictions imposed by insurers put patients at
      increased risk of medical complications and contribute to transmission of the
      hepatitis C virus. We propose that the federal government invoke its power under
      an existing "government patent use" law to reduce excessive prices for important
      patent-protected medicines. Using this law would permit the government to procure
      generic versions of patented drugs and in exchange pay the patent-holding
      companies reasonable royalties to compensate them for research and development.
      This would allow patients in federal programs, and perhaps beyond, to be treated
      with inexpensive generic medicines according to clinical need-meaning that many
      more patients could be reached for no more, and perhaps far less, money than is
      currently spent. Another benefit would be a reduction in the opportunity for
      companies to extract monopoly profits that far exceed their risk-adjusted costs
      of research and development.

PMID- 27140985
TI  - Despite Federal Legislation, Shortages Of Drugs Used In Acute Care Settings
      Remain Persistent And Prolonged.
AB  - Early evidence suggests that provisions of the Food and Drug Administration
      Safety and Innovation Act of 2012 are associated with reductions in the total
      number of new national drug shortages. However, drugs frequently used in acute
      unscheduled care such as the care delivered in emergency departments may be
      increasingly affected by shortages. Our estimates, based on reported national
      drug shortages from 2001 to 2014 collected by the University of Utah's Drug
      Information Service, show that although the number of new annual shortages has
      decreased since the act's passage, half of all drug shortages in the study period
      involved acute care drugs. Shortages affecting acute care drugs became
      increasingly frequent and prolonged compared with non-acute care drugs (median
      duration of 242 versus 173 days, respectively). These results suggest that the
      drug supply for many acutely and critically ill patients in the United States
      remains vulnerable despite federal efforts.

PMID- 27140986
TI  - Steady Increase In Prices For Oral Anticancer Drugs After Market Launch Suggests
      A Lack Of Competitive Pressure.
AB  - The cost of treating cancer has risen to unprecedented heights, putting
      tremendous financial pressure on patients, payers, and society. Previous studies
      have documented the rising prices of cancer drugs at launch, but less critical
      attention has been paid to the cost of these drugs after launch. We used pharmacy
      claims for commercially insured individuals to examine trends in postlaunch
      prices over time for orally administered anticancer drugs recently approved by
      the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In the period 2007-13, inflation-adjusted
      per patient monthly drug prices increased 5 percent each year. Certain market
      changes also played a role, with prices rising an additional 10 percent with each
      supplemental indication approved by the FDA and declining 2 percent with the
      FDA's approval of a competitor drug. Our findings suggest that there is currently
      little competitive pressure in the oral anticancer drug market. Policy makers who
      wish to reduce the costs of anticancer drugs should consider implementing
      policies that affect prices not only at launch but also later.

PMID- 27140987
TI  - Cancer Drugs Provide Positive Value In Nine Countries, But The United States Lags
      In Health Gains Per Dollar Spent.
AB  - Cancer drugs account for a growing share of health care expenditure, raising
      questions about how much value is gained from their use. We used a proprietary
      international data set to examine real-world cancer drug consumption and
      expenditure in the period 2004-14 in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy,
      Japan, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States and to explore the value
      obtained. Even after adjusting for population and epidemiological factors, we
      found that the United States spent more than the other countries on cancer drugs,
      yet it often had lower utilization. All nine countries-most notably France and
      Japan-witnessed an improvement in neoplasm-related years of potential life lost,
      which suggests that although the costs of drugs have risen, their therapeutic
      benefits have increased as well. Net economic value derived from cancer drug
      expenditures appears to have remained positive, with base-case analyses
      indicating that the United States obtained an estimated $32.6 billion in net
      positive return from cancer drug care in 2014. However, the United States lags
      behind other countries in health gains obtained per dollar spent on cancer drugs,
      which suggests an opportunity to improve value in the oncology drug market.

PMID- 27140988
TI  - Payments For Opioids Shifted Substantially To Public And Private Insurers While
      Consumer Spending Declined, 1999-2012.
AB  - Deaths from opioid pain reliever overdose in the United States quadrupled between
      1999 and 2013, concurrent with an increase in the use of the drugs. We used data
      from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to examine trends in opioid pain
      reliever expenditures, financing by various payers, and use from 1999 to 2012. We
      found major shifts in expenditures by payer type for these drugs, with private
      and public insurers paying a much larger share than patients in recent years.
      Consumer out-of-pocket spending on opioids per 100 morphine milligram equivalents
      (a standard reference measure of strength for various opioids) declined from
      $4.40 to $0.90 between 2001 and 2012. Since the implementation of Medicare Part D
      in 2006, Medicare has been the largest payer for opioid pain relievers, covering
      about 20-30 percent of the cost. Medicare spends considerably more on these drugs
      for enrollees younger than age sixty-five than it does for any other age group or
      than Medicaid or private insurance does for any age group. Further research is
      needed to evaluate whether payer strategies to address the overuse of opioids
      could reduce avoidable opioid-related mortality.

PMID- 27140989
TI  - Hospitalizations Related To Opioid Abuse/Dependence And Associated Serious
      Infections Increased Sharply, 2002-12.
AB  - Serious infection is a recognized complication of intravenous drug abuse and a
      major cause of morbidity and mortality among intravenous drug users. Trends in
      rates of serious infection and the associated costs related to opioid
      abuse/dependence have not been previously investigated in the context of the US
      opioid use epidemic. Our study, using a nationally representative sample of US
      inpatient hospitalizations, showed that hospitalizations related to opioid
      abuse/dependence both with and without associated serious infection significantly
      increased from 2002 to 2012, respectively, from 301,707 to 520,275 and from 3,421
      to 6,535. Additionally, inpatient charges for both types of hospitalizations
      almost quadrupled over the same time period, reaching almost $15 billion for
      hospitalizations related to opioid abuse/dependence and more than $700 million
      for those related to associated infection in 2012. Medicaid was the most common
      primary payer for both types of hospitalizations. Our results characterize the
      financial burden on the health care system related to opioid abuse/dependence and
      one of the more serious downstream complications of this epidemic: serious
      infection. These findings have important implications for the hospitals and
      government agencies that disproportionately shoulder these costs and for
      clinicians, researchers, and policy makers interested in estimating the potential
      impact of targeted public health interventions on a national level.

PMID- 27140990
TI  - Improving Health Care Coverage, Equity, And Financial Protection Through A Hybrid
      System: Malaysia's Experience.
AB  - Malaysia has made substantial progress in providing access to health care for its
      citizens and has been more successful than many other countries that are better
      known as models of universal health coverage. Malaysia's health care coverage and
      outcomes are now approaching levels achieved by member nations of the
      Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Malaysia's results are
      achieved through a mix of public services (funded by general revenues) and
      parallel private services (predominantly financed by out-of-pocket spending). We
      examined the distributional aspects of health financing and delivery and assessed
      financial protection in Malaysia's hybrid system. We found that this system has
      been effective for many decades in equalizing health care use and providing
      protection from financial risk, despite modest government spending. Our results
      also indicate that a high out-of-pocket share of total financing is not a
      consistent proxy for financial protection; greater attention is needed to the
      absolute level of out-of-pocket spending. Malaysia's hybrid health system
      presents continuing unresolved policy challenges, but the country's experience
      nonetheless provides lessons for other emerging economies that want to expand
      access to health care despite limited fiscal resources.

PMID- 27140991
TI  - PEPFAR Investments In Governance And Health Systems Were One-Fifth Of Countries'
      Budgeted Funds, 2004-14.
AB  - Launched in 2003, the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is
      the largest disease-focused assistance program in the world. We analyzed PEPFAR
      budgets for governance and systems for the period 2004-14 to ascertain whether
      PEPFAR's stated emphasis on strengthening health systems has been manifested
      financially. The main outcome variable in our analysis, the first of its kind
      using these data, was the share of PEPFAR's total annual budget for a country
      that was designated for governance and systems. The share of planned PEPFAR
      funding for governance and systems increased from 14.9 percent, on average, in
      2004 to 27.5 percent in 2013, but it declined in 2014 to 20.8 percent. This study
      shows that the size of a country's PEPFAR budget was negatively associated with
      the share allocated for governance and systems (compared with other budget
      program areas); it also shows that there was no significant relationship between
      budgets for governance and systems and HIV prevalence. It is crucial for the
      global health policy community to better understand how such investments are
      allocated and used for health systems strengthening.

PMID- 27140992
TI  - Abstinence Funding Was Not Associated With Reductions In HIV Risk Behavior In Sub
      Saharan Africa.
AB  - The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been the largest
      funder of abstinence and faithfulness programming in sub-Saharan Africa, with a
      cumulative investment of over US $1.4 billion in the period 2004-13. We examined
      whether PEPFAR funding for abstinence and faithfulness programs, which aimed to
      reduce the risk of HIV transmission, was associated with a relative change in
      five outcomes indicative of high-risk sexual behavior: number of sexual partners
      in the past twelve months for men and for women, age at first sexual intercourse
      for men and for women, and teenage pregnancies. Using nationally representative
      surveys from twenty-two sub-Saharan African countries, we compared trends between
      people living in countries that received PEPFAR abstinence and faithfulness
      funding and those living in countries that did not in the period 1998-2013. We
      found no evidence to suggest that PEPFAR funding was associated with population
      level reductions in any of the five outcomes. These results suggest that
      alternative funding priorities for HIV prevention may yield greater health
      benefits.

PMID- 27140993
TI  - Traditional Medicare Versus Private Insurance: How Spending, Volume, And Price
      Change At Age Sixty-Five.
AB  - To slow the growth of Medicare spending, some policy makers have advocated
      raising the Medicare eligibility age from the current sixty-five years to sixty
      seven years. For the majority of affected adults, this would delay entry into
      Medicare and increase the time they are covered by private insurance. Despite its
      policy importance, little is known about how such a change would affect national
      health care spending, which is the sum of health care spending for all consumers
      and payers-including governments. We examined how spending differed between
      Medicare and private insurance using longitudinal data on imaging and procedures
      for a national cohort of individuals who switched from private insurance to
      Medicare at age sixty-five. Using a regression discontinuity design, we found
      that spending fell by $38.56 per beneficiary per quarter-or 32.4 percent-upon
      entry into Medicare at age sixty-five. In contrast, we found no changes in the
      volume of services at age sixty-five. For the previously insured, entry into
      Medicare led to a large drop in spending driven by lower provider prices, which
      may reflect Medicare's purchasing power as a large insurer. These findings imply
      that increasing the Medicare eligibility age may raise national health care
      spending by replacing Medicare coverage with private insurance, which pays higher
      provider prices than Medicare does.

PMID- 27140994
TI  - Affordable Care Act Provision Had Similar, Positive Impacts For Young Adults With
      And Without Disabilities.
AB  - Beginning in 2010 the Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed young adults (ages 19-25)
      to remain on their parents' private health insurance plans, even if they were not
      full-time students. This study investigated the impact of the ACA on health
      insurance coverage for young adults with disabilities, comparing their experience
      with that of young adults without disabilities and that of a group of older
      adults (ages 26-34) with disabilities. We analyzed the periods 2006-09 and 2011
      14, which were before and after implementation of the dependent coverage
      provision in the ACA, respectively. Coverage gains for older adults with
      disabilities were entirely attributable to changes in public insurance. Gains for
      young adults overall were driven by changes in private insurance. Both young
      adults with and without disabilities experienced a 4-percentage-point increase in
      private health insurance coverage between the two time periods, so the gap in
      private coverage between the two groups did not change significantly over time.
      Gains in coverage affected perhaps 2.9 million young adults overall and nearly
      300,000 young adults with disabilities.

PMID- 27140995
TI  - Differing Impacts Of Market Concentration On Affordable Care Act Marketplace
      Premiums.
AB  - Recent increases in market concentration among health plans, hospitals, and
      medical groups raise questions about what impact such mergers are having on costs
      to consumers. We examined the impact of market concentration on the growth of
      health insurance premiums between 2014 and 2015 in two Affordable Care Act state
      based Marketplaces: Covered California and NY State of Health. We measured health
      plan, hospital, and medical group market concentration using the well-known
      Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) and used a multivariate regression model to
      relate these measures to premium growth. Both states exhibited a positive
      association between hospital concentration and premium growth and a positive (but
      not statistically significant) association between medical group concentration
      and premium growth. Our results for health plan concentration differed between
      the two states: It was positively associated with premium growth in New York but
      negatively associated with premium growth in California. The health plan
      concentration finding in Covered California may be the result of its selectively
      contracting with health plans.

PMID- 27140996
TI  - A More Detailed Understanding Of Factors Associated With Hospital Profitability.
AB  - To identify the characteristics of the most profitable US hospitals, we examined
      the profitability of acute care hospitals in fiscal year 2013, measured as net
      income from patient care services per adjusted discharge. Based on Medicare Cost
      Reports and Final Rule Data, the median hospital lost $82 for each such
      discharge. Forty-five percent of hospitals were profitable, with 2.5 percent
      earning more than $2,475 per adjusted discharge. The ten most profitable
      hospitals, seven of which were nonprofit, each earned more than $163 million in
      total profits from patient care services. Hospitals with for-profit status,
      higher markups, system affiliation, or regional power, as well as those located
      in states with price regulation, tended to be more profitable than other
      hospitals. Hospitals that treated a higher proportion of Medicare patients, had
      higher expenditures per adjusted discharge, were located in counties with a high
      proportion of uninsured patients, or were located in states with a dominant
      insurer or greater health maintenance organization (HMO) penetration had lower
      profitability than hospitals that did not have these characteristics. These
      findings can inform policy reforms, while providing a baseline against which to
      measure the impact of any subsequent reforms.

PMID- 27140997
TI  - Adding A Spending Metric To Medicare's Value-Based Purchasing Program Rewarded
      Low-Quality Hospitals.
AB  - In fiscal year 2015 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expanded its
      Hospital Value-Based Purchasing program by rewarding or penalizing hospitals for
      their performance on both spending and quality. This represented a sharp
      departure from the program's original efforts to incentivize hospitals for
      quality alone. How this change redistributed hospital bonuses and penalties was
      unknown. Using data from 2,679 US hospitals that participated in the program in
      fiscal years 2014 and 2015, we found that the new emphasis on spending rewarded
      not only low-spending hospitals but some low-quality hospitals as well. Thirty
      eight percent of low-spending hospitals received bonuses in fiscal year 2014,
      compared to 100 percent in fiscal year 2015. However, low-quality hospitals also
      began to receive bonuses (0 percent in fiscal year 2014 compared to 17 percent in
      2015). All high-quality hospitals received bonuses in both years. The Centers for
      Medicare and Medicaid Services should consider incorporating a minimum quality
      threshold into the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing program to avoid rewarding low
      quality, low-spending hospitals.

PMID- 27140998
TI  - Low-Quality Nursing Homes Were More Likely Than Other Nursing Homes To Be Bought
      Or Sold By Chains In 1993-2010.
AB  - Two defining features of the nursing home industry are the tremendous churn in
      chain ownership and the perception of low-quality care at many facilities. We
      examined whether nursing homes that underwent chain-related transactions, such as
      mergers and acquisitions, experienced a larger number of health deficiency
      citations than nursing homes that maintained common ownership over the same
      period. Using facility-level data for the period 1993-2010, we found that those
      nursing homes that underwent chain-related transactions had more deficiency
      citations in the years preceding and following a transaction than those nursing
      homes that maintained common ownership. Thus, we did not find that these
      transactions led to a decline in quality. Instead, we found that chains targeted
      nursing homes that were already having quality problems and that these problems
      persisted after the transaction. Given the high frequency of nursing home chain
      transactions, policy makers will need to continue to invest in tracking,
      reporting, and overseeing these transactions. One important step would be to
      report more detailed data on chain ownership, transactions, and aggregate chain
      quality on the Nursing Home Compare website, the federal government's online
      report card for nursing homes.

PMID- 27140999
TI  - Asthma And Injustice On Chicago's Southeast Side.
AB  - A physician discovers a potential environmental link to asthma attacks in a poor
      Chicago community.

PMID- 27141000
TI  - Foundation Grants To Inform The Medicare Debate.

PMID- 27141001
TI  - 'Egocentric' Vaccination: Still Only A Hypothesis.

PMID- 27141002
TI  - 'Egocentric' Vaccination: The Authors Reply.

PMID- 27141003
TI  - Use Of Retail Clinics For Low-Acuity Conditions.

PMID- 27141004
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 27141005
TI  - Use Of Retail Clinics: The Authors Reply.

PMID- 27141008
TI  - Significance of FcgammaRIIIa-V158F Polymorphism-Letter.

PMID- 27141007
TI  - Quantifying Treatment Benefit in Molecular Subgroups to Assess a Predictive
      Biomarker.
AB  - An increased interest has been expressed in finding predictive biomarkers that
      can guide treatment options for both mutation carriers and noncarriers. The
      statistical assessment of variation in treatment benefit (TB) according to the
      biomarker carrier status plays an important role in evaluating predictive
      biomarkers. For time-to-event endpoints, the hazard ratio (HR) for interaction
      between treatment and a biomarker from a proportional hazards regression model is
      commonly used as a measure of variation in TB. Although this can be easily
      obtained using available statistical software packages, the interpretation of HR
      is not straightforward. In this article, we propose different summary measures of
      variation in TB on the scale of survival probabilities for evaluating a
      predictive biomarker. The proposed summary measures can be easily interpreted as
      quantifying differential in TB in terms of relative risk or excess absolute risk
      due to treatment in carriers versus noncarriers. We illustrate the use and
      interpretation of the proposed measures with data from completed clinical trials.
      We encourage clinical practitioners to interpret variation in TB in terms of
      measures based on survival probabilities, particularly in terms of excess
      absolute risk, as opposed to HR. Clin Cancer Res; 22(9); 2114-20. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27141010
TI  - Correction: Preclinical Efficacy of the MDM2 Inhibitor RG7112 in MDM2-Amplified
      and TP53 Wild-type Glioblastomas.

PMID- 27141009
TI  - Correction: Cabozantinib Suppresses Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Hepatocellular
      Carcinoma by a Dual Blockade of VEGFR2 and MET.

PMID- 27141011
TI  - Paediatric reference ranges for faecal calprotectin: a UK study.
AB  - Background Faecal calprotectin has been shown to be a useful non-invasive marker
      for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease in children and
      adults. Although there are well-established reference ranges for the diagnosis of
      inflammatory bowel disease in adults, these have been less well studied in
      children. The objective was to establish reference ranges in our local
      population. Method All faecal calprotectin results from 2011 to 2014 were
      retrospectively collated and grouped according to patient age. Probability plots
      were used to determine expected upper limit of normal for each age group, and
      Mann-Whitney test was used to determine statistical difference between groups.
      Results Upper limit of normal for age groups 1-3.9 years, 4-17.9 years and 18
      years plus were 77, 62 and 61  ug/g, respectively. There was a significant
      difference ( P = 0.0013) between the median calprotectin concentration for the
      age group 1-3.9 years ( n = 87) and 4-17.9 years ( n = 636) and between the age
      group 1-3.9 years and 18 years plus ( n = 7953, P = 0.0001), but there was no
      significant difference between the age groups 4-17.9 years and 18 years plus ( P
      = 0.4206). Conclusions In our local population, faecal calprotectin varies with
      age. Children aged 1-3.9 years had higher concentrations of faecal calprotectin
      than adults, but there was no significant difference in faecal calprotectin
      between older children and adults. This is in agreement with other published
      studies; however, the faecal calprotectin upper limit of normal calculated for
      children aged 1-3.9 years was lower than has been observed elsewhere.

PMID- 27141012
TI  - The role of European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
      Working Group for Preanalytical Phase in standardization and harmonization of the
      preanalytical phase in Europe.
AB  - Patient safety is a leading challenge in healthcare and from the laboratory
      perspective it is now well established that preanalytical errors are the major
      contributor to the overall rate of diagnostic and therapeutic errors. To address
      this, the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine
      Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (EFLM WG-PRE) was established to lead in
      standardization and harmonization of preanalytical policies and practices at a
      European level. One of the key activities of the WG-PRE is the organization of
      the biennial EFLM-BD conference on the preanalytical phase to provide a forum for
      National Societies (NS) to discuss their issues. Since 2012, a year after the
      first Preanalytical phase conference, there has been a rapid growth in the number
      of NS with a working group engaged in preanalytical phase activities and there
      are now at least 19 countries that have one. As a result of discussions with NS
      at the third conference held in March 2015 five key areas were identified as
      requiring harmonisation. These were test ordering, sample transport and storage,
      patient preparation, sampling procedures and management of unsuitable specimens.
      The article below summarises the work that has and will be done in these areas.
      The goal of this initiative is to ensure the EFLM WG-PRE produces work that meets
      the needs of the European laboratory medicine community. Progress made in the
      identified areas will be updated at the next preanalytical phase conference and
      show that we have produced guidance that has enhanced standardisation in the
      preanalytical phase and improved patient safety throughout Europe. 

PMID- 27141013
TI  - Correlation of E-selectin concentrations with carotid intima-media thickness and
      cardio-metabolic profile of mixed ancestry South Africans: a cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - Background E-selectin, an adhesion molecule, is a specific marker of endothelial
      dysfunction. High concentrations have been reported in type 2 diabetes and
      disorders with high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Measurement of carotid
      intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a surrogate marker of early atherosclerosis. We
      examined the relationship between E-selectin concentrations, CIMT and cardio
      metabolic traits in normo- and hyperglycaemic mixed ancestry South Africans.
      Methods E-selectin concentrations were determined in 308 subjects from the Cape
      Town Bellville South Community-based study on a mixed ancestry population. Their
      correlation with CIMT and cardio-metabolic profile used robust correlations and
      linear regression models. Results E-selectin concentrations were significantly
      higher in the hyperglycaemic (median 139.8 ug/L) compared to the normoglycaemic
      group (median 118.8 ug/L), ( p = 0.0007). Significant differences between the two
      groups were found for markers of glycaemia and adiposity, but not for CIMT.
      Significant correlations were found between E-selectin and age, markers of
      glycaemia and inflammation, central obesity and lipid variables. Associations
      remained significant only with age, hyperglycaemia and C-reactive protein in
      robust linear regression models. In similar regressions models, age and gender
      were the main predictors of CIMT, which was not associated with E-selectin.
      Conclusions E-selectin concentrations in this study were associated with
      hyperglycaemia, possibly reflecting early endothelial damage. However, E-selectin
      was not useful to assess CIMT, a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, which
      appeared to be determined by ageing and male gender.

PMID- 27141014
TI  - Serum and urinary endocan levels for bladder cancer diagnosis.

PMID- 27141015
TI  - Self-Reported Quality of Life and Symptom Burden in Ambulatory Patients With
      Multiple Myeloma on Disease-Modifying Treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knowledge of health-related quality of life (QoL) of patients with
      multiple myeloma on disease-modifying treatments is limited. AIM: (1) Determine
      symptom prevalence in patients with multiple myeloma on disease-modifying
      treatment. Identify the range and nature of these symptoms within the dimensions
      of physical, psychological, social, and financial well-being. (2) Measure self
      reported QoL. (3) Compare the above-mentioned parameters to the general
      population and patients with advanced cancer. METHOD: Adults with multiple
      myeloma on disease-modifying treatment, attending the hematology day unit in a
      tertiary referral center from November 2012 to January 2013, were eligible for
      inclusion in a cross-sectional quantitative survey. Consenting patients completed
      2 validated questionnaires, the European Organization for Research and Treatment
      of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) supplemented by
      the myeloma-specific module (EORTC QLQ-MY20) and the Hospital Anxiety Depression
      Score (HADS). RESULTS: Forty-one patients were included for analysis: 59% were
      male and 41% were female. Mean age was 63.7 years (range 46-86, standard
      deviation 11.24). The QoL scores were significantly lower than the general
      population and comparable to those with advanced cancer. The most commonly
      reported physical symptoms were pain (66%), fatigue (63%), and dyspnea (51%).
      About 54% of the patients were burdened by financial worries. Anxiety (30%) and
      depression (37%) were prevalent. CONCLUSION: Patients with myeloma on disease
      modifying treatment have a lower QoL than the general population and are
      symptomatic across physical, psychological, financial, and social domains. A
      holistic approach to patient care is warranted, and patients may benefit from
      specialist palliative care input.

PMID- 27141016
TI  - The Japan HOspice and Palliative Care Evaluation Study 3: Study Design,
      Characteristics of Participants and Participating Institutions, and Response
      Rates.
AB  - This article describes the whole picture of Japan HOspice and Palliative Care
      Evaluation Study 3 (J-HOPE3 Study) including study design and demographic data.
      The aims of the J-HOPE3 study were to (1) evaluate the process, structure, and
      outcome of palliative care in the following care settings: acute hospitals,
      inpatient hospice/palliative care units (PCUs), and home hospice services; (2)
      examine bereaved family members' self-reported psychosocial conditions, such as
      grief and depression, as bereavement outcomes; (3) provide data to ensure and
      improve the quality of care provided by participating institutions through
      feedback concerning results for each institution; and (4) perform additional
      studies to explore specific clinical research questions. We conducted a cross
      sectional, anonymous, self-report questionnaire survey involving patients'
      bereaved family members in 20 acute hospitals, 133 PCUs, and 22 home hospice
      services between May and July 2014. Two types of questionnaires were used: main
      and specific studies questionnaires. The questionnaire was sent to totally 13
      584, and 10 157 returned the questionnaire. The analysis included 9126 family
      members' questionnaires from acute hospitals, PCUs, and home hospice services.
      Respondents' average age was 61.6 years, 55% were women, and 40% had been married
      to the deceased. With respect to the characteristics of participating
      institutions, most institutions did not have religious affiliations, and most
      PCUs and home hospice services provided bereavement care. These results of the
      analysis of common and additional questionnaires could play an important role in
      clinical settings, quality improvement, research, and public accountability.

PMID- 27141018
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27141017
TI  - Management of patients with advanced prostate cancer: recommendations of the St
      Gallen Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC) 2015.

PMID- 27141019
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 27141028
TI  - Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia With Eosinophilia Within a Vascular Malformation: Case
      Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare, benign
      microvascular proliferation tumor. The etiology of ALHE is unknown, though some
      hypothesize it occurs in reaction to focal trauma. This study presents a case of
      AHLE within a vascular malformation, its treatment, and a review of the
      literature. METHODS: A retrospective case report was performed with a 4-year
      follow-up. Medical records including clinic notes, radiography, operative
      reports, pathology, and long-term follow-up were reviewed. RESULTS: Radiologic
      imaging revealed a vascular malformation with highly tortuous, corkscrew-shaped
      arterial vessels. Histology revealed midsized vessels with plump, epithelialized
      endothelium and focal areas of lymphocytic infiltrate punctuated with
      eosinophils, consistent with ALHE. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates a unique
      presentation of ALHE in association with vascular malformation. Initial physical
      exam lacked the classic dermatologic presentation of clusters of red-to-brown
      nodules; however, the corkscrew vessels lined by epithelized endothelial cells
      and eosinophilic infiltrate were pathognomonic for ALHE.

PMID- 27141029
TI  - Gustatory Dysfunction and Decreased Number of Fungiform Taste Buds in Patients
      With Chronic Otitis Media With Cholesteatoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the number of fungiform taste buds among patients with
      chronic otitis media (COM), those with pars flaccida retraction type
      cholesteatoma, and those with pars tensa retraction type cholesteatoma in
      combination with gustatory function. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with COM, 22
      patients with pars flaccida retraction type cholesteatoma, and 17 patients with
      pars tensa retraction type cholesteatoma were included. An average of 10
      fungiform papillae (FP) per patient in the midlateral region of the tongue were
      observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy in vivo, and the average number of
      taste buds were counted. Just before the observation of FP, electrogustometry
      (EGM) was performed to evaluate gustatory function. RESULTS: A significant
      decrease of the average number of fungiform taste buds and significant elevation
      of EGM thresholds were clarified in the pars tensa retraction type cholesteatoma
      group but not in the COM or pars flaccida type cholesteatoma group. CONCLUSION:
      It was suggested that some neurotoxic cytokines produced by cholesteatoma tissue
      might affect the CTN morphology, resulting in a decreased number of fungiform
      taste buds and elevation of EGM threshold in patients with pars tensa retraction
      type cholesteatoma.

PMID- 27141030
TI  - PEI to finally offer abortions on the island.

PMID- 27141031
TI  - Acute mesenteric ischemia.

PMID- 27141032
TI  - False images top form of scientific misconduct.

PMID- 27141033
TI  - Impact of the National Health Service Health Check on cardiovascular disease
      risk: a difference-in-differences matching analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National Health Service Health Check program in England is the
      largest cardiovascular risk assessment and management program in the world. We
      assessed the effect of this program on modelled risk of cardiovascular disease,
      individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease, prescribing of relevant
      medications and diagnosis of vascular disease. METHODS: We obtained retrospective
      electronic medical records for a randomly selected sample of 138 788 patients
      aged 40-74 years registered with 462 English general practices participating in
      the Clinical Practice Research Datalink between 2009 and 2013. We used a quasi
      experimental design of difference-indifferences matching analysis to compare
      changes in outcomes between Health Check attendees and nonattendees, with a
      median follow-up time of 2 years. RESULTS: Overall, 21.4% of the eligible
      population attended a Health Check. After matching (n = 29 672 in each group),
      attendees had a significant absolute reduction in modelled risk for
      cardiovascular disease (-0.21%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.24% to -0.19%)
      and individual risk factors: systolic blood pressure (-2.51 mm Hg, 95% CI -2.77
      to -2.25 mm Hg), diastolic blood pressure (-1.46 mm Hg, 95% CI -1.62 to -1.29 mm
      Hg), body mass index (-0.27, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.20) and total cholesterol (-0.15
      mmol/L, 95% CI -0.18 to -0.13 mmol/L). Statins were prescribed for 39.9% of
      attendees who were at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The program resulted
      in significantly more diagnoses of selected vascular diseases among attendees,
      with the largest increases for hypertension (2.99%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (1.31%). INTERPRETATION: The National Health Service Health Check program had
      statistically significant but clinically modest impacts on modelled risk for
      cardiovascular disease and individual risk factors, although diagnosis of
      vascular disease increased. Overall program performance was substantially below
      national and international targets, which highlights the need for careful
      planning, monitoring and evaluation of similar initiatives internationally.

PMID- 27141035
TI  - Toward better prescription drug surveillance in Canada.

PMID- 27141034
TI  - Pulmonary hypertension: diagnostic approach and optimal management.

PMID- 27141036
TI  - Unprecedented UK junior doctors' strike action.

PMID- 27141037
TI  - A 34-year-old man with refractory heartburn and intermittent dysphagia to solids.

PMID- 27141038
TI  - Assessing Temporal Emotion Dynamics Using Networks.
AB  - Multivariate psychological processes have recently been studied, visualized, and
      analyzed as networks. In this network approach, psychological constructs are
      represented as complex systems of interacting components. In addition to
      insightful visualization of dynamics, a network perspective leads to a new way of
      thinking about the nature of psychological phenomena by offering new tools for
      studying dynamical processes in psychology. In this article, we explain the
      rationale of the network approach, the associated methods and visualization, and
      illustrate it using an empirical example focusing on the relation between the
      daily fluctuations of emotions and neuroticism. The results suggest that
      individuals with high levels of neuroticism had a denser emotion network compared
      with their less neurotic peers. This effect is especially pronounced for the
      negative emotion network, which is in line with previous studies that found a
      denser network in depressed subjects than in healthy subjects. In sum, we show
      how the network approach may offer new tools for studying dynamical processes in
      psychology.

PMID- 27141039
TI  - Construct Validity of Scores From the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale in a
      Sample of Postsecondary Students With Disabilities.
AB  - Although theory posits a multidimensional structure of resilience, studies have
      supported a unidimensional solution for data obtained from the commonly used
      Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). This study investigated the latent
      structure of CD-RISC responses in a sample of postsecondary students with
      disabilities. Furthermore, the validity of CD-RISC scores was examined with
      respect to career optimism and well-being. The analyses were conducted using
      confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM).
      Results supported a bifactor-ESEM representation of the CD-RISC data that
      accounts for construct-relevant multidimensionality in scores due to the presence
      of general and specific factors and the fallibility of indicators as pure
      reflections of the constructs they measure. Although three specific factors
      showed meaningful residual specificity over and above the general factor, two
      specific factors were weakly defined with little meaningful residual specificity.
      However, these factors may retain some utility in the bifactor-ESEM model insofar
      as they control for limited levels of residual covariance in items. Evidence was
      also obtained for relations of the general and substantively interpretable
      specific factors with career optimism and well-being. The results of the study
      provide validation data for the CD-RISC and clarify recent research converging on
      seemingly disparate unidimensional and multidimensional solutions.

PMID- 27141040
TI  - Endometrial preparation: effect of estrogen dose and administration route on
      reproductive outcomes in oocyte donation cycles with fresh embryo transfer.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Is there a difference in live birth rates following endometrial
      preparation with either a constant or increasing estrogen dose in fresh embryo
      transfer from oocyte donation cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER: There is no difference in
      live birth rates between a constant dose versus an increasing dose of estrogen
      after fresh embryo transfer in oocyte donation cycles with oral or transdermal
      supplementation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Endometrial preparation (EP) with
      estrogen and progesterone, and embryo-endometrial synchronicity are determinant
      for adequate embryo implantation. Estrogen is crucial and different exogenous
      administration patterns could imply variations on EP. Moreover, estrogen
      undergoes metabolization by the intestines and liver when administered orally, an
      effect that is bypassed by transdermal administration. Information on the effect
      of replacement patterns and route of administration of E on reproductive outcomes
      of women undergoing fresh embryo transfer from oocyte donation cycles is scarce.
      STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Retrospective cohort study including 8362 embryo
      transfers following ICSI, corresponding to 8254 patients, between October 2010
      and March 2015. A total of 5593 (66.9%) patients received an increasing E dose
      (ID) (oral: 2 mg/day day(d)1-7, 4 mg days d8-12, 6 mg d13-embryo transfer;
      transdermal: 75 ug/3 days on d1-6, 150 ug/3 days d7-embryo transfer) while 2769
      (33.1%) received a constant dose (CD) of estrogen (oral: 6 mg/day 1-embryo
      transfer; transdermal: 150 ug/3 days d1-embryo transfer). Embryos were generated
      by ICSI with fresh or vitrified donor oocytes fertilized with either fresh or
      frozen sperm from either the couple partner or donor. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS,
      SETTING, METHODS: Cohort allocation was not related to patient characteristics;
      instead it reflected an internal policy change in E administration. Effect of
      estrogen dose (ID versus CD) on biochemical, clinical, ongoing and live birth
      rates, stratified by administration route, was analyzed by univariate and
      multivariate analysis adjusted by donor and recipient demographic and cycle
      characteristics. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: No difference in live birth
      rate was found between CD and ID for oral (33.0 versus 32.5%, P = 0.81) and
      transdermal (35.3 versus 33.5%, P = 0.33) supplementation. Biochemical pregnancy
      rate was higher in CD than ID (53.7 versus 47.5%, P < 0.001) when patients
      received oral supplementation. Adjusted analysis confirmed that oral
      administration had a greater impact on biochemical pregnancy rates than
      transdermal (odds ratio (OR) 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-1.48, P =
      0.001 versus OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.00-1.30, P = 0.055). Sub-analysis of transfers
      between day 12 and 15 of estrogen supplementation showed no difference between CD
      and ID in pregnancy outcomes. Demographic variables and cycle characteristics
      were comparable between both groups. Moreover, the use of the oocyte donation
      model reduces confounding factors related to oocyte age, embryo aneuploidy, and
      embryo quality. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The greatest limitation of this
      study is its retrospective nature. On the other hand, this study was performed
      using donated oocytes; although this is unlikely to affect the results, we cannot
      exclude the possibility that a high quality female gamete responds differently to
      endometrial state in comparison to a patient's own oocytes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF
      THE FINDINGS: In fresh embryo transfer from oocyte donation cycles, changes in
      the protocol of E replacement do not seem to have an impact on clinical outcomes
      and performance; for this reason estrogen replacement protocols can be adjusted
      to the patient's characteristics and preferences as well as to the most cost
      effective strategy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: None.

PMID- 27141041
TI  - A prospective cohort study of endometriosis and subsequent risk of infertility.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Is there a temporal relationship between endometriosis and
      infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER: Endometriosis is associated with a higher risk of
      subsequent infertility, but only among women age <35 years. WHAT IS KNOWN
      ALREADY: Endometriosis is the most commonly observed gynecologic pathology among
      infertile women undergoing laparoscopic examination. Whether endometriosis is a
      cause of infertility or an incidental discovery during the infertility
      examination is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This study included data
      collected from 58 427 married premenopausal female nurses <40 years of age from
      1989 to 2005, who are participants of the Nurses' Health Study II prospective
      cohort. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Our exposure was
      laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards
      regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) for infertility risk (defined as attempting to conceive for >12
      months) among women with and without endometriosis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF
      CHANCE: We identified 4612 incident cases of infertility due to any cause over
      362 219 person-years of follow-up. Compared with women without a history of
      endometriosis, women with endometriosis had an age-adjusted 2-fold increased risk
      of incident infertility (HR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.76-2.56) that attenuated slightly
      after accounting for parity. The relationship with endometriosis was only
      observed among women <35 years of age (multivariate HR <35 years = 1.77, 95% CI =
      1.46-2.14; multivariate HR 35-39 years = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.94-1.53; P-interaction
      = 0.008). Risk of primary versus secondary infertility was similar subsequent to
      endometriosis diagnosis. Among women with primary infertility, 50% became parous
      after the endometriosis diagnosis, and among all women with endometriosis, 83%
      were parous by age 40 years. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: We did not have
      information on participants' intentions to conceive, but by restricting the
      analytic population to married women we increased the likelihood that pregnancies
      were planned (and therefore infertility would be recognized). Women in our cohort
      with undiagnosed asymptomatic endometriosis will be misclassified as unexposed.
      However, the small proportion of these women are diluted among the >50 000 women
      accurately classified as endometriosis-free, minimizing the impact of exposure
      misclassification on the effect estimates. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS:
      This study supports a temporal association between endometriosis and infertility
      risk. Our prospective analysis indicates a possible detection bias in previous
      studies, with our findings suggesting that the infertility risk posed by
      endometriosis is about half the estimates observed in cross-sectional analyses.
      STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This work was supported by the National
      Institutes of Health (grant numbers: UM1 CA176726, HD52473, HD57210, T32DK007703,
      T32HD060454, K01DK103720). We have no competing interests to declare.

PMID- 27141043
TI  - Traumatic inferior hip dislocation: a rare adult case with ipsilateral bifocal
      hip fracture.
AB  - Inferior dislocation is a rare type of hip dislocation, especially in adults. Few
      cases have been reported; most of them were isolated. This is the case of a
      traumatic adult hip dislocation after a road traffic accident. Reduction was made
      under general anaesthesia; a CT-Scan after the reduction showed a bifocal non
      displaced hip fracture. In this article, we present a small review of the
      literature and we discuss the possible mechanism of hip dislocation. We found
      through our case study that this condition is not exclusive to children and CT
      Scan is mandatory after the reduction of hip dislocation to eliminate any
      associated injury. To our knowledge, a bifocal hip fracture has not previously
      been documented, in the English language literature. 

PMID- 27141042
TI  - TET enzymes are successively expressed during human spermatogenesis and their
      expression level is pivotal for male fertility.
AB  - STUDY QUESTION: Are ten-eleven-translocation (TET) 1-3 family enzymes involved in
      human spermatogenesis and do they impact male fertility? SUMMARY ANSWER: TET1,
      TET2 and TET3 are successively expressed at different stages of human
      spermatogenesis, and their expression levels associate with male fertility. WHAT
      IS KNOWN ALREADY: Spermatogenesis is a complex cell differentiation process
      accompanied by a drastic epigenetic remodeling. TET1-3 dioxygenases are essential
      for active DNA demethylation in the paternal pronucleus and in embryonic stem
      cells. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Expression of TET1-3 mRNAs and proteinss and
      5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) proteins were analyzed in human testis tissues
      from men with obstructive azoospermia and exhibiting histologically normal
      spermatogenesis. Ejaculated spermatozoa from normozoospermic healthy volunteers,
      the 'controls' (TET1: n = 58; TET2-3: n = 63), and subfertile men who
      participated with their female partners in an ICSI-program, the 'patients' (TET1:
      n = 66; TET2-3: n = 64), were analyzed concerning the stored TET1-3 mRNAs, and
      the values were correlated to semen parameters and ICSI-outcomes.
      PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Testis sections were used for in situ
      hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies to determine TET1-3
      mRNA and protein expression, and for immunofluorescence (IF) detection of 5-hmC.
      Sperm samples from controls were analyzed by western blot, immunocytochemistry
      (ICC) and RT-PCR concerning the presence of non-degraded TET1-3 protein and mRNA.
      Sperm samples from controls and patients were used for quantitative TET1-3 mRNA
      analyses (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) and for comparative
      statistical evaluations under consideration of semen parameters and ICSI-outcome
      (pregnancy). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: During human spermatogenesis
      TET1-3 proteins are successively expressed: TET2 is expressed in the cytoplasm of
      late pachytene spermatocytes of Stage V, TET1 starts to be expressed in the
      nuclei of Step 1 round spermatids at Stage I, and TET3 starts to be expressed in
      the nuclei of Step 3 round spermatids at Stage III. Five-hmC appears only in Step
      5 elongated spermatids. All three TETs are still detectable at the mRNA and
      protein level in sperm cells in considerable amounts. Control men generally
      exhibited higher levels of TET1-3 in sperm. TET1- and TET3-mRNA levels in sperm
      were significantly negatively correlated with age (P = 0.0025 and P = 0.0343) and
      positively correlated with progressive sperm motility (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.018).
      All TETs showed a significant association with sperm concentration (P < 0.03).
      Patients diagnosed with oligozoospermia and/or asthenozoospermia (TET1: n = 35;
      TET2-3: n = 32) showed significantly reduced TET1-3 in sperm in comparison to
      controls (P = 0.003, P = 0.041 and P = 0.028), but not compared with
      normozoospermic patients. Levels of TET3 in sperm was significantly associated
      with high-fertilization rates (P = 0.009). Concerning ICSI-outcome, the lowest
      levels of TET1-3 mRNAs in sperm were found in the non-pregnant group. Increased
      TET2 in sperm was significantly associated with pregnancy (P = 0.006).
      LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Our results concerning the association of the
      mRNA level of TETs in ejaculated sperm cells to different fertility parameters
      are descriptive. Further studies clarifying the reasons for decreased TET1-3
      levels in subfertile men and their effect on their sperm methylome are essential.
      WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The study gives a substantial indication that
      in human spermiogenesis, an active DNA demethylation process occurs with an
      involvement of TET enzymes, and that the level of TET1-3 expression is pivotal
      for male fertility. STUDY FUNDING: Research grant from the German Research
      Foundation (DFG) to U.S. (SCHA1531/1-1 and SCHA1531/2-1). COMPETING INTERESTS:
      None.

PMID- 27141044
TI  - Surgical repair of aortic dissection 16 years post-Ross procedure.
AB  - The Ross procedure is an excellent choice for younger patients in need of aortic
      valve replacement. While patients have benefited from superior survival rates
      associated with this procedure, complications related to aortic root dilatation
      and degeneration of the autograft may be encountered later in life. These
      challenges may be exacerbated in those with underlying connective tissue
      abnormalities, a phenomenon commonly observed in the bicuspid aortic valve
      population. In this report, we present the case of a patient who presented with
      an aortic dissection 16 years after a Ross procedure for aortic insufficiency in
      the setting of a bicuspid aortic valve, and review the existing literature
      related to this adverse event. 

PMID- 27141045
TI  - Ductus arteriosus aneurysm presenting as hoarseness: successful repair with an
      endovascular approach.
AB  - An aneurysm of the ductus arteriosus is a rare finding, particularly in the adult
      population. These saccular aneurysms arise at the site of an incompletely
      obliterated ductus arteriosus along the lesser curvature of the aortic arch. Left
      untreated, it is associated with a high risk of potentially life-threatening
      complications including rupture, infection and thromboembolism. As a result,
      surgical correction is recommended. Previously, options were limited to open
      repair but as endovascular experience grows, novel techniques afford safer and
      less invasive alternatives. In contrast, neonatal ductus arteriosus aneurysms may
      regress spontaneously and expectant treatment can be justified. We present the
      case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with hoarseness secondary to a ductus
      arteriosus aneurysm; a diagnosis consistent with Ortner's syndrome. The patient
      underwent an uncomplicated endovascular repair using the chimney-graft technique.

PMID- 27141046
TI  - Symptomatic lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas: successful treatment without
      pancreatic resection.
AB  - Lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) of the pancreas are rare benign lesions with
      unknown pathogenesis. LECs are true cysts that mimic pseudocysts and cystic
      neoplasms making diagnosis challenging. We report a case of a symptomatic LEC of
      the pancreas in a 67-year-old man who had severe epigastric pain. Workup
      including computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound were non-diagnostic. The
      patient underwent attempted surgical resection; however, the mass was
      unresectable. The mass was enucleated and drained, and pathology returned LEC.
      The patient underwent a normal postoperative course and remained symptom free.
      Most LECs are diagnosed after an extensive pancreatic resection for suspicious
      cystic masses. The aim of this report is to show that operative management of
      LECs should not be limited to pancreatic resections. Excision and enucleation of
      LEC of the pancreas is a better alternative than an extensive pancreatic
      resection. Preoperative diagnosis of LECs appears to be the limiting factor. 

PMID- 27141047
TI  - Medial malleolus fracture of the ankle combined with rupture of the Achilles
      tendon.
AB  - A 59-year-old man fell off a 60-cm-high step, with his ankle in a twisted
      position, and sustained a closed fracture of the medial malleolus, with an
      ipsilateral complete Achilles tendon (TA) rupture. The TA rupture was initially
      missed but diagnosed by ultrasound examination, 2 weeks post-operatively. The
      ankle fracture was diagnosed from routine radiographs. Such a combination of
      injuries has been reported infrequently in the literature, but significant
      similarities have been described in the mechanism of injury and fracture
      patterns. Nevertheless, three of five reported cases with combined medial
      malleolus fractures were initially misdiagnosed. 

PMID- 27141048
TI  - Osteoporotic spinal burst fracture in a young adult as first presentation of
      systemic mastocytosis.
AB  - Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are uncommon in young adults and usually
      indicate an underlying disease. Systemic mastocytosis is a myeloproliferative
      neoplasm, which can be associated with osteoporosis. A previously healthy 30-year
      old man presented with an L4 burst fracture after lifting a heavy object. He was
      operated with laminectomy and posterior lumbar instrumentation. During surgery,
      abnormally soft bone was noted. Postoperatively, osteoporosis was confirmed with
      measurement of bone mineral density. Further investigation revealed elevated
      serum tryptase levels while bone marrow biopsy findings showed systemic
      mastocytosis. He was also tested positive for D816V KIT mutation. Treatment with
      biphosphonates and interferon was initiated. No extraskeletal involvement was
      noted up to the last checkup, 18 months after the first presentation. Abrupt
      vertebral fractures in apparently healthy young individuals should raise the
      suspicion of an underlying pathology. Prompt identification and treatment of
      systemic mastocytosis is crucial in order to avoid unexpected sequelae. 

PMID- 27141049
TI  - Duplicated extrahepatic bile duct identified following cholecystectomy injury.
AB  - Though variations of intrahepatic biliary anatomy are quite common, duplication
      of the extrahepatic biliary system is extremely rare and reported infrequently in
      the literature. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common general
      surgery procedures performed. Unfortunately, iatrogenic bile duct injuries can
      contribute to significant morbidity including hospital readmissions, infectious
      complications and death. Anomalous extrahepatic biliary anatomy may be one of the
      factors, which increases the likelihood of bile duct injury during laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy. We present a case of an iatrogenic bile duct injury that
      occurred during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, in which a duplicated
      extrahepatic biliary system was identified intraoperatively during the definitive
      operative repair. 

PMID- 27141050
TI  - Maintenance of Epigenetic Information.
AB  - The genome is subject to a diverse array of epigenetic modifications from DNA
      methylation to histone posttranslational changes. Many of these marks are
      somatically stable through cell division. This article focuses on our knowledge
      of the mechanisms governing the inheritance of epigenetic marks, particularly,
      repressive ones, when the DNA and chromatin template are duplicated in S phase.
      This involves the action of histone chaperones, nucleosome-remodeling enzymes,
      histone and DNA methylation binding proteins, and chromatin-modifying enzymes.
      Last, the timing of DNA replication is discussed, including the question of
      whether this constitutes an epigenetic mark that facilitates the propagation of
      epigenetic marks.

PMID- 27141051
TI  - TGF-beta and the TGF-beta Family: Context-Dependent Roles in Cell and Tissue
      Physiology.
AB  - The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is the prototype of the TGF-beta
      family of growth and differentiation factors, which is encoded by 33 genes in
      mammals and comprises homo- and heterodimers. This review introduces the reader
      to the TGF-beta family with its complexity of names and biological activities. It
      also introduces TGF-beta as the best-studied factor among the TGF-beta family
      proteins, with its diversity of roles in the control of cell proliferation and
      differentiation, wound healing and immune system, and its key roles in pathology,
      for example, skeletal diseases, fibrosis, and cancer. 

PMID- 27141052
TI  - Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels: A Structural Examination of Selectivity and
      Gating.
AB  - Voltage-gated potassium channels play a fundamental role in the generation and
      propagation of the action potential. The discovery of these channels began with
      predictions made by early pioneers, and has culminated in their extensive
      functional and structural characterization by electrophysiological,
      spectroscopic, and crystallographic studies. With the aid of a variety of crystal
      structures of these channels, a highly detailed picture emerges of how the
      voltage-sensing domain reports changes in the membrane electric field and couples
      this to conformational changes in the activation gate. In addition, high
      resolution structural and functional studies of K(+) channel pores, such as KcsA
      and MthK, offer a comprehensive picture on how selectivity is achieved in K(+)
      channels. Here, we illustrate the remarkable features of voltage-gated potassium
      channels and explain the mechanisms used by these machines with experimental
      data. 

PMID- 27141053
TI  - Noncoding Transcription Is a Driving Force for Nucleosome Instability in spt16
      Mutant Cells.
AB  - FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) consists of two essential subunits,
      Spt16 and Pob3, and functions as a histone chaperone. Mutation of spt16 results
      in a global loss of nucleosomes as well as aberrant transcription. Here, we show
      that the majority of nucleosome changes upon Spt16 depletion are alterations in
      nucleosome fuzziness and position shift. Most nucleosomal changes are suppressed
      by the inhibition of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) activity. Surprisingly, a small
      subgroup of nucleosome changes is resistant to transcriptional inhibition.
      Notably, Spt16 and distinct histone modifications are enriched at this subgroup
      of nucleosomes. We also report 1,037 Spt16-suppressed noncoding transcripts
      (SNTs) and found that the SNT start sites are enriched with the subgroup of
      nucleosomes resistant to Pol II inhibition. Finally, the nucleosomes at genes
      overlapping SNTs are more susceptible to changes upon Spt16 depletion than those
      without SNTs. Taken together, our results support a model in which Spt16 has a
      role in maintaining local nucleosome stability to inhibit initiation of SNT
      transcription, which once initiated drives additional nucleosome loss upon Spt16
      depletion.

PMID- 27141055
TI  - Impact of Angiotensin Type 1A Receptors in Principal Cells of the Collecting Duct
      on Blood Pressure and Hypertension.
AB  - The main actions of the renin-angiotensin system to control blood pressure (BP)
      are mediated by the angiotensin type 1 receptors (AT1Rs). The major murine AT1R
      isoform, AT1AR, is expressed throughout the nephron, including the collecting
      duct in both principal and intercalated cells. Principal cells play the major
      role in sodium and water reabsorption. Although aldosterone is considered to be
      the dominant regulator of sodium reabsorption by principal cells, recent studies
      suggest a role for direct actions of AT1R. To specifically examine the
      contributions of AT1AR in principal cells to BP regulation and the development of
      hypertension in vivo, we generated inbred 129/SvEv mice with deletion of AT1AR
      from principal cells (PCKO). At baseline, we found that BPs measured by
      radiotelemetry were similar between PCKOs and controls. During 1-week of low-salt
      diet (<0.02% NaCl), BPs fell significantly (P<0.05) and to a similar extent in
      both groups. On a high-salt (6% NaCl) diet, BP increased but was not different
      between groups. During the initial phase of angiotensin II-dependent
      hypertension, there was a modest but significant attenuation of hypertension in
      PCKOs (163+/-6 mm Hg) compared with controls (178+/-2 mm Hg; P<0.05) that was
      associated with enhanced natriuresis and decreased alpha epithelial sodium
      channel activation in the medulla of PCKOs. However, from day 9 onward, BPs were
      indistinguishable between groups. Although effects of AT1AR on baseline BP and
      adaptation to changes in dietary salt are negligible, our studies suggest that
      direct actions of AT1AR contribute to the initiation of hypertension and
      epithelial sodium channel activation.

PMID- 27141056
TI  - Noninvasive Central Systolic Blood Pressure Is More Strongly Related to Kidney
      Function Decline Than Peripheral Systolic Blood Pressure in a Chinese Community
      Based Population.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the association of noninvasive central aortic
      blood pressure with kidney function decline in a Chinese community-based
      population with normal kidney function at baseline. A total of 3153 Chinese
      participants from an atherosclerosis cohort were included in our analysis. The
      primary outcome was renal function decline defined as a drop in estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) category accompanied by a >=25% drop in eGFR
      from baseline; or a sustained decline in eGFR of >5 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)/y. The
      secondary outcomes were rapid eGFR decline (a decline in eGFR of >3 mL/min per
      1.73 m(2)/y) and new incidence of chronic kidney disease. Participants were
      56.6+/-8.5 years old, 36.0% were males, and 48.8% had hypertension. Mean (SD)
      baseline eGFR was 101.2+/-10.6 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) After a mean 2.35-year follow
      up, the incidence of renal function decline, rapid eGFR decline and chronic
      kidney disease were 7.3%, 19.7%, and 0.7%, respectively. In multivariate logistic
      regression analyses, central and peripheral systolic blood pressure (SBP) were
      both independently associated with all outcomes after adjustment for various
      confounders. When peripheral SBP was forced into the model with central SBP
      simultaneously, its significant association with the 3 outcomes all disappeared;
      however, central SBP was still significantly related with all outcomes even after
      further adjusting peripheral SBP. In conclusion, central SBP is a stronger
      predictor compared with peripheral SBP for early kidney function decline in a
      Chinese community-based population with normal kidney function at baseline.

PMID- 27141054
TI  - Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor-Dependent and -Independent Paracrine Signaling
      by Sunitinib-Resistant Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - Antiangiogenic therapies, such as sunitinib, have revolutionized renal cell
      carcinoma (RCC) treatment. However, a precarious understanding of how resistance
      emerges and a lack of tractable experimental systems hinder progress. We
      evaluated the potential of primary RCC cultures (derived from tumors and tumor
      grafts) to signal to endothelial cells (EC) and fibroblasts in vitro and to
      stimulate angiogenesis ex vivo in chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. From 65
      patients, 27 primary cultures, including several from patients with sunitinib
      resistant RCC, were established. RCC cells supported EC survival in coculture
      assays and induced angiogenesis in CAM assays. RCC-induced EC survival was
      sensitive to sunitinib in half of the tumors and was refractory in tumors from
      resistant patients. Sunitinib sensitivity correlated with vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) production. RCC induced paracrine extracellular signal
      regulated kinase (ERK) activation in EC which was inhibited by sunitinib in
      sensitive but not in resistant tumors. As determined by fibroblast growth factor
      receptor substrate 2 (FRS2) phosphorylation in fibroblasts, RCC broadly induced
      low-level fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling. Whereas ERK
      activation in EC was uniformly inhibited by combined VEGF/platelet-derived growth
      factor (PDGF)/FGF receptor inhibitors, paracrine ERK activation in fibroblasts
      was blocked in only a fraction of tumors. Our data show that RCC activates EC
      through VEGF-dependent and -independent pathways, that sunitinib sensitivity
      correlates with VEGF-mediated ERK activation, and that combined inhibition of
      VEGF/PDGF/FGF receptors is sufficient to inhibit mitogenic signaling in EC but
      not in fibroblasts.

PMID- 27141057
TI  - Hypertension in Chronic Kidney Disease Part 2: Role of Ambulatory and Home Blood
      Pressure Monitoring for Assessing Alterations in Blood Pressure Variability and
      Blood Pressure Profiles.

PMID- 27141058
TI  - Hypertension in Chronic Kidney Disease Part 1: Out-of-Office Blood Pressure
      Monitoring: Methods, Thresholds, and Patterns.

PMID- 27141059
TI  - Sustained Endocrine Gland-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels
      Beyond the First Trimester of Pregnancy Display Phenotypic and Functional Changes
      Associated With the Pathogenesis of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension.
AB  - Pregnancy-induced hypertension diseases are classified as gestational
      hypertension, preeclampsia, or eclampsia. The mechanisms of their development and
      prediction are still to be discovered. Endocrine gland-derived vascular
      endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) is an angiogenic factor secreted by the
      placenta during the first trimester of human pregnancy that was shown to control
      trophoblast invasion, to be upregulated by hypoxia, and to be abnormally elevated
      in pathological pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia and intrauterine growth
      restriction. These findings suggested that sustaining EG-VEGF levels beyond the
      first trimester of pregnancy may contribute to pregnancy-induced hypertension. To
      test this hypothesis, osmotic minipumps delivering EG-VEGF were implanted
      subcutaneously into gravid OF1 (Oncins France 1) mice on day 11.5 post coitus,
      which is equivalent to the end of the first trimester of human pregnancy. Mice
      were euthanized at 15.5 and 18.5 days post coitus to assess (1) litter size,
      placental, and fetal weights; (2) placental histology and function; (3) maternal
      blood pressure; (4) renal histology and function; and (5) circulating soluble fms
      like tyrosine kinase 1 and soluble endoglin. Increased EG-VEGF levels caused
      significant defects in placental organization and function. Both increased
      hypoxia and decreased trophoblast invasion were observed. Treated mice had
      elevated circulating soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 and soluble endoglin and
      developed gestational hypertension with dysregulated maternal kidney function. EG
      VEGF effect on the kidney function was secondary to its effects on the placenta
      as similarly treated male mice had normal kidney functions. Altogether, these
      data provide a strong evidence to confirm that sustained EG-VEGF beyond the first
      trimester of pregnancy contributes to the development of pregnancy-induced
      hypertension.

PMID- 27141060
TI  - Interleukin-17A Regulates Renal Sodium Transporters and Renal Injury in
      Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension.
AB  - Angiotensin II-induced hypertension is associated with an increase in T-cell
      production of interleukin-17A (IL-17A). Recently, we reported that IL-17A(-/-)
      mice exhibit blunted hypertension, preserved natriuresis in response to a saline
      challenge, and decreased renal sodium hydrogen exchanger 3 expression after 2
      weeks of angiotensin II infusion compared with wild-type mice. In the current
      study, we performed renal transporter profiling in mice deficient in IL-17A or
      the related isoform, IL-17F, after 4 weeks of Ang II infusion, the time when the
      blood pressure reduction in IL-17A(-/-) mice is most prominent. Deficiency of IL
      17A abolished the activation of distal tubule transporters, specifically the
      sodium-chloride cotransporter and the epithelial sodium channel and protected
      mice from glomerular and tubular injury. In human proximal tubule (HK-2) cells,
      IL-17A increased sodium hydrogen exchanger 3 expression through a serum and
      glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1-dependent pathway. In mouse distal convoluted
      tubule cells, IL-17A increased sodium-chloride cotransporter activity in a serum
      and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1/Nedd4-2-dependent pathway. In both cell
      types, acute treatment with IL-17A induced phosphorylation of serum and
      glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 at serine 78, and treatment with a serum and
      glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 inhibitor blocked the effects of IL-17A on
      sodium hydrogen exchanger 3 and sodium-chloride cotransporter. Interestingly,
      both HK-2 and mouse distal convoluted tubule 15 cells produce endogenous IL-17A.
      IL17F had little or no effect on blood pressure or renal sodium transporter
      abundance. These studies provide a mechanistic link by which IL-17A modulates
      renal sodium transport and suggest that IL-17A inhibition may improve renal
      function in hypertension and other autoimmune disorders.

PMID- 27141061
TI  - Ethnic Differences in and Childhood Influences on Early Adult Pulse Wave
      Velocity: The Determinants of Adolescent, Now Young Adult, Social Wellbeing, and
      Health Longitudinal Study.
AB  - Early determinants of aortic stiffness as pulse wave velocity are poorly
      understood. We tested how factors measured twice previously in childhood in a
      multiethnic cohort study, particularly body mass, blood pressure, and objectively
      assessed physical activity affected aortic stiffness in young adults. Of 6643
      London children, aged 11 to 13 years, from 51 schools in samples stratified by 6
      ethnic groups with different cardiovascular risk, 4785 (72%) were seen again at
      aged 14 to 16 years. In 2013, 666 (97% of invited) took part in a young adult (21
      23 years) pilot follow-up. With psychosocial and anthropometric measures, aortic
      stiffness and blood pressure were recorded via an upper arm calibrated
      Arteriograph device. In a subsample (n=334), physical activity was measured >5
      days via the ActivPal. Unadjusted pulse wave velocities in black Caribbean and
      white UK young men were similar (mean+/-SD 7.9+/-0.3 versus 7.6+/-0.4 m/s) and
      lower in other groups at similar systolic pressures (120 mm Hg) and body mass
      (24.6 kg/m(2)). In fully adjusted regression models, independent of pressure
      effects, black Caribbean (higher body mass/waists), black African, and Indian
      young women had lower stiffness (by 0.5-0.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-1.1
      m/s) than did white British women (6.9+/-0.2 m/s). Values were separately
      increased by age, pressure, powerful impacts from waist/height, time spent
      sedentary, and a reported racism effect (+0.3 m/s). Time walking at >100
      steps/min was associated with reduced stiffness (P<0.01). Effects of childhood
      waist/hip were detected. By young adulthood, increased waist/height ratios, lower
      physical activity, blood pressure, and psychosocial variables (eg, perceived
      racism) independently increase arterial stiffness, effects likely to increase
      with age.

PMID- 27141062
TI  - Progress in the treatment of ovarian cancer-lessons from homologous recombination
      deficiency-the first 10 years.
AB  - For several years, a major obstacle in the systemic treatment of ovarian cancer
      has been the lack of a therapeutic strategy tailored to specific biomarkers
      present in the individual patient's tumour. However, considerable progress has
      been made recently through the development of drugs targeting cells deficient in
      the key mechanism of double-strand DNA repair, known as homologous recombination
      (HRD). These drugs, inhibitors of the enzyme poly (ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP),
      selectively kill HRD cells through a process known as tumour-selective synthetic
      lethality. Olaparib is the first such agent, now approved for the treatment of
      ovarian cancer associated with mutations in the BRCA 1/2 genes, since these are
      characterised by cells with HRD. Importantly, another group of patients with
      tumours bearing a similar repair deficiency but without BRCA mutations may also
      be susceptible to PARP inhibition and efforts to develop an HRD assay are
      therefore a priority so that these patients can be identified as PARPi
      candidates. In addition, combination strategies are an area of intense research;
      these include combinations with antiangiogenic agents and with inhibitors of the
      P13K/AKT pathway and others are likely to merit assessment since resistance to
      PARP inhibitors will certainly emerge as the next challenge. While olaparib is
      the first PARP inhibitor to receive approval for ovarian cancer treatment, others
      including rucaparib and niraparib are clearly effective in this disease and,
      within the next year or two, the results of ongoing randomised trials will
      clarify their respective roles. PARP inhibitors are generally well tolerated;
      regulatory approval at present supports their use as a maintenance therapy (in
      Europe) and as treatment for advanced recurrent disease (in the United States),
      but it is likely that these indications will extend as the results of ongoing
      trials become available. Ten years have elapsed between the first pre-clinical
      publications and the regulatory approval of PARP inhibitors and the next 10 years
      promise to be even more productive.

PMID- 27141063
TI  - Opportunities in immunotherapy of ovarian cancer.
AB  - Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most important cause of gynecological cancer-related
      mortality, with the majority of women presenting with advanced disease. Although
      surgery and chemotherapy can improve survival, the 5-year survival rates remain
      ominously low at 45%. Novel therapies are urgently needed. The presence of T
      cells in the OC tumor microenvironment is correlated with improved progression
      free and overall survival, while the presence of regulatory T cells and
      expression of T-cell inhibitory molecules is correlated with a poor prognosis.
      These data indicate that immunotherapy could hold promise in improving the
      treatment of OC. In this review, we will discuss the rational of immunotherapy,
      highlight current results with cancer vaccines, adoptive T-cell therapy and
      immunomodulatory agents and summarize the immune effects of selected
      chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic agents.

PMID- 27141065
TI  - Management of borderline ovarian tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Borderline ovarian tumors (BOT) are epithelial tumors of the ovaries
      with both malignant and non-malignant aspects. On the one hand, they are
      characterized by cellular proliferation and nuclear atypia but, on the other
      hand, they usually do not show infiltrative growth pattern. Balancing radicality
      between oncologic safety and treatment burden has already led to remarkable
      changes in the management pattern over the last decades and is still a
      challenging task. DESIGN: This review is based on both a systematic review
      published by the authors and added with evidence gained from actually published
      literature. RESULTS: As they frequently affect younger patients, the clinical
      management of BOT is complicated by aspects as preserving fertility and reducing
      postoperative morbidity. Over the past decades, the surgical therapy shifted from
      a radical approach to more conservative treatment. Today, fertility-sparing
      surgery is first-choice treatment in younger patients. In addition, minimal
      invasive surgery has become the preferred surgical approach in these patients.
      Even recurrences are curable in most patients because only a minority of relapses
      transform to invasive cancer. CONCLUSION: More studies on BOT are needed and
      longer follow-up and better characterization of high-risk subtypes are crucial to
      better understand long-term risk of BOT and avoid the rare but the fatal outcome
      in those few patients being undertreated by the current management strategies.

PMID- 27141064
TI  - The molecular pathology of ovarian serous borderline tumors.
AB  - Molecular studies in ovarian serous borderline tumors (OSBTs) have been used to
      understand different aspects of this neoplasm. (i) Pathogenesis, Kras and Braf
      mutations represent very early events in the tumorigenesis of OSBT as both are
      detected in serous cystadenomas associated with OSBTs. In contrast, serous
      cystadenomas without OSBTs do not show Kras or Braf mutations. In OSBTs, Kras
      mutations range from 17% to 39.5%, while Braf mutations range from 23% to 48%.
      The former is comparable with the range of Kras mutations in ovarian low-grade
      serous carcinomas (OLGSCa), 19%-54.5%. In contrast, Braf mutations in OLGSCa
      range from 0% to 33%. Serous cystadenomas appear to progress to OSBT due to a
      Braf mutation, but this mutation is rarely involved in the progression to OLGSCa.
      OSBTs with Braf mutation are associated with cellular senescence and up
      regulation of tumor suppressor genes. In contrast, OSBTs without a Braf mutation
      may progress to OLGSCa due to Kras mutation or some other genetic alterations.
      (ii) The relationship between OSBTs and the extraovarian disease, a monoclonal
      versus mutifocal origin? This is still matter of debate as studies using
      different techniques have failed to settle this controversy. (iii) Biological
      behavior, Braf mutations appear to have a protective role against the progression
      of OSBT to OLGSCa, while Kras mutations are commonly seen in cases of OSBT that
      recurred as LGSCa. Nevertheless, LGSCa as a recurrence of an OSBT can originate
      from OSBTs with or without detectable Kras mutations. Also, it appears to be an
      association between Kras G12v mutation and a more aggressive phenotype of OSBT
      that recurred as LGSCa. (iv) Actionable targets, currently there are limited
      data. It has been reported that cancer cell lines with Kras G12v mutation are
      more sensitive to selumetinib than cell lines with wild-type Kras.

PMID- 27141066
TI  - Molecular imaging in ovarian cancer.
AB  - Ovarian cancer has a high mortality and novel-targeted treatment strategies have
      not resulted in breakthroughs for this disease. Insight into the molecular
      characteristics of ovarian tumors may improve diagnosis and selection of patients
      for treatment with targeted therapies. A potential way to achieve this is by
      means of molecular imaging. Generic tumor processes, such as glucose metabolism
      ((18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose) and DNA synthesis ((18)F-fluorodeoxythymidine), can be
      visualized non-invasively. More specific targets, such as hormone receptors,
      growth factor receptors, growth factors and targets of immunotherapy, can also be
      visualized. Molecular imaging can capture data on intra-patient tumor
      heterogeneity and is of potential value for individualized, target-guided
      treatment selection. Early changes in molecular characteristics during therapy
      may serve as early predictors of response. In this review, we describe the
      current knowledge on molecular imaging in the diagnosis and as an upfront or
      early predictive biomarker in patients with ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27141067
TI  - Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in ovarian cancer revisited.
AB  - Despite the recent publication of two randomized controlled phase III trials
      addressing neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer, the optimal
      timing of multimodal management in primary therapy is still under debate. As both
      studies met their primary end point by demonstrating non-inferiority, neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery has been proposed to be an
      alternative standard for primary ovarian cancer treatment. Nevertheless,
      significant questions remain unanswered in both trials. Especially, the
      radicality of surgical therapy was below expectation with the median operating
      times of <3 h and complete gross resection in <20% of the patients.
      Consecutively, survival rates of patients undergoing primary debulking surgery
      were low. Since the primarily surgical question of 'primary versus interval
      surgery' can only be answered if the key criteria 'complete gross resection' are
      present in a considerable percentage of patients, additional studies are needed
      and neoadjuvant chemotherapy should not be used to reduce surgical radicality for
      ovarian cancer treatment.

PMID- 27141068
TI  - Anti-angiogenic agents in ovarian cancer: past, present, and future.
AB  - Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in normal ovarian physiology as well as in the
      progression of ovarian cancer through ascites formation and metastatic spread.
      Bevacizumab (Avastin((r)), Genentech; South San Francisco, CA, USA), a humanized
      anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody, is the most
      widely studied anti-angiogenesis agent both across tumor types and specifically
      in epithelial ovarian cancer. In 2005, single-agent bevacizumab at 15 mg/kg (IV)
      every 3 weeks was first reported to be active in a case of recurrent high-grade
      serous ovarian cancer after failing 11th line cytotoxic treatment. Since then,
      many case series, phase II and phase III trials have confirmed these results
      leading to regulatory approval in most countries including the US Food and Drug
      Administration in 2014. Guidelines now give clear recommendations as to when and
      how bevacizumab should be integrated into the ovarian cancer treatment paradigm.
      Other anti-VEGF agents such as the VEGF receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors have not shown increased activity or reduced toxicity relative to
      bevacizumab. However, anti-angiogenics other than anti-VEGF/VEGFR agents such as
      those targeting Angiopoietin-1 and -2 are in development as well as novel
      combinations with vascular disrupting agents (VDAs), PARP inhibitors and immune
      checkpoint inhibitors. Clearly, the benefits of anti-angiogenic agents such as
      bevacizumab must be carefully weighed against the cost and associated toxicities.
      Although almost all patients with ovarian cancer will receive an anti-angiogenic
      compound, cures are not increased. Predictive biomarkers are an urgent unmet
      need.

PMID- 27141070
TI  - PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Slow progress in improving the outcome of ovarian cancer with
      chemotherapy over the last decade has stimulated research into molecularly
      targeted therapy. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors target DNA repair
      and are specifically active in cells that have impaired repair of DNA by the
      homologous recombination (HR) pathway. Cells with mutated BRCA function have HR
      deficiency (HRD), which is also present in a significant proportion of non-BRCA
      mutated ovarian cancer. DESIGN: In the last decade, olaparib, the first and most
      investigated oral PARP inhibitor, has undergone phase I-III trials as a single
      agent, in comparison with and in addition to chemotherapy, and as a maintenance
      therapy following chemotherapy. RESULTS: The greatest benefit to-date has been in
      the maintenance setting, prolonging the progression-free survival of high-grade
      serous ovarian cancer with a BRCA1/2 mutation. In this group of patients,
      olaparib has received approval as maintenance following chemotherapy from the
      EMA, and accelerated approval as a single agent in women who have had three or
      more lines of therapy. Olaparib can be given for a prolonged period with few
      significant side-effects in most patients. Similar trials with other PARP
      inhibitors (rucaparib, niraparib and veliparib) are in progress and include non
      BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer. Second-generation studies are exploring the
      combination of PARP inhibitors with anti-angiogenic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: PARP
      inhibitors represent a step change in the management of ovarian cancer. BRCA
      mutations are the first genotypic predictive markers in ovarian cancer and can be
      used to select patients who will most likely benefit from PARP inhibitors. BRCA
      testing is now becoming a routine part of the evaluation of women with ovarian
      cancer, and tests for HRD are being used to evaluate PARP inhibitors in an
      extended population of non-BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27141069
TI  - Epithelial ovarian cancer: the molecular genetics of epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains one of the leading causes of
      cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, despite gains in diagnostics and
      treatments made over the last three decades. Existing markers of ovarian cancer
      possess very limited clinical relevance highlighting the emerging need for
      identification of novel prognostic biomarkers as well as better predictive
      factors that might allow the stratification of patients who could benefit from a
      more targeted approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A summary of molecular genetics of
      EOC. RESULTS: Large-scale high-throughput genomic technologies appear to be
      powerful tools for investigations into the genetic abnormalities in ovarian
      tumors, including studies on dysregulated genes and aberrantly activated
      signaling pathways. Such technologies can complement well-established clinical
      histopathology analysis and tumor grading and will hope to result in better, more
      tailored treatments in the future. Genomic signatures obtained by gene expression
      profiling of EOC may be able to predict survival outcomes and other important
      clinical outcomes, such as the success of surgical treatment. Finally, genomic
      analyses may allow for the identification of novel predictive biomarkers for
      purposes of treatment planning. These data combined suggest a pathway to progress
      in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer and the promise of fulfilling the
      objective of providing personalized medicine to women with ovarian cancer.
      CONCLUSIONS: The understanding of basic molecular events in the tumorigenesis and
      chemoresistance of EOC together with discovery of potential biomarkers may be
      greatly enhanced through large-scale genomic studies. In order to maximize the
      impact of these technologies, however, extensive validation studies are required.

PMID- 27141071
TI  - Low-grade serous carcinoma of the ovary or peritoneum.
AB  - Over the past decade, the strategy for clinical trial design in making progress
      against epithelial cancers of the ovary/peritoneum/fallopian tube has changed
      dramatically. The NRG (GOG) Rare Tumor Committee has been a leader in this
      transformation. No longer does 'one size fit all'. Rather, separate clinical
      trials for rare subtypes have been developed and, in some cases, completed. An
      enhanced understanding of their pathologic diagnosis, molecular biology, and
      clinical behavior has galvanized this change. Low-grade serous carcinoma may
      occur de novo or following an initial diagnosis of serous tumor of low malignant
      potential. It is characterized by young age at diagnosis, relative
      chemoresistance, and prolonged survival compared with high-grade serous
      carcinoma. Historically, conventional chemotherapy has demonstrated very limited
      activity in this subtype. Hormonal therapy may provide benefit in this subtype.
      Preclinical studies have identified and elucidated genes and pathways-MAP kinase
      pathway, IGF1-R, the angiogenesis pathway, and possibly, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR
      pathway in low-grade serous carcinoma. To date, clinical evidence supports the
      activity of MEK and BRAF inhibitors and bevacizumab. Further pursuit of targeted
      therapy trials is clearly warranted.

PMID- 27141072
TI  - Clear-cell carcinoma of the ovary.
AB  - Clear-cell carcinoma of the ovary (CCCO) is a distinct entity of epithelial
      ovarian cancer in terms of clinical, histopathological, or genetic features. The
      incidence of CCCO is different by ethnicity but the reason is not clear yet.
      Overall prognosis of CCCO is good because most CCCO is found in stage I. However,
      advanced disease is associated with a very poor prognosis and resistance to
      standard treatment. The same is true for recurrent disease. Therefore, genetic
      analysis of CCCO is important to find the right target(s) and better therapeutic
      approaches. Because of its rarity, international collaboration is necessary to
      conduct randomized clinical trials for CCCO.

PMID- 27141073
TI  - Mucinous epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
AB  - Mucinous tumours involving the ovary may be benign, borderline, or malignant.
      Malignant tumours may be primary or metastatic. Differentiation between primary
      and metastatic involvement of the ovary is critical for optimal patient
      management. Even among skilled pathologists, this distinction can be problematic,
      as can the distinction between borderline ovarian tumour of intestinal type and
      well-differentiated invasive primary mucinous ovarian carcinoma. Primary invasive
      mucinous ovarian carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma metastatic to the ovary do have
      distinct patterns of macroscopic and microscopic involvement which will reveal
      the correct diagnosis in many cases. There are also well-recognized patterns of
      immunohistochemical staining that can further assist in this differentiation. As
      a result of the application of these histopathological techniques, the incidence
      of primary invasive mucinous epithelial carcinoma has fallen over recent years
      from ~12% to ~3%. However, even in recent multicentre clinical trials such as GOG
      182, expert pathological review suggests that ~60% of tumours originally
      classified as primary invasive mucinous carcinomas were in fact metastatic
      tumours to the ovary. Review of outcome data for patients with mucinous carcinoma
      entered into multicentre trials suggests that this subtype of disease has a
      particularly poor prognosis in comparison with other subtypes of ovarian
      carcinoma. Historically, patients with mucinous epithelial ovarian carcinoma
      (mEOC) have been treated in the same way as other subtypes of ovarian carcinoma.
      While there is undoubtedly a response rate to platinum-based chemotherapy,
      retrospective reviews of individual centre experience suggest that this is
      substantially lower than for high-grade papillary serous carcinoma and in the
      order of only 30%-40%. The mEOC trial was established to investigate the
      possibility that the combination of capecitabine and oxaliplatin (chemotherapy
      drugs more commonly used in colorectal carcinoma) may be superior to conventional
      carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy. In a 2 * 2 factorial design, there was
      also a randomization to bevacizumab. Unfortunately, this trial closed early, 5
      years after initiation having recruited just 50 of a proposed 322 patients. mEOC
      is now characterized as a type I tumour with an identifiable stepwise progression
      from a premalignant lesion, through non-invasive, to invasive malignancy.
      Molecular characterization of mEOC reveals it to be distinct from other subtypes
      of the disease with a KRAS mutation occurring in 40%-50% of patients. Other gene
      abnormalities including HER2 amplification in ~19% also occur. This raises the
      possibility of the use of targeted molecular therapies which with molecular
      analysis of individual patient tumours could form the basis of a future clinical
      trial. It is, however, clear that if trials are to be conducted in this rare
      subtype of disease, they will need to be truly international in nature and
      carefully designed, possibly using an adaptive stepwise approach and will require
      an appropriate level of funding with a realistic assessment of likely
      recruitment. Associated translational research will clearly be essential.

PMID- 27141074
TI  - Optimal primary therapy of ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epithelial ovarian cancer continues to have the highest case-fatality
      ratio of all gynecologic cancers, in spite of ongoing advances in risk
      assessment, genomics, tumor biology, cytoreductive surgery, chemotherapy, and
      molecular-targeted interventions. Primary treatment options for advanced-stage
      disease not only should reflect current best standards, but also need to be
      tailored for individual patients, with consideration of local resources. METHODS:
      Formulation of recommendations for optimal primary therapy based on a selective
      review of data from completed randomized trials, analysis of ongoing trials, and
      integration with current tumor biology, within the context of individualized
      clinical care. Recommendations were presented for discussion during an
      international meeting of experts in ovarian cancer treatment. RESULTS: Key
      recommendations include full adjuvant therapy for early-stage high-grade serous
      cancer; tailored utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on patient
      comorbidities, extent of disease, and likelihood of achieving optimal surgical
      cytoreduction; preferred utilization of carboplatin with weekly paclitaxel as
      primary therapy; consideration of intraperitoneal cisplatin-based therapy in
      appropriate patients; avoidance of maintenance chemotherapy; lack of necessity
      for bevacizumab during primary chemotherapy and primary maintenance;
      acknowledgement of research opportunities and priorities. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated
      multidisciplinary care, including cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based
      chemotherapy, remain central to the optimal management of women with advanced
      stage ovarian cancer. However, even with recent technical advances, the impact on
      disease-related mortality is limited, and more attention will be focused on the
      early integration of research, particularly with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and
      interval cytoreductive surgery.

PMID- 27141075
TI  - Recurrent ovarian cancer.
AB  - Recurrence still occurs in a majority of patients with advanced ovarian cancer.
      However, progress in the management has allowed a significant prolongation of
      survival for relapsing disease. These last years, the field of interest has moved
      from chemotherapy to targeted therapy which is dominated by anti-angiogenic and
      anti-PARP agents. It is assumed that platinum-free interval will not remain the
      main prognostic and predictive criterion in the future, and will be replaced by a
      multi-factorial approach. This trend for personalization of therapy has
      highlighted important neglected fields for clinical research such as multi-line
      (>=3) relapse, frail patients including elderly and symptomatic and supportive
      measures.

PMID- 27141077
TI  - Advanced ovarian cancer: 20 years of ovarian cancer treatment.

PMID- 27141076
TI  - Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in ovarian cancer clinical trials-lost
      opportunities and lessons learned.
AB  - Despite increased recognition of the value of including patient-reported outcomes
      (PROs) as important end points in phase III clinical trials, there has been a
      lack of pre-specified PRO hypotheses and shortcomings with the analyses and
      interpretation of PROs in many ovarian cancer trials. This paper discusses and
      provides examples of the so-called lost opportunities in ovarian cancer trials.
      These include: (i) no clear pre-specified PRO hypotheses; (ii) PRO end points not
      included; (iii) insensitive PRO end point selection; (iv) collection of poor
      quality PRO data not suitable for analysis; (v) differences in PROs between
      treatment arms ignored; and (vi) poor reporting quality. We can learn from the
      past and with relatively little additional effort, improve the collection and
      interpretation of PRO data in future ovarian cancer trials. The importance of
      doing so is underpinned by recent initiatives to improve the standard and
      usefulness of PRO data in clinical trials. These include the Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA) Guidance for PROs to support labelling claims, the European
      Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO MCBS), the
      International Society for Quality-of-Life Research PRO reporting guidance and the
      Consolidated Standards of Reporting Clinical Trials (CONSORT)-PRO-extension
      statement which includes a checklist of recommended items to include in PRO
      sections of trial protocols. Promoting the importance of hypothesis-driven PROs
      in ovarian cancer clinical trials will lead to improvements in the design of
      these trials and the interpretation of their results.

PMID- 27141078
TI  - Why we need research about autism and ageing.

PMID- 27141081
TI  - Intergenic Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Polymorphism Upstream of rocA Alters
      Toxin Production and Enhances Virulence in Streptococcus pyogenes.
AB  - Variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms are ubiquitous in bacteria.
      However, only a small fraction of them has been functionally studied. Here, we
      report an intergenic VNTR polymorphism that confers an altered level of toxin
      production and increased virulence in Streptococcus pyogenes The nature of the
      polymorphism is a one-unit deletion in a three-tandem-repeat locus upstream of
      the rocA gene encoding a sensor kinase. S. pyogenes strains with this type of
      polymorphism cause human infection and produce significantly larger amounts of
      the secreted cytotoxins S. pyogenes NADase (SPN) and streptolysin O (SLO). Using
      isogenic mutant strains, we demonstrate that deleting one or more units of the
      tandem repeats abolished RocA production, reduced CovR phosphorylation,
      derepressed multiple CovR-regulated virulence factors (such as SPN and SLO), and
      increased virulence in a mouse model of necrotizing fasciitis. The phenotypic
      effect of the VNTR polymorphism was nearly the same as that of inactivating the
      rocA gene. In summary, we identified and characterized an intergenic VNTR
      polymorphism in S. pyogenes that affects toxin production and virulence. These
      new findings enhance understanding of rocA biology and the function of VNTR
      polymorphisms in S. pyogenes.

PMID- 27141080
TI  - Tumor-Suppressor Functions of the TP53 Pathway.
AB  - The fundamental biological importance of the Tp53 gene family is highlighted by
      its evolutionary conservation for more than one billion years dating back to the
      earliest multicellular organisms. The TP53 protein provides essential functions
      in the cellular response to diverse stresses and safeguards maintenance of
      genomic integrity, and this is manifest in its critical role in tumor
      suppression. The importance of Tp53 in tumor prevention is exemplified in human
      cancer where it is the most frequently detected genetic alteration. This is
      confirmed in animal models, in which a defective Tp53 gene leads inexorably to
      cancer development, whereas reinstatement of TP53 function results in regression
      of established tumors that had been initiated by loss of TP53. Remarkably,
      despite extensive investigation, the specific mechanisms by which TP53 acts as a
      tumor suppressor are yet to be fully defined. We review the history and current
      standing of efforts to understand these mechanisms and how they complement each
      other in tumor suppression.

PMID- 27141082
TI  - Real-Time PCR Reveals Rapid Dissemination of Leptospira interrogans after
      Intraperitoneal and Conjunctival Inoculation of Hamsters.
AB  - The pathogen Leptospira interrogans is a highly motile spirochete that causes
      acute and fulminant infections in humans and other accidental hosts. Hematogenous
      dissemination is important for infection by the pathogen but remains poorly
      understood because few animal model studies have used sensitive tools to quantify
      the bacteria. We evaluated the kinetics of leptospiral infection in Golden Syrian
      hamsters by a sensitive quantitative real-time PCR (TaqMan) with lipl32 as the
      target gene. The dissemination and bacterial burden were measured after
      intraperitoneal infection with a high dose (10(8)) or low dose (2.5 * 10(2)) of
      leptospires. We also examined the conjunctival challenge route to mimic the
      natural history of infection. Quantification of leptospires in perfused animals
      revealed that pathogens were detected in all organs of intraperitoneally infected
      hamsters, including the eye and brain, within 1 h after inoculation of 10(8)
      virulent L. interrogans bacteria. Peaks of 10(5) to 10(8) leptospires per gram or
      per milliliter were achieved in blood and all tissues between day 4 and day 8
      after intraperitoneal inoculation of high- and low-dose challenges, respectively,
      coinciding with macroscopic and histological changes. The conjunctival route
      resulted in a delay in the time to peak organ burden in comparison to
      intraperitoneal infection, indicating that although infection could be
      established, penetration efficiency was low across this epithelial barrier.
      Surprisingly, infection with a large inoculum of high-passage-number attenuated
      L. interrogans strains resulted in dissemination to all organs in the first 4
      days postinfection, albeit with a lower burden, followed by clearance from the
      blood and organs 7 days postinfection and survival of all animals. These results
      demonstrate that leptospiral dissemination and tissue invasion occur. In
      contrast, development of a critical level of tissue burden and pathology are
      dependent on the virulence of the infecting strain.

PMID- 27141084
TI  - Reframing the focus from a family-centred to a child-centred care approach for
      children's healthcare.
AB  - In this article, we argue for a conceptual move from family-centred care (FCC) to
      a child-centred care approach and the implications for clinical nursing practice.
      Firstly, we argue that the parents and professional dominance constructs an
      asymmetric relationship towards the child, which may take away the focus from the
      child; Secondly, we need to renew efforts to promote the fundamental principles
      of protection, promotion and participation rights for children and young people
      according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child declaration
      and thirdly, we need to strengthen the child's perspective and to view the child
      as an agent representing own experiences and wishes to be respected and
      negotiated.

PMID- 27141079
TI  - Potassium Channels in Epilepsy.
AB  - This review attempts to give a concise and up-to-date overview on the role of
      potassium channels in epilepsies. Their role can be defined from a genetic
      perspective, focusing on variants and de novo mutations identified in genetic
      studies or animal models with targeted, specific mutations in genes coding for a
      member of the large potassium channel family. In these genetic studies, a
      demonstrated functional link to hyperexcitability often remains elusive. However,
      their role can also be defined from a functional perspective, based on dynamic,
      aggravating, or adaptive transcriptional and posttranslational alterations. In
      these cases, it often remains elusive whether the alteration is causal or merely
      incidental. With ~80 potassium channel types, of which ~10% are known to be
      associated with epilepsies (in humans) or a seizure phenotype (in animals), if
      genetically mutated, a comprehensive review is a challenging endeavor. This goal
      may seem all the more ambitious once the data on posttranslational alterations,
      found both in human tissue from epilepsy patients and in chronic or acute animal
      models, are included. We therefore summarize the literature, and expand only on
      key findings, particularly regarding functional alterations found in patient
      brain tissue and chronic animal models.

PMID- 27141083
TI  - Chitinase 3-Like 1 (Chil1) Regulates Survival and Macrophage-Mediated Interleukin
      1beta and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha during Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pneumonia.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes hospital-acquired pneumonia and is associated with
      high mortality. An effective response to such an infection includes efficient
      clearance of pathogenic organisms while limiting collateral damage from the host
      inflammatory response, known as host resistance and host tolerance, respectively.
      P. aeruginosa expresses a type III secretion system (T3SS) needle complex that
      induces NLRC4 (NOD-like receptor C4) activation, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)
      production, and host tissue damage. Chitinase 3-like-1 (Chil1) is expressed
      during infection and binds to its receptor, IL-13 receptor alpha2 (IL-13Ralpha2),
      to regulate the pathogen-host response during Streptococcus pneumoniae infection,
      but the role Chil1 plays in balancing the host resistance and host tolerance
      during P. aeruginosa pneumonia is not known. We conducted experiments using
      C57BL/6 mice with or without a genetic deficiency of Chil1 and demonstrated that
      Chil1-deficient mice succumb to P. aeruginosa infection more rapidly than the
      wild type (WT). The decreased survival time in infected Chil1-deficient mice is
      associated with more neutrophils recruited to the airways, more lung parenchymal
      damage, and increased pulmonary consolidation while maintaining equivalent
      bacterial killing compared to WT mice. Infected Chil1-deficient mice and bone
      marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from Chil1-deficient mice have increased
      production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and IL-1beta compared to
      infected WT mice and macrophages. Infection of Chil1-deficient BMDMs with non
      NLRC4-triggering P. aeruginosa, which is deficient in the T3SS needle complex,
      did not alter the excessive IL-1beta production compared to BMDMs from WT mice.
      The addition of recombinant Chil1 decreases the excessive IL-1beta production but
      only partially rescues stimulated BMDMs from IL-13Ralpha2-deficient mice. Our
      data provide mechanistic insights into how Chil1 regulates P. aeruginosa-induced
      host responses.

PMID- 27141085
TI  - Long-term outcomes of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the
      great arteries and ventricular septal defect and/or aortic arch obstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Long-term outcomes after the arterial switch operation (ASO) for
      complex transposition of the great arteries (TGA) should be clarified. METHODS: A
      retrospective study was conducted in patients operated on between 1982 and 1998.
      Overall 220 postoperative survivors, 79.1% with a ventricular septal defect,
      13.2% with multiple ventricular septal defects, and 29.1% with aortic arch
      obstruction, were followed for 17 years (0-28 years). RESULTS: The conditional
      survival rate was 96.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 94.4-99.1] at 25 years.
      Late sudden death occurred in 2 asymptomatic patients. The cumulative incidence
      rate of death or reinterventions was 3.8% (95% CI: 2.9-4.8) at 25 years, with age
      at ASO <10 days and aortic regurgitation at discharge identified as independent
      risk factors. The cumulative incidence rate of neoaortic regurgitation was 41.6%
      (95% CI: 20.5-62.8) at 25 years with an aorto-pulmonary diameter mismatch at the
      time of the ASO, age at ASO <10 days and aortic regurgitation at discharge
      identified as independent risk factors. At the last follow-up, 53 patients
      (24.1%) had neoaortic root dilatation with an aortic sinus z-score >=3 and 6 of
      them had a Bentall operation at a median delay of 14.1 years since the ASO. The
      only independent factors for neoaortic root dilatation were male sex and an aorto
      pulmonary diameter mismatch at the time of the ASO. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a
      continual rate of reinterventions, long-term survival and cardiovascular outcome
      are excellent after ASO for complex TGA. Dilatation of the neoaortic root and
      neoaortic regurgitation may be observed with time and 2 late sudden deaths
      occurred, justifying a close follow-up in all patients.

PMID- 27141086
TI  - Rasch analysis of the Italian Lower Extremity Functional Scale: insights on
      dimensionality and suggestions for an improved 15-item version.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate dimensionality and the measurement properties of the
      Italian Lower Extremity Functional Scale using both classical test theory and
      Rasch analysis methods, and to provide insights for an improved version of the
      questionnaire. DESIGN: Rasch analysis of individual patient data. SETTING:
      Rehabilitation centre. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 135 patients with musculoskeletal
      diseases of the lower limb. RESULTS: Patients were assessed with the Lower
      Extremity Functional Scale before and after the rehabilitation. Rasch analysis
      showed some problems related to rating scale category functioning, items fit, and
      items redundancy. After an iterative process, which resulted in the reduction of
      rating scale categories from 5 to 4, and in the deletion of 5 items, the
      psychometric properties of the Italian Lower Extremity Functional Scale improved.
      The retained 15 items with a 4-level response format fitted the Rasch model
      (internal construct validity), and demonstrated unidimensionality and good
      reliability indices (person-separation reliability 0.92; Cronbach's alpha 0.94).
      Then, the analysis showed differential item functioning for six of the retained
      items. The sensitivity to change of the Italian 15-item Lower Extremity
      Functional Scale was nearly equal to the one of the original version (effect
      size: 0.93 and 0.98; standardized response mean: 1.20 and 1.28, respectively for
      the 15-item and 20-item versions). CONCLUSION: The Italian Lower Extremity
      Functional Scale had unsatisfactory measurement properties. However, removing
      five items and simplifying the scoring from 5 to 4 levels resulted in a more
      valid measure with good reliability and sensitivity to change.

PMID- 27141087
TI  - Real-time telerehabilitation for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions is
      effective and comparable to standard practice: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment delivered via real-time
      telerehabilitation for the management of musculoskeletal conditions, and to
      determine if real-time telerehabilitation is comparable to conventional methods
      of delivery within this population. DATA SOURCES: Six databases (Medline, Embase,
      Cochrane CENTRAL, PEDro, psycINFO, CINAHL) were searched from inception to
      November 2015 for literature which reported on the outcomes of real-time
      telerehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions. REVIEW METHODS: Two reviewers
      screened 5913 abstracts where 13 studies ( n = 1520) met the eligibility
      criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the Downs & Black 'Checklist
      for Measuring Quality' tool. Results were pooled for meta-analysis based upon
      primary outcome measures and reported as standardised mean differences and 95%
      confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Aggregate results suggest that
      telerehabilitation is effective in the improvement of physical function (SMD
      1.63, 95%CI 0.92-2.33, I2=93%), whilst being slightly more favourable (SMD 0.44,
      95%CI 0.19-0.69, I2=58%) than the control cohort following intervention. Sub
      group analyses reveals that telerehabilitation in addition to usual care is more
      favourable (SMD 0.64, 95%CI 0.43-0.85, I2=10%) than usual care alone, whilst
      treatment delivered solely via telerehabilitation is equivalent to face-to-face
      intervention (SMD MD 0.14, 95% CI -0.10-0.37, I2 = 0%) for the improvement of
      physical function. The improvement of pain was also seen to be comparable between
      cohorts (SMD 0.66, 95%CI -0.27-1.60, I2=96%) following intervention. CONCLUSIONS:
      Real-time telerehabilitation appears to be effective and comparable to
      conventional methods of healthcare delivery for the improvement of physical
      function and pain in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

PMID- 27141088
TI  - Treatment with rilpivirine does not alter plasma concentrations of the CYP3A
      substrates tadalafil and midazolam in humans.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Antiretroviral combination therapy of patients infected with HIV has
      greatly increased their life expectancy. Hence, the treatment of HIV-related long
      term complications and age-related comorbidities has become more important.
      Reported incidence rates of erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (PAH) are increasing in HIV-positive patients, potentially requiring
      treatment with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors such as sildenafil or tadalafil. In
      vitro, the NNRTI rilpivirine is both a pregnane X receptor agonist and cytochrome
      P450 (CYP) 3A inhibitor. Clinical data concerning the potential effects of
      rilpivirine coadministration on the pharmacokinetics of the CYP3A substrate
      tadalafil are lacking. METHODS: We enrolled 20 healthy volunteers in an open
      label, two-part, one-arm Phase I clinical trial to investigate acute and chronic
      effects of multiple doses of 25 mg of oral rilpivirine on single-dose and steady
      state pharmacokinetics of multiple oral 20 mg doses of tadalafil. CYP3A activity
      was measured simultaneously with the oral midazolam microdose test. RESULTS: We
      did not observe a change of tadalafil single-dose and steady-state exposure or of
      CYP3A activity measured at initiation, during maintenance and upon
      discontinuation of rilpivirine treatment after single-dose and chronic
      administration of rilpivirine. CONCLUSIONS: Tadalafil can be combined with
      rilpivirine without dose adjustment or drug monitoring in HIV patients with ED or
      PAH. Rilpivirine at daily therapeutic doses of 25 mg does not induce or inhibit
      CYP3A-dependent drug metabolism.

PMID- 27141089
TI  - Ensembl comparative genomics resources.

PMID- 27141090
TI  - Chado use case: storing genomic, genetic and breeding data of Rosaceae and
      Gossypium crops in Chado.

PMID- 27141091
TI  - Chemical entity recognition in patents by combining dictionary-based and
      statistical approaches.
AB  - We describe the development of a chemical entity recognition system and its
      application in the CHEMDNER-patent track of BioCreative 2015. This community
      challenge includes a Chemical Entity Mention in Patents (CEMP) recognition task
      and a Chemical Passage Detection (CPD) classification task. We addressed both
      tasks by an ensemble system that combines a dictionary-based approach with a
      statistical one. For this purpose the performance of several lexical resources
      was assessed using Peregrine, our open-source indexing engine. We combined our
      dictionary-based results on the patent corpus with the results of tmChem, a
      chemical recognizer using a conditional random field classifier. To improve the
      performance of tmChem, we utilized three additional features, viz. part-of-speech
      tags, lemmas and word-vector clusters. When evaluated on the training data, our
      final system obtained an F-score of 85.21% for the CEMP task, and an accuracy of
      91.53% for the CPD task. On the test set, the best system ranked sixth among 21
      teams for CEMP with an F-score of 86.82%, and second among nine teams for CPD
      with an accuracy of 94.23%. The differences in performance between the best
      ensemble system and the statistical system separately were small.Database URL:
      http://biosemantics.org/chemdner-patents. 

PMID- 27141094
TI  - 2016 focused update: clinical recommendations for cardiopulmonary exercise
      testing data assessment in specific patient populations.
AB  - In the past several decades, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) has seen an
      exponential increase in its evidence base. The growing volume of evidence in
      support of CPX has precipitated the release of numerous scientific statements by
      societies and associations. In 2012, the European Association for Cardiovascular
      Prevention & Rehabilitation and the American Heart Association developed a joint
      document with the primary intent of redefining CPX analysis and reporting in a
      way that would streamline test interpretation and increase clinical application.
      Specifically, the 2012 joint scientific statement on CPX conceptualized an easy
      to-use, clinically meaningful analysis based on evidence-vetted variables in
      color-coded algorithms; single-page algorithms were successfully developed for
      each proposed test indication. Because of an abundance of new CPX research in
      recent years and a reassessment of the current algorithms in light of the body of
      evidence, a focused update to the 2012 scientific statement is now warranted. The
      purposes of this update are to confirm algorithms included in the initial
      scientific statement not requiring revision, to propose revisions to algorithms
      included in the initial scientific statement, to propose new algorithms based on
      emerging scientific evidence, to further clarify the application of oxygen
      consumption at ventilatory threshold, to describe CPX variables with an emerging
      scientific evidence base, to describe the synergistic value of combining CPX with
      other assessments, to discuss personnel considerations for CPX laboratories, and
      to provide recommendations for future CPX research.

PMID- 27141092
TI  - Assessing Vocal Development in Infants and Toddlers Who Are Hard of Hearing: A
      Parent-Report Tool.
AB  - The main purpose of the current investigation was to determine whether the Vocal
      Development Landmarks Interview-Experimental Version (VDLI-E) was sensitive to
      variation in the vocal development of infants and toddlers who are hard of
      hearing. The VDLI-E is an interactive parent interview that uses audio samples of
      authentic infant vocalizations to make targeted vocal behaviors clear and
      understandable to parents without the need for technical terms, verbal
      descriptions, or adult modeling of infant productions. The VDLI-E was found to be
      sensitive to age and hearing and was related to performance on concurrent
      measures of early auditory skills, expressive vocabulary, and overall expressive
      language abilities. These findings provide preliminary support for the utility of
      this measure in monitoring the impact of early auditory experiences on vocal
      development for 6- to 18-month-old children who are hard of hearing. 

PMID- 27141095
TI  - Diagnostic performance of cardiac imaging methods to diagnose ischaemia-causing
      coronary artery disease when directly compared with fractional flow reserve as a
      reference standard: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of single
      photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), stress echocardiography (SE),
      invasive coronary angiography (ICA), coronary computed tomography angiography
      (CCTA), fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from CCTA (FFRCT), and cardiac
      magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging when directly compared with an FFR reference
      standard. Method and results: PubMed and Web of Knowledge were searched for
      investigations published between 1 January 2002 and 28 February 2015. Studies
      performing FFR in at least 75% of coronary vessels for the diagnosis of ischaemic
      coronary artery disease (CAD) were included. Twenty-three articles reporting on
      3788 patients and 5323 vessels were identified. Meta-analysis was performed for
      pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios (LR), diagnostic odds ratio,
      and summary receiver operating characteristic curves. In contrast to ICA, CCTA,
      and FFRCT reports, studies evaluating SPECT, SE, and MRI were largely
      retrospective, single-centre and with generally smaller study samples. On a per
      patient basis, the sensitivity of CCTA (90%, 95% CI: 86-93), FFRCT (90%, 95% CI:
      85-93), and MRI (90%, 95% CI: 75-97) were higher than for SPECT (70%, 95% CI: 59
      80), SE (77%, 95% CI: 61-88), and ICA (69%, 95% CI: 65-75). The highest and
      lowest per-patient specificity was observed for MRI (94%, 95% CI: 79-99) and for
      CCTA (39%, 95% CI: 34-44), respectively. Similar specificities were noted for
      SPECT (78%, 95% CI: 68-87), SE (75%, 95% CI: 63-85), FFRCT (71%, 95% CI: 65-75%),
      and ICA (67%, 95% CI: 63-71). On a per-vessel basis, the highest sensitivity was
      for CCTA (pooled sensitivity, 91%: 88-93), MRI (91%: 84-95), and FFRCT (83%, 78
      87), with lower sensitivities for ICA (71%, 69-74), and SPECT (57%: 49-64). Per
      vessel specificity was highest for MRI (85%, 79-89), FFRCT (78%: 78-81), and
      SPECT (75%: 69-80), whereas ICA (66%: 64-68) and CCTA (58%: 55-61) yielded a
      lower specificity. Conclusions: In this meta-analysis comparing cardiac imaging
      methods directly to FFR, MRI had the highest performance for diagnosis of
      ischaemia-causing CAD, with lower performance for SPECT and SE. Anatomic methods
      of CCTA and ICA yielded lower specificity, with functional assessment of coronary
      atherosclerosis by SE, SPECT, and FFRCT improving accuracy.

PMID- 27141098
TI  - Reply to Morello et al.

PMID- 27141096
TI  - Proteomics-driven Antigen Discovery for Development of Vaccines Against
      Gonorrhea.
AB  - Expanding efforts to develop preventive gonorrhea vaccines is critical because of
      the dire possibility of untreatable gonococcal infections. Reverse vaccinology,
      which includes genome and proteome mining, has proven very successful in the
      discovery of vaccine candidates against many pathogenic bacteria. However,
      progress with this approach for a gonorrhea vaccine remains in its infancy.
      Accordingly, we applied a comprehensive proteomic platform-isobaric tagging for
      absolute quantification coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography and
      mass spectrometry-to identify potential gonococcal vaccine antigens. Our previous
      analyses focused on cell envelopes and naturally released membrane vesicles
      derived from four different Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains. Here, we extended
      these studies to identify cell envelope proteins of N. gonorrhoeae that are
      ubiquitously expressed and specifically induced by physiologically relevant
      environmental stimuli: oxygen availability, iron deprivation, and the presence of
      human serum. Together, these studies enabled the identification of numerous
      potential gonorrhea vaccine targets. Initial characterization of five novel
      vaccine candidate antigens that were ubiquitously expressed under these different
      growth conditions demonstrated that homologs of BamA (NGO1801), LptD (NGO1715),
      and TamA (NGO1956), and two uncharacterized proteins, NGO2054 and NGO2139, were
      surface exposed, secreted via naturally released membrane vesicles, and elicited
      bactericidal antibodies that cross-reacted with a panel of temporally and
      geographically diverse isolates. In addition, analysis of polymorphisms at the
      nucleotide and amino acid levels showed that these vaccine candidates are highly
      conserved among N. gonorrhoeae strains. Finally, depletion of BamA caused a loss
      of N. gonorrhoeae viability, suggesting it may be an essential target. Together,
      our data strongly support the use of proteomics-driven discovery of potential
      vaccine targets as a sound approach for identifying promising gonococcal
      antigens.

PMID- 27141099
TI  - Lost in perfusion.

PMID- 27141097
TI  - A Contra Capture Protein Array Platform for Studying Post-translationally
      Modified (PTM) Auto-antigenomes.
AB  - Aberrant modifications of proteins occur during disease development and elicit
      disease-specific antibody responses. We have developed a protein array platform
      that enables the modification of many proteins in parallel and assesses their
      immunogenicity without the need to express, purify, and modify proteins
      individually. We used anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) in rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) as a model modification and profiled antibody responses to ~190
      citrullinated proteins in 20 RA patients. We observed unique antibody reactivity
      patterns in both clinical anticyclic citrullinated peptide assay positive (CCP+)
      and CCP- RA patients. At individual antigen levels, we detected antibodies
      against known citrullinated autoantigens and discovered and validated five novel
      antibodies against specific citrullinated antigens (osteopontin (SPP1), flap
      endonuclease (FEN1), insulin like growth factor binding protein 6 (IGFBP6),
      insulin like growth factor I (IGF1) and stanniocalcin-2 (STC2)) in RA patients.
      We also demonstrated the utility of our innovative array platform in the
      identification of immune-dominant epitope(s) for citrullinated antigens. We
      believe our platform will promote the study of post-translationally modified
      antigens at a breadth that has not been achieved before, by both identifying
      novel autoantigens and investigating their roles in disease development. The
      developed platforms can potentially be used to study many autoimmune disease
      relevant modifications and their immunogenicity.

PMID- 27141100
TI  - AMPK Causes Cell Cycle Arrest in LKB1-Deficient Cells via Activation of CAMKK2.
AB  - The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated by phosphorylation at
      Thr172, either by the tumor suppressor kinase LKB1 or by an alternate pathway
      involving the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase, CAMKK2. Increases in AMP:ATP
      and ADP:ATP ratios, signifying energy deficit, promote allosteric activation and
      net Thr172 phosphorylation mediated by LKB1, so that the LKB1-AMPK pathway acts
      as an energy sensor. Many tumor cells carry loss-of-function mutations in the
      STK11 gene encoding LKB1, but LKB1 reexpression in these cells causes cell-cycle
      arrest. Therefore, it was investigated as to whether arrest by LKB1 is caused by
      activation of AMPK or of one of the AMPK-related kinases, which are also
      dependent on LKB1 but are not activated by CAMKK2. In three LKB1-null tumor cell
      lines, treatment with the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 caused a G1 arrest that
      correlated with AMPK activation and Thr172 phosphorylation. In G361 cells,
      expression of a truncated, Ca(2+)/calmodulin-independent CAMKK2 mutant also
      caused G1 arrest similar to that caused by expression of LKB1, while expression
      of a dominant-negative AMPK mutant, or a double knockout of both AMPK-alpha
      subunits, also prevented the cell-cycle arrest caused by A23187. These
      mechanistic findings confirm that AMPK activation triggers cell-cycle arrest, and
      also suggest that the rapid proliferation of LKB1-null tumor cells is due to lack
      of the restraining influence of AMPK. However, cell-cycle arrest can be restored
      by reexpressing LKB1 or a constitutively active CAMKK2, or by pharmacologic
      agents that increase intracellular Ca(2+) and thus activate endogenous CAMKK2.
      IMPLICATIONS: Evidence here reveals that the rapid growth and proliferation of
      cancer cells lacking the tumor suppressor LKB1 is due to reduced activity of
      AMPK, and suggests a therapeutic approach by which this block might be
      circumvented. Mol Cancer Res; 14(8); 683-95. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27141101
TI  - GR and ER Coactivation Alters the Expression of Differentiation Genes and
      Associates with Improved ER+ Breast Cancer Outcome.
AB  - In estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer, high tumor glucocorticoid
      receptor (GR) expression has been associated with a relatively poor outcome. In
      contrast, using a meta-analysis of several genomic datasets, here we find that
      tumor GR mRNA expression is associated with improved ER(+) relapse-free survival
      (RFS; independently of progesterone receptor expression). To understand the
      mechanism by which GR expression is associated with a better ER(+) breast cancer
      outcome, the global effect of GR-mediated transcriptional activation in ER(+)
      breast cancer cells was studied. Analysis of GR chromatin immunoprecipitation
      followed by high-throughput sequencing in ER(+)/GR(+) MCF-7 cells revealed that
      upon coactivation of GR and ER, GR chromatin association became enriched at
      proximal promoter regions. Furthermore, following ER activation, increased GR
      chromatin association was observed at ER, FOXO, and AP1 response elements. In
      addition, ER associated with GR response elements, suggesting that ER and GR
      interact in a complex. Coactivation of GR and ER resulted in increased expression
      (relative to ER activation alone) of transcripts that encode proteins promoting
      cellular differentiation (e.g., KDM4B, VDR) and inhibiting the Wnt signaling
      pathway (IGFBP4). Finally, expression of these individual prodifferentiation
      genes was associated with significantly improved RFS in ER(+) breast cancer
      patients. Together, these data suggest that the coexpression and subsequent
      activity of tumor cell GR and ER contribute to the less aggressive natural
      history of early-stage breast cancer by coordinating the altered expression of
      genes favoring differentiation. IMPLICATIONS: The interaction between ER and GR
      activity highlights the importance of context-dependent nuclear receptor function
      in cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 14(8); 707-19. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27141103
TI  - Experimental dynamic trapping of electrostatically actuated bistable micro-beams.
AB  - We demonstrate dynamic snap-through from a primary to a secondary statically
      inaccessible stable configuration in single crystal silicon, curved, doubly
      clamped micromechanical beam structures. Nanoscale motion of the fabricated
      bistable micromechanical devices was transduced using a high speed camera. Our
      experimental and theoretical results collectively show, that the transition
      between the two stable states was solely achieved by a tailored time dependent
      electrostatic actuation. Fast imaging of micromechanical motion allowed for
      direct visualization of dynamic trapping at the statically inaccessible state.
      These results further suggest that our direct dynamic actuation transcends
      prevalent limitations in controlling geometrically non-linear microstructures,
      and may have applications extending to multi-stable, topologically optimized
      micromechanical logic and non-volatile memory architectures.

PMID- 27141102
TI  - Production of offspring from a germline stem cell line derived from prepubertal
      ovaries of germline reporter mice.
AB  - STUDY HYPOTHESIS: We investigated whether DEAD-box polypeptide 4 (DDX4) positive
      cells from post-natal ovaries of germline lineage reporter mice can be isolated
      based on endogenously expressed fluorescent proteins and used to establish a cell
      line for producing offspring. STUDY FINDING: DDX4-positive cells from post-natal
      ovaries of germline lineage reporter mice can be isolated and used to establish a
      cell line for producing offspring. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In recent years, female
      germline stem cells (FGSCs) have been isolated from the ovaries of post-natal
      mice by magnetic-activated cell sorting or fluorescence-activated cell sorting
      (FACS) relying on an antibody against DDX4. However, whether DDX4-positive cells
      from post-natal ovaries of germline lineage reporter mice can be established
      without using an antibody, as well as a cell line established for producing
      offspring, remains unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SAMPLES/MATERIALS, METHODS: To obtain
      the expected offspring (Ddx4-Cre;mT/mG mice), Ddx4-Cre mice were crossed with
      mT/mG mice. In the ovaries of Ddx4-Cre;mT/mG mice, germ cells were destined to
      express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) while somatic cells still
      express tandem dimer Tomato (tdTomato). Therefore, the germ cells could be
      clearly distinguished from somatic cells by fluorescent proteins. Then, we
      investigated the pattern of fluorescent cells in the ovaries of 21-day-old Ddx4
      Cre;mT/mG mice under a fluorescent microscope. Germ cells were sorted by FACS
      without using antibody and used to establish a FGSC line. The FGSC line was
      analyzed by DDX4 immunostaining, Edu (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) labeling, and RT
      PCR for germ cell markers. Finally, the physiological function of the FGSC line
      was examined by transplanting FGSCs into the ovaries of sterilized recipients and
      subsequent mating. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Firstly, we have
      successfully isolated FGSCs from the ovaries of 21-day-old Ddx4-Cre;mT/mG mice
      based on endogenously expressed fluorescent proteins. FACS was used to separate
      the cells and 2.3% of all viable cells was EGFP-positive germ cells.
      Subsequently, a FGSC line was established that was doubly positive for DDX4
      immunostaining and Edu labeling. The mRNA expression of several germ cell markers
      in this cell line, such as Ddx4, Deleted in azoospermia-like (Dazl), B lymphocyte
      induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp1), Stella and Fragilis, was detected. Lastly,
      the FGSC line was proven to be functional under physiological conditions, as
      offspring were produced after transplanting FGSCs into ovaries of sterilized
      recipients and a subsequent mating. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The
      molecular mechanisms of proliferation and differentiation of FGSCs in vivo and in
      vitro still need to be elucidated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our
      results confirm that DDX4-positive cells can be separated from post-natal mouse
      ovaries and used to establish cell lines that are functional in producing
      offspring, and provide further evidence for the existence of post-natal FGSCs in
      mammals. The Ddx4-Cre;mT/mG mouse strain is an ideal model for the isolation,
      characterization and propagation of FGSCs and is a useful tool for fully
      elucidating the molecular mechanisms of proliferation and differentiation of
      FGSCs in vivo and in vitro. LARGE SCALE DATA: none. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING
      INTERESTS: This work was supported by National Basic Research Program of China
      (2013CB967401) and the National Nature Science Foundation of China (81370675,
      81200472 and 81421061). The authors declare no competing interests.

PMID- 27141104
TI  - The transversus abdominis plane block: Case for optimal tap.

PMID- 27141105
TI  - Anaesthesia for non-obstetric surgery during pregnancy.
AB  - Non-obstetric surgery during pregnancy posts additional concerns to
      anaesthesiologists. The chief goals are to preserve maternal safety, maintain the
      pregnant state and achieve the best possible foetal outcome. The choice of
      anaesthetic technique and the selection of appropriate anaesthetic drugs should
      be guided by indication for surgery, nature, and site of the surgical procedure.
      Anaesthesiologist must consider the effects of the disease process itself and
      inhibit uterine contractions and avoid preterm labour and delivery. Foetal safety
      requires avoidance of potentially dangerous drugs and assurance of continuation
      of adequate uteroplacental perfusion. Until date, no anaesthetic drug has been
      shown to be clearly dangerous to the human foetus. The decision on proceeding
      with surgery should be made by multidisciplinary team involving
      anaesthesiologists, obstetricians, surgeons and perinatologists. This review
      describes the general anaesthetic principles, concerns regarding anaesthetic
      drugs and outlines some specific conditions of non-obstetric surgeries. 

PMID- 27141106
TI  - Comparison of success rate of intubation through Air-Q with ILMA using two
      different endotracheal tubes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Air-QTM is a newly introduced airway device, which can be
      used to facilitate endotracheal intubation. The primary aim of this study was to
      assess whether use of two different endotracheal tubes (ETTs) (standard polyvinyl
      chloride [PVC] and reinforced PVC) increases the success rate of blind intubation
      through Air-QTM (Group Q) when compared with intubating laryngeal mask airway
      (ILMA- FastrachTM) keeping ILMA as control (Group I). METHODS: One hundred and
      twenty patients aged between 18 and 60 years with American Society of
      Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, undergoing elective surgery under general
      anaesthesia, were enrolled into this prospective, randomised, case-control study
      to compare the success rate of tracheal intubation between ILMA (FastrachTM) and
      Air-QTM intubating laryngeal airway. Those patients with anticipated difficult
      airway were excluded from the study. All the recruited patients completed the
      study. Reinforced PVC ETT was used in both airway devices to secure intubation.
      Since standard PVC tube is recommended for use in Air-Q, when first intubation
      attempt failed, second or third attempt was made with standard PVC ETT. Total of
      three attempts were made for each procedure: Whereas in ILMA group, only
      reinforced tube was used in all three attempts. RESULTS: The overall success rate
      after three attempts was more with Air-Q (96.6%) in our study compared with ILMA
      (91.6%) but no significant difference was seen between the groups (P = 0.43).
      CONCLUSION: The present study shows that when intubation with reinforced tube
      fails, the success rate with use of conventional PVC tube is more with Air-Q when
      compared with ILMA.

PMID- 27141107
TI  - Assessment of patient satisfaction with acute pain management service: Monitoring
      quality of care in clinical setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Assessment of patient satisfaction is an important tool for
      monitoring the quality of care in hospitals. The aim of this survey was to
      develop a reliable tool to assess patient satisfaction with acute pain management
      service (APMS) and identify variables affecting this so that care can be
      improved. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed and administered to patients
      after being discharged from APMS care by an unbiased person. Data collected from
      record included patient demographics, surgical procedure, analgesic modality, co
      analgesics and dynamic and static pain scores. Questions included pain expected
      and pain experienced, APMS response time, quality of pain relief with treatment,
      professionalism of APMS team, overall experience of pain relief and
      choosing/suggesting same modality for themselves/family/friends again. Five-point
      Likert scale was used for most of the options. Statistical analysis was done
      using SPSS 19. RESULTS: Frequency and percentages were computed for qualitative
      observation and presented on pie chart and histogram. Seventy-one per cent
      patients expected severe pain while 43% actually experienced it. About 79.4%
      would choose same analgesia modality in future for self/family/friends. Ninety
      nine per cent found APMS staff courteous and professional. About 89% rated their
      experience of pain management as excellent to very good. CONCLUSION: The survey
      of patients' satisfaction to monitor the quality of care provided by APMS
      provided positive inputs on its role. This also helps to identify areas requiring
      improvement in care and as a tool to gauge the quality of care.

PMID- 27141108
TI  - Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block for post-operative analgesia
      in patients undergoing caesarean section.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a fascial plane
      block providing post-operative analgesia in patients undergoing surgery with
      infra-umbilical incisions. We evaluated analgesic efficacy of TAP block with
      ropivacaine for 24 h after caesarean section through a Pfannenstiel incision.
      METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia
      were randomised to undergo TAP block with ropivacaine (n = 30) versus control
      group (n = 30) with normal saline, in addition to standard analgesia with
      intravenous paracetamol and tramadol. At the end of the surgery, ultrasound
      guided TAP plane block was given bilaterally using ropivacaine or normal saline
      (15 ml on either side). Each patient was assessed post-operatively by a blinded
      investigator at regular intervals up to 24 h for visual analogue score (VAS) and
      requirement of analgesia. SPSS version 18.0 software was used. Demographic data
      were analysed using Student's t-test and the other parameters using paired t
      test. RESULTS: TAP block with ropivacaine compared with normal saline reduced
      post-operative VAS at 24 h (P = 0.004918). Time for rescue analgesia in the study
      group was prolonged from 4.1 to 9.53 h (P = 0.01631). Mean requirement of
      tramadol in the first 24 h was reduced in the study group. CONCLUSION: US guided
      TAP block after caesarean section reduces the analgesic requirement in the first
      24 h.

PMID- 27141109
TI  - A survey of a population of anaesthesiologists from South India regarding
      practices for rapid sequence intubation in patients with head injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Evidence and utility of the individual steps of the rapid
      sequence induction and tracheal intubation protocols have been debated,
      especially in the setting of traumatic brain injury. The purpose of this survey
      was to determine preferences in the current approach to rapid sequence intubation
      (RSI) in head injury patients among a population of anaesthesiologists from South
      India. METHODS: A questionnaire was E-mailed to all the members of the Indian
      Society of Anaesthesiologists' South Zone Chapter to ascertain their preferences,
      experience and comfort level with regard to their use of rapid sequence
      intubation techniques in adult patients with head injury. Participants were
      requested to indicate their practices for RSI technique for a head-injured
      patient upon arrival at the Emergency Medical Services department of their
      hospital. RESULTS: The total response rate was 56.9% (530/932). Of the total
      respondents, 35% of the clinicians used cricoid pressure routinely, most
      respondents (68%) stated that they pre-oxygenate the patients for about 3 min
      prior to RSI, thiopentone (61%) and propofol (34%) were commonly used prior to
      intubation. Rocuronium was the muscle relaxant of choice for RSI among the
      majority (44%), compared to succinylcholine (39%). Statistical analyses were
      performed after the initial entry onto a spreadsheet. Data were summarised
      descriptively using frequency distribution. CONCLUSION: In a rapid sequence
      intubation situation, the practice differed significantly among
      anaesthesiologists. Owing to disagreements and paucity of evidence-based data
      regarding the standards of RSI, it is apparent that RSI practice still has
      considerable variability in clinical practice.

PMID- 27141111
TI  - A retrospective analysis of massive blood transfusion and post-operative
      complications in patients undergoing supra-major orthopaedic oncosurgeries.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Anaesthetic management of patients undergoing supra-major
      orthopaedic oncosurgeries is challenging. We wanted to evaluate the effects of
      pre-operative co-morbid conditions, intraoperative blood loss and transfusion,
      haemodynamic instability on post-operative complications and hospital outcomes in
      patients after such surgeries. METHODS: We collected data from the patient files,
      anaesthesia records and the electronic medical records about pre-operative
      morbidities, intraoperative management, complications, blood loss, fluid therapy
      and blood products transfused. We also collected data on post-operative
      complications, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS) and
      status at discharge. Data were summarised using percentages for categorical data
      and mean and median for continuous data. RESULTS: The mean blood loss was 4567.44
      ml (range 1200-16,000 ml); 95% of all patients received blood transfusion. Twenty
      patients needed massive blood transfusion. Fresh frozen plasma was needed in 17
      patients while 1 patient needed single donor platelets. Haemodynamic instability
      was present in 38 patients, of which 8 needed continuous vasopressor infusion.
      Nineteen patients were ventilated post-operatively. Coagulopathy occurred in 22
      patients while thrombocytopaenia was seen in 6 patients. The median ICU LOS was 3
      (1-6) days, and median hospital stay was 17 (6-53) days. All patients were
      discharged alive. CONCLUSION: Supra-major orthopaedic oncosurgeries are
      associated with massive intraoperative blood loss and transfusion. Common
      complications include anaemia, coagulopathy and hyperbilirubinaemia and prolonged
      ICU stay. Meticulous care, anticipating the complications with timely treatment
      can lead to excellent outcomes.

PMID- 27141110
TI  - Comparison of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block with
      bupivacaine and ropivacaine as adjuncts for postoperative analgesia in
      laparoscopic cholecystectomies.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a popular
      technique for post-operative analgesia in abdominal surgeries. The aim of the
      study was to evaluate the relative efficacy of bupivacaine versus ropivacaine for
      post-operative analgesia using ultrasound-guided TAP block in laparoscopic
      cholecystectomies. METHODS: Sixty adults undergoing elective laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy were randomised to receive ultrasound-guided TAP block at the end
      of the surgical procedure with either 0.25% bupivacaine (Group I, n = 30) or
      0.375% ropivacaine (Group II, n = 30). All patients were assessed for post
      operative pain and rescue analgesic consumption at 10 min, 30 min, 1 h, 4 h, 8 h,
      12 h and 24 h time points. Means for normally distributed data were compared
      using Student's t-test, and proportions were compared using Chi-square or
      Fisher's exact test whichever was applicable. RESULTS: Patients receiving
      ultrasound-guided TAP block with ropivacaine (Group II) had significantly lower
      pain scores when compared to patients who received the block with bupivacaine
      (Group I) at 10 min, 30 min and 1 h. However, both the drugs were equivalent for
      post-operative analgesia and 24 h cumulative rescue analgesic requirement (median
      [interquartile range]) (75.00 [75.00-75.00] in Group I vs. 75.00 [75.00-93.75] in
      Group II, P = 0.366). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided TAP block with ropivacaine
      provides effective analgesia in the immediate post-operative period up to 1 h as
      compared to bupivacaine. However, both the drugs are similar in terms of 24 h
      cumulative rescue analgesic requirement.

PMID- 27141112
TI  - Anaesthetic management of left main bronchial glomus tumour.
AB  - Glomus tumours involving bronchus are rare. Surgical resection is the treatment
      of choice for this tumour, with excellent prognosis. The nature and location of
      tumour pose a significant challenge for perioperative anaesthetic management.
      However, there is a paucity of case reports on anaesthetic risks involved in case
      of a bronchial glomus tumour. We present a case of glomus tumour involving left
      main stem bronchus, subjected to bronchial sleeve resection. The various
      anaesthetic implications of this tumour type and airway management with right
      double lumen tube are discussed. 

PMID- 27141113
TI  - Difficult mask ventilation made easy: Three cases of Parry Romberg syndrome.
AB  - Parry Romberg syndrome presenting as hemifacial atrophy poses various
      perioperative problems due to multi-system involvement. These patients have
      several anaesthetic implications which are published as case reports. In spite of
      several case reports, airway issues associated with this disease is under
      discussed. This report of three cases discusses airway difficulties and the
      multiple methods to tackle them in an easier way by focussing concentration on
      airway assessment and appropriate preoperative planning. 

PMID- 27141114
TI  - Ultrasound guided oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block: An
      observational study on a new and promising analgesic technique.

PMID- 27141115
TI  - Life-threatening subcutaneous emphysema due to laparoscopy.

PMID- 27141116
TI  - Sedation for magnetic resonance imaging in a child with lingual venolymphatic
      malformation.

PMID- 27141117
TI  - Myocardial ischaemia secondary to intramyometrial injection of methylergonovine
      maleate.

PMID- 27141118
TI  - Anaesthetic management of Mowat-Wilson syndrome.

PMID- 27141119
TI  - Anaesthetic challenges in a child with sickle-cell disease and congenital heart
      block.

PMID- 27141120
TI  - Use of Airtraq((r)) optical laryngoscope for the intubation in Pierre Robin
      sequence in a teenage child.

PMID- 27141121
TI  - Restoration of 'red plug' to rescue a ProSeal((r)) laryngeal mask airway.

PMID- 27141122
TI  - A different fibre-optic device for double lumen tube position confirmation!

PMID- 27141123
TI  - Anaesthesia consent in public hospital population - An ethical dilemma.

PMID- 27141124
TI  - "One Size Doesn't Fit All" - Partners in Hospice Care, an Individualized Approach
      to Bereavement Intervention.
AB  - We concluded in a recent study that a "one size fits all" approach typical of
      group interventions often does not adequately accommodate the range of
      situations, life experiences, and current needs of participants. We describe how
      this limitation informed the design and implementation of an individually
      delivered intervention format more specifically tailored to the unique needs of
      each bereaved person. The intervention comprises one of three interrelated
      studies within Partners in Hospice Care (PHC), which examines the trajectory from
      end-of-life care through bereavement among cancer caregivers using hospice. The
      PHC intervention employs an initial needs assessment in order to tailor the
      session content, delivery, and sequencing to the most pressing, yet highly
      diverse needs of the bereaved spouses/partners. Although an individually
      delivered format has its own challenges, these can be effectively addressed
      through standardized interventionist training, regular communication among staff,
      as well as a flexible approach toward participants' preferences and
      circumstances.

PMID- 27141125
TI  - Delay Discounting and Preference Reversals by Cigarette Smokers.
AB  - Quit attempts made by smokers that result in relapse to smoking are
      conceptualized in behavioral economics as preference reversals, in which
      preference for a larger-later outcome switches to preference for a smaller-sooner
      outcome. Though preference reversals are predicted by models of delay
      discounting, we are aware of no human research that has explicitly established
      that rate of delay discounting is associated with preference reversals. The
      present study attempted to establish this connection. Assessments of delay
      discounting of hypothetical money rewards at two magnitudes ($50, $1000) were
      examined from forty-five smokers, as well as a novel preference reversal task
      designed to determine when a preference reversal would occur for the same amounts
      of hypothetical money. Results from the preference reversal task were used to
      classify participants as predicted high, moderate, and low discounters, and rates
      of delay discounting were compared between these classifications at each
      magnitude. Statistically significant differences were observed between predicted
      high and low discounters in both magnitude conditions, and between predicted high
      and moderate discounters in the $1000 magnitude condition. Correlations between
      delay discounting and preference reversal amongst moderate discounters, though in
      the predicted direction, did not reach statistical significance. The overall
      pattern of results are consistent with the indication that rate of delay
      discounting is associated with the timing of preference reversals.

PMID- 27141126
TI  - GLOBAL SOLUTIONS TO FOLDED CONCAVE PENALIZED NONCONVEX LEARNING.
AB  - This paper is concerned with solving nonconvex learning problems with folded
      concave penalty. Despite that their global solutions entail desirable statistical
      properties, there lack optimization techniques that guarantee global optimality
      in a general setting. In this paper, we show that a class of nonconvex learning
      problems are equivalent to general quadratic programs. This equivalence
      facilitates us in developing mixed integer linear programming reformulations,
      which admit finite algorithms that find a provably global optimal solution. We
      refer to this reformulation-based technique as the mixed integer programming
      based global optimization (MIPGO). To our knowledge, this is the first global
      optimization scheme with a theoretical guarantee for folded concave penalized
      nonconvex learning with the SCAD penalty (Fan and Li, 2001) and the MCP penalty
      (Zhang, 2010). Numerical results indicate a significant outperformance of MIPGO
      over the state-of-the-art solution scheme, local linear approximation, and other
      alternative solution techniques in literature in terms of solution quality.

PMID- 27141127
TI  - Diagnostic performance of 3D TSE MRI versus 2D TSE MRI of the knee at 1.5 T, with
      prompt arthroscopic correlation, in the detection of meniscal and cruciate
      ligament tears.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic performance of the three-dimensional turbo
      spin-echo (3D TSE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique with the
      performance of the standard two-dimensional turbo spin-echo (2D TSE) protocol at
      1.5 T, in the detection of meniscal and ligament tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Thirty-eight patients were imaged twice, first with a standard multiplanar 2D TSE
      MR technique, and then with a 3D TSE technique, both in the same 1.5 T MRI
      scanner. The patients underwent knee arthroscopy within the first three days
      after the MRI. Using arthroscopy as the reference standard, we determined the
      diagnostic performance and agreement. RESULTS: For detecting anterior cruciate
      ligament tears, the 3D TSE and routine 2D TSE techniques showed similar values
      for sensitivity (93% and 93%, respectively) and specificity (80% and 85%,
      respectively). For detecting medial meniscal tears, the two techniques also had
      similar sensitivity (85% and 83%, respectively) and specificity (68% and 71%,
      respectively). In addition, for detecting lateral meniscal tears, the two
      techniques had similar sensitivity (58% and 54%, respectively) and specificity
      (82% and 92%, respectively). There was a substantial to almost perfect
      intraobserver and interobserver agreement when comparing the readings for both
      techniques. CONCLUSION: The 3D TSE technique has a diagnostic performance similar
      to that of the routine 2D TSE protocol for detecting meniscal and anterior
      cruciate ligament tears at 1.5 T, with the advantage of faster acquisition.

PMID- 27141128
TI  - Pulmonary 64-MDCT angiography with 50 mL of iodinated contrast material in an
      unselected patient population: a feasible protocol.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To propose a protocol for pulmonary angiography using 64-slice
      multidetector computed tomography (64-MDCT) with 50 mL of iodinated contrast
      material, in an unselected patient population, as well as to evaluate vascular
      enhancement and image quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 29 patients
      (22-86 years of age). The body mass index ranged from 19.0 kg/m(2) to 41.8
      kg/m(2). Patients underwent pulmonary CT angiography in a 64-MDCT scanner,
      receiving 50 mL of iodinated contrast material via venous access at a rate of 4.5
      mL/s. Bolus tracking was applied in the superior vena cava. Two experienced
      radiologists assessed image quality and vascular enhancement. RESULTS: The mean
      density was 382 Hounsfield units (HU) for the pulmonary trunk; 379 and 377 HU for
      the right and left main pulmonary arteries, respectively; and 346 and 364 HU for
      the right and left inferior pulmonary arteries, respectively. In all patients,
      subsegmental arteries were analyzed. There were streak artifacts from contrast
      material in the superior vena cava in all patients. However, those artifacts did
      not impair the image analysis. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that pulmonary
      angiography using 64-MDCT with 50 mL of iodinated contrast can produce high
      quality images in unselected patient populations.

PMID- 27141129
TI  - Dosimetric evaluation of X-ray examinations of paranasal sinuses in pediatric
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the entrance surface air kerma (Ka,e) and air kerma in the
      region of radiosensitive organs in radiographs of pediatric paranasal sinuses.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient data and irradiation parameters were collected in
      examinations of the paranasal sinuses in children from 0 to 15 years of age at
      two children's hospitals in the city of Recife, PE, Brazil. We estimated the Ka,e
      using the X-ray tube outputs and selected parameters. To estimate the air kerma
      values in the regions of the eyes and thyroid, we used thermoluminescent
      dosimeters. RESULTS: The Ka,e values ranged from 0.065 to 1.446 mGy in cavum
      radiographs, from 0.104 to 7.298 mGy in Caldwell views, and from 0.113 to 7.824
      mGy in Waters views. Air kerma values in the region of the eyes ranged from 0.001
      to 0.968 mGy in cavum radiographs and from 0.011 to 0.422 mGy in Caldwell and
      Waters views . In the thyroid region, air kerma values ranged from 0.005 to 0.932
      mGy in cavum radiographs and from 0.002 to 0.972 mGy in Caldwell and Waters
      views. CONCLUSION: The radiation levels used at the institutions under study were
      higher than those recommended in international protocols. We recommend that
      interventions be initiated in order to reduce patient exposure to radiation and
      therefore the risks associated with radiological examination of the paranasal
      sinuses.

PMID- 27141130
TI  - Low-level laser therapy for the prevention of low salivary flow rate after
      radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether low-level laser therapy can prevent salivary
      hypofunction after radiotherapy and chemotherapy in head and neck cancer
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 23 head and neck cancer patients,
      of whom 13 received laser therapy and 10 received clinical care only. An InGaAlP
      laser was used intra-orally (at 660 nm and 40 mW) at a mean dose of 10.0 J/cm(2)
      and extra-orally (at 780 nm and 15 mW) at a mean dose of 3.7 J/cm(2), three times
      per week, on alternate days. Stimulated and unstimulated sialometry tests were
      performed before the first radiotherapy and chemotherapy sessions (N0) and at 30
      days after the end of treatment (N30). RESULTS: At N30, the mean salivary flow
      rates were significantly higher among the laser therapy patients than among the
      patients who received clinical care only, in the stimulated and unstimulated
      sialometry tests (p = 0.0131 and p = 0.0143, respectively). CONCLUSION: Low-level
      laser therapy, administered concomitantly with radiotherapy and chemotherapy,
      appears to mitigate treatment-induced salivary hypofunction in patients with head
      and neck cancer.

PMID- 27141131
TI  - Balloon-based adjuvant radiotherapy in breast cancer: comparison between (99m)Tc
      and HDR (192)Ir.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform a comparative dosimetric analysis, based on computer
      simulations, of temporary balloon implants with (99m)Tc and balloon brachytherapy
      with high-dose-rate (HDR) (192)Ir, as boosts to radiotherapy. We hypothesized
      that the two techniques would produce equivalent doses under pre-established
      conditions of activity and exposure time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Simulations of
      implants with (99m)Tc-filled and HDR (192)Ir-filled balloons were performed with
      the Siscodes/MCNP5, modeling in voxels a magnetic resonance imaging set related
      to a young female. Spatial dose rate distributions were determined. In the
      dosimetric analysis of the protocols, the exposure time and the level of activity
      required were specified. RESULTS: The (99m)Tc balloon presented a weighted dose
      rate in the tumor bed of 0.428 cGy.h(-1).mCi(-1) and 0.190 cGyh(-1).mCi(-1) at
      the balloon surface and at 8-10 mm from the surface, respectively, compared with
      0.499 and 0.150 cGyh(-1).mCi(-1), respectively, for the HDR (192)Ir balloon. An
      exposure time of 24 hours was required for the (99m)Tc balloon to produce a boost
      of 10.14 Gy with 1.0 Ci, whereas only 24 minutes with 10.0 Ci segments were
      required for the HDR (192)Ir balloon to produce a boost of 5.14 Gy at the same
      reference point, or 10.28 Gy in two 24-minutes fractions. CONCLUSION: Temporary
      (99m)Tc balloon implantation is an attractive option for adjuvant radiotherapy in
      breast cancer, because of its availability, economic viability, and similar
      dosimetry in comparison with the use of HDR (192)Ir balloon implantation, which
      is the current standard in clinical practice.

PMID- 27141132
TI  - Analysis of translational errors in frame-based and frameless cranial
      radiosurgery using an anthropomorphic phantom.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate three-dimensional translational setup errors and residual
      errors in image-guided radiosurgery, comparing frameless and frame-based
      techniques, using an anthropomorphic phantom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We initially
      used specific phantoms for the calibration and quality control of the image
      guided system. For the hidden target test, we used an Alderson Radiation Therapy
      (ART)-210 anthropomorphic head phantom, into which we inserted four 5mm metal
      balls to simulate target treatment volumes. Computed tomography images were the
      taken with the head phantom properly positioned for frameless and frame-based
      radiosurgery. RESULTS: For the frameless technique, the mean error magnitude was
      0.22 +/- 0.04 mm for setup errors and 0.14 +/- 0.02 mm for residual errors, the
      combined uncertainty being 0.28 mm and 0.16 mm, respectively. For the frame-based
      technique, the mean error magnitude was 0.73 +/- 0.14 mm for setup errors and
      0.31 +/- 0.04 mm for residual errors, the combined uncertainty being 1.15 mm and
      0.63 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: The mean values, standard deviations, and
      combined uncertainties showed no evidence of a significant differences between
      the two techniques when the head phantom ART-210 was used.

PMID- 27141133
TI  - Solitary pulmonary nodule and (18)F-FDG PET/CT. Part 2: accuracy, cost
      effectiveness, and current recommendations.
AB  - A solitary pulmonary nodule is a common, often incidental, radiographic finding.
      The investigation and differential diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules remain
      complex, because there are overlaps between the characteristics of benign and
      malignant processes. There are currently many strategies for evaluating solitary
      pulmonary nodules. The main objective is to identify benign lesions, in order to
      avoid exposing patients to the risks of invasive methods, and to detect cases of
      lung cancer accurately, in order to avoid delaying potentially curative
      treatment. The focus of this study was to review the evaluation of solitary
      pulmonary nodules, to discuss the current role of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose
      positron-emission tomography, addressing its accuracy and cost-effectiveness, and
      to detail the current recommendations for the examination in this scenario. 

PMID- 27141134
TI  - High-resolution computed tomography and histopathological findings in
      hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a pictorial essay.
AB  - Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a diffuse interstitial and granulomatous lung
      disease caused by the inhalation of any one of a number of antigens. The
      objective of this study was to illustrate the spectrum of abnormalities in high
      resolution computed tomography and histopathological findings related to
      hypersensitivity pneumonitis. We retrospectively evaluated patients who had been
      diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (on the basis of clinical
      radiological or clinical-radiological-pathological correlations) and had
      undergone lung biopsy. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is clinically divided into
      acute, subacute, and chronic forms; high-resolution computed tomography findings
      correlate with the time of exposure; and the two occasionally overlap. In the
      subacute form, centrilobular micronodules, ground-glass opacities, and air
      trapping are characteristic high-resolution computed tomography findings, whereas
      histopathology shows lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates, bronchiolitis,
      variable degrees of organizing pneumonia, and giant cells. In the chronic form,
      high-resolution computed tomography shows traction bronchiectasis, honeycombing,
      and lung fibrosis, the last also being seen in the biopsy sample. A definitive
      diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be made only through a
      multidisciplinary approach, by correlating clinical findings, exposure history,
      high-resolution computed tomography findings, and lung biopsy findings. 

PMID- 27141135
TI  - Ivory vertebra: imaging findings in different diagnoses.
AB  - Low back pain is often managed at all levels of healthcare. In general,
      diagnostic investigation begins with radiography of the lumbar spine. In addition
      to the most common findings, radiologists can identify increased density of a
      vertebral body, referred to as ivory vertebra. The objective of this study was to
      describe the main diseases that can present with this radiologic sign, such as
      Hodgkin lymphoma, Paget's disease, metastatic prostate cancer, breast cancer, and
      osteomyelitis. It is extremely important that radiologists be aware of this
      finding in order to inform the requesting physician of the possible etiologies,
      given that it can be the initial radiologic presentation for these diseases. 

PMID- 27141136
TI  - Immunoglobulin G4-related disease: autoimmune pancreatitis and extrapancreatic
      manifestations.
AB  - We present a case of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease with pancreatic and
      extrapancreatic involvement, including the biliary and renal systems. Given the
      importance of imaging methods for the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease and its
      differentiation from pancreatic adenocarcinoma, we emphasize important abdominal
      computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings related to this
      recently recognized systemic autoimmune disease. 

PMID- 27141137
TI  - Rapid MRI of the lungs in children with pulmonary infections.

PMID- 27141138
TI  - Incidental diagnosis of struma ovarii through radioiodine whole-body scanning:
      incremental role of SPECT/CT.

PMID- 27141139
TI  - Pancake kidney with cysts and a single ureter.

PMID- 27141140
TI  - Thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome: prenatal diagnosis of a rare syndrome.

PMID- 27141141
TI  - Remote cerebellar hemorrhage and intracranial hypotension syndrome following
      pituitary surgery.

PMID- 27141142
TI  - Ultrasound guided injection of botulinum toxin into the salivary glands of
      children with neurological disorders.

PMID- 27141143
TI  - Percutaneous biopsy in radiological imaging of the breast.

PMID- 27141144
TI  - Are 3D FSE MRI sequences of the knee at 1.5 T effective in the detection of
      meniscal and ligament tears? How useful are they?

PMID- 27141145
TI  - Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: the importance of the radiologist in the
      multidisciplinary approach to its diagnosis.

PMID- 27141146
TI  - PET/CT in the evaluation of pulmonary solitary nodule.

PMID- 27141147
TI  - Guiding and supporting adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: The
      development of a curriculum for family and community members.
AB  - Although HIV-related deaths declined globally by 30% between 2005 and 2012, those
      among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) rose by 50%. This discrepancy is
      primarily due to failure to address the specific needs of ALHIV and resulting
      poor clinical outcomes related to late diagnosis and poor adherence to
      antiretroviral therapy. The Families Matter! Program (FMP) is an evidence-based
      intervention for parents and caregivers of 9-12 year-olds that promotes positive
      parenting practices and effective parent-child communication about sexuality and
      sexual risk reduction. It is delivered to groups of participants at the community
      level through a series of six weekly three-hour sessions. Recognizing family and
      community members' need for guidance on issues specific to ALHIV, we developed a
      seventh FMP session to address their needs. Key themes treated in the curriculum
      for this session include: stigma and mental health, disclosure, ART adherence and
      self-care, and responsible sexual relationships. In developing the curriculum, we
      drew on narratives about growing up with HIV contributed by young Africans to a
      2013 scriptwriting competition. We describe the data-driven process of developing
      this curriculum with a view to informing the development of much-needed
      interventions to serve this vulnerable population.

PMID- 27141148
TI  - Investigating the usage of point spread functions in point source and microsphere
      localization.
AB  - Using a point spread function (PSF) to localize a point-like object, such as a
      fluorescent molecule or microsphere, represents a common task in single molecule
      microscopy image data analysis. The localization may differ in purpose depending
      on the application or experiment, but a unifying theme is the importance of being
      able to closely recover the true location of the point-like object with high
      accuracy. We present two simulation studies, both relating to the performance of
      object localization via the maximum likelihood fitting of a PSF to the object's
      image. In the first study, we investigate the integration of the PSF over an
      image pixel, which represents a critical part of the localization algorithm.
      Specifically, we explore how the fineness of the integration affects how well a
      point source can be localized, and find the use of too coarse a step size to
      produce location estimates that are far from the true location, especially when
      the images are acquired at relatively low magnifications. We also propose a
      method for selecting an appropriate step size. In the second study, we
      investigate the suitability of the common practice of using a PSF to localize a
      microsphere, despite the mismatch between the microsphere's image and the fitted
      PSF. Using criteria based on the standard errors of the mean and variance, we
      find the method suitable for microspheres up to 1 MUm and 100 nm in diameter,
      when the localization is performed, respectively, with and without the
      simultaneous estimation of the width of the PSF.

PMID- 27141149
TI  - Impact of inter- and intra-specific competition among larvae on larval, adult,
      and life-table traits of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus females.
AB  - Few studies have taken a comprehensive approach of measuring the impact of inter-
      and intra-specific larval competition on adult mosquito traits. In this study,
      the impact of competition Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus was quantified over the
      entire life of a cohort.Competitive treatments affected hatch-to-adult
      survivorship and development time to adulthood of females for both species, but
      affected median wing length of females only for A. albopictus. Competitive
      treatments had no significant effect on the median adult female longevity nor
      were there any effects on other individual traits related to bloodfeeding and
      reproductive success.Analysis of life table traits revealed no effect of
      competitive treatment on net reproductive rate (R0) but there were significant
      effects on cohort generation time (Tc) and cohort rate of increase (r) for both
      species.Inter-specific and intra-specific competition among Aedes larvae may
      produce individual and population-level effects that are manifest in adults;
      however, benign conditions may enable resulting adults to compensate for some
      impacts of competition, particularly those affecting blood feeding success,
      fecundity, and net reproductive rate, R0. The effect of competition, therefore,
      affects primarily larva - to - adult survivorship and larval development time,
      which in turn impact the cohort generation time, Tc and ultimately cohort rate of
      increase, r.The lack of effects of larval rearing environment on adult longevity
      suggests that effects on vectorial capacity due to longevity may be limited if
      adults have easy access to sugar and blood meals.

PMID- 27141150
TI  - Laser Therapy Has Reached Her Volume Quarter Century!

PMID- 27141151
TI  - Surface treatment with a fractional CO2 laser enhances shear bond strength of
      resin cement to zirconia.
AB  - AIMS: The present study investigated the effect of different surface treatments
      on shear bond strength (SBS) of resin cement to zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Ninety zirconia blocks were prepared and divided into 6 groups of 15 by
      treatment. Group 1 served as the control group, whereas groups 2 and 3 were
      treated with air abrasion and a universal primer (Monobond plus), respectively.
      The remaining zirconia copings were treated with a fractional CO2 laser for 10
      seconds using 10 W/10 mJ (group 4), 10 w/14 mJ (group 5) or 20 W/10 mJ (group 6).
      A luting cement (Clearfil SA) was bonded to the treated zirconia surfaces and
      cured for 40 seconds. SBS was measured with a universal testing machine and the
      type of bond failure was determined. RESULTS: There was a statistically
      significant difference in SBS among the study groups (p<0.001). The highest SBS
      values were observed in the groups treated with the fractional CO2 laser at
      settings of 20 W/10 mJ (28.1 MPa) or 10 W/14 mJ (27.4 MPa), followed by the
      specimens treated with the universal primer (22.8 MPa). The control specimens
      exhibited the lowest SBS (9.4 MPa) among the study groups (p<0.05). There was no
      significant difference in the distribution of failure modes among the groups
      (p=0.871). CONCLUSIONS: The application of fractional CO2 laser can improve bond
      strength of resin cement to zirconia ceramic, and thus it could be considered as
      an appropriate alternative to conventional methods of zirconia surface treatment.

PMID- 27141152
TI  - The effect of CO2 and Nd:YAP lasers on CAD/CAM Ceramics: SEM, EDS and thermal
      studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The objective of this study was to investigate the
      interaction of infrared laser light on Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided
      Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ceramic surfaces. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty CAD/CAM
      ceramic discs were prepared and divided into two different groups:
      lithiumdisilicate ceramic (IPSe.maxCADs) and Zirconia ceramic (IPSe.maxZirCADs).
      The laser irradiation was performed on graphite and non-graphite surfaces with a
      Carbon Dioxide laser at 5W and 10W power in continuous mode (CW mode) and with
      Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Perovskite (Nd:YAP) laser at 10W. Surface textures and
      compositions were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy
      Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Thermal elevation was measured by thermocouple
      during laser irradiation. RESULTS: The SEM observation showed a rough surface
      plus cracks and fissures on CO2 10W samples and melting areas in Nd:YAP samples;
      moreover, with CO2 5W smooth and shallow surfaces were observed. EDS analysis
      revealed that laser irradiation does not result in modifications of the chemical
      composition even if minor changes in the atomic mass percentage of the components
      were registered. Thermocouple showed several thermal changes during laser
      irradiation. CONCLUSION: CO2 and Nd:YAP lasers modify CAD/CAM ceramic surface
      without chemical composition modifications.

PMID- 27141153
TI  - 830 nm light-emitting diode (led) phototherapy significantly reduced return-to
      play in injured university athletes: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: For any committed athlete, getting back to conditioning and
      participation post-injury (return to play [RTP]) needs to be as swift as
      possible. The effects of near-infrared light-emitting diode (LED) therapy on pain
      control, blood flow enhancement and relaxation of muscle spasm (all aspects in
      the treatment of musculoskeletal injury) have attracted attention. The present
      pilot study was undertaken to assess the role of 830 nm LED phototherapy in
      safely accelerating RTP in injured university athletes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      Over a 15-month period, a total of 395 injuries including sprains, strains,
      ligament damage, tendonitis and contusions were treated with 1,669 sessions of
      830 nm LED phototherapy (mean of 4.3 treatments per injury, range 2 - 6).
      Efficacy was measured with pain attenuation on a visual analog scale (VAS) and
      the RTP period compared with historically-based anticipated RTP with conventional
      therapeutic intervention. RESULTS: A full set of treatment sessions and follow-up
      data was able to be recorded in 65 informed and consenting subjects who achieved
      pain relief on the VAS of up to 6 points in from 2-6 sessions. The average LED
      mediated RTP in the 65 subjects was significantly shorter at 9.6 days, compared
      with the mean anticipated RTP of 19.23 days (p = 0.0066, paired two-tailed
      Student's t-test). A subjective satisfaction survey was carried out among the 112
      students with injuries incurred from January to May, 2015. Eighty-eight (78.5%)
      were either very satisfied or satisfied, and only 8 (7.2%) were dissatisfied.
      CONCLUSIONS: For any motivated athlete, RTP may be the most important factor
      postinjury based on the resolution of pain and inflammation and repair to tissue
      trauma. 830 nm LED phototherapy significantly and safely reduced the RTP in
      dedicated university athletes over a wide range of injuries with no adverse
      events. One limitation of the present study was the subjective nature of the
      assessments, and the lack of any control groups. However, further controlled
      studies are warranted to enable confirmation and generalization of the very good
      results in the present study.

PMID- 27141154
TI  - Hand rejuvenation using standard Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) in Asian patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, facial rejuvenation using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
      is in demand and there have been many reports. However, hand rejuvenation, which
      aims to treat lentigines on the dorsal hand and wrinkles, is in demand but with
      few reports. In this study, hand rejuvenation was attempted using two wavelengths
      of a standard IPL system. It focuses mainly on improvement of lentigines, and
      efficacy on wrinkles on the dorsal hand will be discussed as well. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: The subjects were 128 Japanese patients (average age 58.1) who had
      lentigines and wrinkles on the dorsa of both hands, and the wavelength spectra of
      560 - 1200 nm and 515 - 1200 nm were applied. In general, the number of
      treatments was not fixed, and further treatments beyond the first treatment were
      added only when asked for by the patient. Lentigines were assessed on 4 levels
      and wrinkles on 3 levels. RESULTS: The results in lentigines were graded
      "Excellent" in 45.3%, "Good" in 14.8%, "Unchanged" in 37.5% and "Bad" in 2.3% of
      the patients. Dark-toned lentigines in particular improved after one treatment.
      On the other hand, the results in wrinkles were graded as "Effective" in 25.0%,
      "Hard to tell" in 39.1% and "Ineffective" in 35.9% of the patients after the
      first treatment, but there was increased improvement in some cases after multiple
      treatments. CONCLUSIONS: By using appropriate IPL parameters with specific cut
      off filters, dark-toned and flat senile lentigines could be treated effectively
      with a small number of treatments. On the other hand, improvement of fine dorsal
      wrinkles was noticed but more finesse is needed as to how to apply IPL and to
      decide on the number of treatments. Further study is necessary, but overall it
      can be said that IPL is an effective choice for hand rejuvenation.

PMID- 27141156
TI  - Recent Advances in Understanding the Reminiscence Bump: The Importance of Cues in
      Guiding Recall from Autobiographical Memory.
AB  - The reminiscence bump is the increased proportion of autobiographical memories
      from youth and early adulthood observed in adults over 40. It is one of the most
      robust findings in autobiographical memory research. Although described as a
      single period of increased memories, a recent meta-analysis which reported the
      beginning and ending ages of the bump from individual studies found that
      different classes of cues produce distinct bumps that vary in size and temporal
      location. The bump obtained in response to cue words is both smaller and located
      earlier in the lifespan than the bump obtained when important memories are
      requested. The bump obtained in response to odor cues is even earlier. This
      variation in the size and location of the reminiscence bump argues for theories
      based primarily on retrieval rather than encoding and retention, which most
      current theories stress. Furthermore, it points to the need to develop theories
      of autobiographical memory that account for this flexibility in the memories
      retrieved.

PMID- 27141155
TI  - Effective photodynamic therapy in drug-resistant prostate cancer cells utilizing
      a non-viral antitumor vector (a secondary publication).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is an urgent need to develop an efficient strategy for
      the treatment of drug-resistant prostate cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), in
      which low incident levels of laser energy are used to activate a photosensitizer
      taken up by tumor cells, is expected as a novel therapy for the treatment of
      prostate cancer because of the minimal invasive nature of PDT. The present study
      was designed to assess the efficacy of a novel vector approach combined with a
      conventional porphyrin-based photosensitizer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our group
      focused on a non-viral vector (hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope; HVJ-E)
      combined with protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) lipid, termed the porphyrus envelope (PE).
      It has been previously confirmed that HVJ-E has drug-delivering properties and
      can induce cancer-specific cell death. The PE (HVJ-E contained in PpIX lipid) was
      developed as a novel photosensitizer. In this study, the antitumor and PDT
      efficacy of the PE against hormone-antagonistic human prostate cancer cells (PC
      3) were evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that, under
      specific circumstances, PDT using the PE was very effective against PC-3 cells. A
      novel therapy for drug-resistant prostate cancer based on this vector approach is
      eagerly anticipated.

PMID- 27141157
TI  - Evidence based research in prosthodontics.

PMID- 27141158
TI  - Neuropathic pain.

PMID- 27141159
TI  - Some issues related to evidence-based implantology.
AB  - This article reviews relevant dental literature to answer some frequent questions
      related to evidence-based implantology. There are hundreds of implant systems on
      the market, but the majority lack clinical documentation. Recommended number of
      implants for full-arch fixed prostheses is four or five in the mandible but at
      least six in the maxilla. Less expensive implant-retained overdentures make
      implant treatment available to a greater portion of edentulous subjects.
      Mandibular overdentures on two implants, and even one implant, have shown
      excellent long-term outcomes. In the maxilla, less than four implants are not
      recommended for good results. Single implant restorations have good prognosis,
      but placement of the implant should be postponed until adulthood. Osseointegrated
      implants have revolutionized clinical dentistry. However, in a global
      perspective, implants make up only a small part of all prosthodontic treatment.
      Knowledge and skill in conventional prosthodontics must be maintained as it will
      remain the most common part of the specialty. 

PMID- 27141161
TI  - Classification system on the selection of number of implants and superstructure
      design on the basis available vertical restorative space and interforaminal
      distance for implant supported mandibular overdenture.
AB  - PURPOSE: The rehabilitation of the edentulous mandible is a challenge due to
      various limiting factors, of which the available vertical restorative space
      (AVRS) has been well understood in the literature. However, other anatomic
      variations such as arch form, arch size, and also the interforaminal distance
      (IFD) (due to the presence of mandibular nerve) are influential in the selection
      of size and position of implants, and thereby the prosthetic design. MATERIALS
      AND METHOD: In the present study, 30 edentulous patients from a group of 300
      edentulous patients, representing all the three jaw relations (Class I, II, and
      III) were evaluated for designing a classification that could help in a
      comprehensive treatment plan for the edentulous mandible. Dental panoramic
      radiographs of each individual with a trial or final prosthesis were made. The
      horizontal IFD and AVRS values were calculated. RESULTS: One-way analysis of
      variance followed by post-hoc test (multiple comparison) and Bonferroni method
      having P < 0.05 as significant value showed an overall mean of 38.9 mm for
      horizontal distance and 13.69 mm for the AVRS in 30 edentulous patients.
      CONCLUSION: The results showed that in the majority of cases (90%) there is
      insufficient space to place a bar attachment supported by five implants for
      mandibular overdentures. This suggests that a universal treatment plan cannot be
      followed due to varying anatomic factors. Hence, it becomes imperative to have a
      set of clinical guidelines based on the AVRS and IFD, for the selection of
      implant number and type of attachment. The article proposes a simple
      classification system based on the AVRS and IFD for establishing guidelines in
      the treatment planning of the edentulous mandible, to aid in selection of implant
      size, number, and position along with the associated prosthetic design.

PMID- 27141160
TI  - Current trends to measure implant stability.
AB  - Implant stability plays a critical role for successful osseointegration.
      Successful osseointegration is a prerequisite for functional dental implants.
      Continuous monitoring in an objective and qualitative manner is important to
      determine the status of implant stability. Implant stability is measured at two
      different stages: Primary and secondary. Primary stability comes from mechanical
      engagement with cortical bone. Secondary stability is developed from regeneration
      and remodeling of the bone and tissue around the implant after insertion and
      affected by the primary stability, bone formation and remodelling. The time of
      functional loading is dependent upon the implant stability. Historically the gold
      standard method to evaluate stability were microscopic or histologic analysis,
      radiographs, however due to invasiveness of these methods and related ethical
      issues various other methods have been proposed like cutting torque resistance,
      reverse torque analysis, model analysis etc. It is, therefore, of an utmost
      importance to be able to access implant stability at various time points and to
      project a long term prognosis for successful therapy. Therefore this review
      focuses on the currently available methods for evaluation of implant stability. 

PMID- 27141162
TI  - Assessment and comparison of retention of zirconia copings luted with different
      cements onto zirconia and titanium abutments: An in vitro study.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess and compare the retention
      of zirconia copings luted with different luting agents onto zirconia and titanium
      abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Titanium and zirconia abutments were torqued at
      35 N/cm onto implant analogs. The samples were divided into two groups: Group A
      consisted of four titanium abutments and 32 zirconia copings and Group B
      consisted of four zirconia abutments and 32 zirconia copings and four luting
      agents were used. The cemented copings were subjected to tensile dislodgement
      forces and subjected to ANOVA test. RESULTS: Zirconia abutments recorded a higher
      mean force compared to titanium. Among the luting agents, resin cement recorded
      the highest mean force followed by zinc phosphate, glass ionomer, and noneugenol
      zinc oxide cement, respectively. CONCLUSION: Highest mean retention was recorded
      for zirconia implant abutments compared to titanium abutments when luted with
      zirconia copings.

PMID- 27141163
TI  - Comparative evaluation of bonding strength of computer aided machined ceramic,
      pressable ceramic, and milled metal implant abutment copings and effect of
      surface conditioning on bonding strength: An in vitro study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength
      of computer aided design/computer aided machined ceramic (CAD/CAM), pressable
      ceramic, and milled metal implant copings on abutment and the effect of surface
      conditioning on bonding strength. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 test
      samples were fabricated on three titanium abutments. Among 90 test samples, 30
      copings were fabricated by CAD/CAM, 30 by pressable, and 30 by milling of
      titanium metal. These 30 test samples in each group were further subdivided
      equally for surface treatment. Fifteen out of 30 test samples in each group were
      surface conditioned with airborne particle abrasion. All the 90 test samples were
      luted on abutment with glass ionomer cement. Bonding strength was evaluated for
      all the samples using universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min.
      The results obtained were compared and evaluated using one-way ANOVA with post
      hoc and unpaired t-test at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The mean
      difference for CAD/CAM surface conditioned subgroup was 1.28 +/- 0.12, for
      nonconditioned subgroup was 1.20 +/- 0.11. The mean difference for pressable
      surface conditioned subgroup was 1.18 +/- 0.04, and for nonconditioned subgroup
      was 0.75 +/- 0.28. The mean difference for milled metal surface conditioned
      subgroup was 2.57 +/- 0.58, and for nonconditioned subgroup was 1.49 +/- 0.15.
      CONCLUSIONS: On comparison of bonding strength, milled metal copings had an edge
      over the other two materials, and surface conditioning increased the bond
      strength.

PMID- 27141164
TI  - Comparative analysis of sagittal condylar guidance by protrusive interocclusal
      records with panoramic and lateral cephalogram radiographs in dentulous
      population: A clinico-radiographic study.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate and compare the correlation between sagittal condylar guidance
      obtained by protrusive interocclusal records mounted on semi-adjustable
      articulator with panoramic and Lateral cephalogram radiograph tracings in
      dentulous population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred twenty dentulous
      subjects between age group of 20-40 years, free of signs and symptoms of any
      temporomandibular diseases were selected. The sagittal condylar guidance was
      determined by protrusive interocclusal records and transferred to a semi
      adjustable articulator through a face bow. The condylar guidance angles obtained
      were tabulated. The sagittal outline of the articular eminence and glenoid fossa
      were traced on panoramic and lateral cephalogram radiographs. The sagittal
      condylar path inclination was constructed. This was related to the Frankfurt's
      horizontal plane on radiograph to determine the radiographic angle of sagittal
      condylar guidance. The comparison of protrusive interocclusal records was done
      with the angles obtained by panoramic and lateral cephalogram radiograph
      tracings. RESULTS: The mean difference between the condylar guidance values
      obtained using panoramic and lateral cephalogram radiographs was 0.13 degrees 
      and 0.67 degrees  on right side and 1.0 degrees  and 1.54 degrees  on left side
      with the radiographic values being higher. A Significant positive correlation was
      observed with P values 0.001 and 0.005 in left and right respectively.
      CONCLUSION: This study highlighted on the correlation between protrusive
      interocclusal records and the lateral cephalogram radiograph tracings which were
      more positively related than the panoramic radiograph. The values of lateral
      cephalogram radiograph tracings are closer as separate radiographs for left and
      right side were taken, causing the amount and quality of image distortion less.
      Lateral cephalogram radiograph may be taken as an important tool to rely on for
      recording the Sagittal condylar guidance angle.

PMID- 27141165
TI  - A study of correlation between posterior palatal seal width and soft palatal
      angulation with palatal contour.
AB  - CONTEXT: The spatial relationship of posterior palatal seal (PPS) width and
      vibrating lines varies among individuals. Such variability could be related to
      contour of the palate. AIMS: The study was carried out to evaluate the
      relationship between PPS width of the patient intra-orally and cephalometric
      tracing of the same patient. Second part of the study was formulated to determine
      whether the anterior and posterior vibrating lines can be distinguished as two
      separate lines by different observers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A lateral
      cephalogram was made to trace the hard and soft palatal contour, and the angle of
      the palatal contour was measured with the v-ceph program. Correlation analysis
      was conducted to examine the relationship between the distance from anterior to
      posterior vibrating lines and the angle of the palatal contour at the junction of
      the hard and soft palate. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were analyzed using
      the Karl Pearson Correlation test. RESULTS: Correlation of the angle of the
      palatal contour to PPS width, showed perfectly positive value; whereas,
      correlation of angle between anterior nasal spine-posterior nasal spine (ANS-PNS)
      and PNS-Uvula (U) to PPS width showed partially positive value. CONCLUSION: The
      correlation of angle between hard tissue and soft tissue to PPS width, and the
      angle between ANS-PNS and PNS-U to PPS width, increases with an increase in PPS
      width.

PMID- 27141166
TI  - An in vitro comparative study to evaluate the retention of different attachment
      systems used in implant-retained overdentures.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the change in the retentive
      force and removal torque of three attachment systems during simulation of
      insertion-removal cycles. METHODOLOGY: Edentulous mandibular models were made
      with heat-cured polymethyl methacrylate resin. Two implant replicas (CMI), of
      3.75 mm diameter and 10 mm length, were placed in the intraforaminal region.
      Acrylic resin mandibular overdentures were fabricated and provision was made to
      receive three different overdenture attachment systems, prefabricated ball/o-ring
      attachment (Lifecare Biosystems, Thane, India), Hader bar and clip attachment
      (Sterngold, Attleboro, MA), and Locator((r)) implant overdenture attachment stud
      type (Zest Anchors LLC, USA). Using a universal testing machine, each of the
      models were subjected to 100 pulls each to dislodge the overdenture from the
      acrylic model, and the force values as indicated on the digital indicator were
      tabulated both before and after thermocycling (AT). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:
      Statistical analysis comprised Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Friedman test, and
      Wilcoxon signed ranks test. RESULTS: The statistical model revealed a
      significantly different behavior of the attachment systems both before and AT.
      The ball/o-ring and bar attachments developed higher retentive force as compared
      to the locator attachment. The bar and clip attachment exhibited the highest peak
      as well as the highest mean retention force at the end of the study. The
      Locator((r)) attachment showed a decrease in retentive potential after an early
      peak. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The ball/o-ring and bar and clip
      attachments exhibit higher retentive capacities than the Locator((r)) attachment
      over time.

PMID- 27141168
TI  - Comparative evaluation of clinical performance of different kind of occlusal
      splint in management of myofascial pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of hard, liquid, and soft splints in the
      management of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      this randomized clinical trial, 45 patients with myofascial pain were diagnosed
      and were randomly assigned into three groups of 15 patients each. Group 1 -
      subjects were given hard splint, Group 2 - soft splint, and Group 3 - liquid oral
      splint for 3 months. Subjective pain analysis using Modified Symptom Severity
      Index (Mod-SSI) and objective pain analysis muscle palpation was performed at 7
      days, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after splint insertion. The changes in mean
      pain value by both methods, in all three groups, were analyzed with Tukey test
      and Kruskal-Wallis H-test, respectively (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Both Mod-SSI and
      palpation scores showed statistically significant reduction in pain for all three
      groups at the end of 3 months. However, the hard splints proved to be very
      effective in a shorter period of time, followed by liquid splints and finally
      soft splints. CONCLUSION: The result of this study advocates the use of any one
      of the three types of the occlusal splints in the therapeutic management of
      myofascial pain due to temporomandibular disorders.

PMID- 27141167
TI  - Comparison of implant cast accuracy of multiple implant impression technique with
      different splinting materials: An in vitro study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An accurate and passive fit of implant framework prosthesis, as
      well as the successful surgical operation is suggested as one of the critical
      requirements for long-term implant success. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in
      vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of the master cast using open tray
      impression technique with conventional and novel splinting materials.
      METHODOLOGY: A mandibular reference model with four ADIN implants was done. Ten
      custom trays were fabricated using the light curable resin sheets. Medium body
      polyether impression material was used. These trays were randomly divided between
      the two groups, with five trays in each group. Impression techniques were divided
      into two groups namely: Group A: Direct impression technique with open tray
      impression copings splinted with autopolymerizing acrylic resin (GC pattern
      resin). Group B: Direct impression technique with open tray impression copings
      splinted with Pro-temp TM 4 (bis-GMA) syringable temporization material. Thus,
      final impressions were made. Total of 10 master casts were fabricated. Evaluation
      of casts using Dynascope-Vision Engineering, TESA microhite two- dimension and
      coordinate measuring machine were used. RESULTS: Statistical comparisons were
      made using ANOVA test and post-hoc test. Same amount of deviation values obtained
      with resin splinted and bis-GMA splinted impression copings. CONCLUSION: The
      master cast obtained by both the splinting material exhibits no difference from
      the reference model. So bis-GMA can be used, which is easy to handle, less time
      consuming, less technique sensitive, rigid, and readily available material in
      clinics.

PMID- 27141169
TI  - Comparison of masticatory efficiency, patient satisfaction for single, two, and
      three implants supported overdenture in the same patient: A pilot study.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Over 30% of the world population suffers from edentulism.
      Implant supported overdenture have been a relatively successful treatment option
      for edentulism and have shown to slowed the rate of residual resorption and
      maintain the vertical height of the residual. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study
      was to measure patient masticatary efficiency and satisfaction with the
      mandibular one-, two-, and three-implant-retained overdenture therapy when
      compared with conventional denture in a the same patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Ten complete edentulous patients, who were wearing conventional complete
      dentures, were involved in this study. Three single piece endosseous implant of
      3.0 mm in diameter and 13 mm in length were surgically placed in the mandible in
      the region of B, C, and D. Mandibular denture was connected for single, two, and
      three implant supported overdenture periodically and checked for masticatory
      efficiency using a bite gauge and patient satisfaction using a questionnaire.
      RESULTS: Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon signed rank test. Four
      groups of bite forces when compared to each other. Group 1 was compared with
      Group 2, with the statistical value showing significance. Signed rank test showed
      no significance (0.268) when Group 2 was compared with Group 3. When Group 3 was
      compared with Group 4, and Group 1 compared with Group 4, rank test showed
      significant values. Four groups were compared with each other for patient
      satisfaction, Group 1 was compared with Group 2, with the statistical value
      showing no significance. CONCLUSIONS: A single midline implant supported
      overdenture can be considered as a suitable and cost-effective treatment option
      over conventional denture. The study concludes that masticatory efficiency of
      this single midline implant supported overdenture is better than the conventional
      complete denture.

PMID- 27141170
TI  - Use of PowerPoint presentation as a teaching tool for undergraduate students in
      the subject of gerodontology.
AB  - AIM: Though different teaching learning media have been employed in the
      instruction of geriatric dentistry, their efficacy has not been adequately
      evaluated. This study was conducted with the aim to determine the efficacy of a
      PowerPoint presentation in teaching gerodontology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is
      a prospective follow-up study using a pre- and post-intervention assessment. A
      pilot study was conducted on the final year students to check the feasibility of
      the study. A convenience sampling procedure was used. All interns (n = 80) of the
      Modern Dental College and Research Centre, Indore, India were invited to
      participate. Interns completed a 24-item questionnaire documenting their current
      knowledge on gerodontology. One week after a 30 min PowerPoint presentation on
      gerodontology, the same interns completed the same questionnaire again, providing
      an indication of the efficacy of the learning tool. Paired t-test and McNemar
      test were employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A statistically significant
      difference was observed in pre- and post-intervention scores (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that PowerPoint presentation can
      be used as an effective tool for improving the knowledge regarding gerodontology.

PMID- 27141171
TI  - Clinical acceptability of metal-ceramic fixed partial dental prosthesis
      fabricated with direct metal laser sintering technique-5 year follow-up.
AB  - STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: In recent years, direct metal laser sintered (DMLS) metal
      ceramic-based fixed partial denture prostheses have been used as an alternative
      to conventional metal-ceramic fixed partial denture prostheses. However, clinical
      studies for evaluating their long-term clinical survivability and acceptability
      are limited. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy
      of metal-ceramic fixed dental prosthesis fabricated with DMLS technique, and its
      clinical acceptance on long-term clinical use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study
      group consisted of 45 patients who were restored with posterior three-unit fixed
      partial denture prosthesis made using direct laser sintered metal-ceramic
      restorations. Patient recall and clinical examination of the restorations were
      done after 6months and every 12 months thereafter for the period of 60 months.
      Clinical examination for evaluation of longevity of restorations was done using
      modified Ryge criteria which included chipping of the veneered ceramic, connector
      failure occurring in the fixed partial denture prosthesis, discoloration at the
      marginal areas of the veneered ceramic, and marginal adaptation of the metal and
      ceramic of the fixed denture prosthesis. Periapical status was assessed using
      periodical radiographs during the study period. Survival analysis was made using
      the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: None of the patients had failure of the
      connector of the fixed partial denture prostheses during the study period. Two
      exhibited biological changes which included periapical changes and proximal
      caries adjacent to the abutments. CONCLUSION: DMLS metal-ceramic fixed partial
      denture prosthesis had a survival rate of 95.5% and yielded promising results
      during the 5-year clinical study.

PMID- 27141172
TI  - Effect of variation of impression material combinations, dual arch tray types,
      and sequence of pour on the accuracy of working dies: "An in vitro study".
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the accuracy of dies made from dual arch impressions using
      different sectional dual arch trays, combinations of elastomeric impression
      materials, and the sequence of pour of dies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The dual arch
      impression materials were grouped into three groups depending on the combination
      of impression materials used and each group is subdivided into four subgroups. A
      sample size of 8 in each subgroup yielding a total 96 impressions will be made
      into three groups of 32 each (Group I, II, and III). Group I constitute
      impressions made using monophase (M) impression material, Group II constitute
      impressions made using combination of heavy body and light body (HL), and Group
      III constitute impressions made using combination of putty and light body (PL).
      Dies obtained were evaluated with a travelling microscope to measure the
      buccolingual width of the tooth at the margin by using the sharp corners of the
      notches as reference points. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive analysis
      namely mean and standard deviation, one-way analysis of variance test. RESULTS:
      The results obtained in this study indicate that though not statistically
      significant, the metal dual arch trays performed better when compared to the
      plastic trays in reproducing die dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: From the results
      obtained, dies poured from combination of heavy body and light body impressions
      using plastic or metal dual arch trays showed least variation in bucco-lingual
      dimension from master model.

PMID- 27141173
TI  - Prosthodontic rehabilitation of completely edentulous patient with partial
      glossectomy.
AB  - Oral cancer accounts for about 40% of all cancers inflicting the human beings.
      Those involving the tongue results in mild to severe deficiencies of phonation,
      deglutition, mastication, and taste depending upon the degree and extent tissues
      involved. Often rehabilitation of such patient is a challenge for the
      prosthodontist and involves a careful observation and evaluation of the residual
      oral function and ways to restore them. This article presents a case report of
      prosthodontic rehabilitation completely edentulous patient, who underwent partial
      glossectomy following surgical resection of the squamous cell carcinoma involving
      left lateral borders of the tongue. An attempt was made to restore the comfort
      and function of the patient with the help of palatal augmentation prosthesis,
      with additional assistance through speech therapy and simple oral exercises. 

PMID- 27141174
TI  - A systematic approach in rehabilitation of hemimandibulectomy: A case report.
AB  - Loss of mandibular continuity results in deviation of remaining mandibular
      segment toward the resected side primarily because of the loss of tissue involved
      in the surgical resection. The success in rehabilitating a patient with
      hemimandibulectomy depends upon the nature and extent of the surgical defect,
      treatment plan, type of prosthesis, and patient co-operation. The earlier the
      mandibular guidance therapy is initiated in the course of treatment; the more
      successful is the patient's definitive occlusal relationship. Prosthodontic
      treatment coupled with an exercise program helps in reducing mandibular deviation
      and improving masticatory efficiency. This case report describes prosthodontic
      management of a patient who has undergone a hemimandibulectomy and was
      rehabilitated using provisional guide flange prosthesis followed by a definitive
      maxillary and mandibular cast partial denture with precision attachments designed
      to fulfill the patient's needs and requirements. 

PMID- 27141175
TI  - An innovative simplified method for assessing available bone in mandible for
      implant.
AB  - The primary factor that determines the success of implant is the amount of
      available bone in the edentulous site. Diagnostic imaging and techniques help to
      develop and implement a cohesive and comprehensive treatment plan according to
      the available bone. In the following case report an innovative simplified method
      (poor man CT) is used to fabricate a three dimensional model to assess the
      available bone for implant placement in mandible. 

PMID- 27141176
TI  - Prosthetic rehabilitation of surgically treated orbital defects - evisceration,
      enucleation, and exenteration: A case series.
AB  - The rehabilitation of a patient who has suffered the psychological trauma due to
      loss of an eye requires a prosthesis that will provide the optimum cosmetic and
      functional result. The mode of rehabilitation varies based on the type of defect
      and surgical approach being adopted. A case series of prosthetic rehabilitation
      of three types of orbital defects - evisceration, enucleation and exenteration
      have been reported in this article. The clinical relevance of surgical approaches
      highlights the preservation of remaining anatomic structures creating a negative
      space or concavity to aid in future prosthetic rehabilitation. A
      multidisciplinary management and team approach is essential in providing
      esthetics and to regain the confidence. Follow-up care for the patient is
      mandatory. 

PMID- 27141177
TI  - Rehabilitation of resorbed mandibular ridges using mini implant retained
      overdentures: A case series with 3 year follow-up.
AB  - With the increasing average life expectancy of human beings, the need to cater
      geriatric patients is ever increasing. Complete dentures are an indispensable
      tool in this regard. The loose and unstable lower complete denture owing to
      residual ridge resorption is one of the most common problems faced by edentulous
      patients. Dental implant retained overdentures have emerged as an efficient
      treatment modality for such patients. Though useful, not every patient is a
      suitable candidate to go for conventional implant-borne prosthesis, limitation
      being the available bone width. In such cases, mini implants may be used for
      augmenting the retention of the dentures and improving the quality of life of
      patients. In this case series, rehabilitation of three compromised cases with
      mini implant retained overdentures have been described wherein patients are
      experiencing instability of lower denture due to thin resorbed mandibular ridges.
      In one of the cases, three mini implants placed in A, C, and E position were
      splinted using a cemented bar to retain the mandibular denture. The other two
      cases were rehabilitated using unsplinted ball type one piece mini implants
      placed in A, C, and E position in one case and B and D position in another case.
      Though splinted bar design should be preferred but the lack of available vertical
      space precluded the utilization of bar in other two cases. The results were found
      to be satisfactory with no complications reported during a follow-up period of
      over 3 years in all the cases. 

PMID- 27141179
TI  - Saudi Oncology Society and Saudi Urology Association combined clinical management
      guidelines for urothelial cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.
AB  - This is an update to the previously published Saudi guidelines for the
      evaluation, medical, and surgical management of patients diagnosed with
      urothelial cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. It is categorized according to
      the stage of the disease using the tumor node metastasis staging system 7(th)
      edition. The guidelines are presented with supporting evidence level, they are
      based on comprehensive literature review, several internationally recognized
      guidelines, and the collective expertise of the guidelines committee members
      (authors) who were selected by the Saudi Oncology Society and Saudi Urological
      Association. Considerations to the local availability of drugs, technology, and
      expertise have been regarded. These guidelines should serve as a roadmap for the
      urologists, oncologists, general physicians, support groups, and health care
      policy makers in the management of patients diagnosed with urothelial cell
      carcinoma of the urinary bladder. 

PMID- 27141178
TI  - Saudi oncology society and Saudi urology association combined clinical management
      guidelines for prostate cancer.
AB  - This is an update to the previously published Saudi guidelines for the
      evaluation, medical, and surgical management of patients diagnosed with prostate
      cancer. It is categorized according to the stage of the disease using the tumor
      node metastasis staging system 7(th) edition. The guidelines are presented with
      supporting evidence level, they are based on comprehensive literature review,
      several internationally recognized guidelines, and the collective expertise of
      the guidelines committee members (authors) who were selected by the Saudi
      oncology society and Saudi urological association. Considerations to the local
      availability of drugs, technology, and expertise have been regarded. These
      guidelines should serve as a roadmap for the urologists, oncologists, general
      physicians, support groups, and health care policy makers in the management of
      patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the prostate to. 

PMID- 27141180
TI  - Saudi Oncology Society and Saudi Urology Association combined clinical management
      guidelines for renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - This is an update to the previously published Saudi guidelines for the
      evaluation, medical, and surgical management of patients diagnosed with renal
      cell carcinoma (RCC). It is categorized according to the stage of the disease
      using the tumor node metastasis staging system 7(th) edition. The guidelines are
      presented with supporting evidence level, they are based on comprehensive
      literature review, several internationally recognized guidelines, and the
      collective expertise of the guidelines committee members (authors) who were
      selected by the Saudi Oncology Society and Saudi Urological Association.
      Considerations to the local availability of drugs, technology, and expertise have
      been regarded. These guidelines should serve as a roadmap for the urologists,
      oncologists, general physicians, support groups, and healthcare policy makers in
      the management of patients diagnosed with RCC. 

PMID- 27141181
TI  - Saudi Oncology Society and Saudi Urology Association combined clinical management
      guidelines for testicular germ cell tumors.
AB  - This is an update to the previously published Saudi guidelines for the
      evaluation, medical, and surgical management of patients diagnosed with
      testicular germ cell tumors. It is categorized according to the stage of the
      disease using the tumor-node-metastasis staging system 7(th) edition. The
      guidelines are presented with supporting evidence level, they are based on
      comprehensive literature review, several internationally recognized guidelines,
      and the collective expertise of the guidelines committee members (authors) who
      were selected by the Saudi Oncology Society and Saudi Urological Association.
      Considerations to the local availability of drugs, technology and expertise have
      been regarded. These guidelines should serve as a roadmap for the urologists,
      oncologists, general physicians, support groups, and health care policy makers in
      the management of patients diagnosed with testicular germ cell tumors. 

PMID- 27141182
TI  - Single stage circumferential lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty in near
      obliterative bulbar urethra stricture: A novel technique.
AB  - AIMS: This is a prospective study of the use and efficacy of a novel technique of
      circumferential tubularised lingual mucosal graft (LMG) in obliterative and near
      obliterative bulbar urethral stricture of >2 cm where excisional and augmented
      anastomotic urethroplasty are not feasible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The stenotic
      urethral segment was opened dorsally in midline and fibrosed urethra was excised
      taking care to preserve the healthy spongiosum tissue. LMG (av. Length 3 cm) was
      placed from one end of corporal body towards spongy tissue in a circumferential
      manner. Another LMG was placed in similar manner to deal with longer stricture.
      The urethra was tubularised over 14 Fr silicone catheter. RESULTS: A total of 12
      men, of mean age 47 years underwent this procedure. The mean follow up period was
      11 months starting from July 2014 till manuscript submission. Follow up included
      voiding cystourethrogram at 3 weeks, cystoscopy at 3 months (one patient didn't
      turned up) and subsequent follow up. Mean stricture length was 4.66 cm (range, 3
      8.5 cm) and mean operative time was 195 min. (range, 160 to 200 min.). The
      technique was successful (normal voiding with no need for any post-operative
      procedure) in 11(91.6%) patients. One patient developed early recurrence at 4
      month of surgery and had anastomotic stricture which was successfully managed by
      direct visual internal urethrotomy. CONCLUSION: Single stage circumferential
      tubularised graft urethroplasty is an excellent technique for strictures that
      include segments of obliterative and near obliterative diseased urethra. It
      provide a wider neourethra than patch graft urethroplasty.

PMID- 27141183
TI  - Undiagnosed prostatic malignancy at the time of radical cystoprostatectomy after
      prior prostatic radiation therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: We determined the prevalence of prostatic malignancy in patients
      undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma (UC) with a
      history of radiation therapy (XRT) treatment for prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three men who underwent a RC for UC that were
      previously treated for PCa with XRT were retrospectively identified. Pathology
      reports were reviewed to assess for residual PCa or prostatic UC at the time of
      surgery. RESULTS: Thirteen (25%) patients had residual PCa, 16 (30%) had
      prostatic UC, and 8 (15%) had both. Sixteen (30%) patients had no evidence of
      prostatic disease. Patients with PCa had median tumor volume of 2.2 cc
      (interquartile range: 1.2-2.5 cc) and one-third had high-risk features (Gleason
      score >8 or pT3-T4 disease). Sixteen of 24 patients (67%) with prostatic UC had a
      stromal invasion, 5 (21%) had a ductal invasion, and 3 (13%) had carcinoma in
      situ. Tumors at bladder neck or trigone during transurethral resection were
      predictive of prostatic UC (odds ratio: 4.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-15.5,
      P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Despite prior XRT for PCa, less than one-third of
      patients had no prostatic disease at the time of RC. Routine prostatic sampling
      should be considered in these patients especially if considering the orthotopic
      diversion.

PMID- 27141184
TI  - A comparative study of lingual mucosal graft urethroplasty with buccal mucosal
      graft urethroplasty in urethral stricture disease: An institutional experience.
AB  - AIMS: A prospective study to compare the outcomes of lingual versus buccal
      mucosal graft urethroplasty in patients with long segment anterior urethral
      strictures disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 30 patients for
      buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (group I) and 30 patients for lingual mucosal
      graft urethroplasty (group II) for treatment of long segment (>3 cm) incomplete
      anterior urethral stricture disease using single-stage dorsal onlay free oral
      mucosal graft urethroplasty by Barbagli's technique between February 2013 to
      September 2014. All patients underwent complete evaluation of the stricture
      including inspection of the oral cavity. RESULTS: The results of urethroplasty in
      between two group were not significant (P > 0.05) in terms of Qmax (P = 0.63),
      mean postoperative AUA symptom score (P = 0.83), operative time (P = 0.302) intra
      operative blood loss (P = 0.708), duration of postoperative hospitalization (P =
      0.83), but slurring of speech complications was seen in group II, but not in
      group I. Long-term complications of salivary disturbance, tightness of the mouth,
      persistent pain at graft site, perioral numbness, seen only in group I (BMGU).
      CONCLUSION: LMG urethroplasty is an excellent alternative to BMG urethroplasty
      with comparable results of urethroplasty and minimal donor site complications.

PMID- 27141185
TI  - Malignancies in a renal transplant population: The St. Michael's Hospital
      experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Previous publications have shown an increased incidence of various
      malignancies amongst renal transplant populations. The objective of this study
      was to analyze the rate and types of malignancies occurring in the St. Michael's
      Hospital renal transplant population and to determine whether our results were
      comparable to those previously published. METHODS: After approval by the
      hospital's research ethic board, review of the records and pathology of the 1584
      patients in the renal transplant clinic database patients was performed. The
      reports dated back to the year 1970. RESULTS: Amongst the 1584 renal transplant
      patients, 106 patients with 132 dysplastic and malignant posttransplant lesions
      were identified. The highest incidence amid the malignancies was in nonmelanoma
      skin malignancies squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma, and Kaposi
      sarcoma, with a total of 32 patients having 54 separate tumors (2.02% of all
      patients, 43.2% of tumors). Following skin tumors in incidence were genitourinary
      (28 tumors), gastrointestinal tract (GIT) lesions (8 adenocarcinomas, 14
      dysplastic lesions, 1 low grade neuroendocrine tumor/carcinoid), posttransplant
      lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) (10 cases), gynecologic (6 carcinomas),
      cervical/anal/vulvar dysplasia and invasive (SCCs) (4), and thyroid (3 papillary
      tumors). Nine patients had tumors of multiple sites/types. With respect to
      outcome, 14 patients died of malignancy, with the highest mortality being in the
      GIT malignancies (six patients). Second in mortality were the PTLD and skin tumor
      groups. DISCUSSION: Information on the incidence and outcome of various
      malignancies in renal transplant patients is important in designing guidelines
      for the follow-up of these patients regarding tumor screening and prevention. The
      rate of malignancies in our group is comparable to that reported in other
      centers.

PMID- 27141186
TI  - Diagnostic and prognostic role of computed tomography in extracorporeal shock
      wave lithotripsy complications.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in
      recognizing the complications of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and
      providing a prognostic grading system for the therapeutic approach. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 43 patients who underwent ESWL because of urinary stone
      disease were assessed by 320-row MDCT examination before and after ESWL. Pre-ESWL
      CT unenhanced scans were performed for diagnosing stone disease. Post-ESWL CT
      scans were acquired before and after intravenous injection of contrast medium
      searching for peri-renal fluid collection or hyper-density, pyelic or ureteral
      wall thickening, blood clots in the urinary tract, peri- or intra-renal hematoma
      or abscess, active bleeding. A severity grading system of ESWL complications was
      established. RESULTS: Patients were affected by renal (n = 36) or ureteral (n =
      7) lithiasis. Post-ESWL CT examination detected small fluid collections and hyper
      density of peri-renal fat tissue in 35/43 patients (81%), pyelic or ureteral wall
      thickening in 2/43 (4%), blood clots in the urinary tract in 9/43 (21%), renal
      abscesses or hematomas with a diameter of <2 cm in 10/43 (23%), large
      retroperitoneal collections in 3/43 (7%), active bleeding from renal vessels in
      1/43 (2%). Mild complications were found in 30 cases; moderate in 9; severe in 4.
      The therapeutic choice was represented by clinical follow-up (n = 20), clinical
      and CT follow-up (n = 10), ureteral stenting (n = 9), drainage of large
      retroperitoneal collections (n = 3), and arterial embolization (n = 1).
      CONCLUSION: MDCT plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of urolithiasis and follow
      up of patients treated with ESWL recognizing its complications and providing
      therapeutic and prognostic indications.

PMID- 27141187
TI  - Role of 64 slice multidetector computed tomography and angiography to establish
      relationship between tumor size, aneurysm formation and spontaneous rupture of
      renal angiomyolipomas: Single center experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of computed tomography (CT) angiography using 64
      slice multidetector CT scan to establish relationships among tumor size, aneurysm
      formation, and spontaneous rupture of renal angiomyolipomas (AML). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Total 27 patients were diagnosed as having renal angiomyolipoma (AML) at
      institute of kidney disease and research center from June 2008 to June 2015. All
      patients with renal AML underwent contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) with CT angiography
      with 64 slice multidetector CT scan. RESULTS: Total 34 kidneys were found to be
      affected by AML. Out of which 6 AML were ruptured and remaining 28 were
      unruptured. If tumor size of 4 cm or larger is used as predictor of rupture;
      sensitivity 20%, specificity 89%, positive predictive value 83.3%, and negative
      predictive value 28.5%; and If aneurysm size >5 mm is used as predictor of
      rupture; sensitivity 75%, specificity 90%, positive predictive value 50%, and
      negative predictive value 96.4% was found. CONCLUSION: Tumor size, aneurysm size
      and tumor multiplicity cannot use as a predictor of spontaneous rupture of the
      tumor.

PMID- 27141188
TI  - Disparities in long-term radiographic follow-up after cystectomy for bladder
      cancer: Analysis of the SEER-Medicare database.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is uncertain whether there are disparities related to receiving
      long-term radiographic follow-up after cystectomy performed for bladder cancer,
      and whether intensive follow-up influences survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      analyzed 2080 patients treated with cystectomy between 1992 and 2004 isolated
      from the SEER-Medicare database. The number of abdominal computerized tomography
      scans performed in patients surviving 2 years after surgery was used as an
      indicator of long-term radiographic follow-up to exclude patients with early
      failures. RESULTS: Patients were mainly males (83.18%), had a mean age at
      diagnosis of 73.4 +/- 6.6 (standard deviation) years, and mean survival of 4.6 +/
      3.2 years. Multivariate analysis showed age >70 (odds ratio [OR]: 0.796, 95%
      confidence interval [CI]: 0.651-0.974), African American race (OR: 0.180, 95% CI:
      0.081-0.279), and Charlson comorbidity score >2 (OR: 0.694, 95% CI: 0.505-0.954)
      to be associated with lower odds of long-term radiographic follow-up. Higher
      disease stage (Stage T4N1) (OR: 1.873, 95% CI: 1.491-2.353), higher quartile for
      education (OR: 5.203, 95% CI: 1.072-9.350) and higher quartile for income (OR:
      6.940, 95% CI: 1.444-12.436) were associated with increased odds of long-term
      radiographic follow-up. Interestingly, more follow-up with imaging after
      cystectomy did not improve cancer-specific or overall survival in these patients.
      CONCLUSION: There are significant age, race, and socioeconomic disparities in
      long-term radiographic follow-up after radical cystectomy. However, more
      radiographic follow-up may not be associated with better survival.

PMID- 27141189
TI  - Deterioration in the renal function and risk of microalbuminuria after radical,
      simple and donor nephrectomy: A long-term outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of deterioration in renal function and risk of micro
      albuminuria after radical, simple and donor nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      total of 594 patients underwent nephrectomy (159 radical, 318 simple and 117
      donors) from February 2009 to December 2012 in our institute. First 300 eligible
      patients were divided in 3 groups, each having equalled number of patients. Group
      1 was consisted of patients who underwent radical, group 2 had simple and group 3
      had donor nephrectomy. These patients were followed up to February 2015. Follow
      up of all the patients were done at first month following the surgery and then in
      every six months subsequently. The follow up included the measurement of serum
      creatinine and urinary micro albumin in a spot urine sample. CKD-EPI equation was
      used for calculation of e GFR. RESULTS: At the end of our study, 35 patients
      (41.6%) in group 1 and 8 patients (8.69%) in group 2 developed CKD stage 3.
      During the follow-up period, 41% patients in group 1, 13% in group 2 and 4% in
      group 3 developed MA. CONCLUSION: Nephron-sparing surgery should be the standard
      treatment of renal tumors, wherever possible. There should be a regular follow up
      of the patients after radical, simple and donor nephrectomy because of risk of
      CKD. Early consultation with nephrologists should be done by the patients who are
      suffering from MA after nephrectomy.

PMID- 27141190
TI  - Large proximal ureteral stones: Ideal treatment modality?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ideal treatment modality for patients with large impacted
      proximal ureteral stone remains controversial. We compared laparoscopic
      transperitoneal ureterolithotomy (Lap-TPUL) and semirigid ureteroscopy for large
      proximal ureteric stones to evaluate their efficacy and safety. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: From November 2012 to December 2014, we enrolled 122 patients with large
      (>=1.5 cm) proximal ureteral stone in the study. Patients were randomly divided
      into two groups: Group A (60 patients), retrograde ureteroscopic lithotripsy
      using a semirigid ureteroscope; Group B (62 patients), transperitoneal LU (Lap
      TPUL). RESULTS: The overall stone-free rate was 71.6% and 93.5% for Group A and
      Group B respectively (P = 0.008). Auxiliary procedure rate was higher in Group A
      than in Group B (27.3% vs. 5.6%). The complication rate was 11.2% in Group B
      versus 25% in Group A. Mean procedure time was higher in laparoscopy group as
      compared to ureterorenoscopy (URS) groups (84.07 +/- 16.80 vs. 62.82 +/- 12.71
      min). Hospital stay was 4.16 +/- 0.67 days in laparoscopy group and 1.18 +/- 0.38
      days in URS group (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic transperitoneal
      ureterolithotomy is a minimally invasive, safe and effective treatment modality
      and should be recommended to all patients of impacted large proximal stones,
      which are not amenable to URS or extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy or as a
      primary modality of choice especially if patient is otherwise candidate for open
      surgery.

PMID- 27141191
TI  - Noninvasive treatments for iatrogenic priapism: Do they really work? A
      prospective multicenter study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Intracorporeal injections (ICIs) of vasoactive substances during
      penile Doppler ultrasound (PDU) are a common investigation for erectile
      dysfunction (ED) diagnosis. ICI can be responsible of priapism, a pathological
      condition of prolonged penile erection not related to sexual stimulation. The aim
      of our study is to investigate the effectiveness of physical exercise and medical
      treatment as noninvasive therapy to restore detumescence in prolonged erections
      after ICI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were prospectively collected on men
      undergoing PDU in three urological centers. Three hundred and sixty-nine patients
      underwent PDU for the investigation of ED. All the participants received an ICI
      of quadrimix; prostaglandine E1, papaverine, phentolamine, and atropine. The data
      of the patients have been analyzed to record their comorbidities, results of PDU,
      and the complications encountered. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients (14.4%)
      developed prolonged erections. Physical exercise alone was successful in
      reversing prolonged erection within 30 min in 21 (39.6%) patients. Out of the
      remaining 32 patients, oral salbutamol induced detumescence in 18 (34%) within
      the observation period of 60 min. Nonresponders were managed successfully with
      aspiration and irrigation of corpora with saline (11 patients, 20.75%) or with
      Phenylephrine (three patients, 5.66%). CONCLUSIONS: Physical exercise and oral
      salbutamol are safe and effective in restoring detumescence of pharmacologically
      induced priapism. Noninvasive therapy may save a significant number of these
      patients an invasive treatment.

PMID- 27141192
TI  - Is scoring system of computed tomography based metric parameters can accurately
      predicts shock wave lithotripsy stone-free rates and aid in the development of
      treatment strategies?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the predicting success of shock wave
      lithotripsy (SWL) using a combination of computed tomography based metric
      parameters to improve the treatment plan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive 180
      patients with symptomatic upper urinary tract calculi 20 mm or less were enrolled
      in our study underwent extracorporeal SWL were divided into two main groups,
      according to the stone size, Group A (92 patients with stone <=10 mm) and Group B
      (88 patients with stone >10 mm). Both groups were evaluated, according to the
      skin to stone distance (SSD) and Hounsfield units (<=500, 500-1000 and >1000 HU).
      RESULTS: Both groups were comparable in baseline data and stone characteristics.
      About 92.3% of Group A rendered stone-free, whereas 77.2% were stone-free in
      Group B (P = 0.001). Furthermore, in both group SWL success rates was a
      significantly higher for stones with lower attenuation <830 HU than with stones
      >830 HU (P < 0.034). SSD were statistically differences in SWL outcome (P <
      0.02). Simultaneous consideration of three parameters stone size, stone
      attenuation value, and SSD; we found that stone-free rate (SFR) was 100% for
      stone attenuation value <830 HU for stone <10 mm or >10 mm but total number SWL
      sessions and shock waves required for the larger stone group were higher than in
      the smaller group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, SFR was 83.3% and 37.5% for stone <10
      mm, mean HU >830, SSD 90 mm and SSD >120 mm, respectively. On the other hand, SFR
      was 52.6% and 28.57% for stone >10 mm, mean HU >830, SSD <90 mm and SSD >120 mm,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Stone size, stone density (HU), and SSD is simple to
      calculate and can be reported by radiologists to applying combined score help to
      augment predictive power of SWL, reduce cost, and improving of treatment
      strategies.

PMID- 27141193
TI  - Deep sedation in GreenLight laser prostatectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evaluation of ketamine and propofol combination for the performance
      of photoselective vaporization of prostate (PVP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty
      six patients undergoing PVP for benign prostatic hyperplasia were included in the
      study. Co-morbidities were present in 24 patients. Midazolam 2 mg intravenous was
      administered for the induction to anesthesia. Propofol (10 mg/ml) and ketamine (1
      mg/ml) were administered with the use of two pumps. An initial bolus dose of 0.03
      ml/kg of propofol and 5 mg of ketamine was administered intravenously. The
      anesthesia was maintained by continuous infusion of 0.01 ml/kg/min of propofol
      and 2 ml/min of ketamine. Fentanyl was administered when deemed necessary. The
      level of sedation, peri-operative parameters and side-effects were recorded.
      RESULTS: The average periods from the induction of anesthesia and intraoperative
      infusion were 12.38 +/- 5.84 min and 59.5 +/- 22.15 min, respectively. Average
      propofol and total ketamine dose were 85.5 +/- 10.62 MUg/kg/min and 144.9 +/-
      45.62 mg, respectively. The average dose of fentanyl administered was 29.81 +/-
      27.40 MUcg. An average period between the end of the infusion and the discharge
      to the urology clinic was 34.62 +/- 22.89 min. Ten patients experienced nausea
      and five eventually vomited. Hallucinations were observed in five cases while
      visual disturbances in two patients. CONCLUSION: The combined use of ketamine and
      propofol for the performance of PVP proved to be an efficient method for
      anesthesia. The "deep sedation" provided by these drugs was not associated with
      significant side-effects. Moreover, the use of the above method is indicated in
      patients with significant co-morbidities that should undergo PVP.

PMID- 27141194
TI  - Hemostatic agents for access tract in tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Is
      it worth?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The role of hemostatic agents as an adjunct for closure of the
      nephrostomy tract in tubeless percutaneous surgery (tubeless percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy [tPNL]) has been previously evaluated, observing a potential
      benefit in terms of reduced bleeding and urinary leakage. We assessed the rate of
      postoperative complications after the use of hemostatic agents for sealing the
      nephrostomy tract in patients undergoing tPNL at our institution. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 52 consecutive patients
      undergoing tPNL at our center between January 2010 and December 2013. No
      substance was placed within the tract in 25 patients (Group 1). A cylinder of
      Surgicel((r)) in addition to 1 unit of Gelita((r)) were placed within the access
      tract in 27 patients (Group 2). We accounted for demographic variables, stone
      size, operative time, postoperative pain, development of hematoma, postoperative
      hematocrit drop, urinary leakage, residual lithiasis, and hospital stay length.
      RESULTS: Age and sex differed significantly between the two groups (P = 0.0002
      and P = 0.048 respectively). However, there were no significant differences in
      terms of body mass index and stone burden. No significant differences between
      groups were found with regards to operative time, postoperative hematocrit drop,
      postoperative pain and presence of residual lithiasis. CONCLUSION: The use of
      Gelita((r)) and Surgicel((r)) as hemostatic agents in tPNL is safe, but we were
      not able to demonstrate any significant benefit in terms of postoperative
      morbidity after comparing the use of these agents in tPNL. We concluded that the
      uses of hemostatic agents needed to be evaluated in prospective randomized trials
      to define its benefits.

PMID- 27141195
TI  - Cystostomy-free open suprapubic transvesical prostatectomy: Is it a safe method?
AB  - AIM: To compare open suprapubic transvesical prostatectomy (OSP) without
      insertion of suprapubic cystostomy, OSP with insertion of cystostomy, and
      transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of
      104 patients with an indication for prostatectomy were retrospectively assigned
      to TURP (group 1), OSP with cystostomy (group 2), and OSP without cystostomy
      (group 3). They were evaluated for length of the operation, length of hospital
      stay, post-operative complications, hemoglobin drop, changes of blood pressure,
      and intraoperative blood loss. RESULTS: Mean age was 67.2 +/- 8.7 in group 1,
      73.3 +/- 8.4 in group 2, and 74.0 +/- 5.7 in group 3. Prostatic volume was 35.9
      +/- 13.8, 74.1 +/- 33.8, and 74.3 +/- 31.8 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.
      There was no significant difference in prostatic volume between groups 2 and 3 (P
      = 0.99), but in group 1 it was lesser than groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.00). Length of
      the operation was 1.2 +/- 0.2 in group 3 and 1.1 +/- 0.2 in group 2, without a
      significant difference (P = 0.45). Length of hospital stay in group 3 (2.3 +/-
      0.4 days) was lesser than that in group 2 (2.6 +/- 0.7) (P = 0.01). The amount of
      hemoglobin drop was 1.1 +/- 0.9 in group 1, 1.1 +/- 0.7 in group 2, and 1.4 +/-
      0.91 in group 3 without a significant difference between all groups. The amount
      of bleeding during operation was 173 +/- 103 in group 2 and 161 +/- 78 in group 3
      (P = 0.98). CONCLUSION: OSP without insertion of cystostomy tube is a relatively
      safe method; however, larger studies are needed. It is also comparable to TURP in
      terms of postoperative efficacy and complications.

PMID- 27141196
TI  - Use of autologous grafts in the treatment of acquired penile curvature: An
      experience of 33 cases.
AB  - AIM: The objective was to compare the use of autologous dermal and temporalis
      fascia grafts in the treatment of acquired penile curvatures. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: It was a prospective observational study of 33 cases, conducted in Sher
      i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar from March 2007 to September
      2013. All the patients had stable Peyronies disease (PD). Dorsal, dorsolateral
      and vental curvatures with good preoperative erections were included. PD index
      with visual analog scales for curvature was used preoperatively. An informed
      written consent was taken from all the patients with main emphasis on erectile
      dysfunction. RESULTS: After an average follow up of 2 years, complete
      straightening of penis was observed in all patients with satisfactory sexual
      intercourse in 30 patients (90%). Three patients (10%) required frequent use of
      type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors for adequate erections. Overall 91% of
      patients and partners were satisfied with the procedure and cosmetically donor
      site was better in temporalis fascia graft site. No rejection of any graft was
      noted and glans hypoesthesia was noticed in 4 patients (12%). None of the
      patients required penile prosthesis. Total operative time for harvesting and
      application of the graft was more in dermal grafts (>3 hrs) than for temporalis
      fascia graft (2 hrs). CONCLUSION: Tunical lengthening procedures by autologous
      free grafts represents a safe and reproducible technique. A good preoperative
      erectile function is required for tunical lengthening procedure. Temporalis
      fascia graft is thin, tough membrane and effective graft for PD with good
      cosmetic and functional results.

PMID- 27141197
TI  - External iliac artery polytetrafluoroethylene graft interposition: An effective
      rescuer for kidney transplant in progressive intimal dissection of external iliac
      artery.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to highlight the use of
      polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) interposition graft as an important salvage
      procedure in case of irreparable intimal injury of external iliac artery during
      renal transplant recipient surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since 1987, we
      encountered irreparable intimal dissection of external iliac artery in five cases
      just after opening the clamp. It was successfully managed by PTFE interposition
      graft with subsequent end to side anastomosis of donor renal artery to the
      vascular graft. RESULTS: No patient had bleeding or infective complications
      related to the graft and three patients had immediate diuresis. Normal immediate
      graft function was present in three patients while the other two had delayed
      graft function. CONCLUSION: Polytetrafluoroethylene interposition graft is a
      successful procedure to salvage the kidney and lower limb in case of progressive
      intimal dissection of external iliac artery during renal transplant surgery.

PMID- 27141198
TI  - Bilateral complete duplication of the ureters, with calculi simultaneously
      obstructing the four ureters.
AB  - Bilateral complete duplication of the ureters is a rare condition. We report a
      case of an adult male patient with bilateral complete duplication of the ureters,
      with a single stone simultaneously obstructing each of the four ureteral limbs.
      Multiple bilateral renal stones were awlso demonstrated in the imaging studies.
      The ureteral stones ranged from 7 to 23 mm in length and 5-11 mm in width.
      Ureteroscopy and holmium laser lithotripsy for the ureteral stones were done
      sequentially in the four ureteral limbs, in a single session. Four double-J
      stents were inserted after removal of all ureteric stones, one in each ureter.
      The patient passed uneventful postoperative course. The patient has received
      extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy sessions for the bilateral renal stones.
      The double-J stents were removed under local anesthesia after clearance of all
      stones. To the best of our knowledge, there are no data in the literature
      representing an identical case. 

PMID- 27141199
TI  - Spontaneous retrograde migration of ureterovesical junction stone to the kidney;
      first ever reported case in the English literature in human.
AB  - We present a case of spontaneous retrograde migration of ureterovesical junction
      stone to the kidney. A 26-year-old Bahraini male, diagnosed with left lower
      ureteric stone 7 months before this presentation. On his recent presentation, the
      stone has migrated down but not passed, confirmed on imaging. Operative removal
      was planned. X-ray kidney ureter bladder (KUB) in the morning of surgery did not
      reveal stone in the ureter, but the same shadow was seen in the kidney. An urgent
      computerized tomography-KUB was done, and this confirms the stone has migrated to
      the kidney. Surgery was canceled, and the stone was dealt with extracorporeal
      shockwave lithotripsy and was fragmented in the first session. This retrograde
      migration of lower ureteric stone to the kidney is not reported in the English
      literature in human before. 

PMID- 27141201
TI  - Renal stone in crossed fused renal ectopia and its laparoscopic management: Case
      report and review of literature.
AB  - Management of renal stone in crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) is difficult
      because of abnormal location, malrotation, and its relations with vertebral
      column and small bowel. Management is not standardized because of the paucity of
      literature and variable anatomy. We managed an 8-year-old boy with multiple renal
      stones in right side crossed kidney by laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and nephro
      pyeloscopy with the help of ureteroscope. Until now, there is only one prior
      report of laparoscopic pyelolithotomy in CFRE. We share our experience in this
      case and review the literature regarding the management of kidney stones in this
      rare anomaly. 

PMID- 27141200
TI  - A rare case of concurrent penile and spinal schwannomas.
AB  - Schwannoma of the penis is extremely rare. This is the case of a young male who
      presented with pain on sexual intercourse, multiple lumps on the dorsal shaft of
      his penis, as well as a temporal headache. He was subsequently diagnosed with
      schwannoma affecting both his penile region and cauda equina. This clinical
      finding has not been previously described in the literature. Hence, its
      presentation is unique to our specialty. 

PMID- 27141202
TI  - Spontaneous large renal pelvis hematoma in ureteropelvic junction obstruction
      presenting as an acute abdomen: Rare case report.
AB  - Patients with ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction can present with flank
      pain or hematuria. We present 20-year-old male presenting with acute pain in
      lumbar and right fossa with tenderness and guarding, this case was clinically
      mimicking general surgical emergency. On computed tomography with urography and
      angiography, there was 15 cm * 11 cm * 10 cm size non-enhancing hyperdense lesion
      (average Hounsfield units - +64) in right renal pelvis suggestive of hematoma.
      Patient's diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid diuretic renography was suggestive
      of right kidney glomerular function rate of 48.4 ml/min with the relative
      function of 43%, Peak to half peak was not achieved. The patient was managed by
      retrograde ureteropyelography and double J stenting. After 1 month, clot size
      decreased to 4 cm * 3 cm * 2 cm. The patient had undergone open reduction
      Anderson hynes dismembered pyeloplasty with the removal of pelvis clot after 6
      weeks. We report the first case of UPJ obstruction presenting as an acute abdomen
      and spontaneous hematuria with large pelvis clot without rupture of the renal
      pelvis. 

PMID- 27141203
TI  - Middle calyx ureterocalicostomy in ectopic pelvic kidney with ureteropelvic
      junction obstruction: Only alternative for renal salvage.
AB  - Anomalous kidneys are mostly asymptomatic and are often found incidentally during
      physical or radiological investigations for urological or other medical
      complaints. The associated genital anomalies ranges from 15% to 45%. Females are
      associated with bicornuate or unicornuate uterus, rudimentary or absent uterus
      while males have undescended testes, duplication of the urethra, and hypospadias.
      A 21 year old married female presented with on and off lower abdomen pain for the
      past one year with history of primary amenorrhea. On examination an ill defined
      tender lump palpated in the lower abdomen. USG showed left ectopic pelvic kidney
      with gross hydronephrosis. The computed tomography confirmed hydronephrotic left
      ectopic pelvic kidney in front of the sacrum with anteriorly directed renal
      pelvis with ureter located posteriorly. There was delayed excretion from the
      ectopic kidney but right kidney was in normal position and function. The
      diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) scan showed 33% function of the
      ectopic kidney. On diagnostic laparoscopy, the uterus was small hypoplastic with
      bilateral ovaries appearing normal. The patient was taken for open pyeloplasty
      where the ureter was transected below PUJ but for a dependent drainage, the
      middle calyx as was the most dependent calyx as seen on the CT-scan. So a middle
      calyx ureterocalicostomy was performed calyx with excellent outcome. The ectopic
      kidney always remains a challenge because of complex neurovascular anatomy,
      presence of viscera and associated UPJO, but for a dependent drainage, middle
      calyx ureterocalicostomy is a feasible option with excellent outcome as was in
      our case. 

PMID- 27141204
TI  - Perivesical unicentric Castleman disease initially suspected to be metastatic
      prostate cancer.
AB  - Unicentric Castleman disease (UCD) is a relatively rare lymphoproliferative
      disease, which commonly presents as a mediastinal mass and less frequently
      involves abdomen, pelvis, and retroperitoneum. We report a case of a 64-year-old
      man with newly diagnosed low-volume, Gleason 3 + 3 = 6 prostate adenocarcinoma,
      who in considering active surveillance versus treatment was found to have a left
      perivesical and iliac chain lymphadenopathy concerning for potential metastatic
      involvement. He underwent magnetic resonance imaging with ferumoxytol to assist
      in the diagnostic evaluation to better characterize his lymphadenopathy.
      Subsequently, he underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic bilateral pelvic lymph
      node dissection and resection of left perivesical mass exhibiting hyaline
      vascular variant of UCD. 

PMID- 27141205
TI  - Buerger's disease presenting as a testicular mass: A rare presentation of an
      uncommon disease.
AB  - Thromboangiitis obliterans is an uncommon nonatherosclerotic segmental
      inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the small and medium-sized
      arteries and veins of the distal extremities. It was first described in 1879 and
      is also known as Buerger's disease. Buerger's usually begins with ischemia of
      small vessels producing digital infarcts and may progress to more proximal
      arteries and veins, producing claudication of the feet, legs, hands, or arms.
      Tobacco smoking is essential to the initiation and the progression of disease and
      it typically occurs in males under the age of 45 years. Although Buerger's most
      commonly affects the arms, hands, legs, and feet, it has also been reported in
      other vascular beds including cerebral, coronary, renal, mesenteric, and
      pulmonary arteries. There are also a small number of cases involving the male
      genitalia. To our knowledge, there has only been one English case of Buerger's
      involving the testis, published in 1940. Here, we present a new case of Buerger's
      presenting as a testicular mass in a 17-year-old cannabis smoker. 

PMID- 27141206
TI  - Co-existing malakoplakia and xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis of kidney: Two
      different spectrum of same disease process.
AB  - Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) and malakoplakia (MKP) are chronic
      inflammatory condition of kidney characterized by infiltration of inflammatory
      cells. We are presenting a rare case of concomitant XGP and MKP in the same
      kidney. This signifies that the two are different spectrums of the same disease
      process. 

PMID- 27141207
TI  - Prostate cancer nodal oligometastasis accurately assessed using prostate-specific
      membrane antigen positron emission tomography-computed tomography and confirmed
      histologically following robotic-assisted lymph node dissection.
AB  - We herein present a case of a 76-year-old gentleman, where prostate-specific
      membrane antigen positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PSMA PET-CT)
      was used to accurately detect prostate cancer (PCa), pelvic lymph node (LN)
      metastasis in the setting of biochemical recurrence following definitive
      treatment for PCa. The positive PSMA PET-CT result was confirmed with
      histological examination of the involved pelvic LNs following pelvic LN
      dissection. 

PMID- 27141208
TI  - RE: Emphysematous pyelonephritis: Is nephrectomy warranted?

PMID- 27141209
TI  - Using formal methods to scope performance challenges for Smart Manufacturing
      Systems: focus on agility.
AB  - Smart Manufacturing Systems (SMS) need to be agile to adapt to new situations by
      using detailed, precise, and appropriate data for intelligent decision-making.
      The intricacy of the relationship of strategic goals to operational performance
      across the many levels of a manufacturing system inhibits the realization of SMS.
      This paper proposes a method for identifying what aspects of a manufacturing
      system should be addressed to respond to changing strategic goals. The method
      uses standard modeling techniques in specifying a manufacturing system and the
      relationship between strategic goals and operational performance metrics. Two
      existing reference models related to manufacturing operations are represented
      formally and harmonized to support the proposed method. The method is illustrated
      for a single scenario using agility as a strategic goal. By replicating the
      proposed method for other strategic goals and with multiple scenarios, a
      comprehensive set of performance challenges can be identified.

PMID- 27141210
TI  - Primary Care Opportunities to Prevent Unintentional Home Injuries: A Focus on
      Children and Older Adults.
AB  - Unintentional injuries are a persistent public health problem in the United
      States. A new health care landscape has the potential to create a clinical
      environment that fosters greater involvement by health care providers in injury
      prevention. The aim of this article is to provide evidence supporting the need
      for engagement by primary care providers in unintentional home injury prevention
      along with examples of how this could be accomplished. We know a great deal about
      what population groups are at risk for certain types of injuries. We also know
      that many injuries can be prevented through policies, programs, and resources
      that ensure safe environments and promote safe behaviors. For example, the
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents,
      Deaths, and Injuries) initiative comprises clinical decision support tools and
      educational materials for health care providers. Two effective interventions that
      have demonstrated a reduction in falls among children are the redesign of baby
      walkers (engineering) and the mandated use of window guards (enforcement).
      Primary care clinicians can play a key role in promoting their patient's safety.
      Taken collectively, a focused attention on preventing unintentional home injuries
      by primary care providers can contribute to the reduction of injuries and result
      in optimal health for all.

PMID- 27141211
TI  - Effect of chaetocin on renal cell carcinoma cells and cytokine-induced killer
      cells.
AB  - We examined the cytotoxic effects of chaetocin on clear cell renal cell carcinoma
      (ccRCC) cells and the possibility to combine the effects of chaetocin with the
      effects of cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK) assayed by MTT assay and FACS
      analysis. Chaetocin is a thiodioxopiperazine produced by fungi belonging to the
      chaetomiaceae family. In 2007, it was first reported that chaetocin shows potent
      and selective ex vivo anti-cancer activity by inducing reactive oxygen species.
      CIK cells are generated from CD3+/CD56- T lymphocytes with double negative CD4
      /CD8- phenotype that are isolated from human blood. The addition of distinct
      interleukins and antibodies results in the generation of CIK cells that are able
      to specifically target and destroy renal carcinoma cells. The results of this
      research state that the anti-ccRCC activity of chaetocin is weak and does not
      show a high grade of selectivity on clear cell renal cell carcinoma cells.
      Although the CIK cells show a high grade of selective anti-ccRCC activity, this
      effect could not be improved by the addition of chaetocin. So chaetocin seems to
      be no suitable agent for specific targeting ccRCC cells or for the combination
      therapy with CIK cells in renal cancer. 

PMID- 27141212
TI  - Efficacy of Articaine and Lidocaine for Buccal Infiltration of First Maxillary
      Molars with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Double-blinded
      Clinical Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of 2%
      lidocaine to 4% articaine in buccal infiltration of maxillary first molars with
      irreversible pulpitis. Moreover, the effect of root length on success of
      anesthesia irrespective of the type of anesthetic agent was assessed. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: Fifty patients suffering from painful maxillary first molars with
      irreversible pulpitis received an infiltration injection of either 4% articaine
      with 1:100000 epinephrine or 2% lidocaine with 1:80000 epinephrine. Each patient
      recorded their pain score in response to a cold test on a Heft-Parker visual
      analogue scale (VAS) before commencing the treatment, 5 min following injection,
      during access preparation, after pulp exposure and during root canal
      instrumentation. No or mild pain at any stage was considered a success. Data were
      analyzed using the multivariate logistic regression analysis, chi-square and t
      tests. RESULTS: Finally, 47 out of 50 patients were eligible to be included in
      this study. The anesthetic success rates in the lidocaine and articaine groups
      were 56.52% and 66.67%, respectively and the difference was not significant
      (P=0.474). Irrespective of the anesthetic agent, the length of the palatal root
      (Odds Ratio=0.24, P=0.007) had an adverse effect on anesthetic success. There was
      an association between longer palatal root length and anesthetic failure.
      CONCLUSION: No significant difference was found between 2% lidocaine and 4%
      articaine in terms of anesthetic success in maxillary first molars with
      irreversible pulpitis. The length of the palatal root had a significant negative
      influence on anesthetic success.

PMID- 27141213
TI  - Human Pulp Response to Direct Pulp Capping and Miniature Pulpotomy with MTA after
      Application of Topical Dexamethasone: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the
      histologic pulp tissue response to one-step direct pulp capping (DPC) and
      miniature pulpotomy (MP) with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) after application
      of dexamethasone in healthy human premolars. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty intact
      premolars from 10 orthodontic patients, were randomly chosen for DPC (n=20) or MP
      (n=20). In 10 teeth from each group, after exposure of the buccal pulp horn,
      topical dexamethasone was applied over the pulp. In all teeth the
      exposed/miniaturely resected pulp tissue was covered with MTA and cavities were
      restored with glass ionomer. Teeth vitality was evaluated during the next 7, 21,
      42, and 60 days. Signs and/or symptoms of irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis
      were considered as failure. According to the orthodontic schedule, after 60 days
      the teeth were extracted and submitted for histological examination. The Kruskal
      Wallis and Fisher's exact tests were used for statistical analysis of the data
      (P=0.05). RESULTS: Although dexamethasone specimens showed less inflammation,
      calcified bridge, pulpal blood vasculature, collagen fibers and granulation
      tissue formation were not significantly different between the groups (P>0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Topical dexamethasone did not hindered pulp healing but reduced the
      amount of underlying pulpal tissue inflammation after DPC and MP in healthy human
      premolars.

PMID- 27141214
TI  - Effect of Calcium Hydroxide on the Push-out Bond Strength of Endodontic
      Biomaterials in Simulated Furcation Perforations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of
      calcium hydroxide (CH) on push-out bond strength of white mineral trioxide
      aggregate (WMTA) and calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement in simulated furcation
      perforations. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Furcation perforations, measuring 1.3 mm in
      diameter and 2 mm in height, were created in 80 human mandibular first molars.
      The teeth were then divided into 4 groups (n=20). In groups 1 and 3 CH was placed
      in the perforation for one week, before placement of WMTA and CEM. In groups 2
      and 4 perforations were repaired without placement of CH. In groups 1 and 2 the
      perforation sites were repaired with WMTA and CEM cement was used in groups 3 and
      4. After 7 days, the push-out test was carried out using a universal testing
      machine. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA. The level of significance was set
      at 0.05. RESULTS: The maximum and minimum bond strength values were recorded in
      the WMTA/CH (13.08+/-1.8 MPa) and CEM cement groups (8.03+/-0.98 MPa),
      respectively. There were significant differences in resistance to dislodgement
      between the WMTA/CH and other groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Placement of CH before
      placement of WMTA in furcation perforation improves the push-out bond strength of
      this material.

PMID- 27141215
TI  - Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Assessment of Root Canal Transportation by Neoniti
      and Reciproc Single-File Systems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the canal
      transportation of two single-file engine-driven systems, Neoniti and Reciproc,
      using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-five non
      calcified roots with mature apices and apical curvature of 15-30 degrees were
      selected from extracted human maxillary molars for this study. Samples were
      randomly divided into two groups (n=20) and a control group (n=5) and canal
      preparation with either system was performed according to manufacturers'
      instructions. Pre- and post-instrumentation CBCT images were captured and the
      amount of canal transportation within the files was calculated at levels of 3, 4,
      and 5 mm from the apex. The independent sample t-test was used to analyze the
      statistical significance between the two groups. The level of significance was
      defined at 0.05. RESULTS: Reciproc created more canal transportation compared to
      Neoniti in both mesiodistal and buccolingual directions. The difference between
      the two systems was statistically significant in all evaluated distances from the
      apex (P<0.001). During this study fracture of one file (25/0.08) in the Neoniti
      group occurred. CONCLUSION: Neoniti and Reciproc systems have significant
      difference in terms of creating canal transportation. Reciproc created more canal
      transportation in buccolingual and mesiodistal dimensions.

PMID- 27141216
TI  - Accuracy of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Determining the Root Canal
      Morphology of Mandibular First Molars.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the accuracy
      of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in determining root canal morphology of
      mandibular first molars in comparison with staining and clearing technique.
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: CBCT images were taken from 96 extracted human mandibular
      first molars and the teeth were then evaluated based on Vertucci's classification
      to determine the root canal morphology. Afterwards, access cavities were prepared
      and India ink was injected into the canals with an insulin syringe. The teeth
      were demineralized with 5% nitric acid. Finally, the cleared teeth were evaluated
      under a magnifying glass at 5* magnification to determine the root canal
      morphology. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software. The Fisher's exact test
      assessed the differences between the mesial and distal canals and the Cohen's
      kappa test was used to assess the level of agreement between the methods.
      Statistical significance was defined at 0.05. RESULTS: The Kappa coefficient for
      agreement between the two methods evaluating canal types was 0.346 (95% CI: 0.247
      0.445), which is considered a fair level of agreement based on classification of
      Koch and Landis. The agreement between CBCT and Vertucci's classification was
      52.6% (95% CI: 45.54-59.66%), with a significantly higher agreement rate in the
      mesial canals (28.1%) compared to the distal canals (77.1%) (P<0.001).
      CONCLUSION: Under the limitations of this study, clearing technique was more
      accurate than CBCT in providing accurate picture of the root canal anatomy of
      mandibular first molars.

PMID- 27141217
TI  - Accuracy of CBCT, Digital Radiography and Cross-Sectioning for the Evaluation of
      Mandibular Incisor Root Canals.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of cone-beam
      computed tomography (CBCT), digital radiography and tooth sectioning in
      evaluating root canal morphology of mandibular incisors in an in vitro setting.
      METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 76 samples were imaged using CBCT, and digital
      radiography in straight and angled views. The samples were then sectioned at
      different distances from the apex for further visualization under
      stereomicroscope. The agreement between the observers was statistically analyzed
      by kappa correlation coefficient and the chi-square test. RESULTS: The results
      showed that the majority of the samples had a single canal (Vertucci's Type I).
      CBCT analysis reported more frequent multi-canal roots in comparison with the
      other techniques. In pairwise comparisons, the highest agreement was found
      between digital radiographic imaging and microscopic cross-sectioning both in
      terms of canal configuration and the number of root canals. CONCLUSION: None of
      the used imaging techniques per se could adequately show the exact internal
      anatomical configuration in accordance with the gold standard.

PMID- 27141218
TI  - X-ray Diffraction Analysis of ProRoot Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Hydrated at
      Different pH Values.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the chemical compounds of
      white ProRoot mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) hydrated at different pH
      environments. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Mixed samples of WMTA were kept in acidic
      (pH=5.4), neutral (pH=7.4) and alkaline (pH=9.4) environments for 48 h. Then, X
      ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed for both hydrated and powder forms
      of WMTA. Portlandite crystalline structures of environments were compared from
      three aspects: intensity (height of the peak, corresponding to the
      concentration), crystallinity (peak area/total area) and crystal size (full-width
      at half-maximum of the peak). RESULTS: After matching the peaks of each sample
      with those of the International Center for Diffraction Data (ICDD) database, the
      main constituent of all set cements and powder form was found to be bismuth
      oxide. Acidic environment exhibited lower intensity and crystallinity of
      portlandite in comparison with neutral environment. CONCLUSION: The highest
      concentration and crystallinity of portlandite were observed in WMTA samples
      hydrated at neutral pH and the highest crystal size was detected after hydration
      in alkaline pH.

PMID- 27141219
TI  - Physical Properties of Five Brands of K-Files.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endodontic K-files are major tools for cleaning and shaping of the
      root canal systems. As there are various K-files available in Iranian market, the
      physical properties of the five available brands were investigated to assist the
      clinician when selecting suitable endodontic K-files according to the intended
      application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Physical properties (including debris
      creation, machinery defect and corrosion) of the selected K-files were
      investigated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) under *250 magnification.
      For evaluating the flutes number, a stereomicroscope was used with *40
      magnification. RESULTS: Maximum and minimum debris and corrosion were observed in
      the Larmrose and Perfect K-files, respectively. Dentsply showed the least
      machinery defects. Other brands had intermediary properties. In addition,
      Larmrose K-files showed the maximum flutes number compared to the other brands.
      CONCLUSION: According to the results, none of the K-files had the ideal
      properties. More studies regarding the physical properties of the K-files and
      their clinical efficacy are suggested.

PMID- 27141220
TI  - Effect of Different Endodontic Sealers on the Push-out Bond Strength of Fiber
      Posts.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of MTA
      based sealer (MTA Fillapex), eugenol-based sealer (Dorifill) and an epoxy resin
      sealer (AH Plus) on the bond strength of fiber posts cemented with a self-etch
      adhesive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The root canals of 72 maxillary incisors were
      prepared using the step-back technique after removing/cutting off the crowns. The
      samples were randomly divided to 4 groups (n=18). In group 1 (the controls) gutta
      percha was used without sealer. In groups 2, 3 and 4, the canals were filled with
      gutta-percha using AH Plus, Dorifill and MTA Fillapex sealers, respectively, by
      cold lateral compaction technique. After post space preparation, the fiber posts
      were cemented in the root canals using self-etch adhesive. Then 1-mm-thick disks
      were prepared from the coronal thirds of all the root canals and subjected to a
      push-out test. Data were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's
      tests. RESULTS: The maximum (4.45+/-0.09 MPa) and minimum (1.02+/-0.03 MPa) bond
      strength values were recorded in the control and Dorifill groups, respectively.
      The mean push-out bond strength values were similar for MTA Fillapex and AH Plus
      sealers (P>0.05). However these values were significantly higher than that of the
      Dorifill sealer (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Sealer type affected the bond strength of
      the fiber posts and MTA Fillapex decreased the dislodgment resistant of the fiber
      post.

PMID- 27141221
TI  - Biocompatibility of Portland Cement Modified with Titanium Oxide and Calcium
      Chloride in a Rat Model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biocompatibility
      of two modified formulations of Portland cement (PC) mixed with either titanium
      oxide or both titanium oxide and calcium chloride. METHODS AND MATERIALS:
      Polyethylene tubes were filled with modified PCs or Angelus MTA as the control;
      the tubes were then implanted in 28 Wistar rats subcutaneously. One tube was left
      empty as a negative control in each rat. Histologic samples were taken after 7,
      15, 30 and 60 days. Sections were assessed histologically for inflammatory
      responses and presence of fibrous capsule and granulation tissue formation. Data
      were analyzed using the Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULT: PC mixed
      with titanium oxide showed the highest mean scores of inflammation compared with
      others. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean
      inflammatory grades between all groups in each of the understudy time intervals.
      CONCLUSION: The results showed favorable biocompatibility of these modified PC
      mixed with calcium chloride and titanium oxide.

PMID- 27141223
TI  - Endodontic Considerations in Three-canalled Premolars: A Practical Update.
AB  - The most difficult clinical considertions in orthograde root canal treatment are
      generally related to the anatomy of the teeth. Three-canalled maxillary and
      mandibular premolars (mini-molars) have been reported in several studies. The
      purpose of this paper was to review various aspects of three-canalled premolars
      including incidence, clinical and radiographic diagnosis, racial predisposition,
      access cavity preparation, instrumentation and obturation. 

PMID- 27141222
TI  - The Effect of Canal Dryness on Bond Strength of Bioceramic and Epoxy-resin
      Sealers after Irrigation with Sodium Hypochlorite or Chlorhexidine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of canal
      dryness on the push-out bond strength of two resin sealers (AH-Plus and Adseal)
      and a bioceramic sealer (Endosequence BC sealer) after canal irrigation with
      sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and chlorhexidine (CHX). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A
      total of 18 extracted human premolars were used. Canals were prepared and were
      divided to two groups based on irrigation solution (either NaOCl or CHX). The
      samples were again divided based on pre-obturation canal condition (wet, half-wet
      and dry). The samples were sub-divided into 3 groups based on the sealer type;
      the teeth were obturated with gutta-percha and test sealers (Adseal, AH-Plus or
      BC sealer). A total number of 18 groups were available to be cut into dentine
      disks (12 disks in each group). The type of bond failure was also assessed in
      each group. Data were analyzed using the 3-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey's tests, t
      test and the Fisher's exact test. The level of significance was set at 0.05.
      RESULTS: The bond strength of Adseal was not affected by the canal condition or
      irrigation with either NaOCl or CHX. Although the bond strength of AH-Plus was
      not affected by the irrigant type, the highest bond strength was seen in dry
      canals. For Endosequence BC sealer, the canal conditions did not affect the bond
      strength; however, CHX reduced the bond strength. CONCLUSION: Bond strength of
      resin sealers was not affected by irrigation solution; however, canal moisture
      negatively affected the bond strength of AH-Plus. CHX reduced the bond strength
      of BC sealer.

PMID- 27141224
TI  - Amputation of an Extra-root with an Endodontic Lesion in an Invaginated Vital
      Maxillary Lateral Incisor: A Rare Case with Seven-year Follow-up.
AB  - The developmental abnormality of tooth resulting from the infolding of
      enamel/dentin into the root is called dens invaginatus. Management of such cases
      is usually challenging due to the morphological complexity of root canal system.
      This report presents a rare treatment protocol of a clinical case of Oehler's
      type III dens invaginatus combined with an endodontic lesion in a vital maxillary
      lateral incisor. Access to the endodontic lesion located between the central and
      lateral incisors was achieved by reflection of a full mucoperiosteal flap.
      Granulomatous tissue as well as aberrant root was removed and the surface of the
      root and adjacent coronal region were reshaped. Three years later, the patient
      was orthodontically treated. Seven years after completion of surgical/orthodontic
      management, the tooth remained asymptomatic and functional with normal
      periodontium/vital pulp. Radiographically, the healing of the lesion was
      observed. Actually, vitality of the invaginated tooth and communication between
      the invagination and the root canal were the most important factors in
      determining such minimally invasive treatment protocol. Depending on the anatomy
      of the root canal system, surgical amputation of an invaginated root can be
      performed to achieve a successful outcome in Oehler's type III dens invaginatus
      cases, even though it is associated with apical periodontitis. 

PMID- 27141225
TI  - Management of an Endodontic-Periodontal Lesion in a Maxillary Lateral Incisor
      with Palatal Radicular Groove: A Case Report.
AB  - The radicular groove is a developmental anomaly that predisposes the tooth to
      periodontal break-down. Sometimes the situation becomes more complicated by pulp
      necrosis and development of a combined endodontic-periodontal lesion which is a
      diagnostic and treatment challenge for the clinician. This report presents the
      successful management of an endodontic-periodontal lesion in a maxillary lateral
      incisor that has a developmental palatal radicular groove using a combination of
      nonsurgical endodontic therapy and periodontal regenerative techniques.
      CONCLUSION: The combination of nonsurgical endodontic and periodontal
      regenerative treatment is a predictable method in treating combined endodontic
      periodontal lesions caused by palato-gingival groove.

PMID- 27141226
TI  - How Can Hypnodontics Manage Severe Gag Reflex for Root Canal Therapy? A Case
      Report.
AB  - In endodontics, severe involuntary gagging can have a severe impact on treatment
      procedure. There are many ways to ease the gag reflex, one of which is hypnosis.
      A 34-year-old male was referred for root canal treatment of a molar tooth. He had
      not received any dental treatments for the past nine years due to fear of severe
      gag reflex. Three hypnotic sessions based upon eye fixation, progressive muscle
      relaxation and guided imagery techniques were spent for psychosomatic management.
      The gag reflex was controlled and reduced to a normal level, and the required
      dental treatments including root canal therapy and restoration were performed
      successfully. This report shows that hypnosis can control gag reflex for dental
      treatments. 

PMID- 27141227
TI  - Apple polyphenol extract improves insulin sensitivity in vitro and in vivo in
      animal models of insulin resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apple polyphenols could represent a novel nutritional approach in the
      management and control of blood glucose, especially in type 2 diabetics. The aim
      of this study was to test the therapeutic potential of an apple polyphenol
      extract (APE) in an insulin-resistant rat model and to determine the molecular
      basis of insulin sensitivity action in skeletal muscle cells. METHODS: Acute
      effect of APE on the postprandial hyperglycemic response was assayed in 15 week
      old obese Zucker rats (OZR), by using a meal tolerance test (MTT). The ability of
      APE to improve whole peripheral insulin sensitivity was also assayed in a chronic
      study by using the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique. To elucidate the
      molecular mechanisms, rat L6 myotubes were used. Glucose uptake was measured by
      using 2-[3H]-Deoxy-Glucose (2-DG) and specific inhibitors, as well as
      phosphorylation status of key kinases, were used to determine the implicated
      signaling pathway. RESULTS: In vivo study showed that nutritional intervention
      with APE induced an increase of insulin sensitivity with an increase of glucose
      infusion rate (GIR) of 45 %. Additionally, in vitro results showed a synergistic
      effect between APE and insulin as well as increased glucose uptake through GLUT4
      translocation in muscle cells. This translocation was mediated by phosphatydil
      inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma
      (PPARgamma) signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: As a whole, this study describes the
      mechanisms involved in the insulin sensitizing effect of APE, which could be
      considered a promising ingredient for inclusion in nutritional products focused
      on the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

PMID- 27141228
TI  - Validation of the qi blood yin yang deficiency questionnaire on chronic fatigue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue (CF) reflects an imbalance of inter-organ functions
      or of the four essential physiological components qi, blood (xue), yin, and yang.
      CF can be subdivided into different patterns. However, there are no diagnostic
      methods for CF. This study aimed to clinically validate a pattern identification
      method by identifying correlations between CF and responses to the qi blood yin
      yang deficiency questionnaire (QBYY-Q). METHODS: Participants were recruited
      between May and June 2014 through the Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine
      hospital website and via posters and comprised 129 CF patients diagnosed with the
      United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1994) criteria.
      Participants who had organic diseases that explained the CF were excluded. A
      total of 159 participants were asked to complete the QBYY-Q, the fatigue severity
      scale, and the Chalder fatigue scale. The latter two questionnaires were used to
      assess convergent validity with the QBYY-Q. Among the 129 CF participants, 70 and
      59 had chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue, respectively. Two
      Korean medical doctors independently assessed participants' qi, blood, yin, and
      yang deficiency patterns using QBYY deficiency pattern identification guidelines.
      Based on the results of a preliminary study of the QBYY-Q, we selected 32
      reliable items for symptoms corresponding to each deficiency pattern. The items
      were used to estimate internal consistency and construct validity. Multinomial
      logistic regression analysis was performed for scores on each deficiency pattern.
      RESULTS: The data were means and standard deviations or numbers of participants
      and proportions for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. A
      statistical significance level of P < 0.05 was assumed. The QBYY-Q showed
      satisfactory internal consistency. Explanatory factor analysis extracted two
      factors for each deficiency pattern. The percentages of explained variance for
      qi, blood, yin, and yang deficiency were 45.1, 58.0, 52.2, and 63.4 %,
      respectively. Each QBYY-Q deficiency score was positively associated with each
      corresponding deficiency pattern. Qi deficiency was used as a reference category.
      Odds ratios of blood, yin, and yang deficiency were 10.97, 10.69, and 14.64,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The QBYY-Q was suitable for estimating the influences
      of qi, blood, yin, and yang deficiencies in CF. Trial registration This trial was
      registered with the Korean Clinical Trial Register (KCT0001199).

PMID- 27141229
TI  - 3-D structural interactions and quantitative structural toxicity studies of
      tyrosine derivatives intended for safe potent inflammation treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drugs that inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) while sparing
      cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) represent a new attractive therapeutic development and
      offer new perspective for further use of COX-2 inhibitors. Intention of this work
      is to develop safer, selective COX-2 inhibitors that do not produce harmful
      effects. RESULTS: A series of 55 tyrosine derivatives were designed for
      evaluation as selective COX-2 inhibitors and investigated by in silico for their
      anti-inflammatory activities using C-Docker. The results of docking study showed
      that 35 molecules were found to selectively inhibit the enzyme COX-2. These
      molecules formed stable pi hydrophobic and additional van der Waals interactions
      in the active site side pocket of COX-2. The molecules selected from docking
      studies were examined through ADMET descriptors and Osiris property explorer to
      find its safety profile as well. The tyrosine derivatives containing toxic
      fragments were eliminated. CONCLUSION: The results conclude that out of 55, 19
      molecules possessed best binding energy (< -3.333 kcal/mol) and these molecules
      had more selective and safer COX-2 inhibitor profile compared to the standard
      celecoxib.Graphical abstract3-D structural interactions of COX-2 inhibiting
      tyrosine derivatives.

PMID- 27141230
TI  - Simultaneous determination of rhamnose, xylitol, arabitol, fructose, glucose,
      inositol, sucrose, maltose in jujube (Zizyphus jujube Mill.) extract: comparison
      of HPLC-ELSD, LC-ESI-MS/MS and GC-MS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Jujube extract is commonly used as a food additive and flavoring. The
      sensory properties of the extract, especially sweetness, are a critical factor
      determining the product quality and therefore affecting consumer acceptability.
      Small molecular carbohydrates make major contribution to the sweetness of the
      jujube extract, and their types and contents in the extract have direct influence
      on quality of the product. So, an appropriate qualitative and quantitative method
      for determination of the carbohydrates is vitally important for quality control
      of the product. RESULTS: High performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light
      scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD), liquid chromatography-electronic spay
      ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), and gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry (GC-MS) methods have been developed and applied to determining small
      molecular carbohydrates in jujube extract, respectively. Eight sugars and
      alditols were identified from the extract, including rhamnose, xylitol, arabitol,
      fructose, glucose, inositol, sucrose, and maltose. Comparisons were carried out
      to investigate the performance of the methods. Although the methods have been
      found to perform satisfactorily, only three sugars (fructose, glucose and
      inositol) could be detected by all these methods. Meanwhile, a similar
      quantitative result for the three sugars can be obtained by the methods.
      CONCLUSIONS: Eight sugars and alditols in the jujube extract were determined by
      HPLC-ELSD, LC-ESI-MS/MS and GC-MS, respectively. The LC-ELSD method and the LC
      ESI-MS/MS method with good precision and accuracy were suitable for quantitative
      analysis of carbohydrates in jujube extract; although the performance of the GC
      MS method for quantitative analysis was inferior to the other methods, it has a
      wider scope in qualitative analysis. A multi-analysis technique should be adopted
      in order to obtain complete constituents of about the carbohydrates in jujube
      extract, and the methods should be employed according to the purpose of analysis.

PMID- 27141231
TI  - Protein adsorption through Chitosan-Alginate membranes for potential
      applications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chitosan and Alginate were used as biopolymers to prepare membranes
      for protein adsorption. The network requires a cross-linker able to form bridges
      between polymeric chains. Viscopearl-mini((r)) (VM) was used as a support to
      synthesize them. Six different types of membranes were prepared using the main
      compounds of the matrix: VM, Chitosan of low and medium molecular weight, and
      Alginate. RESULTS: Experiments were carried out to analyze the interactions
      within the matrix and improvements were found against porous cellulose beads. SEM
      characterization showed dispersion in the compounds. According to TGA, thermal
      behaviour remains similar for all compounds. Mechanical tests demonstrate the
      modulus of the composites increases for all samples, with major impact on
      materials containing VM. The adsorption capacity results showed that with the
      removal of globular protein, as the adsorbed amount increased, the adsorption
      percentage of Myoglobin from Horse Heart (MHH) decreased. Molecular electrostatic
      potential studies of Chitosan-Alginate have been performed by density functional
      theory (DFT) and ONIOM calculations (Our own N-layered integrated molecular
      orbital and molecular mechanics) which model large molecules by defining two or
      three layers within the structure that are treated at different levels of
      accuracy, at B3LYP/6-31G(d) and PM6/6-31G(d) level of theory, using PCM
      (polarizable continuum model) solvation model. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, Viscopearl
      mini((r)) acts as a suitable support on the matrix for the synthesis of Chitosan
      Alginate membranes instead of cross-linkers usage. Therefore, it suggests that it
      is a promise material for potential applications, such as: biomedical, wastewater
      treatment, among others.Graphical abstractChitosan, Alginate, and Cellulose beads
      based membranes for protein adsorption. Special attention was given for
      preparation, charaterization, adsorption capacity, and molecular electrostatic
      potential studies calculation. Viscopearl-mini((r)) gives support on the matrix
      of Chitosan-Alginate membranes instead of cross-linkers usage.

PMID- 27141232
TI  - Promise of combined hydrothermal/chemical and mechanical refining for
      pretreatment of woody and herbaceous biomass.
AB  - Production of advanced biofuels from woody and herbaceous feedstocks is moving
      into commercialization. Biomass needs to be pretreated to overcome the
      physicochemical properties of biomass that hinder enzyme accessibility, impeding
      the conversion of the plant cell walls to fermentable sugars. Pretreatment also
      remains one of the most costly unit operations in the process and among the most
      critical because it is the source of chemicals that inhibit enzymes and
      microorganisms and largely determines enzyme loading and sugar yields.
      Pretreatments are categorized into hydrothermal (aqueous)/chemical, physical, and
      biological pretreatments, and the mechanistic details of which are briefly
      outlined in this review. To leverage the synergistic effects of different
      pretreatment methods, conducting two or more pretreatments consecutively has
      gained attention. Especially, combining hydrothermal/chemical pretreatment and
      mechanical refining, a type of physical pretreatment, has the potential to be
      applied to an industrial plant. Here, the effects of the combined pretreatment
      (combined hydrothermal/chemical pretreatment and mechanical refining) on energy
      consumption, physical structure, sugar yields, and enzyme dosage are summarized. 

PMID- 27141233
TI  - A multifunctional thermophilic glycoside hydrolase from Caldicellulosiruptor
      owensensis with potential applications in production of biofuels and
      biochemicals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thermophilic enzymes have attracted much attention for their
      advantages of high reaction velocity, exceptional thermostability, and decreased
      risk of contamination. Exploring efficient thermophilic glycoside hydrolases will
      accelerate the industrialization of biofuels and biochemicals. RESULTS: A
      multifunctional glycoside hydrolase (GH) CoGH1A, belonging to GH1 family with
      high activities of beta-d-glucosidase, exoglucanase, beta-d-xylosidase, beta-d
      galactosidase, and transgalactosylation, was cloned and expressed from the
      extremely thermophilic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor owensensis. The enzyme
      exerts excellent thermostability by retaining 100 % activity after 12-h
      incubation at 75  degrees C. The catalytic coefficients (k cat/K m) of the enzyme
      against pNP-beta-D-galactopyranoside, pNP-beta-D-glucopyranoside, pNP-beta-D
      cellobioside, pNP-beta-D-xylopyranoside, and cellobiose were, respectively,
      7450.0, 2467.5, 1085.4, 90.9, and 137.3 mM(-1) s(-1). When CoGH1A was
      supplemented at the dosage of 20 Ucellobiose g(-1) biomass for hydrolysis of the
      pretreated corn stover, comparing with the control, the glucose and xylose yields
      were, respectively, increased 37.9 and 42.1 %, indicating that the enzyme
      contributed not only for glucose but also for xylose release. The efficiencies of
      lactose decomposition and synthesis of galactooligosaccharides (GalOS) by CoGH1A
      were investigated at low (40 g L(-1)) and high (500 g L(-1)) initial lactose
      concentrations. At low lactose concentration, the time for decomposition of 83 %
      lactose was 10 min, which is much shorter than the reported 2-10 h for reaching
      such a decomposition rate. At high lactose concentration, after 50-min catalysis,
      the GalOS concentration reached 221 g L(-1) with a productivity of 265.2 g L(-1)
      h(-1). This productivity is at least 12-fold higher than those reported in
      literature. CONCLUSIONS: The multifunctional glycoside hydrolase CoGH1A has high
      capabilities in saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass, decomposition of
      lactose, and synthesis of galactooligosaccharides. It is a promising enzyme to be
      used for bioconversion of carbohydrates in industrial scale. In addition, the
      results of this study indicate that the extremely thermophilic bacteria are
      potential resources for screening highly efficient glycoside hydrolases for the
      production of biofuels and biochemicals.

PMID- 27141234
TI  - Age-dependent development of liver fibrosis in Glmp (gt/gt) mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mice lacking glycosylated lysosomal membrane protein (Glmp (gt/gt)
      mice) have liver fibrosis as the predominant phenotype due to chronic liver
      injury. The Glmp (gt/gt) mice grow and reproduce at the same rate as their wild
      type siblings. Life expectancy is around 18 months. METHODS: Wild-type and Glmp
      (gt/gt) mice were studied between 1 week and 18 months of age. Livers were
      analyzed using histological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and qPCR analyses.
      RESULTS: It was shown that Glmp (gt/gt) mice were not born with liver injury;
      however, it appeared shortly after birth as indicated by excess collagen
      expression, deposition of fibrous collagen in the periportal areas, and increased
      levels of hydroxyproline in Glmp (gt/gt) liver. Liver functional tests indicated
      a chronic, mild liver injury. Markers of inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis, and
      modulation of extracellular matrix increased from an early age, peaking around 4
      months of age and followed by attenuation of these signals. To compensate for
      loss of hepatocytes, the oval cell compartment was activated, with the highest
      activity of the oval cells detected at 3 months of age, suggesting insufficient
      hepatocyte proliferation in Glmp (gt/gt) mice around this age. Although constant
      proliferation of hepatocytes and oval cells maintained adequate hepatic function
      in Glmp (gt/gt) mice, it also resulted in a higher frequency of liver tumors in
      older animals. CONCLUSIONS: The Glmp (gt/gt) mouse is proposed as a model for
      slowly progressing liver fibrosis and possibly as a model for a yet undescribed
      human lysosomal disorder.

PMID- 27141235
TI  - The Salmonella pathogenicity island 13 contributes to pathogenesis in
      streptomycin pre-treated mice but not in day-old chickens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) is a human
      and animal pathogen that causes gastroenteritis characterized by inflammatory
      diarrhea and occasionally an invasive systemic infection. Salmonella
      pathogenicity islands (SPIs) are horizontally acquired genomic segments known to
      contribute to Salmonella pathogenesis. The objective of the current study was to
      determine the contribution of SPI-13 to S. Enteritidis pathogenesis. METHODS: We
      deleted the entire SPI-13 (?SPI-13) from the genome of S. Enteritidis
      CDC_2010K_0968 strain isolated from a human patient during the 2010 egg
      associated outbreak in the US. The kinetics of infection of the wild-type parent
      and the ?SPI-13 were compared in orally challenged day-old chickens and
      streptomycin pre-treated mice. The degree of intestinal inflammation and the
      survival of mutant strain within the avian (HD11) and murine (RAW264.7)
      macrophages were also determined. RESULTS: The deletion of the SPI-13 resulted in
      impaired infection kinetics of S. Enteritidis in streptomycin pre-treated mice
      which was characterized by significantly lower (P < 0.05) viable counts in the
      ceca, liver and spleen, impaired ability to induce intestinal inflammation and
      reduced survival within murine macrophages. Conversely, there were no significant
      differences in the infection kinetics of ?SPI-13 in day-old chickens in any of
      the organs tested and the survival of ?SPI-13 within chicken macrophages remained
      unaltered. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that SPI-13 contributes to
      the pathogenesis of S. Enteritidis in streptomycin pre-treated mice but not in
      day-old chickens and raises the possibility that SPI-13 may play a role in
      pathogenesis and the host adaptation/restriction of Salmonella serovars.

PMID- 27141236
TI  - Renal Safety of Iodinated Contrast Media Depending on Their Osmolarity - Current
      Outlooks.
AB  - Iodinated contrast media (ICM) are commonly administered pharmaceutical agents.
      Most often they are used intravenously and intraarterially. Although iodinated
      contrast agents are relatively safe and widely used, adverse events occur and
      questions remain about their use, safety, and interactions. The most important
      adverse effects of contrast media include hypersensitivity reactions, thyroid
      dysfunction, and contrast-induced nephropathy. Radiologists must be aware of the
      risk factors for reactions to contrast media. Nonionic iodinated contrast agents
      can be divided into monomeric, low-osmolar, and dimeric, iso-osmolar classes. The
      osmotic characteristics of contrast media have been a significant focus in many
      investigations of contrast-induced nephropathy. 

PMID- 27141237
TI  - Rapunzel Syndrome: Rare 'Tale' of a Broken 'Tail'.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rapunzel syndrome is a rare and unique form of trichobezoar, in which
      a cast of hairs is formed in the stomach with its 'tail' extending up to varying
      lengths into the small bowel. Almost all cases described in literature are of
      'classic' and more common form of Rapunzel. Sometimes however, the tail of bezoar
      is broken into smaller fragments. There is not much literature available on this
      rarer subset of Rapunzel syndrome. CASE REPORT: In this report we present the
      ultrasound (USG) and CT findings of a case of Rapunzel syndrome in which the tail
      had broken into five separate fragments. The patient presented clinically with
      intestinal obstruction due to the impaction of the distal- most fragment in the
      ileum. CONCLUSIONS: Our case highlights the fact that although USG features may
      be suggestive, a careful evaluation of CT images is essential for a confidant
      preoperative diagnosis of Rapunzel syndrome. In cases of this syndrome with a
      broken tail, CT is essential for precise count and localization of the separated
      fragments to ensure their complete removal at the time of surgery. We also
      propose to name the fragments of the broken tail as 'bezoarlets'. This word aptly
      describes the tail fragments as it suggests their origin from the larger gastric
      bezoar and the suffix 'lets' conveys they are smaller in size.

PMID- 27141238
TI  - A Fatal Complication: Intestinal Perforation Secondary to Migration of a Biliary
      Stent.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stent insertion is widely performed to restore biliary drainage in
      hepatic, biliary, and pancreatic obstructive conditions. Intestinal perforation
      due to the migration of these stents is an extremely rare late-term complication
      that is associated with a high rate of mortality. The current report aimed at
      presenting the radiological findings of a case of extraluminal biliary stent
      migration into the pelvic region that caused intestinal perforation. CASE REPORT:
      We report a case of an 85-year-old male with a history of previous stent
      insertion who presented with a sudden - onset severe abdominal pain. An abdominal
      multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) revealed a tubular foreign body density,
      compatible with intestinal perforation due to migration of the biliary stent.
      CONCLUSIONS: Biliary stent insertion becomes a more common procedure. This
      serious complication must always be remembered in patients presenting with
      abdominal pain after stent insertion.

PMID- 27141239
TI  - Traumatic axillary artery pseudoaneurysm treated with intravascular balloon
      occlusion and percutaneous thrombin injection.
AB  - Axillary artery pseudoaneurysms are relatively rare, with few reported cases
      found in the literature. Furthermore, treatment with percutaneous thrombin
      injection has not yet been reported. We report the case of a 59-year-old man with
      a large (10 cm) post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the left axillary artery found
      five weeks after a motorcycle crash. The patient sustained multiple injuries,
      including fractures of the left scapula and clavicle. Edema was observed at the
      time of diagnosis. Arteriography with successful ultrasound-guided percutaneous
      thrombin injection was undertaken. The patient experienced no complications after
      the procedure. 

PMID- 27141240
TI  - Malignant rhabdoid tumor of the liver: Findings at US, CT, and MRI, with
      histopathologic correlation.
AB  - Malignant rhabdoid tumors are aggressive malignancies that can rarely present as
      hepatic masses in the pediatric population. The imaging findings are often
      nonspecific and usually suggest other more common hepatic tumors. We report the
      radiologic appearance of malignant rhabdoid tumor in a 3-month-old female with
      pathologic correlation. 

PMID- 27141241
TI  - Perforation of the gallbladder into the abdominal wall: A rare manifestation of
      biliary disease.
AB  - A 54-year-old man was admitted to our surgery department complaining of right
      upper quadrant abdominal pain. The working diagnosis of acute cholecystitis was
      based on the clinical picture, laboratory tests, and ultrasound findings. Because
      of the uncommon course of the disease, computed abdominal tomography was
      performed, showing multiple stones in the anterior abdominal wall. On surgery,
      the fistula, containing stones and pus connecting the gallbladder and the
      abdominal wall muscles, was found. 

PMID- 27141242
TI  - The cyamella, a lost sesamoid: Normal variant or posterolateral corner anomaly?
AB  - Cyamella, an accessory sesamoid ossicle of the popliteus in the region of the
      proximal myotendinous junction, is an extremely unusual finding, with a paucity
      of current published literature describing its MR appearance. In this case study,
      we describe MRI findings in a 44-year-old female presenting with pain after a
      stretching workout. Bone edema in the cyamella, edema in the myotendinous portion
      of the popliteus, and pericapsular edema at the posterolateral corner were
      identified. While commonly seen in certain mammalian species, cyamella is rare in
      humans. The upright walking posture of humans requires posterolateral corner
      structures to play a greater role in structural support and weight-bearing. We
      hypothesize that the cyamella, while intrinsic to certain mammalian species, may
      interfere with these biomechanical functions in upright walking posture, thereby
      predisposing to isolated injury of the posterolateral corner in humans. 

PMID- 27141244
TI  - Knee pain and swelling: An atypical presentation of metastatic colon cancer to
      the patella.
AB  - Knee pain is a common reason for a patient to seek medical evaluation. Of the
      many causes of knee pain, malignancy is one of the least common. When malignancy
      is the etiology of the pain, it is usually due to a primary tumor of the osseous
      structures or soft tissues of the knee joint. Metastatic disease involving the
      knee joint is uncommon, with few cases reported in the literature. Of these
      reported cases, metastatic colon cancer is exceedingly rare. However, in a
      patient with new onset knee pain and the proper clinical history, metastatic
      disease should be considered as a potential explanation of symptoms. We report a
      case of knee pain and swelling due to metastatic colon cancer to the patella. 

PMID- 27141243
TI  - Focal hepatic uptake along the falciform: False positive for malignancy on 18F
      FDG-PET in a lymphoma patient with superior vena cava obstruction.
AB  - We present a case of focal increased intrahepatic radiotracer activity on 18F
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in a patient with
      lymphoma and superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction, a false positive for
      malignancy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an enhancing
      region of geographic focal hypoattenuation in the liver along the falciform,
      corresponding to the region of increased radiotracer activity on FDG-PET, with
      marked narrowing of the superior vena cava and resultant collateral venous
      pathways to the portal vein via paraumbilical veins. CT followup demonstrated
      stability of the hepatic abnormality, and no lesion was evident on ultrasound,
      suggesting that the finding on PET-CT represented a false positive for malignancy
      in this patient with known SVC obstruction. In patients with SVC obstruction,
      radiologists should consider this phenomenon of anomalous hepatic uptake along
      the falciform as a source of possible false positives for malignancy on PET. 

PMID- 27141245
TI  - Massive, well-differentiated liposarcoma of the axilla.
AB  - We present a case of well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDL) involving the right
      proximal arm and axilla in a 66-year-old Filipino male. The patient first noticed
      the lesion 18 years ago, and it subsequently slowly progressed in size. MR and CT
      imaging interpreted the lesion as likely being a WDL, a diagnosis that was
      confirmed by histology. 

PMID- 27141246
TI  - Hemorrhagic chondrosarcoma in a patient with Ollier disease: Case report and
      literature review.
AB  - We present a rare case of skull-base hemorrhagic chondrosarcoma in a patient with
      Ollier disease. Chondrosarcomas complicated by intracranial hemorrhage are very
      uncommon, with few reported cases in the literature. To our knowledge, this is
      the first such reported case. 

PMID- 27141247
TI  - Post-traumatic internal mammary artery pseudoaneurysm: A rare complication of
      pericardiocentesis.
AB  - Before the advent of ultrasound, percutaneous pericardiocentesis was associated
      with relatively high mortality and complication rates (6% and 20-50%,
      respectively) [1-3]. Ultrasound (US)-guided pericardiocentesis has dramatically
      decreased the incidence of complications by direct visualization of the heart and
      other adjacent vital structures. US helps localize the size and location of the
      pericardial effusion, measure the distance from the chest wall, localize
      adjacent, vital organs, and determine the optimal access site to the effusion. We
      report a case of posttraumatic internal mammary artery pseudoaneurysm, a rare
      complication of pericardiocentesis. 

PMID- 27141248
TI  - CNS toxoplasmosis in an immunocompetent individual.
AB  - Toxoplasmosis is a serious and life-threatening disease in humans with a high
      prevalence in immunocompromised persons. The disease has a wide spectrum,
      depending on the immune status of the person. A CNS manifestation of
      toxoplasmosis in an immunocompetent person is very rare and often undetected. Our
      case of CNS toxoplasmosis in an immunocompetent person emphasizes the
      radiological diagnosis, which was further confirmed by advanced microbiology
      technique. 

PMID- 27141249
TI  - Congenital Primary Essential Cutis Verticis Gyrata.

PMID- 27141250
TI  - The effect of silane applied to glass ceramics on surface structure and bonding
      strength at different temperatures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of various surface treatments on the surface
      structure and shear bond strength (SBS) of different ceramics. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: 288 specimens (lithium-disilicate, leucite-reinforced, and glass
      infiltrated zirconia) were first divided into two groups according to the resin
      cement used, and were later divided into four groups according to the given
      surface treatments: G1 (hydrofluoric acid (HF)+silane), G2 (silane alone-no heat
      treatment), G3 (silane alone-then dried with 60C heat-treatment), and G4 (silane
      alone-then dried with 100C heat-treatment). Two different adhesive luting systems
      were applied onto the ceramic discs in all groups. SBS (in MPa) was calculated
      from the failure load per bonded area (in N/mm(2)). Subsequently, one specimen
      from each group was prepared for SEM evaluation of the separated-resin-ceramic
      interface. RESULTS: SBS values of G1 were significantly higher than those of the
      other groups in the lithium disilicate ceramic and leucite reinforced ceramic,
      and the SBS values of G4 and G1 were significantly higher than those of G2 and G3
      in glass infiltrated zirconia. The three-way ANOVA revealed that the SBS values
      were significantly affected by the type of resin cement (P<.001). FIN ceramics
      had the highest rate of cohesive failure on the ceramic surfaces than other
      ceramic groups. AFM images showed that the surface treatment groups exhibited
      similar topographies, except the group treated with HF. CONCLUSION: The heat
      treatment was not sufficient to achieve high SBS values as compared with HF acid
      etching. The surface topography of ceramics was affected by surface treatments.

PMID- 27141251
TI  - Finite element analysis on stress distribution of maxillary implant-retained
      overdentures depending on the Bar attachment design and palatal coverage.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of anchorage
      systems and palatal coverage of denture base on load transfer in maxillary
      implant-retained overdenture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary implant-retained
      overdentures with 4 implants placed in the anterior region of edentulous maxilla
      were converted into a 3-D numerical model, and stress distribution patterns in
      implant supporting bone in the case of unilateral vertical loading on maxillary
      right first molar were compared with each other depending on various types of
      anchorage system and palatal coverage extent of denture base using three
      dimensional finite element analysis. RESULTS: In all experimental models, the
      highest stress was concentrated on the most distal implant and implant supporting
      bone on loaded side. The stress at the most distal implant-supporting bone was
      concentrated on the cortical bone. In all anchorage system without palatal
      coverage of denture base, higher stresses were concentrated on the most distal
      implant and implant supporting bone on loaded side. CONCLUSION: It could be
      suggested that when making maxillary implant retained overdenture, using Hader
      bar instead of milled bar and full palatal coverage rather than partial palatal
      coverage are more beneficial in distributing the stress that is applied on
      implant supporting bone.

PMID- 27141252
TI  - Effects of hydrogen peroxide pretreatment and heat activation of silane on the
      shear bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite posts to resin cement.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hydrogen peroxide pretreatment and heat
      activation of silane on the shear bond strength of fiber-reinforced composite
      posts to resin cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens were prepared to
      evaluate the bond strength of epoxy resin-based fiber posts (D.T. Light-Post) to
      dual-curing resin cement (RelyX U200). The specimens were divided into four
      groups (n=18) according to different surface treatments: group 1, no treatment;
      group 2, silanization; group 3, silanization after hydrogen peroxide etching;
      group 4, silanization with warm drying at 80C after hydrogen peroxide etching.
      After storage of the specimens in distilled water at 37C for 24 hours, the shear
      bond strength (in MPa) between the fiber post and resin cement was measured using
      a universal testing machine. The fractured surface of the fiber post was examined
      using scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and
      post-hoc analysis with Tukey's HSD test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Silanization of
      the fiber post (Group 2) significantly increased the bond strength in comparison
      with the non treated control (Group 1) (P<.05). Heat drying after silanization
      also significantly increased the bond strength (Group 3 and 4) (P<.05). However,
      no effect was determined for hydrogen peroxide etching before applying silane
      agent (Group 2 and 3) (P>.05). CONCLUSION: Fiber post silanization and subsequent
      heat treatment (80C) with warm air blower can be beneficial in clinical post
      cementation. However, hydrogen peroxide etching prior to silanization was not
      effective in this study.

PMID- 27141254
TI  - Comparison of removal torques of SLActive(r) implant and blasted, laser-treated
      titanium implant in rabbit tibia bone healed with concentrated growth factor
      application.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the removal torques of a
      chemically modified SLActive implant and a blasted, laser-treated (BLT) implant,
      which were soaked in saline for 2 weeks after their surface modifications. The
      removal torques of the two implants were measured 4 weeks after their
      implantation into the bone defect area in rabbit tibias with concentrated growth
      factor (CGF) application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To make artificial bone defects
      in the cortical layers of both tibias, an 8-mm diameter trephine bur was used.
      Then, prepared CGF was applied to the bony defect of the left tibia, and the bony
      defect of the right tibia was left unfilled. Four weeks later, the surgical sites
      of 16 rabbits were re-exposed. For 8 rabbits, the SLActive implants (Straumann,
      Switzerland) were inserted in the left tibia, and the BLT implants (CSM implant,
      Daegu, Korea) were inserted in the right tibia. For other rabbits, the BLT
      implants were inserted in the left tibia, and the SLActive implants were inserted
      in the right. Four weeks afger the insertion, torque removal was measured from 4
      rabbits exterminated via CO2 inhalation. RESULTS: No significant difference was
      observed between removal torques of the BLT implant and the SLActive implant
      (P>.05). CONCLUSION: It was found that BLT surface modification exhibited
      excellent osseointegration. In addition, CGF application did not affect the
      insertion and removal torque of the implants.

PMID- 27141253
TI  - 3D micro-CT analysis of void formations and push-out bonding strength of resin
      cements used for fiber post cementation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the void parameters within the resin cements used for
      fiber post cementation by micro-CT (uCT) and regional push-out bonding strength.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one, single and round shaped roots were enlarged
      with a low-speed drill following by endodontic treatment. The roots were divided
      into three groups (n=7) and fiber posts were cemented with Maxcem Elite,
      Multilink N and Superbond C&B resin cements. Specimens were scanned using uCT
      scanner at resolution of 13.7 um. The number, area, and volume of voids between
      dentin and post were evaluated. A method of analysis based on the post
      segmentation was used, and coronal, middle and apical thirds considered
      separately. After the uCT analysis, roots were embedded in epoxy resin and
      sectioned into 2 mm thick slices (63 sections in total). Push-out testing was
      performed with universal testing device at 0.5 mm/min cross-head speed. Data were
      analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (alpha=.05). RESULTS:
      Overall, significant differences between the resin cements and the post level
      were observed in the void number, area, and volume (P<.05). Super-Bond C&B showed
      the most void formation (44.86 +/- 22.71). Multilink N showed the least void
      surface (3.51 +/- 2.24 mm(2)) and volume (0.01 +/- 0.01 mm(3)). Regional push-out
      bond strength of the cements was not different (P>.05). CONCLUSION: uCT proved to
      be a powerful non-destructive 3D analysis tool for visualizing the void
      parameters. Multilink N had the lowest void parameters. When efficiency of all
      cements was evaluated, direct relationship between the post region and push-out
      bonding strength was not observed.

PMID- 27141256
TI  - Does the maxillary anterior ratio in Korean adults follow the Golden Proportion?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of changes in the
      horizontal plane angle on the mesiodistal width ratios of the maxillary anterior
      teeth during the acquisition of frontal view photographs, derive these ratios for
      Korean adults on the basis of the data obtained, and analyze them using the
      Golden Proportion as a reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In experiment I, 30
      plaster casts were mounted on an articulator and positioned on the angle
      measuring device with a center setting of 0 degrees . The device was rotated to
      10 degrees  in 1 degrees  increments in a counterclockwise direction. At each
      angle, photographs were obtained and analyzed. Experiment II was based on 60
      patients who visited the Department of Prosthodontics at Kyungpook National
      University Dental Hospital from February 2012 to February 2015. The patients were
      divided into three groups [Male (M), Female (F), Total (M + F)]. Frontal views
      were obtained for all groups and analyzed. RESULTS: From 1 degrees  to 10 degrees
      , the relative mesiodistal width ratios for the maxillary anterior teeth showed
      no significant differences from those at 0 degrees . In all three groups, the
      relative width ratio of the maxillary central incisor was smaller than that
      specified in the Golden Proportion; the opposite was true for the canine.
      CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the mesiodistal width ratios of the
      maxillary anterior teeth do not follow the Golden Proportion in Korean adults,
      and that a change in the horizontal plane angle from 1 degrees  to 10 degrees 
      during frontal photography does not affect these ratios.

PMID- 27141255
TI  - Strains around distally inclined implants retaining mandibular overdentures with
      Locator attachments: an in vitro study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate, by means of strain gauge
      analysis, the effect of different implant angulations on strains around two
      implants retaining mandibular overdenture with Locator attachments. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Four duplicate mandibular acrylic models were constructed. Two implants
      were inserted in the canine regions using the following degrees of distal
      inclinations: group I (control); 0 degrees , group II; 10 degrees , group III; 20
      degrees , and group IV; 30 degrees . Locator pink attachments were used to
      connect the overdenture to the implants and Locator red (designed for severely
      angled implants) was used for group IV (group IVred). For each group, two linear
      strain gauges were attached at the mesial and distal surfaces of the acrylic
      resin around each implant. Peri-implant strain was measured on loading and non
      loading sides during bilateral and unilateral loading. RESULTS: For all groups,
      the mesial surfaces of the implants at loading and non-loading sides experienced
      compressive (negative) strains, while the distal implant surfaces showed tensile
      (positive) strains. Group IV showed the highest strain, followed by group III,
      group II. Both group I and group IVred showed the lowest strain. The strain
      gauges at the mesial surface of the loading side recorded the highest strain, and
      the distal surface at non-loading side showed the lowest strain. Unilateral
      loading recorded significantly higher strain than bilateral loading. CONCLUSION:
      Peri-implant strains around two implants used to retain mandibular overdentures
      with Locator attachments increase as distal implant inclination increases, except
      when red nylon inserts were used.

PMID- 27141257
TI  - Effects of crown retrieval on implants and the surrounding bone: a finite element
      analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to observe stress concentration in the
      implant, the surrounding bone, and other components under the pull-out force
      during the crown removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two 3-dimensional models of
      implant-supported conventional metal ceramic crowns were digitally constructed.
      One model was designed as a vertically placed implant (3.7 mm * 10 mm) with a
      straight abutment, and the other model was designed as a 30-degree inclined
      implant (3.7 mm * 10 mm) with an angled abutment. A pull-out force of 40 N was
      applied to the crown. The stress values were calculated within the dental
      implant, the abutment, the abutment screw, and the surrounding bone. RESULTS: The
      highest stress concentration was observed at the coronal portion of the straight
      implant (9.29 MPa). The stress concentrations at the cortical bone were lower
      than at the implants, and maximum stress concentration in bone structure was 1.73
      MPa. At the abutment screws, the stress concentration levels were similiar (3.09
      MPa and 3.44 MPa), but the localizations were different. The stress at the angled
      abutment was higher than the stress at the straight abutment. CONCLUSION: The
      pull-out force, applied during a crown removal, did not show an evident effect in
      bone structure. The higher stress concentrations were mostly observed at the
      implant and the abutment collar. In addition, the abutment screw, which is the
      weakest part of an implant system, also showed stress concentrations. Implant
      angulation affected the stress concentration levels and localizations. CLINICAL
      IMPLICATIONS: These results will help clinicians understand the mechanical
      behavior of cement-retained implant-supported crowns during crown retrieval.

PMID- 27141258
TI  - Effect of different grinding burs on the physical properties of zirconia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Grinding with less stress on 3Y-TZP through proper selection of methods
      and instruments can lead to a long-term success of prosthesis. The purpose of
      this study was to compare the phase transformation and physical properties after
      zirconia surface grinding with 3 different grinding burs. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Forty disc-shaped zirconia specimens were fabricated. Each Ten specimens were
      ground with AllCeramic SuperMax (NTI, Kahla, Germany), Dura-Green DIA (Shofu
      Inc., Kyoto, Japan), and Dura-Green (Shofu Inc., Kyoto, Japan). Ten specimens
      were not ground and used as a control group. After the specimen grinding, XRD
      analysis, surface roughness test, FE-SEM imaging, and biaxial flexural strength
      test were performed. RESULTS: After surface grinding, small amount of monoclinic
      phase in all experimental groups was observed. The phase change was higher in
      specimens, which were ground with Dura-Green DIA and AllCeramic SuperMax burs.
      The roughness of surfaces increased in specimens, which were ground with Dura
      Green DIA and AllCeramic SuperMax burs than control groups and ground with Dura
      Green. All experimental groups showed lower flexural strength than control group,
      but there was no statistically significant difference between control group and
      ground with Dura-Green DIA and AllCeramic SuperMax burs. The specimens, which
      were ground with Dura- Green showed the lowest strength. CONCLUSION: The use of
      dedicated zirconia-specific grinding burs such as Dura-Green DIA and AllCeramic
      SuperMax burs decreases the grinding time and did not significantly affect the
      flexural strength of zirconia, and therefore, they may be recommended. However, a
      fine polishing process should be accompanied to reduce the surface roughness
      after grinding.

PMID- 27141259
TI  - The selection criteria of temporary or permanent luting agents in implant
      supported prostheses: in vitro study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of temporary or permanent cements in fixed implant-supported
      prostheses is under discussion. The objective was to compare the retentiveness of
      one temporary and two permanent cements after cyclic compressive loading.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The working model was five solid abutments screwed to five
      implant analogs. Thirty Cr-Ni alloy copings were randomized and cemented to the
      abutments with one temporary (resin urethane-based) or two permanent (resin
      modified glass ionomer, resin-composite) cements. The retention strength was
      measured twice: once after the copings were cemented and again after a
      compressive cyclic loading of 100 N at 0.72 Hz (100,000 cycles). RESULTS: Before
      loading, the retention strength of resin composite was 75% higher than the resin
      modified glass ionomer and 2.5 times higher than resin urethanebased cement.
      After loading, the retentiveness of the three cements decreased in a non-uniform
      manner. The greatest percentage of retention loss was shown by the temporary
      cement and the lowest by the permanent resin composite. However, the two
      permanent cements consistently show high retention values. CONCLUSION: The higher
      the initial retention of each cement, the lower the percentage of retention loss
      after compressive cyclic loading. After loading, the resin urethane-based cement
      was the most favourable cement for retrieving the crowns and resin composite was
      the most favourable cement to keep them in place.

PMID- 27141260
TI  - Mechanical and biological complication rates of the modified lateral-screw
      retained implant prosthesis in the posterior region: an alternative to the
      conventional Implant prosthetic system.
AB  - PURPOSE: The modified lateral-screw-retained implant prosthesis (LSP) is designed
      to combine the advantages of screw- and cement-retained implant prostheses. This
      retrospective study evaluated the mechanical and biological complication rates of
      implant-supported single crowns (ISSCs) inserted with the modified LSP in the
      posterior region, and determined how these complication rates are affected by
      clinical factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mechanical complications (i.e., lateral
      screw loosening [LSL], abutment screw loosening, lateral screw fracture, and
      ceramic fracture) and biological complications (i.e., peri-implant mucositis [PM]
      and peri-implantitis) were identified from the patients' treatment records,
      clinical photographs, periapical radiographs, panoramic radiographs, and clinical
      indices. The correlations between complication rates and the following clinical
      factors were determined: gender, age, position in the jaw, placement location,
      functional duration, clinical crown-to-implant length ratio, crown height space,
      and the use of a submerged or nonsubmerged placement procedure. RESULTS:
      Mechanical and biological complications were present in 25 of 73 ISSCs with the
      modified LSP. LSL (n=11) and PM (n=11) were the most common complications. The
      incidence of mechanical complications was significantly related to gender
      (P=.018). The other clinical factors were not significantly associated with
      mechanical and biological complication rates. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations
      of this study, the incidence of mechanical and biological complications in the
      posterior region was similar for both modified LSP and conventional implant
      prosthetic systems. In addition, the modified LSP is amenable to maintenance
      care, which facilitates the prevention and treatment of mechanical and biological
      complications.

PMID- 27141261
TI  - Fracture resistance of endodontically treated canines restored with different
      sizes of fiber post and all-ceramic crowns.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the fracture resistance and the
      mode of fracture of endodontically treated teeth restored with different fiber
      posts and all-ceramic crowns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two glass fiber reinforced
      post systems in two different sizes and polyethylene fiber ribbon in two
      different thicknesses (n=10) were used. The specimens, restored with all-ceramic
      crowns, were subjected to a compressive load (in N) delivered at a 130-degree
      angle to the long axis until a fracture could be noted. The results were analyzed
      statistically with a One-Way ANOVA test (P<.05). RESULTS: Statistically
      significant differences were observed between the mean fracture resistance values
      of Postec, Snowlight, and Kerr Connect thin specimens (P<.0095). The Postec
      results (395.70 N) were found to be significantly higher than the others. No
      statistical difference was observed among the thick specimens (P<.2657). The mean
      fracture resistance values of the Snowlight thick samples were found to be higher
      than those of the Snowlight thin samples. The specimens were always fractured
      around the cemento-enamel junction at the palatinal side. No post fracture was
      observed for the thin Snowlight and Kerr Connect specimens or for the thick
      Postec and Kerr Connect specimens. Among the common failure types of the
      specimens, the worst was observed to be the root fracture failure. The highest
      post dislodgement failure result (80%) was obtained from the thin Kerr Connect
      specimen. CONCLUSION: In terms of optimizing fracture resistance, the fiber post
      size selection should be done according to the forces applied to the restored
      teeth.

PMID- 27141262
TI  - Medical Biotechnology and Alzheimer's Disease: New Hopes.

PMID- 27141263
TI  - Role of Superoxide Dismutase 2 Gene Ala16Val Polymorphism and Total Antioxidant
      Capacity in Diabetes and its Complications.
AB  - Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic heterogeneous disorder and oxidative stress
      is a key participant in the development and progression of it and its
      complications. Anti-oxidant status can affect vulnerability to oxidative damage,
      onset and progression of diabetes and diabetes complications. Superoxide
      dismutase 2 (SOD2) is one of the major antioxidant defense systems against free
      radicals. SOD2 is encoded by the nuclear SOD2 gene located on the human
      chromosome 6q25 and the Ala16Val polymorphism has been identified in exon 2 of
      the human SOD2 gene. Ala16Val (rs4880) is the most commonly studied SOD2 single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in SOD2 gene. This SNP changes the amino acid at
      position 16 from valine (Val) to alanine (Ala), which has been shown to cause a
      conformational change in the target sequence of manganese superoxide dismutase
      (MnSOD) and also affects MnSOD activity in mitochondria. Ala16Val SNP and changes
      in the activity of the SOD2 antioxidant enzyme have been associated with altered
      progression and risk of different diseases. Association of this SNP with diabetes
      and some of its complications have been studied in numerous studies. This review
      evaluated how rs4880, oxidative stress and antioxidant status are associated with
      diabetes and its complications although some aspects of this line still remain
      unclear. 

PMID- 27141264
TI  - Construction and Production of Foxp3-Fc (IgG) DNA Vaccine/Fusion Protein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It seems that the success of vaccination for cancer immunotherapy
      such as Dendritic Cell (DC) based cancer vaccine is hindered through a powerful
      network of immune system suppressive elements in which regulatory T cell is the
      common factor. Foxp3 transcription factor is the most specific marker of
      regulatory T cells. In different studies, targeting an immune response against
      regulatory cells expressing Foxp3 and their removal have been assessed. As these
      previous studies could not efficiently conquer the suppressive effect of
      regulatory cells by their partial elimination, an attempt was made to search for
      constructing more effective vaccines against regulatory T cells by which to
      improve the effect of combined means of immunotherapy in cancer. In this study, a
      DNA vaccine and its respective protein were constructed in which Foxp3 fused to
      Fc(IgG) can be efficiently captured and processed by DC via receptor mediated
      endocytosis and presented to MHCII and I (cross priming). METHODS: DNA construct
      containing fragment C (Fc) portion of IgG fused to Foxp3 was designed. DNA
      construct was transfected into HEK cells to investigate its expression through
      fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry. Its specific expression was also
      assessed by western blot. For producing recombinant protein, FOXP3-Fc fusion
      construct was inserted into pET21a vector and consequently, Escherichia coli (E.
      coli) strain BL21 was selected as host cells. The expression of recombinant
      fusion protein was assayed by western blot analysis. Afterward, fusion protein
      was purified by SDS PAGE reverse staining. RESULTS: The expression analysis of
      DNA construct by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy showed that this
      construct was successfully expressed in eukaryotic cells. Moreover, the Foxp3-Fc
      expression was confirmed by SDS-PAGE followed by western blot analysis.
      Additionally, the presence of fusion protein was shown by specific antibody after
      purification. CONCLUSION: Due to successful expression of Foxp3-Fc (IgG), it
      would be expected to develop vaccines in tumor therapies for removal of
      regulatory cells as a strategy for increasing the efficiency of other
      immunotherapy means.

PMID- 27141266
TI  - Induction of Apoptosis by Green Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles Through Activation
      of Caspase-3 and 9 in Human Cervical Cancer Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gold Nanoparticles (GNPs) are used in imaging and molecular
      diagnostic applications. As the development of a novel approach in the green
      synthesis of metal nanoparticles is of great importance and a necessity, a simple
      and safe method for the synthesis of GNPs using plant extracts of Zataria
      multiflora leaves was applied in this study and the results on GNPs' anticancer
      activity against HeLa cells were reported. METHODS: The GNPs were characterized
      by UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, DLS and Zeta-potential measurements. In
      addition, the cellular up-take of nanoparticles was investigated using Dark Field
      Microscopy (DFM). Induction of apoptosis by high dose of GNPs in HeLa cells was
      assessed by MTT assay, Acridin orange, DAPI staining, Annexin V/PI double
      labeling flow cytometry and caspase activity assay. RESULTS: UV-visible
      spectroscopy results showed a surface plasmon resonance band for GNPs at 530 nm.
      FTIR results demonstrated an interaction between plant extract and nanoparticles.
      TEM images revealed different shapes for GNPs and DLS results indicated that the
      GNPs range in size from 10 to 42 nm. The Zeta potential values of the synthesized
      GNPs were between 30 to 50 Mev, indicating the formation of stable particles. As
      evidenced by MTT assay, GNPs inhibit proliferation of HeLa cells in dose
      dependent GNPs and cytotoxicity of GNPs in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell
      (BMSCs) was lower than cancerous cells. At nontoxic concentrations, the cellular
      up-take of the nanoparticles took place. Acridin orange and DAPI staining showed
      morphological changes in the cell's nucleus due to apoptosis. Finally, caspase
      activity assay demonstrated HeLa cell's apoptosis through caspase activation.
      CONCLUSION: The results showed that GNPs have the ability to induce apoptosis in
      HeLa cells.

PMID- 27141265
TI  - Hypoglycemic Effect of Aquatic Extract of Stevia in Pancreas of Diabetic Rats:
      PPARgamma-dependent Regulation or Antioxidant Potential.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditional medicines with anti-diabetic effects are considered
      suitable supplements to treat diabetes. Among medicinal herbs, Stevia Rebaudiana
      Bertoni is famous for its sweet taste and beneficial effect in regulation of
      glucose. However, little is known about the exact mechanism of stevia in
      pancreatic tissue. Therefore, this study investigated the possible effects of
      stevia on pancreas in managing hyperglycemia seen in streptozotocin-induced
      Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups
      including normoglycemic, diabetic and two more diabetic groups in which, one was
      treated with aquatic extract of stevia (400 mg/kg) and the other with
      pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) for the period of 28 days. After completion of the
      experimental duration, rats were dissected; blood samples and pancreas were
      further used for detecting biochemical and histopathological changes. FBS, TG,
      cholestrol, HDL, LDL, ALT and AST levels were measured in sera. Moreover, MDA
      (malondialdehyde) level, catalase activity, levels of insulin and PPARgamma mRNA
      expression were also measured in pancreatic tissue. RESULTS: Aquatic extract of
      stevia significantly reduced the FBS, triglycerides, MDA, ALT, AST levels and
      normalized catalase activity in treated rats compared with diabetic rats
      (p<0.05). In addition to this, stevia surprisingly, increased PPARgamma and
      insulin mRNA levels in treated rats (p<0.05). Furthermore, stevia compensated for
      the histopathological damage in diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that
      stevia acts on pancreatic tissue to elevate the insulin level and exerts
      beneficial anti-hyperglycemic effects through the PPARgamma-dependent mechanism
      and stevia's antioxidant properties.

PMID- 27141267
TI  - Chimeric External Control to Quantify Cell Free DNA in Plasma Samples by Real
      Time PCR.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA isolation procedure can significantly influence the
      quantification of DNA by real time PCR specially when cell free DNA (cfDNA) is
      the subject. To assess the extraction efficiency, linearity of the extraction
      yield, presence of co-purified inhibitors and to avoid problems with fragment
      size relevant to cfDNA, development of appropriate External DNA Control (EDC) is
      challenging. Using non-human chimeric nucleotide sequences, an EDC was developed
      for standardization of qPCR for monitoring stability of cfDNA concentration in
      blood samples over time. METHODS: A0 DNA fragment of 167 bp chimeric sequence of
      parvovirus B19 and pBHA designated as EDC fragment was designed. To determine the
      impact of different factors during DNA extraction processing on quantification of
      cfDNA, blood samples were collected from normal subjects and divided into
      aliquots with and without specific treatment. In time intervals, the plasma
      samples were isolated. The amplicon of 167 bp EDC fragment in final concentration
      of 1.1 pg/500 MUl was added to each plasma sample and total DNA was extracted by
      an in house method. Relative and absolute quantification real time PCR was
      performed to quantify both EDC fragment and cfDNA in extracted samples. RESULTS:
      Comparison of real time PCR threshold cycle (Ct) for cfDNA fragment in tubes with
      and without specific treatment indicated a decrease in untreated tubes. In
      contrast, the threshold cycle was constant for EDC fragment in treated and
      untreated tubes, indicating the difference in Ct values of the cfDNA is because
      of specific treatments that were made on them. CONCLUSIONS: Spiking of DNA
      fragment size relevant to cfDNA into the plasma sample can be useful to minimize
      the bias due to sample preparation and extraction processing. Therefore, it is
      highly recommended that standard external DNA control be employed for the
      extraction and quantification of cfDNA for accurate data analysis.

PMID- 27141268
TI  - LC-MS Method for Studying the Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of Clonidine
      Hydrochloride in Healthy Male Volunteers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A simple and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography
      electrospray ionization mass spectrometry method has been evaluated for the
      assignment of clonidine hydrochloride in human plasma. METHODS: The mobile phase
      composed of acetonitrile-water 60:40 (v/v) and 0.2% formic acid 20 MUl of sample
      was chromatographically analyzed using a repacked ZORBAX-XDB-ODS C18 column (2.1
      mm*30 mm, 3.5 MU). Detection of analytes was achieved by tandem mass spectrometry
      with Electrospray Ionization (ESI) interface in positive ion mode operated under
      the multiple-reaction monitoring mode (m/z 230.0 ->213). Sample pretreatment
      consisted of a one-step Protein Precipitation (PPT) with methanol and perchloric
      acid (HClO4) of 0.10 ml plasma. RESULTS: Standard curve was linear (r=0.998) over
      the concentration range of 0.01-10.0 ng/ml and showed suitable accuracy and
      precision. The Limit of Quantification (LOQ) was 0.01 ng/ml. The mean (SD) Cmax,
      Tmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-infinity values after administration of the test and
      reference formulations, respectively, were in this manner: 6.16 (0.32) versus
      6.21 (0.07) ng/ml, 30.12 (0.86) versus 30.13 (0.73) hr, 290.37 (1.13) versus
      293.39 (1.22) ng/ml/hr, and 350.17 (1.98) versus 352.96 (1.67) ng/ml/hr. The mean
      (SD) t1/2 was 120.12 (1.90) hr for the test formulation and 120.96 (1.54) hr for
      the reference formulation. No statistical differences were showed for Cmax and
      the area under the plasma concentration-time curve for test and reference
      tablets. CONCLUSION: The method is rapid, simple, very steady and precise for the
      separation, assignment, pharmacokinetic and bioavailability evaluation of
      clonidine in healthy Iranian adult male volunteers.

PMID- 27141269
TI  - Distribution and Diversity of hmw1A Among Invasive Nontypeable Haemophilus
      influenzae Isolates in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) begins
      with adhesion to the rhinopharyngeal mucosa. Almost 38-80% of NTHi clinical
      isolates produce proteins that belong to the High Molecular Weight (HMW) family
      of adhesins, which are believed to facilitate colonization. METHODS: In the
      present study, the prevalence of hmwA, which encodes the HMW adhesin, was
      determined for a collection of 32 NTHi isolates. Restriction Fragment Length
      Polymorphism (RFLP) was performed to advance our understanding of hmwA binding
      sequence diversity. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that hmwA was detected in
      61% of NTHi isolates. According to RFLP, isolates were divided into three groups.
      CONCLUSION: Based on these observations, it is hypothesized that some strains of
      nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae infect some specific areas more than other
      parts.

PMID- 27141271
TI  - Case fatality rate and disability of stroke in Isfahan, Iran: Isfahan stroke
      registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few investigators have reported case fatality and disability of
      Iranian patients with stroke. This study was designed to collect morbidity and
      case fatality data of hospitalized patients with stroke, and stroke care quality
      in Isfahan, Iran. METHODS: From 2006 to 2011, from overlapping sources (discharge
      diagnoses, attending physicians, and hospitalization wards), all hospitalized
      patients with possible strokes were enrolled in the study, their hospital records
      were summarized by experienced personnel and reviewed by a neurologist with
      stroke experience. Patients were followed by phone calls or visited to their
      addresses and their 28(th) day functional status was checked by translated
      modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Forms and methods were derived from the World Health
      Organization (WHO) Monitoring Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease
      and STEPS projects. RESULTS: A total of 9487 patients were identified to suffer
      from stroke. Their ages' mean was 68.98 +/- 13.63 years, and 50.0% were females.
      In hospital, case fatality was 16.5% and the 28(th) day case fatality was 25.6%.
      The greatest case fatality was among intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients and
      the least among ischemic stroke (IS) ones. Case fatality was greater among female
      and older patients and those with the previous history of stroke. Among
      survivors, only 26.9% were functionally independent (mRS < 3) which was the
      greatest among subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients and least among ICH
      patients. None of the patients were admitted to specific stroke units or received
      thrombolytic therapy. CONCLUSION: The hospitalized patients with stroke in
      Isfahan have unfavorable outcome compared with their mates in developed
      countries. A low quality of stroke care may be responsible, and urgent attention
      is needed.

PMID- 27141270
TI  - Headache in relapse and remission phases of multiple sclerosis: A case-control
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Headaches are one of the most frequent reasons for pain in multiple
      sclerosis (MS) individuals. Characterization of headaches and delineating
      possible relationships with MS-related determinants can ultimately circumvent
      headaches. METHODS: In a prospective case-control study, 65 Iranian relapsing
      remitting MS (RRMS) patients and 65 healthy controls were recruited during
      patients' admission for attack-period treatment and asked about characteristics
      and co-symptoms of headaches they experienced in the preceding week and usage of
      disease modifying drugs (DMDs) and types of MS attacks were also inquired. The
      same questions were asked from the same patients 3 months later in a follow-up
      visit. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients and 57 controls were included in the final
      analyses. In total, 26 (45.6%) patients in relapse, 18 (27.7%) controls, and 22
      (38.6%) patients in remission reported headaches and only significant difference
      existed between relapse patients and controls (P = 0.036). In headache prevalence
      was higher in patients in relapse phase having MS < 3 years compared to relapse
      patients with more than 3 years of MS (68 vs. 28.1%; P = 0.004). Other variables
      of interest did not differ among the three groups. CONCLUSION: The RRMS patients
      in relapse phase suffer from headaches more than healthy people do.

PMID- 27141272
TI  - Persian version of frontal assessment battery: Correlations with formal measures
      of executive functioning and providing normative data for Persian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) mainly
      involves executive function (EF). The frontal assessment battery (FAB) is an
      efficient tool for the assessment of EFs. The aims of this study were to
      determine the validity and reliability of the psychometric properties of the
      Persian version of FAB and assess its correlation with formal measures of EFs to
      provide normative data for the Persian version of FAB in patients with PD.
      METHODS: The study recruited 149 healthy participants and 49 patients with
      idiopathic PD. In PD patients, FAB results were compared to their performance on
      EF tests. Reliability analysis involved test-retest reliability and internal
      consistency, whereas validity analysis involved convergent validity approach. FAB
      scores compared in normal controls and in PD patients matched for age, education,
      and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. RESULTS: In PD patients, FAB
      scores were significantly decreased compared to normal controls, and correlated
      with Stroop test and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). In healthy subjects, FAB
      scores varied according to the age, education, and MMSE. In the FAB subtest
      analysis, the performances of PD patients were worse than the healthy
      participants on similarities, fluency tasks, and Luria's motor series.
      CONCLUSION: Persian version of FAB could be used as a reliable scale for the
      assessment of frontal lobe functions in Iranian patients with PD. Furthermore,
      normative data provided for the Persian version of this test improve the accuracy
      and confidence in the clinical application of the FAB.

PMID- 27141273
TI  - Effects of fasting during Ramadan on cerebrovascular hemodynamics: A transcranial
      Doppler study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine whether Islamic fasting would change cerebral blood flow
      during Ramadan. METHODS: The study group comprised 20 subjects (16 males and 4
      females) on a regimen of 1 month food and water intake restriction, according to
      Islamic fasting ritual. Subjects were evaluated for cerebral bolo flow through a
      middle cerebral artery (MCA) by means of transcranial Doppler (TCD), the day
      before starting Ramadan fasting and the day after the month of Ramadan. RESULTS:
      Our results showed no statistically significant changes after Ramadan in
      cerebrovascular hemodynamic, in comparison before Ramadan. CONCLUSION: Although
      some studies showed metabolic changes during Ramadan fasting (increasing
      hematocrite, decreasing amount of hemoglobin, dehydration, platelet aggregation,
      and lipid profile alternations) the findings suggest that Islamic fasting has no
      significant effects on cerebral blood flow.

PMID- 27141274
TI  - Comparing the production of complex sentences in Persian patients with post
      stroke aphasia and non-damaged people with normal speaking.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular disease leading to stroke is the most common cause of
      aphasia. Speakers with agrammatic non-fluent aphasia have difficulties in
      production of movement-derived sentences such as passive sentences, topicalized
      constituents, and Wh-questions. To assess the production of complex sentences,
      some passive, topicalized and focused sentences were designed for patients with
      non-fluent Persian aphasic. Afterwards, patients' performance in sentence
      production was tested and compared with healthy non-damaged subjects. METHODS: In
      this cross sectional study, a task was designed to assess the different types of
      sentences (active, passive, topicalized and focused) adapted to Persian
      structures. Seven Persian patients with post-stroke non-fluent agrammatic aphasia
      (5 men and 2 women) and seven healthy non-damaged subjects participated in this
      study. The computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      showed that all the patients had a single left hemisphere lesion involved middle
      cerebral artery (MCA), Broca's area and in its white matter. In addition, based
      on Bedside version of Persian Western Aphasia Battery (P-WAB-1), all of them were
      diagnosed with moderate Broca aphasia. Then, the production task of Persian
      complex sentences was administered. RESULTS: There was a significant difference
      between four types of sentences in patients with aphasia [Degree of freedom (df)
      = 3, P < 0.001]. All the patients showed worse performance than the healthy
      participants in all the four types of sentence production (P < 0.050).
      CONCLUSION: In general, it is concluded that topicalized and focused sentences as
      non-canonical complex sentences in Persian are very difficult to produce for
      patients with agrammatic non-fluent aphasia. It seems that sentences with A
      movement are simpler for the patients than sentences involving A'-movement; since
      they include shorter movements in compare to topicalized and focused sentences.

PMID- 27141275
TI  - Spatial distance between anatomically- and physiologically-identified targets in
      subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subthalamic nucleus (STN) stimulation is the treatment of choice for
      carefully chosen patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and refractory
      motor fluctuations. We evaluated the value of intraoperative electrophysiology
      during STN deep brain stimulation (DBS) procedures in refining the anatomically
      defined target. METHODS: We determined the spatial distance between the
      anatomical and physiological targets along x, y and z axes in 50 patients with PD
      who underwent bilateral subthalamic nucleus DBS surgery. RESULTS: The mean
      spatial distance between anatomical and functional targets was 1.84 +/- 0.88 mm
      and the least distances in different methods were 0.66 mm [standard error (SE):
      0.07], 1.07 mm (SE: 0.08) and 1.01 mm (SE: 0.08) on x, y and z axes,
      respectively, for the combined method. CONCLUSION: The most physiologically
      accurate anatomical targeting was achieved via a combination of multiple
      independent methods. There was a statistically significant difference between the
      anatomical and functional targets in all methods (even the combined) on the y
      coordinate, emphasizing the need for intra-operative electrophysiological
      monitoring to refine the anatomico-radiologically-defined target.

PMID- 27141277
TI  - Reversible pulmonary artery hypertension in association with interferon-beta
      therapy for multiple sclerosis.

PMID- 27141278
TI  - Neurofibromatosis type 1, presenting as a rare widespread neurofibromas with cord
      compression.

PMID- 27141279
TI  - Iranian international headache congress, 2015.

PMID- 27141276
TI  - Myotonic disorders: A review article.
AB  - The myotonic disorders are a heterogeneous group of genetically determined
      diseases that are unified by the presence of myotonia, which is defined as
      failure of muscle relaxation after activation. The presentation of these
      disorders can range from asymptomatic electrical myotonia, as seen in some forms
      of myotonia congenita (MC), to severe disability with muscle weakness, cardiac
      conduction defects, and other systemic features as in myotonic dystrophy type I
      (DM1). In this review, we describe the clinical features and pathophysiology of
      the different myotonic disorders, their laboratory and electrophysiologic
      findings and briefly review the currently available treatments. 

PMID- 27141280
TI  - A Comparative Study on Cancer Prevention Principles Between Iranian Traditional
      Medicine and Classic Medicine.
AB  - Cancer is one of the three main causes of mortality in most human communities
      whose prevalence is being increased. A significant part of health budget in all
      countries has been allocated to treat the cancer, which is incurable in many
      cases. It has led the global health attitude to cancer prevention. Many cancer
      related risk factors have been identified for which preventive recommendations
      have been offered by international organizations such as World Health
      Organization. Some of the most important of these risk factors are smoking and
      alcohol consumption, hypercaloric and low-fiber diet, obesity, inactivity,
      environmental and industrial pollution, some viral infections, and hereditary
      factors. Exact reviewing of Iranian-Islamic traditional medicine (IITM) resources
      determines that preventive rules, which named as six essential rules (Sitteh-e
      Zarurieah) are abundantly found, including all identified cancer-related risk
      factors. These preventive rules are: Air (Hava), body movement and repose, sleep
      and wakefulness, food and drink, evacuation and retention, and mental movement
      and repose (A'raz-e-Nafsani). The associated risk factors in classic medicine
      are: Smoking and air pollution, sedentary life, sleep disturbance, improper
      nutrition and alcohol, chronic constipation, and psychoneurotic stresses.
      Moreover, these rules are comprehensive enough to include many of the other
      harmful health-related factors whose roles have been confirmed in the occurrence
      of different diseases, except cancer. Apparently, cancer prevention in Iran would
      be more successful if the sextet necessary rules of IITM are promoted among the
      populations and health policy makers. 

PMID- 27141281
TI  - Bone Repair with Differentiated Osteoblasts from Adipose-derived Stem Cells in
      Hydroxyapatite/Tricalcium Phosphate In vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, tissue engineering has developed approaches for repair and
      restoration of damaged skeletal system based on different scaffolds and cells.
      This study evaluated the ability of differentiated osteoblasts from adipose
      derived stem cells (ADSCs) seeded into hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA
      TCP) to repair bone. METHODS: In this study, ADSCs of 6 canines were seeded in HA
      TCP and differentiated into osteoblasts in osteogenic medium in vitro and bone
      markers evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
      Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied for detection of cells in the
      pores of scaffold. HA-TCP with differentiated cells as the test group and without
      cells as the cell-free group were implanted in separate defected sites of
      canine's tibia. After 8 weeks, specimens were evaluated by histological,
      immunohistochemical methods, and densitometry test. The data were analyzed using
      the SPSS 18 version software. RESULTS: The expression of Type I collagen and
      osteocalcin genes in differentiated cells were indicated by RT-PCR. SEM results
      revealed the adhesion of cells in scaffold pores. Formation of trabecular bone
      confirmed by histological sections that revealed the thickness of bone trabecular
      was more in the test group. Production of osteopontin in extracellular matrix was
      indicated in both groups. Densitometry method indicated that strength in the test
      group was similar to cell-free group and natural bone (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      This research suggests that ADSCs-derived osteoblasts in HA-TCP could be used for
      bone tissue engineering and repairing.

PMID- 27141282
TI  - Trends in Scientific Literature on Addiction to the Internet, Video Games, and
      Cell Phones from 2006 to 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goals of the present work were to retrieve the scientific
      articles published on addiction to the Internet, video games, and cell phones and
      to analyze the pattern of publications in this area (who is doing the research,
      when and where it is taking place, and in which journals it is being published),
      to determine the research being conducted as well as to document geographical
      trends in publication over time in three types of technological addictions:
      Internet, cell phones, and video games. METHODS: Articles indexed in PubMed and
      PsycINFO between 2006 and 2010 related to the pathological use of Internet, cell
      phones, and video games were retrieved. Search results were reviewed to eliminate
      articles that were not relevant or were duplicates. RESULTS: Three hundred and
      thirty valid articles were retrieved from PubMed and PsycINFO from 2006 to 2010.
      Results were compared with those of 1996-2005. The year with the highest number
      of articles published was 2008 (n = 96). The most productive countries, in terms
      of number of articles published, were China (n = 67), the United States (n = 56),
      the United Kingdom (n = 47), and Taiwan (n = 33). The most commonly used language
      was English (70.3%), followed by Chinese (15.4%). Articles were published in 153
      different journals. The journal that published the most articles was
      Cyberpsychology and Behavior (n = 73), followed by Chinese Journal of Clinical
      Psychology (n = 27) and International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction (n =
      16). Internet was the area most frequently studied, with an increasing interest
      in other areas such as online video games and cell phones. CONCLUSIONS: The
      number of publications on technological addictions reached a peak in 2008. The
      scientific contributions of China, Taiwan, and Korea are overrepresented compared
      to other scientific fields such as drug addiction. The inclusion of Internet
      Gaming Disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
      5(th) Edition could change the publication trends in the technological addiction
      area and underline the relevance of this upcoming disorder in dissatisfaction
      with life in general.

PMID- 27141283
TI  - A Manual for Prioritizing the Topics of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Family
      Physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Development of a manual or well-defined criterion for prioritizing
      the topics of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) will help validate and organize
      this process evermore. This study was conducted to design an applicable manual
      that would prioritize the CPG topics for family physicians. METHODS: This study
      was a multi-stage method using a qualitative approach that was conducted for the
      manual developing. The manual development process took place in four steps, as
      follows: Literature review, interviews with ten experts, preparing a list of
      criteria and determining its appropriateness by applying the RAND/UCLA
      Appropriateness method, and development of the final draft of the manual and
      pilot study. RESULTS: Interview transcripts went under content analysis and were
      classified into eight main groups, 12 subgroups, and 85 themes. A comprehensive
      list consisting of fifty preliminary criteria were extracted. After summarizing
      and classifying the criteria, 12 appropriate criteria were evaluated using the
      RAND appropriateness method. Eventually, based on the literature review and our
      own results of the interview analysis, a manual consisting of five main sections
      and one clause on ethics was developed. Later, a pilot study was conducted on ten
      family physician topics, and prioritized by nine experts. CONCLUSIONS: The manual
      can be eyed as a tool ensuring the quality of the process of prioritizing CPG
      topics for family physicians, as it takes into account the issues involved in
      priority-setting. Selecting informed stakeholders for rating the criteria and
      ranking the topics was an issue that was greatly emphasized by the experts.
      Eventually, the application of this manual can be the first step toward
      systematizing the process of prioritizing CPG topics in the country.

PMID- 27141284
TI  - Health Promoting Lifestyle and its Determinants Among University Students in
      Sabzevar, Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthy lifestyle is a major strategy to promote current and
      subsequent health status. The aim of this study was to assess the status of
      health-promoting the lifestyle and its determinants among students. METHODS: A
      stratified random sample of 500 students in a university in the city of Sabzevar,
      Iran participated in this cross-sectional study. Health-promoting lifestyle was
      measured using Walker's health-promoting lifestyle profile II. RESULTS: There was
      a significant correlation between all domains of health-promoting the lifestyle.
      The highest score among the domains was for an interpersonal relationship
      (70.8%), and the lowest score was for nutrition (53.6%), and physical activity
      (53.4%). Significant differences were found in physical activity by gender (P <=
      0.05). There were significant differences in health responsibility, spiritual
      growth and body mass index by marital status (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Since one
      out of five students in this study were overweight/obese, health program planning
      to promote lifestyle, especially physical activity and nutrition among students
      is recommended. Our findings may be helpful for faculty administrators,
      curriculum planners, and health educators in designing guidelines to
      structuralize a healthier campus and to develop health promotion programs
      supporting healthy choices among students.

PMID- 27141285
TI  - Effect of Thymoquinone on P53 Gene Expression and Consequence Apoptosis in Breast
      Cancer Cell Line.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nigella sativa has been a nutritional flavoring factor and natural
      treatment for many ailments for so many years in medical science. Earlier studies
      have been reported that thymoquinone (TQ), an active compound of its seed,
      contains anticancer properties. Previous studies have shown that TQ induces
      apoptosis in breast cancer cells but it is unclear the role of P53 in the
      apoptotic pathway. Hereby, this study reports the potency of TQ on expression of
      tumor suppressor gene P53 and apoptosis induction in breast cancer cell line
      Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7). METHODS: MCF-7 cell line was cultured and
      treated with TQ, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide
      (MTT) assay was carried out for evaluating the half-maximal inhibitory
      concentration (IC50) values after 24 h of treatment. The percentage of apoptotic
      cells was measured by flow cytometry. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      was performed to estimate the messenger RNA expression of P53 in MCF-7 cell line
      at different times. RESULTS: The IC50 value for the TQ in MCF-7 cells was 25 MUM
      that determined using MTT assay. The flow cytometry and real-time PCR results
      showed that TQ could induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, and the P53 gene expression
      was dramatically up-regulated by ascending time, respectively. Hence, there was
      significant difference in 48 and 72 h. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that
      TQ could induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through up-regulation of P53 expression
      in breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) by time-dependent manner.

PMID- 27141286
TI  - Disordered Eating Attitudes Among University Students in Kuwait: The Role of
      Gender and Obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to highlight the proportion of disordered eating
      attitudes among university students in Kuwait by gender and obesity. METHODS: A
      sample of 530 Kuwaiti university students was selected from four universities in
      Kuwait (203 men and 327 women). The eating attitudes test-26 was used to
      determine disordered eating attitudes. RESULTS: The prevalence of disordered
      eating attitudes was 31.8% and 33.6% among men and women respectively. Obese
      students of both genders had doubled the risk of disordered eating attitudes
      compared to nonobese students (odds ratio 1.99 and 1.98, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: About one third of university students in Kuwait had disordered
      eating attitudes. There is an urgent need to prevent and treat disordered eating
      attitudes in university students in Kuwait.

PMID- 27141288
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27141289
TI  - Effectiveness of long-acting antipsychotics in clinical practice: 2. Effects of
      antipsychotic polypharmacy on risperidone long-acting injection and
      zuclopenthixol decanoate.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) is common clinical practice.
      Theoretically, APP runs the risk of additional side effects, drug interactions,
      adherence and cost. A limited evidence base is emerging to support the
      effectiveness of APP in clinical practice. Our companion paper highlighted the
      extent of APP alongside commonly prescribed long-acting antipsychotic injections
      (LAIs). We aimed to examine the effects of APP on discontinuation rates and
      Clinical Global Impression (CGI) outcomes in patients commenced on risperidone
      long-acting injection (RLAI) and zuclopenthixol decanoate. METHOD: LAI-naive
      patients commenced on RLAI (n = 102) and zuclopenthixol decanoate(n = 105) were
      identified using our electronic patient record (running from 2002) within NHS
      Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK. This was a retrospective, electronic case note review
      with an 18-month follow up. Patient groups were divided into those receiving the
      LAI as the sole antipsychotic and those who were receiving additional oral
      antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) for at least 50% of the duration of the
      treatment with their LAI. Kaplan-Meier statistics were calculated for
      discontinuation rates. CGI severity and improvement scores were retrospectively
      assigned by the investigating team. RESULTS: Antipsychotic polypharmacy occurred
      with RLAI (37%) and zuclopenthixol decanoate (46%) and was associated with lower
      discontinuation rates (statistical significant with zuclopenthixol for any cause
      and adverse effects discontinuation). APP had no adverse outcomes on hospital
      admissions or CGI ratings. Patients on APP did not have more severe, chronic or
      treatment resistant illnesses. CONCLUSIONS: For RLAI and zuclopenthixol
      decanoate, APP had some favourable outcomes when examining discontinuation rates
      for any cause, and adverse effects. This was unexpected as we had considered APP
      would signal illness chronicity and severity and be associated with increased
      adverse effects resulting in early discontinuation. APP had no adverse outcomes
      on assigned CGI improvement or mean end-point severity ratings for RLAI and
      zuclopenthixol decanoate.

PMID- 27141287
TI  - Laminin and Matrix metalloproteinase 11 regulate Fibronectin levels in the
      zebrafish myotendinous junction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cell adhesion
      as well as signaling between cells and their microenvironment. Despite the
      importance of tightly regulated ECM remodeling for normal muscle development and
      function, mechanisms underlying ECM remodeling in vivo remain elusive. One
      excellent paradigm in which to study ECM remodeling in vivo is morphogenesis of
      the myotendinous junction (MTJ) during zebrafish skeletal muscle development.
      During MTJ development, there are dramatic shifts in the primary components
      comprising the MTJ matrix. One such shift involves the replacement of Fibronectin
      (Fn)-rich matrix, which is essential for both somite and early muscle
      development, with laminin-rich matrix essential for normal function of the
      myotome. Here, we investigate the mechanism underlying this transition. RESULTS:
      We show that laminin polymerization indirectly promotes Fn downregulation at the
      MTJ, via a matrix metalloproteinase 11 (Mmp11)-dependent mechanism. Laminin
      deposition and organization is required for localization of Mmp11 to the MTJ,
      where Mmp11 is both necessary and sufficient for Fn downregulation in vivo.
      Furthermore, reduction of residual Mmp11 in laminin mutants promotes a Fn-rich
      MTJ that partially rescues skeletal muscle architecture. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results identify a mechanism for Fn downregulation at the MTJ, highlight
      crosstalk between laminin and Fn, and identify a new in vivo function for Mmp11.
      Taken together, our data demonstrate a novel signaling pathway mediating Fn
      downregulation. Our data revealing new regulatory mechanisms that guide ECM
      remodeling during morphogenesis in vivo may inform pathological conditions in
      which Fn is dysregulated.

PMID- 27141290
TI  - Multiple D2 heteroreceptor complexes: new targets for treatment of schizophrenia.
AB  - The dopamine (DA) neuron system most relevant for schizophrenia is the meso
      limbic-cortical DA system inter alia densely innervating subcortical limbic
      regions. The field of dopamine D2 receptors and schizophrenia changed markedly
      with the discovery of many types of D2 heteroreceptor complexes in subcortical
      limbic areas as well as the dorsal striatum. The results indicate that the D2 is
      a hub receptor which interacts not only with many other G protein-coupled
      receptors (GPCRs) including DA isoreceptors but also with ion-channel receptors,
      receptor tyrosine kinases, scaffolding proteins and DA transporters. Disturbances
      in several of these D2 heteroreceptor complexes may contribute to the development
      of schizophrenia through changes in the balance of diverse D2 homo- and
      heteroreceptor complexes mediating the DA signal, especially to the ventral
      striato-pallidal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway. This will have
      consequences for the control of this pathway of the glutamate drive to the
      prefrontal cortex via the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus which can contribute to
      psychotic processes. Agonist activation of the A2A protomer in the A2A-D2
      heteroreceptor complex inhibits D2 Gi/o mediated signaling but increases the D2
      beta-arrestin2 mediated signaling. Through this allosteric receptor-receptor
      interaction, the A2A agonist becomes a biased inhibitory modulator of the Gi/o
      mediated D2 signaling, which may the main mechanism for its atypical
      antipsychotic properties especially linked to the limbic A2A-D2 heterocomplexes.
      The DA and glutamate hypotheses of schizophrenia come together in the signal
      integration in D2-N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and A2A-D2-metabotropic glutamate
      receptor 5 (mGlu5) heteroreceptor complexes, especially in the ventral striatum.
      5-Hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A)-D2 heteroreceptor complexes are special targets
      for atypical antipsychotics with high potency to block their 5-HT2A protomer
      signaling in view of the potential development of pathological allosteric
      facilitatory 5-HT2A-D2 interaction increasing D2 protomer signaling. Neurotensin
      (NTS1)-D2 heterocomplexes also exist in the ventral and dorsal striatum, and
      likely also in midbrain DA nerve cells as NTS1-D2 autoreceptor complexes where
      neurotensin produces antipsychotic and propsychotic actions, respectively. 

PMID- 27141291
TI  - Ibogaine-associated cardiac arrest and death: case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - A naturally occurring hallucinogenic plant alkaloid, ibogaine has been used as an
      adjuvant for opiate withdrawal for the past 50 years. In the setting of an
      escalating nationwide opiate epidemic, use of substances such as ibogaine may
      also increase. Therefore, familiarity with the mechanisms and potential adverse
      effects of ibogaine is important for clinicians. We present the case report of a
      man whose use of ibogaine resulted in cardiac arrest and death, complemented by a
      review of the literature regarding ibogaine's clinical effects. A 40-year-old man
      who used ibogaine for symptoms of heroin withdrawal suffered acute cardiac arrest
      leading to cerebral edema and brain death. His presentation was consistent with
      ibogaine-induced cardiotoxicity and ibogaine-induced cardiac arrest, and a review
      of the literature regarding the history, mechanisms, risks and clinical outcomes
      associated with ibogaine is presented. The case presented underscores the
      significant potential clinical risks of ibogaine. It is important the healthcare
      community be aware of the possible effects of ibogaine such that clinicians can
      provide informed counseling to their patients regarding the risks of attempting
      detoxification with ibogaine. 

PMID- 27141293
TI  - Clozapine withdrawal emergent dystonia, oculogyric crisis and rebound psychosis
      in a single patient.

PMID- 27141292
TI  - Bupropion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an
      antidepressant.
AB  - Bupropion has been used as an antidepressant for over 20 years, though its
      licence for such use varies and it is typically a third- or fourth-line agent. It
      has a unique pharmacology, inhibiting the reuptake of noradrenaline and dopamine,
      potentially providing pharmacological augmentation to more common antidepressants
      such as selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This systematic
      review and meta-analysis identified 51 studies, dividing into four categories:
      bupropion as a sole antidepressant, bupropion coprescribed with another
      antidepressant, bupropion in 'other' populations (e.g. bipolar depression,
      elderly populations) and primary evaluation of side effects. Methodologically
      more robust trials support the superiority of bupropion over placebo, and most
      head-to-head antidepressant trials showed an equivalent effectiveness, though
      some of these are hindered by a lack of a placebo arm. Most work on the
      coprescribing of bupropion with another antidepressant supports an additional
      effect, though many are open-label trials. Several large multi-medication trials,
      most notably STAR*D, also support a therapeutic role for bupropion; in general,
      it demonstrated similar effectiveness to other medications, though this
      literature highlights the generally low response rates in refractory cohorts.
      Effectiveness has been shown in 'other' populations, though there is an overall
      dearth of research. Bupropion is generally well tolerated, it has very low rates
      of sexual dysfunction, and is more likely to cause weight loss than gain. Our
      findings support the use of bupropion as a sole or coprescribed antidepressant,
      particularly if weight gain or sexual dysfunction are, or are likely to be,
      significant problems. However there are notable gaps in the literature, including
      less information on treatment naive and first presentation depression,
      particularly when one considers the ever-reducing rates of response in more
      refractory illness. There are some data to support bupropion targeting specific
      symptoms, but insufficient information to reliably inform such prescribing, and
      it remains uncertain whether bupropion pharmacodynamically truly augments other
      drugs. 

PMID- 27141294
TI  - A natural study of the efficacy of replacement medications for the treatment of
      clozapine-induced hypersalivation.

PMID- 27141295
TI  - Low-dose aripiprazole monotherapy in a young child with disruptive mood
      dysregulation disorder.

PMID- 27141296
TI  - High dose pyridoxine for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia: clinical case and
      review of literature.

PMID- 27127614
TI  - Signaling mechanism by the Staphylococcus aureus two-component system LytSR: role
      of acetyl phosphate in bypassing the cell membrane electrical potential sensor
      LytS.
AB  - The two-component system LytSR has been linked to the signal transduction of cell
      membrane electrical potential perturbation and is involved in the adaptation of
      Staphylococcus aureus to cationic antimicrobial peptides. It consists of a
      membrane-bound histidine kinase, LytS, which belongs to the family of multiple
      transmembrane-spanning domains receptors, and a response regulator, LytR, which
      belongs to the novel family of non-helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain proteins.
      LytR regulates the expression of cidABC and lrgAB operons, the gene products of
      which are involved in programmed cell death and lysis. In vivo studies have
      demonstrated involvement of two overlapping regulatory networks in regulating the
      lrgAB operon, both depending on LytR. One regulatory network responds to glucose
      metabolism and the other responds to changes in the cell membrane potential.
      Herein, we show that LytS has autokinase activity and can catalyze a fast
      phosphotransfer reaction, with 50% of its phosphoryl group lost within 1 minute
      of incubation with LytR. LytS has also phosphatase activity. Notably, LytR
      undergoes phosphorylation by acetyl phosphate at a rate that is 2-fold faster
      than the phosphorylation by LytS. This observation is significant in lieu of the
      in vivo observations that regulation of the lrgAB operon is LytR-dependent in the
      presence of excess glucose in the medium. The latter condition does not lead to
      perturbation of the cell membrane potential but rather to the accumulation of
      acetate in the cell. Our study provides insights into the molecular basis for
      regulation of lrgAB in a LytR-dependent manner under conditions that do not
      involve sensing by LytS. 

PMID- 27127616
TI  - Possible identification of CENP-C in fish and the presence of the CENP-C motif in
      M18BP1 of vertebrates.
AB  - The centromeric protein CENP-C is a base component of the kinetochore. This
      protein, along with CENP-A has been shown to adaptively evolve in a number of
      animal and plant species. In order to determine if CENP-C also evolves in fish
      species, I attempted to retrieve fish CENP-C sequences from GenBank. No Teleostei
      CENP-C sequences were found either by name or by BLASTP searches with the
      vertebrate CENP-C motif sequence. A number of putative Teleostei protein
      sequences were identified in GenBank that have homology to the C-terminal cupin
      domain of vertebrate CENP-C. These proteins only have partial homology to the
      CENP-C motif, but evidence is presented that makes it likely that these fish
      proteins are orthologs of CENP-C. Interestingly, it was also discovered that the
      CENP-C motif sequence is also mostly present in M18BP1 proteins of fish and some
      other vertebrates but not in mammals. This finding may have implications for CENP
      C and M18BP1 assembly in centromeric regions of different vertebrate taxa. 

PMID- 27127615
TI  - CRE: a cost effective and rapid approach for PCR-mediated concatenation of KRAS
      and EGFR exons: Rapid way to detect EGFR and KRAS mutations.
AB  - Molecular diagnostics has changed the way lung cancer patients are treated
      worldwide. Of several different testing methods available, PCR followed by
      directed sequencing and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) are the
      two most commonly used diagnostic methods worldwide to detect mutations at  KRAS
      exon 2 and  EGFR kinase domain exons 18-21 in lung cancer. Compared to ARMS, the
      PCR followed by directed sequencing approach is relatively inexpensive but more
      cumbersome to perform. Moreover, with a limiting amount of genomic DNA from
      clinical formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens or fine biopsies of
      lung tumors, multiple rounds of PCR and sequencing reactions often get
      challenging. Here, we report a cost-effective single multiplex-PCR based method,
      CRE (for  Co-amplification of five  K RAS and  E GFR exons), followed by
      concatenation of the PCR product as a single linear fragment for direct
      sequencing. CRE is a robust protocol that can be adapted for routine use in
      clinical diagnostics with reduced variability, cost and turnaround time requiring
      a minimal amount of template DNA extracted from FFPE or fresh frozen tumor
      samples. As a proof of principle, CRE is able to detect the activating  EGFR
      L858R and T790M  EGFR mutations in lung cancer cell line and primary tumors. 

PMID- 27141300
TI  - Update on oral-facial-digital syndromes (OFDS).
AB  - Oral-facial-digital syndromes (OFDS) represent a heterogeneous group of rare
      developmental disorders affecting the mouth, the face and the digits. Additional
      signs may involve brain, kidneys and other organs thus better defining the
      different clinical subtypes. With the exception of OFD types I and VIII, which
      are X-linked, the majority of OFDS is transmitted as an autosomal recessive
      syndrome. A number of genes have already found to be mutated in OFDS and most of
      the encoded proteins are predicted or proven to be involved in primary
      cilia/basal body function. Preliminary data indicate a physical interaction among
      some of those proteins and future studies will clarify whether all OFDS proteins
      are part of a network functionally connected to cilia. Mutations in some of the
      genes can also lead to other types of ciliopathies with partially overlapping
      phenotypes, such as Joubert syndrome (JS) and Meckel syndrome (MKS), supporting
      the concept that cilia-related diseases might be a continuous spectrum of the
      same phenotype with different degrees of severity. To date, seven of the
      described OFDS still await a molecular definition and two unclassified forms need
      further clinical and molecular validation. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)
      approaches are expected to shed light on how many OFDS geneticists should
      consider while evaluating oral-facial-digital cases. Functional studies will
      establish whether the non-ciliary functions of the transcripts mutated in OFDS
      might contribute to any of the phenotypic abnormalities observed in OFDS. 

PMID- 27141301
TI  - Subtotal gastrectomy with conventional D2 lymphadenectomy for carcinoma of the
      distal gastric portion: A retrospective cohort study on clinical outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study was aimed to delineate the postoperative morbidity,
      mortality and long-term follow-up results after R0 subtotal gastrectomy with D2
      lymphadenectomy for invasive non-disseminated adenocarcinoma of the distal
      gastric portion. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2007, 228 patients
      with median age at hospitalisation 66.6 +/- 11.4 years underwent the above
      mentioned surgery for histologically proven distal gastric adenocarcinoma.
      RESULTS: Postoperative morbidity was documented in 92 (40.4%) of patients within
      30 days. An anastomotic leakage was diagnosed in two (0.9%), peritonitis in two
      (0.9%), anastomositis in five (2.2%), and prolonged ileus in six (2.6%) patients.
      Nine patients died (3.9%). The overall 1-year survival rate was 83.8%, and the 5
      year survival rate was 54.4%. Gender, age, TNM stage, pN, and N ratio were
      independent factors predicting a long-term prognosis for patients. CONCLUSIONS: A
      R0 type distal subtotal gastrectomy with standard D2 lymphadenectomy for a
      histologically proven invasive adenocarcinoma of the distal gastric portion
      without distant metastasis offers acceptable postoperative morbidity and
      mortality, and considerably high overall cumulative 5-year survival rate. The
      probability of cumulative survival decreases five times when the ratio between
      metastatic and examined lymph nodes is > 0.25.

PMID- 27141302
TI  - Mixed squamous cell and glandular papilloma of the lung resembling early
      adenocarcinoma: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An extremely rare case of mixed squamous cell and glandular
      papilloma of the lung is reported. The correlation between the radiological and
      the pathological features as well as the clinical pitfall in making a diagnosis
      is discussed. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An asymptomatic 68-year-old female with a
      cigarette smoking habit presented with a small nodule in her peripheral lung. A
      wedge resection was performed though it failed on-site diagnosis which was
      instead obtained following pathological scrutiny. The postsurgical course was
      excellent with no recurrence of disease. DISCUSSION: A small ground glass nodule
      gradually enlarged and transformed to a partially solid nodule a year and a half
      later. This transformation falsely made us suspect an early adenocarcinoma
      development. Eventually, the extremely rare subtype of pulmonary papilloma, with
      biphasic glandular and squamous cells, had been demonstrated to obstruct the
      peripheral bronchiole; and the adjoining alveoli had filled with a large volume
      of mucus. These pathological features seemed to have constituted the inner solid
      portion and the marginal ground glass portion respectively in the CT images,
      mimicking invasive lepidic adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Both pre- and intra
      operative diagnoses are difficult mainly because of the rareness of the disease,
      however, mixed squamous cell and glandular papilloma may be considered in case
      the presence of primary adenocarcinoma is not validated.

PMID- 27141303
TI  - Comparing open gastrostomy tube to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube in
      heart transplant patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Impaired wound healing due to immunosuppression has led some
      surgeons to preferentially use open gastrostomy tube (OGT) over percutaneous
      gastrostomy tube (PEG) in heart transplant patients when long-term enteral access
      is deemed necessary. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (2005
      2010) was queried for all heart transplant patients. Those receiving OGT were
      compared to those treated with PEG tube. RESULTS: There were 498 patients
      requiring long-term enteral access treated with a gastrostomy tube, with 424
      (85.2%) receiving a PEG and 74 (14.8%) an OGT. The PEG cohort had higher Charlson
      comorbidity Index (4.1 vs. 2.0, p = 0.002) and a higher incidence of post
      operative acute renal failure (31.5 vs. 12.7%, p = 0.001). Post-operative
      mortality was not different when comparing the two groups (13.8 vs. 6.1%, p =
      0.06). On multivariate analysis, while both PEG (OR: 7.87, 95%C.I: 5.88-10.52, p
      < 0.001) and OGT (OR 5.87, 95%CI: 2.19-15.75, p < 0.001) were independently
      associated with mortality, PEG conferred a higher mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the largest reported study to date comparing outcomes between PEG and OGT
      in heart transplant patients. PEG does not confer any advantage over OGT in this
      patient population with respect to morbidity, mortality, and length of stay.

PMID- 27141304
TI  - Pericardial salmonella with cardiac tamponade and ventricular wall rupture: A
      case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is mostly restricted to
      gastroenteritis; however, we report a case of Salmonella pericarditis complicated
      by tamponade and spontaneous ventricular wall rupture. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67
      year-old male presents to the Emergency Department with complaints of fevers,
      chills and body aches. A chest radiograph displayed an infiltrate and an
      electrocardiogram suggested acute pericarditis. An echocardiogram revealed a
      small pericardial effusion without tamponade. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were
      initiated until Salmonella was discovered in blood cultures. The hospital course
      was complicated by sudden decompensation, and a repeat echocardiogram displayed a
      large effusion with constrictive physiology. During a pericardial window, the
      tissue was noted to have a thickened appearance with a complex effusion. The
      following day, the patient developed increased chest tube drainage, hypotension
      and acidosis, requiring an emergent sternotomy. The right ventricle was friable
      and had spontaneously ruptured. After ventricular repair and pericardiectomy, the
      tissue was sent for cultures and pathology. The specimen revealed Salmonella
      enteriditis. Treatment with ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin was initiated. On
      postoperative day four, the patient was successfully extubated. Repeat blood
      cultures were negative. DISCUSSION: In our review of literature, only 19 cases of
      NTS pericarditis have been reported. Prior to our case, salmonellosis resulting
      in ventricular rupture has been reported once. Early diagnosis and treatment is
      crucial in minimizing morbidity and mortality. Clinical suspicion based on
      electrocardiogram and hemodynamic assessment is critical in suspecting
      pericardial effusion in a patient with nonspecific symptoms and Salmonella
      bacteremia. The key to recovery involves aggressive treatment, including
      pericardiectomy and antibiotic treatment.

PMID- 27141305
TI  - Metabolic changes associated with methionine stress sensitivity in MDA-MB-468
      breast cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of cancer cells have a unique metabolic requirement for
      methionine that is not observed in normal, non-tumorigenic cells. This phenotype
      is described as "methionine dependence" or "methionine stress sensitivity" in
      which cancer cells are unable to proliferate when methionine has been replaced
      with its metabolic precursor, homocysteine, in cell culture growth media. We
      focus on the metabolic response to methionine stress in the triple negative
      breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 and its methionine insensitive derivative cell
      line MDA-MB-468res-R8. RESULTS: Using a variety of techniques including
      fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and extracellular flux assays, we
      identified a metabolic down-regulation of oxidative phosphorylation in both MDA
      MB-468 and MDA-MB-468res-R8 cell types when cultured in homocysteine media.
      Untargeted metabolomics was performed by way of gas chromatography/time-of-flight
      mass spectrometry on both cell types cultured in homocysteine media over a period
      of 2 to 24 h. We determined unique metabolic responses between the two cell lines
      in specific pathways including methionine salvage, purine/pyrimidine synthesis,
      and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Stable isotope tracer studies using deuterium
      labeled homocysteine indicated a redirection of homocysteine metabolism toward
      the transsulfuration pathway and glutathione synthesis. This data corroborates
      with increased glutathione levels concomitant with increased levels of oxidized
      glutathione. Redirection of homocysteine flux resulted in reduced generation of
      methionine from homocysteine particularly in MDA-MB-468 cells. Consequently,
      synthesis of the important one-carbon donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) was
      decreased, perturbing the SAM to S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio in MDA-MB-468
      cells, which is an indicator of the cellular methylation potential. CONCLUSION:
      This study indicates a differential metabolic response between the methionine
      sensitive MDA-MB-468 cells and the methionine insensitive derivative cell line
      MDA-MB-468res-R8. Both cell lines appear to experience oxidative stress when
      methionine was replaced with its metabolic precursor homocysteine, forcing cells
      to redirect homocysteine metabolism toward the transsulfuration pathway to
      increase glutathione synthesis. The methionine stress resistant MDA-MB-468res-R8
      cells responded to this cellular stress earlier than the methionine stress
      sensitive MDA-MB468 cells and coped better with metabolic demands. Additionally,
      it is evident that S-adenosylmethionine metabolism is dependent on methionine
      availability in cancer cells, which cannot be sufficiently supplied by
      homocysteine metabolism under these conditions.

PMID- 27141306
TI  - Height for age z score and cognitive function are associated with Academic
      performance among school children aged 8-11 years old.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Academic achievement of school age children can be affected by
      several factors such as nutritional status, demographics, and socioeconomic
      factors. Though evidence about the magnitude of malnutrition is well established
      in Ethiopia, there is a paucity of evidence about the association of nutritional
      status with academic performance among the nation's school age children. Hence,
      this study aimed to determine how nutritional status and cognitive function are
      associated with academic performance of school children in Goba town, South East
      Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among
      131 school age students from primary schools in Goba town enrolled during the
      2013/2014 academic year. The nutritional status of students was assessed by
      anthropometric measurement, while the cognitive assessment was measured by the
      Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II) and Ravens colored progressive
      matrices (Raven's CPM) tests. The academic performance of the school children was
      measured by collecting the preceding semester academic result from the school
      record. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable linear regression
      were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: This study found a statistically
      significant positive association between all cognitive test scores and average
      academic performance except for number recall (p = 0.12) and hand movements (p =
      0.08). The correlation between all cognitive test scores and mathematics score
      was found positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the multivariable
      linear regression model, better wealth index was significantly associated with
      higher mathematics score (beta = 0.63; 95 % CI: 0.12-0.74). Similarly a unit
      change in height for age z score resulted in 2.11 unit change in mathematics
      score (beta = 2.11; 95 % CI: 0.002-4.21). A single unit change of wealth index
      resulted 0.53 unit changes in average score of all academic subjects among school
      age children (beta = 0.53; 95 % CI: 0.11-0.95). A single unit change of age
      resulted 3.23 unit change in average score of all academic subjects among school
      age children (beta = 3.23; 95 % CI: 1.20-5.27). CONCLUSION: Nutritional status
      (height for age Z score) and wealth could be modifiable factors to improve
      academic performance of school age children. Moreover, interventions to improve
      nutrition for mothers and children may be an important contributor to academic
      success and national economic growth in Ethiopia. Further study with strong
      design and large sample size is needed.

PMID- 27141308
TI  - Upstream solutions for price-gouging on critical generic medicines.
AB  - Exorbitant price increases for critical off-patent medicines have received
      considerable media attention in recent months, leading to an investigation by the
      U.S. Senate. However, much of this attention has focused upon the companies that
      initiated the price increases, all of whom had recently acquired the drugs in
      question. Overlooked are upstream interventions with the originators of these
      drugs to prevent generics trolling in the first place. Using the particular
      example of Eli Lilly and Company's efforts to divest itself of cycloserine, a
      flawed process that paved the way for the recent price hike by Rodelis
      Therapeutics, this article highlights the responsibilities of drug originators,
      and safeguards to ensure similar rights transfers do not affect ongoing
      affordable access. 

PMID- 27141307
TI  - Mometasone furoate nasal spray: a systematic review.
AB  - The inflammatory diseases of the nose, rhino-pharynx and paranasal sinuses
      (allergic and non allergic rhinitis, NARES; rhinosinusitis with/without nasal
      polyposis, adenoidal hypertrophy with/without middle ear involvement) clinically
      manifest themselves with symptoms and complications severely affecting quality of
      life and health care expenditure. Intranasal administration of corticosteroids,
      being fast, simple, and not requiring cooperation, is the preferred way to treat
      the patients, to optimize their quality of life, at the same time minimizing the
      risk of exacerbations and complications. Among the different topical steroids
      available on the market, we performed a comparative analysis in terms of
      effectiveness and safety between mometasone furoate (MF) and its main
      competitors. Searching through Pub Med and Google Scholar and using as entries
      "mometasone furoate", "rhinitis", "sinusitis", "asthma", "polyposis", "otitis
      media with effusion", and "adenoid hypertrophy" we found 344 articles, 300 of
      which met the eligibility criteria. Taking into account relevance and date of
      publication, a sample of 40 articles was considered for the review. MF
      effectiveness for treatment and/or prophylaxis of nasal symptoms in seasonal and
      perennial allergic rhinitis has been fully established with a level of evidence
      Ia. Even though it has not been assessed for MF in particular, topical steroids
      are the most appropriate treatment in mixed rhinitis and NARES. In acute
      rhinosinusitis (ARS) evidences support their use as mono-therapy or as adjuvant
      to antibiotics for reducing the recurrence rate, and decrease the usage of
      related prescriptions and medical consultations. In chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS)
      with Nasal polyposis, MF reduces polyps size, nasal congestion, improves quality
      of life and sense of smell and it is also effective in the treatment of daytime
      cough. The topical use of MF has great efficacy in the management of adenoidal
      hypertrophy and otitis media of atopic children. As regards the safety, MF has
      demonstrated an excellent safety profile: pregnant women can safely use it; no
      systemic effects on growth velocity and adrenal suppression have been shown; no
      changes in epithelial thickness or atrophy have been observed after long term
      administration of the drug. CONCLUSIONS: MF has been demonstrated to be effective
      in the treatment of the inflammatory diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses;
      when compared to its competitors it shows a greater symptom control; it is a
      reliable treatment in the long term thanks not only to its proven efficacy, but
      also to its safety being on the market since more than 17 years.

PMID- 27141309
TI  - Drugs for cardiovascular disease in India: perspectives of pharmaceutical
      executives and government officials on access and development-a qualitative
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: India shoulders the greatest global burden of cardiovascular diseases
      (CVDs), which are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Drugs are the bedrock
      of treatment and prevention of CVD. India's pharmaceutical industry is the third
      largest, by volume, globally, but access to CVD drugs in India is poor. There is
      a lack of qualitative data from government and pharmaceutical sectors regarding
      CVD drug development and access in India. METHODS: By purposive sampling, we
      recruited either Indian government officials, or pharmaceutical company
      executives. We conducted a stakeholder analysis via semi-structured, face-to-face
      interviews in India. Topic guides allow for the exploration of key issues across
      multiple interviews, along with affording the interviewer the flexibility to
      examine matters arising from the discussions themselves. After transcription,
      interviews underwent inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Ten participants were
      interviewed (Government Officials: n = 5, and Pharmaceutical Executives: n = 5).
      Two themes emerged: i) 'Policy-derived Factors'; ii) 'Patient- derived Factors'
      with three findings. First, both government and pharmaceutical participants felt
      that the focus of Indian pharma is shifting to more complex, high-quality
      generics and to new drug development, but production of generic drugs rather than
      new molecular entities will remain a major activity. Second, current trial
      regulations in India may restrict India's potential role in the future
      development of CVD drugs. Third, it is likely that the Indian government will
      tighten its intellectual property regime in future, with potentially far-reaching
      implications on CVD drug development and access. CONCLUSIONS: Our stakeholder
      analysis provides some support for present patent regulations, whilst suggesting
      areas for further research in order to inform future policy decisions regarding
      CVD drug development and availability. Whilst interviewees suggested government
      policy plays an important role in shaping the industry, a significant force for
      change was ascribed to patient-derived factors. This suggests a potential role
      for Indian initiatives that market the unique advantages of its patient
      population for drug research in influencing national and multinational
      pharmaceutical companies to undertake CVD drug development in India, rather than
      simply IP policy-directed factors.

PMID- 27141310
TI  - Targeting Antigens to Dec-205 on Dendritic Cells Induces Immune Protection in
      Experimental Colitis in Mice.
AB  - The endocytotic c-type lectin receptor DEC-205 is highly expressed on immature
      dendritic cells. In previous studies, it was shown that antigen-targeting to DEC
      205 is a useful tool for the induction of antigen-specific Foxp3(+) regulatory T
      cells and thereby can prevent inflammatory processes. However, whether this
      approach is sufficient to mediate tolerance in mucosal tissues like the gut is
      unknown. In this study, we established a new mouse model in which the adoptive
      transfer of naive hemagglutinin (HA)-specific CD4(+)Foxp3(-) T cells into VILLIN
      HA transgenic mice leads to severe colitis. To analyze if antigen-targeting to
      DEC-205 could protect against inflammation of the gut, VILLIN-HA transgenic mice
      were injected with an antibody-antigen complex consisting of the immunogenic
      HA110-120 peptide coupled to an alpha-DEC-205 antibody (DEC-HA) before adoptive T
      cell transfer. DEC-HA-treated mice showed significantly less signs of intestinal
      inflammation as was demonstrated by reduced loss of body weight and
      histopathology in the gut. Strikingly, abrogated intestinal inflammation was
      mediated via the conversion of naive HA-specific CD4(+)Foxp3(-) T cells into HA
      specific CD4(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells. In this study, we provide evidence
      that antigen-targeting to DEC-205 can be utilized for the induction of tolerance
      in mucosal organs that are confronted with large numbers of exogenous antigens. 

PMID- 27141311
TI  - Evidence of In Vivo Existence of Borrelia Biofilm in Borrelial Lymphocytomas.
AB  - Lyme borreliosis, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, has
      grown into a major public health problem. We recently identified a novel
      morphological form of B. burgdorferi, called biofilm, a structure that is well
      known to be highly resistant to antibiotics. However, there is no evidence of the
      existence of Borrelia biofilm in vivo; therefore, the main goal of this study was
      to determine the presence of Borrelia biofilm in infected human skin tissues.
      Archived skin biopsy tissues from borrelial lymphocytomas (BL) were reexamined
      for the presence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato using Borrelia-specific
      immunohistochemical staining (IHC), fluorescent in situ hybridization, combined
      fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)-IHC, polymerase chain reaction (PCR),
      and fluorescent and atomic force microscopy methods. Our morphological and
      histological analyses showed that significant amounts of Borrelia-positive
      spirochetes and aggregates exist in the BL tissues. Analyzing structures positive
      for Borrelia showed that aggregates, but not spirochetes, expressed biofilm
      markers such as protective layers of different mucopolysaccharides, especially
      alginate. Atomic force microscopy revealed additional hallmark biofilm features
      of the Borrelia/alginate-positive aggregates such as inside channels and surface
      protrusions. In summary, this is the first study that demonstrates the presence
      of Borrelia biofilm in human infected skin tissues. 

PMID- 27141312
TI  - Correlation of rpsU Gene Sequence Clusters and Biochemical Properties, Gc-Ms
      Spectra and Resistance Profiles of Clinical Burkholderia Spp. Isolates.
AB  - This study assessed the variation of phenotypic features of clinical isolates of
      Burkholderia spp. from common rpsU gene sequence clusters. A total of 41 clinical
      Burkholderia spp. isolates from German mucoviscidosis patients was subjected to
      rpsU gene sequencing. Biochemical assessment included the API systems 20 NE and
      50 CHE as well as the Micronaut NF system. Fatty acid patterns were assessed
      using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Broth microdilution was used
      to identify minimum inhibitory concentrations. Five rpsU gene sequence clusters
      comprised more than one clinical isolate. Altogether, assignments to three
      species and seven clusters comprising more than one Burkholderia species were
      performed. Inhomogeneity of biochemical reactions within the clusters ranged from
      0/28 to 45/50 reactions. The standard deviation for fatty acid distributions
      ranged from 0% to 11.5%. Minimum inhibitory concentrations within the clusters
      showed a wide variation but only minor differences between the clusters. Broad
      variations within identified rpsU gene sequence clusters regarding biochemical
      reactions, fatty acid patterns, and resistance patterns of clinical Burkholderia
      spp. isolates make the application of rpsU gene sequence analysis as a stand
      alone procedure for discriminations within the Burkholderia cepacia complex
      unreliable. 

PMID- 27141313
TI  - Characterization of Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Ocular Enterobacteriaceae
      Isolates.
AB  - Emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and fluoroquinolone
      resistance among ocular Enterobacteriaceae is increasing in higher frequency.
      Therefore, studies are being carried out to understand their multidrug resistance
      pattern. A total of 101 Enterobacteriaceae isolates recovered from various ocular
      diseases in a tertiary eye care center at Chennai, India during the period of
      January 2011 to June 2014 were studied. Forty one randomly chosen isolates were
      subjected to antibiotic susceptibility by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)
      and genotypic analysis. Of them, 16 were ESBL producers, one was carbapenemase
      producer and four were resistant to ertapenem which could be due to porin loss
      associated with AmpC production, and 17 were resistant to fluoroquinolones.
      Sixteen isolates harbored ESBL genes in which 14 had more than one gene and none
      of them were positive for blaNDM-1 gene. QNR genes were detected in 18 isolates.
      ESBL producers were predominantly isolated from conjunctiva. A high degree of
      ESBL production and fluoroquinolone resistance is seen among the genus Klebsiella
      sp. Hence, monitoring the rate of ESBL prevalence plays a vital role in the
      administration of appropriate intravitreal antibiotics to save the vision and
      also to reduce the development of drug resistance in ocular pathogens. 

PMID- 27141314
TI  - Influence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection on Symptoms and Signs of Menopause.
AB  - Some symptoms of menopause have also been described in patients with
      toxoplasmosis. Whether Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection has any influence
      on clinical manifestations of menopause is yet unknown. We sought to determine
      whether T. gondii exposure is associated with symptoms and signs of menopause. We
      performed a cross-sectional study of women attending a public health center in
      Durango City, Mexico. Participants were examined for the presence of anti
      Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassays. A
      questionnaire including 47 symptoms and signs potentially associated with
      menopause was applied. Association of seroprevalence for T. gondii with clinical
      characteristics of women was assessed by bivariate and multivariate analyses.
      Bivariate analysis showed that bouts of rapid heartbeat, breast pain, electric
      shock sensation, dizziness, digestive problems, low back pain, and migraine were
      associated with seropositivity to either IgG anti-T. gondii alone or both IgG and
      IgM anti-T. gondii. Breast pain was the only variable that was found to be
      associated with IgG seropositivity to T. gondii by multivariate analysis: (OR =
      2.84; 95% CI: 1.35-5.90; P = 0.005). Our results suggest that T. gondii exposure
      may influence on the clinical manifestations of menopause. Results deserve
      further research. 

PMID- 27141315
TI  - Intestinal Expression of Genes Encoding Inflammatory Mediators and Gelatinases
      During Arcobacter Butzleri Infection of Gnotobiotic Il-10 Deficient Mice.
AB  - We have previously shown that Arcobacter butzleri induces intestinal, extra
      intestinal, and systemic immune responses in perorally infected gnotobiotic IL
      10(-/-) mice in a strain-dependent fashion. Here, we present a comprehensive
      survey of small and large intestinal expression profiles of inflammatory and
      regulatory mediators as well as of the matrix-degrading gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP
      9 following murine A. butzleri infection. Gnotobiotic IL-10(-/-) mice were
      infected with A. butzleri strains CCUG 30485 or C1 of human and chicken origin,
      respectively. At day 6 following A. butzleri infection, mucin-2 mRNA, an integral
      part of the intestinal mucus layer, was downregulated in the colon, whereas TNF
      and IL-23p19 mRNA were upregulated in the ileum. Furthermore, IFN-gamma, IL-17A,
      IL-1beta, and IL-22 mRNA were upregulated in both colonic and ileal ex vivo
      biopsies at day 6 post strain CCUG 30485 infection. These changes were
      accompanied by downregulated colonic MMP-9 levels, whereas both MMP-2 and MMP-9
      mRNA were upregulated in the ileum. In conclusion, these data indicate that A.
      butzleri infection induces changes in the expression of genes involved in pro
      inflammatory and regulatory immune responses as well as in tissue degradation. 

PMID- 27141316
TI  - Toll-Like Receptor-4 Dependent Intestinal Gene Expression During Arcobacter
      Butzleri Infection of Gnotobiotic Il-10 Deficient Mice.
AB  - We have previously shown that Arcobacter butzleri infection induces Toll-like
      receptor (TLR) -4 dependent immune responses in perorally infected gnotobiotic IL
      10(-/-) mice. Here, we analyzed TLR-4-dependent expression of genes encoding
      inflammatory mediators and matrix-degrading gelatinases MMP-2 and -9 in the small
      and large intestines of gnotobiotic TLR-4-deficient IL-10(-/-) mice that were
      perorally infected with A. butzleri strains CCUG 30485 or C1, of human and
      chicken origin, respectively. At day 6 following A. butzleri infection, colonic
      mucin-2 mRNA, as integral part of the intestinal mucus layer, was downregulated
      in the colon, but not ileum, of IL-10(-/-) but not TLR-4(-/-) IL-10(-/-) mice.
      CCUG 30485 strain-infected TLR-4-deficient IL-10(-/-) mice displayed less
      distinctly upregulated IFN-gamma, IL-17A, and IL-1beta mRNA levels in ileum and
      colon, which was also true for colonic IL-22. These changes were accompanied by
      upregulated colonic MMP-2 and ileal MMP-9 mRNA exclusively in IL-10(-/-) mice. In
      conclusion, TLR-4 is essentially involved in A. butzleri mediated modulation of
      gene expression in the intestines of gnotobiotic IL-10(-/-) mice. 

PMID- 27141317
TI  - Recurrent Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Serotype 12F in a Vaccinated
      Splenectomized Patient.
AB  - This is the first case report of recurrent invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD),
      specifically, due to serotype 12F. The patient described here was vaccinated with
      the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) due to previous
      splenectomy, and an anti-pneumococcal IgG test concluded that she had responded
      sufficiently to vaccination. Still, she had a fulminate recurrent infection with
      PPV23 serotype 12F. We investigated the anti-pneumococcal IgG test, and it turned
      out that it is based on the geometric mean value of only 12 of the serotypes
      included in PPV23; 12F is none of them. The reason is that there are no titer cut
      offs available for 11 of the PPV23 serotypes, including 12F, neither nationally
      nor internationally. Yet, this is not specified in the answer to the clinicians.
      This case illustrates the need for titer cut-offs for the remaining pneumococcal
      serotypes in available vaccines, in order to get a more accurate estimation of
      the vaccination coverage for the individual patient. Therefore, more research on
      this area is warranted, along with a discussion of whether the laboratory answers
      to the clinicians should be more detailed. 

PMID- 27141318
TI  - Summary of third Nordic symposium on digital pathology.
AB  - Cross-disciplinary and cross-sectorial collaboration is a key success factor for
      turning the promise of digital pathology into actual clinical benefits. The
      Nordic symposium on digital pathology (NDP) was created to promote knowledge
      exchange in this area, among stakeholders in health care, industry, and academia.
      This article is a summary of the third NDP symposium in Linkphiping, Sweden. The
      Nordic experiences, including several hospitals using whole-slide imaging for
      substantial parts of their primary reviews, formed a fertile base for discussions
      among the 190 NDP attendees originating from 15 different countries. This summary
      also contains results from a survey on adoption and validation aspects of
      clinical digital pathology use. 

PMID- 27141320
TI  - Perceptions of pathology informatics by non-informaticist pathologists and
      trainees.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although pathology informatics (PI) is essential to modern pathology
      practice, the field is often poorly understood. Pathologists who have received
      little to no exposure to informatics, either in training or in practice, may not
      recognize the roles that informatics serves in pathology. The purpose of this
      study was to characterize perceptions of PI by noninformatics-oriented
      pathologists and to do so at two large centers with differing informatics
      environments. METHODS: Pathology trainees and staff at Cleveland Clinic (CC) and
      Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) were surveyed. At MGH, pathology department
      leadership has promoted a pervasive informatics presence through practice,
      training, and research. At CC, PI efforts focus on production systems that serve
      a multi-site integrated health system and a reference laboratory, and on the
      development of applications oriented to department operations. The survey
      assessed perceived definition of PI, interest in PI, and perceived utility of PI.
      RESULTS: The survey was completed by 107 noninformatics-oriented pathologists and
      trainees. A majority viewed informatics positively. Except among MGH trainees,
      confusion of PI with information technology (IT) and help desk services was
      prominent, even in those who indicated they understood informatics. Attendings
      and trainees indicated desire to learn more about PI. While most acknowledged
      that having some level of PI knowledge would be professionally useful and
      advantageous, only a minority plan to utilize it. CONCLUSIONS: Informatics is
      viewed positively by the majority of noninformatics pathologists at two large
      centers with differing informatics orientations. Differences in departmental
      informatics culture can be attributed to the varying perceptions of PI by
      different individuals. Incorrect perceptions exist, such as conflating PI with IT
      and help desk services, even among those who claim to understand PI. Further
      efforts by the PI community could address such misperceptions, which could help
      enable a better understanding of what PI is and is not, and potentially lead to
      increased acceptance by non-informaticist pathologists.

PMID- 27141319
TI  - Pathology interface for the molecular analysis of tissue by mass spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) generates molecular images directly
      from tissue sections to provide better diagnostic insights and expand the
      capabilities of clinical anatomic pathology. Although IMS technology has matured
      over recent years, the link between microscopy imaging currently used by
      pathologists and MS-based molecular imaging has not been established. METHODS: We
      adapted the Vanderbilt University Tissue Core workflow for IMS into a web-based
      system that facilitates remote collaboration. The platform was designed to
      perform within acceptable web response times for viewing, annotating, and
      processing high resolution microscopy images. RESULTS: We describe a microscopy
      driven approach to tissue analysis by IMS. CONCLUSION: The Pathology Interface
      for Mass Spectrometry is designed to provide clinical access to IMS technology
      and deliver enhanced diagnostic value.

PMID- 27141321
TI  - Quantitative analysis of myocardial tissue with digital autofluorescence
      microscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The opportunity offered by whole slide scanners of automated
      histological analysis implies an ever increasing importance of digital pathology.
      To go beyond the importance of conventional pathology, however, digital pathology
      may need a basic histological starting point similar to that of hematoxylin and
      eosin staining in conventional pathology. This study presents an automated
      fluorescence-based microscopy approach providing highly detailed morphological
      data from unstained microsections. This data may provide a basic histological
      starting point from which further digital analysis including staining may
      benefit. METHODS: This study explores the inherent tissue fluorescence, also
      known as autofluorescence, as a mean to quantitate cardiac tissue components in
      histological microsections. Data acquisition using a commercially available whole
      slide scanner and an image-based quantitation algorithm are presented. RESULTS:
      It is shown that the autofluorescence intensity of unstained microsections at two
      different wavelengths is a suitable starting point for automated digital analysis
      of myocytes, fibrous tissue, lipofuscin, and the extracellular compartment. The
      output of the method is absolute quantitation along with accurate outlines of
      above-mentioned components. The digital quantitations are verified by comparison
      to point grid quantitations performed on the microsections after Van Gieson
      staining. CONCLUSION: The presented method is amply described as a prestain
      multicomponent quantitation and outlining tool for histological sections of
      cardiac tissue. The main perspective is the opportunity for combination with
      digital analysis of stained microsections, for which the method may provide an
      accurate digital framework.

PMID- 27141322
TI  - Empirical comparison of color normalization methods for epithelial-stromal
      classification in H and E images.
AB  - CONTEXT: Color normalization techniques for histology have not been empirically
      tested for their utility for computational pathology pipelines. AIMS: We compared
      two contemporary techniques for achieving a common intermediate goal - epithelial
      stromal classification. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Expert-annotated regions of
      epithelium and stroma were treated as ground truth for comparing classifiers on
      original and color-normalized images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epithelial and
      stromal regions were annotated on thirty diverse-appearing H and E stained
      prostate cancer tissue microarray cores. Corresponding sets of thirty images each
      were generated using the two color normalization techniques. Color metrics were
      compared for original and color-normalized images. Separate epithelial-stromal
      classifiers were trained and compared on test images. Main analyses were
      conducted using a multiresolution segmentation (MRS) approach; comparative
      analyses using two other classification approaches (convolutional neural network
      [CNN], Wndchrm) were also performed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: For the main MRS
      method, which relied on classification of super-pixels, the number of variables
      used was reduced using backward elimination without compromising accuracy, and
      test - area under the curves (AUCs) were compared for original and normalized
      images. For CNN and Wndchrm, pixel classification test-AUCs were compared.
      RESULTS: Khan method reduced color saturation while Vahadane reduced hue
      variance. Super-pixel-level test-AUC for MRS was 0.010-0.025 (95% confidence
      interval limits +/- 0.004) higher for the two normalized image sets compared to
      the original in the 10-80 variable range. Improvement in pixel classification
      accuracy was also observed for CNN and Wndchrm for color-normalized images.
      CONCLUSIONS: Color normalization can give a small incremental benefit when a
      super-pixel-based classification method is used with features that perform
      implicit color normalization while the gain is higher for patch-based
      classification methods for classifying epithelium versus stroma.

PMID- 27141323
TI  - An industry perspective: An update on the adoption of whole slide imaging.
AB  - This manuscript is an adaptation of the closing keynote presentation of the
      Digital Pathology Association Pathology Visions Conference 2015 in Boston, MA,
      USA. In this presentation, analogies are drawn between the adoption of whole
      slide imaging (WSI) and other mainstream digital technologies, including digital
      music and books. In doing so, it is revealed that the adoption of seemingly
      similar digital technologies does not follow the same adoption profiles and that
      understanding the unique aspects of value for each customer segment is critical.
      Finally, a call to action is given to academia and industry to study the value
      that WSI brings to the global healthcare community. 

PMID- 27141324
TI  - Horizontal transfer - imperative mission of acellular life forms, Acytota.
AB  - Acytota is a kingdom of life covering satellites, plasmids, transposable
      elements, viroids and viruses, all outside the conventional tree of life but
      satisfying most life definitions. This review focuses on some aspects of Acytota,
      their "genomes" and life styles, the dominance of transposable elements and their
      evolutionary influence on other life forms in order to vindicate the Acytota as a
      life kingdom no more polyphyletic than other kingdoms and its members no more
      parasitic than other life forms.

PMID- 27141325
TI  - Characterizing the functions of Ty1 Gag and the Gag-derived restriction factor
      p22/p18.
AB  - The long terminal repeat (LTR) and non-LTR retrotransposons comprise
      approximately half of the human genome, and we are only beginning to understand
      their influence on genome function and evolution. The LTR retrotransposon Ty1 is
      the most abundant mobile genetic element in the S. cerevisiae reference genome.
      Ty1 replicates via an RNA intermediate and shares several important structural
      and functional characteristics with retroviruses. However, unlike retroviruses
      Ty1 retrotransposition is not infectious. Retrotransposons integrations can cause
      mutations and genome instability. Despite the fact that S. cerevisiae lacks
      eukaryotic defense mechanisms such as RNAi, they maintain a relatively low copy
      number of the Ty1 retrotransposon in their genomes. A novel restriction factor
      derived from the C-terminal half of Gag (p22/p18) and encoded by internally
      initiated transcript inhibits retrotransposition in a dose-dependent manner.
      Therefore, Ty1 evolved a specific GAG organization and expression strategy to
      produce products both essential and antagonistic for retrotransposon movement. In
      this commentary we discuss our recent research aimed at defining steps of Ty1
      replication influenced by p22/p18 with particular emphasis on the nucleic acid
      chaperone functions carried out by Gag and the restriction factor.

PMID- 27141326
TI  - Helitrons in Drosophila: Chromatin modulation and tandem insertions.
AB  - Although Helitrons were discovered 15 y ago, they still represent an elusive
      group of transposable elements (TEs). They are thought to transpose via a rolling
      circle mechanism, but no transposition assay has yet been conducted. We have
      recently characterized a group of Helitrons in Drosophila, named DINE-TR1, that
      display interesting features, including pronounced enrichment at beta
      heterochromatin, multiple tandem insertions (TIs) of the entire TE, and that
      experienced at least 2 independent expansion events of its internal tandem
      repeats (TRs) in distant Drosophila lineages. Here we discuss 2 aspects of TE
      dynamics displayed by the DINE-TR1 Helitrons: (i) the general evolutionary impact
      of piRNA-guided heterochromatin formation via TE-derived TR expansion and (ii)
      the possible mechanisms that could account for the recurrent TIs of Helitrons.

PMID- 27141327
TI  - Ty1 escapes restriction by the self-encoded factor p22 through mutations in
      capsid.
AB  - Ty1 is a long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon belonging to the Ty1/copia
      family and is present in up to 32 full-length copies in Saccharomyces. Like
      retroviruses, Ty1 contains GAG and POL genes, LTRs, and replicates via an RNA
      intermediate within a virus-like particle (VLP). Although Ty1 retrotransposition
      is not infectious, uncontrolled replication can lead to detrimental effects on
      the host genome, including insertional mutagenesis and chromosomal
      rearrangements. Ty1 copy number control (CNC) limits replication and is mediated
      through a self-encoded protein called p22. p22 is translated from a subgenomic
      Ty1 RNA and encodes an amino-truncated version of the Gag protein. We highlight a
      recent study identifying Ty1 Gag, which comprises the VLP capsid and provides
      nucleic acid chaperone functions, as a direct target of p22-mediated inhibition.
      CNC-resistant (CNCR) mutations map within predicted helical domains of Gag,
      including those in the Ty1/copia pfam domain Retrotran_gag_2 (formerly UBN2) and
      a central region we refer to as the CNCR domain. CNCR Gag forms VLPs that exclude
      p22, thus restoring Ty1 replication. We discuss possible mechanisms for p22
      inclusion in Ty1 VLPs and compare Ty1 CNC with retroviral restriction factors
      targeting capsid (CA).

PMID- 27141329
TI  - Lactic acid polarizes macrophages to a tumor-promoting state.
AB  - Tumor-associated macrophages have been associated with a poor prognosis in most
      types of tumors. However, tumor-derived signals that activate macrophages have
      not been well defined. We review our recent finding that tumor-derived lactic
      acid is necessary and sufficient to polarize tumor-associated macrophages to a
      tumor-promoting state.

PMID- 27141330
TI  - In Situ immunization by bispecific antibody targeted T cell therapy in breast
      cancer.
AB  - Metastatic breast cancer remains an incurable disease. Most patients experience
      objective treatment responses associated with palliation of symptoms; however,
      progression inevitably occurs. Thus, there is an urgent need for innovative
      therapeutic strategies that may halt disease progression. Adoptive T-cell therapy
      is a potent and promising treatment option with the potential to harness the
      intrinsic antitumor power of the immune system and provide long-term immunity
      against cancer.

PMID- 27141328
TI  - STAT5a/b contribute to sex bias in vascular disease: A neuroendocrine
      perspective.
AB  - Previous studies have elucidated a neuroendocrine mechanism consisting of the
      hypothalamus (growth hormone releasing hormone, GHRH) - pituitary (growth
      hormone, GH) - STAT5a/b axis that underlies sex-biased gene expression in the
      liver. It is now established that male vs female patterned secretion of GHRH, and
      thus of circulating GH levels ("pulsatile" vs "more continuous" respectively),
      leading to differently patterned activation of PY-STAT5a/b in hepatocytes results
      in sex-biased gene expression of cohorts of hundreds of downstream genes. This
      review outlines new data in support of a STAT5a/b-based mechanism of sex bias in
      the vascular disease pulmonary hypertension (PH). Puzzling observations in PH
      include its 2-4-fold higher prevalence in women but a male-dominance in many
      rodent models, and, paradoxically, inhibition of PH development by estrogens in
      such models. We observed that conditional deletion of STAT5a/b in vascular smooth
      muscle cells (SMC) in mice converted the male-dominant model of chronic hypoxia
      induced PH into a female-dominant phenotype. In human idiopathic PH, there was
      reduced STAT5a/b and PY-STAT5 in cells in late-stage obliterative pulmonary
      arterial lesions in both men and women. A juxtaposition of the prior liver data
      with the newer PH-related data drew attention to the hypothalamus-GH-STAT5 axis,
      which is the major target of estrogens at the level of the hypothalamus. This
      hypothesis explains many of the puzzling aspects of sex bias in PH in humans and
      rodent models. The extension of STAT5-anchored mechanisms of sex bias to vascular
      disease emphasizes the contribution of central neuroendocrine processes in
      generating sexual dimorphism in different tissues and cell types. 

PMID- 27141332
TI  - Prime time for immune-checkpoint targeted therapy at ASCO 2015.
AB  - Cancer immunotherapy has been one of the dominant topics in oral presentations
      and abstracts during the 2015 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical
      Oncology (ASCO). The renewed interest in immunotherapy is explained by the wide
      spectrum of activity, the durability of tumor responses and the rapid clinical
      development of immune-checkpoint targeted monoclonal antibodies. These new drugs
      are currently revolutionizing the field of oncology. Here we highlight what were
      to us the most important results announced during the annual meeting of ASCO held
      in Chicago, IL from May, 29th to June, 2nd 2015. In addition, we searched all the
      posters/published abstracts pertinent to the field of immunooncology from this
      year conference. Among more than 400 published abstracts on this topic, we have
      grouped and briefly summarized the most relevant ones.

PMID- 27141331
TI  - Dexamethasone co-medication in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy causes
      substantial immunomodulatory effects with implications for chemo-immunotherapy
      strategies.
AB  - The glucocorticoid (GC) steroid dexamethasone (Dex) is used as a supportive care
      co-medication for cancer patients undergoing standard care pemetrexed/platinum
      doublet chemotherapy. As trials for new cancer immunotherapy treatments increase
      in prevalence, it is important to track the immunological changes induced by co
      medications commonly used in the clinic, but not specifically included in trial
      design or in pre-clinical models. Here, we document a number of Dex -induced
      immunological effects, including a large-scale lymphodepletive effect
      particularly affecting CD4+ T cells but also CD8+ T cells. The proportion of
      regulatory T cells within the CD4+ compartment did not change after Dex was
      administered, however a significant increase in proliferation and activation of
      regulatory T cells was observed. We also noted Dex -induced proportional changes
      in dendritic cell (DC) subtypes. We discuss these immunological effects in the
      context of chemoimmunotherapy strategies, and suggest a number of considerations
      to be taken into account when designing future studies where Dex and other GCs
      may be in use.

PMID- 27141333
TI  - POLE proofreading mutation, immune response and prognosis in endometrial cancer.
AB  - Endometrial cancers (ECs) with POLE proofreading mutations are typified by
      ultramutation and excellent prognosis. We investigated whether these were
      related, and found that POLE-mutant ECs display a robust T cell response that
      corresponds to an enrichment of antigenic tumor neopeptides. Enhanced
      immunogenicity may explain the favorable outcome of POLE-mutant ECs.

PMID- 27141334
TI  - Novel therapy of prostate cancer employing a combination of viral-based
      immunotherapy and a small molecule BH3 mimetic.
AB  - Cancer-selective viral replication and delivery of a therapeutic
      immunomodulating, cancer-selective killing cytokine (mda-7/IL-24) by means of a
      new Cancer Terminator Virus (CTV) combined with a small molecule BH3 mimetic
      holds promise for treating both primary and metastatic hormone refractory
      prostate cancer (CaP).

PMID- 27141335
TI  - Bovine herpesvirus 4-based vector delivering a hybrid rat/human HER-2 oncoantigen
      efficiently protects mice from autochthonous Her-2+ mammary cancer.
AB  - The epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) oncogene is a major target for the
      immunotherapy of breast cancer. Following up to the therapeutic success achieved
      with Her-2-targeting monoclonal antibodies, immune-prophylactic approaches
      directed against Her-2 have also been investigated taking into account, and
      trying to overcome, Her-2 self-tolerance. Perhaps due to safety (and efficacy)
      concerns, the least explored anti-Her-2 active immunization strategy so far has
      been the one relying on viral-vectored vaccine formulations. Taking advantage of
      the favorable properties of bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) in terms of safety and
      ease of manipulation as well as its previously documented ability to transduce
      and confer immunogenicity to heterologous antigens, we tested the ability of
      different recombinant HER-2-BoHV-4 immunogens to 8break tolerance and elicit a
      protective, anti-mammary tumor antibody response in HER-2 transgenic BALB-neuT
      mice. All the tested constructs expressed the HER-2 transgenes at high levels and
      elicited significant cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice upon administration
      via either DNA vaccination or viral infection. In BALB-neuT mice, instead, only
      the viral construct expressing the membrane-bound chimeric form of Her-2 protein
      (BoHV-4-RHuT-gD) elicited a humoral immune response that was more intense and
      earlier-appearing than that induced by DNA vaccination. In keeping with this
      observation, two administrations of BoHV-4-RHuT-gD effectively protected BALB
      neuT mice from tumor formation, with 50% of vaccinated animals tumor-free after
      30 weeks from immunization compared to 100% of animals exhibiting at least one
      palpable tumor in the case of animals vaccinated with the other BoHV-4-HER-2
      constructs.

PMID- 27141336
TI  - Anticancer DNA vaccine based on human telomerase reverse transcriptase generates
      a strong and specific T cell immune response.
AB  - Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is overexpressed in more than 85%
      of human cancers regardless of their cellular origin. As immunological tolerance
      to hTERT can be overcome not only spontaneously but also by vaccination, it
      represents a relevant universal tumor associated antigen (TAA). Indeed, hTERT
      specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) precursors are present within the
      peripheral T-cell repertoire. Consequently, hTERT vaccine represents an
      attractive candidate for antitumor immunotherapy. Here, an optimized DNA plasmid
      encoding an inactivated form of hTERT, named INVAC-1, was designed in order to
      trigger cellular immunity against tumors. Intradermal injection of INVAC-1
      followed by electrogene transfer (EGT) in a variety of mouse models elicited
      broad hTERT specific cellular immune responses including high CD4+ Th1 effector
      and memory CD8+ T-cells. Furthermore, therapeutic INVAC-1 immunization in a HLA
      A2 spontaneous and aggressive mouse sarcoma model slows tumor growth and
      increases survival rate of 50% of tumor-bearing mice. These results emphasize
      that INVAC-1 based immunotherapy represents a relevant cancer vaccine candidate.

PMID- 27141338
TI  - Novel understanding of self-reactive T cells.
AB  - In a recent issue of Immunity, Mark Davis and colleagues describe that thymic
      selection does not eliminate but prunes self-reactive T cell clones. Self
      reactive T cells are a natural part of the T-cell repertoire and may be important
      in the fight against pathogens in addition to being important immune regulators.

PMID- 27141337
TI  - A randomized controlled trial on patients with or without adjuvant autologous
      cytokine-induced killer cells after curative resection for hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is no generally accepted adjuvant therapy for
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection. Autologous cytokine
      induced killer (CIK) cells therapy has been reported to improve outcomes of
      patients with HCC, but its role as an adjuvant therapy remains unclear. This
      study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CIK as an adjuvant therapy for
      HCC after curative resection. METHODS: This is a single center, phase 3, open
      label, randomized controlled trial (RCT). Two hundred patients who were initially
      diagnosed with HCC of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A or B, and
      underwent curative hepatectomy were randomly assigned to receive four cycles of
      CIK treatment (the CIK group, n = 100) or no treatment (the control group, n =
      100). The primary outcome was time to recurrence. The secondary outcomes included
      disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse events. RESULTS:
      All patients in the CIK group finished the treatment by protocol. The median time
      to recurrence (TTR) was 13.6 (IQR 6.5-25.2) mo in the CIK group and 7.8 (IQR 2.7
      17.0) mo in the control group (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences
      between the groups in DFS and OS. All adverse events were grade 1 or 2. There
      were no significant differences in incidence between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Four cycles of CIK therapy were safe and effective to prolong the median TTR in
      patients with HCC after curative resection, but the treatment did not improve the
      DFS and OS.

PMID- 27141339
TI  - PD-1 expression on dendritic cells suppresses CD8+ T cell function and antitumor
      immunity.
AB  - Programmed death one (PD-1) is a well-established co-inhibitory regulator that
      suppresses proliferation and cytokine production of T cells. Despite remarkable
      progress in delineating the functional roles of PD-1 on T lymphocytes, little is
      known about the regulatory role of PD-1 expressed on myeloid cells such as
      dendritic cells (DCs). Here, we show that CD8+ T cells can be more potently
      activated to secrete IL-2 and IFNgamma by PD-1-deficient DCs compared to wild
      type DCs. Adoptive transfer of PD-1-deficient DCs demonstrated their superior
      capabilities in inducing antigen-specific CD8+ T cell proliferation in vivo. In
      addition, we provide first evidence demonstrating the existence of peripheral
      blood DCs and CD11c+ tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells that co-express PD-1 in
      patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The existence of PD-1-expressing
      HCC-infiltrating DCs (HIDCs) was further supported in a mouse model of HCC.
      Intratumoral transfer of PD-1-deficient DCs rendered recipient mice resistant to
      the growth of HCC by promoting tumor-infiltrating CD8+ effector T cells to
      secrete perforin and granzyme B. This novel finding provides a deeper
      understanding of the role of PD-1 in immune regulation and has significant
      implications for cancer immunotherapies targeting PD-1.

PMID- 27141340
TI  - The PD1/PDL1 axis, a promising therapeutic target in aggressive breast cancers.
AB  - Analysis of PDL1 mRNA expression in ~5,500 breast cancers showed PDL1
      upregulation in 38% of basal tumors and 38% of inflammatory breast cancers (IBC).
      Upregulation, associated with signs of strong cytotoxic local immune response,
      was associated with a better survival in the basal or triple-negative subtypes,
      and with a better pathological response to chemotherapy in these subtypes and
      IBC. Reactivation of dormant tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) by PD1/PDL1
      inhibitors represents a promising strategy in these aggressive tumors.

PMID- 27141341
TI  - Recognition and killing of cancer stem-like cell population in hepatocellular
      carcinoma cells by cytokine-induced killer cells via NKG2d-ligands recognition.
AB  - There is an urgent need for more potent and safer approaches to eradicate cancer
      stem cells (CSCs) for curing cancer. In this study, we investigate cancer-killing
      activity (CKA) of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells against CSCs of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To visualize CSCs in vitro by fluorescence
      imaging, and image and quantify CSCs in tumor xenograft-bearing mice by
      bioluminescence imaging, HCC cells were engineered with CSC detector vector
      encoding GFP and luciferase controlled by Nanog promoter. We found that CIK cells
      have a strong CKA in vitro against putative CSCs of HCC, as shown by tumorsphere
      formation and time-lapse imaging. Additionally, time-lapse recording firstly
      revealed that putative CSCs were attacked simultaneously by many CIK cells and
      finally eradicated by CIK cells, indicating the necessity of achieving sufficient
      effector-to-target ratios. We firstly illustrated that anti-NKG2D antibody
      blocking partially but significantly inhibited CKA of CIK cells against putative
      CSCs. More importantly, intravenous infusion of CIK cells remarkably delayed
      tumor growth in mice with a significant decrease in putative CSC number monitored
      by bioluminescence imaging. Taken together, these findings demonstrate CKA of CIK
      cells against putative CSCs of HCC, at least in part, by NKG2D-ligands
      recognition.

PMID- 27141343
TI  - Tumor-intrinsic oncogene pathways mediating immune avoidance.
AB  - Immunotherapy is emerging as a major treatment for patients with cancer,
      predominantly via blocking immune inhibitory pathways and through adoptive T cell
      therapy. However, only a subset of patients shows clinical responses to these
      interventions. Emerging data indicates a correlation between clinical response
      and a pre-existing T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment. Tumor-intrinsic beta
      catenin activation has been identified as mediating exclusion of T cells from the
      tumor microenvironment and other oncogene pathways are being explored similarly.
      Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying immune avoidance should
      identify new therapeutic targets for expanding efficacy of immunotherapies.

PMID- 27141342
TI  - CD8 engineered cytotoxic T cells reprogram melanoma tumor environment.
AB  - Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) from CD8beta-deficient mice have powerful FasL
      mediated cytotoxicity and IFNgamma responses, but ablated Ca2+ and NFAT
      signaling, which can be restored by transduction with CD8beta. Upon infection
      with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), these cells yielded GP33-specific
      CTL (CD8betaR) that exhibited high FasL/Fas-mediated cytotoxicity, IFNgamma CXCL9
      and 10 chemokine responses. Transfer of these cells in B16-GP33 tumor bearing
      mice resulted in (i) massive T cell tumor infiltration, (ii) strong reduction of
      myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Treg) and IL-17
      expressing T helper cells, (iii) maturation of tumor-associated antigen
      presenting cells and (iv) production of endogenous, B16 melanoma-specific CTL
      that eradicated the tumor long after the transferred CD8betaR CTL perished. Our
      study demonstrates that the synergistic combination of strong Fas/FasL mediated
      cytotoxicity, IFNgamma and CXCL9 and 10 responses endows adoptively transferred
      CTL to reprogram the tumor environment and to thus enable the generation of
      endogenous, tumoricidal immunity.

PMID- 27141344
TI  - Targeted immunotherapy for pediatric solid tumors.
AB  - Metastatic and refractory pediatric solid tumor malignancies continue to have a
      poor outcome despite the > 80% cure rates appreciated in many pediatric cancers.
      Targeted immunotherapy is impacting treatment and survival in these aggressive
      tumors. We review current promising immunotherapeutic approaches in the pediatric
      oncology solid tumor setting.

PMID- 27141345
TI  - Trial Watch: Immunostimulation with Toll-like receptor agonists in cancer
      therapy.
AB  - Accumulating preclinical evidence indicates that Toll-like receptor (TLR)
      agonists efficiently boost tumor-targeting immune responses (re)initiated by
      most, if not all, paradigms of anticancer immunotherapy. Moreover, TLR agonists
      have been successfully employed to ameliorate the efficacy of various
      chemotherapeutics and targeted anticancer agents, at least in rodent tumor
      models. So far, only three TLR agonists have been approved by regulatory agencies
      for use in cancer patients. Moreover, over the past decade, the interest of
      scientists and clinicians in these immunostimulatory agents has been fluctuating.
      Here, we summarize recent advances in the preclinical and clinical development of
      TLR agonists for cancer therapy.

PMID- 27141346
TI  - Co-inhibition of colony stimulating factor-1 receptor and BRAF oncogene in mouse
      models of BRAFV600E melanoma.
AB  - The presence of colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF1)/CSF1 receptor (CSF1R)-driven
      tumor-infiltrating macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) is
      shown to promote targeted therapy resistance. In this study, we demonstrate the
      superior effect of a combination of CSF1R inhibitor, PLX3397 and BRAF inhibitor,
      PLX4720, in suppressing primary and metastatic mouse BRAFV600E melanoma. Using
      flow cytometry to assess SM1WT1 melanoma-infiltrating leukocytes immediately post
      therapy, we found that PLX3397 reduced the recruitment of CD11b+ Gr1lo and CD11b+
      Gr1int M2-like macrophages, but this was accompanied by an accumulation of CD11b+
      Gr1hi cells. PDL1 expression on remaining myeloid cells potentially dampened the
      antitumor efficacy of PLX3397 and PLX4720 in combination, since PD1/PDL1 axis
      blockade improved outcome. We also reveal a role for PLX3397 in reducing tumor
      infiltrating lymphocytes, and interestingly, this feature was rescued by the co
      administration of PLX4720. Our findings, from three different mouse models of
      BRAF-mutated melanoma, support clinical approaches that co-target BRAF oncogene
      and CSF1R.

PMID- 27141348
TI  - Deploying myeloid cells against myeloma.
AB  - Myeloma remains incurable despite recent therapeutic advances. We propose that
      minimal residual disease following cytoreductive therapy may be controlled
      through re-education of myeloid cells to elicit tumoricidal activity. We review
      work from our laboratory and others highlighting aspects of macrophage-myeloma
      cell crosstalk as well as strategies for therapeutic macrophage reprogramming.

PMID- 27141347
TI  - Anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody enhances antitumor immunity by modulating tumor
      infiltrating Tregs in an ovarian cancer xenograft humanized mouse model.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated that regulatory T cells (Tregs) are recruited to
      tumor sites where they can suppress antitumor immunity. The chemokine receptor
      CCR4 is expressed at high levels on functional CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs and
      production of the CCR4 ligand CCL22 by tumor cells and tumor-associated
      macrophages is associated with Treg recruitment to the tumor site. Here, we
      tested IgG1 and IgG4 isotypes of human anti-CCR4 mAb2-3 for their in vitro
      activity and in vivo capacity in a NSG mouse model bearing CCL22-secreting
      ovarian cancer (OvCA) xenograft to modulate Tregs and restore antitumor activity.
      Both mAb2-3 isotypes blocked in vitro chemoattraction of Tregs to CCL22-secreting
      OvCA cells. However, they differed in their in vivo mode of action with IgG1
      causing Treg depletion and IgG4 blocking migration to the tumors. Primary T cells
      that were primed with OvCA-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) demonstrated INFgamma
      secretion that could be enhanced through Treg depletion by mAb2-3. Humanized mice
      reconstructed with allogeneic tumor-primed T cells (TP-T) were used to evaluate
      the restoration of OvCA immunity by depletion or blockade of Tregs with mAb2-3.
      We observed that IgG1 was more potent than IgG4 in inhibiting tumor growth.
      Mechanism studies demonstrated that mAb2-3 treatment lead to inhibition of IL-2
      binding to its receptor. Further studies showed that mAb2-3 induced CD25 shedding
      (sCD25) from Tregs which lead to a decrease in IL-2-dependent survival. Together,
      the results demonstrate that mAb2-3 is an agonist antibody that can restore anti
      OvCA immunity through modulation of Treg activity.

PMID- 27141349
TI  - Pharmacological DNA demethylation: Implications for cancer immunotherapy.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated that DNA demethylation agents can mimic a viral
      infection by induction of dsRNAs. This viral mimicry leads to an antiviral
      response mediated by the cytosolic pattern recognition receptor MDA5, followed by
      MAVS (IPS1) activation, IRF7 nuclear translocation and upregulation of type III
      Interferon and interferon-stimulated genes.

PMID- 27141351
TI  - Opposing effects of immunotherapy in melanoma using multisubtype interferon-alpha
      - can tumor immune escape after immunotherapy accelerate disease progression?
AB  - With checkpoint inhibitors, patients with advanced melanoma display durable
      responses suggesting cure of disease. However, the immune system has dual roles
      in cancer; while the immune system may eradicate a tumor, a subtotal elimination
      may selectively destroy immunogenic cells driving the proliferation of non
      immunogenic tumors. Here, we performed a retrospective analysis of results
      obtained in a controlled trial of patients with melanoma treated with adjuvant,
      multisubtype interferon-alpha. The survival curves displayed a late divergence
      for treated patients and controls resulting in substantially higher estimates of
      overall (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates among treated patients after 9
      y of follow up. Interestingly, succumbing patients in the treatment group
      displayed reduced time between relapse and death, suggesting therapy-induced
      acceleration of disease progression. These findings suggest that effective
      immunotherapy that induces durable, curative responses in some patients, may
      potentially accelerate disease progression in others, highlighting the importance
      of developing advanced strategies to identify patients who are likely to benefit
      from immunotherapy.

PMID- 27141350
TI  - A novel regulation of PD-1 ligands on mesenchymal stromal cells through MMP
      mediated proteolytic cleavage.
AB  - Whether fibroblasts regulate immune response is a crucial issue in the modulation
      of inflammatory responses. Herein, we demonstrate that foreskin fibroblasts (FFs)
      potently inhibit CD3+ T cell proliferation through a mechanism involving early
      apoptosis of activated T cells. Using blocking antibodies, we demonstrate that
      the inhibition of T cell proliferation occurs through cell-to-cell interactions
      implicating PD-1 receptor expressed on T cells and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2,
      on fibroblasts. Dual PD-1 ligand neutralization is required to abrogate (i)
      binding of the PD-1-Fc fusion protein, (ii) early apoptosis of T cells, and (iii)
      inhibition of T cell proliferation. Of utmost importance, we provide the first
      evidence that PD-1 ligand expression is regulated through proteolytic cleavage by
      endogenous matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) without transcriptional alteration
      during culture-time. Using (i) different purified enzymatic activities, (ii) MMP
      specific inhibitors, and (iii) recombinant human MMP-9 and MMP-13, we
      demonstrated that in contrast to CD80/CD86, PD-L1 was selectively cleaved by MMP
      13, while PD-L2 was sensitive to broader MMP activities. Their cleavage by
      exogenous MMP-9 and MMP-13 with loss of PD-1 binding domain resulted in the
      reversion of apoptotic signals on mitogen-activated CD3+ T cells. We suggest that
      MMP-dependent cleavage of PD-1 ligands on fibroblasts may limit their
      immunosuppressive capacity and thus contribute to the exacerbation of
      inflammation in tissues. In contrast, carcinoma-associated fibroblasts appear PD
      1 ligand-depleted through MMP activity that may impair physical deletion of
      exhausted defective memory T cells through apoptosis and facilitate their
      regulatory functions. These observations should be considered when using the
      powerful PD-1/PD-L1 blocking immunotherapies.

PMID- 27141353
TI  - Characterization of the first-in-class T-cell-engaging bispecific single-chain
      antibody for targeted immunotherapy of solid tumors expressing the oncofetal
      protein claudin 6.
AB  - The fetal tight junction molecule claudin 6 (CLDN6) is virtually absent from any
      normal tissue, whereas it is aberrantly and frequently expressed in various
      cancers of high medical need. We engineered 6PHU3, a T-cell-engaging bispecific
      single chain molecule (bi-(scFv)2) with anti-CD3/anti-CLDN6 specificities, and
      characterized its pharmacodynamic properties. Our data show that upon engagement
      by 6PHU3, T cells strongly upregulate cytotoxicity and activation markers,
      proliferate and acquire an effector phenotype. 6PHU3 exerts potent killing of
      cancer cells in vitro with EC50 values in the pg/mL range. Subcutaneous xenograft
      tumors in NSG mice engrafted with human PBMCs are eradicated by 6PHU3 treatment
      and survival of mice is significantly prolonged. Tumors of 6PHU3-treated mice are
      strongly infiltrated with activated CD4+, CD8+ T cells and TEM type cells but not
      Tregs and display a general activation of a mostly inflammatory phenotype. These
      effects are only observed upon bispecific but not monospecific engagement of
      6PHU3. Together with the exceptionally cancer cell selective expression of the
      oncofetal tumor marker CLDN6, this provides a safeguard with regard to toxicity.
      In summary, our data shows that the concept of T-cell redirection combined with
      that of highly selective targeting of CLDN6-positive solid tumors is effective.
      Thus, exploring 6PHU3 for clinical therapy is warranted.

PMID- 27141352
TI  - CXCL11-Armed oncolytic poxvirus elicits potent antitumor immunity and shows
      enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
AB  - We have armed a tumor-selective oncolytic vaccinia virus (vvDD) with the
      chemokine (CK) CXCL11, in order to enhance its ability to attract CXCR3+
      antitumor CTLs and possibly NK cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME) and
      improve its therapeutic efficacy. As expected, vvDD-CXCL11 attracted high numbers
      of tumor-specific T cells to the TME in a murine AB12 mesothelioma model.
      Intratumoral virus-directed CXCL11 expression enhanced local numbers of CD8+ CTLs
      and levels of granzyme B, while reducing expression of several suppressive
      molecules, TGF-beta, COX2, and CCL22 in the TME. Unexpectedly, we observed that
      vvDD-CXCL11, but not parental vvDD, induced a systemic increase in tumor-specific
      IFNgamma-producing CD8+ T cells in the spleen and other lymph organs, indicating
      the induction of systemic antitumor immunity. This effect was associated with
      enhanced therapeutic efficacy and a survival benefit in tumor-bearing mice
      treated with vvDD-CXCL11, mediated by CD8+ T cells and IFNgamma, but not CD4+ T
      cells. These results demonstrate that intratumoral expression of CXCL11, in
      addition to promoting local trafficking of T cells and to a lesser extent NK
      cells, has a novel function as a factor eliciting systemic immunity to cancer
      associated antigens. Our data provide a rationale for expressing CXCL11 to
      enhance the therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic viruses (OVs) and cancer vaccines.

PMID- 27141354
TI  - Small cell lung cancer: Recruitment of macrophages by circulating tumor cells.
AB  - Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in tumor progression,
      suppression of antitumor immunity and dissemination. Blood monocytes infiltrate
      the tumor region and are primed by local microenvironmental conditions to promote
      tumor growth and invasion. Although many of the interacting cytokines and factors
      are known for the tumor-macrophage interactions, the putative contribution of
      circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is not known so far. These specialized cells are
      characterized by increased mobility, ability to degrade the extracellular matrix
      (ECM) and to enter the blood stream and generate secondary lesions which is a
      leading cause of death for the majority of tumor patients. The first
      establishment of two permanent CTC lines, namely BHGc7 and 10, from blood samples
      of advanced stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients allowed us to
      investigate the CTC-immune cell interaction. Cocultures of peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) with CTCs or addition of CTC-conditioned medium (CTC
      CM) in vitro resulted in monocyte-macrophage differentiation and appearance of
      CD14+, CD163weak and CD68+ macrophages expressing markers of TAMs. Furthermore,
      we screened the supernatants of CTC-primed macrophages for presence of
      approximately 100 cytokines and compared the expression with those induced by the
      local metastatic SCLC26A cell line. Macrophages recruited by SCLC26A-CM showed
      expression of osteopontin (OPN), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), IL
      8, chitinase3-like 1 (CHI3L1), platelet factor (Pf4), IL-1ra and matrix
      metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) among other minor cytokines/chemokines. In contrast,
      BHGc7-CM induced marked overexpression of complement factor D (CFD)/adipsin and
      vitamin D-BP (VDBP), as well as increased secretion of OPN, lipocalin-2 (LCN2),
      CHI3L1, uPAR, MIP-1 and GDF-15/MIC-1. BHGc10, derived independently from relapsed
      SCLC, revealed an almost identical pattern with added expression of ENA-78/CXCL5.
      CMs of the non-tumor HEK293 cell line revealed no induction of macrophages,
      whereas incubation of PBMNCs with recombinant CHI3L1 gave positive results. Thus,
      the specific contributions of CTCs in SCLC affect CFD/adipsin, possibly involved
      in immunity/cachexia, VDBP which gives rise to group-specific component protein
      derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF), GDF-15/MIC-1 which enhances the
      malignant phenotype of tumor cells and ENA-78/CXCL5 which attracts angiogenic
      neutrophils. In conclusion, CTCs are competent to specifically manipulate TAMs to
      increase invasiveness, angiogenesis, immunosuppression and possibly lipid
      catabolism.

PMID- 27141357
TI  - Antibody targeting soluble NKG2D ligand sMIC refuels and invigorates the
      endogenous immune system to fight cancer.
AB  - Human tumor-derived soluble NKG2D sMIC paralyzes the immune system through
      multiple pathways. Targeting soluble MIC with a nonblocking sMIC-neutralizing
      anti-MIC antibody effectuated and revamped endogenous innate and adoptive
      antitumor responses. Therapy induced regression of primary tumors and eliminated
      metastasis in preclinical models.

PMID- 27141356
TI  - Gemcitabine enhances antitumor efficacy of recombinant lipoimmunogen-based
      immunotherapy.
AB  - Although immunotherapy is an attractive approach for cancer treatment, increasing
      evidence has shown that the combination of immunotherapy with other treatment
      modalities may improve the outcome of advanced malignancy. We combined the
      anticancer drug gemcitabine (Gem) with recombinant lipoprotein-based
      immunotherapy (rlipo-E7m/CpG) to treat advanced cancer. Mice bearing huge solid
      tumors (? 12 mm in diameter) or orthotopic cervical cancer were treated with a
      therapeutic regimen consisting of rlipo-E7m/CpG and Gem. In addition, tumor
      infiltrating immune cells were quantified by flow cytometry following the
      chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. We observed the eradication of huge tumors
      following the administration of Gem on days 21, 24, and 27 or following rlipo
      E7m/CpG therapy on day 30 post-tumor implantation. The combination therapy
      substantially reduced the number of immunosuppressive cells (CD11b+Gr-1+,
      CD11b+F4/80+, and CD4+CD25+FOXP3+) and increased the number of tumor-infiltrating
      antigen-specific CD8+ T cells compared to Gem or rlipo-E7m/CpG monotherapy.
      Interestingly, the administration of Gem and rlipo-E7m/CpG reduced the quantity
      of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)-expressing antigen-specific cytotoxic T
      lymphocytes (CTLs) in the regressing tumors. These findings demonstrated that Gem
      enhances the eradication of huge tumors by inhibiting a broad range of
      immunosuppressive cells when combined with immunotherapy. Based on the promising
      results from this animal study, Gem chemotherapy combined with recombinant
      lipoimmunogen-based immunotherapy represents a feasible approach for cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 27141355
TI  - Upregulation of PD-L1 by EML4-ALK fusion protein mediates the immune escape in
      ALK positive NSCLC: Implication for optional anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune therapy for
      ALK-TKIs sensitive and resistant NSCLC patients.
AB  - Driver mutations were reported to upregulate programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)
      expression. However, how PD-L1 expression and immune function was affected by ALK
      TKIs and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment in ALK positive non-small-cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) remains poorly understood. In the present study, western-blot, real-time
      PCR, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were employed to explore how PD-L1 was
      regulated by ALK fusion protein. ALK-TKIs and relevant inhibitors were used to
      identify the downstream signaling pathways involved in PD-L1 regulation. Cell
      apoptosis, viability and Elisa test were used to study the immune suppression by
      ALK activation and immune reactivation by ALK-TKIs and/or PD-1 blocking in tumor
      cells and DC-CIK cells co-culture system. We found that PD-L1 expression was
      associated with EGFR mutations and ALK fusion genes in NSCLC cell lines. Over
      expression of ALK fusion protein increased PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 mediated by
      ALK fusion protein increased the apoptosis of T cells in tumor cells and DC-CIK
      cells co-culture system. Inhibiting ALK by sensitive TKIs could enhance the
      production of IFNgamma. Anti-PD-1 antibody was effective in both crizotinib
      sensitive and resistant NSCLC cells. Synergistic tumor killing effects were not
      observed with ALK-TKIs and anti-PD-1 antibody combination in co-culture system.
      ALK-TKIs not only directly inhibited tumor viability but also indirectly enhanced
      the antitumor immunity via the downregulation of PD-L1. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1
      antibodies could be an optional therapy for crizotinib sensitive, especially
      crizotinib resistant NSCLC patients with ALK fusion gene. Combination of ALK-TKIs
      and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies treatment for ALK positive NSCLC warrants more
      data before moving into clinical practice.

PMID- 27141358
TI  - Cell-penetrating peptides-the Swiss Army knife of cancer vaccines.
AB  - Therapeutic cancer vaccination is an attractive treatment modality for cancer,
      but with limitations using existing whole-cell, peptide, or protein vaccines. We
      propose that a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP)-based vaccine delivering multi
      epitopic antigens into antigen-presenting cells (APCs) offers great potential to
      induce an integrated antitumor immune response and robust, sustained therapeutic
      effect.

PMID- 27141359
TI  - Targeting abnormal ER stress responses in tumors: A new approach to cancer
      immunotherapy.
AB  - Cancers thrive under adverse conditions and simultaneously inhibit antitumor
      immunity. We recently found that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses
      driven by the IRE1alpha-XBP1 pathway not only promote cancer cell survival, but
      also provoke severe dendritic cell (DC) dysfunction in tumors. Targeting
      IRE1alpha-XBP1 represents a two-pronged approach to restrain malignant cells
      while eliciting concomitant antitumor immunity.

PMID- 27141360
TI  - Tumor-induced neutrophil extracellular traps-drivers of systemic inflammation and
      vascular dysfunction.
AB  - Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are part of the innate immune defense
      against microbes, but their contribution to several non-infectious inflammatory
      conditions has recently been unraveled. We demonstrate that NETs accumulate in
      the peripheral circulation in tumor-bearing mice, causing systemic inflammation
      and vascular dysfuntion in organs not affected by tumor cells.

PMID- 27141362
TI  - Commentary: IL-12-secreting tumor-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T cells: An
      unaddressed concern on Koneru et al. (2015).
AB  - To date, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown remarkable responses
      in patients with certain hematological malignancies particularly acute
      lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), but have led to more limited success with solid
      tumors probably due to immunosuppressive networks in the tumor environment. To
      overcome this issue, Koneru et al. have recently demonstrated IL-12-producing CAR
      T cells, also known as armored CAR T cells, to simultaneously target both ovarian
      tumor cells and their microenvironment. This commentary challenges the study
      design of Koneru et al. study and highlights the importance of choosing the most
      appropriate experimental animal model in preclinical cancer studies.

PMID- 27141361
TI  - Immune cell dysfunctions in breast cancer patients detected through whole blood
      multi-parametric flow cytometry assay.
AB  - Monitoring functional competence of immune cell populations in clinical routine
      represents a major challenge. We developed a whole-blood assay to monitor
      functional competence of peripheral innate immune cells including NK cells,
      dendritic and monocyte cell subsets through their ability to produce specific
      cytokines after short-term stimulation, detected through intra-cytoplasmic
      staining and multi-parametric flow-cytometry. A PMA/ionomycin T cell activation
      assay complemented this analysis. Comparing cohorts of healthy women and breast
      cancer (BC) patients at different stages, we identified significant functional
      alteration of circulating immune cells during BC progression prior to initiation
      of treatment. Of upmost importance, as early as the localized primary tumor (PT)
      stage, we observed functional alterations in several innate immune populations
      and T cells i.e. (i) reduced TNFalpha production by BDCA-1+ DC and non-classical
      monocytes in response to Type-I IFN, (ii) a strong drop in IFNgamma production by
      NK cells in response to either Type-I IFN or TLR7/8 ligand, and (iii) a
      coordinated impairment of cytokine (IL-2, IFNgamma, IL-21) production by T cell
      subpopulations. Overall, these alterations are further accentuated according to
      the stage of the disease in first-line metastatic patients. Finally, whereas we
      did not detect functional modification of DC subsets in response to TLR7/8
      ligand, we highlighted increased IL-12p40 production by monocytes specifically at
      first relapse (FR). Our results reinforce the importance of monitoring both
      innate and adaptive immunity to better evaluate dysfunctions in cancer patients
      and suggest that our whole-blood assay will be useful to monitor response to
      treatment, particularly for immunotherapeutic strategies.

PMID- 27141363
TI  - IL-2/anti-IL-2 mAb immunocomplexes: A renascence of IL-2 in cancer immunotherapy?
AB  - The in vivo biological activity of IL-2 can be dramatically increased by
      complexing with anti-IL-2 mAb. Moreover, IL-2/anti-IL-2 mAb immunocomplexes
      selectively stimulate different subsets of immune cells, depending on the clone
      of anti-IL-2 mAb that is used. Thus, IL-2/S4B6 mAb complexes strongly stimulate
      CD122high populations, namely NK and memory CD8+ T cells. They also
      intermediately stimulate Treg cells. Conversely, IL-2/JES6.1 mAb immunocomplexes
      have no stimulatory activity for CD122high populations. However, they potently
      and highly selectively stimulate CD25+ cells (i.e., Treg and activated T cells).
      IL-2/S4B6 mAb immunocomplexes have also been shown to possess antitumor activity
      in various mouse tumor models.

PMID- 27141364
TI  - EML4-ALK enhances programmed cell death-ligand 1 expression in pulmonary
      adenocarcinoma via hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and STAT3.
AB  - Programmed cell death (PD)-1/PD-1 ligand-1 (PD-L1)-targeted therapy has emerged
      as a promising therapeutic strategy for lung cancer. However, whether EML4-ALK
      regulates PD-L1 expression in lung cancer remains unknown. A total of 532
      pulmonary adenocarcinomas (pADCs), including 58 ALK-translocated tumors, were
      immunohistochemically evaluated for PD-L1 and PD-1. H23 (EGFRWild-typeEML4-ALK-PD
      L1Low) and H2228 (EGFRWild-typeEML4-ALK+PD-L1High) cells were transfected with
      EML4-ALK or ALK short interfering RNAs and used to investigate the alterations in
      PD-L1 expression. PD-L1 expression was detected in 81% of ALK-translocated pADCs;
      this value was significantly higher than those of pADCs with EGFR mutation, KRAS
      mutation or lacking ALK, EGFR or KRAS mutation (p <0.005 for all). Moreover, ALK
      translocated pADC with PD-L1 expression showed significantly higher numbers of
      tumor-infiltrating PD-1+ cells. ALK knockdown or inhibition (crizotinib
      treatment) in H2228 cells downregulated PD-L1 expression. Transfection of H23
      cells with EML4-ALK enhanced PD-L1 expression, which was compromised by
      crizotinib treatment. This ALK-dependent upregulation of PD-L1 expression was
      mediated by STAT3 and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha under normoxia and
      hypoxia. Furthermore, EML4-ALK enhanced HIF-1alpha expression through increasing
      transcription and decreasing ubiquitination of HIF-1alpha. In ALK-translocated
      pADC tissues, significant positive correlations between PD-L1 and nuclear HIF
      1alpha (p < 0.05) or pSTAT3 expression levels (p<0.005) were observed. Among
      patients with ALK-translocated pADC, strong PD-L1 expression was significantly
      associated with shorter progression-free (p = 0.001) and overall survival (p =
      0.002) after crizotinib treatment. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that
      ALK-derived pADCs increase PD-L1 expression via HIF-1alpha and/or STAT3, thus
      providing a rationale for PD-1/PD-L1 pathway-targeted therapy in ALK-translocated
      lung cancer.

PMID- 27141365
TI  - Myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment: Role of adenosine.
AB  - Adenosine, deriving from ATP released by dying cancer cells and then degradated
      in the tumor environment by CD39/CD73 enzyme axis, is linked to the generation of
      an immunosuppressed niche favoring the onset of neoplasia. The effects of
      adenosine are mediated by four adenosine receptors, named A1, A2A, A2B and A3
      that are widely expressed on several immune cell populations. A critical role of
      this nucleoside is emerging in the modulation of myeloid cell subsets
      accumulation and functions into tumor microenvironment, providing new insights
      that might be useful for the development of novel therapeutic approaches aimed to
      undermine the immune privileged sites where cancer cells grow and proliferate.

PMID- 27141366
TI  - Antitumor cytotoxicity induced by bone-marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells is
      facilitated by the tumor suppressor protein p53 via regulation of IL-12.
AB  - Activated antigen-presenting cells (APC) deliver the three signals cytotoxic T
      cells require to differentiate into effector cells that destroy the tumor. These
      comprise antigen, co-stimulatory signals and cytokines. Once these cells have
      carried out their function, they apoptose. We hypothesized that the tumor
      suppressor protein, p53, played an important role in generating the antitumor
      response facilitated by APC. CD11c+ APC derived from p53 wild-type (wt) mouse (wt
      p53) GM-CSF bone marrow cultures (BMAPC) and activated had reduced survival
      compared to BMAPC from p53 null consistent with p53-mediated apoptosis following
      activation. There was a lower percentage of antigenic peptide/MHC I complexes on
      antigen-pulsed p53 null cells suggesting p53 played a role in antigen processing
      but there was no difference in antigen-specific T cell proliferative responses to
      these cells in vivo. In contrast, antigen-specific cytotoxicity in vivo was
      markedly reduced in response to p53 null BMAPC. When these cells were pulsed with
      a model tumor antigen and delivered as a prophylactic vaccination, they provided
      no protection against melanoma cell growth whereas wt BMAPC were very effective.
      This suggested that p53 might regulate the requisite third signal and, indeed, we
      found that p53 null BMAPC produced less IL-12 than wt p53 BMAPC and that p53
      bound to the promoter region of IL-12. This work suggests that p53 in activated
      BMAPC is associated with the generation of IL-12 required for the differentiation
      of cytotoxic immune responses and an effective antitumor response. This is a
      completely new role for this protein that has implications for BMAPC-mediated
      immunotherapy.

PMID- 27141368
TI  - Targeting immunosuppression by Tregs with monoclonal antibodies against GARP.
AB  - Reducing Treg function in cancer patients should augment antitumor immune
      responses. We recently uncovered a mechanism of immunosuppression by human Tregs
      that implies transmembrane protein GARP and production of active TGF-beta1. We
      obtained monoclonal antibodies that block this process and could thus serve as a
      novel approach for cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 27141367
TI  - G-CSF regulates macrophage phenotype and associates with poor overall survival in
      human triple-negative breast cancer.
AB  - Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been implicated in the promotion of
      breast cancer growth and metastasis, and a strong infiltration by TAMs has been
      associated with estrogen receptor (ER)-negative tumors and poor prognosis.
      However, the molecular mechanisms behind these observations are unclear. We
      investigated macrophage activation in response to co-culture with several breast
      cancer cell lines (T47D, MCF-7, BT-474, SKBR-3, Cal-51 and MDA-MB-231) and found
      that high granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) secretion by the triple
      negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231 gave rise to immunosuppressive
      HLA-DRlo macrophages that promoted migration of breast cancer cells via secretion
      of TGF-alpha. In human breast cancer samples (n = 548), G-CSF was highly
      expressed in TNBC (p < 0.001) and associated with CD163+ macrophages (p <
      0.0001), poorer overall survival (OS) (p = 0.021) and significantly increased
      numbers of TGF-alpha+ cells. While G-CSF blockade in the 4T1 mammary tumor model
      promoted maturation of MHCIIhi blood monocytes and TAMs and significantly reduced
      lung metastasis, anti-CSF-1R treatment promoted MHCIIloF4/80hiMRhi anti
      inflammatory TAMs and enhanced lung metastasis in the presence of high G-CSF
      levels. Combined anti-G-CSF and anti-CSF-1R therapy significantly increased lymph
      node metastases, possibly via depletion of the so-called "gate-keeper"
      subcapsular sinus macrophages. These results indicate that G-CSF promotes the
      anti-inflammatory phenotype of tumor-induced macrophages when CSF-1R is inhibited
      and therefore caution against the use of M-CSF/CSF-1R targeting agents in tumors
      with high G-CSF expression.

PMID- 27141369
TI  - Comparison of the prognostic value of measures of the tumor inflammatory cell
      infiltrate and tumor-associated stroma in patients with primary operable
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical utility of two measures
      of the inflammatory cell infiltrate - a H&E-based assessment of the generalized
      inflammatory cell infiltrate (the Klintrup-Makinen (KM) grade), and an
      immunohistochemistry-based assessment of combined CD3+ and CD8+ T-cell density
      (the "Immunoscore"), in conjunction with assessment of the tumor stroma
      percentage (TSP) in patients undergoing resection of stage I-III colorectal
      cancer (CRC). Two hundred and forty-six patients were identified from a
      prospectively maintained database of CRC resections in a single surgical unit.
      Assessment of KM grade and TSP was performed using full H&E sections. CD3+ and
      CD8+ T-cell density was assessed on full sections and the Immunoscore calculated.
      KM grade and Immunoscore were strongly associated (p < 0.001). KM grade
      stratified cancer-specific survival (CSS) from 88% to 66% (p = 0.002) and
      Immunoscore from 93% to 61% (p < 0.001). Immunoscore further stratified survival
      of patients independent of KM grade from 94% (high KM, Im4) to 60% (low KM,
      Im0/1). Furthermore, TSP stratified survival of patients with a weak inflammatory
      cell infiltrate (low KM: from 75% to 47%; Im0/1: from 71% to 38%, both p < 0.001)
      but not those with a strong inflammatory infiltrate. On multivariate analysis,
      only Immunoscore (HR 0.44, p < 0.001) and TSP (HR 2.04, p < 0.001) were
      independently associated with CSS. These results suggest that the prognostic
      value of an immunohistochemistry-based assessment of the inflammatory cell
      infiltrate is superior to H&E-based assessment in patients undergoing resection
      of stage I-III CRC. Furthermore, assessment of the tumor-associated stroma, using
      TSP, further improves prediction of outcome.

PMID- 27141371
TI  - Prospective strategies to combine conventional, targeted and immunotherapies in
      non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - A strategic challenge facing clinicians treating patients afflicted with non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the development of approaches that combine
      conventional and novel therapies, including targeted therapies and
      immunotherapeutics. In a recent study, we explored the correlation between the
      expression of the tumor antigen family MAGE-A and the presence of EGFR and KRAS
      gene mutations in a large cohort of resected NSCLC patient specimens.

PMID- 27141370
TI  - Distinct clinical patterns and immune infiltrates are observed at time of
      progression on targeted therapy versus immune checkpoint blockade for melanoma.
AB  - We have made major advances in the treatment of melanoma through the use of
      targeted therapy and immune checkpoint blockade; however, clinicians are posed
      with therapeutic dilemmas regarding timing and sequence of therapy. There is a
      growing appreciation of the impact of antitumor immune responses to these
      therapies, and we performed studies to test the hypothesis that clinical patterns
      and immune infiltrates differ at progression on these treatments. We observed
      rapid clinical progression kinetics in patients on targeted therapy compared to
      immune checkpoint blockade. To gain insight into possible immune mechanisms
      behind these differences, we performed deep immune profiling in tumors of
      patients on therapy. We demonstrated low CD8+ T-cell infiltrate on targeted
      therapy and high CD8+ T-cell infiltrate on immune checkpoint blockade at clinical
      progression. These data have important implications, and suggest that antitumor
      immune responses should be assessed when considering therapeutic options for
      patients with melanoma.

PMID- 27141372
TI  - Hypoxic tumor-derived microvesicles negatively regulate NK cell function by a
      mechanism involving TGF-beta and miR23a transfer.
AB  - Tumor-derived microvesicles (TD-MVs) are key mediators which are shed by cancer
      cells and can sensitize neighboring cells in the tumor microenvironment. TD-MVs
      are extracellular vesicles composed of exosomes and MVs and promote cancer
      invasion and metastasis. Intratumoral hypoxia is an integral component of all
      solid tumors. The relationship between hypoxic tumor-shed MVs and NK-mediated
      cytotoxicity remains unknown. In this paper, we reported that MVs derived from
      hypoxic tumor cells qualitatively differ from those derived from normoxic tumor
      cells. Using multiple tumor models, we showed that hypoxic MVs inhibit more NK
      cell function as compared to normoxic MVs. Hypoxic TD-MVs package two
      immunosuppressive factors involved in the impairment of natural killer (NK) cell
      cytotoxicity against different tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. We showed that
      following their uptake by NK cells, hypoxic TD-MVs transfer TGF-beta1 to NK
      cells, decreasing the cell surface expression of the activating receptor NKG2D,
      thereby inhibiting NK cell function. MicroRNA profiling revealed the presence of
      high levels of miR-210 and miR-23a in hypoxic TD-MVs. We demonstrated that miR
      23a in hypoxic TD-MVs operates as an additional immunomosuppressive factor, since
      it directly targets the expression of CD107a in NK cells. To our knowledge, this
      is the first study to show that hypoxic tumor cells by secreting MVs can educate
      NK cells and decrease their antitumor immune response. This study highlights the
      existence of a novel mechanism of immune suppression mediated by hypoxic TD-MVs
      and further improves our understanding of the immunosuppressive mechanisms
      prevailing in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment.

PMID- 27141374
TI  - RIPK3-a predictive marker for personalized immunotherapy?
AB  - Cancer immunotherapy is an attractive therapeutic option but it is currently
      unclear which patient may benefit from such approaches. Using the model of
      cervical cancer, we have demonstrated that PolyIC-driven immunogenicity strictly
      depends on the necroptosis regulator RIPK3 in the neoplastic cells. This proposes
      RIPK3 as a novel predictive marker for personalization of cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 27141373
TI  - Dendritic cell-derived exosomes as maintenance immunotherapy after first line
      chemotherapy in NSCLC.
AB  - Dendritic cell-derived exosomes (Dex) are small extracellular vesicles secreted
      by viable dendritic cells. In the two phase-I trials that we conducted using the
      first generation of Dex (IFN-gamma-free) in end-stage cancer, we reported that
      Dex exerted natural killer (NK) cell effector functions in patients. A second
      generation of Dex (IFN-gamma-Dex) was manufactured with the aim of boosting NK
      and T cell immune responses. We carried out a phase II clinical trial testing the
      clinical benefit of IFN-gamma-Dex loaded with MHC class I- and class II
      restricted cancer antigens as maintenance immunotherapy after induction
      chemotherapy in patients bearing inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      without tumor progression. The primary endpoint was to observe at least 50% of
      patients with progression-free survival (PFS) at 4 mo after chemotherapy
      cessation. Twenty-two patients received IFN-gamma-Dex. One patient exhibited a
      grade three hepatotoxicity. The median time to progression was 2.2 mo and median
      overall survival (OS) was 15 mo. Seven patients (32%) experienced stabilization
      of >4 mo. The primary endpoint was not reached. An increase in NKp30-dependent NK
      cell functions were evidenced in a fraction of these NSCLC patients presenting
      with defective NKp30 expression. Importantly, MHC class II expression levels of
      the final IFN-gamma-Dex product correlated with expression levels of the NKp30
      ligand BAG6 on Dex, and with NKp30-dependent NK functions, the latter being
      associated with longer progression-free survival. This phase II trial confirmed
      the capacity of Dex to boost the NK cell arm of antitumor immunity in patients
      with advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 27141375
TI  - Ameliorating the tumor microenvironment for antitumor responses through TLR5
      ligand-secreting T cells.
AB  - Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are potent immunostimulatory agents that have
      demonstrated great potential for cancer immunotherapy. We have genetically
      engineered tumor-specific T cells to deliver and secrete the TLR5 ligand (TLR5L)
      flagellin to the tumor site to provide costimulation for antitumor immune
      activity. We found that TLR5L-secreting T cells offered a therapeutic benefit by
      altering several aspects including augmenting T cell effector function and
      expansion as well as reshaping the tumor microenvironment toward one that
      enhances antitumor T cell responses.

PMID- 27141376
TI  - Spatial distribution of B cells predicts prognosis in human pancreatic
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - B-cell responses are emerging as critical regulators of cancer progression. In
      this study, we investigated the role of B lymphocytes in the microenvironment of
      human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), in a retrospective consecutive
      series of 104 PDAC patients and in PDAC preclinical models. Immunohistochemical
      analysis revealed that B cells occupy two histologically distinct compartments in
      human PDAC, either scatteringly infiltrating (CD20-TILs), or organized in
      tertiary lymphoid tissue (CD20-TLT). Only when retained within TLT, high density
      of B cells predicted longer survival (median survival 16.9 mo CD20-TLThi vs. 10.7
      mo CD20-TLTlo; p = 0.0085). Presence of B cells within TLT associated to a
      germinal center (GC) immune signature, correlated with CD8-TIL infiltration, and
      empowered their favorable prognostic value. Immunotherapeutic vaccination of
      spontaneously developing PDAC (KrasG12D-Pdx1-Cre) mice with alpha-enolase (ENO1)
      induced formation of TLT with active GCs and correlated with increased
      recruitment of T lymphocytes, suggesting induction of TLT as a strategy to favor
      mobilization of immune cells in PDAC. In contrast, in an implanted tumor model
      devoid of TLT, depletion of B cells with an anti-CD20 antibody reinstated an
      antitumor immune response. Our results highlight B cells as an essential element
      of the microenvironment of PDAC and identify their spatial organization as a key
      regulator of their antitumor function. A mindfully evaluation of B cells in human
      PDAC could represent a powerful prognostic tool to identify patients with
      distinct clinical behaviors and responses to immunotherapeutic strategies.

PMID- 27141377
TI  - NKG2D- and T-cell receptor-dependent lysis of malignant glioma cell lines by
      human gammadelta T cells: Modulation by temozolomide and A disintegrin and
      metalloproteases 10 and 17 inhibitors.
AB  - The interaction of the MHC class I-related chain molecules A and B (MICA and
      MICB) and UL-16 binding protein (ULBP) family members expressed on tumor cells
      with the corresponding NKG2D receptor triggers cytotoxic effector functions in NK
      cells and gammadelta T cells. However, as a mechanism of tumor immune escape,
      NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs) can be released from the cell surface. In this study, we
      investigated the NKG2DL system in different human glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines,
      the most lethal brain tumor in adults. Flow cytometric analysis and ELISA
      revealed that despite the expression of various NKG2DLs only ULBP2 is released as
      a soluble protein via the proteolytic activity of "a disintegrin and
      metalloproteases" (ADAM) 10 and 17. Moreover, we report that temozolomide (TMZ),
      a chemotherapeutic agent in clinical use for the treatment of GBM, increases the
      cell surface expression of NKG2DLs and sensitizes GBM cells to gammadelta T cell
      mediated lysis. Both NKG2D and the T-cell receptor (TCR) are involved. The
      cytotoxic activity of gammadelta T cells toward GBM cells is strongly enhanced in
      a TCR-dependent manner by stimulation with pyrophosphate antigens. These data
      clearly demonstrate the complexity of mechanisms regulating NKG2DL expression in
      GBM cells and further show that treatment with TMZ can increase the
      immunogenicity of GBM. Thus, TMZ might enhance the potential of the adoptive
      transfer of ex vivo expanded gammadelta T cells for the treatment of malignant
      glioblastoma.

PMID- 27141378
TI  - Non-redundant roles for Th17 and Th22 cells in multiple myeloma clinical
      correlates.
AB  - We recently reported that in multiple myeloma increased Th22 cell frequencies
      correlate with poor prognosis. Here we show that within the same patients' cohort
      Th17 cells associate with bone disease and not with prognosis. Thus, we propose
      that Th22 and Th17 cells play non-redundant roles in multiple myeloma and
      constitute independent therapeutic targets.

PMID- 27141379
TI  - Overexpression of KIR inhibitory ligands (HLA-I) determines that
      immunosurveillance of myeloma depends on diverse and strong NK cell licensing.
AB  - Missing self recognition makes cancer sensitive to natural killer cell (NKc)
      reactivity. However, this model disregards the NKc licensing effect, which highly
      increases NKc reactivity through interactions of inhibitory killer cell
      immunoglobulin-like receptors (iKIR) with their cognate HLA-I ligands. The
      influence of iKIR/HLA-ligand (HLA-C1/C2) licensing interactions on the
      susceptibility to and progression of plasma cell (PC) dyscrasias was evaluated in
      164 Caucasian patients and 286 controls. Compared to controls, myeloma
      accumulates KIR2DL1-L2+L3- genotypes (2.8% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.01, OR = 5.29) and
      less diverse peripheral repertoires of NKc clones. Less diverse and weaker
      affinity repertoires of iKIR2D/HLA-C licensing interactions increased myeloma
      susceptibility. Thus, the complete absence of conventional iKIR2D/HLA-C licensing
      interactions (KIR2DL1-L2+L3-/C2C2, 2.56% vs. 0.35%; p < 0.05; OR = 15.014),
      single-KIR2DL3+/C1+ (20.51% vs. 10.84%; p < 0.05; OR = 2.795) and single
      KIR2DL2+/C1+ (12.82% vs. 4.9%; p < 0.01; OR = 5.18) interactions were over
      represented in myeloma, compared to controls. Additionally, KIR2DL1-L2+L3- (20%
      vs. 83%, p < 0.00001) as well as KIR3DL1- (23% vs. 82%, p < 0.00001) genotypes
      had a dramatic negative impact on the 3-y progression-free survival (PFS),
      particularly in patients with low-tumor burden. Remarkably, myeloma-PCs, compared
      to K562 and other hematological cancers, showed substantial over-expression of
      HLA-I ("increasing-self" instead of missing-self), including HLA-C, and mild
      expression of ligands for NKc activating receptors (aRec) CD112, CD155, ULBP-1
      and MICA/B, which apparently renders myeloma-PCs susceptible to lysis mainly by
      licensed NKc. KIR2DL1-L2+L3-/C2C2 patients (with no conventional iKIR2D/HLA-C
      licensing interactions) lyse K562 but barely lyse myeloma-PCs (4% vs. 15%; p <
      0.05, compared to controls). These results support a model where
      immunosurveillance of no-missing-self cancers, e.g., myeloma, mainly depends on
      NKc licensing.

PMID- 27141380
TI  - Peripheral trafficking of bone-marrow-derived stem cells in patients with
      different types of gastric neoplasms.
AB  - Recently, there has been a growing interest in the importance of stem cells (SCs)
      in the development/progression of gastric neoplasms. In this study, we performed
      a comprehensive analysis of different populations of bone-marrow-derived stem
      cells (BMSCs) in patients with various types of gastric malignancies, including
      gastric cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), neuroendocrine neoplasms
      (NENs), and lymphomas. We found significantly lower numbers of circulating Lin
      /CD45 +/ CD133 + hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), and intensified
      peripheral trafficking of both Lin-/CD45-/CXCR4+/CD34+/CD133+ very small
      embryonic/epiblast-like stem cells (VSELs) and CD105 + /STRO-1 +/ CD45-
      mesenchymal SCs (MSCs) in patients with gastric cancer, but not in those with
      other types of gastric neoplasms. No significant differences in the absolute
      numbers of circulating CD34 +/ KDR +/ CD31 +/ CD45- endothelial progenitor cells
      (EPCs) were observed between the groups. This abnormal balance in the peripheral
      trafficking of BMSCs in patients with gastric cancer was neither associated with
      clinical stage of the disease nor with systemic levels of stromal-derived factor
      1 (SDF-1), as these were comparable to the values observed in control
      individuals. Interestingly, the absolute numbers of circulating BMSCs correlated
      with the concentrations of complement cascade-derived anaphylatoxins/molecules
      (mainly C5b-9/membrane attack complex-MAC) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). In
      summary, our translational study revealed that abnormal peripheral trafficking of
      BMSCs occurs in patients with gastric cancer, but not in those with other types
      of gastric neoplasms. Further, our findings indicate that highlighted complement
      cascade-derived molecules and S1P, but not SDF-1, are significant players
      associated with this phenomenon.

PMID- 27141381
TI  - Immunological correlates of treatment and response in stage IV malignant melanoma
      patients treated with Ipilimumab.
AB  - Introduction: Ipilimumab is effective in the treatment of metastatic malignant
      melanoma, but few biomarkers reliably predict treatment response. Methods:
      Patients were treated with Ipilimumab for metastatic malignant melanoma. Blood
      and serum samples were collected before and during treatment. Mononuclear cells
      in peripheral blood were subjected to immune phenotypic analyses and cytokine
      levels were measured in serum samples. Results were correlated with clinical
      data. Results: A total of 40 patients were included in the analyses. Clinical
      response were associated with an increase after one series of treatment in
      absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) (p = 0.008), absolute T cell count (p = 0.02) and
      the absolute number of activated T cells in peripheral blood (p = 0.003). A high
      frequency of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and a higher level of IL6
      were associated with treatment failure, though not significantly. Levels of IL6
      in serum above the median showed a tendency to associate with reduced survival by
      the 4th treatment series. Finally, treatment with Ipilimumab led to a decreased
      frequency of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Ipilimumab leads
      to increased ALC, T cell count and T cell activation in malignant melanoma
      patients responding to treatment. A high baseline frequency of myeloid-derived
      suppressor cells and high levels of IL6 is associated with a reduced chance of
      responding to therapy.

PMID- 27141382
TI  - Trastuzumab upregulates expression of HLA-ABC and T cell costimulatory molecules
      through engagement of natural killer cells and stimulation of IFNgamma secretion.
AB  - It is increasingly recognized that trastuzumab, an antibody approved for treating
      human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing breast cancer,
      exerts some of its antitumor effects through enhanced T cell responses. Full
      activation of CD8+ T cells requires both expression of major histocompatibility
      complex class I molecules (HLA-ABC) and expression of the T cell costimulatory
      molecule CD80 or CD86; however, the impact of trastuzumab treatment on the
      expression of HLA-ABC and CD80 and CD86 has not been investigated in HER2
      overexpressing breast cancer cells. In this study, we found that, while there is
      no direct correlation between the expression of HER2 and HLA-ABC in breast
      cancer, knockdown of HER2 or inhibition of HER2 kinase by lapatinib downregulated
      HLA-ABC expression. Trastuzumab had no meaningful effects on HLA-ABC expression
      in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells in monoculture; however, treatment of
      such cells with trastuzumab in co-culture with human peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMC) significantly upregulated not only HLA-ABC expression but also CD86
      expression. We showed that this upregulation was mediated by interferon gamma
      (IFNgamma) secreted from the natural killer (NK) cells in PBMC as a result of
      engagement of NK cells by trastuzumab. We further confirmed this effect of
      trastuzumab in vivo using a mouse mammary tumor model transduced to overexpress
      human HER2. Together, our data provide evidence that trastuzumab upregulates
      expression of HLA-ABC and T cell costimulatory molecules in HER2-overexpressing
      breast cancer cells in the presence of PBMC, which supports the view that T-cell
      mediated immune responses are involved in trastuzumab-mediated antitumor effects.

PMID- 27141383
TI  - GM-CSF and ipilimumab therapy in metastatic melanoma: Clinical outcomes and
      immunologic responses.
AB  - We conducted a phase II clinical trial of anti-CTLA-4 antibody (ipilimumab) and
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in 22 patients with
      metastatic melanoma and determined clinical outcomes and immunologic responses.
      The treatment consisted of a 3-mo induction with ipilimumab at 10 mg/kg
      administered every 3 weeks for four doses in combination with GM-CSF at 125 ug/m2
      for 14 d beginning on the day of the ipilimumab infusion and then GM-CSF for 3 mo
      on the same schedule without ipilimumab. This was followed by maintenance therapy
      with the combination every 3 mo for up to 2 y or until disease progression or
      unacceptable toxicity. Blood samples for determination of immune subsets were
      obtained before treatment, at week 3 (end of cycle 1) and at week 6 (end of cycle
      2). Blood samples were also obtained from seven subjects who were cancer-free.
      The immune response disease control (irDC) rate at 24 weeks was 41% and the
      overall response rate (ORR) was 32%. The median progression free-survival (PFS)
      was 3.5 mo and the median overall survival (OS) was 21.1 mo. 41% of the patients
      experienced Grade 3 to 4 adverse events. We conclude that this combination is
      safe and the results suggest the combination may be more effective than
      ipilimumab monotherapy. Further, the results suggest that lower levels of CD4+
      effector T cells but higher levels of CD8+ T cells expressing PD-1 at pre
      treatment could be a potential biomarker for disease control in patients who
      receive immunotherapy with ipilimumab and GM-CSF. Further trials of this
      combination are warranted.

PMID- 27141384
TI  - Phase Ib study of poly-epitope peptide vaccination to thymidylate synthase (TSPP)
      and GOLFIG chemo-immunotherapy for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer
      patients.
AB  - Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a tumor-associated enzyme critical for DNA
      replication and main 5'-fluorouracil (5'-FU) target. TSPP/VAC1 is a multi-arm
      trial phase-Ib trial program aimed to investigate the toxicity and biomodulatory
      activity of a poly-epitope-peptide vaccine to TS (TSPP) in cancer patients (pts).
      Here, we present the results of the TSPP/VAC1/arm C trial aimed to evaluate TSPP
      in combination with chemo-immunotherapy in pretreated metastatic colo-rectal
      cancer (mCRC) pts. Twenty-nine pts, 14 males and 15 females, received poly
      chemotherapy with gemcitabine [GEM; 1,000 mg/sqm, day-1], oxaliplatin [OX; 80
      mg/sqm, day-2], levofolinate [100 mg/sqm, days 1-2], bolus/infusional 5'-FU [400
      mg/800 mg/sqm, days 1-2], sargramostim [50 MUg, days 3-7/q30], and interleukin-2
      [sc. 0.5 MIU twice a day, days 8-14/18-30] [GOLFIG-regimen]. Seventeen pts
      received sc. TSPP injections at escalating dosage [3 pts, 100 ug (DL-1); 3 pts,
      200 ug (DL-2) and 11pts, 300 ug (DL-3)] one week after each chemotherapy cycle
      (concomitant module), while 10 out 12 pts received TSPP (300 ug) after 12 GOLFIG
      courses [dose level (DL)-0] (sequential module). TSPP MTD was not achieved.
      Adverse events consisted in swelling/erythema at injection sites (17 cases), G1-2
      haematological (16 cases) and gastro-enteric events (12), fever, rhinitis,
      conjunctivitis, and poly-arthralgia and rise in auto-antibodies [ANA, ENA, c
      ANCA, p-ANCA in the DL1-3 pts]. Both treatment-modules showed immunomodulating
      and antitumor activity (disease-control-rate, DL1-3 and DL0 were 70.6% and 83.3%,
      respectively) with a better survival recorded in the second group [median OS DL1
      3 vs. DL0 = 8 vs. 16 mo, p = 0.049]. The promising long-term survival produced by
      the sequential treatment module deserves further phase II evaluation.

PMID- 27141385
TI  - Vemurafenib and ipilimumab: A promising combination? Results of a case series.
AB  - The purpose of combining targeted agents and immunotherapy is to achieve a chance
      of long-term tumor control in highly advanced patients. Between April 2012 and
      December 2013, 10 patients with metastatic melanoma were treated with a
      combination treatment of vemurafenib and ipilimumab as an individual treatment
      decision after detailed information and giving written informed consent. All the
      patients had advanced symptomatic disease, seven with elevated serum lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and six with brain metastases on MRI. After clinical
      improvement under vemurafenib monotherapy (median 11.5 weeks), four cycles of
      ipilimumab were administered additionally. Combination treatment was tolerated
      well, with only two patients developing >= grade 3 elevation of transaminases;
      this was asymptomatic and resolved on cessation of BRAF inhibitor treatment.
      Staging 12 weeks after initiation of ipilimumab revealed partial response for
      five patients, stable disease for two, and disease progression for three. Of the
      seven patients with disease control, we stopped vemurafenib for five, to
      determine whether ipilimumab treatment led to disease control. Two revealed
      progressive disease 2 mo later, and received vemurafenib again, but for three the
      disease was controlled for at least a year, and two are still in partial
      remission without any further treatment. Progression-free survival was a median
      of 8.0 mo (95% CI 4.8-11.2), overall survival (OS) was 13.0 mo (95% CI 5.0-21.0),
      and four patients are still alive. In conclusion, the combination of vemurafenib
      and ipilimumab was well tolerated and clinical outcome was promising. The
      combination of targeted and immunotherapies is currently addressed in clinical
      trials.

PMID- 27141386
TI  - Gene expression profiling of circulating tumor cells and peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells from breast cancer patients.
AB  - Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that are released from a tumor
      into the bloodstream. The presence of CTCs in peripheral blood has been
      associated with metastasis formation in patients with breast cancer. Therefore,
      the molecular characterization of CTCs may improve diagnostics and support
      treatment decisions. We performed gene expression profiling to evaluate the
      enriched CTCs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of breast cancer
      patients using an expression panel of 55 breast cancer-associated genes. The
      study revealed several significantly differentially expressed genes in the CTC
      positive samples, including a few that were exclusively expressed in these cells.
      However, the expression of these genes was barely detectable in the PBMC samples.
      Some genes were differentially expressed in PBMCs, and the expression of these
      genes was correlated with tumor grade and the formation of metastasis. In this
      study, we have shown that the enriched CTCs of breast cancer patients overexpress
      genes involved in proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) as
      well as genes that play important roles in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) process that may occur in these cells.

PMID- 27141387
TI  - Regulatory T cells that co-express RORgammat and FOXP3 are pro-inflammatory and
      immunosuppressive and expand in human pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly infiltrated by CD4+T cells that
      express RORgammat and IL-17 (TH17). Compelling evidence from the tumor
      microenvironment suggest that regulatory T cells (Treg) contribute to TH17
      mediated inflammation. Concurrently, PDAC patients have elevated levels of pro
      inflammatory cytokines that may lead to TH17 associated functional plasticity in
      Treg. In this study, we investigated the phenotype and functional properties of
      Treg in patients with PDAC. We report that PDAC patients have elevated frequency
      of FOXP3+Treg, which exclusively occurred within the FOXP3+RORgammat+Treg
      compartment. The FOXP3+RORgammat+Treg retained FOXP3+Treg markers and represented
      an activated subset. The expression of RORgammat in Treg may indicate a
      phenotypic switch toward TH17 cells. However, the FOXP3+RORgammat+Treg produced
      both TH17 and TH2 associated pro-inflammatory cytokines, which corresponded with
      elevated TH17 and TH2 immune responses in PDAC patients. Both the FOXP3+Treg and
      FOXP3+RORgammat+Treg from PDAC patients strongly suppressed T cell immune
      responses, but they had impaired anti-inflammatory properties. We conclude that
      FOXP3+RORgammat+Treg have a dual phenotype with combined pro-inflammatory and
      immunosuppressive activity, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of PDAC.

PMID- 27141388
TI  - Attenuated Toxoplasma gondii therapy of disseminated pancreatic cancer generates
      long-lasting immunity to pancreatic cancer.
AB  - We have recently reported that treatment of disseminated pancreatic cancer with
      an attenuated Toxoplasma gondii uracil auxotroph vaccine promoted antitumor CD8+
      T cell responses and long-term survival. Here, we optimized the treatment
      strategy for disseminated pancreatic cancer and show that attenuated Toxoplasma
      gondii therapy stimulated effective long-term immunity to pancreatic cancer
      through mechanisms involving CD4+ T cells and pancreatic tumor-specific IgG. Our
      results suggest that cell-mediated immunity in conjunction with humoral antibody
      immunity may offer greater resistance to recurrence of highly aggressive tumors.
      Cancer immunotherapeutic strategies using attenuated Toxoplasma gondii vaccines
      merit further investigation as a novel strategy to reawaken immunity to primary
      pancreatic carcinoma and to generate long-lasting immunity to pancreatic cancer
      recurrences.

PMID- 27141390
TI  - Improved efficacy of mitoxantrone in patients with castration-resistant prostate
      cancer after vaccination with GM-CSF-transduced allogeneic prostate cancer cells.
AB  - Previous vaccination studies in patients with castration-resistant prostate
      cancer (CRPC) showed improved survival without prolongation of progression-free
      survival (PFS). This might be explained by enhanced efficacy of subsequent
      therapies because of heightened immune status. We therefore evaluated the
      efficacy of chemotherapy in CRPC patients after immunotherapy. We retrospectively
      analyzed 28 patients who were treated with ipilimumab and GVAX, an allogeneic
      vaccine, and 21 patients who were randomized to GVAX or no vaccination. To study
      whether immune status was related to the efficacy of chemotherapy, frequencies of
      myeloid and lymphocyte subsets were determined. Of 28 patients treated with GVAX
      and ipilimumab, 23 patients received docetaxel and 13 patients mitoxantrone.
      Median PFS after docetaxel was 6.4 mo (range 0.8-11.2), while median PFS after
      mitoxantrone was markedly longer than expected (4.8 mo; range 1.4-13.7). High
      CD8+ICOS+ Tcell/Treg and pDC/mMDSC ratios were associated with relatively long
      PFS after mitoxantrone, suggesting a correlation between activated immune status
      and benefit of mitoxantrone. Analysis of 21 patients, randomized to GVAX or not,
      revealed a median PFS after docetaxel of 9.9 mo for vaccinated patients and 7.1
      mo for unvaccinated patients. Interestingly, PFS after mitoxantrone (n = 14) was
      significantly longer in vaccinated patients as compared to controls (5.9 vs. 1.6
      mo, p = 0.0048). In conclusion, mitoxantrone seems more effective in CRPC
      patients after immunotherapy, which may be related to the immune-stimulating
      effect of mitoxantrone in patients with heightened antitumor immunity. As this
      was a retrospective study with limited sample size, prospective studies are
      warranted to definitively show proof of principle.

PMID- 27141389
TI  - Oncolytic adenoviruses coated with MHC-I tumor epitopes increase the antitumor
      immunity and efficacy against melanoma.
AB  - The stimulation of the immune system using oncolytic adenoviruses (OAds) has
      attracted significant interest and several studies suggested that OAds
      immunogenicity might be important for their efficacy. Therefore, we developed a
      versatile and rapid system to adsorb tumor-specific major histocompatibility
      complex class I (MHC-I) peptides onto the viral surface to drive the immune
      response toward the tumor epitopes. By studying the model epitope SIINFEKL, we
      demonstrated that the peptide-coated OAd (PeptiCRAd) retains its infectivity and
      the cross presentation of the modified-exogenous epitope on MHC-I is not
      hindered. We then showed that the SIINFEKL-targeting PeptiCRAd achieves a
      superior antitumor efficacy and increases the percentage of antitumor CD8+ T
      cells and mature epitope-specific dendritic cells in vivo. PeptiCRAds loaded with
      clinically relevant tumor epitopes derived from tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP
      2) and human gp100 could reduce the growth of primary-treated tumors and
      secondary-untreated melanomas, promoting the expansion of antigen-specific T-cell
      populations. Finally, we tested PeptiCRAd in humanized mice bearing human
      melanomas. In this model, a PeptiCRAd targeting the human melanoma-associated
      antigen A1 (MAGE-A1) and expressing granulocyte and macrophage colony-stimulating
      factor (GM-CSF) was able to eradicate established tumors and increased the human
      MAGE-A1-specific CD8+ T cell population. Herein, we show that the immunogenicity
      of OAds plays a key role in their efficacy and it can be exploited to direct the
      immune response system toward exogenous tumor epitopes. This versatile and rapid
      system overcomes the immunodominance of the virus and elicits a tumor-specific
      immune response, making PeptiCRAd a promising approach for clinical testing.

PMID- 27141392
TI  - Perspectives on sipuleucel-T: Its role in the prostate cancer treatment paradigm.
AB  - Sipuleucel-T is an autologous cellular immunotherapy approved in the US for
      patients with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castration
      resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This significant advance for mCRPC treatment
      provides healthcare professionals with another effective therapy to extend
      survival. As an immunotherapy, sipuleucel-T possesses specific characteristics
      differentiating it from traditional therapies. At a roundtable meeting of
      experts, sipuleucel-T data were discussed, focusing on interpretation and
      clinical implications. Important differences between immunotherapies and
      traditional therapies were explored, e.g., mode of action, outcomes, data
      consistency and robustness, timing of sipuleucel-T treatment, and future
      perspectives in areas such as short-term markers of long-term benefit.

PMID- 27141391
TI  - Phenotyping of tumor-associated macrophages in colorectal cancer: Impact on
      single cell invasion (tumor budding) and clinicopathological outcome.
AB  - Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) play a controversial role in epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). In
      particular, the microlocalization, polarization and prognostic impact of TAM in
      the immediate environment of invading CRC cells has not yet been established. To
      address this clinically relevant question, intraepithelial (iCD68) and stromal
      macrophages (sCD68), M1-macrophages (iNOS), M2-macrophages (CD163), cytokeratin
      positive cancer cells (tumor buds) and expression of the anti-phagocytic marker
      CD47 were investigated in primary tumors of 205 well-characterized CRC patients.
      Cell-to-cell contacts between tumor buds and TAM were detected using high
      resolution digital scans. The composition of the tumor microenvironment was
      analyzed with clinicopathological and molecular features. High CD68 counts
      predicted long term overall survival independent of microlocalization (iCD68
      p=0.0016; sCD68 p=0.03), pT, pN, pM and post-operative therapy. CD68 infiltration
      correlated with significantly less tumor budding (iCD68 p=0.0066; sCD68 p=0.0091)
      and absence of lymph node metastasis (sCD68 p=0.0286). Cell-to-cell contact of
      sCD68 and invading cancer cells was frequent and ameliorated the detrimental
      prognostic effect of the tumor budding phenotype. Subgroup analysis identified
      long-term survival with CD47 loss and predominance of CD163+ M2 macrophages (p =
      0.0366). CD163+ macrophages represented 40% of the total population, and
      positively correlated with total CD68 macrophage numbers (r[CD68/CD163] = 0.32; p
      = 0.0001). Strong CD163 infiltration predicted lower tumor grade (p = 0.0026) and
      less lymph node metastasis (p = 0.0056). This study provides direct morphological
      evidence of an interaction between TAM and infiltrating cancer cells. The
      prognostic impact of TAM is modulated by phenotype, microlocalization and the
      expression of anti-phagocytic markers in CRC.

PMID- 27141393
TI  - The controversial role of TNF in melanoma.
AB  - TNF has been associated with both inhibition and promotion of tumor growth. We
      recently described a mechanism by which tumor cells attract TNF producing cells
      via expression of MHC class II molecules.

PMID- 27141394
TI  - Immunosuppressive parameters in serum of ovarian cancer patients change during
      the disease course.
AB  - Neoplastic cells can escape immune control leading to cancer growth. Regulatory T
      cells (Treg), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and tumor-associated
      macrophages (TAM) are crucial in immune escape. TAM are divided based on their
      immune profile, M1 are immunostimulatory while M2 are immunosuppressive. Research
      so far has mainly focused on the intratumoral behavior of these cells. This
      study, on the other hand, explored the systemic changes of the key metabolites
      [IL-4 (interleukin), IL-13, arginase, IL-10, VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth
      factor), CCL-2 (chemokine (C-C) motif ligand 2) and TGF-beta (transforming growth
      factor)] linked to Treg, MDSC and TAM during the course of the disease in ovarian
      and fallopian tube cancer patients. Serum samples were therefore analyzed at
      diagnosis, after (interval)-debulking surgery and after chemotherapy (paclitaxel
      carboplatin). We also determined galectin-1 (gal-1), involved in angiogenesis and
      tumor-mediated immune evasion. We found significantly lower levels of IL-10, VEGF
      A, TGF-beta and arginase and higher levels of gal-1 after chemotherapy compared
      to diagnosis. After debulking surgery, a decrease in IL-10 was significant. Gal-1
      and CCL-2 appeared independent prognostic factors for progression-free and
      overall survival (OS) (multivariate analysis). These results will help us in the
      decision making of future therapies in order to further modulate the immune
      system in a positive way.

PMID- 27141400
TI  - Procarcinogenic regulatory T cells in microbial-induced colon cancer.
AB  - Regulatory T cell (Treg) promote IL-17-mediated colon tumorigenesis in multiple
      intestinal neoplasia (Min) mice colonized with enterotoxigenic Bacteroides
      fragilis (ETBF). Although they retain their immunosuppressive function, mucosal
      Treg are instrumental to initiate ETBF-triggered IL-17 colitis by limiting the
      availability of IL-2 in the local microenvironment. However, the mechanisms that
      trigger the recruitment of the pro-carcinogenic Treg in ETBF-colonized colon
      remained to be elucidated.

PMID- 27141402
TI  - Metabolic tug-of-war in tumors results in diminished T cell antitumor immunity.
AB  - Glycolytic activity in T cells governs T cell responses by controlling various
      cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, and effector functions. We
      recently showed that the tumor microenvironment diminishes T cell antitumor
      responses by depriving glucose to infiltrating T cells. Moreover, metabolic
      rewiring tumor-reactive T cells sustain T cell metabolic fitness and antitumor
      responses.

PMID- 27141398
TI  - Lenalidomide enhances antitumor functions of chimeric antigen receptor modified T
      cells.
AB  - Tumor immunotherapy based on the use of chimeric antigen receptor modified T
      cells (CAR T cells) is a promising approach for the treatment of refractory
      hematological malignancies. However, a robust response mediated by CAR T cells is
      observed only in a minority of patients and the expansion and persistence of CAR
      T cells in vivo is mostly unpredictable.Lenalidomide (LEN) is an immunomodulatory
      drug currently approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and mantle
      cell lymphoma, while it is clinically tested in the therapy of diffuse large B
      cell lymphoma of activated B cell immunophenotype. LEN was shown to increase
      antitumor immune responses at least partially by modulating the activity of E3
      ubiquitin ligase Cereblon, which leads to increased ubiquitinylation of Ikaros
      and Aiolos transcription factors, which in turn results in changed expression of
      various receptors on the surface of tumor cells. In order to enhance the
      effectiveness of CAR-based immunotherapy, we assessed the anti-lymphoma efficacy
      of LEN in combination with CAR19 T cells or CAR20 T cells in vitro and in vivo
      using various murine models of aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B
      NHL).Immunodeficient NSG mice were transplanted with various human B-NHL cells
      followed by treatment with CAR19 or CAR20 T cells with or without LEN. Next,
      CAR19 T cells were subjected to series of tests in vitro to evaluate their
      response and signaling capacity following recognition of B cell in the presence
      or absence of LEN.Our data shows that LEN significantly enhances antitumor
      functions of CAR19 and CAR20 T cells in vivo. Additionally, it enhances
      production of interferon gamma by CAR19 T cells and augments cell signaling via
      CAR19 protein in T cells in vitro. Our data further suggests that LEN works
      through direct effects on T cells but not on B-NHL cells. The biochemical events
      underlying this costimulatory effect of LEN are currently being investigated. In
      summary, our data supports the use of LEN for augmentation of CAR-based
      immunotherapy in the clinical grounds.

PMID- 27141405
TI  - FAK goes nuclear to control antitumor immunity-a new target in cancer immuno
      therapy.
AB  - Evading the antitumor immune response is important for the survival and
      progression of cancer. Recently, we identified an unexpected role for nuclear
      Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) activity in the control of tumor Treg levels and
      immune evasion by regulating chemokine and cytokine transcription in cancer
      cells. We proposed a potentially new purpose for FAK kinase inhibitors, which can
      cause immune-mediated tumor regression.

PMID- 27141395
TI  - Have lessons from past failures brought us closer to the success of immunotherapy
      in metastatic pancreatic cancer?
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is extremely resistant to chemo- and radiation-therapies due to
      its inherent genetic instability, the local immunosuppressive microenvironment
      and the remarkable desmoplastic stromal changes which characterize this cancer.
      Therefore, there is an urgent need for improvement on standard current
      therapeutic options. Immunotherapies aimed at harnessing endogenous antitumor
      immunity have shown promise in multiple tumor types. In this review, we give an
      overview of new immune-related therapeutic strategies currently being tested in
      clinical trials in pancreatic cancer. We propose that immunotherapeutic
      strategies in combination with current therapies may offer new hopes in this most
      deadly disease.

PMID- 27141396
TI  - CD137 and CD137L signals are main drivers of type 1, cell-mediated immune
      responses.
AB  - CD137 is expressed on activated T cells and NK cells, among others, and is a
      potent co-stimulator of antitumor immune responses. CD137 ligand (CD137L) is
      expressed by antigen presenting cells (APC), and CD137L reverse signaling into
      APC enhances their activity. CD137-CD137L interactions as main driver of type 1,
      cell-mediated immune responses explains the puzzling observation that CD137
      agonists which enhance antitumor immune responses also ameliorate autoimmune
      diseases. Upon co-stimulation by CD137, Th1 CD4+ T cells together with Tc1 CD8+ T
      cells and NK cells inhibit other T cell subsets, thereby promoting antitumor
      responses and mitigating non-type 1 auto-immune diseases.

PMID- 27141399
TI  - Deletion of LRP5 and LRP6 in dendritic cells enhances antitumor immunity.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains high levels of the Wnt family of
      ligands, and aberrant Wnt-signaling occurs in many tumors. Past studies have been
      directed toward how the Wnt signaling cascade regulates cancer development,
      progression and metastasis. However, its effects on host antitumor immunity
      remain unknown. In this report, we show that Wnts in the TME condition dendritic
      cells (DCs) to a regulatory state and suppress host antitumor immunity. DC
      specific deletion of Wnt co-receptors low-density lipoprotein receptor-related
      protein 5 and 6 (LRP5/6) in mice markedly delayed tumor growth and enhanced host
      antitumor immunity. Mechanistically, loss of LRP5/6-mediated signaling in DCs
      resulted in enhanced effector T cell differentiation and decreased regulatory T
      cell differentiation. This was due to increased production of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines and decreased production of IL-10, TGF-beta1 and retinoic acid (RA).
      Likewise, pharmacological inhibition of the Wnts' interaction with its cognate co
      receptors LRP5/6 and Frizzled (Fzd) receptors had similar effects on tumor growth
      and effector T cell responses. Moreover, blocking Wnt-signaling in DCs resulted
      in enhanced capture of tumor-associated antigens and efficient cross-priming of
      CD8+ T cells. Hence, blocking the Wnt pathway represents a potential therapeutic
      to overcome tumor-mediated immune suppression and augment antitumor immunity.

PMID- 27141401
TI  - Dual targeting of glioblastoma with chimeric antigen receptor-engineered natural
      killer cells overcomes heterogeneity of target antigen expression and enhances
      antitumor activity and survival.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its mutant form EGFRvIII are
      overexpressed in a large proportion of glioblastomas (GBM). Immunotherapy with an
      EGFRvIII-specific vaccine has shown efficacy against GBM in clinical studies.
      However, immune escape by antigen-loss variants and lack of control of EGFR wild
      type positive clones limit the usefulness of this approach. Chimeric antigen
      receptor (CAR)-engineered natural killer (NK) cells may represent an alternative
      immunotherapeutic strategy. For targeting to GBM, we generated variants of the
      clinically applicable human NK cell line NK-92 that express CARs carrying a
      composite CD28-CD3zeta domain for signaling, and scFv antibody fragments for cell
      binding either recognizing EGFR, EGFRvIII, or an epitope common to both antigens.
      In vitro analysis revealed high and specific cytotoxicity of EGFR-targeted NK-92
      against established and primary human GBM cells, which was dependent on EGFR
      expression and CAR signaling. EGFRvIII-targeted NK-92 only lysed EGFRvIII
      positive GBM cells, while dual-specific NK cells expressing a cetuximab-based CAR
      were active against both types of tumor cells. In immunodeficient mice carrying
      intracranial GBM xenografts either expressing EGFR, EGFRvIII or both receptors,
      local treatment with dual-specific NK cells was superior to treatment with the
      corresponding monospecific CAR NK cells. This resulted in a marked extension of
      survival without inducing rapid immune escape as observed upon therapy with
      monospecific effectors. Our results demonstrate that dual targeting of CAR NK
      cells reduces the risk of immune escape and suggest that EGFR/EGFRvIII-targeted
      dual-specific CAR NK cells may have potential for adoptive immunotherapy of
      glioblastoma.

PMID- 27141403
TI  - MUC1 upregulation promotes immune resistance in tumor cells undergoing brachyury
      mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
AB  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a molecular and cellular program in
      which epithelial cells lose their well-differentiated phenotype and adopt
      mesenchymal characteristics. This process, which occurs naturally during
      embryogenesis, has also been shown to be associated with cancer progression and
      with tumor recurrence following conventional therapies. Brachyury is a
      transcription factor that mediates EMT during development, and is aberrantly
      expressed in various human cancers where it promotes tumor cell EMT, metastatic
      dissemination, and resistance to conventional therapies. We have recently shown
      that very high expression of brachyury can protect tumor cells against immune
      cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In seeking to elucidate mechanisms of immunotherapy
      resistance, we have discovered a novel positive association between brachyury and
      mucin-1 (MUC1). MUC1 is overexpressed in the majority of carcinomas, and it has
      been shown to mediate oncogenic signaling and confer resistance to genotoxic
      agents. We found that MUC1 is concomitantly upregulated in tumor cell lines that
      highly express brachyury due to an enhancement of MUC1 mRNA stability. Analysis
      of patient lung tumor tissues also identified a positive association between
      these two proteins in the majority of samples. Inhibition of MUC1 by siRNA-based
      gene silencing markedly enhanced the susceptibility of brachyury-expressing
      cancer cells to killing by tumor necrosis-related apoptosis-inducing ligand
      (TRAIL) and to perforin/granzyme-dependent lysis by immune cytotoxic cells. These
      studies confirm a protective role for MUC1 in brachyury-expressing cancer cells,
      and suggest that inhibition of MUC1 can restore the susceptibility of mesenchymal
      like cancer cells to immune attack.

PMID- 27141407
TI  - Secreted microRNAs from tumor cells can suppress immune function.
AB  - Our recent study reported an interesting finding that tumor cells can actively
      manipulate host immune function to facilitate tumor immune escape through the
      secretion of microRNAs (miRNAs). As an extension of this finding, we showed that
      blockage of the function of tumor-secreted miRNAs represents an effective
      therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.

PMID- 27141404
TI  - Tumor cell-derived microparticles polarize M2 tumor-associated macrophages for
      tumor progression.
AB  - Despite identification of macrophages in tumors (tumor-associated macrophages,
      TAM) as potential targets for cancer therapy, the origin and function of TAM in
      the context of malignancy remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that
      microparticles (MPs), as a by-product, released by tumor cells act as a general
      mechanism to mediate M2 polarization of TAM. Taking up tumor MPs by macrophages
      is a very efficient process, which in turn results in the polarization of
      macrophages into M2 type, not only leading to promoting tumor growth and
      metastasis but also facilitating cancer stem cell development. Moreover, we
      demonstrate that the underlying mechanism involves the activation of the
      cGAS/STING/TBK1/STAT6 pathway by tumor MPs. Finally, in addition to murine tumor
      MPs, we show that human counterparts also possess consistent effect on human M2
      polarization. These findings provide new insights into a critical role of tumor
      MPs in remodeling of tumor microenvironment and better understanding of the
      communications between tumors and macrophages.

PMID- 27141408
TI  - A commentary on the utility of a new L-DOPA-responsive dystonia mouse model.
AB  - In a recent issue of Brain, we reported on the generation and characterization of
      a mouse model of the rare disease L-DOPA-responsive dystonia (DRD). Here, we
      discuss the utility of these mice for understanding broader disease processes and
      treatment strategies. Using specific experimental designs that either work
      "forward" from genetic etiology or "backward" from the symptomatic presentation,
      we discuss how our data and future work can be used to understand broader themes.

PMID- 27141410
TI  - The conditional KO approach: Cre/Lox technology in human neurons.
AB  - The use of human pluripotent stem cells to model human diseases has become a new
      standard in biomedical sciences. To this end, patient-derived somatic cells are
      studied in vitro to mimic human pathological conditions. Here, we describe an
      alternative experimental strategy, the 'conditional KO approach', which allows
      engineering disease-relevant mutations in pluripotent stem cells from healthy
      donors. In combination with the Cre/Lox technology, this strategy enables us to
      study the molecular causes of human diseases independent of the genetic
      background or of genetic alterations induced by clonal selection. As a proof-of
      principle, we generated pluripotent stem cells with conditional loss-of-function
      mutations in the human STXBP1 gene that encodes Munc18-1. Using neurons derived
      from these cells, we show that heterozygous disruption of STXBP1 produces a
      specific and selective impairment in synaptic transmission that may account for
      the severe neurological disease caused by such mutations in human patients. 

PMID- 27141406
TI  - Interactions between colon cancer cells and tumor-infiltrated macrophages
      depending on cancer cell-derived colony stimulating factor 1.
AB  - Tumor-infiltrated macrophages were potential targets of the immune therapy for
      patients with colon cancer. Colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) is a primary
      chemoattractant and functional regulator for macrophages, and therefore would be
      a feasible intervention for the macrophage-targeting therapeutics. However, the
      expression of CSF1 in colon cancer microenvironment and its roles in cancer
      development is largely unknown. In the present study, we found that CSF1 was over
      expressed exclusively in colon cancer cells and was correlated with macrophages
      infiltration. The high CSF1 expression and macrophages infiltration were related
      to the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage of colon cancer, and suggested to be
      positively associated with survival of colon cancer patients. In the in vitro
      studies based on an indirect Transwell system, we found that co-culture with
      macrophage promoted CSF1 production in colon cancer cells. Further investigation
      on regulatory mechanisms suggested that CSF1 production in colon cancer cells was
      dependent on PKC pathway, which was activated by IL-8, mainly produced by
      macrophages. Moreover, colon cancer cell-derived CSF1 drove the recruitment of
      macrophages and re-educated their secretion profile, including the augment of IL
      8 production. The mice tumor xenografts study also found that over-expression of
      CSF1 in colon cancer cells promoted intratumoral infiltration of macrophages, and
      partially suppressed tumor growth. In all, our results demonstrated that CSF1 was
      an important factor in the colon cancer microenvironment, involving in the
      interactions between colon cancer cells and tumor-infiltrated macrophages.

PMID- 27141397
TI  - Advances in clinical NK cell studies: Donor selection, manufacturing and quality
      control.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells are increasingly used in clinical studies in order to
      treat patients with various malignancies. The following review summarizes
      platform lectures and 2013-2015 consortium meetings on manufacturing and clinical
      use of NK cells in Europe and United States. A broad overview of recent pre
      clinical and clinical results in NK cell therapies is provided based on
      unstimulated, cytokine-activated, as well as genetically engineered NK cells
      using chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). Differences in donor selection,
      manufacturing and quality control of NK cells for cancer immunotherapies are
      described and basic recommendations are outlined for harmonization in future NK
      cell studies.

PMID- 27141409
TI  - Mitochondrial dysfunction and defects in lipid homeostasis as therapeutic targets
      in neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation.
AB  - The PLA2G6 gene encodes a group VIA calcium independent phospholipase A2
      (iPLA2beta), which hydrolyses glycerophospholipids to release fatty acids and
      lysophospholipids. Mutations in PLA2G6 are associated with a number of
      neurodegenerative disorders including neurodegeneration with brain iron
      accumulation (NBIA), infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD), and dystonia
      parkinsonism, collectively known as PLA2G6-associated neurodegeneration (PLAN).
      Recently Kinghorn et al. demonstrated in Drosophila and PLA2G6 mutant fibroblasts
      that loss of normal PLA2G6 activity is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction
      and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, they were able to show the
      beneficial effects of deuterated polyunsaturated fatty acids (D-PUFAs), which
      reduce lipid peroxidation. D-PUFAs were able to rescue the locomotor deficits of
      flies lacking the fly ortholog of PLA2G6 (iPLA2-VIA), as well as the
      mitochondrial abnormalities in PLA2G6 mutant fibroblasts. This work demonstrated
      that the iPLA2-VIA knockout fly is a useful organism to dissect the mechanisms of
      pathogenesis of PLAN, and that further investigation is required to determine the
      therapeutic potential of D-PUFAs in patients with PLA2G6 mutations. The fruit fly
      has also been used to study some of the other genetic causes of NBIA, and here we
      also describe what is known about the mechanisms of pathogenesis of these NBIA
      variants. Mitochondrial dysfunction, defects in lipid metabolism, as well as
      defective Coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis, have all been implicated in some genetic
      forms of NBIA, including PANK2, CoASY, C12orf19 and FA2H. 

PMID- 27141411
TI  - Problems and solutions for the analysis of somatic CAG repeat expansion and their
      relationship to Huntington's disease toxicity.
AB  - Huntington's Disease is caused by inheritance of a single disease-length allele
      harboring an expanded CAG repeat, which continues to expand in somatic tissues
      with age. Whether somatic expansion contributed to toxicity was unknown. From
      extensive work from multiple laboratories, it has been made clear that toxicity
      depended on length of the inherited allele, but whether preventing or delaying
      somatic repeat expansion in vivo would be beneficial was unknown, since the
      inherited disease allele was still expressed. In Budworth et al., we provided
      definitive evidence that suppressing the somatic expansion in mice substantially
      delays disease onset in littermates that inherit the same disease-length allele.
      This key discovery opens the door for therapeutic approaches targeted at stopping
      or shortening the CAG tract during life. The analysis was difficult and, at
      times, non-standard. Here, we take the opportunity to discuss the challenges, the
      analytical solutions, and to address some controversial issues with respect to
      expansion biology. 

PMID- 27141414
TI  - The calpain-suppressing effects of olesoxime in Huntington's disease.
AB  - Olesoxime, a small molecule drug candidate, has recently attracted attention due
      to its significant beneficial effects in models of several neurodegenerative
      disorders including Huntington's disease. Olesoxime's neuroprotective effects
      have been assumed to be conveyed through a direct, positive influence on
      mitochondrial function. In a long-term treatment study in BACHD rats, the latest
      rat model of Huntington's disease, olesoxime revealed a positive influence on
      mitochondrial function and improved specific behavioral and neuropathological
      phenotypes. Moreover, a novel target of the compound was discovered, as olesoxime
      was found to suppress the activation of the calpain proteolytic system, a major
      contributor to the cleavage of the disease-causing mutant huntingtin protein into
      toxic fragments, and key player in degenerative processes in general. Results
      from a second model of Huntington's disease, the Hdh (Q111) knock-in mouse,
      confirm olesoxime's calpain-suppressing effects and support the therapeutic value
      of olesoxime for Huntington's disease and other disorders involving calpain
      overactivation. 

PMID- 27141416
TI  - Pigmentation-based insertional mutagenesis is a simple and potent screening
      approach for identifying neurocristopathy-associated genes in mice.
AB  - Neurocristopathies form a specific group of rare genetic diseases in which a
      defect in neural crest cell development is causal. Because of the large number of
      neural crest cell derivatives, distinct structures/cell types (isolated or in
      combination) are affected in each neurocristopathy. The most important issues in
      this research field is that the underlying genetic cause and associated
      pathogenic mechanism of most cases of neurocristopathy are poorly understood.
      This article describes how a relatively simple insertional mutagenesis approach
      in the mouse has proved useful for identifying new candidate genes and pathogenic
      mechanisms for diverse neurocristopathies. 

PMID- 27141413
TI  - Dystrophin: The dead calm of a dogma.
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common inherited muscle disease
      leading to severe disability and death of young men. Current interventions are
      palliative as no treatment improves the long-term outcome. Therefore, new
      therapeutic modalities with translational potential are urgently needed and
      abnormalities downstream from the absence of dystrophin are realistic targets. It
      has been shown that DMD mutations alter extracellular ATP (eATP) signaling via
      P2RX7 purinoceptor upregulation, which leads to autophagic death of dystrophic
      muscle cells. Furthermore, the eATP-P2RX7 axis contributes to DMD pathology by
      stimulating harmful inflammatory responses. We demonstrated recently that genetic
      ablation or pharmacological inhibition of P2RX7 in the mdx mouse model of DMD
      produced functional attenuation of both muscle and non-muscle symptoms,
      establishing this receptor as an attractive therapeutic target. Central to the
      argument presented here, this purinergic phenotype affects dystrophic myoblasts.
      Muscle cells were believed not to be affected at this stage of differentiation,
      as they do not produce detectable dystrophin protein. Our findings contradict the
      central hypothesis stating that aberrant dystrophin expression is inconsequential
      in myoblasts and the DMD pathology results from effects such as sarcolemma
      fragility, due to the absence of dystrophin, in differentiated myofibres.
      However, we discuss here the evidence that, already in myogenic cells, DMD
      mutations produce a plethora of abnormalities, including in cell proliferation,
      differentiation, energy metabolism, Ca(2+) homeostasis and death, leading to
      impaired muscle regeneration. We hope that this discussion may bring to light
      further results that will help re-evaluating the established belief. Clearly,
      understanding how DMD mutations alter such a range of functions in myogenic cells
      is vital for developing effective therapies. 

PMID- 27141415
TI  - Simvastatin offers new prospects for the treatment of Duchenne muscular
      dystrophy.
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common and severe inherited
      neuromuscular disorder. DMD is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the
      dystrophin protein in muscle fibers. Dystrophin was originally proposed to be a
      structural protein that protected the sarcolemma from stresses produced during
      contractions. However, more recently, experimental evidence has revealed a far
      more complicated picture, with the loss of dystrophin causing dysfunction of
      multiple muscle signaling pathways, which all contribute to the overall disease
      pathophysiology. Current gene-based approaches for DMD are conceptually appealing
      since they offer the potential to restore dystrophin to muscles, albeit a
      partially functional, truncated form of the protein. However, given the cost and
      technical challenges facing these genetic approaches, it is important to consider
      if relatively inexpensive, clinically used drugs may be repurposed for treating
      DMD. Here, we discuss our recent findings showing the potential of simvastatin as
      a novel therapy for DMD. 

PMID- 27141412
TI  - Beyond multiple mechanisms and a unique drug: Defective autophagy as pivotal
      player in cerebral cavernous malformation pathogenesis and implications for
      targeted therapies.
AB  - Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) is a major cerebrovascular disease of
      proven genetic origin affecting 0.3-0.5% of the general population. It is
      characterized by abnormally enlarged and leaky capillaries, which predispose to
      seizures, focal neurological deficits and intracerebral hemorrhage. Causative
      loss-of-function mutations have been identified in 3 genes, KRIT1 (CCM1), CCM2
      and PDCD10 (CCM3). While providing new options for the development of
      pharmacological therapies, recent advances in knowledge of the functions of these
      genes have clearly indicated that they exert pleiotropic effects on several
      biological pathways. Recently, we found that defective autophagy is a common
      feature of loss-of-function mutations of the 3 known CCM genes, and underlies
      major phenotypic signatures of CCM disease, including endothelial-to-mesenchymal
      transition and enhanced ROS production, suggesting a unifying pathogenetic
      mechanism and reconciling the distinct therapeutic approaches proposed so far. In
      this invited review, we discuss autophagy as a possible unifying mechanism in CCM
      disease pathogenesis, and new perspectives and avenues of research for disease
      prevention and treatment, including novel potential drug repurposing and
      combination strategies, and identification of genetic risk factors as basis for
      development of personalized medicine approaches. 

PMID- 27141419
TI  - Extracellular vesicles of the blood-brain barrier.
AB  - Extracellular vesicles (ECV), like exosomes, gained recently a lot of attention
      as potentially playing a significant role in neurodegenerative diseases,
      particularly in Abeta pathology. While there are a lot of reports on ECV/exosomes
      derived from a variety of cell types, there is limited information on
      ECV/exosomes originated from brain microvascular endothelial cells forming the
      blood-brain barrier (BBB). In this review, we summarize the literature data on
      brain endothelial ECV/exosomes and present our own data on BBB-derived ECV and
      their possible involvement in the brain's Abeta pathology. We propose that
      ECV/exosome release from brain endothelial cells associated with Abeta affects
      different cells of the neurovascular unit and may be an important contributor to
      the Abeta deposition in the central nervous system.

PMID- 27141418
TI  - Blood brain barrier: An overview on strategies in drug delivery, realistic in
      vitro modeling and in vivo live tracking.
AB  - Blood brain barrier (BBB) is a group of astrocytes, neurons and endothelial
      cells, which makes restricted passage of various biological or chemical entities
      to the brain tissue. It gives protection to brain at one hand, but at the other
      hand it has very selective permeability for bio-actives and other foreign
      materials and is one of the major challenges for the drug delivery. Nanocarriers
      are promising to cross BBB utilizing alternative route of administration such as
      intranasal and intra-carotid drug delivery which bypasses BBB. In future more
      optimized drug delivery system can be achieved by compiling the best routes with
      the best carriers. Single photon emission tomography (SPECT) and different brain
      on-a-chip in vitro models are being very reliable to study live in vivo tracking
      of BBB and its pathophysiology, respectively. In the current review we have tried
      to exploit mechanistically all these to understand and manage the various BBB
      disruptions in diseased condition along with crossing the hurdles occurring in
      drug or gene delivery across BBB.

PMID- 27141417
TI  - Morphogens and blood-brain barrier function in health and disease.
AB  - The microvasculature of the brain forms a protective blood-brain barrier (BBB)
      that ensures a homeostatic environment for the central nervous system (CNS),
      which is essential for optimal brain functioning. The barrier properties of the
      brain endothelial cells are maintained by cells surrounding the capillaries, such
      as astrocytes and pericytes. Together with the endothelium and a basement
      membrane, these supporting cells form the neurovascular unit (NVU). Accumulating
      evidence indicates that the supporting cells of the NVU release a wide variety of
      soluble factors that induce and control barrier properties in a concentration
      dependent manner. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of how
      such factors, called morphogens, influence BBB integrity and functioning. Since
      impaired BBB function is apparent in numerous CNS disorders and is often
      associated with disease severity, we also discuss the potential therapeutic value
      of these morphogens, as they may represent promising therapies for a wide variety
      of CNS disorders.

PMID- 27141420
TI  - Tight junction modulation of the blood brain barrier: CNS delivery of small
      molecules.
AB  - The blood brain barrier (BBB) represents a major obstacle for targeted drug
      delivery to the brain for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS)
      disorders. Significant advances in barrier research over the past decade has led
      to the discovery of an increasing number of structural and regulatory proteins in
      tight junctions (TJ) and adherens junctions (AJ). These discoveries are providing
      the framework for the development of novel TJ modulators which can act
      specifically and temporarily to alter BBB function and regulate paracellular
      uptake of molecules. TJ modulators that have shown therapeutic potential in
      preclinical models include claudin-5 and occludin siRNAs, peptides derived from
      zonula occludens toxin as well as synthetic peptides targeting the extracellular
      loops of TJs. Adding to the array of modulating agents are novel mechanisms of
      BBB regulation such as focused ultrasound (FUS). This review will give a succinct
      overview of BBB biology and TJ modulation in general. Novel insights into BBB
      regulation in health and disease will also be summarized.

PMID- 27141421
TI  - Viral interactions with the blood-brain barrier: old dog, new tricks.
AB  - Brain endothelial cells form a unique cellular structure known as the tight
      junction to regulate the exchanges between the blood and the parenchyma by
      limiting the paracellular diffusion of blood-borne substance. Together with the
      restricted pathway of transcytosis, the tight junction in the brain endothelial
      cells provides the central nervous system (CNS) with effective protection against
      both the foreign pathogens and the host immune cells, which is also termed the
      "blood-brain barrier." The blood-brain barrier is particularly important for
      defending against neurotropic viral infections that have become a major source of
      diseases worldwide. Many neurotropic viruses are able to cross the BBB and infect
      the CNS through very poorly understood processes. This review focuses upon the
      structural and functional changes of the brain endothelial tight junction in
      response to viral infections in the CNS and how the tight junction changes may be
      studied with advanced imaging and recording approaches to reveal novel processes
      used by the viruses to cross the barrier system. Additional emphasis is placed
      upon new countermeasures that can act directly upon the tight junction to improve
      the pathogen clearance and minimize the inflammatory damage.

PMID- 27141422
TI  - Microfluidic organ-on-chip technology for blood-brain barrier research.
AB  - Organs-on-chips are a new class of microengineered laboratory models that combine
      several of the advantages of current in vivo and in vitro models. In this review,
      we summarize the advances that have been made in the development of organ-on-chip
      models of the blood-brain barrier (BBBs-on-chips) and the challenges that are
      still ahead. The BBB is formed by specialized endothelial cells and separates
      blood from brain tissue. It protects the brain from harmful compounds from the
      blood and provides homeostasis for optimal neuronal function [corrected].
      Studying BBB function and dysfunction is important for drug development and
      biomedical research. Microfluidic BBBs-on-chips enable real-time study of (human)
      cells in an engineered physiological microenvironment, for example incorporating
      small geometries and fluid flow as well as sensors. Examples of BBBs-on-chips in
      literature already show the potential of more realistic microenvironments and the
      study of organ-level functions. A key challenge in the field of BBB-on-chip
      development is the current lack of standardized quantification of parameters such
      as barrier permeability and shear stress. This limits the potential for direct
      comparison of the performance of different BBB-on-chip models to each other and
      existing models. We give recommendations for further standardization in model
      characterization and conclude that the rapidly emerging field of BBB-on-chip
      models holds great promise for further studies in BBB biology and drug
      development.

PMID- 27141423
TI  - HIV and viral protein effects on the blood brain barrier.
AB  - The blood brain barrier (BBB) plays a critical role in the normal physiology of
      the central nervous system (CNS) by regulating what crosses from the periphery
      into the brain. Damage to the BBB or alterations in transport systems may mediate
      the pathogenesis of many CNS diseases, including HIV-associated CNS dysfunction.
      HIV-1 infection can result in neuropathologic changes in about one half of
      infected individuals and also can result in damage to the BBB. HIV-1 and the HIV
      1 viral proteins, Tat and gp120, cause alterations in the integrity and function
      of the BBB through both paracellular and transcellular mechanisms. The current
      review discusses HIV and viral protein-mediated injury to the BBB with a focus on
      the effects on tight junction proteins, barrier permeability, and drug efflux
      proteins.

PMID- 27141424
TI  - Heterogeneity of the blood-brain barrier.
AB  - The brain microvascular network is comprised of capillaries, arterioles and
      venules, all of which retain - although to a different extent - blood-brain
      barrier (BBB) properties. Capillaries constitute the largest and tightest
      microvasculature. In contrast, venules have a looser junctional arrangement,
      while arterioles have a lower expression of P-gp. Development and maintenance of
      the BBB depends on the interaction of cerebral endothelial cells with pericytes
      and astrocytes, which are all heterogeneous in different regions of the central
      nervous system. At the level of circumventricular organs microvessels are
      permeable, containing fenestrations and discontinuous tight junctions. In
      addition, the blood-spinal cord barrier - where the number of pericytes is lower
      and expression of junctional proteins is reduced - is also more permeable than
      the BBB. However, much less is known about the cellular, molecular and functional
      differences among other regions of the brain. This review summarizes our current
      knowledge on the heterogeneity of the brain microvasculature.

PMID- 27141428
TI  - Introduction for the Special Issue on the Blood-Brain Barrier.

PMID- 27141425
TI  - Quantitative analysis of nanoparticle transport through in vitro blood-brain
      barrier models.
AB  - Nanoparticle transport through the blood-brain barrier has received much
      attention of late, both from the point of view of nano-enabled drug delivery, as
      well as due to concerns about unintended exposure of nanomaterials to humans and
      other organisms. In vitro models play a lead role in efforts to understand the
      extent of transport through the blood-brain barrier, but unique features of the
      nanoscale challenge their direct adaptation. Here we highlight some of the
      differences compared to molecular species when utilizing in vitro blood-brain
      barrier models for nanoparticle studies. Issues that may arise with transwell
      systems are discussed, together with some potential alternative methodologies. We
      also briefly review the biomolecular corona concept and its importance for how
      nanoparticles interact with the blood-brain barrier. We end with considering
      future directions, including indirect effects and application of shear and
      fluidics-technologies.

PMID- 27141431
TI  - A case of primary pulmonary NK/T cell lymphoma presenting as pneumonia.
AB  - Primary pulmonary lymphoma, particularly non-B cell lymphomas involving lung
      parenchyma, is very rare. A 46-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with
      fever and cough. Chest X-ray showed left lower lobe consolidation, which was
      considered pneumonia. However, because the patient showed no response to
      empirical antibiotic therapy, bronchoscopic biopsy was performed for proper
      diagnosis. The biopsied specimen showed infiltrated atypical lymphocytes with
      angiocentric appearance. On immunohistochemical staining, these atypical cells
      were positive for CD3, CD30, CD56, MUM-1, and granzyme B, and labeled for Epstein
      Barr virus encoded RNA in situ hybridization. These findings were consistent with
      NK/T cell lymphoma. We report on a case of primary pulmonary NK/T cell lymphoma
      presenting as pneumonic symptoms and review the literature on the subject. 

PMID- 27141426
TI  - Nanoparticle transport across the blood brain barrier.
AB  - While the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is increasingly recognized in the
      (development of treatments targeting neurodegenerative disorders, to date, few
      strategies exist that enable drug delivery of non-BBB crossing molecules directly
      to their site of action, the brain. However, the recent advent of Nanomedicines
      may provide a potent tool to implement CNS targeted delivery of active compounds.
      Approaches for BBB crossing are deeply investigated in relation to the pathology:
      among the main important diseases of the CNS, this review focuses on the
      application of nanomedicines to neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer, Parkinson
      and Huntington's Disease) and to other brain pathologies as epilepsy, infectious
      diseases, multiple sclerosis, lysosomal storage disorders, strokes.

PMID- 27141433
TI  - Congenital pulmonary airway malformation in a 36 year-old female.
AB  - Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), previously known as congenital
      cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM), is an inborn abnormality of the lower
      respiratory system. Most often diagnosed in the perinatal period, these anomalies
      usually present with tachypnea, cyanosis, and respiratory distress. However, rare
      cases are asymptomatic and undiagnosed until adulthood. 

PMID- 27141435
TI  - A case of recurrent massive pulmonary embolism in Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber
      syndrome treated with thrombolytics.
AB  - Klippel - Trenaunay - Weber syndrome (KTWS) is a congenital condition
      characterized by a triad of capillary malformations of the skin, soft tissue and
      bone hypertrophy resulting in limb enlargement, and abnormalities of
      arteriovenous and lymphatic systems of the affected limb. In this case, we
      present a patient with KTWS receiving chronic anticoagulation that had a massive
      pulmonary embolism and was successfully treated with thrombolytic therapy. The
      purpose of this case is to educate readers about this uncommon condition and to
      increase awareness, recognition and timely treatment of its most common
      complications, namely thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. 

PMID- 27141434
TI  - A 62-year-old man with dyspnea.
AB  - We describe the case of a 62-year-old man who presented with shortness of breath
      that had progressed over several years. He had a history of a paralyzed right
      hemidiaphragm for at least the previous 10 years. He also reported weakness in
      his proximal legs and daytime sleepiness. On examination, he was found to have
      thoracoabdominal paradox when in supine position. Pulmonary function testing
      revealed severe restriction; arterial blood gas showed chronic respiratory
      acidosis. Electromyography showed chronic phrenic neuropathy bilaterally, with
      mild proximal myopathy. Serum aldolase level was mildly elevated, but serologic
      tests for connective tissue disorders were within reference range. After
      extensive clinical investigations, the patient was found to have severely reduced
      acid alpha-glucosidase. Genetic analysis confirmed the diagnosis of adult-onset
      Pompe disease. The patient started treatment with bilevel positive airway
      pressure titrated during polysomnography, and acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme
      replacement was recommended. 

PMID- 27141432
TI  - Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis - A rare idiopathic interstitial
      pneumonia.
AB  - Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis is a rare idiopathic interstitial
      pneumonia. It was first described in 2004 and subsequently included in the
      ATS/ERS classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in 2013. There have
      been few cases reported so far. The diagnostic criteria is still emerging and its
      etiology is being questioned. We report a case of pleuroparenchymal
      fibroelastosis probably idiopathic, the first of its kind to be reported from
      India, and a brief review of the literature. 

PMID- 27141441
TI  - Preface on current topics in men's health.

PMID- 27141443
TI  - Optimizing outcomes in vasectomy: how to ensure sterility and prevent
      complications.
AB  - Vasectomy provides a long-term effective sterilization for men and is performed
      on nearly 500,000 men annually in the United States. Improvements in technique
      have led to a decreased failure rate and fewer complications, although
      significant variations in technique exist. Use of cautery occlusion with or
      without fascial interposition appears to have the least failures. A no-scalpel
      approach lowers risk of hematoma formation, infection and bleeding post
      operatively. A patient can be considered sterile when azoospermia is achieved or
      the semen analysis shows less than 100,000 non-motile sperm per milliliter.
      Incorporating these principles may allow the physician to optimize outcomes in
      vasectomy. 

PMID- 27141440
TI  - Clinical significance of serum Protease-Activated Receptor-1 (PAR-1) levels in
      patients with cutaneous melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protease-Activated Receptor-1 (PAR-1) plays an important role in the
      pathogenesis of multiple malignancies and its expression strongly also affects
      the outcomes of cancer patients. The objective of this study was to determine the
      clinical significance of the serum levels of PAR-1in cutaneous melanoma patients.
      METHODS: A total of 60 patients with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of
      cutaneous melanoma were enrolled into this study. Serum PAR-1concentrations were
      determined by the solid-phase sandwich ELISA method. RESULTS: No significant
      difference in serum PAR-1 levels between melanoma patients and healthy controls
      was found (p = 0.07). The known clinical variables including age of patient,
      gender, site of lesion, histology, stage of disease, serum LDH levels and
      chemotherapy responsiveness were not correlated with serum PAR-1 concentrations
      (p > 0.05). Likewise, serum PAR-1 concentration had also no prognostic role on
      survival (p = 0.41). CONCLUSION: Serum levels of PAR-1 have no diagnostic,
      predictive and prognostic roles in cutaneous melanoma patients. GENERAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: Measurement of PAR-1 in serum is not a clinical significance in
      cutaneous melanoma patients.

PMID- 27141437
TI  - Investigation on possible transmission of monkeys' Plasmodium to human in a
      populations living in the equatorial rainforest of the Democratic republic of
      Congo.
AB  - Plasmodiums are protozoa that may infect various hosts. Only five species are now
      recognized as naturally parasitizing humans: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium
      vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium knowlesi. This fifth
      species, P. knowlesi, previously identified as naturally parasitizing the monkey
      Macaca fascicularis, has been microscopically confused for a long time with P.
      malariae or P. falciparum and it was not possible to correctly differentiate them
      until the advent of molecular biology. To date, natural human infections with P.
      knowlesi only occur in Southeast Asia and a similar phenomenon of natural
      transmission of simian plasmodium to humans has not been reported elsewhere. This
      study was conducted to investigate a possible transmission of African small
      monkey's plasmodium to humans in populations living near the rainforest of the
      Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where several species of non-human primates
      are living. Two successive real-time PCRs were identified in the literature and
      used in combination for purpose. Only P. falciparum was found in this study.
      However, studies with larger samples and with more advanced techniques should be
      conducted. 

PMID- 27141429
TI  - Tumor-Initiating Cells: Emerging Biophysical Methods of Isolation.
AB  - The discovery and subsequent isolation of tumor-initiating cells (TICs), a small
      population of highly tumorigenic and drug-resistant cancer cells also called
      cancer stem cells (CSCs), have revolutionized our understanding of cancer. TICs
      are isolated using various methodologies, including selection of surface marker
      expression, ALDH activity, suspension culture, and chemotherapy/drug resistance.
      These methods have several drawbacks, including their variability, lack of
      robustness and scalability, and low specificity. Alternative methods of
      purification take advantage of biophysical properties of TICs including their
      adhesion and stiffness. This review will provide a brief overview of TIC biology
      as well as review the most important methods of TIC isolation with a focus on
      biophysical methods of TIC purification.

PMID- 27141444
TI  - The devil is in the details: an analysis of the subtleties between
      phosphodiesterase inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.
AB  - Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual disorder with numerous etiologies
      involving multiple organ systems that leads to significant distress and decreased
      quality of life for the affected men. Fortunately, there are several modalities
      and interventions for treating ED. Oral medications, intra-urethral compounds,
      intracorporeal injections, vacuum-assist devices and surgically implanted
      prostheses are all part of the treatment algorithm. One of the first-lines and
      certainly the most widely used options for treating ED is the family of oral
      phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I). The introduction of these
      medications in the late 1990s revolutionized the field of sexual medicine.
      Currently there are no guidelines and minimal literature to help providers choose
      among drugs in this class. This review will address differences in efficacy and
      side effects between various members of the oral selective phosphodiesterase-5
      inhibitor class of drugs. 

PMID- 27141439
TI  - Is Toxoplasma gondii a threat to the conservation of free-ranging Australian
      marsupial populations?
AB  - It has often been asserted that Australian marsupial species are particularly
      susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii infection and to clinical toxoplasmosis
      following infection. This implicates T. gondii as a potential threat to marsupial
      population viability, and contrasts to what is known of T. gondii in populations
      of several other host species. We reviewed the literature, and found a lack of
      scientifically robust evidence addressing the occurrence of T. gondii infection
      in free-ranging populations of Australian marsupial species, and the impacts of
      the infection on population health. Key limitations included a lack of studies in
      free-ranging marsupial populations, study findings susceptible to substantial
      chance influences, and selection, misclassification and confounding biases. The
      lack of scientifically robust data available on this topic indicates that
      assertions that free-ranging populations of Australian marsupials are
      particularly susceptible to T. gondii infection and to toxoplasmosis are
      premature. The threat of T. gondii to the viability of free-ranging marsupial
      populations should therefore be regarded, at this stage, as a hypothesis. 

PMID- 27141438
TI  - Detection and characterization of diverse coccidian protozoa shed by California
      sea lions.
AB  - Tissue-cyst forming coccidia in the family Sarcocystidae are etiologic agents of
      protozoal encephalitis in marine mammals including the federally listed Southern
      sea otter (Enhydra lutris). California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), whose
      coastal habitat overlaps with sea otters, are definitive hosts for coccidian
      protozoa provisionally named Coccidia A, B and C. While Coccidia A and B have
      unknown clinical effects on aquatic wildlife hosts, Coccidia C is associated with
      severe protozoal disease in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). In this study, we
      conducted surveillance for protozoal infection and fecal shedding in hospitalized
      and free-ranging California sea lions on the Pacific Coast and examined oocyst
      morphology and phenotypic characteristics of isolates via mouse bioassay and cell
      culture. Coccidia A and B were shed in similar frequency, particularly by
      yearlings. Oocysts shed by one free-ranging sea lion sampled at Ano Nuevo State
      Park in California were previously unidentified in sea lions and were most
      similar to coccidia infecting Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus townsendi)
      diagnosed with protozoal disease in Oregon (USA). Sporulated Coccidia A and B
      oocysts did not replicate in three strains of mice or in African green monkey
      kidney cells. However, cultivation experiments revealed that the inoculum of
      fecally-derived Coccidia A and B oocysts additionally contained organisms with
      genetic and antigenic similarity to Sarcocystis neurona; despite the absence of
      detectable free sporocysts in fecal samples by microscopic examination. In
      addition to the further characterization of Coccidia A and B in free-ranging and
      hospitalized sea lions, these results provide evidence of a new role for sea
      lions as putative mechanical vectors of S. neurona, or S. neurona-like species.
      Future work is needed to clarify the distribution, taxonomical status, and
      pathogenesis of these parasites in sea lions and other marine mammals that share
      their the near-shore marine environment. 

PMID- 27141445
TI  - Can lifestyle modification affect men's erectile function?
AB  - Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition affecting millions of men
      worldwide. The pathophysiology and epidemiologic links between ED and risk
      factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are well-established. Lifestyle
      modifications such as smoking cessation, weight reduction, dietary modification,
      physical activity, and psychological stress reduction have been increasingly
      recognized as foundational to the prevention and treatment of ED. The aim of this
      review is to outline behavioral choices which may increase ones risk of
      developing ED, to present relevant studies addressing lifestyle factors
      correlated with ED, and to highlight proposed mechanisms for intervention aimed
      at improving erectile function in men with ED. These recommendations can provide
      a framework for counseling patients with ED about lifestyle modification. 

PMID- 27141442
TI  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes nerve regeneration by activating the
      JAK/STAT pathway in Schwann cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radical prostatectomy (RP) carries the risk of erectile dysfunction
      (ED) due to cavernous nerve (CN) injury. Schwann cells are essential for the
      maintenance of integrity and function of peripheral nerves such as the CNs. We
      hypothesize that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activates the Janus
      kinase (JAK)/(signal transducer and activator of transcription) STAT pathway in
      Schwann cells, not in neuronal axonal fibers, with the resultant secretion of
      cytokines from Schwann cells to facilitate nerve recovery. METHODS: Using four
      different cell lines-human neuroblastoma BE(2)-C and SH-SY5Y, human Schwann cell
      (HSC), and rat Schwann cell (RSC) RT4-D6P2T-we assessed the effect of BDNF
      application on the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway. We also assessed the time
      response of JAK/STAT pathway activation in RSCs and HSCs after BDNF treatment. We
      then assayed cytokine release from HSCs as a response to BDNF treatment using
      oncostatin M and IL6 as markers. RESULTS: We showed extensive phosphorylation of
      STAT3/STAT1 by BDNF at high dose (100 pM) in RSCs, with no JAK/STAT pathway
      activation in human neuroblastoma cell lines. The time response of JAK/STAT
      pathway activation in RSCs and HSCs after BDNF treatment showed an initial peak
      at shortly after treatment and then a second higher peak at 24-48 hours. Cytokine
      release from HSCs increased progressively after BDNF application, reaching
      statistical significance for IL6. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated for the first time
      the indirect mechanism of BDNF enhancement of nerve regeneration through the
      activation of JAK/STAT pathway in Schwann cells, rather than directly on neurons.
      As a result of BDNF application, Schwann cells produce cytokines that promote
      nerve regeneration.

PMID- 27141436
TI  - Successful balloon pulmonary angioplasty with gadolinium contrast media for a
      patient with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and iodine allergy.
AB  - A 28-year-old male was referred to our hospital with dyspnea. He was diagnosed as
      having chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and a pulmonary
      endarterectomy (PEA) was performed. However, exertional dyspnea remained because
      of residual pulmonary hypertension; therefore, the patient was re-admitted to our
      hospital 1 year after PEA. We performed computed tomography and pulmonary
      angiography and found web and band lesions in the distal pulmonary artery with a
      high pulmonary artery pressure. Although further management was complicated
      because the patient had an anaphylactic shock to iodine-based contrast media, we
      eventually completed five sessions of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) using
      gadolinium contrast medium. His symptoms and hemodynamics dramatically improved
      after a series of BPA. After 15 months, mean pulmonary arterial pressure reduced
      from 67 mmHg to 20 mmHg, and subjective symptoms improved from stage IV to I as
      per the WHO classification system. BPA is a potential procedure for residual
      pulmonary hypertension after PEA and could be safely performed using gadolinium
      contrast medium for patients with iodine allergy. 

PMID- 27141451
TI  - Men's health and transgender surgery: a urologist's perspective.

PMID- 27141448
TI  - Testosterone therapy in the new era of Food and Drug Administration oversight.
AB  - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced changes in labeling and
      indications for use to testosterone products in 2015 due to a possible increased
      risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. This decision was made based on six clinical
      studies-some that supported an increased CV risk, and some that did not. Since
      this decision, additional studies have been published examining the interplay
      between hypogonadism, CV risk, and testosterone, demonstrating that the risk may
      be lower than originally estimated. Clinicians are placed in a difficult
      position, as studies support an increased mortality risk in hypogonadal men, but
      also an increased risk of CV events in men on testosterone therapy. As a result,
      many clinicians will be more selective in their prescribing of testosterone. In
      this review, we examine how these new guidelines arose and how they may affect
      prescribing habits. 

PMID- 27141447
TI  - A summary of the controversy surrounding off-label medications in men's health.
AB  - While there are common and accepted practices in men's health, barriers exist to
      treatment of these disorders with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved
      medications. In male factor infertility, these barriers include studies that are
      often underpowered for desired outcomes. This has led to the use of medications
      previously examined in females in an off-label fashion for treatment of male
      infertility. Issues surrounding the treatment of hypogonadism in men are more
      complex, becoming increasingly so in the last few years. Drug companies have
      developed compounds for treatment of hypogonadism for particular subgroups of
      men. However, the indicated groups for these medications are narrow leading to
      these medications being regularly used for an indication the FDA considers to be
      part of "normal aging". This work will examine the controversy surrounding the
      use of off-label medications in men's health and how factors like pharma
      advertising, FDA regulation and difficulties in creating adequate studies has
      affected the current paradigm. 

PMID- 27141446
TI  - Hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction as harbingers of systemic disease.
AB  - Prescription sales of Testosterone and erectile aids such as phosphodiesterase-5
      inhibitors are at an all-time high, underscoring the importance of hypogonadism
      (HG) and erectile dysfunction (ED) to men's health. The effect of these
      debilitating conditions has a major impact on the quality of men's lives. Some
      risk factors for HG or ED including aging, obesity, smoking, and a sedentary
      lifestyle. Notably, these are the same risk factors for several other medical co
      morbidities that contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in men. HG and
      ED often co-exist with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. This
      review will explore these three co-morbidities that overlap with HG and ED, and
      will provide a review of their relationship with each other. 

PMID- 27141427
TI  - Junctional proteins of the blood-brain barrier: New insights into function and
      dysfunction.
AB  - The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly complex and dynamic barrier. It is
      formed by an interdependent network of brain capillary endothelial cells, endowed
      with barrier properties, and perivascular cells (astrocytes and pericytes)
      responsible for inducing and maintaining those properties. One of the primary
      properties of the BBB is a strict regulation of paracellular permeability due to
      the presence of junctional complexes (tight, adherens and gap junctions) between
      the endothelial cells. Alterations in junction assembly and function
      significantly affect BBB properties, particularly barrier permeability. However,
      such alterations are also involved in remodeling the brain endothelial cell
      surface and regulating brain endothelial cell phenotype. This review summarizes
      the characteristics of brain endothelial tight, adherens and gap junctions and
      highlights structural and functional alterations in junctional proteins that may
      contribute to BBB dysfunction.

PMID- 27141450
TI  - An inside perspective on anabolic steroid abuse.
AB  - Steroid abuse is common across gyms across the world. This unique article
      features an inside perspective/opinion in a question and answer format from a
      former steroid user/high level body builder. 

PMID- 27141449
TI  - Beyond testosterone cypionate: evidence behind the use of nandrolone in male
      health and wellness.
AB  - Characterized by low serum testosterone levels and diverse symptoms, male
      hypogonadism is a common condition. Current medical treatment focuses on
      testosterone supplementation using multiple modalities such as injections, gels
      and pellets. Interestingly, while testosterone is considered an anabolic
      androgenic steroid, it has not been saddled with the social stigma that other,
      similar medications have. The goal of this review is to highlight an anabolic
      steroid, 19-nortestosterone (i.e., nandrolone, deca-durabolin) and illustrate
      prospective therapeutic applications for male health. Containing a chemical
      structure similar to testosterone, nandrolone has a higher myotrophic: androgenic
      ratio resulting in improved effects on muscle mass. Animal models have suggested
      application in the improvement of joint healing following rotator cuff repair.
      Minimal literature exists regarding the use of nandrolone and, as such, further
      human studies are required. 

PMID- 27141452
TI  - A syndrome of erectile dysfunction in young men?

PMID- 27141453
TI  - What do urologists think patients need to know when starting on androgen
      deprivation therapy? The perspective from Canada versus countries with lower
      gross domestic product.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) side effects are numerous and
      negatively impact prostate cancer patients' quality of life. There is
      considerable discrepancy though among Canadian urologists regarding what ADT side
      effects and side effect management strategies. Little is known about global
      differences in ADT patient education. METHODS: International respondents were
      recruited via online posting and at an international urology conference.
      Hypotheses suggest that economic and cultural differences influence patient
      education practices; therefore, international respondents were divided into 3
      categories (high, medium, and low gross domestic product). RESULTS: No
      differences were found between responses from Canadian urologists and high GDP
      countries. Compared to responses from low GDP countries, Canadian urologists are
      more likely to endorse informing patients about: osteoporosis, loss of muscle
      mass, weight gain, fatigue/sleep disturbance, relationship changes, cognitive
      changes, and loss of body hair. Infertility was the only side effect more often
      disclosed by urologists in low GDP counties. Recommended management strategies
      for hot flashes are more likely to be pharmaceutical in Canada, and behavioral in
      low GDP countries. Management strategies for gynecomastia are emphasized more in
      low GDP countries. Physical exercise is endorsed consistently more often by
      Canadian urologists. CONCLUSIONS: ADT educational practices vary greatly between
      Canada and lower GDP countries. Factors that could contribute to differences
      include economics (e.g., ADT drug costs), differences in side effect presentation
      due to different ADT drugs used, racial differences in perceived side effect
      burden, disease status at ADT commencement, and cultural differences in patient
      physician shared-decision making.

PMID- 27141458
TI  - Professor Viraj A. Master: surgery is a single "strike".

PMID- 27141454
TI  - Premature ejaculation in type II diabetes mellitus patients: association with
      glycemic control.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a highly prevalent sexual dysfunction
      among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite this, the underlying
      mechanism of this association is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to
      investigate the prevalence of PE in a group of patients with DM and explore
      possible associations linking both conditions together. METHODS: This was a
      prospective study of subjects recruited with advertisement pamphlets and whose
      sexual function was assessed using the international index of erectile function-5
      (IIEF-5) and the Arabic index of premature ejaculation (AIPE) questionnaires
      together with stopwatch measured intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (ELT).
      Participants were divided into two groups; group A subjects had DM and group B
      were healthy adult males. RESULTS: A total of 488 subjects were recruited. Group
      A included 199 (40.8%) subjects, while group B included 289 (59.2%). The
      prevalence of PE and ED was significantly higher in group A subjects (P<0.001).
      Mean ELT +/- standard deviation (SD) was 3.6+/-2.7 in group A versus 4.3+/-2.8 in
      group B (P<0.014). Diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) showed a
      significantly higher incidence of PE with significantly shorter ELT. CONCLUSIONS:
      PE is more prevalent in diabetic patients. DM is a multi-systemic disorder with
      complications that could help explain the pathophysiology of PE.

PMID- 27141456
TI  - Clinical challenges in tissue-engineered urethral reconstruction.

PMID- 27141459
TI  - Dr. Richard Santucci: developments in trauma and reconstructive urology.

PMID- 27141457
TI  - Predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in bladder cancer: controversies
      remain with genomic DNA sequencing.

PMID- 27141455
TI  - Clinical applications of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and its potential role
      in urology.
AB  - Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a form of ultrasound that delivered at
      a much lower intensity (<3 W/cm(2)) than traditional ultrasound energy and output
      in the mode of pulse wave, and it is typically used for therapeutic purpose in
      rehabilitation medicine. LIPUS has minimal thermal effects due to its low
      intensity and pulsed output mode, and its non-thermal effects which is normally
      claimed to induce therapeutic changes in tissues attract most researchers'
      attentions. LIPUS have been demonstrated to have a rage of biological effects on
      tissues, including promoting bone-fracture healing, accelerating soft-tissue
      regeneration, inhibiting inflammatory responses and so on. Recent studies showed
      that biological effects of LIPUS in healing morbid body tissues may be mainly
      associated with the upregulation of cell proliferation through activation of
      integrin receptors and Rho/ROCK/Src/ERK signaling pathway, and with promoting
      multilineage differentiation of mesenchyme stem/progenitor cell lines through
      ROCK-Cot/Tpl2-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Hopefully, LIPUS may become an effective
      clinical procedure for the treatment of urological diseases, such as chronic
      prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), erectile dysfunction (ED),
      and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in the field of urology. It still needs an
      intense effort for basic-science and clinical investigators to explore the
      biomedical applications of ultrasound. 

PMID- 27141460
TI  - Endometriosis Classification-The Quest for the Holy Grail?

PMID- 27141430
TI  - Striatal dopamine neurotransmission: regulation of release and uptake.
AB  - Dopamine (DA) transmission is governed by processes that regulate release from
      axonal boutons in the forebrain and the somatodendritic compartment in midbrain,
      and by clearance by the DA transporter, diffusion, and extracellular metabolism.
      We review how axonal DA release is regulated by neuronal activity and by
      autoreceptors and heteroreceptors, and address how quantal release events are
      regulated in size and frequency. In brain regions densely innervated by DA axons,
      DA clearance is due predominantly to uptake by the DA transporter, whereas in
      cortex, midbrain, and other regions with relatively sparse DA inputs, the
      norepinephrine transporter and diffusion are involved. We discuss the role of DA
      uptake in restricting the sphere of influence of DA and in temporal accumulation
      of extracellular DA levels upon successive action potentials. The tonic discharge
      activity of DA neurons may be translated into a tonic extracellular DA level,
      whereas their bursting activity can generate discrete extracellular DA
      transients.

PMID- 27141461
TI  - Models Predicting Success of Infertility Treatment: A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infertile couples are faced with problems that affect their marital
      life. Infertility treatment is expensive and time consuming and occasionally
      isn't simply possible. Prediction models for infertility treatment have been
      proposed and prediction of treatment success is a new field in infertility
      treatment. Because prediction of treatment success is a new need for infertile
      couples, this paper reviewed previous studies for catching a general concept in
      applicability of the models. METHODS: This study was conducted as a systematic
      review at Avicenna Research Institute in 2015. Six data bases were searched based
      on WHO definitions and MESH key words. Papers about prediction models in
      infertility were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty one papers were eligible for the
      study. Papers covered years after 1986 and studies were designed retrospectively
      and prospectively. IVF prediction models have more shares in papers. Most common
      predictors were age, duration of infertility, ovarian and tubal problems.
      CONCLUSION: Prediction model can be clinically applied if the model can be
      statistically evaluated and has a good validation for treatment success. To
      achieve better results, the physician and the couples' needs estimation for
      treatment success rate were based on history, the examination and clinical tests.
      Models must be checked for theoretical approach and appropriate validation. The
      privileges for applying the prediction models are the decrease in the cost and
      time, avoiding painful treatment of patients, assessment of treatment approach
      for physicians and decision making for health managers. The selection of the
      approach for designing and using these models is inevitable.

PMID- 27141463
TI  - Effects of Ghrelin on Sexual Behavior and Luteinizing Hormone Beta-subunit Gene
      Expression in Male Rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hormones of hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis have
      facilitative effects on reproductive behavior in mammals. Ghrelin as a starvation
      hormone has an inhibitory effect on HPG axis' function. Hence, it is postulated
      that ghrelin may reduce the sexual behavior through inhibiting of HPG axis. The
      aim of this study was to examine the effects of ghrelin and its antagonist, [D
      Lys(3) ]-GHRP-6, on sexual behavior and LH beta-subunit gene expression in male
      rats. METHODS: In this experimental study, 128 male Wistar rats were divided into
      two groups. Each group was further subdivided into eight subgroups (n=8
      rats/subgroup) including the animals that received saline, ghrelin (2, 4 or 8
      nmol), [D-Lys(3) ]-GHRP-6 (5 or 10 nmol) or co-administration of ghrelin (4 nmol)
      and [D-Lys(3) ]-GHRP-6 (5 or 10 nmol) through the stereotaxically implanted
      cannula into the third cerebral ventricle. The sexual behavior of male rats
      encountering with females and the hypo-physeal LH beta-subunit gene expression
      were evaluated at two different groups. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and p<0.05
      was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Ghrelin injection (4 and 8
      nmol) significantly (p<0.01) increased the latencies to the first mount,
      intromission and ejaculation as well as the post-ejaculatory interval. Also, 4
      and 8 nmol ghrelin significantly (p<0.05) increased the number of mount and
      decreased the number of ejaculation. In co-administrated groups, [D-Lys(3) ]-GHRP
      6 antagonized the effects of ghrelin. Ghrelin injection (4 and 8 nmol) reduced
      the LH beta-subunit gene expression while pretreatment with [D-Lys(3) ]-GHRP-6
      improved the gene expression. CONCLUSION: Ghrelin decreased the sexual behavior
      and LH beta-subunit gene expression in male rats, whereas [D-Lys(3) ]-GHRP-6
      antagonizes these effects.

PMID- 27141462
TI  - The Effects of Imatinib Mesylate on Cellular Viability, Platelet Derived Growth
      Factor and Stem Cell Factor in Mouse Testicular Normal Leydig Cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growth factors play an essential role in the development of tumor and
      normal cells like testicular leydig cells. Treatment of cancer with anti-cancer
      agents like imatinib mesylate may interfere with normal leydig cell activity,
      growth and fertility through failure in growth factors' production or their
      signaling pathways. The purpose of the study was to determine cellular viability
      and the levels of, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and stem cell factor
      (SCF) in normal mouse leydig cells exposed to imatinib, and addressing the effect
      of imatinib on fertility potential. METHODS: The mouse TM3 leydig cells were
      treated with 0 (control), 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 MUM imatinib for 2, 4 and 6 days.
      Each experiment was repeated three times (15 experiments in each day).The
      cellular viability and growth factors levels were assessed by MTT and ELISA
      methods, respectively. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post
      hoc and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed. A p-value less than 0.05 was
      considered statistically significant. RESULTS: With increasing drug
      concentration, cellular viability decreased significantly (p<0.05) and in
      contrast, PDGF levels increased (p<0.05). Different imatinib concentrations had
      no significant effect on SCF level. Increasing the duration of treatment from 2
      to 6 days had no obvious effect on cellular viability, PDGF and SCF levels.
      CONCLUSION: Imatinib may reduce fertility potential especially at higher
      concentrations in patients treated with this drug by decreasing cellular
      viability. The effect of imatinib on leydig cells is associated with PDGF
      stimulation. Of course future studies can be helpful in exploring the long term
      effects of this drug.

PMID- 27141464
TI  - A Comparison of the Effects of Transdermal Estradiol and Estradiol Valerate on
      Endometrial Receptivity in Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles: A Randomized
      Clinical Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal endometrial
      preparation protocol by comparing the clinical outcome of two methods of
      endometrial preparation in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles, including
      that is, oral estradiol and 17beta-estradiol transdermal patch. METHODS: In this
      randomized controlled trial, women underwent either conventional IVF or
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) who had at least two top-quality embryos
      appropriate for cryopreservation and frozen embryos from previous cycles. In the
      study group (n=45), 17-B estradiol transdermal patches 100 MUg were applied from
      the second day of the cycle and continued every other day. Then, each patch was
      removed after four days. In the control group (n=45), oral estradiol valerate 6
      mg was started at the same time and continued daily. RESULTS: There was a
      significant difference in estradiol level on the day of progesterone
      administration and the day of embryo transfer between the two groups (p= 0.001 in
      both), but no significant difference was observed between them in biochemical and
      clinical pregnancy rates (32.6% vs. 33.3%, p=1.000 and 30.2% vs. 33.3%, p=0.810,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that estradiol transdermal patches be
      used instead of oral estradiol in FET cycles. Due to the reduced costs, drug
      dose, and emotional stress as well as the simplicity of the protocol for
      patients.

PMID- 27141465
TI  - Laparoscopic Fimbrioplasty and Neosalpingostomy in Female Infertility: A Review
      of 402 Cases at the Gynecological Endoscopic Surgery and Human Reproductive
      Teaching Hospital in Yaounde-Cameroon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More than 70 million couples suffer from infertility worldwide. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the fertility outcomes after laparoscopic
      fimbrioplasty and neosalpingostomy in female infertility. METHODS: Laparoscopic
      distal tuboplasty was carried out for 402 cases at the Gynecological Endoscopic
      Surgery and Human Reproductive Teaching Hospital in Yaounde-Cameroon in Central
      Africa from December 2002 to December 2007. Laparoscopic fimbrioplasty and
      neosalpingostomy were done using bipolar electrocoagulation and conventional
      endoscopic instruments. Log-rank test was used to compare cumulative rate curves
      of intrauterine pregnancy with respect to the tubal stages. P<0.05 was considered
      statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 31.6+/-5.45
      years. Secondary infertility was the most frequent type of infertility (70.14%).
      The laparoscopic tubal surgery done consisted of fimbrioplasty in 185(46%) cases
      and neosalpingostomy in 217 (54%) cases. Of 260 women followed up after
      tuboplasty, there were overall 74 (28.48%) pregnancies; 68(26.1%) intrauterine
      pregnancies and 6(2.3%) ectopic pregnancies. Pregnancy rates were significantly
      associated to the tubal stage (63% in stage 1, 15% in stage 3 and 00% in stage 4;
      p<0.001) and the adnexal adhesion scores (73.91% in the absence of adnexal
      adhesions and 8.8% in the case of a severe adnexal adhesion score). Of the 68
      intrauterine pregnancies, there were 60(88%) live births and 8(12%) spontaneous
      abortions. CONCLUSION: It is believed that laparoscopic fimbrioplasty and
      neosalpingostomy should be the preferred choice when faced with tubal distal
      occlusion in a context of female infertility. This implies that training in
      endoscopic surgery should be regarded as an important issue in developing
      countries.

PMID- 27141466
TI  - The Relationship between Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infection and Spontaneous
      Abortion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis is the etiology of most of sexually transmitted
      diseases. Colonization of C. trachomatis in the genital tract during early
      gestation has been associated with preterm birth, and preterm premature rupture
      of the membranes. The role of C. trachomatis on spontaneous abortion has not yet
      been proved completely. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of C.
      trachomatis infection among pregnant women and its association with spontaneous
      abortion. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from August 2012 until
      January 2013. Totally, 218 women were included; 109 women with spontaneous
      abortion with gestation age between 10-20 weeks (cases), and 109 women with
      normal pregnancy with gestation age between 20-30 weeks (controls) in Sanandaj,
      Iran. DNA was extracted from endocervical swabs and a PCR test was conducted for
      detection of C. trachomatis infection in women using specific primers.
      Independent T-test and Chi-square were used for comparison of quantitative and
      qualitative variables, respectively, and p<0.05 was considered significant.
      RESULTS: The total prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 38(17.43%) in
      endocervical swabs of women. However, the number of cases with C. trachomatis
      infections was 25 out of 109(22.9%) in the case group and 13 out of 109(11.9%) in
      control group, respectively. Association between chlamydia infection and
      spontaneous abortion was statistically significant (OR=2.198, CI 95%: 1.058
      4.56). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that C. trachomatis infection was associated
      with spontaneous abortion. Thus, screening and treatment of pregnant women may
      prevent this adverse pregnancy outcome.

PMID- 27141467
TI  - The Role of Religious Coping Strategies in Predicting Depression among a Sample
      of Women with Fertility Problems in Shiraz.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the most common mental health problems among women with
      infertility problems is depression. Research has shown that religious beliefs and
      practices can help people to cope with difficult situations. The purpose of this
      study was to explore the role of different religious coping strategies in
      predicting depression in a group of infertile women in Shiraz. METHODS: A total
      of 72 women with fertility problems were recruited from several private
      infertility clinics in Shiraz using convenience sampling. The participants
      completed the research questionnaires including Beck Depression Inventory and
      Religious Coping Scale. The Religious Coping Scale consists of five dimensions
      including practice, active, passive, benevolent reappraisal and negative
      religious coping. Descriptive statistics (frequency percentage, mean and standard
      deviation), Pearson's correlation and simultaneous multiple regression analysis
      were used for data analysis using SPSS version 16. A p-value less than 0.05 was
      considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The present study showed that
      about 30% of women with fertility problems experienced the symptoms of
      depression. The findings also indicated that the most commonly used religious
      coping strategy was practice religious coping, while the least commonly used
      religious coping strategies were passive and negative religious coping. The
      findings also showed that active religious coping, practice religious coping and
      benevolent reappraisal coping predicted depression reduction. CONCLUSION: This
      study highlights the effect of religious coping on depression reduction of women
      with fertility problems. In other words, women who used religious coping
      strategies were less likely to experience depression symptoms.

PMID- 27141469
TI  - Ovarian Malignant Mixed Germ Cell Tumor: A Case of Unusual Presentation as Molar
      Pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This research was conducted to introduce a patient with rare ovarian
      mixed germ cell tumor, presented as molar pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION: The
      patient was a 16 year old woman admitted with diagnosis of molar pregnancy.
      Abdominal enlargement was the only complaint. She had a large pelvic mass in
      physical examination. The first diagnosis was molar pregnancy due to previous
      ultrasonic reports and positive betaeta HCG. Urine pregnancy test was positive.
      As suction curettage was performed for her, surprisingly, the size of uterus was
      normal and no molar tissue was found in pathologic examination. At intraoperative
      ultrasound exam, an extra-uterine heterogeneous mass was found. Extra-uterine
      mass was confirmed by CT and MRI done after suction curettage. Mixed germ cell
      tumor was confirmed by histological examination after laparatomy and removing
      tumoral mass. Finally, she received Bleomycin, Etoposide and Cisplatin (BEP)
      regimen in four courses and Vincristine, Actinomycin D (Dactinomycin) and
      Cyclophosphamide (VAC) regimen in two courses and Diphereline for saving the
      other ovary. CONCLUSION: Some young patients misinterpret the early symptoms of
      an ovarian neoplasm as those of pregnancy which can lead to a delay in the
      diagnosis.

PMID- 27141468
TI  - Socio-Demographic Correlates of Women's Infertility and Treatment Seeking
      Behavior in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infertility is an emergent issue in India. Until recently, very few
      studies have understood the patterns and consequences of infertility in India.
      Family planning programs in India also viewed exclusively the patterns and
      determinants of overfertility rather than infertility. Furthermore, there is the
      lack of information about treatment seeking behavior of infertile couples.
      Therefore, this paper aimed to examine the extent of infertility and treatment
      seeking behavior among infertile women in India. An attempt was also made to
      evaluate the effects of socio-demographic factors on treatment seeking behavior.
      METHODS: The study used the data from the District Level Household and Facility
      Survey carried out in India during 2007-08. Several statistical techniques such
      as chi-square test, proportional hazard model and binary logistic regression
      model were used for the analysis. RESULTS: Approximately, 8% of currently married
      women suffered from infertility in India and most of them were secondary
      infertile (5.8%). Within India, women's infertility rate was the highest in west
      Bengal (13.9 percent) and the lowest in Meghalaya (2.5 percent). About 80% of
      infertile women sought treatment but a substantial proportion (33%) received non
      allopathic and traditional treatment due to expensive modern treatment and lack
      of awareness. CONCLUSION: In the context of policy response, it can be said that
      there is a need to improve the existing services and quality of care for
      infertile women. Treatment for infertility should be integrated into the larger
      reproductive health packages.

PMID- 27141470
TI  - Phytopharmaceuticals: A new drug class regulated in India.

PMID- 27141471
TI  - Multi-regional clinical trials and global drug development.
AB  - Drug development has been globalized, and multi-regional clinical trial (MRCT)
      for regulatory submission has widely been conducted by many discovery based
      global pharmaceutical companies with the objective of reducing the time lag of
      launch in key markets and improve patient access to new and innovative
      treatments. Sponsors are facing several challenges while conducting multiregional
      clinical trials. Challenges under the heads statistics, clinical, regulatory
      operational, and ethics have been discussed. Regulators in different countries
      such as USA, EU-Japan, and China have issued guidance documents in respect of
      MRCT's. Lack of harmonization in the design and planning of MRCT is perceived to
      create a difficult situation to sponsors adversely affecting progressing MRCT in
      more and more discoveries. International conference on hormonisation (ICH) has
      initiated the process for having a harmonized guidance document on MRCT. This
      document is likely to be issued in early 2017. 

PMID- 27141473
TI  - A commentary on randomized clinical trials: How to produce them with a good level
      of evidence.
AB  - Randomized clinical trial (RCT) is the gold standard study for the evaluation of
      health interventions and is considered the second level of evidence for clinical
      decision making. However, the quality of the evidence produced by these studies
      is dependent on the methodological rigor employed at every stage of their
      execution. The purpose of randomization is to create groups that are comparable
      independent of any known or unknown potential confounding factor. A critical
      evaluation of the literature reveals that, for many years, RCTs have been
      developed based on inaccurate methodological criteria, and empirical evidence
      began to accumulate. Thus, guidelines were developed to assist authors,
      reviewers, and editors in the task of developing and assessing the methodological
      consistency of this type of study. The objective of this article is to review key
      aspects to design a good-quality RCT, supporting the scientific community in the
      production of reliable evidence and favoring clinical decision making to allow
      the patient to receive the best health care. 

PMID- 27141472
TI  - MicroRNA therapeutics: Discovering novel targets and developing specific therapy.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene
      expression in diverse biological process. They act as intracellular mediators
      that are necessary for various biological processes. MicroRNAs targeting pathways
      of human disease provide a new and potential powerful candidate for therapeutic
      intervention against various pathological conditions. Even though, the
      information about miRNA biology has significantly enriched but we still do not
      completely understand the mechanism of miRNA gene regulation. Various groups
      across the globe and pharmaceutical companies are conducting research and
      developments to explore miRNA based therapy and build a whole new area of miroRNA
      therapeutics. Consequently, few miRNAs have entered the preclinical and clinical
      stage and soon might be available in the market for use in humans. 

PMID- 27141474
TI  - Opinions and perceptions regarding the impact of new regulatory guidelines: A
      survey in Indian Clinical Trial Investigators.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical research in India experienced dramatic changes with series
      of stringent guidelines introduced by regulatory authorities. These guidelines
      posed significant challenges for the clinical trial industry. OBJECTIVE: To
      assess the perceptions and opinion of Indian Investigators about the new
      regulatory guidelines. METHODS: We developed a survey questionnaire on recent
      regulatory guidelines which was hosted on a web portal. Seventy-three
      investigators from India participated in the survey. RESULTS: Central
      registration of Ethics Committees (ECs) was agreed by 90.1% participants, 76.8%
      participants agreed to compensation of subjects for study related Serious Adverse
      Events (SAE's). The compulsion to include government sites in clinical trials was
      not agreed by 49.3% participants while 21.2% agreed to it. Restriction on a
      number of trials per investigator was agreed by 49.3% of participants while 40.9%
      disagreed. Participants (50.7%) disagreed to the introduction of audio-video (AV)
      recording of informed consent, 36.6% agreed and 12.7% were neutral. DISCUSSION:
      Participants observed that post central registration; ECs have improved systems
      with adequate member composition, functional Standard Operating Procedures, and
      timely approvals. Participants agreed that compensation of study related SAE's
      would assure subject protection and safety. The introduction of AV consenting was
      strongly debated sighting sociocultural issues in the implementation of the same.
      CONCLUSION: Participants endorsed guidelines pertaining to the central
      registration of ECs, SAE related compensation. Restrictions on a number of trials
      per investigator and AV consenting were debated ardently. The response of the
      survey participants who are clinical trial investigators in India showed general
      acceptance, effectiveness and anticipated compliance to the new regulatory
      guidelines.

PMID- 27141475
TI  - Effectiveness of 3% hypertonic saline nebulization in acute bronchiolitis among
      Indian children: A quasi-experimental study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of 3% hypertonic saline (HS) and 0.9% normal
      saline with nebulized 0.9% normal saline with salbutamol in patients of acute
      viral bronchiolitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants were divided into three
      groups, that is, 3% HS group, 0.9% normal saline group and 0.9% saline with
      salbutamol group. Four doses at interval of 6 h were given daily until discharge.
      Average CS score and length of hospital stay were compared. One-way analysis of
      variance paired t-test and Chi-square test were utilized for statistical
      analysis. RESULTS: The mean ages of the patients in three groups were 6.03 +/-
      3.71, 5.69 +/- 3.34 and 5.48 +/- 3.35 respectively. The 3(rd) day CS scores for
      all the groups were 1.0 +/- 1.1, 1.9 +/- 1.1 and 3.3 +/- 0.5 respectively (P =
      0.000). The average length of hospital stay was 3.4 +/- 1.7, 3.7 +/- 1.9 and 4.9
      +/- 1.4 days respectively (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study concludes
      that 3% HS nebulization (without additional bronchodilators) is an effective and
      safe treatment for nonasthmatic, moderately ill patients of acute bronchiolitis.
      The economic benefit of this comparably priced modality of treatment can be
      enormous in terms of hospital costs with parents returning to work sooner.

PMID- 27141476
TI  - Knowledge and perception regarding clinical trials among doctors of government
      medical colleges: A questionnaire-based study.
AB  - AIMS: By virtue of being a specialized field by itself, the science of clinical
      trials (CTs) may not be well understood by doctors who are not specifically
      trained in it. A lack of knowledge may translate to a negative perception toward
      CT. With the idea of getting a situational snapshot, we estimated the knowledge
      and perception of CTs among doctors from government medical colleges of West
      Bengal who are not trained on CT in their postgraduate curriculum. Several
      determinants of knowledge and perception regarding CT were also evaluated.
      METHODS: We have quantified the knowledge and perception of CTs by a structured
      validated questionnaire. Development and validation of the questionnaire was
      performed prior to the study. RESULTS: Among 133 participants, 7.5% received
      focused training on CT and 16.5% participated in CTs as investigators. Majority
      of the doctors were unfamiliar with the basic terminologies such as, "adverse
      event" and "good clinical practice." Encouragingly, 93.3% doctors advised that a
      detailed discussion of CT methodology should be incorporated in the under
      graduate medical science curriculum. They had an overall positive attitude toward
      CTs conducted in India, with a mean score that is 72.6% of the maximum positive
      score. However, a large number of the doctors were skeptical about the primary
      motivation and operations of pharmaceutical industry sponsored CTs, with 45% of
      them believing that patients are exploited in these sponsored CTs. CONCLUSION:
      Participant doctors had a basic knowledge of CT methodology. The study has
      revealed specific areas of deficient knowledge, which might be emphasized while
      designing focused training on CT methodology.

PMID- 27141477
TI  - Understanding perception of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among general
      practitioners, physicians, and pulmonologists in India: Results from a face-to
      face survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Challenges exist in the diagnosis, management and follow-up of
      patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in India. Lack of
      awareness of the disease, its symptoms and its implications may significantly
      contribute in preventing individuals with symptoms from seeking advice from their
      primary care physicians or eliminating risk factors. This cross-sectional survey
      aimed to explore the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of doctors (general
      practitioners [GPs], physicians and pulmonologists) related to COPD recognition,
      diagnosis, and treatment in India. METHODS: Data was collated from 91 randomly
      selected GPs, physicians and pulmonologists through a questionnaire and face-to
      face interviews, in 8 cities of India. RESULTS: The response rate to the survey
      was 68% (61 out of 91). Majority of the doctors (90% of GPs-physicians and 82% of
      pulmonologists) reported that patients with COPD visit them at moderate to severe
      stages of the disease. 44% of the GPs and physicians reported that they had never
      performed spirometry to make a diagnosis of COPD. About 35% of doctors reported
      that COPD occurred only in smokers. The most common reported barriers to the
      treatment of COPD were difficulty in explaining COPD to the patients, poor
      patient compliance to the prescribed treatment and the inability of patients to
      give up smoking. Most doctors agreed that compliance with treatment is a major
      concern in patients with COPD due to an ageing population, existence of limited
      therapeutic options and presence of comorbidities. CONCLUSION: The results of
      this cross-sectional survey of doctors in India, highlighted the need for
      increasing the awareness about COPD at both doctor and patients level to overcome
      the prevalent under-diagnosis and under-treatment in COPD.

PMID- 27141478
TI  - Common pitfalls in statistical analysis: The perils of multiple testing.
AB  - Multiple testing refers to situations where a dataset is subjected to statistical
      testing multiple times - either at multiple time-points or through multiple
      subgroups or for multiple end-points. This amplifies the probability of a false
      positive finding. In this article, we look at the consequences of multiple
      testing and explore various methods to deal with this issue. 

PMID- 27141479
TI  - The era of allergy.

PMID- 27141482
TI  - Attitudes, practices on allergic rhinitis of three socioeconomic classes of
      Filipinos in the National Capital Region.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare access and usage may vary according to socioeconomic class
      (SEC). Knowing this variable's effect on patient attitudes, practices, and health
      seeking behavior allows better understanding of compliance, adherence to
      treatment, and educational needs on allergic rhinitis (AR). OBJECTIVE: This study
      seeks to assess the attitudes and practices on AR of Filipinos in the National
      Capital Region. METHODS: A cross sectional survey of 301 Filipinos, stratified
      into socioeconomic groups ABC1, C2, and DE, was conducted from December 2014 to
      February 2015. A previously validated and pilot tested questionnaire on AR was
      administered via structured face to face interviews. RESULTS: Most respondents
      attributed their symptoms to "colds" (ABC1 77%, C2 79%, DE 78%); most did not
      consult a physician for their symptoms. Only 26% of all respondents were aware of
      AR. Only the ABC1 group had respondents who specifically used the term AR. Most
      respondents' symptoms fulfilled criteria for moderate to severe disease. Sleep
      was the activity most affected by AR (62%). For symptom relief, over the counter
      antihistamine-decongestants were the most preferred drug preparations (ABC1 30%,
      C2 38%, DE 34%). Groups ABC1 and C2 cited family, television, and Internet as the
      top primary sources of health information; DE cited family, television, and
      friends. CONCLUSION: Regardless of SEC, Filipinos are not aware of AR. Lack of
      awareness and gaps in knowledge can result to an underestimation of the
      condition, decrease in health seeking behavior, unmet patient needs, and
      undertreatment of disease.

PMID- 27141481
TI  - Sensitization to silk allergen among workers of silk filatures in India: a
      comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sericulture plays an eminent role in development of rural economy in
      India. Silk filature is a unit where silk is unwound from the cocoons and the
      strands are collected into skeins. During the process workers are exposed to the
      high molecular weight proteins like Sericin and Fibroin which are potent
      allergens leading to sensitization over a period of time and subsequently
      occupational related health disorders. OBJECTIVE: To identify and compare the
      magnitude of silk allergen sensitization in workers of silk filatures. METHODS: A
      community based comparative descriptive study was conducted for a period of 1
      year at Ramanagara in south India. One hundred twenty subjects working in the
      silk filatures formed the study group. For comparison, 2 types of controls were
      selected viz.120 subjects who were not working in the silk filatures but resided
      in the same geographical area (control A) and 360 subjects who were not working
      in silk filatures as well not residing in the same geographical area (control B).
      Skin prick test was used to identify the silk allergen sensitization. RESULTS:
      Mean age was 34.14 +/- 2.84 years in the study group. Mean age was 40.59 +/-
      14.40 years and 38.54 +/- 12.20 years in control A and control B, respectively.
      There were 35 males (29.16%) and 85 females (70.84%) in the study group. There
      were 58 (48.34%) males and 62 (51.66%) females and 152 (42.2%) males and 208
      females (57.8%) in control A and control B, respectively. Sensitization to silk
      allergen was 35.83% in the study group and 20.83% in the control group A and
      11.11% in control group B. There was difference in the allergen sensitivity
      between the study group and control groups and it was statistically significant
      (chi-square = 38.08; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is high burden of silk
      allergen sensitization among silk filature workers.

PMID- 27141480
TI  - T-cell-mediated drug hypersensitivity: immune mechanisms and their clinical
      relevance.
AB  - T-cell-mediated drug hypersensitivity represents a significant proportion of
      immune mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions. In the recent years, there has
      been an increase in understanding the immune mechanisms behind T-cell-mediated
      drug hypersensitivity. According to hapten mechanism, drug specific T-cell
      response is stimulated by drug-protein conjugate presented on major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) as it is presented as a new antigenic
      determinant. On the other hand, p-i concept suggests that a drug can stimulate T
      cells via noncovalent direct interaction with T-cell receptor and/or peptide-MHC.
      The drug binding site is quite variable and this leads to several different
      mechanisms within p-i concept. Altered peptide repertoire can be regarded as an
      'atypical' subset of p-i concept since the mode of the drug binding and the
      binding site are essentially identical to p-i concept. However, the intracellular
      binding of abacavir to HLA-B(*)57:01 additionally results in alteration in
      peptide repertoire. Furthermore the T-cell response to altered peptide repertoire
      model is only shown for abacavir and HLA-B(*)57:01 and therefore it may not be
      generalised to other drug hypersensitivity. Danger hypothesis has been postulated
      to play an important role in drug hypersensitivity by providing signal 2 but its
      experimental data is lacking at this point in time. Furthermore, the recently
      described allo-immune response suggests that danger signal may be unnecessary.
      Finally, in view of these new understanding, the classification and the
      definition of type B adverse drug reaction should be revised. 

PMID- 27141483
TI  - Obesity is a risk factor for allergic rhinitis in children of Wuhan (China).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between obesity and allergic diseases in children of
      China is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To analysis the relationship between obesity and
      overweight and the prevalence of allergic diseases and the impact of gender.
      METHODS: Questionnaire based on those used in National Study of Asthma and
      Allergies in Childhood in China. The study included 3,327 participants (23.7%
      aged 2-6 years, 65.8% aged 7-12 years, 10.5% aged 13-14 years) in Wuhan City.
      Allergic diseases were determined by physicians. RESULTS: Overweight was found in
      35.68% of participants (8.96% of 2-6 years old, 32.83% of 7-12 years old, and
      48.57% of 13-14 years old), obesity in 12.53% (4.18%, 12.01%, and 4.29%,
      respectively). Obesity (odds ratio [OR], 1.33) increased the prevalence of
      allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Obesity (OR, 1.48) affected the
      incidence of allergic rhinitis in girls. There was no relationship between body
      mass index (BMI) and asthma in child from Wuhan City. Obesity and overweight did
      not affect the frequency of asthma, food allergy, and drug allergy. CONCLUSION:
      Obesity increased the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in
      child. Higher BMI was no relationship with the prevalence of asthma, food
      allergy, and drug allergy.

PMID- 27141484
TI  - Knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey of drug allergy among healthcare
      practitioners in central China: a multicenter study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug allergy (DA) is one of the most important contributors to
      iatrogenic morbidity and mortality. Currently DA remains a major challenge for
      healthcare practitioners (HCPs). OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes
      and practices of DA among HCPs in Central China. METHODS: A 25-item self
      administered DA questionnaire were developed and applied in our study. The
      questionnaire covered 3 domains: knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns.
      From July 2015 to October 2015, HCPs in 7 cities of Central China anonymously
      participated in the cross-sectional study. RESULTS: A total of 350 HCPs
      participated the study, 91 questionnaires uncompleted and 259 were analyzed.
      Among the respondents, 166 (64.1%) were doctors, 55 (21.2%) were nurses and 38
      (14.7%) were medical students. The mean knowledge precision was 59.8%. HCPs
      agreed that drug induced immediate allergic reactions were IgE mediated (83.4%)
      and happened within 6 hours after drug administration (89.6%), and epinephrine
      was the first choice for drug induced anaphylaxis (79.5%). They also agreed that
      penicillin skin test was valuable to predict allergic reaction (88.4%). However,
      high proportion of HCPs (66.0%) believed glucocorticoids had an impact on drug
      skin test rather than antihistamines (4.2%), 47.1% never performed positive and
      negative control during skin test. More than 90% of the respondents would take
      patients' allergic history before drug administration, 98.8% agreed that they
      should receive advanced training of DA knowledge and practice. CONCLUSION: The
      HCPs demonstrated a low level of knowledge regarding DA. Advanced education is
      urgently needed for better understanding and filling the gaps exist in knowledge
      and clinical practice of DA.

PMID- 27141485
TI  - The effects of daily bathing on symptoms of patients with bronchial asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The influence of bathing in asthma patients is not yet fully known.
      OBJECTIVE: We conducted an observational study to investigate changes in symptoms
      and their degree by bathing in asthmatic patients. METHODS: A questionnaire
      focusing on ever experienced bathing-induced symptom changes and their degree, as
      well as contributing factors, was designed and administered to asthmatic patients
      in the outpatient department of our institute between January 2012 and November
      2013. RESULTS: Two hundred fifteen cases were recruited. In 60 cases (27.9%),
      asthmatic symptoms appeared, including 20 cases of chest discomfort (33.3%), 19
      cases of cough (31.7%), and 21 cases of wheezing (35.0%). The triggering factors
      included vapor inhalation (32 cases, 53.3%), hydrostatic pressure on the thorax
      due to body immersion in the bathtub (26 cases, 43.3%), and sudden change of air
      temperature (16 cases, 26.7%). Thirty-eight cases (17.7%) experienced improvement
      in active asthmatic symptoms by bathing. Vapor inhalation was the most common
      contributing factor (34 cases, 89.5%), followed by warming of the whole body (13
      cases, 34.2%). There was no relationship between asthma severity and the
      appearance of bathing-induced symptoms or improvement of active asthmatic
      symptoms by bathing. CONCLUSION: The effects of bathing in asthmatic patients
      widely differed from patient to patient and their etiology includes several
      factors. For those who suffer from bathing-induced asthma symptoms, preventive
      methods, such as premedication with bronchodilators before bathing, should be
      established. This study is registered in the University Hospital Medical
      Information Network (UMIN) clinical trials registry in Japan with the
      registration number UMIN000015641.

PMID- 27141487
TI  - A case study of apple seed and grape allergy with sensitisation to nonspecific
      lipid transfer protein.
AB  - Lipid transfer proteins can be an important cause of allergy given their
      stability and high degree of protein sequence homology. We describe the case of a
      child who developed two separate episodes of anaphylaxis after consuming apple
      seed and grape, with evidence that nonspecific lipid transfer proteins may have
      been responsible for these reactions. Lipid transfer protein allergy should be
      considered when anaphylaxis is inconsistent, such as in patients who can tolerate
      fruit pulp but react to fresh whole fruit juices. 

PMID- 27141488
TI  - Need for medication and stuffy nose predict the severity of allergic rhinitis.

PMID- 27141486
TI  - A review on the role of moisturizers for atopic dermatitis.
AB  - Effective management of atopic dermatitis (AD) involves the treatment of a
      defective skin barrier. Patients with AD are therefore advised to use
      moisturizers regularly. To date, there are few comparative studies involving
      moisturizers in patients with AD, and no classification system exists to
      objectively determine which types of moisturizers are best suited to specific AD
      phenotypes. With this in mind, a group of experts from allergy and immunology,
      adult and pediatric dermatology, and pediatrics centers within Southeast Asia met
      to review current data and practice, and to develop recommendations regarding the
      use of moisturizers in patients with AD within the Asia-Pacific region.
      Chronicity and severity of AD, along with patient age, treatment compliance, and
      economic background should all be taken into account when selecting an
      appropriate moisturizer for AD patients. Other considerations include adjuvant
      properties of the product, cosmetic acceptability, and availability over the
      counter. Well-defined clinical phenotypes of AD could optimally benefit from
      specific moisturizers. It is hoped that future studies may identify such
      differences by means of filaggrin mutation subtypes, confocal microscopic
      evaluation, pH, transepidermal water loss or presence of allergy specific IgE.
      Recommendations to improve the regular use of moisturizers among AD patients
      include measures that focus on treatment compliance, patient and caregiver
      education, appropriate treatment goals, avoidance of sensitizing agents, and
      collaboration with other relevant specialists. 

PMID- 27141489
TI  - Physician Dual Practice: A Descriptive Mapping Review of Literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physician dual practice is a common phenomenon in almost all
      countries throughout the world, which could potential impacts on access, equity
      and quality of services. This paper aims to review studies in physician dual
      practice and categorize them in order to their main objectives and purposes.
      METHODS: Comprehensive literature searches were undertaken in order to obtain
      main papers and documents in the field of physician dual practice. Systematic
      searches in Medline and Embase from 1960 to 2013, and general searches in some
      popular search engines were carried out in this way. After that, descriptive
      mapping review methods were utilized to categorize eligible studies in this area.
      RESULTS: The searches obtained 404 titles, of which 81 full texts were assessed.
      Finally, 24 studies were eligible for inclusion in our review. These studies were
      categorized into four groups - "motivation and forces behind dual practice",
      "consequences of dual practice", "dual practice Policies and their impacts", and
      "other studies" - based on their main objectives. Our findings showed a dearth of
      scientifically reliable literature in some areas of dual practice, like the
      prevalence of the phenomenon, the real consequences of it, and the impacts of the
      implemented policy measures. CONCLUSION: Rigorous empirical and evaluative
      studies should be designed to detect the real consequences of DP and assess the
      effects of interventions and regulations, which governments have implemented in
      this field.

PMID- 27141490
TI  - Time Trends in Self-Rated Health and Disability in Older Spanish People:
      Differences by Gender and Age.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To analyse time trends in self-rated health in older people by gender
      and age and examine disability in the time trends of self-rated health. METHODS:
      The data used come from the Spanish National Health Surveys conducted in 2001,
      2003, 2006 and 2011-12. Samples of adults aged 16 yr and older were selected.
      Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between age,
      gender, socio-economic status, marital status, disability and self-rated health
      across period study. RESULTS: Women exhibited lower (higher) prevalence of good
      self-rated health (disability) compared to men. The multivariate analysis for
      time trends found that good self-rated health increased from 2001 to 2012.
      Overall, variables associated with a lower likelihood of good self-rated health
      were: being married or living with a partner, lower educational level, and
      disability. CONCLUSION: Trends of good self-rated health differ by gender
      according to socio-demographic factors and the prevalence of disability.

PMID- 27141491
TI  - Nutritional Intervention and Breakfast Behavior of Kindergartens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To examine the effect of nutritional education on children's
      breakfast patterns. METHODS: A kindergarten based nutrition intervention was
      started in September 2001 among 8 kindergartens in Hefei with a total of 2,012
      children aged 4-6 years and their parent pairs. RESULTS: Monthly nutrition
      education sessions were held over two semesters in kindergartens part of the
      intervention arm. The approach in education and the content of other activities
      were uniform across all the kindergartens. A validated questionnaire was used to
      record breakfast behavior over 7 days including at least one weekend. The parents
      recorded the children's breakfast pattern (frequency, time, and food selection)
      at baseline, middle, and end of the study. After intervention, there were
      significant differences at the final stage, but none at the baseline before
      intervention. There were changes not only in breakfast frequency, but also in the
      breakfast selection. CONCLUSION: The breakfast pattern of Chinese children can be
      modified through nutrition education after a long term intervention.

PMID- 27141493
TI  - Intervention of Collective Exercise on the Mental Health of Elderly Hypertensive
      Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anxiety, depression, and other adverse psychological reactions are
      often observed in elderly hypertensive patients. Appropriate exercise is a safe
      form of adjuvant therapy without causing side effects among these patients, with
      consistent effects on patients' mental health. In this study, a collective
      exercise intervention experiment was conducted to evaluate the mental health of
      elderly hypertensive patients and to verify the effect of the psychological
      intervention of collective exercise. METHOD: A total of 115 elderly hypertensive
      patients aged 60-70 years old were selected as study subjects from May 2012 to
      January 2015 in Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China. A total of 57 patients were
      included in the control group and 58 patients were assigned in the experimental
      group. Patients in the experimental group participated in a 12 weeks exercise
      intervention, while patients in the control group didn't participate in any
      regular physical exercise. RESULTS: After intervention, the Symptom Checklist-90
      (SCL-90), total score, somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptom, interpersonal
      sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, and paranoia scores of the
      experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P <
      0.05). The positive coping style score of the experimental group was
      significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05); by contrast, the
      negative coping style score of the experimental group was significantly lower
      than that of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The mental health level
      and coping ability of elderly hypertensive patients can be effectively improved
      with the proposed treatment.

PMID- 27141492
TI  - Assessment of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in Two Provinces of Turkey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the main health issues in Turkey.
      Extrapulmonary TB cases have significant proportion comparing pulmonary TB cases.
      The aim of the study was to evaluate the extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) cases
      in two regions of Turkey, which have different demographic and socioeconomic
      characteristics. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, EPTB cases between
      2000 and 2005 in Van and Izmir Provinces of Turkey were analyzed and compared for
      symptoms, age groups, vaccination status, diagnostic procedures and social
      economical conditions within two provinces. Descriptive analytic methods were
      used. RESULTS: Total of 397 EPTB cases were reviewed retrospectively in Izmir and
      Van provinces. Pleural TB was most often seen EPTB form (47.6% vs. 32.6%) and
      female/male ratio was similar in both groups. Patients were in older ages in
      Izmir Province. Chest pain (20% vs. 32%), cough (33% vs. 26%) and night
      sweatiness (29% vs. 36%) were leading complaints. Low BCG vaccination rate and
      higher childhood EPTB were found in Van group, in contrary elderly EPTB was more
      often in of Izmir group. CONCLUSION: Frequency of severe forms of EPTB is more
      often in younger ages in lower social economical condition areas.

PMID- 27141494
TI  - Antifungal Susceptibility Analysis of Clinical Isolates of Candida parapsilosis
      in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Candida parapsilosis is an emergent agent of invasive fungal
      infections. This yeast is one of the five most widespread yeasts concerned in
      invasive candidiasis. C. parapsilosis stands out as the second most common yeast
      species isolated from patients with bloodstream infections especially in neonates
      with catheter. Recently several reports suggested that its reduced susceptibility
      to azoles and polyene might become a cause for clinical concern, although C.
      parapsilosis is not believed to be intensely prone to the development of
      antifungal resistance. METHODS: In the present report, One hundred and twenty
      clinical isolates of C. parapsilosis complex were identified and differentiated
      by using PCR-RFLP analysis. The isolates were then analyzed to determine their
      susceptibility profile to fluconazole (FLU), itraconazole (ITC) and amphotericin
      B. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results were analyzed according to
      the standard CLSI guide. RESULTS: All of isolates were identified as C.
      parapsilosis. No C. metapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis strains were found.
      Evaluation of the antifungal susceptibility profile showed that only three (2.5%)
      C. parapsilosis were resistant to fluconazole, three (2.5%) C. parapsilosis were
      resistant to itraconazole and two (1.7%) C. parapsilosis were amphotericin B
      resistant. CONCLUSION: Profiles in clinical isolates of C. parapsilosis can
      provide important information for the control of antifungal resistance as well as
      distribution and susceptibility profiles in populations.

PMID- 27141495
TI  - Setting up Multiplex Panels for Genetic Testing of Familial Hypertrophic
      Cardiomyopathy Based on Linkage Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is caused by mutations in
      genes encoding cardiac sarcomere proteins. Nowadays genetic testing of HCM plays
      an important role in clinical practice by contributing to the diagnosis,
      prognosis, and screening of high-risk individuals. The aim of this study was
      developing a reliable testing strategy for HCM based on linkage analysis and
      appropriate for Iranian population. METHODS: Six panels of four microsatellite
      markers surrounding MYH7, MYBPC3, TNNT2, TNNI3, TPM1, and MYL2 genes (24 markers
      in total) were selected for multiplex PCR and fragment length analysis.
      Characteristics of markers and informativeness of the panels were evaluated in 50
      unrelated Iranians. The efficacy of the strategy was verified in a family with
      HCM. RESULTS: All markers were highly polymorphic. The panels were informative in
      96-100% of samples. Multipoint linkage analysis excluded the linkage between the
      disease and all six genes by obtaining maximum LOD score <=-2. CONCLUSION: This
      study suggests a reliable genetic testing method based on linkage analysis
      between 6 sarcomere genes and familial HCM. It could be applied for diagnostic,
      predictive, or screening testing in clinical setting.

PMID- 27141496
TI  - Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplement on Antioxidant Enzymes Activity in Type
      2 Diabetic Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a major cause of death. Oxidative stress mainly caused by
      hyperglycemia is the primary reason of related complications. Omega-3 fatty acids
      are prescribed in diabetes but the effect on antioxidant defense is
      controversial. This study investigated effects of omega-3 supplementation on
      antioxidant enzymes activity in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: A randomized,
      placebo controlled, double blind clinical trial was performed on 90 type2
      diabetic patients. The treatment group took, daily, three capsules of omega-3 for
      two mo, which totally provided 2714mg omega-3 (EPA=1548 mg, DHA=828 mg and 338 mg
      of other omega=3 fatty acids). Placebo contained 2100 mg sunflower oil (12% SFA,
      65% linoleic acid, 23% MUFA), which is the main oil used in the study population.
      Food intakes, anthropometric and demographic characteristics, and therapeutic
      regimen data were recorded before and after the intervention. Fasting blood
      samples were taken before and after the intervention to measure super oxide
      dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase and total
      antioxidant capacity in erythrocytes. RESULTS: A total of 81 subjects completed
      the study. Two study groups were similar as regards duration of diabetes, age and
      the enzymes at baseline. Energy and macro- and micronutrients intakes, weight and
      hypoglycemic agent consumption were similar in the two groups at baseline and did
      not change. Supplementation had no effect on antioxidant enzyme status. Glycated
      hemoglobin showed a significant reduction by supplementation. CONCLUSION: Daily
      supplementation of 2714 mg mega-3 for two mo results in a significant reduction
      in HbA1c level in type2 diabetic patients with no effects on antioxidant enzymes
      activity.

PMID- 27141497
TI  - Whole Exome Sequencing of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that leukemogenic chromosomal
      translocations, including fusions between Break point Cluster Region (BCR) and
      Abelson (ABL) are present in the peripheral blood of healthy individuals. The aim
      of this study was to gain insights into the genetic alterations other than BCR
      Abl translocation in molecular level, which cause chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
      METHODS: We performed whole-exome sequencing on four cases representative of BCR
      ABL positive CML in chronic phase of the disease. RESULTS: We did not identify
      any pathogenic mutation in all known genes involved in CML or other cancers in
      our subjects. Nevertheless, we identified polymorphisms in related genes.
      CONCLUSION: It is the first report of exome sequencing in Philadelphia chromosome
      positive CML patients. We did not identify any pathogenic mutation in known
      cancer genes in our patients who can be due to CML pathogenesis or technical
      limitations.

PMID- 27141498
TI  - Effect of Nutritional Habits on Dental Caries in Permanent Dentition among
      Schoolchildren Aged 10-12 Years: A Zero-Inflated Generalized Poisson Regression
      Model Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the associations between
      nutrition and dental caries in permanent dentition among schoolchildren. METHODS:
      A cross-sectional survey was undertaken on 698 schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 yr
      from a random sample of primary schools in Kermanshah, western Iran, in 2014. The
      study was based on the data obtained from the questionnaire containing
      information on nutritional habits and the outcome of decayed/missing/filled teeth
      (DMFT) index. The association between predictors and dental caries was modeled
      using the Zero Inflated Generalized Poisson (ZIGP) regression model. RESULTS:
      Fourteen percent of the children were caries free. The model was shown that in
      female children, the odds of being in a caries susceptible sub-group was 1.23
      (95% CI: 1.08-1.51) times more likely than boys (P=0.041). Additionally, mean
      caries count in children who consumed the fizzy soft beverages and sweet biscuits
      more than once daily was 1.41 (95% CI: 1.19-1.63) and 1.27 (95% CI: 1.18-1.37)
      times more than children that were in category of less than 3 times a week or
      never, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Girls were at a higher risk of caries than boys
      were. Since our study showed that nutritional status may have significant effect
      on caries in permanent teeth, we recommend that health promotion activities in
      school should be emphasized on healthful eating practices; especially limiting
      beverages containing sugar to only occasionally between meals.

PMID- 27141499
TI  - Health Promoting Hospitals Model in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospitals are the central entity of each health care system and
      Health Promoting Hospitals (HPH) was launched by WHO in 1988. However, there has
      not been any accurate and detailed model for establishing a HPH in Iran up to
      now. Therefore, this study aimed to determine factors affecting the establishment
      of a health promoting hospital in Iran using factor analysis method. METHODS:
      This applied, cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study was conducted in
      Iran in four steps. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used for determining
      factors affecting the establishment of a HPH. RESULTS: Society (0.97) and Policy
      (0.74) had the highest regression weights (effects) and management had the lowest
      one. CONCLUSION: Community assessment was the most important dimension of
      proposed conceptual model for establishing a HPH.

PMID- 27141500
TI  - Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease due to IL-12Rbeta1 Deficiency
      in Three Iranian Children.
AB  - Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases (MSMD) is a rare inheritance
      syndrome, characterized by a disseminated infection with mycobacterium in
      children following BCG vaccination at birth. Regarding the vaccination program in
      Iran, it may consider as a public health problem. The pathogenesis of MSMD is
      dependent on either insufficient production of IFN-gamma (gamma) or inadequate
      response to it. Here, we want to introduce three cases including two siblings and
      one girl from two unrelated families with severe mycobacterial infections
      referred to Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute (IAARI), from 2013
      to 2015; their MSMD was confirmed by both cytokine assessment and genetic
      analysis. Regarding the clinical features of the patients, cell proliferation
      against a mitogen and BCG antigen was ordered in a lymphocyte transformation test
      (LTT) setting. ELISA was performed for the measurement of IL-12p70 and IFN-gamma
      in whole blood samples activated by BCG + recombinant human IFN-gamma and BCG +
      recombinant human IL-12, respectively. In contrast to mitogen, the antigen
      dependent proliferation activity of the patients' leukocytes was significantly
      lower than that in normal range. We identified a homozygous mutation in IL12RB1
      gene for two kindred who had a homozygous mutation affecting an essential splice
      site. For the third patient, a novel frameshift deletion in IL12RB1 gene was
      found. The genetic study results confirmed the impaired function of stimulated
      lymphocytes to release IFN-gamma following stimulation with BCG+IL-12 while the
      response to rhIFN-gamma for IL-12p70 production was relatively intact. Our
      findings show that cellular and molecular assessments are needed for precise
      identification of immunodeficiency disorders especially those without clear-cut
      diagnostic criteria. 

PMID- 27141501
TI  - Newborn with Supernumerary Marker Chromosome Derived from Chromosomes 11 And 22-
      A Case Report.
AB  - The interpretation of supernumerary chromosome is important for genetic
      counseling and prognosis. Here, we used SNP array and conventional karyotyping
      method to identify a denovo marker chromosome originated from chromosome 22 and
      11 in a newborn transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Shahid
      Sadoughi Hospital in 2015. Clinical abnormalities identified in the newborn were
      dysmorphic face, intrauterine growth retardation, atrial septal defect (ASD), the
      hypoplasia of corpus callosum and septum pellucidum. These clinical abnormalities
      can be related to this marker, and it may help genetic counselor for predicting
      abnormality risk in susceptible individuals as well as prenatal diagnosis. 

PMID- 27141502
TI  - A Rare Case of Bilateral Agenesis of Central Lower Incisors Associated With Upper
      Impacted Canine- A Case Report.
AB  - This case of a female patient, 14 yr old with association of the two anomalies,
      which we came across with in 2014, is rarely met in the specialty practice. The
      impacted canines are part of the group of dental anomalies of position, while the
      agenesis is part of the group of dental number anomalies. The orthodontic
      treatment in the two arches has to be differentiated, the therapeutic objectives
      being, also different in the two arches. 

PMID- 27141503
TI  - Anti-Fatigue Effects of Acute Red Ginseng Intake in Recovery from Repetitive
      Anaerobic Exercise.

PMID- 27141504
TI  - Mediation Role of Hope between Self-efficacy and Subjective Well-being.

PMID- 27141505
TI  - Association of MMP-2 (-1306 C>T), MMP-9 (-1562 C>T) Gene Polymorphism and the
      Formation of the Hematological Malignancies.

PMID- 27141506
TI  - Remote Control and Monitoring of Microscopic Slides.

PMID- 27141507
TI  - Effect of Exposure to Tobacco Smoke on Response to Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor
      Alpha Treatment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

PMID- 27141508
TI  - Proportion of Mortality Attributable to Tobacco Worldwide.

PMID- 27141509
TI  - Comparison of Standardized Plant Analysis Risk Human Reliability Analysis (SPAR
      H) and Cognitive Reliability Error Analysis Methods (CREAM) in Quantifying Human
      Error in Nursing Practice.

PMID- 27141510
TI  - Assessment of Quality of Life among Residents of Tehran: Results from a Large
      Cross Sectional Study.

PMID- 27141511
TI  - Is it Blue Light or Increased Electromagnetic Fields which Affects the Circadian
      Rhythm in People who Use Smartphones at Night.

PMID- 27141512
TI  - Enuresis of Children from the Perspective of Iranian Traditional Medicine.

PMID- 27141514
TI  - Ectopic ACTH Production Leading to Diagnosis of Underlying Medullary Thyroid
      Carcinoma.
AB  - Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has been described as a source of ectopic ACTH
      secretion in patients with Cushing's syndrome. This is an infrequent association,
      occurring in less than 1% of MTC cases. Among these, it is even more unusual for
      an initial diagnosis of hypercortisolism to lead to the discovery of underlying
      MTC. Here we present a case of a patient with weakness, diarrhea, and hypokalemia
      who was found first to have Cushing's syndrome and later diagnosed with
      metastatic MTC. The patient was treated initially with oral agents to control his
      hypercortisolism, then with an etomidate infusion after experiencing intestinal
      perforation. He also received vandetanib therapy targeting his underlying
      malignancy, as this has been shown to reverse clinical signs of Cushing's
      syndrome in patients with MTC and subsequent ectopic ACTH secretion. Bilateral
      adrenalectomy was ultimately required. Medullary thyroid carcinoma should be
      considered in patients presenting with Cushing's syndrome due to ectopic ACTH
      secretion, and a multimodality treatment approach is often required. 

PMID- 27141513
TI  - Controlling Arteriogenesis and Mast Cells Are Central to Bioengineering Solutions
      for Critical Bone Defect Repair Using Allografts.
AB  - Although most fractures heal, critical defects in bone fail due to aberrant
      differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells towards fibrosis rather than
      osteogenesis. While conventional bioengineering solutions to this problem have
      focused on enhancing angiogenesis, which is required for bone formation, recent
      studies have shown that fibrotic non-unions are associated with arteriogenesis in
      the center of the defect and accumulation of mast cells around large blood
      vessels. Recently, recombinant parathyroid hormone (rPTH; teriparatide; Forteo)
      therapy have shown to have anti-fibrotic effects on non-unions and critical bone
      defects due to inhibition of arteriogenesis and mast cell numbers within the
      healing bone. As this new direction holds great promise towards a solution for
      significant clinical hurdles in craniofacial reconstruction and limb salvage
      procedures, this work reviews the current state of the field, and provides
      insights as to how teriparatide therapy could be used as an adjuvant for healing
      critical defects in bone. Finally, as teriparatide therapy is contraindicated in
      the setting of cancer, which constitutes a large subset of these patients, we
      describe early findings of adjuvant therapies that may present future promise by
      directly inhibiting arteriogenesis and mast cell accumulation at the defect site.

PMID- 27141515
TI  - Return to Elite Level of Play and Performance in Professional Golfers After
      Arthroscopic Hip Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip conditions, such as femoroacetabular impingement and labral
      injury, can cause pain and limit the ability to play sports at a professional
      level. PURPOSE: To evaluate performance metrics of professional golfers prior to
      arthroscopic hip surgery and after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of
      evidence, 4. METHODS: This study included professional golfers who underwent
      arthroscopic hip surgery. Primary outcome variables were greens in regulation and
      driving distance. Metrics were recorded for 2 years prior to arthroscopic hip
      surgery and 1, 2, and 5 years after arthroscopy. RESULTS: A consecutive cohort of
      20 male professional golfers (27 hips) from 2000 to 2011 underwent arthroscopic
      hip surgery by a single surgeon. All players were on the PGA Tour with a mean age
      of 38 years (range, 26-54 years). Eleven hips had labral repair and 16 had labral
      debridements. Four hips required microfracture of a chondral lesion. All players
      returned to play at a mean of 4.7 months (range, 1 month to 2 years). The mean
      number of years played after surgery was 5.72. There was no significant
      difference between preoperative and postoperative greens in regulation (P =
      .227). The mean distance per golf drive was significantly longer at 1 and 2 years
      postoperative compared with prior to surgery (P < .01), and driving distance at 5
      years was also longer than preoperative (P = .008). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic
      management of chondrolabral dysfunction due to femoroacetabular impingement in
      the professional golfer allowed the golfer to return to the same skill level
      prior to surgery. Mean driving distance was found to increase after arthroscopy,
      demonstrating not only a return but also an improvement in driving performance
      from prior level of play.

PMID- 27141517
TI  - Data, Data Everywhere, but Access Remains a Big Issue for Researchers: A Review
      of Access Policies for Publicly-Funded Patient-Level Health Care Data in the
      United States.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: High quality research regarding treatment effectiveness, quality,
      and value is critical for improving the U.S. health care system. Recognition of
      this has led federal and state officials to better leverage existing data sources
      such as medical claims and survey data, but access must be balanced with privacy
      concerns. METHODS: We reviewed and catalogued data access policies for a
      selection of publicly-funded federal and state datasets to investigate how such
      policies may be promoting or limiting research activities. RESULTS: We found
      significant variation in data access policies across federal agencies and across
      state agencies, including variation for multiple datasets available from the same
      agency. We also observed numerous indirect hurdles to use of data, including
      complex data use application procedures, high user fees, and prolonged wait times
      for data delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Policy makers and data owners should consider
      making changes to data access policies to maximize the utility and availability
      of these valuable resources.

PMID- 27141516
TI  - Consensus Statement on Electronic Health Predictive Analytics: A Guiding
      Framework to Address Challenges.
AB  - CONTEXT: The recent explosion in available electronic health record (EHR) data is
      motivating a rapid expansion of electronic health care predictive analytic (e
      HPA) applications, defined as the use of electronic algorithms that forecast
      clinical events in real time with the intent to improve patient outcomes and
      reduce costs. There is an urgent need for a systematic framework to guide the
      development and application of e-HPA to ensure that the field develops in a
      scientifically sound, ethical, and efficient manner. OBJECTIVES: Building upon
      earlier frameworks of model development and utilization, we identify the emerging
      opportunities and challenges of e-HPA, propose a framework that enables us to
      realize these opportunities, address these challenges, and motivate e-HPA
      stakeholders to both adopt and continuously refine the framework as the
      applications of e-HPA emerge. METHODS: To achieve these objectives, 17 experts
      with diverse expertise including methodology, ethics, legal, regulation, and
      health care delivery systems were assembled to identify emerging opportunities
      and challenges of e-HPA and to propose a framework to guide the development and
      application of e-HPA. FINDINGS: The framework proposed by the panel includes
      three key domains where e-HPA differs qualitatively from earlier generations of
      models and algorithms (Data Barriers, Transparency, and ETHICS) and areas where
      current frameworks are insufficient to address the emerging opportunities and
      challenges of e-HPA (Regulation and Certification; and Education and Training).
      The following list of recommendations summarizes the key points of the framework:
      Data Barriers: Establish mechanisms within the scientific community to support
      data sharing for predictive model development and testing.Transparency: Set
      standards around e-HPA validation based on principles of scientific transparency
      and reproducibility. ETHICS: Develop both individual-centered and society
      centered risk-benefit approaches to evaluate e-HPA.Regulation and Certification:
      Construct a self-regulation and certification framework within e-HPA.Education
      and Training: Make significant changes to medical, nursing, and paraprofessional
      curricula by including training for understanding, evaluating, and utilizing
      predictive models.

PMID- 27141518
TI  - Bidirectional Data Collaborations in Distributed Research.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The need for collaborations with bidirectional data exchange within
      and across distributed research networks has increased. CURRENTLY EXISTING
      ACTIVITIES: This commentary will present currently publically available
      activities including the Sentinel Initiative, the Patient-Centered Outcomes
      Research Network (PCORnet), and the NIH Research Collaboratory. CURRENT TECHNICAL
      AND GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES: Even with the advances made in this arena, several
      technical and governance challenges remain including the evolution of clinically
      rich data sources and modes of care, availability of longitudinal data resources
      through data linkage, and the processes to share data and link data resources
      while ensuring privacy and proprietary control of data. PERSPECTIVE: These
      activities will require enhanced levels of trust between entities involved in the
      delivery of healthcare (Trust 2.0) in addition to the trust health plans and
      health systems have with patients (Trust 1.0). Recent public funding
      announcements and public access to data resources will likely improve the
      landscape of bidirectional data collaborations in distributed research.

PMID- 27141519
TI  - Extracting Electronic Health Record Data in a Practice-Based Research Network:
      Processes to Support Translational Research across Diverse Practice
      Organizations.
AB  - CONTEXT: The widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) offers
      significant opportunities to conduct research with clinical data from patients
      outside traditional academic research settings. Because EHRs are designed
      primarily for clinical care and billing, significant challenges are inherent in
      the use of EHR data for clinical and translational research. Efficient processes
      are needed for translational researchers to overcome these challenges. The Data
      QUEST Coordinating Center (DQCC), which oversees Data Query Extraction
      Standardization Translation (Data QUEST) - a primary-care, EHR data-sharing
      infrastructure - created processes that guide EHR data extraction for clinical
      and translational research across these diverse practices. We describe these
      processes and their application in a case example. CASE DESCRIPTION: The DQCC
      process for developing EHR data extractions not only supports researchers' access
      to EHR data, but supports this access for the purpose of answering scientific
      questions. This process requires complex coordination across multiple domains,
      including the following: (1) understanding the context of EHR data; (2) creating
      and maintaining a governance structure to support exchange of EHR data; and (3)
      defining data parameters that are used in order to extract data from the EHR. We
      use the Northwest-Alaska Pharmacogenomics Research Network (NWA-PGRN) as a case
      example that focuses on pharmacogenomic discovery and clinical applications to
      describe the DQCC process. The NWA-PGRN collaborates with Data QUEST to explore
      ways to leverage primary-care EHR data to support pharmacogenomics research.
      FINDINGS: Preliminary analysis on the case example shows that initial decisions
      about how researchers define the study population can influence study outcomes.
      MAJOR THEMES AND CONCLUSIONS: The experience of the DQCC demonstrates that
      coordinating centers provide expertise in helping researchers understand the
      context of EHR data, create and maintain governance structures, and guide the
      definition of parameters for data extractions. This expertise is critical to
      supporting research with EHR data. Replication of these strategies through
      coordinating centers may lead to more efficient translational research.
      Investigators must also consider the impact of initial decisions in defining
      study groups that may potentially affect outcomes.

PMID- 27141520
TI  - Governance Through Privacy, Fairness, and Respect for Individuals.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Individuals have a moral claim to be involved in the governance of
      their personal data. Individuals' rights include privacy, autonomy, and the
      ability to choose for themselves how they want to manage risk, consistent with
      their own personal values and life situations. The Fair Information Practices
      principles (FIPPs) offer a framework for governance. Privacy-enhancing technology
      that complies with applicable law and FIPPs offers a dynamic governance tool for
      enabling the fair and open use of individual's personal data. PERCEPTIONS OF
      RISK: Any governance model must protect against the risks posed by data misuse.
      Individual perceptions of risks are a subjective function involving individuals'
      values toward self, family, and society, their perceptions of trust, and their
      cognitive decision-making skills. THE HIPAA PRIVACY RULE PUTS SOME GOVERNANCE IN
      THE HANDS OF INDIVIDUALS: Individual privacy protections and individuals' right
      to choose are codified in the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which attempts to strike a
      balance between the dual goals of information flow and privacy protection. The
      choices most commonly given individuals regarding the use of their health
      information are binary ("yes" or "no") and immutable. Recent federal
      recommendations and law recognize the need for granular, dynamic choices.
      BUILDING A GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK BASED IN TRUST AVOIDING SURPRISES: Individuals
      expect that they will govern the use of their own health and genomic data.
      Failure to build and maintain individuals' trust increases the likelihood that
      they will refuse to grant permission to access or use their data. The "no
      surprises principle" asserts that an individual's personal information should
      never be collected, used, transmitted, or disclosed in a way that would surprise
      the individual were she to learn about it. FAIR INFORMATION PRACTICES PRINCIPLES:
      The FIPPs provide a powerful framework for enabling data sharing and use, while
      maintaining trust. We introduce the eight FIPPs adopted by the Department of
      Health and Human Services, and provide examples of their interpretation and
      implementation. REDUCING RISK THROUGH CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT: Privacy risk and
      health risk can be reduced by giving consumers control, autonomy, and
      transparency, and by engaging them in managing their own health. Explicit
      "consent" may not always be necessary - the FIPPs offer multiple ways to engender
      trust and avoid surprises.

PMID- 27141521
TI  - Ethics Issues Arising in the Transition to Learning Health Care Systems: Results
      from Interviews with Leaders from 25 Health Systems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is increased interest in transitioning to a "learning health
      care system" (LHCS). While this transition brings the potential for significant
      benefits, it also presents several ethical considerations. Identifying the
      ethical issues faced by institutions in this transition is critical for realizing
      the goals of learning health care so that these issues can be anticipated and,
      where possible, resolved. METHODS: 29 semi-structured telephone interviews were
      conducted with leaders within 25 health care institutions. Respondents were
      recruiting using purposive sampling, targeting institutions considered as LHCS
      leaders. All interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed. NVIVO10 software was
      used to support qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Respondents described seven
      ethical challenges: (1) ethical oversight of learning activities; (2)
      transparency of learning activities to patients; (3) potential tensions between
      improving quality and reducing costs; (4) data sharing and data management; (5)
      lag time between discovery and implementation; (6) transparency to patients about
      quality; and (7) randomization for quality improvement initiatives. DISCUSSION:
      To move towards LHCS, several ethical considerations require further attention,
      including: the continued appropriateness of the research-treatment distinction;
      policy frameworks for privacy and data sharing; informing patients about learning
      activities; obligations to share data on quality; and the potential for trade
      offs between quality improvement and cost control. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge,
      this is the first project to ask leaders from health care systems committed to
      ongoing learning about the ethical issues they have faced in this effort. Their
      experiences can provide guidance on relevant ethical issues, and what might be
      done to resolve them.

PMID- 27141522
TI  - Software-Enabled Distributed Network Governance: The PopMedNet Experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The expanded availability of electronic health information has led
      to increased interest in distributed health data research networks. DISTRIBUTED
      RESEARCH NETWORK MODEL: The distributed research network model leaves data with
      and under the control of the data holder. Data holders, network coordinating
      centers, and researchers have distinct needs and challenges within this model.
      SOFTWARE ENABLED GOVERNANCE POPMEDNET: The concerns of network stakeholders are
      addressed in the design and governance models of the PopMedNet software platform.
      PopMedNet features include distributed querying, customizable workflows, and
      auditing and search capabilities. Its flexible role-based access control system
      enables the enforcement of varying governance policies. SELECTED CASE STUDIES:
      Four case studies describe how PopMedNet is used to enforce network governance
      models. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES: Trust is an essential component of a distributed
      research network and must be built before data partners may be willing to
      participate further. The complexity of the PopMedNet system must be managed as
      networks grow and new data, analytic methods, and querying approaches are
      developed. CONCLUSIONS: The PopMedNet software platform supports a variety of
      network structures, governance models, and research activities through
      customizable features designed to meet the needs of network stakeholders.

PMID- 27141523
TI  - The Future of Patient Engagement in the Governance of Shared Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The emerging health care system increasingly values patient
      engagement and shared decision-making between patients and their providers. The
      practice of these values is gaining importance as the patient-centered medical
      home model and personalized medicine come into greater use. OPPORTUNITY FOR
      IMPROVEMENT: Exploration of patient preferences about personal health data use
      for research and quality improvement is a fundamental element of the provider
      patient relationship. Giving patients an explicit opportunity to discuss their
      options about use of their data and implementing a process that allows patients
      to receive desired communications about how their information is used can help
      build patient trust, a requirement for successful care partnerships. PRACTICE
      ADVANCEMENT: Working to change organizational cultures that exclude patients from
      participation in important decisions related to personal health information use
      promotes a strong patient-provider relationship and, ultimately, lays the
      foundation for improved health care through expanded use of patient data.

PMID- 27141525
TI  - Privacy, Security, and Patient Engagement: The Changing Health Data Governance
      Landscape.
AB  - CONTEXT: The rapid emergence of new technologies support collection and use of a
      wide variety of data from clinical, genomic, social and behavioral,
      environmental, and financial sources, and have a great impact on the governance
      of personal health information. PAPERS IN THE SPECIAL ISSUE: The papers in this
      special issue on governance touch on the topic from a variety of focuses,
      including leadership perspectives, local and federal case studies, and the future
      importance of patient engagement. THEMES: This special issue focuses on three
      major themes-that data governance is growing in importance and presenting new
      challenges that must be addressed, that health care organizations must prioritize
      governance design, implementation, and functions as a priority, and that
      governance seems to be naturally converging on an archetype as described by this
      set of papers. FUTURE STATE OF GOVERNANCE: In order to deal with issues such as
      data de- and re-identification, data governance must be studied as its own field.

PMID- 27141524
TI  - Building a Governance Strategy for CER: The Patient Outcomes Research to Advance
      Learning (PORTAL) Network Experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Patient Outcomes Research to Advance Learning (PORTAL) Network
      was established with funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
      Institute (PCORI) in 2014. The PORTAL team adapted governance structures and
      processes from past research network collaborations. We will review and outline
      the structures and processes of the PORTAL governance approach and describe how
      proactively focusing on priority areas helped us to facilitate an ambitious
      research agenda. BACKGROUND: For years a variety of funders have supported large
      scale infrastructure grants to promote the use of clinical datasets to answer
      important comparative effectiveness research (CER) questions. These awards have
      provided the impetus for health care systems to join forces in creating clinical
      data research networks. Often, these scientific networks do not develop
      governance processes proactively or systematically, and address issues only as
      problems arise. Even if network leaders and collaborators foresee the need to
      develop governance approaches, they may underestimate the time and effort
      required to develop sound processes. The resulting delays can impede research
      progress. INNOVATION: Because the PORTAL sites had built trust and a foundation
      of collaboration by participating with one another in past research networks,
      essential elements of effective governance such as guiding principles, decision
      making processes, project governance, data governance, and stakeholders in
      governance were familiar to PORTAL investigators. This trust and familiarity
      enabled the network to rapidly prioritize areas that required sound governance
      approaches: responding to new research opportunities, creating a culture of trust
      and collaboration, conducting individual studies, within the broader network,
      assigning responsibility and credit to scientific investigators, sharing data
      while protecting privacy/security, and allocating resources. The PORTAL
      Governance Document, complete with a Toolkit of Appendices is included for
      reference and for adaptation by other networks. CREDIBILITY: As a result of
      identifying project-based governance priorities (IRB approval, subcontracting,
      selection of new research including lead PI and participating sites, and
      authorship) and data governance priorities (reciprocal data use agreement,
      analytic plan procedures, and other tools for data governance), PORTAL
      established most of its governance structure by Month 6 of the 18 month project.
      This allowed science to progress and collaborators to experience first-hand how
      the structures and procedures functioned in the remaining 12 months of the
      project, leaving ample time to refine them and to develop new structures or
      processes as necessary. DISCUSSION: The use of procedures and processes with
      which participating investigators and their home institutions were already
      familiar allowed project and regulatory requirements to be established quickly to
      protect patients, their data, and the health care systems that act as stewards
      for both. As the project progressed, PORTAL was able to test and adjust the
      structures it put place, and to make substantive revisions by Month 17. As a
      result, priority processes have been predictable, transparent and effective.
      CONCLUSION/NEXT STEPS: Strong governance practices are a stewardship
      responsibility of research networks to justify the trust of patients, health plan
      members, health care delivery organizations, and other stakeholders. Well-planned
      governance can reduce the time necessary to initiate the scientific activities of
      a network, a particular concern when the time frame to complete research is
      short. Effective network and data governance structures protect patient and
      institutional data as well as the interests of investigators and their
      institutions, and assures that the network has built an environment to meet the
      goals of the research.

PMID- 27141526
TI  - Data in support of transcriptional regulation and function of Fas-antisense long
      noncoding RNA during human erythropoiesis.
AB  - This paper describes data related to a research article titled, "Fas-antisense
      long noncoding RNA is differentially expressed during maturation of human
      erythrocytes and confers resistance to Fas-mediated cell death" [1]. Long
      noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly appreciated for their capacity to
      regulate many steps of gene expression. While recent studies suggest that many
      lncRNAs are functional, the scope of their actions throughout human biology is
      largely undefined including human red blood cell development (erythropoiesis).
      Here we include expression data for 82 lncRNAs during early, intermediate and
      late stages of human erythropoiesis using a commercial qPCR Array. From these
      data, we identified lncRNA Fas-antisense 1 (Fas-AS1 or Saf) described in the
      research article. Also included are 5' untranslated sequences (UTR) for lncRNA
      Saf with transcription factor target sequences identified. Quantitative RT-PCR
      data demonstrate relative levels of critical erythroid transcription factors,
      GATA-1 and KLF1, in K562 human erythroleukemia cells and maturing erythroblasts
      derived from human CD34(+) cells. End point and quantitative RT-PCR data for cDNA
      prepared using random hexamers versus oligo(dT)18 revealed that lncRNA Saf is not
      effectively polyadenylated. Finally, we include flow cytometry histograms
      demonstrating Fas levels on maturing erythroblasts derived from human CD34(+)
      cells transduced using mock conditions or with lentivirus particles encoding for
      Saf. 

PMID- 27141527
TI  - Washing effect on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.
AB  - Much recent research on nanoparticles has occurred in the biomedical area,
      particularly in the area of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs);
      one such area of research is in their use as magnetically directed prodrugs. It
      has been reported that nanoscale materials exhibit properties different from
      those of materials in bulk or on a macro scale [1]. Further, an understanding of
      the batch-to-batch reproducibility and uniformity of the SPION surface is
      essential to ensure safe biological applications, as noted in the accompanying
      article [2], because the surface is the first layer that affects the biological
      response of the human body. Here, we consider a comparison of the surface
      chemistries of a batch of SPIONs, before and after the supposedly gentle process
      of dialysis in water. 

PMID- 27141528
TI  - Data for identification of GPI-anchored peptides and omega-sites in cancer cell
      lines.
AB  - We present data obtained using a focused proteomics approach to identify the
      glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored peptides in 19 human cancer cell
      lines. GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs), which localize to the outer leaflet of
      the membrane microdomains commonly referred to as lipid rafts play important
      roles in diverse biological processes. Due to the complex structure of the GPI
      anchor moiety, it has been difficult to identify GPI-anchored peptide sequences
      on the proteomic scale by database searches using tools such as MASCOT. Here we
      provide data from 73 omega-sites derived from 49 GPI-APs in 19 human cancer cell
      lines. This article contains data related to the research article entitled
      "Identification of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins and omega-sites
      using TiO2-based affinity purification followed by hydrogen fluoride treatment"
      (Masuishi et al., 2016) [1]. 

PMID- 27141529
TI  - Digital data for quick response (QR) codes of alkalophilic Bacillus pumilus to
      identify and to compare bacilli isolated from Lonar Crator Lake, India.
AB  - Microbiologists are routinely engaged isolation, identification and comparison of
      isolated bacteria for their novelty. 16S rRNA sequences of Bacillus pumilus were
      retrieved from NCBI repository and generated QR codes for sequences (FASTA format
      and full Gene Bank information). 16SrRNA were used to generate quick response
      (QR) codes of Bacillus pumilus isolated from Lonar Crator Lake (19 degrees  58'
      N; 76 degrees  31' E), India. Bacillus pumilus 16S rRNA gene sequences were used
      to generate CGR, FCGR and PCA. These can be used for visual comparison and
      evaluation respectively. The hyperlinked QR codes, CGR, FCGR and PCA of all the
      isolates are made available to the users on a portal
      https://sites.google.com/site/bhagwanrekadwad/. This generated digital data helps
      to evaluate and compare any Bacillus pumilus strain, minimizes laboratory efforts
      and avoid misinterpretation of the species. 

PMID- 27141530
TI  - Multiscale Poly-(epsilon-caprolactone) Scaffold Mimicking Nonlinearity in Tendon
      Tissue Mechanics.
AB  - Regenerative medicine plays a critical role in the future of medicine. However,
      challenges remain to balance stem cells, biomaterial scaffolds, and biochemical
      factors to create successful and effective scaffold designs. This project
      analyzes scaffold architecture with respect to mechanical capability and
      preliminary mesenchymal stem cell response for tendon regeneration. An
      electrospun fiber scaffold with tailorable properties based on a "Chinese
      fingertrap" design is presented. The unique criss-crossed fiber structures
      demonstrate non-linear mechanical response similar to that observed in native
      tendon. Mechanical testing revealed that optimizing the fiber orientation
      resulted in the characteristic "S"-shaped curve, demonstrating a toe region and
      linear elastic region. This project has promising research potential across
      various disciplines: vascular engineering, nerve regeneration, and ligament and
      tendon tissue engineering.

PMID- 27141531
TI  - Project BreakFAST: Rationale, design, and recruitment and enrollment methods of a
      randomized controlled trial to evaluate an intervention to improve School
      Breakfast Program participation in rural high schools.

PMID- 27141533
TI  - Prevalence of preterm labor in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preterm labor, which defines as live-birth delivery before 37 weeks
      of gestation is a main determinant of neonatal morbidity and mortality around the
      world. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of
      preterm labor in Iran by a meta-analysis study, to be as a final measure for
      policy makers in this field. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this meta-analysis, the
      databases of Thomson database (Web of Knowledge), PubMed/Medline, Science Direct,
      Scopus, Google Scholar, Iranmedex, Scientific Information Database (SID),
      Magiran, and Medlib were searched for articles in English and Persian language
      published between 1995 and 2014. Among the studies with regard to the inclusion
      and exclusion criteria, 14 studies (out of 1370 publications) were selected. Data
      were analyzed by using Stata software version 11. The heterogeneity of reported
      prevalence among studies was evaluated by the Chi-square based Q test and I2
      statistics. RESULTS: The results of Chi-square based on Q test and I2 statistics
      revealed severe heterogeneity (Q=2505.12, p-value < 0.001 and I2= 99.5%) and
      consequently, the random effect model was used for the meta-analysis. Based on
      the random effect model, the overall estimated prevalence of preterm in Iran was
      9.2% (95% CI: 7.6 - 10.7). CONCLUSION: Present study summarized the results of
      previous studies and provided a comprehensive view about the preterm delivery in
      Iran. In order to achieve a more desirable level and its reduction in the coming
      years, identifying affecting factor and interventional and preventive actions
      seem necessary.

PMID- 27141534
TI  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in women with unexplained infertility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genital tuberculosis (GTB) is an important cause of female
      infertility, especially in developing countries. The positive results of
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in endometrial GTB in the absence of tubal damage
      raise the possibility of the detection of sub-clinical or latent disease, with
      doubtful benefits of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mycobacterium
      tuberculosis infection in endometrial biopsy samples collected from unexplained
      infertile women attending Yazd Research and Clinical Center for Infertility by
      using PCR techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 144
      infertile women with unexplained infertility aged 20-35 years old and normal
      Histro-saplango graphy findings were enrolled. Endometrial biopsy samples from
      each participant were tested for mycobacterium tuberculosis detecting by PCR. In
      93 patients, peritoneal fluid was also taken for culture and PCR. RESULTS: The
      PCR results of endometrial specimens were negative in all cases, demonstrating
      that there was no GTB infection among our patients. CONCLUSION: Our results
      showed that GTB could not be considered as a major problem in women with
      unexplained infertility. Although, studies have indicated that PCR is a useful
      method in diagnosing early GTB disease in infertile women with no demonstrable
      evidence of tubal or endometrial involvement.

PMID- 27141532
TI  - Aberrant Spontaneous and Task-Dependent Functional Connections in the Anxious
      Brain.
AB  - A number of brain regions have been implicated in the anxiety disorders, yet none
      of these regions in isolation has been distinguished as the sole or discrete site
      responsible for anxiety disorder pathology. Therefore, the identification of
      dysfunctional neural networks as represented by alterations in the temporal
      correlation of blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal across several brain
      regions in anxiety disorders has been increasingly pursued in the past decade.
      Here, we review task-independent (e.g., resting state) and task-induced
      functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) studies in the adult
      anxiety disorders (including trauma- and stressor-related and obsessive
      compulsive disorders). The results of this review suggest that anxiety disorder
      pathophysiology involves aberrant connectivity between amygdala-frontal and
      frontal-striatal regions, as well as within and between canonical "intrinsic"
      brain networks - the default mode and salience networks, and that evidence of
      these aberrations may help inform findings of regional activation abnormalities
      observed in the anxiety disorders. Nonetheless, significant challenges remain,
      including the need to better understand mixed findings observed using different
      methods (e.g., resting state and task-based approaches); the need for more
      developmental work; the need to delineate disorder-specific and transdiagnostic
      fcMRI aberrations in the anxiety disorders; and the need to better understand the
      clinical significance of fcMRI abnormalities. In meeting these challenges, future
      work has the potential to elucidate aberrant neural networks as intermediate,
      brain-based phenotypes to predict disease onset and progression, refine
      diagnostic nosology, and ascertain treatment mechanisms and predictors of
      treatment response across anxiety, trauma-related and obsessive compulsive
      disorders.

PMID- 27141535
TI  - Association of kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) gene polymorphism/
      haplotypes with recurrent spontaneous abortion and genetic structure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recurrent spontaneous abortion is one of the diseases that can lead
      to physical, psychological, and, economical problems for both individuals and
      society. Recently a few numbers of genetic polymorphisms in kinase insert domain
      containing receptor (KDR) gene are examined that can endanger the life of the
      fetus in pregnant women. OBJECTIVE: The risk of KDR gene polymorphisms was
      investigated in Iranian women with idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion
      (RSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case controlled study was performed. One hundred
      idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion patients with at least two consecutive
      pregnancy losses before 20 weeks of gestational age with normal karyotypes were
      included in the study. Also, 100 healthy women with at least one natural
      pregnancy were studied as control group. Two functional SNPs located in KDR gene;
      rs1870377 (Q472H), and rs2305948 (V297I) as well as one tag SNP in the intron
      region (rs6838752) were genotyped by using PCR based restriction fragment length
      polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Haplotype frequency was determined for these
      three SNPs' genotypes. Analysis of genetic STRUCTURE and K means clustering were
      performed to study genetic variation. RESULTS: Functional SNP (rs1870377) was
      highly linked to tag SNP (rs6838752) (D' value=0. 214; chi(2) = 16.44, p<0. 001).
      K means clustering showed that k = 8 as the best fit for the optimal number of
      genetic subgroups in our studied materials. This result was in agreement with
      Neighbor Joining cluster analysis. CONCLUSION: In our study, the allele and
      genotype frequencies were not associated with RSA between patient and control
      individuals. Inconsistent results in different populations with different allele
      frequencies among RSA patients and controls may be due to ethnic variation and
      used sample size.

PMID- 27141536
TI  - Sodium metabisulfite-induced changes on testes, spermatogenesis and epididymal
      morphometric values in adult rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sulphites are widely used as a preservative and antioxidant additives
      in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Many types of biological and
      toxicological effects of sulphites in multiple organs of mammals have been shown
      in previous studies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the
      effects of sodium metabisulfite (SMB) on testicular function and morphometric
      values of epididymis in adult male Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of
      32 rats were randomly divided into four groups. The experimental groups received
      SMB at doses of 10 mg/kg (S10), 100mg/kg (S100), and 260 mg/kg (S260) while an
      equal volume of normal saline was administered to the control group via gavage.
      The rats were anaesthetized after 28 days and the left testis with the head of
      epididimis was excised following abdominal incision for histological observation
      using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum samples were collected for assay of
      testosterone level. The initial epididymis was analyzed for motility, morphology,
      and the number of sperms. RESULT: The results of this study showed that normal
      morphology, count, and motility of sperms and testosterone level were decreased
      in the SMB treated groups. In comparison with the control group, SMB resulted in
      a lower total number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, spermatids, and
      Leydig cells. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that SMB decreases the sperm production
      and has the potential to affect the fertility adversely in male rats.

PMID- 27141537
TI  - No relationship between most polymorphisms of steroidogenic acute regulatory
      (StAR) gene with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine
      women's disorders in reproductive age. Hyperandrogenism has a critical role in
      the etiology of PCOS and it can cause fault in Steroidogenesis process. During
      steroidogenesis, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) seems to increase
      the delivery of cholesterol through mitochondrial membrane. Therefore,
      polymorphisms of StAR might effect on this protein and play a role in the
      etiology of PCOS. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the
      association between StAR SNPs with PCOS. Thus, seven polymorphisms in this gene:
      rs104894086, rs104894089, rs104894090, rs137852689, rs10489487, rs104894085 were
      detected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case control study, 45 PCOS women, 40
      male factor/unexplained infertile women, and 40 fertile women as two control
      groups were participated from 2008-2012. Polymorphisms were detected using
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. RESULTS: Heterozygote
      genotyping for rs137852689 SNP (amino acid 218 C > T) was only seen in seven PCOS
      patients, one in normal ovulatory women, and five in male factor/unexplained
      infertile women (15.5%, 2.5%, 12.5%, respectively) (p= 0.12). While, it has shown
      no association between other SNPS with PCOs. CONCLUSION: The RFLP results for
      seven chosen SNPs, which located in exon 5 and 7 showed normal status in three
      groups, it means no heterozygous or homozygous forms of selected SNPs were
      observed. So, it seems evaluation of the active amino acid sites should be
      investigated and also the study population should be increased.

PMID- 27141538
TI  - Effect of supraphysiological dose of Nandrolone Decanoate on the testis and
      testosterone concentration in mature and immature male rats: A time course study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most studies on anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse have been done in
      adult rats, but few data are available to immature. OBJECTIVE: This study was
      conducted to assay the effect of Nandrolone Decanoate (ND) on the testis and
      testosterone concentration in male immature rats compare with mature ones in
      short and long time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 mature rats were divided into 4
      groups: group A (short term) and group B (long-term) received 10 mg/kg/day ND
      interaperitoneally for 35 and 70 days, respectively. Group C (control) without
      any treatment, and group D (vehicle) received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution
      in two periods 35 and 70 days. 40 immature rats were divided into 4 groups same
      as mature ones. After surgery body weight, testis size, histomorphometry of
      testis, and serum testosterone level were evaluated. RESULTS: Our results showed
      that ND decreased the number of Leydig cells in group B (39.9 +/-. 919), group A
      (43.4 +/-. 120), and long term (40.6 +/-. 299) immature rats, which could result
      in a reduction of testosterone concentration significantly in all experimental
      groups except short term mature group. Number of sertoli cells, testis size, and
      diameter of seminiferous tubules decreased in the long-term immature group.
      Eventually, the number of sperm was decreased in mature and immature groups, but
      a severe depletion of sperm was occurred in both mature and immature in long time
      in comparison to the control group (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: This time course study
      showed that supraphysiological dose of ND may negatively affect the number of
      Leydig cells, sperm cell, and testosterone concentration of immature rats in the
      same matter of mature rats. However, the number of sertoli cell, testis size, and
      seminferous diameter were decreased only in the long immature rats.

PMID- 27141539
TI  - Serum levels of lycopene, beta-carotene, and retinol and their correlation with
      sperm DNA damage in normospermic and infertile men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress in reproductive system leads to sperm DNA damage and
      sperm membrane lipid peroxidation and may play an important role in the
      pathogenesis of male infertility, especially in idiopathic cases. Antioxidants
      such as carotenoids function against free radical damages. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      this study was to determine the levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol in
      serum and their relationship with sperm DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in
      infertile and normospermic males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty two infertile men
      and 71 normospermic men participated in this study. Blood and semen samples were
      collected from all subjects. Sperm DNA damage was measured using TUNEL method.
      Carotenoids, retinol, and malonedildehyde in serum were also determined. RESULTS:
      DNA fragmentation was higher in infertile group comparing to control group. Serum
      levels of lycopene, beta-carotene and, vitamin A in infertile men were
      significantly lower than normospermic men (p< 0.001, =0.005, and =0.003
      respectively). While serum MDA was not significantly different between two
      groups, MDA in seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher than
      control group (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: We concluded that lycopene, beta-carotene,
      and retinol can reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation through
      their antioxidant effect. Therefore the DNA fragmentation assay and determination
      of antioxidants factors such as lycopene, beta-carotene and retinol, along with
      sperm analysis can be useful in diagnosis and treatment of men with idiopathic
      infertility.

PMID- 27141540
TI  - Association of vitamin D receptor gene variants with polycystic ovary syndrome: A
      case control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D and insulin play an important role in susceptibility to
      polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and therefore vitamin D receptor (VDR),
      parathyroid hormone (PTH), and insulin receptor (INSR) gene variants might be
      involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed
      to investigate the possible associations between polymorphisms in VDR, PTH, and
      INSR genes and the risk of PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: VDR, PTH, and INSR gene
      variants were genotyped in 35 women with PCOS and 35 controls using Polymerase
      chain reaction - Restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Furthermore,
      serum levels of glucose and insulin were measured in all participants. RESULTS:
      No significant differences were observed for the VDR FokI, VDR Tru9I, VDR TaqI,
      PTH DraII, INSR NsiI, and INSR PmlI gene polymorphisms between the women with
      PCOS and controls. However, after adjustment for confounding factors, the VDR
      BsmI "Bb" genotype and the VDR ApaI "Aa" genotype were significantly under
      transmitted to the patients (p= 0.016; OR= 0.250; 95% CI= 0.081-0.769, and p=
      0.017; OR= 0.260; 95% CI= 0.086-0.788, respectively). Furthermore, in the women
      with PCOS, insulin levels were lower in the participants with the INSR NsiI "NN"
      genotype compared with those with the "Nn + nn" genotypes (P= 0.045). CONCLUSION:
      The results showed an association between the VDR gene BsmI and ApaI
      polymorphisms and PCOS risk. These data also indicated that the INSR "NN"
      genotype was a marker of decreased insulin in women with PCOS. Our findings,
      however, do not lend support to the hypothesis that PTH gene DraII variant plays
      a role in susceptibility to PCOS.

PMID- 27141541
TI  - Factor structure of the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) from infertile
      women attending the Yazd Research and Clinical Center for Infertility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nowadays, infertility problems have become a social concern, and are
      associated with multiple psychological and social problems. Also, it affects the
      interpersonal communication between the individual, familial, and social
      characteristics. Since women are exposed to stressors of physical, mental, social
      factors, and treatment of infertility, providing a psychometric screening tool is
      necessary for disorders of this group. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      determine the factor structure of the general health questionnaire-28 to discover
      mental disorders in infertile women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 220
      infertile women undergoing treatment of infertility were selected from the Yazd
      Research and Clinical Center for Infertility with convenience sampling in 2011.
      After completing the general health questionnaire by the project manager,
      validity and, reliability of the questionnaire were calculated by confirmatory
      factor structure and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. RESULTS: Four factors,
      including anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, depression, and physical
      symptoms were extracted from the factor structure. 50.12% of the total variance
      was explained by four factors. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire
      was obtained 0.90. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the factor structure and reliability
      of General Health Questionnaire-28 showed that it is suitable as a screening
      instrument for assessing general health of infertile women.

PMID- 27141542
TI  - (1)H NMR- based metabolomics approaches as non- invasive tools for diagnosis of
      endometriosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: So far, non-invasive diagnostic approaches such as ultrasound,
      magnetic resonance imaging, or blood tests do not have sufficient diagnostic
      power for endometriosis disease. Lack of a non-invasive diagnostic test
      contributes to the long delay between onset of symptoms and diagnosis of
      endometriosis. OBJECTIVE: The present study focuses on the identification of
      predictive biomarkers in serum by pattern recognition techniques and uses partial
      least square discriminant analysis, multi-layer feed forward artificial neural
      networks (ANNs) and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) modeling tools for the
      early diagnosis of endometriosis in a minimally invasive manner by (1)H- NMR
      based metabolomics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study was done
      in Pasteur Institute, Iran in June 2013. Serum samples of 31 infertile women with
      endometriosis (stage II and III) who confirmed by diagnostic laparoscopy and 15
      normal women were collected and analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy. The model was built by using partial least square discriminant
      analysis, QDA, and ANNs to determine classifier metabolites for early prediction
      risk of disease. RESULTS: The levels of 2- methoxyestron, 2-methoxy estradiol,
      dehydroepiandrostion androstendione, aldosterone, and deoxy corticosterone were
      enhanced significantly in infertile group. While cholesterol and primary bile
      acids levels were decreased. QDA model showed significant difference between two
      study groups. Positive and negative predict value levels obtained about 71% and
      78%, respectively. ANNs provided also criteria for detection of endometriosis.
      CONCLUSION: The QDA and ANNs modeling can be used as computational tools in
      noninvasive diagnose of endometriosis. However, the model designed by QDA methods
      is more efficient compared to ANNs in diagnosis of endometriosis patients.

PMID- 27141543
TI  - Nitric oxide donors improve the ovulation and pregnancy rates in anovulatory
      women with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with clomiphene citrate: A RCT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clomiphene citrate (CC) is the first line agent used for ovulation
      induction in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, there is
      marked discrepancy between the ovulation and pregnancy rates achieved, which may
      be attributed to the undesirable effect of CC on cervical mucus and endometrium.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Isosorbid
      monoitrate (ISMN) as nitric oxide (NO) donors on the ovulation and pregnancy
      rates in an ovulatory women with PCOS treated with CC. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Ninety patients with PCOS were randomly allocated into three groups. Patients in
      group A) were treated with 100 mg CC for five days starting from the fifth day of
      the cycle. Patients in group B) and C) received 10 mg and 20 mg of ISMN
      respectively in addition to CC, applied vaginally till the diagnosis of
      ovulation. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the ovulation and
      pregnancy rates in the patients treated with CC+ISMN as compared with patients
      treated with CC alone (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Concomitant use of NO with CC seems
      to improve the ovulation and pregnancy rates in the patients with PCOS with no
      significant increase in side effects as compared with CC alone.

PMID- 27141544
TI  - Altered expression of KLC3 may affect semen parameters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: KLC3 protein as a member of the kinesin light-chain protein family
      plays an important role in spermatogenesis, during formation of mitochondrial
      sheath in the mid piece of the sperm tail. OBJECTIVE: This study for the first
      time aims to compare the expression of the KLC3 gene between fertile and
      infertile individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semen samples were collected from
      19 fertile individuals who were selected from embryo-donor volunteers and 57
      infertile individuals who had abnormal sperm parameters according to world health
      organization criteria. Sperm parameters using computer assisted sperm analysis
      and the quantitative KLC3-gene expression using the real-time PCR method were
      measured. RESULTS: Our results revealed a significant correlations between sperm
      concentration with relative expression of KLC3 only in infertile groups (r=0.45,
      p=0.00). A significant correlation was not found between KLC3 expression and
      sperm motility; however, the relative expression of KLC3 was significantly higher
      in asthenozoospermic compared to non-asthenozoospermic individuals. CONCLUSION:
      Low expression of KLC3 may result in improper function of midpiece, which has
      important function in sperm motility. The results of this study show that
      aberrant expression of KLC3 might be associated with phenomena like
      oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia. This article is extracted from student's
      thesis.

PMID- 27141545
TI  - The effect of the melatonin on cryopreserved mouse testicular cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After improvements in various cancer treatments, life expectancy has
      been raised, but success in treatment causes loss of fertility in many of the
      survived young men. Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissues or cells
      introduced as the only way to preserve fertility. However, freezing has some
      harmful effects. Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, has receptors in reproductive
      systems of different species. It is assumed that melatonin has free radical
      scavenger properties. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      effects of melatonin on the cryopreserved testicular cells in mouse. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Cells from 7- 10 days old NMRI mice testes were isolated using two
      step enzymatic digestion. The testicular cells were divided into two groups
      randomly and cryopreserved in two different freezing media with and without the
      addition of 100 um melatonin. Finally, apoptosis of the cells was assayed by flow
      cytometry. Also, lactate dehydrogenase activity test was performed to assess the
      cytotoxicity. RESULTS: The results of lactate dehydrogenase showed the nearly
      cytotoxic effect of melatonin. The results of flow cytometry showed increase in
      apoptosis in the cryopreserved cells in the media containing melatonin compared
      to the control group. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that melatonin has an
      apoptotic effect on cryopreserved mouse testicular cells.

PMID- 27141546
TI  - Examining the sexual function and related attitudes among aged women: A cross-
      sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sexual function and its subsequent satisfaction are among the most
      important aspects of women's life. However, this instinct could be influenced by
      some factors such as diseases, drug using, aging, and hormonal and physiologic
      changes associated with menopause, and sexual behavior. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      this study was to describe the prevalence rates of sexual dysfunction, and
      related attitudes among aged women in Jahrom, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      cross-sectional study was conducted on 746 postmenopausal women aged between 50
      and 89 years old who had referred to obstetric and gynecologic clinic in Jahrom,
      from April to October 2014. Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire was used
      order to assess the sexual function. The cases were classified into three
      categories according to the attitude scores: negative (17-32), medium (33-38),
      and positive (39-48). One-way ANOVA test was used to determine the relationship
      between FSFI and attitude scores. RESULTS: The participants' mean+/-SD age was
      60.10+/-6.89 years and the total mean score of FSFI was 19.31+/-8.5. In addition,
      81.5% of the women had sexual dysfunction (FSFI< 26.55) and only 147 women
      (18.5%) had normal sexual function (FSFI> 26.55). Almost 62.1% the women
      displayed a negative attitude towards sexuality and only 18.8% women had positive
      attitude. Feeling of dyspareunia (p= 0.02), lubrication (p< 0.0001), orgasm (p=
      0.002) and satisfaction (p= 0.002) were significantly different between three
      categories of attitudes regarding sexuality, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data
      showed that sexual disorders were highly prevalent among postmenopausal women.
      The most affected problems were arousal, dyspareunia, and lubrication. More than
      half of the women had negative attitude towards sexual function consequently this
      could affect their sexual function. So, it seems screening of sexual dysfunction
      for finding the causes in women should be the main sexual health program. Also,
      it would be important to emphasis the role of physicians and experts on education
      and counseling in this subject.

PMID- 27141548
TI  - Silymarin protects plasma membrane and acrosome integrity in sperm treated with
      sodium arsenite.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to arsenic is associated with impairment of male
      reproductive function by inducing oxidative stress. Silymarin with an antioxidant
      property scavenges free radicals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      investigate if silymarin can prevent the adverse effects of sodium arsenite on
      ram sperm plasma membrane and acrosome integrity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ram
      epidydimal spermatozoa were divided into five groups: spermatozoa at 0 hr,
      spermatozoa at 180 min (control), spermatozoa treated with silymarin (20 MUM) +
      sodium arsenite (10 MUM) for 180 min, spermatozoa treated with sodium arsenite
      (10 MUM) for 180 min and spermatozoa treated with silymarin (20 MUM) for 180 min.
      Double staining of Hoechst and propidium iodide was performed to evaluate sperm
      plasma membrane integrity, whereas comassie brilliant blue staining was used to
      assess acrosome integrity. RESULTS: Plasma membrane (p< 0.001) and acrosome
      integrity (p< 0.05) of the spermatozoa were significantly reduced in sodium
      arsenite group compared to the control. In silymarin + sodium arsenite group,
      silymarin was able to significantly (p< 0.001) ameliorate the adverse effects of
      sodium arsenite on these sperm parameters compared to sodium arsenite group. The
      incubation of sperm for 180 min (control group) showed a significant (p< 0.001)
      decrease in acrosome integrity compared to the spermatozoa at 0 hour. The
      application of silymarin alone for 180 min could also significantly (p< 0.05)
      increase sperm acrosome integrity compared to the control. CONCLUSION: Silymarin
      as a potent antioxidant could compensate the adverse effects of sodium arsenite
      on the ram sperm plasma membrane and acrosome integrity.

PMID- 27141547
TI  - Comparison of pregnancy rate between fresh embryo transfers and frozen-thawed
      embryo transfers following ICSI treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is increasing in
      the world. The rate, efficacy and safety of ART are very different among
      countries. There is an increase in the use of intra cytoplasmic sperm injection
      (ICSI), single fresh embryo transfer (ET) and frozen-thawed embryo transfer
      (FET). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare pregnancy rate in
      fresh ET and FET. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional
      study 1014 ICSI-ET cycles (426 fresh ET and 588 FET) from 753 women undergoing
      ICSI treatment referred to Fatemezahra Infertility and Reproductive Health
      Research Center in Babol, Iran from 2008 to 2013 were reviewed. RESULTS: There
      were no significant differences between biochemical pregnancy rate (23% versus
      18.8%, OR 1.301; 95% CI .95-1.774), gestational sac (95.6% versus 100% in FET, OR
      0.60; 95% CI 0.54-0.67), and fetal heart activity (87.2% versus 93.6% OR .46; 95%
      CI .16-1.32) in fresh ET and FET cycles, respectively. P< 0.05 was considered
      statistically significant for all measures. CONCLUSION: Although, the result
      showed no significantly difference between the fresh ET and the FET cycles,
      however the embryos are able to be stored for subsequent ART. Therefore, we
      recommend FET cycles as an option alongside the fresh ET.

PMID- 27141549
TI  - Effect of adding human chorionic gonadotropin to frozen thawed embryo transfer
      cycles with history of thin endometrium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Embryo implantation process is a complex phenomenon and depends on
      fetal and maternal factors interaction. Endometrial thickness is needed for
      successful implantation. OBJECTIVE: We designed this study in order to assess
      adding human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to the conventional protocol in
      endometrial preparation in women with thin endometrium and a history of in vitro
      fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The non
      randomized clinical trial study (quasi experimental design) was performed on 28
      patients. Participants were women who were candidate for frozen-thawed (ET) and
      had two previous failed ET cycles because of thin endometrial. HCG was
      administrated (150 IU, intramuscular) from the 8th day of cycle and when
      endometrial thickness reached at least 7mm HCG was discontinued and frozen thawed
      ET was done. RESULTS: Totally 28 patients were included. The mean +/- SD age of
      participants was 30.39+/-4.7. The mean of endometrium thickness before and after
      HCG were 5.07+/-0.43 and 7.85+/-0.52, respectively p<0.001. Also, there were five
      clinically and chemically pregnant women. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study
      suggested that adding HCG to the conventional preparation method was an effective
      protocol and significantly improved endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes
      in women with previous embryo transfer failure because of thin endometrium.

PMID- 27141550
TI  - Psychometric properties of the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) in Iranian
      infertile women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infertility is a global public health issue and may adversely affect
      life satisfaction. One of the most widely instruments used to assess life
      satisfaction is the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). OBJECTIVE: The objective
      of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the SWLS in Iranian
      infertile women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional
      study, a total of 125 infertile women referring to Royan Institute in Tehran were
      selected by convenience sampling method. The participants were administered the
      SWLS, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and a demographic
      questionnaire. The psychometric properties of the SWLS were examined: construct
      validity using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability using Cronbach's
      alpha and convergent validity by examining the relationship with HADS. RESULT:
      Results of the CFA indicated that a single-factor model provides a good fit to
      the data (chi(2)/df= 1.58; GFI= 0.975; CFI= 0.995; NFI= 0.985; RMSEA= 0.069 and
      SRMR= 0.027). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for SWLS was 0.887. Significant
      negative correlations were found between SWLS and HADS scores for anxiety (r= 
      0.410) and depression (r= -0.434), indicating an acceptable convergent validity.
      CONCLUSION: The SWLS has adequate psychometric properties for assessing life
      satisfaction in Iranian infertile women.

PMID- 27141551
TI  - Comparison of sexual activity and life satisfaction in women with intended and
      unintended pregnancies.

PMID- 27141552
TI  - A flowing atmospheric pressure afterglow as an ion source coupled to a
      differential mobility analyzer for volatile organic compound detection.
AB  - Atmospheric pressure glow discharges have been widely used in the last decade as
      ion sources in ambient mass spectrometry analyses. Here, an in-house flowing
      atmospheric pressure afterglow (FAPA) has been developed as an alternative ion
      source for differential mobility analysis (DMA). The discharge source parameters
      (inter-electrode distance, current and helium flow rate) determining the
      atmospheric plasma characteristics have been optimized in terms of DMA spectral
      simplicity with the highest achievable sensitivity while keeping an adequate
      plasma stability and so the FAPA working conditions finally selected were: 35 mA,
      1 L min(-1) of He and an inter-electrode distance of 8 mm. Room temperature in
      the DMA proved to be adequate for the coupling and chemical analysis with the
      FAPA source. Positive and negative ions for different volatile organic compounds
      were tested and analysed by FAPA-DMA using a Faraday cup as a detector and proper
      operation in both modes was possible (without changes in FAPA operational
      parameters). The FAPA ionization source showed simpler ion mobility spectra with
      narrower peaks and a better, or similar, sensitivity than conventional UV
      photoionization for DMA analysis in positive mode. Particularly, the negative
      mode proved to be a promising field of further research for the FAPA ion source
      coupled to ion mobility, clearly competitive with other more conventional plasmas
      such as corona discharge. 

PMID- 27141553
TI  - Robust and direct electrochemical sensing of arsenic using zirconia nanocubes.
AB  - The presence of heavy metal ions in the environment and in food items can
      severely harm human health. Thus, simple, reliable, sensitive, quick, and
      accurate methods for their detection must be developed as a means to improve
      healthcare worldwide. To this end, a robust method was developed for the direct
      sensing of arsenic(iii) in control and real environmental samples (at neutral pH)
      by a gold electrode that was modified with zirconia nanocubes synthesized via a
      facile hydrothermal route. This sensing system was used to build a sensing
      profile for arsenic ions after characterization of their elemental, optical,
      chemical, and morphological behavior. Electrochemical sensing of arsenic was
      achieved by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry with an ultra
      sensitivity of 550 nA cm(-2) ppb(-1) and a detection limit of 5 ppb (linear range
      of 5-60 ppb with a response time below 2 s). Although this system experienced
      small interference from Cd ions, the results of the real sample analysis were
      comparable to those of other standard techniques. The proposed method is
      advantageous and can be used to assess the toxicity of water, food, and other
      environmental samples without requiring any toxic solutions and/or gasses in any
      of the analytical steps. Moreover, due to its low price, portability, and easy
      mass production, it can be adopted for use in screen-printed electrodes. 

PMID- 27141554
TI  - Time-dependent quantum simulation of coronene photoemission spectra.
AB  - Photoelectron spectroscopy is usually described by a simple equation that relates
      the binding energy of the photoemitted electron, Ebinding, its kinetic energy,
      Ekinetic, the energy of the ionizing photon, Ephoton, and the work function of
      the spectrometer, phi, Ebinding = Ephoton - Ekinetic - phi. Behind this equation
      there is an extremely rich physics, which we describe here using as an example a
      relatively simple conjugated molecule, namely coronene. The theoretical analysis
      of valence band and C1s core level photoemission spectra showed that multiple
      excitations play an important role in determining the intensities of the final
      spectrum. An explicit, time-evolving model is applied, which is able to count all
      possible photo-excitations occurring during the photoemission process, showing
      that they evolve on a short time-scale, of about 10 fs. The method reveals itself
      to be a valid approach to reproduce photoemission spectra of polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs).

PMID- 27141555
TI  - Dissociative ionization of the 1-propanol dimer in a supersonic expansion under
      tunable synchrotron VUV radiation.
AB  - Photoionization and dissociation of the 1-propanol dimer and subsequent
      fragmentations have been investigated by synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)
      photoionization mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations. Besides the
      protonated monomer cation (C3H7OH).H(+) (m/z = 61) and Calpha-Cbeta bond cleavage
      fragment CH2O.(C3H7OH)H(+) (m/z = 91), the measured mass spectrum at an incident
      photon energy of 13 eV suggests a new dissociation channel resulting in the
      formation of the (C3H7OH).H(+).(C2H5OH) (m/z = 107) fragment. The appearance
      energies of the fragments (C3H7OH).H(+), CH2O.(C3H7OH)H(+) and
      (C3H7OH).H(+).(C2H5OH) are measured at 10.05 +/- 0.05 eV, 9.48 +/- 0.05 eV, and
      12.8 +/- 0.1 eV, respectively, by scanning photoionization efficiency (PIE)
      spectra. The 1-propanol ion fragments as a function of VUV photon energy were
      interpreted with the aid of theoretical calculations. In addition to O-H and
      Calpha-Cbeta bond cleavage, a new dissociation channel related to Cbeta-Cgamma
      bond cleavage opens. In this channel, molecular rearrangement (proton transfer
      and hydrogen transfer after surmounting an energy barrier) gives rise to the
      generated complex, which then dissociates to produce the mixed propanol/ethanol
      proton bound cation (C3H7OH).H(+).(C2H5OH). This new dissociation channel has not
      been reported in previous studies of ethanol and acetic acid dimers. The
      photoionization and dissociation processes of the 1-propanol dimer are described
      in the photon energy range of 9-15 eV.

PMID- 27141556
TI  - Interactions between lasers and two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides.
AB  - The recent increasing research interest in two-dimensional (2D) layered materials
      has led to an explosion of in the discovery of novel physical and chemical
      phenomena in these materials. Among the 2D family, group-VI transition metal
      dichalcogenides (TMDs), such as represented by MoS2 and WSe2, are remarkable
      semiconductors with sizable energy band gaps, which make the TMDs promising
      building blocks for new generation optoelectronics. On the other hand, the
      specificity and tunability of the band gaps can generate particularly strong
      light-matter interactions between TMD crystals and specific photons, which can
      trigger complex and interesting phenomena such as photo-scattering, photo
      excitation, photo-destruction, photo-physical modification, photochemical
      reaction and photo-oxidation. Herein, we provide an overview of the phenomena
      explained by various interactions between lasers and the 2D TMDs.
      Characterizations of the optical fundamentals of the TMDs via laser
      spectroscopies are reviewed. Subsequently, photoelectric conversion devices
      enabled by laser excitation and the functionality extension and performance
      improvement of the TMDs materials via laser modification are comprehensively
      summarized. Finally, we conclude the review by discussing the prospects for
      further development in this research area.

PMID- 27141557
TI  - A touch of hospitality: Treating patients as guests proves revolutionary.

PMID- 27141558
TI  - Evidence appraisal of  Li CC, Chen SS, Huang CH, et al.  Fentanyl-induced cough
      is a risk factor for  postoperative nausea and vomiting.  Br J Anaesth.
      2015;115(3):444-448.

PMID- 27141559
TI  - Benefits of collaborating with sterile  processing personnel.

PMID- 27141560
TI  - Preventing biofilm formation in flexible  endoscopes.

PMID- 27141561
TI  - Guideline for processing flexible endoscopes.

PMID- 27141562
TI  - Improving device reprocessing through  education and audits.

PMID- 27141563
TI  - DID YOU KNOW?

PMID- 27141564
TI  - Spironolactone for ?Adult Female Acne.
AB  - Many cases of acne are hormonal in nature, meaning that ?they occur in adolescent
      girls and women and are aggravated ?by hormonal fluctuations such as those that
      occur during the menstrual cycle or in the setting of underlying hormonal
      imbalances as seen in polycystic ovary syndrome. For these patients, antihormonal
      therapy such as spironolactone is a valid and efficacious option. Herein,
      initiation and utilization of this medication is reviewed.

PMID- 27141565
TI  - Practical Aspects Regarding the Histopathological Diagnosis of Early Mycosis
      Fungoides.
AB  - Mycosis fungoides is the most common primary T-cell lymphoma of skin. The disease
      has a protean clinical and histological presentation in its early patch and
      plaque stages, when distinction from mimicking inflammatory dermatoses is
      difficult. Since no single criterion is specific enough, a reliable diagnosis in
      early stages requires integration of clinical, histopathological and molecular
      findings. In skin biopsies, the most helpful histologic features are the
      detection of atypical lymphocytes in the epidermis with minimal epidermal
      changes, basal alignment of lymphocytes along dermal-epidermal junction and
      formation of Pautrier microabscesses. An aberrant immunophenotype of T cells and
      molecular detection of a clonal T-cell population are factors that could allow a
      more specific diagnosis. This work recapitulates and discusses these features
      from a practical perspective.

PMID- 27141566
TI  - Advanced Endoscopic Imaging Techniques for the Study of Colonic Mucosa in
      Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel
      diseases (IBD) associated with colorectal cancer risk in long-standing diseases.
      In order to assess the colonic mucosa and to discover dysplastic or neoplastic
      lesions, advanced endoscopic techniques are needed. Such techniques are detailed
      in this review: chromoendoscopy, autofluorescence imaging (AFI), narrow band
      imaging (NBI), i-SCAN, Fujinon Intelligent Color Enhancement (FICE) and confocal
      laser endomicroscopy (CLE). AIM: The aim of the review is to describe and
      establish the clinical impact of advanced endoscopic techniques, that could be
      used in IBD patients'examination in order to assess mucosal healing, microscopic
      inflammation, dysplasia or neoplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature
      research about new endoscopic approaches of patients with IBD was made. RESULTS:
      A lot of studies have been performed to reveal which imaging technique might be
      used for IBD surveillance. Regarding dysplasia or neoplasia detection and mucosal
      healing or inflammation assessment, CE proved to be superior to white light
      endoscopy (WLE), while NBI and AFI did not show an encouraging result. I-SCAN did
      not improve the colonoscopy quality while FICE has been used in a few studies.
      CLE could be used to characterize a lesion, providing the same results as
      conventional histology. CONCLUSION: At the moment, CE is the only technique which
      has been included in guidelines for IBD surveillance. CLE can be used to assess
      any lesion detected with WLE during surveillance, while the other imaging
      techniques require.more studies to determine their efficacy or inefficacy.

PMID- 27141567
TI  - EUS - Fine- Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) in the Diagnosis of Pancreatic
      Adenocarcinoma: A Review.
AB  - Solid masses of the pancreas represent a variety of benign and malignant
      neoplasms of the exocrine and endocrine tissues of the pancreas. A tissue
      diagnosis is often required to direct therapy in the face of uncertain diagnosis
      or if the patient is not a surgical candidate either due to advanced disease or
      comorbidities. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a relatively new technology that
      employs endoscopy and high-frequency ultrasound (US). EUS involves imaging of the
      pancreatic head and the uncinate from the duodenum and imaging of the body and
      tail from the stomach. It has been shown to be a highly sensitive method for the
      detection of pancreatic masses. It is superior to extracorporeal US and computed
      tomographic (CT) scans, especially when the pancreatic tumor is smaller than 2-3
      cm. Although EUS is highly sensitive in detecting pancreatic solid masses, its
      ability to differentiate between inflammatory masses and malignant disease is
      limited. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) brushing, CT
      guided biopsies, and transabdominal ultrasound (US) have been the standard
      nonsurgical methods for obtaining a tissue diagnosis of pancreatic lesions, but a
      substantial false-negative rate has been reported. Transabdominal US-guided fine
      needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) has been used for tissue diagnosis in patients
      with suspected pancreatic carcinoma. It has been shown to be highly specific,
      with no false-positive diagnoses. With the advent of curvilinear echoendoscopes,
      transgastric and transduodenal EUS-FNAB of the pancreas have become a reality EUS
      with FNAB has revolutionized the ability to diagnose and stage cancers of the
      gastrointestinal tract and assess the pancreas. Gastrointestinal cancers can be
      looked at with EUS and their depth of penetration into the intestinal wall can be
      determined. Any suspicious appearing lymph nodes can be biopsied using EUS/FNAB.
      The pancreas is another organ that is well visualized with EUS. Abnormalities
      such as tumors and cysts of the pancreas can be carefully evaluated using EUS and
      then biopsied with FNAB. There are many new applications of EUS using FNAB.
      Researchers are looking to deliver chemotherapeutics into small pancreatic
      cancers and cysts. Nerve blocks using EUS/FNAB to inject numbing medicines into
      the celiac ganglia, a major nerve cluster, are now routinely performed in
      patients with pain due to pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study is to perform
      a review of the literature regarding the usefulness of EUS/FNAB in the diagnosis
      of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 27141568
TI  - Usefulness of Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Equivalent in Management of Regular
      Hemodialysis Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (RET-He) is a new parameter for
      evaluating iron status. This study aims to assess diagnostic value and
      investigate RET-He as early predictor of response to intravenous iron
      supplementation. METHODS: Seventy-two regular hemodialysis patients at Adam Malik
      Hospital were studied from April to May 2011. RET-He was compared with
      conventional iron parameters for identification of iron deficiency. Fifteen
      patients with iron deficiency anemia were selected to receive 100 mg iron sucrose
      intravenous during every dialysis session (2x/weeks) for 4 weeks. RESULTS:
      Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for RET-He revealed the value of
      area under the curve was 0.818 (p < 0.0001). Using cutoff level 31.65 pg, RET-He
      showed 81.5% sensitivity and 61.6% specificity. Serum ferritin (r = 0.499, p <
      0.0001) and transferrin saturation/ TSAT (r = 0.592, p < 0.0001) were correlated
      to RET-He. Significant improvement in hemoglobin, hematocrit and RET-He were
      found after intervention (p = 0.023, p = 0.049 and p = 0.019, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: RET-He is a useful marker of iron deficiency and early predictor of
      response to intravenous iron supplementation in regular hemodialysis patients.

PMID- 27141569
TI  - Systolic and Diastolic Function in Congestive Heart Failure Pediatric Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Two-dimensional (2D) and Doppler echocardiography are the
      main methods for the non-invasive evaluation of ventricular function in children.
      Our study monitored the evaluation of systolic and diastolic function in
      pediatric patients, using classical echocardiographic parameters and pulsed
      tissue Doppler parameters, as well as the correlation between these. METHODS: The
      study included 18 healthy children and 9 children diagnosed with congestive heart
      failure secondary to congenital heart malformations. The parameters of systolic
      and diastolic function were measured by 2D echocardiography, 2D guided M mode,
      color and pulsed Doppler, as well as by pulsed tissue Doppler at the level of the
      mitral and tricuspid annulus. RESULTS: A relaxation alteration pattern or a
      pseudonormal pattern of E diastolic velocity compared to the A wave was found (E
      = A; E > A) in the group of subjects with heart failure. E wave deceleration time
      had significantly increased values in the case of patients with CHF, being
      correlated with diastolic dysfunction. Left ventricular flow propagation velocity
      Vp was decreased in patients with heart failure, the E/Vp ratio being maintained
      relatively constant in subjects with congestive heart failure and healthy
      subjects, most probably on account of the concomitant change in the E wave.
      Associations between the severity of systolic dysfunction and the diastolic
      dysfunction were found in pediatric patients diagnosed with congestive heart
      failure (Student test, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Tissue Doppler measurements proved
      to be useful for the evaluation of pediatric patients with altered ventricular
      geometry secondary to congenital heart disease, systolic-diastolic dysfunction
      and heart failure.

PMID- 27141570
TI  - Histopathological Aspects Described in Patients with Hepatic Hydatidosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hydatidosis is a parasitic disease with tumour-like development of
      a cystic mass. This has specific endemic areas, Romania being amongst them. Our
      hospital has national addressability and the collaboration between the
      Departments of Parasitology, General Surgery and Pathology ensures optimal
      multidisciplinary approach to cases of therapeutic and diagnostic standpoint. The
      study aims to test the hypothesis that the gallbladder is a hydatid reservoir, to
      identify signs of biliary fistulas in the pericyst and liver parenchyma; to
      identify inflammation elements in the pericyst and the gallbladder. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The study is a retrospective observational one, carried out between 2011
      2014, on a total of 35 patients operated for hepatic hydatidosis in the General
      Surgery Department of "Colentina" Clinical Hospital. All the selected patients
      had sent to the Pathology Department: gallbladder, cyst and pericyst. Statistical
      analysis of the data was performed using SPSS package Statistics 19. RESULTS: The
      main results of the study revealed no evidence to confirm the hypothesis that the
      gallbladder is a hydatid reservoir. Out of the 35 cases, in 16 we observed the
      tendency to include hepatic biliary ducts in the pericyst or the formation of new
      canals which lead to the formation of biliary fistulas. Using immunohistochemical
      techniques with mark of CK19 (cytokeratin 19), have been observed the pattern of
      fistulization and modification of local architecture through the formation of the
      pericyst, in 16/35 (45.7%) of cases. CONCLUSION: Although it is a benign
      pathology, the evolution of hepatic hydatidosis can lead to severe complications
      and a low quality of life for the patient, both before and after surgery. Better
      knowledge of the pathology behind the local evolution of the disease can
      influence the therapeutic approach.

PMID- 27141571
TI  - Immunohistochemical Aspects of Cell Death in Diabetic Nephropathy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes Mellitus causes ultrastructural changes triggered by
      partially clarified cellular mechanisms. Since cell death is an important
      mechanism in the appearance and progression of diabetic nephropathy, we studied
      alteration of several markers of apoptotic pathways signaling in renal tissue of
      diabetic or prediabetic patients. METHODS: We analyzed 48 human kidney tissue
      samples divided into two study groups: the research group (43 renal tissue
      samples from diabetic or prediabetic patients), and the control group (5 renal
      tissue samples from patients without diabetes). Immunohistochemistry revealed
      expression of Bcl-2, APAF-1, CD-95 and Caspase-9 in the renal cortical
      structures. Statistical analysis was also performed (significance level P <
      0.05). RESULTS: We found a variable expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 with a
      decrease of Bcl-2 expression in diabetes. The control samples render evident
      intensely positive immunostaining for CD-95. In diabetes and diabetic
      nephropathy, there was positive immunostaining for APAF-1 at tubular cell level.
      Nuclear and cytoplasmic positivity for Caspase-9 was more frequently recorded as
      kidney damage progresses. APAF-1 and Caspase-9 positivity are arguments for an
      intrinsic apoptotic mechanism of cell death in diabetic nephropathy. CONCLUSION:
      The mechanisms of apoptotic cell death identified in diabetic kidney samples
      prove that Bcl-2, CD-95, APAF-1 and Caspase-9 represent reliable markers of cell
      death in human renal tissue. Our results support the hypothesis that apoptosis is
      a pathogenic and initiator mechanism of renal remodeling in diabetic kidney
      disease.

PMID- 27141572
TI  - Fahr's Syndrome and Secondary Hypoparathyroidism.
AB  - A typical case of Fahr's syndrome is described in a 76-year-old Brazilian female
      who underwent a total thyroidectomy three decades ago. Six years before the
      current admission, she started with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Associated
      disorders involved extra-pyramidal, cognitive, nocturnal terror and mood changes.
      With suspicion of hypocalcemia due to secondary hypoparathyroidism, laboratory
      determinations confirmed the diagnoses. Furthermore, imaging studies of the
      central nervous system detected multiple calcifications, with characteristic
      distribution of Fahr's syndrome. Clinical management was successful.

PMID- 27141573
TI  - Kyrle's Disease in a Patient with Delusions of Parasitosis.
AB  - Acquired perforating disorders are a group of uncommon skin conditions
      characterized by transepidermal extrusion of altered dermal material, most often
      associated with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney failure. Delusional
      parasitosis is a primary psychiatric disorder in which affected patients have
      fixed, false beliefs that their skin is infested by parasites, in the absence of
      any evidence supporting their statements. A 69 year old malepatient addressed the
      Dermatology Department for a skin eruption consisting of multiple umbilicated
      keratotic papules with a generalized distribution. The patient believed that the
      lesions were produced by small parasites entering and exiting his skin. The
      histopathological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of Kyrle's
      disease. The psychiatric examination established the diagnosis of delusions of
      parasitosis. This is the first reported case of Kyrle's disease associated with
      delusions of parasitosis. There is no evidence supporting the hypothesis that
      delusions of parasitosis might be a predisposing factor for Kyrle's disease.
      However, we believe that the pruritic dermatosis might have triggered the
      delusions of parasitosis due to the associated pruritus. On the other hand the
      constant excoriations and traumatizing of a skin prone to develop idiopathic
      Kyrle's disease in the attempt to remove the parasites prevented the complete
      resolution of the lesions.

PMID- 27141574
TI  - Extensive Left Iliac Veins and Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis Revealing a Giant
      Uterine Myoma.
AB  - A deep vein thrombosis was rarely associated with uterine myomas. Hereby, it is
      presented the case of a 40-year-old woman in which the clinical manifestation of
      the deep vein thrombosis revealed the further diagnosis of a large uterine myoma.
      The diagnosis, management and clinical outcome of the patient are emphasized and
      discussed. The management of a patient with a uterine myoma and deep vein
      thrombosis is challenging and implies a multidisciplinary team.

PMID- 27141576
TI  - CMS Standardizing Some Quality Measures.

PMID- 27141575
TI  - ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Due to Severe Ostial Left Main Stem
      Stenosis in a Patient with Syphilitic Aortitis.
AB  - Cardiovascular manifestations of tertiary syphilis infections are uncommon, but
      represent an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Syphilitic aortitis is
      characterized by aortic regurgitation, dilatation of ascending aorta and ostial
      coronary artery lesions. We report a case of 36 years old man admitted to our
      hospital for acute anterior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
      complicated with cardiogenic shock (hypotension 75/50 mmHg). Transthoracic
      echocardiography revealed a dilated left ventricle with severe systolic
      dysfunction (ejection fraction = 25%), severe mitral regurgitation, moderate
      aortic regurgitation and mildly dilated ascending aorta. Coronary angiography
      showed a severe ostial lesion of left main coronary artery which was treated by
      urgent stent implantation and an intra-aortic contrapulsation balloon was
      implanted. Blood tests for syphilitic infection were positive. The patient was
      discharged with treatment including benzathine penicillin. In our case, we
      present an acute manifestation of a syphilitic ostial left main stenosis treated
      by primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction.
      Long term follow-up of the patient is crucial as a result of potential rapid in
      stent restenosis caused by continuous infection of the ascending aorta. This case
      is particular because it shows that syphilitic aortitis can be diagnosed in acute
      settings, like ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

PMID- 27141577
TI  - Concurrent Monitoring Helps Hospital Be a TJC Top Performer.

PMID- 27141578
TI  - [ISOMETRIC RETRACTION AND THE INVISIBLE PROCESSES OF NERVE CELLS].
AB  - Recently, a large number of physiological studies on stress and hibernation had
      described an unusual morphological phenomenon of the rapid disappearance and
      reapperance of apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus,
      prefrontal cortex and other parts of the brain. In this article an attempt is
      maid to explain this phenomenon on the basis of morphological analysis of natural
      elastic properties of neuroplasm and structural kinetics of partially preserved
      processes of the living isolated neurons. The neuroplasm displacement with its
      bidirectional flow was identified in the processes. A new physiological
      phenomenon is described--the isometric retraction of nerve cell processes, during
      which the neuroplasm fluxes were directed to the opposite sides, leading to
      abrupt thinning of middle parts of the processes and to a thickening of both
      ends. It is suggested that the extremely attenuated processes can reach the
      submicroscopic sizes, becoming invisible in the light microscope. The repeated
      reversible "disappearance" and "appearance" of the processes was demonstrated
      supravitally in the culture of neurons and of C-1300 neuroblastoma cells.
      Reduction of the diameter of the processes to a limit of their visibility was
      demonstrated by the example of their natural stretching. The same effect was
      observed in the areas between the reversible varicosities of the processes. These
      areas became extremely thin, and then invisible. Becoming thinner, the processes
      were capable of sharp extension. A review of the available literature and our own
      data allow to conclude that the phenomenon of the disappearance of the apical
      dendrites was due to their isometric retraction, which lead to the emergence of
      "invisible processes".

PMID- 27141579
TI  - [STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SPATIAL ORGANIZATION OF THE PARVALBUMIN
      CONTAINING NEURONS OF THE SOMATOSENSORY AREA OF THE SI CEREBRAL CORTEX IN RATS].
AB  - The aim of the study was laminar morphometric study of immuno-labeled parvalbumin
      containing (PA+) neurons of cortical somatosensory area SI in outbred albino rats
      (n = 10). The study of frontal and tangential sections 60 MUm and 4 MUm thick
      demonstrated a considerable diversity in cell body shape and size as well as in
      branching of the processes in PA+ neurons in all the layers of the cortex. The
      greatest number of PA+ neurons (47.1%) was found in layer IV of the cortex, in
      the zone of barrel formation. The study of tangential sections has shown that the
      largest number of PA+ neurons was localized in the barrel septa (43%). In layer
      IV, their greatest density was detected in the walls of the barrel, making it
      possible to clearly identify their outlines. Quantitative predominance of PA+
      neurons in the septa may be associated with the direction of their dendrite
      course into the inner part of the barrel and the formation of dendro-dendritic
      gap junctions that, in turn, could be a morphological basis of individual local
      pacemaker rhythmogenesis and regulation of the functional state of the cortical
      columns.

PMID- 27141580
TI  - [MORPHOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE EFFECTS OF VARIOUS MODES OF
      PRECONDITIONING AIMED AT CORRECTING THE DAMAGE TO THE HIPPOCAMPAL NEURONS BY
      SEVERE HYPOBARIC HYPOXIA].
AB  - In 5 groups of rats (6 animals in each), the changes of neurons in hippocampal
      fields CA1 and CA4 were studied 7 days after severe hypobaric hypoxia (180 mm Hg,
      for 3 h) preceded by various numbers (1, 3 and 6) of sessions of preconditioning
      (PC) by mild hypobaric hypoxia (360 mm Hg, for 2 h, 24 h prior to severe
      hypoxia). It was found that a single session of PC did not prevent the damage to
      the structure of neurons and their death after exposure to severe hypoxia.
      Meanwhile, 6, and especially 3 sessions of PC induced protective mechanisms of
      neuronal damage prevention. In rats after 6 sessions of PC, unlike those exposed
      to 3 sessions, mild chromatolysis of hippocampal neurons was demonstrated. This
      could result from prolonged hypermetabolic activity of neurons and indicate their
      functional overloading.

PMID- 27141581
TI  - [THE ORGANIZATION OF PROJECTIONS OF MIDBRAIN LATERAL TEGMENTAL NUCLEI THE TO
      BRAIN BASAL GANGLIA IN DOGS].
AB  - The organization of the projections of midbrain lateral tegmental nuclei
      (peripeduncular nucleus, paralemniscal nucleus, nucleus of the brachium of
      inferior colliculus) to functionally diverse nuclei of the basal ganglia system
      was studied in dogs (n = 34) by the method of retrograde axonal transport of
      horse-radish peroxidase. It was found that the midbrain nuclei studied were
      involved in functionally different circuits, containing the basal ganglia as
      their components. These nuclei innervate the regions of the putamen, globus
      pallidus, cuneate nucleus, subcuneate nucleus, which are the motor or the limbic
      structures on the basis of their predominant connections with the motor or the
      limbic brain nuclei, and also regions of the caudate nucleus, nucleus accumbens,
      entopeduncular nucleus, compact part of the pedunculopontine nucleus, which
      receive the projections from the functionally various structures. The analysis of
      Nissl-stained frontal sections allowed to refine the anatomical topography of the
      individual nuclei of the midbrain lateral tegmentum. The cholinergic nature of
      their neurons was demonstrated based on of the positive histochemical reaction to
      NADPH diaphorase.

PMID- 27141582
TI  - [THE EFFECT OF PERINATAL HYPOXIA ON THE STRUCTURE OF BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER IN RATS
      TREATED WITH SALIFEN].
AB  - The work was performed on Wistar rats, which were dividedinto 3 groups: 1st group
      -experimental rats subjected to hypoxia and treated with salifen (15 mg/kg for 14
      days), 2nd group--control rats exposed to hypoxia only without treatment, and
      3rdgroup--intact animals (8-10 animals in each group). Using themethods of light
      and electron microscopy, the effect of salifen onthe structural characteristics
      of the elements of the blood-brainbarrier (BBB) in the neocortex was studied in
      rats after exposureto hypoxia in the early postnatal period--on postnatal Day
      2(model of human preterm pregnancy). The results showed thatsalifen had a
      positive effect on the state of the microvasculatureafter perinatal hypoxia, in
      particular, on the state of endothelialcells. Its active participation in the
      compensatory-adaptive reactions of the BBB in response to hypoxia exposure was
      detected,and the prospects of further studies of the protective properties
      ofsalifen are emphasized.

PMID- 27141583
TI  - [HISTOGENESIS AND PECULIARITIES OF STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF THE CARDIAC MUSCLE
      TISSUE IN THE WALLS OF HUMAN CAVAL AND PULMONARY VEINS].
AB  - To study the structural organization and histogenesis of the cardiac muscle
      tissue in the walls of human caval and pulmonary veins, the heart was examined in
      3 human embryos (at weeks 6-7 of development) and 20 fetuses (at weeks 9-10, 16,
      19, 22 and 24 of development), as well as segments of caval and pulmonary veins
      of adult men and women (n = 50) located at various distances from the heart. The
      methods of light and electron microscopy were used in this work. To obtain the
      isolated cells from the walls of caval and pulmonary veins, the method of tissue
      alkaline dissociation was used. An immunohistochemical study with the monoclonal
      antibodies against cardiac troponin T was performed. It was found that the
      cardiomyocytes in humans were located in the middle and outer tunics of caval and
      pulmonary veins, where they formed thick layers. In the pulmonary veins of the
      adult humans, cardiac muscle fibers did not reach the intrapulmonary areas, in
      the inferior vena cava their layer did not extend beyond the pericardium, in the
      superior vena cava, its length was 2.5-3.0 cm. The formation of the pulmonary
      vein orifices occured by sequential inclusion of the wall of the common pulmonary
      vein, and later--of the right and left pulmonary veins into the wall of the left
      atrium. During the formation of the orifices of the caval veins, the gradual
      inclusion of the wall of the venous sinus in the wall of the right atrium was
      observed, resulting in caval veins opening directly into the cavity of the right
      atrium. The veins studied were referred to the veins of the muscular type with
      the strong development of muscular elements containing the myocardial component.

PMID- 27141585
TI  - [THE CHANGES OF THE INTERRELATIONS OF THE PINEAL GLAND AND THE ORGANS OF THE
      IMMUNE SYSTEM IN RATS IN RESPONSE TO MELATONIN ADMINISTRATION IN LIGHT REGIME
      DISTURBANCES].
AB  - In this work the correlation analysis was applied to detect the integrated
      response of the pineal gland (PG) and immunocompetent organs of male Wistar rats
      in response to administration of melatonin (MT) in light regime disturbances.
      Animals were kept for 14 days under natural or continuous light (CL). Then for 7
      days they received the injections of either 0.9% solution of sodium chloride or
      MT, after which the rats were decapitated and the mass of their body, PG, thymus
      and spleen was determined. The lymphocyte subpopulations of the thymus and spleen
      were studied by flow cytometry. The amount of lipofuscin in PG was assessed by
      the intensity of autofluorescence in organ frozen sections in 560-600 nm
      wavelength range. It was found that under the influence of MT, the number of
      intraorgan correlations in the immune system increased, regardless of the light
      regime. In animals on CL treated with MT, the number of interorgan connections
      was reduced, while negative correlations appeared between PG lipofuscin content
      and cellular composition of the spleen. The synchronizing and adaptogenic effects
      of MT were most pronounced under conditions of CL.

PMID- 27141584
TI  - [THE STRUCTURE OF LYMPHATIC CAPILLARIES OF THE CILIARY BODY OF THE HUMAN EYE].
AB  - Using light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, the
      structural organization of interstitial spaces and vessels of the ciliary body of
      the human eye (n = 5) were studied. The ciliary body was found to contain wide
      interstitial spaces--tissue clefts bound by collagen fibers and fibroblasts.
      Organ-specific lymphatic capillaries were also demonstrated in the ciliary body.
      According to the present findings and the lymphatic region concept, the first 2
      elements of the lymphatic region of the eye were described: tissue clefts-
      prelymphatics and lymphatic capillaries of the ciliary body. The third element of
      the lymphatic region are the lymph nodes of the head and neck.

PMID- 27141586
TI  - [MORPHO-FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE THYROID GLAND AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF
      COPPER NANOPARTICLES].
AB  - The study was conducted on 15 male Wistar rats, which were injected
      intramuscularly with copper nanoparticle lyosols at a dose of 2.0 mg/kg body
      weight once a week for 3 months. Thyroid gland was removed 7 days after the last
      injection and was studied using histological, morphometric and
      immunohistochemical methods (demonstration of Ki-67 and caspase-3). Animals of
      the control group (n = 15) were administered distilled water at the same time
      intervals. It was found that after 1, 2, 3 and 4 injections of copper
      nanoparticles, the thyroid gland contained an increased number of large cyst-like
      follicles, while the average thyrocyte height of and the volume of their nuclei
      were reduced, which indicate a decline in hormone production. After 12 injections
      of copper nanoparticles, the hyperplastic thyroid gland demonstrated small
      follicles lined with columnar epithelium, which contained no or small amount of
      the colloid. The number of mitotically dividing thyrocytes was increased.
      Parafollicular cells demonstrated an apoptotic dominant. Morphological data
      suggest goitrogenic effect of multiple doses of copper nanopartides. The data
      received indicating the readiness of the thyroid cells to the programmed death
      and its possible depression (absence of signs of thyrocyte apoptosis) at
      different stages of the experiment confirm the modulating effect of copper on
      apoptosis.

PMID- 27141587
TI  - [CELLULAR COMPOSITION OF THE LAMINA PROPRIA OF JEJUNAL MUCOUS MEMBRANE IN C57BL/6
      MICE DURING THE RECOVERY PERIOD AFTER PROLONGED SPACE FLIGHT].
AB  - The jejunum of C57 BL/6 mice (n = 5) was examined 7 days after a 30-day-long
      space flight and in vivarium control animals (n = 6). The cellular composition of
      the lamina propria of the mucous membranes of the villi and crypt region was
      studied using histological and morphometric methods. It was found that on Day 7
      the recovery of normal cellular composition of the lamina propria was incomplete.
      In the villi, the number of medium and small lymphocytes, as well as of the
      plasma cells was reduced. In the crypt region, the changes were less pronounced.
      In the lamina propria in experimental animals the number of large lymphocytes,
      macrophages, neutrophils, disintegrating cells and stromal cells was increased.
      The number of eosinophils was reduced.

PMID- 27141588
TI  - [CHANGES IN THE PANCREATIC ISLETS AND NERVOUS ELEMENTS IN RATS DURING AGING (AN
      IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY)].
AB  - The neural apparatus and the endocrine part of the pancreas was studied in Wistar
      rats aged 3-4 and 19 months (n = 24) using the immunohistochemical reactions for
      synaptophysin (Syn), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP
      9.5). Since Syn and PGP 9.5 are highly selective in detection of pancreatic islet
      (PI) endocrinocytes, it was possible to examine their topography and density in
      all parts of the pancreas. It was found that in rats aged 19 months, the total
      number of PI was decreased as compared to that in young animals. The study of PI
      size distribution has shown that the number of large islets decreased with age.
      Young animals showed rich innervation of the pancreas which was represented by
      three nerve plexuses: the first was a broadly-looped one, formed by small nerve
      trunks and bundles of unmyelinated and myelinated nerve fibers, the second
      consisted of thin bundles of postganglionic axons and microganglia, and the third
      (main terminal plexus) was formed by axons with varicosities and synapses of "en
      passant" type. In aged rats, marked degenerative changes in the neurons of
      intramural ganglia, nerve trunks and bundles were noted together with the
      reduction or complete absence of Syn- and TH-positive efferent parasympathetic
      and sympathetic terminals around blood vessels, excretory ducts, denervation of
      the exocrine and endocrine parts of the pancreas. Innervation disturbances in
      some lobules were accompanied by small inflammatory perivascular infiltrates.

PMID- 27141589
TI  - [SPREADING OF TISSUE SPHEROIDS FROM PRIMARY HUMAN FIBROBLASTS ON THE SURFACE OF
      MICROFIBROUS ELECTROSPUN POLYURETHANE MATRIX (A scanning electron microscopic
      study)].
AB  - Tissue spheroids biofabricated from primary human fibroblasts using non-adhesive
      agarose forms, were placed by 3D bioprinter on the surface of microfibrous
      electrospun matrix. It was demonstrated that tissue spheroids attached to the
      surface of matrix during several hours and then gradually spread for several days
      which indicates high level of biocompatibiity of electrospun microfibrous
      polyurethane matrix. During this activity, human fibroblasts used processes of
      leading cell borders for initial step of attachment to matrix filaments. Tissue
      constructions formed during spreading of tissue spheroids on the surface of
      electrospun microfibrous polyurethane matrix seem to be a perspective technology
      platform for development of new methods of biofabrication and 3D bioprinting.

PMID- 27141590
TI  - [ULTRASTRUCTURE OF PARENCHYMA IN THE SYNCYTIAL DIGESTIVE SYSTEM IN TURBELLARIA
      Convoluta convoluta (Acoela].
AB  - The paper presents data on the ultrastructure of parenchyma that is involved in
      the digestion in turbellaria Convoluta convoluta (n = 15). Unusual connections
      between the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane of
      parenchymal cells were found for the first time, which may indicate the origin of
      these cell structures. The double trophic role of zooxanthellae in the organism
      of Convoluta is described.

PMID- 27141591
TI  - [CORRELATION OF MORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE FEMORAL AND
      TIBIAL CONDYLES].
AB  - Morphometric characteristics of the condyles of the femur and tibia were studied
      in 100 skeletons of the lower limb of adult individuals of I and II periods of
      mature age. Longitudinal, transverse and vertical sizes were measured, and on the
      basis of these data the indexes of conformity of the condyles of these bones
      between themselves were calculated. The wide range of variant anatomy of the
      condyles of both bones was found, as well as the presence of pronounced
      individual features. In men all the dimensions studied of the condyles were
      larger than in women. The results of the measurements of the condyles for both
      bones revealed 3 variant forms: with a predominance of medial condyle dimensions,
      with equal sizes of the medial and lateral condyle, and with a predominance of
      size of the lateral condyle. Indexes of conformity of the femoral and tibial
      condyles, proposed by us, demonstrated that the longitudinal dimensions of the
      femoral condyles prevailed over the corresponding sizes of the tibial condyles,
      while their transverse dimensions were virtually identical.

PMID- 27141592
TI  - [THE CONSTITUTIONAL ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE WOMEN OF MATURE AGE].
AB  - A comprehensive anthropometric and bioelectrical study of 651 women of mature age
      (relative norm) aged 22 to 55 years living in the Moscow region, was conducted.
      The somatotyping was performed according to I.B. Galant-V.P. Chtetzov-B.A. Ni
      kitiuk scheme. The quantitative distribution of women according to their
      somatotypological characteristics was obtained, the anthropometric peculiarities
      and the specific features of body composition in women belonging to different
      somatotypes were determined. It was found that among the women of mature age
      studied, mesoplastic (26.9%) and stenoplastici (16.7%) somatotypes were dominant.
      The least frequently encountered were the representatives of asthenic (1.7%) and
      athletic (5.2%) somatic types. Women of different somatotypes vary significantly
      in height and weight and other anthropometric parameters.

PMID- 27141593
TI  - [METHOD FOR QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION OF THE INTENSITY OF THE HISTOCHEMICAL
      REACTION FOR SULFATED GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS IN THE TISSUES OF RAT URINARY BLADDER].
AB  - In this paper a method is proposed for the quantitative evaluation of the
      concentration of sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the tissues of rat bladder using
      the calibration standards of alcian blue (AB) in 20% aqueous solution of gelatin.
      The blocks that have the consistency of a dense gel and serve as calibration
      standards of different dye concentrations, sections 7 and 9 MUm thick are cut,
      and photographed. Using the "Videotest 5.0" program, in the slices with different
      concentrations of the dye, relative optical density of AB was determined and the
      graph of its dependence on dye concentration was plotted. On the basis of a
      calibration graph, it was possible to determine AB concentration in the
      histological sections of the urinary bladder stained with AB. In the sections of
      the urinary bladder of the intact rats the concentration of AB in the mucus
      covering the epithelial layer, was 22 +/- 1 3 mg/cm3, while in the tissues of its
      lamina propria it was equal to 2.5 +/- 1.0 mg/cm3.

PMID- 27141594
TI  - [In memory of Olga Vasilyevna VOLKOVA].

PMID- 27141595
TI  - [Clinical role of selected MDR1 gene polymorphisms in patients with colorectal
      cancer].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies. It is the
      second most common cause of cancer death in men and the third most common in
      women. The aetiology of colorectal cancer is multifactorial, complicated, and
      remains the subject of many studies. It has been estimated that only 15-30% cases
      of colorectal cancer are hereditary. The aim of the study was to determine the
      relationship between the C3435T and G2677T/A polymorphisms of the MDR1 gene and
      the risk of developing colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group
      comprised 47 women and 60 men with colorectal cancer. The age of patients was 47
      83 years. In each case the diagnosis of colorectal cancer was confirmed by
      histopathological examination. The control group comprised 110 subjects without
      malignant colorectal cancer. Genetic analysis was carried out using PCR-RFLP.
      RESULTS: A relationship between the presence of CT and TT genotypes of C3435T
      MDR1 gene polymorphism and onset of colorectal cancer at a younger age was found.
      No correlation between C3435T or G2677T/A MDR1 gene polymorphism and other
      clinical parameters was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are necessary on
      a significantly greater number of genes and their polymorphisms. Findings from
      this study may be used as a part of polygenic analysis aimed at explaining the
      complicated processes responsible for the onset and development of colorectal
      cancer.

PMID- 27141596
TI  - Does the month of birth influence the prevalence of refractive errors?
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to examine whether the month of birth
      influences the prevalence of refractive errors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of
      5,601 schoolchildren were examined (2,688 boys and 2,913 girls, aged 6-18 years,
      mean age 11.9, SD 3.2 years). The children examined, students of elementary and
      secondary schools, were Polish and resided in and around Szczecin, Poland. Every
      examined subject underwent retinoscopy under cycloplegia using 1% tropicamide.
      Data analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Siegel
      and Castellan post-hoc test or the Mann-Whitney U-test. P values of < 0.05 were
      considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Students born in June had
      significantly higher spherical equivalents than schoolchildren born in May (0.66
      +/- 1.17 and 0.39 +/- 1.17 respectively, p = 0.0058). The Mann-Whitney U-test
      showed that students born in June had significantly higher spherical equivalents
      than schoolchildren born in any other month (0.66 +/- 1.17 and 0.50 +/- 1.17
      respectively, p = 0.0033). Besides that, we did not observe any other association
      between refractive errors and the month of birth. CONCLUSION: Children born in
      Poland in June may have a higher spherical equivalent.

PMID- 27141598
TI  - The role of neck wrinkles for cosmetic effect during carotid artery
      endarterectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive procedures in carotid endarterectomy are
      currently preferred. Smaller skin incisions (transverse or longitudinal) and the
      mapping of carotid artery bifurcation with Doppler ultrasound are promoted. There
      is a lack of papers about cosmetic effects and patients' preferences. The aim of
      this study was to qualify natural skin wrinkles as potential anatomical markers
      of carotid artery bifurcation and scar camouflage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50
      patients underwent carotid endarterectomy in 2013-2014 in the Vascular Surgery
      Department of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. The positions of
      wrinkles were compared with the anatomical location of carotid artery bifurcation
      with the use of Doppler - Duplex Ultrasound. Patients' preferences and cosmetic
      effect were also assessed. RESULTS: 50% of patients declared the cosmetic effect
      important. Nevertheless, every patient preferred a transverse incision along a
      wrinkle line. The wound scar was invisible in 76% of cases 3-6 months after
      surgery. Wrinkles were close, within 1 centimeter, to carotid artery bifurcation
      in 80% of cases. It was mainly 4-5 cm from the angle of the mandible. Surgical
      access along wrinkles located 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 cm from the gonial angle was
      technically easy in 55%, 77%, 79%, 45%, and 21% of cases, respectively. Using
      ultrasound before surgery allows the planning of the optimal incision in 98% of
      cases. CONCLUSIONS: Transverse incision hidden in the wrinkles of the neck gives
      a good cosmetic effect and allows carotid endarterectomy in every case when
      carotid artery bifurcation is marked prior to surgery.

PMID- 27141597
TI  - Sclera as the target tissue in progressive myopia.
AB  - Introduction: The aim of the study was to study the eye corneoscleral shell and
      connective tissue (CT) system in children with acquired and congenital
      progressive myopia, and to identify the informative diagnostic criteria of
      weakened supporting function of the sclera. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 155 children
      aged 9-17 were examined: 18 had emmetropia or hyperopia, 20--low, 32--moderate
      and 85--high myopia. 32 children had complicated myopia (CM) due to peripheral
      retinal degeneration (PRD). Corneal hysteresis (CH), scleral acoustic density
      (SAD), X-ray vertebral topography, plantography, joint hypermobility, serum
      cortisol (SC), and autonomic balance were measured. RESULTS: Corneal hysteresis,
      mmHg and SAD, rel. units (mean +/- SE) were lower if myopia was higher: in low
      myopia, CH was 13.0 +/- 0.3, in moderate myopia, 11.9 +/- 0.3#, in high myopia,
      10.7 +/- 0.3#; SAD was resp. 215.9 +/- 5.2, 204.9 +/- 3.7# and 192.8 +/- 5.8# (#:
      p < 0.05 with regard to low myopia). The lowest CH (10.3 +/- 0.4) and SAD (186.5
      +/- 7.3) were found in acquired CM. Congenital myopia with PRD showed CH and SAD
      greater than in acquired CM (p < 0.05). Serum cortisol (nmol/L) in hyperopia was
      335.8 +/- 40.9 and dropped with higher myopia: in low myopia--290.7 +/- 58.6, in
      moderate--250.9 +/- 26.4, in high--243.9 +/- 20.5. The lowest SC was found in
      acquired CM, consistent with CH and SAD. Connective tissue dysplasia progressed
      with higher myopia: it was found in 76.9% of children with low, 82.4% with
      moderate, 89.2% with high acquired myopia, and 91.7% with congenital myopia.
      Biomechanical defects of CT and hormonal imbalance were combined with vegetative
      nervous system (VNS) imbalance: in high myopia only 20.5% of children were
      eutonic, 61.5%--sympathicotonic and 17.5% parasympathicotonic. CONCLUSIONS:
      School age children with progressive myopia showed biomechanical abnormalities of
      the corneosclera, along with CT dysplasia, decreased SC and imbalanced VNS, more
      pronounced in acquired complicated myopia. Our findings contribute to the
      understanding of myopia pathogenesis and to the diagnostic/prognostic evaluation
      of myopic children, in particular when deciding whether sclera-strengthening
      intervention is needed.

PMID- 27141599
TI  - [Is computed tomography scanning necessary in every case of minor head trauma?
      Clinical and tomographic analysis of a cohort of patients].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of the study was an assessment of the occurrence of
      traumatic cerebral lesions and skull fractures in patients with mild head trauma.
      A total of 171 patients' notes, 89 male (52%) and 82 female (48%), mean age 48
      years, were subjected to analysis. RESULTS: Of the 171 patients, in 58 (34%) CT
      scanning of the head was not performed for various reasons, and these patients
      were discharged home. Of the remaining 113 persons, who had head CT performed, in
      99 (88%) no abnormalities were found; in 10 (9%) CT scans revealed pathological
      findings unrelated to the trauma: most frequently cortical-subcortical atrophy
      followed by old post-stroke foci, and in 4 patients (3%) post-traumatic
      pathologies: skull fractures in 2 and facial bone fractures in 2. Diagnosis of
      these fractures did not change the conservative treatment of these patients, but
      only prolonged in-patient stay for 2-3 days. All skull and facial bone fractures
      occurred in patients who were alcohol intoxicated, were lying, could not maintain
      vertical position, or who had the "racoon eyes" sign. CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      our study show that lack of abnormalities in neurological examination in patients
      after mild head injury is a reliable indicator for omitting CT scanning, because
      the risk of overlooking brain injuries in these patients is minimal. However,
      patients who are intoxicated, have problems with maintaining a vertical position
      and have the "racoon eyes" sign, are likely to have skull or facial fractures,
      and CT scanning is therefore justified. Considering these precursors (guidelines)
      and the use of clinical decision rules described in the article may reduce the
      number of head CT scans performed "just in a case".

PMID- 27141600
TI  - [Assessment of the validity of Doppler sonography in the diagnosis of acute
      scrotum in boys].
AB  - PURPOSE: Comparison of preoperative scrotal Doppler sonography and final
      diagnosis of subsequent exploration in patients with acute scrotum. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the medical history of 61 patients operated on
      in The Department of Paediatric and Oncological Surgery in Szczecin in 2008-2014.
      RESULTS: Mean patient age (years) with testicular torsion was 12.7 +/- 4.0, with
      torsion of a testicular appendage was 8.6 +/- 4.5, and with orchitis or
      epididymitis was 7.2 +/- 8.5. During operation we diagnosed testicular torsion in
      28 (45%) patients, torsion of the testicular appendage in 26 (43%), and orchitis
      or epididymitis in 7 (12%). The specificity of Doppler sonography for testicular
      torsion was 46%, for torsion testicular appendage 20%, and for
      orchitis/epididymitis 57%. CONCLUSIONS: Doppler sonography of the scrotum shows
      limited specificity in the diagnosis of acute scrotum in boys. Surgical
      exploration is recommended even with apparently normal Doppler sonography
      examinations.

PMID- 27141601
TI  - [Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with systemic lupus
      erythematosus--complication of connective tissue disease or overlap syndrome?].
AB  - Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
      are two separate diseases, whose clinical symptoms maybe similar. The coexistence
      of these two diseases is very rare. We present the case report of a 29-year-old
      female patient with simultaneous diagnosis of TTP and SLE. The purpose of this
      article is to draw attention to the diagnostic difficulties which may result from
      the co-existence of both diseases.

PMID- 27141602
TI  - [Kinesiotaping--treatment of upper limb lymphoedema in patients after breast
      cancer surgery].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of lymphatic
      kinesiotaping in patients after unilateral breast cancer surgery. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Complex decongestive therapy in patients after right-side breast
      conserving surgery was done once a week for 2 months (from November to December
      2014). It involved manual lymph drainage and lymphatic application of
      kinesiotaping. An original kinesiology tape (Nitto Denko, Japan) was used for the
      treatment. Lymphoedema was measured at the beginning and at the end of treatment
      in centimetres in specific places: metatarsal, wrist, at the mid-length of the
      forearm, in the elbow and at the mid-length of the upper arm. The volume of
      oedema was assessed at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. RESULTS:
      The reduction of lymphoedema in different places. CONCLUSIONS: Kinesiotaping may
      be an alternative method in relation to the use of materials in complex
      decongestive therapy. However, this technique requires further research.

PMID- 27141603
TI  - [Acute pancreatitis after endoscopic evacuation of the gall stone, presenting as
      duodenal perforation: a case report].
AB  - We present the case of a 25-year-old patient who had sphincterotomy performed for
      the retrieval of gall stones form the common bile duct, and in whom, immediately
      after the procedure, signs and symptoms of the retroperitoneal, iatrogenic
      perforation of the duodenum had developed. Additionally, the patient showed
      clinical and biochemical symptoms of acute pancreatitis. The patient was operated
      on, and, intraoperatively, the duodenal perforation was not found, but excessive
      inflammatory infiltration of the retroperitoneal space, without bile leakage, and
      typical features for acute pancreatitis. The operation was confined to the
      duodenal and retroperitoneal space exposure, drainage and jejunostomy for
      nourishment. The postoperative course was uneventful, acute pancreatitis did not
      develop into the necrotising form, and the patient eventually recovered.

PMID- 27141604
TI  - [Characteristics of the somatic and nutritional status of polish centenarian
      women].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to carry out the first analysis in Poland
      of Polish centenarian women to identify their somatic and nutritional status.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Research was carried out within the framework of the PolStu
      2001 project implemented in 2001-2005, while other studies were conducted in 2005
      2007 by the author of this paper. The study comprised 361 women aged 100 years.
      The characteristics of the nutritional status of women were established on the
      basis of anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed with Statistica 8
      software. The level of significance for all analyses was p < 0.05. RESULTS:
      Studies have shown that Polish centenarian women are characterised by a specific
      physique and android obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis carried out can provide a
      platform for further fundamental research that can explore aging, and in addition
      to the scientific value can be helpful in creating social programmes that are
      targeted at the population of long-lived people, and of the administrative
      structure of the country developed at different levels. Such programmes can serve
      to ensure the quality of life of long-lived seniors.

PMID- 27141605
TI  - [Evaluation of the dietary habits of polish medical students in their first year
      of studies].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: One of the most important factors involved in normal growth,
      maturation, physical activity and mental state is nutrition. Correct patterns
      formed in youth are necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The aim of the
      study was the evaluation of the dietary habits of medical students. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The material consisted of data collected from an anonymous survey
      distributed among first year students of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
      (66 men and 177 women). The study used a questionnaire of our own design,
      consisting of open and multi-choice questions concerning the anthropometric data
      of subjects and nutritional habits. The questionnaire was developed based on the
      HBSC international standard questionnaire survey on health behaviour in
      adolescents. Data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity
      was generally not observed in the group of examined students. In most cases body
      mass index was in the range 18.5-24.99%. Obesity was observed only in men. There
      were no significant differences between the groups of men and women in terms of
      the frequency of regular meals during the week. Only about 50% of the study
      population declared regular consumption of the three main meals. Significantly
      more women than men used slimming diets, and significantly more men took action
      to control weight. Analysis of the results showed abnormal patterns in the
      structure of meals. CONCLUSIONS: It is extremely important to educate future
      doctors in healthy lifestyle, including correct nutrition, through educational
      programmes during studies.

PMID- 27141606
TI  - [Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.)--botanical characteristics, biochemical
      composition and health benefits].
AB  - Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) belongs to the family Urticaceae. It grows in
      the wild form in Asia, Europe, North America and North Africa. Stinging nettle is
      also a widespread ruderal plant found in Poland. Urtica dioica L., as a plant
      rich in biologically active compounds, is considered one of the most important
      plants used in phytotherapy. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated its
      antioxidant, antiplatelet, hypoglycaemic and hypocholesterolemic properties.
      Research conducted in recent years indicates the possibility of using nettle in
      chemoprevention, diabetes, benign prostatic hyperplasia and urologic diseases.

PMID- 27141607
TI  - [The effect of selected socio-medical factors on quality of life and psychosexual
      functioning in women after surgical treatment of breast cancer].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: According to the National Cancer Registry, 16 534 new cases of
      breast cancer were confirmed in 2011 in Poland. Surgical treatment poses not only
      a serious oncological problem, but also a cosmetic and psychological one. Women
      fear they will lose their femininity and sexual attractiveness after the surgery.
      They feel defective (half woman complex) and they experience such feelings as
      shame, anger and depression. Sexuality is a sphere of life that is particularly
      susceptible to all kinds of perturbation of physical and mental states. The main
      cognitive objective of the presented research is the analysis of life quality
      level and mental and sexual functioning of women who underwent breast cancer
      surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was carried out from
      October 2013 to February 2014 among 250 adult women who underwent breast cancer
      surgery. The questionnaire includes questions regarding sociomedical and
      sociosexology questions, and five standardised research tools: Life Quality
      Questionnaire SF-36 v. 2, licence No. QM020862, Mell-Krat Questionnaire prepared
      by Z. Lew-Starowicz, Female Sexual Function Index Questionnaire, A List of Health
      Behaviours by Z. Juczynski, Courtauld Emotional Control Scale (CECS) adapted by
      Z. Juczynski. The research received a positive opinion from the Bioethical
      Commission of The Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. RESULTS: On the
      basis of the conducted research and statistical analyses it was found that the
      extensiveness of the surgical procedure, the effectiveness of oncological
      treatment, age, the number of children, education, material conditions, and the
      occupational status of the subject women have an impact on life quality and
      psychosexual functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Women who underwent mastectomy with
      reconstruction of the mammary gland gained higher results in comparison to women
      who underwent mastectomy without reconstruction as regards physical and mental
      functioning within life quality. The respondents who had their oncological
      treatment completed were featured with a lower intensity of sexual dysfunctions
      than women who had their treatment in progress. The participants of the research
      with higher educational level, high material status and stable job condition had
      higher indicators of health behaviours intensity than women with lower material
      status and lower educational level.

PMID- 27141608
TI  - [Frequency and clinical overview of hypolactasia among children, adolescents and
      students of Szczecin schools].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Adult type hypolactasia is the most common non allergic abnormal
      reaction to food. Its frequency increases with age. Hypolactasia creates the risk
      of decreased milk consumption, which could be the cause of lowered bone density,
      osteoporosis and fractures. The aim of the research was to estimate the frequency
      of hypolactasia among Szczecin's citizens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 200 randomly
      chosen people aged between 10-23, divided into three groups: 10-14 years old (36
      children), 15-19 years old (77 adolescents) as well as 20-23 (87 students) were
      examined. The study protocol included the completion of a questionnaire, a breath
      hydrogen test, as well as the evaluation of the occurrence of intestinal ailments
      during the test. RESULTS: Hypolactasia was diagnosed in 48 (24%) subjects,
      regardless of sex, including 11% of the children, 22% of the adolescents, and 31%
      of the students (p = 0.055). Lactose intolerance was observed in 65% of the
      subjects with hypolactasia, including over 47% of the adolescents and 85% of the
      students. CONCLUSIONS: During BHT, hydrogen concentration in the expired air was
      the highest in the group of students and the lowest in the children, indicating
      an age-dependent decline in intestinal lactase activity among people with
      hypolactasia, which explains the increasing proportions of subjects with lactose
      intolerance increasing with age.

PMID- 27141609
TI  - [Frequency of hospitalization due to low back pain syndrome in Poland and
      European countries].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Back pain is one of the most frequently diagnosed diseases of the
      osteoarticular system. It has been estimated that 50-80% of the population has
      experienced at least one episode of back pain. The aim of the study was to
      present the epidemiology data on back pain in Poland based on secondary
      epidemiological data collected in national and international databases. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The study was based on the data provided by the National Institute
      of Health under the framework of the National Hospital Morbidity Research, and
      the data collected in the Eurostat database. RESULTS: Currently, the highest
      prevalence rates of hospital admission due to back pain are found in the oldest
      women (over 65 years) and slightly younger men (between 55 and 64 years of age).
      In the group of people older than 45 years the incidence of pain episodes
      increases to about threefold compared to younger people. Moreover, it is noted
      that the higher number of hospitalizations due to low back pain syndrome concerns
      rural residents. The analysis of the Eurostat data indicates a large variation in
      rates of hospitalization due to lower back pain and a slightly different course
      of disease in other countries. In Poland, for both women and men, there has been
      a steady increase in the number of patients hospitalized due to lower back pain.
      CONCLUSIONS: The hospitalization rate due to back pain in Poland is one of the
      lowest in Europe, but the observed increase in the number of hospitalized
      patients in recent years has created a significant economic burden in the
      healthcare system. It is worth noting that an average length of hospitalization
      of patients with lower back pain is slightly longer in Poland (on average 4 days
      longer) than in Western European countries.

PMID- 27141610
TI  - [Nutritional status of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The main causes of death in patients undergoing dialysis are
      cardiovascular diseases. Their presence is related to the nutritional status of
      patients treated with peritoneal dialysis, and has a predicted value in this kind
      of patient. Long-term therapy entails unfavourable changes, from which a
      clinically significant complication is protein-energy malnutrition and
      intensification of inflammatory processes. The aim of the study was to assess the
      nutritional status of patients with chronic kidney disease treated with
      peritoneal dialysis based on anthropometric, biochemical parameters analysis, a
      survey, as well as the determination of changes in measured parameters occurring
      over time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 40 people undergoing
      peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 30 healthy people. For dialyzed patients testing
      material was collected twice, every 6 months. Proteins, albumins, prealbumins, C
      reactive protein and glucose levels were measured. Anthropometric measurements
      included body height, body weight, triceps skinfold and subscapular skinfold
      thickness. Body mass index (BMI) value and exponent of tissue protein source were
      calculated. The examined patients completed the questionnaire, which included,
      among other factors, the daily intake of nutrients, and lifestyle information.
      RESULTS: During the 6 month observation of the PD group a stastically significant
      increase in the energy value of intake food and amount of calories intake from
      carbohydrates was found. Analysis of nutritional status dependent on the BMI
      showed that overweight and obese patients are characterized by higher
      concentrations of the C-reactive protein and glucose, as well as lower
      concentrations of prealbumin compared to patients with normal body weight. At the
      same time, the energy value of food and the amount of protein in the group with
      BMI > 25 were smaller than in the other groups. During the 6 month observation a
      decrease the concentration of prealbumin and an increase in C-reactive protein in
      BMI > 25 group were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The nutritional status of all patients
      undergoing peritoneal dialysis was abnormal, which was not reflected by BMI. In
      overweight and obese patients increased changes over time were observed. This
      suggests the occurrence of protein-energy malnutrition.

PMID- 27141611
TI  - [Assessment of the availability of mental health services].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the availability of care for
      people with mental illness in Western Pomerania, Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      The study was designed as a diagnostic survey. It was conducted among
      representatives of health care facilities providing mental health care services
      under a contract with the National Health Fund. RESULTS: Respondents were asked
      to assess the availability of services at their institution. Very good
      availability of facilities was indicated by more than half of respondents (58%),
      and satisfactory availability by 35%. None of the respondents indicated poor
      availability, one respondent answered 'do not know', and one marked no answer.
      Respondents were asked to assess the situation of mental health care in Western
      Pomerania. They were asked to assess the availability of outpatient care, and
      separately to assess the availability of inpatient care. Almost every fifth
      respondent (19%) rated the availability of outpatient care as good, 61% as
      satisfactory, 13% as poor, and 7% of surveyed subjects had no opinion. The
      availability of inpatient care was rated good by 16% of respondents. Most
      respondents, 55% rated it as satisfactory, and 26% of respondents rated it as
      poor. One respondent did not have an opinion on this subject. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The
      respondents positively assess the availability of the institutions they
      represent. 2. Access to mental health care across the whole region is assessed as
      satisfactory. 3. Access to outpatient care is better assessed than residential
      care.

PMID- 27141612
TI  - [Dynamics of changes body composition of polish national swimming team during the
      one month of training camp prior the junior World Championship in Dubai in 2013].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: World Championship in swimming are the most prestigious
      competition, where many countries around the world takes part in it. To prepare
      for the highest level for this type of event, swimmers need to train in adequate
      training base. Currently, the best center in Poland is at the Floating Arena
      swimming pool in Szczecin. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact
      training during start preparation period, on body mass composites. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: For this study it was examined 14 swimmers, members of the Polish Junior
      National Team, who were during a training camp in Szczecin, for one month before
      main competition. Research consisted of 9 measurements of body composites, made
      by analyzer TANITA BC-420 MA. Method used was bioelectrical impedance analysis
      (BIA). Components taken under measurements are: body mass (BM), mean body fat
      (MBF), fat free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), total body water (TBW), and body
      mass index (BMI). RESULTS: All results of the last day of measurements, showed
      decreasing tendency comparing to the first day of measurements. The statistically
      important changes were reported in BM, TBW and BMI components. In this 4 weeks
      start preparation period, all the results slightly decreased. This tendency is
      highly recommended in professional sports. CONCLUSIONS: Research has shown that
      properly conducted training in the 4-week preparation starter, despite a decline
      in training loads characteristic of this period, along with a balanced diet,
      allows to maintain a stable body weight and the distribution of its components
      directly from participating in the competition, which is of great importance for
      athletic performance swimmers.

PMID- 27141613
TI  - [Effect of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Expression of Pain Sensory and
      Affective Proce- ssing-related u-opioid Receptor, etc. in the Amygdala in Chronic
      Neuropathy Pain Rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of pain
      sensory and affective processing-related u-opioid receptor (MOR), glutamatergic
      AMPA receptor subunit GIuA 1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2),
      cAMP response element binding protein(CREB) in the amygdala in chronic
      constrictive injury (CC) + negative affection(NA) rats, so as to reveal its
      mechanism underlying pain relief. METHODS: A total of 32 male Wistar rats were
      randomized into normal control, model, EA, and anesthesia+ EA (AEA) groups (n = 8
      in each group). The neuropathic pain NA model was established by ligation of the
      left sciatic nerve and repeated electrical stimulation of the paw-bottom in the
      pain-paired compartment. EA was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) and
      "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) for 30 min, once daily for 7 days. Thermal pain threshold
      (paw withdrawl latency, PWL) of the bilateral paws was measured by using a Tail
      Flick Unit. The expression levels of MOR and p-CREB in the central amygdala (CeA)
      and those of MOR, GluA 1, p-ERK 1/2 and p-CREB in the right amygdala area were
      determined using immunofluorescence and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: in
      comparison with the normal group, PWL difference (PWLD) values of the model group
      were significantly increased (P < 0.001), and the time spent in the CPA-paired.
      compartment was considerably decreased (P < 0.001). After EA, the PWLD levels of
      both EA and AEA groups were apparently decreased (P < 0.05), showing a pain
      relief; and the time spent in the CPA-paired compartment was apparently increased
      in the EA group (P < 0.05) , rather than in the AEA group (P > 0.05).
      Additionally , compared to the normal group, the expression level of MOR protein
      in the amygdala was remarkably increased (P < 0.05) and those of GIuA 1, p-ERK 2
      and p-CREB proteins were apparently decreased (P < 0.05). After EA intervention
      for 7 days, the expression levels of these four proteins in the EA group, and
      those of MOR, p-ERK 2 and p-CREB in the AEA group were significantly up-regulated
      (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The expression level of GIuA 1 was significantly
      higher in the EA group than in the AEA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Repeated EA
      stimulation of ST 36-GB 34 has a definite effect in relieving both sensation and
      affection dimensions of pain in NA rats, which may be related to its effect in up
      regulating the expression of GIuA 1 in the amygdala, but the effects of MOR, p
      ERK 2 and p-CREB need being researched further.

PMID- 27141614
TI  - [Effect of Transcutaneuos Acupoint Electrostimulation on Serum Sex Hormone Levels
      and Expression of Ovarian Steroid Hormone Metabolic Enzymes in Polycystic Ovary
      Syndrome Rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of transcutaneuos acupoint
      electrostimulation(TAES) on ovarian serum sex hormone levels and ovarian follicle
      granular cell aromatase cytochrome P 450 (P 450 arom) protein and follicle theca
      cell cytochrome P 450 17 alpha-hydroxylase/c 17-20 lyase cytochrome P 450 (P 450
      c 17 alpha) protein expression in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)rats, so as to
      explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of PCOS. METHODS Forty SD rats were
      randomly divided into four groups: normal control, model, medication and TAES (10
      rats/group). The PCOS model was established by giving (gavage) the animals with
      letrozole solution (1.0 mg/kg, once daily for 21 consecutive days). Rats of the
      medication group were treated with Clomiphene (1 mg/kg) once daily for 7 days,
      and those of the TAES group were treated with electrical stimulation (2 Hz, 3 mA)
      of "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) areas for 30 min, once daily for 7
      consecutive days. The rats body weight and bilateral ovarian weight were
      detected, and the ovarian structure and follicular development degree were
      observed under light microscope after H. E. stain, and the serum testosterone
      (T), estradiol (E2), luteotrophic hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone
      (FSH) contents were detected using radioimmunoassay. The expression of ovarian P
      450 arom (for production of estrogen)protein and P 450 c 17 alpha (for production
      of androgen) protein was detected by using immunohistochemical stain and Western
      blot, respectively. RESULTS: The body weight, bilateral ovary weight, serum T and
      LH contents, and ratio of LH/FSH, and ovarian P 450 c 17 alpha immunoactivity and
      protein expression levels in the model group were all significantly increased
      compared with the normal control group (P < 0.01), and the levels of serum E2 and
      ovarian P 450 arom immunoactivity and protein expression were significantly
      decreased after modeling (P < 0.01). Following the treatment, the increased body
      weight, ovary weight, serum T and LH contents, ratio of LH/FSH, and ovarian P 450
      c 17 alpha immunoactivity and protein expression levels, and the decreased
      ovarian P 450 arom immunoactivity and protein expression levels were reversed in
      the TAES group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) rather than in the medication group, except
      serum T and ratio of LH/FSH in the medication group. No significant differences
      were found between the medication and TAES groups in the serum T and ratio of
      LH/FSH (P > 0.05). In addition, the increased vesicular follicle number, the
      decreased corepus luteum number and the thickness of granular cell layer were
      markedly improved in the TAES group. CONCLUSION: TAES intervention can reduce
      both body weight and ovarian weight and regulate the levels of serum sex hormones
      and ovarian P 450 c 17 alpha and P 450 arom protein expression levels in PCOS
      rats, which may contribute to its effect in improving PCOS.

PMID- 27141615
TI  - [Effect of Acupuncture Intervention on c-jun N-terminal Kinase Signaling in the
      Hippocampus in Rats with Forced Swimming Stress].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture on c-jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK)
      signaling in the hippocampus in rats with forced-swimming stress, so as to reveal
      its underlying mechanism in relieving depression-like motor response. METHODS:
      Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 8 groups as control,
      control + JNK inhibitor (SP 600125) , model, model + SP 600125, acupuncture,
      acupuncture + SP 600125, Fluoxetine (an anti-depressant) , and Fluoxetine + SP
      600125 (n = 6 in each group). The depression-like behavior (immobility) model was
      established by forcing the rat to swim in a glass-cylinder and solitary raise.
      Acupuncture stimulation was applied to "Baihui" (GV-20) and "Yintang" (GV 29) for
      20 min before forced swimming and once again 24 h later.. The rats of the
      Fluoxetine and Fluoxetine+ SP 600125 groups were treated by intragastric
      administration of fluoxetine 10 mL (1.8 mg)/kg before forced swimming and once
      again 24 h thereafter. The rats of the model + SP 600125 and acupuncture + SP
      600125 groups were treated by intraperitoneal injection of SP 600125 (10 mg/kg)
      90 min before forced swimming and 30 min before acupuncture intervention,
      respectively. The immobility duration of rats in the water glass-cylinder was
      used to assess their depression-like behavior response. The expression levels of
      protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK 4), MKK 7, JNK, and phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK) in
      the hippocampus were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared to the control
      group, the duration of immobility, and the expression levels of hippocampal MKK
      4, MKK 7, and p-JNK proteins were significantly increased in the model group (P <
      0.01). While in comparison with the model group, the duration of immobility in
      the model + SP 600125, acupuncture, acupuncture + SP 600125, Fluoxetine and
      Fluoxetine + SP 600125 groups, the expression levels of hippocampal MKK 4 and MKK
      7 proteins in the Fluoxetine + SP 600125 group, and those of p-JNK protein in the
      acupuncture, acupuncture + SP 600125, model + SP 600125, Fluoxetine and
      Fluoxetine + SP 600125 groups were considerably decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).
      No significant differences were found between the control and control + SP 600125
      groups and among the model + SP 600125, acupuncture, acupuncture + SP 600125,
      Fluoxetine and Fluoxetine + SP 600125 groups in the duration of immobility (P >
      0.05), and in the expression level of p-JNK protein (P > 0.05). No significant
      changes were found in the expression levels of JNK among the 8 groups (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Acupuncture stimulation of GV 20 and GV 29 is effective in relieving
      depression-like motor response in forced-swimming stress rats, which may be
      closely associated with its effects in down-regulating the expression of
      hippocampal p-JNK protein.

PMID- 27141616
TI  - [Electroacupuncture Intervention Inhibits the Decline of Learning-memory Ability
      and Overex- pression of Cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax in Hippocampus Induced by
      Isoflurane in APPswe/PS 1].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protection mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA)
      therapy against Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like neurotoxicity induced by
      Isoflurane. METHODS: Twenty-four APPswe/PS 1 dE9 double transgenic mice (one of
      the most extensively used transgenic mouse model of AD) and 24 littermate wild
      type mice were randomly assigned into control (Con) group, isoflurane (Iso) group
      and EA group, respectively (n = 8 in each group). EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1 mA) was
      applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Yongquan" (KI 1) for 15 min, once a day for 3
      days. The transgenic mice were exposed to a closed box filled with 1.2%
      isoflurane + 30% O2 +70% N2 for 4 h. The animals' learning-memory ability was
      detected by Morris water maze test. The expression of cleaved Caspase-3 in the CA
      1 area of hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry, and that of
      hippocampal Bcl-2 and Bax proteins detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared
      with the wilde-type mice, the average escape latency of place navigation test was
      significantly longer, while the percentage of target-quadrant stay time and the
      target- platform crossing times of spacial probe test were marked decreased in AD
      + lso mice (P < 0.05). After acupuncture intervention, the abovementioned changes
      were reversed (P < 0.05). Correspondingly, compared with the AD-Con group, the
      number of hippocampal activated Caspase-3-positive cells and the expression of
      Bax protein were significantly increased in the AD-Iso group (P < 0.05). After EA
      intervention, the increased Caspase-3-positive cell number and Bax protein
      expression were remarkably down-regulated in the AD-EA group, and the decreased
      ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in AD-Iso mice was obviously up-regulated in AD-EA mice (P <
      0.05). No significant changes were found in the average escape latency, the
      percentage of target-quadrant stay time and the target-platofrm corssing times,
      and inthe number of hippocampal activated Caspase-3-positive cells, the
      expression levels of hippocampal Bcl-2 and Sax and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in the
      three groups of wilde-type mice (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention can
      improve the learning-memory ability in AD + Isoflurane mice, suggesting a
      reduction of AD-like neurotoxicity, which may be associated with its actions in
      inhibiting the overexpression of activated Caspase-3 and Bax proteins in the
      hippocampus.

PMID- 27141617
TI  - [Effect of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Constipation-predominant Irritable
      Bow l Syndrome and Colonic CGRP and SP Expression in Rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on
      constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (C-IBS) and colonic calcitonin
      gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) expression levels in IBS rats,
      so as to reveal its mechanism underlying improvement of lBS. METHODS: A total of
      32 male Wistar rats were equally ran-domized into normal control, model, EA
      Shangjuxu (ST 37) and EA-Dachangshu (BL 25) groups. The C-IBS model was
      established according to Peng's methods (2004). EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 0.1-0.2 mA) was
      applied to bilateral ST 37 and BL 25 for 30 min, once daily for 7 days. The stool
      properties (hardness or softness, water content, etc.) were typed (1-7 points)
      and the fecal water content was calculated by wet weight minus dry weight. The
      relative expression levels of CGRP and SP proteins in the colon tissues were
      detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the stool
      property score and stool water content were significantly lower in the model
      group (P < 0.01). After EA intervention, both stool property scores and stool
      water contents were obviously higher in the EA-ST 37 and EA-BL 25 groups than in
      the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The expression levels of colonic CGRP and
      SP proteins were significantly higher in the model group than in the control
      group, and obviously down-regulated in the two EA intervention groups (P < 0.01).
      No significant differences were found between the EA-ST 37 and EA-BL 25 groups in
      the stool property score and stool water content, and colonic CGRP and SP protein
      expression levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention can ameliorate the
      fecal property in C-IBS rats, which may be associated with its function in inhibi
      ting the expression of colonic CGRP and SP proteins.

PMID- 27141618
TI  - [Involvement of Neurotensin-mediated Brain-gut Axis in Electroacupuncture
      Intervention Induced Improvement of Functional Dyspepsia in Rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe The effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of
      "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Taichong" (LR 3) on intestinal motor and neurotensin (NT)
      levels in the plasma, hypothalamus, and gastro-antrum tissues in functional
      dyspepsia (FD) rats so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of FD.
      METHODS: Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into control, model and EA
      groups, with 16 rats in each group. The FD model was established by clamping the
      rats' tails and alternate day's feeding according to the related references. EA
      (2 Hz/100 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to unilateral ST 36 and LR 3 for 30 min, once
      daily for 14 days. Rats of the control group were only restricted. The gastric
      emptying rate and propulsive rate of the small intestine were detected. The
      content of NT in the plasma was assayed using ELISA, and the immunoactivity
      levels of NT in the hypothalamus, gastric antrum mucous membrane and ileum
      tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the
      control group, the gastric emptying rate and propulsive rate of the small
      intestine were considerably lowered in the model group (P < 0.01), and the
      content and immunoactivity levels of NT in the plasma, hypothalamus, mucous
      membrane of the gastric antrum and ileum tissues were significantly increased (P
      < 0.05). After EA intervention, the decreased gastric emptying rate and
      intestinal propulsive rate, as well as the increased NT content and
      immunoactivity levels of plasma, hypothalamus, gastric antrum and ileum were
      reversed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention can obviously promote
      gastrointestinal motor in FD rats, which may be related to its function in down
      regulating NT levels in the plasma, hypothalamus, gastric antrum and ileum. It
      suggests an involvement of NT in the brain-gut axis in EA-induced improvement of
      FD.

PMID- 27141619
TI  - [Electroacupuncture Stimulation of Different Acupoint or Paired Acupoints on
      Expression of BDNF and TrkB Proteins and Genes in Hippocampus in Myocardial
      Ischemic Rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective effect of electroacupuncture (EA)
      intervention on the expression of brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and
      tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) proteins and genes in the hippocampus areas
      in myocardial ischemia (MI) rats, so as to reveal its underlying mechanisms in
      protecting hippocampal cells under MI. METHODS: Eighty healthy male SD rats were
      randomized into sham-operation (sham), MI model, Shenmen (HT 7), HT 7-Zhizheng
      (SI 7) and HT 7-Xinshu (BL 15) groups (n = 15 in each group). The MI model was
      established by occlusion of the anterior descending branch of the left coronary
      artery. EA (2 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to bilateral HT 7, HT 7-SI 7, and HT 7-BL 15,
      respectively for 15 min, once per day for a week. The number of BDNF and its
      receptor TrkB positive cells in the left hippocampus and that of mRNAs in the
      right hippocampus tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time
      fluorescence quantitative PCR, respectively. RESULTS: In comparison with the sham
      group, the numbers of both BDNF and TrkB positive cells in the left hippocampus
      and the expression levels of BDNF mRNA and TrkB mRNA in the right hippocampus
      were increased slightly (P > 0.05). After EA intervention, the numbers of
      hippocampal BDNF and TrkB positive cells and the expression levels of BDNF mRNA
      and TrkB mRNA were evidently up-regulated (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the effects
      of HT 7-SI 7 and HT 7-BL 15 were obviously superior to those of simple HT 7 in up
      regulating BDNF and TrkB expression (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). No significant
      differences were found between the HT 7-SI 7 and HT 7-BL 15 groups in increasing
      the number of hippocampal BDNF and TrkB positive cells and in up-regulating
      expression of both BDNF mRNA and TrkB mRNA (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA
      intervention is effective in increasing the expression of hippocampal BDNF and
      TrkB in MI rats, which may contribute to its effect in protecting hippocampal
      cells from injury under MI condition. The effect of EA stimulation of HT 7-SI 7
      and HT 7-BL 15 was obviously superior to that of simple HT 7 in up-regulating
      BDNF and TrkB expression.

PMID- 27141620
TI  - [Effect of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Interventions on Ethological Changes and 5
      HT/5-HIAA Levels in Prefrontal Cortex in Depression Rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion interventions on
      ethology and 5-HT/5-HIAA levels in the frontal cortex tissue in depression rats,
      so as to reveal their biological mechanisms underlying improvement of depression.
      METHODS: A total of 40 male SD rats were randomized into normal control,
      depression model, medication (Fluoxetine), acupuncture and moxibustion groups,
      with 8 rats in each group. The depression model was established by chronic
      unpredictable mild stress for 5 weeks. The interventions including acupuncture or
      moxibustion stimulation of "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) for 20 min/d and
      intragastric administration of Fluoxetine (1.8 mg . kg-1 . d-1) beginning after 2
      weeks of modeling for 3 weeks. The percentages of sucrose consumption was
      counted, the contents of 5-HT, hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), tryptophan
      (Trp) in the prefrontal cortex tissue were assayed by radioimmunoassay, and the
      relative binding affinities (constant and capacity) of 5-HT1A receptor in the
      prefrontal cortex were measured by radioligand binding assay and Scatchard plot
      analysis in a computer. Results In comparison with the normal control group, the
      sucrose consumption percentage on the 35th day of modeling, the levels of
      cerebral cortical 5-HT, 5-HT/5-H1AA and 5-HT1A receptor binding constant were
      significantly down-regulated in the model group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and the
      cortical Trp content was obviously up-regulated in the model group (P < 0.01).
      Compared with the model group, the sucrose consumption percentage on the 35th day
      of modeling, and cortical 5-HT/5-HIAA in the medication, acupuncture and
      moxibustion groups, cortical 5-HT content in the medication group were
      significantly increased (P< 0.01, P < 0.05), and cortical 5-HIAA and Trp contents
      were obviously down-regulated in the three treatment groups (P < 0.01). No
      significant changes were found in the cortical 5-HT content after acupuncture and
      moxibustion, and in the high and lower affinity of 5-HTA receptor binding
      constant and binding capacity after medication, acupuncture and moxibustion
      interventions (P > 0.05). The effects of acupuncture and moxibustion
      interventions were comparable in increasing sucrose consumption percentage on the
      35th day and 5-HT/5-HIAA, and in down-regulating cortical Trp content (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Both acupuncture and moxibustion can increase sucrose consumption
      (anti-depression) in depression rats, which may be closely associated withheir
      effects in up-regulating 5-HT/5-HIAA and down-regulating Trp content in the
      frontal cortex.

PMID- 27141621
TI  - [Effect of Electroacupuncture on Serum TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and Intercellular
      adhesion molecule 1 Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) on serum TNF
      alpha, IL-1beta and Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) levels in
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats so as to explore its mechanism in relieving RA.
      METHODS: Eight Wistar rats were used as the normal control group in this study.
      The RA model was established by injecting mixture solution of incomplete Freund's
      adjuvant and type II chicken collagen into the left paw. The 24 successful RA
      rats were randomly divided into model, medication (Prednisolone) and EA groups (n
      = 8 in each group). EA(2 Hz /100 Hz,1-2 mA)was applied to "Zusanli"(ST 36) and
      "Kunlun" (BL 60) for 30 min, once daily for 10 days. For rats of the medication
      group, Prednisolone acetate (0. 1 mL/10 g) was intragastric infused daily. The
      rats' left ankle diameter was measured before and after the treatment, and the
      contents of serum TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and ICAM-1 were assayed by ELISA. RESULTS:
      In comparison with the normal control group, the rats' ankle diameter, serum TNF
      alpha, IL-1beta and ICAM-1 contents were remarkably increased in the model group
      (P < 0.05); while compared with the model group, the increased ankle diameter,
      and serum TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and ICAM-1 contents were obviously reversed in both
      medication and EA groups ( P < 0.05), without significant differences between the
      medication and EA groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention is effective in
      relieving RA rats' inflammatory reactions by down-regulating the levels of serum
      TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and ICAM-1.

PMID- 27141622
TI  - [Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation of "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Zusanli" (ST
      36) on Spleen Lymphocytes Treg/Th 17 Immune Balance in Ulcerative Colitis Mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on
      spleen T-helper 17 (Th 17) and regulatory T (Treg) cell levels in mice with
      ulcerative colitis (UC), so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of
      UC. METHODS Kunming mice were randomized into control, UC model and EA groups,
      with 8 mice in each group. The UC model was established by giving the mice with
      3% Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) for 5 days. EA (15 Hz/25 Hz, 0.1-0.2 mA) was
      applied at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36, used alternatively)
      for 10 min, once a day for 5 days. The animals' disease activity index [DAl, =
      (body weight index score + stool score + bleeding score)/3; 0-4 points] were
      calculated. The pathological changes of colon tissues were observed by light
      microscopy after H. E. stain, and spleen Treg (CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg) and Th 17
      (CD3+ CD8+ IL-17+ Th 17) lymphocyte levels were determined by flow cytometry.
      RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the DAl score and the ratio of Th 17/CD8+
      T cells were significantly increased, while the ratio of Treg/CD4+ T cells
      obviously decreased in the model group (P < 0.05). After EA intervention, the
      increased DAI score and the ratio of Th 17/CD8+ T cells and the decreased
      Treg/CD4+ T cells were reversed (P < 0.05), and the inflammatory cell
      infiltration degree of the colon tissue was attenuated. CONCLUSION: EA
      intervention can improve the, UC rats' symptoms of activity state, bloody or
      viscidity stool and colonic inflammation, probably by regulating the balance
      between the spleenic Treg and Th 17 lymphocytes.

PMID- 27141623
TI  - [Influence of Herbal-cake-separated Moxibustion on Contents of 5-HT, DA and NE in
      Hypothalamus in Rats with Functional Dyspepsia of Liver Stagnation and Spleen
      Deficiency Syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of herbal cake-separated moxibustion on the
      contents of 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) in
      the hypothalamus in rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) of syndrome of liver
      stagnation and spleen deficiency, so as to explore its mechanism underlying
      improvement of FD. METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups:
      control, model, herbal cake-separated moxibustion, moxa-cone moxibustion,
      Xiaoyaosan (decoction for relieving liver stagnation) and Domperidon, with 10
      rats in each group. The FD model was established by applying chronic restraint
      stress + excessive fatigue + irregular food + tail clipping+ shaking for 21
      consecutive days. Moxibustion (herbal cake-separated or moxa-cone) was applied to
      bilateral "Ganshu" (BL 18), "Pishu" (BL 20) and "Weishu" (BL 21), or
      "Zhangmen"(LR 13), "Qimen" (LR 14) and "Zhongwan" (CV 12) for 30 min, once daily
      for 14 d. For rats of the two medication groups, Xiaoyaosan [1 mL (2 g)/100 g]
      and Domperidone [1 mL (0.3 g)/100 g] were administrated by gavage, respectively.
      The contents of 5-HT, DA and NE in the hypothalamus tissue were detected by high
      performance liquid Phrnm.tnrnh, RESULTS: The gastric empty rate was obviously
      lower in the model group than in the control group (P<0. 01). After the
      treatment, the gastric empty rate in the herbal cake-separated moxibustion, moxa
      cone moxibustion, Xiaoyaosan and Domperidone groups were significantly increased
      in comparison with the model group ( P<0. 01) , but there were no significant
      differences among the four treatment groups (P > 0.05). Compared to the control
      group, the contents of 5-HT, DA and NE in the hypothalamus were markedly
      decreased in the model group (P < 0.01), while compared to the model group, the
      contents of hypothalamic 5- HT, DA and NE contents were significantly up
      regulated in both the herbal cake-separated moxibustion and Xiaoyaosan groups (P
      < 0.01), rather than in the moxa-cone moxibustion and Domperidone groups (P >
      0.05). No significant differences were found between the herbal cake-separated
      moxibustion and Xioayaosan groups in increasing hypothalamic 5-HT, DA and NE
      levels (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Herbal cake-separated moxibustion can promote the
      gastric empty rate in FD rats, which may be associated with its effects in
      inhibiting stress induced decrease of hypothalamic 5-HT, DA and NE levels.

PMID- 27141624
TI  - [Effect of Electroacupuncture Intervention Combined with Gastrodin Administration
      on Neurological Function, Nogo-A and NgR Expression in the Frontal Lobe Cortex of
      Focal Cerebral Ischemia Rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention combined
      with medication (Gastrodin) on changes of neurological function and expression of
      Nogo-A and Nogo-A receptor (NgR) in the frontal lobe cortex around the ischemic
      loci of focal cerebral ischemia (FCI) rats, so as to explore its mechanism
      underlying improvement of neuroregeneration of FC. METHODS: Fifty male Sprague
      Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, EA, medication and
      EA+ medication groups (n = 10 in each group). The FCI model was induced by
      occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO) with thread embolus. EA was
      applied to the left "Quchi" (LI 11) and "Hegu" (Li 4) for 30 min, once daily for
      14 days after MCAO. For rats of the medication group, Gastrodin (10 mg/kg) was
      administrated by intraperitoneal injection, once daily for 14 days. The
      neurological impairment was assessed by Zea Longa's scoring. The expression of
      Nogo-A and NgR in the frontal lobe cortex around the ischemic loci was detected
      by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In comparison with the normal control group,
      cerebro- cortical Nogo-A and NgR expression levels of the model group vere
      significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the Zea
      Longa's score and Nogo-A and NgR expression levels were evidently down-regulated
      in the EA, medication and EA + medication groups (P < 0.05). The Zea Longa's
      score and Nogo-A and NgR expression levels were significantly lower in the EA +
      medication group than in the EA and medication groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA
      intervention and Gastrodin administration can down-regulate cerebro-cortical Nogo
      A and NgR protein expression in FCI rats, which may contribute to their action in
      improving neurological impairment. The effect of EA+ Gastrodin is better than
      simple EA or Gastrodin treatment.

PMID- 27141625
TI  - [Changes of Skin Temperature of Acupoint Regions of the Governor Meridian after
      Moxibustion Stimulation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe changes of skin temperature along the Governor Vessel (GV)
      after moxibustion stimulation. METHODS: A total of 36 healthy volunteer subjects
      were recruited in the present study. The skin temperature of Mingmen (GV 4),
      Dazhui (GV 14), Shenzhu (GV 12), Zhiyang (GV 9), Zhongshu (GV 7), Yaoyangguan (GV
      3) regions and their bilateral control sites (1.5 cun lateral to GV 4) was
      detected by using a Thermo Tracer TH 9100. RESULTS: Following moxibustion
      stimulation of GV 4 region, a marked infrared radiant track along the central
      part of the back covering the GV was observed in the healthy volunteer subjects,
      and the skin temperature levels of both GV 4 and its bilateral control points
      were significantly increased (P < 0.001). The skin temperature of GV 4 was
      remarkably higher than those of both left and right control points (P < 0.001).
      After moxibustion stimulation, the average skin temperature levels of GV 9, GV 7,
      GV 4 and GV 3 were all up-regulated in comparison with pre-moxibustion (P <
      0.01). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion stimulation of Mingmen (GV 4) can induce an
      infrared radiant track along the central part of the back covering the GV and
      raise skin temperature of acupoint areas of the GV.

PMID- 27141626
TI  - [Effect of Subcutaneous Injection of Lidocaine in Zusanli (ST 36) and Jiaji (EX-B
      2) Regions on Immune Function in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic
      Cholecystectomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupoint injection of Lidocaine on serum IL
      1beta, TNF-alpha and T-lymphocyte subset activities in patients undergoing
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying
      relieving postoperative pain and potentiating rehabilitation. METHODS: Eighty
      patients scheduled for elective LC surgery (grade I or II, according to American
      Standards of Association, ASA) were randomly divided into four groups, namely
      intravenous analgesia (IVA) , right forearm-injection (forearm-), Jiaji (EX-B 2,
      Thorax 8)-injection (EX-B 2-1), and Zusanli-injection (ST 36-1), with 20 patients
      in each group. The conventional anesthetic induction and maintenance with
      Penehyclidine Hydrochloride, Midazolam, Sulfentanil, Propofol, Atracurium
      Besilate, and Remifentanil were same in all the 4 groups. For patients of the
      forearm-I, EX-B 2-I and ST 36-1 groups, 5% Lidocaine was injected into the
      subcutaneous layer of the anterior side of right forearm near the elbow, EX-B 2
      and ST 36 regions, respectively. Analgesia pump (filled with Sulfentanil,
      Ramosetron + normal saline) was connected af- ter the tracheal extubation. The
      visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the patient's pain reaction after
      tracheal extubation (T 1), and 6 h (T 2), 24 h (T 3) and 48.h (T 4) after
      surgery. The times of RCA pressing and the total dose of Sufentanil in the
      process of postoperative analgesia were recorded as well. The contents of serum
      IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were analyzed by ELISA, and the counts of CD4+ and CD+ T
      cells were detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with T 1 in the same one
      group, the VAS scores at time-points of T 2, T 3 and T 4 after surgery of all the
      IVA, forearm-1, ST 36- and EX-B 2- groups were reduced significaantly (P < 0.05).
      The times of PCA-pump pressing and the doses of the administrated Sufentanil were
      considerably lower in the ST 36-1 and EX-B 2-I groups than in the IVA and forearm
      I groups (P < 0.05). In comparison with pre-anesthesia in the same one group,
      serum TNF-alpha and IL-1beta contents at T 1 were remarkably increased, while the
      ratios of CD4+/CD8+ at T 4 in the 4 groups were evidently down-regulated (P <
      0.05). The contents of serum TNF-alpha and IL-1beta at T 3 and T 4 were obviously
      lower in both ST 36-1 and EX-B 2-1 groups than in the IVA and forearm-I groups (P
      < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the 4 groups in the VAS
      scores at the 4 time-points, in the serum TNF-alpha and IL-1beta contents at T 0
      and T 1, in the counts of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and ratios of CD4+/CD8+ at T 0, T
      3 and T 4, and between the ST 36-1 and EX-B 2-groups in all the 8 indexes (P >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint injection of Lidocaine is effective in relieving pain
      in LC patients, which is demonstrated by reducing VAS score, PCA pump pressing
      times, and administrated Sufentanil dose, and may be associated with its effects
      in down-regulating serum TNF-alpha and IL-1beta contents.

PMID- 27141627
TI  - [Effect of Scalp-acupuncture Treatment on Levels of Serum High-sensitivity C
      reactive Protein, and Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Acute Cerebral
      Infarction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of scalp acupuncture on levels of high
      sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1beta levels in
      patients with acute cerebral infarction (ACl), so as to investigate its mechanism
      underlying improvement of ACI. METHODS: A total of 61 patients with ACI were
      randomly allocated to scalp acupuncture group (n = 31) and control (medication)
      group (n = 30). The patients of the control group were routinely treated by
      administration of Aspirin, Danhong injection, Cytidine Diphosphate for
      neurotrophy, blood pressure-control and blood-fat lowering medicines, etc., while
      those of the scalp acupuncture group were treated by routine treatment with the
      medicines mentioned above plus daily scalp acupuncture stimulation of bilateral
      Dingnieqianxiexian [MS 6, penetrative needling from Qianding (GV 21) to Xuanli
      (GB 6)] and Dingniehouxiexian [MS 7, from Baihui (GV 20) to Qubin (GB 7)]. The
      treatment was conducted once daily for 7 days. Serum hs-CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6, and
      IL-1beta contents were assayed by using enzyme linked immunosorbnent assay
      (ELISA). The therapeutic effects of scalp acupuncture were evaluated by using
      clinical neurological disfunction scale (NDS, 0-45 points for consciousness,
      gazing, facial palsy, speech, myodynamia, walking-ability). RESULTS: (1) Of the
      30 and 31 cases in the control and scalp acupuncture groups, 5 (16.7%) and 8
      (25.8%) were basically controlled, 9 (30.0%) and 16 (51.6%) experienced
      remarkable improvement in their symptoms, 12 (40.0%) and 6 (19.4%) were improved,
      4 (13.3%) and 1(3.2%) failed, with the effective rates being 86.7% and 96.8%,
      respectively. The increased levels of serum hs-CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1beta
      in ACl patients were reversed on the 3rd and 7th day after scalp acupuncture
      treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). (2) A positive correlation existed between the
      NDS score and the serum levels of hs-CRP (r = 0.497, P < 0.01). (3) NDS scores
      were obviously decreased in both groups on the 7th day after the treatment
      compared with their baseline data (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Scalp
      acupuncture treatment can improve the ACI patients' clinical symptoms, probably
      by reducing ACl induced inflammatory reactions.

PMID- 27141628
TI  - ["Sham Needle"--Design and Application of A Double-blind Placebo Needle
      Assembly].
AB  - The blind study design, particularly the double-blind study design is a very
      important method for diminishing placebo effect and reducing bias in clinical
      medical trial. Enlightened by Streitberger's and Park's sham needle design, the
      authors of the present paper introduce a newly designed sham needle device (Yan's
      sham-needle) for controlled double-blind trials of acupuncture. This sham needle
      device consists of needle, tube and base. The bottom of the tube is completely
      sealed and it can never arouse any invasive stimulation on the subject's skin
      when the sham needle is downward pressed on the body surface. Meanwhile, this
      sham device is filled with sponge which is able to simulate soft tissues of the
      acupoint area. By combining words suggestions or hints before trials and the same
      shape as verum device, this sham-needle device reduces the risk of blind-breaking
      and makes it possible to conduct controlled double-blind trials. Primary practice
      showed that this device may provide a new and practical tool for researching the
      placebo effect of acupuncture therapy.

PMID- 27141629
TI  - [Development of Researches on Scalp Acupuncture for Ischemic Stroke].
AB  - Ischemic stroke is one of the commonly met diseases in clinical practice
      nowadays. Acupuncture therapy is widly used in the treatment of sequela of
      ischemic stroke in China and its mechanisms have been extensively studied in
      recen years. In the present paper, the authors focus on the development of
      studies on the mechanism of scalp acupuncture therapy in the treatment of
      ischemic stroke. Results indicate that scalp acupuncture intervention can 1)
      improve cerebral blood circulation to promote regional energy metabolism, 2) up
      regulate expression of glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), etc.,
      possibly promoting proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the
      focal cerebral cortex and hippocampus, 3) reduce contents of excitatory amino
      acid and increase level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to lower neurogenic
      toxicity, and relieve cerebral injury, 4) ease cerebral vascular
      immunoinflammatory reactions, 5) regulate blood lipid metabolism to resist
      cerebral free radical damage, and 6) inhibit cerebral cortical apoptosis.
      However, these results only revealed very limited intrinsic mechanisms of scalp
      acupuncture in improving ischemic stroke. Further studies using comprehensive
      techniques of multi-disciplines as molecular biology, electrophysiology, etc. are
      definitely needed.

PMID- 27141630
TI  - [Development of Researches on Acupuncture Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Injury].
AB  - Peripheral nerve injury is a common clinical disease. Acupuncture therapy has
      been demonstrated to be effective in improving nerve injury in clinical practice,
      but its underlying mechanisms in prompting tissue repair basically remain
      unknown. In the present paper, the authors reviewed some descriptions of
      traditional Chinese medicine on peripheral nerve injury and treatment, and recent
      development of researches on acupuncture treatment of it in both clinical
      practice and animal studies. Clinical trials demonstrated that acupuncture
      treatment can relieve nerve injury induced pain, ameliorate both sensory and
      motor functions. Experimental studies showed that acupuncture stimulation may
      promote nerve repair by reducing desquamation of medullary sheath of nerve
      fibers, inhibiting apoptosis of nerve cells, and up-regulating expression of
      myelin basic protein, Slit-1 protein and gene, etc. In addition, acupuncture
      intervention may also improve the microenvironment of neural regeneration
      including increase of the proliferation and differentiation of Schwann cells and
      release of various types of neurotrophic factors. However, its mechanisms
      underlying accelerating rehabilitation of peripheral nerve injury need being
      researched further.

PMID- 27141631
TI  - [Irumamicin Produced by Streptomyces roseoflavus INA-1278].
AB  - The strain Streptomyces roseoflavus INA-1278 is described as a new irumamicin
      producer. Irumamicin 1278 is different by the antifungal activity from irumamicin
      produced by the world-known strain Streptomyces subflavus subsp. Irumaensis
      subps. nov. AM-3603.

PMID- 27141632
TI  - [Design of Novel Carboxamides of Eremomycin and Vancomycin with 4- or 3-Amino
      Methyl Phenyl Boric Acid and Their Investigation].
AB  - Amidation of the end carboxyl group of eremomycin and vancomycin by pinacolinic 4
      or 3-amino methyl phenyl boron acids esters in the presence of the condensing
      reagent PyBOP resulted in formation of novel carboxamides of the antibiotics
      (IIIa-VIa). After elimination of the pinacolinic group under mild hydrolysis in
      weak acid aqueous medium there formed the respective derivatives with a residue
      of the nonprotected boric acid (III-VI). It was shown that the activity of the 4
      substituted derivatives of the borole-containing eremomycin and vancomycin
      practically was the same as that of the initial antibiotics, while higher than
      that of the respective 3-substituted derivatives of the borole-containing
      derivatives against 8 strains of grampositive bacteria.

PMID- 27141633
TI  - [PK/PD Modeling as a Tool for Predicting Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics:
      Alternative Analyses of Experimental Data].
AB  - Postexposure number of mutants (NM) is a conventional endpoint in bacterial
      resistance studies using in vitro dynamic models that simulate antibiotic
      pharmacokinetics. To compare NM with a recently introduced integral parameter
      AUBC(M), the area under the time course of resistance mutants, the enrichment of
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus was studied in vitro by simulation of
      mono(daptomycin, doxycycline) and combined treatments (daptomycin + rifampicin,
      rifampicin + linezolid). Differences in the time courses of resistant S. aureus
      could be reflected by AUBC(M) but not N(M). Moreover, unlike AUBC(M), N(M) did
      not reflect the pronounced differences in the time courses of S. aureus mutants
      resistant to 2x, 4x, 8x and 16xMIC of doxycycline and rifampicin. The findings
      suggested that AUBC(M) was a more appropriate endpoint of the amplification of
      resistant mutants than N(M).

PMID- 27141635
TI  - [Antibiotic Resistance of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Isolated at Hospitals
      of St. Petersburg and Moscow].
AB  - Antibiotic susceptibility of 119 coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated at
      hospitals of St. Petersburg and Moscow was investigated and estimated at the
      local laboratories as oxacillin resistant. The following species were identified:
      Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, S. hominis, S.capitis, S. simulans,
      S. pettenkoferi, S. lentus, S. carnosus and S. warneri. The oxacillin resistance
      was confirmed in 79.8% of the isolates. The frequency of the associated
      resistance to non-beta-lactams was much higher in the oxacillin resistant
      isolates vs. the oxacillin susceptible ones. When the CLSI and EUCAST
      susceptibility criteria were used, 1-3% difference in the resistance levels was
      recorded. Among the oxacillin resistant isolates the frequency of resistance to
      gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, moxifloxacin, tetracycline and
      clindamycin equaled 90, 88, 88, 63, 43 and 26% respectively. Two linezolid
      resistant isolates of S. epidermidis with lower susceptibility to tedizolid were
      isolated. Eight isolates of S. epidermidis showed lower resistance to mupirocin.
      The MIC of ceftarolin for oxacillin resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci
      varied from 0.5 to 2.0 mcg/ml, while for the oxacillin susceptible ones it was
      lower than 0.25 mcg/ml. No resistance to tigecyclin and vancomycin was observed.

PMID- 27141634
TI  - [Discovery of Genetic Markers of Resistance to beta-Lactams in Gramnegative
      Microorganisms by PCR Diagnosis].
AB  - Fifteen specimens of the hemoculture and 89 specimens of the broncho-alveolar
      lavage were used in the study. Monocultures of gramnegative bacteria resistant to
      cefotaxime, cefepime, imipenem and meropenem were isolated from the specimens.
      The PCR method with detection of the results in the real time regimen (PCR test
      system Litekh) provided detection of the beta-lactamase genes: bla(CTX-M-like)
      (72/104, 69.2%), bla(NDM) (6/104, 5.8%), bla(VIM) (49/104, 47.1%) and bla(OXA48
      like) (59/104, 56.7%). There was identified correlation between the phenotype of
      resistance of Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae
      and Escherichia coli to cefotaxime and carbopenems and detection of the bla(CTX-M
      like) and bla(NDM) genes. At the same time, up to 70% of the K. pneumoniae
      isolates from the biological specimes positive with respect to the presence of
      the carbapenase bla(VIM) and bla(OXA48-like) genes demonstrated their phenotypic
      susceptibility to carbopenems. The results of the study confirmed the prognostic
      value of the genetic diagnosis for improvement of the routine bacteriological
      investigations.

PMID- 27141637
TI  - [Biological Functions of Succinate (a Review of Foreign Experimental Studies)].
AB  - The published data on the modern concept of the biological role of succinate, an
      intermediate of the citric acid cycle are analysed in the review. Special
      interest to succinate is determined by investigations on the mitochondrial
      functions at different pathologies, discovery of the hypoxia-inducible factor HIF
      1 and studies on the human genome, that resulted in detection of the G-protein
      coupled receptors, which selectively are bound with succinate. According to the
      published experimental data, besides participation in oxidative reactions,
      succinate is considered as a key contributor to physiological, metabolic and
      genetic processes.

PMID- 27141636
TI  - [Prospects of Pharmacogenetic Testing for Design of Algorithms for Personalized
      Treatment of Tuberculosis of Respiratory Organs in the Astrakhan Region].
AB  - In spite of the availability of many antituberculosis drugs all over the world
      the morbidity of tuberculosis does not lower. Often the tuberculosis therapy
      schemes are adapted to every particular patient which is mainly due to the
      therapy unfavourable effects requiring discontinuation of the drugs used.
      Polymorphism of the detoxication genes, as predictors of the response to the drug
      therapy, was shown to be of certain significance. The experimental data would
      allow to substantiate personalized management of tuberculosis patients and to
      increase its efficacy and safety.

PMID- 27141638
TI  - [Substantiation of Expressive Markers Use to Personalize Lung Cancer
      Chemotherapy].
AB  - Surgery results of II-III stage lung cancer remain unsatisfactory and the
      chemotherapy does not improve the survival. The main obstacle is the use of the
      standard clinical parameters for the treatment strategy and not sufficiently
      effective selection of regimens for the chemotherapy. Monoresistance genes
      defining the tumor cells sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic drugs play a
      significant role in development of the lung tumor resistance. The review examines
      the mechanisms of transport, activation and targets of the chemotherapeutic
      drugs, identifies the key markers for predicting their effectiveness and possible
      use in the clinical practice. Monoresistance genes, such as ABCC5, RRM1, ERCC1,
      TOP1, TOP2a, TUBB3 and TYMS are characteristic of lung cancer. Clinical trials
      demonstrating the efficiency of their use as predictive markers for the lung
      cancer chemotherapy are described. A prospective study with a personalized
      adjuvant chemotherapy for lung cancer patients will be performed.

PMID- 27141639
TI  - [Methods and Means for Defense from Collateral Action of Vaccine Virus after
      Vaccination Against Spallpox].
AB  - In connection with actuality of smallpox vaccination at present its methods and
      means are discussed to increase the safety of the first immunization with live
      vaccines.

PMID- 27141640
TI  - [Antimicrobial Activity of Substances Produced by Trichoderma citrinoviride
      Strain VKPM F-1228: Optimization of Cultivation and Assessment of Spectrum of
      Individual Peptaibols].
AB  - The Trichoderma citrinoviride VKPM F-1228 strain produces a complex of peptide
      based antibiotics with antibacterial and antimycotic action. Synthesis of
      peptaibols is closely related to the conidiogenesis in the culture. The optimal
      procedure of the strain cultivation for production of peptaibols is stationary
      growing for 14 days at a temperature of 28 degrees C and pH 7.5 followed by
      formation of a dense mycelium film on the modified Saburo medium containing 30
      gr/l of glucose and 12.5 gr/l of peptone. Eight individual peptaibols were
      extracted. The spectrum of their activity was estimated with the use of
      opportunistic bacteria and micromycetes as well as pathogenic clinical
      aspergilli. Compounds 9, 13, 14, 15 and 16 were shown active against
      opportunistic fungi and bacteria including methicillin resistant S. aureus,
      whereas compounds 9, 13 and 14 in addition showed antimycotic activity against
      clinical aspergilli.

PMID- 27141641
TI  - [Change of Tumor Cell Multiple Drug Resistance Inhibitory Activity of Oligomycins
      in Complexes with Lithium and Zinc].
AB  - Oligomycins and their complexes with lithium and zinc were shown to be less
      active vs. cyclosporin A in inhibition of transport proteins responsible for
      multiple drug resistance of lymphoid leukosis P388VR cells, while certain
      oligomycin complexes were tens or hundreds times more active than cyclosporin A
      by inhibition of transport proteins in another type of tumor cells, i.e. human
      larynx cancer Hep-2, that makes possible the use of the oligomycins complexes
      with lithium and zinc for inhibition of multiple drug resistance of certain tumor
      types.

PMID- 27141642
TI  - [Influence of Chlorhexidine and Prontosan on Dual Species and Monospecies
      Biofilms Formed by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa].
AB  - The effect of two antiseptics, i. e. chlorhexidine bigluconate 0.5% solution and
      Prontosan on dual species and monospecies biofilms formed in vitro by the
      reference strains P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and S. aureus ATCC 29213 was examined.
      It was demonstrated by atomic force microscopy that under the biocide action
      there occurred phenotype changes of the structural organization of the bacterial
      biofilms and morphology of the sessile cells: the cocci were lesser in diameter
      and the rods were reduced. A reliable change of linear cell sizes was accompanied
      by increase of their roughness (Sq) that was more pronounced for Prontosan. When
      assessing the cell viability it was found that Prontosan inhibited the bacterial
      viability in mixed and monospecies biofilms formed on both hydrophilic and
      hydrophobic abiotic surfaces. In the latter case the biofilm biomass (determined
      by crystal violet assay) lowered in all the variants of the experiment.

PMID- 27141643
TI  - [Antimicrobial Properties of Eremoxylarin A Produced by Ascomycete of
      Sordariomycetes in Submerged Culture].
AB  - The fungal strain INA 01108 producing antibiotic substances with broad spectrum
      of antibacterial activity was isolated from the natural environment. By the
      morphological characteristics and DNA analysis it was shown to belong to
      Ascomycetes of Sordariomycetes. In submerged culture the strain produced at least
      four antibiotics. The major component of them was identified as eremophilane-type
      sesquiterpene eremoxylarin A. Eremoxylarin A is effective in vitro against
      grampositive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA) and vancomycin group glycopeptide antibiotics resistant Leuconostoc
      mesenteroides VKPM B-4177. The efficacy and toxicity of eremoxylarin A was
      determined on a murine staphylococcal sepsis model. The dose of 6.25 mg/kg
      provided 100% recovery and survival of the animals, while the dose of 3.12 mg/kg
      was close to the ED50. The chemical structure of eremoxylarin A allows to modify
      the antibiotic and such studies may be relevant to design a less toxic derivative
      without loss of the valuable antimicrobial properties.

PMID- 27141644
TI  - [Antitumor Activity of Polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum Mycelium: in vivo
      Comparative Study].
AB  - Fractions of water soluble and alkali soluble polysaccharides, as well as
      fucogalactan, a water soluble polysaccharide, and xylomannan, an alkali soluble
      polysaccharide, were isolated from the Ganoderma lucidum submerged mycelium. When
      administered orally, the polysaccharides showed antitumor activity in vivo on
      murine models of solid tumors. Xylomannan and fucogalactan showed the highest
      antitumor activity. Sensitivity to xylomannan was more pronounced in
      adenocarcinoma Ca755 as compared to the T-cell lymphocytic leukemia P388. The
      antitumor activity of the water soluble polysaccharides total fractions from the
      mycelium and fruiting bodies of the G. lucidum strain was almost identical. The
      maximum antitumor effect of the mycelium water soluble polysaccharides total
      fraction was observed with the use of the daily dose of 2 mg/kg.

PMID- 27141645
TI  - [Results of Investigation of MRSA Susceptibility to Vancomycin in Clinical Units
      of Large Multifunctional Hospital and Recommendations on Optimization of
      Antibacterial Therapy of Staphylococcal Infection].
AB  - The frequency of MRSA and MRSE isolates in various units of the Voronezh Regional
      Hospital was investigated by the results of the local microbiological monitoring
      for 2014. The maximum position of MRSA was recorded in the ICU (38 to 75% of the
      strains). The MRSA strains were characterized by higher methicillin resistance,
      mainly from the cardiosurgical units (60 to 91% of the isolates). The use of the
      E-test for MRSA susceptibility to vancomycin allowed to estimate the validity of
      the use of various antibiotics active against MRSA in the treatment of inpatients
      and to reduce the risk of ineffective therapy.

PMID- 27141646
TI  - [Optimization of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Minor Gynecologic Operations].
AB  - The aim of the study was to estimate the efficacy of various variants of
      antibiotic prophylaxis of infectious complications in female patients after
      histeroscopy. 109 patients were examined. The patients were hospitalized for
      planned historoscopy. 55 of them were treated prophylactically to prevent
      infectious complications with a broad spectrum antibiotic administered
      intravenously 30 min prior to the operation. A course antimicrobial therapy
      during the postoperative period was applied to 54 females. The results of the
      trial showed that single administration of an antimicrobial provided high level
      prevention of infectious complications, whereas the use of course antimicrobial
      therapy during the postoperative period was of no advantage by the efficacy.

PMID- 27141647
TI  - [Metaanalytic Approach to Evaluate Clinical Effectiveness of Infusion Succinnate
      Containing Remaxol in Liver Pathologies of Diverse Genesis].
AB  - Metaanalysis was applied to the published data on the randomized clinical trials
      of Remaxol in the treatment of various diseases associated with the liver injury:
      chronic hepatitis B and C, severe ethanol intoxication, drug-induced pathologies
      due to tuberculosis chemotherapy, leptospirosis, psoriasis, tumor
      polychemotherapy. The database included information on 2250 patients. The total
      number of the patients of the control group (n = 1099) were treated according to
      the routine schemes (active placebo) and that of the main group (n = 1151) were
      additionally treated with Remaxol. Combination of the frequency characteristics
      of the positive outcomes (% of elimination of the main clinical symptoms and
      complications) in the patients of the reference groups allowed to estimate the
      general clinical efficacy of Remaxol, that was equal to 1.75 by the outcome
      frequency characteristics. The odds ratio of the positive outcomes equaled 5.3
      [1.8; 17.0] and the number of the patients needed to treat (NPNT) equaled 8 [6;
      14]. Therefore, the infusion Remaxol hepatoprotector based on succinic acid was
      shown to have statistically and clinically significant therapeutic efficacy in
      pharmacologic correction of the liver pathologies of diverse genesis.

PMID- 27141648
TI  - [How I treat... psoriasis using step procedures].
AB  - Psoriasis is a multifactorial disease characterized by a cutaneous involvement
      possibly associated with various comorbidities. The disease associates some
      qualitative abnormal epidermal proliferation and immune alterations expressed by
      the presence of a dermal inflammatory infiltrate with neutrophil exocytosis. The
      hereditary aspect is well-documented and various susceptibility loci have been
      described on several chromosomes. The treatment relies on an eventual
      identifiable cause, and on the severity of the cutaneous involvement, as well as
      the presence of various comorbidities. The disease associates some qualitative
      abnormal epidermal proliferation, and an inflammatory cell infiltrate with
      neutrophil exocytosis. The treatment relies on a possible identifiable cause, and
      on the severity of the cutaneous involvement, as well as on a set of various
      comorbidities. Since some decades, psoriasis treatment follows a progressive step
      procedure. Liminar procedures rely on emollient applications. The next topical
      treatments concern dermocorticoids, vitamine D derivatives, calcineurin
      inhibitors and tars. The next step turns to photo(chemo)therapy using PUVA or
      UVB. In a further step, systemic treatments following oral intake include
      metharexate and ciclosporin. In severe cases resistant to treatments,
      biotherapies represent a hope for improving or even clearing the lesions. The
      stream of the current treatments has considerably reformed the psoriatic
      management over the long age.

PMID- 27141649
TI  - [A DESTRUCTIVE SHOULDER ARTHROPATHY].
AB  - Charcot arthropathy is a progressive, chronic and degenerative destruction of one
      or several joints caused by a central or peripheral neurological disorder.
      Approximately 25 % of the patients with syringomyelia develop this arthropathy
      located in the upper limb in 80 % of the cases. An early etiological diagnosis is
      essential to begin the treatment of the underlying neurological disorder.
      Afterwards, a conservative treatment of the arthropathy is preferred. We report
      the story of a patient with an arthropathy of the left shoulder due to Arnold
      Chiari's malformation of type I with syringomyelia.

PMID- 27141650
TI  - [EARLY ENTEROVIRUS NEONATAL INFECTION: WHEN SHOULD WE THINK ABOUT IT?].
AB  - Enterovirus (EV) may cause a broad spectrum of clinical syndromes and even cause
      a sepsis-like picture. Although they are responsible for high morbidity and
      mortality rates, viral testing does not appear in the algorithms for the
      evaluation of neonatal infections. During the month of June 2013, we identified 3
      cases of EV meningitis in our unit of neonatology. All three infants had fever
      during the first week of life and their clinical examination revealed an
      irritability. The EV infection was detected by Real-Time Polymerase Chain
      Reaction (RT-PCR) EV on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Two of the patients also
      had a positive RT-PCR EV in the blood. The 3 newborns were discharged from the
      hospital after a few days with no adverse outcome. Our clinical observations and
      the literature review suggest that EV infections in neonates ought to be
      identified as soon as possible by an early RT-PCR EV on the blood, and on the CSF
      if a lumbar puncture is indicated. This could help reduce the administration of
      antibiotics and the length of hospital stay.

PMID- 27141651
TI  - [RENDU-OSLER DISEASE: A RARE CAUSE OF AMMONIA ENCEPHALOPATHY].
AB  - Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) also known as Rendu-Osler disease is
      a group of related disorders inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and
      characterized by the development of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in the
      skin, mucous membranes, and/or internal organs such as the brain, lungs, and
      liver. The prevalence of liver involvement is clinically estimated between 8 and
      31 percent. It can be revealed by the following clinical signs : ascites, edema
      of the lower extremities, abdominal pain, dyspnea, and, rarely, hepatic
      encephalopathy and gastrointestinal bleeding associated with portal hypertension.
      This case illustrates the highlight of liver damage revealed by an ammonia
      encephalopathy associated with iconographic anomalies on ultrasonography and
      magnetic resonance liver as part of Rendu-Osler disease.

PMID- 27141652
TI  - [NEW SURGICAL APPROACH IN PRIMARY OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA: XEN GEL STENT A MINIMALLY
      INVASIVE TECHNIQUE].
AB  - Primary open-angle glaucoma is a progressive ocular disease affecting adults and
      associated with visual field defect. The aim of its treatment is to lower the
      ocular pressure by means of ocular drops, laser or surgery. To date, traditional
      surgical techniques still remain quite invasive, but recent research efforts have
      been made with a view to develop minimally invasive techniques. The Xen Gel Stent
      is one of them. It allows a safe and efficient lowering of ocular pressure by
      creating a sub-conjunctival flow, following an ab interno procedure that highly
      preserves the architecture of the treated eye.

PMID- 27141653
TI  - [HOW TO EXPLORE BIPOLARITY IN CHILD PSYCHIATRY: A DIMENSIONAL SEMIOLOGY].
AB  - Despite its high frequency, bipolarity in childhood is little understood and is
      often diagnosed only after several years of development, and this during a time
      when the child's psychosocial future is at stake. A proper diagnosis requires
      recognition of accurate clinical signs. It is therefore essential to furnish
      clinicians with precise semiological markers. This paper presents a dimensional
      semiology for use in anamnesis and in clinical observation of the child. These
      clinical signs enable the identification of a bipolar manic temperament in the
      child and/or the identification of various different forms of childhood bipolar
      and depressive disorder. The relevant differential diagnoses and comorbidities
      are also presented.

PMID- 27141654
TI  - [INSULIN GLARGINE 300 U/mL (TOUJEO(r))].
AB  - This article presents a new formulation of insulin glargine concentrated at 300
      U/mL (Gla-300). It is commercialized under the trade name of Toujeo(r) in an
      optimized pre-filled SoloStarTM pen for the treatment of type 1 and type 2
      diabetes in adults. Besides a threefold higher concentration compared to the
      classical insulin Lantus(r) (100 U/mL or Gla-100), both pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacodynamic profiles of Gla-300 are flatter and longer (more than 24 hours)
      and have a lesser intra-/inter-variability, which makes them more reproducible.
      Overall, Toujeo(r) offers the same hypoglycaemic efficacy and the same safety
      profile when compared with Lantus(r). However, a lower risk of hypoglycaemia,
      especially at night, a slightly smaller weight gain and a better flexibility in
      the time of injection have been reported. The two insulin formulations are not
      bioequivalent and the daily insulin requirement is slightly higher with insulin
      Gla-300 than with insulin Gla-100. The shift from an already available basal
      insulin towards Toujeo(r) may require a dose adjustment and a reinforcement of
      blood glucose monitoring.

PMID- 27141655
TI  - [INITIAL MANAGEMENT IN ACUTE PANCREATITIS].
AB  - Basic steps of acute pancreatitis initial management are diagnostic assessment,
      severity prediction, search for concomitant abnormalities being part of the
      etiologic work up or requiring an early treatment. Adequate volume perfusion is
      certainly the most important therapeutic measure.

PMID- 27141656
TI  - Role of multi-layer foam dressings with Safetac in the prevention of pressure
      ulcers: a review of the clinical and scientific data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of prevention strategies, pressure ulcers
      (PUs) continue to be a challenging health problem for patients (and their
      carers), clinicians and health-care providers. One area of growing interest is
      the use of prophylactic dressings (which were originally designed for the
      treatment of PUs and other wound types) as a component of standard prevention
      measures. Over the past few years, a large amount of scientific and clinical data
      relating to this subject has been published in peer-reviewed journals and
      presented at international meetings and conferences. A substantial proportion of
      these data relate to one group of dressings: multi-layer foam dressings with
      Safetac, which are manufactured by Molnlycke Health Care (Gothenburg, Sweden).
      This evidence pool has influenced the experts involved in updating the Clinical
      Practice Guideline, produced by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel,
      European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance,
      on the prevention and treatment of PUs. The updated Guideline, published in 2014,
      recommends that, as part of their PU prevention regimens, clinicians should
      consider applying prophylactic dressings to bony prominences in anatomical areas
      that are frequently subjected to friction and shear. AIMS: A literature review
      was undertaken to identify clinical data from the entire evidence hierarchy, as
      well as scientific data from laboratory studies, on the use of multi-layer foam
      dressings with Safetac in the prevention of pressure ulceration. METHOD: The
      MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, US) and EMBASE (Elsevier B,
      Amsterdam, Netherlands) bibliographic databases were searched. In addition,
      abstract books and proceedings documents relating to national and international
      conferences were scanned in order to identify presentations (i.e. oral, e-posters
      and posters) of relevance to the review. RESULTS: Clinical and health economic
      experts have undertaken numerous studies, including randomised controlled trials,
      to assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of using multi-layer foam dressings
      with Safetac as a component of standard PU prevention strategies. The results of
      these studies indicate that the application of multi-layer foam dressings
      containing Safetac can reduce the occurrence of PUs on anatomical locations such
      as the sacrum and the heel, and underneath medical devices. Scientists have also
      developed and used laboratory methods to gain a better understanding of how
      prophylactic dressings work. The results of these studies indicate that the
      composition of foam dressings containing Safetac (i.e. their multi-layer
      structure) sets them apart from other dressings due to their ability to mediate
      the effects of physical forces (i.e. pressure, friction and shear) and control
      microclimate, all of which contribute to pressure ulceration. CONCLUSION: The
      evidence pool clearly indicates that the prophylactic use of multi-layer foam
      dressings with Safetac as a component of standard prevention measures is
      beneficial to the clinician, the health-care provider and the patient. It should
      be noted that the findings outlined in this review may not be transferable to
      other products as their makeup and components are likely to differ significantly
      from those of multi-layer foam dressings with Safetac. As the importance of
      evidence-based practice and the need for cost-effective care continues to grow,
      clinicians and provider should carefully consider this point when selecting
      prophylactic dressings for PU prevention.

PMID- 27141657
TI  - A paradigm shift: changing the perception of unavoidability.

PMID- 27141658
TI  - [Recent researching progress of Lepidium meyenii (Maca)].
AB  - Maca as one of the star products in the international health care market in
      recent years, had a wide range of application value and promoted to all over the
      world. However, the basic research of Maca was not deep, lack of systematic and
      clear efficacy studies. Market products hype its aphrodisiac effect, which
      greatly impact more systematic in-depth research and exploration. Therefore, this
      paper briefly summarizes advance research in recent years including the status
      quo of the resources, growth cultivation, phytochemical, pharmacological effect
      and other aspects, which can provide reference for rational development and
      utilization of Maca.

PMID- 27141659
TI  - [Chemical constituents of Lepidium meyenii].
AB  - To study the chemical constituents of Lepidium meyenii, the air-dried rhizome of
      L. meyenii was extracted with 70% EtOH. The extract was condensed to a small
      amount of volume and extracted with petroleum ether, EtOAc and n-BuOH,
      successively. The compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography,
      and identified based on spectral analyses (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HRESIMS). Eighteen
      compounds were isolated from L. meyenii, including 7 alkaloids and 4 fatty acids
      and 7 other compounds. They were characterized as (3-hydroxybenzyl) carbamic
      acid(1), phenylmethanamine(2), N-benzylformamide (3), N-benzylacetamide (4),
      pyridin-4-ylmethanamine(5), n-(4-methoxybenzyl) aniline(6), uracil(7), succininc
      acid(8), decanedioic acid(9), n-hexa- decanoic acid methyl ester(10), heptanoic
      acid(11), solerole(12), pyromucic acid methyl ester(13), 5-hydroxymethyl-2
      furancar- boxadehyde(14), 5-(methoxymethyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde(15), 1,7
      dihydroxy-2,3, 4-trimethoxyxanthone (16), 1,7-di- hydroxy-3,4- dimethoxy
      xanthone(17), (+)-pinoresinol(18). Meanwhile, compounds 1-18 were obtained from
      L. neyenii for the first time.

PMID- 27141660
TI  - [Quality control of Maca (Lepidium meyenii)].
AB  - To control the quality of Maca, the quality standard was established in this
      study. According to the methods recorded in the Appendix of Chinese Pharmacopoeia
      (2010 Edition), the water, extract, total ash, acid insoluble substance, and
      heavy metals inspections in Lepidium meyenii were carried out. N-benzyl-9Z, 12Z
      octadecadienamide in L. meyenii was identified by TLC, and it was determined by
      HPLC. The results showed that the N-benzyl-9Z, 12Z-octadecadienamide
      identification of TLC was a strong mark and specificity. In content determination
      experiment, the linearity of N-benzyl-9Z, 12Z-octadecadienamide was in the range
      of 0.01-2 microg (r = 0.9998), and the average recovery (n=9) was 99.27% (RSD
      2.0%). The methods were simple, accurate, with good reproducibility. It is
      suitable for quality control L. meyenii.

PMID- 27141661
TI  - [Determination of benzyl glucosinolate in Lepidium meyenii from different regions
      by HPLC].
AB  - The content of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) which as the enzymatic hydrolysis
      product of benzyl glucosinolate through thioglucosidase was determined by HPLC.
      The content of benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) which as the enzymatic hydrolysis
      product of benzyl glucosinolate through thioglucosidase was determined by HPLC.
      The chromatography condition was as follows: Kaseisorb LC ODS 2000 (4.6 mm x 150
      mm, 5 min) column with the mobile phase of acetonitrile(A)-water( B) under
      gradient elution (0-5 min, 3%-8% A; 5-9 min, 8%-48% A; 9-23 min, 48%-62% A; 23-28
      min, 62%-99% A); the flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) with 10 microL injection
      volume; detection wavelength was 246 nm and temperature of column was 40 degrees
      C. The content of benzyl glucosinolate was in the range of 10.76-17.91 g x L(-1).
      The method is simple, accurate and good reproducibility which can be used for the
      determination of benzyl glucosinolate in Lepidium meyenii, effectively.

PMID- 27141662
TI  - [Determination of 27 elements in Maca nationality's medicine by microwave
      digestion ICP-MS].
AB  - An analysis method has been established to test 27 elements (Li, Be, B, Mg, Al,
      Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, La, Hg,
      Pb, Bi) in Maca nationality's medicine with microwave digestion-ICP-MS. Sample
      solutions were analyzed by ICP-MS after microwave digestion, and the contents of
      elements were calculated according to their calibration curves, and internal
      standard method was adopted to reduce matrix effect and other interference
      effects. The experimental results showed that the linear relations of all the
      elements were very good; the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.9994-1.0000 (Hg
      was 0.9982) ; the limits of detection were 0.003-2.662 microg x L(-1); the
      relative standard deviations for all elements of reproducibility were lower than
      5% (except the individual elements); the recovery rate were 78.5%-123.7% with RSD
      lower than 5% ( except the individual elements). The analytical results of
      standard material showed acceptable agreement with the certified values. This
      method was applicable to determinate the contents of multi-elements in Maca which
      had a high sensitivity, good specificity and good repeatability, and provide
      basis for the quality control of Maca.

PMID- 27141663
TI  - [Study on species and valence state of heavy metals and deleterious elements of
      mineral medicine].
AB  - As an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), mineral medicine
      plays an irreplaceable role. However, little has been reported on its species and
      valence state of heavy metals and deleterious elements, and also the relevance to
      pharmacological effect and toxicology. The present paper, in a new perspective,
      summarized the determination of the species and valence state of heavy metals and
      deleterious elements in recent years, discussed the progress of the
      pharmacological effect and toxicology, and prospected for future study which
      might provide reference for mineral medicine.

PMID- 27141664
TI  - [Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of quercetin and its glycosides].
AB  - Quercetin and its glycosides are important flavonols in traditional herbal drugs
      and plant-derived food, and they have diverse hiological activities such as
      antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic
      activities. Numerous studies have demonstrated that quercetin and its glycosides
      were effective in the prevention and treatment of non-infectious chronic disease
      such as diabetes, obesity, and hyperlipidemia. They can regulate glucose and
      lipid metaholism through different mechanisms. They can decrease blood glucose
      via protecting pancreatic/p cells or/and improving insulin sensitivity. Also,
      they have lipid-lowering effects, which may be the result of regulation of lipid
      catabolism or/and anabolism. Their distributions, as well as the hypoglycemic and
      hypolipidemic effects are reviewed in this paper. In addition, further
      bioactivities as well as their dose-activity relationship, structure-activity
      relationship, bioavailability, and future clinical application of quercetin and
      its glycosides are discussed and proposed.

PMID- 27141665
TI  - [Research progress of trans-cinnamaldehyde pharmacological effects].
AB  - Trans-cinnamaldehyde, the main component of volatile oil from cassia twig or
      Cinnamomum cassia, which is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Trans
      cinnamaldehyde is a kind olefine aldehyde of organic compounds and has many
      pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti
      bacterial, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and neuroprotection etc. The compound has
      preventive and therapeutic effects on the nervous system, cardiovascular, cancer,
      diabetes and other diseases. Trans-cinnamaldehyde, as a preventive care of nature
      medicine, has great clinical and market potential. This paper gives a review
      about the pharmacological effects and mechanism of trans-cinnamaldehyde
      researched in the latest five years. We hope to provide some basic information
      for further research on trans-cinnamaldehyde.

PMID- 27141666
TI  - [Research progress on alkaloids constituents from Zanthoxylum and their
      pharmacological activities].
AB  - There are 250 species of Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae) in the world. This genus
      distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Alkaloids are the major and
      representative ingredients in these plants including quinolines, isoquinolines,
      and amide alkaloids, with such biological activities as anti-tumor, anti
      inflammatory, analgesic, anti-virus, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-bacteria and
      anti- oxidant. These species have been used for a long time to treat toothache,
      urinary and venereal diseases, lumbago and rheumatism. This review summarizes the
      chemical constituents and pharmacological activities from the Z. sppplants, in an
      effort to the systematic research and application of the alkaloids of this genus.

PMID- 27141667
TI  - [Study on winter dormancy of Thesium chinense and its phenological phase].
AB  - In order to explore reasonable artificial cultivation pattern of Thesium
      chinense, the biological characteristics and nutrients change in the process of
      winter dormancy of T. chinense was studied. The phenological period of T.
      chinense was observed by using fixed-point notation and the starch grains changes
      were determined dynamically by PAS-vanadium iron hematoxylin staixjing method.
      Soluble sugar and starch content were measured by anthrone-sulfuric acid method
      and amylase activity was determined by DN'S method. The results showed that the
      normal life cycle of T. chinense was two years. T. chinense was growing by seed
      in the first year, but growing by the root neck bud in the second year. During
      the process of dormancy, starch and soluble sugar could mutual transformation in
      different periods. T. chinense had sufficient carbohydrate to maintain growth and
      also a lot of small molecules to improve their ability to fight against
      adversity.

PMID- 27141668
TI  - [Effect of five fungicides on growth of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and efficiency of
      mycorrhizal symbiosis].
AB  - In order to obtain the fungicides with minimal impact on efficiency of
      mycorrhizal symbiosis, the effect of five fungicides including polyoxins,
      jinggangmycins, thiophanate methylate, chlorothalonil and carbendazim on the
      growth of medicinal plant and efficiency of mycorrhizal symbiosis were studied.
      Pot cultured Glycyrrhiza uralensis was treated with different fungicides with the
      concentration that commonly used in the field. 60 d after treated with
      fungicides, infection rate, infection density, biomass indexes, photosyn- thetic
      index and the content of active component were measured. Experimental results
      showed that carbendazim had the strongest inhibition on mycorrhizal symbiosis
      effect. Carbendazim significantly inhibited the mycorrhizal infection rate,
      significantly suppressed the actual photosynthetic efficiency of G. uralensis and
      the most indicators of biomass. Polyoxins showed the lowest inhibiting affection.
      Polyoxins had no significant effect on mycorrhizal infection rate, the actual
      photosynthetic efficiency of G. uralensis and the most indicators of biomass. The
      other three fungicides also had an inhibitory effect on efficiency of mycorrhizal
      symbiosis, and the inhibition degrees were all between polyoxins's and
      carbendazim's. The author considered that fungicide's inhibition degree on
      mycorrhizal effect might be related with the species of fungicides, so the author
      suggested that the farmer should try to choose bio-fungicides like polyoxins.

PMID- 27141669
TI  - [Anti-platelet aggregation bioassay based quality control for XST capsules].
AB  - A in vitro platelet aggregation bioassay was developed for the quality control of
      XST capsules. The in vitro anti-platelet aggregation effect in rats was observed
      to detect the bioactivity of XST capsules. Panax notoginseng saponins and
      Xuesaitong lyophilizedpowder for injection were taken as standard control
      substances to determine the potency. According to the results, XST capsules
      showeda significant inhibitory effect on thrombin-induced platelet aggregation in
      a dose-dependent manner. The in vitro anti-platelet activity oflyophilized powder
      for injection was stabler than that of Panax notoginseng saponins, and so
      suitable to serve as a standard control substance. The biological potency of XST
      capsules compared with standard control substance was detected by using parallel
      line assay. According to the results, the established bioassay method had a good
      repeatability (RSD 2.92%). The sample test results could pass thereliability
      test(linear deviation P > 0.05, parallel deviation P > 0.05). This bioassay
      method could be used as one of the complementary quality control methods for XST
      capsules.

PMID- 27141670
TI  - [Totoxicity fraction from Euphorbia pekinensis and composition change after
      vinegar processing].
AB  - To look for the toxicity fraction of Euphorbia pekinensis and discuss the vinegar
      processing mechanism. The level of intestinal edema, water content of intestine
      and stool, IC50 values of IEC-6 were applied to evaluate the toxicity of
      different fractions. RT-PCR was employed for detecting AQP1, AQP3 mRNA
      expression. The petroleum ether (PE) fraction and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction
      could significant cause intestinal edema in mice, increase the water content of
      duodenum, colon and stool, inhibited the mRNA expression of AQP1 and increased
      the mRNA level of AQP3 in colon, and the petroleum ether (PE) fraction was more
      poisonous. After the petroleum ether (PE) fraction was processed with vinegar,
      the level of intestinal edema, water content of duodenum, colon, stool and
      inhibition ratio of cells line were reduced. And we compared the composition
      change after vinegar processing, finding that the conpekinensis.

PMID- 27141671
TI  - [Association between penetration enhancement effect of essential oils and drug
      properties of traditional Chinese medicines by data mining method].
AB  - To study the association between penetration enhancement effect of essential oils
      and drug properties of traditional Chinese medicines. Through literature
      research, 34 kinds of essential oils with the penetration enhancement effect were
      collected. The methods of frequency analysis and variable crosstab were used for
      intuitive analysis and association analysis. The association between penetration
      enhancement effect of essential oils and drug properties (four natures, five
      flavors, channel tropism) were analyzed by a general linear model. According to
      the findings, the essential oils with penetration enhancement effect were all
      sourced from acrid traditional Chinese medicines, because their positive drug
      nature contributed to the enhancement of the penetration effect of essential oil;
      five flavors had little effect on penetration enhancement (P = 0.6982), but four
      natures and channel tropism showed significant effects (P = 0.011, 0.077). In
      conclusion, there were obvious association and regularity between penetration
      enhancement effect of essential oils and drug properties of traditional Chinese
      medicine.

PMID- 27141672
TI  - [Preparation of baicalein using thermophilic and sugar-tolerant beta
      glucosidase].
AB  - The reaction conditions of baicalin hydrolyzed into baicalein by a kind of
      thermophilic and sugar-tolerant beta-glucosidase were studied in this paper. The
      beta-glucosidase could catalyze baicalin into baicalein well in the acetic acid
      sodium acetate buffer. The optimal enzyme activity was at 85 degrees C and pH
      5.5. The enzyme was stable at the temperature less than 85 degrees C and pH range
      of 5-7.5. The maximum reaction rate V. and michaelis constant K. were 0.41 mmol x
      L(-1) x min(-1) and 3.31 mmol x L(-1) respectively. Different metal ions had
      different effects on the activity of enzyme. Na+ existing in acetic acid-sodium
      acetate buffer had an activation effect on enzyme. The enzyme activity was
      enhanced by the concentrations of glucose below 0.6 mol x L(-1), and was
      gradually inhibited when monosaccharide concentration was over 0.6 mol x L(-1).
      When the monosaccharide concentration reached 1.2 mol x L(-1), the inhibition
      rate of enzyme activity was about 50%, which showed good glucose tolerance. The
      good reaction conditions through the experiment have been determined as follows,
      the substrate: enzyme dose was 1 g: 0.2 mL, acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer pH
      5.5, reaction temperature 85 degrees C, reaction time 10 h, and the enzymatic
      hydrolyzation ratio could reach 97%.

PMID- 27141674
TI  - [Scientific connotation of processing Bombyx Batryticatus under high
      temperature].
AB  - The aim of this study was to elucidate the scientific connotation of Bombyx
      Batryticatus processing with wheat bran under high temperature. The contents of
      soluble protein extracted from Bombyx Batryticatus and its processed products and
      the limited content of AFT in Bombyx Batryticatus and the processed one were
      compared. The concentration of protein was measured with the Bradford methods and
      the difference of protein between Bombyx Batryticatus and its processed products
      was compared by SDS-PAGE analysis. Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, and G2 were determined
      by reversed-phase HPLC. The results showed that the soluble protein content of
      Bombyx Batryticatus and its processed products were (47.065 +/- 0.249), (29.756
      +/- 1.961) mg x g(-1), correspondingly. Analysis of protein gel electrophoresis
      showed that there were no significant differences between the crude and processed
      one in protein varieties. 6 bands were detected: 31.90, 26.80, 18.71, 15.00,
      10.18, 8.929 kDa. Below 10 kDa, the color of bands of the processed one was
      deeper than the crude one, which demonstrate that macromolecular protein was
      degradated into micromolecule. The content of AFG1, AFB1, AFG2, AFB2 were 0.382,
      0.207, 0.223, 0.073 g x kg(-1), not exceeded 5 microg x kg(-1) while the
      processed one was not detected. Through processing with wheat bran under high
      temperature, the content of soluble protein in Bombyx Batryticatus decreased, the
      processing purpose for alleviating drug property was achieved. Meanwhile, the
      limited content of aflatoxins were reduced or cleared by processing procedure or
      absorbed by processing auxillary material, adding the safety of the traditional
      Chinese Medicine. In conclusion, as a traditional processing method, bran frying
      Bombyx Batryticatus was scientific and reasonable.

PMID- 27141673
TI  - [Transformation of baicalin and wogonoside through liquid fermentation with
      Bacillus natto].
AB  - This experiment aimed to explore and research the process of preparing baicalein
      and wogonin through liquid fermentation with Bacillus natto. Active enzymes of
      produced by B. natto was used for the biological transformation of baclin and
      wogonoside, in order to increase the content of the haicalein and wogonin in the
      scutellaria. With the content of the baicalein and wogonin as evaluating indexes,
      the effects of carbon source, nitrogen source, the types and suitable
      concentration of inorganic salt, medium pH, granularities of medical materials,
      liquid volume in flask, shaking speed, liquid-to-solid ratio, fermentation time
      on the fermentation process were studied. The optimal process conditions for
      liquid fermentation of scutellaria were 1.0% of peptone, 0.05% of NaCl, pH at 6,
      the granularities of medical materials of the scutellaria screened through 40
      mesh sifter, 33% of liquid, shaker incubator speed at 200 r x min(-1), liquid-to
      solid ratio of 5:1, temperature at 37 degrees C, fermentation for 6 days,
      baclin's conversion rate at 97.6% and wogonoside's conversion rate at 97% in the
      scutellaria. According to the verification test, the process was stable and
      feasible, and could provide data reference for the industrial production.

PMID- 27141675
TI  - [Studies on terpenoids from Zygophyllum fabago].
AB  - This study was to investigate the chemical constituents of the aerial part of
      Zygophyllumfabago, by phytochemical methods. The compounds were isolated by
      silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies from the EtOAc extract.
      Their structures were characterized by various spectroscopic data (1H-NMR, 13C
      NMR, MS) and comparison with the literature. As a result, thirteen compounds were
      isolated and their structures were identified as 1-hydroxyhinesol(1), hinesol(2),
      atractylenolactam(3), beta-eudesmol (4), 5alpha-hydroperoxy-beta-eudesmol(5), 12
      hydroxy-valenc-1(10)-en-2-one(6), pubinernoid A(7), (6S,7E)-6-hydroxy-4,7
      megastigmadien-3,9-dione(8), 3-hydroxy-5alpha, 6alpha-epoxy-beta-ionone (9),
      (3S,5R, 6S, 7E)-3, 5, 6-trihydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one(10), (6R,7E,9R)-9-hydroxy
      4,7-megastigmadien-3-one(11), (S)-3-hydroxy-beta-ionone(12), and blumenol A(13).
      Compounds 1-7 were sesquiterpenoids and 8-13 were megastigmane type
      norsesquiterpenoids. All the compounds were obtained from Z. fabago for the first
      time, and compound 1 was a new natural product.

PMID- 27141676
TI  - [Steroids and aromatic derivatives from Euphorbia micractina].
AB  - From an ethanol extract of Euphorbia micractina roots, seven steroids fifteen
      aromatic derivatives were isolated by a combination of various chromatographic
      techniques, including column chromatography over macroporous resin, silica gel,
      and Sephadex LH-20 and reversed-phase HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by
      spectroscopic data analysis as stigamast-5-ene-3beta, 7alpha-diol(1), stigamast-5
      ene-3beta,7beta-diol(2), stigmast-5-en-3beta-ol-7-one(3), stigmast-4-en-6beta-ol
      3-one(4), stigmast-1, 4-dien-3-one(5), stigmast-3,6-dione(6), beta-sitosterol(7),
      scopoletin(8), aesculetin(9), 6-hydroxy-5,7-dimethoxycoumarin(10), quercetin(11),
      3,3', 4'-tri-O-methylellagic acid(12), p-hydroxyphenylethyl anisate(13), m
      hydroxyphenylethyl alcohol(14), (E)-cinnamic acid(15), (E)-ferulic acid(16), 3,4
      dihydroxybenzoic acid(17), vanillic acid(18), p-hydroxybenzoic acid(19), ethyl
      3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (20), ethyl gallate(21), and methyl gallate(22). These
      compounds were obtained from this plant for the first time.

PMID- 27141677
TI  - [Chemical constituents from endophyte Chaetomium globosum in Imperata
      cylindrical].
AB  - Isolation and purification of chemical constituents from solid culture of
      endophyte Chaetomium globosum in Imperata cylindrical was performed through
      silica gel column chromatography, gel filtration over Sephadex LH-20 and
      preparative HPLC. Nine compounds were obtained and their structures were
      determined as chaetoglobosin F(1), chaetoglobosin Fex(2), chaetoglobosin E(3)
      cytoglobosin A(4), penochalasin C(S), isochaetoglobosin D (6), N
      benzoylphenylalaninyl-N-benzoyphenylalaninate(7), uracil(8) and 5
      methyluracil(9), respectively, based on HR-MS and NMR data and comparison with
      literatures. Compound 7 was isolated from Chaeeomium sp. for the first time. In
      vitro cytotoxicity of compounds was evaluated using MTT mothed and 1,3,4 and 5
      showed inhibition activity to the human cervical carcinoma cell HeLa with IC50
      values of 99.43, 23.77, 97.92, 86.25 micromol x L(-1), while positive
      cotolocisnin Ad apno1ch alse IC50 24.33 micromol x L(-1).

PMID- 27141678
TI  - [Preliminary analysis on spectrum-efficient correlation model for anti-influenza
      virus of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos by partial least squares method].
AB  - Forty batches of Lonicerae Japonica Fse i collected extensively and prepared as
      the test solution. Their chromatographic fingerprints and anti-influenza virus
      IC50 value (half maximal inhibitory concentration) were determined respectively.
      Then Unscrambler software was used, and spectrum-efficient correlation analysis
      was done for chromatographic fingerprints data and IC50 data by partial least
      squares regression method, to establish spectrum-efficient correlation model for
      anti-influenza virus of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. Then the other 10 batches of
      Lonicerae Japonicae Flos were used to verify the model and explore the
      adaptability of this spectrum-efficient correlation model based on partial least
      squares regression method. The mathematical model obtained R2 of 0.969489 and RM
      SEC of 0.070691 for calibration set; R2 of 0.959042 and RMSECV of 0.084005 for
      cross validation set. The verification experiment results showed that the
      relative error between the predicted values and measured values was within 10% in
      all 10 hatches, and within 5% in 80% of them. The results showed that the
      established spectrum-efficient correlation model could be used to evaluate the
      biological activity of anti-influenza virus of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos by
      determining its HPLC fingerprints.

PMID- 27141679
TI  - [Reproductive toxicity of triptolide and its mechanism in male rats].
AB  - The arrenotokous toxicity of triptolide was evaluated, and the rate of sperm
      abnormality, the changes of the lipid peroxide, the enzyme activity and the
      hormone in male rats were observed. With the negative and positive control group,
      the healthy rats were respectively given by gavage triptolide suspension at the
      dose of 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 mg x kg(-1) for 30 days. Then the rats were killed for
      the measurement of the indicators in testis and serum, as well as the study on
      the sperm abnormality. The results showed that the positive control group had
      significant difference, compared with the negative control group. The content of
      SOD, LDH, G-6-PD, Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca+ -Mg+ -ATPase decreased significantly in
      0.05 mg x kg(-1) group, and reduced more obviously with exposure to the dose of
      0.1 mg x kg(-1). The levels of GSH-Px and beta-G showed a significant decrease in
      the testis of rats only at the dose of 0.1 mg x kg(-1). Nevertheless, the MDA
      levels, the FSH levels and the LH levels showed no significant difference. The
      deformity rate of sperm increased significantly in 0.05 mg x kg(-1) group and 0.1
      mg x kg(-1) group. The results indicated the triptolide had the effect of the
      lipid peroxidation to damage Spermatogenic cells, Sertolis cells and Leydig
      cells. At the same time, the triptolide interfered not only with the energy
      supply process of aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis,but also with the energy
      utilization in testis by affecting the activities of testis marker enzymes, and
      produced a damage chain of the male reproductive system

PMID- 27141680
TI  - [Effects of alkaloids from Coptidis Rhizoma on mouse peritoneal macrophages in
      vitro].
AB  - This work was mainly studied the effects of the four alkaloids from Coptidis
      Rhizoma on the mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro and preliminarily discussed
      the regulating mechanisms. The effect of alkaloids from Coptidis Rhizoma on the
      vitality of macrophages was measured by the MTT assay. The effect of alkaloids on
      the phagocytosis of macrophages was determined by neutral red trial and
      respiratory burst activity was tested by NBT. The expressions of respiratory
      burst-associated genes influenced by alkaloids were detected by qRT-PCR. The
      conformation change of membrane protein in macrophages by the impact of alkaloids
      was studied by fluorospectro-photometer. Results showed that the four alkaloids
      from Coptidis Rhizoma could increase the phagocytosis of macrophages in different
      level and berberine had the best effect. Berberine, coptisine and palmatine had
      up-regulation effects on respiratory burst activity of mouse peritoneal
      macrophages stimulated by PMA and regulatory activity on the mRNA expression of
      PKC, p40phox or p47phox, whereas the epiberberine had no significant influence on
      respiratory burst. Moreover, alkaloids from Coptidis Rhizoma could change the
      conformation of membrane protein and the berberine showed the strongest activity.
      The results suggested that the four alkaloids from Coptidis Rhizoma might
      activate macrophages through changing the conformation of membrane protein of
      macrophages and then enhanced the phagocytosis and respiratory burst activity of
      macrophages. Furthermore, the regulatory mechanism of alkaloids on the
      respiratory burst activity of macrophages may be also related to the expression
      level of PKC, p40phox and p47phox.

PMID- 27141682
TI  - [comparisons of pharmacokinetic profile of eleven bioactive components in Haizao
      Yuhu decoction modified with Haizao and Gancao anti-drug pair in normal rats].
AB  - Haizao Yuhu decoction (HYD) is a formula that has been used for approximately 500
      years and famous for its efficiency in treating thyroid-related diseases in
      traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). HYD was first presented by Chen Shi-gong in a
      famous surgical monograph named Waike Zhengzong during the Ming Dynasty. We
      conducted the research to investigate the possible pharmacokinetic profile of
      different prescriptions of HYD in rats, in order to reveal the interactions of
      Haizao and Gancao drug pair with other herbs in HYD. Liquiritin, naringin,
      besperidin, peimine, peiminine liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, hergapten,
      nobiletin, osthole, glycyrrhetinic acid in blood samples were determined by UPLC
      MS/MS. The result revealed tbat Haizao could enhance the peak concentration of
      glycyrrhizic acid. The other herbs in HYD may promote'the absorption of
      flavonoids in Gancao in normal rats, but inhibit the absorption of saponins and
      accelerate their metabolism. Gancao and Haizao drug pair could enhance the
      bioavailability of hesperidin, peimine, bergapten, nobiletin and osthole and
      prolong the elimination of peimine and naringin.

PMID- 27141681
TI  - [Inhibitory effect of Panax notoginseng saponins on alveolar epithelial to
      mesenchymal transition].
AB  - In the study, the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) on alveolar
      epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and extracellular matrix degradation
      were observed in a type of human alveolar epithelial cell, A549 cells, stimulated
      by TGF-beta1. Firstly, MTT method was applied to evaluation of cellular
      proliferation and found that PNS from 12.5 mg x L(-1) to 200 mg x L(-1) dosage
      could not inhibit significantly cellular proliferation. Then, cells were divided
      into five groups, normal group, TGF-beta1 group, TGF-beta1 + 50 mg x L(-1) PNS
      group, TGF-beta1 + 100 mg x L(-1) PNS group and TGF-beta1 + 200 mg x L(-1) PNS
      group. Normal cells were not stimulatec by TGF-beta1; TGF-beta1 cells were only
      stimulated by TGF-beta1 and the other cells were stimulated by TGF-beta1 with
      different doses of PNS, respectively. After stimulation, cells and supernatants
      were collected for assays. Cellular roundness was applied to quantitative
      evaluation of morphological change. Immunocytochemistry was applied to examine E
      cadherion, a-SMA and FN proteins expression in the cells. Enzyme linked
      immunosorbent assay was applied to MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels. The results showed
      that EMT of A549 cells was induced by TGF-beta1, showing significant change of
      roundness, E-cadherion, alpha-SMA and FN (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared to TGF
      beta1, PNS significantly inhibited the changes of roundness (P < 0.05), FN and
      alpha-SMA (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and not significantly inhibited the change of E
      cadherion. Furthermore, MMP-9 levels were significantly increased by TGFbeta1
      stimulation (P < 0.05), without significant change of TIMP-1. Compared with TGF
      beta1, PNS could significantly increase MMP-9 level (P < 0.05) and decrease TIMP
      1 levels (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In conclusion, PNS could inhibit alveolar
      epithelial cell EMT induced by TGF-beta1, with increase of extracellular matrix
      degradation ability, which showed anti-fibrosis of lung ability.

PMID- 27141683
TI  - [DNA-based identification of Gentiana robusta and related species].
AB  - The alpine plant Gentiana robusta is an endemic species to the Sino-Himalayan
      subregion. Also, it is one of the original plants used as traditional Tibetan
      medicine Jie-Ji. We sequence the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer
      (ITS) regions, matK, rbcL, rpoC1, trnL (UAA), psbA-trnH, atpB-rbcL, trnS( GCU)
      trnG(UCC), rpl20-rps12, trnL(UAA)-trnF( GAA) fragments of cp DNA in both G.
      robusta and such relative species as G. straminea, G. crassicaulis and G.
      waltonii. With Halenia elliptica as the outgroup, molecular systematic analysis
      reveals that G. robusta is a natural hybrid. G. straminea is the mother of
      hybrids, but the father is not very clear. In addition, the molecular markers for
      distinguishing G. robusta from the parental species or closely related species
      are identified, respectively. Our studies may provide valuable reference for the
      species identifications of medicinal plants with complex genetic backgrounds.

PMID- 27141684
TI  - [Analysis of varieties and standards of Scrophulariaceae plants used in Tibetan
      medicine].
AB  - In this paper, the popular domestic varieties and quality standard of
      Scrophulariaceae plants used in Tibetan medicine were analyzed. The results
      showed that there were 11 genera and 99 species (including varieties), as well as
      28 medicinal materials varieties of Scrophulariaceae plants were recorded in the
      relevant literatures. In relevant Tibetan standards arid literatures, there are
      great differences in varieties, sources, parts, and efficacies of medicinal
      plant. Among them, about 41.4% (including 41 species) of endemic plants, about
      15.2% (including 15 species) of the original plants have medicinal standard legal
      records, except the medicinal materials of Scrophalaria ningpoensis, Lagotis
      brevituba, Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Veronica eriogyne general, most
      varieties have not completed quality standard. Consequently it is necessary to
      reinforce the herbal textual, resources and the use present situation
      investigation, the effects of the species resources material foundation and
      biological activity, quality standard, specification the medical terms of the
      plants, and promote Tibetan medicinal vareties-terminologies-sources such as the
      criterion and quality standard system for enriching the varieties of Tibetan
      medicinal materials and Chinese medicinal resources.

PMID- 27141685
TI  - [Preliminary discussion on an overview of ethnic minority use of species of
      mineral medicine].
AB  - As an indispensable part of minority traditional medicine, mineral medicine has
      used with less dosage and reliable efficacy for the last thousand years. Based on
      the unearthed relics and medical literatures of past dynasties, the history of
      Han nationality ap- years, which had been recorded in main literature. But there
      is less comprehensive report of its usage in the other 55-minority nationality.
      This article was based on the analysis of ethnic minority literature of thousands
      of years, and conducted a comprehensive collation and analysis of mineral
      medicine. It was mostly determined that there was 20 minority groups using
      mineral medicine, with a total of 163 species (limited our references), and the
      most used is the Tibetan, accounting for 141. The most serious problems of
      mineral medicine are that species should be further investigated and researched,
      and then become the legal commercial medicine, and the classification principles
      of mineral medicine should be established. Through the traditional processing and
      experimental studies, the problems of attenuation and detoxification should be
      solved.

PMID- 27141686
TI  - [Investigation methodology and application on scientific and technological
      personnel of traditional Chinese medical resources based on data from Chinese
      scientific research paper].
AB  - The aim of this study is to identify the present status of the scientific and
      technological personnel in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
      resource science. Based on the data from Chinese scientific research paper, an
      investigation regarding the number of the personnel, the distribution, their
      output of paper, their scientific research teams, high-yield authors and high
      cited authors was conducted. The study covers seven subfields of traditional
      Chinese medicine identification, quality standard, Chinese medicine cultivation,
      harvest processing of TCM, market development and resource protection and
      resource management, as well as 82 widely used Chinese medicine species, such as
      Ginseng and Radix Astragali. One hundred and fifteen domain authority experts
      were selected based on the data of high-yield authors and high-cited authors. The
      database system platform "Skilled Scientific and Technological Personnel in the
      field of Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource Science-Chinese papers" was
      established. This platform successfully provided the retrieval result of the
      personnel, output of paper, and their core research team by input the study
      field, year, and Chinese medicine species. The investigation provides basic data
      of scientific and technological personnel in the field of traditional Chinese
      medicine resource science for administrative agencies and also evidence for the
      selection of scientific and technological personnel and construction of
      scientific research teams.

PMID- 27141687
TI  - [Achievement of Nongzheng Quanshu in area of herbalogical textual research].
AB  - The achievement of Nongzheng Quanshu in area of herhalogical textual research was
      illustrated in this paper. Nongzheng Quanshu recorded the information of 159
      kinds of cultivated plants and 473 kinds of wild plants. It also quoted many
      contents from lots of ancient agriculture hooks related in herbalogical
      literature. Many agriculture researchers were encouraged to have done much work
      in area of herhalogical textual research It also included the materia medica hook
      Jiuhuang Bencao and Yecaipu therein and promoted their delivery.

PMID- 27141688
TI  - [Establishment of traceability system of Chinese medicinal materials' quality].
AB  - The quality of Chinese medicinal materials relates greatly to the clinical
      curative effect and security. In order to ensure the quality and safety of
      Chinese medicinal materials, a systematic and operable traceability system needs
      to be established. It can realize the whole process of quality and safety
      management of Chinese medicinal materials "from production to consumption"
      through recording and inquiring information and recalling defective products,
      which is an important direction for the future development of traditional Chinese
      medicine. But it is still at the exploration and trial stage. In this paper, a
      framework of Chinese medicinal materials' quality and safety traceability system
      was established on the basis of the domestic and international experience about
      the construction of food and agricultural products traceability systems. The
      relationship between traceability system of Chinese medicinal materials' quality
      and GAP, GMP, GSP was analyzed, and the possible problems and the corresponding
      solutions were discussed.

PMID- 27141689
TI  - [Status and problem analysis of drying process and equipment for traditional
      Chinese medicinal materials and preparations].
AB  - Drying is the critical link during pharmaceutical process of traditional Chinese
      medicine (TCM), which is directly related to the quality of drugs. The key to
      technology upgrading of pharmaceutical equipment in Chinese materia medica
      enterprise is the development of new drying techniques, which concerns the
      modernization of TCM. The study provides new ideas for the drying technology and
      equipment by means of reviewing the research status of drying process for the
      traditional Chinese medicinal materials and preparations, and analyzing the
      traditional and modern drying methods and equipment, as well as their existing
      problems and corresponding measures for the drying processes and equipment. In
      addition, this paper expounds the development trend of traditional Chinese
      medicinal materials and preparations of drying process and equipment.

PMID- 27141690
TI  - Echocardiographic comparison of regional wall motion abnormality between patients
      with acute anteroseptal and acute extensive anteior ST segment elevation
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - Post myocardial infarction (MI) short and long-term clinical outcome is largely
      determined by the size of the infarcted area. It is generally assumed that as the
      lead involvement in electrocardiography (ECG) is less in anteroseptal ST segment
      elevation myocardial infarction (AS-STEMI), where ST segment elevation (STE) is
      limited to leads V1 to V3, myocardial damage is likely to be less; and in
      extensive anterior STEMI (EA-STEMI), as the STE extends further upto V6, the
      myocardial damage is likely to be more. This study was intended to compare
      regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) between acute anteroseptal STEMI and
      acute extensive anterior STEMI patients. 90 patients with AS-STEMI and 106
      patients with EA-STEMI, admitted in between October 2012 and September 2013, were
      included. For each patient, a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed
      within 24-48 hours of MI and was interpreted by an independent investigator
      blinded to the patient's ECG data. No differences were observed between the two
      groups in baseline characteristics; except AS-STEMI group had more patients with
      diabetes and EA-STEMI group had more patients with family history of coronary
      artery disease. Distribution, extent of wall motion abnormalities and mean number
      of total involved segments were similar between patients with AS-STEMI and those
      with EA-STEMI (p > 0.05). Regarding regional dysfunction, the apical septal
      (99.1% vs. 92.2%, p < 0.05) and apical (76.4% vs. 60.0%, p < 0.05) segments were
      the only two segments that were affected significantly more in patients with EA
      STEMI than in patients with AS-STEMI. So, the term AS-STEMI may be a misnomer, as
      it implies that only the anteroseptal segments of the left ventricle are
      involved. This study shows that regional dysfunction in patients with AS-STEMI
      extends beyond the anteroseptal region. So, any patients with anterior wall
      involvement, either anteroseptal or extensive anterior STEMI, should be treated
      with equal importance.

PMID- 27141691
TI  - The 2015 Legislative Session is Upon Us.

PMID- 27141692
TI  - Auenbrugger on the Art of Percussion: Osler's Unpublished Manuscript.

PMID- 27141693
TI  - Ethical and Legal Aspects of Prescription Stimulant Use by Medical Students.

PMID- 27141694
TI  - Mucosal Healing and Deep Remission: A New Treatment Paradigm for Inflammatory
      Bowel Disease.

PMID- 27141695
TI  - Patient Satisfaction with Bedside Ultrasound Performed by Emergency Physicians.

PMID- 27141696
TI  - The Changing Face of Residency Education.

PMID- 27141697
TI  - Adjuvant Breast Radiation Options Available after Breast Conservation Surgery.

PMID- 27141698
TI  - The Psychotic Couple--Sharing Drugs or Delusions?
AB  - Mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) are common compounds found in
      "Bath Salts," a recreational drug which has skyrocketed in popularity, resulting
      in increasing annual emergency room visits across the country. As users are often
      young and without previous psychiatric history it is often difficult to discern
      if symptoms are substance induced or related to an organic disorder. Our patient
      was a 38-year-old woman with no history of psychosis who presented to the
      emergency room following two failed suicide attempts via overdose and self
      mutilation. On initial examination, the patient was somnolent yet arousable and
      oriented. She endorsed auditory and visual hallucinations as well as paranoid
      delusions regarding being spied on by her son. Upon further questioning, patient
      admitted to use of bath salts one day prior to admission and urine toxicology was
      positive for phenycyclidine. She was admitted for stabilization but despite
      improvement in her hallucinations, her paranoia persisted. She was visited by her
      husband who also expressed similar paranoid delusions, raising the question as to
      whether her symptoms were truly substance induced or if the patient was
      experiencing a shared psychotic disorder with her spouse. Prior to discharge, her
      hallucinations and paranoia had improved with abstinence from bath salts and the
      initiation of olanzapine. She was able to gain some insight, recognizing the
      delusions were false yet her husband still continued to believe they were true.
      As such, we concluded that the couple's psychotic symptoms were more likely
      related to shared bath salts rather than shared delusions.

PMID- 27141699
TI  - AMA Interim Meeting.

PMID- 27141700
TI  - EDITORIAL.

PMID- 27141701
TI  - Message from the President.

PMID- 27141702
TI  - Adolescent Vaccination Performance in South Carolina Compared to the United
      States.
AB  - National data on vaccine up-to-date (UTD) suggest that insufficient numbers of
      adolescents receive needed vaccines. This study analyzed public use data of the
      National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) from 2010 through 2013 for South
      Carolina (SC) adolescents and compared immunization rates to those of United
      States (US) adolescents. We also examined trends for each vaccine recommended for
      adolescents for both SC and US adolescents. UTD rates in SC adolescents for the
      quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) and the tetanus- diphtheria,
      acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine lag those of US adolescents, despite
      demonstrating a trend of improvement in SC adolescents from 45% to 69% for MCV
      and from 48% to 72% for Tdap. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine UTD rates for SC
      adolescents demonstrated improvement over a 4 year period. HPV vaccination for SC
      girls improved when compared to the US, however UTD rates for both the SC and US
      were still well below the Healthy People 2020 goal of 80%. For all three
      vaccines, parental recall for a provider recommendation to vaccinate their
      adolescent was around or below 50%, except for HPV in females where it reached
      65% in SC and 69% in the US. Differences between state and national rates may
      help SC providers focus on specific interventions needed to improve UTD rates.

PMID- 27141703
TI  - Lipid Management Steps Forward.

PMID- 27141704
TI  - Fatal Case of Recurrent Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Presenting with Cardiac Arrest
      and Variable Ventricular Involvement What Role Beta Agonist and Beta Blockers?
AB  - In conclusion, we believe that the demise of the patient is due to the
      combination of severe emotional distress, respiratory distress with fear of
      impending doom, and the overuse of B2 agonists likely created an opportune
      environment for Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. We also propose a mechanism whereby
      recurrences with different wall motion variants may occur during beta blocker
      therapy.

PMID- 27141705
TI  - Levomilnacipran and Vortioxetine for Adults with Major Depressive Disorder.

PMID- 27141706
TI  - The Cost of Hope in Terminal Illness.

PMID- 27141707
TI  - Tropical Pyomyositis in a Temperate Climate.
AB  - In conclusion, our case highlights the unusual presentation of tropical
      pyomyositis in a temperate environment. It is important to consider this
      diagnosis in immunocompromised hosts, even in those with vague complaints such as
      muscle pain or erythema. The patient's immunocompromised state as well as the
      rarity of tropical pyomyositis outside of a tropical country led to a late
      diagnosis. Tropical pyomyositis is a potentially life threatening disease, but if
      recognized and treated early, the prognosis is good.

PMID- 27141709
TI  - Trusts breach agency pay cap on 60,000 occasions.

PMID- 27141708
TI  - "Agency pay caps expose system-wide problem".

PMID- 27141710
TI  - Lord Willis: new nursing role is 'not a substitute'.

PMID- 27141711
TI  - Proposed nursing hours metric 'too blunt to guarantee care'.

PMID- 27141712
TI  - Slow progress since maternity inquiry risks 'another disaster'.

PMID- 27141713
TI  - Care home nurse training scheme helps reduce hospital admissions.

PMID- 27141714
TI  - Hep C nurses face surge in drug demand.

PMID- 27141716
TI  - District nurses key to catheter patient support.

PMID- 27141715
TI  - Virgin Care set to roll out 'game changing' pressure ulcer scanner.

PMID- 27141717
TI  - "CCTV in care homes will help protect residents against abuse".

PMID- 27141718
TI  - "Nurses can be confident about doing their reflective accounts".

PMID- 27141719
TI  - The ethics of using cameras in care homes.
AB  - senior researcher, Digital Imaging Research There are concerns about how cameras
      in care homes might intrude on residents' and staff privacy but worries about
      resident abuse must be recognised. This article outlines an ethical way forward
      and calls for a rethink about cameras that focuses less on their ability to "see"
      and more on their use as data-gathering tools.

PMID- 27141720
TI  - Sexuality and intimacy among care home residents.
AB  - Discussing sexuality and intimacy with older people can be problematic, so it is
      not uncommon that their needs go unrecognised. This article identifies barriers
      to addressing sexuality and intimacy needs, and outlines some simple strategies
      to raise awareness of them among older care home residents and staff, thereby
      facilitating a discussion to enable such needs to be met.

PMID- 27141721
TI  - Improving nurses' access to healthcare evidence.
AB  - This article describes how the education team and library services at Betsi
      Cadwaladr University Health Board found a way to help nurses keep updated, and
      support them with the introduction of nurse revalidation in April 2016. The
      education team bridged the gap between nurses and library resources by delivering
      "5 a Month", a small selection of current literature on chosen monthly topics
      from the library, to nurses at their place of work.

PMID- 27141722
TI  - Using patient stories to reflect on care.
AB  - There is an increasing emphasis on, and commitment to, using patient narratives
      in nursing practice and nurse education. Listening to the voices of those
      receiving our care is just the beginning. The challenge is to use these
      narratives to improve practice and the patient experience. This seven-part series
      will present narratives from three fields of nursing: adult, mental health and
      learning disability. Each article will include opportunities to reflect on the
      stories presented and consider their implications for practice. Part 1 explores
      how patient narratives can be used as an evidence base for nursing practice. It
      uses a patient story to explore the unintended consequences of communication
      between a nurse and a patient, as well as how the environment in which patients
      find themselves can relay important messages.

PMID- 27141723
TI  - 60 Second With Deborah Sturdy.

PMID- 27141724
TI  - Educating for best practice.

PMID- 27141725
TI  - [Dentists and National Socialism. Systematic Literature Review and Research
      Questions].
AB  - Compared to the rich literature on Nazi medicine in general, the connection
      between dentists and National Socialism is less well documented. Neither the
      elites of the field from this era nor those excluded from the profession are
      catalogued in a systematic manner. The aims of this contribution are to assemble
      and review the relevant literature and show how German dentistry organizations
      have handled this chapter of their professional history. Trends in the literature
      since the 1980s are examined and it is pointed out, which areas have received
      some attention and which have not yet been addressed. Thus, this contribution
      will serve as both the basis and the starting point for new research into the
      field.

PMID- 27141726
TI  - [Anarchists, Assassins and Revolutionaries. The Psychopathologization of
      "Political Criminals" between 1880 and 1920].
AB  - "Political criminals" of the early 20th century were adjudged to be psychopaths,
      a term which was generally accompanied by a negative moral judgement. However,
      other more positive appraisals were also made at this time. These contradictory
      moral judgements by psychiatrists expose the need for an examination of the
      historical development of concepts, traditions and moral debates associated with
      political criminals (anarchists, assassins, revolutionaries). This will be
      undertaken in the context of psychiatry/ criminology, security (and surveillance)
      policy as well as culture and the arts in German-speaking countries from 1880 to
      the early 1920s.

PMID- 27141727
TI  - DROPLET SIZE DISTRIBUTION MEASUREMENTS OF ISO NOZZLES BY SHADOWGRAPHY METHOD.
AB  - The droplet size distribution of agricultural sprays is a key parameter during
      the plant protection product applications. Therefore, measurement of the drop
      size distribution is an important concern for spray users as well as nozzle
      manufacturers. The present work assessed the capability of a shadowgraphy
      technique to distinguish correctly the 6 spray class boundaries defined in the
      ISO draft standard (ISO 25358). The measurement set-up is composed by a high
      speed camera synchronized with a LED backlighting. The tested spray is positioned
      between the camera and the light. The droplets appear on the images as shadows on
      a brighter background. For each acquisition, two frames are recorded within a
      small time laps (38 MUI. The droplet diameter and velocity are retrieved by using
      advanced image analysis algorithm on each pair of frames. Then, the drop size
      distribution is obtained by gathering the data retrieved from all the images. The
      global results showed that the 6 drop size distributions were correctly separated
      highlighting the ability of the method to measure small as well as large droplets
      using the same set-up configuration. The spatial analysis showed that the spray
      scanning should be extended in the minor axis direction in order to catch the
      whole spray.

PMID- 27141728
TI  - DRIFT POTENTIAL OF TILTED SHIELDED ROTARY ATOMISERS BASED ON WIND TUNNEL
      MEASUREMENTS.
AB  - Crop protection is mainly achieved by applying Plant Protection Products (PPP)
      using hydraulic nozzles, which rely on pressure, to produce a wide droplet size
      distribution. Because of always increased concerns about drift reduction, a wider
      range of low drift nozzles, such as air induction nozzles, was adopted in order
      to reduce the finest part of the spray. While successful for some treatments, the
      efficiency of coarser sprays is dramatically reduced on small and
      superhydrophobic target, i.e. at early stage weed control. This may be related to
      the increased proportion of big bouncing and splashing droplets. On the other
      hand, Controlled Droplet Application (CDA), using shielded rotary atomizers,
      stands for an improved control of droplets diameters and trajectories compared to
      hydraulic nozzles. Unfortunately, these atomizers, because of their horizontal
      droplet release, are widely recognized to produce more drift than hydraulic
      nozzles. The present contribution investigates whether the setting of a rotary
      atomizer 60 degrees forward tilted can reduce drift to acceptable levels in
      comparison with vertical and 60 degrees forward tilted standard and low drift
      flat fan nozzles for the same flow rate. In a wind tunnel, the drift potential of
      a medium spray produced by a tilted shielded rotary atomizer Micromax 120 was
      benchmarked with that of a flat fan nozzle XR11002 fine spray and that of an anti
      drift nozzle Hardi Injet 015 medium spray. Operating parameters were set to apply
      0.56 l/min for every spray generator. Vertical drift profiles were measured 2.0 m
      downward from nozzle axis for a 2 m.s(-1) wind speed. The tilted hydraulic
      nozzles resulted in a significant drift increase while droplets trajectories are
      affected by the decrease of the droplet initial vertical speed. Droplets emitted
      by the shielded rotary atomizer drift due to low entrained air and turbulence. A
      significant reduction of the cumulative drift was achieved by the rotary atomizer
      in comparison with flat fan nozzle while still being higher than the anti-drift
      nozzle. Unfortunately, the drift potential index (DIX) revealed that the
      cumulative drift reduction may not results in actual drift decrease because of
      higher drift at higher sampling locations. As a result, the DIX of the shielded
      rotary atomizer was similar to the standard flat-fan nozzle while the anti-drift
      nozzle reduced drastically drift as intended. Therefore, the 60 degrees tilted
      rotary atomizer failed to reach low drift levels as expected despite the reduced
      span.

PMID- 27141729
TI  - COMPUTER SIMULATIONS OF SPRAY RETENTION BY A 3D BARLEY PLANT: EFFECT OF
      FORMULATION SURFACE TENSION.
AB  - A spray retention model was used in this study to explore theoretically the
      effect of a range of mixture surface tension on the spray retention and the
      variability of deposits. The spray retention model was based on an algorithm that
      tested whether droplets from a virtual nozzle intercepted a 3D plant model. If
      so, the algorithm determined the contribution of the droplet to the overall
      retention depending on the droplet impact behaviour on the leaf; adhesion,
      rebound or splashing. The impact outcome probabilities, function of droplet
      impact energy, were measured using high-speed imaging on an excised indoor grown
      barley leaf (BBCH12) both for pure water (surface tension of 0.072 N/m) and a non
      ionic super spreader (static surface tension of 0.021 N/m) depending on the
      surface orientation. The modification of spray mixture properties in the
      simulations was performed by gradually changing the spray the droplet impact
      probabilities between pure water and a solution with non-ionic surfactant
      exhibiting super spreading properties. The plant architecture was measured using
      a structured light scanner. The final retention was expressed as the volume of
      liquid retained by the whole plant relative to the projected leaf surface area in
      the main spray direction. One hundred simulations were performed at different
      volumes per hectare and flat-fan nozzles for each formulation surface tension.
      The coefficient of variation was used as indicator of variability of deposits.
      The model was able to discriminate between mixture surface tension. The spray
      retention increased as the mixture surface tension decreased. The variability of
      deposits also decreased as the surface tension decreased. The proposed modelling
      approach provides a suited tool for sensitivity analysis: nozzle kind, pressure,
      volume per hectare applied, spray mixture physicochemical properties, plant
      species, growth stage could be screened to determine the best spraying
      characteristics maximizing the retention. The model will be further extended with
      the real droplet trajectories in moving airstreams.

PMID- 27141730
TI  - ELECTROSPUN MESOFIBERS, A NOVEL BIODEGRADABLE PHEROMONE DISPENSER TECHNOLOGY, ARE
      COMBINED WITH MECHANICAL DEPLOYMENT FOR EFFICIENT IPM OF LOBESIA BOTRANA IN
      VINEYARDS.
AB  - Behaviour modifying pheromones are well known agents for disrupting mating
      communication of pest insects. For optimal activity, they must be dispensed in
      time and space at a quantitatively measurable, predetermined release rate
      covering the flight period of the target species. Pheromones appeal to
      environmentally conscientious entomologists for their biodegradability, non
      toxicity and ecological compatibility. In attempts of combining the virtues of
      pheromones, suitable slow release dispensers, and their mechanical deployment, an
      ecologically sensible, reasonably priced and patented procedure was developed and
      tested with the vineyard pest Lobesia botrana (Lep.: Tortricidae). It is
      characterized by (1) Electrospun mesofibers with diameters ranging from 0.6 to
      3.5 micrometres, containing disruptants and dispensing it by slow release
      diffusion into the crop, (2) simultaneous application of the fully biodegradable
      combination of pheromone with Ecoflex polyester mesofiber, (3) combination of
      mechanical deployment by multi-purpose cultivators of the prefabricated pheromone
      dispensers with other simultaneous cultivation measures, and thus further
      reducing labour time and treatment costs. The dispensers are biodegradable within
      half a year without leaving any objectionable residues. In the standard eco
      toxicology tests pheromone dispensers are harmless to non-target organisms. The
      disruptive effect of one treatment lasts for seven weeks which covers well one of
      several flight periods of L. botrana.

PMID- 27141731
TI  - LEACHING AND DEGRADATION OF 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXIACETIC ACID, IN COLOMBIA RICE
      FLOODED SOIL.
AB  - Rice is mostly cultivated on soil held under flooded conditions. Under these
      conditions pesticides undergo reductive transformations which are characteristic
      to rice fields and other anaerobic systems. The present study was undertaken to
      evaluate the mobility and persistence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D)
      under laboratory conditions for the rice crop in Espinal, Colombia. A
      displacement study was performed on a hand packed soil column 30 cm length. After
      leaching experiment, the soil from column was sliced into six successive sections
      (5 cm). Methanol acidified (H3PO4 0.25%) extraction was used to determine the
      herbicide residues in each section. 2,4-D experimental breakthrough curve was
      analyzed using Stanmod program (inverse problem) to obtain transport parameters.
      The non-equilibrium physical model fitted well the experimental breakthrough
      curve. The recovery percent of 2,4-D in leachates was 36.44% after 3.4 pore
      volumes, and retardation factor was 2.1, indicating low adsorption in that
      conditions. 2,4-D was rapidly degraded, with DT50 = 11.4 days. The results
      suggest that 2,4-D under flooded conditions have a high potential for leaching
      through the soil profile, although the elevated rate of degradation reduced the
      ground water contamination risk.

PMID- 27141732
TI  - MISCANTHUS X GIGANTEUS AS A NEW HIGHLY EFFICIENT PHYTOREMEDIATION AGENT FOR
      IMPROVING SOILS CONTAMINATED BY PESTICIDES RESIDUES AND SUPPLEMENTED
      CONTAMINANTS.
AB  - Soil monitoring was accomplished at 76 former pesticide storehouses in
      Kazakhstan. Gas chromatography analysis was limited to the organochlorine
      pesticides DDT (p,p'-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) and HCH
      (hexachlorocyclohexane), and their associated metabolites and isomers: 2.4'-DDD
      (p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethane); 4.4'-DDD; 4.4'-DDT; 4.4'-DDE (p,p'
      dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene); alpha-HCH; beta-HCH and gamma-HCH. The
      studies showed exceeding of Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC) by 10 times at
      soil samples taken at 24 former pesticide storehouses, and the basic pollutants
      were isomers of alpha-HCH, beta-HCH and metabolite of 4.4'-DDE, 4.4'-DDT,
      supplemented by heavy metals. Monitoring data demonstrated the potential
      ecological danger and health risk posed by the sites, especially those located
      near populated areas. In order to eliminate the negative environmental and health
      effect it was proposed to use phytotechnology with second generation biofuel crop
      Miscanthus x giganteus. The technology applied directly at the contaminated area
      (in situ), helping to decrease costs and to reduce exposure from polluted sites.
      The plant shows good growing at the soil contaminated by pesticides during
      vegetation season.

PMID- 27141733
TI  - THE BENTHIC COMMUNITIES COMPARISON BETWEEN ORGANIC AND CONVENTIONAL RICE FIELDS.
AB  - Rice fields are temporary wetlands prone to contamination from agricultural
      chemicals which affect their ecotoxicology and benthic community composition. The
      diversity of benthic fauna in both organic and conventional rice fields in
      Kalasin Province, Thailand was investigated. Benthos samples were collected by
      grab sampling from 20 stations in organic and conventional rice fields during one
      successive crop in August 2014. The number of benthic organisms found at each
      sampling station ranged from 16-518 and 24-137 individuals for organic and
      conventional rice fields, respectively. The benthic fauna in organic rice fields
      were dominated by crustaceans 41%, insects 31%, annelids 26%, and gastropods 2%.
      The conventional rice fields benthic fauna was composed of insects 51%, annelids
      41%, and gastropods 8%. The abundance and composition of the benthic fauna
      demonstrated that organic rice farming practices are beneficial to sustaining the
      biodiversity in rice field ecosystems.

PMID- 27141734
TI  - DETERMINATION OF AZOXYSTROBIN AND DIFENOCONAZOLE IN PESTICIDE PRODUCTS.
AB  - In this study a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC-DAD) procedure has
      been developed for the simultaneous determination of azoxystrobin and
      difenoconazole in suspension concentrate pesticide formulations, with the aim of
      the product quality control. Azoxystrobin, strobilurin fungicide and
      difenoconazole (cis,trans-3-chloro-4-[4-methyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)
      1,3-dioxolan-2-yl]phenyl 4-chlorophenyl ether), triazole fungicide, are used for
      the protection of plants from wide spectrum of fungal diseases. For the analysis
      LC system an Agilent Technologies 1100 Series was used. Good separation was
      achieved on a Zorbax SB-C18 column (5 MUm, 250 mm x 3 mm internal diameter) using
      a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/ultrapure water (90:10, v/v), at a flow
      rate of 0.9 ml/minute and UV detection at 218 nm. Column temperature was 25
      degrees C, injected volume was 1 MUl. Retention times for azoxystrobin and
      difenoconazole were 2.504 min and 1.963 min, respectively. This method is
      validated according to the requirements for new methods, which include linearity,
      precision, accuracy and selectivity. The method demonstrates good linearity with
      r2 > 0.997. The repeatability of the method, expressed as relative standard
      deviation (RSD, %), was found to be 1.9% for azoxystrobin and 0.5% for
      difenoconazole. The precision of the method was also considered to be acceptable
      as the experimental repeatability relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower
      than the RSD calculated using the Horwitz equation of 1.7% and 1.4% for
      azoxystrobin and difenoconazole, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed
      method was determined from recovery experiments through standard addition
      procedure. The average recoveries of the three fortification levels were 101.9%
      for azoxystrobin and 103.2% for difenoconazole with RSDs of 1.1% and 1.2%. The
      method described in this paper is simple, precise, accurate and selective and
      represents a new and reliable way of simultaneous determination of azoxystrobin
      and difenoconazole in formulated products.

PMID- 27141735
TI  - TOXICITY OF INSECTICIDAL PLANTS TO GALLUS DOMESTICUS L.

PMID- 27141736
TI  - LETHAL EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES ON THE NAUPLII FAIRY SHRIMP, BRANCHINELLA
      THAILANDENSIS.
AB  - During agricultural activities, large amounts of insecticides and herbicides are
      used for controlling pests. The overspraying of pesticides may contaminate
      freshwater bodies, as well as having a significant effect on aquatic animals. To
      determine the potential risk of pesticides, the acute toxicity of insecticides
      and herbicides on the nauplii fairy shrimp, Branchinella thailandensis were
      evaluated. The organisms were exposed to different concentrations of insecticides
      (chlorpyrifos and carbaryl), and herbicides (paraquat and 2,4-D) for 24 h, after
      which the LC50 values were compared. The acute toxicity tests determined that the
      LC50 values of chlorpyrifos and carbaryl after 24 h were 0.00186 mg/L and 0.21
      mg/L, respectively. For herbicides, paraquat and 2,4-D, the LC50 values were 0.11
      mg/L and 27.91 mg/L. Therefore, chlorpyrifos insecticides were found to be more
      toxic than herbicides (2,4-D and paraquat) with regard to the nauplii fairy
      shrimp. The high toxicity of pesticides has a long-term, and potentially damaging
      effect on aquatic organisms in the application areas.

PMID- 27141737
TI  - TOXICITY OF CHLORPYRIPHOS CONTAINING FORMULATION AND HEAVY ELEMENTS (Cd, Pb) TO
      CHICKEN EMBRYOS.
AB  - The phytotoxic effect of cadmium sulphate, lead acetate and chlorpyriphos
      containing insecticide Pyrinex 48 EC were investigated on chicken embryos on late
      developmental stage (day 19 of incubation). The eggs were injected by 0.1 ml
      amount of lead acetate (0.1%), of cadmium sulphate (0.01%), of Pyrinex 48 EC
      (chlorpyriphos, 480 g/l; 1%) and as a control 0.1 ml of bird-physiologic saline
      solution (0.75%). The treatments were performed on day 0 of incubation, and the
      embryos were examined on day 19. Number of embryonic death, developmental
      abnormalities and body weight of embryos were recorded on day 19. The body weight
      of embryos reduced significantly, the rate of embryo mortality increased, but
      teratogenic effect was not realised by the single treatment of lead acetate and
      cadmium sulphate. By the single administration of PYRINEX 48 EC the average body
      weight of embryos resulted in a significant decrease and the rate of embryo
      mortality and developmental anomalies were increased and it was found to be
      embryo toxic and teratogenic in the embryos. The increased embryo toxic effect
      can occur by the additive effect of the heavy elements (cadmium sulphate and lead
      acetate) and the PYRINEX 48 EC.

PMID- 27141738
TI  - NEW BNYVV P25 VARIANTS IN BELGIUM.
AB  - Rhizomania is a widespread viral plant disease of major importance in sugar beet
      cropping and breeding. It is caused by the Beet necrotic yellow vein virus
      (BNYVV), a Benyvirus transmitted by the soil inhabiting plasmodiophorid Polymyxa
      betae. This vector also transmits other sugar beet virus such as Beet virus Q
      (BVQ) and Beet soil-borne virus (BSBV). Despite identification of resistance
      genes, BNYVV remains a major constraint because of resistance-breaking events as
      well as its ability to survive for long periods in soils in resting spores of P.
      betae. During the 2014 growing season, severe rhizomania symptoms were detected
      in Rz1 resistant beet genotypes in ten Belgian fields suggesting resistance
      breaking events. Plants from these fields were sampled and total RNA was
      extracted from root hairs. The presence of BNYVV, BSBV, BVQ and P. betae was
      assessed by multiplex RT-PCR. Samples were then tested for the presence of BNYVV
      RNA5 and RNA3 by RT-PCR respectively targeting P26 and P25 genes. PCR products
      from P25 gene were then purified and sequenced. The results confirmed the
      presence of P. betae, BSBV and BVQ in all samples. BNYVV was detected in nine
      fields. Sequencing of P25 partial cDNA sequences revealed the presence of BNYVV
      types A and B. Two isolates possessed the amino acids motifs AYPR in the so
      called tetrad region aa67-70. This motif was previously associated with
      resistance-breaking events. The Belgian situation will be discussed in the light
      of the current situation in neighbouring countries.

PMID- 27141739
TI  - THE IMPACT OF SILICON ON TRANSCRIPTS RELATED TO CUCUMBER MOSAIC VIRUS INFECTION
      IN CUCUMBER.
AB  - The role of soluble silicon (Si) in alleviating viral plant infections is largely
      unknown. In order to analyse this gap in knowledge, this study provides insights
      into the relative gene expression data obtained from 1) control, 2) Cucumber
      mosaic virus (CMV)-infected and 3) sodium silica-treated, CMV-infected Cucumis
      sativus line B10 tissue cultures regenerated plants. The absence or presence of
      CMV was determined through RT-PCR, six days' post-inoculation. qRT-PCR was
      performed on five selected host genes related to CMV-defence (argonaute protein,
      WRKY transcription factor) and replication (chaperone, heat shock cognate
      protein, aquaporin). Relative gene expressions from Si-treated, CMV-infected
      clones were not significantly different from CMV-infected clones, but they were
      significantly different from the control plants. The upregulation of the
      chaperone, and heat shock cognate genes in Si-treated clones, is associated with
      enhanced virus replication, while the gene expression of the transcription factor
      increases and is related to defence, in contrast to decreased expression in CMV
      infected clones. Aquaporin gene expression was downregulated and the argonaute
      expression was unaffected in both Si-treated, CMV-infected as well as CMV
      infected clones. Since both alleviating and supportive gene shifts are observed
      in Si-treated plantlets for key genes related to the virus infection examined
      herein, sodium silica is suggested to have a neutral and limited impact on CMV
      infection in cucumber cultures.

PMID- 27141740
TI  - INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF LEAF AND FRUIT DISEASES OF PLUMS IN LATVIA.
AB  - In the present study six plum orchards in Latvia were examined during 2014. One
      orchard was commercial with integrated pest management (IPM) practices, one was
      with organic management, two orchards were scientific collections and in two
      orchards plums were grown as a minor crop, using IPM practices. The shot-hole
      disease (Wilsonomyces carpophilus) and fruit rot were monitored in the field.
      Samples of twigs and leaves were taken for further examination if some other
      disease symptoms were observed. In total, 50 European plum (Prunus domestica) and
      six diploid plum cultivars were inspected. The fruit rot was assessed also in the
      laboratory to determine the latent infection with Monilinia spp. on immature
      fruits. Monilinia spp. isolates from all orchards were subjected to fungicide
      sensitivity tests. Incidence and severity of shot-hole disease was significantly
      different among various orchards when the same cultivar was compared, as well as
      between diploid and European plum cultivars. The average incidence of shot-hole
      disease was 41% in diploid plums and 80% in European plums, while the average
      severity was 9 and 15%, respectively. In the field, fruit rot caused only by
      Monilinia spp. was detected. The average incidence of brown rot on diploid plums
      was less than 1%, but on European plums it was 3.6%. The latent infection tests
      showed that plum fruits had higher incidence of brown rot than was observed in
      the field, up to 44% on particular cultivars. Additionally, from the fruits
      subjected to these tests, Botrytis cinerea, Diaporthe eres and Colletotrichum
      spp. were isolated. This means that in specific weather and management conditions
      the fruit rot incidence in the field could be several times higher. Examination
      of samples of twigs, leaves and fruits in the laboratory showed the presence of
      D. eres in samples from all orchards. In one of the scientific collections D.
      eres was isolated from twigs, leaves and fruits, and was more often found on the
      individuals located in the part of the orchard close to hedge. In other orchards
      this fungus was isolated only from fruits, and mainly from the latent infection
      tests. Monilinia spp. isolates showed high sensitivity to dithianon, penconazole,
      mancozeb and boscalid with pyraclostrobin, but lower sensitivity to cyprodinil.
      Several fungi that are known to be antagonistic to pathogenic fungi were isolated
      from all orchards: Epicoccum nigrum, Clonostachys rosea and Aureobasidium
      pullulans, mainly from the fruits of latency tests and leaves with disease
      symptoms.

PMID- 27141741
TI  - PRE-PLANTING TREATMENTS WITH PHOSPHITE-BASED PRODUCTS AGAINST DIFFERENT FOLIAR
      AND SOIL-BORNE PATHOGENS OF VEGETABLE CROPS.
AB  - Fifteen experimental trials were carried out under greenhouse conditions to
      evaluate the efficacy of preventative treatments based on phosphite salts on the
      following pathosystems: tomato/Phytophthora nicotianae, zucchini/P. capsici,
      lettuce/Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Iactucae, rocket/Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.
      raphani, wild rocket/Plectosphaerella cucumerina and basii/Peronospora belbahrii.
      The possible use of phosphite salts in nursery cultivation systems is considered
      in comparison with chemical fungicides. Phosphites-based products reduced 66-88%
      and 56-72% the severity of Phytophthora crown root rot of tomato and zucchini,
      respectively. Four application with the phosphites-based products provided a
      disease reduction of Fusarium wilt of lettuce from of 33 to 83% and of 45 to 68%
      on cultivated rocket. These products provide the most constant results when
      applied in three treatments against Plectosphaerella cucumerina with a disease
      reduction ranging between 34%-82%. Phosphite-based products showed results
      statistically similar to mefenoxam when tested against downy mildew of basil.
      Their contribution to disease management can be very interesting, because they
      can complement other control measures.

PMID- 27141742
TI  - IDENTIFICATION OF DIFFERENT FUSARIUM SPP. IN ALLIUM SPP. IN GERMANY.
AB  - In 2013 Allium cepa bulbs from different fields in Northern and Southern Germany,
      seeds and sets from onion breeders were analysed for infestation with Fusarium
      species. The same investigation was done in 2014 with different edible Allium
      spp. from local markets. Different Fusarium spp. were isolated and identified by
      morphological characterisation. 24 different Fusarium spp. were identified. The
      diversity of Fusarium spp. and the intensity of infestation was higher on edible
      bulbs compared to the younger sets and seeds. The analysed onions and other
      edible Allium spp. from local markets showed also high contents of different
      Fusarium species. The most prevalent identified Fusarium sp. in the analysed
      Allium spp. in Germany was Fusarium oxysporum which can cause the Fusarium Basal
      Rot, followed by Fusarium solani. Fusarium proliferatum, which can cause the
      Fusarium Salmon Blotch in onions, could be detected in about half of the sampled
      onion fields and in approximately 10% of all analysed onions from fields. Also in
      the onion sets, on the surface of the seeds and in other edible Allium spp. F.
      proliferatum could be identified. Besides F. proliferatum, further mycotoxin
      producing Fusarium spp. like Fusarium equiseti or Fusarium tricinctum were
      identified. Other Fusarium spp. like Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium poae
      were first described in Allium sp. in this study. The two most prevalent Fusarium
      spp. F. oxysporum and F. solani are able to produce mycotoxins like enniatins,
      fumonisins, moniliformin and T-2 toxins. Fusarium sp. like F. proliferatum, F.
      equiseti and F. tricinctum are able to produce additional toxins like
      beauvericins, zearalenone and diacetoscirpenol. This high number of Fusarium
      spp., which are able to produce a broad spectrum of different mycotoxins, could
      be a potential health risk for human beings and livestock.

PMID- 27141743
TI  - PLANT OLIGOSACCHARIDES ENHANCE WHEAT DEFENCE RESPONSE AGAINST SEPTORIA LEAF
      BLOTCH.
AB  - Our work provides the first evidence for elicitation and protection effects of
      preventive treatments with oligosaccharides (20%)-based new formulation (Oligos)
      against Mycosphaerella graminicola, a major pathogen of bread wheat (BW) and
      durum wheat (DW). In planta Oligos treatment led to strongly reduced hyphal
      growth, penetration, mesophyll colonization and fructification. During the
      necrotrophic phase, Oligos also drastically decreased the production of M.
      graminicola CWDE activities, such as xylanase and glucanase as well as protease
      activity in both wheat species, suggesting their correlation with disease
      severity. Concerning plant defence markers, PR2, Chi 4 precursor-, Per- and LOX-1
      encoding genes were up-regulated, while glucanase (GLUC), catalase (CAT) and
      lipoxygenase (LOX) activities and total phenolic compound (PC) accumulation were
      induced in both (non-inoculated and inoculated contexts. In inoculated context, a
      localized accumulation of H2O2 and PC at fungal penetration sites and a specific
      induction of phenylalanine ammonia-Lyase (PAL) enzymatic activity were observed.
      Moreover, our experiment exhibited some similarities and differences in both
      wheat species responses. GLUC and CAT activities and H2O2 accumulation were more
      responsive in DW leaves, while LOX and PAL activities and PC accumulation
      occurred earlier and to a stronger extent in BW leaves. The tested Oligos
      formulation showed an interesting resistance induction activity characterized by
      a high and stable efficiency whatever the wheat species, suggesting it
      integration in common control strategies against STB on both DW and BW.

PMID- 27141744
TI  - ASCORBIC ACID CONTROLS MYCOSPHAERELLA GRAMINICOLA IN BREAD AND DURUM WHEAT
      THROUGH DIRECT EFFECT ON THE PATHOGEN AND INDIRECT ACTION VIA PLANT DEFENCE.
AB  - Septoria tritici blotch (STB) caused by Mycosphaerella graminicola is one of the
      most devastating foliar diseases on wheat. Due to the emergence of fungicide
      resistant M. graminicola strains and in an effort to reduce the impact of
      pesticides on the environment, considerable interest has been devoted to
      alternative control strategies. The use of natural products, especially through a
      defense-activating effect on the host, could be considered. Acid ascorbic (AA) is
      synthesized by plants and most animal cells with antioxidant properties. This
      study aimed at: (i) assessing the protective effect of an AA-based product on
      bread (BW) and durum (DW) wheat (Triticum aestivum and T. durum, respectively)
      susceptible cultivars against M. graminicola and (ii) investigating the
      mechanisms involved in wheat protection. Therefore, the foliar application of a
      formulated AA-based product (50 mg L-) on 3-week-old wheat plants reduced the
      infection level by more than 75% for both BW and DW. In vitro experiments
      revealed that AA induced a strong inhibition of spore germination (at 50 mg L.(
      1)) and hyphal growth (at 16 mg L.(-1)) for both M. graminicola strains,
      infecting either BW or DW. Used as a preventive foliar spray on wheat leaves,
      microscopic observations revealed that AA inhibits in planta spore germination,
      hyphal growth, leaf penetration, substomatal colonization and eventually
      sporulation. Moreover, AA treatment also decreased fungal protease and cell wall
      degrading enzyme activities, putative pathogenicity determinants of M.
      graminicola. In addition to these effects on the fungus, AA induced defence
      reactions in both BW and DW. Indeed, in non-inoculated context, eliciting effect
      was observed on (i) stimulation of enzymatic activities such as lipoxygenase,
      peroxydase and catalase and (ii) transcript accumulation of genes encoding for
      pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins (chitinase class IV, peroxidase). In
      inoculated condition, accumulation of H2O2 and phenolic compounds increased at
      the penetration site in AA-treated leaves. In addition, AA treatment impacted the
      phenylpropanoid pathway through the induction of phenylalanine ammonia lyase
      activity. These results show that, in our conditions, AA both presents an
      antifungal activity and triggers several plant defences in wheat and suggest its
      use to control M. graminicola on both DW and BW.

PMID- 27141745
TI  - FUSARIUM HEAD BLIGHT SYMPTOM DISCRIMINATION: A USEFUL TOOL IN THE FIELD
      EVALUATION OF FUNGICIDE TREATMENTS.
AB  - Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the major diseases affecting wheat. It is
      caused by a complex of fungal species, resulting in yield losses and health
      problems due to mycotoxin production. The presence of multiple fungal species on
      wheat ears, with varying responses to active fungicide ingredients used in the
      field, makes the disease difficult to manage. In order to evaluate the efficacy
      of the timing of applications (at GS 39, GS 61 and GS 39+61) of a prothioconazole
      + fluoxastrobin-based fungicide, a 2-year field trial was conducted in Belgium.
      In both years, applications at GS 61 and GS 39+61 resulted in a significant
      reduction in symptom severity on ears and in deoxynivalenol (DON) content
      compared with the untreated control in 2013. In 2012, when Microdochium spp. were
      the most prevalent species, the treatment at GS 39 significantly reduced ear
      symptoms. Fusarium graminearum was predominant in the second year (2013) and
      caused significant DON accumulation in the grain after a single foliar spraying.
      The two genera were characterized by distinct types of symptoms: grouped bleached
      spikelet's for F. graminearum and isolated bleached spikelet's for Microdochium
      spp. This difference enabled the significant effect of the double treatments on
      symptoms caused by Microdochium spp. to be determined in the second year. This
      effect, which was also visible on leaf symptoms, suggests that Microdochium spp.
      epidemics in wheat might be polycyclic. Discrimination between symptoms caused by
      F. graminearum and Microdochium spp. could be a useful tool to study FHB
      management using fungicide treatments.

PMID- 27141746
TI  - PREPARATION OF B-CYCLODEXTRIN-THIABENDAZOLE-PIPERONYL BUTOXIDE SUPRAMOLECULAR
      COMPLEX AND ITS ACTIVITY AGAINST BLUE AND GREEN MOULD DECAY ON INOCULATED SATSUMA
      FRUIT.
AB  - The supramolecular complex of beta-cyclodextrin-thiabendazole-piperony butoxide
      (betaCD-TBZ/PBO) was prepared and its structure was characterized by 1H NMR.
      Additionally, the antifungal activity of betaCD-TBZ/PBO was investigated in
      comparison with the commercially available thiabendazole (TBZ) fungicide by in
      vitro tests and on artificially inoculated 'Okitsu' satsuma fruit dipped in water
      at 20 degrees C or at 50 degrees C to control postharvest blue (Penicillium
      italicum) and green mould (P. digitatum). beta-CD-TBZ/PBO is stable for several
      months when stored as powder in a dark bottle. At pH 7.0 the water solubility of
      the betaCD-TBZ/PBO complex was consistently higher than free TBZ. Water dip at 20
      degrees C did not affect decay incidence caused by blue mould but favoured the
      development of green mould during 4-8 days of storage at 20 degrees C with
      respect to untreated (control) fruit. Water at 50 degrees C effectively reduced
      the incidence of blue mould and totally suppressed green mould during the first 4
      days but lost its efficacy afterwards. By contrast, both TBZ and betaCD-TBZ/PBO
      had a lasting effect and were equally effective in controlling green and blue
      mould decay when applied at 20 degrees C and 60 mg L(-1) active ingredient
      (a.i.). When applied at 50 degrees C and 20 mg L(-1) a.i. the activity of the
      complex against blue mould was inferior than the corresponding treatment with
      TBZ. In vitro assays revealed a significant effectiveness of betaCD-TBZ/PBO
      complex at low concentration compared to commercial formulation of TBZ.

PMID- 27141747
TI  - EFFICACY OF FUNGICIDES AGAINST CALONECTRIA PAUCIRAMOSA IN POT AZALEA.
AB  - Calonectria (formerly Cylindrocladium) infection of pot azalea (Rhododendron
      simsii Planch) is an important disease problem in which usually one or two of the
      four plants per pot show progressing leaf and especially stem lesions, leading to
      mortality of the respective plant and rendering the pot unmarketable. This may
      occur in a later stage of the growing season, leading to significant commercial
      losses. The main objective of this study was to test a range of fungicides for
      their efficacy against this pathogen. To test the fungicides, a bioassay was
      first developed in which mycelium and conidiospores of the pathogen were produced
      on Potato Dextrose Agar, blended in water, and dilutions of the resulting
      suspension inoculated at the base of 11-week-old cuttings three weeks after they
      had been trimmed. Disease progression was monitored up to 7 weeks post
      inoculation and a disease index on a scale of 0 to 3 was established. In the
      actual efficacy trial, the following fungicides (with corresponding active
      ingredient(s)) were tested as preventive treatments: Topsin M 70 WG (thiophanate
      methyl), Sporgon (prochloraz), Signum (boscalid+pyraclostrobin), Switch
      (cyprodinyl+fludioxonil), Flint 50WG (trifloxystrobin), Ortiva Top
      (azoxystrobin+difenoconazole) and Fungaflor (imazalil). Disease expression
      started after about 2 weeks, increased approximately 1 index level, and leveled
      off 5 weeks after inoculation. The best control was observed with Sporgon, Ortiva
      Top and Signum. Switch produced intermediate effects and insufficient control was
      observed with Topsin, Flint and Fungaflor. These results explain why specific
      standard fungicide treatments, such as those with Topsin, fail to control the
      disease, while they can be effective against a different Calonectria species such
      as C. pseudonaviculata, the cause of boxwood blight.

PMID- 27141748
TI  - INSIGHTS INTO THE PATHOGENIC PLMVD-PEACH TREE RELATIONSHIP.

PMID- 27141749
TI  - EFFICACY OF NOVEL WATER DISINFECTION TECHNIQUES IN HORTICULTURAL NUTRIENT
      RECYCLING.
AB  - Hydroponic systems used for growing potted ornamentals in greenhouses are
      commonly ebb-and-flow irrigation systems. The drainage water is usually recycled
      to save water and nutrients. To avoid the spread of pathogens in these closed
      irrigation systems, disinfection of the recycled water is standard practice.
      Growers can use slow sand filtration or UV-radiation techniques, but these
      methods are often either not sulted for specific problems or they require an
      excessively large investment. The objective of this study was to test less
      expensive but effective alternative disinfection systems. The efficacy of five
      disinfection systems against fungi and oomycetes was determined: Aqua-Hort (based
      on Cu-ions), Reciclean (performic acid), D1-OX Forte (CIO2), ECA
      (electrochemically activated water = anodic oxidation: hypochlorite and free
      radicals) and Newtec (also anodic oxidation). These five systems and a no
      sterilization control were integrated in small closed ebb-and-flow circuits with
      nutrient solution reservoirs of 400 L each. Activity against Fusarium was
      excellent with ECA, good with Newtec and DI-OX Forte, moderate with high doses of
      Reciclean (250 ppm H2O2 and poor with the Aqua-Hort. There was no Pythium in the
      ECA and Newtec systems, while still so in the Aqua-Hort system, even at high
      doses (up to 7 ppm Cu++). Although the Reciclean (up to 100 ppm H2O2) and Aqua
      Hort systems did not perform well against the pathogens, they did very well
      against algae; especially Reciclean was also useful against duckweed in water and
      liverwort on soil substrates. Concentrations of total Cl were elevated in water,
      substrate and plants after treatments with ECA and Newtec; other accumulations
      were Cu (Aqua-Hort), Na and SO4 (DI-OX Forte). However, only on a limited number
      of plant species these accumulations produced phytotoxic effects.

PMID- 27141750
TI  - OCCURRENCE OF FUSARIUM SPECIES ON SMALL CEREALS IN LATVIA.
AB  - The objectives of the study were to assess the infection level of Fusarium head
      blight (FHB) in different spring barley and oat cultivars and to specify the
      spectrum of Fusarium species of Latvian population found in the ear samples of
      spring barley and oat. Molecular analysis of single-conidium isolates of Fusarium
      species from the grain samples in different sites of Latvia revealed the presence
      of F. acuminatum, F. avenaceum, F. boothii, F. culmorum, F. graminearum, F. poae,
      F. sporotrichioides, and F. tricinctum in Latvian population of Fusarium species
      associated with FHB in spring barley. F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. equiseti, F.
      graminearum, F. langsethiae, F. oxysporum, F. poae, F. redolens and F.
      sporotrichioides were identified in the samples of oat. Further investigations
      are required.

PMID- 27141751
TI  - CHARACTERIZATION AND BIOCONTROL POTENT OF STREPTOMYCES SP. ISOLATED FROM THE
      RHIZOSPHERE OF ONONIS ANGUSTISSIMA LAM.
AB  - A total of 40 actinomycetes isolated from rhizosphere soils of Ononis
      angustissima Lam. were in vitro tested for their antagonism against deferent
      pathogenic microorganisms by streak assay. Among the isolates, four (21, 2A26,
      1B10 and 2C34) present a potent antagonism against both pathogenic bacteria and
      fungi, they were selected, identified by 16S rDNA sequence analysis and
      phenotypic properties, and tested for their antimicrobial activity as well as
      their biocontrol potential against Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) pathogenic
      fungus (Fusarium oxysporum). Cultural characteristic studies strongly suggested
      that these strains belong to the genus Streptomyces. The four Streptomyces sp.,
      solubilize phosphate and produce extracellular fungal cell-wall degrading enzymes
      chitinase and protease, as well as a marked production of acid-beta-indole acetic
      (AIA). The nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of Streptomyces sp. strains
      21, 2A26, 1B10 and 2C34 exhibited close similarity (62-75%) with Streptomyces
      parvulus MARS 16S rRNA genes. The inhibition was higher against fungi and Gram+
      bacteria, while Gram- bacteria were less inhibited. The growth of the plant
      pathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum was considerably inhibited in the presence
      of the strains 21, 2A26, 1B10 and 2C34 culture supernatant. These studies
      revealed that the presence of the Streptomyces strains in the soil significantly
      promoted the growth of the Chickpea plants. These results indicate that the
      Streptomyces strains isolated for rhizosphere from Ononis angustissima Lam.
      growing in arid conditions in southern Algeria (Sahara) could be an interesting
      source for antimicrobial bioactive substances and as biocontrol agents.

PMID- 27141752
TI  - A PLAUSIBLE ROLE FOR POLLEN-RESIDING MOLDS IN AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES.
AB  - Pollen microbial content of 15 samples was investigated. Pollen was collected by
      honeybees. Total aerobic mesophilic count ranged from 3.00 to 5.48 Log CFU/g.
      Total mold and yeast count ranged from 2.3 to 6.99 Log CFU/g. Selected strains of
      isolated molds from pollen samples were characterized by conventional methods.
      Potent phytopathogenic and food spoilage species such as Penicillium sp.,
      Alternaria alternata, Alternaria sp., Cladosporium werneckii, Mucor hiemalis,
      Rhizomucor pusillus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Drechslera tritici
      repentis, Verticillium albo-atrum, and Aspergillus alliaceus were recovered.
      Other fungal species with valuable biotechnological and plant diseases control
      purposes were isolated. They were characterized as Geotrichum candidum, Monilia
      sitophilia, and Sepedonium chrysospermum. Animal pathogenic molds were also
      isolated. Bee pollen may be considered as a source for a highly diverse fungal
      flora with different applications.

PMID- 27141753
TI  - NEWER SDHI FUNGICIDES AND GRASSES: EFFECTS ON SEED YIELD AND DISEASE CONTROL.
AB  - Grass seed crops (ryegrass), a minor crop in Belgium, should be managed more
      intensively and in an arable way, comparable with the intensive wheat culture.
      Even more important than higher seed yields are stable, higher yields over time,
      Integrated pest management (IPM) forms the framework around this intensification.
      Two similar seed production field trials--one with perennial ryegrass (Lolium
      perenne L.) and one with Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.)--were conducted
      in 2014, dealing with 4 SDHI fungicides (bixafen, boscalid, fluxapyroxad and
      isopyrazam) that were compared with an untreated control and some reference
      treatments. There were four application times (stages): i.e. early stem
      elongation--BBCH 33 (T1), ear tips visible--BBCH 51 (T2), full ear, begin of
      flowering--BBCH 61 (T3) and end of flowering--BBCH 69 (T4). Except for the
      Italian ryegrass trial, only the last three stages were used. In the Italian
      ryegrass trial, which had only sporadic incidence of disease, all T3 treatments
      clearly increased seed yield compared with the untreated control, by 13% on
      average. For the T2 treatments only Fandango and Adexar clearly out yielded the
      control. The curative T4 treatment (Tilt + Corbel) tended to increase seed yield,
      but this was not significant. Seed yield differences could not be explained by
      variations in thousand seed weight (TSW), leaf withering and NDVI scores (crop
      reflectance). The disease pressure (crown rust) was very low before flowering,
      but stem rust developed strongly during the last 2 weeks before harvest of the
      perennial ryegrass trial. Yield responses were mostly pronounced at the T3
      treatment. Except for Fandango and Horizon, all T3 treatments clearly increased
      yield in comparison with the untreated control, by 18.4% on average. The T4
      treatment (Tilt + Corbel) could not repair the crop damage. Further seed yield
      data are discussed in relation to yield components, TSW, leaf withering and
      vegetation index (NDVI). An integrated approach for a single, profitable
      fungicide application in grass seed will be necessary, taking into account the
      disease development during the season and depending upon grass species and
      variety.

PMID- 27141754
TI  - SWEET PEPPER: ASPECTS OF THE BIOLOGY AND CONTROL OF FUSARIUM FRUIT ROT.
AB  - Internal fruit rot of sweet pepper grown in glasshouses has been an increasing
      problem worldwide since around 2000. In the UK, surveys in 2007 showed infected
      fruits were present in many crops at levels from 1 to 37%. The disease causes
      some losses on production nurseries but more importantly also causes rejection by
      packers and complaints by supermarkets. Losses vary greatly between crops and
      seasons, and growers are generally unaware a problem may be present until harvest
      or postharvest. The fruit rot arises through infection of flowers (Yang et al.,
      2010). Several Fusarium species have been associated with the disease in the UK,
      notably F. lactis and F. oxysporum. Observations in commercial crops indicate the
      disease is favoured by high humidity. At present there is no effective method of
      control. This experimental work aimed to reduce losses to Fusarium internal fruit
      rot through increased knowledge of factors associated with a high incidence of
      the disease and use of biofungicides and fungicides to control flower infection.

PMID- 27141755
TI  - FIRST REPORT OF 'CANDIDATUS PHYTOPLASMA ULMI' IN ULMUS LAEVIS IN GERMANY.
AB  - The wall-less bacteria of the provisory taxon 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' are
      obligate parasites and associated to diseases in many important crops and trees
      worldwide. 'Ca. Phytoplasma ulmi', assigned to 16SrV-A subgroup, is a quarantine
      pest and described to be associated to elm phloem necrosis, leaf yellowing,
      stunting, witches broom and decline in various elm species. Elm yellows
      phytoplasmas (EY) have been reported in several European countries but not in
      Ulmus laevis in Germany so far. Leaf samples from European white elms (Ulmus
      leavis PALL.) with and without chlorotic symptoms were investigated for EYs
      infection in Berlin and Brandenburg, Germany, through performing diagnostic
      nested PCR targeting partial rRNA operon of phytoplasmas. Specific PCR-products
      were obtained from 30 out of 59 samples. Partial 16S-rDNA sequences were assigned
      to 'Ca. P. ulmi' through sequence analysis, while sequence variation was
      observed. This is the first report of U. laevis infected with 'Ca. P. ulmi' in
      Germany.

PMID- 27141756
TI  - DEVELOPMENT OF AN ANNOTATION SCHEME FOR STANDARDIZED DESCRIPTION OF MATHEMATICAL
      MODELS IN THE FIELD OF PLANT PROTECTION.
AB  - Mathematical models on properties and behavior of harmful organisms in the food
      chain are an increas- ingly relevant approach of the agriculture and food
      industry. As a consequence, there are many efforts to develop biological models
      in science, economics and risk assessment nowadays. However, there is a lack of
      international harmonized standards on model annotation and model formats, which
      would be neces- sary to set up efficient tools supporting broad model application
      and information exchange. There are some established standards in the field of
      systems biology, but there is currently no corresponding provi- sion in the area
      of plant protection. This work therefore aimed at the development of an
      annotation scheme using domain-specific metadata. The proposed scheme has been
      validated in a prototype implementation of a web-database model repository. This
      prototypic community resource currently contains models on aflatoxin secreting
      fungal Aspergillus flavus in maize, as these models have a high relevance to food
      safety and economic impact. Specifically, models describing biological processes
      of the fungus (growth, Aflatoxin secreting), as well as dose-response- and carry
      over models were included. Furthermore, phenological models for maize were
      integrated as well. The developed annotation scheme is based on the well
      established data exchange format SBML, which is broadly applied in the field of
      systems biology. The identified example models were annotated according to the
      developed scheme and entered into a Web-table (Google Sheets), which was
      transferred to a web based demonstrator available at
      https://sites.google.com/site/test782726372685/. By implementation of a software
      demonstrator it became clear that the proposed annotation scheme can be applied
      to models on plant pathogens and that broad adoption within the domain could
      promote communication and application of mathematical models.

PMID- 27141757
TI  - GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF AN ALGERIAN POPULATION OF MYCOSPHAERELLA GRAMINICOLA
      WITH MICROSATELLITE MARKERS.
AB  - Mycosphaerella graminicola (anamorph: Zymoseptoria tritici, formerly Septoria
      tritici), the responsible for Septoria tritici blotch, is the most frequently
      occurring disease on wheat crops worldwide. The populations of this pathogen were
      previously characterized in several areas around the world, but not in Algeria so
      far. The present study aims thus at investigating the genetic diversity and
      population structure of M. graminicola in this country. One hundred and twenty
      monoconidial isolates of this fungus (60 from bread wheat and 60 from durum
      wheat) were collected during the 2012 growing season from five distinct
      geographical locations in Algeria. They were then fingerprinted using eight
      microsatellite markers. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 11, with
      an average of 6.25 alleles per locus. We found out a moderate gene diversity, a
      high genotype diversity (72% of unique haplotypes) and a low population
      differentiation within the population. Further analyses using both UPGMA and
      Bayesian clustering methods confirmed the lack of genetic structuration
      irrespective of geographical locations and host species. These findings are
      likely due to the frequent occurrence of sexual reproduction in the field,
      leading to genetic diversification and allele homogenization via wind born
      ascospores within the population.

PMID- 27141758
TI  - RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PATHOGENICITY AND FUNGICIDE TOLERANCE IN THE WHEAT PATHOGEN
      MYCOSPHAERELLA GRAMINICOLA.
AB  - Septoria tritici blotch caused by Mycosphaerella graminicola (anamorph:
      Zymoseptoria tritici) is currently the most devastating disease on wheat crops
      worldwide, especially in regions with suitable climate conditions such as Western
      Europe. Pathogen control relies mainly on the use of fungicides and resistant
      cultivars. However, the durability of chemical and genetic control strategies is
      increasingly compromised in the field since the fungus frequently develops
      resistance to fungicides and overcomes host resistance. Here, we assessed the
      association between pathogenicity and fungicide tolerance in eighteen different
      M. graminicola strains isolated in 2009 from Northern France. These strains were
      chosen because they exhibited in preliminary experiments a wide range of in vitro
      tolerance levels against six demethylation inhibitors (epoxiconazole,
      cyproconazole, fluquinconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole and pyrefenox).
      Inoculation of the Scorpion susceptible wheat cultivar in the greenhouse with
      these strains revealed a great variability in their pathogenicity levels (disease
      symptoms ranged from 0 to 66% of leaf area bearing pycnidia). Interestingly,
      strains with high fungicide tolerance levels caused overall the highest disease
      symptoms (45% of diseased leaf area on average) when compared to those with low
      fungicide tolerance levels (22% of diseased leaf area on average), thus
      confirming the association between pathogenicity level and fungicide tolerance in
      M. graminicola. The occurrence and selection in the field of fungal genotypes
      combining both pathogenicity and fungicide resistance should be taken into
      account in disease management strategies.

PMID- 27141759
TI  - ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SPORULATION AND CELL-WALL DEGRADING ENZYMES IN THE WHEAT
      PATHOGEN MYCOSPHAERELLA GRAMINICOLA.
AB  - Mycosphaerella graminicola is a hemibiotrophic fungus that causes Septoria
      tritici blotch (STB), one of the most serious foliar diseases of wheat. STB can
      occur with a wide range of disease levels on the host, which depend not only on
      the pathogenicity of fungal strains, but also on the resistance of host
      cultivars. Here, we investigated the association between the disease level and
      fungal cell-wall degrading enzyme and protease activities in three wheat
      cultivars differing in their resistance levels against M. graminicola. The
      experiments were carried out in the greenhouse using artificial inoculations with
      the M. graminicola strain T01193. Disease symptoms scored at 21-day post
      inoculation (dpi) were significantly higher on the susceptible and moderately
      resistant cultivars, Alixan and Premio (48% and 42% of diseased leaf area,
      respectively), than in the resistant one, Altigo (28% of diseased leaf area).
      Regarding sporulation, the rate of pycnidial density was significantly higher on
      Alixan (2.9) compared to Premio and Altigo (1.1 and 1.0, respectively). Further
      biochemical investigations revealed, by 17 dpi, significant fungal beta-1,4
      endoxylanase, beta-1,4-endoglucanase and protease activities, whose amounts
      increased according to the pycnidial density recorded on the infected leaves. At
      21 dpi, the amounts of these activities were significantly higher on Alixan
      compared to Premio and Altigo (0.36 U/mg, 0.63 U/mg and 2.70 mU/mg total proteins
      on Alixan, 0.09 U/mg, 0.19 U/mg and 0.72 mU/mg total proteins on Premio and 0.05
      U/mg, 0.15 U/mg and 0.52 mU/mg total proteins on Altigo for beta-1,4
      endoxylanase, beta-1,4-endoglucanase and protease activities, respectively).
      These results confirm the importance of CWDE and protease activities in the
      process of fungal sporulation during the necrotrophic phase of M. graminicola.

PMID- 27141760
TI  - FUNGAL POPULATIONS ASSOCIATED TO NETTING TISSUE OF GALIA MELONS AFFECTING QUALITY
      DURING STORAGE.
AB  - Galia melons are produced in southeast Spain and exported to other European
      countries. The main problem of melons during transport and storage consists of
      the development of epiphytic populations of fungi living inside the netting areas
      located on fruit surface. These areas are natural wounds which are covered by
      local suberin and lignin secretion induced by the plant in response to the
      natural skin wounds which occurs during fruit growing. These fungi are growing
      from the scarce organic matter and nutrients that are either deposited or
      segregated from the fruit. Several genera of fungi have commonly been associated
      to those areas such as some species of Fusarium, Cladosporium sp. and Alternaria
      sp. and a few others. All microorganisms were living in an ecological
      equilibrium. However, when water was present inside the netting areas, the growth
      of Cladosporium sp. was exacerbated and then, the ecological equilibrium was
      broken, therefore these grey areas turned to green-dark colour due to hyphal
      development of this fungus. This process deteriorated visual quality of fruits,
      therefore the increase of losses during transport and storage were noticeable. A
      relative humidity very high, round 100% or a thinner layer of water condensed in
      these areas were sufficient to increase epiphytic development of Cladosporium
      without causing decay, even at refrigeration temperature. However, when relative
      humidity was lower than about 98%, no growth of aerial hyphae of Cladosporium was
      observed. In contrast, some brown stains round netting areas were developed due
      to the growth of the fungus through skin layers causing severe decay after 32
      days of storage at 7 degrees C. When the affected fruits were transferred at
      ambient temperature, aerial mycelium of Cladosporium emerged from those brown
      skin areas exacerbating the losses. In conclusion, water condensation should be
      avoided to prevent epiphytic development of Cladosporium. If washing treatment of
      fruits is carried out during commercial handling, they must be dried before
      storage. In addition, storage period higher than 16 days at 7 degrees C and
      relative humidity higher than 98% must be avoided in order to prevent
      Cladosporium rot.

PMID- 27141761
TI  - EFFECT OF BIOSOLARISATION ON THE MICROBIAL POPULATIONS OF SUBSTRATES INFESTED
      WITH FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM BY PCR-DGGE.
AB  - Biosolarisation consists of combining solarisation and organic matter application
      for controlling soilborne pathogens. The effects of this control strategy on the
      microbial community is almost unknown and needs to be investigated with molecular
      tools. The aim of the research was to investigate how biosolarisation can affect
      the structure of the microbial populations evaluated by a culture independent
      method using DGGE of PCR-amplified 18S-ITS genes-coding fragments from DNA
      extracted directly from infested substrate. Substrate samples were artificially
      infested with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans (FOC) and F. oxysporum f.sp.
      basilici (FOB) in order to evaluate the shift in fungal population by using
      culture independent methods. Solarisation was carried out with transparent
      polyethylene film during the summer period in a greenhouse located in Northern
      Italy, in combination or not with Brassica carinata defatted seed meals and/or
      compost. Biosolarisation treatment was carried out in a growth chamber by heating
      the substrate for 7 and 14 days at optimal (55-52 degrees C for 6 h, 50-48
      degrees C for 8 h and 47-45 degrees C for 10 h/day) and sub-optimal (50-48
      degrees C for 20 h, 45-43 degrees C for 8 h and 40-38 degrees C for 10 h/day)
      temperatures. Plate counts and polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of
      biosolarisation on the microbial population. The abundance of FOC and FOB was
      reduced as a consequence of biosolarisation, while bacterial populations were
      higher compared to control samples during the experiment. PCR-DGGE fingerprints
      of the ascomycete community obtained from DNA directly extracted from infested
      substrate samples showed that the use of organic amendments increased the
      similarity of the fungal populations.

PMID- 27141762
TI  - PHENOTYPIC AND MOLECULAR DIFFERENTIATION OF PECTOBACTERIUM AND DICKEYA SPP.
      CAUSING POTATO TUBER AND STEM ROT IN NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCES OF IRAN.
AB  - Iran is one of the most important potato-producing countries in Asia and Oceania.
      Approximately 20 percent of potato cultivation in Iran occurs in the North
      western provinces. Pectobacterium and Dickeya species cause important diseases in
      potato crop. They may incite blackleg and are responsible for tuber soft rot in
      storage, thereby reducing yield and quality. In order to identify and
      differentiate the species of soft rot bacteria, potato stems and tubers showing
      soft rot symptoms were collected from potato fields in North-western Iran. A
      total of fifty strains belonging to Pectobacterium and Dickeya species were
      isolated and identified from the infected tissues. Phenotypic characterization
      revealed a considerable variation among strains thus dividing them into five
      separate groups. Group 1 strains belonged to Dickeya chrysanthemi that were
      different from the type strain in malonate utilization. Group 2 strains were
      similar to Pectobacterium betavascularum but were different from the type strain
      in utilization of raffinose, citrate and D-sorbitol. Group 3 strains showed more
      resemblance to P. wasabiae but were different from the type strain with respect
      to acetoin production. Group 4 strains belonged to P. carotovorum subsp.
      carotovorum (Pcc) and group 5 strains were identified as intersubspecific of Pcc
      and P. carotovorum subsp. odoriferum. Polymerase chain reaction using pelY
      primers identified strains belonging to Pectobacterium species but not P.
      betavascularum.

PMID- 27141763
TI  - The End of "Meaningless Use".

PMID- 27141764
TI  - Top 10 Facts You Need to Know about Pneumococcal Vaccination in Adults.

PMID- 27141765
TI  - Validation of the Sonographic Ottawa Foot and Ankle Rules (SOFAR) Study in a
      Large Urban Trauma Center.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Differentiating the severity of acute ankle injuries is a common
      problem in the emergency department (ED). The Ottawa Foot and Ankle Rules (OFAR)
      were designed to obviate the need for unnecessary x-rays. Although these rules
      have been determined to be very sensitive, they lack the specificity necessary to
      make them practically useful for a condition in which a misdiagnosis could result
      in a significant disability. Our study objective was to determine if the addition
      of a bedside ultrasound (US) to the evaluation process could be used to
      significantly reduce the number of negative x-rays in OFAR positive patients.
      METHODS: A prospective observational studywas conducted in a Level I urban trauma
      center over a 12 month period in which bedside US was utilized to detect foot
      and/or ankle fractures in OFAR positive patients of age 18 years and older. All
      patients in the study received foot and/or ankle x-rays based on OFAR exam. Prior
      to viewing the x-rays, trained clinicians performed bedside US targeting the
      medial and lateral malleoli, navicular, and base of the 5th metatarsal and
      provided a diagnostic impression based on their US findings. The US findings were
      then compared to the formal x-ray interpretation. RESULTS: A total of fifty
      patients was enrolled into the study of which twenty-one patients were discovered
      to have a fracture by US. The sensitivity ofUS in detecting foot and/or ankle
      fractures was 100% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 78%-100%) and the specificity of
      OFAR increased from 50% (95% CI 37%-63%) to 100% (95% CI 87%-100%) with the
      addition of US. The negative predictive value was 100% (95% CI 89%-100%), and the
      positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI 81%-100%). CONCLUSIONS: Among OFAR
      positive patients, bedside US has high sensitivity and specificity for detecting
      foot and/or ankle fractures. Further studies should be conducted to determine if
      utilizing bedside US in addition to OFAR could significantly reduce the number of
      x-rays and improve the efficiency and costs associated with evaluating these
      injuries in the ED. Implication for health policy/medical education/research/
      practice. Utilizing bedside ultrasonography in addition to Ottawa Foot and Ankle
      Rules in acutely injured patients could significantly reduce the number of
      ordered x-rays and length of stay in the emergency department.

PMID- 27141766
TI  - Recurrent Diabetic Muscle Infarction Affecting Bilateral Thighs: Uncommon
      Presentation with Grave Prognosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetic muscle infarction is a rare microangiopathic complication
      of poorly-controlled diabetes mellitus. Here we present the case of a female with
      a thirteen year history of poorly-controlled diabetes mellitus who presented with
      severe right leg pain and swelling and was eventually diagnosed with this
      condition. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old female with a thirteen year history
      of poorly-controlled diabetes mellitus presented with intense right thigh pain
      and swelling. Initial labs revealed elevated hemoglobin A1c, CK, ESR, and CRP.
      White blood cell count was within normal limits and patient was afebrile with
      normal vitals at time of presentation. Magnetic resonance imaging of the right
      lower extremity demonstrated T1 isohypointensity in the vastus medialis and
      sartorius with diffuse fascial and subcutaneous edema. Bilateral lower extremity
      dopplers revealed no evidence of deep vein thrombosis and autoimmune workup was
      negative. The patient was diagnosed with diabetic muscle infarction given the
      combination of her clinical presentation and imaging findings. She was started on
      low-dose aspirin and glycemic control was achieved with a rigorous insulin
      regimen prior to discharge. She returned six weeks after discharge with
      persistent right thigh pain and swelling. MRI at this time revealed findings
      consistent with diabetic muscle infarction in left and right thighs. DISCUSSION:
      Clinicians should include diabetic muscle infarction in the differential of any
      diabetic patient who presents with lower extremity pain and swelling and history
      of poor glycemic control. Maintaining a high index of suspicion can help confirm
      the diagnosis early and avoid unnecessary tests and interventions that can
      lengthen recovery time.

PMID- 27141768
TI  - Getting Into the Groove.

PMID- 27141767
TI  - I've Forgotten How to Pray.

PMID- 27141769
TI  - Homage to a Small Town Doc.

PMID- 27141770
TI  - Tribute to a Role Model.

PMID- 27141771
TI  - The Unanticipated Consequences of "Meaningful Use" and Maintenance of
      Certification Requirements.

PMID- 27141772
TI  - Oh, No, Another Patient with Back Pain.

PMID- 27141773
TI  - [Management of hip instability after total hip arthroplasty].

PMID- 27141774
TI  - [Case-control study on methods of limb length control in hip arthroplasty].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To introduce a new measuring tool for measuring postoperative limb
      length exactly, and to provide a convenient and effective method to control limb
      length after total hip replacement. METHODS: From January 2013 to September 2014,
      102 patients undergoing primary unilateral hip replacement were divided into two
      groups: experimental group and control group. There were 51 patients in the
      experimental group, including 25 males and 26 females, ranging in age from 37 to
      92 years old, with an average of 60.41 years old. The patients in experimental
      group were treated with new method to control limb length. Other 51 patients in
      the control group, including 27 males and 24 females, ranging in age from 35 to
      87 years old, with an average of 61.00 years old. The patients in the control
      group were treated with normal methods such as shuck test or limb touching. All
      the patients were operated by the same experienced surgeon. In the experimental
      group,total hip arthroplasties (THA) were performed on 35 patients with avascular
      necrosis of the femoral head or femoral neck fracture, and 16 patients were
      treated with hemiarthroplasty (HA). In the control group, 38 patients received
      THA and 13 patients received HA. On the anterior-posterior X-ray radiograph,
      several indexes were measured as follows: the distance of bilateral femoral
      offset (a), the height from tip of great trochanter to the rotation center of the
      femoral head (b) and the vertical distance between the top of the minor
      trochanter and the two tear drops line (c). The leg length discrepancy can be
      assessed with three parameters as follows: d1, the absolute value of the
      difference between the bilateral a values; d2, the difference between the
      bilateral b values; d3, the difference between the bilateral c values. The SPSS
      21.0 was applied for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the experimental and
      control groups, d1 were 4.49 mm and 7.32 mm (P = 0.013); d2 were 2.37 mm and 4.32
      mm (P = 0.033); d3 were 3.32 mm and 6.08 mm (P = 0.031). The values of d1, d2 and
      d3 in the experimental group were significant smaller than those in the control
      group. CONCLUSION: The new measuring tool and method can be used to control the
      limb length and offset effectively during operation.

PMID- 27141775
TI  - [Congenital dislocation of the patella: a report of 1 case].

PMID- 27141776
TI  - [Middle and long-term results of total hip arthroplasties for secondary post
      traumatic arthritis and femoral head necrosis after acetabular fractures].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate middle and long-term results of total hip arthroplasties
      (THA) for the treatment of secondary hip traumatic osteoarthritis and femoral
      head necrosis after acetabular fractures. METHODS: From January 2000 to December
      2005, 33 patients with secondary hip traumatic osteoarthritis and (or) femoral
      head necrosis after acetabular fractures were treated with THA. There were 21
      males and 12 females, ranging in age from 27 to 69 years old, with an average of
      52 years old. Twenty-three patients were performed with open reduction and
      internal fixation: 5 patients were treated with anterior approach; 12 patients,
      posterior approach; 6 patients, combined approaches; other 10 patients,
      conservative treatment in the early stage. All THA were performed with posterior
      lateral approach. Bone union was achieved in the all acetabular fractures.
      Removal of all implants was necessary in 5 patients, and partial removal in 3
      patients. Cemented cup was implanted in 6 patients and uncommented cup in 27
      patients. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed, and
      Harris hip scores before surgery and 10 years after operation were compared. The
      prosthetic loosening, osteolysis or revision were used to evaluate 10 years
      survival rate of prosthesis. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up,and the
      duration ranged from 10 to 15 years, with a mean of 12 years. One patient died at
      the 10th year after operation. The Harris score at the 10th year was higher than
      the preoperative one. One and two patients were performed with revision total hip
      arthroplasty caused by aseptic loosening alone and aseptic loosening combined
      with osteolysis respectively. Osteolysis occurred in 1 patient; deep venous
      thrombosis in 4 patients; dislocation of prosthesis in 2 patients. One patient
      had infection of incision and one patient had infection around the prosthesis.
      Ten years survival rate of implant was 84.8% (28/133). CONCLUSION: THA is an
      effective method to treat secondary hip traumatic osteoarthritis and (or) femoral
      head necrosis after acetabular fractures in improving hip joint functions with
      high implant survival rate and good middle and long-term results.

PMID- 27141777
TI  - [Case-control study on effect of anterolateral and posterolateral approaches on
      early postoperative hip abductor strength in total hip arthroplasty].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference of early postoperative hip abductor strength
      and function between improved Gibson anterolateral approach (group A) and
      conventional Gibson posterolateral approach (group B) in patients who had
      underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Among 149 patients performing
      total hip arthroplasty,130 patients were followed up and were randomly divided
      into two groups (19 unqualified cases were excluded). Group A included 65 cases
      who underwent anterolateral approach, and the other group included 65 cases who
      underwent posterolateral approach. In the group A, male:female = 26:39,with an
      average age of (72.5 +/- 8.3) years old, BMI of (24.7 +/- 3.7) kg/m2, and hip
      abductor strength of (1.08 +/- 0.49) N . m/kg. In the group B, male:female =
      30:35, with an average age of (71.6 +/- 7.1) years old, BMI of (25.5 +/- 3.9)
      kg/m2, and hip abductor strength of (1.05 +/- 0.51) N . m/kg. In the age-related
      control group, male:female = 33:32, with an average age of (73.1 +/- 7.5) years
      old, BMI of (24.2 +/- 3.8) kg/m2, and hip abductor strength of (1.17 +/- 0.53) N
      . m/kg. The age, BMI, hip abductor strength, anatomy of surgical approach, hip
      abduction angles and Harris score in all patients were evaluated at the day
      before surgery and at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. All preoperative
      clinical data (age, BMI and abductor strength of the uninjured side limb ) of
      these cases had no significant differences. RESULTS: At 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months
      after surgery, the hip abductor strength in group A were (0.53 +/- 0.13), (0.66
      +/- 0.21), (0.85 +/- 0.15), (0.95 +/- 0.19), (1.03 +/- 0.13) N . m/kg
      respectively, while in group B were (0.46 +/- 0.14), (0.57 +/- 0.18), (0.78 +/-
      0.12), (0.85 +/- 0.18), (0.98 +/- 0.14) N . m/ kg respectively.The differences
      between the two groups at the 6th months after operation were significant; the
      hip abduction angles in group A were (25.35 +/- 4.31) degrees , (36.53 +/- 5.13)
      degrees , (48.07 +/- 1.62) degrees , (61.53 +/- 1.77) degrees , (68.62 +/- 3.16)
      degrees ,while in group B were (23.47 +/- 2.41) degrees , (33.42 +/- 4.23)
      degrees , (46.64 +/- 2.51) degrees , (60.96 +/- 1.75) degrees , (67.47 +/- 4.36)
      degrees . The differences between the two groups at the 3rd month after operation
      were significant. Harris score in the group A were 72.23 +/- 2.57, 79.36 +/-
      3.91, 84.75 +/- 3.17, 88.63 +/- 2.16, 95.21 +/- 1.37 repectively ; while in the
      group B were 71.58 +/- 3.62, 78.96 +/- 2.21, 83.97 +/- 3.57, 87.92 +/- 2.94,
      94.83 +/- 1.62 respectively. There were no significant differences between them.
      CONCLUSION: Owing to less muscles interrupted, the THA with improved Gibson
      anterolateral approach offers a better improvement in earlier hip abductor
      strength and abduction angle compared with the conventional surgery.

PMID- 27141778
TI  - [New classification of Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare differences between Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the
      hip (DDH) with secondary acetabulum and Crowe IV DDH without secondary
      acetabulum,and determine whether it is necessary to divide Crowe IV DDH into two
      subtypes. METHODS: From June 2007 to May 2015,145 hips of 112 Crowe N patients
      who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) using S-ROM stem were divided into two
      groups: secondary acetabulum formaton group (group A) and no secondary acetabulum
      formaton group (group B). In group A,there were 12 females, 96 males,with an
      average age of (39.38 +/- 11.19) years old. In group B, there were 2 females, 35
      males, with an average age of (38.19 +/- 10.92) years old. All the patients were
      evaluated by using Harris Hip Score. Radiographic evaluations were made
      preoperatively and during follow up. The differences between two groups were
      compared on dislocation height, canal flare index (CFI), subtrochanteric
      shortening osteotomy (SSTO) usage, pre- and post-operation Harris scores,
      complications. RESULTS: The dislocation height for group A was (4.74 +/- 1.57)
      cm, while the dislocation height for group B was (3.12 +/- 1.15) cm.
      Significantly difference was detected between two groups. The CFI for group A was
      2.69 +/- 0.68, while the CFI for group B was 3.42 +/- 0.79, and the significantly
      difference was detected between two groups. Harris scores were totally improved
      from 58.18 +/- 15.67 preoperatively to 91.20 +/- 3.79 post-operatively and the
      difference was significant. Pre-operative Harris scores was 58.1 +/- 15.3 in
      group A, 58.3 +/- 16.9 in group B. Post-operative Harris scores was 91.0 +/- 4.1
      in group A, 91.0 +/- 5.1 in group B. No significant difference was found on
      Harris scores between A and B preoperatively and post-operatively. Complications
      of 4 cases peri-prosthesis fracture, 4 cases dislocation and 4 cases nerve injury
      occur in group A; While only one case dislocation and one case nerve injury occur
      in group B. No statistical significance was detected. CONCLUSION: Crowe IV DDH
      with secondary acetabulum is significantly different from Crowe IV DDH without
      secondary acetabulum on dislocation height and femoral morphology, which causes
      the different selections of surgical techniques (SSTO usage or not). These
      important differences in fundamental parameters indicate the necessity to further
      divide Crowe IV DDH into IVA and IVB two subtypes.

PMID- 27141779
TI  - [Surgical treatment for osteoarthritis secondary to Crowe type IV developmental
      dysplasia of hip in adults].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mothod and therapeutic efficacy of total hip
      anthroplasties (THA) for osteoarthritis secondary to Crowe type IV developmental
      dysplasia of hip in adults. METHODS: From May 2006 to December 2013, THA was
      performed on 15 adult patients (17 hips) with Growe type IV acetabular dysplasia,
      including 13 females and 2 males, with a mean age of 30.9 years old (22 to 58
      years old) and an average preoperative Harris score of (34.0 +/- 6.5) points.
      Traction of the affected limb was not performed before surgery. After extensive
      release and lengthening of soft tissues, sub-trochanteric osteotomy of the femur
      was performed, hip joint center was rebuilt and the abduction function was
      restored. RESULTS: The patients were followed up with a mean period of 33 months
      (ranged from 6 months to 5 years). The postoperative Harris score was 85.0 +/-
      7.3,higher than the preoperative score. The extended length of limb ranged from
      1.6 to 5.4 cm, with a mean of (3.42 +/- 0.65) cm. The shortening and malformation
      of the affected limb were corrected in the most patients,with the difference in
      length of the two legs less than 1.5 cm. After surgery, 1 patient experienced
      partial sciatic nerve injury, which was largely recovered after 3 months of
      conservative treatment. One patient experienced complete sciatic nerve injury,
      which was partially recovered after 6 months of conservative treatment; a foot
      drop varus deformity was formed in the distal end of the affected limb, which was
      improved after tendon transposition and transplantation. Joint pain was relieved,
      and the joint function was restored significantly. Over the follow-up period, no
      severe complications such as dislocation, infection, prosthesis loosening, or
      subsiding occurred. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory efficacy can be achieved for adult
      Growe type IV acetabular dysplasia associated with osteoarthritis by THA, with
      proper soft tissue release and lengthening, sub-trochanteric osteotomy of femur,
      joint functional restoration, appropriate choice of prosthesis, and careful
      protection of nerves and vessels.

PMID- 27141780
TI  - [A comparative study on the measurement of femoral head necrosis lesions using
      ultra-thin layer slicing and computer aided identification].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences between computer aided identification and
      ultra-thin layer slicing in measuring the lesions of femoral head necrosis,and to
      confirm the accuracy and practicability of computer aided method. METHODS: From
      June 2012 to December 2013, the X-ray and MRI of 24 patients (24 hips on
      unilateral) were reviewed, who had avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFA)
      at late stage (stage III and IV) according to the ARCO international staging
      system. There were 15 males and 9 females, with an average age of (65.1 +/- 8.8)
      years old, ranged 33 to 74 years old. Based on the software system with seeds
      point identification, the ragional adaptive search method with computer aid was
      used to calculate the volume of necrotic lesion in femoral on MRI. Then the
      pathological slices of those intraoperative femoral heads were made to measure
      the gross volume of necrotic lesion in femoral head,and the values were compared
      with the data in the computer. RESULTS: For 24 hips, by the calculation of
      computer, the necrotic volume was (20.00 +/- 3.04) cm (ranged, 18.72 to 21.29
      cm3). Under the pathological section, the necrotic volume of the femoral head was
      (19.89 +/- 3.17) cm3 (ranged, 18.55 to 21.23 cm3). In computer and pathology two
      kinds of measurement, the two entire femoral head volume had no significant
      difference using these two measurements (t = -1.227, P = 0.232). CONCLUSION:
      Computer aided identification for necrotic area of femoral head adaptive can
      demonstrate the morphology of femoral head necrosis accurately and reliably,
      which will help surgeon better understand the morphology and orientation in
      femoral head.

PMID- 27141781
TI  - [Discoid medial meniscus of double knees: a case report and literature review].

PMID- 27141782
TI  - [Clinical effect of arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive management of
      bunion].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive
      management of bunion and hallux valgus deformities. METHODS: Total 50 patients
      (53 feet) with bunion and hallux valgus deformities were treated under
      arthroscopy from July 2008 to July 2011, with an average age of 42.3 years old
      (ranging from 30 to 65 years old) involving 19 left feet, 28 right feet and 3
      both feet. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux
      metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal(MP-IP) Scale Score was used to evaluate the
      therapeutic effect. RESULTS: There were no complications such as hallux varus,
      hallux rigid and nerve or blood vessel injury. Clinically, AOFAS MP-IP Scale
      Score was increased from 62.19 +/- 6.01 preoperatively to 88.26 +/- 6.81
      postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive management
      appears to be a good procedure with advantages of less complication, little
      trauma and early rehabilitation for bunion and hallux valugs deformities.

PMID- 27141783
TI  - [Application of shear wave elastography in the evaluation of neck-shoulder
      myofascial pain syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study clinical value of shear wave elastography (SWE) in the
      evaluation of neck-shoulder myofascial pain syndrome. METHODS: From December 2013
      to July 2014,30 patients diagnosed as neck-shoulder myofascial pain syndrome were
      in the treatment group,including 17 males and 13 females, with an average age of
      (44 +/- 3) years old. Thirty healthy people were in the control group, including
      22 males and 8 females, with a mean age of (37 +/- 5) years old. The patients in
      the treatment group were treated with manipulation, once every other day, total 7
      times. The SWE was used to detect tension part of trapezius muscle of patients in
      the treatment group before and after treatment, as well as to detect muscle belly
      at the descending part of trapezius muscle in the control group. The tissue
      elasticity and Yang's modulus value were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The
      tissue elasticity chart of patients in the treatment group before treatment was
      mainly greenish blue with the score of 3.70 +/- 1.53, and the Yang's modulus was
      (43.4 +/- 15.6) kPa. The tissue elasticity figure after treatment was mainly blue
      with the score of 2.40 +/- 0.87, and the Yang's modulus was (29.0 +/- 5.9) kPa.
      Whereas in the control group, the tissue elasticity figure was mainly blue with
      the score of 1.60 +/- 0.72, and the Yang's modulus was (24.0 +/- 7.6) kPa. These
      were statistical differences between the two groups (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: SWE
      can be used as an evaluation method of manipulation treatment for neck-shoulder
      myofascial pain syndrome, which is an objective and sensitive detection method.

PMID- 27141784
TI  - [Clinical outcome of arthroscopic excision of the os subfibulare in ankle pain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect of arthroscopic excision of the os
      subfibulare in anterior-lateral ankle pain. METHODS: From December 2005 to Augest
      2014, 16 patients suffering from pain associated with an os subfibulare in the
      anterior-lateral side of their ankles were reviewed. Among the patients,11
      patients were male and 5 were female, with a mean age of (33.5 +/- 15.6) years
      old. The mean maximum diameter of os subfibulare was (0.70 +/- 0.26) cm. All the
      patients underwent excision of the osseous fragments, and had anatomic
      reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament if the anterior-lateral ankle
      was instable. The average follow-up period was (18.0 +/- 4.5) months. To analyze
      the surgical outcome, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle
      hindfoot pain and function scales,visual analogue scale (VAS) and Tegner activity
      scale were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: AOFAS scales
      were preoperative 60.15 +/- 14.52 and postoperative 92.35 +/- 5.73. There was a
      significant difference between them (t = -8.251, P = 0.000). The mean VAS score
      were preoperative 7.35 +/- 0.46 and postoperative 2.45 +/- 0.98. Statistical
      significance was also notable (t = 18.105, P = 0.000). Tegner score was
      significantly increased from preoperative 2.87 +/- 1.12 to postoperative 5.78 +/-
      1.06 (t= -7.548, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the size of os
      subfibulare, in patients with pain or instability associated with the os
      subfibulare, arthroscopic excision combined with reconstruction of ther anterior
      talofibular ligament or not was effective in restoring ankle function and
      eliminating pain.

PMID- 27141785
TI  - [Analysis on treatment and diagnosis of Segond fracture combined with injuries].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of Segond fracture
      combined with injuries, and to explore the operative method and opportunity.
      METHODS: From June 2010 to December 2014, 10 patients with Segond fracture were
      treated. There were 10 males, ranging in age from 26 to 69 years old, with a mean
      of 42 years old. Under arthroscopy examination within 7 to 10 days after injury,
      6 patients had compete rupture of anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injury;
      2 patients had tibial avulsion fractures of the ACL combined with meniscus
      injury. At 4 to 8 weeks after injury, 2 patients were performed with arthroscopy
      examination; 1 patient had complete rupture of anterior and posterior cruciate
      ligament combined with meniscus injury; and the other patient had complete
      rupture of anterior cruciate ligament alone. All the patients with cruciate
      ligament rupture were treated with reconstruction of cruciate ligament; 9
      patients had meniscus injuries were treated with menisus plasty or suture; and 2
      patients had tibial avulsion fractures of the ACL were treated with non
      absorbable Ethicon suture fixation under arthroscopy. After operation, the
      Lysholm scoring system was used to evaluate clinical effects. RESULTS: Eight
      patients were operated within 10 days after injury, the knee joints swelling was
      obvious at the 3rd day after operation, and blood oozing was found by joint
      puncture. These 8 patients did out-of-bed activity with assistance at 1 week
      postoperatively. Other 2 patients performed operation in 4 to 8 weeks after
      injury without knee joint obvious swelling at the 3rd day after operation, and no
      blood oozing was found by joint puncture. These 2 patients did out-of-bed
      activity with assistance after 3 days postoperatively. All the patients were
      followed up, and the duration ranged from 12 to 24 months, with an average of 18
      months. Postoperative Lysholm score of all patients was higher than preoperative
      scor, and the results were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: For Segond fractures,
      firstly, it is important to gain early diagnosis for treatment. Secondly, it is
      often associated with the rupture of anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus
      injuries, and the best time of cruciate ligament rebuilding and meniscus
      repairing maybe between 4 to 8 weeks after injury. Thirdly, personalized
      treatment should be chosen according to different complications.

PMID- 27141786
TI  - [Risk factors of pinhole infection in the fractured lower limbs after external
      fixation: a case-control study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors of pinhole infection in the fractured
      lower limbs after external fixation. METHODS: The case-control study was
      designed. From May 2009 to May 2014, the clinical data of 272 patients with lower
      limb fracture treated by external fixation device were collected. All the
      patients were divided into two groups according to post-operative pinhole
      infection. There were 29 cases in the case group including 23 males and 6
      females. The age of patients in case group ranged from 25 to 77 years old,with
      the average age of (53.41 +/- 12.77) years old. There were 243 cases in control
      group including 217 males and 26 females. The age of patients in the control
      group ranged from 27 to 78 years old, with the average age of (48.71 +/- 11.87)
      years old. There were nine risk factors observed in our study including age,
      gender, fixed time by external fixation device, diabetes, time in bed, smoking,
      operation condition of other parts in the body, infection condition of other
      parts in the body. RESULTS: The results of univariate analysis showed that there
      were statistically significant differences among age (chi2 = 15.708, P < 0.001),
      fixed time by external fixation device (chi2 = 11.940, P < 0.001), severity of
      the lower limb fracture (chi2 =15.438, P < 0.001), diabetes (chi2 = 8.519, P =
      0.004) and time in bed (chi2 = 7.165, P = 0.007) between case group and control
      group. The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors
      of pinhole infection after fixed by external fixation device in the lower limb
      fracture were the advanced age (OR = 8.327, P < 0.001), fixed time by external
      fixation device (OR = 6.795, P < 0.001), diabetes (OR = 4.965, P = 0.001) and
      time in bed (OR = 4.864, P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The advanced age, long fixed
      time, diabetes and long time in bed could increase the risk of pinhole infection
      after external fixation in the lower limbs with fracture.

PMID- 27141787
TI  - [Mid-term outcome of surgical operation for thoracolumbar tuberculosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mid-term outcome of operation for thoracolumbar
      tuberculosis. METHODS : Twenty-eight patiens with thoracolumbar tuberculosis
      underwent one stage anterior debridement,interbody fusion with bone graft and
      posterior pedicle screw internal fixation treatment from July 2006 to July 2011.
      There were 17 males and 11 females. Total 17 patients had nerve injuries
      ,including 6 cases of grade B, 5 cases of grade C, 6 cases of grade D according
      to Frankel classification. The poisoning symptoms of tuberculosis and recovery of
      spinal function were observed. The bone fusion and recovery of [umbar function
      were evaluated. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up ,and the duration
      ranged from 39 to 85 months (mean 57 months). The clinical symptoms were
      controlled gradually, and the thoracolumbar back pain was alleviated after
      operation. Among the 17 patients with complications of nerve injuries, 3 patients
      were improved from preoperative grade B to postoperative grade D, 3 patients were
      improved from preoperative grade B to postopertive E, 5 patients with
      preoperative grade C and 6 patients with preoperative D were almostly recovered
      to normal after operation. According to JOA scoring system for curative effect
      evaluation, the excellent and good rate at the 3rd month, the 1st year, the 3rd
      year and the 5th year after operation were 67.86% ,82.14% ,85.71% ,89.29% and
      91.30% respectively. The results at the 6th month and the 1st year had no
      statistical differences compared to the results at the 3rd month (P > 0.05); but
      the results at the 3rd year and the 5th year were better than that at 3 months
      after operation (P < 0.05); and the results between 3 yesrs and 5 years after
      operation had no statistical differences (P < O.05). The degeneration of adjacent
      segments were evaluated according to the California University (Universith of
      California at Los Angeles , UCLA) score. The degeneration rate was 53.57% (15/28)
      at the 3rd year after surgery, which was better than that before surgery. Twenty
      three patients were followed up for 5 years ,and the degeneration rate was 86.96%
      (20/23) ,which was better than those of before surgery and 3 years after surgery.
      CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment for thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis can
      achieve the thorough debridement, reconstruction of spinal stability, recovery of
      lumbar function and promote the functional recovery of the spinal cord, which is
      an effective method of treatment. However, the mid term follow-up showed that
      more severe degenerative changes were found in the postoperative adjacent
      segment.

PMID- 27141788
TI  - [Clinical effects of internal fixation with Herbert screws for the treatment of
      Pipkin femoral head fractures].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effects of internal fixation with Herbert
      screws for the treatment of Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fractures.
      METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2012, 23 patients with Pipkin type I and
      type II femoral head fractures were treated with open reduction and internal
      fixation by Herbert screws through Kocher-Langenbeck approach. Twenty-three
      patients (aged 18 to 52 years with a mean of 35.5 years, including 18 males and 5
      females patients, 8 left hips and 15 right hips) with femoral head fractures and
      posterior hip dislocation. The fracture was classified according to Pipkin
      classification based on the radiographic findings, 5 patients had type I and 18
      had type II fractures. The duration time from admission to the operation ranged
      from 6 to 72 h (averaged 32 h). The clinical and radiographic outcomes of the
      patients were measured using Thompson-Epstein scoring scale. The Harris hip
      score(HHS) was used to evaluate and compare hip functions at the latest follow-up
      between affected and healthy sides. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up,
      and the duration ranged from 20 to 48 months (averaged 30 months). According to
      Thompson-Epstein system, 12 patients got an excellent result, 6 good, 4 fair and
      1 poor. The average HHS at the finial follow-up was 87.80 +/- 8.46 (ranged from
      66 to 95), which is similar to that in the healthy side 90.10 +/- 6.35 (ranged
      from 72 to 98) (t = 1.044, P = 0.302). The complications such as deep infection,
      and deep vein thrombosis were not found. At the 3rd year during follow-up,4
      patients had avascular necrosis of femoral head. At the 1st year of follow-up, 1
      patient had hip pain after walking,screws loosening and shift after trauma,and
      serious complications of traumatic arthritis. All the 5 patients were treated
      with total hip arthroplasties. CONCLUSION: The treatment of internal fixation
      with Herbert screws through the Kocher-Langenbeck approach is effective for
      Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fracture. The method is reliable and
      valuable for recommendation. However, such fracture may have avascular necrosis
      of femoral head and complication of traumatic arthritis, which should be observed
      carefully in clinic with preparation of the prevention and treatment measures.

PMID- 27141789
TI  - [Application of 360 degree circular decompression and transpedicle screw fixation
      in the treatment of ossification of thoracic posterior longitudinal ligament by
      posterior approach].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effects of 360 degree circular
      decompression and transpedicle screw fixation to treat the ossification of
      thoracic posterior longitudinal ligament by posterior approach. METHODS: From
      December 2009 to November 2013, 18 patients with ossification of thoracic
      posterior longitudinal ligament ossification were treated with 360 degree circle
      decompression and transpedicle screw fixation by posterior approach. There were 8
      males and 10 females,ranging in age from 32 to 67 years old, with an average of
      51 years old. Four patients were accompanied with ligamentum flavum ossification.
      Longitudinal ossifications in 5 cases were located in the upper thoracic vertebra
      and 13 cases in the middle and lower thoracic vertebra. Five cases were typical
      type, 4 cases were segmental type, 6 cases were continuous type and 3 cases were
      mixed type. All the patients had the posterior spinal canal decompression
      combined with longitudinal ligament resection, interbody fusion with bone graft
      and internal fixation surgeries. The operation time,blood loss and complications
      were recorded. JOA score were applied to evaluate the neurological function
      recovery pre-surgery, 2 days post-surgery and the latest follow-up. The surgery
      effects were evaluated by Epstein-Schwall method. RESULTS: The operation time
      ranged from 3 to 6 hours (mean, 4.2 hours). The blood loss ranged from 800 to 4
      000 ml (mean, 1 800 ml). All the patients were followed up, and the duration
      ranged from 6 months to 3 years, with a mean of 1.8 years. The JOA score
      increased from preoperative 4.30 +/- 2.60 to 7.60 +/- 2.40 2 days after surgery,
      and 7.80 +/- 1.90 at the latest follow-up (t = 4.61, P < 0.001). The JOA scores
      between 2 days after surgery and the latest follow-up had no significant
      differences (t = 0.28,P = 0.78). The neurological recovery rate was 74% 2 days
      after surgery and 71% at the latest follow-up. There were 4 cases got an
      excellent result,10 good,3 fair and 1 poor according to Epstein-Schwall
      evaluation method. Four patients had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 3 patients had
      intercostal nerve paralysis or pain, and 1 patient had superficial incision
      infection. The neurological function in 3 patients became worse in the second day
      posteratively , and among them, 2 patients were recovered at the latest follow-up
      and 1 patient had no changes. All the patients got fusion of bone graft and no
      internal fixation loosening and fractures occurred. CONCLUSION: 360 degree
      circular decompression and transpedicle screw fixation can resect different types
      of thoracic longitudinal ligament ossification, and can achieve a good clinical
      effect.

PMID- 27141790
TI  - [Comparison of clinical efficacy between minimally invasive total hip
      artliroplasty and traditional total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the effectiveness of minimally invasive total
      hip arthroplasty (MIS-THA) versus traditional total hip arthroplasty (THA) in
      patients with hip diseases. METHODS: Through a method of combining Free words and
      keywords,we searched databases including PubMed,The Cochrane Library, EMbase,Web
      of Science, CBM , CNKI and Wanfang Data for randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
      on the comparison between MIS-THA and THA for hip disease from inception to June,
      2014. Two reviewers independently screened literatures according to the inclusion
      and exclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed the quality of the included
      studies according to the "bias risk assessment" tool recommended by Cochrane
      Handbook 5.0 for Systematic Reviews. Then, meta-analysis was performed using
      RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Thirteen RCTs involving 1 213 cases of surgeries
      and total 1 284 hips (MIS-THA: n = 631; THA: n = 653) were identified. The
      results of meta-analysis showed that statistically significant differences were
      found in Harris hip score on the 3rd month after operation [MD = 8.37, 95% CI
      (6.02,10.72)], Hematocrit [MD = 0.02, 95% CI (0.01, 0.03)] and Hemoglobin [MD =
      0.50, 95% CI (0.16, 0.85)] at the 48th hour after operation, changed value of
      femoral offset [MD = 0.30, 95% CI (0.04, 0.56)] between two groups. In the change
      value of femoral offset, THA was better than MIS-THA; There were no statistically
      significant differences between two groups in Harris hip score at 1st year after
      operation [MD = 3.26, 95% CI (-3.25, 9.76)], WOMAC score [MD = -0.53, 95% CI (
      3.67, 2.60)] and Oxford score [MD = 1.34, 95% CI (-3.46, 6.13)] at the 6th week
      after operation, Hematocrit at the 8th hour after operation [MD = -0.01, 95% CI (
      0.02, 0.00)], the incidence of hip varus [RR = 0.82, 95% CI (0.45,1.52)] and
      dislocation [RR = 1.40, 95% CI (0.48, 4.12)]. CONCLUSION: THA brings less trauma,
      less hemorrhage and better early clinical outcome compared with MIS-THA, but the
      difference of the complication rates between the two groups is similar.

PMID- 27141791
TI  - [Association of red blood cell damage with arachidonic acid].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between arachidonic acid (AA) and acute red
      blood cells damage in rats, and to build a model with hidden blood loss in vivo,
      and to explore the pathological mechenism of hidden blood loss. METHODS: A total
      of 50 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats weighing (200 +/- 20) g were randomly
      divided into five groups (n = 10): control group and four experimental groups.
      The rats in the experimental groups were given 0.5 ml different concentrations of
      AA dilu- ents, 5, 10, 20, 40 mmol/L respectively. The blood samples were
      collected from orbital venous at the beginning and 24, 48, 72 hours after
      administration. Then the changes of hemoglobin (Hb) ,red blood cell count (RBC),
      glutathione peroxidase (GSH- PX) activity, total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD)
      activity and hydrogen peroxide (H202) in the blood samples were tested. RESULTS:
      Significant hidden blood loss occurred when the concentration was 10 mmol/L in
      the experimental group, with the RBC and Hb sharply reduced in blood samples. The
      Hb and RBC were reduced in all the experimental groups and control group at 24
      hours after administration, while in the experimental groups they changed more
      obviously. The GSH-PX activity, T-SOD activity and H2O2were also significantly
      reduced in all groups, and the changes showed significant differences. The Hb and
      RBC were relatively stable in the control group and the experimental groups at 48
      hours after administration; while GSH-PX activity, T-SOD activity and H2O2were
      all significantly decreased, and the changes in the experimental groups were more
      notable. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of AA in the blood causes oxidative stress
      in the red blood cells, leading to the damage of red blood cells and hemoglobin,
      which is responsible for hidden blood loss.

PMID- 27141792
TI  - [Surgical treatment for Mayo II B comminuted fracture of the olecranon].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study clinical effects of surgery for the treatment of Mayo II B
      comminuted fracture in ulna olecranon. METHODS: From May 2008 to March 2015, a
      total of 37 patients with Mayo II B comminuted fracture in ulua olecranon were
      treated, including 20 males and 17 females, ranging in age from 40 to 65 years
      old ,with an average of 53 years old. All the patients were treated with open
      reduction and internal fixation within 4 to 7 days after injuries. All the
      patients had pain and functional disorder uf elbow joint. The X-ray and CT
      examination showed ulna olecranon comminuted fracture of Mayo II B. Postoperative
      complications were observed ,and Broberg-Morrey criteria was used tu evaluate
      therapeutic effects. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up ,and the duraiton
      ranged from 9 to 30 months ,with a mean of 15 months. Two patients had surface
      infection around incision ,and were healed by changing dressings. No other
      complications occurred such as needle slipping to stimulate skin ,screw loosening
      and wire broken. One patient had slight uneveness of joint surface without
      obvious functional disorder. According to Broberg-Morrey elbow fracture curative
      effect criteria, 11 paients got an excellent result, 24 good and 2 fair,and the
      total score was 87.0 +/- 7.3. CONCLUSION: For the Mayo II B comminuted fracture
      in ulna olecranon, preoperative preparation, intraoperative restoring of the
      articular surface smooth and reasonable internal fixation, and postoperative
      rehabilitation actively, can obtain satisfactory clinical effects.

PMID- 27141793
TI  - [Current treatment situation and progress on bone defect of collapsed tibial
      plateau fractures].
AB  - Characteristics of collapsed tibial plateau fracture determines that the joint
      surface must remain anatomical reduction,line of force in tibial must exist and
      internal fixation must be strong. However, while renewing articular surface
      smoothness, surgeons have a lot of problems in dealing with bone defect under the
      joint surface. Current materials used for bone defect treatment include three
      categories: autologous bone, allograft bone and bone substitutes. Some scholars
      think that autologous bone grafts have a number of drawbacks, such as increasing
      trauma, prolonged operation time, the limited source, bone area
      bleeding,continuous pain, local infection and anesthesia,but most scholars
      believe that the autologous cancellous bone graft is still the golden standard.
      Allograft bone has the ability of bone conduction, but the existence of immune
      responses, the possibility of a virus infection, and the limited source of the
      allograft cannot meet the clinical demands. Likewise, bone substitutes have the
      problem that osteogenesis does not match with degradation in rates. Clinical
      doctors can meet the demand of the patient's bone graft according to patient's
      own situation and economic conditions.

PMID- 27141794
TI  - [Research progress in strategy of lateral femoral offset reconstruction in total
      hip arthroplasty].
AB  - As an important indicator of total hip arthroplasty (THA) the rate and degree of
      offset reconstruction play an important role in improving the prognosis and life
      quality of patients. The reconstruction of femoral offset is closely related to
      reserved length of calcar femorale, the head and neck length of prosthesis, angle
      degree of neck shaft and whether lower limb is isometric. Reconstruction strategy
      includes making a meticulous and standard measurement before the surgery,
      predicting the reserved length of calcar femorale, selecting a prosthesis with
      approximate anatomical neck-shaft angle and reconstructing offset by adjusting
      the head and neck length of the prosthetic during the operation. The aim of this
      article was to introduce the research progress and influence of offset on hip
      function, prosthetic wear and postoperative complications such as pain, limp and
      unequal leg length, and to discuss the reconstruction strategy.

PMID- 27141795
TI  - [Effects of HO-1 on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress of
      Rat Hepatocytes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of antioxidant stress protein heme oxygenase-1
      (HO-1) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) of
      rat hepatocytes. METHODS: The BRL cells (rat hepatocyte cell line) were cultured.
      The hepatocytes were treated with LPS, LPS+HO-1 siRNA, HO-1 siRNA and PBS
      solution, respectively. The cell viability was measured by trypan blue exclusion
      test. The apoptosis cells were detected by the fluorescent dye Hoechst 33258.
      Expressions of GRP78, CHOP, caspase-12 and HO-1 were detected by Western
      blotting. RESULTS: LPS caused an increase of HO-1 protein expression of rat
      hepatocytes in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, a up-regulation of
      GRP78, CHOP and caspase-12, a decrease in cell viability, and an increase in
      apoptosis rate of hepatocytes. Pretreatment of HO-1 siRNA inhibited the up
      regulation of LPS-induced HO-1, however, aggravated ERS and cellular injury.
      CONCLUSION: HO-1 inhibites ERS-mediated cellular injury of rat hepatocytes
      induced by LPS.

PMID- 27141796
TI  - [Pathological Features of Myocardial Contraction Band Necrosis in Sudden Cardiac
      Death].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pathological features and significance of
      myocardial contraction band necrosis in sudden cardiac death. METHODS: Using HE
      and PTAH staining, the distribution sites and pathological features of myocardial
      contraction band necrosis were observed. The data were analyzed according to the
      extent of necrosis. RESULTS: The locations, pathological features and the extent
      of necrosis were similar in different sudden death cases. The locations were
      related with sites of myocardial damage. The papillary muscles of left
      ventricular were most occurred, followed by the anterior wall of left
      ventricular. In the sudden death cases caused by stress cardiomyopathy, the
      extent of myocardial contraction band necrosis was lighter than the others. Most
      cases were predominantly level 1, the others were level 2. CONCLUSION: Used as
      the diagnosis basis of acute myocardial ischemia, the myocardial contraction band
      necrosis has important significance to determination of death.

PMID- 27141797
TI  - [Dynamic Posturography of Injured Lower Limb in Postural Evoked Response].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the balance function of injured lower limb by dynamic
      posturography. METHODS: Using the dynamic posturography instrument, the postural
      evoked responses of sixty-two normal people and two hundred and fifty-eight
      people with injured lower limb bones and joints were detected. The test was
      included sensory organization test (SOT) and adaption test (ADT). The results of
      two groups were compared by t test. RESULTS: Compared with the normal people, the
      impaired people had significant statistical differences in balance scores of SOT3
      SOT6 and proportion score of dynamic proprioception (P < 0.05). There was no
      obvious decrease in ADT. CONCLUSION: The balance function of injured lower limb
      significantly decreases.

PMID- 27141798
TI  - [Species Identification Based on Morphological Variability of Femur].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the morphological characteristics of femurs of adult human
      and 11 kinds of adult animals from cattle, horses, pigs, goats, sheep, dogs,
      cats, rabbits, geese, ducks, chickens, and to establish an effective species
      identification method among various species. METHODS: The 4 cm mid-diaphyseal
      segment of the femur from adult human (older than 20 years old) at autopsy was
      obtained. Addi-tionally, the 4 cm ones from 11 kinds of adult animals were
      obtained. After decalcification, all femurs were made into slices, and then were
      observed by optical microscope. The 25 indexes were selected and analyzed by step
      discriminant analysis according to differences between human and mammal, human
      and poultry, and human and 11 kinds of animals. RESULTS: The histological
      structure of bone mineral density of middle part of femur had obvious
      characteristics among the species. And the morphology and number of osteon showed
      the trend of obvious biological evolution. There were 11 indexes with significant
      differences between human and 11 kinds of animals to establish some mathematical
      models to discriminate all species. The correct discrimination rate was 96.3%
      between human and mammal. The correct discrimination rate was up to 100% between
      human and poultry, and was 89.4% among human, mammal and poultry. CONCLUSION: The
      mathematical models have good correct discrimination rate among human and the
      other animals, which could be applied in the practical species identification
      cases.

PMID- 27141799
TI  - [Application of Ion Torrent PGMTM System in Detection of Fetal DNA in Maternal
      Plasma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of detecting of Y-STR of fetal DNA in
      maternal plasma using Ion Torrent PGMTM System. METHODS: A total of 16 fetal DNA
      samples from maternal plasmas (8 cases from 38 weeks gestational age and 8 ones
      from 12 weeks) were prepared and a multiplex assay with 7 STR loci (DYS390,
      DYS391, DYS393, DYS438, DYS437, DYS456, DYS635) was designed for multiplex-PCR
      amplification. Using Ion Torrent PGMTM System, the results of Y-STR sequences and
      capillary electrophoresis were obtained and compared. RESULTS: Y-STR specific
      alleles were detected in the maternal plasma of all the pregnant women having
      male babies of second and third trimester, which were higher than that detected
      by capillary electrophoresis. Consistent Y-STR genotypes were observed between
      fetal DNA from maternal plasma and genomic DNA from the newborn babies.
      CONCLUSION: Based on Ion Torrent PGMTM System, the prenatal Y-STR detection
      method may provide a high-sensitive and high-throughput choice for prenatal STR
      detection in forensic testing.

PMID- 27141800
TI  - [Molecular Genetic Analysis of One Sudden Unexplained Death in the Young by Whole
      Exome Sequencing].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To find the mutation of disease-causing genes of sudden unexplained
      death syndrome (SUDS) in the young by whole exome sequencing in one case.
      METHODS: One SUDS case was found no obvious fatal pathological changes after
      conventional autopsy and pathological examination. The whole exome sequencing was
      performed with the Ion Torrent PGMTM System with hg19 as reference sequence for
      sequencing data. The functions of mutations were analyzed by PhyloP, PolyPhen2
      and SIFT. A three-step bioinformatics filtering procedure was carried out to
      identify possible significative single nucleotide variation (SNV), which was
      missense mutation with allele frequency < 1% of myocardial cell. RESULTS: Four
      rare suspicious pathogenic SNV were identified. Combined with the analysis of
      conventional autopsy and pathological examination, the mutation MYOM2
      (8_2054058_G/A) was assessed as high-risk deleterious mutation by PolyPhen2 and
      SIFT, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the second generation sequencing
      technology, analysis of whole exome sequencing can be a new method for the death
      cause investigation of SUDS. The gene MYOM2 is a new candidate SUDS pathogenic
      gene for mechanism research.

PMID- 27141801
TI  - [Analysis and Discussion on Calculating Likelihood Ratio of DNA Mixture].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze and discuss four methods of calculating likelihood ratio of
      DNA mixture. METHODS: In the case with CNAS-T0757 proficiency testing in 2013,
      the likelihood ratios were calculated and compared among four methods, including
      unrestricted combinatorial method, Clayton's method, p2 principle method, and
      recommendations from ISFG. RESULTS: The likelihood ratios were maximum by
      Clayton's method and recommendations from ISFO, followed by result of the
      unrestricted combinational method. The minimum likelihood ratio was obtained by
      p2 principle. CONCLUSION: The unrestricted combinational method could give
      fUrthest consideration to both information preservation and appraiser protection.

PMID- 27141802
TI  - [Determination of Triptolide and Wilforlide A in Biological Samples by LC-MS/MS].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determinate triptolide and wilforlide A in biological samples by
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method and to verify
      the method. METHODS: After 0.4 mL blood, urine or 0.4 g hepatic tissues with
      internal standard were extracted by ethyl acetate, they were separated on a
      Allure PFP Propyl (100 mm x 2.1 mm, 5 um) with a mobile phase of methanol-20
      mmol/L ammonium acetate using gradient elution. For mass spectrometric detection,
      electrospray ionization (ESI+) in positive mode was elected and the data was
      collected using multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM). RESULTS: The linearity was
      good (r > 0.995 0) and the limit of detection was 2 ng/mL or 2 ng/g for
      triptolide and wilforlide A. The recovery was 61.08%-102.98%. The intra-day and
      inter-day precision was less than 12.58% for each biological sample, and the
      accuracy was 90.61%-105.80%. CONCLUSION: This method is simple, convenient and
      good selective, and could be applied to analysis of triptolide and wilforlide A
      in different biological samples. And the method may provide technical support for
      forensic medicine identification, clinical diagnosis and treatment of
      tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. poisoning.

PMID- 27141803
TI  - [Distribution of Formic Acid after Methanol Intoxication in Rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate concentration and distribution in blood and tissues of
      formic acid after methanol intoxication in rats. METHODS: The Sprague-Dawley rats
      were divided into groups for control group and 3-day and 7-day intoxication
      treatment groups. The experimental groups were administered methanol by gavage
      with the initial dose of 8 mL/kg and followed with 4 mL/kg supplemental dose 24 h
      later. After 3 days and 7 days later, rats were killed by decapitation. Then
      samples of cardiac blood, liver, kidney, brain, heart and stomach of each group
      were collected. Formic acid concentrations were detected by high performance
      liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Formic acid concentrations in tissues were higher
      than in blood. Compared with 3-day intoxication group, there was an increase
      formic acid of concentration in brain and stomach in 7-day intoxication group,
      while a decrease in liver and kidney (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: High performance
      liquid chromatography could be used to accurately detect formic acid. As the
      metabolite of methanol, formic acid accumulates in rat blood and tissues after
      intoxication and the concentrations in organs and tissues are obviously higher
      than in blood.

PMID- 27141804
TI  - [DNA Extraction of Cast-off Cells of Fingerprints from 502 Glue Fumigated Contact
      Samples].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a method of fingerprint position, sample transfer and
      fingerprint DNA extraction in contact samples. METHODS: Sixty-six cases were
      visualized by 502 glue fingerprint fumigation. Two methods, ordinary wipe and
      acetone wipe, were used to transfer cast-off cells of fingerprints from testing
      samples, respectively. DNA was extracted and purified by ultramicro magnetic bead
      kit. The data was resolved on genetic analysis after amplification. RESULTS: In
      33 samples, 30 samples got better STR analysis by acetone wipe method. The peak
      range was 1,000-4,000 RFU and peak shapes were equable. It was hard to get ideal
      STR typing by ordinary wipe method. CONCLUSION: The samples are visualized by 502
      glue fingerprint fumigation and the case-off cells are transferred by acetone
      wipe method. The method shows better STR analysis result, which might be a better
      method for forensic science practice.

PMID- 27141805
TI  - [Establishing a 29 Y-STR Loci Multiplex PCR System].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a 29 Y-STR loci multiplex PCR system for investigating
      the genetic polymorphisms and to assess its application value in forensic
      science. METHODS: A multiplex PCR system was established using a five color
      fluorescence labeling 29 Y-STR loci (DYS456, DYS389 I , DYS437, DYS447, DYS389
      11, DYS438, DYS522, DYS460, DYS458, DYS622, DYS390, DYS392, DYS448, DYS449,
      DYS391, Y-GA TA-H4, DYS388, DYS19, DYS385a/b, DYS527a/b, DYS393, DYS459a/b,
      DYS635, DYS439, DYS570 and DYS627) for multiple amplification and capillary
      electrophoresis. And its applicability was validated with genetic polymorphism
      data of 29 Y-STR of unrelated 2,000 male samples in Shandong Han population.
      RESULTS: A total of 1,981 different haplotypes of 2,000 individuals showed
      genotype diver- sity between 0.370 0 and 0.965 4. The system provided stable and
      accurate typing with high sensitivity of 0.05 ng. It satisfied the needs of
      variety of routine biological samples. CONCLUSION: The 29 Y-STR loci multiplex
      PCR system could be applied for actual cases and establishment of Y-STR database.
      In addition, it has great significance in forensic science practices and related
      research.

PMID- 27141806
TI  - [Progress on Diatom Test in Drowning Cases].
AB  - In drowning cases, it is difficult to judge whether the deceased died from
      drowning or throwing into the water after killed or identificate the cause of
      death of the decomposed corps in forensic practices. The diatom test is still
      considered as the important assistant evidence in drowning cases. This paper
      reviews research progress on technologies in recent years of forensic diatom
      test, and the application value of the new developing approach in the field of
      forensic medicine.

PMID- 27141807
TI  - [Advances in Biomarkers of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Cerebrospinal Fluid and
      Blood].
AB  - Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is defined as a mild brain trauma resulting in
      a short loss of consciousness and alteration of mental status. It may also
      occasionally develop persistent and progressive symptoms. It has been confirmed
      that MTBI causes changes of anatomic structures in central nervous system and
      biomarkers in the body fluid. However, there is no sufficient research on
      relevance among threshold for the brain injury, individual vulnerability and
      duration of disturbance of consciousness. Furthermore, there are no reliable
      diagnostic methods to establish whether a blow to the head is sufficient to cause
      the brain injury. This review provides references for biomarkers in cerebrospinal
      fluid and blood associated with TBI. It also provides application status and
      potential prospects for further assessment and diagnosis of MTBI.

PMID- 27141808
TI  - [Progress on Individual Stature Estimation in Forensic Medicine].
AB  - Individual stature estimation is one of the most important contents of forensic
      anthropology. Currently, it has been used that the regression equations
      established by the data collected by direct measurement or radiological
      techniques in a certain group of limbs, irregular bones, and anatomic landmarks.
      Due to the impact of population mobility, human physical improvement, racial and
      geographic differences, estimation of individual stature should be a regular
      study. This paper reviews the different methods of stature estimation, briefly
      describes the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and prospects a new
      research direction.

PMID- 27141809
TI  - Binding mode exploration of LuxR-thiazolidinedione analogues, e-pharmacophore
      based virtual screening in the designing of LuxR inhibitors and its biological
      evaluation.
AB  - Master quorum sensing (QS) regulator LuxR of Vibrio harveyi is a unique member of
      the TetR protein superfamily. Recent studies have demonstrated the contribution
      of thiazolidinedione analogues in blocking QS by decreasing the DNA-binding
      ability of LuxR. However, the precise mechanism of thiazolidinedione analogues
      binding to LuxR is still unclear. In the present study, molecular docking
      combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was performed to understand the
      mechanism of ligand binding to the protein. The binding pattern of
      thiazolidinedione analogues showed strong hydrogen bonding interactions with the
      amine group (NH) of polar amino acid residue Asn133 and carbonyl (C=O)
      interaction with negatively charged amino acid residue Gln137 in the binding site
      of LuxR. The stability of the protein-ligand complexes was confirmed by running
      50 ns of MD simulations. Further, the four-featured pharmacophore hypothesis
      (AHHD) consists of one acceptor (A), two hydrophobic regions (HH) and one donor
      (D) group was used to screen compounds from ChemBridge database. The identified
      hit molecules were shown to have excellent pharmacokinetic properties under the
      acceptable range. Based on the computational studies, ChemBridge_5343641 was
      selected for in vitro assays. The 1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-3-[(4,6-dimethyl-2
      pyrimidinyl)thio]-2-propanol (ChemBridge_5343641) showed significant reduction in
      bioluminescence in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, ChemBridge_5343641
      inhibits biofilm formation and motility in V. harveyi. The result from the study
      suggests that ChemBridge_5343641 could serve as an anti-QS molecule.

PMID- 27141810
TI  - Near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green-lactosomes in a mouse
      model of rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is
      important to reduce joint destruction. Many of the current imaging techniques
      have disadvantages, such as the need for contrast agents and interpretation by
      specialists. Fluorescence imaging is an emerging technique that overcomes some of
      these problems. The aim of this study was to determine whether near-infrared
      (NIR) fluorescence imaging of indocyanine green (ICG)-lactosomes can detect joint
      inflammation in a mouse model of RA. METHODS: Control and arthritic SKG/Jcl mice
      were injected with ICG alone or ICG-lactosomes and examined by NIR fluorescence
      imaging. Arthritis severity was assessed macroscopically and histopathologically.
      RESULTS: ICG fluorescence was detected in the liver soon after injection and then
      decreased over the next several hours. ICG was not detected in the joints of
      control or arthritic mice. In contrast, ICG-lactosomes remained in mice for at
      least 48 h and accumulated specifically at inflamed joints. ICG-lactosome
      fluorescence was higher in arthritic versus normal joints at all times examined
      and was maximal at 24 h after injection. CONCLUSIONS: NIR fluorescence imaging of
      ICG-lactosomes detects arthritic joints in a mouse model of RA. ICG-lactosomes
      may preferentially localize to inflamed joints via enhanced permeability and
      retention.

PMID- 27141811
TI  - Behcet's disease with intestinal perforation: A case report.
AB  - A 34-year-old man with an 8-year history of outbreaks of oral and genital ulcers
      presented with high fever and skin lesions that had developed 21 days earlier,
      without abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed intestinal perforation
      requiring surgery. After treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprine proved
      to be ineffective, it was switched to adalimumab.

PMID- 27141812
TI  - Molecular identification and antigenic characterization of a merozoite surface
      antigen and a secreted antigen of Babesia canis (BcMSA1 and BcSA1).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Babesia canis is an apicomplexan tick-transmitted hemoprotozoan
      responsible for causing canine babesiosis in Europe and west Asia. Despite its
      importance, there is no known rapid diagnostic kit detection of B. canis
      infection in dogs. The present study identified two novel antigens of B. canis
      and used the recombinant antigens to establish a rapid, specific and sensitive
      serodiagnostic technique for detection of B. canis infection. METHODS: A
      complementary DNA (cDNA) expression library was constructed from the mRNA of B.
      canis and immunoscreened using B. canis-infected dog sera. The cDNAs encoding a
      merozoite surface antigen and a secreted antigen protein were identified and
      designated as BcMSA1 and BcSA1, respectively. The recombinant BcMSA1 and BcSA1
      (rBcMSA1 and rBcSA1) expressed in Escherichia coli were purified and injected
      into mice for production of anti-sera. The native proteins were characterized by
      Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, indirect enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assays (iELISA) and rapid immunochromatographic tests (ICT) based
      on rBcMSA1 or rBcSA1 were established and evaluated to test specific antibodies
      in consecutive plasma samples from two B. canis-infected dogs. RESULTS: Antiserum
      raised against rBcMSA1 and rBcSA1 recognized the 39 kDa and 44 kDa native
      proteins by Western blot analysis, respectively. In addition, immunofluorescence
      and confocal microscopic observations revealed that BcMSA1 was found on the
      surface of parasites. However, BcSA1 localized in the matrix of the merozoites.
      The ELISA and ICT based on rBcMSA1 or rBcSA1 could detect specific antibodies in
      consecutive plasma samples from two B. canis-infected dogs. They showed no cross
      reactions against the serum samples collected from dogs experimentally infected
      with closely related parasites. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the current results
      indicated that the rBcMSA1 and rBcSA1 are promising serodiagnostic antigens for
      developing iELISA and ICT to detect B. canis infection. To our knowledge, this
      study is the first to report BcMSA1 and BcSA1 as potential antigenic proteins for
      serodiagnosis of B. canis infection in dogs.

PMID- 27141813
TI  - Time trends in pediatric hospitalizations for hepatitis A in Greece (1999-2013):
      Assessment of the impact of universal infant immunization in 2008.
AB  - Hepatitis A vaccine was introduced in the Greek National Immunization Program in
      2008. To estimate possible impact of the universal vaccination implementation,
      time trends of hospitalizations for hepatitis A at the Infectious Diseases Unit
      of a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital in Athens during 1999-2013 were analyzed.
      Hepatitis A hospitalizations were recorded from the discharge database and were
      expressed as frequencies and rate of annual departmental hospitalizations. Time
      series analysis (ARIMA) was used to explore trends and the impact of the
      vaccination. Moreover, changes in patient age, population group distribution and
      the duration of hospitalization were also examined. Hepatitis A hospitalizations
      rate significantly decreased between pre-vaccination (1999-2008) and post
      vaccination (2009-2013) era from 50.5 to 20.8/1000 hospitalizations (p = 0.005).
      A 3-year periodicity and a trend of reduction on hepatitis A hospitalizations
      rates across years were noted. Roma children had significant higher rates of
      hepatitis A hospitalization, followed by immigrant children. Importantly,
      possibly due to preceding vaccine availability with considerable uptake in
      private market and unvaccinated group/pockets of children (Roma), overall
      vaccination effect was less apparent when compared to data from other countries
      that implemented universal vaccination. No significant change in patient age,
      population group distribution, or duration of hospitalization was observed. High
      risk groups such as Roma children should be targeted for vaccination to reduce
      future outbreaks.

PMID- 27141815
TI  - Elevated copeptin is associated with atherosclerosis and diabetic kidney disease
      in adults with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vasopressin exerts important cardio-renal effects, but remains
      problematic to measure. Copeptin is a more stable peptide derived from the same
      precursor molecule. We examined the associations between copeptin, coronary
      artery calcium (CAC), albuminuria and impaired glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
      in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: Participants with (n=209) and
      without T1D (n=244) in the Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 1 Diabetes
      (CACTI) study were assessed for serum copeptin, CAC measured using 128-slice
      spiral CT, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and eGFR calculated by CKD
      EPI creatinine. Impaired GFR was defined as eGFR <60mL/min/1.73m(2), albuminuria
      as UACR >=30mg/g, high and very high CAC score as >=100 and >=300AU, and elevated
      copeptin as >13pmol/L (>97.5th percentile for healthy adults). Unadjusted and
      adjusted (age, sex, HbA1c, SBP and LDL-C) logistic models were applied to examine
      the relationships. RESULTS: Participants with T1D had greater ultrasensitive
      copeptin concentrations than non-diabetics (3.5 [95% CI 2.3-3.8] vs. 2.8 [2.7
      3.1], p=0.003). In participants with T1D, elevated copeptin was associated with
      greater odds of impaired eGFR (OR: 18.52, 95% CI 4.03-85.02), albuminuria (10.55,
      2.24-49.62), high CAC (6.61, 1.39-31.31) and very high CAC (6.24, 1.51-25.90) in
      multivariable models. Similar linear relationships were obtained with
      ultrasensitive copeptin, eGFR, UACR, CAC volume and CAC score in adjusted models.
      CONCLUSION: In this cross-sectional analysis, copeptin was strongly associated
      with diabetic kidney disease and coronary atherosclerosis in adults with T1D.
      Further research is needed to determine whether these relationships hold true
      longitudinally in people with T1D.

PMID- 27141814
TI  - The influence of calcitonin gene-related peptide on markers of bone metabolism in
      MG-63 osteoblast-like cells co-cultured with THP-1 macrophage-like cells under
      virtually osteolytic conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been
      described to have an inhibitory effect on endotoxin- and wear particle-induced
      inflammation in the early stages of periprosthetic osteolysis. In the present
      study, the crosstalk between immune cells and osteoblasts in osteolytic
      conditions treated with CGRP has been analyzed to evaluate whether the anti
      inflammatory properties of the peptide also have a beneficial, i.e. an anti
      resorptive and osteo-anabolic impact on bone metabolism. METHODS: MG-63
      osteoblast-like cells were co-cultured with THP-1 macrophage-like cells
      stimulated with either ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
      particles or different concentrations of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and
      simultaneously treated with CGRP. Inflammation was monitored in terms of
      measuring the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha secretion. Furthermore,
      the production of the osteoblast markers osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor
      activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and
      osteopontin (OPN) was quantified. Also, ALP enzymatic activity was measured.
      RESULTS: Stimulation of co-cultured THP-1 macrophages with either high levels of
      LPS or UHMWPE induced the secretion of TNF-alpha which could be inhibited by CGRP
      to a great extent. However, no remarkable changes in the OPG/RANKL ratio or bone
      ALP activity were observed. Interestingly, OPN was exclusively produced by THP-1
      cells, thus acting as a marker of inflammation. In addition, TNF-alpha production
      in THP-1 single cell cultures was found to be considerably higher than in co
      cultured cells. CONCLUSIONS: In the co-culture system used in the present study,
      no obvious relation between inflammation, its mitigation by CGRP, and the
      modulation of bone metabolism became evident. Nonetheless, the results suggest
      that during the onset of periprosthetic osteolysis the focus might lie on the
      modulation of inflammatory reactions. Possibly, implant-related inflammation
      might merely have an impact on osteoclast differentiation rather than on the
      regulation of osteoblast activity.

PMID- 27141817
TI  - High Field Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy Investigation of (15)N-Labeled Rosette
      Nanotubes: Hydrogen Bond Network and Channel-Bound Water.
AB  - (15)N-labeled rosette nanotubes were synthesized and investigated using high
      field solid-state NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy,
      and electron microscopy. The results established the H-bond network involved in
      the self-assembly of the nanostructure as well as bound water molecules in the
      nanotube's channel.

PMID- 27141816
TI  - Automatic detection of diffusion modes within biological membranes using back
      propagation neural network.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single particle tracking (SPT) is nowadays one of the most popular
      technique to probe spatio-temporal dynamics of proteins diffusing within the
      plasma membrane. Indeed membrane components of eukaryotic cells are very dynamic
      molecules and can diffuse according to different motion modes. Trajectories are
      often reconstructed frame-by-frame and dynamic properties often evaluated using
      mean square displacement (MSD) analysis. However, to get statistically
      significant results in tracking experiments, analysis of a large number of
      trajectories is required and new methods facilitating this analysis are still
      needed. RESULTS: In this study we developed a new algorithm based on back
      propagation neural network (BPNN) and MSD analysis using a sliding window. The
      neural network was trained and cross validated with short synthetic trajectories.
      For simulated and experimental data, the algorithm was shown to accurately
      discriminate between Brownian, confined and directed diffusion modes within one
      trajectory, the 3 main of diffusion encountered for proteins diffusing within
      biological membranes. It does not require a minimum number of observed particle
      displacements within the trajectory to infer the presence of multiple motion
      states. The size of the sliding window was small enough to measure local behavior
      and to detect switches between different diffusion modes for segments as short as
      20 frames. It also provides quantitative information from each segment of these
      trajectories. Besides its ability to detect switches between 3 modes of
      diffusion, this algorithm is able to analyze simultaneously hundreds of
      trajectories with a short computational time. CONCLUSION: This new algorithm,
      implemented in powerful and handy software, provides a new conceptual and
      versatile tool, to accurately analyze the dynamic behavior of membrane
      components.

PMID- 27141818
TI  - A transactional perspective on occupation: a critical reflection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The emergence of a transactional perspective on occupation, informed
      primarily by John Dewey's work, has gained increasing popularity in occupational
      science and occupational therapy. AIM: The aim of this paper is to offer a
      critical reflection on a transactional perspective on occupation and to advance
      the dialogue on a transactional perspective on occupation. METHODS: A framework
      for critical reflection of theory was applied to a transactional perspective on
      occupation, exploring five domains of theory usefulness: clarity, simplicity,
      generality, accessibility, and importance. FINDINGS: A transactional perspective
      on occupation presents with clear strengths including its ability to capture
      complex relationships, its generality, and its importance to occupational
      research. However, there is a need to address issues in clarity and accessibility
      by establishing consistent definitions of constructs, further developing the
      construct of occupation within the perspective, and applying methods well suited
      to understand its relational perspective. CONCLUSIONS: A transactional
      perspective on occupation has more recently emerged as a promising perspective
      through which to understand occupation. It holds promise in understanding
      cultural conceptualizations of occupation and the relationship between
      occupations and the natural environment. Future work should address possible
      dissonance between its pragmatic underpinnings and harmful occupations, and
      develop contextual elements beyond the social.

PMID- 27141819
TI  - Mycobacterial antigen 85 complex (Ag85) as a target for ficolins and mannose
      binding lectin.
AB  - The pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) able to activate complement via the
      lectin pathway are suspected to be involved in the interaction between pathogenic
      Mycobacteria and the host immune response. Recently, we have found strong
      interactions between 25 and 35kDa mycobacterial cell fractions and mannose
      binding lectin (MBL) and ficolins. Here we demonstrate that two biologically
      important mycobacterial structures, mannosylated lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM) and
      the antigen 85 (Ag85) complex, induce activation of the lectin pathway of
      complement. The strong interaction of recombinant MBL with purified ManLAM was
      confirmed, but no binding of recombinant ficolins (ficolin-1, -2, -3) with this
      structure was observed. Interestingly, all PRMs tested reacted with the
      mycobacterial antigen 85 (Ag85) complex. Based on the use of specific inhibitors
      (mannan for MBL, acetylated bovine serum albumin for ficolin-1 and -2, Hafnia
      alvei PCM 1200 lipopolysaccharide for ficolin-3), we concluded that carbohydrate
      recognition (MBL) and fibrinogen-like domains (ficolins) were involved in these
      interactions. Our results indicate that the mycobacterial antigen 85 complex is a
      target for ficolins and MBL. Furthermore, those PRMs also bound to fibronectin
      and therefore might influence the Ag85 complex-dependent interaction of
      Mycobacterium with the extracellular matrix. 

PMID- 27141821
TI  - Socioeconomic status and vaccine coverage during wild-type poliovirus emergence
      in Israel.
AB  - In August 2013, a nationwide vaccination campaign with bivalent oral polio
      vaccine (bOPV) was initiated after isolation of wild-type poliovirus type 1 (WPV
      1) in routine sewage surveillance in Israel. The campaign started in the Southern
      district and later extended to the entire country. This study examined the
      association between socioeconomic status (SES), and compliance with bOPV vaccine
      during the campaign. Nationwide data relating to SES by geographical cluster were
      correlated with vaccine coverage rates in the same areas. All analyses were
      conducted separately for Jews and Arabs. Coverage with the bOPV vaccination
      campaign in the Arab population (92.4%) was higher than in the Jewish population
      (59.2%). This difference was consistently present in all SES clusters. In the
      Jewish population there was an inverse correlation between SES and vaccination
      coverage rates (R = -0.93, P < 0.001). Lower vaccination coverage with
      supplemental vaccine activities in higher SES groups is a challenge that needs to
      be addressed in future public health events and emergencies in order to achieve
      satisfactory protection rates for the public.

PMID- 27141822
TI  - Less is More: Comparing the 2015 and 2009 American Thyroid Association Guidelines
      for Thyroid Nodules and Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The American Thyroid Association (ATA) has recently revised its
      guidance pertaining to thyroid nodules and follicular cell-derived thyroid
      cancer. The 2015 guidelines are massive in both scope and scale, with changes in
      the organizational approach to risk stratification of nodules and cancer, as well
      as multiple sections covering new material. This review highlights the major
      structural and organizational changes, focusing attention on the most
      dramatically changed recommendations, that is, those recommendations that
      clinicians will find striking because they call for significant divergence from
      prior clinical practice. SUMMARY: The revised approach to thyroid nodule risk
      stratification is based on sonographic pattern, with an emphasis on pattern
      rather than growth in the long-term surveillance of nodules. Accumulating data
      have also been incorporated into an updated risk stratification scheme for
      thyroid cancer that increases the size of the low-risk pool, in part because low
      volume lymph nodal metastases are now considered low risk. The most fundamentally
      altered recommendation is that lobectomy might be considered as the initial
      surgical approach for follicular cell-derived thyroid cancers from 1 to 4 cm in
      size. CONCLUSIONS: The underlying theme of the 2015 ATA guidelines is that "less
      is more." As these new recommendations are adopted, fewer fine-needle aspiration
      biopsies will need to be done, less extensive surgeries will become more common,
      less radioactive iodine will be used either for treatment or for diagnostics, and
      less stimulated thyroglobulin testing will be done. Mastery of these guidelines
      will help clinicians know when it is reasonable to do less, thus providing
      responsibly individualized therapy for their patients.

PMID- 27141820
TI  - Clinical impacts of inhibition of renin-angiotensin system in patients with acute
      ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent successful late
      percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the occluded
      infarct-related artery (IRA) in latecomers may improve long-term survival mainly
      by reducing left ventricular remodeling. It is not clear whether inhibition of
      renin-angiotensin system (RAS) brings additional better clinical outcomes in this
      specific population subset. METHODS: Between January 2008 and June 2013, 669
      latecomer patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
      (66.2+/-12.1 years, 71.0% males) in Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry
      (KAMIR) who underwent a successful PCI were enrolled. The study population
      underwent a successful PCI for a totally occluded IRA. They were divided into two
      groups according to whether they were prescribed RAS inhibitors at the time of
      discharge: group I (RAS inhibition, n=556), and group II (no RAS inhibition,
      n=113). RESULTS: During the one-year follow-up, major adverse cardiac events
      (MACE), which consist of cardiac death and myocardial infarction, occurred in 71
      patients (10.6%). There were significantly reduced incidences of MACE in the
      group I (hazard ratio=0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.199-0.588, p=0.001). In
      subgroup analyses, RAS inhibition was beneficial in patients with male gender,
      history of hypertension or diabetes mellitus, and even in patients with left
      ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >=40%. In the baseline and follow-up
      echocardiographic data, benefit in changes of LVEF and left ventricular end
      systolic volume was noted in group I. CONCLUSIONS: In latecomers with STEMI, RAS
      inhibition improved long-term clinical outcomes after a successful PCI, even in
      patients with low risk who had relatively preserved LVEF.

PMID- 27141824
TI  - Case report: a student of Asian origin with Pott's disease.
AB  - We describe a case report of a student of Asian origin who presented with fever
      of unknown origin, cough, recent onset low back pain and weight loss. Initial
      physical examination was unremarkable. Laboratory results showed inflammation,
      but extensive testing for bacteriological and viral serology was negative. While
      the chest Computed Tomography (CT) scan did not show any abnormal findings,
      pelvic CT scan revealed an osteolytic sacral mass, with extension to the soft
      tissues and muscles, and concomitant nerve compression. An ultrasonography-guided
      puncture of the lesion eventually showed Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to
      the diagnosis of tuberculous spondylitis or Pott's disease. The standard
      tuberculostatic treatment was applied during 9 months with a good clinical
      result. Skeletal tuberculosis is not common in Western countries and it can be
      overlooked in foreign patients with fever of unknown origin.

PMID- 27141823
TI  - Characterization of novel Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) antisense transcripts by
      deep sequencing reveals constitutive expression in tumors and transcriptional
      interaction with viral microRNAs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) is a deltaretrovirus closely related to
      the Human T cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1). Cattle are the natural host of BLV
      where it integrates into B-cells, producing a lifelong infection. Most infected
      animals remain asymptomatic but following a protracted latency period about 5 %
      develop an aggressive leukemia/lymphoma, mirroring the disease trajectory of HTLV
      1. The mechanisms by which these viruses provoke cellular transformation remain
      opaque. In both viruses little or no transcription is observed from the 5'LTR in
      tumors, however the proviruses are not transcriptionally silent. In the case of
      BLV a cluster of RNA polymerase III transcribed microRNAs are highly expressed,
      while the HTLV-1 antisense transcript HBZ is consistently found in all tumors
      examined. RESULTS: Here, using RNA-seq, we demonstrate that the BLV provirus also
      constitutively expresses antisense transcripts in all leukemic and asymptomatic
      samples examined. The first transcript (AS1) can be alternately polyadenylated,
      generating a transcript of ~600 bp (AS1-S) and a less abundant transcript of
      ~2200 bp (AS1-L). Alternative splicing creates a second transcript of ~400 bp
      (AS2). The coding potential of AS1-S/L is ambiguous, with a small open reading
      frame of 264 bp, however the transcripts are primarily retained in the nucleus,
      hinting at a lncRNA-like role. The AS1-L transcript overlaps the BLV microRNAs
      and using high throughput sequencing of RNA-ligase-mediated (RLM) 5'RACE, we show
      that the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) cleaves AS1-L. Furthermore,
      experiments using altered BLV proviruses with the microRNAs either deleted or
      inverted point to additional transcriptional interference between the two viral
      RNA species. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of novel viral antisense transcripts
      shows the BLV provirus to be far from silent in tumors. Furthermore, the
      consistent expression of these transcripts in both leukemic and nonmalignant
      clones points to a vital role in the life cycle of the virus and its tumorigenic
      potential. Additionally, the cleavage of the AS1-L transcript by the BLV encoded
      microRNAs and the transcriptional interference between the two viral RNA species
      suggest a shared role in the regulation of BLV.

PMID- 27141825
TI  - Corrigendum to "A comparison of cervical histopathology variability using whole
      slide digitized images versus glass slides: experience with a statewide registry"
      [HumAN PatholOGY 2013;44:2542-2548].

PMID- 27141826
TI  - Implementation of a Mini-CEX Requirement Across All Third-Year Clerkships.
AB  - PROBLEM: Direct observation of medical students performing clinical tasks, such
      as eliciting a patient history or examining a patient, and the provision of
      feedback, are foundational to student improvement but have been reported to occur
      infrequently. The mini clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX) is a tool that can
      facilitate direct observation and feedback. This study assessed the impact of a
      mini-CEX requirement across all 3rd-year clerkships on student report of direct
      observation by faculty and objectively measured clinical skills. INTERVENTION: A
      mini-CEX requirement across all 3rd-year clerkships was implemented in the 2012
      2013 academic year. The impact of the mini-CEX requirement on student report of
      direct observation was assessed by end-of-clerkship surveys and Association of
      American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) items on direct
      observation. The impact on students' clinical skills was assessed by a summative
      Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Pre/post comparisons were
      assessed with chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. CONTEXT: A mini-CEX
      requirement had been in place for the internal medicine clerkship, and student
      reports of direct observation were historically higher for the internal medicine
      clerkship than for other clerkships. Faculty, residents, and students at each of
      the clinical sites across all 6 clerkships were oriented to the use of the mini
      CEX; the feasibility of its use during usual patient interaction settings and the
      importance of direct observation and feedback for student improvement were
      emphasized during these sessions. OUTCOME: Adherence to the mini-CEX requirement
      was high: 92% of required forms were completed, and 78% of completed forms
      indicated that specific feedback was given. The proportion of students reporting
      direct observation of physical examination significantly increased in all
      clerkships, with the largest relative increase occurring in surgery (from 49% to
      87%), chi2(1, N = 225) = 37.70, p < .0001. Significant increases were seen in
      faculty observation of history taking in pediatrics, surgery, and psychiatry.
      Direct observation rates also increased on the AAMC GQ items for history taking
      and physical exam for all clerkships. Failures on the summative OSCE decreased
      from 12% preintervention to 2% postintervention (p = .0046). LESSONS LEARNED:
      Institution of a mini-CEX requirement was feasible across all 3rd-year clerkships
      and was associated with a significant increase in student report of direct
      observation by faculty and a decrease in summative OSCE failure rates.

PMID- 27141827
TI  - Double-stranded RNA analog and type I interferon regulate expression of Trem
      paired receptors in murine myeloid cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells (Trem) proteins are a
      family of cell surface receptors used to control innate immune responses such as
      proinflammatory cytokine production in mice. Trem genes belong to a rapidly
      expanding family of receptors that include activating and inhibitory paired
      isoforms. RESULTS: By comparative genomic analysis, we found that Trem4, Trem5
      and Trem-like transcript-6 (Treml6) genes typically paired receptors. These
      paired Trem genes were murine-specific and originated from an immunoreceptor
      tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM)-containing gene. Treml6 encoded ITIM,
      whereas Trem4 and Trem5 lacked the ITIM but possessed positively-charged residues
      to associate with DNAX activating protein of 12 kDa (DAP12). DAP12 was directly
      associated with Trem4 and Trem5, and DAP12 coupling was mandatory for their
      expression on the cell surface. In bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs)
      and macrophages (BMDMs), and splenic DC subsets, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid
      (polyI:C) followed by type I interferon (IFN) production induced Trem4 and Treml6
      whereas polyI:C or other TLR agonists failed to induce the expression of Trem5.
      PolyI:C induced Treml6 and Trem4 more efficiently in BMDMs than BMDCs. Treml6 was
      more potentially up-regulated in conventional DC (cDCs) and plasmacytoid DC
      (pDCs) than Trem4 in mice upon in vivo stimulation with polyI:C. DISCUSSION:
      Treml6-dependent inhibitory signal would be dominant in viral infection compared
      to resting state. Though no direct ligands of these Trem receptors have been
      determined, the results infer that a set of Trem receptors are up-regulated in
      response to viral RNA to regulate myeloid cell activation through modulation of
      DAP12-associated Trem4 and ITIM-containing Treml6.

PMID- 27141828
TI  - Defining a COPD composite safety endpoint for demonstrating efficacy in clinical
      trials: results from the randomized, placebo-controlled UPLIFT(r) trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) clinical trials
      evaluating hard endpoints (mortality, hospitalized exacerbations) require a large
      number of subjects and prolonged observational periods. We hypothesized that a
      composite endpoint of respiratory outcomes (CERO) can help evaluate safety and
      benefit in COPD trials. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 5992 patients enrolled
      in the 4-year UPLIFT(r) trial, a randomized trial of tiotropium versus placebo in
      patients with moderate-to-severe COPD. Patients were permitted to continue using
      their usual COPD medications except for other anticholinergics. The CERO included
      deaths, respiratory failure, hospitalized exacerbations, and trial dropout due to
      COPD worsening. The incidence rates (IRs) per 100 patient-years and risk ratios
      (RRs and 95 % CI) were determined at years 1 to 4. The effect of treatments on
      CERO was similarly assessed. A power analysis helped calculate the sample size
      needed to achieve outcome differences between treatments. RESULTS: The CERO IRs
      at years 1 to 4 for tiotropium versus placebo were 16, 13, 11, and 11, and 21,
      16, 14, and 13, respectively. The RRs of CERO between tiotropium and placebo at
      the same time points were: RR-year 0.76 (0.67, 0.86), 0.80 (0.72, 0.88), 0.81
      (0.74, 0.89), and 0.84 (0.77, 0.92). Using the IRs and RRs, the sample size
      (alpha = 0.05 two-sided, 90 % power) for studies of 1, 2, 3, and 4 years would be
      1546, 1392, 1216, and 1504 per treatment group, respectively, with 575, 810, 930,
      1383 required events, respectively, for hypothetical, event-driven studies.
      CONCLUSIONS: A composite endpoint incorporating relatively infrequent serious or
      significant COPD-related safety outcomes could be useful in clinical trials. In
      UPLIFT(r), CERO events were significantly reduced in patients receiving
      tiotropium compared with placebo. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00144339 .

PMID- 27141829
TI  - TET3 inhibits TGF-beta1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition by
      demethylating miR-30d precursor gene in ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormal DNA methylation/demethylation is recognized as a hallmark of
      cancer. TET (ten-eleven translocation) family members are novel DNA demethylation
      related proteins that dysregulate in multiple malignances. However, their effects
      on ovarian cancer remain to be elucidated. METHODS: The changes of TET family
      members during TGF-beta1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in SKOV3
      and 3AO ovarian cancer cells were detected. TET3 was ectopically expressed in TGF
      beta1-treated ovarian cancer cells to examine its effect on TGF-beta1-induced EMT
      phenotype. The downstream target of TET3 was further identified. Finally, the
      relationships of TET3 expression to clinic-pathological parameters of ovarian
      cancer were investigated with a tissue microarray using immunohistochemistry.
      RESULTS: TET3 was downregulated during TGF-beta1-initiatd epithelial-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) in SKOV3 and 3AO ovarian cancer cells. Overexpression of TET3
      reversed TGF-beta1-induced EMT phenotypes including the expression pattern of
      molecular markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin, N-cadherin, Snail) and migratory and
      invasive capabilities of ovarian cancer cells. miR-30d was identified as a
      downstream target of TET3, and TET3 overexpression resumed the demethylation
      status in the promoter region of miR-30d precursor gene, resulting in restoration
      of miR-30d (an EMT suppressor of ovarian cancer cells proven in our previous
      study) level in TGF-beta1-induced EMT. We further found that TET3 expression was
      decreased in ovarian cancer tissues, especially in serous ovarian cancers. The
      overall positivity of TET3 was inversely correlated with the grade of
      differentiation status of ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that
      TET3 acted as a suppressor of ovarian cancer by demethylating miR-30d precursor
      gene promoter to block TGF-beta1-induced EMT.

PMID- 27141830
TI  - Intelligence moderates the benefits of strategy instructions on memory
      performance: an adult-lifespan examination.
AB  - Whether older adults can compensate for their associative memory deficit by using
      memory strategies efficiently might depend on their general cognitive abilities.
      This study examined the moderating role of an IQ estimate on the beneficial
      effects of strategy instructions. A total of 142 participants (aged 18-85 years)
      received either intentional learning or strategy ("sentence generation")
      instructions during encoding of word pairs. Whereas young adults with a lower IQ
      benefited from strategy instructions, those with a higher IQ did not, presumably
      because they already use strategies spontaneously. Older adults showed the
      opposite effect: following strategy instructions, older adults with a higher IQ
      showed a strong increase in memory performance (approximately achieving the level
      of younger adults), whereas older adults with a lower IQ did not, suggesting that
      they have difficulties implementing the provided strategies. These results
      highlight the importance of the role of IQ in compensating for the aging-related
      memory decline.

PMID- 27141832
TI  - Erratum to "The puzzle of intrafamilial child sexual abuse: A meta-analysis
      comparing intrafamilial and extrafamilial offenders with child victims" [Clin.
      Psychol. Rev. 39 (2015) 42-57].

PMID- 27141831
TI  - Connexin 26 (GJB2) mutation in an Argentinean patient with keratitis-ichthyosis
      deafness (KID) syndrome: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Keratitis-Ichthyosis-Deafness (KID) syndrome is a rare condition
      characterized by pre-lingual sensorineural deafness with skin
      hyperkeratinization. The primary cause of the disease is a loss-of-function
      mutation in the GJB2 gene. Mutations in Argentinean patients have not been
      described. CASE PRESENTATION: We studied a 2 year-old boy with bilateral
      congenital sensorineural deafness with dry skin over the entire body,
      hypotrichosis of the scalp, thin and light-blond hair. Analysis of the GJB2 gene
      nucleotide sequence revealed the substitution of guanine-148 by adenine predicted
      to result in an Asp50Asn amino acid substitution. CONCLUSION: This is the first
      KID report in a patient from Argentina. This de novo mutation proved to be the
      cause of keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome (KID-syndrome) in the patient,
      and has implications in medical genetic practice.

PMID- 27141833
TI  - The development of a new computer adaptive test to evaluate chorea in Huntington
      disease: HDQLIFE Chorea.
AB  - PURPOSE: Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative
      disease associated with motor, behavioral, and cognitive deficits. The hallmark
      symptom of HD, chorea, is often the focus of HD clinical trials. Unfortunately,
      there are no self-reported measures of chorea. To address this shortcoming, we
      developed a new measure of chorea for use in HD, HDQLIFE Chorea. METHODS:
      Qualitative data and literature reviews were conducted to develop an initial item
      pool of 141 chorea items. An iterative process, including cognitive interviews,
      expert review, translatability review, and literacy review, was used to refine
      this item pool to 64 items. These 64 items were field tested in 507 individuals
      with prodromal and/or manifest HD. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses
      (EFA and CFA, respectively) were conducted to identify a unidimensional set of
      items. Then, an item response theory graded response model (GRM) and differential
      item functioning analyses were conducted to select the final items for inclusion
      in this measure. RESULTS: EFA and CFA supported the retention of 34 chorea items.
      GRM and DIF supported the retention of all of these items in the final measure.
      GRM calibration data were used to inform the selection of a 6-item, static short
      form and to program the HDQLIFE Chorea computer adaptive test (CAT). CAT
      simulation analyses indicated a 0.99 correlation between the CAT scores and the
      full item bank. CONCLUSIONS: The new HDQLIFE Chorea CAT and corresponding 6-item
      short form were developed using established rigorous measurement development
      standards; this is the first self-reported measure developed to evaluate the
      impact of chorea on HRQOL in HD. This development work indicates that these
      measures have strong psychometric properties; future work is needed to establish
      test-retest reliability and responsiveness to change.

PMID- 27141836
TI  - Colombian Rasch validation of KIDSCREEN-27 quality of life questionnaire.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The family of KIDSCREEN instruments is the only one with trans
      cultural adaptation and validation in Colombia. These validations have been
      performed from the classical test theory approach, which has evidenced
      satisfactory psychometric properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      psychometric properties of KIDSCREEN-27 children and parent-proxy versions,
      through Rasch analysis. METHODS: The participants in the present study were two
      different sets of populations, 321 kids with a mean age of 12.3 (SD 2.6), 41 % 8
      to 11 years old and 59 % 12 to 18 years old; and 1150 parent-proxy with an
      average age of 45.5 (SD 18.9). Psychometric properties were assessed using the
      partial credits model in the Rasch approach. Unidimensionality, fitting of person
      and item, response form, and differential item functioning (DIF) were measured.
      RESULTS: The Infit MNSQ in child self-reported version that ranges between 0.71
      1.76, and 0.69-1.31 in the parent-proxy version. Scores gathered on Likert forms
      of 5-response options, person separation was 2.08 for child self-reported version
      and 2.40 for parent-proxy; reliability was 0.81 and 0.85, respectively. Items
      reliability was 0.99 on both versions, with separations of 11.92 for child self
      reported and 10.83 for parent-proxy. There was not DIF according to the variables
      sex and age but was present according to socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION: There
      was a good fit for items and individuals to the Rasch model. Item separation was
      adecuate, and person separation improved when the response form was re-codified
      to four options. The presence of DIF according to socioeconomic status implies a
      scale's bias in the measure of HRQoL of Colombian children.

PMID- 27141834
TI  - Linking Infectious and Narcology Care (LINC) in Russia: design, intervention and
      implementation protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Russia and Eastern Europe have one of the fastest growing HIV
      epidemics in the world. While countries in this region have implemented HIV
      testing within addiction treatment systems, linkage to HIV care from these
      settings is not yet standard practice. The Linking Infectious and Narcology Care
      (LINC) intervention utilized peer-led strengths-based case management to motivate
      HIV-infected patients in addiction treatment to obtain HIV care. This paper
      describes the protocol of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the
      effectiveness of the LINC intervention in St. Petersburg, Russia. METHODS/DESIGN:
      Participants (n = 349) were recruited from the inpatient wards at the City
      Addiction Hospital in St. Petersburg, Russia. After completing a baseline
      assessment, participants were randomly assigned to receive either the LINC
      intervention or standard of care. Participants returned for research assessments
      6 and 12 months post-baseline. Primary outcomes were assessed via chart review at
      HIV treatment locations. DISCUSSION: LINC holds the potential to offer an
      effective approach to coordinating HIV care for people who inject drugs in
      Russia. The LINC intervention utilizes existing systems of care in Russia,
      minimizing adoption of substantial infrastructure for implementation. Trial
      Registration NCT01612455.

PMID- 27141837
TI  - Accordion-style pedicle suspension in inferocentral pedicled mammoplasty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In breast reduction surgery, while the primary objective may appear to
      be decreasing the breast volume, the ultimate goal is to achieve symmetrical,
      appealing, and sustainable breast cosmesis. To circumvent late-term ptosis
      following inferior pedicle mammoplasty, methods such as pedicle suspension to the
      ribs, support with dermal flaps and grafts, and the use of some alloplastic
      materials have been proposed. This paper presents a method of folding and fixing
      the inferocentral pedicle on itself and the underlying pectoral fascia. METHODS:
      Inferocentral pedicled, inverted T-scar reduction mammoplasties were performed on
      50 patients from June 2009 to June 2014. The inferocentral pedicle, which was
      kept narrow and long, instead of the conventional inferior-based pyramidal
      design, was folded over its de-epithelialised surfaces in an accordion fashion
      and sutured. The confection was then sutured to the pectoral fascia by its
      lateral and superior borders for long-term preservation of breast moulding.
      RESULTS: In inferocentral breast reduction, the quest for a method that achieves
      appealing and lasting pyramidal breast shape continues. CONCLUSIONS: This
      technique is regarded as a simple and effective method for achieving good short-
      and long-term results for patients being considered for moderate and advanced
      breast reduction.

PMID- 27141838
TI  - Individual differences in brain responses to cigarette-related cues and pleasant
      stimuli in young smokers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decreased sensitivity to pleasant stimuli is associated with a higher
      vulnerability to nicotine dependence in youths and with difficulty quitting in
      adult smokers. Recently, we showed that smokers showing lower brain reactivity to
      non-cigarette-related pleasant images than to cigarette-related ones have lower
      chances of achieving long-term abstinence during a quit attempt. METHODS: We
      tested whether individual differences in brain responses to cigarette-related and
      pleasant stimuli require a long history of smoking to develop by measuring the
      late positive potential (LPP) to cigarette cues, emotional, and neutral stimuli
      in 45 young, light smokers (ages 18-25). k-means cluster analysis was used to
      partition smokers into two groups based on the magnitude of their LPPs. RESULTS:
      Group 1 was characterized by larger LPPs to pleasant pictures than cigarette
      related pictures whereas Group 2 showed the opposite pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that individual differences in brain responses to cigarette
      related and pleasant cues do not require a long smoking history to develop.

PMID- 27141840
TI  - Efficacy of the Community Reinforcement and Family Training for concerned
      significant others of treatment-refusing individuals with alcohol dependence: A
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) is a
      promising approach for Concerned Significant Others (CSOs) of alcohol-dependent
      individuals (ADI) that aims to engage treatment-refusing patients in alcohol
      treatment and to improve CSO functioning. To date, only two randomized controlled
      trials (RCTs) of CRAFT-based treatment for CSOs of ADI are available, both
      conducted in the U.S. For the first time, this study analyses the efficacy of
      CRAFT in a sample of CSOs outside of the U.S. METHODS: Participants were
      recruited through the treatment system (general practitioners, psychotherapists,
      addiction counselling services) and through media solicitation. After brief
      screening, 94CSOs were randomly allocated to an immediate intervention condition
      (II) or a wait list condition (WL) that received the CRAFT intervention after 3
      months. Data for the follow-up assessments at 3 and 6 months was provided by
      78CSOs (II N=42; WL N=36). In addition, a follow-up assessment (f-u) was
      conducted after 12 months (Response rate 92%). RESULTS: At 3-month f-u, II
      revealed significant higher ADI engagement rates (40.5%) compared to WL (13.9%);
      after WL received the CRAFT intervention, engagement rates did not differ between
      both groups at 6- and 12-month f-u. CSOs in both groups reported significant
      improvements in terms of mental health and family cohesion after having received
      the intervention, i.e. II at 3-months f-u and WL at 6-month f-u. CONCLUSIONS:
      Data show that CRAFT is effective for treating CSOs of alcohol dependent
      individuals in terms of treatment engagement and improvement of CSOs mental
      health and family cohesion.

PMID- 27141839
TI  - Internalizing and externalizing disorders as predictors of alcohol use disorder
      onset during three developmental periods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The developmental pathways associated with an enhanced risk for
      future alcohol use disorders (AUDs) continue to be a topic of both interest and
      debate. In this research, internalizing and externalizing disorders were
      evaluated as prospective predictors of the index AUD episode onset, separately
      within three developmental periods: early-to-middle adolescence (age 13.0-17.9),
      late adolescence (18.0-20.9), and early adulthood (21.0-30.0). METHODS:
      Participants (N=816) were initially randomly selected from nine high schools in
      western Oregon and subsequently interviewed on four separate occasions between
      ages 16 and 30, during which current and past AUDs were assessed as well as a
      full range of psychiatric disorders associated with internalizing and
      externalizing psychopathology domains. RESULTS: In adjusted analyses for each of
      the three developmental periods investigated, externalizing domain
      psychopathology from the most proximal adjoining developmental period predicted
      AUD onset. Distal externalizing psychopathology also predicted AUD onset among
      early adult onset cases. Proximal or distal internalizing psychopathology, in
      comparison, was not found to be a significant predictor of AUD onset in adjusted
      analyses for any of the developmental periods examined. CONCLUSIONS: Findings
      overall suggest that externalizing developmental histories are robust predictors
      of AUD onset within the age range during which index episodes are most likely to
      occur, and that gender does not moderate this association.

PMID- 27141841
TI  - E-cigarette use and subsequent cigarette and marijuana use among Hispanic young
      adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) could have a multifaceted effect on
      public health by changing the likelihood that: (a) non-smokers and non-users of
      marijuana subsequently transition to cigarette and marijuana use, respectively,
      and/or: (b) cigarette smokers subsequently quit smoking. We analyzed data from a
      longitudinal study of Hispanic young adults in Los Angeles, California to
      determine whether e-cigarette use is associated with subsequent cigarette or
      marijuana use over a one-year period. METHODS: Survey data were collected from
      1332 Hispanic young adults (59% female, mean age=22.7 years, SD=0.39 years) in
      2014 and 2015. Logistic regression analyses examined the association between e
      cigarette use in 2014 and cigarette/marijuana use in 2015, controlling for age,
      sex, and other substance use. RESULTS: In 2014, prevalence of past-month use was
      9% for e-cigarettes, 21% for cigarettes, and 23% for marijuana. Among past-month
      cigarette nonsmokers in 2014, those who were past-month e-cigarette users in 2014
      were over 3 times more likely to be past-month cigarette smokers in 2015,
      compared with those who did not report past-month e-cigarette use in 2014 (26%
      vs. 7%; OR=3.32, 95% CI=1.55, 7.10). Among past-month marijuana non-users in
      2014, those who were past-month e-cigarette users in 2014 were nearly 2 times
      more likely to be past-month marijuana users in 2015 (24% vs. 12%;OR=1.97, 95%
      CI=1.01, 3.86). Among past-month cigarette and marijuana users in 2014, e
      cigarette use in 2014 was not associated with a change cigarette and marijuana
      use, respectively, in 2015. CONCLUSIONS: Among Hispanic young adults, e
      cigarettes could increase the likelihood of transitioning from non-user to user
      of cigarettes or marijuana and was not associated with smoking cessation.

PMID- 27141842
TI  - Suicide attempts among alcohol-dependent pain patients before and after an
      inpatient hospitalization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined (1) whether pain diagnoses were risk factors for
      non-fatal suicide attempts before and after inpatient hospitalizations in alcohol
      dependent veterans, and (2) the characteristics of pain patients who attempted
      suicide. METHOD: Administrative data from the Veterans Health Administration were
      used to identify veterans with an alcohol use disorder who had an inpatient
      hospitalization during fiscal year 2011 (n=13,047). Logistic regression analyses
      were used to examine the associations of suicide attempts before and after
      hospitalizations with pain diagnoses, demographics, medical comorbidity, and
      psychiatric comorbidity. RESULTS: Bivariate analyses and analyses controlling for
      demographics and medical comorbidity, indicated that pain diagnoses were
      significantly associated with suicide attempts in the 365days before
      hospitalization (Odds Ratio Adjusted [OR]=1.22). This effect was not significant
      after controlling for psychiatric disorders. Pain diagnoses were not identified
      as risk factors of suicide attempts in the 365days following discharge. Subgroup
      analyses among only those with a pain diagnosis revealed that being younger
      (OR=2.64), being female (OR=2.28), and having an attempt in the year prior to
      hospitalization (OR=4.11) were risk factors of suicide attempts in the year
      following hospitalization. Additionally, younger age (OR=2.13) and depression
      (OR=3.53) were associated with attempts in the year prior to the hospitalization.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that psychiatric disorders account for the
      relationship between pain diagnoses and past suicide attempts among hospitalized
      alcohol-dependent veterans. Pain-specific suicide prevention efforts may be
      better targeted at less intensive levels of care.

PMID- 27141844
TI  - Erratum to: LeFRK2 is required for phloem and xylem differentiation and the
      transport of both sugar and water.

PMID- 27141845
TI  - Strigolactones: past, present and future.

PMID- 27141843
TI  - Nanoparticle suspensions enclosed in methylcellulose: a new approach for
      quantifying nanoparticles in transmission electron microscopy.
AB  - Nanoparticles are of increasing importance in biomedicine but quantification is
      problematic because current methods depend on indirect measurements at low
      resolution. Here we describe a new high-resolution method for measuring and
      quantifying nanoparticles in suspension. It involves premixing nanoparticles in a
      hydrophilic support medium (methylcellulose) before introducing heavy metal
      stains for visualization in small air-dried droplets by transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM). The use of methylcellulose avoids artifacts of conventional
      negative stain-TEM by (1) restricting interactions between the nanoparticles, (2)
      inhibiting binding to the specimen support films and (3) reducing compression
      after drying. Methylcellulose embedment provides effective electron imaging of
      liposomes, nanodiscs and viruses as well as comprehensive visualization of
      nanoparticle populations in droplets of known size. These qualities facilitate
      unbiased sampling, rapid size measurement and estimation of nanoparticle numbers
      by means of ratio counting using a colloidal gold calibrant. Specimen preparation
      and quantification take minutes and require a few microliters of sample using
      only basic laboratory equipment and a standard TEM.

PMID- 27141846
TI  - "Being a good patient" during times of illness as defined by adolescent patients
      with cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescents with cancer cite the opinions of others and expected
      impact on others as formative for their care preferences and decisions. The
      current study first explores how the concepts of being a good child and being a
      good patient may exist for adolescents with cancer and determines how adolescents
      describe and apply these concepts. The study then investigates parental actions
      and clinician behaviors perceived by adolescents with cancer as supportive in
      helping them to achieve their defined good child and good patient roles. METHODS:
      In a prospective study conducted at 2 cancer treatment centers over the course of
      10 months, 40 adolescents with cancer responded to 10 open-ended questions.
      Semantic content analysis was used. An adolescent focus group validated the
      findings. RESULTS: Of the 40 participants in the current study, 39 confirmed 1 or
      both concepts; the good patient responses yielded 112 codes and 5 themes:
      cooperation, adherence, communication, self-care, and care for others. The good
      child responses revealed 88 codes and 7 themes: cooperation and respect,
      positivity, lightening others' burdens, taking treatment seriously, recognizing
      mutual impact, communication, and acknowledging mortality. Of 589 interview
      phrases, 184 (31%) depicted themes of care for others and 58 (10%) spoke of
      tolerating treatment in the hope of a better future for one's self or others. The
      benefits and challenges of living up to these definitions were discussed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians may consider asking adolescents about their "good child"
      and "good patient" descriptions to learn more about the perceived roles carried
      by adolescents with cancer and how these roles may impact their decision making,
      medication adherence, and social interactions. Cancer 2016;122:2224-33. (c) 2016
      American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27141847
TI  - An unusual cause of cardiopulmonary arrest.

PMID- 27141849
TI  - Antipruritic Effect of Cold-induced and Transient Receptor Potential-agonist
      induced Counter-irritation on Histaminergic Itch in Humans.
AB  - A frequent empirical observation is that cold-induced counter-irritation may
      attenuate itch. The aim of this randomized, single-blinded, exploratory study was
      to evaluate the counter-irritation effects of cold-stimulation and topical
      application of transient receptor potential TRPA1/M8-agonists (trans
      cinnamaldehyde/L-menthol, respectively), on histamine-induced itch, wheals and
      neurogenic inflammation in 13 healthy volunteers. Histamine 1% was applied to the
      volar forearms using skin prick-test lancets. Recorded outcome-parameters were
      itch intensity, wheal reactions, and neurogenic inflammation (measured by laser
      speckle perfusion-imaging). Homotopic thermal counter-irritation was performed
      with 6 temperatures, ranging from 4 degrees C to 37 degrees C, using a 3 * 3-cm
      thermal stimulator. Chemical "cold-like" counter-irritation was conducted with
      40% L-menthol and 10% trans-cinnamaldehyde, while 5% doxepin was used as a
      positive antipruritic control/comparator. Cold counter-irritation stimuli from 4
      degrees C to 22 degrees C inhibited itch in a stimulus-intensity-dependent manner
      (p < 0.05) and, to a lesser extent, also wheal reactions and neurogenic
      inflammation. Chemical "cold-like" counter-irritation with both L-menthol and
      trans-cinnamaldehyde had antipruritic efficacy similar to doxepin (p < 0.05).
      Cold-induced counter-irritation had an inhibitory effect on histaminergic itch,
      suggesting that agonists of cold transduction receptors could be of potential
      antipruritic value.

PMID- 27141850
TI  - Development of Antimicrobial Peptide Prediction Tool for Aquaculture Industries.
AB  - Microbial diseases in fish, plant, animal and human are rising constantly; thus,
      discovery of their antidote is imperative. The use of antibiotic in aquaculture
      further compounds the problem by development of resistance and consequent
      consumer health risk by bio-magnification. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have
      been highly promising as natural alternative to chemical antibiotics. Though AMPs
      are molecules of innate immune defense of all advance eukaryotic organisms, fish
      being heavily dependent on their innate immune defense has been a good source of
      AMPs with much wider applicability. Machine learning-based prediction method
      using wet laboratory-validated fish AMP can accelerate the AMP discovery using
      available fish genomic and proteomic data. Earlier AMP prediction servers are
      based on multi-phyla/species data, and we report here the world's first AMP
      prediction server in fishes. It is freely accessible at
      http://webapp.cabgrid.res.in/fishamp/ . A total of 151 AMPs related to fish
      collected from various databases and published literature were taken for this
      study. For model development and prediction, N-terminus residues, C-terminus
      residues and full sequences were considered. Best models were with kernels
      polynomial-2, linear and radial basis function with accuracy of 97, 99 and 97 %,
      respectively. We found that performance of support vector machine-based models is
      superior to artificial neural network. This in silico approach can drastically
      reduce the time and cost of AMP discovery. This accelerated discovery of lead AMP
      molecules having potential wider applications in diverse area like fish and human
      health as substitute of antibiotics, immunomodulator, antitumor, vaccine adjuvant
      and inactivator, and also for packaged food can be of much importance for
      industries.

PMID- 27141848
TI  - Whole Genome Re-Sequencing Identifies a Quantitative Trait Locus Repressing
      Carbon Reserve Accumulation during Optimal Growth in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
AB  - Microalgae have emerged as a promising source for biofuel production. Massive oil
      and starch accumulation in microalgae is possible, but occurs mostly when biomass
      growth is impaired. The molecular networks underlying the negative correlation
      between growth and reserve formation are not known. Thus isolation of strains
      capable of accumulating carbon reserves during optimal growth would be highly
      desirable. To this end, we screened an insertional mutant library of
      Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for alterations in oil content. A mutant accumulating
      five times more oil and twice more starch than wild-type during optimal growth
      was isolated and named constitutive oil accumulator 1 (coa1). Growth in
      photobioreactors under highly controlled conditions revealed that the increase in
      oil and starch content in coa1 was dependent on light intensity. Genetic analysis
      and DNA hybridization pointed to a single insertional event responsible for the
      phenotype. Whole genome re-sequencing identified in coa1 a >200 kb deletion on
      chromosome 14 containing 41 genes. This study demonstrates that, 1), the
      generation of algal strains accumulating higher reserve amount without
      compromising biomass accumulation is feasible; 2), light is an important
      parameter in phenotypic analysis; and 3), a chromosomal region (Quantitative
      Trait Locus) acts as suppressor of carbon reserve accumulation during optimal
      growth.

PMID- 27141851
TI  - The utility of respiratory inductance plethysmography in REM sleep scoring during
      multiple sleep latency testing.
AB  - Rapid eye movement sleep (REM) presents with a characteristic erratic breathing
      pattern. We investigated the feasibility of using respiration, derived from
      respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP), in conjunction with chin
      electromyography, electrocardiography and pulse oximetry to facilitate the
      identification of REM sleep (RespREM) during nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) and
      Multiple Sleep Latency Testing (MSLT). The Cohen's weighted kappa for the
      presence of REM and its duration in 20 consecutive NPSGs, using RespREM and
      compared to the current guidelines, ranged between 0.74-0.93 and 0.68-0.73
      respectively for 5 scorers. The respective intraclass correlation coefficients
      were above 0.89. In 97.7% of the Sleep-Onset-REM-Periods (SOREMPs) during 41
      consecutive MSLTs with preserved RIP, the RespREM was present and in 46.6% it
      coincided with the REM onset, while in the majority of the remainder RespREM
      preceded conventional REM onset. The erratic breathing pattern during REM,
      derived from RIP, is present and easily recognisable during SOREMPs in the MSLTs
      and may serve as a useful adjunctive measurement in identifying REM sleep.

PMID- 27141852
TI  - Determination of normal values for an isocapnic hyperpnea endurance test in
      healthy individuals.
AB  - Respiratory Muscle Endurance (RME) is an alternative way to assess respiratory
      muscle impairment but normal values are lacking to use this test in a clinical
      perspective. Our objective was then to determine reference values of RME in
      healthy subjects. We recruited 161 healthy subjects (25-80 years old) who were
      distributed within 5 groups with a 10-year range. We measured vital capacity (VC)
      and maximal respiratory pressure (MIP, MEP). The RME test consisted of isocapnic
      hyperpnea at increasing levels of ventilation until exhaustion to determine Tlim
      (expressed in minutes and as percentage of maximal voluntary ventilation, MVV). A
      significant difference between age-groups was observed for both VC and MEP
      expressed as percentage of predicted value. Mean Tlim was 21.8+/-5.9min [95%
      confidence interval 20.9-22.8], 74.4+/-15.9% of predicted MVV [95% CI 71.8-76.9].
      Tlim was similar among age groups. Tolerance to the RME test was excellent. This
      study provides normal values of RME in a large age range of healthy subjects and
      demonstrates that RME is preserved in the elderly.

PMID- 27141853
TI  - Word-of-mouth in medical tourism: the major determinant for Emirati patients to
      visit Korea.

PMID- 27141854
TI  - A hierarchical model for integrating unsupervised generative embedding and
      empirical Bayes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Generative models of neuroimaging data, such as dynamic causal models
      (DCMs), are commonly used for inferring effective connectivity from individual
      subject data. Recently introduced "generative embedding" approaches have used DCM
      based connectivity parameters for supervised classification of individual
      patients or to find unknown subgroups in heterogeneous groups using unsupervised
      clustering methods. NEW METHOD: We present a novel framework which combines DCMs
      with finite mixture models into a single hierarchical model. This approach
      unifies the inference of connectivity parameters in individual subjects with
      inference on population structure, i.e. the existence of subgroups defined by
      model parameters, and allows for empirical Bayesian estimates of a subject's
      connectivity based on subgroup-specific prior distributions. We introduce a
      Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling method for inversion of this hierarchical
      generative model. RESULTS: This paper formally introduces the idea behind our
      novel concept and demonstrates the face validity of the model in application to
      both simulated data as well as an empirical fMRI dataset from healthy controls
      and patients with schizophrenia. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S): The analysis
      of our empirical fMRI data demonstrates that our approach results in superior
      model evidence than the conventional non-hierarchical inversion of DCMs.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we have presented a novel unified framework to
      jointly infer the effective connectivity parameters in DCMs for multiple subjects
      and, at the same time, discover connectivity-defined cluster structure of the
      whole population, using a mixture model approach.

PMID- 27141855
TI  - Clinical trials in mild traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury is an increasingly prevalent injury seen in
      both civilian and military populations. Regardless of the mechanisms of injury,
      the most common sub-type of injury continues to be mild traumatic brain injury.
      Within the last decade, there has been tremendous growth in the literature
      regarding this disease entity. PURPOSE: To describe the obstacles necessary to
      overcome in performing a rigorous and sound clinical research study investigating
      mild traumatic brain injury. This examination begins by a consideration of
      changing standards for good faith open and total reporting of any and all
      conflicts of interest or commitment. This issue is particularly critical in mTBI
      research. We next examine obstacles that include but are not limited to
      diagnostic criteria, inclusion/exclusion criteria, source of injury, previous
      history of injury, presence of comorbid conditions and proper informed consent of
      participants. Frequently, multi-center studies are necessary for adequate subject
      accrual with the added challenges of site coordination, data core management and
      site specific study conduct. We propose a total reversal to the traditional
      translational research approach where clinical studies drive new concepts for
      future basic science studies. CONCLUSIONS: There have been few mild traumatic
      brain injury clinical trials in the literature with treatments/interventions that
      have been able to overcome many of these described obstacles. We look forward to
      the results of current and ongoing clinical mild traumatic brain injury studies
      providing the tools necessary for the next generation of basic science projects.

PMID- 27141857
TI  - Is long sleep duration a risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage?

PMID- 27141856
TI  - Array tomography of physiologically-characterized CNS synapses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ability to correlate plastic changes in synaptic physiology with
      changes in synaptic anatomy has been very limited in the central nervous system
      because of shortcomings in existing methods for recording the activity of
      specific CNS synapses and then identifying and studying the same individual
      synapses on an anatomical level. NEW METHOD: We introduce here a novel approach
      that combines two existing methods: paired neuron electrophysiological recording
      and array tomography, allowing for the detailed molecular and anatomical study of
      synapses with known physiological properties. RESULTS: The complete mapping of a
      neuronal pair allows determining the exact number of synapses in the pair and
      their location. We have found that the majority of close appositions between the
      presynaptic axon and the postsynaptic dendrite in the pair contain synaptic
      specializations. The average release probability of the synapses between the two
      neurons in the pair is low, below 0.2, consistent with previous studies of these
      connections. Other questions, such as receptor distribution within synapses, can
      be addressed more efficiently by identifying only a subset of synapses using
      targeted partial reconstructions. In addition, time sensitive events can be
      captured with fast chemical fixation. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Compared
      to existing methods, the present approach is the only one that can provide
      detailed molecular and anatomical information of electrophysiologically
      characterized individual synapses. CONCLUSIONS: This method will allow for
      addressing specific questions about the properties of identified CNS synapses,
      even when they are buried within a cloud of millions of other brain circuit
      elements.

PMID- 27141858
TI  - Depression, anxiety, and apathy in Parkinson's disease: insights from
      neuroimaging studies.
AB  - Depression, anxiety and apathy are common mood disturbances in Parkinson's
      disease (PD) but their pathophysiology is unclear. Advanced neuroimaging has been
      increasingly used to unravel neural substrates linked to these disturbances. A
      systematic review is provided of neuroimaging findings in depression, anxiety and
      apathy in PD. A PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE search of peer-reviewed original
      research articles on these mood disturbances in PD identified 38 studies on
      depression, eight on anxiety and 14 on apathy in PD. Most of the imaging studies
      used either position emission tomography or single-photon emission computed
      tomography techniques. These studies generally suggest increased neural activity
      in the prefrontal regions and decreased functional connectivity between the
      prefrontal-limbic networks in depressed patients. Functional imaging studies
      revealed an inverse correlation between dopaminergic density in the caudate and
      putamen with the severity of anxiety in PD. There was no consistent correlation
      between dopaminergic density of thalamus and anxiety. Studies demonstrated both
      positive and inverse correlations between apathy and metabolism or activity in
      the striatum, amygdalar, prefrontal, temporal and parietal regions. The clinical
      variability of study subjects and differences in image pre-processing and
      analytical strategies may contribute to discrepant findings in these studies.
      Both nigrostriatal and extra-nigrostriatal pathways (in particular the frontal
      region and its connecting areas) are affected in mood disorders in PD.
      Identifying the relative contributions of these neural pathways in PD patients
      with overlapping motor and mood symptoms could provide new pathophysiological
      clues for the development of better therapeutic targets for affected patients.

PMID- 27141860
TI  - Heterogeneous pathogenesis of mitochondrial neuropathy.

PMID- 27141859
TI  - No effect of AR polyG polymorphism on spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
      phenotype.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Disease severity varies considerably among patients with
      Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA). Our aim was to investigate the role of
      androgen receptor (AR) polymorphic repeats in SBMA phenotype. METHODS: We
      analyzed the length of AR polyQ and polyG tracts in 159 SBMA patients. RESULTS:
      No relationship between polyG size or polyG/polyQ haplotypes and clinical
      phenotype was found. An independent negative correlation between polyQ-length and
      onset of weakness was confirmed (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The negative results of
      our study prompt to continue the search for potential disease modifiers in SBMA
      outside the AR gene.

PMID- 27141863
TI  - [Oxidative stress in Masters swimmers following high-intensity (interval)
      training (HI(I)T)].
AB  - Increased oxidative stress (OS) can promote diseases in the long term, but it can
      also trigger cellular adaptations in the short term. The present study aims to
      analyze whether a 3-month high-intensity (interval) training (HI(I)T) affects OS
      in 24 Masters swimmers (22-67 years) before (= basal) and after an all-out
      performance (swimming step-test). Data were analyzed for the entire group and
      differentiated according to sex and age (under 50 years (U50) and over 50 years
      (O50)). Prior to the HI(I)T intervention, a significant increase in OS from the
      basal to the all-out value was observed among the entire group and in the O50
      subjects (subgroup analysis). Furthermore, significant increases in basal OS were
      evident for the entire group post-HI(I)T, but OS was only significantly increased
      in men in the subgroup analysis. No significant results were observed for women
      and U50-subjects. The response by Masters swimmers to HI(I)T depends on age and
      sex. 

PMID- 27141864
TI  - More than Leisure: Organized Activity Participation and Socio-Emotional
      Adjustment Among Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - Adolescents with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD) experience
      difficulties with socio-emotional adjustment, including compromised friendships,
      feelings of loneliness, and depression. Using a sample of 127 adolescents with
      HFASD and their parents, this study is first to examine: (1) relations between
      organized activity (OA) involvement and adjustment and (2) whether these
      relations were moderated by social impairment and executive functions. Results
      indicated that greater intensity, breadth, and academic OA involvement were
      associated with fewer depressive symptoms. OA intensity was also associated with
      less loneliness. For adolescents with better emotional control, greater intensity
      was associated with better friendship quality. Results suggest that for
      adolescents with HFASD, more involvement in OA is associated with better socio
      emotional adjustment even after accounting for risk factors.

PMID- 27141862
TI  - Endocytosis in gene therapy with non-viral vectors.
AB  - Gene therapy or the delivery of genetic material can be carried out not only with
      viral vectors, but with non-viral vectors too. Although the use of non-viral
      carriers is safer, this approach has generally been poorer in terms of
      transfection efficiency. In order to improve the transfection rates, it is
      important to exactly know the path that the nanoparticles go through. In this
      way, we can understand the reason why some of these vectors fail or are
      successful in their duties. This review aims to summarize the different stages
      and barriers that nanocarriers have to overcome during endocytosis so as to reach
      the cytoplasm, in the case of RNA, or the nucleus, in the case of DNA. In
      addition, different strategies that could be employed to improve the success of
      the carriers in each stage are suggested. 

PMID- 27141865
TI  - Paediatric ACL repair reinforced with temporary internal bracing.
AB  - PURPOSE: Instability following non-operative treatment of anterior cruciate
      ligament (ACL) rupture in young children frequently results in secondary chondral
      and/or meniscal injuries. Therefore, many contemporary surgeons advocate ACL
      reconstruction in these patients, despite the challenges posed by peri-articular
      physes and the high early failure rate. We report a novel management approach,
      comprising direct ACL repair reinforced by a temporary internal brace in three
      children. METHODS: Two patients (aged 5 and 6 years) with complete proximal ACL
      ruptures and a third (aged seven) with an associated tibial spine avulsion
      underwent direct surgical repair, supplemented with an internal brace that was
      removed after 3 months. RESULTS: Second-look arthroscopy, examination and imaging
      at 3 months confirmed knee stability and complete ACL healing in all cases.
      Normal activities were resumed at 4 months, and excellent objective measures of
      function, without limb growth disturbance, were noted beyond 2 years. CONCLUSION:
      ACL repair in young children using this technique negates the requirement and
      potential morbidity of graft harvest and demonstrates the potential for excellent
      outcome as an attractive alternative to ACL reconstruction, where an adequate ACL
      remnant permits direct repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27141866
TI  - Cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty: How much of the PCL is really
      retained?
AB  - PURPOSE: It is questionable how much of the PCL is really preserved following a
      complete transverse tibial cut during a cruciate-retaining (CR) total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA). It is hypothesized that a complete transverse tibial cut
      jeopardizes the PCL tibial insertion during a common CR TKA. Thus, the aim of the
      present study was to assess intraoperatively the amount of PCL tibial attachment
      damage following a standard complete tibial cut technique. METHODS: Thirty
      consecutive female patients suffering from degenerative knee osteoarthritis were
      included. Two measurements were performed on preoperative MRI images. On sagittal
      plane, the PCL facet of tibia and the PCL tibial attachment were measured. All 30
      patients underwent a TKA using a common CR prosthesis. Postoperatively, the
      amount of PCL facet resection was measured on the resected tibial plateau using a
      digital sliding caliper. RESULTS: In preoperative MRI images, the length of the
      PCL facet of tibia was found 25.5 +/- 2.1 mm and the length of the PCL tibial
      attachment was 14.5 +/- 1.3 mm. The amount of PCL facet resection following TKA
      was 20.6 +/- 2.2 mm on average. This result corresponds to an average resection
      of 65.1 +/- 15.9 % of the PCL tibial attachment following TKA. CONCLUSION: The
      hypothesis that a complete transverse tibial cut during a conventional CR TKA
      jeopardizes the PCL tibial insertion was confirmed. According to measurements
      performed on preoperative knee MRI scans and surgical specimens of resected
      tibial plateaus, a significant amount of the PCL insertion on the tibia is
      actually removed in the majority of cases. Surgeons should be aware that when
      resecting the tibial plateau without using a technique that spares the PCL tibial
      attachment, there is a high risk of considerable damage to the PCL that may, in
      turn, increase the likelihood of potential complications due to PCL deficiency.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27141867
TI  - Articular cartilage status 2 years after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in
      patients with or without concomitant meniscal surgery: evaluation with 3.0T MR
      imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess articular cartilage changes in the knee joint as detected on
      3.0T MR imaging after 2-year follow-up in patients who underwent arthroscopic
      anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with or without concomitant
      meniscal surgery. METHODS: A total of twenty-nine patients (mean age 30.3 +/- 10
      years), who underwent arthroscopic ACLR, received clinical and imaging follow-up
      at an average of 27.8 +/- 4.8 months after surgery. Our patients were divided
      into two subgroups: eighteen patients with additional meniscal injuries at the
      time of arthroscopic ACLR who underwent meniscal surgery and eleven patients with
      intact menisci. The cartilage status of all knees at the time of arthroscopic
      ACLR was recorded. All patients underwent an MRI scan preoperatively and at
      follow-up with the same imaging protocol. Cartilage status of all knee
      compartments was evaluated at the time of follow-up by MR imaging and the ICRS
      classification. RESULTS: Deterioration of the cartilage status was found at all
      knee compartments of our study group, with respect to the number of cartilage
      defects. The cartilage of the lateral femoral condyle (LFC) was most severely
      affected, followed by patellar and medial femoral condyle (MFC) cartilage. A
      statistically significant relation was found between surgery of the medial
      meniscus and the development of new cartilage defects in LFC (p = 0.01) and MFC
      (p = 0.03) after adjusting for the site of meniscal surgery. The cartilage of LFC
      and the status of the medial meniscus were also found to be significantly related
      (p = 0.04). Partial meniscectomy was found to be associated with an increased
      incidence of new cartilage defects when compared to either meniscal repair or
      absence of meniscal surgery, although it was not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSION: Development of new cartilage lesions was evident after 2-year follow
      up in patients with arthroscopic ACLR as detected by MR imaging. There was a
      multicompartmental pattern of cartilage involvement, and the lateral compartment
      was most severely affected. Partial meniscectomy at the time of arthroscopic ACLR
      could be suggested as an additional risk factor for the progression of chondral
      lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective comparative study, Level II.

PMID- 27141868
TI  - The modified Norwegian method of biceps tenodesis: how well does it work?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and
      complications in a series of patients who underwent the modified Norwegian method
      (MNM) of biceps tenodesis by a single shoulder surgeon. METHODS: A retrospective
      review of charts from all patients who underwent the modified Norwegian method of
      biceps tenodesis by the senior author during a 5-year period between 2008 and
      2013 was performed. After all patients were identified, informed consent was
      obtained and DASH and ASES surveys were administered. Inclusion criteria for the
      study were a minimum 2-year follow-up after MNM tenodesis and appropriate
      adherence to DASH and ASES survey protocol. Data obtained included: demographic
      data, time to follow-up, hand dominance, concomitant procedures, workman's
      compensation (WC) status, DASH and ASES surveys, and complications. A
      complication was defined as rupture of the tenodesis or post-operative infection.
      Residual shoulder pain was considered as treatment failure. The data were then
      analysed using statistical software. In this time period, 94 biceps tenodeses
      using the MNM technique were performed. Follow-up rate was 75/94 patients (80 %).
      Of 75 patients, 15 (20 %) had an isolated tenodesis performed. RESULTS: There was
      no statistically significant difference in DASH or ASES scores when comparing
      isolated tenodesis patients to those who had concomitant procedures. WC patients
      had worse DASH and ASES scores (p = 0.016; p = 0.002). The complication rate was
      2/75 (3 %), which were both ruptured tenodeses. Of 75 patients, 3 (4 %)
      experienced treatment failure with residual anterior shoulder pain. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is debate in the literature regarding the optimal method of biceps
      tenodesis. This paper demonstrates that the MNM tenodesis appears to be a simple,
      efficient, and effective alternative to other methods of biceps tenodesis with
      subjective outcome scores and complication rates that parallel other methods
      previously described in the literature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27141869
TI  - Healthcare services in police custody: a view from France.

PMID- 27141871
TI  - Snail controls proliferation of Drosophila ovarian epithelial follicle stem
      cells, independently of E-cadherin.
AB  - Epithelial stem cells undergo constant self-renewal and differentiation to
      maintain the homeostasis of epithelial tissues that undergo rapid turnover.
      Recent studies have shown that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which
      is primarily mediated by Snail via the suppression of E-cadherin, is able to
      generate cells with stem cell properties. However, the role of Snail in
      epithelial stem cells remains unclear. Here, we report that Snail directly
      controls proliferation of follicle stem cells (FSCs) in Drosophila females.
      Disruption of Snail expression in FSCs compromises their proliferation, but not
      their maintenance. Conversely, FSCs with excessive Snail expression display
      increased proliferation and lifespan, which is accompanied by a moderate decrease
      in the expression of E-cadherin (required for adhesion of FSCs to their niche) at
      the junction between their adjacent cells, indicating a conserved role of Snail
      in E-cadherin inhibition, which promote epithelial cell proliferation.
      Interestingly, a decrease in E-cadherin in snail-knock down FSCs does not restore
      the decreased proliferation of snail-knock down FSCs, suggesting that adhesion
      strength of FSCs to their niche is dispensable for Snail-mediated FSC division.
      Our results demonstrate that Snail controls epithelial stem cell division
      independently of its known role in the EMT, which contributes to induction of
      cancer stem cells.

PMID- 27141872
TI  - Allergens might trigger migraine attacks.
AB  - Migraine is a common primary headache disorder. The mechanisms underlying the
      onset of a migraine attack are not completely understood. Environmental changes
      and a number of other factors could induce migraine attacks. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the relationship between the frequency of migraine
      attacks and allergens. Migraine patients without aura, and healthy individuals
      similar in age and gender without a history of headache and allergy were
      prospectively included in the study. The duration of migraine, the frequency of
      migraine attacks, the medication history, and the symptoms during attacks were
      questioned. Migraine disability assessment score (MIDAS) and visual analog scale
      (VAS) scores were obtained. Allergen extracts including dust, fungi, insect,
      animal epithelium, pollens, and food allergens were applied for allergy tests. 49
      migraine patients and 49 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. There
      was no significant difference in terms of age and gender. The median migraine
      disease duration, the number of attacks in a month, and the duration of attacks
      were, respectively, 5.5 years (1-44), 4 (1-10) day/month, and 24 (4-72) h. The
      mean MIDAS grade was 2.45 +/- 0.14 (1-4), and mean VAS score was 7.89 +/- 0.27 (4
      10). The positivity of allergy tests was 55.1 % (27/49) in the migraine group and
      32.7 % (16/49) in the control group (p < 0.05). The allergy tests were positive
      for house dust, red birch, hazel tree, olive tree, nettle, and wheat. The
      frequency of migraine attacks was higher in allergy-test-positive patients than
      in negative ones in the migraine group (p = 0.001). The migraine patients who had
      frequent attacks should be examined for allergies.

PMID- 27141870
TI  - Expression of histone deacetylase 3 instructs alveolar type I cell
      differentiation by regulating a Wnt signaling niche in the lung.
AB  - The commitment and differentiation of the alveolar type I (AT1) cell lineage is a
      critical step for the formation of distal lung saccules, which are the primitive
      alveolar units required for postnatal respiration. How AT1 cells arise from the
      distal lung epithelial progenitor cells prior to birth and whether this process
      depends on a developmental niche instructed by mesenchymal cells is poorly
      understood. We show that mice lacking histone deacetylase 3 specifically in the
      developing lung mesenchyme display lung hypoplasia including decreased
      mesenchymal proliferation and a severe impairment of AT1 cell differentiation.
      This is correlated with a decrease in Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in the lung
      epithelium. We demonstrate that inhibition of Wnt signaling causes defective AT1
      cell lineage differentiation ex vivo. Importantly, systemic activation of Wnt
      signaling at specific stages of lung development can partially rescue the AT1
      cell differentiation defect in vivo. These studies show that histone deacetylase
      3 expression generates an important developmental niche in the lung mesenchyme
      through regulation of Wnt signaling, which is required for proper AT1 cell
      differentiation and lung sacculation.

PMID- 27141873
TI  - A new concussion score.

PMID- 27141875
TI  - Lichen acids may be used as a potential drug for cancer therapy; by inhibiting
      mitochondrial thioredoxin reductase purified from rat lung.
AB  - Thioredoxin reductase (E.C 1.6.4.5.; TrxR) is a widely distributed flavoprotein
      that catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of thioredoxin (Trx) in many
      cellular events such as DNA synthesis, DNA repair, angiogenesis, antioxidative
      defence, redox signaling, and the regulating of apoptosis. Although TrxR is an
      indispensible to protect cell against the oxidative stress, the overexpression of
      TrxR is seen in many aggressive tumors. Therefore, targeted inhibition of TrxR
      with any agents has been accepted a new approaches for chemotherapy. In this
      study, it was the first time the enzyme was purified from rat lung in two steps
      as the preparation of homogenate and 2&#039;, 5&#039;-ADP Sepharose 4B affinity
      chromatography. The purity of the enzyme was checked by SDS-PAGE and molecular
      mass of its subunit was calculated approximately 52.4 kDa. The enzyme was
      purified with 63.6% yield, 208.3 fold and 0.5 EU/mg proteins specific activity.
      After the purification procedure, in vitro inhibition effect of some lichen acids
      including diffractaic acid, evernic acid, lobaric acid, lecanoric acid, and
      vulpinic acid on mitochondrial TrxR was investigated. All of the lichen acids
      exhibited strong inhibitory effect on the enzyme much better than the anticancer
      agents. Especially, lecanoric acid and vulpinic acid showed very strong
      inhibition effect on TrxR.

PMID- 27141874
TI  - New Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Microparticles with Paclitaxel Sustained Release for
      Intraperitoneal Administration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHA) have recently attracted increasing
      attention due to their biodegradability and high biocompatibility, which makes
      them suitable for the development of new prolong drug formulations. OBJECTIVE:
      This study was conducted to develop new prolong paclitaxel (PTX) formulation
      based on poly(3- hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) microparticles. METHOD: PHB
      microparticles loaded with antitumor cytostatic drug PTX were obtained by spray
      drying method using Nano Spray Dryer B-90. The PTX release kinetics in vitro from
      PHB microparticles and their cytotoxity on murine hepatoma cell line MH-22a were
      studied. Microparticles antitumor activity in vivo was studied using
      intraperitoneally (i.p.) transplanted tumor models: murine Lewis lung carcinoma
      and xenografts of human breast cancer RMG1. RESULTS: Uniform PTX release from PHB
      microparticles during 2 months was observed. PTX-loaded PHB microparticles have
      demonstrated a significant antitumor activity versus pure drug both in vitro in
      murine hepatoma cells and in vivo when administered i.p. to mice with murine
      Lewis lung carcinoma and xenografts of human breast cancer RMG1. CONCLUSION: The
      developed technique of PTX sustained delivery from PHB-microparticles has
      therapeutic potential as prolong anticancer drug formulation.

PMID- 27141876
TI  - Disulfiram's Anticancer Activity: Evidence and Mechanisms.
AB  - Disulfiram (DSF), a derivative of thiuram, has been used in humans to treat
      alcoholism for more than 60 years. Over the past decade, however, increasing
      evidence indicates that DSF possesses a great potential for the treatment of
      human cancers. DSF's anticancer activity has been demonstrated in both in vitro
      and in vivo model systems, and has been tested in human clinical trials for
      various cancer types. It is also evident that DSF can sensitize tumor cells to
      radiotherapy and enhance the cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs, thus DSF may serve
      as an adjuvant therapy. The key to DSF's anticancer action relates to its ability
      to suppress cancer stem cells by targeting aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), a
      marker of cancer stem cells, and inhibit proteasome activity in cancer cells by
      forming complexes with metal ions. In addition, DSF targets epigenetic mechanisms
      and modulates cellular signaling pathways to slow down tumor progression. DSF
      also induces apoptosis, inhibits cancer cell proliferation, and suppresses cancer
      cell metastasis. Considering that the pharmacokinetics of DSF are well
      established and a safety profile has been recorded, this compound is an
      attractive "old" drug that has great potential for rapid development into a new
      cancer therapeutic. This article provides a brief review of the history of DSF
      use in humans, evidence for its anticancer activities, the molecular mechanisms
      of DSF action that have been illustrated by recent studies, and the potential for
      repurposing DSF as a new chemotherapeutic drug in the near future.

PMID- 27141877
TI  - Synthesis and Anticancer Study of Novel 4H-Chromen Derivatives.
AB  - OBJECTIVE/METHOD: A series of 4H-chromen-4-one derivatives (A1-A16) have been
      designed and synthesized, and they were screened for BRAF kinase inhibitory
      activity. Furthermore, their biological activities were evaluated in vitro.
      RESULT: Compounds A03 and A10 displayed the most potent antiproliferative
      activity against human osteosarcoma cell line (U2OS) and A16 displayed the most
      potent antiproliferative activity against human melanoma cancer cell line (A375)
      in vitro, which was valuable to study further.

PMID- 27141879
TI  - Aryl Maleimides as Apoptosis Inducers on L5178-Y Murine Leukemia Cells (in
      silico, in vitro and ex vivo Study).
AB  - Thiol reagents were shown to act as potent inhibitors of L5178-Y murine leukemia
      cell proliferation. A series of aryl maleimides (AMI) was synthesized and
      evaluated theoretically for global and local reactivity, showing their
      selectivity for thiol groups, due to a reaction of the vinyl moiety (a soft acid)
      with thiols (a soft base). Two AMI that are benzoic acid derivatives (1f and 1h)
      were tested with an in vitro and ex vivo model to evaluate their reactivity with
      thiols and their activity in L5178-Y cells. The in vitro reactions clearly showed
      a selective Michael type 1,4-addition reaction between thiols (glutathione and N
      acetylcysteine, which are nucleophiles) and the AMI (1f and 1h, which are
      electrophiles). In cell cultures, the compounds induced a decreasing cellular
      viability and an apoptotic effect of up to 59.8% at 48 h. The ex vivo
      experimental model showed an important reduction of thiol levels in cells treated
      with 1h. Decreased cellular viability and increased apoptosis were confirmed by
      flow cytometry, DNA fragmentation and microscopy analysis (cytological studies).
      The increase in apoptosis on L5178-Y cells probably occurred, at least in part,
      by a decrease in glutathione levels and an increase in free radicals
      concentration. The decreased glutathione levels seem to make cancer cells more
      susceptible to death by apoptosis, and should certainly make them more vulnerable
      to a less aggressive treatment.

PMID- 27141878
TI  - Novel 2-Thienyl- and 2-Benzothienyl-Substituted 6-(2-Imidazolinyl)Benzothiazoles:
      Synthesis; in vitro Evaluation of Antitumor Effects and Assessment of
      Mitochondrial Toxicity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Differently substituted thiophenes are largely studied due to their
      diverse pharmacological properties, especially anticancer activity. Recent
      studies have reported on interesting benzothiophene compounds antitumor
      properties and we also recently reported on the synthesis, strong antitumor
      activities and DNA binding features of substituted thieno[3',2':4,5]thieno- and
      benzo[b]thieno[2,3-c]quinolones, containing different substituents, mostly
      amidino- or substituted amidino- groups. OBJECTIVE: The objective of presented
      paper was to prepare a series of novel cationic 2-thiophene and 2- benzothiophene
      substituted 6-(2- imidazolinyl)benzothiazole derivatives and to test their
      antiproliferative activity against several human cancer cell lines. METHOD:
      Synthesis of 2-thiophene and 2-benzothiophene substituted 6-(2
      imidazolinyl)benzothiazole derivatives was carried out by condensation reaction
      of 2-amino-5-(2-imidazolinium)benzenethiolate with aldehydes or carbonyl chloride
      derivatives followed by two simple acid-base reaction steps was used for their
      conversion into targeted mesylates. Evaluation of antiproliferative effects and
      cell death was done by use of MTT assay and annexin-V test, while expression of
      sphingosine kinase 1 was studied by Western blot and gluthatione intracellular
      levels were measured by use of a luminescence-based assay. RESULTS: Preparation
      of water soluble mesylate salts 3a-3j was successfully achieved. In general, all
      compounds showed pronounced anticancer activities in vitro. Compound 3f showed
      strong and selective cytostatic activity in cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa) with
      moderate toxicity on normal fibroblasts. Similar to all other tested compounds,
      3f cannot be considered a mitochondrial toxicant. One of the major mechanisms
      accounting for observed cytostatic effects of 3f was induction of apoptosis,
      probably due to specific inhibition of acid ceramidase activity. Compound 3h
      negatively regulated activity of sphingosine kinase 1 in HeLa cells. CONCLUSION:
      Design of novel inhibitors targeting enzymes that regulate sphingolipid
      biosynthesis and turnover could change the landscape for the development of new
      anticancer drugs.

PMID- 27141880
TI  - Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of 5-pyridin-4-yl-2-thioxo-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-3-yl
      Derivatives as Anti-angiogenic Agents Targeting VEGFR-2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is physiological process in embryogenesis, organ
      development, endometrial vasculature in menstrual cycle and wound healing.
      Angiogenesis has also been associated with several pathological conditions such
      as cancer, arthritis, atherosclerosis, etc. Out of the many growth factor
      responsible for angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of
      the most important and positive regulator of angiogenesis with its distinct
      specificity for vascular endothelial cells. The current work is the small efforts
      towards development of newer inhibitor of angiogenesis targeting VEGFR-2.
      OBJECTIVE: With the view to develop inhibitors of angiogenesis, pharmacophore
      characteristics were used to design aromatic/ heteroaromatic ring containing
      compounds. These compounds were then docked in to the active side of VEGFR-2 with
      the aid of docking. They were then synthesize and spectrally characterized and
      carry out in-vitro and in-vivo anti-angiogenic evaluation studies to ascertain
      its angiogenesis inhibition potential. RESULT: 3-substituted-5-(4-pyridin-4yl)
      1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiones designed as inhibitors of angiogenesis targeting
      VEGFR2. In docking study, all the molecules showed similar way of binding with
      VEGFR2 as that of the cocrystallised ligand. Compound 3i and 3j were found to be
      most active in the series showing good inhibition of angiogenesis in both CAM and
      in zebrafish embryo assays. The compound 3i was the most active in the series
      with IC50 of 0.5 MUM for VEGR-2. CONCLUSION: To conclude the work we have
      successfully designed newer inhibitors of angiogenesis targeting VEGFR- 2. These
      compounds were then screen and found to inhibit angiogenesis of CAM and zebrafish
      at dose of 1 MUM.

PMID- 27141881
TI  - Heterocyclic Drug-polymer Conjugates for Cancer Targeted Drug Delivery.
AB  - New polymer therapeutics like polymer-drug conjugates (PDCs) are developing day
      by day. Heterocyclic drugs with excellent cytotoxic properties are available, but
      lack of their specificity makes them available to the normal cells also, which is
      the main cause of their toxicity. Drugs in the form of PDCs make delivery
      possible to the specific sites. Most of the PDCs are designed with the aim to
      either target and/or to get activated in specific cancer microenvironments.
      Therefore, the most exploited targets for cancer drug delivery are; cancer cell
      enzymes, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), multi-drug resistance (MDR) proteins,
      angiogenesis, apoptosis and cell membrane receptors (e.g., folates, transferrin,
      etc.). In this review, we will summarize PDCs of heterocyclic drugs, like
      doxorubicin (DOX), daunorubicin, paclitaxel (PTX), docetaxel (DTX), cisplatin,
      camptothecin (CPT), geldanamycin (GDM), etc., and some of their analogs for
      efficient delivery of drugs to cancer cells.

PMID- 27141882
TI  - Thiazolidinone Constraint Combretastatin Analogs as Novel Antitubulin Agents:
      Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Docking Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Microtubules act as a useful and strategic molecular target for
      various anticancer drugs that binds to its distinct sites in tubulin subunits and
      inhibits its polymerization and ultimately leads to cell death. Moreover,
      numerous reports highlight the cytotoxic effects of constraint Combretastatin
      analogs and thiazolidinone derivatives. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, the present study
      investigates the potential of thiazolidinone constraint combretastatin analogs as
      tubulin inhibitors. METHOD: By incorporating silica supported fluroboric acid, a
      series of thiazolidinone constraint combretastatin analogs were synthesized in a
      microwave reactor under solvent free conditions. To optimize the reaction
      conditions, the detailed investigation was done for the catalytic influence of
      HBF4-SiO2. All the synthesized analogs were assessed for in-vitro cytotoxicity
      against THP-1, COLO-205, HCT-116 and A-549 human cancer cell lines. Top hits were
      further examined for their tubulin polymerization inhibition and their effect on
      microtubule assembly. The significant cytotoxicity and tubulin polymerization
      inhibition of the most potent structure was further rationalized by molecular
      modelling studies. RESULTS: The results stated that CS-2, CS-3 and CS-20
      possessed significant cytotoxic potential with the IC50 values ranging from 1.21
      to 5.50 MUM against THP-1, COLO-205, HCT-116 human cancer cell lines. Established
      structure activity relationship revealed that the nature of Ring A substantially
      influences the cytotoxic potential of the compounds. Placement of methoxy
      substituents on the phenyl ring (Ring A) was found to be the most preferred
      structural feature. Compound CS-2 was found to considerably inhibit the tubulin
      polymerization (IC50 value 2.12 MUM) and caused disruption of microtubule
      assembly as demonstrated by immunoflourescence technique. In molecular modelling
      studies, CS-2 exhibited various hydrophobic as well as hydrogen bonding
      interactions at colchicine binding site and was found to be stabilized in this
      cavity. CONCLUSION: This work provides an efficient methodology for the synthesis
      of antitubulin thiazolodinonecombretastatin hybrids.

PMID- 27141883
TI  - Oleic Acid Protects Against Oxidative Stress Exacerbated by Cytarabine and
      Doxorubicin in Rat Brain.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of doxorubicin and
      cytarabine on biogenic amines and oxidative biomarkers in the brain of rats
      treated with oleic acid. METHODS: Thirty-six Wistar rats distributed in 6 groups,
      were treated as follows: group 1 (control), NaCl 0.9%; group 2 doxorubicin
      (1mg/kg); group 3 cytarabine (70mg /kg); group 4 oleic acid (1500MUl/kg); group 5
      doxorubicin + oleic acid; group 6 cytarabine + oleic acid. All compounds were
      administered intraperitoneally for 5 days. The Rats were sacrificed after
      receiving the last administration and their brains were dissected in cortex,
      hemispheres, and cerebellum/medulla oblongata. Blood samples were obtained on
      sacrifice to assess the levels of glucose and triglycerides. In each brain
      region, lipoperoxidation (TBARS), H2O2, Na+, K+ ATPase, glutathione (GSH),
      serotonin metabolites (5-HIAA) and dopamine were measured using validated
      methods. RESULTS: Cytarabine decreased the levels of dopamine, TBARS, GSH, H2O2
      and ATPase in all regions. Doxorubicin combined with oleic acid increased the
      levels of GSH in cortex, and decreased ATPase in cerebellum/medulla oblongata.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the reduction of dopamine and oxidant
      effect during cytarabine treatment could result in brain injury but could be
      prevented by oleic acid supplementation.

PMID- 27141884
TI  - Integrated analysis of multidimensional omics data on cutaneous melanoma
      prognosis.
AB  - Multiple types of genetic, epigenetic, and genomic changes have been implicated
      in cutaneous melanoma prognosis. Many of the existing studies are limited in
      analyzing a single type of omics measurement and cannot comprehensively describe
      the biological processes underlying prognosis. As a result, the obtained
      prognostic models may be less satisfactory, and the identified prognostic markers
      may be less informative. The recently collected TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas)
      data have a high quality and comprehensive omics measurements, making it possible
      to more comprehensively and more accurately model prognosis. In this study, we
      first describe the statistical approaches that can integrate multiple types of
      omics measurements with the assistance of variable selection and dimension
      reduction techniques. Data analysis suggests that, for cutaneous melanoma,
      integrating multiple types of measurements leads to prognostic models with an
      improved prediction performance. Informative individual markers and pathways are
      identified, which can provide valuable insights into melanoma prognosis.

PMID- 27141888
TI  - Immunotherapy: Overcoming checkpoints in Merkel-cell carcinoma.

PMID- 27141885
TI  - Safety profiles of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies alone and in combination.
AB  - Inhibition of immune checkpoints using anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) or
      anti cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) monoclonal antibodies
      has revolutionized the management of patients with advanced-stage melanoma and is
      among the most promising treatment approaches for many other cancers. Use of CTLA
      4 and PD-1 inhibitors, either as single agents, or in combination, has been
      approved by the US FDA for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Treatment with
      these novel immunotherapies results in a unique and distinct spectrum of adverse
      events, which are mostly related to activation of the immune system and are,
      therefore, an unwanted consequence of their mechanisms of action. Adverse effects
      of CTLA-4 and/or PD-1 inhibition are most commonly observed in the skin,
      gastrointestinal tract, liver and endocrine systems and include pruritus, rash,
      nausea, diarrhoea and thyroid disorders. In this Review, the authors describe the
      adverse event profile of checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1, used
      both as monotherapies and in combination and aim to provide some general
      guidelines, based upon the mechanisms of action of these therapies and on the
      management of these immune-related adverse events.

PMID- 27141893
TI  - [Burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attributable to ambient ozone
      pollution in 1990 and 2013 in China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) in China attributable to ambient ozone pollution in 1990 and 2013.
      METHODS: Based on the results of the China Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD)
      2013, the population attributable fractions was used to analyze the deaths and
      disability-adjusted life years (DALY) of COPD attributable to ambient ozone
      pollution in all provinces (not including Taiwan, China) in 1990 and 2013, and to
      compare changes of the attributable disease burden in 1990 and 2013. RESULTS: In
      2013, 7.4% (95% uncertainty interval (95% UI): 6.1%-8.6%) of COPD were
      attributable to ambient ozone pollution, with the highest rate in Hebei province
      (15.0%, 95%UI: 12.0%-18.7%) and the lowest in Heilongjiang province (2.8%,95%UI:
      0.9%-5.3%). In 2013, 67 485 COPD deaths in China were due to ambient ozone
      pollution, with the highest number in Sichuan province (11 929) and in China
      lowest in Macao (11). A total of 1.168 million DALYs caused by COPD were due to
      ambient ozone pollution, with the highest in Sichuan province (0.189 million) and
      lowest in Macao (257.4). In 2013, the DALY per 100 000 population caused by COPD
      due to ambient ozone pollution after age standardization was lowest in
      Heilongjiang province (21.9), Shanghai (26.7), Beijing (38.4), Tianjin (39.3),
      and Jilin province (39.7) and highest in Sichuan province (206.4), Qinghai
      province (202.5), Guizhou province (175.3), and Gansu province (171.4). DALYs
      caused by COPD attributable to ambient ozone pollution increased with age (0.144
      million person years for ages 15-49 years, 0.43 million person years for age 50
      69 years and 0.594 million person years for age 70 years and above), which were
      higher in men than in women (0.708 million person years for men and 0.459 million
      person years for women in 2013). Deaths of COPD attributable to ambient ozone
      pollution were 49 514 and 67 485 in 1990 and 2013, respectively. DALYs caused by
      COPD attributable to ozone pollution totaled 0.894 million and 1.168 million
      person years in 1990 and 2013, respectively. Ambient ozone pollution-related
      deaths and DALYs increased 36.3% and 30.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared
      with 1990, the disease burden of COPD in 2013 attributed to ambient ozone
      pollution in China increased substantially. Ambient ozone pollution caused great
      losses among Chinese residents. More attention should be directed toward western
      provinces with a particularly high disease burden due to ambient ozone pollution.

PMID- 27141892
TI  - [Body mass index and the risk of lung cancer incidence in smokers: a prospective
      cohort study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of baseline body mass index (BMI) on the
      risk of lung cancer incidence in male smokers. METHODS: All the male employees
      and retirees of the Kailuan Group were recruited in the Chinese Kailuan Male
      Cohort Study, and they had been experienced routine physical examinations every
      two years since May, 2006. Up to 31st December 2011, a total of 3 rounds physical
      examinations had been completed. A total of 42 718 male smokers candidates from
      the Chinese Kailuan Male Cohort Study were enrolled in the present study. The
      date of entering this study was defined as that of taking first check-up, and the
      date of end-of-observation was defined as that of cancer diagnosis, death or end
      of follow-up (31 December 2011). Information on demographics, lifestyle such as
      smoking, alcohol consumption, anthropometries such as height and weight, as well
      as the information of newly-diagnosed cancer cases, were collected at the
      baseline investigation. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models
      were used to investigate the association between levels of the baseline BMI and
      risk of lung cancer. RESULTS: Of the 42 718 male smokers, there were 181 998.09
      person-years of follow-up, taking 4.26 years of average follow-up period. During
      follow-up, 234 new lung cancer cases were identified among the 42 718 male
      smokers and the crude incidence density was 128.57/100 000. After the factors
      adjustment for age, education level, alcohol consumption, physical activity, work
      environment and cumulative smoking levels (pack-years), compared with subjects of
      normal BMI group, hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals of lung cancer for
      subjects of underweight, overweight, and obesity were 1.63 (0.79-3.37), 0.79
      (0.57-1.09) and 0.50 (0.27-0.91), respectively. After the facotors adjustment for
      age, education level, alcohol consumption, physical activity, work environment
      and cumulative smoking levels (pack-years), compared with subjects of normal BMI,
      hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals of lung cancer for subjects of obesity
      among subjects who aged 50 years or above, smoked more than 20 pack-years, and
      exercised less than 4 times per week were 0.33 (0.15-0.71), 0.27 (0.10-0.75), and
      0.44 (0.20-0.96), respectively. Obesity subjects who worked above the well had
      decreased risk of lung cancer (HR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.15-0.96) compared with normal
      BMI ones who worked above the well. CONCLUSION: BMI was negatively correlated
      with the risk of lung cancer in male smokers. As for male smokers, one of the
      most effective approaches to prevent and control the lung cancer has been shown
      to quit smoking and keep fit.

PMID- 27141891
TI  - Functional differences in hepatitis C virus nonstructural (NS) 3/4A- and 5A
      specific T cell responses.
AB  - The hepatitis C virus nonstructural (NS) 3/4A and NS5A proteins are major targets
      for the new direct-acting antiviral compounds. Both viral proteins have been
      suggested as modulators of the response to the host cell. We have shown that
      NS3/4A- and NS5A-specific T cell receptors confer different effector functions,
      and that killing of NS3/4A-expressing hepatocytes is highly dependent on IFN
      gamma. We here characterize the functional differences in the T cell responses to
      NS3/4A and NS5A. NS3/4A- and NS5A-specific T cells could be induced at various
      frequencies in wild-type-, NS3/4A-, and NS5A-transgenic mice. Priming of NS5A
      specific T cells required a high DNA dose, and was unlike NS3/4A dependent on
      both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, but less influenced by CD25(+)/GITR(+) regulatory
      T cells. The presence of IL-12 greatly improved specific CD8(+) T cell priming by
      NS3/4A but not by NS5A, suggesting a less dependence of IFN-gamma for NS5A. This
      notion was supported by the observation that NS5A-specific T cells could
      eliminate NS5A-expressing hepatocytes also in the absence of IFN-gamma-receptor
      2. This supports that NS3/4A- and NS5A-specific T cells become activated and
      eliminate antigen expressing, or infected hepatocytes, by distinct mechanisms,
      and that NS5A-specific T cells show an overall less dependence of IFN-gamma.

PMID- 27141887
TI  - Cancer metabolism: a therapeutic perspective.
AB  - Awareness that the metabolic phenotype of cells within tumours is heterogeneous -
      and distinct from that of their normal counterparts - is growing. In general,
      tumour cells metabolize glucose, lactate, pyruvate, hydroxybutyrate, acetate,
      glutamine, and fatty acids at much higher rates than their nontumour equivalents;
      however, the metabolic ecology of tumours is complex because they contain
      multiple metabolic compartments, which are linked by the transfer of these
      catabolites. This metabolic variability and flexibility enables tumour cells to
      generate ATP as an energy source, while maintaining the reduction-oxidation
      (redox) balance and committing resources to biosynthesis - processes that are
      essential for cell survival, growth, and proliferation. Importantly, experimental
      evidence indicates that metabolic coupling between cell populations with
      different, complementary metabolic profiles can induce cancer progression. Thus,
      targeting the metabolic differences between tumour and normal cells holds promise
      as a novel anticancer strategy. In this Review, we discuss how cancer cells
      reprogramme their metabolism and that of other cells within the tumour
      microenvironment in order to survive and propagate, thus driving disease
      progression; in particular, we highlight potential metabolic vulnerabilities that
      might be targeted therapeutically.

PMID- 27141894
TI  - [Establishing a noninvasive prediction model for type 2 diabetes mellitus based
      on a rural Chinese population].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide a noninvasive type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prediction
      model for a rural Chinese population. METHODS: From July to August, 2007 and July
      to August, 2008, a total of 20 194 participants aged >=18 years were selected by
      cluster sampling technique from a rural population in two townships of Henan
      province, China. Data were collected by questionnaire interview, anthropometric
      measurement, and fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile examination. A total 17
      265 participants were followed up from July to August, 2013 and July to October,
      2014. Finally, 12 285 participants were selected for analysis. Data for these
      participants were randomly divided into a derivation group (derivation dataset,
      n= 6 143) and validation group (validation dataset, n=6 142) by 1?1,
      respectively. Randomization was carried out by the use of computer-generated
      random numbers. A Cox regression model was used to analyze risk factors of T2DM
      in the derivation dataset. A T2DM prediction model was established by multiplying
      beta by 10 for each significant variable. After the total score was calculated by
      the model, analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was
      performed. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used for evaluating model
      predictability. Furthermore, the model's predictability was validated in the
      validation dataset and compared with the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC)
      model. RESULTS: A total 779 of 12 285 participants developed T2DM during the 6
      year study period. The incidence rate was 6.12% in the derivation dataset (n=376)
      and 6.56% in the validation dataset (n=403). The difference was not statistically
      significant (chi(2)=1.00, P=0.316). A total of four noninvasive T2DM prediction
      models were established using the Cox regression model. The ROCs of the risk
      score calculated by the prediction models indicated that the AUCs of these models
      were similar (0.67-0.70). The AUC and Youden index of model 4 was the highest.
      The optimal cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index were scores
      of 25, 65.96%, 66.47%, and 0.32, respectively. Age, sleep time, BMI, waist
      circumference, and hypertension were selected as predictive variables. Using
      age<30 years as reference, beta values were 1.07, 1.58, and 1.67 and assigned
      scores were 11, 16, and 17 for age groups 30-44, 45-59, and >=60 years,
      respectively. Using sleep time<8.0 h/d as reference, the beta value and assigned
      score were 0.27 and 3, respectively, for sleep time >=10.0 h/d. Using BMI 18.5
      23.9 kg/m(2) as reference, beta values were 0.53 and 1.00 and assigned scores 5
      and 10, respectively, for BMI 24.0-27.9 kg/m(2), and >=28.0 kg/m(2). Using waist
      circumference <85 cm for males/< 80 cm for females as reference, beta values were
      0.44 and 0.65 and assigned scores 4 and 7, respectively, for 85 cm <= waist
      circumference <90 cm for males/80 cm<= waist circumference <85 cm for females,
      and waist circumference >=90 cm for males/>=85 cm for females. Using
      nonhypertension as reference, the respective beta value and assigned score were
      0.34 and 3 for hypertension. The AUC performance of this model and the FINDRISC
      model was 0.66 and 0.64 (P=0.135), respectively, in the validation dataset.
      CONCLUSION: Based on this cohort study, a noninvasive prediction model that
      included age, sleep time, BMI, waist circumference, and hypertension was
      established, which is equivalent to the FINDRISC model and applicable to a rural
      Chinese population.

PMID- 27141895
TI  - [Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among residents of 30 years or above
      years old in Pengzhou city of Sichuan province].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among
      residents in Pengzhou city of Sichuan province. METHODS: Among 20 townships in
      Pengzhou city of Sichuan Province, 14 townships were selected using a clustered
      sampling based on the economic level and distance. The registered residents in
      the selected townships aged 30-79 years were recruited for a comprehensive survey
      from 2004 to 2007. A total of 55 687 residents (21 315 males and 34 372 females)
      were selected based on a face to face questionnaire interview and physical
      examination; the patient group included 14 151 residents with hypertension and
      the control group had 41 536 residents without hypertension were selected.
      Multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate the influence
      factors for hypertension. OR (95%CI) values were calculated. Different levels of
      risk exposure factors were transformed into the risk scores using a statistical
      model. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of hypertension was 25.41% among residents
      aged 30 years or above in Pengzhou (14 151/55 687), 28.95% (6 170/21 315) for
      male residents and 23.22% (7 981/34 372) for female residents. Multivaraite
      logistic regression analysis showed that main risk factors for hypertension in
      male residents were age, low educational level, widower, low household income, no
      medical insurance, no fresh fruits intake, high body mass index (BMI), high waist
      to hip ratio, and low physical activity, which was less than 3 metabolic
      equivalent of task (MET) level, among which the highest three riskswere (not
      including the social demographic characteristics) BMI>=28 kg/m(2), waist to hip
      ratio >=0.90, and not consuming fresh fruits. OR (95% CI) values for these three
      key factors were 3.74 (3.27-4.28), 1.34 (1.24-1.44), and 1.27 (1.14-1.41),
      respectively. The corresponding risk scores for these factors were 2.993, 1.102,
      and 1.237, respectively. Main risk factors for hypertension in female residents
      were age, working hours, no medical insurance, fewer number of family members, no
      fresh fruits intake, smoking, never drinking tea, no dairy products intake, high
      BMI, highwaist to hip ratio and low physical activity, among which the highest
      three risks were (not including the social demographic characteristics) BMI >=28
      kg/m(2), MET level, and waist to hip ratio >=0.85. OR (95% CI) values for these
      three key factors were 3.30 (3.02-3.60), 1.35 (1.22-1.51), and 1.33 (1.23-1.44),
      respectively. The corresponding risk scores for these factors were 2.390, 1.263,
      and 1.051, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of hypertension among
      the residents over 30 years of age in Pengzhou city was 25.41%. The main risk
      factors were age, not consuming fresh fruits, high BMI, high waist to hip ratio,
      and low MET level.

PMID- 27141896
TI  - [Airway oxidative stress and inflammation markers in chronic obstructive
      pulmonary diseases(COPD) patients are linked with exposure to traffic-related air
      pollution: a panel study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of short-term exposure to traffic-related
      air pollution on airway oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic obstructive
      pulmonary diseases (COPD) patients. METHODS: A panel of forty-five diagnosed COPD
      patients were recruited and followed with repeated measurements of biomarkers
      reflecting airway oxidative stress and inflammation in exhaled breath condensate
      (EBC), including nitrate and nitrite, 8-isoprostane, interleukin-8 and acidity of
      EBC (pH), between 5(th) September in 2014 and 26(th) May in 2015. The
      associations between air pollution and biomarkers were analyzed with mixed
      effects models, controlling for confounding covariates. RESULTS: The
      concentration of PM2.5, black carbon, NO2 and number concentration of particles
      with diameter less than 100 nm (PNC100), and particles in size ranges between 100
      nm to 200 nm (PNC100-200) during the first follow-up were (156.5+/-117.7),
      (10.7+/-0.7), (165.9+/-66.0)MUg/m(3) and 397 521+/-96 712, 79 421+/-44 090 per
      cubic meter, respectively; the concentration were (67.9+/-29.6), (3.4+/-1.3),
      (126.1+/-10.9) MUg/m(3) and (295 682+/-39 430), (24 693+/-12 369) per cubic
      meter, respectively during the second follow-up. The differences were of
      significance, with t value being 3.10, 4.42, 2.61, 4.02, 5.12, respectively and P
      value being 0.005,<0.001, 0.016, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively. In our COPD
      patient panel, per interquartile range (IQR) increase in PNC100-200, we observed
      an increase of 65% (95% CI: 8%-152%) in nitrate and nitrite in EBC reflecting
      airway oxidative stress. For an IQR increase in PM2.5, black carbon and PNC100
      200, respective increases of 0.17 ng/ml (95% CI: 0.02-0.33), 0.12 ng/ml (95% CI:
      0.01-0.24) and 0.13 ng/ml (95% CI:0.02-0.24) in interleukin-8 in EBC reflecting
      airway inflammation were also observed. An IQR increase in ozone was also
      associated with a 0.24 (95%CI: 0.05-0.42) decrease in pH of EBC reflecting
      increased airway inflammation. No significant association observed between air
      pollution and 8-isoprostane in EBC in COPD patients. CONCLUSION: Our results
      suggested that short-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution was
      responsible for exacerbation of airway oxidative stress and inflammation in COPD
      patients.

PMID- 27141897
TI  - [Analysis of correlation between pulmonary function and expression levels of
      matrix metalloproteinases-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 among
      toluene diisocyanate exposed workers].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of occupational toluene diisocyanate(TDI)
      exposure on matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of
      metalloproteinase-1(TIMP-1), and analysis of the correlation of MMP-9,TIMP-1,MMP
      9/TIMP-1 and lung function. METHODS: In October 2014, based on cluster sampling,
      we conducted a cross-sectional study in a TDI production factory located in
      China's western region. 61 exposed workers were recruited from workers engaged in
      packing, operating and checking. Based on different levels of the external
      exposure, the packers were classified as high exposed group, while operators and
      checkers as low exposed group. 58 factory managers, matching age and agent, were
      selected as controls, having same work intense and not contacting the TDI or
      other allergens. The questionnaire surveys were used to obtain the agent, age,
      work age, smoking and drinking, personal and family allergic history,
      occupational history, and the recent health conditions. The levels of MMP-9 and
      TIMP-1 in serum of subjects were determind by ELISA. The time weighted average
      concentrations (8h-TWA) were used to describe the levels of TDI air exposure in
      working environment. Spearman correlation assay was used to investigate the
      correlation of MMP-9, TIMP-1, MMP-9/TIMP-1 and lung function, exposure time.
      RESULTS: 8-hour TWA means of TDI air levels in exposed group, packers, operators
      and checkers were 0.39, 0.76, 0.25 mg/m(3), respectively . According to the
      external exposure concentration, the packers were classified as high exposed
      group, and the operators and checkers were classified as low exposed group. In
      controls, low exposed group and high exposed group, the levels of MMP-9,
      respectively, were (807.21+/-347.70),(586.91+/-317.50),(388.94+/-312.01) ng/ml
      (chi(2)=16.69, P<0.001), respectively, and the P50(P25-P75) of MMP-9/TIMP-1 were
      4.67(2.87-6.68), 2.3(1.44-3.48), 1.11(0.59-1.48) (chi(2)=39.42, P<0.001),
      respectively, and the concentrations of TIMP-1, were (173.44+/-72.67), (236.12+/
      51.98), (302.81+/-44.39) ng/ml (F=20.09, P< 0.001), respectively. The levels
      P50(P25-P75) of FVC, FEV1.0 and FEV1.0/FVC in exposed group were, 92.8% (86.0%
      101.8%), 85.5%(76.7%-92.8%), 112.5(108.2-118.5), respectively, which were lower
      than that in control group (124.3%(107.9%-144.2%), 142.7%(119.1%-155.7%),
      129.2(123.5-134))(Z values were 7.70, 8.97, 8.62, and all P<0.001). Spearman rank
      correlation analysis showed that levels of MMP-9 were positively associated with
      FEV1.0, and FEV1.0/FVC (r values were 0.27, 0.25, respectively, all P<0.05), and
      The levels of TIMP-1 were negatively associated with FVC, FEV1.0, and FEV1.0/FVC
      (r valuse were -0.33, -0.39, -0.39, all P<0.05).The levels of MMP-9 were
      negatively correlated with exposure time(r=-0.26, P=0.040). The positive
      correlations of MMP-9/TIMP-1 with FVC, FEV1.0, and FEV1.0/FVC were also found (r
      valuse were 0.34, 0.44, 0.40, all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: TDI exposure could induce
      the downs of MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 associated with lung functions. The MMP-9 and
      MMP-9/TIMP-1,in a way, could reflect the respiratory inflammatory injury caused
      by TDI exposure.

PMID- 27141898
TI  - [Association of occupational chronic psychological stress with heat shock protein
      70 in serum and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression levels].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between occupational chronic
      psychological stress with heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha). METHODS: Using case-control study design, we selected 622
      cases in 20 to 60 years old and unrelated patients with metabolic syndrome as the
      case group between October 2011 and October 2012 at two hospitals of Ningxia hui
      autonomous region. At the same time, we selected 600 healthy people from health
      check-up crowd in the above two hospitals as control group. The the research
      objects were sex, age, nation, height, weight, smoking, drinking, exercise, and
      so on. After informed consent, all the research objects were collected fasting
      venous blood samples 10 ml in order to proceed laboratory testing of biochemical
      indicators. The expression of HSP70 and TNF-alpha in serum was determined by
      ELISA. Using the revised occupational stress inventory (OSI) to survey the
      occupational chronic psychological stress factors and stress level of research
      object. The correlation of occupational chronic psychological stress scores with
      HSP70 and TNF-alpha was investigated by partial correlation analysis. We built a
      multivariate linear regression equation With HSP70 and TNF alpha as the
      independent variable and occupational chronic psychological stress scores as the
      dependent variable, using equation of the determination coefficient R(2) to judge
      the degree of fitting equation. RESULTS: The total points of chronic stress
      factors in all respondents was (136.65+/-16.19). Among them, the mild stress
      level group was 313, moderate was 588, severe was 321, chronic heart stress
      factors scores were (119.96+/-13.30), (135.33+/-3.23), (155.33+/-13.55) points,
      respectively. In the case group subjects, the expression of HSP70 in mild,
      moderate and severe occupational chronic psychological stress levels were
      (29.88+/-30.08), (36.38+/-30.08), (27.16+/-23.77) ng/ml (F=6.85, P=0.001). The
      control group were (27.64+/-9.89), (39.78+/-29.77), (3.94+/-3.09) ng/ml
      (F=125.71, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed the expression of
      psychological stress and HSP70 was a negative linear relationship, while positive
      linear relationship with TNF-alpha, the fitting of the regression equation was y=
      0.07x1+ 0.011x2+ 136.88. Partial correlation analysis results showed that the
      occupational chronic psychological stress scores and negatively correlated with
      HSP70 (r=-0.11, P<0.001) and was positively related with TNF-alpha (r=0.11,
      P<0.001). In all survey respondents, the expression of HSP70 in mild, moderate
      and severe occupational chronic psychological stress levels group were (28.49+/
      20.10), (37.99+/-29.96), (17.98+/-21.77) ng/ml (F=64.08, P<0.001). The expression
      of TNF-alpha were (133.61+/-129.51), (171.23+/-133.69), (169.31+/-196.09) pg/ml
      (F=6.93, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: The expression levels of HSP70 and TNF-alpha in
      serum were affected by occupational chronic psychological stress. While the level
      of occupational chronic psychological stress increased, the expression level of
      HSP70 in serum reduced, the expression level of TNF-alpha raised.

PMID- 27141899
TI  - [Analysis on the nuclear division index of peripheral blood lymphocytes in the
      281 general population of Anhui, China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reference range and influeing factors of the
      nuclear division index (NDI) of peripheral blood lymphocyte in Chinese general
      population in Anhui province. METHODS: We selected 281 subjects from the general
      poulation in Anhui province, without occupational exposure to genetic toxicants
      and no chronic disease history. We used questionnaires to collect occupational
      history, age, gender, region, body mass index, smoking, and alcohol drinking
      status etc. NDI was measured by cytokinesis block micronucleus assay in
      peripheral blood lymphocytes, and the related factors were also analyzed. And NDI
      was used as the dependent variable, age, gender and other factors as independent
      variables to conduct stepwise multiple linear regression. RESULTS: We found the
      data of NDI according with normal distribution, and the nuclear division index
      was 1.71+/-0.22, the minimum value was 1.10 while the maximum was 2.36. The
      results showed that NDI value of the males (1.67+/-0.20) were lower than that of
      the females (1.76+/-0.24), the difference was statistically significant (t=-3.65,
      P<0.001); current smokers NDI (1.66+/-0.18) lower than non-smokers (1.73+/-0.24)
      differences were statistically significant (t=3.06, P=0.002); the NDI of drinking
      groups (1.66+/-0.20) was lower than that of non-drinking population (1.74+/
      0.23), the differences was statistically significant (t=3.15, P=0.002); Using
      multiple stepwise linear regression calibration factors and found that gender was
      an independent factor of NDI (beta=0.098, Sx=0.027, t=3.66, P< 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: We set the reference value on the nuclear division index among
      general population of survey areas in this study, it could provide a reference
      for similar studies and will provide reference for better evaluation of the
      effects of hazards on the body.

PMID- 27141900
TI  - [Study of the genes correlated with cyst calcification in patients with cystic
      echinococcosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the genes (biomarkers) correlated with cyst calcification
      in patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE), and to provide the evidence for the
      judgment on the patients' prognosis at molecular level. METHODS: The liver
      tissues from 32 patients with liver CE (10 cases for mRNA microarray and 22 cases
      for real-time PCR analysis) and 11 patients with hepatic cystadenoma were
      collected from three hospitals in Ningxia from June, 2013 to December, 2014. A
      comparison of the different gene-expressions between five patients with calcified
      lesions and five cases with no calcification was carried out using Significant
      Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) to select a subset of differentially expressed
      genes (DEGs) . Fold-change analysis was used to assess the changes of the
      expression quantity in the same genes between two groups. The verification was
      conducted among the liver tissues from 22 patients with liver CE (11 in the group
      of calcified or 11 in that of non-calcified) by real-time quantitative PCR (RT
      qPCR). With GAPDH as a reference-gene and the liver tissues from 11 cases with
      hepatic cystadenoma as standardized control groups, the relative expressions of
      galecitin-4 (LGALS4) and acid ceramidase (ASAH1) in patients with calcified and
      non-calcified were calculated, respectively. The differences between two groups
      were compared using t'-test. RESULTS: Five screened genes presented
      siginificantly different expressions all had showed the low-regulated expressions
      in the calcified group, with the most distinct low-regulation of LGALS4 and ASAH1
      whose fold changes were 0.008 8, and 0.020 3, respectively. The verification by
      RT-qPCR illustrated that the relative expression of LGALS4 was showed at level of
      0.49+/-0.27 amongst patients with calcified, and at level of 2.70+/-2.61 amongst
      non-calcified individuals,,indicating significant differences between two groups
      (t=-2.59, P=0.026); while the ASAH1 was relatively expressed at levels of 1.36+/
      0.33 and of 1.68+/-0.67 amongst patients with calcified and non-calcified,
      respectively, showing insignificant changes statistically (t=-1.44, P=0.167). In
      the non-calcified group, both LGALS4 and ASAH1 genes expression quantities had a
      small fluctuation range, but with positively correlated trend (r=0.91, P=0.001),
      which indicated that a patient with the low LGALS4 expression quantity also had a
      relative low level of ASAH1 expression quantity. CONCLUSIONS: Low expression
      quantity of LGALS4 and ASAH1 genes in patients with CE in the calcification might
      be potential biomarker for an indication of the disease self-healing.

PMID- 27141901
TI  - [Determination of perfluorosulfonate and perfluorocarboxylate precursors in eggs
      by ultra-highperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a method for the determination of 11 perfluorosulfonate and
      perfluorocarboxylate precursors in eggs using ultra-high performance liquid
      chromatography-tandem quadruple mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). METHODS: The
      target compounds of egg were extracted with 100 mmol/L NaOH-acetonitrile
      /water(90?10, V/V) by ultrasonic. Then the extract was purified by solid phase
      extraction (Waters Oasis(@) WAX 6cc) and then eluted with 9% NH4OH in methanol.
      The target compounds were separated on a Waters ACQUITY(TM) BEH (18)C column (50
      mm * 2.1 mm, 1.7 MUm) and detected by negative electrospray ionization (ESI(-))
      mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM). All compounds were
      quantified with internal standards. The accuracy, precision and the limits of
      detection and quantification of the method were evaluated. Then we detected 7
      different egg samples from the market. RESULTS: The average recoveries for the
      eleven precursors at 3 levels were 74.09%-116.82% and the relative standard
      deviations were 2.37%-13.62%. The limits of detection (LOD) of the method were in
      the range of 0.06-1.50 pg/g (wet weight) and the limits of quantification (LOQ)
      were in the range of 0.15-3.00 pg/g (wet weight). And 5 target compounds were
      detected in the 7 market samples. 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) was
      detected in all of samples with the concentrations of 1.67-3.11 pg/g. 6:2
      fluorotelomer unsaturated acid (FHUEA) and 6:2 disubstituted polyfluoroalkyl
      phosphate ester (6:2 diPAP) were detected in 6 samples and the concentrations
      were<LOD-5.11 pg/g and 3.78-9.16 pg/g, respectively. And the concentrations of
      8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (8:2 FTS) and N-methyl perfluorooctane
      sulfonamidoacetic acid (N-Me FOSAA) founded in the same sample were 105.78, and
      4.95 pg/g, respectively. CONCLUSION: This method was simple, rapid, and suitable
      for determination of perfluorosulfonate and perfluorocarboxylate precursors in
      eggs with high accuracy and sensitivity. It could also be applied to human burden
      studies of these precursors.

PMID- 27141902
TI  - [A meta-analysis of microRNA-149, microRNA-499 gene polymorphism and
      susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between microRNA-149 (rs2292832),
      microRNA-499 (rs2292832) polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility
      by meta-analysis. METHODS: We used"hepatocellular carcinoma/HCC","miRNA-149/miR
      149/microRNA-149", and"miRNA-499/miR-499/microRNA-499"as key words to search
      papers in databases including China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), Chinese
      BioMedical Literature (CBM), Vip Citation Databases (VIP), Wanfang, PubMed and
      Web of Science databases, and collected the case-control studies on the
      association of rs2292832 or rs3746444 and the susceptibility to hepatocellular
      carcinoma from updated to May 31st 2015. Data were extracted by two independent
      reviewers and pooled OR with 95% CI was calculated. A bioinformatics analysis was
      further conducted. RESULTS: A total of 13 research papers were collected, and 5
      studies for rs2292832 and 12 studies for rs3746444. 1 096 cases and 1 701
      controls were included for rs2292832 and 3 117 cases and 4 126 controls were
      included for rs3746444. Meta-analysis failed to detect associations between
      rs2292832, rs3746444 and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma under each
      genetic model tested and alleles of OR(95% CI) were 0.99(0.78-1.28) and 1.11(0.88
      1.40). However, subgroup analysis showed that rs3746444 C allele seem to be
      associated with an increased hepatocellular carcinoma risk in both researches
      which had more than 400 samples and which used more accurate genotyping methods,
      and OR(95%CI) were 1.32(1.02-1.70) and 1.34(1.09-1.66), respectively.
      Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis also showed that the expression of both SNPs
      were down-regulated in HepG2 cells and indicated possible functional effects on
      gene transcription. Cochran's Q test indicated that there was the heterogeneity
      among the studies included. CONCLUSIONS: No significant association was found
      between rs2292832, rs3746444 and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma, but
      subgroup study indicated C allele might be associated with increased
      hepatocellular carcinoma risk for rs3746444. Bioinformatics analysis indicated
      that the two SNPs might have possible influence on gene transcription.

PMID- 27141903
TI  - [Analysis of cervical cancer screening in Wuxi from 2013 to 2014].

PMID- 27141904
TI  - [Analysis of the incidence of pneumoconiosis in Guizhou province, 2014].

PMID- 27141905
TI  - [Application of multiple seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model
      in predicting the hand, foot and mouth disease incidence].

PMID- 27141906
TI  - [Advance to the research of the climate factor effect on the distribution of
      plague].
AB  - Plague is an anthropozoonotic disease caused by the Yersinia pestis ,which
      developed by many factors including local climate factors. In recent years, more
      and more studies on the effects of climate on plague were conducted. According to
      the researches, climate factors (mainly the rainfall and temperature) affected
      the development and distribution of plague by influencing the abundance of plague
      host animals and fleas index. The climate also affected the epidemic dynamics and
      the scope of plague. There were significant differences existing in the influence
      of climate on the palgue developed in the north and south China. In the two
      different plague epidemic systems, the solitary Daurian ground squirrel-flea
      plague and the social Mongolian gerbil-flea-plague, the obvious population
      differences existed among the responses of the host animal to the climate
      changes. Although the internal relationship between the rainfall, the flea index,
      the density of rodents and the plague supported the nutritional cascade
      hypothesis, it can not prove that there is a clear causality between the
      occurrence of plague and rainfall. So the influence of climate factors on plague
      distribution can only be used for early forecasting and warning of the plague. 

PMID- 27141907
TI  - [Research progress of the gene polymorphisms of metabolic enzyme related to
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons risk of preterm birth].
AB  - The etiology and underlying biological mechanisms for preterm birth are
      relatively intricate, involving both genetic and environmental factors.
      Therefore, in the process of research on environmental factors of preterm birth,
      individual genetic susceptibility is an important aspect which cannot be ignored.
      Detoxification and metabolism abilities of enzymes to the environmental toxins is
      determined by their genetic polymorphism, which directly affect the toxic effects
      of poison. The measurement of gene polymorphisms related to metabolic enzymes may
      have important significance in the research of biological mechanisms, the risk
      prediction for preterm birth and the development of the preventive measures. In
      the recent studies, exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) seems to
      be an important risk factor for preterm birth. Cytochrome P450 (CYP450s) and
      glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are the main metabolic enzymes of PAH and many
      other xenobiotics, and the polymorphisms of CYP1A1, CYP2E1, GSTM1, GSTT1 and
      GSTT2 may be associated with the risk of preterm birth. In this paper, we
      summarized that the research progress on the relationship between the gene
      polymorphisms of metabolic enzyme related to PAH and the risk of preterm birth. 

PMID- 27141908
TI  - [Review on the associations of signal transducer and activators of transcription
      3 with hepatocellular carcinoma].
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies with high
      fatality rate in China. To investigate the related risk factors and therapeutic
      targets, and actively carry out the prevention and early treatment is of great
      public health value. Signal transducer and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3)
      is the key molecule of multiple inflammation-associated signaling pathways.
      Recent studies have found that HCC patients have high expressing levels of STAT3
      in tumor tissues, and aberrant activation of STAT3 is closely associated with the
      occurrence, development, invasion, metastasis, and prognosis of HCC. In this
      paper, we reviewed the researches on the associations of STAT3 with the
      occurrence and prognosis of HCC and prospected on the issues of causal
      prophylaxis and targeted therapy for HCC which could offer reference for the
      protection strategy of HCC. 

PMID- 27141910
TI  - Electrochemical activation of carbon cloth in aqueous inorganic salt solution for
      superior capacitive performance.
AB  - Carbon cloth (CC) is an inexpensive and highly conductive textile with excellent
      mechanical flexibility and strength; it holds great promise as an electrode
      material for flexible supercapacitors. However, pristine CC has such a low
      surface area and poor electrochemical activity that the energy storage capability
      is usually very poor. Herein, we report a green method, two-step electrochemical
      activation in an aqueous solution of inorganic salts, to significantly enhance
      the capacitance of CC for supercapacitor application. Micro-cracks, exfoliated
      carbon fiber shells, and oxygen-containing functional groups (OFGs) were
      introduced onto the surface of the carbon filament. This resulted in an
      enhancement of over two orders of magnitude in capacitance compared to that of
      the bare CC electrode, reaching up to a maximum areal capacitance of 505.5 mF cm(
      2) at the current density of 6 mA cm(-2) in aqueous H2SO4 electrolyte.
      Electrochemical reduction of CC electrodes led to the removal of most
      electrochemically unstable surface OFGs, resulting in superior
      charging/discharging rate capability and excellent cycling stability. Although
      the activated CC electrode contained a high-level of surface oxygen functional
      groups (~15 at%), it still exhibited a remarkable charging-discharging rate
      capability, retaining ~88% of the capacitance when the charging rate increased
      from 6 to 48 mA cm(-2). Moreover, the activated CC electrode exhibited excellent
      cycling stability with ~97% capacitance remaining after 10 000 cycles at a
      current density of 24 mA cm(-2). A symmetrical supercapacitor based on the
      activated CC exhibited an ideal capacitive behavior and fast charge-discharge
      properties. Such a simple, environment-friendly, and cost-effective strategy to
      activate CC shows great potential in the fabrication of high-performance flexible
      supercapacitors. 

PMID- 27141909
TI  - Raffinose, a plant galactoside, inhibits Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation
      via binding to LecA and decreasing cellular cyclic diguanylate levels.
AB  - Biofilm formation on biotic or abiotic surfaces has unwanted consequences in
      medical, clinical, and industrial settings. Treatments with antibiotics or
      biocides are often ineffective in eradicating biofilms. Promising alternatives to
      conventional agents are biofilm-inhibiting compounds regulating biofilm
      development without toxicity to growth. Here, we screened a biofilm inhibitor,
      raffinose, derived from ginger. Raffinose, a galactotrisaccharide, showed
      efficient biofilm inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa without impairing its
      growth. Raffinose also affected various phenotypes such as colony morphology,
      matrix formation, and swarming motility. Binding of raffinose to a carbohydrate
      binding protein called LecA was the cause of biofilm inhibition and altered
      phenotypes. Furthermore, raffinose reduced the concentration of the second
      messenger, cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP), by increased activity of a c-di-GMP
      specific phosphodiesterase. The ability of raffinose to inhibit P. aeruginosa
      biofilm formation and its molecular mechanism opens new possibilities for
      pharmacological and industrial applications.

PMID- 27141911
TI  - Correction: Micropatterning neuronal networks.
AB  - Correction for 'Micropatterning neuronal networks' by Heike Hardelauf, et al.,
      Analyst, 2014, 139, 3256-3264.

PMID- 27141915
TI  - Endovascular closure of thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysms: A combined device
      occlusion and coil embolization technique in patients unsuitable for surgery or
      stenting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to retrospectively evaluate non-stent graft closure of
      ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms at our center over a 10-year period, and
      describe a combined device occlusion and coil embolization technique. BACKGROUND:
      Aortic pseudoaneurysms (APAs) are a rare complication post cardiothoracic
      surgery, but can have fatal complications. There is increasing use of
      percutaneous interventional techniques for occlusion of aortic pseudoaneurysms in
      patients who are considered unsuitable for surgery. Stent graft deployment may
      not be possible depending on the specific anatomy and pathology. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Retrospective evaluation of the catheter laboratory database was
      performed at our center and anonymized data was obtained for patients who had
      nonstent endovascular treatment of APAs. Twelve patients were identified with a
      mean age of 63 +/- 16 years. Seven patients had the combined occlusion and
      embolization technique, only 1/7 (14.3%) died from complications related to APAs.
      Five patients had occlusion device only, 3/5 (60%) died of complications related
      to their APA. The mean survival for the patients who had a combination procedure
      was 33.2+/-.22.6 months (range, 1 - 60 months), compared to 2.7 +/- 2.6 months
      with device closure only (note 2 patients had short follow up of <3 months).
      CONCLUSIONS: We evaluate non-stent graft percutaneous closure of APAs in a high
      risk patient group and provide data on the use of a novel combined occlusion
      device and coil embolization technique. We feel this is a viable approach to APA
      closure in this population but this will require larger clinical studies in the
      future. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27141916
TI  - Columnar Liquid-Crystalline Dibenzopentacenodithiophenes by Photocyclization.
AB  - The twofold glyoxylic Perkin reaction of perylene-3,9-diglyoxylic acid with
      thiophene-diacetic acid followed by oxidative photocylization and reaction with
      alpha-branched primary alkylamines yields columnar liquid-crystalline diimides
      with two sulfur atoms in the condensed arene system. A broad temperature range of
      the hexagonal columnar mesophase is induced by racemic doubly branched alkyl
      chains. The HOMO and LUMO energy levels of these thiophene-derived diimides
      qualify them as electron donors with respect to perylene diimides.

PMID- 27141918
TI  - Tumor-induced osteomalacia caused by a massive phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor of
      the acetabulum: A case report.
AB  - We report a case of tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) caused by a massive
      phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor (PMT) of the acetabulum. A 68-year-old woman
      presented with progressive bone pain of the rib cage, and polyarthralgia and back
      pain for 3 years. She was diagnosed with hypophosphatemic osteomalacia because
      laboratory testing was remarkable for low serum phosphorus and a low level of
      1,25(OH)2 vitamin D. Three years later, her hip radiograph revealed an osteolytic
      lesion of the acetabulum. Magnetic resonance imaging of the acetabulum showed a
      massive lesion. Laboratory data showed hypophosphatemia and an elevated serum
      level of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23). Samples obtained with open biopsy
      showed a low-grade spindle cell neoplasm with FGF-23 positivity, identified by
      using immunohistochemical staining, confirming the diagnosis of a PMT mixed
      connective tissue variant. Curettage of the tumor was performed, and the defects
      were filled with bone allografts. The hip joint was reconstructed with total hip
      arthroplasty using a Muller support ring. To our knowledge, this report
      represents the first documented case of massive PMT of the acetabulum causing
      TIO.

PMID- 27141917
TI  - Image Harvest: an open-source platform for high-throughput plant image processing
      and analysis.
AB  - High-throughput plant phenotyping is an effective approach to bridge the genotype
      to-phenotype gap in crops. Phenomics experiments typically result in large-scale
      image datasets, which are not amenable for processing on desktop computers, thus
      creating a bottleneck in the image-analysis pipeline. Here, we present an open
      source, flexible image-analysis framework, called Image Harvest (IH), for
      processing images originating from high-throughput plant phenotyping platforms.
      Image Harvest is developed to perform parallel processing on computing grids and
      provides an integrated feature for metadata extraction from large-scale file
      organization. Moreover, the integration of IH with the Open Science Grid provides
      academic researchers with the computational resources required for processing
      large image datasets at no cost. Image Harvest also offers functionalities to
      extract digital traits from images to interpret plant architecture-related
      characteristics. To demonstrate the applications of these digital traits, a rice
      (Oryza sativa) diversity panel was phenotyped and genome-wide association mapping
      was performed using digital traits that are used to describe different plant
      ideotypes. Three major quantitative trait loci were identified on rice
      chromosomes 4 and 6, which co-localize with quantitative trait loci known to
      regulate agronomically important traits in rice. Image Harvest is an open-source
      software for high-throughput image processing that requires a minimal learning
      curve for plant biologists to analyzephenomics datasets.

PMID- 27141919
TI  - Bio-inspired virus-like nanovesicle for effective vaccination.
AB  - Developing effective vaccines is of vital importance for protecting public health
      by preventing potential pandemics or by controlling ongoing ones. However, there
      is a threshold of rapidly design and develop effective vaccines to prevent virus
      infection. Inspired by the natural budding processes associated with cell
      membrane scission when enveloped viruses invade host cells and replicate
      themselves, a similar strategy was applied to achieve virus-mimetic nanovesicles
      (VMVs). This strategy loaded genetically engineered viral antigens onto mammalian
      cell membranes to produce antigen-loaded vesicles, and then used surfactants to
      optimize their size and stability. The VMVs resemble natural viruses in size,
      shape and specific immune function and have protein antigens in the correct
      conformation on their exterior to elicit robust immunogenicity. This was
      confirmed in animal models against influenza A (H1N1) virus, demonstrating that
      VMVs could be a versatile platform for vaccine development.

PMID- 27141920
TI  - Long-term effects of gastric bypass surgery on psychosocial well-being and eating
      behavior: not all that glitters is gold.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate long-term effects of Roux
      en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on physical and psychosocial health as well as eating
      behavior of obese patients. METHODS: We compared 23 patients 7 years after RYGB
      to 23 body mass index (BMI), sex, and age matched obese control patients by means
      of self-reporting questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS),
      Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire - Short Form (Q-LES-Q
      SF), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), and Alcohol Use Disorders
      Identification Test (AUDIT). Data are presented as median +/- interquartile rage.
      RESULTS: Physical health had improved and body image (80 +/- 25% vs. 20 +/- 49%,
      p < 0.001) was better in post-RYGB patients when compared to controls. HADS
      depression score (4 +/- 8 vs. 11 +/- 9; p = 0.005) was lower post-RYGB.
      Satisfaction with physical health (2 +/- 2 vs. 2 +/- 1, p = 0.037), daily life
      functioning (4 +/- 2 vs. 2 +/- 2, p = 0.050), and hobbies (4 +/- 1 vs. 2 +/- 2, p
      = 0.011) was higher post-RYGB, but social relationships and sexual performance
      were not perceived as superior. In addition, post-RYGB patients were more prone
      to eat on external cues (13 +/- 7 vs. 19 +/- 13; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Seven
      years post-RYGB, patients reported a significant improvement of physical health
      and higher satisfaction with daily life, but not with social relationships or
      sexual performance. Eating behavior post-RYGB was more influenced by external
      cues.

PMID- 27141921
TI  - The effect of delayed death in HIV/AIDS models.
AB  - HIV-infected patients who receive treatment survive for some years after they
      have acquired the disease. The received treatment causes sustained reduction of
      viral reproduction by improving the immune function, leading to prolonged
      progression period to AIDS development. This prolonged progression period has
      created variability in survival times that affects estimates produced using
      mathematical models that do not include delay in disease related mortality. This
      paper investigates the effect of including delay in AIDS death occurrence in
      HIV/AIDS transmission models. A simple mathematical model with two stages of HIV
      progression is developed and extended to include time delay in the occurrence of
      AIDS deaths. Numerical simulations indicate that time delay changes the mortality
      curves considerably but has less effect on the proportion of infectives. The
      study highlights the importance of incorporating delay in models of HIV/AIDS for
      the production of accurate HIV/AIDS estimates. 

PMID- 27141922
TI  - Addressing chronic diseases in protracted emergencies: Lessons from HIV for a new
      health imperative.
AB  - Forcible displacement has reached unprecedented levels, with more refugees and
      internally displaced people reported since comprehensive statistics have been
      collected. The rising numbers of refugees requiring health services, the
      protracted nature of modern displacement, and the changing demographics of
      refugee populations have created compelling new health needs and challenges. In
      addition to the risk of malnutrition, infectious diseases and exposure to the
      elements attendant upon conflict and the breakdown of public health systems, many
      displaced people now require continuity care for the prevention and treatment of
      cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer, and mental health, as well as
      maternal and child health services. In some regions, most refugee health services
      need to be provided in dispersed settings within host communities, rather than in
      traditional refugee camps, and the number of refugees suffering protracted
      displacement is growing rapidly. These realities highlight a significant
      disconnect between the health needs of twenty-first century refugees, and the
      global systems that have been established to address them. The global response to
      the HIV epidemic offers lessons about ways to support continuity care for chronic
      conditions during complex emergencies and may provide important blueprints as the
      global community struggles to redesign refugee health services.

PMID- 27141923
TI  - A Delphi study of occurring information in housing adaptation certificates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 1993, the Housing Adaptation Act has provided disabled people
      the opportunity to receive grants for adapting their homes. A housing adaptation
      certificate certifying the necessity of adaptations must accompany any
      application and if information in housing adaptation certificates is not
      sufficient, the applicant is risking not having necessary housing adaptations.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify and describe what information is
      missing, unnecessary or vague, in the housing adaptation certificates; to
      determine how often this occur, and how problematic this can be for the decision
      process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 105 housing adaptation grant managers took part in
      a three-round Delphi survey. RESULTS: At least 65% consensus was reached
      regarding the following six statements: missing information about disability
      duration, possession of relevant assistive devices, consequences of the
      disability in housing, prognosis of consequences, who the informant is, or
      contains preferences for specific solutions. Missing, unnecessary or vague
      information pose serious or less serious problems and 38-72% of the participants
      reported that this often or always occur. CONCLUSION: Housing adaptation
      certificates need to be improved. SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this study are
      used to design a checklist for use by housing adaptation certificate writers.

PMID- 27141924
TI  - Positive explorers: modeling dynamic control in normal aging.
AB  - Situations in which there are multiple changes occurring all at once and which
      demand complex decisions to be made are common throughout life, but little is
      known about how normal aging influences performance on these types of scenarios.
      To determine performance differences associated with normal aging, we test older
      and younger adults in a dynamic control task. The task involves the control of a
      single output variable over time via multiple and uncertain input controls. The
      Single Limited Input, Dynamic Exploratory Responses (SLIDER) computational model,
      is implemented to determine the behavioral characteristics associated with normal
      aging in a dynamic control task. Model-based analysis demonstrates a unique
      performance signature profile associated with normal aging. Specifically, older
      adults exhibit a positivity effect in which they are more influenced by
      positively valenced feedback, congruent with previous research, as well as
      enhanced exploratory behavior.

PMID- 27141925
TI  - Surfactant-mediated amyloidogenesis behavior of stem bromelain; a biophysical
      insight.
AB  - Neurodegenerative disorders are mainly associated with amyloid fibril formation
      of different proteins. Stem bromelain (SB), a cysteine protease, is known to
      exist as a molten globule state at pH 10.0. It passes through the identical
      surrounding (pH 10.0) in the gut epithelium of intestine upon oral
      administration. Protein-surfactant complexes are widely employed as drug
      carriers, so the nature of surfactant toward protein is of great interest. The
      present work describes the effect of cationic surfactants (CTAB & DTAB) and their
      hydrophobic behavior toward amyloidogenesis behavior of SB at pH 10.0. Multiple
      approaches including light scattering, far UV-CD, turbidity measurements, and dye
      binding assay (ThT, Congo red and ANS) were performed to measure the aggregation
      propensity of SB. Further, we monitored the hydrodynamic radii of aggregates
      formed using dynamic light scattering technique. Structure of fibrils was also
      visualized through fluorescence microscopy as well as TEM. At pH 10.0, low
      concentration of CTAB (0-200 MUM) induced amyloid formation in SB as evident from
      a prominent increase in turbidity and light scattering, gain in beta-sheet
      content, and enhanced ThT fluorescence intensity. However, further increase in
      CTAB concentration suppressed the fibrillation phenomenon. In contrast, DTAB did
      not induce fibril formation at any concentration used (0-500 MUM) due to lower
      hydrophobicity. Net negative charge developed on protein at high pH (10.0) might
      have facilitated amyloid formation at low concentration of cationic surfactant
      (CTAB) due to electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.

PMID- 27141926
TI  - Acute Effusive Pericarditis due to Horse Chestnut Consumption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are many well-known causes of pericardial effusion, such as
      cancer metastasis, bacterial or viral pericarditis, and uremic pericarditis;
      however, no reports exist in the literature demonstrating a pericardial effusion
      that led to cardiac tamponade following consumption of an herbal remedy. CASE
      REPORT: A 32-year-old male patient was referred to our cardiology outpatient
      clinic with a complaint of dyspnea. The patient's medical history was
      unremarkable; however, he had consumed 3 boxes of horse chestnut (Aesculus
      hippocastanum L) paste over the previous 1.5 months. His chest x-ray examination
      revealed an enlarged cardiac shadow and bilateral pleural effusion. On
      transthoracic echocardiographic examination, his ejection fraction was found to
      be 55% with circumferentially extended pericardial effusion that reached 3.9 cm
      at its maximal thickness. No growth had been detected in the pericardial and
      pleural biopsies or blood samples; there was no evidence of an infectious process
      in the physical examination. Based on this information, we diagnosed pericarditis
      resulting from the use of herbal remedies. This is the first report to
      demonstrate that herbal remedy consumption may cause this type of clinical
      condition. CONCLUSIONS: Besides other well-known causes, pericardial effusion
      related to the consumption of herbal remedies should always be considered when
      treating patients with pericardial effusion caused by unclear etiologies.

PMID- 27141927
TI  - Science Signaling Podcast for 3 May 2016: Innate lymphoid cell plasticity.
AB  - This Podcast features an interview with Rachel Golub and Eric Vivier, authors of
      two Research Articles that appear in the 3 May 2016 issue of Science Signaling,
      about plasticity of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). ILCs are related to the T cells
      and B cells of the adaptive immune system, and they regulate immune responses by
      secreting cytokines. ILCs are a heterogeneous population of cells that can be
      classified into several subtypes. Type 3 ILCs (ILC3s) can be further subdivided
      into distinct subpopulations. Chea et al found that Notch signaling controlled
      the relative proportions of different ILC3 subtypes in the mouse intestine. A
      related study by Viant et al reports that the Notch and transforming growth
      factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathways antagonize one another to control the
      balance between different subsets of ILC3s. Both studies demonstrate that ILC3
      fate is plastic and can be influenced by signals present in the microenvironment
      of these tissue-resident cells.Listen to Podcast. 

PMID- 27141928
TI  - PERK mediates the IRES-dependent translational activation of mRNAs encoding
      angiogenic growth factors after ischemic stress.
AB  - Angiogenesis is induced by various conditions, including hypoxia. Although cap
      dependent translation is globally inhibited during ischemia, the mRNAs encoding
      two important proangiogenic growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), are translated at early time
      points in ischemic muscle. The translation of these mRNAs can occur through
      internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs), rather than through cap-dependent
      translation. Hypoxic conditions also induce the unfolded protein response (UPR)
      and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading us to assess the interplay between
      hypoxia, ER stress, and IRES-mediated translation of FGF-2 and VEGF We found that
      unlike cap-dependent translation, translation through FGF-2 and VEGF IRESs was
      efficient in cells and transgenic mice subjected to ER stress-inducing stimuli.
      We identified PERK, a kinase that is activated by ER stress, as the driver of
      VEGF and FGF-2 IRES-mediated translation in cells and in mice expressing IRES
      driven reporter genes and exposed to hypoxic stress. These results demonstrate
      the role of IRES-dependent translation in the induction of the proangiogenic
      factors VEGF and FGF-2 in response to acute hypoxic stress. Furthermore, the PERK
      pathway could be a viable pharmacological target to improve physiological
      responses to ischemic situations.

PMID- 27141929
TI  - Notch signaling in group 3 innate lymphoid cells modulates their plasticity.
AB  - The Notch signaling pathway is conserved throughout evolution, and it controls
      various processes, including cell fate determination, differentiation, and
      proliferation. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are lymphoid cells lacking antigen
      receptors that fulfill effector and regulatory functions in innate immunity and
      tissue remodeling. Type 3 ILCs (ILC3s) reinforce the epithelial barrier and
      maintain homeostasis with intestinal microbiota. We demonstrated that the
      population of natural cytotoxicity receptor-positive (NCR(+)) ILC3s in mice is
      composed of two subsets that have distinct developmental requirements. A major
      subset depended on the activation of Notch2 in NCR(-) ILC3 precursors in the
      lamina propria of the small intestine to stimulate expression of the genes
      encoding the transcription factors T-bet, RORgammat, and aryl hydrocarbon
      receptor (AhR). Notch signaling contributed to the transition of NCR(-) cells
      into NCR(+) cells, the more proinflammatory subset, in a cell-autonomous manner.
      In the absence of Notch signaling, this subset of NCR(-) ILC3s did not acquire
      the gene expression profile of NCR(+) ILC3s. A second subset of NCR(+) ILC3s did
      not depend on Notch for their development or for increased transcription factor
      abundance; however, their production of cytokines and cell surface abundance of
      NCRs were decreased in the absence of Notch signaling. Together, our data suggest
      that Notch is a regulator of the plasticity of ILC3s by controlling NCR(+) cell
      fate.

PMID- 27141930
TI  - Transforming growth factor-beta and Notch ligands act as opposing environmental
      cues in regulating the plasticity of type 3 innate lymphoid cells.
AB  - Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) are composed of subsets that are either
      positive or negative for the natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) NKp46 (encoded
      by Ncr1). ILC3s are located at mucosal sites, such as in the intestine and lung,
      where they are exposed to billions of commensal microbes and potentially harmful
      pathogens. Together with T cells, the various ILC3 subsets maintain the balance
      between homeostasis and immune activation. Through genetic mapping, we identified
      a previously uncharacterized subset of NCR(-) ILC3s in mice that transiently
      express Ncr1, demonstrating previously undescribed heterogeneity within the ILC3
      population. In addition, we showed that sustained Notch signaling was required
      for the maintenance of the NCR(+) phenotype and that the cytokine transforming
      growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) impaired the development of NCR(+) ILC3s. Thus, the
      plasticity of ILC3s is regulated by the balance between the opposing effects of
      Notch and TGF-beta signaling, maintaining homeostasis in the face of continual
      challenges.

PMID- 27141931
TI  - Transforming Preprofessional Health Education Through Relationship-Centered Care
      and Narrative Medicine.
AB  - ISSUE: The Institute of Medicine identified health care education reform as a key
      to improving the error prone, costly, and unsatisfying U.S. health care system.
      It called for health care education that no longer focuses exclusively on the
      mastery of technical skills but teaches students the human dimensions of care and
      develops their ability to collaborate with patients and colleagues to alleviate
      suffering and improve health. When should this educational reform begin, by what
      frameworks should it be guided, and which methods should it employ are important
      questions to explore. EVIDENCE: There is increasing evidence that practitioners'
      relational skills, such as empathy and reflection, improve patients' health
      outcomes. Efforts to shift education toward patient-centered care in
      interprofessional teams have been made at the professional level, most notably in
      medical schools. However, reform must begin at the preprofessional level, to
      start cultivation of the habits that support humane care as early as possible and
      protect against empathic decline and the development of counterproductive
      attitudes to collaboration. The conceptual basis for reform is offered by
      relationship-centered care (RCC), a framework that goes beyond patient-centered
      care and interprofessional teamwork to focus on the reciprocal human interactions
      at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of care. RCC identifies practitioners'
      relationships with patients, colleagues, community, and self as the critical
      interpersonal dimensions of healthcare and describes a foundation of values,
      knowledge, and skills required for teaching each dimension. The teaching of these
      foundations can be facilitated with techniques from narrative medicine, a
      compatible care model that conceptualizes health care as a context in which
      humans exchange stories and thus require narrative competence. IMPLICATIONS: We
      suggest beginning the educational reform at the preprofessional level with the
      implementation of a formal curriculum based on the 4 RCC dimensions with students
      expected to gain beginner levels of competency on these dimensions in addition to
      evidence-based principles of health sciences. This requires interprofessional
      collaboration among health professions, social science, and liberal arts faculty
      and training of health professions faculty in narrative medicine. Next, we
      suggest engaging in incremental change in the organizational culture with
      professional development and team-building activities. Although we need
      systematic research on the efficacy of the components of the transformation,
      their impact on students' learning, and their costs, it is important to engage in
      efforts to prepare professionals who are able to respond to the complex health
      needs of individuals and society in the 21st century.

PMID- 27141932
TI  - A preliminary investigation of the effect of relaxin on bone remodelling in
      suture expansion.
AB  - Background and objectives: Relaxin (RLN) is an insulin-like hormone associated
      with extracellular matrix degradation, osteoclastogenesis, and osteoblast
      differentiation. This study aimed to assess the effect of RLN during and after
      lateral expansion of murine calvarial sagittal sutures. Materials and methods:
      RLN was injected topically using a nano-sized liposome carrier into the sagittal
      sutures of 8- to 10-week-old wild type mice just before lateral expansion. Suture
      morphology, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone volume were analysed by micro
      computed tomography. Collagen deposition and osteoclast differentiation were
      observed by Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase
      (TRAP) staining, respectively. Results: Less collagen staining and higher tissue
      specific relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor (Rxfp)-1 and -2 expression
      were observed in the RLN-treated samples after 48 hours. Increased BMD and
      volume, and thick well-organised osteoid tissue, with multinucleated TRAP
      positive cells, were observed in RLN-treated samples after 1 week. Increased Rxfp
      1 expression was observed in the sagittal sutures in the mid-suture fibrous
      tissue following RLN treatment. Rxfp-2 was only expressed in the calvarial bone
      under tensile stimulation and RLN treatment further increased its expression.
      Limitations: RLN-liposomes were not detected at any instance under the current
      experimental conditions. This is a preliminary study and the sample number limits
      the power of its results. VVG staining cannot quantify collagen contents but can
      provide preliminary information on the presence of collagen fibres. Conclusions:
      RLN treatment may modify bone remodelling and collagen metabolism during and
      after suture expansion.

PMID- 27141933
TI  - Increasing the amount of corticotomy does not affect orthodontic tooth movement
      or root resorption, but accelerates alveolar bone resorption in rats.
AB  - Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships among the
      volume of bone cut during corticotomy, amount of tooth movement, volume of root
      resorption, and volume of the resultant alveolar bone resorption after tooth
      movement. Methods: Ten-week-old female Wistar rats were distributed into the
      corticotomy groups and a control group that underwent sham corticotomy. Two
      experiments employing two different orthodontic forces (10 or 25g) and
      experimental periods (14 or 21 days) were performed. The volumes of the bone cut
      by corticotomy were 0.1, 1.0, and 1.7mm3 in the 25g groups, and 1.0 and 1.7mm3 in
      the 10g groups. Nickel-titanium closed-coil springs were set on the maxillary
      left first molars to induce mesial movement. After orthodontic tooth movement,
      the amount of tooth movement, volume of root resorption, and volume of alveolar
      bone resorption were measured. Results: Despite differences in the volume of bone
      cut among the different corticotomy groups, there were not significant
      differences in the amount of tooth movement and volume of root resorption between
      the control group and any of the corticotomy groups. However, higher volume of
      bone cut during corticotomy was significantly related to the decreased alveolar
      bone volume-in particular, to the reduced height of the alveolar bone crest after
      tooth movement. Conclusions: The volume of the alveolar bone cut during
      corticotomy does not affect tooth movement or root resorption in 10-week-old
      female Wistar rats; however, it may increase alveolar bone loss after tooth
      movement.

PMID- 27141934
TI  - Comparisons of two protocols for early treatment of anterior open bite.
AB  - Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of the treatment with
      the quad-helix/crib (Q-H/C) appliance with those of a combination of transpalatal
      arch, high-pull headgear, and lip bumper (TPA/HG/LB) in growing patients with
      anterior open bite malocclusion. Methods: The TPA/HG/LB sample consisted of 22
      subjects, 16 girls and 6 boys (mean age 7.5+/-1.4 years at the start of
      treatment, T1, and 8.7+/-1.5 years at the end of active treatment, T2). The Q-H/C
      sample consisted of 28 subjects, 17 girls and 11 boys (mean age 8.2+/-1.3 years
      at T1, and 8.7+/-1.6 years at T2). Both treated groups were compared with a
      control group of 20 untreated subjects matched for dentoskeletal disharmony and
      observation interval. The changes from T2 to T1 between the three groups were
      compared with the analysis of variance. Results: Both TPA/HG/LB and Q-H/C groups
      exhibited greater reduction of the palatal plane to mandibular plane angle (-1.7
      degrees  and -1.9 degrees , respectively) and a significantly greater increase in
      overbite (2.2 and 2.3mm, respectively) with respect to controls. Conclusions: Q
      H/C and TPA/HG/LB protocols were equally effective in correcting the anterior
      open bite.

PMID- 27141935
TI  - Herbst plus Lingual versus Herbst plus Labial: a comparison of occlusal outcome
      and gingival health.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyse and compare the effects during Herbst treatment combined
      with a lingual (completely customized) or labial (straight-wire) multibracket
      appliance (MBA), with special regard to lower incisor gingival recessions.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighteen Class II:1 patients [overjet >= 5mm, Class II
      molar relationship >= 0.5 cusp widths (CW) bilaterally or 1.0 CW unilaterally,
      median age 16.0 years] treated with a Herbst appliance in combination with a
      lingual MBA (group LINGUAL) were retrospectively matched (molar relationship and
      skeletal maturity) to 18 Class II:1 patients treated with a Herbst appliance
      combined with a labial MBA (group LABIAL). Study models and intraoral photographs
      from before and after treatment were evaluated regarding occlusal variables and
      gingival recessions. Lateral cephalograms from before, during (before and after
      Herbst), and after treatment were analysed to assess lower incisor changes.
      RESULTS: Both groups showed similar reductions of overjet (5.4/5.6mm), overbite,
      (2.9/2.7mm) and sagittal molar relationship (0.9/0.8 CW). During the Herbst
      phase, the changes in lower incisor inclination and incisal edge position were
      significantly smaller in the LINGUAL than in the LABIAL group (iiL/ML:
      +7.0/+12.7degrees, P = 0.002; ii-MLppg: +2.5/+3.9mm, P = 0.004). For the total
      treatment period, no significant differences were found (iiL/ML:
      +5.3/+8.6degrees; ii-MLppg: +2.1/+2.4mm). No clinically relevant gingival
      recessions were seen. CONCLUSION: Both treatment approaches successfully
      corrected the malocclusion. The group LINGUAL exhibited significantly less
      proclination during the Herbst phase only. Neither treatment approach induced
      deleterious gingival recessions.

PMID- 27141936
TI  - Phase Diagrams and Ordering in Charged Membranes: Binary Mixtures of Charged and
      Neutral Lipids.
AB  - We propose a model describing the phase behavior of two-component membranes
      consisting of binary mixtures of electrically charged and neutral lipids. We take
      into account the structural phase transition (main-transition) of the hydrocarbon
      chains, and investigate the interplay between this phase transition and the
      lateral phase separation. The presence of charged lipids significantly affects
      the phase behavior of the multicomponent membrane. Due to the conservation of
      lipid molecular volume, the main-transition temperature of charged lipids is
      lower than that of neutral ones. Furthermore, as compared with binary mixtures of
      neutral lipids, the membrane phase separation in binary mixtures of charged
      lipids is suppressed, in accord with recent experiments. We distinguish between
      two types of charged membranes: mixtures of charged saturated lipid/neutral
      unsaturated lipid and a second case of mixtures of neutral saturated
      lipid/charged unsaturated lipid. The corresponding phase behavior is calculated
      and shown to be very different. Finally, we discuss the effect of added salt on
      the phase separation and the temperature dependence of the lipid molecular area.

PMID- 27141937
TI  - GFAP isoforms control intermediate filament network dynamics, cell morphology,
      and focal adhesions.
AB  - Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is the characteristic intermediate
      filament (IF) protein in astrocytes. Expression of its main isoforms, GFAPalpha
      and GFAPdelta, varies in astrocytes and astrocytoma implying a potential
      regulatory role in astrocyte physiology and pathology. An IF-network is a dynamic
      structure and has been functionally linked to cell motility, proliferation, and
      morphology. There is a constant exchange of IF-proteins with the network. To
      study differences in the dynamic properties of GFAPalpha and GFAPdelta, we
      performed fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments on astrocytoma
      cells with fluorescently tagged GFAPs. Here, we show for the first time that the
      exchange of GFP-GFAPdelta was significantly slower than the exchange of GFP
      GFAPalpha with the IF-network. Furthermore, a collapsed IF-network, induced by
      GFAPdelta expression, led to a further decrease in fluorescence recovery of both
      GFP-GFAPalpha and GFP-GFAPdelta. This altered IF-network also changed cell
      morphology and the focal adhesion size, but did not alter cell migration or
      proliferation. Our study provides further insight into the modulation of the
      dynamic properties and functional consequences of the IF-network composition.

PMID- 27141938
TI  - GH13 amylosucrases and GH70 branching sucrases, atypical enzymes in their
      respective families.
AB  - Amylosucrases and branching sucrases are alpha-retaining transglucosylases found
      in the glycoside-hydrolase families 13 and 70, respectively, of the clan GH-H.
      These enzymes display unique activities in their respective families. Using
      sucrose as substrate and without mediation of nucleotide-activated sugars,
      amylosucrase catalyzes the formation of an alpha-(1 -> 4) linked glucan that
      resembles amylose. In contrast, the recently discovered branching sucrases are
      unable to catalyze polymerization of glucosyl units as they are rather specific
      for dextran branching through alpha-(1 -> 2) or alpha-(1 -> 3) branching linkages
      depending on the enzyme regiospecificity. In addition, GH13 amylosucrases and
      GH70 branching sucrases are naturally promiscuous and can glucosylate different
      types of acceptor molecules including sugars, polyols, or flavonoids.
      Amylosucrases have been the most investigated glucansucrases, in particular to
      control product profiles or to successfully develop tailored alpha
      transglucosylases able to glucosylate various molecules of interest, for example,
      chemically protected carbohydrates that are planned to enter in chemoenzymatic
      pathways. The structural traits of these atypical enzymes will be described and
      compared, and an overview of the potential of natural or engineered enzymes for
      glycodiversification and chemoenzymatic synthesis will be highlighted.

PMID- 27141939
TI  - Distribution of glucan-branching enzymes among prokaryotes.
AB  - Glucan-branching enzyme plays an essential role in the formation of branched
      polysaccharides, glycogen, and amylopectin. Only one type of branching enzyme,
      belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH13), is found in eukaryotes, while
      two types of branching enzymes (GH13 and GH57) occur in prokaryotes (Bacteria and
      Archaea). Both of these types are the members of protein families containing the
      diverse specificities of amylolytic glycoside hydrolases. Although similarities
      are found in the catalytic mechanism between the two types of branching enzyme,
      they are highly distinct from each other in terms of amino acid sequence and
      tertiary structure. Branching enzymes are found in 29 out of 30 bacterial phyla
      and 1 out of 5 archaeal phyla, often along with glycogen synthase, suggesting the
      existence of alpha-glucan production and storage in a wide range of prokaryotes.
      Enormous variability is observed as to which type and how many copies of
      branching enzyme are present depending on the phylum and, in some cases, even
      among species of the same genus. Such a variation may have occurred through
      lateral transfer, duplication, and/or differential loss of genes coding for
      branching enzyme during the evolution of prokaryotes.

PMID- 27141940
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cell subpopulations: phenotype, property and therapeutic
      potential.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are capable of differentiating into cells of
      multiple cell lineages and have potent paracrine effects. Due to their easy
      preparation and low immunogenicity, MSC have emerged as an extremely promising
      therapeutic agent in regenerative medicine for diverse diseases. However, MSC are
      heterogeneous with respect to phenotype and function in current isolation and
      cultivation regimes, which often lead to incomparable experimental results. In
      addition, there may be specific stem cell subpopulations with definite
      differentiation capacity toward certain lineages in addition to stem cells with
      multi-differentiation potential. Recent studies have identified several subsets
      of MSC which exhibit distinct features and biological activities, and enhanced
      therapeutic potentials for certain diseases. In this review, we give an overview
      of these subsets for their phenotypic, biological and functional properties.

PMID- 27141941
TI  - Coupling end resection with the checkpoint response at DNA double-strand breaks.
AB  - DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are a nasty form of damage that needs to be
      repaired to ensure genome stability. The DSB ends can undergo a strand-biased
      nucleolytic processing (resection) to generate 3'-ended single-stranded DNA
      (ssDNA) that channels DSB repair into homologous recombination. Generation of
      ssDNA also triggers the activation of the DNA damage checkpoint, which couples
      cell cycle progression with DSB repair. The checkpoint response is intimately
      linked to DSB resection, as some checkpoint proteins regulate the resection
      process. The present review will highlight recent works on the mechanism and
      regulation of DSB resection and its interplays with checkpoint
      activation/inactivation in budding yeast.

PMID- 27141944
TI  - Cold-induced vasodilation comparison between Bangladeshi and Japanese natives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The human thermoregulation system responds to changes in
      environmental temperature, so humans can self-adapt to a wide range of climates.
      People from tropical and temperate areas have different cold tolerance. This
      study compared the tolerance of Bangladeshi (tropical) and Japanese (temperate)
      people to local cold exposure on cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD). METHODS: Eight
      Bangladeshi males (now residing in Japan) and 14 Japanese males (residing in
      Japan) participated in this study. All are sedentary, regular university
      students. The Bangladeshi subject's duration of stay in Japan was 2.50 +/- 2.52
      years. The subject's left hand middle finger was immersed in 5  degrees C water
      for 20 min to assess their CIVD response (the experiment was conducted in an
      artificial climate chamber controlled at 25  degrees C with 50% RH). RESULTS:
      Compared with the Bangladeshi (BD) group, the Japanese (JP) group displayed some
      differences. There were significant differences between the BD and JP groups in
      temperature before immersion (TBI), which were 33.04 +/- 1.98 and 34.62 +/- 0.94 
      degrees C, and time of temperature rise (TTR), which were 5.35 +/- 0.82 and 3.72
      +/- 0.68 min, respectively. There was also a significant difference in the time
      of sensation rise (TSR) of 8.69 +/- 6.49 and 3.26 +/- 0.97 min between the BD and
      JP groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Moreover, the JP group showed a quick TTR
      after finishing immersion. CONCLUSIONS: The Japanese group (temperate) has a
      higher tolerance to local cold exposure than the Bangladeshi group (tropical)
      evaluated by the CIVD test.

PMID- 27141942
TI  - Oligodendroglial membrane dynamics in relation to myelin biogenesis.
AB  - In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes synthesize a specialized
      membrane, the myelin membrane, which enwraps the axons in a multilamellar fashion
      to provide fast action potential conduction and to ensure axonal integrity. When
      compared to other membranes, the composition of myelin membranes is unique with
      its relatively high lipid to protein ratio. Their biogenesis is quite complex and
      requires a tight regulation of sequential events, which are deregulated in
      demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. To devise strategies for
      remedying such defects, it is crucial to understand molecular mechanisms that
      underlie myelin assembly and dynamics, including the ability of specific lipids
      to organize proteins and/or mediate protein-protein interactions in healthy
      versus diseased myelin membranes. The tight regulation of myelin membrane
      formation has been widely investigated with classical biochemical and cell
      biological techniques, both in vitro and in vivo. However, our knowledge about
      myelin membrane dynamics, such as membrane fluidity in conjunction with the
      movement/diffusion of proteins and lipids in the membrane and the specificity and
      role of distinct lipid-protein and protein-protein interactions, is limited.
      Here, we provide an overview of recent findings about the myelin structure in
      terms of myelin lipids, proteins and membrane microdomains. To give insight into
      myelin membrane dynamics, we will particularly highlight the application of model
      membranes and advanced biophysical techniques, i.e., approaches which clearly
      provide an added value to insight obtained by classical biochemical techniques.

PMID- 27141945
TI  - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the risk of a second hip fracture: a
      propensity-score matching study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently
      prescribed for elderly patients, particularly after a hip fracture. However, we
      are not clear about the effect of NSAIDs on the risk of a second hip fracture
      because of confounding factors. METHODS: This was a Taiwan National Health
      Insurance Research Database-based study using propensity-score matching (PSM) to
      control for confounding. Enrollees were selected from patients with a hip
      fracture during 1996-2004 and followed longitudinally until December 2009. After
      PSM for comorbidities and bisphosphonate therapy, 94 patients with a second hip
      fracture were assigned to the Cases group and 461 without it to the Controls
      group. The target drugs are NSAIDs; paracetamol and dexamethasone are used for
      comparison. RESULTS: The correlation between the mean daily-dose (MDD) ratios of
      NSAIDs and the probability values of the current statistical tests were highly
      negative (Pearson's r = -0.920, P = 0.003), which indicated that the higher the
      MDD ratios, the greater the risks of a second hip fracture. A Kaplan-Meier
      survival analysis showed a time-dependent trend of increasing risk of a second
      hip fracture in patients taking NSAIDs (P < 0.001). Moreover, patients >= 60
      years old had a higher risk of a second hip fracture than did those <60 and
      taking the NSAIDs diclofenac (P = 0.016) and celecoxib (P = 0.003) and the
      corticosteroid dexamethasone (P = 0.018), but not those taking analgesic
      paracetamol (P = 0.074). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that taking NSAIDs after a
      fragility hip fracture dose- and time-dependently significantly increases the
      risk of a second hip fracture, especially in elderly patients. To lower the risk
      of a second hip fracture, any underlying causes for excessively using NSAIDs
      should be treated and thus fewer NSAIDs prescribed after a first hip fracture.

PMID- 27141946
TI  - Co-culture with neonatal cardiomyocytes enhances the proliferation of iPSC
      derived cardiomyocytes via FAK/JNK signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously reported that the pluripotent stem cells can
      differentiate into cardiomyocytes (CMs) by co-culture with neonatal CMs (NCMs) in
      vitro. However, the involving mechanism is not clear. METHODS: Mouse induced
      pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were cultured in hanging drops to form embryoid
      bodies (EBs) and to induce myocardial differentiation. Co-culture of EBs and NCMs
      was established in a transwell insert system, while EBs grown alone in the wells
      were used as controls. RESULTS: Co-culture with NCMs markedly increased the
      generation of functional CMs from iPSCs. The focal adhesion kinase (FAK)
      phosphorylation, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in co-culture
      were higher than that in EBs grown alone. Treating FAK small interfering RNA (FAK
      siRNA) or specific inhibitor for JNK (SP600125) to iPSCs significantly reduced
      the phosphorylation of JNK and the expressions of Mef2c and Bcl-2. The
      expressions of cTnT and MLC-2V were also decreased. Our results revealed that co
      culture with NCMs significantly enhance the differentiation ability of iPSCs by
      increasing Mef2c and Bcl-2 expressions concomitantly with a marked augment on
      cell proliferation through JNK signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      indicated that co-culture of EBs with NCMs induces genes expressed in a mature
      pattern and stimulates the proliferation of iPSC-derived CMs (iPS-CMs) by
      activating FAK/JNK signaling.

PMID- 27141947
TI  - Evidence of temporal stability in allelic and mitochondrial haplotype diversity
      in populations of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (Diptera: Glossinidae) in northern
      Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glossina fuscipes fuscipes is a tsetse species of high economic
      importance in Uganda where it is responsible for transmitting animal African
      trypanosomiasis (AAT) and both the chronic and acute forms of human African
      trypanosomiasis (HAT). We used genotype data from 17 microsatellites and a
      mitochondrial DNA marker to assess temporal changes in gene frequency for samples
      collected between the periods ranging from 2008 to 2014 in nine localities
      spanning regions known to harbor the two forms of HAT in northern Uganda.
      RESULTS: Our findings suggest that the majority of the studied populations in
      both HAT foci are genetically stable across the time span sampled. Pairwise
      estimates of differentiation using standardized FST and Jost's DEST between time
      points sampled for each site were generally low and ranged between 0.0019 and
      0.1312 for both sets of indices. We observed the highest values of FST and DEST
      between time points sampled from Kitgum (KT), Karuma (KR), Moyo (MY) and Pader
      (PD), and the possible reasons for this are discussed. Effective population size
      (Ne) estimates using Waple's temporal method ranged from 103 (95% CI: 73-138) in
      Kitgum to 962 (95% CI: 669-1309) in Oculoi (OC). Additionally, evidence of a
      bottleneck event was detected in only one population at one time point sampled;
      Aminakwach (AM-27) from December 2014 (P < 0.03889). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest
      general temporal stability of tsetse vectors in foci of both forms of HAT in
      northern Uganda. Genetic stability and the moderate effective population sizes
      imply that a re-emergence of vectors from local residual populations missed by
      control efforts is an important risk. This underscores the need for more
      sensitive sampling and monitoring to detect residual populations following
      control activities.

PMID- 27141948
TI  - Low birth weight leads to obesity, diabetes and increased leptin levels in
      adults: the CoLaus study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low birth weight is associated with increased rates of obesity,
      insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, but the precise mechanisms for this
      association remain unclear. We aimed to assess the relationships between birth
      weight and markers of glucose homeostasis or obesity in adults. METHODS: Cross
      sectional population-based study on 1458 women and 1088 men aged 35-75 years
      living in Lausanne, Switzerland. Birth weight was self-reported and categorized
      into <= 2.5, 2.6-3.5, 3.6-4.0 and >4.0 kg. Body composition was assessed by
      bioimpedance. Leptin and adiponectin levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS:
      Women with low birth weight (<= 2.5 kg) had higher levels of fasting plasma
      glucose, insulin, HOMA, diabetes and metabolic syndrome; a non significant
      similar trend was seen in men. In both genders, height increased with birth
      weight, whereas a U-shaped association was found between birth weight and body
      mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage. After adjusting for age,
      smoking status, physical activity and fat mass, an inverse association was found
      between leptin and birth weight categories: adjusted mean +/- standard error 17.3
      +/- 0.7, 16.2 +/- 0.3, 15.6 +/- 0.5 and 14.0 +/- 0.8 ng/dL for birth weight
      categories <= 2.5, 2.6-3.5, 3.6-4.0 and >4.0 kg, respectively, in women (p <
      0.05) and 9.8 +/- 0.8, 9.1 +/- 03, 7.8 +/- 0.4 and 7.7 +/- 0.5 ng/dL in men (p <
      0.05). An inverse association was also found between reported birth weight and
      leptin to fat mass ratio: mean +/- standard error 0.77 +/- 0.04, 0.73 +/- 0.02,
      0.69 +/- 0.03 and 0.62 +/- 0.04 in women (p < 0.05); 0.46 +/- 0.05, 0.45 +/-
      0.02, 0.39 +/- 0.02 and 0.38 +/- 0.03 in men (p < 0.05). No differences in
      adiponectin levels were found between birth weight groups. CONCLUSIONS: Middle
      aged adults born with a low weight present a higher prevalence of diabetes and
      obesity and also higher leptin levels and leptin to fat mass ratio than adults
      born with a normal weight. The higher leptin levels and leptin to fat mass ratio
      among adults born with a low weight might be related to nutritional factors
      during childhood or to the development of leptin resistance and/or higher leptin
      production by body fat unit. Subjects born with a low weight should be counselled
      regarding the risks of developing diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27141949
TI  - A new wave in the quiet revolution in contraceptive use in Nepal: the rise of
      emergency contraception.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Nepal, while the use of the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) has
      been increasing rapidly in recent years, very little is known about the profile
      of ECP users. This study assesses the increasing role of ECP and the profile of
      ECP users in Nepal. Some policy and programmatic concerns are also addressed.
      METHODS: Survey interviews were undertaken involving 185 women who visited five
      metropolitan medical shops located in Pokhara seeking to purchase ECP for their
      own use. Descriptive statistics were calculated for data analysis. RESULTS: ECP
      is popular among young (<25 years old) and educated women. Also, nearly 70 % of
      the ECP users described their most recent sexual relationship as
      infrequent/casual. The overwhelming majority of users are aware that ECP is for
      emergency use only. Most ECP users are also aware of other options like condoms,
      the oral pill, and injectable contraceptives; and a considerable proportion of
      women using ECP had also used these methods before. CONCLUSION: ECP is filling an
      important and unique role in reducing unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, especially
      among young, educated women, and those with infrequent sexual relationships.

PMID- 27141950
TI  - Investigations of immunogenic, allergenic and adjuvant properties of Cry1Ab
      protein after intragastric exposure in a food allergy model in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In genetically modified (GM) crops there is a risk that the inserted
      genes may introduce new allergens and/or adjuvants into the food and feed chain.
      The MON810 maize, expressing the insecticidal Cry1Ab toxin, is grown in many
      countries worldwide. In animal models, intranasal and intraperitoneal
      immunisations with the purified Cry1Ab proteins have induced immune responses,
      and feeding trials with Cry1Ab-containing feed have revealed some altered immune
      responses. Previous investigations have primarily measured antibody responses to
      the protein, while investigations of clinical food allergy symptoms, or allergy
      promotion (adjuvant effect) associated with the Cry1Ab protein are largely
      missing. We aimed to investigate immunogenic, allergenic and adjuvant properties
      of purified Cry1Ab toxin (trypCry1Ab, i.e., trypsin activated Cry1Ab) in a mouse
      model of food allergy. METHOD: Female C3H/HeJ mice were immunized by intragastric
      gavage of 10 MUg purified, trypsin activated Cry1Ab toxin (trypCry1Ab) alone or
      together with the food allergen lupin. Cholera toxin was added as a positive
      control for adjuvant effect to break oral tolerance. Clinical symptoms
      (anaphylaxis) as well as humoral and cellular responses were assessed. RESULTS:
      In contrast to results from previous airway investigations, we observed no
      indication of immunogenic properties of trypCry1Ab protein after repeated
      intragastric exposures to one dose, with or without CT as adjuvant. Moreover, the
      results indicated that trypCry1Ab given by the intragastric route was not able to
      promote allergic responses or anaphylactic reactions against the co-administered
      allergen lupin at the given dose. CONCLUSION: The study suggests no immunogenic,
      allergenic or adjuvant capacity of the given dose of trypCry1Ab protein after
      intragastric exposure of prime aged mice.

PMID- 27141951
TI  - Effect of a pro-breastfeeding intervention on the maintenance of breastfeeding
      for 2 years or more: randomized clinical trial with adolescent mothers and
      grandmothers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Being an adolescent mother and cohabiting with the maternal
      grandmother have been shown to be risk factors for a shorter breastfeeding
      duration. The objective of this study was to assess whether the positive effects
      of a pro-breastfeeding intervention aimed at adolescent mothers and maternal
      grandmothers on the prevalence of breastfeeding observed in the first year of
      life were maintained at 2 years of age. METHODS: This study is the continuation
      of a randomized clinical trial initiated in 2006 involving 323 adolescent
      mothers, their newborns and maternal grandmothers when cohabiting. The
      intervention consisted of six breastfeeding counseling sessions, the first one
      held at the maternity ward and the others at the participants' homes at 7, 15,
      30, 60, and 120 days postpartum. The present study reports data collected when
      the children were 4 to 7 years old, concerning the maintenance of breastfeeding
      at 2 years. Data were analyzed using multivariable Poisson regression model with
      robust variance, with breastfeeding at 2 years of age as the outcome. RESULTS:
      Maintenance of breastfeeding for 2 years or more was present in 32.2% of the
      sample. When the intervention and control groups were compared, the prevalence of
      breastfeeding at 2 years was similar (29.9 vs. 34.3%, respectively; p = 0.605).
      Multivariable analysis failed to reveal an association between exposure to the
      intervention and maintenance of breastfeeding at 2 years in the different models
      tested. CONCLUSIONS: The positive impact of the intervention on the prevalence of
      breastfeeding observed in the first year of life was not maintained at 2 years of
      age. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on May
      28, 2009 under protocol no. NCT00910377.

PMID- 27141952
TI  - Relationship of the adherence to the Mediterranean diet with health-related
      quality of life and treatment satisfaction in patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus: a post-hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to assess the association between
      adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and health-related
      quality of life (HRQoL) and treatment satisfaction in patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 294
      patients with T2DM (146 with diabetic retinopathy and 148 without retinopathy).
      HRQoL and treatment satisfaction were assessed with the Audit Diabetes-Dependent
      Quality of Life and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaires, respectively.
      Adherence to the MedDiet was evaluated with the relative Mediterranean Diet Score
      (rMED). The rMED was added to multivariate linear regression models to assess its
      relative contribution as a quantitative as well as a qualitative variable after
      recoding to maximize each of the model's coefficients of determination to explain
      quality of life as well as treatment satisfaction dimensions. RESULTS: The
      adherence to the Mediterranean diet showed no significant association with the
      overall quality of life score. However, rMED was associated with some HRQoL
      dimensions: travels, self-confidence and freedom to eat and drink (p = 0.020, p =
      0.015, p = 0.037 and p = 0.015, respectively). Concerning treatment satisfaction,
      rMED was positively associated with its overall score (p = 0.046), and especially
      with the understanding of diabetes (p = 0.0004) and treatment recommendation (p =
      0.036), as well as with the perceived frequency of hyperglycaemias (p = 0.039).
      CONCLUSION: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with greater
      treatment satisfaction in patients with T2DM. Although we found no association
      with overall HRQoL, adherence to this dietary pattern was associated with some
      quality of life dimensions.

PMID- 27141953
TI  - Identification of Apo B48 and other novel biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis patient fibroblasts.
AB  - AIM: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a debilitating fatal
      neurodegenerative disorder. 90-95% of ALS cases are sporadic with no clear risk
      factors associated with the disease. Identification of biomarkers associated with
      ALS may lead to early detection and make it more amenable to therapeutic
      intervention. MATERIALS & METHODS: SILAC was used to quantitatively analyze the
      proteomes of ALS and control human fibroblasts. RESULTS: Out of total of 861
      proteins identified, 33 were found to be differentially regulated. ApoB48 and
      Hsp20 were downregulated, while Fibulin-1 was upregulated. CONCLUSION: We report
      the differential regulation of these proteins in ALS fibroblasts, and their
      potential as novel biomarkers and possible drug targets for ALS.

PMID- 27141954
TI  - Current initiatives to protect Rhode Island adolescents through increasing HPV
      vaccination.
AB  - This commentary provides an overview of recent initiatives in Rhode Island to
      promote human papillomavirus (HPV) vac-30 cination with the goal of protecting
      Rhode Island adolescents against vaccine-preventable HPV-associated cancers. With
      the exception of the introduction of a recent school entry requirement, most of
      the initiatives and related activities described were conducted as part of a
      cooperative agreement between 35 RIDOH and CDC, and were supported by the
      Prevention and Public Health Fund. (1).

PMID- 27141955
TI  - Associations of MMP-2, BAX, and Bcl-2 mRNA and Protein Expressions with
      Development of Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND To examine changes of mRNA and protein expressions of MMP-2, Bcl-2,
      and BAX in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, and investigate the correlations
      among these 3 biomarkers. MATERIAL AND METHODS Rheumatic heart disease patients
      (n=158) undergoing cardiac surgical procedures for mitral valve repair or
      replacement were included as the AF group (n=123), containing paroxysmal AF
      (n=42), persistent AF (n=36), and permanent AF (n=45). Rheumatic heart disease
      patients with sinus rhythm (SR) (n=35) were enrolled as the SR group (control
      group). Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) were applied to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of
      MMP-2, Bcl-2, and BAX. Apoptosis was observed with light and electron microscopes
      and detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). RESULTS Compared
      with the SR group, the left atrial diameters (LADs), protein and mRNA expression
      levels of MMP-2 and BAX, apoptotic index (AI), and Bcl-2/BAX ratio were evidently
      increased in the 3 AF groups, but protein and mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2
      decreased in the AF groups (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis found that MMP-2
      protein expression levels was positively correlated with BAX expression, but
      negatively correlated with Bcl-2 expression levels. CONCLUSIONS Our study results
      suggest that elevated MMP-2 expression and disturbance balance of Bcl-2/BAX
      expressions may be associated with the development and maintenance of AF. MMP-2
      may be involved in the development of AF through promoting BAX expressions and
      inhibiting Bcl-2. 

PMID- 27141956
TI  - Microsecond Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Influenza Neuraminidase Suggest a
      Mechanism for the Increased Virulence of Stalk-Deletion Mutants.
AB  - Deletions in the stalk of the influenza neuraminidase (NA) surface protein are
      associated with increased virulence, but the mechanisms responsible for this
      enhanced virulence are unclear. Here we use microsecond molecular dynamics
      simulations to explore the effect of stalk deletion on enzymatic activity,
      contrasting NA proteins from the A/swine/Shandong/N1/2009 strain both with and
      without a stalk deletion. By modeling and simulating neuraminidase apo
      glycoproteins embedded in complex-mixture lipid bilayers, we show that the
      geometry and dynamics of the neuraminidase enzymatic pocket may differ depending
      on stalk length, with possible repercussions on the binding of the endogenous
      sialylated-oligosaccharide receptors. We also use these simulations to predict
      previously unrecognized druggable "hotspots" on the neuraminidase surface that
      may prove useful for future efforts aimed at structure-based drug design.

PMID- 27141957
TI  - Identifying Opportunities for Peer Learning: An Observational Study of Medical
      Students on Clinical Placements.
AB  - : Phenomenon: Peer assisted learning (PAL) is frequently employed and researched
      in preclinical medical education. Fewer studies have examined PAL in the clinical
      context: These have focused mainly on the accuracy of peer assessment and
      potential benefits to learner communication and teamwork skills. Research has
      also examined the positive and negative effects of formal, structured PAL
      activities in the clinical setting. Given the prevalence of PAL activities during
      preclinical years, and the unstructured nature of clinical placements, it is
      likely that nonformal PAL activities are also undertaken. How PAL happens
      formally and informally and why students find PAL useful in this clinical setting
      remain poorly understood. APPROACH: This study aimed to describe PAL activities
      within the context of clinical placement learning and to explore students'
      perceptions of these activities. An ethnographic study was conducted to gather
      empirical data on engagement in clinical placement learning activities, including
      observations and interviews with students in their 1st clinical year, along with
      their supervising clinicians. Thematic analysis was used to interrogate the data.
      FINDINGS: On average, students used PAL for 5.19 hours per week in a range of
      activities, of a total of 29.29 hours undertaking placements. PAL was recognized
      as a means of vicarious learning and had greater perceived value when an educator
      was present to guide or moderate the learning. Trust between students was seen as
      a requirement for PAL to be effective. Students found passive observation a
      barrier to PAL and were able to identify ways to adopt an active stance when
      observing peers interacting with patients. For example, learners reported that
      the expectation that they had to provide feedback to peers after task
      observation, resulted in them taking on a more critical gaze where they were
      encouraged to consider notions of good practice. Insights: Students use PAL in
      formal (i.e., tutorial) and nonformal (e.g., peer observation and feedback on the
      ward; discussion during lunch) situations in clinical education and find it
      useful. The educator is crucial in fostering PAL through providing opportunities
      for learners to practice together and in helping to moderate discussions about
      quality of performance. Student engagement in PAL may reduce passivity commonly
      reported in clinical rotations. Further directions for research into PAL in
      clinical education are identified along with potential strategies that may
      maximize the benefits of peer to peer learning.

PMID- 27141958
TI  - Challenges of access to medicine and the responsibility of pharmaceutical
      companies: a legal perspective.
AB  - The right to health as a basic human right- and access to medicine as a part of
      it- have been a matter of attention for several decades. Also the
      responsibilities of different parties- particularly pharmaceutical companies- in
      realization of this right has been emphasized by World Health Organization. This
      is while many companies find no incentive for research and development of
      medicines related to rare diseases. Also some legal structures such as "patent
      agreements" clearly cause huge difficulties for access to medicine in many
      countries. High prices of brand medicine and no legal production of generics can
      increase the catastrophic costs- as well as morbidity-mortality of medication in
      lower income countries. Here we evidently review the current challenges in access
      to medicine and critically assess its legal roots. How societies/governors can
      make the pharmaceutical companies responsible is also discussed to have a look on
      possible future and actions that policy makers- in local or global level- can
      take. 

PMID- 27141959
TI  - Venous thromboembolism associated with acute cytomegalovirus infection:
      epidemiology and predisposing conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism has been reported in association with
      cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection both in immunocompromised and immunocompetent
      patients. In this population, it is yet undetermined whether CMV alone provokes
      VTE or other predisposing conditions are involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1007
      VTE patients consecutively recruited in one academic hospital were analyzed
      retrospectively in order to identify acute CMV infection. Acquired and inherited
      risk factors were screened. Only adults and immunocompetent patients were
      included. RESULTS: Among 1007 consecutive VTE patients, we identified 10 patients
      with synchronous acute CMV infection. Patients with coexistent VTE and acute CMV
      infection were younger (37.5 years vs. 56.6 years; p = 0.0088) and exhibited a
      female predominance (90% vs. 56%; p = 0.026), in comparison to the whole cohort.
      Hereditary thrombophilia was identified in 9 out of 10 patients. Acquired risk
      factors for VTE like estrogens administration and pregnancy were equally
      prevalent in patients with and without CMV infection. CONCLUSION: Acute CMV
      infection is a potential contributor to VTE whenever other prothrombotic
      conditions are required. This should help clinicians to privilege a limited
      duration of anticoagulant treatment like in other provoked VTE.

PMID- 27141960
TI  - SimpleSynteny: a web-based tool for visualization of microsynteny across multiple
      species.
AB  - Defining syntenic relationships among orthologous gene clusters is a frequent
      undertaking of biologists studying organismal evolution through comparative
      genomic approaches. With the increasing availability of genome data made possible
      through next-generation sequencing technology, there is a growing need for user
      friendly tools capable of assessing synteny. Here we present SimpleSynteny, a new
      web-based platform capable of directly interrogating collinearity of local
      genomic neighbors across multiple species in a targeted manner. SimpleSynteny
      provides a pipeline for evaluating the synteny of a preselected set of gene
      targets across multiple organismal genomes. An emphasis has been placed on ease
      of-use, and users are only required to submit FASTA files for their genomes and
      genes of interest. SimpleSynteny then guides the user through an iterative
      process of exploring and customizing genomes individually before combining them
      into a final high-resolution figure. Because the process is iterative, it allows
      the user to customize the organization of multiple contigs and incorporate
      knowledge from additional sources, rather than forcing complete dependence on the
      computational predictions. Additional tools are provided to help the user
      identify which contigs in a genome assembly contain gene targets and to optimize
      analyses of circular genomes. SimpleSynteny is freely available at:
      http://www.SimpleSynteny.com.

PMID- 27141961
TI  - Enrichr: a comprehensive gene set enrichment analysis web server 2016 update.
AB  - Enrichment analysis is a popular method for analyzing gene sets generated by
      genome-wide experiments. Here we present a significant update to one of the tools
      in this domain called Enrichr. Enrichr currently contains a large collection of
      diverse gene set libraries available for analysis and download. In total, Enrichr
      currently contains 180 184 annotated gene sets from 102 gene set libraries. New
      features have been added to Enrichr including the ability to submit fuzzy sets,
      upload BED files, improved application programming interface and visualization of
      the results as clustergrams. Overall, Enrichr is a comprehensive resource for
      curated gene sets and a search engine that accumulates biological knowledge for
      further biological discoveries. Enrichr is freely available at:
      http://amp.pharm.mssm.edu/Enrichr.

PMID- 27141962
TI  - A small protein inhibits proliferating cell nuclear antigen by breaking the DNA
      clamp.
AB  - Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) forms a trimeric ring that encircles
      duplex DNA and acts as an anchor for a number of proteins involved in DNA
      metabolic processes. PCNA has two structurally similar domains (I and II) linked
      by a long loop (inter-domain connector loop, IDCL) on the outside of each monomer
      of the trimeric structure that makes up the DNA clamp. All proteins that bind to
      PCNA do so via a PCNA-interacting peptide (PIP) motif that binds near the IDCL. A
      small protein, called TIP, binds to PCNA and inhibits PCNA-dependent activities
      although it does not contain a canonical PIP motif. The X-ray crystal structure
      of TIP bound to PCNA reveals that TIP binds to the canonical PIP interaction
      site, but also extends beyond it through a helix that relocates the IDCL. TIP
      alters the relationship between domains I and II within the PCNA monomer such
      that the trimeric ring structure is broken, while the individual domains largely
      retain their native structure. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) confirms the
      disruption of the PCNA trimer upon addition of the TIP protein in solution and
      together with the X-ray crystal data, provides a structural basis for the
      mechanism of PCNA inhibition by TIP.

PMID- 27141963
TI  - Peptiderive server: derive peptide inhibitors from protein-protein interactions.
AB  - The Rosetta Peptiderive protocol identifies, in a given structure of a protein
      protein interaction, the linear polypeptide segment suggested to contribute most
      to binding energy. Interactions that feature a 'hot segment', a linear peptide
      with significant binding energy compared to that of the complex, may be amenable
      for inhibition and the peptide sequence and structure derived from the
      interaction provide a starting point for rational drug design. Here we present a
      web server for Peptiderive, which is incorporated within the ROSIE web interface
      for Rosetta protocols. A new feature of the protocol also evaluates whether
      derived peptides are good candidates for cyclization. Fast computation times and
      clear visualization allow users to quickly assess the interaction of interest.
      The Peptiderive server is available for free use at
      http://rosie.rosettacommons.org/peptiderive.

PMID- 27141964
TI  - Musashi mediates translational repression of the Drosophila hypoxia inducible
      factor.
AB  - Adaptation to hypoxia depends on a conserved alpha/beta heterodimeric
      transcription factor called Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF), whose alpha-subunit
      is regulated by oxygen through different concurrent mechanisms. In this study, we
      have identified the RNA binding protein dMusashi, as a negative regulator of the
      fly HIF homologue Sima. Genetic interaction assays suggested that dMusashi
      participates of the HIF pathway, and molecular studies carried out in Drosophila
      cell cultures showed that dMusashi recognizes a Musashi Binding Element in the 3'
      UTR of the HIFalpha transcript, thereby mediating its translational repression in
      normoxia. In hypoxic conditions dMusashi is downregulated, lifting HIFalpha
      repression and contributing to trigger HIF-dependent gene expression. Analysis
      performed in mouse brains revealed that murine Msi1 protein physically interacts
      with HIF-1alpha transcript, suggesting that the regulation of HIF by Msi might be
      conserved in mammalian systems. Thus, Musashi is a novel regulator of HIF that
      inhibits responses to hypoxia specifically when oxygen is available.

PMID- 27141966
TI  - PHASTER: a better, faster version of the PHAST phage search tool.
AB  - PHASTER (PHAge Search Tool - Enhanced Release) is a significant upgrade to the
      popular PHAST web server for the rapid identification and annotation of prophage
      sequences within bacterial genomes and plasmids. Although the steps in the phage
      identification pipeline in PHASTER remain largely the same as in the original
      PHAST, numerous software improvements and significant hardware enhancements have
      now made PHASTER faster, more efficient, more visually appealing and much more
      user friendly. In particular, PHASTER is now 4.3* faster than PHAST when
      analyzing a typical bacterial genome. More specifically, software optimizations
      have made the backend of PHASTER 2.7X faster than PHAST, while the addition of 80
      CPUs to the PHASTER compute cluster are responsible for the remaining speed-up.
      PHASTER can now process a typical bacterial genome in 3 min from the raw sequence
      alone, or in 1.5 min when given a pre-annotated GenBank file. A number of other
      optimizations have also been implemented, including automated algorithms to
      reduce the size and redundancy of PHASTER's databases, improvements in handling
      multiple (metagenomic) queries and higher user traffic, along with the ability to
      perform automated look-ups against 14 000 previously PHAST/PHASTER annotated
      bacterial genomes (which can lead to complete phage annotations in seconds as
      opposed to minutes). PHASTER's web interface has also been entirely rewritten. A
      new graphical genome browser has been added, gene/genome visualization tools have
      been improved, and the graphical interface is now more modern, robust and user
      friendly. PHASTER is available online at www.phaster.ca.

PMID- 27141965
TI  - Setd1a and NURF mediate chromatin dynamics and gene regulation during erythroid
      lineage commitment and differentiation.
AB  - The modulation of chromatin structure is a key step in transcription regulation
      in mammalian cells and eventually determines lineage commitment and
      differentiation. USF1/2, Setd1a and NURF complexes interact to regulate chromatin
      architecture in erythropoiesis, but the mechanistic basis for this regulation is
      hitherto unknown. Here we showed that Setd1a and NURF complexes bind to promoters
      to control chromatin structural alterations and gene activation in a cell context
      dependent manner. In human primary erythroid cells USF1/2, H3K4me3 and the NURF
      complex were significantly co-enriched at transcription start sites of erythroid
      genes, and their binding was associated with promoter/enhancer accessibility that
      resulted from nucleosome repositioning. Mice deficient for Setd1a, an H3K4
      trimethylase, in the erythroid compartment exhibited reduced Ter119/CD71 positive
      erythroblasts, peripheral blood RBCs and hemoglobin levels. Loss of Setd1a led to
      a reduction of promoter-associated H3K4 methylation, inhibition of gene
      transcription and blockade of erythroid differentiation. This was associated with
      alterations in NURF complex occupancy at erythroid gene promoters and reduced
      chromatin accessibility. Setd1a deficiency caused decreased associations between
      enhancer and promoter looped interactions as well as reduced expression of
      erythroid genes such as the adult beta-globin gene. These data indicate that
      Setd1a and NURF complexes are specifically targeted to and coordinately regulate
      erythroid promoter chromatin dynamics during erythroid lineage differentiation.

PMID- 27141967
TI  - Real-time PCR using FRET technology for Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis species
      differentiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been a re-emergence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in
      endemic countries and an increase in imported cases in non-endemic countries by
      travelers, workers, expatriates, immigrants, and military force personnel. Old
      World cutaneous leishmaniasis is caused primarily by Leishmania major, L. tropica
      and L. aethiopica. Despite their low sensitivity, diagnosis traditionally
      includes microscopic and histopathological examinations, and in vitro
      cultivation. Several conventional PCR techniques have been developed for species
      identification, which are time-consuming and labour-intensive. Real-time PCR
      using SYBR green dye, although provides rapid detection, may generate false
      positive signals. Therefore, a rapid and easy method such as a FRET-based real
      time PCR would improve not only the turn-around time of diagnosing Old World
      cutaneous Leishmania species but will also increase its specificity and
      sensitivity. METHODS: A FRET-based real-time PCR assay which amplifies the
      cathepsin L-like cysteine protease B gene encoding a major Leishmania antigen was
      developed to differentiate L. major, L. tropica, and L. aethiopica in one single
      step using one set of primers and probes. Assay performance was tested on
      cutaneous and visceral strains of Leishmania parasite cultures and isolates of
      other protozoan parasites as well as human biopsy specimen. RESULTS: The assay
      readily differentiates between the three Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis
      species based on their melting curve characteristics. A single Tm at 55.2 +/- 0.5
      degrees C for L. aethiopica strains was distinguished from a single Tm at 57.4
      +/- 0.2  degrees C for L. major strains. A double curve with melting peaks at
      66.6 +/- 0.1  degrees C and 48.1 +/- 0.5  degrees C or 55.8 +/- 0.6  degrees C
      was observed for all L. tropica strains. The assay was further tested on biopsy
      specimens, which showed 100% agreement with results obtained from isoenzyme
      electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing. CONCLUSION: Currently, there are no
      published data on real-time PCR using FRET technology to differentiate between
      Old World cutaneous Leishmania species. In summary, our assay based on specific
      hybridization addresses the limitations of previous PCR technology and provides a
      single step, reliable method of species identification and rapid diagnostic
      applications.

PMID- 27141968
TI  - Young people with psychiatric disabilities and their views of day centres.
AB  - Young people with psychiatric disabilities may require support in structuring
      their everyday life. To learn more about the relevance of day centres in this
      respect, this study aimed to examine the experiences of young people with
      psychiatric disabilities. A particular focus was on the perceptions of meaningful
      occupation when visiting day centres, their reasons for not choosing this option
      when given it and what they desired instead. A qualitative design based on
      individual interviews was used. Twelve women and eight men between 18 and 35
      years, with a need for organized daily occupations, participated as informants.
      Qualitative content analysis revealed three categories: 'Being in a context',
      'Balancing between developing and stagnating', and 'Longing for something more'.
      The findings indicated that the occupations were inherently age neutral, as were
      the possibilities for socializing. There was a desire for more activities in the
      community and more support for engaging in occupations that other young people
      did. A major issue in the accomplishment of this was the need to earn money, and
      the lack of opportunities for doing that in the day centre context was a
      considerable drawback. The findings highlight the importance of identifying young
      people's views when designing day centres.

PMID- 27141969
TI  - Hidden costs: The ethics of cost-effectiveness analyses for health interventions
      in resource-limited settings.
AB  - Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is an increasingly appealing tool for
      evaluating and comparing health-related interventions in resource-limited
      settings. The goal is to inform decision-makers regarding the health benefits and
      associated costs of alternative interventions, helping guide allocation of
      limited resources by prioritising interventions that offer the most health for
      the least money. Although only one component of a more complex decision-making
      process, CEAs influence the distribution of health-care resources, directly
      influencing morbidity and mortality for the world's most vulnerable populations.
      However, CEA-associated measures are frequently setting-specific valuations, and
      CEA outcomes may violate ethical principles of equity and distributive justice.
      We examine the assumptions and analytical tools used in CEAs that may conflict
      with societal values. We then evaluate contextual features unique to resource
      limited settings, including the source of health-state utilities and disability
      weights, implications of CEA thresholds in light of economic uncertainty, and the
      role of external donors. Finally, we explore opportunities to help align
      interpretation of CEA outcomes with values and budgetary constraints in resource
      limited settings. The ethical implications of CEAs in resource-limited settings
      are vast. It is imperative that CEA outcome summary measures and implementation
      thresholds adequately reflect societal values and ethical priorities in resource
      limited settings.

PMID- 27141970
TI  - Possible selves in patients with right- versus left-onset Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Possible selves can be used to self-regulate and guide behavior towards what is
      desired to be achieved or avoided in life. Previous work suggests laterality
      effects exist within the brain regarding approach and avoidance systems to
      achieve self-regulation. A modified version of the possible selves task was
      administered to 45 patients with PD (22 right-onset and 23 left-onset) and 25
      community dwelling control subjects (CS). Only 11.1% of patients exhibited
      balance among their hoped-for and feared possible selves versus 28% of CS. More
      right-onset patients used a promotion strategy whereas more left-onset patients
      used a prevention strategy. Patients with left-onset PD thought more about their
      feared selves, exhibiting reduced goal-directed behavior. Findings among the left
      onset group indicate relative dependence of self-regulation on right-sided
      avoidance brain systems. This may point to an inability to move away from
      negative outcomes and to work towards rewarding outcomes, which could affect
      psychological health.

PMID- 27141971
TI  - Comprehensive Study of Volatile Compounds in Two Australian Rose Wines: Aroma
      Extract Dilution Analysis (AEDA) of Extracts Prepared Using Solvent-Assisted
      Flavor Evaporation (SAFE) or Headspace Solid-Phase Extraction (HS-SPE).
AB  - Two rose wines, representing a tropical and a fruity/floral style, were chosen
      from a previous study for further exploration by aroma extract dilution analysis
      (AEDA) and quantitative analysis. Volatiles were extracted using either liquid
      liquid extraction (LLE) followed by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) or
      a recently developed dynamic headspace (HS) sampling method utilizing solid-phase
      extraction (SPE) cartridges. AEDA was conducted using gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry/olfactometry (GC-MS/O) and a total of 51 aroma compounds with a
      flavor dilution (FD) factor >=3 were detected. Quantitative analysis of 92
      volatiles was undertaken in both wines for calculation of odor activity values.
      The fruity and floral wine style was mostly driven by 2-phenylethanol, beta
      damascenone, and a range of esters, whereas 3-SHA and several volatile acids were
      seen as essential for the tropical style. When extraction methods were compared,
      HS-SPE was as efficient as SAFE for extracting most esters and higher alcohols,
      which were associated with fruity and floral characters, but it was difficult to
      capture volatiles with greater polarity or higher boiling point that may still be
      important to perceived wine aroma. 

PMID- 27141972
TI  - An airport occupational health and safety management system from the OHSAS 18001
      perspective.
AB  - Occupational health and safety represents a set of technical, medical, legal,
      psychological, pedagogical and other measures with the aim to detect and
      eliminate hazards that threaten the lives and health of employees. These measures
      should be applied in a systematic way. Therefore, the aim of this study is to
      review occupational health and safety legislation in Serbia and the requirements
      that airports should fulfill for Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series
      certification. Analyzing the specificity of airport activities and injuries as
      their outcomes, the article also proposes preventive measures for the health and
      safety of employees. Furthermore, the airport activities which are the most
      important from the standpoint of risks are defined, as the goals for occupational
      health and safety performance improvement. 

PMID- 27141973
TI  - Comment on "Relationship between the IL12B (rs3212227) gene polymorphism and
      susceptibility to multiple autoimmune diseases: a meta-analysis".

PMID- 27141975
TI  - Inadvertent Detachment of Descemet Membrane and Spontaneous Reattachment
      Following Cataract Surgery: An Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS
      OCT) Study.
AB  - Corneal oedema following cataract surgery during the immediate postoperative
      period is a common clinical problem, often due to endothelial injury due to multi
      factorial mechanisms. Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) is an underrecognized
      cause of postoperative corneal oedema. The understanding of the pathogenic
      mechanisms of DMD is still evolving. We report a case of DMD in a 64-year-old
      female presenting with immediate postoperative corneal oedema, diagnosed and
      monitored using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS OCT). Various
      mechanisms have been proposed for surgically induced DMD. We believe that
      hydration of surgical wounds at the end of surgery can inadvertently cause DMD,
      if DMD has not been recognized previously. Surgeons should be alert to this cause
      of DMD when hydrating surgical wounds.

PMID- 27141974
TI  - Live imaging of muscle histolysis in Drosophila metamorphosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The contribution of programmed cell death (PCD) to muscle wasting
      disorders remains a matter of debate. Drosophila melanogaster metamorphosis
      offers the opportunity to study muscle cell death in the context of development.
      Using live cell imaging of the abdomen, two groups of larval muscles can be
      observed, doomed muscles that undergo histolysis and persistent muscles that are
      remodelled and survive into adulthood. METHOD: To identify and characterize genes
      that control the decision between survival and cell death of muscles, we
      developed a method comprising in vivo imaging, targeted gene perturbation and
      time-lapse image analysis. Our approach enabled us to study the cytological and
      temporal aspects of abnormal cell death phenotypes. RESULTS: In a previous
      genetic screen for genes controlling muscle size and cell death in metamorphosis,
      we identified gene perturbations that induced cell death of persistent or inhibit
      histolysis of doomed larval muscles. RNA interference (RNAi) of the genes
      encoding the helicase Rm62 and the lysosomal Cathepsin-L homolog Cysteine
      proteinase 1 (Cp1) caused premature cell death of persistent muscle in early and
      mid-pupation, respectively. Silencing of the transcriptional co-repressor
      Atrophin inhibited histolysis of doomed muscles. Overexpression of dominant
      negative Target of Rapamycin (TOR) delayed the histolysis of a subset of doomed
      and induced ablation of all persistent muscles. RNAi of AMPKalpha, which encodes
      a subunit of the AMPK protein complex that senses AMP and promotes ATP formation,
      led to loss of attachment and a spherical morphology. None of the perturbations
      affected the survival of newly formed adult muscles, suggesting that the method
      is useful to find genes that are crucial for the survival of metabolically
      challenged muscles, like those undergoing atrophy. The ablation of persistent
      muscles did not affect eclosion of adult flies. CONCLUSIONS: Live imaging is a
      versatile approach to uncover gene functions that are required for the survival
      of muscle undergoing remodelling, yet are dispensable for other adult muscles.
      Our approach promises to identify molecular mechanisms that can explain the
      resilience of muscles to PCD.

PMID- 27141976
TI  - Stretched homoporous composite membranes with elliptic nanopores for external
      energy-free ultrafiltration.
AB  - Extremely permeable ultrafiltration membranes with elongated elliptical pores are
      fabricated by stretching composite membranes with homoporous selective layers and
      macroporous supports. With simultaneously increased porosities both for the
      selective layers and supports and the thinned selective layers, the stretched
      membranes exhibit multifold-enhanced permeability with little sacrifice in
      selectivities. Thus the produced membranes enable, for the first time, gravity
      driven ultrafiltration and discrimination of similarly sized nanoparticles with
      diameters down to 30 nm. 

PMID- 27141977
TI  - Thoracic epidural analgesia: a new approach for the treatment of acute
      pancreatitis?
AB  - This review article analyzes, through a nonsystematic approach, the
      pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis (AP) with a focus on the effects of
      thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) on the disease. The benefit-risk balance is
      also discussed. AP has an overall mortality of 1 %, increasing to 30 % in its
      severe form. The systemic inflammation induces a strong activation of the
      sympathetic system, with a decrease in the blood flow supply to the
      gastrointestinal system that can lead to the development of pancreatic necrosis.
      The current treatment for severe AP is symptomatic and tries to correct the
      systemic inflammatory response syndrome or the multiorgan dysfunction. Besides
      the removal of gallstones in biliary pancreatitis, no satisfactory causal
      treatment exists. TEA is widely used, mainly for its analgesic effect. TEA also
      induces a targeted sympathectomy in the anesthetized region, which results in
      splanchnic vasodilatation and an improvement in local microcirculation.
      Increasing evidence shows benefits of TEA in animal AP: improved splanchnic and
      pancreatic perfusion, improved pancreatic microcirculation, reduced liver damage,
      and significantly reduced mortality. Until now, only few clinical studies have
      been performed on the use of TEA during AP with few available data regarding the
      effect of TEA on the splanchnic perfusion. Increasing evidence suggests that TEA
      is a safe procedure and could appear as a new treatment approach for human AP,
      based on the significant benefits observed in animal studies and safety of use
      for human. Further clinical studies are required to confirm the clinical benefits
      observed in animal studies.

PMID- 27141979
TI  - Achievement of treatment goals for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction
      or stroke in 29,325 patients with type 2 diabetes: a German/Austrian DPV
      multicenter analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To analyze whether medical care is in accordance with guidelines for
      secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke in patients with
      type 2 diabetes from Germany and Austria. METHODS: 29,325 patients (>= 20 years
      of age) with type 2 diabetes and MI, or stroke, documented between 2006 and 2015
      were selected from the Diabetes-Patienten-Verlaufsdokumentation database. We
      analyzed medication, clinical characteristics, and lifestyle factors according to
      national secondary prevention guidelines in patients with MI, or stroke,
      separately. RESULTS: HbA1C <7.5 % was achieved in 64.9 % (MI), and in 61.1 %
      (stroke) of patients. LDL <100 mg/dl was documented in 56.2 % (MI), and in 42.2 %
      (stroke). Non-smoking was reported in 92.0 % (MI), and in 93.1 % (stroke),
      physical activity in 9.6 % (MI), and 5.5 % (stroke). Target values of blood
      pressure (<130/80 mmHg in MI, 120/70-140/90 in stroke) were reached in 67.0 %
      (MI), and in 89.9 % (stroke). Prescription prevalence of inhibitors of platelet
      aggregation (IPA) was 50.7 % (MI), and 31.7 % (stroke). 57.0 % (MI), and 40.1 %
      (stroke) used statins, 65.1 % (MI), and 65.8 % (stroke) used any type of
      antihypertensives, and ACE inhibitors were prescribed in 49.7 % (MI), and 41.3 %
      (stroke). A body mass index (BMI) <27 kg/m(2) and the use of beta blockers were
      only recommended in subjects with MI. Of the patients with MI, 32.0 % had a BMI
      <27 kg/m(2), and 59.5 % used beta blockers. CONCLUSIONS: Achievement of treatment
      goals in secondary prevention of MI, or stroke in subjects with type 2 diabetes
      needs improvement. Target goals were met more frequently in patients with MI
      compared to subjects with stroke. Especially the use of IPA was very low in
      patients with stroke. There remains great potential to reduce the risk of
      repeated macrovascular events and premature death, as well as to increase
      patients' quality of life.

PMID- 27141981
TI  - Hydrogen bonding-assisted interaction between amitriptyline hydrochloride and
      hemoglobin: spectroscopic and molecular dynamics studies.
AB  - Herein, we have explored the interaction between amitriptyline hydrochloride
      (AMT) and hemoglobin (Hb), using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence
      spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy, in
      combination with molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation methods.
      The steady-state fluorescence reveals the static quenching mechanism in the
      interaction system, which was further confirmed by UV-visible and time-resolved
      fluorescence spectroscopy. The binding constant, number of binding sites, and
      thermodynamic parameters viz. DeltaG, DeltaH, DeltaS are also considered; result
      confirms that the binding of the AMT with Hb is a spontaneous process, involving
      hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions with a single binding site, as
      also confirmed by molecular docking study. Synchronous fluorescence, CD data, and
      MD simulation results contribute toward understanding the effect of AMT on Hb to
      interpret the conformational change in Hb upon binding in aqueous solution.

PMID- 27141980
TI  - Does total hip replacement affect sexual quality of life?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total Hip Replacement (THR) is an effective treatment for end-stage
      hip osteoarthritis. Since the introduction of total joint replacement, the effect
      on the Sexual Quality of Life (SQoL) following THR has been addressed in scant
      studies. The aim of our study was to systematically review the literature, to
      summarise effects of THR on patients' SQoL. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE
      and PsycINFO between January 1970 and February 9th, 2015 with search terms
      including Total Hip, Osteoarthritis, SQoL, and THR. Eligible studies were
      identified and two independent authors extracted data including details of SQoL,
      study quality and risk of bias. RESULTS: There were 12 eligible studies, which
      included a total of 2099 patients with an age range of 20-85 years. The
      methodological quality of ten studies was rated as low, and of two as moderate.
      Amongst the majority of patients, SQoL improved after surgery, both in terms of
      physical-functional and psychosocial well-being. However, changes between pre
      operative and postoperative SQoL ranged extensively: for example, Sexual
      Dysfunction Delta 8-51% and Sexual Activity (SA) Delta 0-77%. Three studies
      reported that some patients never resumed SA again after surgery. CONCLUSION: In
      over 40 years of THR treatment, scant studies have examined the effect of THR on
      patients' SQoL. This review suggests that SQol improves after THR, although the
      magnitude of effects varies highly. However, the quality of the supporting
      evidence was rated as low to moderate. This suggests a need for more high quality
      evidence about the effects of THR on SQoL.

PMID- 27141982
TI  - Tailoring the chirality of light emission with spherical Si-based antennas.
AB  - Chirality of light is of fundamental importance in several enabling technologies
      with growing applications in life sciences, chemistry and photodetection.
      Recently, some attention has been focused on chiral quantum emitters.
      Consequently, optical antennas which are able to tailor the chirality of light
      emission are needed. Spherical nanoresonators such as colloids are of particular
      interest to design optical antennas since they can be synthesized at a large
      scale and they exhibit good optical properties. Here, we show that these colloids
      can be used to tailor the chirality of a chiral emitter. To this purpose, we
      derive an analytic formalism to model the interaction between a chiral emitter
      and a spherical resonator. We then compare the performances of metallic and
      dielectric spherical antennas to tailor the chirality of light emission. It is
      seen that, due to their strong electric dipolar response, metallic spherical
      nanoparticles spoil the chirality of light emission by yielding achiral fields.
      In contrast, thanks to the combined excitation of electric and magnetic modes,
      dielectric Si-based particles feature the ability to inhibit or to boost the
      chirality of light emission. Finally, it is shown that dual modes in dielectric
      antennas preserve the chirality of light emission. 

PMID- 27141983
TI  - The occurrence of non-melanoma malignant skin lesions and non-cutaneous squamous
      cell carcinoma among metastatic melanoma patients: an observational cohort study
      in Denmark.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inhibitors of mutant BRAF are emerging as standard of care in
      patients with metastatic melanoma who carry relevant oncogenic mutations.
      However, BRAF inhibitors are found to induce cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
      (cuSCC). Population-based background rates of cuSCC and non-cutaneous squamous
      cell carcinoma (non-cuSCC) in the metastatic melanoma population may
      contextualize safety signals from randomized clinical trials or the clinics.
      However, these background rates are lacking. METHODS: We conducted a historical
      cohort study to evaluate the background rates of new-onset non-melanoma skin
      lesions and non-cuSCC among 2,814 metastatic malignant melanoma patients
      diagnosed in 1997-2010, identified through the Danish Cancer Registry and the
      National Pathology Registry. Patients were excluded if they had a history of
      cancer before the metastatic melanoma diagnosis, other than skin cancers. We
      determined the incidence of non-melanoma malignant skin lesions and non-cuSCC
      that occurred post metastatic melanoma diagnosis, censoring patients at death,
      emigration, or December 31, 2011 (end of study period), whichever came first.
      RESULTS: The median age at metastatic melanoma diagnosis was 64 years. Over 40%
      of patients died within one year of metastatic diagnosis and ~70% died within 5
      years. The percentages of patients with prior history or prevalent disease at
      metastatic melanoma diagnosis included: 8.6% with cuSCC or basal cell carcinoma
      (BCC), 3.9% with actinic keratosis (AK), and 0.7% with Bowen's disease. No
      patients had past or current non-cuSCC per study exclusion criterion. The
      incidence of non-melanoma skin lesions during the 6 months post-metastatic
      melanoma diagnosis was as follows: BCC, 1.8% (42.5 per 1000 person-years [PY]);
      AK, 0.8% (18.6 per 1000 PY); cuSCC, 0.1% (1.7 per 1000 PY); Bowen's disease,
      0.04% (0.8 per 1000 PY); and keratoacanthoma (KA), 0%. Non-cuSCC was observed in
      3 patients (0.1%; 2.5 per 1000 PY) at 3 sites: bronchi, heart and lung.
      CONCLUSION: CuSCC and non-cuSCC were rare events among metastatic melanoma
      patients.

PMID- 27141985
TI  - Female fertility preservation strategies: cryopreservation and ovarian tissue in
      vitro culture, current state of the art and future perspectives.
AB  - In the present review, the main strategies of female fertility preservation are
      covered. Procedures of fertility preservation are necessary for women who suffer
      from diseases whose treatment requires the use of aggressive therapies, such as
      chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These kinds of therapy negatively influence the
      health of gametes and their progenitors. The most commonly used method of female
      fertility preservation is ovarian tissue cryopreservation, followed by the
      retransplantation of thawed tissue. Another approach to female fertility
      preservation that has been actively developed lately is the ovarian tissue in
      vitro culture. The principal methods, advantages and drawbacks of these two
      strategies are discussed in this article. 

PMID- 27141984
TI  - Empowerment, intimate partner violence and skilled birth attendance among women
      in rural Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is limited research on how the empowerment of women and
      intimate partner violence (IPV) are associated with skilled birth attendance
      (SBA) among rural women in Uganda. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to
      investigate the association between women's empowerment, their experience of IPV
      and SBA in rural Uganda. METHODS: Using data from the Uganda Demographic and
      Health Survey (UDHS), we selected 857 rural women who were in union, had given
      birth in the last 5 years preceding the survey and were selected for the domestic
      violence (DV) module. Frequency distributions were used to describe the
      background characteristics of the women and their partners. Pearson's chi-squared
      (chi (2)) tests were used to investigate the associations between SBA and women's
      empowerment; and partners' and women's socio-demographic factors including sexual
      violence. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the
      association between SBA and explanatory variables. RESULTS: More than half (55 %)
      of the women delivered under the supervision of skilled birth attendant. Women's
      empowerment with respect to participation in household decision-making, property
      (land and house) (co)ownership, IPV, and sexual empowerment did not positively
      predict SBA among rural women in Uganda. Key predictors of SBA were household
      wealth status, partners' education, ANC attendance and parity. CONCLUSIONS: For
      enhancement of SBA in rural areas, there is a need to encourage a more
      comprehensive ANC attendance irrespective of number of children a woman has; and
      design interventions to enhance household wealth and promote men's education.

PMID- 27141986
TI  - Influence of periparturient and postpartum diets on rumen methanogen communities
      in three breeds of primiparous dairy cows.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enteric methane from rumen methanogens is responsible for 25.9 % of
      total methane emissions in the United States. Rumen methanogens also contribute
      to decreased animal feed efficiency. For methane mitigation strategies to be
      successful, it is important to establish which factors influence the rumen
      methanogen community and rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA). In the present study,
      we used next-generation sequencing to determine if dairy breed and/or days in
      milk (DIM) (high-fiber periparturient versus high-starch postpartum diets) affect
      the rumen environment and methanogen community of primiparous Holstein, Jersey,
      and Holstein-Jersey crossbreeds. RESULTS: When the 16S rRNA gene sequences were
      processed and assigned to operational taxonomic units (OTU), a core methanogen
      community was identified, consisting of Methanobrevibacter (Mbr.) smithii, Mbr.
      thaueri, Mbr. ruminantium, and Mbr. millerae. The 16S rRNA gene sequence reads
      clustered at 3 DIM, but not by breed. At 3 DIM, the mean % abundance of Mbr.
      thaueri was lower in Jerseys (26.9 %) and higher in Holsteins (30.7 %) and
      Holstein-Jersey crossbreeds (30.3 %) (P < 0.001). The molar concentrations of
      total VFA were higher at 3 DIM than at 93, 183, and 273 DIM, whereas the molar
      proportions of propionate were increased at 3 and 93 DIM, relative to 183 and 273
      DIM. Rumen methanogen densities, distributions of the Mbr. species, and VFA molar
      proportions did not differ by breed. CONCLUSIONS: The data from the present study
      suggest that a core methanogen community is present among dairy breeds, through
      out a lactation. Furthermore, the methanogen communities were more influenced by
      DIM and the breed by DIM interactions than breed differences.

PMID- 27141987
TI  - A systematic review of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about malaria among the
      South Asian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria is one of the deadliest mosquito-borne diseases in the world.
      More than 80% of the total populations are at risk of malaria in the 22 countries
      in Asia and the Pacific. South Asia alone is home to an estimated 1.4 billion
      people at risk of contracting malaria. Despite the remarkable progress in
      reducing the burden of malaria, evidence of the disease based on knowledge of the
      social and cultural contexts from a South Asian perspective is limited. Our
      objective was to understand the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about malaria in
      South Asian communities. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a systematic literature
      review, searching six databases, between 1990 and 2015, focusing on knowledge,
      attitudes and beliefs about malaria in South Asia. Databases were searched using
      both 'free terms' and 'index terms' funnelled using Boolean operators and
      truncations. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were set, and included papers were
      scrutinised, employing a critical appraisal tool to find the best available
      evidences to support the study purpose. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Evidence from 32
      articles (26 quantitative, four qualitative and two mixed methods). General
      knowledge and awareness of the disease, its transmission, and control and
      preventative measures were generally found to be lacking amongst both the general
      public and healthcare professionals. In addition, the study shows that poor socio
      economic factors - including limited access to services due to poor/limited
      availability - and issues of affordability are considered as major risk factors.
      CONCLUSION: This review suggests the importance of increasing health awareness,
      mobilising the local or community healthcare professionals, for prevention as
      well as early detection and effective treatment of malaria among people who are
      at risk. Malaria is also a disease associated with poverty and socio-cultural
      factors; therefore, strong political will, wider partnerships between health and
      non-health sectors, and strengthening health systems' technical and managerial
      capabilities at all level of primary healthcare systems, is inevitable.

PMID- 27141988
TI  - The use of the truth and deception in dementia care amongst general hospital
      staff.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Deceptive practice has been shown to be endemic in long-term care
      settings. However, little is known about the use of deception in dementia care
      within general hospitals and staff attitudes towards this practice. This study
      aimed to develop understanding of the experiences of general hospital staff and
      explore their decision-making processes when choosing whether to tell the truth
      or deceive a patient with dementia. METHOD: This qualitative study drew upon a
      constructivist grounded theory approach to analyse data gathered from semi
      structured interviews with a range of hospital staff. A model, grounded in
      participant experiences, was developed to describe their decision-making
      processes. FINDINGS: Participants identified particular triggers that set in
      motion the need for a response. Various mediating factors influenced how staff
      chose to respond to these triggers. Overall, hospital staff were reluctant to
      either tell the truth or to lie to patients. Instead, 'distracting' or 'passing
      the buck' to another member of staff were preferred strategies. The issue of how
      truth and deception are defined was identified. CONCLUSION: The study adds to the
      growing research regarding the use of lies in dementia care by considering the
      decision-making processes for staff in general hospitals. Various factors
      influence how staff choose to respond to patients with dementia and whether
      deception is used. Similarities and differences with long-term dementia care
      settings are discussed. Clinical and research implications include: opening up
      the topic for further debate, implementing staff training about communication and
      evaluating the impact of these processes.

PMID- 27141989
TI  - A Computational Analysis of Indomethacin Derivative as Tubulin Inhibitor:
      Insights into Development of Chemotherapeutic Agents.
AB  - Tubulin is a potent molecular target for development of anticancer agents. In
      this report, the binding of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as tubulin
      inhibitors potential are investigated by extensive computational techniques, such
      as, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy
      calculations. The results suggest that a potent indomethacin derivative inhibits
      the tubulin polymerization by interacting on the colchicine-site binding. This
      potential chemotherapeutic agent showed high stability in the molecular dynamics
      simulations, when complexed on the same binding site of colchicine, a potent and
      toxic, tubulin inhibitor. Then, our results can be useful designing new compounds
      for cancer treatments.

PMID- 27141990
TI  - On the Spacer Group Effect on Critical Micelle Concentration of Cationic Gemini
      Surfactants Using Molecular Connectivity Indices.
AB  - The important factor which differentiates gemini surfactants from conventional
      monomeric surfactants is the spacer group. The molecular connectivity method was
      used to study the effect of the spacer group on critical micelle concentration of
      cationic gemini surfactants. Two models were derived employing only Kier and Hall
      molecular connectivity indices. The relationships were developed for a set of 17
      gemini surfactants with various spacer groups only. These models can be used to
      design the structure of the spacer group and in consequence novel cationic gemini
      surfactants more active in micelle formation.

PMID- 27141991
TI  - Discrimination of Active and Weakly Active Human BACE1 Inhibitors Using Self
      Organizing Map and Support Vector Machine.
AB  - beta-secretase (BACE1) is an aspartyl protease, which is considered as a novel
      vital target in Alzheimer's disease therapy. We collected a data set of 294 BACE1
      inhibitors, and built six classification models to discriminate active and weakly
      active inhibitors using Kohonen's Self-Organizing Map (SOM) method and Support
      Vector Machine (SVM) method. Each molecular descriptor was calculated using the
      program ADRIANA.Code. We adopted two different methods: random method and Self
      Organizing Map method, for training/test set split. The descriptors were selected
      by F-score and stepwise linear regression analysis. The best SVM model Model2C
      has a good prediction performance on test set with prediction accuracy,
      sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP) and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of
      89.02%, 90%, 88%, 0.78, respectively. Model 1A is the best SOM model, whose
      accuracy and MCC of the test set were 94.57% and 0.98, respectively. The lone
      pair electronegativity and polarizability related descriptors importantly
      contributed to bioactivity of BACE1 inhibitor. The Extended-Connectivity Finger
      Prints_4 (ECFP_4) analysis found some vitally key substructural features, which
      could be helpful for further drug design research. The SOM and SVM models built
      in this study can be obtained from the authors by email or other contacts.

PMID- 27141992
TI  - Surface electromyographic control of a novel phonemic interface for speech
      synthesis.
AB  - Many individuals with minimal movement capabilities use AAC to communicate. These
      individuals require both an interface with which to construct a message (e.g., a
      grid of letters) and an input modality with which to select targets. This study
      evaluated the interaction of two such systems: (a) an input modality using
      surface electromyography (sEMG) of spared facial musculature, and (b) an onscreen
      interface from which users select phonemic targets. These systems were evaluated
      in two experiments: (a) participants without motor impairments used the systems
      during a series of eight training sessions, and (b) one individual who uses AAC
      used the systems for two sessions. Both the phonemic interface and the
      electromyographic cursor show promise for future AAC applications.

PMID- 27141993
TI  - Melanosomes in pigmented epithelia maintain eye lens transparency during
      zebrafish embryonic development.
AB  - Altered levels of trace elements are associated with increased oxidative stress
      that is eventually responsible for pathologic conditions. Oxidative stress has
      been proposed to be involved in eye diseases, including cataract formation. We
      visualized the distribution of metals and other trace elements in the eye of
      zebrafish embryos by micro X-ray fluorescence (MU-XRF) imaging. Many elements
      showed highest accumulation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) of the
      zebrafish embryo. Knockdown of the zebrafish brown locus homologues tyrp1a/b
      eliminated accumulation of these elements in the RPE, indicating that they are
      bound by mature melanosomes. Furthermore, albino (slc45a2) mutants, which
      completely lack melanosomes, developed abnormal lens reflections similar to the
      congenital cataract caused by mutation of the myosin chaperon Unc45b, and an in
      situ spin trapping assay revealed increased oxidative stress in the lens of
      albino mutants. Finally transplanting a wildtype lens into an albino mutant
      background resulted in cataract formation. These data suggest that melanosomes in
      pigment epithelial cells protect the lens from oxidative stress during embryonic
      development, likely by buffering trace elements.

PMID- 27141994
TI  - Ginsenoside Rg1 promotes osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs and healing of rat
      tibial fractures through regulation of GR-dependent BMP-2/SMAD signaling.
AB  - Fracture healing is closely related to the number and activity of bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) near the fracture site. The present study was to
      investigate the effect of Rg1 on osteogenic differentiation of cultured BMSCs and
      related mechanisms and on the fracture healing in a fracture model. In vitro
      experiments showed that Rg1 promoted the proliferation and osteogenic
      differentiation of BMSCs. Western blot analyses demonstrated that Rg1 promoted
      osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)
      dependent BMP-2/Smad signaling pathway. In vivo, X-ray examination showed that
      callus growth in rats treated with Rg1 was substantially faster than that in
      control rats after fracture. The results of H&E and Safranin-O/Fast Green
      staining revealed that, compared with controls, rats in the Rg1 treatment group
      had a significantly higher proportion of trabecular bone but a much lower
      proportion of fibers and cartilage components inside the callus. Micro-CT
      suggested that bone mineral density (BMD), percent bone volume (BV/TV),
      trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) were significantly
      increased in the treatment group, whereas trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) was
      significantly reduced. Thus, Rg1 promotes osteogenic differentiation by
      activating the GR/BMP-2 signaling pathway, enhances bone calcification, and
      ultimately accelerates the fracture healing in rats.

PMID- 27141995
TI  - Corrigendum: Effects of Systemically Administered Hydrocortisone on the Human
      Immunome.

PMID- 27141996
TI  - Novel Excitonic Solar Cells in Phosphorene-TiO2 Heterostructures with
      Extraordinary Charge Separation Efficiency.
AB  - Constructing van der Waals heterostructures is an efficient approach to modulate
      the electronic structure, to advance the charge separation efficiency, and thus
      to optimize the optoelectronic property. Here, we theoretically investigated the
      phosphorene interfaced with TiO2(110) surface (1L-BP/TiO2) with a type-II band
      alignment, showing enhanced photoactivity. The 1L-BP/TiO2 excitonic solar cell
      (XSC) based on the 1L-BP/TiO2 exhibits large built-in potential and high power
      conversion efficiency (PCE), dozens of times higher than conventional solar
      cells, comparable to MoS2/WS2 XSC. The nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulation
      shows the ultrafast electron transfer time of 6.1 fs, and slow electron-hole
      recombination of 0.58 ps, yielding >98% internal quantum efficiency for charge
      separation, further guaranteeing the practical PCE. Moreover, doping in
      phosphorene has a tunability on built-in potential, charge transfer, light
      absorbance, as well as electron dynamics, which greatly helps to optimize the
      optoelectronic efficiency of a XSC.

PMID- 27141997
TI  - Platelet lysate gel and endothelial progenitors stimulate microvascular network
      formation in vitro: tissue engineering implications.
AB  - Revascularisation is a key step for tissue regeneration and complete organ
      engineering. We describe the generation of human platelet lysate gel (hPLG), an
      extracellular matrix preparation from human platelets able to support the
      proliferation of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) in 2D cultures and the
      formation of a complete microvascular network in vitro in 3D cultures. Existing
      extracellular matrix preparations require addition of high concentrations of
      recombinant growth factors and allow only limited formation of capillary-like
      structures. Additional advantages of our approach over existing extracellular
      matrices are the absence of any animal product in the composition hPLG and the
      possibility of obtaining hPLG from patients to generate homologous scaffolds for
      re-implantation. This discovery has the potential to accelerate the development
      of regenerative medicine applications based on implantation of microvascular
      networks expanded ex vivo or the generation of fully vascularised organs.

PMID- 27141998
TI  - Dental prosthesis aspiration: An uncommon cause of respiratory distress.
AB  - We present a case of a 66-year-old Caucasian man with acute respiratory distress.
      The patient had a history of multiple cerebrovascular accidents which resulted in
      left hemiplegia, swallowing problems, and aphasia. He was tentatively diagnosed
      with aspiration pneumonia. However, because of clinical deterioration further
      investigations concluded to the aspiration of a dental prosthesis. After
      intubation and stabilization, the prosthesis could be manually extracted.
      However, the patient developed a Staphylococcus epidermidis sepsis and despite
      adequate antibiotic therapy, he eventually died. Dental prosthesis aspiration is
      a medical situation associated with a higher morbidity and mortality rate
      compared to ingested foreign bodies. It requires a high level of suspicion to
      ensure a timely diagnosis and life-saving treatment. Thorough history taking is
      of great importance in case of tracheobronchial aspiration, which is in the adult
      population mostly secondary to an underlying disorder. In impaired adults with
      missing dental prostheses there should be extra awareness for this problem. This
      case report illustrates the importance of a detailed history in case of
      tracheobronchial aspiration and shows the limitations in the diagnostic
      usefulness of bedside chest radiography.

PMID- 27141999
TI  - Occupations, perceived stress, and stress-related disorders among women and men
      in the public sector in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress-related disorders are a public health problem and represent a
      significant burden to individuals and society. It is, therefore, of importance to
      regard stress in a wider context and identify risk factors not only at work but
      in all occupations in everyday life, to prevent ill health. AIM/OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this study was to examine potential associations between everyday
      occupations, perceived stress, and stress-related disorders as well as potential
      gender differences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was mailed to a random
      selection of 3481 employees in the public sector in Western Sweden. Cox
      regressions with constant time at risk were used, in order to calculate
      prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The
      results showed a clear association between reporting imbalance between different
      everyday occupations and both perceived stress and stress-related disorders among
      men and women. CONCLUSION: Imbalance between different everyday occupations seems
      to be an important risk factor for perceived stress and stress-related disorder
      among both women and men. SIGNIFICANCE: To enable people to achieve balance
      between different everyday occupations may be a useful way to prevent stress,
      stress-related disorders, and sick leave, and to promote better health and well
      being.

PMID- 27142000
TI  - Preliminary investigation of the effects of topical mixture of Lawsonia inermis
      L. and Ricinus communis L. leaves extract in treatment of osteoarthritis using
      MIA model in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many plants have been introduced in Iranian traditional medicine for
      treatment of different joint problems including knee pain. Topical application of
      the mixture of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves (Henna) with aqueous extract of Ricinus
      communis L. leaves have been mentioned to have significant effects on reducing
      knee pain. The present study was designed to evaluate the analgesic and anti
      inflammatory effects of the mixture of these two herbs in male rats. METHODS: We
      induced knee osteoarthritis as a model of chronic pain by intra-articular
      injection of mono sodium iodoacetate (MIA). Mechanical allodynia, hotplate
      latency test, spontaneous movements and gait analysis were used for the
      evaluation of analgesic activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by
      measuring the diameter and the volume of the injected paw compared to
      contralateral paw. These tests were monitored at days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 of MIA
      administration. Histopathological evaluations were also used to assess the
      efficacy of the treatment on inflammation and lesions in knee tissue. In all
      tests, diclofenac topical gel was used as a positive control. The herbal
      extracts, their mixture, and vehicle or diclofenac gel were administered daily
      for 14 days by topical route. RESULTS: The mixture of these two extracts
      significantly reduced the knee joint width and volume of the injected paws and
      also improved foot prints in gait analysis after 3 days of MIA injection.
      Analysis of mechanical allodynia (after 21 days), hotplate latency test (after 10
      days), spontaneous movements (after 7 days) and in positive control group (after
      3 days in all tests and in mechanical allodynia after 14 days) compared to the
      vehicle group, showed significant effects. Topical usage of the selected
      formulation made significant histopathological changes on the knee of the rats.
      Compared to the vehicle group, the tests and diclofenac groups showed less
      reactions characterized by negligible edema and a few scattered inflammatory
      lymphoid cells. CONCLUSION: The present findings showed that the present
      formulation not only was able to mitigate pain and inflammation in the paws but
      also made significant histopathological changes on the knee of the rats. Further
      studies are necessary to confirm the effect of the formulation.

PMID- 27142001
TI  - Population genetic structure and temporal stability among Trypanosoma brucei
      rhodesiense isolates in Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The population structure and role of genetic exchange in African
      trypanosomes have been previously analyzed albeit with contradictory findings. To
      further investigate the role of genetic polymorphism on the population genetic
      structure of Trypanosoma b. rhodesiense, we hypothesized that parasite genotypes
      are clonal and stable over time. METHODS: We have undertaken a microsatellite
      marker analysis of T. b. rhodesiense isolates in a relatively new active HAT
      focus in Uganda (Kaberamaido-Dokolo-Amolatar) over a six-year period (2006-2012).
      We amplified six microsatellite markers by PCR directly from blood spotted FTA
      cards following whole genome amplification. RESULTS: The majority of loci
      demonstrated an excess of heterozygosity (Ho > He, F(IS) < 0). We identified 26
      unique genotypes among the 57 isolates, accounting for 45.6% genotypic
      polymorphism. The presence of a high proportion of samples with repeated
      genotypes (54.4%, 31/57), disagreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and
      significant linkage disequilibrium between loci pairs, provide evidence that T.
      b. rhodesiense isolates from this focus are clonal. Our results show low values
      of F(ST)' (0-0.115) indicating negligible genetic differentiation across temporal
      isolates. Furthermore, predominant genotypes isolated in 2006 were still
      detectable in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the notion that endemicity
      is maintained by stable genotypes rather than an influx of new genotypes. Our
      results have considerable importance in understanding and tracking the spread of
      sleeping sickness with significant implication to disease control.

PMID- 27142002
TI  - Intersections and evolution of 'Butch-trans' categories in Puerto Rico: Needs and
      barriers of an invisible population.
AB  - Public health research among transgender populations globally has primarily
      focused on HIV/AIDS. However, trans men remain outside of this conceptual
      framework, with distinct but overlapping social contexts and needs. In Puerto
      Rico (PR), the trans men population has remained largely hidden within the
      'butch' lesbian community. The objective of this article is to document the
      identity construction of trans men and 'buchas' (local term to refer to butch
      lesbians) in PR and its relation to their bodily practices and overall health. We
      conducted an exploratory qualitative study with 29 trans men and buchas based on
      ethnographic observation, focus groups, audio-recorded in-depth interviews, and
      critical discourse analysis. Findings emphasise two domains to be addressed by
      health policies and initiatives: (1) bodily representations and gender
      performance, and (2) the meanings of female biological processes. This small
      scale ethnographic study represents an initial step towards understanding the
      social context of this 'invisible' community and significant implications for
      their health and well-being. We provide several recommendations to address public
      health concerns of this understudied, marginalised community.

PMID- 27142003
TI  - Our love-hate relationship with succinylcholine: Is sugammadex any better?

PMID- 27142004
TI  - Breath alcohol of anesthesiologists using alcohol hand gel and the "five moments
      for hand hygiene" in routine practice.
AB  - PURPOSE: Appropriate hand hygiene reduces hospital-acquired infections.
      Anesthesiologists work in environments with numerous hand hygiene opportunities
      (HHOs). In a prospective observational study, we investigated the potential for
      an anesthesiologist to return a positive alcohol breath test during routine
      practice when using alcohol hand gel. METHODS: We observed ten volunteer
      anesthesiologists over four hours while they implemented the World Health
      Organization (WHO) "five moments for hand hygiene" using our hospital's adopted
      standard 70% ethanol hand gel. We measured the expired alcohol concentration at
      shift start and every fifteen minutes thereafter with a fuel cell breathalyzer
      calibrated to measure the percentage of blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Blood
      alcohol specimens (analyzed with gas chromatography) were collected at shift
      start and, when possible, immediately after a participant's first positive
      breathalyzer test. RESULTS: Of the 130 breathalyzer tests obtained, there were
      eight (6.2%) positive breath alcohol results from six of the ten participants,
      all within two minutes of a HHO. The highest value breathalyzer BAC recorded was
      0.064%, with an overall mean (SD) of 0.023 (0.017)%. Five (62.5%) of the positive
      breathalyzer tests returned to zero in less than seven minutes. All of three
      blood specimens obtained immediately after a positive breathalyzer reading tested
      negative for alcohol. CONCLUSION: Anesthesia practitioners using alcohol hand gel
      in a manner that conforms with recommended hand hygiene can test positive for
      alcohol on a breathalyzer assay. Positive tests probably arose from inhalation of
      alcohol vapour into the respiratory dead space following gel application. If
      workplace breath testing for alcohol is implemented, it should be completed more
      than 15 min after applying alcohol hand gel. Positive results should be verified
      with a BAC test.

PMID- 27142005
TI  - Review of Mouse and Human Dendritic Cell Subsets.
AB  - Dendritic cells are specialized antigen-presenting cells that initiate and orient
      immune responses. Numerous studies in mice and humans have shown that dendritic
      cells are heterogeneous and comprise several subsets that can be distinguished by
      their surface phenotype, ontogeny, and molecular signature. This review gives an
      overview of mouse and human dendritic cell subsets and their defining features
      and summarizes the current knowledge of dendritic cell subsets' functional
      specialization in terms of antigen presentation.

PMID- 27142006
TI  - In Vitro Generation of Human XCR1(+) Dendritic Cells from CD34(+) Hematopoietic
      Progenitors.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are a heterogeneous population of professional antigen
      presenting cells which play a key role in orchestrating immune defenses. Most of
      the information gained on human DC biology was derived from studies conducted
      with DCs generated in vitro from peripheral blood CD14(+) monocytes (MoDCs) or
      from CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitors. Recent advances in the field revealed
      that these types of in vitro-derived DCs strikingly differ from the DC subsets
      that are naturally present in human lymphoid organs, in terms of global gene
      expression, of specialization in the sensing of different types of danger
      signals, and of the ability to polarize T lymphocytes toward different functions.
      Major efforts are being made to better characterize the biology and the functions
      of lymphoid organ-resident DC subsets in humans, as an essential step for
      designing innovative DC-based vaccines against infections or cancers. However,
      this line of research is hampered by the low frequency of certain DC subsets in
      most tissues, their fragility, and the complexity of the procedures necessary for
      their purification. Hence, there is a need for robust procedures allowing large
      scale in vitro generation of human DC subsets, under conditions allowing their
      genetic or pharmacological manipulation, to decipher their functions and their
      molecular regulation. Human CD141(+)CLEC9A(+)XCR1(+) DCs constitute a very
      interesting DC subset for the design of immunotherapeutic treatments against
      infections by intracellular pathogens or against cancer, because these cells
      resemble mouse professional cross-presenting CD8alpha(+)Clec9a(+)Xcr1(+) DCs.
      Human XCR1(+) DCs have indeed been reported by several teams to be more efficient
      than other human DC subsets for cross-presentation, in particular of cell
      associated antigens but also of soluble antigens especially when delivered into
      late endosomes or lysosomes. However, human XCR1(+) DCs are the rarest and
      perhaps the most fragile of the human DC subsets and hence the most difficult to
      study ex vivo. Here, we describe a protocol allowing simultaneous in vitro
      generation of human MoDCs and XCR1(+) DCs, which will undoubtedly be extremely
      useful to better characterize the functional specialization of human XCR1(+) DCs
      and to identify its molecular bases.

PMID- 27142007
TI  - Derivation and Utilization of Functional CD8(+) Dendritic Cell Lines.
AB  - It is notoriously difficult to obtain large quantities of non-activated dendritic
      cells ex vivo. For this reason, we produced and characterized a mouse model
      expressing the large T oncogene under the CD11c promoter (Mushi mice), in which
      CD8alpha(+) dendritic cells transform after 4 months. We derived a variety of
      stable cell lines from these primary lines. These cell lines reproducibly share
      with freshly isolated dendritic cells most surface markers, mRNA and protein
      expression, and all tested biological functions. Cell lines can be derived from
      various strains and knockout mice and can be easily transduced with lentiviruses.
      In this article, we describe the derivation, culture, and lentiviral transduction
      of these dendritic cell lines.

PMID- 27142008
TI  - Isolation of Dendritic Cell Progenitor and Bone Marrow Progenitor Cells from
      Mouse.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) comprise two major subsets, conventional DC (cDC) and
      plasmacytoid DC (pDC) in the steady-state lymphoid organ. These cells have a
      short half-life and therefore, require continuous generation from hematopoietic
      stem cells and progenitor cells. Recently, we identified DC-restricted
      progenitors called common DC progenitors (CDPs) in the bone marrow of mouse. The
      CDPs can be isolated from mouse bone marrow based on the hematopoietic cytokine
      receptors, such as Flt3 (Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3) (CD135), c-kit (CD117), M
      CSF (macrophage colony-stimulating factor) receptor (CD115), and IL-7
      (interleukin-7) receptor-alpha (CD127). The CDPs comprise of two progenitors,
      CD115(+) CDPs and CD115(-) CDPs, and give rise to only DC subsets in both in
      vitro and in vivo. The former CDPs are the main source of cDC, while the later
      CDPs are the main source of pDC in vivo. Here, we provide a protocol for the
      isolation of dendritic cell progenitor and bone marrow progenitor cells from
      mouse.

PMID- 27142009
TI  - The Isolation and Enrichment of Large Numbers of Highly Purified Mouse Spleen
      Dendritic Cell Populations and Their In Vitro Equivalents.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) form a complex network of cells that initiate and
      orchestrate immune responses against a vast array of pathogenic challenges.
      Developmentally and functionally distinct DC subtypes differentially regulate T
      cell function. Importantly it is the ability of DC to capture and process
      antigen, whether from pathogens, vaccines, or self-components, and present it to
      naive T cells that is the key to their ability to initiate an immune response.
      Our typical isolation procedure for DC from murine spleen was designed to
      efficiently extract all DC subtypes, without bias and without alteration to their
      in vivo phenotype, and involves a short collagenase digestion of the tissue,
      followed by selection for cells of light density and finally negative selection
      for DC. The isolation procedure can accommodate DC numbers that have been
      artificially increased via administration of fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand
      (Flt3L), either directly through a series of subcutaneous injections or by
      seeding with an Flt3L secreting murine melanoma. Flt3L may also be added to bone
      marrow cultures to produce large numbers of in vitro equivalents of the spleen DC
      subsets. Total DC, or their subsets, may be further purified using
      immunofluorescent labeling and flow cytometric cell sorting. Cell sorting may be
      completely bypassed by separating DC subsets using a combination of fluorescent
      antibody labeling and anti-fluorochrome magnetic beads. Our procedure enables
      efficient separation of the distinct DC subsets, even in cases where mouse
      numbers or flow cytometric cell sorting time is limiting.

PMID- 27142010
TI  - Dendritic Cell Subset Purification from Human Tonsils and Lymph Nodes.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are a rare population of antigen-presenting cells that
      initiate immune responses in secondary lymphoid organs. In order to better
      understand the properties of DC in humans, it is essential to analyze DC subsets
      directly purified from tissues. Here, we describe a protocol allowing the
      purification of DC subsets from human tonsils and human lymph nodes.

PMID- 27142011
TI  - Isolation and Identification of Conventional Dendritic Cell Subsets from the
      Intestine of Mice and Men.
AB  - The identification of conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in the intestinal
      mucosa has been hampered by the difficulties associated with isolating cells from
      the intestine and by the fact that overlapping markers have made it complicated
      to discriminate them accurately from other intestinal mononuclear phagocytes such
      as macrophages (MFs). Here we detail the protocols we have developed to isolate
      live leukocytes from both murine and human small and large intestines and
      describe reliable strategies which can be used to identify bona fide cDCs in such
      preparations.

PMID- 27142012
TI  - Isolation of Human Skin Dendritic Cell Subsets.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized leukocytes with antigen-processing and
      antigen-presenting functions. DCs can be divided into distinct subsets by
      anatomical location, phenotype and function. In human, the two most accessible
      tissues to study leukocytes are peripheral blood and skin. DCs are rare in human
      peripheral blood (<1 % of mononuclear cells) and have a less mature phenotype
      than their tissue counterparts (MacDonald et al., Blood. 100:4512-4520, 2002;
      Haniffa et al., Immunity 37:60-73, 2012). In contrast, the skin covering an
      average total surface area of 1.8 m(2) has approximately tenfold more DCs than
      the average 5 L of total blood volume (Wang et al., J Invest Dermatol 134:965
      974, 2014). DCs migrate spontaneously from skin explants cultured ex vivo, which
      provide an easy method of cell isolation (Larsen et al., J Exp Med 172:1483-1493,
      1990; Lenz et al., J Clin Invest 92:2587-2596, 1993; Nestle et al., J Immunol
      151:6535-6545, 1993). These factors led to the extensive use of skin DCs as the
      "prototype" migratory DCs in human studies. In this chapter, we detail the
      protocols to isolate DCs and resident macrophages from human skin. We also
      provide a multiparameter flow cytometry gating strategy to identify human skin
      DCs and to distinguish them from macrophages.

PMID- 27142013
TI  - Isolation of Mouse Dendritic Cell Subsets and Macrophages from the Skin.
AB  - The improvement of dendritic cell subset isolation from tissues and the use of
      appropriate surface markers allowed to decipher their heterogeneity but also
      allowed to unravel some specific functions that are valuable for vaccine design
      as well as for a better understanding of the in situ pathophysiology upon
      infection. Here, we describe the procedures to extract those cells from the skin
      and to analyze them by flow cytometry using a combination of appropriate surface
      markers allowing further transcriptomic analysis and functional assays.

PMID- 27142014
TI  - Isolation of Conventional Dendritic Cells from Mouse Lungs.
AB  - The lungs are in direct contact with the environment. Separated only by a thin
      layer of mucosa, the lung immune system is being exposed to dangers like
      pathogens, allergens, or pollutants. The lung dendritic cells form an elaborate
      network at the basolateral side of the epithelium and continuously sample
      antigens from the airway lumen. The conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) in the
      lung can be subdivided into two distinct subsets based on their ontogeny and are
      described to have distinct immunological functions. High-quality ex vivo
      isolation of these cells is required for experiments such as functional assays,
      transfer experiments, or transcriptomics and is crucial to further our knowledge
      concerning these subpopulations. In this chapter we describe a protocol for the
      isolation of both CD103(+) and CD11b(+) cDCs. In our protocol we compare
      different methods of cell isolation. We propose that the optimal isolation
      technique is based on the number of cells needed and the type of experiment that
      will be performed. If low cell numbers are required, simple flow cytometry
      assisted cell sorting (FACS) is sufficient. In the case of high cell numbers that
      will be lysed or fixed upon sorting, positive selection of CD11c(+) cells
      followed by FACS can be utilized. Purification of cDCs through gradient selection
      and subsequent sorting is found to be optimal for experiments that require large
      amount of cells for functional assays.

PMID- 27142015
TI  - Purification of Human Dendritic Cell Subsets from Peripheral Blood.
AB  - Blood represents the most accessible source of human dendritic cells (DCs). We
      present here a method to isolate three DC subtypes, as identified until now, from
      peripheral blood: plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), CD141(+) myeloid DCs, and
      CD1c(+) myeloid DCs. The method is based on the sequential depletion of non-DCs.
      First, depletion of granulocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets is obtained by
      blood centrifugation over a Ficoll gradient. Then, antibodies recognizing non
      DCs, combined with magnetic beads, allow enrichment of DCs from peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Finally, enriched DCs are purified and separated into
      the different subtypes by immunolabeling and fluorescence-activated cell sorting
      (FACS) using DC-specific surface markers.DC studies might contribute to the
      comprehension of human immune processes in physiological and pathological
      conditions. Human blood DCs targeting might be a useful tool to ameliorate
      inflammatory diseases and improve vaccination strategies.

PMID- 27142016
TI  - Protocols for the Identification and Isolation of Antigen-Presenting Cells in
      Human and Mouse Tissues.
AB  - The efficient processing of both mouse and human tissues is a valuable technique
      for characterizing tissue-associated immune cells. Here, we describe the
      techniques used and optimised within our laboratory for the enrichment and
      identification of antigen-presenting cells across a number of mouse and human
      tissues.

PMID- 27142017
TI  - Measurement of Export to the Cytosol in Dendritic Cells Using a Cytofluorimetry
      Based Assay.
AB  - The presentation of exogenous antigens on MHC class I molecules, known as cross
      presentation, is a key function of dendritic cells (DCs). Cross-presentation via
      the cytosolic pathway involves antigen export from endocytic compartments to the
      cytosol. We have recently developed a cytofluorimetry-based assay to examine the
      kinetics and the efficiency of antigen export to the cytosol in DC populations.
      In this assay, DCs are loaded with a FRET-sensitive cytosolic substrate of beta
      lactamase, CCF4. Following uptake of beta-lactamase by the DCs, the enzyme
      undergoes export to the cytosol leading to cleavage of the FRET dye. This
      cleavage and switch of fluorescence are analyzed by flow cytometry, allowing a
      quantitative measurement of this event.

PMID- 27142018
TI  - Cross-Presentation Assay for Human Dendritic Cells.
AB  - The presentation of exogenous antigens on major histocompatibility complex (MHC)
      class I molecules, termed cross-presentation, is essential for the initiation of
      cytotoxic immune responses. Numerous studies in mice and human have shown that
      dendritic cells are the best cross-presenting cells. The protocol described here
      allows the assessment of the cross-presentation by human dendritic cells of a
      model antigen (either soluble or cell associated) to antigen-specific CD8 T
      cells.

PMID- 27142019
TI  - Analysis of Intracellular Trafficking of Dendritic Cell Receptors for Antigen
      Targeting.
AB  - Antibody-targeted vaccination aims to efficiently deliver antigen to dendritic
      cells by targeting specific receptors at the cell surface. The choice of receptor
      depends on different factors, including their capacity to induce internalization
      of the delivered antigen/adjuvant cargo. Assays currently used to monitor
      internalization in dendritic cells have several limitations. We have developed a
      novel DNA-based probe that allows for simple and robust high-throughput analysis
      of internalization. Designed for flow cytometry, the probe can also be used for
      fluorescence microscopy to clearly distinguish internalized from surface-bound
      material. Here, we describe the steps for modifying material (antibodies,
      proteins) with the probe, undertaking the assay, and analyzing the data obtained
      from flow cytometry.

PMID- 27142020
TI  - Characterization of Dendritic Cell Subsets Through Gene Expression Analysis.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are immune sentinels of the body and play a key role in the
      orchestration of the communication between the innate and the adaptive immune
      systems. DCs can polarize innate and adaptive immunity toward a variety of
      functions, sometimes with opposite roles in the overall control of immune
      responses (e.g., tolerance or immunosuppression versus immunity) or in the
      balance between various defense mechanisms promoting the control of different
      types of pathogens (e.g., antiviral versus antibacterial versus anti-worm
      immunity). These multiple DC functions result both from the plasticity of
      individual DC to exert different activities and from the existence of various DC
      subsets specialized in distinct functions. Functional genomics represents a
      powerful, unbiased, approach to better characterize these two levels of DC
      plasticity and to decipher its molecular regulation. Indeed, more and more
      experimental immunologists are generating high-throughput data in order to better
      characterize different states of DC based, for example, on their belonging to a
      specific subpopulation and/or on their exposure to specific stimuli and/or on
      their ability to exert a specific function. However, the interpretation of this
      wealth of data is severely hampered by the bottleneck of their bioinformatics
      analysis. Indeed, most experimental immunologists lack advanced computational or
      bioinformatics expertise and do not know how to translate raw gene expression
      data into potential biological meaning. Moreover, subcontracting such analyses is
      generally disappointing or financially not sustainable, since companies generally
      propose canonical analysis pipelines that are often unadapted for the structure
      of the data to analyze or for the precise type of questions asked. Hence, there
      is an important need of democratization of the bioinformatics analyses of gene
      expression profiling studies, in order to accelerate interpretation of the
      results by the researchers at the origin of the research project, of the data and
      who know best the underlying biology. This chapter will focus on the analysis of
      DC subset transcriptomes as measured by microarrays. We will show that simple
      bioinformatics procedures, applied one after the other in the framework of a
      pipeline, can lead to the characterization of DC subsets. We will develop two
      tutorials based on the reanalysis of public gene expression data. The first
      tutorial aims at illustrating a strategy for establishing the identity of DC
      subsets studied in a novel context, here their in vitro generation in cultures of
      human CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitors. The second tutorial aims at illustrating
      how to perform a posteriori bioinformatics analyses in order to evaluate the risk
      of contamination or of improper identification of DC subsets during preparation
      of biological samples, such that this information is taken into account in the
      final interpretation of the data and can eventually help to redesign the sampling
      strategy.

PMID- 27142021
TI  - In Vivo Ablation of a Dendritic Cell Subset Expressing the Chemokine Receptor
      XCR1.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are one of the key populations controlling immune
      responses. To establish a cell depletion system in vivo, human diphtheria toxin
      (DT) receptor (DTR) is transduced to the mice in which DTR is expressed under the
      control of a specific promoter. In these mice, DTR-expressing cells are inducibly
      depleted after DT injection. Using this system, analysis of mouse models in which
      DTR was expressed under the CD11c promoter has contributed to our knowledge of DC
      biology by depleting CD11c(+) cells. Other mouse models to inducibly eliminate
      specific DC subsets upon DT treatment have been also generated. Here, we describe
      a new mouse model in which the XCR1(+) DC subset is inducibly and transiently
      depleted in vivo.

PMID- 27142022
TI  - In Vivo Analysis of Intestinal Mononuclear Phagocytes.
AB  - The study of the intestinal dendritic cell (DC) compartment, its homeostasis,
      regulation, and response to challenges calls for the investigation within the
      physiological tissue context comprising the unique anatomic constellation of the
      epithelial single cell layer and the luminal microbiota, as well as neighboring
      immune and nonimmune cells. Here we provide protocols we developed that use a
      combination of conditional cell ablation, conditional compartment mutagenesis,
      and adoptive precursor transfers to study DC and other intestinal mononuclear
      phagocytes in in vivo context. We will highlight pitfalls and strengths of these
      approaches.

PMID- 27142023
TI  - In Vivo Imaging of Cutaneous DCs in Mice.
AB  - Varieties of cells orchestrate immune responses. To capture such dynamic
      phenomena, intravital imaging is an important technique, and it may provide
      substantial information that is not available using conventional histological
      analyses. Multiphoton microscopy enables the direct, three-dimensional, and
      minimally invasive imaging of biological samples with high spatiotemporal
      resolution, and it has now become the leading method for in vivo imaging studies.
      Here we describe a basic method for in vivo imaging of dendritic cells (DCs) in
      the mouse ear skin using multiphoton microscopy.

PMID- 27142024
TI  - Analysis of Dendritic Cell Function Using Clec9A-DTR Transgenic Mice.
AB  - The Clec9A-diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) transgenic mouse strain provides a
      robust animal model to study the function of lymphoid organ-resident CD8(+)
      dendritic cells (DCs) and nonlymphoid organ-specific CD103(+) DCs in infectioous
      diseases and inflammation. Here we describe some basic protocols for
      CD8(+)/CD103(+) DC isolation, for their in vivo depletion, and for their
      characterization by multi-color flow cytometry analysis. As an example for in
      vivo functional characterization of this DC subset, we present here the
      experimental cerebral malaria model. Furthermore, we illustrate advantages and
      pitfalls of the Clec9A-DTR system.

PMID- 27142025
TI  - Analysis of DC Functions Using CD205-DTR Knock-In Mice.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are essential antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that consist
      of heterogeneous subsets, mainly classified as conventional DCs (cDCs) and
      plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs). CD205, an endocytic type I C-type lectin-like molecule
      that belongs to the mannose receptor family, is mainly expressed on CD8alpha(+)
      cDCs. However, it is unclear how CD205(+) cDCs control immune responses in vivo.
      To evaluate the contribution of CD205(+) cDCs to the immune system, we engineered
      knock-in (KI) mice that express the diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) under the
      control of the Cd205 gene, which allows the selective conditional ablation of
      CD205(+) cDCs in vivo. Conditional ablation of CD205(+) cDCs impaired the antigen
      specific priming of CD8(+) T cells to generate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs)
      mediated through cross presentation of soluble antigen. Upon microbial infection,
      CD205(+) cDCs contributed to the cross priming of CD8(+) T cells for generating
      antibacterial CTLs to efficiently eliminate pathogens. Here, we provide a
      protocol for the generation of bone marrow WT/CD205-DT chimeric mice, depletion
      of CD205(+) DCs and assessment of depletion efficiency, and protocols for in vivo
      cross presentation assay, CTL generation assay, and antibacterial immunity assay.

PMID- 27142026
TI  - Generation of Humanized Mice for Analysis of Human Dendritic Cells.
AB  - Transplantation of human CD34(+) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells into
      severe immunocompromised newborn mice allows the development of a human hemato
      lymphoid system (HHLS) including dendritic cells (DCs) in vivo. Therefore, it can
      be a powerful tool to study human DC subsets, residing in different lymphoid and
      nonlymphoid organs. We have recently generated novel mouse strains called human
      cytokine knock-in mice in which human versions of several cytokines are knocked
      into Rag2(-/-)gammaC(-/-) strains. In addition, human SIRPalpha, which is a
      critical factor to prevent donor cell to be eliminated by host macrophages, is
      expressed as transgene. These mice efficiently support human myeloid cell
      development and, indeed, allow the analysis of three major subsets of human DC
      lineages, plasmacytoid DCs and CD1c(+) and CD141(+) classical DCs. Moreover,
      these strains also support cytokine-mobilized peripheral blood CD34(+) cell
      engraftment and subsequent DC development. Here we describe our standard methods
      to characterize DCs developed in human cytokine knock-in mice.

PMID- 27142027
TI  - Evaluation of oxidant/antioxidant status, trace mineral levels, and erythrocyte
      osmotic fragility in goats naturally infected with Anaplasma ovis.
AB  - Anaplasma ovis, an arthropod-borne pathogen that infects erythrocytes, is the
      major cause of ovine and caprine anaplasmosis. This study was performed to assess
      in goats infected with A. ovis the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes, antioxidant
      status, and serum levels of microminerals. Blood samples were collected from 104
      mixed breed goats in Ahvaz area, southwest Iran and subjected to parasitologic,
      hematologic, oxidant/antioxidant, and micromineral assessment. Anaplasma
      infection was detected in 30 samples (28.8 %) by microscopic examination of blood
      smears while PCR-RFLP analysis revealed infection with A. ovis in 68 samples
      (65.4 %). Studied animals were divided into three groups based on A. ovis
      infection: Uninfected goats as control group (group 1), PCR positive without
      parasitemia (group 2) and PCR positive with parasitemia (group 3). Hematological
      evaluation showed significantly increased lymphocyte and monocyte counts in
      Anaplasma-infected groups (group 2 and 3). A significantly lower MCHC and higher
      MCV were also observed in infected groups. In group 3 significant rises in
      erythrocyte's osmotic fragility in different salt concentrations and also in
      median corpuscular fragility (MCF) was seen. Evaluation of the antioxidant
      defense system of the erythrocytes revealed a decrease in total antioxidant
      capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in group 3. There was no
      significant difference in serum micromineral levels between infected and
      uninfected animals. Overall, the observed substantial decrease in the antioxidant
      enzyme activities with remarkable elevated levels of erythrocyte osmotic
      fragility indicate high exposure of erythrocytes to oxidative damage in Anaplasma
      infected goats. These results also suggest that the disturbed antioxidant defense
      mechanisms in caprine anaplasmosis can promote the development of anemia. 

PMID- 27142028
TI  - Serological and molecular investigation for brucellosis in swine in selected
      districts of Uganda.
AB  - Brucellosis is a notifiable zoonotic disease affecting livestock, humans, and
      wildlife in Uganda. Pigs can be infected with human pathogenic Brucella suis
      biovars 1 and 3 and can be a significant source of brucellosis for humans. Uganda
      has a rapidly growing pig population, and the pork consumption per capita is the
      highest in East Africa. The objective of this work was to determine the
      seroprevalence of brucellosis in Ugandan pigs. A cross-sectional serosurvey of
      pigs was conducted in three of the major pig-keeping districts in Uganda (Masaka
      (n = 381 samples), Mukono (n = 398), and Kamuli (n = 414)). In addition, pigs
      originating from these districts were sampled in the major pig abattoir in
      Kampala (n = 472). In total, 1665 serum samples were investigated by serological
      and molecular tests. Only three putative brucellosis-positive samples were
      detected serologically using indirect ELISA. These sera were found negative for
      Brucella antibodies by CFT; however, two had antibodies against Yersinia
      enterocolitica as determined by SAT. Presence of antibodies against Yersiniae was
      confirmed by Y. enterocolitica antibody-specific ELISA. The two Yersiniae ELISA
      positive samples were brucellosis negative using real-time PCR. We tested
      additional 142 sera from the 1665 samples with real-time PCR. All tested
      negative. Under this type of production system, we expect a maximum B. suis
      prevalence of less than 1 % at 95 % confidence level, and therefore, the risk of
      acquiring brucellosis from the pigs or their products is negligible. However,
      pigs may harbor the zoonotic Y. enterocolitica. This is the first study to
      investigate the occurrence of brucellosis in pigs in Uganda and the first study
      to report Y. enterocolitica antibodies in swine in Uganda. 

PMID- 27142029
TI  - Properties of an ionic liquid-tolerant Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CMW1 and its
      extracellular protease.
AB  - An ionic liquid-tolerant bacterium, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CMW1, was isolated
      from a Japanese fermented soybean paste. Strain CMW1 grew in the presence of 10 %
      (v/v) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl), a commonly used ionic
      liquid. Additionally, strain CMW1 grew adequately in the presence of the
      hydrophilic ionic liquids 10 % (v/v) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium
      trifluoromethanesulfonate ([EMIM]CF3SO3) or 2.5 % (v/v) 1-butyl-3
      methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([BMIM]CF3SO3). Strain CMW1 produced
      an extracellular protease (BapIL) in the culture medium. BapIL was stable in the
      presence of 80 % (v/v) ionic liquids, [EMIM]CF3SO3, [BMIM]Cl, [BMIM]CF3SO3, 1
      butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium
      hexafluorophosphate, and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium
      bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and functioned in 10 % (v/v) these ionic
      liquids. BapIL was stable at pH 4.0-12.6 or in 4004 mM NaCl solution, and
      exhibited activity in the presence of 50 % (v/v) hydrophilic or hydrophobic
      organic solvents. BapIL was completely inhibited by 1 mM PMSF and partially by 5
      mM EDTA. BapIL belongs to the true subtilisins according to analysis of the
      deduced amino acid sequence. We showed that BapIL from the ionic liquid-tolerant
      B. amyloliquefaciens CMW1 exhibited tolerance to ionic liquid and halo, alkaline,
      and organic solvents. 

PMID- 27142030
TI  - Richness and bioactivity of culturable soil fungi from the Fildes Peninsula,
      Antarctica.
AB  - Since the discovery of penicillin, fungi have been an important source of
      bioactive natural products. However, as a specific resource, the bioactive
      potentiality and specificity of fungal metabolites from the Antarctic region have
      had little attention. In this paper, we investigated the diversity patterns and
      biological activities of cultivable fungi isolated from soil samples in Fildes
      Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica. Fungal communities showed low
      abundance and diversity; a total of 150 cultivable fungi were isolated from eight
      soil samples. After being dereplicated by morphological characteristics and
      chemical fingerprints, 47 fungal isolates were identified by ITS-rDNA sequencing.
      We confirmed that these isolates belonged to at least 11 different genera and
      clustered into nine groups corresponding to taxonomic orders in the phylogenetic
      analysis. Using two different fermentation conditions, 94 crude extracts acquired
      from the abovementioned different metabolite characteristic isolates were
      screened by bioactivity assay and 18 isolates produced biologically active
      compounds. Compared with HPLC-DAD-UV fingerprint analysis of culture extracts and
      standard compounds, two bioactive components secalonic acid and chetracins were
      identified. Our research suggests that the abundance and diversity of Antarctic
      cultivable fungal communities exhibit unique ecological characteristics and
      potential producers of novel natural bioactive products. 

PMID- 27142031
TI  - Urogynecology digest : Presented by Karl Jallad.

PMID- 27142032
TI  - Fourteen-day administration of corticosterone may induce detrusor overactivity
      symptoms.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Epidemiological studies demonstrated that patients
      suffering from overactive bladder often present with different mental problems,
      amongst which depression is the most frequently observed. The main goal of our
      study was to check if the repeated administration of corticosterone (CORT) is
      able to evoke the depressive-like behaviour and detrusor overactivity (DO)
      symptoms in rats. Moreover, we investigated whether the acute administration of
      common antidepressants (imipramine, 30 mg/kg, and fluoxetine, 15 mg/kg),
      antimuscarinic (oxybutynin chloride, 0.5 mg/kg) or CRF1 (SN 003, 1 mg/kg)
      antagonists has an impact on the cystometric parameters, behaviour in the Porsolt
      test, and overall locomotor activity of animals exposed to CORT. METHODS: The
      experiments were carried out on female Wistar rats. All applied surgical and
      histopathology procedures, cystometric investigations, locomotor activity and
      forced swim measurements have been fully described in the published literature.
      RESULTS: Fourteen-day administration of CORT may induce both depressive and DO
      symptoms in rats, which are reversed by the inhibition of CRF1 receptors.
      CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the CRF1 receptor could be an interesting target for
      overactive bladder pharmacotherapy, particularly in patients with co-existing
      depression.

PMID- 27142034
TI  - [Erratum to: Uveitis].

PMID- 27142033
TI  - [Incidence of retinal vein occlusion during the football World Cup in 2014 : A
      database analysis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between cardiovascular events, such as acute coronary
      syndrome and emotional triggers, such as football world cups is well-known.
      Significant differences could sometimes be identified depending on the country of
      origin and design of the study. From an ophthalmological perspective the
      correlation between pre-existing cardiovascular diseases and retinal angiopathy
      is well-known. This study investigated whether the incidence of retinal vein
      occlusion (RVO) at a German university eye clinic increased during and 4 weeks
      after the 2014 football World Cup. METHODS: From the electronic files of almost
      290,000 patients contained in the Smart Eye database, those with RVO during and 4
      weeks after the 2014 football World Cup (from 12 June to 13 August 2014) and
      during the same time period in 2013 could be identified. Demographic data, visual
      acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) and laboratory parameters were extracted and
      compared, when available. RESULTS: From 10 male (average age 68 years) and 8
      female (average age 62 years) a total of 9 central RVO (CRVO), 8 branch RVO
      (BRVO) and 1 hemi-CRVO were identified in 2013 with a visual acuity ranging from
      0.05 to 0.9 (average 0.39) and an IOP from 12 mmHg to 25 mmHg (average 16 mmHg).
      In 2014 a total of 26 patients (11 male average age 67 years and 15 female
      average age 76 years) were identified, an increase of 69 % (15 CRVO, 6 BRVO and 5
      hemi-CRVO). The visual acuity ranged from 0.05 to 1.0 (average 0.63) and the IOP
      from 8 mmHg to 24 mmHg (average 15 mmHg). CONCLUSION: Due to the high
      comparability of the patient collectives an increase of RVO during and 4 weeks
      after the 2014 football World Cup could be identified, compared to the same
      period in 2013. It can be assumed that emotional strain caused by a World Cup is
      a risk factor. Data from other centers have to be assessed in order to be able to
      make a more general statement.

PMID- 27142035
TI  - [Uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis : Optimization of
      immunomodulatory therapy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA-associated
      uveitis) is a vision-threatening disorder with a high complication rate. Besides
      early diagnosis within screening programs an adequate therapy is essential for
      improvement of the long-term prognosis. Corticosteroid therapy is often
      insufficient. In addition to conventional immunosuppression, immunomodulatory
      drugs, so-called biologicals, are novel highly effective treatment modalities.
      OBJECTIVE: A systematic search of the literature was carried out for biologicals
      currently used in the treatment of JIA-associated uveitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Review of current publications, summary of treatment guidelines and discussion of
      treatment options for therapy refractive patients. RESULTS: In accordance with
      the current recommendations tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are
      administered if uveitis inactivity cannot be achieved with topical
      corticosteroids and in the next stage with immunosuppressants (methotrexate
      preferred). According to the currently available data adalimumab is then
      preferred. When the effectiveness of TNF inhibitors ceases during long-term
      administration and/or recurrences, other biological response modifiers are
      attractive treatment options (e. g. lymphocyte inhibitors or specific receptor
      antagonists). CONCLUSION: The TNF inhibitors are of major importance for the
      treatment of JIA-associated uveitis. Prospective studies and registries would be
      desirable in order to be able to compare the value of TNF inhibitors and other
      biologicals and for optimization of treatment recommendations.

PMID- 27142036
TI  - [Measurement of contrast vision: mesopic or photopic vision? : Comparison of
      different methods for measuring contrast sensitivity within the framework of
      driving licence regulations].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 2011 the regulations for occupational driving licences make the
      examination of contrast vision sensitivity obligatory; however, apart from
      mesopic procedures no uniform regulations are available for methods and minimum
      requirements. OBJECTIVE: By comparing different mesopic and photopic contrast
      sensitivity tests this study analyzed whether these could be equivalently used
      and lead to the same results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Contrast vision sensitivity
      was determined in 150 subjects with emmetropia using five different methods, i.e.
      the mesopic test device Mesotest II as the reference method, Rodatest 302 and
      Optovist as photopic test devices and two photopic test charts (Vistech chart and
      Mars charts). The results of passing the tests were compared and Cohens kappa was
      determined to quantify the conformity between the tests. RESULTS: Poor agreement
      was found between Mesotest II and Optovist as well as between Mesotest II and the
      Vistech chart. There was no agreement between Rodatest 302 or Mars charts and
      Mesotest II; nevertheless, the contrast vision sensitivity measured with
      Optovist, Rodatest 302 and the Vistech chart showed good correlation (0.46 <= r
      <= 0.69). CONCLUSION: Apart from a few limitations, the reference method Mesotest
      II as well as Optovist and the Vistech chart are suitable for testing contrast
      vision sensitivity, whereas Rodatest 302 and Mars charts cannot be recommended
      based on the current criteria for minimum requirements. The minimum requirements
      must be urgently adapted and strict regulations for measurement must be
      formulated. In addition, due to the poor agreement between the methods an
      amendment of the driving licence regulations should be considered, which requires
      examination of both mesopic and photopic contrast vision or alternatively mesopic
      contrast vision alone.

PMID- 27142037
TI  - [Eye involvement in neurofibromatosis].
AB  - Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) are characterized by an
      autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance with irregular penetrance and a broad
      spectrum of different clinical phenotypes. There are large variations in the age
      of onset, progression and prognosis. Symptoms are often manifested early in
      childhood. Characteristics which the two main forms NF1 and NF2 have in common
      are a positive family history, characteristic skin alterations, such as cafe au
      lait macules, axillary or inguinal freckling and neural tumors such as
      neurofibroma and optic glioma (NF1) as well as (bilateral) vestibular schwannomas
      (NF2). An interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary for the diagnostics and
      therapy. 

PMID- 27142040
TI  - Friction behavior of ceramic injection-molded (CIM) brackets.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Bracket material, bracket design, archwire material, and ligature
      type are critical modifiers of friction behavior during archwire-guided movement
      of teeth. We designed this in vitro study to compare the friction losses of
      ceramic injection-molded (CIM) versus pressed-ceramic (PC) and metal injection
      molded (MIM) brackets-used with different ligatures and archwires-during archwire
      guided retraction of a canine. METHODS: Nine bracket systems were compared,
      including five CIM (ClarityTM and ClarityTM ADVANCED, both by 3M Unitek;
      discovery((r)) pearl by Dentaurum; Glam by Forestadent; InVu by TP Orthodontics),
      two PC (Inspire Ice by Ormco; Mystique by DENTSPLY GAC), and two MIM
      (discovery((r)) and discovery((r)) smart, both by Dentaurum) systems. All of
      these were combined with archwires made of either stainless steel or fiberglass
      reinforced resin (remanium((r)) ideal arch or Translucent pearl ideal arch, both
      by Dentaurum) and with elastic ligatures or uncoated or coated stainless steel
      (all by Dentaurum). Archwire-guided retraction of a canine was simulated with a
      force of 0.5 N in the orthodontic measurement and simulation system (OMSS).
      Friction loss was determined by subtracting the effective orthodontic forces from
      the applied forces. Based on five repeated measurements performed on five
      brackets each, weighted means were calculated and evaluated by analysis of
      variance and a Bonferroni post hoc test with a significance level of 0.05.
      RESULTS: Friction losses were significantly (p < 0.05) higher (58-79 versus 20-30
      %) for the combinations involving the steel versus the resin archwire in
      conjunction with the elastic ligature. The uncoated steel ligatures were
      associated with the lowest friction losses with ClarityTM (13 %) and
      discovery((r)) pearl (16 %) on the resin archwire and the highest friction losses
      with ClarityTM ADVANCED (53 %) and Mystique (63 %) on the steel archwire. The
      coated steel ligatures were associated with friction losses similar to the
      uncoated steel ligatures on the steel archwire. Regardless of ligature types,
      mild signs of abrasion were noted on the resin archwire. CONCLUSIONS: The lowest
      friction losses were measured with rounded ceramic brackets used with a stainless
      steel ligature and the resin archwire. No critical difference to friction
      behavior was apparent between the various manufacturing technologies behind the
      bracket systems.

PMID- 27142041
TI  - AMH type II receptor and AMH gene polymorphisms are not associated with ovarian
      reserve, response, or outcomes in ovarian stimulation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Genetic variation may influence women's response to ovarian stimulation
      therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate any effects of genetic
      variants in the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and AMH type II receptor genes on
      ovarian response/treatment outcomes and on current markers of ovarian reserve in
      individuals undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. METHODS: In this
      prospective observational study, we genotyped the AMH c.146G>T, p.(Ile49Ser) and
      AMHR2 -482A>G variants in 603 unrelated women undergoing their first cycle of
      controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection) using gonadotrophins at a tertiary referral centre for reproductive
      medicine. Pelvic ultrasound and blood hormone levels were taken on days 2-3 of
      the cycle. Genotypes were determined using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay.
      Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the
      genotypes and the ovarian reserve markers (FSH, AMH, antral follicle count) and
      the early outcomes of response (number of oocytes retrieved and gonadotropin
      dose) as well as the treatment outcome (live birth). RESULTS: There were no
      significant associations between the variants AMH c.146G>T and AMHR2 -482A>G with
      ovarian response in terms of number of oocytes retrieved (p = 0.08 and p = 0.64,
      respectively), live births (p = 0.28 and p = 0.52) and/or markers of ovarian
      reserve. CONCLUSIONS: Genotyping of the AMH c.146G>T and AMHR2 -482A>G
      polymorphisms does not provide additional useful information as a predictor of
      ovarian reserve or ovarian response and treatment outcomes.

PMID- 27142042
TI  - Why are some species older than others? A large-scale study of vertebrates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strong variations are observed between and within taxonomic groups in
      the age of extant species and these differences can clarify factors that render
      species more vulnerable to extinction. Understanding the factors that influence
      the resilience of species is thus a key component of evolutionary biology, but it
      is also of prime importance in a context of climate change and for conservation
      in general. We explored the effect of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on the
      timing of the oldest diversification event in over 600 vertebrate species
      distributed worldwide. We used phylogenetic comparative methods to show that
      color polymorphism, latitude and reproduction (the latter through its interaction
      with latitude) affected the timing of the oldest diversification event within a
      species. RESULTS: Species from higher latitudes tended to be younger, and colour
      polymorphic species were older than monomorphic species. Mode of reproduction was
      important also, in that the age of oviparous species decreased with latitude,
      whereas no pattern was apparent for viviparous species. Organisms which have
      already persisted for a long time may be more likely to deal with future
      modifications of their environment. CONCLUSIONS: Species that are colour
      polymorphic, viviparous, and/or live at low latitudes have exhibited resilience
      to past environmental changes, and hence may be better able to deal with current
      climate change.

PMID- 27142043
TI  - Carbapenem-resistant Lactobacillus intra-abdominal infection in a renal
      transplant recipient with a history of probiotic consumption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lactobacillus sp. is a low virulence bacterium, which rarely causes
      infection in immunocompetent individuals and usually is considered a contaminant.
      Normally this organism is susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics, yet resistant
      strains have been reported. CASE PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION: Here, we report a
      case of a 60-year-old renal transplant recipient who developed an intra-abdominal
      abscess which grew a carbapenem-resistant Lactobacillus casei. This is
      significant since it is the first report of a clinical isolate of Lactobacillus
      sp. that demonstrated both microbiological and clinical resistance to carbapenem
      use. Moreover, the probiotic supplement that the patient had taken also grew a
      similar organism raising the concern of probiotic associated infection in
      immunocompromised individual.

PMID- 27142044
TI  - Efficacy of two antiseptic regimens on skin colonization of insertion sites for
      two different catheter types: a randomized, clinical trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: Catheter-related bloodstream infections affect patients in surgical and
      intensive care settings worldwide, causing complications, aggravation of existing
      symptoms and increased length of stay. The trial aimed at comparing two
      registered skin antiseptics with respect to their residual and therefore
      infection-preventing effects. METHODS: In a parallel, monocentric, prospective,
      triple-blind, randomized trial the difference in bacterial recolonization of
      catheter skin sites in central venous (CVC) and epidural catheters (EC) was
      investigated by comparing two alcoholic-based skin disinfectants. Patients
      receiving planned surgeries or intensive care were eligible for the trial. Those
      in the trial group received skin disinfection with the additive octenidine
      dihydrochloride (OCT) (n = 51), those in the control group were treated with
      benzalkonium chloride as additive (BAC) (n = 59) prior to catheter insertion.
      Randomization was carried out by assigning patients to groups week-wise.
      Endpoints of the investigation were skin colonization of the catheter site
      counted in colony forming units per swab at three time points: (1) prior to
      catheter insertion, on untreated skin; (2) directly after catheter insertion,
      prior to sterile coverage; (3) 48 h after catheter insertion. The hypothesis was
      tested by a Wilcoxon test with a two-sided alpha = 5 %. RESULTS: From second to
      third swab, recolonization of the catheter-surrounding skin was significantly
      lower in the trial group for both sorts of catheters: delta 2-3 OCT group: 0.72
      (95 % CI: 0.42; 1.02); delta 2-3 BAC group: 1.97 (95 % CI: 1.45; 2.50); p <
      0.001. None of the patients enrolled developed a catheter-related blood stream
      infection (CRBSI) during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Previous studies have shown that
      skin colonization is strongly associated with the occurrence of CRBSI. This
      randomized controlled trial supports the observations made in previous trials
      that octenidine dihydrochloride in disinfectants is more effective than agents
      containing other additives with regard to skin recolonization surrounding CVC and
      EC insertion sites. Therefore, it is likely to also reduce the risk of CRBSI in
      these patient groups. The trial was approved by the North Rhine Medical
      Association in July 2014 (application-no.: 2014222).

PMID- 27142047
TI  - Severe Cardiomyopathy as the Isolated Presenting Feature in an Adult with Late
      Onset Pompe Disease: A Case Report.
AB  - Many inborn errors of metabolism can cause cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy
      associated with glycogen storage includes PRKAG2-associated glycogen storage
      disease (GSD), Danon disease, infantile-onset Pompe disease (GSD II), GSD III,
      GSD IV, and phosphofructokinase deficiency (Tarui disease or GSD VII).We present
      a 35-year-old female who presented with cardiomyopathy after a pregnancy
      complicated by primary hyperparathyroidism. She had enjoyed excellent health
      until her first pregnancy at age 33. One week postpartum, she developed dyspnea
      and an echocardiogram revealed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35%.
      A cardiac MRI was consistent with nonischemic cardiomyopathy with an infiltrative
      process. Endomyocardial biopsy showed striking sarcoplasmic vacuolization, excess
      glycogen by PAS staining, and frequent membrane-bound glycogen by electron
      microscopy, consistent with lysosomal GSD. Acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) activity
      in skin fibroblasts was in the affected range for Pompe disease. Sequencing of
      the GAA gene revealed a paternally inherited pathogenic c.525delT
      (p.Glu176Argfs*45) and a de novo c.309C>G (p.Cys103Trp) with unknown
      pathogenicity. Testing of the familial mutations in her daughter indicated that
      the variants in the proband were in trans. 26-gene cardiomyopathy sequencing
      panel had normal results thereby excluding GSD III, Danon disease, Fabry disease,
      and PRKAG2-associated cardiomyopathy. Therefore, results strongly suggest a
      diagnosis of Pompe disease.Pompe disease has a broad disease spectrum, including
      infantile-onset (IOPD) and late-onset (LOPD) forms. LOPD typically presents with
      proximal muscle weakness and respiratory insufficiency in childhood or late
      adulthood. Our case may represent a very unusual presentation of adult LOPD with
      isolated cardiomyopathy without skeletal muscle involvement or respiratory
      failure.

PMID- 27142046
TI  - Uninstructed BIAT faking when ego depleted or in normal state: differential
      effect on brain and behavior.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deception can distort psychological tests on socially sensitive
      topics. Understanding the cerebral processes that are involved in such faking can
      be useful in detection and prevention of deception. Previous research shows that
      faking a brief implicit association test (BIAT) evokes a characteristic ERP
      response. It is not yet known whether temporarily available self-control
      resources moderate this response. We randomly assigned 22 participants (15
      females, 24.23 +/- 2.91 years old) to a counterbalanced repeated-measurements
      design. Participants first completed a Brief-IAT (BIAT) on doping attitudes as a
      baseline measure and were then instructed to fake a negative doping attitude both
      when self-control resources were depleted and non-depleted. Cerebral activity
      during BIAT performance was assessed using high-density EEG. RESULTS: Compared to
      the baseline BIAT, event-related potentials showed a first interaction at the
      parietal P1, while significant post hoc differences were found only at the later
      occurring late positive potential. Here, significantly decreased amplitudes were
      recorded for 'normal' faking, but not in the depletion condition. In source
      space, enhanced activity was found for 'normal' faking in the bilateral
      temporoparietal junction. Behaviorally, participants were successful in faking
      the BIAT successfully in both conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that
      temporarily available self-control resources do not affect overt faking success
      on a BIAT. However, differences were found on an electrophysiological level. This
      indicates that while on a phenotypical level self-control resources play a
      negligible role in deliberate test faking the underlying cerebral processes are
      markedly different.

PMID- 27142045
TI  - Display of recombinant proteins at the surface of lactic acid bacteria:
      strategies and applications.
AB  - Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are promising vectors of choice to deliver active
      molecules to mucosal tissues. They are recognized as safe by the World Health
      Organization and some strains have probiotic properties. The wide range of
      potential applications of LAB-driven mucosal delivery includes control of
      inflammatory bowel disease, vaccine delivery, and management of auto-immune
      diseases. Because of this potential, strategies for the display of proteins at
      the surface of LAB are gaining interest. To display a protein at the surface of
      LAB, a signal peptide and an anchor domain are necessary. The recombinant protein
      can be attached to the membrane layer, using a transmembrane anchor or a
      lipoprotein-anchor, or to the cell wall, by a covalent link using sortase
      mediated anchoring via the LPXTG motif, or by non-covalent liaisons employing
      binding domains such as LysM or WxL. Both the stability and functionality of the
      displayed proteins will be affected by the kind of anchor used. The most commonly
      surfaced exposed recombinant proteins produced in LAB are antigens and antibodies
      and the most commonly used LAB are lactococci and lactobacilli. Although it is
      not necessarily so that surface-display is the preferred localization in all
      cases, it has been shown that for certain applications, such as delivery of the
      human papillomavirus E7 antigen, surface-display elicits better biological
      responses, compared to cytosolic expression or secretion. Recent developments
      include the display of peptides and proteins targeting host cell receptors, for
      the purpose of enhancing the interactions between LAB and host. Surface-display
      technologies have other potential applications, such as degradation of biomass,
      which is of importance for some potential industrial applications of LAB. 

PMID- 27142048
TI  - Anti-Thrombotic Effects of Statins in Acute Coronary Syndromes: At the
      Intersection of Thrombosis, Inflammation, and Platelet-Leukocyte Interactions.
AB  - HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins, are standard of care for preventing
      cardiovascular disease in at-risk populations. Statins are a well-established
      therapy proven to reduce long-term cardiovascular mortality and morbidity for
      prevention of secondary cardiovascular events and have become
      guidelinerecommended therapy following acute myocardial infarction. Emerging data
      from clinical trials over the last decade indicates that statin therapy may
      provide broad beneficial effects beyond their primary lipid lowering mechanisms.
      In coronary heart disease, statins have demonstrated a unique ability to target
      several cellular pathways, which appear to play an underappreciated role in acute
      inflammation and subsequent thrombosis. Herein, we review the potential
      mechanisms where statins may act as antithrombotic agents in the setting of acute
      coronary syndromes and discuss the clinical implications of these findings.

PMID- 27142049
TI  - Coronary Artery Ectasia-A Review of Current Literature.
AB  - Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is one of the uncommon cardiovascular disorders.
      Its incidence ranges from 1.2%-4.9%. Coronary artery ectasia likely represents an
      exaggerated form of expansive vascular remodeling (i.e. excessive expansive
      remodeling) in response to atherosclerotic plaque growth with atherosclerosis
      being the most common cause. Although, it has been described more than five
      decades ago, its management is still debated. We therefore reviewed the
      literature until date by searching PubMed and Google scholar using key words
      "coronary artery ectasia", "coronary artery aneurysm", "pathophysiology",
      "diagnosis", "management" either by itself or in combination. We reviewed the
      full articles and review articles and focused mainly on pathophysiology,
      diagnosis and management of CAE.

PMID- 27142050
TI  - Adherence to Cardiac Practice Guidelines in the Management of Non-ST-Elevation
      Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Systematic Literature Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the management of non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome
      (NSTACS) a gap between guideline-recommended care and actual practice has been
      reported. A systematic overview of the actual extent of this gap, its potential
      impact on patient-outcomes, and influential factors is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To
      examine the extent of guideline adherence, to study associations with the
      occurrence of adverse cardiac events, and to identify factors associated with
      guideline adherence. METHOD: Systematic literature review, for which PUBMED,
      EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane library were searched until March 2016. Further,
      a manual search was performed using reference lists of included studies. Two
      reviewers independently performed quality-assessment and data extraction of the
      eligible studies. RESULTS: Adherence rates varied widely within and between 45
      eligible studies, ranging from less than 5.0 % to more than 95.0 % for
      recommendations on acute and discharge pharmacological treatment, 34.3 % - 93.0 %
      for risk stratification, and 16.0 % - 95.8 % for performing coronary angiography.
      Seven studies indicated that higher adherence rates were associated with lower
      mortality. Several patient-related (e.g. age, gender, co-morbidities) and
      organization-related (e.g. teaching hospital) factors influencing adherence were
      identified. CONCLUSION: This review showed wide variation in guideline adherence,
      with a substantial proportion of NST-ACS patients possibly not receiving
      guideline-recommended care. Consequently, lower adherence might be associated
      with a higher risk for poor prognosis. Future research should further investigate
      the complex nature of guideline adherence in NST-ACS, its impact on clinical
      care, and factors influencing adherence. This knowledge is essential to optimize
      clinical management of NSTACS patients and could guide future quality improvement
      initiatives.

PMID- 27142051
TI  - Amplitude of low-frequency oscillations associated with emotional conflict
      control.
AB  - Previous fMRI studies related to emotional conflict focused on task activation
      during the specific experimental paradigm. Yet, the underlying spontaneous neural
      activity was largely unknown. Here, this was the first study using resting-state
      fMRI to explore the spontaneous neural activity related to emotional conflict. We
      used the whole-brain analysis to investigate the association between emotional
      conflict and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) in a large sample. We
      found that the emotional conflict effect was negatively correlated with ALFF in
      the right AMY. These findings implied that AMY was the key region which plays a
      crucial role in emotional conflict.

PMID- 27142052
TI  - Responsiveness of electrical nociceptive detection thresholds to capsaicin (8 %)
      induced changes in nociceptive processing.
AB  - Pain disorders can be initiated and maintained by malfunctioning of one or
      several mechanisms underlying the nociceptive function. Psychophysical procedures
      allow the estimation of nociceptive detection thresholds using intra-epidermal
      electrical stimuli. By varying the temporal properties of electrical stimuli,
      various contributions of nociceptive processes to stimulus processing can be
      observed. To observe the responsiveness of nociceptive thresholds to changes in
      nociceptive function, a model of capsaicin-induced nerve defunctionalization was
      used. Its effect on nociceptive detections thresholds was investigated over a
      period of 84 days. A cutaneous capsaicin (8 %) patch was applied for 60 min to
      the upper leg of eight healthy human participants. Single- and double-pulse
      electrical stimuli were presented in a pseudo-random order using an intra
      epidermal electrode. Stimuli and corresponding responses were recorded on both
      treated and untreated skin areas prior to capsaicin application and on days 2, 7,
      28, and 84. Increases in electrical detection thresholds at the capsaicin area
      were observed on days 2 and 7 for single-pulse stimuli. Detection thresholds
      corresponding to double-pulse stimuli were increased on days 7 and 28, suggesting
      a delayed and longer lasting effect on double-pulse stimuli. In the present
      study, it was demonstrated that the responsiveness of detection thresholds to
      capsaicin application depends on the temporal properties of electrical stimuli.
      The observation of capsaicin-induced changes by estimation of detection
      thresholds revealed different time patterns of contributions of peripheral and
      central mechanisms to stimulus processing.

PMID- 27142053
TI  - Dynamics of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae seroconversion and infection in pigs in the
      three main production systems.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the dynamics of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
      infections in 66 pig farms, with different production systems (one-, two-, and
      three-site systems), and considered different risk factors. Serological assay was
      used to detect serum antibodies against M. hyopneumoniae and real time polymerase
      chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect M. hyopneumoniae DNA in
      tracheobronchial swabs. Results demonstrated that M. hyopneumoniae infection
      status was predominantly influenced by the age of the animals and the type of
      production system. Infection rates were higher in older animals and the
      prevalence was higher in the one- and two-site systems than in the three-site
      systems. Dynamics of infection by RT-PCR showed that earlier M. hyopneumoniae
      infection on one-site farms occurs earlier, while on two- and three-site farms
      occurs later but spreads faster, suggesting that contact between animals of
      different age favors the transmission. 

PMID- 27142054
TI  - An Anatomic Appraisal of Biplanar Muscle-Splitting Breast Augmentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biplanar muscle-splitting (BMS) breast augmentation is a relatively
      new technique for which the safe regions of dissection have not been delineated.
      OBJECTIVES: The authors performed cadaver dissections to elucidate the surgical
      anatomy of the BMS pocket and to infer the safety of this method. METHODS: The
      breasts and chest regions of 5 female cadavers were dissected to identify
      anatomic landmarks and to ascertain the optimal split site in the pectoralis
      major. CS was defined as the lateral junction of the middle and caudal one-third
      of the sternum, and the sternal index was defined as the ratio of the length of
      the sternum to the distance from CS to the most medial major nerve branch.
      RESULTS: Initiating the muscle split at CS is likely to avoid nerve injury. The
      mean distance from CS to the most medial nerve branch was 15.36 cm. The sternal
      index is a reproducible marker of the extension of the nerve branches in relation
      to chest size. The sternal length and the cranio-caudal length of the pectoralis
      major were similar, enabling reliable planning of the muscle split site.
      CONCLUSIONS: If dissection is limited to the safe regions delineated herein, BMS
      breast augmentation is likely to be a safe procedure for most patients. By
      maintaining the connections between the pectoralis major and its origins, a
      breast deformity associated with muscle contraction may be avoidable.

PMID- 27142055
TI  - Zika virus study in The BMJ was different from the one reported in the New
      England Journal of Medicine.

PMID- 27142056
TI  - A ketogenic diet increases transport and oxidation of ketone bodies in RG2 and 9L
      gliomas without affecting tumor growth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The dependence of tumor cells, particularly those originating in the
      brain, on glucose is the target of the ketogenic diet, which creates a plasma
      nutrient profile similar to fasting: increased levels of ketone bodies and
      reduced plasma glucose concentrations. The use of ketogenic diets has been of
      particular interest for therapy in brain tumors, which reportedly lack the
      ability to oxidize ketone bodies and therefore would be starved during ketosis.
      Because studies assessing the tumors' ability to oxidize ketone bodies are
      lacking, we investigated in vivo the extent of ketone body oxidation in 2 rodent
      glioma models. METHODS: Ketone body oxidation was studied using (13)C MR
      spectroscopy in combination with infusion of a (13)C-labeled ketone body (beta
      hydroxybutyrate) in RG2 and 9L glioma models. The level of ketone body oxidation
      was compared with nontumorous cortical brain tissue. RESULTS: The level of (13)C
      beta-hydroxybutyrate oxidation in 2 rat glioma models was similar to that of
      contralateral brain. In addition, when glioma-bearing animals were fed a
      ketogenic diet, the ketone body monocarboxylate transporter was upregulated,
      facilitating uptake and oxidation of ketone bodies in the gliomas. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results demonstrate that rat gliomas can oxidize ketone bodies and indicate
      upregulation of ketone body transport when fed a ketogenic diet. Our findings
      contradict the hypothesis that brain tumors are metabolically inflexible and show
      the need for additional research on the use of ketogenic diets as therapy
      targeting brain tumor metabolism.

PMID- 27142057
TI  - Effects of PREPARE, a Multi-component, School-Based HIV and Intimate Partner
      Violence (IPV) Prevention Programme on Adolescent Sexual Risk Behaviour and IPV:
      Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial.
AB  - Young South Africans, especially women, are at high risk of HIV. We evaluated the
      effects of PREPARE, a multi-component, school-based HIV prevention intervention
      to delay sexual debut, increase condom use and decrease intimate partner violence
      (IPV) among young adolescents. We conducted a cluster RCT among Grade eights in
      42 high schools. The intervention comprised education sessions, a school health
      service and a school sexual violence prevention programme. Participants completed
      questionnaires at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Regression was undertaken to provide
      ORs or coefficients adjusted for clustering. Of 6244 sampled adolescents, 55.3 %
      participated. At 12 months there were no differences between intervention and
      control arms in sexual risk behaviours. Participants in the intervention arm were
      less likely to report IPV victimisation (35.1 vs. 40.9 %; OR 0.77, 95 % CI 0.61
      0.99; t(40) = 2.14) suggesting the intervention shaped intimate partnerships into
      safer ones, potentially lowering the risk for HIV.

PMID- 27142058
TI  - A Prospective Study of Intimate Partner Violence as a Risk Factor for Detectable
      Plasma Viral Load in HIV-Positive Women Engaged in Transactional Sex in Mombasa,
      Kenya.
AB  - We conducted a prospective cohort study to evaluate intimate partner violence
      (IPV) as a risk factor for detectable plasma viral load in HIV-positive female
      sex workers (FSWs) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Kenya. IPV in the past year
      was defined as >=1 act of physical, sexual, or emotional violence by the index
      partner (i.e. boyfriend/husband). The primary outcome was detectable viral load
      (>=180 copies/ml). In-depth interviews and focus groups were included to
      contextualize results. Analyses included 195 women (570 visits). Unexpectedly,
      IPV was associated with significantly lower risk of detectable viral load
      (adjusted relative risk 0.21, 95 % CI 0.05-0.84, p-value = 0.02). Qualitative
      findings revealed that women valued emotional and financial support from index
      partners, despite IPV. IPV was not a major barrier to ART adherence. The observed
      association between IPV and lower risk of detectable viral load in FSWs may be
      due to unmeasured personal and relationship factors, warranting further research.

PMID- 27142059
TI  - Percutaneous use of a dual lumen Scepter XC balloon for embolization of a complex
      facial arteriovenous malformation: a technical report.

PMID- 27142060
TI  - Identification of the BRD1 interaction network and its impact on mental disorder
      risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The bromodomain containing 1 (BRD1) gene has been implicated with
      transcriptional regulation, brain development, and susceptibility to
      schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. To advance the understanding of BRD1 and its
      role in mental disorders, we characterized the protein and chromatin interactions
      of the BRD1 isoforms, BRD1-S and BRD1-L. METHODS: Stable human cell lines
      expressing epitope tagged BRD1-S and BRD1-L were generated and used as discovery
      systems for identifying protein and chromatin interactions. Protein-protein
      interactions were identified using co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass
      spectrometry and chromatin interactions were identified using chromatin
      immunoprecipitation followed by next generation sequencing. Gene expression
      profiles and differentially expressed genes were identified after upregulating
      and downregulating BRD1 expression using microarrays. The presented functional
      molecular data were integrated with human genomic and transcriptomic data using
      available GWAS, exome-sequencing datasets as well as spatiotemporal
      transcriptomic datasets from the human brain. RESULTS: We present several novel
      protein interactions of BRD1, including isoform-specific interactions as well as
      proteins previously implicated with mental disorders. By BRD1-S and BRD1-L
      chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by next generation sequencing we
      identified binding to promoter regions of 1540 and 823 genes, respectively, and
      showed correlation between BRD1-S and BRD1-L binding and regulation of gene
      expression. The identified BRD1 interaction network was found to be predominantly
      co-expressed with BRD1 mRNA in the human brain and enriched for pathways involved
      in gene expression and brain function. By interrogation of large datasets from
      genome-wide association studies, we further demonstrate that the BRD1 interaction
      network is enriched for schizophrenia risk. CONCLUSION: Our results show that
      BRD1 interacts with chromatin remodeling proteins, e.g. PBRM1, as well as histone
      modifiers, e.g. MYST2 and SUV420H1. We find that BRD1 primarily binds in close
      proximity to transcription start sites and regulates expression of numerous
      genes, many of which are involved with brain development and susceptibility to
      mental disorders. Our findings indicate that BRD1 acts as a regulatory hub in a
      comprehensive schizophrenia risk network which plays a role in many brain regions
      throughout life, implicating e.g. striatum, hippocampus, and amygdala at mid
      fetal stages.

PMID- 27142061
TI  - The Role of Healthy Lifestyle in the Primordial Prevention of Cardiovascular
      Disease.
AB  - Whereas primary prevention seeks to forestall development of disease in
      individuals with elevated risk, primordial prevention seeks to preempt the
      development of risk factors. Health behaviors-characterized as "lifestyle"
      factors-are key interventional targets in primordial prevention of cardiovascular
      disease. Appropriate dietary intake, including limiting salt and saturated fat
      consumption, can reduce the risk of developing hypertension and dyslipidemias.
      Regular physical activity is associated with lower blood pressure and healthier
      lipid profiles. Diet and exercise are critical to maintaining weight conducive to
      cardiovascular health. Behavioral factors such as stress management, sleep
      duration, portion control, and meal timing may play a role in weight management
      and offer additional routes of intervention. Any smoking elevates cardiovascular
      risk. Although lifestyle modification programs can be instrumental in reaching
      public health goals, maintaining cardiovascular health should not be a matter
      solely of willpower. Ideally, structural and social forces should make healthy
      lifestyles the default option.

PMID- 27142063
TI  - Current concepts of anatomy and electrophysiology of the sinus node.
AB  - The sinoatrial node, or sinus node, of humans is the principal pacemaker of the
      heart. Over the last century, studies have unraveled the complex molecular
      architecture of the sinus node and the expression of unique ion channels within
      its specialized myocytes. Aim of this review is to describe the embriology, the
      anatomy, the histology and the electrophisiology of the sinus node. 

PMID- 27142062
TI  - Ototoxicity of Divalent Metals.
AB  - Excess exposure to both essential and non-essential heavy metals can lead to a
      variety of adverse clinical conditions which selectively affect a variety of
      organs and cells in the body. The diverse, but highly specific nature of the
      symptoms produced by each metal indicates that they can interact with a
      restricted population of cellular targets ultimately resulting in unique clinical
      manifestations. The symptoms, which can be reversible or irreversible, often
      present with different patterns and outcomes depending on the net accumulated
      dose of any given metal. There are some common pathological conditions that
      result from excess exposure to heavy metals which unfortunately have not received
      widespread recognition and thus, have not been extensively investigated. For
      example, chronic exposure to several heavy metals such as Co, Mn, Cd, Pb, and Hg
      has the potential to affect hearing in humans and experimental animals based on
      previous studies including case reports and ex vivo studies. Understanding
      exactly how these metals induce hearing deficits is complicated by the fact that
      the inner ear is an extremely complex system that composed of a diverse
      collection of sensory, neural, and supporting cells which must act in synchrony
      to produce a neurophysiological signal terminating in the central auditory
      system. This review will focus on the anatomical, cellular, and functional
      changes that occur in the cochlea, the sensory organ for hearing, due to
      excessive exposure to manganese, cadmium, cobalt, lead, and mercury.

PMID- 27142064
TI  - Can clinical factors be used as a selection tool for an organ-preserving strategy
      in rectal cancer?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer patients who achieve a good response to
      chemoradiotherapy (CRT), may be offered less invasive surgery or even no surgery
      at all. Implementation of such a policy, however, requires precise patient
      selection. This study identifies pretreatment clinical factors that are
      associated with pathological complete response (pCR) and ypT0-1N0 and evaluates
      their performance as a selection tool for organ-preserving strategies. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Patients with rectal cancer treated with CRT and total mesorectal
      excision between January 2000 and December 2014 were retrospectively included.
      Following clinical characteristics were extracted from the medical files: age,
      gender, body mass index, ASA score, cT-stage, cN-stage, distance from the anal
      verge, pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), pretreatment hemoglobin and
      distance from the mesorectal fascia. Univariable and multivariable binary
      logistic regression models were used to predict pCR and ypT0-1N0. The
      discriminative ability of the prediction models was evaluated by receiver
      operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 620 patients were included
      of whom 120 experienced a pCR (19%) and 170 patients achieved ypT0-1N0 response
      (27%). A low pretreatment CEA, a high pretreatment hemoglobin and a high cN-stage
      were associated with pCR in multivariable analysis. A low pretreatment CEA, a low
      cT-stage and a high cN-stage were associated with ypT0-1N0. After cross
      validation, the area under the curve for the pCR and ypT0-1N0 prediction model
      equaled 0.609 and 0.632, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite their statistical
      significance, the value of pretreatment clinical variables in the prediction of
      pCR and ypT0-1N0 is very limited. To safely select patients for organ
      preservation, other strategies need to be explored.

PMID- 27142066
TI  - Total arterial grafting is associated with improved clinical outcomes compared to
      conventional myocardial revascularization at 10 years follow-up.
AB  - The use of arterial conduits is associated with incremental benefits when
      compared to conventional CABG surgery, albeit there is a paucity of data
      regarding the long-term outcomes of either techniques. Among 973 consecutive
      patients undergoing CABG, a propensity-match study was performed to compare total
      arterial revascularization technique (G1) with a conventional approach (LITA on
      LAD plus additional SVGs, G2). The study population was propensity-matched based
      on preoperative characteristics (age, sex, risk factors). Mean number of grafted
      vessels (G1 = 2.39 +/- 0.55 vs G2 = 2.37 +/- 0.7; p = 0.79) and aortic cross
      clamp time (G1 = 36 +/- 6 vs G2 = 35 +/- 6 min; p = 0.31) were similar while CPB
      time was significantly longer in Group 2 (G1 = 50 +/- 7 vs G2 = 70 +/- 8 min; p =
      0.03). Hospital mortality (G1 = 0.6 % vs G2 = 1.3 %; p = 0.41) and overall
      incidence of postoperative complications were also comparable. Cox regression
      analysis depicted conventional CABG as an independent predictor for MACCEs (HR =
      4.53, CI 95 % = 2-10.28; p < 0.001). Median follow-up time was 112 months:
      actuarial survival free from cardiac death (G1 = 100 % vs G2 = 95 +/- 2.1 %; p =
      0.046) and MACCEs (G1 = 97.3 +/- 1.5 % vs G2 = 79.4 +/- 3.8 %; p < 0.001) was
      significantly improved in patients undergoing total arterial grafting. Total
      arterial myocardial revascularization is associated with significantly improved
      outcomes at 10 years follow-up in terms of cardiac-related mortality and overall
      event-free survival.

PMID- 27142065
TI  - Myocardial triglyceride content in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy:
      comparison between hypertensive heart disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) enables the assessment of
      myocardial triglyceride (TG) content, which is reported to be associated with
      cardiac dysfunction and morphology accompanied by metabolic disorder and cardiac
      hemodynamic status. The clinical usefulness of myocardial TG content measurements
      in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has not been fully
      investigated. We examined whether myocardial TG content assessed by 1H-MRS was
      useful for diagnosis in patients with LVH. To quantify myocardial TG content, we
      conducted 1H-MRS in 35 subjects with LVH. Left ventricular function was measured
      by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Patients were assigned to a hypertensive
      heart disease (HHD, n = 10) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM, n = 25) group
      based on the histology and/or late gadolinium enhancement pattern. The myocardial
      TG content was significantly higher in the HHD group than in the HCM group (2.14
      +/- 1.29 vs. 1.09 +/- 0.72 %, P < 0.001). Myocardial TG content were
      significantly and negatively correlated with LV mass (r = -0.41, P < 0.04) and
      stroke volume (r = -0.64, P < 0.05) in the HCM group and HHD group, respectively.
      In a multivariate analysis, LV mass volume and diagnosis of HCM or HHD were
      independent factors of the myocardial TG content. The results suggest that
      myocardial metabolism may differ between HCM and HHD patients and that
      measurement of myocardial TG content by 1H-MRS may be useful for evaluating the
      myocardial metabolic features of LVH.

PMID- 27142067
TI  - Widespread pain - do pain intensity and care-seeking influence sickness absence? 
      A population-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both musculoskeletal pain-intensity in relation to a specific
      location (e.g. lower back or shoulder) and pain in multiple body regions have
      been shown to be associated with impaired function and sickness absence, but the
      impact of pain intensity on the association between widespread pain and sickness
      absence has not been studied. Additionally it is unknown whether care-seeking in
      general practice due to musculoskeletal disorders has a positive or negative
      impact on future absenteeism. The purpose of this study was to examine the
      influence of pain intensity on the association between number of musculoskeletal
      pain sites and sickness absence, and to analyze the impact on absenteeism from
      care-seeking in general practice due to musculoskeletal disorders. METHODS: 3745
      Danish adults registered with eight General Practitioners (GPs) in one primary
      medical center reported location and intensity of experienced musculoskeletal
      pain in seven different body regions in February 2008. Outcome was duration of
      sickness absence based on register data divided into long-term (>52 weeks during
      follow-up) and sickness absence of shorter duration (12-52 weeks during follow
      up) over a period of 4 years. Data on pain-intensity were analyzed at three
      different cut-off levels for each body region: i) > 1 (any pain), ii) > 2
      (bothersome pain), iii) > 3 (very bothersome pain). Analyses were stratified and
      compared between participants without GP contact and participants with GP contact
      due to musculoskeletal disorders. RESULTS: Musculoskeletal pain in more than two
      body regions was strongly associated with long-term sickness absence in an
      exposure-response pattern. Different cut-off levels of pain intensity and
      adjustment for age, sex, educational level and work environmental factors did not
      alter the results. Similar findings were observed for sickness absence of shorter
      duration, although the association was weaker. Care-seeking in general practice
      due to musculoskeletal disorders did not overall alter the odds of later sickness
      absence. CONCLUSION: Pain intensity and care-seeking due to musculoskeletal
      disorders did not seem to influence the association between the number of pain
      sites and later sickness absence. The number of musculoskeletal pain sites seems
      to be a strong risk factor for later sickness absence.

PMID- 27142068
TI  - Pregnancy wantedness, frequency and timing of antenatal care visit among women of
      childbearing age in Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A woman's health seeking behaviour during pregnancy has been found to
      have significant repercussions on her wellbeing and that of her unborn child. For
      example, the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes and maternal death is higher among
      women who do not receive antenatal care. METHODS: The study described the
      characteristics of women who reported wanted, unwanted and mistimed pregnancies
      from their last birth at the time of the survey; the linkage between frequency of
      antenatal care visits and pregnancy wantedness and the relationship between
      timing of the first antenatal care visit and pregnancy wantedness since maternal
      morbidity and mortality are higher among women who do not receive antenatal care.
      The 2008-09 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data is used and multinomial
      logistic regression and logistic regression informed the study analysis. RESULTS:
      Results showed that women, who reported wanted pregnancy were more likely to
      receive antenatal care while those who reported unwanted pregnancy were less
      likely to receive antenatal care, but more likely to attend late the first time
      and have fewer than four antenatal care visits. Also, mistimed pregnancies were
      associated with low frequency of antenatal care visit and late timing of the
      first visit. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm an association between pregnancy
      wantedness, frequency of antenatal care visits and timing of the first antenatal
      care visit. Women whose pregnancy was reported as mistimed and unwanted were more
      likely not to receive any antenatal care and when they did; they went for fewer
      than the recommended four visits with late timing. Health policy and strategies
      should ensure that all pregnant women regardless of their pregnancy status at the
      time of conception first receive antenatal care, and receive it in a timely
      manner and make at least four antenatal care visits before delivery. This will
      help to identify health complications that may arise during and after delivery
      and reduce maternal, new-born and infant mortality. Information, education and
      communication campaigns on family planning especially for spacing and matters
      related to antenatal care visits, timing and frequency should be intensified
      nationally.

PMID- 27142069
TI  - After low and high dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy followed by IMRT
      radiotherapy for intermediate and high risk prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare urinary symptoms in patients with
      clinically localized prostate cancer after a combination of either low-dose-rate
      or high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy along with intensity-modulated
      radiation therapy (LDR-ISBT + IMRT or HDR-ISBT + IMRT). METHODS: From June 2009
      to April 2014, 16 and 22 patients were treated with LDR-ISBT + IMRT and HDR-ISBT
      + IMRT, respectively. No patient from these groups was excluded from this study.
      The prescribed dose of LDR-ISBT, HDR-ISBT, and IMRT was 115 Gy, 20 Gy in 2
      fractions, and 46 Gy in 23 fractions, respectively. Obstructive and irritative
      urinary symptoms were assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)
      examined before and after treatments. After ISBT, IPSS was evaluated in the 1st
      and 4th weeks, then every 2-3 months for the 1st year, and every 6 months
      thereafter. RESULTS: The median follow-up of the patients treated with LDR-ISBT +
      IMRT and HDR-ISBT + IMRT was 1070.5 days and 1048.5 days, respectively (p =
      0.321). The IPSS-increment in the LDR-ISBT + IMRT group was greater than that in
      the HDR-ISBT + IMRT between 91 and 180 days after ISBT (p = 0.015). In the LDR
      ISBT + IMRT group, the IPSS took longer time to return to the initial level than
      in the HDR-ISBT + IMRT group (in LDR-ISBT + IMRT group, the recovery time was 90
      days later). The dose to urethra showed a statistically significant association
      with the IPSS-increment in the irritative urinary symptoms (p = 0.011). Clinical
      outcomes were comparable between both the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both therapeutic
      modalities are safe and well suited for patients with clinically localized
      prostate cancer; however, it took patients longer to recover from LDR-ISBT + IMRT
      than from HDR-ISBT + IMRT. It is possible that fast dose delivery induced early
      symptoms and early recovery, while gradual dose delivery induced late symptoms
      and late recovery. Urethral dose reductions were associated with small increments
      in IPSS.

PMID- 27142070
TI  - Interaction between numbers and size during visual search.
AB  - The current study investigates an interaction between numbers and physical size
      (i.e. size congruity) in visual search. In three experiments, participants had to
      detect a physically large (or small) target item among physically small (or
      large) distractors in a search task comprising single-digit numbers. The relative
      numerical size of the digits was varied, such that the target item was either
      among the numerically large or small numbers in the search display and the
      relation between numerical and physical size was either congruent or incongruent.
      Perceptual differences of the stimuli were controlled by a condition in which
      participants had to search for a differently coloured target item with the same
      physical size and by the usage of LCD-style numbers that were matched in visual
      similarity by shape transformations. The results of all three experiments
      consistently revealed that detecting a physically large target item is
      significantly faster when the numerical size of the target item is large as well
      (congruent), compared to when it is small (incongruent). This novel finding of a
      size congruity effect in visual search demonstrates an interaction between
      numerical and physical size in an experimental setting beyond typically used
      binary comparison tasks, and provides important new evidence for the notion of
      shared cognitive codes for numbers and sensorimotor magnitudes. Theoretical
      consequences for recent models on attention, magnitude representation and their
      interactions are discussed.

PMID- 27142071
TI  - CNV analysis in the Lithuanian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although copy number variation (CNV) has received much attention,
      knowledge about the characteristics of CNVs such as occurrence rate and
      distribution in the genome between populations and within the same population is
      still insufficient. In this study, Illumina 770 K HumanOmniExpress-12 v1.0 (and
      v1.1) arrays were used to examine the diversity and distribution of CNVs in 286
      unrelated individuals from the two main ethnolinguistic groups of the Lithuanian
      population (Aukstaiciai and Zemaiciai) (see Additional file 3). For primary data
      analysis, the Illumina GenomeStudioTM Genotyping Module v1.9 and two algorithms,
      cnvPartition 3.2.0 and QuantiSNP 2.0, were used to identify high-confidence CNVs.
      RESULTS: A total of 478 autosomal CNVs were detected by both algorithms, and
      those were clustered in 87 copy number variation regions (CNVRs), spanning ~12.5
      Mb of the genome (see Table 1). At least 8.6 % of the CNVRs were unique and had
      not been reported in the Database of Genomic Variants. Most CNVRs (57.5 %) were
      rare, with a frequency of <1 %, whereas common CNVRs with at least 5 % frequency
      made up only 1.1 % of all CNVRs identified. About 49 % of non-singleton CNVRs
      were shared between Aukstaiciai and Zemaiciai, and the remaining CNVRs were
      specific to each group. Many of the CNVs detected (66 %) overlapped with known
      UCSC gene regions. CONCLUSIONS: The ethnolinguistic groups of the Lithuanian
      population could not be differentiated based on CNV profiles, which may reflect
      their geographical proximity and suggest the homogeneity of the Lithuanian
      population. In addition, putative novel CNVs unique to the Lithuanian population
      were identified. The results of our study enhance the CNV map of the Lithuanian
      population.

PMID- 27142072
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Omalizumab for the Treatment of Severe Persistent
      Asthma in Real Clinical Practice in Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that
      targets circulating immunoglobulin E molecules to treat severe uncontrolled
      asthma. The aim of this study was to determine the cost effectiveness of
      omalizumab compared with standard treatment for the control of severe persistent
      asthma according to data from patients treated in a specialized asthma unit.
      METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective, single-center study in the
      setting of the Pulmonology and Respiratory Allergy Service, Thorax Institute,
      Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. Data were collected by review of
      medical records of 86 uncontrolled severe persistent asthma patients treated with
      omalizumab from January 2005 to April 2014. Effectiveness was assessed by the
      reduction in asthma exacerbations and 3-point increases in the Asthma Control
      Test (ACT) score. The economic evaluation was performed from the societal
      perspective, including direct health costs (resource use and drug treatments) and
      indirect costs (disease impact on labor productivity) in 2016 Euros. The time
      horizon was 12 months before and after the initiation of treatment with
      omalizumab. Results were expressed using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio
      (ICER). RESULTS: Taking into account only direct costs, the ICERs were ?1487.46
      (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1241.21-1778.34) per exacerbation avoided and
      ?5425.13 (95 % CI 4539.30-6551.03) per 3-point increase in the ACT. When indirect
      costs were included, the ICERs were ?1130.93 (95 % CI 909.08-1392.86) per
      exacerbation avoided, and ?4124.79 (95 % CI 3281.69-5186.73) per 3-point increase
      in the ACT. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirm the effectiveness of
      the addition of omalizumab to standard therapy in patients with uncontrolled
      severe persistent asthma.

PMID- 27142073
TI  - Identification of regional overdistension, recruitment and cyclic alveolar
      collapse with electrical impedance tomography in an experimental ARDS model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information on regional ventilation distribution in mechanically
      ventilated patients is important to develop lung protective ventilation
      strategies. In the present prospective animal study, we introduce an electrical
      impedance tomography (EIT)-based method to classify lungs into normally
      ventilated, overinflated, tidally recruited/derecruited and recruited regions.
      METHODS: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was introduced with repeated
      bronchoalveolar lavage in ten healthy male pigs until the ratio of arterial
      partial pressure of oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) decreased
      to less than 100 mmHg and remained stable for 30 minutes. Stepwise positive end
      expiratory pressure (PEEP) increments were performed from 0 cmH2O to 30 cmH2O
      with 3 cmH2O increase every 5 minutes. Respiratory system compliance (Crs), blood
      gases and hemodynamics were measured at the same time. Lung regions at end
      expiration and during tidal breathing were identified in EIT images. RESULTS:
      Overinflated regions contain air at end-expiration but they are not or are only
      minimally ventilated. Recruited regions compared to reference PEEP level contain
      air at end-expiration of arbitrary PEEP level but not at that of reference PEEP
      level. Tidally recruited/derecruited regions are not represented in lung regions
      at end-expiration but are ventilated during tidal breathing. The results
      coincided with measurements of blood gases. The coefficient for correlation
      between the number of recruited pixels and PaO2/FiO2 was 0.89 +/- 0.12 (p =
      0.02). CONCLUSION: The proposed novel EIT-based method provides information on
      overinflation, recruitment and cyclic alveolar collapse at the bedside, which may
      improve the ventilation strategies used.

PMID- 27142074
TI  - Poly-arginine peptides reduce infarct volume in a permanent middle cerebral
      artery rat stroke model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We recently reported that poly-arginine peptides have neuroprotective
      properties both in vitro and in vivo. In cultured cortical neurons exposed to
      glutamic acid excitotoxicity, we demonstrated that neuroprotective potency
      increases with polymer length plateauing at R15 to R18 (R = arginine resides). In
      an in vivo study in rats, we also demonstrated that R9D (R9 peptide synthesised
      with D-isoform amino acids) administered intravenously at a dose of 1000 nmol/kg
      30 min after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) reduces infarct
      volume. Based on these positive in vitro and in vivo findings, we decided to
      examine the neuroprotective efficacy of the L-isoform poly-arginine peptides,
      R12, R15 and R18 when administered at a dose of 1000 nmol/kg 30 min after
      permanent MCAO in the rat. RESULTS: At 24 h post-MCAO, there was reduced total
      infarct volume for R12 (12.8 % reduction) and R18 (20.5 % reduction), but this
      reduction only reached statistical significance for R18. Brain slice analysis
      revealed significantly reduced injury in coronal slices 4 and 5 for R18, and
      slice 5 for R12. The R15 peptide had no effect on infarct volume. Peptide
      treatment did not reveal any statistical significant improvement in functional
      outcomes. CONCLUSION: While these findings confirm the in vivo neuroprotective
      properties of poly-arginine peptides, additional dose studies are required
      particularly in less severe transient MCAO models so as to further assess the
      potential of these agents as a stroke therapy.

PMID- 27142075
TI  - Integrated analysis of gene expression and metabolic fluxes in PHA-producing
      Pseudomonas putida grown on glycerol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given its high surplus and low cost, glycerol has emerged as
      interesting carbon substrate for the synthesis of value-added chemicals. The soil
      bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 can use glycerol to synthesize medium-chain
      length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (mcl-PHA), a class of biopolymers of industrial
      interest. Here, glycerol metabolism in P. putida KT2440 was studied on the level
      of gene expression (transcriptome) and metabolic fluxes (fluxome), using
      precisely adjusted chemostat cultures, growth kinetics and stoichiometry, to gain
      a systematic understanding of the underlying metabolic and regulatory network.
      RESULTS: Glycerol-grown P. putida KT2440 has a maintenance energy requirement
      [0.039 (mmolglycerol (gCDW h)(-1))] that is about sixteen times lower than that
      of other bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which provides a great advantage to
      use this substrate commercially. The shift from carbon (glycerol) to nitrogen
      (ammonium) limitation drives the modulation of specific genes involved in
      glycerol metabolism, transport electron chain, sensors to assess the energy level
      of the cell, and PHA synthesis, as well as changes in flux distribution to
      increase the precursor availability for PHA synthesis (Entner-Doudoroff pathway
      and pyruvate metabolism) and to reduce respiration (glyoxylate shunt). Under PHA
      producing conditions (N-limitation), a higher PHA yield was achieved at low
      dilution rate (29.7 wt% of CDW) as compared to a high rate (12.8 wt% of CDW). By
      product formation (succinate, malate) was specifically modulated under these
      regimes. On top of experimental data, elementary flux mode analysis revealed the
      metabolic potential of P. putida KT2440 to synthesize PHA and identified
      metabolic engineering targets towards improved production performance on
      glycerol. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the complex interplay of gene
      expression levels and metabolic fluxes under PHA- and non-PHA producing
      conditions using the attractive raw material glycerol as carbon substrate. This
      knowledge will form the basis for the development of future metabolically
      engineered hyper-PHA-producing strains derived from the versatile bacterium P.
      putida KT2440.

PMID- 27142076
TI  - Transpapillary biliary biopsy for malignant biliary strictures: comparison
      between cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tissue sampling for biliary stricture is important for differential
      diagnosis and further treatment. This study aims to assess the differences of
      transpapillary biliary biopsy for malignant biliary strictures between
      cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer. METHODS: From January 2010 to December
      2013, we retrospectively studied 79 patients who suffered from biliary strictures
      and received transpapillary forceps biopsy after sphincterotomy for tissue
      sampling. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value
      (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of forceps biopsy were calculated in
      all cases for both cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer patients. Possible
      factors that distinguish malignant strictures from benign strictures and which
      could affect the accuracy of tissue sampling were analyzed. RESULTS: There are 65
      malignant and 14 benign biliary stricture patients enrolled. The malignant group
      has a significantly higher serum bilirubin level than the benign group, but age,
      clinical presentation, level of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA),
      carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, and alkaline phosphatase are not. The
      sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of forceps biopsy for biliary stricture
      are 53.85, 100, 100, and 31.82%, respectively. The cholangiocarcinoma group has a
      higher sensitivity (73.53 versus 29.17%, p < 0.001), older age, lower CA 19-9
      level, and more common hepatic duct strictures than the pancreatic group. The
      age, serum CEA, CA 19-9 and the alkaline phosphatase level, serum bilirubin level
      >10 mg/dL, tissue sampling ?3 are not significant factors affecting diagnostic
      accuracy in forceps biopsy for pancreatobiliary strictures. There is neither
      major bleeding nor perforation in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Transpapillary forceps
      biopsy of biliary strictures after sphincterotomy for tissue sampling is safe and
      a significantly higher sensitive method in cholangiocarcinoma but not in
      pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 27142077
TI  - Differences in Early Cytokine Production Are Associated With Development of a
      Greater Number of Symptoms Following West Nile Virus Infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging cause of meningitis and
      encephalitis in the United States. Although severe neuroinvasive disease and
      death can occur in rare instances, the majority of infected individuals remain
      asymptomatic or present with a range of clinical manifestations associated with
      West Nile fever. METHODS: To better understand the interindividual variability
      associated with the majority of WNV infections, we evaluated the association of
      cytokine/chemokine production and outcome of infection among 115 WNV-positive US
      blood donors identified in 2008-2011. All subjects self-reported symptoms as
      having occurred during the 2 weeks following blood donation, using a standardized
      questionnaire. RESULTS: We discovered that, prior to seroconversion, an early
      potent, largely type I interferon-mediated response correlated with development
      of a greater number of symptoms in WNV-infected individuals. Interestingly,
      individuals who developed fewer symptoms had not only a more modest type I
      interferon response initially, but also a protracted cytokine response after
      seroconversion, marked by the production of monocyte and T-cell-associated
      chemokines. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, our data suggest that, although an early
      type I interferon response appears to be crucial to control WNV infection,
      successful immunity may require a modest early response that is maintained during
      the course of infection.

PMID- 27142078
TI  - The Effect of Assisted Exercise Frequency on Bone Strength in Very Low Birth
      Weight Preterm Infants: A Randomized Control Trial.
AB  - We aimed to assess whether a twice daily assisted exercise interventional program
      will have a greater effect on bone strength compared to a once daily intervention
      or no intervention in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Thirty-four
      very VLBW preterm infants (mean BW 1217 +/- 55 g and mean gestational age 28.6 +/
      1.1 weeks) were randomly assigned into one of three study groups: twice daily
      interventions (n = 13), a once daily intervention (n = 11), and no intervention
      (control, n = 10). The intervention was initiated at a mean of 8 +/- 2.4 days of
      life and continued for 4 weeks. It included passive extension and flexion range
      of-motion exercise of the upper and lower extremities. Bone strength was measured
      at enrollment and after 2 and 4 weeks using quantitative ultrasound of tibial
      bone speed of sound (SOS, Sunlight OmnisenseTM). At enrollment, the mean bone SOS
      was comparable between the twice daily interventions, once daily intervention and
      control groups (2918 +/- 78, 2943 +/- 119, and 2910 +/- 48 m/s, respectively). As
      expected, the bone SOS declined in all groups during the study period (-23.6 +/-
      24, -68.8 +/- 28, and -115.8 +/- 30 m/s, respectively, p < 0.05), with a
      significantly attenuated decrease in bone strength in the twice daily
      intervention group (p = 0.03). A twice daily intervention program of assisted
      range-of-motion exercise attenuates the decrease in bone strength and may
      decrease the risk of osteopenia and future fractures in VLBW preterm infants.

PMID- 27142079
TI  - Isolation and molecular characterization of reassortant H11N3 subtype avian
      influenza viruses isolated from domestic ducks in Zhejiang Province in China.
AB  - In July 2013, six H11N3 subtype avian influenza viruses (AIVs) were isolated from
      domestic ducks in Zhejiang Province in Eastern China. These strains were
      characterized by whole genome sequencing with subsequent phylogenetic analysis
      and genetic comparison. Phylogenetic analysis of all eight viral genes showed
      that these strains clustered in the AIV Eurasian lineage, and these strains
      received their genes from H11, H7, and H1 AIVs in Eastern China. These strains
      were found to be minimally pathogenic in mice, and were able to replicate in mice
      without prior adaptation. Continued surveillance is needed considering the
      important role of domestic ducks in AIV reassortment. 

PMID- 27142080
TI  - In vitro isolation and molecular identification of reptarenavirus in Malaysia.
AB  - Boid inclusion body disease (BIBD) is a viral disease of boids caused by
      reptarenavirus. In this study, tissue from naturally infected boid snakes were
      homogenized and propagated in African Monkey kidney (Vero) and rat embryonic
      fibroblast (REF) cells. Virus replication was determined by the presence of
      cytopathic effect, while viral morphology was observed using transmission
      electron microscopy. Viral RNA was amplified using RT-PCR with primers specific
      for the L-segment of reptarenavirus; similarly, quantification of viral
      replication was done using qPCR at 24-144 h postinfection. Viral cytopathology
      was characterized by cell rounding and detachment in both Vero and REF cells. The
      viral morphology showed round-to-pleomorphic particles ranging from 105 to 150 nm
      which had sand-like granules. Sanger sequencing identified four closely
      associated reptarenavirus species from 15 (37.5 %) of the total samples tested,
      and these were named as follows: reptarenavirus UPM-MY 01, 02, 03, and 04. These
      isolates were phylogenetically closely related to the University Helsinki virus
      (UHV), Boa Arenavirus NL (ROUTV; BAV), and unidentified reptarenavirus L20 (URAV
      L20). Comparison of deduced amino acid sequences further confirmed identities to
      L-protein of UHV, L-polymerase of BAV and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of URAV
      L20. Viral replication in Vero cells increased steadily from 24 to 72 h and
      peaked at 144 h. This is the first study in South East Asia to isolate and
      characterize reptarenavirus in boid snakes with BIBD. 

PMID- 27142081
TI  - Characterizing a large outbreak of dengue fever in Guangdong Province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dengue cases have been reported each year for the past 25 years in
      Guangdong Province, China with a recorded historical peak in 2014. This study
      aims to describe the epidemiological characteristics of this large outbreak in
      order to better understand its epidemic factors and to inform control strategies.
      METHODS: Data for clinically diagnosed and laboratory-confirmed dengue fever
      cases in 2014 were extracted from the China Notifiable Infectious Disease
      Reporting System. We analyzed the incidence and characteristics of imported and
      indigenous cases in terms of population, temporal and spatial distributions.
      RESULTS: A total of 45 224 dengue fever cases and 6 deaths were notified in
      Guangdong Province in 2014, with an incidence of 47.3 per 100 000 people. The
      elderly (65+ years) represented 11.7 % of total indigenous cases with the highest
      incidence (72.3 per 100 000). Household workers and the unemployed accounted for
      23.1 % of indigenous cases. The majority of indigenous cases occurred in the
      37(th) to 44(th) week of 2014 (September and October) and almost all (20 of 21)
      prefecture-level cities in Guangdong were affected. Compared to the non-Pearl
      River Delta Region, the Pearl River Delta Region accounted for the majority of
      dengue cases and reported cases earlier in 2014. Dengue virus serotypes 1 (DENV
      1), 2 (DENV-2) and 3 (DENV-3) were detected and DENV-1 was predominant (88.4 %).
      CONCLUSIONS: Dengue fever is a serious public health problem and is emerging as a
      continuous threat in Guangdong Province. There is an urgent need to enhance
      dengue surveillance and control, especially for the high-risk populations in high
      risk areas.

PMID- 27142082
TI  - Functional mobility and its contributing factors for older adults in different
      cities in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Impaired mobility is one of the primary causes of declined
      functional capacity in old age. The timed up-and-go test (TUG), a common mobility
      test, has been studied extensively in Western countries. The purposes of this
      study were to compare and identify factors associated with TUG performance in
      older adults with impaired mobility and living in different cities in Taiwan.
      METHODS: Older adults living in Taipei, Tainan, and Niaosong cities were screened
      for mobility impairments and then recruited. A series of questionnaires and
      physical and functional tests were used to obtain information and measurements
      for potential contributing factors and TUG. Regression analysis was conducted to
      determine factors contributing to TUG. RESULTS: A total of 413 older adults
      participated in the study. The mean TUG was 14.3 seconds for participants across
      the three cities, and was significantly shorter in Tainan. Age, number of
      medications, fear of falling, depression, high intensity activity time, reaction
      time, single leg stance time, and functional reach distance were found to have
      significant contribution. These factors accounted for approximately half of the
      variance in TUG. The regression equations were not equal for the different
      cities, with depression being the only common determinant. CONCLUSION: Taiwanese
      older adults with mobility problems living in different cities performed
      differently in TUG and the contributing factors were also different. These
      findings indicate a need of further studies examining older adults in different
      environments.

PMID- 27142083
TI  - Looking for the Origin of Allosteric Cooperativity in Metallopolymers.
AB  - The basic concept of allosteric cooperativity used in biology, chemistry and
      physics states that any change in the intermolecular host-guest interactions
      operating in multisite receptors can be assigned to intersite interactions. Using
      lanthanide metals as guests and linear multi-tridentate linear oligomers of
      variable lengths and geometries as hosts, this work shows that the quantitative
      modeling of metal loadings requires the consideration of a novel phenomenon
      originating from solvation processes. It stepwise modulates the intrinsic
      affinity of each isolated site in multisite receptors, and this without resorting
      to allosteric cooperativity. An easy-to-handle additive model predicts a negative
      power law dependence of the intrinsic affinity on the length of the linear
      metallopolymer. Applied to lanthanidopolymers, the latter common analysis
      overestimates cooperativity factors by more than two orders of magnitude.

PMID- 27142084
TI  - Powerful Amplification Cascades of FRET-Based Two-Layer Nonenzymatic Nucleic Acid
      Circuits.
AB  - Nucleic acid circuits have played important roles in biological engineering and
      have increasingly attracted researchers' attention. They are primarily based on
      nucleic acid hybridizations and strand displacement reactions between nucleic
      acid probes of different lengths. Signal amplification schemes that do not rely
      on protein enzyme show great potential in analytical applications. While the
      single amplification circuit often achieves linear amplification that may not
      meet the need for detection of target in a very small amount, it is very
      necessary to construct cascade circuits that allow for larger amplification of
      inputs. Herein, we have successfully engineered powerful amplification cascades
      of FRET-based two-layer nonenzymatic nucleic acid circuits, in which the outputs
      of catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) activate hybridization chain reactions (HCR)
      circuits to induce repeated hybridization, allowing real-time monitoring of self
      assembly process by FRET signal. The cascades can yield 50000-fold signal
      amplification with the help of the well-designed and high-quality nucleic acid
      circuit amplifiers. Subsequently, with coupling of structure-switching aptamer,
      as low as 200 pM adenosine is detected in buffer, as well as in human serum. To
      our knowledge, we have for the first time realized real-time monitoring
      adaptation of HCR to CHA circuits and achieved amplified detection of nucleic
      acids and small molecules with relatively high sensitivity.

PMID- 27142085
TI  - Gender and Racial Disparities in Cases of Autoenucleation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This review demonstrates the gender and racial disparities among
      patients who have committed ocular autoenucleation. DESIGN: Peer-reviewed
      articles were identified and reviewed on the basis of a literature search in
      PubMed/MEDLINE and Ovid/EMBASE databases from all available literature to date.
      RESULTS: We identified 60 cases of autoenucleation published in contemporary
      literature with nine attempted cases. The ratio of men to women who have
      committed autoenucleation is 8:1. Only 28 cases of autoenucleation included
      confirmed reports of racial makeup. 17 out of 28 cases were White, eight out of
      28 cases were Hispanic or Asian, and only three cases were Black. White patients
      account for 61% of the cases, while Black patients make up 11% and other races
      constitute 28%. The common underlying psychiatric motivations among
      autoenucleation patients include biblical interpretations, religious delusions,
      and paranoia of the eye. The most common associated psychiatric disorders among
      patients with autoenucleation include schizophrenia, major depressive disorder,
      and bipolar disorder. CONCLUSION: Autoenucleation largely occurs amongst male
      patients with active psychiatric disorders. Our findings challenge previously
      published reviews where the incidence of autoenucleation is reported as equal for
      the two sexes. A higher incidence among the White population is also suggested.
      This is the first time gender and racial disparity have been demonstrated with
      respect to autoenucleation.

PMID- 27142086
TI  - Highly regioselective meta arylation of oxalyl amide-protected beta
      arylethylamine via the Catellani reaction.
AB  - The first bidentate directing group assisted highly selective meta arylation of
      beta-arylethylamine derivatives via palladium/norbornene catalysis is reported,
      and the range of aryl iodides for the oxalyl amide assisted meta-selective
      arylation reactions is broadest yet reported. This meta arylation also proceeds
      well with thiophene derivatives, giving the corresponding products in
      satisfactory yields. And three-step functionalization of arylethyloxalamide with
      three different functional groups is successfully performed. 

PMID- 27142087
TI  - Evolutionary Dynamics of MERS-CoV: Potential Recombination, Positive Selection
      and Transmission.
AB  - Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) belongs to beta group of
      coronavirus and was first discovered in 2012. MERS-CoV can infect multiple host
      species and cause severe diseases in human. We conducted a series of phylogenetic
      and bioinformatic analyses to study the evolution dynamics of MERS-CoV among
      different host species with genomic data. Our analyses show: 1) 28 potential
      recombinant sequences were detected and they can be classified into seven
      potential recombinant types; 2) The spike (S) protein of MERS-CoV was under
      strong positive selection when MERS-CoV transmitted from their natural host to
      human; 3) Six out of nine positive selection sites detected in spike (S) protein
      are located in its receptor-binding domain which is in direct contact with host
      cells; 4) MERS-CoV frequently transmitted back and forth between human and camel
      after it had acquired the human-camel infection capability. Together, these
      results suggest that potential recombination events might have happened
      frequently during MERS-CoV's evolutionary history and the positive selection
      sites in MERS-CoV's S protein might enable it to infect human.

PMID- 27142088
TI  - The Ophiostoma clavatum species complex: a newly defined group in the
      Ophiostomatales including three novel taxa.
AB  - Two species of blue-stain fungi with similar morphologies, Ophiostoma brunneo
      ciliatum and Ophiostoma clavatum, are associates of bark beetles infesting Pinus
      spp. in Europe. This has raised questions whether they represent distinct taxa.
      Absence of herbarium specimens and contaminated or mistakenly identified cultures
      of O. brunneo-ciliatum and O. clavatum have accentuated the uncertainty regarding
      their correct identification. The aim of this study was to reconsider the
      identity of European isolates reported as O. brunneo-ciliatum and O. clavatum by
      applying DNA-based identification methods, and to provide appropriate type
      specimens for them. Phylogenetic analyses of the ITS, betaT, TEF-1alpha and CAL
      gene sequences revealed that the investigated isolates represent a complex of
      seven cryptic species. The study confirmed that ITS data is insufficient to
      delineate species in some Ophiostoma species clusters. Lectotypes and epitypes
      were designated for O. clavatum and O. brunneo-ciliatum, and three new species,
      Ophiostoma brunneolum, Ophiostoma macroclavatum and Ophiostoma pseudocatenulatum,
      are described in the newly defined O. clavatum-complex. The other two species
      included in the complex are Ophiostoma ainoae and Ophiostoma tapionis. The
      results suggest co-evolution of these fungi in association with specific bark
      beetles. The results also confirm the identity of the fungus associated with the
      pine bark beetle Ips acuminatus as O. clavatum, while O. brunneo-ciliatum appears
      to be mainly associated with another pine bark beetle, Ips sexdentatus. 

PMID- 27142089
TI  - Description of Groenewaldozyma gen. nov. for placement of Candida auringiensis,
      Candida salmanticensis and Candida tartarivorans.
AB  - DNA sequence analyses have demonstrated that species of the polyphyletic
      anamorphic ascomycete genus Candida may be members of described teleomorphic
      genera, members of the Candida tropicalis clade upon which the genus Candida is
      circumscribed, or members of isolated clades that represent undescribed genera.
      From phylogenetic analysis of gene sequences from nuclear large subunit rRNA,
      mitochondrial small subunit rRNA and cytochrome oxidase II, Candida auringiensis
      (NRRL Y-17674(T), CBS 6913(T)), Candida salmanticensis (NRRL Y-17090(T), CBS
      5121(T)), and Candida tartarivorans (NRRL Y-27291(T), CBS 7955(T)) were shown to
      be members of an isolated clade and are proposed for reclassification in the
      genus Groenewaldozyma gen. nov. (MycoBank MB 815817). Neighbouring taxa include
      species of the Wickerhamiella clade and Candida blankii. 

PMID- 27142090
TI  - Government is in "denial" over NHS funding crisis, says BMA chair.

PMID- 27142091
TI  - Biomarkers and biometric measures of adherence to use of ARV-based vaginal rings.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Poor adherence to product use has been observed in recent trials of
      antiretroviral (ARV)-based oral and vaginal gel HIV prevention products,
      resulting in an inability to determine product efficacy. The delivery of
      microbicides through vaginal rings is widely perceived as a way to achieve better
      adherence but vaginal rings do not eliminate the adherence challenges exhibited
      in clinical trials. Improved objective measures of adherence are needed as new
      ARV-based vaginal ring products enter the clinical trial stage. METHODS: To
      identify technologies that have potential future application for vaginal ring
      adherence measurement, a comprehensive literature search was conducted that
      covered a number of biomedical and public health databases, including PubMed,
      Embase, POPLINE and the Web of Science. Published patents and patent applications
      were also searched. Technical experts were also consulted to gather more
      information and help evaluate identified technologies. Approaches were evaluated
      as to feasibility of development and clinical trial implementation, cost and
      technical strength. RESULTS: Numerous approaches were identified through our
      landscape analysis and classified as either point measures or cumulative measures
      of vaginal ring adherence. Point measurements are those that give a measure of
      adherence at a particular point in time. Cumulative measures attempt to measure
      ring adherence over a period of time. DISCUSSION: Approaches that require
      modifications to an existing ring product are at a significant disadvantage, as
      this will likely introduce additional regulatory barriers to the development
      process and increase manufacturing costs. From the point of view of clinical
      trial implementation, desirable attributes would be high acceptance by trial
      participants, and little or no additional time or training requirements on the
      part of participants or clinic staff. We have identified four promising
      approaches as being high priority for further development based on the following
      measurements: intracellular drug levels, drug levels in hair, the accumulation of
      a vaginal analyte that diffuses into the ring, and the depletion of an intrinsic
      ring constituent. CONCLUSIONS: While some approaches show significant promise
      over others, it is recommended that a strategy of using complementary biometric
      and behavioural approaches be adopted to best understand participants' adherence
      to ARV-based ring products in clinical trials.

PMID- 27142092
TI  - Our transthoracic biopsy practices accompanied by the imaging process: The
      contribution of positron emission tomography usage to accurate diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the results of
      transthoracic biopsies performed through the use of FDG PET/CT imaging with the
      results of transthoracic needle biopsy performed without using the FDG PET/CT
      imaging. METHODS: The medical files of a total of 58 patients with pulmonary and
      mediastinal masses. A total of 20 patients, who were suspected of malignancy with
      the SUVmax value of over 2.5 in FDG PET/CT, underwent a biopsy process. Twelve
      patients with no suspicion of malignancy in accordance with CT images and with
      the SUVmax value below 2.5 underwent no biopsy procedure, and hence, they were
      excluded from the study. On the other hand, 26 patients directly went through a
      biopsy process with the suspicion of malignancy according to CT imaging,
      regardless of performing any FDG PET/CT imaging. RESULTS: According to the biopsy
      results, the number of the patients diagnosed with cancer was 20 (43.5%), while
      the number of non-cancerous patients was 26 (56.5%). When these findings were
      considered, it was determined that the sensitivity of the whole TTNB
      (transthoracic needle biopsy) was 80.8%, and the specificity was found as 100%.
      The positive predictive value of the whole TTNB was 100%, while its negative
      predictive value was found to be 80%. The sensitivity in TTNB performed together
      with FDG PET/CT was 90.9%, whereas the specificity was 100%. The positive
      predictive value of TTNB with FDG PET/CT was 100%, while its negative predictive
      value was found to be 81.8%. The sensitivity in TTNB performed without the use of
      FDG PET/CT was 73.3%, whereas the specificity was determined as 100%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Performing FDG PET/CT imaging process prior to a transthoracic
      biopsy as well as preferring FDG PET/CT for the spot on which the biopsy will be
      performed during the transthoracic biopsy procedure increases the rate of
      receiving accurate diagnosis.

PMID- 27142094
TI  - [Position paper of the German Society for Medical Intensive Care Medicine and
      Emergency Medicine (DGIIN) on medical intensive care medicine].
AB  - In this paper the German Society for Medical Intensive Care Medicine and
      Emergency Medicine (DGIIN) provides statements regarding the importance and
      advancement of Medical Intensive Care Medicine within the structures of Internal
      Medicine in Germany. Of pivotal importance are the training of medical
      intensivists, the cooperation with intensivists from other disciplines and the
      collaboration with emergency departments. In order to fulfil the various and
      challenging tasks in patient care, training, research and medical education
      competently and on an international level, more intensivists in leading positions
      especially in academic institutions are essential. 

PMID- 27142095
TI  - Water oxidation using earth-abundant transition metal catalysts: opportunities
      and challenges.
AB  - Catalysts for the oxidation of H2O are an integral component of solar energy to
      fuel conversion technologies. Although catalysts based on scarce and precious
      metals have been recognized as efficient catalysts for H2O oxidation, catalysts
      composed of inexpensive and earth-abundant element(s) are essential for realizing
      economically viable energy conversion technologies. This Perspective summarizes
      recent advances in the field of designing homogeneous water oxidation catalysts
      (WOCs) based on Mn, Fe, Co and Cu. It reviews the state of the art catalysts,
      provides insight into their catalytic mechanisms and discusses future challenges
      in designing bioinspired catalysts based on earth-abundant metals for the
      oxidation of H2O. 

PMID- 27142093
TI  - Sjogren's syndrome-associated microRNAs in CD14(+) monocytes unveils targeted
      TGFbeta signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) monocytes have a pro-inflammatory phenotype,
      which may influence SjS pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenously
      expressed molecules that can inhibit protein expression of their targeted genes
      and have important functions in regulating cell signaling responses. We profiled
      miRNAs in SjS monocytes to identify a SjS-specific miRNA profile and determine
      the potential roles of miRNAs in SjS pathogenesis. METHODS: Total RNA was
      extracted from healthy control (HC, n = 10), SjS (n = 18), systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE, n = 10), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA, n = 10) peripheral
      blood CD14(+) monocytes for miRNA microarray analysis. To validate select miRNAs
      from the microarray analysis, the original cohort and a new cohort of monocyte
      RNA samples from HC (n = 9), SjS (n = 12), SLE (n = 8), and RA (n = 9) patients
      were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Functional
      predictions of differentially expressed miRNAs were determined through miRNA
      target prediction database analyses. Statistical analyses performed included one
      way analysis of variance with Bonferroni post tests, linear regression, and
      receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. RESULTS: MiRNAs were
      predominantly upregulated in SjS monocytes in comparison with controls.
      Quantitative RT-PCR confirmations supported co-regulation of miR-34b-3p, miR-4701
      5p, miR-609, miR-300, miR-3162-3p, and miR-877-3p in SjS monocytes (13/30, 43.3
      %) in comparison with SLE (1/17, 5.8 %) and RA (1/18, 5.6 %). MiRNA-target
      pathway predictions identified SjS-associated miRNAs appear to preferentially
      target the canonical TGFbeta signaling pathway as opposed to pro-inflammatory
      interleukin-12 and Toll-like receptor/NFkB pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      underscore a novel underlying molecular mechanism where SjS-associated miRNAs may
      collectively suppress TGFbeta signaling as opposed to pro-inflammatory
      interleukin-12 and Toll-like receptor/NFkappaB pathways in SjS pathogenesis.

PMID- 27142096
TI  - Recurrence of graft steatosis after liver transplantation for cryptogenic
      cirrhosis in recently commenced liver transplant program.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) seems to recur in at least one third of
      patients transplanted for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related cirrhosis.
      While, NASH recurrence does not seem to affect overall graft and patient survival
      up to 10 years, cardiovascular and infection-related morbidity and mortality seem
      to be increased in these patients. This report looks at the graft histology in
      patients who were transplanted for NASH-related cirrhosis after short-term follow
      up. We report a high prevalence of recurrent NAFLD in liver grafts post
      transplant among five patients. The degree of steatosis noted among the
      recipients is alarming. 

PMID- 27142097
TI  - High current density GaAs/Si rectifying heterojunction by defect free Epitaxial
      Lateral overgrowth on Tunnel Oxide from nano-seed.
AB  - Interest in the heteroepitaxy of GaAs on Si has never failed in the last years
      due to the potential for monolithic integration of GaAs-based devices with Si
      integrated circuits. But in spite of this effort, devices fabricated from them
      still use homo-epitaxy only. Here we present an epitaxial technique based on the
      epitaxial lateral overgrowth of micrometer scale GaAs crystals on a thin SiO2
      layer from nanoscale Si seeds. This method permits the integration of high
      quality and defect-free crystalline GaAs on Si substrate and provides active
      GaAs/Si heterojunctions with efficient carrier transport through the thin SiO2
      layer. The nucleation from small width openings avoids the emission of misfit
      dislocations and the formation of antiphase domains. With this method, we have
      experimentally demonstrated for the first time a monolithically integrated
      GaAs/Si diode with high current densities of 10 kA.cm(-2) for a forward bias of
      3.7 V. This epitaxial technique paves the way to hybrid III-V/Si devices that are
      free from lattice-matching restrictions, and where silicon not only behaves as a
      substrate but also as an active medium.

PMID- 27142098
TI  - Assessment of continuous acoustic respiratory rate monitoring as an addition to a
      pulse oximetry-based patient surveillance system.
AB  - Technology advances make it possible to consider continuous acoustic respiratory
      rate monitoring as an integral component of physiologic surveillance systems.
      This study explores technical and logistical aspects of augmenting pulse oximetry
      based patient surveillance systems with continuous respiratory rate monitoring
      and offers some insight into the impact on patient deterioration detection that
      may result. Acoustic respiratory rate sensors were introduced to a general care
      pulse oximetry-based surveillance system with respiratory rate alarms
      deactivated. Simulation was used after 4324 patient days to determine appropriate
      alarm thresholds for respiratory rate, which were then activated. Data were
      collected for an additional 4382 patient days. Physiologic parameters, alarm
      data, sensor utilization and patient/staff feedback were collected throughout the
      study and analyzed. No notable technical or workflow issues were observed. Sensor
      utilization was 57 %, with patient refusal leading reasons for nonuse (22.7 %).
      With respiratory rate alarm thresholds set to 6 and 40 breaths/min., the majority
      of nurse pager clinical notifications were triggered by low oxygen saturation
      values (43 %), followed by low respiratory rate values (21 %) and low pulse rate
      values (13 %). Mean respiratory rate collected was 16.6 +/- 3.8 breaths/min. The
      vast majority (82 %) of low oxygen saturation states coincided with normal
      respiration rates of 12-20 breaths/min. Continuous respiratory rate monitoring
      can be successfully added to a pulse oximetry-based surveillance system without
      significant technical, logistical or workflow issues and is moderately well
      tolerated by patients. Respiratory rate sensor alarms did not significantly
      impact overall system alarm burden. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
      distributions suggest adding continuous respiratory rate monitoring to a pulse
      oximetry-based surveillance system may not significantly improve patient
      deterioration detection.

PMID- 27142099
TI  - Which imaging method should be used for genicular nerve radio frequency
      thermocoagulation in chronic knee osteoarthritis?
AB  - This study aimed to perform genicular nerve RF neurotomy using two different
      imaging methods, fluoroscopy and ultrasound, and to compare the clinical effects
      and reliability of the two methods. Fifty patients with osteoarthritis were
      included in this study. Patients were randomly allocated into group 1
      (fluoroscopy imaging) and group 2 (ultrasound imaging). Outcomes were measured
      using a pain scale (visual analog scale; VAS) and the Western Ontario and
      McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Index of Osteoarthritis. The application time in
      the ultrasound group (20.2 +/- 6.4 min) was shorter than in the fluoroscopy group
      (25 +/- 4.8 min) (p < 0.05). There was no difference in pain relief and
      functional status between the ultrasound and fluoroscopy groups. Decrease in VAS
      score and WOMAC total score in the first and third months was significant in both
      groups (p < 0.001). GNRFT under ultrasound guidance was easily applicable, safe
      and dynamic, and required no radiation to achieve the same benefit as the
      fluoroscopy-guided interventions.

PMID- 27142100
TI  - Analysis of central venous pressure (CVP) signals using mathematical methods.
AB  - Central venous pressure (CVP) is an important clinical parameter for physicians
      but only the absolute CVP value is typically monitored in the intensive care unit
      (ICU). In this study, we propose a novel mathematical method to present and
      analyze CVP signals. A total of 44 suitable samples were chosen from a total of
      65 collected in an ICU. Pre-processing of the samples included rate reduction and
      digital filtering. The statistical features of time and frequency domain,
      wavelet, and empirical mode decomposition of these signals were extracted. We
      found no significant difference among the CVP signals regarding sex, smoking,
      coronary disease, and respiration mode of the samples.

PMID- 27142101
TI  - Osteochondrosis dissecans of the temporomandibular joint: a case report and a
      review of literature.
AB  - A case of a 71-year-old female patient with osteochondrosis dissecans of the
      right temporomandibular joint is presented. Osteochondrosis dissecans usually
      occurs at the weight-bearing convex cartilage in all larger joints. It is rarely
      found in the temporomandibular joint and usually shows one or two loose bodies
      dislodged from defects which are present on the condylar head. Because of
      multiple loose bodies and a defect on the temporomandibular fossa, the case
      presented here is very uncommon. 

PMID- 27142102
TI  - Robust genotyping tool for autosomal recessive type of limb-girdle muscular
      dystrophies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies are characterized by predominant
      involvement of the shoulder and pelvic girdle and trunk muscle groups. Currently,
      there are 31 genes implicated in the different forms of limb-girdle muscular
      dystrophies, which exhibit similar phenotypes and clinical overlap; therefore,
      advanced molecular techniques are required to achieve differential diagnosis.
      METHODS: We investigated 26 patients from Latvia and 34 patients from Lithuania
      with clinical symptoms of limb-girdle muscular dystrophies, along with 565
      healthy unrelated controls from general and ethnic populations using our
      developed test kit based on the Illumina VeraCode GoldenGate genotyping platform,
      Ion AmpliSeq Inherited Disease Panel and direct sequencing of mutations in
      calpain 3 (CAPN3), anoctamin 5 (ANO5) and fukutin related protein (FKRP) genes.
      RESULTS: Analysis revealed a homozygous CAPN3 c.550delA mutation in eight
      patients and three heterozygous variants in controls: dysferlin (DYSF)
      c.5028delG, CAPN3 c.2288A > G, and FKRP c.135C > T. Additionally, three mutations
      within FKRP gene were found: homozygous c.826C > A, and two compound - c.826C >
      A/c.404_405insT and c.826C > A/c.204_206delCTC mutations, and one mutation within
      CLCN1 gene - c.2680C > T p.Arg894Ter. ANO5 c.191dupA was not present.
      CONCLUSIONS: Genetic diagnosis was possible in 12 of 60 patients (20%). The
      allele frequency of CAPN3 gene mutation c.550delA in Latvia is 0.0016 and in
      Lithuania - 0.0029. The allele frequencies of CAPN3 gene mutation c.2288A > G and
      DYSF gene mutation c.4872delG are 0.003.

PMID- 27142103
TI  - Consensus paper on post-operative pediatric cerebellar mutism syndrome: the
      Iceland Delphi results.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Confusion has surrounded the description of post-operative mutism
      and associated morbidity in pediatric patients with cerebellar tumors for years.
      The heterogeneity of definitions and diagnostic features has hampered research
      progress within the field, and to date, no international guidelines exist on
      diagnosis, prevention, treatment, or follow-up of this debilitating condition. An
      international group of clinicians and researchers from multiple relevant
      disciplines recently formed a cohesive panel to formulate a new working
      definition and agree upon standardized methods for diagnosis and follow-up.
      METHODS: Consensus was obtained using the modified nominal group technique,
      involving four rounds of online Delphi questionnaires interspersed with a
      structured consensus conference with lectures, group work, and open discussion
      sessions. RESULTS: A new, proposed definition of "post-operative pediatric CMS"
      was formed, preliminary recommendations for diagnostic and follow-up procedures
      were created, two working groups on a new scoring scale and risk prediction and
      prevention were established, and areas were identified where further information
      is needed. DISCUSSION: The consensus process was motivated by desire to further
      research and improve quality of life for pediatric brain tumor patients. The
      Delphi rounds identified relevant topics and established basic agreement, while
      face-to-face engagement helped resolve matters of conflict and refine
      terminology. The new definition is intended to provide a more solid foundation
      for future clinical and research work. It is thought as a consensus for moving
      forward and hopefully paves the way to developing a standard approach to this
      challenging problem with the advent of better scoring methods and ultimate goal
      of reducing the risk of CMS.

PMID- 27142104
TI  - Expression of the cereblon binding protein argonaute 2 plays an important role
      for multiple myeloma cell growth and survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs), such as lenalidomide, are
      therapeutically active compounds that bind and modulate the E3 ubiquitin ligase
      substrate recruiter cereblon, thereby affect steady-state levels of cereblon and
      cereblon binding partners, such as ikaros and aiolos, and induce many cellular
      responses, including cytotoxicity to multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Nevertheless,
      it takes many days for MM cells to die after IMiD induced depletion of ikaros and
      aiolos and thus we searched for other cereblon binding partners that participate
      in IMiD cytotoxicity. METHODS: Cereblon binding partners were identified from a
      MM cell line expressing histidine-tagged cereblon by pulling down cereblon and
      its binding partners and verified by co-immunoprecipitation. IMiD effects were
      determined by western blot analysis, cell viability assay, microRNA array and
      apoptosis analysis. RESULTS: We identified argonaute 2 (AGO2) as a cereblon
      binding partner and found that the steady-state levels of AGO2 were regulated by
      cereblon. Upon treatment of IMiD-sensitive MM cells with lenalidomide, the steady
      state levels of cereblon were significantly increased, whereas levels of AGO2
      were significantly decreased. It has been reported that AGO2 plays a pivotal role
      in microRNA maturation and function. Interestingly, upon treatment of MM cells
      with lenalidomide, the steady-state levels of microRNAs were significantly
      altered. In addition, silencing of AGO2 in MM cells, regardless of sensitivity to
      IMiDs, significantly decreased the levels of AGO2 and microRNAs and massively
      induced cell death. CONCLUSION: These results support the notion that the
      cereblon binding partner AGO2 plays an important role in regulating MM cell
      growth and survival and AGO2 could be considered as a novel drug target for
      overcoming IMiD resistance in MM cells.

PMID- 27142105
TI  - Teenage pregnancy rates and associations with other health risk behaviours: a
      three-wave cross-sectional study among South African school-going adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Teenage pregnancy still remains high in low and middle-income
      countries (LMIC), as well as in high-income countries (HIC). It is a major
      contributor to maternal and child morbidity and mortality rates. Furthermore, it
      has social consequences, such as perpetuating the cycle of poverty including
      early school dropout by the pregnant adolescent, especially in sub-Saharan Africa
      (SSA). Few studies in SSA have investigated the trends in teenage pregnancy and
      the associated factors, while this is critical in fully understanding teenage
      pregnancy and for promotion of reproductive health among adolescents at large in
      SSA. METHODS: To examine the trends in teenage pregnancy and to identify
      associations with other health risk behaviours in South Africa (SA), a total of
      31 816 South African school-going adolescents between 11 to 19 years of age were
      interviewed in three cross-sectional surveys. Data from the first (2002, n = 10
      549), second (2008, n = 10 270) and the third (2011, n = 10 997) nationally
      representative South African youth risk behaviour surveys (YRBS) were used for
      this study. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of having ever been pregnant among
      the combined 3-survey sample was self-reported to be 11.0 % and stable across the
      three surveys. Sexual intercourse among adolescents in SA has decreased from 41.9
      % in 2002 to 36.9 % in 2011. However, pregnancy among girls who ever had sex
      increased from 17.3 % (95 % CI: 0.16-0.19) in 2002, to 23.6 % (95 % CI: 0.21
      0.26) in 2008 and decreased to 21.3 % (95 % CI: 0.19-0.23) in 2011. The odds for
      ever been pregnant were higher for girls who had 2 or more sexual partners (OR:
      1.250, 95 % CI: 1.039-1.503), girls who ever used alcohol before sex (OR: 1.373,
      95 % CI: 1.004-1.878), practised binge-drinking during the last month (OR: 0.624,
      95 % CI: 0.503-0.774), and girls who used mandrax (OR: 1.968, 95 % CI: 1,243
      3.117). The odds for never been pregnant were lower for those who used condoms
      (OR: 0.462, 95 % CI: 0.309-0.691). CONCLUSIONS: Girls continue to become pregnant
      at unacceptably high rates in SA. Sexual intercourse among adolescents in SA has
      decreased slightly. However, among those who are sexually active pregnancy
      prevalence rates have increased. More over, this is in the context of high
      prevalence of HIV and other STI. There is a need to address adolescents' sexual
      and reproductive health, and several health risk behaviours, including substance
      use, that are associated with teenage pregnancy in SA.

PMID- 27142106
TI  - Chitosan-Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Matrices as Carriers for Hydrodynamically
      Balanced Capsules of Moxifloxacin HCl.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, gastroretentive, hydrodynamically balanced system
      (HBS) for stomach-specific floating sustained drug release has gained a lot of
      importance in improving absorption of drugs especially those absorbed from
      stomach and small intestine. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current
      investigation is to evaluate chitosan-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) based
      on polymeric matrices as a carrier for single-unit capsules based on HBS for
      stomach- specific floating sustained drug release using moxifloxacin HCl (MX) as
      a model drug. METHOD: Various HBS capsules of MX were prepared by physical
      blending of MX with chitosan (low or medium molecular mass) or HPMC (K4M or K15M)
      or chitosan-HPMC combinations in varying proportions followed by encapsulation
      into size 0 capsules made of hard gelatin. The in vitro buoyancy and drug release
      in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) were evaluated. RESULTS: HBS capsules based on chitosan
      (low and medium molecular weight and their combination) as polymer matrix failed
      to float on 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2). Whereas, formulations containing HPMC (K4M or
      K15M) or their mixture with chitosan, remained buoyant and released MX over 9 h
      in the acidic dissolution medium following zero-order kinetics. CONCLUSION: HPMC
      (K4M, K15M, blend of K4M and K15M) or their mixture with low/medium molecular
      mass chitosan may constitute excellent carrier systems for the stomach-specific
      sustained delivery of MX over a longer period.

PMID- 27142107
TI  - Analgesic Prodrugs for Combating their Side-Effects: Rational Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Analgesics are the drugs which bring insensibility to pain without
      loosing consciousness. Treatment strategy is generally based on the type of pain.
      Most of the analgesics are associated with serious side effects, such as NSAIDS
      can cause severe GI disturbance and opioids can cause addiction. There are
      various ways to reduce their side effects The analgesic prodrug approach is one
      of the several strategies used to attain the required pharmacological response
      with a considerable decrease in side effects. The aim of this paper is to
      introduce in depth the rational behind the use of the analgesic prodrug approach
      from past to present. METHODS: Data is collected from online as well as from
      extensive literature survey which have appeared on this subject during the last
      decades. This review will map the origins and development of the most important
      of the analgesic prodrugs to date. RESULTS: This review indicates that, designing
      analgesic prodrugs represent successful strategy to gain the required
      pharmacological activity with a considerable decrease in side effects. However
      thorough knowledge of diverse biological phenomena is needed which enables
      scientists to invent and design superior, nontoxic and better-targeted prodrugs.
      CONCLUSION: The newly synthesized chemical entity or prodrugs may or may not have
      intrinsic pharmacological activity and also synthesizing novel molecules consume
      a lot of time and money than developing prodrugs of existing clinically used
      analgesic drugs which is surely an attractive and promising area of research now
      a days.

PMID- 27142108
TI  - Design, Optimization and Evaluation of Orally Disintegrating Tablet of Meloxicam
      Using Its Menthol Based Solid Dispersions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meloxicam (MLX) is classified as NSAID that is used for the treatment
      of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Poor water solubility of MLX leads to
      its slow oral absorption and slow onset. Preparation of solid dispersion (SD)
      could improve the water solubility of poorly water soluble drugs. It has been
      demonstrated that orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) show faster onset of
      action and could be more appropriate for the treatment of acute pain. METHOD: The
      purpose of this study is to improve the solubility of MLX through the preparation
      of its SD and then decrease the onset of action by preparation of ODTs from
      prepared SD. MLX SDs were prepared by solvent evaporation method. MLX,
      polyvinylpyrrolidone k30 (PVP k30), crospovidone and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
      with different ratios were dispersed in molten menthol as solvent. Menthol was
      separated by freeze drying. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) analysis approved amorphous form of MLX in SDs. RESULT: The
      optimum SD with highest saturation solubility in water (12.60+/-1.2 microgram/ml)
      which consists of MLX, PVP, crospovidone and SLS in a ratio of 1:1:1:0.03 was
      used for the preparation of MLX ODTs. ODTs were prepared by direct compression
      method and optimized by 23 factorial design. The effect of the superdisintegrant
      concentration, mannitol/avicel ratio and the level of compression force was
      evaluated on the disintegration time, hardness and percent of dissolved MLX after
      30 min of prepared MLX ODTs. The optimized ODT formulation contained 10%
      superdisintegrant, mannitol and avicel a ratio of 2:1 compressed using a high
      level of compression force. CONCLUSION: Optimized ODT showed hardness (48+/-4.3
      N) and friability (0.81+/-0.07%). This formulation provided rapid disintegration
      in 19+/-2 seconds of which 77.8+/-5.1% of drug was released within 30 minutes.
      The present study demonstrated an effective method for the preparation of
      suitable dosage form of MLX with improved solubility and onset of action.

PMID- 27142109
TI  - Genome-wide identification of novel genetic markers from RNA sequencing assembly
      of diverse Aegilops tauschii accessions.
AB  - The wild species in the Triticeae tribe are tremendous resources for crop
      breeding due to their abundant natural variation. However, their huge and highly
      repetitive genomes have hindered the establishment of physical maps and the
      completeness of their genome sequences. To develop molecular markers for the
      efficient utilization of their valuable traits while avoiding their genome
      complexity, we assembled RNA sequences of ten representative accessions of
      Aegilops tauschii, the progenitor of the wheat D genome, and estimated single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (indels). The deduced
      unigenes were anchored to the chromosomes of Ae. tauschii and barley. The SNPs
      and indels in the anchored unigenes, covering entire chromosomes, were sufficient
      for linkage map construction, even in combinations between the genetically
      closest accessions. Interestingly, the resolution of SNP and indel distribution
      on barley chromosomes was slightly higher than on Ae. tauschii chromosomes. Since
      barley chromosomes are regarded as virtual chromosomes of Triticeae species, our
      strategy allows capture of genetic markers arranged on the chromosomes in order
      based on the conserved synteny. The resolution of these genetic markers will be
      comparable to that of the Ae. tauschii whose draft genome sequence is available.
      Our procedure should be applicable to marker development for Triticeae species,
      which have no draft sequences available. 

PMID- 27142110
TI  - 'Men who use the Internet to seek sex with men': Rethinking sexuality in the
      transnational context of HIV prevention.
AB  - MISM (i.e. men who use the Internet to seek sex with men) has emerged in public
      health literature as a population in need of HIV prevention. In this paper, we
      argue for the importance of rethinking the dominant notions of the MISM category
      to uncover its ethnocentric and heteronormative bias. To accomplish this, we
      conducted a historical, epistemological and transnational analysis of social
      sciences and health research literature (n = 146) published on MISM between 2000
      and 2014. We critically unravel the normative underpinnings of 'westernised'
      knowledge upon which the MISM category is based. We argue that the essentialist
      approach of Western scholarship can homogenise MISM by narrowly referring to
      behavioural aspects of sexuality, thereby rendering multiple sexualities/desires
      invisible. Furthermore, we argue that a Eurocentric bias, which underlies the
      MISM category, may hinder our awareness of the transnational dynamics of sexual
      minority communities, identities, histories and cultures. We propose the
      conceptualisation of MISM as hybrid cultural subjects that go beyond
      transnational and social boundaries, and generate conclusions about the future of
      the MISM category for HIV prevention and health promotion.

PMID- 27142111
TI  - Analysis of the beta-propiolactone sensitivity and optimization of inactivation
      methods for human influenza H3N2 virus.
AB  - Beta-propiolactone (BPL) is used as an inactivating reagent for influenza virus
      in a number of countries. However, the treatment of viruses with BPL occasionally
      results in a decrease in the hemagglutinin (HA) titer, which complicates vaccine
      development. In the present study, we examined the biological and biochemical
      characteristics of human H1N1 and H3N2 viruses treated with BPL, and developed an
      inactivation method for BPL-sensitive viruses. A significant decrease in HA titer
      was detected in the H3N2 viruses examined. The decrease in the pH of the virus
      fluid was not associated with the decreased HA titer, indicating that the
      decrease in HA titer for the H3N2 virus is the result of the direct effect of
      BPL. Excessive modification of M1 by BPL and loss of virion diameter were
      observed in 0.1% BPL-treated H3N2 virus. Taken together, these results suggest
      that the BPL sensitivity of H3N2 virus results from disruption of the virion. By
      contrast, the H3N2 virus was successfully inactivated by 0.02% BPL without a
      significant decrease in the HA titer or disruption of virion structure.
      Furthermore, we found that the 0.02% BPL in the virion preparation was hydrolyzed
      successfully by incubation at 37 degrees C for 7h. Thus, mild treatment with a
      low concentration of BPL enabled us to inactivate the H3N2 virus.

PMID- 27142112
TI  - Evaluation of the intercept oral specimen collection device with HIV assays
      versus paired serum/plasma specimens.
AB  - Oral fluid has many advantages over blood-based techniques: it is less invasive,
      eliminates the occupational risk associated with needle stick accidents and
      collection can be self-administrated. Each individual test is packaged with a
      corresponding collection device. This study tested the suitability of the
      Intercept Oral Specimen Collection Device for different HIV diagnostic tests:
      three different rapid HIV tests and two adapted ELISAs, which were evaluated and
      compared with a gold standard on blood. In addition a total IgG quantification
      was performed to demonstrate the quality of the specimen. HIV antibodies were
      detected with a sensitivity of 100%, 99.3%, 98.6%, 100% and 95.7% for, DPP,
      OraQuick, Aware, Genscreen and Vironostika respectively using the Intercept
      Collection Device. Respective specificities were 100%, 100%, 99.3%, 97.3% and
      100%.

PMID- 27142113
TI  - Development of an antigen-capture ELISA for the detection of the p27-CA protein
      of HERV-K(HML-2).
AB  - The detection or quantification of retroviruses is often achieved using an
      antigen-capture ELISA (AC-ELISA) that targets the Gag capsid (CA) protein. We
      report here the development of an AC-ELISA specific for the p27-CA protein of
      HERV-K(HML-2). A monoclonal p27-specific antibody is used for capture and a
      polyclonal anti-p27-CA immune serum generated in rabbits serves for detection.
      The assay was shown to be specific for HERV-K(HML-2), showing no evidence of
      cross reactivity with the human retroviruses HIV-1, HIV-2 and HTLV-1 or with XMRV
      (as a model non-human gammaretrovirus). Using purified recombinant antigen, the
      limit of detection was shown to be 130pg/ml. The AC-ELISA can be used to quantify
      HERV-K(HML-2) expression in teratocarcinoma cell lines and to normalize HERV
      particles generated by transfecting HEK 293T cells with full-length molecular
      clones. This novel AC-ELISA also proved useful in studies of virus regulation,
      for example in demonstrating that HERV-K(HML-2) expression is dramatically
      enhanced by overexpression of Staufen-1, a binding partner of the HERV-K(HML-2)
      Rec protein. This specific and sensitive HERV-K(HML-2) AC-ELISA will be a useful
      tool for investigating many aspects of endogenous retroviruses, from basic
      research to the role they may play in human diseases or as a surrogate marker for
      particular diseases.

PMID- 27142114
TI  - Does Weight Impact Anidulafungin Pharmacokinetics?
AB  - Bodyweight has been shown to influence anidulafungin exposure, but data from
      obese patients are lacking. We determined anidulafungin pharmacokinetics (100-mg
      single dose) in eight morbidly obese subjects (body mass index >40 kg/m(2)).
      Anidulafungin exposure was on average 32.5 % lower compared with the general
      patient population, suggesting dose increases may be required in this population.

PMID- 27142115
TI  - Arsenic in private well water part 2 of 3: Who benefits the most from traditional
      testing promotion?
AB  - Arsenic, a toxic element naturally found in groundwater, is a public health
      concern for households drinking from wells. Private well water is not regulated
      to meet the federal drinking water arsenic Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of
      10MUg/L, or the more protective 5MUg/L New Jersey (NJ) state MCL. In the absence
      of consistent private well regulation, public health efforts have relied on
      promoting testing in affected communities to various degrees of success. Few
      interventions publish results, and more often focus on the outcome of tested
      wells rather than who completed a test, and more importantly, who did not.
      Through our survey of randomly selected addresses (n=670) in 17 NJ towns we find
      higher rates of arsenic testing in areas with a history of testing promotion.
      However, we also see a stronger correlation of testing behavior with income and
      education in high promotion areas, suggesting that community engagement
      activities may be exacerbating socioeconomic status (SES) testing disparities.
      Well owners with a bachelor's degree had ten times greater odds of participating
      in our direct mail testing intervention than those with less education when tests
      cost $40. After all households (n=255) were offered free tests to overcome many
      of the usual testing barriers - awareness, convenience, and cost - only 47%
      participated and those who chose to return water samples were of higher income
      and education than those who did not. Our findings highlight that while efforts
      to promote and provide arsenic testing succeed in testing more wells, community
      testing interventions risk increasing SES disparities if those with more
      education and resources are more likely to take advantage of testing programs.
      Therefore, testing interventions can benefit by better targeting socially
      vulnerable populations in an effort to overcome SES-patterned self-selection when
      individuals are left alone with the responsibility of managing their drinking
      water quality.

PMID- 27142116
TI  - Efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors for stress ulcer prophylaxis in
      critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized
      trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relative efficacy and safety of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
      compared to histamine-2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) should guide their use in
      reducing bleeding risk in the critically ill. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane
      library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ACPJC, clinical trials registries, and conference
      proceedings through November 2015 without language or publication date
      restrictions. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of PPIs vs H2RAs for
      stress ulcer prophylaxis in critically ill adults for clinically important
      bleeding, overt gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, nosocomial pneumonia, mortality,
      ICU length of stay and Clostridium difficile infection were included. We used the
      Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)
      approach to assess our confidence in the evidence for each outcome. RESULTS: In
      19 trials enrolling 2117 patients, PPIs were more effective than H2RAs in
      reducing the risk of clinically important GI bleeding (RR 0.39; 95 % CI 0.21,
      0.71; P = 0.002; I (2) = 0 %, moderate confidence) and overt GI bleeding (RR
      0.48; 95 % CI 0.34, 0.66; P < 0.0001; I (2) = 3 %, moderate confidence). PPI use
      did not significantly affect risk of pneumonia (RR 1.12; 95 % CI 0.86, 1.46; P =
      0.39; I (2) = 2 %, low confidence), mortality (RR 1.05; 95 % CI 0.87, 1.27; P =
      0.61; I (2) = 0 %, moderate confidence), or ICU length of stay (mean difference
      (MD), -0.38 days; 95 % CI -1.49, 0.74; P = 0.51; I (2) = 30 %, low confidence).
      No RCT reported Clostridium difficile infection. CONCLUSIONS: PPIs were superior
      to H2RAs in preventing clinically important and overt GI bleeding, without
      significantly increasing the risk of pneumonia or mortality. Their impact on
      Clostridium difficile infection is yet to be determined.

PMID- 27142117
TI  - Quantitative and qualitative leukocyte abnormalities in dogs with experimental
      and naturally occurring acute canine monocytic ehrlichiosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is one of the most important tick
      borne diseases worldwide. Cytopenias have been observed in both acute
      (nonmyelosuppressive) and chronic (myelosuppressive) CME; however, leukocyte
      abnormalities and indices have been incompletely described in dogs with acute
      CME. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to analyze temporal changes in
      differential leukocyte counts, leukocyte morphology, myeloperoxidase index
      (MPXI), and lobularity index (LI) in dogs with experimental and naturally
      occurring acute CME. METHODS: Differential leukocyte counts and morphology were
      evaluated in archived blood smears from 13 Beagle dogs experimentally infected
      with Ehrlichia canis and evaluated weekly for 42 days postinfection (DPI); 20
      dogs with naturally occurring acute CME also were evaluated. MPXI and LI were
      obtained from ADVIA reports. Wilcoxon tests were used to assess changes over
      time; leukogram results in natural cases were assessed in comparison with
      reference intervals. RESULTS: In experimental dogs, significant decreases in
      neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts, and a mild left shift
      occurred within 14 DPI. The MPXI decreased significantly between 14 and 21 DPI
      and remained low, while LI increased from 14 to 35 DPI. Lymphocyte counts
      rebounded at 21 DPI, normalizing total WBC counts. Neutrophil toxicity was seen
      rarely, but reactive lymphocytes were observed frequently. Dogs with natural
      infection had variable patterns of leukocyte changes. CONCLUSIONS: Acute CME is
      associated with several discrete quantitative and qualitative leukogram changes
      indicative of concurrent inflammation, antigenic stimulation, and stress. Changes
      in MPXI and LI warrant further investigation in dogs with CME and other diseases.

PMID- 27142118
TI  - Pioglitazone Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Promotes Dopaminergic Neuronal
      Survival in the Nigrostriatal System of Rats after Diffuse Brain Injury.
AB  - Increasing evidence suggests that traumatic brain injury (TBI) may raise the risk
      of developing late-onset Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, the peroxisome
      proliferation-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) agonist pioglitazone has been
      demonstrated to be neuroprotective in animal models of neurodegeneration. The
      present study investigates the vulnerability of the nigrostriatal system after
      TBI, and intervention with pioglitazone treatment. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats
      were subjected to sham or moderate midline fluid percussion brain injury (mFPI),
      followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg pioglitazone or vehicle
      beginning 30 min after the injury and subsequently every 24 h for 5 days.
      Following injury, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokine were acutely increased
      in the striatum and substantia nigra within 6 h. Dopaminergic axonal damage and
      microglial activation were revealed using immunohistochemistry in the medial
      forebrain bundle at 1 day post-injury. Microglial activation identified by Iba1
      and OX-6 immunostaining was persistently increased in the substantia nigra pars
      compacta 7 to 28 days post-injury. Further, brain injury induced significant
      dopaminergic neuronal loss, which was quantified by tyrosine hydroxylase
      immunostaining and retrograde fluorescent tracer fluorogold labeling in the nigra
      at 28 days. Loss of neurons was accompanied by increased extracellular dopamine
      (DA) turnover in the striatum, indicating enhanced dopaminergic activity in
      functional compensation after nigrostriatal damage. Strikingly, pioglitazone
      treatment greatly attenuated microglial activation and improved dopaminergic
      neuronal survival in the nigrostriatal system, which may promote locomotor
      recovery. These results suggest that interventions that attenuate secondary
      inflammation could be a feasible therapeutic treatment to improve outcome after
      TBI.

PMID- 27142119
TI  - Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) for Adults with Psychotic
      Disorders: A Feasibility Study in Finland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) is a psychosocial
      treatment designed to improve social functioning in schizophrenia by improving
      social cognition. Positive results have been reported from several studies,
      mainly from the USA, but more studies are needed to determine the feasibility of
      SCIT in different cultural contexts. AIMS: The objective of this study was to
      evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the Finnish translation of SCIT in
      Finland. METHOD: This was an uncontrolled, within-group study. Thirty-three
      patients with psychotic disorders participated in SCIT groups and also received
      the standard services provided at their respective care facilities. We measured
      participant attendance, attrition and responses on feedback surveys. Participants
      also completed measures of emotion perception, Theory of Mind (ToM),
      attributional bias and metacognitive overconfidence both before and after SCIT.
      RESULTS: The attendance rate was high, attrition was low, and the patients
      expressed satisfaction with SCIT. Preliminary efficacy analyses showed a
      statistically significant pre to posttest improvement in emotion perception and
      ToM, but not attributional bias or overconfidence. CONCLUSIONS: SCIT is feasible
      and well accepted and may remediate social cognitive dysfunction in people with
      psychotic disorders in Finland.

PMID- 27142120
TI  - Structural stability of DNA origami nanostructures in the presence of chaotropic
      agents.
AB  - DNA origami represent powerful platforms for single-molecule investigations of
      biomolecular processes. The required structural integrity of the DNA origami may,
      however, pose significant limitations regarding their applicability, for instance
      in protein folding studies that require strongly denaturing conditions. Here, we
      therefore report a detailed study on the stability of 2D DNA origami triangles in
      the presence of the strong chaotropic denaturing agents urea and guanidinium
      chloride (GdmCl) and its dependence on concentration and temperature. At room
      temperature, the DNA origami triangles are stable up to at least 24 h in both
      denaturants at concentrations as high as 6 M. At elevated temperatures, however,
      structural stability is governed by variations in the melting temperature of the
      individual staple strands. Therefore, the global melting temperature of the DNA
      origami does not represent an accurate measure of their structural stability.
      Although GdmCl has a stronger effect on the global melting temperature, its
      attack results in less structural damage than observed for urea under equivalent
      conditions. This enhanced structural stability most likely originates from the
      ionic nature of GdmCl. By rational design of the arrangement and lengths of the
      individual staple strands used for the folding of a particular shape, however,
      the structural stability of DNA origami may be enhanced even further to meet
      individual experimental requirements. Overall, their high stability renders DNA
      origami promising platforms for biomolecular studies in the presence of
      chaotropic agents, including single-molecule protein folding or structural
      switching. 

PMID- 27142121
TI  - DNA methylation and hypertension: emerging evidence and challenges.
AB  - Hypertension is a multifactorial disease influenced by an interaction of
      environmental and genetic factors. The exact molecular mechanism of hypertension
      remains unknown. Aberrant DNA methylation is the most well-defined epigenetic
      modification that regulates gene transcription. However, studies on the
      association between DNA methylation and hypertension are still in their infancy.
      This review summarizes the latest evidence and challenges regarding the role of
      DNA methylation on hypertension.

PMID- 27142122
TI  - The impact of occupational stress factors on temporary work disability related to
      arterial hypertension and its complications.
AB  - AIM: To determine which specific groups of occupational stress factors influence
      the duration of temporary work disability related to arterial hypertension and
      joint complications/co-morbidities. METHODOLOGY: Workers (n = 1398; 1009 in the
      exposed group, 389 in the control group) with arterial hypertension who worked at
      one workplace for a minimum of 10 years were divided into 10 subgroups, depending
      on the presence of joint complications/co-morbidities. The intensity of seven
      groups of occupational stress factors, the total score of Occupational Stress
      Index (OSI) and the average number of lost working days during 1 year were
      analysed. RESULTS: The number of lost working days due to arterial hypertension
      and joint complications/co-morbidities was significantly higher in the exposed
      group. In all subgroups of the exposed group there was a high correlation between
      the number of lost working days and the total OSI score. Specific occupational
      stress factors were associated with specific complications: High Demands with
      chronic myocardial infarction, Strictness with cerebral haemorrhage,
      Conflict/Uncertainty with cerebral infarction, Extrinsic Time Pressure with acute
      myocardial infarction, and Avoidance/Symbolic Aversiveness with non-insulin
      dependent diabetes. CONCLUSION: There are specific groups of occupational stress
      factors which can influence the duration of work disability associated with
      certain complications and co-morbidities of arterial hypertension.

PMID- 27142123
TI  - Risk of hyperglycemia attributable to everolimus in cancer patients: A meta
      analysis.
AB  - : Everolimus has been used widely in cancer patients and is associated with the
      development of hyperglycemia. Due to confounding factors, its specific impact on
      hyperglycemia has not been well understood. We performed a meta-analysis of
      randomized controlled trials to determine the risk of hyperglycemia attributable
      to everolimus in cancer patients of varying tumor types. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      PubMed and American Society of Clinical Oncology conference abstracts up to June
      2015 were systematically searched. Eligible studies included randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) in which everolimus was compared to placebo in cancer
      patients with or without other agents. Heterogeneity tests were performed to
      examine between-study differences in hyperglycemia, and the incidence and
      relative risk of all- and high-grade hyperglycemia attributable to everolimus
      were determined using both random- or fixed-effects models. RESULTS: A total of
      seven phase III and two phase II RCTs with various tumors, encompassing a total
      of 3879 cancer patients, were included in our analysis. Everolimus significantly
      increased the risk of all-grade (RR =2.60, 95% CI 2.03-3.31, p < 0.001) and high
      grade (RR =3.0, 95% CI 1.72-5.23; p < 0.001) hyperglycemia. The incidences of all
      and high-grade hyperglycemia attributable to everolimus were 6.8% (95% CI 3.4
      13.2%) and 2.5% (95% CI 1.2-4.9%), respectively. The everolimus-specific risk of
      all-grade hyperglycemia varied significantly with tumor types (p < 0.001), with
      the highest incidence seen in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (27.2%, 95% CI 22.2
      32.8%) and the lowest in breast cancer (3.3%, 95% CI 1.3-8.2%). No significant
      variation was found between everolimus alone or everolimus in combination with
      other agents. Similar results were also found for the risk of high-grade
      hyperglycemia attributable to everolimus. CONCLUSION: The specific risk of
      hyperglycemia attributable to everolimus may vary significantly with tumor types.
      Close monitoring should be given to patients at high risk, such as RCC.

PMID- 27142124
TI  - Prostate cancer: Independent validation of the five-tier grade group system.

PMID- 27142125
TI  - Incontinence: Adding mirabegron to solifenacin improves patient outcomes.

PMID- 27142126
TI  - Kidney cancer: VEGFR-TKI after anti-PD-1 therapy is safe.

PMID- 27142127
TI  - Intestinal Behcet's disease with pyoderma gangrenosum successfully treated with
      the combination therapy of adalimumab and glucocorticoids.
AB  - A 24-year-old male presented with orogenital ulcers, folliculitis, and
      progressive painful skin ulcers with a raised inflammatory border. Colonoscopy
      revealed volcano-shaped intestinal ulcers in the ascending colon, and hence, he
      was diagnosed as intestinal Behcets disease (BD) with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG).
      Treatment with systemic glucocorticoids and adalimumab dramatically improved the
      patient's symptoms. Our case demonstrates that early induction of adalimumab may
      contribute to the successful treatment of such difficult-to-treat conditions as
      intestinal BD with PG.

PMID- 27142128
TI  - Reducing pathogens in combined sewer overflows using performic acid.
AB  - Combined sewer overflows contribute significantly to pathogen loads in surface
      water. Some chemical disinfectants such as chlorine have proved to reduce the
      levels of microorganisms even in complex matrices such as wastewater in combined
      sewer systems; however, some of them release toxic by-products into water bodies
      and increase costs of plant maintenance and repair. In this study, we determined
      if performic acid (PFA) disinfection units can be operated at decentralized
      treatment facilities and reduce bacteria, viruses, and protozoan parasites in
      combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The PFA dosing unit at the inflow of a CSO
      storage tank dosed a fixed flow volume into the inflowing stormwater and, thus,
      concentrations varied between approximately 12-24mgl-1. The results showed a
      reduction of most hygienically relevant bacteria with mean removal efficiencies
      of 1.8log10 for Aeromonas spp. and 3.1log10 for E. coli. For viruses, however,
      reduction was only observed for somatic coliphages with 2.7log10. In this
      setting, PFA does not seem to be suitable to remove e.g. protozoan parasites such
      as Giardia lamblia. In terms of operation, dosing the substance is uncritical in
      decentralized facilities, but the PFA needs too much time to react with pathogens
      after being dosed into the overflow of CSO storage tanks and before dilution with
      surface water in most facilities.

PMID- 27142129
TI  - Investigations of Takeout proteins' ligand binding and release mechanism using
      molecular dynamics simulation.
AB  - Takeout (To) proteins exist in a diverse range of insect species. They are
      involved in many important processes of insect physiology and behaviors. As the
      ligand carriers, To proteins can transport the small molecule to the target
      tissues. However, ligand release mechanism of To proteins is unclear so far. In
      this contribution, the process and pathway of the ligand binding and release are
      revealed by conventional molecular dynamics simulation, steered molecular
      dynamics simulation and umbrella sampling methods. Our results show that the
      alpha4-side of the protein is the unique gate for the ligand binding and release.
      The structural analysis confirms that the internal cavity of the protein has high
      rigidity, which is in accordance with the recent experimental results. By using
      the potential of mean force calculations in combination with residue cross
      correlation calculation, we concluded that the binding between the ligand and To
      proteins is a process of conformational selection. Furthermore, the
      conformational changes of To proteins and the hydrophobic interactions both are
      the key factors for ligand binding and release.

PMID- 27142130
TI  - Consensus Report of the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry: Erosive
      tooth wear ? diagnosis and management.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Due to an increased focus on erosive tooth wear (ETW), the European
      Federation of Conservative Dentistry (EFCD) considered ETW as a relevant topic
      for generating this consensus report. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This report is based
      on a compilation of the scientific literature, an expert conference, and the
      approval by the General Assembly of EFCD. RESULTS: ETW is a chemical-mechanical
      process resulting in a cumulative loss of hard dental tissue not caused by
      bacteria, and it is characterized by loss of the natural surface morphology and
      contour of the teeth. A suitable index for classification of ETW is the basic
      erosive wear examination (BEWE). Regarding the etiology, patient-related factors
      include the predisposition to erosion, reflux, vomiting, drinking and eating
      habits, as well as medications and dietary supplements. Nutritional factors
      relate to the composition of foods and beverages, e.g., with low pH and high
      buffer capacity (major risk factors), and calcium concentration (major protective
      factor). Occupational factors are exposition of workers to acidic liquids or
      vapors. Preventive management of ETWaims at reducing or stopping the progression
      of the lesions. Restorative management aims at reducing symptoms of pain and
      dentine hypersensitivity, or to restore esthetic and function, but it should only
      be used in conjunction with preventive strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Effective
      management of ETW includes screening for early signs of ETW and evaluating all
      etiological factors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ETW is a clinical condition, which calls
      for the increased attention of the dental community and is a challenge for the
      cooperation with other medical specialities.

PMID- 27142131
TI  - Does myo-inositol effect on PCOS follicles involve cytoskeleton regulation?
AB  - Inositol metabolism is severely impaired in follicles obtained from cystic
      ovaries, leading to deregulated insulin transduction and steroid synthesis. On
      the contrary, inositol administration to women suffering from polycystic ovary
      syndrome (PCOS) has been proven to efficiently counteract most of the clinical
      hallmarks displayed by PCOS patients, including insulin resistance,
      hyperandrogenism and oligo-amenorrhea. We have recently observed that myo
      inositol induces significant changes in cytoskeletal architecture of breast
      cancer cells, by modulating different biochemical pathways, eventually modulating
      the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We hypothesize that inositol and its
      monophosphate derivatives, besides their effects on insulin transduction, may
      efficiently revert histological and functional features of cystic ovary by
      inducing cytoskeleton rearrangements. We propose an experimental model that could
      address not only whether inositol modulates cytoskeleton dynamics in both normal
      and cystic ovary cells, but also whether this effect may interfere with ovarian
      steroidogenesis. A more compelling understanding of the mechanisms of action of
      inositol (and its derivatives) would greatly improve its therapeutic utilization,
      by conferring to current treatments a well-grounded scientific rationale. 

PMID- 27142132
TI  - The influence of systemic circulation on hearing: The reliability of a different
      impact of microcirculatory defects and atherosclerosis.
AB  - The extension of the dependence of hearing acuity from circulatory factors has
      been widely evaluated in the literature, without reaching an univocal conclusion.
      In our opinion, a precise distinction between acute/fluctuating disorders and
      progressive hearing loss must be made in order to identify the possible
      circulatory causes. Actually, it is conceivable to hypothesize that an acute lack
      of perfusion plays a major role in the inner ear microcirculation, and may be
      responsible for acute hearing damages; on the other hand, systemic
      atherosclerosis may coexist with good hearing provided that a sufficient local
      perfusion is maintained. This distinction, supported by our findings over the
      year, appears logical considering the autoregulatory properties of the cochlea
      and the differences between large/middle vessels and microvasculature; moreover,
      it can explain the finding of both people with no cardiovascular risk factors and
      (usually) unilateral inner ear affections and people with diffuse atherosclerosis
      and well preserved hearing, not exceptionally occurring in daily practice. 

PMID- 27142133
TI  - Extracorporeal shockwave therapy promotes chondrogenesis in cartilage tissue
      engineering: A hypothesis based on previous evidence.
AB  - The dearth of intrinsic regenerative capacity of articular cartilage makes it a
      challenge to deal with the cartilage defects. Among all the recommended clinical
      options, cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) which is highlighted of dominant
      features and less drawbacks for functional cartilage restoration, has been
      emphasized recently. Shock waves, a mode of therapeutic mechanical forces,
      utilized in extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is hypothesized to enhance
      proliferation, chondrogenic differentiation, and cartilage extracellular matrix
      production of target cells seeded on bioactive scaffolds. The hypothesis is
      firstly based on cellular mechanotransduction by which cells convent the
      shockwave mechanical signals into biochemical responses via integrins, iron
      channels, cytoskeletal filaments, growth factor receptors and nuclei. Secondly,
      by modulating gene expression and up-regulating the release of various growth
      factors which are of vital importance in three-dimensional cartilage culture
      environment, ESWT holds a promising potential to favor the cell sources (e.g.
      chondrocytes and stem cells) to mimic the optimal functional cartilage. In all,
      on the basis of cellular mechanotransduction and previous evidence, the
      hypothesis is developed to support the beneficial effects of ESWT on
      chondrogenesis in CTE. If this hypothesis is confirmed, shockwaves may allow a
      better success in combination with other stimulating factors for cartilage
      repair. There is a paucity of studies investigating the assistant role of
      shockwave stimulation in CTE. Further research is required to elucidate the
      mechanisms, and explore effectiveness and appropriate protocols of this novel
      stimulative factor in cartilage tissue engineering. 

PMID- 27142134
TI  - Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology in Sri Lanka: Are leptospirosis and
      Hantaviral infection likely causes?
AB  - Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) has been a severe burden and
      a public health crisis in Sri Lanka over the past two decades. Many studies have
      established hypotheses to identify potential risk factors although causative
      agents, risk factors and etiology of this disease are still uncertain. Several
      studies have postulated that fungal and bacterial nephrotoxins are a possible
      etiological factor; however, the precise link between hypothesized risk factors
      and the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease has yet to be proven in prior
      studies. Leptospirosis and Hantavirus infections are important zoonotic diseases
      that are naturally maintained and transmitted via infected rodent populations and
      which present similar clinical and epidemiological features. Both infections are
      known to be a cause of acute kidney damage that can proceed into chronic renal
      failure. Several studies have reported presence of both infections in Sri Lanka.
      Therefore, we hypothesized that pathogenic Leptospira or Hantavirus are possible
      causative agents of acute kidney damage which eventually progresses to chronic
      kidney disease in Sri Lanka. The proposed hypothesis will be evaluated by means
      of an observational study design. Past infection will be assessed by a cross
      sectional study to detect the presence of IgG antibodies with further
      confirmatory testing among chronic kidney disease patients and individuals from
      the community in selected endemic areas compared to low prevalence areas.
      Identification of possible risk factors for these infections will be followed by
      a case-control study and causality will be further determined with a cohort
      study. If the current hypothesis is true, affected communities will be subjected
      for medical interventions related to the disease for patient management while
      considering supportive therapies. Furthermore and possibly enhance their
      preventive and control measures to improve vector control to decrease the risk of
      infection. 

PMID- 27142135
TI  - Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS): Single disease entity or not? Could exhaled
      nitric oxide be a useful biomarker for the differentiation of ACOS, asthma and
      COPD?
AB  - Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represent two major
      public health problems. However, there is a significant proportion of patients
      with a mixed asthma-COPD phenotype. This condition is defined as asthma-COPD
      overlap syndrome (ACOS). Since there are no internationally accepted criteria for
      the diagnosis of that syndrome, its management remains difficult. Given the fact
      that patients with ACOS have an increased risk of exacerbation and
      hospitalization, there is a pressing need for a more targeted approach and better
      management. We propose that fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), a marker of
      eosinophilic inflammation, could help clinicians differentiate ACOS from asthma
      and COPD. We evaluate this hypothesis, using data derived from the existing
      literature. 

PMID- 27142136
TI  - Hepatitis B viral infection of hepatic progenitor cells. Resolving unresolved
      questions?
AB  - Accumulated data to date do not entirely explain the; propensity of the hepatitis
      B virus (HBV) to cause chronic infections in newborns; failure of antiviral
      agents to resolve infections or precise mechanism whereby HBV causes
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Based on the increased numbers of hepatic
      stem/progenitor cells (HPCs) present within the neonatal liver, the
      refractoriness of these cells to the effects of interferons and xenobiotics and
      their ability to undergo malignant transformation, we hypothesize that HBV
      infection of HPCs could explain these and perhaps other clinical features of
      chronic HBV. 

PMID- 27142137
TI  - Potential efficiency of antioxidants to prevent pressure ulcers. A neglected
      hypothesis.
AB  - Pressure ulcers are necrotic lesions mainly due to capillary hypoperfusion. It is
      well known that hypoxia and also subsequent oxygenation at reperfusion provoke
      the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for cell death. The
      hypothesis of their participation in the pathogenesis of pressure ulcers has
      already been tested; several antioxidants have the capacity to inhibit skin
      necrosis in animal models but their efficiency in preventing bedsores has never
      been demonstrated in patients. The failure of clinical trials to show the
      protective activity of some antioxidants does not rule out the involvement of ROS
      in ischemic ulcers and the potential efficacy of other antioxidants in preventing
      their formation remains possible. 

PMID- 27142138
TI  - Foreplay, a selected strategy that might be able to increase fertility rates.

PMID- 27142139
TI  - The future of neonatal BCG.
AB  - We hypothesise that neonatal BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) might be used to
      adapt to a new phase in the history of human births. Among most mammals, the
      placenta is not effective at transferring antibodies to the fetus: antibodies are
      transferred immediately after birth via the colostrum. Among humans (and other
      mammals with hemochorial placentas) the transplacental transfer of antibodies
      (namely IgG) is effective. In humans, foetal concentrations of IgG sub-classes
      approximate to maternal concentrations at 38weeks and continue to increase
      thereafter. These facts explain inter-species differences regarding the basic
      needs of neonates. Among most mammals, the early colostrum is, strictly speaking,
      vital. Among humans, the main questions are about the bacteriological environment
      in the birthing place and how familiar it is to the mother. Today, most human
      beings are born in unfamiliar bacteriological environments characterized by a low
      microbial diversity. The effects of clinical environments may be amplified by the
      use of antibiotics and birth by caesarean, i.e. by-passing the bacteriologically
      rich perineal zone. There is already an accumulation of data confirming that the
      maturation of a balanced Th1/Th2 immune response is affected by the mode of
      delivery. There is also an accumulation of epidemiological studies detecting risk
      factors in the perinatal period for health conditions such as type 1 diabetes
      (and other autoimmune diseases), atopy, autism and obesity. In such a context
      there are reasons to plan randomized controlled trials with long term follow-up
      of the effects of BCG given immediately after birth, as a modulator of Th-1/Th-2
      responses. A follow-up period in the region of 6-10years would be long enough to
      evaluate the prevalence of several nosologically well defined diseases. These
      studies would be ethically acceptable, since BCG is the only infancy vaccine that
      has been evaluated through randomised controlled trials with long term follow-up.
      Furthermore, whatever the standard of living of the populations and the research
      protocols, concordant results suggest that BCG has positive non-specific long
      term effects on health. Meanwhile, some simple adaptive practices are possible,
      such as, after a caesarean section, wrapping the neonate in clothes recently worn
      by the mother and, occasionally, putting the neonate in the arms of a person who
      is cohabiting with the mother. 

PMID- 27142140
TI  - A stable epoxide as a potential endogenous estrogen metabolite: Possible
      significance in breast cancer?
AB  - Epoxides as reactive intermediates of estrogen metabolism have been considered to
      be potential precursors of the 2- and 4-hydroxy, catechol estrogens and even to
      be mutagenic/carcinogenic agents themselves. The labile nature of the
      intermediates has made proof of their existence difficult in natural biological
      conditions. In our studies on estrogen metabolism in vitro, in various tissues
      from several laboratory and domestic species, there was chromatographic evidence
      of formation of a stable estrogen metabolite that could be seen after incubation
      with radiolabeled estrone, but not with unlabeled substrate. Investigation with
      acid treatment of the metabolite yielded material detected as 6-hydroxy-estrone
      suggesting the presence of an additional oxygen atom in the molecule. An
      identification of the "unknown compound" has not yet been made but, with this
      evidence, the properties revealed so far can best be met by assuming the presence
      of 5,6-epoxy-estrone. The recent favorable reports on the role of 5alpha,6alpha
      epoxy-cholesterol in breast cancer has led to the hypothesis that the formation
      of a similar, stable epoxide of an estrogen could potentially be a compound of
      interest. If a metabolic pathway from estrone to 6-hydroxy-estrone through a
      stable epoxide has indeed been observed, it would suggest that identifying and
      screening for the enzymes responsible for its production, as opposed to those
      generating the catecholestrogens, could provide valuable information in relation
      to breast cancer. The balance in production of estrogen epoxides could be a key
      factor in determining normal health or risk of tumor development. 

PMID- 27142141
TI  - Symptoms in supraventricular tachycardia: Is it simply a manifestation of
      increased heart rate?
AB  - A significant proportion of patients in clinical practice may not have ECG
      recordings of the index tachycardia (non-documented SVT), or only have recordings
      of limited diagnostic value. Despite the highly specified symptomatic and ECG
      diagnostic criteria, diagnosis and referral for ablation treatment is not always
      straightforward. Although ECG based diagnostic or treatment algorithms have been
      well defined in literature, we need a symptom based diagnostic algorithm or
      scoring system in patients with suspected supraventricular arrhythmia. Individual
      approaches with a high suspicion index and concerning the paroxysmal nature and
      post attack symptoms would help us to identify patients suffering from SVT in
      complex cases. 

PMID- 27142142
TI  - Atypical symptoms in patients with cervical spondylosis might be the result of
      stimulation on the dura mater and spinal cord.
AB  - Patients with cervical spondylosis often present with some atypical symptoms such
      as vertigo, headache, palpitation, nausea, abdominal discomfort, tinnitus and
      blurred vision and hypomnesia. Although there are a few hypotheses about the
      etiology of those symptoms, none of them have provided evidence convincing enough
      to explain the clinical, pathological and anatomic manifestation of those
      symptoms. One of the more acceptable explanations is that those symptoms are the
      results of stimulation of the sympathetic nerves in the posterior longitudinal
      ligament. The clinical fact that dissection of the posterior longitudinal
      ligament significantly alleviates the severity of those symptoms seems like an
      evidence for the validity of this hypothesis. However, recent clinical studies
      showed that laminoplasty, which has no effect on the posterior longitudinal
      ligament, can achieve the similar effect. In this paper, we hypothesize that
      stimulation of the dura mater and spinal cord might be the cause of atypical
      symptoms in patients with cervical spondylosis. 

PMID- 27142143
TI  - A multidrug cocktail approach attenuates ischemic-type biliary lesions in liver
      transplantation from non-heart-beating donors.
AB  - Ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBL) are the most troublesome biliary
      complication after liver transplantation (LT) from non-heart-beating donors
      (NHBD) and frequently result in death or re-transplantation. In transplantation
      process, warm ischemia (WI) in the donor, cold ischemia and reperfusion injury in
      the recipient altogether inducing ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is strongly
      associated with ITBL. This is a cascading injury process, involving in a complex
      series of inter-connecting events causing variety of cells activation and damage
      associated with the massive release of inflammatory cytokines and generation of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS). These damaged cells such as sinusoidal endothelial
      cells (SECs), Kupffer cells (KCs), hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells
      (BECs), coupled with immunological injury and bile salt toxicity altogether
      contribute to ITBL in NHBD LT. Developed therapeutic strategies to attenuate IRI
      are essential to improve outcome after LT. Among them, single pharmaceutical
      interventions blocking a specific pathway of IRI in rodent models play an
      absolutely dominant role, and show a beneficial effect in some given controlled
      experiments. But this will likely prove ineffective in complex clinical setting
      in which more risk parameters are involved. Therefore, we intend to design a
      multidrug cocktail approach to block different pathways on more than one stage
      (WI, cold ischemia and reperfusion) of the process of IRI-induced ITBL
      simultaneously. This multidrug cocktail will include six drugs containing
      streptokinase, epoprostenol, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), N-Acetylcysteine (NAC),
      hemin and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDC). These drugs show protective effects
      by targeting the different key events of IRI, such as anti-inflammatory, anti
      fibrosis, anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis and reduced bile salt toxicity. Ideally,
      the compounds, dosage, and method of application of drugs included in cocktail
      should not be definitive. We can consider removing or adding some drugs to the
      proposed cocktail based on further research. But given the multitude of different
      combinations, it is extremely difficult to determent which combination is the
      optimization design. Nevertheless, regardless of the difficulty, our multidrug
      cocktail approach designed to block different mechanisms on more than one stage
      of IRI simultaneously may represent a future preventive and therapeutic avenue
      for ITBL. 

PMID- 27142144
TI  - From organophosphate poisoning to diabetes mellitus: The incretin effect.
AB  - Organophosphate (OP) poisoning induced disruption of glucose homeostasis is well
      established. OP poisoning leads to accumulation of acetylcholine (ACh) due to the
      inhibition of acetylcholinesterases (AChE). On the other hand the incidence of
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is shown to rise along with the use of pesticides
      in Southeast Asia. Attenuation of the 'incretin effect' is seen in T2DM. This
      effect is regulated by a complex loop of mechanism involving ACh driven
      muscarinic receptors. We hypothesize that OP poisoning leads to disruption of
      glucose homeostasis by attenuation of the incretin effect. Inhibition of the
      Glucagon Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion is our main focus of interest. Positive
      finding of the hypothesis will open possibility of using incretin based treatment
      modalities to treat or prevent acute OP induced disruption of glucose
      homeostasis. 

PMID- 27142145
TI  - Morphogenesis of the demyelinating lesions in Balo's concentric sclerosis.
AB  - In tissues with elastic properties, an edema causes a raised tissue pressure and
      therefore a diminished blood flow. The authors assume that an increased tissue
      pressure due to local and/or relapsing edema may be the cause for incomplete
      necrosis (e.g. demyelinated lesions) or seldom complete necrosis in the brain.
      Newly forming demyelinating lesions seldom show small tissue bands with normal
      appearing myelin sheaths in the immediate vicinity of precursor lesions (Balo
      type of MS). The small myelinated bands are the result of a "protected zone" on
      the edge of previous demyelinated lesions. The authors explain this protected
      zone with two arguments. Firstly, the resorptive granulation tissue of more or
      less older lesions is relatively rich in capillaries. These capillaries may act
      as an energy reservoir that can nourish not only the plaque, but also a narrow
      adjacent myelinated tissue band by diffusion, even if the capillary blood flow in
      this tissue band is limited due to the greater tissue pressure of a new
      developing lesion in the neighborhood. Secondly, another protective mechanism may
      act simultaneously: older or more sclerosed lesions and small adherent bands of
      myelinated tissue with them may swell less in cases of an edema than in normal
      tissue. The hardening of the older lesions is caused by proliferated fiber
      forming astrocytes in the sense of scarring. In an area with an increased tissue
      pressure, the capillaries are less compressed in a sclerosed lesion than in
      regions of normal grey and white matter. In addition, the adherent myelinated
      tissue band closest to the edge of a hardened plaque is better protected against
      swelling and compression than the further away tissue. Theoretically, this
      protection zone is comparable with protected blood vessels in the Haversian
      canals or the medullary spaces of bones. Both theses of protecting mechanisms at
      the edges of demyelinated lesions support the assumption of a hypoxic causation
      principle of demyelinating lesions in Balo's concentric sclerosis and multiple
      sclerosis. 

PMID- 27142146
TI  - Migraine as dysfunctional drive reduction: Insight from electrophysiology.
AB  - Migraine is a prevalent disease, which may cause significant discomfort and
      reduced functioning for days, including the preictal and postictal periods.
      During the interictal period, however, migraineurs seem to function normally. It
      is puzzling, therefore, that event-related potentials (ERPs) of migraine patients
      often differ at the group level also in the asymptomatic, interictal phase, both
      in early and later ERP waves. Furthermore both types of ERP waves demonstrate
      changes, which are often noticed 12-48h before a migraine attack and continue
      throughout it. On the basis of previous work, it might be possible to associate
      these ERP differences and their dynamics with changes in patient attention, which
      might be further associated with stress. This paper suggests that such stress
      related dynamics can explain both the ERP findings as well as the dynamics in
      clinical symptoms throughout the migraine cycle. It further suggests that
      migraine can be viewed as a (dysfunctional) stress-reducing solution. In this
      sense migraine can be viewed as a representative case for other stress-related
      and psychopathological disorders, which are also stress-reducing solutions. 

PMID- 27142148
TI  - Dilating venous disease: Pathophysiology and a systematic aspect to different
      vascular territories.
AB  - Venous disease is a common but overlooked clinical problem and is an important
      mortality and morbidity factor depending on the effected vascular territory.
      Different contributing factors play role on the clinical manifestation of the
      disease. Peripheral varices of lower extremities, hemorrhoids, varicoceles,
      pelvic varicose veins are the vasculopathy of veins running toward heart but
      against gravity. We hypothesize that all these clinical entities share common
      pathophysiologic steps in terms of vascular wall remodeling and vessel wall
      damage. A systematic approaches to both arterial and venous dilating disease in
      further studies and research would increase our understanding on the
      pathophysiology of dilating vascular disease and would provoke to find out new
      treatment modalities. Varicose remodeling of veins occurs by a complex interplay
      of various factors including both physical forces and extracellular matrix
      remodeling mechanisms. This article focuses on the systematic aspects of dilating
      venous disease with a focus on pathophysiology under the term of "Dilating Venous
      Disease". 

PMID- 27142147
TI  - Virtual implantation and patient-specific simulation for optimization of outcomes
      in ventricular assist device recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are increasingly used for long
      term mechanical circulatory support and are effective in improving survival and
      quality-of-life of patient with advanced heart failure. Nonetheless, they are
      associated with significant early and late morbidity rates (including pump
      thrombosis, thromboembolic events, and pump dysfunction). These complications are
      at least partially associated with suboptimal pump positioning. Currently, we are
      missing tools to further improve the positioning of LVAD devices in a patient
      specific fashion. METHODS AND EVALUATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that
      the analysis of the implanted device in patients presenting selected LVAD-related
      complications through segmentation and three-dimensional reconstruction of CT
      scans may provide patient-specific information into mechanical factors
      contributing to pump dysfunction and thromboembolic events, with potential to
      guide preventive interventions against development of new complications. We also
      hypothesized that preoperative virtual implantation and computer-assisted surgery
      in candidates to LVAD implantation may help in the customization of device
      positioning, with potential to minimize severe complications. The hypothesis was
      evaluated in a multidisciplinary fashion (cardiac surgeons, biomedical engineers
      and biomedical images processing experts). CT scans of 14 LVAD recipients were
      reconstructed through semi-automatic segmentation (including the whole heart, the
      implanted device and the chest wall). A coordinate system was built to quantify
      the coaxiality of the LVAD apical cannula with the mitral annulus. Patients were
      stratified into Group 1 (presenting complications such as thromboembolic events,
      pump dysfunction or thrombosis) and Group 2 (no complications). Group 1 patients
      presented significantly greater average rotation of the apical cannula towards
      the interventricular septum (p=0.015), although no difference was observed in
      terms of average rotation towards the anterior or posterior left ventricular
      wall. CONCLUSIONS: Several patient-specific factors (including left ventricular
      morphology and chest wall conflict with the device after wound closure) may
      influence the effectiveness and safety of LVAD therapy, but they are difficultly
      managed through the current implantation techniques. We suggest that the clinical
      results of LVAD treatment can be improved through preoperative virtual
      implantation and computer-assisted surgery (in order to guide device selection,
      exact site of left ventricular wall coring site). Given these preliminary
      results, we are examining larger patient datasets in order to further test the
      hypothesis. Dedicated tools for virtual implantation are currently under
      development.

PMID- 27142149
TI  - Tyrosinase, could it be a missing link in ochronosis in alkaptonuria?
AB  - The hypothesis that is proposed is that tyrosinase, an enzyme widely found within
      the human body is implicated in the ochronosis that occurs in alkaptonuria; an
      autosomal recessive condition first used by Archibald Garrod to describe the
      theory of "Inborn Errors of Metabolism." The disease results from the absence of
      a single enzyme in the liver that breaks down homogentisic acid; this molecule
      becomes systemically elevated in sufferers. The condition is characterised by a
      clinical triad of symptoms; homogentisic aciduria from birth, ochronosis
      (darkening) of collagenous tissues (from ~30years of age) and ochronotic
      osteoarthropathy in weight bearing joints due to long term ochronosis in them
      (from ~40years of age). Tyrosinase, a polyphenol oxidase has been shown in many
      species to contribute to the darkening of tissues in many organisms; including
      humans in the production of melanin. Tyrosinase under the right conditions shows
      alterations in its substrate specificity and may contribute to the darkening seen
      in AKU where it moves away from polymerising tyrosine but also homogentisic acid,
      the causative molecule in alkaptonuria, that is present in excess. 

PMID- 27142150
TI  - Speckle tracking technology for quantifying lung sliding.
AB  - Ultrasound (US) is gaining recognition as a useful tool for assessing lung
      physiology and pathology. Yet, currently the skill of performing lung US is
      taught by experienced operators to novice ones, mainly by recognizing expected
      patterns. Recognizing the latter may be difficult and subjective. In this
      hypothesis we propose to apply a well-known and used image processing technology
      in echocardiography, speckle tracking (ST), to lung sliding - the marker of
      normal lung function. If implementing ST to lung sliding is technically feasible,
      several outcomes are expected: (1) Lung sliding will become an objective,
      operator-independent marker of normal lung function. (2) Subsequently, ST will
      provide normal values for lung sliding. (3) Lastly, the effects of pulmonary
      pathologies on lung sliding may be assessed. It is stressed, however, that the
      preliminary idea suggested here is limited to a single physiological phenomenon
      (lung sliding). Only when technical feasibility is demonstrated then ST
      technology may potentially be applied and investigated in other clinical settings
      of lung diseases. 

PMID- 27142151
TI  - Is the calcium transporter a potential candidate for heme transport?
AB  - Heme is of significant importance in iron nutrition and in systemic iron
      metabolism. The crux of the matter is that while much is known about non-heme
      metabolism, the vectorial import of exogenous porphyrin macromolecules into the
      enterocyte and possibly into blood circulation is still speculative. The
      inhibitory effect of calcium on heme iron absorption has been previously reported
      in the literature. This paper postulates that the gastrointestinal Ca
      transporter, TRPV6, might be a putative transporter of heme and might account for
      reduced heme absorption in the presence of Ca. The hypothesis needs to be
      investigated in vitro and in vivo with targeted TRPV6 deletion models to explore
      the nature of the competitive inhibition of heme uptake by Ca. Studies are
      required to characterize fully this function in the gut and in systemic
      metabolism. If the hypothesis is proven, modulators of TRPV6 expression could
      have clinical implications in the management of heme-induced disorders. 

PMID- 27142152
TI  - Mortality reduction among persons with type 2 diabetes: (-)-Epicatechin as add-on
      therapy to metformin?
AB  - Diabetes has become a worldwide epidemic, and is growing at a rapid rate with
      drastic projections for developing countries. Mexico occupies the ninth place
      worldwide for type 2 diabetes prevalence, and in the foreseeable future, it is
      expected rise to the seventh place. Myocardial infarction is the most common
      cause of death in these patients. Although several drugs are approved for the
      treatment of type 2 diabetes that reduce factors associated with myocardial
      infarction, an excess risk of death is still present. In this regard, the
      American Diabetes Association recommends metformin (oral glucose lowering drug)
      as the first-line therapy in type 2 diabetic subjects, based on its amply
      confirmed positive metabolic effects; however, its capacity to reduce
      cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetic subjects is inconclusive. Thus,
      mortality reduction in these patients has been an elusive goal, and is therefore,
      imperative to evaluate new pharmacological interventions that may favorably
      impact mortality in these individuals. On the other hand, epidemiological studies
      have suggested that moderate consumption of cacao-derived products (i.e.,
      chocolate and cocoa) may reduce the risk of diabetes, myocardial infarction, and
      cardiovascular disease-associated mortality. Moreover, interventional studies
      have also suggested that dark chocolate and cocoa consumption is
      vasculoprotective in normal and type 2 diabetic individuals. (-)-Epicatechin ((-)
      EPI) is the main flavanol present in cacao, and suggested to be responsible for
      the beneficial effects observed after dark chocolate/cocoa consumption.
      Interestingly, in vivo studies have evidenced the capacity of (-)-EPI to reduce
      infarct size, and preserve cardiac mechanics in rodent models of ischaemia
      reperfusion injury. Nonetheless, long-term studies using (-)-EPI and evaluating
      its effects on mortality are lacking. Thus, based on their particular properties,
      it is valid to speculate that (-)-EPI and metformin in conjunction may favorably
      impact mortality in type 2 diabetic individuals. Here, we provide the evidence
      that allow us to propose our hypothesis, and further suggest a reasonable way to
      perform the study needed for such investigation. 

PMID- 27142154
TI  - Parallels between phantom pain and tinnitus.
AB  - Phantom pain and tinnitus are diseases that cause patients great discomfort. Both
      are phantom sensations that have many connections with cerebral structures, but
      their underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Several therapies have been
      suggested for these conditions over the years, but there is still no consensus on
      how to treat either one. Comparison of these two phenomena reveals many
      similarities, including what is known about their underlying mechanisms,
      associated brain areas, and responses to therapeutic agents and methods. These
      similarities need to be evaluated in greater depth, as this could improve our
      understanding of tinnitus and phantom pain, and thereby improve management
      strategies for these conditions. 

PMID- 27142153
TI  - Mercury as a possible link between maternal obesity and autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - The incidence of both obesity and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has
      dramatically increased during the last decades. Moreover, the most recent studies
      have revealed increased risk of ASD in offspring of overweight and obese women.
      However, the mechanisms of association between ASD and maternal obesity are
      unknown. Taking into account the existing data indicating the association between
      mercury (Hg) exposure and development of obesity and ASD, we hypothesize that Hg
      may serve as an additional link between maternal obesity and ASD. In particular,
      it is supposed that obesity is associated with excessive accumulation of Hg in
      the maternal organism. After conception, the fetus is developing in the
      conditions of Hg overload within the body of obese women thus predisposing to the
      development of ASD. The proposed hypothesis may be confirmed by the existing
      data. In particular, previous studies demonstrated that overweight and obese
      persons are characterized by a significantly higher level of Hg in hair, blood
      and urine than the lean ones. Therefore, an obese organism is characterized by
      elevated Hg burden that may be transferred to the fetus during pregnancy.
      Moreover, multiple studies have demonstrated a tight association between maternal
      and children Hg status being indicative of placental transfer of metal from
      maternal organism to offspring. Finally, a growing body of data indicates the
      influence of Hg exposure and Hg status on the risk of ASD in children. However,
      additional experimental and clinical studies are required to prove the hypothesis
      and provide novel data on the role of Hg in maternal obesity-associated ASD
      development. In particular, the contribution of Hg to ASD development in children
      from obese mothers should be determined. If a significant role of Hg in maternal
      obesity ASD risk will be confirmed, this will open additional perspectives of
      risk modification. Taking into account the universal mechanisms of Hg toxicity,
      transport, and accumulation, further preventive actions may be undertaken to
      reduce the risk of Hg toxicity and Hg-associated ASD development. In particular,
      it is supposed that the use of Hg chelators (like N,N'bis-(2
      mercaptoethyl)isophthalamide, NMBI), antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory
      compounds prior or during pregnancy may have a beneficial effect. However, the
      safety of such actions should repeatedly be tested to avoid adverse health
      effects in a developing fetus. 

PMID- 27142155
TI  - A multipronged, nutritional-based strategy for managing Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - A nutritional-based strategy has been proposed in order to improve cognitive
      performance of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The strategy requires daily
      dietary supplementation with magnesium (Mg), folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12,
      daily consumption of silicic acid-rich mineral water in order to lower the body
      burden of Al, and several plasma exchange procedures in order to replace Abeta
      bound albumin with fresh albumin. Evidence suggests that the deteriorating
      cognitive performance associated with AD may be improved by supplementation with
      either Mg alone or with the combination of the above three B vitamins (B vitamin
      combo), or by drinking silicic acid-rich mineral water, or by undergoing plasma
      exchange. However, for the following reasons the combination of all four
      therapeutic approaches may have a synergistic effect on improving cognitive
      performance of AD patients. 

PMID- 27142156
TI  - A neglected requirement for optimizing treatment of age-related osteoporosis:
      Replenishing the skeleton's base reservoir with net base-producing diets.
AB  - Osteoporosis is a disorder of bone in which the mass of the bone is reduced and
      the bone's architecture at the microscopic level is disordered. Together those
      abnormalities predispose affected individuals to experience fractures despite
      only minimal trauma (i.e., fragility fractures). Age related osteoporosis is a
      common type of osteoporosis that occurs with aging in both men and women usually
      beginning after the age of peak bone mass. Research has found that the disorder
      can be partially reversed by reducing the net amount of acid that is produced
      when consuming typical Western diets. However, the amelioration that results has
      not been so dramatic or so consistent that physicians have adopted the procedure
      as part of the standard treatment for age-related osteoporosis. We propose that
      reducing the net acid load from the diet is not sufficient to reverse age related
      osteoporosis because it fails to supply base needed to restore the large amount
      of base in bone that had been lost by reacting with the net acid load of the diet
      that had been consumed for years or decades. Reducing the net acid load from the
      diet might be expected to have little ameliorative effect or merely slow the
      progression of the disorder. We hypothesize that both to restore osteoporotic
      bone to, or nearly to, its pre-disease state, as well as to eliminate the risk of
      fragility fractures, requires consuming diets that produce net amounts of base to
      restore the base lost from years to decades of consuming diets that produce net
      amounts of acid. We hypothesize also that the excess base and attendant
      subclinical metabolic alkalosis will both stimulate the cellular process of bone
      formation and suppress the cellular process of bone resorption, and thereby
      implement the restorative process. 

PMID- 27142157
TI  - Antibody producing B lineage cells invade the central nervous system
      predominantly at the time of and triggered by acute Epstein-Barr virus infection:
      A hypothesis on the origin of intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis in multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the
      central nervous system (CNS), typically have an intrathecal synthesis of
      immunoglobulin (Ig)G. Intrathecal IgG is produced by B lineage cells that entered
      the CNS, but why and when these cells invade the CNS of patients with MS is
      unknown. The intrathecal IgG response in patients with MS is polyspecific and
      part of it is directed against different common viruses (e.g. measles virus,
      rubella virus, varicella zoster virus). Strong and consistent evidence suggests
      an association of MS and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and EBV
      seroprevalence in patients with MS is practically 100%. However, intriguingly,
      despite of the universal EBV seroprevalence, the frequency of intrathecally
      produced IgG to EBV in patients with MS is much lower than that of intrathecally
      produced IgG to other common viruses. The acute phase of primary EBV infection is
      characterized by a strong polyclonal B cell activation. As typical for humoral
      immune responses against viruses, EBV specific IgG is produced only with a
      temporal delay after acute EBV infection. Aiming to put the above facts into a
      logical structure, we here propose the hypothesis that in individuals going on to
      develop MS antibody producing B lineage cells invade the CNS predominantly at the
      time of and triggered by acute primary EBV infection. Because at the time of
      acute EBV infection EBV IgG producing B lineage cells have not yet occurred, the
      hypothesis could explain the universal EBV seroprevalence and the low frequency
      of intrathecally produced IgG to EBV in patients with MS. Evidence supporting the
      hypothesis could be provided by large prospective follow-up studies of
      individuals with symptomatic primary EBV infection (infectious mononucleosis).
      Furthermore, the clarification of the molecular mechanism underlying an EBV
      induced invasion of B lineage cells into the CNS of individuals going on to
      develop MS could corroborate it, too. If true, our hypothesis would link EBV
      infection, the most important environmental risk factor for MS, with intrathecal
      IgG synthesis, the most characteristic laboratory feature of MS. Besides
      explaining the origin of intrathecal IgG synthesis in patients with MS, the
      hypothesis could thus also provide a conceptual framework for clarifying the
      mechanism through which EBV contributes to the development of MS. 

PMID- 27142158
TI  - Corrigendum to 'Optimal inference with suboptimal models: Addiction and active
      Bayesian inference' [Med. Hypotheses 84 (2015) 109-117].

PMID- 27142159
TI  - Application of segmented dental panoramic tomography among children: positive
      effect of continuing education in radiation protection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Dental panoramic tomography is the most frequent examination among 7
      12-year olds, according to the Radiation Safety and Nuclear Authority of Finland.
      At those ages, dental panoramic tomographs (DPTs) are mostly obtained for
      orthodontic reasons. Children's dose reduction by trimming the field size to the
      area of interest is important because of their high radiosensitivity. Yet, the
      majority of DPTs in this age group are still taken by using an adult programme
      and never by using a segmented programme. The purpose of the present study was to
      raise the awareness of dental staff with respect to children's radiation safety,
      to increase the application of segmented and child DPT programmes by further
      educating the whole dental team and to evaluate the outcome of the educational
      intervention. METHODS: A five-step intervention programme, focusing on DPT field
      limitation possibilities, was carried out in community-based dental care as a
      part of mandatory continuing education in radiation protection. Application of
      segmented and child DPT programmes was thereafter prospectively followed up
      during a 1-year period and compared with our similar data from 2010 using a
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Application of the child programme
      increased by 9% and the segmented programme by 2%, reaching statistical
      significance (odds ratios 1.68; 95% confidence interval 1.23-2.30; p-value <
      0.001). The number of repeated exposures remained at an acceptable level. The
      segmented DPTs were most frequently taken from the maxillary lateral incisor
      canine area. CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention resulted in improvement of
      radiological practice in respect to radiation safety of children during dental
      panoramic tomography. Segmented and child DPT programmes can be applied
      successfully in dental practice for children.

PMID- 27142160
TI  - Selective Activation of Fluoroalkenes with N-Heterocyclic Carbenes: Synthesis of
      N-Heterocyclic Fluoroalkenes and Polyfluoroalkenyl Imidazolium Salts.
AB  - Selective reactions between nucleophilic N,N'-diaryl-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs)
      and electrophilic fluorinated alkenes afford NHC fluoroalkenes in high yields.
      These stable compounds undergo efficient and selective fluoride abstraction with
      Lewis acids to give polyfluoroalkenyl imidazolium salts. These salts react at
      Cbeta with pyrrolidine to give ammonium fluoride-substituted salts, which give
      rise to conjugated imidazolium-enamine salts through loss of HF. Alternatively,
      reaction with 4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine provides a Calpha-pyridinium-substituted
      NHC fluoroalkene. These compounds were studied using multinuclear NMR
      spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. Insight into their
      electronic structure and reactivity was gained through the use of DFT
      calculations.

PMID- 27142161
TI  - Rationing in the intensive care unit in case of full bed occupancy: a survey
      among intensive care unit physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Internationally, there is no consensus on how to best deal with
      admission requests in cases of full ICU bed occupancy. Knowledge about the degree
      of dissension and insight into the reasons for this dissension is lacking.
      Information about the opinion of ICU physicians can be used to improve decision
      making regarding allocation of ICU resources. The aim of this study was to:
      Assess which factors play a role in the decision-making process regarding the
      admission of ICU patients; Assess the adherence to a Dutch guideline pertaining
      to rationing of ICU resources; Investigate factors influencing the adherence to
      this guideline. METHODS: In March 2013, an online questionnaire was sent to all
      ICU physician members (n = 761, in 90 hospitals) of the Dutch Society for
      Intensive Care. RESULTS: 166 physicians (21.8 %) working in 64 different Dutch
      hospitals (71.1 %) completed the questionnaire. Factors associated with a
      patient's physical condition and quality of life were generally considered most
      important in admission decisions. Scenario-based adherence to the Dutch guideline
      "Admission request in case of full ICU bed occupancy" was found to be low
      (adherence rate 50.0 %). There were two main reasons for this poor compliance:
      unfamiliarity with the guideline and disagreement with the fundamental approach
      underlying the guideline. CONCLUSIONS: Dutch ICU physicians disagree about how to
      deal with admission requests in cases of full ICU bed occupancy. The results of
      this study contribute to the discussion about the fundamental principles
      regarding admission of ICU patients in case of full bed occupancy.

PMID- 27142162
TI  - Endothelial Actions of ANP Enhance Myocardial Inflammatory Infiltration in the
      Early Phase After Acute Infarction.
AB  - RATIONALE: In patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the initial
      extent of necrosis and inflammation determine clinical outcome. One early event
      in AMI is the increased cardiac expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (NP) and
      B-type NP, with their plasma levels correlating with severity of ischemia. It was
      shown that NPs, via their cGMP-forming guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) receptor and
      cGMP-dependent kinase I (cGKI), strengthen systemic endothelial barrier
      properties in acute inflammation. OBJECTIVE: We studied whether endothelial
      actions of local NPs modulate myocardial injury and early inflammation after AMI.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Necrosis and inflammation after experimental AMI were
      compared between control mice and littermates with endothelial-restricted
      inactivation of GC-A (knockout mice with endothelial GC-A deletion) or cGKI
      (knockout mice with endothelial cGKI deletion). Unexpectedly, myocardial infarct
      size and neutrophil infiltration/activity 2 days after AMI were attenuated in
      knockout mice with endothelial GC-A deletion and unaltered in knockout mice with
      endothelial cGKI deletion. Molecular studies revealed that hypoxia and tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha, conditions accompanying AMI, reduce the endothelial
      expression of cGKI and enhance cGMP-stimulated phosphodiesterase 2A (PDE2A)
      levels. Real-time cAMP measurements in endothelial microdomains using a novel
      fluorescence resonance energy transfer biosensor revealed that PDE2 mediates
      NP/cGMP-driven decreases of submembrane cAMP levels. Finally, intravital
      microscopy studies of the mouse cremaster microcirculation showed that tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha-induced endothelial NP/GC-A/cGMP/PDE2 signaling impairs
      endothelial barrier functions. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxia and cytokines, such as tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha, modify the endothelial postreceptor signaling pathways of
      NPs, with downregulation of cGKI, induction of PDE2A, and altered cGMP/cAMP cross
      talk. Increased expression of PDE2 can mediate hyperpermeability effects of
      paracrine endothelial NP/GC-A/cGMP signaling and facilitate neutrophil
      extravasation during the early phase after MI.

PMID- 27142163
TI  - UBC9-Mediated Sumoylation Favorably Impacts Cardiac Function in Compromised
      Hearts.
AB  - RATIONALE: SUMOylation plays an important role in cardiac function and can be
      protective against cardiac stress. Recent studies show that SUMOylation is an
      integral part of the ubiquitin proteasome system, and expression of the small
      ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) E2 enzyme UBC9 improves cardiac protein quality
      control. However, the precise role of SUMOylation on other protein degradation
      pathways, particularly autophagy, remains undefined in the heart. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine whether SUMOylation affects cardiac autophagy and whether this effect
      is protective in a mouse model of proteotoxic cardiac stress. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We modulated expression of UBC9, a SUMO E2 ligase, using gain- and loss
      of-function in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. UBC9 expression seemed to
      directly alter autophagic flux. To confirm this effect in vivo, we generated
      transgenic mice overexpressing UBC9 in cardiomyocytes. These mice have an
      increased level of SUMOylation at baseline and, in confirmation of the data
      obtained from neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes, demonstrated increased
      autophagy, suggesting that increased UBC9-mediated SUMOylation is sufficient to
      upregulate cardiac autophagy. Finally, we tested the protective role of
      SUMOylation-mediated autophagy by expressing UBC9 in a model of cardiac
      proteotoxicity, induced by cardiomyocyte-specific expression of a mutant alpha-B
      crystallin, mutant CryAB (CryAB(R120G)), which shows impaired autophagy. UBC9
      overexpression reduced aggregate formation, decreased fibrosis, reduced
      hypertrophy, and improved cardiac function and survival. CONCLUSIONS: The data
      showed that increased UBC9-mediated SUMOylation is sufficient to induce
      relatively high levels of autophagy and may represent a novel strategy for
      increasing autophagic flux and ameliorating morbidity in proteotoxic cardiac
      disease.

PMID- 27142164
TI  - Cloning, expression and characterization of a beta-D-xylosidase from
      Lactobacillus rossiae DSM 15814(T).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Among the oligosaccharides that may positively affect the gut
      microbiota, xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) and arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (AXOS)
      possess promising functional properties. Ingestion of XOS has been reported to
      contribute to anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, immune-modulatory and anti-diabetic
      activities. Because of the structural complexity and chemical heterogeneity,
      complete degradation of xylan-containing plant polymers requires the synergistic
      activity of several enzymes. Endo-xylanases and beta-D-xylosidases, collectively
      termed xylanases, represent the two key enzymes responsible for the sequential
      hydrolysis of xylan. Xylanase cocktails are used on an industrial scale for
      biotechnological purposes. Lactobacillus rossiae DSM 15814(T) can utilize an
      extensive set of carbon sources, an ability that is likely to contribute to its
      adaptive ability. In this study, the capacity of this strain to utilize XOS,
      xylan, D-xylose and L-arabinose was investigated. RESULTS: Genomic and
      transcriptomic analyses revealed the presence of two gene clusters, designated
      xyl and ara, encoding proteins predicted to be responsible for XOS uptake and
      hydrolysis and D-xylose utilization, and L-arabinose metabolism, respectively.
      The deduced amino acid sequence of one of the genes of the xyl gene cluster,
      LROS_1108 (designated here as xylA), shows high similarity to (predicted) beta-D
      xylosidases encoded by various lactic acid bacteria, and belongs to glycosyl
      hydrolase family 43. Heterologously expressed XylA was shown to completely
      hydrolyse XOS to xylose and showed optimal activity at pH 6.0 and 40  degrees C.
      Furthermore, beta-D-xylosidase activity of L. rossiae DSM 15814(T) was also
      measured under sourdough conditions. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the
      ability of L. rossiae DSM 15814(T) to utilize XOS, which is a very useful trait
      when selecting starters with specific metabolic performances for sourdough
      fermentation or as probiotics.

PMID- 27142166
TI  - ALK-rearranged pulmonary adenocarcinoma in Thai Patients: From diagnosis to
      treatment efficacy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement is detected in 3%
      to 13% of non-small cell lung carcinoma patients, and these patients benefit from
      ALK inhibitors. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, the
      clinical and histological characteristics and the treatment outcomes of ALK
      rearranged lung adenocarcinoma using immunohistochemistry (IHC) IHC, reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) methodologies. METHODS: A total of 268 pulmonary
      adenocarcinoma patients were screened for ALK expression by ALK IHC, which was
      confirmed by FISH and/or RT-PCR for ALK gene rearrangement. The treatment
      outcomes of ALK-rearranged patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: ALK
      gene rearrangement was identified in 26 cases (9.7%) with no EGFR co-mutation,
      and it showed significant associations with younger age, female sex and non
      smoker status (p < 0.05). A cribriform growth pattern was identified as the
      dominant histologic feature, and a solid signet ring cell component was focally
      present in a minority of the cases. Among 12 ALK-rearranged patients with
      conventional treatment, seven cases in the early stage of disease were cured and
      alive, and five patients in the late stage of the disease progressed and died,
      with a median overall survival (OS) at 14 months. Of the 14 patients receiving
      crizotinib, all of them had clinical benefit from crizotinib treatment, with one
      patient having a complete response (CR), 12 patients having a partial response
      (PR) and one patient having stable disease (SD). On the cutoff date, six of 14
      patients were continuing crizotinib treatment with a median time of response of
      7.5 (3-13) months, while eight patients had disease progression, and five of them
      died with a median OS at 8 months. CONCLUSION: ALK gene rearrangement tended to
      occur in younger, non-smoking, female patients. ALK IHC is a reliable screening
      method to detect ALK gene rearrangement. Crizotinib therapy provided treatment
      benefit in ALK-rearranged adenocarcinoma patients especially in advanced stages
      of the disease.

PMID- 27142167
TI  - Erratum to: In vitro inhibition of calcium oxalate crystallization and crystal
      adherence to renal tubular epithelial cells by Terminalia arjuna.

PMID- 27142168
TI  - Dual, differential isotope labeling shows the preferential movement of labile
      plant constituents into mineral-bonded soil organic matter.
AB  - The formation and stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM) are major concerns
      in the context of global change for carbon sequestration and soil health. It is
      presently believed that lignin is not selectively preserved in soil and that
      chemically labile compounds bonding to minerals comprise a large fraction of the
      SOM. Labile plant inputs have been suggested to be the main precursor of the
      mineral-bonded SOM. Litter decomposition and SOM formation are expected to have
      temperature sensitivity varying with the lability of plant inputs. We tested this
      framework using dual (13) C and (15) N differentially labeled plant material to
      distinguish the metabolic and structural components within a single plant
      material. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) seedlings were grown in an enriched
      (13) C and (15) N environment and then prior to harvest, removed from the
      enriched environment and allowed to incorporate natural abundance (13) C-CO2 and
      (15) N fertilizer into the metabolic plant components. This enabled us to achieve
      a greater than one atom % difference in (13) C between the metabolic and
      structural components within the plant litter. This differentially labeled litter
      was incubated in soil at 15 and 35  degrees C, for 386 days with CO2 measured
      throughout the incubation. After 14, 28, 147, and 386 days of incubation, the
      soil was subsequently fractionated. There was no difference in temperature
      sensitivity of the metabolic and structural components with regard to how much
      was respired or in the amount of litter biomass stabilized. Only the metabolic
      litter component was found in the sand, silt, or clay fraction while the
      structural component was exclusively found in the light fraction. These results
      support the stabilization framework that labile plant components are the main
      precursor of mineral-associated organic matter. 

PMID- 27142169
TI  - Erratum: Membrane-proximal TRAIL species are incapable of inducing short circuit
      apoptosis signaling: Implications for drug development and basic cytokine
      biology.

PMID- 27142170
TI  - Molecular Biomarker Study in a Randomised Phase III Trial of Irinotecan Plus S-1
      versus S-1 for Advanced Gastric Cancer (GC0301/TOP-002).
AB  - AIMS: Gastric cancer is a common and heterogeneous disease; however, global
      standard and biomarkers for selecting chemotherapy regimens have not been
      established. This study was designed retrospectively to identify molecular
      biomarkers for irinotecan plus S-1 (IRI-S) and S-1 therapy from subset analyses
      in GC0301/TOP-002, a randomised phase III trial for advanced gastric cancer.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paraffin-embedded primary tumour specimens were collected
      from 126 of 326 randomised patients in GC0301/TOP-002. The mRNA was measured for
      thymidylate synthase, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, topoisomerase I, excision
      repair cross-complementing gene 1 (ERCC1) and thymidine phosphorylase;
      categorised into low and high to analyse their association with efficacy end
      points. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in each mRNA between S-1 and
      IRI-S groups, whereas there were differences among some clinical characteristics.
      Multivariate analyses for overall survival showed that mRNA levels were not
      correlated with prognosis. By comparison, between IRI-S and S-1 arms, low
      thymidylate synthase, low ERCC1 and high thymidine phosphorylase were associated
      with better prognosis for IRI-S versus S-1 (hazard ratio = 0.653, 0.702 and
      0.709, respectively; P < 0.15 for each interaction). CONCLUSION: Low thymidylate
      synthase, low ERCC1 and high thymidine phosphorylase are candidates for
      predictive biomarkers for first-line treatment in advanced gastric cancer by IRI
      S. Further study is warranted to confirm these results in other clinical trials
      and cohort studies.

PMID- 27142171
TI  - Isolation and Proteomics Analysis of Barley Centromeric Chromatin Using PICh.
AB  - Identification of proteins that are directly or indirectly associated with a
      specific DNA sequence is often an important goal in molecular biology research.
      Proteomics of isolated chromatin fragments (PICh) is a technique used to isolate
      chromatin that contains homologous DNA sequence to a specific nucleic acid probe.
      All proteins directly and indirectly associated with the DNA sequences that
      hybridize to the probe are then identified by proteomics.1 We used the PICh
      technique to isolate chromatin associated with the centromeres of barley (Hordeum
      vulgare) by using a 2'-deoxy-2'fluoro-ribonucleotides (2'-F RNA) probe that is
      homologous to the AGGGAG satellite DNA specific to barley centromeres. Proteins
      associated with the barley centromeric chromatin were then isolated and
      identified by mass spectrometry. Both alpha-cenH3 and beta-cenH3, the two
      centromeric histone H3 variants associated with barley centromeres, were
      positively identified. Interestingly, several different H2A and H2B variants were
      recovered in the PIChed chromatin. The limitations and future potential of PICh
      in plant chromatin research are discussed.

PMID- 27142173
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27142172
TI  - Integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in tilapia gonads at an
      early stage of sex differentiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a second regulatory network that has
      important effects on gene expression and protein translation during biological
      process. However, the possible role of miRNAs in the early stages of fish sex
      differentiation is not well understood. In this study, we carried an integrated
      analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles to explore their possibly
      regulatory patterns at the critical stage of sex differentiation in tilapia.
      RESULTS: We identified 279 pre-miRNA genes in tilapia genome, which were highly
      conserved in other fish species. Based on small RNA library sequencing, we
      identified 635 mature miRNAs in tilapia gonads, in which 62 and 49 miRNAs showed
      higher expression in XX and XY gonads, respectively. The predicted targets of
      these sex-biased miRNAs (e.g., miR-9, miR-21, miR-30a, miR-96, miR-200b, miR-212
      and miR-7977) included genes encoding key enzymes in steroidogenic pathways
      (Cyp11a1, Hsd3b, Cyp19a1a, Hsd11b) and key molecules involved in vertebrate sex
      differentiation (Foxl2, Amh, Star1, Sf1, Dmrt1, and Gsdf). These genes also
      showed sex-biased expression in tilapia gonads at 5 dah. Some miRNAs (e.g., miR
      96 and miR-737) targeted multiple genes involved in steroid synthesis, suggesting
      a complex miRNA regulatory network during early sex differentiation in this fish.
      CONCLUSIONS: The sequence and expression patterns of most miRNAs in tilapia are
      conserved in fishes, indicating the basic functions of vertebrate miRNAs might
      share a common evolutionary origin. This comprehensive analysis of miRNA and mRNA
      at the early stage of molecular sex differentiation in tilapia XX and XY gonads
      lead to the discovery of differentially expressed miRNAs and their putative
      targets, which will facilitate studies of the regulatory network of molecular sex
      determination and differentiation in fishes.

PMID- 27142174
TI  - Excess mortality and guideline-indicated care following non-ST-elevation
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adherence to guideline-indicated care for the treatment of non-ST
      elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is associated with improved outcomes. We
      investigated the extent and consequences of non-adherence to guideline-indicated
      care across a national health system. METHODS: A cohort study (
      ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02436187) was conducted using data from the
      Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project ( n = 389,057 NSTEMI, n = 247
      hospitals, England and Wales, 2003-2013). Accelerated failure time models were
      used to quantify the impact of non-adherence on survival according to dates of
      guideline publication. RESULTS: Over a period of 1,079,044 person-years (median
      2.2 years of follow-up), 113,586 (29.2%) NSTEMI patients died. Of those eligible
      to receive care, 337,881 (86.9%) did not receive one or more guideline-indicated
      intervention; the most frequently missed were dietary advice ( n = 254,869,
      68.1%), smoking cessation advice ( n = 245,357, 87.9%), P2Y12 inhibitors ( n =
      192,906, 66.3%) and coronary angiography ( n = 161,853, 43.4%). Missed
      interventions with the strongest impact on reduced survival were coronary
      angiography (time ratio: 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17-0.18), cardiac
      rehabilitation (time ratio: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.48-0.50), smoking cessation advice
      (time ratio: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.51-0.57) and statins (time ratio: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.55
      0.58). If all eligible patients in the study had received optimal care at the
      time of guideline publication, then 32,765 (28.9%) deaths (95% CI: 30,531-33,509)
      may have been prevented. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients hospitalised with
      NSTEMI missed at least one guideline-indicated intervention for which they were
      eligible. This was significantly associated with excess mortality. Greater
      attention to the provision of guideline-indicated care for the management of
      NSTEMI will reduce premature cardiovascular deaths.

PMID- 27142175
TI  - Systematic review of the clinical impact of dual antiplatelet therapy
      discontinuation after acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this systematic literature review was to assess the consequences
      of dual antiplatelet therapy discontinuation on clinical outcomes after acute
      coronary syndromes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic literature search was
      conducted in PubMed to identify studies reporting data on patients who
      discontinued dual antiplatelet therapy (planned or unplanned) following acute
      coronary syndromes and on the clinical impact of dual antiplatelet therapy
      discontinuation. To be included, more than 50% of the study population had to
      have had acute coronary syndrome as their index event or, if less than 50%,
      outcomes data must have been reported separately for the group with acute
      coronary syndromes. Thirty publications covering 29 studies were identified for
      inclusion. There was much heterogeneity across studies regarding the included
      patient populations, treatment durations and outcome definitions and
      ascertainments. Dual antiplatelet therapy discontinuation was most commonly based
      on physician decision. Twenty-six studies reported that clopidogrel was
      prescribed as part of dual antiplatelet therapy. Dual antiplatelet therapy
      duration was positively associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality
      (seven/eight studies), cardiovascular mortality (two/two studies), non-fatal
      myocardial infarction (two/three studies) and stent thrombosis (five/five
      studies) in patients and/or patient subgroups in studies without randomised
      treatment designs, although such associations were not observed in the one study
      that randomly assigned patients to treatment (i.e. planned discontinuation).
      CONCLUSIONS: Results from our systematic literature review generally support the
      benefit of longer-term dual antiplatelet therapy after acute coronary syndromes;
      however, further research is needed to determine the optimal length of dual
      antiplatelet therapy in patients after acute coronary syndrome, ideally using
      prospective studies.

PMID- 27142177
TI  - Paul I Terasaki (10 September, 1929-25 January, 2016).

PMID- 27142176
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy in severe refractory non-focal
      disabling spasticity: a Spanish hospital perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current knowledge about long-term economic consequences of
      Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (ITB Therapy(r)) is incomplete. METHODS: A markov
      model was developed to estimate long-term clinical and economic outcomes with ITB
      Therapy(r) and conventional medical management of severe refractory non-focal
      disabling spasticity. Clinical and cost inputs were obtained through a non
      interventional, prospective, observational study in a Spanish neurorehabilitation
      hospital. RESULTS: ITB Therapy(r) increased remaining lifetime costs by ?35,605
      and resulted in a gain of 1.06 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), thus showing
      an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of ?33,619/QALY gained. In
      alternative scenarios, reflecting other clinical settings and management options,
      considerably lower ICER values were obtained. In particular, opportunities were
      identified to improve efficiency by setting clinically and economically sound
      targets for post-operation length of stay. CONCLUSION: In the Spanish setting,
      ITB Therapy(r) resulted in an ICER close to ?30,000/QALY gained; potential ways
      to reduce costs and further enhance efficiency can be identified.

PMID- 27142178
TI  - Facilitating safe and successful cross-border healthcare in the European Union.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Even though medical travel is expanding, limited research has
      identified pitfalls along the full process of medical travel. This study explores
      the experiences of medical travellers, with a focus on potential issues that may
      threaten safe and effective medical travel. METHODS: The experiences of medical
      travellers were assessed using a cross-sectional questionnaire in the Netherlands
      in 2014. The questionnaire (n=101) contained 52 items measuring the transfer of
      records, quality of care abroad, follow-up care, and reimbursement. Additionally,
      experts provided feedback on the pitfalls identified. RESULTS: 63.1% of medical
      records were not transferred in advance to the clinic abroad, and for 10.7% of
      cases these remained unknown during treatment. Although quality of care abroad
      was rated higher than in the home country, follow-up care was initially refused
      to 22.2% of patients. Additionally, patients reported problems related to
      reimbursement. CONCLUSION: More effort is needed to facilitate safe medical
      travel. Medical professionals should be informed on procedures for medical
      travellers, especially concerning follow-up care and record transfers. Yet,
      medical travellers themselves are ultimately responsible for this transfer. Clear
      information on the necessity of this personal transfer, and clarification on
      reimbursement options and the authorisation procedure, should be provided by
      national contact points and third-party payers. Additionally, payment structures
      to care providers may need adjustments to cover costs of follow-up care.

PMID- 27142179
TI  - Time clock requirements for hospital physicians.
AB  - An agreement negotiated following a doctors' strike in 2011 introduced a
      requirement that physicians in Israel's public hospitals clock in and out when
      starting and leaving work. The press reported strong negative reactions to this
      policy and predicted doctors deserting hospitals en masse. This study examines
      physicians' reactions toward the clock-in/clock-out policy 6 months after its
      implementation, and assesses the relationship between these reactions and aspects
      of their employment context. 676 physicians in 42 hospitals responded to a survey
      assessing doctor's reactions toward the clock, hospital policy makers, and
      aspects of their work. Reactions to the clock were generally negative. Sense of
      calling correlated positively with negative reactions to the clock, and the
      latter correlated positively with quit intentions. However, overall, respondents
      reported a high sense of calling and low quit intentions. We suggest that sense
      of calling buffers and protects physicians from quit intentions. Differences in
      reactions to the clock were associated with different employment characteristics,
      but sense of calling did not vary by hospital size or type or by physicians'
      specialty. The findings offer insights into how physicians' working environment
      affects their reactions to regulatory interventions, and highlight medical
      professionalism as buffering reactions to unpopular regulatory policies. 

PMID- 27142180
TI  - Fracture of the delivery balloon shaft during balloon-expandable prosthesis
      alignment during implantation of an Edwards SAPIEN 3.
AB  - The expandable sheath was designed with a lower profile in order to reduce the
      incidence of vascular complications of transcatheter aortic valve implantation
      using transfemoral approach. However, once the prosthesis has crossed the sheath,
      it could be difficult to retrieve it from the body. This is the first case of
      successful bail-out in an instance of delivery balloon shaft malfunction
      subsequent to the crossing of an expandable sheath during implantation of an
      Edwards SAPIEN 3 prosthesis. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27142182
TI  - Antimicrobial resistance and class 1 integron-associated gene cassettes in
      Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolated from pigs at slaughter and
      abattoir environment.
AB  - Forty-five multi-resistant Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar (S.)
      Typhimurium isolates obtained at five pig abattoirs in Southern Brazil were
      characterized. Their relatedness was determined by XbaI-macrorestriction
      analysis. Resistance genes, integrons and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance
      genes (PMQR) were investigated by PCR. Amplicons for the variable part of class 1
      integrons and the quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDR) were sequenced.
      Plasmids were characterized by conjugation assays and replicon typing. Eighteen
      XbaI-macrorestriction patterns and 19 plasmid profiles were seen. Resistance to
      ampicillin (blaTEM), chloramphenicol (catA1 and floR), streptomycin (strA-strB),
      streptomycin/spectinomycin (aadA variants), sulphonamides (sul1, sul2, sul3) and
      tetracyclines [tet(A) and tet(B)] were commonly found. A trimethoprim resistance
      gene, dfrA8, was identified on a 100-kb plasmid. Single substitutions in the QRDR
      of GyrA but no PMQR genes were found. Twenty-five isolates carried class 1
      integrons with an aadA23 gene cassette or unusual class 1 integrons with a dfrA12
      orfF-aadA27 gene cassette array. Both integrons were found on large conjugative
      plasmids. Salmonella plasmid-located virulence genes spvR, spvA, spvB, rck and
      pefA were found on an IncFIB resistance plasmid. Hybrid virulence-resistance
      plasmids or plasmids harbouring class 1 integrons may play a role in the
      maintenance and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance among S. Typhimurium in
      this pig production system.

PMID- 27142181
TI  - The role of the gastrointestinal microbiome in infectious complications during
      induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite increasing data on the impact of the microbiome on cancer,
      the dynamics and role of the microbiome in infection during therapy for acute
      myelogenous leukemia (AML) are unknown. Therefore, the authors sought to
      determine correlations between microbiome composition and infectious outcomes in
      patients with AML who were receiving induction chemotherapy (IC). METHODS: Buccal
      and fecal specimens (478 samples) were collected twice weekly from 34 patients
      with AML who were undergoing IC. Oral and stool microbiomes were characterized by
      16S ribosomal RNA V4 sequencing using an Illumina MiSeq system. Microbial
      diversity and genera composition were associated with clinical outcomes. RESULTS:
      Baseline stool alpha-diversity was significantly lower in patients who developed
      infections during IC compared with those who did not (P = .047). Significant
      decreases in both oral and stool microbial alpha-diversity were observed over the
      course of IC, with a linear correlation between alpha-diversity change at the 2
      sites (P = .02). Loss of both oral and stool alpha-diversity was associated
      significantly with the receipt of a carbapenem P < 0.001. Domination events by
      the majority of genera were transient (median duration, 1 sample), whereas the
      number of domination events by pathogenic genera increased significantly over the
      course of IC (P = .002). Moreover, patients who lost microbial diversity over the
      course of IC were significantly more likely to contract a microbiologically
      documented infection within the 90 days after IC neutrophil recovery (P = .04).
      CONCLUSIONS: The current data present the largest longitudinal analyses to date
      of oral and stool microbiomes in patients with AML and suggest that microbiome
      measurements could assist with the mitigation of infectious complications of AML
      therapy. Cancer 2016;122:2186-96. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27142183
TI  - Effects of neurostimulation for advanced Parkinson's disease patients on motor
      symptoms: A multiple-treatments meta-analysas of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is the surgical procedure of choice for patients
      with advanced Parkinson disease (PD). We aim to evaluate the efficacy of GPi
      (globus pallidus internus), STN (subthalamic nucleus)-DBS and medical therapy for
      PD. We conducted a systematic review and multiple-treatments meta-analysis to
      investigate the efficacy of neurostimulation and medical therapy for PD patients.
      Sixteen eligible studies were included in this analysis. We pooled the whole data
      and found obvious difference between GPi-DBS versus medical therapy and STN-DBS
      versus medical therapy in terms of UPDRS scores (Unified Parkinson's Disease
      Rating Scale). Meanwhile, we found GPi-DBS had the similar efficacy on the UPDRS
      scores when compared with STN-DBS. What is more, quality of life, measured by PDQ
      39 (Parkinson's disease Questionnaire) showed greater improvement after GPi-DBS
      than STN-DBS. Five studies showed STN-DBS was more effective for reduction in
      medication than GPi-DBS. Overall, either GPi-DBS or STN-DBS was an effective
      technique to control PD patients' symptoms and improved their functionality and
      quality of life. Meanwhile, the UPDRS scores measuring parkinsonian symptoms
      revealed no significant difference between GPi-DBS and STN-DBS. STN-DBS was more
      effective for reduction in medication than GPi-DBS. Alternatively, GPi-DBS was
      more effective for improving the PDQ-39 score than STN-DBS.

PMID- 27142184
TI  - Low Prevalence of High-Grade Lesions Detected With Autofluorescence Bronchoscopy
      in the Setting of Lung Cancer Screening in the Pan-Canadian Lung Cancer Screening
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer screening with low-dose CT (LDCT) scan has been
      demonstrated to reduce lung cancer mortality. Preliminary reports suggested that
      up to 20% of lung cancers may be CT scan occult but detectable by
      autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB). We evaluated the prevalence of CT scan
      occult, invasive, and high-grade preinvasive lesions in high-risk participants
      undergoing screening for lung cancer. METHODS: The first 1,300 participants from
      seven centers in the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer Study who had >=
      2% lung cancer risk over 5 years were invited to have an AFB in addition to a
      LDCT scan. We determined the prevalence of CT scan and AFB abnormalities and
      analyzed the association between selected predictor variables and preinvasive
      lesions plus invasive cancer. RESULTS: A total of 776 endobronchial biopsies were
      performed in 333 of 1,300 (25.6%) participants. Dysplastic or higher-grade
      lesions were detected in 5.3% of the participants (n = 68; mild dysplasia: n =
      36, moderate dysplasia: n = 25, severe dysplasia: n = 3, carcinoma in situ [CIS]:
      n = 1, and carcinoma: n = 4). Only one typical carcinoid tumor and one CIS lesion
      were detected by AFB alone, for a rate of CT scan occult cancer of 0.15% (95% CI,
      0.0%-0.6%). Fifty-six prevalence lung cancers were detected by LDCT scan (4.3%).
      The only independent risk factors for finding of dysplasia or CIS on AFB were
      smoking duration (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07) and FEV1 percent predicted (OR,
      0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of AFB to LDCT scan in a high
      lung cancer risk cohort detected too few CT occult cancers (0.15%) to justify its
      incorporation into a lung cancer screening program. TRIAL REGISTRY:
      ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT00751660; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

PMID- 27142185
TI  - Making the GRADE: CHEST Updates Its Methodology.
AB  - The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has been at the forefront of
      evidence-based clinical practice guideline development for more than 2 decades.
      In 2006, CHEST adopted a modified system of Grading of Recommendations
      Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) to support their rigorous
      guideline development methodology. The evolution of CHEST's Living Guidelines
      Model, as well as their collaborative efforts with other organizations, has
      necessitated improvements in their guideline development methodology. CHEST has
      made the decision to transition to the standard GRADE method for rating the
      certainty of evidence and grading recommendations in their evidence-based
      clinical practice guidelines, a deviation from the modified approach that was
      adopted in 2006. The standard GRADE approach will be used to grade
      recommendations in all CHEST guidelines, including updates to previously
      published guidelines. CHEST's adoption of a standard GRADE approach will ensure
      that its guideline development methodology is more consistent with that used by
      other organizations, will better align evidence synthesis methods, and will
      result in more explicit and easy to understand recommendations.

PMID- 27142186
TI  - Once upon a Time - Chloroplast Protein Import Research from Infancy to Future
      Challenges.
AB  - Protein import into chloroplasts has been a focus of research for several
      decades. The first publications dealing with this fascinating topic appeared in
      the 1970s. From the initial realization that many plastid proteins are being
      encoded for in the nucleus and require transport into their target organelle to
      the identification of import components in the cytosol, chloroplast envelopes,
      and stroma, as well as elucidation of some mechanistic details, more fascinating
      aspects are still being unraveled. With this overview, we present a survey of the
      beginnings of chloroplast protein import research, the first steps on this
      winding road, and end with a glimpse into the future.

PMID- 27142187
TI  - Tobacco consumption and positive mental health: an epidemiological study from a
      positive psychology perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Positive mental health (PMH) is much more than the absence of mental
      illnesses. For example, PMH explains that to be happy or resilient can drive us
      to live a full life, giving us a perception of well-being and robustness against
      everyday problems. Moreover, PMH can help people to avoid risky behaviours like
      tobacco consumption (TC). Our hypothesis was that PMH is negatively associated
      with TC, and this association differs across rural, urban and migrant
      populations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the PERU
      MIGRANT Study's dataset, including rural population from the Peruvian highlands
      (n = 201), urban population from the capital city Lima (n = 199) and migrants who
      were born in highlands but had to migrated because of terrorism (n = 589). We
      used an adapted version of the 12-item Global Health Questionnaire to measure
      PMH. The outcome was TC, measured as lifetime and recent TC. Log-Poisson robust
      regression, performed with a Maximum Likelihood method, was used to estimate
      crude prevalence ratios (PR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95%CI), adjusted by
      sex, age, family income and education which were the confounders. The modelling
      procedure included the use of LR Test, Akaike information criteria (AIC) and
      Bayesian information criteria (BIC). RESULTS: Cumulative occurrence of tobacco
      use (lifetime TC) was 61.7 % in the rural group, 78 % in the urban group and 76.2
      % in rural-to-urban migrants. Recent TC was 35.3 % in the rural group, 30.7 % in
      the urban group and 20.5 % in rural-to-urban migrants. After adjusting for
      confounders, there was evidence of a negative association between PMH and
      lifetime TC in the rural group (PR = 0.93; 95%CI: 0.87-0.99), and a positive
      association between PMH and recent TC in migrants (PR = 1.1; 95%CI: 1.0-1.3).
      CONCLUSIONS: PMH was negatively associated with TC in rural participants only.
      Urbans exhibited just a similar trend, while migrants exhibited the opposite one.
      This evidence represents the first step in the route of knowing the potential of
      PMH for fighting against TC. For rural populations, this study supplies new
      information that could support decisions about prevention programmes and
      psychotherapy for smoking cessation. However, more research in the topic is
      needed.

PMID- 27142188
TI  - Genetic and non-genetic animal models for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated, in addition to complex genetic
      factors, with a variety of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal etiologies. We
      discuss the known animal models, mostly in mice and rats, of ASD that helps us to
      understand the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of human ASD. We describe
      only models where behavioral testing has shown autistic like behaviors. Some
      genetic models mimic known human syndromes like fragile X where ASD is part of
      the clinical picture, and others are without defined human syndromes. Among the
      environmentally induced ASD models in rodents, the most common model is the one
      induced by valproic acid (VPA) either prenatally or early postnatally. VPA
      induces autism-like behaviors following single exposure during different phases
      of brain development, implying that the mechanism of action is via a general
      biological mechanism like epigenetic changes. Maternal infection and inflammation
      are also associated with ASD in man and animal models.

PMID- 27142189
TI  - Maternal marijuana use has independent effects on risk for spontaneous preterm
      birth but not other common late pregnancy complications.
AB  - Widespread legalisation of marijuana raises safety concerns for its use in
      pregnancy. This study investigated the association of marijuana use prior to and
      during pregnancy with pregnancy outcomes in a prospective cohort of 5588
      nulliparous women from the international SCOPE study. Women were assessed at 15+/
      1 and 20+/-1 weeks' gestation. Cases [278 Preeclampsia, 470 gestational
      hypertension, 633 small-for-gestational-age, 236 spontaneous preterm births
      (SPTB), 143 gestational diabetes] were compared separately with 4114 non-cases.
      Although the numbers are small, continued maternal marijuana use at 20 weeks'
      gestation was associated with SPTB independent of cigarette smoking status [adj
      OR 2.28 (95% CI:1.45-3.59)] and socioeconomic index (SEI) [adj OR 2.17 (95%
      CI:1.41-3.34)]. When adjusted for maternal age, cigarette smoking, alcohol and
      SEI, continued maternal marijuana use at 20 weeks' gestation had a greater effect
      size [adj OR 5.44 (95% CI 2.44-12.11)]. Our data indicate that increasing use of
      marijuana among young women of reproductive age is a major public health concern.

PMID- 27142190
TI  - Role of Vitamin K Antagonists in the Prevention of Thrombotic Bypass Occlusion
      After Infrainguinal Venous Bypass.
AB  - CLINICAL VIGNETTE: Despite being the most common antithrombotic strategy in
      trials comparing venous with prosthetic grafts, the use of vitamin K antagonists
      (VKAs) to improve the outcome of venous bypass remains the subject of debate. In
      this systematic review, evidence supporting the use of VKAs for improving venous
      patency following infrainguinal venous bypass is provided. CLINICAL QUESTION: A
      67 year old man with lifestyle limiting claudication underwent a successful
      infrainguinal venous bypass. Can VKAs help preserve patency after venous bypass
      surgery? METHODS: A systematic review of electronic databases, including MEDLINE
      and Embase, was conducted. Only randomized controlled studies comparing VKAs with
      aspirin (ASA) were included. The main outcome was bypass patency. RESULTS: Four
      studies using different intensities of anticoagulation +/- ASA were identified.
      All but one showed a benefit of VKAs over ASA with respect to primary patency.
      However, this benefit was also accompanied by an increased risk of bleeding. The
      Dutch Bypass Oral Anticoagulants, or ASA, study was the largest included and
      showed that VKAs (without concomitant ASA) were superior to ASA alone for the
      prevention of graft occlusion (hazard ratio 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.54
      0.88). CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that VKAs are superior to ASA for
      the prevention of infrainguinal autologous venous graft thrombosis.

PMID- 27142191
TI  - Editor's Choice - Self-referral to the NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening
      Programme.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The NHS Abdominal Aortic Screening Programme (NAAASP) invites men
      in their 65th year for screening, men over 65 may self-refer into the programme.
      Most studies have concentrated on those invited for screening, little is known
      about the self-referral group. Our aim was to provide a descriptive analysis of
      the men who self refer to NAAASP for screening. METHOD: Information concerning
      basic demographic details and ultrasound results were recorded on the AAA SMaRT
      database. During nurse assessment data collected included smoking status, blood
      pressure, height, weight, and aspirin and statin therapy. Statistical analysis
      was performed using SPSS((r))20. RESULTS: A total of 58,999 men have self
      referred to the NAAASP since its inception. The mean age at self-referral was 73
      (47-100). The mean aortic diameter was 1.9 cm (0.8-12.1). Increased self-referral
      rates were observed following organised publicity. The incidence of AAA was 4.1%
      (n = 2438) compared with 1.4% in the invited cohort (age 65 years), of these 7.6%
      (n = 186) were >5.5 cm. Of the 186, 152 (81.7%) underwent surgery, of which 55.3%
      (n = 84) underwent EVAR. The 30-day mortality in the men treated electively was
      0%. The mean time from referral to surgery was 69 (2-361) days, with 57.9% (n =
      88) being treated within 8 weeks of detection. CONCLUSION: Self-referral has
      yielded higher detection rates than the invited cohort, more than justifying its
      cost. Now that NAAASP is fully operational it is important to continue media
      campaigns and publicity to target the "at-risk" men over 65 who would otherwise
      miss the benefits of AAA screening. Some key areas still need to be addressed.

PMID- 27142192
TI  - A Comparison of Refraction Defects in Childhood Measured Using Plusoptix S09,
      2WIN Photorefractometer, Benchtop Autorefractometer, and Cycloplegic Retinoscopy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare Plusoptix (Gmbh, Nuremberg, Germany), 2WIN (Adaptica, Padua,
      Italy), the benchtop refractometer (Auto-Kerato-Refractometer KR-8900; Topcon Co,
      Tokyo, Japan), and retinoscopy with regard to the consistencies. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In our prospective study, 200 eyes of 100 patients were included. We
      analyzed the demographics and characteristics of the patients, the percentage of
      patients from whom measurements could not be obtained, the measurements from both
      patients' eyes of pupil diameter, spherical, cylindrical, axis, and spherical
      equivalence. RESULTS: The mean age +/- SD was 7.8+/-4.5 years (range, 1-18
      years). Pupil diameter measurements were found to be consistent (Cronbach's alpha
      value >0.8). The sphere and spherical equivalence measurements for both eyes were
      found to be consistent with each other in all apparatus (Cronbach's alpha value
      >0.8). However, consistency was found to be lower in cylindrical values and the
      Jackson cross-cylinder measurements at 0 degrees  and 45 degrees  axis were found
      to be inconsistent with each other (Cronbach's alpha value <0.8). CONCLUSIONS:
      While consistency was observed in all methods in terms of sphere and spherical
      equivalence, consistency dropped in cylindrical values and no consistency was
      observed in axis values. It is important to take this point into consideration,
      especially in axis measurements.

PMID- 27142193
TI  - Non-covalent immobilisation of p-toluenesulfonic acid in a porous molecular
      crystal for size-specific acid-catalysed reactions.
AB  - Non-covalent immobilisation of catalysts in nanoporous materials is a promising
      way to apply homogeneous catalysts to heterogeneous catalytic reactions. Herein
      we report a size-specific catalytic reaction with an acid catalyst, p
      toluenesulfonic acid, immobilised in a porous molecular crystal, metal-macrocycle
      framework (MMF), composed of metallo-macrocycles. A tritylated substrate which is
      smaller than the pore dimension of MMF was deprotected by the heterogeneous
      catalyst, whereas the reaction with a larger substrate was completely suppressed
      due to the steric restriction. 

PMID- 27142194
TI  - Surfactant-free synthesis of octahedral ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure with
      ultrahigh and selective adsorption capacity of malachite green.
AB  - A new octahedral ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure has been fabricated through a facile
      surfactant-free solvothermal method followed by thermal treatment. It exhibits a
      record-high adsorption capacity (up to 4983.0 mg.g(-1)) of malachite green (MG),
      which is a potentially harmful dye in prevalence and should be removed from
      wastewater and other aqueous solutions before discharging into the environment.
      The octahedral ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure also demonstrates strong selective
      adsorption towards MG from two kinds of mixed solutions: MG/methyl orange (MO)
      and MG/rhodamine B (RhB) mixtures, indicating its promise in water treatment.

PMID- 27142195
TI  - Caspases and their role in inflammation and ischemic neuronal death. Focus on
      caspase-12.
AB  - Caspases are cysteine proteases, which play important roles in different
      processes including, apoptosis and inflammation. Caspase-12, expressed in mouse
      and human, is classified as an inflammatory caspase. However, in humans caspase
      12 gene has acquired different mutations that result in the expression of
      different variants. Caspase-12 is generally recognized as a negative regulator of
      the inflammatory response induced by infections, because it inhibits the
      activation of caspase-1 in inflammasome complexes, the production of the pro
      inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-18 and the overall response to sepsis. In
      contrast, caspase-4, the human paralog of caspase-12, exerts a positive
      modulatory action of the inflammatory response to infectious agents. The role of
      caspase-12 and caspase-4 in inflammation associated with cerebral ischemia, a
      condition that results from a transient or permanent reduction of cerebral blood
      flow, is still unknown. Among the mechanisms involved in ischemic brain injury,
      apoptosis and inflammation have important roles. Under these conditions,
      disturbances in the homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) take place,
      leading to ER stress, caspase activation and apoptosis. Caspase-12 up-regulation
      and processing has been observed after the ischemic episode but its role in
      apoptosis is controversial. Cleavage of caspase-4 also occurs during ER stress
      but its role in ischemic brain injury is unknown. Throughout this review evidence
      supporting a role of caspase-12 and caspase-4 on the modulation of the
      inflammatory response to infection and their potential contribution to ER stress
      induced apoptosis, is discussed. Understanding the actions of rodent caspase-12
      and human caspase-4 will help us to elucidate their role in different
      pathological conditions, which to date is not well understood.

PMID- 27142196
TI  - Changing healthcare workers' attitudes to self harm.

PMID- 27142197
TI  - Non-atherosclerotic spontaneous coronary artery dissection revascularized by
      intravascular ultrasonography-guided fenestration with cutting balloon
      angioplasty.
AB  - A 46-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to chest pain. Twelve-lead
      electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment elevation suggesting acute myocardial
      infarction. Emergent coronary angiography showed diffuse narrowing and occlusion
      in the middle to distal left anterior descending artery (LAD). To investigate the
      cause of occlusion, an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examination was performed
      and we diagnosed spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) as the cause of
      occlusion. After a cutting balloon was dilated at the distal LAD, coronary flow
      recovered. IVUS-guided angioplasty with cutting balloon could be a choice of
      treatment in SCAD patients who need revascularization.

PMID- 27142198
TI  - Aortic aneurysm with complete atrioventricular block and acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a highly lethal and prevalent
      cardiovascular emergency. AAD can develop into atrioventricular conductivity
      disorders caused by coronary artery dissection, with acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI) being the most frequent clinical sign. In many deceased patients, the
      diagnosis is not confirmed until autopsy, and 85 % receive the wrong therapy as a
      result of misdiagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old male patient presenting
      with prolonged, intense and sharp precordial pain radiating to his back, as well
      as cold sweats, nausea and vomiting, was admitted to the cardiac emergency
      service. Thorax examination revealed normal bilateral breath sounds and a
      respiratory frequency of 24 incursions/min (SpO2 97 %). Cardiac auscultation
      revealed a heartbeat that was rhythmic, regular, and bradycardic. There was a
      visible high-intensity pulsation in the suprasternal notch, a diastolic murmur
      audible at the aortic focus, and a fourth heart sound on auscultation. The
      patient was diagnosed with Stanford type A AAD, concomitant complete
      atrioventricular block, and impairment of the right coronary artery, progressing
      to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and spontaneous rupture of the aortic aneurysm.
      After a hemodynamic study, the patient was transferred for urgent surgical
      treatment and passed away during the procedure. CONCLUSION: Physical examination
      is essential to be able to disregard AAD as the main cause of AMI. The
      consequences of a misdiagnosis can be fatal if thrombolytic or anticoagulant
      therapy is chosen as the initial treatment; therefore, surgery is the best
      treatment for aortic dissection.

PMID- 27142199
TI  - Clinicopathological features and prognosis of Kimura's disease with renal
      involvement in Chinese patients.
AB  - AIMS: Kimura's disease (KD) with renal involvement is a rare disease. Optimal
      treatments are still not well established. It is necessary to analyze
      clinicopathological features, treatment responses, and prognosis for improving KD
      diagnosis and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinicopathological data,
      treatment responses, and prognosis were collected and analyzed retrospectively.
      RESULTS: The patients consisted of 27 males and 2 females, with an average age of
      35.5 +/- 15.1 (13 - 61) years. 27 exhibited proteinuria ranging from 0.730 to
      14.1 g/24 h (5.98 +/- 3.40 g/24 h). Hypertension, renal insufficiency (serum
      creatinine (Scr) > 1.24 mg/dL), and microhematuria occurred in 4 (13.8%), 11
      (37.9%), and 13 (44.8%) cases, respectively. Light microscopy (LM) identified
      mesangium proliferation, minimal change, focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis
      (FSGS), membranous glomerulonephritis, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
      (MPGN), and acute tubular necrosis in 14, 8, 3, 2, 1, and 1 cases, respectively.
      All were treated with Tripterygium wilfordii (TW), prednisone, leflunomide (LEF),
      tacrolimus (FK506), myophenolate mofetil (MMF), or renin-angiotensin system
      blockers (RASI). 26 patients were followed up for 1.60 - 108.7 months (39.6 +/-
      28.7). After treatments, urinary red blood cells (RBC) decreased in all. The
      amount of 24-hour urinary protein (24-hUPE) decreased in 24 patients. 22 reached
      complete remission (CR), 4 partial remissions (PR). The patients who did not
      relapse were younger than those who relapsed. CONCLUSIONS: KD with renal
      involvement occurs predominantly among 35 - 50 year old Chinese patients with
      male predilection. The most common features are proteinuria, hypertension, micro
      hematuria with minimal change, and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.
      Most were responsive to treatment, but could relapse. Gender, age, and
      hypertension are associated with KD recurrence. The prognosis is good mostly.

PMID- 27142200
TI  - Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type I can have significant kidney disease in
      children including recurrence in renal allograft - a report of two cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS 1) is an autosomal
      recessive disorder characterized by immune injury of multiple organ systems
      (primarily endocrine) secondary to a mutation in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE)
      gene. In some cases, patients develop tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) and
      progress to end-stage renal failure (ESRD). CASE DIAGNOSIS/TREATMENT: We describe
      two patients with APS 1 and TIN. In both cases, TIN was clinically silent and the
      diagnosis was confirmed by renal biopsy. In one patient, renal function remained
      stable with immunosuppressive therapy. A second patient progressed to ESRD
      despite treatment, and received a deceased donor allograft. TIN recurred in the
      transplanted kidney and was reversed successfully with rituximab. Severe,
      recurrent esophageal candidiasis also resolved. CONCLUSION: TIN is an important
      complication of APS 1 that may result in ESRD, and may recur in the transplanted
      kidney. TIN may be under-recognized, as the presentation is unapparent clinically
      and urinalysis remains normal. Immunosuppressive therapy may be effective and,
      therefore, routine monitoring of renal function is warranted in asymptomatic
      individuals.

PMID- 27142201
TI  - The Potential That Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Can be a Disruptive
      Technology: Results From a National Survey.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the reasons for use and acceptance of
      Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) among current and former cigarette
      smokers to assess if ENDS may become a satisfying alternative to cigarettes.
      METHODS: Data are from a national probability sample of 5717 US adults, surveyed
      June-November 2014. The survey contained questions on awareness, usage, and
      reasons for use of traditional and novel tobacco products. The analytic sample
      was current and former smokers who ever used ENDS (n = 729) and was divided into
      four mutually exclusive categories. Among the 585 current smokers, 337 were no
      longer using ENDS ("E-Cig Rejecters"), and 248 were continuing to use both ENDS
      and cigarettes ("E-Cig Dual Users"). Among 144 former cigarette smokers, 101 were
      non-recent users of ENDS ("Quit All Products"), and 43 were continuing to use
      ENDS exclusively ("Switchers"). RESULTS: Former smokers (the "Switchers") report
      finding ENDS a satisfying alternative to regular cigarettes, with only 15.8% (95%
      confidence interval [CI] 4.4-27.1) rating ENDS as less enjoyable than regular
      cigarettes. However, greater than fivefold more current smokers did not find them
      satisfying and stopped using them (77.3%; 95% CI 72.1-82.4 of "E-Cig Rejecters"
      rated ENDS as less enjoyable). Being less harmful was the most highly rated
      reason for continuing to use ENDS among "Switchers." Most (80.9%) "Switchers"
      reported that ENDS helped them quit cigarettes. CONCLUSION: Since many current
      smokers who have tried ENDS reject them as a satisfying alternative to regular
      cigarettes, ENDS will not replace regular cigarettes unless they improve.
      IMPLICATIONS: Since about one-half of recent former smokers are trying ENDS with
      about one-fourth continuing to use them, and many reporting that these products
      have helped them quit regular cigarettes, the potential impact of ENDS on
      population quit rates deserves continued surveillance. However, since most
      current smokers who have tried ENDS reject them as a satisfying alternative to
      regular cigarettes, the potential of ENDS becoming a disruptive technology
      replacing regular cigarettes remains uncertain. ENDS need to improve as a
      satisfying alternative or the attractiveness and appeal of the regular cigarette
      must be degraded to increase the potential of ENDS replacing regular cigarettes.

PMID- 27142202
TI  - [Joint-preserving treatment of medial femoral neck fractures with an angular
      stable implant].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Operative stabilization is recommended even for non-displaced or only
      slightly displaced femoral neck fractures. In addition to the known
      osteosynthetic procedures, an angular stabile implant system (Targon(r) FN) has
      been established since 2006 for treatment of such fractures. INDICATIONS:
      Displaced femoral neck fractures (Garden III and IV) and non-displaced fractures
      (Garden I and II). CONTRAINDICATIONS: Fractures close to the hip joint, which are
      not classified as typical medial femoral neck fractures and patients with
      advanced osteoarthritis of the hip who would profit from an endoprosthetic
      procedure. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The operative procedure is shown after fracture
      reposition and central positioning of the guide wire as a standard course.
      POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Early postoperative mobilization under guidance of a
      physiotherapist. Initially, partial weight bearing only in selected cases with
      severe displacement. RESULTS: In our patients collective the Targon(r) FN has
      been implanted in over 100 cases. Revision indications and secondary
      endoprosthesis were documented in only 9 % of the cases. This angular stable
      screw osteosynthesis system is a safe procedure to achieve patient mobility if
      the indications are adhered to and implantation is correctly carried out.

PMID- 27142203
TI  - Ebola Virus RNA in the Semen of Male Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease: The
      Uncertain Gravitas of a Privileged Persistence.

PMID- 27142204
TI  - New Evidence of Long-lasting Persistence of Ebola Virus Genetic Material in Semen
      of Survivors.
AB  - Ninety-eight semen specimens were obtained for Ebola virus (EBOV) RNA screening
      from 68 men in Guinea during the convalescent phase of EBOV infection. Ten
      samples from 8 men were positive for EBOV up to 9 months after onset of the
      disease, with decreasing trends in the proportion of positive samples and the
      level of viral RNA. Safe sex practices should be observed after discharge from
      treatment centers.

PMID- 27142205
TI  - The Mental Health of Older LGBT Adults.
AB  - There are approximately one million older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
      (LGBT) adults in the USA. Their mental health issues result from interactions
      between genetic factors and stress associated with membership in a sexual
      minority group. Although advancements in acceptance and equal treatment of LGBT
      individuals have been occurring, sexual minority status remains associated with
      risks to physical and mental well-being. Older LGBT adults are more likely to
      have experienced mistreatment and discrimination due to living a majority of
      their lives prior to recent advancements in acceptance and equal treatment. All
      LGBT adults experience one common developmental challenge: deciding if, when, and
      how to reveal to others their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. LGBT
      individuals have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders
      and also are at increased risk for certain medical conditions like obesity,
      breast cancer, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Improved education and
      training of clinicians, coupled with clinical research efforts, holds the promise
      of improved overall health and life quality for older LGBT adults. 

PMID- 27142206
TI  - Trigger factor assisted soluble expression of recombinant spike protein of
      porcine epidemic diarrhea virus in Escherichia coli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly contagious enteric
      pathogen of swine. The spike glycoprotein (S) of PEDV is the major immunogenic
      determinant that plays a pivotal role in the induction of neutralizing antibodies
      against PEDV, which therefore is an ideal target for the development of subunit
      vaccine. In an attempt to develop a subunit vaccine for PEDV, we cloned two
      different fragments of S protein and expressed as glutathione S-transferase (GST)
      tagged fusion proteins, namely rGST-COE and rGST-S1D, in E.coli. However, the
      expression of these recombinant protein antigens using a variety of expression
      vectors, strains, and induction conditions invariably resulted in inclusion
      bodies. To achieve the soluble expression of recombinant proteins, several
      chaperone co-expression systems were tested in this study. RESULTS: We firstly
      tested various chaperone co-expression systems and found that co-expression of
      trigger factor (TF) with recombinant proteins at 15  degrees C was most useful in
      soluble production of rGST-COE and rGST-S1D compared to GroEL-ES and DnaK-DnaJ
      GrpE/GroEL-ES systems. The soluble rGST-COE and rGST-S1D were purified using
      glutathione Sepharose 4B with a yield of 7.5 mg/l and 5 mg/l, respectively.
      Purified proteins were detected by western blot using mouse anti-GST mAb and pig
      anti-PEDV immune sera. In an indirect ELISA, purified proteins showed immune
      reactivity with pig anti-PEDV immune sera. Finally, immunization of mice with 10
      MUg of purified proteins elicited highly potent serum IgG and serum neutralizing
      antibody titers. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, soluble production of recombinant
      spike protein of PEDV, rGST-COE and rGST-S1D, were achieved by using TF chaperone
      co-expression system. Our results suggest that soluble rGST-COE and rGST-S1D
      produced by co-expressing chaperones may have the potential to be used as subunit
      vaccine antigens.

PMID- 27142207
TI  - Choroidal thickness in obese women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Excessive weight is a well-known risk factor for microvascular
      diseases. Changes in thickness in a vascular tissue, such as the choroid, can be
      useful to evaluate the effect of obesity on the microvascular system. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the choroidal thickness (CT) changes in obese women,
      using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: The prospective clinical study
      included examination of the right eyes of 72 patients. The right eyes of 68
      patients were examined and served as the controls. A complete ophthalmological
      examination and OCT imaging were performed for each group studied. The CT in each
      eye was measured using OCT. RESULTS: The obese group consisted of 72 female
      patients with a mean age of 37.27 +/- 1.18 years. The control group included 68
      female subjects with a mean age of 37.85 +/- 7.98 years (p > 0.05). There was no
      statistical significant difference for the foveal retinal thickness measurements
      between the two groups (p > 0.5). Our study revealed significant choroidal tissue
      thickening subfoveally and at areas 500 MUm temporal, 500 MUm nasal, and 1500 MUm
      nasal to the fovea in the obese group (all p < 0.05). There was a positive
      correlation between body mass index (BMI) and CT changes. CONCLUSIONS: CT may
      increase in obese women and a positive correlation was found between BMI and CT.
      The trial protocol was approved by the Local Ethical Committee of the Kirikkale
      University, date of registration: April 27, 2015 (registration number: 10/11).

PMID- 27142209
TI  - Single-port versus conventional three-port laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal
      inguinal hernia repair: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) has been introduced for
      totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Clinically, however, the
      benefits of single-port TEP (SP TEP) are unclear. This study aimed to compare
      short-term surgical outcomes between SP TEP and conventional laparoscopic TEP(CL
      TEP) inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Between January 2013 and February 2015, 99
      men with primary unilateral inguinal hernia were randomized to the single-port or
      conventional 3-port TEP procedures. The primary end point was postoperative pain.
      Secondary end points were complications, postoperative hospital stay, days to
      return to daily normal activities, cosmesis, and quality of life (QOL). RESULTS:
      We randomized 50 patients to SP TEP and 49 to CL TEP repair. The SP TEP group
      patients had significantly lower pain scores (visual analog scale) 7 days
      postoperation (p = 0.017). However, there were no significant differences between
      the two groups in postoperative pain scores 24 h (p = 0.44) and 4 weeks (p =
      0.677) after operation and analgesic requirements on the operation day (p =
      0.303) and 7 days after the operation (p = 0.204). Operation time, postoperative
      hospital stay, and complications were comparable between the two groups. The days
      to return to daily normal activities, QOL, and cosmetic satisfaction were not
      different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of SP TEP hernia
      repair for operation time and morbidities were comparable to CL TEP, and
      postoperative pain was lower at 7 days than in CL TEP hernia repair. The SP TEP
      technique can be recommended as an alternative treatment for inguinal hernia
      repair in experienced hands.

PMID- 27142208
TI  - Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Highlights from a Review of the 2015 Literature.
AB  - Numerous publications contributed to the expanding knowledge base about drug
      induced liver injury (DILI) in 2015. New findings from the US Drug Induced Liver
      Injury Network (DILIN) in their most recently updated registry include a 1- to 3
      week delay in the appearance of acute DILI from short-course antibiotics such as
      cefazolin. They corroborated the finding that acute DILI in patients with
      underlying liver disease was far more severe and potentially fatal than in
      patients without liver disease. The only drug that seemed to have an increased
      risk of hepatotoxicity in these patients was azithromycin. While nearly one in
      six patients with acute DILI had persistently elevated liver tests at 6 months,
      and results for 75 % of these patients continued to be abnormal at 12 months,
      most of these "chronic" injury cases were relatively minor and the result of
      cholestatic hepatotoxins. Newly described DILI agents include tolvaptan, as well
      as some new direct-acting antiviral protease inhibitors for chronic hepatitis C.
      The latter have been associated with serious acute hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia,
      and decompensation. Herbal hepatotoxicity continues to be increasingly reported,
      although applying causality assessment to these cases can, in fact, be more
      challenging than with prescription drugs. As important as cases with DILI, the
      class of PCSK9 inhibitors used to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
      have not been associated with significant liver injury, in contrast with other
      lipid-lowering agents. With respect to pharmacologic DILI risk factors, new data
      show that drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes had a nearly four times
      higher likelihood of causing DILI. Interestingly, high lipophilicity, which was
      previously felt to be a risk factor for DILI, was not found to be associated,
      although more study is needed to confirm this observation. While human leukocyte
      antigen (HLA) genotypes have been linked to several specific agents, the role of
      such testing in the general population remains undefined due to the currently low
      positive and negative predictive values of the available tests. New DILI
      biomarkers, specifically microRNA-122 and keratin-18, among others, appear to
      have the necessary predictive value to determine the prognosis and outcome of
      patients with paracetamol (acetaminophen [AAP])-induced acute liver failure
      (ALF), and may be of great benefit in deciding who requires N-acetylcysteine
      (NAC), and for what duration. Treatment options for other forms of DILI remain
      limited; no firm conclusions can currently be drawn for the use of NAC in non-AAP
      ALF.

PMID- 27142210
TI  - Raised mammographic density: causative mechanisms and biological consequences.
AB  - High mammographic density is the most important risk factor for breast cancer,
      after ageing. However, the composition, architecture, and mechanical properties
      of high X-ray density soft tissues, and the causative mechanisms resulting in
      different mammographic densities, are not well described. Moreover, it is not
      known how high breast density leads to increased susceptibility for cancer, or
      the extent to which it causes the genomic changes that characterise the disease.
      An understanding of these principals may lead to new diagnostic tools and
      therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 27142211
TI  - Motherhood in childhood: addressing reproductive health hazards among adolescent
      married women in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In India, due to the high prevalence of child marriage, most
      adolescent pregnancies occur within marriage. Pregnancy and childbirth
      complications are among the leading causes of death in girls aged 15 to 19 years.
      Hence, adolescent pregnancy is a serious health threat to young women in India.
      METHODS: The study focuses on the level and trends of adolescent pregnancy rate
      (per thousand currently married adolescent women) in India in the last two
      decades, based on cross-sectional data from three different periods, DLHS-1 (1998
      99), DLHS-2 (2002-04) and DLHS-3 (2007-08). Further, the determinants of
      adolescent pregnancy and its effects are analyzed using the DLHS-3 data, which
      used a multi-stage stratified systematic sampling design. The sample size of this
      study was 18,709 pregnancies that occurred to 14,006 currently married adolescent
      (15-19 years) women. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to
      examine the association between pregnancy outcomes (live birth vs.
      abortion/stillbirth) and health complications with socioeconomic variables and
      maternal-child health (MCH) service utilization. RESULTS: During the periods of
      1998-99, 2002-04 and 2007-08, the rate of adolescent pregnancy was 427, 467 and
      438 respectively. In 2007-08, the proportion of live births (vs. stillbirth or
      abortion) was significantly higher among older adolescents aged 18-19 years (OR =
      1.25, 95 % CI (1.08-1.44), p < 0.001) than among younger adolescent women of 15
      17 years. The proportion of live births was also higher among women having 10
      years or more education (OR = 1.26, 95 % CI (1.01-1.56), p < 0.01). The
      prevalence of live birth was significantly higher among women who had received
      some delivery advices (OR = 1.38, 95 % CI (0.96-1.95), p < 0.01), had consumed
      iron/folic acid tablets, (OR = 1.37, 95 % CI (0.89-2.11), p < 0.05), had received
      Tetanus Toxoid injection (OR = 2.29, 95 % CI (1.25-4.19), p < 0.001), while those
      with assisted vaginal delivery were significantly less likely to have a live
      birth (OR = 0.38,95 % CI (0.21-0.68), p < 0.001). Adolescent women had 66.6 %
      delivery complications (i.e. any one problem) vs. 62.5 % among adult women (20-24
      years), (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Stillbirth and abortion are more prevalent among
      younger adolescents than among older adolescents, and among all adolescents than
      among adult women. Delaying the first birth until age 20 appears to benefit both
      mothers and babies. Access to reproductive health services; timely and quality
      family planning services and safe abortion and delivery advice; tetanus toxoid
      and iron/folic acid for those married adolescents who do become pregnant could
      improve health outcomes.

PMID- 27142212
TI  - Staged imaging pathway for the evaluation of pediatric appendicitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite significant radiation exposure involved with computed tomography
      (CT) in evaluation of pediatric appendicitis, its use is still widespread. The
      goal of this study was to assess the effect of a staged imaging pathway for
      appendicitis to significantly decrease CT use while maintaining diagnostic
      accuracy. METHODS: Chart review was performed for patients evaluated for
      appendicitis over a 12-month period prior to and after pathway implementation.
      RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in CT use as initial imaging after
      implementation of the pathway; 87.1-13.4 % for evaluations positive for
      appendicitis (decrease 84.6 %, p < 0.0001) and 82.6-9.2 % for evaluations
      negative for appendicitis (decrease 88.9 %, p < 0.0001). Use of CT during any
      point in the evaluation decreased from 91.7 to 25.1 % (decrease 72.6 %, p <
      0.0001). The negative appendectomy rate was similar; 5.4 % prior, 4.9 % post (p =
      0.955). The missed appendicitis rate did not statistically change; 1.1 % prior,
      3.7 % post (p = 0.523). The perforation rate was not statistically altered; 6.5 %
      prior; 9.8 % post (p = 0.421). 350 less patients underwent CT during the year
      following the pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The staged imaging pathway resulted in a
      marked decrease in children exposed to CT without compromising diagnostic
      accuracy.

PMID- 27142213
TI  - The expanding phenotypic spectrum of female SLC9A6 mutation carriers: a case
      series and review of the literature.
AB  - Christianson syndrome (OMIM 300243), caused by mutations in the X-linked SLC9A6
      gene, is characterized by severe global developmental delay and intellectual
      disability, developmental regression, epilepsy, microcephaly and impaired ocular
      movements. It shares many common features with Angelman syndrome. Carrier females
      have been described as having learning difficulties with mild to moderate
      intellectual disability, behavioural issues and psychiatric illnesses. There is
      little literature on the carrier female phenotype of Christianson syndrome. We
      describe a large extended family with three affected males, four carrier females,
      one presumed carrier female and one obligate carrier female with a c.190G>T,
      p.E64X mutation known to cause a premature stop codon in SLC9A6. We characterize
      and expand the clinical phenotype of female SLC9A6 mutation carriers by comparing
      our described family with female carriers previously discussed in the literature.
      In particular, we highlight the neurodevelopmental and psychiatric phenotypes
      observed in our family and previous reports.

PMID- 27142214
TI  - Disease Progression in HIV Late Presenters: the Role of HIV Clinical Indicator
      Diseases Prior to HIV Diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Late diagnosis represents a major challenge in the control of HIV
      epidemics. The rate of disease progression is higher among late presenters. In
      Europe, HIV Clinical Indicator Diseases (CIDs) have been proposed to improve
      early diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: Our observational study evaluated the presence of
      these HIV CIDs prior to HIV diagnosis among a population of late presenters and
      assessed its correlation to disease progression. METHOD: A retrospective cohort
      study was conducted in HIV late presenters diagnosed from 2007 to 2013 at
      University Hospital of Ferrara (Italy). Hazard Ratios (H.R.s) for disease
      progression (new AIDS-events and death) were estimated by Cox proportional hazard
      model. RESULTS: We analysed 77 patients and we found that those with CIDs prior
      to HIV diagnosis (22%) had a 2.8 fold higher rate of disease progression compared
      to those without HIV CIDs (H.R. 2.82; 95% CI 1.21-6.53; P 0.02). Other factors
      associated with disease progression were AIDS presentation, HCV coinfection and
      Haemoglobin levels, with H.R.s of 3.14 (95%CI 1.23-7.99), 2.95 (95% CI 1.14-7.61)
      and 0.74 (95% CI 0.60-0.91), respectively. CONCLUSION: HIV CIDs confer a higher
      risk for disease progression even after adjustment for these confounding factors.
      Evaluation of previous HIV CIDs at HIV diagnosis could be an additional tool to
      identify and better manage HIV late presenters with higher risks of disease
      progression.

PMID- 27142215
TI  - Daily chlorhexidine bathing does not increase skin toxicity after remission
      induction or stem cell transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A recent multicenter study demonstrated that bathing with
      chlorhexidine reduces the transmission of resistant organisms and the risk of
      hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in ICUs. We wanted to confirm the
      feasibility of this strategy in a cohort of patients in a typical intensive
      haematology unit. METHODS: Patients treated with remission induction
      chemotherapy, autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation received daily
      chlorhexidine bathing. To avoid deshydratation of skin, we used prophylactic
      application of hydrating lotion, replaced by corticosteroid cream in case of skin
      toxicity of chemotherapy or conditioning. RESULTS: We studied 15 consecutive
      admissions of 12 patients. Daily chlorhexidine bathing never needed to be
      interrupted, even though 53% of patients were treated with intravenous
      cytarabine. Patients were satisfied with the skin treatment and reported few
      unwanted effects. DISCUSSION: Daily chlorhexidine bathing was feasible in our
      intensive haematology unit in all patients and did not increase skin toxicity,
      even when treated with IV cytarabine.

PMID- 27142216
TI  - Ontology-based annotations and semantic relations in large-scale (epi)genomics
      data.
AB  - Public repositories of large-scale biological data currently contain hundreds of
      thousands of experiments, including high-throughput sequencing and microarray
      data. The potential of using these resources to assemble data sets combining
      samples previously not associated is vastly unexplored. This requires the ability
      to associate samples with clear annotations and to relate experiments matched
      with different annotation terms. In this study, we illustrate the semantic
      annotation of Gene Expression Omnibus samples metadata using concepts from
      biomedical ontologies, focusing on the association of thousands of chromatin
      immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) samples
      with a given target, tissue and disease state. Next, we demonstrate the
      feasibility of quantitatively measuring the semantic similarity between different
      samples, with the aim of combining experiments associated with the same or
      similar semantic annotations, thus allowing the generation of large data sets
      without the need of additional experiments. We compared tools based on Unified
      Medical Language System with tools that use topic-specific ontologies, showing
      that the second approach outperforms the first both in the annotation process and
      in the computation of semantic similarity measures. Finally, we demonstrated the
      potential of this approach by identifying semantically homogeneous groups of ChIP
      seq samples targeting the Myc transcription factor, and expanding this data set
      with semantically coherent epigenetic samples. The semantic information of these
      data sets proved to be coherent with the ChIP-seq signal and with the current
      knowledge about this transcription factor.

PMID- 27142217
TI  - Computed tomography coronary angiography in patients with acute myocardial
      infarction and normal invasive coronary angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three to five percent of patients with acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI) have normal coronary arteries on invasive coronary angiography (ICA). The
      aim of this study was to assess the presence and characteristics of
      atherosclerotic plaques on computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and
      describe the clinical characteristics of this group of patients. METHODS: This
      was a multicentre, prospective, descriptive study on CTCA evaluation in thirty
      patients fulfilling criteria for AMI and without visible coronary plaques on ICA.
      CTCA evaluation was performed head to head in consensus by two experienced
      observers blinded to baseline patient characteristics and ICA results. Analysis
      of plaque characteristics and plaque effect on the arterial lumen was performed.
      Coronary segments were visually scored for the presence of plaque. Seventeen
      segments were differentiated, according to a modified American Heart Association
      classification. Echocardiography performed according to routine during the
      initial hospitalisation was retrieved for analysis of wall motion abnormalities
      and left ventricular systolic function in most patients. RESULTS: Twenty-five
      patients presented with non ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and five
      with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Mean age was 60.2 years and
      23/30 were women. The prevalence of risk factors of coronary artery disease (CAD)
      was low. In total, 452 coronary segments were analysed. Eighty percent (24/30)
      had completely normal coronary arteries and twenty percent (6/30) had coronary
      atherosclerosis on CTCA. In patients with atherosclerotic plaques, the median
      number of segments with plaque per patient was one. Echocardiography was normal
      in 4/22 patients based on normal global longitudinal strain (GLS) and normal wall
      motion score index (WMSI); 4/22 patients had normal GLS with pathological WMSI;
      3/22 patients had pathological GLS and normal WMSI; 11/22 patients had
      pathological GLS and WMSI and among them we could identify 5 patients with a
      Takotsubo pattern on echo. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a diagnosis of AMI, 80 % of
      patients with normal ICA showed no coronary plaques on CTCA. The remaining 20 %
      had only minimal non-obstructive atherosclerosis. Patients fulfilling clinical
      criteria for AMI but with completely normal ICA need further evaluation,
      suggestively with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

PMID- 27142220
TI  - Sex and race differences in QRS duration.
AB  - AIMS: The study investigated healthy subjects to study sex and race differences
      in QRS durations and the dependency of QRS durations on heart rates and other
      physiologic correlates. METHODS AND RESULTS: QRS duration and its heart rate
      dependency were evaluated in 420 615 electrocardiograms obtained in 523 healthy
      subjects including 111 females of African origin, 130 Caucasian females, 125
      males of African origin, and 129 Caucasian males. The distributions of QRS/RR
      slopes and QRS durations at RR intervals of 1 and 0.5 s were compared between sex
      and race-defined subgroups. At high heart rates, QRS duration was increased in
      ~35% of all subjects, while in the others, QRS was shortened (no differences
      between the subgroups). At RR interval of 1 s, the QRS duration was 97.4 +/- 4.6,
      99.8 +/- 6.0, 101.6 +/- 5.3, and 104.8 +/- 6.3 ms in African females, Caucasian
      females, African males, and Caucasian males, respectively (all differences P <
      0.001). Similar statistical differences were found at an RR of 0.5 s. When
      accounting for the differences in lean body mass, the difference between African
      and Caucasian subjects was as large as the difference between females and males.
      Within each subgroup, the normal QRS durations differed by 15-20 and 18-25 ms at
      RR intervals of 1 and 0.5 s, respectively. CONCLUSION: The QRS widths are heart
      rate dependent and different not only between women and men but also between
      African and Caucasian individuals. Difference in cardiac resynchronization
      therapy efficacy might be expected between patients of African and Caucasian
      origin stratified by QRS duration.

PMID- 27142221
TI  - The quenching effect of uranyl species in the photoluminescence emission and
      visible-light-driven water dissociation activity of CdS and TiO2 photocatalysts.
AB  - Anchoring of uranyl species (2-4 mol%) led to the complete quenching of
      photoluminescence emission and the visible-light-driven water photodissociation
      activity of TiO2 (Degussa-P25) and a hydrothermally synthesized CdS
      photocatalyst. Photophysical measurements revealed a fast relaxation and the
      transfer of photogenerated electrons/energy from the TiO2 or CdS substrate to the
      acceptor uranyl moieties. Besides the position of flat band levels, significant
      overlap of the absorption/emission spectra of the host matrix and the surface
      bound UO2(2+) species is responsible for this reverse energy transfer from a wide
      bandgap semiconductor to a material with a smaller band-to-band energy gap.

PMID- 27142223
TI  - Beach safety education for primary school children.
AB  - Childhood drowning remains a serious public health problem worldwide. The
      Australian Water Safety Council has set as one of its highest priorities the
      reduction of drowning deaths in children aged 0-14 years. However, concerns have
      recently been raised that many students completing primary school still lack the
      ability to recognize potential aquatic risks, cope with emergencies or assist
      someone else in danger. In this study, 107 primary school children aged 11-12
      completed a one day training programme led by surf lifesaving instructors. Pre,
      post and eight week follow-up measures showed statistically significant
      improvements in recognition of the red 'beach closed' flag, aquatic safety signs,
      how to identify a rip current and choosing the safest place to swim at a beach
      that included a rip current in the picture. Following training students were more
      willing to provide first aid assistance to family members and friends in an
      emergency situation. Findings reinforce the value of school-based training that
      provides a general foundation for aquatic safety, with the caveat that current
      programmes must be evaluated to ensure their content has a robust prevention
      focus.

PMID- 27142222
TI  - Novel genetic risk factors for asthma in African American children: Precision
      Medicine and the SAGE II Study.
AB  - Asthma, an inflammatory disorder of the airways, is the most common chronic
      disease of children worldwide. There are significant racial/ethnic disparities in
      asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality among US children. This trend is
      mirrored in obesity, which may share genetic and environmental risk factors with
      asthma. The majority of asthma biomedical research has been performed in
      populations of European decent. We sought to identify genetic risk factors for
      asthma in African American children. We also assessed the generalizability of
      genetic variants associated with asthma in European and Asian populations to
      African American children. Our study population consisted of 1227 (812 asthma
      cases, 415 controls) African American children with genome-wide single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) data. Logistic regression was used to identify associations
      between SNP genotype and asthma status. We identified a novel variant in the
      PTCHD3 gene that is significantly associated with asthma (rs660498, p = 2.2 * 10(
      7)) independent of obesity status. Approximately 5 % of previously reported
      asthma genetic associations identified in European populations replicated in
      African Americans. Our identification of novel variants associated with asthma in
      African American children, coupled with our inability to replicate the majority
      of findings reported in European Americans, underscores the necessity for
      including diverse populations in biomedical studies of asthma. 

PMID- 27142224
TI  - Isolation and co-culture of rat parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells to
      evaluate cellular interactions and response.
AB  - The liver is a central organ in the human body, and first line of defense between
      host and external environment. Liver response to any external perturbation is a
      collective reaction of resident liver cells. Most of the current in vitro liver
      models focus on hepatocytes, the primary metabolic component, omitting
      interactions and cues from surrounding environment and non-parenchymal cells
      (NPCs). Recent studies suggest that contributions of NPCs are vital, particularly
      in disease conditions, and outcomes of drugs and their metabolites. Along with
      hepatocytes, NPCs-Kupffer (KC), sinusoidal endothelial (LSEC) and stellate cells
      (SC) are major cellular components of the liver. Incorporation of primary cells
      in in vitro liver platforms is essential to emulate the functions of the liver,
      and its overall response. Herein, we isolate individual NPC cell fractions from
      rat livers and co-culture them in a transwell format incorporating primary rat
      hepatocytes with LSECs, SCs, and KCs. Our results indicate that the presence and
      contributions of multiple cells within the co-culture capture the interactions
      between hepatocytes and NPC, and modulates the responses to inflammatory stimulus
      such as LPS. The isolation and co-culture methods could provide a stable platform
      for creating in vitro liver models that provide defined functionality beyond
      hepatocytes alone.

PMID- 27142225
TI  - A nanobody:GFP bacterial platform that enables functional enzyme display and easy
      quantification of display capacity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacterial surface display is an attractive technique for the
      production of cell-anchored, functional proteins and engineering of whole-cell
      catalysts. Although various outer membrane proteins have been used for surface
      display, an easy and versatile high-throughput-compatible assay for evaluating
      and developing surface display systems is missing. RESULTS: Using a single domain
      antibody (also called nanobody) with high affinity for green fluorescent protein
      (GFP), we constructed a system that allows for fast, fluorescence-based detection
      of displayed proteins. The outer membrane hybrid protein LppOmpA and the
      autotransporter C-IgAP exposed the nanobody on the surface of Escherichia coli
      with very different efficiency. Both anchors were capable of functionally
      displaying the enzyme Chitinase A as a fusion with the nanobody, and this
      considerably increased expression levels compared to displaying the nanobody
      alone. We used flow cytometry to analyse display capability on single-cell versus
      population level and found that the signal peptide of the anchor has great effect
      on display efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed an inexpensive and easy
      read-out assay for surface display using nanobody:GFP interactions. The assay is
      compatible with the most common fluorescence detection methods, including multi
      well plate whole-cell fluorescence detection, SDS-PAGE in-gel fluorescence,
      microscopy and flow cytometry. We anticipate that the platform will facilitate
      future in-depth studies on the mechanism of protein transport to the surface of
      living cells, as well as the optimisation of applications in industrial biotech.

PMID- 27142226
TI  - Risks of spontaneously and IVF-conceived singleton and twin pregnancies differ,
      requiring reassessment of statistical premises favoring elective single embryo
      transfer (eSET).
AB  - A published review of the literature by Dutch investigators in 2004 suggested
      significant outcome differences between spontaneously - and in vitro
      fertilization (IVF) - conceived singleton and twin pregnancies. Here we review
      whether later studies between 2004-2015 confirmed these findings. Though
      methodologies of here reviewed studies varied, and all were retrospective, they
      overall confirmed results of the 2004 review, and supported significant outcome
      variances between spontaneously- and IVF-conceived pregnancies: IVF singletons
      demonstrate significantly poorer and IVF twins significantly better perinatal
      outcomes than spontaneously conceived singletons and twins, with differences
      stable over time, and with overall obstetrical outcomes significantly improved.
      Exaggerations of severe IVF twin risks are likely in the 50 % range, while
      exaggerations of milder perinatal risks are approximately in 25 % range. Though
      elective single embryo transfers (eSET) have been confirmed to reduce pregnancy
      chances, they are, nevertheless, increasingly utilized. eSET, equally
      unquestionably, however, reduces twin pregnancies. Because twin pregnancies have
      been alleged to increase outcome risks in comparison to singleton pregnancies,
      here reported findings should affect the ongoing discussion whether increased
      twin risks are factual. With no risk excess, eSET significantly reduces IVF
      pregnancy chances without compensatory benefits and, therefore, is not advisable
      in IVF, unless patients do not wish to conceive twins or have medical
      contraindications to conceiving twins. 

PMID- 27142228
TI  - Pain following cancer treatment: Guidelines for the clinical classification of
      predominant neuropathic, nociceptive and central sensitization pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to fatigue, pain is the most frequent persistent symptom
      in cancer survivors. Clear guidelines for both the diagnosis and treatment of
      pain in cancer survivors are lacking. Classification of pain is important as it
      may facilitate more specific targeting of treatment. In this paper we present an
      overview of nociceptive, neuropathic and central sensitization pain following
      cancer treatment, as well as the rationale, criteria and process for stratifying
      pain classification. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Recently, a clinical method for
      classifying any pain as either predominant central sensitization pain,
      neuropathic or nociceptive pain was developed, based on a large body of research
      evidence and international expert opinion. We, a team of 15 authors from 13
      different centers, four countries and two continents have applied this
      classification algorithm to the cancer survivor population. RESULTS: The
      classification of pain following cancer treatment entails two steps: (1)
      examining the presence of neuropathic pain; and (2) using an algorithm for
      differentiating predominant nociceptive and central sensitization pain. Step 1
      builds on the established criteria for neuropathic pain diagnosis, while Step 2
      applies a recently developed clinical method for classifying any pain as either
      predominant central sensitization pain, neuropathic or nociceptive pain to the
      cancer survivor population. CONCLUSION: The classification criteria allow
      identifying central sensitization pain following cancer treatment. The
      recognition of central sensitization pain in practice is an important development
      in the integration of pain neuroscience into the clinic, and one that is relevant
      for people undergoing and following cancer treatment.

PMID- 27142227
TI  - The Trichoderma atroviride putative transcription factor Blu7 controls light
      responsiveness and tolerance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most living organisms use sunlight as a source of energy and/or
      information about their environment. Consequently, they have developed mechanisms
      to sense light quality and quantity. In the fungus Trichoderma atroviride blue
      light is perceived through the Blue Light Regulator Complex, which in turn up
      regulates a set of genes (blu) and down-regulates another set (bld), triggering
      asexual reproduction. To gain insight into this process, we characterized the
      blu7 gene, which encodes a protein containing a C2H2 zinc finger domain. RESULTS:
      Deltablu7 mutants show reduced conidiation at low light fluences, which is still
      clear even when exposed to saturating light. For the first time we show a genome
      wide survey of light regulated gene expression in T. atroviride, including RNA
      seq analyses of the wild type and the Deltablu7 strains after brief exposure to
      blue-light. Our data show a reduction in the number of induced genes and an
      increase in down-regulated genes in the mutant. Light activates stress responses
      and several metabolic processes in the wild type strain that are no longer
      activated in the mutant. In agreement with the misregulation of metabolic
      processes, continuous exposure to white light strongly inhibited growth of the
      ?blu7 mutant, in a carbon source dependent fashion. RNA-seq analyses under
      constant white light using glucose as sole carbon source revealed that
      localization and transport process present the opposite regulation pattern in the
      ?blu7 and wild type strains. Genes related to amino acid, sugar and general
      transporters were enriched in the induced genes in the mutant and the repressed
      genes of the wild type. Peptone supplemented in the media restored growth of the
      ?blu7 mutant in constant light, suggesting a role of Blu7 in the regulation of
      nitrogen metabolism in the presence of light. CONCLUSIONS: Blu7 appears to
      regulate light sensitivity in terms of induction of conidiation, and to play a
      major role in supporting growth under continuous exposure to light. The
      diminished conidiation observed in ?blu7 mutants is likely due to misregulation
      of the cAMP signaling pathway and ROS production, whereas their low tolerance to
      continuous exposure to light indicates that Blu7 is required for adaptation.

PMID- 27142229
TI  - Hematologic reference intervals for Xenopus tropicalis with partial use of
      automatic counting methods and reliability of long-term stored samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The African frog, Xenopus tropicalis, is widely used in biomedical
      and toxicologic research. Reference intervals (RI) for hematologic variables,
      valuable to research and health status assessment, have not been established.
      OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to determine hematologic RI of X
      tropicalis, and establish whether automated cell counting can facilitate routine
      hematologic assessment in frogs. METHODS: Blood from 41 adult healthy X
      tropicalis was collected via cardiac puncture, and diluted in Natt-Herrick
      solution. Complete WBC, RBC, and thrombocyte counts (hemocytometry), differential
      WBC counts (Wright-Giemsa-stained smears), PCV (centrifugation), total protein
      (refractometry), and automated total cell counts (WBC + RBC + thrombocytes,
      Sysmex particle counting) were determined. Concordance correlation coefficients
      calculated the agreement between total cell counts obtained by hemocytometry and
      automated particle counting, and between total cell counts at collection and
      after 2 years of storage. RESULTS: Leukocyte morphology was similar to other
      amphibians and mammals. PCV was similar to other frogs; RBC counts were higher,
      and MCV was lower than in other frog species. Neutrophils were the most numerous
      WBC. Agreement was good between hemocytometry and automated cell counts.
      Subtracting the hemocytometer WBC and thrombocyte counts from the automated total
      cell count reliably yielded the RBC count. Cellular integrity evaluated 2 years
      post collection was good, and automated counts were not clinically different from
      counts at collection. CONCLUSION: We provide hematologic RI for X tropicalis,
      suggest how automated cell counts may facilitate hematologic assessments of
      frogs, and establish that blood in Natt-Herrick solution is stable 2 years post
      collection.

PMID- 27142230
TI  - Expression of calbindin-D9k and vitamin D receptor in the uterus of Egyptian
      buffalo during follicular and luteal phases.
AB  - Uteri of mature Egyptian buffalo cows (5-10 years old) were collected at
      follicular (n=12) and luteal (n=16) phases of estrous cycle to investigate the
      expression of calbindin-D9k (CaPB-9k) and vitamin D receptor (VDR). This study
      was done using avidin-biotin immunohistochemistry method. In addition, blood
      levels of calcium (Ca), vitamin D3 (Vit D), estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4)
      were measured. The immunohistochemical findings restricted the expressions of
      CaBP-9k and VDR to the luminal and glandular epithelia of the endometrium
      implicating the importance of CaBP-9K and VDR in the function of endometrial
      epithelium, especially the glandular one, in order to prepare a receptive uterus.
      On the other hand, the myometrium did not express CaBP-9k or VDR that denies the
      potential role of CaBP-9k and VDR in the uterine contractility during the estrous
      cycle of Egyptian buffalo. All of Ca, Vit D, and P4 blood levels significantly
      (P<0.05) increased during luteal phase however, blood level of E2 significantly
      (P<0.05) increased during follicular phase. The expressions of CaBP-9k and VDR in
      the uterus of Egyptian buffalo were significantly (P<0.05) higher during luteal
      (P4 dominant) phase than during the follicular (E2 dominant) phase indicating
      that P4 up-regulates the expressions of CaBP-9k and VDR. In view of these
      observations, this study represents the first characterization of CaBP-9K and VDR
      expression in the uterus of Egyptian buffalo and suggests the pivotal role of
      CaBP-9k and VDR in the uterine receptivity. Furthermore, it demonstrates the
      regulatory role of P4 for expressions of CaBP-9k and VDR in buffalo uterus. 

PMID- 27142231
TI  - The Influence of Spiritual Framing on African American Women's Mammography
      Intentions: A Randomized Trial.
AB  - Spiritual framing of breast cancer communication may provide a useful strategy
      for addressing disparate rates of breast cancer mortality among African American
      women. The efficacy of a spiritually framed breast cancer screening (BCS) message
      was compared with that of a traditional BCS message. Specifically, 200 African
      American women were randomly assigned to review either a spiritually framed or
      traditional BCS message and complete a self-administered survey, including a
      thought-listing form. Message efficacy was measured by number of thoughts
      generated (elaboration), ratio of positive to negative thoughts (polarity), and
      intention to obtain and/or recommend a mammogram. Multiple linear regression and
      structural equation modeling were used to assess direct and indirect (mediated)
      associations among variables. Spiritual framing was positively associated with
      greater elaboration (beta = .265, SE = .36, p < .001) and more positive polarity
      (beta = .237, SE = .04, p < .001) . Spiritual framing also had a significant
      indirect effect on mammography intentions through polarity (standardized indirect
      effect = .057, 95% confidence interval [.024, .106], p < .001). These results
      indicate that spiritual framing may improve the efficacy of BCS messages among
      African American women by eliciting more positive thoughts about screening.
      Interventions targeting African American women might consider the role of
      spirituality when tailoring messages to encourage regular mammography use.

PMID- 27142232
TI  - Development of efficient electrocatalysts via molecular hybridization of NiMn
      layered double hydroxide nanosheets and graphene.
AB  - Ni(2+)Mn(3+) layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoplatelets have been
      hydrothermally synthesized in a homogeneous precipitation of mixed Ni(2+)/Mn(2+)
      salts at a molar ratio of 2 : 1 via the hydrolysis of hexamethylenetetramine
      (HMT) and in situ oxidation with H2O2. After anion-exchange, NiMn LDH was
      exfoliated into unilamellar nanosheets. Subsequent flocculation of NiMn LDH
      nanosheets with (reduced) graphene oxide (GO/rGO) into superlattice composites
      was achieved and further tested as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction
      (OER). The face-to-face heteroassembly of NiMn LDH nanosheets with conductive rGO
      at an alternating sequence resulted in a small overpotential of 0.26 V and a
      Tafel slope of 46 mV per decade, which is much superior to as-exfoliated
      nanosheets. The analyses of electrochemical activity surface area (ECSA) and
      impedance spectra clearly indicated that the superlattice structure was ideal in
      facilitating the migration/transfer of the charge and reactants, revealing the
      electrochemical energetics and mechanism behind the synergistic effect arising
      from molecular hybridization. The proof of concept toward total water splitting
      using the newly developed hybrid electrocatalyst was demonstrated by an
      electrolysis cell powered by a single AA battery. 

PMID- 27142233
TI  - Live-high train-low improves repeated time-trial and Yo-Yo IR2 performance in sub
      elite team-sport athletes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of live-high train-low on team-sport
      athlete physical capacity and the time-course for adaptation. DESIGN: Pre-post
      parallel-groups. METHODS: Fifteen Australian footballers were matched for Yo-Yo
      Intermittent recovery test level 2 (Yo-YoIR2) performance and assigned to LHTL
      (n=7) or control (Con; n=8). LHTL spent 19 nights (3*5 nights, 1*4 nights, each
      block separated by 2 nights at sea level) at 3000-m simulated altitude (FIO2:
      0.142). Yo-Yo IR2 was performed pre and post 5, 15, and 19 nights. A 2- and 1-km
      time-trial (TT) was performed pre and post intervention. Haemoglobin mass
      (Hbmass) was measured in LHTL after 5, 10, 15, and 19 nights. A contemporary
      statistical approach using effect size, confidence limits, and magnitude-based
      inferences was used to measure changes between groups. RESULTS: Compared to pre,
      Hbmass was possibly higher after 15 (3.8%, effect size (ES) 0.19, 90% confidence
      limits 0.05-0.33) and very likely higher after 19 nights (6.7%, 0.35, 0.10;
      0.52). For Yo-Yo IR2, LHTL group change was not meaningfully different to Con
      after 5 nights, possibly greater after 15 (10.2%, 0.37, -0.29; 1.04), and likely
      greater after 19 nights (13.5%, 0.49, -0.16; 1.14). Both groups improved 2-km TT,
      with LHTL improvement possibly higher than CON (1.9%, 0.22, -0.18; 0.62). Only
      LHTL improved 1-km TT, with LHTL improvement likely greater than CON (4.6%, 0.56,
      -0.08; 1.04). CONCLUSIONS: Fifteen nights of LHTL was possibly effective, while
      19 nights was effective at increasing Hbmass, Yo-Yo IR2 and repeated TT
      performance more than sea-level training.

PMID- 27142234
TI  - Classification of Normal and Apoptotic Cells from Fluorescence Microscopy Images
      Using Generalized Polynomial Chaos and Level Set Function.
AB  - Accurate automated quantitative analysis of living cells based on fluorescence
      microscopy images can be very useful for fast evaluation of experimental outcomes
      and cell culture protocols. In this work, an algorithm is developed for fast
      differentiation of normal and apoptotic viable Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.
      For effective segmentation of cell images, a stochastic segmentation algorithm is
      developed by combining a generalized polynomial chaos expansion with a level set
      function-based segmentation algorithm. This approach provides a probabilistic
      description of the segmented cellular regions along the boundary, from which it
      is possible to calculate morphological changes related to apoptosis, i.e., the
      curvature and length of a cell's boundary. These features are then used as inputs
      to a support vector machine (SVM) classifier that is trained to distinguish
      between normal and apoptotic viable states of CHO cell images. The use of
      morphological features obtained from the stochastic level set segmentation of
      cell images in combination with the trained SVM classifier is more efficient in
      terms of differentiation accuracy as compared with the original deterministic
      level set method.

PMID- 27142235
TI  - Reversible and formaldehyde-mediated covalent binding of a bis-amino mitoxantrone
      analogue to DNA.
AB  - The ability of a bis-amino mitoxantrone anticancer drug (named WEHI-150) to form
      covalent adducts with DNA, after activation by formaldehyde, has been studied by
      electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry and HPLC. Mass spectrometry results
      showed that WEHI-150 could form covalent adducts with d(ACGCGCGT)2 that contained
      one, two or three covalent links to the octanucleotide, whereas the control drugs
      (daunorubicin and the anthracenediones mitoxantrone and pixantrone) only formed
      adducts with one covalent link to the octanucleotide. HPLC was used to examine
      the extent of covalent bond formation of WEHI-150 with d(CGCGCG)2 and
      d(CG(5Me)CGCG)2. Incubation of WEHI-150 with d(CG(5Me)CGCG)2 in the presence of
      formaldehyde resulted in the formation of significantly greater amounts of
      covalent adducts than was observed with d(CGCGCG)2. In order to understand the
      observed increase of covalent adducts with d(CG(5Me)CGCG)2, an NMR study of the
      reversible interaction of WEHI-150 at both CpG and (5Me)CpG sites was undertaken.
      Intermolecular NOEs were observed in the NOESY spectra of d(ACGGCCGT)2 with added
      WEHI-150 that indicated that the drug selectively intercalated at the CpG sites
      and from the major groove. In particular, NOEs were observed from the WEHI-150
      H2,3 protons to the H1' protons of G3 and G7 and from the H6,7 protons to the H5
      protons of C2 and C6. By contrast, intermolecular NOEs were observed between the
      WEHI-150 H2,3 protons to the H2'' proton of the (5Me)C3 in d(CG(5Me)CGCG)2, and
      between the drug aliphatic protons and the H1' proton of G4. This demonstrated
      that WEHI-150 preferentially intercalates at (5Me)CpG sites, compared to CpG
      sequences, and predominantly via the minor groove at the (5Me)CpG site. The
      results of this study demonstrate that WEHI-150 is likely to form interstrand DNA
      cross-links, upon activation by formaldehyde, and consequently exhibit greater
      cytotoxicity than other current anthracenedione drugs. 

PMID- 27142236
TI  - [Importance of halitosis. A survey of adolescents and young adults].
AB  - Over the last few years, halitosis has become an increasingly important issue for
      dentists and their patients. For this study, a questionnaire was distributed in
      four different vocational/vocational-technical schools in Zurich to find out more
      about the personal oral hygiene and general knowledge of halitosis of 888 young
      women and 921 young men between the ages of 15 and 25. The factors of gender,
      education, professional customer contact, age and size of the residential
      community were taken into account. Findings were presented on the basis of a
      visual analogue scale. The survey results showed women to have a more intensive
      oral hygiene regimen and more frequent check-ups than their male counterparts (p
      < 0.001). Bad breath was also seen to be a more important issue to women who took
      more measures against it (p < 0.001). Education and customer contact both had an
      influence on the perceived importance of halitosis, as well as on the knowledge
      of possible measures against it (p < 0.001). However, the age of those surveyed
      and the size of their respective communities did not seem to have an impact (p >
      0.05). The analysis showed that halitosis is an important issue for young people,
      and that a large part of the young population sees tongue cleaning as a part of
      oral hygiene and intraoral change as a cause of halitosis. 

PMID- 27142237
TI  - Significance of different carbon forms and carbonic anhydrase activity in
      monitoring and prediction of algal blooms in the urban section of Jialing River,
      Chongqing, China.
AB  - The Three Gorges Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric power plants worldwide;
      its reservoir was preliminarily impounded in 2003 and finally impounded to 175 m
      in 2012. The impoundment caused some environmental problems, such as algal
      blooms. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is an important biocatalyst in the carbon
      utilization by algae and plays an important role in algal blooms. CA has received
      considerable attention for its role in red tides in oceans, but less
      investigation has been focused on its role in algal blooms in fresh water. In
      this study, the seasonal variation of water quality parameters, different carbon
      forms, carbonic anhydrase activity (CAA), and the algal cell density of four
      sampling sites in the urban section of the Jialing River were investigated from
      November 1, 2013 to October 31, 2014. Results indicated that CAA exhibited a
      positive correlation with dissoluble organic carbon (DOC), pH, and temperature,
      but a negative correlation with CO2 and dissoluble inorganic carbon (DIC). Algal
      cell density exhibited a positive correlation with flow velocity (V), pH,
      particulate organic carbon (POC), and CAA, a negative correlation with CO2, and a
      negative partial correlation with DIC. The relationship between CAA and algal
      cell density for the entire year can be described as cells = 23.278CAA -
      42.666POC + 139.547pH - 1057.106. The algal bloom prediction model for the key
      control period can be described as cells = -45.895CAA + 776.103V- 29.523DOC +
      14.219PIC + 35.060POC + 19.181 (2 weeks in advance) and cells = 69.200CAA +
      203.213V + 4.184CO2 + 38.911DOC + 40.770POC - 189.567 (4 weeks in advance). The
      findings in this study demonstrate that the carbon utilization by algae is
      conducted by CA and provide a new method of monitoring algal cell density and
      predicting algal blooms. 

PMID- 27142238
TI  - Homology model, molecular dynamics simulation and novel pyrazole analogs design
      of Candida albicans CYP450 lanosterol 14 alpha-demethylase, a target enzyme for
      antifungal therapy.
AB  - Candida albicans infections and their resistance to clinically approved azole
      drugs are major concerns for human. The azole antifungal drugs inhibit the
      ergosterol synthesis by targeting lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase of cytochrome
      P450 family. The lack of high-resolution structural information of fungal
      pathogens has been a barrier for the design of modified azole drugs. Thus, a
      preliminary theoretical molecular dynamic study is carried out to develop and
      validate a simple homologous model using crystallographic structure of the
      lanosterol 14alpha-demethylase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (PDB ID-1EA1) in
      which the active site residues are substituted with that of C. albicans (taxid
      5476). Further, novel designed pyrazole analogs (SGS1-16) docked on chimeric 1EA1
      and revealed that SGS-16 show good binding affinity through non-bonding
      interaction with the heme, which is different from the leading azole antifungals.
      The ADME-T results showed these analogs can be further explored in design of more
      safe and effective antifungal agents.

PMID- 27142239
TI  - Characterization of ultrasonic vocalizations of Fragile X mice.
AB  - Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the leading form of inherited intellectual
      disability. It is caused by the transcriptional silencing of FMR1, the gene which
      codes for the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). Patients who have FXS
      exhibit numerous behavioral and cognitive impairments, such as attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and autistic-like
      behaviors. In addition to these behavioral abnormalities, FXS patients have also
      been shown to exhibit various deficits in communication such as abnormal sentence
      structures, increased utterances, repetition of sounds and words, and reduced
      articulation. These deficits can dramatically hinder communication for FXS
      patients, exacerbating learning and cognition impairments while decreasing their
      quality of life. To examine the biological underpinnings of these communication
      abnormalities, studies have used a mouse model of the Fragile X Syndrome;
      however, these vocalization studies have resulted in inconsistent findings that
      often do not correlate with abnormalities observed in FXS patients.
      Interestingly, a detailed examination of frequency modulated vocalizations that
      are believed to be a better assessment of rodent communication has never been
      conducted. The following study used courtship separation to conduct a detailed
      examination of frequency modulated ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in FXS mice.
      Our analyses of frequency modulated USVs demonstrated that adult FXS mice
      exhibited longer phrases and more motifs. Phrases are vocalizations consisting of
      multiple frequency modulated ultrasonic vocalizations, while motifs are repeated
      frequency modulated USV patterns. Fragile X mice had a higher proportion of "u"
      syllables in all USVs and phrases while their wildtype counterparts preferred
      isolated "h" syllables. Although the specific importance of these syllables
      towards communication deficits still needs to be evaluated, these findings in
      production of USVs are consistent with the repetitive and perseverative speech
      patterns observed in FXS patients. This study demonstrates that FXS mice can be
      used to study the underlying biological mechanism(s) mediating FXS vocalization
      abnormalities.

PMID- 27142240
TI  - Impact of methotrexate dose on efficacy of adalimumab in Japanese patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis: Results from registered data analyses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Upper limit of methotrexate (MTX) for patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) was recently increased from 8 to 16 mg/week in Japan. We therefore
      examined the effect of concomitant MTX dose on the efficacy of adalimumab (ADA)
      in clinical practice. METHOD: Sixty-one consecutive RA patients treated with ADA
      were followed for minimum 52 weeks and retrospectively compared by MTX dose;
      patients receiving concomitant MTX of 10 mg/week or more (MTX >=10 mg group) and
      <10 mg/week (MTX <10 mg group). Disease activity and remission were evaluated by
      the disease activity score 28 (DAS28) criteria. RESULTS: The MTX >=10 mg group
      consistently showed better improvement in DAS28 and resulted in more patients
      (52.8%) with DAS28-remission compared with the MTX <10 mg group (26.1%).
      Multivariate analysis showed that MTX >=10 mg had a significant effect on DAS28
      remission with odds ratio of 5.12. ADA retention rate was 72.2% in MTX >=10 mg
      group compared with 52.0% in MTX <10 mg group. Discontinuation of ADA due to
      adverse events were comparable in the MTX >=10 mg and MTX <10 mg groups (11.1%
      vs. 12.0%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the critical role of concomitant
      MTX in the efficacy of ADA, and recommend use of MTX >=10 mg in Japanese RA
      patients.

PMID- 27142241
TI  - Spatial Cross-Talk between Oxidative Stress and DNA Replication in Human
      Fibroblasts.
AB  - MS-based proteomics has been applied to a differential network analysis of the
      nuclear-cytoplasmic subcellular distribution of proteins between cell-cycle
      arrest: (a) at the origin activation checkpoint for DNA replication, or (b) in
      response to oxidative stress. Significant changes were identified for 401
      proteins. Cellular response combines changes in trafficking and in total
      abundance to vary the local compartmental abundances that are the basis of
      cellular response. Appreciable changes for both perturbations were observed for
      245 proteins, but cross-talk between oxidative stress and DNA replication is
      dominated by 49 proteins that show strong changes for both. Many nuclear
      processes are influenced by a spatial switch involving the proteins {KPNA2,
      KPNB1, PCNA, PTMA, SET} and heme/iron proteins HMOX1 and FTH1. Dynamic spatial
      distribution data are presented for proteins involved in caveolae, extracellular
      matrix remodelling, TGFbeta signaling, IGF pathways, emerin complexes,
      mitochondrial protein import complexes, spliceosomes, proteasomes, and so on. The
      data indicate that for spatially heterogeneous cells cross-compartmental
      communication is integral to their system biology, that coordinated spatial
      redistribution for crucial protein networks underlies many functional changes,
      and that information on dynamic spatial redistribution of proteins is essential
      to obtain comprehensive pictures of cellular function. We describe how spatial
      data of the type presented here can provide priorities for further investigation
      of crucial features of high-level spatial coordination across cells. We suggest
      that the present data are related to increasing indications that much of
      subcellular protein transport is constitutive and that perturbation of these
      constitutive transport processes may be related to cancer and other diseases. A
      quantitative, spatially resolved nucleus-cytoplasm interaction network is
      provided for further investigations.

PMID- 27142242
TI  - IDH2 deficiency promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and dopaminergic
      neurotoxicity: implications for Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by
      the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta
      (SNpc) and its pathogenesis is under intense investigation. Substantial evidence
      indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play central roles
      in the pathophysiology of PD, through activation of mitochondria-dependent
      apoptotic molecular pathways. Several mitochondrial internal regulating factors
      act to maintain mitochondrial function. However, the mechanism by which these
      internal regulating factors contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction in PD remains
      elusive. One of these factors, mitochondrial NADP(+)-dependent isocitrate
      dehydrogenase (IDH2), has been implicated in the regulation of mitochondrial
      redox balance and reduction of oxidative stress-induced cell injury. Here we
      report that IDH2 regulates mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in
      MPP(+)/MPTP-induced DA neuronal cells, and in a mouse model of PD. Down
      regulation of IDH2 increased DA neuron sensitivity to MPP(+); lowered IDH2 levels
      facilitated induction of apoptotic cell death due to elevated mitochondrial
      oxidative stress. Deficient IDH2 also promoted loss of DA SNpc neurons in an MPTP
      mouse model of PD. Interestingly, Mito-TEMPO, a mitochondrial ROS-specific
      scavenger, protected degeneration of SNpc DA neurons in the MPTP model of PD.
      These findings demonstrate that IDH2 contributes to degeneration of the DA neuron
      in the neurotoxin model of PD and establish IDH2 as a molecular target of
      potential therapeutic significance for this disabling neurological illness. 

PMID- 27142243
TI  - Prediction of pathological fracture of the femoral shaft with an osteolytic
      lesion using a computed tomography-based nonlinear three-dimensional finite
      element method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physicians radiologically estimate the reduction in bone strength
      based on the size or location of bone tumors. The goal of this study was to
      clarify the relationship between the size or location of a bony defect and its
      mechanical strength using a computed tomography-based three-dimensional finite
      element method. METHODS: Computed tomography data of the right femur from two
      volunteers (one healthy male and one female patient with primary osteoporosis)
      were used for the present study. A spherical defect of various sizes and
      locations at the level of the isthmus of the femoral shaft was created on the
      three-dimensional finite element models to simulate the osteolytic bone tumor. We
      classified these defects into three types: inner erosion, cortical disruption,
      and outer erosion. Two types of mechanical testing were performed: axial
      compression and torsion. RESULTS: In the axial compression testing of the healthy
      male subject, the correlation coefficients between the defect rate and the
      failure load in the cortical disruption type, inner erosion type, and outer
      erosion type were -0.916, -0.358, and -0.106, respectively. In the torsion
      testing, they were -0.8744, -0.9001, and -0.8907, respectively. In the axial
      compression testing of the osteoporotic female subject, the correlation
      coefficients in the cortical disruption type, inner erosion type, and outer
      erosion type were -0.754, -0.621, and -0.158, respectively. In the torsion
      testing, they were -0.9199, -0.5098, and -0.8363, respectively. In both tests,
      the defect rate of the cortex increased and the bone strength decreased,
      especially in the cortical disruption type. CONCLUSION: The results of the
      present study demonstrate that osteolytic bone tumors can weaken the bone
      strength, particularly when perforation of the cortex occurs via tumor invasion.
      These results may be useful for risk assessment of pathological fractures due to
      primary and metastatic osteolytic bone tumors in clinical practice.

PMID- 27142244
TI  - Good clinical outcomes in patients with osteoporotic vertebral collapse after
      spinal fusion in preoperative neutral alignment fixed in the lateral decubitus
      position.

PMID- 27142245
TI  - Highly Phosphorescent Crystals of Square-Planar Platinum Complexes with Chiral
      Organometallic Linkers: Homochiral versus Heterochiral Arrangements, Induced
      Circular Dichroism, and TD-DFT Calculations.
AB  - A novel class of chiral luminescent square-planar platinum complexes with a pi
      bonded chiral thioquinonoid ligand is described. Remarkably the presence of this
      chiral organometallic ligand controls the aggregation of this square planar
      luminophor and imposes a homo- or hetero-chiral arrangement at the supramolecular
      level, displaying non-covalent Pt-Pt and pi-pi interactions. Interestingly these
      complexes are highly luminescent in the crystalline state and their photophysical
      properties can be traced to their aggregation in the solid state. A TD-DFT
      calculation is obtained to rationalize this unique behavior.

PMID- 27142246
TI  - Corrigendum: Mechanical Fracturing of Core-Shell Undercooled Metal Particles for
      Heat-Free Soldering.

PMID- 27142247
TI  - Treatment allocation in patients with early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma:
      Prevalence and predictors of lymph node involvement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In considering treatment allocation for patients with early
      esophageal adenocarcinoma, the incidence of lymph node metastasis is a critical
      determinant; however, this has not been well defined or stratified by the
      relevant clinical predictors of lymph node spread. METHODS: Data from the
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database of the National Cancer
      Institute were abstracted from 2004 to 2010 for patients with early-stage
      esophageal adenocarcinoma. The incidence of lymph node involvement for patients
      with Tis, T1a, and T1b tumors was examined and was stratified by predictors of
      spread. RESULTS: A total of 13,996 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma were
      evaluated. Excluding those with advanced, metastatic, and/or invasive (T2-T4)
      disease, 715 patients with Tis, T1a, and T1b tumors were included. On
      multivariate analysis, tumor grade (odds ratio [OR], 2.76; 95% confidence
      interval [95% CI], 1.58-4.82 [P<.001]), T classification (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24
      0.91 [P =.025]), and tumor size (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.48-4.85 [P = .001]) were
      found to be independently associated with lymph node metastases. There was no
      lymph node spread noted with Tis tumors. For patients with low-grade (well or
      moderately differentiated) tumors measuring <2 cm in size, the risk of lymph node
      metastasis was 1.7% for T1a (P<.001) and 8.6% for T1b (P = .001) tumors.
      CONCLUSIONS: For patients with low-grade Tis or T1 tumors measuring <=2 cm in
      size, the incidence of lymph node metastasis appears to be comparable to the
      mortality rate associated with esophagectomy. For highly selected patients with
      early esophageal adenocarcinomas, the results of the current study support the
      recommendation that local endoscopic resection can be considered as an
      alternative to surgical management when followed by rigorous endoscopic and
      radiographic surveillance. Cancer 2016;122:2150-7. (c) 2016 American Cancer
      Society.

PMID- 27142249
TI  - Self-assembly of MPG1, a hydrophobin protein from the rice blast fungus that
      forms functional amyloid coatings, occurs by a surface-driven mechanism.
AB  - Rice blast is a devastating disease of rice caused by the fungus Magnaporthe
      oryzae and can result in loss of a third of the annual global rice harvest. Two
      hydrophobin proteins, MPG1 and MHP1, are highly expressed during rice blast
      infections. These hydrophobins have been suggested to facilitate fungal spore
      adhesion and to direct the action of the enzyme cutinase 2, resulting in
      penetration of the plant host. Therefore a mechanistic understanding of the self
      assembly properties of these hydrophobins and their interaction with cutinase 2
      is crucial for the development of novel antifungals. Here we report details of a
      study of the structure, assembly and interactions of these proteins. We
      demonstrate that, in vitro, MPG1 assembles spontaneously into amyloid structures
      while MHP1 forms a non-fibrillar film. The assembly of MPG1 only occurs at a
      hydrophobic:hydrophilic interface and can be modulated by MHP1 and other factors.
      We further show that MPG1 assemblies can much more effectively retain cutinase 2
      activity on a surface after co-incubation and extensive washing compared with
      other protein coatings. The assembly and interactions of MPG1 and MHP1 at
      hydrophobic surfaces thereby provide the basis for a possible mechanism by which
      the fungus can develop appropriately at the infection interface.

PMID- 27142250
TI  - Effects of Intraventricular Methotrexate on Neuronal Injury and Gene Expression
      in a Rat Model: Findings From an Exploratory Study.
AB  - Central nervous system (CNS)-directed treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia,
      used to prevent disease recurrence in the brain, is essential for survival.
      Systemic and intrathecal methotrexate, commonly used for CNS-directed treatment,
      have been associated with cognitive problems during and after treatment. The
      cortex, hippocampus, and caudate putamen, important brain regions for learning
      and memory, may be involved in methotrexate-induced brain injury. Objectives of
      this study were to (1) quantify neuronal degeneration in selected regions of the
      cortex, hippocampus, and caudate putamen and (2) measure changes in the
      expression of genes with known roles in oxidant defense, apoptosis/inflammation,
      and protection from injury. Male Sprague Dawley rats were administered 2 or 4
      mg/kg of methotrexate diluted in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) or aCSF
      only into the left cerebral lateral ventricle. Gene expression changes were
      measured using customized reverse transcription (RT)(2) polymerase chain reaction
      arrays. The greatest percentage of degenerating neurons in methotrexate-treated
      animals was in the medial region of the cortex; percentage of degenerating
      neurons in the dentate gyrus and cornu ammonis 3 regions of the hippocampus was
      also greater in rats treated with methotrexate compared to perfusion and vehicle
      controls. There was a greater percentage of degenerating neurons in the inferior
      cortex of control versus methotrexate-treated animals. Eight genes involved in
      protection from injury, oxidant defense, and apoptosis/inflammation were
      significantly downregulated in different brain regions of methotrexate-treated
      rats. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate methotrexate
      induced injury in selected brain regions and gene expression changes using a rat
      model of intraventricular drug administration.

PMID- 27142251
TI  - Exploring the development of cultural awareness amongst post-graduate speech
      language pathology students.
AB  - PURPOSE: Speech-language pathology programs globally need to prepare graduates to
      work with culturally and linguistically diverse populations. This study explored
      the knowledge, perceptions and experiences related to development of cultural
      awareness of graduate-entry Master of Speech Pathology students at an Australian
      university. METHOD: Sixty students across both year-levels completed a cultural
      awareness survey at the beginning of the semester. To explore how clinical
      placement influenced students' knowledge and perceptions, year-2 students
      completed written reflections pre- and post-placement (n = 7) and participated in
      focus groups post-placement (n = 6). RESULT: Survey results showed student
      interest in working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations was
      high (over 80%) and confidence was moderate (over 50%). More than 80% of students
      reported awareness of their own cultural identities, stereotypes and prejudices.
      Content analysis of focus group and written reflection data identified key
      concepts comprising of: (1) context-university, and clinical placement site; (2)
      competencies-professional and individual; and (3) cultural implications-clients'
      and students' cultural backgrounds. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest clinical
      placement may positively influence cultural awareness development and students'
      own cultural backgrounds may influence this more. Further exploration of how
      students move along a continuum of cultural development is warranted.

PMID- 27142248
TI  - TRC8-dependent degradation of hepatitis C virus immature core protein regulates
      viral propagation and pathogenesis.
AB  - Signal-peptide peptidase (SPP) is an intramembrane protease that participates in
      the production of the mature core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Here we
      show that SPP inhibition reduces the production of infectious HCV particles and
      pathogenesis. The immature core protein produced in SPP-knockout cells or by
      treatment with an SPP inhibitor is quickly degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome
      pathway. Oral administration of the SPP inhibitor to transgenic mice expressing
      HCV core protein (CoreTg) reduces the expression of core protein and ameliorates
      insulin resistance and liver steatosis. Moreover, the haploinsufficiency of SPP
      in CoreTg has similar effects. TRC8, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is required for the
      degradation of the immature core protein. The expression of the HCV core protein
      alters endoplasmic reticulum (ER) distribution and induces ER stress in SPP/TRC8
      double-knockout cells. These data suggest that HCV utilizes SPP cleavage to
      circumvent the induction of ER stress in host cells. 

PMID- 27142252
TI  - Spoken language samples of Australian children in conversation, narration and
      exposition.
AB  - PURPOSE: Language sample analysis is a powerful clinical tool for identifying and
      describing the oral language difficulties of children with language impairment.
      In response to a lack of existing Australian normative data, the current study
      collected spoken language samples from 127 children attending the first 3 years
      of schooling (YOS). This dataset was compared with the New Zealand (NZ) database
      of language samples to determine whether clinicians can use overseas databases
      for appraising language performance of Australian children. METHOD: Children
      participated in several oral language tasks: conversation, personal narratives,
      story retelling and exposition (YOS3 only). RESULT: Analyses of the spoken
      language samples revealed a developmental trend of increasing syntactic
      complexity, semantic diversity and verbal productivity. Discourse genre had a
      significant impact on children's language production, with the expository task
      yielding the syntactically most complex language from the YOS 3 children.
      Comparisons between the Australian and NZ datasets revealed some differences in
      performance, with the Australian children showing better syntactic complexity.
      CONCLUSION: The Australian dataset of language samples provides clinicians with
      useful information regarding young school-age children's performance on a range
      of discourse tasks deemed important for classroom participation. Care should be
      taken when using the NZ database for diagnostic purposes.

PMID- 27142253
TI  - A biomimetic synthetic feeder layer supports the proliferation and self-renewal
      of mouse embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Successful realization of the enormous potential of pluripotent stem cells in
      regenerative medicine demands the development of well-defined culture conditions.
      Maintenance of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) typically requires co-culture with
      feeder layer cells, generally mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Concerns about
      xenogeneic pathogen contamination and immune reaction to feeder cells underlie
      the need for ensuring the safety and efficacy of future stem cell-based products
      through the development of a controlled culture environment. To gain insight into
      the effectiveness of MEF layers, here we have developed a biomimetic synthetic
      feeder layer (BSFL) that is acellular and replicates the stiffness and topography
      of MEFs. The mechanical properties of MEFs were measured using atomic force
      microscopy. The average Young's modulus of the MEF monolayers was replicated
      using tunable polyacrylamide (PA) gels. BSFLs replicated topographical features
      of the MEFs, including cellular, subcellular, and cytoskeletal features. On
      BSFLs, mouse ESCs adhered and formed compact round colonies; similar to on MEF
      controls but not on Flat PA. ESCs on BSFLs maintained their pluripotency and self
      renewal across passages, formed embryoid bodies and differentiated into
      progenitors of the three germ layers. This acellular biomimetic synthetic feeder
      layer supports stem cell culture without requiring co-culture of live xenogeneic
      feeder cells, and provides a versatile, tailorable platform for investigating
      stem cell growth. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Embryonic stem cells have enormous
      potential to aid therapeutics, because they can renew themselves and become
      different cell types. This study addresses a key challenge for ESC use - growing
      them safely for human patients. ESCs typically grow with a feeder layer of mouse
      fibroblasts. Since patients have a risk of immune response to feeder layer cells,
      we have developed a material to mimic the feeder layer and eliminate this risk.
      We investigated the influence of feeder layer topography and stiffness on mouse
      ESCs. While the biomimetic synthetic feeder layer contains no live cells, it
      replicates the stiffness and topography of feeder layer cells. Significantly,
      ESCs grown on BSFLs retain their abilities to grow and become multiple cell
      types.

PMID- 27142254
TI  - Role of integrin alpha7beta1 signaling in myoblast differentiation on aligned
      polydioxanone scaffolds.
AB  - The aligned structural environment in skeletal muscle is believed to be a crucial
      component in functional muscle regeneration. Myotube formation is increased on
      aligned biomaterials, but we do not fully understand the mechanisms that direct
      this enhanced fusion. Previous studies indicate that the alpha7 integrin subunit
      is upregulated during myoblast differentiation, suggesting that signaling via
      alpha7beta1 mediates the effect of alignment. To test this hypothesis, we took
      advantage of an in vitro model using random and aligned polydioxanone (PDO)
      matrices and C2C12 myoblasts. We measured expression and production of myoblast
      markers: paired box-7 (Pax7), myogenic differentiation factor-1 (MyoD), myogenin
      (MyoG), myogenic factor-6 (Myf6), and myosin heavy chain (MyHC). To examine the
      role of alpha7beta1 signaling, we measured expression and production of alpha7,
      alpha5, and beta1 and myoblast markers in wild type cells and in cells silenced
      for alpha7 and assessed effects of silencing on myogenic differentiation.
      Downstream signaling via ERK1/2 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) was
      examined using a specific MEK1/2 inhibitor. Alignment increased mRNAs and protein
      for early (MyoD) and late (MyoG, MyHC) myoblast markers in comparison to non
      aligned matrices, and these levels corresponded with increased alpha7 protein.
      alpha7-silencing reduced MyoG and MyHC protein in cells cultured on tissue
      culture polystyrene and aligned PDO matrices compared to wild type cells.
      Inhibition of ERK1/2 blocked effects of alignment. These data suggest that
      alignment regulates myogenic differentiation via alpha7beta1 integrin signaling
      and ERK1/2 mediated gene expression. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Muscle
      regeneration in severe muscle injuries is complex, requiring a sequence of events
      to promote healing and not fibrosis. Aligned biomaterials that recapitulate
      muscle environments hold potential to facilitate regeneration, but it is
      important to understand cell-substrate signaling to form functional muscle. A
      critical component of muscle signaling is integrin alpha7beta1, where mice
      lacking alpha7 exhibit a dystrophic phenotype and impaired regeneration. Here, we
      report the role of alpha7beta1 signaling in myoblast differentiation on aligned
      biomaterials. alpha7-silenced myoblasts were found to regulate myogenic
      differentiation and demonstrate defective fusion. Our data shows reduced levels
      of myogenin and myosin heavy chain protein, while MyoD remains unchanged. These
      results support the hypothesis that alpha7beta1 signaling plays a role in
      substrate-dependent tissue engineering strategies.

PMID- 27142255
TI  - Protein diffusion characteristics in the hydrogels of poly(ethylene glycol) and
      zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA).
AB  - Nonfouling materials such as neutral poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and zwitterionic
      poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA) are ideal biocompatible materials for
      drug, especially protein drug delivery. The interaction behavior of protein
      between the nonfouling materials could cause great impact on their future
      applications, such as controlled release drug delivery systems. In this work, we
      investigated the diffusion behavior of the fluorescence-labeled model proteins
      (bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (LYZ)) in nonfouling PEG, pSBMA and
      mixed PEG-SBMA hydrogels (SBMA:PEG 4:1, SBMA:PEG 1:4). It was observed that these
      four hydrogels showed varied diffusion behavior for either negatively charged BSA
      or positively charged LYZ due to protein-polymer interaction and the free water
      content in hydrogel matrix. The relatively stronger interaction between protein
      PEG than protein-pSBMA could increase protein loading efficiency and control
      release rate by changing ratio of PEG to SBMA in the hybrid hydrogel. Moreover,
      it is further demonstrated the free water (freezable water) content in low cross
      linked hydrogel, not the equilibrium water content (EWC), is a more accurate
      parameter to reflect the diffusion behavior of protein molecules. Thus, these
      results together provide new insights of the interactions between protein
      molecules and nonfouling polymers as well as the bio applications of the
      nonfouling polymeric hydrogels. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This work shows that
      the relative stronger interaction between protein-PEG than protein-pSBMA could
      increase protein loading efficiency and control release rate by the change ratio
      of PEG to SBMA in the hydrogel, while the free water (freezable water) content in
      low cross-linked hydrogel, not the equilibrium water content (EWC), is a more
      accurate parameter to reflect the diffusion behavior of protein molecules. The
      impact of this work (i) gains some new insights of the interactions between
      protein molecules and nonfouling polymer matrixes for protein drug delivery; (ii)
      prompts to apply the weak PEG-protein interactions to protein drug loading and
      release; (iii) provides a new fundamental understanding of free water in hydrogel
      for protein diffusion.

PMID- 27142256
TI  - Muller cell metabolic chaos during retinal degeneration.
AB  - Muller cells play a critical role in retinal metabolism and are among the first
      cells to demonstrate metabolic changes in retinal stress or disease. The timing,
      extent, regulation, and impacts of these changes are not yet known. We evaluated
      metabolic phenotypes of Muller cells in the degenerating retina. Retinas
      harvested from wild-type (WT) and rhodopsin Tg P347L rabbits were fixed in mixed
      aldehydes and resin embedded for computational molecular phenotyping (CMP). CMP
      facilitates small molecule fingerprinting of every cell in the retina, allowing
      evaluation of metabolite levels in single cells. CMP revealed signature
      variations in metabolite levels across Muller cells from TgP347L retina. In
      brief, neighboring Muller cells demonstrated variability in taurine, glutamate,
      glutamine, glutathione, glutamine synthetase (GS), and CRALBP. This variability
      showed no correlation across metabolites, implying the changes are functionally
      chaotic rather than simply heterogeneous. The inability of any clustering
      algorithm to classify Muller cell as a single class in the TgP347L retina is a
      formal proof of metabolic variability in the present in degenerating retina.
      Although retinal degeneration is certainly the trigger, Muller cell metabolic
      alterations are not a coherent response to the microenvironment. And while GS is
      believed to be the primary enzyme responsible for the conversion of glutamate to
      glutamine in the retina, alternative pathways appear to be unmasked in
      degenerating retina. Somehow, long term remodeling involves loss of Muller cell
      coordination and identity, which has negative implications for therapeutic
      interventions that target neurons alone.

PMID- 27142257
TI  - Baseline anemia and its impact on midterm outcome after transcatheter aortic
      valve implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anemia is linked to impaired outcome in patients with cardiovascular
      diseases. We sought to characterize the impact of baseline anemia on mid-term
      outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Data of 1201 consecutive TAVI patients were retrospectively analyzed.
      Baseline anemia was defined according to the WHO (hemoglobin <12g/dl [female],
      <13g/dl [male]). It was prevalent in 59.0% of patients and associated with a
      higher preoperative risk (STS-PROM 7.8 +/- 5.7 vs. 6.2 +/- 4.1%, P < 0.001).
      Survival was similar at 30 days (90.5 vs. 91.2%, P = 0.626) but NYHA functional
      capacity was impaired in patients with baseline anemia (classes III/IV: 20.6 vs.
      15.6%, P = 0.006). Low baseline hemoglobin (OR 0.85, CI 0.73-0.98, P = 0.025),
      blood transfusion (OR 2.42, CI 1.38-4.28, P = 0.002), and bleeding complications
      (OR 2.21, CI 1.27-3.81, P = 0.005) were in addition associated with acute kidney
      injury after TAVI. Three-year survival was reduced (49.6 vs. 64.9%, P = 0.002)
      and baseline anemia was linked to increased mid-term mortality (HR 1.43, CI 1.13
      1.82, P = 0.003), however its effect was surpassed by the adverse impact of
      periprocedural complications. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline anemia was associated with
      increased morbidity and mortality after TAVI. Preprocedural hemoglobin levels
      need to be assessed for risk stratification and blood conservation management
      seems essential. As a potentially modifiable target, the role of pretreatment of
      anemia prior to TAVI remains to be determined. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27142258
TI  - PBPK model of methotrexate in cerebrospinal fluid ventricles using a combined
      microdialysis and MRI acquisition.
AB  - The objective of the study was to evaluate the distribution of methotrexate (MTX)
      in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lateral ventricles and in cisterna magna after 3rd
      intraventricular CSF administration in a rabbit model. MTX or gadolinium chelate
      (Gd-DOTA) was administered in the 3rd ventricle with a local microdialysis to
      study the pharmacokinetics at the site of administration and with a simultaneous
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition in the 3rd ventricle, the lateral
      ventricles and in the cisterna magna. A specific CSF Physiologically Based
      Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was then extrapolated for MTX from Gd-DOTA data. The
      relative contribution of elimination and distribution processes to the overall
      disposition of MTX and Gd-DOTA in the 3rd ventricle was similar (i.e., around 60%
      for CLE and 40% for CLI) suggesting that Gd-DOTA was a suitable surrogate marker
      for MTX disposition in ventricular CSF. The PBPK predictions for MTX both in CSF
      of the 3rd ventricle and in plasma were in accordance with the in vivo results.
      The present study showed that the combination of local CSF microdialysis with MRI
      acquisition of the brain ventricles and a PBPK model could be a useful
      methodology to estimate the drug diffusion within CSF ventricles after direct
      brain CSF administration. Such a methodology would be of interest to clinicians
      for a rationale determination and optimization of drug dosing parameters in the
      treatment of leptomeningeal metastases. 

PMID- 27142259
TI  - An integrative test strategy for cancer hazard identification.
AB  - Assessment of genotoxic and carcinogenic potential is considered one of the basic
      requirements when evaluating possible human health risks associated with exposure
      to chemicals. Test strategies currently in place focus primarily on identifying
      genotoxic potential due to the strong association between the accumulation of
      genetic damage and cancer. Using genotoxicity assays to predict carcinogenic
      potential has the significant drawback that risks from non-genotoxic carcinogens
      remain largely undetected unless carcinogenicity studies are performed.
      Furthermore, test systems already developed to reduce animal use are not easily
      accepted and implemented by either industries or regulators. This manuscript
      reviews the test methods for cancer hazard identification that have been adopted
      by the regulatory authorities, and discusses the most promising alternative
      methods that have been developed to date. Based on these findings, a generally
      applicable tiered test strategy is proposed that can be considered capable of
      detecting both genotoxic as well as non-genotoxic carcinogens and will improve
      understanding of the underlying mode of action. Finally, strengths and weaknesses
      of this new integrative test strategy for cancer hazard identification are
      presented.

PMID- 27142260
TI  - Enhanced high-frequency absorption of anisotropic Fe3O4/graphene nanocomposites.
AB  - Anisotropic Fe3O4 nanoparticle and a series of its graphene composites have been
      successfully prepared as high-frequency absorbers. The crystal structure,
      morphology and magnetic property of the samples were detailed characterized
      through X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and
      vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The high-frequency absorbing performance of
      the composites is evaluated within 2.0-18.0 GHz. Combining reduced graphene oxide
      (RGO) to Fe3O4 helps to adjust the permittivity and permeability of the
      composite, balance the dielectric loss and magnetic loss, consequently improve
      the absorbing performance in view of the impedance matching characteristic. The
      optimal reflection loss of the pure Fe3O4 sample reaches -38.1 dB with a
      thickness of 1.7 mm, and it increases to -65.1 dB for the sample grafted with 3
      wt.% RGO. The addition of proper content of RGO both improves the reflection loss
      and expands the absorbing bandwidth. This work not only opens a new method and an
      idea for tuning the electromagnetic properties and enhancing the capacity of high
      efficient absorbers, but also broadens the application of such kinds of
      lightweight absorbing materials frameworks.

PMID- 27142262
TI  - Helical supramolecular polymerization of C3-symmetric amides and retroamides: on
      the origin of cooperativity and handedness.
AB  - The cooperative supramolecular polymerization of 1 and 2 yields P- or M-type
      helical aggregates depending on the absolute configuration (S or R) of the
      stereogenic centres attached to the side chains. The connectivity of the amide
      group does not affect the handedness of the helical aggregates, but determines a
      larger cooperativity for retroamides 1. 

PMID- 27142261
TI  - Neurobiology of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and alpha
      pyrrolidinovalerophenone (alpha-PVP).
AB  - Synthetic cathinones are analogs of cathinone or beta-ketoamphetamine - the major
      psychostimulant component of the shrub Catha edulis or khat. Cathinone analogs -
      though not termed as such - have been known for >100 years, but confusing
      chemical nomenclature often made the topic difficult to appreciate. In addition,
      many of the early analogs were prepared as synthetic precursors for the
      development of various other agents, and relatively few were pharmacologically
      evaluated. Cathinone is a close structural relative of amphetamine. Today,
      certain cathinone derivatives, synthetic cathinones, are known to produce central
      stimulant actions and represent a "new" class of drugs of abuse. Depending upon
      the nature of their terminal amine, alpha substituent, and aryl substituents,
      they seem to produce their effects via release or reuptake of various
      neurotansmitters including dopamine norepinephreine and/or serotonin. Two of the
      newest and most prominent members of the class are MDPV and its parent alpha-PVP
      ("flakka"). Both have been encountered on their own and in what might be
      constituents of what has been termed by a variety of names including psychoactive
      "bath salts". Here, we describe the nomenclature of synthetic cathinones, the
      mechanism(s) of action of MDPV and alpha-PVP, and their structure-activity
      relationships. In order to assist in forensic studies, and to identify novel
      substances requiring future pharmacological evaluation, the metabolism of these
      agents is also described. Finally, the preclinical behavioral actions of these
      two agents in a variety of behavioral assays, including rodent locomotor assays,
      self-administration studies, intracranial self-stimulation, conditioned place
      preference, and drug discrimination, is summarized. The results of these studies
      with MDPV and alpha-PVP are consistent with their acting as potent cocaine-like
      central stimulants with abuse liability.

PMID- 27142263
TI  - Two new lignans and melanogenesis inhibitors from Schisandra nigra.
AB  - An acetone extract from the stems of Schisandra nigra MAX. (Schisandraceae)
      exhibited significant inhibition of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-stimulated
      melanogenesis in murine B16 melanoma F10 cells. Fractionation and purification of
      the extract led to the isolation of two new tetrahydrofuran-type lignans, (+)-5
      methoxyzuonin A (2) and kadlongirin C (3), along with eight known compounds (1, 4
      10). The structures of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic
      analyses. Of the isolated compounds (1, 3 -10), (+)-zuonin A (1) showed
      remarkable inhibition of melanogenesis at concentrations without cytotoxicity in
      B16 melanoma F10 cells. (+)-Zuonin A (1) did not inhibit tyrosinase; however,
      Western blot analysis revealed that it decreased protein levels of tyrosinase and
      tyrosinase-related proteins (TRP)-1 and TRP-2 without changing phosphorylation
      level of cAMP response element-binding protein. 

PMID- 27142264
TI  - The McGill Thyroid Nodule Score's (MTNS+) role in the investigation of thyroid
      nodules with benign ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsies: a
      retrospective review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (USFNA) biopsies of thyroid
      nodules sometimes create a decision-making dilemma for surgeons as they may yield
      falsely benign results. The McGill Thyroid Nodule Score + (MTNS+) was developed
      to aid in clinical guidance regarding the management of patients with these USFNA
      results. The aim of this study was to assess the MTNS+ as a clinical tool in
      patients with benign preoperative thyroid nodule USFNAs and to analyze the
      relationship between nodule size and malignancy in these patients. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective chart review of 1312 patients who underwent
      thyroidectomies between 2010 and 2015 at the McGill University Teaching
      Hospitals. Patients with Bethesda II (benign) USFNA results, calculated MTNS+,
      and nodule size evaluated on ultrasound were included in the study. The false
      negative rate was calculated, and MTNS+ and nodule size were each compared to
      final pathology results. Binary logistic regression was used for statistical
      analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1312 patients, 101 met the inclusion criteria and
      together had an average MTNS+ score of 6.83, which corresponds to a predicted
      malignancy rate between 25 and 33 %. Final pathology revealed malignancy in 16
      (15.8 %) subjects. The average MTNS+ of patients with malignant nodules on
      surgical pathology was 8.25, while that of patients with benign nodules was 6.56.
      Patients with nodule size 1-1.9 cm (a) and 2-2.9 cm (b) each had an equal rate of
      malignancy of 2.97 % (n = 3), nodule size 3-3.9 cm (c) had a rate of 1.98 % (n =
      2), and nodule size >=4 cm (d) a rate of 7.92 % (n = 8). CONCLUSION: The rate of
      malignancy (15.8 %) is higher than expected when reviewing the risk of malignancy
      in nodules considered as Bethesda class 2. On the other hand, the rate is lower
      than the 25-33 % predicted by the MTNS+. We also found a higher malignancy rate
      for nodules above 4 cm in size, but size was a poor predictor of malignancy when
      used alone. Therefore, while the MTNS+ may be helpful at helping to identify
      USFNAs that are incorrectly classified as benign, the percentage risk of
      malignancy is lower than expected.

PMID- 27142265
TI  - Laboratory and field scale bioremediation of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)
      contaminated soils by means of bioaugmentation and biostimulation.
AB  - Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) contaminated soils were treated for a period of up to
      64 days in situ (HCH dumpsite, Lucknow) and ex situ (University of Delhi) in line
      with three bioremediation approaches. The first approach, biostimulation,
      involved addition of ammonium phosphate and molasses, while the second approach,
      bioaugmentation, involved addition of a microbial consortium consisting of a
      group of HCH-degrading sphingomonads that were isolated from HCH contaminated
      sites. The third approach involved a combination of biostimulation and
      bioaugmentation. The efficiency of the consortium was investigated in laboratory
      scale experiments, in a pot scale study, and in a full-scale field trial. It
      turned out that the approach of combining biostimulation and bioaugmentation was
      most effective in achieving reduction in the levels of alpha- and beta-HCH and
      that the application of a bacterial consortium as compared to the action of a
      single HCH-degrading bacterial strain was more successful. Although further
      degradation of beta- and delta-tetrachlorocyclohexane-1,4-diol, the terminal
      metabolites of beta- and delta-HCH, respectively, did not occur by the strains
      comprising the consortium, these metabolites turned out to be less toxic than the
      parental HCH isomers.

PMID- 27142266
TI  - Training in dissemination and implementation research: a field-wide perspective.
AB  - We report outcomes of an NIH-convened meeting on training for dissemination and
      implementation (D&I) research, focused on accelerating translation of research to
      healthcare practice. Participants included leaders of current trainings, center
      directors, and those trained in existing programs. Given the large proportion of
      D&I research focused on cancer control, mental health, and substance abuse,
      participants overwhelmingly reflected the experiences and challenges of gaining
      capacity in behavioral health-related D&I research. The 2-day meeting required
      participants to draw upon their experiences to help build a field-wide
      perspective for D&I research training, identify resources needed to support this
      perspective, and brainstorm gaps in training that needed to be filled. Questions
      were sent to participants in advance, and responses were synthesized and
      presented to discuss during the meeting. A preliminary "field-wide" perspective
      emerged, spanning multiple disciplines, training models, and career levels.
      Current programs face high demand, need for continued evolution to reflect field
      advances, and sustainability challenges. Current gaps include implementation
      practice and predoctoral training. Federal funding is key to D&I research
      training, be it through grants or agency-led training programs, in order to span
      and address specialized disease and disorder foci and career tracks.

PMID- 27142267
TI  - Addition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors to sulphonylureas and risk of
      hypoglycaemia: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantify the risk of hypoglycaemia associated with the concomitant
      use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and sulphonylureas compared with
      placebo and sulphonylureas. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA
      SOURCES: Medline, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS, Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials, and clinicaltrial.gov were searched without any language
      restriction. STUDY SELECTION: Placebo controlled randomised trials comprising at
      least 50 participants with type 2 diabetes treated with DPP-4 inhibitors and
      sulphonylureas. REVIEW METHODS: Risk of bias in each trial was assessed using the
      Cochrane Collaboration tool. The risk ratio of hypoglycaemia with 95% confidence
      intervals was computed for each study and then pooled using fixed effect models
      (Mantel Haenszel method) or random effect models, when appropriate. Subgroup
      analyses were also performed (eg, dose of DPP-4 inhibitors). The number needed to
      harm (NNH) was estimated according to treatment duration. RESULTS: 10 studies
      were included, representing a total of 6546 participants (4020 received DPP-4
      inhibitors plus sulphonylureas, 2526 placebo plus sulphonylureas). The risk ratio
      of hypoglycaemia was 1.52 (95% confidence interval 1.29 to 1.80). The NNH was 17
      (95% confidence interval 11 to 30) for a treatment duration of six months or
      less, 15 (9 to 26) for 6.1 to 12 months, and 8 (5 to 15) for more than one year.
      In subgroup analysis, no difference was found between full and low doses of DPP-4
      inhibitors: the risk ratio related to full dose DPP-4 inhibitors was 1.66 (1.34
      to 2.06), whereas the increased risk ratio related to low dose DPP-4 inhibitors
      did not reach statistical significance (1.33, 0.92 to 1.94). CONCLUSIONS:
      Addition of DPP-4 inhibitors to sulphonylurea to treat people with type 2
      diabetes is associated with a 50% increased risk of hypoglycaemia and to one
      excess case of hypoglycaemia for every 17 patients in the first six months of
      treatment. This highlights the need to respect recommendations for a decrease in
      sulphonylureas dose when initiating DPP-4 inhibitors and to assess the
      effectiveness of this risk minimisation strategy.

PMID- 27142268
TI  - Life threatening biphasic adverse reactions to desmopressin: case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Treatment with desmopressin diacetate arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) and its
      withdrawal are associated with side effects. We present a rare case of severe
      biphasic adverse reactions induced by DDAVP and its withdrawal in a 63-year-old
      female patient. A lump in the left axillary region was biopsied, and she received
      DDAVP after surgery. The following day, she lost consciousness, with foaming at
      the mouth and seizures. Hypotonic encephalopathy was considered. DDAVP was
      ceased, and she received electrolytes. On day 1, she displayed low blood pressure
      and increased urine output. She received DDAVP and dopamine as well as
      electrolytes. The patient was ambulatory on day 7 and was discharged without
      brain abnormalities on MRI. In conclusion, severe hyponatremia induced by DDAVP
      and massive polyuria and hypovolemic shock induced by DDAVP withdrawal are life
      threatening conditions. This case underlines the need to be vigilant when
      administering DDAVP and to monitor for any side effects. 

PMID- 27142269
TI  - Microfilariae in a bone marrow aspirate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Filariasis is a common cause of morbidity in certain parts of India,
      especially in the Coastal Districts. Repeated episodes of fever with chills and
      rigor, lymphadenopathy are the initial manifestations which gradually progress to
      elephantiasis. Wuchereria bancrofti is the most common parasite causing lymphatic
      filariasis in India. Detecting microfilaria in peripheral blood with or without
      Diethylcarbamazine citrate provocation is the common diagnostic modality in
      suspected cases. However microfilaria has been accidentally detected in fine
      needle aspirates, aspirated body fluids and even in bronchial washings. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We report a case of 65-year old female presented with back ache. On
      investigation she had leuco-erythroblastic blood picture in the peripheral smear
      and metastatic deposits in the bone marrow aspirate. W. bancrofti microfilariae
      was an incidental finding in the bone marrow aspirate. CONCLUSION: Finding of
      microfilariae in the bone marrow aspirate in the absence of clinical features of
      lymphatic filariasis is extremely uncommon and mostly are incidental findings.
      The peripheral blood may or may not reveal the microfilariae and eosinophilia in
      the peripheral blood is absent in majority of the cases. All the bone marrow
      aspirates must be screened for microfilariae in the endemic areas to identify the
      asymptomatic carriers.

PMID- 27142270
TI  - A novel nail providing more biomechanical rotational and axial stability than
      conventional interlocking nail in femur complex fracture model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Inter-fragmentary rotational and axial instabilities are major
      challenges in nailing of complex or comminuted fractures. We aimed to compare the
      inter-fragmentary rotational and axial stability of novel anti-rotation
      interlocking nail and the conventional interlocking nail in complex or comminuted
      femur shaft fractures. METHODS: Twenty composite femurs were divided into two
      groups, 30 mm was resected from the mid-portion of all composite femurs. The
      inter-fragmentary rotational and axial stabilities were assessed. RESULTS:
      Between 10-N m external and 6-N m internal rotation torques, mean maximum inter
      fragmentary rotational arc motion in the novel nails was 1.63 mm and 291 % less
      than that of the conventional nails (6.38 mm, P = 0.000). Between 150 N
      distraction and 2300 N compression, mean axial motion in the novel nails was 0.8
      mm and 257 % less than that of the conventional nails (2.86 mm, p = 0.000).
      CONCLUSION: An anti-rotational novel nail is superior to the conventional
      interlocking nail in terms of maximum inter-fragmentary rotational and axial
      stabilities in complex and comminuted femur shaft fractures.

PMID- 27142271
TI  - Replacement of Soybean Meal with Animal Origin Protein Meals Improved Ramoplanin
      A2 Production by Actinoplanes sp. ATCC 33076.
AB  - Ramoplanin A2 is the last resort antibiotic for treatment of many high morbidity-
      and mortality-rated hospital infections, and it is expected to be marketed in the
      forthcoming years. Therefore, high-yield production of ramoplanin A2 gains
      importance. In this study, meat-bone meal, poultry meal, and fish meal were used
      instead of soybean meal for ramoplanin A2 production by Actinoplanes sp. ATCC
      33076. All animal origin nitrogen sources stimulated specific productivity.
      Ramoplanin A2 levels were determined as 406.805 mg L(-1) in fish meal medium and
      374.218 mg L(-1) in poultry meal medium. These levels were 4.25- and 4.09-fold of
      basal medium, respectively. However, the total yield of poultry meal was higher
      than that of fish meal, which is also low-priced. In addition, the variations in
      pH levels, protein levels, reducing sugar levels, extracellular protease, amylase
      and lipase activities, and intracellular free amino acid levels were monitored
      during the incubation period. The correlations between ramoplanin production and
      these variables with respect to the incubation period were determined. The
      intracellular levels of L-Phe, D-Orn, and L-Leu were found critical for
      ramoplanin A2 production. The strategy of using animal origin nitrogen sources
      can be applied for large-scale ramoplanin A2 production. 

PMID- 27142272
TI  - Utilization of Paneer Whey Waste for Cost-Effective Production of Rhamnolipid
      Biosurfactant.
AB  - The present study aimed at isolating rhamnolipid biosurfactant-producing bacteria
      that could utilize paneer whey, an abundant waste source as sole medium for the
      production purpose. Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain, SR17, was isolated from
      hydrocarbon-contaminated soil that could efficiently utilize paneer whey for
      rhamnolipid production and reduce surface tension of the medium from 52 to 26.5
      mN/m. The yield of biosurfactant obtained was 2.7 g/l, upgraded to 4.8 g/l when
      supplemented with 2 % glucose and mineral salts. Biochemical, FTIR, and LC-MS
      analysis revealed that extracted biosurfactant is a combination of both mono and
      di-rhamnolipid congeners. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) was measured
      to be 110 mg/l. Emulsification activity of the biosurfactant against n
      hexadecane, olive oil, kerosene, diesel oil, engine oil, and crude oil were found
      to be 83, 88, 81, 92, 86, and 100 %, respectively. The rhamnolipid was detected
      to be non-toxic against mouse fibroblastic cell line L292.

PMID- 27142273
TI  - Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Phosphorylated Abacavir
      Derivatives as Antiviral Agents Against Newcastle Disease Virus Infection in
      Chicken.
AB  - Newcastle disease virus is the most devastating virus in poultry industry. It can
      eradicate the entire poultry flocks once infected. This study is aimed to
      investigate the antiviral efficacy of novel phosphorylated analogues of the drug
      abacavir (ABC) against Newcastle disease virus (NDV). About 16 analogues of ABC
      were designed and docking was performed against fusion protein of NDV. Three
      compounds were identified and selected for synthesis and biological evaluation
      based on binding affinity and docking scores. The compounds were synthesized and
      characterized by IR, (1)H, (13)C, (31)P and CHN analysis and mass spectra. These
      compounds were tested for antiviral efficacy against NDV-infected DF-1 cells.
      Compound ABC-1 had shown potent antiviral activity as evidenced by significant
      reduction in plaque units and cytopathic effect. Therefore, ABC-1 was selected to
      test for NDV-infected chicken survival rate. Effective dose50 concentrations were
      determined for ABC-1. Antioxidant enzyme levels in brain, liver and lung tissues
      were estimated. Superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly raised and
      lipid peroxidation and HA titer levels were decreased upon treatment with 2 mg/kg
      body weight ABC-1. Histopathological modifications were also restored in the ABC
      1-treated group. These findings demonstrated ABC-1 as a potential antiviral agent
      against NDV in chicken. 

PMID- 27142274
TI  - Cochlear implantation in recipients with single-sided deafness: Audiological
      performance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the auditory benefit of cochlear implants (CI) in patients
      with single-sided deafness (SSD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients with a
      normal pure tone audiogram (n = 8) or moderate hearing loss (n = 12) in one ear
      and a CI system MED-EL SONATA/CONCERTO + OPUS2 (n = 12), COCHLEAR CI24RE(ST) +
      CP810 (n = 7) and Advanced Bionics HiRes90 K + Harmony (n = 1) in the
      contralateral ear and with at least 6 months of CI experience were tested with
      respect to directional hearing, speech perception in noise, binaural loudness
      matching, and binaural pitch matching. Twenty-six normal hearing controls were
      included for normative reference. RESULTS: Addition of the CI significantly
      improves directional hearing (percentage of correct source identifications
      improved from 14.9 to 15.6%, root mean square error decreased from 125 to 93
      degrees ) and improves speech perception in noise (speech perception threshold
      median improved from -2.3 to -6.0 dB signal to noise ratio, equivalent to a
      binaural intelligibility level difference = 3.7 dB). Alternate binaural loudness
      balancing showed that matching takes place at levels between 48 and 55 dB HL
      (group averages). In the pitch matching experiment, the standard deviation of the
      relative interaural frequency difference at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz was 24.5,
      22.8, and 24.0%, respectively (compared to 11.7, 14.4, and 12.3% in the control
      group). CONCLUSIONS: In SSD, cochlear implantation considerably improves
      audiological performance in terms of directional hearing, binaural signal
      equivalence, and speech perception.

PMID- 27142275
TI  - A mobile decision support system for red eye diseases diagnosis: experience with
      medical students.
AB  - A good primary health care is the base for a better healthcare system. Taking a
      good decision on time by the primary health care physician could have a huge
      repercussion. In order to ease the diagnosis task arise the Decision Support
      Systems (DSS), which offer counselling instead of refresh the medical knowledge,
      in a profession where it is still learning every day. The implementation of these
      systems in diseases which are a frequent cause of visit to the doctor like
      ophthalmologic pathologies are, which affect directly to our quality of life,
      takes more importance. This paper aims to develop OphthalDSS, a totally new
      mobile DSS for red eye diseases diagnosis. The main utilities that OphthalDSS
      offers will be a study guide for medical students and a clinical decision support
      system for primary care professionals. Other important goal of this paper is to
      show the user experience results after OphthalDSS being used by medical students
      of the University of Valladolid. For achieving the main purpose of this research
      work, a decision algorithm will be developed and implemented by an Android mobile
      application. Moreover, the Quality of Experience (QoE) has been evaluated by the
      students through the questions of a short inquiry. The app developed which
      implements the algorithm OphthalDSS is capable of diagnose more than 30 eye's
      anterior segment diseases. A total of 67 medical students have evaluated the QoE.
      The students find the diseases' information presented very valuable, the
      appearance is adequate, it is always available and they have ever found what they
      were looking for. Furthermore, the students think that their quality of life has
      not been improved using the app and they can do the same without using the
      OphthalDSS app. OphthalDSS is easy to use, which is capable of diagnose more than
      30 ocular diseases in addition to be used as a DSS tool as an educational tool at
      the same time. 

PMID- 27142276
TI  - Cell-bound lipases from Burkholderia sp. ZYB002: gene sequence analysis,
      expression, enzymatic characterization, and 3D structural model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The whole-cell lipase from Burkholderia cepacia has been used as a
      biocatalyst in organic synthesis. However, there is no report in the literature
      on the component or the gene sequence of the cell-bound lipase from this species.
      Qualitative analysis of the cell-bound lipase would help to illuminate the
      regulation mechanism of gene expression and further improve the yield of the cell
      bound lipase by gene engineering. RESULTS: Three predictive cell-bound lipases,
      lipA, lipC21 and lipC24, from Burkholderia sp. ZYB002 were cloned and expressed
      in E. coli. Both LipA and LipC24 displayed the lipase activity. LipC24 was a
      novel mesophilic enzyme and displayed preference for medium-chain-length acyl
      groups (C10-C14). The 3D structural model of LipC24 revealed the open Y-type
      active site. LipA displayed 96 % amino acid sequence identity with the known
      extracellular lipase. lipA-inactivation and lipC24-inactivation decreased the
      total cell-bound lipase activity of Burkholderia sp. ZYB002 by 42 % and 14 %,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The cell-bound lipase activity from Burkholderia sp.
      ZYB002 originated from a multi-enzyme mixture with LipA as the main component.
      LipC24 was a novel lipase and displayed different enzymatic characteristics and
      structural model with LipA. Besides LipA and LipC24, other type of the cell-bound
      lipases (or esterases) should exist.

PMID- 27142277
TI  - Unusual presentation of Rosai-Dorfman disease in a 14-month-old Italian child: a
      case report and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare form of histiocytosis
      characterized by histiocyte proliferation within lymph nodes and extranodal
      tissue. Here we report an unusual presentation of RDD in an Italian toddler.
      Moreover, we reviewed the pediatric case reports published between 2004 and 2014,
      focusing in particular on medical therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case
      of a 14-month-old child who developed a progressive swelling of the right
      parotid, associated with systemic symptoms and abnormal blood tests. During
      diagnostic work-up, cervical, intraparotid, and unilateral hilar
      lymphadenopathies were found. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry studies
      of a cervical lymph node biopsy established the diagnosis of RDD, with positive
      PCR for Epstein - Barr virus on the biopsy specimen. Oral steroid therapy was
      started with progressive reduction in size of all lesions, resolution of systemic
      symptoms, and normalization of blood tests. CONCLUSION: RDD is generally
      considered a benign and self-limiting form of histiocytosis, usually associated
      with favorable prognosis. However, complications are not infrequent and fatal
      cases were reported even in children. Efforts should be made to establish the
      best therapeutic strategy for this disease, as no well-defined guidelines exist.
      Finally, RDD should be included in differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy and
      parotid swelling even in very young children.

PMID- 27142278
TI  - Current topics in glycemic control by wearable artificial pancreas or bedside
      artificial pancreas with closed-loop system.
AB  - The incidence of diabetes is increasing at an unprecedented pace and has become a
      serious health concern worldwide during the last two decades. Despite this,
      adequate glycemic control using an artificial pancreas has not been established,
      although the 21st century has seen rapid developments in this area. Herein, we
      review current topics in glycemic control for both the wearable artificial
      pancreas for type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients and the bedside artificial
      pancreas for surgical diabetic patients. In type 1 diabetic patients, nocturnal
      hypoglycemia associated with insulin therapy remains a serious problem that could
      be addressed by the recent development of a wearable artificial pancreas. This
      smart phone-like device, comprising a real-time, continuous glucose monitoring
      system and insulin pump system, could potentially significantly reduce nocturnal
      hypoglycemia compared with conventional glycemic control. Of particular interest
      in this space are the recent inventions of a low-glucose suspend feature in the
      portable systems that automatically stops insulin delivery 2 h following a
      glucose sensor value <70 mg/dL and a bio-hormonal pump system consisting of
      insulin and glucagon pumps. Perioperative tight glycemic control using a bedside
      artificial pancreas with the closed-loop system has also proved safe and
      effective for not only avoiding hypoglycemia, but also for reducing blood glucose
      level variability resulting in good surgical outcomes. We hope that a more
      sophisticated artificial pancreas with closed-loop system will now be taken up
      for routine use worldwide, providing enormous relief for patients suffering from
      uncontrolled hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and/or variability in blood glucose
      concentrations. 

PMID- 27142279
TI  - Pharmacological Management of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients with
      Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication of chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) and is part of the CKD-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). SHPT is
      associated with increased risk of fracture and mortality; thus, SHPT control is
      recommended as kidney function declines. Effective SHPT management becomes more
      difficult once skeletal and cardiovascular adverse effects associated with severe
      SHPT have become established. However, interventional studies to lower
      parathyroid hormone (PTH) have so far shown inconsistent results in improving
      patient-centred outcomes such as mortality, cardiovascular events and fracture.
      Pharmacological treatment effect on PTH level is also inconsistent between pre
      dialysis CKD and dialysis patients, which adds to the complexity of SHPT
      management. This review aims to give an overview on the pathophysiology,
      pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment for SHPT in CKD including some
      of the limitations of current therapeutic options. 

PMID- 27142280
TI  - Sub-sensory vibratory noise augments the physiologic complexity of postural
      control in older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postural control requires numerous inputs interacting across multiple
      temporospatial scales. This organization, evidenced by the "complexity" contained
      within standing postural sway fluctuations, enables diverse system functionality.
      Age-related reduction of foot-sole somatosensation reduces standing postural sway
      complexity and diminishes the functionality of the postural control system. Sub
      sensory vibrations applied to the foot soles reduce the speed and magnitude of
      sway and improve mobility in older adults. We thus hypothesized that these
      vibration-induced improvements to the functionality of the postural control
      system are associated with an increase in the standing postural sway complexity.
      METHOD: Twelve healthy older adults aged 74 +/- 8 years completed three visits to
      test the effects of foot sole vibrations at 0 % (i.e., no vibration), 70 and 85 %
      of the sensory threshold. Postural sway was assessed during eyes-open and eyes
      closed standing. The complexity of sway time-series was quantified using
      multiscale entropy. The timed up-and-go (TUG) was completed to assess mobility.
      RESULTS: When standing without vibration, participants with lower foot sole
      vibratory thresholds (better sensation) had greater mediolateral (ML) sway
      complexity (r (2) = 0.49, p < 0.001), and those with greater ML sway complexity
      had faster TUG times (better mobility) (r (2) = 0.38, p < 0.001). Foot sole
      vibrations at 70 and 85 % of sensory threshold increased ML sway complexity
      during eyes-open and eyes-closed standing (p < 0.0001). Importantly, these
      vibration-induced increases in complexity correlated with improvements in the TUG
      test of mobility (r (2) = 0.15 ~ 0.42, p < 0.001 ~ 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Sub
      sensory foot sole vibrations augment the postural control system functionality
      and such beneficial effects are reflected in an increase in the physiologic
      complexity of standing postural sway dynamics.

PMID- 27142281
TI  - Development of radiation exposure in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation
      in Germany between 2007 and 2014: great potential to minimize radiation dosage.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the radiation usage in patients
      undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in Germany and to evaluate the
      possibility to reduce radiation dose. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 6617
      patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) from the German ablation registry and the
      FREEZEplus registry (control group), who underwent first PVI between 2007 and
      2014, were analyzed. In the second step, the effect of optimized conventional
      fluoroscopy and optimized 3D mapping use was evaluated in 526 consecutive
      patients with AF who underwent first PVI at the Klinikum Ludwigshafen (optimized
      group) between 2007 and 2014. In the control group, the median dose area product
      (DAP) for PVI was 34 Gy cm(2), and the median DAP rate was 1.3 Gy cm(2)/min. The
      DAP decreased from 37 to 28 Gy cm(2), whereas the DAP rate increased from 1.3 to
      1.6 Gy cm(2)/min between 2007 and 2014. In the optimized group, optimized
      radiation application and use of 3D mapping resulted in a continuous decrease in
      the DAP from 67 to 2 Gy cm(2) and DAP rate from 1.0 to 0.2 Gy cm(2)/min.
      CONCLUSION: Currently, the median radiation exposure during PVI in Germany is 28
      Gy cm(2). Optimized fluoroscopy by simple means can safely reduce the radiation
      dose to about 2 Gy cm(2) or even lower when using 3D mapping. Before introducing
      novel expensive technologies for radiation reduction optimizing of the
      conventional fluoroscopy is mandatory.

PMID- 27142282
TI  - Mitosis in circulating tumor cells stratifies highly aggressive breast
      carcinomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enumeration of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) isolated from the
      peripheral blood of breast cancer patients holds promise as a clinically
      relevant, minimally invasive diagnostic test. However, CTC utility has been
      limited as a prognostic indicator of survival by the inability to stratify
      patients beyond general enumeration. In comparison, histological biopsy
      examinations remain the standard method for confirming malignancy and grading
      malignant cells, allowing for cancer identification and then assessing patient
      cohorts for prognostic and predictive value. Typically, CTC identification relies
      on immunofluorescent staining assessed as absent/present, which is somewhat
      subjective and limited in its ability to characterize these cells. In contrast,
      the physical features used in histological cytology comprise the gold standard
      method used to identify and preliminarily characterize the cancer cells. Here, we
      superimpose the methods, cytologically subtyping CTCs labeled with
      immunohistochemical fluorescence stains to improve their prognostic value in
      relation to survival. METHODS: In this single-blind prospective pilot study, we
      tracked 36 patients with late-stage breast cancer over 24 months to compare
      overall survival between simple CTC enumeration and subtyping mitotic CTCs. A
      power analysis (1-beta = 0. 9, alpha = 0.05) determined that a pilot size of 30
      patients was sufficient to stratify this patient cohort; 36 in total were
      enrolled. RESULTS: Our results confirmed that CTC number is a prognostic
      indicator of patient survival, with a hazard ratio 5.2, p = 0.005 (95 % CI 1.6
      16.5). However, by simply subtyping the same population based on CTCs in
      cytological mitosis, the hazard ratio increased dramatically to 11.1, p < 0.001
      (95 % CI 3.1-39.7). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that (1) mitotic CTCs are
      relativity common in aggressive late-stage breast cancer, (2) mitotic CTCs may
      significantly correlate with shortened overall survival, and (3) larger and more
      defined patient cohort studies are clearly called for based on this initial pilot
      study.

PMID- 27142284
TI  - Estimation of the fluorescence lifetime for optically inaccessible exciplexes in
      nonpolar solutions under ionizing irradiation.
AB  - X-irradiation of nonpolar solutions likely provides a possibility to create
      exciplexes for any donor-acceptor pair that would energetically and sterically
      allow this. Thorough study and characterization of X-radiation generated
      exciplexes usually cannot be carried out with conventional methods because of the
      complex and non-exponential formation and decay dynamics of these species. In
      this paper, we present a simple and universal experimental approach for the
      estimation of fluorescence lifetimes (tauF) of X-radiation generated exciplexes.
      The suggested procedure is based on the comparison of quenching of the exciplex
      emission band and the emission band from a standard luminophore with a known
      excited state lifetime by dissolved oxygen. Using this approach we report the
      tauF values for two systems with optically inaccessible exciplexes,
      diphenylacetylene-N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) and p-terphenyl-DMA, and for two
      typical exciplex forming systems, naphthalene-DMA and anthracene-DMA. All the
      found tauF values for the X-radiation generated exciplexes lie in the range of 50
      70 ns. The accuracy of this approach was checked by time-resolved measurements
      under X- or near-UV irradiation for those pairs, whose properties make this
      feasible. The proposed method gives a possibility to avoid a complex numerical
      evaluation of the non-exponential kinetics of recombination luminescence, and can
      be used to estimate the characteristic tauF values for luminophores and excited
      complexes formed under X-radiation.

PMID- 27142283
TI  - Trait convergence and diversification arising from a complex evolutionary history
      in Hawaiian species of Scaevola.
AB  - Species variation in functional traits may reflect diversification relating to
      convergence and/or divergence depending on environmental pressures and
      phylogenetic history. We tested trait-environment relationships and their basis
      in finer-scale evolutionary processes among nine extant Hawaiian species of
      Scaevola L. (Goodeniaceae), a taxon with a complex history of three independent
      colonizations by different phylogenetic lineages, parallel ecological
      specialization, and homoploid hybridization events in Hawai'i. Using a wild
      population for each species, we evaluated traits related to plant function
      (morphology, leaf and wood anatomy, nutrient and carbon isotope composition).
      Hawaiian Scaevola species were distributed across coastal, dry forest and wet
      forest environments; multivariate environmental analysis using abiotic and biotic
      factors further showed that species from distantly related lineages inhabited
      similar environments. Many traits correlated with environment (based on the
      multivariate environmental analysis), considering both distantly related species
      and more closely related species. Scaevola species within shared habitats
      generally showed trait convergence across distantly related lineages,
      particularly among wet forest species. Furthermore, trait diversification through
      divergence was extensive among closely related Scaevola species that radiated
      into novel environments, especially in plant morphology and traits affecting
      water relations. Homoploid hybrid-origin species were "intermediate" compared to
      their ancestral parent species, and possessed trait combinations relevant for
      their current habitat. The diversity in functional traits reflected strong
      influences of both ecology and evolutionary history in native Hawaiian Scaevola
      species, and trait correspondence with environment was due to the combination of
      multiple processes within the taxon: trait pre-adaptation and filtering,
      evolutionary convergence, divergence, and hybridization.

PMID- 27142285
TI  - Determining the Origin of Half-bandgap-voltage Electroluminescence in
      Bifunctional Rubrene/C60 Devices.
AB  - Lowering the driving voltage of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is an
      important approach to reduce their energy consumption. We have fabricated a
      series of bifunctional devices (OLEDs and photovoltaics) using rubrene and
      fullerene (C60) as the active layer, in which the electroluminescence threshold
      voltage(~1.1 V) was half the value of the bandgap of rubrene. Magneto
      electroluminescence (MEL) response of planner heterojunction diodes exhibited a
      small increase in response to a low magnetic field strength (<20 mT); however, a
      very large decay was observed at a high magnetic field strength (>20 mT). When a
      hole-transport layer with a low mobility was included in these devices, the MEL
      response reversed in shape, and simultaneously, the EL threshold voltage became
      larger than the bandgap voltage. When bulk heterojunction device was examined,
      the amplitude of MEL curves presented an anomalous voltage-dependence. Following
      an analysis of the MEL responses of these devices, we proposed that the EL of
      half-bandgap-voltage device originated from bimolecular triplet-triplet
      annihilation in the rubrene film, rather than from singlet excitons that formed
      via an interface auger recombination. This work provides critical insight into
      the mechanisms of OLED emission and will help advance the applications of
      bifunctional devices.

PMID- 27142286
TI  - Non-seatbelt use and associated factors among passengers.
AB  - Seatbelt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce severe injuries.
      However, the percentage of non-seatbelt use is still high among drivers and
      passengers. Although the factors related to non-seatbelt use among drivers have
      been widely studied, the factors associated with non-seatbelt use among
      passengers have not been well documented. In addition, recent surveys showed that
      the driver's attitude has a significant impact on the passenger's seatbelt use.
      However, the lower response rate and less accurate of self-reported seatbelt use
      in survey studies, especially among participants who had a high level perception
      of penalty for non-seatbelt use. Therefore, we examined the association between
      passenger's seatbelt use and driver's seatbelt use with a statewide injury
      surveillance system. 36,012 passengers who were involved in motor vehicle crashes
      (MVC) in 2004-2013 were included in this study. Our results showed that if a
      driver wore a seatbelt, 92.6% of his/her passengers also wore seatbelts while if
      a driver did not wear a seatbelt, only 19.1% of his/her passengers wore
      seatbelts. Compared to the passenger whose driver wore a seatbelt, the passenger
      had a significantly higher probability of non-seatbelt use (odds ratio = 46.7;
      95% confidence intervals, 42.7-51.1) if his/her driver did not wear a seatbelt.
      The driver has the greatest influence on the passenger's seatbelt use. The
      findings will provide important information for future public health practices to
      increase seatbelt use at the highest possible rate for passengers, such as
      educational interventions for drivers and seatbelt reminders use.

PMID- 27142287
TI  - Non-cholesterol Sterols in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyslipidemias: A
      Review.
AB  - Non-cholesterol sterols have been used as markers of cholesterol intestinal
      absorption and hepatic synthesis, leading to a better understanding of
      cholesterol homeostasis in humans. This review discusses the main noncholesterol
      sterols that are clinically useful, different methods to quantify the factors
      associated with blood concentration, and the potential role of non-cholesterol
      sterols in the diagnosis and treatment of different types of dyslipidemia. The
      main indication is the use of non-cholesterol sterols for the diagnosis of rare
      diseases associated with defects in cholesterol synthesis or anomalies in the
      absorption and/or elimination of phytosterols. However, other potential uses,
      including the diagnosis of certain hypercholesterolemias and the
      individualization of lipid-lowering therapies, are promising as they could help
      treat a wider population. 

PMID- 27142288
TI  - Gold Complexes for Therapeutic Purposes: an Updated Patent Review (2010-2015).
AB  - Gold has always aroused great interest in the history of mankind. It has been
      used for thousands of years for jewelry, religious cult valuables, durable goods
      and in the art world. However, few know that such a precious and noble metal was
      exploited in the past by the ancients also for its therapeutic properties. More
      recently, in the twentieth century some complexes containing gold centers in the
      oxidation state +1 were studied for the treatment of the rheumatoid arthritis and
      the orally-administered drug Auranofin was approved by the FDA in 1985. From the
      chemical point of view, gold derivatives deserve special attention due to the
      unique position of this metal within the periodic table, which results in
      unconventional relativistic effects and, ultimately, in the highest
      electronegativity, electron affinity and redox potential among all metals. In
      this review, after an introduction concerning the use of gold complexes in
      medicine, we have examined all the patents internationally or nationally
      published in the years 2010-2015 (until December 31, 2015) and describing new
      inorganic compounds containing gold(I) and gold(III) with proved therapeutic
      properties. These patents were filed to mainly protect compounds with promising
      anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities (total 18 and 4, respectively). In
      particular, this work explores both coordination compounds containing ligands
      with various donor atoms (e.g., N-, O-, S- and -P) and organo-gold derivatives
      with at least one Au-C bond. The toxicological profile and the intracellular
      targets reported for some among the patented gold derivatives are discussed.

PMID- 27142289
TI  - Molybdenum Metallopharmaceuticals Candidate Compounds - The "Renaissance" of
      Molybdenum Metallodrugs?
AB  - Metal-based drugs, also called "metallopharmaceuticals" or "metallodrugs", are
      examples of sophisticated compounds that have been used in inorganic medicinal
      chemistry as therapeutic agents for a long time. Few of them have shown
      substantially promising results and many of them have been used in different
      phases of clinical trials. The Mo-based metallodrugs were successfully applied in
      the past for treating conditions such as anemia or Wilson's disease. Moreover, Mo
      complexes are supposed to exert their effect by intercalation/ cleavage of
      DNA/RNA, arrest of the cell cycle, and alteration of cell membrane functions.
      However, in the current literature, there are no reliable and in-depth reviews
      about the hypothetical therapeutic applications of all of the known molybdenum
      complexes as metallopharmaceuticals/ metallodrugs. The main emphasis was on the
      in-depth review of the potential applications of Mo-based complexes in medicinal
      chemistry as metallopharmaceuticals in treating diseases such as cancer and
      tumors, Wilson's disease, diabetes mellitus, Huntington's disease,
      atherosclerosis, and anemia. It must be emphasized that today the development of
      innovative and new Mo-based metalo-pharmaceuticals is not rapid, and hence the
      aim of this paper was also to inspire colleagues working in the field of Mo
      compounds who are trying to find "signpost" for research. The authors hope that
      this article will increase interest and initiate the Renaissance of Mo-compounds
      among medicinal inorganic chemists. This paper is the first review article in the
      literature that refers to and emphasizes many different and complex aspects of
      possible applications and capabilities of Mo-based metallodrugs.

PMID- 27142290
TI  - Design and Synthesis of Dopaminergic Agonists.
AB  - The use of dopaminergic agonists is key in the treatment of Parkinson's disease
      and related central nervous system (CNS) neurodegenerative disorders. Despite
      there are a number of commercialized dopaminergic agonists that are currently
      being used successfully in the first stages of the disease, they often fail to
      provide sustained clinical benefit for a long period due to the appearance of
      side-effects such as augmentation, sleepiness, nausea, hypothension, and
      compulsive behaviors among others. New dopaminergic agonists with less side
      effects are being developed. These novel compounds offer an alternative when the
      disease progresses and patients fail to respond to standard dopaminergic
      treatments or side-effects increased. Chemistry, and in particular chemical
      synthesis, has played a major role in bringing synthetic dopaminergic agonists to
      the clinic and continues to be crucial for the development of new and necessary
      drugs for long-term treatments with less undesired side effects. A number of
      structural modifications of parent compounds have led to enhanced agonism but
      also partial agonism or even antagonism of one or more dopamine receptors. In
      some cases, these activities are accompanied by agonist effect at serotonin
      receptors which suggests a potential clinical application in the treatment of
      schizophrenia In this review, chemical synthesis of dopaminergic agents, their
      affinity, and the corresponding agonist/antagonist effects will be highlighted.

PMID- 27142291
TI  - Human Tuberculosis. III. Current and Prospective Approaches in Anti-Tubercular
      Therapy.
AB  - Ineffectively treated tuberculosis (TB) is associated with substantial morbidity
      and mortality. Cure of TB patients is hampered by the development of multidrug
      resistance in M. tuberculosis and the need of long-term treatment. The
      diarylquinoline derivative bedaquiline was approved in December 2012 under the
      accelerated-approval regulations of FDA as part of a combination therapy for
      treating adults with pulmonary MDR-TB for whom effective cures are not otherwise
      available. The bicyclic nitroimidazoles delamanid and its companion pretomanid
      inhibit mycolic acid synthesis via an unknown mechanism. In November 2013,
      delamanid received conditional approval by the European Medicines Agency for MDR
      TB treatment. Use of both drugs, however, is limited owing to toxicity issues. If
      the aim to reduce treatment duration is pursued in order to limit costs and
      improve patient adherence, it is mandatory to demonstrate their noninferiority
      with fewer months of therapy. In three phase III clinical trials the efficacy of
      the most recent fluoroquinolones, gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin, has been
      investigated in a four-month treatment regimen of drug-susceptible TB. In all
      three studies, after two months the culture conversion rates of observed sputum
      indicated that fluoroquinolone-based therapies were likely to be superior.
      However, this feature did not reliably predict sterilizing activity or a risk of
      relapse. In other words, the shortened treatments were not noninferior to
      standard treatments. To counteract mycobacterial survival strategies and reduce
      the timelength of treatment with anti-TB drugs, other novel and powerful agents,
      as well as tuberculosis vaccines, are under intense clinical investigation for
      safety and efficacy assessment. 

PMID- 27142293
TI  - Malignancy associated SIADH: Characterization and clinical implications.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the distribution of etiologies for the syndrome of
      inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) in hospitalized patients
      with active malignancies and to characterize them according to the different
      etiologies. METHODS: A single center retrospective study including all patients
      with active malignancies diagnosed with SIADH in a large community hospital and
      tertiary center between 1 January 2007 and 1 January 2013. Two physicians
      reviewed every patient's medical file for predetermined relevant clinical data.
      RESULTS: The study cohort included 204 patients. 74.4% of those with solid tumors
      had metastatic disease. Most patients (149, 73%) had malignancy associated SIADH,
      while 55 (27%) had SIADH due to other etiologies. All of the major malignancy
      types were implicated in SIADH. Patients with breast cancer without lung or brain
      involvement were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with malignancy
      associated SIADH compared with other malignancies [Odds ratio (OR) 0.031, 95% CI
      0.003-0.25, p < 0.001]. Patients with malignancy associated SIADH had lower serum
      sodium concentrations on short-term follow-up (p = 0.024) and significantly
      shorter median survival (58 vs. 910 days, p < 0.001). Short-term hyponatremia
      correction was associated with better survival. CONCLUSIONS: SIADH is associated
      with most malignancy types. Physicians caring for patients with breast cancer
      without lung or brain involvement diagnosed with SIADH without an obvious
      etiology should consider obtaining lung and brain imaging to rule out undiagnosed
      metastatic spread. Patients with malignancy associated SIADH have considerably
      worse outcomes compared to cancer patient with SIADH due to other etiologies.
      Short-term sodium concentration can be used as a prognostic marker for these
      patients.

PMID- 27142292
TI  - Troponin I levels in permanent atrial fibrillation-impact of rate control and
      exercise testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) and troponin T (hs-TnT) are
      moderately correlated and independently related to outcome in atrial fibrillation
      (AF). Rate controlling therapy has been shown to reduce hs-TnT, however the
      potential impact on hs-TnI levels, and whether this differs from the effects on
      hs-TnT, has not been investigated previously. METHODS: Sixty patients with
      stable, permanent AF without heart failure or known ischemic heart disease were
      included in a randomised crossover study (mean age 71 +/- 9 years, 18 women).
      Diltiazem 360 mg, verapamil 240 mg, metoprolol 100 mg, and carvedilol 25 mg were
      administered once daily for three weeks, in a randomised sequence. At baseline
      and on the last day of each treatment period, hs-TnI was measured at rest and
      after a maximal exercise test and compared to hs-TnT. RESULTS: Hs-TnI and hs-TnT
      correlated moderately at baseline (rs = 0.582, p < 0.001). All drugs reduced both
      the resting and the peak exercise levels of hs-TnI compared with baseline (p <
      0.001 for all). The decline in resting hs-TnI and hs-TnT values relative to
      baseline levels was similar for all drugs except for verapamil, which reduced hs
      TnI more than hs-TnT (p = 0.017). Levels of hs-TnI increased significantly in
      response to exercise testing at baseline and at all treatment regimens (p < 0.001
      for all). The relative exercise-induced increase in hs-TnI was significantly
      larger compared to hs-TnT at baseline (p < 0.001), on diltiazem (p < 0.001) and
      on verapamil (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our population of stable, permanent AF
      patients, all four rate control drug regimens reduced hs-TnI significantly, both
      at rest and during exercise. The decline in hs-TnI and hs-TnT levels associated
      with beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker treatment was similar, except for a
      larger relative decrease in hs-TnI levels following verapamil treatment. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT00313157 ).

PMID- 27142294
TI  - Analgesic Effects of 5-Alkyloxy-4-amino-2(5H)-furanones as Cholecystokinin-2
      Antagonists.
AB  - 4-Amino-2(5H)-furanones were synthesized in high yields over two synthetic steps
      from readily available mucochloric acid. These 5-alkyloxy-4-amino-2(5H)-furanones
      were screened in a ([125]) I-CCK-8 radioligand receptor binding assay for CCK2
      affinity and novel active ligands in the nanomolar range were identified. SAR was
      optimized leading to the cyclohexyl derivative 25 with an IC50 of 27 nM. Furanone
      18 was obtained as a stable crystalline material with an IC50 of 85 nM, but had a
      higher CCK2 selectivity. It was subsequently tested in the isolated guinea pig
      ileum assay with sulfated CCK8 , and the CCK antagonizing properties of the
      ligand were confirmed. The CCK2 selective antagonist 18 was found to potentiate
      analgesia in the tail flick assay in mice, for the strong opiate morphine, the
      partial opiate agonist tramadol and the tricyclic antidepressant desimipramine. 

PMID- 27142295
TI  - A survey of clearing techniques for 3D imaging of tissues with special reference
      to connective tissue.
AB  - For 3-dimensional (3D) imaging of a tissue, 3 methodological steps are essential
      and their successful application depends on specific characteristics of the type
      of tissue. The steps are 1 degrees  clearing of the opaque tissue to render it
      transparent for microscopy, 2 degrees  fluorescence labeling of the tissues and 3
      degrees  3D imaging. In the past decades, new methodologies were introduced for
      the clearing steps with their specific advantages and disadvantages. Most
      clearing techniques have been applied to the central nervous system and other
      organs that contain relatively low amounts of connective tissue including
      extracellular matrix. However, tissues that contain large amounts of
      extracellular matrix such as dermis in skin or gingiva are difficult to clear.
      The present survey lists methodologies that are available for clearing of tissues
      for 3D imaging. We report here that the BABB method using a mixture of benzyl
      alcohol and benzyl benzoate and iDISCO using dibenzylether (DBE) are the most
      successful methods for clearing connective tissue-rich gingiva and dermis of skin
      for 3D histochemistry and imaging of fluorescence using light-sheet microscopy.

PMID- 27142296
TI  - The use of thermostable bacterial hemicellulases improves the conversion of
      lignocellulosic biomass to valuable molecules.
AB  - The hydrolysis of xylans, one of the main classes of carbohydrates that
      constitute lignocellulosic biomass, requires the synergistic action of several
      enzymes. The development of efficient enzymatic strategies for hydrolysis remains
      a challenge in the pursuit of viable biorefineries, particularly with respect to
      the valorisation of pentoses. The approach developed in this work is based on
      obtaining and characterising hemicellulasic cocktails from Thermobacillus
      xylanilyticus after culturing this bacterium on the hemicellulose-rich substrates
      wheat bran and wheat straw, which differ in their chemistries. The two obtained
      cocktails (WSC and WBC, for cocktails obtained from wheat straw and wheat bran,
      respectively) were resistant to a broad range of temperature and pH conditions.
      At 60  degrees C, both cocktails efficiently liberated pentoses and phenolic
      acids from wheat bran (liberating more than 60, 30 and 40 % of the total xylose,
      arabinose and ferulic acid in wheat bran, respectively). They acted to a lesser
      extent on the more recalcitrant wheat straw, with hydrolytic yields of more than
      30 % of the total arabinose and xylose content and 22 % of the ferulic acid
      content. Hydrolysis is associated with a high rate of sugar monomerisation. When
      associated with cellulases, high quantities of glucose were also obtained. On
      wheat bran, total glucose yields were improved by 70 % compared to the action of
      cellulases alone. This improvement was obtained by cellulase complementation
      either with WSC or with WBC. On wheat straw, similar levels of total glucose were
      obtained for cellulases alone or complemented with WSC or WBC. Interestingly, the
      complementation of cellulases with WSC or WBC induced an increase in the
      monomeric glucose yield of more than 20 % compared to cellulases alone. 

PMID- 27142297
TI  - Antibody affinity maturation through combining display of two-chain paired
      antibody and precision flow cytometric sorting.
AB  - Recombination of antibody light and heavy chain libraries greatly increases the
      size of a two-chain paired antibody library, thus easing the construction of
      large antibody libraries. Here, light and heavy chain variable domains paired by
      a coiled coil were applied to a bacterial inner membrane display system. However,
      the probability of the correct pairing of light and heavy chains through random
      recombination after each round of flow cytometric sorting and cloning was very
      low in the presence of mostly unmatched light and heavy chain genes, resulting in
      inefficient enrichment; a target antibody clone in the ratio of 1:100,000
      negative control spheroplasts was unable to be enriched by six rounds of sorting
      and cloning by a conventional sorting strategy (sorting the top 1 %). By just
      sorting the top 0.000025 % of spheroplasts, we succeeded in enriching the target
      antibody clone mixed with negative control spheroplasts in a ratio of 1:10(8) by
      just one round of sorting and cloning. Furthermore, using this gating strategy,
      we efficiently enriched for an antibody clone with an affinity slightly better
      than the parent antibody clone from mixed spheroplasts which were present in the
      ratio of 1 better affinity clone to 10 parent clones to 10(6) negative control
      clones after just two rounds of sorting and cloning, suggesting that this gating
      strategy is highly sensitive in distinguishing between clones with a small
      difference in affinity and also enriching for clones with a higher affinity.
      Taken together, the combination of the display of a two-chain paired antibody
      library and the use of stringent gating has significantly increased the
      efficiency of the antibody maturation system. 

PMID- 27142298
TI  - Characteristics, protein engineering and applications of microbial thermostable
      pullulanases and pullulan hydrolases.
AB  - Pullulan hydrolyzing enzymes are endoacting, classified based on the substrate
      specificity and hydrolysis products as pullulanases (type I and II) and pullulan
      hydrolases (type I, II and III). Pullulanases and pullulan hydrolase type I are
      produced by bacteria and archaea. Among bacteria, many mesophilic, thermophilic
      and hyperthermophilic bacteria produce pullulanases and neopullulanases. While
      pullulan hydrolase type II and type III are produced by fungi and archaea,
      respectively. These are multi-domain proteins with three conserved catalytic
      acidic residues of the glycosyl hydrolases. The recent advances in molecular
      biology and protein engineering via mutagenesis and truncation led to improvement
      in thermostability, catalytic activity and substrate specificity. Pullulanases
      are debranching enzymes, which are widely employed in starch saccharification
      that minimizes the use of glucoamylase (approx. 50 %) and reduces the total
      reaction time of the industrial starch conversion process. The thermostable
      amylopullulanases are useful in one-step starch liquefaction and
      saccharification, which replaces amylolytic enzymes like alpha-amylase and
      glucoamylase, thus resulting in the reduction in the cost of sugar production.
      The enzymes also find application in making resistant starches and as an
      antistale in bread making. Panose and isopanose containing syrups are useful as
      prebiotics, while panose has also been reported to display anticarcinogenic
      activity. This review focuses on the distinguishing features of these enzymes
      based on the analysis of amino acid sequences and domain structure, besides
      highlighting recent advances in the molecular biology and protein engineering for
      enhancing their thermostability, catalytic activity and substrate specificity.
      This review also briefly summarizes the potential applications of pullulanases
      and pullulan hydrolases. 

PMID- 27142299
TI  - Evaluation of The First Tee in Promoting Positive Youth Development: Group
      Comparisons and Longitudinal Trends.
AB  - PURPOSE: This manuscript represents the 3rd in a series of articles documenting
      our longitudinal evaluation of The First Tee, a physical activity-based youth
      development program that uses golf as a vehicle for teaching life skills and
      enhancing developmental outcomes. Previous phases of our project: (a) established
      initial data-based evidence of effectiveness through cross-sectional and
      qualitative methods (Weiss, Stuntz, Bhalla, Bolter, & Price, 2013), and (b)
      provided validity and reliability for a measure of life skills transfer in 3
      studies using mixed methods (Weiss, Bolter, & Kipp, 2014). The purpose of the
      present phase was to: (a) compare youth in The First Tee to youth in other
      activities on life skills transfer and developmental outcomes, and (b) examine
      change and stability across 3 years in life skills transfer among youth in The
      First Tee. METHOD: In Study 1, youth participating in The First Tee (N = 405) and
      a comparison group (N = 159) completed measures of key constructs. In Study 2, a
      longitudinal sample of 192 youth participating in The First Tee completed the
      life skills transfer measure for 3 consecutive years. RESULTS: Study 1 revealed
      that youth in The First Tee compared favorably to youth in other activities on 5
      of 8 life skills and 6 of 8 developmental outcomes, and Study 2 showed that
      scores improved or remained stable for life skills transfer over time.
      CONCLUSION: Results from both studies show that The First Tee is effective in
      teaching for transfer of life skills and promoting developmental outcomes.

PMID- 27142300
TI  - Cubic PdNP-based air-breathing cathodes integrated in glucose hybrid biofuel
      cells.
AB  - Cubic Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) were synthesized using ascorbic acid as a reducing
      agent and were evaluated for the catalytic oxygen reduction reaction. PdNPs were
      confined with multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersions to form black
      suspensions and these inks were dropcast onto glassy carbon electrodes. Different
      nanoparticle sizes were synthesized and investigated upon oxygen reduction
      capacities (onset potential and electrocatalytic current densities) under O2
      saturated conditions at varying pH values. Strong evidence of O2 diffusion
      limitation was demonstrated. In order to overcome oxygen concentration and
      diffusion limitations in solution, we used a gas diffusion layer to create a PdNP
      based air-breathing cathode, which delivered -1.5 mA cm(-2) at 0.0 V with an
      onset potential of 0.4 V. This air-breathing cathode was combined with a
      specially designed phenanthrolinequinone/glucose dehydrogenase-based anode to
      form a complete glucose/O2 hybrid bio-fuel cell providing an open circuit voltage
      of 0.554 V and delivering a maximal power output of 184 +/- 21 MUW cm(-2) at 0.19
      V and pH 7.0. 

PMID- 27142302
TI  - Reduced DHA transfer in diabetic pregnancies: mechanistic basis and long-term
      neurodevelopmental implications.
AB  - Infants born to diabetic mothers have a higher frequency of impaired
      neurodevelopment. The omega-3 or n-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an
      important structural component of neural tissue and is critical for fetal brain
      development. Maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy is linked to better
      infant neurodevelopment; however, maternal-fetal transfer of DHA is reduced in
      women with diabetes. Evidence of mechanisms explaining altered maternal-fetal DHA
      transfer in this population is limited. This review explores existing evidence
      underpinning reduced maternal-fetal DHA transfer in maternal fuel metabolism in
      this population. Further research is necessary to evaluate the role of peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptors in modulating placental fatty acid binding and
      maternal-fetal DHA transfer. Considerations for clinical practice include a diet
      high in DHA and/or provision of supplemental DHA to obstetric diabetic patients
      within minimum guidelines.

PMID- 27142303
TI  - The importance of accounting for larval detectability in mosquito habitat
      association studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mosquito habitat-association studies are an important basis for
      disease control programmes and/or vector distribution models. However, studies do
      not explicitly account for incomplete detection during larval presence and
      abundance surveys, with potential for significant biases because of environmental
      influences on larval behaviour and sampling efficiency. METHODS: Data were used
      from a dip-sampling study for Anopheles larvae in Ethiopia to evaluate the effect
      of six factors previously associated with larval sampling (riparian vegetation,
      direct sunshine, algae, water depth, pH and temperature) on larval presence and
      detectability. Comparisons were made between: (i) a presence-absence logistic
      regression where samples were pooled at the site level and detectability ignored,
      (ii) a success versus trials binomial model, and (iii) a presence-detection
      mixture model that separately estimated presence and detection, and fitted
      different explanatory variables to these estimations. RESULTS: Riparian
      vegetation was consistently highlighted as important, strongly suggesting it
      explains larval presence (-). However, depending on how larval detectability was
      estimated, the other factors showed large variations in their statistical
      importance. The presence-detection mixture model provided strong evidence that
      larval detectability was influenced by sunshine and water temperature (+), with
      weaker evidence for algae (+) and water depth (-). For larval presence, there was
      also some evidence that water depth (-) and pH (+) influenced site occupation.
      The number of dip-samples needed to determine if larvae were likely present at a
      site was condition dependent: with sunshine and warm water requiring only two
      dips, while cooler water and cloud cover required 11. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental
      factors influence true larval presence and larval detectability differentially
      when sampling in field conditions. Researchers need to be more aware of the
      limitations and possible biases in different analytical approaches used to
      associate larval presence or abundance with local environmental conditions. These
      effects can be disentangled using data that are routinely collected (i.e.,
      multiple dip samples at each site) by employing a modelling approach that
      separates presence from detectability.

PMID- 27142304
TI  - National youth sedentary behavior and physical activity daily patterns using
      latent class analysis applied to accelerometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Applying latent class analysis (LCA) to accelerometry can help
      elucidated underlying patterns. This study described the patterns of
      accelerometer-determined sedentary behavior and physical activity among youth by
      applying LCA to a nationally representative United States (US) sample. METHODS:
      Using 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, 3998
      youths 6-17 years wore an ActiGraph 7164 accelerometer for one week, providing >
      =3 days of wear for > =8 h/day from 6:00 am-midnight. Cutpoints defined sedentary
      behavior (<100 counts/minute), light activity (100-2295 counts/minute), moderate
      to vigorous physical activity (MVPA; > = 2296 counts/minute), and vigorous
      activity (> = 4012 counts/minute). To account for wear time differences, outcomes
      were expressed as percent of day in a given intensity. LCA was used to classify
      daily (Monday through Sunday) patterns of average counts/minute, sedentary
      behavior, light activity, MVPA, and vigorous activity separately. The latent
      classes were explored overall and by age (6-11, 12-14, 15-17 years), gender, and
      whether or not youth attended school during measurement. Estimates were weighted
      to account for the sampling frame. RESULTS: For average counts/minute/day, four
      classes emerged from least to most active: 40.9% of population (mean 323.5
      counts/minute/day), 40.3% (559.6 counts/minute/day), 16.5% (810.0
      counts/minute/day), and 2.3% (1132.9 counts/minute/day). For percent of sedentary
      behavior, four classes emerged: 13.5% of population (mean 544.6 min/day), 30.1%
      (455.1 min/day), 38.5% (357.7 min/day), and 18.0% (259.2 min/day). For percent of
      light activity, four classes emerged: 12.3% of population (mean 222.6 min/day),
      29.3% (301.7 min/day), 41.8% (384.0 min/day), and 16.6% (455.5 min/day). For
      percent of MVPA, four classes emerged: 59.9% of population (mean 25.0 min/day),
      33.3% (60.9 min/day), 3.1% (89.0 min/day), and 3.6% (109.3 min/day). For percent
      of vigorous activity, three classes emerged: 76.8% of population (mean 7.1
      min/day), 18.5% (23.9 min/day), and 4.7% (47.4 min/day). Classes were developed
      by age, gender, and school attendance since some patterns differed when
      stratifying by these factors. CONCLUSION: The models supported patterns for
      average intensity, sedentary behavior, light activity, MVPA, and vigorous
      activity. These latent class derived patterns can be used in other youth studies
      to explore correlates or outcomes and to target sedentary behavior or physical
      activity interventions.

PMID- 27142301
TI  - Early-life enteric infections: relation between chronic systemic inflammation and
      poor cognition in children.
AB  - The intestinal microbiota undergoes active remodeling in the first 6 to 18 months
      of life, during which time the characteristics of the adult microbiota are
      developed. This process is strongly influenced by the early diet and enteric
      pathogens. Enteric infections and malnutrition early in life may favor microbiota
      dysbiosis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, resulting in intestinal
      barrier dysfunction and translocation of intestinal bacterial products,
      ultimately leading to low-grade, chronic, subclinical systemic inflammation. The
      leaky gut-derived low-grade systemic inflammation may have profound consequences
      on the gut-liver-brain axis, compromising normal growth, metabolism, and
      cognitive development. This review examines recent data suggesting that early
      life enteric infections that lead to intestinal barrier disruption may shift the
      intestinal microbiota toward chronic systemic inflammation and subsequent
      impaired cognitive development.

PMID- 27142305
TI  - Dissimilarity based Partial Least Squares (DPLS) for genomic prediction from
      SNPs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genomic prediction (GP) allows breeders to select plants and animals
      based on their breeding potential for desirable traits, without lengthy and
      expensive field trials or progeny testing. We have proposed to use Dissimilarity
      based Partial Least Squares (DPLS) for GP. As a case study, we use the DPLS
      approach to predict Bacterial wilt (BW) in tomatoes using SNPs as predictors. The
      DPLS approach was compared with the Genomic Best-Linear Unbiased Prediction
      (GBLUP) and single-SNP regression with SNP as a fixed effect to assess the
      performance of DPLS. RESULTS: Eight genomic distance measures were used to
      quantify relationships between the tomato accessions from the SNPs. Subsequently,
      each of these distance measures was used to predict the BW using the DPLS
      prediction model. The DPLS model was found to be robust to the choice of distance
      measures; similar prediction performances were obtained for each distance
      measure. DPLS greatly outperformed the single-SNP regression approach, showing
      that BW is a comprehensive trait dependent on several loci. Next, the performance
      of the DPLS model was compared to that of GBLUP. Although GBLUP and DPLS are
      conceptually very different, the prediction quality (PQ) measured by DPLS models
      were similar to the prediction statistics obtained from GBLUP. A considerable
      advantage of DPLS is that the genotype-phenotype relationship can easily be
      visualized in a 2-D scatter plot. This so-called score-plot provides breeders an
      insight to select candidates for their future breeding program. CONCLUSIONS: DPLS
      is a highly appropriate method for GP. The model prediction performance was
      similar to the GBLUP and far better than the single-SNP approach. The proposed
      method can be used in combination with a wide range of genomic dissimilarity
      measures and genotype representations such as allele-count, haplotypes or allele
      intensity values. Additionally, the data can be insightfully visualized by the
      DPLS model, allowing for selection of desirable candidates from the breeding
      experiments. In this study, we have assessed the DPLS performance on a single
      trait.

PMID- 27142306
TI  - Purinergic Signaling During Immune Cell Trafficking.
AB  - Migration and positioning of immune cells is fundamental for their
      differentiation and recruitment at sites of infection. Besides the fundamental
      role played by chemokines and their receptors, recent studies demonstrate that a
      complex network of purinergic signaling events plays a key role in these
      trafficking events. This process includes the release of nucleotides (such as ATP
      and ADP) and subsequent autocrine and paracrine signaling events through
      nucleotide receptors. At the same time, surface-expressed ectoapyrases and
      nucleotidases convert extracellular nucleotides to adenosine, and adenosine
      signaling events play additional functional roles in leucocyte trafficking. In
      this review we revisit classical paradigms of inflammatory cell trafficking in
      the context of recent studies implicating purinergic signaling events in this
      process.

PMID- 27142307
TI  - Simultaneous Scanning Electron Microscope Imaging of Topographical and Chemical
      Contrast Using In-Lens, In-Column, and Everhart-Thornley Detector Systems.
AB  - The scanning electron microscope provides a platform for subnanometer resolution
      characterization of material morphology with excellent topographic and chemical
      contrast dependent on the used detectors. For imaging applications, the
      predominantly utilized signals are secondary electrons (SEs) and backscattered
      electrons (BSEs) that are emitted from the sample surface. Recent advances in
      detector technology beyond the traditional Everhart-Thornley geometry have
      enabled the simultaneous acquisition and discrimination of SE and BSE signals.
      This study demonstrates the imaging capabilities of a recently introduced new
      detector system that consists of the combination of two in-lens (I-L) detectors
      and one in-column (I-C) detector. Coupled with biasing the sample stage to reduce
      electron-specimen interaction volumes, this trinity of detector geometry allows
      simultaneous acquisition of signals to distinguish chemical contrast from
      topographical changes of the sample, including the identification of surface
      contamination. The I-C detector provides 4* improved topography, whereas the I-L
      detector closest to the sample offers excellent simultaneous chemical contrast
      imaging while not limiting the minimization of working distance to obtain optimal
      lateral resolution. Imaging capabilities and contrast mechanisms for all three
      detectors are discussed quantitatively in direct comparison to each other and the
      conventional Everhart-Thornley detector.

PMID- 27142308
TI  - Differential Gene Expression Analysis of the Epacromius coerulipes (Orthoptera:
      Acrididae) Transcriptome.
AB  - Epacromius coerulipes (Ivanov) is one of the most widely distributed locusts. To
      date, the main methods to kill locusts still rely on chemical controls, which can
      result in the selection of locusts with resistance to chemical pesticides. Butene
      fipronil is a new pesticide that was discovered by the structural modification of
      fipronil. This pesticide has been used to control various agricultural pests and
      has become an important pesticide product to control pests that exhibit
      resistance to other pesticides, including locusts. To extend its useful half
      life, studies of the initiation and progression of resistance to this pesticide
      are needed. Herein, two E. coerulipes strains, a pesticide-sensitive (PS) and a
      pesticide-resistant (PR) strain, were chosen to undergo de novo assembly by
      paired-end transcriptome Illumina sequencing. Overall, 63,033 unigenes were
      detected; the average gene length was 772 bp and the N50 was 1,589 bp. Among
      these unigenes, ~ 25,132 (39.87% of the total) could be identified as known
      proteins in bioinformatic databases from national centers. A comparison of the PR
      and PS strains revealed that 2,568 genes were differentially expressed, including
      1,646 and 922 genes that were up- and down-regulated, respectively. According to
      the Gene Ontology (GO) database, among biological processes the metabolic process
      group was the largest group (6,900 genes, 22.47%) and contained a high frequency
      of differentially expressed genes (544 genes, 27.54%). According to the Clusters
      of Orthologous Groups (COG) categories, 28 genes, representing 2.98% of all
      genes, belonged to the group of genes involved in the biosynthesis,
      transportation, and catabolism of secondary metabolites. The differentially
      expressed genes that we identified are involved in 50 metabolic pathways. Among
      these pathways, the metabolism pathway was the most represented. After enrichment
      analysis of differential gene expression pathways, six pathways--ribosome;
      starch, and sucrose metabolism; ascorbate and aldarate metabolism; drug
      metabolism-cytochrome P450; metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450; and
      glutathione metabolism--showed a high degree of enrichment. Among these pathways,
      drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450,
      and glutathione metabolism have been associated with pesticide metabolism.
      Furthermore, 316 unigenes in the E. coerulipes transcriptome encode detoxifying
      enzymes and 76 unigenes encode target proteins of pesticides. Among these genes,
      23 genes that encode detoxifying enzymes in the resistance group were found to be
      up-regulated. The transcriptome sequencing results of E. coerulipes established a
      genomics database of E. coerulipes for the first time. This study also
      establishes a molecular basis for gene function analysis of E. coerulipes
      Moreover, it provides a theoretical resource for mechanistic studies on pesticide
      resistance through the screening and investigation of resistance genes.

PMID- 27142310
TI  - [Benign odontogenic tumor in the lower jaw: A case report].
AB  - Odontomas are classified within the group of odontogenic epithelial tumors with
      odontogenic ectomesenchyme with or without hard tissue formation. Together with
      ameloblastomas and keratocystic odontogenic tumors they are counted among the
      most common odontogenic tumors. Their growth is self-limiting and mostly, they
      are discovered accidentally as part of a x-ray examination. A common finding is
      that odontomas are associated with an unerupted permanent tooth. The aim of the
      present case report is to present the step-by-step procedure of a surgical
      odontoma removal in the lingual premolar/canine area of the lower jaw. 

PMID- 27142311
TI  - Effectiveness and safety of daclatasvir plus asunaprevir for patients with
      hepatitis C virus genotype 1b aged 75 years and over with or without cirrhosis.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 24-week
      daclatasvir (NS5A inhibitor) plus asunaprevir (NS3/4 A protease inhibitor)
      treatment for elderly patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b
      infection. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter study consisted of 321 Japanese
      HCV genotype 1b patients who were interferon-ineligible/intolerant or non
      responders to interferon-based regimens, including 103 (32.1%) aged >=75 years
      and 127 (39.6%) with cirrhosis. Sustained virological response (SVR) at 24 weeks
      after the end of treatment and adverse effects were analyzed according to age.
      RESULTS: The overall SVR rate was 90.3%. In terms of by age, 94.5% (69/73), 88.3%
      (128/145), and 90.3% (93/103) of the patients aged <65, 65-74, and >=75 years,
      respectively, achieved SVR. For the entire cohort, pre-existent NS5A resistance
      associated variants and prior simeprevir failure were independently associated
      with treatment failure. According to the analysis of patients without these
      unfavorable pretreatment factors, 90.8% (89/98) aged >=75 years achieved SVR,
      although this was significantly lower than for those aged <65 years (98.5%,
      66/67) (P < 0.05). The frequency of adverse effects was comparable for the <75
      and >=75 age groups, the most common being an elevated alanine aminotransferase
      level (>150 U/L, 8.7%), however, no decompensating events were seen. CONCLUSIONS:
      Daclatasvir plus asunaprevir for HCV genotype 1b was well tolerated and effective
      for patients without pre-existent NS5A resistance-associated variants or
      simeprevir failure, irrespective of fibrosis status. However, it was less
      effective for very old patients aged >=75 years compared to those aged <65.

PMID- 27142312
TI  - A novel co-culture model of murine K12 osteosarcoma cells and S. aureus on common
      orthopedic implant materials: 'the race to the surface' studied in vitro.
AB  - Infection is a major cause of orthopedic implant failure. There are few studies
      assessing both tissue cell and bacterial adherence on common orthopedic implant
      materials in a co-culture environment. An in vitro co-culture model was created
      using K12 osteosarcoma cells and Staphylococcus aureus in a medium incubated over
      metal disks for 48 h. The results showed that, in the presence of S. aureus,
      there were fewer osteosarcoma cells attached to the disks for all substrata
      tested. There were significantly more osteosarcoma cells adhering to the cobalt
      chrome than the stainless steel and titanium disks. Overall, in the presence of
      osteosarcoma cells, there were more bacteria adhering to the disks for all the
      substrata tested, with significantly more bacteria adhering to the stainless
      steel disks compared to cobalt chrome and titanium disks. Scanning electron
      microscopy verified that osteosarcoma cells and bacteria were adherent to the
      metal disks after incubation for 48 h. Furthermore, the observation that more
      bacteria were in the co-culture than in the control sample suggests that the
      osteosarcoma cells serve as a nutrient source for the bacteria. Future models
      assessing the interaction of osteogenic cells with bacteria on a substratum would
      be improved if the model accounted for the role of the immune system in secondary
      bone healing.

PMID- 27142313
TI  - Validation of a nomogram for predicting regression from impaired fasting glucose
      to normoglycaemia to facilitate clinical decision making.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Hong Kong, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is the most popular
      screening test for diabetes mellitus (DM) in primary care. Individuals with
      impaired fasting glucose (IFG) are commonly encountered. OBJECTIVES: To explore
      the determinants of regression to normoglycaemia among primary care patients with
      IFG based on non-invasive variables and to establish a nomogram for the
      prediction of regression from IFG. METHODS: This cohort study consisted of 1197
      primary care patients with IFG. These subjects were invited to repeat a FPG test
      and 75-g 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (2h-OGTT) to determine the glycaemia
      change. Normoglycaemia was defined as FPG <5.6 mmol/L and 2h-OGTT <7.8 mmol/L.
      Stepwise logistic regression model was developed to predict the regression to
      normoglycaemia with non-invasive variables, using a randomly selected training
      dataset (810 subjects). The model was validated on the remaining testing dataset
      (387 subjects). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and
      Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to evaluate discrimination and calibration of the
      model. A nomogram was constructed based on the model. RESULTS: After a mean
      follow-up period of 6.1 months, 180 subjects (15.0%) had normoglycaemia based on
      the repeated FPG and 2h-OGTT results at follow-up. Subjects without central
      obesity or hypertension, with moderate-to-high-level physical activity and a
      lower baseline FPG level, were more likely to regress to normoglycaemia. The
      prediction model had acceptable discrimination (AUC = 0.705) and calibration (P =
      0.840). CONCLUSION: The simple-to-use nomogram could facilitate identification of
      subjects with low risk of progression to DM and thus aid in clinical decision
      making and resource prioritization in the primary care setting.

PMID- 27142314
TI  - Vaccination errors in general practice: creation of a preventive checklist based
      on a multimodal analysis of declared errors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vaccination is a common act in general practice in which, as in all
      procedures in medicine, errors may occur. To our best knowledge, in this area,
      few tools exist to prevent them. OBJECTIVE: To create a checklist that could be
      used in general practice in order to avoid the main errors. METHODS: From April
      to July 2013, we systematically searched for vaccination errors using three
      sources: a review of literature, individual interviews with 25 health care
      workers and supervised peer review groups meeting at the Medicine school of Saint
      Etienne (France). The errors most frequently retrieved were used to create the
      checklist that was regularly submitted to interviewed caregivers to improve its
      construction and content; its stabilization has been conceived as an evidence of
      finalization. RESULTS: The checklist's draw-up included three parts allowing
      verification at each stage of the vaccination process: before, during and after
      the vaccine administration. Before the vaccination, items to be checked were
      mainly does my patient need and may he/she receive this vaccine in accordance
      with the national French vaccination guidelines? During the preparation and the
      administration of vaccination, items to be checked were are the patient and the
      practitioner comfortable? Is all the material needed correctly prepared? Is the
      appropriate route defined? Ultimately, after the vaccination, most items to be
      checked concerned traceability. This checklist seemed useful and usable by the
      panel of practitioners questioned. CONCLUSION: This vaccination checklist may be
      useful to prevent errors. Its efficacy and feasibility in clinical practice will
      require further testing.

PMID- 27142315
TI  - Designing food delivery systems: challenges related to the in vitro methods
      employed to determine the fate of bioactives in the gut.
AB  - An in depth understanding of the underpinning mechanisms that relate to food
      disruption and processing in the gastrointestinal tract is necessary to achieve
      optimal intake of nutrients and their bioefficacy. Although in vivo trials can
      provide insights on physiological responses of nutrients, in vitro assays are
      often applied as tools to understand specific mechanisms, or as prescreening
      methods to determine the factors associated with the uptake of food components in
      the gastrointestinal tract. In vitro assays are also often utilized to design
      novel or improved food delivery systems. In this review the available approaches
      to study delivery and uptake of food bioactives and the associated challenges are
      discussed. For an in depth understanding of food processing in the
      gastrointestinal tract, it is necessary to apply multidisciplinary methodologies,
      at the interface between materials science, chemistry, physics and biology. 

PMID- 27142316
TI  - Why are men less tested for sexually transmitted infections in remote Australian
      Indigenous communities? A mixed-methods study.
AB  - Gender disparities in testing rates for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
      have been identified as one potential factor sustaining high rates of STIs and
      repeat infections in the Northern Territory of Australia, especially in remote
      Indigenous communities. The study aimed to investigate the reasons for these
      disparities utilising a mixed-method study design. We conducted an audit on
      client information at a remote community health clinic, focus-group discussions
      with young men in the same community and interviews with experienced remote area
      clinicians. The clinic audit found a significantly higher proportion of female
      residents of the community than males visited the clinic (72.8 versus 55.3%, p <
      0.005). Women were also more likely to be tested for STIs than men when visiting
      the clinic (49.7 versus 40.3%, p = 0.015). Major barriers to men's seeking STI
      testing included a sense of shame from being seen visiting the clinic by women,
      men's lack of understanding of STIs and the need for testing, and inadequate
      access to male clinicians. Increasing men's access to healthcare and STI testing
      requires offering testing at a gender-sensitive and separate locations, and
      community-based sexual health promotion to increase knowledge of STIs.

PMID- 27142317
TI  - Loss of dopaminergic neurons occurs in the ventral tegmental area and
      hypothalamus of rats following chronic stress: Possible pathogenetic loci for
      depression involved in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of
      dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic pathways including
      ventral tegmental area (VTA). Although several factors for the neuronal loss have
      been suggested, most of the PD cases are sporadic and idiopathic. In our previous
      study, we demonstrated the first evidence that solely chronic restraint stress
      (RS) induced the DA neuronal loss in the substantia nigra (SN). In this study, we
      further investigated whether chronic stress could affect other major DA systems,
      VTA and tuberoinfundibular system (TIDA), by using immunohistochemical and in
      situ hybridization techniques. The present study showed that, in the VTA,
      tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive neurons decreased by 9.8% at 2nd week,
      19.2% at 4th week, 39.5% at 8th week, and 40.6% at 16th week during chronic RS as
      compared to control. Similarly, in the TIDA, the TH neurons decreased by 10.9% at
      2nd week, 38.2% at 4th week, 56.3% at 8th week, and 57.1% at 16th week. The in
      situ hybridization results consistently demonstrated decreases in Th mRNA
      expressing cells in the VTA and TIDA in a comparable time dependent manner. Thus,
      exposure to chronic stress may simultaneously induce multiple neuronal loss of DA
      systems. 

PMID- 27142318
TI  - alpha-synuclein folds: the cards are on the table.

PMID- 27142319
TI  - SIRT6: a new guardian of mitosis.

PMID- 27142320
TI  - Step back for seminal translation.

PMID- 27142321
TI  - A novel regulatory mechanism for the brown-fat uncoupling protein?

PMID- 27142322
TI  - Cpf1 shape-shifts for streamlined CRISPR cleavage.

PMID- 27142323
TI  - Translocation: lights, camera, and action.

PMID- 27142325
TI  - Corrigendum: Structure of a prokaryotic fumarate transporter reveals the
      architecture of the SLC26 family.

PMID- 27142324
TI  - Regulating the construction and demolition of the synaptonemal complex.
AB  - The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a meiosis-specific scaffold that links
      homologous chromosomes from end to end during meiotic prophase and is required
      for the formation of meiotic crossovers. Assembly of SC components is regulated
      by a combination of associated nonstructural proteins and post-translational
      modifications, such as SUMOylation, which together coordinate the timing between
      homologous chromosome pairing, double-strand-break formation and recombination.
      In addition, transcriptional and translational control mechanisms ensure the
      timely disassembly of the SC after crossover resolution and before chromosome
      segregation at anaphase I.

PMID- 27142326
TI  - Heat stroke: Clinical experience from an Italian ICU during summer 2015.

PMID- 27142327
TI  - Pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
AB  - For many years pregnancy has been contraindicated in patients with SLE,
      particularly when kidney involvement was present. Today, pregnancy is no longer
      considered impossible in women with lupus. Yet, lupus pregnancies are still
      considered high-risk. The prognosis has considerably improved for pregnant women
      but the fetal risk, although progressively reduced, is still higher in
      pregnancies of patients with SLE than in pregnancies of healthy women.
      Miscarriage, premature delivery, and preeclampsia, as well as heart problems in
      the baby are the major complications that can occur. In this paper we will review
      the outcome of pregnant women with SLE, the influence of lupus on fetal outcome,
      the effects of pregnancy on lupus, and the management of pregnant lupus patients
      based on our personal experience and the revision of the most recent and
      significant papers on the subject. 

PMID- 27142328
TI  - Pertussis vaccination during pregnancy in Belgium: Follow-up of infants until 1
      month after the fourth infant pertussis vaccination at 15 months of age.
AB  - Vaccination of pregnant women with a pertussis containing vaccine is a
      recommended strategy in some industrialized countries, to protect young infants
      from severe disease. One of the effects of the presence of high titers of
      passively acquired maternal antibodies in young infants is blunting of immune
      responses to infant vaccination. We present infant immune responses to a fourth
      pertussis containing vaccine dose at 15 months of age, as a follow-up of
      previously presented data. In a prospective cohort study, women were either
      vaccinated with an acellular pertussis vaccine (Boostrix((r))) during pregnancy
      (vaccine group) or received no vaccine (control group). All infants were
      vaccinated with Infanrix Hexa((r)) according to the standard Belgian vaccination
      schedule (8/12/16 weeks, 15 months). We report results from blood samples
      collected before and 1 month after the fourth vaccine dose. Immunoglobulin G
      (IgG) antibodies against pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA),
      pertactin (Prn), tetanus toxoid (TT) and diphtheria toxoid (DT) were measured
      using commercially available ELISA tests. Antibody levels were expressed in
      International Units per milliliter. Demographic characteristics were similar in
      the vaccine and control group. Before the fourth vaccine dose, significantly
      lower antibody titers were measured in the vaccine group compared to the control
      group for anti-Prn IgG (p=0.003) and anti-DT IgG (p=0.023), with a steep decay of
      antibody titers since post-primary vaccination. One month after the fourth dose,
      antibody titers were only significantly lower in the vaccine group for anti-PT
      IgG (p=0.006). For all antigens, there was a rise in antibody titer after the
      fourth vaccine dose. The present results indicate still a minor blunting effect 1
      month after a fourth vaccine dose for anti-PT antibodies. However, a good humoral
      immune response on all measured antigens was elicited in both groups of children.
      The clinical significance of such blunting effect is yet unknown.
      Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01698346.

PMID- 27142330
TI  - Introducing dengue vaccine: Implications for diagnosis in dengue vaccinated
      subjects.
AB  - Diagnosis of dengue virus infections is complicated by preference for different
      diagnostic tests in different post onset days of illness and the presence of
      multiple serotypes leading to secondary and tertiary infections. The sensitivity
      of the most commonly employed diagnostic assays such as anti dengue IgM capture
      (MAC) ELISA and non structural protein (NS) 1 capture ELISA are lower in
      secondary and subsequent infections. Introduction of dengue vaccine in endemic
      regions will affect the way how dengue is diagnosed in vaccinated subjects. This
      viewpoint article discusses implications of introduction of dengue vaccine on the
      diagnosis of dengue infections in vaccinated subjects and the strategies that are
      needed to tackle the issue.

PMID- 27142329
TI  - Strategic evaluation of vaccine candidate antigens for the prevention of Visceral
      Leishmaniasis.
AB  - Infection with Leishmania parasites results in a range of clinical manifestations
      and outcomes, the most severe of which is visceral leishmaniasis (VL).
      Vaccination will likely provide the most effective long-term control strategy, as
      the large number of vectors and potential infectious reservoirs renders sustained
      interruption of Leishmania parasite transmission extremely difficult. Selection
      of the best vaccine is complicated because, although several vaccine antigen
      candidates have been proposed, they have emerged following production in
      different platforms. To consolidate the information that has been generated into
      a single vaccine platform, we expressed seven candidates as recombinant proteins
      in E. coli. After verifying that each recombinant protein could be recognized by
      VL patients, we evaluated their protective efficacy against experimental L.
      donovani infection of mice. Administration in formulation with the Th1
      potentiating adjuvant GLA-SE indicated that each antigen could elicit antigen
      specific Th1 responses that were protective. Considering the ability to reduce
      parasite burden along with additional factors such as sequence identity across
      Leishmania species, we then generated a chimeric fusion protein comprising a
      combination of the 8E, p21 and SMT proteins. This E. coli -expressed fusion
      protein was also demonstrated to protect against L. donovani infection. These
      data indicate a novel recombinant vaccine antigen with the potential for use in
      VL control programs.

PMID- 27142331
TI  - Characterizations of heparin-binding proteins in human urine by affinity
      purification-mass spectrometry and defining "L-x(2,3)-A-x(0,1)-L" as a novel
      heparin-binding motif.
AB  - Heparin-binding proteins (HBPs) are considered as potential modulators of kidney
      stone formation. However, HBPs had not been characterized in the urine
      previously. In this study, we applied affinity purification-mass spectrometry (AP
      MS) using cellufine sulfate column chromatography and liquid chromatography
      quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF MS/MS) to identify
      HBPs in normal human urine. Using this approach, 83 HBPs were identified,
      including those involved in metabolic process, cellular process, immune system,
      developmental process, response to stimuli, cell communication, transport, cell
      adhesion and others. The AP-MS data were confirmed by Western blot analysis and
      chemico-protein interactions analysis using STITCH tool. In addition, 59, 55 and
      51 identified HBPs had the known heparin-binding motifs "XBBXnBX", "XBXnBBX" and
      "XBBBnX", respectively. Moreover, a novel heparin-binding motif "L-x(2,3)-A
      x(0,1)-L" was found in 58 identified HBPs using PRATT tool. The sensitivity and
      specificity of this novel motif were 85% and 100%, respectively, by validation
      using 20 known HBPs and 11 non-HBPs. We report herein for the first time a large
      number of HBPs in normal human urine and defined "L-x(2,3)-A-x(0,1)-L" as a novel
      heparin-binding motif. These findings will be useful to further understand the
      renal physiology and may also lead to identification of novel modulators of
      kidney stone formation. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Heparin-binding proteins (HBPs)
      have several important roles in various biological processes, including kidney
      stone formation. However, HBPs had not been characterized in the urine. Our
      present work using affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry (AP-MS) is
      the first large-scale study on HBPs in human urine. In addition to the three
      known heparin-binding motifs, "XBBXnBX", "XBXnBBX", and "XBBBnX", we successfully
      defined the amino acid pattern "L-x(2,3)-A-x(0,1)-L" as a novel heparin-binding
      motif. These findings will be useful to further understand the renal physiology
      and may also lead to identification of novel modulators of kidney stone
      formation.

PMID- 27142332
TI  - Sun proteins and Dpy19l2 forming LINC-like links are critical for spermiogenesis.

PMID- 27142333
TI  - Activation of PI3K signaling prevents aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death in
      the murine cochlea.
AB  - Loss of sensory hair cells of the inner ear due to aminoglycoside exposure is a
      major cause of hearing loss. Using an immortalized multipotent otic progenitor
      (iMOP) cell line, specific signaling pathways that promote otic cell survival
      were identified. Of the signaling pathways identified, the PI3K pathway emerged
      as a strong candidate for promoting hair cell survival. In aging animals,
      components for active PI3K signaling are present but decrease in hair cells. In
      this study, we determined whether activated PI3K signaling in hair cells promotes
      survival. To activate PI3K signaling in hair cells, we used a small molecule
      inhibitor of PTEN or genetically ablated PTEN using a conditional knockout
      animal. Hair cell survival was challenged by addition of gentamicin to cochlear
      cultures. Hair cells with activated PI3K signaling were more resistant to
      aminoglycoside-induced hair cell death. These results indicate that increased
      PI3K signaling in hair cells promote survival and the PI3K signaling pathway is a
      target for preventing aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss. 

PMID- 27142334
TI  - Disruption of a cystine transporter downregulates expression of genes involved in
      sulfur regulation and cellular respiration.
AB  - Cystine and cysteine are important molecules for pathways such as redox signaling
      and regulation, and thus identifying cellular deficits upon deletion of the
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae cystine transporter Ers1p allows for a further
      understanding of cystine homeostasis. Previous complementation studies using the
      human ortholog suggest yeast Ers1p is a cystine transporter. Human CTNS encodes
      the protein Cystinosin, a cystine transporter that is embedded in the lysosomal
      membrane and facilitates the export of cystine from the lysosome. When CTNS is
      mutated, cystine transport is disrupted, leading to cystine accumulation, the
      diagnostic hallmark of the lysosomal storage disorder cystinosis. Here, we
      provide biochemical evidence for Ers1p-dependent cystine transport. However, the
      accumulation of intracellular cystine is not observed when the ERS1 gene is
      deleted from ers1-Delta yeast, supporting the existence of modifier genes that
      provide a mechanism in ers1-Delta yeast that prevents or corrects cystine
      accumulation. Upon comparison of the transcriptomes of isogenic ERS1+ and ers1
      Delta strains of S. cerevisiae by DNA microarray followed by targeted qPCR,
      sixteen genes were identified as being differentially expressed between the two
      genotypes. Genes that encode proteins functioning in sulfur regulation, cellular
      respiration, and general transport were enriched in our screen, demonstrating
      pleiotropic effects of ers1-Delta. These results give insight into yeast cystine
      regulation and the multiple, seemingly distal, pathways that involve proper
      cystine recycling. 

PMID- 27142335
TI  - Molecular characterization of three NPY receptors (Y2, Y5 and Y7) in chickens:
      Gene structure, tissue expression, promoter identification, and functional
      analysis.
AB  - Six neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors are suggested to mediate the biological
      actions of NPY, peptide YY (PYY), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP), such as food
      intake in birds, however, information regarding the structure and signaling of
      avian NPY receptors are rather limited. In this study, we investigated the gene
      structure, tissue expression and signaling property of three NPY receptors (cY2,
      cY5 and cY7) in chickens. The results showed that 1) cY2, cY5 and cY7 contain
      novel non-coding exons upstream of their start codon and alternative mRNA
      splicing in their 5'-UTR results in the formation of multiple transcript
      variants; 2) cY2, cY5 and cY7 transcripts were detected to be widely expressed in
      adult chicken tissues including various brain regions by RT-PCR, and their
      expression is controlled by a promoter(s) near exon 1, which display promoter
      activity in DF-1 cells as demonstrated by Dual-luciferase reporter assay; 3) cY2,
      cY5 and cY7 expressed in HEK293 cells were preferentially (or potently) activated
      by cNPY1-36 and cPYY1-37, but not by cPP1-36, and their activation led to the
      inhibition of cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and activation of MAPK/ERK signaling
      pathway, monitored by the cell-based luciferase reporter systems or western
      blots, indicating that the three NPY receptors are functional and capable of
      transmitting signals effectively. On the whole, our data establishes a molecular
      basis to elucidate the actions of three functional NPY receptors (cY2, cY5 and
      cY7) and their ligands in birds, which helps to uncover the conserved roles of
      these ligand-receptor pairs in vertebrates.

PMID- 27142336
TI  - Combination of ESI and MALDI mass spectrometry for qualitative, semi-quantitative
      and in situ analysis of gangliosides in brain.
AB  - Gangliosides are a family of complex lipids that are abundant in the brain. There
      is no doubt the investigations about the distribution of gangliosides in brian
      and the relationship between gangliosides and Alzheimer's disease is profound.
      However, these investigations are full of challenges due to the structural
      complexity of gangliosides. In this work, the method for efficient extraction and
      enrichment of gangliosides from brain was established. Moreover, the distribution
      of gangliosides in brain was obtained by matrix-assisted laser desorption
      ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). It was found that 3
      aminoquinoline (3-AQ) as matrix was well-suited for MALDI MS analysis of
      gangliosides in negative ion mode. In addition, the pretreatment by ethanol
      (EtOH) cleaning brain section and the addition of ammonium formate greatly
      improved the MS signal of gangliosides in the brain section when MALDI MSI
      analysis was employed. The distribution of ganliosides in cerebral cortex,
      hippocampus and cerebellum was respectively acquired by electrospray ionization
      (ESI) MS and MALDI MSI, and the data were compared for reliability evaluation of
      MALDI MSI. Further, applying MALDI MSI technology, the distribution of
      gangliosides in amyloid precursor protein transgenic mouse brain was obtained,
      which may provide a new insight for bioresearch of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

PMID- 27142337
TI  - Development of Persister-FACSeq: a method to massively parallelize quantification
      of persister physiology and its heterogeneity.
AB  - Bacterial persisters are thought to underlie the relapse of chronic infections.
      Knowledge of persister physiology would illuminate avenues for therapeutic
      intervention; however, such knowledge has remained elusive because persisters
      have yet to be segregated from other cell types to sufficient purity. This
      technical hurdle has stymied progress toward understanding persistence. Here we
      developed Persister-FACSeq, which is a method that uses fluorescence-activated
      cell sorting, antibiotic tolerance assays, and next generation sequencing to
      interrogate persister physiology and its heterogeneity. As a proof-of-concept, we
      used Persister-FACSeq on a library of reporters to study gene expression
      distributions in non-growing Escherichia coli, and found that persistence to
      ofloxacin is inversely correlated with the capacity of non-growing cells to
      synthesize protein. Since Persister-FACSeq can be applied to study persistence to
      any antibiotic in any environment for any bacteria that can harbor a fluorescent
      reporter, we anticipate that it will yield unprecedented knowledge of this
      detrimental phenotype.

PMID- 27142339
TI  - Active cytomegalovirus infection diagnosed by real-time PCR in patients with
      inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective, controlled observational study (.).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It is assumed that cytomegaloviral (CMV) infection in inflammatory
      bowel disease (IBD) is caused by reactivation due to the immunosuppressive
      therapy, but the role of CMV as a pathophysiological factor and prognostic marker
      in IBD is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate CMV infection in IBD,
      with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry, with
      emphasis on newly diagnosed disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective,
      controlled study, 67 patients with IBD and 34 control patients with irritable
      bowel syndrome (IBS) or rectal bleeding were included. Serology for CMV was
      analysed along with CMV DNA in plasma, mucosal biopsies, and faeces. Mucosal
      biopsies were further analysed with histopathology and CMV immunohistochemistry.
      RESULTS: Detection of CMV IgM was more common in patients with IBD, compared to
      controls, 21% versus 3%. CMV DNA was found in 16% of patients with newly
      diagnosed, untreated IBD and in 38% of steroid-treated patients. Four of the five
      patients that needed urgent surgery were CMV-DNA positive in at least one of
      three sample types. None of the controls had detectable CMV DNA. CONCLUSIONS:
      Active CMV infection was found in high proportions of newly diagnosed untreated
      patients with IBD, in patients on immunosuppression and in patients in the need
      of surgery. Low CMV-DNA levels in non-immunosuppressed patients were not a risk
      factor for the development of more severe IBD, while the detection of CMV DNA in
      patients on immunosuppressive therapy may foresee disease progression.

PMID- 27142338
TI  - Prostate tumor DNA methylation is associated with cigarette smoking and adverse
      prostate cancer outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA methylation has been hypothesized as a mechanism for explaining
      the association between smoking and adverse prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes. This
      study was aimed at assessing whether smoking is associated with prostate tumor
      DNA methylation and whether these alterations may explain in part the association
      of smoking with PCa recurrence and mortality. METHODS: A total of 523 men had
      radical prostatectomy as their primary treatment, detailed smoking history data,
      long-term follow-up for PCa outcomes, and tumor tissue profiled for DNA
      methylation. Ninety percent of the men also had matched tumor gene expression
      data. A methylome-wide analysis was conducted to identify differentially
      methylated regions (DMRs) by smoking status. To select potential functionally
      relevant DMRs, their correlation with the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of
      corresponding genes was evaluated. Finally, a smoking-related methylation score
      based on the top-ranked DMRs was created to assess its association with PCa
      outcomes. RESULTS: Forty DMRs were associated with smoking status, and 10 of
      these were strongly correlated with mRNA expression (aldehyde oxidase 1 [AOX1],
      claudin 5 [CLDN5], early B-cell factor 1 [EBF1], homeobox A7 [HOXA7], lectin
      galactoside-binding soluble 3 [LGALS3], microtubule-associated protein tau
      [MAPT], protocadherin gamma A [PCDHGA]/protocadherin gamma B [PCDHGB],
      paraoxonase 3 [PON3], synaptonemal complex protein 2 like [SYCP2L], and zinc
      finger and SCAN domain containing 12 [ZSCAN12]). Men who were in the highest
      tertile for the smoking-methylation score derived from these DMRs had a higher
      risk of recurrence (odds ratio [OR], 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42
      3.72) and lethal disease (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.65-11.78) in comparison with men in
      the lower 2 tertiles. CONCLUSIONS: This integrative molecular epidemiology study
      supports the hypothesis that smoking-associated tumor DNA methylation changes may
      explain at least part of the association between smoking and adverse PCa
      outcomes. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings and understand
      the implications for improving patient outcomes. Cancer 2016;122:2168-77. (c)
      2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27142340
TI  - Genome-Wide Functional Annotation of Human Protein-Coding Splice Variants Using
      Multiple Instance Learning.
AB  - The vast majority of human multiexon genes undergo alternative splicing and
      produce a variety of splice variant transcripts and proteins, which can perform
      different functions. These protein-coding splice variants (PCSVs) greatly
      increase the functional diversity of proteins. Most functional annotation
      algorithms have been developed at the gene level; the lack of isoform-level gold
      standards is an important intellectual limitation for currently available machine
      learning algorithms. The accumulation of a large amount of RNA-seq data in the
      public domain greatly increases our ability to examine the functional annotation
      of genes at isoform level. In the present study, we used a multiple instance
      learning (MIL)-based approach for predicting the function of PCSVs. We used
      transcript-level expression values and gene-level functional associations from
      the Gene Ontology database. A support vector machine (SVM)-based 5-fold cross
      validation technique was applied. Comparatively, genes with multiple PCSVs
      performed better than single PCSV genes, and performance also improved when more
      examples were available to train the models. We demonstrated our predictions
      using literature evidence of ADAM15, LMNA/C, and DMXL2 genes. All predictions
      have been implemented in a web resource called "IsoFunc", which is freely
      available for the global scientific community through
      http://guanlab.ccmb.med.umich.edu/isofunc .

PMID- 27142341
TI  - Effect of Headgroups on Small-Ion Permeability across Archaea-Inspired Tetraether
      Lipid Membranes.
AB  - This paper examines the effects of four different polar headgroups on small-ion
      membrane permeability from liposomes comprised of Archaea-inspired
      glycerolmonoalkyl glycerol tetraether (GMGT) lipids. We found that the membrane
      leakage rate across GMGT lipid membranes varied by a factor of <=1.6 as a
      function of headgroup structure. However, the leakage rates of small ions across
      membranes comprised of commercial bilayer-forming 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn
      glycerol (PO) lipids varied by as much as 32-fold within the same series of
      headgroups. These results demonstrate that membrane leakage from GMGT lipids is
      less influenced by headgroup structure, making it possible to tailor the
      structure of the polar headgroups on GMGT lipids while retaining predictable
      leakage properties of membranes comprised of these tethered lipids.

PMID- 27142342
TI  - Immunoglobulin G4-positive staining of orbital lesions in thyroid eye disease:
      Report of two cases.
AB  - We report two cases with immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-positive staining of orbital
      lesions and thyroid eye disease (TED). Case 1 was a 63-year-old male with right
      upper eyelid swelling due to right lacrimal gland enlargement. Case 2 was a 49
      year-old male with bilateral proptosis due to multiple orbital masses. Both the
      biopsied right lacrimal gland in Case 1 and the orbital masses on both sides in
      Case 2 showed infiltration of immunoglobulin-G4-positive plasma cells.

PMID- 27142343
TI  - Pretreatment predictive value of blood neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in R0 gastric
      cancer resectability.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: New parameters complementary to clinical TNM classification are
      needed, to orient preoperative on the possibility of a R0 gastric cancer
      resection. We analysed the possible predictive value of blood
      neutrophil/lymphocytic ratio (N/L) in relation to resectability. METHODS: Two
      hundred and fifty-seven gastric cancers consecutively diagnosed and without
      neoadjuvant treatment were retrospectively studied. Univariate and multivariate
      analysis of the frequency of R0 cases was performed between groups with a normal
      N/L ratio (<5) and pathological N/L ratio (>=5). Furthermore, we studied the
      subgroup of operated patients (n=156) analysing the frequency of R0 resection
      according to N/L ratio<5 or>=5. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty-six patients
      underwent surgical intervention, of which 139 had R0 resections. A high N/L ratio
      was registered in 46 cases (17.9%). Globally, resectability was higher in
      patients with a N/L ratio<5: 59.7% vs. N/L ratio>=5: 28.6% (P<.001; OR=3.76; 95%
      CI=1.78-8.04). The relation between N/L ratio<5 and R0 resection was confirmed in
      the multivariate (P=.006; OR=3.86; 95% CI=1.46-10.22). In the operated subgroup,
      the higher frequency of R0 resection achievement is maintained in cases with N/L
      ratio<5: 91.3% vs. 72.2% (P=.015; OR=4.04; 95% CI=1.23-13.26). CONCLUSIONS: The
      presence of a N/L ratio<5 at the diagnosis of a gastric carcinoma is related in a
      significant and independent way with a higher frequency of R0 tumoral resection,
      globally. This higher proportion of R0 resection cases in patients with a N/L<5
      ratio is confirmed in the subgroup of operated patients.

PMID- 27142344
TI  - Quantum transport of two-species Dirac fermions in dual-gated three-dimensional
      topological insulators.
AB  - Topological insulators are a novel class of quantum matter with a gapped
      insulating bulk, yet gapless spin-helical Dirac fermion conducting surface
      states. Here, we report local and non-local electrical and magneto transport
      measurements in dual-gated BiSbTeSe2 thin film topological insulator devices,
      with conduction dominated by the spatially separated top and bottom surfaces,
      each hosting a single species of Dirac fermions with independent gate control
      over the carrier type and density. We observe many intriguing quantum transport
      phenomena in such a fully tunable two-species topological Dirac gas, including a
      zero-magnetic-field minimum conductivity close to twice the conductance quantum
      at the double Dirac point, a series of ambipolar two-component half-integer Dirac
      quantum Hall states and an electron-hole total filling factor zero state (with a
      zero-Hall plateau), exhibiting dissipationless (chiral) and dissipative (non
      chiral) edge conduction, respectively. Such a system paves the way to explore
      rich physics, ranging from topological magnetoelectric effects to exciton
      condensation. 

PMID- 27142345
TI  - Hypoglycemia in children with type 1 diabetes: unawareness is a concrete risk.

PMID- 27142346
TI  - Kaempferia parviflora extract ameliorates the cognitive impairments and the
      reduction in cell proliferation induced by valproic acid treatment in rats.
AB  - Kaempferia parviflora is a herbal plant whose rhizomes are used in traditional
      medicine. Investigations of this plant have shown it to have antidepressant
      activity and to improve learning and memory in animal models. The aim of the
      present investigation was to determine whether K. parviflora could protect the
      brain from the impairments in cognition and hippocampal neurogenesis which are
      caused by valproic acid (VPA). Male Sprague Dawley rats (180-200g) were given
      once daily K. parviflora extract (100mg/kg) via oral gavage for 21 days. Rats
      received twice daily intraperitoneal injections of valproic acid (300mg/kg) from
      days 8 to 21 of the experiment. Spatial memory was tested using the novel object
      location (NOL) test five days after the end of treatment. Cell proliferation in
      the sub granular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus was quantified by
      immunohistochemistry and levels of doublecortin (DCX) were determined by Western
      blotting. Co-treatment of VPA and K. parviflora prevented the cognitive decline
      and reduction in proliferating cells caused by VPA. Furthermore, co-treatment
      significantly increased DCX protein levels within the hippocampus. These findings
      demonstrate that K. parviflora is able to prevent the brain from VPA-induced the
      impairments of spatial memory and proliferating cells within the SGZ. 

PMID- 27142347
TI  - Neuropeptide profile changes in sensory neurones after partial prepyloric
      resection in pigs.
AB  - This report details the first identification of the sources of sensory
      innervation of the porcine stomach prepyloric region. The Fast Blue (FB)
      retrograde tracing technique detected the sensory prepyloric neurons in the
      bilateral nodose ganglia (NGs) as well as thoracic dorsal root ganglia (DRGs).
      Double-labelling immunofluorescence demonstrated expression of substance P (SP),
      calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase
      (nNOS), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and galanin (GAL) in both NGs and
      DRGs. Additionally, we found that partial resection of the stomach prepyloric
      area increased expression of the SP, CGRP, NOS, VIP and GAL in the prepyloric
      sensory neurons. In the control left NGs, both a higher total number of FB
      positive perikarya as well as a higher percentage of the peptides expressing
      prepyloric neurons were visualized than in the right NGs. However, compared to
      the control group, prepyloric resection evoked greater increases in peptide
      expression in the right-side NGs sensory neurons. In the ganglia of this side,
      the proportion of the SP-IR perikarya increased by approximately 15%, while CGRP
      IR increased by 28%, NOS-IR 14%, VIP-IR 43% and GAL-IR 13%. On the opposite left
      side, the ganglia proportion of the CGRP-IR perikarya increased by approximately
      10%, while NOS-IR increased by 3%, VIP-IR 36% and GAL-IR by 2%. The only decrease
      (by 5%) was observed in the case of SP expression. We also found that 92% of the
      sensory neurons originated from NGs and 8% from DRGs. Our results indicate that,
      in the pig, SP, CGRP, NOS, VIP and GAL participate in the vagal sensory
      transduction from the stomach prepyloric area. Moreover, increased expression of
      the peptides and neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase in the sensory neurons
      following transection of their peripheral dendrites suggests their possible
      participation in the neuronal recovery and/or reinnervation process. 

PMID- 27142349
TI  - Profile of Qi Zhou.

PMID- 27142348
TI  - Fish oil- and soy oil-based lipid emulsions in neonatal parenteral nutrition: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The precise role of fish oil-based lipid emulsions
      (FBL=any lipid emulsion containing any amount of fish oil) and soy oil-based
      lipid emulsions (SBL=any lipid emulsion not containing fish oil or containing at
      least 50% soy oil) in neonatal parenteral nutrition (PN) needs to be explored.
      SUBJECTS/METHODS: The PubMed, MedLine and Google Scholar databases were searched
      for randomised control trials in which PN with FBL and SBL was the only
      difference between intervention and control groups. Methodological quality was
      assessed based on the Cochrane handbook for systemic reviews and Jadad's score.
      Revman 5.2 software was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Of 420 trials, 25 met
      the inclusion criteria. The aggregate results showed that both FBLs and SBLs are
      beneficial. FBLs were associated with significantly lower incidences of
      cholestasis (relative risk (RR)=0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.27-0.92,
      P=0.03) compared with SBLs. FBLs also had a tendency to improve the rates of
      weight gain, increase in head circumference and the time to regain birth weight
      (mean difference (MD)=0.24; 95% CI=-0.63-0.15). SBLs were associated with reduced
      duration of respiratory support (MD=2.22, 95% CI=0.35-4.09, P=0.02) and mortality
      rate in the first 28 days (RR=1.24, 95% CI=-0.72-2.13). CONCLUSIONS: Both FBLs
      and SBLs are beneficial for neonatal PN. FBLs reduce cholestasis, and SBLs reduce
      the duration of respiratory support.

PMID- 27142350
TI  - Challenges of snow leopard conservation in China.

PMID- 27142351
TI  - Adoptive transfer of T cells transduced with a chimeric antigen receptor to treat
      relapsed or refractory acute leukemia: efficacy and feasibility of immunotherapy
      approaches.
AB  - Treatment outcomes of acute leukemia (AL) have not improved over the past several
      decades and relapse rates remain high despite the availability of aggressive
      therapies. Conventional relapsed leukemia treatment includes second allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and donor lymphocyte infusion
      (DLI), which in most cases mediate, at best, a modest graft-versus-leukemia
      effect, although their clinical efficacy is still limited. Although allo-HSCT
      following myeloablative conditioning is a curative treatment option for younger
      patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a first complete remission (CR),
      allo-HSCT as a clinical treatment is usually limited because of treatment-related
      toxicity. The overall DLI remission rate is only 15%-42% and 2-year overall
      survival (OS) is approximately 15%-20%, with a high (40%-60%) incidence of DLI
      related graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Therefore, development of new, targeted
      treatment strategies for relapsed and refractory AL patients is ongoing. Adoptive
      transfer of T cells with genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)
      is an encouraging approach for treating hematological malignancies. These T cells
      are capable of selectively recognizing tumor-associated antigens and may overcome
      many limitations of conventional therapies, inducing remission in patients with
      chemotherapy-refractory or relapsed AL. In this review, we aimed to highlight the
      current understanding of this promising treatment modality, discussing its
      adverse effects and efficacy. 

PMID- 27142352
TI  - CPEB1 restrains proliferation of Glioblastoma cells through the regulation of
      p27(Kip1) mRNA translation.
AB  - The cytoplasmic element binding protein 1 (CPEB1) regulates many important
      biological processes ranging from cell cycle control to learning and memory
      formation, by controlling mRNA translation efficiency via 3' untranslated regions
      (3'UTR). In the present study, we show that CPEB1 is significantly downregulated
      in human Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) tissues and that the restoration of its
      expression impairs glioma cell lines growth. We demonstrate that CPEB1 promotes
      the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p27(Kip1) by specifically targeting
      its 3'UTR, and competes with miR-221/222 binding at an overlapping site in the
      3'UTR, thus impairing miR-221/222 inhibitory activity. Upon binding to p27(Kip1)
      3'UTR, CPEB1 promotes elongation of poly-A tail and the subsequent translation of
      p27(Kip1) mRNA. This leads to higher levels of p27(Kip1) in the cell, in turn
      significantly inhibiting cell proliferation, and confers to CPEB1 a potential
      value as a tumor suppressor in Glioblastoma.

PMID- 27142353
TI  - Early psychomotor development of low-risk preterm infants: Influence of
      gestational age and gender.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The influence of gestational age and gender in the neurodevelopment
      of infants during the first year of age is not yet fully elucidated. AIMS: The
      purpose of this study was to identify the early occurrence of neurodevelopmental
      differences, between very preterm, late preterm and term born infants and the
      possible influence of the gender on the neurodevelopment in early infancy.
      METHODS: A total of 188 low-risk infants, 69 very preterms, 71 late-preterms, and
      48 term infants were assessed at 3, 6, 9, 12 months corrected age using the
      Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE). At two years of age infants
      performed the Mental Developmental Index (MDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant
      Development. RESULTS: The main results indicate that both very preterms and late
      preterms showed significant lower global scores than term born infants at each
      evaluation (p < 0.001) at HINE and namely, at 3 months for the subsections
      "cranial nerve" and "posture" and at every age for "tone"; no gender differences
      has been evidenced in neurological performances. At the MDI, very preterms showed
      significant lower scores (p < 0.01) than both late-preterm and term born infants;
      gender differences were observed for preterms only (very and late), with best
      performances for females. CONCLUSIONS: Our results point out the presence of
      gestational age and gender-dependent differences in the development of infants
      assessed during the first 2 years of life.

PMID- 27142354
TI  - Transfemoral valve-in-valve implantation for degenerated bioprosthetic aortic
      valves using the new balloon-expandable Edwards Sapien 3 valve.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical aortic bioprosthetic valves deteriorate 10 to 20 years after
      operation. Valve-in-valve implantation with first generation transcatheter aortic
      valve implantation (TAVI) devices has shown to be feasible. We report a first
      case series with the new Edwards Sapien 3 valve for transfemoral aortic valve-in
      valve implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine patients underwent valve-in-valve
      TAVI with the Edward Sapien 3 valve. Seven patients presented with severe aortic
      stenosis and two patients with severe aortic insufficiency of surgical aortic
      bioprosthesis. Procedures were performed in local anaesthesia under fluoroscopic
      guidance with pre-procedural 256 multislice computed tomography for procedural
      planning. In all patients the Edwards Sapien 3 was successfully implanted
      decreasing the mean echocardiographic gradient from 42 +/- 22mmHg to 18 +/- 7mmHg
      (p < 0.01). Device success according to VARC 2 criteria was achieved in 8 out of
      9 patients. There was no death, coronary obstruction, use of second valve or need
      for post-dilation. Furthermore there were no access-site complications, no minor
      or major bleedings or vascular injury. Two patients required pacemaker
      implantation within the first 7 days after valve-in-valve TAVI. Post-procedural
      echocardiography demonstrated no or trace aortic regurgitation. Early safety
      events within 30 days according to VARC-2 definition occurred in 1 patient.
      CONCLUSIONS: The Edwards Sapien 3 valve for treatment of failed surgical
      bioprostheses is feasible and is associated with no relevant post-procedural
      aortic regurgitation and a low risk of access site complications. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27142355
TI  - The role of transoral robotic surgery, transoral laser microsurgery, and lingual
      tonsillectomy in the identification of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of
      unknown primary origin: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck can present as a
      cervical metastasis from an unknown primary site. Recently, transoral robotic
      surgery (TORS) and transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) have been incorporated in
      the workup of unknown primary tumors. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      Cochrane, and CINAHL from inception to June 2015 for all English-language studies
      that utilized TORS, TLM, or lingual tonsillectomy in the approach to an unknown
      primary. RESULTS: Of 217 identified studies, eight were reviewed. TORS/TLM
      identified the primary tumor in 111/139 (80 %) patients overall, and 36/54 (67 %)
      patients with no remarkable findings following physical exam, radiologic imaging,
      and panendoscopy with directed biopsies. Lingual tonsillectomy identified the
      primary tumor in 18/25 (72 %) patients with no findings. Hemorrhage (5 %) was the
      most common perioperative complication. CONCLUSION: Lingual tonsillectomy using
      new approaches such as TORS/TLM may improve the identification of occult primary
      tumors.

PMID- 27142356
TI  - The effects of intravenous aminophylline on level of consciousness in acute
      intentional benzodiazepines poisoning in comparison to flumazenil.
AB  - AIM: Acute intentional benzodiazepine poisoning is marked by a significant loss
      of consciousness, aspiration pneumonia, and increased rates of mortality and
      morbidity, especially in older patients with underlying heart or lung disease.
      These patients may need flumazenil to reverse the respiratory effects of
      benzodiazepines. The positive effects of aminophylline on respiration and
      neonatal apnea improvement have been shown previously. However, its possible
      effects on increasing the level of consciousness have never been evaluated.
      METHODS: In a placebo-controlled study, we assessed the effectiveness of
      aminophylline on increasing the level of consciousness. RESULTS: Time to full
      awakening was significantly shorter in those who received aminophylline (72 min
      vs. 881 min, p = 0.001), compared to those who received a placebo. CONCLUSION:
      When "flumazenil" is contraindicated or unavailable, intravenous aminophylline
      can be used as a second choice.

PMID- 27142357
TI  - Interaction between ambient pollutant exposure, CD14 (-159) polymorphism and
      respiratory outcomes among children in Kwazulu-Natal, Durban.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine if the association between exposure
      to ambient air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxde (NO2), nitrous
      oxide (NO), and PM10, and variation in lung function measures was modified by
      genotype. A validated questionnaire was administered to 71 African children to
      evaluate prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Atopy was evaluated by skin-prick
      testing and bihourly measures of lung function (spirometry) were collected.
      Gaseous air pollutant concentrations were monitored continuously. CD14
      polymorphism was genotyped and plasma CD14 levels were measured. There was no
      statistically significant association between the CD14 (159) CT+TT polymorphism
      with any asthma-related phenotype. There was a significant association between
      lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second intraday variability) and NO2
      and NO among participants carrying the CD14 CT/TT genotype for lags 1, 2, and the
      5-day average. Similarly, statistically significant gene-pollutant interactions (
      p < 0.05) were found with NO and CD14 CT/TT at lag 2 and for the 5-day average.
      While there was no association with any respiratory phenotype (as determined by
      symptoms), the CD14 CT/TT genotype appeared to be protective to increased
      exposure to NO2 and NO.

PMID- 27142358
TI  - Identification of Focal Epileptogenic Networks in Generalized Epilepsy Using
      Brain Functional Connectivity Analysis of Bilateral Intracranial EEG Signals.
AB  - Simultaneous bilateral onset and bi-synchrony epileptiform discharges in
      electroencephalogram (EEG) remain hallmarks for generalized seizures. However,
      the possibility of an epileptogenic focus triggering rapidly generalized
      epileptiform discharges has been documented in several studies. Previously, a new
      multi-stage surgical procedure using bilateral intracranial EEG (iEEG) prior to
      and post complete corpus callosotomy (CC) was developed to uncover seizure focus
      in non-lateralizing focal epilepsy. Five patients with drug-resistant generalized
      epilepsy who underwent this procedure were included in the study. Their bilateral
      iEEG findings prior to complete CC showed generalized epileptiform discharges
      with no clear lateralization. Nonetheless, the bilateral ictal iEEG findings post
      complete CC indicated lateralized or localized seizure onset. This study
      hypothesized that brain functional connectivity analysis, applied to the pre CC
      bilateral iEEG recordings, could help identify focal epileptogenic networks in
      generalized epilepsy. The results indicated that despite diffuse epileptiform
      discharges, focal features can still be observed in apparent generalized seizures
      through brain connectivity analysis. The seizure onset
      localization/lateralization from connectivity analysis demonstrated a good
      agreement with the bilateral iEEG findings post complete CC and final surgical
      outcomes. Our study supports the role of focal epileptic networks in generalized
      seizures.

PMID- 27142359
TI  - Cochlear implantation in X-linked deafness - How to manage the surgical
      challenges.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: In children with X-linked deafness, cochlear
      malformations challenge the implant surgeon to avoid electrode insertion into the
      internal auditory meatus and prevent a continuous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
      We describe our experience of cochlear implantation (CI) in two children with
      profound hearing loss secondary to X-linked deafness, highlighting safer
      operative techniques to avoid potential complications. CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
      Descriptive cases of two children with X-linked deafness (patient 1 and patient
      2) undergoing CI. Peri-operative imaging and work-up to surgery are discussed.
      Specific operative considerations, post-operative complications and subsequent
      audiological performance are highlighted. TECHNIQUE: In each case, intra
      operative fluoroscopic imaging ensured intra-cochlear insertion of electrodes.
      Expected CSF gusher was seen in each case which was initially controlled by
      packing around the cochleostomy and array with temporalis muscle and fascia.
      Patient 1 developed post-operative meningitis secondary to continuous CSF leak.
      We avoided further significant CSF leak by planning staged procedures for patient
      2, with obliteration of the middle ear cleft and external ear canal (EAC) at the
      time of implantation. In both patients, bilateral implantation successfully
      provided hearing thresholds of less than 35 dB in both ears at routine follow up.
      CONCLUSIONS: When planning for CI in children with radiological features of X
      linked deafness, intra-operative imaging should be utilized to ensure correct
      electrode positioning. Traditional methods of stopping a CSF gusher may not
      suffice. We therefore encourage additional surgical obliteration of the middle
      ear space and EAC to avoid persistent CSF leak and its associated complications.

PMID- 27142360
TI  - The Perceptions and Expectations of Older Women in the Establishment of the
      Senior Women's Breast Cancer Clinic (SWBCC): a Needs Assessment Study.
AB  - This study explored older women's perceptions and expectations of the prospective
      Senior Women's Breast Cancer Clinic (SWBCC) at Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre
      (SOCC) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In our previous studies, older breast cancer
      patients had expressed a greater need for informational, decisional, and post
      treatment support. This study also assessed women's perspectives on the
      involvement of geriatricians and incorporation of geriatric assessment in their
      cancer care. Twelve breast cancer patients aged 68 years or older who were
      treated at the SOCC participated in the study. We recorded and transcribed 11
      interviews and analyzed them using qualitative thematic analysis methods to
      identify major themes; one interview was excluded due to recording defect. Eight
      major themes were identified: transportation issues, service, communication
      between patient and healthcare professionals, communication between healthcare
      professionals, support during treatment, support after treatment, informational
      resources, and patient suggestions. Important issues were raised by participants,
      such as difficulties in arranging transportation to the clinic, barriers in
      accessing family physician service, and communication breakdown that result in
      treatment delay and unaddressed complications. In conclusion, there were
      important gaps in the cancer care of older women with breast cancer that could be
      detected earlier and better addressed in the new multidisciplinary SWBCC. The
      participating women were highly supportive of the initiative and made several
      suggestions on how the clinic could better accommodate their specific needs
      during and after breast cancer treatment.

PMID- 27142361
TI  - Improving Care And Research Electronic Data Trust Antwerp (iCAREdata): a research
      database of linked data on out-of-hours primary care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary out-of-hours care is developing throughout Europe. High
      quality databases with linked data from primary health services can help to
      improve research and future health services. METHODS: In 2014, a central clinical
      research database infrastructure was established (iCAREdata: Improving Care And
      Research Electronic Data Trust Antwerp, www.icaredata.eu ) for primary and
      interdisciplinary health care at the University of Antwerp, linking data from
      General Practice Cooperatives, Emergency Departments and Pharmacies during out-of
      hours care. Medical data are pseudonymised using the services of a Trusted Third
      Party, which encodes private information about patients and physicians before
      data is sent to iCAREdata. RESULTS: iCAREdata provides many new research
      opportunities in the fields of clinical epidemiology, health care management and
      quality of care. A key aspect will be to ensure the quality of data registration
      by all health care providers. CONCLUSIONS: This article describes the
      establishment of a research database and the possibilities of linking data from
      different primary out-of-hours care providers, with the potential to help to
      improve research and the quality of health care services.

PMID- 27142362
TI  - [Pharmacogenetics in anesthesia and intensive care medicine : Clinical and legal
      challenges exemplified by malignant hyperthermia].
AB  - Pharmacotherapy is a key component of anesthesiology and intensive care medicine.
      The individual genetic profile influences not only the effect of pharmaceuticals
      but can also completely alter the mode of action. New technologies for genetic
      screening (e.g. next generation sequencing) and increasing knowledge of molecular
      pathways foster the disclosure of pharmacogenetic syndromes, which are classified
      as rare diseases. Taking into account the high genetic variability in humans and
      over 8000 known rare diseases, up to 20 % of the population may be affected. In
      summary, rare diseases are not rare. Most pharmacogenetic syndromes lead to a
      weakening or loss of pharmacological action. In contrast, malignant hyperthermia
      (MH), which is the most relevant pharmacogenetic syndrome for anesthesia, is
      characterized by a pharmacologically induced overactivation of calcium metabolism
      in skeletal muscle. Volatile anesthetic agents and succinylcholine trigger life
      threatening hypermetabolic crises. Emergency treatment is based on inhibition of
      the calcium release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum by dantrolene. After an
      adverse pharmacological event patients must be informed and a clarification
      consultation must be carried out during which the hereditory character of MH is
      explained. The patient should be referred to a specialist MH center where a
      predisposition can be diagnosed by the functional in vitro contracture test from
      a muscle biopsy. Additional molecular genetic investigations can yield mutations
      in the genes for calcium-regulating proteins in skeletal muscle, e.g. ryanodine
      receptor 1 (RyR1) and calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1S (CACNA1S).
      Currently, an association to MH has only been shown for 35 mutations out of more
      than 400 known and probably hundreds of unknown genetic variations. Furthermore,
      MH predisposition is not excluded by negative mutation screening. For
      anesthesiological patient safety it is crucial to identify individuals at risk
      and warn genetic relatives; however, the legal requirements of the Patients
      Rights Act and the Human Genetic Examination Act must be strictly adhered to.
      Specific features of insurance and employment law must be respected under
      consideration of the Human Genetic Examination Act. 

PMID- 27142363
TI  - [Brown urine : Myoglobin-induced renal failure after concomitant administration
      of simvastatin and amiodarone].
AB  - Rhabdomyolysis is a rare but well-known complication of statin therapy. The risk
      is considerably increased when concomitant drugs are administered that inhibit
      metabolism and breakdown via the cytochrome CYP3A4. We report a case of myoglobin
      induced acute renal failure secondary to the concomitant use of simvastatin and
      amiodarone. The risk of rhabdomyolysis is mainly determined by the statin dose;
      in the case of the concomitant use of CYP3A4 inhibitors, a maximal daily dose of
      20 mg is recommended to avoid harmful drug interactions. 

PMID- 27142364
TI  - [Hygiene aspects in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sterile and clean working conditions are one of the keystones of
      medical practice and this is also true for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia.
      The routine clinical practice in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia does not
      always comply with the principles of sterile and clean working conditions in
      medicine: therefore, patients are exposed to potential hazards regarding the
      transmission of pathogens via the ultrasound equipment. OBJECTIVE: This article
      deals with the question of whether sterile working conditions in ultrasound
      guided regional anesthesia are a relevant topic with medical and economic
      implications. Is it possible to implement the general recommendations for sterile
      working conditions in ultrasonography for the specific application of ultrasound
      guided regional anesthesia? MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of the available
      literature and published guidelines in the field of sterile working conditions
      with ultrasound was carried out. RESULTS: The association between cross
      infections and ultrasound equipment is undeniable. Many methods for cleansing and
      disinfection of ultrasound equipment have been published. All these methods are
      associated with advantages and disadvantages. The direct sterilization of
      ultrasound probes with high-percentage alcohol can damage ultrasound probes
      (especially linear). The use of self-adhesive sterile ultrasound probe covers is
      a practical method to achieve sterile working conditions in ultrasound-guided
      regional anesthesia. CONCLUSION: The use of sterile ultrasound probe covers and
      sterile ultrasound contact media is an important prerequisite to avoid cross
      infection between patients. An appropriate scientific evaluation should serve as
      evidence in this field.

PMID- 27142365
TI  - [Isadora Duncan syndrome : Lethal strangulation injuries caused by filling
      equipment].
AB  - Aside from suicide attempts or autoerotic accidents, serious injuries from
      strangulation are rare. In 1929, the accidental death of the famous dancer
      Isadora Duncan gained high profile. However, even today there are reports of
      accidental strangulations. These are referred to as Isadora Duncan or long-scarf
      syndrome and are oftentimes lethal. In the pre-hospital setting, airway
      management has been challenging, as even a correctly placed airway device may
      initiate a rapid and marked deterioration of the patient's condition. The case
      history at hand outlines the death of a 47-year-old female, following
      entanglement of her scarf in bottling equipment. 

PMID- 27142366
TI  - [Human resource planning in operative anaesthesia : Structured interviews with 23
      supervising senior physicians].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the hospital, human resource planning has to consider the needs
      and preferences of personnel and planners as well as the financial interest of
      the hospital. Additionally, staff planning has become more complex due to a
      growing number of part-time doctors as well as a variety of working shifts.
      OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe existing human resource planning
      in German anesthesiology departments. Furthermore, we evaluated existing software
      solutions supporting human resource planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Anesthesiology departments of German university hospitals were enrolled in the
      study. The aspects covered were tools and time needed for planning, amount of
      conflicts while planning, components of the software solutions and the efficiency
      and satisfaction according to the users. This was evaluated for short-,
      intermediate- and long-term planning. Two groups were compared: departments with
      and without software exchanging information among the three planning periods.
      RESULTS: Out of 35 university anesthesiology departments, 23 took part in the
      survey. On average they employed 105.8 +/- 27.8 doctors who had to cover 13.5 +/-
      6.3 different shifts during a weekday. Personnel planning is mostly done by
      senior physicians. In some departments, other staff, such as residents and junior
      doctors, were involved as well. Software that exchanged information between short
      , intermediate- and long-term planning was used in 53 % of the departments (12
      out of 23). Five departments used commercially available planning software:
      Polypoint Deutschland (PolypointDeutschland), Atoss (Atoss AG) and SP Expert
      (Interflex Datensysteme). The time needed for short-term planning was slightly
      reduced in the exchanging software group. No difference was shown for the
      intermediate planning period. The use of this software led to a slight reduction
      in planning conflicts and increased the self-estimated efficiency of the users (p
      = 0.02). Throughout all groups, the major complaint was missing interfaces, for
      example between the software and human resources department. The ideal planning
      software should reduce time needed for planning and prevent planning conflicts
      according to the interviewed physicians. Furthermore it should be flexible and
      transparent for all involved staff. CONCLUSIONS: This study analyzed structures
      established in human resource planning in the anesthesiology departments for the
      first time. Time for planning varies significantly in comparable departments
      indicating suboptimal processes. Throughout Germany, the requirements for human
      resources planning are similar; for example, the software should integrate all
      aspects of HR planning. Different approaches are under evaluation but so far no
      software solution has prevailed. The used solutions vary substantially and
      therefore a comparison is difficult. There is no software solution with wide
      adoption.

PMID- 27142367
TI  - Cutting GMC investigations must not simply devolve problems elsewhere.

PMID- 27142368
TI  - "Nuts and Bolts" of Laboratory Evaluation of Angioedema.
AB  - Angioedema, as a distinct disease entity, often becomes a clinical challenge for
      physicians, because it may cause a life-threatening condition, whereas prompt and
      accurate laboratory diagnostics may not be available. Although the bedside
      diagnosis needs to be established based on clinical symptoms and signs, family
      history, and the therapeutic response, later, laboratory tests are available.
      Currently, only for five out of the nine different types of angioedema can be
      diagnosed by laboratory testing, and these occur only in a minority of the
      patient population. Hereditary angioedema with C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency
      type I can be diagnosed by the low C1-INH function and concentration, whereas in
      type II, C1-INH function is low, but its concentration is normal or even
      elevated. C1q concentration is normal in both forms. Acquired angioedema with C1
      INH deficiency type I is characterized by the low C1-INH function and
      concentration; however, C1q concentration is also low, and autoantibodies against
      C1-INH cannot be detected. Complement profile of acquired angioedema with C1-INH
      deficiency type II is similar to that of type I, but in this form, autoantibodies
      against C1-INH are present. Hereditary angioedema due to a mutation of the
      coagulation factor XII can be diagnosed exclusively by mutation analysis of FXII
      gene. Diagnostic metrics are not available for idiopathic histaminergic acquired
      angioedema, idiopathic non-histaminergic acquired angioedema, acquired angioedema
      related to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, and hereditary angioedema of
      unknown origin; these angioedemas can be diagnosed by medical and family history,
      clinical symptoms, and therapeutic response and by excluding the forms previously
      described. Several potential biomarkers of angioedema are used to date only in
      research. In the future, they could be utilized into the clinical practice to
      improve the differential diagnosis, therapy, as well as the prognosis of
      angioedema. 

PMID- 27142369
TI  - Type B insulin resistance syndrome with Scleroderma successfully treated with
      multiple immune suppressants after eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection:
      a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type B insulin resistance is a rare autoimmune disease characterized
      by the presence of autoantibodies against the insulin receptor. Helicobacter
      pylori (H pylori) infection may play a causative role in the autoimmune diseases.
      CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present a rare case of a 48-year old female patient,
      who had type B insulin resistance with systemic scleroderma and was successfully
      treated with multiple immune suppressants after eradication of Helicobacter
      pylori infection. CONCLUSION: The present case suggests H pylori infection
      related pathological mechanism may contribute to type B insulin resistance
      syndrome and autoimmune disorders. Treatment toward H pylori may be helpful to
      relieve syndrome of type B insulin resistance for H pylori positive patients.

PMID- 27142370
TI  - Potential effects of valproate and oxcarbazepine on growth velocity and bone
      metabolism in epileptic children- a medical center experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with longstanding use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are
      susceptible to developing low bone mineral density and an increased fracture
      risk. However, the literature regarding the effects of AEDs on growth in
      epileptic children is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      potential effects of valproate (VPA) and/or oxcarbazepine (OXC) therapy on growth
      velocity and bone metabolism. METHODS: Seventy-three ambulatory children (40 boys
      and 33 girls) with epilepsy, aged between 1 and 18 years (mean age 9.8 +/- 4.1
      years), were evaluated for growth velocity before and for 1 year after VPA and/or
      OXC treatment. The bone resorption marker serum tartrate-resistant acid
      phosphatase 5b (TRAcP5b) and the bone formation marker serum bone-specific
      alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were measured post-AEDs therapy for 1 year. RESULTS:
      The difference in growth velocity (DeltaHt) and body weight change (DeltaWt)
      between pre- and post-AEDs treatment were -1.0 +/- 2.8 cm/year (P < 0.05) and 0.1
      +/- 3.9 kg/year (P = 0.84), respectively. The study population had serum TRAcP5b
      SDS of -1.6 +/- 1.2 and BAP-SDS of 1.7 +/- 3.7 compared with sex- and age-matched
      healthy children. Significant correlation between serum TRAcP 5b and BAP
      activities was noted (r = 0.60, p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation
      between growth velocity and serum TRAcP 5b activity after AED treatment (r =
      0.42, p < 0.01). No correlation was found between DeltaHt, DeltaWt, serum TRAcP
      5b, BAP activity and types of AEDs. CONCLUSION: Growth velocity was significantly
      decreased in epileptic children after 1 year of VPA and/or OXC treatment. The
      effect of VPA and/or OXC therapy on dysregulation of bone metabolism might play a
      crucial role in physical growth.

PMID- 27142371
TI  - What Do Users of Generic Medicines Think of Them? A Systematic Review of
      Consumers' and Patients' Perceptions of, and Experiences with, Generic Medicines.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Considerable emphasis is placed on the use of generic
      medicines because of the potential economic benefits associated with their use.
      The objective of this systematic review is to compile and collate published
      research regarding patient/consumer perceptions and attitudes in relation to
      generic medicines, aiming to describe such views and detail patient experiences
      with generic medicines. METHODS: Literature published between 2005 and July 2015,
      indexed in PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE, on the topic of consumer or patient
      opinions of generic medicines were collated, using systematic searches, and
      appraised. RESULTS: A total of 59 papers were reviewed. Familiarity and trust in
      brand names appears to be a substantial barrier to the increased use of generics,
      with patients also appearing to hold the view that if a product is cheaper, then
      it must not be as good. Some publications report positive views of generics, with
      positively inclined consumers stating that they did not perceive any difference
      between a generic and the proprietary medicine. Acceptance of generics appears to
      be higher in consumers with higher levels of education while patients from lower
      socioeconomic demographic groups tend to have greater mistrust of generics.
      CONCLUSIONS: The provision of information to consumers that dispels myths about
      generics may improve confidence in generic medicines. As patients demonstrate a
      high degree of trust in physicians, their opinions can impact on patient/consumer
      opinions. Therefore, enhancing the perceptions of generics held by physicians is
      likely to have a positive impact on patient/consumer opinions of, and trust in,
      generic medications.

PMID- 27142372
TI  - Treatment Burden and Chronic Illness: Who is at Most Risk?
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a need to ascertain the type and level of treatment burden
      experienced by people with co-morbidities. This is important to identify the
      characteristics of participants who are at most risk of treatment burden.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to identify the characteristics of
      participants who are at most risk of treatment burden. METHODS: This cross
      sectional study was part of a larger project and recruitment was conducted across
      four Australian regions: rural, semi-rural and metropolitan. Participants were
      asked about their treatment burden using an adapted version of a measure, which
      included the following five dimensions: medication, time and administrative,
      lifestyle change, social life and financial burden. RESULTS: In total, 581
      participants with various chronic health conditions reported a mean global
      treatment burden of 56.5 out of 150 (standard deviation = 34.5). Number of
      chronic conditions (beta = .34, p < 0.01), age, (beta = -.27, p < 0.01), the
      presence of an unpaid carer (beta = .22, p < 0.001) and the presence of diabetes
      mellitus and other endocrine conditions (beta = .13, p < 0.01) were significant
      predictors of overall treatment burden. For the five dimensions of treatment
      burden, social, medicine and administrative burden were predicted by the same
      cluster of variables: number of conditions, age, presence of an unpaid carer and
      diabetes. However, in addition to these variables, financial dimensions were also
      predicted by education level, ethnicity and health insurance. Educational level
      also influenced lifestyle burden. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of
      community-dwelling adults with chronic conditions have considerable levels of
      treatment burden. Specifically, health professionals should provide greater focus
      on managing overall treatment burden for persons who are of young age, have an
      endocrine condition or an unpaid carer, or a combination of these factors.

PMID- 27142373
TI  - Rheumatologic manifestations of primary immunodeficiency diseases: comment on the
      study by Dimitriades et al.

PMID- 27142374
TI  - Myocardial ischemia as presenting manifestation of IgG4-related disease: a case
      based review.
AB  - Coronary involvement in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) has been scarcely
      reported, and myocardial ischemia as its presenting feature is even rarer. Here,
      we describe an additional case with novel and relevant observations. The patient
      was a previously healthy, middle-aged woman who presented to the clinic with new
      onset typical angina. One tumefactive lesion encasing the left anterior
      descending artery was found during her workup. The most common underlying
      malignancies with secondary cardiac involvement were rationally ruled out.
      Symptoms persisted despite medical treatment, and she was therefore referred to
      surgery. Tumor excision was successfully performed, and she received coronary
      bypass grafting. IgG4-related coronary arteritis with pseudotumor formation was
      subsequently diagnosed following the comprehensive diagnostic criteria. This
      condition was clinically classified as active and circulating plasmablasts were
      found to be increased (5480/mL), even when these were determined 38 days after
      surgery. A PET/CT revealed an additional hypermetabolic lymph node. She was
      therefore treated with rituximab as induction therapy (two 1000 mg doses,
      administered 15 days apart). Three months later, her disease remained clinically
      inactive. Circulating plasmablasts were repeated and these had dropped to 0/mL.
      We thereafter review the current and pertinent literature on the topic,
      emphasizing the previous cases with similar presenting features (n = 7). We
      lastly suggest that IgG4-RD should be part of the differential diagnosis of any
      patient with tumefactive lesions surrounding the coronary arteries, since it can
      initially presented as sudden cardiac death.

PMID- 27142376
TI  - Bioreactor design for photofermentative hydrogen production.
AB  - Hydrogen will become a significant fuel in the near future. Photofermentative
      production of hydrogen is a promising and sustainable process. The design,
      construction and successful operation of the photobioreactors are of critical
      importance for photofermentative hydrogen production and became a major field of
      research where novel technologies are developed and adapted frequently. This
      paper gives an overview of the design aspects related to photobioreactors giving
      particular attention to design limitations, construction material, type,
      operating mode and scale-up. Sub-components of the overall system setup such as
      mixing, temperature control and hydrogen collection are also discussed. Recent
      achievements in the photobioreactor technologies are described. 

PMID- 27142375
TI  - Epithelial cell lines of the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) are highly
      susceptible in vitro models to zoonotic Bunya-, Rhabdo-, and Flaviviruses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small mammals such as bats and rodents have been increasingly
      recognized as reservoirs of novel potentially zoonotic pathogens. However, few in
      vitro model systems to date allow assessment of zoonotic viruses in a relevant
      host context. The cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) is a New World rodent species
      that has a long-standing history as an experimental animal model due to its
      unique susceptibility to human viruses. Furthermore, wild cotton rats are
      associated with a large variety of known or potentially zoonotic pathogens.
      METHODS: A method for the isolation and culture of airway epithelial cell lines
      recently developed for bats was applied for the generation of rodent airway and
      renal epithelial cell lines from the cotton rat. Continuous cell lines were
      characterized for their epithelial properties as well as for their interferon
      competence. Susceptibility to members of zoonotic Bunya-, Rhabdo-, and
      Flaviviridae, in particular Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), vesicular stomatitis
      virus (VSV), West Nile virus (WNV), and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was
      tested. Furthermore, novel arthropod-derived viruses belonging to the families
      Bunya-, Rhabdo-, and Mesoniviridae were tested. RESULTS: We successfully
      established airway and kidney epithelial cell lines from the cotton rat, and
      characterized their epithelial properties. Cells were shown to be interferon
      competent. Viral infection assays showed high-titre viral replication of RVFV,
      VSV, WNV, and TBEV, as well as production of infectious virus particles. No viral
      replication was observed for novel arthropod-derived members of the Bunya-,
      Rhabdo-, and Mesoniviridae families in these cell lines. CONCLUSION: In the
      current study, we showed that newly established cell lines from the cotton rat
      can serve as host-specific in vitro models for viral infection experiments. These
      cell lines may also serve as novel tools for virus isolation, as well as for the
      investigation of virus-host interactions in a relevant host species.

PMID- 27142377
TI  - Non-water miscible ionic liquid improves biocatalytic production of geranyl
      glucoside with Escherichia coli overexpressing a glucosyltransferase.
AB  - Whole cells of Escherichia coli overexpressing a glucosyltransferase from Vitis
      vinifera were used for the glucosylation of geraniol to geranyl glucoside. A high
      cell density cultivation process for the production of whole-cell biocatalysts
      was developed, gaining a dry cell mass concentration of up to 67.6 +/- 1.2 g L(
      1) and a glucosyltransferase concentration of up to 2.7 +/- 0.1 g protein L(-1)
      within a process time of 48 h. Whole-cell batch biotransformations in milliliter
      scale stirred-tank bioreactors showed highest conversion of geraniol at pH 7.0
      although the pH optimum of the purified glucosyltransferase was at pH 8.5. The
      biocatalytic batch process performance was improved significantly by the addition
      of a water-immiscible ionic liquid (N-hexylpyridinium
      bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imid) for in situ substrate supply. The so far
      highest final geranyl glucoside concentration (291 +/- 9 mg L(-1)) and conversion
      (71 +/- 2 %) reported for whole-cell biotransformations of geraniol were achieved
      with 5 % (v/v) of the ionic liquid. 

PMID- 27142378
TI  - [Novel immunodiagnostics for inflammatory arthritis].
AB  - Immunodiagnostics play an important role in the differential diagnostics of
      arthritis but the test results must be interpreted with respect to the clinical
      context. The detection of antibodies against citrullinated proteins has
      significantly improved the immunodiagnostics of arthritis, whereas the importance
      of testing for rheumatoid factor has decreased due to the low specificity.
      Antibodies against carbamylated or oxidized proteins will expand the
      immunodiagnostics of arthritis (especially rheumatoid arthritis) in the future.
      In contrast, the determination of cytokine concentrations in plasma or synovial
      fluid plays a subordinate role in the differential diagnostics of arthritis.
      Indirect immunofluorescence continues to be the gold standard in the detection of
      antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and in the case of positive results further testing
      for antigen specificity should be carried out. The presence of ANA is not
      necessarily associated with autoimmune diseases. An example of a non-pathogenic
      ANA is anti-DFS70 antibodies. 

PMID- 27142379
TI  - [How frequent are musculoskeletal diseases in Germany?].

PMID- 27142380
TI  - An evaluation of methods correcting for cell-type heterogeneity in DNA
      methylation studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many different methods exist to adjust for variability in cell-type
      mixture proportions when analyzing DNA methylation studies. Here we present the
      result of an extensive simulation study, built on cell-separated DNA methylation
      profiles from Illumina Infinium 450K methylation data, to compare the performance
      of eight methods including the most commonly used approaches. RESULTS: We
      designed a rich multi-layered simulation containing a set of probes with true
      associations with either binary or continuous phenotypes, confounding by cell
      type, variability in means and standard deviations for population parameters,
      additional variability at the level of an individual cell-type-specific sample,
      and variability in the mixture proportions across samples. Performance varied
      quite substantially across methods and simulations. In particular, the number of
      false positives was sometimes unrealistically high, indicating limited ability to
      discriminate the true signals from those appearing significant through
      confounding. Methods that filtered probes had consequently poor power. QQ plots
      of p values across all tested probes showed that adjustments did not always
      improve the distribution. The same methods were used to examine associations
      between smoking and methylation data from a case-control study of colorectal
      cancer, and we also explored the effect of cell-type adjustments on associations
      between rheumatoid arthritis cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend
      surrogate variable analysis for cell-type mixture adjustment since performance
      was stable under all our simulated scenarios.

PMID- 27142381
TI  - Assessment and Imaging of the Cerebrovascular Glycocalyx.
AB  - The glycocalyx is a gel-like layer lining the luminal surface of the endothelium.
      The glycocalyx exerts an important barrier role because it prevents exposure of
      plasma components to the endothelial surface. Disruption of the glycocalyx by
      local inflammation or ischemia results in decreased glycocalyx thickness which is
      associated with a number of vascular diseases. The cerebrovascular glycocalyx has
      sparsely been studied, but is of great interest because of its potential role in
      cerebrovascular disease. In this review, we describe all existing techniques to
      visualize the glycocalyx and designate techniques that may be suitable for
      studying the cerebrovascular glycocalyx. A total of seven imaging techniques are
      discussed thoroughly, including transmission electron microscopy, intravital
      microscopy, micro-particle image velocimetry, confocal laser scanning microscopy,
      two-photon laser scanning microscopy, orthogonal polarization spectral imaging
      and sidestream dark field/oblique imaging. Measurement of serum concentrations of
      glycocalyx-specific constituents is another method for glycocalyx analysis. Also,
      we have reviewed the methods of glycocalyx analysis by using these imaging
      techniques. So far, the cerebrovascular glycocalyx has only been studied in
      vitro. However, other cerebral microcirculatory properties have been studied in
      vivo. This suggests that the cerebrovascular glycocalyx can be studied in vivo by
      using some of the described techniques, when specific software is subjoined to
      the analysis. In conclusion, we have summarized techniques available for
      glycocalyx assessment, and explained the significance and technical possibilities
      regarding cerebrovascular glycocalyx visualization. Cerebrovascular glycocalyx
      assessment would add valuable information to our understanding of the
      pathophysiology of cerebrovascular disease. Moreover, as a part of the blood
      brain barrier, more knowledge on the cerebrovascular glycocalyx may lead to
      better understanding of neurodegenerative conditions that are caused by a
      compromised blood-brain barrier including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia,
      multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

PMID- 27142382
TI  - Radiology of epiploic appendages: acute appendagitis, post-infarcted appendages,
      and imaging natural history.
AB  - Our aim was to demonstrate the imaging characteristics of epiploic appendages in
      native, acute inflamed/ischemic and post-infarcted states through retrospective
      imaging analysis, with clinical and pathologic correlation, and to discuss
      clinical implications. Cases were gathered mostly retrospectively and reviewed
      for inclusion based on established diagnostic criteria. Radiology report text
      search was used to find cases, using terms "epiploic," "appendage,"
      "appendagitis," and "peritoneal body." Data records included patient
      demographics, relevant clinical data, lesion size, location and apparent imaging
      composition, and the presence of change or stability in features over multiple
      studies. Pathologic and clinical data were sought and assessed for correlation.
      Imaging studies of 198 individuals were included (mean age 50, range 9-95), with
      a total of 228 lesions: 63 acute and 165 non-acute presentations. All included
      subjects had CT imaging and some had lesions visible on radiographs, MRI, PET/CT,
      and sonography. 23 subjects had more than one studied lesion. In addition to
      classic acute appendagitis, more frequently encountered are post-infarcted
      appendages either in situ along the colon, adhered to peritoneal or serosal
      surfaces, or freely mobile in the peritoneum as loose bodies. The majority of the
      non-acute varieties are recognizable due to peripheral calcification that
      develops over time following ischemic insult. Multiple cases demonstrated the
      imaging natural history and confirmed pathologic basis for imaging findings. In
      summary, acute and post-infarcted epiploic appendages have characteristic imaging
      appearances and natural history which should provide correct diagnosis in most
      cases. Incidental post-infarcted epiploica are more commonly encountered than
      acute presentations.

PMID- 27142383
TI  - A case of uterine torsion concurrent with a ruptured ovarian endometrial cyst.
AB  - The patient was a 54-year-old female presented with severe abdominal swelling and
      intermittent pain. On emergent CT, massive ascites with thickened peritoneum and
      intra-pelvic cystic mass approximately 20 cm in diameter were observed. The cyst
      wall showed redundant irregular shape. The uterus was enlarged with intramural
      mass located at its right anterior fundus. MRI showed this pelvic cyst as high
      intensity on T1-weighted images, so that it was suspected as an endometrial cyst.
      The operation revealed the rupture of endometrial cyst and the uterine torsion of
      180 degrees  around the long axis. Retrospectively, the X-shaped configuration of
      the upper vagina was observed on MRI and both the adnexa, including right ovarian
      cyst, were connected to the opposite side ovarian vein. Torsion of a non-gravid
      uterus is rare. In this case, the uterine torsion seemed to be caused by enlarged
      uterine body and ruptured endometrial cyst. Radiologists should be aware of this
      potential complication of huge ovarian mass and enlarged uterus and its
      appearance.

PMID- 27142384
TI  - Clinical implications for imaging of vascular invasion in hepatocellular
      carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second largest cause of cancer mortality in
      the world, with vascular invasion being one of the most important prognostic
      factors. HCC with tumor thrombus was traditionally considered to have very
      limited treatment options. However, multiple promising treatment strategies have
      emerged in recent years, with diagnostic and interventional radiologists playing
      a major role in patient management. We provide a comprehensive update on the
      diagnosis and management of HCC with vascular invasion and the role of the
      radiologist in this condition.

PMID- 27142385
TI  - Introduction to special focus section on prostate cancer imaging.

PMID- 27142386
TI  - Testing chemotherapy efficacy in HER2 negative breast cancer using patient
      derived spheroids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Targeted anti-HER2 therapy has greatly improved the prognosis for
      many breast cancer patients. However, treatment for HER2 negative disease is
      currently still selected from a multitude of untargeted chemotherapeutic
      treatment options. A predictive test was developed using patient-derived
      spheroids to identify the most effective therapy for patients with HER2 negative
      breast cancer of all stages, for clinically relevant subgroups, as well as
      individual patients. METHODS: Tumor samples from 120 HER2 negative patients
      obtained through biopsy or surgical excision were tested in the breast cancer
      spheroid model using scaffold-free cell culture. Similarly, spheroids were also
      generated from established HER2 negative breast cancer cell lines T-47D, MCF7,
      HCC1143, and HCC1937 to compare treatment efficacy of heterogeneous cell
      populations from patient tumor tissue with homogeneous cell lines. Spheroids were
      treated in vitro with guideline-recommended compounds. Treatment mediated impact
      on cell survival was subsequently quantified using an ATP assay. RESULTS:
      Differences were observed in the metabolic activity of the untreated spheroids,
      whereby cell lines consistently achieved higher values compared to tissue
      spheroids (p < 0.001). A higher number of cells per spheroid correlated with a
      higher basal metabolic activity in tissue-derived spheroids (p < 0.01), while the
      opposite was observed for cell line spheroids (p < 0.01). Recurrent tumors showed
      a higher mean vitality (p < 0.01) compared to primary tumors. Except for taxanes,
      treatment efficacy for most tested compounds differed significantly between
      breast cancer tissue spheroids and breast cancer cell lines. Overall a high
      variability in treatment response in vitro was seen in the tissue spheroids
      regardless of the tested substances. A greater response to
      anthracycline/docetaxel was observed for hormone receptor negative samples (p <
      0.01). A higher response to 5-FU (p < 0.01) and anthracycline (p < 0.05) was seen
      in high grade tumors. Smaller tumor size and negative lymph node status were both
      associated with a higher treatment efficacy to anthracycline treatment combined
      with 5-FU (cT1/2 vs cT3/4, p = 0.035, cN+ vs cN-, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      tissue spheroid model reflects current guideline treatment recommendations for
      HER2 negative breast cancer, whereas tested cell lines did not. This model
      represents a unique diagnostic method to select the most effective therapy out of
      several equivalent treatment options.

PMID- 27142387
TI  - Genetic features of red and green junglefowls and relationship with Indonesian
      native chickens Sumatera and Kedu Hitam.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More than 2,500 breeds of chicken are reared throughout the world as
      a source of eggs or meat and as pets. The primary ancestor of the present
      domestic chicken is widely believed to be the red junglefowl, although genetic
      contributions from other junglefowls cannot be excluded entirely. The reference
      genome for chicken was obtained from a red junglefowl, the genetic purity of
      which has been debated. There is, at present, insufficient data to resolve these
      interesting issues. RESULTS: In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing
      to compare various species and breeds of chicken, including wild red and green
      junglefowl, as well as the Indonesian native chickens Sumatera and Kedu Hitam and
      their respective descendants, the American Black Sumatra and Black Java. The data
      indicate that wild junglefowls have retained their genetic identity, but the
      Indonesian and American breeds have not. The Black Sumatra and Black Java are now
      closely related to each other, suggesting loss of genetic identity after export
      to the United States. In addition, the results indicate that the red junglefowl
      used as reference genome is more closely related to domestic chickens and
      apparently different from other wild red junglefowls. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      illuminates the genetic and phylogenetic relationships among these species. It
      provides a framework for genetic studies in wild junglefowls and native and
      domestic chicken breeds.

PMID- 27142388
TI  - Cellular engineering of Artemisia annua and Artemisia dubia with the rol ABC
      genes for enhanced production of potent anti-malarial drug artemisinin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria is causing more than half of a million deaths and 214 million
      clinical cases annually. Despite tremendous efforts for the control of malaria,
      the global morbidity and mortality have not been significantly changed in the
      last 50 years. Artemisinin, extracted from the medicinal plant Artemisia sp. is
      an effective anti-malarial drug. In 2015, elucidation of the effectiveness of
      artemisinin as a potent anti-malarial drug was acknowledged with a Nobel prize.
      Owing to the tight market and low yield of artemisinin, an economical way to
      increase its production is to increase its content in Artemisia sp. through
      different biotechnological approaches including genetic transformation. METHODS:
      Artemisia annua and Artemisia dubia were transformed with rol ABC genes through
      Agrobacterium tumefacienes and Agrobacterium rhizogenes methods. The artemisinin
      content was analysed and compared between transformed and untransformed plants
      with the help of LC-MS/MS. Expression of key genes [Cytochrome P450 (CYP71AV1),
      aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), amorpha-4, 11 diene synthase (ADS)] in the
      biosynthetic pathway of artemisinin and gene for trichome development and
      sesquiterpenoid biosynthetic (TFAR1) were measured using Quantitative real time
      PCR (qRT-PCR). Trichome density was analysed using confocal microscope. RESULTS:
      Artemisinin content was significantly increased in transformed material of both
      Artemisia species when compared to un-transformed plants. The artemisinin content
      within leaves of transformed lines was increased by a factor of nine, indicating
      that the plant is capable of synthesizing much higher amounts than has been
      achieved so far through traditional breeding. Expression of all artemisinin
      biosynthesis genes was significantly increased, although variation between the
      genes was observed. CYP71AV1 and ALDH1 expression levels were higher than that of
      ADS. Levels of the TFAR1 expression were also increased in all transgenic lines.
      Trichome density was also significantly increased in the leaves of transformed
      plants, but no trichomes were found in control roots or transformed roots. The
      detection of significantly raised levels of expression of the genes involved in
      artemisinin biosynthesis in transformed roots correlated with the production of
      significant amounts of artemisinin in these tissues. This suggests that synthesis
      is occurring in tissues other than the trichomes, which contradicts previous
      theories. CONCLUSION: Transformation of Artemisia sp. with rol ABC genes can lead
      to the increased production of artemisinin, which will help to meet the
      increasing demand of artemisinin because of its diverse pharmacological and anti
      malarial importance.

PMID- 27142390
TI  - The Opioid Pendulum and the Need for Better Pain Care.

PMID- 27142389
TI  - The effect of topical application of 0.15% ganciclovir gel on cytomegalovirus
      corneal endotheliitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy
      and drug transfer of topical application of 0.15% ganciclovir (GCV) gel on
      cytomegalovirus (CMV) corneal endotheliitis. METHODS: This study is a
      multicentre, prospective, interventional case series. Seven eyes of seven
      immunocompetent patients diagnosed with CMV corneal endotheliitis, based on
      clinical manifestations and qualitative PCR, were enrolled in this study. The
      patients were treated with topical applications of 0.15% GCV gel six times daily
      for 12 weeks without concomitant systemic GCV. Clinical evaluations and
      quantitative PCR of CMV were performed, and GCV concentrations in aqueous humour
      were measured by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS:
      Clinical improvement of coin-shaped lesions, other types of keratic precipitates,
      corneal oedema, and anterior chamber inflammation was confirmed at the 4-week
      visit in all seven eyes. The GCV treatment significantly decreased the CMV copy
      numbers (p<0.0001). After 12 weeks of treatment, six eyes recovered clear corneas
      with good vision, and endothelial function was well maintained. Detectable levels
      of GCV were confirmed in the aqueous humour of all the eyes. The mean GCV
      concentration in the anterior chamber was 162.0+/-202.4 ng/mL. The re-emergence
      of CMV without symptoms was observed in one eye with lower drug transfer. No side
      effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical improvement and reduced CMV copy
      numbers in the aqueous humour were confirmed in the CMV corneal endotheliitis
      cases. Although the case numbers are limited and long-term follow-up is
      necessary, the topical application of 0.15% GCV gel appears to be a useful
      treatment option for CMV endotheliitis. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000012435.

PMID- 27142391
TI  - The discovery and early structural studies of arachidonic acid.
AB  - Arachidonic acid and esterified arachidonate are ubiquitous components of every
      mammalian cell. This polyunsaturated fatty acid serves very important biochemical
      roles, including being the direct precursor of bioactive lipid mediators such as
      prostaglandin and leukotrienes. This 20 carbon fatty acid with four double bonds
      was first isolated and identified from mammalian tissues in 1909 by Percival
      Hartley. This was accomplished prior to the advent of chromatography or any
      spectroscopic methodology (MS, infrared, UV, or NMR). The name, arachidonic, was
      suggested in 1913 based on its relationship to the well-known arachidic acid
      (C20:0). It took until 1940 before the positions of the four double bonds were
      defined at 5,8,11,14 of the 20-carbon chain. Total synthesis was reported in 1961
      and, finally, the configuration of the double bonds was confirmed as all-cis
      5,8,11,14. By the 1930s, the relationship of arachidonic acid within the family
      of essential fatty acids helped cue an understanding of its structure and the
      biosynthetic pathway. Herein, we review the findings leading up to the discovery
      of arachidonic acid and the progress toward its complete structural elucidation.

PMID- 27142392
TI  - A Study of the Role of Small Ethnic Retail Grocery Stores in Urban Renewal in a
      Social Housing Project, Toronto, Canada.
AB  - Urban renewal often drives away the original residents, replacing them with
      higher income residents who can afford the new spaces, leading to gentrification.
      Urban renewal that takes place over many years can create uncertainties for
      retailers and residents, exacerbating the gentrification process. This
      qualitative study explored how the urban renewal process in a multi-cultural
      social housing neighborhood in Toronto (Regent Park) affected the small ethnic
      retail grocery stores (SERGS) that supplied ethnic foods and items to the ethnic
      populations living there. Interviews were conducted with ten SERGS store
      owners/managers and 16 ethnic residents who lived in Regent Park before renewal
      and were displaced, or who were displaced and returned. The SERGS stated that
      they provided culturally familiar items and offered a social credit scheme that
      recognized existing social relationships and allowed low-income residents to
      afford food and other amenities in a dignified manner and pay later, without
      penalty or interest. At the same time, the SERGS were unsupported during the
      renewal, were excluded from the civic planning processes, could not compete for
      space in the new buildings, and experienced declining sales and loss of business.
      The residents stated that the SERGS were trusted, provided a valued cultural
      social spaces for ethnic identity formation, and ethnic food security but they
      faced many uncertainties about the role of SERGS in a renewed neighborhood. Based
      on this study, it is recommended that ethnic retailers be recognized for the role
      they play in formulating ethnic identities and food security in mixed-use mixed
      income communities and that they be included in planning processes during urban
      renewal. Such recognition may enable more former residents to return and lessen
      the gentrification.

PMID- 27142393
TI  - Regulatory B cells and T follicular helper cells are reduced in allergic
      rhinitis.

PMID- 27142394
TI  - Human Factors in Financial Trading: An Analysis of Trading Incidents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study tests the reliability of a system (FINANS) to collect and
      analyze incident reports in the financial trading domain and is guided by a human
      factors taxonomy used to describe error in the trading domain. BACKGROUND:
      Research indicates the utility of applying human factors theory to understand
      error in finance, yet empirical research is lacking. We report on the development
      of the first system for capturing and analyzing human factors-related issues in
      operational trading incidents. METHOD: In the first study, 20 incidents are
      analyzed by an expert user group against a referent standard to establish the
      reliability of FINANS. In the second study, 750 incidents are analyzed using
      distribution, mean, pathway, and associative analysis to describe the data.
      RESULTS: Kappa scores indicate that categories within FINANS can be reliably used
      to identify and extract data on human factors-related problems underlying trading
      incidents. Approximately 1% of trades (n = 750) lead to an incident. Slip/lapse
      (61%), situation awareness (51%), and teamwork (40%) were found to be the most
      common problems underlying incidents. For the most serious incidents, problems in
      situation awareness and teamwork were most common. CONCLUSION: We show that (a)
      experts in the trading domain can reliably and accurately code human factors in
      incidents, (b) 1% of trades incur error, and (c) poor teamwork skills and
      situation awareness underpin the most critical incidents. APPLICATION: This
      research provides data crucial for ameliorating risk within financial trading
      organizations, with implications for regulation and policy.

PMID- 27142395
TI  - Hybrid Pulmonary Artery Stenting at the Bidirectional Glenn or Fontan Operation
      in Patients With Single Ventricle Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stenosis of the retroaortic pulmonary artery is common in patients
      with single ventricle heart disease. Intraoperative hybrid stenting at the
      bidirectional Glenn or Fontan operation can treat this lesion and avoid a complex
      surgical arterioplasty. METHODS: Patients who underwent intraoperative stent
      implantation to the retroaortic pulmonary artery during the bidirectional Glenn
      or Fontan operation at our center between January 2005 and July 2014 were
      retrospectively identified. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included with a
      median weight of 8 kg (5.6-14.4 kg) and age of 6 months (4 months-3.8 years). All
      had undergone Norwood operation, and eight (62%) had hypoplastic left heart
      syndrome. Eight (62%) underwent stent placement during bidirectional Glenn and
      five (38%) during Fontan operation. Ten patients had one stent placed, and three
      had two overlapping stents. The median diameter of the stenotic vessel was 3 mm
      (2.0-5.5 mm) and diameter of the balloon used for stent expansion was 7 mm (5-10
      mm). Two complications occurred including pulmonary hemorrhage from presumed wire
      perforation and left main stem bronchus compression requiring stent removal. No
      patient required stent intervention in the postoperative period, and all were
      discharged from the hospital. At a median follow-up of 1.3 years (2 months-7.1
      years), six patients underwent interval dilation to account for somatic growth.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid stenting of the retroaortic pulmonary artery at the
      bidirectional Glenn or Fontan operation is an effective treatment of pulmonary
      artery stenosis and prevents the need for a complex surgical arterioplasty.

PMID- 27142396
TI  - First Things First.

PMID- 27142397
TI  - Utility of Multimodality Imaging in the Morphologic Characterization of Anomalous
      Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery from the wrong Sinus of
      Valsalva (AAOCA) is a rare congenital anomaly and is associated with sudden
      cardiac death. Morphologic features considered to be "high risk" are significant
      luminal narrowing, acute coronary angulation at its origin, intramural course,
      and long interarterial course. A consistent approach for characterization of
      these features is lacking. METHODS: A retrospective single-center review of all
      patients diagnosed with AAOCA using echocardiogram and computed tomography
      (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies was performed. Twenty-nine patients
      were identified (25 using CT and 4 using MRI) with subsequent three-dimensional
      data sets. The MRI data sets lacked adequate resolution and were excluded. Twenty
      five patients (median age 15.1, range 10-39.5 years, 72% male) were further
      analyzed using echocardiogram and CT. Morphologic assessment focused on luminal
      stenosis, coronary angulation, and interarterial length. Additional morphologic
      features focusing on cross-sectional area and degree of ellipticity were also
      assessed. RESULTS: Echocardiography tended to yield smaller measurements compared
      to CT and had poor interobserver reproducibility for measurements pertaining to
      the narrowest proximal and distal coronary segments. Computed tomography showed
      good inter-/intraobserver reproducibility for the same. Agreement between both
      modalities for coronary angulation at its origin was excellent. There was good
      agreement for measurements of interarterial length between echocardiography and
      CT, but echocardiography had superior reproducibility. Assessment of luminal
      cross-sectional area and elliptical shape by CT had excellent inter
      /intraobserver reproducibility. CONCLUSION: The combination of echocardiography
      and CT characterizes morphologic features of anomalous origin of the coronary
      artery more reliably than either modality alone.

PMID- 27142398
TI  - Multimodality Imaging of Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery: Are We Any
      Closer to Risk Stratification?

PMID- 27142399
TI  - Mitral Valve Surgery for Rheumatic Lesions in Young Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The appropriateness of rheumatic mitral valve repair remains
      controversial due to the risks of recurrent mitral dysfunction and need for
      reoperation. The aims of this study were to determine the overall short- and long
      term outcomes of pediatric rheumatic mitral valve surgery in our center. METHODS:
      Single-center, observational, retrospective study that analyzed the results of
      rheumatic mitral valve surgery in young patients, consecutively operated by the
      same team, between 1999 and 2014. RESULTS: We included 116 patients (mean age =
      12.6 +/- 3.5 years), of which 66 (57%) were females. A total of 116 primary
      surgical interventions and 22 reoperations were performed. Primary valve repair
      was possible in 86 (74%) patients and valve replacement occurred in 30 (26%).
      Sixty percent of the patients were followed up beyond three months after surgery
      (median follow-up time = 9.2 months [minimum = 10 days; maximum = 15 years]).
      Long-term clinical outcomes were favorable, with most patients in New York Heart
      Association functional class I (89.6%) and in sinus rhythm (85%). Freedom from
      reoperation for primary valve repair at six months, five years, and ten years was
      96.4% +/- 0.25%, 72% +/- 0.72%, and 44.7% +/- 1.34%, respectively. Freedom from
      reoperation for primary valve replacement at six months, five years, and ten
      years was 100%, 91.7% +/- 0.86%, and 91.7% +/- 0.86%, respectively. Mitral
      stenosis as the primary lesion dictated early reintervention. CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite the greater rate of reoperation, especially when the primary lesion was
      mitral stenosis, rheumatic mitral valve repair provides similar clinical outcomes
      as compared with replacement, with the advantage of avoiding anticoagulation.

PMID- 27142400
TI  - Selective Use of the Blalock-Taussig Shunt and Right Ventricle-to-Pulmonary
      Artery Conduit During the Norwood Procedure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The single ventricle reconstruction trial showed better one-year
      transplant-free survival for the right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery (RV-to-PA)
      conduit over the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (mBTS) at Norwood operation.
      However, concerns remain about the long-term effects of a neonatal
      ventriculotomy. In our institution, we have used specific selection criteria for
      the use of mBTS in the Norwood operation. METHODS: We reviewed 122 consecutive
      neonates undergoing the Norwood procedure from December 2006 to December 2013. We
      used the following criteria to select our source of pulmonary blood flow: (1)
      presence of a dominant morphologic left ventricle; (2) presence of antegrade
      blood in an ascending aorta that is greater than 3 mm; and (3) presence of
      significant large "crossing coronaries" on ventricle. All patients who met any of
      the above 3 criteria underwent an mBTS while the remaining patients underwent an
      RV-to-PA conduit. RESULTS: Seventy-five (61.5%) patients had the RV-to-PA conduit
      and 47 (38.5%) patients had an mBTS. The overall surgical mortality was 9%. Mean
      follow-up interval was 23.5 months. Actuarial transplant-free survival was
      similar at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months in both the mBTS group and the RV-to-PA
      conduit group. In the RV-to-PA conduit group, actuarial transplant-free survival
      was 73% at 12 months, 71% at 24 months, 71% at 36 months, and 67% at 48 months,
      while in the mBTS group, actuarial transplant-free survival was 82% at 12 months,
      75% at 24 months, 75% at 36 months, and 75% at 48 months. CONCLUSION: Our
      selection criteria for mBTS have allowed us to obtain equivalent transplant-free
      survival at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months when compared to the RV-to-PA conduit
      group.

PMID- 27142401
TI  - Contemporary Hospitalization Rate Among Adults With Complex Congenital Heart
      Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adults with congenital heart disease are hospitalized at increasing
      rates in the Western world. Identification of rates of and risk factors for
      hospitalization is essential for research and improving patient outcomes.
      METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of patients with a
      primary diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), transposition of the great
      arteries (both d- and l-transposition of the great arteries [TGAs]), or single
      ventricle (SV). We investigated the rates of mortality, annual hospitalization,
      and patient-specific risk factors for unplanned cardiac hospitalization. RESULTS:
      Adult patients with complex congenital heart disease are hospitalized at a rate
      four to eight times greater than the general US population (P < .001). In
      addition, there are significant differences between the rates of hospitalization
      in TOF and TGA (0.39 and 0.41 hospitalizations per patient-year, respectively)
      and SV (0.72 hospitalizations per patient-year). The majority of excess
      hospitalizations in the study group were due to cardiac disease (P < .001 for all
      three groups). Risk factors for unplanned cardiac hospitalization in TOF included
      pulmonary atresia, depressed left ventricular and right ventricular ejection
      fraction, and smoking; in TGA, they included Ebstein malformation, surgeries
      other than primary repair, noncardiac diagnoses, atrial arrhythmias,
      atrioventricular nodal block, left ventricular ejection fraction, and smoking;
      and in SV, they included atrial arrhythmias and cyanosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients
      born with complex congenital heart disease are hospitalized far more frequently
      than the general US population, primarily for cardiac-related illness. Future
      research should focus on confirming the present findings and on identification of
      strategies to improve outcomes in this growing group of patients.

PMID- 27142402
TI  - Clinical Application and Multidisciplinary Assessment of Three Dimensional
      Printing in Double Outlet Right Ventricle With Remote Ventricular Septal Defect.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with two well-developed
      ventricles and with a remote ventricular septal defect (VSD) may present a
      therapeutic challenge. Echocardiographic imaging of such complex cases does not
      always provide all of the information required to decide on an operative approach
      (biventricular or univentricular) and to design an intracardiac baffle to direct
      left ventricular outflow through the VSD and to the aorta for biventricular
      repair. A three dimensional (3D) printed model of the heart based upon data
      derived from computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may
      contribute to a more complete appreciation of the intracardiac anatomy. METHODS:
      From April to September 2015, six consecutive patients with DORV and remote VSD
      underwent CT/MRI scans. Data sets from these studies were used to generate life
      size 3D models using a 3D printer. We compared the assessment of 3D printed heart
      model findings with information obtained from echocardiography, CT, or cardiac
      MRI and with details of the surgeon's intraoperative direct observations when
      available. Quantification of the information provided by the 3D model was
      achieved using a unique scale that was created for the purpose of this study. The
      accuracy and utility of information derived preoperatively from the models were
      assessed. RESULTS: Six data sets from six patients were analyzed. Five data sets
      could be successfully used to create sandstone models using 3D printing. The five
      patients ranged from 7 months to 11 years of age and weighed 6.7 to 26 kg. The
      spatial orientation of the heart in the thorax, the relationships of the great
      arteries and the semilunar valves, the size and location of the VSD were well
      appreciated in all models, as were the anticipated dimensions and orientation of
      a surgically planned interventricular baffle. Three of the five patients
      underwent successful biventricular repair. CONCLUSION: The 3D printed models
      scored higher than conventional imaging, with respect to most aspects of the
      surface spatial orientation and intracardiac anatomy. The models are a useful
      adjunct in preoperative assessment of complex DORV. The unique scale helps
      quantify the advantages and limitations of the 3D heart models.

PMID- 27142403
TI  - Three Dimensional Printing: Applications in Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease.

PMID- 27142404
TI  - Surgical Repair of 115 Patients With Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery
      From a Single Institution.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) has been
      associated with myocardial ischemia and sudden death. The past decade has
      provided important insights into the natural history and typical patterns of
      presentation. However, there are also a number of unresolved controversies
      regarding the indications for surgery and the efficacy of that surgery. The
      purpose of this study was to review our surgical experience with AAOCA in 115
      patients at a single institution. DESIGN: One hundred and fifteen patients have
      undergone surgical repair of AAOCA at our institution. There were 82 males and 33
      females, and the median age at surgery was 16 years. Fifty-nine patients had
      preoperative symptoms of myocardial ischemia, including 56 with exertional chest
      pain or syncope and 3 sudden death events. Twenty-four patients had associated
      congenital heart defects. Seven patients had an associated myocardial bridge.
      RESULTS: Surgical repair was accomplished by unroofing of an intramural coronary
      in 86, reimplantation in 9, and pulmonary artery translocation in 20. There has
      been no early or late mortality. Fifty-seven (97%) of the 59 symptomatic patients
      have been free of any cardiac symptoms postoperatively. Two patients had
      recurrent symptoms and underwent reoperation (one had revision of the initial
      repair and one had repair of a myocardial bridge). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair
      of AAOCA can be safely performed and is highly efficacious in relieving symptoms
      of myocardial ischemia. The two "surgical failures" in this series had an
      anatomic basis and underscore the need to reassess both the proximal and distal
      anatomy in these patients.

PMID- 27142405
TI  - Tracheostomy Following Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease: A 14-year
      Institutional Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy following congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery is a
      rare event and associated with significant mortality. Hospital survival has been
      reported from 20% to 40%. Late mortality for these patients is not well
      characterized. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of
      patients who had a tracheostomy following CHD surgery (excluding isolated patent
      ductus arteriosus ligation) between January 2000 and December 2013. Patients were
      categorized into single-ventricle or biventricular physiology groups.
      Demographics, genetic syndromes, pulmonary disease, and comorbidities were
      collected. Outcomes including hospital survival, long-term survival, and weaning
      from positive pressure ventilation are reported. Bivariate and time-to-event
      models were used. RESULTS: Over a 14-year period, 61 children (0.9% incidence)
      had a tracheostomy placed following CHD surgery. There were 12 single-ventricle
      patients and 49 biventricular patients. Prematurity, genetic syndromes,
      lung/airway disease, and other comorbidities were common in both CHD groups.
      Gastrostomy tubes were used more frequently in biventricular physiology patients
      (91.8%) versus single-ventricle patients (66.7%, P = .04). Survival to hospital
      discharge was 50% in the single-ventricle group compared to 86% in biventricular
      patients (P = .01). Long-term survival continued to be poor in the single
      ventricle group comparatively (three years, 27.8% vs 64.8%, P = .01). Gastrostomy
      tube placement was independently associated with survival in both groups (P =
      .002). CONCLUSION: Tracheostomy is performed following many types of surgery for
      CHD and is commonly associated with other comorbidities. Both hospital and long
      term survival are substantially lower in children with single-ventricle
      physiology as compared to patients with biventricular physiology.

PMID- 27142406
TI  - Double Root Switch Repair for Taussig-Bing Anomaly.
AB  - The double root switch was used to repair a Taussig-Bing anomaly in a two-month
      old child. The surgery was performed with translocation of the aortic root to the
      left ventricular outflow tract and the pulmonary root to the right ventricular
      outflow tract, after closure of the ventricular septal defect with a patch that
      ultimately directed flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. This surgical
      approach has the theoretical advantage of reducing the likelihood of
      subneopulmonary obstruction, left ventricular outflow obstruction, neoaortic
      dilatation, and regurgitation and therefore has the potential to minimize the
      mortality and morbidity related to reintervention and reoperation. 

PMID- 27142407
TI  - Thymic Cyst Popping Up in a Patient With Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - The unusual case of a thymic cyst emerging and rapidly expanding, mimicking hence
      a right atrial aneurysm in an asymptomatic patient with congenital heart disease
      is presented. 

PMID- 27142408
TI  - Hybrid Stage 1 Palliation in a Patient With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and
      Unusual Decompressing Levoatrial Cardinal Vein in Turner Syndrome: Utility of
      Multimodality Imaging.

PMID- 27142409
TI  - [Anatomy and neuromonitoring of the bifascicular N. recurrens].

PMID- 27142410
TI  - [Julius Springer prize for surgery 2016 awarded].

PMID- 27142411
TI  - Hyperinsulinemia and obese phenotype differently influence blood pressure in
      young normotensive patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - To differentiate the impact of insulin levels/resistance per se from that of
      excess weight on blood pressure (BP) daily changes, we evaluated, using 24-h
      ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and
      diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in a cohort of young normotensive patients
      affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A cross-sectional study was
      performed. Fifty-four patients were studied according to (a) insulinemic state:
      32 hyperinsulinemic and/or insulin-resistant (h-INS) and 22 normoinsulinemic (n
      INS) patients; and (b) body mass index (BMI): 22 obese (BMI > 30) and 32 lean
      (18.0 < BMI < 24.9) patients. Each subject's SBP and DBP and heart rate (HR) were
      measured by ABPM. Supine and upright plasma renin activity (PRA), and aldosterone
      levels were also assayed. Patients in the h-INS group showed higher 24-h,
      daytime, and nighttime diastolic blood pressure (DBP), higher nighttime systolic
      blood pressure (SBP) levels, as well as an increased 24-h, daytime and nighttime
      HR, compared to both obese and lean patients in the n-INS group. In relation to
      BMI, only 24-h, daytime, and nighttime DBP were higher in obese than in lean
      patients. At variance, when both h-INS and obesity were considered, 24-h SBP and
      DBP were higher in h-INS obese subjects than in the other groups. In multivariate
      analysis, insulin (max peak), area under the curve of insulin and insulin
      sensitivity index was independently associated with SBP. (1) Within a
      normotensive range, hyperinsulinemia and/or insulin resistance influence daily BP
      variation more than obesity does, suggesting a pivotal role of insulin on BP
      control in PCOS; (2) altered insulinemic state and ABPM-derived higher nighttime
      BP and HR may represent early markers to identify PCOS subjects prone to high
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 27142412
TI  - Prognosis of patients with benign thyroid nodules: a population-based study.
AB  - Most thyroid nodules are benign. The ideal follow-up of these patients should
      reflect their prognosis, which has been scarcely investigated. We aimed to
      evaluate the prognosis of patients with initial benign thyroid cytology. A
      population-based study, using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, identifying
      patients with benign thyroid cytology diagnosed between 2003 and 2006 and
      completely followed to 2014 using linked medical records. We identified 363
      thyroid nodules with benign cytology in 327 patients after fine-needle aspiration
      biopsy. Patients were on average 53 years old (standard deviation 17), and 80 %
      were women. The median nodule size was 1.6 cm (interquartile range 1.2-2.4); 26 %
      had at least one suspicious ultrasound feature. During a median follow-up of 8
      years, 54 patients (17 %) with 57 benign nodules underwent thyroidectomy, mostly
      due to compressive symptoms (44 %). Thyroidectomy was more likely in younger
      patients [hazard ratio (HR) 0.97, 95 % CI 0.96-0.99] and patients with larger
      nodules (HR 1.3, 95 % CI 1.16-1.48). Two patients were found to have follicular
      thyroid cancer in the index nodule (0.6 %) and 6 patients had papillary thyroid
      cancer detected in other nodules (1.8 %). No patient died from thyroid cancer.
      Patients with benign thyroid nodules are unlikely to suffer morbidity or
      mortality due to thyroid cancer. Follow-up strategies for these patients should
      consider this excellent prognosis and avoid causing unnecessary fear in patients
      and adding unneeded expense and burden to the healthcare system.

PMID- 27142413
TI  - Maternal vitamin D-restricted diet has consequences in the formation of
      pancreatic islet/insulin-signaling in the adult offspring of mice.
AB  - The maternal deficiency of vitamin D can act on organogenesis in mice offspring,
      being a risk factor for chronic diseases in adulthood. This study investigates
      the effects of maternal deficiency of vitamin D on structural islet remodeling
      and insulin-signaling pathway in the offspring. We studied male C57Bl/6 offspring
      at 3-month old (n = 10/group) from mother fed one of the two diets: control diet
      (C) or vitamin D-restricted diet (VitD-). After weaning, offspring only fed the
      control diet ad libitum. In the offspring, we studied insulin production, islet
      remodeling, and islet protein expression of the insulin-signaling pathway
      (Western blotting, isolated islet, n = 5/group). VitD- offspring showed greater
      glycemia (P = 0.012), smaller beta-cell mass (P = 0.014), and hypoinsulinemia (P
      = 0.024) than C offspring. Comparing VitD- offspring with C offspring, we
      observed lower protein levels in islet of insulin (P = 0.003), insulin receptor
      substrate-1 (P = 0.025), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases (P = 0.045), 3
      phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (P = 0.017), protein kinase B (P =
      0.028), with reduced expression of pancreas/duodenum homeobox-1 (PDX-1) (P =
      0.016), glucose transporter-2 (P = 0.003), and glucokinase (P = 0.045). The
      maternal vitamin D-restricted diet modifies the development of the pancreas of
      the offspring, leading to islet remodeling and altered insulin-signaling pathway.
      The decrease of PDX-1 is probably significant to the changes in the beta-cell
      mass and insulin secretion in adulthood.

PMID- 27142414
TI  - DAMe: a toolkit for the initial processing of datasets with PCR replicates of
      double-tagged amplicons for DNA metabarcoding analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA metabarcoding is an approach for identifying multiple taxa in an
      environmental sample using specific genetic loci and taxa-specific primers. When
      combined with high-throughput sequencing it enables the taxonomic
      characterization of large numbers of samples in a relatively time- and cost
      efficient manner. One recent laboratory development is the addition of 5'
      nucleotide tags to both primers producing double-tagged amplicons and the use of
      multiple PCR replicates to filter erroneous sequences. However, there is
      currently no available toolkit for the straightforward analysis of datasets
      produced in this way. RESULTS: We present DAMe, a toolkit for the processing of
      datasets generated by double-tagged amplicons from multiple PCR replicates
      derived from an unlimited number of samples. Specifically, DAMe can be used to
      (i) sort amplicons by tag combination, (ii) evaluate PCR replicates
      dissimilarity, and (iii) filter sequences derived from sequencing/PCR errors,
      chimeras, and contamination. This is attained by calculating the following
      parameters: (i) sequence content similarity between the PCR replicates from each
      sample, (ii) reproducibility of each unique sequence across the PCR replicates,
      and (iii) copy number of the unique sequences in each PCR replicate. We showcase
      the insights that can be obtained using DAMe prior to taxonomic assignment, by
      applying it to two real datasets that vary in their complexity regarding number
      of samples, sequencing libraries, PCR replicates, and used tag combinations.
      Finally, we use a third mock dataset to demonstrate the impact and importance of
      filtering the sequences with DAMe. CONCLUSIONS: DAMe allows the user-friendly
      manipulation of amplicons derived from multiple samples with PCR replicates built
      in a single or multiple sequencing libraries. It allows the user to: (i) collapse
      amplicons into unique sequences and sort them by tag combination while retaining
      the sample identifier and copy number information, (ii) identify sequences
      carrying unused tag combinations, (iii) evaluate the comparability of PCR
      replicates of the same sample, and (iv) filter tagged amplicons from a number of
      PCR replicates using parameters of minimum length, copy number, and
      reproducibility across the PCR replicates. This enables an efficient analysis of
      complex datasets, and ultimately increases the ease of handling datasets from
      large-scale studies.

PMID- 27142415
TI  - Recto-vaginal septum cystadenocarcinoma: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carcinoma of the recto-vaginal septum is a quite rare location and
      related to peritoneal and primary ovarian carcinomas. There are only few reports
      in the literature with a very poor prognosis. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we report
      the case of a 63 years old woman with past medical history of left oophorectomy
      presenting with a pelvic pain. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated
      a 10 cm mass located in the recto-vaginal septum. A block resection was performed
      allowing the retrieval of a 10 cm solid tumor of the recto-vaginal septum.
      Peritoneal biopsies and the right ovary were normal the final diagnosis was
      cystadenocarcinoma of the recto-vaginal septum. The patient received adjuvant
      chemotherapy and displays no sign of recurrence 36 months after diagnosis.
      CONCLUSION: The management of recto-vaginal septum carcinoma with en bloc
      resection should be performed to avoid peritoneal spread and improve prognosis.

PMID- 27142416
TI  - Margaret McCartney: Welfare is not a dirty word.

PMID- 27142417
TI  - Are apes essentialists? Scope and limits of psychological essentialism in great
      apes.
AB  - Human reasoning is characterized by psychological essentialism (Gelman in The
      essential child: origins of essentialism in everyday thought. Oxford University
      Press, New York, 2003): when reasoning about objects, we distinguish between deep
      essential properties defining the object's kind and identity, and merely
      superficial features that can be changed without altering the object's identity.
      To date, it is unclear whether psychological essentialism is based on the
      acquisition of linguistic means (such as kind terms) and therefore uniquely
      human, or whether it is a more fundamental cognitive capacity which might be
      present also in the absence of language. In the present study, we addressed this
      question by testing whether, and if so, under which circumstances non-human apes
      also rely on psychological essentialism to identify objects. For this purpose, we
      adapted classical verbal transformation scenarios used in research on
      psychological essentialism (Keil in Concepts, kinds, and cognitive development.
      MIT Press, Cambridge, 1989) and implemented them in two nonverbal tasks: first, a
      box task, typically used to test object individuation (Experiment 1), and second,
      an object choice task, typically used to test object discrimination, object
      preferences and logical inferences (Experiments 2-4). Taken together, the results
      of the four experiments suggest that under suitable circumstances (when memory
      and other task demands are minimized), great apes engage in basic forms of
      essentialist reasoning. Psychological essentialism is thus possible also in the
      absence of language.

PMID- 27142418
TI  - Evaluation of the interaction between contact force and decision making on lower
      extremity biomechanics during a side-cutting maneuver.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purposes of this study were (1) to compare the effect between
      contact force [first and second ground reaction force (GRF)] and decision making
      (anticipation vs unanticipation) on lower extremity biomechanics during a side
      cutting maneuver in young soccer players; and (2) to identify which condition is
      more vulnerable to biomechanical risk factors of the anterior cruciate ligament
      (ACL) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen young, male middle school soccer
      players with right leg dominance participated in this study. Three-dimensional
      motion analysis featuring GRF and electromyography (EMG) of the right leg was
      used during the stance phase of the side-cutting maneuver. Kinematics, kinetics,
      and EMG data for each athlete were analyzed and averaged for three successful
      anticipated and unanticipated side-cutting maneuvers. RESULTS: GRF was smaller
      and muscle activities were lower in most muscle groups in the first peak than
      that of the second peak. More flexion and internal rotational angles of the hip
      joint were observed in the unanticipated first peak that that of the second peak.
      Lesser flexion angle and moment of the knee joint observed in the first peak than
      that of the second peak, and abduction moment was increased after the
      unanticipation. CONCLUSION: The GRF and muscle activities were smaller in the
      first peak than those in the second peak; however, first peak showed a closer
      association with biomechanical risk factors of the ACL injury. There were some
      interactions between contact force and decision making and unanticipation made
      the first peak more risky to the ACL injury.

PMID- 27142419
TI  - Prevalence of Childhood Blindness and Ocular Morbidity in a Rural Pediatric
      Population in Southern India: The Pavagada Pediatric Eye Disease Study-1.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of childhood blindness and ocular morbidity
      in a rural pediatric population in South India. METHODS: A population-based,
      cross-sectional survey of children was conducted in three phases in Pavagada and
      Madhugiri taluks (subdivisions) of Tumkur district in the state of Karnataka,
      India. In the first phase, trained fieldworkers screened 23,100 children. In the
      second phase, children with eye diseases were referred to the peripheral hospital
      to be examined by a general ophthalmologist. In the third phase, children with
      major eye diseases were examined by a pediatric ophthalmologist. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of ocular morbidity was 2.66% (95% confidence interval, CI, 2.46
      2.87%). The most commonly observed ocular morbidity was Bitot spots (1%) followed
      by refractive error (0.6%). In total, 18 children were blind and the prevalence
      of childhood blindness (best-corrected visual acuity <3/60) was 0.08% (95% CI
      0.04-0.11%); 8 (44.44%) had retinal blindness, 5 (27.76%) had lens-related
      blindness, 2 (11.11%) had bilateral microphthalmos, 1 (5.56%) was blind due to
      anterior staphyloma in the right eye and anophthalmos in the left eye, 1 (5.56%)
      had bilateral uveal coloboma and 1 (5.56%) had cortical visual impairment.
      CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of the blindness in the population was due to
      unavoidable causes (retinal). In addition to providing eye care services, an
      appropriate service delivery model would include the provision of rehabilitative
      and low vision services and implementation of genetic studies to understand the
      causes and increase awareness of inherited eye diseases.

PMID- 27142420
TI  - Thiol click chemistry on gold-decorated MoS2: elastomer composites and structural
      phase transitions.
AB  - We show that gold decorated MoS2 flakes are amenable to thiol chemistry by
      blending them with a cross-linkable thiolated polysiloxane (PMMS). PMMS prevents
      restacking of dispersed MoS2 when transforming the metallic to the semiconducting
      phase. Cross-linking PMMS yields an elastomer of good optical quality, containing
      individual, mostly single-layer MoS2 flakes. 

PMID- 27142421
TI  - Loss to follow-up in orthopaedic clinical trials: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: The rate of patients lost to follow-up may contribute to bias in
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: We systematically reviewed
      orthopaedic RCTs from 2008 to 2011, including 559 RCTs with 131,836 enrolled
      subjects. The loss to follow-up rates and minimum follow-up times were recorded
      for each trial. Orthopaedic subspecialty, country of origin, number of enrolled
      patients, patient age, follow-up strategy, and funding type were also recorded.
      RESULTS: Loss to follow-up was not reported in 111 of these studies (20 %). Mean
      loss to follow-up was 10.4 %. No orthopaedic subspecialty demonstrated
      significantly different follow-up rates. Remote follow-up strategies did not
      reduce the loss to follow-up rate. Studies with a minimum follow-up length of
      three years showed significantly higher loss to follow-up rates compared with
      studies with shorter minimum follow-up time (14.8 % versus 9.8 %, p = 0.01).
      Studies performed in the United States had a significantly higher rate of loss to
      follow-up compared with non-United States studies (13.8 % versus 9.4 %; p =
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Loss to follow-up rates in published orthopaedic randomized
      controlled trials is overall relatively low. A substantial portion of
      publications does not adequately report follow-up data. Studies performed in the
      United States and studies with longer follow-up periods seem to be at higher risk
      for loss to follow-up.

PMID- 27142422
TI  - An appraisal of clinical practice guidelines for constipation: a right attitude
      towards to guidelines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are formally developed statements
      that assist users to provide proper health care for a kind of disease and play a
      significant contribution in healthcare system. This study report the
      methodological quality of CPGs on constipation. METHODS: The "Appraisal of
      Guidelines and Research and Evaluation" (AGREEII) instrument was developed to
      determine the quality of CPGs. A comprehensive search was developed using five
      databases and three guideline websites until/up to December, 2015. Four
      independent authors evaluated the methodological issues of the CPGs by the
      AGREEII instrument. RESULTS: We identified 22 relevant guidelines on constipation
      from 1234 citations. The overall agreement among evaluators was 0.84 using the
      intra-class correlation coefficient. The mean AGREEII scores for the domains
      "scope and purpose" (51.77) and "rigor of development" (56.73) were moderate;
      afterward, three domains "stakeholder involvement" (32.23), "editorial
      independence" (29.59) and "applicability" (29.14) were low scores. The "clarity
      and presentation" (23.73) had the lowest scores. CONCLUSION: Although existing
      constipation guidelines may accurately reflect current clinical practices, many
      guidelines' methodological quality is low. Therefore, more emphasis and
      attentions should be taken to the development of high-quality guidelines.

PMID- 27142423
TI  - Stimulated CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Inducing Ischemic Tolerance and Protecting
      Neuron from Cerebral Ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is reported that endogenous cannabinoids can cause vasodilation
      and bradycardia. They have anti-inflammatory effect and protect endothelial cells
      from injury, therefore they have potential application prospect in the prevention
      of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms of the
      neuroprotection mediated by cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1Rs) have not been
      uncovered in detail. METHODS: Nearly one hundred of new publications relevant to
      the theme are almost selected from Pubmed. The advanced details associated with
      the involvement of CB1R in cerebral ischemia as well as cerebral ischemic
      tolerance are reviewed. RESULTS: Anandamide system is mainly made up of
      cannabinoid receptors, their endogenous ligands and some related enzymes. The
      activation of the system mediates various molecular events so that plays a
      crucial role in the neuroprotection of cerebral ischemia. Increasing evidences
      suggest that CB1R is one of key molecules that mediate cerebral ischemia and
      cerebral ischemia tolerance. It is likely to provide an appropriate antioxidant
      balance by increasing endogenous free radical scavengers and helpful to exert the
      neuroprotective effects. Moreover, MAPKs, including ERK1/2, c-Jun Nterminal
      kinase (JNK) and p38MAPK can be recruited and stimulated through a complex
      signaling networks mediated by CB1R. Considerable evidences have indicated that
      CB1R was a crucial regulator for ERK1/2 signaling pathway. It is known that
      PI3K/Akt is a classical signaling pathway and its activation exerts
      neuroprotective effect via significant promoting cell survival. Glycogen synthase
      kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) is an important downstream target of p-Akt. The
      PI3K/Akt/GSK-3beta signaling pathway mediated by CB1Rs takes an important part in
      cerebral ischemic injury. PKC and CB1R are found to be abundantly co-expressed in
      presynaptic nerve endings of brain. There are considerable reports that different
      PKC isozymes played vital roles respectively in cerebral ischemic injury and
      preconditioning. The CB1R -mediated activation of PKCepsilon can effectively
      stimulate ischemic tolerance. CONCLUSION: CB1R played an important part via
      several signaling pathways in the protection from ischemic stroke and in ischemic
      tolerance. The involved molecular signaling pathways include ERK1/2, PI3K/Akt/GSK
      3beta and the translocation and activation of PKCepsilon. With the intimate
      association between CB1R and neuron injuries, to target the receptor will exert
      neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia, which provides wide foreground for
      a novel therapy target.

PMID- 27142424
TI  - Metronomic temozolomide as second line treatment for metastatic poorly
      differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma.
AB  - Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NEN) are a group of heterogeneous malignancies derived
      from neuroendocrine cell compartment, with different roles in both endocrine and
      nervous system. Most NETs have gastroentero-pancreatic (GEP) origin, arising in
      the foregut, midgut, or hindgut. The 2010 WHO classification divides GEP-NETs
      into two main subgroups, neuroendocrine tumors (NET) and neuroendocrine
      carcinomas (NEC), according with Ki-67 levels. NET are tumors with low (<20 %) Ki
      67 value, and NECs, including small cell lung carcinomas and Merkel Cell
      carcinomas, are all NETs with high Ki-67 levels (>20 %-G3). Poorly differentiated
      neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) are usually treated with cisplatin-based
      chemotherapy regimens. Here we present a case of a patient with pancreatic NEC
      progressing after cisplatin and etoposide, treated with temozolomide as
      palliative, second line treatment. According with the poor Performance Status (PS
      = 2) and to reduce the toxicity of the treatment was chosen an intermittent
      dosing regimen of metronomic temozolomide (75 mg/m(2)/day-one-week-on/on-week
      off). MGMT resulted methylated. On July 2014 the patient started the treatment.
      On August 2014 the patient obtained a significant clinical benefit (PS = 0) and
      the total body CT scan performed on October 2014 showed a RECIST partial response
      on all the sites of disease. No drug-related side effects were reported by the
      patient. After 18 months of therapy the treatment continues without significant
      toxicity, and with further remission of the metastases. Treatment with metronomic
      "one-week-on/on-week-off" Temozolomide can be considered a good treatment option
      in patients with poor performance status, affected by pNEC with MGMT methylation.

PMID- 27142425
TI  - Selecting SNPs informative for African, American Indian and European Ancestry:
      application to the Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The presence of population structure in a sample may confound the
      search for important genetic loci associated with disease. Our four samples in
      the Family Investigation of Nephropathy and Diabetes (FIND), European Americans,
      Mexican Americans, African Americans, and American Indians are part of a genome-
      wide association study in which population structure might be particularly
      important. We therefore decided to study in detail one component of this,
      individual genetic ancestry (IGA). From SNPs present on the Affymetrix 6.0 Human
      SNP array, we identified 3 sets of ancestry informative markers (AIMs), each
      maximized for the information in one the three contrasts among ancestral
      populations: Europeans (HAPMAP, CEU), Africans (HAPMAP, YRI and LWK), and Native
      Americans (full heritage Pima Indians). We estimate IGA and present an algorithm
      for their standard errors, compare IGA to principal components, emphasize the
      importance of balancing information in the ancestry informative markers (AIMs),
      and test the association of IGA with diabetic nephropathy in the combined sample.
      RESULTS: A fixed parental allele maximum likelihood algorithm was applied to the
      FIND to estimate IGA in four samples: 869 American Indians; 1385 African
      Americans; 1451 Mexican Americans; and 826 European Americans. When the
      information in the AIMs is unbalanced, the estimates are incorrect with large
      error. Individual genetic admixture is highly correlated with principle
      components for capturing population structure. It takes ~700 SNPs to reduce the
      average standard error of individual admixture below 0.01. When the samples are
      combined, the resulting population structure creates associations between IGA and
      diabetic nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: The identified set of AIMs, which include
      American Indian parental allele frequencies, may be particularly useful for
      estimating genetic admixture in populations from the Americas. Failure to balance
      information in maximum likelihood, poly-ancestry models creates biased estimates
      of individual admixture with large error. This also occurs when estimating IGA
      using the Bayesian clustering method as implemented in the program STRUCTURE.
      Odds ratios for the associations of IGA with disease are consistent with what is
      known about the incidence and prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in these
      populations.

PMID- 27142427
TI  - Optimal Repellent Usage to Combat Dengue Fever.
AB  - Dengue fever is one of the most important vector-borne diseases. It is
      transmitted by Aedes Stegomyia aegypti, and one of the most effective strategies
      to combat the disease is the reduction of exposure to bites of these mosquitoes.
      In this paper, we present a game-theoretical model in which individuals choose
      their own level of protection against mosquito bites in order to maximize their
      own benefits, effectively balancing the cost of protection and the risk of
      contracting the dengue fever. We find that even when the usage of protection is
      strictly voluntary, as soon as the cost of protection is about 10,000 times less
      than the cost of contracting dengue fever, the optimal level of protection will
      be within 5 % of the level needed for herd immunity.

PMID- 27142426
TI  - Nutritional immunology: function of natural killer cells and their modulation by
      resveratrol for cancer prevention and treatment.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells as part of the innate immune system represent the first
      line of defence against (virus-) infected and malignantly transformed cells. The
      emerging field of nutritional immunology focuses on compounds featuring immune
      modulating activities in particular on NK cells, which e.g. can be exploited for
      cancer prevention and treatment. The plant-based nutrition resveratrol is a
      ternary hydroxylated stilbene, which is present in many foods and beverages,
      respectively. In humans it comprises a large variety of distinct biological
      activities. Interestingly, resveratrol strongly modulates the immune response
      including the activity of NK cells. This review will give an overview on NK cell
      functions and summarize the resveratrol-mediated modulation thereof.

PMID- 27142428
TI  - Dorsal root ganglia in Friedreich ataxia: satellite cell proliferation and
      inflammation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are highly vulnerable to frataxin
      deficiency in Friedreich ataxia (FA), an autosomal recessive disease due to
      pathogenic homozygous guanine-adenine-adenine trinucleotide repeat expansions in
      intron 1 of the FXN gene (chromosome 9q21.11). An immunohistochemical and
      immunofluorescence study of DRG in 15 FA cases and 12 controls revealed that FA
      causes major primary changes in satellite cells and inflammatory destruction of
      neurons. A panel of antibodies was used to reveal the cytoplasm of satellite
      cells (glutamine synthetase, S100, metabotropic glutamate receptors 2/3,
      excitatory amino acid transporter 1, ATP-sensitive inward rectifier potassium
      channel 10, and cytosolic ferritin), gap junctions (connexin 43), basement
      membranes (laminin), mitochondria (ATP synthase subunit beta and frataxin), and
      monocytes (CD68 and IBA1). RESULTS: Reaction product of the cytoplasmic markers
      and laminin confirmed proliferation of satellite cells and processes into
      multiple perineuronal layers and residual nodules. The formation of connexin 43
      reactive gap junctions between satellite cells was strongly upregulated.
      Proliferating satellite cells in FA displayed many more frataxin- and ATP5B
      reactive mitochondria than normal. Monocytes entered into the satellite cell
      layer, appeared to penetrate neuronal plasma membranes, and infiltrated residual
      nodules. Satellite cells and IBA1-reactive monocytes displayed upregulated
      ferritin biosynthesis, which was most likely due to leakage of iron from dying
      neurons. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that FA differentially affects the key cellular
      elements of DRG, and postulate that the disease causes loss of bidirectional
      trophic support between satellite cells and neurons.

PMID- 27142429
TI  - Therapeutic plasma exchange and pregnancy: A case report and guidelines for
      performing plasma exchange in a pregnant patient.
AB  - Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been demonstrated to be of significant
      clinical value in a number of diseases and conditions, with well-established
      guidelines and recommendations. However, technical support in providing this
      procedure for pregnant patients is largely absent from these recommendations,
      leaving therapeutic apheresis practitioners without guidance to safely and
      adequately treat appropriate conditions in this important patient population.
      Here, we describe our experience in treating a 35-year-old pregnant patient with
      relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with TPE. Additionally, we outline the
      principle considerations when developing her treatment plan, and we provide
      recommendations for apheresis practitioners when performing TPE in pregnant
      patients. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:191-195, 2017. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27142430
TI  - Automatic detection of carotid arteries in computed tomography angiography: a
      proof of concept protocol.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of mortality in the western world.
      Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is the conventional imaging method used for
      pre-surgery assessment of the blood flow within the carotid vessel. In this
      paper, we present a proof of concept of a novel, fast and operator independent
      protocol for the automatic detection (seeding) of the carotid arteries in CTA in
      the thorax and upper neck region. The dataset is composed of 14 patients' CTA
      images of the neck region. The performance of this method is compared with manual
      seeding by four trained operators. Inter-operator variation is also assessed
      based on the dataset. The minimum, average and maximum coefficient of variation
      among the operators was (0, 2, 5 %), respectively. The performance of our method
      is comparable with the state of the art alternative, presenting a detection rate
      of 75 and 71 % for the lowest and uppermost image levels, respectively. The mean
      processing time is 167 s per patient versus 386 s for manual seeding. There are
      no significant differences between the manual and automatic seed positions in the
      volumes (p = 0.29). A fast, operator independent protocol was developed for the
      automatic detection of carotid arteries in CTA. The results are encouraging and
      provide the basis for the creation of automatic detection and analysis tools for
      carotid arteries. 

PMID- 27142431
TI  - Regional contribution to ventricular stroke volume is affected on the left side,
      but not on the right in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - To develop more sensitive measures of impaired cardiac function in patients with
      pulmonary hypertension (PH), since detection of impaired right ventricular (RV)
      function is important in these patients. With the hypothesis that a change in
      septal function in patients with PH is associated with altered longitudinal and
      lateral function of both ventricles, as a compensatory mechanism, we quantified
      the contributions of these parameters to stroke volume (SV) in both ventricles
      using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Seventeen patients (10 females) evaluated
      for PH underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) and CMR. CMR from 33 healthy
      adults (13 females) were used as controls. Left ventricular (LV) atrioventricular
      plane displacement (AVPD) and corresponding longitudinal contribution to LVSV was
      lower in patients (10.8 +/- 3.2 mm and 51 +/- 12 %) compared to controls (16.6 +/
      1.9 mm and 59 +/- 9 %, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01, respectively). This decrease did
      not differ in patient with ejection fraction (EF) >50 % and <50 % (p = 0.5) and
      was compensated for by increased LV lateral contribution to LVSV in patients (49
      +/- 13 % vs. 37 +/- 7 %, p = 0.001). Septal motion contributed less to LVSV in
      patients (5 +/- 8 %) compared to controls (8 +/- 4 %, p = 0.05). RV AVPD was
      lower in patients (12.0 +/- 3.6 mm vs. 21.8 +/- 2.2 mm, p < 0.0001) but
      longitudinal and lateral contribution to RVSV did not differ between patients (78
      +/- 17 % and 29 +/- 16 %) and controls (79 +/- 9 % and 31 +/- 6 % p = 0.7 for
      both) explained by increased RV cross sectional area in patients. LV function is
      affected in patients with PH despite preserved global LV function. The decreased
      longitudinal contribution and increased lateral contribution to LVSV was not seen
      in the RV, contrary to previous findings in patients with volume loaded RVs. 

PMID- 27142432
TI  - Predictive models for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Spanish University
      students: rationale and methods of the UNIVERSAL (University & mental health)
      project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people. While suicide
      prevention is considered a research and intervention priority, longitudinal data
      is needed to identify risk and protective factors associate with suicidal
      thoughts and behaviors. Here we describe the UNIVERSAL (University and Mental
      Health) project which aims are to: (1) test prevalence and 36-month incidence of
      suicidal thoughts and behaviors; and (2) identify relevant risk and protective
      factors associated with the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among
      university students in Spain. METHODS: An ongoing multicenter, observational,
      prospective cohort study of first year university students in 5 Spanish
      universities. Students will be assessed annually during a 36 month follow-up. The
      surveys will be administered through an online, secure web-based platform. A
      clinical reappraisal will be completed among a subsample of respondents. Suicidal
      thoughts and behaviors will be assess with the Self-Injurious Thoughts and
      Behaviors Interview (SITBI) and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C
      SSRS). Risk and protective factors will include: mental disorders, measured with
      the Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 (CIDI 3.0) and
      Screening Scales (CIDI-SC), and the Epi-Q Screening Survey (EPI-Q-SS), socio
      demographic variables, self-perceived health status, health behaviors, well
      being, substance use disorders, service use and treatment. The UNIVERSAL project
      is part of the International College Surveys initiative, which is a core project
      within the World Mental Health consortium. Lifetime and the 12-month prevalence
      will be calculated for suicide ideation, plans and attempts. Cumulative incidence
      of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and mental disorders will be measured using
      the actuarial method. Risk and protective factors of suicidal thoughts and
      behaviors will be analyzed by Cox proportional hazard models. DISCUSSION: The
      study will provide valid, innovative and useful data for developing prevention
      programs for youth suicide and for improving early identification for high-risk
      students. The longitudinal design of this study will improve causal
      interpretation of analyzed associations, needed for generating and validating
      predictive models. It will represent the first results about suicidal thoughts
      and behaviors in the Spanish university population. The World Mental Health
      Survey collaboration will permit accurate cross-national comparisons.

PMID- 27142435
TI  - [Frequent infectious diseases in migrants].
AB  - The current influx of refugees and the high rate of immigration increase the rate
      and impact of infectious diseases in Europe. Infections can be detected at the
      initial examination of arriving refugees as a result of systematic screening or
      within the framework of general medical care. Diagnosis and treatment require
      special expertise and in some cases special precautions. The spectrum of
      infections is determined by the country of origin of migrants and the conditions
      experienced on fleeing to Germany. In this article the diagnostics and treatment
      of the most important infections are presented. As far as infections are
      concerned refugees and migrants do not represent a threat to the general
      population but instead have to be perceived as a highly vulnerable group. 

PMID- 27142433
TI  - Single-cell profiling of human megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors identifies
      distinct megakaryocyte and erythroid differentiation pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent advances in single-cell techniques have provided the
      opportunity to finely dissect cellular heterogeneity within populations
      previously defined by "bulk" assays and to uncover rare cell types. In human
      hematopoiesis, megakaryocytes and erythroid cells differentiate from a shared
      precursor, the megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor (MEP), which remains poorly
      defined. RESULTS: To clarify the cellular pathway in erythro-megakaryocyte
      differentiation, we correlate the surface immunophenotype, transcriptional
      profile, and differentiation potential of individual MEP cells. Highly purified,
      single MEP cells were analyzed using index fluorescence-activated cell sorting
      and parallel targeted transcriptional profiling of the same cells was performed
      using a specifically designed panel of genes. Differentiation potential was
      tested in novel, single-cell differentiation assays. Our results demonstrate that
      immunophenotypic MEP comprise three distinct subpopulations: "Pre-MEP," enriched
      for erythroid/megakaryocyte progenitors but with residual myeloid differentiation
      capacity; "E-MEP," strongly biased towards erythroid differentiation; and "MK
      MEP," a previously undescribed, rare population of cells that are bipotent but
      primarily generate megakaryocytic progeny. Therefore, conventionally defined MEP
      are a mixed population, as a minority give rise to mixed-lineage colonies while
      the majority of cells are transcriptionally primed to generate exclusively single
      lineage output. CONCLUSIONS: Our study clarifies the cellular hierarchy in human
      megakaryocyte/erythroid lineage commitment and highlights the importance of using
      a combination of single-cell approaches to dissect cellular heterogeneity and
      identify rare cell types within a population. We present a novel
      immunophenotyping strategy that enables the prospective identification of
      specific intermediate progenitor populations in erythro-megakaryopoiesis,
      allowing for in-depth study of disorders including inherited cytopenias,
      myeloproliferative disorders, and erythromegakaryocytic leukemias.

PMID- 27142434
TI  - Direct stimulation of human fibroblasts by nCeO2 in vitro is attenuated with an
      amorphous silica coating.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nano-scaled cerium oxide (nCeO2) is used in a variety of
      applications, including use as a fuel additive, catalyst, and polishing agent,
      yet potential adverse health effects associated with nCeO2 exposure remain
      incompletely understood. Given the increasing utility and demand for engineered
      nanomaterials (ENMs) such as nCeO2, "safety-by-design" approaches are currently
      being sought, meaning that the physicochemical properties (e.g., size and surface
      chemistry) of the ENMs are altered in an effort to maximize functionality while
      minimizing potential toxicity. In vivo studies have shown in a rat model that
      inhaled nCeO2 deposited deep in the lung and induced fibrosis. However, little is
      known about how the physicochemical properties of nCeO2, or the coating of the
      particles with a material such as amorphous silica (aSiO2), may affect the bio
      activity of these particles. Thus, we hypothesized that the physicochemical
      properties of nCeO2 may explain its potential to induce fibrogenesis, and that a
      nano-thin aSiO2 coating on nCeO2 may counteract that effect. RESULTS: Primary
      normal human lung fibroblasts were treated at occupationally relevant doses with
      nCeO2 that was either left uncoated or was coated with aSiO2 (amsCeO2).
      Subsequently, fibroblasts were analyzed for known hallmarks of fibrogenesis,
      including cell proliferation and collagen production, as well as the formation of
      fibroblastic nodules. The results of this study are consistent with this
      hypothesis, as we found that nCeO2 directly induced significant production of
      collagen I and increased cell proliferation in vitro, while amsCeO2 did not.
      Furthermore, treatment of fibroblasts with nCeO2, but not amsCeO2, significantly
      induced the formation of fibroblastic nodules, a clear indicator of
      fibrogenicity. Such in vitro data is consistent with recent in vivo observations
      using the same nCeO2 nanoparticles and relevant doses. This effect appeared to be
      mediated through TGFbeta signaling since chemical inhibition of the TGFbeta
      receptor abolished these responses. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that
      differences in the physicochemical properties of nCeO2 may alter the
      fibrogenicity of this material, thus highlighting the potential benefits of
      "safety-by-design" strategies. In addition, this study provides an efficient in
      vitro method for testing the fibrogenicity of ENMs that strongly correlates with
      in vivo findings.

PMID- 27142436
TI  - Comparison of the non-invasive Nexfin(r) monitor with conventional methods for
      the measurement of arterial blood pressure in moderate risk orthopaedic surgery
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Continuous invasive arterial blood pressure (IBP) monitoring remains
      the gold standard for BP measurement, but traditional oscillometric non-invasive
      intermittent pressure (NIBP) measurement is used in most low-to-moderate risk
      procedures. This study compared non-invasive continuous arterial BP measurement
      using a Nexfin(r) monitor with NIBP and IBP monitors. METHODS: This was a single
      centre, prospective, pilot study in patients scheduled for elective orthopaedic
      surgery. Systolic BP, diastolic BP and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were
      measured by Nexfin(r), IBP and NIBP at five intraoperative time-points. Pearson
      correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman plots and trending ability of Nexfin(r)
      measurements were used as criteria for success in the investigation of
      measurement reliability. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were enrolled in the
      study. For MAP, there was a sufficient correlation between IBP/Nexfin(r) (Pearson
      = 0.75), which was better than the correlation between IBP/NIBP (Pearson = 0.70).
      Bland-Altman analysis of the data showed that compared with IBP, there was a
      higher percentage error for MAPNIBP (30%) compared with MAPNexfin(r) (27%).
      Nexfin(r) and NIBP underestimated systolic BP; NIBP also underestimated diastolic
      BP and MAP. Trending ability for MAPNexfin(r) and MAPNIBP were comparable to IBP.
      CONCLUSION: Non-invasive BP measurement with Nexfin(r) was comparable with IBP
      and tended to be more precise than NIBP.

PMID- 27142437
TI  - How often do surgeons obtain the critical view of safety during laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The reported incidence (0.16-1.5 %) of bile duct injury (BDI) during
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is higher than during open cholecystectomy and
      has not decreased over time despite increasing experience with the procedure. The
      "critical view of safety" (CVS) technique may help to prevent BDI when certain
      criteria are met prior to division of any structures. This study aimed to
      evaluate the adherence of practicing surgeons to the CVS criteria during LC and
      the impact of a training intervention on CVS identification. METHODS: LC
      procedures of general surgeons were video-recorded. De-identified recordings were
      reviewed by a blinded observer and rated on a 6-point scale using the previously
      published CVS criteria. A coaching program was conducted, and participating
      surgeons were re-assessed in the same manner. RESULTS: The observer assessed ten
      LC videos, each involving a different surgeon. The CVS was adequately achieved by
      two surgeons (20 %). The remaining eight surgeons (80 %) did not obtain adequate
      CVS prior to division of any structures, despite two surgeons dictating that they
      did; the mean score of this group was 1.75. After training, five participating
      surgeons (50 %) scored > 4, and the mean increased from 1.75 (baseline) to 3.75
      (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The CVS criteria were not routinely used by the majority
      of participating surgeons. Further, one-fourth of those who claimed to obtain the
      CVS did so inadequately. All surgeons who participated in training showed
      improvement during their post-assessment. Our findings suggest that education of
      practicing surgeons in the application of the CVS during LC can result in
      increased implementation and quality of the CVS. Pending studies with larger
      samples, our findings may partly explain the sustained BDI incidence despite
      increased experience with LC. Our study also supports the value of direct
      observation of surgical practices and subsequent training for quality
      improvement.

PMID- 27142438
TI  - Shorter than 24-h hospital stay for sleeve gastrectomy is safe and feasible.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective treatment for
      morbid obesity. Short-stay procedures have gained popularity in many surgical sub
      specialties. Main benefits are early discharge, minimal loss of productivity,
      cost reductions, and a reduced risk of infections. Such procedures can be
      undertaken if the patient's safety is not jeopardized. Laparoscopic sleeve
      gastrectomy (LSG) has consolidated itself as a primary bariatric technique. One
      matter of discussion relates to its associated quick postoperative recovery, as
      debate rages over whether there are patient benefits to hospital stays beyond 24
      h. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety of short-stay LSG. DESIGN: Cross-sectional,
      descriptive, retrospective analysis of a consecutive series. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analyzed data collected on hospital stays, readmission rates,
      early and midterm major complications, and re-intervention rates on 2629 primary
      LSG performed between February 2007 and August 2014. RESULTS: Out of 2629
      patients, 2590 (98.52 %) were discharged within the first 24 h. Thirty-nine (1.48
      %) required a longer admission: 16 (0.61 %) for vomiting and 23 (0.87 %) for
      bleeding, 5 (0.19 %) of whom required a second procedure within those first 24 h.
      Four patients (0.15 %) were readmitted for dehydration between day 2 and 4. A
      total of 26 leaks (0.99 %) occurred between postoperative days 6 and 41. Ten
      intra-abdominal hematomas (0.38 %) were diagnosed after the 7th postoperative
      day, and seven patients (0.27 %) required percutaneous drainage. Five abdominal
      collections (0.19 %), unrelated to either fistulas or bleeding, were diagnosed
      between day 6 and 16. No major complications occurred on postoperative days 2
      through 5. CONCLUSIONS: Our evidence suggests that hospital stays after LSG
      beyond 24 h are unnecessary in patients with no persistent vomiting or signs of
      bleeding or leaks; major complications generally present either within the first
      24 h or after the fifth postoperative day.

PMID- 27142439
TI  - Single-port endoscopic mesocolic and mesorectal excision using an extraperitoneal
      approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The extraperitoneal rectal dissection via a transanal approach
      facilitates the mesorectal dissection. The retroperitoneal approach for mesocolic
      excision may also offer some similar advantages. To complete the lymphadenectomy
      of extraperitoneal mesorectal resection, we developed an innovative approach for
      upper rectal and mesocolic excision via an exclusive retroperitoneal dissection
      using a single-port access at the site of the future stomy. METHODS: This study
      was a prospective pilot study and was conducted between 2013 and 2015 at two
      oncologic centers. Five consecutive patients, with ano-rectal cancer requiring
      permanent stoma, underwent this procedure. RESULTS: The bowel was never touched
      or mobilized to perform the lymphadenectomy, and no Trendelenburg was required.
      The median operative duration was 300 min (range 205-310). The quality of the
      surgical plane was classified as good (mesorectal) in the five patients. The
      median circumferential and distal margins were, respectively, 5 mm (range 1-20)
      and 20 mm (range 5-25). The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 11 (range
      5-18). No laparotomy or multiport laparoscopy was required. There was no death.
      Two patients had perineal wound dehiscence (one minor and one major).
      CONCLUSIONS: The mesocolic excision via a retroperitoneal approach is feasible,
      completes naturally the transanal mesorectal excision and may confer several
      advantages including no morbidity of small bowel manipulation or Trendelenburg
      position. Further studies are required to analyze this approach.

PMID- 27142440
TI  - Intracranial Pressure Changes During Intrahospital Transports of Neurocritically
      Ill Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intrahospital transport is associated with a high rate of
      complications. Investigations of this problem using neuromonitoring remain
      scarce. METHODS: This is a monocentric, prospective observational study. Patients
      with severe brain diseases and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring were
      included. Continuous monitoring of ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), oxygen
      saturation (SpO2), heart rate, and mean arterial pressure was measured during
      seven different periods of intrahospital transport (baseline for 30 min, I =
      preparation, II = transport I, III = CT scan, IV = transport II, V =
      postprocessing, and follow-up for another 30 min). All complications were
      documented. RESULTS: Between July 2013 and December 2013, a total number of 56
      intrahospital transports of 43 patients were performed from ICU to CT. Data
      recording was incomplete in six cases. Fifty transports have been taken into
      account for statistical analysis. Forty-two percent were emergency transports.
      Mean duration of the procedure was 17' (preparation), 6' (transport I), 9' (CT
      scan), 6' (transport II), and 15' (postprocessing), respectively. Mean ICP at
      baseline was 8.53 mmHg. Comparing all periods of intrahospital transport and the
      follow-up period to the baseline showed a significant increase of ICP only during
      CT scan (15.83 mmHg, p < 0.01), not during the transport to and from the
      radiology department. An overall complication rate of 36 % (n = 18) was observed.
      In 26 % (n = 13), additional ICP therapy was necessary due to an elevation of ICP
      above 20 mmHg. CONCLUSION: There is a considerable rate of complications during
      intrahospital transport of critically ill patients with severe brain diseases,
      with a significant increase of ICP during transport and CT scan. In one-fifth of
      all patients, additional therapy was necessary. From our point of view, transport
      of critically ill patients should only be performed by trained staff and under
      monitoring of ICP and CPP.

PMID- 27142441
TI  - Simulated-use validation of a sponge ATP method for determining the adequacy of
      manual cleaning of endoscope channels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to validate the relative light unit
      (RLU) cut-off of adequate cleaning of flexible colonoscopes for an ATP (adenosine
      tri-phosphate) test kit that used a sponge channel collection method. METHODS:
      This was a simulated-use study. The instrument channel segment of a flexible
      colonoscope was soiled with ATS (artificial test soil) containing approximately 8
      Log10 Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa/mL. Full cleaning, partial
      cleaning and no cleaning were evaluated for ATP, protein and bacterial residuals.
      Channel samples were collected using a sponge device to assess residual RLUs.
      Parallel colonoscopes inoculated and cleaned in the same manner were sampled
      using the flush method to quantitatively assess protein and bacterial residuals.
      The protein and viable count benchmarks for adequate cleaning were <6.4 ug/cm(2)
      and <4 Log10 cfu/cm(2). RESULTS: The negative controls for the instrument
      channel, over the course of the study remained low with on average 14 RLUs, 0.04
      ug/cm(2) protein and 0.025 Log10 cfu/cm(2). Partial cleaning resulted in an
      average of 6601 RLUs, 3.99 ug/cm(2), 5.25 Log10 cfu/cm(2) E. faecalis and 4.48
      Log10 cfu/cm(2) P. aeruginosa. After full cleaning, the average RLU was 29 (range
      7-71 RLUs) and the average protein, E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa residuals were
      0.23 ug/cm(2), 0.79 and 1.61 Log10 cfu/cm(2), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The
      validated cut-off for acceptable manual cleaning was set at <=100 RLUs for the
      sponge collected channel ATP test kit.

PMID- 27142442
TI  - Pregnancy and lactation period: Which local anesthetics and analgesics?
AB  - The aim of this paper is to show relevant aspects of dental treatment in
      pregnancy. Common medication used in dental offices should be highlighted in
      special regard to the pregnant patient during dental treatment. The reader should
      gain more security in the election of the proper drugs for local anesthesia and
      oral analgesics. Local anaesthetics such as articain with adrenalin in a dilution
      of 1 : 200 000 can be used for dental treatment at any time. Paracetamol should
      be used as first line oral analgesic. Elective dental procedures should be
      postponed after delivery and after lactation period.

PMID- 27142443
TI  - Protocol for the psychotherapeutic group intervention for facilitating
      posttraumatic growth in nonmetastatic breast cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer can be perceived as a traumatic event with disturbing
      effects on psychological domains such as depression, anxiety, and Posttraumatic
      Stress Disorder. In contrast, growing evidence has shown that posttraumatic
      growth can occur as a result of coping with breast cancer. Challenging the
      assumptive world, deliberate rumination, and emotional disclosure are recognized
      as strong predictors of posttraumatic growth. Group interventions may also
      increase social support, distress disclosure, and posttraumatic growth. The aim
      of this study is to evaluate how group-based interventions can facilitate
      posttraumatic growth and promote improved psychosocial adjustment to breast
      cancer. This article describes the study protocol and the applied research
      methods. METHODS: To measure the impact of a group-based intervention on
      posttraumatic growth, a multi-center randomized control trial was developed for
      Portuguese breast cancer patients. 205 women with nonmetastatic breast cancer
      (stages 1 to 3) were recruited for the study and were randomly assigned either to
      the experimental group, which participated in an 8-session group intervention, or
      to the control group. Psychosocial variables, which consisted of posttraumatic
      growth, illness perception, stressfulness of the event, Posttraumatic Stress
      Disorder, core beliefs, rumination, social support, and distress disclosure were
      measured at three time points. The designated points in time for the assessments
      were baseline, 6 months post-intervention, and follow-up (12 months after
      baseline). DISCUSSION: This study is the first trial to assess the efficacy of a
      group-based intervention designed to facilitate posttraumatic growth following a
      breast cancer diagnosis. If proven to be effective, group-based intervention
      could be recommended as a complementary program to be included in hospital health
      care and clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered on
      28/10/2013 at the Current Controlled Trials ( ISRCTN02221709 ).

PMID- 27142444
TI  - Solanum diploconos fruits: profile of bioactive compounds and in vitro
      antioxidant capacity of different parts of the fruit.
AB  - Solanum diploconos is an unexploited Brazilian native fruit that belongs to the
      same genus of important food crops, such as tomato (Solanum lycorpersicum) and
      potato (Solanum tuberosum). In this study, we determined, for the first time, the
      profile of bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, carotenoids, ascorbic acid
      and tocopherols) of the freeze-dried pulp and peel of Solanum diploconos fruits,
      as well as of an extract obtained from the whole fruit. Additionally, the
      antioxidant potential of the whole fruit extract was evaluated in vitro, against
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Eighteen
      phenolic compounds were identified in the peel and pulp and 6 compounds were
      found in the whole fruit extract. Coumaric, ferulic and caffeic acid derivatives
      were revealed to be the major phenolic constituents. All-trans-beta-carotene was
      the major carotenoid (17-38 MUg g(-1), dry basis), but all-trans-lutein and 9-cis
      beta-carotene were also identified. The peel and pulp presented <2 MUg per mL of
      tocopherols, and ascorbic acid was not detected. The whole fruit extract
      exhibited scavenging capacity against all tested ROS and RNS (IC50 = 14-461 MUg
      mL(-1)) with high antioxidant efficiency against HOCl. Thus, Solanum diploconos
      fruits may be seen as a promising source of bioactive compounds with high
      antioxidant potential against the most physiologically relevant ROS and RNS. 

PMID- 27142445
TI  - ULBP3: a marker for alopecia areata incognita.
AB  - Alopecia areata incognita (AAI) is a type of diffuse hair fall with no
      confirmatory diagnostic test. The UL16 binding protein-3 (ULBP3) is ligands for
      natural-killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor. It is a key regulator of both
      innate and adaptive immune responses. In the normal hair follicle, ULBP3 is
      turned off. However, different studies reported its high level in alopecia areata
      (AA). Therefore, this study was done to evaluate ULBP3 in AAI in comparison with
      telogen effluvium (TE), female pattern hair loss (FPHL), and normal hair. Biopsy
      specimens from 36 females suffering from AAI, 15 with FPHL, nine with TE, and ten
      healthy female controls were subjected to the immunogenetic detection of ULBP3
      levels by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A high statistically
      significant increase in ULBP3 level in AAI patient group compared with FPHL, TE,
      and normal hair was detected. ULBP3 levels were positively correlated with the
      age and duration of the disease. Accordingly, ULBP3 may act as a confirmatory
      test for AAI. ULBP3 may be implicated in the disease pathogenesis, progression,
      and chronicity, and AAI may be a subtype of AA. 

PMID- 27142446
TI  - A novel oxidative stress marker in migraine patients: dynamic thiol-disulphide
      homeostasis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate dynamic thiol-disulphide homeostasis as
      a novel oxidative stress parameter in migraine patients. A total of 115
      participants were included in the study, and 63 of whom were diagnosed with
      migraine. The total thiol (-SH+-S-S-) and native thiol (-SH) levels in the serum
      were measured in all patients and healthy individuals. The dynamic disulphide
      bond (-S-S-) and (-S-S-) * 100/(-SH), (-S-S-) * 100/(-SH+-S-S-), and -SH * 100/(
      SH+-S-S-) ratios were calculated from these values. The total and native thiol
      levels of migraine patients participating in the study were found to be
      significantly higher than the total and native thiol levels of healthy
      individuals. No statistically significant difference was determined in terms of
      the dynamic disulphide bond amounts or (-S-S-) * 100/(-SH), (-S-S-) * 100/(-SH+-S
      S-), and -SH * 100/(-SH+-S-S-) ratios. The total thiol, native thiol, and dynamic
      disulphide bond levels, and (-S-S-) * 100/(-SH), (-S-S-) * 100/(-SH+-S-S-), and 
      SH * 100/(-SH+-S-S-) ratios were not correlated with attack frequency, pain
      intensity, or migraine type. Oxidative stress is considered to be one of the
      molecular changes underlying the pathogenesis of migraine. 

PMID- 27142447
TI  - Correlation between muscle electrophysiology and strength after fibular nerve
      injury.
AB  - Muscle strength measurement is important when evaluating the degree of impairment
      in patients with nerve injury. However, accurate and objective evaluation may be
      difficult in patients with severe pain or those who intentionally try to avoid
      full exertion. We investigated the usefulness of the affected-to-unaffected side
      electrophysiological parameter ratios as a measure of objective ankle
      dorsiflexion (ADF) strength in patients with unilateral fibular nerve injury
      (FNI). ADF strength was measured in patients with FNI via handheld dynamometer
      and manual muscle test (MMT). Fibular nerve compound muscle action potential
      (CMAP) amplitude and latency and ADF strength of the affected side were presented
      as ratios to the corresponding measurements of the unaffected side. We analysed
      the correlation of the CMAP ratio with the ADF strength ratio using a dynamometer
      and compared the CMAP ratios according to MMT grade. Fifty-two patients with FNI
      were enrolled. The mean CMAP latency ratio did not differ between MMT groups (p =
      0.573). The CMAP amplitude ratio proportionally increased with the quantified ADF
      strength ratio via dynamometer increase (rho = 0.790; p < 0.001), but the CMAP
      latency ratio and the quantified ADF strength ratio did not significantly
      correlate (rho = 0.052; p = 0.713). The average CMAP amplitude ratio
      significantly differed between MMT groups (p < 0.001), and post hoc tests showed
      significant differences in all paired comparisons except of Fair and Good grades
      (p = 0.064). Electrophysiological parameter ratio, such as the affected-to
      unaffected side CMAP amplitude ratio, might be sensitive parameters for ADF power
      estimation after FNI. 

PMID- 27142448
TI  - Effects of green tea consumption on cognitive dysfunction in an elderly
      population: a randomized placebo-controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Green tea is a beverage with potential effects on cognitive
      dysfunction, as indicated by results of experimental studies. However, its
      effects in humans, especially at real-world (typical) consumption levels, are
      unclear. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted to
      assess the effects of green tea consumption on cognitive dysfunction (Mini-Mental
      State Examination Japanese version (MMSE-J) score <28) in Japan. Participants
      were randomly allocated to the green tea or placebo group, and consumed either 2
      g/day of green tea powder (containing 220.2 mg of catechins) or placebo powder
      (containing 0.0 mg of catechins), respectively, for 12 months. Cognitive function
      assessments were performed every 3 months using the MMSE-J and laboratory tests.
      RESULTS: Thirty-three nursing home residents with cognitive dysfunction were
      enrolled (four men, 29 women; mean age +/- SD, 84.8 +/- 9.3; mean MMSE-J score +/
      SD, 15.8 +/- 5.4), of whom 27 completed the study. Changes of MMSE-J score after
      1 year of green tea consumption were not significantly different compared with
      that of the placebo group (-0.61 [-2.97, 1.74], least square mean (LSM)
      difference [95 % CI]; P = 0.59). However, levels of malondialdehyde-modified low
      density lipoprotein (U/L), a marker of oxidative stress, was significantly lower
      in the green tea group (-22.93 [-44.13, -1.73], LSM difference [95 % CI]; P =
      0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that 12 months green tea consumption may
      not significantly affect cognitive function assessed by MMSE-J, but prevent an
      increase of oxidative stress in the elderly population. Additional long-term
      controlled studies are needed to clarify the effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      UMIN000011668.

PMID- 27142449
TI  - The first de novo transcriptome of pepino (Solanum muricatum): assembly,
      comprehensive analysis and comparison with the closely related species S.
      caripense, potato and tomato.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Solanum sect. Basarthrum is phylogenetically very close to potatoes
      (Solanum sect. Petota) and tomatoes (Solanum sect. Lycopersicon), two groups with
      great economic importance, and for which Solanum sect. Basarthrum represents a
      tertiary gene pool for breeding. This section includes the important regional
      cultigen, the pepino (Solanum muricatum), and several wild species. Among the
      wild species, S. caripense is prominent due to its major involvement in the
      origin of pepino and its wide geographical distribution. Despite the value of the
      pepino as an emerging crop, and the potential for gene transfer from both the
      pepino and S. caripense to potatoes and tomatoes, there has been virtually no
      genomic study of these species. RESULTS: Using Illumina HiSeq 2000, RNA-Seq was
      performed with a pool of three tissues (young leaf, flowers in pre-anthesis and
      mature fruits) from S. muricatum and S. caripense, generating almost 111,000,000
      reads among the two species. A high quality de novo transcriptome was assembled
      from S. muricatum clean reads resulting in 75,832 unigenes with an average length
      of 704 bp. These unigenes were functionally annotated based on similarity of
      public databases. We used Blast2GO, to conduct an exhaustive study of the gene
      ontology, including GO terms, EC numbers and KEGG pathways. Pepino unigenes were
      compared to both potato and tomato genomes in order to determine their estimated
      relative position, and to infer gene prediction models. Candidate genes related
      to traits of interest in other Solanaceae were evaluated by presence or absence
      and compared with S. caripense transcripts. In addition, by studying five genes,
      the phylogeny of pepino and five other members of the family, Solanaceae, were
      studied. The comparison of S. caripense reads against S. muricatum assembled
      transcripts resulted in thousands of intra- and interspecific nucleotide-level
      variants. In addition, more than 1000 SSRs were identified in the pepino
      transcriptome. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first genomic resource for
      the pepino. We suggest that the data will be useful not only for improvement of
      the pepino, but also for potato and tomato breeding and gene transfer. The high
      quality of the transcriptome presented here also facilitates comparative studies
      in the genus Solanum. The accurate transcript annotation will enable us to figure
      out the gene function of particular traits of interest. The high number of
      markers (SSR and nucleotide-level variants) obtained will be useful for breeding
      programs, as well as studies of synteny, diversity evolution, and phylogeny.

PMID- 27142450
TI  - Scepticism and hope in a complex predicament: People with addictions deliberate
      about neuroscience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the 'brain disease model of addiction', addiction is a
      chronic condition the symptoms of which reflect persistent changes in neural
      functioning produced by long-term drug use. Scholars have argued both for and
      against the validity and usefulness of this way of conceptualising addiction,
      which has been variously described as emancipatory and detrimental to addicted
      persons. In this paper we explore how people with addictions make sense of the
      brain disease concept and the extent to which they find it useful. METHODS: We
      conducted 44 semi-structured interviews with persons in treatment for drug and
      alcohol addiction recruited through a variety of channels. Transcripts were
      analysed by combining a health identity approach with thematic analysis. RESULTS:
      We describe participants' understandings of how they became addicted and what
      role, if any, neurobiological conceptions play in their explanations. Our
      findings highlight the hopeful and sceptical viewpoints of addicted individuals
      on the value of addiction neuroscience ideas and neurotechnologies. CONCLUSIONS:
      These viewpoints shed some light on the diverse and divergent ways that people
      with addictions make sense of neurobiological ideas and technologies. It also
      describes when, and how, neurobiological explanations and the 'brain disease'
      model can be helpful to addicted persons. Some of the limitations of the brain
      disease model become apparent in the complex ways in which neurobiological
      explanations and labels are incorporated into lay understandings. In order to be
      more useful to addicted persons, neurobiological explanations should be provided
      as part of a more complex explanation of addiction and the brain than the BDMA
      offers, and should not be given a 'disease' label.

PMID- 27142451
TI  - Editorial (Thematic Issue: Myokines and Exercise Training: More Shadows than
      Lights).

PMID- 27142452
TI  - Acquired Resistance to Clinical Cancer Therapy: A Twist in Physiological
      Signaling.
AB  - Although modern therapeutic strategies have brought significant progress to
      cancer care in the last 30 years, drug resistance to targeted monotherapies has
      emerged as a major challenge. Aberrant regulation of multiple physiological
      signaling pathways indispensable for developmental and metabolic homeostasis,
      such as hyperactivation of pro-survival signaling axes, loss of suppressive
      regulations, and impaired functionalities of the immune system, have been
      extensively investigated aiming to understand the diversity of molecular
      mechanisms that underlie cancer development and progression. In this review, we
      intend to discuss the molecular mechanisms of how conventional physiological
      signal transduction confers to acquired drug resistance in cancer patients. We
      will particularly focus on protooncogenic receptor kinase inhibition-elicited
      tumor cell adaptation through two major core downstream signaling cascades, the
      PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways. These pathways are crucial for cell growth and
      differentiation and are frequently hyperactivated during tumorigenesis. In
      addition, we also emphasize the emerging roles of the deregulated host immune
      system that may actively promote cancer progression and attenuate
      immunosurveillance in cancer therapies. Understanding these mechanisms may help
      to develop more effective therapeutic strategies that are able to keep the tumor
      in check and even possibly turn cancer into a chronic disease.

PMID- 27142453
TI  - Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein, Its Regulation of Cartilage and Bone
      Development, and Role in Treating Bone Diseases.
AB  - Although parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) was discovered as a cancer
      derived hormone, it has been revealed as an important paracrine/autocrine
      regulator in many tissues, where its effects are context dependent. Thus its
      location and action in the vasculature explained decades-long observations that
      injection of PTH into animals rapidly lowered blood pressure by producing
      vasodilatation. Its roles have been specified in development and maturity in
      cartilage and bone as a crucial regulator of endochondral bone formation and bone
      remodeling, respectively. Although it shares actions with parathyroid hormone
      (PTH) through the use of their common receptor, PTHR1, PTHrP has other actions
      mediated by regions within the molecule beyond the amino-terminal sequence that
      resembles PTH, including the ability to promote placental transfer of calcium
      from mother to fetus. A striking feature of the physiology of PTHrP is that it
      possesses structural features that equip it to be transported in and out of the
      nucleus, and makes use of a specific nuclear import mechanism to do so. Evidence
      from mouse genetic experiments shows that PTHrP generated locally in bone is
      essential for normal bone remodeling. Whereas the main physiological function of
      PTH is the hormonal regulation of calcium metabolism, locally generated PTHrP is
      the important physiological mediator of bone remodeling postnatally. Thus the use
      of intermittent injection of PTH as an anabolic therapy for bone appears to be a
      pharmacological application of the physiological function of PTHrP. There is much
      current interest in the possibility of developing PTHrP analogs that might
      enhance the therapeutic anabolic effects.

PMID- 27142454
TI  - Pleistocene age paleo-groundwater inferred from water-stable isotope values in
      the central part of the Baltic Artesian Basin.
AB  - A new data set of delta(2)H and delta(18)O in the groundwater from the central
      part of the Baltic Artesian Basin is presented. The hydrogeological section is
      subdivided into stagnation, slow exchange and active exchange zones. Na-Ca-Cl
      brine found at the deepest part - the stagnation zone - is characterized by
      delta(18)O values above -5 0/00 and delta(2)H values approaching -40 0/00 with
      respect to Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water. The slow exchange zone where waters
      of mostly intermediate salinity reside is characterized by delta(18)O values
      around -11.7 0/00 and delta(2)H values around -85.3 0/00. Mean delta(18)O and
      delta(2)H values of the fresh groundwater in the active water exchange zone are 
      11.1 and -79.9 0/00, respectively. Characteristically, the groundwater in the
      active and slow exchange zone is isotopically more depleted compared with the
      precipitation values observed, and the depletion increases with depth down to the
      level where strongly enriched brines are encountered. 

PMID- 27142455
TI  - Salt-Driven Deposition of Thermoresponsive Polymer-Coated Metal Nanoparticles on
      Solid Substrates.
AB  - Here we report on a simple, generally applicable method for depositing metal
      nanoparticles on a wide variety of solid surfaces under all aqueous conditions.
      Noble-metal nanoparticles obtained by citrate reduction followed by coating with
      thermoresponsive polymers spontaneously form a monolayer-like structure on a wide
      variety of substrates in presence of sodium chloride whereas this phenomenon does
      not occur in salt-free medium. Interestingly, this phenomenon occurs below the
      cloud point temperature of the polymers and we hypothesize that salt ion-induced
      screening of electrostatic charges on the nanoparticle surface entropically
      favors hydrophobic association between the polymer-coated nanoparticles and a
      hydrophobic substrate.

PMID- 27142456
TI  - The phytoestrogenic Cyclopia extract, SM6Met, increases median tumor free
      survival and reduces tumor mass and volume in chemically induced rat mammary
      gland carcinogenesis.
AB  - SM6Met, a phytoestrogenic extract of Cyclopia subternata indigenous to the
      Western Cape province of South Africa, displays estrogenic attributes with
      potential for breast cancer chemoprevention. In this study, we report that
      SM6Met, in the presence of estradiol, induces a significant cell cycle G0/G1
      phase arrest similar to the selective estrogen receptor modulator, tamoxifen.
      Furthermore, as a proof of concept, in the N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea induced rat
      mammary gland carcinogenesis model, SM6Met increases tumor latency by 7days and
      median tumor free survival by 42 days, while decreasing palpable tumor frequency
      by 32%, tumor mass by 40%, and tumor volume by 53%. Therefore, the current study
      provides proof of concept that SM6Met has definite potential as a
      chemopreventative agent against the development and progression of breast cancer.

PMID- 27142457
TI  - Negative Ion MALDI Mass Spectrometry of Polyoxometalates (POMs): Mechanism of
      Singly Charged Anion Formation and Chemical Properties Evaluation.
AB  - MALDI-MS has been developed for the negative ion mode analysis of
      polyoxometalates (POMs). Matrix optimization was performed using a variety of
      matrix compounds. A first group of matrixes offers MALDI mass spectra containing
      abundant intact singly charged anionic adduct ions, as well as abundant in-source
      fragmentations at elevated laser powers. A relative ranking of the ability to
      induce POM fragmentation is found to be: DAN > CHCA > CNA > DIT> HABA > DCTB >
      IAA. Matrixes of a second group provide poorer quality MALDI mass spectra without
      observable fragments. Sample preparation, including the testing of salt
      additives, was performed to optimize signals for a model POM, POMc12, the core
      structure of which bears four negative charges. The matrix 9-cyanoanthracene
      (CNA) provided the best signals corresponding to singly charged intact POMc12
      anions. Decompositions of these intact anionic species were examined in detail,
      and it was concluded that hydrogen radical-induced mechanisms were not prevalent,
      but rather that the observed prompt fragments originate from transferred energy
      derived from initial electronic excitation of the CNA matrix. Moreover, in
      obtained MALDI mass spectra, clear evidence of electron transfer to analyte POM
      species was found: a manifestation of the POMs ability to readily capture
      electrons. The affinity of polyanionic POMc12 toward a variety of cations was
      evaluated and the following affinity ranking was established: Fe(3+) > Al(3+) >
      Li(+) > Ga(3+) > Co(2+) > Cr(3+) > Cu(2+) > [Mn(2+), Mg(2+)] > [Na(+), K(+)].
      Thus, from the available cationic species, specific adducts are preferentially
      formed, and evidence is given that these higher affinity POM complexes are formed
      in the gas phase during the early stages of plume expansion. Graphical Abstract
      ?.

PMID- 27142458
TI  - Surface matching for high-accuracy registration of the lateral skull base.
AB  - PURPOSE: The accuracy achievable when utilizing image guidance depends to a large
      extent on the accuracy with which the patient can be registered to preoperative
      image data. This work proposes a method for the registration of the temporal bone
      based on surface matching and investigates the achievable accuracy of the
      technique. METHODS: Fourteen human temporal bones were utilized for evaluation;
      incisions were made, fiducial screws were implanted to act as a ground truth, and
      imaging was performed. The positions of the fiducials and surface of the mastoid
      were extracted from image data and reference positions defined at the round
      window and the mastoid surface. The surface of the bone was then digitized using
      a tracked pointer within the region exposed by the incisions and the physical and
      image point clouds registered, with the result compared to the fiducial-based
      registration. RESULTS: Results of one case were excluded due to a problem with
      the ground truth registration. In the remaining cases an accuracy of [Formula:
      see text] and [Formula: see text] mm was observed relative to the ground truth at
      the surface of the mastoid and round window, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A
      technique for the registration of the temporal bone was proposed, based on
      surface matching after exposure of the mastoid surface, and evaluated on human
      temporal bone specimens. The results reveal that high-accuracy patient-to-image
      registration is possible without the use of fiducial screws.

PMID- 27142459
TI  - Robust near real-time estimation of physiological parameters from megapixel
      multispectral images with inverse Monte Carlo and random forest regression.
AB  - PURPOSE: Multispectral imaging can provide reflectance measurements at multiple
      spectral bands for each image pixel. These measurements can be used for
      estimation of important physiological parameters, such as oxygenation, which can
      provide indicators for the success of surgical treatment or the presence of
      abnormal tissue. The goal of this work was to develop a method to estimate
      physiological parameters in an accurate and rapid manner suited for modern high
      resolution laparoscopic images. METHODS: While previous methods for oxygenation
      estimation are based on either simple linear methods or complex model-based
      approaches exclusively suited for off-line processing, we propose a new approach
      that combines the high accuracy of model-based approaches with the speed and
      robustness of modern machine learning methods. Our concept is based on training
      random forest regressors using reflectance spectra generated with Monte Carlo
      simulations. RESULTS: According to extensive in silico and in vivo experiments,
      the method features higher accuracy and robustness than state-of-the-art online
      methods and is orders of magnitude faster than other nonlinear regression based
      methods. CONCLUSION: Our current implementation allows for near real-time
      oxygenation estimation from megapixel multispectral images and is thus well
      suited for online tissue analysis.

PMID- 27142460
TI  - More Similar but Less Satisfying: Comparing Preferences for and the Efficacy of
      Within- and Cross-Category Substitutes for Food.
AB  - When people cannot get what they want, they often satisfy their desire by
      consuming a substitute. Substitutes can originate from within the taxonomic
      category of the desired stimulus (i.e., within-category substitutes) or from a
      different taxonomic category that serves the same basic goal (i.e., cross
      category substitutes). Both a store-brand chocolate (within-category substitute)
      and a granola bar (cross-category substitute), for example, can serve as
      substitutes for gourmet chocolate. Here, we found that people believe that within
      category substitutes, which are more similar to desired stimuli, will more
      effectively satisfy their cravings than will cross-category substitutes
      (Experiments 1, 2a, and 2b). However, because within-category substitutes are
      more similar than cross-category substitutes to desired stimuli, they are more
      likely to evoke an unanticipated negative contrast effect. As a result, unless
      substitutes are equivalent in quality to the desired stimulus, cross-category
      substitutes more effectively satisfy cravings for the desired stimulus
      (Experiments 3 and 4).

PMID- 27142461
TI  - Searching for Category-Consistent Features: A Computational Approach to
      Understanding Visual Category Representation.
AB  - This article introduces a generative model of category representation that uses
      computer vision methods to extract category-consistent features (CCFs) directly
      from images of category exemplars. The model was trained on 4,800 images of
      common objects, and CCFs were obtained for 68 categories spanning subordinate,
      basic, and superordinate levels in a category hierarchy. When participants
      searched for these same categories, targets cued at the subordinate level were
      preferentially fixated, but fixated targets were verified faster when they
      followed a basic-level cue. The subordinate-level advantage in guidance is
      explained by the number of target-category CCFs, a measure of category
      specificity that decreases with movement up the category hierarchy. The basic
      level advantage in verification is explained by multiplying the number of CCFs by
      sibling distance, a measure of category distinctiveness. With this model, the
      visual representations of real-world object categories, each learned from the
      vast numbers of image exemplars accumulated throughout everyday experience, can
      finally be studied.

PMID- 27142462
TI  - Stem cell transplantation compared with melphalan plus dexamethasone in the
      treatment of immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a common management
      strategy for select patients with immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis, but no
      trials have documented improved overall survival. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients
      with biopsy-proven immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis were allowed to select
      treatment with melphalan plus dexamethasone (n = 34) or SCT (n = 55); all
      patients were transplant eligible. Treatment preference resulted in imbalanced
      study arms. Patients who selected SCT were younger, more frequently had an
      Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score less than 2, had
      lower-stage amyloidosis, and had a lower incidence of cardiac amyloidosis.
      RESULTS: Patients receiving melphalan plus dexamethasone had a 3-year progression
      free survival rate of 29.1% and an overall survival rate of 58.8%. Patients
      undergoing SCT had a 3-year progression-free survival rate of 51.7% and an
      overall survival rate of 83.6%. An attempt to match patients between the 2 arms
      in terms of risk produced 24 matched triplet sets (2 SCT patients for each
      melphalan-dexamethasone patient); there was no difference in hematologic
      response, but there was better survival after autologous SCT. A propensity score
      matched analysis of the cohorts (melphalan plus dexamethasone vs SCT) showed an
      overall mortality hazard ratio of 2.56 (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Although the study
      had limitations, similar hematologic responses and improved survival were
      observed after SCT versus melphalan plus dexamethasone. Cancer 2016;122:2197-205.
      (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27142463
TI  - Nanometric thermal fluctuations of weakly confined biomembranes measured with
      microsecond time-resolution.
AB  - We probe the bending fluctuations of bio-membranes using highly deflated giant
      unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) bound to a substrate by a weak potential arising from
      generic interactions. The substrate is either homogeneous, with GUVs bound only
      by the weak potential, or is chemically functionalized with a micro-pattern of
      very strong specific binders. In both cases, the weakly adhered membrane is seen
      to be confined at a well-defined distance above the surface while it continues to
      fluctuate strongly. We quantify the fluctuations of the weakly confined membrane
      at the substrate proximal surface as well as of the free membrane at the distal
      surface of the same GUV. This strategy enables us to probe in detail the damping
      of fluctuations in the presence of the substrate, and to independently measure
      the membrane tension and the strength of the generic interaction potential.
      Measurements were done using two complementary techniques - dynamic optical
      displacement spectroscopy (DODS, resolution: 20 nm, 10 MUs), and dual wavelength
      reflection interference contrast microscopy (DW-RICM, resolution: 4 nm, 50 ms).
      After accounting for the spatio-temporal resolution of the techniques, an
      excellent agreement between the two measurements was obtained. For both weakly
      confined systems we explore in detail the link between fluctuations on the one
      hand and membrane tension and the interaction potential on the other hand. 

PMID- 27142464
TI  - The impact of pedestrian countdown signals on single and two vehicle motor
      vehicle collisions: a quasi-experimental study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine the impact of pedestrian countdown
      signals (PCS) on the rate of motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) in Toronto, Canada.
      A quasi-experimental design was used to compare rates of single and two vehicle
      MVCs before and after installation of PCS in Toronto, Canada between January 2005
      and December 2009. Collision incidence rates were compared using Poisson
      regression analyses with adjustment for relevant cofounders and reported as
      incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Secondary
      analyses were performed on subsets of collisions by collision type and injury
      severity. A total of 94,175 MVCs occurred at or near 1965 intersections at which
      PCS were installed over the five-year study period. Overall, the MVC incidence
      rate increased 7.5% (IRR = 1.075; 95% CI: 1.042-1.109; p < 0.0001) after
      installation of PCS. The installation of PCS led to an increase in MVCs. PCS may
      have an unintended consequence of increasing the rate of MVCs.

PMID- 27142465
TI  - New observation of sialuria prompts detection of liver tumor in previously
      reported patient.
AB  - Sialuria, a rare inborn error of metabolism, was diagnosed in a healthy 12-year
      old boy through whole exome sequencing. The patient had experienced mild delays
      of speech and motor development, as well as persistent hepatomegaly.
      Identification of the 8th individual with this disorder, prompted follow-up of
      the mother-son pair of patients diagnosed over 15years ago. Hepatomegaly was
      confirmed in the now 19-year-old son, but in the 46-year-old mother a clinically
      silent liver tumor was detected by ultrasound and MRI. The tumor was
      characterized as an intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC) and DNA analysis of
      both tumor and normal liver tissue confirmed the original GNE mutation. As the
      maternal grandmother in the latter family died at age 49years of a liver tumor, a
      retrospective study of the remaining pathology slides was conducted and confirmed
      it to have been an IHCC as well. The overall observation generated the hypothesis
      that sialuria may predispose to development of this form of liver cancer. As
      proof of sialuria in the grandmother could not be obtained, an alternate cause of
      IHCC cannot be ruled out. In a series of 102 patients with IHCC, not a single
      instance was found with the allosteric site mutation in the GNE gene. This
      confirms that sialuria is rare even in a selected group of patients, but does not
      invalidate the concern that sialuria may be a risk factor for IHCC. SYNOPSIS:
      Sialuria is a rare inborn error of metabolism characterized by excessive
      synthesis and urinary excretion of free sialic acid with only minimal clinical
      morbidity in early childhood, but may be a risk factor for intrahepatic
      cholangiocarcinoma in adulthood.

PMID- 27142466
TI  - Perceptions of cervical cancer risk and screening among transmasculine
      individuals: patient and provider perspectives.
AB  - Transmasculine people (individuals assigned a female sex at birth who identify as
      male or masculine) are at risk of cervical cancer. Despite low rates of Pap test
      use in this population, research examining the determinants of cervical cancer
      screening among transmasculine individuals is scarce. We conducted in-depth
      interviews and focus groups with 49 participants (32 transmasculine patients and
      17 healthcare providers) in order to examine transmasculine individuals' and
      healthcare providers' perceptions of cervical cancer risk and screening among
      individuals on the transmasculine continuum. Overall, patients believed that
      transmasculine individuals should receive regular Pap tests, especially in the
      event of gynaecological concerns. While healthcare providers' views varied, many
      perceived transmasculine individuals to be at low risk of cervical cancer.
      Contrary to existing screening guidelines, several providers believed that
      transmasculine individuals who did not engage in penile-vaginal intercourse with
      cisgender men, expressed discomfort about Pap testing or intended to obtain a
      hysterectomy might not need to be screened regularly or at all. Our findings
      underscore the importance of educating patients and providers about cervical
      cancer risk among transmasculine individuals and establishing evidence-based
      guidelines for cervical cancer screening in this underserved population.

PMID- 27142467
TI  - Does photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles correspond to photo
      cytotoxicity? Cellular uptake of TiO2 nanoparticles is important in their photo
      cytotoxicity.
AB  - Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are important industrial nano-objects with
      wide applications, including as photocatalysts and sunscreen components.
      Recently, the phototoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles has been a concern. However,
      phototoxicity caused by photocatalytic activity may differ between anatase and
      rutile nanoparticles. In the present study, we compared the phototoxicity of
      anatase and rutile nanoparticles. Human keratinocyte HaCaT cells were treated
      with stable TiO2 nanoparticle suspensions. Without UVA irradiation, TiO2
      nanoparticles did not affect mitochondrial activity or cell membranes. However,
      exposure to rutile nanoparticle suspensions inhibited cell growth and induced HO
      1 gene expression without UVA irradiation. These effects may be explained by the
      hydrophobic surface of rutile nanoparticles. Next, TiO2-exposed cells were
      irradiated with UVA for 4 h and effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on cells were
      examined. The rutile nanoparticles did not show any cellular effects after UVA
      irradiation. However, the anatase nanoparticles caused strong phototoxicity.
      Decreased mitochondrial activity, cell membrane damage and the induction of
      oxidative stress were observed in the cells exposed to anatase nanoparticles with
      UVA irradiation. Cellular uptake of the nanoparticles was observed in both
      anatase- and rutile-exposed cells. These results suggest that internalized
      anatase nanoparticles are important for phototoxicity. Additionally, the exposure
      of a 3D skin model to TiO2 nanoparticles did not result in significant toxicity.
      In conclusion, rutile nanoparticles used in sunscreen did not exhibit phototoxic
      activity. Despite the strong phototoxic activity of anatase nanoparticles in cell
      cultures, they demonstrated no phototoxicity using a 3D skin model. 

PMID- 27142470
TI  - Breaking and Sharing Bad News in End of Life: The Religious and Culture Matters.

PMID- 27142468
TI  - Modeling Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Human Pluripotent Stem Cell
      Derived-Cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Doxorubicin is a highly efficacious anti-cancer drug but causes cardiotoxicity in
      many patients. The mechanisms of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) remain
      incompletely understood. We investigated the characteristics and molecular
      mechanisms of DIC in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC
      CMs). We found that doxorubicin causes dose-dependent increases in apoptotic and
      necrotic cell death, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial
      dysfunction and increased intracellular calcium concentration. We characterized
      genome-wide changes in gene expression caused by doxorubicin using RNA-seq, as
      well as electrophysiological abnormalities caused by doxorubicin with multi
      electrode array technology. Finally, we show that CRISPR-Cas9-mediated disruption
      of TOP2B, a gene implicated in DIC in mouse studies, significantly reduces the
      sensitivity of hPSC-CMs to doxorubicin-induced double stranded DNA breaks and
      cell death. These data establish a human cellular model of DIC that recapitulates
      many of the cardinal features of this adverse drug reaction and could enable
      screening for protective agents against DIC as well as assessment of genetic
      variants involved in doxorubicin response.

PMID- 27142471
TI  - History and Prospect of Muslims in Western Europe.
AB  - The birth of Islam over fourteen centuries ago was a monumental event in human
      history with an everlasting effect on humanity. For centuries researchers
      contemplated on the growth and distribution of Muslims throughout the world. The
      purpose of this manuscript is to present a reliable estimate of the Muslim
      population in Western Europe since the inception of Islam at the start of the
      seventh century to the end of the twenty-first century. The considered region
      consists of nine countries and territories: Andorra, Belgium, France, Gibraltar,
      Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. A centennial data
      estimate for these countries from 600AD to 2100AD (approximately 1H-1500H) of the
      total population, and corresponding Muslim population and its percentage are
      provided. Furthermore, the same data in decennial order from 1790 to 2100 (or
      1210H-1520H) are provided for each country. These data are summarized to be a
      reference for other studies and discussions related to the Muslim population.

PMID- 27142469
TI  - Effectiveness of interventions to indirectly support food and drink intake in
      people with dementia: Eating and Drinking Well IN dementiA (EDWINA) systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risks and prevalence of malnutrition and dehydration are high in
      older people but even higher in older people with dementia. In the EDWINA (Eating
      and Drinking Well IN dementiA) systematic review we aimed to assess effectiveness
      of interventions aiming to improve, maintain or facilitate food/drink intake
      indirectly, through food service or dining environment modification, education,
      exercise or behavioural interventions in people with cognitive impairment or
      dementia (across all settings, levels of care and support, types and degrees of
      dementia). METHODS: We comprehensively searched Medline and twelve further
      databases, plus bibliographies, for intervention studies with >=3 cognitively
      impaired adult participants (any type/stage). The review was conducted with
      service user input in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration's guidelines. We
      duplicated assessment of inclusion, data extraction, and validity assessment,
      tabulating data. Meta-analysis (statistical pooling) was not appropriate so data
      were tabulated and synthesised narratively. RESULTS: We included 56 interventions
      (reported in 51 studies). Studies were small and there were no clearly effective,
      or clearly ineffective, interventions. Promising interventions included: eating
      meals with care-givers, family style meals, soothing mealtime music, constantly
      accessible snacks and longer mealtimes, education and support for formal and
      informal care-givers, spaced retrieval and Montessori activities, facilitated
      breakfast clubs, multisensory exercise and multicomponent interventions.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found no definitive evidence on effectiveness, or lack of
      effectiveness, of specific interventions but studies were small and short term. A
      variety of promising indirect interventions need to be tested in large, high
      quality RCTs, and may be approaches that people with dementia and their formal or
      informal care-givers would wish to try. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The systematic review
      protocol was registered (CRD42014007611) and is published, with the full MEDLINE
      search strategy, on Prospero
      (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42014007611).

PMID- 27142472
TI  - Patient-derived xenografts faithfully replicated clinical outcome in a phase II
      co-clinical trial of arsenic trioxide in relapsed small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: SCLC has limited treatment options and inadequate preclinical models.
      Promising activity of arsenic trioxide (ASO) recorded in conventional preclinical
      models of SCLC supported the clinical evaluation of ASO in patients. We assessed
      the efficacy of ASO in relapsed SCLC patients and in corresponding patient
      derived xenografts (PDX). METHODS: Single arm, Simon 2-stage, phase II trial to
      enroll patients with relapsed SCLC who have failed at least one line of therapy.
      ASO was administered as an intravenous infusion over 1-2 h daily for 4 days in
      week 1 and for 2 days in weeks 2-6 of an 8-week cycle. Treatment continued until
      disease progression. Pretreatment tumor biopsy was employed for PDX generation
      through direct implantation into subcutaneous pockets of SCID mice without in
      vitro manipulation and serially propagated for five generations. Ex vivo efficacy
      of cisplatin (3 mg/kg i.p. weekly) and ASO (3.75 mg/kg i.p. every other day) was
      tested in PDX representative of platinum sensitive and platinum refractory SCLC.
      RESULTS: The best response in 17 evaluable patients was stable disease in 2 (12
      %), progressive disease in 15 (88 %) patients and median time-to-progression of
      seven (range 1-7) weeks. PDX was successfully grown in 5 of 9 (56 %) transplanted
      biopsy samples. Serially-propagated PDXs preserved characteristic small cell
      histology and genomic stability confirmed by immunohistochemistry, short tandem
      repeat (STR) profiling and targeted sequencing. ASO showed in vitro cytotoxicity
      but lacked in vivo efficacy against SCLC PDX tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS: Cisplatin
      inhibited growth of PDX derived from platinum-sensitive SCLC but was ineffective
      against PDX from platinum-refractory SCLC. Strong concordance between clinical
      and ex vivo effects of ASO and cisplatin in SCLC supports the use of PDX models
      to prescreen promising anticancer agents prior to clinical testing in SCLC
      patients. Trial Registration The study was registered at
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01470248).

PMID- 27142474
TI  - A patient with cancer and nail pigmentation.

PMID- 27142473
TI  - Pharmacogenomics in Pediatric Patients: Towards Personalized Medicine.
AB  - It is well known that drug responses differ among patients with regard to dose
      requirements, efficacy, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The differences in
      drug responses are partially explained by genetic variation. This paper
      highlights some examples of areas in which the different responses (dose,
      efficacy, and ADRs) are studied in children, including cancer (cisplatin),
      thrombosis (vitamin K antagonists), and asthma (long-acting beta2 agonists). For
      childhood cancer, the replication of data is challenging due to a high
      heterogeneity in study populations, which is mostly due to all the different
      treatment protocols. For example, the replication cohorts of the association of
      variants in TPMT and COMT with cisplatin-induced ototoxicity gave conflicting
      results, possibly as a result of this heterogeneity. For the vitamin K
      antagonists, the evidence of the association between variants in VKORC1 and
      CYP2C9 and the dose is clear. Genetic dosing models have been developed, but the
      implementation is held back by the impossibility of conducting a randomized
      controlled trial with such a small and diverse population. For the long-acting
      beta2 agonists, there is enough evidence for the association between variant
      ADRB2 Arg16 and treatment response to start clinical trials to assess clinical
      value and cost effectiveness of genotyping. However, further research is still
      needed to define the different asthma phenotypes to study associations in
      comparable cohorts. These examples show the challenges which are encountered in
      pediatric pharmacogenomic studies. They also display the importance of
      collaborations to obtain good quality evidence for the implementation of genetic
      testing in clinical practice to optimize and personalize treatment. 

PMID- 27142475
TI  - A meta-analytical assessment of STK39 three well-defined polymorphisms in
      susceptibility to hypertension.
AB  - Serine/threonine kinase 39 gene (STK39) is one of the promising hypertension
      susceptibility genes identified by a genome-wide association study in 2009,
      whereas subsequent validation in other ethnic groups is unsatisfactory, with
      inconsistent and inconclusive findings. We therefore aimed to meta-analytically
      assess the risk prediction of STK39 three polymorphisms, rs6749447, rs35929607
      and rs3754777, for primary hypertension. Literature search and data collection
      were independently completed by two authors. Nine articles were pooled in this
      study. Overall analyses failed to see any significant associations of rs6749447,
      rs35929607 and rs3754777 with hypertension risk (odds ratio: 1.27, 0.95 and 1.21;
      P = 0.270, 0.507 and 0.153, respectively), and there was evident heterogeneity
      for three comparisons (I(2) > 80%). Meta-regression analyses indicated that
      smoking was a significant risk factor for the association of rs3754777 with
      hypertension (P = 0.017). As reflected by the Begg's and Filled funnel plots, as
      well as Egger's tests, there were low probabilities of publication bias. In
      conclusion, our meta-analytical findings suggest that STK39 might not be a
      hypertension-susceptibility gene.

PMID- 27142476
TI  - Bovies, Burr Holes, and Blood Clots: Recollections of My Start in Neurosurgery:
      1956-65.

PMID- 27142478
TI  - Adsorption isotherms for hydrogen chloride (HCl) on ice surfaces between 190 and
      220 K.
AB  - The interaction of hydrogen chloride (HCl) with ice surfaces at temperatures
      between 190 and 220 K was investigated using a coated-wall flow-tube connected to
      a chemical ionization mass spectrometer. Equilibrium surface coverages of HCl
      were determined at gas phase concentrations as low as 2 * 10(9) molecules cm(-3)
      (~4 * 10(-8) Torr at 200 K) to derive Langmuir adsorption isotherms. The data are
      described by a temperature independent partition coefficient: KLang = (3.7 +/-
      0.2) * 10(-11) cm(3) molecule(-1) with a saturation surface coverage Nmax = (2.0
      +/- 0.2) * 10(14) molecules cm(-2). The lack of a systematic dependence of KLang
      on temperature contrasts the behaviour of numerous trace gases which adsorb onto
      ice via hydrogen bonding and is most likely related to the ionization of HCl at
      the surface. The results are compared to previous laboratory studies, and the
      equilibrium partitioning of HCl to ice surfaces under conditions relevant to the
      atmosphere is evaluated.

PMID- 27142477
TI  - A simple and robust approach to immobilization of antibody fragments.
AB  - Antibody fragments, such as the single-chain variable fragment (scFv), have much
      potential in research and diagnostics because of their antigen-binding ability
      similar to a full-sized antibody and their ease of production in microorganisms.
      Some applications of antibody fragments require immobilization on a surface, and
      we have established a simple immobilization method that is based on the biotin
      streptavidin interaction and does not require a separate purification step. We
      genetically fused two biotinylation tags-the biotin carboxyl carrier protein
      (BCCP) or the AviTag minimal sequence-to six different scFvs (scFv13R4, scFvD10,
      scFv26-10, scFv3, scFv5, and scFv12) for site-specific biotinylation in vivo by
      endogenous biotin ligases produced by Escherichia coli. The biotinylated scFvs
      were immobilized onto streptavidin-coated plates directly from cell lysates, and
      immobilization was detected through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. All scFvs
      fusions were successfully immobilized, and scFvs biotinylated via the BCCP tag
      tended to immobilize better than those biotinylated via the AviTag, even when
      biotinylation efficiency was improved with the biotin ligase BirA. The ability of
      immobilized scFvs to bind antigens was confirmed using scFv13R4 and scFvD10 with
      their respective targets beta-galactosidase and bacteriophage lambda head protein
      D (gpD). The immobilized scFv13R4 bound to beta-galactosidase at the same level
      for both biotinylation tags when the surface was saturated with the scFv, and
      immobilized scFvs retained their functionality for at least 100days after
      immobilization. The simplicity and robustness of our method make it a promising
      approach for future applications that require antibody fragment immobilization.

PMID- 27142479
TI  - Cochlear implantation in adults with unilateral deafness: A review of the
      assessment/evaluation protocols.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cochlear implantation is becoming widely used outside the tertiary
      research centers for treatment of unilateral deafness (UD). No consensus exists,
      however, on the most suitable assessment/evaluation protocols for this group of
      adult patients. This paper aims to review the assessment and evaluation protocols
      used by various research groups and to propose a protocol for the use in the
      clinical setting. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases
      were searched with the keywords 'cochlear', 'implant', 'single-sided',
      'deafness', 'adults', 'unilateral', and 'deafness'. The words were either used
      individually, combined in pairs, or in groups of 5. All articles reporting on
      prospective studies, retrospective studies, or case studies were included.
      RESULTS: Sixteen published studies met the inclusion criteria. Measures of
      hearing performance, tinnitus, subjective quality of hearing, and quality of life
      varied greatly among studies. DISCUSSION: Adaptive speech in noise testing,
      localization, tinnitus measurement questionnaires, and self-rated hearing
      improvement are widely used among the research groups. These tools in conjunction
      assess and evaluate the main issues associated with UD. CONCLUSION: The test
      battery most commonly used to assess and evaluate adult cochlea implant users
      with UD consists of (a) a subjective self-rating of hearing performance, (b)
      localization testing, and

PMID- 27142480
TI  - Microgravity Induction of TRAIL Expression in Preosteoclast Cells Enhances
      Osteoclast Differentiation.
AB  - Evidence indicates that astronauts experience significant bone loss in space. We
      previously showed that simulated microgravity (MUXg) using the NASA developed
      rotary cell culture system (RCCS) enhanced bone resorbing osteoclast (OCL)
      differentiation. However, the mechanism by which MUXg increases OCL formation is
      unclear. RANK/RANKL signaling pathway is critical for OCL differentiation. Tumor
      necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been shown to
      increase osteoclastogenesis. We hypothesize that TRAIL may play an important role
      in MUXg enhanced OCL differentiation. In this study, we identified by RT profiler
      PCR array screening that MUXg induces high levels of TRAIL expression in murine
      preosteoclast cells in the absence of RANKL stimulation compared to ground based
      (Xg) cultures. We further identified that MUXg elevated the adaptor protein TRAF
      6 and fusion genes OC-STAMP and DC-STAMP expression in preosteoclast cells.
      Interestingly, neutralizing antibody against TRAIL significantly reduced MUXg
      induced OCL formation. We further identified that over-expression of pTRAIL in
      RAW 264.7 cells enhanced OCL differentiation. These results indicate that TRAIL
      signaling plays an important role in the MUXg increased OCL differentiation.
      Therefore, inhibition of TRAIL expression could be an effective countermeasure
      for MUXg induced bone loss.

PMID- 27142481
TI  - Screening and Functional Analyses of Nilaparvata lugens Salivary Proteome.
AB  - Most phloem-feeding insects secrete gelling and watery saliva during the feeding
      process. However, the functions of salivary proteins are poorly understood. In
      this study, our purpose was to reveal the components and functions of saliva in a
      rice sap-sucking insect pest, Nilaparvata lugens. The accomplishment of the whole
      genome and transcriptome sequencing in N. lugens would be helpful for elucidating
      the gene information and expression specificity of the salivary proteins. In this
      study, we have, for the first time, identified the abundant protein components
      from gelling and watery saliva in a monophagous sap-sucking insect species
      through shotgun proteomic detection combined with the genomic and transcriptomic
      analysis. Eight unknown secreted proteins were limited to N. lugens, indicating
      species-specific saliva components. A group of annexin-like proteins first
      identified in the secreted saliva displayed different domain structure and
      expression specificity with typical insect annexins. Nineteen genes encoding five
      annexin-like proteins, six salivaps (salivary glands-specific proteins with
      unknown function), seven putative enzymes, and a mucin-like protein showed
      salivary gland-specific expression pattern, suggesting their importance in the
      physiological mechanisms of salivary gland and saliva in this insect species. RNA
      interference revealed that salivap-3 is a key protein factor in forming the
      salivary sheath, while annexin-like5 and carbonic anhydrase are indispensable for
      N. lugens survival. These novel findings will greatly help to clarify the
      detailed functions of salivary proteins in the physiological process of N. lugens
      and elucidate the interaction mechanisms between N. lugens and the rice plant,
      which could provide important targets for the future management of rice pests.

PMID- 27142482
TI  - Differential impact of parental region of birth on negative parenting behavior
      and its effects on child mental health: Results from a large sample of 6 to 11
      year old school children in France.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In France, one in 10 residents has immigrated mainly from North
      Africa, West Africa or the Caribbean including the French West Indies. However
      little is known about how parents from these regions behave when they migrate to
      countries that have different cultural norms. It is therefore important to
      determine how ethno-cultural background affects parental behavior and subsequent
      child mental health in the context of immigration. The objectives are: 1) to
      compare negative parenting behaviors of French residents from diverse ethno
      cultural backgrounds 2) to examine the relationship between parental region of
      origin and child mental health, and 3) to investigate the extent to which ethno
      cultural context moderates the effect of parenting styles on child mental health.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2005 in 100 schools in South
      East France. The Dominic Interactive and the parent-reported Strengths and
      Difficulties Questionnaire were used to assess child psychopathology. The Parent
      Behavior and Attitude Questionnaire was used to assess parenting styles. The
      final sample included data on 1,106 mother and child dyads. RESULTS: Caring and
      punitive attitudes were significantly different across mothers as a function of
      region of origin. This association was stronger for punitive attitudes with the
      highest prevalence in the Caribbean/African group, while mothers from Maghreb
      were more similar to French natives. Differences in caring behaviors were similar
      though less pronounced. Among children of Maghrebian descent, punitive parenting
      was associated with an increased risk of internalizing disorders while this
      association was weaker among children of African and Afro-Caribbean descent.
      CONCLUSIONS: Parental region of origin is an important component of both
      parenting styles and their effect on child mental health. Interventions on
      parenting should consider both the region of origin and the differential impact
      of origin on the effect of parenting styles, thus allowing for a finer-grained
      focus on high-risk groups.

PMID- 27142483
TI  - Acute abdomen in an elderly patient.

PMID- 27142484
TI  - Correlation between acute conjunctivitis and Asian dust on ocular surfaces.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Asian dust particles (ADP)
      in patients suffering from conjunctivitis and its correlation with clinical
      scores for conjunctivitis. Forty-five patients from the Fukuoka area who were
      newly diagnosed acute conjunctivitis were selected. The degrees of inflammatory
      reaction, itchy sensation, hyperemia, eye discharge, and foreign body sensation
      were clinically recorded and scored. Eyes were washed with physiological
      solution. Solid particles collected from the washing solution were observed using
      a scanning electron microscope. Of the 45 samples, 44 were positive for the
      elements silicon (Si) and aluminum (Al), which are components of ambient Asian
      dust. Higher conjunctivitis scores were found in the subgroup in which the Asian
      dust/whole particle ratio was greater than average. This is the first apparent
      report on the correlation between amount of ADP exposure at the ocular surface
      and severity of ocular symptoms.

PMID- 27142485
TI  - Titanium oxo-clusters derivatized from the Ti10O12(cat)8(py)8 complex: structural
      investigation and spectroscopic studies of light absorption.
AB  - A series of deep-red colored nano-sized titanium oxo-clusters bearing catecholato
      ligands is reported. These architectures are produced via post-synthetic
      modification of the Ti10O12(cat)8(py)8 (cat = catecholato, py = pyridine) complex
      through quantitative substitution of labile pyridine ligands by three substituted
      pyridines (pico, 4-Phpy and pyrald). The crystal structure analysis reveals a
      common Ti10O12(cat)8 backbone for the three isolated molecular architectures.
      Partial charge analysis indicates two types of titanium atoms within these
      complexes with one resembling titanium(iv) found in TiO2. These complexes
      strongly absorb visible light in solution (lambdamax = 411 nm, epsilon = 10 800
      for Ti10O12(cat)8(py)8 in CHCl3) and in the solid-state. The band gaps estimated
      from the reflectance spectra are between 1.85 eV and 1.97 eV. The present work
      also details the HOMO and LUMO representations obtained via DFT calculation for
      Ti10O12(cat)8(py)8 and a virtual Ti10O12(cat)8 complex as well as the DOS
      (density of states) plots calculated for those structures. This computational
      study highlights an impact of the pyridine ligand on the DOS plots. 

PMID- 27142486
TI  - Embryonic and fetal mortality in river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).
AB  - River buffalo are able to adapt to diverse climatic zones and are widespread
      globally. The resource use efficiency of buffalo is highly relevant in a resource
      constrained world and the increasing requirement to produce more food. Buffalo
      clearly have an important role in meeting the growing demand for animal protein.
      In the Mediterranean and higher latitudes, buffalo show annual cycles of ovarian
      activity, embryonic development, and pregnancy rate. In buffalo, the CL starts to
      develop early in the cycle, and there is also an early increase in concentrations
      of progesterone (P4) in circulation. This appears to be necessary for optimal
      embryonic development. The failure to establish a pregnancy in buffalo can occur
      before Day 21 (early embryonic mortality), from Day 21 to 45 (late embryonic
      mortality), and from Day 46 to 90 (fetal mortality) after mating. Treatment with
      P4, hCG, and GnRH on Day 5 after mating increases P4 in circulation and reduces
      early embryonic mortality in circumstances where concentrations of P4 are
      relatively low. The same treatments applied on Day 20 to 25 after mating can
      lower the occurrence of late embryonic mortality and fetal mortality. 

PMID- 27142488
TI  - Contribution of in vitro systems to preservation and utilization of porcine
      genetic resources.
AB  - Historically, the conservation or preservation of mammalian genetic resources,
      especially farm animals, has been conducted under in situ conditions by
      maintaining living individuals as "livestock." However, systems for laboratory in
      vitro embryo production using gametes such as spermatozoa and oocytes are now
      available, in addition to ex situ preservation methods for mammalian genetic
      resources. One of these methods is the cryopreservation of gametes, embryos, and
      gonadal tissues. In pigs, freezing of sperm is the most reliable and well
      established method for this purpose. On the other hand, cryopreservation of
      female gametes (oocytes) and gonadal tissues-usually by vitrification-has been
      associated with very low efficacies. Recently, in our laboratory, some research
      themes related to this issue have been pursued. We have been focusing on advances
      in porcine in vitro embryo production systems, and here, we introduce recent data
      on the vitrification of porcine immature oocytes and gonadal tissues followed by
      their xenografting into host mice to produce gametes. 

PMID- 27142487
TI  - Lessons learned from the cystic fibrosis pig.
AB  - Deficient function in the anion channel cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane
      conductance regulator is the fundamental cause for CF. This is a monogenic
      condition that causes lesions in several organs including the respiratory tract,
      pancreas, liver, intestines, and reproductive tract. Lung disease is most
      notable, given it is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with
      CF. Shortly after the identification of CF transmembrane conductance regulator,
      CF mouse models were developed that did not show spontaneous lung disease as seen
      in humans, and this spurred development of additional CF animal models. Pig
      models were considered a leading choice for several reasons including their
      similarity to humans in respiratory anatomy, physiology, and in size for
      translational imaging. The first CF pig models were reported in 2008 and have
      been extremely valuable to help clarify persistent questions in the field and
      advance understanding of disease pathogenesis. Because CF pigs are susceptible to
      lung disease like humans, they have direct utility in translational research. In
      addition, CF pig models are useful to compare and contrast with current CF mouse
      models, human clinical studies, and even newer CF animal models being
      characterized. This "triangulation" strategy could help identify genetic
      differences that underlie phenotypic variations, so as to focus and accelerate
      translational research. 

PMID- 27142489
TI  - Prenatal programming of neuroendocrine reproductive function.
AB  - It is now well recognized that the gestational environment can have long-lasting
      effects not only on the life span and health span of an individual but also,
      through potential epigenetic changes, on future generations. This article reviews
      the "prenatal programming" of the neuroendocrine systems that regulate
      reproduction, with a specific focus on the lessons learned using ovine models.
      The review examines the critical roles played by steroids in normal reproductive
      development before considering the effects of prenatal exposure to exogenous
      steroid hormones including androgens and estrogens, the effects of maternal
      nutrition and stress during gestation, and the effects of exogenous chemicals
      such as alcohol and environment chemicals. In so doing, it becomes evident that,
      to maximize fitness, the regulation of reproduction has evolved to be responsive
      to many different internal and external cues and that the GnRH neurosecretory
      system expresses a degree of plasticity throughout life. During fetal life,
      however, the system is particularly sensitive to change and at this time, the
      GnRH neurosecretory system can be "shaped" both to achieve normal sexually
      differentiated function but also in ways that may adversely affect or even
      prevent "normal function". The exact mechanisms through which these programmed
      changes are brought about remain largely uncharacterized but are likely to differ
      depending on the factor, the timing of exposure to that factor, and the species.
      It would appear, however, that some afferent systems to the GnRH neurons such as
      kisspeptin, may be critical in this regard as it would appear to be sensitive to
      a wide variety of factors that can program reproductive function. Finally, it has
      been noted that the prenatal programming of neuroendocrine reproductive function
      can be associated with epigenetic changes, which would suggest that in addition
      to direct effects on the exposed offspring, prenatal programming could have
      transgenerational effects on reproductive potential. 

PMID- 27142490
TI  - Action of three GH51 and one GH54 alpha-arabinofuranosidases on internally and
      terminally located arabinofuranosyl branches.
AB  - The action of three glycoside hydrolase family GH51 and one GH54 alpha
      arabinofuranosidases (ABFs) was studied on polymeric arabinoxylan and
      arabinoxylooligosaccharides. The substrates covered all possible arabinofuranosyl
      (Araf) substituents, i.e., terminal and internal alpha(1->2) and alpha(1->3)
      linked Araf monosubstitutions and disubstitutions. The GH51 ABFs removed nearly
      all mono- and disubstitutions from terminal non-reducing end xylopyranosyl (Xylp)
      residues, showing dual ABF-m/d activity. From internal Xylp, primarily
      monosubstitutions were removed, except after treatment with GH51 Aspergillus
      niger ABF. It degraded slowly internal disubstitutions as well, showing
      versatility in substrate specificity within GH51. GH54 Trichoderma reesei ABF
      core protein also presented dual ABF-m/d activity, slowly degrading Araf
      disubstitutions from both terminal and internal positions. Surprisingly,
      regioselectivity of the T. reesei ABF changed from alpha(1->3)-linked Araf on
      terminal Xylp to alpha(1->2)-linked Araf on internal Xylp on both mono- and
      disubstitutions. In conclusion, systematic analysis of natural substrates
      revealed interesting new details on the action T. reesei ABF and showed that the
      dual ABF-m/d activity could be more prevalent than previously thought, especially
      within GH51 ABFs. 

PMID- 27142491
TI  - Advances in pharmacovigilance initiatives surrounding antimicrobial resistance
      Indian perspective.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In recent years the development of antimicrobial resistance has
      been accelerating, the discovery of new antimicrobial agents has slowed
      substantially in past decades. AREA COVERED: This review mainly focuses on the
      problem of antimicrobial resistance(AMR); the various contributor mechanisms,
      consequences and future of AMR. The review also highlights the irrational use of
      antimicrobials, improving their usage and problems associated with
      pharmacovigilance of antimicrobial resistance. EXPERT OPINION: Pharmacovigilance
      in the form of surveillance of antibiotic use is being done in 90% of the
      countries worldwide through the WHONET program developed by WHO. However, the
      data comes from a limited area of the globe. Data from every part of the world is
      required, so that there is geographical representation of every region. A major
      hurdle in quantifying the extent of antimicrobial resistance is the fact that
      there are several known microbes, that may turn out to be resistant to one or
      more of the several known antimicrobial agents. The global action plan initiated
      by WHO, if implemented successfully will definitely reduce AMR and will help in
      evaluating treatment interventions.

PMID- 27142492
TI  - How Avoidable are Hospitalizations for Children With Medical Complexity?
      Understanding Parent Perspectives.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Children with medical complexity (CMC) are a small group that utilizes
      large amounts of health care resources. Although parents are the primary
      healthcare decision-makers for their children, little is known from their
      perspective about why CMC are hospitalized. We sought to understand what parents
      think about factors leading to hospitalization and whether any recent
      hospitalizations might have been avoidable. METHODS: We conducted qualitative,
      semistructured interviews with 35 parents of hospitalized CMC who receive care in
      the Pediatric Medical Home Program, a complex care program at University of
      California, Los Angeles. Interviews were conducted in English and in Spanish,
      audio-recorded, transcribed and translated, then coded in ATLAS.ti (Scientific
      Software Development Gmbh, Berlin, Germany) for qualitative analysis. We sorted
      qualitative codes into groups with shared concepts, to generate emergent themes.
      RESULTS: Parents described their experiences leading up to their children's
      hospitalization, but no one suggested that the hospitalization was potentially
      avoidable. Most parents perceived their children as having higher susceptibility
      because of underlying conditions, perceived the symptoms they observed as high
      risk, and described seeking emergent care only when they no longer were
      comfortable at home. Decisions about where to seek care were influenced by health
      care system factors such as accessibility and continuity of care. Most parents
      expressed a desire to learn more about their children's conditions and how best
      to care for them at home. CONCLUSIONS: Parents of CMC believe that
      hospitalizations are largely unavoidable because of higher susceptibility and
      higher risk. Increasing parents' self-efficacy in caring for children at home
      might influence their decisions to seek emergent care.

PMID- 27142493
TI  - RAB and RHO GTPases regulate intestinal crypt cell homeostasis and enterocyte
      function.
AB  - Recent human and mouse genetic studies have highlighted important contributions
      of several small GTPases, in particular Rab8a, (1) Cdc42, (2-4) and Rab11a, (5-8)
      to the proper morphogenesis and function of the mature intestinal epithelia.
      Additional insights about the involvement of these factors in maintaining
      intestinal stem cell homeostasis have also been obtained. (9,10) These studies
      suggest a conserved vesicular and membrane trafficking program utilized by the
      gastrointestinal tissue to support the rapid epithelial cell turnover and the
      highly sophisticated physiology of mature epithelial cells.

PMID- 27142494
TI  - Comparison of cisplatin/etoposide versus carboplatin/etoposide concurrent
      chemoradiation therapy for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) in the
      elderly population (age >65 years) using national SEER-Medicare data.
AB  - PURPOSE: Standard therapy for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
      (American Joint Committee on Cancer stages I-III) is concurrent chemoradiation
      therapy (CRT) with cisplatin/etoposide (EP), but carboplatin/etoposide (EC) is
      often used in clinical practice. Though a growing proportion of this disease is
      diagnosed in older patients, there are limited studies of older patients
      comparing cisplatin to carboplatin. This study compared survival outcomes of
      elderly patients with limited-stage SCLC treated with concurrent EC or EP and
      radiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Limited-stage SCLC diagnosed at ages 66 to 80
      years during 1992 to 2007 were selected from the Surveillance Epidemiology and
      End Results-Medicare database to compare EP with EC. Concurrent CRT was defined
      as starting radiation and cisplatin or carboplatin within 14 days. Study
      endpoints were overall survival (OS, time from diagnosis until death) and cause
      specific survival (CSS, time from diagnosis until death from lung cancer).
      RESULTS: Final analysis included 565 cases: 219 EP (39%) and 346 EC (61%), with
      median age 72 and gender ratio 1.0. A majority of the cases were stage III (85%).
      Median and 5-year OS were 13.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.4-15.0
      months) and 10.2% (95% CI, 6.2-15.3%) for EP, versus 13.7 months (95% CI, 12.0
      15.6 months) and 10.9% (95% CI, 7.6-14.8%) for EC (P = .51). CSS were also
      similar (P = .91). OS and CSS were not statistically different in single- or
      multivariable survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS: EC and EP had similar survival
      outcomes, suggesting EC could be used with (or instead of) EP as the standard of
      care, at least in the elderly population.

PMID- 27142495
TI  - Up-to-date review of nuclear medicine applications in pediatric thoracic imaging.
AB  - Nuclear medicine has an important role in the evaluation of various congenital
      and acquired pediatric chest diseases. Although the radiopharmaceuticals and
      nuclear medicine examinations used in children are broadly the same as in adults,
      there are some key differences in clinical indications and underlying disorders.
      This article provides the reader with an up-to-date review of practice of nuclear
      medicine as it relates to the pediatric chest, including its current role and
      future applications.

PMID- 27142496
TI  - The Editor's Round Table: Current Perspectives on Triglycerides and
      Atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27142497
TI  - Implementation of Organ Culture storage of donor corneas: a 3 year study of its
      impact on the corneal transplant wait list at the Lions New South Wales Eye Bank.
AB  - Organ Culture corneal storage offers an extended storage time and increased donor
      pool and tissue assessment opportunities. In September 2011, the Lions New South
      Wales Eye Bank (LNSWEB) moved from hypothermic storage to Organ Culture corneal
      storage. This study evaluates the impact of implementation of Organ Culture on
      donor eye retrieval and the corneal transplant waiting list over a 3 year period
      in NSW, Australia. Retrospective review of the LNSWEB data from September 2011 to
      August 2014. Tissue collection, waiting list and tissue utilization data were
      recorded. The data from September 2008 to August 2011 for Optisol-GS storage was
      used for comparison. The annual donor and cornea collection rate increased 35 %
      and 44 % respectively with Organ Culture compared to Optisol-GS storage. The
      utilization rate of corneal tissue increased from 73.4 % with hypothermic storage
      to 77.2 % with Organ Culture storage. The transplant wait list decreased by 77.3
      % from September 2011 to August 2014 and correlated with the increased rate of
      corneal transplantation (r = -0.9381, p < 0.0001). No other factors impacting the
      wait list changed over this period. Corneas not used from either storage method
      were due to unacceptable endothelial cell density/viability. The contamination
      rate of corneas stored in Organ Culture medium was low at 1.74 %. The Organ
      Culture storage method increases the corneal donor pool available to Eye banks.
      The practical benefits of the extended storage time and increased donor
      assessment opportunities have directly led to an increase in corneal utilization
      rate and a significant decrease in recipient wait list time. 

PMID- 27142498
TI  - Regression of vascular calcification in a patient with calciphylaxis.

PMID- 27142500
TI  - [Not Available].
AB  - (68)Gallium (Ga)-PSMA PET/CT (PSMA stands for "prostate-specific membrane
      antigen") is a new diagnostic tool for patients with prostate cancer or with
      prostate cancer metastases. PET/CT is a combination scan which uses the
      physiological information of the PET scan and the anatomic information of the CT
      scan. The radioligand (68)Ga-PSMA is a radioactively labelled peptide that binds
      to the membrane protein PSMA. Prostate cancer cells in the primary tumour and in
      metastases express increased levels of PSMA in the plasma membrane. A number of
      studies have shown that (68)Ga-PSMA PET/CT is sensitive in detecting primary
      prostate cancer and metastases in lymph nodes and bone. In the same patient,
      (68)Ga-PSMA PET/CT detects more metastases in an earlier phase, i.e. at a lower
      PSA level, than fluorine-18 choline PET/CT. Furthermore, the (68)Ga-PSMA can be
      produced in the investigating hospital with a gallium generator. The expectation
      is that the use of (68)Ga-PSMA PET/CT will increase to a major extent over the
      coming years in patients with prostate cancer.

PMID- 27142499
TI  - [A gynaecological cause of upper abdominal pain: Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome].
AB  - A 19-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of unexplained pain in
      the right upper abdomen and fever. Her medical history noted a recent
      uncomplicated pregnancy and birth of a healthy child. Our differential diagnosis
      included pyelonephritis, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia causing pleural pain, a
      gastrointestinal cause, or a subphrenic abscess. A vaginal culture was taken as
      part of a second opinion by a gynaecologist. However, after a few days PCR on the
      vaginal sample was positive for Chlamydia trachomatis, indicating a case of Fitz
      Hugh-Curtis syndrome. This syndrome is a complication of pelvic inflammatory
      disease caused by a bacterial infection, most frequently Gonococcal or Chlamydia
      species. The patient was treated with doxycycline and recovered quickly. As a
      result of ignoring a possible gynaecological cause in this patient, the time to
      diagnosis and treatment was delayed. Left untreated, this disease might result in
      infertility and in complications in the newborn. A broad differential diagnosis
      is therefore important. 

PMID- 27142501
TI  - [The danger of serrated polyps in the colon: from sporadic polyp to polyposis
      syndrome].
AB  - Up to 30% of colorectal cancers develop from sessile serrated polyps via the
      serrated neoplasia pathway. The clinical management of these lesions is
      challenging for both endoscopists and pathologists due to the difficulties in
      detection and recognition. As a result, more than half of all colonoscopy
      interval cancers, cancers detected after colonoscopy and before the next
      scheduled surveillance procedure, appear to develop from sessile serrated polyps.
      We describe the pitfalls in the clinical management of these lesions as well as
      potential solutions, illustrated by case reports of two patients, aged 28 and 65
      years, with serrated polyposis syndrome and colorectal cancer. 

PMID- 27142502
TI  - [Endoscopic full-thickness resection of colorectal polyps].
AB  - With the introduction of a national screening program for colorectal cancer, an
      increasing number of colorectal neoplasias, including low-risk T1-carcinomas, is
      identified and resected endoscopically. Existing techniques for endoscopic
      resection do not always suffice. Currently, surgery is the only available option
      in these cases. Endoscopic full-thickness resection (eFTR) is a minimally
      invasive alternative to surgery for resection of non-lifting adenomas, adenomas
      in difficult-to-reach locations - such as the diverticulum - and for ensuring
      radical endoscopic resection in T1-carcinomas. The first results of research
      involving this new technique are promising. Prospective studies comparing the
      efficacy and safety of eFTR versus surgical resection are indicated. 

PMID- 27142503
TI  - [Treatment options for resistant hypertension: from pseudoresistant to refractory
      hypertension].
AB  - Resistant hypertension is defined as blood pressure above the target level
      despite treatment with 3 classes of antihypertensive drugs, including a diuretic.
      A large number of patients meeting the definition of TRH actually have
      'pseudoresistant hypertension': there is either a secondary cause of the
      hypertension, non-adherence, high dietary salt intake, or use of interfering co
      medication or recreational drugs. Treating pseudoresistant hypertension is just
      as challenging as 'true' resistant hypertension since causes of resistance cannot
      always be eliminated and elimination of causes will not necessarily lead to blood
      pressure normalization. It is estimated that only 10% of patients with TRH have
      'true' resistant hypertension. A very small proportion of these patients is
      defined as having 'refractory hypertension' because their blood pressure still
      remains uncontrolled despite extending their medication to five or more agents,
      including an aldosterone receptor blocker. At present, non-pharmacological,
      invasive interventions should be considered only in patients with refractory
      hypertension.

PMID- 27142504
TI  - [A man with a strange mass in his defecation].
AB  - A 56-year-old patient underwent a preventive colonoscopy. We found a large mass
      in his colon with a benign aspect. The 'unroofing' technique was used for further
      diagnosis and we suspected the diagnosis of 'lipoma'. Nine days after the
      colonoscopy, a part of the lipoma was evacuated through the stool.
      Histopathological examination of this tissue confirmed the diagnosis of 'lipoma'.

PMID- 27142505
TI  - [Introduction of PSMA PET requires thorough research].
AB  - (68)Gallium (Ga)-PSMA PET/CT scans have been introduced in clinical practice in
      the Netherlands too. Although there are some indications that this new imaging
      modality for prostate cancer might be superior to other techniques, evidence is
      lacking both for primary diagnosis and in the case of recurrent disease. The
      exact role of the (68)Ga-PSMA PET/CT scan needs to be defined on the basis of
      well-designed studies that also evaluate the impact of earlier diagnosis on the
      outcome for the individual patient. 

PMID- 27142506
TI  - Prevalence of Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Associated Factors in South Koreans:
      The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and
      factors associated with PXS in South Koreans by analyzing data from the Korean
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). METHODS: Using the
      KNHANES database of 2009-2012, 13,223 participants aged 50 years or older were
      included. Participants underwent standardized interviews and systemic and ocular
      examinations. Systemic factors analyzed included age, sex, daily length of sun
      exposure, presence of Raynaud phenomenon or migraine, hypertension, diabetes
      mellitus, body mass index, serum lipid profile, duration and frequency of
      smoking, and alcohol consumption. Evaluated ocular factors were refractive error,
      presence of cataract and glaucoma, intraocular pressure, and peripheral anterior
      chamber depth. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors
      associated with the presence of PXS. RESULTS: PXS was found in 16 participants
      (0.12%). When compared with the non-PXS group, eyes with PXS showed a higher
      prevalence of cataract (p = 0.020). In logistic regression analysis, age (odds
      ratio, OR, 1.04, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.99-1.09; p = 0.016) and the
      presence of cataract (OR 8.17, 95% CI 1.06-62.84; p = 0.044) were associated with
      the presence of PXS. Sun exposure for >=5 hours/day was marginally associated
      with the presence of PXS (OR 2.76, 95% CI 0.96-7.95; p = 0.060). CONCLUSION: The
      prevalence of PXS per 1000 persons was 1.10 in South Koreans aged >=50 years.
      Participants with PXS had a higher prevalence of cataract, were older, and were
      more likely to be exposed to the sun for >=5 hours/day than participants without
      PXS.

PMID- 27142507
TI  - Analytic framework for peptidomics applied to large-scale neuropeptide
      identification.
AB  - Large-scale mass spectrometry-based peptidomics for drug discovery is relatively
      unexplored because of challenges in peptide degradation and identification
      following tissue extraction. Here we present a streamlined analytical pipeline
      for large-scale peptidomics. We developed an optimized sample preparation
      protocol to achieve fast, reproducible and effective extraction of endogenous
      peptides from sub-dissected organs such as the brain, while diminishing
      unspecific protease activity. Each peptidome sample was analysed by high
      resolution tandem mass spectrometry and the resulting data set was integrated
      with publically available databases. We developed and applied an algorithm that
      reduces the peptide complexity for identification of biologically relevant
      peptides. The developed pipeline was applied to rat hypothalamus and identifies
      thousands of neuropeptides and their post-translational modifications, which is
      combined in a resource format for visualization, qualitative and quantitative
      analyses. 

PMID- 27142508
TI  - Rewinding the process of mammalian extinction.
AB  - With only three living individuals left on this planet, the northern white
      rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) could be considered doomed for
      extinction. It might still be possible, however, to rescue the (sub)species by
      combining novel stem cell and assisted reproductive technologies. To discuss the
      various practical options available to us, we convened a multidisciplinary
      meeting under the name "Conservation by Cellular Technologies." The outcome of
      this meeting and the proposed road map that, if successfully implemented, would
      ultimately lead to a self-sustaining population of an extremely endangered
      species are outlined here. The ideas discussed here, while centered on the
      northern white rhinoceros, are equally applicable, after proper adjustments, to
      other mammals on the brink of extinction. Through implementation of these ideas
      we hope to establish the foundation for reversal of some of the effects of what
      has been termed the sixth mass extinction event in the history of Earth, and the
      first anthropogenic one. Zoo Biol. 35:280-292, 2016. (c) 2016 The Authors. Zoo
      Biology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27142509
TI  - Diagnostic dilemma of IgG4-related primary localized cervical lymphadenopathy
      associated with aberrant IL-6 expression level.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently recognized
      inflammatory condition with single- or multi-organ involvement. The disease is
      characterized by tumefactive lesions with dense IgG4 plasmacytic infiltration (an
      elevated IgG4(+)/IgG(+) cell ratio of > 40 %), storiform fibrosis, and
      obliterative phlebitis, with or without elevated serum IgG4 levels. The
      diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD, proposed in 2011, were quite comprehensive and
      practical; however, it is important to remember that other diseases, such as
      hyper-interleukin (IL)-6 syndromes, may have common histopathological findings.
      Therefore, the histopathology of suspected IgG4-RD is occasionally not
      diagnostic. Here, we report a case of IgG4-related primary localized cervical
      lymphadenopathy without any other organ involvement. To our knowledge, there have
      been no previous reports of this. Additionally, the disease was associated with a
      20-fold increase in IL-6 levels compared to that of the normal range. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 52-year-old Japanese man who presented with
      a painless, somewhat diffuse swelling in the left submandibular region. Although
      the case fulfilled diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD, the diagnosis was not
      straightforward due to abnormally high levels of serum IL-6. After systematic
      evaluation of the patient, a final diagnosis of IgG4-RD was established. Since
      then, a specialist in connective tissue disorders has evaluated the patient on a
      regular basis. Two years after his initial visit, no disease progress or systemic
      involvement has been noted. CONCLUSION: We present a case of an IgG4-related
      primary localized cervical lymphadenopathy mimicking hyper-IL-6 syndrome. This
      case can serve as an excellent reminder that the definitive diagnosis of IgG4-RD
      should be established using a systematic approach, in particular when it appears
      as an atypical manifestation.

PMID- 27142510
TI  - [Endo-exo prostheses : Osseointegrated percutaneously channeled implants for
      rehabilitation after limb amputation].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 1999 the first endo-exo femoral prosthesis (EEFP) was implanted in
      Germany in a patient who had suffered a traumatic above-knee amputation. This
      procedure involves a skeletally anchored exoprosthetic device that is inserted
      into the residual femur. The distal part of the implant protrudes
      transcutaneously and allows attachment to a prosthetic limb which provides direct
      force transmission to the external prosthetic components. The technique
      originated from dental implantology and helps to avoid possible problems
      resulting from treatment of amputated limbs using socket prostheses. In the
      meantime, durability times of over 10 years have now helped to invalidate the
      initially well-founded reservations held against the procedure. OBJECTIVE: What
      advantages can be achieved by osseointegrated and percutaneously channeled
      prostheses and which problems had to be overcome for treatment. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Critical evaluation of data from patients operated on in Lubeck, Germany
      from January 2003 to December 2014. RESULTS: With osseointegrated and
      percutaneously channeled prostheses permanent durability times can be achieved.
      Infection-associated soft tissue problems at the site of skin protrusion (stoma)
      can be successfully prevented. The creation of this so-called stoma means
      acceptance of a possible bacterial portal of entry into the body. Patient
      satisfaction has so far been high, postoperative rehabilitation is simplified and
      the technique could possibly lower the costs of medical treatment. CONCLUSION:
      Endo-exo prostheses have proved to be successful for more than 15 years. A
      critical appraisal of the indications as well as a close cooperation between the
      surgeon, orthopedic technician and the associated rehabilitation facilities with
      the patient are the basis for the long-term success of this relatively new
      treatment approach.

PMID- 27142511
TI  - Design of a 300-kV gas environmental transmission electron microscope equipped
      with a cold field emission gun.
AB  - A new in situ environmental transmission electron microscope (ETEM) was developed
      based on a 300 kV TEM with a cold field emission gun (CFEG). Particular caution
      was taken in the ETEM design to assure uncompromised imaging and analytical
      performance of the TEM. Because of the improved pumping system between the gun
      and column, the vacuum of CFEG was largely improved and the probe current was
      sufficiently stabilized to operate without tip flashing for 2-3 h or longer. A
      high brightness of 2.5 * 10(9) A/cm(2) sr was measured at 300 kV, verifying the
      high quality of the CFEG electron beam. A specially designed gas injection
      heating holder was used in the in situ TEM study at elevated temperatures with or
      without gas around the TEM specimen. Using this holder in a 10 Pa gas atmosphere
      and specimen temperatures up to 1000 degrees C, high-resolution ETEM performance
      and analysis were achieved.

PMID- 27142512
TI  - Encapsulation of piceatannol, a naturally occurring hydroxylated analogue of
      resveratrol, by natural and modified cyclodextrins.
AB  - In this work, an in-depth study of the interaction between piceatannol (a type of
      stilbene with high biological activity) and different natural and modified
      cyclodextrins (CDs) is made, using steady state fluorescence. This bioactive
      molecule forms a 1 : 1 complex with all the natural (alpha-CD, beta-CD and gamma
      CD) and modified (HP-beta-CD, HE-beta-CD and M-beta-CD) CDs tested. Among natural
      CDs, the interaction of piceatannol with beta-CD was the most efficient. However,
      the modified CDs showed higher encapsulation constants (KF) than beta-CD, except
      M-beta-CD; the highest KF being found for HP-beta-CD (14 048 +/- 702 M(-1)). The
      encapsulation of piceatannol in the internal cavity of CDs showed a strong
      dependence on pH and temperature. The interaction between HP-beta-CD and
      piceatannol was less effective in the pH region where the stilbene begins to
      suffer the deprotonation of its hydroxyl group. Moreover, the values of KF
      decreased as the system temperature increased. To obtain information on the
      mechanism involved in the piceatannol affinity for CD, the thermodynamic
      parameters of the complexation (DeltaH degrees , DeltaS degrees  and DeltaG
      degrees ) were studied, the results showed a negative entropy (-3.7 +/- 0.2 J
      mol(-1) K(-1)), enthalpy (-24.6 +/- 1.2 kJ mol(-1)) and Gibbs free energy change
      at 25  degrees C (-23.5 +/- 1.2 J mol(-1)). Finally, molecular docking
      calculations provided further insights into how the different interactions
      influence the complexation constant. A high degree of correlation was observed
      between the computed scores and experimental values. 

PMID- 27142513
TI  - Correlation Between Meis1 and Msi1 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Homeobox (HOX) transcription factors are critical regulators of cell
      fate, stem cell functions, and gastrointestinal development. They require three
      amino acid loop extension (TALE) homeodomain proteins such as Meis1 to enhance
      their transcriptional efficiencies. There are complicated associations between
      different signaling pathways such as the Wnt and NOTCH and tumor progression. It
      has been investigated that GSK-3 as an important component of the Wnt pathway
      facilitates the expression of HOX target genes. Therefore, in the present study,
      we assessed the probable correlation between Wnt, NOTCH, and HOX genes in
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression and metastasis through the
      correlational study between the Msi1 as an important activator for both of the
      NOTCH and Wnt pathways and Meis1. METHODS: Levels of Meis1 and Msi1 messenger RNA
      (mRNA) expression in 51 ESCC patients were compared to the normal tissues using
      real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Only 3 out of 51 (5.9 %) cases had
      Meis1/Msi1 overexpression and also 3/51 (5.9 %) cases had Meis1/Msi1
      underexpression. There was a significant correlation between the Msi1 and Mesi1
      mRNA expression (p = 0.037). All of the Msi1/Meis1 underexpressed tumors were
      poorly differentiated (p = 0.003). Meis1 under/Msi1 overexpressed cases also were
      in T3 tumor depth of invasion (p = 0.019). And there was a significant
      correlation between the Msi1/Meis1 underexpression and gender (p = 0.045).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that Meis1 may have a positive feedback with Msi1
      during the ESCC progression.

PMID- 27142514
TI  - An uncommon and insidious presentation of renal cell carcinoma with tumor
      extending into the inferior vena cava and right atrium: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma is a potentially lethal cancer with aggressive
      behavior and it tends to metastasize. Renal cell carcinoma involves the inferior
      vena cava in approximately 15% of cases and it rarely extends into the right
      atrium. A majority of renal cell carcinoma are detected as incidental findings on
      imaging studies obtained for unrelated reasons. At presentation, nearly 25% of
      patients either have distant metastases or significant local-regional disease
      with no symptoms that can be attributed to renal cell carcinoma. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old Indian male with a past history of coronary artery
      bypass graft surgery, congestive heart failure, and diabetes mellitus complained
      of worsening shortness of breath for 2 weeks. Incidentally, a transthoracic
      echocardiography showed a "thumb-like" mass in his right atrium extending into
      his right ventricle through the tricuspid valve with each systole. Abdomen
      magnetic resonance imaging revealed a heterogenous lobulated mass in the upper
      and mid-pole of his right kidney with a tumor extending into his inferior vena
      cava and right atrium, consistent with our diagnosis of advanced renal cell
      carcinoma which was later confirmed by surgical excision and histology. Radical
      right nephrectomy, lymph nodes clearance, inferior vena cava cavatomy, and
      complete tumor thrombectomy were performed successfully. Perioperatively, he did
      not require cardiopulmonary bypass or deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. He had
      no recurrence during the follow-up period for more than 2 years after surgery.
      CONCLUSIONS: Advanced extension of renal cell carcinoma can occur with no
      apparent symptoms and be detected incidentally. In rare circumstances, atypical
      presentation of renal cell carcinoma should be considered in a patient presenting
      with right atrial mass detected by echocardiography. Renal cell carcinoma with
      inferior vena cava and right atrium extension is a complex surgical challenge,
      but excellent results can be obtained with proper patient selection, meticulous
      surgical techniques, and close perioperative patient care.

PMID- 27142515
TI  - Antibacterial and antibiotic-modulation activity of six Cameroonian medicinal
      plants against Gram-negative multi-drug resistant phenotypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacterial Infections involving multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotypes
      constitute a worldwide health concern. The present work was designed to assess
      the antibacterial properties of the methanol extracts of six medicinal plants
      (Anthocleista schweinfurthii, Nauclea latifolia, Boehmeria platyphylla, Caucalis
      melanantha, Erigeron floribundus and Zehneria scobra) and the effects of their
      associations with antibiotics on MDR Gram-negative bacteria over-expressing
      active efflux pumps. METHODS: The antibacterial activities and the ability to
      potentiate antibiotic effects of the methanol extracts the tested plants were
      evaluated in vitro against twenty eight Gram-negative bacteria expressing MDR
      phenotypes, using broth microdilution method. The phytochemical screening of
      these extracts was also performed using standard methods. RESULTS: All tested
      extracts displayed moderate to low antibacterial activity on at least 14.3 % of
      the 28 tested bacteria, with MIC values ranged from 128 to 1024 MUg/mL. The best
      antibacterial spectrum was observed with Naulcea latifolia bark extract. Extracts
      from A. schweinfurthii fruits, N. latifolia stem bark, Z. scobra and N. latifolia
      leaves showed synergistic effects with many antibiotics against MDR bacteria.
      CONCLUSION: The overall results of the present study provide information for the
      possible use of the studied plants, especially Nauclea latifolia in the control
      of Gram-negative bacterial infections including MDR species as antibacterials as
      well as resistance modulators.

PMID- 27142516
TI  - Characteristics and predictors of fatigue among men receiving androgen
      deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: a controlled comparison.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although fatigue is a common problem for men with prostate cancer
      undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), there has been little systematic
      research on this issue. The present study examined changes in fatigue among
      prostate cancer patients receiving ADT compared to controls and predictors of
      heightened fatigue in ADT patients. METHODS: Prostate cancer patients treated
      with ADT (ADT+ group, n = 60) completed assessments of fatigue prior to or just
      after ADT initiation (baseline) and 6 and 12 months later. Prostate cancer
      patients treated with prostatectomy only (ADT- group, n = 85) and men without
      cancer (CA- group, n = 86) matched on age and education completed assessments at
      similar intervals. RESULTS: Group-by-time interactions for fatigue severity,
      interference, and duration were observed when comparing the ADT+ group to the
      controls. Groups did not differ at baseline; however, the ADT+ group reported
      worse fatigue at 6 and 12 months. The same pattern was observed for changes in
      the prevalence of clinically meaningful fatigue and the extent of clinically
      meaningful change in fatigue. Within the ADT+ group, higher baseline comorbidity
      scores were associated with greater increases in fatigue interference, and higher
      baseline Gleason scores were associated with greater increases in fatigue
      duration. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate cancer patients receiving ADT demonstrate a
      trajectory of worsened fatigue during the first 12 months following treatment
      initiation relative to the controls. Greater comorbidities and higher Gleason
      scores at baseline appear to be risk factors for heightened fatigue during the
      first year following ADT initiation. Results highlight important time points for
      implementation of interventions aimed at fatigue reduction.

PMID- 27142517
TI  - Functional histology and possible clinical significance of recently discovered
      telocytes inside the female reproductive system.
AB  - PURPOSE: Key discoveries of recent years comprise detection of telocytes. These
      cells of connective tissue have extremely long cytoplasmic processes through
      which they form functionally connected spatial networks. Through their processes
      they mutually contact and functionally connect also cells of the immune system,
      nerve fibres and smooth muscle cells. They are located in various parts of the
      female reproductive system where they can perform specifically significant
      functions, which are summarized in our literature review. METHODS: Literature
      regarding "telocytes" and "interstitial Cajal-like cells" was reviewed using
      scientific databases PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Knowledge. RESULTS: Among
      other things telocytes regulate peristaltic muscle movements in the uterine
      tubes. Their decreased activity, e.g., in inflammatory diseases or endometriosis,
      causes disorders of a transport function through the uterine tubes resulting in
      infertility or tubal pregnancy. In the uterine myometrium they are, first,
      responsible for regulation of muscle contraction (in expelling menstrual blood or
      in childbirth) and, second, they participate also in immune surveillance during
      embryo implantation. They likely control also uterine involution post partum.
      Their function in the vagina has not been elucidated yet, but probably they
      participate in production of slow contraction waves during sexual intercourse. In
      the mammary gland their function may be to regulate cellular proliferation and
      apoptosis, thus they may play a role also in the development and growth of
      tumours. In the placenta, they may monitor and regulate blood flow through
      chorionic villi and they participate in aetiopathogenesis of preeclampsia.
      CONCLUSION: However, all above-mentioned functions of telocytes are purely
      hypothetic and have been published only recently. Therefore, only further
      research will demonstrate whether this recently discovered cell population will
      really play a key role in all processes mentioned, or whether it is just an
      effort of scientists to clarify unknown cause of some diseases in gynaecology and
      obstetrics. Our literature review is completed by our own original
      photomicrographs documenting telocytes in various organs of the female
      reproductive system.

PMID- 27142518
TI  - Comment on: Hellmund et al. Rupture of renal artery aneurysm during late
      pregnancy: clinical features and diagnosis. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2016;293:505-8.

PMID- 27142519
TI  - Thermal manipulation of the chicken embryo triggers differential gene expression
      in response to a later heat challenge.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meat type chickens have limited capacities to cope with high
      environmental temperatures, this sometimes leading to mortality on farms and
      subsequent economic losses. A strategy to alleviate this problem is to enhance
      adaptive capacities to face heat exposure using thermal manipulation (TM) during
      embryogenesis. This strategy was shown to improve thermotolerance during their
      life span. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of TM (39.5 
      degrees C, 12 h/24 vs 37.8  degrees C from d7 to d16 of embryogenesis) and of a
      subsequent heat challenge (32  degrees C for 5 h) applied on d34 on gene
      expression in the Pectoralis major muscle (PM). A chicken gene expression
      microarray (8 * 60 K) was used to compare muscle gene expression profiles of
      Control (C characterized by relatively high body temperatures, Tb) and TM
      chickens (characterized by a relatively low Tb) reared at 21  degrees C and at 32
      degrees C (CHC and TMHC, respectively) in a dye-swap design with four
      comparisons and 8 broilers per treatment. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR)
      was subsequently performed to validate differential expression in each
      comparison. Gene ontology, clustering and network building strategies were then
      used to identify pathways affected by TM and heat challenge. RESULTS: Among the
      genes differentially expressed (DE) in the PM (1.5 % of total probes), 28 were
      found to be differentially expressed between C and TM, 128 between CHC and C, and
      759 between TMHC and TM. No DE gene was found between TMHC and CHC broilers. The
      majority of DE genes analyzed by RT-qPCR were validated. In the TM/C comparison,
      DE genes were involved in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function, cell
      proliferation, vascularization and muscle growth; when comparing heat-exposed
      chickens to their own controls, TM broilers developed more specific pathways than
      C, especially involving genes related to metabolism, stress response,
      vascularization, anti-apoptotic and epigenetic processes. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      improved the understanding of the long-term effects of TM on PM muscle. TM
      broilers displaying low Tb may have lower metabolic intensity in the muscle,
      resulting in decreased metabolic heat production, whereas modifications in
      vascularization may enhance heat loss. These specific changes could in part
      explain the better adaptation of TM broilers to heat.

PMID- 27142520
TI  - Association between serum selenium level and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a non
      linear dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between serum selenium levels and type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM) is controversial. We performed a systematic review and non-linear
      dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies to investigate the
      association in the present study. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was
      conducted using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. A pooled odds ratio (OR) and
      related 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) for T2DM between the highest and
      lowest serum selenium categories, and a non-linear dose-response relationship
      between selenium and T2DM were estimated. RESULTS: A total of five studies (of
      13,460 participants) were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. The
      pooled OR indicated that there was a significantly higher prevalence of T2DM in
      the highest category of blood selenium compared with the lowest (OR = 1.63, 95 %
      CI: 1.04-2.56, P = 0.033). Moreover, a significant non-linear dose-response
      relationship was observed between serum selenium levels and T2DM (P < 0.001).
      Serum selenium levels were positively associated with T2DM in populations with
      relatively low serum selenium levels (<97.5 MUg/l) and those with high serum
      selenium levels (>132.5 MUg/l). CONCLUSIONS: The positive association between
      serum selenium levels and T2DM existed in populations with relatively low levels
      and high levels of serum selenium, indicating a likely U-shaped non-linear dose
      response relationship between serum selenium and T2DM.

PMID- 27142521
TI  - Reconstruction of Complex Defects of Lower Extremities Using Thinned Free Muscle
      Flaps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bulky appearance is a major shortcoming after surface coverage using
      free muscle flaps. The one-stage thinning procedure at the time of transfer can
      improve the appearance and avoid additional debulking surgery. We present our
      experiences in the reconstruction of complex lower extremity defects using
      thinned free muscle flaps. METHODS: Latissimus dorsi muscle flaps (LDMs) and
      rectus abdominis muscle flaps (RAMs), which have vessel pedicles running deep in
      the muscles, were raised and the superficial tissue layers were removed to thin
      the flaps. These thinned muscle flaps were then used to resurface the wounds on
      lower extremities followed by coverage of skin autografts on the muscle surfaces.
      RESULTS: Fourteen LDMs and four RAMs were thinned used for resurfacing eight,
      five, and three defects on feet, ankles, and pretibial regions, respectively,
      with wounds that ranged from 6 * 4 cm(2) to 23 * 9 cm(2). All muscle flaps
      survived the tangential thinning procedures uneventfully. High take rates were
      observed for most skin grafts, except that a partial skin loss was found in one
      case. During the 1-20 months follow-up, the skin surface contours over the
      thinned muscle flaps matched well with adjacent areas. CONCLUSIONS:
      Intraoperative immediate thinning of LDMs and RAMs can be safely accomplished
      during the primary reconstruction procedure and may provide an alternative for
      coverage of complex lower extremity defects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal
      requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full
      description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table
      of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

PMID- 27142522
TI  - Fluorographene based Ultrasensitive Ammonia Sensor.
AB  - Single molecule detection using graphene can be brought by tuning the
      interactions via specific dopants. Electrostatic interaction between the most
      electronegative element fluorine (F) and hydrogen (H) is one of the strong
      interactions in hydrogen bonding, and here we report the selective binding of
      ammonia/ammonium with F in fluorographene (FG) resulting to a change in the
      impedance of the system. Very low limit of detection value of ~0.44 pM with
      linearity over wide range of concentrations (1 pM-0.1 MUM) is achieved using the
      FG based impedance sensor, andthisscreen printed FG sensor works in both ionized
      (ammonium) and un-ionized ammonia sensing platforms. The interaction energies of
      FG and NH3/NH4(+) are evaluated using density functional theory calculations and
      the interactions are mapped. Here FGs with two different amounts of
      fluorinecontents -~5 atomic% (C39H16F2) and ~24 atomic% (C39H16F12) - are
      theoretically and experimentally studied for selective, high sensitive and ultra
      low level detection of ammonia. Fast responding, high sensitive, large area
      patternable FG based sensor platform demonstrated here can open new avenues for
      the development of point-of-care devices and clinical sensors.

PMID- 27142524
TI  - Executive control of stimulus-driven and goal-directed attention in visual
      working memory.
AB  - We examined the role of executive control in stimulus-driven and goal-directed
      attention in visual working memory using probed recall of a series of objects, a
      task that allows study of the dynamics of storage through analysis of serial
      position data. Experiment 1 examined whether executive control underlies goal
      directed prioritization of certain items within the sequence. Instructing
      participants to prioritize either the first or final item resulted in improved
      recall for these items, and an increase in concurrent task difficulty reduced or
      abolished these gains, consistent with their dependence on executive control.
      Experiment 2 examined whether executive control is also involved in the
      disruption caused by a post-series visual distractor (suffix). A demanding
      concurrent task disrupted memory for all items except the most recent, whereas a
      suffix disrupted only the most recent items. There was no interaction when
      concurrent load and suffix were combined, suggesting that deploying selective
      attention to ignore the distractor did not draw upon executive resources. A final
      experiment replicated the independent interfering effects of suffix and
      concurrent load while ruling out possible artifacts. We discuss the results in
      terms of a domain-general episodic buffer in which information is retained in a
      transient, limited capacity privileged state, influenced by both stimulus-driven
      and goal-directed processes. The privileged state contains the most recent
      environmental input together with goal-relevant representations being actively
      maintained using executive resources.

PMID- 27142523
TI  - Spatial clustering and its effect on perceived clustering, numerosity, and
      dispersion.
AB  - Human observers are able to estimate the numerosity of large sets of visual
      elements. The occupancy model of perceived numerosity in intermediate numerical
      ranges is based on overlapping regions of influence. The key idea is that items
      within a certain range count for less than their actual numerical value and more
      so the closer they are to their neighbours. Therefore occupancy is sensitive to
      the grouping of elements, but there are other spatial properties of 
      configurations that could also influence perceived numerosity, such as: area of
      convex hull, occupancy area, total degree of connectivity, and local clustering
      For all indices apart from convex hull, we varied the radius of the area that
      defined neighbours. We tested perceived numerosity using a fixed number of
      elements placed at random within a circular region. Observers compared two
      patterns (presented in two intervals) and chose the one that appeared more
      numerous. The same observers performed two other separate tasks in which they
      judged which pattern appeared more dispersed or more clustered. In each pair of
      images, the number was always the same (22, 28, 34, or 40 items), because we were
      interested in which "appeared" more numerous on the basis of spatial
      configuration. The results suggest that estimates of numerosity, dispersion, and
      clustering are based on different spatial information, that there are alternative
      approaches to quantifying clustering, and that in all cases clustering is linked
      to a decrease in perceived numerosity. The alternative measures have different
      properties and different practical and computational advantages.

PMID- 27142525
TI  - Oxidative stress disassembles the p38/NPM/PP2A complex, which leads to modulation
      of nucleophosmin-mediated signaling to DNA damage response.
AB  - Oxidative stress is a leading cause of endothelial dysfunction. The p38 MAPK
      pathway plays a determinant role in allowing cells to cope with oxidative stress
      and is tightly regulated by a balanced interaction between p38 protein and its
      interacting partners. By using a proteomic approach, we identified nucleophosmin
      (NPM) as a new partner of p38 in HUVECs. Coimmunoprecipitation and microscopic
      analyses confirmed the existence of a cytosolic nucleophosmin (NPM)/p38
      interaction in basal condition. Oxidative stress, which was generated by exposure
      to 500 uM H2O2, induces a rapid dephosphorylation of NPM at T199 that depends on
      phosphatase PP2A, another partner of the NPM/p38 complex. Blocking PP2A activity
      leads to accumulation of NPM-pT199 and to an increased association of NPM with
      p38. Concomitantly to its dephosphorylation, oxidative stress promotes
      translocation of NPM to the nucleus to affect the DNA damage response.
      Dephosphorylated NPM impairs the signaling of oxidative stress-induced DNA damage
      via inhibition of the phosphorylation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and DNA
      dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit. Overall, these results suggest that
      the p38/NPM/PP2A complex acts as a dynamic sensor, allowing endothelial cells to
      react rapidly to acute oxidative stress.-Guillonneau, M., Paris, F., Dutoit, S.,
      Estephan, H., Beneteau, E., Huot, J., Corre, I. Oxidative stress disassembles the
      p38/NPM/PP2A complex, which leads to modulation of nucleophosmin-mediated
      signaling to DNA damage response.

PMID- 27142526
TI  - Switchable [3+2] and [4+2] Heteroannulation of Primary Propargylamines with
      Isonitriles to Imidazoles and 1,6-Dihydropyrimidines: Catalyst Loading Enabled
      Reaction Divergence.
AB  - Isonitrile 1 due to its carbene-like reactivity serves generally as a one-carbon
      synthon in a diverse set of organic transformations. We report in this article
      that the isocyano group can also act as a polarized triple bond to undergo, as a
      two-atom synthon, heteroannulation with primary propargylamines 15. In addition,
      we serendipitously discovered that the reaction pathways can be modulated by
      simply changing the catalyst loading. In the presence of 0.1 equiv of Yb(OTf)3 or
      TfOH, the reaction between 1 and 15 afforded exclusively imidazoles 16 by a
      formal [3+2] cycloaddition. At a higher catalyst loading (Yb(OTf)3 (0.4 equiv) or
      TfOH (0.5 equiv)) under otherwise identical conditions, the same reaction
      furnished 1,6-dihydropyrimidines 17 in good to excellent yields by way of a
      formal [4+2] cycloaddition process. Mechanistic investigations indicated that
      both annulations went through an amidine intermediate resulting from the
      insertion of the isocyano group to the NH bond of the primary amine. Subsequent
      catalyst-loading-dependent 5-exo-dig or 6-endo-dig cyclization provided
      selectively the two heterocycles, respectively.

PMID- 27142527
TI  - Homogeneously enhancing breast lesions on contrast enhanced US: differential
      diagnosis by conventional and contrast enhanced US findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clarify the details of homogeneously enhancing lesions on contrast
      enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and also to elucidate whether their differential
      diagnosis is possible. METHODS: Seventy-three homogeneously enhancing lesions on
      CEUS were retrospectively selected. Two radiologists first assessed conventional
      US findings alone in consensus to differentiate malignant vs. benign lesions.
      Then, qualitative and quantitative CEUS findings were analyzed to determine the
      useful findings for the differential diagnosis. Determined CEUS findings were
      applied to the indeterminate lesions based on conventional US findings to see
      whether CEUS can improve the diagnostic performance. RESULTS: There were 42
      cancers (58 %) out of 73. Sensitivity and specificity using conventional US
      findings alone were 91 and 55 %, respectively. Among the CEUS findings tested,
      multivariate analysis revealed only the type 3 enhancement pattern, which
      indicates a larger enhancing area than the precontrast hypoechoic lesion, was
      related to malignancy (p < 0.05). By adding this information, however, no
      improvement was achieved in the diagnostic performance as determined by
      conventional US findings. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the homogeneously
      enhancing lesions on CEUS are malignant, and differentiation of malignant from
      benign lesions may be possible, at least to some extent, by meticulous assessment
      of the conventional US rather than CEUS findings.

PMID- 27142528
TI  - Urban water - a new frontier in isotope hydrology.
AB  - Isotope hydrology has focused largely on landscapes away from densely inhabited
      regions. In coming decades, it will become increasingly more important to focus
      on water supplies and dynamics within urban systems. Stable isotope analyses
      provide important information to water managers within large cities, particularly
      in arid regions where evaporative histories of water sources, vulnerabilities,
      and reliabilities of the water supplies can be major issues. Here the spatial and
      vertical understanding of water supporting urban systems that comes from stable
      isotope analyses can serve as a useful management tool. We explore this research
      frontier using the coupled natural-human landscape of the Salt Lake Valley, USA,
      with its greater than one million inhabitants. We first provide data on the
      stable isotope ratios of the hydrologic system's primary components:
      precipitation, incoming surface waters, and terminus waters in this closed basin.
      We then explore the spatial and temporal patterns of drinking waters within the
      urban landscape and the new opportunities to better link isotope ratio data with
      short- and long-term management interests of water managers. 

PMID- 27142529
TI  - Effect of diabetes on caregiver burden in an observational study of individuals
      with Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The burden on caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is
      associated with the patient's functional status and may also be influenced by
      chronic comorbid medical conditions, such as diabetes. This post-hoc exploratory
      analysis assessed whether comorbid diabetes in patients with AD affects caregiver
      burden, and whether caregivers with diabetes experience greater burden than
      caregivers without diabetes. Caregiver and patient healthcare resource use (HCRU)
      were also assessed. METHODS: Baseline data from the GERAS observational study of
      patients with AD and their caregivers (both n = 1495) in France, Germany and the
      UK were analyzed. Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview
      (ZBI). Caregiver time on activities of daily living (ADL: basic ADL; instrumental
      ADL, iADL) and supervision (hours/month), and caregiver and patient HCRU
      (outpatient visits, emergency room visits, nights hospitalized) were assessed
      using the Resource Utilization in Dementia instrument for the month before the
      baseline visit. Regression analyses were adjusted for relevant covariates. Time
      on supervision and basic ADL was analyzed using zero-inflated negative binomial
      regression. RESULTS: Caregivers of patients with diabetes (n = 188) were younger
      and more likely to be female (both p < 0.05), compared with caregivers of
      patients without diabetes (n = 1307). Analyses showed caregivers of patients with
      diabetes spent significantly more time on iADL (+16 %; p = 0.03; increases were
      also observed for basic ADL and total caregiver time but did not reach
      statistical significance) and had a trend towards increased ZBI score. Patients
      with diabetes had a 63 % increase in the odds of requiring supervision versus
      those without diabetes (p = 0.01). Caregiver and patient HCRU did not differ
      according to patient diabetes. Caregivers with diabetes (n = 127) did not differ
      from those without diabetes (n = 1367) regarding burden/time, but caregivers with
      diabetes had a 91 % increase in the odds of having outpatient visits (p = 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional analysis found caregiver time on iADL and
      supervision was higher for caregivers of patients with AD and diabetes versus
      without diabetes, while HCRU was unaffected by patient diabetes. Longitudinal
      analyses assessing change in caregiver burden over time by patient diabetes
      status may help clarify the cumulative impact of diabetes and AD dementia on
      caregiver burden.

PMID- 27142530
TI  - Expression of Sp7 in Satb2-induced osteogenic differentiation of mouse bone
      marrow stromal cells is regulated by microRNA-27a.
AB  - Satb2 is a special AT-rich binding transcription factor essential for osteoblast
      differentiation and bone formation. Specific microRNAs (miRNAs) have been
      identified to regulate the complex process of osteogenic differentiation. It
      remains unclear how miRNA expressions is changed in the Satb2-induced osteogenic
      differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). From the miRNA expression
      profile data collected by us from Satb2-induced osteogenic differentiation of
      mouse BMSCs, we found that miR-27a was significantly down-regulated relative to
      non-treated cells 7 days post induction. By in silico analysis, we identified Sp7
      as a miR-27a targeting gene and verified the findings by Western blot analysis,
      qRT-PCR, and luciferase reporter assays. We also analyzed the function of miR-27a
      in osteogenic differentiation by transfection of exogenous miR-27a into BMSCs.
      Overexpression of miR-27a remarkably inhibited the expression of Sp7 and
      attenuated Satb2-induced osteogenic differentiation. Our results suggest that
      expression of Sp7 during the early stage of Satb2-induced osteogenic
      differentiation of BMSCs is regulated by miR-27a. 

PMID- 27142531
TI  - Inhibitory effect of genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells with Apoptin
      on hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor and has become one of the
      most frequent causes of cancer death in the world. The rate of post-operative
      recurrence and metastasis are still high even though after surgical resection. It
      is a difficult problem with extraordinary importance for the clinical treatment.
      So stem cell therapy becomes one of the anti-tumor biotherapy methods which is
      exploring. Due to the feature of homing to tumor site and immunosuppressive,
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capacity of gene treatment to tumor as a
      vehicle. Apoptin derived from chicken anemia virus is one kind of protein with an
      inherent ability to lyse cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.
      Adenovirus (Ad) vectors can be modified to deliver therapeutic genes with the
      advantages of low toxicity and high transfer capacity. Now it has not been
      reported that combining MSCs and Adenovirus with Apoptin are used in HCC
      treatment. This study intends to construct recombinant adenovirus which expresses
      Apoptin and then infects human bone marrow MSCs, and explore the migration of
      MSCs to the hepatoma cells and inhibitory effect of genetically engineered
      mesenchymal stem cells with Apoptin on hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Our
      research successfully established the recombinant Ad which was constructed by Ad
      system, and obtained MSCs which could secrete Apoptin. We found that both the
      modified MSCs with Apoptin and their conditional medium significantly inhibited
      the proliferation of liver cancer cells HepG2, which provided a novel means and
      experimental basis for stem cell treatment for HCC. This study tries to search
      for a stem cell therapy for cancers, which will provide a new approach and
      experimental basis for the clinical treatment of cancer. At the same time, this
      research will also provide experimental basis for a novel in vivo drug delivery
      system through stem cells as vehicle, which will resolve immune rejection induced
      by repeated applications of drug directly delivered by Ad vectors and reduce the
      high cost of a large-scale production and purification of exogenous drugs. 

PMID- 27142532
TI  - Peroxiredoxin 1 induces inflammatory cytokine response and predicts outcome of
      cardiogenic shock patients necessitating extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an
      observational cohort study and translational approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extracellular peroxiredoxin 1 (Prdx1) has been implicated to play a
      pivotal role in regulating inflammation; however, its function in tissue hypoxia
      induced inflammation, such as severe cardiogenic shock patients, has not yet been
      defined. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that Prdx1
      possesses prognostic value and instigates systemic inflammatory response syndrome
      in cardiogenic shock patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
      (ECMO) support. METHODS: We documented the early time course evolution of
      circulatory Prdx1, hypoxic marker carbonic anhydrase IX, inflammatory cytokines
      including IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and danger signaling
      receptors (TLR4 and CD14) in a cohort of cardiogenic shock patients within 1 day
      after ECMO support. In vitro investigations employing cultured murine macrophage
      cell lines and human monocytes were applied to clarify the relationship between
      Prdx1 and inflammatory response. RESULTS: Prdx1 not only peaked earlier than all
      the other cytokines we studied during the initial course, but also predicted a
      worse outcome in patients who had higher initial Prdx1 plasma levels. The Prdx1
      levels in patients positively correlated with hypoxic markers carbonic anhydrase
      IX and lactate, and inflammatory cytokines. In vitro study demonstrated that
      hypoxia/reoxygenation induced Prdx1 release from human monocytes and enhanced the
      responsiveness of the monocytes in Prdx1-induced cytokine secretions.
      Furthermore, functional inhibition by Prdx1 antibody implicated a crucial role of
      Prdx1 in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced IL-6 secretion. CONCLUSIONS: Prdx1 release
      during the early phase of ECMO support in cardiogenic shock patients is
      associated with the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and
      poor clinical outcomes. Thus, circulating Prdx1 provides not only prognostic
      information but may be a promising target against ischemia/reperfusion injury.

PMID- 27142533
TI  - Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training Effects on Glucose Homeostasis, Fitness,
      and Other Major Health Indices: A Review of Current Guidelines.
AB  - The combination of aerobic and resistance training (AER + RES) is recommended by
      almost every major organization to improve health-related risk factors associated
      with sedentary behavior. Since the release of the Physical Activity Guidelines
      for Americans in 2008, several large well-controlled trials and ancillary reports
      have been published that provide further insight into the effects of AER + RES on
      health-related outcomes. The current manuscript examines the literature on the
      effects of AER + RES on major clinical outcomes, including glucose homeostasis,
      cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and muscular strength, as well as other
      important clinical outcomes, including metabolic syndrome, hypertension,
      dyslipidemia, and quality of life. Collectively, research suggests that AER + RES
      and AER or RES alone improves glycemic control and insulin sensitivity compared
      with continued sedentary behavior. Significant changes in CRF are also observed,
      suggesting a reduction in cardiovascular disease-related mortality risk. Reduced
      adiposity, especially abdominal adiposity, and increased strength may also
      interact with CRF to promote additional health benefits associated with AER +
      RES. While findings from our review support current physical activity guidelines,
      a paucity of research limits the generalizability of the results.

PMID- 27142534
TI  - Minimizing Head Acceleration in Soccer: A Review of the Literature.
AB  - Physicians and healthcare professionals are often asked for recommendations on
      how to keep athletes safe during contact sports such as soccer. With an increase
      in concussion awareness and concern about repetitive subconcussion, many parents
      and athletes are interested in mitigating head acceleration in soccer, so we
      conducted a literature review on factors that affect head acceleration in soccer.
      We searched electronic databases and reference lists to find studies using the
      keywords 'soccer' OR 'football' AND 'head acceleration'. Because of a lack of
      current research in soccer heading biomechanics, this review was limited to 18
      original research studies. Low head-neck segment mass predisposes athletes to
      high head acceleration, but head-neck-torso alignment during heading and follow
      through after contact can be used to decrease head acceleration. Additionally,
      improvements in symmetric neck flexor and extensor strength and neuromuscular
      neck stiffness can decrease head acceleration. Head-to-head impacts and
      unanticipated ball contacts result in the highest head acceleration. Ball
      contacts at high velocity may also be dangerous. The risk of concussive impacts
      may be lessened through the use of headgear, but headgear may also cause athletes
      to play more recklessly because they feel a sense of increased security. Young,
      but physically capable, athletes should be taught proper heading technique in a
      controlled setting, using a carefully planned progression of the skill.

PMID- 27142535
TI  - Movement Patterns and Muscular Function Before and After Onset of Sports-Related
      Groin Pain: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sports-related groin pain (SRGP) is a common entity in rotational
      sports such as football, rugby and hockey, accounting for 12-18 % of injuries
      each year, with high recurrence rates and often prolonged time away from sport.
      OBJECTIVE: This systematic review synthesises movement and muscle function
      findings to better understand deficits and guide rehabilitation. STUDY SELECTION:
      Prospective and retrospective cross-sectional studies investigating muscle
      strength, flexibility, cross-sectional area, electromyographic activation onset
      and magnitude in patients with SRGP were included. SEARCH METHODS: Four databases
      (MEDLINE, Web of Knowledge, EBSCOhost and EMBASE) were searched in June 2014.
      Studies were critiqued using a modified version of the Downs and Black Quality
      Index, and a meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Seventeen studies (14 high
      quality, 3 low quality; 8 prospective and 9 retrospective) were identified.
      Prospective findings: moderate evidence indicated decreased hip abduction
      flexibility as a risk factor for SRGP. Limited or very limited evidence suggested
      that decreased hip adduction strength during isokinetic testing at ~119 degrees
      /s was a risk factor for SRGP, but no associations were found at ~30 degrees /s
      or ~210 degrees /s, or with peak torque angle. Decreased hip abductor strength in
      angular velocity in ~30 degrees /s but not in ~119 degrees /s and ~210 degrees /s
      was found as a risk factor for SRGP. No relationships were found with hip
      internal or external rotation range of movement, nor isokinetic knee extension
      strength. Decreased isokinetic knee flexion strength also was a potential risk
      factor for SRGP, at a speed ~60 degrees /s. Retrospective findings: there was
      strong evidence of decreased hip adductor muscle strength during a squeeze test
      at 45 degrees , and decreased total hip external rotation range of movement (sum
      of both legs) being associated with SRGP. There was strong evidence of no
      relationship to abductor muscle strength nor unilateral hip internal and external
      rotation range of movement. Moderate evidence suggested that increased abduction
      flexibility and no change in total hip internal rotation range of movement (sum
      of both legs) were retrospectively associated with SRGP. Limited or very limited
      evidence (significant findings only) indicated decreased hip adductor muscle
      strength during 0 degrees  and 30 degrees  squeeze tests and during an eccentric
      hip adduction test, but a decrease in the isometric adductors-to-abductors
      strength ratio at speed 120 degrees /s; decreased abductors-to-adductors
      activation ratio in the early phase in the moving leg as well as in all three
      phases in the weight-bearing leg during standing hip flexion; and increased hip
      flexors strength during isokinetic and decrease in transversus abdominis muscle
      resting thickness associated with SRGP. CONCLUSIONS: There were a number of
      significant movement and muscle function associations observed in athletes both
      prior to and following the onset of SRGP. The strength of findings was hampered
      by the lack of consistent terminology and diagnostic criteria, with there being
      clear guides for future research. Nonetheless, these findings should be
      considered in rehabilitation and prevention planning.

PMID- 27142537
TI  - Flexible Nonvolatile Polymer Memory Array on Plastic Substrate via Initiated
      Chemical Vapor Deposition.
AB  - Resistive random access memory based on polymer thin films has been developed as
      a promising flexible nonvolatile memory for flexible electronic systems. Memory
      plays an important role in all modern electronic systems for data storage,
      processing, and communication; thus, the development of flexible memory is
      essential for the realization of flexible electronics. However, the existing
      solution-processed, polymer-based RRAMs have exhibited serious drawbacks in terms
      of the uniformity, electrical stability, and long-term stability of the polymer
      thin films. Here, we present poly(1,3,5-trimethyl-1,3,5-trivinyl
      cyclotrisiloxane) (pV3D3)-based RRAM arrays fabricated via the solvent-free
      technique called initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) process for flexible
      memory application. Because of the outstanding chemical stability of pV3D3 films,
      the pV3D3-RRAM arrays can be fabricated by a conventional photolithography
      process. The pV3D3-RRAM on flexible substrates showed unipolar resistive
      switching memory with an on/off ratio of over 10(7), stable retention time for
      10(5) s, excellent cycling endurance over 10(5) cycles, and robust immunity to
      mechanical stress. In addition, pV3D3-RRAMs showed good uniformity in terms of
      device-to-device distribution. The pV3D3-RRAM will pave the way for development
      of next-generation flexible nonvolatile memory devices.

PMID- 27142538
TI  - Molecular biology of mycoplasmas: from the minimum cell concept to the artificial
      cell.
AB  - Mycoplasmas are a large group of bacteria, sorted into different genera in the
      Mollicutes class, whose main characteristic in common, besides the small genome,
      is the absence of cell wall. They are considered cellular and molecular biology
      study models. We present an updated review of the molecular biology of these
      model microorganisms and the development of replicative vectors for the
      transformation of mycoplasmas. Synthetic biology studies inspired by these
      pioneering works became possible and won the attention of the mainstream media.
      For the first time, an artificial genome was synthesized (a minimal genome
      produced from consensus sequences obtained from mycoplasmas). For the first time,
      a functional artificial cell has been constructed by introducing a genome
      completely synthesized within a cell envelope of a mycoplasma obtained by
      transformation techniques. Therefore, this article offers an updated insight to
      the state of the art of these peculiar organisms' molecular biology. 

PMID- 27142536
TI  - Is There a Biomechanical Link Between Patellofemoral Pain and Osteoarthritis? A
      Narrative Review.
AB  - The patellofemoral (PF) joint is the knee compartment most commonly affected by
      osteoarthritis (OA). Even mild PF OA is associated with considerable pain and
      functional limitations. Despite its prevalence and impact, little is understood
      of the etiology or structural and functional features of PF OA. The clinical
      symptoms of PF OA, such as anterior knee pain during stair ambulation and
      squatting, share many similarities with PF pain in adolescents and young adults.
      PF joint OA is most commonly diagnosed in people aged >40 years, many of whom
      report a history of PF pain. As such, there is growing evidence that PF pain and
      PF OA form a continuum of disease. This review explores the possible relationship
      between the presence of PF pain and the development of PF OA. We review the
      evidence for altered neuromotor control and biomechanical factors that may be
      associated with altered PF loading in people with PF pain and PF OA. In doing so,
      we highlight similarities and differences that may evolve along the continuum. By
      improving our understanding of the neuromotor and biomechanical links between PF
      pain and PF OA, we may highlight potential targets for new rehabilitation
      strategies.

PMID- 27142539
TI  - The effect of exotic grass Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D.Webster (Poaceae) in
      the reduction of species richness and change of floristic composition of natural
      regeneration in the Floresta Nacional de Carajas, Brazil.
AB  - The introduction of exotic species is considered as one of the major causes of
      biodiversity loss. The National Forest of Carajas is one of the largest mineral
      provinces in the world. Mining activities caused changes of the natural habitats,
      leaving degraded areas after the mineral exploitation. One of the mining areas
      within FLONA Carajas was used for the extraction of gold. In the process of
      exploitation, a huge depression was formed by the removal of soil which was
      mounded up nearby. To prevent soil erosion of these mounds, an exotic grass,
      Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D.Webster (Poaceae) was planted. The objective of
      this study was to compare the impact of this non-native grass on species richness
      and species composition of the natural regeneration in the degraded areas. Four
      areas were compared, two with and two without presence of U. decumbens. In each
      area, twenty four 1m2/plots were established. Species richness of the
      regeneration areas and population sizes were significantly lower in the plots
      where the exotic grass was present. Our study shows that U. decumbens had a
      negative effect on species richness and population density, and its presence
      changed the species composition and distribution of life forms of the natural
      regeneration. 

PMID- 27142540
TI  - Differential effects in CGRPergic, nitrergic, and VIPergic myenteric innervation
      in diabetic rats supplemented with 2% L-glutamine.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of 2% L-glutamine
      supplementation on myenteric innervation in the ileum of diabetic rats, grouped
      as follows: normoglycemic (N); normoglycemic supplemented with L-glutamine (NG);
      diabetic (D); and diabetic supplemented with L-glutamine (DG). The ileums were
      subjected to immunohistochemical techniques to localize neurons immunoreactive to
      HuC/D protein (HuC/D-IR) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase enzyme (nNOS-IR) and
      to analyze varicosities immunoreactive to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP
      IR) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP-IR). L-Glutamine in the DG group
      (i) prevented the increase in the cell body area of nNOS-IR neurons, (ii)
      prevented the increase in the area of VIP-IR varicosities, (iii) did not prevent
      the loss of HuC/D-IR and nNOS-IR neurons per ganglion, and (iv) reduced the size
      of CGRP-IR varicosities. L-Glutamine in the NG group reduced (i) the number of
      HuC/D-IR and nNOS-IR neurons per ganglion, (ii) the cell body area of nNOS-IR
      neurons, and (iii) the size of VIP-IR and CGRP-IR varicosities. 2% L-glutamine
      supplementation exerted differential neuroprotective effects in experimental
      diabetes neuropathy that depended on the type of neurotransmitter analyzed.
      However, the effects of this dose of L-glutamine on normoglycemic animals
      suggests there are additional actions of this beyond its antioxidant capacity. 

PMID- 27142541
TI  - Transfer cells in trichomatous nectary in Adenocalymma magnificum (Bignoniaceae).
AB  - Transfer cells are specialized cells that play an important role where there are
      high energy costs due to facilitation of transmembrane flow of solutes. This
      study aimed to investigate the ontogenesis, histochemistry and ultrastructure of
      glandular trichomes focusing on stalk cells and their possible transfer function.
      Samples of prophylls of axillary buds, calyces of flowers in anthesis, and flower
      buds in different stages of development were collected, fixed and processed
      according to the common methods of microscopy. The glandular trichomes are
      composed of a secretory head with its cells in columnar format. The stalk is
      formed by two layers of cells, with the upper layer composed of cuboidal cells
      where the wall starts to thicken at the beginning of the pre-secretory phase. The
      secretion is heterogeneous, releasing glucose, other carbohydrates, lipids and
      phenolic compounds, with two types of release - eccrine and granulocrine. These
      trichomes are functionally termed as nectaries. The stalk cells appear as
      transfer cells since they have a thicker anticlinal wall with irregular
      ingrowths. The presence of transfer cells in the nectaries suggests a high
      specialization because it improves transport capacity of nectar and compensation
      in the high energy expenditure for its production and release. 

PMID- 27142543
TI  - Objective measurement of Akodon budini dorsal coloration: methodological
      concerns.
AB  - The role of color in taxonomic and systematic studies of several taxa is central.
      Color data are more valuable if they permit comparisons. We aimed to provide
      pelage objective color measurements of a series of Akodon budini and to use those
      color data to test and to quantitatively analyze the influence of both the
      lighting source and the measuring point, in the determination of pelage color of
      museum skins. We used a spectroradiometer to measure the pelage color at five
      points over the dorsal midline of 54 Akodon budini museum skins. PCAs and ANOVAs
      were conducted over the color data. The characteristics of the studied series
      also allowed us to include and assess the potential effects of some main sources
      of intra-specific variation. Determinations of fur color strongly depend on the
      lighting source, and therefore it is essential that lighting conditions are
      controlled during color measurements and then made explicit when communicating
      the color characterization of particular taxonomic units. Furthermore, color
      determinations strongly depend on the measuring point, even on the same body
      area, and therefore it is critical that the color characterization of a taxon
      includes the variation between different points of the different body parts of
      the studied specimens. 

PMID- 27142542
TI  - Effect of osmopriming on germination and initial growth of Physalis angulata L.
      under salt stress and on expression of associated genes.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the effects of priming on seed germination under
      salt stress and gene expression in seeds and seedlings of P. angulata L. After
      priming for 10 days, seed germination was tested in plastic trays containing 15
      ml of water (0 dS m-1 - control) or 15 ml of NaCl solution (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12,
      14 and 16 dS m-1). Fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots of seedlings were
      evaluated at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 dS m-1. Total RNA was extracted from whole seeds and
      seedlings followed by RT-qPCR. The target genes selected for this study were:
      ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), thioredoxin (TXN),
      high affinity potassium transporter protein 1 (HAK1) and salt overly sensitive 1
      (SOS1). At an electroconductivity of 14 dS m-1 the primed seeds still germinated
      to 72%, in contrast with the non-primed seeds which did not germinate. The
      relative expression of APX was higher in primed seeds and this may have
      contributed to the maintenance of high germination in primed seeds at high salt
      concentrations. GST and TXN displayed increased transcript levels in shoots and
      roots of seedlings from primed seeds. Priming improved seed germination as well
      as salt tolerance and this is correlated with increased expression of APX in
      seeds and SOS1, GST and TXN in seedlings. 

PMID- 27142544
TI  - Detection and quantification of human adenovirus genomes in Acanthamoeba isolated
      from swimming pools.
AB  - Acanthamoeba is the most common free-living environmental amoeba, it may serve as
      an important vehicle for various microorganisms living in the same environment,
      such as viruses, being pathogenic to humans. This study aimed to detect and
      quantify human adenoviruses (HAdV) in Acanthamoebas isolated from water samples
      collected from swimming pools in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Free
      living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba were isolated from water samples, and
      isolates (n=16) were used to investigate the occurrence of HAdVs. HAdV detection
      was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). HAdVs
      were detected in 62.5% (10/16) of Acanthamoeba isolates, ranging from 3.24x103 to
      5.14x105 DNA copies per milliliter of isolate. HAdV viral loads found in this
      study are not negligible, especially because HAdV infections are associated with
      several human diseases, including gastroenteritis, respiratory distress, and
      ocular diseases. These findings reinforce the concept that Acanthamoeba may act
      as a reservoir and promote HAdV transmission through water. 

PMID- 27142545
TI  - A phytosociological analysis and synopsis of the dry woodlands and succulent
      vegetation of the Peruvian Andes.
AB  - A phytosociological approach to dry forest and cactus communities on the
      occidental slopes of the Peruvian Andes is presented in base of 164 plots carried
      out following the Braun-Blanquet method. From them, 52 have been made recently,
      and the other 112 were taken from the literature. After a multivariate analysis,
      using a hierarchical clustering and a detendred correspondence analysis, the
      Acacio-Prosopidetea class (dry forest and cactus communities, developed on soils
      with some edaphic humidity or precipitations derived from El Nino Current), the
      Opuntietea sphaericae class (cactus communities of central and southern Peru, on
      few stabilized rocky or sandy soils) and the Carico-Caesalpinietea class (dry
      forests of the Peruvian coastal desert, influenced by the maritime humidity of
      the cold Humboldt Current), are differentiated. Within the Acacio-Prosopidetea
      class, two alliances are commented: the Bursero-Prosopidion pallidae (with two
      new associations Loxopterygio huasanginis-Neoraimondietum arequipensis and
      Crotono ruiziani-Acacietum macracanthae), and the new alliance Baccharido
      Jacarandion acutifoliae (with the new associations Armatocereo balsasensis
      Cercidietum praecocis and Diplopterydo leiocarpae-Acacietum macracanthae). For
      the Opuntietea sphaericae class, the association Haageocereo versicoloris
      Armatocereetum proceri (Espostoo-Neoraimondion) is described on the basis of
      plots from hyperarid localities of central Peru. Finally, a typological
      classification of the studied plant communities is given. 

PMID- 27142546
TI  - Diversity and associations between Drosophilidae (Diptera) species and
      Basidiomycetes in a Neotropical forest.
AB  - Drosophilidae is one of the most representative families of insects that occurs
      in fungal fruiting bodies of Basidiomycetes; however, the diversity and community
      structure of mycophagous Drosophilidae in the Neotropical region is poorly known.
      The aims of the present study were to describe the diversity of mycophagous
      Drosophilidae and to investigate its colonization of fungal hosts in a forest of
      southern Brazil. From 120 fungal samples (patches of mushrooms) of 17
      Basidiomycetes genera, flies were recorded emerging from 70 samples and collected
      in adult stages of 25 fungal samples, for a total of 4897 drosophilids belonging
      to 31 species and 5 genera. Drosophila Fallen was the most species-rich genus,
      whereas Hirtodrosophila Duda was the dominant genus. Studies performed in the
      Holarctic region indicate that mycophagous drosophilid have generalist habits;
      however, our results showed that most drosophilids use fewer than two fungal
      hosts, and most species of Hirtodrosophila and Leucophenga were restricted to
      abundant fungal species, suggesting a specialization for these resources. The
      most specialized fauna emerged from Auricularia, which was the most frequent
      fungal genus in our collection, and this result supports the assumption that
      specialization depends on the availability of fungal resources over time. 

PMID- 27142547
TI  - Effects of Tityus stigmurus (Thorell 1876) (Scorpiones: Buthidae) venom in
      isolated perfused rat kidneys.
AB  - Scorpions belonging to the Tityus genus are of medical interest in Brazil. Among
      them, Tityus stigmurus is the main scorpion responsible for stings in the
      Northeast region. After a sting, the scorpion venom distributes rapidly to the
      organs, reaching the kidneys quickly. However, there are few studies concerning
      the renal pathophysiology of scorpion poisoning. In this study, we evaluated the
      effects of T. stigmurus venom (TsV) on renal parameters in isolated rat kidneys.
      Wistar rats (n = 6), weighing 250-300 g, were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit
      solution containing 6 g/100 mL bovine serum albumin. TsV at 0.3 and 1.0 MUg/mL
      was tested, and the effects on perfusion pressure (PP), renal vascular resistance
      (RVR), urinary flow (UF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and electrolyte
      excretion were analyzed. Effects were observed only at TsV concentration of 1.0
      MUg/mL, which increased PP (controlPP40' = 92.7 +/- 1.95; TsVPP40' = 182.0 +/-
      4.70* mmHg, *p < 0.05), RVR (controlRVR40' = 3.28 +/- 0.23 mmHg; TstRVR40' = 6.76
      +/- 0.45* mmHg, *p < 0.05), UF (controlUF50' = 0.16 +/- 0.04; TstUF50' = 0.60 +/-
      0.10* mL/g/min,*p < 0.05), GFR and electrolyte excretion, with histological
      changes that indicate renal tubular injury. In conclusion, T. stigmurus venom
      induces a transient increase in PP with tubular injury, both of which lead to an
      augmented electrolyte excretion. 

PMID- 27142548
TI  - Molecular and cytogenetic assessment of Dipterygium glaucum genotoxicity.
AB  - The aim of the present study is to assess the genotoxicity of Dipterygium glaucum
      grows widely in Saudi Arabia desert to produce safety herbal products. This work
      is considered the first and pioneer report so far due to the lack and poor
      evaluated reports of the plant species for their mutagensity, genotoxicity and
      cytogenetics effects. Cytogenetic effects of D. glaucum on mitotic in roots of
      Vicia faba showed reduction in mitotic activity using three extracts; water,
      ethanol and ethyl acetate. Chromosomal abnormalities were recorded that included
      stickiness of chromosomes, chromatin bridge, fragments, lagging chromosome and
      micronuclei. Protein bands and RAPD analyses of V. faba treated with three D.
      glaucum extracts revealed some newly induced proteins and DNA fragments and other
      disappeared. Chemical constitution of the plant species should be identified with
      their biological activities against human and animal cells like HeLa cancer cell
      line. We are recommending using additional genotoxicity tests and other toxicity
      tests on animal culture with different concentrations and also utilizing several
      drought and heat tolerant genes of the plant species in gene cloning to develop
      and improve other economical crop plants instead of using the species as oral
      herbal remedy. 

PMID- 27142549
TI  - Geographic variation in skull shape of the water rat Scapteromys tumidus
      (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae): isolation-by-distance plus environmental and
      geographic barrier effects?
AB  - The geographic variation in skull size and shape of the swamp rat Scapteromys
      tumidus was examined in samples from eight geographic clusters in almost of its
      distribution in southern Brazil and Uruguay. For analysis we used two-dimensional
      geometric morphometric methods for dorsal, ventral and lateral views of the
      skull. The geometric descriptors showed no significant differences in skull size
      between geographic clusters, while differences in shape were highly significant.
      We found a significant and moderate correlation between geographic and
      morphological distances, corroborating the isolation-by-distance model. Samples
      from the Rio Grande do Sul central coastal plain were the most differentiated,
      segregating completely from all other samples in canonical variate analysis for
      the dorsal view. The most visible variable regions in skull were the zygomatic
      arch (mainly the squamosal root of zygomatic) and the lateral braincase borders.
      Once correlation between geographic and morphological distances were not strong,
      it is possible that other factors (environmental heterogeneity and/or geographic
      barriers) may are acting in S. tumidus skull differentiation. 

PMID- 27142550
TI  - Production, purification and characterization of an exo-polygalacturonase from
      Penicillium janthinellum sw09.
AB  - A soil isolate, Penicillium janthinellum sw09 has been found to produce
      significant amounts of an extracellular pectinase subsequently characterized as
      exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG). By optimizing growth conditions, P. janthinellum
      sw09 produced high amount of exo-PG (16.54 units/mL). The crude enzyme was
      purified by gel filtration chromatography and two exo-PG activity peaks
      (designated as PGI and PGII) were revealed. On SDS-PAGE analysis, purified PGII
      using DEAE-Sepharose FF column, was found to be a single band with a molecular
      mass of 66.2 kDa. The purified PGII exhibited maximal activity at the temperature
      of 45 oC and pH 5.0. The stability profiles show that PGII is more stable in the
      pH range of 4.0-8.0 and below 60 oC. The Km and Vmax for the enzyme was 1.74
      mg/mL and 18.08 MUmol/ (mL*min), respectively. Due to this enzymatic
      characterization, this pectinase is an attractive candidate for applications in
      degradation of pectin. 

PMID- 27142551
TI  - Flood regime and water table determines tree distribution in a forest-savanna
      gradient in the Brazilian Pantanal.
AB  - This study aimed to recognized the preferential location of species of the tree
      sinusiae in response to a moisture gradient in Pantanal Matogrossense, Brazil. We
      established sampling plots of arboreal sinusiae along a soil moisture and flood
      gradient. Piezometers were installed, allowing monthly measurements of water
      table depth and flood height during one year. Detrended Correspondence Analysis,
      Gradient Direct Analysis, Multi-response Permutation Procedures and Indicator
      Species Analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of moisture gradient on
      tree distribution. The annual variation of water table is shallower and similar
      in Seasonally Flooded Forest and Termite Savanna, with increasing depths in Open
      Savanna, Savanna Forest and Dry Forest. Circa 64% of the species were
      characterized as having a preferential location in "terrestrial habitats normally
      not subjected to inundation", while 8% preferentially occur in "wet habitats".
      Lowest tree richness in flood-affected vegetation types is related to both
      present-day high climatic seasonality and Late Pleistocene dry paleoclimates in
      the Pantanal wetland. The tree distribution across different formations in the
      Pantanal shows a direct relationship with soil moisture gradient. 

PMID- 27142552
TI  - Occurrence of annual growth rings in Rhizophora mangle in a region with low
      climate seasonality.
AB  - The formation of annual growth rings has been confirmed for several mangrove
      species in the last decade, among which is the Rhizophora mangle. However, the
      record of annual rings for this species was made in a region with high hydric
      seasonality, a widely recognized induction factor of annual rings in tropical
      species. In this sense, the present study aimed to verify the occurrence of
      annual growth rings in R. mangle in the mangroves of Guaratiba (Rio de Janeiro,
      Southeastern Brazil), a region with low hydric seasonality. For this purpose, the
      crossdating technique was applied in ten trees collected with known age (seven
      years). The growth rings are characterized by alternating layers of low vessel
      density (earlywood) and high vessel density (latewood). Multiple regression
      analysis indicated that growth rings width variation is driven by precipitation,
      water surplus, water deficit and water storage. Crossdating analysis confirmed
      the existence of annual growth rings in the R. mangle in Guaratiba. This
      discovery in a region with low hydric seasonality increases the
      dendrocronological potential of this species and suggests the importance of
      biological factors (eg. phenological behavior) as complementary inductors for the
      formation of growth rings in this species. 

PMID- 27142553
TI  - Lizard assemblage from a sand dune habitat from southeastern Brazil: a niche
      overlap analysis.
AB  - Communities are structured by interactions of historical and ecological factors,
      which influence the use of different resources in time and space. We acquired
      data on time of activity, microhabitat use and diet of a lizard assemblage from a
      sand dune habitat in a coastal area, southeastern Brazil (Restinga de
      Jurubatiba). We analyzed the data of niche overlap among species in these three
      axes (temporal, spatial and trophic) using null models. We found a significant
      overlap within the trophic niche, whereas the overlap for the other axes did not
      differ from the expected. Based on this result, we discuss the factors acting on
      the structure of the local lizard community. 

PMID- 27142554
TI  - Chlorophyll fluorescence varies more across seasons than leaf water potential in
      drought-prone plants.
AB  - Among the effects of environmental change, the intensification of drought events
      is noteworthy, and tropical vegetation is predicted to be highly vulnerable to
      it. However, it is not clear how tropical plants in drought-prone habitats will
      respond to this change. In a coastal sandy plain environment, we evaluated the
      response of six plant species to water deficits across seasons, the relationship
      between their morpho-physiological traits, and which traits would be the best
      descriptors of plants' response to drought. Regardless of leaf succulence and
      phenology, responses between seasons were most strongly related to chlorophyll
      fluorescence. In this study we have demonstrated that a better comprehension of
      how tropical species from drought-prone habitats cope with changes in water
      availability can be based on seasonal variation in leaf water potential and
      chlorophyll fluorescence. Temporal variation in leaf water potential and
      chlorophyll fluorescence was found useful for differentiating between groups of
      sandy soil species that are responsive or unresponsive to water availability.
      However, chlorophyll fluorescence appeared to be a more sensitive descriptor of
      their seasonal and short-term responses. 

PMID- 27142556
TI  - Carbon Nanotubes in Biomedical Applications: Factors, Mechanisms, and Remedies of
      Toxicity.
AB  - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) represent one of the most studied allotropes of carbon.
      The unique physicochemical properties of CNTs make them among prime candidates
      for numerous applications in biomedical fields including drug delivery, gene
      therapy, biosensors, and tissue engineering applications. However, toxicity of
      CNTs has been a major concern for their use in biomedical applications. In this
      review, we present an overview of carbon nanotubes in biomedical applications; we
      particularly focus on various factors and mechanisms affecting their toxicity. We
      have discussed various parameters including the size, length, agglomeration, and
      impurities of CNTs that may cause oxidative stress, which is often the main
      mechanism of CNTs' toxicity. Other toxic pathways are also examined, and possible
      ways to overcome these challenges have been discussed.

PMID- 27142557
TI  - Seven procedures account for 80% of emergency general surgery operations, deaths,
      and complications, US study finds.

PMID- 27142558
TI  - Impact of communication between physicians and dentists on the incidence of jaw
      osteonecrosis caused by bone anti-resorptives.

PMID- 27142559
TI  - Narrative and quantitative analyses of workers' compensation-covered injuries in
      short-haul vs. long-haul trucking.
AB  - Trucking remains one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. Study aims were
      to (1) identify differences in worker injury types; (2) describer typical injury
      scenarios; and (3) recommend injury control measures, in short-haul vs. long-haul
      trucking. Narrative text analyses of Kentucky short-haul and long-haul trucking
      workers' compensation first reports of injury were performed. A higher percentage
      of lifting and cranking injuries were identified in short-haul trucking compared
      with long-haul trucking that had a higher percentage of
      securing/opening/closing/adjusting injuries that involved tarping, trailer door
      handling, and cab slippage. In contrast, a higher proportion of short-haul
      trucking injury scenarios involved roadway departures and rear-end collisions.
      Study findings can be used to inform intrastate vs. interstate trucking injury
      prevention control strategies such as an enhanced driver safety training and safe
      freight handling in short-haul trucking, and tarping, trailer safety, and cab
      safety in long-haul trucking.

PMID- 27142560
TI  - Added effects of dexamethasone and mesenchymal stem cells on early Natural Killer
      cell activation.
AB  - Graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease are leading causes of transplant
      related mortality despite advancements in immunosuppressive therapy. Mesenchymal
      stem cells (MSCs) offer a promising addition to immunosuppressive drugs (ISD),
      while NK-cells are increasingly used as effector cells in graft-versus-leukemia.
      Combined therapy of ISD, NK-cells and/or MSCs is used in clinical practice. Here,
      we examined the effects of MSCs and selected ISD (tacrolimus, cyclosporin A,
      mycophenolic acid, dexamethasone) treatment on early NK-cell activation. We
      assessed STAT4 and STAT5 phosphorylation triggered by IL-12 and IL-2,
      respectively. Furthermore, we determined IFNgamma, perforin production and the
      expression pattern of selected NK-cell receptors. Of all drugs tested, only
      dexamethasone inhibited NK-cell STAT4 and STAT5 phosphorylation. All ISD, with
      the exception of MPA, significantly inhibited IFNgamma, and only dexamethasone
      inhibited upregulation of early activation markers CD69 and CD25 (IL-2 condition
      only). MSCs inhibited IL-2 induced NK cell STAT5 phosphorylation, IFNgamma
      production and CD69 upregulation, and IL-12 induced IFNgamma and perforin
      production. While MSCs mediated inhibition of CD69 expression was cell contact
      dependent, inhibition of IFNgamma and perforin production, as well as STAT5
      phosphorylation was cell-contact independent. Importantly, dexamethasone
      augmented MSCs mediated inhibition of both IL-12 and IL-2 induced CD69 expression
      and IFNgamma production, as well as IL-2 induced STAT5 phosphorylation. Taken
      together, these novel insights may help the design of future NK-cell and MSCs
      based immunotherapy.

PMID- 27142561
TI  - [Invasive yeast diseases in solid organ transplant recipients].
AB  - Invasive yeast diseases are uncommon nowadays in solid organ transplant
      recipients. Invasive candidiasis (2%) usually presents during the first month
      after transplantation in patients with risk factors. Both common and transplant
      specific risk factors have been identified, allowing very efficacious targeted
      prophylaxis strategies. The most common clinical presentations are fungaemia and
      local infections near the transplantation area. Cryptococcosis is usually a late
      infection. Its incidence remains stable and the specific risk factors have not
      been identified. When cryptococcosis is detected very early, transmission with
      the allograft should be considered. The most common clinical presentations
      include meningitis, pneumonia, and disseminated infection. Intracranial
      hypertension and immune reconstitution syndrome have to be considered. No
      therapeutic clinical trials have been conducted in solid organ transplant
      recipients, thus treatment recommendations are derived from data obtained from
      the general population. It is particularly important to consider the possibility
      of drug-drug interactions, mainly between azoles and calcineurin inhibitors. Both
      invasive candidiasis and cryptococcosis increase the mortality significantly in
      solid organ transplant recipients. 

PMID- 27142562
TI  - Is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease driving the increased incidence of liver
      cancer?

PMID- 27142564
TI  - Epigenetics: A New Model for Intracellular Parasite-Host Cell Regulation.
AB  - Intracellular protozoan parasites are an extremely important class of pathogens
      that cause a spectrum of diseases in human and animal hosts. There is a growing
      body of evidence suggesting that protozoan parasites, like other prokaryotic and
      viral pathogens, manipulate host cells via epigenetic modifications of the host
      genome that alter transcription and corresponding signaling pathways. In light of
      these data, we examine the role of epigenetics in downregulation of host
      macrophages by Leishmania that could potentially lead to a permanent state of
      inactivation, thus favoring pathogen survival and disease progression.

PMID- 27142563
TI  - Tubulointerstitial nephritis and Fanconi syndrome in a patient with primary
      Sjogren's syndrome accompanied by antimitochondrial antibodies: A case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - We describe a 53-year-old woman with primary Sjogren's syndrome and
      tubulointerstitial nephritis showing distal renal tubular acidosis and Fanconi
      syndrome. The patient showed high serum IgM levels and positivity for
      antimitochondrial antibodies, although her liver function was in normal range.
      According to our literature review, 75% of patients with tubulointerstitial
      nephritis who were positive for antimitochondrial antibodies showed Fanconi
      syndrome, suggesting that these antibodies may directly be associated with the
      pathophysiology of Fanconi syndrome.

PMID- 27142565
TI  - Genomics of Entomopathogenic Nematodes and Implications for Pest Control.
AB  - Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have been used in biological control but
      improvement is needed to realize their full potential for broader application in
      agriculture. Some improvements have been gained through selective breeding and
      the isolation of additional species and populations. Having genomic sequences for
      at least six EPNs opens the possibility of genetic improvement, either by
      facilitating the selection of candidate genes for hypothesis-driven studies of
      gene-trait relations or by genomics-assisted breeding for desirable traits.
      However, the genomic data will be of limited use without a more mechanistic
      understanding of the genes underlying traits that are important for biological
      control. Additionally, molecular tools are required to fully translate the
      genomic resources into further functional studies and better biological control.

PMID- 27142566
TI  - NH-Heterocyclic Aryliodonium Salts and their Selective Conversion into N1-Aryl-5
      iodoimidazoles.
AB  - The synthesis of N-arylimidazoles substituted at the sterically encumbered 5
      position is a challenge for modern synthetic approaches. A new family of
      imidazolyl aryliodonium salts is reported, which serve as a stepping stone on the
      way to selective formation of N1-aryl-5-iodoimidazoles. Iodine acts as a
      "universal" placeholder poised for replacement by aryl substituents. These new
      lambda(3) -iodanes are produced by treating the NH-imidazole with ArI(OAc)2 , and
      are converted to N1-aryl-5-iodoimidazoles by a selective copper-catalyzed aryl
      migration. The method tolerates a variety of aryl fragments and is also
      applicable to substituted imidazoles.

PMID- 27142567
TI  - Impact of pre-hospital electrocardiograms on time to treatment and one year
      outcome in a rural regional ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction network.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pre-hospital electrocardiograms (ECGs) are believed to reduce time to
      reperfusion in ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients.
      Little is known of their impact on clinical outcomes in a rural setting.
      Geisinger regional STEMI network provides percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) care to over a 100-mile radius in rural central Pennsylvania. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis identified 280 consecutive STEMI patients treated with PCI
      between 1/1/09 and 8/31/11. Comparison between two STEMI groups was performed:
      205 patients who were taken by the emergency medical system (EMS) to the nearest
      hospital (a non-PCI center), underwent an ECG revealing a STEMI, and were
      transported immediately to Geisinger Medical Center (GMC) for PCI (transfer
      group) versus 75 patients in whom a pre-hospital ECG was obtained and who were
      transported by EMS directly to Geisinger for PCI, bypassing the nearest hospital
      that did not perform PCI (the pre-hospital ECG group). RESULTS: Analysis of
      baseline characteristics revealed that the pre-hospital ECG cohort was older (65
      vs. 60 years); had a higher percentage of previous myocardial infarctions (MI)
      (28% vs. 15%), heart failure (11% vs. 4%), and prior PCI (23% vs. 13%; p < 0.05
      all comparisons). Median time from EMS contact to pre-hospital ECG in the pre
      hospital ECG group was 5 minutes; from pre-hospital ECG to the GMC ED was 34
      minutes. Median time from first medical contact (EMS contact) to reperfusion
      (device activation) was 79 versus 157 minutes (P < 0.001), respectively in pre
      hospital ECG vs. transfer groups. Mortality in the two groups at 1 year was 4.1%
      in the pre-hospital ECG group versus 8.3% in the transfer group (P-value = 0.34).
      After adjusting for the difference in age between the two groups, the 62%
      reduction in 1 year mortality associated with having obtained a pre-hospital ECG
      was still not statistically significant (P-value = 0.19). CONCLUSION: In a rural
      regional STEMI network, pre-hospital ECGs decreased time from first medical
      contact to reperfusion by 50% and were associated with an excellent clinical
      outcome at 1 year. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27142568
TI  - Lymphatic Vessels in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering.
AB  - The lymphatic system is involved in maintaining interstitial fluid homeostasis,
      fat absorption, and immune surveillance. Dysfunction of lymphatic fluid uptake
      can lead to lymphedema. Worldwide up to 250 million people are estimated to
      suffer from this disfiguring and disabling disease, which places a strain on the
      healthcare system as well as on the affected patients. The severity of lymphatic
      diseases calls for the establishment of new treatment methods. One approach is to
      replace dysfunctional lymphatic vessels with bioengineered ones. In this study,
      we mainly focus on hydrogels, scaffolds with cellular constructs, interstitial
      flow, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy. This review provides an overview on
      the current status of lymphatic biology and approaches of reconstruction and
      regeneration of lymphatic vascular tissues.

PMID- 27142569
TI  - Effect of meal frequency on glucose and insulin levels in women with polycystic
      ovary syndrome: a randomised trial.

PMID- 27142570
TI  - Development of trackable metal-based drugs: new generation of therapeutic agents.
AB  - In medicinal chemistry, the aim is not only to conceive ever more efficient
      molecules, but also to understand their mechanism of action. In very recent
      years, a new promising strategy was developed to tackle this issue: the
      conception of trackable therapeutic agents. Metal-based drugs are ideal to
      exploit this expanding area of research. 

PMID- 27142571
TI  - Superior thermal conductivity in suspended bilayer hexagonal boron nitride.
AB  - We reported the basal-plane thermal conductivity in exfoliated bilayer hexagonal
      boron nitride h-BN that was measured using suspended prepatterned
      microstructures. The h-BN sample suitable for thermal measurements was fabricated
      by dry-transfer method, whose sample quality, due to less polymer residues on
      surfaces, is believed to be superior to that of PMMA-mediated samples. The
      measured room temperature thermal conductivity is around 484 Wm(-1)K(-1)(+141 Wm(
      1)K(-1)/ -24 Wm(-1)K(-1)) which exceeds that in bulk h-BN, providing experimental
      observation of the thickness-dependent thermal conductivity in suspended few
      layer h-BN.

PMID- 27142572
TI  - Decreased Cell Wall Galactosaminogalactan in Aspergillus nidulans Mediates
      Dysregulated Inflammation in the Chronic Granulomatous Disease Host.
AB  - Invasive aspergillosis is a major threat to patients suffering from impaired
      neutrophil function, with Aspergillus fumigatus being the most common species
      causing this life-threatening condition. Patients with chronic granulomatous
      disease (CGD) not only develop infections with A. fumigatus, but also exhibit a
      unique susceptibility to infection with the normally nonpathogenic species
      Aspergillus nidulans. In this study, we compared the inflammatory cytokine
      response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy and CGD
      patients to these two fungal species. CGD patients displayed evidence for a
      chronic hyperinflammatory state as indicated by elevated plasma IL-1beta and TNF
      alpha levels. PBMCs isolated from CGD patients secreted higher levels of IL-1beta
      and TNF-alpha in response to A. nidulans as compared with A. fumigatus. The
      presence or absence of melanin in the cell wall of A. nidulans did not alter the
      cytokine release by healthy or CGD PBMCs. In contrast, A. fumigatus mutants
      lacking melanin stimulated higher levels of proinflammatory cytokine release from
      healthy, but not CGD PBMCs. Purified cell wall polysaccharides of A. nidulans
      induced a much higher level of IL-1beta secretion by CGD PBMCs than did cell wall
      polysaccharides isolated from A. fumigatus. Using modified A. nidulans strains
      overexpressing galactosaminogalactan, we were able to show that the increased
      secretion of inflammatory cytokines by CGD PBMCs in response to A. nidulans are a
      consequence of low levels of cell wall-associated galactosaminogalactan in this
      species.

PMID- 27142574
TI  - Development of Quantitative Real-time PCR Assays for Different Clades of
      "Candidatus Accumulibacter".
AB  - We designed novel quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) primers
      for the polyphosphate kinase 1 (ppk1) gene, targeting eight individual
      "Candidatus Accumulibacter" (referred to as Accumulibacter) clades. An evaluation
      of primer sets was conducted regarding the coverage, specificity, and PCR
      efficiency. (i) All primer sets were designed to cover all available sequences of
      the target clade. (ii) The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences retrieved from
      the qPCR products by each primer set demonstrated a high level of specificity.
      (iii) All calibration curves presented high PCR efficiencies in the range of 85
      112% (R(2) = 0.962-0.998). In addition, the possible interference of non-target
      amplicons was individually examined using the qPCR assay for 13 Accumulibacter
      clades, which were either undetected or showed negligible detection. With the
      primers designed by other research groups, a highly selective and sensitive qPCR
      based method was developed to quantify all Accumulibacter clades, with the
      exception of Clade IE, in one assay, which enables more comprehensive insights
      into the community dynamics. The applicability to environmental samples was
      demonstrated by profiling the Accumulibacter clades in activated sludge samples
      of nine full-scale wastewater treatment plants.

PMID- 27142573
TI  - Tissue factor is induced by interleukin-33 in human endothelial cells: a new link
      between coagulation and inflammation.
AB  - Tissue factor (TF) is the primary trigger of coagulation. Elevated levels of TF
      are found in atherosclerotic plaques, and TF leads to thrombus formation when
      released upon plaque rupture. Interleukin (IL)-33 was previously shown to induce
      angiogenesis and inflammatory activation of endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we
      investigated the impact of IL-33 on TF in human ECs, as a possible new link
      between inflammation and coagulation. IL-33 induced TF mRNA and protein in human
      umbilical vein ECs and coronary artery ECs. IL-33-induced TF expression was ST2-
      and NF-kappaB-dependent, but IL-1-independent. IL-33 also increased cell surface
      TF activity in ECs and TF activity in ECs-derived microparticles. IL-33-treated
      ECs reduced coagulation time of whole blood and plasma but not of factor VII
      deficient plasma. In human carotid atherosclerotic plaques (n = 57), TF mRNA
      positively correlated with IL-33 mRNA expression (r = 0.691, p < 0.001). In this
      tissue, IL-33 and TF protein was detected in ECs and smooth muscle cells by
      immunofluorescence. Furthermore, IL-33 and TF protein co-localized at the site of
      clot formation within microvessels in plaques of patients with symptomatic
      carotid stenosis. Through induction of TF in ECs, IL-33 could enhance their
      thrombotic capacity and thereby might impact on thrombus formation in the setting
      of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27142575
TI  - Effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy on Candida albicans
      biofilms: An in vitro study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study, the photoinactivation of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA)
      has been investigated on Candida albicans biofilms in vitro. METHODS: After
      culture and proliferation of Candida albicans biofilms in vitro, the metabolic
      activity was confirmed using XTT reduction assay. Then, the suitable incubation
      time and concentration of ALA were determined by measuring PpIX accumulation
      quantities. Photosensitivity of the biofilms treated with ALA solution was
      studied in optical doses of 50, 100, 200 and 300J/cm(2) while light irradiation
      was applied by a red light semiconductor. Finally, rapid immunofluorescence
      staining method using the LIVE/DEAD FungaLight Yeast Viability Kit and XTT assay
      were conducted to visualize and quantify the antifungal effect of ALA-PDT on
      Candida albicans biofilms. RESULTS: A 5h incubation time and 15mM ALA
      concentration were determined for this study. Photoinactivation of ALA-PDT on
      Candida albicans biofilms showed a significant increase of protoporphyrin IX
      (PpIX) in the biofilms. The metabolic activity of Candida albicans biofilms tread
      with ALA-PDT confirmed the inhibition efficacy compared with control groups. Upon
      radiation at 300J/cm(2), cells in Candida albicans biofilms were 74.45%
      inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: PpIX can be absorbed in biofilm-grown Candida albicans in
      vitro and under appropriate parameters, photochemistry can be triggered by light
      in combination with ALA and inhibits Candida albicans biofilms effectively.

PMID- 27142576
TI  - Effect of light quality and light-dark cycle on sporulation patterns of the mite
      pathogenic fungus Neozygites floridana (Neozygitales: Entomophthoromycota), a
      natural enemy of Tetranychus urticae.
AB  - A controlled climatic chamber microcosm experiment was conducted to examine how
      light affects the hourly sporulation pattern of the beneficial mite pathogenic
      fungus Neozygites floridana during a 24h cyclus over a period of eight
      consecutive days. This was done by inoculating two-spotted spider mites
      (Tetranychus urticae) with N. floridana and placing them on strawberry plants for
      death and sporulation. Spore (primary conidia) discharge was observed by using a
      spore trap. Two light regimes were tested: Plant growth light of 150MUmolm(-2)s(
      1) for 12h supplied by high pressure sodium lamps (HPS), followed by either; (i)
      4h of 50MUmolm(-2)s(-1) light with similar HPS lamps followed by 8h darkness
      (full HPS light+reduced HPS light+darkness) or (ii) 4h of 50MUmolm(-2)s(-1) red
      light followed by 8h darkness (full HPS light+red light+darkness). A clear
      difference in hourly primary conidia discharge pattern between the two different
      light treatments was seen and a significant interaction effect between light
      treatment and hour in day during the 24h cycle was observed. The primary conidia
      discharge peak for treatment (ii) that included red light was mainly reached
      within the red light hours (19:00-23:00) and the dark hours (23:00-07:00). The
      primary conidia discharge peak for treatment (i) with HPS light only was mainly
      reached within the dark hours (23:00-07:00).

PMID- 27142577
TI  - Recognition of mental disorders among a multiracial population in Southeast Asia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mental health literacy is an important mediating factor in help
      seeking behavior. An important component of this literacy is the proper
      recognition of mental disorders. The aim of this population-based study in
      Singapore was to determine the proportion of adults in the resident population
      who were able to recognize vignettes pertaining to alcohol abuse, dementia,
      depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia correctly. The
      sociodemographic characteristics that were associated with the ability to
      correctly recognize these disorders were also examined. METHODS: This was a
      nationwide cross-sectional study that involved establishing mental health
      literacy using a vignette approach. Respondents were recruited using a
      disproportionate stratified sampling design by age and ethnic groups. Face-to
      face-interviews were conducted with respondents aged 18 to 65 years belonging to
      Chinese, Malay, Indian and Other ethnic groups. RESULTS: A total of 3,006
      respondents completed the survey (response rate of 71%). The most well recognized
      conditions were dementia (66.3%), alcohol abuse (57.1%) and depression (55.2%).
      The least recognized were OCD (28.7%) and schizophrenia (11.5%). Younger age and
      higher educational levels were found to be significant factors associated with
      the better recognition of specific disorders. CONCLUSION: The relatively high
      rate of recognition of dementia was likely to be due to the emphasis on public
      education programmes on dementia which is viewed as an emerging challenge due to
      Singapore's rapidly ageing population. The role of education and the portrayal of
      depression and alcohol related problems in the local mass media are possible
      influences in their better recognition as compared to OCD and schizophrenia.
      Sociodemographic characteristics influencing mental health literacy need to be
      considered in planning intervention strategies that target mental health
      literacy.

PMID- 27142578
TI  - Thickness-dependent transport channels in topological insulator Bi2Se3 thin films
      grown by magnetron sputtering.
AB  - We study the low-temperature transport properties of Bi2Se3 thin films grown by
      magnetron sputtering. A positive magnetoresistance resulting from the weak
      antilocalization (WAL) effect is observed at low temperatures. The observed WAL
      effect is two dimensional in nature. Applying the Hikami-Larkin-Nagaoka theory,
      we have obtained the dephasing length. It is found that the temperature
      dependence of the dephasing length cannot be described only by the Nyquist
      electron-electron dephasing, in conflict with prevailing experimental results.
      From the WAL effect, we extract the number of the transport channels, which is
      found to increase with increasing the thickness of the films, reflecting the
      thickness-dependent coupling between the top and bottom surface states in
      topological insulator. On the other hand, the electron-electron interaction (EEI)
      effect is observed in temperature-dependent conductivity. From the EEI effect, we
      also extract the number of the transport channel, which shows similar thickness
      dependence with that obtained from the analysis of the WAL effect. The EEI
      effect, therefore, can be used to analyze the coupling effect between the top and
      bottom surface states in topological insulator like the WAL effect.

PMID- 27142579
TI  - Disinfecting Effects of Rotary Instrumentation with Either 2.5% Sodium
      Hypochlorite or 2% Chlorhexidine as the Main Irrigant: A Randomized Clinical
      Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This randomized clinical study compared the antibacterial effects
      of irrigation with either 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) or 2% chlorhexidine
      (CHX) during the preparation of infected root canals with rotary nickel-titanium
      instruments. METHODS: The root canals of 50 single-rooted teeth with apical
      periodontitis were prepared by using BioRaCe rotary instruments (FKG Dentaire, La
      Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) and irrigation with either 2.5% NaOCl (n = 25) or 2%
      CHX (n = 25). Samples were taken from the canal at baseline (S1) and after (S2)
      chemomechanical preparation. DNA was extracted from the clinical samples, and the
      reduction of the levels of total bacteria and streptococci was evaluated by means
      of a 16S ribosomal RNA gene-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay.
      RESULTS: All S1 samples were positive for the presence of bacteria. After
      chemomechanical preparation using either 2.5% NaOCl or 2% CHX, 44% and 40% of the
      root canals still had detectable bacteria, respectively. As for total bacterial
      counts, a mean number of 3.7 * 10(5) bacterial cell equivalents was present in S1
      samples from the NaOCl group, with a substantial reduction in S2 to a mean of
      5.49 * 10(2) cell equivalents (P < .001). In the CHX group, a mean bacterial load
      of 8.77 * 10(4) cell equivalents occurred in S1, with a significant reduction in
      S2 to a mean of 2.81 * 10(3) cells (P < .001). The differences in both the
      presence/absence and quantitative data were not statistically significant (P >
      .05). Both irrigation protocols were highly effective in reducing the levels of
      Streptococcus species (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference was
      observed for the clinical antibacterial effectiveness of rotary preparation using
      either 2.5% NaOCl or 2% CHX as the main irrigant.

PMID- 27142580
TI  - Letter to the Editor: A methodological flaw in 'The neural basis of flashback
      formation: the impact of viewing trauma'.

PMID- 27142581
TI  - Lower limit of normal based spirometric abnormalities associated with
      radiographic abnormality in an elderly cohort at low risk for exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the relation between radiographic abnormalities and
      spirometric impairment in people with asbestosis has been studied extensively,
      the extent of spirometric impairment associated with milder radiographic
      abnormalities is not established. OBJECTIVE: To test associations between mild
      radiographic abnormalities and Lower Limit of Normal (LLN)-based spirometry
      interpretation. METHODS: Spirometry and CXRs were collected for 1,026 at low risk
      of exposure to pneumoconiotic agents participants in a medical screening program.
      RESULTS: Individuals with each type of isolated or combined International Labour
      Organization (ILO) abnormalities had up to over sixfold statistically significant
      increase in odds of LLN-based restrictive pattern physiology (OR = 1.96, 95%CI
      1.03-3.73 for parenchymal to OR = 6.09, 95%CI 1.94-19.10 for parenchymal and
      pleural) compared to those with normal films. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this
      study confirm the association of mild profusion abnormalities with clinically
      relevant, LLN-based lung function abnormalities.

PMID- 27142582
TI  - Safety of available treatment options for renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: For many years, cytokines (high-dose interleukin (IL)-2 and
      interferon (IFN)) have been the unique available treatment options for metastatic
      renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) and they provided durable but modest responses at the
      cost of significant toxicities. To date, targeted therapies have replaced
      cytokine therapy due to higher response rates and more favorable toxicity
      profiles. The major classes of targeted therapy for mRCC include tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors, monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial grow factors and
      inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin. Thanks to these new strategies,
      the prognosis for the mRCC is shifting toward a chronic disease and the new
      challenges are the adequate treatment of adverse events (AEs) and the care for
      quality of life, which is crucial. Emerging immunotherapies targeting the
      programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor and the programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)
      ligand have shown promising results in both efficacy and safety profiles. AREAS
      COVERED: Safety data published on available treatment options for renal cell
      carcinoma RCC are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION: Various toxicities are associated
      with targeted agents; these toxicities are generally well tolerated but careful
      monitoring and appropriate management are needed to optimize the use of these
      strategies.

PMID- 27142583
TI  - The Involvement of His50 during Protein Disulfide Isomerase Binding Is Essential
      for Inhibiting alpha-Syn Fibril Formation.
AB  - An increased level of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a protective response
      to various neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease.
      Interaction of PDI with alpha-synuclein (alpha-Syn) has been shown to inhibit its
      aggregation. Here, we report the residue-specific mapping of binding of PDI to
      alpha-Syn. We demonstrate that alpha-Syn N-terminal residues V3-S9 and L38-V40
      bind more strongly to PDI than residues V49-V52 do, as do C-terminal residues
      E123-M127 and D135-E137. In addition, we show that residue H50 is key in
      preventing aggregation. These findings improve our understanding of PDI-protected
      aggregation of wild-type alpha-Syn and its H50Q familial mutant.

PMID- 27142584
TI  - Dual targeted nanocarrier for brain ischemic stroke treatment.
AB  - Focal cerebral ischemia, known as stroke, causes serious long-term disabilities
      globally. Effective therapy for cerebral ischemia demands a carrier that can
      penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and subsequently target the ischemia area
      in brain. Here, we designed a novel neuroprotectant (ZL006) loaded dual targeted
      nanocarrier based on liposome (T7&SHp-P-LPs/ZL006) conjugated with T7 peptide
      (T7) and stroke homing peptide (SHp) for penetrating BBB and targeting ischemia
      area, respectively. Compared with non-targeting liposomes, T7&SHp-P-LPs/ZL006
      could transport across BCEC cells and significantly enhance cellular uptake and
      reduce cells apoptosis of excitatory amino acid stimulated PC-12 cells. However,
      there was no significant difference in cellular uptake between SHp-modified and
      plain liposomes when PC-12 cells were incubated without excitatory amino acid.
      Besides, ex vivo fluorescent images indicated that DiR labeled T7&SHp-P-LPs could
      efficiently transport across BBB and mostly accumulated in ischemic region rather
      than normal cerebral hemisphere of MCAO rats. Furthermore, T7&SHp-P-LPs/ZL006
      could enhance the ability of in vivo anti-ischemic stroke of MCAO rats. These
      results demonstrated that T7&SHp-P-LPs could be used as a safe and effective dual
      targeted nanocarrier for ischemic stroke treatment.

PMID- 27142585
TI  - A study to evaluate the first dose of gentamicin needed to achieve a peak plasma
      concentration of 30 mg/l in patients hospitalized for severe sepsis.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that the high dose of gentamicin (8 mg/kg) rarely
      achieves the desired peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of >=30 mg/l in patients
      with severe sepsis or septic shock. The aim of this study was to determine the
      first dose of gentamicin needed to achieve a Cmax >= 30 mg/l. We conducted a
      prospective observational cohort study in one intensive care unit. All
      consecutive patients hospitalized for severe sepsis or septic shock and treated
      with a first dose of gentamicin >6 mg/kg were evaluated. During the study period,
      15 of the 57 patients (26.3 %) treated with gentamicin had a Cmax >= 30 mg/l. The
      median dose of gentamicin administered was 8.9 [7.8-9.9] mg/kg. Independent
      factors in the multivariate analysis associated with a Cmax >= 30 mg/l were
      higher body mass index (per kg/m(2) increment) (OR: 1.173, 95%CI: 1.015-1.356, P
      = 0.03) and higher first dose of gentamicin (per mg/kg increment) (OR: 2.343,
      95%CI: 1.346-4.08, P = 0.003). The optimal first dose to achieve a Cmax >= 30
      mg/l was 11 mg/kg, with a specificity and a sensitivity of 100 % and 53.3 %
      respectively. These results suggest that a first dose of gentamicin >11 mg/kg is
      needed to achieve a Cmax >= 30 mg/l in most patients. 

PMID- 27142586
TI  - Microbiome diversity in the sputum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
AB  - TB is a worldwide pandemic. India has the highest burden of TB, with WHO
      statistics for 2013 giving an estimated incidence figure of 2.1 million cases for
      India out of a global incidence of 9 million. Microbiota have been shown to be
      associated with many disease conditions; however, only few studies have been
      reported for microbiota associated with TB infection. For the first time, we
      characterized the composition of microbiota of TB patients of India, using high
      throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and compared it with healthy controls. Phylum
      level analysis showed that the relative abundance of Firmicutes and
      Actinobacteria was significantly higher in TB samples and Neisseria and
      Veillonella were two dominant genera after Streptococcus. In our study,
      significantly different core genera in TB and normal population were found as
      compared with the reported studies. Also, the presence of diverse opportunistic
      pathogenic microbiota in TB patients increases the complexity and diversity of
      sputum microbiota. Characterization of the sputum microbiome is likely to provide
      important pathogenic insights into pulmonary tuberculosis. 

PMID- 27142587
TI  - Response to letter to the editor by Leder et al. regarding commentary "Concurrent
      administration of PTH and antiresorptives: Additive effects or DXA cosmetics".

PMID- 27142589
TI  - Detection of five potentially periodontal pathogenic bacteria in peri-implant
      disease: A comparison of PCR and real-time PCR.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the microbial analysis methods of polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) in terms of detection of five
      selected potentially periodontal pathogenic bacteria in peri-implant disease.
      Therefore 45 samples of healthy, mucositis and peri-implantitis (n = 15 each)
      were assessed according to presence of the following bacteria using PCR (DNA
      strip technology) and RT-PCR (fluorescent dye SYBR green-system): Aggregatibacter
      actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Treponema denticola
      (Td), Tanerella forsythia (Tf), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn). There were no
      significant correlations between the bacterial and disease patterns, so the
      benefit of using microbiological tests for the diagnosis of peri-implant diseases
      is questionable. Correlations between the methods were highest for Tf (Kendall's
      Tau: 0.65, Spearman: 0.78), Fn (0.49, 0.61) and Td (0.49, 0.59). For Aa (0.38,
      0.42) and Pg (0.04, 0.04), lower correlation values were detected. Accordingly,
      conventional semi-quantitative PCR seems to be sufficient for analyzing
      potentially periodontal pathogenic bacterial species. 

PMID- 27142588
TI  - Time-differentiated target temperature management after out-of-hospital cardiac
      arrest: a multicentre, randomised, parallel-group, assessor-blinded clinical
      trial (the TTH48 trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The application of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for 12 to 24 hours
      following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has been associated with
      decreased mortality and improved neurological function. However, the optimal
      duration of cooling is not known. We aimed to investigate whether targeted
      temperature management (TTM) at 33 +/- 1  degrees C for 48 hours compared to 24
      hours results in a better long-term neurological outcome. METHODS: The TTH48
      trial is an investigator-initiated pragmatic international trial in which
      patients resuscitated from OHCA are randomised to TTM at 33 +/- 1  degrees C for
      either 24 or 48 hours. Inclusion criteria are: age older than 17 and below 80
      years; presumed cardiac origin of arrest; and Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) <8, on
      admission. The primary outcome is neurological outcome at 6 months using the
      Cerebral Performance Category score (CPC) by an assessor blinded to treatment
      allocation and dichotomised to good (CPC 1-2) or poor (CPC 3-5) outcome.
      Secondary outcomes are: 6-month mortality, incidence of infection, bleeding and
      organ failure and CPC at hospital discharge, at day 28 and at day 90 following
      OHCA. Assuming that 50 % of the patients treated for 24 hours will have a poor
      outcome at 6 months, a study including 350 patients (175/arm) will have 80 %
      power (with a significance level of 5 %) to detect an absolute 15 % difference in
      primary outcome between treatment groups. A safety interim analysis was performed
      after the inclusion of 175 patients. DISCUSSION: This is the first randomised
      trial to investigate the effect of the duration of TTM at 33 +/- 1  degrees C in
      adult OHCA patients. We anticipate that the results of this trial will add
      significant knowledge regarding the management of cooling procedures in OHCA
      patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01689077.

PMID- 27142590
TI  - Postsynthetic modifications of [2,2,2-(H)(PPh3)2-closo-2,1-RhSB8H8] with Lewis
      bases: cluster modular tuning.
AB  - It has been demonstrated that the reaction of [2,2,2-(H)(PPh3)2-closo-2,1
      RhSB8H8] () with PPh3 affords the boron substituted rhodathiaborane-PPh3 adduct,
      [6,6-(PPh3)2-9-(PPh3)-arachno-6,5-RhSB8H9] (). Building upon this reaction, we
      report herein that the 10-vertex hydridorhodathiaborane reacts with the Lewis
      bases, PCy3, py, 2-Mepy, 2-Etpy, 3-Mepy and 4-Mepy to form the rhodathiaborane
      ligand adducts, [6,6-(PPh3)2-9-(L)-arachno-6,5-RhSB8H9], where L = PCy3 (), 2
      Mepy (), 2-Etpy (), py (), 3-Mepy () or 4-Mepy (), and [8,9-MU-(H)-9-(PPh3)2-8
      (L)-arachno-9,6-RhSB8H8], where L = py (), 3-Mepy () or 4-Mepy (). The
      selectivity of the reactions depended on the nature of the entering Lewis bases,
      affording the 6,5-isomers, , , and as single products for PPh3, PCy3, 2-Mepy and
      2-Etpy; and mixtures of the 6,5-/9,6-regioisomers, /, / and / for py, 3-Mepy and
      4-Mepy, respectively. The molecular structures of both regioisomers were
      characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis for the 6,5-isomers, and , and for
      the 9,6-isomers, and . Variable temperature NMR studies of the reaction between
      and PPh3 or 2-Mepy demonstrated that at low temperatures there is formation of
      the 9,6-species that subsequently isomerizes to the 6,5-regioisomer, indicating
      that for the more sterically hindered Lewis bases, PPh3, 2-Mepy and PCy3, the
      latter isomer is more stable and accessible through an intramolecular {Rh(PPh3)2}
      vertex flip. The formation of both isomers with py, 3-Mepy and 4-Mepy indicates
      that the kinetic and thermodynamic energies of the 6,5 and 9,6 rhodathiaborane
      ligand adducts are similar for these Lewis bases. Lewis base bonding to exo
      polyhedral boron vertices results in a change of the metal coordination from
      pseudo-octahedral Rh(iii) in to pseudo-square planar Rh(i) in the adducts. The
      chemistry described here highlights the remarkable structural flexibility of
      these polyhedral boron-containing compounds, their modular architecture and their
      easy postsynthetic modification. 

PMID- 27142591
TI  - [Reliability and external validity of a questionnaire to assess the knowledge
      about risk and cardiovascular disease and in patients attending Spanish community
      pharmacies].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the test-retest reliability of a questionnaire, with a
      validation preliminary, to assess knowledge of cardiovascular risk (CVR) and
      cardiovascular disease in patients attending community pharmacies in Spain. To
      complement the external validity, establishing the relationship between an
      educational activity and the increase in knowledge about CVR and cardiovascular
      disease. DESIGN: Sub-analysis of a controlled clinical study, EMDADER-CV, in
      which a questionnaire about knowledge concerning CVR was applied at 4 different
      times. LOCATION: Spanish Community Pharmacies. PARTICIPANTS: There were 323
      patients in the control group, from the 640 who completed the study. MAIN
      MEASUREMENTS: Intraclass correlation coefficient to assess the reliability in 3
      comparisons (post-educational activity with week 16, post-educational activity
      with week 32, and week 16 with week 32); and the non-parametric Friedman test to
      establish the relationship between an oral and written educational activity with
      increasing knowledge. RESULTS: For the 323 patients in the 3 comparisons, the
      intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.624; 0.608 and 0.801,
      respectively (fair-good to excellent reliability). So, the Friedman test showed a
      statistically significant relationship between educational activity and increased
      knowledge (p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the intraclass correlation
      coefficient, the questionnaire aimed at assessing the knowledge on CVR and
      cardiovascular disease has a reliability between acceptable and excellent, which
      added to the previous validation, shows that the instrument meets the criteria of
      validity and reliability. Furthermore, the questionnaire showed the ability to
      relate an increase in knowledge with an educational intervention, feature that
      complements its external validity.

PMID- 27142592
TI  - [Relation between diabetes and periodontal disease in an Spanish adult
      population].

PMID- 27142593
TI  - Generating Evidence for Program Planning: Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness
      in Bangladesh.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is a lack of data on the prevalence and causes of blindness in
      Bangladesh, which is important to plan effective eye health programs and advocate
      support services to achieve the goals of Vision 2020. METHODS: We conducted a
      rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) in 8 districts of Bangladesh
      (January 2010 - December 2012) to establish the prevalence and causes of
      blindness. People aged >=50 years were selected, and eligible participants had
      visual acuity (VA) measured. Ocular examinations were performed in those with
      VA<6/18. Additional information was collected for those who had or had not
      undergone cataract surgery to understand service barriers and quality of service.
      RESULTS: In total, 21,596 people were examined, of which 471 (2.2%, 95%
      confidence interval, CI, 2.0-2.4%) were blind. The primary cause of blindness was
      cataract (75.8%). The majority of blindness (86.2%) was avoidable. Cataract and
      refractive error were the primary causes of severe visual impairment (73.6%) and
      moderate visual impairment (63.6%), respectively. Cataract surgical coverage for
      blind persons was 69.3% (males 76.6%, females 64.3%, P<0.001). The magnitude of
      blindness among people aged >=50 years was estimated to be 563,200 people (95% CI
      512,000-614,400), of whom 426,342 had un-operated cataract. CONCLUSIONS: In
      Bangladesh, the majority of blindness (86.2%) among people aged >=50 years was
      avoidable, and cataract was the most important cause of avoidable blindness.
      Improving cataract surgical services and refraction services would be the most
      important step towards the elimination of avoidable blindness in Bangladesh.

PMID- 27142594
TI  - Enhanced spin Seebeck effect signal due to spin-momentum locked topological
      surface states.
AB  - Spin-momentum locking in protected surface states enables efficient electrical
      detection of magnon decay at a magnetic-insulator/topological-insulator
      heterojunction. Here we demonstrate this property using the spin Seebeck effect
      (SSE), that is, measuring the transverse thermoelectric response to a temperature
      gradient across a thin film of yttrium iron garnet, an insulating ferrimagnet,
      and forming a heterojunction with (BixSb1-x)2Te3, a topological insulator. The
      non-equilibrium magnon population established at the interface can decay in part
      by interactions of magnons with electrons near the Fermi energy of the
      topological insulator. When this decay channel is made active by tuning (BixSb1
      x)2Te3 into a bulk insulator, a large electromotive force emerges in the
      direction perpendicular to the in-plane magnetization of yttrium iron garnet. The
      enhanced, tunable SSE which occurs when the Fermi level lies in the bulk gap
      offers unique advantages over the usual SSE in metals and therefore opens up
      exciting possibilities in spintronics. 

PMID- 27142595
TI  - Use of deslorelin acetate implants to control aggression in a multi-male group of
      Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis).
AB  - Aggression among male animals can be difficult to manage in captive populations,
      and several strategies including separation, castration, and behavioral
      modification have been used with varying degrees of success. Many aggression
      issues are normal sequela from hormonal fluctuations occurring when an animal
      reaches sexual maturity or during the breeding season, and multi-male groups can
      be especially problematic as the individuals vie for dominance. In this case,
      aggression in an all-male group of Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis) has been
      managed successfully with serial deslorelin implantation for the past 5 years.
      Zoo Biol. 35:201-204, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27142597
TI  - Traditional use and management of NTFPs in Kangchenjunga Landscape: implications
      for conservation and livelihoods.
AB  - Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs), an important provisioning ecosystem services,
      are recognized for their contribution in rural livelihoods and forest
      conservation. Effective management through sustainable harvesting and market
      driven commercialization are two contrasting aspects that are bringing challenges
      in development of NTFPs sector. Identifying potential species having market
      value, conducting value chain analyses, and sustainable management of NTFPs need
      analysis of their use patterns by communities and trends at a regional scale. We
      analyzed use patterns, trends, and challenges in traditional use and management
      of NTFPs in the southern slope of Kangchenjunga Landscape, Eastern Himalaya and
      discussed potential implications for conservation and livelihoods. A total of 739
      species of NTFPs used by the local people of Kangchenjunga Landscape were
      reported in the reviewed literature. Of these, the highest number of NTFPs was
      documented from India (377 species), followed by Nepal (363) and Bhutan (245).
      Though the reported species were used for 24 different purposes, medicinal and
      edible plants were the most frequently used NTFP categories in the landscape.
      Medicinal plants were used in 27 major ailment categories, with the highest
      number of species being used for gastro-intestinal disorders. Though the
      Kangchenjunga Landscape harbors many potential NTFPs, trade of NTFPs was found to
      be nominal indicating lack of commercialization due to limited market
      information. We found that the unsustainable harvesting and lack of marketing
      were the major constraints for sustainable management of NTFPs sector in the
      landscape despite of promising policy provisions. We suggest sustainable
      harvesting practices, value addition at local level, and marketing for promotion
      of NTFPs in the Kangchenjunga Landscape for income generation and livelihood
      improvement that subsequently contributes to conservation. 

PMID- 27142596
TI  - MicroRNA-106a functions as an oncogene in human gastric cancer and contributes to
      proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Mounting evidences has shown that miRNAs are involved in the development and
      progression of gastric cancer acts as tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes. In our
      previous studies, we have found that the up-regulation of miR-106a occurs
      frequently in human gastric cancer tissues compared with that of normal tissues.
      Here, we investigate the role of the ectopic expressed miR-106a in the
      progression and metastasis of gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. FFPE samples
      have the priority to be included and qRT-PCR was used to detect the miR-106a
      expression. Human gastric cancer cells and immortalized gastric epithelial cell
      were selected and the miR-106a mimic and inhibitor were transfected. Cell growth
      was determined by MTT method. The flow cytometric analysis for cell apoptosis and
      transwell assays for evaluating the cell migration and invasion were conducted.
      Luciferase assay and western blot confirmed the direct binding site of miR-106a
      and its target. BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided to explore the
      implantation of gastric cancer cells transfected with miR-106a antagomir.
      Abnormal over-expression of miR-106a significantly promoted gastric cancer cell
      proliferation, metastasis, inhibited the cell apoptosis. Functional experiment
      ascertained that miR-106a interacted with FAS and mediated caspase3 pathway.
      Knockdown of miR-106a leaded to the attenuation of gastric cancer implantation
      capacity in vivo. Moreover, expression of TIMP2 was inversely associated with miR
      106a in nodule tissues. Apoptotic body was also seen under electron microscope
      accompanied by silencing of miR-106a. Together, this data indicated that miR-106a
      may act as an oncogene and contribute to gastric cancer development.

PMID- 27142598
TI  - Enamel ultrastructure of fossil and modern pinnipeds: evaluating hypotheses of
      feeding adaptations in the extinct walrus Pelagiarctos.
AB  - This study aimed to assess the enamel ultrastructure in modern otariid pinnipeds
      and in the extinct walrus Pelagiarctos. Teeth of the New Zealand fur seal
      (Arctocephalus forsteri), sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri), and fossil walrus
      Pelagiarctos thomasi were embedded, sectioned, etched, and analyzed via scanning
      electron microscopy. The enamel of NZ otariids and Pelagiarctos was prismatic and
      moderately thick, measuring 150-450 MUm on average. It consisted of transversely
      oriented Hunter-Schreger bands (HSBs) from the enamel-dentine junction (EDJ) to
      near the outer surface, where it faded into prismless enamel less than 10 MUm
      thick. The width of HSB was variable and averaged between 6 and 10 prisms, and
      they presented an undulating course both in longitudinal and cross sections. The
      overall organization of the enamel was similar in all teeth sampled; however, the
      enamel was thicker in canines and postcanines than in incisors. The crowns of all
      teeth sampled were uniformly covered by enamel; however, the grooved incisors
      lacked an enamel cover on the posterior side of the buccal face. Large tubules
      and tuft-like structures were seen at the EDJ. HSB enamel as well as tubules and
      tufts at the EDJ suggest increased occlusal loads during feeding, a biomechanical
      adaptation to avoid enamel cracking and failure. Despite overall simplification
      in tooth morphology and reduced mastication, the fossil and modern pinnipeds
      analyzed here retained the complex undulating HSB structure of other fossils and
      living Carnivora, while other marine mammals such as cetaceans developed
      simplified radial enamel. 

PMID- 27142599
TI  - Neurobrucellosis Infection of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Presenting as
      Peritonitis.

PMID- 27142600
TI  - Comparison of Seven and Five Centimetre of Water as Initiating Continuous Airway
      Pressure Levels in Preterm Neonates with Respiratory Distress.

PMID- 27142601
TI  - Fatal Primary Capillary Leak Syndrome in a Late Preterm Newborn.
AB  - Primary capillary leak syndrome is a rare disease of unknown etiology,
      characterized by episodes of vascular collapse and plasma extravasation, which
      may lead to multiple organ failure. Primary capillary leak is extremely rare in
      children. The authors report a case of a late preterm newborn with fatal
      capillary leak syndrome of unknown etiology, manifesting as hypotension
      unresponsive to treatment, extravasation leading to generalised edema,
      disseminated intravascular coagulation and finally, multiple organ dysfunction
      syndrome. Aggressive volumotherapy and a combination of inotropes and high doses
      of terlipressin did not influence systemic vascular collapse and plasma
      extravasation. The newborn developed multiple organ failure and died on day 27 of
      life. Investigations performed failed to reveal any specific cause of capillary
      leak. This is the first report of a fatal primary capillary leak syndrome in a
      newborn. 

PMID- 27142602
TI  - Quantitative Phenotypic Trait of Cardiovascular Disease Risk.

PMID- 27142603
TI  - Moving Toward the Next Paradigm for Cardiovascular Prevention.

PMID- 27142604
TI  - Degenerative Mitral Stenosis: Unmet Need for Percutaneous Interventions.
AB  - Degenerative mitral stenosis (DMS) is an important cause of mitral stenosis,
      developing secondary to severe mitral annular calcification. With the increase in
      life expectancy and improved access to health care, more patients with DMS are
      likely to be encountered in developed nations. These patients are generally
      elderly with multiple comorbidities and often are high-risk candidates for
      surgery. The mainstay of therapy in DMS patients is medical management with heart
      rate control and diuretic therapy. Surgical intervention might be delayed until
      symptoms are severely limiting and cannot be managed by medical therapy. Mitral
      valve surgery is also challenging in these patients because of the presence of
      extensive calcification. Hence, there is a need to develop an alternative
      percutaneous treatment approach for patients with DMS who are otherwise
      inoperable or at high risk for surgery. In this review, we summarize the
      available data on the epidemiology of DMS and diagnostic considerations and
      current treatment strategies for these patients.

PMID- 27142605
TI  - Cardiovascular Diseases in India: Current Epidemiology and Future Directions.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have now become the leading cause of mortality in
      India. A quarter of all mortality is attributable to CVD. Ischemic heart disease
      and stroke are the predominant causes and are responsible for >80% of CVD deaths.
      The Global Burden of Disease study estimate of age-standardized CVD death rate of
      272 per 100 000 population in India is higher than the global average of 235 per
      100 000 population. Some aspects of the CVD epidemic in India are particular
      causes of concern, including its accelerated buildup, the early age of disease
      onset in the population, and the high case fatality rate. In India, the
      epidemiological transition from predominantly infectious disease conditions to
      noncommunicable diseases has occurred over a rather brief period of time.
      Premature mortality in terms of years of life lost because of CVD in India
      increased by 59%, from 23.2 million (1990) to 37 million (2010). Despite wide
      heterogeneity in the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors across different
      regions, CVD has emerged as the leading cause of death in all parts of India,
      including poorer states and rural areas. The progression of the epidemic is
      characterized by the reversal of socioeconomic gradients; tobacco use and low
      fruit and vegetable intake have become more prevalent among those from lower
      socioeconomic backgrounds. In addition, individuals from lower socioeconomic
      backgrounds frequently do not receive optimal therapy, leading to poorer
      outcomes. Countering the epidemic requires the development of strategies such as
      the formulation and effective implementation of evidence-based policy,
      reinforcement of health systems, and emphasis on prevention, early detection, and
      treatment with the use of both conventional and innovative techniques. Several
      ongoing community-based studies are testing these strategies.

PMID- 27142606
TI  - The Future of Medical Journal Publishing: The Journal Editor's Perspective:
      Looking Back, Looking Forward.

PMID- 27142607
TI  - ECG Response: April 19, 2016.

PMID- 27142608
TI  - Scintigraphy Leading to the Misdiagnosis of Chronic Thromboembolic Disease in a
      Patient With Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease.

PMID- 27142609
TI  - Syncope (Fainting).

PMID- 27142610
TI  - Letter by de Dios Regarding Article, "Effect of Selective Heart Rate Slowing in
      Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction".

PMID- 27142611
TI  - Response to Letter Regarding Article, "The Effect of Selective Heart Rate Slowing
      in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction".

PMID- 27142612
TI  - Letter by Campbell Regarding Article, "Statin Use and Adrenal Aldosterone
      Production in Hypertensive and Diabetic Subjects".

PMID- 27142614
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27142613
TI  - Response to Letter Regarding Article, "Statin Use and Adrenal Aldosterone
      Production in Hypertensive and Diabetic Subjects".

PMID- 27142615
TI  - A case report of sudden thrombocytopenia detected only by in vitro analysis.
AB  - We experienced an unexpected thrombocytopenia detected only in vitro during
      radical prostatectomy for a 66-year-old patient. Thrombocytopenia with platelet
      aggregation was observed in a blood sample obtained using a heparinized syringe
      (not by ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid tube). Although we could not exclude
      platelet agglutination in vivo, no thrombosis or coagulation disorder was
      observed. We changed the anti-coagulant in the arterial catheter carrier fluid
      (saline) from heparin to argatroban, and continued with the operation. No embolic
      complications were observed during the perioperative period. Although
      pseudothrombocytopenia or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was highly suspected
      in the present case, we were not able to confirm which of the two developed.
      Multi-directional attention and care may be required for perioperative unexpected
      thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 27142616
TI  - Summer undergraduate research: A new pipeline for pain clinical practice and
      research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most medical schools fail to provide adequate training of clinicians
      in the treatment of pain. Similarly, despite the fact that over 1/3 of Americans
      suffer from chronic pain, National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for pain
      represents only ~1% of the NIH budget. These issues may dissuade students from
      pursing pain in their clinical and research careers. To address these gaps in
      training and funding, we argue that exposing students to pain science early in
      their careers, at the undergraduate level, may be an effective method to develop
      a pipeline for future pain clinicians and scientists. To highlight our argument,
      we will describe our recent successful implementation of a cross-disciplinary and
      community-engaged biomedical summer research program. The Pain Undergraduate
      Research Experience (PURE) summer program involved both off-site and on-site
      experiences to expose undergraduate students to the range of careers in the pain
      field from basic science to clinical practice. The objective of the 10-week long
      PURE program was to evaluate whether a combination of basic science research,
      clinical practice visits, and patient interactions would increase student
      understanding of and exposure to the underlying science of pain. METHODS: A pre
      post cohort study was used without a comparison group. Entry and exit surveys
      were used to evaluate students' perceptions about pain clinical practice and
      research, student interest in pain, and student confidence about communicating
      about pain and doing basic science pain research. RESULTS: Students reported
      significant increases to a number of questions in the survey. Questions were
      scored on 5 point Likert scales and there was significant increases in student
      understanding of what life is like with chronic pain (2.6 vs 4.3 post survey),
      their confidence in explaining pain to a patient (2.8 vs 4.1) or researcher (2.8
      vs 4), and their comfort with pain terminology(2.8 vs 3.9). CONCLUSIONS: With the
      PURE program, we wanted to entice top undergraduates to consider pain as a future
      area of study, practice, and/or research. We present a model that can be easily
      implemented at research universities throughout the United States.

PMID- 27142617
TI  - A case-control study of prevalence of anemia among patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anemia is defined as a reduction in the hemoglobin concentration of
      blood, which consequently reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells
      such that they are unable to meet the body's physiological needs. Several reports
      have indicated that anemia mostly occurs in patients with diabetes with renal
      insufficiency while limited studies have reported the incidence of anemia in
      people with diabetes prior to evidence of renal impairment. Other studies have
      also identified anemia as a risk factor for the need for renal replacement
      therapy in diabetes. Understanding the pathogenesis of anemia associated with
      diabetes may lead to the development of interventions to optimize outcomes in
      these patients. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence
      of anemia among patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total of 100 (50 with
      type 2 diabetes and 50 controls) participants were recruited for our study.
      Participants' blood samples were analyzed for fasting blood glucose, full blood
      count and renal function tests among others. The prevalence of anemia was then
      determined statistically. RESULTS: A high incidence of anemia was observed in the
      cases. Of the patients with diabetes, 84.8% had a hemoglobin concentration that
      was significantly less (males 11.16+/-1.83 and females 10.41+/-1.49) than the
      controls (males 14.25+/-1.78 and females 12.53+/-1.14). Renal insufficiency
      determined by serum creatinine level of >1.5 mg/dL, estimated glomerular
      filtration rate <60 ml/minute/1.73 m2, and erythropoietin levels was also
      observed to be high in the cases (54.0%; with mean creatinine concentration of
      3.43+/-1.73 and erythropoietin 6.35+/-1.28 mIU/mL). A significantly increased
      fasting blood glucose, urea, sodium, potassium, and calcium ions were observed in
      the cases (7.99+/-1.30, 5.19+/-1.99, 140.90+/-6.98, 4.86+/-0.53 and 1.47+/-0.31
      respectively) as compared to the controls (4.66+/-0.54, 3.56+/-2.11, 135.51+/
      6.84, 4.40+/-0.58 and 1.28+/-0.26 respectively). Finally, a significant
      association between hemoglobin concentration and fasting blood glucose was also
      observed in the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that a high incidence of
      anemia is likely to occur in patients with poorly controlled diabetes and in
      patients with diabetes and renal insufficiency.

PMID- 27142618
TI  - New cooperative medical scheme decreased financial burden but expanded the gap of
      income-related inequity: evidence from three provinces in rural China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subsidizing healthcare costs through insurance schemes is crucial to
      overcome financial barriers to health care and to avoid high medical expenditures
      for patients in China. The health insurance could decrease financial risk by less
      out-of-pocket (OOP) payment, but not promise the protection equity. With the
      growth of New Cooperative Medical Scheme (NCMS) financing and coverage since
      2008, the protection effectiveness and equity of the modified NCMS policies on
      financial burden should be further evaluated. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      household survey was conducted in Zhejiang, Hubei, and Chongqing provinces by
      multi-stage stratified random sampling in 2011. A total of 1,525 households
      covered by the NCMS were analyzed. The protection effectiveness and protection
      equity of NCMS was analyzed by comparing the changes in health care utilization
      and medical expenditures, and the changes in the prevalence of catastrophic
      health expenditure (CHE) and its concentration indices (CIs) between pre- and
      post-NCMS reimbursement, respectively. RESULTS: The medical financial burden was
      still remarkably high for the low income rural residents in China due to high OOP
      payment, even after NCMS reimbursement. In Hubei province, the OOP payment of the
      poorest quintile was almost same as their households' annual expenditures. Even
      it was higher than their annual expenditures in Chongqing municipality. Effective
      reimbursement ratio of both outpatient and inpatient services were far lower than
      nominal reimbursement ratio originally designed by NCMS plans. After NCMS
      reimbursement, the prevalence of CHE was considerably high in all three
      provinces, and the absolute values of CIs were even higher than those before
      reimbursement, indicating the inequity exaggerated. CONCLUSION: Policymakers
      should further modify NCMS policy in rural China. The high OOP payment could be
      decreased by expanding the drug list and check directory for benefit package of
      NCMS to minimize the gap between nominal reimbursement ratio and effective
      reimbursement ratio. And the increase in medical expenditures should be
      controlled by monitoring excess demand from both medical service providers and
      patients, and changing fee-for-service payment for providers to a prospective
      payment system. Service accessibility and affordability for vulnerable rural
      residents should be protected by modifying regressive financing in NCMS, and by
      providing extra financial aid and reimbursement from government.

PMID- 27142619
TI  - Charcoal suspension tattoo: new tool for the localization of malignant
      laterocervical lymph nodes.
AB  - We present a retrospective study to evaluate safety and effectiveness of
      ultrasound (US)-guided tattooing with charcoal of suspicious laterocervical lymph
      nodes. When an open biopsy of a laterocervical lymph node is needed, the choice
      of the lymph node to excise and examine is fundamental to avoid rebiopsy.
      Surgeons tend to choose the most surgical approachable enlarged lymph node that
      does not always correspond to the one with worst echographic aspect. We present
      16 cases of patients with laterocervical adenopathy with inconclusive or non
      adequate results at fine needle aspiration cytology addressed to open biopsy.
      Those patients underwent US-guided preoperative injection of a charcoal
      suspension inside the lymph node to excise to mark it, and then excisional biopsy
      was performed. Sixteen marked lesions (100 %) were detected intraoperatively and
      dissected. The injected charcoal was detected intraoperatively in all cases. In
      14 patients (87, 5 %) it was inside the lesion; in two cases (12, 5 %), the
      charcoal suspension was found in the tissues above the lesion. The procedure was
      well tolerated in all cases. No major procedure-related complications were
      encountered. US-guided charcoal tattooing is a new, safe, well-tolerated, and
      easy-to-perform technique for the marking of US suspicious laterocervical lymph
      nodes. This preliminary study shows a high technical success rate (76 %) and high
      percentage of intraoperative detection of marked lesions (100 %) with a low rate
      of complications.

PMID- 27142621
TI  - Challenges and Opportunities in the Provision of Surgical Care in Vanuatu: A
      Mixed Methods Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Pacific island nation of Vanuatu faces a number of challenges in
      delivering surgical care to its population. We aimed to understand and document
      the barriers, opportunities and required actions to improve surgical care in the
      country using a mixed methods analysis which incorporated the perspectives of
      local health stakeholders. METHODS: A baseline quantitative assessment of
      surgical capacity in Vanuatu was carried out using the WHO situational analysis
      tool. Twenty semi-structured interviews were then conducted on the two main
      islands (Efate and Espiritu Santo) with surgeons, allied health staff, health
      managers, policy-makers and other key stakeholders, using a grounded theory
      qualitative case study methodology. Initial informants were identified by
      purposive sampling followed by snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was
      reached. Interviews were open and axially coded with subsequent thematic
      analysis. RESULTS: Vanuatu faces deficits in surgical infrastructure, equipment
      and human resources, especially in the rural provinces. Geographic isolation,
      poverty and culture-including the use of traditional medicine and low health
      literacy-all act as barriers to patients accessing timely surgical care. Issues
      with governance, human resourcing and perioperative care were commonly identified
      by stakeholders as key challenges facing surgical services. Increasing outreach
      clinics, developing efficient referral systems, building provincial surgical
      capacity and undertaking locally led research were identified as key actions that
      can improve surgical care. CONCLUSION: Documenting locally identified challenges
      and opportunities for surgical care in Vanuatu is an important first step towards
      developing formal strategies for improving surgical services at the country
      level.

PMID- 27142620
TI  - Ostreococcus tauri is a new model green alga for studying iron metabolism in
      eukaryotic phytoplankton.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low iron bioavailability is a common feature of ocean surface water
      and therefore micro-algae developed original strategies to optimize iron uptake
      and metabolism. The marine picoeukaryotic green alga Ostreococcus tauri is a very
      good model for studying physiological and genetic aspects of the adaptation of
      the green algal lineage to the marine environment: it has a very compact genome,
      is easy to culture in laboratory conditions, and can be genetically manipulated
      by efficient homologous recombination. In this study, we aimed at characterizing
      the mechanisms of iron assimilation in O. tauri by combining genetics and
      physiological tools. Specifically, we wanted to identify and functionally
      characterize groups of genes displaying tightly orchestrated temporal expression
      patterns following the exposure of cells to iron deprivation and day/night
      cycles, and to highlight unique features of iron metabolism in O. tauri, as
      compared to the freshwater model alga Chalamydomonas reinhardtii. RESULTS: We
      used RNA sequencing to investigated the transcriptional responses to iron
      limitation in O. tauri and found that most of the genes involved in iron uptake
      and metabolism in O. tauri are regulated by day/night cycles, regardless of iron
      status. O. tauri lacks the classical components of a reductive iron uptake
      system, and has no obvious iron regulon. Iron uptake appears to be copper
      independent, but is regulated by zinc. Conversely, iron deprivation resulted in
      the transcriptional activation of numerous genes encoding zinc-containing
      regulation factors. Iron uptake is likely mediated by a ZIP-family protein (Ot
      Irt1) and by a new Fea1-related protein (Ot-Fea1) containing duplicated Fea1
      domains. The adaptation of cells to iron limitation involved an iron-sparing
      response tightly coordinated with diurnal cycles to optimize cell functions and
      synchronize these functions with the day/night redistribution of iron
      orchestrated by ferritin, and a stress response based on the induction of
      thioredoxin-like proteins, of peroxiredoxin and of tesmin-like methallothionein
      rather than ascorbate. We briefly surveyed the metabolic remodeling resulting
      from iron deprivation. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanisms of iron uptake and utilization
      by O. tauri differ fundamentally from those described in C. reinhardtii. We
      propose this species as a new model for investigation of iron metabolism in
      marine microalgae.

PMID- 27142622
TI  - In Response to Letter to the Editor: Resanovic A, Resanovic V, Zdravkovic D,
      Toskovic B, Djordjevic M (2016) Bile Duct Injuries Indeed are a Rare, But Much
      Feared Complication.

PMID- 27142623
TI  - Perioperative Blood Transfusion is Associated with an Increased Mortality in
      Older Surgical Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More surgical interventions are being performed on octogenarian
      patients. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with operative
      mortality and to determine if perioperative transfusions could affect mortality
      outcomes in a nonselected series of octogenarian patients undergoing surgery.
      METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on a population of 413
      consecutive patients over 80 years old, treated surgically, and divided into two
      groups: transfused and nontransfused patients. The following variables were
      recorded: sociodemographic characteristics, main diagnoses, surgical procedure
      and its characteristics, ASA score, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), National
      Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) index, transfusion requirements, the
      Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications, and operative mortality.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 84.5 years (SD + 3.6). Transfused (25.2
      %) and nontransfused patients had similar characteristics; except for neoplasia
      (P <0.001), NNIS (P = 0.008), operative mortality (P = 0.004), and complications
      according to Clavien-Dindo score (P <0.001). Operative mortality was 20.1 % (83
      patients). The predictive variables associated with operative mortality were ASA
      score (P <0.001), emergency surgery (P <0.001), and blood transfusion (P =
      0.004). After adjusting for the variables age, ASA class, NNIS, emergency
      surgery, and neoplasia, the multivariate analysis showed that the perioperative
      transfusion in octogenarian patients continued to be significantly associated
      with operative mortality (P = 0.019; OR 1.97, 95 % CI 1.12-3.47). CONCLUSION:
      Perioperative transfusion is an independent predictor of postoperative mortality
      in surgical octogenarian patients.

PMID- 27142624
TI  - Septuagenarians and Older Patients are at a Higher Risk of Mortality with Adrenal
      Metastasectomy: An Analysis of the HCUP-NIS Database From 1992 to 2011.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Small institutional studies have shown that adrenalectomy to remove
      solitary metastases to the adrenal gland is safe and can improve overall survival
      for selective primary tumors. However, outcomes of adrenal metastasectomy have
      not been evaluated using large, national databases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All
      cases of adrenal metastasectomies from 1992 to 2011 were identified in the HCUP
      NIS database. The primary endpoint analyzed was death during the same
      hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), blood loss
      requiring transfusion, surgical infection, cardiac complications, and respiratory
      complications. A sub-analysis of 428 patients stratified by primary tumor (where
      data were available) was also performed. Statistical analysis was performed using
      chi-square, ANOVA, and logistic regression using Stata software, significance was
      set at p value of 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 2,057 cases of adrenal
      metastasectomies were identified. Median age of the patients was 62 +/- 13.2
      years (49.9 % men, 69.7 % Caucasian). Over the study period, there was a general
      increase in the number of cases performed and the number performed by minimally
      invasive approaches. There was also a decrease in LOS and number of deaths.
      However, age >=71 years predicted a significantly higher rate of mortality (OR =
      6.0, CI 1.3-26.5) when controlled for race, procedure type, year of surgery, and
      primary tumor in multivariable analysis. This age group had a higher number of
      cardiac complications (5.4 %, p = 0.005) that potentially contributed to the
      higher mortality rate. In addition, there was no difference in surgical outcomes
      when stratified by primary tumor type for the entire cohort of patients.
      CONCLUSION: Adrenal metastasectomy is a safe procedure with decreasing same
      hospitalization mortality from 1992 to 2011. However, age >=71 years is a
      significant risk factor for same-hospitalization mortality. This increased risk
      should be considered when discussing adrenal metastasectomy in this age
      population.

PMID- 27142625
TI  - No Need of Immediate Treatment for Hypovascular Tumors Associated with
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypovascular tumors associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      can be diagnosed, but it remains unknown whether such lesions should be treated
      immediately. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of treating
      hypovascular liver nodules. METHODS: After diagnosis of hypovascular tumors
      smaller than 3 cm, 104 patients underwent liver resection immediately (Group 1),
      while 93 patients were placed under observation (Group 2). In Group 1, 98
      patients were diagnosed as having HCC (Group 1'), while 80 patients in Group 2
      underwent liver resection after vascularization or appearance of other
      hypervascular HCC (Group 2'), eight patients had been observed, and five patients
      could not undergo operation due to appearance of other multiple HCCs. To avoid
      lead time bias for tumor vascularization, survival rates of patients after
      diagnosis of hypovascular tumors as well as those after operation in the two
      groups were compared. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 3.3 years (range 0.6
      11.2), the 5-year overall survival rates after liver resection of Group 1' (74.8
      %; 95 % CI 64.3-86.1) was significantly higher than that of Group 2' (59.2 %;
      46.4-75.6; P = 0.027). However, the 5-year overall survival rates after diagnosis
      of hypovascular liver nodules of Group 1' (74.7 %; 66.1-85.0) was not
      significantly different from that of Group 2' (77.1 %; 67.0-88.6; P = 0.761).
      Consequently, the 5-year overall survival rate after diagnosis of Group 2 (75.6
      %; 64.7-83.1) was not significantly different from that of Group 1 (73.2 %; 67.5
      86.1; P = 0.591) by intention-to-treat analysis. CONCLUSIONS: It is not necessary
      to treat hypovascular liver tumors immediately after diagnosis.

PMID- 27142626
TI  - Process of Pancreas Head as a Risk Factor for Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula in
      Laparoscopic Gastric Cancer Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF)-often caused by pancreatic
      injury during dissection of the peripancreatic lymph nodes-is a serious
      complication after gastric cancer surgery. We defined protruding pancreatic
      tissue on the anterior side of the pancreas head as "process of the pancreas
      head" (PPH) and investigated whether PPH is a predictable risk factor for POPF
      after laparoscopic gastrectomy. METHODS: We reviewed 255 patients who underwent
      laparoscopic total or distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The perioperative
      outcomes of 142 patients operated in the study's early phase were investigated to
      evaluate the risk factors for POPF. To evaluate whether preoperative
      identification of PPH by computed tomography (CT) and intraoperative prediction
      of pancreas head outline could reduce the risk of POPF, the outcomes of 113
      patients operated in the late phase were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 142 early
      phase patients, PPH was identified intraoperatively in 38 patients (26.8 %). A
      total of 13 patients (9.1 %) developed POPF > grade 2. PPH was identified as a
      risk factor for POPF (P < 0.01). In early-phase patients with PPH, the POPF rate
      was 21.0 %; in the late phase, it decreased to 4.3 %. Further, the POPF rate in
      early-phase patients with BMI > 25 and PPH was 42.6 %, decreasing to 0 % in the
      late-phase patients. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of PPH is a risk factor for POPF
      after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Identifying PPH using
      preoperative CT images and predicting the shape of the pancreas head during
      infrapyloric lymph node dissection are valuable in preventing POPF following
      laparoscopic gastric cancer surgery.

PMID- 27142627
TI  - Unimodal and cross-modal prediction is enhanced in musicians.
AB  - Musical training involves exposure to complex auditory and visual stimuli,
      memorization of elaborate sequences, and extensive motor rehearsal. It has been
      hypothesized that such multifaceted training may be associated with differences
      in basic cognitive functions, such as prediction, potentially translating to a
      facilitation in expert musicians. Moreover, such differences might generalize to
      non-auditory stimuli. This study was designed to test both hypotheses. We
      implemented a cross-modal attentional cueing task with auditory and visual
      stimuli, where a target was preceded by compatible or incompatible cues in mainly
      compatible (80% compatible, predictable) or random blocks (50% compatible,
      unpredictable). This allowed for the testing of prediction skills in musicians
      and controls. Musicians showed increased sensitivity to the statistical structure
      of the block, expressed as advantage for compatible trials (disadvantage for
      incompatible trials), but only in the mainly compatible (predictable) blocks.
      Controls did not show this pattern. The effect held within modalities (auditory,
      visual), across modalities, and when controlling for short-term memory capacity.
      These results reveal a striking enhancement in cross-modal prediction in
      musicians in a very basic cognitive task.

PMID- 27142628
TI  - Efficient carbon dioxide utilization and simultaneous hydrogen enrichment from
      off-gas of acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation by succinic acid producing
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - The off-gas from acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation was firstly used to
      be CO2 source (co-substrate) for succinic acid production. The optimum ratio of
      H2/CO2 indicated higher CO2 partial pressures with presence of H2 could enhance
      C4 pathway flux and reductive product productivity. Moreover, when an inner
      recycling bioreactor was used for CO2 recycling at a high total pressure
      (0.2Mpa), a maximum succinic acid concentration of 65.7g.L(-1) was obtained, and
      a productivity of 0.76g.L(-1).h(-1) and a high yield of 0.86g.g(-1) glucose were
      achieved. Furthermore, the hydrogen content was simultaneously enriched to 92.7%.
      These results showed one successful attempt to reuse the off-gas of ABE
      fermentation which can be an attractive CO2 source for succinic acid production. 

PMID- 27142629
TI  - Bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to xylitol: An overview.
AB  - Lignocellulosic wastes include agricultural and forest residues which are most
      promising alternative energy sources and serve as potential low cost raw
      materials that can be exploited to produce xylitol. The strong physical and
      chemical construction of lignocelluloses is a major constraint for the recovery
      of xylose. The large scale production of xylitol is attained by nickel catalyzed
      chemical process that is based on xylose hydrogenation, that requires purified
      xylose as raw substrate and the process requires high temperature and pressure
      that remains to be cost intensive and energy consuming. Therefore, there is a
      necessity to develop an integrated process for biotechnological conversion of
      lignocelluloses to xylitol and make the process economical. The present review
      confers about the pretreatment strategies that facilitate cellulose and
      hemicellulose acquiescent for hydrolysis. There is also an emphasis on various
      detoxification and fermentation methodologies including genetic engineering
      strategies for the efficient conversion of xylose to xylitol. 

PMID- 27142630
TI  - Evidence-based guidelines for recommending cochlear implantation for young
      children: Audiological criteria and optimizing age at implantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Establish up-to-date evidence-based guidelines for recommending
      cochlear implantation for young children. DESIGN: Speech perception results for
      early-implanted children were compared to children using traditional
      amplification. Equivalent pure-tone average (PTA) hearing loss for cochlear
      implant (CI) users was established. Language of early-implanted children was
      assessed over six years and compared to hearing peers. STUDY SAMPLE: Seventy
      eight children using CIs and 62 children using traditional amplification with
      hearing losses ranging 25-120 dB HL PTA (speech perception study). Thirty-two
      children who received a CI before 2.5 years of age (language study). RESULTS:
      Speech perception outcomes suggested that children with a PTA greater than 60 dB
      HL have a 75% chance of benefit over traditional amplification. More conservative
      criteria applied to the data suggested that children with PTA greater than 82 dB
      HL have a 95% chance of benefit. Children implanted under 2.5 years with no
      significant cognitive deficits made normal language progress but retained a delay
      approximately equal to their age at implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Hearing-impaired
      children under three years of age may benefit from cochlear implantation if their
      PTA exceeds 60 dB HL bilaterally. Implantation as young as possible should
      minimize any language delay resulting from an initial period of auditory
      deprivation.

PMID- 27142631
TI  - In situ measurement of CO2 and water vapour isotopic compositions at a forest
      site using mid-infrared laser absorption spectroscopy.
AB  - We conducted continuous, high time-resolution measurements of CO2 and water
      vapour isotopologues ((16)O(12)C(16)O, (16)O(13)C(16)O and (18)O(12)C(16)O for
      CO2, and H2(18)O for water vapour) in a red pine forest at the foot of Mt. Fuji
      for 9 days from the end of July 2010 using in situ absorption laser spectroscopy.
      The delta(18)O values in water vapour were estimated using the delta(2)H
      delta(18)O relationship. At a scale of several days, the temporal variations in
      delta(18)O-CO2 and delta(18)O-H2O are similar. The orders of the daily Keeling
      plots are almost identical. A possible reason for the similar behaviour of
      delta(18)O-CO2 and delta(18)O-H2O is considered to be that the air masses with
      different water vapour isotopic ratios moved into the forest, and changed the
      atmosphere of the forest. A significant correlation was observed between
      delta(18)O-CO2 and delta(13)C-CO2 values at nighttime (r(2)~0.9) due to mixing
      between soil (and/or leaf) respiration and tropospheric CO2. The ratios of the
      discrimination coefficients (Deltaa/Delta) for oxygen (Deltaa) and carbon (Delta)
      isotopes during photosynthesis were estimated in the range of 0.7-1.2 from the
      daytime correlations between delta(18)O-CO2 and delta(13)C-CO2 values. 

PMID- 27142632
TI  - A combination of clinical balance measures and FRAX(r) to improve identification
      of high-risk fallers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The FRAX(r) algorithm quantifies a patient's 10-year probability of a
      hip or major osteoporotic fracture without taking an individual's balance into
      account. Balance measures assess the functional ability of an individual and the
      FRAX(r) algorithm is a model that integrates the individual patients clinical
      risk factors [not balance] and bone mineral density. Thus, clinical balance
      measures capture aspects that the FRAX(r) algorithm does not, and vice versa. It
      is therefore possible that combining FRAX(r) and clinical balance measures can
      improve the identification of patients at high fall risk and thereby high
      fracture risk. Our study aim was to explore whether there is an association
      between clinical balance measures and fracture prediction obtained from FRAX(r).
      METHOD: A cross-sectional study design was used where post hoc was performed on a
      dataset of 82 participants (54 to 89 years of age, mean age 71.4, 77 female),
      with a fall-related wrist-fracture between 2008 and 2012. Balance was measured by
      tandem stance, standing one leg, walking in the figure of eight, walking heel to
      toe on a line, walking as fast as possible for 30 m and five times sit to stand
      balance measures [tandem stance and standing one leg measured first with open and
      then with closed eyes] and each one analyzed for bivariate relations with the 10
      year probability values for hip and major osteoporotic fractures as calculated by
      FRAX(r) using Spearman's rank correlation test. RESULTS: Individuals with high
      FRAX(r) values had poor outcome in balance measures; however the significance
      level of the correlation differed between tests. Standing one leg eyes closed had
      strongest correlation to FRAX(r) (0.610 p = < 0.01) and Five times sit to stand
      was the only test that did not correlate with FRAX(r) (0.013). CONCLUSION: This
      study showed that there is an association between clinical balance measures and
      FRAX(r). Hence, the use of clinical balance measures and FRAX(r) in combination,
      might improve the identification of individuals with high risk of falls and
      thereby following fractures. Results enable healthcare providers to optimize
      treatment and prevention of fall-related fractures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study
      has been registered in Clinical Trials.gov, registration number NCT00988572 .

PMID- 27142633
TI  - Oncologic and Perioperative Outcomes Following Selective Application of
      Laparoscopic Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Periampullary Malignancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data are sparse regarding patient selection criteria or evaluating
      oncologic outcomes following laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). Having
      prospectively limited LPD to patients with resectable disease defined by National
      Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria, we evaluated perioperative and long
      term oncologic outcomes of LPD compared to a similar cohort of open
      pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). METHODS: Consecutive patients (November 2010
      February 2014) undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for periampullary
      adenocarcinoma were reviewed. Patients were excluded from further analysis for
      benign pathology, conversion to OPD for portal vein resection, and
      contraindications for LPD not related to their malignancy. Outcomes of patients
      undergoing LPD were analyzed in an intention-to-treat manner against a cohort of
      patients undergoing OPD. RESULTS: These selection criteria resulted in offering
      LPD to 77 % of all cancer patients. Compared to the OPD cohort, LPD was
      associated with significant reductions in wound infections (16 vs. 34 %; P =
      0.038), pancreatic fistula (17 vs. 36 %; P = 0.032), and median hospital stay (9
      vs. 12 days; P = 0.025). Overall survival (OS) was not statistically different
      between patients undergoing LPD vs. OPD for periampullary adenocarcinoma (median
      OS 27.9 vs. 23.5 months; P = 0.955) or pancreatic adenocarcinoma (N = 28 vs. 22
      patients; median OS 20.7 vs. 21.1 months; P = 0.703). CONCLUSIONS: The selective
      application of LPD for periampullary malignancies results in a high degree of
      eligibility as well as significant reductions in length of stay, wound
      infections, and pancreatic fistula. Overall survival after LPD is similar to OPD.

PMID- 27142634
TI  - An Inexpensive Modified Primary Closure Technique for Class IV (Dirty) Wounds
      Significantly Decreases Superficial and Deep Surgical Site Infection.
AB  - Despite the creation of several programs to decrease the incidence of surgical
      site infection, it remains a common complication that has a significant impact on
      patient recovery and medical costs. The following is a description and brief
      outcome report of a modified primary closure technique used for dirty (Class IV)
      wounds. There were 14 consecutive patients who had a laparotomy with Class IV
      wounds treated by a single surgeon (TAA) from 2011 to 2015. All patients had a
      history of cancer and either showed signs suggestive for an acute abdomen and
      required an emergent exploratory laparotomy or were found to have purulent
      intraabdominal infection at the time of elective surgery. The operation and
      "modified primary closure" technique (subcutaneous wound wicks with stapled skin
      closure) were performed in every case. The modified primary closure technique was
      utilized in 14 patients with a Class IV wound. There were no 30-day mortalities
      or readmissions. Wound wicks were slowly advanced out over a 7-day period, and
      only one patient required subsequent wound packing of a single-wicked area. There
      were no superficial or deep surgical site infections, or wound dehiscence during
      the hospital course, or 30-day postoperative period. The modified primary closure
      technique is efficient and inexpensive and was effective in a series of 14
      patients with wounds classified as dirty.

PMID- 27142635
TI  - Laparoscopic Colonic Resection Without Urinary Drainage: Is It "Feasible"?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urinary retention following colorectal surgery is a known and costly
      morbidity. Increasing effort is being made to streamline patient recovery
      following colon resection, though the ideal timing and duration of urinary
      catheterization (UC) and its effect on urinary retention (UR) and urinary tract
      infection (UTI) remain controversial. METHODS: Our program prospectively enrolled
      patients undergoing elective segmental colon resection through our "fast track"
      protocol, in which UC is completely avoided unless required for fluid management
      or to facilitate dissection. Patient demographics and perioperative data
      including type of analgesia, duration of anesthesia, timing of UC, and rates of
      perioperative UR and UTI were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: Sixty-five
      patients met inclusion criteria. Sigmoid colectomy was the most common procedure
      (76.9 %). The average duration of anesthesia was 274 min, and epidural analgesia
      was employed in 32 (49.2 %). Twenty-two patients (33.8 %) required temporary
      perioperative UC. All patients left the operating room without a urinary
      catheter. Urinary retention occurred in six patients (9.2 %, three with and three
      without epidural analgesia). One patient who was not catheterized developed a UTI
      (1.5 %). There was no perioperative mortality. Overall, 39 (60.0 %) patients
      successfully underwent segmental colon resection and hospital discharge without
      any UC. CONCLUSIONS: "Fast track" enhanced recovery after elective segmental
      colon resection without requiring UC is safe and feasible. Epidural analgesia
      does not mandate the use of UC. In light of the considerable morbidity and cost
      of UR and UTI, this approach merits further investigation for this patient
      population.

PMID- 27142636
TI  - Functional connectivity dynamics during film viewing reveal common networks for
      different emotional experiences.
AB  - Recent theoretical and empirical work has highlighted the role of domain-general,
      large-scale brain networks in generating emotional experiences. These networks
      are hypothesized to process aspects of emotional experiences that are not unique
      to a specific emotional category (e.g., "sadness," "happiness"), but rather that
      generalize across categories. In this article, we examined the dynamic
      interactions (i.e., changing cohesiveness) between specific domain-general
      networks across time while participants experienced various instances of sadness,
      fear, and anger. We used a novel method for probing the network connectivity
      dynamics between two salience networks and three amygdala-based networks. We
      hypothesized, and found, that the functional connectivity between these networks
      covaried with the intensity of different emotional experiences. Stronger
      connectivity between the dorsal salience network and the medial amygdala network
      was associated with more intense ratings of emotional experience across six
      different instances of the three emotion categories examined. Also, stronger
      connectivity between the dorsal salience network and the ventrolateral amygdala
      network was associated with more intense ratings of emotional experience across
      five out of the six different instances. Our findings demonstrate that a variety
      of emotional experiences are associated with dynamic interactions of domain
      general neural systems.

PMID- 27142637
TI  - Quantification of left ventricular trabeculae using cardiovascular magnetic
      resonance for the diagnosis of left ventricular non-compaction: evaluation of
      trabecular volume and refined semi-quantitative criteria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) is an unclassified
      cardiomyopathy and there is no consensus on the diagnosis of LVNC. The aims of
      this study were to establish quantitative methods to diagnose LVNC using
      cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and to suggest refined semi-quantitative
      methods to diagnose LVNC. METHODS: This retrospective study included 145 subjects
      with mild to severe trabeculation of the left ventricle myocardium [24 patients
      with isolated LVNC, 33 patients with non-isolated LVNC, 30 patients with dilated
      cardiomyopathy (DCM) with non-compaction (DCMNC), 27 patients with DCM, and 31
      healthy control subjects with mild trabeculation]. The left ventricular (LV)
      ejection fraction, global LV myocardial volume, trabeculated LV myocardial
      volume, and number of segments with late gadolinium enhancement were measured. In
      addition, the most prominent non-compacted (NC), compacted (C), normal mid
      septum, normal mid-lateral wall, and apical trabeculation thicknesses on the end
      diastolic frames of the long-axis slices were measured. RESULTS: In the patients
      with isolated LVNC, the percentage of trabeculated LV volume (TV%, 42.6 +/- 13.8
      %) relative to total LV myocardial volume was 1.4 times higher than in those with
      DCM (30.3 +/- 14.3 %, p < 0.001), and 1.7 times higher than in the controls (24.8
      +/- 7.1 %, p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in TV%
      between the isolated LVNC and DCMNC groups (47.1 +/- 17.3 % in the DCMNC group; p
      = 0.210). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using Jenni's
      method for CMR classification as the standard diagnostic criteria revealed that a
      value of TV% above 34.6 % was predictive of NC with a specificity of 89.7 % (CI:
      74.2 - 98.0 %) and a sensitivity of 66.1 % (CI: 52.6 - 77.9 %). A value of
      NC/septum over 1.27 was considered predictive for NC with a specificity of 82.8 %
      (CI: 64.2 - 94.2 %) and a sensitivity of 57.6 % (CI: 44.1 - 70.4 %). In addition,
      a value of apex/C above 3.15 was considered predictive of NC with a specificity
      of 93.1 % (CI: 77.2 - 99.2 %) and a sensitivity of 69.5 % (CI: 56.1 - 80.8 %).
      CONCLUSIONS: A trabeculated LV myocardial volume above 35 % of the total LV
      myocardial volume is diagnostic for LVNC with high specificity. Also, the apex/C
      and NC/septum ratios could be useful as supplementary diagnostic criteria.

PMID- 27142638
TI  - Decreasing infection in neonatal intensive care units through quality
      improvement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To decrease the incidence of bloodstream infection (BSI) for neonates
      <29 weeks gestation through quality improvement. DESIGN: Commencing in September
      2011, eight neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in New South Wales and
      Australian Capital Territory, Australia participated in the Sepsis Prevention in
      NICUs Group project, a multicentre quality improvement initiative to reduce
      neonatal infection through implementation of potentially better practices and
      development of teaching resources. Data were collected for neonates <29 weeks
      gestation from D3 to 35, using point of care data entry, for BSI, central line
      associated BSI (CLABSI) and antibiotic use. Exponentially weighted moving average
      data trend lines for rates of BSI, CLABSI and antibiotic use for each NICU were
      automatically generated and composite charts were provided each month to
      participating NICUs. RESULTS: Between January 2012 and December 2014, data were
      collected from D3 to 35 for 1075 neonates <29 weeks gestation who survived >48 h,
      for a total of 33 933 bed days and 14 447 central line days. There was a
      significant decrease from 2012 to 2014 in BSI/1000 bed days (7.8+/-3.0 vs 3.8+/
      1.1, p=0.000), CLABSI/1000 bed days (4.6+/-2.1 vs 2.1+/-0.8, p=0.003),
      CLABSI/1000 central line days (9.9+/-4.3 vs 5.4+/-1.7, p=0.012) and antibiotic
      days/100 bed days (31.1+/-4.3 vs 25.5+/-4.2, p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrates a >50% reduction in BSI in extremely premature neonates from D3 to
      35 following a collaborative quality improvement project to reduce neonatal
      infection across an NICU network, supported by timely provision of data.

PMID- 27142639
TI  - Mesenchymal stromal cells in the development and therapy of bronchopulmonary
      dysplasia.
AB  - Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the chronic lung disease of prematurity,
      remains a major healthcare burden. Despite great progresses in perinatal medicine
      over the past decades, no cure for BPD has been found. The complex
      pathophysiology of the disease further hampers the development of effective
      treatment strategies, but recent insights into the biology of mesenchymal stem
      (MSCs) and progenitor cells in lung development and disease have ignited the hope
      of preventing or even treating BPD. The promising results of pre-clinical studies
      have lead to the first early phase clinical trials. However, these treatments are
      experimental and much more needs to be learned about the mechanism of action and
      manufacturing of MSCs. In this mini review, we briefly summarize the role of
      resident and exogenous MSCs in the development and treatment of BPD. 

PMID- 27142640
TI  - Design, Synthesis, and Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Novel Indole-2
      carboxamide Derivatives as Anti-inflammatory Agents for the Treatment of Sepsis.
AB  - Sepsis is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Derivatives
      of indole have been reported to exhibit diverse biological activities. This study
      reports on the design and synthesis of a new series of indole-2-carboxamide
      derivatives, which are screened for their anti-inflammatory activities in RAW
      264.7 macrophages. A majority of these derivatives effectively inhibited
      lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF
      alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Preliminary structure-activity relationship
      analysis was also conducted. The results indicate that the most promising
      compounds in the prepared series were 14f and 14g. They were found to effectively
      reduce LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation and overexpression of a series of
      inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, in vivo administration of 14f and 14g
      resulted in remarkable lung histopathological improvements in mice without
      toxicity in organs. Taken together, these data indicate that the newly discovered
      indole-2-carboxamide derivatives could be particularly useful for further
      treatment in inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27142641
TI  - The Flexibility Hypothesis of Healing.
AB  - Theories of healing have attempted to identify general mechanisms that may work
      across different modalities. These include altering expectations, remoralization,
      and instilling hope. In this paper, we argue that many forms of healing and
      psychotherapy may work by inducing positive psychological states marked by
      flexibility or an enhanced ability to shift cognitive sets. Healing practices may
      induce these states of cognitive and emotional flexibility through specific
      symbolic interventions we term "flexibility primers" that can include images,
      metaphors, music, and other media. The flexibility hypothesis suggests that
      cognitive and emotional flexibility is represented, elicited, and enacted through
      multiple modalities in healing rituals. Identifying psychological processes and
      cultural forms that evoke and support cognitive and emotional flexibility
      provides a way to understand the cultural specificity and potential efficacy of
      particular healing practices and can guide the design of interventions that
      promote resilience and well-being.

PMID- 27142642
TI  - NHC-Copper(I) Halide-Catalyzed Direct Alkynylation of Trifluoromethyl Ketones on
      Water.
AB  - An efficient and easily scalable NHC-copper(I) halide-catalyzed addition of
      terminal alkynes to 1,1,1-trifluoromethyl ketones, carried out on water for the
      first time, is reported. A series of addition reactions were performed with as
      little as 0.1-2.0 mol % of [(NHC)CuX] (X=Cl, Br, I, OAc, OTf) complexes,
      providing tertiary propargylic trifluoromethyl alcohols in high yields and with
      excellent chemoselectivity from a broad range of aryl- and more challenging alkyl
      substituted trifluoromethyl ketones (TFMKs). DFT calculations were performed to
      rationalize the correlation between the yield of catalytic alkynylation and the
      sterics of N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), expressed as buried volume (%VBur),
      indicating that steric effects dominate the yield of the reaction. Additional DFT
      calculations shed some light on the differential reactivity of [(NHC)CuX]
      complexes in the alkynylation of TFMKs. The first enantioselective version of a
      direct alkynylation in the presence of C1 -symmetric NHC-copper(I) complexes is
      also presented.

PMID- 27142643
TI  - Bioresorbable vascular scaffold thrombosis in a consecutive cohort of 550
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS)
      thrombosis in a large, real-world population. BACKGROUND: There is some concern
      about device thrombosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using BVS.
      No data have been published for PCI using both BVS and metal stents. METHODS: A
      cohort of 550 consecutive patients who underwent PCI for stable chest pain or
      acute coronary syndromes with implantation of at least one BVS (Absorb, Abbott
      Vascular) was systematically followed up by telephone interview and review of
      medical charts. Data on device thrombosis were retrospectively analyzed in
      relationship to clinical and angiographic characteristics. RESULTS: Follow-up was
      achieved in 533 patients (97%, median follow-up 233 days). A total of 964 BVS
      were implanted in 645 vessels. In addition, 234 metal stents were implanted in
      149 patients, including "hybrid intervention" with the combined use of BVS and
      stents in the same artery in 122 patients. Documented were 15 definite, 1
      probable, and 8 possible cases of device thrombosis (rate of definite/probable
      device thrombosis: 3.0%). Of these, 6 definite and 6 possible thromboses could be
      unambiguously attributed to BVS (1.1%), whereas a total of 11 definite, 1
      probable, and 8 possible thromboses were potentially attributable to BVS (2.3%).
      Definite device thrombosis occurred in 7/122 patients with "hybrid intervention"
      (5.7%). CONCLUSIONS: In a large real-world cohort treated with BVS, the rate of
      scaffold thrombosis was higher than published for randomized trials. A high rate
      of thrombosis was observed after combined implantation of BVS and stents within
      one vessel. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27142645
TI  - Absence of Lymphatic Vessels in PCNSL May Contribute to Confinement of Tumor
      Cells to the Central Nervous System.
AB  - Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (PCNSL) is a mature lymphoma of the
      diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) type confined to the CNS. Despite
      cytomorphological similarities between PCNSL and systemic DLBCL, molecular
      differences between both entities have been identified. The exclusively
      topographical restriction of PCNSL to the CNS is an unexplained mystery. To
      address the question of whether the unique lymphatic drainage system of the CNS,
      which differs from that of other organs, may play a role for this peculiar
      behavior, we investigated a series of 20 PCNSLs for the presence of lymphatic
      vessels by immunohistochemistry for Lyve-1, podoplanin, and Prox-1 expression.
      All PCNSLs lacked lymphatic vessels and, in this regard, were similar to 20
      glioblastoma multiforme samples. In contrast to these tumors, all of which were
      located in the deep brain parenchyma, dural and meningeal DLBCL harbored
      lymphatic vessels that expressed Lyve-1 (3/8 tumors), podoplanin (5/8 tumors),
      and Prox-1 (5/8 tumors) in areas where the tumors had invaded the fibrous tissue
      of the dura. These data indicate that local topographical characteristics of the
      specific lymphatic drainage system may contribute to confinement of the tumor
      cells in PCNSL and malignant gliomas.

PMID- 27142644
TI  - Unbiased Stereological Analysis of Reactive Astrogliosis to Estimate Age
      Associated Cerebral White Matter Injury.
AB  - Cerebral white matter injury (WMI) contributes to cognitive dysfunction
      associated with pathological aging. Because reactive astrocyte-related factors
      contribute to remyelination failure after WMI, we sought accurate, cost
      effective, and reproducible histopathological approaches for quantification of
      morphometric features of reactive astrogliosis in aged human white matter in
      patients with vascular brain injury (VBI). We compared 7 distinct approaches to
      quantify the features of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-labeled
      astrocytes in the prefrontal white matter of brains from patients with VBI (n =
      17, mean age 88.8 years) and controls that did not exhibit VBI (n = 11, mean age
      86.6 years). Only modern stereological techniques (ie, optical fractionator and
      spaceballs) and virtual process thickness measurements demonstrated significant
      changes in astrocyte number, process length, or proximal process thickness in
      cases with VBI relative to controls. The widely employed methods of
      neuropathological scoring, antibody capture assay (histelide), area fraction
      fractionator, and Cavalieri point counting failed to detect significant
      differences in GFAP expression between the groups. Unbiased stereological
      approaches and virtual thickness measurements provided the only sensitive and
      accurate means to quantify astrocyte reactivity as a surrogate marker of WMI in
      human brains with VBI.

PMID- 27142646
TI  - US gets lower return on its cancer drug spending, study finds.

PMID- 27142647
TI  - The impact of pediatric neuropsychological consultation in mild traumatic brain
      injury: a model for providing feedback after invalid performance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In recent years, pediatric practitioners have increasingly recognized
      the importance of objectively measuring performance validity during clinical
      assessments. Yet, no studies have examined the impact of neuropsychological
      consultation when invalid performance has been identified in pediatric
      populations and little published guidance exists for clinical management. Here we
      provide a conceptual model for providing feedback after noncredible performance
      has been detected. In a pilot study, we examine caregiver satisfaction and
      postconcussive symptoms following provision of this feedback for patients seen
      through our concussion program. METHODS: Participants (N = 70) were 8-17-year
      olds with a history of mild traumatic brain injury who underwent an abbreviated
      neuropsychological evaluation between 2 and 12 months post-injury. We examined
      postconcussive symptom reduction and caregiver satisfaction after
      neuropsychological evaluation between groups of patients who were determined to
      have provided noncredible effort (n = 9) and those for whom no validity concerns
      were present (n = 61). RESULTS: We found similarly high levels of caregiver
      satisfaction between groups and greater reduction in self-reported symptoms after
      feedback was provided using the model with children with noncredible
      presentations compared to those with credible presentations. CONCLUSION: The
      current study lends preliminary support to the idea that the identification and
      communication of invalid performance can be a beneficial clinical intervention
      that promotes high levels of caregiver satisfaction and a reduction in self
      reported and caregiver-reported symptoms.

PMID- 27142648
TI  - Incidence rate of falls and its risk factors in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis compared to controls: Four years of the TOMORROW study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been recognized to
      experience falls frequently due to functional disabilities. The aim of this study
      was to prospectively investigate factors influencing falls in patients with RA
      compared to controls. METHODS: We compared the frequency of falls in 208 RA
      patients and 205 age- and sex-matched volunteers for four years and analyzed risk
      factors for falls in RA patients using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS:
      No significant difference in the incidence rate of falls (/person-year) between
      patients with RA (median [interquartile range]: 0 [0, 0.5]) and controls (0 [0,
      0.5]) was evident during four years. Logistic regression analysis identified age,
      sex, body mass index, history of falls, and lower limb implant at baseline as
      significant risk factors for falls. The highest quartile of anti-CCP antibody
      level (>300.6 U/ml) was the strongest predictor for multiple falls (odds ratio,
      2.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-7.91, p = 0.029) among RA patients.
      CONCLUSION: During four years we could not observe the higher incidence rate of
      falls in RA patients compared to controls in our cohort. Subjects with a higher
      titer of anti-CCP antibody might be at higher risk of frequent falls among RA
      patients.

PMID- 27142649
TI  - Influence of Smoking Consumption and Nicotine Dependence Degree in Cardiac
      Autonomic Modulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Smoking consumption alters cardiac autonomic function. OBJECTIVE:
      Assess the influence of the intensity of smoking and the nicotine dependence
      degree in cardiac autonomic modulation evaluated through index of heart rate
      variability (HRV). METHODS: 83 smokers, of both genders, between 50 and 70 years
      of age and with normal lung function were divided according to the intensity of
      smoking consumption (moderate and severe) and the nicotine dependency degree
      (mild, moderate and severe). The indexes of HRV were analyzed in rest condition,
      in linear methods in the time domain (TD), the frequency domain (FD) and through
      the Poincare plot. For the comparison of smoking consumption, unpaired t test or
      Mann-Whitney was employed. For the analysis between the nicotine dependency
      degrees, we used the One-way ANOVA test, followed by Tukey's post test or Kruskal
      Wallis followed by Dunn's test. The significance level was p < 0,05. RESULTS:
      Differences were only found when compared to the different intensities of smoking
      consumption in the indexes in the FD. LFun (62.89 +/- 15.24 vs 75.45 +/- 10.28),
      which corresponds to low frequency spectrum component in normalized units; HFun
      (37.11 +/- 15.24 vs 24.55 +/- 10.28), which corresponds to high frequency
      spectrum component in normalized units and in the LF/HF ratio (2.21 +/- 1.47 vs
      4.07 +/- 2.94). However, in the evaluation of nicotine dependency, significant
      differences were not observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Only the intensity of
      smoking consumption had an influence over the cardiac autonomic modulation of the
      assessed tobacco smokers. Tobacco smokers with severe intensity of smoking
      consumption presented a lower autonomic modulation than those with moderate
      intensity.

PMID- 27142650
TI  - Early Markers of Atherosclerotic Disease in Individuals with Excess Weight and
      Dyslipidemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Excessive weight is a cardiovascular risk factor since it generates a
      chronic inflammatory process that aggravates the endothelial function. OBJECTIVE:
      To evaluate the endothelial function in individuals with excess weight and mild
      dyslipidemia using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (BAFMD), and the
      association of endothelial function with anthropometric and biochemical
      variables. METHODS: Cross-sectional study that included 74 individuals and
      evaluated anthropometric variables (body mass index [BMI], waist-hip ratio [WHR],
      waist circumference [AC], and percentage of body fat [PBF]), biochemical (blood
      glucose, insulinemia, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, total
      cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol) and endothelial
      function (BAFMD, evaluated by ultrasound). The statistical analysis was performed
      with SPSS, version 16.0. To study the association between the variables, we used
      chi-square, Student's t and Mann-Whitney tests, and Pearson's correlation.
      Logistic regression analyzed the independent influence of the factors. Values of
      p < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of
      50.8 years, and 57% were female. BMI, WC, WHR, and PBF showed no significant
      association with BAFMD. The male gender (p = 0.02) and higher serum levels of
      fibrinogen (p = 0.02) were significantly and independently associated with a
      BAFMD below 8%. CONCLUSIONS: In individuals with excess weight and mild untreated
      dyslipidemia, male gender and higher levels of fibrinogen were independently
      associated with worse BAFMD.

PMID- 27142651
TI  - Prevalence of Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Association With Risk
      Factors in Primary Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a chronic, progressive
      disease with high morbidity and mortality. It is underdiagnosed, especially among
      women. OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of high risk for OSAS globally and for
      the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) categories, and to evaluate the reliability of the
      BQ use in the population studied. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional study
      with individuals from the Niteroi Family Doctor Program, randomly selected, aged
      between 45 and 99 years. The visits occurred between August/2011 and
      December/2012. Variables associated with each BQ category and with high risk for
      OSAS (global) were included in logistic regression models (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Of
      the total (616), 403 individuals (65.4%) reported snoring. The prevalence of high
      risk for OSA was 42.4%, being 49.7% for category I, 10.2% for category II and
      77.6% for category III. CONCLUSION: BQ showed an acceptable reliability after
      excluding the questions Has anyone noticed that you stop breathing during your
      sleep? and Have you ever dozed off or fallen asleep while driving?. This should
      be tested in further studies with samples mostly comprised of women and low
      educational level individuals. Given the burden of OSAS-related diseases and
      risks, studies should be conducted to validate new tools and to adapt BQ to
      better screen OSAS.

PMID- 27142652
TI  - Quantitative evaluation of an information leaflet to increase prompt help-seeking
      for gynaecological cancer symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Provision of written information may improve awareness of cancer
      symptoms and encourage timely presentation in primary care. This study assessed
      changes in symptom knowledge, perceived barriers to help-seeking, anxiety and
      intention to seek help, following exposure to a leaflet to raise awareness of
      gynaecological cancer symptoms. METHODS: Women (N = 484) completed questionnaires
      before and after reading the leaflet. The primary outcome was change in
      anticipated time to help-seeking for 12 symptoms. Changes in symptom knowledge,
      barriers and anxiety, and their association with prompt help-seeking were
      evaluated using Wilcoxon signed rank tests and logistic regression analyses.
      RESULTS: After reading the leaflet, symptom knowledge increased (p < 0.001), and
      perceived barriers (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.008) decreased. The number of
      symptoms for which women anticipated seeking help promptly increased (p < 0.001).
      Changes in knowledge (OR 4.21, 95 % CI 1.95-9.13) and perceived barriers (OR
      4.60, 95 % CI 1.91-11.04) were independently associated with increased help
      seeking. CONCLUSION: Increased symptom knowledge and lowered perceived barriers
      were related to increased prompt anticipated help-seeking. This occurred without
      an increase in anxiety. This intervention is effective in altering knowledge,
      beliefs and help-seeking intentions for gynaecological cancer symptoms, at least
      in the short-term, and should be trialled in primary care.

PMID- 27142653
TI  - Erratum to: Study on injury effect of food additive citric acid on liver tissue
      in mice.

PMID- 27142654
TI  - Hydroxyl-Exchanged Nanoporous Ionic Copolymer toward Low-Temperature
      Cycloaddition of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide into Carbonates.
AB  - An ionic copolymer catalyst with nanopores, large surface area, high ionic
      density, and superior basicity was prepared via the radical copolymerization of
      amino-functionalized ionic liquid bromide and divinylbenzene, followed with a
      hydroxyl exchange for removing bromonium. Evaluated in chemical fixation of CO2
      with epoxides into cyclic carbonates in the absence of any solvent and basic
      additive, the nanoporous copolymer catalyst showed high and stable activity,
      superior to various control catalysts including the halogen-containing analogue.
      Further, high yields were obtained over a wide scope of substrates including
      aliphatic long carbon-chain alkyl epoxides and internal epoxide, even under
      atmospheric pressure and less than 100  degrees C for the majority of the
      substrates. On the basis of in situ Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR)
      investigation and density functional theory (DFT) calculation for the reaction
      intermediates, we proposed a possible reaction mechanism accounting for the
      superior catalytic activity of the ionic copolymer. The specifically prepared
      ionic copolymer material of this work features highly stable, noncorrosive, and
      sustainable catalysis and, thus, may be a new possibility for efficient chemical
      fixation of CO2 since it is an environmentally friendly, metal-free solid
      catalyst.

PMID- 27142655
TI  - A mixed methods evaluation of the maternal-newborn dashboard in Ontario:
      dashboard attributes, contextual factors, and facilitators and barriers to use: a
      study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are wide variations in maternal-newborn care practices and
      outcomes across Ontario. To help institutions and care providers learn about
      their own performance, the Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario has
      implemented an audit and feedback system, the Maternal-Newborn Dashboard (MND),
      for all hospitals providing maternal-newborn care. The dashboard provides (1)
      near real-time feedback, with site-specific and peer comparison data about six
      key performance indicators; (2) a visual display of evidence-practice gaps
      related to the indicators; and (3) benchmarks to provide direction for practice
      change. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the dashboard, dashboard
      attributes, contextual factors, and facilitation/support needs that influence the
      use of this audit and feedback system to improve performance. The objectives of
      this study are to (1) evaluate the effect of implementing the dashboard across
      Ontario; (2) explore factors that potentially explain differences in the use of
      the MND among hospitals; (3) measure factors potentially associated with
      differential effectiveness of the MND; and (4) identify factors that predict
      differences in hospital performance. METHODS/DESIGN: A mixed methods design
      includes (1) an interrupted time series analysis to evaluate the effect of the
      intervention on six indicators, (2) key informant interviews with a purposeful
      sample of directors/managers from up to 20 maternal-newborn care hospitals to
      explore factors that influence the use of the dashboard, (3) a provincial survey
      of obstetrical directors/managers from all maternal-newborn hospitals in the
      province to measure factors that influence the use of the dashboard, and (4) a
      multivariable generalized linear mixed effects regression analysis of the
      indicators at each hospital to quantitatively evaluate the change in practice
      following implementation of the dashboard and to identify factors most predictive
      of use. DISCUSSION: Study results will provide essential data to develop
      knowledge translation strategies for facilitating practice change, which can be
      further evaluated through a future cluster randomized trial.

PMID- 27142656
TI  - Guided tissue regeneration with heterologous materials in primary subtalar
      arthrodesis: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calcaneal fractures are relatively rare and difficult to treat.
      Treatment options vary based on the type of fracture and the surgeon's
      experiences. In recent years, surgical procedures have increasingly been used due
      to the better long-term results. We present a case where guided tissue
      regeneration was performed in a calcaneal fracture that needed primary subtalar
      arthrodesis. We used the principles of guided tissue regeneration from oral
      surgery to perform primary subtalar arthrodesis and minimize the risk of non
      union. We used a heterologous collagen membrane, which acts as a mechanical
      barrier and protects the bone graft from the invasion of unwanted cells that
      could lead to non-union. The collagenous membrane also has osteoconductive
      properties and is therefore able to increase the osteoblast proliferation rate.
      CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old Caucasian woman sustained multiple fractures of
      her lower limbs and spine after a fall from a ladder. Her left calcaneus had a
      comminuted multifragmental fracture (Sanders type IV) with severe destruction of
      the cartilage of her subtalar joint and depression of the Bohler's angle.
      Therefore, we performed primary arthrodesis of her subtalar joint with elevation
      of the Bohler's angle using a 7.3 mm titanium screw, a heterologous cortico
      cancellous collagenated pre-hydrated bone mix, a heterologous cancellous
      collagenated bone wedge, and a heterologous collagen membrane (Tecnoss(r),
      Italy). The graft was fully incorporated 12 weeks after the procedure and a year
      and a half later our patient walks without limping. We present a new use of
      guided tissue regeneration with heterologous materials that can be used to treat
      extensive bone defects after bone injuries. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that guided
      tissue regeneration using heterologous materials, including a heterologous
      collagen membrane that presents a mechanical barrier between soft tissues and
      bone as well as a stimulative component that enhances bone formation, could be
      more often used in bone surgery.

PMID- 27142657
TI  - Out-of-pocket expenditures for childbirth in the context of the Janani Suraksha
      Yojana (JSY) cash transfer program to promote facility births: who pays and how
      much? Studies from Madhya Pradesh, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPE) make delivery care difficult
      to access for a large proportion of India's population. Given that home
      deliveries increase the risk of maternal mortality, in 2005 the Indian Government
      implemented the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) program to incentivize poor women to
      deliver in public health facilities by providing a cash transfer upon discharge.
      We study the OOPE among JSY beneficiaries and women who deliver at home, and
      predictors of OOPE in two districts of Madhya Pradesh. METHODS: September 2013 to
      April 2015 a cross-sectional community-based survey was performed. All recently
      delivered women were interviewed to elicit delivery costs, socio-demographic
      characteristics and delivery related information. RESULTS: Most women (n = 1995,
      84 %) delivered in JSY public health facility, the remaining 16 % (n = 386)
      delivered at home. Women who delivered under JSY program had a higher median, IQR
      OOPE ($8, 3-18) compared to home ($6, 2-13). Among JSY beneficiaries, poorest
      women had twice net gain ($20) versus wealthiest ($10) post cash transfer.
      Informal payments (64 %) and food/baby items (77 %) were the two most common
      sources of OOPE. OOPE made among JSY beneficiaries was pro-poor: poorer women
      made proportionally less expenditures compared to wealthier women. In an adjusted
      model, delivering in a JSY public facility increased odds of incurring
      expenditures (OR: 1.58, 95 % CI: 1.11-2.25) but at the same time to a 16 % (95 %
      CI: 0.73-0.96) decrease in the amount paid compared to home deliveries.
      CONCLUSIONS: OOPE is prevalent among JSY beneficiaries as well in home
      deliveries. In JSY, OOPE varies by income quintile: wealthier quintiles pay more
      OOPE. However the cash incentive is adequate enough to provide a net gain for all
      quintiles. OOPE was largely due to indirect costs and not direct medical
      payments. The program seems to be effective in providing financial protection for
      the most vulnerable groups.

PMID- 27142658
TI  - Applications of Nasal High-Flow Oxygen Therapy in Critically ill Adult Patients.
AB  - The use of nasal high-flow oxygen therapy (NHFOT) has become increasingly common
      in hospitals across Europe, Asia, and North America. These high utility devices
      provide an efficient and comfortable access points for providing supplemental
      oxygen to patients with variety of respiratory disorders. They are relatively
      easy to set up, and clinicians and patients alike give very positive feedback
      about their ease of use and comfort for patients in the hospital setting.
      However, it remains uncertain whether NHFOT improves patient survival or even
      reduces respiratory complications. Outcome data in adult populations are few and
      frequently underpowered to guide physicians for their widespread use in hospital
      setting. In this article, we present a review of the current technology and
      available studies pertinent to NHFOT.

PMID- 27142659
TI  - Immediate and long-term transcriptional response of hind muscle tissue to
      transient variation of incubation temperature in broilers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In oviparous species accidental variation of incubation temperatures
      may occur under natural conditions and mechanisms may have evolved by natural
      selection that facilitate coping with these stressors. However, under controlled
      artificial incubation modification of egg incubation temperature has been shown
      to have a wide-ranging impact on post-hatch development in several poultry
      species. Because developmental changes initiated in-ovo can affect poultry
      production, understanding the molecular routes and epigenetic alterations induced
      by incubation temperature differences may allow targeted modification of
      phenotypes. RESULTS: In order to identify molecular pathways responsive to
      variable incubation temperature, broiler eggs were incubated at a lower or higher
      temperature (36.8  degrees C, 38.8  degrees C) relative to control (37.8  degrees
      C) over two developmental intervals, embryonic days (E) 7-10 and 10-13. Global
      gene expression of M. gastrocnemius was assayed at E10, E13, and slaughter age
      [post-hatch day (D) 35] (6 groups; 3 time points; 8 animals each) by microarray
      analysis and treated samples were compared to controls within each time point.
      Transcript abundance differed for between 113 and 738 genes, depending on
      treatment group, compared to the respective control. In particular, higher
      incubation temperature during E7-10 immediately affected pathways involved in
      energy and lipid metabolism, cell signaling, and muscle development more so than
      did other conditions. But lower incubation temperature during E10-13 affected
      pathways related to cellular function and growth, and development of organ,
      tissue, and muscle as well as nutrient metabolism pathways at D35. CONCLUSION:
      Shifts in incubation temperature provoke specific immediate and long-term
      transcriptional responses. Further, the transcriptional response to lower
      incubation temperature, which did not affect the phenotypes, mediates
      compensatory effects reflecting adaptability. In contrast, higher incubation
      temperature triggers gene expression and has long-term effects on the phenotype,
      reflecting considerable phenotypic plasticity.

PMID- 27142661
TI  - The olfactory fascia: an evo-devo concept of the fibrocartilaginous nose.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evo-devo is the science that studies the link between evolution of
      species and embryological development. This concept helps to understand the
      complex anatomy of the human nose. The evo-devo theory suggests the persistence
      in the adult of an anatomical entity, the olfactory fascia, that unites the
      cartilages of the nose to the olfactory mucosa. METHODS: We dissected two fresh
      specimens. After resecting the superficial tissues of the nose, dissection was
      focused on the disarticulation of the fibrocartilaginous noses from the facial
      and skull base skeleton. RESULTS: Dissection shows two fibrocartilaginous sacs
      that were invaginated side-by-side in the midface and attached to the anterior
      skull base. These membranous sacs were separated in the midline by the
      perpendicular plate of the ethmoid. Their walls contained the alar cartilages and
      the lateral expansions of the septolateral cartilage, which we had to separate
      from the septal cartilage. The olfactory mucosa was located inside their cranial
      ends. CONCLUSION: The olfactory fascia is a continuous membrane uniting the nasal
      cartilages to the olfactory mucosa. Its origin can be found in the invagination
      and differentiation processes of the olfactory placodes. The fibrous portions of
      the olfactory fascia may be described as ligaments that unit the different
      components of the olfactory fascia one to the other and the fibrocartilaginous
      nose to the facial and skull base skeleton. The basicranial ligaments, fixing the
      fibrocartilaginous nose to the skull base, represent key elements in the concept
      of septorhinoplasty by disarticulation.

PMID- 27142660
TI  - Morphometric study of the neural ossification centers of the atlas and axis in
      the human fetus.
AB  - PURPOSES: The knowledge of the developing cervical spine and its individual
      vertebrae, including their neural processes may be useful in the diagnostics of
      congenital vertebral malformations. This study was performed to quantitatively
      examine the neural ossification centers of the atlas and axis with respect to
      their linear, planar and volumetric parameters. METHODS: Using the methods of CT,
      digital-image analysis and statistics, the size of neural ossification centers in
      the atlas and axis in 55 spontaneously aborted human fetuses aged 17-30 weeks was
      studied. RESULTS: Without any male-female and right-left significant differences,
      the best fit growth dynamics for the neural ossification centers of the atlas and
      axis were, respectively, modelled by the following functions: for length: y = 
      13.461 + 6.140 * ln(age) +/- 0.570 and y = -15.683 + 6.882 * ln(age) +/- 0.503,
      for width: y = -4.006 + 1.930 * ln(age) +/- 0.178 and y = -3.054 + 1.648 *
      ln(age) +/- 0.178, for cross-sectional area: y = -7.362 + 0.780 * age +/- 1.700
      and y = -9.930 + 0.869 * age +/- 1.911, and for volume: y = -6.417 + 0.836 * age
      +/- 1.924 and y = -11.592 + 1.087 * age +/- 2.509. CONCLUSIONS: The size of
      neural ossification centers of the atlas and axis shows neither sexual nor
      bilateral differences. The neural ossification centers of the atlas and axis grow
      logarithmically in both length and width and linearly in both cross-sectional
      area and volume. The numerical data relating to the size of neural ossification
      centers of the atlas and axis derived from the CT and digital-image analysis are
      considered specific-age reference values of potential relevance in both the
      ultrasound monitoring and the early detection of spinal abnormalities relating to
      the neural processes of the first two cervical vertebrae in the fetus.

PMID- 27142662
TI  - Ethnographic methods for process evaluations of complex health behaviour
      interventions.
AB  - This article outlines the contribution that ethnography could make to process
      evaluations for trials of complex health-behaviour interventions. Process
      evaluations are increasingly used to examine how health-behaviour interventions
      operate to produce outcomes and often employ qualitative methods to do this.
      Ethnography shares commonalities with the qualitative methods currently used in
      health-behaviour evaluations but has a distinctive approach over and above these
      methods. It is an overlooked methodology in trials of complex health-behaviour
      interventions that has much to contribute to the understanding of how
      interventions work. These benefits are discussed here with respect to three
      strengths of ethnographic methodology: (1) producing valid data, (2)
      understanding data within social contexts, and (3) building theory productively.
      The limitations of ethnography within the context of process evaluations are also
      discussed. 

PMID- 27142664
TI  - Self-management by family caregivers to manage changes in the behavior and mood
      of their relative with dementia: an online focus group study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-management is important for family caregivers of people with
      dementia, especially when they face changes in their relative's behavior and
      mood, such as depression, apathy, anxiety, agitation and aggression. The aim of
      this study is to give insight into why these changes in behavior and mood are
      stressful for family caregivers, what self-management strategies family
      caregivers use when managing these changes and the stress they experience.
      METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using four online focus groups with 32
      family caregivers of people with dementia living in the Netherlands. Transcripts
      of the focus group discussions were analyzed using principles of thematic
      analysis. RESULTS: Managing changes in the behavior and mood of their relative
      with dementia is stressful for family caregivers because of constantly having to
      switch, continuously having to keep the person with dementia occupied and
      distracted, the fact that others see a different side to the relative, and the
      fact that caregivers know what to do, but are often not able to put this into
      practice. Caregivers use calming down and stimulation as self-management
      strategies for influencing the changes in the behavior and mood of their
      relative. Furthermore, caregivers describe three self-management strategies that
      let them manage their own stress and keep up the care for their loved ones:
      looking for distractions, getting rest, and discussing their feelings and
      experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Behavior and mood changes of a person with dementia are
      stressful for family caregivers. They use several self-management strategies to
      positively affect the mood and behavior changes, and also to manage their own
      stress.

PMID- 27142663
TI  - Structural organization of fatty acid desaturase loci in linseed lines with
      contrasting linolenic acid contents.
AB  - Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), the richest crop source of omega-3 fatty acids
      (FAs), is a diploid plant with an estimated genome size of ~370 Mb and is well
      suited for studying genomic organization of agronomically important traits. In
      this study, 12 bacterial artificial chromosome clones harbouring the six FA
      desaturase loci sad1, sad2, fad2a, fad2b, fad3a and fad3b from the conventional
      variety CDC Bethune and the high linolenic acid line M5791 were sequenced,
      analysed and compared to determine the structural organization of these loci and
      to gain insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying FA composition in flax.
      With one gene every 3.2-4.6 kb, the desaturase loci have a higher gene density
      than the genome's average of one gene per 7.8-8.2 kb. The gene order and
      orientation across the two genotypes were generally conserved with the exception
      of the sad1 locus that was predicted to have additional genes in CDC Bethune.
      High sequence conservation in both genic and intergenic regions of the sad and
      fad2b loci contrasted with the significant level of variation of the fad2a and
      fad3 loci, with SNPs being the most frequently observed mutation type. The fad2a
      locus had 297 SNPs and 36 indels over ~95 kb contrasting with the fad2b locus
      that had a mere seven SNPs and four indels in ~110 kb. Annotation of the gene
      rich loci revealed other genes of known role in lipid or carbohydrate
      metabolic/catabolic pathways. The organization of the fad2b locus was
      particularly complex with seven copies of the fad2b gene in both genotypes. The
      presence of Gypsy, Copia, MITE, Mutator, hAT and other novel repeat elements at
      the desaturase loci was similar to that of the whole genome. This structural
      genomic analysis provided some insights into the genomic organization and
      composition of the main desaturase loci of linseed and of their complex evolution
      through both tandem and whole genome duplications. 

PMID- 27142665
TI  - Efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for the treatment of obesity in a non
      Western society.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze the mid-term outcomes of
      sleeve gastrectomy in a cohort of obese patients. METHODS: We analyzed the
      outcomes of 159 adult patients who had laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between
      January 2011 and January 2015 in our center. Data collected included patient
      demographics, presence of comorbid diseases, preoperative body mass index,
      percent excess weight loss, resolution of comorbid diseases, morbidity and in
      hospital mortality. RESULTS: We achieved a 24th month percent excess weight loss
      of 75.1 +/- 10.5. Remission of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia
      and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome after sleeve gastrectomy was as high as 84,
      63.9, 75.8 and 93 %, respectively, in different studies. Our results in diabetes
      mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are comparable with other data on the
      improvement of comorbidites after sleeve gastrectomy. We found less improvement
      in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in our cohort when compared to other reports.
      CONCLUSIONS: Sleeve gastrectomy is an efficient, durable technique for the
      treatment of obesity and associated comorbidities in all body mass index
      subgroups of obese population. For better outcomes, strategies for proper
      education and certification are needed.

PMID- 27142666
TI  - Health-related quality of life outcomes in chronic myeloid leukemia patients
      treated with second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors: do we know enough?

PMID- 27142667
TI  - Characterization of the viral fibroblast growth factor homolog of Helicoverpa
      armigera single nucleopolyhedrovirus.
AB  - Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is found throughout multicellular organisms;
      however, fgf homologs (vfgf) have only been identified among viruses in
      lepidopteran baculoviruses. The function of vFGFs from Group I
      alphabaculoviruses, including Autographa californica multiple
      nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) and Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV),
      involves accelerated killing of infected larvae by both viruses. The vFGF of
      Group II alphabaculovirus is structurally different from that of Group I
      alphabaculovirus, with a larger C-terminal region and additional N-linked
      glycosylation sites. In this study, we characterized the Group II
      alphabaculovirus vFGF of Helicoverpa armigera single nucleopolyhedrovirus
      (HearNPV). The transcription and expression of vfgf was detected at 3 h and 16 h
      post-infection in HearNPV-infected cells. To further study vFGF function, we
      constructed vfgf-knockout and -repaired HearNPV bacmids and investigated their
      affect in both cultured cells and insects. Deletion of vfgf had no effect on
      budded-virus production or viral DNA replication in cultured HzAM1 cells.
      However, bioassays showed that HearNPV vfgf deletion significantly increased the
      median lethal dose and delayed the median lethal time by ~12 h in the host insect
      when the virus was delivered orally. These results suggested that vFGF is an
      important virulent factor for HearNPV infection and propagation in vivo. 

PMID- 27142668
TI  - US military investigation of hospital bombing insufficient, says MSF.

PMID- 27142669
TI  - Most Premature Surveillance Colonoscopy Is Not Attributable to Bowel Preparation
      or New Clinical Indications.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Surveillance colonoscopy frequently occurs prior to
      recommended intervals. Studies delineating the reasons why premature surveillance
      occurs are limited. We sought to define the frequency in which premature
      surveillance colonoscopy occurs in the setting of an inadequate bowel preparation
      or with a provided patient clinical indication versus when premature surveillance
      colonoscopy occurs without any provided discernible rationale in the setting of
      adequate bowel preparation. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional cohort study
      of 700 patients undergoing colonoscopy for an indication of "surveillance of
      polyps" from 2008 to 2014 at two tertiary-care referral centers was carried out.
      Patients were deemed either "adherent" or "premature" based on US Multi-Society
      Task Force guideline intervals for surveillance colonoscopy. A documented
      decision-making rationale for premature surveillance was determined through
      review of the electronic medical record with assessment of clinical notes and
      endoscopy order and report. RESULTS: Premature surveillance occurred in 43.0 % (n
      = 301) of all surveillance colonoscopies performed. Among the premature cases,
      rationale was attributed to inadequate bowel preparation in 17.3 % (n = 52) and
      due to a new clinical indication in 21.6 % (n = 65). Most commonly, in 61.1 % (n
      = 184) of premature cases, no rationale was documented for the early colonoscopy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Documented decision-making rationale for premature surveillance
      colonoscopy is usually absent in premature cases with inadequate bowel
      preparation and new clinical indications explaining only a minority of the
      occurrences.

PMID- 27142670
TI  - Severe Acute Hepatocellular Injury Attributed to OxyELITE Pro: A Case Series.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Herbal and dietary supplement (HDS) hepatotoxicity is
      increasingly being reported in the USA. This case series describes the presenting
      clinical features and outcomes of seven patients with liver injury attributed to
      OxyELITE Pro enrolled in the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) study.
      METHODS: The 6-month outcomes of patients with hepatotoxicity attributed to
      OxyELITE Pro enrolled in the DILIN prospective registry between 2004 and 2015 are
      presented. RESULTS: Six of the seven patients (86 %) presented in 2013 with
      symptoms of hepatitis and acute hepatocellular injury. The median duration of
      OxyELITE Pro use was 18 weeks (range 5-102 weeks). Median age was 36 years (range
      28-62), 86 % were female, and 43 % were Asian. One patient had rash, none had
      eosinophilia, and three had antinuclear antibody reactivity. The median peak ALT
      was 2242 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 284 U/L and bilirubin 15.0 mg/dL. Six patients
      (86 %) were hospitalized, three developed acute liver failure and two underwent
      liver transplantation. DILIN causality scores for OxyELITE Pro were definite in
      1, highly likely in 3, probable in 2, and possible in 1. Four of the five
      patients without liver transplant recovered completely within 6 months, while one
      patient had mild residual ALT elevations. CONCLUSIONS: Seven cases of severe
      acute hepatocellular injury attributed to OxyELITE Pro are reported. These
      results reinforce the need to assess for HDS supplement use in patients
      presenting with unexplained acute hepatitis and point to the need for additional
      regulatory oversight of HDS products.

PMID- 27142671
TI  - Clinical Activity and Quality of Life Indices Are Valid Across Ulcerative Colitis
      But Not Crohn's Disease Phenotypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical activity and quality of life (QOL) indices assess disease
      activity in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, a paucity
      of data exists on the validity of these indices according to disease
      characteristics. AIMS: To examine the correlation between QOL and clinical
      activity indices and endoscopic disease activity according to disease
      characteristics. METHODS: We used a prospective registry to identify CD and UC
      patients >=18 years old with available information on Short Inflammatory Bowel
      Disease Questionnaire scores (SIBDQ), Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) and simple
      endoscopic scores for CD (SES-CD), and Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index
      (SCCAI) and Mayo endoscopic score for UC. We used Spearman rank correlations to
      calculate correlations between indices and Fisher transformation to compare
      correlations across disease characteristics. RESULTS: Among 282 CD patients, we
      observed poor correlation between clinical activity and QOL indices to SES-CD
      with no differences in correlation according to disease characteristics.
      Conversely, among 226 UC patients, clinical activity and QOL had good correlation
      to Mayo endoscopic score (r = 0.55 and -0.56, respectively) with better
      correlations observed with left-sided versus extensive colitis (r = 0.73 vs.
      0.45, p = 0.005) and shorter duration of disease (r = 0.61 vs. 0.37, p = 0.04).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest good correlation between SCCAI and endoscopic
      disease activity in UC, particularly in left-sided disease. Poor correlations
      between HBI or SIBDQ and SES-CD appear to be consistent across different disease
      phenotypes.

PMID- 27142672
TI  - Impact of Hypocaloric Hyperproteic Diet on Gut Microbiota in Overweight or Obese
      Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: NAFLD is likely to become the most common cause of chronic liver
      disease. The first-line treatment includes weight loss. AIMS: To analyze the
      impact of a hypocaloric hyperproteic diet (HHD) on gut microbiota in NAFLD
      patients. METHODS: Fifteen overweight/obese patients with NAFLD were included. At
      baseline and after a 3-week HHD (Eurodiets((r)), ~1000 kcal/day, ~125 g
      protein/day), we measured gut microbiota composition and function by shotgun
      metagenomics; body weight; body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis;
      liver and visceral fat by magnetic resonance imaging; plasma C-reactive protein
      (CRP); and liver tests. Results between both time points, expressed as median
      (first and third quartile), were compared by Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS:
      At baseline, age was 50 (47-55) years and body mass index 34.6 (32.4, 36.7)
      kg/m(2). HDD decreased body weight by 3.6 % (p < 0.001), percent liver fat by 65
      % (p < 0.001), and CRP by 19 % (p = 0.014). HDD was associated with a decrease in
      Lachnospira (p = 0.019), an increase in Blautia (p = 0.026), Butyricicoccus (p =
      0.024), and changes in several operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of
      Bacteroidales and Clostridiales. The reduced liver fat was negatively correlated
      with bacteria belonging to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla (a
      Ruminococcaceae OTU, r = -0.83; Bacteroides, r = -0.73). The associated metabolic
      changes concerned mostly enzymes involved in amino acid and carbohydrate
      metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, HHD changes gut microbiota
      composition and function in overweight/obese NAFLD patients, in parallel with
      decreased body weight, liver fat, and systemic inflammation. Future studies
      should aim to confirm these bacterial changes and understand their mode of
      action. TRAIL REGISTRATION: Under clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01477307.

PMID- 27142673
TI  - Enteric Nervous System: Neuropathic Gastrointestinal Motility.

PMID- 27142674
TI  - Establishing the feasibility of the dosimetric compliance criteria of RTOG 1308:
      phase III randomized trial comparing overall survival after photon versus proton
      radiochemotherapy for inoperable stage II-IIIB NSCLC.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To establish the feasibility of the dosimetric compliance criteria of
      the RTOG 1308 trial through testing against Intensity Modulation Radiation
      Therapy (IMRT) and Passive Scattering Proton Therapy (PSPT) plans. METHODS:
      Twenty-six lung IMRT and 26 proton PSPT plans were included in the study. Dose
      Volume Histograms (DVHs) for targets and normal structures were analyzed. The
      quality of IMRT plans was assessed using a knowledge-based engineering tool.
      RESULTS: Most of the RTOG 1308 dosimetric criteria were achieved. The deviation
      unacceptable rates were less than 10 % for most criteria; however, a deviation
      unacceptable rate of more than 20 % was computed for the planning target volume
      minimum dose compliance criterion. Dose parameters for the target volume were
      very close for the IMRT and PSPT plans. However, the PSPT plans led to lower dose
      values for normal structures. The dose parameters in which PSPT plans resulted in
      lower values than IMRT plans were: lung V5Gy (%) (34.4 in PSPT and 47.2 in IMRT);
      maximum spinal cord dose (31.7 Gy in PSPT and 43.5 Gy in IMRT); heart V5Gy (%)
      (19 in PSPT and 47 in IMRT); heart V30Gy (%) (11 in PSPT and 19 in IMRT); heart
      V45Gy (%) (7.8 in PSPT and 12.1 in IMRT); heart V50% (Gy) (7.1 in PSPT and 9.8 in
      IMRT) and mean heart dose (7.7 Gy in PSPT and 14.9 Gy in IMRT). CONCLUSIONS: The
      revised RTOG 1308 dosimetric compliance criteria are feasible and achievable.

PMID- 27142675
TI  - Transcriptome analysis indicated that Salmonella lipopolysaccharide-induced
      thymocyte death and thymic atrophy were related to TLR4-FOS/JUN pathway in
      chicks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thymus is the crucial site for T cell development and once believed
      to be immune privileged. Recently, thymus has gained special attention as it is
      commonly targeted by infectious agents which may cause pathogenic tolerance and
      subsequent immunosuppression. RESULTS: We analyzed thymic responses to the
      challenge with Salmonella typhimurium (STm) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived
      from STm in chicks. Newly hatched chicks were injected intraperitoneally with 5 *
      10(4) CFU/mL STm or 50 mg/kg LPS. After LPS treatment, maximum thymocyte death (3
      ~ 5-fold change) compared to controls was found at 12 h, and maximum loss of
      thymic weight (35 %) and reduced thymic index (20 %) were found at 36 h. After
      STm infection, maximum thymocyte death and thymic atrophy occurred at 36 and 72
      h, respectively. No significant changes of thymic structure, chT1+ and CD4+/CD8+
      T cell ratio were observed in thymus or spleen tissues after LPS treatment.
      Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed important roles for the TLR4-FOS/JUN
      signaling pathway in thymic injury. Thus, the major process of thymic atrophy in
      this study first involved activation of transcriptional factors FOS/JUN upon LPS
      binding to TLR4 that caused release of inflammatory factors, thereby inducing
      inflammatory responses and DNA damage and ultimately cell cycle arrest and thymic
      injury. CONCLUSIONS: STm and Salmonella LPS could induce acute chick thymic
      injury. LPS treatment acted faster than STm. TLR4-FOS/JUN pathway may play an
      important role in LPS induced chick thymic injury.

PMID- 27142676
TI  - Effectiveness of the blended care self-management program "Partner in Balance"
      for early-stage dementia caregivers: study protocol for a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benefits of e-health support for dementia caregivers are becoming
      increasingly recognized. Reaching early-stage dementia caregivers could prevent
      high levels of burden and psychological problems in them in the later stages of
      dementia. An iterative step-wise approach was employed to develop the blended
      care self-management program "Partner in Balance" for early-stage dementia
      caregivers. The design of a study evaluating the process characteristics and
      effects is presented. METHODS/DESIGN: A mixed-method, single-blind, randomized
      controlled trial with 80 family caregivers of community-dwelling people with
      (very) mild dementia will be conducted. Participants will be randomly assigned to
      either the 8-week blended care self-management program "Partner in Balance" or a
      waiting-list control group. Data will be collected pre intervention and post
      intervention and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Semi-structured interviews
      will be conducted post intervention. A process evaluation will investigate the
      internal and external validity of the intervention. Primary outcomes will include
      self-efficacy and symptoms of depression. Secondary outcomes will include goal
      attainment, mastery, psychological complaints (feelings of anxiety and perceived
      stress), and quality of life. Possible modifying variables such as caregiver
      characteristics (quality of the relationship, neurotic personality) and
      interventional aspects (coach) on the intervention effect will also be evaluated.
      A cost-consequence analysis will describe the costs and health outcomes.
      DISCUSSION: We expect to find a significant increase in self-efficacy, goal
      attainment and quality of life and lower levels of psychological complaints
      (depression, anxiety and stress) in the intervention group, compared with the
      control group. If such effects are found, the program could provide accessible
      care to future generations of early-stage dementia caregivers and increase
      dementia care efficiency. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch trial register NTR4748 .

PMID- 27142677
TI  - Enrichment of rare variants in population isolates: single AICDA mutation
      responsible for hyper-IgM syndrome type 2 in Finland.
AB  - Antibody class-switch recombination and somatic hypermutation critically depend
      on the function of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). Rare variants in
      its gene AICDA have been reported to cause autosomal recessive AID deficiency
      (autosomal recessive hyper-IgM syndrome type 2 (HIGM2)). Exome sequencing of a
      multicase Finnish family with an HIGM2 phenotype identified a rare, homozygous,
      variant (c.416T>C, p.(Met139Thr)) in the AICDA gene, found to be significantly
      enriched in the Finnish population compared with other populations of European
      origin (38.56-fold, P<0.001). The population history of Finland, characterized by
      a restricted number of founders, isolation and several population bottlenecks,
      has caused enrichment of certain rare disease-causing variants and losses of
      others, as part of a phenomenon called the Finnish Disease Heritage. Accordingly,
      rare founder mutations cause the majority of observed Finnish cases in these
      mostly autosomal recessive disorders that consequently are more frequent in
      Finland than elsewhere. Screening of all currently known Finnish patients with an
      HIGM2 phenotype showed them to be homozygous for p.(Met139Thr). All the Finnish
      p.(Met139Thr) carriers with available data on their geographic descent originated
      from the eastern and northeastern parts of Finland. They were observed to share
      more of their genome identity by descent (IBD) than Finns in general (P<0.001),
      and they all carried a 207.5-kb ancestral haplotype containing the variant. In
      conclusion, the identified p.(Met139Thr) variant is significantly enriched in
      Finns and explains all thus far found AID deficiencies in Finland.

PMID- 27142679
TI  - Genetic discovery in multi-ethnic populations.

PMID- 27142680
TI  - Long-term patency of superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass
      for cerebral atherosclerotic disease: factors determining the bypass patent.
AB  - Long-term patency of superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA
      MCA) bypass surgery for atherosclerotic disease and associated risk factors for
      loss of patency have rarely been discussed. We retrospectively analyzed long-term
      patency following STA-MCA bypass and evaluated various demographic and clinical
      factors to identify the ones predictive of postsurgical loss of patency using
      records of 84 revascularization procedures (58 patients, 45 males; mean age at
      surgery 63.6 years, range 31-78 years). Bypass patency was diagnosed based on
      magnetic resonance angiography or three-dimensional computed tomography. The mean
      follow-up period was 24.7 months (range 6-63 months). Decreased bypass patency
      was observed in 4 of 58 patients (6.9 %) who collectively underwent 6 bypasses
      (7.1 %) of 84. All cases of decreased bypass patency were first detected within 6
      months of surgery. Bypass patency was not correlated with age, sex, number of
      anastomoses, postoperative cerebral infarction, or control of postoperative
      diabetes mellitus. We found a significant association of bypass patency with
      hyperperfusion (p = 0.01) and postoperative smoking (p = 0.0036). Furthermore, we
      found a significant association of hyperperfusion with STA diameter (p < 0.0001),
      location of anastomosis (p = 0.075), and preoperative cerebral blood flow (p =
      0.0399). In our retrospective study, hyperperfusion and smoking after surgery may
      be risk factors for decreased bypass patency in cerebral atherosclerotic disease
      patients. Careful monitoring of patency to prevent hyperperfusion and cessation
      of smoking are recommended, particularly within 6 months of the surgery. 

PMID- 27142678
TI  - Genetic variants in RBFOX3 are associated with sleep latency.
AB  - Time to fall asleep (sleep latency) is a major determinant of sleep quality.
      Chronic, long sleep latency is a major characteristic of sleep-onset insomnia
      and/or delayed sleep phase syndrome. In this study we aimed to discover common
      polymorphisms that contribute to the genetics of sleep latency. We performed a
      meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) including 2 572 737
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) established in seven European cohorts
      including 4242 individuals. We found a cluster of three highly correlated
      variants (rs9900428, rs9907432 and rs7211029) in the RNA-binding protein fox-1
      homolog 3 gene (RBFOX3) associated with sleep latency (P-values=5.77 * 10(-08),
      6.59 * 10(-)(08) and 9.17 * 10(-)(08)). These SNPs were replicated in up to 12
      independent populations including 30 377 individuals (P-values=1.5 * 10(-)(02),
      7.0 * 10(-)(03) and 2.5 * 10(-)(03); combined meta-analysis P-values=5.5 * 10(
      07), 5.4 * 10(-07) and 1.0 * 10(-07)). A functional prediction of RBFOX3 based on
      co-expression with other genes shows that this gene is predominantly expressed in
      brain (P-value=1.4 * 10(-316)) and the central nervous system (P-value=7.5 * 10(
      )(321)). The predicted function of RBFOX3 based on co-expression analysis with
      other genes shows that this gene is significantly involved in the release cycle
      of neurotransmitters including gamma-aminobutyric acid and various monoamines (P
      values<2.9 * 10(-11)) that are crucial in triggering the onset of sleep. To
      conclude, in this first large-scale GWAS of sleep latency we report a novel
      association of variants in RBFOX3 gene. Further, a functional prediction of
      RBFOX3 supports the involvement of RBFOX3 with sleep latency.

PMID- 27142681
TI  - Clinical outcome of neurofibromatosis type 2-related vestibular schwannoma:
      treatment strategies and challenges.
AB  - To discuss the appropriate treatment strategy for NF2-related vestibular
      schwannoma (VS) according to our experiences, we analyzed long-term clinical and
      radiological data focusing on NF2-related VS patients. Seventeen NF2-related VS
      patients were included. Based on their first management modality for VS, we
      classified these patients into the following four groups: microsurgery (MS),
      fractionated gamma knife radiosurgery (f-GKS), single session gamma knife
      radiosurgery (s-GKS), and conservative management (CM). Each patient was assessed
      for each separate ear. Changes of tumor volume and hearing status for 32 ears in
      17 patients according to their first treatment modality were evaluated. The mean
      follow-up duration and tumor volume of the MS (4 ears, 4 patients), f-GKS (12
      ears, 10 patients), s-GKS (8 ears, 7 patients), and CM (8 ears, 7 patients)
      groups were 3.9 years and 1.6 mL; 5.1 years and 11.1 mL; 8.4 years and 5.6 mL;
      and 6.1 years and 1.6 mL, respectively. Relatively lower local control rates were
      observed in the MS and the CM group (0 and 12.5 %, respectively). On the other
      hand, better local control rates for follow-up periods of 5.1 and 8.4 years were
      achieved in the f-GKS and the s-GKS groups (75 and 50 %, respectively). However,
      hearing preservation in all treatment modalities could not be achieved
      effectively. Long-term preservation of hearing in at least one serviceable ear as
      well as tumor control should be considered for each patient. Therefore, a proper
      treatment option should be selected at the appropriate time according to clinical
      characteristics of individual patients. 

PMID- 27142682
TI  - The effect of early versus late treatment initiation after diagnosis on the
      outcomes of patients treated for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: a systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Globally it is estimated that 480 000 people developed multidrug
      resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in 2014 and 190 000 people died from the disease.
      Successful treatment outcomes are achieved in only 50 % of patients with MDR-TB,
      compared to 86 % for drug susceptible disease. It is widely held that delay in
      time to initiation of treatment for MDR-TB is an important predictor of treatment
      outcome. The objective of this review was to assess the existing evidence on the
      outcomes of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis patients
      treated early (<=4 weeks) versus late (>4 weeks) after diagnosis of drug
      resistance. METHODS: Eight sources providing access to 17 globally representative
      electronic health care databases, indexes, sources of evidence-based reviews and
      grey literature were searched using terms incorporating time to treatment and MDR
      TB. Two-stage sifting in duplicate was employed to assess studies against pre
      specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only those articles reporting WHO
      defined treatment outcomes were considered for inclusion. Articles reporting on
      fewer than 10 patients, published before 1990, or without a comparison of
      outcomes in patient groups experiencing different delays to treatment initiation
      were excluded. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 1978 references, of which 1475
      unique references remained after removal of duplicates and 28 articles published
      pre-1990. After title and abstract sifting, 64 papers underwent full text review.
      None of these articles fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the review.
      CONCLUSIONS: Whilst there is an inherent logic in the theory that treatment delay
      will lead to poorer treatment outcomes, no published evidence was identified in
      this systematic review to support this hypothesis. Reports of programmatic
      changes leading to reductions in treatment delay exist in the literature, but
      attribution of differences in outcomes specifically to treatment delay is
      confounded by other contemporaneous changes. Further primary research on this
      question is not considered a high priority use of limited resources, though where
      data are available, improved reporting of outcomes by time to treatment should be
      encouraged.

PMID- 27142683
TI  - Risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality in elderly patients admitted
      to a regional trauma center after sustaining a fall.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Falls are a significant cause of mortality in the elderly
      patients. Despite this, the literature on in-hospital mortality related to
      elderly falls remains sparse. Our study aims to determine the risk factors
      associated with in-hospital mortality in elderly patients admitted to a regional
      trauma center after sustaining a fall. METHODS: All elderly case records with
      fall-related injuries between 2003 and 2013 were retrospectively analyzed for
      demographic characteristics, injury severities, comorbidity factors and clinical
      outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the risk factors
      associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: In total, 1026 elderly patients
      with fall-related injuries were included in the study. The average age of
      patients was 80.94 +/- 8.16 years. Seventy seven percent of the patients had at
      least one comorbid condition. Majority of the falls occurred at home. More than
      half of the patients fell from ground level. Overall, the in-hospital mortality
      rate was 16 %. Head injury constituted the most common injury sustained in
      patients who died (77 %). In addition to age, ISS, GCS, ICU admission and anemia
      were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with in-hospital deaths in elderly fall
      patients. CONCLUSION: Ground-level falls in the elderly can be devastating and
      carry a significant mortality rate. Elderly patients with anemia were two times
      more likely to die in the hospital after sustaining a fall in our study
      population. Increased focus on anemia which is often underappreciated in elderly
      fall patients can be beneficial in improving outcomes and reducing in-hospital
      mortality.

PMID- 27142684
TI  - Insulin-like growth factor 1 in diabetic neuropathy and amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis.
AB  - Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a pluripotent growth factor with multiple
      functions in the peripheral and central nervous system. It supports neuronal
      survival and axon growth, and also acts on myelinating Schwann cells and
      oligodendroglia. The biological functions of IGF-1 are modulated by IGF-binding
      proteins (IGFBPs). Expression of IGF-1 and its corresponding IGF-1 receptor (IGF
      1R) are dysregulated in patients with diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases
      such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). IGFBP5, an inhibitory binding
      protein for IGF-1, is also substantially increased in nerve biopsies of patients
      with sensorimotor diabetic neuropathy (DNP). We investigated the pathogenic
      relevance of this finding in transgenic mice overexpressing IGFBP5 in motor axons
      and sensory nerve fibers. These mice develop motor axonopathy and sensory
      deficits similar to those seen in DNP. Motor axon degeneration was also observed
      in mice in which IGF-1R was conditionally depleted in motoneurons, indicating
      that reduced activity of IGF-1 on IGF-1R in motoneurons is responsible for the
      observed effect. The upregulation of IGFBP5 has possibly contributed to the lack
      of efficacy found in previous clinical trials with systemically administered IGF
      1 in patients with other forms of motoneuron disease such as ALS. Thus,
      strategies aiming at circumventing these inhibitory effects could be of benefit
      for development of new therapies for ALS and DNP. However, these strategies have
      to be built on a better understanding of the metabolic processes that contribute
      to neurodegeneration, and on the role of IGF-1 in these metabolic processes that
      go beyond protection from axonal degeneration and cell death.

PMID- 27142685
TI  - Delayed erythropoietin therapy improves histological and behavioral outcomes
      after transient neonatal stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Stroke is a major cause of neonatal morbidity, often with
      delayed diagnosis and with no accepted therapeutic options. The purpose of this
      study is to investigate the efficacy of delayed initiation of multiple dose
      erythropoietin (EPO) therapy in improving histological and behavioral outcomes
      after early transient ischemic stroke. METHODS: 32 postnatal day 10 (P10) Sprague
      Dawley rats underwent sham surgery or transient middle cerebral artery occlusion
      (tMCAO) for 3h, resulting in injury involving the striatum and parieto-temporal
      cortex. EPO (1000U/kg per dose*3 doses) or vehicle was administered
      intraperitoneally starting one week after tMCAO (at P17, P20, and P23). At four
      weeks after tMCAO, sensorimotor function was assessed in these four groups (6
      vehicle-sham, 6 EPO-sham, 10 vehicle-tMCAO and 10 EPO-tMCAO) with forepaw
      preference in cylinder rearing trials. Brains were then harvested for hemispheric
      volume and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: EPO-tMCAO animals had significant
      improvement in forepaw symmetry in cylinder rearing trials compared to vehicle
      tMCAO animals, and did not differ from sham animals. There was also significant
      preservation of hemispheric brain volume in EPO-tMCAO compared to vehicle-tMCAO
      animals. No differences in ongoing cell death at P17 or P24 were noted by
      spectrin cleavage in either EPO-tMCAO or vehicle-tMCAO groups. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results suggest that delayed EPO therapy improves both behavioral and
      histological outcomes at one month following transient neonatal stroke, and may
      provide a late treatment alternative for early brain injury.

PMID- 27142686
TI  - Towards a broader understanding of agency in biomedical ethics.
AB  - With advances in medical science, the concept of agency has received increasing
      attention in biomedical ethics. However, most of the ethical discussion around
      definitions of agency has focused either on patients suffering from mental
      disorders or on patients receiving cutting-edge medical treatments in developed
      countries. Very little of the discussion around concepts of agency has focused on
      the situation of patients suffering from common diseases that affect populations
      worldwide. Therefore, the most widely-used definitions of agency may be not
      appropriate to analyse common diseases among large populations. The branch of
      social sciences known as development studies draw on their own definitions of the
      term agency that may provide a more applicable and accurate way of referring to
      common and general cases than the definitions currently used in bioethics.
      Moreover, the psychological Self-Determination Theory may improve the usefulness
      of these definitions in common situations. This article explains the
      characteristics and the shortcomings of current bioethical definitions of agency
      when they are applied to common medical conditions worldwide. A new, value-based
      concept of agency, informed by development studies, is proposed as more accurate
      and useful for biomedical ethics. 

PMID- 27142688
TI  - Removal of lead by apatite and its stability in the presence of organic acids.
AB  - In this study, lead sorption and desorption tests were conducted with apatite and
      organic acids (i.e. citric, malic, and formic acids) to understand lead removal
      by apatite in the presence of an organic acid and lead dissolution from the lead-
      and organic-acid-sorbed apatite by such organic acid exposure. The lead sorption
      test showed that the amount of lead removed by apatite in the presence of organic
      acid varied depending on the type of acid used. The molar amounts of calcium
      dissolved from apatite in the presence and absence of organic acid were exactly
      the same as those of lead removed even under different pH conditions as well as
      different organic acid concentrations, indicating that the varying amount of lead
      removal in the presence of different organic acids resulted from the magnitude of
      the dissolution of apatite and the precipitation of lead phosphate minerals. The
      percentages of lead dissolved from the organic-acid-sorbed and non-organic-acid
      sorbed apatite by all the organic acid extractions were equal and higher than
      those by water extraction. In particular, the highest extractions were observed
      in the non-organic-acid-sorbed apatite by citric and malic acids. These results
      suggest that to immobilize lead by the use of apatite in the presence of organic
      acids, much more apatite must be added than in the absence of organic acid, and
      that measures must be taken to ensure that the immobilized lead is not dissolved.

PMID- 27142689
TI  - GRIM-19 Restores Cervical Cancer Cell Senescence by Repressing hTERT
      Transcription.
AB  - High telomerase activity promotes tumor growth by stabilizing damaged chromosomes
      and their mitotic replication. Overactivation of telomerase activity has been
      reported in cervical cancer, a malignancy caused by high-risk human
      papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs). The HR-HPV E6 can activate hTERT promoter by
      interacting with E6AP or other binding proteins and by stabilizing the
      interaction between hTERT and E6AP. GRIM-19 is a novel tumor suppressor that
      affects multiple targets in a cell to regulate growth. We have previously
      reported the interaction of GRIM-19 with 18E6 and E6AP to disrupt the E6/E6AP
      complex and increase the autoubiquitination of E6AP. In this study, we
      characterized the interaction of GRIM-19 with 16E6 (an oncoprotein produced by
      HPV16) and identified the binding sites that mediate this interaction. We also
      found that GRIM-19 expression in cervical cancer cells could inhibit telomerase
      activity by inhibiting the transactivation of the hTERT promoter by E6, thereby
      promoting cervical cancer cell senescence. Moreover, we identified a negative
      correlation between GRIM-19 and hTERT expression in cervical cancer tissues.
      Suppression of GRIM-19 and induction of hTERT levels were associated with lymph
      node metastasis, advanced clinical stage, and poor prognosis. This study
      identified another important novel antitumor molecular link associated with GRIM
      19 in the tumorigenesis.

PMID- 27142690
TI  - Autophagosomes take the Klp98-A train.
AB  - The intracellular movement of membrane-bound vesicles is closely tied to their
      formation, maturation and ultimate function within the cell. Motor proteins and
      their associated cytoskeletal networks are critical for vesicle transport, but
      whether these factors play a more direct role in vesicle biogenesis is unclear.
      In recent work, we found that the Drosophila kinesin proteins Khc and Klp98A are
      both required for the normal anterograde movement of autophagosomes and
      autolysosomes during starvation-induced autophagy. In addition, Klp98A has a
      transport-independent function of promoting autophagosome-lysosome fusion, a key
      step in the maturation of autophagic vesicles. This function correlates with the
      association of Klp98A with the autophagosomal protein Atg8 and with the
      endolysosomal protein Rab14, suggesting that Klp98A may promote vesicle fusion by
      physically linking these vesicle surface proteins. These findings demonstrate how
      the delivery of vesicles to their proper destination can be coordinated with
      additional steps in their life cycle through molecular motor-based interactions.

PMID- 27142692
TI  - Malignant behaviour of a benign spinal tumour: An extremely rare presentation.

PMID- 27142691
TI  - Pioglitazone Enhances the Beneficial Effects of Glucocorticoids in Experimental
      Nephrotic Syndrome.
AB  - Glucocorticoids are the primary therapy for nephrotic syndrome (NS), but have
      serious side effects and are ineffective in ~20-50% of patients.
      Thiazolidinediones have recently been suggested to be renoprotective, and to
      modulate podocyte glucocorticoid-mediated nuclear receptor signaling. We
      hypothesized that thiazolidinediones could enhance glucocorticoid efficacy in NS.
      We found that puromycin aminonucleoside-induced proteinuria in rats was
      significantly reduced by both high-dose glucocorticoids (79%) and pioglitazone
      (61%), but not low-dose glucocorticoids (25%). Remarkably, pioglitazone + low
      dose glucocorticoids also reduced proteinuria (63%) comparably to high-dose
      glucocorticoids, whereas pioglitazone + high-dose glucocorticoids reduced
      proteinuria to almost control levels (97%). Molecular analysis revealed that both
      glucocorticoids and pioglitazone enhanced glomerular synaptopodin and nephrin
      expression, and reduced COX-2 expression, after injury. Furthermore, the
      glomerular phosphorylation of glucocorticoid receptor and Akt, but not PPARgamma,
      correlated with treatment-induced reductions in proteinuria. Notably, clinical
      translation of these findings to a child with refractory NS by the addition of
      pioglitazone to the treatment correlated with marked reductions in both
      proteinuria (80%) and overall immunosuppression (64%). These findings together
      suggest that repurposing pioglitazone could potentially enhance the proteinuria
      reducing effects of glucocorticoids during NS treatment.

PMID- 27142693
TI  - Adjusting the Crystallinity of Mesoporous Spinel CoGa2O4 for Efficient Water
      Oxidation.
AB  - Effective and stable electrocatalysts (ECs) are of great importance for the
      modification of semiconductor (SC) photoanodes, to achieve efficient
      photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Herein we demonstrate that the low
      crystallinity mesoporous spinel CoGa2O4 oxygen evolution catalyst (OEC),
      exhibiting excellent bulk electrocatalytic stability and activity for oxygen
      evolving reaction (OER), obviously improved water oxidization on a-Fe2O3
      photoanode. Low crystallinity not only balances the stability and activity for
      ECs themselves but facilitates formation of adjustable Schottky junctions between
      ECs and SCs. Those would contribute to surface state passivation and
      photogenerated hole extraction, leading to lower onset potential and larger
      photocurrent. Thus, our finding suggests that low crystallinity could serve as a
      beneficial feature of ECs to achieve efficient PEC water splitting, owing to its
      preponderant tendency for the improvement of interface reaction kinetics.

PMID- 27142694
TI  - Fluoroscopy-guided placement of nasoenteral tubes in children using intermittent
      digital pulse fluoroscopy and last image save/grab technique.
AB  - AIM: To document the radiation exposure metrics, including fluoroscopic radiation
      time and radiation dose-area product, in children <18 years of age who undergo
      nasoenteral tube placement using fluoroscopic guidance with maximal dose
      reduction techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following institutional review board
      approval, the age, gender, anatomical information, immediate procedure-related
      complications if any, fluoroscopy time, and radiation dose-area product were
      collected retrospectively in all paediatric patients who underwent
      fluoroscopically guided nasoenteral tube placement during a 5-year period. Three
      paediatric radiology faculty members, a radiologist assistant, and trainee
      residents during their paediatric radiology rotation performed the procedures on
      two different digital fluoroscopic machines using radiation-minimising
      techniques. Median values of the fluoroscopy time and radiation dose-area product
      were calculated and compared to values reported in the literature using the
      Wilcoxon procedure. RESULTS: There were 41 male and 33 female patients with a
      median age of 4 years and 6 months. Median fluoroscopy time used for placing a
      nasoenteral tube was 1.25 minutes with a median radiation exposure dose-area
      product of 0.245 Gy.cm(2). All patients had successful placement of nasoenteral
      tube without immediate procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopy
      guided nasoenteral feeding tube placement can be performed successfully with
      minimal radiation exposure without compromising procedural success.

PMID- 27142695
TI  - An evaluation of UK foundation trainee doctors' learning behaviours in a
      technology-enhanced learning environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) can be used to educate Foundation
      Programme trainee (F1 and F2) doctors. Despite the advantages of TEL, learning
      behaviours may be exhibited that are not desired by system developers or
      educators. The aim of this evaluation was to investigate how learner behaviours
      (e.g. time spent on task) were affected by temporal (e.g. time of year), module
      (e.g. word count), and individual (e.g. knowledge) factors for 16 mandatory TEL
      modules related to prescribing and therapeutics. METHODS: Data were extracted
      from the SCRIPT e-Learning platform for first year Foundation trainee (F1)
      doctors in the Health Education England's West Midland region from 1(st) August
      2013 to 5(th) August 2014. Generalised Estimating Equation models were used to
      examine the relationship between time taken to complete modules, date modules
      were completed, pre- and post-test scores, and module factors. RESULTS: Over the
      time period examined, 688 F1 doctors interacted with the 16 compulsory modules
      10,255 times. The geometric mean time taken to complete a module was 28.9 min
      (95% Confidence Interval: 28.4-29.5) and 1,075 (10.5%) modules were completed in
      less than 10 min. In February and June (prior to F1 progression reviews) peaks
      occurred in the number of modules completed and troughs in the time taken. Most
      modules were completed, and the greatest amount of time was spent on the learning
      on a Sunday. More time was taken by those doctors with greater pre-test scores
      and those with larger improvements in test scores. CONCLUSIONS: Foundation
      trainees are exhibiting unintended learning behaviours in this TEL environment,
      which may be attributed to several factors. These findings can help guide future
      developments of this TEL programme and the integration of other TEL programmes
      into curricula by raising awareness of potential behavioural issues that may
      arise.

PMID- 27142696
TI  - Blood Pressure Trajectory, Gait Speed, and Outcomes: The Health, Aging, and Body
      Composition Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to (i) evaluate previous observations that
      the association of blood pressure (BP) with outcomes varies by gait speed and
      (ii) evaluate the association of subsequent changes in BP and cardiovascular
      risk. METHODS: Participants included 2,669 adults aged 70-79 years in the Health,
      Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study. Gait speed was dichotomized at
      >=1.0 m/s over a 20-m test at baseline. BP was measured at baseline, and changes
      in BP over 5 years were evaluated using (i) population-based trajectory models
      and (ii) intraindividual mean and slope. RESULTS: Over a mean of 10 years, there
      were 1,366 deaths, 336 first myocardial infarctions, and 295 first strokes. There
      was a differential pattern of association between baseline systolic BP and
      diastolic BP and outcomes among brisk and moderate speed walkers. For example,
      the association between higher diastolic BP and mortality was in the protective
      direction for moderate speed walkers (hazard ratio = 0.75; 95% confidence
      interval: 0.63, 0.91) per 10 mmHg higher, whereas it was null in brisk walkers
      (hazard ratio = 1.05; 95% confidence interval: 0.98, 1.11), p value for
      interaction .01. The 5-year population-based trajectories did not add important
      information beyond baseline BP. Individual slopes in both systolic BP and
      diastolic BP did not appear to have important associations with the outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that the overall level of BP was associated
      with myocardial infarction, stroke, and death, and this association differed by
      baseline gait speed, whereas changes in BP were not associated with these
      outcomes.

PMID- 27142697
TI  - Bioactive Isoprenoid-Derived Natural Products from a Dongsha Atoll Soft Coral
      Sinularia erecta.
AB  - Four new isoprenoids, including two norcembranoids sinulerectols A and B (1 and
      2), a cembranoid sinulerectol C (3), and a degraded cembranoid sinulerectadione
      (4), along with three known isoprenoids, an unnamed norcembrene (5), sinularectin
      (6), and ineleganolide (7), and a known nitrogen-containing compound (Z)-N-[2-(4
      hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-3-methyldodec-2-enamide (8), were isolated from an extract
      of the marine soft coral Sinularia erecta. The structure of sinularectin (6) was
      revised, too. Compounds 3, 4, and 8 exhibited inhibitory activity against the
      proliferation of a limited panel of cancer cell lines, whereas 1, 2, and 8
      displayed potent anti-inflammatory activity in fMLP/CB-stimulated human
      neutrophils.

PMID- 27142699
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27142698
TI  - Molecular, Functional, and Structural Imaging of Major Depressive Disorder.
AB  - Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality
      worldwide, correlating with genetic susceptibility and environmental risk
      factors. Molecular, functional, and structural imaging approaches have been
      increasingly used to detect neurobiological changes, analyze neurochemical
      correlates, and parse pathophysiological mechanisms underlying MDD. We reviewed
      recent neuroimaging publications on MDD in terms of molecular, functional, and
      structural alterations as detected mainly by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      positron emission tomography. Altered structure and function of brain regions
      involved in the cognitive control of affective state have been demonstrated. An
      abnormal default mode network, as revealed by resting-state functional MRI, is
      likely associated with aberrant metabolic and serotonergic function revealed by
      radionuclide imaging. Further multi-modal investigations are essential to clarify
      the characteristics of the cortical network and serotonergic system associated
      with behavioral and genetic variations in MDD. 

PMID- 27142700
TI  - Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in maternal and cord blood from
      the maternal-infant research on environmental chemicals (MIREC) cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are an especially important population to monitor for
      environmental exposures given the vulnerability of the developing fetus. During
      pregnancy and lactation chemical body burdens may change due to the significant
      physiological changes that occur. Developmental exposures to some persistent
      organic pollutants (POPs) have been linked with adverse health outcomes. METHODS:
      First trimester maternal and cord blood plasma concentrations of several POPs
      including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCs),
      polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)s and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were
      measured in samples from 1983 pregnant women enrolled in the Maternal-Infant
      Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) cohort. Predictors of exposure were
      also identified. RESULTS: In maternal plasma, there was >90 % detection for the
      perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoroctane
      sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and
      dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), oxychlordane and PCB 138 and 153. Cord
      blood plasma had much lower detection rates with low or very limited detection
      for most PCBs and PBDEs. The PFASs were the most frequently detected (23-64 %)
      chemical class in cord plasma. In a subset of 1st and 3rd trimester paired
      samples, PFAS concentrations were found to be strongly correlated and had ICCs
      ranging from 0.64 (PFOA) to 0.83 (PFHxS). The cord:maternal plasma concentration
      ratios ranged from 0.14 (PFOS) to 0.87 (oxychlordane, lipid adjusted). Similar to
      other studies, we found parity, maternal age, income, education, smoking status,
      pre-pregnancy BMI and fish consumption to be significant predictors for most
      chemicals. Those participants who were foreign-born had significantly higher
      concentrations of organochlorinated pesticides and PCBs. CONCLUSIONS: In the
      MIREC study, multiple chemical contaminants were quantified in the plasma of
      pregnant women. In cord plasma PFOA had the highest detection rate. However,
      compared to other Canadian and international population studies, the MIREC
      participants had lower contaminant concentrations of these substances.

PMID- 27142704
TI  - Employing Synergetic Effect of Doping and Thin Film Coating to Boost the
      Performance of Lithium-Ion Battery Cathode Particles.
AB  - Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has evolved as an important technique to coat
      conformal protective thin films on cathode and anode particles of lithium ion
      batteries to enhance their electrochemical performance. Coating a conformal,
      conductive and optimal ultrathin film on cathode particles has significantly
      increased the capacity retention and cycle life as demonstrated in our previous
      work. In this work, we have unearthed the synergetic effect of electrochemically
      active iron oxide films coating and partial doping of iron on LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4
      (LMNO) particles. The ionic Fe penetrates into the lattice structure of LMNO
      during the ALD process. After the structural defects were saturated, the iron
      started participating in formation of ultrathin oxide films on LMNO particle
      surface. Owing to the conductive nature of iron oxide films, with an optimal film
      thickness of ~0.6 nm, the initial capacity improved by ~25% at room temperature
      and by ~26% at an elevated temperature of 55  degrees C at a 1C cycling rate. The
      synergy of doping of LMNO with iron combined with the conductive and protective
      nature of the optimal iron oxide film led to a high capacity retention (~93% at
      room temperature and ~91% at 55  degrees C) even after 1,000 cycles at a 1C
      cycling rate.

PMID- 27142705
TI  - Sorting quantum systems efficiently.
AB  - Measuring the state of a quantum system is a fundamental process in quantum
      mechanics and plays an essential role in quantum information and quantum
      technologies. One method to measure a quantum observable is to sort the system in
      different spatial modes according to the measured value, followed by single
      particle detectors on each mode. Examples of quantum sorters are polarizing beam
      splitters (PBS) - which direct photons according to their polarization - and
      Stern-Gerlach devices. Here we propose a general scheme to sort a quantum system
      according to the value of any d-dimensional degree of freedom, such as spin,
      orbital angular momentum (OAM), wavelength etc. Our scheme is universal, works at
      the single-particle level and has a theoretical efficiency of 100%. As an
      application we design an efficient OAM sorter consisting of a single multi-path
      interferometer which is suitable for a photonic chip implementation.

PMID- 27142706
TI  - Vesicle Origami and the Influence of Cholesterol on Lipid Packing.
AB  - The artificial phospholipid Pad-PC-Pad was analyzed in 2D (monolayers at the
      air/water interface) and 3D (aqueous lipid dispersions) systems. In the gel
      phase, the two leaflets of a Pad-PC-Pad bilayer interdigitate completely, and the
      hydrophobic bilayer region has a thickness comparable to the length of a single
      phospholipid acyl chain. This leads to a stiff membrane with no spontaneous
      curvature. Forced into a vesicular structure, Pad-PC-Pad has faceted geometry,
      and in its extreme form, tetrahedral vesicles were found as predicted a decade
      ago. Above the main transition temperature, a noninterdigitated Lalpha phase with
      fluid chains has been observed. The addition of cholesterol leads to a slight
      decrease of the main transition temperature and a gradual decrease in the
      transition enthalpy until the transition vanishes at 40 mol % cholesterol in the
      mixture. Additionally, cholesterol pulls the chains apart, and a
      noninterdigitated gel phase is observed. In monolayers, cholesterol has an
      ordering effect on liquid-expanded phases and disorders condensed phases. The
      wavenumbers of the methylene stretching vibration indicate the formation of a
      liquid-ordered phase in mixtures with 40 mol % cholesterol.

PMID- 27142707
TI  - Celebrating the ASN at 50.

PMID- 27142708
TI  - Consumption of caffeinated beverages and the awareness of their caffeine content
      among Dutch students.
AB  - The purpose of the current study was to examine the knowledge of caffeine content
      of a variety of caffeinated beverages among Dutch university students. A pencil
      and-paper survey was conducted among N = 800 Dutch students. Most participants
      (87.8%) reported consuming caffeinated beverages during the past 24 h. Their mean
      +/- SD past 24-h caffeine intake from beverages was 144.2 +/- 169.5 mg (2.2 +/-
      3.0 mg/kg bw). Most prevalent sources of caffeine were coffee beverages (50.8%)
      and tea (34.8%), followed by energy drink (9.2%), cola (4.7%), and chocolate milk
      (0.5%). Participants had poor knowledge on the relative caffeine content of
      caffeinated beverages. That is, they overestimated the caffeine content of energy
      drinks and cola, and underestimated the caffeine content of coffee beverages. If
      caffeine consumption is a concern, it is important to inform consumers about the
      caffeine content of all caffeine containing beverages, including coffee and tea.
      The current findings support previous research that the most effective way to
      reduce caffeine intake is to limit the consumption of coffee beverages and tea.

PMID- 27142709
TI  - Cosmeceuticals: peptides, proteins, and growth factors.
AB  - Recent research advances in the molecular and biochemical processes involved in
      wound healing and skin aging have led to the development of innovative
      cosmeceuticals that rely on peptides, proteins, and growth factors to enhance
      skin health. Although the long-term benefits of these products have not been
      fully tested and evaluated, evidence of the benefits derived from their use is
      steadily growing. This study describes the peptides, proteins, and growth factors
      that are most frequently used in cosmeceuticals and discusses their potential
      benefits and practical use in dermatology.

PMID- 27142710
TI  - Activity of secukinumab, an anti-IL-17A antibody, on brain lesions in RRMS:
      results from a randomized, proof-of-concept study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the effect of secukinumab, a monoclonal
      antibody that inhibits interleukin (IL)-17A, on number of new active brain
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in subjects with relapsing-remitting
      multiple sclerosis (MS). Subjects (N = 73) were randomized 1:1 to secukinumab 10
      mg/kg or placebo by intravenous infusion at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20. MRI
      scans were obtained within 30 days prior to randomization, on a monthly basis
      during the treatment period, and at study completion. The primary endpoint was
      the cumulative number of combined unique active lesions (CUAL) observed on brain
      MRI scans from week 4 to week 24. Compared with placebo, secukinumab non
      significantly reduced the number of CUAL observed on 4-weekly MRI from week 4 to
      24 (primary endpoint) by 49 % (95 % CI -10 to 77 %; P = 0.087) and significantly
      reduced the number of cumulative new gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions by 67 % (31
      84 %, P = 0.003). CUAL reductions were progressively greater from week 4 (1 %) to
      week 16 (49 %) and persisted until end-study (50 %). There were no serious
      adverse events; the adverse event rate was comparable to placebo (53 versus 49
      %), although mild-to-moderate infection was somewhat more frequent (37 versus 23
      %). This proof-of-concept study provides the first evidence that blocking IL-17A
      with an antibody may reduce MRI lesion activity in MS. Further studies are needed
      to confirm this finding and determine the magnitude of effect. 

PMID- 27142711
TI  - The diagnostic value of biexponential apparent diffusion coefficients in
      myopathy.
AB  - To investigate the performance of a biexponential signal decay model using DWI in
      myopathies and to differentiate Polymyositis (PM)/Dermatomyositis (DM), Glycogen
      Storage Diseases (GSDs) and Muscular Dystrophies (MDs) utilizing diffusion
      weighted imaging. 11 healthy volunteers (control group) and 46 patients with
      myopathy were enrolled in the retrospective study. 27 of 46 patients had PM/DM, 7
      patients GSDs and 12 patients MDs. After conventional MR sequences, diffusion
      weighted imaging with a b-factor ranging from 0 to 1200 s/mm(2) was performed on
      both thighs. The intra-muscular signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) on multiple-b DWI
      images were measured for 7 different muscles and compared among the different
      groups. The median T2 signal intensity and biexponential apparent diffusion
      coefficients (ADC), including standard ADC, fast ADC, and slow ADC values, were
      compared among the different groups. The intra-muscular SNRs were statistically
      significantly different depending on the b value, and also found among the 4
      groups (p < 0.05). The median T2 signal intensity of the normal muscles in
      control group was statistically significantly lower than that of edematous
      muscles in the PM/DM, GSDs and MDs groups (p = 0.000), while there were no
      statistically significant differences among the PM/DM, GSDs, and MDs groups (p >
      0.05). The median standard ADC value of the edematous muscles in GSDs was
      statistically significantly lower than that of normal muscles in the control
      group (p = 0.000) and the median ADC value of the edematous muscles in PM/DM
      patients was statistically significantly greater than that of the GSDs (p =
      0.000) and MDs groups (p = 0.005). The median slow ADC value of the edematous
      muscles in MDs patients and PM/DM patients was statistically significantly
      greater than that of GSDs patients (p < 0.05). Intra-muscular SNR decay curves
      and biexponential ADC parameters are useful in distinguishing among PM/DM, GSDs,
      and MDs. 

PMID- 27142712
TI  - Independent impact of infections on the course and outcome of status epilepticus:
      a 10-year cohort study.
AB  - Infections are frequent in patients with status epilepticus (SE). It remains
      unclear if infections merely reflect severity of the underlying illness or if
      they independently predict unfavourable course and outcome. We sought to
      determine if infections diagnosed within 48 h from SE onset are independent
      predictors of poor course and outcome and if their effect is modified by clinical
      characteristics. From 2005 to 2014, pertinent clinical data, microbiology, death,
      return to functional baseline, and unfavourable outcome in survivors were
      assessed in SE patients treated in the intensive care units (ICU) of an academic
      medical care center. Among 352 consecutive patients, 81 (23 %) were diagnosed
      with infections at SE onset. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with
      infections (26 %) compared to 10 % in patients without infections (p < 0.001).
      Infections at SE onset increased the odds ratios (OR) for prolonged ICU (OR =
      4.1, 95 %CI 1.87-6.74) and hospital stay (OR = 5.4, 95 %CI 1.24-9.63), refractory
      SE (OR = 3.1, 95 %CI 1.79-5.34), prolonged mechanical ventilation (OR = 3.8, 95
      %CI 2.15-6.79), no return to functional baseline (OR = 2.1, 95 %CI 1.10-4.02),
      unfavourable outcome in survivors (OR = 2.0, 95 %CI 1.02-3.81), and death (OR =
      2.5, 95 %CI 1.28-4.99). All associations were independent of confounders and
      without significant effect modification by age, level of consciousness, types and
      severity of SE, and etiologies. In addition, the number of infections increased
      the probability of unfavourable course and outcome. Infections at SE onset are
      frequent and associated with prolonged medical care, treatment refractory SE,
      higher morbidity and mortality independently of potential confounders calling for
      the evaluation of treatment strategies. 

PMID- 27142713
TI  - Validation of a clinical practice-based algorithm for the diagnosis of autosomal
      recessive cerebellar ataxias based on NGS identified cases.
AB  - Establishing a molecular diagnosis of autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias
      (ARCA) is challenging due to phenotype and genotype heterogeneity. We report the
      validation of a previously published clinical practice-based algorithm to
      diagnose ARCA. Two assessors performed a blind analysis to determine the most
      probable mutated gene based on comprehensive clinical and paraclinical data,
      without knowing the molecular diagnosis of 23 patients diagnosed by targeted
      capture of 57 ataxia genes and high-throughput sequencing coming from a 145
      patients series. The correct gene was predicted in 61 and 78 % of the cases by
      the two assessors, respectively. There was a high inter-rater agreement [K = 0.85
      (0.55-0.98) p < 0.001] confirming the algorithm's reproducibility. Phenotyping
      patients with proper clinical examination, imaging, biochemical investigations
      and nerve conduction studies remain crucial for the guidance of molecular
      analysis and to interpret next generation sequencing results. The proposed
      algorithm should be helpful for diagnosing ARCA in clinical practice. 

PMID- 27142714
TI  - Timing of retinal neuronal and axonal loss in MS: a longitudinal OCT study.
AB  - The objective of the study was to investigate the timing of central nervous
      system tissue atrophy in MS by evaluating longitudinal retinal volume changes in
      a broadly representative cohort with disease duration across the entire arc of
      disease. In this longitudinal study, 135 patients with MS and 16 healthy
      reference subjects underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT)
      at baseline and 2 years later. Following OCT quality control, automated
      segmentation of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), macular
      ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) and macular inner nuclear layer
      (mINL) was performed. Generalized estimation equations were used to analyze
      longitudinal changes and associations with disease duration and clinical
      measures. Participants had a median disease duration at baseline of 16.4 years
      (range 0.1-45.4). Nearly half (44 %) of the MS patients had previously
      experienced MS-related optic neuritis (MSON) more than 6 months prior. The MS
      patients demonstrated a significant decrease over 2 years of the pRNFL (-1.1 um,
      95 % CI 1.4-0.7, p < 0.001) and mGCIPL (-1.1 um, 95 % CI -1.4 to -0.8, p <
      0.001). This thinning was most pronounced early in the course of disease. These
      findings were irrespective of previous episodes of MSON. No consistent pattern of
      change was observed for the mINL (-0.03 um, 95 % CI -0.2 to 0.2, p = 0.795). This
      longitudinal study demonstrated that injury of the innermost retinal layers is
      found in MS and that this damage occurs most rapidly during the early stages of
      disease. The attenuation of atrophy with longer disease duration is suggestive of
      a plateau effect. These findings emphasize the importance of early intervention
      to prevent such injury. 

PMID- 27142715
TI  - The association between white-matter tract abnormalities, and neuropsychiatric
      and cognitive symptoms in retired professional football players with multiple
      concussions.
AB  - Retired professional athletes, who have suffered repetitive concussions, report
      symptoms of depression, anxiety, and memory impairment over time. Moreover,
      recent imaging data suggest chronic white-matter tract deterioration in sport
      related concussion. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of repetitive
      concussions in retired professional football players on white-matter tracts, and
      relate these changes to neuropsychological function. All subjects (18 retired
      professional football players and 17 healthy controls) underwent imaging,
      neuropsychological assessment, and reported on concussion-related symptoms. Whole
      brain tract-based spatial statistics analysis revealed increased axial
      diffusivity in the right hemisphere of retired players in the (1) superior
      longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), (2) corticospinal tract, and (3) anterior thalamic
      radiations, suggesting chronic axonal degeneration in these tracts. Moreover,
      retired players report significantly higher neuropsychiatric and cognitive
      symptoms than healthy controls, and worsening of these symptoms since their last
      concussion. Loss of integrity in the right SLF significantly correlated with
      participants' visual learning ability. In sum, these results suggest that
      repetitive concussions in retired professional football players are associated
      with focal white-matter tract abnormalities that could explain some of the
      neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits experienced by these retired
      athletes. 

PMID- 27142716
TI  - Subclinical primary retinal pathology in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
AB  - Foveal thickness may be a more sensitive indicator of primary retinal pathology
      than retinal nerve fiber layer thickness since the fovea contains no or sparse
      retinal nerve fiber layer, which coalesces into axons of the optic nerve. To our
      knowledge, few quantitative in vivo studies have investigated foveal thickness.
      By using optical coherence tomography, we measured foveal thickness to evaluate
      intrinsic retinal pathology. Seventy-two neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
      patients (99 eyes with optic neuritis and 45 eyes without optic neuritis) and 34
      age-matched controls were included. Foveal thinning was observed both in eyes
      with non-optic neuritis (185.1 um, p < 0.001) and optic neuritis (185.0 um, p <
      0.001) relative to controls (205.0 um). Compared to controls, eyes with non-optic
      neuritis did not have peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thinning, but
      showed foveal thinning (p < 0.001). In neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder,
      foveal thickness correlated with 2.5 % low contrast visual acuity, while retinal
      nerve fiber layer thickness correlated with high or low contrast visual acuity,
      extended disability status scale, and disease duration. In this study, we
      observed foveal thinning irrespective of optic neuritis; thus, we believe that
      subclinical primary retinal pathology, prior to retinal nerve fiber layer
      thinning, may exist in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. 

PMID- 27142717
TI  - Changes in Visual Function in the Elderly Population in the United States: 1995
      2010.
AB  - PURPOSE: To document recent trends in visual function among the United States
      population aged 70+ years and investigate how the trends can be explained by
      inter-temporal changes in: (1) population sociodemographic characteristics, and
      chronic disease prevalence, including eye diseases (compositional changes); and
      (2) effects of the above factors on visual function (structural changes).
      METHODS: Data from the 1995 Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old
      (AHEAD) and the 2010 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were merged with Medicare
      Part B claims in the interview years and the 2 previous years. Decomposition
      analysis was performed. Respondents from both studies were aged 70+ years. The
      outcome measure was respondent self-reported visual function on a 6-point scale
      (from 6 = blind to 1 = excellent). RESULTS: Overall, visual function improved
      from slightly worse than good (3.14) in 1995 to slightly better than good (2.98)
      in 2010. A decline in adverse effects of aging on vision was found. Among the
      compositional changes were higher educational attainment leading to improved
      vision, and higher prevalence of such diseases as diabetes mellitus, which tended
      to lower visual function. However, compared to compositional changes, structural
      changes were far more important, including decreased adverse effects of aging,
      diabetes mellitus (when not controlling for eye diseases), and diagnosed
      glaucoma. CONCLUSION: Although the US population has aged and is expected to age
      further, visual function improved among elderly persons, especially among persons
      80+ years, likely reflecting a favorable role of structural changes identified in
      this study in mitigating the adverse effect of ongoing aging on vision.

PMID- 27142718
TI  - Development of a Human Whole Blood Screening Platform to Monitor JAK/STAT
      Signaling Using High-Throughput Flow Cytometry.
AB  - Oral agents targeting Janus-associated kinases (JAKs) are promising new agents in
      clinical development. To better understand the relationship between JAK
      inhibition and biological outcome, compounds targeting JAKs were evaluated in
      peripheral human whole blood. To date, these analyses are low throughput and
      costly. Here, we developed a robust 384-well, high-throughput flow-based assay
      approach to screen small molecules for JAK/STAT signaling inhibition in human
      whole blood. This assay platform provides a highly sensitive analysis of
      signaling events in blood and facilitates measurement of target engagement.
      Further, the automation technologies and process optimizations developed here
      overcame sample integrity, handling, and multiparametric data analysis
      bottlenecks without affecting assay performance. Together these efforts
      dramatically increased sample throughput compared to conventional manual flow
      cytometric approaches and enabled development of novel JAK/STAT inhibitors. 

PMID- 27142719
TI  - A Learner-Created Virtual Patient Curriculum for Surgical Residents: Successes
      and Failures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a learner-created
      virtual patient (VP) curriculum for postgraduate year 2 surgical residents.
      DESIGN: Using a social-constructivist model of learning, we designed a learner
      created VP curriculum to help postgraduate year 2 residents prepare for their in
      training surgical examination. Each resident was assigned to create a VP
      curriculum based on the learning objectives for this examination, and VP cases
      were then disseminated to all residents for completion. To measure the learning
      effects of the curriculum, participants completed 2 simulated in-training
      examinations, both at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. Study
      participants also participated in a focus group and completed an online
      questionnaire about the perceived learning value of the curriculum. SETTING: The
      study was conducted at the McGill University Health Centre, a tertiary care
      hospital in Montreal, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 24 residents from 7
      surgical specialties completed both the pretest and posttest, as well as took
      part in the creation of a VP curriculum. Of those 24 residents, only 19 residents
      completed the cases created by their peers, with 7 completing greater than 50% of
      the cases and 12 completing less than 50%. In all 17 residents responded to the
      online questionnaire and 11 residents participated in the focus group. RESULTS:
      The VP curriculum failed to improve scores from pretest (59.6%, standard
      deviation = 8.1) to posttest (55.4%, standard deviation = 6.6; p = 0.01) on the
      simulated in-training examination. Nonetheless, survey results demonstrated that
      most residents felt that creating a VP case (89%) and completing cases created by
      their peers (71%) had educational value. Overall, 71% preferred active
      participation in a curriculum to traditional didactic teaching. The focus group
      identified time-related constraints, concern about the quality of the peer
      created cases, and questioning of the relationship between the curriculum and the
      Surgical Foundations examination as barriers to the success of the curriculum.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite the fact that a learner-created VP curriculum did not
      improve scores on a mock in training examination, residents viewed this
      intervention as a valuable educational experience. Although there were barriers
      to the implementation of a learner-created curriculum, it is nonetheless
      important to try and integrate pedagogical concepts into the instructional design
      of curricula for surgical residents.

PMID- 27142720
TI  - Predictors of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Clinical Performance: A Longitudinal
      Cohort Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Though many medical schools applied various admission criteria in the
      selection process, the evidence of using those criteria is unclear. This study
      examined the predictive validity of each admission criterion for student
      competency. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a prospective cohort
      study of all students who matriculated to Seoul National University School of
      Medicine from 2002 to 2008. Demographic characteristics, admission criteria
      scores, and clinical competencies based on grade point average (GPA), objective
      structured clinical examination score, and internship score were obtained for
      each student to analyze the predictive validity of admission criteria. RESULTS:
      Graduate GPA at the end of 4 years positively correlated with preadmission GPA (p
      < 0.0001) and written test score (p = 0.012) but negatively correlated with essay
      test (p = 0.049). Internship score significantly correlated with preadmission GPA
      and graduate GPA. Regression analysis revealed that the preadmission GPA of the
      affiliated college and young age at admission could predict GPA, and preadmission
      GPA and graduate GPA could predict the internship score, which indicates
      postgraduate clinical performance. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that
      preadmission GPA is a reliable predictor of academic achievement during medical
      school and postgraduate clinical performance. For assessing nonacademic
      competencies, further research is needed.

PMID- 27142721
TI  - Effect of Rehearsal Modality on Knowledge Retention in Surgical Trainees: A Pilot
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The operating room is an exciting learning environment. With growing
      curriculum limitations and increasing complexity of care, existing education
      opportunities need to be optimized. Rehearsal has benefits for surgeon
      performance in the operating room, but its role for enhancing operative learning
      remains unclear. This pilot study aimed to differentiate the effects of physical
      rehearsal (PR) and cognitive rehearsal (CR) modalities on surgical trainee
      technical knowledge retention. DESIGN: Participants took part in a 2-day
      (sequential Fridays), instructed operative workshop performing midline
      laparotomy, splenectomy, left nephrectomy, and hand-sewn, side-to-side small
      bowel anastomosis (SBA). Participants were randomized to 10 minutes of either a
      (PR; n = 5) or (CR; n = 5) activity each day before operating. PR consisted of
      practicing SBA on a felt bowel model. CR entailed viewing narrated operative
      footage detailing the steps of SBA. Participants' technical knowledge of all
      procedures was assessed at 1 and 12 weeks postworkshop using a 31-question test.
      SETTING: Animal operative suites at an academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: A
      total of 10 general surgery postgraduate year 1 interns participated in the
      workshop; all completed the study. Participants had similar levels of operative
      exposure at the time of study participation. RESULTS: At 1-week postworkshop,
      mean assessment scores for CR were higher than PR (Mean +/- Standard Deviation)
      (CR = 24.7 +/- 1.6 vs. PR = 21.8 +/- 1.7, p = 0.02). After 12 weeks, there was no
      difference in mean scores (CR = 23.3 +/- 2 vs. PR = 21.7 +/- 1.8, p = 0.22).
      Knowledge decay for the 12-week period was similar between groups (CR = -1.4 +/-
      1.6 vs. PR = -0.1 +/- 2.4, p = 0.36). Study participants performed better on SBA
      related questions than unrelated questions (laparotomy, splenectomy, and
      nephrectomy) at 1-week (related = 81.5% +/- 11.3 vs. unrelated = 71.9% +/- 6.6, p
      = 0.03) and 12 weeks (related = 81% +/- 13.1 vs. unrelated = 68.6% +/- 8.8, p =
      0.02). CONCLUSION: This pilot data suggests the modality of the rehearsal
      activity may not significantly effect surgical learners' technical knowledge
      retention. Participants did score higher on questions related to the rehearsal
      topic, indicating a potential supplementary role for rehearsal activities.

PMID- 27142722
TI  - A Comprehensive, High-Quality Orthopedic Intern Surgical Skills Program.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To design and implement a month-long, low-cost, comprehensive
      surgical skills curriculum built to address the needs of orthopedic surgery
      interns with high satisfaction among both interns and faculty. DESIGN: The study
      design was retrospective and descriptive. SETTING: The study was conducted at
      tertiary care referral center with a medium sized orthopedic residency surgery
      program (5 residents/year). PARTICIPANTS: Totally 5 orthopedic surgery residents
      and 16 orthopedic surgery faculty participated. RESULTS: A general mission was
      established-to orient the resident to the postgraduate year 1 and prepare them
      for success in residency. The basic tenets of the American Board of Orthopaedic
      Surgeons surgical skills program framework were built. Curricular additions
      included anatomic study, surgical approaches, joint-specific physical
      examination, radiographic interpretation, preoperative planning, reduction
      techniques, basic emergency and operating room procedures, cadaveric procedure
      practice, and introduction to arthroplasty. The program was held in August during
      protected time for intern participants. In total, 16 orthopedic surgeons
      instructed 85% of the educational sessions. One faculty member did most of the
      preparation and organization to facilitate the program. The program ran for a
      cumulative 89 hours, including 14.5 hours working with cadaveric specimens. The
      program cost a total of $8100. The average module received a 4.15 rating on a 5
      point scale, with 4 representing "good" and 5 representing "excellent."
      CONCLUSIONS: The program was appropriately timed and addressed topics relevant to
      the intern without sacrificing clinical experience or burdening inpatient
      services with interns' absence. The program received high satisfaction ratings
      from both the interns as well as the faculty. Additionally, the program fostered
      early relationships between interns and faculty-an unforeseen benefit. In the
      future, our program plans to better integrate validated learning metrics and
      improve instruction pertaining to both fluoroscopic examination and
      arthrocentesis.

PMID- 27142723
TI  - Viscoelastic Properties of Core-Shell-Structured, Hemicellulose-Rich
      Nanofibrillated Cellulose in Dispersion and Wet-Film States.
AB  - We report the viscoelastic properties of core-shell-structured, hemicellulose
      rich nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) in dispersion and wet-film states. The
      hemicellulose-rich NFC (hemicellulose neutral sugars 23%, carboxylate 0.2 mmol g(
      1)), prepared from Japanese persimmons, had a core crystallite thickness of 2.3
      nm and unit fibril thickness of 4.2 nm. A carboxylate-rich NFC (hemicellulose
      neutral sugars 7%, carboxylate 0.9 mmol g(-1)) with crystallite and fibril widths
      of 2.5 and 3.3 nm, respectively, was used as a reference. The solid-concentration
      dependencies of the storage moduli of gel-like water dispersions of the
      hemicellulose-rich NFC were weaker than those of carboxylate-rich NFC, and the
      dispersions were loosely flocculated even at high salt concentrations and low pH
      values. The viscoelastic properties of wet NFC films were similar to those of
      their dispersions; the hemicellulose-rich NFC films were significantly less
      sensitive to salt concentration and pH and were soft and swollen at high salt
      concentrations and low pH values.

PMID- 27142724
TI  - The influence of visitor interaction on the behavior of captive crowned lemurs
      (Eulemur coronatus) and implications for welfare.
AB  - Research suggests that zoo visitors can have positive, negative, and neutral
      impacts on captive primate welfare; however, research investigating the
      implications of visitor-animal feeding experiences is extremely limited. In the
      UK, a large proportion of BIAZA zoos that house lemur species offer visitor
      interaction experiences (16 out of 33). This study investigated the impact on the
      behavior of a family group of crowned lemurs (Eulemur coronatus) housed at
      Newquay Zoo, UK of visitors, accompanied by a keeper, entering the enclosure to
      feed the lemurs. Behavior was observed under four conditions: (i) during visitor
      feed; (ii) 30 min post-visitor feed; (iii) during a keeper feed; and (iv) 30 min
      post-keeper feed. Keeper feeds were conducted by keepers only, on the day after
      visitor feeds. The lemur group spent significantly less time performing
      aggressive behavior and was also significantly more interactive with keepers
      during visitor feeds compared with keeper-only feeds. There was no significant
      difference in behaviors performed immediately after interacting with visitors.
      Over the study period, there was a tendency for interactions with visitors to
      increase, and for interactions with keepers during visitor feeds to decrease.
      After a 28-day interval without visitor interaction, the lemurs' interaction with
      visitors had returned to the level recorded at the start of the study. In
      conclusion, visitor interaction did not compromise the welfare of the study
      subjects in either the short- or long-term, while an increase in visitor
      interactions over time has interesting implications for the enrichment properties
      of, or habituation to, unfamiliar humans. Zoo Biol. 35:222-227, 2016. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27142725
TI  - Seawater usable for production and consumption of hydrogen peroxide as a solar
      fuel.
AB  - Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in water has been proposed as a promising solar fuel
      instead of gaseous hydrogen because of advantages on easy storage and high energy
      density, being used as a fuel of a one-compartment H2O2 fuel cell for producing
      electricity on demand with emitting only dioxygen (O2) and water. It is highly
      desired to utilize the most earth-abundant seawater instead of precious pure
      water for the practical use of H2O2 as a solar fuel. Here we have achieved
      efficient photocatalytic production of H2O2 from the most earth-abundant seawater
      instead of precious pure water and O2 in a two-compartment photoelectrochemical
      cell using WO3 as a photocatalyst for water oxidation and a cobalt complex
      supported on a glassy-carbon substrate for the selective two-electron reduction
      of O2. The concentration of H2O2 produced in seawater reached 48 mM, which was
      high enough to operate an H2O2 fuel cell.

PMID- 27142726
TI  - Methotrexate-induced toxicity pharmacogenetics: an umbrella review of systematic
      reviews and meta-analyses.
AB  - PURPOSE: Methotrexate chemotherapy is associated with various toxicities which
      can result in the interruption or discontinuation of treatment and a subsequently
      raised risk of relapse. This umbrella systematic review was conducted to
      synthesize the results of all existing systematic reviews that investigate the
      pharmacogenetics of methotrexate-induced toxicity, with the aim of developing a
      comprehensive reference for personalized medicine. METHODS: Databases searched
      were PubMed, Embase, JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation
      Reports, DARE, and ProQuest. Papers were critically appraised by two reviewers,
      and data were extracted using a standardized tool. RESULTS: Three systematic
      reviews on methotrexate-induced toxicity were included in the review. Meta
      analyses were reported across Asian, Caucasian, pediatric and adult patients for
      the MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms. Toxicity outcomes included different
      forms of hematologic, ectodermal and hepatic toxicities. Results varied
      considerably depending on the patient groups and subgroups investigated in the
      different systematic reviews, as well as the genetic models utilized. However,
      significant associations were found between the MTHFR C677T allele and; hepatic
      toxicity, myelosuppression, oral mucositis, gastrointestinal toxicity, and skin
      toxicity. Additionally, limited evidence suggests that the MTHFR A1298C
      polymorphism may be associated with decreased risk of skin toxicity and
      leukopenia. CONCLUSION: This umbrella systematic review has synthesized the best
      available evidence on the pharmacogenetics of methotrexate toxicity. The next
      step in making personalized medicine for methotrexate therapy a clinical reality
      is research on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of MTHFR genotype testing
      to enable the close monitoring of at-risk patients for the timely initiation of
      rescue therapies.

PMID- 27142727
TI  - Uptake and linkage into care over one year of providing HIV testing and
      counselling through community and health facility testing modalities in urban
      informal settlement of Kibera, Nairobi Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examine the uptake of HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC) and
      linkage into care over one year of providing HTC through community and health
      facility testing modalities among people living in Kibera informal urban
      settlement in Nairobi Kenya. METHODS: We analyzed program data on health facility
      based HIV testing and counselling and community- based testing and counselling
      approaches for the period starting October 2013 to September 2014. Univariate and
      bivariate analysis methods were used to compare the two approaches with regard to
      uptake of HTC and subsequent linkage to care. The exact Confidence Intervals (CI)
      to the proportions were approximated using simple normal approximation to
      binomial distribution method. RESULTS: Majority of the 18,591 clients were tested
      through health facility-based testing approaches 72.5 % (n = 13485) vs those
      tested through community-based testing comprised 27.5 % (n = 5106). More clients
      tested at health facilities were reached through Provider Initiated Testing and
      Counselling PITC 81.7 % (n = 11015) while 18.3 % were reached through Voluntary
      Counselling and Testing (VCT)/Client Initiated Testing and Counselling (CITC)
      services. All clients who tested positive during health facility-based testing
      were successfully linked to care either at the project sites or sites of client
      choice while not all who tested positive during community based testing were
      linked to care. The HIV prevalence among all those who were tested for HIV in the
      program was 5.2 % (n = 52, 95 % CI: 3.9 %-6.8 %). Key study limitation included
      use of aggregate data to report uptake of HTC through the two testing approaches
      and not being able to estimate the population in the catchment area likely to
      test for HIV. CONCLUSION: Health facility-based HTC approach achieved more
      clients tested for HIV, and this method also resulted in identifying greater
      numbers of people who were HIV positive in Kibera slum within one year period of
      testing for HIV compared to community-based HTC approach. Linking HIV positive
      clients to care proved much easier during health facility- based HTC compared to
      community- based HTC.

PMID- 27142728
TI  - Some Equalities Are More Equal Than Others: Quality Equality Emerges Later Than
      Numerical Equality.
AB  - By age 6, children typically share an equal number of resources between
      themselves and others. However, fairness involves not merely that each person
      receive an equal number of resources ("numerical equality") but also that each
      person receive equal quality resources ("quality equality"). In Study 1, children
      (N = 87, 3-10 years) typically split four resources "two each" by age 6, but
      typically monopolized the better two resources until age 10. In Study 2, a new
      group of 6- to 8-year-olds (N = 32) allocated resources to third parties
      according to quality equality, indicating that children in this age group
      understand that fairness requires both types of equality.

PMID- 27142729
TI  - Chronic Subjunctivity, or, How Physicians Use Diabetes and Insomnia to Manage
      Futures in the United States.
AB  - Prognostication has become central to medical practice, offering clinicians and
      patients views of particular futures enabled by biomedical expertise and
      technologies. Drawing on research on diabetes care and sleep medicine in the
      United States, in this article we suggest that subjectivity is increasingly
      modeled on medical understandings of chronic illness. These chronic conceptions
      of the self and society instill in individuals an anxiety about future health
      outcomes that, in turn, motivate practices oriented at self-care to avoid
      negative health outcomes and particular medical futures. At its most extreme,
      these anxieties of self-care trouble conceptions of self and social belonging,
      particularly in the future tense, leading patients and clinicians to consider
      intergenerational and public health based on the threats that individual patients
      pose for others.

PMID- 27142730
TI  - Waves spontaneously generated by heterogeneity in oscillatory media.
AB  - Wave propagation is an important characteristic for pattern formation and pattern
      dynamics. To date, various waves in homogeneous media have been investigated
      extensively and have been understood to a great extent. However, the wave
      behaviors in heterogeneous media have been studied and understood much less. In
      this work, we investigate waves that are spontaneously generated in one
      dimensional heterogeneous oscillatory media governed by complex Ginzburg-Landau
      equations; the heterogeneity is modeled by multiple interacting homogeneous media
      with different system control parameters. Rich behaviors can be observed by
      varying the control parameters of the systems, whereas the behavior is
      incomparably simple in the homogeneous cases. These diverse behaviors can be
      fully understood and physically explained well based on three aspects: dispersion
      relation curves, driving-response relations, and wave competition rules in
      homogeneous systems. Possible applications of heterogeneity-generated waves are
      anticipated.

PMID- 27142731
TI  - The role of natural polyphenols in cell signaling and cytoprotection against
      cancer development.
AB  - The cytoprotective and anticancer action of dietary in-taken natural polyphenols
      has for long been attributed only to their direct radical scavenging activities.
      Currently it is well supported that those compounds display a broad spectrum of
      biological and pharmacological outcomes mediated by their complex metabolism,
      interaction with gut microbiota as well as direct interactions of their
      metabolites with key cellular signaling proteins. The beneficial effects of
      natural polyphenols and their synthetic derivatives are extensively studied in
      context of cancer prophylaxis and therapy. Herein we focus on cell signaling to
      explain the beneficial role of polyphenols at the three stages of cancer
      development: we review the recent proceedings about the impact of polyphenols on
      the cytoprotective antioxidant response and their proapoptotic action at the
      premalignant stage, and finally we present data showing how phenolic acids (e.g.,
      caffeic, chlorogenic acids) and flavonols (e.g., quercetin) hamper the
      development of metastatic cancer.

PMID- 27142732
TI  - Prenatal choline supplementation attenuates spatial learning deficits of
      offspring rats exposed to low-protein diet during fetal period.
AB  - Prenatal intake of choline has been reported to lead to enhanced cognitive
      function in offspring, but little is known about the effects on spatial learning
      deficits. The present study examined the effects of prenatal choline
      supplementation on developmental low-protein exposure and its potential
      mechanisms. Pregnant female rats were fed either a normal or low-protein diet
      containing sufficient choline (1.1g/kg choline chloride) or supplemented choline
      (5.0g/kg choline chloride) until delivery. The Barnes maze test was performed at
      postnatal days 31-37. Choline and its metabolites, the synaptic structural
      parameters of the CA1 region in the brain of the newborn rat, were measured. The
      Barnes maze test demonstrated that prenatal low-protein pups had significantly
      greater error scale values, hole deviation scores, strategy scores and spatial
      search strategy and had lesser random search strategy values than normal protein
      pups (all P<.05). These alterations were significantly reversed by choline
      supplementation. Choline supplementation increased the brain levels of choline,
      betaine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine of newborns by 51.35%
      (P<.05), 33.33% (P<.001), 28.68% (P<.01) and 23.58% (P<.05), respectively,
      compared with the LPD group. Prenatal choline supplementation reversed the
      increased width of the synaptic cleft (P<.05) and decreased the curvature of the
      synaptic interface (P<.05) induced by a low-protein diet. Prenatal choline
      supplementation could attenuate the spatial learning deficits caused by prenatal
      protein malnutrition by increasing brain choline, betaine and phospholipids and
      by influencing the hippocampus structure.

PMID- 27142733
TI  - Pomegranate extract and exercise provide additive benefits on improvement of
      immune function by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress in high-fat-diet
      induced obesity in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is reported to be associated with immune dysfunction and a
      state of low-grade, chronic inflammation. Either pomegranate extract (PomE) or
      exercise (Ex) has been shown to have antiobesity, anti-inflammatory and
      antioxidant effects. Nevertheless, no study has addressed the additive benefits
      of PomE and Ex on the restoration of obesity-induced immune defects. OBJECTIVE:
      The present work aims to study the effect of PomE and Ex as a combined
      intervention on immune function and the underlying mechanism involved in
      inflammation and oxidative stress in rats with high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced
      obesity. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that the combination of PomE and Ex
      showed additive benefits on inhibition of HFD-induced body weight increase and
      improvement of HFD-induced immune dysfunction, including (a) attenuating the
      abnormality of histomorphology of the spleen, (b) increasing the ratio of the
      CD4+:CD8+ T cell subpopulations in splenocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMC), (c) inhibition of apoptosis in splenocytes and PBMC, (d)
      normalizing peritoneal macrophage phenotypes and (e) restoring immunomodulating
      factors in serum. We also find that immune dysfunction in HFD-fed rats was
      associated with increased inflammatory cytokine secretion and oxidative stress
      biomarkers, and that the combination of PomE and Ex effectively inhibited the
      inflammatory response and decreased oxidative damage. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of
      PomE and Ex as a combined intervention is greater than the effect of either PomE
      or Ex alone, showing that PomE and Ex may be additively effective in improving
      immune function in HFD-fed rats by inhibiting inflammation and decreasing
      oxidative stress.

PMID- 27142734
TI  - The delta 6 desaturase knock out mouse reveals that immunomodulatory effects of
      essential n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are both independent of and
      dependent upon conversion.
AB  - Typically fatty acids (FA) exert differential immunomodulatory effects with n-3
      [alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid
      (DHA)] and n-6 [linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA)] exerting anti- and
      pro-inflammatory effects, respectively. This over-simplified interpretation is
      confounded by a failure to account for conversion of the parent FA (LA and ALA)
      to longer-chain bioactive products (AA and EPA/DHA, respectively), thereby
      precluding discernment of the immunomodulatory potential of specific FA.
      Therefore, we utilized the Delta6-desaturase model, wherein knockout mice (D6KO)
      lack the Fads2 gene encoding for the rate-limiting enzyme that initiates FA
      metabolism, thereby providing a model to determine specific FA immunomodulatory
      effects. Wild-type (WT) and D6KO mice were fed one of four isocaloric diets
      differing in FA source (9weeks): corn oil (LA-enriched), arachidonic acid single
      cell oil (AA-enriched), flaxseed oil (ALA-enriched) or menhaden fish oil (EPA/DHA
      enriched). Splenic mononuclear cell cytokine production in response to
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS), T-cell receptor (TCR) and anti-CD40 stimulation was
      determined. Following LPS stimulation, AA was more bioactive compared to LA, by
      increasing inflammatory cytokine production of IL-6 (1.2-fold) and TNFalpha (1.3
      fold). Further, LPS-stimulated IFNgamma production in LA-fed D6KO mice was
      reduced 5-fold compared to LA-fed WT mice, indicating that conversion of LA to AA
      was necessary for cytokine production. Conversely, ALA exerted an independent
      immunomodulatory effect from EPA/DHA and all n-3 FA increased LPS-stimulated IL
      10 production versus LA and AA. These data definitively identify specific
      immunomodulatory effects of individual FA and challenge the simplified view of
      the immunomodulatory effects of n-3 and n-6 FA.

PMID- 27142735
TI  - Docosahexaenoic acid and palmitic acid reciprocally modulate monocyte activation
      in part through endoplasmic reticulum stress.
AB  - Palmitic acid (C16:0) and TLR2 ligand induce, but docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
      inhibits monocyte activation. C16:0 and TLR2 or TLR4 ligand induce certain ER
      stress markers; thus, we determined whether ER stress induced by these agonists
      is sufficient to induce monocyte activation, and whether the ER stress is
      inhibited by DHA which is known to inhibit C16:0- or ligand-induced TLR
      activation. Monocyte activation and ER stress were assessed by TLR/inflammasome
      induced IL-1beta production, and phosphorylation of IRE-1 and eIF2 and expression
      of CHOP, respectively in THP-1 cells. TLR2 ligand Pam3CSK4 induced
      phosphorylation of eIF2, but not phosphorylation of IRE-1 and CHOP expression.
      LPS also induced phosphorylation of both IRE-1 and eIF2 but not CHOP expression
      suggesting that TLR2 or TLR4 ligand, or C16:0 induces different ER stress
      responses. C16:0-, Pam3CSK4-, or LPS-induced IL-1beta production was inhibited by
      4-phenylbutyric acid, an inhibitor of ER stress suggesting that IL-1beta
      production induced by these agonists is partly mediated through ER stress. Among
      two ER stress-inducing molecules, thapsigargin but not tunicamycin led to the
      expression of pro-IL-1beta and secretion of IL-1beta. Thus, not all types of ER
      stress are sufficient to induce inflammasome-mediated IL-1beta secretion in
      monocytes. Although both C16:0 and thapsigargin-induced IL-1beta secretion was
      inhibited by DHA, only C16:0-mediated ER stress was responsive to DHA. These
      findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of DHA are at least in part
      mediated through modulating ER homeostasis and that the propensity of ER stress
      can be differentially modulated by the types of dietary fat we consume.

PMID- 27142736
TI  - Fucoidan alleviates high-fat diet-induced dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis in
      ApoE(shl) mice deficient in apolipoprotein E expression.
AB  - Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweeds, possesses many
      biological activities including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. We
      aimed to investigate the protective effects of fucoidan on dyslipidemia and
      atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice (ApoE(shl) mice) and to
      elucidate its molecular targets in the liver by using a transcriptomic approach.
      For 12weeks, ApoE(shl) mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with
      either 1% or 5% fucoidan. Fucoidan supplementation significantly reduced tissue
      weight (liver and white adipose tissue), blood lipid, total cholesterol (TC),
      triglyceride (TG), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and
      glucose levels in HFD-fed ApoE(shl) mice but increased plasma lipoprotein lipase
      (LPL) activity and HDL-C levels. Fucoidan also reduced hepatic steatosis levels
      (liver size, TC and TG levels, and lipid peroxidation) and increased white
      adipose tissue LPL activity. DNA microarray analysis and quantitative reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated differential expression of
      genes encoding proteins involved in lipid metabolism, energy homeostasis and
      insulin sensitivity, by activating Ppara and inactivating Srebf1. Fucoidan
      supplementation markedly reduced the thickness of the lipid-rich plaque, lipid
      peroxidation and foaming macrophage accumulation in the aorta in HFD-fed
      ApoE(shl) mice. Thus, fucoidan supplementation appears to have anti-dyslipidemic
      and anti-atherosclerotic effects by inducing LPL activity and inhibiting the
      effects of inflammation and oxidative stress in HFD-fed ApoE(shl) mice.

PMID- 27142737
TI  - Pregnancy and maternal iron deficiency stimulate hepatic CRBPII expression in
      rats.
AB  - Iron deficiency impairs vitamin A (VA) metabolism in the rat but the mechanisms
      involved are unknown and the effect during development has not been investigated.
      We investigated the effect of pregnancy and maternal iron deficiency on VA
      metabolism in the mother and fetus. 54 rats were fed either a control or iron
      deficient diet for 2weeks prior to mating and throughout pregnancy. Another 15
      female rats followed the same diet and were used as non-pregnant controls.
      Maternal liver, placenta and fetal liver were collected at d21 for total VA,
      retinol and retinyl ester (RE) measurement and VA metabolic gene expression
      analysis. Iron deficiency increased maternal hepatic RE (P<.05) and total VA
      (P<.0001), fetal liver RE (P<.05), and decreased placenta total VA (P<.05).
      Pregnancy increased Cellular Retinol Binding Protein (CRBP)-II gene expression by
      7 fold (P=.001), decreased VA levels (P=.0004) and VA metabolic gene expression
      (P<.0001) in the liver. Iron deficiency increased hepatic CRBPII expression by a
      further 2 fold (P=.044) and RBP4 by~20% (P=.005), increased RBPR2 and decreased
      CRBPII, LRAT, and TTR in fetal liver, while it had no effect on VA metabolic gene
      expression in the placenta. Hepatic CRBPII expression is increased by pregnancy
      and further increased by iron deficiency, which may play an important role in VA
      metabolism and homeostasis. Maternal iron deficiency also alters VA metabolism in
      the fetus, which is likely to have consequences for development.

PMID- 27142738
TI  - Raspberry seed flour attenuates high-sucrose diet-mediated hepatic stress and
      adipose tissue inflammation.
AB  - Chronic intake of high sucrose (HS) diet exacerbates high-fat (HF) diet-induced
      obesity and its associated metabolic complications. Previously, we have
      demonstrated that ellagic acid (EA), an abundant polyphenol found in some fruits
      and nuts, exerts distinct lipid-lowering characteristics in hepatocytes and
      adipocytes. In this study, we hypothesized that EA supplementation inhibits HS
      diet-mediated hepatic toxicity and its accompanied metabolic dysregulation. To
      test this hypothesis, C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to three
      isocaloric HF diets (41% calories from fat) containing either no-sucrose (HF),
      high-sucrose (HFHS), or high-sucrose plus EA (HFHS-R) from raspberry seed flour
      (RSF, equivalent to 0.03% of EA), and fed for 12weeks. The inclusion of EA from
      RSF significantly improved HFHS diet-mediated dyslipidemia and restored glucose
      homeostasis levels similar to the HF diet-fed mice. Despite marginal difference
      in hepatic triglyceride content, the addition of EA substantially reversed the
      activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and oxidative damage triggered by
      HFHS diet in the liver. These effects of EA were further confirmed in human
      hepatoma cells by reducing ER stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      production. Moreover, HFHS-R diet significantly decreased visceral adipocyte
      hypertrophy and adipose tissue inflammation evidenced by reduced proinflammatory
      gene expression and macrophage infiltration. In summary, EA supplementation from
      RSF was effective in reducing HFHS diet-mediated metabolic complication by
      attenuating hepatic ER and oxidative stresses as well as adipocyte inflammation.
      Our results suggest that the inclusion of EA in diets may normalize metabolic
      insults triggered by HS consumption.

PMID- 27142739
TI  - Sulforaphane improves dysregulated metabolic profile and inhibits leptin-induced
      VSMC proliferation: Implications toward suppression of neointima formation after
      arterial injury in western diet-fed obese mice.
AB  - Sulforaphane (SFN), a dietary phase-2 enzyme inducer that mitigates cellular
      oxidative stress through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)
      activation, is known to exhibit beneficial effects in the vessel wall. For
      instance, it inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, a major
      event in atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty. In particular, SFN
      attenuates the mitogenic and pro-inflammatory actions of platelet-derived growth
      factor (PDGF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha), respectively, in VSMCs.
      Nevertheless, the vasoprotective role of SFN has not been examined in the setting
      of obesity characterized by hyperleptinemia and insulin resistance. Using the
      mouse model of western diet-induced obesity, the present study demonstrates for
      the first time that subcutaneous delivery of SFN (0.5mg/Kg/day) for~3weeks
      significantly attenuates neointima formation in the injured femoral artery [?
      (decrease) neointima/media ratio by~60%; n=5-8]. This was associated with
      significant improvements in metabolic parameters, including ? weight gain by~52%,
      ? plasma leptin by~42%, ? plasma insulin by~63%, insulin resistance [?
      homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index by~73%],
      glucose tolerance (? AUCGTT by~24%), and plasma lipid profile (e.g., ?
      triglycerides). Under in vitro conditions, SFN significantly decreased leptin
      induced VSMC proliferation by~23% (n=5) with associated diminutions in leptin
      induced cyclin D1 expression and the phosphorylation of p70S6kinase and ribosomal
      S6 protein (n=3-4). The present findings reveal that, in addition to improving
      systemic metabolic parameters, SFN inhibits leptin-induced VSMC proliferative
      signaling that may contribute in part to the suppression of injury-induced
      neointima formation in diet-induced obesity.

PMID- 27142740
TI  - Influences of dietary vitamin D restriction on bone strength, body composition
      and muscle in rats fed a high-fat diet: involvement of mRNA expression of MyoD in
      skeletal muscle.
AB  - Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with a greater risk of osteoporosis and
      also influences skeletal muscle functions, differentiation and development. The
      present study investigated the influences of vitamin D restriction on the body
      composition, bone and skeletal muscle in rats fed a high-fat diet. Sprague-Dawley
      strain male rats (11weeks old) were divided into four groups and fed experimental
      diets: a basic control diet (Cont.), a basic control diet with vitamin D
      restriction (DR), a high-fat diet (F) and a high-fat diet with vitamin D
      restriction (FDR). At 28days after starting the experimental diets, the visceral
      fat mass was significantly increased in the F group compared with Cont. group,
      and the muscle mass tended to decrease in the DR group compared with Cont. group.
      The total volume of the femur was significantly lower in the DR group compared
      with Cont. group, and the bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur was
      significantly lower in the FDR group compared with F group. MyoD is one of the
      muscle-specific transcription factors. The levels of mRNA expression of MyoD of
      the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles from the DR group were reduced markedly
      compared with those from the Cont. group. In conclusion, our findings revealed
      the influences of a vitamin D-restricted high-fat diet on the bone strength, body
      composition and muscle. Further studies on vitamin D insufficiency in the
      regulation of muscle as well as fat and bone metabolism would provide valuable
      data for the prevention of lifestyle-related disorders, including osteoporosis
      and sarcopenia.

PMID- 27142741
TI  - Dietary interesterified fat enriched with palmitic acid induces atherosclerosis
      by impairing macrophage cholesterol efflux and eliciting inflammation.
AB  - Interesterified fats are currently being used to replace trans fatty acids.
      However, their impact on biological pathways involved in the atherosclerosis
      development was not investigated. Weaning male LDLr-KO mice were fed for 16weeks
      on a high-fat diet (40% energy as fat) containing polyunsaturated (PUFA), TRANS,
      palmitic (PALM), palmitic interesterified (PALM INTER), stearic (STEAR) or
      stearic interesterified (STEAR INTER). Plasma lipids, lipoprotein profile,
      arterial lesion area, macrophage infiltration, collagen content and inflammatory
      response modulation were determined. Macrophage cholesterol efflux and the
      arterial expression of cholesterol uptake and efflux receptors were also
      performed. The interesterification process did not alter plasma lipid
      concentrations. Although PALM INTER did not increase plasma cholesterol
      concentration as much as TRANS, the cholesterol enrichment in the LDL particle
      was similar in both groups. Moreover, PALM INTER induced the highest IL-1beta,
      MCP-1 and IL-6 secretion from peritoneal macrophages as compared to others. This
      inflammatory response elicited by PALM INTER was confirmed in arterial wall, as
      compared to PALM. These deleterious effects of PALM INTER culminate in higher
      atherosclerotic lesion, macrophage infiltration and collagen content than PALM,
      STEAR, STEAR INTER and PUFA. These events can partially be attributed to a
      macrophage cholesterol accumulation, promoted by apoAI and HDL2-mediated
      cholesterol efflux impairment and increased Olr-1 and decreased Abca1 and Nr1h3
      expressions in the arterial wall. Interesterified fats containing palmitic acid
      induce atherosclerosis development by promoting cholesterol accumulation in LDL
      particles and macrophagic cells, activating the inflammatory process in LDLr-KO
      mice.

PMID- 27142742
TI  - Equol suppresses inflammatory response and bone erosion due to rheumatoid
      arthritis in mice.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and systemic autoimmune inflammatory
      disease. Typical pathological findings of RA include persistent synovitis and
      bone degradation in the peripheral joints. Equol, a metabolite of the major
      soybean isoflavone daidzein, shows superior bioactivity than other isoflavones.
      We investigated the effects of equol administration on inflammatory response and
      bone erosion in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The severity of
      arthritis symptoms was significantly low in the equol-administered CIA mice. In
      addition, equol administration improved the CIA-induced bone mineral density
      decline. In the inflamed area of CIA mice, equol administration suppressed the
      expression of interleukin-6 and its receptor. Furthermore, equol reduced the
      expression of genes associated with bone formation inhibition, osteoclast and
      immature osteoblast specificity and cartilage destruction. These results suggest
      that equol suppresses RA development and RA-induced bone erosion by regulating
      inflammation and bone metabolism.

PMID- 27142743
TI  - The impact of theaflavins on systemic-and microcirculation alterations: The
      murine and randomized feasibility trials.
AB  - Theaflavins are polyphenols found in black tea; their physiological activities
      were not well investigated. The present study in rats evaluated the influence of
      theaflavins on circulation. In addition, an intervention pilot study examined the
      influence of a theaflavin drink on postprandial hemodynamic change. In an animal
      study, a single oral dose of theaflavin rich fraction (TF, 10mg/kg) caused
      transient increase in mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR). TF also
      elevated cremastric blood flow significantly, and the magnitude of this effect
      was in this order: theaflavin 3'-O-gallate (TF2B) >>theaflavin-3-O-gallate (TF2A)
      >>theaflavin (TF1)=theaflavin-3, 3'-di-O-gallate (TF3). In addition, these
      hemodynamic alterations in mammals totally disappeared when pretreated with
      carvedilol as an adrenaline blocker. We also treated 10-mg/kg/day TF to the rats
      for 2 weeks. At the end of the ingestion period, MBP was reduced significantly,
      and aortic eNOS level was elevated by the repeated ingestion of TF compared with
      distilled water. In the intervention trial, blood pressure of the volunteers was
      increased significantly 2 and 4h after ingestion of the TF drink (45mg/drink)
      compared with before treatment. A significant difference was observed in FMD
      between the placebo and theaflavin groups 4h after ingestion. These results
      suggested that theaflavin has potent activity to alter hemodynamics in both
      murine and healthy subjects. Further studies is needed to elucidate the details;
      however, the results of animal study suggested that the possible involvement of
      sympathetic nervous system in the hemodynamic changes caused by TF.

PMID- 27142744
TI  - Liquid fructose in pregnancy exacerbates fructose-induced dyslipidemia in adult
      female offspring.
AB  - Fructose intake from added sugars correlates with the epidemic rise in metabolic
      syndrome and related events. Nevertheless, consumption of beverages sweetened
      with fructose is not regulated in gestation. Previously, we found that maternal
      fructose intake produces in the progeny, when fetuses, impaired leptin signaling
      and hepatic steatosis and then impaired insulin signaling and hypoadiponectinemia
      in adult male rats. Interestingly, adult females from fructose-fed mothers did
      not exhibit any of these disturbances. However, we think that, actually, these
      animals keep a programmed phenotype hidden. Fed 240-day-old female progeny from
      control, fructose- and glucose-fed mothers were subjected for 3weeks to a
      fructose supplementation period (10% wt/vol in drinking water). Fructose intake
      provoked elevations in insulinemia and adiponectinemia in the female progeny
      independently of their maternal diet. In accordance, the hepatic mRNA levels of
      several insulin-responsive genes were similarly affected in the progeny after
      fructose intake. Interestingly, adult progeny of fructose-fed mothers displayed,
      in response to the fructose feeding, augmented plasma triglyceride and NEFA
      levels and hepatic steatosis versus the other two groups. In agreement, the
      expression and activity for carbohydrate response element binding protein
      (ChREBP), a lipogenic transcription factor, were higher after the fructose period
      in female descendants from fructose-fed mothers than in the other groups.
      Furthermore, liver fructokinase expression that has been indicated as one of
      those responsible for the deleterious effects of fructose ingestion was
      preferentially augmented in that group. Maternal fructose intake does influence
      the adult female offspring's response to liquid fructose and so exacerbates
      fructose-induced dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis.

PMID- 27142745
TI  - Branched-chain amino acids are associated with cardiometabolic risk profiles
      found already in lean, overweight and obese young.
AB  - Cardiovascular risk is increased in obese subjects. Nevertheless, some overweight
      and obese remain cardiometabolically healthy (CMH), and normal-weight persons
      develop cardiovascular disease (CVD). Herein, we investigate the potential of
      branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to identify an increased CVD risk in a cross
      sectional study of 666 adults and juveniles (age 25.3+/-12.8years), classified as
      lean, overweight or obese. Cardiometabolic groups were defined by cutoffs of
      systolic blood pressure<130mmHg, diastolic blood pressure<85mmHg,
      glucose<125mg/dl, triglycerides<150mg/dl, HDL-cholesterol>40mg/dl (males), HDL
      cholesterol>50mg/dl (females) and HOMA-IR<5. CMH had <=1 cutoff, and
      cardiometabolically abnormal (CMA) had >=2 cutoffs. Amino acids were measured by
      high-pressure lipid chromatography after precipitation of serum with perchloric
      acid and derivatization with o-phthalaldehyde. Valine correlated with 5, leucine
      correlated with 3 and isoleucine correlated with 5 of the cardiac risk
      classification factors. Valine and leucine were significantly higher in the obese
      (P<.001, P=.015, respectively), overweight (P<.001, P=.015, respectively) and
      lean (P=.024, P=.012, respectively) CMA compared to CMH subjects. Isoleucine
      showed except of the lean group the same results. Taken together, BCAAs,
      especially valine and leucine, are proposed as a cardiometabolic risk marker
      independent of body mass index (BMI) category.

PMID- 27142746
TI  - Grape seed proanthocyanidins protects against cadmium induced oxidative
      pancreatitis in rats by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis
      via Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling.
AB  - The present study has been designed and carried out to explore the role of grape
      seed proanthocyanidins (GSP) in the pancreas of cadmium (Cd)-induced cellular
      oxidative stress-mediated toxicity in rats. Four groups of healthy rats were
      given oral doses of Cd (5-mg/kg BW) and to identify the possible mechanism of
      action of GSP 100-mg/kg BW was selected and was given 90 min before Cd
      intoxication. The causative molecular and cellular mechanism of Cd was determined
      using various biochemical assays, histology, western blotting and ELISA. Cd
      intoxication revealed increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha,
      IL1beta and IFN-gamma), reduced levels of cellular defense proteins (Nrf-2 and HO
      1) and glucose transporter (GLUT-2 and GLUT-4) along with the enhanced levels of
      signaling molecules of apoptosis (cleaved Caspase-12/9/8/3) in the pancreas of Cd
      intoxicated rats. Results suggested that the treatment with GSP reduced blood
      glucose level, increased plasma insulin and mitigated oxidative stress-related
      markers. GSP protects pancreatic tissue by attenuated inflammatory responses and
      inhibited apoptosis. This uniqueness and absence of any detectable adverse effect
      of GSP proposes the possibility of using it as an effective protector in the
      oxidative stress-mediated pancreatic dysfunction in rats.

PMID- 27142747
TI  - Nutrient-induced glucagon like peptide-1 release is modulated by serotonin.
AB  - Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and serotonin are both involved in food intake
      regulation. GLP-1 release is stimulated upon nutrient interaction with G-protein
      coupled receptors by enteroendocrine cells (EEC), whereas serotonin is released
      from enterochromaffin cells (ECC). The central hypothesis for the current study
      was that nutrient-induced GLP-1 release from EECs is modulated by serotonin
      through a process involving serotonin receptor interaction. This was studied by
      assessing the effects of serotonin reuptake inhibition by fluoxetine on nutrient
      induced GLP-1, PYY and CCK release from isolated pig intestinal segments. Next,
      serotonin-induced GLP-1 release was studied in enteroendocrine STC-1 cells, where
      effects of serotonin receptor inhibition were studied using specific and non
      specific antagonists. Casein (1% w/v), safflower oil (3.35% w/v), sucrose (50mM)
      and rebaudioside A (12.5mM) stimulated GLP-1 release from intestinal segments,
      whereas casein only stimulated PYY and CCK release. Combining nutrients with
      fluoxetine further increased nutrient-induced GLP-1, PYY and CCK release.
      Serotonin release from intestinal tissue segments was stimulated by casein and
      safflower oil while sucrose and rebaudioside A had no effect. The combination
      with fluoxetine (0.155MUM) further enhanced casein and safflower oil induced
      serotonin release. Exposure of ileal tissue segments to serotonin (30MUM)
      stimulated GLP-1 release whereas it did not induce PYY and CCK release. Serotonin
      (30 and 100MUM) also stimulated GLP-1 release from STC-1 cells, which was
      inhibited by the non-specific 5HT receptor antagonist asenapine (1 and 10MUM).
      These data suggest that nutrient-induced GLP-1 release is modulated by serotonin
      through a receptor mediated process.

PMID- 27142748
TI  - Effects of quercetin, a natural phenolic compound, in the differentiation of
      human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into adipocytes and osteoblasts.
AB  - Natural phenols may have beneficial properties against oxidative stress, which is
      associated with aging and major chronic aging-related diseases, such as loss of
      bone mineral mass (osteoporosis) and diabetes. The main aim of this study was to
      analyze the effect of quercetin, a major nutraceutical compound present in the
      "Mediterranean diet", on mesenchymal stem-cell (MSC) differentiation. Such cells
      were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts or adipocytes in the presence of
      two quercetin concentrations (0.1 and 10MUM). Several physiological parameters
      and the expression of osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis marker genes were
      monitored. Quercetin (10MUM) inhibited cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase
      (ALPL) activity and mineralization, down-regulating the expression of ALPL,
      collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) and osteocalcin [bone gamma-carboxyglutamate
      protein (BGLAP)] osteoblastogenesis-related genes in MSC differentiating into
      osteoblasts. Moreover, in these cultures, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha
      (CEBPA) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARG2)
      adipogenic genes were induced, and cells differentiated into adipocytes were
      observed. Quercetin did not affect proliferation, but increased adipogenesis,
      mainly at 10-MUM concentration in MSC induced to differentiate to adipocytes.
      beta- and gamma-catenin (plakoglobin) nuclear levels were reduced and increased,
      respectively, in quercetin-treated cultures. This suggests that the effect of
      high concentration of quercetin on MSC osteoblastic and adipogenic
      differentiation is mediated via Wnt/beta-catenin inhibition. In conclusion,
      quercetin supplementation inhibited osteoblastic differentiation and promoted
      adipogenesis at the highest tested concentration. Such possible adverse effects
      of high quercetin concentrations should be taken into account in nutraceutical or
      pharmaceutical strategies using such flavonol.

PMID- 27142749
TI  - Protective role of n6/n3 PUFA supplementation with varying DHA/EPA ratios against
      atherosclerosis in mice.
AB  - The effects of n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on cardiovascular disease
      are controversial. We currently explored the effects of various ratios of
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on high-fat-induced
      atherosclerosis. In model apoE(-/-) mice, high-fat diets (HFD) were partially
      replaced with fish and algal oils (DHA/EPA 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2) and/or plant oils
      enriched in linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids with an n6/n3 ratio of 4:1. PUFA
      supplementation significantly reduced the atherosclerotic plaque area, serum
      lipid profile, inflammatory response, aortic ROS production, proinflammatory
      factors and scavenger receptor expression as compared to those in the HFD group.
      However, plant oils did not have a significant effect on the following: serum HDL
      C level; aortic ABCA1, ABCG1 and LAL mRNA expression; and CD36 and LOX-1 protein
      expression. Compared to the plant-oil-treated group, the DHA/EPA 1:1 group had a
      smaller atherosclerotic plaque area, higher serum HDL-C levels and lesser CD36
      and MSR-1 mRNA expression; the DHA/EPA 2:1 group had lower serum TC, LDL-C and
      TNF-alpha levels and lower aortic ROS levels. Our study suggested that n3 PUFA
      from animals had more potent atheroprotective effects than that from plants.
      Supplementation involving higher DHA/EPA ratios and an n6/n3 ratio of 4:1 was
      beneficial for reducing serum "bad cholesterol" and a 1:1 DHA/EPA ratio with an
      n6/n3 ratio of 4:1 was beneficial for improving serum "good cholesterol" and
      inhibiting ox-LDL uptake. Our results suggest that achieving an n6/n3 ratio of
      4:1 in the diet is also important in addition to having an optimal DHA/EPA ratio.

PMID- 27142750
TI  - Oral administration of curcumin relieves behavioral alterations and oxidative
      stress in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of ovariectomized Wistar
      rats.
AB  - Menopause occurs gradually and is characterized by increased susceptibility to
      developing mood disorders. Several studies have suggested treatments based on the
      antioxidant properties of vitamins and herbal compounds as an alternative to
      hormone replacement therapies, with few or none reporting toxicity. The present
      study was performed to explore the effects of curcumin oral supplementation on
      anxiety-like behavior and oxidative stress parameters in different central
      nervous system (CNS) areas of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Female Wistar rats were
      randomly divided into either sham-operated or OVX groups. Sham-operated group
      (n=8) and an OVX group (n=11) were treated with vehicle, and the other two OVX
      groups received curcumin at 50 or 100mg/kg/day doses (n=8/group). Elevated plus
      maze (EPM) test was performed on the 28th day of treatment. On the 30th day,
      animals were killed and the dissected brain regions were removed and stored at-80
      degrees C until analysis. Ovariectomy induced deficit in the locomotor activity
      and increased anxiety-like behavior. Moreover, OVX rats showed increased lipid
      oxidized in the frontal cortex and striatum, increased hippocampal and striatal
      carbonylated protein level, and decreased striatal thiol content of non-protein
      fraction indicative of a glutathione (GSH) pool. Curcumin oral treatment for
      30days reduced oxidative stress in the CNS areas as well as the behavior
      alterations resulting from ovariectomy. Curcumin supplementation attenuated most
      of these parameters to sham comparable values, suggesting that curcumin could
      have positive effects against anxiety-like disturbances and brain oxidative
      damage due to hormone deprivation.

PMID- 27142751
TI  - Targeting epigenetic reader and eraser: Rational design, synthesis and in vitro
      evaluation of dimethylisoxazoles derivatives as BRD4/HDAC dual inhibitors.
AB  - The bromodomain protein module and histone deacetylase (HDAC), which recognize
      and remove acetylated lysine, respectively, have emerged as important epigenetic
      therapeutic targets in cancer treatments. Herein we presented a novel design
      approach for cancer drug development by combination of bromodomain and HDAC
      inhibitory activity in one molecule. The designed compounds were synthesized
      which showed inhibitory activity against bromodomain 4 and HDAC1. The
      representative dual bromodomain/HDAC inhibitors, compound 11 and 12, showed
      potent antiproliferative activities against human leukaemia cell line K562 and
      MV4-11 in cellular assays. This work may lay the foundation for developing dual
      bromodomain/HDAC inhibitors as potential anticancer therapeutics.

PMID- 27142752
TI  - Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of (R), (S) and (R/S)-2-hexyne-1,4-diol, a
      natural product produced by fungus Clitocybe catinus, and related analogs as
      potential anticancer agents.
AB  - The search for natural products and related analogs as potential anticancer
      agents has seen a significant growth worldwide. Since small sized propargylic
      diols can be found in nature and chemically synthesized, their evaluation against
      cancer cells has been of great interest, being a topic of relevance to be
      investigated. For this purpose, a scalable approach aiming at the synthesis of
      several propargylic diols and their bioactivity against seven tumor cell lines
      were evaluated. Interestingly, when the compound 1a, a natural product produced
      by fungus Clitocybe catinus, was tested in its racemic mixture a more effective
      activity was observed if compared when enantiopure R-1a or S-1a were tested
      separately.

PMID- 27142753
TI  - Amino(oxo)acetate moiety: A new functional group to improve the cytotoxicity of
      betulin derived carbamates.
AB  - While 3-O-acetylated betulin derivatives carrying a carbamate moiety at position
      C-28 are of rather low cytotoxicity for human tumor cell lines, the corresponding
      C-3 amino(oxo) acetates show good cytotoxicity. For example, an EC50 as low as
      2.0MUM was found for (3beta) 28-{[(hexylamino)carbonyl]oxy}lup-20(29)-en-3-yl
      amino(oxo)acetate (16) employing the ovarian cancer cell line A2780.

PMID- 27142754
TI  - Design, synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of a small cyclic peptide as
      inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor binding to neuropilin-1.
AB  - Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a co-receptor of VEGFR (vascular endothelial growth
      factor receptor), but it is also suggested that NRP-1 in tumour cells may serve
      as a separate receptor for VEGF165. Therefore molecules interfering with VEGF165
      binding to NRP-1 seem to be promising candidates as new anti-angiogenic and anti
      tumour drugs. Here, we report the design, synthesis, biological evaluation and
      molecular modelling of the small cyclic peptide, which shows a good inhibitory
      effect on VEGF165/NRP-1 binding (IC50=0.18MUM). The reported compound could be
      considered as one of the smallest cyclic peptides (MW=510) interfering with
      VEGF165/NRP-1 binding presented up to now. 

PMID- 27142755
TI  - Scintigraphic evaluation of the osteoblastic activity of rabbit tibial defects
      after HYAFF11 membrane application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An unfavorable condition for bone healing is the presence of bone
      defects. Under such conditions, a material can play a role to cover fractured or
      defective bone. Technological advances now allow for the use of such material.
      Hyalonect((r)) (Fidia Advanced Biopolymers SLR, Italy), a novel membrane
      comprising knitted fibers of esterified hyaluronan (HYAFF11) can be used to cover
      fractured or grafted bone and can also serve as a scaffold to keep
      osteoprogenitor cells in place. The aim of this study was to compare osteoblastic
      activity by the use of scintigraphic methods in defective rabbit tibias during
      early-phase bone healing with or without a hyaluronan-based mesh. METHODS: Two
      groups (A and B) of New Zealand albino rabbits were used; each group included 10
      animals. Operations on all rabbits were performed under general anesthesia. We
      also resected 10-mm bone segments from each animal's tibial diaphysis. After
      resection, tibias with defects were fixed using Kirschner wires. In group A, no
      hyaluronan-based mesh was used. In group B, tibial segmental defects were
      enclosed with a hyaluronan-based mesh. The rabbits were followed up for 4 weeks
      postoperatively, after which bone scintigraphic studies were performed on each
      animal to detect and compare osteoblastic activity. RESULTS: The mean count in
      the fracture side of the hyaluronan-based mesh group was significantly higher
      compared to that of the group A (p = 0.019). However, there was no significant
      difference between group B and control rabbits with respect to the mean count on
      the intact bone side (p = 0.437). The bone defect (fracture)/intact bone mean
      count ratio was significantly higher in group B compared to group A (p = 0.008).
      CONCLUSIONS: A hyaluronan-based mesh plays a role in promoting osteoblastic
      activity. Hyalonect((r)) is suitable for restoring tissue continuity whenever the
      periosteal membrane is structurally impaired or inadequate. Our results
      demonstrated that, during early-phase bone healing, osteoblastic activity was
      increased in bone defect sites when a hyaluronan-based mesh was also used. The
      most important aspect of this study concerns its scintigraphy-based design. This
      study is the first to use a scintigraphic method to demonstrate the effectiveness
      of hyaluronic acid-based material for bone healing.

PMID- 27142756
TI  - Electrocardiography changes in acute aortic dissection-association with troponin
      leak, coronary anatomy, and prognosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electrocardiography (ECG) offers some information that may be used to
      prognosticate acute type A aortic dissection (AAOD) for short- and long-term
      mortality. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the electrocardiograms of
      patients with AAOD admitted from March 2004 to March 2015. The frequency of ECG
      findings and their prognostic value on hospital and follow-up mortality were
      investigated. Findings pertaining to coronary involvement and troponin level were
      also examined. RESULTS: A total of 120 men and 64 women were admitted. Acute
      ischemic changes were reported in 38.0%, whereas T inversion was the most common
      recorded abnormality, which occurred in 38.6%. Acute ST-elevation myocardial
      infarction was detected in 16.3%. Troponin increased in 36.6%; 21.9% of the
      patients underwent coronary angiography among which 70% were normal. Coronary
      involvement or troponin increase was not different in patients with acute ECG
      changes. During hospitalization, 45.7% of the patients died. In multivariate
      analyses, ST elevation in lead aVR was associated with higher hospital death
      (odds ratio, 5.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-25.73; P = .038), whereas QRS
      greater than 120 milliseconds was associated with long-term mortality (hazard
      ratio, 2.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-3.76; P = .006). CONCLUSION: Acute
      ischemic ECG changes are common in AAOD, and a completely normal ECG is
      infrequently encountered. Acute ECG changes were not associated with the
      increased troponin or the presence of coronary lesions in angiography.

PMID- 27142757
TI  - Intravenous lipid emulsion in the resuscitation of cocaine-induced cardiovascular
      arrest in a rat model.
AB  - CONTEXT: Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) is a potential antidote for severe
      overdose of certain lipophilic drugs. Cocaine overdose is often fatal and has no
      antidote. The use of ILE after cocaine-induced cardiac arrest has been suggested
      but is not well characterized. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to
      determine if ILE would reverse cocaine-induced cardiac arrest in a rat model.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats with intra-arterial and
      intravenous access were sedated with isoflurane and split into 2 cocaine dose
      groups, then given either ILE or normal saline (NS) intravenously (IV)-group A, 7
      animals received cocaine (10 mg/kg IV) with 6 of 7 given ILE (15 mg/kg IV) and 1
      of 7 given NS (equal volume); group B, 5 animals received cocaine (5 mg/kg IV)
      with 3 of 5 given ILE (15 mg/kg IV) and 2 of 5 given NS (equal volume). Closed
      chest compressions were initiated for asystole and continued for 15 minutes with
      rhythm checks every minute. RESULTS: All 12 rats experienced cardiac arrest after
      cocaine bolus. Resuscitation was successful in 1 of 7 rats in group A and 0 of 5
      in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous lipid emulsion administration did not affect
      outcome of cocaine-induced cardiac arrest compared with control in this model.

PMID- 27142758
TI  - Disappearing seasonality in birthweight.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We estimated seasonality in birthweight over time and assessed how
      seasonality changed. METHODS: We analyzed all full-term singletons (N =
      8,268,693) born in South Korea in 1997-2014. We first pooled all years and
      regressed birthweight on birth season while flexibly controlling for a large set
      of covariates. We then repeated the analysis by birth year and charted the trends
      in seasonality in birthweight. RESULTS: When we pooled all years, babies born in
      winter were the heaviest, while those born in summer the lightest; the difference
      in birthweight was about 11 g. When we analyzed the data by birth year, however,
      seasonality almost disappeared by the end of the period. CONCLUSIONS: Whatever
      causes the seasonality has lost its influence in Korea. Replication studies can
      determine whether other countries exhibit the same patterns. Am. J. Hum. Biol.
      28:767-773, 2016. (c) 2016Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27142759
TI  - Assessment of potentially harmful elements pollution in the Calore River basin
      (Southern Italy).
AB  - The geographical distribution of concentration values for harmful elements was
      determined in the Campania region, Italy. The study area consists of the drainage
      basin of the River Calore, a tributary of the river Volturno, the largest
      Southern Italian river. The results provide reliable analytical data allowing a
      quantitative assessment of the trace element pollution threat to the ecosystem
      and human health. Altogether 562 stream sediment samples were collected at a
      sampling density of 1 site per 5 km2. All samples were air-dried, sieved to <100
      mesh fraction and analyzed for 37 elements after an aqua regia extraction by a
      combination of ICP-AES and ICP-MS. In addition to elemental analysis, gamma-ray
      spectrometry data were collected (a total of 562 measurements) using a hand-held
      Scintrex GRS-500 spectrometer. Statistical analyses were performed to show the
      single-element distribution and the distribution of elemental association factor
      scores resulting from R-mode factor analyses. Maps showing element distributions
      were made using GeoDAS and ArcGIS software. Our study showed that, despite
      evidence from concentrations of many elements for enrichment over natural
      background values, the spatial distribution of major and trace elements in Calore
      River basin is determined mostly by geogenic factors. The southwestern area of
      the basin highlighted an enrichment of many elements potentially harmful for
      human health and other living organisms (Al, Fe, K, Na, As, Cd, La, Pb, Th, Tl,
      U); however, these anomalies are due to the presence of pyroclastic and alkaline
      volcanic lithologies. Even where sedimentary lithologies occur, many harmful
      elements (Co, Cr, Mn, Ni) showed high concentration levels due to natural
      origins. Conversely, a strong heavy metal contamination (Pb, Zn, Cu, Sb, Ag, Au,
      Hg), due to an anthropogenic contribution, is highlighted in many areas
      characterized by the presence of road junctions, urban settlements and industrial
      areas. The enrichment factor of these elements is 3-4 times higher than the
      background values. The southwestern area of the basin is characterized by a
      moderate/high degree of contamination, just where the two busiest roads of the
      area run and the highest concentration of industries occurs.

PMID- 27142760
TI  - Physicochemical fingerprinting of thermal waters of Beira Interior region of
      Portugal.
AB  - Mineral natural waters and spas have been used for therapeutic purposes for
      centuries, with Portugal being a very rich country in thermal waters and spas
      that are mainly distributed by northern and central regions where Beira Interior
      region is located. The use of thermal waters for therapeutic purposes has always
      been aroused a continuous interest, being dependent on physicochemical
      fingerprinting of this type of waters the indication for a treatment in a
      specific pathological condition. In the present work, besides a literature review
      about the physicochemical composition of the thermal waters of the Beira Interior
      region and its therapeutic indications, it was carried out an exhaustive
      multivariate analysis-principal component analysis and cluster analysis-to assess
      the correlation between different physicochemical parameters and the therapeutic
      indications claims described for these spas and thermal waters. These statistical
      methods used for data analysis enables classification of thermal waters
      compositions into different groups, regarding to the different variable selected,
      making possible an interpretation of variables affecting water compositions.
      Actually, Monfortinho and Longroiva are clearly quite different of the others,
      and Cro and Fonte Santa de Almeida appear together in all analysis, suggesting a
      strong resemblance between these waters. Thereafter, the results obtained allow
      us to demonstrate the role of major components of the studied thermal waters on a
      particular therapeutic purpose/indication and hence based on compositional and
      physicochemical properties partially explain their therapeutic qualities and
      beneficial effects on human health. This classification agreed with the results
      obtained for the therapeutic indications approved by the Portuguese National
      Health Authority and proved to be a valuable tool for the regional typology of
      mineral medicinal waters, constituting an important guide of the therapeutic
      armamentarium for well and specific-oriented pathological disturbs.

PMID- 27142761
TI  - Characterization and speciation of mercury in mosses and lichens from the high
      altitude Tibetan Plateau.
AB  - The accumulation and species of mercury (Hg) in mosses and lichens collected from
      high-altitude Tibetan Plateau were studied. The altitudes of the sampling sites
      spanned from 1983 to 5147 m, and a total of 130 mosses and 52 lichens were
      analyzed. The total mercury (THg) contents in mosses and lichens were in the
      ranges of 13.1-273.0 and 20.2-345.9 ng/g, respectively. The average ratios of
      methylmercury (MeHg) in THg in mosses and lichens were 2.4 % (0.3-11.1 %) and 2.7
      % (0.4-9.6 %), respectively, which were higher than those values reported in
      other regions. The contents of THg in both mosses and lichens were not correlated
      with the THg in soils (p > 0.05). The lipid contents displayed a significantly
      positive correlation with concentrations of MeHg in mosses (r = 0.461, p < 0.01,
      n = 90), but not in lichens. The correlations between Hg contents in mosses and
      the altitudes, latitudes and longitudes of sampling sites indicated the mountain
      trapping and spatial deposition of Hg in the Tibetan Plateau.

PMID- 27142762
TI  - Whole organism transcriptome analysis of zebrafish models of Bardet-Biedl
      Syndrome and Alstrom Syndrome provides mechanistic insight into shared and
      divergent phenotypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) and Alstrom Syndrome are two pleiotropic
      ciliopathies with significant phenotypic overlap between them across many
      tissues. Although BBS and Alstrom genes are necessary for the proper function of
      primary cilia, their role in defects across multiple organ systems is unclear.
      METHODS: To provide insight into the pathways underlying BBS and Alstrom
      phenotypes, we carried out whole organism transcriptome analysis by RNA
      sequencing in established zebrafish models of the syndromes. RESULTS: We analyzed
      all genes that were significantly differentially expressed and found enrichment
      of phenotypically significant pathways in both models. These included multiple
      pathways shared between the two disease models as well as those unique to each
      model. Notably, we identified significant downregulation of genes in pathways
      relevant to visual system deficits and obesity in both disorders, consistent with
      those shared phenotypes. In contrast, neuronal pathways were significantly
      downregulated only in the BBS model but not in the Alstrom model. Our
      observations also suggested an important role for G-protein couple receptor and
      calcium signaling defects in both models. DISCUSSION: Pathway network analyses of
      both models indicate that visual system defects may be driven by genetic
      mechanisms independent of other phenotypes whereas the majority of other
      phenotypes are a result of genetic players that contribute to multiple pathways
      simultaneously. Additionally, examination of genes differentially expressed in
      opposing directions between the two models suggest a deficit in pancreatic
      function in the Alstrom model, that is not present in the BBS model. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings provide important novel insight into shared and divergent
      phenotypes between two similar but distinct genetic syndromes.

PMID- 27142763
TI  - Effects of Aloe Vera on Spinal Cord Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of Rats.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible
      protective/therapeutic effects of aloe vera (AV) on ischemia-reperfusion injury
      (I/R) of spinal cord in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 Wistar Albino
      rats were divided into four random groups of equal number (n = 7). Group I
      (control) had no medication or surgery; Group II underwent spinal cord ischemia
      and was given no medication; Group III was administered AV by gastric gavage for
      30 days as pre-treatment; Group IV was administered single dose intraperitoneal
      methylprednisolone (MP) after the ischemia. Nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF1),
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated.
      Tissue samples were examined histopathologically and neuronal nitric oxide
      synthase (nNOS) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) protein expressions were
      assessed by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: NRF1 and SOD levels of
      ischemia group were found to be lower compared to the other groups. MDA levels
      significantly increased after I/R. Treatment with AV and MP resulted in reduced
      MDA levels and also alleviated hemorrhage, edema, inflammatory cell migration and
      neurons were partially protected from ischemic injury. When AV treatment was
      compared with MP, there was no statistical difference between them in terms of
      reduction of neuronal damage. I/R injury increased NF-kappaB and nNOS
      expressions. AV and MP treatments decreased NF-kappaB and nNOS expressions.
      CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that aloe vera attenuated neuronal damage
      histopathologically and biochemically as pretreatment. Further studies may
      provide more evidence to determine the additional role of aloe vera in spinal
      cord ischemia reperfusion injury.

PMID- 27142764
TI  - Lord Walton of Detchant.

PMID- 27142765
TI  - Parasacral transcutaneous electrical stimulation for overactive bladder in
      children: An assessment per session.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neuromodulation has emerged as an effective therapeutic option for
      treatment of OAB in children. However, to our knowledge, no study has yet
      evaluated the results of neuromodulation on a session-by-session basis. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate the rate of complete response of overactive bladder
      (OAB) symptoms for each session of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS),
      in a protocol of 20 sessions of therapy. METHOD: This is a prospective study of
      the improvement of LUTS in children with isolated OAB. Included in this study
      were children over the age of 4 years who complained of urinary urgency, had bell
      or tower-shaped uroflowmetry patterns, and post-void residual <10% of expected
      capacity for their age and/or less than 20 mL. No patient was treated with an
      anticholinergic. Children were excluded with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
      secondary to urinary tract abnormalities. All patients underwent parasacral
      transcutaneous neurostimulation (TENS). The development of symptoms was observed
      right before each session using a visual analog scale (VAS) in which 0 means the
      absence of improvement and 10 represents maximum improvement of symptoms.
      RESULTS: We noted a complete resolution of symptoms (urgency, urge incontinence,
      frequency, and holding maneuvers) in some patients starting after the third
      session. In the 10th and 20th (last) sessions, 12 (17.4%) and 38 (55.1%) patients
      reported a complete resolution of symptoms. After complete resolution, 12 (17.4%)
      patients reported that their symptoms worsened to a minimum level of 40%
      improvement, but this was temporary and all returned to 100% improvement.
      Children who showed an improvement level greater than 50% in the fifth treatment
      session were 4.18 (p = 0.007) times more likely to have success in the last
      treatment session. CONCLUSION: We found that a patient can experience complete
      symptom resolution as quickly as following the third session of TENS. The
      complete response rate progressively increases with the number of sessions,
      slowly until the 12th session and more rapidly after that. When symptom
      improvement of at least 50% is reported in the fifth session, there is a higher
      chance that the patient will have full resolution of symptoms at the end of
      treatment.

PMID- 27142766
TI  - Complete reduction of p53 expression by RNA interference following heterozygous
      knockout in porcine fibroblasts.
AB  - Tumor suppressor p53 plays a critical role in the regulation of cell cycle and
      apoptosis in mammals. Mutations of p53 often cause various cancers. Murine models
      have improved our understanding on tumorigenesis associated with p53 mutations.
      However, mice and humans are different in many ways. For example, the short
      lifespans of mice limit the clinical application of the data obtained from this
      species. Porcine model could be an alternative as pigs share many anatomical and
      physiological similarities with humans. Here, we modified the expression levels
      of p53 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in porcine fetal fibroblasts using a
      combination of gene targeting and RNA interference. First, we disrupted the p53
      gene to produce p53 knockout (KO) cells. Second, the p53 shRNA expression vector
      was introduced into fibroblasts to isolate p53 knockdown (KD) cells. We obtained
      p53 KO, KD, and KO + KD fibroblasts which involve p53 KO and KD either separately
      or simultaneously. The mRNA expression of p53 in p53 KO fibroblasts was similar
      to that in the wild-type control. However, the mRNA expression levels of p53 in
      KD and KO + KD cells were significantly decreased. The p53 protein level
      significant reduced in p53 KD. Interestingly, no p53 protein was detected in KO +
      KD, suggesting a complete reduction of the protein by synergistic effect of KO
      and KD. This study demonstrated that various expression levels of p53 in porcine
      fibroblasts could be achieved by gene targeting and RNA interference. Moreover,
      complete abolishment of protein expression is feasible using a combination of
      gene targeting and RNA interference. 

PMID- 27142767
TI  - Berberine modulates cisplatin sensitivity of human gastric cancer cells by
      upregulation of miR-203.
AB  - Chemotherapeutic resistance is the main reason of the failure in clinical
      treatment of gastric cancer. Berberine (BER) is the active compound of
      traditional Chinese medicine Huang Lian. The aim of this present study is to
      evaluate the effect of BER on cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer cells and to
      investigate its possible mechanism. Gastric cancer cell lines SGC-7901 and BGC
      823 and their respective cisplatin-resistant variants SGC-7901/DDP and BGC
      823/DDP were used in this study. We found that BER treatment significantly
      reversed cisplatin sensitivity and induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in SGC
      7901/DDP and BGC-823/DDP cells; BER treatment induced miR-203 expression, and
      overexpression of miR-203 mimicked the cisplatin-sensitizing effect of BER.
      Importantly, we showed that miR-203 was able to target the 3'UTR of Bcl-w.
      Therefore, we conclude that BER treatment reduces cisplatin resistance of gastric
      cancer cells by modulating the miR-203/Bcl-w apoptotic axis. BER may be a novel
      agent to enhance chemotherapeutic responses in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer
      patients. 

PMID- 27142769
TI  - Narrative theory and the dynamics of popular movies.
AB  - Popular movies grab and hold our attention. One reason for this is that
      storytelling is culturally important to us, but another is that general narrative
      formulae have been honed over millennia and that a derived but specific filmic
      form has developed and has been perfected over the last century. The result is a
      highly effective format that allows rapid processing of complex narratives. Using
      a corpus analysis I explore a physical narratology of popular movies-narrational
      structure and how it impacts us-to promote a theory of popular movie form. I show
      that movies can be divided into 4 acts-setup, complication, development, and
      climax-with two optional subunits of prolog and epilog, and a few turning points
      and plot points. In 12 studies I show that normative aspects in patterns of shot
      durations, shot transitions, shot scale, shot motion, shot luminance, character
      introduction, and distributions of conversations, music, action shots, and scene
      transitions reduce to 5 correlated stylistic dimensions of movies and can
      litigate among theories of movie structure. In general, movie narratives have
      roughly the same structure as narratives in any other domain-plays, novels,
      manga, folktales, even oral histories-but with particular runtime constraints,
      cadences, and constructions that are unique to the medium.

PMID- 27142768
TI  - Figure-of-eight bandage versus arm sling for treating middle-third clavicle
      fractures in adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fracture of the clavicle is common, accounting for 2.6 to 4.0 % of
      all fractures, with an overall incidence of 36.5 to 64 per 100,000 per year.
      Around 80 % of clavicle fractures occur in the middle third of the clavicle.
      Randomised controlled trials comparing treatment interventions have failed to
      indicate the best therapeutic practices for these fractures. The objective of
      this study is to evaluate the effects (benefits and harms) of two commonly-used
      conservative interventions: the figure-of-eight bandage versus the arm sling as
      treatments of middle-third clavicle fractures. METHODS/DESIGN: This project has
      been designed as a single-centre, two-arm randomised controlled trial that will
      compare two interventions: figure-of-eight bandage versus the arm sling. We
      propose to recruit 110 adults, aged 18 years or older, with an acute (less than
      10 days since injury) middle-third clavicle fracture. The primary outcomes to be
      evaluated will be function and/or disability measured by the Disability of the
      Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. In order to assess the secondary
      outcomes, the Modified University of California at Los Angeles (modified - UCLA)
      Shoulder Rating Scale will be used. The occurrence of pain (Visual Analogue Scale
      for pain (VAS)), treatment failure, adverse events and the ability to return to
      previous activities will also be recorded and evaluated as secondary outcomes.
      DATA ANALYSIS: the primary outcome DASH score and the secondary outcomes -
      modified UCLA and VAS scores - will be analysed graphically. We will apply
      generalised mixed models with the intervention groups (two levels), and time
      point assessments (seven levels) as fixed effects and patients as a random
      effect. DISCUSSION: According to the current literature there is very limited
      evidence from two small trials regarding the effectiveness of different methods
      of conservative interventions for treating clavicle fractures. This is the first
      randomised controlled trial comparing the figure-of-eight bandage versus the arm
      sling for treating clavicle fractures that follows the CONSORT Statement
      guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02398006 .

PMID- 27142770
TI  - Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology guidelines 2015 for the treatment of
      ovarian cancer including primary peritoneal cancer and fallopian tube cancer.
AB  - The fourth edition of the Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology guidelines for
      the treatment of ovarian cancer including primary peritoneal cancer and fallopian
      tube cancer was published in 2015. The guidelines contain seven chapters and six
      flow charts. The major changes in this new edition are as follows-(1) the format
      has been changed from reviews to clinical questions (CQ), and the guidelines for
      optimal clinical practice in Japan are now shown as 41 CQs and answers; (2) the
      'flow charts' have been improved and placed near the beginning of the guidelines;
      (3) the 'basic points', including tumor staging, histological classification,
      surgical procedures, chemotherapy, and palliative care, are described before the
      chapter; (4) the FIGO surgical staging of ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer,
      and primary peritoneal cancer was revised in 2014 and the guideline has been
      revised accordingly to take the updated version of this classification into
      account; (5) the procedures for examination and management of hereditary breast
      and ovarian cancer are described; (6) information on molecular targeting therapy
      has been added; (7) guidelines for the treatment of recurrent cancer based on
      tumor markers alone are described, as well as guidelines for providing hormone
      replacement therapy after treatment. 

PMID- 27142772
TI  - Disgusted but not afraid: Feelings toward same-sex kissing reveal subtle
      homonegativity.
AB  - Overt sexual prejudice is declining, but heterosexuals who report little to no
      prejudice may still harbor subtle biases against gay men and lesbians. We
      examined implicit prejudice in a sample of 37 heterosexual college students who
      reported little or no sexual prejudice, using the Affect Misattribution Procedure
      (AMP) and psychophysiological measures of affect. Skin conductance, heart rate,
      and facial electromyographic responses were recorded as participants viewed
      photos of mixed- and same-sex couples kissing and rated them on valence, arousal,
      and disgustingness. Sexual prejudice was evident in implicit (AMP) ratings and
      explicit ratings of valence and disgustingness, but not in psychophysiological
      responses. Results suggest that implicit prejudice harbored by young adults who
      endorse low levels of sexual prejudice is more cognitively than emotionally
      based, unlike the fear-based reactions commonly described for racism. Limitations
      and future directions for research are discussed.

PMID- 27142771
TI  - Feasibility study on combination chemotherapy using nogitecan hydrochloride
      (topotecan) and cisplatin for patients with metastatic, persistent, or recurrent
      uterine cervical cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The standard chemotherapeutic regimen for stage IVB, persistent, or
      recurrent uterine cervical cancer is platinum-based combination chemotherapy such
      as cisplatin (CDDP)/paclitaxel and CDDP/nogitecan hydrochloride (NGT, topotecan).
      Because it is unclear whether the CDDP/NGT combination chemotherapy is tolerable
      for Japanese patients, we conducted the present study to assess the feasibility
      of CDDP/NGT combination chemotherapy. METHODS: Between June 2012 and April 2014,
      15 patients with stage IVB, persistent, or recurrent uterine cervical cancer were
      enrolled in this study. Patients underwent six cycles of NGT at a dose of 0.75
      mg/m2, followed immediately by CDDP at a dose of 50 mg/m2 on day 1 by intravenous
      infusion, and then NGT at a dose of 0.75 mg/m2 on days 2 and 3. RESULTS: Of 15
      patients, 9 patients underwent at least 6 cycles of NGT/CDDP combination
      chemotherapy. Of a total of 83 cycles, 70 cycles (84.3 %) of NGT/CDDP combination
      chemotherapy could be continued at the starting dose of NGT (0.75 mg/m2). Grade
      3/4 hematological toxicities included leukopenia in 10 patients (66.7 %),
      neutropenia in 15 (100 %), anemia in 6 (40.0 %), thrombocytopenia in 4 (26.7 %),
      and febrile neutropenia in 4 (26.7 %). The response rate according to RECIST was
      27 % (3/11), with partial response in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: NGT/CDDP
      combination chemotherapy may be a tolerable and effective regimen for Japanese
      patients with stage IVB, persistent, or recurrent uterine cervical cancer. Based
      on the results of this study, NGT/CDDP combination chemotherapy was approved in
      Japan in November 2015.

PMID- 27142773
TI  - Could personalized management of menopause based on genomics become a reality?

PMID- 27142774
TI  - Factors effecting influenza vaccination uptake among health care workers: a multi
      center cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to identify factors affecting vaccination
      against influenza among health professionals. METHODS: We used a multi-centre
      cross-sectional design to conduct an online self-administered questionnaire with
      physicians and nurses at state and foundation university hospitals in the south
      east of Turkey, between 1 January 2015 and 1 February 2015. The five
      participating hospitals provided staff email address lists filtered for
      physicians and nurses. The questionnaire comprised multiple choice questions
      covering demographic data, knowledge sources, and Likert-type items on factors
      affecting vaccination against influenza. The target response rate was 20 %.
      RESULTS: In total, 642 (22 %) of 2870 health professionals (1220 physicians and
      1650 nurses) responded to the questionnaire. Participants' mean age was 29.6 +/-
      9.2 years (range 17-62 years); 177 (28.2 %) were physicians and 448 (71.3 %) were
      nurses. The rate of regular vaccination was 9.2 % (15.2 % for physicians and 8.2
      % for nurses). Increasing age, longer work duration in health services, being
      male, being a physician, working in an internal medicine department, having a
      chronic disease, and living with a person over 65 years old significantly
      increased vaccination compliance (p < 0.05). We found differences between vaccine
      compliant and non-compliant groups for expected benefit from vaccination, social
      influences, and personal efficacy (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed
      differences between the groups in perceptions of personal risks, side effects,
      and efficacy of the vaccine (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis found that
      important factors influencing vaccination behavior were work place, colleagues'
      opinions, having a chronic disease, belief that vaccination was effective, and
      belief that flu can be prevented by natural ways. CONCLUSION: Numerous factors
      influence health professionals' decisions about influenza vaccination. Strategies
      to increase the ratio of vaccination among physicians and nurses should consider
      all of these factors to increase the likelihood of success.

PMID- 27142775
TI  - The right to die: beyond academia.
AB  - The world's first legal euthanasia death occurred in the Australian City of
      Darwin on Sunday 22 September 1996 when Bob Dent ended his life under the
      Northern Territory's short-lived Rights of the Terminally Ill Act 1995. Dent's
      death intensified argument about euthanasia in Australia, transforming the debate
      from a textbook discussion in social ethics into a vigorous and divisive social
      dispute. The day before he ended his life, Dent dictated a letter, written down
      by his wife. This description of his experience with terminal illness is graphic
      the letter, his last effort to bring the plight of those living with terminal
      illness to public consciousness. In this paper I outline issues from the
      perspective of those, who like Bob Dent, the choice to die with dignity is
      personal and urgent. Rather than approach the issue purely from the theoretical,
      academic debate therefore, I present aspects that are largely unknown unless the
      experience of life-denying symptoms becomes real. From these aspects, dilemmas
      and consequences emerge that are not framed through the academic debate and in
      this way, I argue for the possibility of a framework that could change the law. 

PMID- 27142776
TI  - Using the SMOTE technique and hybrid features to predict the types of ion channel
      targeted conotoxins.
AB  - Conotoxins targeting different ion channels play distinct physiological functions
      and therapeutic potentials in organisms. Accurate identification of types of ion
      channel-targeted conotoxins will provide significant clues to reveal the
      physiological mechanism and pharmacological therapeutic potential of conotoxins.
      In this study, a random forest based predictor called ICTCPred for the types of
      ion channel-targeted conotoxin prediction is proposed with hybrid features
      incorporating CTD (Composition, Transition, and Distribution), g-Gap DC (g-Gap
      Dipeptide Composition), PP (Physicochemical Properties), and SSI (Secondary
      Structure Information). To deal with the imbalanced benchmark dataset, the SMOTE
      Technique (Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique) is applied. Based on the
      above-mentioned individual feature spaces, the average accuracy of ICTCPred lies
      in the range of 0.729-0.886, indicating the discriminative power of these
      features. In addition, ICTCPred yields the highest average accuracy of 0.895
      using the hybrid feature space of CTD, g-Gap DC, PP and SSI. The Relief-IFS
      (Incremental Feature Selection) method is adopted to further improve the
      prediction performance of ICTCPred. Based on the training dataset, ICTCPred
      achieves satisfactory performance with an average accuracy of 0.910. To evaluate
      the prediction performance objectively, ICTCPred is compared with previous
      studies on the same independent testing dataset. Encouragingly, our proposed
      method performs better than previous studies to identify types of ion channel
      targeted conotoxins, with the highest sensitivity of 0.919 for Na(+)-targeted
      conotoxins, the highest sensitivity of 1 for K(+)-targeted conotoxins, and the
      highest sensitivity of 1 for Ca(2+)-targeted conotoxins. It is anticipated that
      ICTCPred can be a potential candidate for the ion channel-targeted conotoxin
      prediction.

PMID- 27142777
TI  - Theoretical insight into the heat shock response (HSR) regulation in
      Lactobacillus casei and L. rhamnosus.
AB  - The understanding of the heat shock response (HSR) in lactobacilli from a
      regulatory point of view is still limited, though an increased knowledge on the
      regulation of this central stress response can lead to improvements in the
      exploitation of these health promoting microorganisms. Therefore the aim of this
      in silico study, that is the first to be carried out for members of the
      Lactobacillus genus, was predicting how HSR influences cell functions in the food
      associated and probiotic species Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
      To this purpose, thirteen whole genomes of these bacteria were analyzed to
      identify which genes involved in HSR are present. It was found that all the
      genomes share 25 HSR related genes, including those encoding protein repair
      systems, HSR repressors, HrcA and CtsR, and the positive regulators of HSR,
      alternative sigma factors sigma(32) and sigma(24). Two genes encoding a
      sigma(70)/sigma(24) factor and a Lon protease, respectively, were found only in
      some genomes. The localization of the HSR regulators binding sites in genomes was
      analyzed in order to identify regulatory relationships driving HSR in these
      lactobacilli. It was observed that the binding site for the HrcA repressor is
      found upstream of the hrcA-grpE-dnaK-dnaJ and groES-groEL gene clusters, of two
      hsp genes, clpE, clpL and clpP, while the CtsR repressor binding site precedes
      the ctsR-clpC operon, clpB, clpE and clpP. Therefore the ClpE-ClpP protease
      complex is dually regulated by HrcA and CtsR. Consensus sequences for the
      promoters recognized by the HSR alternative sigma factors were defined for L.
      casei and L. rhamnosus and were used in whole genome searches to identify the
      genes that are possibly regulated by these transcription factors and whose
      expression level is expected to increases in HSR. The results were validated by
      applying the same procedure of promoter consensus generation and whole genome
      search to an additional 11 species representative of the main Lactobacillus
      lineages. The composition of the resulting regulons highlighted the existence of
      relationships between HSR and relevant cell functions, including nutrient
      utilization, DNA repair, protein synthesis and export of toxic substances. In
      fact, some of the predicted members of the sigma(32) regulon are central
      regulators ccpA, spxA, cadA, and functional proteins brnQ, ldh, choS, poxL and
      nagB involved in the tolerance to different stress factors. The analysis of the
      expression level of these molecular markers of cell protective mechanisms can be
      used to select the heat shock exposure times and temperatures that maximize the
      tolerance of L. casei and L. rhamnosus to technological and environmental stress
      factors.

PMID- 27142778
TI  - Interactions between Transmembrane Helices within Monomers of the Aquaporin
      AtPIP2;1 Play a Crucial Role in Tetramer Formation.
AB  - Aquaporin (AQP) is a water channel protein found in various subcellular membranes
      of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The physiological functions of AQPs
      have been elucidated in many organisms. However, understanding their biogenesis
      remains elusive, particularly regarding how they assemble into tetramers. Here,
      we investigated the amino acid residues involved in the tetramer formation of the
      Arabidopsis plasma membrane AQP AtPIP2;1 using extensive amino acid substitution
      mutagenesis. The mutant proteins V41A/E44A, F51A/L52A, F87A/I91A, F92A/I93A,
      V95A/Y96A, and H216A/L217A, harboring alanine substitutions in the transmembrane
      (TM) helices of AtPIP2;1 polymerized into multiple oligomeric complexes with a
      variable number of subunits greater than four. Moreover, these mutant proteins
      failed to traffic to the plasma membrane, instead of accumulating in the
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Structure-based modeling revealed that these residues
      are largely involved in interactions between TM helices within monomers. These
      results suggest that inter-TM interactions occurring both within and between
      monomers play crucial roles in tetramer formation in the AtPIP2;1 complex.
      Moreover, the assembly of AtPIP2;1 tetramers is critical for their trafficking
      from the ER to the plasma membrane, as well as water permeability.

PMID- 27142779
TI  - EigenGWAS: finding loci under selection through genome-wide association studies
      of eigenvectors in structured populations.
AB  - We develop a novel approach to identify regions of the genome underlying
      population genetic differentiation in any genetic data where the underlying
      population structure is unknown, or where the interest is assessing divergence
      along a gradient. By combining the statistical framework for genome-wide
      association studies (GWASs) with eigenvector decomposition (EigenGWAS), which is
      commonly used in population genetics to characterize the structure of genetic
      data, loci under selection can be identified without a requirement for discrete
      populations. We show through theory and simulation that our approach can identify
      regions under selection along gradients of ancestry, and in real data we confirm
      this by demonstrating LCT to be under selection between HapMap CEU-TSI cohorts,
      and we then validate this selection signal across European countries in the
      POPRES samples. HERC2 was also found to be differentiated between both the CEU
      TSI cohort and within the POPRES sample, reflecting the likely anthropological
      differences in skin and hair colour between northern and southern European
      populations. Controlling for population stratification is of great importance in
      any quantitative genetic study and our approach also provides a simple, fast and
      accurate way of predicting principal components in independent samples. With ever
      increasing sample sizes across many fields, this approach is likely to be greatly
      utilized to gain individual-level eigenvectors avoiding the computational
      challenges associated with conducting singular value decomposition in large data
      sets. We have developed freely available software, Genetic Analysis Repository
      (GEAR), to facilitate the application of the methods.

PMID- 27142780
TI  - Natural history of mevalonate kinase deficiency: a literature review.
AB  - Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), a very rare autosomal recessive
      autoinflammatory disease with multiple organ involvement, presents clinically as
      hyperimmunoglobulinemia D syndrome (HIDS), a less severe phenotype and more
      common form, and mevalonic aciduria (MVA), a more severe phenotype and rare form.
      MKD is characterized by recurrent febrile attacks that are frequently accompanied
      by lymphadenopathy, gastrointestinal symptoms, arthralgia, myalgia, skin rash,
      and aphthous ulcers. Patients with MVA also have intrauterine growth retardation,
      congenital defects (cataracts, shortened limbs, and dysmorphic craniofacial
      features), neurological disease, and failure to thrive. Mean age at onset of
      symptoms is within the first year of life. There is a delay by several years
      between symptom onset and diagnosis, which is in part attributable to the initial
      misdiagnosis due to the rarity and nonspecific clinical manifestations of
      disease. The frequency of recurrent febrile attacks is highest in childhood and
      gradually decreases after adolescence. MKD is associated with rare long-term
      complications such as type AA amyloidosis, joint contractures, abdominal
      adhesions, renal angiomyolipoma, and severe pneumococcal infections. Frequent
      febrile attacks significantly impair several aspects of patients' and caregivers'
      quality of life, with an adverse impact on patients' daily activities, education,
      and employment. Lifespan is generally normal for HIDS whereas MVA can be fatal in
      early childhood. 

PMID- 27142781
TI  - Comparison of Serum Galactomannan and 1,3-Beta-D-Glucan Determination for Early
      Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Critically Ill Patients with
      Hematological Malignancies and Septic Shock.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an important cause of
      morbidity/mortality in critically ill patients with hematological malignancies.
      New diagnosis strategies include the noninvasive biomarkers 1,3-beta-D-glucan
      (BDG) and serum galactomannan (GM). METHODS: For early detection of IPA, we
      compared BDG Fungitell assay with GM Platelia assay. RESULTS: Twenty-two out of
      30 patients (74 %) had elevated BDG levels (mean 306 pg/ml) beyond the cutoff of
      80 pg/ml. GM levels were elevated in only 3 patients (10 %) over the ODI cutoff
      of >0.5. Following the BDG/GM and microbiological findings, 10 (34 %) cases were
      classified as probable IPA and 12 (40 %) as possible IPA. Eight (26 %) were
      classified as no IPA. An overall sensitivity of 90 % (95 % CI 86-96 %) and
      specificity of 85 % (95 % CI 79-86 %) was found for the BDG Fungitell assay in
      IPA. In contrast, an overall sensitivity of 30 % (95 % CI 26-38 %) and
      specificity of 98 % (95 % CI 94-100 %) was found for the GM Platelia assay. A
      false-negative rate of 70 % for probable IPA and 85 % for probable/possible IPA
      was detected for GM. The false-negative rate for BDG was 0 % in cases of probable
      IPA and 45 % in cases of possible cases. CONCLUSION: BDG is a sensitive marker
      for patients' surveillance at risk of IPA. In patients with hematological
      malignancies and septic shock, early diagnosis of IPA might be significantly
      improved by BDG compared to GM, also considering that BDG has the advantage of
      detecting fungal diseases other than IPA.

PMID- 27142782
TI  - Adherence with urate-lowering therapies among male patients with gout in a
      routine clinical setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess adherence (compliance and persistence) and factors that
      might contribute to nonadherence to urate-lowering therapies (ULT) in patients
      with gout in a routine clinical setting. METHODS: This prospective observational
      cohort study was conducted in the rheumatology center of a local tertiary
      hospital. A total of 132 male adults aged 75 years or younger who were
      incidentally diagnosed with gout were included. Adherence to ULT was assessed by
      the clinic nurses through pill counts. RESULTS: Of the 132 patients, 94 (71.2%)
      was compliant and 81 (61.4%) was persistent with ULT. The logistic regression
      analysis revealed that the absence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the
      previous history of non-persistence with ULT are the independent factors
      associated with noncompliance and the absence of CKD is an independent factor
      associated with non-persistence. The average serum urate levels of the
      noncompliant (p = 0.001) and non-persistent (p = 0.002) patients were
      significantly higher than those of the compliant and persistent patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: The absence of CKD and the previous history of non-persistence of
      ULT that are correlated with poor adherence and easily assessed can be used to
      identify patients at a particular risk of poor adherence.

PMID- 27142783
TI  - Clinical research in neonates and infants: Challenges and perspectives.
AB  - To date, up to 65% of drugs used in neonates and infants are off-label or
      unlicensed, as they were implemented in clinical care without the usual
      regulatory phases of pharmacological drug development. Pharmacotherapy in this
      age group is still mainly based on the individual clinical expertise of
      specialized pediatricians. Pharmacological trials involving neonates are indeed
      more difficult to perform: appropriate dosing is hampered by the rapid
      physiological changes occurring at this stage of development, and the selection
      of proper end-points and biomarkers is complicated by the limited knowledge of
      the pathophysiology of the specific diseases of infancy. Moreover, there are many
      ethical challenges in planning and conducting drug studies in pediatric patients
      (especially in newborns and infants). In the current review, we address some
      challenges and discuss possible perspectives to stimulate scientific and clinical
      pharmacological research in neonates and infants. We hereby aim to illustrate the
      add on value of the regulatory framework for model-based neonatal medicinal
      development currently used in Europe and the United States. We provide several
      examples of successful recent pharmacological trials performed in neonates and
      infants. In these examples, success was ensured by the implementation of specific
      pharmacokinetic assessments, thanks to accurate drug dosing achieved with a
      combination of dose validation, population pharmacokinetics and mathematical
      models of drug clearance and distribution; moreover, age-specific
      pharmacodynamics was considered via appropriate evaluations of drug efficacy with
      end-points adapted to the peculiar pathophysiology of diseases in this age group.
      These "pharmacological" challenges add to the ethical challenges that are always
      present in planning and conducting clinical studies in neonates and infants and
      support the opinion that clinical research in pediatrics should be evaluated by
      ad hoc ethical committees with specific expertise.

PMID- 27142784
TI  - Actinic Keratosis Pathogenesis Update and New Patents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Actinic keratosis is a common premalignant skin lesion. Because of
      its increasing incidence, several efforts have been made to earlier detectection
      and to improve knowledge on photocarcinogenic pathways of keratinocytes. As a
      consequence, recently new discoveries have been done in this field. OBJECTIVE:
      Starting from our previous review on actinic keratosis, we reviewed the
      literature focusing on pathogenesis and new patents in order to highlight the
      most recent progresses in diagnosis and therapeutic approach. CONCLUSION:
      Although several efforts have been done in the field of photodamaged skin, new
      upgrades in diagnosis and therapy are needed to detect superficial actinic
      keratosis earlier, to improve the disease free survival of patient and to better
      treat the field cancerization.

PMID- 27142785
TI  - The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Interferon Tau by Suppressing NF-kappaB/MMP9 in
      Macrophages Stimulated with Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - Previous studies have reported that interferon tau (IFNT) significantly mitigates
      tissue inflammation. However, this effect and its regulating pathways have not
      been reported for Staphylococcus aureus-induced inflammation. In this study, RAW
      264.7 cells stimulated with S. aureus were used to identify the anti-inflammatory
      effects and mechanism of IFNT. First, IFNT was found to be noncytotoxic to
      macrophages treated with the high dose of 200 ng/mL IFNT. ELISA and qPCR revealed
      that IFNT decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF
      alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6. TLR2, which is involved in the immune response during
      S. aureus infection, directly affected NF-kappaB pathway activation and was also
      downregulated by IFNT. Subsequent Western blotting showed that the
      phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and NF-kappaB p65 was inhibited by IFNT.
      Therefore, although the MMP9 levels were significantly downregulated in a dose
      dependent manner by IFNT, little change in MMP2 was observed in S. aureus
      stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, PDTC, an inhibitor of NF-kappaB, also
      significantly decreased MMP9 levels by inhibiting NF-kappaB p65 activation. All
      of these findings strongly suggested that IFNT suppresses the NF-kappaB/MMP9
      signal transduction pathway and subsequently exerts its anti-inflammatory effects
      in S. aureus-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

PMID- 27142786
TI  - Eucarobustols A-I, Conjugates of Sesquiterpenoids and Acylphloroglucinols from
      Eucalyptus robusta.
AB  - Nine new conjugates of sesquiterpenoids and acylphloroglucinols, named
      eucarobustols A-I (1-9), as well as 11 known analogues were isolated from the
      leaves of Eucalyptus robusta. The sesquiterpenoid motifs furnishing the new
      conjugates included four structural types of aristolane (1 and 2), guaiane (3),
      eudesmane (4), and aromadendrane (5-9) moieties. Compounds 1 and 2 were found to
      represent the first examples of conjugates of aristolane and acylphloroglucinol
      units. In turn, compound 3 features a new coupling model of guaiane and
      acylphloroglucinol via the C-4-C-7' bond. Compounds 1, 7, and 9 showed inhibitory
      activities against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) with IC50 values of
      1.3, 1.8, and 1.6 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 27142787
TI  - Experience with Canada's First Policy on Concussion Education and Management in
      Schools.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In response to the rising incidence of concussions among children and
      adolescents, the province of Ontario recently introduced the Ontario
      Policy/Program Memorandum on Concussions (PPM No. 158) requiring school boards to
      develop a concussion protocol. As this is the first policy of its kind in Canada,
      the impact of the PPM is not yet known. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to
      all high school principals in the Toronto District School Board 1 year after
      announcement of the PPM. Questions covered extent of student, parent, and staff
      concussion education along with concussion management protocols. RESULTS: Of 109
      high school principals contacted, 39 responded (36%). Almost all schools provided
      concussion education to students (92%), with most education delivered through
      physical education classes. Nearly all schools had return to play (92%) and
      return to learn (77%) protocols. Although 85% of schools educated staff on
      concussions, training was aimed at individuals involved in sports/physical
      education. Only 43.6% of schools delivered concussion education to parents, and
      many principals requested additional resources in this area. CONCLUSIONS: One
      year after announcement of the PPM, high schools in the Toronto District School
      Board implemented significant student concussion education programs and
      management protocols. Staff training and parent education required further
      development. A series of recommendations are provided to aid in future concussion
      policy development.

PMID- 27142788
TI  - Insights into the Angoff method: results from a simulation study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In standard setting techniques involving panels of judges, the
      attributes of judges may affect the cut-scores. This simulation study modelled
      the effect of the number of judges and test items, as well as the impact of
      judges' attributes such as accuracy, stringency and influence on others on the
      precision of the cut-scores. METHODS: Forty nine combinations of Angoff panels (N
      = 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, and 80) and test items (n = 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, and
      80) were simulated. Each combination was simulated 100 times (in total 4,900
      simulations). The simulation was of judges attributes: stringency, accuracy and
      leadership. Impact of judges attributes, number of judges, number of test items
      and Angoff's second (compared to the first) round on the precision of a panel's
      cut-score was measured by the deviation of the panel's cut-score from the cut
      score's true value. RESULTS: Findings from 4900 simulated panels supported Angoff
      being both reliable and valid. Unless the number of test items is small, panels
      of around 15 judges with mixed levels of expertise provide the most precise
      estimates. Furthermore, if test data were not presented, a second round of
      decision-making, as used in the modified Angoff, adds little to precision. A
      panel which has only experts or only non-experts yields a cut-score which is less
      precise than a cut-score yielded by a mixed-expertise panel, suggesting that
      optimal composition of an Angoff panel should include a range of judges with
      diverse expertise and stringency. CONCLUSIONS: Simulations aim to improve our
      understanding of the models assessed but they do not describe natural phenomena
      as they do not use observed data. While the simulations undertaken in this study
      help clarify how to set cut-scores defensibly, it is essential to confirm these
      theories in practice.

PMID- 27142789
TI  - High Anodic Performance of Co 1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylate Coordination Polymers
      for Li-Ion Battery.
AB  - We report the designed synthesis of Co 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate coordination
      polymers (CPs) via a straightforward hydrothermal method, in which three kinds of
      reaction solvents are selected to form CPs with various morphologies and
      dimensions. When tested as anode materials in Li-ion battery, the cycling
      stabilities of the three CoBTC CPs at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) have not
      evident difference; however, the reversible capacities are widely divergent when
      the current density is increased to 2 A g(-1). The optimized product CoBTC-EtOH
      maintains a reversible capacity of 473 mAh g(-1) at a rate of 2 A g(-1) after 500
      galvanostatic charging/discharging cycles while retaining a nearly 100% Coulombic
      efficiency. The hollow microspherical morphology, accessible specific area, and
      the absence of coordination solvent of CoBTC-EtOH might be responsible for such
      difference. Furthermore, the ex situ soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies
      of CoBTC-EtOH under different states-of-charge suggest that the Co ions remain in
      the Co(2+) state during the charging/discharging process. Therefore, Li ions are
      inserted to the organic moiety (including the carboxylate groups and the benzene
      ring) of CoBTC without the direct engagement of Co ions during electrochemical
      cycling. 

PMID- 27142790
TI  - Cross-tissue Analysis of Gene and Protein Expression in Normal and Cancer
      Tissues.
AB  - The central dogma of molecular biology describes the translation of genetic
      information from mRNA to protein, but does not specify the quantitation or timing
      of this process across the genome. We have analyzed protein and gene expression
      in a diverse set of human tissues. To study concordance and discordance of gene
      and protein expression, we integrated mass spectrometry data from the Human
      Proteome Map project and RNA-Seq measurements from the Genotype-Tissue Expression
      project. We analyzed 16,561 genes and the corresponding proteins in 14 tissue
      types across nearly 200 samples. A comprehensive tissue- and gene-specific
      analysis revealed that across the 14 tissues, correlation between mRNA and
      protein expression was positive and ranged from 0.36 to 0.5. We also identified
      1,012 genes whose RNA and protein expression was correlated across all the
      tissues and examined genes and proteins that were concordantly and discordantly
      expressed for each tissue of interest. We extended our analysis to look for genes
      and proteins that were differentially correlated in cancer compared to normal
      tissues, showing higher levels of correlation in normal tissues. Finally, we
      explored the implications of these findings in the context of biomarker and drug
      target discovery.

PMID- 27142791
TI  - Disparities in a provision of in-hospital post-arrest interventions for out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the elderly population-protocol for a
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a significant cause of death
      in developed countries. The majority of OHCA patients are elderly (>=65 years),
      and it was documented that they were less likely than younger patients to receive
      the evidence-based interventions, even though the improvement in survival in the
      elderly age group was higher than in younger population. Our goal is to
      investigate any disparity in the provision of post-arrest care for the elderly
      with OHCA and a sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
      METHODS/DESIGN: Eight relevant, electronic databases will be systematically
      searched to identify eligible studies. The searches will be supplemented with
      gray literature searching of theses, dissertations, and hand searching of
      pertinent journals. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and
      abstracts and select studies for full text analysis using Preferred Reporting
      Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) method, and both will
      extract information from the selected studies employing a form based on the Data
      Extraction Template for Cochrane Reviews. A team of three reviewers will assess
      the quality of the studies with the modified Downs and Black scale. Statistical
      methods for evidence synthesis, such as meta-analysis and meta-regression, will
      be applied to compare and combine the evidence regarding the association between
      age and intervention provision/utilization, adjusting for a number of significant
      confounders, such as patient characteristics and co-morbidities and availability
      of intervention techniques, as well as study specific characteristics. The
      strength of evidence from the selected studies will be assessed using a modified
      Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.
      DISCUSSION: The findings obtained from this systematic review should inform
      whether disparity exists in the provision of post-arrest care for the elderly (>=
      65 years old) with OHCA or not. Addressing this problem has a potential to
      substantially increase the number of > 65-year-old, long-term survivors. The
      results of our review might also point to the gaps in the published literature
      that specifically examines disparity in provision of care for this population.
      This systematic review was designed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting
      Guidelines for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA statement), while the
      protocol follows the Preferred Reporting items for Systematic review and Meta
      analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO
      CRD42015027822.

PMID- 27142792
TI  - Endothelial Effect of Statin Therapy at a High Dose Versus Low Dose Associated
      with Ezetimibe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of statins on the endothelial function in humans remains
      under discussion. Particularly, it is still unclear if the improvement in
      endothelial function is due to a reduction in LDL-cholesterol or to an arterial
      pleiotropic effect. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that modulation of the
      endothelial function promoted by statins is primarily mediated by the degree of
      reduction in LDL-cholesterol, independent of the dose of statin administered.
      METHODS: Randomized clinical trial with two groups of lipid-lowering treatment
      (16 patients/each) and one placebo group (14 patients). The two active groups
      were designed to promote a similar degree of reduction in LDL-cholesterol: the
      first used statin at a high dose (80 mg, simvastatin 80 group) and the second
      used statin at a low dose (10 mg) associated with ezetimibe (10 mg, simvastatin
      10/ezetimibe group) to optimize the hypolipidemic effect. The endothelial
      function was assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMV) before and 8 weeks
      after treatment. RESULTS: The decrease in LDL-cholesterol was similar between the
      groups simvastatin 80 and simvastatin 10/ezetimibe (27% +/- 31% and 30% +/- 29%,
      respectively, p = 0.75). The simvastatin 80 group presented an increase in FMV
      from 8.4% +/- 4.3% at baseline to 11% +/- 4.2% after 8 weeks (p = 0.02).
      Similarly, the group simvastatin 10/ezetimibe showed improvement in FMV from 7.3%
      +/- 3.9% to 12% +/- 4.4% (p = 0.001). The placebo group showed no variation in
      LDL-cholesterol level or endothelial function. CONCLUSION: The improvement in
      endothelial function with statin seems to depend more on a reduction in LDL
      cholesterol levels, independent of the dose of statin administered, than on
      pleiotropic mechanisms.

PMID- 27142793
TI  - Network Meta-analysis to Synthesize Evidence for Decision Making in
      Cardiovascular Research.
AB  - Clinical decision-making requires synthesis of evidence from literature reviews
      focused on a specific theme. Evidence synthesis is performed with qualitative
      assessments and systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials, typically
      covering statistical pooling with pairwise meta-analyses. These methods include
      adjusted indirect comparison meta-analysis, network meta-analysis, and mixed
      treatment comparison. These tools allow synthesis of evidence and comparison of
      effectiveness in cardiovascular research. 

PMID- 27142794
TI  - Protective Effect of Aortic Stenosis on the Coronary Arteries. Hypothetic
      Considerations to an Old Enigma.
AB  - A literature overview of angiographic studies has shown that the prevalence of
      significant coronary disease in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) varies from 20
      to 60%. Early necropsy studies suggested that patients with AS had a lower than
      expected incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD), originating the concept of a
      protective effect of AS on the coronary arteries. The myth of AS protection
      against CAD would be better explained as endothelium-myocardial interaction
      (crosstalk) protection triggered by left ventricular overload. Therefore, the
      cGMP/NO pathway induced by the AS overload pressure would explain the low
      incidence of CAD, which is compatible with the amazing natural long-term
      evolution of this cardiac valve disease. 

PMID- 27142795
TI  - Case 3/2016 - 36-Year-Old Man with Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery
      in the Left Sinus of Valsalva and Interarterial Course.

PMID- 27142796
TI  - Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome Due to Venovenous Malformation.

PMID- 27142797
TI  - Congenital Muscular Interventricular Septal Malformation with Complex Anatomical
      Features.

PMID- 27142798
TI  - Circulatory Support as a Bridge to Pediatric Heart Transplantation.

PMID- 27142799
TI  - [Focal therapy of prostate cancer in Germany].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men, which is
      increasingly diagnosed at a localized stage due to the widespread use of PSA
      (prostate-specific antigen)-screening. METHOD: Traditionally, definite treatment
      options for PCa include radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, or
      brachytherapy. However, treatment-related side effects such as urinary
      incontinence and erectile dysfunction are common. Alternatively, national and
      international guidelines recommend active surveillance (AS) as a treatment option
      for low-risk PCa. Organ-preserving surgery is commonly used in other organs, such
      as organ-conserving surgery for breast cancer. Focal therapy (FT) for PCa may
      close the gap between radical treatment options and active surveillance while
      reducing side effects. AIM: This article highlights the current therapy options
      for FT in Germany including their limitations and perspectives. Currently,
      different therapy options are available for FT in PCa. However, the use of FT is
      still embedded in clinical trials and has not been approved for routine use yet.
      Initial results seem to be promising, but most studies are currently enrolling or
      have not been published yet.

PMID- 27142800
TI  - [Pelvic lipomatosis].
AB  - Pelvic lipomatosis is a rare benign disease characterized by increased pelvic
      fatty tissue of unknown origin, which leads to encroachment on the pelvic organs.
      This can lead to symptoms due to narrowing of the bladder and in some cases also
      of the rectum as well as distal obstruction of the ureter. Symptomatic disease
      seems to occur more commonly in men with unspecific lower urinary tract symptoms,
      constipation and hydronephrosis. Obstruction of the upper urinary tract
      necessitates operative treatment. As the etiology is unclear an appropriate
      causal treatment is not available. 

PMID- 27142801
TI  - Allele-specific marker-based assessment revealed that the rice blast resistance
      genes Pi2 and Pi9 have not been widely deployed in Chinese indica rice cultivars.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most sustainable approach to control rice blast disease is to
      develop durably resistant cultivars. In molecular breeding for rice blast
      resistance, markers developed based on polymorphisms between functional and non
      functional alleles of resistance genes, can provide precise and accurate
      selection of resistant genotypes without the need for difficult, laborious and
      time-consuming phenotyping. The Pi2 and Pi9 genes confer broad-spectrum
      resistance against diverse blast isolates. Development of allele-specific markers
      for Pi2 and Pi9 would facilitate breeding of blast resistant rice by using the
      two blast resistance genes. RESULT: In this work, we developed two new markers,
      named Pi9-Pro and Pi2-LRR respectively, targeting the unique polymorphisms of the
      resistant and susceptible alleles of Pi2 and of Pi9. The InDel marker Pi9-Pro
      differentiates three different genotypes corresponding to the Pi2/Piz-t, Pi9 and
      non-Pi2/Piz-t/Pi9 alleles, and the CAPS marker Pi2-LRR differentiates the Pi2
      allele from the non-Pi2 allele. Based on the two newly developed markers and two
      available markers Pi2SNP and Pi9SNP, the presence of Pi2 and Pi9 was assessed in
      a set of 434 rice accessions consisting of 377 Chinese indica cultivars/breeding
      materials and 57 Chinese japonica cultivars/breeding materials. Of the 434
      accessions tested, while one indica restorer line Huazhan was identified
      harboring the Pi2 resistance allele, no other rice line was identified harboring
      the Pi2 or Pi9 resistance alleles. CONCLUSIONS: Allele-specific marker-based
      assessment revealed that Pi2 and Pi9 have not been widely incorporated into
      diverse Chinese indica rice cultivars. Thus, the two blast resistance genes can
      be new gene sources for developing blast resistant rice, especially indica rice,
      in China. The two newly developed markers should be highly useful for using Pi2
      and Pi9 in marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding programs.

PMID- 27142802
TI  - Semantics bias in cross-national comparative analyses: is it good or bad to have
      "fair" health?
AB  - The Health Behavior in School-aged Children is a cross-national study collecting
      data on social and health indicators on adolescents in 43 countries. The study
      provides comparable data on health behaviors and health outcomes through the use
      of a common protocol, which have been a back bone of the study sine its
      initiation in 1983. Recent years, researchers within the study have noticed a
      questionable comparability on the widely used item on self-rated health. One of
      the four response categories to the item "Would you say your health is....?"
      showed particular variation, as the response category "Fair" varied from 20 % in
      Latvia and Moldova to 3-4 % in Bulgaria and Macedonia. A qualitative mini-survey
      of the back-translations showed that the response category "Fair" had a negative
      slant in 25 countries, a positive slant in 10 countries and was considered
      neutral in 9 countries. This finding indicates that there are what may be called
      semantic issues affecting comparability in international studies, since the same
      original word (in an English original) is interpreted differently across
      countries and cultures. The paper test and discuss a few possible explanations to
      this, however, only leaving to future studies to hold a cautious approach to
      international comparisons if working with the self-rated health item with four
      response categories.

PMID- 27142803
TI  - The impact of delays on maternal and neonatal outcomes in Ugandan public health
      facilities: the role of absenteeism.
AB  - Maternal mortality in low- and middle-income countries continues to remain high.
      The Ugandan Ministry of Health's Strategic Plan suggests that little, if any,
      progress has been made in Uganda in terms of improvements in Maternal Health
      [Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 5] and, more specifically, in reducing
      maternal mortality. Furthermore, the UNDP report on the MDGs describes Uganda's
      progress as 'stagnant'. The importance of understanding the impact of delays on
      maternal and neonatal outcomes in low resource settings has been established for
      some time. Indeed, the '3-delays' model has exposed the need for holistic multi
      disciplinary approaches focused on systems change as much as clinical input. The
      model exposes the contribution of social factors shaping individual agency and
      care-seeking behaviour. It also identifies complex access issues which, when
      combined with the lack of timely and adequate care at referral facilities,
      contributes to extensive and damaging delays. It would be hard to find a piece of
      research on this topic that does not reference human resource factors or 'staff
      shortages' as a key component of this 'puzzle'. Having said that, it is rare
      indeed to see these human resource factors explored in any detail. In the absence
      of detailed critique (implicit) 'common sense' presumptions prevail: namely that
      the economic conditions at national level lead to inadequacies in the supply of
      suitably qualified health professionals exacerbated by losses to international
      emigration. Eight years' experience of action-research interventions in Uganda
      combining a range of methods has lead us to a rather stark conclusion: the single
      most important factor contributing to delays and associated adverse outcomes for
      mothers and babies in Uganda is the failure of doctors to be present at work
      during contracted hours. Failure to acknowledge and respond to this sensitive
      problem will ultimately undermine all other interventions including professional
      voluntarism which relies on local 'co-presence' to be effective. Important steps
      forward could be achieved within the current resource framework, if the political
      will existed. International NGOs have exacerbated this problem encouraging forms
      of internal 'brain drain' particularly among doctors. Arguably the system as it
      is rewards doctors for non-compliance resulting in massive resource
      inefficiencies. 

PMID- 27142804
TI  - Gender disparities and thrombolysis use among patient with first-ever ischemic
      stroke in Malaysia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gender as an independent predictor in stroke has been well documented.
      However, data on gender differences among first-ever ischemic stroke in
      developing country are limited. We aim to describe gender effects on clinical
      characteristics, thrombolysis treatment received, and outcomes of patients with
      first-ever ischemic stroke. METHODS: Data were extracted from the prospective
      multiethnic stroke registry, National Neurology Registry (NNEUR). Descriptive
      analysis and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: A total of 4762 first
      ever ischemic stroke patients admitted to 13 government hospitals from July 2009
      to June 2015 were available for this study. Slightly over half were male (55.1%),
      and they were 1.7 years younger than female (mean age, 63.6 versus 61.9 years, p
      < 0.001). Gender-age-adjusted incidence was observed to be higher in females
      (66.7 per 100,000) compared to males (57.4 per 100,000). First-ever ischemic
      stroke incidence increased by 24.3 and 11.2% among female and male annually.
      Female experienced significantly poorer functional outcome and greater 30-day in
      hospital mortality compared to male. In subgroup analysis, only 31 (0.65%)
      patients were treated with thrombolysis. DISCUSSION: First-ever ischemic stroke
      incidence increased by 24.3 and 11.2% among female and male annually. There were
      distinct symptoms at hospital presentation between genders. All our patients
      discharged home regardless of genders. In summary, Malaysian female first-ever
      ischemic stroke was older, present with severe stroke, greater number of risk
      factors and poorer functional outcome and 30-day in-hospital mortality compared
      to male.

PMID- 27142806
TI  - Erratum to: Dynamic posterior stabilization for degenerative lumbar spine
      disease: a large consecutive case series with long-term follow-up by additional
      postal survey.

PMID- 27142805
TI  - EVEREST study report 3: diagnostic challenges of polypoidal choroidal
      vasculopathy. Lessons learnt from screening failures in the EVEREST study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe screening failures in the EVEREST study by examining the
      imaging characteristics that enabled differentiation of polypoidal choroidal
      vasculopathy (PCV) from cases that were subsequently diagnosed not to be PCV.
      METHODS: Post-hoc analysis of 34 patients with PCV reported as screening failures
      from EVEREST study. Standardised confocal scanning laser indocyanine green
      angiography (ICGA) images were graded by the Central Reading Centre to confirm
      PCV diagnosis based on the presence of early focal sub-retinal hyperfluorescence
      on ICGA and at least one of the following six diagnostic criteria: (1) nodular
      appearance of polyp(s) on stereoscopic examination, (2) hypofluorescent halo
      around nodule(s), (3) presence of a branching vascular network, (4) pulsation of
      polyp(s) on dynamic ICGA, (5) orange sub-retinal nodules on colour fundus
      photography, or (6) massive sub-macular haemorrhage (>=4 disc areas in size).
      Additional detailed image grading was performed with stereo-imaging and dynamic
      early-phase ICGA. RESULTS: Of the 95 screened PCV cases, 34 were excluded: (1)
      cases not suitable for recruitment as per the study protocol (n = 14), (2)
      equivocal lesions on ICGA characterised by small hyperfluorescent dots (n = 9),
      and (3) cases that were definitely not PCV (non-PCV, n = 11), identified by
      definitive diagnoses which included one case each of micro-aneurysm, retinal
      angiomatous proliferation, retino-choroidal anastomosis, small type-2 choroidal
      neovascularisation, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) window defect and disciform
      scar; two cases of lesions where the choroidal vessel changed its course; and
      three cases of late-onset RPE staining. CONCLUSIONS: Standardised image grading
      techniques used in EVEREST study enabled effective differentiation of non-PCV
      from actual PCV.

PMID- 27142807
TI  - Surgical treatment of scoliosis in Marfan syndrome: outcomes and complications.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate surgical outcomes and complications of scoliosis
      associated with Marfan syndrome. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were patients who
      were 10-20 years of age, had a diagnosis of Marfan syndrome by the Ghent
      nosology, had scoliosis and had undergone spinal fusion, and had at least 2 years
      of postoperative follow-up. The medical records of all patients were reviewed for
      age at the time of surgery, surgical procedures performed, instrumentation type,
      estimated blood loss (EBL) during surgery, operation time and complications
      related to surgery. Health-related quality-of-life measures (obtained with the
      SRS-22 Questionnaire before operation and at the last clinical follow-up) were
      also recorded. Patients were analyzed as two different groups, Group 1 and Group
      2, according to the different approaches employed. Patients receiving combined
      anterior and posterior surgery were assigned to Group 1 and those who received
      posterior-only surgery to Group 2. RESULTS: Group 1 consisted of 30 patients (14
      males, 16 females) with a mean age at surgery of 16.8 years (range: 10-20 years).
      Complications in Group 1 included two cases of instrumentation loosening with one
      removed, one case of instrumentation breakage and one case of chylothorax and
      hemothorax during video assisted thoracoscopic release. 66 patients (28 males, 38
      females) with a mean age at surgery of years 16.4 years (range: 10-20 years) were
      included in Group 2. Complications in Group 2 included six cases of cerebro
      spinal fluid leak, one case of deep wound infection secondary to cerebro-spinal
      fluid leak, one case of leg weakness and one case of pleural rupture cause by
      misplacement of pedicle screw. There is no difference of age at surgery,
      preoperative Cobb angles, and SRS-22 total scores (3.0 vs. 3.1) between the two
      groups (P > 0.05). Group 1 yielded larger correction rate than Group 2 for both
      thoracic (62.5 % vs. 56.2 %) and lumbar scoliosis (68.3 % vs. 62.7 %). Loss of
      correction was similar between the two groups for both thoracic (4.1 degrees  vs.
      3.6 degrees ) and lumbar (4.2 degrees  vs. 4.6 degrees ) curves (P > 0.05). EBL
      (1972 ml vs. 1530) and operation time (669 min vs. 419 min) were significantly
      increased in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P < 0.05). No difference was noted for SRS
      22 total scores in the last follow-up between the two groups (3.7 vs. 3.8, P >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, as compared to anterior release combined with
      posterior spinal fusion, posterior-only spinal fusion could yield comparable
      clinical outcomes for scoliosis associated with Marfan syndrome with lower EBL,
      and operation time. However, longer follow-up is needed to verify these findings.

PMID- 27142808
TI  - The health beliefs of mothers about preventing cervical cancer and their
      intention to recommend the Pap test to their daughters: a cross-sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mothers have a primary role in the prevention of cervical cancer in
      Korea. This study aimed to determine the awareness and health beliefs of mothers
      about preventing cervical cancer in their daughters, their intention to recommend
      the Pap test to their daughters, and the factors influencing this intention.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, and the study enrolled
      mothers (n = 1,581) of pubescent girls aged 13 to 18 years who were living
      nationwide in Korea. The six health-beliefs variables related to preventing
      cervical cancer in their daughters, awareness of the importance of cervical
      cancer prevention methods, and the intention to recommend the Pap test to
      daughters were investigated. The impacts of these health beliefs of the mothers
      and the sociodemographic factors influencing their intention to recommend the Pap
      test to their daughters were assessed using multiple logistic regression
      analysis. RESULTS: Almost one-quarter (23.7 %) of the mothers had talked about
      the Pap test, 69.2 % were intending to recommend the Pap test to their daughters,
      and 38.5 % considered that the Pap test could be necessary if their daughters
      became sexually active. The significant health beliefs influencing the intention
      to recommend the Pap test were the perceived barriers [odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, 95
      % confidence interval (95 % CI) = 1.03-2.11] and benefits (OR = 2.25, 95 % CI =
      1.55-3.25). The significant sociodemographic factors of mothers were their
      education (OR = 1.52, 95 % CI = 1.08-2.13), their experience of talking about the
      Pap test with their daughters (OR = 2.11, 95 % CI = 1.23-3.64), their regularity
      of undergoing the Pap test themselves (OR = 1.98, 95 % CI = 1.30-3.03), and their
      age when they first underwent the Pap test (OR = 1.60, 95 % CI = 1.43-0.82).
      CONCLUSIONS: The mothers perceived HPV vaccination as the most important of the
      five methods for preventing cervical cancer in their daughters. Mothers perceived
      the importance of their daughters undergoing the Pap test regardless of the
      presence of HPV vaccination, and most of the mothers had an intention of
      recommending the Pap test to their daughters. Strategies for increasing the
      intention of mothers to recommend the Pap test to their adolescent daughters
      could be promoted by increasing their perceptions of the benefits while reducing
      their perceptions of barriers toward their daughters undergoing the Pap test, and
      by empowering active communication about the Pap test between mothers and
      daughters.

PMID- 27142809
TI  - Pulmonary tuberculosis epidemiology in Coimbra's District (2000-2011):
      Information is essential to understand high risk groups.

PMID- 27142810
TI  - Minimally invasive repair of Morgagni hernia - A multicenter case series.
AB  - Children may benefit from minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the correction of
      Morgagni hernia (MH). The present study aims to evaluate the outcome of MIS
      through a multicenter study. National institutions that use MIS in the treatment
      of MH were included. Demographic, clinical and operative data were analyzed.
      Thirteen patients with MH (6 males) were operated using similar MIS technique
      (percutaneous stitches) at a mean age of 22.2+/-18.3 months. Six patients had
      chromosomopathies (46%), five with Down syndrome (39%). Respiratory complaints
      were the most common presentation (54%). Surgery lasted 95+/-23min. In none of
      the patients was the hernia sac removed; prosthesis was never used. In the
      immediate post-operative period, 4 patients (36%) were admitted to intensive care
      unit (all with Down syndrome); all patients started enteral feeds within the
      first 24h. With a mean follow-up of 56+/-16.6 months, there were two recurrences
      (18%) at the same institution, one of which was repaired with an absorbable
      suture; both with Down syndrome. The application of MIS in the MH repair is
      effective even in the presence of comorbidities such as Down syndrome; the latter
      influences the immediate postoperative recovery and possibly the recurrence rate.
      Removal of hernia sac does not seem necessary. Non-absorbable sutures may be more
      appropriate. 

PMID- 27142811
TI  - Endoscopy versus imaging: Analysis of surveillance methods in sinonasal
      malignancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of imaging and
      endoscopy in posttreatment surveillance of sinonasal malignancies. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective analysis of primary sinonasal malignancies diagnosed
      between 2000 and 2014. Posttreatment surveillance included nasal endoscopy and
      imaging (MRI, CT, and positron emission tomography [PET]/CT). Positive predictive
      value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), specificity, and sensitivity were
      calculated for each modality and compared. RESULTS: One hundred nine sinonasal
      malignancies were identified with 30 recurrences. Endoscopy showed a sensitivity
      and specificity of 24% and 89%, respectively, whereas imaging was 76% and 90%,
      respectively. Identifying suspicious symptoms significantly improved the PPV of
      both endoscopy and imaging. MRI demonstrates the highest PPV when compared with
      other imaging modalities. CONCLUSION: Both modalities are necessary in
      posttreatment surveillance. MRI shows the highest PPV, whereas endoscopy trends
      toward a higher specificity. PET/CT scans have a high false-positive rate and
      should be reserved for tumors with a high propensity for distant metastases. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38:1229-1233, 2016.

PMID- 27142812
TI  - RGD peptide targeted lipid-coated nanoparticles for combinatorial delivery of
      sorafenib and quercetin against hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - CONTEXT: Combination therapies provide a potential solution to address the tumor
      heterogeneity and drug resistance issues by taking advantage of distinct
      mechanisms of action of the multiple therapeutics. OBJECTIVE: To design arginine
      glycineaspartic acid (RGD) modified lipid-coated nanoparticles (NPs) for the co
      delivery of the hydrophobic drugs against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: RGD modified lipid-coated PLGA NPs were developed for the
      targeted delivery of both sorafenib (SRF) and quercetin (QT) (RGD-SRF-QT NPs).
      Chemical-physical characteristics and release profiles were evaluated. In vitro
      cell viability assays were carried out on HCC cells. In vivo antitumor efficacies
      were evaluated in HCC animal model. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The combination of
      SRF and QT formulations was more effective than the single drug formulations in
      both NPs and solution groups. RGD-SRF-QT NPs achieved the most significant tumor
      growth inhibition effect in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: The resulting NPs
      could provide a promising platform for co-delivery of multiple anticancer drugs
      for achievement of combinational therapy and could offer potential for enhancing
      the therapeutic efficacy on HCC.

PMID- 27142814
TI  - Book of Abstracts.

PMID- 27142813
TI  - Does sinus rhythm conversion after cardiac surgery affect postoperative health-
      related quality of life?
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the impact and the predictive value of sinus rhythm
      at 12 months (SR12) on subscales of three different HrQoL questionnaires: SF-36.,
      EuroQoL and MFI 20. METHODS: Data of 125 cardiac surgery patients with pre
      operative AF from our previous randomized trial were used. Based on their rhythm
      outcome patients were divided in two groups: SR12 or AF at 12 months follow up
      (non-SR12). All questionnaires were self-administered pre-operatively and at 3
      months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Synus rhytm at 12 months
      was predictive of improvement of SF36- mental score (MS, p = 0.021), Euro-QoL-MS
      (p = 0.009), VAS (p = 0.006), and MFI 20-MS (p = 0.009). We failed to find any
      significant interactions between SR12 and any of the other significant risk
      factors: age <65 years, paroxysmal type of AF and preoperative AF duration <12
      months. In contrast, SR12 was not significant in predicting physical score (PS)
      subscales of any of the questionnaires (all, p > 0.05) which were predicted by
      age <65 years (SF36-PS, p = 0.029) by paroxysmal type of AF and age <65 years
      (Euro-QoL-PS, p = 0.017 and p = 0.04, respectively) and by AF duration <12
      months, paroxysmal type of AF and age < 65 years (MFI 20-PS, p = 0.019, p = 0.020
      and p = 0.015, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Specific mental-related HrQoL scales
      are much more sensitive to sinus rhythm conversion. Sinus rithm mantainance shows
      significant effects on mental scores independently of other cofactors. Successful
      conversion to sinus rhythm after surgical ablation during cardiac surgery does
      not significantly affect phisical health related quality of life during 1 year
      follow up.

PMID- 27142815
TI  - Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine-Functionalized Graphene as a Conductive Adhesion
      Promoter and Protective Layer for Silver Nanowire Transparent Electrodes.
AB  - For the scalable fabrication of transparent electrodes and optoelectronic
      devices, excellent adhesion between the conductive films and the substrates is
      essential. In this work, a novel mussel-inspired polydopamine-functionalized
      graphene/silver nanowire hybrid nanomaterial for transparent electrodes was
      fabricated in a facile manner. Graphene oxide (GO) was functionalized and reduced
      by polydopamine while remaining stable in water without precipitation. It is
      shown that the polydopamine-functionalized GO (PFGO) film adhered to the
      substrate much more easily and more uniformly than the GO film. The PFGO film had
      a sheet resistance of ~3.46 * 10(8) Omega/sq and a transparency of 78.2%, with
      excellent thermal and chemical stability; these characteristics are appropriate
      for antistatic coatings. Further reduced PFGO (RPFGO) as a conductive adhesion
      promoter and protective layer for the Ag nanowire (AgNW) significantly enhanced
      the adhesion force between AgNW networks and the substrate. The RPFGO-AgNW
      electrode was found to have a sheet resistance of 63 Omega/sq and a transparency
      of 70.5%. Moreover, the long-term stability of the RPFGO-AgNW electrode was
      greatly enhanced via the effective protection of the AgNW by RPFGO. These
      solution-processed antistatic coatings and electrodes have tremendous potential
      in the applications of optoelectronic devices as a result of their low production
      cost and facile processing.

PMID- 27142816
TI  - Enhancement of cadmium uptake by Amaranthus caudatus, an ornamental plant, using
      tea saponin.
AB  - In this study, tea saponin (TS) was extracted from tea camellia seed by microwave
      assisted extraction. The potential of TS was compared with
      ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA), which is used as a common chemical agent
      to enhance uptake of cadmium (Cd) by Amaranthus caudatus, an ornamental plant in
      the natural vegetation of Turkey under pot conditions. The enrichment coefficient
      (EC) and translocation factor (TF) values were calculated to evaluate the removal
      efficiency of the TS and EDTA. The results showed that an increase in both TS and
      EDTA concentration significantly increased Cd uptake by A. caudatus, accumulating
      Cd in different parts of the plant. Higher EC and TF values obtained from stems,
      leaves, and inflorescences of A. caudatus showed that this plant might be
      cultivated and used as a hyperaccumulator in the uptake of Cd from the Cd
      contaminated soils. Thus, the present technique can efficiently reduce the metal
      load in the food chain; hence, it could be applied in catchment areas of urban
      cities where Cd contamination has become an unavoidable factor. 

PMID- 27142818
TI  - List of new names and new combinations previously effectively, but not validly,
      >published.

PMID- 27142817
TI  - Xylan degradation by the human gut Bacteroides xylanisolvens XB1A(T) involves two
      distinct gene clusters that are linked at the transcriptional level.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plant cell wall (PCW) polysaccharides and especially xylans
      constitute an important part of human diet. Xylans are not degraded by human
      digestive enzymes in the upper digestive tract and therefore reach the colon
      where they are subjected to extensive degradation by some members of the
      symbiotic microbiota. Xylanolytic bacteria are the first degraders of these
      complex polysaccharides and they release breakdown products that can have
      beneficial effects on human health. In order to understand better how these
      bacteria metabolize xylans in the colon, this study was undertaken to investigate
      xylan breakdown by the prominent human gut symbiont Bacteroides xylanisolvens
      XB1A(T). RESULTS: Transcriptomic analyses of B. xylanisolvens XB1A(T) grown on
      insoluble oat-spelt xylan (OSX) at mid- and late-log phases highlighted genes in
      a polysaccharide utilization locus (PUL), hereafter called PUL 43, and genes in a
      fragmentary remnant of another PUL, hereafter referred to as rPUL 70, which were
      highly overexpressed on OSX relative to glucose. Proteomic analyses supported the
      up-regulation of several genes belonging to PUL 43 and showed the important over
      production of a CBM4-containing GH10 endo-xylanase. We also show that PUL 43 is
      organized in two operons and that the knockout of the PUL 43 sensor/regulator
      HTCS gene blocked the growth of the mutant on insoluble OSX and soluble wheat
      arabinoxylan (WAX). The mutation not only repressed gene expression in the PUL 43
      operons but also repressed gene expression in rPUL 70. CONCLUSION: This study
      shows that xylan degradation by B. xylanisolvens XB1A(T) is orchestrated by one
      PUL and one PUL remnant that are linked at the transcriptional level. Coupled to
      studies on other xylanolytic Bacteroides species, our data emphasize the
      importance of one peculiar CBM4-containing GH10 endo-xylanase in xylan breakdown
      and that this modular enzyme may be used as a functional marker of xylan
      degradation in the human gut. Our results also suggest that B. xylanisolvens
      XB1A(T) has specialized in the degradation of xylans of low complexity. This
      functional feature may provide a niche to all xylanolytic bacteria harboring
      similar PULs. Further functional and ecological studies on fibrolytic Bacteroides
      species are needed to better understand their role in dietary fiber degradation
      and their impact on intestinal health.

PMID- 27142819
TI  - Whyever bladder tissue engineering clinical applications still remain unusual
      even though many intriguing technological advances have been reached?
AB  - To prevent problematic outcomes of bowel-based bladder reconstructive surgery,
      such as prosthetic tumors and systemic metabolic complications, research works,
      to either regenerate and strengthen failing organ or build organ replacement
      biosubstitute, have been turned, from 90s of the last century, to both
      regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.Various types of acellular matrices,
      naturally-derived materials, synthetic polymers have been used for either
      "unseeded" (cell free) or autologous "cell seeded" tissue engineering scaffolds.
      Different categories of cell sources - from autologous differentiated urothelial
      and smooth muscle cells to natural or laboratory procedure-derived stem cells -
      have been taken into consideration to reach the construction of suitable "cell
      seeded" templates. Current clinically validated bladder tissue engineering
      approaches essentially consist of augmentation cystoplasty in patients suffering
      from poorly compliant neuropathic bladder. No clinical applications of wholly
      tissue engineered neobladder have been carried out to radical-reconstructive
      surgical treatment of bladder malignancies or chronic inflammation-due vesical
      coarctation. Reliable reasons why bladder tissue engineering clinical
      applications so far remain unusual, particularly imply the risk of graft
      ischemia, hence its both fibrous contraction and even worse perforation.
      Therefore, the achievement of graft vascular network (vasculogenesis) could
      allow, together with the promotion of host surrounding vessel sprouting
      (angiogenesis), an effective graft blood supply, so avoiding the ischemia-related
      serious complications. 

PMID- 27142820
TI  - Curative gastric resection for the elderly patients suffering from gastric
      cancer.
AB  - The improvement of the socio-economic conditions and the progress of medicine
      have extended the life span of the world's population and as a result, the number
      of patients with malignant neoplasms has increased. Gastric cancer is the third
      most common cancer (after lung and prostate) and the second leading cause of
      death caused by cancer (after lung bronchogenic cell carcinoma) in males; while
      it's the fifth cancer by frequency and the fourth cause of cancer death in
      females. It presents a peculiar geographical distribution with a lower incidence
      in Western Europe and North America, and higher incidence in the Far East, South
      America and Eastern Europe. Its incidence in Italy is 122 cases per 100000
      inhabitants in males and 83 cases per 100000 inhabitants in females (in Italy).
      It occurs more frequently in old age, is quite rare in individuals under the age
      of 45. The aim of this work is to analyze the clinical and pathological
      characteristics of gastric carcinoma and the feasibility of curative surgery in
      patients over 75, identifying the factors affecting mortality, morbidity,
      survival and quality of life after surgery. These data have been compared with
      those of younger patients to assess the correct type of surgery.

PMID- 27142821
TI  - Intraoperative identification of the facial nerve by needle electromyography
      stimulation with a burr.
AB  - The purpose of this research is to improve the safety of surgery for patients
      with a pathology of the middle and inner ear by preventing damage to the facial
      nerve by conducting intraoperative monitoring of the facial nerve by needle
      electromyography with continuous stimulation with a burr. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      The clinical part of the prospective study was carried out on 48 patients that
      were diagnosed with suppurative otitis media. After the surgery with
      intraoperative monitoring, the facial nerve with an intact bone wall was
      stimulated electrically in the potentially dangerous places of damage. Minimum
      (threshold) stimulation (mA) of the facial nerve with a threshold event of 100
      MUV was used to register EMG events. The anatomical part of the study was carried
      out on 30 unformalinized cadaver temporal bones from adult bodies. The
      statistical analysis of obtained data was carried out with parametric methods
      (Student's t-test), non-parametric correlation (Spearman's method) and regression
      analysis. RESULTS: It was found that 1 mA of threshold amperage corresponded to
      0.8 mm thickness of the bone wall of the facial canal. Values of transosseous
      threshold stimulation in potentially dangerous sections of the injury to the
      facial nerve were obtained. CONCLUSION: These data lower the risk of paresis
      (paralysis) of the facial muscles during otologic surgery.

PMID- 27142822
TI  - Ten-year experience in the management of distal ureteral stones greater than 10
      mm in size.
AB  - AIM: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and semirigid ureteroscopy
      lithotripsy (URSL) have become standards of treatment for ureteral calculi. The
      aim of this retrospective study was to compare ESWL vs. URSL in terms of safety
      and efficacy for treatment of large distal ureteral stones >= 1cm. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: This investigation assessed 637 patients with distal ureteral stones (10
      to 15mm in size). 313 in the ESWL group were treated on an outpatient basis using
      the LithoDiamond machine without anaesthesia. URSL was performed in 324 patients
      with a 6-8 Fr semirigid ureterorenoscope and YAG laser under spinal anaesthesia.
      A successful outcome was defined as the patient being stone free 1 month after
      treatment. For all patients the parameters, including stone-free rate, operation
      time, complications, were inserted retrospectively in this study after review of
      medical records and operating room logs. RESULTS: The stone-free rate after URSL
      was 77.5% and 45.4% after ESWL treatment (p<0.001). The mean operative time
      between two groups was 74.7+/-9.8 for URSL group and 38.3+/-7.6 for ESWL group.
      The average number of office visits was 4.2 and 2.6 in patients treated with ESWL
      and URSL, respectively. Double j stents were inserted in 28.7% of patients.
      Twenty-one patients needed rehospitalisations for major complications. However,
      the differences in the overall complication rate were not statistically
      significant, with a rate of 16.3% for URSL and 14.4% for ESWL (p=0.246).
      CONCLUSION: We have shown that URSL has enough safety and efficacy for the
      treatment of distal ureteral stones >= 1cm. URSL is associated with higher stone
      clearance rate as compared with ESWL.

PMID- 27142823
TI  - Measurement of intra-abdominal pressure in large incisional hernia repair to
      prevent abdominal compartmental syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The repair of large incisional hernias may occasionally lead to a
      substantial increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and rarely to abdominal
      compartmental syndrome (ACS) with subsequent respiratory, vascular, and visceral
      complications. Measurement of the IAP has recently become a common practice in
      monitoring critical patients, even though such measurements were obtained in the
      early 1900s. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study involving 54 patients
      undergoing elective abdominal wall gap repair (mean length, 17.4 cm) with a
      tension-free technique after incisional hernia was conducted. The purpose of the
      study was to determine whether or not urinary pressure for indirect IAP
      measurement is a reliable method for the early identification of patients with a
      higher risk of developing ACS. IAP measurements were performed using a Foley
      catheter connected to a HOLTECH(r) medical manometer. IAP values were determined
      preoperatively, after anesthetic induction, upon patient awakening, upon patient
      arrival in the ward after surgery, and 24 h after surgery before removing the
      catheter. All patients were treated by the same surgical team using a prosthetic
      composite mesh (PARIETEX(r)). RESULTS: Incisional hernia repair caused an
      increase in the mean IAP score of 2.68 mmHg in 47 of 54 patients (87.04%); the
      IAP was decreased in two patients (3.7%) and remained equal in five patients
      before and 24 h after surgery (9.26%). FEV-1, measured 24 h after surgery,
      increased in 50 patients (92.6%), remained stable in two patients (3.7%), and
      decreased in two patients (3.7%). The mean increase in FEV-1 was 0.0676 L
      (maximum increase = 0.42 L and minimum increase = 0.01 L) in any patient who
      developed ACS. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of urinary bladder pressure has been
      shown to be easy to perform and free of complications. Measurement of urinary
      bladder pressure can also be a useful tool to identify patients with a higher
      risk of developing ACS.

PMID- 27142824
TI  - Large retroperitoneal abscess extended to the inferior right limb secondary to a
      perforated ileal Crohn's disease: the importance of the multidisciplinary
      approach.
AB  - The typical complications of Crohn's disease concerns small and large bowel. The
      full thickness inflammation of the intestinal wall develops in strictures,
      fistulas and abdominal abscesses. Nowadays the most accepted therapeutic for
      intra-abdominal abscess option is antibiotic therapy and, in case of need,
      percutaneous drainage of the abscess. If the abscess passes through the pelvic
      foramen the abscess can involve the inferior limbs. We report a case a
      perforation of terminal ileum in Crohn's disease complicated by a large abscess
      of the right iliac fossa reaching the spaces between the anterior lateral muscles
      of the right thigh as far as the anterior lateral pre-tibial region. We discuss
      the diagnostic and therapeutic options in a multidisciplinary context. 

PMID- 27142825
TI  - Delayed diagnosed intermuscular lipoma causing a posterior interosseous nerve
      palsy in a patient with cervical spondylosis: the "priceless" value of the
      clinical examination in the technological era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy may present with various
      symptoms, and may resemble cervical spondylosis. CASE REPORT: We report about a
      59-year-old patient with cervical spondylosis which delayed the diagnosis of
      posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy due to an intermuscular lipoma. Initial
      right hand paraesthesias and clumsiness, together with MR findings of right C5-C6
      and C6-C7 foraminal stenosis, misled the diagnostic investigation. The
      progressive loss of extension of all right hand fingers brought to detect a
      painless mass compressing the PIN. Electrophysiological studies confirmed a right
      radial motor neuropathy at the level of the forearm. RESULTS: Surgical tumor
      removal and nerve decompression resulted in a gradual motor deficits recovery.
      CONCLUSIONS: A thorough clinical examination is paramount, and electrophysiology
      may differentiate between cervical and peripheral nerve lesions. Ultrasonography
      and MR offer an effective evaluation of lipomas, which represent a rare cause of
      PIN palsy. Surgical decompression and lipoma removal generally determine
      excellent prognoses, with very few recurrences.

PMID- 27142826
TI  - Pioneering technique using Acellular Dermal Matrix in the rescue of a radiation
      ulcer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy as an adjuvant to mastectomy is integral to the
      treatment of breast cancer, but can result in skin ulceration. Skin ulceration
      following radiotherapy is traditionally managed by removing the implant and
      allowing the skin to heal by secondary intention. CASE REPORT: A 42-year-old
      woman underwent radiotherapy following a breast reconstruction. She developed a 2
      x 3cm radiation ulcer. The ulcer was managed by removing the implant and
      performing capsulectomy. A Beckers 50 expander was placed and reinforced with
      acellular dermal matrix inferolaterally. At follow-up the patient had a good
      cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSION: Post-radiation skin ulcers present a challenge to
      treat with no current standardised management. The use of acellular dermal matrix
      may present a new technique to promote healing in these testing cases.

PMID- 27142827
TI  - Involvement of miR-30c in hepatic stellate cell activation through the repression
      of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.
AB  - AIMS: This study aimed to determine the role of miR-30c in the process of hepatic
      stellate cells (HSCs) activation and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and to explore the
      underlying mechanism. MAIN METHODS: A microarray analysis of miRNAs in HSCs was
      performed, and quantitative RT-PCR analyses were conducted to validate the
      results in HSCs, cirrhotic liver tissues and plasma. Rat HSCs were stimulated
      with angiotensin II (AngII) and transfected with miR-30c mimics/inhibitor to
      elucidate the underlying mechanism. KEY FINDINGS: miR-30c was down-regulated
      during HSCs activation and in cirrhotic liver tissues and plasma. This miRNA was
      found to be involved in HSCs activation by repressing the expression of one of
      its target genes-plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and AngII stimulation
      decreased the expression of miR-30c. However, the up-regulation of miR-30c by
      specific mimics could down-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of alpha-SMA,
      a marker of HSCs activation, in AngII-stimulated HSCs and attenuate the AngII
      induced activation of HSCs. SIGNIFICANCE: miR-30c is involved in HSCs activation
      and might be a novel biomarker of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis.

PMID- 27142828
TI  - Abundance of LRP12 C-rs9694676 allelic promoter variant in epilepsy-associated
      gangliogliomas.
AB  - AIMS: Chronic epilepsy associated gangliogliomas (GGs) represent tumors composed
      of irregularly distributed, often dysmorphic, neurons and neoplastic astroglia.
      The pathogenesis of GGs is largely unknown. Low-density lipoprotein receptor
      related protein 12 (LRP12) is critical for brain development and involved in
      tumorigenesis of non-cerebral neoplasms. MAIN METHODS: Here, we have examined a
      potential role of LRP12 in the pathogenesis of GGs by a combination of mRNA
      quantification and molecular-biological in vitro assays. KEY FINDINGS: We
      observed a significant increase of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
      rs9694676 C-allele, located in the LRP12 promoter, in GGs compared to normal
      control individuals. C-allele expression is correlated with abundant seizure
      frequency. Expression of LRP12 was lower in GGs than in control brain. In
      luciferase assays, the C-allele of rs9694676 decreases both, the basal LRP12 core
      promoter activity and the stimulatory effect of the transcription factor (TF)
      STAT5a. SIGNIFICANCE: Accumulation of functional promoter-associated allelic
      variants with impact on the transcriptional regulation of LRP12 provides a new
      pathomechanism for GGs, i.e. highly differentiated epileptogenic brain tumors.

PMID- 27142829
TI  - Effect of normovolemic hematocrit changes on blood pressure and flow.
AB  - AIMS: In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), severe anemia is associated
      with increased cardiovascular risk. Although elevating hemoglobin (Hb) and
      hematocrit (Hct) levels with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) improves
      patients' quality of life, normalization of Hb does not reduce cardiovascular
      risk and the reason remains unclear. MAIN METHODS: We measured the effect of
      acute isovolumic changes in Hct from 37+/-5 to 50+/-2% (mean+/-SD) on arterial
      blood pressure (BP), cardiac output (CO), and carotid and renal blood flow (BF),
      (1) in control rats and (2) after acute blockade of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway
      by l-NAME. KEY FINDINGS: 1) In control conditions, BP, CO and carotid and renal
      BF remained stable for Hct values between 38+/-2 and 46+/-1%; 2) for higher Hct
      values, BP rose together with increasing blood viscosity whereas CO and renal BF
      decreased; 3) during acute NO blockade, CO, and carotid and renal BF were
      significantly reduced and remained low whereas BP increased with Hct thus
      increasing blood viscosity. Our results suggest (1) the ceiling level of
      endothelium-mediated vasodilation for high values of blood viscosity under
      control conditions, and (2) the need for efficient endothelial function for
      vasomotor adaptation of hemodynamic resistances to blood viscosity. SIGNIFICANCE:
      (1) Clinical benefits of ESA in CKD patients with severe endothelial dysfunction
      are primarily due to increased oxygen transport and supply and, (2) normalization
      of Hct values in these patients may prove deleterious because of significant
      increases in BP and reductions in BF associated with high blood viscosity.

PMID- 27142830
TI  - Activation of PKA and Epac proteins by cyclic AMP depletes intracellular calcium
      stores and reduces calcium availability for vasoconstriction.
AB  - AIMS: We investigated the implication of PKA and Epac proteins in the endothelium
      independent vasorelaxant effects of cyclic AMP (cAMP). MAIN METHODS: Cytosolic
      Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]c) was measured by fura-2 imaging in rat aortic
      smooth muscle cells (RASMC). Contraction-relaxation experiments were performed in
      rat aortic rings deprived of endothelium. KEY FINDINGS: In extracellular Ca(2+)
      free solution, cAMP-elevating agents induced an increase in [Ca(2+)]c in RASMC
      that was reproduced by PKA and Epac activation and reduced after depletion of
      intracellular Ca(2+) reservoirs. Arginine-vasopressin (AVP)-evoked increase of
      [Ca(2+)]c and store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) were inhibited by cAMP-elevating
      agents, PKA or Epac activation in these cells. In aortic rings, the contractions
      induced by phenylephrine in absence of extracellular Ca(2+) were inhibited by
      cAMP-elevating agents, PKA or Epac activation. In these conditions,
      reintroduction of Ca(2+) induced a contraction that was inhibited by cAMP
      elevating agents, an effect reduced by PKA inhibition and reproduced by PKA or
      Epac activators. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest that increased cAMP depletes
      intracellular, thapsigargin-sensitive Ca(2+) stores through activation of PKA and
      Epac in RASMC, thus reducing the amount of Ca(2+) released by IP3-generating
      agonists during the contraction of rat aorta. cAMP rise also inhibits the
      contraction induced by depletion of intracellular Ca(2+), an effect mediated by
      reduction of SOCE after PKA or Epac activation. Both effects participate in the
      cAMP-induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxation.

PMID- 27142831
TI  - Evaluation and physiological correlation of plasma proteomic fingerprints for
      deltamethrin-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.
AB  - AIMS: Uprising reports towards deltamethrin (DLM)-induced toxicity in non-target
      species including mammals have raised a worldwide concern. Moreover, in the
      absence of any identified marker, the prediction of DLM elicited early toxic
      manifestations in non-targets remains elusive. MAIN METHODS: Comprehensive
      approach of proteome profiling along with conventional toxico-physiological
      correlation analysis was performed to classify novel protein based markers in the
      plasma of DLM exposed Wistar rats. Animals were exposed orally to DLM (low dose:
      2.56mg/kg b.wt. and high dose: 5.12mg/kg b.wt.) up to seven consecutive days. KEY
      FINDINGS: The UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed a dose-dependent dissemination of DLM
      and its primary metabolite (3-Phenoxy benzoic acid) in rat plasma. Through 2-DE
      MS/MS plasma profiling and subsequent verification at the transcriptional level,
      we found that 6 liver emanated acute phase proteins (Apolipoprotein-AIV,
      Apolipoprotein E, Haptoglobin, Hemopexin, Vitamin D Binding protein, and
      Fibrinogen gamma chain) were significantly (p<0.05) modulated in DLM treated
      groups in a dose-dependent manner. Accordingly, DLM exposure resulted in adverse
      effects on body growth (body weight & relative organ weight), serum profile,
      liver function and histology, inflammatory changes (enhanced TNF-alpha, TGF-beta
      and IL6 level), and oxidative stress. Moreover, these toxic manifestations were
      suppressed upon N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) supplementation in DLM treated animals.
      Thus, DLM-induced inflammatory response and subsequent oxidative injury to liver
      grounds the altered expression of identified acute phase proteins. SIGNIFICANCE:
      In conclusion, we proposed these six liver emanated plasma proteins as novel
      candidate markers to assess the early DLM-induced hepatotoxicity in non-target
      species with a minimal invasive mean.

PMID- 27142832
TI  - Secondary prevention of osteoporosis following fragility fractures of the distal
      radius in a large health maintenance organization.
AB  - A retrospective study evaluated a large health maintenance organization for
      secondary prevention of osteoporosis following fragility fractures of the distal
      radius. Our population remained undiagnosed and untreated despite the ability of
      the system to provide adequate care. These patients specifically should be
      targeted for a comprehensive multidisciplinary effort at prevention. PURPOSE:
      Osteoporotic wrist fractures carry a high risk for subsequent fragility
      fractures. Despite therapeutic options and systems that can provide secondary
      prevention, patients are not always treated appropriately. Our purpose was to
      evaluate the treatment afforded following a distal radius fragility fracture in
      our health system. METHODS: A retrospective review of fractures following surgery
      was performed. Radiographs and mechanism of injury defined fragility fractures.
      Demographic data, other fractures, and secondary prevention measures were
      documented. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were evaluated. The average age was 64
      (10.2) years. The follow-up period following the index fracture was 25.2 months
      (SD = 4.6). Twenty-eight percent of patients had a second fragility fracture.
      Seven sustained a subsequent fracture within the follow-up period (8.5 %), and 16
      (19.5 %) fractured prior to the index fracture. Mean time from primary to index
      fracture was 50 (42) months. Forty-seven percent of patients with an additional
      fracture carried the chart diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia while 24.6 %
      of patients without an additional fracture carried this diagnosis (p = 0.049). No
      patients were referred for prevention or an endocrinologist at discharge. Twenty
      one percent of patients were treated for osteoporosis at any point. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients were unlikely to receive appropriate evaluation and treatment for
      secondary prevention of fragility fractures in our system. A system-based
      treatment plan for the prevention of osteoporosis should be implemented. Since
      distal radius fractures occur early in osteoporosis, these fractures should be
      targeted for secondary prevention.

PMID- 27142833
TI  - Targeting surface voids to counter membrane disorders in lipointoxication-related
      diseases.
AB  - Saturated fatty acids (SFA), which are abundant in the so-called western diet,
      have been shown to efficiently incorporate within membrane phospholipids and
      therefore impact on organelle integrity and function in many cell types. In the
      present study, we have developed a yeast-based two-step assay and a virtual
      screening strategy to identify new drugs able to counter SFA-mediated
      lipointoxication. The compounds identified here were effective in relieving
      lipointoxication in mammalian beta-cells, one of the main targets of SFA toxicity
      in humans. In vitro reconstitutions and molecular dynamics simulations on
      bilayers revealed that these molecules, albeit according to different mechanisms,
      can generate voids at the membrane surface. The resulting surface defects
      correlate with the recruitment of loose lipid packing or void-sensing proteins
      required for vesicular budding, a central cellular process that is precluded
      under SFA accumulation. Taken together, the results presented here point at
      modulation of surface voids as a central parameter to consider in order to
      counter the impacts of SFA on cell function.

PMID- 27142835
TI  - The use of qualitative methods to inform Delphi surveys in core outcome set
      development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Core outcome sets (COS) help to minimise bias in trials and
      facilitate evidence synthesis. Delphi surveys are increasingly being used as part
      of a wider process to reach consensus about what outcomes should be included in a
      COS. Qualitative research can be used to inform the development of Delphi
      surveys. This is an advance in the field of COS development and one which is
      potentially valuable; however, little guidance exists for COS developers on how
      best to use qualitative methods and what the challenges are. This paper aims to
      provide early guidance on the potential role and contribution of qualitative
      research in this area. We hope the ideas we present will be challenged, critiqued
      and built upon by others exploring the role of qualitative research in COS
      development. This paper draws upon the experiences of using qualitative methods
      in the pre-Delphi stage of the development of three different COS. Using these
      studies as examples, we identify some of the ways that qualitative research might
      contribute to COS development, the challenges in using such methods and areas
      where future research is required. RESULTS: Qualitative research can help to
      identify what outcomes are important to stakeholders; facilitate understanding of
      why some outcomes may be more important than others, determine the scope of
      outcomes; identify appropriate language for use in the Delphi survey and inform
      comparisons between stakeholder data and other sources, such as systematic
      reviews. Developers need to consider a number of methodological points when using
      qualitative research: specifically, which stakeholders to involve, how to sample
      participants, which data collection methods are most appropriate, how to consider
      outcomes with stakeholders and how to analyse these data. A number of areas for
      future research are identified. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative research has the
      potential to increase the research community's confidence in COS, although this
      will be dependent upon using rigorous and appropriate methodology. We have begun
      to identify some issues for COS developers to consider in using qualitative
      methods to inform the development of Delphi surveys in this article.

PMID- 27142836
TI  - iMap4: An open source toolbox for the statistical fixation mapping of eye
      movement data with linear mixed modeling.
AB  - A major challenge in modern eye movement research is to statistically map where
      observers are looking, by isolating the significant differences between groups
      and conditions. As compared to the signals from contemporary neuroscience
      measures, such as magneto/electroencephalography and functional magnetic
      resonance imaging, eye movement data are sparser, with much larger variations in
      space across trials and participants. As a result, the implementation of a
      conventional linear modeling approach on two-dimensional fixation distributions
      often returns unstable estimations and underpowered results, leaving this
      statistical problem unresolved (Liversedge, Gilchrist, & Everling, 2011). Here,
      we present a new version of the iMap toolbox (Caldara & Miellet, 2011) that
      tackles this issue by implementing a statistical framework comparable to those
      developed in state-of-the-art neuroimaging data-processing toolboxes. iMap4 uses
      univariate, pixel-wise linear mixed models on smoothed fixation data, with the
      flexibility of coding for multiple between- and within-subjects comparisons and
      performing all possible linear contrasts for the fixed effects (main effects,
      interactions, etc.). Importantly, we also introduced novel nonparametric tests
      based on resampling, to assess statistical significance. Finally, we validated
      this approach by using both experimental and Monte Carlo simulation data. iMap4
      is a freely available MATLAB open source toolbox for the statistical fixation
      mapping of eye movement data, with a user-friendly interface providing
      straightforward, easy-to-interpret statistical graphical outputs. iMap4 matches
      the standards of robust statistical neuroimaging methods and represents an
      important step in the data-driven processing of eye movement fixation data, an
      important field of vision sciences.

PMID- 27142834
TI  - The O-glycosylated ectodomain of FXYD5 impairs adhesion by disrupting cell-cell
      trans-dimerization of Na,K-ATPase beta1 subunits.
AB  - FXYD5 (also known as dysadherin), a regulatory subunit of the Na,K-ATPase,
      impairs intercellular adhesion by a poorly understood mechanism. Here, we
      determined whether FXYD5 disrupts the trans-dimerization of Na,K-ATPase molecules
      located in neighboring cells. Mutagenesis of the Na,K-ATPase beta1 subunit
      identified four conserved residues, including Y199, that are crucial for the
      intercellular Na,K-ATPase trans-dimerization and adhesion. Modulation of
      expression of FXYD5 or of the beta1 subunit with intact or mutated beta1-beta1
      binding sites demonstrated that the anti-adhesive effect of FXYD5 depends on the
      presence of Y199 in the beta1 subunit. Immunodetection of the plasma membrane
      FXYD5 was prevented by the presence of O-glycans. Partial FXYD5 deglycosylation
      enabled antibody binding and showed that the protein level and the degree of O
      glycosylation were greater in cancer than in normal cells. FXYD5-induced
      impairment of adhesion was abolished by both genetic and pharmacological
      inhibition of FXYD5 O-glycosylation. Therefore, the extracellular O-glycosylated
      domain of FXYD5 impairs adhesion by interfering with intercellular beta1-beta1
      interactions, suggesting that the ratio between FXYD5 and alpha1-beta1
      heterodimer determines whether the Na,K-ATPase acts as a positive or negative
      regulator of intercellular adhesion.

PMID- 27142837
TI  - Divergent phenotypes in siblings with identical novel mutations in the HNF-1alpha
      gene leading to maturity onset diabetes of the young type 3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is an autosomal dominant
      form of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus caused by mutations in at least
      13 different genes. The hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1alpha gene is affected
      in the most common form (HNF1A-MODY [MODY3]). CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the
      co-inheritance of a novel heterozygous missense mutation c.1761C > G
      (p.Pro588Ala) with a novel complex deletion insertion mutation
      (c.1765_1766delinsGCCCGfs86*) in the HNF-1alpha gene among affected members of
      one family. Both mutations were present in the affected patients and neither was
      present in unaffected family members. The family had not only inheritance of MODY
      but also increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. Therefore one family member
      had classical type 2 diabetes including metabolic syndrome aggravated by a
      genetic predisposition in the form of HNF1A-MODY. CONCLUSION: The presence of
      common type 2 diabetes features should not detract from the possibility of MODY
      in patients with a striking autosomal-dominant family history.

PMID- 27142838
TI  - The AADPRT Position on Resident Duty Hours in the Learning and Working
      Environment.

PMID- 27142839
TI  - Assessing Career Outcomes of a Resident Academic Administrator, Clinician
      Educator Track: A Seven-Year Follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study reports the academic outcomes, including scholarly
      productivity, of the graduates of one residency training track for future
      clinician educators and academic administrators. Since its implementation in
      2008, the Academic Administrator, Clinician Educator (AACE) track at Western
      Psychiatric Institute and Clinic - UPMC has grown in popularity with reports of
      participants achieving post-graduate academic success; however, there has been no
      prior assessment of outcomes. METHODS: In 2015 all graduates of the track were
      surveyed using an anonymous, web-based survey. Twenty-nine total graduates were
      surveyed RESULTS: Twenty-four graduates responded to the survey (83% response
      rate). The graduates are very active in academic psychiatry with 23 (96%) holding
      an academic appointment with different administrative roles, medical director
      (50%) and training director (17%) being the most frequent. Participants have also
      been active in pursuing scholarship with 80% presenting their scholarly projects
      at local and national conferences and producing post-graduate, peer-reviewed
      articles (50%). CONCLUSION: This study underscores the benefits of a clinician
      educator track and suggests areas for future growth.

PMID- 27142840
TI  - Imbalanced expression of dysfunctional regulatory T cells and T-helper cells
      relates to immunopathogenesis in polyarteritis nodosa.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the characteristics of circulating T-helper (Th)
      cells and CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). METHODS:
      Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 14 patients with PAN. Nine patients
      having granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and 11 healthy individuals (HC)
      were enrolled as controls. Th cells and Tregs were analyzed by flow cytometry.
      Suppression assay of Tregs was simultaneously performed by evaluating the
      proliferation of conventional CD4+ T cells cocultured with Tregs. RESULTS: The
      frequencies of Th cells were significantly higher in PAN than in HC. In
      comparison with GPA, the expression of Th1 cells was higher but that of Th17
      cells was lower. Additionally, significant increase in Tregs was observed in PAN,
      which was correlated with the expression of Th1 cells; however, defects in
      suppressive ability and CTLA-4 expression were observed. The Th1-cell frequency
      was significantly decreased after immunosuppressive therapy in PAN; however,
      there were no improvements in other phenotypes or in Treg function. CONCLUSION: T
      helper cell expansion and Treg dysfunction are thought to be associated with the
      pathogenesis of PAN. Th1 cells show a response to immunosuppressive therapy;
      however, the persistent immune abnormalities may interfere with complete recovery
      in patients with PAN.

PMID- 27142841
TI  - Different intensities of glycaemic control for pregnant women with pre-existing
      diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal glycaemic control target in pregnant women with pre
      existing diabetes is unclear, although there is a clear link between high glucose
      concentrations and adverse birth outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of
      different intensities of glycaemic control in pregnant women with pre-existing
      type 1 or type 2 diabetes. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and
      Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 January 2016) and planned to search
      reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised
      controlled trials comparing different glycaemic control targets in pregnant women
      with pre-existing diabetes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors
      independently assessed trials for inclusion, conducted data extraction, assessed
      risk of bias and checked for accuracy. We assessed the quality of the evidence
      using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We included three trials, all in women
      with type 1 diabetes (223 women and babies). All three trials were at high risk
      of bias due to lack of blinding, unclear methods of randomisation and selective
      reporting of outcomes. Two trials compared very tight (3.33 to 5.0 mmol/L fasting
      blood glucose (FBG)) with tight-moderate (4.45 to 6.38 mmol/L) glycaemic control
      targets, with one trial of 22 babies reporting no perinatal deaths orserious
      perinatal morbidity (evidence graded low for both outcomes). In the same trial,
      there were two congenital anomalies in the very tight, and none in the tight
      moderate group, with no significant differences in caesarean section between
      groups (risk ratio (RR) 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49 to 1.73; evidence
      graded very low). In these two trials, glycaemic control was not significantly
      different between the very tight and tight-moderate groups by the third
      trimester, although one trial of 22 women found significantly less maternal
      hypoglycaemia in the tight-moderate group.In a trial of 60 women and babies
      comparing tight (<= 5.6 mmol/L FBG); moderate (5.6 to 6.7 mmol/L); and loose (6.7
      to 8.9 mmol/L) glycaemic control targets, there were two neonatal deaths in the
      loose and none in the tight or moderate groups (evidence graded very low). There
      were significantly fewer women with pre-eclampsia (evidence graded low), fewer
      caesarean sections (evidence graded low) and fewer babies with birthweights
      greater than 90th centile (evidence graded low) in the combined tight-moderate
      compared with the loose group.The quality of the evidence was graded low or very
      low for important outcomes, because of design limitations to the studies, the
      small numbers of women included, and wide confidence intervals crossing the line
      of no effect. Many of the important outcomes were not reported in these studies.
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In a very limited body of evidence, few differences in
      outcomes were seen between very tight and tight-moderate glycaemic control
      targets in pregnant women with pre-existing type 1 diabetes, including actual
      glycaemic control achieved. There is evidence of harm (increased pre-eclampsia,
      caesareans and birthweights greater than 90th centile) for 'loose' control (FBG
      above 7 mmol/L). Future trials comparing interventions, rather than glycaemic
      control targets, may be more feasible. Trials in pregnant women with pre-existing
      type 2 diabetes are required.

PMID- 27142842
TI  - Oral dextrose gel for the treatment of hypoglycaemia in newborn infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal hypoglycaemia, a common condition, can be associated with
      brain injury. It is frequently managed by providing infants with an alternative
      source of glucose, given enterally with formula or intravenously with dextrose
      solution. This often requires that mother and baby are cared for in separate
      environments and may inhibit breast feeding. Dextrose gel is simple and
      inexpensive and can be administered directly to the buccal mucosa for rapid
      correction of hypoglycaemia, in association with continued breast feeding and
      maternal care. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of dextrose gel in
      correcting hypoglycaemia and in reducing long-term neurodevelopmental impairment.
      SEARCH METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of
      Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health
      Literature (CINAHL) and Web of Science from inception of the database to February
      2016. We also searched international clinical trials networks and handsearched
      proceedings of specific scientific meetings. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and
      quasi-randomised studies comparing dextrose gel versus placebo, no treatment or
      other therapies for treatment of neonatal hypoglycaemia. DATA COLLECTION AND
      ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted
      data and did not assess publications for which they themselves were study
      authors. MAIN RESULTS: We included two trials involving 312 infants. No data were
      available for correction of hypoglycaemia for each hypoglycaemic event. We found
      no evidence of a difference between dextrose gel and placebo gel for major
      neurosensory disability at two-year follow-up (risk ratio (RR) 6.27, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 51.03; one trial, n = 184; quality of evidence
      very low). Dextrose gel compared with placebo gel or no gel did not alter the
      need for intravenous treatment for hypoglycaemia (typical RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.46 to
      1.32; two trials, 312 infants; quality of evidence very low). Infants treated
      with dextrose gel were less likely to be separated from their mothers for
      treatment of hypoglycaemia (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.93; one trial, 237 infants;
      quality of evidence moderate) and were more likely to be exclusively breast fed
      after discharge (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.18; one trial, 237 infants; quality of
      evidence moderate). Estimated rise in blood glucose concentration following
      dextrose gel was 0.4 mmol/L (95% CI -0.14 to 0.94; one trial, 75 infants).
      Investigators in one trial reported no adverse outcomes (n = 237 infants).
      AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of infants with neonatal hypoglycaemia with 40%
      dextrose gel reduces the incidence of mother-infant separation for treatment and
      increases the likelihood of full breast feeding after discharge compared with
      placebo gel. No evidence suggests occurrence of adverse effects during the
      neonatal period or at two years' corrected age. Oral dextrose gel should be
      considered first-line treatment for infants with neonatal hypoglycaemia.

PMID- 27142843
TI  - Dimethyl fumarate attenuates experimental autoimmune neuritis through the nuclear
      factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2/hemoxygenase-1 pathway by altering
      the balance of M1/M2 macrophages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute, post-infectious, immune
      mediated, demyelinating disease of peripheral nerves and nerve roots. Dimethyl
      fumarate (DMF), a fumaric acid ester, exhibits various biological activities,
      including multiple immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. However, the
      potential mechanism underlying the effect of DMF in GBS animal model experimental
      autoimmune neuritis (EAN) is unclear. METHODS: Using EAN, an established GBS
      model, we investigated the effect of DMF by assessing clinical score,
      histological staining and electrophysiological studies. Then, we further explored
      the potential mechanism by Western blot analysis, flow cytometry, fluorescence
      immunohistochemistry, PCR, and ELISA analysis. The Mann-Whitney U test was used
      to compare differences between control group and treatment groups where
      appropriate. RESULTS: DMF treatment reduced the neurological deficits by
      ameliorating inflammatory cell infiltration and demyelination of sciatic nerves.
      In addition, DMF treatment decreased the level of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages
      while increasing the number of anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages in the spleens
      and sciatic nerves of EAN rats. In RAW 264.7, a shift in macrophage polarization
      from M1 to M2 phenotype was demonstrated to be depended on DMF application. In
      sciatic nerves, DMF treatment elevated the level of the antioxidant transcription
      factor nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its target
      gene hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) which could facilitate macrophage polarization toward
      M2 type. Moreover, DMF improved the inflammatory milieu in spleens of EAN rats,
      characterized by downregulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha,
      IL-6, and IL-17 and upregulation of mRNA level of IL-4 and IL-10. CONCLUSIONS:
      Taken together, our data demonstrate that DMF can effectively suppress EAN, and
      the mechanism involves altering the balance of M1/M2 macrophages and attenuating
      inflammation.

PMID- 27142844
TI  - An empirical study of mHealth adoption in a developing country: the moderating
      effect of gender concern.
AB  - BACKGROUND: mHealth has become a valuable tool for providing health care services
      in developing countries. Despite the potential benefits of mHealth, its adoption
      remains a very challenge in developing countries like Bangladesh. The aim of this
      study is to investigate the factors that affect the adoption of mHealth services
      in Bangladesh using Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). METHODS: Data
      were collected from over 250 respondents in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The data were
      analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method, a statistical analysis
      technique based on the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). RESULTS: The study
      found that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and subjective norm (p <
      0.05) had significant positive impact on the intention to adopt mHealth services.
      Surprisingly, the effects of personal innovativeness in IT (p > 0.05) on mHealth
      adoption were insignificant. This study also revealed that gender was strongly
      associated with the adoption and use of mHealth in developing countries.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study can be used by government, policy makers,
      and mobile phone Company to maximize the acceptance of mHealth services in
      Bangladesh. The paper concludes with a discussion of research results and draws
      several implications for future research.

PMID- 27142845
TI  - Treatment Options for Anterior Teeth with Questionable Prognosis: Critical
      Factors in Determining Whether to Maintain or Extract.
AB  - Implants nowadays have conquered the majority of prosthetic restorations in the
      everyday clinical practice. As a result there has been a tendency among many
      clinicians to believe that implant therapy is the best solution in every clinical
      case, even if extraction of natural tooth with questionable prognosis is
      necessary. The value of natural teeth has been recently reconsidered. An implant
      not placed under ideal circumstances, may lead to a compromised result especially
      in the anterior maxillary region. Conversely natural teeth, even in a compromised
      clinical condition, maintain proprioception and can be adapted to the stresses of
      functional loading. The most demanding task in daily clinical practice is the
      treatment plan. The role of the clinician is more complicated for the anterior
      teeth where the patient's expectations and the esthetic criteria complicate the
      objective way of thinking. Therefore, a frequent dilemma in dental practice is
      whether to maintain an anterior tooth with a questionable prognosis or to extract
      it and replace it with an implant. The aim of this article is to approach the
      dilemma of extraction or maintenance of anterior teeth with a questionable
      prognosis through a series of clinical cases focusing on the factors that should
      be taken under consideration. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dental implants offer
      increased possibilities in the restoration of the anterior maxillary teeth. In
      specific clinical cases however a satisfying clinical result can be achieved by
      maintaining the existing natural teeth even if they have a questionable prognosis
      and a more complicated treatment plan may be needed. (J Esthet Restor Dent,
      2016).

PMID- 27142846
TI  - Efficacy and safety of pharmacological agents in the treatment of erythema
      migrans in early Lyme borreliosis-systematic review protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Erythema migrans represents an early cutaneous and most common
      manifestation of Lyme borreliosis. Recommendations regarding pharmacological
      agents, dose and duration of treatment are subject of intense debate. This review
      aims to explore differences in efficacy and safety between pharmacological
      treatments and control treatment. METHODS: To identify relevant studies, we will
      conduct a systematic literature search. We will include randomised controlled
      trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs. Eligible comparative studies need to (1) consider
      patients with a diagnosis of erythema migrans resulting from Lyme borreliosis and
      (2) compare different pharmacological agents against each other, against any
      other non-pharmacological treatment, placebo or no treatment. Two review authors
      will independently assess included studies for risk of bias according to the
      methods of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and
      related to specific study designs. We will address patient-relevant outcomes
      including clinical remission of cutaneous symptoms, any treatment-related adverse
      events, quality of life and progressive symptoms such as neuroborreliosis or Lyme
      carditis and flu-like symptoms. Provided that the identified trials are
      comparable in terms of clinical issues, combined estimates will be provided.
      Estimations of treatment effects will be calculated based on a random effects
      model. Heterogeneity will be evaluated based on I (2) and chi-square test. In
      case of significant heterogeneity, a pooled estimate will not be provided, but
      heterogeneity will be investigated on the basis of methodological and clinical
      study aspects. We plan subgroup analysis to reveal potential differences in the
      effect estimates between patient populations and treatment specifications. We
      will consider risk of bias using sensitivity analyses to decide whether to rely
      on the pooled estimates. The quality of a body of evidence for individual
      outcomes will be assessed using the GRADE approach. DISCUSSION: Benefits and
      harms of pharmacological treatment in erythema migrans have not yet been
      adequately assessed. This systematic review will evaluate and summarise available
      evidence addressing benefits and harms of different pharmacological treatments.
      In addition, this summary of clinical evidence will inform decision-making
      between clinicians and patients and will play an important part in patient care.
      SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:  PROSPERO: CRD42016037932.

PMID- 27142847
TI  - Molecular and genetic characterization of barley mutants and genetic mapping of
      mutant rpr2 required for Rpg1-mediated resistance against stem rust.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: This study describes the generation, screening, genetic and
      molecular characterization, and high-resolution mapping of barley mutants
      susceptible to stem rust ( Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici ) races MCCF and
      HKHJ. A single gene, Rpg1, has protected barley cultivars against many races of
      stem rust pathogen (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) for the last 70 years in
      the United States and Canada. To identify signaling components of protein product
      RPG1, we employed a mutagenesis approach. Using this approach, six mutants
      exhibiting susceptibility to Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici races MCCF and HKHJ
      were identified in the gamma irradiated M2 population of resistant cultivar
      Morex, which carries Rpg1 on chromosome 7H. The mutants retained a functional
      Rpg1 gene and an apparently functional protein, suggesting that the mutated genes
      were required for downstream or upstream signaling. Selected mutants were non
      allelic, hence each mutant represents a unique gene. Low and high-resolution
      genetic mapping of the rpr2 mutant identified chromosome 6H (bin 6) as the
      location of the mutated gene. The target region was reduced to 0.6 cM and gene
      content analyzed. Based on the published barley genomic sequence, the target
      region contains approximately 157 genes, including a set that encodes putative
      leucine-rich receptor-like protein kinases, which may be strong candidates for
      the gene of interest. Overall, this study presents a strong platform for future
      map-based cloning of genes identified in this mutant screen.

PMID- 27142849
TI  - Weight Loss: A Patient and Physician's Perspective.
AB  - This article, co-authored by a patient affected by obesity and an obesity
      medicine specialist, discusses the patient's experience of living with the
      disease and using many different weight loss approaches until finding a lifestyle
      program that was appropriate for her metabolism. The physician discusses the
      scientific basis of insulin resistance, and why the chosen lifestyle program
      worked so well for this individual.

PMID- 27142848
TI  - Clinical and Biological Principles of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Application in Skin
      Cancer.
AB  - Plasma-based electrosurgical devices have long been employed for tissue
      coagulation, cutting, desiccation, and cauterizing. Despite their clinical
      benefits, these technologies involve tissue heating and their effects are
      primarily heat-mediated. Recently, there have been significant developments in
      cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) science and engineering. New sources of
      CAP with well-controlled temperatures below 40  degrees C have been designed,
      permitting safe plasma application on animal and human bodies. In the last
      decade, a new innovative field, often referred to as plasma medicine, which
      combines plasma physics, life science, and clinical medicine has emerged. This
      field aims to exploit effects of mild plasma by controlling the interactions
      between plasma components (and other secondary species that can be formed from
      these components) with specific structural elements and functionalities of living
      cells. Recent studies showed that CAP can exert beneficial effects when applied
      selectively in certain pathologies with minimal toxicity to normal tissues. The
      rapid increase in new investigations and development of various devices for CAP
      application suggest early adoption of cold plasma as a new tool in the biomedical
      field. This review explores the latest major achievements in the field, focusing
      on the biological effects, mechanisms of action, and clinical evidence of CAP
      applications in areas such as skin disinfection, tissue regeneration, chronic
      wounds, and cancer treatment. This information may serve as a foundation for the
      design of future clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of CAP as an
      adjuvant therapy for skin cancer.

PMID- 27142850
TI  - Retrospective Evaluation of a Fixed-Dose Combination of Oxycodone and
      Acetaminophen to Manage Moderate Pain: The Lower the Better.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Oxycodone is one of the most commonly used opioid analgesics in the
      clinical management of pain. The present retrospective analysis aimed to
      determine the dose of oxycodone that could achieve effective control of moderate
      pain when combined with a fixed dose of acetaminophen, and the time required to
      reach a clinically relevant reduction in intensity of pain. METHODS: Data of
      patients treated with a combination of oxycodone (5, 10, and 20 mg) and
      acetaminophen (325 mg) were evaluated for gender, current disease condition,
      basal pain intensity, total daily dose, days of controlled pain at the initial
      low dose, and pain intensity after treatment using a numeric pain rating scale.
      RESULTS: Data from a total of 491 patients were assessed; of these 93.5% of
      patients experienced persistent non-cancer pain and had an average baseline pain
      score of 5.68 +/- 1.35. For the overall population, the pain score was reduced to
      2.49 +/- 1.71 with a mean dose of 8.68 +/- 4.96 mg oxycodone after 21.60 +/- 6.12
      days of treatment with the combination. Almost 97% of the patients who reported
      relief of pain received 1.61 +/- 0.67 doses of oxycodone 5 mg combined with 325
      mg of acetaminophen. CONCLUSION: A low-dose combination of oxycodone with
      acetaminophen can be effective in the management of moderate pain and may help in
      reducing the treatment-associated adverse reactions and drug dependence. FUNDING:
      Sponsorship for article processing charges was provided by Molteni Farmaceutici,
      Florence, Italy.

PMID- 27142851
TI  - Association between self-reports of being high and perceptions about the safety
      of drugged and drunk driving.
AB  - This study examines the relationship between self-reports of being high on
      marijuana and perceptions about driving high or drunk. Data were collected in
      2014 from an online convenience sample of adult, past 30-day marijuana and
      hashish users in Colorado and Washington (n = 865). Respondents were asked, "Were
      you high or feeling the effects of marijuana or hashish when you took this
      survey?" Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between being
      high and beliefs about driving high, controlling for demographics and marijuana
      use. Respondents who reported being high at the time of survey administration had
      higher odds of agreeing with the statements, "I can safely drive under the
      influence of marijuana" (OR = 3.13, P < 0.001) and "I can safely drive under the
      influence of alcohol" (OR = 3.71, P < 0.001) compared with respondents who did
      not report being high. Respondents who were high also had higher odds of being
      open to driving high under certain circumstances. Being high may influence
      perceptions about the safety of drugged and drunk driving. The effectiveness of
      public health messages to prevent drugged and drunk driving may depend in part on
      how persuasive they are among individuals who are high.

PMID- 27142853
TI  - Double locking plate fixation for femoral shaft nonunion.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nonunions after operative fixation of the femur, although
      infrequent, remain a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The aim of this study was
      to assess the effectiveness of double locking plate fixation in the treatment for
      femoral shaft nonunions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2009 to 2013, 21 patients
      with femoral nonunions (mean age 46.9 years, range 25-81) were treated and
      evaluated utilizing double locking plate fixation. Patients were followed for at
      least 6 months postoperatively or until they achieved complete union to
      investigate bone healing and functional outcomes in femoral shaft nonunions
      treated with double locking plate and autogenous cancellous bone graft. RESULTS:
      The main outcomes evaluated were the presence of bony union, time to achieve
      union, and SF-36 score. All 21 femoral nonunions healed (100 % union rate). The
      average time to bony union was 5.3 months (range, 4-7). The mean follow-up
      duration time was 24.8 months (range, 6-60). Average scores of the physical
      function and bodily pain components of the SF-36 were 96 (range, 90-99) and 94.2
      (range, 92-99), respectively. No significant complications were noted
      postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Because of the high union rates and lack of
      significant complications in our series, double locking plate fixation can serve
      as an effective method of addressing femoral shaft nonunions. No significant
      complications were found postoperatively.

PMID- 27142854
TI  - Is ileal pouch-anal anastomosis after Whipple procedure doable?

PMID- 27142855
TI  - Loop drainage after debridement (LDAD): minimally invasive treatment for
      pilonidal cyst.

PMID- 27142852
TI  - Nucleolus-derived mediators in oncogenic stress response and activation of p53
      dependent pathways.
AB  - Rapid growth and division of cells, including tumor ones, is correlated with
      intensive protein biosynthesis. The output of nucleoli, organelles where
      translational machineries are formed, depends on a rate of particular stages of
      ribosome production and on accessibility of elements crucial for their effective
      functioning, including substrates, enzymes as well as energy resources. Different
      factors that induce cellular stress also often lead to nucleolar dysfunction
      which results in ribosome biogenesis impairment. Such nucleolar disorders, called
      nucleolar or ribosomal stress, usually affect cellular functioning which in fact
      is a result of p53-dependent pathway activation, elicited as a response to
      stress. These pathways direct cells to new destinations such as cell cycle
      arrest, damage repair, differentiation, autophagy, programmed cell death or
      aging. In the case of impaired nucleolar functioning, nucleolar and ribosomal
      proteins mediate activation of the p53 pathways. They are also triggered as a
      response to oncogenic factor overexpression to protect tissues and organs against
      extensive proliferation of abnormal cells. Intentional impairment of any step of
      ribosome biosynthesis which would direct the cells to these destinations could be
      a strategy used in anticancer therapy. This review presents current knowledge on
      a nucleolus, mainly in relation to cancer biology, which is an important and
      extremely sensitive element of the mechanism participating in cellular stress
      reaction mediating activation of the p53 pathways in order to counteract stress
      effects, especially cancer development. 

PMID- 27142856
TI  - Alpha-Galactosidase A p.A143T, a non-Fabry disease-causing variant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked multisystemic disorder with a
      heterogeneous phenotype. Especially atypical or late-onset type 2 phenotypes
      present a therapeutical dilemma. METHODS: To determine the clinical impact of the
      alpha-Galactosidase A (GLA) p.A143T/ c.427G > A variation, we retrospectively
      analyzed 25 p.A143T patients in comparison to 58 FD patients with other missense
      mutations. RESULTS: p.A143T patients suffering from stroke/ transient ischemic
      attacks had slightly decreased residual GLA activities, and/or increased lyso-Gb3
      levels, suspecting FD. However, most male p.A143T patients presented with
      significant residual GLA activity (~50 % of reference), which was associated with
      normal lyso-Gb3 levels. Additionally, p.A143T patients showed less severe FD
      typical symptoms and absent FD-typical renal and cardiac involvement in
      comparison to FD patients with other missense mutations. Two tested female
      p.A143T patients with stroke/TIA did not show skewed X chromosome inactivation.
      No accumulation of neurologic events in family members of p.A143T patients with
      stroke/transient ischemic attacks was observed. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that GLA
      p.A143T seems to be most likely a neutral variant or a possible modifier instead
      of a disease-causing mutation. Therefore, we suggest that p.A143T patients with
      stroke/transient ischemic attacks of unknown etiology should be further
      evaluated, since the diagnosis of FD is not probable and subsequent ERT or
      chaperone treatment should not be an unreflected option.

PMID- 27142857
TI  - Socioeconomic disadvantage and its implications for population health planning of
      obesity and overweight, using cross-sectional data from general practices from a
      regional catchment in Australia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify smaller geographic and region-specific evidence to inform
      population health planning for overweight and obesity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      secondary analysis of data. SETTING: Primary healthcare-17 general practices
      located in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region of New South Wales (NSW).
      PARTICIPANTS: A subset (n=36 674) of the Sentinel Practices Data Sourcing project
      adult persons data set (n=118 794) that included information on disease status of
      all adult patients who had height and weight measurements recorded in their
      electronic health records and had visited the included general practices within
      the Illawarra-Shoalhaven region of NSW between September 2011 and September 2013.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age-adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of overweight and obesity
      was determined for high and low levels of socioeconomic disadvantage based on
      Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA)-Index of Relative Socio-Economic
      Disadvantage (IRSD) scores of patients' residential statistical local area.
      RESULTS: In men, overweight was lowest in areas of highest socioeconomic
      disadvantage (aOR=0.910; 95% CI 0.830 to 0.998; p<0.001); but no statistically
      significant association with socioeconomic score was found for women. Overall
      obesity was associated with high socioeconomic disadvantage (aOR=1.292; 95% CI
      1.210 to 1.379; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This type of data analysis reveals
      multiple layers of evidence that should be assessed for population health
      approaches to curb the epidemic of obesity and overweight. It strongly highlights
      the need for preventive health initiatives to be specific to gender and
      socioeconomic attributes of the target population.

PMID- 27142858
TI  - Leprosy in England and Wales 1953-2012: surveillance and challenges in low
      incidence countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review all notified cases of leprosy in England and Wales between
      1953 and 2012. DESIGN: National surveillance study of all reported cases.
      SETTING: England and Wales. OUTCOME: Number and characteristics of reported
      cases. RESULTS: During this period, a total of 1449 leprosy cases were notified.
      The incidence fell from 356 new cases notified between 1953 and 1962 to 139 new
      cases between 2003 and 2012. Where data were available, leprosy was more common
      in men, 15-45 year olds and those from the Indian subcontinent. There was
      considerable undernotification in 2001-2012. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of under
      reporting indicates a need for improved surveillance in the UK. Public Health
      England, in collaboration with the UK Panel of Leprosy opinion, has revised the
      UK Memorandum on Leprosy in order to provide updated guidance on diagnostic
      procedures, treatment, case management, contact tracing and notification.

PMID- 27142859
TI  - Modified international e-Delphi survey to define healthcare professional
      competencies for working with teenagers and young adults with cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide international consensus on the competencies required by
      healthcare professionals in order to provide specialist care for teenagers and
      young adults (TYA) with cancer. DESIGN: Modified e-Delphi survey. SETTING:
      International, multicentre study. PARTICIPANTS: Experts were defined as
      professionals having worked in TYA cancer care for more than 12 months. They were
      identified through publications and professional organisations. METHODS: Round 1,
      developed from a previous qualitative study, included 87 closed-ended questions
      with responses on a nine-point Likert scale and further open-ended responses to
      identify other skills, knowledge and attitudes. Round 2 contained only items with
      no consensus in round 1 and suggestions of additional items of competency.
      Consensus was defined as a median score ranging from 7 to 9 and strength of
      agreement using mean absolute deviation of the median. RESULTS: A total of 179
      registered to be members of the expert panel; valid responses were available from
      158 (88%) in round 1 and 136/158 (86%) in round 2. The majority of participants
      were nurses (35%) or doctors (39%) from Europe (55%) or North America (35%). All
      87 items in round 1 reached consensus with an additional 15 items identified for
      round 2, which also reached consensus. The strength of agreement was mostly high
      for statements. The areas of competence rated most important were agreed to be:
      'Identify the impact of disease on young people's life' (skill), 'Know about side
      effects of treatment and how this might be different to those experienced by
      children or older adults' (knowledge), 'Honesty' (attitude) and 'Listen to young
      people's concerns' (aspect of communication). CONCLUSIONS: Given the high degree
      of consensus, this list of competencies should influence education curriculum,
      professional development and inform workforce planning. Variation in strength of
      agreement for some competencies between professional groups should be explored
      further in pursuit of effective multidisciplinary team working.

PMID- 27142860
TI  - A balancing act: a phenomenological exploration of medical students' experiences
      of using mobile devices in the clinical setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to describe the experiences of senior
      students using mobile devices in a clinical setting while learning and
      interacting with clinical teachers, patients and each other, and to identify
      challenges that facilitated or impeded the use of such devices in the hospital.
      DESIGN: Interpretative phenomenology was chosen to guide our enquiry. Semi
      structured interviews were conducted to examine the experiences of five senior
      medical students using mobile devices in the clinical setting. SETTING AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Senior medical students at an international medical school in the
      Middle East. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: learning;
      professional identity and transitioning from student to doctor. The findings
      showed that using mobile devices in the clinical area as a learning tool was not
      a formalised process. Rather, it was opportunistic learning at the bedside and on
      occasion a source of distraction from clinical teaching. Students needed to
      negotiate relationships between themselves, the clinical teacher and patients in
      order to ensure that they maintained an acceptable professional image.
      Participants experienced and negotiated the change from student to doctor making
      them mindful of using their devices at the bedside. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile devices
      are part of daily life for a medical student and there is a need to adapt medical
      education in the clinical setting, to allow the students to use their devices in
      a sensitive manner.

PMID- 27142861
TI  - Improved Drain Current Saturation and Voltage Gain in Graphene-on-Silicon Field
      Effect Transistors.
AB  - Graphene devices for radio frequency (RF) applications are of great interest due
      to their excellent carrier mobility and saturation velocity. However, the
      insufficient current saturation in graphene field effect transistors (FETs) is a
      barrier preventing enhancements of the maximum oscillation frequency and voltage
      gain, both of which should be improved for RF transistors. Achieving a high
      output resistance is therefore a crucial step for graphene to be utilized in RF
      applications. In the present study, we report high output resistances and voltage
      gains in graphene-on-silicon (GoS) FETs. This is achieved by utilizing bare
      silicon as a supporting substrate without an insulating layer under the graphene.
      The GoSFETs exhibit a maximum output resistance of 2.5 MOmega?MUm, maximum
      intrinsic voltage gain of 28 dB, and maximum voltage gain of 9 dB. This method
      opens a new route to overcome the limitations of conventional graphene-on
      insulator (GoI) FETs and subsequently brings graphene electronics closer to
      practical usage.

PMID- 27142862
TI  - Hierarchical classification strategy for Phenotype extraction from epidermal
      growth factor receptor endocytosis screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endocytosis is regarded as a mechanism of attenuating the epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and of receptor degradation. There is
      increasing evidence becoming available showing that breast cancer progression is
      associated with a defect in EGFR endocytosis. In order to find related
      Ribonucleic acid (RNA) regulators in this process, high-throughput imaging with
      fluorescent markers is used to visualize the complex EGFR endocytosis process.
      Subsequently a dedicated automatic image and data analysis system is developed
      and applied to extract the phenotype measurement and distinguish different
      developmental episodes from a huge amount of images acquired through high
      throughput imaging. For the image analysis, a phenotype measurement quantifies
      the important image information into distinct features or measurements.
      Therefore, the manner in which prominent measurements are chosen to represent the
      dynamics of the EGFR process becomes a crucial step for the identification of the
      phenotype. In the subsequent data analysis, classification is used to categorize
      each observation by making use of all prominent measurements obtained from image
      analysis. Therefore, a better construction for a classification strategy will
      support to raise the performance level in our image and data analysis system.
      RESULTS: In this paper, we illustrate an integrated analysis method for EGFR
      signalling through image analysis of microscopy images. Sophisticated wavelet
      based texture measurements are used to obtain a good description of the
      characteristic stages in the EGFR signalling. A hierarchical classification
      strategy is designed to improve the recognition of phenotypic episodes of EGFR
      during endocytosis. Different strategies for normalization, feature selection and
      classification are evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The results of performance assessment
      clearly demonstrate that our hierarchical classification scheme combined with a
      selected set of features provides a notable improvement in the temporal analysis
      of EGFR endocytosis. Moreover, it is shown that the addition of the wavelet-based
      texture features contributes to this improvement. Our workflow can be applied to
      drug discovery to analyze defected EGFR endocytosis processes.

PMID- 27142863
TI  - Efficacy of harmonic focus scalpel in seroma prevention after axillary clearance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Seroma formation in breast cancer patients who have undergone
      axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is a source of significant discomfort and
      morbidity. We aimed to ascertain seroma incidence after ALND, when Harmonic Focus
      (HF) scalpel is used for dissection instead of conventional diathermy (CD).
      METHODS(AND PATIENTS): This retrospective study was carried out in a single
      hospital over 6 years. Patients were allocated into HF group (HFG) or CD group
      (CDG). Seroma volume, hospital stay, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS:
      Of 94 patients, 42 were in the HFG and 52 in the CDG. Two day median seroma
      volume was 205 ml (IQR 95-265) for HF, and 227.5 ml (IQR 149-385) for CD. The
      total median seroma output was 270 ml (IQR 160-478) for HF, and 385 ml (IQR 220
      558) for CD. No statistically significant differences between HFG and CDG were
      identified in these data, as well as patient demographics, operative time, and
      complication rates. Duration of surgery >2.5 h increased seroma formation (p <
      0.001). Mastectomy and ALND increased seroma formation compared to wide local
      excision (WLE) and ALND (p < 0.05). Nodal involvement, number of lymph nodes
      resected, and extra nodal spread did not influence seroma formation.
      DISCUSSION(AND CONCLUSION): In our hands, HF use was not superior to CD in
      limiting seroma formation in ALND for breast cancer. Increased seroma formation
      in surgeries >2.5 h in duration is commensurate with surgeries involving
      mastectomy and ALND (>2.5 h in our study), which entails greater and sustained
      tissue and lymphovascular trauma.

PMID- 27142864
TI  - Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation pain management after surgical
      abortion: A cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation (TEAS) is a standard
      therapy for painful conditions. This study evaluated pain-relieving effects of
      treatment with TEAS before and after surgical abortion. METHODS: In this cohort
      study 140 nulliparae requesting pregnancy termination with intravenous anesthesia
      from August to December 2013 at the outpatient clinic of Wenzhou Medical
      University First Affiliated Hospital were recruited and divided into three
      cohorts who received TEAS pre-, post-, and both pre- and post-operation,
      alongside a control group. The cohorts underwent TEAS treatment for 30 min before
      and/or after the procedure while the control group received no TEAS treatment.
      Pain levels were evaluated upon recovery at 10, 30, and 45 min, respectively,
      after abortion. RESULTS: Mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores in pre-operation
      cohorts, but not the post-operation cohort, were significantly lower than those
      obtained for the control group at 10 min (p < 0.01). VAS scores at 30 min and 45
      min postoperatively were similar in each cohort but lower than control values (p
      < 0.001). More cohort patients reported mild or no pain than control patients (p
      < 0.05); the pre-operation cohorts had more women with no pain compared with the
      post-operation group (p < 0.05). There were no differences among groups in
      medical treatment required after 45 min. There were fewer complications of nausea
      and vomiting in the cohorts compared with the control group (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Performing TEAS before and after surgical abortion provides
      postoperative pain relief. However, receiving TEAS before surgery allowed more
      women to experience mild or no pain. IMPLICATIONS: Transcutaneous acupoint
      electrical stimulation shows potential as an adjunct to conventional pain
      treatment following surgical abortion in nulliparae.

PMID- 27142866
TI  - Notification that new names of prokaryotes, new combinations, and new taxonomic
      opinions have appeared in volume 66, part 2, of the IJSEM.

PMID- 27142865
TI  - The impact of health literacy and life style risk factors on health-related
      quality of life of Australian patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists regarding the relationship between health
      literacy and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Australian patients from
      primary care. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of health
      literacy on HRQoL in a large sample of patients without known vascular disease or
      diabetes and to examine whether the difference in HRQoL between low and high
      health literacy groups was clinically significant. METHODS: This was a cross
      sectional study of baseline data from a cluster randomised trial. The study
      included 739 patients from 30 general practices across four Australian states
      conducted in 2012 and 2013 using the standard Short Form Health Survey (SF-12)
      version 2. SF-12 physical component score (PCS-12) and mental component score
      (MCS-12) are derived using the standard US algorithm. Health literacy was
      measured using the Health Literacy Management Scale (HeLMS). Multilevel
      regression analysis (patients at level 1 and general practices at level 2) was
      applied to relate PCS-12 and MCS-12 to patient reported life style risk
      behaviours including health literacy and demographic factors. RESULTS: Low health
      literacy patients were more likely to be smokers (12 % vs 6 %, P = 0.005), do
      insufficient physical activity (63 % vs 47 %, P < 0.001), be overweight (68 % vs
      52 %, P < 0.001), and have lower physical health and lower mental health with
      large clinically significant effect sizes of 0.56 (B (regression coefficient) = 
      5.4, P < 0.001) and 0.78(B = -6.4, P < 0.001) respectively after adjustment for
      confounding factors. Patients with insufficient physical activity were likely to
      have a lower physical health score (effect size = 0.42, B = -3.1, P < 0.001) and
      lower mental health (effect size = 0.37, B = -2.6, P < 0.001). Being overweight
      tended to be related to a lower PCS-12 (effect size = 0.41, B = -1.8, P < 0.05).
      Less well-educated, unemployed and smoking patients with low health literacy
      reported worse physical health. Health literacy accounted for 45 and 70 % of the
      total between patient variance explained in PCS-12 and MCS-12 respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Addressing health literacy related barriers to preventive care may
      help reduce some of the disparities in HRQoL. Recognising and tailoring health
      related communication to those with low health literacy may improve health
      outcomes including HRQoL in general practice.

PMID- 27142867
TI  - High-mobility group box 1 is an important mediator of microglial activation
      induced by cortical spreading depression.
AB  - Single episodes of cortical spreading depression (CSD) are believed to cause
      typical migraine aura, whereas clusters of spreading depolarizations have been
      observed in cerebral ischemia and subarachnoid hemorrhage. We recently
      demonstrated that the release of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) from cortical
      neurons after CSD in a rodent model is dependent on the number of CSD episodes,
      such that only multiple CSD episodes can induce significant HMGB1 release. Here,
      we report that only multiple CSD inductions caused microglial hypertrophy
      (activation) accompanied by a greater impact on the transcription activity of the
      HMGB1 receptor genes, TLR2 and TLR4, while the total number of cortical microglia
      was not affected. Both an HMGB1-neurtalizing antibody and the HMGB1 inhibitor
      glycyrrhizin abrogated multiple CSD-induced microglial hypertrophy. Moreover,
      multiple CSD inductions failed to induce microglial hypertrophy in TLR2/4 double
      knockout mice. These results strongly implicate the HMGB1-TLR2/4 axis in the
      activation of microglia following multiple CSD inductions. Increased expression
      of the lysosomal acid hydrolase cathepsin D was detected in activated microglia
      by immunostaining, suggesting that lysosomal phagocytic activity may be enhanced
      in multiple CSD-activated microglia.

PMID- 27142868
TI  - Comparison of non-invasive MRI measurements of cerebral blood flow in a large
      multisite cohort.
AB  - Arterial spin labeling and phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging provide
      independent non-invasive methods for measuring cerebral blood flow. We compared
      global cerebral blood flow measurements obtained using pseudo-continuous arterial
      spin labeling and phase contrast in 436 middle-aged subjects acquired at two
      sites in the NHLBI CARDIA multisite study. Cerebral blood flow measured by phase
      contrast (CBFPC: 55.76 +/- 12.05 ml/100 g/min) was systematically higher (p <
      0.001) and more variable than cerebral blood flow measured by pseudo-continuous
      arterial spin labeling (CBFPCASL: 47.70 +/- 9.75). The correlation between global
      cerebral blood flow values obtained from the two modalities was 0.59 (p < 0.001),
      explaining less than half of the observed variance in cerebral blood flow
      estimates. Well-established correlations of global cerebral blood flow with age
      and sex were similarly observed in both CBFPCASL and CBFPC CBFPC also
      demonstrated statistically significant site differences, whereas no such
      differences were observed in CBFPCASL No consistent velocity-dependent effects on
      pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling were observed, suggesting that pseudo
      continuous labeling efficiency does not vary substantially across typical adult
      carotid and vertebral velocities, as has previously been suggested. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although CBFPCASL and CBFPC values show substantial similarity across the entire
      cohort, these data do not support calibration of CBFPCASL using CBFPC in
      individual subjects. The wide-ranging cerebral blood flow values obtained by both
      methods suggest that cerebral blood flow values are highly variable in the
      general population.

PMID- 27142869
TI  - Factors associated with late presentation for HIV/AIDS care in Harare City,
      Zimbabwe, 2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite widespread awareness and publicity concerning Human
      Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) care and advances in treatment, many patients still
      present late in their HIV disease. Preliminary review of the Antiretroviral
      Therapy (ART) registers at Wilkins and Beatrice Road Hospitals, both located in
      Harare, indicated that 67 and 71 % of patients enrolled into HIV/AIDS care
      presented late with baseline CD4 of <200 cells/uL and/or WHO stage 3 and 4
      respectively. We therefore sought to explore factors associated with late
      presentation in Harare City. METHODS: We conducted a 1:1 unmatched case control
      study where a case was an HIV positive individual (>18 years) with a baseline CD4
      of <200/uL or who had WHO clinical stage 3 or 4 at first presentation to OI/ART
      centres in 2014 and; a control was HIV positive individual (>18 years) who had a
      baseline CD4 of >200/uL or WHO clinical stage 1 or 2 at first presentation in
      2014. Written informed consent was obtained from all study participants. RESULTS:
      A total of 268 participants were recruited (134 cases and 134 controls).
      Independent risk factors for late presentation for HIV/AIDS care were illness
      being reason for test (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] =7.68, 95 % CI = 4.08, 14.75);
      Being male (aOR = 2.84, 95 % CI = 1.50, 5.40) and; experienced HIV stigma (aOR =
      2.99, 95 % CI = 1.54, 5.79). Independent protective factors were receiving
      information on HIV (aOR = 0.37, 95 % CI = 0.18, 0.78) and earning more than
      US$250 per month (aOR = 0.32, 95 % CI = 0.76, 0.67). Median duration between
      first reported HIV positive test result and enrolment into pre-ART care was 2
      days (Q1 = 1 day; Q3 = 30 days) among cases and 30 days (Q1 = 3 days; Q3 = 75
      days) among controls. CONCLUSION: Late presentation for HIV/AIDS care in Harare
      City was a result of factors that relate to the patient's sex, reason for getting
      a test, receiving HIV related information, experiencing stigma and monthly
      income. Based on this evidence we recommended targeted interventions to optimize
      early access to testing and enrolment into care.

PMID- 27142870
TI  - Risk of type 2 diabetes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:
      Causal association or epiphenomenon?
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the leading cause of chronic
      liver diseases worldwide, causing considerable liver-related mortality and
      morbidity. Over the last 10years, it has also become increasingly evident that
      NAFLD is a multisystem disease, affecting many extra-hepatic organ systems and
      interacting with the regulation of multiple metabolic pathways. NAFLD is
      potentially involved in the aetiology and pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes via its
      direct contribution to hepatic/peripheral insulin resistance and the systemic
      release of multiple hepatokines that may adversely affect glucose metabolism and
      insulin action. In this updated review, we discuss the rapidly expanding body of
      clinical and epidemiological evidence that supports a strong link between NAFLD
      and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We also briefly examine the
      conventional and the more innovative pharmacological approaches for the treatment
      of NAFLD that may influence the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

PMID- 27142871
TI  - Maltese prescribers use of off-label and unlicensed medicines in children:
      perceptions and attitudes.
AB  - Background Reviews of paediatric prescriptions in the community setting have
      quantified off-label use to reach 52 % and unlicensed use to reach 17 %.
      Objective To investigate the attitudes and perceptions of a sample of
      paediatricians and family doctors practising in primary care on off-label and
      unlicensed prescribing in children in Malta. Methods A validated de novo 18-item
      questionnaire was used to conduct face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with
      24 family doctors and 6 paediatricians during 2014. Results Although only 10 % of
      participants correctly defined off-label/unlicensed use, after the definitions
      were provided, 97 % admitted to knowingly prescribe medicines in this manner.
      Such use primarily involved prescribing to younger age groups and different
      indications to those recommended in the product literature. The main contributing
      factor for prescribing in an off-label/unlicensed manner was a lack of
      appropriately licensed paediatric medicines. The most commonly implicated class
      of medicines was cough/cold medicines. The principal concerns were medico-legal
      and safety concerns. Conclusion Participants knowingly prescribed medicines in an
      off-label/unlicensed manner. The perceived reasons were prescribing for a younger
      age and for indications outside the Summary of Product Characteristics. Divergent
      prescribing recommendations in different sources of information, prescribers'
      personal experience and reliance on medical representatives contribute to
      inadvertent off-label/unlicensed prescribing. 

PMID- 27142872
TI  - Angelina and Brad effect.

PMID- 27142874
TI  - A Simple Optical Model Well Explains Plasmonic-Nanoparticle-Enhanced Spectral
      Photocurrent in Optically Thin Solar Cells.
AB  - A simple optical model for photocurrent enhancement by plasmonic metal
      nanoparticles atop solar cells has been developed. Our model deals with the
      absorption, reflection, and scattering of incident sunlight as well as radiation
      efficiencies on metallic nanoparticles. Our calculation results satisfactorily
      reproduce a series of experimental spectral data for optically thin GaAs solar
      cells with Ag and Al nanoparticles of various dimensions, demonstrating the
      validity of our modeling approach. Our model is likely to be a powerful tool for
      investigations of surface plasmon-enhanced thin-film solar cells. 

PMID- 27142873
TI  - The effect of providing feedback on inhaler technique and adherence from an
      electronic audio recording device, INCA(r), in a community pharmacy setting:
      study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor adherence to inhaled medication may lead to inadequate symptom
      control in patients with respiratory disease. In practice it can be difficult to
      identify poor adherence. We designed an acoustic recording device, the INCA(r)
      (INhaler Compliance Assessment) device, which, when attached to an inhaler,
      identifies and records the time and technique of inhaler use, thereby providing
      objective longitudinal data on an individual's adherence to inhaled medication.
      This study will test the hypothesis that providing objective, personalised,
      visual feedback on adherence to patients in combination with a tailored
      educational intervention in a community pharmacy setting, improves adherence more
      effectively than education alone. METHODS/DESIGN: The study is a prospective,
      cluster randomised, parallel-group, multi-site study conducted over 6 months. The
      study is designed to compare current best practice in care (i.e. routine inhaler
      technique training) with the use of the INCA(r) device for respiratory patients
      in a community pharmacy setting. Pharmacies are the unit of randomisation and on
      enrolment to the study they will be allocated by the lead researcher to one of
      the three study groups (intervention, comparator or control groups) using a
      computer-generated list of random numbers. Given the nature of the intervention
      neither pharmacists nor participants can be blinded. The intervention group will
      receive feedback from the acoustic recording device on inhaler technique and
      adherence three times over a 6-month period along with inhaler technique training
      at each of these times. The comparator group will also receive training in
      inhaler use three times over the 6-month study period but no feedback on their
      habitual performance. The control group will receive usual care (i.e. the safe
      supply of medicines and advice on their use). The primary outcome is the rate of
      participant adherence to their inhaled medication, defined as the proportion of
      correctly taken doses of medication at the correct time relative to the
      prescribed interval. Secondary outcomes include exacerbation rates and quality of
      life measures. Differences in the timing and technique of inhaler use as altered
      by the interventions will also be assessed. Data will be analysed on an intention
      to-treat and a per-protocol basis. Sample size has been calculated with reference
      to comparisons to be made between the intervention and comparator clusters and
      indicates 75 participants per cluster. With an estimated 10 % loss to follow-up
      we will be able to show a 20 % difference between the population means of the
      intervention and comparator groups with a power of 0.8. The Type I error
      probability associated with the test of the null hypothesis is 0.05. DISCUSSION:
      This clinical trial will establish whether providing personalised feedback to
      individuals on their inhaler use improves adherence. It may also be possible to
      enhance the role of pharmacists in clinical care by identifying patients in whom
      alteration of either therapy or inhaler device is appropriate. REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02203266 .

PMID- 27142875
TI  - Effect of Annealing in Magnetic Field on Ferromagnetic Nanoparticle Formation in
      Cu-Al-Mn Alloy with Induced Martensite Transformation.
AB  - The paper considers the influence of aging of high-temperature phase on
      subsequent martensitic transformation in Cu-Al-Mn alloy. The morphology of
      behavior of martensitic transformation as a result of alloy aging under annealing
      in a constant magnetic field with different sample orientation relatively to the
      field direction and without field was studied for direct control of the processes
      of martensite induction at cooling. Temperature dependences of electrical
      resistance, magnetic susceptibility, and magnetization, as well as field
      dependences of magnetization, and phase composition were found. The tendency to
      the oriented growth of precipitated ferromagnetic phase nanoparticles in a
      direction of applied field and to an increase of their volume fraction under
      thermal magnetic treatment of material that favors a reversibility of induced
      martensitic transformation is observed. 

PMID- 27142876
TI  - Influence of Obtaining Conditions on Kinetics of the Initial Sintering Stage of
      Zirconia Nanopowders.
AB  - The present paper is devoted to the problem of sintering ceramics based on yttria
      stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP). In this paper, we studied the effect of two
      obtaining methods (co-precipitation and technical hydrolysis) on sintering
      kinetics of Y-TZP nanopowders. We used the constant rate of heating (CRH) method
      at different heating rates for determining the sintering mechanisms. The basic
      mechanism and activation energy (Q) of diffusion at the initial sintering stage
      were estimated using the sintering rate equations that are applicable to the CRH
      data. We found that nanopowder 3Y-TZP produced by the co-precipitation method
      (DIPE) was sintered according to the volume diffusion mechanism (n = 1/2) and
      nanopowder TZ-3Y (TOSOH) produced by the technical hydrolysis was sintered
      according to the grain boundary diffusion mechanism (n = 1/3). 

PMID- 27142877
TI  - Efficient Nickel Sulfide and Graphene Counter Electrodes Decorated with Silver
      Nanoparticles and Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.
AB  - We reported a facile two-step electrochemical-chemical approach for in situ
      growth of nickel sulfide and graphene counter electrode (CE) decorated with
      silver nanoparticles (signed NiS/Gr-Ag) and served in dye-sensitized solar cells
      (DSSCs). Under optimum conditions, the DSSC achieved a remarkable power
      conversion efficiency of 8.36 % assembled with the NiS/Gr-Ag CE, much higher than
      that based on the Pt CE (7.76 %). The surface morphology of NiS/Gr-Ag CE
      exhibited a smooth surface with cross-growth of NiS, graphene, and Ag
      nanoparticles, which was beneficial to the fast mass transport of electrolytes;
      increased the contact area of electrolytes and active materials; and enabled to
      speed up the reduction of triiodide to iodide. The research on the
      electrochemical properties also showed that the NiS/Gr-Ag CE possessed lower
      charge transfer resistance and more excellent electrocatalytic activity in
      iodide/triiodide electrolyte compared to the Pt electrode. 

PMID- 27142878
TI  - Involvement of Ubiquitin-Editing Protein A20 in Modulating Inflammation in Rat
      Cochlea Associated with Silver Nanoparticle-Induced CD68 Upregulation and TLR4
      Activation.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were shown to temporarily impair the biological
      barriers in the skin of the external ear canal, mucosa of the middle ear, and
      inner ear, causing partially reversible hearing loss after delivery into the
      middle ear. The current study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism,
      emphasizing the TLR signaling pathways in association with the potential
      recruitment of macrophages in the cochlea and the modulation of inflammation by
      ubiquitin-editing protein A20. Molecules potentially involved in these signaling
      pathways were thoroughly analysed using immunohistochemistry in the rat cochlea
      exposed to AgNPs at various concentrations through intratympanic injection. The
      results showed that 0.4 % AgNPs but not 0.02 % AgNPs upregulated the expressions
      of CD68, TLR4, MCP1, A20, and RNF11 in the strial basal cells, spiral ligament
      fibrocytes, and non-sensory supporting cells of Corti's organ. 0.4 % AgNPs had no
      effect on CD44, TLR2, MCP2, Rac1, myosin light chain, VCAM1, Erk1/2, JNK, p38, IL
      1beta, TNF-alpha, TNFR1, TNFR2, IL-10, or TGF-beta. This study suggested that
      AgNPs might confer macrophage-like functions on the strial basal cells and spiral
      ligament fibrocytes and enhance the immune activities of non-sensory supporting
      cells of Corti's organ through the upregulation of CD68, which might be involved
      in TLR4 activation. A20 and RNF11 played roles in maintaining cochlear
      homeostasis via negative regulation of the expressions of inflammatory cytokines.

PMID- 27142879
TI  - Formation and Temperature Effect of InN Nanodots by PA-MBE via Droplet Epitaxy
      Technique.
AB  - In this report, self-organized indium nitride nanodots have been grown on Si
      (111) by droplet epitaxy method and their density can reach as high as 2.83 *
      10(11) cm(-2) for the growth at low temperature of 250  degrees C. Based on the
      in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction, the surface condition,
      indium droplets, and the formation of InN nanodots are identified during the
      epitaxy. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements
      have shown the formation of InN nanodots as well. The growth mechanism of InN
      nanodots could be described via the characterizations of indium droplets and InN
      nanodots using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and
      transmission electron microscopy. The density of the InN nanodots was less than
      that of the In droplets due to the surface diffusion and desorption of atoms
      during the nitridation and annealing process. The average size and density of InN
      nanodots can be controlled by the substrate temperatures during the growth. For
      the growth at lower temperature, we obtained the higher density and smaller
      average size of InN nanodots. To minimize the total surface energy, the
      coarsening and some preferred orientations of InN nanodots were observed for the
      growth at high temperature. 

PMID- 27142880
TI  - RCA-Based Biosensor for Electrical and Colorimetric Detection of Pathogen DNA.
AB  - For the diagnosis and prevention of diseases, a range of strategies for the
      detection of pathogens have been developed. In this study, we synthesized the
      rolling circle amplification (RCA)-based biosensor that enables detection of
      pathogen DNA in two analytical modes. Only in the presence of the target DNA, the
      template DNA can be continuously polymerized by simply carrying out RCA, which
      gives rise to a change of surface structure of Au electrodes and the gap between
      the electrodes. Electrical signal was generated after introducing hydrogen
      tetrachloroaurate (HAuCl4) to the DNA-coated biosensor for the improvement of the
      conductivity of DNA, which indicates that the presence of the pathogen DNA can be
      detected in an electrical approach. Furthermore, the existence of the target DNA
      was readily detected by the naked eyes through change in colors of the electrodes
      from bright yellow to orange-red after RCA reaction. The RCA-based biosensor
      offers a new platform for monitoring of pathogenic DNA with two different
      detection modes in one system. 

PMID- 27142881
TI  - Automated synthesis of [(18)F]DCFPyL via direct radiofluorination and validation
      in preclinical prostate cancer models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is frequently overexpressed
      and upregulated in prostate cancer. To date, various (18)F- and (68)Ga-labeled
      urea-based radiotracers for PET imaging of PSMA have been developed and entered
      clinical trials. Here, we describe an automated synthesis of [(18)F]DCFPyL via
      direct radiofluorination and validation in preclinical models of prostate cancer.
      METHODS: [(18)F]DCFPyL was synthesized via direct nucleophilic heteroaromatic
      substitution reaction in a single reactor TRACERlab FXFN automated synthesis
      unit. Radiopharmacological evaluation of [(18)F]DCFPyL involved internalization
      experiments, dynamic PET imaging in LNCaP (PSMA+) and PC3 (PSMA-) tumor-bearing
      BALB/c nude mice, biodistribution studies, and metabolic profiling. In addition,
      reversible two-tissue compartmental model analysis was used to quantify
      pharmacokinetics of [(18)F]DCFPyL in LNCaP and PC3 tumor models. RESULTS:
      Automated radiosynthesis afforded radiotracer [(18)F]DCFPyL in decay-corrected
      radiochemical yields of 23 +/- 5 % (n = 10) within 55 min, including HPLC
      purification. Dynamic PET analysis revealed rapid and high uptake of
      radioactivity (SUV5min 0.95) in LNCaP tumors which increased over time (SUV60min
      1.1). Radioactivity uptake in LNCaP tumors was blocked in the presence of
      nonradioactive DCFPyL (SUV60min 0.22). The muscle as reference tissue showed
      rapid and continuous clearance over time (SUV60min 0.06). Fast blood clearance of
      radioactivity resulted in tumor-blood ratios of 1.0 after 10 min and 8.3 after 60
      min. PC3 tumors also showed continuous clearance of radioactivity over time
      (SUV60min 0.11). Kinetic analysis of PET data revealed the two-tissue
      compartmental model as best fit with K 1 = 0.12, k 2 = 0.18, k 3 = 0.08, and k 4
      = 0.004 min(-1), confirming molecular trapping of [(18)F]DCFPyL in PSMA+ LNCaP
      cells. CONCLUSIONS: [(18)F]DCFPyL can be prepared for clinical applications
      simply and in good radiochemical yields via a direct radiofluorination synthesis
      route in a single reactor automated synthesis unit. Radiopharmacological
      evaluation of [(18)F]DCFPyL confirmed high PSMA-mediated tumor uptake combined
      with superior clearance parameters. Compartmental model analysis points to a two
      step molecular trapping mechanism based on PSMA binding and subsequent
      internalization leading to retention of radioactivity in PSMA+ LNCaP tumors.

PMID- 27142882
TI  - RNA Pol II transcription model and interpretation of GRO-seq data.
AB  - A mixture model and statistical method is proposed to interpret the distribution
      of reads from a nascent transcriptional assay, such as global run-on sequencing
      (GRO-seq) data. The model is annotation agnostic and leverages on current
      understanding of the behavior of RNA polymerase II. Briefly, it assumes that
      polymerase loads at key positions (transcription start sites) within the genome.
      Once loaded, polymerase either remains in the initiation form (with some
      probability) or transitions into an elongating form (with the remaining
      probability). The model can be fit genome-wide, allowing patterns of Pol II
      behavior to be assessed on each distinct transcript. Furthermore, it allows for
      the first time a principled approach to distinguishing the initiation signal from
      the elongation signal; in particular, it implies a data driven method for
      calculating the pausing index, a commonly used metric that informs on the
      behavior of RNA polymerase II. We demonstrate that this approach improves on
      existing analyses of GRO-seq data and uncovers a novel biological understanding
      of the impact of knocking down the Male Specific Lethal (MSL) complex in
      Drosophilia melanogaster.

PMID- 27142883
TI  - Cascading failures in coupled networks with both inner-dependency and inter
      dependency links.
AB  - We study the percolation in coupled networks with both inner-dependency and inter
      dependency links, where the inner- and inter-dependency links represent the
      dependencies between nodes in the same or different networks, respectively. We
      find that when most of dependency links are inner- or inter-ones, the coupled
      networks system is fragile and makes a discontinuous percolation transition.
      However, when the numbers of two types of dependency links are close to each
      other, the system is robust and makes a continuous percolation transition. This
      indicates that the high density of dependency links could not always lead to a
      discontinuous percolation transition as the previous studies. More interestingly,
      although the robustness of the system can be optimized by adjusting the ratio of
      the two types of dependency links, there exists a critical average degree of the
      networks for coupled random networks, below which the crossover of the two types
      of percolation transitions disappears, and the system will always demonstrate a
      discontinuous percolation transition. We also develop an approach to analyze this
      model, which is agreement with the simulation results well.

PMID- 27142884
TI  - Role of microRNAs on HLA-G expression in human tumors.
AB  - The non-classical human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) known to protect the embryo
      from immune cell destruction leading to fetal maternal tolerance is often
      overexpressed in human tumors of distinct origin thereby leading to an escape
      from T and NK cell-mediated immune response. The molecular mechanisms controlling
      HLA-G expression are complex and involve deregulation at the transcriptional,
      epigenetic and posttranscriptional level. Using bioinformatics and high through
      put analyses a number of microRNAs (miRs) have been identified, which were able
      to bind to the 3' UTR of HLA-G with distinct efficacy. This caused by a
      downregulation of HLA-G surface expression, which was associated with an
      increased immune response thereby overcoming the HLA-G-mediated immune tolerance.
      Reduced expression of HLA-G-specific miRs was associated with tumor progression
      and metastases and appear to affect directly or indirectly tumor characteristics,
      such as cell proliferation, apoptosis and resistance to chemotherapy. Recently,
      an interaction between long non-coding RNAs, such as HOTAIR, and HLA-G-specific
      miRs has also been demonstrated. This review summarizes the control of HLA-G
      expression and function by microRNAs as well as its clinical significance. 

PMID- 27142885
TI  - Integrating a dual-silicon photoelectrochemical cell into a redox flow battery
      for unassisted photocharging.
AB  - Solar rechargeable flow cells (SRFCs) provide an attractive approach for in situ
      capture and storage of intermittent solar energy via photoelectrochemical
      regeneration of discharged redox species for electricity generation. However,
      overall SFRC performance is restricted by inefficient photoelectrochemical
      reactions. Here we report an efficient SRFC based on a dual-silicon
      photoelectrochemical cell and a quinone/bromine redox flow battery for in situ
      solar energy conversion and storage. Using narrow bandgap silicon for efficient
      photon collection and fast redox couples for rapid interface charge injection,
      our device shows an optimal solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of ~5.9% and
      an overall photon-chemical-electricity energy conversion efficiency of ~3.2%,
      which, to our knowledge, outperforms previously reported SRFCs. The proposed SRFC
      can be self-photocharged to 0.8 V and delivers a discharge capacity of 730 mAh l(
      1). Our work may guide future designs for highly efficient solar rechargeable
      devices.

PMID- 27142886
TI  - Direct Cross-Linking of Au/Ag Alloy Nanoparticles into Monolithic Aerogels for
      Application in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering.
AB  - The direct cross-linking of Au/Ag alloy nanoparticles (NPs) into high surface
      area, mesoporous Au/Ag aerogels via chemical oxidation of the surface ligands is
      reported. The precursor alloy NPs with composition-tunable morphologies were
      produced by galvanic replacement of the preformed Ag hollow NPs. The effect of
      Au:Ag molar ratio on the NP morphology and surface plasmon resonance has been
      thoroughly investigated and resulted in smaller Au/Ag alloy NPs (4-8 nm), larger
      Au/Ag alloy hollow NPs (40-45 nm), and Au/Ag alloy hollow particles decorated
      with smaller Au NPs (2-5 nm). The oxidative removal of surfactant ligands,
      followed by supercritical drying, is utilized to construct large (centimeter to
      millimeter) self-supported Au/Ag alloy aerogels. The resultant assemblies exhibit
      high surface areas (67-73 m(2)/g), extremely low densities (0.051-0.055 g/cm(3)),
      and interconnected mesoporous (2-50 nm) networks, making them of great interest
      for a number of new technologies. The influence of mesoporous gel morphology on
      surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been studied using Rhodamine 101 (Rd
      101) as the probe molecule. The alloy aerogels exhibit SERS signal intensities
      that are 10-42 times higher than those achieved from the precursor Au/Ag alloy
      NPs. The Au/Ag alloy aerogel III exhibits SERS sensing capability down to 1 nM
      level. The increased signal intensities attained for alloy aerogels are
      attributed to highly porous gel morphology and enhanced surface roughness that
      can potentially generate a large number of plasmonic hot spots, creating
      efficient SERS substrates for future applications.

PMID- 27142887
TI  - Effects of valproic acid on the placental barrier in the pregnant mouse: Optical
      imaging and transporter expression studies.
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate the effects of valproic acid (VPA) on the function of the
      placental barrier in vivo, in pregnant mice. Studies were conducted on
      gestational days 12.5 (mid-gestation) or 17.5 (late gestation), following
      intraperitoneal treatment with 200 mg/kg VPA or the vehicle. Indocyanine green
      (ICG; 0.167 mg, i.v.) was used as a marker for the placental barrier
      permeability. Transporter expression was evaluated by quantitative -PCR. VPA
      treatment was associated with a 40% increase (p < 0.05) in accumulation of ICG in
      maternal liver in mid-pregnancy and a decrease by one fifth (p < 0.05) in late
      pregnancy. Ex vivo, VPA treatment led to a 20% increase (p < 0.05) in fetal ICG
      emission in mid-pregnancy. Also in mid-pregnancy, the placental expression of the
      L-type amino acid transporter, the organic anion-transporting polypeptide
      (Oatp)4a1 (thyroid hormone transporter), and the reduced folate carrier was lower
      in VPA-treated mice (p < 0.05). In late pregnancy, hepatic Oatp4a1 levels were
      40% less than in controls (p > 0.05). The observed changes in placental
      transporter expression and function support further research into the potential
      role of the placenta in the adverse pregnancy outcomes of VPA. Near-infrared
      imaging provides a noninvasive, nonradioactive tool for future studies on the
      effects of epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs on tissue transport functions.

PMID- 27142888
TI  - Should we test for high-risk human papilloma virus in patients with oral
      dysplasia?

PMID- 27142889
TI  - Editorial note: On optimism and pessimism in conservation science and messaging.

PMID- 27142890
TI  - Imaging calcium and redox signals using genetically encoded fluorescent
      indicators.
AB  - Calcium and redox signals are presently established as essential regulators of
      many cellular processes. Nevertheless, we are still far from fully understanding
      the physiological and pathological importance of these universal second
      messengers. It is becoming increasingly apparent that many cellular functions are
      not regulated by global changes in the abundance of Ca(2+) ions and/or reactive
      oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), but by the formation of transient
      local micro-domains or by signaling limited to a particular cellular compartment.
      Therefore, it is essential to identify and quantify Ca(2+) and redox signals in
      single cells with a high spatial and temporal resolution. The best tools for this
      purpose are the genetically encoded fluorescent indicators (GEFI). These protein
      sensors can be targeted into different cellular compartments, feature different
      colors, can be used to establish transgenic animal models, and are relatively
      inert to the cellular environment. Based on the chemical properties of Ca(2+) and
      ROS/RNS, currently more sensors exist for the detection of Ca(2+)- than for redox
      signals. Here, we shortly describe the most popular genetically encoded
      fluorescent Ca(2+) and redox indicators, discuss advantages and disadvantages
      based on our experience, show examples of different applications, and thus
      provide a brief guide that will help scientists choose the right combination of
      Ca(2+) and redox sensors to answer specific scientific questions.

PMID- 27142891
TI  - Trachoma in Indigenous Settlements in Brazil, 2000-2008.
AB  - PURPOSE: Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is a chronic,
      recurrent inflammatory disease that affects the cornea and conjunctiva. Trachoma
      is the leading infectious cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. Its prevalence
      is higher among individuals of low socioeconomic status, and trachoma is common
      in indigenous communities. The present study presents aspects of the
      epidemiological profile of trachoma in indigenous communities in Brazil. METHODS:
      We analyzed data from two databases collected during trachoma screening
      activities among the population of indigenous settlements in Brazil between 2000
      and 2008. Trachoma cases were detected by ocular examination in accordance with
      the World Health Organization simplified trachoma grading system. RESULTS:
      According to the surveillance database, a total of 9582 individuals in six
      different states were examined. Among children aged 1-9 years, the prevalence of
      follicular trachomatous inflammation (TF) was 35.2%. In individuals aged >=15
      years, the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) was 1.2% in individuals and
      the sex-specific prevalence was 0.8% in males and 1.6% in females (p = 0.02). In
      a survey of two states, 2301 indigenous schoolchildren were examined. In the age
      bracket 5-9 years, the prevalence of TF was 4.9 (95% confidence interval 3.8
      6.0%). CONCLUSION: In Brazil, trachoma appears to be a serious public health
      problem in indigenous settlements, which should therefore be given priority in
      programs aimed at the elimination of trachoma in the country.

PMID- 27142892
TI  - Heterobimetallic cerium(iv) oxo clusters supported by a tripodal oxygen ligand.
AB  - Heterometallic Ce(IV)/M (M = Mo(VI), Re(VII), V(V)) oxo clusters supported by the
      Klaui tripodal oxygen ligand [(eta(5)-C5H5)Co{P(O)(OEt)2}3](-) (LOEt(-)) have
      been synthesized and structurally characterized, and the catalytic activity of
      the Ce(IV)/V(V) oxo cluster in the oxidation of thioanisoles has been studied.
      Treatment of [Ce(LOEt)Cl3] (1) with [Ag2MoO4] afforded the reported Ce(IV)/Mo(VI)
      cluster [H4(CeLOEt)6Mo9O38] (2), whereas that with [AgReO4] yielded the
      Ce(IV)/Re(VII) cluster [{LOEtCe(ReO4)2(H2O)(MU-ReO4)}2] (3) that contains an 8
      membered Ce2Re2O4 ring. Treatment of 1 with [Ag3VO4] afforded the Ce(IV)/V(V)
      cluster [H2(CeLOEt)4(V[double bond, length as m-dash]O)4(MU4-O)(MU3-O)12] (4)
      containing a {Ce4V4O13} oxo-metallic core. The solid-state structure of 4
      consists of four {VO4}(3-) units bridged by four {LOEtCe(3+)} moieties and a MU4
      oxo ligand. Each Ce atom in 4 is 9-coordinated, whereas the geometry around each
      V atom is pseudo square pyramidal with a terminal oxo at the apical position.
      Cluster 4 is an active catalyst for the oxidation of substituted thioanisoles
      with tert-butyl hydroperoxide. For example, the oxidation of thioanisole with
      tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of 0.01 mol% of 4 gave a ca. 30 : 1
      mixture of the sulfoxide and sulfone products in 96% yield. 

PMID- 27142894
TI  - Necessary, but also Sufficient?
AB  - Cell biologists are equipped with a plethora of techniques and approaches to
      unravel the fascinating inner working of the cell. Among these, biochemistry has
      the ability to define the machinery that is both necessary and sufficient for a
      given process and, therefore, to define its core mechanism.

PMID- 27142893
TI  - Internal Jugular Vein Avulsion Complicating Dual-Lumen VV-ECMO Cannulation: An
      Unreported Complication of Avalon Cannulas.
AB  - The Avalon Elite dual lumen cannula (Avalon Laboratories, Rancho Dominguez, CA)
      was developed as a means of single-site cannulation for veno-venous
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients with severe refractory
      respiratory failure. This cannulation strategy has several advantages over
      conventional strategies, however, is not without complication. We describe a case
      of right internal jugular vein "on a stick" (avulsion) after cannulation with the
      Avalon Elite cannula, and corroborate the critical importance of imaging guidance
      when using this system.

PMID- 27142895
TI  - Considerations about a thematic Supplement containing papers related to
      Translational Research in Surgery.

PMID- 27142896
TI  - Vasoplegic endothelial dysfunction in orthotopic liver transplantation.

PMID- 27142897
TI  - A novel subcutaneous T-shaped bridge device for loop colostomies.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a novel securing device for loop colostomies, developed in
      our institution and report our 10-year experience. METHODS: The T-shaped support
      device was used in all patients who required loop colostomy and who were at an
      increased risk of stoma withdrawal. The device was removed on the fifth
      postoperative day in all patients. An analysis from a prospective database
      regarding early postoperative complication, from 209 patients, was conducted
      between 2003 and 2013. RESULTS: Bleeding, peristomal skin problems, surgical site
      infection, stomal ischemia/necrosis, stenosis, obstruction, retraction and early
      withdrawal of the stoma were not noted in all cases. Thirteen patients (6%)
      reported mild discomfort on the site of the skin suture. Removal of the
      instrument was fast and easy, with the advantage of keeping the colostomy bag.
      CONCLUSION: The T-shaped bridge device successfully prevented stoma withdrawal in
      all subjects. The device was safe and well accepted, with minor complications.

PMID- 27142898
TI  - Complications after bladder augmentation in children.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bladder augmentation is an effective surgical procedure for increasing
      bladder capacity and reducing pressure on the urinary system. It is indicated for
      patients with anomalies such as spina bifida, myelomeningocele, urethral valve
      and bladder exstrophy, who progress with low tolerance of medication. CASES: This
      was a retrospective study conducted on pediatric patients submitted to bladder
      augmentation from 2000 to 2011. RESULTS: 34 patients aged 4 to 17 years were
      submitted to bladder augmentation, 30 of them with an ileal loop and 4 with a
      ureter.A continent urinary shunt was performed in 16 patients, the Mitrofanoff
      conduit was associated in 15, and the Macedo technique was used in one. Mean
      follow-up was 34.35 months (1 to 122 months). Mean creatinine was 1.5 ng/ml (0.4
      to 7.5 ng/ml) preoperatively and 1.78 ng/ml postoperatively. Three patients
      required a renal transplant during follow-up. There was improvement or resolution
      of vesicoureteral reflux in 83.5% of the kidneys on the right and in 75% on the
      left. Bladder capacity increased, on average, from 152.5 ml to 410 ml. The main
      complications were vesical lithiasis in 3 patients and conduit perforation in
      one. CONCLUSION: Bladder augmentation showed good results in this series,
      preserving renal function in most of the patients.

PMID- 27142899
TI  - Serological under expression of microRNA-21, microRNA-34a and microRNA-126 in
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper describes the ability of miRNA value predict oncological
      outcomes in CRC patients and correlates to clinical and pathologic variables.
      METHODS: We prospectively analyzed the serological expression of microRNA-21,
      microRNA-34a, and microRNA-126 in 37 stage II - IV CRC patients and correlate to
      seven fit counterparts. Serological microRNAs were extracted using the miRNeasy
      Mini Kit(r) (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Quantification of microRNAs was performed
      using TaqMan Master Mix(r) reagent (Applied Biosystems, USA). RESULTS: We
      obtained serological underexpression microRNA-21, microRNA-34a, and microRNA-126
      in CRC group. However, miRNAs serological values do not impact prognosis.
      Furthermore, miRNAs was not influenced by CEA values, TNM staging, and
      histological subtype. CONCLUSION: Despite lower expression of miR-21, miR-34a and
      miR-126 in the CRC group, no association with poor prognosis was found.

PMID- 27142900
TI  - Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy promotes successful healing in patients with
      refractory Crohn's disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate de adjunctive effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a
      group of patients with refractory Crohn's disease. METHODS: A total of 29
      subjects with refractory Crohn's disease were submitted to daily sessions of
      Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, in a 2800 Sechrist Monoplace Hyperbaric Chamber
      (Sechrist, USA) pressurized to 2.4 ATA. Each session lasted 2 hours. The endpoint
      was closure of enterocutaneous fistulas and complete healing of Pyoderma
      Gangrenosum and perineal Crohn's disease. RESULTS: A total of 829 HBOT sessions
      were performed and no complications were noted. Overall success rate was 76% (22
      cases). Pyoderma Gangrenosum and enterocutaneous fistulas had the highest
      successful healing rates (100% and 91%, respectively). Perineal Crohn's disease
      healing rate was 65%. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy promoted
      satisfactory healing in a group of patients with refractory Crohn's disease.

PMID- 27142901
TI  - Copper-Zinc ratio and nutritional status in colorectal cancer patients during the
      perioperative period.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine Cu/Zn ratio, nutritional and inflammatory
      status in patients during the perioperative period for colorectal cancer.
      METHODS: The study included patients with histological diagnosis of colorectal
      adenocarcinoma (Cancer Group, n=46) and healthy volunteers (Control Group, n=28).
      We determined habitual food intake, body composition, laboratory data of
      nutritional status, serum calprotectin and plasma Cu and Zn concentrations. Mann
      Whitney U-test was performed between-group comparisons and Spearman correlation
      test for correlations between the variables. RESULTS: Individuals in the Cancer
      Group presented significantly lower BMI, fat mass, plasma hemoglobin, total
      protein and albumin as compared with the Control Group. Serum calprotectin[70.1
      ng/mL (CI95% 55.8-84.5) vs.53.3 ng/mL (40.3-66.4), p=0.05], plasma Cu
      concentrations [120 ug/dL(CI95% 114-126) vs. 106 ug/dL(CI95% 98-114), p<0.01] and
      the Cu/Zn ratio [1.59 (CI95% 1.48-1.71)vs. 1.35 (CI95% 1.23-1.46), p=0.01]were
      higher in patients with colorectal cancer than in controls. Additionally, the
      Cancer Group showed negative correlations between the Cu/Zn ratio and Zn intake,
      hemoglobin, serum albumin, and positive correlation between the Cu/Zn ratio and
      serum calprotectin. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that an increased plasma
      Cu/Zn ratio and serum calprotectin, and decreased protein values may be a result
      of the systemic inflammatory response to the tumor process.

PMID- 27142902
TI  - Transanal endoscopic operation for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this paper we report the oncological outcomes from clinical series of
      patients with rectal cancer submitted to local excision after neoadjuvant therapy
      and discuss the indications for local excision in partial clinical responders.
      METHODS: We analysed a prospective database of 39 patients submitted to a
      transanal endoscopic operation for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation
      between 2006 and 2015, comparing clinical and pathological variables,
      perioperative complications, recurrence rate and overall survival. RESULTS: We
      obtained 15.4% ypT0, 17.9% ypT1, 35.9% ypT2 and 28.2% ypT3. After a median follow
      up of 24 months, tumoral recurrence was observed in 4 patients, one of them with
      isolated pulmonary metastasis. R0 resection was achieved in 79.5%, and
      postoperative complications were observed in 30.2% patients and no perioperative
      mortality occur. Compromise surgical margins do not affect recurrence rate, and
      94.9% of patients are alive nowadays. CONCLUSION: Local excision could be
      associated with low recurrence rate and good overall survival. Short
      hospitalization time and low level of serious complications observed could be an
      interesting option for patients who would not tolerate a radical procedure or for
      those who declined a total mesorectal excision. A strict long-term follow-up must
      be warranted to detect early tumoral recurrence.

PMID- 27142903
TI  - Comparative evaluation of oncologic outcomes in colon cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this paper we report clinical variables on colon cancer series.
      Oncological outcomes were compared to low-income and high-income countries.
      METHODS: We analysed a prospective database of 51 colon cancer patients submitted
      to primary tumor resection between 2010 and 2011, showing clinical variables and
      oncologic outcomes. RESULTS: R0 resection obtained in 80.4%, 21.6% of patients
      was TNM stage IV, and only 13.7% showed TNM stage I. Disease-free survival was 32
      months, overall survival was 46 months, and the tumoral recurrence rate was 9.8%.
      Univariate analysis showed association of serum CEA levels >= 5 ng/dl (p= 0.004),
      presence of metastasis at diagnosis (p= 0.012), compromised surgical margins (p <
      0.001) and poorer tumor differentiation (p= 0.041) to death. Multivariate
      analysis identified compromised surgical margins as an independent risk factor
      for death due to colon cancer (P=0.003; odds ratio=0.36; 95% confidence
      interval=0.004-0.33). Nowadays, 62.7% of patients are alive. CONCLUSION:
      Recurrence rate, disease-free survival and overall survival was similar to those
      observed in more developed countries. Serum CEA levels >= 5 ng/dl, the presence
      of metastasis at diagnosis, compromised surgical margins and poorer tumor
      differentiation were associated with death. A compromised surgical margin was the
      only independent risk factor for death.

PMID- 27142904
TI  - Effect of irradiation with different laser wavelengths on oxidative stress of non
      hepatectomized rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the effect of two laser wavelengths, either separate or
      combined, on intact rat livers. METHOD: Nineteen male Wistar rats (200-300 g)
      were submitted to laser irradiation at 5 different sites on the liver
      surface.Wavelengths 660 and 780 nm were used, with a dose of irradiation of 60
      J/cm2/site.The animals were divided into the groups:control (C) and animals
      irradiated with 660 nm laser (L1), with 780 nm laser (L2) or withboth wavelengths
      (L3).Mitochondrial function, mitochondrial swelling, and hepatocellular
      malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined.Data were analyzed by the Mann
      Whitney test, with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: There was a
      reduction of ADP-activated respiration (state 3) in group L1 compared to group C
      (p=0.0016), whereas the values of group L2 were similar to control.Group L3 also
      showed a reduction of state 3 (p=0.0159).There was a reduction of RCR in group L1
      compared to control (p=0.0001) and to group L2 (p=0.0040).Mitochondrial swelling
      only differed between group L3 and control (p=0.0286).There was a increase in MDA
      levels in group L3 compared to control (p=0.0476) and to group L2 (p=0.0286) and
      in group L1 compared to group L2 (p=0.0132). CONCLUSION: Although laser
      irradiation reduced mitochondrial function,it did not interfere with the
      hepatocellular energy status.

PMID- 27142905
TI  - Key Points for Curbing Cardiopulmonary Bypass Inflammation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures are thought to activate systemic
      inflammatory reaction syndrome (SIRS). Strategies to curb systemic inflammation
      have been previously described. However, none of them is adequate, since
      "curbing" the extent of the inflammatory response requires a multimodal approach.
      The aim of the present mini-review is to discuss the main key points about the
      main principles in cardiopulmonary bypass curbing inflammation. METHODS: No
      systematic literature search (MEDLINE) and extracted data from the accumulated
      experience of the authors. The preconceived idea of an association between severe
      inflammation and coagulation disorders is reviewed. Also, some fundamental
      concepts, CPB inflammatory biomarkers, the vasoplegic syndrome and the need
      forindividual CPB protocols for children, diabetes and old patients, are
      discussed. CONCLUSION: The ways in which surgical technique (atraumatic vein
      harvest, biocompatibility and shear resistance of the circuit, monitoring,
      minimizing organ ischemia, minimal cross-clamping trauma, and blood management)
      are thought to curb SIRS induced by CPB and affect positively the patient
      outcome.Improved patient outcomes are strongly associated with these modalities
      of care, more than single or combinatorial drug strategies (aprotinin, tranexamic
      acid, pentoxifylline) or CPB modalities (minicircuits, heparin-coated circuits,
      retrograde autologous prime).

PMID- 27142907
TI  - [Pathologic diagnosis and differential diagnosis of atypical endometrial
      hyperplasia].

PMID- 27142906
TI  - Trauma-Informed Approach to Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence.
AB  - Trauma leads to deleterious effects on individuals and families causing many to
      seek treatment from social work practitioners across systems of care. Trauma
      comes in all forms, from community violence to domestic violence, including
      physical and sexual abuse of children and violence among intimate partners that
      leaves its victims devastatingly impacted. Women make up the majority of
      survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) with studies revealing significant
      associated mental health problems. Social workers are bound to work with
      survivors of IPV and must be prepared to deliver effective trauma-informed
      services. While trauma-specific services exist for specific populations,
      researchers are finding that negative events in childhood and in family
      functioning can impact individuals' lives in negative ways thus having
      implications for treatment across systems. For women survivors of IPV, the
      traumatic stress may be cumulative with varied emotional and mental health
      impacts that may force them to seek services across systems, not just domestic
      violence specific systems. As such it is imperative that social workers increase
      awareness of trauma, its impact on women, and the importance of the approach and
      environment in which they provide services. In this article the author aims to
      broaden social workers knowledge of the use of a TIC approach developed by the
      Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that's applicable
      across systems of care, particularly when working with women survivors of IPV. 

PMID- 27142908
TI  - [New concepts of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2015 St. Gallen
      International Breast Cancer Conference].

PMID- 27142909
TI  - [Endometrioid carcinoma with sex cord-like formations and hyalinization of the
      uterine corpus: a clinicopathologic analysis of 5 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endometrioid carcinoma with sex cord-like formations and hyalinization
      of the uterine corpus is a rare morphological variant of endometrioid carcinoma.
      The biphasic morphological features may cause confusion with carcinosarcoma of
      the uterus, leading to misdiagnosis. The aim of this article is to elucidate the
      clinicopathological characteristics of such endometrial carcinoma to avoid
      misdiagnosis. METHODS: The clinical and pathological data of 5 cases of
      endometrioid carcinoma with sex cord-like formations and hyalinization of the
      uterine corpus were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The age of the 5 patients
      ranged from 29 to 39 years, with a mean age of 33 years. Four patients underwent
      surgery of radical hysterectomy, the other dilation and curettage biopsy. Among
      the former, 3 patients were at FIGO stageIA, the other IIIC1. Microscopically,
      all 5 tumors contained endometrioid carcinoma components, 4 of which were FIGO
      gradeI, the remaining one was grade II. Each tumor was of variable proportions of
      corded and hyalinized areas ranging from 10% to 60%. The cells in the corded and
      hyalinized areas were epithelioid, fusiform and spindle in morphology, admixed
      with the endometrioid carcinoma component, resulting in a biphasic pattern. The
      corded and hyalinized component exhibited distinctively different
      immunophenotypical feature from that by the conventional endometrioid carcinoma
      component. The results of follow-up for 4 patients of 7 to 68 months (mean=26.5
      months) revealed that all patients were alive without recurrence of the
      malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Endometrioid carcinoma with sex cord-like formations and
      hyalinization of the uterine corpus presents unique morphology, and the patients
      are usually young with relatively favorable prognosis. The definite mechanism for
      the pathogenesis of the sex cord-like formations and hyalinization needs further
      investigation.

PMID- 27142910
TI  - [Expression of DNA mismatch repair protein in endometrial carcinomas and its
      correlation with clinicopathologic features].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of mismatch repair protein in a series of
      endometrial carcinomas and its correlation with clinicopathologic features.
      METHODS: The clinical data of 150 consecutive cases of endometrial carcinoma were
      collected during the period from December, 2014 to August, 2015 in Fudan
      University Cancer Center. Morphologic features including tumor infiltrating
      lymphocytes (TIL), peritumoral lymphocytes and tumor heterogeneity were reviewed.
      Immunohistochemistry for expression of mismatch repair proteins was performed.
      The correlation with clinicopathologic features was analyzed. RESULTS: Loss of
      mismatch repair protein expression was observed in 43 cases (28.7%), including
      loss of MLH1/PMS2 in 27 cases (18%), loss of MSH2/MSH6 in 7 cases (4.7%), loss of
      MSH6 in 6 cases (4%) and loss of PMS2 in 3 cases (2%). There were 23.3% and 27.1%
      of mismatch repair protein-deficient endometrial carcinomas in women under and
      above 50 years of age, respectively, which was not statistically significant.
      Amongst the 12 cases with family history of tumors, 4 of the 6 mismatch repair
      protein-deficient cases were under 50 years of age, which was higher than that in
      the 6 cases with mismatch repair protein expression (P=0.014). The mismatch
      repair protein-deficient group showed significantly more prominent TIL and
      peritumoral lymphocytes than protein-expression group (P=0.033 and <0.001).
      Moreover, there were also significant differences in depth of myometrial invasion
      and occurrence of synchronous malignancy (2 cases of ovarian clear cell carcinoma
      and 1 case of colonic carcinoma) between the two groups (P=0.039 and 0.022).
      However, there were no significant differences in lymph node metastasis, tumor
      heterogeneity, lower uterine segment involvement and tumor stage between the two
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prominent TIL and peritumoral lymphocytes characteristically
      occur in mismatch repair protein-deficient endometrial carcinomas. Patient age
      does not significantly correlate with the loss of mismatch repair protein
      expression, but individuals under 50 years of age are more likely to have no
      expression if there is family history of tumors.

PMID- 27142911
TI  - [Endometrial stromal sarcoma: morphologic features and detection of JAZF1-SUZ12
      and YWHAE FAM22 fusion genes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the morphologic features, immunophenotype and significance of
      expression of JAZF1-SUZ12 and YWHAE-FAM22 fusion genes in endometrial stromal
      sarcoma (ESS). METHODS: Fifty-three cases of ESS were retrieved and the
      pathologic features were reviewed. Immunohistochemical study for estrogen
      receptor, progesterone receptor, CD10, cyclin D1, smooth muscle actin, desmin and
      H-caldesmon were carried out using tissue microarray technology. Reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied for detection of
      expression of JAZF1-SUZ12 and YWHAE-FAM22 fusion genes in 47 cases of ESS and 12
      cases of other spindle cell neoplasia in uterus (including 2 cases of
      undifferentiated sarcoma, 3 cases of leiomyosarcoma, 3 cases of leiomyoma, 4
      cases of adenosarcoma and 2 cases of uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord
      tumor). RESULTS: The 53 cases of ESS studied included 43 cases of low-grade ESS
      and 10 cases of high-grade ESS. As for low-grade ESS, in addition to the classic
      morphologic features, smooth muscle differentiation was present in 7 cases
      (16.3%), sex cord-like differentiation in 2 cases (4.7%), rhabdoid
      differentiation in 1 case (2.3%), clear cell changes in 1 case (2.3%) and
      schwannoma-like palisading pattern in 1 case (2.3%). As for high-grade ESS, sex
      cord-like differentiation (1 case), mucinous microcystic changes (1 case) and
      focal clear cell changes (1 case) were also observed. The expression rate of
      estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, CD10, cyclin D1, smooth muscle actin,
      desmin and H-caldesmon was 86.0%, 81.4%, 74.4%, 2.3%, 23.3%, 23.3% and 4.7% in
      low-grade ESS, respectively, and was 1/10, 6/10, 6/10, 7/10, 1/10, 1/10 and 0 in
      high-grade ESS, respectively. RNA extraction was successful in 47 cases of ESS,
      including 39 cases of low-grade ESS and 8 cases of high-grade ESS. The positive
      rate of JAZF1-SUZ12 fusion gene was 30.8% (12/39) in low-grade ESS. The positive
      rate of YWHAE-FAM22 fusion gene was 12.5% (1/8) in high-grade ESS. The 14 control
      cases were all negative for JAZF1-SUZ12 and YWHAE-FAM22 fusion genes.
      CONCLUSIONS: As uncommon pathologic pattern may occur in both low-grade ESS and
      high-grade ESS, detection of JAZF1-SUZ1 and YWHAE-FAM22 fusion genes by RT-PCR
      would be helpful in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of ESS, especially for
      those tumors which lack typical morphologic features.

PMID- 27142912
TI  - [Identification and verification of the candidate proteins that interact and
      collaborate with ATF3 in inhibiting hepatocarcinogenesis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify and verify proteins that interact and collaborate with
      ATF3 in inhibiting hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS: Immunoprecipitation (IP), co-IP
      and protein spectrum analysis were used to identify the protein which interacted
      with ATF3 in HepG2. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB) were used to
      detect the expression pattern of ATF3 and its candidate interacting proteins in
      liver tissue. RESULTS: The protein expression differences were detected by IP in
      two HepG2 groups. The experimental group was infected by lentiviral vector with
      ATF3 over-expression and the control group was infected by mock-vehicle. Several
      protein bands with expression diversity were analyzed by protein spectrum, which
      revealed several candidate proteins that may be related with ATF3. Peptide
      sequences were analyzed by Mascot software and NCBI database. Combined with the
      existing literature and our study results, Gelsolin (GSN) was identified as a
      protein closely interacting with ATF3 and confirmed by co-IP, IHC and WB.
      CONCLUSIONS: GSN is identified and verified as an interacting protein with ATF3.
      ATF3 may function as a suppressor of liver cancer via protein-protein
      interactions with Gelsolin.

PMID- 27142913
TI  - [Clinicopathologic study of intractable epilepsy-related encephalitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathologic features of intractable epilepsy
      related encephalitis. METHODS: The clinical and pathologic findings of 15 cases
      of intractable epilepsy after functional neurosurgical treatment were reviewed
      and analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: All patients, including four male and 11
      female, had medically intractable epilepsy. The mean age of onset for seizure was
      5.3 years (1-15 years) and the disease duration was 4.7 years (0.5-15 years). A
      definite past history was identified in 11 patients, including viral encephalitis
      in nine patients, anoxia in utero and head trauma in one patient respectively.
      The extent and sites of involvement were different, including single cerebral
      hemisphere diffusely in five cases, multiple lobes in seven cases, and single
      lobe in three cases. Temporal lobe was involved in 13 cases, frontal lobe in
      eight, parietal lobe in eight, occipital lobe in seven, and insular lobe in four.
      Microscopically, all cases were characterized by perivascular inflammatory cells
      infiltration in the subarachnoid space. The focal cerebral cortex showed obvious
      atrophy with various degrees of the neuronal loss and glial proliferation,
      eventually leading to glial scar formation. In addition, microglia nodules,
      lymphatic cuff and neuronophagia were also observed. Seven cases of focal
      cortical dysplasia were identified among the 11 cases with adequate perilesional
      cerebral cortex. Hippocampus sclerosis was found in two cases. Intranuclear
      inclusions were seen in six cases, and these were immunopositive of
      cytomegalovirus-late antigen, and three cases also showed multinucleated giant
      cells and calcifications. CONCLUSION: Encephalitis is one of the common causes of
      refractory epilepsy, and may result in refractory epilepsy as a sequel.

PMID- 27142915
TI  - [Cervical adenoid basal carcinomas : clinicopathologic analysis of eight cases].

PMID- 27142914
TI  - [Glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like island: report of four cases and review of
      literature].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathologic features of glioneuronal tumor
      with neuropil-like island (GTNI). METHODS: Four cases of intracranial and spinal
      GTNI, including three cases of WHO grade III, and one case of WHO grade II with
      grade III recurrence. HE and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used for
      pathologic analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect
      tumor genetic changes. Related literatures were reviewed. RESULTS:
      Microscopically, neuropil-like islands of varying sizes were seen within a
      background of glial proliferation, which showed features of astrocytoma or
      oligoastrocytoma. Neuropil-like islands were focal or circumscribed oval islands
      of varying sizes. Focally ganglion-like cells were seen. IHC staining revealed
      that in neuropil-like island area, the neuronal nuclei (Neu-N) as well as the
      cells around the neuropil-like island expressed oligodendrocyte lineage
      transcription factor-2 (Olig-2), and synaptophysin. The background glioma cells
      expressed S-100, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin and Olig-2, and
      the number of p53 positive cells was 10%-50%.In the neuropil-like island area,
      the Ki-67 labeling index was less than 3%, while in the astrocytoma area it was
      around 10%-25%.By FISH testing, four cases were no deletion of 1p/19q and PTEN,
      also no amplification of epidermal growth factor receptor. CONCLUSIONS: GTNI is
      more common in adults. 1p/19q deletions are uncommon in GTNI, only seen in a few
      cases with background oligodendroglioma. The prognosis is related to WHO grading.
      GTNI often recurs locally, and the prognosis is not good, especially in the
      spinal cord GTNI. The recommended treatment includes tumor resection combined
      with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

PMID- 27142916
TI  - [Suppression of proliferation of human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 by
      salinomycin].

PMID- 27142917
TI  - [Sporadic primary malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor: a clinicopathologic
      study].

PMID- 27142918
TI  - [Application of crypt isolation technique in genetic analysis of gastro
      intestinal carcinomas].

PMID- 27142920
TI  - [Mixed germ cell sex cord stromal tumor of ovary: report of a case].

PMID- 27142919
TI  - [Correlation between immunohistochemical staining conditions and results of
      anaplastic lymphoma kinase expression].

PMID- 27142921
TI  - [Sertoli-leydig cell tumor of ovary with heterologous elements and associated
      Brenner tumor:report of a case].

PMID- 27142922
TI  - [Tubular aggregate myopathy: report of a case].

PMID- 27142923
TI  - [Unexplained acanthosis nigricans in an elderly male patient: report of a case].

PMID- 27142924
TI  - [Primary soft tissue perineurioma of kidney:report of a case].

PMID- 27142925
TI  - [Choroidal IgG4-related disease: report of a case].

PMID- 27142927
TI  - [Recent advance in mechanisms of tumor lymphatic metastasis].

PMID- 27142926
TI  - [Absense of chromosome 17 signal by FISH in detection of HER2 gene
      amplification:report of a case].

PMID- 27142928
TI  - Correction to A Simple Pharmacokinetic Model of Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure
      to Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs).

PMID- 27142929
TI  - Validity and Reliability of Behavior and Theory-Based Psychosocial Determinants
      Measures, Using Audience Response System Technology in Urban Upper-Elementary
      Schoolchildren.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the validity and reliability of a questionnaire
      administered with an audience response system (ARS). DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      study. SETTING: Two New York City public elementary schools. PARTICIPANTS: Fourth
      and fifth-grade students. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: A Food, Health, and Choices
      questionnaire (FHC-Q) assessed energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs) including
      intake of fruits and vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages, processed packaged
      snacks, and fast food; physical activity; recreational screen time; and
      associated psychosocial determinants (>= 3 questions/outcome scale). Previously
      validated reference instruments were used for relative validation. The ARS format
      was compared with a paper-and-pencil format. All measures were administered in a
      classroom setting. ANALYSIS: Pearson correlation coefficients between the
      reference instruments and the FHC-Q were calculated. Internal consistency
      reliabilities were evaluated with Cronbach alpha. Spearman rank correlation,
      intra-class correlation, and percent agreement were used for test-retest
      reliability between paper-and-pencil and ARS, and between 2 ARS FHC-Q
      administrations. RESULTS: Correlations for EBRBs with reference instruments
      ranged from 0.38 to 0.61 (P < .01). Cronbach alpha ranged from .77 to .92 for
      EBRBs and .74 to .90 for psychosocial determinants. Test-retest reliability
      correlations ranged from 0.36 to 0.87 (P < .001). Agreement for knowledge
      questions ranged from 69.8% to 84.8%. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The ARS FHC-Q
      has acceptable validity and reliability for collecting data on EBRBs and
      associated psychosocial determinants for upper-elementary students.

PMID- 27142931
TI  - May short-course intravenous antimicrobial administration be as a standard
      therapy for bacterial brain abscess treated surgically?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcome in subjects with bacterial brain abscesses
      (BBAs) treated by operation and shorter antimicrobial duration than usual at a
      single center over a four-year period. METHODS: Retrospective review was
      conducted on a series of 55 patients with BBAs surgically treated and managed by
      prospective antimicrobial protocol of shorter antimicrobial duration than usual.
      Sixty-one abscesses were diagnosed and surgically managed in 55 patients. Open
      craniotomy excision was the treatment of choice for 58.2% of the patients,
      whereas 31.8% of the cases were managed through stereotactically guided
      aspiration. Intravenous antimicrobial agents were given to all patients
      emipirically or changed later according to culture results. Intravenous
      antimicrobial administration was discontinued without following oral therapy when
      the patients' body temperature was continuously normal for 10-14 days after
      surgery and neuroimaging showed the resolution of BBAs at the same time [Follow
      up CT or MRI showed no residue cavity, or the diffusion wedge images (DWI) showed
      the signal in the residue cavity was as low as the signal of cerebral spinal
      fluid]. RESULTS: The mean total antimicrobial duration was 21.7 days (10-66
      days), and the mean antimicrobial duration after operation was 19.2 days (10-64
      days). Follow-up found there were two patients whose BBAs recurred and died 4-5
      months after primary BBAs controlled. Follow-up data of the remaining 53 patients
      were available with a mean follow-up time of 36 months (12-58 months). Outcome
      was favorable in 65.5% of the subjects. General morbidity was 18.2%, and
      recurrence and mortality stood at 3.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This case
      series showed the short-course intravenous antimicrobial administration can be
      considered to be a standard therapy for bacterial brain abscess in the surgically
      treated group, and the thermal curve and DWI are the two paramount indicators
      that can safely evaluate the antimicrobial times for the treatment of BBAs.

PMID- 27142930
TI  - The G protein-coupled receptor GPR157 regulates neuronal differentiation of
      radial glial progenitors through the Gq-IP3 pathway.
AB  - The ability of radial glial progenitors (RGPs) to generate cortical neurons is
      determined by local extracellular factors and signaling pathways intrinsic to
      RGPs. Here we find that GPR157, an orphan G protein-coupled receptor, localizes
      to RGPs' primary cilia exposed to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). GPR157 couples
      with Gq-class of the heterotrimeric G-proteins and signals through IP3-mediated
      Ca(2+) cascade. Activation of GPR157-Gq signaling enhances neuronal
      differentiation of RGPs whereas interfering with GPR157-Gq-IP3 cascade in RGPs
      suppresses neurogenesis. We also detect the presence of putative ligand(s) for
      GPR157 in the CSF, and demonstrate the increased ability of the CSF to activate
      GPR157 at neurogenic phase. Thus, GPR157-Gq signaling at the primary cilia of
      RGPs is activated by the CSF and contributes to neurogenesis.

PMID- 27142932
TI  - Modulation of the wettability of excipients by surfactant and its impacts on the
      disintegration and release of tablets.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the modulation of the wettability of excipients by
      different types of surfactants and its impacts on the disintegration of tablets
      and drug release. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The critical micelle concentration (CMC)
      of surfactants, including sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium dodecyl benzene
      sulfonate (SDBS), dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB), cetyltrimethyl
      ammonium bromide (CTAB) and polysorbate (Tween-20 and Tween-80), was obtained
      using the platinum ring method. Contact angles of surfactant solutions on the
      excipient compacts and double-distilled water on the mixture of surfactant and
      the other excipient (magnesium stearate (MgSt) or sodium alginate (SA)) were
      measured by the sessile drop technique. Besides, surface free energy of
      excipients was calculated by the Owens method. Finally, the disintegration of
      tablets and in vitro dissolution testing were performed according to the method
      described in USP. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The wettability of excipients could be
      enhanced to different extent with low concentration of surfactant solutions and
      maintained stable basically after CMC. For MgSt (hydrophobic excipient), the
      shorter the hydrophobic chain (C12, including SDS and DTAB), the better the
      wettability with the addition of surfactant in the formulation, leading to the
      shorter disintegration time of tablets and higher drug release rate. In contrast,
      the wettability of SA (hydrophilic excipient) was reduced by adding surfactant,
      resulting in the longer disintegration time of tablets and lower release rate.
      CONCLUSION: The modulation of the wetting of pharmaceutical excipients by
      surfactant had changed the disintegration time of tablets and drug release rate
      to a greater extent.

PMID- 27142933
TI  - Ctenopharyngodon idella NF-kappaB subunit p65 modulates the transcription of
      IkappaBalpha in CIK cells.
AB  - NF-kappaB is an important transcription factor for regulating the multiple
      inflammatory and immune related gene transcription. It can bind with the nuclear
      factor kappaB site within the promoter of target genes to regulate their
      transcriptions. p65, the all-important subunit of NF-kappaB, is ubiquitously
      expressed in cells. In the present study, we cloned and identified the p65
      subunit from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) (named Cip65) by homologous
      cloning and RACE technique. The full length of Cip65 cDNA is 2481 bp along with 9
      bp 5' UTR, 639 bp 3' UTR and the largest open reading frame (1833 bp) encoding a
      polypeptide of 610 amino acids with a well conserved Rel-homology domain (RHD) in
      N-terminal and a putative transcription activation domain (TAD) in C-terminal.
      Cip65 gathers with other teleost p65 proteins to form a fish-specific clade
      clearly distinct from those of mammalian and amphibian counterparts on the
      phylogenetic tree. In CIK (C. idellus kidney) cells, the expression of Cip65 was
      significantly up-regulated under the stimulation with Poly I:C. As one member of
      the NF-kappaB inhibitor protein (IkappaB) family, IkappaBalpha can dominate the
      activity of NF-kappaB by interacting with it. To study the molecular mechanisms
      of negative feedback loop of NF-kappaB signaling in fish, we cloned grass carp
      IkappaBalpha (CiIkappaBalpha) promoter sequence. CiIkappaBalpha promoter is 414
      bp in length containing two RelA binding sites and a putative atypical TATA-box.
      Meanwhile, Cip65 and its mutant proteins including C-terminus deletion mutant of
      Cip65 (Cip65-DeltaC) and N-terminus deletion mutant of Cip65 (Cip65-DeltaN) were
      expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and purified by affinity chromatography with
      the Ni-NTA His-Bind resin. In vitro, Cip65 rather than Cip65-DeltaC and Cip65
      DeltaN showed high affinity with CiIkappaBalpha promoter sequence by gel mobility
      shift assays. In vivo, the cotransfection of pcDNA3.1-Cip65 (or pcDNA3.1-Cip65
      DeltaC, pcDNA3.1-Cip65-DeltaN respectively) with pGL3-CiIkappaBalpha and pRL-TK
      renilla luciferase plasmid into CIK cells showed that pcDNA3.1-Cip65 rather than
      pcDNA3.1-Cip65-DeltaC and pcDNA3.1-Cip65-DeltaN, can increase the luciferase
      activity. Taken together, these results suggested that Cip65 can regulate the
      expression of CiIkappaBalpha and works as a negative feedback loop in NF-kappaB
      pathway. 

PMID- 27142934
TI  - Identification and functional characterization of miiuy croaker IRF3 as an
      inducible protein involved regulation of IFN response.
AB  - IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 3 as an important member of IRF family, is required
      for the host antiviral response. In mammals, IRF3 is known to be a critical
      player in regulating the transcription of IFN and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs).
      However, only a few studies investigated the characteristics of IRF3 genes in
      fish. In this study, IRF3 from miiuy croaker was identified and characterized in
      bioinformatics and functions. Miiuy croaker IRF3 had conserved DBD, IAD and SRD
      domains with other vertebrates IRF3 genes, also miiuy croaker IRF3 had relatively
      conserved gene synteny and gene structures with other fish IRF3 genes.
      Evolutionary analysis showed IRF3 genes in mammals underwent positive selection,
      while IRF3 in fish underwent purifying selection. Expression analysis showed
      miiuy croaker IRF3 was expressed in all tested tissues and up-regulated expressed
      in infected liver and kidney; and up-regulated expression of miiuy croaker IRF3
      was observed in head kidney macrophages which stimulated with poly(I:C)
      indicating that miiuy croaker IRF3 participated in the immune response to defense
      against poly(I:C) infection. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay showed that
      overexpression of miiuy croaker IRF3 can activate the production of ISRE and
      IFNalpha, suggesting that miiuy croaker IRF3 acted as transcription activators in
      immune responses and maybe activate IFN signaling pathway. Immunofluorescence
      assay showed miiuy craoker IRF3 was localized in the cytoplasm in Hela cells.
      Overall, we systematically and comprehensively analyzed the bioinformatics and
      functions of miiuy croaker IRF3, which provided further insights into the
      transcriptional regulation of IRF3 gene in fish and valuable information for the
      study of evolution of IRF3 genes. 

PMID- 27142935
TI  - Immunogenicity of a cell culture-derived inactivated vaccine against a common
      virulent isolate of grass carp reovirus.
AB  - Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) hemorrhagic disease, caused by grass carp
      reovirus (GCRV), is emerging as a serious problem in grass carp aquaculture.
      There is no available antiviral therapy and vaccination is the primary method of
      disease control. In the present study, the immunological effects and protective
      efficacy of an inactivated HuNan1307 vaccine in grass carp were evaluated. The
      GCRV isolate HuNan1307 was produced by replication onto the grass carp PSF cell
      line, and inactivated with 1% beta-propiolactone for 60 h at 4  degrees C. Grass
      carp were injected with inactivated GCRV vaccine, followed by challenge with the
      isolate HuNan1307. The results showed that the minimum dosage of the inactivated
      vaccine was 10(5.5) TCID50/0.2 mL to induce immune protection. All grass carp
      immunized with the inactivated vaccine produced a high titer of serum antibodies
      and GCRV-specific neutralizing antibody. Moreover, the inactivated vaccine
      injection increased the expression of 6 immune-related genes in the spleen and
      head kidney, which indicated that a immune response was induced by the HuNan1307
      vaccine. In addition, grass carp immunized with the inactivated vaccine showed a
      survival rate above 80% after the viral challenge, equal to that of grass carp
      immunized with a commercial attenuated vaccine, and the protection lasted at
      least for one year. The data in this study suggested that the inactivated
      HuNan1307 vaccine may represent an efficient method to induce immunity against
      GCRV infection and the induced disease in grass carp. 

PMID- 27142936
TI  - Involvement of a LysM and putative peptidoglycan-binding domain-containing
      protein in the antibacterial immune response of kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus
      japonicus.
AB  - Lysin motif (LysM) is a peptidoglycan and chitin-binding motif with multiple
      functions in bacteria, plants, and animals. In this study, a novel LysM and
      putative peptidoglycan-binding domain-containing protein was cloned from kuruma
      shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) and named as MjLPBP. The cDNA of MjLPBP contained
      1010 nucleotides with an open reading frame of 834 nucleotides encoding a protein
      of 277 amino acid residues. The deduced protein contained a Lysin motif and a
      transmembrane region, with a calculated molecular mass of 31.54 kDa and
      isoelectric point of 8.61. MjLPBP was ubiquitously distributed in different
      tissues of shrimp at the mRNA level. Time course expression assay showed that
      MjLPBP was upregulated in hemocytes of shrimp challenged with Vibrio anguillarum
      or Staphylococcus aureus. MjLPBP was also upregulated in hepatopancreas after
      white spot syndrome virus and bacteria challenge. The recombinant protein of
      MjLPBP could bind to some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeast.
      Further study found that rMjLPBP bound to bacterial cell wall components,
      including peptidoglycans, lipoteichoic acid, lipopolysaccharide, and chitin. The
      induction of several antimicrobial peptide genes and phagocytosis-related gene,
      such as anti-lipopolysaccharide factors and myosin, was depressed after knockdown
      of MjLPBP. MjLPBP could facilitate V. anguillarum clearance in vivo. All the
      results indicated that MjLPBP might play an important role in the innate immunity
      of shrimp. 

PMID- 27142937
TI  - Cinnamon (Cinnamomum sp.) inclusion in diets for Nile tilapia submitted to acute
      hypoxic stress.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of diets supplemented
      with probiotics and different cinnamon levels (powder and essential oil) on
      immunological parameters of Nile tilapia after being subjected to acute stress by
      hypoxia. Three hundred and thirty juvenile male tilapia fish (66.08 +/- 2.79 g)
      were distributed in 30 tanks of 100 L capacity (11/cage) with a water
      recirculation system. The animals were fed for 71 days with diets containing
      extruded cinnamon powder at different levels (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2%), cinnamon
      essential oil (0.05, 0.1, 0.15; 0.2%) and probiotics (0.4%), all in triplicate.
      At the end of the experiment, the fish (200.36 +/- 19.88 g) of the different
      groups were subjected to stress by hypoxia. Hypoxia was achieved by capturing the
      animals with a net, keeping them out of the water for three minutes, and then
      sampling the blood 30 min after the procedure to determine the levels of
      cortisol, glucose, haematocrit, lysozyme, bactericidal index, total protein, and
      its fractions. The animals kept blood homeostasis after hypoxic stress. Diet
      supplementation with 0.5% cinnamon powder improved the fish immune response,
      since it resulted in an increase of 0.5% in gamma-globulin level. Administration
      of 0.15% cinnamon essential oil resulted in an increase of alpha1 and alpha2
      globulins, which may be reflected in increased lipid content of the carcass and
      the hepatosomatic index. More studies are necessary to better understand the
      effects of these additives for fish immunity. 

PMID- 27142938
TI  - Nasoseptal flap for reconstruction after robotic radical tonsillectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The nasoseptal flap has revolutionized reconstruction of ventral
      skull base defects. The past decade is also noticeable by the evolution of
      transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Reconstruction of the oropharyngeal defect is
      challenging. Good reconstructive options with less cicatricial retraction are
      desirable and still lacking in the literature. METHODS: Cadaver dissection and
      illustrative case are used to show the feasibility of harvesting a nasoseptal
      flap to reconstruct oropharyngeal defect after radical tonsillectomy. Surgical
      resection included part of the soft palate and tongue base. RESULTS: The flap was
      sufficient to cover two-thirds of the tonsillar defect during the cadaver
      dissection. In our illustrative case, the flap filled the palatal defect and also
      was sufficient to cover the superior half of the tonsillar defect. CONCLUSION:
      The nasoseptal flap has shown to be feasible and reliable for reconstruction of
      the oropharyngeal defect after TORS. When soft palate resection is warranted,
      this flap provides excellent coverage. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck
      38: E2495-E2498, 2016.

PMID- 27142939
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Herbal medicines for viral myocarditis.

PMID- 27142941
TI  - Semi-transparent all-oxide ultraviolet light-emitting diodes based on ZnO/NiO
      core/shell nanowires.
AB  - Semi-transparent all-oxide light-emitting diodes based on ZnO/NiO-core/shell
      nanowire structures were prepared on double-polished c-Al2O3 substrates. The
      entire heterojunction diode showed an average transparency of ~65% in the
      ultraviolet and visible regions. Under forward bias, the diode displayed an
      intense ultraviolet emission at ~382 nm, and its electroluminescence performance
      was remarkable in terms of a low emission onset, acceptable operating stability,
      and the ability to optically excite emissive semiconductor nanoparticle
      chromophores. 

PMID- 27142940
TI  - Interactions between inflammatory mediators and corticosteroids regulate
      transcription of genes within the Kynurenine Pathway in the mouse hippocampus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased tryptophan metabolism towards the production of kynurenine
      via indoleamine/tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenases (DOs: Ido1, Ido2, and Tdo2) is
      strongly associated with the prevalence of major depressive disorder in patients
      and the induction of depression-like behaviors in animal models. Several studies
      have suggested that activation of the immune system or elevated corticosteroids
      drive DO expression; however, mechanisms linking cytokines, corticosteroids, and
      DOs to psychiatric diseases remain unclear. Various attempts have been made to
      correlate DO gene expression within the brain to behavior, but disparate results
      have been obtained. We believe that discrepancies arise as a result of the under
      recognized existence of multiple mRNA transcripts for each DO. Unfortunately,
      there are no reports regarding how the multiple transcripts are distributed or
      regulated. Here, we used organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) to
      directly test the ability of inflammatory and stress mediators to differentially
      regulate DO transcripts. METHODS: OHSCs were treated with pro-inflammatory
      mediators (interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and polyinosine
      polycytidylic acid (pI:C)) with or without corticosteroids (dexamethasone (Dex:
      glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist), aldosterone (Aldo: mineralocorticoid
      receptor (MR) agonist), or corticosterone (Cort: GR/MR agonist)). RESULTS:
      IFNgamma induced Ido1-full length (FL) and Ido1-variant (v) expression, and
      surprisingly, Dex, Cort, and Aldo interacted with IFNgamma to further elevate
      expression of Ido1, importantly, in a transcript dependent manner. IFNgamma, LPS,
      and pI:C increased expression of Ido2-v1 and Ido2-v3 transcripts, whereas only
      IFNgamma increased expression of Ido2-v2. Overall Ido2 transcripts were
      relatively unaffected by GR or MR activation. Naive mouse brain expresses
      multiple Tdo2 transcripts. Dex and Cort induced expression of only one of the
      three Tdo2 transcripts (Tdo2-FL) in OHSCs. CONCLUSIONS: These results establish
      that multiple transcripts for all three DOs are expressed within the mouse
      hippocampus, under the control of distinct regulatory pathways. These data
      identify a previously unrecognized interaction between corticosteroid receptor
      activation and inflammatory signals on DO gene expression, which suggest that
      corticosteroids act to differentially enhance gene expression of Ido1, Ido2, and
      Tdo2.

PMID- 27142942
TI  - Seasonal Variation of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus
      pneumoniae Bacteremia According to Acquisition and Patient Characteristics: A
      Population-Based Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE Seasonal variation is a characteristic of many infectious diseases, but
      relatively little is known about determinants thereof. We studied the impact of
      place of acquisition and patient characteristics on seasonal variation of
      bacteremia caused by the 3 most common pathogens. DESIGN Seasonal variation
      analysis. METHODS In 3 Danish health regions (2.3 million total inhabitants),
      patients with bacteremia were identified from 2000 through 2011 using information
      from laboratory information systems. Analyses were confined to Escherichia coli,
      Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Additional data were
      obtained from the Danish National Hospital Registry for the construction of
      admission histories and calculation of the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI).
      Bacteremias were categorized as community acquired, healthcare associated (HCA),
      and hospital acquired. We defined multiple subgroups by combining the following
      characteristics: species, acquisition, age group, gender, CCI level, and location
      of infection. Assuming a sinusoidal model, seasonal variation was assessed by the
      peak-to-trough (PTT) ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS In total,
      we included 16,006 E. coli, 6,924 S. aureus, and 4,884 S. pneumoniae bacteremia
      cases. For E. coli, the seasonal variation was highest for community-acquired
      cases (PTT ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.17-1.32), was diminished for HCA (PTT ratio,
      1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.25), and was missing for hospital-acquired cases. No
      seasonal variation was observed for S. aureus. S. pneumoniae showed high seasonal
      variation, which did not differ according to acquisition (overall PTT ratio,
      3.42; 95% CI, 3.10-3.83). CONCLUSIONS Seasonal variation was mainly related to
      the species although the place of acquisition was important for E. coli. Infect
      Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:946-953.

PMID- 27142943
TI  - Modeling the dynamics of neonatal CD8+ T-cell responses.
AB  - Neonates are particularly susceptible to a number of infections, and the neonatal
      CD8+ T-cell response demonstrates differences in both the phenotype and magnitude
      of responses to infection compared with adults. However, the underlying basis for
      these differences is unclear. We have used a mathematical modeling approach to
      analyze the dynamics of neonatal and adult CD8+ T-cell responses following in
      vitro stimulation and in vivo infection, which allows us to dissect key cell
      intrinsic differences in expansion, differentiation and memory formation. We
      found that neonatal cells started dividing 8 h earlier and proliferated at a
      faster rate (0.077 vs 0.105 per day) than adult cells in vitro. In addition,
      neonatal cells also differentiated more rapidly, as measured by the loss in CD62L
      and Ly6C expression. We extended our mathematical modeling to analysis of
      neonatal and adult CD8+ T cells responding in vivo and demonstrated that neonatal
      cells divide more slowly than adult cells after day 4 post infection. However,
      neonatal cells differentiate more rapidly, upregulating more KLRG1 per division
      than adult cells (20% vs 5%). The dynamics of memory formation were also found to
      be different, with neonatal effector cells showing increased death (1.0 vs 2.45
      per day). Comparison of the division of human cord blood and adult naive cells
      stimulated in vitro showed more division in cord blood-derived cells, consistent
      with the observations in mice. This work highlights differences of the cell
      intrinsic division and differentiation program in neonatal CD8+ T cells.

PMID- 27142944
TI  - Health surveillance assistants as intermediates between the community and health
      sector in Malawi: exploring how relationships influence performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is increasing global interest in how best to support the role
      of community health workers (CHWs) in building bridges between communities and
      the health sector. CHWs' intermediary position means that interpersonal
      relationships are an important factor shaping CHW performance. This study aimed
      to obtain in-depth insight into the facilitators of and barriers to interpersonal
      relationships between health surveillance assistants (HSAs) and actors in the
      community and health sector in hard-to-reach settings in two districts in Malawi,
      in order to inform policy and practice on optimizing HSA performance. METHODS:
      The study followed a qualitative design. Forty-four semi-structured interviews
      and 16 focus group discussions were conducted with HSAs, different community
      members and managers in Mchinji and Salima districts. Data were recorded,
      transcribed, translated, coded and thematically analysed. RESULTS: HSAs had
      relatively strong interpersonal relationships with traditional leaders and
      volunteers, who were generally supportive of their work. From the health sector
      side, HSAs linked to health professionals and managers, but found them less
      supportive. Accountability structures at the community level were not well
      established and those within the health sector were executed irregularly.
      Mistrust from the community, volunteers or HSAs regarding incentives and
      expectations that could not be met by "higher levels" undermined support
      structures and led to demotivation and hampered performance. Supervision and
      training were sometimes a source of mistrust and demotivation for HSAs, because
      of the perceived disinterest of supervisors, uncoordinated supervision and
      favouritism in selection of training participants. Rural HSAs were seen as more
      disadvantaged than HSAs in urban areas. CONCLUSIONS: HSAs' intermediary position
      necessitates trusting relationships between them and all actors within the
      community and the health sector. There is a need to improve support and
      accountability structures that facilitate communication and dialogue, increase
      trust and manage expectations and thereby improve interpersonal relationships
      between HSAs and actors in the community and health sector. This would maximize
      the value of HSAs' unique intermediary position and support them to deliver
      equitable health services. This is particularly important in rural areas, where
      HSAs often constitute the only point of contact with health services, yet report
      limited support from the health system.

PMID- 27142945
TI  - Differences in genetic variants in lopinavir disposition among HIV-infected Bantu
      Africans.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Variability in lopinavir (LPV) plasma concentration among patients
      could be due to genetic polymorphisms. This study set to evaluate significance of
      variants in CYP3A4/5, SLCO1B1 and ABCC2 on LPV plasma concentration among African
      HIV-positive patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: Eighty-six HIV-positive participants
      on ritonavir (LPV/r) were genetically characterized and LPV plasma concentration
      determined. RESULTS & DISCUSSION: LPV plasma concentrations differed >188-fold
      (range 0.0206-38.6 ug/ml). Both CYP3A4*22 and SLCO1B1 rs4149056G (c.521C) were
      not observed in this cohort. CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A5*3, CYP3A5*6 and ABCC2 c.1249G>A
      which have been associated with LPV plasma concentration, showed no significant
      association. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need to include African
      groups in genomics research to identify variants of pharmacogenomics
      significance.

PMID- 27142946
TI  - Giant Electric-Field-Induced Strain in PVDF-Based Battery Separator Membranes
      Probed by Electrochemical Strain Microscopy.
AB  - Efficiency of lithium-ion batteries largely relies on the performance of battery
      separator membrane as it controls the mobility and concentration of Li-ions
      between the anode and cathode electrodes. Recent advances in electrochemical
      strain microscopy (ESM) prompted the study of Li diffusion and transport at the
      nanoscale via electromechanical strain developed under an application of
      inhomogeneous electric field applied via the sharp ESM tip. In this work, we
      observed unexpectedly high electromechanical strain developed in polymer
      membranes based on porous poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(vinylidene
      fluoride-co-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (PVDF-CTFE) and, using it, could study a
      dynamics of electroosmotic flow of electrolyte inside the pores. We show that,
      independently of the separator membrane, electric field-induced deformation
      observed by ESM on wetted membrane surfaces can reach up to 10 nm under a
      moderate bias of 1 V (i.e., more than an order of magnitude higher than that in
      best piezoceramics). Such a high strain is explained by the electroosmotic flow
      in a porous media composed of PVDF. It is shown that the strain-based ESM method
      can be used to extract valuable information such as average pore size, porosity,
      elasticity of membrane in electrolyte solvent, and membrane-electrolyte affinity
      expressed in terms of zeta potential. Besides, such systems can, in principle,
      serve as actuators even in the absence of apparent piezoelectricity in amorphous
      PVDF.

PMID- 27142947
TI  - Ward rounds, participants, roles and perceptions: literature review.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to classify and describe the purpose of
      ward rounds, who attends each round and their role, and participants' perception
      of each other's role during the respective ward rounds.
      Design/methodology/approach - A literature review of face-to-face ward rounds in
      medical wards was conducted. Peer reviewed journals and government publications
      published between 2000 and 2014 were searched. Articles were classified according
      to the type of round described in the study. Purposes were identified using
      keywords in the description of why the round was carried out. Descriptions of
      tasks and interactions with team members defined participant roles. Findings -
      Eight round classifications were identified. The most common were the generalised
      ward; multidisciplinary; and consultant rounds. Multidisciplinary rounds were the
      most collaborative round. Medical officers were the most likely discipline to
      attend any round. There was limited reference to allied health clinicians and
      patient involvement on rounds. Perceptions attendees held of each other
      reiterated the need to continue to investigate teamwork. Practical implications -
      A collaborative approach to care planning can occur by ensuring clinicians and
      patients are aware of different ward round processes and their role in them.
      Originality/value - Analysis fulfils a gap in the literature by identifying and
      analysing the different ward rounds being undertaken in acute medical wards. It
      identifies the complexities in the long established routine hospital processes of
      the ward round. 

PMID- 27142948
TI  - Food and meals in caring institutions - a small dive into research.
AB  - Purpose - With the growing older population, the increasing interest in the
      elderly's eating habits and the meal situation go hand in hand and are challenges
      in many countries, including Norway. The purpose of this paper is to investigate,
      part of an ongoing project in Norway, address four categories of elderly people:
      healthy elderly (HE), old people with home care, elderly living in institutions,
      and critical ill elderly. Design/methodology/approach - The aim of this study was
      to investigate related articles concerning food and the elderly in the four
      identified categories, defining six different meal experience categories to
      disclose possible gaps in the research in terms of core product, room, personal
      service, company, atmosphere, and management control systems (MCS). Database
      searches, conducted through JSTOR and Web of Science, started with words in
      combination with "elderly and meal experiences" and were narrowed down to the
      most relevant papers with words from the six meal experience categories.
      Ultimately, 21 of 51 downloaded papers from international journals were reviewed.
      Findings - A comparison of the four elderly groups was made across the six
      different meal experience categories, which disclosed several gaps. Among the 21
      papers, five focused on HE, 12 on older people living with home care, 16 on
      elderly living in institutions, and one on critical ill elderly. The specific
      under-researched gaps include room, company, atmosphere, and MCS. Research
      limitations/implications - Future research will need to investigate these groups
      more thoroughly, and the research should concentrate on the HE and critical ill
      in connection with the six meal experience aspects. Originality/value - The
      combination of meal experience aspects towards different elderly categories is an
      original perspective on the aim of the literature review. 

PMID- 27142949
TI  - Telephone follow-up for cataract surgery: feasibility and patient satisfaction
      study.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of
      telephone follow-up (TFU) after uncomplicated cataract surgery in low-risk
      patients and patient satisfaction with this alternative clinical pathway.
      Design/methodology/approach - Prospective, non-randomised cohort study. A ten
      point subjective ophthalmic assessment questionnaire and a six-point patient
      satisfaction questionnaire were administered to patients following routine
      cataract surgery at two to three weeks post-procedure. All patients were offered
      a further clinic review if required. Exclusion criteria comprised ophthalmic co
      morbidities, hearing/language impairment and high risk of post-operative
      complications. Patient notes were retrospectively reviewed over the study period
      to ensure no additional emergency attendances took place. Findings - Over three
      months, 50 eyes of 50 patients (mean age: 80; age range 60-91; 66 per cent second
      eye surgery) underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery received a TFU
      at 12-24 days (mean: 16 days) post-operatively. Subjective visual acuity was
      graded as good by 92 per cent of patients; 72 per cent patients reported no pain
      and 20 per cent reported mild occasional grittiness. Patient satisfaction was
      graded 8.9 out of 10; 81.6 per cent defined TFU as convenient and 75.5 per cent
      of patients preferred TFU to routine outpatient review. No additional visits were
      required. Research limitations/implications - Non-randomised with no control
      group; small sample size. One patient was unable to be contacted. Practical
      implications - Post-operative TFU can be suitably targeted to low-risk patients
      following uncomplicated cataract surgery. This study demonstrated a high patient
      satisfaction. A larger, randomised study is in progress to assess this further.
      Originality/value - This is the first study reporting TFU results and patient
      satisfaction to the usual alternative two-week outpatient review. 

PMID- 27142950
TI  - Surgeons' efficiency change is a major determinant of their productivity change.
AB  - Purpose - The sustainability of the Japanese healthcare system is in question
      because the government has had a huge fiscal debt. Despite an enormous effort to
      cut the deficit, our healthcare expenditure is increasing every year because of
      the rapidly aging population. One of the solutions for this problem is to improve
      the productivity of healthcare. The purpose of this paper is to determine the
      factors that change surgeons' productivity in one year.
      Design/methodology/approach - The authors collected data of all surgical
      procedures performed at Teikyo University Hospital from April 1 through September
      30 in 2014 and 2015, and computed the surgeons' Malmquist index (MI), efficiency
      change (EC) and technical change (TC) using non-radial and non-oriented Malmquist
      model under the constant returns-to-scale assumptions. The authors then divided
      the surgeons into two groups; one whose productivity progressed and the other
      whose productivity regressed. These two groups were compared to identify factors
      that may influence their MI. Findings - The only significant difference between
      the two groups was ECs (p < 0.0001). The other factors, such as TC, experience,
      surgical volume, emergency cases, surgical specialty, academic ranks, medical
      schools and gender, were not significantly different between the two groups.
      Originality/value - EC is a major determinant of surgeons' productivity change.
      The best way to improve surgeons' productivity may be to enhance their efficiency
      regardless of their surgical volume and personal backgrounds. 

PMID- 27142951
TI  - Application of Bow-tie methodology to improve patient safety.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to apply Bow-tie methodology, a proactive
      risk assessment technique based on systemic approach, for prospective analysis of
      the risks threatening patient safety in intensive care unit (ICU).
      Design/methodology/approach - Bow-tie methodology was used to manage clinical
      risks threatening patient safety by a multidisciplinary team in the ICU. The Bow
      tie analysis was conducted on incidents related to high-alert medications,
      ventilator associated pneumonia, catheter-related blood stream infection, urinary
      tract infection, and unwanted extubation. Findings - In total, 48 potential
      adverse events were analysed. The causal factors were identified and classified
      into relevant categories. The number and effectiveness of existing preventive and
      protective barriers were examined for each potential adverse event. The adverse
      events were evaluated according to the risk criteria and a set of interventions
      were proposed with the aim of improving the existing barriers or implementing new
      barriers. A number of recommendations were implemented in the ICU, while
      considering their feasibility. Originality/value - The application of Bow-tie
      methodology led to practical recommendations to eliminate or control the hazards
      identified. It also contributed to better understanding of hazard prevention and
      protection required for safe operations in clinical settings. 

PMID- 27142952
TI  - Assessing the organizational impact of patient involvement: a first STEPP.
AB  - Purpose - Patient involvement in the design and improvement of health services is
      increasingly recognized as an essential part of patient-centred care. Yet little
      research, and no measurement tool, has addressed the organizational impacts of
      such involvement. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
      Design/methodology/approach - The authors developed and piloted the scoresheet
      for tangible effects of patient participation (STEPP) to measure the instrumental
      use of patient input. Its items assess the magnitude of each recommendation or
      issue brought forward by patients, the extent of the organization's response, and
      the apparent degree of patient influence on this response. In collaboration with
      teams (staff) from five involvement initiatives, the authors collected interview
      and documentary data and scored the STEPP, first independently then jointly.
      Feedback meetings and a "challenges log" supported ongoing improvement. Findings 
      Although researchers' and teams' initial scores often diverged, the authors
      quickly reached consensus as new information was shared. Composite scores
      appeared to credibly reflect the degree of organizational impact, and were
      associated with salient features of the involvement initiatives. Teams described
      the STEPP as easy to use and useful for monitoring and accountability purposes.
      The tool seemed most suitable for initiatives in which patients generated novel,
      concrete recommendations; less so for broad public consultations of which
      instrumental use was not a primary goal. Originality/value - The STEPP is a
      promising, first-in-class tool with potential usefulness to both researchers and
      practitioners. With further research to better establish its reliability and
      validity, it could make a valuable contribution to full mixed-methods evaluation
      of patient involvement. 

PMID- 27142953
TI  - Recommendations for health information technology implementation in rural
      hospitals.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate violations against work
      standards associated with using a new health information technology (HIT) system.
      Relevant recommendations for implementing HIT in rural hospitals are provided and
      discussed to achieve meaningful use. Design/methodology/approach - An
      observational study is conducted to map medication administration process while
      using a HIT system in a rural hospital. Follow-up focus groups are held to
      determine and verify potential adverse factors related to using the HIT system
      while passing drugs to patients. Findings - A detailed task analysis demonstrated
      several violations, such as only relying on the barcode scanning system to match
      up with patient and drugs could potentially result in the medical staff
      forgetting to provide drug information verbally before administering drugs. There
      was also a lack of regulated and clear work procedure in using the new HIT
      system. In addition, the computer system controls and displays could not be
      adjusted so as to satisfy the users' expectations. Nurses prepared medications
      and documentation in an environment that was prone to interruptions.
      Originality/value - Recommendations for implementing a HIT system in rural
      healthcare facilities can be categorized into five areas: people, tasks, tools,
      environment, and organization. Detailed remedial measures are provided for
      achieving continuous process improvements at resource-limited healthcare
      facilities in rural areas. 

PMID- 27142954
TI  - Time dependent patient no-show predictive modelling development.
AB  - Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop evident-based predictive no
      show models considering patients' each past appointment status, a time-dependent
      component, as an independent predictor to improve predictability.
      Design/methodology/approach - A ten-year retrospective data set was extracted
      from a pediatric clinic. It consisted of 7,291 distinct patients who had at least
      two visits along with their appointment characteristics, patient demographics,
      and insurance information. Logistic regression was adopted to develop no-show
      models using two-thirds of the data for training and the remaining data for
      validation. The no-show threshold was then determined based on minimizing the
      misclassification of show/no-show assignments. There were a total of 26
      predictive model developed based on the number of available past appointments.
      Simulation was employed to test the effective of each model on costs of patient
      wait time, physician idle time, and overtime. Findings - The results demonstrated
      the misclassification rate and the area under the curve of the receiver operating
      characteristic gradually improved as more appointment history was included until
      around the 20th predictive model. The overbooking method with no-show predictive
      models suggested incorporating up to the 16th model and outperformed other
      overbooking methods by as much as 9.4 per cent in the cost per patient while
      allowing two additional patients in a clinic day. Research
      limitations/implications - The challenge now is to actually implement the no-show
      predictive model systematically to further demonstrate its robustness and
      simplicity in various scheduling systems. Originality/value - This paper provides
      examples of how to build the no-show predictive models with time-dependent
      components to improve the overbooking policy. Accurately identifying scheduled
      patients' show/no-show status allows clinics to proactively schedule patients to
      reduce the negative impact of patient no-shows. 

PMID- 27142955
TI  - Protein kinase C alpha inhibition prevents peritoneal damage in a mouse model of
      chronic peritoneal exposure to high-glucose dialysate.
AB  - Chronic exposure to commercial glucose-based peritoneal dialysis fluids during
      peritoneal dialysis induces peritoneal membrane damage leading to ultrafiltration
      failure. In this study the role of protein kinase C (PKC) alpha in peritoneal
      membrane damage was investigated in a mouse model of peritoneal dialysis. We used
      2 different approaches: blockade of biological activity of PKCalpha by
      intraperitoneal application of the conventional PKC inhibitor Go6976 in C57BL/6
      wild-type mice and PKCalpha-deficient mice on a 129/Sv genetic background. Daily
      administration of peritoneal dialysis fluid for 5 weeks induced peritoneal
      upregulation and activation of PKCalpha accompanied by epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transition of peritoneal mesothelial cells, peritoneal membrane fibrosis,
      neoangiogenesis, and macrophage and T cell infiltration, paralleled by reduced
      ultrafiltration capacity. All pathological changes were prevented by PKCalpha
      blockade or deficiency. Moreover, treatment with Go6976 and PKCalpha deficiency
      resulted in strong reduction of proinflammatory, profibrotic, and proangiogenic
      mediators. In cell culture experiments, both treatment with Go6976 and PKCalpha
      deficiency prevented peritoneal dialysis fluid-induced release of MCP-1 from
      mouse peritoneal mesothelial cells and ameliorated transforming growth factor
      beta1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and peritoneal dialysis fluid
      induced MCP-1 release in human peritoneal mesothelial cells. Thus, PKCalpha plays
      a crucial role in the pathophysiology of peritoneal membrane dysfunction induced
      by peritoneal dialysis fluids, and we suggest that its therapeutic inhibition
      might be a valuable treatment option for peritoneal dialysis patients.

PMID- 27142957
TI  - The European Federation of Organisations for Medical Physics. Policy Statement
      No. 7.1: The roles, responsibilities and status of the medical physicist
      including the criteria for the staffing levels in a Medical Physics Department
      approved by EFOMP Council on 5th February 2016.
AB  - This EFOMP Policy Statement is an amalgamation and an update of the EFOMP Policy
      Statements No. 2, 4 and 7. It presents guidelines for the roles, responsibilities
      and status of the medical physicist together with recommended minimum staffing
      levels. These recommendations take into account the ever-increasing demands for
      competence, patient safety, specialisation and cost effectiveness of modern
      healthcare services, the requirements of the European Union Council Directive
      2013/59/Euratom laying down the basic safety standards for protection against the
      dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation, the European Commission's
      Radiation Protection Report No. 174: "Guidelines on medical physics expert", as
      well as the relevant publications of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The
      provided recommendations on minimum staffing levels are in very good agreement
      with those provided by both the European Commission and the International Atomic
      Energy Agency. 

PMID- 27142956
TI  - Lansoprazole and carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitors sinergize against human
      melanoma cells.
AB  - CONTEXT: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) reduce tumor acidity and therefore
      resistance of tumors to drugs. Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CA IX) inhibitors have
      proven to be effective against tumors, while tumor acidity might impair their
      full effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of PPI/CA IX inhibitors
      combined treatment against human melanoma cells. METHODS: The combination of
      Lansoprazole (LAN) and CA IX inhibitors (FC9-399A and S4) has been investigated
      in terms of cell proliferation inhibition and cell death in human melanoma cells.
      RESULTS: The combination of these inhibitors was more effective than the single
      treatments in both inhibiting cell proliferation and in inducing cell death in
      human melanoma cells. DISCUSSION: These results represent the first successful
      attempt in combining two different proton exchanger inhibitors. CONCLUSION: This
      is the first evidence on the effectiveness of a new approach against tumors based
      on the combination of PPI and CA IX inhibitors, thus providing an alternative
      strategy against tumors.

PMID- 27142958
TI  - FAK Kinase Activity Is Required for the Progression of c-MET/beta-Catenin-Driven
      Hepataocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - There is an urgent need to develop new and more effective therapeutic strategies
      and agents to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have recently found that
      deletion of Fak in hepatocytes before tumors form inhibits tumor development and
      prolongs survival of animals in a c-MET (MET)/beta-catenin (CAT)-driven HCC mouse
      model. However, it has yet to be determined whether FAK expression in hepatocytes
      promotes MET/CAT-induced HCC progression after tumor initiation. In addition, it
      remains unclear whether FAK promotes HCC development through its kinase activity.
      We generated hepatocyte-specific inducible Fak-deficient mice (Alb-creERT2;
      Fak(flox/flox)) to examine the role of FAK in HCC progression. We reexpressed
      wild-type and mutant FAK in Fak-deficient mice to determine FAK's kinase activity
      in HCC development. We also examined the efficacy of a FAK kinase inhibitor PF
      562271 on HCC inhibition. We found that deletion of Fak after tumors form
      significantly repressed MET/CAT-induced tumor progression. Ectopic FAK expression
      restored HCC formation in hepatocyte-specific Fak-deficient mice. However,
      overexpression of a FAK kinase-dead mutant led to reduced tumor load compared to
      mice that express wild-type FAK. Furthermore, PF-562271 significantly suppressed
      progression of MET/CAT-induced HCC. Fak kinase activity is important for MET/CAT
      induced HCC progression. Inhibiting FAK kinase activity provides a potential
      therapeutic strategy to treat HCC.

PMID- 27142959
TI  - Diffraction-limited ultrabroadband terahertz spectroscopy.
AB  - Diffraction is the ultimate limit at which details of objects can be resolved in
      conventional optical spectroscopy and imaging systems. In the THz spectral range,
      spectroscopy systems increasingly rely on ultra-broadband radiation (extending
      over more 5 octaves) making a great challenge to reach resolution limited by
      diffraction. Here, we propose an original easy-to-implement wavefront
      manipulation concept to achieve ultrabroadband THz spectroscopy system with
      diffraction-limited resolution. Applying this concept to a large-area
      photoconductive emitter, we demonstrate diffraction-limited ultra-broadband
      spectroscopy system up to 14.5 THz with a dynamic range of 10(3). The strong
      focusing of ultrabroadband THz radiation provided by our approach is essential
      for investigating single micrometer-scale objects such as graphene flakes or
      living cells, and besides for achieving intense ultra-broadband THz electric
      fields.

PMID- 27142960
TI  - Transcatheter native pulmonary valve and tricuspid valve replacement with the
      sapien XT: Initial experience and development of a new delivery platform.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While the Melody valve is unable to be used for replacement of large
      pulmonary outflow tracts, the 29 mm Sapien XT transcatheter valve, designed
      specifically for aortic valve replacement, can potentially be used in these large
      native outflow tracts. Techniques to enable off-label use of the Sapien XT valve
      for large-diameter pulmonary and tricuspid valve replacement are described.
      METHODS: Use of the Sapien valve for transcatheter pulmonary and tricuspid valve
      replacement using both the commercially available Novaflex+ system and using a
      novel flexible delivery system was reviewed. This customized flexible delivery
      platform was constructed using the Ensemble sheath and a 30 mm Nucleus balloon.
      This system was bench tested prior to its clinical use. RESULTS: Ten patients had
      successful implantation of Sapien valves into native right ventricular outflow
      tracts (RVOTs) (n = 7) or tricuspid valves (n = 3). There was no stenosis or
      regurgitation after Sapien valve implantation. Several of the pulmonary valve
      replacement cases were extremely challenging due to the limited flexibility of
      the Novaflex system. The Sapien valve was crimped onto a 30 mm Nucleus balloon
      preloaded through an Ensemble sheath. This system was able to consistently
      deliver the Sapien valve safely in a bench model as well as in native RVOTs in
      two patients. CONCLUSION: The 29 mm Sapien XT valve allows for large-diameter
      transcatheter valve replacement in both the pulmonary and tricuspid positions.
      Initial results of new techniques to utilize a more flexible delivery platform
      are described that could obviate the need for the Novaflex system. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27142961
TI  - Discourses on the Toxic Effects of Internal Chemical Contamination in Catalonia,
      Spain.
AB  - Human exposure to and contamination by environmental toxic compounds generates
      discourses and practices that merit greater attention. In this article, we assess
      internal chemical contamination and the risk of toxic effects as an experience
      related to the production of meaning in everyday life. Drawing on the analysis of
      semantic networks of narratives from semi-structured interviews conducted with 43
      informants in Catalonia, Spain, we consider participants' perceptions of the
      health risks of toxic compounds, including social discourses on exposure,
      toxicity, and internal chemical contamination, and on responsibilities,
      consequences, and proposed strategies for controlling toxic compounds.
      Informants' narratives on the relationships between nature and nurture suggest
      that they no longer perceive rigid boundaries separating the human body from the
      external environment and its chemical pollutants.

PMID- 27142963
TI  - Telemonitoring in Cystic Fibrosis: A 4-year Assessment and Simulation for the
      Next 6 Years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Innovative technologies and informatics offer a wide range of
      services to health districts, doctors, nurses, and patients, and is changing the
      traditional concept of health care. In the last few years, the availability of
      portable devices, their easiness to transport and use, and the capability to
      collect and transmit various clinical data have resulted in the fast development
      of telemedicine. However, despite its potential impact in improving patient
      conditions, and its cost effectiveness reported in literature, telemedicine is
      not in daily practice. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to provide evidence of
      the positive impact of telemonitoring proving the sustainability of an
      application by sending spirometry outcomes from patients' homes to the hospital
      doctors via the Internet, and from doctors to patients by an additional phone
      call solution. METHODS: We examined collected data related to clinical
      improvement of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The patients were followed-up
      at home using telemonitoring for a period of 10 years, with the aims to prove the
      sustainability of the methodology (transmissions of spirometry from the patients'
      home to the doctors and feedback from the doctors to the patients by phone call
      from the hospital). We stored and analyzed all spirometry transmissions received,
      and tested the possible presence to decrease the costs between the standard
      clinical trial (only ambulatory visits) and standard clinical trial with
      telemonitoring for the follow-up of patients with CF (telemedicine). This was
      done through an economic analysis of the costs for patients followed at home by
      telemonitoring. We assessed four years of observation and a simulation of total
      long-term costs between 2010 and 2020. RESULTS: We discovered a potential saving
      of ?40,397.00 per patient for 10 years, actualized at ?36,802.97 for the follow
      up of all patients enrolled. CONCLUSIONS: The results from the study suggest that
      telemedicine can improve the health of patients with CF. It is a relatively cheap
      and potentially sustainable solution, compared to standard clinical trials.
      However, to establish and prove the long-term effectiveness and cost
      effectiveness, more controlled psychological and behavioral studies are needed.

PMID- 27142962
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of the anticancer drug NVP-BEZ235 (dactolisib) on amyloid
      beta 1-42 induced neurotoxicity and memory impairment.
AB  - Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the main
      cause of dementia. Substantial evidences indicate that there is over-activation
      of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis in AD. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to
      investigate the effects of NVP-BEZ235 (BEZ; dactolisib), a dual PI3K/mTOR
      inhibitor that is under phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of some
      types of cancer, in hippocampal neuronal cultures stimulated with amyloid-beta
      (Abeta) 1-42 and in mice injected with Abeta 1-42 in the hippocampus. In cell
      cultures, BEZ reduced neuronal death induced by Abeta. BEZ, but not rapamycin, a
      mTOR inhibitor, or LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor that also inhibits mTOR, reduced
      the memory impairment induced by Abeta. The effect induced by Abeta was also
      prevented in PI3Kgamma(-/-) mice. Neuronal death and microgliosis induced by
      Abeta were reduced by BEZ. In addition, the compound increased IL-10 and TNF
      alpha levels in the hippocampus. Finally, BEZ did not change the phosphorylation
      of Akt and p70s6K, suggesting that the involvement of PI3K and mTOR in the
      effects induced by BEZ remains controversial. Therefore, BEZ represents a
      potential strategy to prevent the pathological outcomes induced by Abeta and
      should be investigated in other models of neurodegenerative conditions.

PMID- 27142964
TI  - Erythrocyte deformability - A partner of the inflammatory response.
AB  - We aim to establish an in vivo animal model of acute inflammation using PAF
      (platelet activating factor) as inflammatory agent and to study the erythrocyte
      deformability changes induced by the inflammatory response. Counting the number
      of rolling and adherent neutrophils to endothelium after 2, 4 and 6h of
      intrascrotal injection of PAF we showed the induction of an inflammatory state.
      Blood samples are collected in order to measure the erythrocyte deformability and
      to quantify NO efflux from the red blood cells (RBCs). The results show an
      increased number of rolling and adherent neutrophils after 2h and 4h of
      inflammation as well as decreased values of erythrocyte deformability in the same
      time-points. This result is in line with the need of a low blood viscosity to the
      recruitment process that will improve leukocyte migration towards the endothelial
      wall. NO efflux from RBCs is also affected by the inflammatory response at the
      first hours of inflammation. This animal model demonstrates in vivo the
      association between an acute inflammatory response and the rheological properties
      of the blood, namely the RBCs deformability. For those reasons we consider this
      as an adequate model to study acute inflammatory responses as well as
      hemorheological parameters.

PMID- 27142965
TI  - New insights into the global burden of noroviruses and opportunities for
      prevention.

PMID- 27142966
TI  - Efficacy of intensive immunosuppression in exacerbated rheumatoid arthritis
      associated interstitial lung disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Acute or subacute exacerbations are recognized as a severe
      complication of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA
      ILD). Nevertheless, the role of intensive immunosuppression in RA-ILD remains
      elusive. We attempted to evaluate the clinical characteristics and efficacy of
      immunosuppressive treatment in exacerbated RA-ILD. METHODS: Clinical data,
      including respiratory function, imaging, treatment, and prognosis, were
      retrospectively collected for 17 patients with RA-ILD who required
      hospitalization at the University of Tokyo Hospital due to an acute exacerbation
      (12 patients) or subacute exacerbation (5 patients). RESULTS: Patients with RA
      ILD demonstrated a significantly higher titers of anticyclic citrullinated
      peptide antibodies compared with RA patients in Japanese Ninja registry,
      suggesting the role of adaptive immunity. Immunosuppressive treatment suppressed
      the deterioration of pulmonary functions with improved ground grass opacity and
      consolidation. In particular, in patients with less fibrosis on computed
      tomography (CT) images showed a better response to treatment. Although five
      patients treated with combination therapy, including cyclophosphamide, showed a
      severely decreased lung volume, these intensive therapies provided a good
      prognosis without fatalities for the average observation period of 474 days.
      CONCLUSIONS: Immunosuppressive therapy is effective for exacerbations of RA-ILD.
      For severe cases with low respiratory function, intensive therapy, including
      cyclophosphamide, has a potential to improve the prognosis.

PMID- 27142967
TI  - Pain and disability following first-time lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative
      disorders: a systematic review protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lumbar spinal fusion for degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine
      is frequently used, despite current research presenting inconclusive evidence.
      This study aims to systematically review and meta-analyse the natural course of
      pain and disability in patients with degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine
      such as spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, disc herniation, or discogenic low
      back pain to improve lumbar spinal fusion management. METHODS/DESIGN: An
      electronic database search will be conducted up to 30 September 2015 using
      MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and ZETOC database. In addition, a search for articles
      in press and published ahead of print, British National Bibliography for Report
      Literature, and OpenGrey will be conducted. Prospective cohort studies using
      outcome measures of pain and disability will be eligible for inclusion. Two
      reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full-text independently using
      predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias of included
      studies will be assessed with the modified version of the Quality in Prognostic
      Studies tool. If meta-analysis of outcome data is deemed appropriate, variance
      weighted pooled means will be calculated. DISCUSSION: The results of this
      systematic review and meta-analysis may improve understanding of recovery after
      lumbar spinal fusion and improve lumbar spinal fusion management. SYSTEMATIC
      REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42015026922.

PMID- 27142968
TI  - Matrix stiffness promotes cartilage endplate chondrocyte calcification in disc
      degeneration via miR-20a targeting ANKH expression.
AB  - The mechanical environment is crucial for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).
      However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of cartilage endplate (CEP)
      calcification by altered matrix stiffness remain unclear. In this study, we found
      that matrix stiffness of CEP was positively correlated with the degree of IDD,
      and stiff matrix, which mimicked the severe degeneration of CEP, promoted
      inorganic phosphate-induced calcification in CEP chondrocytes. Co-expression
      analysis of the miRNA and mRNA profiles showed that increasing stiffness resulted
      in up-regulation of miR-20a and down-regulation of decreased ankylosis protein
      homolog (ANKH) during inorganic phosphate-induced calcification in CEP
      chondrocytes. Through a dual luciferase reporter assay, we confirmed that miR-20a
      directly targets 3'-untranslated regions of ANKH. The inhibition of miR-20a
      attenuated the calcium deposition and calcification-related gene expression,
      whereas the overexpression of miR-20a enhanced calcification in CEP chondrocytes
      on stiff matrix. The rescue of ANKH expression restored the decreased
      pyrophosphate efflux and inhibited calcification. In clinical samples, the levels
      of ANKH expression were inversely associated with the degeneration degree of CEP.
      Thus, our findings demonstrate that the miR-20a/ANKH axis mediates the stiff
      matrix- promoted CEP calcification, suggesting that miR-20a and ANKH are
      potential targets in restraining the progression of IDD.

PMID- 27142969
TI  - [Patellar bone deficiency in revision total knee arthroplasty].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patellar bone deficiency in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA)
      determines the surgical procedure. Different reconstructive and ablative
      techniques, dependent on the remaining bone stock, are described. INDICATION: The
      primary patella implant can be retained in up to 50 % of revision situations.
      Reasons for replacement are aseptic and septic loosening, implant failure,
      expanding osteolysis, maltracking of the patella and "metal-backed" prosthesis.
      The aim of the reconstruction is the stable fixation and proper tracking of the
      implant by restoring the extensor mechanism. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Dependent on the
      extent of bone loss and the availability of a patellar rim, the following
      surgical procedures are recommended. When the remaining bone thickness is 10 mm
      or more: implantation of a polyethylene "onlay-type" patella; when it is between
      6-9 mm and there is an intact patellar rim: reconstruction with a biconvex "inlay
      type" patella implant, where the biconvex shape replaces the bone defect
      partially. When there is deficient bone stock (less than 6 mm) or no cortical
      patellar rim then augmenting procedures with autologous spongiosa and procedures
      such as "impaction bone grafting", "trabecular metal" prosthesis, where the
      trabecular part of the implant serves as the base for the cemented polyethylene
      button, "gull-wing" osteotomy, which is an adapting and configuring technique of
      osteotomy; and in exceptional cases patelloplasty or patellectomy are used.
      CONCLUSION: Regarding the importance of the patellar component in biomechanics of
      the joint and function of the extensor mechanism, the reconstruction of the
      patella should be the primary aim. Patelloplasty or patellectomy should be
      avoided.

PMID- 27142970
TI  - What is the optimal approach for tranexamic acid application in patients with
      unilateral total hip arthroplasty?
AB  - PURPOSE: In the total hip arthroplasty (THA), the optimal administration route of
      tranexamic acid (TXA) remains controversial. This study was designed to
      investigate the impact of topical injection of TXA on blood loss during primary
      unilateral THA as well as short-term safety and adverse side effects compared
      with intravenous administration of TXA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 75
      patients who underwent unilateral THA were randomly divided into 3 groups
      receiving intra-articular TXA (IA group), intravenous TXA (IV group) or no TXA
      (control group C). Blood loss, postoperative drainage, covert blood loss, total
      blood volume, the number of blood transfusions after surgery and transfusion
      rate, incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were recorded
      and evaluated in the three groups after 1 week and 1 month. RESULTS: There were
      significant differences in the quantity of postoperative drainage, covert blood
      loss, total blood volume, the number of blood transfusions after surgery and
      transfusion rates between the three groups (P < 0.05), but blood loss during
      surgery showed no significant differences among the three groups (P > 0.05). In
      the IV group, 1 patient suffered from deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs
      and in the C group, 2 patients suffered from superficial venous thrombosis of the
      lower limbs 2 and 4 days after surgery, respectively. In the IA group no
      complications occurred during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Preoperative
      intravenous TXA and postoperative topical TXA significantly reduced postoperative
      blood loss and transfusion rates among the patients who underwent primary
      unilateral THA and the short-term safety was good. The data suggest that topical
      injection of TXA is safer and more effective, without postoperative
      complications.

PMID- 27142971
TI  - Cisplatin and oxaliplatin surface contamination in intensive care units (ICUs)
      and hospital wards during attendance of HIPEC patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate surface contamination by
      platinum drugs in the environment of patients in ICUs and wards treated by
      hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: The monitoring
      included 12 HIPEC treatments from four hospitals during the following 3 days
      after perfusion. A total of 33 urine and 33 drainage fluids from HIPEC patients
      and 160 wipe samples from several surfaces (urine/drainage bags, floors, gloves)
      were taken during the study period. RESULTS: In urine, the highest platinum
      concentrations were measured on the first day after perfusion. Median platinum
      concentrations were 1260 ng/ml for patients after cisplatin perfusion and 11,000
      ng/ml for oxaliplatin treatment. Concentrations decreased until day three to 413
      ng/ml cisplatin and 529 ng/ml oxaliplatin, respectively. In drainage liquids,
      platinum concentrations were generally lower. Platinum concentrations from
      surfaces of bags and floors ranged from 0.01 to 439 pg/cm(2) (median: urine bag
      2.77 pg/cm(2), drainage bag 0.22 pg/cm(2), floor left 0.14 pg/cm(2), floor right
      0.24 pg/cm(2)), with the highest contamination found on the outer surface of the
      urine bags. Samples from nurses' protective gloves ranged between 0.03 and 12
      pg/cm(2) (median: 0.2 pg/cm(2)). CONCLUSIONS: High platinum-drug concentrations
      in urine and drainage liquids are the main source of contamination. Therefore,
      safe handling of these liquids is the best way to avoid cross-contamination on
      surfaces in wards and ICUs. Our results show that it is possible to take care of
      HIPEC patients without high contaminations during the first 3 days.

PMID- 27142972
TI  - Monitoring light/dark association dynamics of multi-protein complexes in
      cyanobacteria using size exclusion chromatography-based proteomics.
AB  - Diurnal rhythms are recurring 24h patterns such as light/dark cycles that affect
      many natural environmental and biological processes. The cyanobacterium
      Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 (S. elongatus) produces its energy through
      photosynthesis and therefore its internal molecular machinery is strongly
      influenced by these diurnal rhythms. Moreover, it has one of the simplest, self
      sustained, circadian rhythms, extensively studied functionally and structurally.
      These characteristics together with the relatively small genome of S. elongatus,
      make it an ideal model system for the study of diurnal and circadian rhythms.
      Although expression of many gene transcripts has been shown to fluctuate in phase
      with the circadian rhythm, fluctuations at the protein level were less
      pronounced. This led us to hypothesize that the diurnal adaptation occurs at the
      level of higher organization of protein complexes. Therefore, we probed the
      abundance and constituency of S. elongatus protein complexes during the day and
      night. Following several well-known complexes such as the RNA polymerase, the
      ribosome and photosynthetic protein complexes, we observe for the first time that
      these complexes change not only in abundance but also in constituency. Therefore,
      we conclude that the dynamic assembly of protein complexes is indeed also a key
      player in the processes governing the diurnal rhythm. SIGNIFICANCE: The
      succession of day and night periods imposes drastic changes in all living
      organisms. Cyanobacteria produce their energy through photosynthesis and are
      therefore strongly influenced by diurnal rhythms. The cyanobacteria,
      Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 (S. elongatus), also exhibit a self-sustained
      biological clock. The connection between the central circadian oscillator and its
      output to the rest of the cell is not completely known. It has been shown that
      the expression of many gene transcripts heavily fluctuates in phase with the
      circadian rhythm; however, our recent global proteomics investigation revealed
      that the diurnal fluctuations seemed to be less pronounced at the protein level.
      As many known regulatory functions depend on protein-protein interactions (PPIs)
      and/or protein assemblies and the fact that so few fluctuations in protein
      abundances were observed earlier, here we investigated the diurnal adaptation at
      the level of dynamic changes in protein assembly. The paper demonstrates that the
      combination of native protein complex fractionation and high-resolution
      proteomics provides insight in the regulation of megadalton protein assemblies in
      cyanobacteria, including the ribosomal and photosynthetic complexes. The
      differences observed between the light and dark conditions in these complexes
      indicate a cyclic regulation of essential cellular processes.

PMID- 27142973
TI  - Pediatric appendectomy: the outcome differences between pediatric surgeons and
      general surgeons.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to review our experience of pediatric
      appendectomy performed by either a general surgeon (GS) or a pediatric surgeon
      (PS) to determine any differences in outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed the medical
      records of pediatric appendicitis patients, 4 years before (GS group, 2007-2010)
      and after (PS group, 2011-2014) the introduction of a pediatric surgical
      practice. The records were reviewed for the following variables: operation time,
      length of hospital stay, complications, readmission in <=30 days, type of
      operation, negative for appendicitis, drainage, open conversion, and reoperation
      in <=30 days. RESULTS: Over 8 years, 400 patients were operated on for acute
      appendicitis, with the PS group comprising 61 % (N = 244) of patients. The
      operation time (55.1 vs 43.2 min, p = 0.0001) and postoperative length of
      hospital stay (3.5 vs 2.7 days, p = 0.001) were shorter, more patients were
      treated by laparoscopy (61.3 vs 91.2 %, p = 0.0001), and a fewer patients
      required peritoneal drainage (29.5 vs 63.2 %, p = 0.023) in the PS group than in
      the GS group. The negative appendectomy rate was slightly lower in the PS group,
      but not to a statistically significant degree. CONCLUSION: The patients in the PS
      group enjoyed a reduced operation time and length of hospital stay, greater
      likelihood of laparoscopic operation, and less peritoneal drainage than the
      patients in the GS group.

PMID- 27142974
TI  - Reply to "Early resolution of subretinal fluid without high-dose corticosteroids
      in a pregnant patient with Vogt-Koyanagi Harada disease" by Sugita et al.
AB  - We read with great interest the article by Sugita et al. on early resolution of
      subretinal fluid without high-dose corticosteroids in a pregnant patient with
      Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. We would like to share a similar experience where
      the subretinal fluid resolved within 2 weeks without treatment in a pregnant
      woman who was in her second trimester. 

PMID- 27142976
TI  - TopHat-Recondition: a post-processor for TopHat unmapped reads.
AB  - BACKGROUND: TopHat is a popular spliced junction mapper for RNA sequencing data,
      and writes files in the BAM format - the binary version of the Sequence
      Alignment/Map (SAM) format. BAM is the standard exchange format for aligned
      sequencing reads, thus correct format implementation is paramount for software
      interoperability and correct analysis. However, TopHat writes its unmapped reads
      in a way that is not compatible with other software that implements the SAM/BAM
      format. RESULTS: We have developed TopHat-Recondition, a post-processor for
      TopHat unmapped reads that restores read information in the proper format. TopHat
      Recondition thus enables downstream software to process the plethora of BAM files
      written by TopHat. CONCLUSIONS: TopHat-Recondition can repair unmapped read files
      written by TopHat and is freely available under a 2-clause BSD license on GitHub:
      https://github.com/cbrueffer/tophat-recondition .

PMID- 27142975
TI  - Reporting the national antimicrobial consumption in Danish pigs: influence of
      assigned daily dosage values and population measurement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transparent calculation methods are crucial when investigating trends
      in antimicrobial consumption over time and between populations. Until 2011, one
      single standardized method was applied when quantifying the Danish pig
      antimicrobial consumption with the unit "Animal Daily Dose" (ADD). However, two
      new methods for assigning values for ADDs have recently emerged, one implemented
      by DANMAP, responsible for publishing annual reports on antimicrobial
      consumption, and one by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA),
      responsible for the Yellow Card initiative. In addition to new ADD assignment
      methods, Denmark has also experienced a shift in the production pattern, towards
      a larger export of live pigs. The aims of this paper were to (1) describe
      previous and current ADD assignment methods used by the major Danish institutions
      and (2) to illustrate how ADD assignment method and choice of population and
      population measurement affect the calculated national antimicrobial consumption
      in pigs (2007-2013). RESULTS: The old VetStat ADD-values were based on SPCs in
      contrast to the new ADD-values, which were based on active compound,
      concentration and administration route. The new ADD-values stated by both DANMAP
      and DVFA were only identical for 48 % of antimicrobial products approved for use
      in pigs. From 2007 to 2013, the total number of ADDs per year increased by 9 %
      when using the new DVFA ADD-values, but decreased by 2 and 7 % when using the new
      DANMAP ADD-values or the old VetStat ADD-values, respectively. Through 2007 to
      2013, the production of pigs increased from 26.1 million pigs per year with 18 %
      exported live to 28.7 million with 34 % exported live. In the same time span, the
      annual pig antimicrobial consumption increased by 22.2 %, when calculated using
      the new DVFA ADD-values and pigs slaughtered per year as population measurement
      (13.0 ADDs/pig/year to 15.9 ADDs/pig/year). However, when based on the old
      VetStat ADD values and pigs produced per year (including live export), a 10.9 %
      decrease was seen (10.6 ADDs/pig/year to 9.4 ADDs/pig/year). CONCLUSION: The
      findings of this paper clearly highlight that calculated national antimicrobial
      consumption is highly affected by chosen population measurement and the applied
      ADD-values.

PMID- 27142977
TI  - Hawaii natural compounds are promising to reduce ovarian cancer deaths.
AB  - The low survival rate of patients with ovarian cancer largely results from the
      advanced ovarian tumors as well as tumor resistance to chemotherapy, leading to
      metastasis and recurrence. However, it is missing as to an effective therapeutic
      approach that focuses on these aspects to prolong progression-free survival and
      to decrease mortality in ovarian cancer patients. Here, based on our cancer drug
      discovery studies, we provide prospective insights into the development of a
      future line of drugs to effectively reduce ovarian cancer deaths. Pathways that
      increase the probability of cancer, such as the defective Fanconi anemia (FA)
      pathway, may render cancer cells more sensitive to new drug targeting.

PMID- 27142978
TI  - Bloodstream infections caused by Streptococcus anginosus group bacteria: A
      retrospective analysis of 78 cases at a Japanese tertiary hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the characteristics of Streptococcus anginosus group
      (SAG) bacteremia in recent years, we conducted a retrospective cohort study and
      compared its findings with the data from previous studies. METHODS: All patients
      with positive blood cultures from May 2005 to September 2014 in a tertiary care
      center with 925 beds were included. RESULTS: There were 78 cases of SAG
      bacteremia (51 cases men; median age, 68 years) during the study period. The most
      common comorbidities were solid tumors in 32.1% of the patients. The most common
      infection source was hepatobiliary in one-third of all cases. Other infection
      sites included the following: intra-abdominal (12.8%), thoracic (10.3%),
      musculoskeletal (9%), urinary tract (7.7%), soft tissues (7.7%), and
      cervicofacial (6.4%). Susceptibility to penicillin, clindamycin and erythromycin
      were 100% (78/78), 95% (70/74) and 85% (39/46), respectively. Surgery along with
      systemic antibiotic treatment was administered in 53% of the cases. In-hospital
      mortality was 14.1%. CONCLUSION: The clinical sources of the SAG bacteria were
      diverse, and hepatobiliary infection was the most common source of infection. In
      more than half of the patients, surgical treatment was performed. Susceptibility
      to penicillin was 100%, but susceptibility to erythromycin was lower than that
      reported in previous studies.

PMID- 27142979
TI  - The world first two cases of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome: An
      epidemiological study in Nagasaki, Japan.
AB  - Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) caused by the SFTS virus
      (SFTSV), a novel phlebovirus belonging to the family Bunyaviridae, was reported
      in China for the first time in 2009. We observed two cases where the SFTSV was
      isolated for the first time in Nagasaki, Japan, in 2005. Two males in their 60s,
      a farmer and a hunter, respectively, living in Nagasaki developed SFTS during the
      same period. The patients developed similar clinical symptoms and signs, such as
      fever, loss of consciousness, and multiple organ dysfunction. The farmer died and
      the hunter survived. A retrospective diagnosis of SFTS was made in 2013, and
      genetic analysis revealed that the patients were infected with different SFTSV
      strains. Retrospective analysis of cytokine production in non-fatal case revealed
      interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and interferon-gamma level of acute phase was low and
      could be potential prognostic factors. As there are no epidemiological studies of
      positive rate of SFTSV antibody in people living in endemic areas in Japan, a
      field study was performed. Volunteers at high risk for tick bites, such as
      hunters, farmers, and soldiers, were recruited in 6 regions, including the areas
      where the SFTS cases occurred. Three hundred and twenty six volunteers in
      Nagasaki prefecture were examined and none of these tested positive for the SFTSV
      antibody. Our data indicates that the risk for SFTSV infection is not high in
      Nagasaki prefecture. Further collection of blood samples from endemic areas is
      warranted for the prevention of SFTSV infection. 

PMID- 27142980
TI  - Flt-1 (VEGFR-1) coordinates discrete stages of blood vessel formation.
AB  - AIMS: In developing blood vessel networks, the overall level of vessel branching
      often correlates with angiogenic sprout initiations, but in some pathological
      situations, increased sprout initiations paradoxically lead to reduced vessel
      branching and impaired vascular function. We examine the hypothesis that defects
      in the discrete stages of angiogenesis can uniquely contribute to vessel
      branching outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Time-lapse movies of mammalian blood
      vessel development were used to define and quantify the dynamics of angiogenic
      sprouting. We characterized the formation of new functional conduits by
      classifying discrete sequential stages-sprout initiation, extension, connection,
      and stability-that are differentially affected by manipulation of vascular
      endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) signalling via genetic loss of the receptor
      flt-1 (vegfr1). In mouse embryonic stem cell-derived vessels genetically lacking
      flt-1, overall branching is significantly decreased while sprout initiations are
      significantly increased. Flt-1(-/-) mutant sprouts are less likely to retract,
      and they form increased numbers of connections with other vessels. However, loss
      of flt-1 also leads to vessel collapse, which reduces the number of new stable
      conduits. Computational simulations predict that loss of flt-1 results in ectopic
      Flk-1 signalling in connecting sprouts post-fusion, causing protrusion of cell
      processes into avascular gaps and collapse of branches. Thus, defects in
      stabilization of new vessel connections offset increased sprout initiations and
      connectivity in flt-1(-/-) vascular networks, with an overall outcome of reduced
      numbers of new conduits. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that VEGF-A signalling
      has stage-specific effects on vascular morphogenesis, and that understanding
      these effects on dynamic stages of angiogenesis and how they integrate to expand
      a vessel network may suggest new therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 27142981
TI  - Dynamic prediction of recurrent events data by landmarking with application to a
      follow-up study of patients after kidney transplant.
AB  - This paper extends dynamic prediction by landmarking to recurrent event data. The
      motivating data comprised post-kidney transplantation records of repeated
      infections and repeated measurements of multiple markers. At each landmark time
      point ts, a Cox proportional hazards model with a frailty term was fitted using
      data of individuals who were at risk at landmark s. This model included the time
      updated marker values at ts as time-fixed covariates. Based on a stacked data set
      that merged all landmark data sets, we considered supermodels that allow
      parameters to depend on the landmarks in a smooth fashion. We described and
      evaluated four ways to parameterize the supermodels for recurrent event data.
      With both the study data and simulated data sets, we compared supermodels that
      were fitted on stacked data sets that consisted of either overlapping or non
      overlapping landmark periods. We observed that for recurrent event data, the
      supermodels may yield biased estimates when overlapping landmark periods are used
      for stacking. Using the best supermodel amongst the ones considered, we
      dynamically estimated the probability to remain infection free between ts and a
      prediction horizon thor, conditional on the information available at ts.

PMID- 27142982
TI  - Extended likelihood ratio test-based methods for signal detection in a drug class
      with application to FDA's adverse event reporting system database.
AB  - A likelihood ratio test, recently developed for the detection of signals of
      adverse events for a drug of interest in the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System
      database, is extended to detect signals of adverse events simultaneously for all
      the drugs in a drug class. The extended likelihood ratio test methods, based on
      Poisson model (Ext-LRT) and zero-inflated Poisson model (Ext-ZIP-LRT), are
      discussed and are analytically shown, like the likelihood ratio test method, to
      control the type-I error and false discovery rate. Simulation studies are
      performed to evaluate the performance characteristics of Ext-LRT and Ext-ZIP-LRT.
      The proposed methods are applied to the Gadolinium drug class in FAERS database.
      An in-house likelihood ratio test tool, incorporating the Ext-LRT methodology, is
      being developed in the Food and Drug Administration.

PMID- 27142983
TI  - Bayesian optimal response-adaptive design for binary responses using stopping
      rule.
AB  - Response-adaptive designs are used in phase III clinical trials to allocate a
      larger number of patients to the better treatment arm. Optimal designs are
      explored in the recent years in the context of response-adaptive designs, in the
      frequentist view point only. In the present paper, we propose some response
      adaptive designs for two treatments based on Bayesian prediction for phase III
      clinical trials. Some properties are studied and numerically compared with some
      existing competitors. A real data set is used to illustrate the applicability of
      the proposed methodology where we redesign the experiment using parameters
      derived from the data set.

PMID- 27142984
TI  - The weight-loss experience: a qualitative exploration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term weight management consists of weight-loss, weight-loss
      maintenance, and weight-gain stages. Qualitative insights into weight management
      are now appearing in the literature however research appears to be biased towards
      explorations of weight-loss maintenance. The qualitative understanding of weight
      loss, which begets weight-loss maintenance and might establish the experiences
      and behaviours necessary for successful long-term weight management, is
      comparatively under-investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      weight-loss experiences of a sample of participants not aligned to clinical
      intervention research, in order to understand the weight-loss experiences of a
      naturalistic sample. METHODS: Participants (n = 8) with weight-loss (n = 4) and
      weight-maintenance experiences (n = 4) were interviewed using a semi-structured
      interview to understand the weight-loss experience. Interview data was analysed
      thematically using Framework Analysis and was underpinned by realist meta-theory.
      RESULTS: Weight loss was experienced as an enduring challenge, where factors that
      assisted weight loss were developed and experienced dichotomously to factors that
      hindered it. Participants described barriers to (dichotomous thinking,
      environments, social pressures and weight centeredness) and facilitators of
      (mindfulness, knowledge, exercise, readiness to change, structure, self
      monitoring and social support) their weight-loss goals in rich detail,
      highlighting that weight loss was a complex experience. CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss
      was a difficult task, with physical, social, behavioural and environmental
      elements that appeared to assist and inhibit weight-loss efforts concurrently.
      Health professionals might need to better understand the day-to-day challenges of
      dieters in order to provide more effective, tailored treatments. Future research
      should look to investigate the psycho-social consequences of weight-loss dieting,
      in particular self-imposed social exclusion and spousal sabotage and flexible
      approaches to treatment.

PMID- 27142985
TI  - Determinants of efficiency in reducing child mortality in developing countries.
      The role of inequality and government effectiveness.
AB  - The main aim of this article was to analyze the relationship of income inequality
      and government effectiveness with differences in efficiency in the use of health
      inputs to improve the under-five survival rate (U5SR) in developing countries.
      Robust Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and regression analysis were conducted
      using data for 47 developing countries for the periods 2000-2004, 2005-2009, and
      2010-2012. The estimations show that countries with a more equal income
      distribution and better government effectiveness (i.e. a more competent
      bureaucracy and good quality public service delivery) may need fewer health
      inputs to achieve a specific level of the U5SR than other countries with higher
      inequality and worse government effectiveness.

PMID- 27142986
TI  - Sharing raw data from clinical trials: what progress since we first asked "Whose
      data set is it anyway?".
AB  - Ten years ago, one of the first papers published in Trials was a commentary
      entitled "Whose data set is it anyway?" The commentary pointed out that trialists
      routinely refused requests for data sharing and argued that this attitude was a
      community standard that had no rational basis. At the time, there had been few
      calls for clinical trial data sharing and certainly no institutional support.
      Today the situation could not be more different. Numerous organizations now
      recommend or require raw data to be made available, including the International
      Committee of Medical Journal Editors, which recently proposed that clinical trial
      data sharing be a "condition of ... publication." Furthermore, the literature is
      replete with papers covering an enormously wide variety of topics on data
      sharing. But despite a tectonic shift in attitudes, we are yet to see clinical
      trial data sharing become an unquestioned norm, where a researcher can readily
      download a data set from a trial almost as easily as they can now download a copy
      of the published paper. The battle over the next few years is to go beyond
      changing minds to ensuring that real data sets are routinely made available. 

PMID- 27142987
TI  - A pseudouridylation switch in rRNA is implicated in ribosome function during the
      life cycle of Trypanosoma brucei.
AB  - The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which causes devastating diseases in
      humans and animals in sub-Saharan Africa, undergoes a complex life cycle between
      the mammalian host and the blood-feeding tsetse fly vector. However, little is
      known about how the parasite performs most molecular functions in such different
      environments. Here, we provide evidence for the intriguing possibility that
      pseudouridylation of rRNA plays an important role in the capacity of the parasite
      to transit between the insect midgut and the mammalian bloodstream. Briefly, we
      mapped pseudouridines (Psi) on rRNA by Psi-seq in procyclic form (PCF) and
      bloodstream form (BSF) trypanosomes. We detected 68 Psis on rRNA, which are
      guided by H/ACA small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNA). The small RNome of both life cycle
      stages was determined by HiSeq and 83 H/ACAs were identified. We observed an
      elevation of 21 Psis modifications in BSF as a result of increased levels of the
      guiding snoRNAs. Overexpression of snoRNAs guiding modification on H69 provided a
      slight growth advantage to PCF parasites at 30  degrees C. Interestingly, these
      modifications are predicted to significantly alter the secondary structure of the
      large subunit (LSU) rRNA suggesting that hypermodified positions may contribute
      to the adaption of ribosome function during cycling between the two hosts.

PMID- 27142988
TI  - Markers for the progression of IgA nephropathy.
AB  - We have summarized the latest findings on markers for progression of
      immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN), the most common primary
      glomerulonephritis with a high prevalence among end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
      patients. The clinical predictors of renal outcome in IgAN nephropathy, such as
      proteinuria, hypertension, and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate
      (eGFR) at the time of the diagnosis, are well known. The Oxford classification of
      IgAN identified four types of histological lesions (known as the MEST score)
      associated with the development of ESRD and/or a 50 % reduction in eGFR. In
      addition, the role of genetic risk factors associated with IgAN is being
      elucidated by genome-wide association studies, with multiple risk alleles
      described. Recently, biomarkers in serum (galactose-deficient IgA1, IgA/IgG
      autoantibodies against galactose-deficient IgA1, and soluble CD 89-IgA complexes)
      and urine (soluble transferrin receptor, interleukin-6/epidermal growth factor
      ratio, fractalkine, laminin G-like 3 peptide, kappa light chains, and mannan
      binding lectin) have been identified. Some of these biomarkers may represent
      candidates for the development of noninvasive diagnostic tests, that would be
      useful for detection of subclinical disease activity, monitoring disease
      progression, assessment of treatment, and at the same time circumventing the
      complications associated with renal biopsies. These advances, along with future
      disease-specific therapy, will be helpful in improving the treatment
      effectiveness, prognosis, and the quality of life in connection with IgAN. 

PMID- 27142990
TI  - Research progress in pathogenic genes of hereditary non-syndromic mid-frequency
      deafness.
AB  - Hearing impairment is considered as the most prevalent impairment worldwide.
      Almost 600 million people in the world suffer from mild or moderate hearing
      impairment, an estimated 10% of the human population. Genetic factors play an
      important role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Hereditary hearing loss is
      divided into syndromic hearing loss (associated with other anomalies) and non
      syndromic hearing loss (not associated with other anomalies). Approximately 80%
      of genetic deafness is non-syndromic. On the basis of the frequency of hearing
      loss, hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss can be divided into high-, mid-, low
      , and total-frequency hearing loss. An audiometric finding of mid-frequency
      sensorineural hearing loss, or a "bowl-shaped" audiogram, is uncommon. Up to now,
      merely 7 loci have been linked to mid-frequency hearing loss. Only four genetic
      midfrequency deafness genes, namely, DFNA10 (EYA4), DFNA8/12 (TECTA), DFNA13
      (COL11A2), DFNA44 (CCDC50), have been reported to date. This review summarizes
      the research progress of the four genes to draw attention to mid-frequency
      deafness genes. 

PMID- 27142991
TI  - Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating
      organic drop and high-performance liquid chromatography to the analysis of
      cocaine's major adulterants in human urine.
AB  - A simple method has been proposed for the determination of cocaine's major
      adulterants (caffeine, levamisole, lidocaine, phenacetin, diltiazem, and
      hydroxyzine) in human urine by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction based on
      solidification of floating organic drop (DLLME-SFO) in combination with high
      performance liquid chromatography - photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA). The
      reversed-phase chromatographic separation was obtained with a column C18 extended
      (250*4.6mm; 5MUm; 80A) in gradient elution mode using acetonitrile
      trifluoroacetic acid 0.026% (v,v) (pH=2.5) at 1mLmin-1 as mobile phase, at 25
      degrees C, and detection at 235nm. The analysis time was 25min. This condition
      had the best resolution factors (>1.15), retention factors (>0.68), number of
      plates (>2094.9), and separation factors (>1.05) for all targets, indicating a
      good separation. The kind of extraction and dispersive solvent were investigated
      for unifactorial design. The buffer pH, the volume of extraction and disperser
      solvent, and the amount of salt were optimized for full factorial design. Under
      optimum conditions, human urine samples were alkalized with 0.5M sodium phosphate
      buffer (pH 10) and added to sodium chloride (20%m/v). Acetonitrile (150MUL) and 1
      dodecanol (30MUL) were used as dispersive and extraction solvent, respectively.
      The method presented linear range of 312.5-3125ngmL-1 to caffeine and levamisole
      and 187.5-1875ngmL-1 to lidocaine, phenacetin, diltiazem, and hydroxyzine. The
      limit of quantification was 187.5ngmL-1 to lidocaine, phenacetin, diltiazem, and
      hydroxyzine and 312.5ngmL-1 for caffeine and levamisole. The recovery mean values
      were between 6.0 and 42.6%. The method showed good precision and accuracy, with
      within- and between-run relative standard deviation and relative error less than
      15%. The samples were stable after freeze-thaw cycle and short-term room
      temperature stability tests. Besides, this method was satisfactorily applied in
      urine of cocaine users. It is expected that this method, which was the first to
      combine the use of DLLME-SFO and HPLC-PDA for the determination of cocaine's
      major adulterants in human urine, will contribute to the accuracy in the
      diagnosis of acute intoxication, the proper planning of therapeutic measures, as
      well as to the favorable prognostic of cocaine intoxicated patients.

PMID- 27142989
TI  - Chemical transdifferentiation: closer to regenerative medicine.
AB  - Cell transdifferentiation, which directly switches one type of differentiated
      cells into another cell type, is more advantageous than cell reprogramming to
      generate pluripotent cells and differentiate them into functional cells. This
      process is crucial in regenerative medicine. However, the cell-converting
      strategies, which mainly depend on the virus-mediated expression of exogenous
      genes, have clinical safety concerns. Small molecules with compelling advantages
      are a potential alternative in manipulating cell fate conversion. In this review,
      we briefly retrospect the nature of cell transdifferentiation and summarize the
      current developments in the research of small molecules in promoting cell
      conversion. Particularly, we focus on the complete chemical compound-induced cell
      transdifferentiation, which is closer to the clinical translation in cell
      therapy. Despite these achievements, the mechanisms underpinning chemical
      transdifferentiation remain largely unknown. More importantly, identifying drugs
      that induce resident cell conversion in vivo to repair damaged tissue remains to
      be the end-goal in current regenerative medicine. 

PMID- 27142992
TI  - A 14 * 14 MUm(2) footprint polarization-encoded quantum controlled-NOT gate based
      on hybrid waveguide.
AB  - Photonic quantum information processing system has been widely used in
      communication, metrology and lithography. The recent emphasis on the miniaturized
      photonic platform is thus motivated by the urgent need for realizing large-scale
      information processing and computing. Although the integrated quantum logic gates
      and quantum algorithms based on path encoding have been successfully
      demonstrated, the technology for handling another commonly used polarization
      encoded qubits has yet to be fully developed. Here, we show the implementation of
      a polarization-dependent beam-splitter in the hybrid waveguide system. With
      precisely design, the polarization-encoded controlled-NOT gate can be implemented
      using only single such polarization-dependent beam-splitter with the significant
      size reduction of the overall device footprint to 14 * 14 MUm(2). The
      experimental demonstration of the highly integrated controlled-NOT gate sets the
      stage to develop large-scale quantum information processing system. Our hybrid
      design also establishes the new capabilities in controlling the polarization
      modes in integrated photonic circuits.

PMID- 27142993
TI  - Narrative Therapy's Relational Understanding of Identity.
AB  - We describe how we think of identity as relational, distributed, performed, and
      fluid, and we illustrate the use of this conceptualization within a narrative
      worldview. Drawing on the work of Michael White, we describe how this relational
      view of identity leads to therapeutic responses that give value to
      interconnection across multiple contexts and that focus on becoming rather than
      on being. We show how a narrative worldview helps focus on the relational, co
      evolving perspective that was the basis of our early attraction to family
      therapy. We offer detailed examples from our work of practices that help us stay
      firmly situated in a relational worldview that is counter to the pervasive
      influence of individualism in our contemporary culture.

PMID- 27142994
TI  - Production of bikaverin by a Fusarium fujikuroi mutant in submerged cultures.
AB  - A variety of mutants having different colony characteristics, morphology and
      soluble pigmentation were generated from Fusarium fujikuroi by exposure to UV
      radiation. Mutants were selected that formed dry, compact, small colonies with
      reddish-violet pigment on regeneration agar plates. The production of bikaverin
      by Mut-4 was examined in shake flasks in media with different nitrogen and carbon
      sources. The optimal C: N ratio for the maximal bikaverin production by Mut-4 was
      150:1. It produced still higher bikaverin (6.3 g l(-1)) in a medium containing
      defatted cottonseed meal as nitrogen source, in combination with glucose.
      Bikaverin produced was extracted, purified and characterized by UV-visible and
      NMR spectroscopy. Bikaverin production in the present investigation was
      substantially higher than that reported by earlier investigators in submerged and
      solid-state fermentations. 

PMID- 27142995
TI  - Regulatory hurdles for genome editing: process- vs. product-based approaches in
      different regulatory contexts.
AB  - Novel plant genome editing techniques call for an updated legislation regulating
      the use of plants produced by genetic engineering or genome editing, especially
      in the European Union. Established more than 25 years ago and based on a clear
      distinction between transgenic and conventionally bred plants, the current EU
      Directives fail to accommodate the new continuum between genetic engineering and
      conventional breeding. Despite the fact that the Directive 2001/18/EC contains
      both process- and product-related terms, it is commonly interpreted as a strictly
      process-based legislation. In view of several new emerging techniques which are
      closer to the conventional breeding than common genetic engineering, we argue
      that it should be actually interpreted more in relation to the resulting product.
      A legal guidance on how to define plants produced by exploring novel genome
      editing techniques in relation to the decade-old legislation is urgently needed,
      as private companies and public researchers are waiting impatiently with products
      and projects in the pipeline. We here outline the process in the EU to develop a
      legislation that properly matches the scientific progress. As the process is
      facing several hurdles, we also compare with existing frameworks in other
      countries and discuss ideas for an alternative regulatory system. 

PMID- 27142996
TI  - Pediatric Use of Emergency Medical Services: The Role of Chronic Illnesses and
      Behavioral Health Problems.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The increasing use of prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) and
      its contribution to rising emergency department use and healthcare costs point to
      the need for better understanding factors associated with EMS use to inform
      preventive interventions. Understanding patient factors associated with pediatric
      use of EMS will inform pediatric-specific intervention. We examined pediatric
      patient demographic and health factors associated with one-time and repeat use of
      EMS. METHODS: We reviewed data from Baltimore City Fire Department EMS patient
      records over a 23-month period (2008-10) for patients under 21 years of age (n =
      24,760). Repeat use was defined as involvement in more than one EMS incident
      during the observation period. Analyses compared demographics of EMS users to the
      city population and demographics and health problems of repeat and one-time EMS
      users. Health comparisons were conducted at the patient and incident levels of
      analysis. RESULTS: Repeat users (n = 1,931) accounted for 9.0% of pediatric users
      and 20.8% of pediatric incidents, and were over-represented among the 18-20 year
      age group and among females. While trauma accounted for approximately one-quarter
      of incidents, repeat versus one-time users had a lower proportion of trauma
      related incidents (7.2% vs. 26.7%) and higher proportion of medical-related
      incidents (92.6% vs. 71.4%), including higher proportions of incidents related to
      asthma, seizures, and obstetric/gynecologic issues. In patient-level analysis,
      based on provider or patient reports, greater proportions of repeat compared to
      one-time users had asthma, behavioral health problems (mental, conduct and
      substance use problems), seizures, and diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic somatic
      conditions and behavioral health problems appear to contribute to a large
      proportion of the repeat pediatric use of this EMS system. Interventions may be
      needed to engage repeat users in primary care and behavioral health services, to
      train EMS providers on the recognition and management of behavioral health
      emergencies, and to improve family care and self-management of pediatric asthma
      and other chronic conditions.

PMID- 27142998
TI  - Enhanced field emission properties of ZnO-Ag2S core-shell heterojunction
      nanowires.
AB  - A simple approach to Ag2S quantum dot (QD) modification was used to tune the
      field emission (FE) properties of ZnO nanowire arrays (NWAs). By a simple and
      facile successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) approach, Ag2S QDs
      were uniformly and densely packed on ZnO nanowires (NWs) to form ZnO-Ag2S core
      shell heterojunction structures. The FE properties of ZnO NWAs were effectively
      tuned by controlling the amount of Ag2S QDs. The turn-on field first reduces and
      then increases as the amount of Ag2S QDs increases, while the trend of the field
      enhancement factor is inverse. This is attributed to the clustering of Ag2S QDs
      into nanoparticles (NPs) which cover the nanowire tips, as SILAR cycles increase.

PMID- 27142997
TI  - A multicenter study on the utility and safety of EBUS-TBNA and EUS-B-FNA in
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle
      aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and endoscopic ultrasound with an echobronchoscope-guided
      fine needle aspiration (EUS-B-FNA) are useful modalities in the evaluation of
      mediastinal lymphadenopathy in adults; however, there is sparse data in children.
      The aim of this multicenter study is to describe the efficacy and safety of EBUS
      TBNA and EUS-B-FNA in children with mediastinal lymphadenopathy of undefined
      etiology. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive pediatric (<18 years)
      subjects who underwent EBUS-TBNA or EUS-B-FNA for the evaluation of mediastinal
      lymphadenopathy. The demographic characteristics, indications, procedural
      details, pathological, cytological and microbiological diagnosis, diagnostic
      yield, and complications are presented. RESULTS: Of the 3,424 EBUS/EUS-B-FNA
      procedures, 67 (1.9%) were performed in the pediatric (3-17 years) population. Of
      these, 19 (28.4%) were performed in children <=12 years of age. Overall, EBUS
      TBNA and EUS-B-FNA were performed in 53 and 12 subjects, respectively. In two
      subjects, no significant lymph node was seen on EBUS. The procedure was performed
      under moderate sedation in spontaneously breathing subjects in 54 (80.6%)
      instances. An adequate sample was obtained in 60 (92.3%) subjects while a
      diagnostic sample was obtained in 37 (56.9%) of the 65 subjects. The diagnostic
      yield was not significantly different (P = 0.59) between EBUS-TBNA (58.5%) and
      EUS-B-FNA (50%). The sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA/EUS-B-FNA was 79.1% and led to a
      change in diagnosis in 28 (41.8%) subjects. Complications, all minor were
      encountered in six (8.9%) subjects. CONCLUSIONS: EBUS-TBNA and EUS-B-FNA are safe
      techniques with a good diagnostic yield in the evaluation of children with
      mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:1031-1039. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27142999
TI  - Percutaneous Endovascular Therapeutic Options in Treating Posttransplant Hepatic
      Artery Thrombosis With the Aim of Salvaging Liver Allografts: Our Experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hepatic artery thrombosis remains a major complication after
      orthoptic liver transplant. Treatment of hepatic artery thrombosis is complex and
      requires a multidisciplinary approach. Retransplant is the procedure of choice.
      In nonsurgical candidates, endovascular options are evolving. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Based on our experience at a busy transplant center, we discuss 4
      representative cases to explain the potential role of endovascular treatment
      beyond just attempts at recanalization. From our experience, as well as a review
      of the literature, we propose a clinical practice algorithm for optimal treatment
      of hepatic artery thrombosis after orthoptic liver transplant. RESULTS: The
      primary traditional endovascular interventional options remain thrombectomy,
      balloon angioplasty, and use of stents with the aim of revascularization.
      However, these methods have not proven to be effective. Ultrasonography-assisted
      thrombolysis, which has thus far been relatively less described in the hepatic
      vasculature, has the potential of producing the same angiographic results but at
      lower doses of the thrombolytic agent, thus decreasing the potential for
      hemorrhagic complications. The adjunctive use of splenic artery embolization and
      prompt treatment of biliary complications are in our opinion useful in "buying
      time" to allow adequate development of collateral "neovascularization of the
      liver," thus preventing further ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Although surgical
      retransplant still remains the standard treatment for hepatic artery thrombosis,
      organ shortages and high mortality still exist. Endovascular techniques are
      rapidly evolving, but these techniques are dependent on expertise available and,
      even in the best hands, have not proven to be effective at reversing hepatic
      artery thrombosis. The use of a multimodality endovascular approach could salvage
      the liver allografts, thereby preventing retransplant or facilitating transplant
      at a more elective setting.

PMID- 27143000
TI  - Clinical characteristics and preventable acute care spending among a high cost
      inpatient population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A small proportion of patients account for the majority of health
      care spending. The objectives of this study were to explore the clinical
      characteristics, patterns of health care use, and the proportion of acute care
      spending deemed potentially preventable among high cost inpatients within a
      Canadian acute-care hospital. METHODS: We identified all individuals within the
      Ottawa Hospital with one or more inpatient hospitalization between April 1, 2010
      and March 31, 2011. Clinical characteristics and frequency of hospital encounters
      were captured in the information systems of the Ottawa Hospital Data Warehouse.
      Direct inpatient costs for each encounter were summed using case costing
      information and those in the upper first and fifth percentiles of the cumulative
      direct cost distribution were defined as extremely high cost and high cost
      respectively. We quantified preventable acute care spending as hospitalizations
      for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSC) and spending attributable to
      difficulty discharging patients as measured by alternate level of care (ALC)
      status. RESULTS: During the study period, 36,892 patients had 44,066
      hospitalizations. High cost patients (n = 1,844) accounted for 38 % of total
      inpatient spending ($122 million) and were older, more likely to be male, and had
      higher levels of co-morbidity compared to non-high cost patients. In over half of
      the high cost cohort (54 %), costs were accumulated from a single
      hospitalization. The majority of costs were related to nursing care and intensive
      care unit spending. High cost patients were more likely to have an encounter
      deemed to be ambulatory care sensitive compared to non-high cost inpatients (6.0
      versus 2.8 %, p < 0.001). A greater proportion of inpatient spending was
      attributable to ALC days for high cost versus non-high cost patients (9.1 versus
      4.9 %, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Within a population of high cost inpatients, the
      majority of costs are attributed to a single, non-preventable, acute care
      episode. However, there are likely opportunities to improve hospital efficiency
      by focusing on different approaches to community based care directed towards
      specific populations.

PMID- 27143002
TI  - Is sleep disruption a trigger for postpartum psychosis?
AB  - An episode of postpartum psychosis can be devastating for a woman and her family,
      and it is vital we understand the factors involved in the aetiology of this
      condition. Sleep and circadian rhythm disruption is a plausible candidate but
      further research is needed that builds on the latest advances in chronobiology
      and neuroscience.

PMID- 27143001
TI  - A possible role of microglia-derived nitric oxide by lipopolysaccharide in
      activation of astroglial pentose-phosphate pathway via the Keap1/Nrf2 system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a pivotal role in the
      pathophysiology of stroke-induced inflammation. Both astroglia and microglia
      express TLR4, and endogenous ligands produced in the ischemic brain induce
      inflammatory responses. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and
      inflammatory cytokines produced by TLR4 activation play harmful roles in neuronal
      damage after stroke. Although astroglia exhibit pro-inflammatory responses upon
      TLR4 stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), they may also play cytoprotective
      roles via the activation of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), reducing
      oxidative stress by glutathione peroxidase. We investigated the mechanisms by
      which astroglia reduce oxidative stress via the activation of PPP, using TLR4
      stimulation and hypoxia in concert with microglia. METHODS: In vitro experiments
      were performed using cells prepared from Sprague-Dawley rats. Coexisting
      microglia in the astroglial culture were chemically eliminated using L-leucine
      methyl ester (LME). Cells were exposed to LPS (0.01 MUg/mL) or hypoxia (1 % O2)
      for 12-15 h. PPP activity was measured using [1-(14)C]glucose and [6
      (14)C]glucose. ROS and NO production were measured using 2',7'
      dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and diaminofluorescein-FM diacetate,
      respectively. The involvement of nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2
      (Nrf2), a cardinal transcriptional factor under stress conditions that regulates
      glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the rate-limiting enzyme of PPP, was evaluated
      using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Cultured astroglia exposed to LPS elicited
      20 % increases in PPP flux, and these actions of astroglia appeared to involve
      Nrf2. However, the chemical depletion of coexisting microglia eliminated both
      increases in PPP and astroglial nuclear translocation of Nrf2. LPS induced ROS
      and NO production in the astroglial culture containing microglia but not in the
      microglia-depleted astroglial culture. LPS enhanced astroglial ROS production
      after glutathione depletion. U0126, an upstream inhibitor of mitogen-activated
      protein kinase, eliminated LPS-induced NO production, whereas ROS production was
      unaffected. U0126 also eliminated LPS-induced PPP activation in astroglial
      microglial culture, indicating that microglia-derived NO mediated astroglial PPP
      activation. Hypoxia induced astroglial PPP activation independent of the
      microglia-NO pathway. Elimination of ROS and NO production by sulforaphane, a
      natural Nrf2 activator, confirmed the astroglial protective mechanism.
      CONCLUSIONS: Astroglia in concert with microglia may play a cytoprotective role
      for countering oxidative stress in stroke.

PMID- 27143004
TI  - Deinstitutionalisation does not increase imprisonment or homelessness.
AB  - Closing long-stay psychiatric beds remains contentious. The review by Winkler et
      al in this issue examines 23 studies of deinstitutionalisation for the outcomes
      of people discharged from psychiatric hospitals after an admission of 1 year or
      longer. The majority of these studies identified no cases of homelessness,
      incarceration or suicide after discharge from hospital.

PMID- 27143005
TI  - Evolving eating disorder psychopathology: conceptualising muscularity-oriented
      disordered eating.
AB  - Eating disorders, once thought to be largely confined to females, are
      increasingly common in males. However, the presentation of disordered eating
      among males is often distinct to that observed in females and this diversity is
      not accommodated in current classification schemes. Here, we consider the
      diagnostic and clinical challenges presented by these distinctive presentations.

PMID- 27143006
TI  - Practising evidence-based medicine in an era of high placebo response: number
      needed to treat reconsidered.
AB  - The number needed to treat (NNT) statistic was developed to facilitate the
      practice of evidence-based medicine. Placebo was assumed to be therapeutically
      inert when the NNT was originally conceived, but more recent data for conditions
      such as major depressive disorder (MDD) suggest that the placebo control
      condition can have considerable therapeutic effects. Complications arise because
      the NNT calculated from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reflects a comparison
      between medication plus clinical management and placebo plus clinical management,
      whereas, in the clinical setting, physicians choose between prescribing open
      medication, observing a patient over time with a supportive approach, and doing
      nothing. Thus, NNTs derived from clinical trials are not directly relevant to
      clinical decision-making, because they are based on control conditions that do
      not exist in standard practice. Additional difficulties may arise when using NNTs
      to compare alternative treatments for MDD, such as medication and psychotherapy,
      since these comparisons require the control conditions upon which the respective
      NNTs are based to be similar.Whereas pill placebo conditions include intensive
      clinical management and elicit expectations of improvement, attention control
      conditions for psychotherapy research are less well developed. Often the effects
      of psychotherapy are gauged against a wait-list control condition, which has
      substantially fewer therapeutic components than a pill placebo control condition.
      To improve the clinical utility of NNTs for the treatment of MDD, we advocate
      effectiveness studies that include treatment conditions resembling actual
      clinical practice, rather than using placebo-controlled RCTs for this purpose.
      Until such studies are performed, the effect of bias in comparing NNTs across
      treatments can be controlled by ensuring that the RCT control conditions upon
      which the NNTs are based are comparable.

PMID- 27143007
TI  - Deinstitutionalised patients, homelessness and imprisonment: systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reports linking the deinstitutionalisation of psychiatric care with
      homelessness and imprisonment have been published widely. AIMS: To identify
      cohort studies that followed up or traced back long-term psychiatric hospital
      residents who had been discharged as a consequence of deinstitutionalisation.
      METHOD: A broad search strategy was used and 9435 titles and abstracts were
      screened, 416 full articles reviewed and 171 articles from cohort studies of
      deinstitutionalised patients were examined in detail. RESULTS: Twenty-three
      studies of unique populations assessed homelessness and imprisonment among
      patients discharged from long-term care. Homelessness and imprisonment occurred
      sporadically; in the majority of studies no single case of homelessness or
      imprisonment was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Our results contradict the findings of
      ecological studies which indicated a strong correlation between the decreasing
      number of psychiatric beds and an increasing number of people with mental health
      problems who were homeless or in prison.

PMID- 27143011
TI  - Ethnic density and risk of postnatal depression and personality dysfunction.

PMID- 27143012
TI  - Authors' reply.

PMID- 27143013
TI  - Stigma and architecture of mental health facilities.

PMID- 27143014
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 27143018
TI  - Unfulfilled Expectations After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: There Is
      a Need for Better Preoperative Patient Information and Education.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to assess patients' preoperative
      expectations of the outcome of total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) regarding
      specific aspects of functioning and to determine to what extent each expectation
      was fulfilled after 1 year. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study.
      Preoperative expectations and their fulfillment after 1 year were measured with
      the Hospital for Special Surgery Hip/Knee arthroplasty Expectations Surveys.
      Preoperative and postoperative scores were subtracted to calculate whether
      expectations were unfulfilled, fulfilled, or exceeded. RESULTS: A total of 343
      THA and 322 TKA patients with complete follow-up were included. Preoperatively,
      >60% of patients (both THA/TKA) expected to get back to normal or have much
      improvement in 19 of 20 (THA) and 12 of 19 (TKA) items. Expectations were
      fulfilled or exceeded in >60% of patients in all 20 items for THA and 17 of 19
      items for TKA. In THA, items with the largest proportions patients with
      unfulfilled expectations (>30%) were "improvement in walking ability: long
      distances" (31%), "walking stairs" (33%), and "improve ability to cut toenails"
      (38%). In TKA, expectations for 12 of 19 items were unfulfilled in >30% of
      patients, with the largest proportions seen for "being able to kneel down" (44%)
      and "being able to squat" (47%). CONCLUSION: Although for most items, >60% of THA
      and TKA patients indicated that their expectations were met or exceeded, there
      was a substantial number of patients, particularly TKA patients, having
      unfulfilled expectations. These need more attention in preoperative patient
      information and education.

PMID- 27143019
TI  - Preoperative Optimization of Total Joint Arthroplasty Surgical Risk: Obesity.
AB  - Obesity is a problem that is increasing in prevalence in the United States and in
      other countries, and it is a common comorbidity in patients seeking total joint
      arthroplasty for degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. Obesity, as well as
      commonly associated comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular
      disease, and those contributing to the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, have been
      shown to have detrimental effects on total joint arthroplasty outcomes. Although
      there are effective surgical and nonsurgical interventions which can result in
      weight loss in these patients, concomitant benefit on arthroplasty outcomes is
      not clear. Preoperative optimization of surgical risk in obese total joint
      arthroplasty patients is an important point of intervention to improve
      arthroplasty outcomes.

PMID- 27143020
TI  - Prognostic value of intraoperative neural monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal
      nerve in thyroid surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: The diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve
      (RLN) monitoring (IONM) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate IONM diagnostic accuracy in prognostication of postoperative nerve
      function in thyroid surgery. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in
      2011-2013. Five hundred consenting patients qualified for total thyroidectomy
      with IONM (1000 nerves at risk) using NIM 3.0 Response equipment were included.
      Laryngoscopy was used to evaluate and follow up RLN injury. The primary outcome
      was diagnostic accuracy of IONM. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC)
      were used for evaluation of IONM diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Loss of signal
      (LOS) occurred in 31 cases, including 25 patients with LOS and corresponding
      vocal fold paresis found in postoperative laryngoscopy (2.5 %), including 20 (2.0
      %) temporary and 5 (0.5 %) permanent nerve lesions. The following diagnostic
      accuracy values were calculated for the criterion recommended by INMSG (V2
      amplitude <= 100 MUV): sensitivity 92.0 %, specificity 99.3 %, positive
      predictive value (PPV) 76.7 %, and negative predictive value (NPV) 99.8 %. The
      ROC curve analysis allowed for calculation of the most optimal criterion in
      prognostication of postoperative vocal fold paresis, namely, V2 amplitude <= 189
      MUV. For this criterion, PPV was 77.4 %, while NPV was 99.9 %. CONCLUSIONS:
      Adherence to the standardized protocol recommended by the International Neural
      Monitoring Study Group allows for optimizing predictive values of IONM in
      prognostication of postoperative RLN function. Any changes in the cutoff values
      for the definition of LOS only marginally improve PPV and NPV of IONM and need to
      be carefully assessed in multicenter studies.

PMID- 27143022
TI  - Is antithrombin III for sepsis-associated disseminated intravascular coagulation
      really ineffective?

PMID- 27143021
TI  - Proximal gastrectomy versus total gastrectomy for proximal third gastric cancer:
      total gastrectomy is not always necessary.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The appropriate extent of gastric resection for patients with
      proximal third gastric cancer is controversial. This study addresses whether the
      choice of surgical strategy (proximal gastrectomy [PG] versus total gastrectomy
      [TG]) influences the outcomes for proximal third gastric adenocarcinoma.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of prospective database at Tata Memorial Hospital
      from January 2010 to December 2012 identified 343 patients diagnosed and treated
      for gastric cancer. Of these, 75 underwent curative resections with D2
      lymphadenectomy for proximal third gastric adenocarcinoma, which entailed
      proximal gastrectomy in 43 and total gastrectomy in 32 patients, depending on the
      epicenter of the primary and its relation with the mid-body of the stomach.
      Morbidity, lymph node yield, resection margins, patterns of recurrence, and
      survival were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: 41/75 tumors were pT3
      (23 cases [53.4 %] in the PG and 18 cases [56.3 %] in the TG group). Thirty-six
      patients [83.7 %] in PG and 29 patients [90.6 %] in TG group received neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy (NACT). There were no significant differences with regard to median
      blood loss, general complication rates and length of hospitalization between the
      two groups. The lymph node yield was comparable between the two procedures [PG =
      14; TG = 15]. Positive proximal resection margin rates were comparable between
      the two groups [PG = 4.7 %; TG = 9.4 %], and there was no statistical difference
      observed in the distal resection margin positivity rates [PG = 4.7 %; TG = 3.1
      %]. Regarding the patterns of recurrence, local recurrence in PG was 4.7 % and
      there was no local recurrence in the TG group (p = 0.08). Distant recurrence
      rates was dominant in TG [PG = 30.2 % versus TG = 53.1 %]. The overall 2-year
      survival following PG and TG was 73.8 and 49.9 %, respectively, and not
      statistically different (p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of resection for
      proximal third gastric cancer does not influence the clinical outcome. PG and TG
      have similar survival rates. Both procedures can be accomplished safely.
      Therefore, PG should be an alternative to TG, even in locally advanced proximal
      gastric cancers treated by NACT, provided that the tumor size and location permit
      preservation of adequate remnant of stomach without compromising oncological
      resection margins. Future QOL studies would further lend credence to the concept
      of PG for proximal third gastric cancer.

PMID- 27143023
TI  - Is the concept of fluid responsiveness evidence-based?

PMID- 27143024
TI  - Is the concept of fluid responsiveness evidence-based? Response to comments by
      Saleh.

PMID- 27143025
TI  - Mind over matter? Pain, withdrawal and sedation in paediatric critical care.

PMID- 27143026
TI  - A cost-effectiveness analysis of off-label atypical antipsychotic treatment in
      children and adolescents with ADHD who have failed stimulant therapy.
AB  - The objectives of this study are: (1) to estimate the expected health outcomes of
      atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) and other non-stimulant attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications and (2) to evaluate the cost
      effectiveness of AAPs compared to other non-stimulant ADHD medications. We used
      decision analysis to compare three alternatives for treating children and
      adolescents with ADHD who failed initial stimulant treatment: (1) AAPs, (2) a
      selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (atomoxetine), and (3) selective
      alpha2-adrenergic agonists (clonidine and guanfacine). Probability estimates and
      quality-adjusted life year (QALY) weights were derived from a literature review.
      Cost-effectiveness was estimated using the expected health outcomes derived from
      the decision analysis and expected costs from the literature. The study was
      conducted from the third-party payer perspective, and the study period was 1
      year. One-way deterministic sensitivity analysis and a Monte Carlo simulation
      were performed. Over the course of 1 year of ADHD pharmacotherapy, the highest
      QALY was for clonidine/guanfacine (expected QALY = 0.95) followed by atomoxetine
      (expected QALY = 0.94). Atypical antipsychotics yielded the lowest health outcome
      with an expected QALY of 0.84. In the cost-effectiveness analysis, the AAP
      strategy was dominated as it was less effective and more costly than other two
      strategies. Compared to clonidine/guanfacine, AAPs provided lower QALYs (0.11
      QALY lost) at an additional cost of $2186 on average. Compared to atomoxetine,
      AAPs resulted in 0.10 QALYs lost at an additional cost of $2186. In this decision
      analysis model, AAPs provide lower expected health outcomes than other ADHD
      medications in children and adolescents who failed prior stimulant therapy.
      Furthermore, AAPs were not a cost-effective option. 

PMID- 27143027
TI  - Uncertainty, conflict and consent: revisiting the futility debate in neurotrauma.
AB  - The concept of futility has been debated for many years, and a precise definition
      remains elusive. This is not entirely unsurprising given the increasingly complex
      and evolving nature of modern medicine. Progressively more complex decisions are
      required when considering increasingly sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic
      interventions. Allocating resources appropriately amongst a population whose
      expectations continue to increase raises a number of ethical issues not least of
      which are the difficulties encountered when consideration is being given to
      withholding "life-preserving" treatment. In this discussion we have used
      decompressive craniectomy for severe traumatic brain injury as a clinical example
      with which to frame an approach to the concept. We have defined those issues that
      initially lead us to consider futility and thereafter actually provoke a
      significant discussion. We contend that these issues are uncertainty, conflict
      and consent. We then examine recent scientific advances in outcome prediction
      that may address some of the uncertainty and perhaps help achieve consensus
      amongst stakeholders. Whilst we do not anticipate that this re-framing of the
      idea of futility is applicable to all medical situations, the approach to specify
      patient-centred benefit may assist those making such decisions when patients are
      incompetent to participate.

PMID- 27143029
TI  - Corrigendum to "Elevated plasma neutrophil elastase concentration is associated
      with disease activity in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura"
      [Thromb. Res. 133 (2014) 616-621].

PMID- 27143028
TI  - How should the completeness and quality of curated nanomaterial data be
      evaluated?
AB  - Nanotechnology is of increasing significance. Curation of nanomaterial data into
      electronic databases offers opportunities to better understand and predict
      nanomaterials' behaviour. This supports innovation in, and regulation of,
      nanotechnology. It is commonly understood that curated data need to be
      sufficiently complete and of sufficient quality to serve their intended purpose.
      However, assessing data completeness and quality is non-trivial in general and is
      arguably especially difficult in the nanoscience area, given its highly
      multidisciplinary nature. The current article, part of the Nanomaterial Data
      Curation Initiative series, addresses how to assess the completeness and quality
      of (curated) nanomaterial data. In order to address this key challenge, a variety
      of related issues are discussed: the meaning and importance of data completeness
      and quality, existing approaches to their assessment and the key challenges
      associated with evaluating the completeness and quality of curated nanomaterial
      data. Considerations which are specific to the nanoscience area and lessons which
      can be learned from other relevant scientific disciplines are considered. Hence,
      the scope of this discussion ranges from physicochemical characterisation
      requirements for nanomaterials and interference of nanomaterials with
      nanotoxicology assays to broader issues such as minimum information checklists,
      toxicology data quality schemes and computational approaches that facilitate
      evaluation of the completeness and quality of (curated) data. This discussion is
      informed by a literature review and a survey of key nanomaterial data curation
      stakeholders. Finally, drawing upon this discussion, recommendations are
      presented concerning the central question: how should the completeness and
      quality of curated nanomaterial data be evaluated? 

PMID- 27143030
TI  - Changing the guard.

PMID- 27143031
TI  - Invasive Aspergillus infection requiring lobectomy in a CYP2C19 rapid metabolizer
      with subtherapeutic voriconazole concentrations.
AB  - Individuals who carry the CYP2C19*17 gain-of-function allele have lower
      voriconazole exposure and are therefore at risk of failing therapy. Utilizing
      CYP2C19 genotype to optimize voriconazole dosage may be a cost-effective method
      of improving treatment outcomes. However, there are limited data describing what
      initial voriconazole dosage should be used in those with increased CYP2C19
      metabolic capacity. Herein, we present a case report of a pediatric CYP2C19 rapid
      metabolizer (i.e., CYP2C19*1/*17) requiring a voriconazole dosage of 14 mg/kg
      twice daily (usual pediatric dosage ranges from 7 to 9 mg/kg twice daily). This
      case report supports the clinical utility of using CYP2C19 genotype to guide
      voriconazole dosing, and provides data for establishing an initial voriconazole
      dose in pediatric CYP2C19 rapid metabolizers.

PMID- 27143033
TI  - An increasing trend in health-care professionals notifying children of unhealthy
      weight status: NHANES 1999-2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric obesity prevalence remains at historically high levels. The
      objective of this study was to examine secular trends in the percentages of
      overweight/obese children who received notification from a health-care
      professional (HCP) about their unhealthy weight. METHODS: We analyzed data of 25
      570 (including 8639 overweight/obese) children aged 2-18 years collected from
      seven cross-sectional biennial surveys (National Health and Nutrition Examination
      Survey, 1999-2014), in which adolescents (16 years and older) and caregivers,
      mostly biological mothers, of children (2-15 years) were asked 'Has a doctor or
      other health professional ever told you that you (or your child) were
      overweight?' RESULTS: Approximately 90% of overweight/obese children visited HCPs
      at least once in the past 12 months, but only 22.12% (s.e.=1.92) in 1999 to
      34.43% (2.35) in 2014 of the overweight/obese children were notified by HCPs
      about unhealthy weight. The biennial increase in odds of receipt of notification
      of unhealthy weight was 1.08 (95% confidence interval=(1.04-1.12)). Greater
      likelihood for receipt of notification was associated with being obese (odds
      ratio=5.03 (4.29-5.89) vs overweight); black (1.24 (1.06-1.46)) or Hispanic
      race/ethnicity (1.72 (1.45-2.04) vs white); female sex (1.22 (1.07-1.11) vs
      boys); and child's insurance status (1.31 (1.08-1.59) vs uninsured). There were
      increasing odds of being notified with increasing age: 1.00 (reference), 2.24
      (2.06-2.62), 3.22 (2.50-4.13) and 4.87 (3.76-6.32) for children 2-5, 6-11, 12-16
      and 16+ year old, respectively. The frequency of medical contact was linearly
      associated with an increased likelihood of being notified. CONCLUSIONS:
      Notification of child's unhealthy weight by HCPs increased significantly between
      1999 and 2014, but the opportunity of clinical intervention remained
      substantially under-utilized.

PMID- 27143032
TI  - The relative association of obstructive sleep apnea, obesity and excessive
      daytime sleepiness with incident depression: a longitudinal, population-based
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is postulated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor
      for the development of depression. However, obesity and excessive daytime
      sleepiness (EDS) are associated with both OSA and depression. The goal of this
      study was to examine the relative contribution of OSA, obesity and EDS to
      incident depression. METHODS: A representative random sample of 1137 adults
      without depression from the Penn State Adult Cohort was followed up after 7.5
      years. All subjects underwent a full medical examination and polysomnography at
      baseline. OSA was defined as an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) ?5, overweight as a
      body mass index (BMI) of 25-29.9 kg m(-)(2), obesity as a BMI?30 kg m(-)(2) and
      EDS as moderate-to-severe drowsiness/sleepiness and/or irresistible sleep
      attacks. RESULTS: Overweight, obesity and EDS were associated with incident
      depression, whereas OSA alone was not. Overweight was associated with incident
      depression in women, while obesity and EDS were associated with incident
      depression in both genders. The association of overweight and obesity with
      incident depression was independent of premorbid emotional distress, while that
      of EDS was not. The association between BMI and EDS with incident depression was
      stronger in women 20-40 years old. The severity of EDS predicted incident
      depression in those with OSA, while AHI or oxygen desaturation did not.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overweight, obesity and EDS are the main predictors of incident
      depression. Obesity may be linked to depression through psychobiological
      mechanisms, while EDS may be an early sign of depression. Obesity should be a
      target of our preventative strategies for depression.

PMID- 27143034
TI  - Maternal obesity, gestational weight gain and childhood cardiac outcomes: role of
      childhood body mass index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal obesity may affect cardiovascular outcomes in the offspring.
      We examined the associations of maternal prepregnancy body mass index and
      gestational weight gain with childhood cardiac outcomes and explored whether
      these associations were explained by parental characteristics, infant
      characteristics or childhood body mass index. METHODS: In a population-based
      prospective cohort study among 4852 parents and their children, we obtained
      maternal weight before pregnancy and in early, mid- and late pregnancy. At age 6
      years, we measured aortic root diameter (cm) and left ventricular dimensions. We
      calculated left ventricular mass (g), left ventricular mass index (g m(-2.7)),
      relative wall thickness ((2 * left ventricular posterior wall thickness)/left
      ventricular diameter), fractional shorting (%), eccentric left ventricular
      hypertrophy and concentric remodeling. RESULTS: A one standard deviation score
      (SDS) higher maternal prepregnancy body mass index was associated with higher
      left ventricular mass (0.10 SDS (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08, 0.13)), left
      ventricular mass index (0.06 SDS (95% CI 0.03, 0.09)) and aortic root diameter
      (0.09 SDS (95% CI 0.06, 0.12)), but not with relative wall thickness or
      fractional shortening. A one SDS higher maternal prepregnancy body mass index was
      associated with an increased risk of eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy (odds
      ratio 1.21 (95% CI 1.03, 1.41)), but not of concentric remodeling. When analyzing
      the effects of maternal weight in different periods simultaneously, only maternal
      prepregnancy weight and early pregnancy weight were associated with left
      ventricular mass, left ventricular mass index and aortic root diameter (P
      values<0.05), independent of weight in other pregnancy periods. All observed
      associations were independent of parental and infant characteristics, but
      attenuated to non-significance after adjustment for childhood body mass index.
      CONCLUSION: Maternal prepregnancy body mass index and weight gain in early
      pregnancy are both associated with offspring cardiac structure in childhood, but
      these associations seem to be fully explained by childhood body mass index.

PMID- 27143035
TI  - Novel measures of inflammation and insulin resistance are related to obesity and
      fitness in a diverse sample of 11-14 year olds: The HEALTHY Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: GlycA is a novel serum marker of systemic inflammation. There is no
      information on GlycA in pediatric populations, how it differs by gender or its
      association with body mass index (BMI) or fitness. Lipoprotein insulin resistance
      index (LP-IR) is a serum measure of insulin resistance, which is related to
      changes in BMI group in adolescents, but its relationship with fitness is
      unknown. The current study examined the independent associations between fitness
      and BMI with GlycA and LP-IR among US adolescents. METHODS: Participants were
      1664 US adolescents from the HEALTHY study with complete 6th and 8th grade BMI,
      fitness and blood data. GlycA and LP-IR were measured by nuclear magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy. Three BMI groups and three fitness groups were created.
      Linear mixed models examined associations between GlycA, LP-IR, fitness and BMI.
      RESULTS: LP-IR decreased between 6th and 8th grade. GlycA increased among girls
      but decreased among boys. At 8th grade, median GlycA values were 27 (7.6%) MUmol
      l(-1) higher (381 versus 354) for girls than boys. Median GlycA 6th grade values
      were 9% higher in obese girls than healthy weight girls. Overall, there was
      strong evidence (P<0.001) that GlycA was higher in higher BMI groups. Fitness was
      negatively associated with GlycA (r=-0.37 and -0.35) and LP-IR (r=-0.34 and 
      0.18) at the 6th and 8th grade assessments. As BMI category increased and fitness
      category decreased, GlycA and LP-IR levels increased. Lowest GlycA was found in
      the low BMI/high fitness group. CONCLUSIONS: GlycA was associated with BMI and
      fitness among in US adolescents. These findings suggest that there are
      independent effects for BMI and fitness group with both GlycA and LP-IR. Future
      studies should validate the role of GlycA and LP-IR to evaluate the effects of
      interventions to modify obesity and fitness to improve systemic inflammation and
      insulin resistance.

PMID- 27143036
TI  - An outbreak of norovirus gastroenteritis associated with asymptomatic food
      handlers in Kinmen, Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In February 2015 an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred in a
      distillery in Kinmen, Taiwan. At least 450 affected employees developed the
      symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting after attending a lunch banquet on 6 February.
      Epidemiological, laboratory and environmental investigations were conducted to
      identify the agent and source of this outbreak. METHODS: A case-control study was
      carried out among lunch attendees from the distillery. Using a semi-structured
      questionnaire, food and beverage consumption in the lunch banquet was assessed,
      as well as demographic and clinical data of the exposed people. An outbreak case
      was defined as a diner who developed at least three following symptoms: diarrhea,
      vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, chills and/or weakness in the 72 h following
      the lunch. Controls were defined as lunch attendees who did not have any of the
      above symptoms. Rectal swabs or stool samples of the symptomatic exposed diners
      and food handlers as well as food and environmental samples were collected to
      test potential bacteria and viruses. Norovirus was detected by reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis. An environmental
      assessment, including environmental inspection of the restaurant and a review of
      work practices of food workers, was undertaken. RESULTS: Of 363 respondents with
      complete data, 169 met the case definition and 111 met the control definition.
      Consumption of pork liver in cold appetizers (adjusted odd ratio (aOR) 3.23; 95 %
      confidence interval (CI): 1.26-8.30) and lamb chops (aOR: 3.98, 95 % CI: 1.74
      9.11) were each associated with increased risk of illness. No cases but two
      asymptomatic food handlers who prepared or cooked the implicated foods tested
      positive for norovirus genotype I.6. Food and environmental samples were negative
      for any bacteria. Environmental assessment indicated that hand washing facilities
      were not properly accessible to food handlers. Inappropriate hygiene practices in
      food handlers may have contributed to food contamination. CONCLUSION: Our
      investigation suggests that etiological agent of this outbreak was norovirus. The
      food vehicles were pork liver and lamb chops, which may have been contaminated by
      asymptomatic infected food handlers. Strict adherence to hand hygiene practices
      and access to hand washing facilities should be reinforced to prevent such
      foodborne outbreaks.

PMID- 27143037
TI  - Expression of cry1Ab gene from a novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain SY49-1
      active on pest insects.
AB  - In this study, the cry1Ab gene of previously characterized and Lepidoptera-,
      Diptera-, and Coleoptera-active Bacillus thuringiensis SY49-1 strain was cloned,
      expressed and individually tested on Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
      and Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. pET-cry1Ab plasmids
      were constructed by ligating the cry1Ab into pET28a (+) expression vector.
      Constructed plasmids were transferred to an Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain
      rendered competent with CaCl2. Isopropyl beta-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside was used
      to induce the expression of cry1Ab in E. coli BL21(DE3), and consequently,
      ~130kDa of Cry1Ab was obtained. Bioassay results indicated that recombinant
      Cry1Ab at a dose of 1000MUgg(-1) caused 40% and 64% mortality on P.
      interpunctella and E. kuehniella larvae, respectively. However, the mortality
      rates of Bt SY49-1 strains' spore-crystal mixture at the same dose were observed
      to be 70% on P. interpunctella and 90% on E. kuehniella larvae. The results
      indicated that cry1Ab may be considered as a good candidate in transgenic crop
      production and as an alternative biocontrol agent in controlling stored product
      moths. 

PMID- 27143039
TI  - Dispelling myths and providing a way forward for the hyperthyroid cat.

PMID- 27143038
TI  - QUADrATiC: scalable gene expression connectivity mapping for repurposing FDA
      approved therapeutics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gene expression connectivity mapping has proven to be a powerful and
      flexible tool for research. Its application has been shown in a broad range of
      research topics, most commonly as a means of identifying potential small molecule
      compounds, which may be further investigated as candidates for repurposing to
      treat diseases. The public release of voluminous data from the Library of
      Integrated Cellular Signatures (LINCS) programme further enhanced the utilities
      and potentials of gene expression connectivity mapping in biomedicine. RESULTS:
      We describe QUADrATiC ( http://go.qub.ac.uk/QUADrATiC ), a user-friendly tool for
      the exploration of gene expression connectivity on the subset of the LINCS data
      set corresponding to FDA-approved small molecule compounds. It enables the
      identification of compounds for repurposing therapeutic potentials. The software
      is designed to cope with the increased volume of data over existing tools, by
      taking advantage of multicore computing architectures to provide a scalable
      solution, which may be installed and operated on a range of computers, from
      laptops to servers. This scalability is provided by the use of the modern
      concurrent programming paradigm provided by the Akka framework. The QUADrATiC
      Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been developed using advanced Javascript
      frameworks, providing novel visualization capabilities for further analysis of
      connections. There is also a web services interface, allowing integration with
      other programs or scripts. CONCLUSIONS: QUADrATiC has been shown to provide an
      improvement over existing connectivity map software, in terms of scope (based on
      the LINCS data set), applicability (using FDA-approved compounds), usability and
      speed. It offers potential to biological researchers to analyze transcriptional
      data and generate potential therapeutics for focussed study in the lab. QUADrATiC
      represents a step change in the process of investigating gene expression
      connectivity and provides more biologically-relevant results than previous
      alternative solutions.

PMID- 27143040
TI  - Practical urinalysis in the cat: 2: Urine microscopic examination 'tips and
      traps'.
AB  - SERIES OUTLINE: This is the second article in a two-part series on urinalysis in
      the cat. The specific focus is urine microscopic examination. Part 1, which
      appeared in the March 2016 issue, discussed urine macroscopic examination.
      PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Urinalysis is an essential procedure in feline medicine but
      often little attention is paid to optimising the data yielded or minimising
      factors that can affect the results. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: For the best results,
      appropriately collected urine should be prepared promptly by specialist
      laboratory personnel for the relevant tests and assessed by a clinical
      pathologist. This is invariably impractical in clinical settings but careful
      attention can minimise artefacts and allow maximum useful information to be
      obtained from this seemingly simple process. AUDIENCE: Clinical pathologists
      would be familiar with the information provided in this article, but it is rarely
      available to general or specialist practitioners, and both groups can potentially
      benefit. EQUIPMENT: Most of the required equipment is routinely available to
      veterinarians. However, instructions have been provided to give practical
      alternatives for specialist procedures in some instances. EVIDENCE BASE: The
      evidence base for feline microscopic urinalysis is quite poor and information has
      largely been extrapolated from the human literature. Information from feline
      studies has been included where available. In addition, practical
      clinicopathological and clinical observations are provided.

PMID- 27143041
TI  - Hypercalcaemia in cats: The complexities of calcium regulation and associated
      clinical challenges.
AB  - PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Calcium is essential for many normal physiological processes
      within the body. Aberrations in calcium homeostasis leading to hypercalcaemia can
      result in clinical signs such as polyuriav and polydipsia, lethargy and weakness
      due to depressed excitability of muscle and nervous tissue, and gastrointestinal
      (GI) signs due to effects on GI smooth muscle. Hypercalcaemia in cats is mostly
      idiopathic, with chronic kidney disease and neoplasia also being common causes.
      CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Hypercalcaemia can be a diagnostic challenge and a good
      understanding of the regulation of calcium homeostasis can aid in interpreting
      results of diagnostic tests. Furthermore, the management approach may depend on
      the underlying cause of hypercalcaemia, and also its severity and chronicity.
      AUDIENCE: This review offers a comprehensive discussion of the regulation of
      calcium homeostasis, with a focus on the normal response to hypercalcaemia. It
      also discusses the diagnostic approach to, and management of, hypercalcaemia in
      cats, as well as specific aetiologies. This is relevant to all clinicians working
      with feline patients. EVIDENCE BASE: The review draws evidence from peer-reviewed
      publications and also the author's own clinical experience.

PMID- 27143042
TI  - 2016 AAFP Guidelines for the Management of Feline Hyperthyroidism.
AB  - CLINICAL CONTEXT: Since 1979 and 1980 when the first reports of clinical feline
      hyperthyroidism (FHT) appeared in the literature, our understanding of the
      disease has evolved tremendously. Initially, FHT was a disease that only referral
      clinicians treated. Now it is a disease that primary clinicians routinely manage.
      Inclusion of the measurement of total thyroxine concentration in senior wellness
      panels, as well as in diagnostic work-ups for sick cats, now enables diagnosis of
      the condition long before the cat becomes the classic scrawny, unkempt, agitated
      patient with a bulge in its neck. However, earlier recognition of the problem has
      given rise to several related questions: how to recognize the health significance
      of the early presentations of the disease; how early to treat the disease;
      whether to treat FHT when comorbid conditions are present; and how to manage
      comorbid conditions such as chronic kidney disease and cardiac disease with
      treatment of FHT. The 2016 AAFP Guidelines for the Management of Feline
      Hyperthyroidism (hereafter referred to as the Guidelines) will shed light on
      these questions for the general practitioner and suggest when referral may
      benefit the cat. SCOPE: The Guidelines explain FHT as a primary disease process
      with compounding factors, and provide a concise explanation of what we know to be
      true about the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease.The Guidelines
      also:Distill the current research literature into simple recommendations for
      testing sequences that will avoid misdiagnosis and separate an FHT diagnosis into
      six clinical categories with associated management strategies.Emphasize the
      importance of treating all hyperthyroid cats, regardless of comorbidities, and
      outline the currently available treatments for the disease.Explain how to monitor
      the treated cat to help avoid exacerbating comorbid diseases.Dispel some of the
      myths surrounding certain aspects of FHT and replace them with an evidence-based
      narrative that veterinarians and their practice teams can apply to feline
      patients and communicate to their owners. EVIDENCE BASE: To help ensure better
      case outcomes, the Guidelines reflect currently available, evidenced-based
      knowledge. If research is lacking, or if a consensus does not exist, the expert
      panel of authors has made recommendations based on their extensive, cumulative
      clinical experience.

PMID- 27143043
TI  - Case-based clinical reasoning in feline medicine: 3: Use of heuristics and
      illness scripts.
AB  - AIM: This is Article 3 of a three-part series on clinical reasoning that
      encourages practitioners to explore and understand how they think and make case
      based decisions. It is hoped that, in the process, they will learn to trust their
      intuition but, at the same time, put in place safeguards to diminish the impact
      of bias and misguided logic on their diagnostic decision-making. SERIES OUTLINE:
      Article 1, published in the January 2016 issue of JFMS, discussed the relative
      merits and shortcomings of System 1 thinking (immediate and unconscious) and
      System 2 thinking (effortful and analytical). In Article 2, published in the
      March 2016 issue, ways of managing cognitive error, particularly the negative
      impact of bias, in making a diagnosis were examined. This final article explores
      the use of heuristics (mental short cuts) and illness scripts in diagnostic
      reasoning.

PMID- 27143044
TI  - News & Views.

PMID- 27143045
TI  - Diplopia as presenting sign of Turcot syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a patient with diplopia who was diagnosed with Turcot
      syndrome. METHODS: A 10-year-old boy presented with a history of left-sided sixth
      and seventh nerve palsy. He underwent imaging of the brain and colon, a full
      ophthalmological and genetic work-up. RESULTS: A 10-year-old boy was referred
      with combined left-sided sixth and seventh nerve palsy since 1 month without
      symptoms of raised intracranial pressure. BCVA was 6/6 in both eyes. Fundoscopy
      revealed bilateral, multiple, oval pigmented ocular fundus lesions (POFLs) in the
      4 quadrants. These POFLs, together with the cranial nerve palsies raised the
      suspicion of Turcot syndrome, a familial neoplasia syndrome characterized by
      familial colorectal cancer and tumours of the central nervous system. Urgent MRI
      scan of the brain and stereotactic biopsy showed a primitive neuroectodermal
      tumour (PNET) at the pons. Coloscopy revealed multiple polyps. DNA analysis of
      the APC gene confirmed the clinical diagnosis of Turcot syndrome. The PNET was
      treated with combined radio- and chemotherapy. The patient underwent a
      prophylactic total colectomy as virtually all patients develop a carcinoma of the
      colorectal region if left untreated. CONCLUSIONS: Although strabismus is not,
      diplopia in childhood is rare and seldom innocuous. It requires a prompt and
      thorough diagnostic evaluation, including thorough, dilated fundoscopy. The
      presence of POFLs combined with neurological symptoms suggestive of a brain
      tumour should alert the clinician of the possibility of Turcot syndrome.
      Recognition of this rare syndrome can lead to earlier diagnosis, which is vital
      for appropriate surveillance and early surgical intervention of the highly
      frequent neoplasias in Turcot Syndrome.

PMID- 27143046
TI  - Jasmonate signaling is activated in the very early stages of iron deficiency
      responses in rice roots.
AB  - Under low iron availability, plants induce the expression of various genes
      involved in iron uptake and translocation at the transcriptional level. This iron
      deficiency response is affected by various plant hormones, but the roles of
      jasmonates in this response are not well-known. We investigated the involvement
      of jasmonates in rice iron deficiency responses. High rates of jasmonate
      inducible genes were induced during the very early stages of iron deficiency
      treatment in rice roots. Many jasmonate-inducible genes were also negatively
      regulated by the ubiquitin ligases OsHRZ1 and OsHRZ2 and positively regulated by
      the transcription factor IDEF1. Ten out of 35 genes involved in jasmonate
      biosynthesis and signaling were rapidly induced at 3 h of iron deficiency
      treatment, and this induction preceded that of known iron deficiency-inducible
      genes involved in iron uptake and translocation. Twelve genes involved in
      jasmonate biosynthesis and signaling were also upregulated in HRZ-knockdown
      roots. Endogenous concentrations of jasmonic acid and jasmonoyl isoleucine tended
      to be rapidly increased in roots in response to iron deficiency treatment,
      whereas these concentrations were higher in HRZ-knockdown roots under iron
      sufficient conditions. Analysis of the jasmonate-deficient cpm2 mutant revealed
      that jasmonates repress the expression of many iron deficiency-inducible genes
      involved in iron uptake and translocation under iron sufficiency, but this
      repression is partly canceled under an early stage of iron deficiency. These
      results indicate that jasmonate signaling is activated during the very early
      stages of iron deficiency, which is partly regulated by IDEF1 and OsHRZs. 

PMID- 27143048
TI  - Solid lipid nanoparticle: an efficient carrier for improved ocular permeation of
      voriconazole.
AB  - This research focuses on the fabrication and evaluation of solid lipid
      nanoparticles (SLNs) for improved ocular delivery of voriconazole (VCZ).
      Compritol and palmitic acid were selected as lipid carriers based on drug
      solubility and partitioning behavior. Poloxamer and soya lecithin were the choice
      for surfactant, while sodium taurocholate was used as a co-surfactant. The
      particle sizes of the SLNs determined by zetasizer and transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM) were found within the desired range. The in vitro release study
      of SLNs exhibited a sustained-release property of the drug. The ex vivo studies
      displayed enhanced corneal drug permeation from SLNs in comparison to the drug
      suspension. Further, the corneal hydration studies, histopathology and Hen's Egg
      Test Chorio Allantoic Membrane (HETCAM) assay confirmed the non-irritancy of the
      nano-formulation. The in vivo study confirmed the higher availability of VCZ
      (from SLN) in aqueous humor with minimal nasolacrymal drainage in contrast to the
      drug suspension. A good in-vitro in-vivo correlation (IVIVC) further confirmed
      the potential of SLN as an effective carrier for ocular delivery.

PMID- 27143047
TI  - Elevated AQP1 Expression Is Associated With Unfavorable Oncologic Outcome in
      Patients With Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hilar cholangiocarcinomas are malignant tumors with a poor prognosis.
      An early prediction of prognosis for patients may help us determine treatment
      strategies. Aquaporin 1 is a cell membrane channel involved in water transport,
      cell motility, and proliferation. Increasing evidences showed that aquaporin 1
      played a role in tumor prognosis and diagnosis. The purpose of this study is to
      evaluate the role of aquaporin 1 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: Here, we
      analyzed messenger RNA expression data of genes function as bile secretion in a
      data set of 169 samples using the R2 bioinformatic platform ( http://r2.amc.nl ).
      Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to verify the gene
      expression in 17 hilar cholangiocarcinoma samples. Immunohistochemistry was also
      performed in a series of specimens from 62 hilar cholangiocarcinoma tissues, and
      its clinical significance was assessed by clinical correlation and Kaplan-Meier
      analyses. RESULTS: All data were analyzed using the R2 web application, aquaporin
      1 was selected for further analysis. The significant expression variation of
      aquaporin 1 among 17 cases with cholangiocarcinoma was also found using
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression level of aquaporin 1
      protein significantly correlated with tumor-node-metastasis stage ( P = .002) and
      overall survival time ( P = .010). Higher aquaporin 1 expression indicated poor
      prognostic outcomes ( P <.05, log-rank test). Multivariate analysis also showed
      strong aquaporin 1 protein expression was an independent adverse prognosticator
      in hilar cholangiocarcinoma ( P = .002). CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the
      prognostic value of aquaporin 1 in hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Strong aquaporin 1
      expression predicts poor survival, regardless of pathological features.
      Immunohistochemical detection of aquaporin 1, as a prognostic marker, may
      contribute to predicting clinical outcome for patients with hilar
      cholangiocarcinoma.

PMID- 27143049
TI  - Effect of plant extracts and a disinfectant on biological parameters and
      pathogenicity of the fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Ascomycota:
      Cordycipitaceae).
AB  - The fungus Beauveria bassiana is naturally found in poultry houses and causes
      high rates of mortality in Alphitobius diaperinus. Laboratory and field
      experiments have shown the potential of this fungus as an insect control agent.
      However, in poultry houses, bacteria as Salmonella, can be found and have been
      studied alternative control methods for this pathogen. Thus, this study aimed to
      evaluate the effect of plant extracts and a disinfectant on the fungus Beauveria
      bassiana (strain Unioeste 4). Conidial viability, colony-forming unit (CFU)
      counts, vegetative growth, conidia production, insecticidal activity of the
      fungus and compatibility were used as parameters in the evaluation of the effect
      of these products on the fungus. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of jabuticaba
      (Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.), guava (Psidium guajava (L.)), and jambolan
      (Syzygium cumini (L.), at concentrations of 10% as well as the commercial
      disinfectant, Peroxitane(r) 1512 AL, were evaluated at the recommended
      concentrations (RC), 1:200 (RC), 0.5 RC and 2 RC. There was a negative influence
      of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of jabuticaba, guava and three dilutions of
      Peroxitane on the viability of conidia. The CFUs and vegetative growth of the
      fungus were affected only by the Peroxitane (all dilutions). For conidial
      production, the aqueous extract of guava had a positive effect, increasing
      production, while the Peroxitane at the R and RC concentrations resulted in a
      negative influence. The mortality of A. diaperinus, caused by the fungus after
      exposure to these products, was 60% for the peracetic acid at 0.5 RC, and above
      80% for the extracts. Thus, the results showed that all the extracts and
      Peroxitane at RC 0.5 are compatible with the fungus B. bassiana Unioeste 4,
      however only the extracts had a low impact on inoculum potential. 

PMID- 27143050
TI  - Morphological aspects in the ontogeny of Salminus hilarii Valenciennes, 1850
      (Ostaryophysi: Characidae).
AB  - This study compared various morphological characteristics of S. hilarii, in order
      to verify possible variations over the life of the fish. It was used individuals
      collected from the Tiete river basin (sub-basins of Sorocaba, Jacare Pepira and
      Corumbatai rivers) and from the Rio Grande basin (sub-basins of Pardo and Mogi
      Guacu rivers). For the analysis we used 15 relative values of morphological
      attributes. Measures of S. hilarii were taken from samples with a range of size
      ranging between 49-430 mm standard length. The relative values were first
      analyzed by an array of Principal Component Analysis of correlation (PCA).
      Subsequently the most important attributes of PCA were correlated with standard
      length, using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The PCA revealed eight most
      important characteristics, and six showed a significant correlation with standard
      lengths (relative height, depth ratio, relative area of caudal fin, relative head
      length, eye diameter relative height and relative mouth height), indicating
      common variations along the fish's growth besides indicating an adaptation to the
      conditions of the environment it occupies. On the other hand some characteristics
      have not changed, maintaining typical morphological patterns of fish that occupy
      the middle water and piscivorous predators.

PMID- 27143051
TI  - Applying fuzzy logic to estimate the parameters of the length-weight
      relationship.
AB  - We evaluated three mathematical procedures to estimate the parameters of the
      relationship between weight and length for Cichla monoculus: least squares
      ordinary regression on log-transformed data, non-linear estimation using raw data
      and a mix of multivariate analysis and fuzzy logic. Our goal was to find an
      alternative approach that considers the uncertainties inherent to this biological
      model. We found that non-linear estimation generated more consistent estimates
      than least squares regression. Our results also indicate that it is possible to
      find consistent estimates of the parameters directly from the centers of mass of
      each cluster. However, the most important result is the intervals obtained with
      the fuzzy inference system. 

PMID- 27143052
TI  - Biological parameters and fertility life table of Aphis forbesi Weed, 1889
      (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on strawberry.
AB  - This study provides the first contribution of the biology and life table of Aphis
      forbesi Weed, 1889 (Hemiptera: Aphididae), an important strawberry pest
      throughout the world. This species lives in the crown and leaf petioles of the
      plant. It is difficulty to rear this species in laboratory due to
      protocooperation with ants observed only in the field. We studied the life cycle
      of A. forbesi on the leaves of the Albion strawberry cultivar at 25 +/- 2 
      degrees C, 60 +/- 10% relative humidity, and a 12-h photophase. The experiment
      was randomised with 100 replicates. The parameters of the fertility life table
      were calculated using TabVida. In the population studied, 25% and 46% had four
      and three instars, respectively. A mean of 1.43 nymphs per female per day was
      generated. The mean reproductive period was seven days and the mean longevity was
      10 days. In every 11 days there is a generation of A. forbesi, where each female
      has the potential to generate between 6 to 9 individuals daily, increasing its
      population by 1.2 times. The average life cycle was 16.8 days. High viability
      observed in all instars and the resulting values of R0, rm and lambda suggest
      that A. forbesi has the capacity to increase their numbers in a short period of
      time, while generating high populations in strawberry crops, requiring
      differential management.

PMID- 27143053
TI  - Insecticidal activity of neem oil against Gyropsylla spegazziniana (Hemiptera:
      Psyllidae) nymphs on Paraguay tea seedlings.
AB  - Gyropsylla spegazziniana (Paraguay tea ampul) is one of the most important pests
      of Paraguay tea plants, and prohibition of synthetic insecticide use for control
      of this pest has led to the search for alternative methods. This laboratory study
      aimed to compare different control strategies for G. spegazziniana, utilizing a
      commercial neem seed oil product. Paraguay tea seedlings were treated with neem
      oil solution both pre- and post-infestation with 5th instar nymphs. The systemic
      action of neem oil was also evaluated by treating plant soil with the neem oil
      solution, followed by transfer of the insects to plants 24 h post-treatment.
      Spray treatments were effective against the pest, especially post-infestation
      (80% mortality), demonstrating the potential of neem oil for control of the
      Paraguay tea ampul. No significant effects were observed with respect to systemic
      activity.

PMID- 27143054
TI  - Methods for selection of Daphnia resting eggs: the influence of manual
      decapsulation and sodium hypoclorite solution on hatching rates.
AB  - Cladocerans are able to produce resting eggs inside a protective resistant
      capsule, the ephippium, that difficults the visualization of the resting eggs,
      because of the dark pigmentation. Therefore, before hatching experiments, methods
      to verify viable resting eggs in ephippia must be considered. This study aimed to
      evaluate the number of eggs per ephippium of Daphnia from two tropical aquatic
      ecosystems and the efficiency of some methods for decapsulating resting eggs. To
      evaluate the influence of methods on hatching rates, three different conditions
      were tested: immersion in sodium hypochlorite, manually decapsulated resting eggs
      and intact ephippia. The immersion in hypochlorite solution could evaluate
      differences in numbers of resting eggs per ephippium between the ecosystems
      studied. The exposure to sodium hypochlorite at a concentration of 2% for 20
      minutes was the most efficient method for visual evaluation and isolation of the
      resting eggs. Hatching rate experiments with resting eggs not isolated from
      ephippia were underestimated (11.1 +/- 5.0%), showing the need of methods to
      quantify and isolate viable eggs. There were no differences between the hatching
      rate of resting eggs submitted to hypochlorite solution (47.2 +/- 7.34%) and
      manually decapsulated (53.7 +/- 13.24%). However, the immersion in hypochlorite
      was a more efficient technique, faster and not requiring manual ability.

PMID- 27143055
TI  - First report of Strongyloides sp. (Nematoda, Strongyloididae) in Lutreolina
      crassicaudata (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae).
AB  - The present study reports the first case of the presence of the intestinal
      nematode Strongyloides sp. in fecal examinations of a male Lutreolina
      crassicaudata, considered a synanthropic marsupial species with zoonotic
      potential. The Willis technique was used for the diagnosis. Presence of typical
      eggs of Strongyloides species in feces was detected. A fecal culture was
      performed to obtain larval stages, free-living adults and infective third stage
      larvae (L3) of this nematode after seven days, which was morphologically
      identified as Strongyloididae. This is the first report of infection by
      Strongyloides sp. in a tick-tailed opossum from Brazil.

PMID- 27143056
TI  - Effects of climate and forest structure on palms, bromeliads and bamboos in
      Atlantic Forest fragments of Northeastern Brazil.
AB  - Palms, bromeliads and bamboos are key elements of tropical forests and
      understanding the effects of climate, anthropogenic pressure and forest structure
      on these groups is crucial to forecast structural changes in tropical forests.
      Therefore, we investigated the effects of these factors on the abundance of these
      groups in 22 Atlantic forest fragments of Northeastern Brazil. Abundance of
      bromeliads and bamboos were assessed through indexes. Palms were counted within a
      radius of 20 m. We also obtained measures of vegetation structure, fragment size,
      annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality and human population density. We
      tested the effects of these predictors on plant groups using path analysis. Palm
      abundance was higher in taller forests with larger trees, closed canopy and
      sparse understory, which may be a result of the presence of seed dispersers and
      specific attributes of local palm species. Bromeliads were negatively affected by
      both annual precipitation and precipitation seasonality, what may reflect
      adaptations of these plants to use water efficiently, but also the need to
      capture water in a regular basis. Bamboos were not related to any predictor
      variable. As climate and forest structure affected the abundance of bromeliads
      and palms, human-induced climatic changes and disturbances in forest structure
      may modify the abundance of these groups. In addition, soil properties and direct
      measurements of human disturbance should be used in future studies in order to
      improve the predictability of models about plant groups in Northeastern Atlantic
      Forest.

PMID- 27143057
TI  - The first record of Notocyphus tyrannicus Smith, (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) as
      parasitoid of Acanthoscurria Ausserer, 1871 (Teraphosidae: Teraphosinae).

PMID- 27143059
TI  - Documented record of the Light-mantled Albatross Phoebetria palpebrata (Foster,
      1785) from southeastern Brazil.

PMID- 27143058
TI  - Water residence time affecting phytoplankton blooms: study case in Ibitinga
      Reservoir (Sao Paulo, Brazil) using Landsat/TM images.
AB  - Satellite images are an effective tool for the detection of phytoplankton blooms,
      since they cause striking changes in water color. Bloom intensity can be
      expressed in terms of chlorophyll-a concentration. Previous studies suggest the
      use of Landsat TM4/TM3 reflectance ratio to retrieve surface chlorophyll-a
      concentration from aquatic systems. In this study we assumed that a remote
      sensing trophic state index can be applied to investigate how changes in HRT
      along the hydrologic year affect the spatial distribution of the phytoplankton
      blooms at Ibitinga's reservoir surface. For that, we formulated two objectives:
      (1) apply a semi-empirical model which uses this reflectance ratio to map
      chlorophyll-a concentration at Ibitinga reservoir along the 2005 hydrologic year
      and (2) assess how changes in hydraulic residence time (HRT) affect the spatial
      distribution of phytoplankton blooms at Ibitinga Reservoir. The study site was
      chosen because previous studies reported seasonal changes in the reservoir
      limnology which might be related to the reservoir seasonality and hydrodynamics.
      Six Landsat/TM images were acquired over Ibitinga reservoir during 2005 and water
      flow measurements provided by the Brazilian Electric System National Operator -
      ONS were used to compute the reservoir's residence time, which varied from 5.37
      to 52.39 days during 2005. The HRT in the date of image acquisition was then
      compared to the distribution of chlorophyll-a in the reservoir. The results
      showed that the HRT increasing implies the increasing of the reservoir surface
      occupied by phytoplankton blooms. 

PMID- 27143060
TI  - Adrenal glands of Spix's yellow-toothed cavy (Galea spixii, Wagler, 1831):
      morphological and morphometric aspects.
AB  - Considering the physiological importance and need of greater morphophysiological
      knowledge of adrenal glands, the aims of present study were compare the
      morphometric data between left and right adrenal of male and female; perform a
      histological, scanning and transmission electron microscopy study showing tissue
      constitution of glands; finally, in order to define the presence and correct site
      of the cytochrome P450c17 expression in adrenal glands, immunohistochemical study
      of this enzyme was performed in 18 adrenal glands (right n=9 and left n=9) of
      nine adult Galea spixii (four males and five females). Right adrenal was more
      cranially positioned than left adrenal; dimensions (weight, length and width) of
      right adrenal was larger than left adrenal; no differences between male and
      female body and adrenal measurements were found; the morphology of cells and
      different amounts of lipid droplets may be related to the different demands of
      steroid hormones production, related to each zone of the adrenal cortex; and, the
      cytochrome P450c17 immunolocalization in fasciculate and reticular zone may be
      related with synthesis of 17-hydroxy-pregnenolone, 17-hydroxy-progesterone,
      dehydroepiandrosterone or androstenedione. 

PMID- 27143061
TI  - Micropropagation of Calophyllum brasiliense (Cambess.) from nodal segments.
AB  - Micropropagation of Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess. (Clusiaceae) is a way to
      overcome difficulties in achieving large-scale plant production, given the
      recalcitrant nature of the seeds, irregular fructification and absence of natural
      vegetative propagation of the species. Cultures were established using nodal
      segments 2 cm in length, obtained from 1-2 year old seedlings, maintained in a
      greenhouse. Mercury chloride and Plant Preservative MixtureTM were used in the
      surface sterilizing stage, better results being achieved with Plant Preservative
      MixtureTM incorporation in culture medium, at any concentration.
      Polyvinylpyrrolidone, activated charcoal, cysteine, ascorbic acid or citric acid
      were added to the culture medium to avoid oxidation. After 30 days of culture,
      polyvinylpirrolidone and ascorbic acid gave better results, eliminating oxidation
      in most explants. For shoot multiplication, benzylaminopurine was used in
      concentrations of 4.4 and 8.8 uM in Woody Plant Medium, resulting in an average
      of 4.43 and 4.68 shoots per explant, respectively, after 90 days. Indole-3
      butyric acid and alpha-naphthalene acetic acid were used to induce root
      formation, reaching a maximum rooting rate of 24% with 20uM alpha-naphthalene
      acetic acid. For acclimatization. the rooted plants were transferred to
      Plantmax(r) substrate and cultured in a greenhouse, reaching 79% of survival
      after 30 days and 60% after one year. 

PMID- 27143062
TI  - First record of Rhipidocotyle santanaensis (Digenea) parasitizing Acestrorhynchus
      lacustris from Batalha River, Brazil.
AB  - This paper describes the occurrence of digenetic Rhipidocotyle santanaensis
      Lunaschi, 2004 in Brazil. This parasite was found in the liver, heart, gonads,
      intestine, pyloric caeca, stomach, swim bladder and cavity of Acestrorhynchus
      lacustris (Lutken, 1875) from the Batalha River, Sao Paulo State, with higher
      incidence in gonads and digestive tract. The parasite specimens found in this
      study showed morphological characteristics very similar to specimens from
      Argentina, with differences only in relation to the ejaculatory duct and seminal
      vesicle. However, Brazilian specimens presented great morphometrical differences
      between specimens described in Argentina, with much higher measures. This is the
      first record of this metazoan parasite species in Brazil and in this host fish.

PMID- 27143063
TI  - Morphometric differences and fluctuating asymmetry in Melipona subnitida Ducke
      1910 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in different types of housing.
AB  - A geometric morphometrics approach was applied to evaluate differences in
      forewing patterns of the Jandaira bee (Melipona subnitida Ducke). For this, we
      studied the presence of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in forewing shape and size of
      colonies kept in either rational hive boxes or natural tree trunks. We detected
      significant FA for wing size as well as wing shape independent of the type of
      housing (rational box or tree trunks), indicating the overall presence of stress
      during the development of the studied specimens. FA was also significant (p <
      0.01) between rational boxes, possibly related to the use of various models of
      rational boxes used for keeping stingless bees. In addition, a Principal
      Component Analysis indicated morphometric variation between bee colonies kept in
      either rational hive boxes or in tree trunks, that may be related to the
      different origins of the bees: tree trunk colonies were relocated natural
      colonies while rational box colonies originated from multiplying other colonies.
      We conclude that adequate measures should be taken to reduce the amount of stress
      during bee handling by using standard models of rational boxes that cause the
      least disruption.

PMID- 27143064
TI  - Vernonanthura polyanthes leaves aqueous extract enhances doxorubicin genotoxicity
      in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster and presents no antifungal activity
      against Candida spp.
AB  - Vernonanthura polyanthes (Spreng.) A.J. Vega & Dematt. (Asteraceae), known as
      "assa-peixe", has been used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of various
      diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, hemoptysis, persistent cough, internal
      abscesses, gastric and kidney stone pain. Moreover, some studies demonstrated
      that species of Genus Vernonia present antifungal activity. Due to the biological
      relevance of this species, the aim of this study was to investigate the toxic,
      genotoxic, antigenotoxic and antifungal potential of V. polyanthes leaves aqueous
      extract in somatic cells of Drosophila melanogaster or against Candida spp. The
      aqueous extract of the plant showed no toxic, genotoxic and antigenotoxic
      activity in the experimental conditions tested using the wing somatic mutation
      and recombination test (SMART/wing). However, when the extract was associated
      with doxorubicin, used in this work as a positive control, the mutagenic
      potential of doxorubicin was enhanced, increasing the number of mutations in D.
      melanogaster somatic cells. In the other hand, no inhibitory activity against
      Candida spp. was observed for V. polyanthes leaves aqueous extract using agar
      well diffusion assay. More studies are necessary to reveal the components present
      in the V. polyanthes leaves aqueous extract that could contribute to potentiate
      the doxorubicin genotoxicity.

PMID- 27143065
TI  - First occurrence of Euneura sopolis (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae) hyperparasiting
      Xenostigmus bifasciatus (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) in Brazil: implications for
      biological control of pine aphids.

PMID- 27143066
TI  - Canopy cover negatively affects arboreal ant species richness in a tropical open
      habitat.
AB  - We tested the hypothesis of a negative relationship between vegetation
      characteristics and ant species richness in a Brazilian open vegetation habitat,
      called candeial. We set up arboreal pitfalls to sample arboreal ants and measured
      the following environmental variables, which were used as surrogate of
      environmental heterogeneity: tree richness, tree density, tree height,
      circumference at the base of the plants, and canopy cover. Only canopy cover had
      a negative effect on the arboreal ant species richness. Vegetation
      characteristics and plant species composition are probably homogeneous in
      candeial, which explains the lack of relationship between other environmental
      variables and ant richness. Open vegetation habitats harbor a large number of
      opportunistic and generalist species, besides specialist ants from habitats with
      high temperatures. An increase in canopy cover decreases sunlight incidence and
      may cause local microclimatic differences, which negatively affect the species
      richness of specialist ants from open areas. Canopy cover regulates the richness
      of arboreal ants in open areas, since only few ant species are able to colonize
      sites with dense vegetation; most species are present in sites with high
      temperature and luminosity. Within open vegetation habitats the relationship
      between vegetation characteristics and species richness seems to be the opposite
      from closed vegetation areas, like forests.

PMID- 27143067
TI  - Plant structure predicts leaf litter capture in the tropical montane bromeliad
      Tillandsia turneri.
AB  - Leaves intercepted by bromeliads become an important energy and matter resource
      for invertebrate communities, bacteria, fungi, and the plant itself. The
      relationship between bromeliad structure, defined as its size and complexity, and
      accumulated leaf litter was studied in 55 bromeliads of Tillandsia turneri
      through multiple regression and the Akaike information criterion. Leaf litter
      accumulation in bromeliads was best explained by size and complexity variables
      such as plant cover, sheath length, and leaf number. In conclusion, plant
      structure determines the amount of litter that enters bromeliads, and changes in
      its structure could affect important processes within ecosystem functioning or
      species richness. 

PMID- 27143068
TI  - Morphometry and retention time as forcing functions to establishment and
      maintenance of aquatic macrophytes in a tropical reservoir.
AB  - Macrophytes may constitute an important resource for several chemical, physical
      and biological processes within aquatic ecosystems. This study considers that in
      tropical reservoirs with low retention time and with low values of shoreline
      development (DL), the expansion and persistence of aquatic macrophytes are mainly
      reported to local conditions (e.g., hydrodynamic and wind exposure) rather than
      trophic status and depth of the euphotic zone. In this context, this study aimed
      at describing and comparing the incidence of aquatic macrophytes in a
      throughflowing, non-dendritic tropical reservoir. During February 2006 to
      November 2007, eight limnological surveys were performed quarterly within the
      Ourinhos Reservoir, and in the mouth areas of its tributaries. At the six
      sampling stations 30 variables were measured. The number of sites with plants
      varied between 21 and 38 and at the end of the 1st year the total richness was
      found. The sampling survey outcome the recognition of 18 species of aquatic
      macrophytes; Cyperaceae (2 genera and 1 species), Pontederiaceae (3 species) and
      Onarograceae (3 genera) were the families with higher diversity. Seven species
      (Typha domingensis Pers., Myriophyllum aquaticum (Vell.) Verdec, Salvinia
      auriculata Aubl., Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth, Eleocharis sp1, Eichhornia
      crassipes (Mart.) Solms, Oxycaryum cubense (Poepp. & Kunth) Lye) always were
      present and were more frequent in the sites. The occurrence of emergent species
      predominated (45.9%), followed by submersed rooted (24.5%), free floating
      (19.5%), floating rooted (9.7%) and free submersed (0.3%). Although limnological
      variables and the distribution of macrophytes have discriminated the same
      sampling points, the stepwise multiple linear regressions did not pointed out
      strong correspondences (or coherence) among the most constant and distributed
      macrophyte species and the selected limnological variables, as well the trophic
      statuses. Seeing the low relationship among limnological variables and
      macrophytes distribution, in the case of Ourinhos Reservoir, the results pointed
      out that the water turbulence, low DL and wind exposure are the main driving
      forces that determine its aquatic plant distribution, life forms and species
      composition. 

PMID- 27143070
TI  - [Accelerate the implementation of precision medicine in China].

PMID- 27143069
TI  - Assessment of essential elements and chemical contaminants in thirteen fish
      species from the Bay Aratu, Bahia, Brasil.
AB  - Concentrations of ten elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, V and Zn) were
      determinate in muscle tissues of 13 fish species from Aratu Bay, Bahia, Brazil by
      inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The accuracy and
      precision of our results were checked by using two certified reference materials:
      BCR-422 cod muscle and SRM 1566b oyster tissue. The average trace element
      concentrations in the fish species varied in the following ranges, in MUg g-1:
      0.03-0.8 for Cr; 2.0-33.7 for Cu, 2.4-135.1 for Fe, 1.6-25.6 for Se; 1.6-35.1 for
      Sr; and 2.8-40.5 for Zn. The Diaptereus rhombeus (carapeba) specie presented the
      highest concentrations of Se, Cu and Fe. Chromium and Se were present at levels
      above the limit of tolerance allowed by the National Agency of Sanitary Vigilance
      (ANVISA). The results were also evaluated using the multivariate analysis
      techniques: principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis
      (HCA).

PMID- 27143071
TI  - [Interpretation of 2015 pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome: consensus
      recommendations from the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference].

PMID- 27143072
TI  - [Genotype and phenotype of female Dravet syndrome with PCDH19 mutations].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the genotype and phenotype of female Dravet syndrome (DS)
      patients with PCDH19 mutations. METHOD: Clinical data of all DS patients seen at
      Pediatric Department of Peking University First Hospital from February 2005 to
      May 2015 were prospectively collected. Genomic DNAs were extracted from the
      patients and their family members. Female DS patients without SCN1A mutation were
      enrolled. PCR and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify PCDH19 mutations.
      Clinical data of DS patients with PCDH19 mutations were summarized. RESULT: Five
      different heterozygous PCDH19 mutations were identified in six unrelated patients
      of 75 SCN1A-negative female DS patients (8%), among whom five patients had de
      novo mutations and one patient's mutation was inherited from her affected mother.
      Three missense mutations and two insertion mutations were all located in exon 1.
      Mean age of onset of the six patients with PCDH19 mutations was 6.8 months (range
      5-9 months). Onset of seizures were triggered by fever in four patients, after
      vaccination in one and without fever in one. Generalized tonic clonic seizure
      (GTCS) was the first seizure type in four patients and focal seizure with
      secondary generalized tonic clonic seizures in the remaining two. During the
      course, all patients presented multiple seizure types including generalized tonic
      clonic seizures and focal seizures in all six patients, myoclonic seizures in
      three, absence seizures and atonic seizures in one respectively. In all patients,
      seizures manifested fever-sensitive and in clusters. Seizures were always in
      brief duration, in most less than 5 minutes, except one experienced twice status
      epilepticus triggered by fever. Six patients had development delay after the
      seizure onset, two with autism spectrum disorder, three with ataxia. CONCLUSION:
      PCDH19 is another important gene of DS after SCN1A, mutations mainly occurred de
      novo. PCDH19 gene mutation should be routinely screened in female DS patients
      without SCN1A mutation. The clinical features of female DS patients with PCDH19
      mutations include that the main seizures types are generalized tonic clonic
      seizures and focal seizures, seizures occurr in clusters and fever-sensitive,
      short seizure duration, rare status epilepticus, common development delay and
      some may manifest autism spectrum disorders.

PMID- 27143073
TI  - [Pharmacogenomics study of 620 whole-exome sequencing: focusing on aspirin
      application].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the allele frequencies of aspirin-response-related
      variants in different population. METHOD: The allele frequencies of reported
      clinically significant aspirin-response-related variants were evaluated based on
      620 whole exome sequencing (WES) data collected from 2013 to 2016 in Children's
      Hospital of Fudan University.Then the local allele frequencies were compared with
      1 000 Genomes project database, and chi(2) test was used. RESULT: Thirty-eight
      aspirin-response-related variants that had clinical significance had been
      detected in the 620 WES data.Ten (26%) of them were related with drug efficacy
      while 28 (74%) were related with toxicity or adverse drug reaction (ADR). These
      variants were distributed in 33 genes.There were 23 aspirin-related variants
      further analysised, and the frequency of 7 (rs1050891, rs6065, rs7862221,
      rs1065776, rs3818822, rs3775291 and rs1126643) had no significant difference
      compared with frequency of European and East Asian population of 1 000 Genome
      project (P>0.01 for both), 10 (rs2228079, rs1613662, rs4523, rs28360521,
      rs1131882, rs1047626, rs3856806, rs2768759, rs7572857 and rs1126510) of them had
      no significant difference compared with East Asian but were significantly
      different from European population, 1 (rs2075797) had no significant difference
      compared with frequency of European and different with frequency of East Asian,
      and 5 variants(rs10279545, rs730012, rs16851030, rs1353411, rs1800469)were
      different from frequency of both East Asian(0.019, 0.058, 0.167, 0.452, 0.340 vs.
      0.100, 0.151, 0.396, 0.568, 0.453, chi(2)=21.798, 20.400, 67.543, 16.531, 15.807,
      P all<0.01) and European population(0.531, 0.312, 0.037, 0.179, 0.688,
      chi(2)=325.799, 92.877, 144.811, 156.471, 174.533, P all<0.01). CONCLUSION: Most
      variants that have clinical significance in aspirin response are related with
      drug efficacy or drug toxicity or ADR, indicating the urgency of variants screen
      in clinical practice.Significant population-specificity is detected in local 620
      WES data in aspirin-response-related variants.

PMID- 27143074
TI  - [Laboratory diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the methods of flow cytometric-dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR)
      analysis, gp91 protein detection, gene mutation analysis for the precise
      diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). METHOD: Clinical and laboratory
      data of patients with CGD confirmed by gene mutation analysis from 2008 to 2015
      in Children's Hospital of Fudan University were retrospectively reviewed.The
      results of respiratory burst, gp91 protein level, and gene mutations were
      analyzed.The relationships among these three methods were explored. RESULT: A
      total of 138 patients of CGD with confirmed gene mutation were included in this
      study, of them, 123 cases(89.1%) had CYBB gene mutation, 4 cases(2.9%) had CYBA
      mutation, 5 cases(3.6%) had NCF1 mutation and 6 cases(4.4%) had NCF2 mutation.The
      range of stimulatory index (SI) was 0.8-60.5, the 25 th, 50 th, 75th percent was
      1.7, 2.7, 4.7; 112 cases had the results of gp91, of them, 100 with gp91(0,) 2
      with gp91(-), and 10 with gp91(+) . Six mutations, which were not reported
      before, were c. 76-77delTT, c. 343-344delCA, c. 481A>T, c. 1152G>C, c. 1613G>A
      for CYBB gene, and c. 137T>G for NCF2 gene. Among CGD patients with CYBB
      mutation, SI of patients with gp91(+) was higher than patients with gp91(0) 14.6
      vs. 2.5(t=44.21, P=0.004). Patients of NCF1 mutation had higher SI than patients
      with CYBB mutation, 17.7 vs. 2.5 (t=60.8, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Flow cytometric
      DHR analysis and gp91 protein detection are important diagnostic methods for CGD,
      they could help the precise diagnosis of CGD.Different mutation types, different
      mutation genes could have impact on the results of respiratory burst and gp91
      level.The application of diagnostic technology from function, protein to gene
      analysis could help precise diagnosis of CGD.

PMID- 27143075
TI  - [Molecular diagnosis of two Chinese cystic fibrosis children and literature
      review].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical manifestations and molecular features of
      cystic fibrosis in Chinese children. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of two
      pediatric cystic fibrosis cases diagnosed by gene test in Beijing Children's
      Hospital, Capital Medical University from 2010 to 2015, and Chinese cystic
      fibrosis reported patients searched of"cystic fibrosis, Chinese"on Chinese
      databases (CNKI, Wanfang Data) and PubMed from 1975 to 2015.The clinical
      manifestations and molecular features were analyzed. RESULT: One of the two newly
      diagnosed cystic fibrosis cases was a 10-year old girl who suffered from
      reccurent cough with expectoration and associated with cirrhosis.Sweat tests
      showed increased chloride twice with the lower level of 306.82 mmol/L.The other
      was an 8-month old boy with reccurent pneumonia from neonate, failure to thrive
      and fatty diarrhea.Two children had various degrees of bronchiectasis and massive
      sticky secretion on the bronchoscopy.They had no family history and their parents
      had no consanguineous marriage.CFTR mutations of c. 595C>T and c. 2290C>T were
      found in gene tests.On the database, twenty-one reports involving thirty-six
      Chinese patients (16 males and 20 females) were retrieved.Together with this
      group of 2 cases, a total of 38 cases were involved.The age at diagnosis was 4
      months to 28 years with a median age of 10 years.All patients had reccurent
      respiratory infections, twenty-seven cases (71%) had malnutrition, fifteen
      (39%)had chronic diarrhea, and 16 cases (42%) had other digestive manifestations,
      including jaundice (4 cases), hepatomegaly (11 cases), ascites (2 cases) and
      pancreatic atrophy (3 cases). Five cases had a positive family history and six
      cases had a suspicious family history.Consanguineous marriage was found in three
      families.Sweat test revealed elevated chloride (52-327 mmol/L) in 28 cases.Eight
      of the 16 patients who performed pancreatic exocrine function examination showed
      pancreatic insufficiency.Eighteen of the 20 patients described the image
      manifestation of bronchiectasis.The age at death of 13 patients(34%) was 4 months
      to 25 years with a median of 11 years.Twenty-nine rare CFTR mutations were found
      in 25 tested patients, and c. 1766+ 5G>T(5 cases), c.2083dupG and c. 2684G>A (3
      cases) held the top three mutation patterns. CONCLUSION: Respiratory symptoms and
      bronchiectasis are the main manifestations of Chinese cystic fibrosis patients,
      although some of them may be associated with malnutrition, digestive symptoms and
      pancreatic insufficiency. CFTR mutations are various and rare in Caucasians.

PMID- 27143076
TI  - [Clinical study of 131 children with multi-system Langerhans cell histiocytosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of
      children with multi-system Langerhans cell histiocytosis (MS-LCH). METHOD: From
      January 2007 to December 2013, newly diagnosed patients with histopathologically
      confirmed MS-LCH were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients were
      treated on the Shanghai Children's Medical Center LCH protocol (LCH-II modified
      protocol). Survival was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method with differences
      between different groups compared using the Log-Rank test. Prognostic relevance
      of different parameters were analyzed by Cox proportional hazard model. RESULT:
      Of the 131 patients (86 boys and 45 girls), the median age was 3 years (range 3
      months to 14 years). Rapid response at week 6 was achieved in 79% (104/131)
      evaluable patients and 74% patients (48/65) with risk organ involvement. The 3
      year event free survival (EFS) and 3-year overall survival (OS) for all cases
      were (62+/-5)% and (82+/-4)%. The 3-year OS was significantly different between
      age at diagnosis <=2 years and >2 years group.The 3-year OS was also
      significantly different between patients with and without risk organ
      involvement.The 3-year OS of patients who had rapid response at week 6 was
      significantly higher than that of those without rapid response (chi(2) =12.600,
      11.583, 38.711; P=0.000, 0.001, 0.000). Cox regression analysis showed that risk
      organ involvement and poor response at week 6 were the most important prognostic
      factors for patients with MS-LCH (OR=12.352, 14.356; P=0.001, 0.000). However,
      age was not the independent prognostic risk factor (OR=1.013, P=0.207). There
      were 36 patients (28%, 36/131) who experienced disease progression or relapse.
      The time to disease progression or relapse ranged from 1 to 25 months from the
      initial diagnosis (median 11 months). Significantly lower OS (18+/-3)% was
      observed in 20 patients with risk organ involvement at progression or relapse.
      Patients with poor response at week 6, younger age or risk organ involvement at
      diagnosis was associated with disease progression/relapse (chi(2)=15.747, 7.289,
      Z=3.865; P=0.000, 0.007, 0.000). CONCLUSION: Risk organ involvement and poor
      response at week 6 are the strongest prognostic factors for patients with MS-LCH.
      Second initial treatment for patients with poor response at week 6 and effective
      salvage therapy need to be taken into account in our future studies.

PMID- 27143077
TI  - [Expression and function of T-type alpha1H Ca(2)(+) channels in the rat model of
      Hirschsprung disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of T-type alpha1H Ca(2+) channels(Cav 3.2) in
      the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung disease(HD). METHOD: Eighty neonatal SD rats 6
      to 8 days of age were randomly divided into 2 groups, 40 in each. Microinjector
      catheters were carefully placed into the bowl of one group, and 0.2% benzalkonium
      chloride (BAC) solution was injected to establish HD rat model. Control group was
      treated with saline instead of benzalkonium chloride. At postoperative 4, 6 and 8
      weeks, ten rats were sacrificed randomly and examined through general
      observation, histopathological observation and immunofluorescent staining of PGP
      9.5 to identify the animal models. Meanwhile, the distribution of Cav 3.2 in
      abnormal colon of HD rat model was studied by immunohistochemical staining,
      Western blot, and the co-localization of Cav 3.2 and c-kit was studied by double
      immunofluorescent staining. Besides, function of Cav 3.2 was surveyed with the
      model rats tensile force and frequency of colonic muscle in vitro. RESULT: After
      8 weeks of BAC treatment, the rat model was successfully established according to
      the results of histopathological and immunofluorescent staining, which showed
      decrease or lack of ganglion cells within the area of BAC treatment. The
      distribution of Cav 3.2 was detected by immunohistochemical staining. In the
      normal colon, Cav 3.2 were mainly distributed between circular muscle and
      longitudinal muscle, and showed continuous distribution. However, in the narrow
      segment of HD rat model, the distribution of Cav 3.2 was decreased significantly,
      and its continuity was destroyed . The results of Western blot were quite
      consistent with immunohistochemistry staining, in the narrow segment of HD rat
      model, the expression of Cav 3.2 was decreased gradually after the BAC treatment,
      especially at postoperative 8 weeks. The relative expression of Cav 3.2 of the
      control group was 0.63+/-0.06, 0.62+/-0.09, 0.63+/-0.06 at postoperative 4, 6 and
      8 weeks respectively. While that of HD group was 0.63+/-0.06, 0.38+/-0.06, 0.26+/
      0.07 respectively, which was significantly lower as compared with that of control
      group at postoperative 6 and 8 weeks respectively (t-value 5.27 and 8.63
      respectively, both P<0.05). The co-localization of Cav 3.2 and c-kit was studied
      by double immunofluorescent staining. Similarly, compared with control groups,
      the co-localization of Cav 3.2 and c-kit were reduced obviously or vanished in
      the narrow segment of HD rat model. In motility studies, the control rats show
      cyclic depolarization regularly. However, the cyclic depolarization largely
      disappeared in model rats. Besides, on the premise of cyclic depolarization in
      control muscle strips, when we added ZnCl2, known to inhibit Cav 3.2 selectively
      among three T-channel isoforms, into tissue chambers, the pattern of muscle
      contractions appear similar to HD model rats. CONCLUSION: The abnormal alteration
      of Cav 3.2 probably mediate the functional change of interstitial cells of cajal
      in the HD, and finally induce the intestinal dysfunction of HD.

PMID- 27143078
TI  - [Clinical analysis of two cases with diffuse pulmonary lymphatic disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and diagnosis of 2 cases with
      diffuse pulmonary lymphatic disease. METHOD: Clinical manifestations of the
      children were retrospectively analyzed. Two patients were both from Beijing
      Children Hospital in 2013 and 2014.Diffuse pulmonary lymphatic disease was
      diagnosed by pathology of pleura in case 1 and by lymphoscintigraphy in case 2.
      RESULT: The first patient was a male aged 10-year-5-month who presented with a
      history of pleural effusion for 2 years. Examination revealed chylothorax and
      pericardial effusion. After pleural decortications and ligation of thoracic duct
      was performed, he still had recurrent chylothorax. Pathology of pleura revealed
      lymphangioma. Physical examination showed diminished breath sound and heart
      sounds. A bronchoscope revealed too much white viscous secretions. Thorax
      ultrasound revealed lymphangioma in bilateral lower thoracic cavity and post
      inferior mediastinum. Chest computed tomography showed diffuse thickening of the
      interlobular septa and bronchovascular bundle in both lungs, many punctate
      calcification in the lower field. Abdomen ultrasound revealed a small quantity
      seroperitoneum. Lymphoscintigraphy revealed radioactivity enhancement in
      bilateral thoracic cavity. The second patient was a female aged 6 years and 9
      months, who presented with a history of recurrent cough for 2 years and 9 months.
      Physical examination showed normal result. Pulmonary function showed mixed
      ventilation function disturbance. A bronchoscopy showed extensive viscous
      secretions. Mediastinum, heart and abdomen were normal on ultrasound. Chest
      computed tomography showed diffuse thickening of the interlobular septa and
      bronchovascular bundle in both lungs and bilateral pleural thickening.
      Lymphoscintigraphy revealed diffuse lymphangiectasis in both lungs. Both patients
      received a diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary lymphatic disease. Case 1 who had died
      was diagnosed with diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis. Case 2 had no
      exacerbation after 9 months' treatment with prednisone. CONCLUSION: Diffuse
      pulmonary lymphatic disease might present with cough and shortness of breath and
      result in diffuse interstitial disease with thickening of the interlobular septa,
      refractory chylothorax, multiple lymphangioma in mediastinum, pericardial
      effusion and seroperitoneum. It could be diagnosed by pleura or lung tissue
      pathology and lymphoscintigraphy.

PMID- 27143080
TI  - [Application of Gene Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA and resistance to
      rifampicin assay in the rapid detection of tuberculosis in children].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampin resistance of
      the clinical specimens in children by Xpert MTB DNA and resistance to
      rifampicin(MTB/RIF) detection system, and evaluate the application value of this
      method in children with tuberculosis. METHOD: Data of 109 children cases of
      clinically suspected tuberculosis were collected (including 46 gastric lavage
      aspirate, 19 sputum, 10 fine needle aspiration biopsy, 4 pus, 14 cerebrospinal
      fluid, 11 Serous membrance fluid, 1 marrow, 3 stool, 1 urine specimens)between
      April 2014 and March 2015. All specimens were detected by smear fluorescence
      staining microscopy, MGIT 960 BACTEC liquid culture, Xpert MTB/RIF assay and T
      SPOT.TB test respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay
      were analyzed in those clinical specimens. RESULT: The sensitivity and
      specificity of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for MTB detection in childhood
      tuberculosis clinical specimen were 28.6% and 87.5%. The sensitivity of 65
      pulmonary tuberculosis(46 gastric lavage aspirate, 19 sputum) which included
      gastric lavage aspirates and sputum was 33.3% and 57.1%, the specificity of the
      two was 100.0%. In 44 extrapulmonary tuberculosis, the sensitivity of the pus and
      the puncture fluid was higher and approached 100.0%. The detection rate of the
      cerebrospinal fluid and serous cavity effusion was very low. The sensitivity was
      100.0% in smear-positive and culture-positive samples and only 30.8% to 50.0% in
      smear-negative and culture-positive samples. The sensitivity and specificity of
      Xpert MTB/RIF assay to detect rifampin resistance were 100.0%. In clinical
      samples, the sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay was higher than that of smear
      fluorescence staining microscopy, but the difference was not statistically
      significant (chi(2)=0, P>0.05). The result was equivalent to that of MGIT 960
      BACTEC liquid culture (28.6% vs. 27.3%, chi(2)=2.50, P>0.05), and far below that
      of T-SPOT.TB(28.6% vs 59.7%, chi(2)=13.92, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Xpert MTB/RIF
      assay did not show obvious advantage in childhood tuberculosis, especially in
      serous cavity effusion and cerebrospinal fluid, but the advantages of detecting
      tuberculosis rapidly and resistance to rifampin can provide help for the clinical
      diagnosis and treatment in childrenhood tuberculosis.

PMID- 27143079
TI  - [Clinical and laboratory studies on four Chinese patients with succinate-CoA
      ligase deficiency noticed by mild methylmalonic aciduria].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and genetic features of the patients with
      secondary methylmalonic aciduria due to succinate-CoA ligase deficiency. METHOD:
      From February 2011 to April 2014, 4 Chinese patients with succinate-CoA ligase
      deficiency and mild methylmalonic aciduria were enrolled in this study. The
      clinical course, biochemical features, brain MRI findings, and mutations were
      analyzed. RESULT: Four patients presented with severe psychomotor retardation,
      hypotonia, seizures, feeding problems and failure to thrive from the age of one
      day to 6 months. Three of them had intractable epilepsies. One had hearing
      defect. Mild methylmalonic aciduria was detected by elevated urine methylmalonic
      acid and blood propionylcarnitine at the age of 6 months to 2 years and 8 months.
      Five mutations, c. 550G>A, c. 751C>T, c. 809A>C, c. 961C>G and c. 826-2A>G in
      SUCLG1 of three patients were identified. On SUCLA2, one novel mutation, c.
      970C>T, was found in one patient. After treatment, the disease in all four
      patients was improved. CONCLUSION: Four Chinese patients with succinyl-CoA ligase
      deficiency caused by SUCLG1 and SUCLA2 mutations were noticed by mild
      methylmalonic aciduria and diagnosed using high-throughput genomic sequencing.
      Succinate-CoA ligase deficiency is a rare cause of methylmalonic aciduria.
      Biochemical and gene studies are necessary for the differential diagnoses.

PMID- 27143081
TI  - [Clinical analysis of two cases of imported children Zika virus infection in
      China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics, outcome and diagnosis of two
      cases of imported children Zika virus infection in China. METHOD: A retrospective
      analysis was performed on clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of two
      cases of imported children with Zika virus infection in February 2016 in Enping
      People's Hospital of Guangdong. RESULT: Two cases of children with imported Zika
      virus infection resided in an affected area of Venezuela, 8-year-old girl and her
      6 year-old brother. The main findings on physical examination included the
      following manifestations: fever, rash, and conjunctivitis. The rash was first
      limited to the abdomen, but extended to the torso, neck and face, and faded after
      3-4 d. The total number of white blood cells was not high and liver function was
      normal. The diagnosis of two cases of Zika virus infection was confirmed by the
      expert group of Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention,
      according to the epidemiological history, clinical manifestations and Zika virus
      nucleic acid detection results.Treatment of Zika virus infection involves
      supportive care. Two Zika virus infection children had a relatively benign
      outcome. CONCLUSION: At present, Zika virus infection in children is an imported
      disease in China. No specific therapy is available for this disease. Information
      on long-term outcomes among infants and children with Zika virus disease is
      limited, routine pediatric care is advised for these infants and children.

PMID- 27143083
TI  - [Type I hyperlipoproteinemia caused by lipoprotein lipase gene mutation in three
      Chinese children].

PMID- 27143084
TI  - [A case report: limb-girdle myasthenia with tubular aggregates associated with a
      novel glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate transaminase 1 mutation].

PMID- 27143082
TI  - [Primary hypogammaglobulinemia complicated with liver cirrhosis and literature
      review].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis of primary
      hypogammaglobulinemia complicated with liver cirrhosis in a child. METHOD:
      Pathogenesis, treatment and prognosis of X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA )
      complicated with liver cirrhosis in a child were analyzed in Shanghai Children's
      Medical Center.Using"primary hypogammaglobulinemia"and"liver cirrhosis"as
      keywords, literatures were searched from Pubmed and Chinese data of Weipu and
      Wanfang data from January 1988 to January 2015. RESULT: The patient was a 12
      years old boy with the chief complaint of 3 times hematemesis with diagnosis of
      XLA in the past 7 years. He received treatment with immunoglobulin (Ig) monthly
      for 6 years. He had no hepatitis C virus( HCV ) infection and serologic tests for
      autoantibodies were negative. Anti-HBs, anti-HBe and anti-HBc were positive,
      which revealed previous hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection. Gastroscopy suggested
      esophageal gastric varices. Liver pathology showed liver cell degeneration,
      necrosis, fiber tissue hyperplasia and pseudolobuli. After hospitalization the
      boy underwent liver transplantation (LT). He was given tacrolimus (3 mg/d),
      prednisone (5 mg/d), lamivudine (150 mg/d) and acyclovir (900 mg/d) by oral
      administration after LT. After 3 months follow-up, the boy was alive and well
      with stable results of liver function tests. There were no report in Weipu and
      Wanfang data. A total of 19 cases, including 12 cases of common variable
      immunodeficiency, 3 cases of XLA, 2 cases of Hyper-IgM syndrome and 2 cases of
      congenital hypogammaglobulinemia were obtained from Pubmed published between
      January 1, 1988 and January 1, 2015. Seventeen of the cases had HCV infection.
      Two cases had autoimmune hepatitis. Of the HCV infected patients, 15 were given
      intravenous gamma globulin. Seven of the 19 cases survived. Among 5 cases who
      received liver transplantation, 3 cases died. CONCLUSION: In addition to HCV
      infection and autoimmune hepatitis as causes of liver cirrhosis in primary
      hypogammaglobulinemia, chronic HBV infection is another cause. Intravenous
      gammaglobulin is an important way of transmitting HCV and HBV infection. The
      effect of liver transplantation remains to be evaluated via further follow-up and
      studies.

PMID- 27143085
TI  - [Novel ADAMTS13 compound heterozygous mutation in a patient with hereditary
      thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura].

PMID- 27143086
TI  - [Application of rapamycin and its derivative everolimus in treatment of tuberous
      sclerosis complex].

PMID- 27143087
TI  - [Progress in the relation of autism spectrum disorders and enteric
      dysbacteriosis].

PMID- 27143088
TI  - [Progress in the application of capsule endoscopy in pediatric small intestine
      diseases].

PMID- 27143089
TI  - [Progress in treatment of nephrotic syndrome with melanocortin].

PMID- 27143090
TI  - Increased functional connectivity between language and visually deprived areas in
      late and partial blindness.
AB  - In the congenitally blind, language processing involves visual areas. In the case
      of normal visual development however, it remains unclear whether later visual
      loss induces interactions between the language and visual areas. This study
      compared the resting-state functional connectivity (FC) of retinotopic and
      language areas in two unique groups of late visually deprived subjects: (1) blind
      individuals suffering from retinitis pigmentosa (RP), (2) RP subjects without a
      visual periphery but with preserved central "tunnel vision", both of whom were
      contrasted with sighted controls. The results showed increased FC between Broca's
      area and the visually deprived areas in the peripheral V1 for individuals with
      tunnel vision, and both the peripheral and central V1 for blind individuals.
      These findings suggest that FC can develop in the adult brain between the visual
      and language systems in the completely and partially blind. These changes start
      in the deprived areas and increase in size (involving both foveal and peripheral
      V1) and strength (from negative to positive FC) as the disease and sensory
      deprivation progress. These observations support the claim that functional
      connectivity between remote systems that perform completely different tasks can
      change in the adult brain in cases of total and even partial visual deprivation. 

PMID- 27143091
TI  - Somatic health of 2500 women examined at a sexual assault center over 10 years.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sexual assault is a public health issue with many potential short-
      and long-term consequences for the victims. We aimed to investigate somatic
      health of women before and after sexual assault. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We
      included 2501 women who attended the Centre for Victims of Sexual Assault in
      Copenhagen, and 10004 women without a known assault experience (controls).
      Somatic diagnoses were retrieved from the National Health Registry and number of
      visits to general practitioners from the Danish Health Insurance Registry.
      Somatic data were assessed during the five-year period before and after the
      assault. RESULTS: The incidence of several somatic disorders was found to be
      significantly higher for the exposed women than for controls, both before and
      after the assault. Rate ratios of main disorders before and after the assault
      were respectively: disease of circulatory and respiratory system: 3.2 (2.6-4.1)
      and 2.6 (2.1-3.2); epilepsy: 2.9 (2.2-3.8) and 4.1 (3.0-5.6) and disease of the
      liver: 3.5 (1.9-6.3) and 7.0 (4.4-11.1), respectively. The rate ratios of
      laparoscopic surgery: 1.5 (0.9-2.5) and 3.4 (2.3-5.0) and of cervical cancer: 0.8
      (0.4-1.7) and 2.0 (1.4-3.0) increased significantly after sexual assault.
      Likewise, the number of visits to a general practitioner was significantly higher
      in exposed women both before and after the assault (16 vs. 10/year).
      Complications associated with childbirth were not statistically different between
      the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a higher somatic morbidity in women
      seen at a sexual assault center before as well as after the assault compared with
      controls.

PMID- 27143092
TI  - Reactive Infection Control Strategy for Control of New Delhi Metallo-beta
      Lactamase (NDM)-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Analyzed Using Whole-Genome
      Sequencing: Hits and Misses.
AB  - Genetically distinct isolates of New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM)-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae were identified from the clinical cultures of 6 patients.
      Screening of shared-ward contacts identified 2 additional NDM-positive patients.
      Phylogenetic analysis proved that 1 contact was a direct transmission while the
      other was unrelated to the index, suggesting hidden routes of transmission.
      Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:987-990.

PMID- 27143093
TI  - Long-term clinical follow-up of patients undergoing percutaneous alcohol septal
      reduction for symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol septal ablation (ASA) is an alternative treatment for
      symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients refractory to
      pharmacological therapy. We sought to evaluate the immediate and long-term
      incidence of death and changes in life quality in a consecutive cohort submitted
      to ASA. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between October 1998 and December 2013, a total of
      56 patients (mean age 53.2 +/- 15.5) with symptomatic refractory HOCM were
      treated with ASA and followed during 15 years (mean 8 +/- 4 years). There were 7
      (12.5%) deaths, 2 (3.6%) being of cardiac cause. The Kaplan-Meier survival
      probability estimate was 96.4% at 1 year, 87.7 at 5 years and 81.0% at 12 years
      post-ASA. Significant improvement was observed in life quality assessed by DASI
      index and NYHA functional class as well as in the left ventricle outflow tract
      (LVOT) gradient reduction (from 92.8 +/- 3.3 mm Hg to 9.37 +/- 6.7 mm Hg, P <
      0.001) and septum thickness (from 23.9 +/- 0.6 mm to 12.9 +/- 1.0 mm, P < 0.001).
      Only one patient (1.7%) required permanent pacemaker immediately after ASA.
      During follow-up, one patient had a repeated ASA, three patients underwent
      myectomy and other four required ICD/pacemaker. In the multivariate model only
      post-ASA LVOT residual gradient and left ventricle mass were associated with
      worse prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: In this long-term clinical follow-up without
      losses, ASA was effective in improving quality of life and NYHA functional class,
      with relatively low mortality and very low need for immediate permanent pacemaker
      implantation. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27143094
TI  - Physical Activity, Decision-Making Abilities, and Eating Disturbances in Pre- and
      Postbariatric Surgery Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is considered to have a beneficial influence
      on executive functioning, including decision-making. Enhanced decision-making
      after bariatric surgery may strengthen patients' ability to delay gratification,
      helping to establish appropriate eating behavior. The objectives of this study
      were to (1) compare a preoperative group with a postoperative group with regard
      to daily PA, decision-making, and eating disturbances; and (2) investigate the
      relationship between these variables. METHODS: The study included 71 bariatric
      surgery candidates (78 % women, BMI [kg/m2] M = 46.9, SD = 6.0) and 73
      postoperative patients (78 % women, BMI M = 32.0, SD = 4.1; 89 % Roux-en-Y
      gastric bypass, 11 % sleeve gastrectomy; months postoperative M = 8.2, SD = 3.5;
      total weight loss [%] M = 33.2, SD = 8.9) who completed SenseWear Pro2 activity
      monitoring. Decision-making was assessed using a computerized version of the Iowa
      Gambling Task and eating disorder psychopathology using the Eating Disorder
      Examination-Questionnaire. RESULTS: The number of patients who were classified as
      physically inactive was similarly high in the pre- and postoperative groups. No
      group differences emerged with regard to decision-making, but the postoperative
      group exhibited less eating disturbances than the preoperative group. No
      significant associations were found between PA, decision-making, and eating
      behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Patients after bariatric surgery were not more physically
      active than bariatric surgery candidates, which should be considered in care
      programs. Additionally, future research is needed to explore the possible link
      between PA, patients' decision-making abilities, and eating disturbances
      concerning dose-response questions.

PMID- 27143096
TI  - Bariatric Surgery Candidates' Peer and Romantic Relationships and Associations
      with Health Behaviors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to assess the romantic and peer relationships of
      bariatric surgery candidates and associations with health behaviors. METHOD:
      Adults seeking bariatric surgery (N = 120) completed surveys addressing health
      behaviors and social relationships at information sessions. Analysis was done to
      compare male/female differences in peer and romantic relationships and
      associations with health behaviors. Previously published reference (REF) data on
      the Relationship Structures questionnaire was used for comparison, and to split
      our sample into those <= or > REF mean for relationship anxiety and avoidance.
      RESULTS: Our sample reported higher avoidance and lower anxiety in their close
      friendships and romantic relationships compared to the REF sample. Men in our
      sample had higher peer and romantic relationships avoidance compared to the REF
      sample and had significantly higher close friendship avoidance than women in our
      sample. Participants with lower anxiety in their romantic relationships (<= REF)
      had higher uncontrolled eating and physical activity; those with more anxiety in
      their romantic relationships (> REF) had a higher BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      highlight the potential influence that social relationships may have on health
      behaviors within the bariatric surgery population. Further investigation is
      warranted to explore male bariatric surgery candidates' relationships to inform
      understanding and intervention development.

PMID- 27143095
TI  - Short- and Long-Term Effects of Weight Loss on the Complement Component C3 After
      Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass in Obese Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The C3 complement component (C3c) is increasingly recognized as a
      cardiometabolic risk factor, but how it is affected after weight loss through
      gastric bypass is a question yet to be answered. METHODS: A total of 66 obese
      patients underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass. Anthropometric parameters, total
      cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, liver enzymes,
      high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and C3c levels were evaluated at
      baseline and at 1 and 5 years post-surgery. RESULTS: All anthropometric and
      biochemical parameters improved significantly after surgery, although a
      deterioration was detected with respect to the percentage of excess of weight
      loss, insulin, TC, LDLc, and lactate dehydrogenase 5 years post-surgery. Despite
      this, a remission rate of 84 % was observed in the presence of metabolic syndrome
      after 5 years follow-up. hsCRP and C3c were reduced significantly after surgery
      and maintained throughout the experimental period. In addition, C3c was
      correlated with BMI and insulin at all time points. The multivariate regression
      model, in which C3c was a dependent variable, revealed that aspartate
      aminotransferase and BMI were independent variables at baseline, alkaline
      phosphatase and insulin were independent at 1 year post-surgery, and insulin,
      BMI, and TC were independent at 5 years post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: C3c may be a
      marker of the chronic inflammatory process underlying insulin resistance. Its
      association with BMI and liver enzymes supports a major role in metabolic
      activity, although future research is needed to clarify the nature of the
      molecular mechanisms involved and the physiological significance of these
      findings.

PMID- 27143099
TI  - Enantioselective polyene cyclizations.
AB  - The cyclization of polyolefins represents a powerful tool for the rapid
      generation of molecular complexity. Within the last decade, significant
      discoveries have been made in the development of methods for converting prochiral
      polyene substrates into the corresponding polycyclic products with high levels of
      enantiocontrol. This review highlights advances in the area of enantioselective
      polyene cyclizations and their use in the synthesis of complex secondary
      metabolites. 

PMID- 27143098
TI  - Osthole decreases beta amyloid levels through up-regulation of miR-107 in
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) in the brain plays an important role
      in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although osthole has been shown
      to neuroprotective activity in AD, the exact molecular mechanism of its
      neuroprotective effects has not yet been fully elucidated. Recently, microRNAs
      (miRNAs) have been reported to regulate multiple aspects of AD development and
      progression, indicating that targeting miRNAs could be a novel strategy to treat
      AD. In the current study, we investigated whether a natural coumarin derivative
      osthole could up-regulate miR-107, resulting in facilitating the cells survival,
      reducing LDH leakage, inhibiting apoptosis and reducing beta amyloid (Abeta)
      production in AD. We found that osthole treatment significantly up-regulate miR
      107 expression and inhibited BACE1, one of the targets of miR-107. Administration
      of osthole to APP/PS1 transgenic mice resulted in a significant improvement in
      learning and memory function, which was associated with a significant a decrease
      in Abeta in the hippocampal and cortex region of the brain. Our findings
      demonstrated that osthole plays a neuroprotective activity role in part through
      up-regulate miR-107 in AD.

PMID- 27143100
TI  - Molecular composition of organic aerosols at urban background and road tunnel
      sites using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry.
AB  - Organic aerosol composition in the urban atmosphere is highly complex and
      strongly influenced by vehicular emissions which vary according to the make-up of
      the vehicle fleet. Normalized test measurements do not necessarily reflect real
      world emission profiles and road tunnels are therefore ideal locations to
      characterise realistic traffic particle emissions with minimal interference from
      other particle sources and from atmospheric aging processes affecting their
      composition. In the current study, the composition of fine particles (diameter
      <=2.5 MUm) at an urban background site (Elms Road Observatory Site) and a road
      tunnel (Queensway) in Birmingham, UK, were analysed with direct infusion, nano
      electrospray ionisation ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry (UHRMS). The
      overall particle composition at these two sites is compared with an industrial
      harbour site in Cork, Ireland, with special emphasis on oxidised mono-aromatics,
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-aromatics. Different
      classification criteria, such as double bond equivalents, aromaticity index and
      aromaticity equivalent are used and compared to assess the fraction of aromatic
      components in the approximately one thousand oxidized organic compounds at the
      different sampling locations.

PMID- 27143097
TI  - What it Takes to Successfully Implement Technology for Aging in Place: Focus
      Groups With Stakeholders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in empowering older adults to age in
      place by deploying various types of technology (ie, eHealth, ambient assisted
      living technology, smart home technology, and gerontechnology). However,
      initiatives aimed at implementing these technologies are complicated by the fact
      that multiple stakeholder groups are involved. Goals and motives of stakeholders
      may not always be transparent or aligned, yet research on convergent and
      divergent positions of stakeholders is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To provide insight into
      the positions of stakeholder groups involved in the implementation of technology
      for aging in place by answering the following questions: What kind of technology
      do stakeholders see as relevant? What do stakeholders aim to achieve by
      implementing technology? What is needed to achieve successful implementations?
      METHODS: Mono-disciplinary focus groups were conducted with participants (n=29)
      representing five groups of stakeholders: older adults (6/29, 21%), care
      professionals (7/29, 24%), managers within home care or social work organizations
      (5/29, 17%), technology designers and suppliers (6/29, 21%), and policy makers
      (5/29, 17%). Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS:
      Stakeholders considered 26 different types of technologies to be relevant for
      enabling independent living. Only 6 out of 26 (23%) types of technology were
      mentioned by all stakeholder groups. Care professionals mentioned fewer different
      types of technology than other groups. All stakeholder groups felt that the
      implementation of technology for aging in place can be considered a success when
      (1) older adults' needs and wishes are prioritized during development and
      deployment of the technology, (2) the technology is accepted by older adults, (3)
      the technology provides benefits to older adults, and (4) favorable prerequisites
      for the use of technology by older adults exist. While stakeholders seemed to
      have identical aims, several underlying differences emerged, for example, with
      regard to who should pay for the technology. Additionally, each stakeholder group
      mentioned specific steps that need to be taken to achieve successful
      implementation. Collectively, stakeholders felt that they need to take the leap
      (ie, change attitudes, change policies, and collaborate with other
      organizations); bridge the gap (ie, match technology with individuals and
      stimulate interdisciplinary education); facilitate technology for the masses (ie,
      work on products and research that support large-scale rollouts and train target
      groups on how to use technology); and take time to reflect (ie, evaluate use and
      outcomes). CONCLUSIONS: Stakeholders largely agree on the direction in which they
      should be heading; however, they have different perspectives with regard to the
      technologies that can be employed and the work that is needed to implement them.
      Central to these issues seems to be the tailoring of technology or technologies
      to the specific needs of each community-dwelling older adult and the work that is
      needed by stakeholders to support this type of service delivery on a large scale.

PMID- 27143102
TI  - Colloidal Stability of Graphene Oxide: Aggregation in Two Dimensions.
AB  - Colloidal stability of graphene oxide (GO) is studied in aqueous and organic
      media accompanied by an improved aggregation model based on Derjaguin-Landau
      Verwey- Overbeek (DLVO) theory for ultrathin colloidal flakes. It is found that
      both magnitude and scaling laws for the van der Waals forces are affected
      significantly by the two-dimensional (2D) nature of GO. Experimental critical
      coagulation concentrations (CCC) of GO in monovalent salt solutions concur with
      DLVO theory prediction. The surface charge density of GO is largely affected by
      pH. However, theoretical calculations and experimental observations show that the
      colloidal stability of the 2D colloids is less sensitive to the changes in the
      surface charge density compared to the classical picture of 3D colloids. The DLVO
      theory also quantitatively predicts the colloidal stability of reduced GO (rGO).
      The origin of lower stability of rGO compared to GO is rooted in the higher van
      der Waals forces among rGO sheets, and particularly, in the removal of negatively
      charged groups, and possibly formation of some cationic groups during reduction.
      GO also exfoliates in the polar organic solvents and results in stable
      dispersions. However, addition of nonpolar solvents perturbs the colloidal
      stability at a critical volume fraction. Analyzing the aggregation of GO in
      mixtures of different nonpolar solvents and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone proposed that
      the solvents with dielectric constants of less than 24 are not able to host
      stable colloids of GO. However, dispersions of GO in very polar solvents shows
      unexpected stability at high concentration (>1 M) of salts and acids. The origin
      of this stability is most probably solvation forces. A crucial parameter
      affecting the ability of polar solvents to impart high stability to GO is their
      molecular size: the bigger they are, the higher the chance for stabilization.

PMID- 27143103
TI  - Prognostic significance of metabolic tumor volume in patients with piriform sinus
      carcinoma treated by radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the prognostic
      significance of the pretreatment metabolic tumor volume (MTV) in patients with
      piriform sinus carcinoma treated by radiation-based therapy. METHODS: This
      retrospective study included 100 patients with piriform sinus carcinomas who had
      received treatment by radiation-based therapy. The MTV values were obtained from
      pretreatment positron emission tomography (PET). The association between clinical
      factors, including the MTV, and survival was analyzed. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier
      estimates revealed the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were
      significantly poorer for patients with a high MTV compared to those with a low
      MTV. In the multivariate analysis, MTV (p < .001), nodal metastasis (p = .011),
      and applied chemotherapy regimen (p = .004) were found to be independent
      prognostic factors for DFS. CONCLUSION: The locoregional MTV is a prognostic
      factor for DFS in patients with piriform sinus carcinoma treated by radiation
      based therapy. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708-1716, 2016.

PMID- 27143104
TI  - Disrupted progression of the intestinal microbiota with age in children with
      cystic fibrosis.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that leads to formation of thick
      epithelial secretions in affected organs. Chronic microbial infections associated
      with thick mucus secretions are the hallmarks of lung disease in CF. Despite
      similar conditions existing in the gastrointestinal tract, it is much less
      studied. We therefore examined the microbial communities within the
      gastrointestinal tract of children with and without CF (either pancreatic
      sufficient or insufficient) across a range of childhood ages (0.87-17 years). We
      observed a substantial reduction in the richness and diversity of gut bacteria
      associated with CF from early childhood (2 years) until late adolescence (17
      years). A number of bacteria that establish themselves in the gut of healthy
      children were unable to do so in children with CF. In contrast, a few bacteria
      dominated the gut microbiota in children with CF and are unlikely to be
      beneficial for the metabolic function of the gut. A functioning pancreas
      (pancreatic sufficient) under a CF lifestyle showed little effect on microbial
      communities. Our results argue that any attempts to rectify the loss of bacterial
      diversity and provide normal bacterial function in the gut of CF patients should
      be conducted no later than early childhood.

PMID- 27143105
TI  - Oxytocin Protects against Stress-Induced Cell Death in Murine Pancreatic beta
      Cells.
AB  - Oxytocin (Oxt) is a key neuropeptide that regulates maternal behaviors as well as
      social behaviors in mammals. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that the
      impairment of Oxt signaling is associated with the disturbance of metabolic
      homeostasis, resulting in obesity and diabetes. However, the molecular mechanism
      by which Oxt signaling controls metabolic responses is largely unknown. Here, we
      report that Oxt signaling attenuates the death of pancreatic beta cells in islets
      exposed to cytotoxic stresses. The protective effect of Oxt was diminished in
      islets isolated from oxytocin receptor knockout (Oxtr(-/-)) mice. Oxtr(-/-) mice
      developed normally, but exhibited impaired insulin secretion and showed glucose
      intolerance under a high-fat diet. Mechanistically, the deficiency of Oxtr
      impaired MAPK/ERK-CREB signaling, which exaggerated the endoplasmic reticulum
      stress response and ultimately increased the death of beta cells in pancreatic
      islets under stressed conditions. These results reveal that Oxt protects
      pancreatic beta cells against death caused by metabolic stress, and Oxt signaling
      may be a potential therapeutic target.

PMID- 27143106
TI  - Biophysical characterization of cofilin-induced extension-torsion coupling in
      actin filaments.
AB  - Cofilin makes the actin filament flexible and thermally unstable by disassembling
      the filament and inducing bending and torsional compliance. Actin monomers bound
      to cofilin are able to chemically and mechanically interact in response to
      external forces. In this study, we performed two molecular dynamics tensile tests
      for actin and cofilactin filaments under identical conditions. Surprisingly,
      cofilactin filaments were found to be twisted, generating shear stress caused by
      torsion. Additionally, analysis by plane stress assumption indicated that the
      extension-torsion coupling effect increases the amount of principal stress by
      10%. Using elasticity and solid mechanics theories, our study elucidates the role
      of cofilin in the disassembly of actin filaments under tensile forces.

PMID- 27143107
TI  - Efficacy of add-on tacrolimus on methotrexate to maintain clinical remission
      after rediscontinuation of a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor in rheumatoid
      arthritis patients who relapsed shortly after discontinuation of the same tumor
      necrosis factor inhibitor due to clinical remission.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the efficacy of adding tacrolimus to maintain remission
      in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on methotrexate after discontinuation
      of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy. METHODS: Consecutive patients
      with RA, who resumed a TNFi to treat flares after initial TNFi-free remission and
      discontinued a TNFi again after achieving remission and adding tacrolimus were
      enrolled. The lengths of remission after discontinuation of TNFi without or with
      tacrolimus were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirteen TNFi-free periods in six patients, in
      which seven were without and six were with tacrolimus were analyzed. All were
      seropositive females with a median age of 46 years and symptom duration of 1.2
      years at the onset of TNFi therapy. Two were treated with infliximab and four
      were with etanercept. The median dose of tacrolimus was 2 mg/day with trough
      level of 4.5 ng/ml. The length of time to flare after discontinuation of TNFi
      therapy with tacrolimus was significantly longer than those without tacrolimus
      (median 107 weeks [range 4-207] versus 13 weeks [2-36]). After adding tacrolimus,
      only one patient resumed TNFi therapy and three had no flare until final
      observation. CONCLUSIONS: Add-on tacrolimus was effective in maintaining TNFi
      free remission in patients with RA who ever relapsed after TNFi-free remission.

PMID- 27143108
TI  - Fibersol-2 induces apoptosis of Apc-deficient colorectal Cancer (SW480) cells and
      decreases polyp formation in Apc MIN mice.
AB  - The consumption of dietary fibers has been implicated with a lowered risk of
      human colorectal cancer. Proposed mechanisms involve alterations in the stool
      consistency, transit time, and formation of short-chain fatty acid by dietary
      fiber fermentation, and the reorganization of gut microbiota. Here we show that
      Fibersol-2, a digest-resistant maltodextrin, not only inhibits proliferation of
      colorectal SW480 cancer cell lines by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS),
      but decreases the numbers of the adenoma count in Multiple Intestinal Neoplasia
      (MIN) mice carrying a mutation in the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli gene by 84 d of
      age. These observations provide direct evidence that Fibersol-2 intrinsically
      contains anti-cancer activity, independent of the intestinal metabolism and any
      potential interactions with the microbiota.

PMID- 27143109
TI  - Novel Coronin7 interactions with Cdc42 and N-WASP regulate actin organization and
      Golgi morphology.
AB  - The contribution of the actin cytoskeleton to the unique architecture of the
      Golgi complex is manifold. An important player in this process is Coronin7
      (CRN7), a Golgi-resident protein that stabilizes F-actin assembly at the trans
      Golgi network (TGN) thereby facilitating anterograde trafficking. Here, we
      establish that CRN7-mediated association of F-actin with the Golgi apparatus is
      distinctly modulated via the small Rho GTPase Cdc42 and N-WASP. We identify N
      WASP as a novel interaction partner of CRN7 and demonstrate that CRN7 restricts
      spurious F-actin reorganizations by repressing N-WASP 'hyperactivity' upon
      constitutive Cdc42 activation. Loss of CRN7 leads to increased cellular F-actin
      content and causes a concomitant disruption of the Golgi structure. CRN7 harbours
      a Cdc42- and Rac-interactive binding (CRIB) motif in its tandem beta-propellers
      and binds selectively to GDP-bound Cdc42N17 mutant. We speculate that CRN7 can
      act as a cofactor for active Cdc42 generation. Mutation of CRIB motif residues
      that abrogate Cdc42 binding to CRN7 also fail to rescue the cellular defects in
      fibroblasts derived from CRN7 KO mice. Cdc42N17 overexpression partially rescued
      the KO phenotypes whereas N-WASP overexpression failed to do so. We conclude that
      CRN7 spatiotemporally influences F-actin organization and Golgi integrity in a
      Cdc42- and N-WASP-dependent manner.

PMID- 27143110
TI  - Postnatal beta-catenin deletion from Dmp1-expressing osteocytes/osteoblasts
      reduces structural adaptation to loading, but not periosteal load-induced bone
      formation.
AB  - Mechanical signal transduction in bone tissue begins with load-induced activation
      of several cellular pathways in the osteocyte population. A key pathway that
      participates in mechanotransduction is Wnt/Lrp5 signaling. A putative downstream
      mediator of activated Lrp5 is the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein beta
      catenin (betacat), which migrates to the nucleus where it functions as a
      transcriptional co-activator. We investigated whether osteocytic betacat
      participates in Wnt/Lrp5-mediated mechanotransduction by conducting ulnar loading
      experiments in mice with or without chemically induced betacat deletion in
      osteocytes. Mice harboring betacat floxed loss-of-function alleles (betacat(f/f))
      were bred to the inducible osteocyte Cre transgenic (10)(kb)Dmp1-CreERt2. Adult
      male mice were induced to recombine the betacat alleles using tamoxifen, and
      intermittent ulnar loading sessions were applied over the following week.
      Although adult-onset deletion of betacat from Dmp1-expressing cells reduced
      skeletal mass, the bone tissue was responsive to mechanical stimulation as
      indicated by increased relative periosteal bone formation rates in recombined
      mice. However, load-induced improvements in cross sectional geometric properties
      were compromised in recombined mice. The collective results indicate that the
      osteoanabolic response to loading can occur on the periosteal surface when beta
      cat levels are significantly reduced in Dmp1-expressing cells, suggesting that
      either (i) only low levels of beta-cat are required for mechanically induced bone
      formation on the periosteal surface, or (ii) other additional downstream
      mediators of Lrp5 might participate in transducing load-induced Wnt signaling.

PMID- 27143111
TI  - Trabecular and cortical bone deficits are present in children and adolescents
      with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - Osteopenia and increased fracture rates are well-recognized in adults with CF,
      but neither the specific contributions of cortical and trabecular bone deficits
      to bone fragility nor their presence in youth with CF are well-characterized.
      This study sought to characterize cortical and trabecular volumetric bone mineral
      density (vBMD), geometry, and biomechanical competence in children with CF and
      determine their relationship to growth, body composition, and disease severity.
      Peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT) measures of total,
      cortical, and trabecular vBMD, cortical, muscle, and fat cross-sectional areas
      (CSA), periosteal and endosteal circumferences, and the polar unweighted section
      modulus (Zp) of the tibia were converted to age- and tibial length-adjusted Z
      scores in 97 CF and 199 healthy children (aged 8-21y). Effects of body
      composition and pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in 1s, FEV1) upon
      pQCT outcomes were determined using linear regression. Children with CF (FEV1%
      predicted: 84.4+19.7) had lower weight-, height-, BMI-, and whole body lean mass
      (LBM)-Z and tibial length. Females with CF had lower (p<0.01) total and
      trabecular vBMD; cortical, muscle, and fat CSA; Zp and periosteal circumference
      than females in the healthy reference group. These bone differences persisted
      after adjustment for BMI-Z and to a great extent following adjustment for muscle
      CSA. Males with CF had lower (p<0.01) cortical, muscle, and fat CSA and their
      trabecular vBMD deficit approached significance (p=0.069). Deficits were
      attenuated by adjustment for BMI-Z and to a greater extent adjustment for muscle
      CSA-Z. The relationship between FEV1%-predicted and pQCT outcomes persisted only
      in males following adjustment for age and BMI-Z. The CF cohort had lower tibial
      muscle CSA than expected for their LBM. In this relatively healthy, young CF
      cohort, deficits in trabecular and multiple cortical bone parameters were
      present. In females, deficits were greater at older ages and were not fully
      explained by alterations in body composition. In males worsening pulmonary
      function was associated with greater deficits that was not explained by
      increasing age or compromised nutritional status. The occurrence of these
      differences in CF youth highlights the importance of instituting measures to
      optimize peak bone mass early in the course of CF.

PMID- 27143112
TI  - The dog aging project: translational geroscience in companion animals.
AB  - Studies of the basic biology of aging have identified several genetic and
      pharmacological interventions that appear to modulate the rate of aging in
      laboratory model organisms, but a barrier to further progress has been the
      challenge of moving beyond these laboratory discoveries to impact health and
      quality of life for people. The domestic dog, Canis familiaris, offers a unique
      opportunity for surmounting this barrier in the near future. In particular,
      companion dogs share our environment and play an important role in improving the
      quality of life for millions of people. Here, we present a rationale for
      increasing the role of companion dogs as an animal model for both basic and
      clinical geroscience and describe complementary approaches and ongoing projects
      aimed at achieving this goal.

PMID- 27143114
TI  - Investigation of inhibition of human glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase by some
      99mTc chelators by in silico and in vitro methods.
AB  - The inhibitory effects of methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI), diethylene triamine
      pentaacetic acid (DTPA), dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and metilendifosfonat
      (MDP) on human erythrocyte glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (hG6PD) activity
      were investigated. For this purpose, hG6PD was initially purified 557-fold at a
      yield of 51.43% using 2',5'-adenosine diphosphate (ADP) sepharose 4B affinity gel
      chromatography. The in vitro effects of these chelators on hG6PD enzyme were
      studied. IC50 values of MIBI, DTPA, DMSA and MDP were 0.056, 0.172, 0.274 and
      0.175 mM, of hG6PD, respectively. It was detected in in vitro studies that the
      hG6PD enzyme is inhibited due to these radiopharmaceutical chelators. In addition
      to in vitro studies, in order to better understand the molecular mechanism of
      studied compounds, combined in silico approaches, including molecular docking and
      molecular dynamics (MD), simulations were successfully performed. MD simulations
      shed light on inhibition mechanisms of the individual inhibitors into the ligand
      binding pocket of hG6PD. Essential amino acids for binding are also investigated
      using per-residue interaction analysis studies.

PMID- 27143116
TI  - Simultaneous Determination of Sildenafil and Tadalafil in Legal Drugs,
      Illicit/Counterfeit Drugs, and Wastewater Samples by High-Performance Liquid
      Chromatography.
AB  - A sensitive analytical method was developed for the simultaneous determination of
      sildenafil and tadalafil in legal drugs, illicit/counterfeit drugs, and
      wastewater samples. Chromatographic separation of two analytes was achieved on a
      C18 column with a mobile phase including 50 mM phosphate buffer at pH 6.0 and
      acetonitrile (35 + 65, v/v) at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Analytes were
      separated from each other in 6 min with high resolution. LOD/LOQ values were
      calculated as 28/92 ng/mL for sildenafil citrate and 39/129 ng/mL for tadalafil.
      Calibration plots for both analytes were linear with correlation coefficients
      >0.9993. A validated method was successfully applied to legal and illicit
      erectile-dysfunction drug samples consumed in Istanbul, Turkey, and to wastewater
      samples. Nine different samples were analyzed for qualitative and quantitative
      measurement of their ingredients, and the results were compared with the values
      written on the labels of the drugs. The wastewater sample was also analyzed for
      its sildenafil and tadalafil content. To calculate the recoveries, a spiking
      experiment was performed and recovery rates for sildenafil and tadalafil were
      calculated as 101.30 +/- 3.43 and 102.68 +/- 1.59, respectively. 

PMID- 27143113
TI  - The effect of aging on brain barriers and the consequences for Alzheimer's
      disease development.
AB  - Life expectancy has increased in most developed countries, which has led to an
      increase in the proportion of elderly people in the world's population. However,
      this increase in life expectancy is not accompanied by a lengthening of the
      health span since aging is characterized with progressive deterioration in
      cellular and organ functions. The brain is particularly vulnerable to disease,
      and this is reflected in the onset of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such
      as Alzheimer's disease. Research shows that dysfunction of two barriers in the
      central nervous system (CNS), the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB), plays an important role in the
      progression of these neurodegenerative diseases. The BBB is formed by the
      endothelial cells of the blood capillaries, whereas the BCSFB is formed by the
      epithelial cells of the choroid plexus (CP), both of which are affected during
      aging. Here, we give an overview of how these barriers undergo changes during
      aging and in Alzheimer's disease, thereby disturbing brain homeostasis. Studying
      these changes is needed in order to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms
      of aging at the brain barriers, which might lead to the development of new
      therapies to lengthen the health span (including mental health) and reduce the
      chances of developing Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27143115
TI  - Clinical and neuroradiological features of spinocerebellar ataxia 38 (SCA38).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: SCA38 (MIM 611805) caused by mutations within the ELOVL5 gene,
      which encodes an enzyme involved in the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids with
      a high and specific expression in Purkinje cells, has recently been identified.
      OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at describing the clinical and
      neuroimaging features, and the natural history of SCA38. METHODS: We extended our
      clinical and brain neuroimaging data on SCA38 including 21 cases from three
      Italian families. All had the ELOVL5 c.689G > T (p.Gly230Val) missense mutation.
      RESULTS: Age at disease onset was in the fourth decade of life. The presenting
      features were nystagmus (100% of cases) and slowly progressive gait ataxia (95%).
      Frequent signs and symptoms included pes cavus (82%) and hyposmia (76%); rarer
      symptoms were hearing loss (33%) and anxiety disorder (33%). The disease
      progressed with cerebellar symptoms such as limb ataxia, dysarthria, dysphagia,
      and ophtalmoparesis followed in the later stages by ophtalmoplegia. Peripheral
      nervous system involvement was present in the last phase of disease with sensory
      loss. Dementia or extrapyramidal signs were not detected. Significant loss of
      abilities of daily living was reported only after 20 years of the disease. Brain
      imaging documented cerebellar atrophy with sparing of cerebral cortex and no
      white matter disease. CONCLUSIONS: SCA38 is a rare form of inherited ataxia with
      characteristic clinical features, including pes cavus and hyposmia, that may
      guide genetic screening and prompt diagnosis in light of possible future
      therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 27143117
TI  - The behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia: An analysis of the literature
      and a case report.
AB  - The aim of this case report is to underline the importance of possible legal
      consequences of the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). This
      disease is associated with antisocial behavior, impulse control disorder and
      cognitive and personality impairment, which are often the earliest manifestations
      of the bvFTD. One of the antisocial behaviors possibly associated with this
      neurodegenerative disease is pathological stealing. This case report is about a
      50-year-old Italian man who had a regular life until 2010. In 2010 and 2011, some
      critical events occurred: he lost his job, his father-in-law, to whom he was
      particularly close, died, and his wife had a serious illness. He began to show
      symptoms of depression, a significant weight loss, apathy, poor self-care, and
      lack of interest in the activities of his family. He became disengaged from his
      prior activities, emotionally detached from his family and developed compulsive
      hoarding. Moreover, he had uninhibited behaviors, a memory retrieval deficit,
      executive dysfunctions and impulsive behaviors. In January 2012, the subject
      began stealing objects, particularly components of computer, without
      premeditation or concern for resulting legal actions. He was then diagnosed
      affected by bvFTD. He was charged with theft and attempted theft and the Court
      asked for a psychiatric evaluation, in order to analyze the effect of the
      neurodegenerative disease on his behavior. To answer to the Court, the Authors
      analyzed his history of life and made a mental examination. The subject was
      considered mentally insane at the time of his crimes. This is an example of the
      practical application in judicial cases of the latest knowledge and evidence in
      the literature about the frontotemporal dementia, a disease associated with
      antisocial behaviors that could create tensions with the criminal law. The focus
      of the paper is to explain how the behavioral symptoms of bvFTD can have legal
      implications and how to deal with legal aspects of the behaviors induced by a
      neuro-psychiatric condition, such as bvFTD.

PMID- 27143118
TI  - Penrose's law: Methodological challenges and call for data.
AB  - The investigation of the relationship between the sizes of the mental health
      population and the prison population, outlined in Penrose's Law, has received
      renewed interest in recent decades. The problems that arise in the course of the
      deinstitutionalization have repeatedly drawn attention to this issue. This
      article presents methodological challenges to the examination of Penrose's Law
      and retrospectively reviews historical data from empirical studies. A critical
      element of surveys is the sampling method; longitudinal studies seem appropriate
      here. The relationship between the numbers of psychiatric beds and the size of
      the prison population is inverse in most cases. However, a serious failure is
      that almost all of the data were collected in countries historically belonging to
      a Christian or Jewish cultural community. Only very limited conclusions can be
      drawn from these sparse and non-comprehensive data: a reduction in the number of
      psychiatric beds seems to be accompanied by increases in the numbers of
      involuntary admissions and forensic treatments and an accumulation of mentally
      ill persons in prisons. A kind of transinstitutionalization is currently ongoing.
      A pragmatic balance between academic epidemiological numbers and cultural
      narratives should be found in order to confirm or refute the validity of
      Penrose's Law. Unless comprehensive research is undertaken, it is impossible to
      draw any real conclusion.

PMID- 27143119
TI  - Pulmonary artery stump thrombus in a patient with right pneumonectomy complicated
      by bronchopleural fistula.

PMID- 27143120
TI  - Lack of concordance in parapneumonic effusion management in Central European
      children: Spain is not different.

PMID- 27143121
TI  - Tunnel electroresistance through organic ferroelectrics.
AB  - Organic electronics is emerging for large-area applications such as photovoltaic
      cells, rollable displays or electronic paper. Its future development and
      integration will require a simple, low-power organic memory, that can be written,
      erased and readout electrically. Here we demonstrate a non-volatile memory in
      which the ferroelectric polarisation state of an organic tunnel barrier encodes
      the stored information and sets the readout tunnel current. We use high
      sensitivity piezoresponse force microscopy to show that films as thin as one or
      two layers of ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride) remain switchable with low
      voltages. Submicron junctions based on these films display tunnel
      electroresistance reaching 1,000% at room temperature that is driven by
      ferroelectric switching and explained by electrostatic effects in a direct
      tunnelling regime. Our findings provide a path to develop low-cost, large-scale
      arrays of organic ferroelectric tunnel junctions on silicon or flexible
      substrates.

PMID- 27143122
TI  - Modulation of the Nrf2 signalling pathway in Hct116 colon carcinoma cells by
      baicalein and its methylated derivative negletein.
AB  - CONTEXT: Baicalein is a major compound in extracts derived from Scutellaria
      baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae) which are used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine
      for the treatment of inflammatory and gastrointestinal diseases. This flavonoid
      is an activator of the Nrf2 signalling pathway but the molecular mechanism is not
      clearly established. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the molecular mode of baicalein
      mediated Nrf2-activation in Hct116 cells by the analysis of proteasomal activity,
      radical-scavenging activity and the comparison with baicalein derivatives.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The radical-scavenging activity (TEAC, DCF) up to 25 MUM,
      cytotoxicity (MTT assay, 48 h) up to 100 MUM, proteasomal activity and the Nrf2
      activation (luciferase assay, ubiquitinylation, western blot, Ser40
      phosphorylation; incubation for 1 or 4 h) by concentrations up to 40 or 50 MUM of
      the compounds were analysed in Hct116 human colon carcinoma cells. RESULTS: No
      change in the ubiquitinylation of Nrf2, proteasomal activity and transcription of
      the NRF2 gene were detectable. Baicalein decreased the phosphorylation of Nrf2
      (IC50-value approximately 20 MUM) suggesting an inhibitory effect of the
      flavonoid on protein kinases. Since the activation of the Nrf2 pathway by
      baicalein might be also due to redox-activity of the compound, we investigated
      the effects of methylated baicalein derivatives oroxylin A, negeletein and
      baicaleintrimethylether. Oroxylin A and negletein showed a comparable redox
      active potential, but only negletein (50 MUM, 4 h) was able to activate Nrf2.
      CONCLUSION: This result confirms the hypothesis that baicalein, a component of
      extracts derived from Baical Skullcap, causes an activation of Nrf2 independent
      of a modulation of the cellular redox potential.

PMID- 27143123
TI  - Better prognostic value with combined optic nerve sheath diameter and grey-to
      white matter ratio on initial brain computed tomography in post-cardiac arrest
      patients.
AB  - AIM: We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of optic nerve sheath diameter
      (ONSD) and grey-to-white matter (GWR) either alone or in combination in patients
      treated with targeted temperature management (TTM) after cardiac arrest (CA).
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single centre study of post cardiac arrest
      patients treated with TTM. ONSD and GWR on brain computed tomography (CT) was
      measured by two emergency physicians. We analysed the prognostic performance and
      cut offs of GWR and ONSD, singly and in combination in predicting poor neurologic
      outcome (CPC 3-5). RESULTS: Of the 119 patients studied, 74 patients showed poor
      outcome. The combination of ONSD and GWR significantly (p=0.002) improved
      prognostic performance (AUROC 0.67, 95% CI: 0.58-0.76, p<0.001) in predicting
      poor neurologic outcomes rather than each ONSD (AUROC 0.59, 95% CI: 0.50-0.68,
      p=0.08) or GWR (AUROC 0.65, 95% CI: 0.56-0.74, p=0.002) alone. A combined cut off
      of 'GWR and ONSD (1.16 and 4.9)' and 'GWR or ONSD (1.13 or 6.5)' improved the
      sensitivity for predicting poor outcome while maintaining high specificity
      compared to GWR alone. CONCLUSION: The combination of ONSD and GWR yielded
      improved prognostic value for predicting poor neurologic outcomes in post cardiac
      arrest patients treated with TTM.

PMID- 27143124
TI  - ECG patterns in early pulseless electrical activity-Associations with aetiology
      and survival of in-hospital cardiac arrest.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is an increasingly common
      presentation in cardiac arrest. The aim of this study was to investigate possible
      associations between early ECG patterns in PEA and the underlying causes and
      survival of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). METHODS: Prospectively observed
      episodes of IHCA presenting as PEA between January 2009 and august 2013, with a
      reliable cause of arrest and corresponding defibrillator ECG recordings, were
      analysed. QRS width, QT interval, Bazett's corrected QT interval, presence of P
      waves and heart rate (HR) was determined. QRS width and HR were considered to be
      normal below 120ms and within 60-100 cardiac cycles per minute, respectively.
      RESULTS: Fifty-one episodes fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The defibrillator
      was attached after a median of one minute (75th percentile; 3min) after the onset
      of arrest. Ninety percent (46/51) had widened QRS complexes, 63% (32/51) were
      defined as 'wide-slow' due to QRS-widened bradycardia, and only 6% (3/51)
      episodes were categorized as normal. No unique cause-specific ECG pattern could
      be identified. Further 7 episodes with a corresponding defibrillator file, but
      without a reliable cause, were included in analysis of survival. Abnormal ECG
      patterns were seen in all survivors. None of the patients with 'normal' PEA
      survived. CONCLUSION: Abnormal ECG patterns were frequent at the early stage of
      in-hospital PEA. No unique patterns were associated with the underlying causes or
      survival.

PMID- 27143126
TI  - Enhanced DSSCs efficiency via Cooperate co-absorbance (CdS QDs) and plasmonic
      core-shell nanoparticle (Ag@PVP).
AB  - This paper describes cooperate the co-absorbance (CdS QDs) and the plasmonic core
      shell nanoparticles (Ag@PVP) of dye synthesized solar cells in which CdS QDs and
      Ag@PVP are incorporated into the TiO2 layer. Cooperative nanoparticles show
      superior behavior on enhancing light absorption in comparison with reference
      cells. Cooperated DSSC exhibits the best performance with the power conversion
      efficiency of 7.64% which is superior to that of the free-modified DSSC with the
      PCE of 5%. Detailed studies offer an effective approach to enhance the efficiency
      of dye synthesized solar cells.

PMID- 27143125
TI  - Syndecan-4 modulates the proliferation of neural cells and the formation of CaP
      axons during zebrafish embryonic neurogenesis.
AB  - Syndecan-4 (Syn4), a single-pass transmembrane heparin sulphate proteoglycan
      (HSPG), plays significant role in the formation of focal adhesions and interacts
      with many growth factors to regulate cell migration and neural induction. Here,
      we show the new roles of syndecan-4(syn4) in zebrafish embryonic neurogenesis.
      Syn4 is broadly and dynamically expressed throughout the early stages of
      embryonic development. Knockdown of syn4 increases the expression of the marker
      genes of multiple types of neural cells. The increased expression of the marker
      genes is resulted from excessive proliferation of the neural cells. In addition,
      disrupting syn4 expression results in truncated and multiple aberrant branching
      of caudal primary (CaP) axons. Collectively, these data indicate that Syn4
      suppresses the cellular proliferation during neurogenesis and is crucial for the
      formation of CaP axons during zebrafish embryogenesis.

PMID- 27143127
TI  - Assessing Barriers to Chronic Migraine Consultation, Diagnosis, and Treatment:
      Results From the Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the rates and predictors of traversing steps essential to
      good medical care for chronic migraine, including: (1) medical consultation, (2)
      accurate diagnosis, and (3) minimal pharmacologic treatment. Candidate predictors
      included socioeconomic, demographic, and headache-specific variables. BACKGROUND:
      Previous research has established that barriers to effective management for
      episodic migraine include the absence of health insurance, lack of appropriate
      medical consultation, failure to receive an accurate diagnosis, and not being
      offered a regimen with acute and preventive treatments. METHODS/DESIGN: The
      Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study, a longitudinal web
      based panel study of migraine, included a cross-sectional module focused on
      patterns of and barriers to medical care. Participants eligible for this analysis
      met the study criteria for chronic migraine, had evidence of headache-related
      disability, and provided data on health insurance status. The main outcomes in
      the current analysis included the proportion of respondents who sought
      consultation for headache with a designated healthcare professional, self
      reported receiving a diagnosis of chronic or transformed migraine, and received
      minimal pharmacologic treatment for headache with a focus on prescribed acute and
      preventive treatments. RESULTS: In the CaMEO Study, 80,783 respondents provided
      study data, 16,789 (20.8% of respondents) met criteria for migraine, and 1476
      (8.8% of those with migraine) met chronic migraine criteria. In total, 1254
      participants (85.0% of those with chronic migraine) met inclusion criteria for
      this analysis. Of those, 512 respondents (40.8%) reported currently consulting
      with a healthcare professional for headache. Odds of consulting increased with
      increasing age (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03), body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.01; 95%
      CI 1.00-1.03), migraine-related disability (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.04), and
      migraine severity (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.11-1.22) and presence of health insurance
      (OR 4.61; 95% CI 3.05-6.96). Among those consulting a healthcare professional,
      126 (24.6%) received an accurate diagnosis and 56 of those with a correct
      diagnosis (44.4%) received both acute and preventive pharmacologic treatments;
      odds of a CM diagnosis were higher for women (OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.03-3.61), those
      with greater migraine severity (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.14-1.37), and those currently
      consulting a specialist (OR 2.38; 95% CI 1.54-3.69). No predictors of receiving
      appropriate treatment were identified among those currently consulting. Among our
      sample of people with chronic migraine, only 56 (4.5%) individuals successfully
      traversed the series of 3 barriers to successful chronic migraine care (ie,
      consulted a healthcare professional for migraine, received an accurate diagnosis,
      and were prescribed minimal acute and preventive pharmacologic treatments).
      CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that <5% of persons with chronic migraine
      traversed 3 barriers to receiving care for headache (consultation, diagnosis, and
      treatment), representing a large unmet need for improving care in this
      population. Predictors of consulting a healthcare professional included age,
      having health insurance, greater migraine-related disability, and greater
      migraine symptom severity. Among those consulting, predictors of an appropriate
      diagnosis included consulting a specialist, female sex, and greater migraine
      severity. Public health efforts are needed to improve outcomes for patients with
      chronic migraine by a range of interventions and educational efforts aimed at
      improving consultation rates, diagnostic accuracy, and adherence to minimal
      pharmacologic treatment.

PMID- 27143128
TI  - Plasmalemmal and mitochondrial Na(+) -Ca(2+) exchange in neuroglia.
AB  - In the absence of the electrical signaling for which neurons are so highly
      specialized, GLIA rely on the slow propagation of ionic signals to mediate
      network events such as Ca(2+) and Na(+) waves. Glia differ from neurons in
      another important way, they are replete with a high density of ionic-transport
      proteins that are essential for them to fulfil their basic functions as guardians
      of the intra and extra-cellular milieux. Both the signaling and the homeostatic
      properties of glial cells are therefore particularly dependent upon the
      regulation of the two principle physiological metal cations, Ca(2+) and Na(+) .
      For both ions, glia express high-affinity/low capacity ATP-fuelled pumps that can
      rapidly move small numbers of ions against an electro-chemical gradient. For both
      Ca(2+) and Na(+) regulation, a single transporter family, the Na(+) -Ca(2+)
      exchanger (NCX), is used to maintain cellular ion homeostasis over the longer
      term and under conditions of prolonged or acute ionic dysregulation in
      astrocytes, oligodendroglia and microglia. Our understanding of glial NCX, both
      plasmalemmal and mitochondrial, is undergoing the kind of transformation that our
      understanding of glial cells, in general, has undergone in recent decades. These
      exchange proteins are becoming increasingly recognized for their essential roles
      in intracellular homeostasis while their signaling functions are starting to come
      to light. This review summarizes these key aspects and highlights the many areas
      where work has yet to begin in this rapidly evolving field. GLIA 2016;64:1646
      1654.

PMID- 27143129
TI  - Optical Coherence Tomography of the Aging Kidney.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aging kidney exhibits a progressive decline in renal function
      with characteristic histopathologic changes and is a risk factor for renal
      transplant. However, the degree to which the kidney exhibits this decline depends
      on several factors that vary from one individual to the next. Optical coherence
      tomography is an evolving noninvasive imaging technology that has recently been
      used to evaluate acute tubular necrosis of living-human donor kidneys before
      their transplant. With the increasing use of kidneys from older individuals, it
      is important to determine whether optical coherence tomography also can
      distinguish the histopathology associated with aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In
      this investigation, we used Munich-Wistar rats to evaluate the ability of optical
      coherence tomography to detect histopathologic changes associated with aging.
      Optical coherence tomography observations were correlated with renal function and
      conventional light microscopic evaluation of these same kidneys. RESULTS: With
      the onset of severe proteinuria at 10 to 12 months of age, optical coherence
      tomography revealed tubular necrosis/atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, tubular
      dilation, and glomerulosclerosis. With a further deterioration in kidney function
      at 16 to 18 months of age (as indicated by rising creatinine levels), optical
      coherence tomography revealed more extensive interstitial fibrosis and tubular
      atrophy, increased tubular dilation with cyst formation and more sclerotic
      glomeruli. CONCLUSIONS: The foregoing observations suggest that optical coherence
      tomography can be used to detect the histopathology of progressive nephropathy
      associated with aging.

PMID- 27143131
TI  - Discovery and development of kibdelomycin, a new class of broad-spectrum
      antibiotics targeting the clinically proven bacterial type II topoisomerase.
AB  - Kibdelomycin is a complex novel antibiotic, discovered by applying a highly
      sophisticated chemical-genetic Staphylococcus aureus Fitness Test (SaFT)
      approach, that inhibits the clinically established bacterial targets, gyrase and
      topoisomerase IV. It exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against
      aerobic bacteria including MRSA and Acinetobacter baumannii. It is slowly
      bactericidal and has a low frequency of resistance. In an anaerobic environment,
      it exhibits narrow-spectrum activity and inhibits the growth of gut bacteria
      Clostridium difficile (MIC 0.125MUg/mL) without affecting the growth of commensal
      Gram-negative organisms particularly, Bacteroides sp. It is highly efficacious in
      the hamster model of C. difficile infection providing 100% protection at >6mg/kg
      and 80% protection at 1.56mg/kg by oral dosing without systemic exposure. X-ray
      co-crystal structures of kibdelomycin bound to GyrB and ParE showed a unique dual
      arm 'U shaped' multisite binding never encountered with any other gyrase
      inhibitors. Kibdelomycin is poised for preclinical development for C. difficile
      treatment, and most importantly, the co-crystal structures of kibdelomycin
      provide unique insight for structure-guided structure modification, which could
      lead to better broader-spectrum systemic antibiotic potentially covering many
      ESKAPE pathogens.

PMID- 27143132
TI  - (7-Diethylaminocoumarin-4-yl)methyl ester of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid as a
      caged inhibitor for photocontrol of histone deacetylase activity.
AB  - Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are involved in epigenetic control of the expression
      of various genes by catalyzing deacetylation of epsilon-acetylated lysine
      residues. Here, we report the design, synthesis and evaluation of the (7
      diethylaminocoumarin-4-yl)methyl ester of suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (AC
      SAHA) as a caged HDAC inhibitor, which releases the known pan-HDAC inhibitor SAHA
      upon cleavage of the photolabile (7-diethylaminocoumarin-4-yl)methyl protecting
      group in response to photoirradiation. A key advantage of AC-SAHA is that the
      caged derivative itself shows essentially no HDAC-inhibitory activity. Upon
      photoirradiation, AC-SAHA decomposes to SAHA and a 7-diethylaminocoumarin
      derivative, together with some minor products. We confirmed that AC-SAHA inhibits
      HDAC in response to photoirradiation in vitro by means of chemiluminescence
      assay. AC-SAHA also showed photoinduced inhibition of proliferation of human
      colon cancer cell line HCT116, as determined by MTT assay. Thus, AC-SAHA should
      be a useful tool for spatiotemporally controlled inhibition of HDAC activity, as
      well as a candidate chemotherapeutic reagent for human colon cancer.

PMID- 27143130
TI  - Utilization of HIV-1 envelope V3 to identify X4- and R5-specific Tat and LTR
      sequence signatures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV-1 entry is a receptor-mediated process directed by the
      interaction of the viral envelope with the host cell CD4 molecule and one of two
      co-receptors, CCR5 or CXCR4. The amino acid sequence of the third variable (V3)
      loop of the HIV-1 envelope is highly predictive of co-receptor utilization
      preference during entry, and machine learning predictive algorithms have been
      developed to characterize sequences as CCR5-utilizing (R5) or CXCR4-utilizing
      (X4). It was hypothesized that while the V3 loop is predominantly responsible for
      determining co-receptor binding, additional components of the HIV-1 genome may
      contribute to overall viral tropism and display sequence signatures associated
      with co-receptor utilization. RESULTS: The accessory protein Tat and the HlV-1
      long terminal repeat (LTR) were analyzed with respect to genetic diversity and
      compared by Jensen-Shannon divergence which resulted in a correlation with both
      mean genetic diversity as well as the absolute difference in genetic diversity
      between R5- and X4-genome specific trends. As expected, the V3 domain of the
      gp120 protein was enriched with statistically divergent positions. Statistically
      divergent positions were also identified in Tat amino acid sequences within the
      transactivation and TAR-binding domains, and in nucleotide positions throughout
      the LTR. We further analyzed LTR sequences for putative transcription factor
      binding sites using the JASPAR transcription factor binding profile database and
      found several putative differences in transcription factor binding sites between
      R5 and X4 HIV-1 genomes, specifically identifying the C/EBP sites I and II, and
      Sp site III to differ with respect to sequence configuration for R5 and X4 LTRs.
      CONCLUSION: These observations support the hypothesis that co-receptor
      utilization coincides with specific genetic signatures in HIV-1 Tat and the LTR,
      likely due to differing transcriptional regulatory mechanisms and selective
      pressures applied within specific cellular targets during the course of
      productive HIV-1 infection.

PMID- 27143135
TI  - Detection and molecular characterization of a novel piscine-myocarditis-like
      virus from baitfish in the USA.
AB  - During a survey of apparently healthy baitfish from the state of Minnesota, a
      novel piscine-myocarditis-like virus (PMCLV) was detected in golden shiners
      (Notemigonus crysoleucas). The nearly complete genome sequence is 5819 nt long,
      including a partial 5' untranslated region (UTR) of 100 nt. The sequence is
      divided into three ORFs: the complete ORF1 and ORF2, encoding proteins of 818 and
      831 amino acids, respectively, and a partial ORF3 encoding 248 amino acids of the
      corresponding protein. This novel virus sequence was most closely related to
      piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV), with a 49.0 % and 58.2 % amino acid identity in
      the ORF1 (YP005481249)- and ORF2 (YP004581250)-encoded proteins, respectively.
      Six of 56 retail outlets (e.g., bait shops) were positive during the 2014-2015
      survey, indicating a 10.7 % prevalence of the novel virus in this population of
      golden shiners. Currently, there is no disease that is known to be associated
      with this virus. 

PMID- 27143134
TI  - Engineering of an L-arabinose metabolic pathway in Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 for
      biofuel production.
AB  - The oleaginous bacterium, Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 has attracted considerable
      attention due to its capability to accumulate significant levels of
      triacylglycerol as renewable hydrocarbon. To enable the strain to utilize
      arabinose derived from lignocellulosic biomass, the metabolic pathway of L
      arabinose utilization was introduced into R. jostii RHA1 by heterogenous
      expression of the operon, araBAD from Escherichia coli. The results showed that
      recombinant bearing araBAD could grow on L-arabinose as the sole carbon source,
      and additional expression of araFGH encoding the arabinose transporter from E.
      coli could improve the cell biomass yield from high contents of arabinose. We
      further increased the content of lipid produced from arabinose in the
      recombinants from 47.9 to 56.8 % of the cell dry weight (CDW) by overexpression
      of a gene, atf1 encoding a diglyceride acyltransferase from R. opacus PD630. This
      work demonstrated the feasibility of producing lipid from arabinose by genetic
      modification of the rhodococci strain.

PMID- 27143133
TI  - Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new arylamide derivatives
      possessing sulfonate or sulfamate moieties as steroid sulfatase enzyme
      inhibitors.
AB  - A series of new arylamide derivatives possessing terminal sulfonate or sulfamate
      moieties was designed and synthesized. The target compounds were tested for in
      vitro inhibitory effects against the steroid sulfatase (STS) enzyme in a cell
      free assay system. The free sulfamate derivative 1j was the most active. It
      inhibited the enzymatic activity by 72.0% and 55.7% at 20MUM and 10MUM,
      respectively. Compound 1j was further tested for STS inhibition in JEG-3
      placental carcinoma cells with high STS enzyme activity. It inhibited 93.9% of
      the enzyme activity in JEG-3 placental carcinoma cells at 20MUM with an efficacy
      near to that of the well-established drug STX64 as reference. At 10MUM, 1j
      inhibited 86.1% of the STS activity of JEG-3. Its IC50 value against the STS
      enzyme in JEG-3 cells was 0.421MUM. Thus, 1j represents an attractive new non
      steroidal lead for further optimization.

PMID- 27143136
TI  - Usual blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and vascular risk: evidence from 4.3
      million adults.
AB  - Background: Although elevated blood pressure is associated with an increased risk
      of atrial fibrillation (AF), it is unclear if this association varies by
      individual characteristics. Furthermore, the associations between AF and a range
      of different vascular events are yet to be reliably quantified. Methods: Using
      linked electronic health records, we examined the time to first diagnosis of AF
      and time to first diagnosis of nine vascular events in a cohort of 4.3 million
      adults, aged 30 to 90 years, in the UK. Results: : A 20-mmHg higher usual
      systolic blood pressure was associated with a higher risk of AF [hazard ratio
      (HR) 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19, 1.22]. The strength of the
      association declined with increasing age, from an HR of 1.91 (CI 1.75, 2.09) at
      age 30-40 to an HR of 1.01 (CI 0.97, 1.04) at age 80-90 years. AF without
      antithrombotic use at baseline was associated with a greater risk of any vascular
      event than AF with antithrombotic usage ( P interaction < 0.0001). AF without
      baseline antithrombotic usage was associated with an increased risk of ischaemic
      heart disease (HR 2.52, CI 2.23, 2.84), heart failure (HR 3.80, CI 3.50, 4.12),
      ischaemic stroke (HR 2.72, CI 2.19, 3.38), unspecified stroke (HR 2.59, CI 2.25,
      2.99), haemorrhagic stroke, chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease
      and vascular dementia, but not aortic aneurysm. Conclusions: The association
      between elevated blood pressure and AF attenuates with increasing age. AF without
      antithrombotic usage is associated with an increased risk of eight vascular
      events.

PMID- 27143137
TI  - Cohort Profile: The VicGeneration (VicGen) study: An Australian oral health birth
      cohort.

PMID- 27143138
TI  - Injection therapies for plantar fasciopathy ('plantar fasciitis'): a systematic
      review and network meta-analysis of 22 randomised controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of different injection therapies for plantar
      fasciopathy (historically known as 'plantar fasciitis'). DESIGN: Systematic
      review and network meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases (MEDLINE,
      CENTRAL, Web of Science and Scopus) were searched up to 11 July 2015 for
      completed studies. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: We considered
      randomised trials comparing various injection therapies in adults with plantar
      fasciopathy. The primary outcome was pain relief. Secondary outcomes included
      functional disability, composite and health-related outcomes. All outcomes were
      assessed (1) in the short term (up to 2 months), (2) the intermediate term (2-6
      months) and (3) the medium term (more than 6 months to 2 years). Quality
      assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. RESULTS: We
      included 22 trials comprising 1216 patients. Dehydrated amniotic membrane
      injections were significantly superior to corticosteroids in the short term in
      achieving the primary and composite outcomes (mean difference (MD) in visual
      analogue scale (VAS) was -7.32, 95% CIs -11.2 to -3.38; and MD in the foot health
      status questionnaire was 31.2, 95% CIs 13.9 to 48.6, respectively). For pain
      relief, botulinum toxin-A provided a significant short-term advantage over
      placebo, which was still present at 6 months (MD in VAS was -2.9, 95% CIs -4.44
      to -1.39; and MD -4.34, 95% CIs -7.18 to -1.54, respectively). SUMMARY: Although
      the dehydrated amniotic membrane provided significant clinical relief at 0-2
      months, there were no data about this treatment at 2 months and beyond. Botulinum
      toxin-A injections significantly reduced pain intensity at 0-6 months. SYSTEMATIC
      REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42015017353.

PMID- 27143139
TI  - Preventing penalty corner injuries and head trauma in field hockey: time to
      consider the power play?

PMID- 27143141
TI  - Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Copaifera langsdorffii (Fabaceae) on the Growth
      and Reproduction of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
AB  - Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is considered a pest
      of maize crops throughout the Western Hemisphere. We report on the effects of
      aqueous extracts of leaves and bark of Copaifera langsdorffii (Fabaceae) on the
      biology of S. frugiperda, as an alternative source of natural bioactive molecules
      for the sustainable management of this pest. Second instars were sprayed with
      aqueous extracts prepared with 5% (w/v) plant material and/or fed on an
      artificial diet containing extracts at a concentration equivalent to 0.25% (w/v)
      for 17 days. Both leaf and bark extracts of C. langsdorffii significantly reduced
      S. frugiperda food intake, feces, and larval weight and caused a delay in larval
      development. Additionally, C. langsdorffii-based extracts increased the
      oviposition period; induced morphological changes in the eggs, including
      deformation of the corium and malformation of the micropylar and aeropylar
      regions; and reduced egg viability. But, aqueous extracts of C. langsdorffii
      exhibited no negative effects on larval and pupal survival, duration of the pupal
      stage, survival of pupae, sex ratio, longevity, duration of pre-oviposition
      period, and female fecundity. Aqueous extracts of leaves and bark of C.
      langsdorffii are promising alternatives for the control of S. frugiperda in maize
      crops.

PMID- 27143140
TI  - Phytochemical Composition and Antitumor Activities of New Salad Greens: Rucola
      (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) and Corn Salad (Valerianella locusta).
AB  - D. tenuifolia and V. locusta, two greens, were analyzed for active compounds and
      antitumor actions on colorectal cancer cells. Phenolics were determined by UHPLC
      Orbitrap-MS; carotenoids and glucosinolates by HPLC-MS; and sterols and fatty
      acids by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). For antitumor effects, the 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) tests were run on HT-29 colorectal cancer cells, and in CCD
      18 untransformed enterocyte cells. Six main carotenoids were identified in both
      vegetables, while total carotenoids accounted for 3520 and 2970 MUg . g(-1) dry
      weight in D. tenuifolia and V. locusta, respectively. Six phenolics were detected
      in D. tenuifolia (68,600 MUg . g(-1) dry weight) and five in V. locusta (139,000
      MUg . g(-1) dry weight). Three glucosinolates (GSL) were found in D. tenuifolia
      (1960 MUg . g(-1) dry wt. total). Low-polarity extracts from V. locusta and D.
      tenuifolia showed IC50 ~ 150 and ~200 MUg . mL(-1) on HT-29 cells, while both
      plants lacked actions on CCD-18 cells. V. locusta inhibited HT-29 cancer cells
      viability more efficiently than D. tenuiofolia, but induced less cytotoxicity.
      This work highlights the importance of functional foods for colorectal cancer
      prevention. 

PMID- 27143142
TI  - Trap-Nesting Bees in Montane Grassland (Campo Rupestre) and Cerrado in Brazil:
      Collecting Generalist or Specialist Nesters.
AB  - Species richness and seasonal abundance of solitary bees were investigated in
      rocky, montane grassland (campo rupestre) (1180 m asl) and cerrado sensu stricto
      (680 m asl) in the Biribiri State Park, Diamantina, state of Minas Gerais,
      Brazil. Three hundred nineteen nest traps of bamboo canes and black cardboard
      tubes were monthly inspected at each site during 15 months. A total of eight
      species of bees built 97 nests. Four species were common to both sites.
      Tetrapedia aff. curvitarsis Friese and Tetrapedia aff. peckoltii Friese were the
      most abundant at campo rupestre and cerrado s.s., respectively, followed by
      Centris analis (Fabricius) in campo rupestre and Centris tarsata Smith in cerrado
      s.s. The nesting peaks occurred in May in campo rupestre and in February in
      cerrado s.s. Three cuckoo bees and one bee-fly were collected as natural enemies.
      The findings suggest that differences between the sites were related more to
      ecological factors (floral resources, natural nest sites) than to the altitudinal
      difference. The species richness was similar to that in other habitats with open
      vegetation. We demonstrate the need to use several types of trap-nest to increase
      the range of species sampled; some species used only one of the two types traps
      provided. We also comment on the limitations of trap-nests in cerrado vegetation.
      Most cerrado species of bees are very selective in their choice for a nesting
      site, but bees that use trap-nests are more generalists.

PMID- 27143143
TI  - The Vine Mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
      Damaging Vineyards in Brazil.
AB  - In the last decade, the incidence of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in
      vineyards has increased, especially on crops grown under plastic covering, in the
      Serra Gaucha region of southern Brazil where the major Brazilian wineries are
      concentrated. Eggs, nymphs, and female adults were collected in two highly
      infested vineyards in Bento Goncalves City, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Mealybugs
      were identified by morphological and molecular techniques as the vine mealybug
      Planococcus ficus (Signoret). This is a principal mealybug pest of vineyards
      worldwide, and this is the first record of damage from this species in Brazil. 

PMID- 27143144
TI  - Worksite Physical Activity Intervention for Ambulatory Clinic Nursing Staff.
AB  - Health behaviors, including physical activity (PA), of registered nurses (RNs)
      and medical assistants (MAs) are suboptimal but may improve with worksite
      programs. Using a repeated-measures crossover design, the authors explored if
      integrating a 6-month worksite non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)
      intervention, with and without personalized health coaching via text messaging
      into workflow could positively affect sedentary time, PA, and body composition of
      nursing staff without jeopardizing work productivity. Two ambulatory clinics were
      randomly assigned to an environmental NEAT intervention plus a mobile text
      message coaching for either the first 3 months (early texting group, n = 27) or
      the last 3 months (delayed texting group, n = 13), with baseline 3-month and 6
      month measurements. Sedentary and PA levels, fat mass, and weight improved for
      both groups, significantly only for the early text group. Productivity did not
      decline for either group. This worksite intervention is feasible and may benefit
      nursing staff. 

PMID- 27143145
TI  - Is There Disparity in Cardiovascular Health Between Migrant Workers and Native
      Workers?
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify the probability of developing
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its association with metabolic syndrome (MS)
      risk factors among middle-aged Korean Chinese (KC) migrant women workers compared
      to comparable native Korean (NK) women workers. Using matched samples based on
      the propensity score matching method, 10-year CVD risk was calculated and MS risk
      factors identified. Logistic regression and classification and regression tree
      (CART) analysis were conducted. The probability of KC migrants' 10-year CVD risk
      was significantly lower (6.4%) than NK women risk (7.8%, t = 1.99, p = .048).
      Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or higher was found to be a significant risk factor
      for 10-year CVD risk in both groups. The findings support existing knowledge
      about the healthy immigrant effect on CVD and MS risk factors. The findings could
      be the basis for occupational health professionals to pursue policy initiatives
      and public health and occupational health interventions to improve CVD outcomes
      among migrant women workers including KC migrants. 

PMID- 27143146
TI  - Typical Time to Treatment of Patients With Lung Cancer in a Multisite, US-Based
      Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The importance of high-quality, timely lung cancer care and the
      need to have indicators to measure timeliness are increasingly discussed in the
      United States. This study explored when and why delays occur in lung cancer care
      and compared timeliness between two states with divergent disease incidence.
      METHODS: Patients with small-cell or non-small-cell lung cancer were recruited
      through cancer centers, outpatient clinics, and community approaches, and
      interviewed over the phone. Statistical analysis of patient-reported dates
      included descriptive statistics and comparing time intervals between states and
      across the sites with Mann-Whitney U tests. Additionally, data from patients with
      longer timelines were qualitatively analyzed to identify possible reasons for
      delays. RESULTS: On the basis of the dates reported by 275 patients, the median
      time from first presentation to a clinician to treatment was 52 days; 29% of
      patients experienced a wait of 90 days or more. Median times for key intervals
      were 36.5 days from abnormal radiograph to treatment, 9.5 days from initial
      presentation to specialist referral, 15 days from patient informed of diagnosis
      to first therapy, and 16 days from referral to treatment to first therapy. More
      than one quarter of patients perceived delays in care. No significant differences
      in length of time intervals were identified between states. Monitoring of small
      nodules, missed diagnosis, and other reasons for longer timelines were
      documented. CONCLUSION: Results defined typical time to treatment of patients
      with lung cancer across a variety of health systems and should facilitate
      establishing metrics for determining timeliness of lung cancer care.

PMID- 27143147
TI  - Using Quality-Adjusted Life-Years in Cost-Effectiveness Analyses: Do Not Throw
      Out the Baby or the Bathwater.

PMID- 27143148
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Different Sequences of the Use of Epidermal Growth
      Factor Receptor Inhibitors for Wild-Type KRAS Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal
      Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with unresectable wild-type KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer
      benefit from fluoropyrimidines (FP), oxaliplatin (O), irinotecan (I), bevacizumab
      (Bev), and epithelial growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRI). The most cost
      effective regimen remains unclear. METHODS: A Markov model was constructed to
      examine the costs and outcomes of three treatment strategies: strategy A
      (reference strategy): EGFRI monotherapy in third line ([3L]; ie, first-line [1L]:
      Bev + FOLFIRI [FP + I] or FOLFOX [FP + O]; second line [2L]: FOLFIRI/FOLFOX; 3L:
      EGFRI); strategy B: EGFRI and I in 3L (ie, 1L: Bev + FOLFIRI/FOLFOX; 2L:
      FOLFIRI/FOLFOX; 3L: EGFRI + I); and strategy C: EGFRI in 1L (ie, 1L: EGFRI +
      FOLFIRI/FOLFOX; 2L: Bev + FOLFIRI/FOLFOX; 3L: best supportive care). Efficacy
      data of the treatments were obtained from the literature. Health system resource
      use information was derived from chart review and the literature. Using Euro-QOL
      5 Dimensions, utilities were obtained by surveying medical oncologists and costs
      from the Ontario Ministry of Health and the literature. The perspective of the
      Canadian public health care system was used over a 5-year time horizon with a 5%
      discount in 2012 Canadian dollars. RESULTS: All three strategies had similar
      efficacy, but strategy C was most expensive. The incremental cost-effectiveness
      ratios (ICERs) for strategies B and C compared with A were 119,623 and 3,176,591,
      respectively. The model was primarily driven by the acquisition cost of the
      drugs. Strategy B was most cost effective when the willingness-to-pay threshold
      was > $130,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. Sensitivity analysis showed that
      strategy C would be cost-effective only when the progression-free survival of
      EGFRI is better than Bev in 1L with hazard ratio < 0.23 at willingness-to-pay of
      $150,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. CONCLUSION: First-line use of EGFRI in
      metastatic colorectal cancer is not cost effective at its current pricing
      relative to Bev.

PMID- 27143149
TI  - Challenges With Research Contract Negotiations in Community-Based Cancer
      Research.
AB  - PURPOSE: Community-based research programs face many barriers to participation in
      clinical trials. Although the majority of people with cancer are diagnosed and
      treated in the community setting, only roughly 3% are enrolled onto clinical
      trials. Research contract and budget negotiations have been consistently
      identified as time consuming and a barrier to participation in clinical trials.
      ASCO's Community Research Forum conducted a survey about specific challenges of
      research contract and budget negotiation processes in community-based research
      settings. The goal was to ultimately identify potential solutions to these
      barriers. METHODS: A survey was distributed to 780 community-based physician
      investigators and research staff. The survey included questions to provide
      insight into contract and budget negotiation processes and perceptions about
      related barriers. RESULTS: A total of 77% of the 150 respondents acknowledged
      barriers in the process. Respondents most frequently identified budget-related
      issues (n = 133), inefficiencies in the process (n = 80), or legal review and
      negotiation issues (n = 70). Of the respondents, 44.1% indicated that contract
      research organizations made the contract negotiations process harder for their
      research program, and only 5% believed contract research organizations made the
      process easier. The contract negotiations process is perceived to be impeded by
      sponsors through underestimation of costs, lack of flexibility with the contract
      language, and excessive delays. CONCLUSION: Improving clinical trial activation
      processes and reducing inefficiencies would be beneficial to all interested
      stakeholders, including patients who may ultimately stand to benefit from
      participation in clinical trials. The following key recommendations were made:
      standardization of contracts and negotiation processes to promulgate transparency
      and efficiencies, improve sponsor processes to minimize burden on sites, create
      and promote use of contract templates and best practices, and provide education
      and consultation.

PMID- 27143150
TI  - Favorable Evolution of Cryptococcal Meningitis in the Context of Flucytosine
      Resistance.
AB  - Cryptococcal meningitis is a critical illness affecting 0.2% to 5% solid-organ
      transplant recipients with a 40% to 50% mortality. We report the case of a 48
      year-old lung transplant recipient, who, 15 months after a right lung graft, kept
      parakeets and developed meningitis due to Cryptococcus neoformans.
      Immunosuppressive treatment was based on a quadruple sequential immunosuppressive
      therapy that included induction therapy with thymoglobulin, followed by
      corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and mycophenolate mofetil. Antifungal
      susceptibility testing of Cryptococcus neoformans showed resistance to
      flucytosine and intermediate sensitivity to fluconazole. Initial treatment
      adhered to international guidelines; however, the patient could not tolerate an
      effective double-antifungal therapy during the first 2 months of treatment.
      Despite this delayed treatment for an aggressive infection in an
      immunocompromised patient, the patient survived without relapse and received
      maintenance treatment with fluconazole during the course of 3 years.
      Administration of calcineurin inhibitors as immunosuppressive treatment may
      partly explain this outcome, as this therapeutic class is known to protect from
      severe forms of cryptococcal meningitis.

PMID- 27143151
TI  - Indirect and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for monitoring the
      humoral response against human VEGF.
AB  - CIGB-247, a VEGF-based vaccine, was studied in a clinical trial. This advance
      demands the refinement of the methodologies for assessment of vaccine immune
      responses. This study aimed to improve the performance of ELISAs for detecting
      IgG antibodies against human VEGF and the blocking activity of the serum to
      inhibit the VEGF/VEGFR2 interaction. The best experimental conditions were
      established through the evaluation of several blocking buffers, immobilization
      surfaces, and plate suppliers using human sera as test samples. As a result, two
      controlled ELISAs were used in testing of elicited immune response against VEGF
      in patients immunized with CIGB-247. 

PMID- 27143152
TI  - Gastrointestinal and Liver Issues in Heart Failure.
AB  - Heart failure affects ~23 million people worldwide and continues to have a high
      mortality despite advancements in modern pharmacotherapy and device therapy. HF
      is a complex clinical syndrome that can result in the impairment of endocrine,
      hematologic, musculoskeletal, renal, respiratory, peripheral vascular, hepatic,
      and gastrointestinal systems. Although gastrointestinal involvement and hepatic
      involvement are common in HF and are associated with increased morbidity and
      mortality, their bidirectional association with HF progression remains poorly
      fathomed. The current understanding of multiple mechanisms, including
      proinflammatory cytokine milieu, hormonal imbalance, and anabolic/catabolic
      imbalance, has been used to explain the relationship between the gut and HF and
      has been the basis for many novel therapeutic strategies. However, the failure of
      these novel therapies such as anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha has resulted in
      further complexity. In this review, we describe the involvement of the
      gastrointestinal and liver systems within the HF syndrome, their
      pathophysiological mechanisms, and their clinical consequences.

PMID- 27143153
TI  - Intensive Management to Reduce Hospitalizations in Patients With Heart Failure.

PMID- 27143155
TI  - Pericardial Constriction Caused by a Giant Lipoma.

PMID- 27143157
TI  - Three-Dimensional Printing as an Aid in Transcatheter Closure of Secundum Atrial
      Septal Defect With Rim Deficiency: In Vitro Trial Occlusion Based on a
      Personalized Heart Model.

PMID- 27143158
TI  - Letter by Chan Regarding Article, "The Utility of Therapeutic Hypothermia for
      Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome Patients With an Initial Nonshockable Rhythm".

PMID- 27143159
TI  - Response to Letter Regarding Article, "The Utility of Therapeutic Hypothermia for
      Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome Patients With an Initial Nonshockable Rhythm".

PMID- 27143160
TI  - Letter by Murakami and Nawa Regarding Article, "Bilateral Superior Venae Cavae
      With Crisscross Atrial Drainage".

PMID- 27143161
TI  - Response to Letter Regarding Article, "Bilateral Superior Venae Cavae With
      Crisscross Atrial Drainage".

PMID- 27143163
TI  - Spontaneous cutaneous extrusion of a parotid gland sialolith.
AB  - Parotid gland sialolithiasis is an uncommon condition that can cause pain and
      recurrent infection in affected patients. Migration of a stone through a fistula
      is a rare but possible complication of untreated sialolithiasis. We present a
      case of parotid gland sialolithiasis in a 63-year-old woman with recurrent
      episodes of parotitis and facial pain, which resolved through spontaneous
      extrusion of the stone (11 mm) through a cutaneous fistula while awaiting
      surgery. Management is typically conservative or surgical, depending on the
      location and size of the stone, and the clinical presentation. 

PMID- 27143162
TI  - Orbital mass secondary to infantile acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
AB  - An 8-month-old Asian infant girl was referred with a 1-week history of left
      periorbital swelling on a background of a narrowed left palpebral aperture over
      the preceding 8 weeks. There was no history of chronic illness, fever or other
      systemic features. Examination revealed a tender and fluctuant medial canthal
      swelling with associated periorbital haematoma. There were no other ophthalmic
      findings and neurological examination was normal. A MRI scan of the brain and
      orbit demonstrated abnormal soft tissue with features of an aggressive tumour in
      the left orbital region with no globe invasion. Peripheral blood smear revealed
      blast cells, confirmed by bone marrow aspirate. A diagnosis of infant acute
      lymphoblastic leukaemia was made. The patient was started on risk-stratified
      chemotherapy according to the Interfant-06 Protocol The periorbital swelling
      resolved by day eight following a course of prednisolone, the patient continues
      on chemotherapy and is currently in molecular remission. 

PMID- 27143164
TI  - Cytokine profile of nasal and middle ear polyps in a patient with Woakes'
      syndrome and eosinophilic otitis media.
AB  - Woakes' syndrome is characterised by severe recurrent nasal polyps in early
      childhood with broadening of the nose, nasal dyscrinia, frontal sinus aplasia and
      bronchiectasis. Eosinophilic otitis media (EOM) is an intractable condition that
      can cause gradual or sudden deterioration of hearing and is associated with
      comorbid asthma. For these reasons, both diseases must be recognised and treated
      appropriately. We present a case of a 20-year-old man with Woakes' syndrome
      complicated by EOM, with polyps in both middle ears; this condition has so far
      not been described as an entity of eosinophilic disease in the literature. We
      have, from reviewing the literature, learned that this is the first time that
      results of tissue examination on nasal polyposis with respect to tissue IgE,
      eosinophil-cationic protein, interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-5 in a patient with
      Woakes' syndrome and EOM, has been reported and discussed. 

PMID- 27143165
TI  - A case of condylar hyperplasia treated with a right condylectomy and
      exteriorisation of the right inferior alveolar nerve.

PMID- 27143166
TI  - Isolated right ventricular infarction: a diagnostic challenge.
AB  - A 73-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room due to sudden-onset
      dyspnoea, altered mental status and haemodynamic instability. ECG showed a
      junctional rhythm, T-wave inversion in I, aVL and V2-V6 (present in a previous
      ECG), and no ST/T changes in the right precordial leads. Transthoracic
      echocardiography, however, revealed a severe depression of global systolic
      function of right ventricle with akinesia of free wall and a normal left
      ventricular function. Coronary angiography showed an occlusion of the proximal
      segment of the right coronary artery, which was treated with balloon angioplasty,
      and a chronic lesion of the anterior descending artery. The patient had a good
      recovery and was discharged on the 14th day. Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy
      (stress and rest) was performed a month later, showing a fixed perfusion defect
      in the apex and anterior wall (medium-apical), with no signs of ischaemia. 

PMID- 27143167
TI  - Benign enlargement of subarachnoid spaces: a cause of subdural haemorrhage in
      toddlers.

PMID- 27143168
TI  - Anti prostate cancer using PEGylated bombesin containing, cabazitaxel loading
      nano-sized drug delivery system.
AB  - CONTEXT: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most-frequently diagnosed cancer in
      men. Cabazitaxel was approved for the treatment of patients with hormone
      refractory metastatic prostate cancer previously treated with a docetaxel
      containing regimen. OBJECTIVE: In this study, bombesin (BN), a ligand reported to
      specifically target GRP overexpressing prostate tumor, was applied for the
      construction of lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs), and used for the
      targeted delivery of cabazitaxel (CAB) to prostate cancer. METHODS: BN
      polyethylene glycol-1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (BN-PEG-DSPE)
      was synthesized. CAB loaded, BN-PEG-DSPE contained LPNs (BN-CAB-LPNs) were
      prepared. Their particle size, zeta potential and drug encapsulation efficiency
      (EE) were evaluated. In vitro cytotoxicity study of BN-CAB-LPNs was tested in
      LNCaP human prostatic cancer cell line (LNCaP cells). In vivo anti-tumor efficacy
      of the carriers was evaluated on mice bearing prostate cancer model. RESULTS: The
      optimum BN-CAB-LPNs formulations had a particle size of 184.9 nm and a 26.5 mV
      positive surface charge. The growth of LNCaP cells in vitro was obviously
      inhibited. BN-CAB-LPNs also displayed better anti-tumor activity than the other
      formulations in vivo. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that BN-CAB-LPNs can
      sufficiently deliver CAB to the cancer cells and enhance the anti-tumor capacity.
      Thus, BN-CAB-LPNs can be proved to be a superior nanomedicine which can achieve
      better therapeutic efficacy of prostate tumor.

PMID- 27143169
TI  - Epitope location for two monoclonal antibodies against human cystatin C,
      representing opposite aggregation inhibitory properties.
AB  - Human cystatin C (hCC), like many other amyloidogenic proteins, dimerizes and
      possibly makes aggregates by subdomain swapping. Inhibition of the process should
      suppress the fibrillogenesis leading to a specific amyloidosis (hereditary
      cystatin C amyloid angiopathy, HCCAA). It has been reported that exogenous agents
      like monoclonal antibodies against cystatin C are able to suppress formation of
      cystatin C dimers and presumably control the neurodegenerative disease. We have
      studied in detail two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) representing very different
      aggregation inhibitory potency, Cyst10 and Cyst28, to find binding sites in hCC
      sequence responsible for the immunocomplex formation and pave the way for
      possible immunotherapy of HCCAA. We used the epitope extraction/excision mass
      spectrometry approach with the use of different enzymes complemented by affinity
      studies with synthetic hCC fragments as a basic technique for epitope
      identification. The results were analyzed in the context of hCC structure
      allowing us to discuss the binding sites for both antibodies. Epitopic sequences
      for clone Cyst28 which is a highly potent dimerization inhibitor were found in N
      terminus, loop 1 and 2 (L1, L2) and fragments of beta2 and beta3 strands. The
      crucial difference between conformational epitope sequences found for both mAbs
      seems to be the lack of interactions with hCC via N-terminus and the loop 1 in
      the case of mAb Cyst10. Presumably the interactions of mAbs with hCC via L1 and
      beta sheet fragments make the hCC structure rigid and unable to undergo the
      swapping process.

PMID- 27143171
TI  - Synthesis of imides via palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative amidation of alpha
      oxocarboxylic acids with secondary amides.
AB  - An efficient synthesis of imides has been developed through a Pd-catalyzed
      decarboxylative amidation of alpha-oxocarboxylic acids with secondary amides. The
      reactions of N-substituted N-heteroarene-2-carboxamides with 2-oxo-2-arylacetic
      acids proceeded smoothly to generate the corresponding products in good yields in
      the presence of Pd(OAc)2 and K2S2O8. 

PMID- 27143170
TI  - Proteomic and metabolomic changes driven by elevating myocardial creatine suggest
      novel metabolic feedback mechanisms.
AB  - Mice over-expressing the creatine transporter have elevated myocardial creatine
      levels [Cr] and are protected against ischaemia/reperfusion injury via improved
      energy reserve. However, mice with very high [Cr] develop cardiac hypertrophy and
      dysfunction. To investigate these contrasting effects, we applied a non-biased
      hypothesis-generating approach to quantify global protein and metabolite changes
      in the LV of mice stratified for [Cr] levels: wildtype, moderately elevated, and
      high [Cr] (65-85; 100-135; 160-250 nmol/mg protein, respectively). Male mice
      received an echocardiogram at 7 weeks of age with tissue harvested at 8 weeks. RV
      was used for [Cr] quantification by HPLC to select LV tissue for subsequent
      analysis. Two-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis identified
      differentially expressed proteins, which were manually picked and trypsin
      digested for nano-LC-MS/MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed efficient
      group separation (ANOVA P <= 0.05) and peptide sequences were identified by mouse
      database (UniProt 201203) using Mascot. A total of 27 unique proteins were found
      to be differentially expressed between normal and high [Cr], with proteins
      showing [Cr]-dependent differential expression, chosen for confirmation, e.g.
      alpha-crystallin B, a heat shock protein implicated in cardio-protection and
      myozenin-2, which could contribute to the hypertrophic phenotype. Nuclear
      magnetic resonance (1H-NMR at 700 MHz) identified multiple strong correlations
      between [Cr] and key cardiac metabolites. For example, positive correlations with
      alpha-glucose (r2 = 0.45; P = 0.002), acetyl-carnitine (r2 = 0.50; P = 0.001),
      glutamine (r2 = 0.59; P = 0.0002); and negative correlations with taurine (r2 =
      0.74; P < 0.0001), fumarate (r2 = 0.45; P = 0.003), aspartate (r2 = 0.59; P =
      0.0002), alanine (r2 = 0.66; P < 0.0001) and phosphocholine (r2 = 0.60; P =
      0.0002). These findings suggest wide-ranging and hitherto unexpected adaptations
      in substrate utilisation and energy metabolism with a general pattern of impaired
      energy generating pathways in mice with very high creatine levels.

PMID- 27143172
TI  - Exercise improved lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in rats fed a high-fat
      diet by regulating glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and musclin expression.
AB  - This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise training on triglyceride
      deposition and the expression of musclin and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in a
      rat model of insulin resistance. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats (8 weeks old,
      weight 160+/-10 g) were fed a high-fat diet (40% calories from fat) and randomly
      divided into high-fat control group and swimming intervention group. Rats fed
      with standard food served as normal control. We found that 8-week swimming
      intervention significantly decreased body weight (from 516.23+/-46.27 to 455.43+/
      32.55 g) and visceral fat content (from 39.36+/-2.50 to 33.02+/-2.24 g) but
      increased insulin sensitivity index of the rats fed with a high-fat diet.
      Moreover, swimming intervention improved serum levels of TG (from 1.40+/-0.83 to
      0.58+/-0.26 mmol/L) and free fatty acids (from 837.80+/-164.25 to 556.38+/-144.77
      MUEq/L) as well as muscle triglycerides deposition (from 0.55+/-0.06 to 0.45+/
      0.02 mmol/g) in rats fed a high-fat diet. Compared with rats fed a standard food,
      musclin expression was significantly elevated, while GLUT4 expression was
      decreased in the muscles of rats fed a high-fat diet. In sharp contrast, swimming
      intervention significantly reduced the expression of musclin and increased the
      expression of GLUT4 in the muscles of rats fed a high-fat diet. In conclusion,
      increased musclin expression may be associated with insulin resistance in
      skeletal muscle, and exercise training improves lipid metabolism and insulin
      sensitivity probably by upregulating GLUT4 and downregulating musclin. 

PMID- 27143173
TI  - Differentiating origins of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias: a comparison of
      three different electrocardiographic algorithms.
AB  - Our objective is to evaluate the accuracy of three algorithms in differentiating
      the origins of outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OTVAs). This study involved
      110 consecutive patients with OTVAs for whom a standard 12-lead surface
      electrocardiogram (ECG) showed typical left bundle branch block morphology with
      an inferior axis. All the ECG tracings were retrospectively analyzed using the
      following three recently published ECG algorithms: 1) the transitional zone (TZ)
      index, 2) the V2 transition ratio, and 3) V2 R wave duration and R/S wave
      amplitude indices. Considering all patients, the V2 transition ratio had the
      highest sensitivity (92.3%), while the R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude
      indices in V2 had the highest specificity (93.9%). The latter finding had a
      maximal area under the ROC curve of 0.925. In patients with left ventricular (LV)
      rotation, the V2 transition ratio had the highest sensitivity (94.1%), while the
      R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude indices in V2 had the highest specificity
      (87.5%). The former finding had a maximal area under the ROC curve of 0.892. All
      three published ECG algorithms are effective in differentiating the origin of
      OTVAs, while the V2 transition ratio, and the V2 R wave duration and R/S wave
      amplitude indices are the most sensitive and specific algorithms, respectively.
      Amongst all of the patients, the V2 R wave duration and R/S wave amplitude
      algorithm had the maximal area under the ROC curve, but in patients with LV
      rotation the V2 transition ratio algorithm had the maximum area under the ROC
      curve. 

PMID- 27143175
TI  - Canonical Force Distributions in Pairwise Interatomic Interactions from the
      Perspective of the Hellmann-Feynman Theorem.
AB  - Force-based canonical approaches have recently given a unified but different
      viewpoint on the nature of bonding in pairwise interatomic interactions.
      Differing molecular categories (covalent, ionic, van der Waals, hydrogen, and
      halogen bonding) of representative interatomic interactions with binding energies
      ranging from 1.01 to 1072.03 kJ/mol have been modeled canonically giving a
      rigorous semiempirical verification to high accuracy. However, the fundamental
      physical basis expected to provide the inherent characteristics of these
      canonical transformations has not yet been elucidated. Subsequently, it was shown
      through direct numerical differentiation of these potentials that their
      associated force curves have canonical shapes. However, this approach to
      analyzing force results in inherent loss of accuracy coming from numerical
      differentiation of the potentials. We now show that this serious obstruction can
      be avoided by directly demonstrating the canonical nature of force distributions
      from the perspective of the Hellmann-Feynman theorem. This requires only
      differentiation of explicitly known Coulombic potentials, and we discuss how this
      approach to canonical forces can be used to further explain the nature of
      chemical bonding in pairwise interatomic interactions. All parameter values used
      in the canonical transformation are determined through explicit physical based
      algorithms, and it does not require direct consideration of electron correlation
      effects. 

PMID- 27143174
TI  - Overview of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in regards to the Brazilian epidemic.
AB  - Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, belongs to the Flaviviridae
      family, genus Flavivirus. ZIKV was initially isolated in 1947 from a sentinel
      monkey in the Zika forest, Uganda. Little clinical importance was attributed to
      ZIKV, once only few symptomatic cases were reported in some African and Southeast
      Asiatic countries. This situation changed in 2007, when a large outbreak was
      registered on the Yap Island, Micronesia, caused by the Asian ZIKV lineage.
      Between 2013 and 2014, ZIKV spread explosively and caused many outbreaks in
      different islands of the Southern Pacific Ocean and in 2015 autochthonous
      transmission was reported in Brazil. Currently, Brazil is the country with the
      highest number of ZIKV-positive cases in Latin America. Moreover, for the first
      time after the discovery of ZIKV, the Brazilian scientists are studying the
      possibility for the virus to cause severe congenital infection related to
      microcephaly and serious birth defects due to the time-spatial coincidence of the
      alarming increase of newborns with microcephaly and the Brazilian ZIKV epidemic.
      The present review summarizes recent information for ZIKV epidemiology, clinical
      picture, transmission, diagnosis and the consequences of this emerging virus in
      Brazil. 

PMID- 27143176
TI  - Media Stories on NICU Outbreaks Lead to an Increased Prescription Rate of Third
      Line Antibiotics in the Community of Neonatal Care.
AB  - BACKGROUND Between 2010 and 2012, 3 outbreaks of nosocomial infections in German
      neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) attracted considerable public interest.
      Headlines on national television channels and in newspapers had important
      consequences for the involved institutions and a negative impact on the
      relationship between families and staff in many German NICUs. OBJECTIVE To
      determine whether NICU outbreaks reported in the media influenced provider
      behavior in the community of neonatal care and led to more third-line antibiotic
      prescribing. DESIGN Observational cohort study. METHODS To investigate secular
      trends, we evaluated data for very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWIs, birth weight
      <1,500 g) enrolled in the German Neonatal Network (GNN) between 2009 and 2014
      (N=10,253). For outbreak effects, we specifically analyzed data for VLBWIs
      discharged 6 months before (n=2,428) and 6 months after outbreaks (n=2,508).
      RESULTS The exposure of all VLBWIs to third-line antibiotics increased after
      outbreaks (19.4% before vs 22.5% after; P=.007). This trend particularly affected
      male infants (4.6% increase; P=.005) and infants with a birth weight between
      1,000 and 1,499 g (3.5% increase; P=.001) In a logistic regression analysis,
      month of discharge as linear variable of time was associated with increased
      exposure to third-line antibiotics (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.009-1.014; P<.001), and discharge within the 6-month period
      after outbreak reports independently contributed to this long-term trend (OR,
      1.14; 95% CI, 1.017-1.270; P=.024). CONCLUSIONS Media reports directly affect
      medical practice, eg, overuse of third-line antibiotics. Future communication and
      management strategies must be based on objective dialogues between the scientific
      community and investigative journalists. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
      2016;37:924-930.

PMID- 27143177
TI  - Commentary: Demon$trating (Our) Value.

PMID- 27143178
TI  - Early emotional and behavioral difficulties and adult educational attainment: an
      18-year follow-up of the TEMPO study.
AB  - Children who experience behavioral difficulties often have short and long-term
      school problems. However, the relationship between emotional difficulties and
      later academic achievement has not been thoroughly examined. Using data from the
      French TEMPO study (n = 666, follow-up 1991, 1999, 2009, mean age = 10.5, sd =
      4.9 at baseline), we studied associations between internalizing and externalizing
      symptoms in: (a) childhood and (b) adolescence and educational attainment by
      young adulthood (< vs. >= high school degree), accounting for participants' age,
      sex, juvenile academic difficulties, and family income. High levels of childhood
      (but not adolescent) internalizing and externalizing symptoms were associated
      with low educational attainment; however, in multivariate models only the
      association with childhood internalizing symptoms remained statistically
      significant (OR = 1.75, 95 % CI 1.00-3.02). Supporting children with
      internalizing problems early on could help improve their long-term educational
      attainment. 

PMID- 27143179
TI  - Response to: The evidence base of methylphenidate for children and adolescents
      with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is in fact flawed.

PMID- 27143180
TI  - [To standardize and generalize the diagnosis technology of biopsies and cytology
      in lung cancer].

PMID- 27143181
TI  - [A cohort study on the association between fasting plasma glucose level over 5.3
      mmol/L and risks of abnormal glucose metabolism and cardiovascular diseases in
      the elderly].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of fasting plasma
      glucose (FPG) level over 5.3 mmol/L to the development of abnormal glucose
      metabolism and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). METHODS: This was a retrospective
      cohort study with 1 064 non-diabetic subjects(980 males; 84 females) aged 60 or
      over, who carried out annual health check-up in Chinese PLA General Hospital from
      May, 1996 to May, 2015. Based on the average FPG level of 3 years before
      enrollment, the subjects were divided into four groups: <5.3 mmol/L, 5.3-<5.6
      mmol/L, 5.6-<6.1 mmol/L and 6.1-<7.0 mmol/L. Glucose metabolic changes,
      complications and mortality were follow-up until May, 2015. RESULTS: (1)The
      initial 3-year average FPG levels were (4.9+/-0.4) mmol/L in the total 1 064
      subjects. Among them, 126 subjects developed diabetes mellitus (DM) and 144
      subjects developed impaired glucose regulation (IGR) during the follow-up visits.
      The proportions of IGR and diabetes increased with the FPG levels (P<0.05). The
      risk for developing IGR was significantly higher in subjects with FPG>=5.3 mmol/L
      than in those with FPG <5.3 mmol/L (RR=3.08, 95%CI 2.02-4.81, P<0.01). The risk
      for incident DM was markedly increased in subjects with FPG >= 5.6 mmol/L than in
      those with FPG <5.6 mmol/L (RR=6.73, 95%CI 3.90-11.52, P<0.01); (2)The risk for
      CVD was eight folds higher in subjects with FPG >=5.3 mmol/L than in subjects
      with FPG <5.3 mmol/L (RR=8.42, 95%CI 5.11-13.82, P<0.05); (3)Survival analysis
      showed that the risk of death was 1.47 times higher in subjects with FPG >=5.3
      mmol/L than in subjects with FPG <5.3 mmol/L after years of followed-up (RR=1.47,
      95%CI 1.09-1.98, P=0.0127). CONCLUSION: The risks for IGR, CVD and mortality are
      higher in the elderly with FPG>=5.3 mmol/L, which highlights the importance for
      the disease prevention in elder people with FPG 5.3 mmol/L or more.

PMID- 27143182
TI  - [The correlation between serum uric acid level and early-phase insulin secretion
      in subjects with normal glucose regulation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) level and
      early-phase insulin secretion in subjects with normal glucose regulation (NGR).
      METHODS: Totally 367 community NGR residents confirmed by a 75g oral glucose
      tolerance test were enrolled. The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and the
      early-phase insulin secretion index after a glucose load (DeltaI30/DeltaG30) were
      used to estimate the insulin sensitivity and the early-phase insulin secretion,
      respectively. The subjects were divided into 4 groups according to the SUA level
      quartiles. Differences in early-phase insulin levels, DeltaI30/DeltaG30, and HOMA
      IR were compared among the 4 groups. RESULTS: Age, BMI, waist circumference,
      systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting insulin (FINS), 30
      minutes postprandial insulin(30 minINS), 2 hours postprandial insulin(2hINS),
      HOMA-IR and TG levels increased across the rising categories of SUA levels, while
      the HDL-C was decreased across the SUA groups (P<0.01). The SUA level was
      positively correlated with age(r=0.157, P<0.01), BMI(r=0.262, P<0.01), waist
      circumference(r=0.372, P<0.01), systolic blood pressure(r=0.200, P<0.01),
      diastolic blood pressure(r=0.254, P<0.01), 30 minutes postprandial plasma
      glucose(r=0.118, P=0.023), FINS(r=0.249, P<0.01), 30minINS(r=0.189, P<0.01),
      2hINS(r=0.206, P<0.01), glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c, r=0.106, P=0.042), HOMA
      IR(r=0.244, P<0.01), TG(r=0.350, P<0.01), DeltaI30/DeltaG30(r=0.144, P<0.01), and
      negatively correlated with HDL-C level(r=-0.321, P<0.01). Multiple stepwise
      regression analysis showed that SUA(beta=0.292, P<0.01) and HOMA-IR(beta=29.821,
      P<0.01) were positively associated with DeltaI30/DeltaG30. CONCLUSION: SUA level
      is closely related with the early-phase insulin secretion in NGR subjects.

PMID- 27143183
TI  - [The effect of liraglutide in combination with human umbilical cord mesenchymal
      stem cells treatment on glucose metabolism and beta cell function in type 2
      diabetes mellitus].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of liraglutide (LIRA) in combination of
      umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in treating type 2 diabetes
      mellitus. METHODS: Eligibility criteria for subjects includes: type 2 diabetes
      mellitus with more than 10 years duration; having been treated with
      secretagogues, metformin and insulin in combination with LIRA for at least 6
      months; poor glycemic control [glycosylated hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c) 7%-10%].
      Totally, twelve patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: the
      group A (LIRA group, n=6) and the group B (LIRA+ hUC-MSCs group, n=6). The hUC
      MSCs were transplanted through infusing of 1*10(6) cells /kg via pancreatic
      artery directed by interventional radiology on the first day, and followed by
      infusing 1*10(6) cells /kg through peripheral vein on the eighth, the fifteenth
      and the twenty-second day sequentially. The control subjects were infused with
      saline. Both groups were treated with LIRA for 24 weeks at the same period.
      Fasting plasma glucose(FPG), 2h postprandial plasma glucose(2hPG) and HbA1c were
      measured. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)was performed. The early phase
      of C peptide(CP) secretion function(DeltaCP30/DeltaG30), the total amount of C
      peptide secretion function(AUCCP180)and Homeostasis model assessment of insulin
      resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. RESULTS: (1) The baseline FPG, 2hPG, HbA1c,
      DeltaCP30/DeltaG30, AUCCP180 and HOMA-IR were comparable between the two
      groups(P>0.05). (2) Compared with subjects in group A, FPG, 2hPG and HbA1c levels
      were significantly decreased in subjects in group B [(8.33+/-0.99) mmol/L vs
      (6.64+/-0.79)mmol/L, (13.85+/-0.86) mmol/L vs (8.65+/-1.12) mmol/L, (7.82+/
      0.31)% vs (6.82+/-0.53)%, P<0.05]. (3) Compared with group A, DeltaCP30/DeltaG30
      and AUCCP180 were significantly increased, and HOMA-IR was significantly
      decreased in group B(0.22+/-0.13 vs 0.70+/-0.38, 12.52+/-5.30 vs 21.16+/-3.17,
      9.46+/-4.88 vs 4.30+/-2.68, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: LIRA treatment in combination
      with hUC-MSCs improves glucose metabolism and the beta cell function in type 2
      diabetic patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01954147).

PMID- 27143184
TI  - [A preliminary exploration of low-dose semicoronal CT of the sacroiliac joints in
      the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of low-dose semicoronal computerized
      tomography (CT) of sacroiliac joints (SIJ) in the early diagnosis of ankylosing
      spondylitis (AS). METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with AS and had received
      axial CT examination of SIJs over the past 2 years were recruited. All of them
      simultaneously underwent a low-dose semicoronal CT of SIJs. The clinical data
      were recorded. Radiation dose was compared between low-dose CT and the previous
      conventional axial CT. Image quality of low-dose CT was assessed and correlation
      between image quality and weight or body mass index (BMI) was analyzed. CT images
      of the two groups were graded by modified New York criteria, the Lee criteria and
      the Innsbruck criteria. The kappa coefficient was used to assess the consistency
      of grading between the two groups. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were enrolled
      in this study. The effective dose (ED) of semicoronal SIJ CT was 3.37 mSv which
      was 49% lower than conventional axial CT (6.56 mSv). Lower dose had the potential
      protection of gonads. The quality of images in male patients with BMI<25 kg/m(2)
      and all female patients were good or excellent. There was a significant negative
      correlation between image quality and BMI (r=-0.746, P=0.000; r=-0.784, P=0.000;
      respectively). All patients were diagnosed as sacroiliitis by modified New York
      criteria and the grading of two groups was consistent. The consistency of grading
      between two groups was satisfactory no matter which classification criteria was
      used. (k=0.897 with Lee criteria; k=0.814 with Innsbruck criteria; P>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The radiation dose of semicoronal SIJ CT is significantly lower than
      that of the conventional axial CT with comparable efficacy of diagnosis.

PMID- 27143185
TI  - [The clinical, radiological and prognostic factor analysis of medullary
      infarction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and radiological features of medullary
      infarction (MI), and to compare the clinical characteristics of lateral medullary
      infarction (LMI) and medial medullary infarction (MMI). METHODS: Patients
      diagnosed as acute MI who were treated from January 2009 to December 2014 in
      Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, were retrospectively
      enrolled in the study and data were analyzed including risk factors, clinical
      features, laboratory findings, radiological characteristics, etiology and
      outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 62 cases of MI were enrolled with 48 cases of LMI
      and 14 cases of MMI , including 2 cases of bilateral MMI. The mean onset age of
      LMI and MMI was 60.2+/-12.3 and 56.9+/-14.2, respectively. The frequently
      affected location of LMI was the middle and upper part of medulla [40 cases
      (83.3%)]. The common symptoms and signs of LMI were dizzy (38 cases , 79.2%),
      sensory disturbance (33 cases , 68.8%), dysarthria ( 32 cases , 66.7%), dysphagia
      (30 cases , 62.5%), diminished pharyngeal reflex (30 cases, 62.5%), Horner's sign
      (29 cases, 60.4%), ataxia (26 cases, 54.2%) and nausea or vomiting (25 cases,
      52.1%). The frequently affected location of MMI was the upper part of medulla (13
      cases, 92.9%). The common symptoms and signs of MMI were motor dysfunction (12
      cases, 85.7%), sensory disturbances (11 cases, 78.6%), dizzy (10 cases, 71.4%)
      and dysarthria (10 cases, 71.4%). Infarctions caused by atherosclerosis were
      found in 35 cases of LMI (72.9%) and 12 cases of MMI (85.7%). Five cases (10.4%)
      of LMI died in hospital, while 1 case (7.1%) of MMI died in hospital. No lesion
      was found in 16 cases (25.8%) by MRI-DWI within the first 24 hours of onset.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study showes that the mean onset age of LMI is older than that
      of MMI. The lesion of LMI is frequently located in the upper and middle medulla,
      whereas the lesion of MMI is mostly in the upper medulla. The prognosis of LMI is
      worse than that of MMI. Atherosclerosis of the vertebral arteries is the
      predominant vascular pathology in MI.

PMID- 27143186
TI  - [The clinical and imaging features of 118 patients with spontaneous cerebral
      arterial dissections presenting with ischemic stroke].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and radiologic features of patients with
      spontaneous cerebral arterial dissections (CADs) presenting with ischemic stroke
      and to explore the effect of gender and age on those features. METHODS: Patients
      admitted to our stroke center diagnosed as ischemic stroke secondary to CADs from
      August 2008 to April 2015 were prospectively registered. Patients aged between 15
      to 80 years old, who had acute brain infarcts within the territory of a major
      cerebral artery affected by a dissection confirmed by the neuroradiological
      examinations, were enrolled in the study. The followings were the exclusion
      criteria: (1) there were any potential causes for the brain infarcts other than
      CADs; (2) CADs were the results of a definite cause; (3) the clinical data were
      incomplete. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were enrolled in the study with the
      mean age of (44.2+/-12.8) years old. There were 87 men (73.7%) and 67 patients
      (56.8%) aged under 45 years old. Smoking (41.5%), hypertension (25.4%) and
      hypercholesterolemia (21.2%) were the three leading risk factors for stroke.
      Hypercholesterolemia was more common in the male patients (25.3% vs 9.7%,
      P=0.021), whereas hypertension (39.2% vs 14.9%, P=0.005) and diabetes (25.5% vs
      4.5%, P=0.002) were more common in the patients aged 45 years or older. Headache
      or neck pain before or at the onset of stroke was more common in the female
      patients (67.7% vs 34.5%, P=0.002). A total of 71 patients were found with CADs
      of the anterior circulation, while 47 patients with that of the posterior
      circulation. The involvement of the intra and extracranial arteries were
      documented in 59 and 59 patients, respectively. The middle cerebral artery (MCA)
      was the most common site in the intracranial dissection and more MCA dissections
      were observed in the male patients (46.3% vs 11.1%, P=0.016). The dissection of
      intracranial carotid artery was more common in patients aged under 45 years old
      (38.7% vs 0, P<0.001). Lumen status of CADs often presented as stenosis (43.2%)
      and occlusion (41.2%), while less aneurysm (5.9%) and aneurysm with stenosis
      (9.3%) were observed. Aneurysm was found to be more common in patients aged 45
      years or older (11.8% vs 1.5%, P=0.042). CONCLUSION: Chinese patients with
      spontaneous CADs presenting with ischemic stroke have unique clinical and imaging
      features, which correlated with age and gender.

PMID- 27143187
TI  - [A long-term follow-up results of Enterprise stent in treatment of severe
      symptomatic basilar artery atherosclerotic stenosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Enterprise stent in the
      treatment of severe symptomatic basilar artery atherosclerosis stenosis. METHODS:
      All patients who underwent Enterprise stent for the treatment of symptomatic
      basilar artery atherosclerotic stenosis in our center from Nov. 2011 to Nov. 2014
      were enrolled in the study. Preoperative and postoperative dual antiplatelet
      drugs and intensive lipid-lowering therapy were given to all the patients. Multi
      modality imaging guiding for stent angioplasty was performed in all the patients,
      including head MRI or CT, CT or MRI perfusion, high resolution MRI for plaque
      analysis and angiography. Angiography after 6 months was recommended. The main
      outcome parameters were any stroke or death within 30 days, stroke recurrence in
      the basilar artery blood supply area during the follow-up period and in-stent
      restenosis. RESULTS: A total of 35 cases were enrolled in the study with
      operation technical success rate of 100%. The average preoperative and
      postoperative stenosis rate was (83.0+/-10.1)% and (28.1+/-8.9)%. The main
      perioperative complication and mortality rate was 0. The average follow-up period
      was (10.6+/-7.9) months. During follow-up period, only 2 cases (5.7%) of TIA
      related to the stented artery were observed. In patients with follow-up period
      more than 6 months, 17 cases (56.7%) underwent cerebral angiography. Restenosis
      rate was 17.6%. One patient with in-stent restenosis suffered from transient
      cerebral ischemia and received another Enterprise stenting successfully.
      CONCLUSION: Long term follow-up results show that Enterprise stent for the
      treatment of symptomatic basilar artery severe stenosis is safe and recurrence of
      stroke can be prevented effectively.

PMID- 27143188
TI  - [The expression of beta-tubulin gene in myelodysplastic syndrome evoluting to
      leukemia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Based on our previous established cohort of myelodysplastic syndrome
      (MDS), we investigated the potential effect of beta-tubulin(TUBB) gene in the
      transformation of MDS into acute leukemia. METHODS: From our nested case-control
      study cohort of MDS patients, we chose 11 paired transformed and non-transformed
      MDS patients. TUBB gene expression was tested by quantitative real-time PCR. TUBB
      siRNA transfection was used to down-regulate TUBB gene expression in SKM-1 cell
      line. The function of TUBB gene in SKM-1 cell line was evaluated by cell
      proliferation, soft agar clone formation and electron microscope. RESULTS: TUBB
      gene expression in MDS patients in transformed group were significantly higher
      than that in control group (2.91+/-0.41 vs 0.90+/-0.23, P<0.01). After TUBB-siRNA
      transfection, A450/630nm of SKM-1 cells at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h were 0.299+/
      0.045, 0.526+/-0.034 and 0.652+/-0.035, respectively, which were significantly
      decreased than those in negative-siRNA group(0.438+/-0.074, 0.858+/-0.064 and
      0.974+/-0.044)(P<0.05). Soft agar clone formation in TUBB-siRNA group was (7.0+/
      0.2)%, which was significantly reduced than that of negative-siRNA group (25.0+/
      0.2)% (P<0.01). Electron microscope showed significant apoptotic signs in TUBB
      siRNA group, including vacuoles in cytoplasm and karyorrhexis. CONCLUSION: Our
      results indicate that TUBB gene may play a role in the transformation of MDS into
      acute leukemia by affecting the proliferation of malignant clones.

PMID- 27143189
TI  - [Effects of different carbohydrates on the simulation of human intestinal
      bacterial flora with in vitro culture].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the optimal growth condition of human fecal bacterial
      flora in vitro by comparing the effect of different carbohydrates as cultural
      media. METHODS: Three fecal samples (1, 2, 3) were collected and inoculated into
      a single-stage chemostat system, in which starch medium (VI) and starch
      polysaccharide medium(XP) were used. Samples were collected for bacterial genomic
      DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) analysis. Bacterial composition and short chain fatty
      acid (SCFA) were then analyzed. RESULTS: The single stage chemostat system
      reached steady after operating 8 days, when evaluated by the PCR-DGGE. Bacterial
      16s rRNA high-throughput sequencing showed that the intestinal bacteria of these
      three volunteers was mainly composed of four bacterial phyla, namely,
      Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. When the influence
      of bacterial abundance was considered, the similarity of bacterial composition
      between the original fecal samples to the harvested flora after culture was
      0.847, 0.825, 0.968 in VI medium and 0.927, 0.926, 0.836 in XP medium,
      respectively. The similarity was decreased to 0.553, 0.580, 0.623 with VI medium
      and 0.617, 0.520, 0.574 with XP medium, when the number of bacterial species was
      considered. The variation of host individual also influenced the simulation. VI
      medium favored fecal sample 3, while XP medium more benefited sample 1 and 2.
      Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae_incertae_sedis grew in both VI and XP medium.
      However, some species were only detected in VI medium and some were specifically
      found in the XP medium. The SCFA concentration in fermenters was 15-35 mmol/L,
      mainly propionate and butyrate. CONCLUSIONS: The chemostat system works for
      stimulating human gut bacterial flora in vitro. The bacterial composition is
      affected by different carbohydrate in the culture medium yet with close
      simulation higher than 80%.

PMID- 27143190
TI  - [The clinical manifestations and thrombotic risk factors in primary
      antiphospholipid syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics in patients with primary
      antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and to identify potential predictors of
      thrombotic events. METHODS: A total of 107 patients with PAPS were enrolled in
      our study, who were admitted in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from
      January 2004 to December 2014. Demographic data, age at onset, disease duration,
      past history of hypertension and regular cigarette smoking, clinical
      manifestations, imaging characteristics, management and prognosis were
      retrospectively collected. Bivariate statistical analysis and logistical
      regression test were performed to compare the discrepancy between patients with
      or without thromboembolic events. RESULTS: In 107 patients, there were 65 female
      and 42 male patients, with mean age (39.8+/-15.8) years old, median disease
      duration 10.5 (2.0, 48.0) months. A total of 72(67.3%) patients reported episodes
      of thromboembolic events, including 72 venous thromboses and 29 arterial
      thromboses. The most frequent venous thromboses were deep vein thromboses
      (35.5%), pulmonary embolism the second common (29.9%), with cranial venous sinus
      thromboses the following (8.4%). In arterial thromboembolic events, the incidence
      of transient ischemic attack (TIA) and ischemic stoke was the highest(14.0%),
      embolism of lower extremities the second (6.5%), and 4 patients (3.7%) with acute
      myocardial infarction. Sixty seven patients(62.6%)had positive lupus
      anticoagulant, 60 patients(56.1%)with positive anticardiolipin antibody, 32
      patients(29.9%, 32/74) with positive beta2 glycoprotein I(beta2GPI). Forty
      patients(37.4%)had double positive antibodies, while 19 cases(17.8%)with triple
      positive. In logistical regression, aging (per 10 years) and hypocomplementemia
      were significantly related to venous thrombosis (OR=1.421, 95%CI 1.066-1.894,
      P<0.05, and OR=6.435, 95%CI 1.374-30.130, P<0.05, respectively). Cigarette
      smoking and triple positive antibodies were independent risk factors of arterial
      thrombosis (OR=3.996, 95%CI 1.079-14.795, P<0.05 and OR=3.166, 95%CI 1.102-9.097,
      P<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: APS is an autoimmune disorder characterized by
      recurrent arterial and venous thromboembolic events. Venous thromboembolism is
      more common than the arterial. Age and hypocomplementemia are predictors of
      venous thromboembolism; while smoking and triple positive antibodies are
      independent risk factors of arterial thromboembolism.

PMID- 27143191
TI  - Diaphragmatic Hernia After Liver Transplant in Children: Report of 2 Cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Diaphragmatic hernia is a rare complication after pediatric liver
      transplant. This report presents occurrences of diaphragmatic hernia after living
      donor liver transplants in 2 children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 1 of the 2
      patients, a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia developed after a living-donor liver
      transplant due to progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis where a left
      lateral segment graft was used. In the other patient, a left-sided diaphragmatic
      hernia developed after a living-donor liver transplant due to biliary atresia
      following Kasai portoenterostomy where a left lateral segment graft was used.
      RESULTS: After diaphragm repair, the postoperative course was uneventful and
      there were no recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: A literature review identified nearly 30
      cases of diaphragmatic hernia following liver transplants; diaphragmatic hernia
      should be considered a potential surgical complication after liver transplant.

PMID- 27143192
TI  - Effects of academic exam stress on nasal leukotriene B4 and vascular endothelial
      growth factor in asthma and health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of final exam stress on the concentrations of
      leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the upper
      airways among healthy and asthmatic individuals. METHOD: Nasal samples were
      collected from 12 individuals with asthma and 23 healthy controls early and late
      in a final exam period, and during a low-stress period in the semester. We
      determined LTB4 and VEGF concentrations using Enzyme-Linked Immunoassays.
      RESULTS: Mixed effects analysis of variance models showed that asthmatic
      participants with allergies in contrast to healthy individuals experienced a
      decrease in nasal LTB4 during the final exam period as compared to mid-semester
      (low stress period). There were no significant changes in nasal VEGF across the
      observation period. Changes in nasal LTB4 and VEGF were not associated with
      salivary cortisol, exhaled nitric oxide, or spirometric lung function.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that nasal LTB4 concentrations change in periods
      of psychological stress for asthmatic individuals with allergies.

PMID- 27143193
TI  - Cognitive endophenotypes of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and intra
      subject variability in patients with autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
      (ADHD) have previously been studied mainly in isolation from each other. However
      the two conditions may be aetiologically related and thus show overlap in
      aetiologically relevant functions. In order to address this question of potential
      aetiological overlap between ADHD and ASD, the present study set out to
      investigate putative endophenotypes of ADHD in N=33 typically developing (TD)
      children and N=28 patients with ASD that were (ASD+) or were not (ASD-) co-morbid
      for ADHD. With regard to both the cognitive endophenotype candidates (working
      memory, inhibition, temporal processing) and intra-subject variability (ISV) the
      pattern of abnormalities was inconsistent. Furthermore, the overall profile of
      ASD-TD differences was extremely similar to the pattern of differences between
      the ASD+ and ASD- sub-groups, suggesting that any abnormalities found were due to
      the comorbid ASD subgroup. This held in particular for ISV, which did not show in
      patients with ASD the task-general increase that is common in ADHD samples.
      Altogether, the present results do not support the hypothesis of aetiological
      overlap between ASD and ADHD.

PMID- 27143194
TI  - What factors affect discordance between physicians and patients in the global
      assessment of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the level of agreement between patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) and physicians in the global assessment of disease activity and to
      explore factors influencing their discordance. METHODS: A total of 4368 patients
      with RA were analyzed from the KORean Observational study Network for Arthritis
      (KORONA) database. Patients were divided into four subgroups according to
      difference from their physicians in the assessment of disease activity by
      substracting physician's visual analog scale (VAS) from patient's VAS as follows:
      positive discordance group I (10 mm <= discordance <25 mm), positive discordance
      group II (>=25 mm), concordance (<|10| mm), and negative discordance (<= -10mm).
      Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors
      associated with discordance. RESULTS: Only 1350 (29.2%) patients were classified
      in the concordance group. Positive discordance was found in 52.3% of the patients
      (n = 2425), with 33.7% (n = 1563) showing marked discordance (>=25 mm). The high
      disease activity (OR =1.41), gastrointestinal (GI) disease (OR =1.28), pain (OR
      =1.12), fatigue (OR =1.07) were consistently associated with positive
      discordance. CONCLUSION: More than half of patients with RA thought their disease
      more severe than their physicians. In addition to high disease activity, pain,
      fatigue, and sleep disturbance or GI disease were associated with the discordance
      between physicians and patients with RA.

PMID- 27143195
TI  - Morphological features of the fibula in Jomon hunter-gatherers from the shell
      mounds of the Pacific coastal area.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Jomon, one of the ancestral populations of modern Japanese, were
      hunter-gatherers inhabiting the Japanese archipelago from 11,000 to 300 BC. We
      evaluated changes in the diaphyseal morphology of the fibula from the middle to
      the final phase of the Jomon period, compared to the morphology of other
      historical and modern populations from the Japanese archipelago, to elucidate
      temporal changes in habitual activities and possible division of labor among
      males and females. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Jomon specimens of 107 males and 97
      females were obtained from the shell mounds of the Pacific coastal area of East
      Japan, distinguishing between middle (3,000-2,000 BC) and late-final (2,000-300
      BC) phases of the Jomon period. Mid-shaft morphology of the fibula and tibia were
      compared to morphological measurements of specimens from Yayoi (37 males, 28
      females), medieval (56 males, 56 females), early modern (51 males, 50 females),
      and modern (125 males, 68 females) periods. RESULT: Largest values of fibular
      areas and relative fibular-to-tibial areas were identified in males from the late
      final Jomon phase, compared to the middle Jomon phase and after the Yayoi period.
      These period-specific differences in fibular area were smaller in females, with
      the largest between-sex difference identified in the late-final Jomon phase.
      DISCUSSION: Results confirm a change in the habitual activity pattern of males in
      the late-final phase. Males of the late-final Jomon phase likely did more long
      distance traveling to the inland/mountainous region, as part of an ecological
      change that occurred during the middle to the late-final Jomon phase. Am J Phys
      Anthropol 160:708-718, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27143196
TI  - High water content in primitive continental flood basalts.
AB  - As the main constituent of large igneous provinces, the generation of continental
      flood basalts (CFB) that are characterized by huge eruption volume (>10(5) km(3))
      within short time span (<1-3 Ma) is in principle caused by an abnormally high
      temperature, extended decompression, a certain amount of mafic source rocks
      (e.g., pyroxenite), or an elevated H2O content in the mantle source. These four
      factors are not mutually exclusive. There are growing evidences for high
      temperature, decompression and mafic source rocks, albeit with hot debate.
      However, there is currently no convincing evidence of high water content in the
      source of CFB. We retrieved the initial H2O content of the primitive CFB in the
      early Permian Tarim large igneous province (NW China), using the H2O content of
      ten early-formed clinopyroxene (cpx) crystals that recorded the composition of
      the primitive Tarim basaltic melts and the partition coefficient of H2O between
      cpx and basaltic melt. The arc-like H2O content (4.82 +/- 1.00 wt.%) provides the
      first clear evidence that H2O plays an important role in the generation of CFB.

PMID- 27143197
TI  - Structure and transformation of tactoids in cellulose nanocrystal suspensions.
AB  - Cellulose nanocrystals obtained from natural sources are of great interest for
      many applications. In water, cellulose nanocrystals form a liquid crystalline
      phase whose hierarchical structure is retained in solid films after drying.
      Although tactoids, one of the most primitive components of liquid crystals, are
      thought to have a significant role in the evolution of this phase, they have
      evaded structural study of their internal organization. Here we report the
      capture of cellulose nanocrystal tactoids in a polymer matrix. This method allows
      us to visualize, for the first time, the arrangement of cellulose nanocrystals
      within individual tactoids by electron microscopy. Furthermore, we can follow the
      structural evolution of the liquid crystalline phase from tactoids to iridescent
      layered films. Our insights into the early nucleation events of cellulose
      nanocrystals give important information about the growth of cholesteric liquid
      crystalline phases, especially for cellulose nanocrystals, and are crucial for
      preparing photonics-quality films.

PMID- 27143199
TI  - Comparative study of biological activities and multicomponent pattern of two wild
      Turkish species: Asphodeline anatolica and Potentilla speciosa.
AB  - The multicomponent pattern and biological characterization of plant material are
      essential for pharmaceutical field, in the food supplements quality control
      procedures and to all plant-based products. These nutrients often show valuable
      effects related to their consumption due to the occurrence of secondary
      metabolites that show useful properties on health. In this framework, researches
      performed on this topic play a central role for human health and drug development
      process. The aim of this study was to compare phenolics and free anthraquinones
      multicomponent pattern of two wild Turkish species: Asphodeline anatolica and
      Potentilla speciosa using validated high-performance liquid chromatography
      photogiode array (HPLC-PDA) assays, coupled to biological evaluation. Even if
      some variances related to biological and enzymatic inhibition activities can be
      ascribed to other phytochemicals, the reported data support traditional use of
      Asphodeline anatolica and Potentilla speciosa roots as valuable natural font for
      the development of novel natural-derived drug formulations and/or food
      supplements with health and nutritional benefits.

PMID- 27143200
TI  - [Overview of new progresses in neurointervention: promise and problems].
AB  - In recent two years, new reports about concepts, technologies, materials, and
      especially new clinical trial results for endovascular treatment of
      cerebrovascular diseases, has provided tremendous promise for further progress.
      Mechanical thrombectomy becomes a guideline-recommended therapy for acute
      ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion, which is considered as a
      landmark event. The superiority of endovascular coiling over neurosurgical
      clipping has been further proved for intracranial aneurysm. New devices are
      constantly developing for aneurysm occlusion. For brain arteriovenous
      malformation, application of detachable-tip microcatheters improves safety of
      embolization procedure, and successful transvenous embolization has been also
      achieved in a few cases. Long-term result of carotid stenting for symptomatic
      patients has been proved to be noninferior to carotid endarterectomy. Meanwhile,
      some new trials only obtain negative results, for example, endovascular stenting
      for intracranial or vertebral artery stenosis both show worse outcomes compared
      with medical therapy alone. More advancements and investigations are needed. 

PMID- 27143201
TI  - [Clinical analysis of difficult intraarterial mechanical thrombectomy in patients
      with acute ischemic stroke].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the causes and strategy of difficult intraarterial
      mechanical thrombectomy (>=3 times) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
      METHODS: The clinical data of 8 cases of AIS with thrombectomy >=3 times admitted
      in Department of Neurology, the 306(th) Hospital of People's Liberation Army from
      June to October in 2015 was analyzed retrospectively. There were 7 male and 1
      female patients, aged from 38 to 86 years with an average age of (70+/-15) years,
      in which 5 cases were cardiogenic cerebral embolism and 3 cases were large artery
      atherosclerotic infarction. The National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS)
      score (M (QR)) was 16 (12) before procedure and modified thrombolysis in cerebral
      infarction (mTICI)score were 0 in all the patients. Solitaire AB was used in
      thrombectomy in the occlusion of the arteries. RESULTS: The causes of difficult
      intraarterial thrombectomy included multiple thrombus, tortuosity in vascular
      paths, guiding catheter being placed below the internal carotid artery siphon
      leading to weak strength of suction and support of stent, embolus dropping in the
      thrombectomy and inadequate anesthesia. After successful thrombectomy 3 cases had
      mTICI score of 2a, 4 cases of 2b, 1 case of 3. The NIHSS score was 5 (24) at
      7(th) day after treatment. At the 90-day follow-up 5 patients had good prognosis
      (modified Rankin score 0 to 2) and 3 had disability (modified Rankin score 3 to
      4). CONCLUSION: Cases of AIS with difficult intraarterial thrombectomy can be
      treated by improving thrombectomy materials and technique, reasonable anesthesia
      and perioperative medication in decision-making strategy.

PMID- 27143202
TI  - [Mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire AB device in acute ischemic stroke of
      posterior circulation: a series of 17 cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy with
      the Solitaire AB device in recanalization of patients with acute ischemic stroke
      of posterior circulation. METHODS: The clinical data of 17 consecutive patients
      with acute ischemic stroke of posterior circulation, treated with the Solitaire
      AB device from August 2011 to August 2015 in Department of Neurosurgery, the
      Military General Hospital of Beijing People's Liberation Army, were extracted and
      then retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 male and 5 female patients with a
      median age of 60 years (ranging from 44 to 75 years). Among them, 8 cases
      occluded in basilar artery, 4 cases occluded in vertebral artery and 5 cases
      occluded in vertebral plus basilar artery. Recanalization rate as well as
      complications after treatment were analysized. Also, neurological functions of
      the patients before and after treatment, measured by National Institute of Health
      stroke scale (NIHSS) score, were compared via t test and the clinical outcomes
      were assessed by modified Rankin score (mRS) at 90 days after treatment. RESULTS:
      Fifteen patients resulted in successfully recanalization, and 2 cases failed both
      of whose onset to sheath time were above 7.5 hours. The NIHSS score at 7 days was
      11+/-10, which was significantly decreased compared to the admission NIHSS score
      17+/-5 (t=2.949, P=0.009). No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage case was found
      after thrombectomy. At 90 days, one patient died(mRS 6), one patient seriously
      disabled (mRS 5), two patients moderately seriously disabled (mRS 4), four
      patients resulted in moderate outcome (mRS 3) and the other 9 patients achieved
      good outcome (mRS 0 to 2). The dead and seriously disabled cases were both due to
      failure in recanalization. Two moderately seriously disabled cases were probably
      attributed to their severe admission condition (NIHSS >20) and prolonged time
      (onset to sheath time >6 hours). CONCLUSION: Mechanical thrombectomy with the
      Solitaire AB device contributes to a high rate of recanalization with a low
      probability of complication and improves functional outcome in patients with
      acute ischemic stroke of posterior circulation.

PMID- 27143203
TI  - [Treatment of cranial-cervical aneurysms with stent-graft: 20 cases report with
      short-term follow-up].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of cranial-cervical aneurysms
      with stent-graft. METHODS: Clinical data of 20 patients with cranial-cervical
      aneurysm treated with stent-graft in Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital,
      Fourth Military Medical University from November 2006 to November 2015 were
      retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 male and 5 female patients with a mean
      age of 40 years (ranging from 22 to 67 years). There were 10 spontaneous cases, 5
      trauma history cases and 5 surgery history cases. Postoperative follow-up were
      made by telephone, CT angiography or digital subtraction angiography, evaluating
      therapeutic effect. RESULTS: Twenty-four stent-grafts placement were carried out
      in 20 patients and all of them were successfully deployed in the parent artery.
      Intraoperative stent malapposition induced endoleak occurred in 3 cases,
      incomplete coverage of distal stent segment in 2 cases, acute thrombosis in 1
      case and vessel lesion in 1 case. Eighteen cases were radiographically cured
      while the other 2 cases improved through additional stent placement, coil
      embolization or artery thrombolysis. Clinical symptoms of post-operative patients
      were improved to varying degrees. Follow-up of 1 to 96 months (average of 19
      months) were accomplished. Delayed parent artery occlusion were encountered in 2
      cases while endoleak still existed in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Application of stent
      graft for cranial-cervical aneurysms is safe and effective and the short-term
      follow-up results are satisfied.

PMID- 27143204
TI  - [Endovascular treatment of ruptured aneurysms located at anterior communicating
      artery complex: a sixty-six cases report].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the endovascular treatments for the ruptured aneurysms
      located at anterior communicating artery complex (ACoAC). METHODS: The data of
      patients with ruptured ACoAC aneurysms treated in Department of Neurosurgery,
      First Affiliated Hospital to Fourth Military Medical University from May 2013 to
      December 2014 was retrospectively analyzed. Sixty-six cases were recruited
      including 50 male and 16 female patients. The patients aged from 31 to 69 years
      old, averaging (51+/-8) years. The Hunt-Hess grade at admission were 13 cases
      with grade I, 36 cases with grade II, 11 cases with grade III, and 6 cases with
      grade IV. The most diameter of aneurysms sac: 14 cases less than or equal to 3
      mm, 36 cases more than 3 mm but less than or equal to 7 mm, and 16 cases more
      than 7 mm. The height diameter/neck width ratio: 8 cases with absolute wide neck,
      50 cases with relatively wide neck, and 8 cases with narrow neck. There were 28
      cases underwent single micro-catheter embolization, 18 cases underwent double
      micro-catheters embolization, 14 cases underwent stent-assisted embolization and
      6 cases underwent balloon-assisted embolization. The patients were followed up
      for 6 to 12 months and evaluated by modified Rankin score (mRS) and digital
      subtraction angiography (DSA). The ratio of total embolization, recurrence rate,
      and time from operation to reexamination of four groups managed by different
      endovascular treatment were compared by chi(2) test or F test. RESULTS: Sixty
      cases were totally embolized, 3 cases subtotally embolized, 3 cases incompletely
      embolized. Mild hemiparalysis and aphasia occurred in 2 cases, and 1 case died of
      infarction induced by subarachnoid haemorrhage. The mRS at six months after
      operation were 0 in 31 cases, 1 in 22 cases, 2 in 8 cases, 3 in 2 cases, 4 in 2
      cases, 6 in 1 case. All the included cases reexamined the DSA at averaging (7.5+/
      1.0) month post-operatively and 4 cases recurred. There were not significant
      differences of the ratio of total embolization, recurrence rate, time from
      operation to reexamination among four groups (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The
      endovascular treatment maybe an ideal management for ruptured ACoAC aneurysms.

PMID- 27143205
TI  - [Only overlapping stents therapy for intracranial vertebral artery dissection
      aneurysms].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, clinical, and angiographic follow
      up of only overlapping stents therapy for intracranial vertebral artery
      dissection aneurysms (VADA). METHODS: Eight consecutive patients (6 men, 2 women;
      mean age 46.8 years ranging from 34 to 62 years) with intracranial VADA admitted
      to Department of Neurology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital
      from June 2008 to June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were
      diagnosed intracranial VADA by MRI or digital subtraction angiography (DSA). All
      patients were treated by only overlapping stents therapy under general
      anesthesia. In the endovascular treatment process 2 to 3 Solitaire, Neuroform or
      Wingspan self-expandable stents were overlapping implanted in the segment of the
      aneurysms. All patients received routine antiplatelet therapy before and after
      endovascular treatment. RESULTS: The operative procedures were succeeded in all
      patients. Eight patients were implanted 18 stents (2 patients, 3 stents; 6
      patients, 2 stents). The stents were located accurately and implanted smoothly,
      none perioperative complications occurred. All patients lived and worked normally
      and had no recurrent symptoms on follow-up of 6 to 48 months. All patients
      performed DSA reexamination on follow-up. The aneurysm blocked in 2 patients, the
      size lessened in 2 patients, and the size had no change in 3 patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Only overlapping stents therapy for treating intracranial VADA is
      feasible and has good operation safety. Preliminary follow-up results show that
      it can reduce the probability of thrombosis or hemorrhage and can improve the
      patients' life quality.

PMID- 27143206
TI  - [Endovascular reconstructive treatment of vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms by
      multiple overlapping stents with or without coils].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility, safety and efficacy of endovascular
      reconstructive treatment by multiple overlapping stents with or without coils.
      METHODS: Totally 17 patients of vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms treated by
      multiple overlapping stents with or without coils between September 2011 and
      September 2015 in Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital were
      retrospectively reviewed. There were 15 male and 2 female patients with mean age
      of (47+/-13) years. Clinical manifestations included subarachnoid hemorrhage in 5
      patients, cerebral ischemia or infarction in the posterior circulation in 5
      patients, mass effect accompanied with brainstem infarction in 1 patients,
      headache or dizziness in 4, and incidental findings in 2 patients. Aneurysm
      located in intracranial vertebral artery in 11 patients, vertebrobasilar junction
      in 2 patients, and basilar trunk in 4 patients. Mean aneurysmal size was 18.5
      mm*8.0 mm(length*width). RESULTS: Sole stenting with overlapping stents was
      performed in 8 patients, and overlapping stents with coils was applied in 9
      patients. Post-procedural hemorrhage occurred in a patient with a giant basilar
      trunk fusiform aneurysm and led to death. The 16 surviving patients were
      clinically followed up for a mean of 21.1 months. One patient had a modified
      Rankin score of 4, and the other patients had a good recovery. Among 15 patients
      with a mean angiographic follow-up of 8.6 months, 9 patients had their aneurysms
      further thrombosed, 3 patients were stable, and 3 patients with a recurred
      aneurysm. Final complete occlusion was achieved in 7 patients. CONCLUSION:
      Reconstructive treatment by overlapping stents with or without coils is feasible
      and relative safe in vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms.

PMID- 27143207
TI  - [Pretemporal transcavernous approach tailored surgery of cavernous sinus tumors:
      a consecutive series of 31 cases report].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the indications of the pretemporal transcavernous
      approach for cavernous sinus tumors resection and design individually tailored
      surgery according to the extent of tumors and operation requirements. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis of clinical data, surgical outcomes and complications in a
      series of 31 cases with cavernous sinus tumor operated via the individually
      tailored pretemporal transcavernous approach between May 2012 and September 2015
      in Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. There
      were 13 male and 18 female patients, aging from 17 to 67 years with a mean of
      (41+/-14) years. The patients included 18 cases of shwannomas, 4 cases of
      meningiomas, 3 cases of cavernous hemangiomas, 2 cases of invasive pituitary
      adenomas, 1 case of chordoma, 1 case of chondroma, 1 case of recurrent teratoma,
      1 case of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The first followed-up visit was on
      the 3(rd) month after surgery, and if tumor progression or recurrence was
      observed on MRI, the Gamma knife treatment was recommended, the patient was
      followed up every 6 months, otherwise the patient was followed up again 6 months
      later, then, every 12 months. RESULTS: Gross total removal of tumors was achieved
      in 22 cases of 31 patients (71.0%), containing 17 cases of shwannomas, 3 cases of
      hemangiomas, 1 case of chondroma, 1 case of teratoma; subtotal removal in 6 cases
      (19.3%), including 3 cases of meningiomas, 1 case of pituitary adenoma, 1 case of
      chordoma, 1 case of metastatic carcinoma; partial removal in 3 cases (9.7%),
      comprising 1 case of meningioma, 1 case of recurrent shwannoma, 1 case of
      recurrent pituitary adenoma. The symptoms of cranial never aggravated in 5 cases,
      the new postoperative cranial never palsy was observed in 7 cases. There was no
      surgical mortality, intracranial hematoma, intracranial infection and
      cerebrospinal fluid leakage cases, ect. Twenty-eight cases were followed up for
      more than 3 months (3 to 40 months), 1 case of chordoma had tumor progression;
      the nerve function was restored in 5 cases, among the 12 cases with
      postoperatively new occurred or deteriorated cranial nerve paralysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The pretemporal transcavernous approach can be used to resect tumors
      limited in cavernous sinus or tumors simultaneously involving the cavernous sinus
      and its vicinity areas, it can be individually tailored based on the extent and
      exposure of the tumor. This approach can improve the surgical results in terms of
      high tumor resection rate, less complication, is an ideal approach for cavernous
      sinus tumor resection.

PMID- 27143208
TI  - [Therapy of the neurosurgical postoperative culture negative meningitis by using
      external lumbar drainage combined with empirical antibiotics treatment].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the curative effect of external lumbar drainage combined
      with empirical antibiotics treatment on the postoperative culture negative
      meningitis. METHODS: The clinical data of eighty post-operative meningitis
      patients with cerebrospinal fluid culture negative were retrospectively analyzed
      according to inclusive and exclusive criteria from January 2013 to December 2014
      in Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital. All patients were
      composed of 45 male cases and 35 female cases, aging from 9 to 72 years. All
      patients were divided into two groups according to receiving the different
      treatment: one group only receiving a intravenously empirical antibiotics
      treatment (n=40), another group receiving a combined therapy of external lumbar
      drainage and intravenously empirical antibiotics treatment (n=40). The volume of
      drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were set up from 200 to 300 ml per day.
      There was no difference in the dosage and interval of the same antibiotics
      between two groups. The antibiotics usage and therapeutic effect of two groups of
      patients were observed and analyzed by t-test, Wilcoxon rank test or chi(2) test.
      RESULTS: The rate of CSF bacterial culture negative was 62.9% (88/140) in the
      same period. In group of empirical antibiotics treatment, the time of antibiotics
      treatment was (12.6+/-3.1) days, the rate of combined with other antibiotics
      treatment was 40.0% (16/40), the rate of mortality was 15.0% (6/40). However, in
      group of external lumbar drainage combined with empirical antibiotics treatment,
      the 3 data were (5.3+/-1.2) days, 10.0% (4/40), 7.5% (3/40), respectively. The
      time of antibiotics of the group of empirical antibiotics was longer (t=3.605,
      P=0.017), while the rate of combined antibiotics and the rate of mortality were
      lower (chi(2)=3.971, P=0.035; chi(2)=4.136, P=0.027, respectively). The average
      drainage time was (5.8+/-1.5) days, 32 patients gained a complete healing only by
      their first placement, 5 cases need replacement because of occlusion or drainage
      time more than 14 days. There were no recurrence cases after 3 months' follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: The method of external lumbar drainage combined with empirical
      antibiotics treatment can significantly reduce the dosage and course of
      antibiotics treatment. It is a simple, safe, efficacious method for the treatment
      of neurosurgical postoperative bacterial culture negative meningitis.

PMID- 27143209
TI  - [Surgical experience on Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy after local pancreatic
      head resection for benign tumors of the pancreatic head].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy after local
      pancreatic head resection in treating benign tumors of pancreatic head (BTPH).
      METHODS: The clinical data of 12 patients diagnosed as BTPH and treated by Roux
      en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy after local pancreatic head resection in Department
      of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital from November 2006 to
      October 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.Of the 12 cases, 5 patients were male,
      7 patients were female, the age of patients ranged from 21 to 64 years(average
      42.3 years). Diameter of tumors was 3.0-4.8 cm.Diameter of pancreatic wound after
      resection was 5.1-7.9 cm, and main pancreatic duct injury happened in 1 case.
      RESULTS: Two cases of mucinous cystadenoma, 2 insulinoma, 3 solid pseudopapillary
      tumor and 4 nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors were confirmed
      histopathologically.No mortality and pancreatic leakage occurred during the
      perioperative period.All the 12 patients had no sign of recurrence.Experienced
      good life quality without occurrence of diabetes during the follow-up period of
      24-108 months(more than 60 months in 4 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Roux-en-Y
      pancreaticojejunostomy after local pancreatic head resection is a reasonable
      choice for benign tumors of the pancreatic head as long as the patient is
      properly selected.

PMID- 27143210
TI  - [Effect of aorta-iliac bypass total thoracoabdominal aorta aneurysm repair to
      spinal cord function].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of aorta-iliac bypass total thoracoabdominal
      aorta aneurysm repair to spinal cord function. METHODS: This was a prospective
      study. From June 2014 to April 2015, 31 patients underwent total thoracoabdominal
      aorta aneurysm repair were treated with aorta-iliac bypass technique. There were
      23 male and 8 female patients with a mean age of (36+/-12) years. A 4-branched
      tetrafurcate graft was used. The aorta-iliac bypass was established, then distal
      descending aorta was perfused in a retrograde fashion via bypass graft. Thoracic
      and abdominal aorta were replaced in a staged fashion. Evoked potentials (EP)
      monitoring was adopted to assess the spinal cord ischemia throughout the
      procedure. The intraoperative evoked potentials results, clinical outcomes and
      follow-up results of this technique were evaluated. RESULTS: The EP wave
      disappeared after proximal descending aorta clamped and gradually recovered after
      the patent segmental arteries reattached. Motor evoked potentials disappeared for
      (56+/-18) minutes, somatosensory evoked potentials disappeared for (50+/-19)
      minutes. The EP wave was restored to normal at the end of operation in all cases.
      The somatosensory evoked potentials remained unchanged in 2 cases (false
      negative). One case died after operation. There were acute kidney dysfunction in
      3 cases, and pulmonary haemorrhage in 1 case. No spinal cord injure occurred. The
      median follow-up after operation was 8 months (ranging from 1 to 11 months).
      There was no delayed neurologic deficit or relative death. CONCLUSIONS: There is
      a transient function loss of spinal cord during the aorta-iliac bypass total
      thoracoabdominal aorta aneurysm repair. But the process is reversible. The
      technique of the aorta-iliac bypass is practicable.

PMID- 27143211
TI  - [Analysis of complications in 61 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the reason and treatment of the complications of 61 cases
      of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in order to improve survival rate
      of ECMO treatment. METHODS: ECMO records from January 2007 to December 2014 in
      Shanghai Chest Hospital were investigated retrospectively focusing on
      complications. There were included 43 male and 18 female patients, age 3 to 66
      years. Indications for ECMO included post-operative low cardiac output, viral
      myocarditis, bridge to heart transplantation, acute respiratory distress syndrome
      and myocardial infarction. There were 49 cases of veno-arterial ECMO and 12 cases
      of veno-venous ECMO. RESULTS: ECMO duration was 2 to 61 days. Among 43 patients,
      37 patients weaned from ECMO successfully and 28 survived to discharge. Various
      complications occurred to 56 patients, including oxygenator plasma leakage(4 case
      times), circuit emboli (7), hemolysis (4), bleeding (34), infection (8), acute
      kidney injury (35), lower limb ischemia (8) and neurologic complications (6).
      There were 49 cases times of complications in survivors, while 61 cases times in
      death group. Bleeding (10 time cases) and acute kidney injury (33 time cases)
      happened in the death group. Progresses in ECMO technique had influences on
      complications in some parts. For instance, incidence of lower limb ischemia was
      6/7 in cutdown cannulating group, but reduced to 2/42(4.8%) when semi-open
      technique was applied. CONCLUSIONS: Complications in ECMO are relative to
      patients' outcome intimately. Appropriate prevention and treatment of
      complication play a major role in the success of ECMO support. The incidences of
      certain complications reduce significantly due to progresses of equipment and
      medical experiences.

PMID- 27143212
TI  - [Ischemic neurological injury during spinal deformity surgery: current status].
AB  - Ischemic neurological injury is the most feared complication of spinal deformity
      surgery.In recent years, more attention has been paid to ischemic neurological
      injury during spinal deformity surgery including causes, risk factors, and
      prevention. The direct and indirect causes of ischemic neurological injury
      contains ligature of the segmental arteries, perioperative bleeding and excessive
      stretching or shortening of the spinal cord.Those patients at greatest risk for
      paraplegia following diagnosis of thoracic kyphosis or kyphoscoliosis, unilateral
      vessel ligation, perioperative hypotension, and extensive anterior and posterior
      surgery. Keeping reasonable mean arterial pressure and multimodal intraoperative
      monitoring may effectively prevent ischemic neurologic injury during surgery for
      spinal deformity. 

PMID- 27143213
TI  - Thromboprophylaxis with dabigatran after total hip arthroplasty in Indian
      patients: A subanalysis of a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized RE-NOVATE II
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In the Re-NOVATE II study, oral dabigatran provided thromboprophylaxis
      after total hip arthroplasty and improved compliance postdischarge in a global
      population. This article aims to identify trends (if any) in the Indian
      population. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, double-dummy study,
      patients scheduled for primary, unilateral, elective total hip arthroplasty were
      randomized to 220 mg oral dabigatran once daily, starting with a 110 mg half
      dose, 1-4 hours after surgery, or subcutaneous enoxaparin 40 mg once daily,
      starting the evening before surgery. Each group received a placebo of the other
      study drug. The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of total venous
      thromboembolism (VTE) and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome measures were
      composite of major VTE and VTE-related mortality during the treatment period. The
      major safety outcome was incidence of bleeding events. RESULTS: Of the 179 Indian
      patients randomized, 91 received oral dabigatran and 88 received subcutaneous
      enoxaparin for 28-35 days. Total VTE and all-cause mortality occurred in 18.7% of
      patients in the dabigatran group and 13.7% in the enoxaparin group [odds ratio =
      1.4 (95% confidence interval 0.6, 3.5)]. Major VTE and VTE-related mortality was
      numerically lower in the dabigatran group (7.9%) compared with the enoxaparin
      group (9.9%). Safety outcomes were comparable between both groups. CONCLUSION:
      Dabigatran is an effective oral alternative to enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis
      as demonstrated by the RE-NOVATE II study global results. Data analyzed in Indian
      patients indicate comparable effects of dabigatran etexilate for major efficacy
      and safety outcomes.

PMID- 27143214
TI  - Hallux valgus deformity after total ankle arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis:
      A case report.
AB  - Hallux valgus (HV) deformity is associated with hindfoot valgus deformity. We
      experienced a case that suggests the possibility that valgus correction for varus
      hindfoot with bony ankylosis of the subtalar joint by total ankle arthroplasty
      may have caused a forefoot HV deformity, despite adequate valgus correction.

PMID- 27143215
TI  - Passive and semi-active targeting of bone marrow and leukemia cells using anionic
      low cholesterol liposomes.
AB  - Historically, the use of liposomes to enhance delivery of anticancer agents to
      cancer cells has focused primarily on solid tumors, which are characterized by
      rapid angiogenesis resulting in a poorly formed hypervasculature with abnormal
      vessel walls. The leaky vasculature in combination with poor lymphatic drainage
      has been demonstrated to lead to the accumulation of liposomes via the enhanced
      permeation and retention effect. However, only very limited information exists on
      the disposition of such delivery systems in the bone marrow compartment, the
      primary site of tumor cell origination and growth for many hematological
      malignancies. In this review we discuss the biological properties of anionic low
      cholesterol liposome formulations and their potential for passively accumulating
      within the bone marrow and being selectively engulfed by leukemia cells compared
      to normal bone marrow cells. The therapeutic implications for preferential bone
      marrow delivery as well as the potential routes for the internalization of drug
      encapsulated liposomes into cells in the absence of a targeting ligand are
      reviewed.

PMID- 27143216
TI  - Assessment of health and economic effects by PM2.5 pollution in Beijing: a
      combined exposure-response and computable general equilibrium analysis.
AB  - Assessment of the health and economic impacts of PM2.5 pollution is of great
      importance for urban air pollution prevention and control. In this study, we
      evaluate the damage of PM2.5 pollution using Beijing as an example. First, we use
      exposure-response functions to estimate the adverse health effects due to PM2.5
      pollution. Then, the corresponding labour loss and excess medical expenditure are
      computed as two conducting variables. Finally, different from the conventional
      valuation methods, this paper introduces the two conducting variables into the
      computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to assess the impacts on sectors and
      the whole economic system caused by PM2.5 pollution. The results show that,
      substantial health effects of the residents in Beijing from PM2.5 pollution
      occurred in 2013, including 20,043 premature deaths and about one million other
      related medical cases. Correspondingly, using the 2010 social accounting data,
      Beijing gross domestic product loss due to the health impact of PM2.5 pollution
      is estimated as 1286.97 (95% CI: 488.58-1936.33) million RMB. This demonstrates
      that PM2.5 pollution not only has adverse health effects, but also brings huge
      economic loss. 

PMID- 27143217
TI  - High pressure processing of meat: effects on ultrastructure and protein
      digestibility.
AB  - The effects of high pressure processing (HPP, at 175 and 600 MPa) on the
      ultrastructure and in vitro protein digestion of bovine longissimus dorsi muscle
      meat were studied. HPP caused a significant change in the visual appearance and
      texture of the meat subjected to HPP at 600 MPa so that it appeared similar to
      cooked meat, unlike the meat subjected to HPP at 175 MPa that showed no
      significant visible change in the colour and texture compared to the raw meat.
      The muscles were subjected to digestion under simulated gastric conditions for 1
      h and then under simulated small-intestinal conditions for a further 2 h. The
      digests were analysed using gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and ninhydrin assay
      for amino N. The effect of the acid conditions of the stomach alone was also
      investigated. Reduced SDS-PAGE results showed that pepsin-digested (60 min) HPP
      meats showed fewer proteins or peptides of high molecular weight than the pepsin
      digested untreated meat, suggesting more breakdown of the parent proteins in HPP
      treated meats. This effect was more pronounced in the muscles treated at 600 MPa.
      These results are in accordance with microscopy results, which showed greater
      changes in the myofibrillar structure after simulated gastric digestion of the
      sample processed at 600 MPa than at 175 MPa. Transmission electron microscopy
      also showed the presence of protein aggregates in the former sample, resulting
      probably from protein denaturation of sarcoplasmic proteins, in the subcellular
      space and between myofibrils; along with cell contraction (similar to that caused
      by heating) in the former. 

PMID- 27143218
TI  - Investigation of the dynamic nature of 1,2-oxazines derived from
      peralkylcyclopentadiene and nitrosocarbonyl species.
AB  - We have investigated the reversible hetero-Diels-Alder reaction of 1,2-oxazines
      derived from a peralkylcyclopentadiene and a series of nitrosocarbonyl
      dienophiles. The nature of the dienophile was found to impart broad tunability to
      the dynamic character of the oxazine adducts. The reversibility was also observed
      in polymeric systems. The fidelity of the reaction and tunable sensitivity toward
      elevated temperature and water signify potential applications in the development
      of dynamic covalent materials or delivery systems for small molecule payloads. 

PMID- 27143220
TI  - Brucella abortus RB51 in milk of vaccinated adult cattle.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the shedding of Brucella abortus in the
      milk of cows vaccinated with a full dose of RB51 during lactation. Eighteen cows,
      nine previously vaccinated with S19 as calves and nine non-vaccinated, were
      immunized subcutaneously with 1.3*10(10)CFU of B. abortus RB51, 30-60days after
      parturition. Milk samples from all animals were collected daily until day 7, and
      at weekly interval for the next 9 weeks after vaccination. To evaluate the
      shedding of B. abortus, milk samples were submitted for culture and PCR. No B.
      abortus was isolated from any sample tested. Only one sample, collected on first
      day after vaccination from a cow previously vaccinated, was faintly positive in
      the PCR. In conclusion, the public health hazard associated with milk consumption
      from cows vaccinated with RB51 in post-partum is very low, despite vaccination
      with the full dose and regardless of previous S19 vaccination. 

PMID- 27143219
TI  - Responses of Glossina pallidipes and Glossina morsitans morsitans tsetse flies to
      analogues of delta-octalactone and selected blends.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that delta-octalactone is an important component of
      the tsetse-refractory waterbuck (Kobus defassa) repellent odour blend. In the
      present study, structure-activity comparison was undertaken to determine the
      effects of the length of the side chain and ring size of the lactone on adult
      Glossina pallidipes and Glossina morsitans morsitans. The responses of the flies
      to each compound were studied in a two-choice wind tunnel. Increasing the chain
      length from C3 (delta-octalactone) to C4 (delta-nonalactone) enhanced repellency
      to both species (G. pallidipes from 60.0 to 72.0%, and G. m. morsitans from 61.3
      to 72.6%), while increasing the ring size from six (delta-octalactone) to seven
      members (epsilon-nonalactone) changed the activity from repellency to attraction
      that was comparable to that of the phenolic blend associated with fermented cow
      urine (p>0.05). Blending delta-nonalactone with 4-methylguaiacol (known tsetse
      repellent) significantly (p<0.05) raised repellency to 86.7 and 91.7% against G.
      pallidipes and G. m. morsitans respectively. Follow-up Latin Square Designed
      field studies (Shimba hills in coastal areas in Kenya) with G. pallidipes
      populations confirmed the higher repellence of delta-nonalactone (with/without 4
      methylguaiacol) compared to delta-octalactone (also, with/without 4
      methylguaiacol). The results show that subtle structural changes of olfactory
      signals can significantly change their interactions with olfactory receptor
      neurons, and either shift their potency, or change their activity from repellence
      to attraction. Our results also lay down useful groundwork in the development of
      more effective control of tsetse by 'push', 'pull' and 'push-pull' tsetse control
      tactics. 

PMID- 27143221
TI  - Masturbation Experiences of Swedish Senior High School Students: Gender
      Differences and Similarities.
AB  - Research about masturbation tends to be limited to the assessment of masturbation
      incidence and frequency. Consequently, little is known about what people
      experience connected to masturbation. This might be one reason why theoretical
      approaches that specifically address the persistent gender gap in masturbation
      frequency are lacking. The aim of the current study was to explore several
      aspects of masturbation in young men and women, and to examine possible
      associations with their social backgrounds and sexual histories. Data from 1,566
      women and 1,452 men (ages 18 to 22) from 52 Swedish senior high schools were
      analyzed. Comparisons between men and women were made regarding incidence of and
      age at first masturbation, the use of objects (e.g., sex toys), fantasies, and
      sexual functioning during masturbation, as well as about their attitudes toward
      masturbation and sexual fantasies. Cluster analysis was carried out to identify
      similarities between and differences within the gender groups. While overall more
      men than women reported experience with several of the investigated aspects,
      cluster analyses revealed that a large proportion of men and women reported
      similar experiences and that fewer experiences are not necessarily associated
      with negative attitudes toward masturbation. Implications of these findings are
      discussed in consideration of particular social backgrounds.

PMID- 27143223
TI  - Hemispheric involvement in the processing of Chinese idioms: An fMRI study.
AB  - Although the left hemisphere is believed to handle major language functions, the
      role of the right hemisphere in language comprehension remains controversial.
      Recently researchers have investigated hemispheric language processing with
      figurative language materials (e.g., metaphors, jokes, and idioms). The current
      study capitalizes on the pervasiveness and distinct features of Chinese idioms to
      examine the brain mechanism of figurative language processing. Native Chinese
      speakers performed a non-semantic task while reading opaque idioms, transparent
      idioms, and non-idiomatic literal phrases. Whole-brain analyses indicated strong
      activations for all three conditions in an overlapping brain network that
      includes the bilateral inferior/middle frontal gyrus and the temporo-parietal and
      occipital-temporal regions. The two idiom conditions elicited additional
      activations in the right superior parietal lobule and right precuneus. Item-based
      modulation analyses further demonstrated that activation amplitudes in the right
      angular gyrus, right superior parietal lobule and right precuneus, as well as
      left inferior temporo-occipital cortex, are negatively correlated with the
      semantic transparency of the idioms. These results suggest that both hemispheres
      are involved in idiom processing but they play different roles. Implications of
      the findings are discussed in light of theories of figurative language processing
      and hemispheric functions.

PMID- 27143222
TI  - Cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation over posterior parietal cortex
      enhances distinct aspects of visual working memory.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the effects of tDCS over the posterior parietal
      cortex (PPC) during a visual working memory (WM) task, which probes different
      sources of response error underlying the precision of WM recall. In two separate
      experiments, we demonstrated that tDCS enhanced WM precision when applied
      bilaterally over the PPC, independent of electrode configuration. In a third
      experiment, we demonstrated with unilateral electrode configuration over the
      right PPC, that only cathodal tDCS enhanced WM precision and only when baseline
      performance was low. Looking at the effects on underlying sources of error, we
      found that cathodal stimulation enhanced the probability of correct target
      response across all participants by reducing feature-misbinding. Only for low
      baseline performers, cathodal stimulation also reduced variability of recall. We
      conclude that cathodal- but not anodal tDCS can improve WM precision by
      preventing feature-misbinding and hereby enhancing attentional selection. For low
      baseline performers, cathodal tDCS also protects the memory trace. Furthermore,
      stimulation over bilateral PPC is more potent than unilateral cathodal tDCS in
      enhancing general WM precision.

PMID- 27143224
TI  - Language system organization in a quadrilingual with a brain tumor: Implications
      for understanding of the language network.
AB  - In pre-neurosurgery language mapping it is critical to identify language-specific
      regions in multilingual speakers. We conducted pre-operative functional magnetic
      resonance imaging, and intraoperative language mapping in the unique case of a
      highly proficient quadrilingual with a left frontal brain tumor who acquired her
      second language at age 5, and her third and fourth languages at 15. We found a
      predominantly different organization in each language with only a few areas
      shared by all 4 languages. Contrary to existing evidence, impairment across
      languages was not related to age of acquisition, amount of exposure, or language
      similarity. This case suggests that the functional structure of the language
      system may be highly idiosyncratic in multilingual individuals and supports
      detailed study in this group to inform neurocognitive models of language. 

PMID- 27143225
TI  - Within arm's reach: Measuring forearm length to assess growth patterns in captive
      bonobos and chimpanzees.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Bonobos and chimpanzees are known to differ in various morphological
      traits, a dichotomy that is sometimes used as an analogy for evolutionary splits
      during human evolution. The aim of our study was to measure the forearm length of
      immature and adult bonobos and adult chimpanzees to assess the extent of age
      related changes of forearm length in bonobos and sex-dimorphism in bonobos and
      chimpanzees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As a proxy of somatic growth we measured
      forearm length of captive bonobos and chimpanzees ranging in age from 1 to 55
      years. Measures were taken from subjects inserting their arms into a transparent
      Plexiglas(r) tube, a novel technique facilitating repeated measures of
      nonanesthetized apes in captivity. RESULTS: Measures from adult females (>12
      years) showed that bonobos exceed chimpanzees in terms of forearm length and that
      sexual dimorphism in forearm length is pronounced in chimpanzees, but not in
      bonobos. Forearm length increased significantly with chronological age in
      bonobos. Validation tests revealed that the device generates useful data on
      morphometric dimensions. DISCUSSION: In most primates, sexual dimorphism in body
      size is male-biased and the differences in forearm length in chimpanzees follow
      this trend. Given that males of the two species did not differ in forearm length,
      the absence/presence of sexual dimorphism of this trait must be due to
      differences in somatic growth in females. Our novel method offers an alternative
      to obtain morphometric measures and facilitates longitudinal studies on somatic
      growth. Am J Phys Anthropol 161:37-43, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27143226
TI  - Vegetation dynamics at the upper elevational limit of vascular plants in
      Himalaya.
AB  - A rapid warming in Himalayas is predicted to increase plant upper distributional
      limits, vegetation cover and abundance of species adapted to warmer climate. We
      explored these predictions in NW Himalayas, by revisiting uppermost plant
      populations after ten years (2003-2013), detailed monitoring of vegetation
      changes in permanent plots (2009-2012), and age analysis of plants growing from
      5500 to 6150 m. Plant traits and microclimate variables were recorded to explain
      observed vegetation changes. The elevation limits of several species shifted up
      to 6150 m, about 150 vertical meters above the limit of continuous plant
      distribution. The plant age analysis corroborated the hypothesis of warming
      driven uphill migration. However, the impact of warming interacts with increasing
      precipitation and physical disturbance. The extreme summer snowfall event in 2010
      is likely responsible for substantial decrease in plant cover in both alpine and
      subnival vegetation and compositional shift towards species preferring wetter
      habitats. Simultaneous increase in summer temperature and precipitation caused
      rapid snow melt and, coupled with frequent night frosts, generated multiple
      freeze-thaw cycles detrimental to subnival plants. Our results suggest that plant
      species responses to ongoing climate change will not be unidirectional upward
      range shifts but rather multi-dimensional, species-specific and spatially
      variable.

PMID- 27143227
TI  - Femtosecond laser filament induced condensation and precipitation in a cloud
      chamber.
AB  - A unified picture of femtosecond laser induced precipitation in a cloud chamber
      is proposed. Among the three principal consequences of filamentation from the
      point of view of thermodynamics, namely, generation of chemicals, shock waves and
      thermal air flow motion (due to convection), the last one turns out to be the
      principal cause. Much of the filament induced chemicals would stick onto the
      existing background CCN's (Cloud Condensation Nuclei) through collision making
      the latter more active. Strong mixing of air having a large temperature gradient
      would result in supersaturation in which the background CCN's would grow
      efficiently into water/ice/snow. This conclusion was supported by two independent
      experiments using pure heating or a fan to imitate the laser-induced thermal
      effect or the strong air flow motion, respectively. Without the assistance of any
      shock wave and chemical CCN's arising from laser filament, condensation and
      precipitation occurred. Meanwhile we believe that latent heat release during
      condensation /precipitation would enhance the air flow for mixing.

PMID- 27143229
TI  - A Guided Workbook Intervention (WorkPlan) to Support Work-Related Goals Among
      Cancer Survivors: Protocol of a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Returning to and staying at work following illness is associated with
      better physical and psychological functioning. Not working has been shown to be
      associated with reduced self-esteem, lowered self-efficacy, and decreased belief
      in one's ability to return to the workplace. Although there is a growing body of
      research looking at what predicts return to work following cancer treatment,
      there are fewer studies examining interventions targeting return to work.
      OBJECTIVE: The primary objective is to assess the feasibility and acceptability
      of a theoretically led workbook intervention designed to support cancer patients
      in returning to work to inform a fully powered randomized controlled trial (RCT).
      METHODS: This is a multicenter feasibility RCT where the main analysis uses a
      qualitative approach. Sixty participants (aged 18-65 years) who have received a
      diagnosis of cancer and who intend to return to work will be randomized to either
      the WorkPlan intervention group or a usual care group (ratio 1:1). Participants
      in the intervention group will receive a guided workbook intervention (which
      contains activities aimed at eliciting thoughts and beliefs, identifying targets
      and actions, and concrete steps to achieve goals) and will receive telephone
      support over a 4-week period. The primary outcome measure is time taken to return
      to work (in days), and secondary outcome measures include mood, quality of life,
      illness perceptions, and job satisfaction. Data will be collected through postal
      questionnaires administered immediately postintervention and at 6- and 12-month
      follow-ups. In addition, interviews will be undertaken immediately
      postintervention (to explore acceptability of the intervention and materials) and
      at 12-month follow-up (to explore perceptions of participation in the trial and
      experiences of returning to work). RESULTS: Enrollment for the study will be
      completed in May 2016. Data analysis will commence in April 2017, and the first
      results are expected to be submitted for publication in late 2017. CONCLUSIONS:
      Currently no standardized return-to-work intervention based on targeting cancer
      patient beliefs is in existence. If the intervention is shown to be feasible and
      acceptable, the results of this study will inform a future full RCT with the
      potential to provide a valuable and cost-efficient tool in supporting cancer
      survivors in the return-to-work process. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International
      Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): ISRCTN56342476;
      http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN56342476 (Archived by WebCite at
      http://www.webcitation.org/6gblhEPXd).

PMID- 27143230
TI  - Pharmacogenetic considerations with dichloroacetate dosing.
AB  - The investigational drug dichloroacetate (DCA) is a metabolic regulator that has
      been successfully used to treat acquired and congenital metabolic diseases and,
      recently, solid tumors. Its clinical use has revealed challenges in selecting
      appropriate doses. Chronic administration of DCA leads to inhibition of DCA
      metabolism and potential accumulation to levels that result in side effects. This
      is because conversion of DCA to glyoxylate is catalyzed by one enzyme,
      glutathione transferase zeta 1 (GSTZ1-1), which is inactivated by DCA. SNPs in
      the GSTZ1 gene result in expression of polymorphic variants of the enzyme that
      differ in activity and rates of inactivation by DCA under physiological
      conditions: these properties lead to considerable variation between people in the
      pharmacokinetics of DCA.

PMID- 27143231
TI  - Highly efficient baculovirus-mediated multigene delivery in primary cells.
AB  - Multigene delivery and subsequent cellular expression is emerging as a key
      technology required in diverse research fields including, synthetic and
      structural biology, cellular reprogramming and functional pharmaceutical
      screening. Current viral delivery systems such as retro- and adenoviruses suffer
      from limited DNA cargo capacity, thus impeding unrestricted multigene expression.
      We developed MultiPrime, a modular, non-cytotoxic, non-integrating, baculovirus
      based vector system expediting highly efficient transient multigene expression
      from a variety of promoters. MultiPrime viruses efficiently transduce a wide
      range of cell types, including non-dividing primary neurons and induced
      pluripotent stem cells (iPS). We show that MultiPrime can be used for
      reprogramming, and for genome editing and engineering by CRISPR/Cas9. Moreover,
      we implemented dual-host-specific cassettes enabling multiprotein expression in
      insect and mammalian cells using a single reagent. Our experiments establish
      MultiPrime as a powerful and highly efficient tool, to deliver multiple genes for
      a wide range of applications in primary and established mammalian cells.

PMID- 27143233
TI  - The Effect of Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol((r)) ) on the Development of Chrysomya
      megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and its Implications for
      Forensic Entomology.
AB  - This study investigated the potential effects of flunitrazepam (known as "date
      rape drug") on the developmental cycle of Chrysomya megacephala, an important
      forensic species, and their possible implications for the calculation of the PMI.
      A 1050 C. megacephala eggs were divided into five groups with seven replications
      each. The eggs were placed on artificial diet prepared with four drug
      concentrations of flunitrazepam (4, 8, 16, and 32 ng/g), besides the control
      group (prepared with water). Were evaluated the potential effects on development
      time, weight gain, and mortality during the cycles. The drug had no significant
      effect on development time or mortality although it did affect the weight of the
      pupae and adults (Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.05). The result can be deduced that the
      determination of the postmortem interval is not affected.

PMID- 27143232
TI  - Analysis of polar urinary metabolites for metabolic phenotyping using
      supercritical fluid chromatography and mass spectrometry.
AB  - Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is frequently used for the analysis and
      separation of non-polar metabolites, but remains relatively underutilised for the
      study of polar molecules, even those which pose difficulties with established
      reversed-phase (RP) or hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic (HILIC)
      methodologies. Here, we present a fast SFC-MS method for the analysis of medium
      and high-polarity (-7<=cLogP<=2) compounds, designed for implementation in a high
      throughput metabonomics setting. Sixty polar analytes were first screened to
      identify those most suitable for inclusion in chromatographic test mixtures;
      then, a multi-dimensional method development study was conducted to determine the
      optimal choice of stationary phase, modifier additive and temperature for the
      separation of such analytes using SFC. The test mixtures were separated on a
      total of twelve different column chemistries at three different temperatures,
      using CO2-methanol-based mobile phases containing a variety of polar additives.
      Chromatographic performance was evaluated with a particular emphasis on peak
      capacity, overall resolution, peak distribution and repeatability. The results
      suggest that a new generation of stationary phases, specifically designed for
      improved robustness in mixed CO2-methanol mobile phases, can improve peak shape,
      peak capacity and resolution for all classes of polar analytes. A significant
      enhancement in chromatographic performance was observed for these urinary
      metabolites on the majority of the stationary phases when polar additives such as
      ammonium salts (formate, acetate and hydroxide) were included in the organic
      modifier, and the use of water or alkylamine additives was found to be beneficial
      for specific subsets of polar analytes. The utility of these findings was
      confirmed by the separation of a mixture of polar metabolites in human urine
      using an optimised 7min gradient SFC method, where the use of the recommended
      column and co-solvent combination resulted in a significant improvement in
      chromatographic performance. 

PMID- 27143234
TI  - Detection of Synthetic Drugs as Adulterants in Natural and Herbal Slimming
      Products by LC-ESI-MS/MS with Polarity Switching.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop an LC-tandem MS method for the
      simultaneous detection of common synthetic drugs as adulterants in natural and
      herbal slimming products. Sixteen drugs belonging to a wide range of
      pharmaceutical classes were studied. Included in the list of drugs were
      anorexics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, diuretics, laxatives, and stimulants.
      The method used a C18 column (4.6 * 50 mm and 1.8 MUm particle size). Separation
      of the drugs was achieved by gradient elution using 4 mM ammonium formate in
      water + 0.1% formic acid as the aqueous component and 4 mM ammonium formate in
      methanol + 0.1% formic as the organic component of the mobile phase. As not all
      of the analytes ionized in the positive mode, the mass spectrometer was operated
      in the electrospray ionization mode with polarity switching. The samples were
      extracted with methanol and the use of 50% acetonitrile in water and 50% methanol
      in water were investigated as diluents for injection into the LC-MS system.
      Utilizing both diluents, the validation parameters including accuracy, precision,
      LOD, and LOQ were assessed. The validation results and utilization of the method
      to analyze a variety of weight-loss supplements indicate that the two diluents
      give similar results and can be used interchangeably. This knowledge provides the
      user with the option of selecting either diluent for sample preparation depending
      on the sample matrix without having to revalidate the method. The method was
      applied to the analysis of weight-loss supplements available in local pharmacies,
      herbal pharmacies, and over the Internet. 

PMID- 27143235
TI  - Reply to the Letter to the Editor by Mori et al.

PMID- 27143236
TI  - Sarcopenia and Dynapenia in Patients With Parkinsonism.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia in outpatients
      with Parkinson disease (PD) and to investigate their association with the
      features of the disease. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A specialized
      tertiary care center. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients (n = 364) aged 65 years
      or older, affected by parkinsonian syndromes. MEASUREMENTS: Skeletal muscle mass
      (SMM), as well as strength and gait speed (GS) were assessed by bioimpedence
      analysis, handgrip dynamometry, and the 4-meter walking test, respectively. Based
      on these assessments, sarcopenia was diagnosed using the European Working Group
      on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Dynapenia was defined as handgrip
      strength less than 30 kg in men and less than 20 kg in women. RESULTS: In total,
      235 patients (64.6%) had a diagnosis of idiopathic PD. Low SMM index was recorded
      in 27 patients. Due to gait disturbances and postural instability, GS could not
      be measured in 98 patients and was found to be reduced in 61.3% of those
      assessed. Prevalence of sarcopenia and dynapenia was 6.6% (95% confidence
      interval [CI] 4.3-9.7) and 75.5% (95% CI 70.8-79.9), respectively. Sarcopenia
      tended to be higher in patients unable to perform GS assessment and was unrelated
      to the type of parkinsonian syndrome. It was associated with older age, longer
      disease duration, more severe disease, and higher disability in activities of
      daily living, as assessed by disease-specific clinical rating scale. Dynapenia
      was directly associated with parkinsonism other than PD, older age, and
      disability, whereas regular physical therapy appeared to be a preventive factor.
      However, it was unrelated to disease duration and severity. Finally, the
      disability score of activities of daily living was inversely correlated with
      handgrip strength and GS, whereas no association was found with SMM index.
      CONCLUSION: Being primarily motor disorders, parkinsonian syndromes are
      characterized by progressive disability in performing activities of daily living.
      Impaired functional status is a prominent feature of this patient population,
      independently of disease duration and severity. Sarcopenia is mainly related to
      advancing disease and, due to a significant sparing of SMM, is an infrequent
      condition, likely to play a minor role in disability. Several factors could be
      responsible for this favorable body composition (eg, motor symptoms, levodopa
      therapy) and deserve further investigation. The prognostic impact of sarcopenia
      also needs to be addressed.

PMID- 27143237
TI  - Contributory Factors to Caregiver Burden in Parkinson Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Parkinson disease (PD), patients often require burdensome
      assistance, delivered by informal caregivers (eg, spouse). DESIGN: Prospective
      questionnaire and clinical-based investigation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate both
      patient- and caregiver-derived factors contributing to caregiver burden (CB).
      METHODS: We assessed, in 59 patient-caregiver pairs, various motor, nonmotor, and
      cognitive symptoms as well as quality of life by standardized tests and
      questionnaires. Repercussions on the caregiver were evaluated by Zarit Burden
      Interview, Health-related Quality of Life (HrQoL), Generalized Anxiety Disorder
      Assessment-7, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Montreal Cognitive
      Assessment. Transcultural comparison was ensured by validation of the tests in
      the 3 used languages. RESULTS: Sleep problems and autonomic dysfunction of the
      patient strongly impact CB (r = -0.414 to -0.335, P < .01) and HrQoL of the
      caregiver (r = -0.335 to -0.314, P < .05). Higher CB is less strongly linked with
      patient's motor impairment (P < .05). Large time investment, including nocturnal
      care in 41% of the caregivers, strongly influences CB (P < .001). The mood, but
      not the cognitive status, of the caregiver is directly linked to CB and HrQoL of
      the caregiver (P < .01). CONCLUSION: In PD, the CB is primarily dependent on
      patients' nonmotor symptoms. Patient care requires considerable time investment
      and can trigger depression in the caregiver.

PMID- 27143238
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of fluoropyrazolesulfonylurea and thiourea
      derivatives as possible antidiabetic agents.
AB  - Fluorinated pyrazoles, benzenesulfonylurea and thiourea and their cyclic
      sulfonylthiourea derivatives were prepared as hypoglycemic agents. The chemistry
      involves the condensation of 4-hydrazino benzenesulfonamide hydrochloride with
      fluorochalcones to give pyrazoline derivatives which upon oxidation with bromine
      water afforded corresponding pyrazoles. Reaction of pyrazolines with isocyanates
      and isothiocyanates give the corresponding ureas and thioureas. Subsequent
      cyclization of these thiourea derivatives with ethyl bromoacetate and alpha
      bromoacetophenone yielded the 4-oxothiazolidines and thiazolines, respectively.
      Preliminary biological screening of the prepared compounds revealed significant
      antidiabetic activity. Molecular and biological properties calculations revealed
      favorable drug-like profiles of six compounds. The structure-activity
      relationship (SAR) and in silico drug relevant properties calculations (HBD, HBA,
      tPSA, miLogP, molecular weight, % ABS, drug-likeness and drug score) endorse that
      these compounds are potential leads for future drug discovery study.

PMID- 27143239
TI  - Species delimitation and phylogenetic relationships in a genus of African weakly
      electric fishes (Osteoglossiformes, Mormyridae, Campylomormyrus).
AB  - African weakly-electric fishes (Mormyridae) are able to communicate through
      species-specific electric signals; this feature might have favoured the
      evolutionary radiation observed in this family (over 200 species) by acting as an
      effective pre-zygotic isolation mechanism. In the present study we used
      mitochondrial (cytb) and nuclear (rps7, scn4aa) markers in order to reconstruct a
      species-phylogeny and identify species boundaries for the genus Campylomormyrus,
      by applying inference methods based on the multispecies coalescent model.
      Additionally, we employed 16 microsatellite markers, landmark-based morphometric
      measurements, and electro-physiological analyses as independent lines of evidence
      to the results obtained from the sequence data. The results show that groups that
      are morphologically different are also significantly divergent at the genetic
      level, whereas morphologically similar groups, displaying dissimilar electric
      signals, do not show enough genetic diversity to be considered separate species.
      Furthermore, the data confirm the presence of a yet undescribed species within
      the genus Campylomormyrus.

PMID- 27143240
TI  - World-wide species distributions in the family Kyphosidae (Teleostei:
      Perciformes).
AB  - Sea chubs of the family Kyphosidae are major consumers of macroalgae on both
      temperate and tropical reefs, where they can comprise a significant proportion of
      fish biomass. However, the relationships and taxonomic status of sea chubs
      (including the junior synonyms Hermosilla, Kyphosus, Neoscorpis and Sectator)
      worldwide have long been problematical due to perceived lack of character
      differentiation, complicating ecological assessment. More recently, the situation
      has been further complicated by publication of conflicting taxonomic treatments.
      Here, we resolve the relationships, taxonomy and distribution of all known
      species of sea chubs through a combined analysis of partial fragments from
      mitochondrial markers (12s, 16s, cytb, tRNA -Pro, -Phe, -Thr and -Val) and three
      nuclear markers (rag1, rag2, tmo4c4). These new results provide independent
      evidence for the presence of several junior synonyms among Atlantic and Indo
      Pacific taxa, demonstrating that several sea chub species are more widespread
      than previously thought. In particular, our results can reject the hypothesis of
      endemic species in the Atlantic Ocean. At a higher taxonomic level, our results
      shed light on the relationships between Girellidae, Kuhliidae, Kyphosidae,
      Microcanthidae, Oplegnathidae and Scorpididae, with Scorpididae resolved as the
      sister group to Kyphosidae.

PMID- 27143242
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27143241
TI  - Surgeons and suture zones: Hybridization among four surgeonfish species in the
      Indo-Pacific with variable evolutionary outcomes.
AB  - Closely related species can provide valuable insights into evolutionary processes
      through comparison of their ecology, geographic distribution and the history
      recorded in their genomes. In the Indo-Pacific, many reef fishes are divided into
      sister species that come into secondary contact at biogeographic borders, most
      prominently where Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean faunas meet. It is unclear
      whether hybridization in this contact zone represents incomplete speciation,
      secondary contact, an evolutionary dead-end (for hybrids) or some combination of
      the above. To address these issues, we conducted comprehensive surveys of two
      widely-distributed surgeonfish species, Acanthurus leucosternon (N=141) and A.
      nigricans (N=412), with mtDNA cytochrome b sequences and ten microsatellite loci.
      These surgeonfishes are found primarily in the Indian and Pacific Oceans,
      respectively, but overlap at the Christmas and Cocos-Keeling Islands hybrid zone
      in the eastern Indian Ocean. We also sampled the two other Pacific members of
      this species complex, A. achilles (N=54) and A. japonicus (N=49), which are known
      to hybridize with A. nigricans where their ranges overlap. Our results indicate
      separation between the four species that range from the recent Pleistocene to
      late Pliocene (235,000-2.25million years ago). The Pacific A. achilles is the
      most divergent (and possibly ancestral) species with mtDNA dcorr~0.04, whereas
      the other two Pacific species (A. japonicus and A. nigricans) are distinguishable
      only at a population or subspecies level (PhiST=0.6533, P<0.001). Little
      population structure was observed within species, with evidence of recent
      population expansion across all four geographic ranges. We detected sharing of
      mtDNA haplotypes between species and extensive hybridization based on
      microsatellites, consistent with later generation hybrids but also the effects of
      allele homoplasy. Despite extensive introgression, 98% of specimens had
      concordance between mtDNA lineage and species identification based on external
      morphology, indicating that species integrity may not be eroding. The A.
      nigricans complex demonstrates a range of outcomes from incomplete speciation to
      secondary contact to decreasing hybridization with increasing evolutionary depth.

PMID- 27143243
TI  - The complex relationship between CD4 count, HIV viral load, trimethoprim
      sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis, and skin-and-soft-tissue infection risk in patients
      with HIV: insights from a causal diagram and simulation study.
AB  - Skin and soft tissue infection (SSTIs) due to Staphylococcus aureus, particularly
      community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), are
      common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected populations in the United
      States. Studies have differed as to the importance of epidemiological and
      immunological factors in this relationship, and have employed conflicting
      strategies for variable selection in multivariate analyses. Developments in
      causal inference methods in epidemiology have emerged in the last decade to
      clarify relationships between variables and identify appropriate variables to
      include in and exclude from multivariate analysis. In this paper, we develop a
      causal diagram to clarify the pathways linking CA-MRSA and HIV. We focus on the
      role played by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) prophylaxis, prescribed to
      many severely immunocompromised HIV patients and potentially protective against
      SSTIs, which both mediates and moderates the relationship between immunological
      parameters and SSTI risk. We demonstrate, using simulated data, that statistical
      models may yield biased results if they do not account for how HIV viral load may
      also be a marker of adherence to TMP-SMX prophylaxis. We conclude with a proposed
      causal model that includes both the epidemiological as well as immunological
      factors that may explain the increased risk of initial and recurrent SSTI risk in
      HIV-infected populations.

PMID- 27143244
TI  - Cardiotoxicity of antiemetic drugs in oncology: An overview of the current state
      of the art.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cardiac complications in cancer patients have been a significant medical
      problem in the last few years. Cardiosafety profile of most novel approved drugs,
      in cancer patients, is required by regulatory authorities. Risk of proarrhythmic
      effect associated with a new drug, in fact, is usually evaluated with specific
      studies conducted in agreement with ICHE14 guidelines. In this overview, we
      detailed the cardio safety profile of antiemetic drugs. In particular, we focused
      on data of 5HT3-RA drugs used for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and
      vomiting in the oncology setting. METHODS: A literature search was conducted
      using the PubMed database to identify studies reporting arrhythmic complications
      of antiemetic drug used in oncology. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Most of the
      antiemetic drugs have been approved by regulatory authorities when ICHE14
      guidelines were not issued, so the cardiotoxicity of those drugs has been defined
      with the post-marketing authorization pharmacovigilance activity. We reviewed the
      cardiotoxicity data of major antiemetic and adjuvant agents, providing a general
      overview and recommendations about their use in medical oncology.

PMID- 27143245
TI  - A longitudinal uncontrolled study of cerebral gray matter volume in patients
      receiving natalizumab for multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS) selectively affects gray
      matter (GM), which is highly relevant to disability and cognitive impairment. We
      assessed cerebral GM volume (GMV) during one year of natalizumab therapy.
      DESIGN/METHODS: Patients with relapsing-remitting (n = 18) or progressive (n = 2)
      MS had MRI ~1 year apart during natalizumab treatment. At baseline, patients were
      on natalizumab for (mean +/- SD) 16.6 +/- 10.9 months with age 38.5 +/- 7.4 and
      disease duration 9.7 +/- 4.3 years. RESULTS: At baseline, GMV was 664.0 +/- 56.4
      ml, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 2.3 +/- 2.0, timed 25-foot
      walk (T25FW) was 6.1+/-3.4 s; two patients (10%) had gadolinium (Gd)-enhancing
      lesions. At follow-up, GMV was 663.9 +/- 60.2 mL; EDSS was 2.6 +/- 2.1 and T25FW
      was 5.9 +/- 2.9 s. One patient had a mild clinical relapse during the observation
      period (0.052 annualized relapse rate for the entire cohort). No patients had Gd
      enhancing lesions at follow-up. Linear mixed-effect models showed no significant
      change in annualized GMV [estimated mean change per year 0.338 mL, 95% confidence
      interval -9.66, 10.34, p = 0.94)], GM fraction (p = 0.92), whole brain
      parenchymal fraction (p = 0.64), T2 lesion load (p = 0.64), EDSS (p = 0.26) or
      T25FW (p = 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study shows no GM atrophy during one
      year of natalizumab MS therapy. We also did not detect any loss of whole brain
      volume or progression of cerebral T2 hyperintense lesion volume during the
      observation period. These MRI results paralleled the lack of clinical worsening.

PMID- 27143247
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27143248
TI  - Listing Practices for Morbidly Obese Patients at Liver Transplantation Centers in
      the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The effect of morbid obesity on liver transplant outcomes has yielded
      mixed results. The aim of this study was to determine listing practices for
      morbidly obese patients at liver transplant centers in the United States.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 19-item survey was created to assess liver transplant
      evaluation and listing practices for morbidly obese patients. All adult liver
      transplant medical and surgical directors in the United States were contacted by
      e-mail, which provided an Internet link to an online survey. RESULTS: We sent a
      total of 187 surveys by e-mail, with responses received from 46 physicians (24.7%
      response rate). A policy on evaluation and listing of obese patients was present
      at 70.5% of institutions, with most (54.5%) reporting that their body mass index
      cutoff for transplant was 40 kg/m2, but a range of 35 kg/m2 to unlimited was
      noted. Most respondents agreed that patients with high body mass index were less
      likely to be evaluated for transplant. Respondents reported increased
      complication rates among obese patients, with the most common being poor wound
      healing and increased infection rates. CONCLUSIONS: Most medical and surgical
      liver transplant directors have a strong appreciation of the possible morbidity
      risks associated with performing liver transplants in morbidly obese patients and
      have policies in effect to minimize these risks.

PMID- 27143246
TI  - Characterization of primary human hepatocyte spheroids as a model system for drug
      induced liver injury, liver function and disease.
AB  - Liver biology and function, drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and liver diseases
      are difficult to study using current in vitro models such as primary human
      hepatocyte (PHH) monolayer cultures, as their rapid de-differentiation restricts
      their usefulness substantially. Thus, we have developed and extensively
      characterized an easily scalable 3D PHH spheroid system in chemically-defined,
      serum-free conditions. Using whole proteome analyses, we found that PHH spheroids
      cultured this way were similar to the liver in vivo and even retained their inter
      individual variability. Furthermore, PHH spheroids remained phenotypically stable
      and retained morphology, viability, and hepatocyte-specific functions for culture
      periods of at least 5 weeks. We show that under chronic exposure, the sensitivity
      of the hepatocytes drastically increased and toxicity of a set of hepatotoxins
      was detected at clinically relevant concentrations. An interesting example was
      the chronic toxicity of fialuridine for which hepatotoxicity was mimicked after
      repeated-dosing in the PHH spheroid model, not possible to detect using previous
      in vitro systems. Additionally, we provide proof-of-principle that PHH spheroids
      can reflect liver pathologies such as cholestasis, steatosis and viral hepatitis.
      Combined, our results demonstrate that the PHH spheroid system presented here
      constitutes a versatile and promising in vitro system to study liver function,
      liver diseases, drug targets and long-term DILI.

PMID- 27143249
TI  - Institution-Specific Factors Associated With Family Medicine Residency Match
      Rates.
AB  - Phenomenon: Existing research provides little specific evidence regarding the
      association between public and private medical school curricular settings and the
      proportion of medical students matching into family medicine careers.
      Institutional differences have been inadequately investigated, as students who
      match into family medicine are often consolidated into the umbrella of primary
      care along with those matching in internal medicine and pediatrics. However,
      understanding medical school contexts in relation to career choice is critical
      toward designing targeted strategies to address the projected shortage of family
      physicians. This study examines factors associated with family medicine residency
      match rates and the extent to which such factors differ across medical school
      settings. APPROACH: We combined data from a survey of 123 departments of family
      medicine with graduate placement rates reported to the American Academy of Family
      Physicians over a 2-year period. Chi-square/Fisher's Exact texts, t tests, and
      linear regression analyses were used to identify factors significantly associated
      with average match rate percentages. FINDINGS: The resulting data set included
      85% of the U.S. medical schools with Departments of Family Medicine that reported
      2011 and 2012 residency match rates in family medicine. Match rates in family
      medicine were higher among graduates of public than private medical schools-11%
      versus 7%, respectively, t(92) = 4.00, p < .001. Using a linear regression model
      and controlling for institutional type, the results indicated 2% higher match
      rates among schools with smaller annual clerkship enrollments (p  = .03), 3%
      higher match rates among schools with clerkships lasting more than 3 to 4 weeks
      (p  = .003), 3% higher match rates at schools with at least 1 family medicine
      faculty member in a senior leadership role (p  = .04), and 8% lower match rates
      at private medical schools offering community medicine electives (p < .001, R(2)
      = .48), F(6, 64) = 9.95, p < .001. Three additional factors were less strongly
      related and varied by institutional type-informal mentoring, ambulatory primary
      care learning experiences, and institutional research focus. Insights:
      Educational opportunities associated with higher match rates in family medicine
      differ across private and public medical schools. Future research is needed to
      identify the qualitative aspects of educational programming that contribute to
      differences in match rates across institutional contexts. Results of this study
      should prove useful in mitigating physician shortages, particularly in primary
      care fields such as family medicine.

PMID- 27143250
TI  - Bisphenol Analogues Other Than BPA: Environmental Occurrence, Human Exposure, and
      Toxicity-A Review.
AB  - Numerous studies have investigated the environmental occurrence, human exposure,
      and toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA). Following stringent regulations on the
      production and usage of BPA, several bisphenol analogues have been produced as a
      replacement for BPA in various applications. The present review outlines the
      current state of knowledge on the occurrence of bisphenol analogues (other than
      BPA) in the environment, consumer products and foodstuffs, human exposure and
      biomonitoring, and toxicity. Whereas BPA was still the major bisphenol analogue
      found in most environmental monitoring studies, BPF and BPS were also frequently
      detected. Elevated concentrations of BPAF, BPF, and BPS (i.e., similar to or
      greater than that of BPA) have been reported in the abiotic environment and human
      urine from some regions. Many analogues exhibit endocrine disrupting effects,
      cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, dioxin-like effects, and
      neurotoxicity in laboratory studies. BPAF, BPB, BPF, and BPS have been shown to
      exhibit estrogenic and/or antiandrogenic activities similar to or even greater
      than that of BPA. Knowledge gaps and research needs have been identified, which
      include the elucidation of environmental occurrences, persistence, and fate of
      bisphenol analogues (other than BPA), sources and pathways for human exposure,
      effects on reproductive systems and the mammary gland, mechanisms of toxicity
      from coexposure to multiple analogues, metabolic pathways and products, and the
      impact of metabolic modification on toxicity. 

PMID- 27143251
TI  - Assessment of the differences in masticatory behavior between male and female
      adolescents.
AB  - Chewing behavior may show sex differences; thus, the present study aimed to
      compare the masticatory aspects and the prediction of masticatory performance
      between male and female adolescents. Ninety-one healthy subjects (47 girls, 44
      boys), caries-free and aged 14-17years, were included. Masticatory performance
      and maximal bite force were evaluated using a color-changeable chewing gum and
      digital gnathodynamometer, respectively. Masticatory behavior was assessed by the
      subjective aspect of the quality of the masticatory function (validated
      questionnaire) and the Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores expanded
      (OMES-e) was used to determine chewing time, frequency of chewing cycles and
      other aspects. Salivary flow rate was also assessed. The physical examination
      involved measurements of facial morphometry, body weight, height, skeletal muscle
      mass, and dental/occlusal evaluations. It was observed that boys showed larger
      facial dimensions, higher bite force and chewing frequency and better masticatory
      performance than girls. They also showed shorter chewing time, fewer chewing
      cycles and lower score for OMES-e (that is, more changes in orofacial
      myofunctional aspects). Bite force showed a weak correlation with skeletal muscle
      mass only in boys (r=0.3035; p=0.0451). The masticatory performance was dependent
      on the bite force in boys (Adj R(2)=19.2%; Power=84.1%); among girls, masticatory
      performance was dependent on the frequency of chewing cycles and masticatory
      behavior (subjective aspect) (Adj R(2)=34.1%; Power=96.1%). The findings support
      the existence of sex differences in many masticatory aspects of function and
      behavior, hence the importance of considering sex differences when evaluating
      masticatory function and myofunctional therapy outcomes among young subjects.

PMID- 27143252
TI  - Involvement of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in the antidepressant-like effects of
      selegiline in maternal separation model of mouse.
AB  - Mother-infant interactions are known to be associated with the psychological well
      being of an individual in adulthood. It is well accepted that emotional stress in
      early life, such as maternal separation (MS), leads to alterations in the
      neurotransmission systems of various brain regions, especially the mesolimbic
      dopaminergic system, and subsequently can increase the risk for development of
      psychiatric disorders including depression in adulthood. Selegiline is an
      irreversible monoamine oxidase (MAO) type B inhibitor which increases striatal
      dopamine levels and exerts an antidepressant effect. In this study, 180min of MS
      stress was applied to mice at postnatal day (PND) 2-14 followed by behavioral
      tests for determining depressive-like behaviors, such as forced swimming test
      (FST), splash test and sucrose preference test (SPT) in adult mice (PND 50). The
      open field test (OFT) also was applied to validate FST results. We used SCH23390
      (D1 antagonist) and sulpiride (D2 antagonist) in order to determine the role of
      D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in antidepressant-like effects of selegiline. Our
      results revealed that MS provoked depressive-like behaviors in adult male mice,
      and the administration of selegiline attenuated depressive-like behaviors in MS
      mice. Our findings showed that D1 dopamine receptors facilitate the positive
      effects of selegiline on the passive behavior in the FST. Furthermore,
      antidepressant effects of selegiline on hedonic difficulties are mediated via D2
      receptor in the SPT. The results of the splash test revealed that both D1 and D2
      receptors mediate the protective effect of selegiline against motivational and
      self-care problems. Based on our results, we conclude that both D1 and D2
      dopamine receptors are involved in mediating the antidepressant-like effect of
      selegiline. We found that D1 receptors mediate an effect on despair behavior, D2
      receptors mediate an effect on anhedonia, and both D1 and D2 receptors contribute
      to the protective effects of selegiline on motivational complications.

PMID- 27143253
TI  - Intranasal oxytocin administration in relationship to social behaviour in
      domestic pigs.
AB  - Intranasal administration of oxytocin has been shown to alter positive and
      negative social behaviour. Positive social behaviour in pigs (Sus scrofa) may be
      expressed through gentle social nosing, and greater insight in the specific
      expression hereof might contribute to the current search for positive indicators
      of animal welfare. We investigated whether oxytocin alters social nosing and
      whether this is specific to nose-body or nose-nose contact. Sixty-four focal
      female pigs of 13weeks of age (out of 16 groups) were given oxytocin (24IU dose)
      and saline (placebo) intranasally once on two consecutive days. The frequency of
      nose-to-nose contact and nose-to-body contact was recorded upon pigs' return in
      the home pen after being for 10min located in a separate area near pen mates
      undergoing a positive or negative event or not. The effect of intranasal oxytocin
      depended on the social context in which pigs were studied. Control pigs, which
      were not exposed to positively or negatively aroused pen mates, gave and received
      less nose-nose contact after oxytocin administration than after saline
      administration. Pigs exposed to positively aroused pen mates also tended to give
      less nose contact when given oxytocin compared to saline, whereas pigs exposed to
      negatively aroused pen mates and administered oxytocin tended to receive more
      nose contact. Nose-body contact was lowest in groups of negative social context,
      suggesting an effect of emotional state on social nosing. In contrast to nose
      nose contact, nose-body contact was unaffected by oxytocin treatment. The
      relationship between social nosing and oxytocin merits further research.

PMID- 27143254
TI  - Blinatumomab treatment of older adults with relapsed/refractory B-precursor acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia: Results from 2 phase 2 studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Older adults with relapsed/refractory B-precursor acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia (r/r ALL) are reported to have a poor prognosis and few therapeutic
      options. In the current study, the authors evaluated treatment with single-agent
      blinatumomab in adults aged >=65 years with r/r ALL. METHODS: A total of 261
      adults with r/r ALL who were examined across two phase 2 studies received
      blinatumomab in cycles of 4-week continuous infusion and 2-week treatment-free
      intervals. The primary endpoint in each study was complete remission (CR) or CR
      with partial hematologic recovery (CRh) during the first 2 cycles. Data were
      pooled and analyzed according to patient age at screening (aged >=65 years vs
      aged <65 years). RESULTS: Of 36 older adults, 56% (95% confidence interval [95%
      CI], 38%-72%) achieved CR/CRh during the first 2 cycles compared with 46% (225
      patients) (95% CI, 40%-53%) of younger adults. Complete minimal residual disease
      responses were 60% in older and 70% in younger responders. Three older responders
      (15%) and 61 younger responders (59%) proceeded to allogeneic hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation. Kaplan-Meier curves overlapped for relapse-free and overall
      survival for both age groups. Older adults were found to have a similar incidence
      of grade >=3 adverse events (AEs) as younger adults (86% vs 80%) but more grade
      >=3 neurologic events (28% vs 13%). Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 7 older
      (19%) (1 case of grade 3) and 23 younger (10%) (4 cases of grade >=3) adults.
      There were no treatment-related fatal AEs reported. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults
      with r/r ALL who were treated with single-agent blinatumomab were found to have
      similar hematologic response rates and incidence of grade >=3 AEs compared with
      younger adults but had more neurologic events, which were reversible and
      primarily resolved with treatment interruption. Cancer 2016;122:2178-85. (c) 2016
      American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27143256
TI  - CSF3R mutations have a high degree of overlap with CEBPA mutations in pediatric
      AML.

PMID- 27143255
TI  - Programming of donor T cells using allogeneic delta-like ligand 4-positive
      dendritic cells to reduce GVHD in mice.
AB  - Alloreactive T cells play a critical role in eliminating hematopoietic malignant
      cells but are also the mediators of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a major
      complication that subverts the success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT). However, induction of alloreactive T cells does not
      necessarily lead to GVHD. Here we report the development of a cellular
      programming approach to render alloreactive T cells incapable of causing severe
      GVHD in both major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched and MHC-identical
      but minor histocompatibility antigen-mismatched mouse models. We established a
      novel platform that produced delta-like ligand 4-positive dendritic cells
      (Dll4(hi)DCs) from murine bone marrow using Flt3 ligand and Toll-like receptor
      agonists. Upon allogeneic Dll4(hi)DC stimulation, CD4(+) naive T cells underwent
      effector differentiation and produced high levels of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma)
      and interleukin-17 in vitro, depending on Dll4 activation of Notch signaling.
      Following transfer, allogeneic Dll4(hi)DC-induced T cells were unable to mediate
      severe GVHD but preserved antileukemic activity, significantly improving the
      survival of leukemic mice undergoing allogeneic HSCT. This effect of Dll4(hi)DC
      induced T cells was associated with their impaired expansion in GVHD target
      tissues. IFN-gamma was important for Dll4(hi)DC programming to reduce GVHD
      toxicities of alloreactive T cells. Absence of T-cell IFN-gamma led to improved
      survival and expansion of Dll4(hi)DC-induced CD4(+) T cells in transplant
      recipients and caused lethal GVHD. Our findings demonstrate that Dll4(hi)DC
      programming can overcome GVHD toxicity of donor T cells and produce leukemia
      reactive T cells for effective immunotherapy.

PMID- 27143257
TI  - HCK is a survival determinant transactivated by mutated MYD88, and a direct
      target of ibrutinib.
AB  - Activating mutations in MYD88 are present in ~95% of patients with Waldenstrom
      macroglobulinemia (WM), as well as other B-cell malignancies including activated
      B-cell (ABC) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In WM, mutated MYD88 triggers
      activation of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK). Ibrutinib, a pleiotropic kinase
      inhibitor that targets BTK, is highly active in patients with mutated MYD88. We
      observed that mutated MYD88 WM and ABC DLBCL cell lines, as well as primary WM
      cells show enhanced hematopoietic cell kinase (HCK) transcription and activation,
      and that HCK is activated by interleukin 6 (IL-6). Over-expression of mutated
      MYD88 triggers HCK and IL-6 transcription, whereas knockdown of HCK reduced
      survival and attenuated BTK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT, and mitogen-activated
      protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in mutated MYD88
      WM and/or ABC DLBCL cells. Ibrutinib and the more potent HCK inhibitor A419259,
      blocked HCK activation and induced apoptosis in mutated MYD88 WM and ABC DLBCL
      cells. Docking and pull-down studies confirmed that HCK was a target of
      ibrutinib. Ibrutinib and A419259 also blocked adenosine triphosphate binding to
      HCK, whereas transduction of mutated MYD88 expressing WM cells with a mutated HCK
      gatekeeper greatly increased the half maximal effective concentration for
      ibrutinib and A419259. The findings support that HCK expression and activation is
      triggered by mutated MYD88, supports the growth and survival of mutated MYD88 WM
      and ABC DLBCL cells, and is a direct target of ibrutinib. HCK represents a novel
      target for therapeutic development in MYD88-mutated WM and ABC DLBCL, and
      possibly other diseases driven by mutated MYD88.

PMID- 27143259
TI  - Acupuncture at distant myofascial trigger spots enhances endogenous opioids in
      rabbits: a possible mechanism for managing myofascial pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Acupuncture applied at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) of
      distant anatomical regions, to reduce pain in a patient's area of primary
      complaint, is one strategy that is available to manage myofascial pain. However,
      the endogenous opioid-mediated analgesic mechanism of distant acupuncture
      associated with pain control is still unclear. This aims of this study were to
      evaluate the changes in enkephalin and beta-endorphin in serum, spinal cord,
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and muscle induced by acupuncture at distant
      myofascial trigger spots (MTrSs, similar to human MTrPs) in rabbits, to explore
      its underlying remote analgesic mechanism. METHODS: Acupuncture at MTrSs of a
      distant muscle (gastrocnemius) was performed either for one session or five daily
      sessions in rabbits. The levels of enkephalin and beta-endorphin in proximal
      muscle (biceps femoris), serum, DRGs and spinal cords (L5-S2) were then
      determined by immunoassay immediately and 5 days after treatment. RESULTS:
      Immediately after treatment, acupuncture comprising both one dose and five doses
      significantly enhanced spinal enkephalin expression and serum beta-endorphin
      levels (p<0.05). However, only five-dose acupuncture significantly enhanced the
      beta-endorphin levels in the biceps femoris and DRGs (p<0.05), while 1-dose
      acupuncture did not (p>0.05). Furthermore, 5 days after treatment, significantly
      increased levels of spinal enkephalin and serum beta-endorphin persisted in
      animals that received 5-dose acupuncture (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrates that interactions within the endogenous opioid system may be
      involved in the remote effects of acupuncture treatment and could be a potential
      analgesic mechanism underlying MTrP pain management.

PMID- 27143258
TI  - Acquired von Willebrand syndrome associated with left ventricular assist device.
AB  - Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) provide cardiac support for patients with
      end-stage heart disease as either bridge or destination therapy, and have
      significantly improved the survival of these patients. Whereas earlier models
      were designed to mimic the human heart by producing a pulsatile flow in parallel
      with the patient's heart, newer devices, which are smaller and more durable,
      provide continuous blood flow along an axial path using an internal rotor in the
      blood. However, device-related hemostatic complications remain common and have
      negatively affected patients' recovery and quality of life. In most patients, the
      von Willebrand factor (VWF) rapidly loses large multimers and binds poorly to
      platelets and subendothelial collagen upon LVAD implantation, leading to the term
      acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS). These changes in VWF structure and
      adhesive activity recover quickly upon LVAD explantation and are not observed in
      patients with heart transplant. The VWF defects are believed to be caused by
      excessive cleavage of large VWF multimers by the metalloprotease ADAMTS-13 in an
      LVAD-driven circulation. However, evidence that this mechanism could be the
      primary cause for the loss of large VWF multimers and LVAD-associated bleeding
      remains circumstantial. This review discusses changes in VWF reactivity found in
      patients on LVAD support. It specifically focuses on impacts of LVAD-related
      mechanical stress on VWF structural stability and adhesive reactivity in
      exploring multiple causes of AVWS and LVAD-associated hemostatic complications.

PMID- 27143260
TI  - Multifunctional protein: cardiac ankyrin repeat protein.
AB  - Cardiac ankyrin repeat protein (CARP) not only serves as an important component
      of muscle sarcomere in the cytoplasm, but also acts as a transcription co-factor
      in the nucleus. Previous studies have demonstrated that CARP is up-regulated in
      some cardiovascular disorders and muscle diseases; however, its role in these
      diseases remains controversial now. In this review, we will discuss the continued
      progress in the research related to CARP, including its discovery, structure, and
      the role it plays in cardiac development and heart diseases. 

PMID- 27143262
TI  - Increasing the immune activity of exosomes: the effect of miRNA-depleted exosome
      proteins on activating dendritic cell/cytokine-induced killer cells against
      pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor-derived exosomes were considered to be potential candidates for
      tumor vaccines because they are abundant in immune-regulating proteins, whereas
      tumor exosomal miRNAs may induce immune tolerance, thereby having an opposite
      immune function. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to separate exosomal protein
      and depleted exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs), increasing the immune activity of
      exosomes for activating dendritic cell/cytokine-induced killer cells (DC/CIKs)
      against pancreatic cancer (PC). METHODS: PC-derived exosomes (PEs) were extracted
      from cultured PANC-1 cell supernatants and then ruptured; this was followed by
      ultrafiltered exosome lysates (UELs). DCs were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS), PE, and UEL, followed by co-culture with CIKs. The anti-tumor effects of
      DC/CIKs against PC were evaluated by proliferation and killing rates, tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and perforin secretion. Exosomal miRNAs were
      depleted after lysis and ultrafiltration, while 128 proteins were retained,
      including several immune-activating proteins. RESULTS: UEL-stimulated DC/CIKs
      showed a higher killing rate than LPS- and PE-stimulated DC/CIKs. CONCLUSIONS:
      miRNA-depleted exosome proteins may be promising agonists for specifically
      activating DC/CIKs against PC.

PMID- 27143261
TI  - Chemokines and their receptors in lung cancer progression and metastasis.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality around the world.
      Despite advancements in diagnosis, surgical techniques, and neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy over the last decade, the mortality rate is still high and the
      5-year survival is a dismal 15%. Fortunately, early detection by low-dose
      computed tomography (LDCT) scans has reduced mortality by 20%; yet, overall, 5
      year-survival remains low at less than 20%. Therefore, in order to ameliorate
      this situation, a thorough understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms
      is urgently needed. Chemokines and their receptors, crucial microenvironmental
      factors, play important roles in lung tumor genesis, progression, and metastasis,
      and exploring the mechanisms of this might bring new insights into early
      diagnosis and precisely targeted treatment. Consequently, this review will mainly
      focus on recent advancements on the axes of chemokines and their receptors of
      lung cancer. 

PMID- 27143263
TI  - MACC1 upregulation promotes gastric cancer tumor cell metastasis and predicts a
      poor prognosis.
AB  - In various studies, metastasis associated with colon cancer 1 (MACC1) has been
      frequently reported to be abnormally highly expressed in human lung cancer, colon
      cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Our study focuses on the association of
      MACC1 expression with gastric cancer (GC). During our experiment, the MACC1
      expression was tested in 105 GC samples using an immunohistochemical (IHC)
      method. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of these patients were
      summarized. During analysis, MACC1 distribution in GC samples with distant
      metastasis was higher than that in normal samples and in tumors with no
      dissemination. Subsequently, a lower 5-year survival rate had a strong
      correlation with high MACC1 expression. As a consequence, the present results
      suggest that MACC1 is more frequently expressed in a poor prognosis phenotype of
      GC and acts as a promising prognostic prediction parameter for GC. 

PMID- 27143264
TI  - Genetic polymorphism analyses of a novel panel of 19 X-STR loci in the Chinese
      Uygur ethnic minority.
AB  - The population genetic data and forensic parameters of 19 X-chromosome short
      tandem repeat (X-STR) loci in Chinese Uygur ethnic minority are presented. These
      loci were detected in a sample of 233 (94 males and 139 females) unrelated
      healthy individuals. We observed 238 alleles at the 19 X-STR loci, with the
      corresponding gene frequencies spanning the range from 0.0021 to 0.5644. After
      Bonferroni correction (P>0.0026), there were no significant deviations from Hardy
      Weinberg equilibrium. The cumulative power of discrimination in females and
      males, and the probability of exclusion of the 19 X-STR loci were 0.999 999 999
      999 999 999 998 091, 0.999 999 999 999 966, and 0.999 999 986 35, respectively.
      The cumulative mean exclusion chance was 0.999 999 992 849 in deficiency cases,
      0.999 999 999 999 628 in normal trios, and 0.999 999 998 722 in duo cases. The
      high value of the forensic parameters mentioned above revealed that the novel
      panel of 19 loci had important values for forensic applications in the Uygur
      group. 

PMID- 27143265
TI  - Peritoneal dialysis for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: a
      retrospective study.
AB  - To describe the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with autosomal dominant
      polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) who are on peritoneal dialysis (PD) therapy. We
      performed a retrospective matched-cohort analysis comparing the clinical outcomes
      of 30 ADPKD patients with those of 30 non-diabetic patients who had bilateral
      small kidneys between July 1 2007 and July 31 2014. The patient groups were
      matched by age, gender, and time of PD initiation. There were no significant
      differences in the demographic or biochemical parameters, comorbid conditions,
      residual glomerular filtration rate, or Charlson comorbidity score at the
      beginning of PD. The median renal volume was 1315 ml for the ADPKD group and 213
      ml for the control group. Patients with ADPKD had similar 3-year patient survival
      (90.6% versus 86.3%, P=0.807) and technique survival (89.2% versus 74.3%,
      P=0.506) compared with non-ADPKD patients. Also, there was no significant
      difference in the peritonitis-free survival between the ADPKD and control groups
      (P=0.22), and rates of peritonitis were similar (0.19 versus 0.21 episodes per
      patient-year, P=0.26). No differences were observed in the incidence of PD
      related complications, such as hernia and dialysate leak. ADPKD is not a
      contraindication for PD, and a subgroup of ADPKD patients with relatively small
      kidney volume can be treated using PD. 

PMID- 27143266
TI  - Manufacturer identification and storage time determination of "Dong'e Ejiao"
      using near infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics.
AB  - We have developed a set of chemometric methods to address two critical issues in
      quality control of a precious traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Dong'e Ejiao
      (DEEJ). Based on near infrared (NIR) spectra of multiple samples, the genuine
      manufacturer of DEEJ, e.g. Dong'e Ejiao Co., Ltd., was accurately identified
      among 21 suppliers by the fingerprint method using Hotelling T(2), distance to
      Model X (DModX), and similarity match value (SMV) as discriminate criteria. Soft
      independent modeling of the class analogy algorithm led to a misjudgment ratio of
      6.2%, suggesting that the fingerprint method is more suitable for manufacturer
      identification. For another important feature related to clinical efficacy of
      DEEJ, storage time, the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)
      method was applied with a satisfactory misjudgment ratio (15.6%) and individual
      prediction error around 1 year. Our results demonstrate that NIR spectra
      comprehensively reflect the essential quality information of DEEJ, and with the
      aid of proper chemometric algorithms, it is able to identify genuine manufacturer
      and determine accurate storage time. The overall results indicate the promising
      potential of NIR spectroscopy as an effective quality control tool for DEEJ and
      other precious TCM products. 

PMID- 27143267
TI  - Improving the antioxidant activity and enriching salvianolic acids by the
      fermentation of Salvia miltiorrhizae with Geomyces luteus.
AB  - The antioxidant activities and total phenolic content of fermented Salvia
      miltiorrhiza with fungus Geomyces luteus were investigated. The results revealed
      that G. luteus fermentation could significantly improve the antioxidant activity
      and total phenolic content of S. miltiorrhiza. The main antioxidant constituents
      were characterized by spectroscopic analysis as salvianolic acids. High
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantification also showed the enhanced
      content of salvianolic acid B after fermentation. The present study suggests that
      G. luteus fermentations are effective in the S. miltiorrhiza salvianolic acids'
      enrichment process. 

PMID- 27143268
TI  - High correlation of specific IgE sensitization between birch pollen, soy and
      apple allergens indicates pollen-food allergy syndrome among birch pollen
      allergic patients in northern China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Birch pollen sensitization and associated pollen-food syndrome among
      Chinese allergic patients have not been investigated. METHODS: Sera from 203
      allergic patients from the northern part of China and collected during February
      to July 2014 were investigated. Specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) against birch
      pollen extract Bet v and major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 were measured using
      the ADVIA Centaur. The presence of major apple allergen Mal d 1 and soy bean
      allergen Gly m 4 specific IgE was measured by ImmunoCAP 100. RESULTS: Among the
      203 sera, 34 sera (16.7%) had specific IgE to Bet v and of these, 28 sera (82.4%)
      contained Bet v 1-specific IgE. Among the 28 sera with Bet v 1-specific IgE, 27
      sera (96.4%) contained Mal d 1-specific IgE and 22 sera (78.6%) contained Gly m 4
      specific IgE. Of the 34 Bet v-positive sera, 6 sera (17.6%) contained no specific
      IgE for Bet v 1, Mal d 1, or Gly m 4. Almost all Bet v-positive sera were donated
      during the birch pollen season. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of birch allergy
      among patients visiting health care during pollen season can be as high as 16.7%
      in Tangshan City. The majority of Chinese birch allergic patients are IgE
      sensitized to the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 as well as to the major
      apple allergen Mal d 1 and soy bean allergen Gly m 4. A relatively high number of
      patients (17.6%) are IgE-sensitized to birch pollen allergen(s) other than Bet v
      1. The high prevalence of specific IgE to Mal d 1 and Gly m 4 among Bet v 1
      sensitized patients indicates that pollen-food allergy syndrome could be of
      clinical relevance in China.

PMID- 27143269
TI  - A great honor and a huge challenge for China: You-you TU getting the Nobel Prize
      in Physiology or Medicine.
AB  - Public excitement over the award of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or
      Medicine to the Chinese medical scientist You-you TU for the discovery of a
      herbal anti-malarial, may mislead the Chinese people into believing that
      traditional Chinese herbal medi-cine can be used to cure all disease without any
      ad-verse effects. The aim of this paper is to explain the advantages and
      disadvantages of herbal traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) objectively. 

PMID- 27143270
TI  - China's graduate students need better education in scientific writing and
      publishing.
AB  - Taking as a starting point the analysis of the current status of scientific
      writing and article publication of China's graduate students, we point out the
      need for expanded education on these aspects for such new authors. Then, based on
      the experience of being both an advisor and a journal editor, the author gives
      advice on how to effectively conduct such education and what roles should be
      played by a college, an advisor and a journal respectively. 

PMID- 27143272
TI  - Letter by Werring et al Regarding Article, "Embolic Stroke, Atrial Fibrillation,
      and Microbleeds: Is There a Role for Anticoagulation?".

PMID- 27143271
TI  - From forensic toxicology to biological chemistry: Normal arsenic and the hazards
      of sensitivity during the nineteenth century.
AB  - This paper reviews the cultural meanings, social uses and circulations of arsenic
      in different legal, medical and popular settings. The focus is on nineteenth
      century France. In the first section, I review the advent of the Marsh test for
      arsenic, which is commonly regarded as a milestone in the history of toxicology.
      I claim that the high sensitivity of the Marsh test introduced puzzling problems
      for forensic doctors, the most disturbing one being the so-called 'normal
      arsenic.' I reconstruct early research on normal arsenic and the ensuing
      controversies in courts, academies and salons. A report from the French Academy
      of Science converted normal arsenic from a big discovery to an experimental
      mistake. In the next section, I study how these disturbing conclusions were
      perceived by toxicologists all over Europe and how normal arsenic disappeared
      from view by the middle of the nineteenth century. Finally, I review the return
      of normal arsenic thanks to Armand Gautier and Gabriel Bertrand, who introduced
      an innovative research framework and so prompted the displacement of arsenic from
      criminal toxicology to pharmacology and nutrition science. The last section will
      also show that the issue of normal arsenic was recaptured in public debates
      concerning criminal poisoning at the beginning of the twentieth century. 

PMID- 27143273
TI  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging Measurement of Transmission of Arterial Pulsation to
      the Brain on Propranolol Versus Amlodipine.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral arterial pulsatility is associated with
      leukoaraiosis and depends on central arterial pulsatility and arterial stiffness.
      The effect of antihypertensive drugs on transmission of central arterial
      pulsatility to the cerebral circulation is unknown, partly because of limited
      methods of assessment. METHODS: In a technique-development pilot study, 10
      healthy volunteers were randomized to crossover treatment with amlodipine and
      propranolol. At baseline and on each drug, we assessed aortic (Sphygmocor) and
      middle cerebral artery pulsatility (TCDtranscranial ultrasound). We also
      performed whole-brain, 3-tesla multiband blood-oxygen level dependent magnetic
      resonance imaging (multiband factor 6, repetition time=0.43s), concurrent with a
      novel method of continuous noninvasive blood pressure monitoring. Drug effects on
      relationships between cardiac cycle variation in blood pressure and blood-oxygen
      level dependent imaging were determined (fMRI Expert Analysis Tool, fMRIB
      Software Library [FEAT-FSL]). RESULTS: Aortic pulsatility was similar on
      amlodipine (27.3 mm Hg) and propranolol (27.9 mm Hg, P diff=0.33), while MCA
      pulsatility increased nonsignificantly more from baseline on propranolol (+6%;
      P=0.09) than amlodipine (+1.5%; P=0.58). On magnetic resonance imaging, cardiac
      frequency blood pressure variations were found to be significantly more strongly
      associated with blood-oxygen level dependent imaging on propranolol than
      amlodipine. CONCLUSIONS: We piloted a novel method of assessment of arterial
      pulsatility with concurrent high-frequency blood-oxygen level dependent magnetic
      resonance imaging and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring. This method was able
      to identify greater transmission of aortic pulsation on propranolol than
      amlodipine, which warrants further investigation.

PMID- 27143274
TI  - Degree and Timing of Intensive Blood Pressure Lowering on Hematoma Growth in
      Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral
      Hemorrhage Trial-2 Results.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Degree and timing of blood pressure (BP) lowering
      treatment in relation to hematoma growth were investigated in the Intensive Blood
      Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial-2 (INTERACT2). METHODS:
      INTERACT2 was an international clinical trial of intensive (target systolic BP
      [SBP], <140 mm Hg) versus guideline-recommended (SBP, <180 mm Hg) BP lowering in
      2839 patients within 6 hours of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage and elevated
      SBP (150-220 mm Hg), in which 964 had repeat cranial computed tomography at 24
      hours. ANCOVA models assessed categories of SBP reduction and time to target SBP
      on 24-hour hematoma growth. RESULTS: Greater SBP reduction was associated with
      reduced hematoma growth (13.3, 5.0, and 3.0 mL for <10, 10-20, and >=20 mm Hg,
      respectively; P trend<0.001). In the intensive treatment group (n=491), the least
      mean hematoma growth was in patients who achieved target SBP <1 hour (2.6 mL)
      versus to those in target at 1 to 6 (4.7 mL) and >6 hours (5.4 mL). The smallest
      mean absolute hematoma growth (2.0 mL) was in those achieving target SBP 5 to 8
      times versus 3 to 4 (3.1 mL) and 0 to 2 times (5.2 mL). CONCLUSIONS: Intensive BP
      lowering with greater SBP reduction, which is achieved quickly and maintained
      consistently, seems to provide protection against hematoma growth for 24 hours.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique
      identifier: NCT00716079.

PMID- 27143275
TI  - Stroke Rehabilitation at Home: Lessons Learned and Ways Forward.

PMID- 27143276
TI  - Clinical Implications and Determinants of Left Atrial Mechanical Dysfunction in
      Patients With Stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The evaluation of sources of cardioembolism with
      transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with stroke is crucial but
      semi-invasive. We hypothesized that the size and mechanical function of the left
      atrium (LA) assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) could provide useful
      information on high risk of cardioembolism on TEE in patients with stroke.
      Furthermore, we sought to define the determinants of LA mechanical dysfunction in
      these patients. METHODS: A total of 248 patients with acute ischemic stroke (147
      men; 64+/-13 years) who underwent 2-dimensional and speckle tracking TTE followed
      by TEE were analyzed. RESULTS: LA appendage emptying velocity, prevalence of LA
      or LA appendage thrombus, prevalence of aortic plaques, and incidence of embolic
      stroke showed significant differences among the 4 groups classified according to
      the median values of the LA volume index and global LA longitudinal strain
      (LALS). Patients at high risk of cardioembolism evidenced by TEE revealed
      significantly larger LA volume index and lower global LALS than those without.
      Global LALS (cutoff, 11.5%; area under the curve, 0.947; sensitivity, 100%;
      specificity, 91%; P<0.001) revealed a significantly better diagnostic power
      (P=0.04) for LA or LA appendage thrombus than LA volume index (cutoff, 36.2
      mL/m(2); area under the curve, 0.823; sensitivity, 88%; specificity, 75%;
      P=0.002). Age, left ventricular systolic function, LA volume index, and pulse
      wave velocity were independent determinants for global LALS. CONCLUSIONS: LA
      mechanical dysfunction is closely associated with high risks of cardioembolism.
      Global LALS assessed by speckle tracking TTE well discriminates the presence of
      LA or LA appendage thrombus on TEE in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27143277
TI  - Arterial Spin Labeling Perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Performed in Acute
      Perinatal Stroke Reveals Hyperperfusion Associated With Ischemic Injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Perfusion-weighted imaging in adults with acute stroke
      often reveals hypoperfusion in the ischemic core and in a surrounding area of
      nondiffusion-restricted penumbral tissue. Perinatal stroke is common, but the
      perfusion pattern is rarely documented. We aimed to describe the perfusion
      pattern in newborns with perinatal stroke. METHODS: Neonates with clinical
      features of acute stroke underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Perfusion data
      were obtained using pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling. Strokes were
      classified as arterial, venous, or both. Core infarction was determined by the
      presence of restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging. Perfusion
      weighted imaging and susceptibility-weighted imaging signal in the ischemic area
      were visually compared with the homologous region in the contralesional
      hemisphere. Electroencephalogram data were evaluated for seizure activity.
      RESULTS: In 25 neonates with acute stroke, 8 of 11 (73%) with arterial ischemic
      stroke demonstrated hyperperfusion, 1 of 9 (11%) with venous stroke, and 4 of 5
      (80%) with both. Hypoperfusion was observed in 3 of 9 (33%) with venous and none
      with arterial ischemic stroke. Perfusion was normal in 4 of 9 (45%) with venous
      and 1 of 5 (20%) with both. Twenty-one of 24 patients (88%) with
      electroencephalogram data had either electrographic seizures or focal sharp waves
      in the ipsilesional hemisphere (11/11 arterial ischemic stroke, 6/9 venous, and
      4/5 both). CONCLUSIONS: Perfusion-weighted imaging can be obtained in neonates
      with acute stroke and often reveals hyperperfusion in the infarct core. Penumbra
      in arterial ischemic stroke is seldom found. Hyperperfusion may be caused by
      poststroke reperfusion or to neuronal hyperexcitability of stroke-associated
      seizure. Its identification may be useful for consideration of therapy for acute
      neonatal stroke.

PMID- 27143278
TI  - Absence of NMDA receptor antibodies in the rare association between Type 1
      Narcolepsy and Psychosis.
AB  - Frequency and mechanisms underlying the association between narcolepsy type 1
      (NT1) and psychosis remain unclear with potential role for a common immune
      pathway. We estimated the frequency of psychosis and its characteristics in NT1
      at two European sleep centers (France, n = 381; Spain, n = 161) and measured IgG
      autoantibodies that recognize the GluN1 subunit of the NMDAR in 9 patients with
      NT1 with psychosis, and 25 NT1 patients without psychosis. Ten NT1 patients (6 in
      France, 4 in Spain) were diagnosed with comorbid psychosis, a frequency of 1.8%.
      One patient reported psychotic symptoms few months before narcolepsy onset, two
      patients few months after onset, and one patient one year after onset but after
      modafinil introduction. The six remaining patients reported long delays between
      NT1 and psychosis onset. Half the patients, mostly male adults, reported onset or
      worsening of psychotic symptoms after medication. We found no IgG antibodies to
      NR1/NR2B heteromers of the NMDARs in patients with NT1 with or without psychosis.
      To conclude, psychosis is rare in NT1, with limited evidence for a key impact of
      stimulants, and no association with anti-NMDAR antibodies. However, dramatic NT1
      and schizophrenia exists especially in early onset NT1, which may lead to
      inappropriate diagnosis and management.

PMID- 27143279
TI  - Synthesis of amino heterocycle aspartyl protease inhibitors.
AB  - Aspartyl proteases are important pharmacological targets. Historically aspartyl
      proteases have been commonly targeted with transition state derived
      peptidomimetics. The strategy to develop aspartyl protease inhibitors has
      undertaken a dramatic paradigm shift in the last 10 years. The pharmaceutical
      industry in 2005 disclosed several scaffolds or "head groups" that prompted the
      field to move beyond peptidomimetic derived inhibitors. Since the discovery of
      the first amino heterocycle aspartyl protease inhibitor, the amino hydantoin,
      industry and academia have positioned themselves for a foothold on the new
      molecular space, designing a variety of related "head groups". Both the design
      and synthetic efforts involved in constructing these scaffolds are varied and
      complex. Here we highlight the synthetic strategies used to access these amino
      heterocycle scaffolds. 

PMID- 27143280
TI  - The Effects of Odor Quality and Temporal Asynchrony on Modulation of Taste
      Intensity by Retronasal Odor.
AB  - The experiments had 2 main goals: 1) to add to the sparse literature on how
      retronasal aromas interact with bitter tastes, and 2) to determine whether
      modulation of taste intensity by aroma depends on temporal contiguity, as one
      might expect if flavor interactions depend on cross-modal binding (similar to
      object perception in other modalities). An olfactometer-gustometer allowed
      independent oral presentation of odorized air and liquid samples. First, using
      simultaneous presentation of odors and tastes (Experiments 1a-d) we found that a
      "sweet-smelling" aroma enhanced the rated sweetness of sucrose and decreased the
      rated bitterness of sucrose octaacetate (SOA), and that a "bitter-smelling" aroma
      enhanced the bitterness of SOA and decreased the sweetness of sucrose. Thus, with
      respect to effects on taste intensity, sweet and bitter aromas mimicked mixture
      interactions between sweet and bitter tastes under current conditions. Next
      (Experiment 2), both odors were again paired with both tastes, with a parametric
      manipulation of odor onset. Odor presentation ranged from before taste delivery
      to after taste delivery. Enhancement of taste intensity was greatest with
      simultaneous onset, and greatly attenuated with offsets of 1s. These results are
      consistent with the idea that enhancement of taste by retronasal aroma depends on
      a temporal binding window like many other cross-modal interactions. The effects
      of temporal offsets on suppression of taste were inconclusive. These findings are
      discussed within the context of past work on odor-taste interactions.

PMID- 27143281
TI  - Bioresorbable scaffolds for treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions: Critical
      appraisal and future perspectives.
AB  - Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds have been recently introduced as a novel
      paradigm for coronary artery disease treatment allowing temporary vessel support
      and drug delivery without indefinite coronary caging, potentially reducing the
      long-term limitation of metallic stents. The scientific community has rapidly
      embraced this concept and bioresorbable devices have been introduced in clinical
      practice. However, despite the fact that bifurcation lesions represent a large
      and challenging subset in the field of interventional cardiology, this subgroup
      of lesions have been avoided in the initial experience with bioresorbable
      scaffolds and clear recommendations on methodological approaches are lacking. In
      the present report, we describe the various techniques for bifurcation treatment
      with bioresorbable scaffolds and the theoretical advantages and disadvantages of
      this technology in different scenarios, with a glimpse to challenging subsets and
      possible complications. Therefore, we aim to provide experience based insights
      and practical guidance for bioresorbable scaffold implantation in bifurcation
      lesions. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27143282
TI  - Near-Infrared Quantum Cutting Long Persistent Luminescence.
AB  - By combining the unique features of the quantum cutting luminescence and long
      persistent luminescence, we design a new concept called "near-infrared quantum
      cutting long persistent luminescence (NQPL)", which makes it possible for us to
      obtain highly efficient (>100%) near-infrared long persistent luminescence in
      theory. Guided by the NQPL concept, we fabricate the first NQPL phosphor
      Ca2Ga2GeO7:Pr(3+),Yb(3+). It reveals that both the two-step energy transfer of
      model (I) and the one-step energy transfer of model (IV) occur in (3)P0 levels of
      Pr(3+). Although the actual efficiency is not sufficient for the practical
      application at this primitive stage, this discovery and the associated materials
      are still expected to have important implications for several fields such as
      crystalline Si solar cells and bio-medical imaging.

PMID- 27143283
TI  - Optimization of extraction conditions for osthol, a melanogenesis inhibitor from
      Cnidium monnieri fruits.
AB  - CONTEXT: Coumarin derivatives have been reported to inhibit melanin biosynthesis.
      OBJECTIVE: The melanogenesis inhibitory activity of osthol, a major coumarin of
      the fruits of Cnidium monnieri Cusson (Umbelliferae), and optimized extraction
      conditions for the maximum yield from the isolation of osthol from C. monnieri
      fruits were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: B16F10 melanomas were treated
      with osthol at concentration of 1, 3, and 10 MUM for 72 h. The expression of
      melanogenesis genes, such as tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 was also assessed. For
      optimization, extraction factors such as extraction solvent, extraction time, and
      sample/solvent ratio were tested and optimized for maximum yield of osthol using
      response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken design (BBD). RESULTS: Osthol
      inhibits melanin content in B16F10 melanoma cells with an IC50 value of 4.9 MUM.
      The melanogenesis inhibitory activity of osthol was achieved not by direct
      inhibition of tyrosinase activity but by inhibiting melanogenic enzyme
      expressions, such as tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2. The optimal condition was
      obtained as a sample/solvent ratio, 1500 mg/10 ml; an extraction time 30.3 min;
      and a methanol concentration of 97.7%. The osthol yield under optimal conditions
      was found to be 15.0 mg/g dried samples, which were well matched with the
      predicted value of 14.9 mg/g dried samples. CONCLUSION: These results will
      provide useful information about optimized extraction conditions for the
      development of osthol as cosmetic therapeutics to reduce skin hyperpigmentation.

PMID- 27143284
TI  - Feasibility and Safety of Using a Fused Echocardiography/Fluoroscopy Imaging
      System in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fused real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
      and fluoroscopy has been used in adult patients during percutaneous mitral valve
      and aortic valve procedures. The use of fused echocardiographic/x-ray
      fluoroscopic imaging (FEX) in pediatric patients undergoing congenital heart
      disease catheterization has not been evaluated for feasibility and safety. The
      aims of this study were to assess the feasibility and safety of FEX for
      interventional guidance and to perform a comparison of atrial septal defect (ASD)
      device closure using this technology with traditional guidance methods. METHODS:
      Prospective evaluation of FEX in congenital cardiac interventions was conducted.
      A subset of patients with ASD closures were compared with patients with
      historical ASD closures with and without FEX. The interventionalist and
      echocardiographer rated the anatomic quality of the fusion imaging as (1)
      excellent, (2) good, or (3) poor. In addition, the utility of FEX procedural
      guidance was graded as (1) superior, (2) no added benefit, or (3) inferior to
      that of standard guidance by fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography.
      RESULTS: FEX was successfully used in 26 procedures on 25 patients with
      congenital heart disease from January 2013 to February 2015. The median age was 9
      years (range, 3-26 years), and the median weight was 29 kg (range, 16-77 kg).
      Twenty-six procedures were performed, including ASD closure, Fontan fenestration
      closure, and transcatheter valve placement in the tricuspid valve position. There
      was reduced fluoroscopy time and radiation dose in patients with ASDs who
      underwent imaging using this new technology (P < .001 and P < .03, respectively).
      There were no statistically significant differences in procedural times between
      the two groups. Anatomic definition was rated as excellent in 20 of 26
      procedures, with the remaining six rated was good. Twenty-one of 26 procedures
      were graded as superior (81%), and five of 26 (19%) were graded as providing no
      added benefit. There were no complications in any of the procedures. CONCLUSIONS:
      In this early experience, FEX is feasible and safe in patients undergoing
      congenital heart disease catheterization and provides useful guidance in the
      majority of interventional procedures. There were relative reductions in
      fluoroscopy time and radiation dose with the use of FEX for ASD closure.

PMID- 27143286
TI  - Progress in the biological and chemical treatment technologies for emerging
      contaminant removal from wastewater: A critical review.
AB  - This review focuses on the removal of emerging contaminants (ECs) by biological,
      chemical and hybrid technologies in effluents from wastewater treatment plants
      (WWTPs). Results showed that endocrine disruption chemicals (EDCs) were better
      removed by membrane bioreactor (MBR), activated sludge and aeration processes
      among different biological processes. Surfactants, EDCs and personal care
      products (PCPs) can be well removed by activated sludge process. Pesticides and
      pharmaceuticals showed good removal efficiencies by biological activated carbon.
      Microalgae treatment processes can remove almost all types of ECs to some extent.
      Other biological processes were found less effective in ECs removal from
      wastewater. Chemical oxidation processes such as ozonation/H2O2, UV
      photolysis/H2O2 and photo-Fenton processes can successfully remove up to 100% of
      pesticides, beta blockers and pharmaceuticals, while EDCs can be better removed
      by ozonation and UV photocatalysis. Fenton process was found less effective in
      the removal of any types of ECs. A hybrid system based on ozonation followed by
      biological activated carbon was found highly efficient in the removal of
      pesticides, beta blockers and pharmaceuticals. A hybrid ozonation-ultrasound
      system can remove up to 100% of many pharmaceuticals. Future research directions
      to enhance the removal of ECs have been elaborated.

PMID- 27143287
TI  - Effect of soil biochar concentration on the mitigation of emerging organic
      contaminant uptake in lettuce.
AB  - Although crop uptake of emerging organic contaminants (EOC) from irrigation water
      and soils has been previously reported, successful mitigation strategies have not
      yet been established. In this study, soil was amended with a wood-based biochar
      (BC) at two rates (0, 2.5 and 5% w/w) to evaluate the effect on mitigation of EOC
      uptake (i.e. bisphenol A, caffeine, carbamazepine, clofibric acid, furosemide,
      ibuprofen, methyl dihydrojasmonate, tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate, triclosan, and
      tonalide) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). After 28 days of irrigation with water
      containing EOCs at 15MUgL-1, the average EOC concentration in roots and leaves
      decreased by 20-76% in biochar amended soil relative to non BC-amended soil. In
      addition, the enantiomeric fractions (EF) of ibuprofen (IBU) in biochar amended
      soils (EF=0.58) and unamended soils (EF=0.76) suggest that the IBU sorbed
      fraction in BC is more recalcitrant to its biodegradation.

PMID- 27143288
TI  - The Role of MAPK Modules and ABA during Abiotic Stress Signaling.
AB  - To respond to abiotic stresses, plants have developed specific mechanisms that
      allow them to rapidly perceive and respond to environmental changes. The
      phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) was shown to be a pivotal regulator of abiotic
      stress responses in plants, triggering major changes in plant physiology. The ABA
      core signaling pathway largely relies on the activation of SnRK2 kinases to
      mediate several rapid responses, including gene regulation, stomatal closure, and
      plant growth modulation. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have also been
      implicated in ABA signaling, but an entire ABA-activated MAPK module was
      uncovered only recently. In this review, we discuss the evidence for a role of
      MAPK modules in the context of different plant ABA signaling pathways.

PMID- 27143289
TI  - Single- versus multiple-tablet HIV regimens: adherence and hospitalization risks.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of antiretroviral therapy as a single-tablet
      regimen (STR) and multiple-tablet regimen (MTR) on outcomes in human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS patients using electronic health records from
      the Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort.
      METHODS: This study evaluated VHA patients to whom HIV medications were dispensed
      as STRs or MTRs during the study period (January 1, 2006, to July 30, 2012).
      Patients were followed from the index date (ie, start of regimen) until treatment
      discontinuation, end of study period, last date of healthcare-related activity,
      or death. Differences in outcomes of hospitalization, adherence defined as a
      medication possession ratio of >= 95%, and undetectable viral load were evaluated
      using a Cox-proportional hazard and logistic model controlling for covariates
      measured during a 6-month baseline period. RESULTS: A total of 15,602 patients
      (6191 STR and 9411 MTR) met all study criteria. The study sample was, on average,
      aged 52 years with similar CD4 counts (mean +/- SD: 432.2 +/- 282.8 vs 419.3 +/-
      280.9; P = .287), but a significantly lower proportion of STR versus MTR patients
      had an undetectable viral load at baseline (42% vs 46%; P < .001). After
      controlling for baseline covariates, the STR cohort had twice the odds of being
      adherent (odds ratio [OR], 1.98; P < .001), 31% had a significantly lower hazard
      of having a hospitalization (hazard ratio, 0.69; P < .001), and 21% had higher
      odds of having an undetectable viral load during follow-up (OR, 1.21; P < .001).
      CONCLUSIONS: STR is associated with higher adherence rates, decreased
      hospitalizations, and more patients with an undetectable viral load in VHA
      patients with HIV/AIDS.

PMID- 27143290
TI  - Medicaid managed care reduces readmissions for youths with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the likelihood of readmission (adjusted for
      severity on first admission) for pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) differs between
      Medicaid managed care and non-managed care. STUDY DESIGN: De-identified patients
      were retrospectively selected from the Pediatric Health Information Systems
      database of the Children's Hospital Association (CHA). The cohort of 42 hospitals
      across 25 states included discharges between 2008 and 2011 for patients who were
      receiving Medicaid at the time of service and had T1D as their diagnosis.
      METHODS: Multiple factors and co-variants for readmission were analyzed by
      logistic regression, including age, race, gender, severity of illness, and state
      of admission. RESULTS: Of 14,544 T1D discharges with Medicaid, 4985 were
      readmitted, including 1792 readmitted for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Despite
      similar rates of DKA between the managed care and non-managed care cohorts,
      overall 90-day readmission was 1.12 times more likely for Medicaid patients on
      non-managed care plans than those on managed care (odds ratio, 1.12; range = 1.04
      1.20; both adjusted for severity of illness). Significant contributors were race,
      age, and gender; the relationship of location (state) and days between
      readmissions was also significant. The conservative estimate of cost reduction
      from Medicaid managed care related to lower readmission rate for pediatric T1D
      across CHA institutions between 2008 and 2011 was $2.6 million. CONCLUSIONS: From
      the largest, national, defined cohort available for contemporary study, youths
      with T1D on Medicaid managed care plans were less likely to be readmitted within
      90 days of discharge.

PMID- 27143291
TI  - The role of health IT and delivery system reform in facilitating advanced care
      delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine whether physicians using health information technology and
      participating in new models of payment and delivery were more likely to perform
      care processes associated with improved care delivery. STUDY DESIGN: Nationally
      representative, cross-sectional data on US office-based physicians from the 2012
      National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Physician Workflow Survey. METHODS:
      Multivariate regression analysis of whether physicians routinely performed 14
      specific care processes in 4 categories: population management, quality
      measurement, patient communication, and care coordination. Key independent
      measures were electronic health record (EHR) use and accountable care
      organization (ACO) or patient-centered medical home (PCMH) participation.
      RESULTS: A majority of physicians reported routinely conduct at least 1 care
      process related to care coordination (89%), patient communication (69%), and
      population management (67%); less than half reported performing at least 1
      quality measurement process routinely (44%). EHR use and ACO or PCMH
      participation were independently associated with a higher likelihood of
      performing care processes. Physicians who were using EHRs in combination with
      participation in ACO or PCMH initiatives had the highest likelihood of routinely
      performing the care processes: physicians who used an EHR and participated in ACO
      or PCMH initiatives were between 6 and 22 percentage points more likely to
      routinely perform the care processes than physicians with EHRs alone.
      CONCLUSIONS: In 2012, physicians using EHRs and participating in ACO or PCMH
      initiatives were more likely than other physicians to be routinely engaging in
      care processes expected to improve healthcare outcomes. Yet, many US physicians
      were not performing these processes routinely. This analysis highlights several
      specific areas where more work is necessary to facilitate wider adoption of these
      activities.

PMID- 27143292
TI  - Assessing the impact of an integrated care system on the healthcare expenditures
      of children with special healthcare needs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Children's Medical Services Network, a carved-out fee-for-service
      healthcare system for Florida's children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN),
      chose to develop an integrated care system (ICS) for its enrollees. The goals of
      this study were to analyze the effects of a managed care program on the Medicaid
      expenditures of CSHCN and to evaluate the performance of econometric models used
      to analyze healthcare expenditures. STUDY DESIGN: We used administrative data
      from 3947 CSHCN enrolled in Florida's Medicaid program between 2006 and 2008 for
      2 treatment and 2 control counties. The 2 treatment counties were subject to the
      new managed care ICS. METHODS: To account for the unique nature of healthcare
      expenditures data, 5 econometric models were constructed. Using a difference-in
      differences approach, these models were used to estimate differences in
      healthcare expenditures between CSHCN in the reform and control counties.
      RESULTS: The ICS program decreased outpatient, inpatient, pharmacy, and total
      costs. These effects were statistically significant for 1 of the reform counties.
      Emergency department costs increased slightly, though not significantly. Among
      the econometric models, the generalized linear models outperformed the ordinary
      least squares regressions. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides evidence that
      managed care programs such as Florida's ICS have the potential to reduce
      healthcare expenditures.

PMID- 27143293
TI  - Lost in translation: healthcare utilization by low-income workers receiving
      employer-sponsored health insurance.

PMID- 27143294
TI  - Patient safety intervention to reduce unnecessary red blood cell utilization.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To measure the impact of a local patient safety intervention and a
      national guideline to reduce unnecessary red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in the
      Department of Medicine of an academic medical center. STUDY DESIGN: This was a
      retrospective, pre-post study. METHODS: In May 2013, a clinical practice
      guideline, modeled after the 2012 AABB recommendations for RBC use, was
      implemented with the goal of decreasing unnecessary RBC transfusions. This was
      done using a previously developed model for change management in the Department
      of Medicine that included academic safety conferences, e-mail safety alerts, and
      feedback to providers on global blood product utilization. Data regarding the
      utilization of RBC products were obtained for the time before the AABB guideline,
      after the AABB guideline but before the local intervention, and after the local
      intervention (January 2011 through March 2014). RESULTS: Blood product use
      started to decline after the AABB guideline, but dropped much further after the
      focused, local interventions were implemented. The proportion of patients
      receiving a transfusion decreased from 12.6% prior to the AABB guideline to 8.8%
      after the intervention (P < .001). The percent of total blood use with a
      hemoglobin level above 8 g/dL decreased from 20.2% to 12.4%; the total units of
      RBCs transfused per 100 discharges also decreased from 33.4 to 21.7. The direct
      RBC costs per discharge dropped from $61.60 to $39.70. CONCLUSIONS: Passive
      adoption of restrictive transfusion guidelines was shown to reduce blood product
      use on general medicine floors of an academic medical center, but the effect was
      greatly improved after a local, targeted intervention to improve patient safety
      was implemented.

PMID- 27143295
TI  - The response of epiphytic bacteria on Vallisneria natans (Lour.) Hara
      (Hydrocharitaceae) to increasing nutrient loadings.
AB  - To investigate the effects of water column nutrient loading on epiphytic
      bacteria, we determined the abundance and community composition of epiphytic
      bacteria on the submerged macrophyte Vallisneria natans (Lour.) Hara during the
      growth season (June-October) under four different nutrient concentrations
      (nitrogen (N)-phosphorus (P) in mg L(-1) : 0.5-0.05, 1.0-0.1, 5.0-0.5, 10.0-1.0;
      hereafter NP-1, NP-2, NP-3, NP-4, respectively), using epifluorescence microscopy
      method and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis,
      respectively. Relative to low nutrient conditions (NP-1), there was no
      significant effect on the epiphytic bacterial community, and even a decrease in
      the number of epiphytic bacteria, which linked to the well growth status of host
      macrophytes at moderate nutrient conditions (NP-2). However, further nutrient
      enrichment induced significant increase in the abundance of epiphytic bacteria,
      and marked changes in the community structures of epiphytic bacteria.
      Furthermore, at high nutrient conditions, epiphytic bacterial communities varied
      widely temporally, and were not stable compared with those at the lower nutrient
      conditions. These results indicated that the effects of nutrient enrichment on
      epiphytic bacteria were nonlinear and dependent on the nutrient concentrations in
      the water. 

PMID- 27143297
TI  - Paired Editorial: Impact of care coaching on hospital length of stay, readmission
      rates, post-discharge phone calls, and patient satisfaction post-bariatric
      surgery.

PMID- 27143296
TI  - Studies of viomycin, an anti-tuberculosis antibiotic: copper(ii) coordination,
      DNA degradation and the impact on delta ribozyme cleavage activity.
AB  - Viomycin is a basic peptide antibiotic, which is among the most effective agents
      against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. In this paper we provide the
      characteristics of its acid base properties, coordination preferences towards the
      Cu(ii) ions, as well as the reactivity of the resulting complexes against plasmid
      DNA and HDV ribozyme. Careful coordination studies throughout the wide pH range
      allow for the characterisation of all the Cu(ii)-viomycin complex species. The
      assignment of proton chemical shifts was achieved by NMR experiments, while the
      DTF level of theory was applied to support molecular structures of the studied
      complexes. The experiments with the plasmid DNA reveal that at the physiological
      levels of hydrogen peroxide the Cu(ii)-viomycin complex is more aggressive
      against DNA than uncomplexed metal ions. Moreover, the degradation of DNA by
      viomycin can be carried out without the presence of transition metal ions. In the
      studies of antigenomic delta ribozyme catalytic activity, viomycin and its
      complex are shown to modulate the ribozyme functioning. The molecular modelling
      approach allows the indication of two different locations of viomycin binding
      sites to the ribozyme. 

PMID- 27143298
TI  - Time lapse in vivo microscopy reveals distinct dynamics of microglia-tumor
      environment interactions-a new role for the tumor perivascular space as highway
      for trafficking microglia.
AB  - Microglial cells are critical for glioma growth and progression. However, only
      little is known about intratumoral microglial behavior and the dynamic
      interaction with the tumor. Currently the scarce understanding of microglial
      appearance in malignant gliomas merely originates from histological studies and
      in vitro investigations. In order to understand the pattern of microglia
      activity, motility and migration we designed an intravital study in an orthotopic
      murine glioma model using CX3CR1-eGFP(GFP/wt) mice. We analysed the dynamics of
      intratumoral microglia accumulation and activity, as well as microglia/tumor
      blood vessel interaction by epi-illumination and 2-photon laser scanning
      microscopy. We further investigated cellular and tissue function, including the
      enzyme activity of intratumoral and microglial NADPH oxidase measured by in vivo
      fluorescence lifetime imaging. We identified three morphological phenotypes of
      tumor-associated microglia cells with entirely different motility patterns. We
      found that NADPH oxidase activation is highly divergent in these microglia
      subtypes leading to different production levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
      We observed that microglia motility is highest within the perivascular niche,
      suggesting relevance of microglia/tumor blood vessel interactions. In line,
      reduction of tumor blood vessels by antivascular therapy confirmed the relevance
      of the tumor vessel compartment on microglia biology in brain tumors. In summary,
      we provide new insights into in vivo microglial behavior, regarding both
      morphology and function, in malignant gliomas. GLIA 2016;64:1210-1226.

PMID- 27143300
TI  - History repeats itself: the family medication history and pharmacogenomics.
AB  - Related to many drug gene-product interactions, application of pharmacogenomics
      can lead to improved medication efficacy while decreasing or avoiding adverse
      drug reactions. However, utilizing pharmacogenomics without other information
      does not allow for optimal medication therapy. Currently, there is a lack of
      documentation of family medication history, in other words, inefficacy and
      adverse reactions across family members throughout generations. The family
      medication history can serve as an impetus for pharmacogenomic testing to explain
      lack of medication efficacy or an adverse drug reaction and pre-emptive testing
      can drive recognition and documentation of medication response in family members.
      We propose combining the family medication history via pedigree construction with
      pharmacogenomics to further optimize medication therapy. We encourage clinicians
      to combine family medication history with pharmacogenomics.

PMID- 27143299
TI  - Converging prefrontal pathways support associative and perceptual features of
      conditioned stimuli.
AB  - Perceptually similar stimuli often predict vastly different outcomes, requiring
      the brain to maintain specific associations in the face of potential ambiguity.
      This could be achieved either through local changes in stimulus representations,
      or through modulation of functional connections between stimulus-coding and
      outcome-coding regions. Here we test these competing hypotheses using classical
      conditioning of perceptually similar odours in the context of human fMRI. Pattern
      based analyses of odour-evoked fMRI activity reveal that odour category, identity
      and value are coded in piriform (PC), orbitofrontal (OFC) and ventromedial
      prefrontal (vmPFC) cortices, respectively. However, we observe no learning
      related reorganization of category or identity representations. Instead, changes
      in connectivity between vmPFC and OFC are correlated with learning-related
      changes in value, whereas connectivity changes between vmPFC and PC predict
      changes in perceived odour similarity. These results demonstrate that dissociable
      neural pathways support associative and perceptual representations of sensory
      stimuli.

PMID- 27143301
TI  - Mucosal-associated invariant T-cell activation and accumulation after in vivo
      infection depends on microbial riboflavin synthesis and co-stimulatory signals.
AB  - Despite recent breakthroughs in identifying mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT)
      cell antigens (Ags), the precise requirements for in vivo MAIT cell responses to
      infection remain unclear. Using major histocompatibility complex-related protein
      1 (MR1) tetramers, the MAIT cell response was investigated in a model of
      bacterial lung infection employing riboflavin gene-competent and -deficient
      bacteria. MAIT cells were rapidly enriched in the lungs of C57BL/6 mice infected
      with Salmonella Typhimurium, comprising up to 50% of alphabeta-T cells after 1
      week. MAIT cell accumulation was MR1-dependent, required Ag derived from the
      microbial riboflavin synthesis pathway, and did not occur in response to
      synthetic Ag, unless accompanied by a Toll-like receptor agonist or by co
      infection with riboflavin pathway-deficient S. Typhimurium. The MAIT cell
      response was associated with their long-term accumulation in the lungs, draining
      lymph nodes and spleen. Lung MAIT cells from infected mice displayed an
      activated/memory phenotype, and most expressed the transcription factor retinoic
      acid-related orphan receptor gammat. T-bet expression increased following
      infection. The majority produced interleukin-17 while smaller subsets produced
      interferon-gamma or tumor necrosis factor, detected directly ex vivo. Thus the
      activation and expansion of MAIT cells coupled with their pro-inflammatory
      cytokine production occurred in response to Ags derived from microbial riboflavin
      synthesis and was augmented by co-stimulatory signals.

PMID- 27143302
TI  - Core 1- and 3-derived O-glycans collectively maintain the colonic mucus barrier
      and protect against spontaneous colitis in mice.
AB  - Core 1- and 3-derived mucin-type O-glycans are primary components of the mucus
      layer in the colon. Reduced mucus thickness and impaired O-glycosylation are
      observed in human ulcerative colitis. However, how both types of O-glycans
      maintain mucus barrier function in the colon is unclear. We found that C1galt1
      expression, which synthesizes core 1 O-glycans, was detected throughout the
      colon, whereas C3GnT, which controls core 3 O-glycan formation, was most highly
      expressed in the proximal colon. Consistent with this, mice lacking intestinal
      core 1-derived O-glycans (IEC C1galt1-/-) developed spontaneous colitis primarily
      in the distal colon, whereas mice lacking both intestinal core 1- and 3-derived O
      glycans (DKO) developed spontaneous colitis in both the distal and proximal
      colon. DKO mice showed an early onset and more severe colitis than IEC C1galt1-/-
      mice. Antibiotic treatment restored the mucus layer and attenuated colitis in DKO
      mice. Mucins from DKO mice were more susceptible to proteolysis than wild-type
      mucins. This study indicates that core 1- and 3-derived O-glycans collectively
      contribute to the mucus barrier by protecting it from bacterial protease
      degradation and suggests new therapeutic targets to promote mucus barrier
      function in colitis patients.

PMID- 27143303
TI  - IL-22-induced antimicrobial peptides are key determinants of mucosal vaccine
      induced protection against H. pylori in mice.
AB  - Despite the recent description of the mucosal vaccine-induced reduction of
      Helicobacter pylori natural infection in a phase 3 clinical trial, the absence of
      immune correlates of protection slows the final development of the vaccine. In
      this study, we evaluated the role of interleukin (IL)-22 in mucosal vaccine
      induced protection. Gastric IL-22 levels were increased in mice intranasally
      immunized with urease+cholera toxin and challenged with H. felis, as compared
      with controls. Flow cytometry analysis showed that a peak of CD4+IL-22+IL-17+ T
      cells infiltrating the gastric mucosa occurred in immunized mice in contrast to
      control mice. The inhibition of the IL-22 biological activity prevented the
      vaccine-induced reduction of H. pylori infection. Remarkably, anti-microbial
      peptides (AMPs) extracted from the stomachs of vaccinated mice, but not from the
      stomachs of non-immunized or immunized mice, injected with anti-IL-22 antibodies
      efficiently killed H. pylori in vitro. Finally, H. pylori infection in vaccinated
      RegIIIbeta-deficient mice was not reduced as efficiently as in wild-type mice.
      These results demonstrate that IL-22 has a critical role in vaccine-induced
      protection, by promoting the expression of AMPs, such as RegIIIbeta, capable of
      killing Helicobacter. Therefore, it can be concluded that urease-specific memory
      Th17/Th22 cells could constitute immune correlates of vaccine protection in
      humans.

PMID- 27143305
TI  - The Zika epidemic in Cadernos de Saude Publica / Reports in Public Health.

PMID- 27143304
TI  - Interleukin-22 protects against non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae infection:
      alteration during chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major health problem becoming a
      leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A large part of these
      disorders is associated with acute exacerbations resulting from infection by
      bacteria, such as non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). Our understanding
      of the pathogenesis of these exacerbations is still elusive. We demonstrate
      herein that NTHi infection of mice chronically exposed to cigarette smoke (CS),
      an experimental model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not only
      causes acute pulmonary inflammation but also impairs the production of
      interleukin (IL)-22, a cytokine with potential anti-bacterial activities. We also
      report that mice lacking IL-22, as well as mice exposed to CS, have a delayed
      clearance of NTHi bacteria and display enhanced alveolar wall thickening and
      airway remodeling compared with controls. Supplementation with IL-22 not only
      boosted bacterial clearance and the production of anti-microbial peptides but
      also limited lung damages induced by infection both in IL-22-/- and CS-exposed
      mice. In vitro exposure to CS extract altered the NTHi-induced IL-22 production
      by spleen cells. This study shows for the first time that a defect in IL-22 is
      involved in the acute exacerbation induced by NTHi infection during experimental
      COPD and opens the way to innovative therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 27143306
TI  - Microcephaly in Pernambuco State, Brazil: epidemiological characteristics and
      evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of cutoff points for reporting suspected
      cases.
AB  - The increase in the number of reported cases of microcephaly in Pernambuco State,
      and Northeast Brazil, characterized an epidemic that led the Brazilian Ministry
      of Health to declare a national public health emergency. The Brazilian Ministry
      of Health initially defined suspected cases as newborns with gestational age (GA)
      >= 37 weeks and head circumference (HC) <= 33cm, but in December 2015 this cutoff
      was lowered to 32cm. The current study aimed to estimate the accuracy,
      sensitivity, and specificity of different cutoff points for HC, using ROC curves,
      with the Fenton and Intergrowth (2014) curves as the gold standard. The study
      described cases reported in Pernambuco from August 8 to November 28, 2015,
      according to sex and GA categories. The Fenton and Intergrowth methods provide HC
      growth curves according to GA and sex, and microcephaly is defined as a newborn
      with HC below the 3rd percentile in these distributions. Of the 684 reported
      cases, 599 were term or post-term neonates. For these, the analyses with ROC
      curves show that according to the Fenton criterion the cutoff point with the
      largest area under the ROC curve, with sensitivity greater than specificity, is
      32cm for both sexes. Using the Intergrowth method and following the same
      criteria, the cutoff points are 32cm and 31.5cm for males and females,
      respectively. The cutoff point identified by the Fenton method (32cm) coincided
      with the Brazilian Ministry of Health recommendation. Adopting Intergrowth as the
      standard, the choice would be 32cm for males and 31.5cm for females. The study
      identified the need to conduct critical and on-going analyses to evaluate cutoff
      points, including other characteristics for microcephaly case definition. 

PMID- 27143307
TI  - [Behavioral risk factors and readiness in amateur marathon runners 18-64 years of
      age in Bogota, Colombia, 2014].
AB  - Participation in amateur street marathons has become increasingly popular and
      requires prior individual health risk assessment. The objective was to identify
      risk factors and readiness in registered runners. This was a cross-sectional
      study in a random sample (n = 510) of registered amateur runners 18-64 years of
      age, using a digital survey with IPAQ, Par-Q+, and STEPwise, with an expected
      physical inactivity rate of 35% (+/-5%). The study explored physical activity,
      (binge) alcohol consumption, fruit, vegetable, and salt intake, smoking, and
      readiness. Self-reported rates were: 97.4% recommended level of physical
      activity, 2.4% optimal fruit and vegetable intake, 3.7% smoking, and 44.1% binge
      drinking. 19.8% were Par-Q+ positive and 5.7% practiced supervised exercise. The
      analysis showed differences by age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Recreational
      runners followed the recommended levels of physical activity but did not score
      well on other risk factors. Prior evaluation of lifestyle-related risk factors
      and readiness provides a safer athletic strategy. 

PMID- 27143308
TI  - [Validity of the Experiences of Discrimination scale in a Brazilian population].
AB  - One of the most widely used tools in epidemiological research on discrimination
      is the Experiences of Discrimination (EOD) scale, used but not validated in
      Brazil. The objective was to assess the reliability and dimensional structure of
      the EOD scale in a Brazilian population. A cross-sectional study was performed
      with 1,380 adults in the city of Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. Confirmatory
      factor analysis (CFA) was performed testing a two-factor model: experiences of
      discrimination and concerned about discrimination. The results of CFA showed
      satisfactory fit, high factor loads, and adequate reliability, confirming the
      scale's internal consistency. Residual correlations were identified involving
      items from both factors. The dimensional structure presented in this study
      highlights the importance of using different measures of discrimination
      (interpersonal and group) to allow more in-depth future research on the effects
      of racism on health. 

PMID- 27143309
TI  - [Assessment of geographic accessibility in hierarchical health systems using the
      p-median model: an application in Santa Catarina State, Brazil].
AB  - The objective of this study is to compare the distribution of hospital units
      according to different degrees of specialization in Santa Catarina State, Brazil,
      based on an application of the p-median hierarchical model in three levels. The p
      median model is used to determine the units' location, following by a comparison
      of the population's mean distance to reach the medical units in two scenarios,
      the current one and the simulation. A quantitative indicator of accessibility is
      proposed and used to assess accessibility according to the current and simulated
      distributions. The study aims to detect underserved regions and provides a tool
      to aid health managers' decision-making for possible interventions in the system
      in order to make it more homogeneous and accessible to the population. 

PMID- 27143310
TI  - Grading Practices and Distributions Across Internal Medicine Clerkships.
AB  - THEORY: Clerkship evaluation and grading practices vary widely between U.S.
      medical schools. Grade inflation continues to exist, and grade distribution is
      likely to be different among U.S. medical schools. HYPOTHESES: Increasing the
      number of available grades curtails "grade inflation." METHOD: A national survey
      of all Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine members was administered in 2011.
      The authors assessed key aspects of grading. RESULTS: Response rate was 76%.
      Among clerkship directors (CDs), 61% of respondents agreed that grade inflation
      existed in the internal medicine clerkship at their school, and 43% believed that
      it helped students obtain better residency positions. With respect to grading
      practices, 79% of CDs define specific behaviors needed to achieve each grade, and
      36% specify an ideal grade distribution. In addition, 44% have a trained core
      faculty responsible for evaluating students, 35% describe formal grading
      meetings, and 39% use the Reporter-Interpreter-Manager-Educator (RIME) scheme.
      Grading scales were described as follows: 4% utilize a pass/fail system, 13% a 3
      tier (e.g., Honors/Pass/Fail), 45% 4-tier, 35% 5-tier, and 4% 6+-tier system.
      There was a trend to higher grades with more tiers available. CONCLUSIONS: Grade
      inflation continues in the internal medicine clerkship. Almost half of CDs feel
      that this practice assists students to obtain better residency positions. A
      minority of programs have a trained core faculty who are responsible for
      evaluation. About one third have formal grading meetings and use the RIME system;
      both have been associated with more robust and balanced grading practices. In
      particular, there is a wide variation between schools in the percentage of
      students who are awarded the highest grade, which has implications for residency
      applications. Downstream users of clinical clerkship grades must be fully aware
      of these variations in grading in order to appropriately judge medical student
      performance.

PMID- 27143311
TI  - Spin-Cherenkov effect in a magnetic nanostrip with interfacial Dzyaloshinskii
      Moriya interaction.
AB  - Spin-Cherenkov effect enables strong excitations of spin waves (SWs) with
      nonlinear wave dispersions. The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) results
      in anisotropy and nonreciprocity of SWs propagation. In this work, we study the
      effect of the interfacial DMI on SW Cherenkov excitations in permalloy thin-film
      strips within the framework of micromagnetism. By performing micromagnetic
      simulations, it is shown that coherent SWs are excited when the velocity of a
      moving magnetic source exceeds the propagation velocity of the SWs. Moreover, the
      threshold velocity of the moving magnetic source with finite DMI can be reduced
      compared to the case of zero DMI. It thereby provides a promising route towards
      efficient spin wave generation and propagation, with potential applications in
      spintronic and magnonic devices.

PMID- 27143312
TI  - Novel chemical synthesis and characterization of copper pyrovanadate
      nanoparticles and its influence on the flame retardancy of polymeric
      nanocomposites.
AB  - In this work, copper pyrovanadate (Cu3V2O7(OH)2(H2O)2) nanoparticles have been
      synthesized by a simple and rapid chemical precipitation method. Different copper
      organic complexes were used to control the size and morphology of products. The
      morphology and structure of the as-synthesized products were characterized by X
      ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, electron
      dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA),
      differential thermal analysis (DTA) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The
      influence of copper pyrovanadate nanostructures on the flame retardancy of the
      polystyrene, poly vinyl alcohol and cellulose acetate was studied. Dispersed
      nanoparticles play the role of a magnetic barrier layer, which slows down product
      volatilization and prevents the flame and oxygen from the sample during
      decomposition of the polymer. Cu3V2O7(OH)2(H2O)2 is converted to Cu3V2O8 with an
      endothermic reaction which simultaneously releases water and decrease the
      temperature of the flame region.

PMID- 27143313
TI  - Characterization of age-dependent changes in the striatum: Response to the
      mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid.
AB  - Neurodegenerative phenomena are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and
      this could be exacerbated by aging. Age-dependence of mitochondrial response to
      toxins could help understand these mechanisms and evolve novel therapeutics. 3
      Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) is a mitochondrial toxin that induces neurotoxicity
      in the striatum via inhibition of complex II. We investigated the age-related
      events that contribute to 3-NPA toxicity. 3-NPA induced neuronal death, oxidative
      stress and altered mitochondrial structure in neuronal cells. 3-NPA injection in
      vivo caused motor impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage with
      different trend in young and adult mice. To understand the age-dependent
      mechanisms, we carried out proteomic analysis of the striatal protein extract
      from young mice (control: YC vs. 3-NPA treated: YT) and adult mice (control: AC
      vs. 3-NPA treated: AT). Among the 3752 identified proteins, 33 differentially
      expressed proteins (mitochondrial, synaptic and microsomal proteins) were unique
      either to YT or AT. Interestingly, comparison of the proteomic profile in AC and
      YC indicated that 161 proteins (linked with cytoskeletal structure, neuronal
      development, axogenesis, protein transport, cell adhesion and synaptic function)
      were down-regulated in AC compared to YC. We surmise that aging contributes to
      the cellular and molecular architecture in the mouse striatum with implications
      for neurodegeneration.

PMID- 27143314
TI  - Extraordinary wavelength reduction in terahertz graphene-cladded photonic crystal
      slabs.
AB  - Photonic crystal slabs have been widely used in nanophotonics for light
      confinement, dispersion engineering, nonlinearity enhancement, and other unusual
      effects arising from their structural periodicity. Sub-micron device sizes and
      mode volumes are routine for silicon-based photonic crystal slabs, however
      spectrally they are limited to operate in the near infrared. Here, we show that
      two single-layer graphene sheets allow silicon photonic crystal slabs with
      submicron periodicity to operate in the terahertz regime, with an extreme 100*
      wavelength reduction from graphene's large kinetic inductance. The atomically
      thin graphene further leads to excellent out-of-plane confinement, and
      consequently photonic-crystal-slab band structures that closely resemble those of
      ideal two-dimensional photonic crystals, with broad band gaps even when the slab
      thickness approaches zero. The overall photonic band structure not only scales
      with the graphene Fermi level, but more importantly scales to lower frequencies
      with reduced slab thickness. Just like ideal 2D photonic crystals, graphene
      cladded photonic crystal slabs confine light along line defects, forming
      waveguides with the propagation lengths on the order of tens of lattice
      constants. The proposed structure opens up the possibility to dramatically reduce
      the size of terahertz photonic systems by orders of magnitude.

PMID- 27143315
TI  - Comment on "Observation of mutual diffusion of macromolecules in PS/PMMA binary
      films by confocal Raman microscopy" by C. Hu, X. Chen, J. Chen, W. Zhang and M.
      Q. Zhang, Soft Matter, 2012, 8, 4780.
AB  - A paper by Hu et al. (Soft Matter, 2012, 8, 4780) reports on the use of confocal
      Raman microscopy to resolve mutual diffusion between polystyrene (PS) and
      poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). In-depth optical sectioning is employed to
      measure the diffusive broadening of the originally planar PS-PMMA interface, from
      which tracer and mutual diffusion coefficients and values for the PS-PMMA
      thermodynamic interaction parameter are extracted. Here, a reinterpretation of
      Hu's data that leads to a completely different scenario is presented, as apparent
      diffusive broadening can be mostly attributed to optical distortions inherent to
      the probe methodology. It also explains the lack of consistency of kinetic and
      thermodynamic parameters obtained by the authors from their diffusion analysis in
      comparison with earlier published data on this system. Overall, it highlights the
      importance of carrying out appropriate data analysis when confocal Raman
      microscopy is applied in dry depth-profiling investigations.

PMID- 27143316
TI  - Environmental management in the gut: fecal transplantation to restore the
      intestinal ecosystem.

PMID- 27143318
TI  - Kinetic modeling of hydrogen production rate by photoautotrophic cyanobacterium
      A. variabilis ATCC 29413 as a function of both CO2 concentration and oxygen
      production rate.
AB  - Hydrogen production by cyanobacteria could be one of the promising energy
      resources in the future. However, there is very limited information regarding the
      kinetic modeling of hydrogen production by cyanobacteria available in the
      literature. To provide an in-depth understanding of the biological system
      involved during the process, the Haldane's noncompetitive inhibition equation has
      been modified to determine the specific hydrogen production rate (HPR) as a
      function of both dissolved CO2 concentration (CTOT) and oxygen production rate
      (OPR). The highest HPR of 15 [Formula: see text] was found at xCO2 of 5% vol/vol
      and the rate consequently decreased when the CTOT and OPR were 0.015 k mol m-3
      and 0.55 mL h-1, respectively. The model provided a fairly good estimation of the
      HPR with respect to the experimental data collected.

PMID- 27143317
TI  - 3T MRI investigation of cardiac left ventricular structure and function in a UK
      population: The tayside screening for the prevention of cardiac events
      (TASCFORCE) study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To scan a volunteer population using 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI). MRI of the left ventricular (LV) structure and function in healthy
      volunteers has been reported extensively at 1.5T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      population of 1528 volunteers was scanned. A standardized approach was taken to
      acquire steady-state free precession (SSFP) LV data in the short-axis plane, and
      images were quantified using commercial software. Six observers undertook the
      segmentation analysis. RESULTS: Mean values (+/-standard deviation, SD) were:
      ejection fraction (EF) = 69 +/- 6%, end diastolic volume index (EDVI) = 71 +/- 13
      ml/m2 , end systolic volume index (ESVI) = 22 +/- 7 ml/m2 , stroke volume index
      (SVI) = 49 +/- 8 ml/m2 , and LV mass index (LVMI) = 55 +/- 12 g/m2 . The mean EF
      was slightly larger for females (69%) than for males (68%), but all other
      variables were smaller for females (EDVI 68v77 ml/m2 , ESVI 21v25 ml/m2 , SVI
      46v52 ml/m2 , LVMI 49v64 g/m2 , all P < 0.05). The mean LV volume data mostly
      decreased with each age decade (EDVI males: -2.9 +/- 1.3 ml/m2 , females: -3.1 +/
      0.8 ml/m2 ; ESVI males: -1.3 +/- 0.7 ml/m2 , females: -1.7 +/- 0.5 ml/m2 ; SVI
      males: -1.7 +/- 0.9 ml/m2 , females: -1.4 +/- 0.6 ml/m2 ; LVMI males: -1.6 +/-
      1.1 g/m2 , females: -0.2 +/- 0.6 g/m2 ) but the mean EF was virtually stable in
      males (0.6 +/- 0.6%) and rose slightly in females (1.2 +/- 0.5%) with age.
      CONCLUSION: LV reference ranges are provided in this population-based MR study at
      3.0T. The variables are similar to those described at 1.5T, including variations
      with age and gender. These data may help to support future population-based MR
      research studies that involve the use of 3.0T MRI scanners. J. Magn. Reson.
      Imaging 2016;44:1186-1196.

PMID- 27143319
TI  - Preliminary effects of renal denervation with saline irrigated catheter on
      cardiac systolic function in patients with heart failure: A Prospective,
      Randomized, Controlled, Pilot Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess efficacy and safety of renal denervation (RDN) for heart
      failure (HF). BACKGROUND: RDN has been demonstrated to be an effective method in
      lowing overactive sympathetic nerve. However, it's feasibility and efficacy for
      HF is unclear. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled pilot study, patients with
      HF were randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio to undergo RDN plus optimal medical
      therapy (RDN group) or only optimal medical therapy (control group). Before
      randomization, patients received optimal medical therapy at least half a year.
      Primary efficacy end point was the change in LVEF over six months; secondary
      efficacy end points were the change in six-minute walk distance and SF-36 Health
      Survey scores over six months. RESULTS: Up to Apr 2015, sixty symptomatic HF
      patients were successfully enrolled into study. Thirty patients were randomly
      assigned to RDN group and 30 patients were randomly assigned to control group.
      All patients completed six months follow up. During follow up, no severe adverse
      events were observed. Blood pressure was stable in both groups. Patients in RDN
      group had shown a significant improvement in LVEF (P < 0.001), SMWD (P = 0.043),
      NYHA class (P < 0.001), NT-proBNP (P < 0.001) and office heart rate (P = 0.008).
      Compared with control group, RDN patients were associated with significant
      improvement in all domains of SF-36 but bodily pain (P = 0.74). No significant
      change in estimate glomerular filtration nor complication of renal artery
      stenosis were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Results imply that RDN could be safely
      applied to treatment of HF and probably improve cardiac systolic function and
      patients' quality of life. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27143320
TI  - Detection of Nicotiana DNA in Tobacco Products Using a Novel Multiplex Real-Time
      PCR Assay.
AB  - Establishing that a product contains tobacco is a requirement for the U.S. Food
      and Drug Administration's regulation and/or prosecution of tobacco products.
      Therefore, a multiplex real-time PCR method was designed to determine if
      Nicotiana (tobacco) DNA is present in tobacco products. The PCR method
      simultaneously amplifies a 73 bp fragment of the cytochrome P450 monoxygenase
      CYP82E4 gene and 66 bp fragment in the nia-1 gene for nitrate reductase, which
      are detected using dual-labeled TaqMan probes. The assay is capable of detecting
      approximately 7.8 pg purified tobacco DNA, with a similar sensitivity for either
      gene target while incorporating an internal positive control (IPC). DNA was
      extracted from prepared tobacco products-including chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco,
      and snuff-or from the cut fill (no wrapper) of cigarettes and cigars. Of the 13
      products analyzed, 12 were positive for both tobacco-specific markers and the
      IPC. DNA was also extracted from the fill of five varieties of herbal cigarettes,
      which were negative for both tobacco-specific gene targets and positive for the
      IPC. Our method expands on current assays by introducing a multiplex reaction,
      targeting two sequences in two different genes of interest, incorporating an IPC
      into the reaction, and lowering the LOD and LOQ while increasing the efficiency
      of the PCR. 

PMID- 27143321
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Proton-Pump Inhibitors in High-Risk Cardiovascular Subsets
      of the COGENT Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been demonstrated to reduce rates
      of gastrointestinal events in patients requiring dual antiplatelet therapy
      (DAPT). Data are limited regarding the efficacy and safety of PPIs in high-risk
      cardiovascular subsets after acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary
      intervention. METHODS: All patients enrolled in COGENT (Clopidogrel and the
      Optimization of Gastrointestinal Events Trial) were initiated on DAPT (with
      aspirin and clopidogrel) for various indications within the prior 21 days. These
      post hoc analyses of the COGENT trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of
      omeprazole compared with placebo in subsets of patients requiring DAPT for the 2
      most frequent indications: 1) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention (for any indication) within 14 days of randomization (n = 2676;
      71.2%); and 2) patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome managed with or
      without percutaneous coronary intervention (n = 1573; 41.8%). Unadjusted Cox
      proportional hazards models were used to estimate effect sizes through final
      follow-up. RESULTS: Median follow-up duration was 110 days (interquartile range
      55-167). In percutaneous coronary intervention-treated patients, omeprazole
      significantly reduced rates of composite gastrointestinal events at 180 days
      (1.2% vs 2.7%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.85; P
      = .02) without increasing composite cardiovascular events (5.4% vs 6.3%; HR 1.00;
      95% CI, 0.67-1.50; P = 1.00). Similarly, omeprazole lowered risk of the primary
      gastrointestinal endpoint at 180 days in patients presenting with acute coronary
      syndrome (1.1% vs 2.7%; HR 0.37; 95% CI, 0.13-1.01; P = .05) without a
      significant excess in cardiovascular events (5.6% vs 4.5%; HR 1.40; 95% CI, 0.77
      2.53; P = .27). CONCLUSIONS: PPI therapy attenuates gastrointestinal bleeding
      risk without significant excess in major cardiovascular events in high-risk
      cardiovascular subsets, regardless of indication for DAPT. Future studies will be
      needed to clarify optimal gastroprotective strategies for higher-intensity and
      longer durations of DAPT.

PMID- 27143322
TI  - Unnecessary Hospitalizations for Pulmonary Embolism: Impact on US Health Care
      Costs.

PMID- 27143323
TI  - Abnormal resting-state functional connectivity of the left caudate nucleus in
      obsessive-compulsive disorder.
AB  - Altered brain activities in the cortico-striato-thalamocortical (CSTC) circuitry
      are implicated in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
      However, whether the underlying changes occur only within this circuitry or in
      large-scale networks is still not thoroughly understood. This study performed
      voxel-based functional connectivity analysis on resting-state functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) data from thirty OCD patients and thirty healthy
      controls to investigate whole-brain intrinsic functional connectivity patterns in
      OCD. Relative to the healthy controls, OCD patients showed decreased functional
      connectivity within the CSTC circuitry but increased functional connectivity in
      other brain regions. Furthermore, decreased left caudate nucleus-thalamus
      connectivity within the CSTC circuitry was positively correlated with the illness
      duration of OCD. This study provides additional evidence that CSTC circuitry may
      play an essential role and alteration of large-scale brain networks may be
      involved in the pathophysiology of OCD.

PMID- 27143324
TI  - Nonlinear modal interactions in parity-time (PT) symmetric lasers.
AB  - Parity-time symmetric lasers have attracted considerable attention lately due to
      their promising applications and intriguing properties, such as free spectral
      range doubling and single-mode lasing. In this work we discuss nonlinear modal
      interactions in these laser systems under steady state conditions, and we
      demonstrate that several gain clamping scenarios can occur for lasing operation
      in the -symmetric and -broken phases. In particular, we show that, depending on
      the system's design and the external pump profile, its operation in the nonlinear
      regime falls into two different categories: in one the system is frozen in the
      phase space as the applied gain increases, while in the other the system is
      pulled towards its exceptional point. These features are first illustrated by a
      coupled mode formalism and later verified by employing the Steady-state Ab-initio
      Laser Theory (SALT). Our findings shine light on the robustness of single-mode
      operation against saturation nonlinearity in -symmetric lasers.

PMID- 27143325
TI  - Short term increase in neuropsychiatric events is seen with H pylori treatment
      containing clarithromycin.

PMID- 27143326
TI  - [Influence of prehospital response times in the survival of trauma patients in
      Navarre].

PMID- 27143327
TI  - [Disclosure of sources of possible conflicts of interest in Spanish biomedical
      journals: a long way to go].

PMID- 27143328
TI  - [Confidence interval in reliability reports: a necessary analysis].

PMID- 27143329
TI  - [Biomarkers and clinical practice].

PMID- 27143330
TI  - [Prehospital delay: the hidden face of coronary ischaemia].

PMID- 27143331
TI  - [Disclosure of sources of possible conflicts of interest in Spanish biomedical
      journals: a long way to go].

PMID- 27143332
TI  - [Influence of prehospital response times in the survival of trauma patients in
      Navarre].

PMID- 27143333
TI  - Optimization and multigram scalability of a catalytic enantioselective borylative
      migration for the synthesis of functionalized chiral piperidines.
AB  - The development of new, efficient and economical methods for the preparation of
      functionalized, optically enriched piperidines is important in the field of drug
      discovery where this class of heterocycles is often deemed a privileged
      structure. We have optimized a Pd-catalyzed enantioselective borylative migration
      of an alkenyl nonaflate derivative of the simple precursor, N-Boc-4-piperidone.
      This anomalous borylation reaction lends access to a chiral optically enriched
      piperidinyl allylic boronate that can be employed in carbonyl allylboration and
      stereoselective cross-coupling to produce substituted dehydropiperidines related
      to numerous pharmaceutical agents. A systematic fine-tuning of reaction
      conditions revealed that diethyl ether and the green solvent cyclopentyl methyl
      ether are suitable reaction solvents providing the highest enantioselectivity (up
      to 92% ee) under a low catalyst loading of 3 mol%. Optimization of the aldehyde
      allylboration step led to higher yields with further solvent economy. The
      multigram-scalability of the entire process was demonstrated under the reaction
      conditions that provide optimal atom-economy and efficiency. 

PMID- 27143334
TI  - Vilanterol trifenatate for the treatment of COPD.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Currently the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) has limited effectiveness and there is a need to develop new drugs.
      International guidelines recommend the use of long-acting bronchodilators (beta2
      agonists and anti-cholinergics/muscarinics), inhaled steroids and associations
      between these drugs in the maintenance treatment of moderate-to-severe COPD. AREA
      COVERED: Vilanterol trifenate is a new once-daily highly selective beta2-agonist
      available in USA and Europe in association with umeclidinium bromide (a long
      acting anti-muscarnic agent) and fluticasone furoate (an inhaled corticosteroid)
      for the once-daily maintenance treatment of COPD. Vilanterol combined in fixed
      dose treatments has been tested in numerous clinical trials involving thousands
      of patients. Expert commentary: These new once-daily formulations have the
      potential to improve compliance to long-term inhaled therapy. This paper will
      review the clinical and experimental data regarding vilanterol use in the regular
      treatment of COPD as well as provide a critical discussion of possible future
      treatment settings.

PMID- 27143335
TI  - Protective effects of adipose-derived stem cells against UVB-induced skin
      pigmentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperpigmentation, mainly following UV-irradiation, can cause major
      cosmetic concerns. Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been
      reported to serve as whitening agents through a paracrine effect. However, there
      have been few reports on the direct effects of ASCs on skin pigmentation
      following UVB-irradiation. METHODS: To evaluate the effect of ASCs on UVB
      irradiated mouse skin, UVB-irradiation alone was applied to one side of the backs
      of mice (melanin-processing hairless mouse, HRM-2) as a control, and UVB
      irradiation plus injection of ASCs was applied to the contralateral side. Skin
      pigmentation and histology were evaluated and the number of DOPA-positive
      melanocytes in the mouse skin was counted. The absolute value of DeltaL* via a
      colorimeter was measured to evaluate the degree of skin pigmentation. The effects
      of ASCs on the melanogenic activities of mouse skin were examined by measuring
      the tyrosinase activity and the melanin contents in the epidermis of the mouse
      skin. RESULTS: Skin pigmentation was suppressed in the ASC-injected side.
      Moreover, the change in skin thickness following UVB irradiation was reduced in
      the ASC-injected side. The number of DOPA-positive melanocytes in the ASC
      injected side (139 +/- 18 cells/mm2) was significantly lower than that in the
      control side (239 +/- 48 cells/mm2). The tyrosinase activity (67.4 +/- 9.8% of
      that of the control side) and melanin content (63.4 +/- 5.7% of that of the
      control side) of the ASC-injected side were also significantly reduced.
      CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these results suggest that ASCs injected
      subcutaneously into the backs of mice can attenuate tanning following UVB
      irradiation, through suppression of tyrosinase activity.

PMID- 27143336
TI  - Unusual continuous dual absorption peaks in Ca-doped BiFeO3 nanostructures for
      broadened microwave absorption.
AB  - Electromagnetic absorption materials have received increasing attention owing to
      their wide applications in aerospace, communication and the electronics industry,
      and multiferroic materials with both polarization and magnetic properties are
      considered promising ceramics for microwave absorption application. However, the
      insufficient absorption intensity coupled with the narrow effective absorption
      bandwidth has limited the development of high-performance multiferroic materials
      for practical microwave absorption. To address such issues, in the present work,
      we utilize interfacial engineering in BiFeO3 nanoparticles via Ca doping, with
      the purpose of tailoring the phase boundary. Upon Ca-substitution, the co
      existence of both R3c and P4mm phases has been confirmed to massively enhance
      both dielectric and magnetic properties via manipulating the phase boundary and
      the destruction of the spiral spin structure. Unlike the commonly reported
      magnetic/dielectric hybrid microwave absorption composites, Bi0.95Ca0.05FeO3 has
      been found to deliver unusual continuous dual absorption peaks at a small
      thickness (1.56 mm), which has remarkably broadened the effective absorption
      bandwidth (8.7-12.1 GHz). The fundamental mechanisms based on the phase boundary
      engineering have been discussed, suggesting a novel platform for designing
      advanced multiferroic materials with wide applications. 

PMID- 27143337
TI  - Arthritogenic peptide binding to DRB1*01 alleles correlates with susceptibility
      to rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often defined by the
      presence of a shared epitope (QKRAA, QRRAA, or RRRAA) at positions 70-74 in HLA
      DRbeta1. However, DRbeta1*01:01 and 01:02 contain the same QRRAA epitope, but
      differ considerably in their susceptibility to RA. The purpose of this study was
      to determine if this difference could be explained by their ability to bind three
      arthritogenic peptides that we have previously shown to bind to the archetypal RA
      susceptible allele, DRbeta1*04:01, but not to the resistant DRbeta1*08:01 allele.
      Binding of type II collagen(258-272), citrullinated and native vimentin(66-78),
      and citrullinated and native alpha-enolase(11-25) were measured on cell lines
      expressing either DRbeta1*01:01, *01:02 or *01:03 in association with
      DRalpha1*01:01. DRbeta1*01:01 and *01:02 both exhibited a 6.5-fold preference for
      citrullinated vimentin(66-78) compared to native vimentin. However, DRbeta1*01:01
      also exhibited a 1.7-fold preference for citrullinated alpha-enolase(11-25) and
      bound collagen(258-272), while DRbeta1*01:02 bound neither of these peptides.
      Consistent with its known resistance to RA, DRbeta1*01:03 preferentially bound
      native vimentin(66-78) and alpha-enolase(11-25) over the citrullinated forms of
      these peptides, and also failed to bind collagen(258-272). Site-directed
      mutagenesis was performed to determine which amino acid residues were responsible
      for the differences between these alleles. Mutating position 86 in DRbeta1*01:01
      from glycine to the valine residue found in DRbeta1*01:02 eliminated binding of
      both citrullinated alpha-enolase(11-25) and collagen(258-272), thereby
      recapitulating the peptide-binding profile of DRbeta1*01:02. The difference in
      susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis between DRbeta1*01:01 and *01:02 thus
      correlates with the effect of position 86 on the binding of these arthritogenic
      peptides. Consistent with their association with RA resistance, positions I67,
      D70 and E71 all contributed to the inability of DRbeta1*01:03 to bind these
      arthritogenic peptides.

PMID- 27143338
TI  - CF3 Derivatives of the Anticancer Ru(III) Complexes KP1019, NKP-1339, and Their
      Imidazole and Pyridine Analogues Show Enhanced Lipophilicity, Albumin
      Interactions, and Cytotoxicity.
AB  - The Ru(III) complexes indazolium [trans-RuCl4(1H-indazole)2] (KP1019) and sodium
      [trans-RuCl4(1H-indazole)2] (NKP-1339) are leading candidates for the next
      generation of metal-based chemotherapeutics. Trifluoromethyl derivatives of these
      compounds and their imidazole and pyridine analogues were synthesized to probe
      the effect of ligand lipophilicity on the pharmacological properties of these
      types of complexes. Addition of CF3 groups also provided a spectroscopic handle
      for (19)F NMR studies of ligand exchange processes and protein interactions. The
      lipophilicities of the CF3-functionalized compounds and their unsubstituted
      parent complexes were quantified by the shake-flask method to give the
      distribution coefficient D at pH 7.4 (log D7.4). The solution behavior of the CF3
      functionalized complexes was characterized in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)
      using (19)F NMR, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and UV-vis
      spectroscopies. These techniques, along with fluorescence competition
      experiments, were also used to characterize interactions with human serum albumin
      (HSA). From these studies it was determined that increased lipophilicity
      correlates with reduced solubility in PBS but enhancement of noncoordinate
      interactions with hydrophobic domains of HSA. These protein interactions improve
      the solubility of the complexes and inhibit the formation of oligomeric species.
      EPR measurements also demonstrated the formation of HSA-coordinated species with
      longer incubation. (19)F NMR spectra show that the trifluoromethyl complexes
      release axial ligands in PBS and in the presence of HSA. In vitro testing showed
      that the most lipophilic complexes had the greatest cytotoxic activity. Addition
      of CF3 groups enhances the activity of the indazole complex against A549 nonsmall
      cell lung carcinoma cells. Furthermore, in the case of the pyridine complexes,
      the parent compound was inactive against the HT-29 human colon carcinoma cell
      line but showed strong cytotoxicity with CF3 functionalization. Overall, these
      studies demonstrate that lipophilicity may be a determining factor in the
      anticancer activity and pharmacological behavior of these types of Ru(III)
      complexes.

PMID- 27143339
TI  - Modified first world mortality scores can be used in a regional South African
      burn service with resource limitations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Survival following a major burn is highly dependent on the
      availability of scare and expensive resources such as critical care services,
      modern dressings and access to operating theatres. Scoring systems, which predict
      mortality have been developed and can be used to identify patients in whom the
      outlay of these resources is futile. The aim of this study was to analyse the
      mortality at a regional South African burn service and to see if these scoring
      models developed in a resource rich environment were applicable to our setting.
      METHODS: Consecutive admissions to the Edendale burn service, South Africa were
      collected from patient records over a 2-year period from July 2013 to June 2015.
      Demographic, burn details and final outcome (lived or died) were captured for
      statistical analysis. Each patient was scored using the Modified Baux, Coste et
      al., Belgian Outcome of Burn Injury (BOBI) and Abbreviated Burn Severity Index
      (ABSI) scores. Validation of models and inferential statistics were done to
      determine new breakpoints more applicable to our sample. RESULTS: A total of 748
      patients were included in the sample, with a mortality rate of 7.1%. The mean
      Modified Baux score was 27 (range 1-134), with the new breakpoint of 40
      predicting 74% of the mortalities compared to the 42% predicted by the old
      breakpoint of 75. The mean ABSI score was 4 (range 2-15), with a lower break
      point of 6 predicting 75% of deaths compared to 42% with the old breakpoint of 8.
      The mean Coste score for the sample was 12 (range 0-100). With a suggested break
      point of 85 (predicting 50% mortality), only 6% of mortalities were predicted.
      The new break point of 17 predicted 91% of deaths. The original break point for
      the BOBI score was 6 (range 0-7). This included 42% of deaths. With a new
      breakpoint of 1, 74% of deaths were predicted. DISCUSSION: Our data has shown
      that in our environment a significant number of fatalities occur in patients with
      potentially salvageable burns, and the breakpoints for the mortality prediction
      scores such as, the Modified Baux score, Coste et al. score, BOBI and ABSI scores
      are much lower than high-income countries. However these mortality predictive
      scores can be used in a resource scarce South African setting to triage patients
      into risk categories by lowering the breakpoints. This may facilitate early and
      more aggressive management of high-risk burn patients, improving survival rates,
      as well as efficient and judicious use of critical care and other resources.

PMID- 27143340
TI  - Satisfaction With Appearance Scale-SWAP: Adaptation and validation for Brazilian
      burn victims.
AB  - AIM: Methodological study that aimed to adapt the Satisfaction with Appearance
      Scale (SWAP) into Brazilian Portuguese language and to assess the validity, the
      reliability and the dimensionality of the adapted version in a sample of
      Brazilian burn victims. METHODS: We carried out the adaptation process according
      to the international literature. Construct validity was assessed by correlating
      the adapted version of SWAP scores with depression (Beck Depression Index), self
      esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), health-related quality of Life (Short Form
      Health Survey-36) and health status of burn victims (Burn Specific Health Scale
      Revised), and with gender, total body surface area burned, and visibility of the
      scars. We tested dimensionality using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and the
      reliability by means of Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: Participants were 106 adult
      burned patients. The correlations between the Brazilian version of the SWAP
      scores and the correlated construct measures varied from moderate to strong
      (r=.30-.77). The participants who perceived their burn sequelae was visible
      reported being more dissatisfied with their body image than the participants who
      answered that their scars would not be visible (p<.001). Cronbach's alpha for the
      adapted version was 0.88 and the item-total correlation varied from moderate to
      strong (r=.35-.73). The EFA resulted in three factors with a total explained
      variance percentage of 63.2%. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the SWAP was
      valid and reliable for use with Brazilian burn victims.

PMID- 27143341
TI  - Social determinants of health: Gender inequity or inequality and W.H.O.
      recommendations.

PMID- 27143342
TI  - Nanocrystalline silver dressings significantly influence bioimpedance
      spectroscopy measurements of fluid volumes in burns patients.
AB  - Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is a tool utilized in health care to investigate
      body composition and fluid distribution. Limited research has addressed the
      clinical use of BIS in burns. This study aimed to examine the effects of silver
      dressings on BIS measurements in burns patients. BIS measurements were collected
      during two dressing conditions: no dressing (ND), and; ActicoatTM dressing (AD).
      Wilcoxon sign-ranks tests determined if there were any significant differences in
      BIS measures between the dressing conditions. Multilevel mixed-effects linear
      regressions examined the effect of %TBSA and body mass on BIS variables across
      the dressing conditions. The mean age of the patients (n=31) was 34.90 years;
      with a median TBSA of 15%. There was a significant increase in extracellular
      fluid (ECF) (p<0.001), intracellular fluid (ICF) (p<0.001) and total body water
      (TBW) (p<0.001) when AD was in place. There were significant interactions between
      dressing condition, %TBSA and body mass, whereby the difference in ECF, ICF and
      TBW between the ND and AD conditions were increased as %TBSA and body mass
      increased. Algorithms were developed subsequently to adjust BIS outputs for use
      when AD is in place. Clinician's may continue to use BIS in real-time using the
      predictive algorithms established during this study.

PMID- 27143343
TI  - A Community-based Study on Growth and Development of Under-Five Children in an
      Urbanized Village of South Delhi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal development of children in their early months and years has a
      bearing on their achievement levels later in life. OBJECTIVES: To assess the
      socio-emotional and cognitive development in children 0-5 years and to find out
      the proportion of children having developmental delay and its associated factors.
      METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in 520 children
      in Delhi. Development was assessed using the Indian Council for Medical Research
      Development Screening Test. RESULTS: In all, 10.6% of children <5 years old were
      found to be developmentally delayed. Maximum number of children (10.1%) were
      found to have a delay in the do main of 'hearing language, concept development'.
      Of all the factors, the strongest association was found with stunting, paternal
      education, alcohol abuse, attendance in anganwadi/playschool. CONCLUSIONS: The
      study concludes that developmental delay is present in a sizable proportion of
      children <5 years of age and may be a significant factor in the overall
      achievement of life's potential in them.

PMID- 27143344
TI  - Numerical evaluation of the use of granulated coal ash to reduce an oxygen
      deficient water mass.
AB  - Granulated coal ash (GCA), which is a by-product of coal thermal electric power
      stations, effectively decreases phosphate and hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
      concentrations in the pore water of coastal marine sediments. In this study, we
      developed a pelagic-benthic coupled ecosystem model to evaluate the effectiveness
      of GCA for diminishing the oxygen-deficient water mass formed in coastal bottom
      water of Hiroshima Bay in Japan. Numerical experiments revealed the application
      of GCA was effective for reducing the oxygen-deficient water masses, showing
      alleviation of the DO depletion in summer increased by 0.4-3mgl(-1). The effect
      of H2S adsorption onto the GCA lasted for 5.25years in the case in which GCA was
      mixed with the sediment in a volume ratio of 1:1. The application of this new GCA
      based environmental restoration technique could also make a substantial
      contribution to form a recycling-oriented society. 

PMID- 27143345
TI  - Demographics of older keratoconics in Wales and their mortality rates-Where are
      the older keratoconics?
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to identify keratoconics at least 40 years of age
      attending Welsh optometric hospital services, look at their demographics and
      mortality rates, and test the hypothesis that they die earlier than the general
      population. METHODS: Keratoconic patients born before 1972 were identified
      retrospectively through contact lens services across 5 hospitals in Wales, United
      Kingdom. Patients' notes were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis and collect
      demographic data. The Exeter patient registration system was used to trace if
      patients were deceased or alive. General population data was obtained from the
      Office for National Statistics. RESULTS: A total of 202 keratoconics at least
      40years of age were identified. The mean age was 50.8years, 62% of patients were
      male and 97% Caucasian. Mean age at diagnosis was 28.7 years. Two patients were
      deceased, one died in 2012 and one in 2013. In 2012 mortality rates for studied
      patients and the general populations were 0.005 and 0.019, respectively (p 0.03).
      CONCLUSIONS: Mortality rates for the identified keratoconics were found to be
      significantly lower than the mortality rates for the general population in 2012.
      Collected data represents 52% of expected keratoconics over the age of 40,
      calculated based on disease prevalence, study inclusion criteria and population
      numbers within the regions included in the study. Thus suggesting the reason for
      lack of older keratoconics in the National Health Service optometric clinics
      could be non-attendance rather than higher mortality rates.

PMID- 27143346
TI  - Expanding the family of bis-cyclometalated chiral-at-metal rhodium(iii) catalysts
      with a benzothiazole derivative.
AB  - Synthetic access to previously elusive single enantiomers of an octahedral chiral
      at-metal rhodium(iii) complex containing two cyclometalated 2
      phenylbenzothiazoles and two acetonitrile ligands is reported. The complex is a
      superior chiral Lewis acid catalyst compared to its benzoxazole congener which
      can be rationalized with a higher steric congestion around the coordination
      sites. 

PMID- 27143347
TI  - Four steps for improving the consumer healthcare experience across the continuum
      of care.
AB  - In response to 2 articles recently published in The American Journal of Managed
      Care, "Characterizing Health Plan Price Estimator Tools: Findings from a National
      Survey" (February 2016), and "National Estimates of Price Variation by Site of
      Care" (March 2016), by Higgins et al, this editorial details best practices that
      healthcare organizations should employ in an effort to improve pricing
      transparency, enhancing patient engagement, and ultimately change patient
      behaviors to improve patient outcomes. Specifically, this article details a
      fourfold framework to help healthcare organizations, including both payers and
      providers, to understand consumers across the spectrum of care. As a part of
      this, key ways of leveraging technology to observe, segment, and communicate with
      patients to elicit positive behavioral change and improved outcomes, are
      discussed.

PMID- 27143348
TI  - Patient perceptions of clinician self-management support for chronic conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the extent to which patients with chronic
      conditions perceive that they are receiving clinician self-management support for
      their conditions, and whether this perceived support is associated with self
      management behaviors, such as exercise and taking medications for chronic
      conditions. STUDY DESIGN: A survey of a representative sample of current and
      retired autoworkers and their spouses, all younger than 65 years, who are or were
      employed by the 3 major US automobile manufacturing companies. METHODS: An index
      of self-management support was constructed from 3 survey questions that asked
      respondents with chronic conditions about their perceived level of self
      management support from clinicians. Multivariate regression analysis examined: a)
      the extent to which perceived self-management support was influenced by patient
      engagement and other patient factors, and b) whether self-management support and
      patient engagement were associated with self-management behaviors, including
      exercise, use of certain preventive care services, and taking medications for
      specific chronic conditions. RESULTS: Most patients with chronic conditions
      reported that their clinicians provide some degree of self-management support of
      their chronic conditions. The extent to which a patient is engaged with their
      medical care-such as taking notes or bringing along friends or relatives to ask
      questions-is strongly associated with perceptions that they receive self
      management support from their clinicians. Receiving clinician self-management
      support was modestly associated with most self-management behaviors. CONCLUSIONS:
      Receiving self-management support from clinicians can positively influence
      patient self-management of chronic conditions, but patient engagement with their
      own healthcare is crucial to whether patients perceive they are receiving such
      support. Moreover, while patient engagement may influence whether self-management
      support is given, the study results suggest that self-management support may be
      just as effective with patients who are less engaged with their healthcare.

PMID- 27143349
TI  - Adding glucose-lowering agents delays insulin initiation and prolongs
      hyperglycemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Nine classes of glucose-lowering agents (GLAs) are available for
      patients with type 2 diabetes prior to starting insulin. This study's aim was to
      determine if the number of GLAs is associated with a difference in glycated
      hemoglobin (A1C) at insulin initiation in the US Department of Veterans Affairs
      Health Care System (VAHCS). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A
      retrospective cohort with national Veterans Health Administration data was
      created. Veterans with type 2 diabetes and first insulin prescription filled in
      the VAHCS between January 1, 2009, and August 28, 2013, were identified. Included
      veterans refilled insulin within the first year, had an A1C > 7% (53 mmol/mol) at
      least 60 days prior to insulin initiation, and received a GLA within 6 months
      prior to insulin. Veterans were grouped into 4 cohorts according to the number of
      GLAs used. RESULTS: A total of 90,497 veterans with type 2 diabetes met inclusion
      criteria. Insulin was initiated at a mean A1C of 9.9% (85 mmol/mol). The mean
      A1Cs prior to insulin for 1, 2, 3, or > 3 GLAs were 10.3% (89 mmol/mol), 9.9% (85
      mmol/mol), 9.6% (81 mmol/mol), and 9.6% (81 mmol/mol), respectively. Months to
      insulin increased with the number of GLA trials and prolonged the time veterans
      were exposed to A1C > 8% (64 mmol/mol). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple glucose-lowering
      drug classes are associated with a numerical, but not a clinical, difference in
      A1C at insulin initiation in the closed formulary of the VAHCS.

PMID- 27143350
TI  - Costs for a health coaching intervention for chronic care management.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Health coaches can help patients gain knowledge, skills, and
      confidence to manage their chronic conditions. Coaches may be particularly
      valuable in resource-poor settings, but they are not typically reimbursed by
      insurance, raising questions about their budgetary impact. STUDY DESIGN: The
      Health Coaching in Primary Care (HCPC) study was a randomized controlled trial
      that showed health coaches were effective at helping low-income patients improve
      control of their type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and/or hyperlipidemia at 12
      months compared with usual care. METHODS: We estimated the cost of employing 3
      health coaches and mapped these costs to participants. We tested whether the
      added costs of the coaches were offset by any savings in healthcare utilization
      within 1 year. Healthcare utilization data were obtained from 5 sources.
      Multivariate models assessed differences in costs at 1 year controlling for
      baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Coaches worked an average of 9 hours with each
      participant over the length of the study. On average, the health coach
      intervention cost $483 per participant per year. The average healthcare costs for
      the coaching group was $3207 compared with $3276 for the control group (P = .90).
      There was no evidence that the coaching intervention saved money at 1 year.
      CONCLUSIONS: Health coaches have been shown to improve clinical outcomes related
      to chronic disease management. We found that employing health coaches adds an
      additional cost of $483 per patient per year. The data do not suggest that health
      coaches pay for themselves by reducing healthcare utilization in the first year.

PMID- 27143351
TI  - Impact of clinical pharmacy services on outcomes and costs for indigent patients
      with diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To provide a review of the outcomes and costs in patients seen by
      Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS) Certified Diabetes Educators in ambulatory
      care for diabetes management. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review.
      METHODS: All patients discharged by a CPS for diabetes management between January
      1, 2010, and December 31, 2013, were included. RESULTS: A total of 915 patients
      were discharged from CPS services. The majority of patients had type 2 diabetes
      (98.7%) and were female (63.1%), Hispanic (53.3%), and on average, were aged 56
      years. The patients were seen by the CPS for approximately 5.3 face-to-face
      visits, and by their provider for 1.9 face-to-face visits. The average difference
      from baseline for glycated hemoglobin was -2.6%, while the average systolic and
      diastolic blood pressures improved by -8 mm Hg and -3 mm Hg, respectively. The
      major lipid parameters also reported improvement, averaging -23 mg/dL for total
      cholesterol, -54 mg/dL for triglycerides, -15 mg/dL for low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol, -23 mg/dL for non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C),
      and +0.8 mg/dL for HDL-C. Overall, the average difference from baseline to final
      visit for the numbers and costs of medications and diabetes supplies per patient
      increased slightly. Medication adherence also improved each year in patients with
      diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The CPSs directly impact patient care through improvements
      in clinical outcomes. They help patients achieve disease-state goals for
      diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia through a variety of clinical
      interventions and by promoting medication adherence. These data demonstrate the
      significant positive impact to the institution that clinical pharmacy services
      have in diabetes management.

PMID- 27143352
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis of psychiatric treatments for excoriation
      (skin-picking) disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: While individual trials suggest benefit of interventions for
      excoriation (skin-picking) disorder (ExD), limited systematic evaluation of
      treatments, or their collective benefit, exists. METHODS: The present study
      examined the current state of treatments for ExD in a systematic review and meta
      analysis and explored potential treatment moderators. Twelve trials were
      identified for review, including five with a control condition. Of these, nine
      were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis (three with a control).
      RESULTS: A fixed-effects meta-analysis found a large overall treatment effect
      size (g=1.13), comprised of large effects for behavioral treatments (g=1.19),
      lamotrigine (g=0.98) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (g=1.09).
      Clinician-rated measures did not significantly differ from self-rated measures;
      however, larger effects were observed on self-rated measures of severity, as
      compared to impairment [Q(1)=4.63, P=.03]. Treatment type, trial length and trial
      methodological quality were not significant moderators. For controlled trials,
      the comparative efficacy of treatments for ExD was in the moderate range
      (g=0.47). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that treatment for ExD has benefit;
      however, the meta-analysis did not provide strong evidence to support any
      specific treatment or to suggest its unique clinical benefit over control
      conditions. Overall, there is a lack of study on treatments for ExD and
      additional randomized controlled trials with inclusion of multiple informants in
      assessment is needed.

PMID- 27143354
TI  - Prognostic Value of Aortic Valve Area by Doppler Echocardiography in Patients
      With Severe Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between aortic
      valve area (AVA) obtained by Doppler echocardiography and outcome in patients
      with severe asymptomatic aortic stenosis and to define a specific threshold of
      AVA for identifying asymptomatic patients at very high risk based on their
      clinical outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 199 patients with asymptomatic
      severe aortic stenosis (AVA <=1.0 cm(2)). The risk of events (death or need for
      aortic valve replacement) increased linearly on the scale of log hazard with
      decreased AVA (adjusted hazard ratio 1.17; 95% CI 1.06-1.29 per 0.1 cm(2) AVA
      decrement; P=0.002). Event-free survival at 12, 24, and 48 months was 63+/-6%,
      51+/-6%, and 34+/-6%, respectively, for AVA 0.8 to 1 cm(2); 49+/-6%, 36+/-6%, and
      26+/-6%, respectively, for AVA 0.6 to 0.8 cm(2); and 33+/-8%, 20+/-7%, and 11+/
      5%, respectively, for AVA <=0.6 cm(2) (Ptrend=0.002). Patients with AVA <=0.6
      cm(2) had a significantly increased risk of events compared with patients with
      AVA 0.8 to 1 cm(2) (adjusted hazard ratio 2.22; 95% CI 1.41-3.52; P=0.001),
      whereas patients with AVA 0.6 to 0.8 cm(2) had an increased risk of events
      compared with those with AVA 0.8 to 1 cm(2), but the difference was not
      statistically significant (adjusted hazard ratio 1.38; 95% CI 0.93-2.05; P=0.11).
      After adjustment for covariates and aortic valve replacement as a time-dependent
      variable, patients with AVA <=0.6 cm(2) had a significantly greater risk of all
      cause mortality than patients with AVA >0.6 cm(2) (hazard ratio 3.39; 95% CI 1.80
      6.40; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe asymptomatic aortic stenosis
      and AVA <=0.6 cm(2) displayed an important increase in the risk of adverse events
      during short-term follow-up. Further studies are needed to determine whether
      elective aortic valve replacement improves outcome in this high-risk subgroup of
      patients.

PMID- 27143353
TI  - Local Application of Leptin Antagonist Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced
      Ascending Aortic Aneurysm and Cardiac Remodeling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) is driven by angiotensin II
      (AngII) and contributes to the development of left ventricular (LV) remodeling
      through aortoventricular coupling. We previously showed that locally available
      leptin augments AngII-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms in apolipoprotein E
      deficient mice. We hypothesized that locally synthesized leptin mediates AngII
      induced ATAA. METHODS AND RESULTS: Following demonstration of leptin synthesis in
      samples of human ATAA associated with different etiologies, we modeled in situ
      leptin expression in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice by applying exogenous leptin
      on the surface of the ascending aorta. This treatment resulted in local aortic
      stiffening and dilation, LV hypertrophy, and thickening of aortic/mitral valve
      leaflets. Similar results were obtained in an AngII-infusion ATAA mouse model. To
      test the dependence of AngII-induced aortic and LV remodeling on leptin activity,
      a leptin antagonist was applied to the ascending aorta in AngII-infused mice.
      Locally applied single low-dose leptin antagonist moderated AngII-induced
      ascending aortic dilation and protected mice from ATAA rupture. Furthermore, LV
      hypertrophy was attenuated and thickening of aortic valve leaflets was moderated.
      Last, analysis of human aortic valve stenosis leaflets revealed de novo leptin
      synthesis, whereas exogenous leptin stimulated proliferation and promoted
      mineralization of human valve interstitial cells in culture. CONCLUSIONS: AngII
      induced ATAA is mediated by locally synthesized leptin. Aortoventricular
      hemodynamic coupling drives LV hypertrophy and promotes early aortic valve
      lesions, possibly mediated by valvular in situ leptin synthesis. Clinical
      implementation of local leptin antagonist therapy may attenuate AngII-induced
      ATAA and moderate related LV hypertrophy and pre-aortic valve stenosis lesions.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique
      identifier: NCT00449306.

PMID- 27143355
TI  - Tumor Necrosis Factor-stimulated Gene 6 (TSG-6)-mediated Interactions with the
      Inter-alpha-inhibitor Heavy Chain 5 Facilitate Tumor Growth Factor beta1
      (TGFbeta1)-dependent Fibroblast to Myofibroblast Differentiation.
AB  - Fibroblasts are central to wound healing and fibrosis through TGFbeta1-triggered
      differentiation into contractile, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA)-positive
      myofibroblasts. This is mediated by accumulation of a pericellular matrix of
      hyaluronan (HA) and the HA-dependent co-localization of CD44 with the epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR). Interactions of HA with hyaladherins, such as
      inter-alpha-inhibitor (IalphaI) and tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG
      6), are also essential for differentiation. This study investigated the
      mechanisms involved. TSG-6 and alpha-SMA had different kinetics of induction by
      TGFbeta1, with TSG-6 peaking before alpha-SMA Si CD44 or EGFR inhibition
      prevented differentiation but had no effect on TSG-6 expression. TSG-6 was
      essential for differentiation, and mAb A38 (preventing IalphaI heavy chain (HC)
      transfer), HA-oligosaccharides, cobalt, or Si bikunin prevented TSG-6 activity,
      preventing differentiation. A38 also prevented the EGFR/CD44 association. This
      suggested that TSG-6/IalphaI HC interaction was necessary for the effect of TSG-6
      and that HC stabilization of HA initiated the CD44/EGFR association. The newly
      described HC5 was shown to be the principal HC expressed, and its cell surface
      expression was prevented by siRNA inhibition of TSG-6 or bikunin. HC5 was
      released by hyaluronidase treatment, confirming its association with cell surface
      HA. Finally, HC5 knockdown by siRNA confirmed its role in myofibroblast
      differentiation. The current study describes a novel mechanism linking the TSG-6
      transfer of the newly described HC5 to the HA-dependent control of cell
      phenotype. The interaction of HC5 with cell surface HA was essential for TGFbeta1
      dependent differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts, highlighting its
      importance as a novel potential therapeutic target.

PMID- 27143356
TI  - Competitive Inhibition of Lysine Acetyltransferase 2B by a Small Motif of the
      Adenoviral Oncoprotein E1A.
AB  - The adenovirus early region 1A (E1A) oncoprotein hijacks host cells via direct
      interactions with many key cellular proteins, such as KAT2B, also known as PCAF
      (p300/CBP associated factor). E1A binds the histone acetyltransferase (HAT)
      domain of KAT2B to repress its transcriptional activation. However, the molecular
      mechanism by which E1A inhibits the HAT activity is not known. Here we
      demonstrate that a short and relatively conserved N-terminal motif (cNM) in the
      intrinsically disordered E1A protein is crucial for KAT2B interaction, and
      inhibits its HAT activity through a direct competition with acetyl-CoA, but not
      its substrate histone H3. Molecular modeling together with a series of
      mutagenesis experiments suggests that the major helix of E1A cNM binds to a
      surface of the acetyl-CoA pocket of the KAT2B HAT domain. Moreover, transient
      expression of the cNM peptide is sufficient to inhibit KAT2B-specific H3
      acetylation H3K14ac in vivo Together, our data define an essential motif cNM in N
      terminal E1A as an acetyl-CoA entry blocker that directly associates with the
      entrance of acetyl-CoA binding pocket to block the HAT domain access to its
      cofactor.

PMID- 27143357
TI  - Charged Residues at the First Transmembrane Region Contribute to the Voltage
      Dependence of the Slow Gate of Connexins.
AB  - Connexins (Cxs) are a family of membrane-spanning proteins that form gap junction
      channels and hemichannels. Connexin-based channels exhibit two distinct voltage
      dependent gating mechanisms termed slow and fast gating. Residues located at the
      C terminus of the first transmembrane segment (TM-1) are important structural
      components of the slow gate. Here, we determined the role of the charged residues
      at the end of TM-1 in voltage sensing in Cx26, Cx46, and Cx50.
      Conductance/voltage curves obtained from tail currents together with kinetics
      analysis reveal that the fast and slow gates of Cx26 involves the movement of two
      and four charges across the electric field, respectively. Primary sequence
      alignment of different Cxs shows the presence of well conserved glutamate
      residues in the C terminus of TM-1; only Cx26 contains a lysine in that position
      (lysine 41). Neutralization of lysine 41 in Cx26 increases the voltage dependence
      of the slow gate. Swapping of lysine 41 with glutamate 42 maintains the voltage
      dependence. In Cx46, neutralization of negative charges or addition of a positive
      charge in the Cx26 equivalent region reduced the slow gate voltage dependence. In
      Cx50, the addition of a glutamate in the same region decreased the voltage
      dependence, and the neutralization of a negative charge increased it. These
      results indicate that the charges at the end of TM-1 are part of the slow gate
      voltage sensor in Cxs. The fact that Cx42, which has no charge in this region,
      still presents voltage-dependent slow gating suggests that charges still
      unidentified also contribute to the slow gate voltage sensitivity.

PMID- 27143358
TI  - Quantitative Analysis of Dynamic Protein Interactions during Transcription
      Reveals a Role for Casein Kinase II in Polymerase-associated Factor (PAF) Complex
      Phosphorylation and Regulation of Histone H2B Monoubiquitylation.
AB  - Using affinity purification MS approaches, we have identified a novel role for
      casein kinase II (CKII) in the modification of the polymerase associated factor
      complex (PAF-C). Our data indicate that the facilitates chromatin transcription
      complex (FACT) interacts with CKII and may facilitate PAF complex
      phosphorylation. Posttranslational modification analysis of affinity-isolated PAF
      C shows extensive CKII phosphorylation of all five subunits of PAF-C, although
      CKII subunits were not detected as interacting partners. Consistent with this,
      recombinant CKII or FACT-associated CKII isolated from cells can phosphorylate
      PAF-C in vitro, whereas no intrinsic kinase activity was detected in PAF-C
      samples. Significantly, PAF-C purifications combined with stable isotope labeling
      in cells (SILAC) quantitation for PAF-C phosphorylation from wild-type and CKII
      temperature-sensitive strains (cka1Delta cka2-8) showed that PAF-C
      phosphorylation at consensus CKII sites is significantly reduced in cka1Delta
      cka2-8 strains. Consistent with a role of CKII in FACT and PAF-C function, we
      show that decreased CKII function in vivo results in decreased levels of histone
      H2B lysine 123 monoubiquitylation, a modification dependent on FACT and PAF-C.
      Taken together, our results define a coordinated role of CKII and FACT in the
      regulation of RNA polymerase II transcription through chromatin via
      phosphorylation of PAF-C.

PMID- 27143359
TI  - Membranes as Structural Antioxidants: RECYCLING OF MALONDIALDEHYDE TO ITS SOURCE
      IN OXIDATION-SENSITIVE CHLOROPLAST FATTY ACIDS.
AB  - Genetic evidence suggests that membranes rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids
      (PUFAs) act as supramolecular antioxidants that capture reactive oxygen species,
      thereby limiting damage to proteins. This process generates lipid fragmentation
      products including malondialdehyde (MDA), an archetypal marker of PUFA oxidation.
      We observed transient increases in levels of endogenous MDA in wounded
      Arabidopsis thaliana leaves, raising the possibility that MDA is metabolized. We
      developed a rigorous ion exchange method to purify enzymatically generated (13)C-
      and (14)C-MDA. Delivered as a volatile to intact plants, MDA was efficiently
      incorporated into lipids. Mass spectral and genetic analyses identified the major
      chloroplast galactolipid: alpha-linolenic acid (18:3)-7Z,10Z,13Z-hexadecatrienoic
      acid (16:3)-monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (18:3-16:3-MGDG) as an end-product of
      MDA incorporation. Consistent with this, the fad3-2 fad7-2 fad8 mutant that lacks
      tri-unsaturated fatty acids incorporated (14)C-MDA into 18:2-16:2-MGDG.
      Saponification of (14)C-labeled 18:3-16:3-MGDG revealed 84% of (14)C-label in the
      acyl groups with the remaining 16% in the head group. 18:3-16:3-MGDG is enriched
      proximal to photosystem II and is likely a major in vivo source of MDA in
      photosynthetic tissues. We propose that nonenzymatically generated lipid
      fragments such as MDA are recycled back into plastidic galactolipids that, in
      their role as cell protectants, can again be fragmented into MDA.

PMID- 27143360
TI  - Tyrosine Residue in the TRPV1 Vanilloid Binding Pocket Regulates Deactivation
      Kinetics.
AB  - Vanilloids are pain evoking molecules that serve as ligands of the "heat and
      capsaicin receptor" TRPV1. Binding of either endogenous or exogenous vanilloids
      evokes channel and subsequent neuronal activation, leading to pain sensation.
      Despite its pivotal physiological role, the molecular basis of TRPV1 activation
      and deactivation is not fully understood. The highly conserved tyrosine in
      position 511 (Tyr(511)) of the rat TRPV1 (rTRPV1) was the first residue to be
      identified as a necessary participant in the vanilloid-mediated response. rTRPV1
      cryo-EM structures implicated rotation of this residue in the vanilloids bound
      state. Therefore, we hypothesize that the rTRPV1 Tyr(511) residue entraps
      vanilloids in their binding site, prolonging channel activity. To test our
      hypothesis, we generated an array of rTRPV1 mutants, containing the whole
      spectrum of Tyr(511) substitutions, and tested their response to both exo- and
      endovanilloids. Our data show that only substitutions of Tyr(511) to aromatic
      amino acids were able to mimic, albeit partially, the vanilloid-evoked activation
      pattern of the wt receptor. Although these substitutions reduced the channel
      sensitivity to vanilloids, a maximal open-channel lifetime could be achieved.
      Moreover, whereas their current activation rate remains intact, receptors with
      Tyr(511) substitutions exhibited a faster current deactivation. Our findings
      therefore suggest that the duration of channel activity evoked by vanilloids is
      regulated by the interaction between Tyr(511) and the agonist. To conclude, we
      suggest that Tyr(511)-mediated anchoring of vanilloids in their binding pocket is
      pivotal for TRPV1 activation and subsequent pain sensation.

PMID- 27143362
TI  - The efficacy of intra-articular steroids in hip osteoarthritis: a systematic
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: International guidelines recommend intra-articular steroid injections
      (IASIs) in the management of hip osteoarthritis (OA), though these
      recommendations are extrapolated primarily from studies of knee OA. The aim of
      this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of IASI on pain in hip OA.
      METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science and the Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to May 2015. Randomised
      controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of hip IASI on pain were
      included. Pre-specified data was extracted using a standardised form. Quality was
      assessed using the Jadad score. RESULTS: Five trials met the inclusion criteria.
      All had a small number of participants (<=101). All studies reported some
      reduction in pain at 3-4 weeks post-injection compared to control. Based on data
      from individual trials the treatment effect size was large at 1 week post
      injection but declined thereafter. A significant (moderate effect size) reduction
      in pain was reported in two trials up to 8 weeks following IASI. Pooled results
      of two trials (n = 90) showed an increased likelihood of meeting the Outcome
      measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT)-Osteoarthritis Research
      Society International (OARSI) response criteria at 8 weeks post-IASI, odds ratio
      7.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.7-22.8). The number needed to treat to
      achieve one OMERACT-OARSI responder at 8 weeks post-injection was 2.4 (95% CI:
      1.7-4.2). Hip IASI appear to be generally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Hip IASI
      may be efficacious in short-term pain reduction in those with hip OA though the
      quality of the evidence was relatively poor. Further large, methodologically
      rigorous trials are required to verify whether intra-articular corticosteroids
      are beneficial and for how long.

PMID- 27143364
TI  - Classification of Schmorl's nodes of the lumbar spine and association with disc
      degeneration: a large-scale population-based MRI study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Schmorl's nodes (SN) are highly associated with lumbar disc
      degeneration (DD). However, SN present with different morphologies/topographies
      that may be associated with varying degrees of DD. This study proposed a
      classification of SN to determine their morphological/topographical prevalence
      and association with the severity of DD. METHODS: Sagittal T2-weighted MRIs were
      assessed to identify SN and additional imaging findings from L1-S1 in 2,449
      individuals. SN characteristics were classified by six criteria: disc level;
      endplate involvement; shape; size; location of endplate zone; and the presence of
      marrow changes. Hierarchical clustering was performed to identify distinct SN
      characteristics with endplate patterns. RESULTS: Good to excellent observer
      classification reliability was noted. SN most commonly presented at the L1 and L2
      disc levels, and entailed one-third of the endplate, predominantly the middle
      zone. Round shape (39.2%) was the most common SN shape. Four specific SN and
      endplate linkage patterns were identified. 8.3% of identified SN (n = 960) were
      "Atypical SN". Multivariable regression showed that "Typical SN" and "Atypical
      SN", depending on levels, were associated with an adjusted 2- to 4-fold and a 5-
      to 13-fold higher risk of increased severity of DD, respectively (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large-scale magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study
      to propose a novel SN classification. Specific SN-types were identified, which
      were associated with more severe DD. This study further broadens our
      understanding of the role of SN and degrees of DD, further expanding on the SN
      phenotyping that can be internationally adopted for utility assessment.

PMID- 27143361
TI  - Cathepsin Protease Controls Copper and Cisplatin Accumulation via Cleavage of the
      Ctr1 Metal-binding Ectodomain.
AB  - Copper is an essential metal ion for embryonic development, iron acquisition,
      cardiac function, neuropeptide biogenesis, and other critical physiological
      processes. Ctr1 is a high affinity Cu(+) transporter on the plasma membrane and
      endosomes that exists as a full-length protein and a truncated form of Ctr1
      lacking the methionine- and histidine-rich metal-binding ectodomain, and it
      exhibits reduced Cu(+) transport activity. Here, we identify the cathepsin L/B
      endolysosomal proteases functioning in a direct and rate-limiting step in the
      Ctr1 ectodomain cleavage. Cells and mice lacking cathepsin L accumulate full
      length Ctr1 and hyper-accumulate copper. As Ctr1 also transports the
      chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin via direct binding to the ectodomain, we
      demonstrate that the combination of cisplatin with a cathepsin L/B inhibitor
      enhances cisplatin uptake and cell killing. These studies identify a new
      processing event and the key protease that cleaves the Ctr1 metal-binding
      ectodomain, which functions to regulate cellular Cu(+) and cisplatin acquisition.

PMID- 27143363
TI  - Effect of collagen cross-linking on quantitative MRI parameters of articular
      cartilage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the sensitivity of quantitative magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) parameters to increase of collagen cross-linking in articular
      cartilage, a factor possibly contributing to the aging-related development of
      osteoarthritis (OA). The issue has not been widely studied although collagen
      cross-links may significantly affect the evaluation of cartilage imaging outcome.
      DESIGN: Osteochondral samples (n = 14) were prepared from seven bovine patellae.
      To induce cross-linking, seven samples were incubated in threose while the other
      seven served as non-treated controls. The specimens were scanned at 9.4 T for T1,
      T1Gd (dGEMRIC), T2, adiabatic and continuous wave (CW) T1rho, adiabatic T2rho and
      T1sat relaxation times. Specimens from adjacent tissue were identically treated
      and used for reference to determine biomechanical properties, collagen,
      proteoglycan and cross-link contents, fixed charge density (FCD), collagen fibril
      anisotropy and water concentration of cartilage. RESULTS: In the threose-treated
      sample group, cross-links (pentosidine, lysyl pyridinoline (LP)), FCD and
      equilibrium modulus were significantly (P < 0.05) higher as compared to the non
      treated group. Threose treatment resulted in significantly greater T1Gd
      relaxation time constant (+26%, P < 0.05), although proteoglycan content was not
      altered. Adiabatic and CW-T1rho were also significantly increased (+16%, +28%, P
      < 0.05) while pre-contrast T1 was significantly decreased (-10%, P < 0.05) in the
      threose group. T2, T2rho and T1sat did not change significantly. CONCLUSION:
      Threose treatment induced collagen cross-linking and changes in the properties of
      articular cartilage, which were detected by T1, T1Gd and T1rho relaxation time
      constants. Cross-linking should be considered especially when interpreting the
      outcome of contrast-enhanced MRI in aging populations.

PMID- 27143365
TI  - Identification of synovial fluid microRNA signature in knee osteoarthritis:
      differentiating early- and late-stage knee osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify circulating microRNA (miRNA) signatures
      in knee synovial fluid (SF) from early-stage and late-stage knee osteoarthritis
      (OA) patients. METHODS: miRNAs were screened by miRNA-PCR-arrays and validated by
      Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in SF from early-stage
      (Kellgren-Lawrence (KL): Grade: I/II) and late-stage OA patients (Grade: III/IV).
      OA cartilage or synovial explants were cultured to study the source/release of
      identified miRNAs. Computational-approach was utilized to predict gene/pathway
      targets. RESULTS: Our screening/validation analysis identified a panel of seven
      (out of 752) circulating miRNAs (23a-3p, 24-3p, 27a-3p, 27b-3p, 29c-3p, 34a-5p
      and 186-5p) that were significantly differentially expressed in late-stage vs
      early-stage OA-SF, irrespective of age, gender and Body Mass Index (BMI). miR
      378a-5p was mostly detectable in majority of late-stage OA-SF. Cartilage explants
      stimulated with IL-1beta showed a significant reduction in miR-23a-3p, 27a-3p and
      27b-3p expression with no significant changes in other validated miRNAs. However,
      IL-1beta-stimulated OA synovial explants exhibited significantly increased
      expression of miR-23a-3p, 24-3p, 27a-3p, 27b-3p, 29c-3p, 186-5p and 378a-5p, and
      release of only 23a-3p and 27b-3p in supernatants, suggesting that IL-1beta
      contributes to the release of 23a-3p and 27b-3p into the SF from synovium.
      Computational-analysis identified 2 genes (ROQUIN-1 [RC3H1] and quaking-gene
      [QKI]) that are targeted by six out of eight miRNAs; miR-27b-3p exhibited
      greatest association with RC3H1 and QKI genes. Indeed, synovial explants treated
      with miR-27b-3p-mimic show significant suppression of both RC3H1 and QKI genes.
      CONCLUSIONS: We provide first evidence of the differential expression of
      circulating miRNAs in early-stage vs late-stage knee OA-SF. Further, we provide
      source, release and genes/pathways regulated by identified miRNAs.

PMID- 27143366
TI  - Dilute apple juice is good alternative to electrolyte fluids for children with
      gastroenteritis, study finds.

PMID- 27143367
TI  - [Application of reporter strains for new antibiotic screening].
AB  - Screening for new antibiotics remains an important area of biology and medical
      science. Indispensable for this type of research is early identification of
      antibiotic mechanism of action. Preferentially, it should be studied quickly and
      cost-effectively, on the stage of primary screening. In this review we describe
      an application of reporter strains for rapid classification of antibiotics by its
      target, without prior purification of an active compound and determination of
      chemical structure. 

PMID- 27143368
TI  - [The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in the regulation of development
      and functioning of the brain: new target molecules for pharmacotherapy].
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) have been shown to participate in
      atherosclerosis, arteriogenesis, cerebral edema, neuroprotection, neurogenesis,
      angiogenesis, postischemic brain and vessel repair. Most of these actions involve
      VEGF-A and the VEGFR-2 receptor. VEGF signaling pathways represent an important
      potential for treatment of neurological diseases affecting the brain. 

PMID- 27143369
TI  - [Epigenetic factors in atherogenesis: microRNA].
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (~22 nucleotides in length) noncoding RNA sequences
      regulating gene expression at posttranscriptional level. MicroRNAs bind
      complementarily to certain mRNA and cause gene silencing. The involvement of
      miRNAs in the regulation of lipid metabolism, inflammatory response, cell cycle
      progression and proliferation, oxidative stress, platelet activation, endothelial
      and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) function, angiogenesis and plaque
      formation and rapture indicates important roles in the initiation and progression
      of atherosclerosis. The key role of microRNAs in pathophysiology of
      cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including atherosclerosis, was demonstrated in
      recent studies. Creating antisense oligonucleotides is a novel technique for
      selective changes in gene expression both in vitro and in vivo. In this review,
      we draw attention to the role of miRNAs in atherosclerosis progression, using
      miRNA as the potential biomarkers and targets in the CVDs, as well as possible
      application of antisense oligonucleotides. 

PMID- 27143370
TI  - [Basic carboxypeptidases of blood: significance for coagulology].
AB  - This review considers the basic metallocarboxypeptidases of human blood and their
      role in coagulologic disorders. In includes information on the history of the
      discovery and biological characteristics of potential enzymes-regulators of the
      fibrinolytic process: carboxypeptidase U and carboxypeptidase N. Certain
      attention is paid to the biochemical mechanisms and the main modern concepts of
      the antifibrinolytic effects of these enzymes. 

PMID- 27143371
TI  - [The in vivo study of the medicinal composition property of doxorubicin as a part
      of colloidal nanoparticles with the address fragment].
AB  - The use of targeted transport systems for drug delivery is a promising approach
      to improve pharmacokinetics of drug substances, accumulation in the lesion. In
      this study we have obtained and characterized the pharmaceutical composition of
      doxorubicin in colloidal nanoparticles equipped with targeted conjugates based on
      folic acid and biotin with dodecylamine. The inclusion of the address fragments
      into colloidal nanopartical was carried out without surface and drug substance
      modification The accumulation of anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin in tumor
      tissue was compared in Lewis lung carcinoma mouse models after intravenous
      administration of the composition of colloidal nanoparticles with targeted
      conjugates biotin-dodecylamine and folic acid-dodecylamine or free doxorubicin.
      It was shown that the doxorubicin accumulation in tumor tissue when administered
      in drug compositions with targeted fragments are 2 times higher for the folic
      acid-dodecylamine conjugate and 1.4 times higher for the biotin-dodecylamine
      conjugate. 

PMID- 27143372
TI  - [Effect of xenobiotics on microRNA expression in rat liver].
AB  - Using bioinformatics analysis we selected microRNAs which could bind 3'-UTR
      region of cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes. Three microRNA miR-21, -221, -222, their
      potential targets might be mRNA for CYP1A1, and two microRNA miR-143, miR-152 for
      CYP2B1 accordingly were selected for experimental verification. Expression level
      of these microRNAs in rat liver upon benzo(a)pyrene (BP), phenobarbital (PB), and
      DDT induction was determined using RT-qPCR method. In rats treated by both BP,
      and DDT the hepatic content of miR-21, -221, -222 significantly demonstrated a 2
      3-fold decrease. The decrease in miR expression was accompanied by a considerable
      (5.5-8.7-fold) increase in the CYP1A1-mediated EROD activity. The expression of
      miR-143 remained unchanged after the PB treatment, while the expression of miR
      152 increased by 2 times, however, the (10.5-fold) increase in PROD activity of
      CYP2B was much higher. In the DDT-treated liver PROD activity increased by 20
      times, the expression of miR-152 didn't change, and the expression of miR-143
      increased by 2 times. The bioinformatics analysis of interactions between
      microRNAs and targets showed that the studied miRs can potentially bind 3'-end of
      AhR, ESR1, GR, CCND1, PTEN mRNA. Thus, the expression profile of miR-21, -221, 
      222, -143, -152 might change under the xenobiotics exposure. In silico analysis
      confirmed, that microRNAs target not only cytochrome P450 mRNA but also other
      genes, including those involved in hormonal carcinogenesis, they also can be
      regulated with studied miRs. 

PMID- 27143373
TI  - [Oxidative modification of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase influences
      its interaction with endogenous neuroprotector isatin].
AB  - Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a classical glycolytic redox
      sensitive enzyme, exhibits various non-glycolytic functions, which are considered
      to be especially important for progression of various neurodegenerative diseases.
      GAPDH binds isatin (indole-dione-2,3), an endogenous indole often used as a
      parent component in numerous derivatives demonstrating diverse pharmacological
      (including neuroprotector) activities. In this study we have investigated binding
      of intact and mildly oxidized GAPDH to immobilized isatin, using an optical
      biosensor technique, employing surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and the effect of
      isatin as a probe for this binding. Mild GAPDH oxidation by 70 mM H(2)O(2)
      increased enzyme dissociation from immobilized isatin. Since GAPDH is considered
      as a putative target for various neuroprotector agents, this suggests that its
      redox state determines sensitivity to neuroprotective agents, and oxidative
      stress typical for various neurodegenerative disorders may significantly reduce
      pharmacological effectiveness of such compounds.

PMID- 27143374
TI  - [Effect of melatonin instillations on the clinical course of experimental uveitis
      and biochemical processes in tears and aqueous humor].
AB  - Acute immunogenic uveitis was modeled in rabbits via the subcutaneous and
      intravitreal injections of normal horse serum. We studied the effect of
      instillations of 0.1% melatonin solution on the clinical course of uveitis and
      biochemical parameters of tear fluid and aqueous humor: antioxi-dant activity,
      protein concentration and alpha(2)-macroglobulin level. Melatonin instillations
      decreased clinical manifestations of uveitis. We found that the antioxidant
      activity in tears of the rabbits treated with melatonin was substantially higher
      and the alpha(2)-macroglobulin level lower than in untreated animals. Antioxidant
      activity in aqueous humor taken on day 10 of uveitis was also twice higher while
      protein and alpha(2)-macroglobulin levels were 1.5-2 times lower than in
      untreated animals. These data indicate that instillations of melatonin increase
      the local antioxidant activity and decrease the acuity of inflammation and
      permeability of hematoophthalmic barrier in uveitis.

PMID- 27143375
TI  - [Activity of liver mitochondrial NAD+-dependent dehydrogenases of the krebs cycle
      in rats with acetaminophen-induced hepatitis developed under conditions of
      alimentary protein deficiency].
AB  - Activity of isocitrate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, malate
      dehydrogenase, and the NAD(+)/NADN ratio were studied in the liver mitochondrial
      fraction of rats with toxic hepatitis induced by acetaminophen under conditions
      of alimentary protein deprivation. Acetaminophen-induced hepatitis was
      characterized by a decrease of isocitrate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate
      dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase activities, while the mitochondrial
      NAD(+)/NADN ratio remained at the control level. Modeling of acetaminophen
      induced hepatitis in rats with alimentary protein caused a more pronounced
      decrease in the activity of NAD(+)-dependent dehydrogenases studied and a 2.2
      fold increase of the mitochondrial NAD(+)/NADN ratio. This suggests that
      alimentary protein deprivation potentiated drug-induced liver damage.

PMID- 27143376
TI  - [Classification models of structure - P-glycoprotein activity of drugs].
AB  - Thirty three classification models of substrate specificity of 177 drugs to P
      glycoprotein have been created using of the linear discriminant analysis, random
      forest and support vector machine methods. QSAR modeling was carried out using 2
      strategies. The first strategy consisted in search of all possible combinations
      from 1/5 descriptors on the basis of 7 most significant molecular descriptors
      with clear physico-chemical interpretation. In the second case forward selection
      procedure up to 5 descriptors, starting from the best single descriptor was used.
      This strategy was applied to a set of 387 DRAGON descriptors. It was found that
      only one of 33 models has necessary statistical parameters. This model was
      designed by means of the linear discriminant analysis on the basis of a single
      descriptor of H-bond (SigmaC(ad)). The model has good statistical characteristics
      as evidenced by results to both internal cross-validation, and external
      validation with application of 44 new chemicals. This confirms an important role
      of hydrogen bond in the processes connected with penetration of chemical
      compounds through a blood-brain barrier.

PMID- 27143377
TI  - [Cytokine-mediated regulation of expression of Gfi1 and U2afll4 genes activated
      by T-cells with different differentiation status in vitro].
AB  - The dose-dependent effects of cytokines (IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15), which have a
      common g-chain, on mRNA expression of U2afll4 and GFi1 genes involved in
      regulation of alternative splicing of the Ptprc gene, have been investigated in
      vitro using T-lymphocyte cultures with different degrees of differentiation. IL
      2, IL-7, and IL-15 caused a similar unidirectional inhibitory effect of various
      severity on restimulated CD45RO+ T-cells exposed to an antigen-independent
      activation; they caused a dose-dependent decrease of the U2af1l4 gene expression,
      and an increase of Gfi1 gene expression. This may suggest formation of active
      forms of the CD45 receptor, and also limitation of the formation of low-molecular
      short splice variants of the CD45RO receptor. Under conditions of antigen
      independent stimulation of naive CD45RA+-cells rIL-7 and IL-15 exhibited opposite
      effects on U2af1l4 and Gfi1 gene expression. The increase of IL-7 concentrations
      in the incubation medium of naive cells was accompanied by a decrease in
      expression of both genes. IL-15 IL-7 exhibited opposite effects. Cytokines
      possessing a common g-chain (IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15) prevented antigen-independent
      differentiation of naive T-cells, by preventing the formation of polyclonal
      "surrogate" cells. In general, the study of the molecular mechanisms of genetic
      control determining homeostatic processes of T-cells in response to exposure to
      antigenic or non-antigenic treatments may be important for construction of a
      general model of self-maintenance and differentiation of immune cells. 

PMID- 27143378
TI  - [The activity of redox-regulatory systems in the tumor and its surrounding
      tissues in various histological types of tumor].
AB  - According to modern concepts cancer is a complex dynamic system having multiple
      relationships with both the immediate environment and with remote nonmalignant
      tissues and organs. Changes in the redox balance in them can result in disruption
      of the normal tissue control. Understanding of the biology of redox processes in
      a particular tumor and its surroundings, and of their functioning mechanisms is
      necessary for the development of new anti-cancer strategies based on the effects
      on the redox state of the tumor and surrounding tissue. Thus the aim of this work
      was to investigate activity of enzymatic systems influencing the redox state in
      the tumor tissue, peritumoral area and nonmalignant tissue (taken along the line
      of resection) for different histological types of tumors. The data obtained
      showed a similar level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in tumor tissues of gastric
      adenocarcinoma and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, but its dynamics in the
      tissues surrounding the tumor was different. In contrast to the gastric
      adenocarcinoma the carcinoma of the vulva had a significant level of GSH and
      higher activity of glutathione dependent enzymes in the tumor tissue and its
      peritumoral area compared with the surrounding nonmalignant tissue. The results
      indicate that there are differences in the functioning of the redox regulatory
      systems in the tumor tissue and its surrounding tissues of various histological
      origin and localization, possibly due to different mechanisms involved in
      maintenance of the redox balance in the originally nonmalignant tissue. 

PMID- 27143379
TI  - [The effect of antioxidants on in vivo and in vitro methemoglobin formation in
      erytrocytes of patients with Parkinson's disease].
AB  - Methemoglobin formation was examined in erytrocytes of 16 patients with
      Parkinson's disease (PD) (stage 3-4 by the Hoehn and Yahr scale). The patients
      receiving levodopa-containing drugs (madopar, nakom) were also treated with
      intramuscular injections of mexidol (daily dose 100 mg/day) for 14 days. Control
      group included 12 clinically healthy persons. The erythrocyte methemoglobin
      content was determined by electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) using the EPR
      signal intensity with g-factor 6.0. The methemoglobin content was significantly
      higher in erythrocytes of PD patients than in healthy donors. The complex therapy
      with mexidol normalized the methemoglobin content in erythrocytes of PD patients.
      Incubation in vitro of erythrocytes of donors and PD patients with acrolein
      increased the methemoglobin content, while incubation with carnosine normalized
      the methemoglobin content in erythrocytes of PD patients. Prophylactic (i.e.
      before acrolein addition) and therapeutic administration of carnosine to the
      incubation system with acrolein decreased the methemoglobin content to its
      initial level. Results of this study suggest that inclusion of the antioxidants
      mexidol and carnosine in the scheme of basic therapy of PD may reduce side
      effects associated with methemoglobinemia. 

PMID- 27143380
TI  - [The level of circulating PGC1a in cardiovascular disease].
AB  - The level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha
      (PGC1alpha) in human blood plasma was investigated. Samples of healthy
      individuals (n=34) and patients with cardiovascular diseases (n=110), including
      aortic aneurysm (n=69), aortic stenosis (n=25) and patients without aortic
      pathologies were analyzed. In patients the PGC1alpha concentration was higher
      than that in healthy persons, and tended to decrease with age. Elevated
      concentrations of lactic acid, total homocysteine and asymmetric dimethylarginine
      in the blood of patients suggested a parallel development of endothelial and
      secondary mitochondrial dysfunction. However, concentrations of lactic and
      pyruvic acids exceeding reference limit were associated with the decrease in the
      PGC1alpha level.

PMID- 27143381
TI  - [The profile of plasma non-esterified fatty acids in children with different
      terms of type 1 diabetes mellitus].
AB  - Composition and quantitative content of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were
      investigated in plasma samples of healthy children (12) and children with type 1
      diabetes mellitus (DM1) (31) by gas chromatography (GC) after preliminary NEFA
      solid-phase extraction from plasma lipids. There was a significant (p<0.001) 1.6
      fold increase in the total level of NEFA regardless of the disease duration. In
      the group of DM1 children with the disease period less than 1 year there was an
      increase in the arachidonic acid (20:4) content (30%) and the oleic acid trans
      isomer (18:1) content (82%), and also a decrease in the docosahexaenoic acid
      (22:6 n3) content (26% ) and the docosapentaenoic acids (22:5 n-6) content (60%).
      In the group of DM1 children with prolonged course of this disease the altered
      NEFA levels returned to the normal level. 

PMID- 27143382
TI  - [The effect of subchronic inhalations of nitric oxide on metabolic processes in
      blood of experimental animals].
AB  - Metabolic processes were investigated in plasma and erythrocytes of Wistar rats
      exposed to daily 10-min sessions of NO inhalation for 30 days. These included
      determination of glucose and lactate, catalase activity, and activities of
      aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and catalase. NO
      inhalation in a concentration of 20 ppm, 50 ppm and 100 ppm caused an increase in
      glucose and lactate. Inhalation of 100 ppm NO also increased catalase activity.
      Inhalation of all NO concentrations resulted in a decrease of ALDH activity,
      while the decrease in LDH activity was observed at NO concentrations of 50-100
      ppm. 

PMID- 27143383
TI  - Programming Native CRISPR Arrays for the Generation of Targeted Immunity.
AB  - The adaptive immune system of prokaryotes, called CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly
      interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated genes), results in
      specific cleavage of invading nucleic acid sequences recognized by the cell's
      "memory" of past encounters. Here, we exploited the properties of native CRISPR
      Cas systems to program the natural "memorization" process, efficiently generating
      immunity not only to a bacteriophage or plasmid but to any specifically chosen
      DNA sequence. IMPORTANCE: CRISPR-Cas systems have entered the public
      consciousness as genome editing tools due to their readily programmable nature.
      In industrial settings, natural CRISPR-Cas immunity is already exploited to
      generate strains resistant to potentially disruptive viruses. However, the
      natural process by which bacteria acquire new target specificities (adaptation)
      is difficult to study and manipulate. The target against which immunity is
      conferred is selected stochastically. By biasing the immunization process, we
      offer a means to generate customized immunity, as well as provide a new tool to
      study adaptation.

PMID- 27143384
TI  - Single-Cell Genome and Group-Specific dsrAB Sequencing Implicate Marine Members
      of the Class Dehalococcoidia (Phylum Chloroflexi) in Sulfur Cycling.
AB  - The marine subsurface sediment biosphere is widely inhabited by bacteria
      affiliated with the class Dehalococcoidia (DEH), phylum Chloroflexi, and yet
      little is known regarding their metabolisms. In this report, genomic content from
      a single DEH cell (DEH-C11) with a 16S rRNA gene that was affiliated with a
      diverse cluster of 16S rRNA gene sequences prevalent in marine sediments was
      obtained from sediments of Aarhus Bay, Denmark. The distinctive gene content of
      this cell suggests metabolic characteristics that differ from those of known DEH
      and Chloroflexi The presence of genes encoding dissimilatory sulfite reductase
      (Dsr) suggests that DEH could respire oxidized sulfur compounds, although
      Chloroflexi have never been implicated in this mode of sulfur cycling. Using long
      range PCR assays targeting DEH dsr loci, dsrAB genes were amplified and sequenced
      from various marine sediments. Many of the amplified dsrAB sequences were
      affiliated with the DEH Dsr clade, which we propose equates to a family-level
      clade. This provides supporting evidence for the potential for sulfite reduction
      by diverse DEH species. DEH-C11 also harbored genes encoding reductases for
      arsenate, dimethyl sulfoxide, and halogenated organics. The reductive
      dehalogenase homolog (RdhA) forms a monophyletic clade along with RdhA sequences
      from various DEH-derived contigs retrieved from available metagenomes. Multiple
      facts indicate that this RdhA may not be a terminal reductase. The presence of
      other genes indicated that nutrients and energy may be derived from the oxidation
      of substituted homocyclic and heterocyclic aromatic compounds. Together, these
      results suggest that marine DEH play a previously unrecognized role in sulfur
      cycling and reveal the potential for expanded catabolic and respiratory functions
      among subsurface DEH. IMPORTANCE: Sediments underlying our oceans are inhabited
      by microorganisms in cell numbers similar to those estimated to inhabit the
      oceans. Microorganisms in sediments consist of various diverse and
      uncharacterized groups that contribute substantially to global biogeochemical
      cycles. Since most subsurface microorganisms continue to evade cultivation,
      possibly due to very slow growth, we obtained and analyzed genomic information
      from a representative of one of the most widespread and abundant, yet
      uncharacterized bacterial groups of the marine subsurface. We describe several
      key features that may contribute to their widespread distribution, such as
      respiratory flexibility and the potential to use oxidized sulfur compounds, which
      are abundant in marine environments, as electron acceptors. Together, these data
      provide important information that can be used to assist in designing enrichment
      strategies or other postgenomic studies, while also improving our understanding
      of the diversity and distribution of dsrAB genes, which are widely used
      functional marker genes for sulfur-cycling microbes.

PMID- 27143386
TI  - Alveolar Type II Epithelial Cells Contribute to the Anti-Influenza A Virus
      Response in the Lung by Integrating Pathogen- and Microenvironment-Derived
      Signals.
AB  - Influenza A virus (IAV) periodically causes substantial morbidity and mortality
      in the human population. In the lower lung, the primary targets for IAV
      replication are type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII), which are increasingly
      recognized for their immunological potential. So far, little is known about their
      reaction to IAV and their contribution to respiratory antiviral immunity in vivo
      Therefore, we characterized the AECII response during early IAV infection by
      analyzing transcriptional regulation in cells sorted from the lungs of infected
      mice. We detected rapid and extensive regulation of gene expression in AECII
      following in vivo IAV infection. The comparison to transcriptional regulation in
      lung tissue revealed a strong contribution of AECII to the respiratory response.
      IAV infection triggered the expression of a plethora of antiviral factors and
      immune mediators in AECII with a high prevalence for interferon-stimulated genes.
      Functional pathway analyses revealed high activity in pathogen recognition,
      immune cell recruitment, and antigen presentation. Ultimately, our analyses of
      transcriptional regulation in AECII and lung tissue as well as interferon I/III
      levels and cell recruitment indicated AECII to integrate signals provided by
      direct pathogen recognition and surrounding cells. Ex vivo analysis of AECII
      proved a powerful tool to increase our understanding of their role in respiratory
      immune responses, and our results clearly show that AECII need to be considered a
      part of the surveillance and effector system of the lower respiratory tract.
      IMPORTANCE: In order to confront the health hazard posed by IAV, we need to
      complete our understanding of its pathogenesis. AECII are primary targets for IAV
      replication in the lung, and while we are beginning to understand their
      importance for respiratory immunity, the in vivo AECII response during IAV
      infection has not been analyzed. In contrast to studies addressing the response
      of AECII infected with IAV ex vivo, we have performed detailed gene
      transcriptional profiling of AECII isolated from the lungs of infected mice.
      Thereby, we have identified an exceptionally rapid and versatile response to IAV
      infection that is shaped by pathogen-derived as well as microenvironment-derived
      signals and aims at the induction of antiviral measures and the recruitment and
      activation of immune cells. In conclusion, our study presents AECII as active
      players in antiviral defense in vivo that need to be considered part of the
      sentinel and effector immune system of the lung.

PMID- 27143385
TI  - Suppression of Antitumor Immune Responses by Human Papillomavirus through
      Epigenetic Downregulation of CXCL14.
AB  - High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are causally associated with multiple
      human cancers. Previous studies have shown that the HPV oncoprotein E7 induces
      immune suppression; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To
      understand the mechanisms by which HPV deregulates host immune responses in the
      tumor microenvironment, we analyzed gene expression changes of all known
      chemokines and their receptors using our global gene expression data sets from
      human HPV-positive and -negative head/neck cancer and cervical tissue specimens
      in different disease stages. We report that, while many proinflammatory
      chemokines increase expression throughout cancer progression, CXCL14 is
      dramatically downregulated in HPV-positive cancers. HPV suppression of CXCL14 is
      dependent on E7 and associated with DNA hypermethylation in the CXCL14 promoter.
      Using in vivo mouse models, we revealed that restoration of Cxcl14 expression in
      HPV-positive mouse oropharyngeal carcinoma cells clears tumors in immunocompetent
      syngeneic mice, but not in Rag1-deficient mice. Further, Cxcl14 reexpression
      significantly increases natural killer (NK), CD4(+) T, and CD8(+) T cell
      infiltration into the tumor-draining lymph nodes in vivo In vitro transwell
      migration assays show that Cxcl14 reexpression induces chemotaxis of NK, CD4(+)
      T, and CD8(+) T cells. These results suggest that CXCL14 downregulation by HPV
      plays an important role in suppression of antitumor immune responses. Our
      findings provide a new mechanistic understanding of virus-induced immune evasion
      that contributes to cancer progression. IMPORTANCE: Human papillomaviruses (HPVs)
      are causally associated with more than 5% of all human cancers. During decades of
      cancer progression, HPV persists, evading host surveillance. However, little is
      known about the immune evasion mechanisms driven by HPV. Here we report that the
      chemokine CXCL14 is significantly downregulated in HPV-positive head/neck and
      cervical cancers. Using patient tissue specimens and cultured keratinocytes, we
      found that CXCL14 downregulation is linked to CXCL14 promoter hypermethylation
      induced by the HPV oncoprotein E7. Restoration of Cxcl14 expression in HPV
      positive cancer cells clears tumors in immunocompetent syngeneic mice, but not in
      immunodeficient mice. Mice with Cxcl14 reexpression show dramatically increased
      natural killer and T cells in the tumor-draining lymph nodes. These results
      suggest that epigenetic downregulation of CXCL14 by HPV plays an important role
      in suppressing antitumor immune responses. Our findings may offer novel insights
      to develop preventive and therapeutic tools for restoring antitumor immune
      responses in HPV-infected individuals.

PMID- 27143387
TI  - Diurnal Regulation of Cellular Processes in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp.
      Strain PCC 6803: Insights from Transcriptomic, Fluxomic, and Physiological
      Analyses.
AB  - Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 is the most widely studied model
      cyanobacterium, with a well-developed omics level knowledgebase. Like the
      lifestyles of other cyanobacteria, that of Synechocystis PCC 6803 is tuned to
      diurnal changes in light intensity. In this study, we analyzed the expression
      patterns of all of the genes of this cyanobacterium over two consecutive diurnal
      periods. Using stringent criteria, we determined that the transcript levels of
      nearly 40% of the genes in Synechocystis PCC 6803 show robust diurnal oscillating
      behavior, with a majority of the transcripts being upregulated during the early
      light period. Such transcripts corresponded to a wide array of cellular
      processes, such as light harvesting, photosynthetic light and dark reactions, and
      central carbon metabolism. In contrast, transcripts of membrane transporters for
      transition metals involved in the photosynthetic electron transport chain (e.g.,
      iron, manganese, and copper) were significantly upregulated during the late dark
      period. Thus, the pattern of global gene expression led to the development of two
      distinct transcriptional networks of coregulated oscillatory genes. These
      networks help describe how Synechocystis PCC 6803 regulates its metabolism toward
      the end of the dark period in anticipation of efficient photosynthesis during the
      early light period. Furthermore, in silico flux prediction of important cellular
      processes and experimental measurements of cellular ATP, NADP(H), and glycogen
      levels showed how this diurnal behavior influences its metabolic characteristics.
      In particular, NADPH/NADP(+) showed a strong correlation with the majority of the
      genes whose expression peaks in the light. We conclude that this ratio is a key
      endogenous determinant of the diurnal behavior of this cyanobacterium.
      IMPORTANCE: Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microbes that use energy from
      sunlight and CO2 as feedstock. Certain cyanobacterial strains are amenable to
      facile genetic manipulation, thus enabling synthetic biology and metabolic
      engineering applications. Such strains are being developed as a chassis for the
      sustainable production of food, feed, and fuel. To this end, a holistic knowledge
      of cyanobacterial physiology and its correlation with gene expression patterns
      under the diurnal cycle is warranted. In this report, a genomewide
      transcriptional analysis of Synechocystis PCC 6803, the most widely studied model
      cyanobacterium, sheds light on the global coordination of cellular processes
      during diurnal periods. Furthermore, we found that, in addition to light, the
      redox level of NADP(H) is an important endogenous regulator of diurnal
      entrainment of Synechocystis PCC 6803.

PMID- 27143388
TI  - Differential Type I Interferon Signaling Is a Master Regulator of Susceptibility
      to Postinfluenza Bacterial Superinfection.
AB  - Bacterial superinfections are a primary cause of death during influenza pandemics
      and epidemics. Type I interferon (IFN) signaling contributes to increased
      susceptibility of mice to bacterial superinfection around day 7 post-influenza A
      virus (IAV) infection. Here we demonstrate that the reduced susceptibility to
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at day 3 post-IAV infection,
      which we previously reported was due to interleukin-13 (IL-13)/IFN-gamma
      responses, is also dependent on type I IFN signaling and its subsequent
      requirement for protective IL-13 production. We found, through utilization of
      blocking antibodies, that reduced susceptibility to MRSA at day 3 post-IAV
      infection was IFN-beta dependent, whereas the increased susceptibility at day 7
      was IFN-alpha dependent. IFN-beta signaling early in IAV infection was required
      for MRSA clearance, whereas IFN-alpha signaling late in infection was not, though
      it did mediate increased susceptibility to MRSA at that time. Type I IFN receptor
      (IFNAR) signaling in CD11c(+) and Ly6G(+) cells was required for the observed
      reduced susceptibility at day 3 post-IAV infection. Depletion of Ly6G(+) cells in
      mice in which IFNAR signaling was either blocked or deleted indicated that
      Ly6G(+) cells were responsible for the IFNAR signaling-dependent susceptibility
      to MRSA superinfection at day 7 post-IAV infection. Thus, during IAV infection,
      the temporal differences in type I IFN signaling increased bactericidal activity
      of both CD11c(+) and Ly6G(+) cells at day 3 and reduced effector function of
      Ly6G(+) cells at day 7. The temporal differential outcomes induced by IFN-beta
      (day 3) and IFN-alpha (day 7) signaling through the same IFNAR resulted in
      differential susceptibility to MRSA at 3 and 7 days post-IAV infection.
      IMPORTANCE: Approximately 114,000 hospitalizations and 40,000 annual deaths in
      the United States are associated with influenza A virus (IAV) infections.
      Frequently, these deaths are due to community-acquired Gram-positive bacterial
      species, many of which show increasing resistance to antibiotic therapy. Severe
      complications, including parapneumonic empyema and necrotizing pneumonia, can
      arise, depending on virulence factors expressed by either the virus or bacteria.
      Unfortunately, we are unable to control the expression of these virulence
      factors, making host responses a logical target for therapeutic interventions.
      Moreover, interactions between virus, host, and bacteria that exacerbate IAV
      related morbidities and mortalities are largely unknown. Here, we show that type
      I interferon (IFN) expression can modulate susceptibility to methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, with IFN-beta reducing host
      susceptibility to MRSA infection while IFN-alpha increases susceptibility. Our
      data indicate that treatments designed to augment IFN-beta and/or inhibit IFN
      alpha production around day 7 post-IAV infection could reduce susceptibility to
      deadly superinfections.

PMID- 27143389
TI  - Requirements for Carnitine Shuttle-Mediated Translocation of Mitochondrial Acetyl
      Moieties to the Yeast Cytosol.
AB  - In many eukaryotes, the carnitine shuttle plays a key role in intracellular
      transport of acyl moieties. Fatty acid-grown Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells
      employ this shuttle to translocate acetyl units into their mitochondria.
      Mechanistically, the carnitine shuttle should be reversible, but previous studies
      indicate that carnitine shuttle-mediated export of mitochondrial acetyl units to
      the yeast cytosol does not occur in vivo This apparent unidirectionality was
      investigated by constitutively expressing genes encoding carnitine shuttle
      related proteins in an engineered S. cerevisiae strain, in which cytosolic acetyl
      coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) synthesis could be switched off by omitting lipoic acid
      from growth media. Laboratory evolution of this strain yielded mutants whose
      growth on glucose, in the absence of lipoic acid, was l-carnitine dependent,
      indicating that in vivo export of mitochondrial acetyl units to the cytosol
      occurred via the carnitine shuttle. The mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase
      complex was identified as the predominant source of acetyl-CoA in the evolved
      strains. Whole-genome sequencing revealed mutations in genes involved in
      mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis (MCT1), nuclear-mitochondrial communication
      (RTG2), and encoding a carnitine acetyltransferase (YAT2). Introduction of these
      mutations into the nonevolved parental strain enabled l-carnitine-dependent
      growth on glucose. This study indicates intramitochondrial acetyl-CoA
      concentration and constitutive expression of carnitine shuttle genes as key
      factors in enabling in vivo export of mitochondrial acetyl units via the
      carnitine shuttle. IMPORTANCE: This study demonstrates, for the first time, that
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be engineered to employ the carnitine shuttle for
      export of acetyl moieties from the mitochondria and, thereby, to act as the sole
      source of cytosolic acetyl-CoA. Further optimization of this ATP-independent
      mechanism for cytosolic acetyl-CoA provision can contribute to efficient, yeast
      based production of industrially relevant compounds derived from this precursor.
      The strains constructed in this study, whose growth on glucose depends on a
      functional carnitine shuttle, provide valuable models for further functional
      analysis and engineering of this shuttle in yeast and other eukaryotes.

PMID- 27143390
TI  - Genome-Wide Mapping of Binding Sites Reveals Multiple Biological Functions of the
      Transcription Factor Cst6p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - In the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the transcription factor Cst6p
      has been reported to play important roles in several biological processes.
      However, the genome-wide targets of Cst6p and its physiological functions remain
      unknown. Here, we mapped the genome-wide binding sites of Cst6p at high
      resolution. Cst6p binds to the promoter regions of 59 genes with various
      biological functions when cells are grown on ethanol but hardly binds to the
      promoter at any gene when cells are grown on glucose. The retarded growth of the
      CST6 deletion mutant on ethanol is attributed to the markedly decreased
      expression of NCE103, encoding a carbonic anhydrase, which is a direct target of
      Cst6p. The target genes of Cst6p have a large overlap with those of stress
      responsive transcription factors, such as Sko1p and Skn7p. In addition, a CST6
      deletion mutant growing on ethanol shows hypersensitivity to oxidative stress and
      ethanol stress, assigning Cst6p as a new member of the stress-responsive
      transcriptional regulatory network. These results show that mapping of genome
      wide binding sites can provide new insights into the function of transcription
      factors and highlight the highly connected and condition-dependent nature of the
      transcriptional regulatory network in S. cerevisiae IMPORTANCE: Transcription
      factors regulate the activity of various biological processes through binding to
      specific DNA sequences. Therefore, the determination of binding positions is
      important for the understanding of the regulatory effects of transcription
      factors. In the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the transcription
      factor Cst6p has been reported to regulate several biological processes, while
      its genome-wide targets remain unknown. Here, we mapped the genome-wide binding
      sites of Cst6p at high resolution. We show that the binding of Cst6p to its
      target promoters is condition dependent and explain the mechanism for the
      retarded growth of the CST6 deletion mutant on ethanol. Furthermore, we
      demonstrate that Cst6p is a new member of a stress-responsive transcriptional
      regulatory network. These results provide deeper understanding of the function of
      the dynamic transcriptional regulatory network in S. cerevisiae.

PMID- 27143391
TI  - Sustained Local Diversity of Vibrio cholerae O1 Biotypes in a Previously Cholera
      Free Country.
AB  - Although the current cholera pandemic can trace its origin to a specific time and
      place, many variants of Vibrio cholerae have caused this disease over the last 50
      years. The relative clinical importance and geographical distribution of these
      variants have changed with time, but most remain in circulation. Some countries,
      such as Mexico and Haiti, had escaped the current pandemic, until large epidemics
      struck them in 1991 and 2010, respectively. Cholera has been endemic in these
      countries ever since. A recent retrospective study in mBio presents the results
      of more than 3 decades of V. cholerae monitoring from environmental and clinical
      sources in Mexico (S. Y. Choi et al., mBio 7:e02160-15, 2016,
      http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mBio.02160-15). It reveals that multiple V. cholerae
      variants, including classical strains from the previous pandemic, as well as
      completely novel biotypes, have been circulating in Mexico. This discovery has
      important implications for the epidemiology and evolution of V. cholerae.

PMID- 27143392
TI  - Transplanting a Microbial Organ: the Good, the Bad, and the Unknown.
AB  - Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has received increased attention as a
      therapy for correcting intestinal dysbiosis and restoring a state of health in
      patients suffering from either recalcitrant infection by Clostridium difficile or
      more complex disease states, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The "gut
      microbial organ" from the donor that is used in these transplants may serve to
      transfer genetic material between donor and recipient via virus-like particles,
      specifically bacteriophages, that infect the bacterial component of the
      microbiota. The recently published study by Chehoud et al. provides evidence for
      not only the transfer of bacteriophages during FMT but also the transfer of
      multiple populations of bacteriophages to recipients from the donor microbiota
      used (C. Chehoud et al., mBio 7:e00322-16, 2016,
      http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00322-16). While the clinical significance of
      these findings remains unclear, nothing short of a diligent and persistent effort
      is needed to define the intended and unintended consequences of FMT.

PMID- 27143393
TI  - The ABC of Ribosome-Related Antibiotic Resistance.
AB  - The increase in multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria is limiting the utility
      of our current arsenal of antimicrobial agents. Mechanistically understanding how
      bacteria obtain antibiotic resistance is a critical first step to the development
      of improved inhibitors. One common mechanism for bacteria to obtain antibiotic
      resistance is by employing ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters to actively
      pump the drug from the cell. The ABC-F family includes proteins conferring
      resistance to a variety of clinically important ribosome-targeting antibiotics;
      however, controversy remains as to whether resistance is conferred via efflux
      like other ABC transporters or whether another mechanism, such as ribosome
      protection, is at play. A recent study by Sharkey and coworkers (L. K. Sharkey,
      T. A. Edwards, and A. J. O'Neill, mBio 7:e01975-15, 2016,
      http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01975-15) provides strong evidence that ABC-F
      proteins conferring antibiotic resistance utilize ribosome protection mechanisms,
      namely, by interacting with the ribosome and displacing the drug from its binding
      site, thus revealing a novel role for ABC-F proteins in antibiotic resistance.

PMID- 27143394
TI  - Does Research Training During Residency Promote Scholarship and Influence Career
      Choice? A Cross-Sectional Analysis of a 10-Year Cohort of the UCSF-PRIME Internal
      Medicine Residency Program.
AB  - PROBLEM: The Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine, the
      Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Alliance for Academic
      Internal Medicine, and the Carnegie Foundation report on medical education
      recommend creating individualized learning pathways during medical training so
      that learners can experience broader professional roles beyond patient care.
      Little data exist to support the success of these specialized pathways in
      graduate medical education. INTERVENTION: We present the 10-year experience of
      the Primary Care Medicine Education (PRIME) track, a clinical-outcomes research
      pathway for internal medicine residents at the University of California San
      Francisco (UCSF). We hypothesized that participation in an individualized
      learning track, PRIME, would lead to a greater likelihood of publishing research
      from residency and accessing adequate career mentorship and would be influential
      on subsequent alumni careers. CONTEXT: We performed a cross-sectional survey of
      internal medicine residency alumni from UCSF who graduated in 2001 through 2010.
      We compared responses of PRIME and non-PRIME categorical alumni. We used
      Pearson's chi-square and Student's t test to compare PRIME and non-PRIME alumni
      on categorical and continuous variables. OUTCOME: Sixty-six percent (211/319) of
      alumni responded to the survey. A higher percentage of PRIME alumni published
      residency research projects compared to non-PRIME alumni (64% vs. 40%; p = .002).
      The number of PRIME alumni identifying research as their primary career role was
      not significantly different from non-PRIME internal medicine residency graduates
      (35% of PRIME vs. 29% non-PRIME). Process measures that could explain these
      findings include adequate access to mentors (M 4.4 for PRIME vs. 3.6 for non
      PRIME alumni, p < .001, on a 5-point Likert scale) and agreeing that mentoring
      relationships affected career choice (M 4.2 for PRIME vs. 3.7 for categorical
      alumni, p = .001). Finally, 63% of PRIME alumni agreed that their research
      experience during residency influenced their subsequent career choice versus 46%
      of non-PRIME alumni (p = .023). LESSONS LEARNED: Our results support the concept
      that providing residents with an individualized learning pathway focusing on
      clinical outcomes research during residency enables them to successfully publish
      manuscripts and access mentorship, and may influence subsequent career choice.
      Implementation of individualized residency program tracks that nurture academic
      interests along with clinical skills can support career development within
      medicine residency programs.

PMID- 27143396
TI  - Recognition and protection for the foetus in the law.

PMID- 27143395
TI  - Interrelationships Among Various Measures of Central Artery Stiffness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of different techniques and methodologies have been applied
      to quantify stiffness of arteries. Because measures of arterial stiffness differ
      in regards to measurement locations as well as properties, it is not clear how
      well these measures that are supposed to reflect the same arterial wall
      properties are related. METHODS: Interrelationships between different measures of
      arterial stiffness were evaluated in 50 apparently healthy subjects varying in
      age. RESULTS: Significant relations ranging from mild to strong were observed
      among measures of arterial stiffness while some measures were not significantly
      associated. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) was significantly associated with
      carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and brachial-ankle pulse wave
      velocity (baPWV). Ultrasound-derived measures of arterial stiffness (e.g.,
      compliance, distensibility) were weakly or not significantly related to pulse
      wave velocity (PWV) measures. The limits of agreement between each of arterial
      stiffness measures based on the Bland-Altman analyses indicate that there were
      close agreements (CI = 1.12-1.52) between CAVI, cfPWV, and baPWV. However,
      agreements between PWV measures and ultrasound-derived measures were mild to
      moderate. beta-stiffness index demonstrated large 95% CIs with other measures.
      When associations between relative changes in various measures of arterial
      stiffness in response to isometric handgrip exercise were evaluated, the general
      trend of associations was similar to the relations observed at rest. beta
      stiffness index was not related to most measures of arterial stiffness.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the techniques used to assess arterial
      stiffness may not be interchangeable in clinical and research settings and that
      comparisons of findings obtained with different arterial stiffness measures
      should be conducted with caution.

PMID- 27143397
TI  - Professional women "rebalancing" in retirement: Time, relationships, and body.
AB  - This is an interview-based study focused on how professional baby boomer women
      negotiate and narrate postretirement lives. This group came of age in the 1960s
      and represents a socially privileged segment of the baby boomer generation, a
      cohort that created new gendered pathways in employment. Today, these retired
      professional women are attempting to make sense of their multilayered complex and
      changing realities. In their accounts, the most salient themes are shifting
      identity, embodiment, and relationships. By using what we call a relational lens,
      we will show how many aspects of postretirement life, for these professional
      women, are mediated by changing relationships-relationships to time, work
      identity, friends and family, and body. Through these individual and relational
      contexts we see how female professional baby boomer retirees grapple with
      liberation and loss, autonomy and control, ongoing gendered work, and rebalancing
      in a new chapter of life. Perhaps most importantly, we see how learning about
      self in this stage of life, and perhaps across the life course, takes place
      largely in the context of relationships. 

PMID- 27143399
TI  - Dichorionic twin trajectories: the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systematic evaluation and estimation of growth trajectories in twins
      require ultrasound measurements across gestation that are performed in controlled
      clinical settings. Currently, there are few such data for contemporary
      populations. There is also controversy about whether twin fetal growth should be
      evaluated with the use of the same benchmarks as singleton growth. OBJECTIVES:
      Our objective was to define the trajectory of fetal growth in dichorionic twins
      empirically using longitudinal 2-dimensional ultrasonography and to compare the
      fetal growth trajectories for dichorionic twins with those based on a growth
      standard that was developed by our group for singletons. STUDY DESIGN: A
      prospective cohort of 171 women with twin gestations was recruited from 8 US
      sites from 2012-2013. After an initial sonogram at 11 weeks 0 days-13 weeks 6
      days of gestation during which dichorionicity was confirmed, women were assigned
      randomly to 1 of 2 serial ultrasonography schedules. Growth curves and
      percentiles were estimated with the use of linear mixed models with cubic
      splines. Percentiles were compared statistically at each gestational week between
      the twins and 1731 singletons, after adjustment for maternal age, race/ethnicity,
      height, weight, parity, employment, marital status, insurance, income, education,
      and infant sex. Linear mixed models were used to test for overall differences
      between the twin and singleton trajectories with the use of likelihood ratio
      tests of interaction terms between spline mean structure terms and twin-singleton
      indicator variables. Singleton standards were weighted to correspond to the
      distribution of maternal race in twins. For those ultrasound measurements in
      which there were significant global tests for differences between twins and
      singletons, we tested for week-specific differences using Wald tests that were
      computed at each gestational age. In a separate analysis, we evaluated the degree
      of reclassification in small for gestational age, which was defined as <10th
      percentile that would be introduced if fetal growth estimation for twins was
      based on an unweighted singleton standard. RESULTS: Women underwent a median of 5
      ultrasound scans. The 50th percentile abdominal circumference and estimated fetal
      weight trajectories of twin fetuses diverged significantly beginning at 32 weeks
      of gestation; biparietal diameter in twins was smaller from 34-36 weeks of
      gestation. There were no differences in head circumference or femur length. The
      mean head circumference/abdominal circumference ratio was progressively larger
      for twins compared with singletons beginning at 33 weeks of gestation, which
      indicated a comparatively asymmetric growth pattern. At 35 weeks of gestation,
      the average gestational age at delivery for twins, the estimated fetal weights
      for the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles were 1960, 2376, and 2879 g for
      dichorionic twins, respectively, and 2180, 2567, and 3022 g for the singletons,
      respectively. At 32 weeks of gestation, the initial week when the mean estimated
      fetal weight for twins was smaller than that of singletons, 34% of twins would be
      classified as small for gestational age with the use of a singleton, non-Hispanic
      white standard. By 35 weeks of gestation, 38% of twins would be classified as
      small for gestational age. CONCLUSION: The comparatively asymmetric growth
      pattern in twin gestations, initially evident at 32 weeks of gestation, is
      consistent with the concept that the intrauterine environment becomes constrained
      in its ability to sustain growth in twin fetuses. Near term, nearly 40% of twins
      would be classified as small for gestational age based on a singleton growth
      standard.

PMID- 27143400
TI  - In response to "Geospatial analysis of food environment demonstrates associations
      with gestational diabetes".

PMID- 27143401
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27143398
TI  - Structural and transcriptomic response to antenatal corticosteroids in an Erk3
      null mouse model of respiratory distress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants is a
      leading cause of neonatal death. Pulmonary insufficiency-related infant mortality
      rates have improved with antenatal glucocorticoid treatment and neonatal
      surfactant replacement. However, the mechanism of glucocorticoid-promoted fetal
      lung maturation is not understood fully, despite decades of clinical use. We
      previously have shown that genetic deletion of Erk3 in mice results in growth
      restriction, cyanosis, and early neonatal lethality because of pulmonary
      immaturity and respiratory distress. Recently, we demonstrated that the addition
      of postnatal surfactant administration to antenatal dexamethasone treatment
      resulted in enhanced survival of neonatal Erk3-null mice. OBJECTIVE: To better
      understand the molecular underpinnings of corticosteroid-mediated lung
      maturation, we used high-throughput transcriptomic and high-resolution
      morphologic analysis of the murine fetal lung. We sought to examine the
      alterations in fetal lung structure and function that are associated with
      neonatal respiratory distress and antenatal glucocorticoid treatment. STUDY
      DESIGN: Dexamethasone (0.4 mg/kg) or saline solution was administered to pregnant
      dams on embryonic days 16.5 and 17.5. Fetal lungs were collected and analyzed by
      microCT and RNA-seq for differential gene expression and pathway interactions
      with genotype and treatment. Results from transcriptomic analysis guided further
      investigation of candidate genes with the use of immunostaining in murine and
      human fetal lung tissue. RESULTS: Erk3(-/-) mice exhibited atelectasis with
      decreased overall porosity and saccular space relative to wild type, which was
      ameliorated by glucocorticoid treatment. Of 596 differentially expressed genes (q
      < 0.05) that were detected by RNA-seq, pathway analysis revealed 36 genes (q <
      0.05) interacting with dexamethasone, several with roles in lung development,
      which included corticotropin-releasing hormone and surfactant protein B.
      Corticotropin-releasing hormone protein was detected in wild-type and Erk3(-/-)
      lungs at E14.5, with significantly temporally altered expression through
      embryonic day 18.5. Antenatal dexamethasone attenuated corticotropin-releasing
      hormone at embryonic day 18.5 in both wild-type and Erk3(-/-) lungs (0.56-fold
      and 0.67-fold; P < .001). Wild type mice responded to glucocorticoid
      administration with increased pulmonary surfactant protein B (P = .003). In
      contrast, dexamethasone treatment in Erk3(-/-) mice resulted in decreased
      surfactant protein B (P = .012). In human validation studies, we confirmed that
      corticotropin-releasing hormone protein is present in the fetal lung at 18 weeks
      of gestation and increases in expression with progression towards viability (22
      weeks of gestation; P < .01). CONCLUSION: Characterization of whole transcriptome
      gene expression revealed glucocorticoid-mediated regulation of corticotropin
      releasing hormone and surfactant protein B via Erk3-independent and -dependent
      mechanisms, respectively. We demonstrated for the first time the expression and
      temporal regulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone protein in midtrimester
      human fetal lung. This unique model allows the effects of corticosteroids on
      fetal pulmonary morphologic condition to be distinguished from functional gene
      pathway regulation. These findings implicate Erk3 as a potentially important
      molecular mediator of antenatal glucocorticoid action in promoting surfactant
      protein production in the preterm neonatal lung and expanding our understanding
      of key mechanisms of clinical therapy to improve neonatal survival.

PMID- 27143402
TI  - Development of the Larval Amphibian Growth and Development Assay: effects of
      chronic 4-tert-octylphenol or 17beta-trenbolone exposure in Xenopus laevis from
      embryo to juvenile.
AB  - The Larval Amphibian Growth and Development Assay (LAGDA) is a globally
      harmonized test guideline developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
      in collaboration with Japan's Ministry of the Environment. The LAGDA was designed
      to evaluate apical effects of chronic chemical exposure on growth, thyroid
      mediated amphibian metamorphosis and reproductive development. During the
      validation phase, two well-characterized endocrine-disrupting chemicals were
      tested to evaluate the performance of the initial assay design: xenoestrogen 4
      tert-octylphenol (tOP) and xenoandrogen 17beta-trenbolone (TB). Xenopus laevis
      embryos were exposed, in flow-through conditions, to tOP (nominal concentrations:
      0.0, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 ug l-1 ) or TB (nominal concentrations: 0.0, 12.5, 25,
      50 and 100 ng l-1 ) until 8 weeks post-metamorphosis, at which time growth
      measurements were taken, and histopathology assessments were made of the gonads,
      reproductive ducts, liver and kidneys. There were no effects on growth in either
      study and no signs of overt toxicity, sex reversal or gonad dysgenesis. Exposure
      to tOP caused a treatment-related decrease in circulating thyroxine and an
      increase in thyroid follicular cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia (25 and 50 ug l-1
      ) during metamorphosis. Mullerian duct development was affected after exposure to
      both chemicals; tOP exposure caused dose-dependent maturation of oviducts in both
      male and female frogs, whereas TB exposure caused accelerated Mullerian duct
      regression in males and complete regression in >50% of the females in the 100 ng
      l-1 treatment. Based on these results, the LAGDA performed adequately to evaluate
      apical effects of chronic exposure to two endocrine-active compounds and is the
      first standardized amphibian multiple life stage toxicity test to date. Published
      2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the
      USA.

PMID- 27143403
TI  - An amateur runner with hip pain and antalgic gait.

PMID- 27143404
TI  - A purification method for tag-free human cystatin C recombinant protein expressed
      in Escherichia coli.
AB  - To obtain recombinant cystatin C (CysC) protein, which can be used in
      immunological diagnostic kits, we focused on the preparation of tag-free CysC.
      The 6 * His-TF-CysC fusion protein was found to overexpress in soluble form in
      cells of BL21-Gold (DE3)/pCold TF-CysC, which had been induced with isopropyl-D-1
      thiogalactopyranoside. Subsequently, we established a protein purification method
      for tag-free CysC using immobilized metal-affinity chromatography and size
      exclusion chromatography. In this method, glutathione-S-transferase-human
      rhinovirus 3C proteases were used to remove the protein tags. High homogeneity of
      the purified CysC was determined by SDS-PAGE, while the purity of the tag-free
      CysC was ascertained to be above 95%. With a yield of 25 mg/L from bacterial
      culture, the biological activity of the tag-free CysC was evaluated as inhibitors
      like natural CysC. The performance of this purification method was successfully
      evaluated in the preparation of other low molecular weight heterologous proteins
      in Escherichia coli.

PMID- 27143405
TI  - Spin Vortex Resonance in Non-planar Ferromagnetic Dots.
AB  - In planar structures, the vortex resonance frequency changes little as a function
      of an in-plane magnetic field as long as the vortex state persists. Altering the
      topography of the element leads to a vastly different dynamic response that
      arises due to the local vortex core confinement effect. In this work, we studied
      the magnetic excitations in non-planar ferromagnetic dots using a broadband
      microwave spectroscopy technique. Two distinct regimes of vortex gyration were
      detected depending on the vortex core position. The experimental results are in
      qualitative agreement with micromagnetic simulations.

PMID- 27143406
TI  - Correction to "Assessing Molecular Dynamics Simulations with Solvatochromism
      Modeling".

PMID- 27143407
TI  - Mixed-Valent NaCu4Se3: A Two-Dimensional Metal.
AB  - The new ternary copper selenide NaCu4Se3 crystallizes in the RbCd4As3 structure
      type with the trigonal space group R3m and lattice constants a = 4.0316(4) A and
      c = 31.438(8) A. Its structure is built from two-dimensional slabs of
      (2)/infinity[Cu4Se3] separated by Na(+) cations. The compound is formally mixed
      valent with Se(2-)/Se(-) atoms and exhibits metallic properties. It is a hole
      conductor with an electrical conductivity of ~300 S cm(-1) at room temperature
      and a thermopower of ~10 MUV K(-1). Hall effect measurements indicate holes as
      the dominant carrier with a concentration of ~6.12(1) * 10(21) cm(-3) at 300 K.
      Density functional theory electronic structure calculations indicate p-type
      metallic behavior for the (2)/infinity[Cu4Se3] framework, which is in a good
      agreement with the experimental metallic conductivity and Pauli paramagnetism.

PMID- 27143408
TI  - A fully battery-powered inexpensive spectrophotometric system for high
      sensitivity point-of-care analysis on a microfluidic chip.
AB  - A cost-effective b[combining low line]a[combining low line]ttery-powered
      s[combining low line]pectrophotometric s[combining low line]ystem (BASS) was
      developed for quantitative point-of-care (POC) analysis on a microfluidic chip.
      By using methylene blue as a model analyte, we first compared the performance of
      the BASS with a commercial spectrophotometric system, and further applied the
      BASS for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detection and subsequent
      quantitative nucleic acid analysis which exhibited a comparable limit of
      detection to that of Nanodrop. Compared to the commercial spectrophotometric
      system, our spectrophotometric system is lower-cost, consumes less reagents, and
      has higher detection sensitivity. Most importantly, it does not rely on external
      power supplies. All these features make our spectrophotometric system highly
      suitable for a variety of POC analyses, such as field detection. 

PMID- 27143409
TI  - The Pathogenesis of the Demyelinating Form of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS):
      Proteo-peptidomic and Immunological Profiling of Physiological Fluids.
AB  - Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) - the main form of
      Guillain-Barre syndrome-is a rare and severe disorder of the peripheral nervous
      system with an unknown etiology. One of the hallmarks of the AIDP pathogenesis is
      a significantly elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein level. In this paper
      CSF peptidome and proteome in AIDP were analyzed and compared with multiple
      sclerosis and control patients. A total protein concentration increase was shown
      to be because of even changes in all proteins rather than some specific response,
      supporting the hypothesis of protein leakage from blood through the blood-nerve
      barrier. The elevated CSF protein level in AIDP was complemented by activization
      of protein degradation and much higher peptidome diversity. Because of the
      studies of the acute motor axonal form, Guillain-Barre syndrome as a whole is
      thought to be associated with autoimmune response against neurospecific
      molecules. Thus, in AIDP, autoantibodies against cell adhesion proteins localized
      at Ranvier's nodes were suggested as possible targets in AIDP. Indeed, AIDP CSF
      peptidome analysis revealed cell adhesion proteins degradation, however no
      reliable dependence on the corresponding autoantibodies levels was found.
      Proteome analysis revealed overrepresentation of Gene Ontology groups related to
      responses to bacteria and virus infections, which were earlier suggested as
      possible AIDP triggers. Immunoglobulin blood serum analysis against most common
      neuronal viruses did not reveal any specific pathogen; however, AIDP patients
      were more immunopositive in average and often had polyinfections. Cytokine
      analysis of both AIDP CSF and blood did not show a systemic adaptive immune
      response or general inflammation, whereas innate immunity cytokines were up
      regulated. To supplement the widely-accepted though still unproven autoimmunity
      based AIDP mechanism we propose a hypothesis of the primary peripheral nervous
      system damaging initiated as an innate immunity-associated local inflammation
      following neurotropic viruses egress, whereas the autoantibody production might
      be an optional complementary secondary process.

PMID- 27143411
TI  - Carbon Source-Dependent Effects of Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation on Soil
      Microbiome and Suppression of Rhizoctonia solani AG-5 and Pratylenchus penetrans.
AB  - The effect of carbon source on efficacy of anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD)
      toward suppression of apple root infection by Rhizoctonia solani AG-5 and
      Pratylenchus penetrans was examined. Orchard grass (GR), rice bran (RB), ethanol
      (ET), composted steer manure (CM), and Brassica juncea seed meal (SM) were used
      as ASD carbon inputs, with plant assays conducted in natural and pasteurized
      orchard soils. Subsequent studies investigated the effect of GR application rate
      used in ASD on control of these pathogens. In general, apple root infection by R.
      solani AG-5 was significantly lower in ET, GR, RB, and SM ASD treatments compared
      with the control. Among different ASD treatments, apple seedling growth was
      significantly greater when GR or SM was used as the carbon input relative to all
      other ASD treatments. R. solani AG-5 DNA abundance was significantly reduced in
      all ASD treatments, regardless of amendment type, compared with the control. In
      independent experiments, ASD-GR was consistently superior to ASD-CM for limiting
      pathogen activity in soils. ASD treatment with a grass input rate of 20 t ha(-1)
      provided superior suppression of P. penetrans but grass application rate did not
      affect ASD efficacy in control of R. solani AG-5. The soil microbiome from ASD-GR
      treated soils was clearly distinct from the control and ASD-CM-treated soils. In
      contrast, composition of the microbiome from control and ASD-CM-treated soils
      could not be differentiated. Comparative results from pasteurized and
      nonpasteurized soils suggest that there is potential for GR based ASD treatment
      to recruit microbial elements that persist over the anaerobic phase of soil
      incubation, which may functionally contribute to disease suppression. When ASD
      was conducted with GR, microbial diversity was markedly reduced relative to the
      control or ASD-CM soil suggesting that this parameter, typically associated with
      system resilience, was not instrumental to the function of ASD-induced soil
      suppressiveness.

PMID- 27143410
TI  - Protein Markers Predict Survival in Glioma Patients.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a genomically complex and aggressive primary
      adult brain tumor, with a median survival time of 12-14 months. The heterogeneous
      nature of this disease has made the identification and validation of prognostic
      biomarkers difficult. Using reverse phase protein array data from 203 primary
      untreated GBM patients, we have identified a set of 13 proteins with prognostic
      significance. Our protein signature predictive of glioblastoma (PROTGLIO) patient
      survival model was constructed and validated on independent data sets and was
      shown to significantly predict survival in GBM patients (log-rank test: p =
      0.0009). Using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards, we have shown that our
      PROTGLIO model is distinct from other known GBM prognostic factors (age at
      diagnosis, extent of surgical resection, postoperative Karnofsky performance
      score (KPS), treatment with temozolomide (TMZ) chemoradiation, and methylation of
      the MGMT gene). Tenfold cross-validation repetition of our model generation
      procedure confirmed validation of PROTGLIO. The model was further validated on an
      independent set of isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type (IDHwt) lower grade gliomas
      (LGG)-a portion of these tumors progress rapidly to GBM. The PROTGLIO model
      contains proteins, such as Cox-2 and Annexin 1, involved in inflammatory
      response, pointing to potential therapeutic interventions. The PROTGLIO model is
      a simple and effective predictor of overall survival in glioblastoma patients,
      making it potentially useful in clinical practice of glioblastoma multiforme.

PMID- 27143412
TI  - Effect of Sugar Beet Variety and Nonhost Plant on Rhizoctonia solani AG2-2IIIB
      Soil Inoculum Potential Measured in Soil DNA Extracts.
AB  - A direct soil DNA extraction method from soil samples (250 g) was applied for
      detection of the soilborne sugar-beet-infecting pathogen Rhizoctonia solani
      anastomosis group (AG) 2-2IIIB using a newly developed real-time polymerase chain
      reaction assay that showed specificity to AG2-2IIIB when tested against various
      R. solani AG. The assay showed a good relation between cycle threshold and amount
      of AG2-2IIIB sclerotia detected in three spiked field soils and was also able to
      detect the pathogen in naturally infested field soil samples. A field trial was
      conducted to quantify R. solani AG2-2IIIB soil inoculum potential (IP) before and
      after growing a susceptible and a resistant sugar beet variety as well as after
      subsequent growth of an expected nonhost winter rye. Plants of the susceptible
      sugar beet variety displayed a higher disease severity. A more than sixfold
      increase of the R. solani AG2-2IIIB soil IP was observed in contrast to the
      resistant variety that resulted in a constant IP. Growing winter rye
      significantly reduced soil IP to the initial level at sowing. Further research is
      required to better understand the interaction between disease occurrence and soil
      IP as well as the environmental influence on IP development.

PMID- 27143414
TI  - Pakistan is hit by a shortage of anti-tuberculosis drugs.

PMID- 27143413
TI  - Engineering the Charge Transfer in all 2D Graphene-Nanoplatelets Heterostructure
      Photodetectors.
AB  - Two dimensional layered (i.e. van der Waals) heterostructures open up great
      prospects, especially in photodetector applications. In this context, the control
      of the charge transfer between the constituting layers is of crucial importance.
      Compared to bulk or 0D system, 2D materials are characterized by a large exciton
      binding energy (0.1-1 eV) which considerably affects the magnitude of the charge
      transfer. Here we investigate a model system made from colloidal 2D CdSe
      nanoplatelets and epitaxial graphene in a phototransistor configuration. We
      demonstrate that using a heterostructured layered material, we can tune the
      magnitude and the direction (i.e. electron or hole) of the charge transfer. We
      further evidence that graphene functionalization by nanocrystals only leads to a
      limited change in the magnitude of the 1/f noise. These results draw some new
      directions to design van der Waals heterostructures with enhanced optoelectronic
      properties.

PMID- 27143415
TI  - A case of anomalous left coronary artery obstruction caused by lotus valve
      implantation.
AB  - Trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with high surgical
      risk is an alternative therapeutic option for severe aortic stenosis. Although
      second generation TAVI devices are available now, this therapy still cannot
      overcome all serious complications. Among them, coronary obstruction is a life
      threatening complication, however, there is no report concerning the complication
      in patients with anomalous coronary arteries. Here we present a case with
      coronary obstruction of an anomalous left main coronary that occurred after
      implantation of the mechanical expanding Lotus valve (Boston Scientific Inc.).
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27143418
TI  - Age- and brain region-specific differences in mitochondrial bioenergetics in
      Brown Norway rats.
AB  - Mitochondria are central regulators of energy homeostasis and play a pivotal role
      in mechanisms of cellular senescence. The objective of the present study was to
      evaluate mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters in 5 brain regions (brain stem
      [BS], frontal cortex, cerebellum, striatum, hippocampus [HIP]) of 4 diverse age
      groups (1 month [young], 4 months [adult], 12 months [middle-aged], 24 months
      [old age]) to understand age-related differences in selected brain regions and
      their possible contribution to age-related chemical sensitivity. Mitochondrial
      bioenergetic parameters and enzyme activities were measured under identical
      conditions across multiple age groups and brain regions in Brown Norway rats (n =
      5/group). The results indicate age- and brain region-specific patterns in
      mitochondrial functional endpoints. For example, an age-specific decline in ATP
      synthesis (State III respiration) was observed in BS and HIP. Similarly, the
      maximal respiratory capacities (State V1 and V2) showed age-specific declines in
      all brain regions examined (young > adult > middle-aged > old age). Amongst all
      regions, HIP had the greatest change in mitochondrial bioenergetics, showing
      declines in the 4, 12, and 24-months age groups. Activities of mitochondrial
      pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and electron transport chain complexes I, II, and
      IV enzymes were also age and brain region specific. In general, changes
      associated with age were more pronounced with enzyme activities declining as the
      animals aged (young > adult > middle-aged > old age). These age- and brain region
      specific observations may aid in evaluating brain bioenergetic impact on the age
      related susceptibility to environmental chemical stressors.

PMID- 27143419
TI  - Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid increases progranulin production in iPSC-derived
      cortical neurons of frontotemporal dementia patients.
AB  - Mutations in the granulin (GRN) gene cause frontotemporal dementia (FTD) due to
      progranulin haploinsufficiency. Compounds that can increase progranulin
      production and secretion may be considered as potential therapeutic drugs;
      however, very few of them have been directly tested on human cortical neurons. To
      this end, we differentiated 9 induced pluripotent stem cell lines derived from a
      control subject, a sporadic FTD case and an FTD patient with progranulin S116X
      mutation. Treatment with 1 MUM suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a histone
      deacetylase inhibitor, increased the production of progranulin in cortical
      neurons of all subjects at both the mRNA and protein levels without affecting
      their viability. Microarray analysis revealed that SAHA treatment not only
      reversed some gene expression changes caused by progranulin haploinsufficiency
      but also caused massive alterations in the overall transcriptome. Thus, histone
      deacetylase inhibitors may be considered as therapeutic drugs for GRN mutation
      carriers. However, this class of drugs also causes drastic changes in overall
      gene expression in human cortical neurons and their side effects and potential
      impacts on other pathways should be carefully evaluated.

PMID- 27143416
TI  - Oxidative stress and hippocampal synaptic protein levels in elderly cognitively
      intact individuals with Alzheimer's disease pathology.
AB  - Neuritic amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are hallmarks of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) and are major components used for the clinical diagnosis of this
      disorder. However, many individuals with no cognitive impairment (NCI) also
      present at autopsy with high levels of these AD pathologic hallmarks. In this
      study, we evaluated 15 autopsy cases from NCI individuals with high levels of AD
      like pathology (high pathology no cognitive impairment) and compared them to age-
      and postmortem-matched cohorts of individuals with amnestic mild cognitive
      impairment and NCI cases with low AD-like pathology (low pathology no cognitive
      impairment [LPNCI]). Individuals classified as high pathology no cognitive
      impairment or amnestic mild cognitive impairment had a significant loss of both
      presynaptic and postsynaptic proteins in the hippocampus compared with those in
      the LPNCI cohort. In addition, these 2 groups had a significant increase in 3
      different markers of oxidative stress compared with that in the LPNCI group. The
      changes in levels of synaptic proteins are strongly associated with levels of
      oxidative stress. These data suggest that cognitively older subjects without
      dementia but with increased levels of AD-like pathology may represent a very
      early preclinical stage of AD.

PMID- 27143417
TI  - Progesterone exerts neuroprotective effects and improves long-term neurologic
      outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage in middle-aged mice.
AB  - In this study, we examined the effect of progesterone on histopathologic and
      functional outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in 10- to 12-month-old
      mice. Progesterone or vehicle was administered by intraperitoneal injection 1
      hour after collagenase-induced ICH and then by subcutaneous injections at 6, 24,
      and 48 hours. Oxidative and nitrosative stress were assayed at 12 hours post-ICH.
      Injury markers were examined on day 1, and lesion was examined on day 3.
      Neurologic deficits were examined for 28 days. Progesterone posttreatment reduced
      lesion volume, brain swelling, edema, and cell degeneration and improved long
      term neurologic function. These protective effects were associated with
      reductions in protein carbonyl formation, protein nitrosylation, and matrix
      metalloproteinase-9 activity and attenuated cellular and molecular inflammatory
      responses. Progesterone also reduced vascular endothelial growth factor
      expression, increased neuronal-specific Na(+)/K(+) ATPase alpha3 subunit
      expression, and reduced protein kinase C-dependent Na(+)/K(+) ATPase
      phosphorylation. Furthermore, progesterone reduced glial scar thickness, myelin
      loss, brain atrophy, and residual injury volume on day 28 after ICH. With
      multiple brain targets, progesterone warrants further investigation for its
      potential use in ICH therapy.

PMID- 27143420
TI  - Presenilin 1 promotes trypsin-induced neuroprotection via the PAR2/ERK signaling
      pathway. Effects of presenilin 1 FAD mutations.
AB  - Mutants of presenilin 1 (PS1) increase neuronal cell death causing autosomal
      dominant familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). Recent literature shows that
      treatment of neuronal cultures with low concentrations of trypsin, a member of
      the serine family of proteases, protects neurons from toxic insults by binding to
      the proteinase-activated receptor 2 and stimulating survival kinase extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2). Other studies show that PS1 is necessary for
      the neuroprotective activity of specific neurotrophic factors, such as brain
      derived neurotrophic factor, against excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. Here,
      we show that treatment of mouse cortical neuronal cultures with trypsin activates
      ERK1/2 and protects neurons against glutamate excitoxicity. The trypsin-dependent
      ERK activation and neuroprotection requires both alleles of PS1 because neither
      PS1 knockout nor PS1 hemizygous neuronal cultures can use exogenous trypsin to
      activate ERK1/2 or increase neuronal survival. The protective effect of PS1 does
      not depend on its gamma-secretase activity because inhibitors of gamma-secretase
      have no effect on trypsin-mediated neuroprotection. Importantly, cortical
      neuronal cultures either heterozygous or homozygous for PS1 FAD mutants are
      unable to use trypsin to activate ERK1/2 and rescue neurons from excitotoxicity,
      indicating that FAD mutants inhibit trypsin-dependent neuroprotection in an
      autosomal-dominant manner. Furthermore, our data support the theory that PS FAD
      mutants increase neurodegeneration by inhibiting the ability of neurons to use
      cellular factors as protective agents against toxic insults.

PMID- 27143422
TI  - Restoration of post-activation depression of the H-reflex by treadmill exercise
      in aged rats.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of aging and chronic
      physical activity on the postactivation depression of the Hoffman reflex (H
      reflex). The maximal amplitude H wave/maximal amplitude M wave ratio was
      measured, and the rate-sensitive depression of the H-reflex was assessed.
      Measurements were performed on sedentary rats aged of 3, 6, 12, and 20 months and
      on animals aged of 12 and 20 months performing an incremental treadmill exercise
      protocol during the last eight weeks preceding the recordings. At the end of the
      experiment, the muscle mass and/or body mass ratio was calculated. Results
      indicated that the H-reflex depression of the tibialis anterior and soleus
      muscles were present until age of 6 and 12 months, respectively. For the tibialis
      anterior muscle, results also pointed out a decrease in the relative muscle mass
      with age and that the exercise allowed to restore the rate-sensitive depression
      of the H-reflex and to increase the relative muscle mass in comparison with
      sedentary animals. These findings clearly demonstrate that neural alteration of
      the spinal cord is prevented by activity in aged rats.

PMID- 27143421
TI  - Meox2 haploinsufficiency increases neuronal cell loss in a mouse model of
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Evidence suggests that multiple genetic and environmental factors conspire
      together to increase susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease (AD). The amyloid
      cascade hypothesis states that deposition of the amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide is
      central to AD; however, evidence in humans and animals suggests that Abeta
      buildup alone is not sufficient to cause neuronal cell loss and cognitive
      decline. Mouse models that express high levels of mutant forms of amyloid
      precursor protein and/or cleaving enzymes deposit amyloid but do not show neuron
      loss. Therefore, a double-hit hypothesis for AD has been proposed whereby
      vascular dysfunction precedes and promotes Abeta toxicity. In support of this,
      copy number variations in mesenchyme homeobox 2 (MEOX2), a gene involved in
      vascular development, are associated with severe forms of AD. However, the role
      of MEOX2 in AD has not been studied. Here, we tested Meox2 haploinsufficiency in
      B6.APP/PS1 (B6.APB(Tg)) mice, a mouse model of AD. Despite no overt differences
      in plaque deposition or glial activation, B6.APB(Tg) mice that carry only one
      copy of Meox2 (B6.APB(Tg).Mx(-/+)) show increased neuronal cell loss,
      particularly in regions containing plaques, compared with B6.APB(Tg) mice.
      Neuronal cell loss corresponds with a significant decrease in plaque-associated
      microvessels, further supporting a synergistic effect of vascular compromise and
      amyloid deposition on neuronal cell dysfunction in AD.

PMID- 27143423
TI  - Sex differences in metabolic aging of the brain: insights into female
      susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Despite recent advances in the understanding of clinical aspects of sex
      differences in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the underlying mechanisms, for instance,
      how sex modifies AD risk and why the female brain is more susceptible to AD, are
      not clear. The purpose of this study is to elucidate sex disparities in brain
      aging profiles focusing on 2 major areas-energy and amyloid metabolism-that are
      most significantly affected in preclinical development of AD. Total RNA isolated
      from hippocampal tissues of both female and male 129/C57BL/6 mice at ages of 6,
      9, 12, or 15 months were comparatively analyzed by custom-designed Taqman low
      density arrays for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction detection of
      a total of 182 genes involved in a broad spectrum of biological processes
      modulating energy production and amyloid homeostasis. Gene expression profiles
      revealed substantial differences in the trajectory of aging changes between
      female and male brains. In female brains, 44.2% of genes were significantly
      changed from 6 months to 9 months and two-thirds showed downregulation. In
      contrast, in male brains, only 5.4% of genes were significantly altered at this
      age transition. Subsequent changes in female brains were at a much smaller
      magnitude, including 10.9% from 9 months to 12 months and 6.1% from 12 months to
      15 months. In male brains, most changes occurred from 12 months to 15 months and
      the majority were upregulated. Furthermore, gene network analysis revealed that
      clusterin appeared to serve as a link between the overall decreased bioenergetic
      metabolism and increased amyloid dyshomeostasis associated with the earliest
      transition in female brains. Together, results from this study indicate that: (1)
      female and male brains follow profoundly dissimilar trajectories as they age; (2)
      female brains undergo age-related changes much earlier than male brains; (3)
      early changes in female brains signal the onset of a hypometabolic phenotype at
      risk for AD. These findings provide a mechanistic rationale for female
      susceptibility to AD and suggest a potential window of opportunity for AD
      prevention and risk reduction in women.

PMID- 27143424
TI  - Protein homeostasis gene dysregulation in pretangle-bearing nucleus basalis
      neurons during the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Conformational phosphorylation and cleavage events drive the tau protein from a
      soluble, monomeric state to a relatively insoluble, polymeric state that
      precipitates the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in projection
      neurons in Alzheimer's disease (AD), including the magnocellular perikarya
      located in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) complex of the basal forebrain.
      Whether these structural changes in the tau protein are associated with
      pathogenic changes at the molecular and cellular level remains undetermined
      during the onset of AD. Here, we examined alterations in gene expression within
      individual NBM neurons immunostained for pS422, an early tau phosphorylation
      event, or dual labeled for pS422 and TauC3, a later stage tau neoepitope, from
      tissue obtained postmortem from subjects who died with an antemortem clinical
      diagnosis of no cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, or mild/moderate
      AD. Specifically, pS422-positive pretangles displayed an upregulation of select
      gene transcripts subserving protein quality control. On the other hand, late
      stage TauC3-positive NFTs exhibited upregulation of messenger RNAs involved in
      protein degradation but also cell survival. Taken together, these results suggest
      that molecular pathways regulating protein homeostasis are altered during the
      evolution of NFT pathology in the NBM. These changes likely contribute to the
      disruption of protein turnover and neuronal survival of these vulnerable NBM
      neurons during the progression of AD.

PMID- 27143425
TI  - Risk-reducing Apolipoprotein E and Clusterin genotypes protect against the
      consequences of poor vascular health on executive function performance and change
      in nondemented older adults.
AB  - We examined independent and cumulative effects of 2 Alzheimer's-related genetic
      polymorphisms, Apolipoprotein E (APOE) and Clusterin (CLU), in relation to the
      deleterious effects of poor vascular health (pulse pressure [PP]) on executive
      function (EF) performance and change in nondemented older adults. Using a sample
      (n = 593; age range = 53-95 years) from the Victoria Longitudinal Study, we
      applied latent growth modeling to test the effect of PP, as moderated by APOE and
      CLU, on an EF latent variable. EF was affected by higher levels of PP but
      differentially less so for carriers of low-risk alleles (APOE E2+; CLU TT) than
      for moderate- or high-risk alleles (APOE E2-; CLU C+). The cumulative genetic
      risk of APOE plus CLU provided similar moderation of PP level effects on EF.
      Future research may focus on how APOE and CLU might provide different but
      complementary contributions to predicting EF level and change. Vascular health
      risk in synergistic association with risk-related polymorphisms can elucidate the
      neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive trajectories in nondemented aging.

PMID- 27143427
TI  - Age-dependent expression of VEGFR2 in deep brain arteries in small vessel
      disease, CADASIL, and healthy brains.
AB  - Vascular myocytes are central to brain aging. Small vessel disease (SVD;
      arteriolosclerosis) is a widespread cause of lacunar stroke and vascular dementia
      and is characterized by fibrosis and depletion of vascular myocytes in small
      penetrating arteries. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated
      with brain aging, and Immunolabeling for vascular endothelial growth factor
      receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is a potent determinant of cell fate. Here, we tested whether
      VEGFR2 in vascular myocytes is associated with older age and SVD in human brain.
      Immunolabeling for VEGFR2 in deep gray matter was assessed in older people with
      or without moderate-severe SVD or in younger people without brain pathology or
      with a monogenic form of SVD (Cerebral Autosomal-Dominant Arteriopathy with
      Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy). All cases were without Alzheimer's
      disease pathology. Myocyte VEGFR2 was associated with increasing age (p = 0.0026)
      but not with SVD pathology or with sclerotic index or blood vessel density. We
      conclude that VEGFR2 is consistently expressed in small artery myocytes of older
      people and may mediate effects of VEGF on brain vascular aging.

PMID- 27143426
TI  - The impact of aging, hearing loss, and body weight on mouse hippocampal redox
      state, measured in brain slices using fluorescence imaging.
AB  - The relationships between oxidative stress in the hippocampus and other aging
      related changes such as hearing loss, cortical thinning, or changes in body
      weight are not yet known. We measured the redox ratio in a number of neural
      structures in brain slices taken from young and aged mice. Hearing thresholds,
      body weight, and cortical thickness were also measured. We found striking aging
      related increases in the redox ratio that were isolated to the stratum
      pyramidale, while such changes were not observed in thalamus or cortex. These
      changes were driven primarily by changes in flavin adenine dinucleotide, not
      nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydride. Multiple regression analysis suggested
      that neither hearing threshold nor cortical thickness independently contributed
      to this change in hippocampal redox ratio. However, body weight did independently
      contribute to predicted changes in hippocampal redox ratio. These data suggest
      that aging-related changes in hippocampal redox ratio are not a general
      reflection of overall brain oxidative state but are highly localized, while still
      being related to at least one marker of late aging, weight loss at the end of
      life.

PMID- 27143428
TI  - Vascular risk factors and progression of white matter hyperintensities in the
      Lothian Birth Cohort 1936.
AB  - We aimed to determine associations between multiple vascular risk factors (VRF)
      at ~73 years and progression of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) from ~73
      years to ~76 years. We calculated correlations and generalized estimating
      equation models of a comprehensive range of VRF at 73 years and change in WMH
      volume from 73 years to 76 years. Higher systolic (rho = 0.126, p = 0.009) and
      diastolic (rho = 0.120, p = 0.013) blood pressure at 73 years were significant
      predictors for greater WMH volume at 76 years in a simple correlation model.
      However, neither measured blood pressure nor self-reported hypertension at 73
      years was significant predictors of WMH volume change in a fully adjusted model
      which accounted for initial WMH volume at 73 years. Lower high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (beta = -0.15 % intracranial, -1.80 mL; p < 0.05) and
      current smoking (beta = 0.43 % intracranial, 5.49 mL; p < 0.05) were the only
      significant VRF predictors of WMH volume change from 73 years to 76 years. A
      focus on smoking cessation and lipid lowering, not just antihypertensives, may
      lead to a reduction in WMH growth in the eighth decade of life.

PMID- 27143429
TI  - CAIDE Dementia Risk Score and biomarkers of neurodegeneration in memory clinic
      patients without dementia.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore cross-sectional associations between
      Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia Study (CAIDE) Dementia Risk Score
      and dementia-related cerebrospinal fluid and neuroimaging biomarkers in 724
      patients without dementia from the Memory Clinic at Karolinska University
      Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden. We additionally evaluated the score's capacity to
      predict dementia. Two risk score versions were calculated: one including age,
      gender, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension; and one additionally including
      apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon4 carrier status. Cerebrospinal fluid was analyzed
      for amyloid beta (Abeta), total tau, and phosphorylated tau. Visual assessments
      of medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA), global cortical atrophy-frontal subscale,
      and Fazekas scale for white matter changes (WMC) were performed. Higher CAIDE
      Dementia Risk Score (version without APOE) was significantly associated with
      higher total tau, more severe MTA, WMC, and global cortical atrophy-frontal
      subscale. Higher CAIDE Dementia Risk Score (version with APOE) was associated
      with reduced Abeta, more severe MTA, and WMC. CAIDE Dementia Risk Score version
      with APOE seemed to predict dementia better in this memory clinic population with
      short follow-up than the version without APOE.

PMID- 27143430
TI  - Opposing roles of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 and
      triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-like transcript 2 in microglia
      activation.
AB  - Mutations in triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), which has
      been proposed to regulate the inflammatory responses and the clearance of
      apoptotic neurons and/or amyloid-beta, are genetically linked to increased risk
      for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Interestingly, a missense variant in
      TREM-like transcript 2 (TREML2), a structurally similar protein encoded by the
      same gene cluster with TREM2 on chromosome 6, has been shown to protect against
      AD. However, the molecular mechanisms by which TREM2 and TREML2 regulate the
      pathogenesis of AD, and their functional relationship, if any, remain unclear.
      Here, we show that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation significantly suppressed
      TREM2 but increased TREML2 expression in mouse brain. Consistent with this in
      vivo result, LPS or oligomeric amyloid-beta treatment down regulated TREM2 but up
      regulated TREML2 expression in primary microglia. Most important, modulation of
      TREM2 or TREML2 levels had opposing effects on inflammatory responses with
      enhancement or suppression of LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine gene
      expression observed on TREM2 or TREML2 down regulation, respectively. In
      addition, the proliferation of primary microglia was significantly decreased when
      TREM2 was down regulated, whereas it was increased on TREML2 knockdown. Together,
      our results suggest that several microglial functions are strictly regulated by
      TREM2 and TREML2, whose dysfunctions likely contribute to AD pathogenesis by
      impairing brain innate immunity. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights
      into the functions of TREM2 and TREML2 in microglia and have implications on
      designing new therapeutic strategies to treat AD.

PMID- 27143432
TI  - Different functional connectivity and network topology in behavioral variant of
      frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease: an EEG study.
AB  - We investigated whether the functional connectivity and network topology in 69
      Alzheimer's disease (AD), 48 behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia
      (bvFTD) patients, and 64 individuals with subjective cognitive decline are
      different using resting-state electroencephalography recordings. Functional
      connectivity between all pairs of electroencephalography channels was assessed
      using the phase lag index (PLI). We subsequently calculated PLI-weighted
      networks, from which minimum spanning trees (MSTs) were constructed. Finally, we
      investigated the hierarchical clustering organization of the MSTs. Functional
      connectivity analysis showed frequency-dependent results: in the delta band,
      bvFTD showed highest whole-brain PLI; in the theta band, the whole-brain PLI in
      AD was higher than that in bvFTD; in the alpha band, AD showed lower whole-brain
      PLI compared with bvFTD and subjective cognitive decline. The MST results
      indicate that frontal networks appear to be selectively involved in bvFTD against
      the background of preserved global efficiency, whereas parietal and occipital
      loss of network organization in AD is accompanied by global efficiency loss. Our
      findings suggest different pathophysiological mechanisms in these 2 separate
      neurodegenerative disorders.

PMID- 27143431
TI  - Effects of aging on slow-wave sleep dynamics and human spatial navigational
      memory consolidation.
AB  - The consolidation of spatial navigational memory during sleep is supported by
      electrophysiological and behavioral evidence. The features of sleep that mediate
      this ability may change with aging, as percentage of slow-wave sleep is
      canonically thought to decrease with age, and slow waves are thought to help
      orchestrate hippocampal-neocortical dialog that supports systems level
      consolidation. In this study, groups of younger and older subjects performed
      timed trials before and after polysomnographically recorded sleep on a 3D spatial
      maze navigational task. Although younger subjects performed better than older
      subjects at baseline, both groups showed similar improvement across presleep
      trials. However, younger subjects experienced significant improvement in maze
      performance during sleep that was not observed in older subjects, without
      differences in morning psychomotor vigilance between groups. Older subjects had
      sleep quality marked by decreased amount of slow-wave sleep and increased
      fragmentation of slow-wave sleep, resulting in decreased slow-wave activity.
      Across all subjects, frontal slow-wave activity was positively correlated with
      both overnight change in maze performance and medial prefrontal cortical volume,
      illuminating a potential neuroanatomical substrate for slow-wave activity changes
      with aging and underscoring the importance of slow-wave activity in sleep
      dependent spatial navigational memory consolidation.

PMID- 27143433
TI  - The relationships between age, associative memory performance, and the neural
      correlates of successful associative memory encoding.
AB  - Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, subsequent memory effects (greater
      activity for later remembered than later forgotten study items) predictive of
      associative encoding were compared across samples of young, middle-aged, and
      older adults (total N = 136). During scanning, participants studied visually
      presented word pairs. In a later test phase, they discriminated between studied
      pairs, "rearranged" pairs (items studied on different trials), and new pairs.
      Subsequent memory effects were identified by contrasting activity elicited by
      study pairs that went on to be correctly judged intact or incorrectly judged
      rearranged. Effects in the hippocampus were age-invariant and positively
      correlated across participants with associative memory performance. Subsequent
      memory effects in the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) were greater in the
      older than the young group. In older participants only, both left and, in
      contrast to prior reports, right IFG subsequent memory effects correlated
      positively with memory performance. We suggest that the IFG is especially
      vulnerable to age-related decline in functional integrity and that the
      relationship between encoding-related activity in right IFG and memory
      performance depends on the experimental context.

PMID- 27143435
TI  - Benefit of interleaved practice of motor skills is associated with changes in
      functional brain network topology that differ between younger and older adults.
AB  - Practicing tasks arranged in an interleaved manner generally leads to superior
      retention compared with practicing tasks repetitively, a phenomenon known as the
      contextual interference (CI) effect. We investigated the brain network of motor
      learning under CI, that is, the CI network, and how it was affected by aging.
      Sixteen younger and 16 older adults practiced motor sequences arranged in a
      repetitive or an interleaved order over 2 days, followed by a retention test on
      day 5 to evaluate learning. Network analysis was applied to functional MRI data
      on retention to define the CI network by identifying brain regions with greater
      between-region connectivity after interleaved compared with repetitive practice.
      CI effects were present in both groups but stronger in younger adults. Moreover,
      CI networks in younger adults exhibited efficient small-world topology, with a
      significant association between higher network centrality and better learning
      after interleaved practice. Older adults did not show such favorable network
      properties. Our findings suggest that aging affects the efficiency of brain
      networks underlying enhanced motor learning after CI practice.

PMID- 27143434
TI  - Accelerated decline in white matter integrity in clinically normal individuals at
      risk for Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Prior studies have identified white matter abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease
      (AD). Yet, cross-sectional studies in normal older individuals show little
      evidence for an association between markers of AD risk (APOE4 genotype and
      amyloid deposition), and white matter integrity. Here, 108 normal older adults
      (age, 66-87) with assessments of apolipoprotein e4 (APOE4) genotype and
      assessment of amyloid burden by positron emission tomography underwent diffusion
      tensor imaging scans for measuring white matter integrity at 2 time points, on
      average 2.6 years apart. Linear mixed-effects models showed that amyloid burden
      at baseline was associated with steeper decline in fractional anisotropy in the
      parahippocampal cingulum (p < 0.05). This association was not significant between
      baseline measures suggesting that longitudinal analyses can provide novel
      insights that are not detectable in cross-sectional designs. Amyloid-related
      changes in hippocampus volume did not explain the association between amyloid
      burden and change in fractional anisotropy. The results suggest that accumulation
      of cortical amyloid and white matter changes in parahippocampal cingulum are not
      independent processes in individuals at increased risk for AD.

PMID- 27143436
TI  - Familial early-onset dementia with complex neuropathologic phenotype and genomic
      background.
AB  - Despite significant progress in our understanding of hereditary neurodegenerative
      diseases, the list of genes associated with early-onset dementia is not yet
      complete. In the present study, we describe a familial neurodegenerative disorder
      characterized clinically as the behavioral and/or dysexecutive variant of
      Alzheimer's disease with neuroradiologic features of Alzheimer's disease,
      however, lacking amyloid-beta deposits in the brain. Instead, we observed a
      complex, 4 repeat predominant, tauopathy, together with a TAR DNA-binding protein
      of 43 kDa proteinopathy. Whole-exome sequencing on 2 affected siblings and 1
      unaffected aunt uncovered a large number of candidate genes, including LRRK2 and
      SYNE2. In addition, DDI1, KRBA1, and TOR1A genes possessed novel stop-gain
      mutations only in the patients. Pathway, gene ontology, and network interaction
      analysis indicated the involvement of pathways related to neurodegeneration but
      revealed novel aspects also. This condition does not fit into any well
      characterized category of neurodegenerative disorders. Exome sequencing did not
      disclose a single disease-specific gene mutation suggesting that a set of genes
      working together in different pathways may contribute to the etiology of the
      complex phenotype.

PMID- 27143438
TI  - CSF d-serine concentrations are similar in Alzheimer's disease, other dementias,
      and elderly controls.
AB  - Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of d-serine were recently reported as a
      potential new biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD), showing a perfect
      distinction between AD patients and healthy controls. In this study, we aimed to
      confirm these results and extend these previous findings to dementia with Lewy
      bodies and frontotemporal dementia. d-Serine levels in CSF of 29 AD patients, 8
      dementia with Lewy bodies patients, 14 frontotemporal dementia patients, and 28
      nondemented controls were measured using ultra-high-performance liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In contrast to previous findings, in our
      study CSF d-serine levels were only slightly increased in AD patients compared
      with controls. CSF d-serine in AD did not differ from other dementias and was
      also not correlated to mini-mental state examination-scores. Owing to the large
      overlap of d-serine levels, we conclude that CSF d-serine is neither a suitable
      biomarker for AD nor for cognitive decline.

PMID- 27143439
TI  - Comparison of transducers with different frequencies in breast contrast-enhanced
      ultrasound (CEUS) using SonoVue as contrast agent.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of different transducers in breast
      contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) using SonoVue((r)) (Bracco, Plan-Les-Ouates,
      Switzerland) as the contrast agent. METHODS: Breast CEUS was performed in 51
      patients with 51 breast lesions using a low-frequency transducer (probe C5-1) and
      a high-frequency transducer (probe L12-5) separately. All image processes were
      reviewed for the presence of local blood perfusion defects and surrounding
      vessels. McNemar's test was conducted to compare the detection effectiveness
      between these two transducers. RESULTS: Pathological results revealed 38
      malignant and 13 benign lesions. The two transducers showed no difference in
      detecting benign lesions. Among malignant lesions, CEUS conducted by probe C5-1
      (frequency range from 1 to 5 MHz) presented 23 (60.5%) lesions with local blood
      perfusion defects and 26 (68.4%) lesions with surrounding vessels. Meanwhile,
      probe L12-5 (frequency range from 5 to 12 MHz) showed only 12 (31.6%) lesions
      with local blood perfusion defects and 12 (31.6%) lesions with surrounding
      vessel. Probe C5-1 was more sensitive than probe L12-5 in detecting malignant
      CEUS characteristics (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The low-frequency transducer
      was more sensitive than the high-frequency transducer in breast CEUS using
      SonoVue as the contrast agent. A new contrast agent with a higher resonance
      frequency, specially designed for high-frequency transducers, may be helpful in
      improving the clinical value of breast CEUS. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: The first
      study comparing different frequency transducers in breast CEUS of the same
      patient lesions. We brought out the requirement for CEUS contrast agents which
      are more suitable for high-frequency examinations.

PMID- 27143437
TI  - What amyloid ligands can tell us about molecular polymorphism and disease.
AB  - Brain-penetrant positron emission tomography imaging ligands selective for
      amyloid pathology in living subjects have sparked a revolution in presymptomatic
      biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease progression. As additional chemical structures
      were investigated, the heterogeneity of ligand-binding sites became apparent, as
      did discrepancies in binding of some ligands between human disease and animal
      models. These differences and their implications have received little attention.
      This review discusses the impact of different ligand-binding sites and misfolded
      protein conformational polymorphism on the interpretation of imaging data
      acquired with different ligands. Investigation of the differences in binding in
      animal models may identify pathologic processes informing improvements to these
      models for more faithful recapitulation of this uniquely human disease. The
      differential selectivity for binding of particular ligands to different
      conformational states could potentially be harnessed to better define disease
      progression and improve the prediction of clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27143440
TI  - Resveratrol protects CA1 neurons against focal cerebral ischemic reperfusion
      induced damage via the ERK-CREB signaling pathway in rats.
AB  - Ischemic stroke is a primary cause of mortality and disability in the aged
      population. Resveratrol (Res), a natural polyphenol enriched in plants, presents
      diverse biological activities, e.g., antiinflammatory and anti-oxidation effects.
      Here, we evaluated whether Res pretreatment influenced focal cerebral ischemia
      induced cognitive impairment, and we explored the underlying mechanisms in rats.
      The results showed that a single administration of Res (30mg/kg, i.p.) at 1 or
      4h, but not at 24h before focal cerebral ischemia exerted significant
      neuroprotective effects, including a reduction in hippocampal CA1 neuronal death
      and spatial cognition deficits caused by ischemia. The neuroprotective effects of
      Res were suppressed by pretreatment with MK801, an NMDA receptor blocker, or
      U0126, an extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) kinase inhibitor. A
      western blot analysis revealed that Res treatment at 1h before ischemia
      significantly increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cyclic-AMP response element
      binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in the CA1 region of the hippocampus,
      which can be prevented with U0126 pretreatment. The results showed that the NMDA
      receptor-mediated ERK-CREB signaling pathway might participates in Res-induced
      neuroprotection in rats with focal cerebral ischemia.

PMID- 27143442
TI  - New (green) methodology for efficient hydrazine cleavage.
AB  - An efficient method for removal of the hydrazine group from (hetero)aromatic
      substrates has been developed. It can be realized both on a solid support and in
      solution by synthesis employing a low concentration solution of
      trimethylsilanolate in tetrahydrofuran or N,N-dimethylformamide. For water
      soluble substrates, the reaction can be performed in water, highlighting the eco
      friendly attributes of this methodology. 

PMID- 27143441
TI  - MiR-125b regulates endometrial receptivity by targeting MMP26 in women undergoing
      IVF-ET with elevated progesterone on HCG priming day.
AB  - On the women undergoing IVF-ET with elevated progesterone on human chorionic
      gonadotrophin priming, the assisted reproductive technology outcome is poor. But,
      due to the unknown mechanism of this process, no effective method has been found
      to overcome this difficulty. Here, we investigated the roles of miR-125b and its
      target gene, MMP26, in endometrial receptivity (ER) in these women. The
      expression of miR-125b was significantly up-regulated in EECs in women with
      elevated progesterone during the window of implantation, and it showed a
      progesterone-dependent effect in vitro. Similarly, the expression of miR-125b was
      significantly up-regulated in the preimplantation period, and was down-regulated
      in the implantation period and the post-implantation period in mouse EECs. In
      addition, miR-125b showed a greater decrease at implantation sites than it did at
      interimplantation sites. The luciferase report assay demonstrated that MMP26 is a
      target gene of miR-125b. And the expression profile of MMP26 showed an inverse
      relationship with miR-125b in vivo and in vitro. Overexpression of miR-125b in
      human EECs inhibited cell migration and invasion. Gain-of-function of miR-125b
      induced a significant decrease in the number of implantation sites. In
      conclusion, these data shed new light on how miR-125b triggers ER decline through
      the regulation of MMP26 function.

PMID- 27143443
TI  - Why chlorate occurs in potable water and processed foods: a critical assessment
      and challenges faced by the food industry.
AB  - Recently, reports have been published on the occurrence of chlorate mainly in
      fruits and vegetables. Chlorate is a by-product of chlorinating agents used to
      disinfect water, and can be expected to be found in varying concentrations in
      drinking water. Data on potable water taken at 39 sampling points across Europe
      showed chlorate to range from < 0.003 to 0.803 mg l(-1) with a mean of 0.145 mg
      l(-1). Chlorate, however, can also be used as a pesticide, but authorisation was
      withdrawn in the European Union (EU), resulting in a default maximum residue
      limit (MRL) for foods of 0.01 mg kg(-1). This default MRL has now led to
      significant problems in the EU, where routinely disinfected water, used in the
      preparation of food products such as vegetables or fruits, leaves chlorate
      residues in excess of the default MRL, and in strict legal terms renders the food
      unmarketable. Due to the paucity of data on the chlorate content of prepared
      foods in general, we collated chlorate data on more than 3400 samples of mainly
      prepared foods, including dairy products, meats, fruits, vegetables and different
      food ingredients/additives. In total, 50.5% of the food samples contained
      chlorate above 0.01 mg kg(-1), albeit not due to the use of chlorate as a
      pesticide but mainly due to the occurrence of chlorate as an unavoidable
      disinfectant by-product. A further entry point of chlorate into foods may be via
      additives/ingredients that may contain chlorate as a by-product of the
      manufacturing process (e.g. electrolysis). Of the positive samples in this study,
      22.4% revealed chlorate above 0.1 mg kg(-1). In the absence of EU levels for
      chlorate in water, any future EU regulations must consider the already available
      WHO guideline value of 0.7 mg l(-1) in potable water, and the continued
      importance of the usage of oxyhalides for disinfection purposes. 

PMID- 27143444
TI  - Specific inhibition of secreted NRG1 types I-II by heparin enhances Schwann Cell
      myelination.
AB  - Primary cultures of mixed neuron and Schwann cells prepared from dorsal root
      ganglia (DRG) are extensively used as a model to study myelination. These
      dissociated DRG cultures have the particular advantage of bypassing the
      difficulty in purifying mouse Schwann cells, which is often required when using
      mutant mice. However, the drawback of this experimental system is that it yields
      low amounts of myelin. Here we report a simple and efficient method to enhance
      myelination in vitro. We show that the addition of heparin or low molecular
      weight heparin to mixed DRG cultures markedly increases Schwann cells
      myelination. The myelin promoting activity of heparin results from specific
      inhibition of the soluble immunoglobulin (Ig)-containing isoforms of neuregulin 1
      (i.e., NRG1 types I and II) that negatively regulates myelination. Heparin
      supplement provides a robust and reproducible method to increase myelination in a
      simple and commonly used culture system. GLIA 2016;64:1227-1234.

PMID- 27143445
TI  - Spermatogenesis in humans and its affecting factors.
AB  - Spermatogenesis is an extraordinary complex process. The differentiation of
      spermatogonia into spermatozoa requires the participation of several cell types,
      hormones, paracrine factors, genes and epigenetic regulators. Recent researches
      in animals and humans have furthered our understanding of the male gamete
      differentiation, and led to clinical tools for the better management of male
      infertility. There is still much to be learned about this intricate process. In
      this review, the critical steps of human spermatogenesis are discussed together
      with its main affecting factors.

PMID- 27143446
TI  - Chaos.

PMID- 27143447
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143448
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143449
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143450
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143451
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143453
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143452
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143454
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143456
TI  - [Treatment of premature infants - who will make the decision?].

PMID- 27143455
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143457
TI  - [A model for better cooperation between the general practioner and the
      psychiatrist].

PMID- 27143458
TI  - [Old-fashioned and wrong about meat free diet].

PMID- 27143459
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143460
TI  - Polyhexanide - safety and efficacy as an antiseptic.
AB  - BACKGROUND Polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride/polyhexanide/polyaminopropyl
      biguanide (PHMB) is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic. This article discusses
      the use of the substance as an antiseptic. We summarise published data on its
      antimicrobial effect in vitro and its clinical effect and safety when used on
      skin, wounds and mucosa.MATERIAL AND METHOD A literature search was conducted in
      PubMed for articles published in the last five years. Articles available as of
      June 2014 were considered.RESULTS Of 332 articles identified, 27 were included.
      In vitro studies have demonstrated an antimicrobial effect on Gram-negative
      bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans. The clinical studies are
      small, not well controlled and frequently sponsored by industry. Few adverse
      effects from the substance were reported.INTERPRETATION Better designed, larger
      scale clinical studies of effect and safety are needed in order to give
      recommendations on the use of polyhexanide on skin, wounds and mucosa. 

PMID- 27143461
TI  - Novel psychoactive substances.
AB  - There has been a significant increase in the number of new intoxicants on the
      illegal drugs market globally, also in Norway. The substances are given the name
      NPS: Novel Psychoactive Substances, and are mainly sold over the Internet.
      Uncertain dosage of potent substances entails a risk of accidental overdose, and
      therefore serious intoxication and death. In this article we provide an overview
      of current knowledge with regard to these substances. 

PMID- 27143462
TI  - [Drug use in blood donors].

PMID- 27143463
TI  - New designer drugs from the web.

PMID- 27143465
TI  - [Community-acquired infections].

PMID- 27143464
TI  - RhD immunisation in pregnancy.

PMID- 27143466
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143467
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143468
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143469
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143470
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143471
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143472
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143473
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27143474
TI  - Robust singlet dimers with fragile ordering in two-dimensional honeycomb lattice
      of Li2RuO3.
AB  - When an electronic system has strong correlations and a large spin-orbit
      interaction, it often exhibits a plethora of mutually competing quantum phases.
      How a particular quantum ground state is selected out of several possibilities is
      a very interesting question. However, equally fascinating is how such a quantum
      entangled state breaks up due to perturbation. This important question has
      relevance in very diverse fields of science from strongly correlated electron
      physics to quantum information. Here we report that a quantum entangled dimerized
      state or valence bond crystal (VBC) phase of Li2RuO3 shows nontrivial doping
      dependence as we perturb the Ru honeycomb lattice by replacing Ru with Li.
      Through extensive experimental studies, we demonstrate that the VBC phase melts
      into a valence bond liquid phase of the RVB (resonating valence bond) type. This
      system offers an interesting playground where one can test and refine our current
      understanding of the quantum competing phases in a single compound.

PMID- 27143475
TI  - It's all relative: analyzing microbiome data as compositions.
AB  - PURPOSE: The ability to properly analyze and interpret large microbiome data sets
      has lagged behind our ability to acquire such data sets from environmental or
      clinical samples. Sequencing instruments impose a structure on these data: the
      natural sample space of a 16S rRNA gene sequencing data set is a simplex, which
      is a part of real space that is restricted to nonnegative values with a constant
      sum. Such data are compositional and should be analyzed using compositionally
      appropriate tools and approaches. However, most of the tools for 16S rRNA gene
      sequencing analysis assume these data are unrestricted. METHODS: We show that
      existing tools for compositional data (CoDa) analysis can be readily adapted to
      analyze high-throughput sequencing data sets. RESULTS: The Human Microbiome
      Project tongue versus buccal mucosa data set shows how the CoDa approach can
      address the major elements of microbiome analysis. Reanalysis of a publicly
      available autism microbiome data set shows that the CoDa approach in concert with
      multiple hypothesis test corrections prevent false positive identifications.
      CONCLUSIONS: The CoDa approach is readily scalable to microbiome-sized analyses.
      We provide example code and make recommendations to improve the analysis and
      reporting of microbiome data sets.

PMID- 27143476
TI  - Engineering incremental resistive switching in TaOx based memristors for brain
      inspired computing.
AB  - Brain-inspired neuromorphic computing is expected to revolutionize the
      architecture of conventional digital computers and lead to a new generation of
      powerful computing paradigms, where memristors with analog resistive switching
      are considered to be potential solutions for synapses. Here we propose and
      demonstrate a novel approach to engineering the analog switching linearity in
      TaOx based memristors, that is, by homogenizing the filament growth/dissolution
      rate via the introduction of an ion diffusion limiting layer (DLL) at the
      TiN/TaOx interface. This has effectively mitigated the commonly observed two
      regime conductance modulation behavior and led to more uniform filament growth
      (dissolution) dynamics with time, therefore significantly improving the
      conductance modulation linearity that is desirable in neuromorphic systems. In
      addition, the introduction of the DLL also served to reduce the power consumption
      of the memristor, and important synaptic learning rules in biological brains such
      as spike timing dependent plasticity were successfully implemented using these
      optimized devices. This study could provide general implications for continued
      optimizations of memristor performance for neuromorphic applications, by
      carefully tuning the dynamics involved in filament growth and dissolution. 

PMID- 27143477
TI  - Erratum: Damage-free vibrational spectroscopy of biological materials in the
      electron microscope.

PMID- 27143478
TI  - Protein Scaffolds Control Localized Protein Kinase Czeta Activity.
AB  - Atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) isozymes modulate insulin signaling and cell
      polarity, but how their activity is controlled in cells is not well understood.
      These enzymes are constitutively phosphorylated, insensitive to second
      messengers, and have relatively low activity. Here we show that protein scaffolds
      not only localize but also differentially control the catalytic activity of the
      aPKC PKCzeta, thus promoting activity toward localized substrates and restricting
      activity toward global substrates. Using cellular substrate readouts and
      scaffolded activity reporters in live cell imaging, we show that PKCzeta has
      highly localized and differentially controlled activity on the scaffolds p62 and
      Par6. Both scaffolds tether aPKC in an active conformation as assessed through
      pharmacological inhibition of basal activity, monitored using a genetically
      encoded reporter for PKC activity. However, binding to Par6 is of higher affinity
      and is more effective in locking PKCzeta in an active conformation. FRET-based
      translocation assays reveal that insulin promotes the association of both p62 and
      aPKC with the insulin-regulated scaffold IRS-1. Using the aPKC substrate MARK2 as
      another readout for activity, we show that overexpression of IRS-1 reduces the
      phosphorylation of MARK2 and enhances its plasma membrane localization,
      indicating sequestration of aPKC by IRS-1 away from MARK2. These results are
      consistent with scaffolds serving as allosteric activators of aPKCs, tethering
      them in an active conformation near specific substrates. Thus, signaling of these
      intrinsically low activity kinases is kept at a minimum in the absence of
      scaffolding interactions, which position the enzymes for stoichiometric
      phosphorylation of substrates co-localized on the same protein scaffold.

PMID- 27143479
TI  - Substrate Specificity of Purified Recombinant Chicken beta-Carotene 9',10'
      Oxygenase (BCO2).
AB  - Provitamin A carotenoids are oxidatively cleaved by beta-carotene 15,15'
      dioxygenase (BCO1) at the central 15-15' double bond to form retinal (vitamin A
      aldehyde). Another carotenoid oxygenase, beta-carotene 9',10'-oxygenase (BCO2)
      catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of carotenoids at the 9'-10' bond to yield an
      ionone and an apo-10'-carotenoid. Previously published substrate specificity
      studies of BCO2 were conducted using crude lysates from bacteria or insect cells
      expressing recombinant BCO2. Our attempts to obtain active recombinant human BCO2
      expressed in Escherichia coli were unsuccessful. We have expressed recombinant
      chicken BCO2 in the strain E. coli BL21-Gold (DE3) and purified the enzyme by
      cobalt ion affinity chromatography. Like BCO1, purified recombinant chicken BCO2
      catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of the provitamin A carotenoids beta-carotene,
      alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. Its catalytic activity with beta-carotene
      as substrate is at least 10-fold lower than that of BCO1. In further contrast to
      BCO1, purified recombinant chicken BCO2 also catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of
      9-cis-beta-carotene and the non-provitamin A carotenoids zeaxanthin and lutein,
      and is inactive with all-trans-lycopene and beta-apocarotenoids. Apo-10'
      carotenoids were detected as enzymatic products by HPLC, and the identities were
      confirmed by LC-MS. Small amounts of 3-hydroxy-beta-apo-8'-carotenal were also
      consistently detected in BCO2-beta-cryptoxanthin reaction mixtures. With the
      exception of this activity with beta-cryptoxanthin, BCO2 cleaves specifically at
      the 9'-10' bond to produce apo-10'-carotenoids. BCO2 has been shown to function
      in preventing the excessive accumulation of carotenoids, and its broad substrate
      specificity is consistent with this.

PMID- 27143480
TI  - Insights into the Tunnel Mechanism of Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein through
      All-atom Molecular Dynamics Simulations.
AB  - Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates cholesteryl ester (CE)
      transfer from the atheroprotective high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol to
      the atherogenic low density lipoprotein cholesterol. In the past decade, this
      property has driven the development of CETP inhibitors, which have been evaluated
      in large scale clinical trials for treating cardiovascular diseases. Despite the
      pharmacological interest, little is known about the fundamental mechanism of CETP
      in CE transfer. Recent electron microscopy (EM) experiments have suggested a
      tunnel mechanism, and molecular dynamics simulations have shown that the flexible
      N-terminal distal end of CETP penetrates into the HDL surface and takes up a CE
      molecule through an open pore. However, it is not known whether a CE molecule can
      completely transfer through an entire CETP molecule. Here, we used all-atom
      molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate this possibility. The results showed
      that a hydrophobic tunnel inside CETP is sufficient to allow a CE molecule to
      completely transfer through the entire CETP within a predicted transfer time and
      at a rate comparable with those obtained through physiological measurements.
      Analyses of the detailed interactions revealed several residues that might be
      critical for CETP function, which may provide important clues for the effective
      development of CETP inhibitors and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 27143481
TI  - Genetic predictors of human chronic pain conditions.
AB  - Chronic pain conditions are multifactorial disorders with a high frequency in the
      population. Their pathophysiology is often unclear, and treatment is inefficient.
      During the last 20years, genetic linkage analysis and association studies have
      made considerable strides toward identifying key molecular contributors to the
      onset and maintenance of chronic pain. Here, we review the genetic variants that
      have been implicated in chronic pain conditions, divided into the following
      etiologically-grouped categories: migraine, musculoskeletal pain disorders,
      neuropathic pain disorders, and visceral pain disorders. In rare familial
      monogenic pain conditions several strong-effect mutations have been identified.
      In contrast, the genetic landscape of common chronic pain conditions suggests
      minor contributions from a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms
      representing different functional pathways. A comprehensive survey of up-to-date
      genetic association results reveals migraine and musculoskeletal pain to be the
      most investigated chronic pain disorders, in which nearly half of identified
      genetic variability alters neurotransmission pathways.

PMID- 27143482
TI  - Long-term Effects of Physical Activity Level on Changes in Healthy Body Mass
      Index Over 12 Years in Young Adult Women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of overall level and timing of physical
      activity (PA) on changes from a healthy body mass index (BMI) category over 12
      years in young adult women. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants in the Australian
      Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (younger cohort, born 1973-1978) completed
      surveys between 2000 (age 22-27 years) and 2012 (age 34-39 years). Physical
      activity was measured in 2000, 2003, 2006, and 2009 and was categorized as very
      low, low, active, or very active at each survey, and a cumulative PA score for
      this 9-year period was created. Logistic regression was used to examine
      relationships between PA accumulated across all surveys (cumulative PA model) and
      PA at each survey (critical periods PA model), with change in BMI category (from
      healthy to overweight or healthy to obese) from 2000 to 2012. RESULTS: In women
      with a healthy BMI in 2000, there were clear dose-response relationships between
      accumulated PA and transition to overweight (P=.03) and obesity (P<.01) between
      2000 and 2012. The critical periods analysis indicated that very active levels of
      PA at the 2006 survey (when the women were 28-33 years old) and active or very
      active PA at the 2009 survey (age 31-36 years) were most protective against
      transitioning to overweight and obesity. CONCLUSION: These findings confirm that
      maintenance of very high PA levels throughout young adulthood will significantly
      reduce the risk of becoming overweight or obese. There seems to be a critical
      period for maintaining high levels of activity at the life stage when many women
      face competing demands of caring for infants and young children.

PMID- 27143483
TI  - Lack of genotoxic mechanisms in early-stage furan-induced hepatocellular
      tumorigenesis in gpt delta rats.
AB  - Furan has been used as an intermediate in the chemical-manufacturing industry and
      has been shown to contaminate various foods. Although furan induces
      hepatocellular tumors in rodents, equivocal results from in vitro and in vivo
      mutagenicity tests have caused controversy regarding the involvement of genotoxic
      mechanisms in furan-induced carcinogenesis. In the present study, to elucidate
      the possible mechanisms underlying furan-induced hepatocarcinogenesis, a
      comprehensive medium-term analysis was conducted using gpt delta rats treated
      with furan at carcinogenic doses for 13 weeks. In the liver, the frequencies of
      gpt and Spi- mutants derived mainly from point and deletion mutations,
      respectively, were not changed, and there were no furan-specific gpt mutations in
      furan-treated rats. In contrast, the number and area of glutathione S-transferase
      placental form (GST-P)- positive foci were significantly increased in the high
      dose group. Also, the ratio of PCNA-positive hepatocytes was significantly
      elevated in the same group, as supported by significant increases in cyclin d1
      and cyclin e1 mRNA levels. Thus, it is highly probable that cell proliferation,
      but not genotoxic mechanisms, contribute to the development of GST-P foci in
      furan-treated rats. Based on the close relationship between GST-P and neoplastic
      hepatocytes, these data allowed us to hypothesize that cell proliferation
      following signal transduction other than the mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK)/ERK pathway may play a crucial role in early-stage furan-induced
      hepatocarcinogenesis. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27143484
TI  - Editorial overview: The megaviromes.

PMID- 27143486
TI  - Dinuclear dysprosium SMMs bridged by a neutral bipyrimidine ligand: two crystal
      systems that depend on different lattice solvents lead to a distinct slow
      relaxation behaviour.
AB  - Two dinuclear dysprosium complexes with the Dy(iii) ions bridged by the neutral
      bipyrimidine (BPYM) ligand were synthesized and magnetically characterized. They
      crystallized in a monoclinic and triclinic crystal system, respectively, with
      almost the same structural core, only differing in the lattice solvent molecules.
      Alternating current (ac) susceptibility measurements revealed that they exhibit
      significant slow relaxation of magnetization until 25 K in the absence of a dc
      field. The single and double relaxation processes were assigned to one and two
      types of Dy(iii) environments in the two dimmers, respectively, with barriers of
      266 and 345 K under zero field conditions. The magnetic hysteresis loops of 1 and
      2 were both observed up to 2.5 K. 

PMID- 27143487
TI  - Epidemiological investigation of Measles in Bozhou City, China, from 2005 to
      2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Measles is one of the most highly contagious diseases which have not
      been eliminated in China. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological
      characteristics of measles in Bozhou city, China between 2005 and 2015 and
      provide scientific basis for the prevention, control and elimination of measles.
      METHODS: Cases of measles derived from the China Information System for Disease
      Prevention and Control, and demographic data were obtained from the Public
      Security Bureau of Bozhou city. RESULTS: Among the 2934 cases, the average annual
      incidence of measles was 45.934 (per 1,000,000 persons) and no death occurred.
      The incidence of males was higher than females (Z = 10.794, p < 0.05). Scattered
      children accounted for 63.2% (1854/2934) in occupation distributing. In terms of
      immunization history of cases, 57.5% had 0 doses, 15.0% had one dose, 7.5% had
      two doses and others were uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has investigated the
      epidemiological characteristics of measles in Bozhou City. To eventually
      eliminate measles in Bozhou city, improving measles vaccination coverage and
      quality of routine immunization services were important.

PMID- 27143485
TI  - Seeking prescription opioids from physicians for nonmedical use among people who
      inject drugs in a Canadian setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the high prevalence of prescription opioid
      (PO) misuse, little is known about the phenomenon of seeking POs for nonmedical
      use among high-risk populations, such as people who inject drugs (PWID). We
      therefore sought to examine the prevalence and correlates of seeking POs from a
      physician for nonmedical use among PWID in Vancouver, Canada. METHODS: Cross
      sectional data from two open prospective cohort studies of PWID in Vancouver were
      collected between June 2013 and May 2014 (n = 1252). Multivariable logistic
      regression was used to identify factors associated with seeking POs from
      physicians for nonmedical use. RESULTS: Of 1252 participants, 458 individuals
      (36.6%) reported ever trying to get a PO prescription from a physician for
      nonmedical use and, of these, 343 (74.9%, comprising 27.4% of the total sample)
      reported ever being successful. Variables independently and positively associated
      with PO-seeking behavior included older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.02),
      Caucasian ethnicity (AOR = 1.38), having ever overdosed (AOR = 1.32), having ever
      participated in methadone maintenance therapy (AOR = 1.90), having ever dealt
      drugs (AOR = 1.65), and having ever been refused a prescription for pain
      medication (AOR = 2.02) (all p < .05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: We observed
      that PO-seeking behavior was common among this sample of PWID and associated with
      several markers of higher intensity drug use. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Our
      findings highlight the need to identify evidence-based public health and clinical
      strategies to mitigate PO misuse among PWID without compromising care for PWID
      with legitimate medical concerns. (Am J Addict 2016;25:275-282).

PMID- 27143488
TI  - Effects of the encapsulation of usnic acid into liposomes and interactions with
      antituberculous agents against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis clinical
      isolates.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has acquired resistance and consequently the
      antibiotic therapeutic options available against this microorganism are limited.
      In this scenario, the use of usnic acid (UA), a natural compound, encapsulated
      into liposomes is proposed as a new approach in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
      (MDR-TB) therapy. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the
      encapsulation of UA into liposomes, as well as its combination with
      antituberculous agents such as rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) against MDR
      TB clinical isolates. The in vitro antimycobacterial activity of UA-loaded
      liposomes (UA-Lipo) against MDR-TB was assessed by the microdilution method. The
      in vitro interaction of UA with antituberculous agents was carried out using
      checkerboard method. Minimal inhibitory concentration values were 31.25 and 0.98
      ug/mL for UA and UA-Lipo, respectively. The results exhibited a synergistic
      interaction between RIF and UA [fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI)
      = 0.31] or UA-Lipo (FICI = 0.28). Regarding INH, the combination of UA or UA-Lipo
      revealed no marked effect (FICI = 1.30-2.50). The UA-Lipo may be used as a dosage
      form to improve the antimycobacterial activity of RIF, a first-line drug for the
      treatment of infections caused by Mtb. 

PMID- 27143489
TI  - Spatial and temporal country-wide survey of temephos resistance in Brazilian
      populations of Aedes aegypti.
AB  - The organophosphate temephos has been the main insecticide used against larvae of
      the dengue and yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) in Brazil since the mid
      1980s. Reports of resistance date back to 1995; however, no systematic reports of
      widespread temephos resistance have occurred to date. As resistance investigation
      is paramount for strategic decision-making by health officials, our objective
      here was to investigate the spatial and temporal spread of temephos resistance in
      Ae. aegypti in Brazil for the last 12 years using discriminating temephos
      concentrations and the bioassay protocols of the World Health Organization. The
      mortality results obtained were subjected to spatial analysis for distance
      interpolation using semi-variance models to generate maps that depict the spread
      of temephos resistance in Brazil since 1999. The problem has been expanding.
      Since 2002-2003, approximately half the country has exhibited mosquito
      populations resistant to temephos. The frequency of temephos resistance and,
      likely, control failures, which start when the insecticide mortality level drops
      below 80%, has increased even further since 2004. Few parts of Brazil are able to
      achieve the target 80% efficacy threshold by 2010/2011, resulting in a
      significant risk of control failure by temephos in most of the country. The
      widespread resistance to temephos in Brazilian Ae. aegypti populations greatly
      compromise effective mosquito control efforts using this insecticide and
      indicates the urgent need to identify alternative insecticides aided by the
      preventive elimination of potential mosquito breeding sites. 

PMID- 27143490
TI  - Zika virus damages the human placental barrier and presents marked fetal
      neurotropism.
AB  - An unusually high incidence of microcephaly in newborns has recently been
      observed in Brazil. There is a temporal association between the increase in cases
      of microcephaly and the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic. Viral RNA has been detected
      in amniotic fluid samples, placental tissues and newborn and fetal brain tissues.
      However, much remains to be determined concerning the association between ZIKV
      infection and fetal malformations. In this study, we provide evidence of the
      transplacental transmission of ZIKV through the detection of viral proteins and
      viral RNA in placental tissue samples from expectant mothers infected at
      different stages of gestation. We observed chronic placentitis (TORCH type) with
      viral protein detection by immunohistochemistry in Hofbauer cells and some
      histiocytes in the intervillous spaces. We also demonstrated the neurotropism of
      the virus via the detection of viral proteins in glial cells and in some
      endothelial cells and the observation of scattered foci of microcalcifications in
      the brain tissues. Lesions were mainly located in the white matter. ZIKV RNA was
      also detected in these tissues by real-time-polymerase chain reaction. We believe
      that these findings will contribute to the body of knowledge of the mechanisms of
      ZIKV transmission, interactions between the virus and host cells and viral
      tropism. 

PMID- 27143492
TI  - Complete genome of the multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strain
      KBN10P02143 isolated from Korea.
AB  - Acinetobacter baumannii, a strictly aerobic, non-fermentative, Gram-negative
      coccobacillary rod-shaped bacterium, is an opportunistic pathogen in humans. We
      recently isolated a multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strain KBN10P02143 from the
      pus sample drawn from a surgical patient in South Korea. We report the complete
      genome of this strain, which consists of 4,139,396 bp (G + C content, 39.08%)
      with 3,868 protein-coding genes, 73 tRNAs and six rRNA operons. Identification of
      the genes related to multidrug resistance from this genome and the discovery of a
      novel conjugative plasmid will increase our understanding of the pathogenicity
      associated with this species. 

PMID- 27143493
TI  - Corrigendum to "A new compartmental model of Mycobacterium avium subsp.
      paratuberculosis infection dynamics in cattle" [Prev. Vet. Med. 122 (3) (2015)
      298-305].

PMID- 27143491
TI  - Assessing the mitochondrial DNA diversity of the Chagas disease vector Triatoma
      sordida (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).
AB  - Triatoma sordida is a species that transmits Trypanosoma cruzi to humans. In
      Brazil, T. sordida currently deserves special attention because of its wide
      distribution, tendency to invade domestic environments and vectorial competence.
      For the planning and execution of control protocols to be effective against
      Triatominae, they must consider its population structure. In this context, this
      study aimed to characterise the genetic variability of T. sordida populations
      collected in areas with persistent infestations from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Levels
      of genetic variation and population structure were determined in peridomestic T.
      sordida by sequencing a polymorphic region of the mitochondrial cytochrome b
      gene. Low nucleotide and haplotype diversity were observed for all 14 sampled
      areas; pi values ranged from 0.002-0.006. Most obtained haplotypes occurred at
      low frequencies, and some were exclusive to only one of the studied populations.
      Interpopulation genetic diversity analysis revealed strong genetic structuring.
      Furthermore, the genetic variability of Brazilian populations is small compared
      to that of Argentinean and Bolivian specimens. The possible factors related to
      the reduced genetic variability and strong genetic structuring obtained for
      studied populations are discussed in this paper. 

PMID- 27143494
TI  - First-in-human HIV-remission studies: reducing and justifying risk.
AB  - Interest and excitement surround the possibility of developing measures that
      produce sustained or permanent HIV remission in infected individuals. First-in
      human (FIH) trials are one step in exploring this possibility. Initial human
      trials raise the usual ethical issues associated with human research, and a set
      of distinct issues. Because the potential direct benefits to FIH trial volunteers
      will be either small or non-existent, trial risks must be justified by the social
      value of the information the trials are expected to produce. To minimise and
      justify risks, researchers must have solid preclinical evidence that FIH trials
      will be safe and produce information relevant to human health improvements.
      Researchers must also adopt adequate study safeguards to protect FIH subjects. An
      ethically defensible study population must be selected as well.

PMID- 27143495
TI  - Impact of physical activity on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in people with
      nonalcoholic simple fatty liver: A prospective cohort study.
AB  - Preventing nonalcoholic simple fatty liver (NASFL) from progressing to
      nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a key to avoiding cirrhosis. Physical
      activity (PA) may help manage fatty liver; however, there is a lack of
      prospective studies showing an association between PA and NASH. Our current
      prospective study investigated whether PA prevents NASFL from progressing to
      NASH. Study data were obtained from the health check-up program of Meiji Yasuda
      Shinjuku Medical Center in Tokyo, Japan. From a baseline survey between 2005 and
      2007, 1149 people with NASFL met eligibility criteria including low alcohol
      consumption. We followed participants until 2014 assessing liver status via
      ultrasound and liver enzyme levels, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and
      aspartate aminotransferase (AST). We classified participants with fatty liver and
      higher levels of either ALT or AST as having NASH. Through a self-reported
      questionnaire, we classified PA into three intensities: moderate low-intensity PA
      (MLPA, 3-5 METs), moderate high-intensity PA (MHPA, 5-7 METs), and vigorous
      intensity PA (VPA, >=7 METs). During a mean follow-up of 4.2years (4804person
      years), 318 of the 1149 participants (27.7%) progressed from NASFL to NASH. A
      multivariate-adjusted Cox model showed a significant preventive effect of VPA on
      progression to NASH (HR=0.55, 95% CI=0.32-0.94) and no significant associations
      between MLPA (HR=1.01, 95% CI=0.79-1.30) or MHPA (HR=0.97, 95% CI=0.66-1.42) and
      progression to NASH. Only VPA prevented NASFL from progressing to NASH; MLPA and
      MHPA had no preventive effect on NASH. Higher intensity PA may be needed to
      manage NASH.

PMID- 27143496
TI  - An assessment of population-based screening guidelines versus clinical prediction
      rules for chlamydia and gonorrhea case finding.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Much remains to be learned regarding the epistemology and utility
      of guidelines and clinical prediction rules (CPR), as well as the extent to which
      knowledge about risk at a population level might be pertinent to any given
      patient in terms of case finding accuracy. In the current paper, we offer an
      empirical examination that juxtaposes population-based guidelines and CPR for
      sexual health decision-making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed electronic
      medical records from asymptomatic patient visits involving tests for chlamydia or
      gonorrhea between 2000 and 2012 at nine publicly funded STI clinics in British
      Columbia to compare the case-finding accuracy for infection risk under two
      scenarios: (1) if the population had been screened using the Public Health Agency
      of Canada (PHAC) screening guidelines for chlamydia and gonorrhea; or (2) if the
      population has been screened using a CPR. Performance metrics evaluated included
      the area under the ROC curve (AUC). RESULTS: In total, 35,818 individuals met the
      study inclusion criteria. The overall infection rate was 3.0%. Using the PHAC
      guidelines, the discriminatory performance of using any versus no risk factors
      and counts of risk factors were: AUC=0.55, 95% CI: 0.54-0.56 and AUC=0.64, 95%
      CI: 0.63-0.66, respectively. The model used to derive the CPR demonstrated good
      discrimination (AUC=0.73, 95% CI: 0.71-0.74). CONCLUSIONS: The current paper
      provides empirical evidence that demonstrates that population-based guidelines
      may not necessarily be a perfect fit for application at the individual level.
      Thus, we recommend risk estimation algorithms for use in sexual health services
      and programs.

PMID- 27143497
TI  - Impact of invitation and reminder letters on cervical cancer screening
      participation rates in an organized screening program.
AB  - Study's Objective was to explore the impact of invitation and reminder letters on
      cervical cancer screening participation among eligible Ontario women 30 to
      69years of age. A cross-sectional study was used to describe factors and
      screening patterns for 1,150,783 eligible women. A cohort design was used to
      compare the impact of invitation and reminder letters on Pap uptake comparing
      women who received the intervention (n=99,278) with a historical non-intervention
      group (n=130,181). Factors that might influence screening participation were
      included as covariates in a multivariable logistic regression models. Overall,
      26.7% of women who had a Pap test 3 to 5years prior and 9.8% of women with no Pap
      test in the previous 5years were screened within 9months after the intervention.
      On cohort analysis, 14.1% of women in the intervention group and 8.5% of women in
      the non-intervention group were screened within 9months. Being mailed an
      invitation letter was associated with greater likelihood of screening (OR=1.8, CI
      1.7-1.8). Controlling for covariates, the letter intervention was associated with
      9month screening for both women with a Pap test 3 to 5years prior (AOR=1.7, CI
      1.6-1.8) and those with no Pap test in the previous 5years (AOR=1.8, CI 1.7-1.9).
      There was a significant effect of all covariates on the participation. The
      invitation and reminder letter strategy increased cervical cancer screening
      participation. Additional strategies that could encourage eligible women to
      participate and/or removing barriers to screening for eligible women may be
      necessary.

PMID- 27143499
TI  - Medical error-the third leading cause of death in the US.

PMID- 27143498
TI  - Home-based alcohol prevention program for parents and children: A randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a home-based alcohol prevention
      program to delay initiation of alcohol use in children. Methods In 2011, a total
      of 1349 sixth-grade children (M=12.15, SD=0.47) and their mothers who could read
      and write Dutch were recruited from primary schools in the northern part of the
      Netherlands. They participated in a cluster randomized controlled trial with two
      conditions; (1) intervention group (5 modules which families received by mail
      every 4weeks over 5months), (2) control group (a factsheet information brochure).
      An independent statistician allocated the schools to the conditions (allocation
      ratio (1:1)). Participants and data-analyst were blind to randomization. The
      primary outcome was alcohol initiation. Results Of the participants, 680 were
      randomized to the intervention and 669 to the control condition. In the
      intervention condition (N=540) 5.4% of the children drank alcohol compared to
      7.1% in the control condition (N=601). The difference was not significant
      (OR=.99, 95% CI=.96-1.02, p=52). Conclusion The present study showed no effects
      of 'In control: No alcohol!' on alcohol initiation. A critical evaluation of
      program design and content, and future studies in different target groups, are
      suggested. The trial is registered at trialregister.nl, number NTR2474.

PMID- 27143501
TI  - Controlling open quantum systems: tools, achievements, and limitations.
AB  - The advent of quantum devices, which exploit the two essential elements of
      quantum physics, coherence and entanglement, has sparked renewed interest in the
      control of open quantum systems. Successful implementations face the challenge of
      preserving relevant nonclassical features at the level of device operation. A
      major obstacle is decoherence, which is caused by interaction with the
      environment. Optimal control theory is a tool that can be used to identify
      control strategies in the presence of decoherence. Here we review recent advances
      in optimal control methodology that allow typical tasks in device operation for
      open quantum systems to be tackled and discuss examples of relaxation-optimized
      dynamics. Optimal control theory is also a useful tool to exploit the environment
      for control. We discuss examples and point out possible future extensions.

PMID- 27143502
TI  - Nano- and Micro-Auxetic Plasmonic Materials.
AB  - Plasmonic nanostructures with a negative Poisson ratio are demonstrated, having
      the unusual mechanical property of auxetics to expand laterally when being
      stretched. Using nanomembrane technology, auxetics are shrunk by orders of
      magnitude, giving simultaneous access to optical properties of plasmonic
      metamaterials, as well as auxetic mechanical properties on the nanoscale. 

PMID- 27143500
TI  - The use of standardised short-term and working memory tests in aphasia research:
      a systematic review.
AB  - Impairments of short-term and working memory (STM, WM), both verbal and non
      verbal, are ubiquitous in aphasia. Increasing interest in assessing STM and WM in
      aphasia research and clinical practice as well as a growing evidence base of
      STM/WM treatments for aphasia warrant an understanding of the range of
      standardised STM/WM measures that have been utilised in aphasia. To date,
      however, no previous systematic review has focused on aphasia. Accordingly, the
      goals of this systematic review were: (1) to identify standardised tests of STM
      and WM utilised in the aphasia literature, (2) to evaluate critically the
      psychometric strength of these tests, and (3) to appraise critically the quality
      of the investigations utilising these tests. Results revealed that a very limited
      number of standardised tests, in the verbal and non-verbal domains, had robust
      psychometric properties. Standardisation samples to elicit normative data were
      often small, and most measures exhibited poor validity and reliability
      properties. Studies using these tests inconsistently documented demographic and
      aphasia variables essential to interpreting STM/WM test outcomes. In light of
      these findings, recommendations are provided to foster, in the future,
      consistency across aphasia studies and confidence in STM/WM tests as assessment
      and treatment outcome measures.

PMID- 27143503
TI  - Improved postoperative mortality rates after thoracic surgery for lung cancer.

PMID- 27143504
TI  - What do highly qualified professionally achieving women do after retirement in
      India? Exploring time use, leisure, and volunteering.
AB  - This study analyzes the time use of highly qualified professionally achieving
      (HQPA) women after retirement. Data were collected from a random sample of 1,023
      HQPA women in the city of Mumbai, India. HQPA women spent their postretirement
      time in caregiving and family responsibilities, leisure activities, and volunteer
      work. Several HQPA women volunteered at social service organizations as the main
      postretirement activity. In a developing country like India, which is still
      growing in terms of skilled human resources, this voluntary engagement of
      experienced and skilled older women is crucial. Policy makers in India and
      developing nations can promote this. 

PMID- 27143505
TI  - [H syndrome: First reported paediatric case in Latin America].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: H Syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disease, with a
      multisystemic character and which can be identified in early childhood, offering
      the opportunity of specific treatment and genetic counselling. OBJECTIVE: To
      present a clinical case with "typical" characteristics of H Syndrome. CLINICAL
      CASE: The case is presented of an 8-year-old male patient who presented with
      testicular tumours and skin lesions characterised by hyperpigmentation with
      hypertrichosis, language delay, short stature, and joint deformities. He also
      presented with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, anaemia,
      hypergammaglobulinaemia, and bone disorders. Histopathology studies of the skin
      and testicular masses reported lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Sequencing
      analysis of gene SLC29A3 showed the homozygote mutation c.1087 C>T (p.Arg363Trp;
      rs387907067). CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with H syndrome, and
      this is the first reported case in Latin America. The key to the diagnosis is the
      finding of hyperpigmentation with hypertrichosis.

PMID- 27143506
TI  - Management of guidewire-induced distal coronary perforation using autologous fat
      particles versus coil embolization.
AB  - Distal coronary perforation is a rare, yet potentially lethal complication of
      percutaneous coronary intervention. Early recognition and treatment remains
      critical in preventing potentially life-threatening adverse outcomes, such as
      cardiac tamponade. The most commonly used strategies for treating distal
      perforation are fat and coil embolization. We present two cases of guidewire
      induced distal coronary perforation and discuss the advantages and disadvantages
      of coil vs. fat embolization. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27143507
TI  - Gold@silver bimetal nanoparticles/pyramidal silicon 3D substrate with high
      reproducibility for high-performance SERS.
AB  - A novel and efficient surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate has been
      presented based on Gold@silver/pyramidal silicon 3D substrate (Au@Ag/3D-Si). By
      combining the SERS activity of Ag, the chemical stability of Au and the large
      field enhancement of 3D-Si, the Au@Ag/3D-Si substrate possesses perfect
      sensitivity, homogeneity, reproducibility and chemical stability. Using R6G as
      probe molecule, the SERS results imply that the Au@Ag/3D-Si substrate is superior
      to the 3D-Si, Ag/3D-Si and Au/3D-Si substrate. We also confirmed these excellent
      behaviors in theory via a commercial COMSOL software. The corresponding
      experimental and theoretical results indicate that our proposed Au@Ag/3D-Si
      substrate is expected to develop new opportunities for label-free SERS detections
      in biological sensors, biomedical diagnostics and food safety.

PMID- 27143508
TI  - Molecular targets of Chinese herbs: a clinical study of hepatoma based on network
      pharmacology.
AB  - Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat tumors for years and
      has been demonstrated to be effective. However, the underlying molecular
      mechanisms of herbs remain unclear. This study aims to ascertain molecular
      targets of herbs prolonging survival time of patients with advanced
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on network pharmacology, and to establish a
      research method for accurate treatment of TCM. The survival benefit of TCM
      treatment with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) was proved by Kaplan-Meier method
      and Cox regression analysis among 288 patients. The correlation between herbs and
      survival time was performed by bivariate correlation analysis. Network
      pharmacology method was utilized to construct the active ingredient-target
      networks of herbs that were responsible for the beneficial effects against HCC.
      Cox regression analysis showed CHM was an independent favorable prognostic
      factor. The median survival time was 13 months and the 5-year overall survival
      rates were 2.61% in the TCM group, while there were 6 months, 0 in the non-TCM
      group. Correlation analysis demonstrated that 8 herbs closely associated with
      prognosis. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the 8 herbs regulated
      multiple HCC relative genes, among which the genes affected proliferation (KRAS,
      AKT2, MAPK), metastasis (SRC, MMP), angiogenesis (PTGS2) and apoptosis (CASP3)
      etc.

PMID- 27143510
TI  - Toxicology as an academic discipline in European Universities.

PMID- 27143511
TI  - Targeting dynamics of subclones of GI, liver and pancreatic cancers.

PMID- 27143512
TI  - Highly Sensitive and Selective In-Situ SERS Detection of Pb(2+), Hg(2+), and
      Cd(2+) Using Nanoporous Membrane Functionalized with CNTs.
AB  - Porous Anodic Alumina (PAA) membrane was functionalized with CoFe2O4
      nanoparticles and used as a substrate for the growing of very long helical
      structured Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) with a diameter less than 20 nm. The
      structures and morphologies of the fabricated nanostructures were characterized
      by field emission- scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray
      (EDX), and Raman spectroscopy. By uploading the CNTs on PAA, the characteristic
      Raman peaks of CNTs and PAA showed 4 and 3 times enhancement, respectively, which
      leads to more sensitive Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) substrates.
      For comparison, PAA and CNTs/PAA arrays were used as SERS substrates for the
      detection of Hg(2+), Cd(2+), and Pb(2+). The proposed sensor demonstrated high
      sensitivity and selectivity between these heavy metal ions. CNTs/PAA sensor
      showed excellent selectivity toward Pb(2+) over other metal ions, where the
      enhancement factor is decreased from ~17 for Pb(2+) to ~12 for Hg(2+) and to ~4
      for Cd(2+). Therefore, the proposed CNTs/PAA sensor can be used as a powerful
      tool for the determination of heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions.

PMID- 27143509
TI  - Serial femtosecond crystallography: A revolution in structural biology.
AB  - Macromolecular crystallography at synchrotron sources has proven to be the most
      influential method within structural biology, producing thousands of structures
      since its inception. While its utility has been instrumental in progressing our
      knowledge of structures of molecules, it suffers from limitations such as the
      need for large, well-diffracting crystals, and radiation damage that can hamper
      native structural determination. The recent advent of X-ray free electron lasers
      (XFELs) and their implementation in the emerging field of serial femtosecond
      crystallography (SFX) has given rise to a remarkable expansion upon existing
      crystallographic constraints, allowing structural biologists access to previously
      restricted scientific territory. SFX relies on exceptionally brilliant, micro
      focused X-ray pulses, which are femtoseconds in duration, to probe
      nano/micrometer sized crystals in a serial fashion. This results in data sets
      comprised of individual snapshots, each capturing Bragg diffraction of single
      crystals in random orientations prior to their subsequent destruction. Thus
      structural elucidation while avoiding radiation damage, even at room temperature,
      can now be achieved. This emerging field has cultivated new methods for
      nanocrystallogenesis, sample delivery, and data processing. Opportunities and
      challenges within SFX are reviewed herein. 

PMID- 27143513
TI  - Sensitive electrochemical detection of nitric oxide based on AuPt and reduced
      graphene oxide nanocomposites.
AB  - Since nitric oxide (NO) plays a critical role in many biological processes, its
      precise detection is essential toward an understanding of its specific functions.
      Here we report on a facile and environmentally compatible strategy for the
      construction of an electrochemical sensor based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO)
      and AuPt bimetallic nanoparticles. The prepared nanocomposites were further
      employed for the electroanalysis of NO using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV)
      and amperometric methods. The dependence of AuPt molar ratios on the
      electrochemical performance was investigated. Through the combination of the
      advantages of the high conductivity from rGO and highly electrocatalytic activity
      from AuPt bimetallic nanoparticles, the AuPt-rGO based NO sensor exhibited a high
      sensitivity of 7.35 MUA MUM(-1) and a low detection limit of 2.88 nM.
      Additionally, negligible interference from common ions or organic molecules was
      observed, and the AuPt-rGO modified electrode demonstrated excellent stability.
      Moreover, this optimized electrochemical sensor was practicable for efficiently
      monitoring the NO released from rat cardiac cells, which were stimulated by l
      arginine (l-arg), showing that stressed cells generated over 10 times more NO
      than normal cells. The novel sensor developed in this study may have significant
      medical diagnostic applications for the prevention and monitoring of disease. 

PMID- 27143516
TI  - Preimplantation genetic screening: who benefits?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare IVF outcomes between women undergoing frozen transfers of
      blastocysts verified as euploid by preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) with
      patients undergoing fresh nonbiopsied blastocyst transfers. DESIGN: Retrospective
      cohort study. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENT(S): All patients
      undergoing IVF-PGS cycles between January 2010 and November 2014 were included (n
      = 274). Patients were compared with a control group consisting of all fresh
      blastocyst transfers that occurred during the same period (n = 863).
      INTERVENTION(S): Patients underwent IVF-PGS with 24-chromosome screening.
      Patients with euploid embryos had transfer of one to two embryos in a subsequent
      frozen ET cycle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Implantation, clinical intrauterine
      gestation (CIG), miscarriage, biochemical pregnancy (BC), and live birth (LB)
      rates were compared. RESULT(S): Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for outcomes in
      women undergoing PGS versus controls. Among patients <=37 years old, there were
      no differences in CIG and LB rates for single (adjusted ORs [aORs], 1.20 [95
      %confidence interval {CI}, 0.66-2.21]; 1.21 [95% CI, 0.66-2.2]) and double ETs
      (aORs, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.54-2.18]; 0.87 [95% CI, 0.44-1.7]). BC and miscarriage
      rates were also similar. For patients >37 years old, CIG and LB rates were
      increased for single (aORs, 3.86 [95% CI, 1.25-11.9]; 8.2 [95% CI, 2.28-29.5])
      and double ETs (aORs, 9.91 [95% CI, 2.0-49.6]; 8.67 [95% CI, 2.08-36.2]) with no
      difference in BC and miscarriage rates. A per-retrieval analysis of the >37 group
      failed to demonstrate any difference in CIG or LB rates. CONCLUSION(S): Among
      patients <=37, IVF-PGS does not improve CIG, LB, and miscarriage rates. IVF-PGS
      in women >37 improved CIG and LB rates. However, per cycle, the PGS advantage in
      this age group does not persist.

PMID- 27143514
TI  - Identification and manipulation of the pleuromutilin gene cluster from Clitopilus
      passeckerianus for increased rapid antibiotic production.
AB  - Semi-synthetic derivatives of the tricyclic diterpene antibiotic pleuromutilin
      from the basidiomycete Clitopilus passeckerianus are important in combatting
      bacterial infections in human and veterinary medicine. These compounds belong to
      the only new class of antibiotics for human applications, with novel mode of
      action and lack of cross-resistance, representing a class with great potential.
      Basidiomycete fungi, being dikaryotic, are not generally amenable to strain
      improvement. We report identification of the seven-gene pleuromutilin gene
      cluster and verify that using various targeted approaches aimed at increasing
      antibiotic production in C. passeckerianus, no improvement in yield was achieved.
      The seven-gene pleuromutilin cluster was reconstructed within Aspergillus oryzae
      giving production of pleuromutilin in an ascomycete, with a significant increase
      (2106%) in production. This is the first gene cluster from a basidiomycete to be
      successfully expressed in an ascomycete, and paves the way for the exploitation
      of a metabolically rich but traditionally overlooked group of fungi.

PMID- 27143515
TI  - Oocyte activation by calcium ionophore and congenital birth defects: a
      retrospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of oocyte activation by calcium ionophore in
      cases of failed fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
      procedure with respect to birth defects. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort of
      pregnancies achieved by oocyte activation with calcium ionophore after ICSI (ICSI
      Ca) and routine ICSI between the years 2006 and 2014. SETTING: Not applicable.
      PATIENT(S): The cohort included a total of 793 pregnancies: 66 (8%) were lost to
      follow up and 49 (6%) were ongoing pregnancies at the time of data collection.
      Out of the 678 available cases for analysis, 595 treatments were ICSI alone (88%)
      and 83 were ICSI-Ca (12%). INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):
      Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes including birth defects were compared. RESULT(S):
      On the basis of a cohort of 595 ICSI pregnancies and 83 ICSI-Ca pregnancies, we
      found no difference in birth defects rate for singletons or for twins.
      Additionally, no significant difference was found between defect type
      (chromosomal aberration or structural malformations) and malformation type
      (heart, urogenital, and limb), between the ICSI and ICSI-Ca groups. Moreover, no
      significant differences were found regarding birth weight, gestational week at
      time of delivery, and fetal gender for singleton or twin pregnancies.
      CONCLUSION(S): Ca ionophore oocyte activation should be considered as a
      legitimate option for cases of failed or low fertilization by ICSI.

PMID- 27143517
TI  - Effects of early cleavage patterns of human embryos on subsequent in vitro
      development and implantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a noninvasive selection system of human embryos with a
      high implantation potential before transferring. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING:
      Independent IVF clinics. PATIENT(S): One hundred sixty-four patients, with 791
      embryos fertilized, checked, and recorded. INTERVENTION(S): Embryos were divided
      into nine groups according to the number of cells they contained and the extent
      of their fragmentation during the first and second divisions. We examined the
      effects of the cell division pattern and division time of embryos on subsequent
      development in vitro and in vivo using a time-lapse incubator. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Rates of blastocyst formation, high-quality blastocyst formation, and
      pregnancy. RESULT(S): The rates of embryos developed into blastocysts and
      blastocysts in which both the inner cell mass and trophectoderm grades were
      scored B or higher (good-quality blastocysts) were high in groups that formed two
      cells during the first division and four cells during the second division,
      regardless of the presence or absence of fragmentation. In these groups the first
      and second division times (25.90 and 37.88 hours after culture, respectively) of
      embryos developed into good-quality blastocysts were significantly shorter than
      those of other embryos. Although embryo selection based on the first and second
      division times did not affect the pregnancy rates after transfer at day 2 or 3 of
      culture, it improved the pregnancy rates after blastocyst transfer at day 5.
      CONCLUSION(S): Transfer of blastocysts derived from embryos that completed first
      and second divisions within 25.90 and 37.88 hours after culture, respectively,
      brings about high pregnancy rates.

PMID- 27143518
TI  - Administration of atosiban in patients with endometriosis undergoing frozen
      thawed embryo transfer: a prospective, randomized study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of atosiban, given before transfer of frozen
      thawed embryo to women with endometriosis (EMs). DESIGN: A randomized, controlled
      clinical trial. SETTING: University hospital and IVF center. PATIENT(S): One
      hundred twenty women with endometriosis undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer
      were randomly allocated into the atosiban treatment and the control groups.
      Another 120 women with infertility due to tubal factor were enrolled into a tubal
      factor group, to compare serum oxytocin (OT) and prostaglandin (PG)F2alpha levels
      and uterine contractions with the endometriosis group. INTERVENTION(S): In the
      endometriosis treatment group, a single bolus (6.75 mg, 0.9 mL per vial) of
      atosiban was administrated before ET. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Implantation rate
      and pregnancy rate. RESULT(S): Serum OT level (1.89 +/- 0.33 vs. 1.66 +/- 0.32
      ng/L), PGF2alpha (2.83 +/- 0.34 vs. 2.36 +/- 0.35 ng/L) level, and uterine
      contractions (2.5 +/- 1.2 vs. 1.8 +/- 1.0 waves per minute) in the endometriosis
      group were all significantly higher than in the tubal factor group. The clinical
      pregnancy rate per cycle and implantation rate per transfer were 58.3% and 41.0%,
      respectively, in the atosiban treatment group, significantly higher than in the
      control group (38.3% and 23.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION(S): Women with
      endometriosis showed higher serum OT level, PGF2alpha level, and uterine
      contractions. Atosiban treatment before ET in endometriosis is effective in the
      priming of the uterus, suitable for embryo implantation. This is the first study
      to evaluate the effect of atosiban treatment in patients with endometriosis.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-IOQ-14005715.

PMID- 27143519
TI  - Orbital Metastases from Breast Cancer: Retrospective Analysis at an Academic
      Cancer Center.
AB  - Orbital metastases from breast cancer (BC) are rare, but often debilitating. BC
      accounts for nearly half of metastases to the orbit. Orbital metastases may be
      discovered years after the initial diagnosis of BC, and are rare at initial
      presentation. A search of the institutional data base at an academic cancer
      center identified BC patients who developed or presented with orbital metastases
      from 2000 to 2013. Baseline characteristics, treatment modalities, survival and
      treatment responses were collected from the electronic medical record. There were
      20 patients identified with orbital metastases (0.7% of all BC cases). The median
      age at diagnosis of BC was 49 years; 80% had estrogen positive disease. The
      interval between the initial diagnosis of BC and the presentation of orbital
      metastases was 8.5 years (0-19 years). Orbital disease was the initial
      presentation of BC in two cases. Three patients developed bilateral orbital
      metastases and seven had accompanying brain metastases. The most common
      presentation was decreased vision (55%), followed by diplopia (25%). The median
      survival after orbital metastases was 24 months. Thirteen patients (65%) received
      local radiation therapy. Of those radiated, 90% reported improvement of orbital
      symptoms. Other treatments included intraocular bevacizumab, surgery, and
      systemic therapy. Orbital metastases tend to occur in estrogen receptor positive
      disease and are often found years after BC onset. Orbital metastases may be
      associated with the development of brain metastases. Radiotherapy is the
      preferred local therapy and had high symptom control in this cohort. Oncologists
      should be aware of the signs of orbital metastases and the treatment options. 

PMID- 27143520
TI  - [Our experience in the Editorial Board of Gaceta Sanitaria. Especially, thank
      you!].

PMID- 27143521
TI  - Synthetic applications of pseudocyclic hypervalent iodine compounds.
AB  - Hypervalent iodine compounds have found wide practical application as versatile,
      efficient, and sustainable reagents for organic synthesis. Pseudocyclic
      hypervalent iodine derivatives are characterized by the presence of additional
      intramolecular non-covalent coordination at the iodine center, which leads to
      significant alteration of their physical and chemical properties. In comparison
      with common hypervalent iodine reagents, these pseudocyclic compounds have higher
      thermal stability, better solubility, and improved reactivity. In recent years,
      pseudocyclic hypervalent iodine reagents are increasingly used in organic
      synthesis as environmentally friendly selective oxidants and electrophiles.
      Furthermore, numerous enantioselective reactions mediated by chiral pseudocyclic
      hypervalent iodine species have been recently developed. In the present review,
      the preparation and structural features of pseudocyclic iodine(iii) and iodine(v)
      derivatives are discussed, and recent developments in their synthetic
      applications are summarized. 

PMID- 27143522
TI  - Traditional and syndromic surveillance of infectious diseases and pathogens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infectious diseases remain a major public health problem worldwide.
      Hence, their surveillance is critical. Currently, many surveillance strategies
      and systems are in use around the world. An inventory of the data, surveillance
      strategies, and surveillance systems developed worldwide for the surveillance of
      infectious diseases is presented herein, with emphasis on the role of the
      microbiology laboratory in surveillance. METHODS: The data, strategies, and
      systems used around the world for the surveillance of infectious diseases and
      pathogens, along with current issues and trends, were reviewed. RESULTS: Twelve
      major classes of data were identified on the basis of their timing relative to
      infection, resources available, and type of surveillance. Two primary strategies
      were compared: disease-specific surveillance and syndromic surveillance. Finally,
      262 systems implemented worldwide for the surveillance of infections were
      registered and briefly described, with a focus on those based on microbiological
      data from laboratories. CONCLUSIONS: There is currently a wealth of available
      data on infections, which has been growing with the recent emergence of new
      technologies. Concurrently with the expansion of computer resources and networks,
      these data will allow the optimization of real-time detection and notification of
      infections.

PMID- 27143524
TI  - Identification of a new tadalafil analogue, dipropylaminopretadalafil, in a
      dietary supplement.
AB  - A novel tadalafil analogue in a dietary supplement was found by drug-adulteration
      screening and isolated by column chromatography and HPLC. Based on extensive 1D-
      and 2D-NMR and mass spectral analyses, the structure of this new compound was
      determined as 2-(N,N-dipropyl acetyl) 3-methyl 1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-3,4
      dihydro-1H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-3-carboxylate - its common name is
      dipropylaminopretadalafil. 

PMID- 27143523
TI  - Characterization of three human cell line models for high-throughput neuronal
      cytotoxicity screening.
AB  - More than 75 000 man-made chemicals contaminate the environment; many of these
      have not been tested for toxicities. These chemicals demand quantitative high
      throughput screening assays to assess them for causative roles in
      neurotoxicities, including Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative
      disorders. To facilitate high throughput screening for cytotoxicity to neurons,
      three human neuronal cellular models were compared: SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells,
      LUHMES conditionally-immortalized dopaminergic neurons, and Neural Stem Cells
      (NSC) derived from human fetal brain. These three cell lines were evaluated for
      rapidity and degree of differentiation, and sensitivity to 32 known or candidate
      neurotoxicants. First, expression of neural differentiation genes was assayed
      during a 7-day differentiation period. Of the three cell lines, LUHMES showed the
      highest gene expression of neuronal markers after differentiation. Both in the
      undifferentiated state and after 7 days of neuronal differentiation, LUHMES cells
      exhibited greater cytotoxic sensitivity to most of 32 suspected or known
      neurotoxicants than SH-SY5Y or NSCs. LUHMES cells were also unique in being more
      susceptible to several compounds in the differentiating state than in the
      undifferentiated state; including known neurotoxicants colchicine, methyl-mercury
      (II), and vincristine. Gene expression results suggest that differentiating
      LUHMES cells may be susceptible to apoptosis because they express low levels of
      anti-apoptotic genes BCL2 and BIRC5/survivin, whereas SH-SY5Y cells may be
      resistant to apoptosis because they express high levels of BCL2, BIRC5/survivin,
      and BIRC3 genes. Thus, LUHMES cells exhibited favorable characteristics for neuro
      cytotoxicity screening: rapid differentiation into neurons that exhibit high
      level expression neuronal marker genes, and marked sensitivity of LUHMES cells to
      known neurotoxicants. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27143525
TI  - [Pregnancy in systemic autoimmune diseases: Myths, certainties and doubts].
AB  - Systemic autoimmune diseases especially affect young women during childbearing
      age. The aim of this review is to update systemic lupus erythematosus,
      antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic sclerosis management during pregnancy.
      These diseases present variable maternal and fetal risks. Studies show that an
      appropriate disease control and a reasonable remission period prior to pregnancy
      are associated with satisfactory obstetric outcomes. Antiphospholipid
      autoantibodies profile, anti-Ro/anti-La antibodies, pulmonary pressure and
      activity evaluation are crucial to assess the pregnancy risk. Monitoring requires
      a multidisciplinary team, serial analytic controls and Doppler ultrasound of
      maternal and fetal circulation. Evaluation of the activity of the disease is
      essential. 

PMID- 27143526
TI  - [Massive cardiac lipomatosis, an autopsy finding in a patient with sudden death].
AB  - The fat replacement of myocardial cells is a degenerative process that usually
      affects the right ventricle and is found in 50% of the elderly. The problem
      arises when this degeneration occurs to a massive degree, a differential
      diagnosis with other pathologies being necessary. We present the case of a
      patient who died suddenly and a massive cardiac lipomatosis was found on autopsy,
      as the only explanation of the outcome. 

PMID- 27143527
TI  - [Assessment of an intervention on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention on cardiovascular
      risk factors (CVRF) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: After
      determining their CVRF and cardiovascular risk (CVR) by modified SCORE, we gave
      the patients a letter for their general practitioners in which they were
      requested for their cooperation in controlling CVRF and where the therapeutic
      goal for LDL cholesterol was specified. Three months later, any therapeutic
      intervention was recorded as well as the results. RESULTS: We included 211
      patients, 29% with a high CVR. There were new diagnoses of CVRF in 100 patients
      (47%). The general practitioner changed the treatment in 2/12 diabetes, 30/84
      HBP, 74/167 with elevation of LDL cholesterol and 21/51 with
      hypertriglyceridemia. The percentage of patients with good control over CVRF was:
      a) in HBP, 25 to 73%; b) elevation of LDL cholesterol from 10 to 17%; and c) in
      hypertriglyceridemia, 25 to 38%. CONCLUSIONS: Through this intervention, a new
      CVRF was diagnosed in nearly half of the patients. The effectiveness of the
      intervention on CVRF was low.

PMID- 27143528
TI  - [Pulmonary nodules in a male patient].

PMID- 27143529
TI  - [The expert bias].

PMID- 27143531
TI  - [Hiccups as an onset form of aortic dissection].

PMID- 27143530
TI  - [Use of the CHADS2 score as a predictor of the risk of mortality in hypertensive
      patients. The FAPRES study].
AB  - FOUNDATIONS AND AIM: The aim of this study is to analyze the CHADS2 score as a
      marker of the risk of mortality in hypertensive patients, with and without the
      presence of atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We included 1,003 hypertensive
      patients>=65 years. Risk factors, and CHADS2 score were recorded among other
      factors, as well as clinical follow-up of number and type of deaths. RESULTS:
      Mean age was 72.8+/-5.8 years, and 47.5% were men. During follow-up there were 41
      deaths, 20 were of cardiovascular origin. Patients with higher CHADS2 had a
      higher mortality: 1.5% CHADS2=1; 4.7% in CHADS2=2; 9.1% in CHADS2=3, and 7.8% in
      CHADS2>=4. CONCLUSIONS: The CHADS2 score can be a clinical instrument of easy
      application to identify hypertensive patients with a high risk of mortality.

PMID- 27143532
TI  - [Perioperative mortality of lung transplantation in chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lung transplantation (LT) has been considered an alternative
      therapeutic approach in terminal patients. However, this process in COPD is not
      controversy-free. This paper aimed to analyze 30-day mortality (PM) patterns and
      their risk factors in COPD patients undergoing LT. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A
      retrospective cohort with 107 COPD patients, transplanted at the University La Fe
      Valencia, Spain, treated from January 1991 to December 2008. Demographics values,
      degree of dyspnoea, diagnosis, BODE index, single versus bilateral LT, cardio
      pulmonary bypass, donor age, steroid dependence, presence of bronchiectasis,
      retrograde perfusion, transfusion of blood products, and PaO2/FiO2 were analyzed.
      Continuous variables were expressed as mean+/-SD and categorical variables as
      absolute frequency and percentage. A Cox regression model was used for
      multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-four men and 13 women of a mean age of
      52.58+/-8.05 years were transplanted. Of all patients, 75% obtained a BODE score
      above 7. There were 76 bilateral LT. PM was established at 14%. Main causes of
      death were infection (53.3%) and surgical complications (33.3%). Presence of
      bronchiectasis and chronic use of corticosteroids, donor/recipient difference in
      size and presence of fat in retrograde perfusion fluid were important risk
      factors for PM. Moreover, PaO2/FiO2 ratio at 6h was a protective factor for the
      event, thus a higher ratio value, lowered the risk of PM. CONCLUSIONS: LT is a
      procedure with a high PM rate. Use of corticosteroids, the presence of
      bronchiectasis and fat emboli in the retrograde reperfusion, and PaO2/FiO2
      significantly determine PM.

PMID- 27143533
TI  - Effects on hemodynamic variables and echocardiographic parameters after a
      stellate ganglion block in 15 healthy volunteers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The sympathetic nervous system has an important role in generating
      pain. Various pathomechanisms are involved that respond well to the application
      of local anesthetics (LA), for example to the stellate ganglion block (SGB).
      OBJECTIVES: We wanted to know more about the effects of SGB on cardiovascular
      parameters. METHODS: We included 15 healthy volunteers; another 15 healthy
      volunteers as a control group (sham injection of LA). In order to produce a more
      precise SGB, we employed only a small volume of LA (3mL), a LA with a lower
      permeability (procaine 1%), and a modified injection technique. Systolic and
      diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), heart rate (HR), and echocardiographic
      parameters were recorded before and after SGB. We also investigated whether there
      are side differences (left and right SBG). RESULTS: At baseline all parameters
      were within the normal range. After performing right and left SGB DBP
      significantly increased (on the right side from 68.73+/-8.61 to 73.53+/-11.10,
      p=0.015; on the left side from 70.66+/-13.01 to 77.93+/-10.40, p=0.003). In the
      control group no increase in DBP was observed. No side-specific differences were
      found, except a significant reduction in the maximum velocity of myocardial
      contraction during the systole with left-sided SGB. CONCLUSIONS: Even with our
      methods we could not prevent the simultaneous occurrence of a partial
      parasympatholytic effect. For this reason, the SGB has only minor hemodynamic
      effects, which is desirable as it enhances the safety of the SGB.

PMID- 27143534
TI  - Determination of early warning signs for photocatalytic degradation of titanium
      white oil paints by means of surface analysis.
AB  - Titanium white (TiO2) has been widely used as a pigment in the 20th century.
      However, its most photocatalytic form (anatase) can cause severe degradation of
      the oil paint in which it is contained. UV light initiates TiO2-photocatalyzed
      processes in the paint film, degrading the oil binder into volatile components
      resulting in chalking of the paint. This will eventually lead to severe changes
      in the appearance of a painting. To date, limited examples of degraded works of
      art containing titanium white are known due to the relatively short existence of
      the paintings in question and the slow progress of the degradation process.
      However, UV light will inevitably cause degradation of paint in works of art
      containing photocatalytic titanium white. In this work, a method to detect early
      warning signs of photocatalytic degradation of unvarnished oil paint is proposed,
      using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
      Consequently, a four-stage degradation model was developed through in-depth study
      of TiO2-containing paint films in various stages of degradation. The XPS surface
      analysis proved very valuable for detecting early warning signs of paint
      degradation, whereas the AFM results provide additional confirmation and are in
      good agreement with bulk gloss reduction.

PMID- 27143535
TI  - B-cell activating CpG ODN 1668 enhance the immune response of Pacific red snapper
      (Lutjanus peru) exposed to Vibrio parahaemolitycus.
AB  - B-class CpG ODN 1668 is known to possess clear immunostimulatory properties. In
      this study, we investigated the potential ability of CpG ODN 1668 to enhance the
      immune response of Pacific red snapper exposed to Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Four
      different treatments were evaluated in Pacific red snapper: (1) stimulatory CpG
      ODN 1668, (2) stimulatory CpG ODN 1668 and V. parahaemolyticus, (3) exposure only
      to V. parahaemolyticus and (4) PBS. Samples were taken at 24, 72, 168 and 240 h
      of stimulation/infection. The results show that intraperitoneal injection of CpG
      ODN 1668 enhanced the anti-protease, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities
      in serum. CpG ODN 1668 upregulated TLR9 and IgM gene expression in head-kidney,
      intestine and skin, with higher expression in head-kidney. A higher correlation
      was observed between TLR9 and IgM in head-kidney and intestine. Finally, no
      histopathological damages were observed in fish stimulated with CpG ODN 1668. In
      contrast, melanomacrophages-like structures were present in higher numbers in
      infected fish. Taken together, these results indicate that CpG ODN 1668 activates
      innate immune response and upregulate the TLR9 and IgM-mediated immune response.
      These results may be exploited for the control of Vibriosis in farmed Pacific red
      snapper.

PMID- 27143536
TI  - Nursing challenges for universal health coverage: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: to identify nursing challenges for universal health coverage, based
      on the findings of a systematic review focused on the health workforce'
      understanding of the role of humanization practices in Primary Health Care.
      METHOD: systematic review and meta-synthesis, from the following information
      sources: PubMed, CINAHL, Scielo, Web of Science, PsycInfo, SCOPUS, DEDALUS and
      Proquest, using the keyword Primary Health Care associated, separately, with the
      following keywords: humanization of assistance, holistic care/health, patient
      centred care, user embracement, personal autonomy, holism, attitude of health
      personnel. RESULTS: thirty studies between 1999-2011. Primary Health Care work
      processes are complex and present difficulties for conducting integrative care,
      especially for nursing, but humanizing practices have showed an important role
      towards the development of positive work environments, quality of care and people
      centered care by promoting access and universal health coverage. CONCLUSIONS:
      nursing challenges for universal health coverage are related to education and
      training, to better working conditions and clear definition of nursing role in
      primary health care. It is necessary to overcome difficulties such as fragmented
      concepts of health and care and invest in multidisciplinary teamwork, community
      empowerment, professional-patient bond, user embracement, soft technologies, to
      promote quality of life, holistic care and universal health coverage.

PMID- 27143537
TI  - The technological influence on health professionals' care: translation and
      adaptation of scales.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: in this study, two research tools were validated to study the impact
      of technological influence on health professionals' care practice. METHODS: the
      following methodological steps were taken: bibliographic review, selection of the
      scales, translation and cultural adaptation and analysis of psychometric
      properties. RESULTS: the psychometric properties of the scale were assessed based
      on its application to a sample of 341 individuals (nurses, physicians, final-year
      nursing and medical students). The validity, reliability and internal consistency
      were tested. Two scales were found: Caring Attributes Questionnaire (adapted)
      with a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.647 and the Technological Influence
      Questionnaire (adapted) with an Alpha coefficient of 0.777. CONCLUSIONS: the
      scales are easy to apply and reveal reliable psychometric properties, an
      additional quality as they permit generalized studies on a theme as important as
      the impact of technological influence in health care.

PMID- 27143538
TI  - Application of the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need method to predict nursing
      human resources at a Family Health Service.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: verify the application of the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need
      method in the prediction of nursing human resources at a Family Health service.
      METHOD: descriptive and quantitative study, undertaken at a Family Health service
      in the city of Sao Paulo. The set of sequential operations recommended in the
      Workload Indicators of Staffing Need method was used: definition of the
      professional category, type of health service and calculation of Available Work
      Time; definition of workload components; identification of mean time for workload
      components; dimensioning of staff needs based on the method, application and
      interpretation of the data. RESULT: the workload proposed in the Workload
      Indicators of Staffing Need method to nursing technicians/auxiliary nurses was
      balanced with the number of professionals available at the Family Health service.
      The Workload Indicators of Staffing Need index amounted to 0.6 for nurses and 1.0
      for nursing technicians/auxiliary nurses. CONCLUSION: the application of the
      Workload Indicators of Staffing Need method was relevant to identify the
      components of the nursing professionals' workload. Therefore, it is recommendable
      as a nursing staffing tool at Family Health services, contributing to the access
      and universal health coverage.

PMID- 27143539
TI  - Cultural adaptation and validation of the Freiburg Life Quality Assessment--Wound
      Module to Brazilian Portuguese.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: to adapt the Freiburg Life Quality Assessment - Wound Module to
      Brazilian Portuguese and to measure its psychometric properties: reliability and
      validity. METHOD: the cultural adaptation was undertaken following the stages of
      translation, synthesis of the translations, back translation, committee of
      specialists, pre-test and focus group. A total of 200 patients participated in
      the study. These were recruited in Primary Care Centers, Family Health Strategy
      Centers, in a philanthropic hospital and in a teaching hospital. Reliability was
      assessed through internal consistency and stability. Validity was ascertained
      through the correlation of the instrument's values with those of the domains of
      the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index - Wound Version and with the quality
      of life score of the visual analog scale. RESULTS: the instrument presented
      adequate internal consistency (Cronbach alpha =0.86) and high stability in the
      test and retest (0.93). The validity presented correlations of moderate and
      significant magnitude (-0.24 to -0.48, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: the results
      indicated that the adapted version presented reliable and valid psychometric
      measurements for the population with chronic wounds in the Brazilian culture.

PMID- 27143540
TI  - Social inequalities and access to health: challenges for society and the nursing
      field.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to present a critical reflection upon the current and different
      interpretative models of the Social Determinants of Health and inequalities
      hindering access and the right to health. METHOD: theoretical study using
      critical hermeneutics to acquire reconstructive understanding based on a
      dialectical relationship between the explanation and understanding of
      interpretative models of the social determinants of health and inequalities.
      RESULTS: interpretative models concerning the topic under study are classified.
      Three generations of interpretative models of the social determinants of health
      were identified and historically contextualized. The third and current generation
      presents a historical synthesis of the previous generations, including: neo
      materialist theory, psychosocial theory, the theory of social capital, cultural
      behavioral theory and the life course theory. CONCLUSION: From dialectical
      reflection and social criticism emerge a discussion concerning the
      complementarity of the models of the social determinants of health and the need
      for a more comprehensive conception of the determinants to guide inter-sector
      actions to eradicate inequalities that hinder access to health.

PMID- 27143541
TI  - A multiprofessional perspective on the principal barriers to universal health
      coverage and universal access to health in extremely poor territories: the
      contributions of nursing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to investigate the knowledge of managers and health professionals,
      social workers and education professionals regarding the principal barriers to
      universal health coverage and universal access to health on the part of the
      extremely poor population; and to point to the contributions made by nursing for
      the promotion of this right. METHOD: a qualitative study whose reference was, for
      ensuring the right to health, the reorientation of the Brazilian Unified Health
      System (SUS) towards universal coverage and access in these territories.
      Interviews were held with 27 members of the multi-professional team of a
      municipality with high social vulnerability. The data were worked on using
      thematic content analysis. RESULTS: the following were ascertained as the
      principal barriers to universal health coverage and access to health: failures in
      the expansion and strengthening of the services; absence of diagnosis of the
      priority demands; shortage of technology, equipment, and material and human
      resources; poor local infrastructure; and actions with low resolutive power and
      absence of interdepartmental policies. Within the multi-professional team,
      nursing acts in the SUS in unique health actions and social practices in these
      territories, presenting an in-depth perspective on this harsh reality, being able
      to contribute with indispensable support for confronting these disparities in
      universal health coverage and universal access to health. CONCLUSION: nursing's
      in-depth understanding regarding these barriers is essential for encouraging the
      processes reorienting the SUS, geared towards equality in the right to health.

PMID- 27143542
TI  - Access the Unified Health System actions and services from the perspective of
      judicialization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: the judicialization of health is incorporated into the daily work of
      health institutions in Brazil through the court orders for access. In this study,
      the objective was to describe the contents of the social representations of
      access, through judicialization, for the health professionals. METHOD:
      qualitative study based on Social Representations Theory, involving 40
      professionals, at a teaching hospital and at the center for the regulation of
      beds and procedures in Rio de Janeiro. Forty semistructured interviews were held,
      to which the thematic-categorical content analysis technique was applied.
      RESULTS: the health professionals' attitude towards the reality the
      judicialization imposes is negative, but they acknowledge this resource as
      necessary in view of the public health crisis. Judicialization is considered a
      strategy to exercise citizenship that superimposes individual on collective law,
      increases social inequalities in access and compromises the efficacy of health
      policies. CONCLUSION: considering social representation as a determinant of
      practices, the representations that emerged can contribute to the change of the
      professionals' practices. Improvements in user care should be promoted,
      characterized as one of the main challenges to advance in universal access to
      health.

PMID- 27143543
TI  - Trauma in elderly people: access to the health system through pre-hospital care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence of trauma in elderly people and how they
      accessed the health system through pre-hospital care. METHOD: documentary and
      retrospective study at a mobile emergency care service, using a sample of 400
      elderly trauma victims selected through systematic random sampling. A form
      validated by experts was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistical
      analysis was applied. The chi-square test was used to analyze the association
      between the variables. RESULTS: Trauma was predominant among women (52.25%) and
      in the age range between 60 and 69 years (38.25%), average age 74.19 years
      (standard deviation+/-10.25). Among the mechanisms, falls (56.75%) and traffic
      accidents (31.25%) stood out, showing a significant relation with the pre
      hospital care services (p<0.001). Circulation, airway opening, cervical control
      and immobilization actions were the most frequent and Basic Life Support Services
      (87.8%) were the most used, with trauma referral hospitals as the main
      destination (56.7%). CONCLUSION: trauma prevailed among women, victims of falls,
      who received pre-hospital care through basic life support services and actions
      and were transported to the trauma referral hospital. It is important to
      reorganize pre-hospital care, avoiding overcrowded hospitals and delivering
      better care to elderly trauma victims.

PMID- 27143544
TI  - Gap in lifespan of rich and poor grows for the first time in 150 years.

PMID- 27143545
TI  - Phytochrome-interacting ankyrin repeat protein 2 modulates phytochrome A-mediated
      PIF3 phosphorylation in light signal transduction.
AB  - Light signals recognized by phytochromes are transduced through interactions
      between down-stream signaling components. Phytochrome-interacting ankyrin repeat
      protein 2 (PIA2) was found to interact with phytochrome interacting factor 3
      (PIF3), a well-known repressor of plant photomorphogenesis in response to
      phytochrome-mediated light signalling. Both PIA2 and PIF3 are known to be
      positive regulators of anthocyanin accumulation in Arabidopsis seedlings under
      far-red conditions. Thus, we investigated the functional relationship between
      PIA2 and PIF3 in light signalling. We found that PIA2 suppressed PIF3
      phosphorylation by phyA. To elucidate how PIA2 modulates phyA-mediated PIF3
      phosphorylation, we generated non-phosphorylation mutants and N-terminal alpha
      helix breaking mutants of PIA2. PIF3 phosphorylation by phyA was not suppressed
      by alpha-helix breaking PIA2 mutants. The alpha-helix breaking mutations also
      resulted in remarkably decreased interactions between PIA2 and PIF3. However, the
      non-phosphorylation mutants exhibited no effect on phyA-mediated PIF3
      phosphorylation. In addition, decreased anthocyanin accumulation in pia2 knockout
      plant seedlings was not rescued by overexpression of the alpha-helix breaking
      mutant in transgenic plants under far-red conditions. These results suggest that
      PIA2 modulates phyA-mediated PIF3 phosphorylation by physical interaction with
      PIF3 and that the secondary structure of the PIA2 N-terminus is important in this
      modulation.

PMID- 27143546
TI  - Recent Update to the US Cholesterol Treatment Guidelines: A Comparison With
      International Guidelines.
AB  - The 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA)
      cholesterol guideline advocated several changes from the previous Adult Treatment
      Panel III guidelines. Assuming full implementation, the 2013 ACC/AHA guideline
      would identify ~13 million Americans as newly eligible for consideration of
      statin therapy. Three features of the 2013 ACC/AHA guideline primarily
      responsible for these differences are the specific risk assessment tool endorsed,
      the risk threshold considered sufficient to warrant primary prevention statin
      therapy, and the decision not to include cholesterol treatment targets. There is
      no consensus among international guidelines on the optimal approach to these 3
      components. The 2013 ACC/AHA guideline recommends assessing absolute risk with
      the Pooled Cohort equations, which were developed to improve on previous risk
      assessment models by including stroke as an outcome and by broadening racial and
      geographic diversity. Each of the leading international guidelines recommends a
      different equation for absolute risk assessment. The 2013 ACC/AHA guideline
      advises consideration of statin therapy for an estimated 10-year risk of
      atherosclerotic vascular disease of >=7.5%, which is lower than the thresholds
      recommended by other leading international guidelines. Lastly, the 2013 ACC/AHA
      guideline does not endorse a treat-to-target strategy but instead specifies the
      appropriate intensity of statin for each risk category. This approach is shared
      by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines but differs
      from other international guidelines. In this review, we summarize the 2013
      ACC/AHA cholesterol guideline recommendations and compare them with
      recommendations from Adult Treatment Panel III and other leading international
      guidelines.

PMID- 27143547
TI  - Should Chronic Total Occlusion Be Treated With Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting?
      Chronic Total Occlusion Should Be Treated With Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

PMID- 27143548
TI  - Response to Zakkar et al.

PMID- 27143550
TI  - Response to Weintraub and Garratt.

PMID- 27143549
TI  - Should Chronic Total Occlusion Be Treated With Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting?
      Chronic Total Occlusion Should Not Routinely Be Treated With Coronary Artery
      Bypass Grafting.

PMID- 27143551
TI  - ECG Response: May 3, 2016.

PMID- 27143552
TI  - ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Attributable to Left Main Coronary
      Artery Compression.

PMID- 27143555
TI  - Prehepatic secretion and disposal of insulin in obese adolescents as estimated by
      three-hour, eight-sample oral glucose tolerance tests.
AB  - The body compensates for early-stage insulin resistance by increasing insulin
      secretion. A reliable and easy-to-use mathematical assessment of insulin
      secretion and disposal could be a valuable tool for identifying patients at risk
      for the development of type 2 diabetes. Because the pathophysiology of insulin
      resistance is incompletely understood, assessing insulin metabolism with minimal
      assumptions regarding its metabolic regulation is a major challenge. To assess
      insulin secretion and indexes of insulin disposal, our marginalized and
      regularized absorption approach (MRA) was applied to a sparse sampling oral
      glucose tolerance test (OGTT) protocol measuring the insulin and C-peptide
      concentrations. Identifiability and potential bias of metabolic parameters were
      estimated from published data with dense sampling. The MRA was applied to OGTT
      data from 135 obese adolescents to demonstrate its clinical applicability.
      Individual prehepatic basal and dynamic insulin secretion and clearance levels
      were determined with a precision and accuracy greater than 10% of the nominal
      value. The intersubject variability in these parameters was approximately four
      times higher than the intrasubject variability, and there was a strong negative
      correlation between prehepatic secretion and plasma clearance of insulin. MRA
      based analysis provides reliable estimates of insulin secretion and clearance,
      thereby enabling detailed glucose homeostasis characterization based on
      restricted datasets that are obtainable during routine patient care. 

PMID- 27143553
TI  - Loss of CTRP5 improves insulin action and hepatic steatosis.
AB  - The gene that encodes C1q/TNF-related protein 5 (CTRP5), a secreted protein of
      the C1q family, is mutated in individuals with late-onset retinal degeneration.
      CTRP5 is widely expressed outside the eye and also circulates in plasma. Its
      physiological role in peripheral tissues, however, has yet to be elucidated.
      Here, we show that Ctrp5 expression is modulated by fasting and refeeding, and by
      different diets, in mice. Adipose expression of CTRP5 was markedly upregulated in
      obese and diabetic humans and in genetic and dietary models of obesity in
      rodents. Furthermore, human CTRP5 expression in the subcutaneous fat depot
      positively correlated with BMI. A genetic loss-of-function mouse model was used
      to address the metabolic function of CTRP5 in vivo. On a standard chow diet,
      CTRP5-deficient mice had reduced fasting insulin but were otherwise comparable
      with wild-type littermate controls in body weight and adiposity. However, when
      fed a high-fat diet, CTRP5-deficient animals had attenuated hepatic steatosis and
      improved insulin action. Loss of CTRP5 also improved the capacity of chow-fed
      aged mice to respond to subsequent high-fat feeding, as evidenced by decreased
      insulin resistance. In cultured adipocytes and myotubes, recombinant CTRP5
      treatment attenuated insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation. Our results provide
      the first genetic and physiological evidence for CTRP5 as a negative regulator of
      glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Inhibition of CTRP5 action may result
      in the alleviation of insulin resistance associated with obesity and diabetes.

PMID- 27143554
TI  - Increased ADAMTS1 mediates SPARC-dependent collagen deposition in the aging
      myocardium.
AB  - Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a collagen-binding
      matricellular protein highly expressed during fibrosis. Fibrosis is a prominent
      component of cardiac aging that reduces myocardial elasticity. Previously, we
      reported that SPARC deletion attenuated myocardial stiffness and collagen
      deposition in aged mice. To investigate the mechanisms by which SPARC promotes
      age-related cardiac fibrosis, we evaluated six groups of mice (n = 5-6/group):
      young (3-5 mo old), middle-aged (10-12 mo old), and old (18-29 mo old) C57BL/6
      wild type (WT) and SPARC-null (Null) mice. Collagen content, determined by
      picrosirius red staining, increased in an age-dependent manner in WT but not in
      Null mice. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-like motifs 1
      (ADAMTS1) increased in middle-aged and old WT compared with young, whereas in
      Null mice only old animals showed increased ADAMTS1 expression. Versican, a
      substrate of ADAMTS1, decreased with age only in WT. To assess the mechanisms of
      SPARC-induced collagen deposition, we stimulated cardiac fibroblasts with SPARC.
      SPARC treatment increased secretion of collagen I and ADAMTS1 (both the 110-kDa
      latent and 87-kDa active forms) into the conditioned media as well as the
      cellular expression of transforming growth factor-beta1-induced protein (Tgfbi)
      and phosphorylated Smad2. An ADAMTS1 blocking antibody suppressed the SPARC
      induced collagen I secretion, indicating that SPARC promoted collagen production
      directly through ADAMTS1 interaction. In conclusion, ADAMTS1 is an important
      mediator of SPARC-regulated cardiac aging.

PMID- 27143556
TI  - Glucocorticoid antagonism limits adiposity rebound and glucose intolerance in
      young male rats following the cessation of daily exercise and caloric
      restriction.
AB  - Severe caloric restriction (CR), in a setting of regular physical exercise, may
      be a stress that sets the stage for adiposity rebound and insulin resistance when
      the food restriction and exercise stop. In this study, we examined the effect of
      mifepristone, a glucocorticoid (GC) receptor antagonist, on limiting adipose
      tissue mass gain and preserving whole body insulin sensitivity following the
      cessation of daily running and CR. We calorically restricted male Sprague-Dawley
      rats and provided access to voluntary running wheels for 3 wk followed by locking
      of the wheels and reintroduction to ad libitum feeding with or without
      mifepristone (80 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) for 1 wk. Cessation of daily running and CR
      increased HOMA-IR and visceral adipose mass as well as glucose and insulin area
      under the curve during an oral glucose tolerance test vs. pre-wheel lock
      exercised rats and sedentary rats (all P < 0.05). Insulin sensitivity and glucose
      tolerance were preserved and adipose tissue mass gain was attenuated by daily
      mifepristone treatment during the post-wheel lock period. These findings suggest
      that following regular exercise and CR there are GC-induced mechanisms that
      promote adipose tissue mass gain and impaired metabolic control in healthy
      organisms and that this phenomenon can be inhibited by the GC receptor antagonist
      mifepristone.

PMID- 27143557
TI  - Vitamin D status and metabolism in an ovine pregnancy model: effect of long-term,
      high-altitude hypoxia.
AB  - Vitamin D status increases during healthy mammalian pregnancy, but the molecular
      determinants remain uncharacterized. The first objective of this study was to
      determine the effects of pregnancy, and the second objective was to examine the
      role of chronic hypoxia on vitamin D status and metabolism in an ovine model. We
      analyzed the plasma levels of cholecalciferol, 25-OH-D, and 1alpha,25-(OH)2D in
      nonpregnant ewes, near-term pregnant ewes, and their fetuses exposed to normoxia
      (low altitude) or hypoxia (high-altitude) for 100 days. Hypoxic sheep had
      increased circulating levels of 25-OH-D and 1alpha,25-(OH)2D compared with
      normoxic sheep. Hypoxia increases in 25-OH-D were associated with increased
      expression of renal 25-hydroxylases CYP2R1 and CYP2J. Pregnancy did not increase
      further the plasma levels of 25-OH-D, but it significantly increased those of the
      active metabolite, 1alpha,25-(OH)2D, in both normoxic and hypoxic ewes. Increased
      bioactivation of vitamin D correlated with increased expression of the vitamin D
      activating enzyme CYP27b1 and decreased expression of the inactivating enzyme
      CYP24a1 in maternal kidneys and placentas. Hypoxia increased parathyroid hormone
      levels and further increased renal CYP27b1. Pregnancy and hypoxia decreased the
      expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in maternal kidney and lung, with opposite
      effects on placental VDR. We conclude that ovine pregnancy is a model of
      increased vitamin D status, and long-term hypoxia further improves vitamin D
      status due to pregnancy- and hypoxia-specific regulation of VDR and metabolic
      enzymes.

PMID- 27143559
TI  - Metabolic activity of brown, "beige," and white adipose tissues in response to
      chronic adrenergic stimulation in male mice.
AB  - Classical brown adipocytes such as those found in interscapular brown adipose
      tissue (iBAT) represent energy-burning cells, which have been postulated to play
      a pivotal role in energy metabolism. Brown adipocytes can also be found in white
      adipose tissue (WAT) depots [e.g., inguinal WAT (iWAT)] following adrenergic
      stimulation, and they have been referred to as "beige" adipocytes. Whether the
      presence of these adipocytes, which gives iWAT a beige appearance, can confer a
      white depot with some thermogenic activity remains to be seen. In consequence, we
      designed the present study to investigate the metabolic activity of iBAT, iWAT,
      and epididymal white depots in mice. Mice were either 1) kept at thermoneutrality
      (30 degrees C), 2) kept at 30 degrees C and treated daily for 14 days with an
      adrenergic agonist [CL-316,243 (CL)], or 3) housed at 10 degrees C for 14 days.
      Metabolic activity was assessed using positron emission tomography imaging with
      fluoro-[(18)F]deoxyglucose (glucose uptake), fluoro-[(18)F]thiaheptadecanoic acid
      (fatty acid uptake), and [(11)C]acetate (oxidative activity). In each group,
      substrate uptakes and oxidative activity were measured in anesthetized mice in
      response to acute CL. Our results revealed iBAT as a major site of metabolic
      activity, which exhibited enhanced glucose and nonesterified fatty acid uptakes
      and oxidative activity in response to chronic cold and CL. On the other hand,
      beige adipose tissue failed to exhibit appreciable increase in oxidative activity
      in response to chronic cold and CL. Altogether, our results suggest that the
      contribution of beige fat to acute-CL-induced metabolic activity is low compared
      with that of iBAT, even after sustained adrenergic stimulation. 

PMID- 27143561
TI  - Improving emergency care for people who self harm.

PMID- 27143560
TI  - Four-dimensional planning for motion synchronized dose delivery in lung
      stereotactic body radiation therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To investigate a weighted four-dimensional (W-4D)
      treatment planning strategy based on the greater clinical advantage of the
      conformal over the intensity-modulated technique in lung stereotactic body
      radiotherapy (SBRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two planning strategies (individual
      phase 4D [IP-4D] and W-4D) were evaluated in eighteen lung SBRT patients. The IP
      4D plan can deliver a constant fluence during whole respiratory phases. The W-4D
      plan's key concept was to escalate (or reduce) fluence using a 4D optimization
      algorithm when the tumour target was out-of-line (or in-line) with an organ-at
      risk. The fluence was converted to a dynamic multi-leaf collimator leaf sequence
      for deliverable 4D irradiation. RESULTS: In all patients, the W-4D plan enabled
      planning tumour volume conformity comparable to the IP-4D plan. The W-4D plan
      yielded a significantly lower maximum dose than the IP-4D plan for the spinal
      cord (-11%; p<0.01), oesophagus (-14%; p<0.01), heart (-22%; p=0.01) and stomach
      (-23%; p=0.07), and a lower mean dose to liver (-19%; p=0.18) while maintaining
      the mean dose to lung (-1%; p=0.23). CONCLUSIONS: W-4D is a robust, practical
      planning approach that achieves significant dose sparing relative to non-time
      resolved tracking; it may be of greater clinical benefit in radiotherapy than the
      spatially intensity-modulated 4D approach.

PMID- 27143562
TI  - Ambient pressure synthesis of MIL-100(Fe) MOF from homogeneous solution using a
      redox pathway.
AB  - Micro- to mesoporous iron(iii) trimesate MIL-100(Fe) is a MOF of high interest
      for numerous applications. With regard to large-scale synthesis, e.g., by
      continuous flow or the in situ deposition of coatings, a replacement for the
      conventional, hydrothermal low-yield fluoride-containing synthesis is desirable.
      In this contribution, we present a method to synthesize crystalline fluoride-free
      MIL-100(Fe) from iron(iii) nitrate and trimesic acid in zeotropic DMSO/water
      solution at normal ambient pressure involving a DMSO-nitrate redox pathway.
      Yields of 72%, surface areas of SBET = 1791 m(2) g(-1) and pore volumes of Vpore
      = 0.82 cm(3) g(-1) were achieved. 

PMID- 27143558
TI  - Enteral beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate supplementation increases protein
      synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs.
AB  - Many low-birth weight infants are at risk for poor growth due to an inability to
      achieve adequate protein intake. Administration of the amino acid leucine
      stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonates. To determine the
      effects of enteral supplementation of the leucine metabolite beta-hydroxy-beta
      methylbutyrate (HMB) on protein synthesis and the regulation of translation
      initiation and degradation pathways, overnight-fasted neonatal pigs were studied
      immediately (F) or fed one of five diets for 24 h: low-protein (LP), high-protein
      (HP), or LP diet supplemented with 4 (HMB4), 40 (HMB40), or 80 (HMB80) MUmol
      HMB.kg body wt(-1).day(-1) Cell replication was assessed from nuclear
      incorporation of BrdU in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle and jejunum crypt
      cells. Protein synthesis rates in LD, gastrocnemius, rhomboideus, and diaphragm
      muscles, lung, and brain were greater in HMB80 and HP and in brain were greater
      in HMB40 compared with LP and F groups. Formation of the eIF4E.eIF4G complex and
      S6K1 and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in LD, gastrocnemius, and rhomboideus muscles
      were greater in HMB80 and HP than in LP and F groups. Phosphorylation of
      eIF2alpha and eEF2 and expression of SNAT2, LAT1, MuRF1, atrogin-1, and LC3-II
      were unchanged. Numbers of BrdU-positive myonuclei in the LD were greater in
      HMB80 and HP than in the LP and F groups; there were no differences in jejunum.
      The results suggest that enteral supplementation with HMB increases skeletal
      muscle protein anabolism in neonates by stimulation of protein synthesis and
      satellite cell proliferation.

PMID- 27143564
TI  - Experimental evidence for thermal generation of interstitials in a metallic
      crystal near the melting temperature.
AB  - The only intrinsic point defects of simple crystalline metals known from solid
      state physics are vacancies and interstitials. It is widely believed that while
      vacancies play a major role in crystal properties and their concentration reaches
      relatively big values near the melting temperature T m, interstitials essentially
      do not occur in thermodynamic equilibrium and their influence on properties is
      minor. Here, taking aluminum single crystals as an example, we present compelling
      experimental evidence for rapid thermoactivated growth of interstitial
      concentration upon approaching T m. Using high precision measurements of the
      shear modulus we found a diaelastic effect of up to [Formula: see text] near T m.
      It is argued that this effect is mostly due to the generation of dumbbell (split)
      interstitials. The interstitial concentration c i rapidly increases upon
      approaching T m and becomes only 2-3 times smaller than that of vacancies just
      below T m. The reason for this c i -increase is conditioned by a decrease of the
      Gibbs free energy with temperature, which in turn originates from the high
      formation entropy of dumbbell interstitials and a decrease of their formation
      enthalpy at high c i . Special molecular dynamic simulation confirmed all basic
      aspects of the proposed interpretation. The results obtained (i) demonstrate the
      significance of interstitial concentration near T m that could lead to the
      revaluation of vacancy concentration at high temperatures, (ii) suggest that
      dumbbell interstitials play a major role in the melting mechanism of monatomic
      metallic crystals and (iii) support a new avenue for in-depth understanding of
      glassy metals.

PMID- 27143563
TI  - A Hierarchical Carbon Derived from Sponge-Templated Activation of Graphene Oxide
      for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrodes.
AB  - A hierarchical porous carbon is fabricated by introducing a polyurethane sponge
      to a template graphene oxide into a 3D interconnected structure, while KOH
      activation generates abundant micropores in its backbone. Supercapacitors
      assembled with this carbon achieve a high energy density of 89 W h kg(-1) (64 W h
      L(-1) ) and outstanding power density due to the shortened ion-transport distance
      in 3D. 

PMID- 27143565
TI  - A novel platform self-assembled from squaraine-embedded Zn(ii) complexes for
      selective monitoring of ATP and its level fluctuation in mitotic cells.
AB  - Using multiple interactions, a simple self-assembly based on a Zn(ii)
      coordination compound and squaraine () demonstrated a selective turn-on
      fluorescence response to ATP in the near infrared (NIR) region. More importantly,
      the self-assembly has been successfully applied to ATP imaging in the
      mitochondria of the gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 and monitoring of level
      fluctuation of ATP during the mitotic period. 

PMID- 27143566
TI  - Editor's Introduction.

PMID- 27143567
TI  - Recognizing the Caregiver as a Patient.

PMID- 27143568
TI  - Transnational Caregiving for My Father: An Opportunity and a Blessing.
AB  - Transnational caregiving can be daunting, yet it often brings out the strengths
      of the caregiver that he or she may not have been aware of. Thus, it is a
      wonderful opportunity to know oneself and use those strengths to become better in
      other areas of life. Transnational caregiving is also a blessing, in that one can
      still continue to provide care for a loved one by surmounting the barriers of
      geographical distance. To transform what often is a challenging situation into a
      blessing, a fresh eye is needed to seek different ways of fulfilling the needs of
      the loved one by focusing on one thing: How can the caregiver, in his or her
      individual capacity, make a difference in the quality of life of the family
      member? This article, while relating personal experience in caring for a parent,
      traverses these issues. 

PMID- 27143569
TI  - What Remains: Crossing Personal, Professional, and Spiritual Boundaries While
      Caring for a Dying Ex-spouse.

PMID- 27143570
TI  - He Died in the Snow.

PMID- 27143571
TI  - Coping with a Terminal Diagnosis: Perspectives from Inside the Patient's Home.
AB  - This vignette describes the evolving and intimate relationship between a medical
      student and his patient, and their shared journey in accepting the patient's
      terminal diagnosis. The news of her diagnosis touched all parts of her life, and
      this account explores those effects on a very personal level. 

PMID- 27143572
TI  - Family Caregiving and the Site of Care: Four Narratives About End-of-Life Care
      for Individuals with Dementia.
AB  - Little is known about end-of-life care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease
      and other dementias. Four case studies are presented, using data collected by
      qualitative interviews conducted with family caregivers who were closely involved
      with end-of-life care for relatives with dementia. The case studies are formatted
      in two pairs, with one reflecting two deaths occurring at home and the other pair
      representing two deaths in the nursing home. The cases reveal a range of end-of
      life experiences, suggesting that there is not just one "good" path. The extent
      of care needed, the responsiveness of the individual, the health of the
      caregiver(s), and the residence and support situations, can all intersect in a
      variety of ways that make no one scenario the answer for all. Although most
      people say they would prefer to die at home, in some situations the nursing home
      can be a satisfactory choice, particularly if hospice is involved. These
      narrative case studies give the reader insight into the variety of the end-of
      life experiences and suggest the environment should be considered as part of the
      care provision. 

PMID- 27143573
TI  - Live Discharge from Hospice and the Grief Experience of Dementia Caregivers.
AB  - When an individual has dementia, family members are involved in many care
      transitions in their roles as caregivers. One such transition is the 'live'
      discharge from hospice services. This occurs when an individual no longer meets
      eligibility criteria. This can be difficult for caregivers who have been
      anticipating an end to understand in the context of their grief process. This
      qualitative study (N = 24) explored the experience of caregivers of adults with
      dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, who experienced a 'live' discharge from
      hospice. Specifically, the experience of grief is examined. Results from this
      study highlight the complexity of caring for someone with a terminal disease and
      the grief experience in end-of-life care as caregivers struggle to understand the
      individual's terminal prognosis as temporary. This is further complicated for
      caregivers who must resume caregiving responsibilities or assume a new caregiving
      role after experiencing a loss of hospice services. Finally, hospice social
      workers are well positioned to offer emotional and other concrete support to
      caregivers who experience a 'live' discharge. 

PMID- 27143574
TI  - Coaching Family Caregivers to Become Better Problem Solvers When Caring for
      Persons with Advanced Cancer.
AB  - Family caregivers of persons with advanced cancer often take on responsibilities
      that present daunting and complex problems. Serious problems that go unresolved
      may be burdensome and result in negative outcomes for caregivers' psychological
      and physical health and affect the quality of care delivered to the care
      recipients with cancer, especially at the end of life. Formal problem-solving
      training approaches have been developed over the past several decades to assist
      individuals with managing problems faced in daily life. Several of these problem
      solving principles and techniques were incorporated into ENABLE (Educate,
      Nurture, Advise, Before Life End), an "early" palliative care telehealth
      intervention for individuals diagnosed with advanced cancer and their family
      caregivers. A hypothetical case resembling the situations of actual caregiver
      participants in ENABLE that exemplifies the complex problems that caregivers face
      is presented, followed by presentation of an overview of ENABLE's problem-solving
      key principles, techniques, and steps in problem-solving support. Though more
      research is needed to formally test the use of problem-solving support in social
      work practice, social workers can easily incorporate these techniques into
      everyday practice. 

PMID- 27143575
TI  - A Cross-Sectional Examination of the Association Between Dyspnea and Distress as
      Experienced by Palliative Home Care Clients and Their Informal Caregivers.
AB  - This study examined the association between dyspnea and distress as experienced
      by both palliative home care clients and their informal caregivers as a unit of
      care. Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the interRAI Palliative Care
      Assessment database. Responses from 6,655 individual palliative home care clients
      across six regional jurisdictions in Ontario, Canada were included. This study
      found that clients experiencing dyspnea were more likely to show overall signs of
      distress; report one or more signs of self-reported distress; and be at risk for
      depression when compared to clients who do not experience dyspnea. Caregivers of
      clients experiencing dyspnea were more likely to exhibit distress than caregivers
      of clients not reporting dyspnea. When indicators of caregiver distress and
      client distress were combined, 53% of the caregiver-client units exhibited
      distress. Social work practitioners should include a focus on distress within the
      care unit as a priority when care planning to meet the needs of persons nearing
      the end of life. Members of the care team should consider available treatment and
      management options tailored to meet both the client and their informal
      caregiver's needs. 

PMID- 27143576
TI  - Allowing Family to be Family: End-of-Life Care in Veterans Affairs Medical Foster
      Homes.
AB  - The Medical Foster Home program is a unique long-term care program coordinated by
      the Veterans Health Administration. The program pairs Veterans with private, 24
      hour a day community-based caregivers who often care for Veterans until the end
      of life. This qualitative study explored the experiences of care coordination for
      Medical Foster Home Veterans at the end of life with eight Veterans' family
      members, five Medical Foster Home caregivers, and seven Veterans Health
      Administration Home-Based Primary Care team members. A case study, qualitative
      content analysis identified these themes addressing care coordination and impact
      of the Medical Foster Home model on those involved: (a) Medical Foster Home
      program supports Veterans' families; (b) Medical Foster Home program supports the
      caregiver as family; (c) Veterans' needs are met socially and culturally at the
      end of life; and (d) the changing needs of Veterans, families, and caregivers at
      Veterans' end of life are addressed. Insights into how to best support Medical
      Foster Home caregivers caring for Veterans at the end of life were gained
      including the need for more and better respite options and how caregivers are
      compensated in the month of the Veteran's death, as well as suggestions to
      navigate end-of-life care coordination with multiple stakeholders involved. 

PMID- 27143577
TI  - Examining the Experiences of Fathers of Children with a Life-Limiting Illness.
AB  - Families who have a child diagnosed with a life-limiting illness (LLI) face
      substantial challenges resulting from the complexity and devastating impact of
      the condition and potential closeness of death. The experiences of fathers of a
      child with LLI have been understudied; therefore, this study explored the
      stresses, experiences, and strategies of these fathers, including their
      perceptions about support needs. Based on grounded theory, in-depth semi
      structured interviews were conducted with 18 fathers of children with LLI. Six
      fathers had experienced the death of their child. The overarching themes were
      stresses, means of coping, and perceived needs for support. Generally, fathers in
      this study struggled relative to discursive and internalized notions of fathers
      as providers and protectors for their children, combined with an inability to
      ease their child's vulnerability to LLI. Participants were engaged in the care of
      their child with LLI, but several felt marginalized by health care providers in
      care planning and staff/family communication. Some fathers recognized and valued
      their support network while others had few supports. Some described personal
      growth and desired to help other fathers. Practice implications and
      recommendations include renewed application of family-centered care, overcoming
      presumptions about fathers' roles, and recognizing the impact of LLI beyond
      physical health. 

PMID- 27143578
TI  - Identities in Transition: Women Caregivers in Bereavement.
AB  - Population aging and longevity due to medical advances over the past few decades
      have meant that the approximately 44 million caregivers in the United States and
      eight million caregivers in Canada must provide more intensive levels of care and
      for longer periods of time. Consequently, caregivers are often profoundly
      affected by their caregiving role in emotional, psychological, physical, and
      financial ways. Thirty years of research on this population have helped to create
      a caregiver profile and identify the significant challenges for caregivers. One
      area explored to a much lesser extent is the postcaregiving period, when the
      caregiver transitions into a period of bereavement. This period can be
      particularly challenging for caregivers given the commitment inherent in the
      caregiving process. Research has shown that the emotional reactions of caregivers
      as well as practical challenges do not end with the death of the care recipient.
      In fact, complex realities, tensions, and responses continue well after the death
      into the postcaregiving period. This study of bereaved women caregivers explored
      their lived experiences in the postcaregiving phase. One central theme emerged
      and suggested that the experience of caregiving had an effect on the caregivers'
      identities, which then influenced their bereavement processes and experiences. 

PMID- 27143579
TI  - An Ecological Understanding of Caregiver Experiences in Palliative Care.
AB  - Palliative care is specialized health care to improve quality of life for
      patients with serious illness and their families through prevention and relief of
      suffering. A Palliative Care Institute was held in western Washington to capture
      community voices about diverse needs, strengths, and opportunities for
      improvement of palliative care. Researchers employed qualitative methods to
      obtain thematic data, provide real-time analysis, and engage in a multivoting
      technique to reflect stakeholder interest in individual themes and prioritize
      larger group interests. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems framework was used to
      explore caregiver experiences. Within the microsystem, caregivers reported
      difficulties in interactions with medical providers as a key challenge. Within
      the mesosysytem, interactions between patients and medical providers and the
      impact on caregivers were explored. Within the exosystem, caregivers reported
      lack of control over the schedules of personal care staff. Macrosystem influences
      included impact of local culture on the development of palliative care services.
      Chronosystem influences include de-medicalization of childbirth and its impact on
      perceptions of palliative care. Implications include the need for social workers
      to be proactive in fostering trust and effective communication between care
      providers and caregivers, and the demand for health care provider training in
      communication with patients and families. 

PMID- 27143580
TI  - Magnetically guided central nervous system delivery and toxicity evaluation of
      magneto-electric nanocarriers.
AB  - Least component-based delivery of drug-tagged-nanocarriers across blood-brain
      barriers (BBB) will allow site-specific and on-demand release of therapeutics to
      prevent CNS diseases. We developed a non-invasive magnetically guided delivery of
      magneto-electric nanocarriers (MENCs), ~20 nm, 10 mg/kg, across BBB in C57Bl/J
      mice. Delivered MENCs were uniformly distributed inside the brain, and were non
      toxic to brain and other major organs, such as kidney, lung, liver, and spleen,
      and did not affect hepatic, kidney and neurobehavioral functioning.

PMID- 27143581
TI  - Empowering Adults With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury to Prevent Secondary
      Conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and assess the feasibility of My Care My Call, an
      innovative peer-led, community-based telephone intervention for individuals with
      chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) using peer health coaches. DESIGN: Qualitative
      pilot study. SETTING: General community. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of
      consumer advocates with traumatic SCI >=1 year postinjury (N=7). INTERVENTIONS:
      My Care My Call applies a health empowerment approach for goal-setting support,
      education, and referral to empower consumers in managing their preventive health
      needs. For feasibility testing, peer health coaches, trained in brief action
      planning, called participants 6 times over 3 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Identified focus areas were acceptability, demand, implementation, and
      practicality. Participant outcome data were collected through brief after-call
      surveys and qualitative exit interviews. Through a custom website, peer health
      coaches documented call attempts, content, and feedback. Analysis applied the
      constant comparative method. RESULTS: My Care My Call was highly feasible in each
      focus area for participants. Concerning acceptability, participants were highly
      satisfied, rating peer health coaches as very good or excellent in 80% of calls;
      felt My Care My Call was appropriate; and would continue use. Regarding demand,
      participants completed 88% of scheduled calls; reported that My Care My Call
      fills a real need; and would recommend it. Considering implementation, peer
      health coaches made 119% of expected calls, with a larger focus on compiling
      individualized resources. For practicality, call duration averaged 29 minutes,
      with 1 hour of additional time for peer health coaches. Participant effects
      included feeling supported, greater confidence toward goals, and greater
      connection to resources. Subsequently, several process changes enhanced peer
      health coach training and support through role-plays, regular support calls, and
      streamlined My Care My Call support materials. CONCLUSIONS: After process
      changes, a randomized controlled trial to evaluate My Care My Call is underway.

PMID- 27143582
TI  - Airy beam optical parametric oscillator.
AB  - Airy beam, a non-diffracting waveform, has peculiar properties of self-healing
      and self-acceleration. Due to such unique properties, the Airy beam finds many
      applications including curved plasma wave-guiding, micro-particle manipulation,
      optically mediated particle clearing, long distance communication, and nonlinear
      frequency conversion. However, many of these applications including laser
      machining of curved structures, generation of curved plasma channels, guiding of
      electric discharges in a curved path, study of nonlinear propagation dynamics,
      and nonlinear interaction demand Airy beam with high power, energy, and
      wavelength tunability. Till date, none of the Airy beam sources have all these
      features in a single device. Here, we report a new class of coherent sources
      based on cubic phase modulation of a singly-resonant optical parametric
      oscillator (OPO), producing high-power, continuous-wave (cw), tunable radiation
      in 2-D Airy intensity profile existing over a length >2 m. Based on a MgO-doped
      periodically poled LiNbO3 crystal pumped at 1064 nm, the Airy beam OPO produces
      output power more than 8 W, and wavelength tunability across 1.51-1.97 MUm. This
      demonstration gives new direction for the development of sources of arbitrary
      structured beams at any wavelength, power, and energy in all time scales (cw to
      femtosecond).

PMID- 27143584
TI  - Gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease. What is the role of capsule
      endoscopy? A case series.

PMID- 27143583
TI  - Eradication failure of newly acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in cystic
      fibrosis.
AB  - : Eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is critical in cystic fibrosis (CF)
      patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine eradication success rate of newly acquired PA
      and to identify characteristics associated with eradication failure. METHODS: In
      an observational study, data from patients with newly acquired PA infection from
      2007 to 2013 were collected. Clinical variables were compared in patients with
      and without successful eradication for >=1year. RESULTS: Of 183 patients out of
      740 (25%) from 7 CF Centers that had newly acquired PA, eradication succeeded in
      72%. Patients with the highest risk of failure had multi-resistant PA, fewer
      sputum cultures taken, were older, and were diagnosed at a later age. The risk of
      eradication failure increased by 1.3% with each year of delayed CF diagnosis;
      successful eradication increased by 17% with each additional sputum culture
      taken. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed detection of PA infection leading to delayed
      treatment and growth of multi-resistant organisms is associated with eradication
      failure.

PMID- 27143586
TI  - Simultaneous production of bioelectricity and treatment of membrane concentrate
      in multitube microbial fuel cell.
AB  - The performance of upflow multitube microbial fuel cell (UM2FC) from membrane
      concentrate of domestic wastewater (50% concentrate or a volume to concentration
      ratio of 2) has been investigated in a laboratory test. The test found that the
      UM2FC with the tin-coated copper mesh and coil spring under different hydraulic
      retention times (HRTs) produced maximum electricity of 916 +/- 200 mW/m3 (61
      mW/m2) at an HRT of 0.75 day with a 78% soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD)
      removal efficiency and 3% and 20% Coulombic efficiencies (CEs). The whole-cell
      resistance as calculated from the Nyquist plot and equivalent circuit were
      approximately 134 and 255 Omega for HRTs of 0.5 and 0.75 days, respectively.
      Considering HRT, the current increase with longer HRT could be due to longer
      contact time between organic material and biofilm, which results in a higher
      electrical efficiency. The results showed that UM2FC could represent an effective
      system for simultaneous membrane concentrate treatment and electricity production
      after further improvements on MFC and operating conditions.

PMID- 27143585
TI  - Spatiotemporal profile of Map2 and microglial changes in the hippocampal CA1
      region following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus.
AB  - Status epilepticus (SE) triggers pathological changes to hippocampal dendrites
      that may promote epileptogenesis. The microtubule associated protein 2 (Map2)
      helps stabilize microtubules of the dendritic cytoskeleton. Recently, we reported
      a substantial decline in Map2 that coincided with robust microglia accumulation
      in the CA1 hippocampal region after an episode of SE. A spatial correlation
      between Map2 loss and reactive microglia was also reported in human cortex from
      refractory epilepsy. New evidence supports that microglia modulate dendritic
      structures. Thus, to identify a potential association between SE-induced Map2 and
      microglial changes, a spatiotemporal profile of these events is necessary. We
      used immunohistochemistry to determine the distribution of Map2 and the microglia
      marker IBA1 in the hippocampus after pilocarpine-induced SE from 4 hrs to 35
      days. We found a decline in Map2 immunoreactivity in the CA1 area that reached
      minimal levels at 14 days post-SE and partially increased thereafter. In
      contrast, maximal microglia accumulation occurred in the CA1 area at 14 days post
      SE. Our data indicate that SE-induced Map2 and microglial changes parallel each
      other's spatiotemporal profiles. These findings may lay the foundation for future
      mechanistic studies to help identify potential roles for microglia in the
      dendritic pathology associated with SE and epilepsy.

PMID- 27143587
TI  - Evaluation of microbial fuel cells for electricity generation from oil
      contaminated wastewater.
AB  - Large quantities of oils and fats are discharged into wastewater from food
      industries. We evaluated the possibility of using microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for
      the generation of electricity from food-industry wastewater containing vegetable
      oils. Single-chamber MFCs were supplied with artificial wastewater containing
      soybean oil, and oil removal and electric output were examined under several
      different conditions. We found that MFC performance could be improved by
      supplementing wastewater with an emulsifier, inoculating MFCs with oil
      contaminated soil, and coating the graphite-felt anodes with carbon nanotubes,
      resulting in a power output of more than 2 W m-2 (based on the projected area of
      the anode). Sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified 16S rRNA gene
      fragments detected abundant amount of Burkholderiales bacteria (known to include
      oil degraders) in the oil-contaminated soil and anode biofilm, whereas those
      affiliated with the genus Geobacter were only detected in the anode biofilm.
      These results suggest that MFCs can be used for energy recovery from food
      industry wastewater containing vegetable oils.

PMID- 27143588
TI  - An Unusual Cause of Paroxysmal Dyspnea.

PMID- 27143589
TI  - An Unusual Case of Small Bowel Obstruction in an Elderly Woman.

PMID- 27143590
TI  - An Exceptional Cause of Epigastric Pain.

PMID- 27143592
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27143591
TI  - An Unexpected Cause of Pancreatitis.

PMID- 27143593
TI  - Massive Bleeding From an Odd Location.

PMID- 27143594
TI  - ESSENS dyslipidemia: A placebo-controlled, randomized study of a nutritional
      supplement containing red yeast rice in subjects with newly diagnosed
      dyslipidemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests prolonged exposure to lower levels of low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), starting at a younger age, substantially lowers
      cardiovascular (CV) risk. Accordingly, the CV pandemic affecting younger
      population in low- to low-middle-income countries, where statin usage is poor
      even in secondary prevention, may benefit from lipid-lowering nutritional
      products, as nutritional intervention is generally preferred in these cultures.
      However, the safety and efficacy of such preparations have not been
      systematically tested. METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind study, 191
      statin-free subjects with newly-diagnosed hyperlipidemia (LDL-C >120 mg/dL, 3.11
      mmol/L) and no evidence of CV disease were randomized to one capsule of a
      proprietary bioactive phytonutrient formulation containing red yeast rice, grape
      seed, niacinamide, and folic acid (RYR-NS) or matched placebo twice daily, along
      with lifestyle modification, for 12 wk. RESULTS: Mean baseline LDL-C levels were
      148.5 +/- 24.0 mg/dL (3.85 +/- 0.62 mmol/L) and 148.6 +/- 21.9 mg/dL (3.85 +/-
      0.57 mmol/L) in the RYR-NS and placebo groups respectively. Compared with
      placebo, RYR-NS resulted in a significant reduction in LDL-C (-29.4% versus 
      3.5%, P < 0.0001) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C; -29.8%
      versus -10.3%, P < 0.0001) at 12 wk. With RYR-NS, 43.4% individuals attained
      desirable LDL-C levels and 55.4% desirable non-HDL-C levels by week 12, compared
      to only 0% and 1.1%, respectively, at baseline. No safety issues were observed.
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of RYR-NS in lowering
      LDL-C and non-HDL-C after 12 wk, with magnitude of LDL-C reduction being
      comparable to that seen with moderate-intensity statin therapy. Further long-term
      studies are required to determine the impact of RYR-NS on treatment adherence and
      clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27143595
TI  - Impact of lipases on the protective effect of SEDDS for incorporated peptide
      drugs towards intestinal peptidases.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study is the development of self-emulsifying drug delivery
      systems (SEDDS) differing in amounts of ester substructures and to evaluate their
      stability in presence of pancreatic lipase and protective effect against luminal
      enzymatic metabolism using leuprorelin as model peptide drug. METHODS:
      Hydrophobic leuprolide oleate was incorporated into three different SEDDS
      formulations and their stability towards pancreatic lipases was investigated
      utilizing a dynamic in vitro digestion model. Protective effect of SEDDS in
      respect to peptide drug stability against proteolytic enzymes, trypsin and alpha
      chymotrypsin, was determined via HPLC. RESULTS: Results of in vitro digestion
      demonstrated that 80% of SEDDS containing the highest amount of ester linkages
      was degraded within 60min. In comparison to that, SEDDS without ester bonds
      showed no degradation. With increasing oil droplets hydrolysis the remaining
      amount of peptide encapsulated into formulation decreased. Furthermore, after
      180min incubation with trypsin up to 33.5% and with alpha-chymotrypsin up to
      60.5% of leuprolide oleate was intact while leuprorelin acetate aqueous solution
      was completely metabolized by trypsin within 120min and by alpha-chymotrypsin
      within 5min. Protective effect in environment containing lipases was lower due to
      oil phase degradation, however, the amount of peptide in ester-free SEDDS was
      remarkably higher compared to SEDDS susceptible to lipases. CONCLUSION: The
      present study revealed that SEDDS stable towards hydrolysis is able to exhibit a
      protective effect for oral peptide delivery.

PMID- 27143596
TI  - Successful percutaneous paravalvular leak closure followed by transfemoral aortic
      lotus valve-in-valve implantation in a degenerated surgical bioprosthesis.
AB  - Bioprosthesis degeneration is a relevant clinical issue that is increasingly
      developing with the higher expectancy of life. Its treatment may be further
      complicated by the presence of paravalvular leaks, which are usually consequence
      of tissue friability, annular calcification, and infection. The surgical
      treatment of such complex conditions may be too risky, so percutaneous techniques
      in selected centers are becoming an attracting option. We report the case of a 65
      year-old gentleman with a previous aortic valve replacement (Perimount n.25) who
      was admitted with worsening heart failure and transoesophageal evidence of severe
      intraprosthetic regurgitation and a large paravalvular leak. Since he was judged
      at too high risk for surgery, he was treated by a fully percutaneous approach.
      First, he had his large paravalvular leak closed by implantation of two plugs
      from both retrograde and anterograde routes (arterial-venous loop created). After
      one month, he underwent a "valve-in-valve" transcatheter aortic valve
      implantation with a fully repositionable Lotus 23 mm valve, which was able to
      restore a completely normal aortic valve function and let to a dramatic
      improvement of his functional status at 6-month follow-up (from NYHA IV to NYHA
      I), when a transthoracic echocardiogram also confirmed the absence of any aortic
      regurgitation. This case shows how a tailored step-by-step fully percutaneous
      strategy is safe and feasible in high-risk patients with both bioprosthesis
      degeneration and large paravalvular leaks. This novel opportunity would need to
      be better evaluated in properly addressed long-term clinical studies. (c) 2016
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27143599
TI  - The Euromelanoma campaign.

PMID- 27143598
TI  - Occupational Exposure to Cobalt and Tungsten in the Swedish Hard Metal Industry:
      Air Concentrations of Particle Mass, Number, and Surface Area.
AB  - Exposure to cobalt in the hard metal industry entails severe adverse health
      effects, including lung cancer and hard metal fibrosis. The main aim of this
      study was to determine exposure air concentration levels of cobalt and tungsten
      for risk assessment and dose-response analysis in our medical investigations in a
      Swedish hard metal plant. We also present mass-based, particle surface area, and
      particle number air concentrations from stationary sampling and investigate the
      possibility of using these data as proxies for exposure measures in our study.
      Personal exposure full-shift measurements were performed for inhalable and total
      dust, cobalt, and tungsten, including personal real-time continuous monitoring of
      dust. Stationary measurements of inhalable and total dust, PM2.5, and PM10 was
      also performed and cobalt and tungsten levels were determined, as were air
      concentration of particle number and particle surface area of fine particles. The
      personal exposure levels of inhalable dust were consistently low (AM 0.15mg m(
      3), range <0.023-3.0mg m(-3)) and below the present Swedish occupational exposure
      limit (OEL) of 10mg m(-3) The cobalt levels were low as well (AM 0.0030mg m(-3),
      range 0.000028-0.056mg m(-3)) and only 6% of the samples exceeded the Swedish OEL
      of 0.02mg m(-3) For continuous personal monitoring of dust exposure, the peaks
      ranged from 0.001 to 83mg m(-3) by work task. Stationary measurements showed
      lower average levels both for inhalable and total dust and cobalt. The particle
      number concentration of fine particles (AM 3000 p.cm(-3)) showed the highest
      levels at the departments of powder production, pressing and storage, and for the
      particle surface area concentrations (AM 7.6 um(2).cm(-3)) similar results were
      found. Correlating cobalt mass-based exposure measurements to cobalt stationary
      mass-based, particle area, and particle number concentrations by rank and
      department showed significant correlations for all measures except for particle
      number. Linear regression analysis of the same data showed statistically
      significant regression coefficients only for the mass-based aerosol measures.
      Similar results were seen for rank correlation in the stationary rig, and linear
      regression analysis implied significant correlation for mass-based and particle
      surface area measures. The mass-based air concentration levels of cobalt and
      tungsten in the hard metal plant in our study were low compared to Swedish OELs.
      Particle number and particle surface area concentrations were in the same order
      of magnitude as for other industrial settings. Regression analysis implied the
      use of stationary determined mass-based and particle surface area aerosol
      concentration as proxies for various exposure measures in our study. 

PMID- 27143600
TI  - Sarcoidosis and Tuberculosis: a diagnostic challenge.

PMID- 27143601
TI  - Modulation of Total Sleep Time by Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS).
AB  - Arousal and sleep are fundamental physiological processes, and their modulation
      is of high clinical significance. This study tested the hypothesis that total
      sleep time (TST) in humans can be modulated by the non-invasive brain stimulation
      technique transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting a 'top-down'
      cortico-thalamic pathway of sleep-wake regulation. Nineteen healthy participants
      underwent a within-subject, repeated-measures protocol across five nights in the
      sleep laboratory with polysomnographic monitoring (adaptation, baseline, three
      experimental nights). tDCS was delivered via bi-frontal target electrodes and bi
      parietal return electrodes before sleep (anodal 'activation', cathodal
      'deactivation', and sham stimulation). Bi-frontal anodal stimulation
      significantly decreased TST, compared with cathodal and sham stimulation. This
      effect was location specific. Bi-frontal cathodal stimulation did not
      significantly increase TST, potentially due to ceiling effects in good sleepers.
      Exploratory resting-state EEG analyses before and after the tDCS protocols were
      consistent with the notion of increased cortical arousal after anodal stimulation
      and decreased cortical arousal after cathodal stimulation. The study provides
      proof-of-concept that TST can be decreased by non-invasive bi-frontal anodal tDCS
      in healthy humans. Further elucidating the 'top-down' pathway of sleep-wake
      regulation is expected to increase knowledge on the fundamentals of sleep-wake
      regulation and to contribute to the development of novel treatments for clinical
      conditions of disturbed arousal and sleep.

PMID- 27143603
TI  - Characterization and functional analysis of fatty acid binding protein from the
      carcinogenic liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini.
AB  - In the present study, the cDNA encoding FABP (Ov-FABP) was isolated from the
      adult stage of Opisthorchis viverrini and characterized. The Ov-FABP protein
      sequence (107 amino acids) was predicted to have a molecular mass of 12.26kDa and
      an isoelectric point (PI) of 6.82. This sequence had a high identity and
      similarity to Cs-FABP of the related opisthorchid Clonorchis sinensis. Multiple
      sequence alignment with FABPs from other parasitic flatworms and mammals showed a
      number of conserved amino acids including Phe34, Gly37, Glu38, Glu39,Val50,
      Iso62, Gly81, Ile84, Ser87 and Arg101. In addition, the structure of Ov-FABP was
      predicted to have eleven beta-sheets and one alpha-helix based on the known
      structures for FABPs from human (hL-FABP), rat and a schistosome. Phylogenetic
      analysis of amino acid sequence data revealed a close relationship of Ov-FABP
      with Cs-FABP and hL-FABP. Reverse transcription-PCR revealed that Ov-FABP was
      transcribed in the egg, metacercaria, juvenile and adult stages. The soluble form
      of recombinant Ov-FABP (rOv-FABP) was shown to specifically bind fatty acids,
      including oleic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid, as shown for other
      animals. Anti-serum against rOv-FABP (produced in mice) located the protein to
      parenchyma, egg, sucker musculature, testes and tegument of adult O. viverrini.
      Taken together, the findings suggest key functional roles for Ov-FABP in
      development, reproduction and/or host-parasite interactions.

PMID- 27143604
TI  - Molecular survey of canine vector-borne diseases in stray dogs in Thailand.
AB  - Despite the large population of stray dogs in Thailand, there is limited
      information on the prevalence of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs). In this
      study, a molecular survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of Babesia
      spp., Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon spp., Anaplasma platys and Mycoplasma spp. in
      dogs in Thailand. Of the 181 dog blood samples tested by PCR, 78/181 (43.1%) were
      found to be infected with one or more pathogens. The overall prevalence rates of
      Mycoplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp., A. platys and E. canis infections
      were 19.9%, 18.8%, 9.4%, 4.4% and 3.9%, respectively. To the authors' knowledge,
      this is the first report of Mycoplasma infection in Thailand in dogs. The current
      findings are important for future surveillance of CVBDs and designing appropriate
      approaches for diagnosis and control for the diseases in Thailand. 

PMID- 27143602
TI  - Tryptophan Metabolism and White Matter Integrity in Schizophrenia.
AB  - Schizophrenia is associated with abnormalities in the structure and functioning
      of white matter, but the underlying neuropathology is unclear. We hypothesized
      that increased tryptophan degradation in the kynurenine pathway could be
      associated with white matter microstructure and biochemistry, potentially
      contributing to white matter abnormalities in schizophrenia. To test this,
      fasting plasma samples were obtained from 37 schizophrenia patients and 38
      healthy controls and levels of total tryptophan and its metabolite kynurenine
      were assessed. The ratio of kynurenine to tryptophan was used as an index of
      tryptophan catabolic activity in this pathway. White matter structure and
      function were assessed by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and (1)H magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Tryptophan levels were significantly lower
      (p<0.001), and kynurenine/tryptophan ratios were correspondingly higher (p=0.018)
      in patients compared with controls. In patients, lower plasma tryptophan levels
      corresponded to lower structural integrity (DTI fractional anisotropy) (r=0.347,
      p=0.038). In both patients and controls, the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio was
      inversely correlated with frontal white matter glutamate level (r=-0.391 and 
      0.350 respectively, p=0.024 and 0.036). These results provide initial evidence
      implicating abnormal tryptophan/kynurenine pathway activity in changes to white
      matter integrity and white matter glutamate in schizophrenia.

PMID- 27143605
TI  - Modified flotation method, an effective technique for recovering helminth eggs in
      soil.
AB  - There is no established method for recovering helminth eggs in soil has yet to be
      established. Here, we introduce a novel method for their recovery based on a
      centrifugal flotation approach using a sucrose solution with a specific gravity
      of 1.20, with a coverslip being placed on the sucrose-filled centrifuge tube
      during centrifugation. The recovery of zoonotic Toxocara eggs from soil was more
      effective when this method was compared with the traditional flotation method.
      This method detects not only zoonotic Toxocara eggs, but Ascaris lumbricoides,
      Trichuris trichiura, and other human parasite eggs also, indicating that it can
      be used for epidemiological studies both in developed and developing countries.

PMID- 27143606
TI  - Decreased risk of cholangiocarcinogenesis following repeated cycles of
      Opisthorchis viverrini infection-praziquantel treatment: Magnetic Resonance
      Imaging (MRI) and histopathological study in a hamster model.
AB  - It has been suggested that repeated infection of Opisthorchis viverrini followed
      by repeated treatment with praziquantel (PZQ) increases risk of development of
      cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Evidence for the prediction has accumulated based on
      findings of indirect approaches involving molecular changes and epidemiological
      trends. By contrast, here we directly monitored the impact of repeated liver
      fluke infection and treatment with PZQ on cholangiocarcinogenesis in a rodent
      model of human opisthorchiasis, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
      histopathology. Twenty five Syrian golden hamsters were assigned to five
      treatment groups: 1) infection with O. viverrini (OV group), 2) treatment with
      the carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) at 12.5ppm (DMN), 3) O. viverrini
      infection in tandem with NDMA (OD), 4) O. viverrini infection, NDMA, and
      treatment with PZQ (ODP), and 5) uninfected, untreated control. The repeated
      infections were established by intragastric inoculation of 50 metacercariae of O.
      viverrini to the OV, OD and ODP hamsters at weeks 0, 5 and 10. PZQ at 300mg/kg
      body weight was given to each hamster of the ODP group on weeks 4, 9 and 13 (four
      weeks after each infection). Imaging by MRI was undertaken on weeks 5, 10 and 14
      (i.e. one week after each PZQ treatment). MRI revealed that the ODP hamsters did
      not develop CCA, whereas necropsy at week 40 revealed CCA in hamsters of the OD
      and DMN groups. Findings for histopathology and for proliferating cell nuclear
      antigen index conformed to the MRI findings. In overview, and notwithstanding
      that the immune response of individual hosts may play roles in
      cholangiocarcinogenesis, three cycles of the infection with O. viverrini followed
      treatment of the infection with PZQ did not increase the risk of bile duct cancer
      in this hamster model of liver fluke infection-induced CCA.

PMID- 27143607
TI  - Upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and its upstream
      regulators in Opisthorchis viverrini associated cholangiocarcinoma and its
      clinical significance.
AB  - Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an isoform of the enzyme nitric oxide
      synthase (NOS) which is constitutively expressed in endothelial cells and plays
      important roles in vasodilation. We previously reported the importance of eNOS
      activation in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) tissues and cell lines. The present study
      aims to investigate the relative abundance of eNOS and phosphorylated eNOS (P
      eNOS) and their upstream regulators VEGFR3, VEGFC, EphA3 and ephrin-A1, in the
      Opisthorchis viverrini (Ov)/N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)-induced hamster CCA
      model and in human CCA by semiquantitative immunohistochemical analysis of the
      relevant tissues. Results from the hamster model suggested an increase in eNOS
      and P-eNOS and upstream regulators during CCA genesis. In human CCA, high
      immunohistochemical staining intensity of all investigated proteins was
      associated with the presence of metastasis. A pairwise analysis of the staining
      data for eNOS and its upstream regulators showed that a concurrent increase in
      eNOS/VEGFR3, eNOS/ephrin-A1, eNOS/VEGFC and eNOS/EphA3 was significantly
      associated with metastasis. An increase in eNOS/VEGFR3, eNOS/ephrin-A1 was also
      associated with non-papillary type CCA. Additionally, an increase in eNOS and P
      eNOS was significantly correlated with a high micro-vessel level (P=0.04). Our
      results indicate that the development of CCA involves upregulation of eNOS and P
      eNOS and their regulators. This may drive angiogenesis and metastasis in CCA.

PMID- 27143608
TI  - Brain protection during cephalosomatic anastomosis.
AB  - Cephalosomatic anastomosis requires neuroprotective techniques, such as deep
      hypothermia, to preserve brain activity. Despite the failure of pharmacologic
      neuroprotection, new strategies, including ischemic pre- and postconitioning and
      the use of Perftoran, have to be explored to complement hypothermia. This article
      summarizes the field of brain protection during CSA and these promising
      strategies.

PMID- 27143609
TI  - Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Low Bone Mass in Older Chinese Population Based on
      Bone Mineral Density at Multiple Skeletal Sites.
AB  - Diagnosis of osteoporosis is based on bone mineral density (BMD) measurement,
      which is site dependent and commonly discordant between measurement sites. We
      aimed to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis diagnosed based on BMD T-scores
      measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at different sites: the lumbar
      spine (LS) alone, femoral neck (FN) alone, or both. A total of 1712 women and
      2028 men with LS and FN BMD measurements were enrolled. Over 50% discordance was
      found between osteoporosis classifications based on T-scores measured at the LS
      and FN. Use of the lowest T-scores measured at both the LS and right and left FN
      (rather than one site) significantly increased the prevalence of osteoporosis
      from 4.03 to 10.75% in postmenopausal women and 1.82 to 4.29% in men aged ?50
      years (p < 0.001). The trends of overall and age-adjusted prevalence of
      osteoporosis were similar in women and men. Osteoporosis was diagnosed at a
      higher rate if the USA reference rather than the Asia reference was used to
      calculate the T-score (26.64% vs. 10.75%). In conclusion, diagnosis based on the
      lowest T-score from multiple site BMD measurement can increase the prevalence of
      osteoporosis, demonstrating the higher sensitivity of the multiple site
      measurement strategy.

PMID- 27143610
TI  - Health self-assessment by hemodialysis patients in the Brazilian Unified Health
      System.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the level of complexity of the services structure
      and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients in hemodialysis are
      associated with the prevalence of poor health self-assessment. METHODS: In this
      cross-sectional study, we evaluated 1,621 patients with chronic terminal kidney
      disease on hemodialysis accompanied in 81 dialysis services in the Brazilian
      Unified Health System in 2007. Sampling was performed by conglomerate in two
      stages and a structured questionnaire was applied to participants. Multilevel
      multiple logistic regression was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence
      of poor health self-assessment was of 54.5%, and in multivariable analysis it was
      associated with the following variables: increasing age (OR = 1.02; 95%CI 1.01
      1.02), separated or divorced marital status (OR = 0.62; 95%CI 0.34-0.88), having
      12 years or more of study (OR = 0.51; 95%CI 0.37-0.71), spending more than 60
      minutes in commuting between home and the dialysis service (OR = 1.80; 95%CI 1.29
      2.51), having three or more self-referred diseases (OR = 2.20; 95%CI 1.33-3.62),
      and reporting some (OR = 2.17; 95%CI 1.66-2.84) or a lot of (OR = 2.74; 95%CI
      2.04-3.68) trouble falling asleep. Individuals in treatment in dialysis services
      with the highest level of complexity in the structure presented less chance of
      performing a self-assessment of their health as bad (OR = 0.59; 95%CI 0.42-0.84).
      CONCLUSIONS: We showed poor health self-assessment is associated with age, years
      of formal education, marital status, home commuting time to the dialysis service,
      number of self-referred diseases, report of trouble sleeping, and also with the
      level of complexity of the structure of health services. Acknowledging these
      factors can contribute to the development of strategies to improve the health of
      patients in hemodialysis in the Brazilian Unified Health System.

PMID- 27143611
TI  - Severity of malocclusion in adolescents: populational-based study in the north of
      Minas Gerais, Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with severity of malocclusion in a
      population of adolescents. METHODS: In this cross-sectional population-based
      study, the sample size (n = 761) was calculated considering a prevalence of
      malocclusion of 50.0%, with a 95% confidence level and a 5.0% precision level.
      The study adopted correction for the effect of delineation (deff = 2), and a
      20.0% increase to offset losses and refusals. Multistage probability cluster
      sampling was adopted. Trained and calibrated professionals performed the
      intraoral examinations and interviews in households. The dependent variable
      (severity of malocclusion) was assessed using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI).
      The independent variables were grouped into five blocks: demographic
      characteristics, socioeconomic condition, use of dental services, health-related
      behavior and oral health subjective conditions. The ordinal logistic regression
      model was used to identify the factors associated with severity of malocclusion.
      RESULTS: We interviewed and examined 736 adolescents (91.5% response rate), 69.9%
      of whom showed no abnormalities or slight malocclusion. Defined malocclusion was
      observed in 17.8% of the adolescents, being severe or very severe in 12.6%, with
      pressing or essential need of orthodontic treatment. The probabilities of greater
      severity of malocclusion were higher among adolescents who self-reported as
      black, indigenous, pardo or yellow, with lower per capita income, having harmful
      oral habits, negative perception of their appearance and perception of social
      relationship affected by oral health. CONCLUSIONS: Severe or very severe
      malocclusion was more prevalent among socially disadvantaged adolescents, with
      reported harmful habits and perception of compromised esthetics and social
      relationships. Given that malocclusion can interfere with the self-esteem of
      adolescents, it is essential to improve public policy for the inclusion of
      orthodontic treatment among health care provided to this segment of the
      population, particularly among those of lower socioeconomic status.

PMID- 27143612
TI  - Life expectancy without depression increases among Brazilian older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate life expectancy with and without depressive symptoms in
      older adults for the years 2000 and 2010. METHODS: We evaluated individuals aged
      60 years or older (n = 1,862 in 2000 and n = 1,280 in 2010), participants of the
      Saude, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE - Health, Wellbeing and Aging) study in
      in Sao Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. Depression was measured using the shorter
      version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15); respondents scoring >= 6 were
      classified as having depression. Estimates of life expectancy with and without
      depression were obtained using the Sullivan method. RESULTS: Data from 2000
      indicate that 60-year-old men could expect to live, on average, 14.7 years
      without depression and 60-year-old women could expect to live 16.5 years without
      depression. By 2010, life expectancy without depression had increased to 16.7
      years for men and 17.8 years for women. Expected length of life with depression
      differed by sex, with women expected to live more years with depression than men.
      CONCLUSIONS: Between 2000 and 2010, life expectancy without depression in Sao
      Paulo increased. However, older adults in Brazil, especially older women, still
      face a serious burden of mental illness.

PMID- 27143613
TI  - Use of the Brazilian People's Pharmacy Program by older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with the use of the
      expanded Brazilian People's Pharmacy Program among older adults and the reasons
      for not using it. METHODS: In this population-based cross-sectional study
      conducted in the urban area of Pelotas, RS, Southern Brazil, we evaluated 1,305
      older adults (aged 60 years or over) who had used medication in the last 15 days.
      Independent variables were socioeconomic factors, economic status, household
      income in minimum wages, educational attainment in years of schooling and
      occupational status. Demographic variables were sex, age, marital status, and
      self-reported skin color/race. Poisson regression was employed to analyze the
      factors associated with the use of the program. RESULTS: The prevalence of use
      was 57.0% whilst the prevalence of knowledge of the program was 87.0%. In
      individuals aged 80 years or over, use of the program was 41.0%. As to the origin
      of the prescriptions used by older adults, 46.0% were from the Brazilian Unified
      Health System. The main reasons for not using the program were: difficulty in
      getting prescriptions, medication shortage, and ignorance about the medications
      offered and about the program. Higher age, lower income, presence of chronic
      diseases, and use of four or more medications were associated with use of the
      program. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to expand the knowledge and use of the
      Brazilian People's Pharmacy Program, especially among older adults, and to
      improve the dissemination of its list of medications to users and physicians.
      Thus it will be possible to reduce spending on long-term medications, which are
      especially important for this population.

PMID- 27143614
TI  - Promoting adverse drug reaction reporting: comparison of different approaches.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe different approaches to promote adverse drug reaction
      reporting among health care professionals, determining their cost-effectiveness.
      METHODS: We analyzed and compared several approaches taken by the Northern
      Pharmacovigilance Centre (Portugal) to promote adverse drug reaction reporting.
      Approaches were compared regarding the number and relevance of adverse drug
      reaction reports obtained and costs involved. Costs by report were estimated by
      adding the initial costs and the running costs of each intervention. These costs
      were divided by the number of reports obtained with each intervention, to assess
      its cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: All the approaches seem to have increased the
      number of adverse drug reaction reports. We noted the biggest increase with
      protocols (321 reports, costing 1.96 ? each), followed by first educational
      approach (265 reports, 20.31 ?/report) and by the hyperlink approach (136
      reports, 15.59 ?/report). Regarding the severity of adverse drug reactions,
      protocols were the most efficient approach, costing 2.29 ?/report, followed by
      hyperlinks (30.28 ?/report, having no running costs). Concerning unexpected
      adverse drug reactions, the best result was obtained with protocols (5.12
      ?/report), followed by first educational approach (38.79 ?/report). CONCLUSIONS:
      We recommend implementing protocols in other pharmacovigilance centers. They seem
      to be the most efficient intervention, allowing receiving adverse drug reactions
      reports at lower costs. The increase applied not only to the total number of
      reports, but also to the severity, unexpectedness and high degree of causality
      attributed to the adverse drug reactions. Still, hyperlinks have the advantage of
      not involving running costs, showing the second best performance in cost per
      adverse drug reactions report.

PMID- 27143615
TI  - Risk factors for recurrent wheezing in infants: a case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between recurrent wheezing and atopy, the
      Asthma Predictive Index, exposure to risk factors, and total serum IgE levels as
      potential factors to predict recurrent wheezing. METHODS: A case-control study
      with infants aged 6-24 months treated at a specialized outpatient clinic from
      November 2011 to March 2013. Evaluations included sensitivity to inhalant and
      food antigens, positive Asthma Predictive Index, and other risk factors for
      recurrent wheezing (smoking during pregnancy, presence of indoor smoke, viral
      infections, and total serum IgE levels). RESULTS: We evaluated 113 children: 65
      infants with recurrent wheezing (63.0% male) with a mean age of 14.8 (SD = 5.2)
      months and 48 healthy infants (44.0% male) with a mean age of 15.2 (SD = 5.1)
      months. In the multiple analysis model, antigen sensitivity (OR = 12.45; 95%CI
      1.28-19.11), positive Asthma Predictive Index (OR = 5.57; 95%CI 2.23-7.96), and
      exposure to environmental smoke (OR = 2.63; 95%CI 1.09-6.30) remained as risk
      factors for wheezing. Eosinophilia >= 4.0% e total IgE >= 100 UI/mL were more
      prevalent in the wheezing group, but failed to remain in the model. Smoking
      during pregnancy was identified in a small number of mothers, and secondhand
      smoke at home was higher in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of atopy,
      positive Asthma Predictive Index and exposure to environmental smoke are
      associated to recurrent wheezing. Identifying these factors enables the adoption
      of preventive measures, especially for children susceptible to persistent
      wheezing and future asthma onset.

PMID- 27143616
TI  - Readmission of older patients after hospital discharge for hip fracture: a
      multilevel approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE To identify individual and hospital characteristics associated with the
      risk of readmission in older inpatients for proximal femoral fracture in the
      period of 90 days after discharge. METHODS Deaths and readmissions were obtained
      by a linkage of databases of the Hospital Information System of the Unified
      Health System and the System of Information on Mortality of the city of Rio de
      Janeiro from 2008 to 2011. The population of 3,405 individuals aged 60 or older,
      with non-elective hospitalization for proximal femoral fracture was followed for
      90 days after discharge. Cox multilevel model was used for discharge time until
      readmission, and the characteristics of the patients were used on the first level
      and the characteristics of the hospitals on the second level. RESULTS The risk of
      readmission was higher for men (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.37; 95%CI 1.08-1.73),
      individuals more than 79 years old (HR = 1.45; 95%CI 1.06-1.98), patients who
      were hospitalized for more than two weeks (HR = 1.33; 95%CI 1.06-1.67), and for
      those who underwent arthroplasty when compared with the ones who underwent
      osteosynthesis (HR = 0.57; 95%CI 0.41-0.79). Besides, patients admitted to state
      hospitals had lower risk for readmission when compared with inpatients in
      municipal (HR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.09-2.68) and federal hospitals (HR = 1.81; 95%CI
      1.00-3.27). The random effect of the hospitals in the adjusted model remained
      statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Hospitals have complex
      structures that reflect in the quality of care. Thus, we propose that future
      studies may include these complexities and the severity of the patients in the
      analysis of the data, also considering the correlation between readmission and
      mortality to reduce biases.

PMID- 27143617
TI  - ERRATA.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1590/S01518-8787.2016050006682.]. 

PMID- 27143618
TI  - ERRATA.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1590/S1518-8787.2016050005909.]. 

PMID- 27143619
TI  - ERRATUM.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1590/S0034-8910.2015049005459.]. 

PMID- 27143620
TI  - Polar Order and Symmetry Breaking at the Boundary between Bent-Core and Rodlike
      Molecular Forms: When 4-Cyanoresorcinol Meets the Carbosilane End Group.
AB  - Two isomeric achiral bent-core liquid crystals involving a 4-cyanoresorcinol core
      and containing a carbosilane unit as nanosegregating segment were synthesized and
      were shown to form ferroelectric liquid-crystalline phases. Inversion of the
      direction of one of the COO groups in these molecules leads to a distinct
      distribution of the electrostatic potential along the surface of the molecule and
      to a strong change of the molecular dipole moments. Thus, a distinct degree of
      segregation of the carbosilane units and consequent modification of the phase
      structure and coherence length of polar order result. For the compound with
      larger dipole moment (CN1) segregation of the carbosilane units is suppressed,
      and this compound forms paraelectric SmA and SmC phases; polar order is only
      achieved after transition to a new LC phase, namely, the ferroelectric leaning
      phase (SmCLs PS ) with the unique feature that tilt direction and polar direction
      coincide. The isomeric compound CN2 with a smaller dipole moment forms separate
      layers of the carbosilane groups and shows a randomized polar SmA phase (SmAPAR )
      and ferroelectric polydomain SmCs PS phases with orthogonal combination of tilt
      and polar direction and much higher polarizations. Thus, surprisingly, the
      compound with the smaller molecular dipole moment shows increased polar order in
      the LC phases. Besides ferroelectricity, mirror-symmetry breaking with formation
      of a conglomerate of macroscopic chiral domains was observed in one of the SmC
      phases of CN1. These investigations contribute to the general understanding of
      the development of polar order and chirality in soft matter.

PMID- 27143621
TI  - dc and ac magnetic properties of thin-walled Nb cylinders with and without a row
      of antidots.
AB  - dc and ac magnetic properties of two thin-walled superconducting Nb cylinders
      with a rectangular cross-section are reported. Magnetization curves and the ac
      response were studied on as-prepared and patterned samples in magnetic fields
      parallel to the cylinder axis. A row of micron-sized antidots (holes) was made in
      the film along the cylinder axis. Avalanche-like jumps of the magnetization are
      observed for both samples at low temperatures for magnetic fields not only above
      H c1, but in fields lower than H c1 in the vortex-free region. The positions of
      the jumps are not reproducible and they change from one experiment to another,
      resembling vortex lattice instabilities usually observed for magnetic fields
      larger than H c1. At temperatures above [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see
      text] the magnetization curves become smooth for the patterned and the as
      prepared samples, respectively. The magnetization curve of a reference planar Nb
      film in the parallel field geometry does not exhibit jumps in the entire range of
      accessible temperatures. The ac response was measured in constant and swept dc
      magnetic field modes. Experiment shows that ac losses at low magnetic fields in a
      swept field mode are smaller for the patterned sample. For both samples the
      shapes of the field dependences of losses and the amplitude of the third harmonic
      are the same in constant and swept field near H c3. This similarity does not
      exist at low fields in a swept mode.

PMID- 27143622
TI  - Impairments in dendrite morphogenesis as etiology for neurodevelopmental
      disorders and implications for therapeutic treatments.
AB  - Dendrite morphology is pivotal for neural circuitry functioning. While the
      causative relationship between small-scale dendrite morphological abnormalities
      (shape, density of dendritic spines) and neurodevelopmental disorders is well
      established, such relationship remains elusive for larger-scale dendrite
      morphological impairments (size, shape, branching pattern of dendritic trees).
      Here, we summarize published data on dendrite morphological irregularities in
      human patients and animal models for neurodevelopmental disorders, with focus on
      autism and schizophrenia. We next discuss high-risk genes for these disorders and
      their role in dendrite morphogenesis. We finally overview recent developments in
      therapeutic attempts and we discuss how they relate to dendrite morphology. We
      find that both autism and schizophrenia are accompanied by dendritic arbor
      morphological irregularities, and that majority of their high-risk genes regulate
      dendrite morphogenesis. Thus, we present a compelling argument that, along with
      smaller-scale morphological impairments in dendrites (spines and synapse),
      irregularities in larger-scale dendrite morphology (arbor shape, size) may be an
      important part of neurodevelopmental disorders' etiology. We suggest that this
      should not be ignored when developing future therapeutic treatments.

PMID- 27143623
TI  - Highly stable SERS pH nanoprobes produced by co-solvent controlled AuNP
      aggregation.
AB  - Production of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)
      nanoprobes requires replicable aggregation to produce multimers with high signal
      intensity. Herein, we illustrate a novel, yet simple, approach to produce SERS
      nanoprobes through control of co-solvent composition. AuNP multimers were
      produced by mixing AuNP monomers in water : ethanol co-solvent for variable
      periods of time. By varying the water : ethanol ratio and the amount of 4
      mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) present, the aggregation rate can be systematically
      controlled. Thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) was then added to halt the
      aggregation process and provide steric stability. This approach was used to
      produce pH nanoprobes with excellent colloidal stability in high ionic strength
      environments and in complex samples. The pH probe exhibits broad pH sensitivity
      over the range 6-11 and we calculate that a single AuNP dimer in a 35 fL volume
      is sufficient to generate a detectable SERS signal. As a proof-of-concept, the
      probes were used to detect the intracellular pH of human prostate cancer cells
      (PC-3). The internalized probes exhibit a strong 4-MBA signal without any
      interfering bands from either the cells or the culture media and produce
      exceptionally detailed pH maps. pH maps obtained from 19 xy surface scans and 14
      yz depth scans exhibit highly consistent intracellular pH in the range of 5 to 7,
      thus indicating the greater reliability and reproducibility of our pH probes
      compared with other probes previously reported in the literature. Our water :
      ethanol co-solvent production process is fast, simple, and efficient. Adjustment
      of solvent composition may become a powerful way to produce SERS tags or
      nanoprobes in the future. 

PMID- 27143624
TI  - Protein ubiquitination via dehydroalanine: development and insights into the
      diastereoselective 1,4-addition step.
AB  - We report a strategy for site-specific protein ubiquitination using
      dehydroalanine (Dha) chemistry for the preparation of ubiquitin conjugates
      bearing a very close mimic of the native isopeptide bond. Our approach relies on
      the selective formation of Dha followed by conjugation with hexapeptide bearing a
      thiol handle derived from the C-terminal of ubiquitin. Subsequently, the
      resulting synthetic intermediate undergoes native chemical ligation with the
      complementary part of the ubiquitin polypeptide. It has been proposed that the
      Michael addition step could result in the formation of a diastereomeric mixture
      as a result of unselective protonation of the enolate intermediate. It has also
      been proposed that the chiral protein environment may influence such an addition
      step. In the protein context these questions remain open and no experimental
      evidence was provided as to how such a protein environment affects the
      diastereoselectivity of the addition step. As was previously proposed for the
      conjugation step on protein bearing Dha, the isopeptide bond formation step in
      our study resulted in the construction of two protein diastereomers. To assign
      the ratio of these diastereomers, trypsinization coupled with high-pressure
      liquid chromatography analysis were performed. Moreover, the obtained peptide
      diastereomers were compared with identical synthetic peptides having defined
      stereogenic centers, which enabled the determination of the configuration of the
      isopeptide mimic in each diastereomer. Our study, which offers a new method for
      isopeptide bond formation and protein ubiquitination, gives insights into the
      parameters that affect the stereoselectivity of the addition step to Dha for
      chemical protein modifications. 

PMID- 27143626
TI  - Labelling food with the exercise needed to expend its calories may lack integrity
      when activity is summed over the course of a whole day.

PMID- 27143625
TI  - Factors determining fatigue in the chronic fatigue syndrome: a path analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the interrelationship of different dimensions (fatigue,
      neuroticism, sleep quality, global mental and physical health) in patients with
      chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS: Patients meeting the Fukuda criteria of
      CFS filled out two independent fatigue scales (Fatigue Questionnaire, FQ and
      Checklist Individual Strength, CIS), NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI),
      Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short
      Form Health Survey (SF36). Exploratory and confirmatory path analyses were
      performed. RESULTS: Out of 226 eligible patients, 167 subjects were included
      (mean age 39.13 years, SD 10.14, 92% female). In a first exploratory path
      analysis, using FQ for assessment of fatigue, night-time PSQI sleep quality had a
      direct effect on SF36 physical quality of life (PQoL) and no effect on FQ
      fatigue. This was confirmed by a subsequent path analysis with CIS fatigue and by
      confirmatory path analyses in 81 patients. These unexpected results raised the
      question whether FQ or CIS fatigue sufficiently operationalizes fatigue in CFS
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Poor sleep quality seems to directly impact on mental
      quality of life (MQoL) and PQoL without mediation of fatigue assessed with FQ and
      CIS. A more cohesive framework needs to be developed with more comprehensive
      clinical tools for the different dimensions in the construct of CFS.

PMID- 27143627
TI  - Inhibition of DNA Methylation Suppresses Intestinal Tumor Organoids by Inducing
      an Anti-Viral Response.
AB  - Recent studies have proposed that the major anti-tumor effect of DNA methylation
      inhibitors is induction of interferon-responsive genes via dsRNAs-containing
      endogenous retroviruses. Recently, a 3D culture system for stem cells known as
      organoid culture has been developed. Lgr5-positive stem cells form organoids that
      closely recapitulate the properties of original tissues. To investigate the
      effect of DNA demethylation on tumor organoids, we have established organoids
      from intestinal tumors of Apc(Min/+) (Min) mice and subjected them to 5-aza-2'
      deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) treatment and Dnmt1 knockdown. DNA demethylation
      induced by 5-Aza-CdR treatment and Dnmt1 knockdown significantly reduced the cell
      proliferation of the tumor organoids. Microarray analyses of the tumor organoids
      after 5-Aza-CdR treatment and Dnmt1 knockdown revealed that interferon-responsive
      genes were activated by DNA demethylation. Gene ontology and pathway analyses
      clearly demonstrated that these genes activated by DNA demethylation are involved
      in the anti-viral response. These findings indicate that DNA demethylation
      suppresses the proliferation of intestinal tumor organoids by inducing an anti
      viral response including activation of interferon-responsive genes. Treatment
      with DNA methylation inhibitors to activate a growth-inhibiting immune response
      may be an effective therapeutic approach for colon cancers.

PMID- 27143628
TI  - Ketamine inhibits human sperm function by Ca(2+)-related mechanism.
AB  - Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, which was widely used in human and animal
      medicine, has become a popular recreational drug, as it can induce hallucinatory
      effects. Ketamine abuse can cause serious damage to many aspects of the organism,
      mainly reflected in the nervous system and urinary system. It has also been
      reported that ketamine can impair the male genital system. However, the detailed
      effect of ketamine on human spermatozoa remains unclear. Thus, we investigated
      the in vitro effects of ketamine on human sperm functions, to elucidate the
      underlying mechanism. Human sperm were treated in vitro with different
      concentrations of ketamine (0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1 g/L). The results showed that
      0.25-1 g/L ketamine inhibited sperm total motility, progressive motility and
      linear velocity, in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the sperm's ability to
      penetrate viscous medium and the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction were
      significantly inhibited by ketamine. Ketamine did not affect sperm viability,
      capacitation and spontaneous acrosome reaction. The intracellular calcium
      concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), which is a central factor in the regulation of human
      sperm function, was decreased by ketamine (0.125-1 g/L) in a dose-dependent
      manner. Furthermore, the currents of the sperm-specific Ca(2+) channel, CatSper,
      which modulates Ca(2+) influx in sperm, were inhibited by ketamine (0.125-1 g/L)
      in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that ketamine induces its toxic
      effects on human sperm functions by reducing sperm [Ca(2+)]i through inhibition
      of CatSper channel.

PMID- 27143629
TI  - An unusual and unexpected finding in a case of self-poisoning.

PMID- 27143631
TI  - Activation of the motor protein upon attachment: Anchors weigh in on cytoplasmic
      dynein regulation.
AB  - Cytoplasmic dynein is the major minus-end-directed motor protein in eukaryotes,
      and has functions ranging from organelle and vesicle transport to spindle
      positioning and orientation. The mode of regulation of dynein in the cell remains
      elusive, but a tantalising possibility is that dynein is maintained in an
      inhibited, non-motile state until bound to cargo. In vivo, stable attachment of
      dynein to the cell membrane via anchor proteins enables dynein to produce force
      by pulling on microtubules and serves to organise the nuclear material. Anchor
      proteins of dynein assume diverse structures and functions and differ in their
      interaction with the membrane. In yeast, the anchor protein has come to the fore
      as one of the key mediators of dynein activity. In other systems, much is yet to
      be discovered about the anchors, but future work in this area will prove
      invaluable in understanding dynein regulation in the cell.

PMID- 27143630
TI  - High rate of drug resistance among tuberculous meningitis cases in Shaanxi
      province, China.
AB  - The clinical and mycobacterial features of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) cases in
      China are not well described; especially in western provinces with poor
      tuberculosis control. We prospectively enrolled patients in whom TBM was
      considered in Shaanxi Province, northwestern China, over a 2-year period
      (September 2010 to December 2012). Cerebrospinal fluid specimens were cultured
      for Mycobacterium tuberculosis; with phenotypic and genotypic drug susceptibility
      testing (DST), as well as genotyping of all positive cultures. Among 350 patients
      included in the study, 27 (7.7%) had culture-confirmed TBM; 84 (24.0%) had
      probable and 239 (68.3%) had possible TBM. DST was performed on 25/27 (92.3%)
      culture positive specimens; 12/25 (48.0%) had "any resistance" detected and 3
      (12.0%) were multi-drug resistant (MDR). Demographic and clinical features of
      drug resistant and drug susceptible TBM cases were similar. Beijing was the most
      common genotype (20/25; 80.0%) with 9/20 (45%) of the Beijing strains exhibiting
      drug resistance; including all 3 MDR strains. All (4/4) isoniazid resistant
      strains had mutations in the katG gene; 75% (3/4) of strains with phenotypic
      rifampicin resistance had mutations in the rpoB gene detected by Xpert
      MTB/RIF(r). High rates of drug resistance were found among culture-confirmed TBM
      cases; most were Beijing strains.

PMID- 27143632
TI  - Antifungal susceptibility of 175 Aspergillus isolates from various clinical and
      environmental sources.
AB  - Some environmental Aspergillus spp. isolates have been described as resistant to
      antifungals, potentially causing an emerging medical problem. In the present
      work, the antifungal susceptibility profile of 41 clinical and 134 environmental
      isolates of Aspergillus was determined using the CLSI microdilution method. The
      aim of this study was to compare environmental and clinical isolates with respect
      to their susceptibility, and assess the potential implications for therapy of
      isolates encountered in different environments. To our knowledge, this is the
      first report comparing antifungal susceptibility profiles of Aspergillus
      collected from different environmental sources (poultries, swineries, beach sand,
      and hospital environment). Significant differences were found in the distribution
      of the different species sections for the different sources. Significant
      differences were also found in the susceptibility profile of the different
      Aspergillus sections recovered from the various sources. Clear differences were
      found between the susceptibility of clinical and environmental isolates for
      caspofungin, amphotericin B and posaconazole, with clinical isolates showing
      overall greater susceptibility, except for caspofungin. In comparison to clinical
      isolates, hospital environmental isolates showed significantly less
      susceptibility to amphotericin B and posaconazole. These data indicate that
      species section identity and the site from which the isolate was recovered
      influence the antifungal susceptibility profile, which may affect initial
      antifungal choices. 

PMID- 27143633
TI  - Molecular detection of airborne Coccidioides in Tucson, Arizona.
AB  - Environmental surveillance of the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides is essential
      for the prevention of Valley fever, a disease primarily caused by inhalation of
      the arthroconidia. Methods for collecting and detecting Coccidioides in soil
      samples are currently in use by several laboratories; however, a method utilizing
      current air sampling technologies has not been formally demonstrated for the
      capture of airborne arthroconidia. In this study, we collected air/dust samples
      at two sites (Site A and Site B) in the endemic region of Tucson, Arizona, and
      tested a variety of air samplers and membrane matrices. We then employed a single
      tube nested qPCR assay for molecular detection. At both sites, numerous soil
      samples (n = 10 at Site A and n = 24 at Site B) were collected and Coccidioides
      was detected in two samples (20%) at Site A and in eight samples (33%) at Site B.
      Of the 25 air/dust samples collected at both sites using five different air
      sampling methods, we detected Coccidioides in three samples from site B. All
      three samples were collected using a high-volume sampler with glass-fiber
      filters. In this report, we describe these methods and propose the use of these
      air sampling and molecular detection strategies for environmental surveillance of
      Coccidioides. 

PMID- 27143634
TI  - The amino acid substitution N136Y in Candida albicans sterol 14alpha-demethylase
      is involved in fluconazole resistance.
AB  - Resistance to fluconazole antifungal is an ongoing impediment to a successful
      treatment of Candida albicans infections. One of the most prevalent mechanisms
      leading to azole resistance is genetic alterations of the 14alpha-demethylase,
      the target of azole antifungals, through point mutations. Site-directed
      mutagenesis and molecular modeling of 14alpha-demethylase rationalize biological
      data about the role of protein substitutions in the azole treatment failure. In
      this work, we investigated the role of N136Y substitution by site-directed
      mutagenesis into Pichia pastoris guided by structural analysis. Single amino acid
      substitutions were created by site-directed mutagenesis into P. pastoris with C.
      albicans ERG11 gene as template. In vitro susceptibility of P. pastoris
      transformants expressing wild-type and mutants to azole compounds was determined
      by CLSI M27-A2 and spot agar methods. The fluconazole effect on ergosterol
      biosynthesis was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. By
      microdilution and spot tests, N136Y transformants showed a reduced in vitro
      susceptibility to fluconazole compared to wild-type controls. As expected,
      ergosterol/lanosterol ratios were higher in N136Y transformants compared to the
      wild-type controls after treatment with fluconazole. Molecular modeling suggests
      that residue Asn136 located within the first mutation hot spot, could play a role
      during heme and azole binding. These results provide new insights into the
      structural basis for 14alpha-demethylase-azole interaction and could guide the
      design of novel azole antifungals. 

PMID- 27143635
TI  - In vitro susceptibility of Scedosporium isolates to N-acetyl-L-cysteine alone and
      in combination with conventional antifungal agents.
AB  - In recent years, Scedosporium species have been more commonly recognized from
      severe, difficult-to-treat human infections, such as upper respiratory tract and
      pulmonary infections. To select an appropriate therapeutic approach for these
      infections is challenging, because of the commonly observed resistance of the
      causative agents to several antifungal drugs. Therefore, to find a novel strategy
      for the treatment of pulmonary Scedosporium infections the in vitro antifungal
      effect of a mucolytic agent, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and its in vitro combinations
      with conventional antifungals were investigated. Synergistic and indifferent
      interactions were registered in 23 and 13 cases, respectively. Antagonism was not
      revealed between the compounds. 

PMID- 27143636
TI  - Fungal peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Brazil:
      molecular identification, biofilm production and antifungal susceptibility of the
      agents.
AB  - This paper presents data on fungal peritonitis (FP) in patients undergoing
      peritoneal dialysis (PD) at the University Hospital of Botucatu Medical School,
      Sao Paulo, Brazil. In a total of 422 patients, 30 developed FP, from which the
      medical records and the fungal isolates of 23 patient cases were studied. All
      patients presented abdominal pain, cloudy peritoneal effluent, needed
      hospitalization, had the catheter removed and were treated with fluconazole or
      fluconazole plus 5-flucitosine; six of them died due to FP. Concerning the
      agents, it was observed that Candida parapsilosis was the leading species (9/23),
      followed by Candida albicans (5/23), Candida orthopsilosis (4/23), Candida
      tropicalis (3/23), Candida guilliermondii (1/23), and Kodamaea ohmeri (1/23). All
      the isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B, voriconazole and caspofungin
      whereas C. albicans isolates were susceptible to all antifungals tested.
      Resistance to fluconazole was observed in three isolates of C. orthopsilosis, and
      dose-dependent susceptibility to this antifungal was observed in two isolates of
      C. parapsilosis and in the K. ohmeri isolate. Biofilm production estimates were
      high or moderate in most isolates, especially in C. albicans species, and low in
      C. parapsilosis species, with a marked variation among the isolates. This
      Brazilian study reinforces that FP in PD is caused by a diverse group of yeasts,
      most prevalently C. parapsilosis sensu stricto species. In addition, they present
      significant variation in susceptibility to antifungals and biofilm production,
      thus contributing to the complexity and severity of the clinical features. 

PMID- 27143637
TI  - Pulmonary sarcoidosis induced by the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab
      or post-immunotherapy granulomatous reaction: which is more appropriate
      terminology?

PMID- 27143638
TI  - Consensus on precision medicine for metastatic cancers: a report from the MAP
      conference.
AB  - Recent advances in biotechnologies have led to the development of multiplex
      genomic and proteomic analyses for clinical use. Nevertheless, guidelines are
      currently lacking to determine which molecular assays should be implemented in
      metastatic cancers. The first MAP conference was dedicated to exploring the use
      of genomics to better select therapies in the treatment of metastatic cancers.
      Sixteen consensus items were covered. There was a consensus that new technologies
      like next-generation sequencing of tumors and ddPCR on circulating free DNA have
      convincing analytical validity. Further work needs to be undertaken to establish
      the clinical utility of liquid biopsies and the added clinical value of expanding
      from individual gene tests into large gene panels. Experts agreed that
      standardized bioinformatics methods for biological interpretation of genomic data
      are needed and that precision medicine trials should be stratified based on the
      level of evidence available for the genomic alterations identified.

PMID- 27143639
TI  - Early-onset motor impairment and increased accumulation of phosphorylated alpha
      synuclein in the motor cortex of normal aging mice are ameliorated by coenzyme Q.
AB  - Brain mitochondrial function declines with age; however, the accompanying
      behavioral and histological alterations that are characteristic of Parkinson's
      disease (PD) are poorly understood. We found that the mitochondrial oxygen
      consumption rate (OCR) and coenzyme Q (CoQ) content were reduced in aged (15
      month-old) male mice compared to those in young (6-month-old) male mice.
      Concomitantly, motor functions, including the rate of movement and exploratory
      and voluntary motor activities, were significantly reduced in the aged mice
      compared to the young mice. In the motor cortex of the aged mouse brain, the
      accumulation of alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) phosphorylated at serine129 (Ser129)
      significantly increased, and the level of vesicular glutamate transporter 1
      (VGluT1) decreased compared with that in the young mouse brain. The
      administration of exogenous water-soluble CoQ10 to aged mice via drinking water
      restored the mitochondrial OCR, motor function, and phosphorylated alpha-syn and
      VGluT1 levels in the motor cortex. These results suggest that early-onset motor
      impairment and the increased accumulation of Ser129-phosphorylated alpha-syn in
      the motor cortex are ameliorated by the exogenous administration of CoQ10.

PMID- 27143640
TI  - Risk factors and outcomes in patients with ectatic infarct-related artery who
      underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention after ST elevated myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the risk factors for coronary artery ectasia (CAE)
      as infarct-related artery (IRA) and short-term and 1 year outcomes. BACKGROUNDS:
      CAE in patients with ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a rare
      condition with a limited knowledge about the risk factors associated with
      coronary artery ectasia in STEMI and prognosis after primary percutaneous
      coronary interventions. METHODS: Retrospectively, 1655 patients with STEMI who
      were undergone coronary angiography were included in this study. Patients were
      divided into two groups according to their coronary anatomy as ectasia and
      control groups. Demographic features, angiographic results, and clinical events
      were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the association of
      the features with CAE in STEMI. RESULTS: In total, 1655 patients (99 patients in
      CAE group vs 1556 patients in control group) were analyzed. Hypertension and
      smoking were significantly higher in CAE group. No-reflow rates were
      significantly higher (13.1% vs 5.4%, p = 0.004) in CAE group. In-hospital
      mortality rates were similar between the groups. Difference in revascularization
      rates (8.1% vs 9.6%, p = 0.39) and death in 1 year (6.1% vs 4.9%, p = 0.37) were
      also nonsignificant between the groups. According to results of the multivariate
      analysis, hypertension (Odds ratio (OR): 1.71 (1.14-2.58), p = 0.01) and smoking
      (OR: 1.98 (1.32-2.99), p = 0.001) remained significantly associated with coronary
      ectasia. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, despite being higher no-reflow rates, short
      term and 1 year survival and revascularization rates were similar between the
      groups. Additionally, hypertension and smoking were associated with CAE as IRA.
      (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27143642
TI  - Ab initio investigation of competing antiferromagnetic structures in low Si
      content FeMn(PSi) alloy.
AB  - The antiferromagnetic structures of a low Si-content FeMn(PSi) alloy were
      investigated by first principles calculations. One possible antiferromagnetic
      structure in supercell along the c-axis was revealed in FeMnP0.75Si0.25 alloy. It
      was found that atomic disorder occupation between Fe atom on 3f and Mn atoms on
      3g sites is responsible for the formation of antiferromagnetic structures.
      Furthermore the magnetic competition and the coupling between possible AFM
      supercells along the c and a-axis can promote a non-collinear antiferromagnetic
      structure. These theoretical investigations help to deeply understand the
      magnetic order in FeMn(PSi) alloys and benefit to explore the potential
      magnetocaloric materials in Fe2P-type alloys.

PMID- 27143641
TI  - In vivo isolation of the effects of melanin from underlying hemodynamics across
      skin types using spatial frequency domain spectroscopy.
AB  - Skin is a highly structured tissue, raising concerns as to whether skin
      pigmentation due to epidermal melanin may confound accurate measurements of
      underlying hemodynamics. Using both venous and arterial cuff occlusions as a
      means of inducing differential hemodynamic perturbations, we present analyses of
      spectra limited to the visible or near-infrared regime, in addition to a layered
      model approach. The influence of melanin, spanning Fitzpatrick skin types I to V,
      on underlying estimations of hemodynamics in skin as interpreted by these
      spectral regions are assessed. The layered model provides minimal cross-talk
      between melanin and hemodynamics and enables removal of problematic correlations
      between measured tissue oxygenation estimates and skin phototype.

PMID- 27143643
TI  - In vitro determination of the solubility limit of cholesterol in phospholipid
      bilayers.
AB  - Cholesterol has limited solubility in phospholipid bilayers. The solubility limit
      is strongly dependent on the nature of the lipid with which the cholesterol is
      mixed while properties of the crystals formed can be modified by phospholipid
      cholesterol interactions. In this review we summarize the various methods that
      have been developed to prepare hydrated mixtures of cholesterol and phospholipid.
      We point out some of the factors that determine the form adopted when cholesterol
      crystallizes in such mixtures, i.e. two- or three-dimensional, monohydrate or
      anhydrous. These differences can greatly affect the ability to experimentally
      detect the presence of these crystals in a membrane. Several methods for
      detecting cholesterol crystals are discussed and compared including DSC, X-ray
      and GIXRD diffraction methods, NMR and EPR spectroscopy. The importance of the
      history of the sample in determining the amount and nature of the cholesterol
      crystals formed is emphasized.

PMID- 27143644
TI  - Pd-Porphyrin Oligomers Sensitized for Green-to-Blue Photon Upconversion: The More
      the Better?
AB  - A series of directly meso-meso-linked Pd-porphyrin oligomers (PdDTP-M, PdDTP-D,
      and PdDTP-T) have been prepared. The absorption region and the light-harvesting
      ability of the Pd-porphyrin oligomers are broadened and enhanced by increasing
      the number of Pd-porphyrin units. Triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA
      UC) systems were constructed by utilizing the Pd-porphyrin oligomers as the
      sensitizer and 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) as the acceptor in deaerated toluene
      and green-to-blue photon upconversion was observed upon excitation with a 532 nm
      laser. The triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion quantum efficiencies were
      found to be 6.2 %, 10.5 %, and 1.6 % for the [PdDTP-M]/DPA, [PdDTP-D]/DPA, and
      [PdDTP-T]/DPA systems, respectively, under an excitation power density of 500 mW
      cm(-2) . The photophysical processes of the TTA-UC systems have been investigated
      in detail. The higher triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion quantum
      efficiency observed in the [PdDTP-D]/DPA system can be rationalized by the
      enhanced light-harvesting ability of PdDTP-D at 532 nm. Under the same
      experimental conditions, the [PdDTP-D]/DPA system produces more (3) DPA* than the
      other two TTA-UC systems, benefiting the triplet-triplet annihilation process.
      This work provides a useful way to develop efficient TTA-UC systems with broad
      spectral response by using Pd-porphyrin oligomers as sensitizers. 

PMID- 27143645
TI  - A one-step colorimetric acid-base titration sensor using a complementary color
      changing coordination system.
AB  - We report the development of a colorimetric sensor that allows for the
      quantitative measurement of the acid content via acid-base titration in a single
      step. In order to create the sensor, we used a cobalt coordination system (Co
      complex sensor) that changes from greenish blue colored Co(H2O)4(OH)2 to pink
      colored Co(H2O)6(2+) after neutralization. Greenish blue and pink are two
      complementary colors with a strong contrast. As a certain amount of acid is
      introduced to the Co-complex sensor, a portion of greenish blue colored
      Co(H2O)4(OH)2 changes to pink colored Co(H2O)6(2+), producing a different color.
      As the ratio of greenish blue and pink in the Co-complex sensor is determined by
      the amount of neutralization reaction occurring between Co(H2O)4(OH)2 and an
      acid, the sensor produced a spectrum of green, yellow green, brown, orange, and
      pink colors depending on the acid content. In contrast, the color change appeared
      only beyond the end point for normal acid-base titration. When we mixed this Co
      complex sensor with different concentrations of citric acid, tartaric acid, and
      malic acid, three representative organic acids in fruits, we observed distinct
      color changes for each sample. This color change could also be observed in real
      fruit juice. When we treated the Co-complex sensor with real tangerine juice, it
      generated diverse colors depending on the concentration of citric acid in each
      sample. These results provide a new angle on simple but quantitative measurements
      of analytes for on-site usage in various applications, such as in food, farms,
      and the drug industry. 

PMID- 27143647
TI  - Exploring the Predisposition of the Asian Eye to Development of Dry Eye.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of eyelid shape on tear film quality,
      ocular surface characteristics and dry eye symptomatology by comparing Asian and
      Caucasian populations. METHODS: Seventy-four age-matched participants were
      recruited in a cross-sectional study. Participants were classified into Asian
      single lid (ASL), Asian double lid (ADL), and Caucasian double lid (CDL) groups.
      Dry eye symptomatology, ocular surface characteristics, and tear film quality
      were evaluated in a single clinical session. RESULTS: Meibomian gland dropout was
      significantly greater in both the ASL and ADL groups than in the CDL group (all
      P<.05). A greater proportion of ASL and ADL participants exhibited incomplete
      blinking than CDL patients (all P<.05). There were no significant differences in
      tear film quality and dry eye symptomatology between the three groups (all
      P>.05). Exposed ocular surface area, lissamine green staining, and lid wiper
      epitheliopathy were significantly greater in the ADL group compared to the CDL
      group (all P<.05). The CDL group displayed significantly greater anterior
      blepharitis and lid telangiectasia grades compared to both ASL and ADL groups
      (all P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: A higher degree of meibomian gland dropout and
      incomplete blinking was observed in both Asian groups compared to the Caucasian
      group, potentially predisposing these groups to dry eye.

PMID- 27143646
TI  - Using Drosophila as an integrated model to study mild repetitive traumatic brain
      injury.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality
      worldwide. In addition, there has been a growing appreciation that even
      repetitive, milder forms of TBI (mTBI) can have long-term deleterious
      consequences to neural tissues. Hampering our understanding of genetic and
      environmental factors that influence the cellular and molecular responses to
      injury has been the limited availability of effective genetic model systems that
      could be used to identify the key genes and pathways that modulate both the acute
      and long-term responses to TBI. Here we report the development of a severe and
      mild-repetitive TBI model using Drosophila. Using this system, key features that
      are typically found in mammalian TBI models were also identified in flies,
      including the activation of inflammatory and autophagy responses, increased Tau
      phosphorylation and neuronal defects that impair sleep-related behaviors. This
      novel injury paradigm demonstrates the utility of Drosophila as an effective tool
      to validate genetic and environmental factors that influence the whole animal
      response to trauma and to identify prospective therapies needed for the treatment
      of TBI.

PMID- 27143648
TI  - Co-spread of metal and antibiotic resistance within ST3-IncHI2 plasmids from E.
      coli isolates of food-producing animals.
AB  - Concerns have been raised in recent years regarding co-selection for antibiotic
      resistance among bacteria exposed to heavy metals, particularly copper and zinc,
      used as growth promoters for some livestock species. In this study, 25 IncHI2
      plasmids harboring oqxAB (20/25)/blaCTX-M (18/25) were found with sizes ranging
      from ~260 to ~350 kb and 22 belonged to the ST3-IncHI2 group. In addition to
      blaCTX-M and oqxAB, pcoA-E (5/25) and silE-P (5/25), as well as aac(6')-Ib-cr
      (18/25), floR (16/25), rmtB (6/25), qnrS1(3/25) and fosA3 (2/25), were also
      identified on these IncHI2 plasmids. The plasmids carried pco and sil contributed
      to increasing in the MICs of CuSO4 and AgNO3. The genetic context surrounding the
      two operons was well conserved except some variations within the pco operon. The
      ~32 kb region containing the two operons identified in the IncHI2 plasmids was
      also found in chromosomes of different Enterobacteriaceae species. Further,
      phylogenetic analysis of this structure showed that Tn7-like transposon might
      play an important role in cross-genus transfer of the sil and pco operons among
      Enterobacteriaceae. In conclusion, co-existence of the pco and sil operons, and
      oqxAB/blaCTX-M as well as other antibiotic resistance genes on IncHI2 plasmids
      may promote the development of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

PMID- 27143650
TI  - Prediction Equations Underestimate Resting Energy Expenditure in Patients With
      End-Stage Cystic Fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resting energy expenditure (REE) is increased in patients with cystic
      fibrosis (CF) with end-stage lung disease due to chronic inflammation and
      pulmonary infections. After lung transplantation (LTx), energy expenditure is
      expected to be lower because inflammation will decrease. We assessed the
      agreement between measured and predicted REE in pre-LTx CF and post-LTx patients
      with CF and differences in REE in pre-LTx CF and post-LTx patients with CF in a
      cross-sectional study. METHODS: Included were 12 pre-LTx patients with CF (9
      women; median age 31.6 years; interquartile range [IQR], 23.3-40.0) and 12
      patients with CF within 2 years after LTx (6 women; median age 33.5 years; IQR,
      22.3-40.3). REE was measured in a fasted state using indirect calorimetry. Values
      were compared with predicted REE calculated by formulas of Harris-Benedict (1919
      and 1984), Schofield, and the World Health Organization (1985). A calculated REE
      between 90% and 110% of REE measured was considered adequate. RESULTS: Prediction
      equations underestimate REE in at least 75% of pre-LTx and 33% of post-LTx
      patients with CF. Mean (SD) REE measured by indirect calorimetry was 1735 (251)
      kcal pre-LTx and 1650 (235) kcal post-LTx ( P = .40). REE expressed per kilogram
      of fat-free mass (FFM) was 40.5 kcal/kg in pre-LTx patients with CF, which was
      higher than the 34.3 kcal/kg in post-LTx patients with CF ( P = .01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Prediction equations underestimate REE in patients with end-stage
      CF. REE per kg of FFM is lower post-LTx than pre-LTx in patients with CF.
      Measurement of REE is recommended for patients with CF, especially pre-LTx, to
      optimize energy requirements for improving nutrition status.

PMID- 27143649
TI  - Exposure to Melan-A/MART-126-35 tumor epitope specific CD8(+)T cells reveals
      immune escape by affecting the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS).
AB  - Efficient processing of target antigens by the ubiquitin-proteasome-system (UPS)
      is essential for treatment of cancers by T cell therapies. However, immune escape
      due to altered expression of IFN-gamma-inducible components of the antigen
      presentation machinery and consequent inefficient processing of HLA-dependent
      tumor epitopes can be one important reason for failure of such therapies. Here,
      we show that short-term co-culture of Melan-A/MART-1 tumor antigen-expressing
      melanoma cells with Melan-A/MART-126-35-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL)
      led to resistance against CTL-induced lysis because of impaired Melan-A/MART-126
      35 epitope processing. Interestingly, deregulation of p97/VCP expression, which
      is an IFN-gamma-independent component of the UPS and part of the ER-dependent
      protein degradation pathway (ERAD), was found to be essentially involved in the
      observed immune escape. In support, our data demonstrate that re-expression of
      p97/VCP in Melan-A/MART-126-35 CTL-resistant melanoma cells completely restored
      immune recognition by Melan-A/MART-126-35 CTL. In conclusion, our experiments
      show that impaired expression of IFN-gamma-independent components of the UPS can
      exert rapid immune evasion of tumor cells and suggest that tumor antigens
      processed by distinct UPS degradation pathways should be simultaneously targeted
      in T cell therapies to restrict the likelihood of immune evasion due to impaired
      antigen processing.

PMID- 27143651
TI  - Improvement in Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Cholestasis With the Use of
      Omegaven in an Infant With Short Bowel Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) and liver disease
      have been associated with soybean oil-based intravenous fat emulsions (IVFEs).
      The benefit of fish oil-based IVFEs in the reversal of parenteral nutrition (PN)
      associated liver damage includes allowing for longer PN duration without
      immediate need for bowel or liver transplantation. METHODS: The present case
      involves an infant born with short bowel syndrome (SBS) requiring long-term PN
      with development of PNAC and subsequent administration of a fish oil-based IVFE.
      RESULTS: An infant born with SBS was initiated on PN and enteral feeds. After
      failed enteral progression, bowel lengthening by serial transverse enteroplasty
      (STEP) resulted in postoperative ileus with delayed enteral feeding for 4 weeks.
      The administration of long-term PN led to development of PNAC, resulting in
      initiation of a fish oil-based IVFE. After 4 months, the cholestasis had
      resolved. Despite the STEP, at 16 months, the child required bowel tapering due
      to inability to advance enteral feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Fish oil-based IVFE was
      effectively used to reverse PNAC in a child with SBS. Despite early STEP, the
      patient was not able to tolerate enteral feedings and required bowel tapering.
      This case illustrates that early surgical intervention did not allow for improved
      feed tolerance. This resulted in a significant period without enteral nutrition,
      leading to development of cholestasis. The use of fish oil-based IVFE may permit
      a longer duration of PN administration without the development of cholestasis or
      liver disease, allowing for longer time for bowel adaptation prior to the need
      for surgical intervention.

PMID- 27143652
TI  - Nutrition in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Multicenter Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
      are severe exfoliative diseases treated in burn centers due to large skin losses.
      Literature on SJS/TEN refers to parenteral nutrition (PN) as the preferred route
      of nutrition support. This study describes nutrition support interventions in
      SJS/TEN patients admitted to burn centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven burn
      centers participated in this Institutional Review Board-exempted retrospective
      chart review of adults with SJS/TEN admitted from 2000-2012. RESULTS: This
      analysis included 171 patients with SJS/TEN. Median total body surface area
      involvement was 35% (n = 145; interquartile range [IQR], 16%-62%). The majority
      required mechanical ventilation (n = 105). Based on indirect calorimetry,
      measured energy needs were 24.2 kcal/kg of admit weight (n = 58; IQR, 19.4-29.9).
      Thirty-one patients did not require enteral nutrition (EN) and started oral
      intake on hospital day 1 (IQR, 1-2), and 81% required EN support due to
      inadequate oral intake and remained on EN until day 16 (median hospital day, 16;
      IQR, 9-25). High-protein enteral formulas predominated. PN was rarely used (n =
      12, 7%). Most patients were discharged home (57%), with 14% still requiring EN.
      CONCLUSIONS: Nutrition support should be considered in patients with SJS/TEN due
      to increased metabolic needs and an inability to meet these needs orally. Most
      SJS/TEN patients continued on EN and did not require escalation to PN.

PMID- 27143653
TI  - Ustekinumab for the treatment of refractory giant cell arteritis.

PMID- 27143655
TI  - Curcumin, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitophagy: Exploring recent data and
      indicating future needs.
AB  - Mitochondria are dynamic double-membrane bound organelles which have key roles in
      a variety of cellular functions such as energy producing, regulation of calcium
      flux, cellular stress responses including autophagy and apoptosis. A growing body
      of evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction is the main culprit in a
      myriad of diseases such as neurodegenerative disease. This fact opens a new
      therapeutic window based on targeting mitochondrial dysfunction for treatment of
      these diseases. Recently an abundance of evidence shows the promising role of
      polyphenolic compounds on mitochondrial structure and function. Curcumin, a well
      known polyphenolic compound, is an abundant component of turmeric. The promising
      roles of curcumin against different diseases are highly publicized. The aim of
      the present work is to critically review the scientific evidence to provide a
      clear view of how curcumin improves mitochondrial dynamics regarding
      mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy. We also present curcumin biosynthesis,
      source, bioavailability and metabolism in order to give an overview of this
      compound.

PMID- 27143656
TI  - Plasticity of the Axon Initial Segment: Fast and Slow Processes with Multiple
      Functional Roles.
AB  - The axon initial segment (AIS) is a key neuronal compartment because it is
      responsible for action potential initiation. The local density of Na+ channels,
      the biophysical properties of K+ channels, as well as the length and diameter of
      the AIS determine the spiking of neurons. These parameters undergo important
      modifications during development. The development of the AIS is governed by
      intrinsic mechanisms. In addition, surrounding neuronal networks modify its
      maturation. As a result, neurons get tuned to particular physiological functions.
      Neuronal activity also influences the morphology of the mature AIS. When
      excitatory neurons are hyperactive, their AIS undergo structural changes that
      decrease their excitability and thereby maintain the activity within a given
      range. These slow homeostatic regulatory mechanisms occur on a time scale of
      hours or days. In contrast, the activation of metabotropic receptors modulates
      the properties of ion channels expressed at the AIS within seconds and
      consequently produces fast adjustments of neuronal excitability. Recent results
      suggest that this plasticity plays important roles in physiological functions as
      diverse as memory formation, hearing, and motor control.

PMID- 27143657
TI  - Asymptomatic migration of an AMPLATZERTM AmuletTM left atrial appendage occluder
      through the mitral valve.
AB  - An 84-year-old woman with a history of hemorrhagic stroke was admitted for a new
      cerebral ischemic event. While in hospital, she was diagnosed with paroxysmal
      atrial fibrillation. Owing to her high thromboembolic risk (CHA2 DS2 -VASc score
      of 6) we performed left atrial appendage (LAA) closure using a 22-mm AMPLATZERTM
      AmuletTM. The procedure was successful. Systematic follow-up with transthoracic
      echocardiography 8 hr later revealed that the LAA occluder had migrated and
      become entrapped in the mitral subvalvular apparatus. At this time, the patient
      was asymptomatic. The device was recovered percutaneously using a loop-snare
      catheter, with no further complications. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27143654
TI  - Hypoxic tumor microenvironment: Opportunities to develop targeted therapies.
AB  - In recent years, there has been great progress in the understanding of tumor
      biology and its surrounding microenvironment. Solid tumors create regions with
      low oxygen levels, generally termed as hypoxic regions. These hypoxic areas offer
      a tremendous opportunity to develop targeted therapies. Hypoxia is not a random
      by-product of the cellular milieu due to uncontrolled tumor growth; rather it is
      a constantly evolving participant in overall tumor growth and fate. This article
      reviews current trends and recent advances in drug therapies and delivery systems
      targeting hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment. In the first part, we give an
      account of important physicochemical changes and signaling pathways activated in
      the hypoxic microenvironment. This is then followed by various treatment
      strategies including hypoxia-sensitive signaling pathways and approaches to
      develop hypoxia-targeted drug delivery systems.

PMID- 27143658
TI  - Ying R, et al (Clin Infect Dis 2016; 62:1022-8).

PMID- 27143659
TI  - Human Metapneumovirus Infections Following Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation:
      Factors Associated With Disease Progression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a newly identified pulmonary pathogen
      that can cause fatal lower respiratory tract disease (LRD) in hematopoietic cell
      transplantation (HCT) recipients. Little is known about progression rates from
      upper respiratory tract infection (URI) to LRD and risk factors associated with
      progression. METHODS: A total of 118 HCT recipients receiving transplantation
      between 2004 and 2014 who had HMPV detected in nasopharyngeal, bronchoalveolar
      lavage, or lung biopsy samples by real-time reverse transcription polymerase
      chain reaction were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: More than 90% of the cases
      were identified between December and May. Among the 118 HCT patients, 88 and 30
      had URI alone and LRD, respectively. Among 30 patients with LRD, 17 patients
      progressed from URI to LRD after a median of 7 days (range, 2-63 days). The
      probability of progression to LRD within 40 days after URI was 16%. In Cox
      regression analysis, steroid use >=1 mg/kg prior to URI diagnosis (hazard ratio
      [HR], 5.10; P = .004), low lymphocyte count (HR, 3.43; P = .011), and early onset
      of HMPV infection after HCT (before day 30 after HCT; HR, 3.54; P = .013) were
      associated with higher progression to LRD. The median viral load in nasal wash
      samples was 1.1 * 10(6) copies/mL (range, 3.3 * 10(2)-1.7 * 10(9)) with no
      correlation between the viral load and progression. CONCLUSIONS: Progression from
      URI to LRD occurred in up to 60% of HCT recipients with risk factors such as
      systemic corticosteroid use or low lymphocyte counts. Further studies are needed
      to define the role of viral load in the pathogenesis of progressive disease.

PMID- 27143661
TI  - Affordable Care Act Qualified Health Plan Coverage: Association With Improved HIV
      Viral Suppression for AIDS Drug Assistance Program Clients in a Medicaid
      Nonexpansion State.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, many state AIDS
      Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) shifted their healthcare delivery model from
      direct medication provision to purchasing qualified health plans (QHPs). The
      objective of this study was to characterize the demographic and healthcare
      delivery factors associated with Virginia ADAP clients' QHP enrollment and to
      assess the relationship between QHP coverage and human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) viral suppression. METHODS: The cohort included persons living with HIV who
      were enrolled in the Virginia ADAP (n = 3933). Data were collected from 1 January
      2013 through 31 December 2014. Multivariable binary logistic regression was
      conducted to assess for associations with QHP enrollment and between QHP coverage
      and viral load (VL) suppression. RESULTS: In the cohort, 47.1% enrolled in QHPs,
      and enrollment varied significantly based on demographic and healthcare delivery
      factors. In multivariable binary logistic regression, controlling for time, age,
      sex, race/ethnicity, and region, factors significantly associated with achieving
      HIV viral suppression included QHP coverage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.346; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.041-1.740; P = .02), an initially undetectable VL (2.809;
      2.174-3.636; P < .001), HIV rather than AIDS disease status (1.377; 1.049-1.808;
      P = .02), and HIV clinic (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: QHP coverage was associated
      with viral suppression, an essential outcome for individuals and for public
      health. Promoting QHP coverage in clinics that provide care to persons living
      with HIV may offer a new opportunity to increase rates of viral suppression.

PMID- 27143660
TI  - Healthcare Coverage for HIV Provider Visits Before and After Implementation of
      the Affordable Care Act.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Before implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
      Act (ACA) in 2014, 100 000 persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      (PLWH) lacked healthcare coverage and relied on a safety net of Ryan White
      HIV/AIDS Program support, local charities, or uncompensated care (RWHAP/Uncomp)
      to cover visits to HIV providers. We compared HIV provider coverage before (2011
      2013) versus after (first half of 2014) ACA implementation among a total of 28
      374 PLWH followed up in 4 sites in Medicaid expansion states (California, Oregon,
      and Maryland), 4 in a state (New York) that expanded Medicaid in 2001, and 2 in
      nonexpansion states (Texas and Florida). METHODS: Multivariate multinomial
      logistic models were used to assess changes in RWHAP/Uncomp, Medicaid, and
      private insurance coverage, using Medicare as a referent. RESULTS: In expansion
      state sites, RWHAP/Uncomp coverage decreased (unadjusted, 28% before and 13%
      after ACA; adjusted relative risk ratio [ARRR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], .40-.48). Medicaid coverage increased (23% and 38%; ARRR, 1.82; 95% CI,
      1.70-1.94), and private coverage was unchanged (21% and 19%; 0.96; .89-1.03). In
      New York sites, both RWHAP/Uncomp (20% and 19%) and Medicaid (50% and 50%)
      coverage were unchanged, while private coverage decreased (13% and 12%; ARRR,
      0.86; 95% CI, .80-.92). In nonexpansion state sites, RWHAP/Uncomp (57% and 52%)
      and Medicaid (18% and 18%) coverage were unchanged, while private coverage
      increased (4% and 7%; ARRR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.62-1.99). CONCLUSIONS: In expansion
      state sites, half of PLWH relying on RWHAP/Uncomp coverage shifted to Medicaid,
      while in New York and nonexpansion state sites, reliance on RWHAP/Uncomp remained
      constant. In the first half of 2014, the ACA did not eliminate the need for RWHAP
      safety net provider visit coverage.

PMID- 27143663
TI  - Statin Utilization and Recommendations Among HIV- and HCV-infected Veterans: A
      Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      infections are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
      The potential impact of recently updated cholesterol guidelines on treatment of
      HIV- and HCV-infected veterans is unknown. METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      cohort study to assess statin use and recommendations among 13 579 HIV-infected,
      169 767 HCV-infected, and 6628 HIV/HCV-coinfected male veterans aged 40-75 years.
      Prior 2004 Adult Treatment Panel (ATP-III) guidelines were compared with current
      2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA)
      cholesterol guidelines and 2014 US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)/US
      Department of Defense (DoD) joint clinical practice guidelines using laboratory,
      medication, and comorbidity data from the VA Clinical Case Registry from 2008
      through 2010. RESULTS: Using risk criteria delineated by the ATP-III guidelines,
      50.6% of HIV-infected, 45.9% of HCV-infected, and 33.8% of HIV/HCV-coinfected
      veterans had an indication for statin therapy. However, among those eligible,
      22.7%, 30.5%, and 31.5%, respectively, were not receiving ATP-III recommended
      statin therapy. When current cholesterol guidelines were applied by VA/DoD and
      ACC/AHA criteria, increases in recommendations for statins were found in all
      groups (57.3% and 66.1% of HIV-infected, 64.4% and 73.7% of HCV-infected, 49.1%
      and 58.5% of HIV/HCV-coinfected veterans recommended). CONCLUSIONS: Statins were
      underutilized among veterans infected with HIV, HCV, and HIV/HCV according to
      previous ATP-III guidelines. Current VA/DoD and ACC/AHA guidelines substantially
      expand statin recommendations and widen the gap of statin underutilization in all
      groups. These gaps in care present an opportunity to improve CVD prevention
      efforts in these at-risk populations.

PMID- 27143664
TI  - Editorial Commentary: Malaria and HIV/AIDS Interaction in Ugandan Children.

PMID- 27143665
TI  - Darunavir-based Antiretroviral Therapy may Affect the Efficacy of
      Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir and Dasabuvir in HCV/HIV-1 Coinfected Patients.

PMID- 27143662
TI  - Neurocognitive Function and Neuroimaging Markers in Virologically Suppressed HIV
      positive Patients Randomized to Ritonavir-boosted Protease Inhibitor Monotherapy
      or Standard Combination ART: A Cross-sectional Substudy From the PIVOT Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine whether treatment with ritonavir-boosted protease
      inhibitor (PI) monotherapy is associated with detrimental effects on
      neurocognitive function or brain imaging markers compared to standard
      antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS: Neuropsychological assessment and brain
      magnetic resonance imaging were performed at the last study visit in a subset of
      participants randomized to PI monotherapy (PI-mono group) or ongoing triple ART
      (OT group) in the PIVOT trial. We calculated a global z-score (NPZ-7) from the
      average of the individual test z-scores and the proportion of participants with
      symptomatic neurocognitive impairment (score >1 standard deviation below
      normative means in >=2 cognitive domains and neurocognitive symptoms). In a
      subgroup, white matter hyperintensities, bicaudate index, global cortical (GCA)
      and medial temporal lobe atrophy scores and single voxel (basal ganglia) N
      acetylaspartate (NAA)/Choline, NAA/Creatine and myo-inositol/Creatine ratios were
      measured. RESULTS: 146 participants (75 PI-mono) had neurocognitive testing
      (median time after randomization 3.8 years), of whom 78 were imaged. We found no
      difference between arms in NPZ-7 score (median -0.4 (interquartile range [IQR] = 
      0.7; 0.1) vs -0.3 (IQR = -0.7; 0.3) for the PI-mono and OT groups respectively, P
      = .28), the proportion with symptomatic neurocognitive impairment (13% and 18% in
      the PI-mono and OT groups respectively; P = .41), or any of the neuroimaging
      variables (P > .05). Symptomatic neurocognitive impairment was associated with
      higher GCA score (OR = 6.2 per additional score; 95% confidence interval, 1.7
      22.3 P = .005) but no other imaging variables. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a
      comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and brain imaging, PI monotherapy
      does not increase the risk of neurocognitive impairment in stable human
      immunodeficiency virus-positive patients.

PMID- 27143667
TI  - Editorial Commentary: Neurocognitive Performance in Ritonavir-boosted Protease
      Inhibitor Monotherapy.

PMID- 27143666
TI  - Antiretroviral Choice for HIV Impacts Antimalarial Exposure and Treatment
      Outcomes in Ugandan Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of malaria in human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV)-infected children requires consideration of critical drug-drug interactions
      in coinfected children, as these may significantly impact drug exposure and
      clinical outcomes. METHODS: We conducted an intensive and sparse
      pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study in Uganda of the most widely adopted
      artemisinin-based combination therapy, artemether-lumefantrine. HIV-infected
      children on 3 different first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens were
      compared to HIV-uninfected children not on ART, all of whom required treatment
      for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Pharmacokinetic sampling for artemether,
      dihydroartemisinin, and lumefantrine exposure was conducted through day 21, and
      associations between drug exposure and outcomes through day 42 were investigated.
      RESULTS: One hundred forty-five and 225 children were included in the intensive
      and sparse pharmacokinetic analyses, respectively. Compared with no ART,
      efavirenz (EFV) reduced exposure to all antimalarial components by 2.1- to 3.4
      fold; lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) increased lumefantrine exposure by 2.1-fold;
      and nevirapine reduced artemether exposure only. Day 7 concentrations of
      lumefantrine were 10-fold lower in children on EFV vs LPV/r-based ART, changes
      that were associated with an approximate 4-fold higher odds of recurrent malaria
      by day 28 in those on EFV vs LPV/r-based ART. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of ART in
      children living in a malaria-endemic region has highly significant impacts on the
      pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of artemether-lumefantrine treatment. EFV
      based ART reduces all antimalarial components and is associated with the highest
      risk of recurrent malaria following treatment. For those on EFV, close clinical
      follow-up for recurrent malaria following artemether-lumefantrine treatment,
      along with the study of modified dosing regimens that provide higher exposure, is
      warranted.

PMID- 27143668
TI  - Higher Prevalence of Hypertension in HIV-1-Infected Patients on Combination
      Antiretroviral Therapy Is Associated With Changes in Body Composition and Prior
      Stavudine Exposure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a
      higher risk of cardiovascular disease, potentially partly mediated by a higher
      prevalence of hypertension. We therefore examined the prevalence and determinants
      of hypertension in HIV-1-infected patients compared with appropriate HIV-negative
      controls. METHODS: Data from 527 HIV-1-infected and 517 HIV-uninfected
      participants at the time of enrollment into the ongoing AGEhIV Cohort Study were
      analyzed. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure >=140 mmHg,
      diastolic blood pressure >=90 mmHg, and/or self-reported use of antihypertensive
      drugs. RESULTS: Hypertension prevalence was higher among HIV-1-infected
      individuals compared with controls (48.2% vs 36.4%; odds ratio [OR], 1.63; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.27-2.09). In logistic regression models adjusted for
      age, sex, ethnicity, family history of hypertension, smoking, alcohol use,
      physical activity, and body mass index, the association between HIV and
      hypertension remained statistically significant (ORHIV, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.25-2.19),
      but was attenuated after additional adjustment for waist-to-hip ratio (ORHIV,
      1.29; 95% CI, .95-1.76). Among HIV-1-infected individuals, particularly among
      those with mono/dual nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy prior to
      combination antiretroviral therapy, stavudine exposure was independently
      associated with hypertension (ORstavudine, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.04-2.30). This
      association was attenuated after additional adjustment for either waist-to-hip
      ratio (ORstavudine, 1.30; 95% CI, .85-1.96) or hip circumference (ORstavudine,
      1.40; 95% CI, .93-2.11). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that changes in body
      composition, involving both abdominal obesity and stavudine-induced peripheral
      lipoatrophy, might contribute to the higher prevalence of hypertension in HIV-1
      infected patients. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT01466582.

PMID- 27143669
TI  - Closing the Translation Gap: Toolkit-based Implementation of Universal
      Decolonization in Adult Intensive Care Units Reduces Central Line-associated
      Bloodstream Infections in 95 Community Hospitals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Challenges exist in implementing evidence-based strategies, reaching
      high compliance, and achieving desired outcomes. The rapid adoption of a publicly
      available toolkit featuring routine universal decolonization of intensive care
      unit (ICU) patients may affect catheter-related bloodstream infections. METHODS:
      Implementation of universal decolonization-treatment of all ICU patients with
      chlorhexidine bathing and nasal mupirocin-used a prerelease version of a publicly
      available toolkit. Implementation in 136 adult ICUs in 95 acute care hospitals
      across the United States was supported by planning and deployment tactics
      coordinated by a central infection prevention team using toolkit resources, along
      with coaching calls and engagement of key stakeholders. Operational and process
      measures derived from a common electronic health record system provided real-time
      feedback about performance. Healthcare-associated central line-associated
      bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), using National Healthcare Safety Network
      surveillance definitions and comparing the preimplementation period of January
      2011 through December 2012 to the postimplementation period of July 2013 through
      February 2014, were assessed via a Poisson generalized linear mixed model
      regression for CLABSI events. RESULTS: Implementation of universal decolonization
      was completed within 6 months. The estimated rate of CLABSI decreased by 23.5%
      (95% confidence interval, 9.8%-35.1%; P = .001). There was no evidence of a trend
      over time in either the pre- or postimplementation period. Adjusting for
      seasonality and number of beds did not materially affect these results.
      CONCLUSIONS: Dissemination of universal decolonization of ICU patients was
      accomplished quickly in a large community health system and was associated with
      declines in CLABSI consistent with published clinical trial findings.

PMID- 27143670
TI  - CD4/CD8 Cell Ratio in Acute HIV Infection and the Impact of Early Antiretroviral
      Therapy.

PMID- 27143671
TI  - Fecal Colonization With Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase-Producing
      Enterobacteriaceae and Risk Factors Among Healthy Individuals: A Systematic
      Review and Metaanalysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gut colonization is a risk factor for infections with extended
      spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms. We aimed to determine the
      ESBL class A reservoir among healthy individuals. METHODS: We searched PubMed and
      EMBASE (through 10 July 2015) looking for studies that contained data for fecal
      colonization with ESBL class A bacteria among healthy individuals for each World
      Health Organization-defined region. Distribution of isolates among cefotaximase
      (CTX-M), sulfhydryl variable, and temoneira enzymes and data on previous
      antibiotic use, international travel, previous hospitalization, and animal
      contacts were extracted. RESULTS: Sixty-six of 17 479 studies on 28 909 healthy
      individuals were included. The pooled prevalence of ESBL class A colonization was
      14% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9, 20), with an increasing trend of 5.38%
      annually (P = .003). The pooled prevalence was higher in Asia and Africa (ranging
      from 46%, 95% CI, 29, 63 to 15%, 95% CI, 4, 31) and lower but still significant
      in central (3%, 95% CI, 1, 5), northern (4%, 95% CI, 2, 6), and southern Europe
      (6%, 95% CI, 1, 12) and the Americas (2%, 95% CI, 0, 5). CTX-Ms were the
      prevalent ESBL enzyme (69%). Antibiotic use for the prior 4 or 12 months was
      associated with a high colonization risk (risk ratio [RR] = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.19,
      2.24 and RR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.16, 2.16, respectively). International travel was
      also correlated with ESBL colonization [(RR = 4.06, (95% CI, 1.33, 12.41)].
      CONCLUSIONS: The ESBL colonization rate among healthy individuals is significant
      worldwide. This should be taken into consideration in infection control and
      antibiotic management decisions.

PMID- 27143674
TI  - Editorial Commentary: Affordable Care Act, Medicaid Expansion ... or Not: Ryan
      White Care Act Remains Essential for Access and Equity.

PMID- 27143672
TI  - The Effect of Influenza Vaccination on Birth Outcomes in a Cohort of Pregnant
      Women in Lao PDR, 2014-2015.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some studies suggest that maternal influenza vaccination can improve
      birth outcomes. However, there are limited data from tropical settings,
      particularly Southeast Asia. We conducted an observational study in Laos to
      assess the effect of influenza vaccination in pregnant women on birth outcomes.
      METHODS: We consented and enrolled a cohort of pregnant woman who delivered
      babies at 3 hospitals during April 2014-February 2015. We collected demographic
      and clinical information on mother and child. Influenza vaccination status was
      ascertained by vaccine card. Primary outcomes were the proportion of live births
      born small for gestational age (SGA) or preterm and mean birth weight.
      Multivariate models controlled for differences between vaccinated and
      unvaccinated women and influenza virus circulation. RESULTS: We enrolled 5103
      women (2172 [43%] were vaccinated). Among the 4854 who had a live birth,
      vaccinated women were statistically significantly less likely than unvaccinated
      women to have an infant born preterm during the period of high influenza virus
      circulation (risk ratio [RR] = 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI], .45-.70), and
      the effect remained after adjusting for covariates (adjusted RR, 0.69; 95% CI,
      .55-.87). There was no effect of vaccine on SGA or mean birth weight. The
      population-prevented fraction was 18.0%. CONCLUSIONS: In this observational
      study, we found indirect evidence of influenza vaccine safety during pregnancy,
      and women who received vaccine had a reduced risk of delivering a preterm infant
      during times of high influenza virus circulation. Vaccination may prevent 1 in 5
      preterm births that occur during periods of high influenza circulation.

PMID- 27143673
TI  - Editorial Commentary: Fecal ESBL Screening: Are We Ready for This Information?

PMID- 27143675
TI  - Copper metabolism and green serum during pregnancy.

PMID- 27143676
TI  - Quality-of-Life Outcomes With Anatomic Versus Functional Diagnostic Testing
      Strategies in Symptomatic Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease:
      Results From the PROMISE Randomized Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest
      Pain (PROMISE) trial found that initial use of >=64 detector-row computed
      tomography angiography versus standard functional testing strategies (exercise
      ECG, stress nuclear methods, or stress echocardiography) did not improve clinical
      outcomes in 10 003 stable symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery
      disease requiring noninvasive testing. Symptom burden and quality of life (QOL)
      were major secondary outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively collected a
      battery of QOL instruments in 5985 patients at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months
      postrandomization. The prespecified primary QOL measures were the Duke Activity
      Status Index and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire frequency and QOL scales. All
      comparisons were made as randomized. Baseline variables were well balanced in the
      2982 patients randomly assigned to computed tomography angiography testing and
      the 3003 patients randomly assigned to functional testing. The Duke Activity
      Status Index improved substantially in both groups over the first 6 months
      following testing, but we found no evidence for a strategy-related difference
      (mean difference [anatomic - functional] at 24 months of follow-up, 0.1 [95%
      confidence interval, -0.9 to 1.1]). Similar results were seen for the Seattle
      Angina Questionnaire frequency scale (mean difference at 24 months, -0.2; 95%
      confidence interval, -0.8 to 0.4) and QOL scale (mean difference at 24 months, 
      0.2; 95% confidence interval, -1.3 to 0.9). None of the secondary QOL measures
      showed a consistent strategy-related difference. CONCLUSIONS: In symptomatic
      patients with suspected coronary artery disease who required noninvasive testing,
      symptoms and QOL improved significantly. However, a strategy of initial anatomic
      testing, in comparison with functional testing, did not provide an incremental
      benefit for QOL over 2 years of follow-up. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01174550.

PMID- 27143677
TI  - A PROMISE Fulfilled That Quality-of-Life Assessments Afford Incremental Value to
      Coronary Artery Disease Management.

PMID- 27143679
TI  - Invasive Assessment of Coronary Physiology Predicts Late Mortality After Heart
      Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to determine the prognostic value of
      invasively assessing coronary physiology early after heart transplantation.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-four cardiac transplant recipients had fractional
      flow reserve, coronary flow reserve, index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR),
      and intravascular ultrasound performed down the left anterior descending coronary
      artery soon after (baseline) and 1 year after heart transplantation. The primary
      end point was the cumulative survival free of death or retransplantation at a
      mean follow-up of 4.5+/-3.5 years. The cumulative event-free survival was
      significantly lower in patients with a fractional flow reserve <0.90 at baseline
      (42% versus 79%; P=0.01) or an IMR >=20 measured 1 year after heart
      transplantation (39% versus 69%; P=0.03). Patients in whom IMR decreased or did
      not change from baseline to 1 year had higher event-free survival compared with
      patients with an increase in IMR (66% versus 36%; P=0.03). Fractional flow
      reserve <0.90 at baseline (hazard ratio, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.02
      0.81; P=0.03), IMR >=20 at 1 year (hazard ratio, 3.93; 95% confidence interval,
      1.08-14.27; P=0.04), and rejection during the first year (hazard ratio, 6.00; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.56-23.09; P=0.009) were independent predictors of
      death/retransplantation, whereas intravascular ultrasound parameters were not.
      CONCLUSIONS: Invasive measures of coronary physiology (fractional flow reserve
      and IMR) determined early after heart transplantation are significant predictors
      of late death or retransplantation.

PMID- 27143678
TI  - Nonbiopsy Diagnosis of Cardiac Transthyretin Amyloidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a progressive and fatal
      cardiomyopathy for which several promising therapies are in development. The
      diagnosis is frequently delayed or missed because of the limited specificity of
      echocardiography and the traditional requirement for histological confirmation.
      It has long been recognized that technetium-labeled bone scintigraphy tracers can
      localize to myocardial amyloid deposits, and use of this imaging modality for the
      diagnosis of cardiac ATTR amyloidosis has lately been revisited. We conducted a
      multicenter study to ascertain the diagnostic value of bone scintigraphy in this
      disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: Results of bone scintigraphy and biochemical
      investigations were analyzed from 1217 patients with suspected cardiac
      amyloidosis referred for evaluation in specialist centers. Of 857 patients with
      histologically proven amyloid (374 with endomyocardial biopsies) and 360 patients
      subsequently confirmed to have nonamyloid cardiomyopathies, myocardial
      radiotracer uptake on bone scintigraphy was >99% sensitive and 86% specific for
      cardiac ATTR amyloid, with false positives almost exclusively from uptake in
      patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis. Importantly, the combined findings of grade
      2 or 3 myocardial radiotracer uptake on bone scintigraphy and the absence of a
      monoclonal protein in serum or urine had a specificity and positive predictive
      value for cardiac ATTR amyloidosis of 100% (positive predictive value confidence
      interval, 98.0-100). CONCLUSIONS: Bone scintigraphy enables the diagnosis of
      cardiac ATTR amyloidosis to be made reliably without the need for histology in
      patients who do not have a monoclonal gammopathy. We propose noninvasive
      diagnostic criteria for cardiac ATTR amyloidosis that are applicable to the
      majority of patients with this disease.

PMID- 27143680
TI  - Akkermansia Muciniphila Protects Against Atherosclerosis by Preventing Metabolic
      Endotoxemia-Induced Inflammation in Apoe-/- Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered composition of the gut microbiota is involved in both the
      onset and progression of obesity and diabetes mellitus. However, the link between
      gut microbiota and obesity-related cardiovascular complications has not been
      explored. The present study was designed to investigate the role of Akkermansia
      muciniphila, a mucin-degrading bacterium with beneficial effects on metabolism,
      in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe(-/-))
      mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Apoe(-/-) mice on normal chow diet or a Western diet
      were treated with A muciniphila by daily oral gavage for 8 weeks, followed by
      histological evaluations of atherosclerotic lesion in aorta. Real-time polymerase
      chain reaction analysis demonstrated that the fecal abundance of A muciniphila
      was significantly reduced by Western diet. Replenishment with A muciniphila
      reversed Western diet-induced exacerbation of atherosclerotic lesion formation
      without affecting hypercholesterolemia. A muciniphila prevented Western diet
      induced inflammation in both the circulation and local atherosclerotic lesion, as
      evidenced by reduced macrophage infiltration and expression of proinflammatory
      cytokines and chemokines. These changes were accompanied by a marked attenuation
      in metabolic endotoxemia. A muciniphila-mediated reduction in circulating
      endotoxin level could be attributed to the induction of intestinal expression of
      the tight junction proteins (zona occuldens protein-1 and occludin), thereby
      reversing Western diet-induced increases in gut permeability. Long-term infusion
      of endotoxin to Apoe(-/-) mice reversed the protective effect of A muciniphila
      against atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION: A muciniphila attenuates atherosclerotic
      lesions by ameliorating metabolic endotoxemia-induced inflammation through
      restoration of the gut barrier.

PMID- 27143681
TI  - Prolyl-4 Hydroxylase 2 (PHD2) Deficiency in Endothelial Cells and Hematopoietic
      Cells Induces Obliterative Vascular Remodeling and Severe Pulmonary Arterial
      Hypertension in Mice and Humans Through Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-2alpha.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vascular occlusion and complex plexiform lesions are hallmarks of the
      pathology of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients. However,
      the mechanisms of obliterative vascular remodeling remain elusive; hence, current
      therapies have not targeted the fundamental disease-modifying mechanisms and
      result in only modest improvement in morbidity and mortality. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Mice with Tie2Cre-mediated disruption of Egln1 (encoding prolyl-4
      hydroxylase 2 [PHD2]; Egln1(Tie2)) in endothelial cells and hematopoietic cells
      exhibited spontaneous severe PAH with extensive pulmonary vascular remodeling,
      including vascular occlusion and plexiform-like lesions, resembling the hallmarks
      of the pathology of clinical PAH. As seen in patients with idiopathic PAH,
      Egln1(Tie2) mice exhibited unprecedented right ventricular hypertrophy and
      failure and progressive mortality. Consistently, PHD2 expression was diminished
      in lung endothelial cells of obliterated pulmonary vessels in patients with
      idiopathic PAH. Genetic deletions of both Egln1 and Hif1a or Egln1 and Hif2a
      identified hypoxia-inducible factor-2alpha as the critical mediator of the severe
      PAH seen in Egln1(Tie2) mice. We also observed altered expression of many
      pulmonary hypertension-causing genes in Egln1(Tie2) lungs, which was normalized
      in Egln1(Tie2)/Hif2a(Tie2) lungs. PHD2-deficient endothelial cells promoted
      smooth muscle cell proliferation in part through hypoxia-inducible factor-2alpha
      activated CXCL12 expression. Genetic deletion of Cxcl12 attenuated PAH in
      Egln1(Tie2) mice. CONCLUSIONS: These studies defined an unexpected role of PHD2
      deficiency in the mechanisms of severe PAH and identified the first genetically
      modified mouse model with obliterative vascular remodeling and pathophysiology
      recapitulating clinical PAH. Thus, targeting PHD2/hypoxia-inducible factor-2alpha
      signaling is a promising strategy to reverse vascular remodeling for treatment of
      severe PAH.

PMID- 27143683
TI  - Low Systolic Blood Pressure and Vascular Mortality Among More Than 1 Million
      Korean Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between low systolic blood pressure (SBP) and
      vascular disease is unclear, especially in nonclinical populations. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We studied 1 235 246 individuals who participated in routine medical
      examinations between 1992 and 1995. The hazard ratios (HRs) were adjusted for
      potential confounders. During 22.7 million person-years of follow-up, 34 816
      individuals died of atherosclerotic vascular diseases. An increase in SBP was
      directly related to an increase in vascular mortality at SBP above ~100 mmHg. The
      group with the lowest SBP (<90 mm Hg) had a higher HR for mortality from
      atherosclerotic vascular disease (HR, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.03)
      in comparison with those with an SBP of 90 to 99 mm Hg. The HR associated with
      the lowest SBP was 2.54 (95% confidence interval, 1.51-4.29) for ischemic heart
      disease and 1.21 (95% confidence interval, 0.79-1.85) for stroke. Regarding
      stroke subtype, mortality from hemorrhagic stroke (HR per 10 mm Hg increase,
      0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.96), rather than mortality from ischemic
      stroke (HR per 10 mm Hg increase, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-1.97), was
      inversely associated with SBP when SBP fell to <100 mm Hg. Even when excluding
      the first 5 years of follow-up, the HRs associated with the lowest SBP did not
      decrease. The inverse association between SBP and vascular mortality in the range
      <100 mm Hg tended to be apparent in people aged 60 to 95 years in comparison with
      individuals aged 30 to 59 years. CONCLUSIONS: J-curve associations exist between
      SBP and vascular mortality, which reach a nadir at ~100 mm Hg. SBP of <90 mm Hg
      may portend death from vascular disease, particularly from ischemic heart
      disease.

PMID- 27143682
TI  - Reproductive Risk Factors and Coronary Heart Disease in the Women's Health
      Initiative Observational Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reproductive factors provide an early window into a woman's coronary
      heart disease (CHD) risk; however, their contribution to CHD risk stratification
      is uncertain. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the Women's Health Initiative Observational
      Study, we constructed Cox proportional hazards models for CHD including age,
      pregnancy status, number of live births, age at menarche, menstrual irregularity,
      age at first birth, stillbirths, miscarriages, infertility >=1 year, infertility
      cause, and breastfeeding. We next added each candidate reproductive factor to an
      established CHD risk factor model. A final model was then constructed with
      significant reproductive factors added to established CHD risk factors.
      Improvement in C statistic, net reclassification index (or net reclassification
      index with risk categories of <5%, 5 to <10%, and >=10% 10-year risk of CHD), and
      integrated discriminatory index were assessed. Among 72 982 women (CHD events,
      n=4607; median follow-up,12.0 [interquartile range, 8.3-13.7] years; mean
      [standard deviation] age, 63.2 [7.2] years), an age-adjusted reproductive risk
      factor model had a C statistic of 0.675 for CHD. In a model adjusted for
      established CHD risk factors, younger age at first birth, number of still births,
      number of miscarriages, and lack of breastfeeding were positively associated with
      CHD. Reproductive factors modestly improved model discrimination (C statistic
      increased from 0.726 to 0.730; integrated discriminatory index, 0.0013;
      P<0.0001). Net reclassification for women with events was not improved (net
      reclassification index events, 0.007; P=0.18); and, for women without events, net
      reclassification was marginally improved (net reclassification index nonevents,
      0.002; P=0.04) CONCLUSIONS: Key reproductive factors are associated with CHD
      independently of established CHD risk factors, very modestly improve model
      discrimination, and do not materially improve net reclassification.

PMID- 27143685
TI  - 2016 Focused Update: Clinical Recommendations for Cardiopulmonary Exercise
      Testing Data Assessment in Specific Patient Populations.
AB  - In the past several decades, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) has seen an
      exponential increase in its evidence base. The growing volume of evidence in
      support of CPX has precipitated the release of numerous scientific statements by
      societies and associations. In 2012, the European Association for Cardiovascular
      Prevention & Rehabilitation and the American Heart Association developed a joint
      document with the primary intent of redefining CPX analysis and reporting in a
      way that would streamline test interpretation and increase clinical application.
      Specifically, the 2012 joint scientific statement on CPX conceptualized an easy
      to-use, clinically meaningful analysis based on evidence-vetted variables in
      color-coded algorithms; single-page algorithms were successfully developed for
      each proposed test indication. Because of an abundance of new CPX research in
      recent years and a reassessment of the current algorithms in light of the body of
      evidence, a focused update to the 2012 scientific statement is now warranted. The
      purposes of this update are to confirm algorithms included in the initial
      scientific statement not requiring revision, to propose revisions to algorithms
      included in the initial scientific statement, to propose new algorithms based on
      emerging scientific evidence, to further clarify the application of oxygen
      consumption at ventilatory threshold, to describe CPX variables with an emerging
      scientific evidence base, to describe the synergistic value of combining CPX with
      other assessments, to discuss personnel considerations for CPX laboratories, and
      to provide recommendations for future CPX research.

PMID- 27143686
TI  - Spin-exchange interaction between transition metals and metalloids in soft
      ferromagnetic metallic glasses.
AB  - High-performance magnetic materials have immense industrial and scientific
      importance in wide-ranging electronic, electromechanical, and medical device
      technologies. Metallic glasses with a fully amorphous structure are particularly
      suited for advanced soft-magnetic applications. However, fundamental scientific
      understanding is lacking for the spin-exchange interaction between metal and
      metalloid atoms, which typically constitute a metallic glass. Using an integrated
      experimental and molecular dynamics approach, we demonstrate the mechanism of
      electron interaction between transition metals and metalloids. Spin-exchange
      interactions were investigated for a Fe-Co metallic glass system of composition
      [(Co1-x Fe x )0.75B0.2Si0.05]96Cr4. The saturation magnetization increased with
      higher Fe concentration, but the trend significantly deviated from simple rule of
      mixtures. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulation was used to identify the
      ferromagnetic/anti-ferromagnetic interaction between the transition metals and
      metalloids. The overlapping band-structure and density of states represent
      'Stoner type' magnetization for the amorphous alloys in contrast to 'Heisenberg
      type' in crystalline iron. The enhancement of magnetization by increasing iron
      was attributed to the interaction between Fe 3d and B 2p bands, which was further
      validated by valence-band study.

PMID- 27143687
TI  - Clinical approach to fever of unknown origin in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) can be caused by many clinical
      conditions and remains a diagnostic challenge in clinical practice. The etiology
      of FUO varies markedly among different age groups, geographic areas, and seasons.
      A four-stage investigative protocol for FUO is widely applied in clinical
      practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of this four-stage
      protocol for identifying the etiology of FUO in children. METHODS: We enrolled
      children younger than 18 years of age who were admitted to the Taichung Veterans
      General Hospital during the period from January 2006 to December 2014 with FUO
      persisting for more than 3 weeks. The four-stage FUO investigative guideline was
      used to evaluate the etiology of fever in all patients enrolled in the study.
      RESULTS: The etiology of FUO was identified in 79 (84.9%) of the 93 patients
      enrolled in the study. The most common cause of FUO was infectious disease
      (37.6%), followed by malignancy (17.2%), miscellaneous disease (16.1%), and
      collagen vascular disease (14.0%). With respect to the four-stage survey of FUO,
      36 of the 79 patients (45.6%) were identified in Stage 3, 28 patients (35.4%) in
      Stage 2, 13 patients (16.5%) in Stage 4, and only two patients (2.5%) in Stage 1.
      CONCLUSION: A well-designed systemic review of the epidemiological information,
      medical history, physical examination, laboratory analysis, and adequate invasive
      procedures provide adequate data to identify the most common causes of FUO in
      children.

PMID- 27143684
TI  - Importance of Clinical Worsening of Heart Failure Treated in the Outpatient
      Setting: Evidence From the Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine
      Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure Trial (PARADIGM-HF).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many episodes of worsening of heart failure (HF) are treated by
      increasing oral therapy or temporary intravenous treatment in the community or
      emergency department (ED), without hospital admission. We studied the frequency
      and prognostic importance of these episodes of worsening in the Prospective
      Comparison of ARNI (angiotensin-receptor-neprilysin inhibitor) with ACEI
      (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) to Determine Impact on Global Mortality
      and Morbidity in Heart Failure Trial (PARADIGM-HF). METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Outpatient intensification of HF therapy was added to an expanded composite
      outcome with ED visits, HF hospitalizations, and cardiovascular deaths. In an
      examination of first nonfatal events, 361 of 8399 patients (4.3%) had outpatient
      intensification of HF therapy without a subsequent event (ie, ED visit/HF
      hospitalizations) within 30 days; 78 of 8399 (1.0%) had an ED visit without
      previous outpatient intensification of HF therapy or a subsequent event within 30
      days; and 1107 of 8399 (13.2%) had HF hospitalizations without a preceding event.
      The risk of death (in comparison with no-event patients) was similar after each
      manifestation of worsening: outpatient intensification of HF therapy (hazard
      ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.9-5.9); ED visit (hazard ratio, 4.5; 95%
      confidence interval, 3.0-6.7); HF hospitalizations (hazard ratio, 5.9; 95%
      confidence interval, 5.2-6.6). The expanded composite added 14% more events and
      shortened time to accrual of a fixed number of events. The benefit of
      sacubitril/valsartan over enalapril was similar to the primary outcome for the
      expanded composite (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.86) and
      was consistent across the components of the latter. CONCLUSIONS: Focusing only on
      HF hospitalizations underestimates the frequency of worsening and the serious
      implications of all manifestations of worsening. For clinical trials conducted in
      an era of heightened efforts to avoid HF hospitalizations, inclusion of episodes
      of outpatient treatment intensification (and ED visits) in a composite outcome
      adds an important number of events and shortens the time taken to accrue a target
      number of end points in an event-driven trial. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL:
      http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01035255.

PMID- 27143688
TI  - Changes in variation at the MHC class II DQA locus during the final demise of the
      woolly mammoth.
AB  - According to the nearly-neutral theory of evolution, the relative strengths of
      selection and drift shift in favour of drift at small population sizes. Numerous
      studies have analysed the effect of bottlenecks and small population sizes on
      genetic diversity in the MHC, which plays a central role in pathogen recognition
      and immune defense and is thus considered a model example for the study of
      adaptive evolution. However, to understand changes in genetic diversity at loci
      under selection, it is necessary to compare the genetic diversity of a population
      before and after the bottleneck. In this study, we analyse three fragments of the
      MHC DQA gene in woolly mammoth samples radiocarbon dated to before and after a
      well-documented bottleneck that took place about ten thousand years ago. Our
      results indicate a decrease in observed heterozygosity and number of alleles,
      suggesting that genetic drift had an impact on the variation on MHC. Based on
      coalescent simulations, we found no evidence of balancing selection maintaining
      MHC diversity during the Holocene. However, strong trans-species polymorphism
      among mammoths and elephants points to historical effects of balancing selection
      on the woolly mammoth lineage.

PMID- 27143689
TI  - Pharmacogenetic Discovery in CALGB (Alliance) 90401 and Mechanistic Validation of
      a VAC14 Polymorphism that Increases Risk of Docetaxel-Induced Neuropathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Discovery of SNPs that predict a patient's risk of docetaxel-induced
      neuropathy would enable treatment individualization to maximize efficacy and
      avoid unnecessary toxicity. The objectives of this analysis were to discover SNPs
      associated with docetaxel-induced neuropathy and mechanistically validate these
      associations in preclinical models of drug-induced neuropathy. EXPERIMENTAL
      DESIGN: A genome-wide association study was conducted in metastatic castrate
      resistant prostate cancer patients treated with docetaxel, prednisone and
      randomized to bevacizumab or placebo on CALGB 90401. SNPs were genotyped on the
      Illumina HumanHap610-Quad platform followed by rigorous quality control. The
      inference was conducted on the cumulative dose at occurrence of grade 3+ sensory
      neuropathy using a cause-specific hazard model that accounted for early treatment
      discontinuation. Genes with SNPs significantly associated with neuropathy were
      knocked down in cellular and mouse models of drug-induced neuropathy. RESULTS: A
      total of 498,081 SNPs were analyzed in 623 Caucasian patients, 50 (8%) of whom
      experienced grade 3+ neuropathy. The 1,000 SNPs most associated with neuropathy
      clustered in relevant pathways including neuropathic pain and axonal guidance. An
      SNP in VAC14 (rs875858) surpassed genome-wide significance (P = 2.12 * 10-8,
      adjusted P = 5.88 * 10-7). siRNA knockdown of VAC14 in stem cell-derived
      peripheral neuronal cells increased docetaxel sensitivity as measured by
      decreased neurite processes (P = 0.0015) and branches (P < 0.0001). Prior to
      docetaxel treatment, VAC14 heterozygous mice had greater nociceptive sensitivity
      than wild-type litter mate controls (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: VAC14 should be
      prioritized for further validation of its potential role as a predictor of
      docetaxel-induced neuropathy and biomarker for treatment individualization. Clin
      Cancer Res; 22(19); 4890-900. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27143692
TI  - [Editors' corner: Anales de Pediatria annual report].

PMID- 27143690
TI  - Phase II Study of Radiotherapy and Temsirolimus versus Radiochemotherapy with
      Temozolomide in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma without MGMT Promoter
      Hypermethylation (EORTC 26082).
AB  - PURPOSE: EORTC 26082 assessed the activity of temsirolimus in patients with newly
      diagnosed glioblastoma harboring an unmethylated O6 methylguanine-DNA
      methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Patients (n = 257)
      fulfilling eligibility criteria underwent central MGMT testing. Patients with
      MGMT unmethylated glioblastoma (n = 111) were randomized 1:1 between standard
      chemo-radiotherapy with temozolomide or radiotherapy plus weekly temsirolimus (25
      mg). Primary endpoint was overall survival at 12 months (OS12). A positive signal
      was considered >38 patients alive at 12 months in the per protocol population. A
      noncomparative reference arm of 54 patients evaluated the assumptions on OS12 in
      a standard-treated cohort of patients. Prespecified post hoc analyses of markers
      reflecting target activation were performed. RESULTS: Both therapies were
      administered per protocol with a median of 13 cycles of maintenance temsirolimus.
      Median age was 55 and 58 years in the temsirolimus and standard arms, the WHO
      performance status 0 or 1 for most patients (95.5%). In the per protocol
      population, 38 of 54 patients treated with temsirolimus reached OS12. The
      actuarial 1-year survival was 72.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 58.2-82.2] in
      the temozolomide arm and 69.6% (95% CI, 55.8-79.9) in the temsirolimus arm
      [hazard ratio (HR) 1.16; 95% CI, 0.77-1.76; P = 0.47]. In multivariable
      prognostic analyses of clinical and molecular factors, phosphorylation of
      mTORSer2448 in tumor tissue (HR 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.47; P = 0.002), detected in
      37.6%, was associated with benefit from temsirolimus. CONCLUSIONS: Temsirolimus
      was not superior to temozolomide in patients with an unmethylated MGMT promoter.
      Phosphorylation of mTORSer2448 in the pretreatment tumor tissue may define a
      subgroup benefitting from mTOR inhibition. Clin Cancer Res; 22(19); 4797-806.
      (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27143691
TI  - BCAM and LAMA5 Mediate the Recognition between Tumor Cells and the Endothelium in
      the Metastatic Spreading of KRAS-Mutant Colorectal Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: KRAS mutations confer adverse prognosis to colorectal cancer, and no
      targeted therapies have shown efficacy in this patient subset. Paracrine,
      nongenetic events induced by KRAS-mutant tumor cells are expected to result in
      specific deregulation and/or relocation of tumor microenvironment (TME) proteins,
      which in principle can be exploited as alternative therapeutic targets.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A multimodal strategy combining ex vivo/in vitro phage
      display screens with deep-sequencing and bioinformatics was applied to uncover
      TME-specific targets in KRAS-mutant hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer.
      Expression and localization of BCAM and LAMA5 were validated by
      immunohistochemistry in preclinical models of human hepatic metastasis and in a
      panel of human specimens (n = 71). The antimetastatic efficacy of two BCAM-mimic
      peptides was evaluated in mouse models. The role of BCAM in the interaction of
      KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer cells with TME cells was investigated by adhesion
      assays. RESULTS: BCAM and LAMA5 were identified as molecular targets within both
      tumor cells and TME of KRAS-mutant hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer,
      where they were specifically overexpressed. Two BCAM-mimic peptides inhibited
      KRAS-mutant hepatic metastasis in preclinical models. Genetic suppression and
      biochemical inhibition of either BCAM or LAMA5 impaired adhesion of KRAS-mutant
      colorectal cancer cells specifically to endothelial cells, whereas adhesion to
      pericytes and hepatocytes was unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that the
      BCAM/LAMA5 system plays a functional role in the metastatic spreading of KRAS
      mutant colorectal cancer by mediating tumor-TME interactions and as such
      represents a valuable therapeutic candidate for this large, currently untreatable
      patient group. Clin Cancer Res; 22(19); 4923-33. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27143695
TI  - Three-dimensional laparoscopy: Principles and practice.
AB  - The largest challenge for laparoscopic surgeons is the eye-hand coordination
      within a three-dimensional (3D) scene observed on a 2D display. The 2D view on
      flat screen laparoscopy is cerebrally intensive. The loss of binocular vision on
      a 2D display causes visual misperceptions, mainly loss of depth perception and
      adds to the surgeon's fatigue. This compromises the safety of laparoscopy. The 3D
      high-definition view with great depth perception and tactile feedback makes
      laparoscopic surgery more acceptable, safe and cost-effective. It improves
      surgical precision and hand-eye coordination, conventional and all straight stick
      instruments can be used, capital expenditure is less and recurring cost and
      annual maintenance cost are less. In this article, we have discussed the physics
      of 3D laparoscopy, principles of depth perception, and the different kinds of 3D
      systems available for laparoscopy. We have also discussed our experience of using
      3D laparoscopy in over 2000 surgeries in the last 4 years.

PMID- 27143696
TI  - Laparoscopic repair of intra-abdominal bladder perforation in preschool children.
AB  - Intraperitoneal bladder rupture is uncommon in very young children, but its
      incidence may increase with increasing use of seat and lap belts. To the best of
      our knowledge, there are no prior reports of laparoscopic repair of this injury
      in children. We describe two recent cases and discuss useful technical points
      that facilitate a successful laparoscopic repair. Both our patients were
      preschool age girls who sustained seat and lap belt injuries. Contrast computed
      tomography scan suggested a large amount of free peritoneal fluid and cystogram
      confirmed intraperitoneal bladder perforation (isolated injury). The injury was
      repaired using delayed absorbable sutures and intracorporeal suturing (continuous
      in 1, interrupted in 1) using a 3 port laparoscopic technique. Meticulous
      peritoneal lavage was carried out to minimise urinary peritonitis and the bladder
      as well as the peritoneal cavity were drained. Check cystograms (day 7) revealed
      no leaks. Young girls appear to be at risk of intraperitoneal bladder injuries
      following lap belt injuries. After exclusion of life-threatening injuries and
      concurrent abdominal injuries which need rapid control or preclude
      pneumoperitoneum, a laparoscopic repair can be safely performed.

PMID- 27143694
TI  - Intramembrane proteolysis within lysosomes.
AB  - Regulated intramembrane proteolysis is of pivotal importance in a diverse set of
      developmental and physiological processes. Altered intramembrane substrate
      turnover may be associated with neurodegeneration, cancer and impaired immune
      function. In this review we will focus on the intramembrane proteases which have
      been localized in the lysosomal membrane. Members of the gamma-secretase complex
      and gamma-secretase activity are found in the lysosomal membrane and are
      discussed to contribute to intracellular amyloid beta production. Mutant or
      deficient gamma-secretase may cause disturbed lysosomal function. The signal
      peptide peptidase-like (SPPL) protease 2a is a lysosomal membrane component and
      cleaves CD74, the invariant chain of the MHC II complex, as well as FasL, TNF,
      ITM2B and TMEM106, type II transmembrane proteins involved in the regulation of
      immunity and neurodegeneration. Therefore, it can be concluded, that not only
      proteolysis within the lysosomal lumen but also within lysosomal membranes
      regulates important cellular functions and contributes essentially to
      proteostasis of membrane proteins what may become increasingly compromised in the
      aged individual.

PMID- 27143697
TI  - Left thoracoscopic two-stage repair of tracheoesophageal fistula with a right
      aortic arch and a vascular ring.
AB  - A right aortic arch (RAA) is found in 5% of neonates with tracheoesophageal
      fistulae (TEF) and may be associated with vascular rings. Oesophageal repairs for
      TEF with an RAA via the right chest often pose surgical difficulties. We report
      for the first time in the world a successful two-stage repair by left-sided
      thoracoscope for TEF with an RAA and a vascular ring. We switched from right to
      left thoracoscopy after finding an RAA. A proximal oesophageal pouch was hemmed
      into the vascular ring; therefore, we selected a two-stage repair. The TEF was
      resected and simple internal traction was placed into the oesophagus at the first
      stage. Detailed examination showed the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) completing
      a vascular ring. The subsequent primary oesophago-oesophagostomy and dissection
      of PDA was performed by left-sided thoracoscope. Therefore, left thoracoscopic
      repair is safe and feasible for treating TEF with an RAA and a vascular ring.

PMID- 27143693
TI  - Role of the mitochondrial DNA replication machinery in mitochondrial DNA
      mutagenesis, aging and age-related diseases.
AB  - As regulators of bioenergetics in the cell and the primary source of endogenous
      reactive oxygen species (ROS), dysfunctional mitochondria have been implicated
      for decades in the process of aging and age-related diseases. Mitochondrial DNA
      (mtDNA) is replicated and repaired by nuclear-encoded mtDNA polymerase gamma (Pol
      gamma) and several other associated proteins, which compose the mtDNA replication
      machinery. Here, we review evidence that errors caused by this replication
      machinery and failure to repair these mtDNA errors results in mtDNA mutations.
      Clonal expansion of mtDNA mutations results in mitochondrial dysfunction, such as
      decreased electron transport chain (ETC) enzyme activity and impaired cellular
      respiration. We address the literature that mitochondrial dysfunction, in
      conjunction with altered mitochondrial dynamics, is a major driving force behind
      aging and age-related diseases. Additionally, interventions to improve
      mitochondrial function and attenuate the symptoms of aging are examined.

PMID- 27143700
TI  - Nodular Lymphoid Hyperplasia with Aggressive Endoscopic Appearance in the Colon
      of an Adult Woman.

PMID- 27143699
TI  - Genetics and Epigenetics in Adult Neurogenesis.
AB  - The cellular basis of adult neurogenesis is neural stem cells residing in
      restricted areas of the adult brain. These cells self-renew and are multipotent.
      The maintenance of "stemness" and commitment to differentiation are tightly
      controlled by intricate molecular networks. Epigenetic mechanisms, including
      chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), have profound
      regulatory roles in mammalian gene expression. Significant advances have been
      made regarding the dynamic roles of epigenetic modulation and function. It has
      become evident that epigenetic regulators are key players in neural-stem-cell
      self-renewal, fate specification, and final maturation of new neurons, therefore,
      adult neurogenesis. Altered epigenetic regulation can result in a number of
      neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review recent discoveries
      that advance our knowledge in epigenetic regulation of mammalian neural stem
      cells and neurogenesis. Insights from studies of epigenetic gene regulation in
      neurogenesis may lead to new therapies for the treatment of neurodevelopmental
      disorders.

PMID- 27143701
TI  - Interventions for Human Frailty: Physical Activity as a Model.
AB  - In the last 100 years, populations in developed countries have experienced an
      unprecedented addition of 30 years to life expectancy. Developing countries are
      now experiencing this same phenomenon, but over a shorter time frame. With this
      success comes the challenge of maximizing health and vitality across these added
      years. The compression of morbidity to the latest point in the human life span
      could unleash a sustained third demographic dividend that benefits all of
      society. To accomplish this, society needs to invest in the prevention and
      treatment of frailty, as well as in the prevention of chronic diseases at every
      age and stage of life. A model intervention, physical activity, may offer a road
      map.

PMID- 27143698
TI  - Neuronal Circuitry Mechanisms Regulating Adult Mammalian Neurogenesis.
AB  - The adult mammalian brain is a dynamic structure, capable of remodeling in
      response to various physiological and pathological stimuli. One dramatic example
      of brain plasticity is the birth and subsequent integration of newborn neurons
      into the existing circuitry. This process, termed adult neurogenesis,
      recapitulates neural developmental events in two specialized adult brain regions:
      the lateral ventricles of the forebrain. Recent studies have begun to delineate
      how the existing neuronal circuits influence the dynamic process of adult
      neurogenesis, from activation of quiescent neural stem cells (NSCs) to the
      integration and survival of newborn neurons. Here, we review recent progress
      toward understanding the circuit-based regulation of adult neurogenesis in the
      hippocampus and olfactory bulb.

PMID- 27143703
TI  - Surgical Correction of the "Sunken Ear": An Auricular Positional Change after
      Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy.

PMID- 27143705
TI  - Corrigendum.
AB  - Elluru RG, Friess MR, Richter GT, et al. Multicenter evaluation of the
      effectiveness of systemic propranolol in the treatment of airway hemangiomas.
      Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;153:452-460. (Original DOI:
      10.1177/0194599815591809).

PMID- 27143702
TI  - Role of Sodium Channels in Epilepsy.
AB  - Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are fundamentally important for the
      generation and coordinated transmission of action potentials throughout the
      nervous system. It is, therefore, unsurprising that they have been shown to play
      a central role in the genesis and alleviation of epilepsy. Genetic studies on
      patients with epilepsy have identified more than 700 mutations among the genes
      that encode for VGSCs attesting to their role in pathogenesis. Further, many
      common antiepileptic drugs act on VGSCs to suppress seizure activity. Here, we
      present an account of the role of VGSCs in epilepsy, both through their
      pathogenic dysfunction and as targets for pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 27143704
TI  - Risk of Complications after Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy: A Case Series
      with Planned Chart Review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a predictive model for the risk of complications after
      thyroid and parathyroid surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with planned chart
      review of patients undergoing surgery, 2007-2013. SETTING: Kaiser Permanente
      Northern California and Kaiser Permanente Southern California. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: Patients (N = 16,458) undergoing thyroid and parathyroid procedures were
      randomly assigned to model development and validation groups. We used univariate
      analysis to assess relationships between each of 28 predictor variables and 30
      day complication rates. We subsequently entered all variables into a recursive
      partitioning decision tree analysis, with P < .05 as the basis for branching.
      RESULTS: Among patients undergoing thyroidectomies, the most important predictor
      variable was thyroid cancer. For patients with thyroid cancer, additional risk
      predictors included coronary artery disease and central neck dissection. For
      patients without thyroid cancer, additional predictors included coronary artery
      disease, dyspnea, complete thyroidectomy, and lobe size. Among patients
      undergoing parathyroidectomies, the most important predictor variable was
      coronary artery disease, followed by cerebrovascular disease and chronic kidney
      disease. The model performed similarly in the validation groups. CONCLUSION: For
      patients undergoing thyroid surgery, 7 of 28 predictor variables accounted for
      statistically significant differences in the risk of 30-day complications; for
      patients undergoing parathyroid surgery, 3 variables accounted for significant
      differences in risk. This study forms the foundation of a parsimonious model to
      predict the risk of complications among patients undergoing thyroid and
      parathyroid surgery.

PMID- 27143707
TI  - beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Implants in the Surgical Treatment of Empty Nose
      Syndrome.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and morbidity of a beta
      tricalcium phosphate implant in the treatment of empty nose syndrome after
      turbinectomy. Only patients with a history of inferior turbinectomy and a
      complaint of permanent paradoxical nasal obstruction were included. beta
      Tricalcium phosphate ceramic implants were implanted under the mucoperiosteal
      plane of the lateral nasal wall to replace the head of the inferior turbinate.
      Symptoms and quality of life were assessed by 2 questionnaires: the Nasal
      Obstruction Symptom Evaluation and Rhinosinusitis Quality of Life. Fourteen
      patients were included. The mean follow-up was 19.4 +/- 13.4 months. Scores for
      the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation and Rhinosinusitis Quality of Life
      (frequency, bothersomeness, and impact) significantly improved after surgery
      (respectively, 73.9 +/- 21.8 to 34.6 +/- 28.6, 44.6 +/- 17.1 to 34.8 +/- 20.3,
      43.6 +/- 22.4 to 70.7 +/- 21.5, and 59.9 +/- 21.1 to 27.2 +/- 25.3; P < .05). The
      use of beta-tricalcium phosphate seems efficient to repair empty nose syndrome by
      endonasal microplasty and shows a low complication rate.

PMID- 27143706
TI  - The Role of Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Load and Serology as Screening Tools for
      Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Screening for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) among family members has
      been advocated in endemic populations in view of significantly increased risks.
      We aimed to compare the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load and EBV IgA
      serology as tools for screening patients with a first-degree family history of
      NPC. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Serum samples were compared from 293 newly diagnosed NPC
      patients and 475 individuals with a first-degree family history of NPC. EBV DNA
      load was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while EBV
      viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgA and EBV early antigen (EA) IgA titers were
      measured by immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS: NPC patients had a significantly
      higher median EBV DNA load as compared with unaffected family members (835.4 vs
      18.8 copies/mL; P < .001). At 100 copies/mL, EBV DNA load demonstrated a
      sensitivity of 76.8% and a specificity of 85.6%. A positive EBV-EA IgA titer
      (>=1:10) gave a sensitivity of 85.0% and a specificity of 96.4%. There was good
      correlation between EBV DNA load and EBV serology titers (Spearman's rho = .536
      and .594 for EBV-VCA IgA and EBV-EA IgA, respectively; P < .001). Receiver
      operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that EBV-VCA IgA and EBV-EA IgA
      were better classifiers than EBV DNA load (areas under the curve: 0.942, 0.926,
      and 0.880, respectively) in distinguishing NPC patients and unaffected family
      members. CONCLUSION: EBV DNA load and EBV IgA serology demonstrate good
      sensitivity and specificity as screening tools. EBV-EA IgA gave the best
      sensitivity and specificity profile as a screening tool for NPC among high-risk
      family members.

PMID- 27143708
TI  - Vocal Fold Paralysis after Esophagectomy for Carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (1) To recognize factors that contribute to vocal fold paralysis
      (VFP) after esophagectomy. (2) To describe the morbidity associated with VFP
      after esophagectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary
      care academic medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 91
      patients undergoing esophagectomy for malignancy were reviewed (2008-2014).
      Twenty-two patients with postoperative VFP were compared with 69 patients without
      VFP with regard to preoperative variables, surgical approach (transcervical vs
      other), and postoperative outcomes. A subset analysis of cervical approaches was
      performed, including those where an otolaryngologist assisted. RESULTS: There
      were no significant differences in preoperative variables between patients with
      and without VFP. Cervical approaches were associated with increased VFP (P <
      .0001). Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) identification was associated with
      increased VFP (P = .0001). RLN dissection by head and neck surgeons was
      associated with decreased VFP (P = .0223). Patients with VFP had longer lengths
      of stay (P = .0078), higher rates of tracheotomy (P = .0439), and required more
      outpatient swallow evaluations (P = .0017). Mean time to diagnosis of VFP was
      45.6 days (median, 7.5 days). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical approaches are associated
      with increased VFP in patients undergoing esophagectomy for malignancy. When
      cervical approaches and mobilization are required, the inclusion of an
      experienced cervical surgeon to identify the RLN may improve the rate of
      postoperative VFP. Patients with VFP after esophagectomy experience significantly
      more morbidity. Due to the potential delay in diagnosis and treatment of
      postoperative VFP, routine assessment of inpatient vocal fold function may be
      beneficial.

PMID- 27143709
TI  - Videofluoroscopic Swallow Examination Does Not Accurately Detect Cricopharyngeal
      Radiation Strictures.
AB  - Videofluoroscopy is the standard technique to evaluate dysphagia following
      radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC). The accuracy of radiography in
      detecting strictures at the pharyngoesophageal junction is unknown. Our aim was
      to determine the diagnostic accuracy of videofluoroscopy in detecting strictures
      at the pharyngoesophageal junction prior to endoscopic dilatation in a
      consecutive series of HNC survivors with dysphagia. Presence of a stricture on
      videofluoroscopy was determined by 3 experienced blinded investigators and
      compared against a gold standard, defined as presence of a mucosal tear during
      endoscopic dilatation. In 10 of 33 patients, there was complete agreement among
      observers with respect to the presence or absence of a stricture. Overall, the
      concordance among observers in identification of strictures was very poor, with a
      kappa of 0.05 (P = .30). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of
      videofluoroscopy in detecting strictures was 0.76 and 0.58, respectively.
      Videofluoroscopy alone is inadequate to detect strictures in HNC survivors with
      dysphagia.

PMID- 27143710
TI  - Predictors for Permanent Medialization Laryngoplasty in Unilateral Vocal Fold
      Paralysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Early differentiation of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis
      (VFP) who recover from those who do not and consequently require permanent
      medialization laryngoplasty (ML) remains a challenge. The goal of this study is
      to identify factors that predict the need for ML. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with
      chart review. SETTING: Academic center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 507
      records of patients with VFP were analyzed, of which 252 met criteria and were
      stratified according to whether or not they obtained ML. Demographic information
      and clinical features were analyzed to determine predictors of ML. A nomogram was
      generated according to the significance and utility of these parameters. RESULTS:
      Of 252 patients, 86 underwent ML, and 166 did not. No differences in age or sex
      were observed between the ML and non-ML patients (P = .27 and P = .35,
      respectively). The most common cause of VFP was iatrogenic injury (62.79%, ML;
      49.40%, non-ML). ML correlated with VFP secondary to neoplastic disease (odds
      ratio [OR], 2.14; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.01-4.53) and iatrogenic
      injury (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.01-2.94). ML had an inverse correlation with idiopathic
      VFP (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.20-0.79). Patients in the ML group were more likely to
      have left-sided VFP, to have a history of aspiration, and to present >=90 days
      from onset and less likely to have had temporary injection augmentation.
      CONCLUSION: Clinical features may be used to predict the likelihood of a patient
      obtaining ML. Nomograms may be useful to counsel patients who would benefit from
      early definitive surgery.

PMID- 27143713
TI  - Opinion: The hunger metrics mirage: There's been less progress on hunger
      reduction than it appears.

PMID- 27143711
TI  - Botulinum Toxin in Secondarily Nonresponsive Patients with Spasmodic Dysphonia.
AB  - Chemodenervation with botulinum toxin (BoNT) has been effective and well
      tolerated for all types of dystonia for >30 years. We reviewed outcomes of our
      patients treated with BoNT serotype A (BoNT-A) for spasmodic dysphonia (SD) who
      became secondarily nonresponsive. We found that 8 of 1400 patients became
      nonresponsive to BoNT-A (0.57%), which is lower than the secondary nonresponse
      rate in other dystonias. After a cessation period, 4 of our patients resumed BoNT
      A injections, and recurrence of immunoresistance was not seen in any of them.
      When compared with patients with other dystonias, patients with SD receive
      extremely low doses of BoNT. Small antigen challenge may explain the lower rate
      of immunoresistance and long-lasting efficacy after BoNT-A is restarted among
      secondary nonresponsive patients with SD.

PMID- 27143716
TI  - Successful Surgical Excision of a Large Cardiac Fibroma in an Asymptomatic Child.
AB  - Cardiac fibroma is a rare disease, and the management of asymptomatic patients is
      controversial. We report a case of successful surgical excision of a large
      cardiac fibroma in an asymptomatic child. Surgery should be considered for such a
      patient, as sudden cardiac death may occur in the absence of premonitory
      symptoms.

PMID- 27143715
TI  - Social Information Processing in Deaf Adolescents.
AB  - The goal of this study was to compare the processing of social information in
      deaf and hearing adolescents. A task was developed to assess social information
      processing (SIP) skills of deaf adolescents based on Crick and Dodge's (1994; A
      review and reformulation of social information-processing mechanisms in
      children's social adjustment. Psychological Bulletin, 115, 74-101) reformulated
      six-stage model. It consisted of a structured interview after watching 18 scenes
      of situations depicting participation in a peer group or provocations by peers.
      Participants included 32 deaf and 20 hearing adolescents and young adults aged
      between 13 and 21 years. Deaf adolescents and adults had lower scores than
      hearing participants in all the steps of the SIP model (coding, interpretation,
      goal formulation, response generation, response decision, and representation).
      However, deaf girls and women had better scores on social adjustment and on some
      SIP skills than deaf male participants. 

PMID- 27143717
TI  - Fatal Acute Appendicitis in a Neonate With Congenital Heart Disease.
AB  - We describe a case of fatal acute appendicitis in a neonate associated with
      congenital cardiac disease requiring staged surgery. Neonatal appendicitis is
      extremely rare and usually associated with prematurity and congenital abdominal
      conditions. This report serves to highlight the risk of this disease due to
      vascular insufficiency and ischemia in neonates with congenital cardiac disease
      and highlight the importance of considering this diagnosis in such a neonate with
      unexplained sepsis even in the absence of clear abdominal signs.

PMID- 27143718
TI  - Carotid Artery Dissection Following Neck Cannulation for Extracorporeal Life
      Support.
AB  - A term neonate was cannulated for venoarterial extracorporeal life support (ECLS)
      via the right neck for non-postoperative junctional ectopic tachycardia. Initial
      echocardiogram demonstrated an echogenic strand in the transverse arch. Computed
      tomography angiogram confirmed arterial dissection of the right common carotid
      artery that extended into the proximal transverse arch. Dissection flap was
      repaired at the time of ECLS decannulation without cardiopulmonary bypass. Follow
      up computed tomography angiogram revealed a segment of narrowing of approximately
      50% of the right common carotid artery without false lumen or aneurysm.

PMID- 27143719
TI  - Origins of ultralow velocity zones through slab-derived metallic melt.
AB  - Understanding the ultralow velocity zones (ULVZs) places constraints on the
      chemical composition and thermal structure of deep Earth and provides critical
      information on the dynamics of large-scale mantle convection, but their origin
      has remained enigmatic for decades. Recent studies suggest that metallic iron and
      carbon are produced in subducted slabs when they sink beyond a depth of 250 km.
      Here we show that the eutectic melting curve of the iron-carbon system crosses
      the current geotherm near Earth's core-mantle boundary, suggesting that dense
      metallic melt may form in the lowermost mantle. If concentrated into isolated
      patches, such melt could produce the seismically observed density and velocity
      features of ULVZs. Depending on the wetting behavior of the metallic melt, the
      resultant ULVZs may be short-lived domains that are replenished or regenerated
      through subduction, or long-lasting regions containing both metallic and silicate
      melts. Slab-derived metallic melt may produce another type of ULVZ that escapes
      core sequestration by reacting with the mantle to form iron-rich postbridgmanite
      or ferropericlase. The hypotheses connect peculiar features near Earth's core
      mantle boundary to subduction of the oceanic lithosphere through the deep carbon
      cycle.

PMID- 27143720
TI  - Site-specific genome editing for correction of induced pluripotent stem cells
      derived from dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
AB  - Genome editing with engineered site-specific endonucleases involves nonhomologous
      end-joining, leading to reading frame disruption. The approach is applicable to
      dominant negative disorders, which can be treated simply by knocking out the
      mutant allele, while leaving the normal allele intact. We applied this strategy
      to dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DDEB), which is caused by a
      dominant negative mutation in the COL7A1 gene encoding type VII collagen (COL7).
      We performed genome editing with TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 targeting the mutation,
      c.8068_8084delinsGA. We then cotransfected Cas9 and guide RNA expression vectors
      expressed with GFP and DsRed, respectively, into induced pluripotent stem cells
      (iPSCs) generated from DDEB fibroblasts. After sorting, 90% of the iPSCs were
      edited, and we selected four gene-edited iPSC lines for further study. These
      iPSCs were differentiated into keratinocytes and fibroblasts secreting COL7. RT
      PCR and Western blot analyses revealed gene-edited COL7 with frameshift mutations
      degraded at the protein level. In addition, we confirmed that the gene-edited
      truncated COL7 could neither associate with normal COL7 nor undergo triple helix
      formation. Our data establish the feasibility of mutation site-specific genome
      editing in dominant negative disorders.

PMID- 27143721
TI  - Nuclear receptor REV-ERBalpha mediates circadian sensitivity to mortality in
      murine vesicular stomatitis virus-induced encephalitis.
AB  - Certain components and functions of the immune system, most notably cytokine
      production and immune cell migration, are under circadian regulation. Such
      regulation suggests that circadian rhythms may have an effect on disease onset,
      progression, and resolution. In the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-induced
      encephalitis model, the replication, caudal penetration, and survivability of
      intranasally applied VSV depends on both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms.
      In the current study, we investigated the effect of circadian time of infection
      on the progression and outcome of VSV-induced encephalitis and demonstrated a
      significant decrease in the survival rate in mice infected at the start of the
      rest cycle, zeitgeber time 0 (ZT0). The lower survival rate in these mice was
      associated with higher levels of circulating chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2
      (CCL2), a greater number of peripherally derived immune cells accumulating in the
      olfactory bulb (OB), and increased production of proinflammatory cytokines,
      indicating an immune-mediated pathology. We also found that the acrophase of
      molecular circadian clock component REV-ERBalpha mRNA expression in the OB
      coincides with the start of the active cycle, ZT12, when VSV infection results in
      a more favorable outcome. This result led us to hypothesize that REV-ERBalpha may
      mediate the circadian effect on survival following VSV infection. Blocking REV
      ERBalpha activity before VSV administration resulted in a significant increase in
      the expression of CCL2 and decreased survival in mice infected at the start of
      the active cycle. These data demonstrate that REV-ERBalpha-mediated inhibition of
      CCL2 expression during viral-induced encephalitis may have a protective effect.

PMID- 27143722
TI  - Glycolipid GD3 and GD3 synthase are key drivers for glioblastoma stem cells and
      tumorigenicity.
AB  - The cancer stem cells (CSCs) of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a grade IV
      astrocytoma, have been enriched by the expressed marker CD133. However, recent
      studies have shown that CD133(-) cells also possess tumor-initiating potential.
      By analysis of gangliosides on various cells, we show that ganglioside D3 (GD3)
      is overexpressed on eight neurospheres and tumor cells; in combination with
      CD133, the sorted cells exhibit a higher expression of stemness genes and self
      renewal potential; and as few as six cells will form neurospheres and 20-30 cells
      will grow tumor in mice. Furthermore, GD3 synthase (GD3S) is increased in
      neurospheres and human GBM tissues, but not in normal brain tissues, and
      suppression of GD3S results in decreased GBM stem cell (GSC)-associated
      properties. In addition, a GD3 antibody is shown to induce complement-dependent
      cytotoxicity against cells expressing GD3 and inhibition of GBM tumor growth in
      vivo. Our results demonstrate that GD3 and GD3S are highly expressed in GSCs,
      play a key role in glioblastoma tumorigenicity, and are potential therapeutic
      targets against GBM.

PMID- 27143724
TI  - Aspirin - have we had the answer all along?

PMID- 27143725
TI  - Corrosion at the head-neck interface of current designs of modular femoral
      components: essential questions and answers relating to corrosion in modular head
      neck junctions.
AB  - There is increasing global awareness of adverse reactions to metal debris and
      elevated serum metal ion concentrations following the use of second generation
      metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasties. The high incidence of these
      complications can be largely attributed to corrosion at the head-neck interface.
      Severe corrosion of the taper is identified most commonly in association with
      larger diameter femoral heads. However, there is emerging evidence of varying
      levels of corrosion observed in retrieved components with smaller diameter
      femoral heads. This same mechanism of galvanic and mechanically-assisted crevice
      corrosion has been observed in metal-on-polyethylene and ceramic components,
      suggesting an inherent biomechanical problem with current designs of the head
      neck interface. We provide a review of the fundamental questions and answers
      clinicians and researchers must understand regarding corrosion of the taper, and
      its relevance to current orthopaedic practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J
      2016;98-B:579-84. 

PMID- 27143723
TI  - Increased androgenic sensitivity in the hind limb muscular system marks the
      evolution of a derived gestural display.
AB  - Physical gestures are prominent features of many species' multimodal displays,
      yet how evolution incorporates body and leg movements into animal signaling
      repertoires is unclear. Androgenic hormones modulate the production of
      reproductive signals and sexual motor skills in many vertebrates; therefore, one
      possibility is that selection for physical signals drives the evolution of
      androgenic sensitivity in select neuromotor pathways. We examined this issue in
      the Bornean rock frog (Staurois parvus, family: Ranidae). Males court females and
      compete with rivals by performing both vocalizations and hind limb gestural
      signals, called "foot flags." Foot flagging is a derived display that emerged in
      the ranids after vocal signaling. Here, we show that administration of
      testosterone (T) increases foot flagging behavior under seminatural conditions.
      Moreover, using quantitative PCR, we also find that adult male S. parvus maintain
      a unique androgenic phenotype, in which androgen receptor (AR) in the hind limb
      musculature is expressed at levels ~10* greater than in two other anuran species,
      which do not produce foot flags (Rana pipiens and Xenopus laevis). Finally,
      because males of all three of these species solicit mates with calls, we
      accordingly detect no differences in AR expression in the vocal apparatus
      (larynx) among taxa. The results show that foot flagging is an androgen-dependent
      gestural signal, and its emergence is associated with increased androgenic
      sensitivity within the hind limb musculature. Selection for this novel gestural
      signal may therefore drive the evolution of increased AR expression in key
      muscles that control signal production to support adaptive motor performance.

PMID- 27143726
TI  - Fatal pulmonary embolism following elective total hip arthroplasty: a 12-year
      study.
AB  - AIMS: The place of thromboprophylaxis in arthroplasty surgery remains
      controversial, with a challenging requirement to balance prevention of
      potentially fatal venous thrombo-embolism with minimising wound-related
      complications leading to deep infection. We compared the incidence of fatal
      pulmonary embolism in patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty
      (THA) between those receiving aspirin, warfarin and low molecular weight heparin
      (LMWH) for the chemical component of a multi-modal thromboprophylaxis regime.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective audit database was used to identify patients
      who had died within 42 and 90 days of surgery respectively between April 2000 and
      December 2012. A case note review was performed to ascertain the causes of death.
      RESULTS: During this period 7983 THAs were performed. The rate of mortality was
      0.43% and 0.58% at 42 and 90 days respectively. The groups comprised 1571
      patients (19.7%) on warfarin, 1838 (23.0%) on LMWH and 4574 (57.3%) on aspirin.
      The 90-day mortality for these three groups was 0.38%, 1.09% and 0.43%
      respectively. The higher mortality rate for LMWH was significant (p < 0.05).
      There were six fatal pulmonary emboli (PEs) (0.08%). A total of three occurred
      within 42 days, all in the LMWH group. A total of three occurred between 42 and
      90 days; one on warfarin, two on LMWH. The leading causes of death in all three
      groups were lower respiratory tract infections and myocardial infarction.
      CONCLUSION: We confirmed that fatal PE following elective THA with a multi-modal
      prophylaxis regime is rare. We further found that LMWH conferred no benefit over
      aspirin in this context, and is associated with a higher all-cause rate of
      mortality. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: This study proposes that aspirin may be an
      appropriate thromboprophylaxis agent when used as part of a multi-modal regimen,
      suggesting current guidelines should be reviewed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J
      2016;98-B:585-8.

PMID- 27143727
TI  - The rate of dislocation is not increased when minimal precautions are used after
      total hip arthroplasty using the posterolateral approach: a prospective,
      comparative safety study.
AB  - AIMS: In order to prevent dislocation of the hip after total hip arthroplasty
      (THA), patients have to adhere to precautions in the early post-operative period.
      The hypothesis of this study was that a protocol with minimal precautions after
      primary THA using the posterolateral approach would not increase the short-term
      (less than three months) risk of dislocation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      prospectively monitored a group of unselected patients undergoing primary THA
      managed with standard precautions (n = 109, median age 68.9 years; interquartile
      range (IQR) 61.2 to 77.3) and a group who were managed with fewer precautions (n
      = 108, median age 67.2 years; IQR 59.8 to 73.2). There were no significant
      differences between the groups in relation to predisposing risk factors. The
      diameter of the femoral head ranged from 28 mm to 36 mm; meticulous soft-tissue
      repair was undertaken in all patients. The medical records were reviewed and all
      patients were contacted three months post-operatively to confirm whether they had
      experienced a dislocation. RESULTS: There were no dislocations in the less
      restricted group and one in the more restricted group (p = 0.32). CONCLUSION: For
      experienced surgeons using the posterolateral approach at THA and femoral heads
      of diameter >= 28 mm, it appears safe to manage patients in the immediate post
      operative period with minimal precautions to protect against dislocation. Larger
      studies with adequate statistical power are needed to verify this conclusion.
      TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Experienced orthopaedic surgeons using the posterolateral
      approach for THA should not fear an increased dislocation rate if they manage
      their patients with a minimal precautions protocol. Cite this article: Bone Joint
      J 2016;98-B:589-94.

PMID- 27143728
TI  - Long-term results of uncemented total hip arthroplasty with the Taperloc femoral
      component in patients with Dorr type C proximal femoral morphology.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the longevity of uncemented fixation of a femoral component
      in total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Dorr type C proximal femoral
      morphology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 350 consecutive uncemented THA in
      320 patients were performed between 1983 and 1987, by a single surgeon using the
      Taperloc femoral component. The 63 patients (68 hips) with Dorr type C proximal
      femoral morphology were the focus of this review. The mean age of the patients
      was 69 years (24 to 88) and mean follow-up was 16.6 years (ten to 29). Survival
      analysis included eight patients (eight hips) who died without undergoing
      revision surgery prior to obtaining ten years follow-up. All 55 surviving
      patients (60 hips) were available for clinical assessment and radiographic
      review. As a comparator group, the survival and implant fixation in the remaining
      282 THAs (257 patients) with Dorr type A and B morphology were evaluated. The
      mean age of these patients was 52 years (20 to 82). RESULTS: In the Dorr C
      patient group the mean Harris hip score improved from 51 points (21 to 69 points)
      pre-operatively to 89 (74 to 100) at final follow-up. No femoral component was
      loose by radiological criteria and osteolysis was only identified around two
      stems (3.3%). There was one revision (1.6%) of a well-fixed femoral component for
      sepsis at 11 years. The survival of the Taperloc femoral component at 20 years
      with revision for any reason as the endpoint was 98% (95% confidence interval; 87
      to 99). A total of ten (3.5%) of the Dorr A and B patient group of 282 THAs
      required revision surgery. Only one (0.4%) for aseptic loosening. A total of two
      hips (1%) were loose by radiographic criteria and osteolysis occurred around 12
      hips (4%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that excellent fixation can be
      achieved using the Taperloc stem in patients with Dorr type A and B, and Dorr
      type C bone. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: The Taperloc stem demonstrated equivalent results
      in Dorr type A and B and Dorr type C bone. Cite this article: Bone Joint J
      2016;98-B:595-600.

PMID- 27143729
TI  - Medium- and long-term results of high tibial osteotomy using Garches external
      fixator and gait analysis for dynamic correction in varus osteoarthritis of the
      knee.
AB  - In arthritis of the varus knee, a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) redistributes load
      from the diseased medial compartment to the unaffected lateral compartment. We
      report the outcome of 36 patients (33 men and three women) with 42 varus,
      arthritic knees who underwent HTO and dynamic correction using a Garches external
      fixator until they felt that normal alignment had been restored. The mean age of
      the patients was 54.11 years (34 to 68). Normal alignment was achieved at a mean
      5.5 weeks (3 to 10) post-operatively. Radiographs, gait analysis and visual
      analogue scores for pain were measured pre- and post-operatively, at one year and
      at medium-term follow-up (mean six years; 2 to 10). Failure was defined as
      conversion to knee arthroplasty. Pre-operative gait analysis divided the 42 knees
      into two equal groups with high (17 patients) or low (19 patients) adductor
      moments. After correction, a statistically significant (p < 0.001, t-test,)
      change in adductor moment was achieved and maintained in both groups, with a rate
      of failure of three knees (7.1%), and 89% (95% confidence interval (CI) 84.9 to
      94.7) survivorship at medium-term follow-up. At final follow-up, after a mean of
      15.9 years (12 to 20), there was a survivorship of 59% (95% CI 59.6 to 68.9)
      irrespective of adductor moment group, with a mean time to conversion to knee
      arthroplasty of 9.5 years (3 to 18; 95% confidence interval +/- 2.5). HTO remains
      a useful option in the medium-term for the treatment of medial compartment
      osteoarthritis of the knee but does not last in the long-term. Cite this article:
      Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:601-7. 

PMID- 27143730
TI  - Graft salvage following infected anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - AIMS: To examine the rates of hamstring graft salvage with arthroscopic
      debridement of infected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction as
      reported in the literature and discuss functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A search was performed without language restriction on PubMed, EMBASE,
      Ovid, CINAHL and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases from
      their inception to April 2015. We identified 147 infected hamstring grafts across
      16 included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to
      estimate the overall graft salvage rate, incorporating two different definitions
      of graft salvage. RESULTS: The graft salvage rate was 86% (95% confidence
      intervals (CI) 73% to 93%; heterogeneity: tau(2) = 1.047, I(2) = 40.51%, Q =
      25.2, df = 15, p < 0.001), excluding ACL re-ruptures. Including re-ruptures as
      failures, the graft salvage rate was 85% (95% CI 76% to 91%; heterogeneity:
      tau(2) = 0.099, I(2) = 8.15%, Q = 14.15, df = 13, p = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS:
      Arthroscopic debridement combined with antibiotic treatment can lead to
      successful eradication of infection and graft salvage, with satisfactory
      functional outcomes in many cases of septic arthritis following ACL
      reconstruction. Persistent infection despite repeat arthroscopic debridements
      requires graft removal with the intention of revision ACL surgery at a later
      stage. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Arthroscopic debridement combined with antibiotic
      therapy is an appropriate initial approach in most cases of septic arthritis
      following ACL reconstruction, achieving graft salvage rates of about 85%. Cite
      this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:608-15.

PMID- 27143731
TI  - Migration of a cemented fixed-bearing, polished titanium tibial baseplate
      (Genesis II) at ten years : a radiostereometric analysis.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to examine the long-term fixation of a
      cemented fixed-bearing polished titanium tibial baseplate (Genesis ll). PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Patients enrolled in a previous two-year prospective trial (n = 35)
      were recalled at ten years. Available patients (n = 15) underwent
      radiostereometric analysis (RSA) imaging in a supine position using a
      conventional RSA protocol. Migration of the tibial component in all planes was
      compared between initial and ten-year follow-up. Outcome scores including the
      Knee Society Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, 12
      item Short Form Health Survey, Forgotten Joint Score, and University of
      California, Los Angeles Activity Score were recorded. RESULTS: At ten years, the
      mean migration of the tibial component was less than 0.1 mm and 0.1 degrees  in
      all planes relative to the post-operative RSA exam. Maximum total point movement
      increased with time (p = 0.002) from 0.23 mm (sd 0.18) at six weeks to 0.42 mm
      (sd 0.20) at ten years. CONCLUSION: The low level of tibial baseplate migration
      found in the present study correlates to the low rate of revision for this
      implant as reported in individual studies and in joint replacement registries.
      TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Overall, the implant was found to be well fixed at ten years,
      supporting its continued clinical use and the predictive power of RSA for
      determining long-term fixation of implants. Cite this article: Bone Joint J
      2016;98-B:616-21.

PMID- 27143732
TI  - Revision surgery for the stiff total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to examine the results of revision total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) undertaken for stiffness in the absence of sepsis or
      loosening. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present the results of revision surgery for
      stiff TKA in 48 cases (35 (72.9%) women and 13 (27.1%) men). The mean age at
      revision surgery was 65.5 years (42 to 83). All surgeries were performed by a
      single surgeon. Stiffness was defined as an arc of flexion of < 70 degrees  or a
      flexion contracture of > 15 degrees . The changes in the range of movement (ROM)
      and the Western Ontario and McMasters Osteoarthritis index scores (WOMAC) were
      recorded. RESULTS: At a mean follow up of 59.9 months (12 to 272) there was a
      mean improvement in arc of movement of 45.0 degrees . Mean flexion improved from
      54.4 degrees  (5 degrees  to 100 degrees ) to 90 degrees  (10 degrees  to 125
      degrees ) (p < 0.05) and the mean flexion contracture decreased from 12.0 degrees
      (0 degrees  to 45 degrees ) to 3.5 degrees  (0 degrees  to 25 degrees ) (p <
      0.05). The mean WOMAC scores improved for pain, stiffness and function. In
      patients with extreme stiffness we describe a novel technique, which we have
      called the 'sloppy' revision. This entails downsizing the polyethylene insert by
      4 mm and using a more constrained liner to retain stability. CONCLUSION: To our
      knowledge, this is the largest series of revision surgeries for stiffness
      reported in the literature where infection and loosening have been excluded. TAKE
      HOME MESSAGE: Whilst revision surgery is technically demanding, improvements in
      ROM and outcome can be achieved, particularly when the revision is within two
      years of the primary surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:622-7.

PMID- 27143733
TI  - The coronal hypomochlion: a tipping point of clinical relevance when planning
      valgus producing high tibial osteotomies.
AB  - AIMS: In patients undergoing medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO),
      soft tissue opening on the medial side of the knee is difficult to predict. When
      the load bearing axis is corrected beyond a certain point, the knee joint tilts
      open on the medial side. We therefore hypothesised that there is a tipping point
      and defined this as the coronal hypomochlion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this
      prospective study of 150 navigated MOWHTOs (144 consecutive patients), data were
      collected before surgery and at three months post-operatively. In order to
      calculate the hypomochlion, we compared the respective changes to the joint line
      convergence angle (JLCA) with the post-operative axis of the leg. The change to
      the medial proximal tibial angle accounts for only about 80% of the change to the
      femorotibial angle; 20% of the correction can therefore be attributed to non
      osseous, soft-tissue changes. RESULTS: We were able to demonstrate a linear
      change of JLCA in a range of 0 degrees  to 5 degrees  of valgus which started
      when the post-operative long-leg axis was corrected beyond 2 degrees  of valgus.
      CONCLUSION: We found that the coronal hypomochlion occurs at 2 degrees  of
      valgus. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: It is recommended to plan realignment for medial open
      wedge high tibial osteotomy at a maximum of 2 degrees  valgus. Cite this article:
      Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:628-33.

PMID- 27143734
TI  - Total ankle arthroplasty versus ankle arthrodesis: a comparative analysis of arc
      of movement and functional outcomes.
AB  - AIMS: Few reports compare the contribution of the talonavicular articulation to
      overall range of movement in the sagittal plane after total ankle arthroplasty
      (TAA) and tibiotalar arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to assess changes
      in ROM and functional outcomes following tibiotalar arthrodesis and TAA. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Patients who underwent isolated tibiotalar arthrodesis or TAA with
      greater than two-year follow-up were enrolled in the study. Overall arc of
      movement and talonavicular movement in the sagittal plane were assessed with
      weight-bearing lateral maximum dorsiflexion and plantarflexion radiographs. All
      patients completed Short Form-12 version 2.0 questionnaires, visual analogue
      scale for pain (VAS) scores, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM).
      RESULTS: In all, 41 patients who underwent TAA and 27 patients who underwent
      tibiotalar arthrodesis were enrolled in the study. The mean total arc of movement
      was 34.2 degrees  (17.0 degrees  to 59.1 degrees ) with an average contribution
      from the talonavicular joint of 10.5 degrees  (1.2 degrees  to 28.8 degrees ) in
      the TAA cohort. The average total arc of movement was 24.3 degrees  (6.9 degrees 
      to 44.3 degrees ) with a mean contribution from the talonavicular joint of 22.8
      degrees  (5.6 degrees  to 41.4 degrees ) in the arthrodesis cohort. A
      statistically significant difference was detected for both total sagittal plane
      movement (p = 0.00025), and for talonavicular motion (p < 0.0001). A
      statistically significant lower VAS score (p = 0.0096) and higher FAAM (p = 0.01,
      p = 0.019, respectively) was also detected in the TAA group. CONCLUSION: TAA
      preserves more anatomical movement, has better pain relief and better patient
      perceived post-operative function compared with patients undergoing fusion. The
      relative increase of talonavicular movement in fusion patients may play a role in
      the outcomes compared with TAA and may predispose these patients to degenerative
      changes over time. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: TAA preserves more anatomic sagittal plane
      motion and provides greater pain relief and better patient-perceived outcomes
      compared with ankle arthrodesis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:634
      40.

PMID- 27143735
TI  - Ground-reactive forces after hallux valgus surgery: comparison of Scarf osteotomy
      and arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of this study was to analyse the biomechanics of walking,
      through the ground reaction forces (GRF) measured, after first metatarsal
      osteotomy or metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP) arthrodesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      total of 19 patients underwent a Scarf osteotomy (50.3 years, standard deviation
      (sd) 12.3) and 18 underwent an arthrodesis (56.2 years, sd 6.5). Clinical and
      radiographical data as well as the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
      (AOFAS) scores were determined. GRF were measured using an instrumented
      treadmill. A two-way model of analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine
      the effects of surgery on biomechanical parameters of walking, particularly
      propulsion. RESULTS: Epidemiological, radiographical and clinical data were
      comparable in the two groups and better restoration of propulsive function was
      found after osteotomy as shown by ANOVA (two way: surgery * foot) with a surgery
      effect on vertical forces (p < 0.01) and a foot effect on anteroposterior impulse
      (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent Scarf osteotomy had a gait pattern
      similar to that of their non-operated foot, whereas those who underwent
      arthrodesis of the first (metatarsophalangeal) MTP joint did not totally recover
      the propulsive forces of the forefoot. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: The main findings of
      this study were that after surgical correction for hallux valgus, patients who
      underwent scarf osteotomy had a gait pattern similar to that of their non
      operated foot in terms of forefoot propulsive forces (Fz3, Iy2), whereas those
      who underwent arthrodesis of the first MTP joint had not. Cite this article: Bone
      Joint J 2016;98-B:641-6.

PMID- 27143736
TI  - Factors predictive of patient outcome following total wrist arthrodesis.
AB  - AIMS: Total wrist arthrodesis (TWA) produces a spectrum of outcomes. We
      investigated this by reviewing 77 consecutive TWA performed for inflammatory and
      post-traumatic arthropathies, wrist instability and as a salvage procedure.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: All operations were performed by a single surgeon using a
      specifically designed pre-contoured dorsally applied non-locking wrist
      arthrodesis plate at a single centre. RESULTS: Median post-operative Buck-Gramcko
      Lohman (BGL), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and Patient Rated Wrist
      Evaluation scores at six years (interquartile range (IQR) 3 to 11) were 9 (IQR =
      6 to 10), 19 (IQR = 7 to 45) and 13 (IQR = 1 to 31) respectively. Polyarticular
      inflammatory arthritis and female gender were associated with poorer patient
      reported outcomes, although the effect of gender was partly explained by higher
      rates of inflammatory disease among women. Return to work was negatively
      influenced by workers' compensation and non-inflammatory wrist pathology. There
      was no difference in complication rates for inflammatory and non-inflammatory
      indications. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Polyarticular inflammatory arthritis is a risk
      factor for adverse patient-reported outcomes in TWA. Furthermore, when compared
      with patients without inflammatory arthritis, dorsally applied pre-contoured
      plates can be used for wrist arthrodesis in patients with inflammatory arthritis
      without an increased risk of complications. Cite this article: Bone Joint J
      2016;98-B:647-53.

PMID- 27143737
TI  - The epidemiology of fractures of the scaphoid: impact of age, gender, deprivation
      and seasonality.
AB  - AIMS: This study explores the epidemiology of patients with a fracture of the
      scaphoid presenting to a regional teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All
      patients with a confirmed fracture of the scaphoid over a retrospective period
      between January 2010 and May 2013 were included. Their demographics, deprivation
      status and when the fracture occurred was noted and assessed. There were 415
      fractures in 365 males and 50 females. RESULTS: The incidence of fracture of the
      scaphoid was 12.4 in 100 000 each year in the general population. The mean age of
      the patients was 22 years (nine to 35); the highest incidence was in males aged
      between 15 and 19 years. We calculate the annual incidence in the United Kingdom
      to be 7265 each year. Patients with the lowest socioeconomic status had an
      incidence of 18.57 in 100 000 whereas the least deprived patients had an
      incidence of 9.98 (p < 0.001). There was evidence of a seasonal trend (p = 0.022)
      with the highest monthly rate found in June (16.96 in 100 000 each year) and the
      lowest was in December (7.61 in 100 000 each year). There were significantly
      fewer presentations of fracture at the weekend (p < 0.001), and the highest
      incidence was on Mondays. Most fractures occurred at the waist (64%) and tubercle
      (18.1%). TAKE HOME MESSAGE: In this large-scale epidemiological study, we
      confirmed that young men are most at risk of sustaining a fracture of the
      scaphoid, and report new factors in relation to social deprivation and
      seasonality that influence scaphoid fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J
      2016;98-B:654-9.

PMID- 27143738
TI  - The use of continuous negative pressure after open debridement for septic
      arthritis of the shoulder.
AB  - AIMS: The treatment of septic arthritis of the shoulder is challenging. The
      infection frequently recurs and the clinical outcome can be very poor. We aimed
      to review the outcomes following the use of continuous negative pressure after
      open debridement with a large diameter drain in patients with septic arthritis of
      the shoulder. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 68 consecutive patients with
      septic arthritis of the shoulder underwent arthrotomy, irrigation and
      debridement. A small diameter suction drain was placed in the glenohumeral joint
      and a large diameter drain was placed in the subacromial space with continuous
      negative pressure of 15 cm H2O. All patients received a standardised protocol of
      antibiotics for a mean of 5.1 weeks (two to 11.1). RESULTS: Negative pressure was
      maintained for a mean of 24 days (14 to 32). A total of 67 patients (98.5%) were
      cured without further treatment being required. At a mean follow-up of 14 months
      (three to 72), the mean forward flexion was 123 degrees  (80 degrees  to 140
      degrees ) and the mean external rotation was 28 degrees (10 degrees  to 40
      degrees ) in those with a rotator cuff tear, and 125 degrees  (85 degrees  to 145
      degrees ) and 35 degrees  (15 degrees  to 45 degrees ) in those without a rotator
      cuff tear. CONCLUSION: Continuous negative pressure, following open arthrotomy,
      irrigation and debridement, was effective in treating septic arthritis of the
      shoulder. The rate of recurrence was significantly lower than with conventional
      treatment involving arthroscopic or open debridement reported in the literature.
      Functional outcomes, even in patients with rotator cuff tears, were excellent.
      TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Continuous negative pressure is effective in treating septic
      arthritis of the shoulder. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:660-5.

PMID- 27143739
TI  - Asymmetrical ossification in the epiphyseal ring of patients with adolescent
      idiopathic scoliosis: a retrospective review.
AB  - AIMS: To clarify the asymmetrical ossification of the epiphyseal ring between the
      convex and concave sides in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 29 female patients (mean age, 14.4 years; 11 to
      18) who underwent corrective surgery for AIS (Lenke type 1 or 2) were included in
      our study. In all, 349 vertebrae including 68 apical vertebrae and 87 end
      vertebrae in the main thoracic (MT) curve and thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) curve
      were analysed. Coronal sections (anterior, middle and posterior) of the vertebral
      bodies were reconstructed from pre-operative CT scans (320-row detector; slice
      thickness, 0.5 mm) and the appearances of the ossification centre in the
      epiphyseal ring at four corners were evaluated in three groups; all vertebrae
      excluding end vertebrae, apical vertebrae and end vertebrae. The appearance rates
      of the ossification centre at the concave and convex sides were calculated and
      compared. RESULTS: The appearance rates of the ossification centres in all
      vertebrae excluding end vertebrae and apical vertebrae were significantly lower
      on the concave side than on the convex side in both MT and TL/L curves
      irrespective of curve flexibility. There was no significant difference in the
      rate of appearance of the ossification centres on the concave or convex sides in
      end vertebrae. CONCLUSION: The asymmetric bony growth of vertebral body came into
      existence at both structural and non-structural curves, and was more apparent
      around the apical vertebrae. Evaluation of the ossification centre in the
      epiphyseal ring could be a measure of the effectiveness of brace treatment. TAKE
      HOME MESSAGE: The ossification of the epiphyseal ring in patients with AIS was
      delayed or absent on the concave side particularly around the apical vertebrae.
      Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:666-71.

PMID- 27143740
TI  - Vertebral column decancellation: a new spinal osteotomy technique for correcting
      rigid thoracolumbar kyphosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study is to introduce and investigate the efficacy and
      feasibility of a new vertebral osteotomy technique, vertebral column
      decancellation (VCD), for rigid thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity (TLKD) secondary
      to ankylosing spondylitis (AS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We took 39 patients from
      between January 2009 and January 2013 (26 male, 13 female, mean age 37.4 years,
      28 to 54) with AS and a TLKD who underwent VCD (VCD group) and compared their
      outcome with 45 patients (31 male, 14 female, mean age 34.8 years, 23 to 47) with
      AS and TLKD, who underwent pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO group), according
      to the same selection criteria. The technique of VCD was performed at single
      vertebral level in the thoracolumbar region of AS patients according to
      classification of AS kyphotic deformity. Pre- and post-operative chin-brow
      vertical angle (CBVA), sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and sagittal Cobb angle in
      the thoracolumbar region were reviewed in the VCD and PSO groups. Intra- , post
      operative and general complications were analysed in both group. RESULTS: lf
      patients could lie on their backs and walk with horizontal vision and sagittal
      profile, radiographic parameters improved significantly post-operatively in both
      groups. No major acute complications such as death or complete paralysis occurred
      in either group. In the VCD group, five patients (12.8%) experienced
      complications such as severe CSF leak (n = 4), deep wound infection (n = 1) and
      in one patient a transient neurological deficit occurred. In the PSO group, eight
      patients (17.8%) suffered conditions such as severe CSF leak (n = 5), infections
      (n = 2) and sagittal translation at osteotomy site (n = 1). Scoliosis Research
      Society outcomes instrument (SRS-22) improved significantly in both groups. All
      patients achieved solid fusion at latest follow-up and no implant failures were
      noted in either group. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: The VCD technique is a new, safe and
      effective strategy for correction of rigid TLKD in AS patients. The main
      advantage of the new correction mechanism is that it achieved a satisfactory
      correction by controlled anterior column opening and posterior column closing,
      avoiding the occurrence of sagittal translation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J
      2016;98-B:672-8.

PMID- 27143741
TI  - Quantitative analysis of a spinal surgeon's learning curve for scoliosis surgery.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was a quantitative analysis of a surgeon's learning
      curve for scoliosis surgery and the relationship between the surgeon's experience
      and post-operative outcomes, which has not been previously well described.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have investigated the operating time as a function of
      the number of patients to determine a specific pattern; we analysed factors
      affecting the operating time and compared intra- and post-operative outcomes. We
      analysed 47 consecutive patients undergoing scoliosis surgery performed by a
      single, non-trained scoliosis surgeon. Operating time was recorded for each of
      the four parts of the procedures: dissection, placement of pedicle screws,
      reduction of the deformity and wound closure. RESULTS: The median operating time
      was 310 minutes (interquartile range 277.5 to 432.5). The pattern showed a
      continuous decreasing trend in operating time until the patient number reached 23
      to 25, after which it stabilised with fewer patient-dependent changes. The
      operating time was more affected by the patient number (r =- 0.75) than the
      number of levels fused (r = 0.59). Blood loss (p = 0.016) and length of stay in
      hospital (p = 0.012) were significantly less after the operating time stabilised.
      Post-operative functional outcome scores and the rate of complications showed no
      significant differences. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: We describe a detailed learning curve
      for scoliosis surgery based on a single surgeon's practise, providing useful
      information for novice scoliosis surgeons and for those responsible for training
      in spinal surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:679-85.

PMID- 27143742
TI  - The Warwick Hip Trauma Evaluation One: a randomised pilot trial comparing the X
      Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System with sliding hip screw fixation in complex
      extracapsular hip fractures: WHiTE (One).
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to inform a definitive trial which could
      determine the clinical effectiveness of the X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System
      compared with the sliding hip screw for patients with complex pertrochanteric
      fragility fractures of the femur. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a single centre,
      participant blinded, randomised, standard-of-care controlled pilot trial.
      Patients aged 60 years and over with AO/ASIF A2 and A3 type femoral
      pertrochanteric fractures were eligible. RESULTS: The primary outcome was the
      EuroQoL 5 Dimension Score (EQ-5D-3L) at one year following index fixation. A
      total of 100 participants were recruited, and primary outcome data were available
      for 88 patients following losses to follow-up and withdrawals. The mean
      difference in EQ-5D was 0.03 (95% confidence interval -0.17, 0.120; p = 0.720.)
      There were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes measures.
      The recruitment and follow-up rates from this feasibility study were as
      predicted. CONCLUSION: A definitive trial with 90% power to find a clinically
      important difference in EQ-5D would require 964 participants based upon the data
      from this study. We plan to start recruitment to this trial in Spring 2016. TAKE
      HOME MESSAGE: A definitive trial of X-Bolt Dynamic Hip Plating System is feasible
      and should be conducted now in order to quantify the clinical effectiveness of
      this novel implant. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:686-9.

PMID- 27143743
TI  - Assessment of functional outcomes of surgically managed acetabular fractures: a
      systematic review.
AB  - We performed a systematic review of the literature pertaining to the functional
      outcomes of the surgical management of acetabular fractures. A total of 69
      articles met our inclusion criteria, revealing that eight generic outcome
      instruments were used, along with five specific instruments. The majority of
      studies reported outcomes using a version of the d'Aubigne and Postel score,
      which has not been validated for use in acetabular fracture. Few validated
      outcome measures were reported. No psychometric testing of outcome instruments
      was performed. The current assessment of outcomes in surgery for acetabular
      fractures lacks scientific rigour, and does not give reliable outcome data for
      either scientific comparison or patient counselling. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: The use
      of non-validated functional outcome measures is a major limitation of the current
      literature pertaining to surgical management of acetabular fractures; future
      studies should use validated outcome measures to ensure the legitimacy of the
      reported results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:690-5.

PMID- 27143744
TI  - Placement of iliosacral screws using 3D image-guided (O-Arm) technology and
      Stealth Navigation: comparison with traditional fluoroscopy.
AB  - AIMS: We compared the accuracy, operating time and radiation exposure of the
      introduction of iliosacral screws using O-arm/Stealth Navigation and standard
      fluoroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Iliosacral screws were introduced
      percutaneously into the first sacral body (S1) of ten human cadavers, four men
      and six women. The mean age was 77 years (58 to 85). Screws were introduced using
      a standard technique into the left side of S1 using C-Arm fluoroscopy and then
      into the right side using O-Arm/Stealth Navigation. The radiation was measured on
      the surgeon by dosimeters placed under a lead thyroid shield and apron, on a
      finger, a hat and on the cadavers. RESULTS: There were no neuroforaminal breaches
      in either group. The set-up time for the O-Arm was significantly longer than for
      the C-Arm, while total time for placement of the screws was significantly shorter
      for the O-Arm than for the C-Arm (p = 0.001). The mean absorbed radiation dose
      during fluoroscopy was 1063 mRad (432.5 mRad to 4150 mRad). No radiation was
      detected on the surgeon during fluoroscopy, or when he left the room during the
      use of the O-Arm. The mean radiation detected on the cadavers was significantly
      higher in the O-Arm group (2710 mRem standard deviation (sd) 1922) than during
      fluoroscopy (11.9 mRem sd 14.8) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: O-Arm/Stealth Navigation
      allows for faster percutaneous placement of iliosacral screws in a radiation-free
      environment for surgeons, albeit with the same accuracy and significantly more
      radiation exposure to cadavers, when compared with standard fluoroscopy. TAKE
      HOME MESSAGE: Placement of iliosacral screws with O-Arm/Stealth Navigation can be
      performed safely and effectively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:696
      702.

PMID- 27143745
TI  - Closed intramedullary nailing with percutaneous cement augmentation for long bone
      metastases.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether closed intramedullary
      (IM) nailing with percutaneous cement augmentation is better than conventional
      closed nailing at relieving pain and suppressing tumours in patients with
      metastases of the femur and humerus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients
      (27 men, 16 women, mean age 63.7 years, standard deviation (sd) 12.2; 21 to 84)
      underwent closed IM nailing with cement augmentation for long bone metastases. A
      further 27 patients, who underwent conventional closed IM nailing, served as
      controls. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score pre
      operatively (pre-operative VAS), one week post-operatively (immediate post
      operative VAS), and at six weeks post-operatively (follow-up post-operative VAS).
      Progression of the tumour was evaluated in subgroups of patients using F-18
      fludeoxyglucose (F-18-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography
      (CT) and/or bone scintigraphy (BS), at a mean of 8.8 and 7.2 months post
      operatively, respectively. RESULTS: The mean pain scores of patients who
      underwent closed nailing with cement augmentation were significantly lower than
      those of the control patients post-operatively (immediate post-operative VAS:
      3.8, sd 0.9 versus 6.0, sd 0.9; follow-up post-operative VAS: 3.3, sd 2.5 versus
      6.6, sd 2.2; all p < 0.001). The progression of the metastasis was suppressed in
      50% (10/20) of patients who underwent closed nailing with augmentation, but in
      only 8% (1/13) of those in the control group. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous cement
      augmentation of closed IM nailing improves the relief of pain and limits the
      progression of the tumour in patients with metastases to the long bones. TAKE
      HOME MESSAGE: Percutaneous cement augmentation while performing closed IM nailing
      has some advantages for long bone metastases. Cite this article: Bone Joint J
      2016;98-B:703-9.

PMID- 27143746
TI  - The lognormal age of onset distribution in Perthes' disease: an analysis from a
      large well-defined cohort.
AB  - AIMS: To explore the of age of onset distribution for Perthes' disease of the
      hip, with particular reference to gender, laterality and conformity to the
      lognormal distribution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1082 patients were
      identified from the Liverpool Perthes' Disease Register between 1976 and 2010, of
      which 992 had the date of diagnosis recorded. In total, 682 patients came from
      the geographical area exclusively served by Alder Hey Hospital, of which 673 had
      a date of diagnosis. Age of onset curves were analysed, with respect to the
      predefined subgroups. RESULTS: The age of onset demonstrated a positive skew with
      a median of 5.8 years (interquartile range 4.6 to 7.5). Disease onset was a mean
      five months earlier in girls (p = 0.01) and one year earlier in those who went on
      to develop bilateral disease (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the age of
      onset between geographical districts with differing incidence rates. The entire
      dataset (n = 992) conformed to a lognormal distribution graphically and with the
      chi-squared test of normality (p = 0.10), but not using the Shapiro-Wilk test (p
      = 0.01). The distribution for the predefined geographical subgroup (n = 673)
      conformed well to a lognormal distribution (chi-squared p = 0.16, Shapiro-Wilk p
      = 0.08). Given the observed lognormal distribution it was assumed that Perthes'
      disease followed on incubation period consistent with a point-source disease
      exposure. The incubation period was further examined using Hirayama's method,
      which suggested that the disease exposure may act in the prenatal period.
      CONCLUSION: The age of onset in Perthes' disease conforms to a lognormal
      distribution, which allows comparisons with infectious disease epidemiology.
      Earlier onset in girls and those who develop bilateral disease may offer clues to
      understanding the aetiological determinants of the disease. The analysis suggests
      that an antenatal aetiological determinant may be responsible for disease. TAKE
      HOME MESSAGE: Perthes' disease age of onset conforms to a lognormal model, which
      is most typical of infectious diseases. The shape of the distribution suggests
      that an aetiological trigger in the pre-natal period may be an important
      determinant of disease. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:710-14.

PMID- 27143747
TI  - The delayed presentation of atlantoaxial rotatory fixation in children: a review
      of the management.
AB  - AIMS: Although atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) is a common cause of
      torticollis in children, the diagnosis may be delayed. The condition is
      characterised by a lack of rotation at the atlantoaxial joint which becomes fixed
      in a rotated and subluxed position. The management of children with a delayed
      presentation of this condition is controversial. This is a retrospective study of
      a group of such children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Children who were admitted to two
      institutions between 1988 and 2014 with a diagnosis of AARF were included. We
      identified 12 children (four boys, eight girls), with a mean age of 7.3 years
      (1.5 to 13.4), in whom the duration of symptoms on presentation was at least four
      weeks (four to 39). All were treated with halo traction followed by a period of
      cervical immobilisation in a halo vest or a Minerva jacket. We describe a simple
      modification to the halo traction that allows the child to move their head whilst
      maintaining traction. The mean follow-up was 59.6 weeks (24 to 156). RESULTS:
      Despite the delay in referral, the subluxation was successfully reduced in all
      children. Only two children required atlantoaxial fusion. CONCLUSION: The results
      of our study suggest that normal anatomy with restoration of movement may be
      achieved even in cases of AARF presenting late, obviating the need for fusion. We
      also show a simple modification to the halo traction that allows the child to
      move their head about while still maintaining traction. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Prompt
      diagnosis and management with halo traction (with a simple modification as
      described) is associated with good results in patients with AARF who present
      late. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:715-20.

PMID- 27143748
TI  - Compound traditional serrated adenoma and sessile serrated adenoma.

PMID- 27143749
TI  - The ability to survive intracellular freezing in nematodes is related to the
      pattern and distribution of ice formed.
AB  - A few species of nematodes can survive extensive intracellular freezing
      throughout all their tissues, an event that is usually thought to be fatal to
      cells. How are they able to survive in this remarkable way? The pattern and
      distribution of ice formed, after freezing at -10 degrees C, can be observed
      using freeze substitution and transmission electron microscopy, which preserves
      the former position of ice as white spaces. We compared the pattern and
      distribution of ice formed in a nematode that survives intracellular freezing
      well (Panagrolaimus sp. DAW1), one that survives poorly (Panagrellus redivivus)
      and one with intermediate levels of survival (Plectus murrayi). We also examined
      Panagrolaimus sp. in which the survival of freezing had been compromised by
      starvation. Levels of survival were as expected and the use of vital dyes
      indicated cellular damage in those that survived poorly (starved Panagrolaimus
      sp. and P. murrayi). In fed Panagrolaimus sp. the intracellular ice spaces were
      small and uniform, whereas in P. redivivus and starved Panagrolaimus sp. there
      were some large spaces that may be causing cellular damage. The pattern and
      distribution of ice formed was different in P. murrayi, with a greater number of
      individuals having no ice or only small intracellular ice spaces. Control of the
      size of the ice formed is thus important for the survival of intracellular
      freezing in nematodes.

PMID- 27143750
TI  - Incubation temperature causes skewed sex ratios in a precocial bird.
AB  - Many animals with genetic sex determination are nonetheless capable of
      manipulating sex ratios via behavioral and physiological means, which can
      sometimes result in fitness benefits to the parent. Sex ratio manipulation in
      birds is not widely documented, and revealing the mechanisms for altered sex
      ratios in vertebrates remains a compelling area of research. Incubation
      temperature is a key component of the developmental environment for birds, but
      despite its well-documented effects on offspring phenotype it has rarely been
      considered as a factor in avian sex ratios. Using ecologically relevant
      manipulations of incubation temperature within the range 35.0-37.0 degrees C, we
      found greater mortality of female embryos during incubation than males regardless
      of incubation temperature, and evidence that more female than male embryos die at
      the lowest incubation temperature (35.0 degrees C). Our findings in conjunction
      with previous work in brush turkeys suggest incubation temperature is an
      important determinant of avian secondary sex ratios that requires additional
      study, and should be considered when estimating the impact of climate change on
      avian populations.

PMID- 27143751
TI  - Impact of nest sanitation on the immune system of parents and nestlings in a
      passerine bird.
AB  - Bacterial communities are thought to have fundamental effects on the growth and
      development of nestling birds. The antigen exposure hypothesis suggests that, for
      both nestlings and adult birds, exposure to a diverse range of bacteria would
      select for stronger immune defences. However, there are relatively few studies
      that have tested the immune/bacterial relationships outside of domestic poultry.
      We therefore sought to examine indices of immunity (microbial killing ability in
      naive birds, which is a measure of innate immunity, and the antibody response to
      sheep red blood cells, which measures adaptive immunity) in both adult and
      nestling zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). We did this throughout breeding and
      between reproductive attempts in nests that were experimentally manipulated to
      change the intensity of bacterial exposure. Our results suggest that nest
      sanitation and bacterial load affected measures of the adaptive immune system,
      but not the innate immune parameters tested. Adult finches breeding in clean
      nests had a lower primary antibody response to sheep red blood cells,
      particularly males, and a greater difference between primary and secondary
      responses. Adult microbial killing of Escherichia coli decreased as parents moved
      from incubation to nestling rearing for both nest treatments; however, killing of
      Candida albicans remained consistent throughout. In nestlings, both innate
      microbial killing and the adaptive antibody response did not differ between nest
      environments. Together, these results suggest that exposure to microorganisms in
      the environment affects the adaptive immune system in nesting birds, with
      exposure upregulating the antibody response in adult birds.

PMID- 27143752
TI  - Heartbreak hotel: a convergence in cardiac regeneration.
AB  - In February 2016, The Company of Biologists hosted an intimate gathering of
      leading international researchers at the forefront of experimental cardiovascular
      regeneration, with its emphasis on 'Transdifferentiation and Tissue Plasticity in
      Cardiovascular Rejuvenation'. As I review here, participants at the workshop
      revealed how understanding cardiac growth and lineage decisions at their most
      fundamental level has transformed the strategies in hand that presently energize
      the prospects for human heart repair.

PMID- 27143753
TI  - Plant regeneration: cellular origins and molecular mechanisms.
AB  - Compared with animals, plants generally possess a high degree of developmental
      plasticity and display various types of tissue or organ regeneration. This
      regenerative capacity can be enhanced by exogenously supplied plant hormones in
      vitro, wherein the balance between auxin and cytokinin determines the
      developmental fate of regenerating organs. Accumulating evidence suggests that
      some forms of plant regeneration involve reprogramming of differentiated somatic
      cells, whereas others are induced through the activation of relatively
      undifferentiated cells in somatic tissues. We summarize the current understanding
      of how plants control various types of regeneration and discuss how developmental
      and environmental constraints influence these regulatory mechanisms.

PMID- 27143754
TI  - Asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 is a specific cell-surface marker for isolating
      hepatocytes derived from human pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) are derived from human pluripotent stem cells
      (hPSCs) in vitro, but differentiation protocols commonly give rise to a
      heterogeneous mixture of cells. This variability confounds the evaluation of in
      vitro functional assays performed using HLCs. Increased differentiation
      efficiency and more accurate approximation of the in vivo hepatocyte gene
      expression profile would improve the utility of hPSCs. Towards this goal, we
      demonstrate the purification of a subpopulation of functional HLCs using the
      hepatocyte surface marker asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1). We analyzed the
      expression profile of ASGR1-positive cells by microarray, and tested their
      ability to perform mature hepatocyte functions (albumin and urea secretion,
      cytochrome activity). By these measures, ASGR1-positive HLCs are enriched for the
      gene expression profile and functional characteristics of primary hepatocytes
      compared with unsorted HLCs. We have demonstrated that ASGR1-positive sorting
      isolates a functional subpopulation of HLCs from among the heterogeneous cellular
      population produced by directed differentiation.

PMID- 27143755
TI  - RGMB and neogenin control cell differentiation in the developing olfactory
      epithelium.
AB  - Cellular interactions are key for the differentiation of distinct cell types
      within developing epithelia, yet the molecular mechanisms engaged in these
      interactions remain poorly understood. In the developing olfactory epithelium
      (OE), neural stem/progenitor cells give rise to odorant-detecting olfactory
      receptor neurons (ORNs) and glial-like sustentacular (SUS) cells. Here, we show
      in mice that the transmembrane receptor neogenin (NEO1) and its membrane-bound
      ligand RGMB control the balance of neurons and glial cells produced in the OE. In
      this layered epithelium, neogenin is expressed in progenitor cells, while RGMB is
      restricted to adjacent newly born ORNs. Ablation of Rgmb via gene-targeting
      increases the number of dividing progenitor cells in the OE and leads to
      supernumerary SUS cells. Neogenin loss-of-function phenocopies these effects
      observed in Rgmb(-/-) mice, supporting the proposal that RGMB-neogenin signaling
      regulates progenitor cell numbers and SUS cell production. Interestingly, Neo1(-/
      ) mice also exhibit increased apoptosis of ORNs, implicating additional ligands
      in the neogenin-dependent survival of ORNs. Thus, our results indicate that RGMB
      neogenin-mediated cell-cell interactions between newly born neurons and
      progenitor cells control the ratio of glia and neurons produced in the OE.

PMID- 27143757
TI  - Epigenetic regulation of Atoh1 guides hair cell development in the mammalian
      cochlea.

PMID- 27143756
TI  - Semaphorin 3A is a retrograde cell death signal in developing sympathetic
      neurons.
AB  - During development of the peripheral nervous system, excess neurons are
      generated, most of which will be lost by programmed cell death due to a limited
      supply of neurotrophic factors from their targets. Other environmental factors,
      such as 'competition factors' produced by neurons themselves, and axon guidance
      molecules have also been implicated in developmental cell death. Semaphorin 3A
      (Sema3A), in addition to its function as a chemorepulsive guidance cue, can also
      induce death of sensory neurons in vitro The extent to which Sema3A regulates
      developmental cell death in vivo, however, is debated. We show that in
      compartmentalized cultures of rat sympathetic neurons, a Sema3A-initiated
      apoptosis signal is retrogradely transported from axon terminals to cell bodies
      to induce cell death. Sema3A-mediated apoptosis utilizes the extrinsic pathway
      and requires both neuropilin 1 and plexin A3. Sema3A is not retrogradely
      transported in older, survival factor-independent sympathetic neurons, and is
      much less effective at inducing apoptosis in these neurons. Importantly, deletion
      of either neuropilin 1 or plexin A3 significantly reduces developmental cell
      death in the superior cervical ganglia. Taken together, a Sema3A-initiated
      apoptotic signaling complex regulates the apoptosis of sympathetic neurons during
      the period of naturally occurring cell death.

PMID- 27143760
TI  - Effects of Oridonin on growth performance and oxidative stress in broilers
      challenged with lipopolysaccharide.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the effects of oridonin (ORI) on growth
      performance and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens that were repeatedly
      challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 384 one-day-old male Arbor
      Acre broiler chickens were randomly assigned to 8 treatments with 6 replicate
      cages per treatment and 8 birds per replicate. There were 4 dietary treatments:
      the control group (birds fed the basal diet), the ORI 50 group, the ORI 80 group,
      and the ORI 100 group (the basal diet supplemented with 50, 80, and 100 mg/kg
      oridonin, respectively). Broilers were intraperitoneally injected with either 250
      MUg/kg BW LPS or an equivalent amount of sterile saline at 16, 18, and 20 d of
      age. LPS decreased the average daily weight gain (ADG), the average daily feed
      intake (ADFI), and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chickens (P <
      0.05); oridonin supplementation had no effects on performance whether before or
      after LPS injection (P > 0.05). LPS stimulation increased the relative weight of
      the spleen and bursa (P < 0.05); oridonin inclusion markedly attenuated the
      increased spleen index (P < 0.05). Additionally, the LPS-induced increases in the
      concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreases in activities of total
      superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and catalase
      (CAT) were dramatically attenuated by oridonin in both the serum and liver (P <
      0.05). Furthermore, LPS down-regulated the mRNA expressions of nuclear factor
      erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), copper and zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn
      SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), and
      CAT in the liver (P < 0.05), However, oridonin inclusion increased the liver mRNA
      expression levels of Nrf2, Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT, and GPx1 (P < 0.05). It was
      concluded that the dietary oridonin supplementation at an optimum dose of 100
      mg/kg improves the antioxidant capacity in broilers, as evidenced by the decrease
      in MDA and the increase in total SOD activities and mRNA expression levels of the
      liver antioxidant genes, although the effects on growth performance was
      negligible. 

PMID- 27143761
TI  - Comparison of sensory texture attributes of broiler breast fillets with different
      degrees of white striping.
AB  - The white striping (WS) condition in broiler meat results in increased
      intramuscular fat, connective tissue, and moisture loss during cooking and
      negatively affects product appearance and consumer acceptance of skinless chicken
      meat. The effect of WS on the human perception of cooked meat texture is unknown.
      The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of WS on sensory texture
      attributes of cooked chicken breast fillets (Pectoralis major). Over three
      separate trial days, a total of 105 breast butterfly fillets were collected from
      the deboning line of a commercial broiler processing plant. Fillets were
      classified according to the degree of WS (normal, moderate, severe) and stored at
      -20 degrees C until use. Fourteen representative fillets from each category were
      cooked directly from the frozen state to an endpoint temperature of 78 degrees C
      and evaluated by a 7-member trained panel for five texture attributes:
      cohesiveness, hardness, juiciness, rate of breakdown, and chewiness. There were
      no differences (P > 0.05) for juiciness or the rate of breakdown between the
      fillets based on the degree of WS. Among the three WS groups, however,
      differences (P < 0.05) in cohesiveness, hardness, and chewiness were observed.
      For these attributes, the mean intensity scores of fillets with severe WS were
      consistently highest among the groups. There were no differences (P > 0.05)
      between the normal and moderate WS fillets. These data suggest that the severe WS
      condition was perceived to be harder, more cohesive, and chewier than either
      normal or moderate WS fillets by panelists. 

PMID- 27143762
TI  - Therapeutic effect of flax-based diets on fatty liver in aged laying hens.
AB  - This study examined the ability of flax-based ingredients to attenuate
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD: ) in aged laying hens-a novel and more
      physiologically relevant model of human disease. Our results showed only hens
      supplemented with whole flaxseed ( WFX: ) reduced steatosis and hepatocellular
      ballooning. Serum AST was also reduced in hens provided WFX and defatted flaxseed
      meal ( DFM: ). Hepatic omega-3 PUFA enrichment was improved with supplementation
      of WFX, DFM, and flaxseed oil ( FXO: ). However, this effect was more evident in
      the WFX group. In contrast, transcript abundance of genes linked to NAFLD were
      predominantly modified with FXO supplementation. Taken together, our data
      indicate a potential synergistic relationship between the fatty acid and lignan
      content in flaxseed which attenuated the progression of NAFLD in aged laying
      hens. Although more research is necessary, these findings demonstrate the
      potential use of whole flaxseed for the treatment and prevention of NAFLD in
      humans.

PMID- 27143763
TI  - Effect of post-hatch transportation duration and parental age on broiler chicken
      quality, welfare, and productivity.
AB  - Broiler chicks are transported to production sites within one to 2 d post-hatch.
      Possible effects of this transportation are poorly understood and could vary
      among chicks from breeder flocks of different ages. The aim of the present study
      was to investigate the effects of transportation duration and parental flock age
      on chick welfare, productivity, and quality. After hatch in a commercial
      hatchery, 1,620 mixed-sex chicks from 29-wk old (young) and 1,620 chicks from 60
      wk old (old) breeders were subjected to transportation of 1.5 h or 11 h duration.
      After transportation, 2,800 chicks were divided among 100 pens, with each pen
      containing 28 chicks from one transportation crate (2 or 3 pens per crate). From
      the remaining chicks, on average 6 chicks (min 4, max 8) per crate (n = 228) were
      randomly selected and assessed for chick quality, weighed, and culled for yolk
      sac weighing (one d). Chicks that had not been assigned to pens or were not used
      for post-transportation measurements, were removed from the experiment (n = 212).
      Mortality, ADG, BW, and feed conversion ( FC: ) of the experimental chicks were
      recorded until 41 d. Meat quality was measured for breast fillets (n = 47). No
      interaction effect of parental age and transportation duration was found for any
      variables. BW and yolk sac weight at one d were lower for chicks transported 11 h
      than 1.5 h and for chicks from young versus old breeders. The effect of parental
      flock age on BW persisted until slaughter. Additionally, parental age positively
      affected ADG until slaughter. Chick quality was lower in chicks from old versus
      young breeders. Chick quality and productivity were not affected by
      transportation duration. Mortality and meat quality were not affected by either
      parental age or transportation duration. To conclude, no long-term detrimental
      effects were found from long post-hatch transportation in chicks from young or
      old parent flocks. Based on these results, we suggest that 11 h post-hatch
      transportations under similar conditions do not impose long-term welfare or
      productivity risks. 

PMID- 27143764
TI  - Association of AMPK subunit gene polymorphisms with growth, feed intake, and feed
      efficiency in meat-type chickens.
AB  - Investigations on regulatory genes of feed intake will provide a rational
      scientific basis to improve future selection indices for more efficient chickens.
      In the present study, we investigated the association of 13 previously reported
      SNPs in the chicken adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK)
      subunits PRKAB1, PRKAG2, and PRKAG3 genes with body weight (BW), body weight gain
      (BWG), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in two distinct yellow
      meat-type strains. Six SNPs with a very low minor allele frequency were removed
      by genotype quality control and data filtering. The experimental population
      comprised 796 pedigreed males from two strains with different genetic
      backgrounds, 335 chickens from N202 and 461 chickens from N301. BW at 49 (BW49)
      and 70 days of age (BW70) and FI (from 49 to 70 days of age) were determined
      individually. BWG and FCR were computed based on BW and FI in the interval
      between 49 to 70 days. The results indicated that PRKAB1 SNPs rs14094358 and
      rs14094362 were significantly associated with BW70, BWG, and FI in the N202
      strain, and rs14094361 and rs14094363 were significantly associated with FI and
      FCR in the N301 strain (P < 0.05). In addition, the PRKAG2 SNP rs14133282 showed
      significant association with FI in N202, and rs13535812 was significantly
      associated with BW70 in N202 (P < 0.05). Moreover, the PRKAG3 SNP rs13595570 was
      significantly associated with BW in N202 (P < 0.05), and significantly associated
      with FI and FCR in N301 (P < 0.05). Additionally, a two-SNP haplotype comprising
      rs14094361 and rs14094362 in PRKAB1 was significantly associated with BWG in N202
      (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, haplotypes based on two SNPs, rs14133282, and rs13535812,
      showed significant effects on FI in N202 (P < 0.05). Our findings therefore
      provide important evidence for association of AMPK subunits polymorphisms with
      body weight, feed intake, and feed efficiency that may be applied in meat-type
      chicken breeding programs. 

PMID- 27143765
TI  - Phosphorus and nitrogen utilization responses of broiler chickens to dietary
      crude protein and phosphorus levels.
AB  - A study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary CP levels on pre-cecal
      digestibility and total tract retention of phosphorus (P) in broiler chickens. A
      total of 384 14-day-old male broiler chickens were used in a randomized complete
      block design with 8 treatments and 6 replicates per treatment in a 7-d
      experimental period. There were 8 corn-soybean meal-based diets in a 2 * 4
      factorial arrangement, which included 2 CP levels (10.7 or 21.5%) and 4 apparent
      total tract digestible P (ATTDP) levels (0.18, 0.32, 0.45, or 0.59%). Soybean
      meal and mono-calcium phosphate were used to adjust the CP and ATTDP levels,
      respectively. At the end of the experiment, BW was recorded and digesta samples
      from the distal two-thirds of ileum and mucosa samples from the middle of the
      jejunum were collected. Total RNA also was isolated from mucosa samples and used
      for real-time PCR to determine the gene expression of sodium-phosphate co
      transporter IIb (NaPi-IIb). Results showed that low dietary CP level limited the
      growth performance (P < 0.01), pre-cecal digestion, and total tract retention of
      P (P < 0.01), and NaPi-IIb gene expression (P < 0.05), compared with high dietary
      CP. Pre-cecal digestion and total tract retention of P (g/kg DM intake) linearly
      increased (P < 0.01) with increasing ATTDP levels in both low and high CP groups.
      In conclusion, this study suggests an interrelationship between N and P digestion
      such that CP deficiency decreased the growth performance of birds consequently
      reducing pre-cecal P digestion in broiler chickens. Total tract retention of CP
      and P are linked with each other and body tissue growth may be a driver of the
      deposition of these 2 nutrients. Supplementation of protein may be necessary in
      diets during P digestibility studies to ameliorate an effect of protein
      deficiency on P digestion and retention.

PMID- 27143766
TI  - Comparative evaluation of dietary supplementation with mannan oligosaccharide and
      oregano essential oil in forced molted and fully fed laying hens between 82 and
      106 weeks of age.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of feed-grade preparations
      of mannan oligosaccharides ( MOS: ) and oregano essential oil ( OEO: ) in forced
      molted or fully fed 82-week-old, laying hens. A 2 * 3 factorial experiment
      investigated the influence of molting vs. full feeding and dietary supplements
      [i.e., unsupplemented control, MOS (1 g/kg) diet, and OEO (24 mg/kg) diet] on
      production parameters, egg quality, serum stress indicators, blood constituents,
      tibial characteristics, liver antioxidant status, and cecal microflora
      composition. A total of 864 Single Comb White Leghorn hens were randomly assigned
      to 6 treatments, each with 6 replicates of 24 hens each, and studied for 25 wk.
      Hens were fed a molt diet containing of 50% alfalfa and 50% wheat bran ( AA+WB: )
      for 12 d, then returned to the laying ration. Results indicate that molt vs. full
      feed impacted more on most variables measured than supplementation or supplement
      type. Significant (P < 0.01) interactions between molting and diet were observed
      for the egg production, egg weight, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio ( FCR: ).
      In fully fed hens, MOS supplementation improved (P < 0.01) the egg production,
      egg weight, and FCR, and an OEO addition significantly improved the egg
      production and FCR in forced molted hens. Molting improved egg quality despite
      the significant regression in ovary and oviduct weight (P < 0.01), though
      supplements showed no influence. The bone ash (P < 0.01) and mineral content (P <
      0.05) of molted hens were significantly lower than those of fully fed
      counterparts; however, poor mineralization was not reflected in the bones'
      mechanical properties. No significant differences were observed among treatments
      for hematological characteristics. Both the MOS and particularly the OEO
      supplementation improved (P < 0.01) liver antioxidant status and mitigated the
      significant increase in cecal pathogenic bacteria after molt. Our results
      indicate that full feeding with an aa+wb diet is an effective non-feed-removal
      method for molted hens, the benefit of which can be improved with MOS and OEO
      supplementation.

PMID- 27143767
TI  - Influence of dietary amino acid reductions and Eimeria acervulina infection on
      growth performance and intestinal cytokine responses of broilers fed low crude
      protein diets.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of Eimeria acervulina
      infection on growth performance, plasma carotenoids, and intestinal cytokine
      responses of broilers fed low crude protein (LCP) diets with reduced
      concentrations of selected amino acids (AA). Experiment 1 was conducted to
      validate a dietary formulation approach in which broilers were fed 1 of 5 diets
      including a 19.0% CP corn-soybean meal based (CSBM) diet, a LCP control diet
      (16.7% CP) that matched the AA profile of the CSBM diet, and 3 LCP diets with 30%
      reductions in standardized ileal digestible concentrations of TSAA, Lys, or Thr
      from 14 to 23 d post-hatch. Body weight gain and G:F were greatest (P < 0.05) and
      similar for broilers fed the CSBM and LCP control diets, whereas reductions in
      Thr, TSAA, and Lys each decreased (P < 0.05) G:F of broilers. In Experiment 2,
      birds were allotted to 18 treatment groups in a factorial arrangement of 9
      dietary treatments * 2 infection states. Dietary treatments included a LCP
      control diet similar to that fed in Experiment 1 and 8 LCP diets with 40%
      individual reductions in TSAA, Lys, Thr, Val, Ile, Arg, Phe + Tyr, or Gly + Ser.
      Broilers received experimental diets from 10 d to 28 d post-hatch and were
      inoculated with 0 or 4.0 * 105 sporulated E. acervulina oocysts at 15 d.
      Decreased (P < 0.05) growth performance (10 to 28 d) of broilers was observed
      with each AA reduction, except Phe + Tyr, compared with birds fed the LCP control
      diet. Body weight gain and G:F were lowest (P < 0.05) for birds fed diets reduced
      in Lys or Val. Eimeria acervulina decreased growth performance and plasma
      carotenoids of broilers, but effects varied among dietary treatment groups as
      indicated by diet * infection interactions (P < 0.05). Dietary AA reductions did
      not alter (P > 0.05) the increase in intestinal gene expression of interferon
      gamma, interleukin-1beta, or interleukin-10 observed in E. acervulina-infected
      birds.

PMID- 27143768
TI  - Prevalence, molecular characterization and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella
      serovars isolated from northwestern Spanish broiler flocks (2011-2015).
AB  - The present study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance to twenty
      antibiotics, and class 1 integron and virulence genes of Salmonella isolated from
      poultry houses of broilers in northwestern Spain between 2011 and 2015. Strains
      were classified to the serotype level using the Kauffman-White typing scheme and
      subtyping with enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR. The
      prevalence of Salmonella spp. was 1.02%. Sixteen different serotypes were found,
      with S. typhimurium and S. arizonae 48:z4, z23:- being the most prevalent. A
      total of 59.70% of strains were resistant to at least one, and 19.70% were
      resistant to multiple drugs. All Salmonella spp. were susceptible to cefotaxime,
      ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, levofloxacin, neomycin, and trimethoprim.
      The highest level of resistance was to sulfamethoxazole (40.29%), doxycycline
      (17.91%), and nalidixic acid (17.91%). None of the isolates carried class 1
      integron and only isolates of S. enterica subspecies enterica were positive for
      all virulence factors tested, whereas S. arizonae lacked genes related to
      replication and invasion in nonphagocytic cells. This study demonstrates that the
      prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella spp. in poultry houses of
      broilers of northwestern Spain is low compared with those found in other studies
      and in other steps of the food chain. 

PMID- 27143769
TI  - Analysis of storage possibility of raw and smoked breast meat of oat-fattened
      White Koluda(r) goose based on their quality characteristics.
AB  - Raw and smoked (spickgans) fillets of oat-fattened White Koluda(r) goose were
      packed in: PET - ethylene terephthalate bags; VSP - 99% vacuum; MAP1 - 80% O2,
      20% CO2; MAP2 - 70% N2, 30% O2; MAP3 - 30% O2, 40% N2, 30% CO2, and stored at a
      temperature of 2 degrees C. On the day of packaging (0 d) and during storage of
      raw (5, 7, 10 d) and smoked fillets (5, 10, 15 d), the samples were analyzed for
      weight losses, physicochemical traits, and chemical composition. The study
      demonstrated the effect of storage time and packaging method on storage yield of
      raw and smoked fillets. In VSP, the raw fillets were characterized by the lowest
      amount of leakage, whereas spickgans were characterized by the highest storage
      yield and weight loss. The analysis of the effect of the modified atmosphere
      demonstrated the lowest weight loss of raw fillets at, simultaneously, the
      smallest amount of leakage in MAP1. The spickgans stored in MAP2 showed higher
      weight, higher yield after storage, and lower storage loss in all terms of
      analyses compared to MAP1 and MAP3. The greatest cooking loss at simultaneously
      the lowest pH values was determined for the samples stored in VSP. The WBSF
      values of raw fillets were decreasing along with storage time, in contrast to
      WBSF values of spickgans, in which case the value of this parameter increased
      compared to 0 d. Raw fillets stored in MAP1 and MAP3 were characterized by the
      most significant increase in the value of L*, by a decrease in the value of a*
      and an increase in that of b* parameter. Visual assessment of spickgans on 15 d
      of storage revealed the presence of white sediment on the surface of products,
      except for the samples stored in VSP. The study demonstrated the effect of
      storage time on the contents of protein and fat in raw fillets and on the
      contents of salt and fat in spickgans. 

PMID- 27143770
TI  - The influence of season on the sensory profile of Egyptian goose (Alopochen
      aegyptiacus) meat.
AB  - The feeding activities of Egyptian geese are becoming a problem for crop farmers
      in South Africa. Their grain-based diet during the harvesting season compared to
      the diet during the rest of the year may have an influence on the meat quality,
      especially the sensory profile. Descriptive sensory analysis, physical
      measurements, and the proximate composition were used to investigate these
      effects. Season was a major influential factor with the meat from summer
      associating with sweet-oily-duck and beef attributes in contrast to the strong
      association towards the game, metallic, and fish attributes of the winter meat.
      This is due to the difference in the main fatty acids; winter was higher (P <=
      0.05) in polyunsaturated fatty acids ( PUFA: ) (C18:3 n-3) and summer higher (P
      <= 0.05) in monounsaturated fatty acid (C18:1 n-9). This study established that
      season has a significant effect on the sensory profile of Egyptian goose meat and
      should be considered regarding the utilization and consumption. 

PMID- 27143771
TI  - Comparative effects of in ovo versus subcutaneous administration of the Marek's
      disease vaccine and pre-placement holding time on the early post-hatch quality of
      Ross * Ross 708 broiler chicks.
AB  - Effects of method of administration [moa; in ovo (i.o.) or s.c.] of the Marek's
      disease vaccine and pre-placement holding time (pht) on early post-hatch male
      broiler chick quality was investigated. Sixty-five Ross * Ross 708 broiler
      hatching eggs were randomly set in each of 15 replicate trays (blocks) belonging
      to each of 4 pre-assigned moa and pht treatment combinations (3,900 total eggs)
      in a single stage Jamesway incubator. Eggs that were i.o.-vaccinated received
      injections at 18 d of incubation and male chicks from eggs that were not i.o.
      injected were vaccinated by s.c. injection at hatch. The i.o. injections (50 MUL)
      were delivered by a commercial multi-egg injector and the s.c. injections (200
      MUL) were delivered by an automatic pneumatic s.c. injector. Male chicks from
      each moa group also were subjected to either a 4 or 18 h pht. At hatch and
      placement total and yolk-free BW; body length; body mass index; yolk sac weight;
      yolk-free body and yolk sac weights as percentages of total BW; and yolk-free
      body and yolk moisture concentrations were determined. Chick BW also was
      determined at 7 d of age. Hatchability of fertile eggs was not affected by i.o.
      injection. However, at hatch, body length was increased and body mass index was
      decreased in response to i.o. injection. No main effect of moa or an interactive
      effect with pht was observed for the above variables at placement. However, body
      length was longer and body mass was lower in the 18 h than in the 4 h pht chicks.
      Placement yolk sac and body weights, and the 7 d BW of 18 h pht chicks was also
      lower than that of 4 h pht chicks. In conclusion, prolonging pht for 14 h
      adversely affected early chick quality, whereas i.o. injection did not negatively
      affect the early post-hatch quality of Ross * Ross 708 broiler chicks whether or
      not they were held for 4 or 18 h prior to placement. 

PMID- 27143772
TI  - Characterization of the ultrastructure in the uterovaginal junction of the hen.
AB  - In poultry, the infundibulum is the place of fertilization, eggshell production,
      and sperm storage, while its uterovaginal junction (UVJ) is regarded as the most
      important site, which has abundant sperm storage tubules (SST). We examined the
      ultrastructure of the epithelium with relation to its unique secretory cytology
      in the UVJ of hens using transmission electron microscopy. The epithelium of the
      UVJ is lined with ciliated and secretory cells. Ciliated cells are characterized
      with light and dense secretory granules in supernuclear cytoplasm. Dense
      secretory granules in ciliated cells are larger in diameter (one MUm), surrounded
      with a transparent rim and concentric layers, whereas the dense granules in the
      ciliated cells of SST are smaller (0.52 MUm) in size and not surrounded by any
      transparent rim or layer. Ciliated cells also are involved in the shedding of
      exosomes and secretory vesicles in the lumen. Secretory exosomes are in close
      contact with cilia and directly release from the apical border into the lumen.
      Cell junctions are widely distributed between these cells. The secretory cells
      are associated with the release of secretions via apocrine blebs from microvilli
      and secretory vesicles, which protrude out from the surface of the epithelium.
      The dense secretory granules in these cells are smaller in size (0.6 MUm), absent
      of a transparent rim or layers, and are released into the lumen through secretory
      vesicles. The intracellular multivesicular body (MVB) also is observed in the
      supernuclear cytoplasm of secretory cells, which are related to the production of
      exosomes. In general, the apical protrusion of the epithelium in the form of
      apocrine secretions, the releasing of exosomes, the identification of
      intracellular MVB, and the release of dense granules give the epithelium a
      distinct morphology in the UVJ of the hen oviduct. 

PMID- 27143773
TI  - Campylobacter jejuni colonization promotes the translocation of Escherichia coli
      to extra-intestinal organs and disturbs the short-chain fatty acids profiles in
      the chicken gut.
AB  - For a long time Campylobacter was only considered as a commensal microorganism in
      avian hosts restricted to the ceca, without any pathogenic features. The precise
      reasons for the symptomless chicken carriers are still unknown, but
      investigations of the gastrointestinal ecology of broiler chickens may improve
      our understanding of the microbial interactions with the host. Therefore, the
      current studies were conducted to investigate the effects of Campylobacter jejuni
      colonization on Escherichia coli translocation and on the metabolic end products
      (short-chain fatty acids, SCFAs). Following oral infection of 14 day old broiler
      chickens with 1 * 10(8) CFU of Campylobacter jejuni NCTC 12744 in two independent
      animal trials, it was found that C. jejuni heavily colonized the intestine and
      disseminate to extra-intestinal organs. Moreover, in both animal trials, the
      findings revealed that C. jejuni promoted the translocation of E. coli with a
      higher number encountered in the spleen and liver at 14 days post infection
      (dpi). In addition, Campylobacter affected the microbial fermentation in the
      gastrointestinal tract of broilers by reducing the amount of propionate,
      isovalerate, and isobutyrate in the cecal digesta of the infected birds at 2 dpi
      and, at 7 and 14 dpi, butyrate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate were also decreased.
      However, in the jejunum, the C. jejuni infection lowered only butyrate
      concentrations at 14 dpi. These data indicated that C. jejuni may utilize SCFAs
      as carbon sources to promote its colonization in the chicken gut, suggesting that
      Campylobacter cannot only alter gut colonization dynamics but might also
      influence physiological processes due to altered microbial metabolite
      profiles.Finally, the results demonstrated that C. jejuni can cross the
      intestinal epithelial barrier and facilitates the translocation of Campylobacter
      itself as well as of other enteric microorganisms such as E. coli to extra
      intestinal organs of infected birds. Altogether, our findings suggest that the
      Campylobacter carrier state in chicken is characterised by multiple changes in
      the intestinal barrier function, which supports multiplication and survival
      within the host. 

PMID- 27143774
TI  - Diet supplementation with a specific melon concentrate improves oviduct
      antioxidant defenses and egg characteristics in laying hens.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of a specific melon
      concentrate on oviduct antioxidant defenses and egg characteristics of laying
      hens.Lohmann Brown hens were assigned to 2 treatment groups (n = 16 in each). One
      group was supplemented with the melon concentrate (26 mg/kg of feed) during 6 wk.
      The other group was composed of untreated hens, which served as control. Eggs
      were collected, weighed (yolk, albumen, shell), and analyzed (Haugh unit and
      albumen pH relevant for egg freshness) at the end of the supplementation period.
      Antioxidant status was evaluated in the oviduct measuring antioxidant enzymes by
      western blotting.This study demonstrated that the melon concentrate could
      ameliorate egg weight, and particularly yolk contribution to egg weight and egg
      shell weight. An increase in endogenous antioxidant defenses in the oviduct after
      this melon concentrate supplementation could explain the better egg
      characteristics. The improvement of egg quality, due to melon concentrate, may
      have important economic implications for future breeding programs, particularly
      if these effects generalize from hens to other poultry species, or even other
      livestock animal species. 

PMID- 27143775
TI  - Immune responses to improving welfare.
AB  - The relationship between animal welfare and the immune status of an animal has a
      complex nature. Indeed, the intuitive notion that "increased vigilance of the
      immune system is by definition better" because it is expected to better keep the
      animal healthy, does not hold up under scrutiny. This is mostly due to the fact
      that the immune system consists of 2 distinct branches, the innate and the
      adaptive immune system. While they are intimately intertwined and synergistic in
      the living organism, they are profoundly different in their costs, both in terms
      of performance and wellbeing. In contrast to the adaptive immune system, the
      action of the innate immune system has a high metabolic cost as well as
      undesirable behavioral consequences. When a pathogen breaches the first line of
      defense (often a mucosal barrier), that organism's molecular signature is
      recognized by resident macrophages. The macrophages respond by releasing a
      cocktail of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin-1 and -6) that
      signal the brain via multiple pathways (humoral as well as neural) of the ongoing
      peripheral innate immune response. The behavioral response to the release of
      proinflammatory cytokines, known as "sickness behavior," includes nearly all the
      behavioral aspects that are symptomatic for clinical depression in humans. Hence,
      undesired innate immune activity, such as chronic inflammation, needs to be
      avoided by the industry. From an immunological standpoint, one of the most
      pressing poultry industry needs is the refinement of our current veterinary
      vaccine arsenal. The response to a vaccine, especially to a live attenuated
      vaccine, is often a combination of innate and adaptive immune activities, and the
      desired immunogenicity comes at the price of high reactogenicity. The morbidity,
      albeit limited and transient, caused by live vaccines against respiratory
      diseases and coccidiosis are good examples. Thankfully, the advent of various
      post-genomics technologies, such as DNA vaccines and vectored subunit vaccines,
      offer reason for optimism that substantial progress can be made towards the
      vaccine refinement goal in the near future. 

PMID- 27143776
TI  - Effect of yeast-derived products on systemic innate immune response of broiler
      chickens following a lipopolysaccharide challenge.
AB  - This study evaluated the effect of yeast-derived products on growth performance,
      serum antibody levels, and mRNA gene expression of pattern-recognition receptors,
      and cytokines in broiler chickens. Two hundred and sixteen one-day-old male
      broiler chickens (Ross-308) were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments with
      six replicates (cage) of 6 birds per cage. Dietary treatments consisted of a
      Control diet without antibiotics (C), and diets containing 11 mg/kg of
      "virginiamycin", 0.25% of yeast cell wall (YCW), 0.2% of a commercial product
      "Maxi-Gen Plus" containing processed yeast and nucleotides, 0.05% of nucleotides,
      or a diet containing 8% of distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS). On d 21
      post-hatch blood samples were collected from 6 birds per treatment and serum
      sample were analyzed for antibody levels. After blood sampling, birds were
      injected intraperitoneally with 3 mg/kg of BW of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The
      unchallenged group was fed the Control diet and injected with saline solution.
      Spleen samples were collected to measure the gene expression of toll-like
      receptors (TLR)2b, TLR4, and TLR21, macrophage mannose receptor (MMR), and
      cytokines including interleukin (IL)-12, IL-10, IL-4, IL-6, IL-18, and interferon
      (IFN)-gamma. No significant difference in body weight gain, feed intake, and FCR
      were observed among treatments. Regarding humoral immunity, the diet supplemented
      with YCW increased serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A level compared with the antibiotic
      group; however, serum concentrations of IgG and IgM were not affected by dietary
      treatments. Relative gene expression of TLR2 and TLR4 was not affected by dietary
      treatments, whereas the expression of TLR21 and MRR was upregulated in diets
      containing YCW and DDGS. The diet supplemented with YCW increased the expression
      of all cytokines, and expression of IFN-gamma was upregulated in the DDGS group.
      However, no significant difference was observed for cytokine gene expression in
      the antibiotic and nucleotide diets. In conclusion, supplementation of diet with
      YCW stimulated the systemic innate immune responses of broiler chickens following
      challenge with LPS. 

PMID- 27143777
TI  - Ramps and hybrid effects on keel bone and foot pad disorders in modified aviaries
      for laying hens.
AB  - Non-cage systems provide laying hens with considerable space allowance, perches
      and access to litter, thereby offering opportunities for natural species-specific
      behaviors. Conversely, these typical characteristics of non-cage systems also
      increase the risk of keel bone and foot pad disorders. The aim of this study was
      twofold: 1) to investigate if providing ramps between perches (housing factor)
      reduces keel bone and foot pad disorders and 2) to test for genetic
      predisposition by comparing 2 different layer hybrids. In a 2 * 2 design, 16 pens
      were equipped either with or without ramps between perches and nest boxes (8
      pens/treatment), and housed with either 25 ISA Brown or Dekalb White birds per
      pen (in total 200 birds/hybrid). Keel bone injuries and foot health were
      repeatedly measured via palpation and visual assessment between 17 and 52 wk of
      age and daily egg production was recorded. The relationships between the
      dependent response variables (keel bone and footpad disorders, egg production)
      and independent factors (age, ramps, hybrid) were analyzed using generalized
      linear mixed models and corrected for repeated measures. Ramps reduced keel bone
      fractures (F1,950 = 45.80, P < 0.001), foot pad hyperkeratosis (F1,889 = 10.40, P
      = 0.001), foot pad dermatitis (F1,792 = 20.48, P < 0.001) and bumble foot (F1,395
      = 8.52, P < 0.001) compared to pens without ramps. ISA Brown birds sustained more
      keel bone fractures (F1,950 = 33.26, P < 0.001), had more foot pad hyperkeratosis
      (F1,889 = 44.69, P < 0.001) and laid more floor eggs (F1,1883 = 438.80, P <
      0.001), but had fewer keel bone deviations (F1,1473 = 6.73, P < 0.001), fewer
      cases of foot pad dermatitis (F1,792 = 19.84, P < 0.001) and no bumble foot as
      compared to Dekalb White birds. Age, housing and hybrid showed several
      interaction effects. Providing ramps proved to be very effective in both reducing
      keel bone and foot pad problems in non-cage systems. Keel bone and foot pad
      disorders are related to genetic predisposition. These results indicate that
      adaptation of the housing systems and hybrid selection may be effective measures
      in improving laying hen welfare.

PMID- 27143778
TI  - Effects of two different probiotics on microflora, morphology, and morphometry of
      gut in organic laying hens.
AB  - The current study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and
      Bacillus subtilis, used as probiotics, on the microflora, morphology, and
      morphometry of the gut in organic laying hens. The birds (180 Hy-Line laying
      hens) were divided into 3 homogenous groups and received a pre-deposition diet
      from 16 to 20 wk of age and a deposition diet for the remaining 7 months of the
      experiment. The control group ( CTR: ) was fed a corn-soybean cake-based diet,
      the second group ( L: ) received the same diet supplemented with 0.1% of L.
      acidophilus while in the third group ( B: ) the basal diet was supplemented with
      0.05% of B. subtilis At 18 wk of age ( T1: ) and at 5 ( T2: ) and 7 months ( T3:
      ) from the beginning of deposition, 9 subjects per group were humanely killed for
      microbiological, morphological and morphometric analyses of the intestinal tract.
      The 2 probiotic-supplemented diets increased Lactobacillus spp. and
      Bifidobacterium spp. counts compared with the CTR diet. The lowest viable counts
      of E. coli, coliforms and staphylococci were observed in the L group (P < 0.001).
      Clostridium spp. decreased (P < 0.001) in both L and B subjects. The probiotic
      supplementation appeared to affect the intestinal microbial population, promoting
      the presence of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus spp. and
      Bifidobacterium spp. and reducing potential harmful bacteria such as E. coli,
      clostridia and staphylococci. Morphological and morphometric analyses did not
      reveal substantial differences among groups. At T3, the plasma cell infiltrate in
      the villi of the CTR hens was more severe than that observed in the L and B
      groups (P = 0.009).

PMID- 27143779
TI  - Cloning, characterization, and expression analysis of LGP2 cDNA from goose, Anser
      cygnoides.
AB  - Laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 ( LGP2: ) is a homologue of the retinoic
      acid inducible gene-I and melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 that lacks
      the caspase activation and recruitment domain required for signaling. It plays a
      pivotal role in host immune response. In this study, we cloned and characterized
      the full-length open reading frame ( ORF: ) sequence of LGP2 in the Qingyuan
      goose (Anser cygnoides) and evaluated the mRNA expression of this gene post
      infection with an H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus ( HPAIV: ). The
      full-length goose LGP2 ORF (2,028 bp) encoded a polypeptide of 675 amino acids.
      The deduced amino acid sequence contained 5 main overlapping structural domains-2
      DEAD/DEAH box helicase domains, one conserved restriction domain of bacterial
      type III restriction enzyme, one helicase superfamily C-terminal domain and one C
      terminal regulatory domain. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that
      goose LGP2 was constitutively expressed in all 19 investigated tissues, but the
      expression level was different among them. It was high expressed in the trachea,
      jejunum, bursa, kidney and heart, but low in the glandular stomach, lung, liver,
      spleen, crop and muscular stomach. A significant increase in the transcription of
      LGP2 was detected in the brain, spleen and lungs of geese post infection with
      H5N1 HPAIV versus uninfected tissues. These findings indicated that goose LGP2
      was an important receptor that is involved in the host antiviral innate immune
      defense to H5N1 HPAIV in geese. 

PMID- 27143780
TI  - Activation of chicken bone marrow-derived dendritic cells induced by a Salmonella
      Enteritidis ghost vaccine candidate.
AB  - Bacterial Ghost-based vaccine development has been applied to a variety of gram
      negative bacteria. Developed Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) ghost are
      promising vaccine candidates because of their immunogenic and enhanced biosafety
      potential. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the immunostimulatory effect of a
      S. Enteritidis ghost vaccine on the maturation of chicken bone marrow-derived
      dendritic cells (chBM-DCs) in vitro The immature chBM-DCs were stimulated with S.
      Enteritidis ghost vaccine candidate. The vaccine efficiently stimulated
      maturation events in chBM-DCs, indicated by up-regulated expression of CD40,
      CD80, and MHC-II molecules. Immature BM-DCs responded to stimulation with S.
      Enteritidis ghost by increased expression of IL-6 and IL-12p40 cytokines. Also,
      S. Enteritidis ghost stimulated chBM-DCs induced the significant expression of
      IFN-gamma and IL-2 in co-cultured autologous CD4+ T cells. In conclusion, our
      data suggest that S. Enteritidis ghost vaccine candidate is capable of activating
      and interacting with chBM-DCs. The results from current study may help for
      rational designing of Salmonella ghost based heterologous antigen delivery
      platforms to dendritic cells. 

PMID- 27143781
TI  - Smoke over myocardial infarction: cigarettes and reperfusion injury.

PMID- 27143782
TI  - The impacts on healthcare when coronary angiography as the reference method for
      diagnostic accuracy of coronary artery disease is replaced by fractional flow
      reserve!

PMID- 27143783
TI  - Recommendations for the imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves: a report
      from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging endorsed by the Chinese
      Society of Echocardiography, the Inter-American Society of Echocardiography, and
      the Brazilian Department of Cardiovascular Imaging.
AB  - Prosthetic heart valve (PHV) dysfunction is rare but potentially life
      threatening. Although often challenging, establishing the exact cause of PHV
      dysfunction is essential to determine the appropriate treatment strategy. In
      clinical practice, a comprehensive approach that integrates several parameters of
      valve morphology and function assessed with 2D/3D transthoracic and
      transoesophageal echocardiography is a key to appropriately detect and quantitate
      PHV dysfunction. Cinefluoroscopy, multidetector computed tomography, cardiac
      magnetic resonance imaging, and to a lesser extent, nuclear imaging are
      complementary tools for the diagnosis and management of PHV complications. The
      present document provides recommendations for the use of multimodality imaging in
      the assessment of PHVs. 

PMID- 27143784
TI  - Physical and functional interactions between the serotonin transporter and the
      neutral amino acid transporter ASCT2.
AB  - The activity of serotonergic systems depends on the reuptake of extracellular
      serotonin via its plasma membrane serotonin [5-HT (5-hydroxytryptamine)]
      transporter (SERT), a member of the Na(+)/Cl(-)-dependent solute carrier 6
      family. SERT is finely regulated by multiple molecular mechanisms including its
      physical interaction with intracellular proteins. The majority of previously
      identified SERT partners that control its functional activity are soluble
      proteins, which bind to its intracellular domains. SERT also interacts with
      transmembrane proteins, but its association with other plasma membrane
      transporters remains to be established. Using a proteomics strategy, we show that
      SERT associates with ASCT2 (alanine-serine-cysteine-threonine 2), a member of the
      solute carrier 1 family co-expressed with SERT in serotonergic neurons and
      involved in the transport of small neutral amino acids across the plasma
      membrane. Co-expression of ASCT2 with SERT in HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293
      cells affects glycosylation and cell-surface localization of SERT with a
      concomitant reduction in its 5-HT uptake activity. Conversely, depletion of
      cellular ASCT2 by RNAi enhances 5-HT uptake in both HEK-293 cells and primary
      cultured mesencephalon neurons. Mimicking the effect of ASCT2 down-regulation,
      treatment of HEK-293 cells and neurons with the ASCT2 inhibitor D-threonine also
      increases 5-HT uptake. Moreover, D-threonine does not enhance further the maximal
      velocity of 5-HT uptake in cells depleted of ASCT2. Collectively, these findings
      provide evidence for a complex assembly involving SERT and a member of another
      solute carrier family, which strongly influences the subcellular distribution of
      SERT and the reuptake of 5-HT.

PMID- 27143786
TI  - Mortality Predictive Factors in Subjects With COPD After a Pulmonary
      Rehabilitation Program: A 3-Year Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: COPD is a high-mortality disease and projected to become the third
      leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. Our aim was to evaluate predictors of 3
      y mortality and factors associated with early (1 y) and late (second and third
      year) mortality in subjects with severe COPD who completed a pulmonary
      rehabilitation program. METHODS: A historical cohort study was performed with
      subjects with COPD who were admitted to a day-hospital for chronic respiratory
      failure for a pulmonary rehabilitation program, from January 2008 to December
      2010. The population was characterized based on sociodemographic factors, body
      mass index, smoking habits, lung function tests, respiratory failure,
      comorbidities, bacterial colonization, Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea
      index, 6-min walk test, mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation, long
      term oxygen therapy, hospital admissions, and mortality. RESULTS: From 183
      patients who completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program, 93 had COPD. Our
      cohort had 78 male and 15 female subjects. The mean age +/- SD was 68.6 +/- 8.9
      y, ranging from 43 to 85 y. After the pulmonary rehabilitation program, there
      were fewer, although not statistically significantly different hospital
      admissions (2.1 vs 1.7, P = .17). Three years after the pulmonary rehabilitation
      program, 34 subjects died (36.6%). Hypercapnic respiratory failure (P = .02),
      noninvasive ventilation (P = .002), lung cancer (P = .001), shorter 6-min walk
      distance (P = .03), and higher number of previous hospital admissions (P < .001)
      were associated with a higher mortality rate. CONCLUSION: There is a high
      mortality rate in late-stage patients with COPD. The most relevant factors
      associated with mortality were lung cancer, respiratory failure and noninvasive
      ventilation, severe exacerbations with hospitalization, and lower functional
      exercise capacity.

PMID- 27143785
TI  - Transcription factors YY1, Sp1 and Sp3 modulate dystrophin Dp71 gene expression
      in hepatic cells.
AB  - Dystrophin Dp71, the smallest product encoded by the Duchenne muscular dystrophy
      gene, is ubiquitously expressed in all non-muscle cells. Although Dp71 is
      involved in various cellular processes, the mechanisms underlying its expression
      have been little studied. In hepatic cells, Dp71 expression is down-regulated by
      the xenobiotic beta-naphthoflavone. However, the effectors of this regulation
      remain unknown. In the present study we aimed at identifying DNA elements and
      transcription factors involved in Dp71 expression in hepatic cells. Relevant DNA
      elements on the Dp71 promoter were identified by comparing Dp71 5'-end flanking
      regions between species. The functionality of these elements was demonstrated by
      site-directed mutagenesis. Using EMSAs and ChIP, we showed that the Sp1
      (specificity protein 1), Sp3 (specificity protein 3) and YY1 (Yin and Yang 1)
      transcription factors bind to the Dp71 promoter region. Knockdown of Sp1, Sp3 and
      YY1 in hepatic cells increased endogenous Dp71 expression, but reduced Dp71
      promoter activity. In summary, Dp71 expression in hepatic cells is carried out,
      in part, by YY1-, Sp1- and Sp3-mediated transcription from the Dp71 promoter.

PMID- 27143787
TI  - Use of a Shared Canister Protocol for the Delivery of Metered-Dose Inhalers in
      Mechanically Ventilated Subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mechanically ventilated patients often need bronchodilators
      administered via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Unfortunately, there are no data
      examining the impact of shared canister delivery of MDI therapy in mechanically
      ventilated patients. METHODS: A prospective trial was conducted with subjects
      assigned to shared canister MDI therapy or single-patient canister MDI therapy.
      Outcomes assessed were occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP),
      hospital mortality, length of stay, ventilator-associated events, and MDI costs.
      RESULTS: Among 486 screened patients, 353 were included for analysis of which 201
      (56.9%) received shared canister MDI therapy and 152 (43.1%) received single
      patient canister therapy. VAP (7.0% vs 4.6%, P = .35), hospital mortality (21.9%
      vs 20.4%, P = .73), and ventilator days (median [interquartile range] 3.1 [0.9
      7.5] d vs 2.7 [1.2-7.1] d, P = .62) were similar between the shared canister and
      single-patient canister groups. We did not observe clinically important
      differences for ventilator-associated events between study groups in our logistic
      regression analysis (P = .07). There was a savings of $217/subject in the shared
      canister group due to the use of 299 fewer MDIs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found
      that shared canister MDI therapy compared with single-patient MDI use was
      associated with a significant cost savings and similar rates of VAP, hospital
      mortality, and length of stay but a greater prevalence of ventilator-associated
      events. This finding suggests that shared canister delivery of MDIs may be a cost
      effective practice in mechanically ventilated patients. Based on our findings,
      further studies examining the overall safety of shared canister use in
      mechanically ventilated patients seem warranted before recommending their routine
      use. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT01935388.).

PMID- 27143788
TI  - The Relationship Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome and
      Inflammatory Markers and Quality of Life in Subjects With Acute Coronary
      Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this work was to examine the relationship between
      obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and inflammatory markers and quality of life in
      patients with acute coronary syndrome, especially undergoing percutaneous
      coronary intervention. METHODS: One hundred eighteen subjects were admitted with
      acute coronary syndrome over 1 y who had symptoms of OSA and positive
      polysomnography on admission. Of these subjects, 53 underwent primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention during their admission, and 65 had medical
      management. We then compared inflammatory markers by OSA status. We also assessed
      cardiac symptoms using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire and sleep symptoms using
      the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. RESULTS: Subjects in the percutaneous coronary
      intervention group had a higher oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (P = .02) and
      apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (P = .048) compared with those in the medical
      management group. In percutaneous coronary intervention subjects, the moderate
      severe OSA group (AHI >= 15/h) had a higher hematocrit (P = .047), homocysteine
      (P = .01), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = .045) compared with those
      with no or mild OSA (AHI < 15/h). There was a significant correlation between
      high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and both AHI (r = 0.46, P = .001) and ODI (r
      = 0.47, P < .001). Those with moderate-severe OSA had higher Epworth Sleepiness
      Scale (P = .002), greater physical limitation (P = .01), and lower treatment
      satisfaction and disease perception (P = .007), as judged by subscales of the
      Seattle Angina Questionnaire, compared with those with no or mild OSA. Finally,
      subjects undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with lower AHI (r = 0.48,
      P < .001) and ODI (r = 0.49, P < .001) reported higher treatment satisfaction.
      CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous
      coronary intervention who had moderate-severe OSA showed higher levels of
      inflammatory mediators and lower treatment satisfaction and disease perception.
      These factors may increase the risk of adverse sequelae by increasing the
      systemic inflammatory response.

PMID- 27143790
TI  - Clinical implications of ultrasonography in monitoring disease activity of
      relapsing polychondritis.

PMID- 27143789
TI  - Long-term safety profile of anakinra in patients with severe cryopyrin-associated
      periodic syndromes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Anakinra is approved for the treatment of RA and cryopyrin-associated
      periodic syndromes (CAPS). While the anakinra safety profile is well established
      in RA, the long-term safety profile in severe CAPS is less well documented and
      will therefore be discussed in this report. METHODS: A prospective, open-label,
      single centre, clinical cohort study was conducted at the National Institutes of
      Health in the USA, from 2003 to 2010, investigating the efficacy and safety of
      anakinra treatment for up to 5 years in 43 patients with CAPS. Safety was
      evaluated using adverse event (AE) reports, laboratory assessments, vital signs
      and diary reports. RESULTS: In total, 1233 AEs were reported during the study,
      with a yearly rate of 7.7 AEs per patient. The event rate decreased over time,
      and dose escalation during the study did not affect AE frequency. Anakinra had
      similar safety profiles in adults and children. The most frequently reported AEs
      were typical CAPS disease symptoms such as headache and arthralgia. Injection
      site reactions occurred mainly during the first month of anakinra treatment. In
      total, 14 patients experienced 24 serious AEs (SAEs), all of which resolved
      during the study period. The most common types of SAEs were infections such as
      pneumonia and gastroenteritis. There were no permanent discontinuations of
      treatment due to AEs. CONCLUSION: In this study anakinra treatment of patients
      with severe CAPS for up to 5 years was safe and well tolerated both in paediatric
      and adult patients, with most AEs emerging during the first months after
      treatment initiation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClincialTrials.gov, clinicaltrials.gov,
      NCT00069329.

PMID- 27143791
TI  - Establishment of the Detailed Breast Model of Chinese Adult Female and
      Application in External Radiation Protection.
AB  - Breast is one of the most sensitive organs to radiation. In 2007, International
      Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) increased the tissue weighting
      factor for the breast from 0.05 to 0.12, which made the accurate evaluation of
      breast dose more important. But in the existing human voxel phantom, the
      structure of breast is not elaborate enough because of the limitation of image
      resolution used for phantom modeling. This will probably affect the accuracy of
      breast dose calculated in simulation. Some researches on detailed breast modeling
      have been carried out, but there is no such research in this field in China. A
      detailed breast model for Chinese adult female is established in this article
      using the mathematical modeling method. It is voxelized and merged with the
      Chinese reference adult female voxel model for breast dosimetry. Dose conversion
      coefficients of breast gland for external photon exposures in antero-posterior
      geometry are calculated as an example of the application and the results are
      compared with those calculated by the old voxel phantom and ICRP reference adult
      female voxel phantom.

PMID- 27143792
TI  - APPLICATION OF PTTL METHOD FOR DOSE REASSESSMENT IN EXTREMITY DOSIMETRY.
AB  - Wide and common applications of ionising radiation require continuous improvement
      of radiation safety and dosimetry methods. The thermoluminescent (TL) method is
      well known and very popular. Apart from its advantages, it also carries certain
      disadvantages. The erasure of the TL signal on detector readout and the resulting
      impossibility of post-readout dose reassessment is one of them. At the Institute
      of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences (IFJ PAN), a method for dose
      reassessment based on phototransferred thermoluminescence (PTTL) has been
      developed. This method has been applied for dose reassessment to MTS-N (LiF:Mg,
      Ti) detectors used in individual whole-body dosemeters and adjusted to an
      automatic reader used in routine measurements. The next step was to extend and
      adapt this method for extremity dosemeters. With the use of the PTTL method, it
      is possible to reassess relatively high doses measured on individual whole-body
      and extremity dosemeters collected from our customers after routine use. The
      influence of PTTL background has greater impact in extremity dosemeters where it
      is only one and thinner MTS-N detector compared with four MTS-N detectors in
      whole-body dosemeters. The minimum dose was determined as 5 mSv for extremity
      dosimetry. Below 5 mSv, the impact of PTTL background is comparable to the
      signal, and the estimated uncertainty of reassessed dose is at the level of
      reassessed dose. 

PMID- 27143793
TI  - ENERGY AND ANGULAR DEPENDENCE OF RADIOPHOTOLUMINESCENT GLASS DOSEMETERS FOR EYE
      LENS DOSIMETRY.
AB  - Recent studies demonstrated that lens opacities can occur at lower radiation
      doses than previously accepted. In view of these studies, the International
      Commission of Radiological Protection recommended in 2011 to reduce the eye lens
      dose limit from 150 mSv/y to 20 mSv/y. This implies in the need of monitoring
      doses received by the eye lenses. In this study, small rod radiophotoluminescent
      glass dosemeters (GD-300 series; AGC, Japan) were characterized in terms of their
      energy (ISO 4037 X-rays narrow spectrum series, S-Cs and S-Co) and angular
      dependence (0  up to 90 degrees, with 2 ISO energies: N-60 and S-Cs). All
      acquisitions were performed at SCK*CEN-Belgium, using the ORAMED proposed
      cylindrical phantom. For selected energies (N-60, N-80, N-100, N-120 and N-250),
      the response of dosemeters irradiated on the ISO water slab phantom, at the Ruder
      Boskovic Institute-Croatia, was compared to those irradiated on the cylindrical
      phantom. GD-300 series showed good energy dependence, relative to S-Cs, on the
      cylindrical phantom. From 0 up to 45 degrees, the dosemeters showed no
      significant angular dependence, regardless whether they were tested when placed
      vertically or horizontally on the cylindrical phantom. However, at higher angles,
      some angular dependence was observed, mainly when the dosemeters were irradiated
      with low-energy photons (N-60). Results showed that GD-300 series have good
      properties related to Hp(3), although some improvements may be necessary. 

PMID- 27143794
TI  - APPLICATION OF AN IMAGING PLATE FOR EVALUATING THE UNCERTAINTY IN DIRECT ORGAN
      MEASUREMENTS DUE TO VARIATION IN DETECTOR LOCATION.
AB  - In direct organ measurements, there can be uncertainty to the quantified amount
      of activity due to variations in detector locations. Here, the authors
      demonstrate a new use of an imaging plate (IP) for evaluating this uncertainty.
      The method requires only that an array of regions of interest (ROIs) is set on a
      latent image obtained from the IP; each ROI conforms to an active area of the
      detector to be used. In this study, the proposed method was tested in an
      experiment using a realistic torso phantom containing an (241)Am liver source.
      The latent image of this source was obtained by irradiating the IP (20 * 40
      cm(2)) from the anterior surface of the phantom. A comparison of responses
      between the IP and a high-purity germanium detector was made for 6 of the 144
      circular ROIs arranged on the latent image, showing excellent correlation between
      the two sets of measures. The dispersion of the photostimulated luminescence
      values of the 144 ROIs was found to be 8.2% (1sigma) and 1.09 as a log-normal
      scattering factor, which was expected to be the same as the uncertainty of
      concern in the present measurement with the HPGe detector. 

PMID- 27143796
TI  - Research to power a quantum leap in the development of Ayurveda.

PMID- 27143798
TI  - The history of the development of Ayurvedic medicine in Russia.
AB  - Ayurveda is one of the world's oldest medical sciences, with a history that goes
      back more than 5,000 years. The knowledge of Ayurveda has at various times had an
      impact on a number of branches of medicine: From ancient Greek medicine in the
      West to the Chinese and Tibetan in the East. Ayurveda continues to retain its
      prominent position in our modern world, being officially recognised by the World
      Health Organisation (WHO) and enjoying great popularity in the US, Germany, Italy
      and the Netherlands. In India, Ayurveda is recognised by conventional medicine on
      a par with modern medical science. In the Soviet Union a strong interest in
      Ayurveda arose for the first time after the Chernobyl disaster, and since then
      Ayurveda has been actively developing in Russia. In this article we present the
      chronology of the development of Ayurvedic medicine in Russia since 1989, explore
      academic literature on the subject available in Russian and review the existing
      Ayurvedic products and services offered on the Russian market. 

PMID- 27143797
TI  - Pharmacological potentials of Premna integrifolia L.
AB  - Premna integrifolia Linn. (Verbenaceae) is an important constituent of the
      formulation of ten roots of herbs known as Dasamula and is widely used for
      treating various ailments in the Indian system of medicine. Aim of this review is
      to provide comprehensive information on the pharmacological activities of various
      parts of P. integrifolia. All the relevant universally accepted electronic
      databases were searched with respect to the terms "Agnimantha", "Headache tree",
      "Premna integrifolia", "Premna obtusifolia", "Premna serratifolia" including
      Indian classical texts, pharmacopoeias, Ayurvedic books, journals, etc., for
      information without specific timeline. Complete information of the plant has been
      collected manually since the year 1964 and has been arranged chronologically. The
      collected data reflects that many ethno-medicinal claims have been confirmed
      through the modern in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological studies using different
      extracts and their isolates of P. integrifolia. The isolation of active
      constituents, their biological actions, clinical safety and validation of
      traditional uses of P. integrifolia could provide leads for further scientific
      research. The information collected here will be useful to set-up research
      protocols for modern drugs and Ayurvedic formulation development. 

PMID- 27143795
TI  - Chronic Peripheral Inflammation is Associated With Cognitive Impairment in
      Schizophrenia: Results From the Multicentric FACE-SZ Dataset.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Inflammation, measured by abnormal blood C-reactive protein (CRP)
      level, has been described in schizophrenia (SZ), being inconsistently related to
      impaired cognitive functions. The aim of the present study is to investigate
      cognitive impairment associated with abnormal CRP levels in a large multi-centric
      sample of community-dwelling SZ patients, using a comprehensive
      neuropsychological battery. METHOD: Three hundred sixty-nine community-dwelling
      stable SZ subjects (76.2% men, mean age 32.7 y) were included and tested with a
      comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests. Abnormal CRP level was defined
      as >3mg/L. RESULTS: Multiple factor analysis revealed that abnormal CRP levels,
      found in 104 patients (28.2%), were associated with impaired General Intellectual
      Ability and Abstract Reasoning (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.35-0.90, P = .014),
      independently of age, sex, education level, psychotic symptomatology, treatments,
      and addiction comorbidities. Abnormal CRP levels were also associated with the
      decline of all components of working memory (respectively effect size [ES] =
      0.25, P = .033; ES = 0.27, P = .04; ES = 0.33, P = .006; and ES = 0.38, P = .004)
      and a wide range of other impaired cognitive functions, including memory (ES =
      0.26, P = .026), learning abilities (ES = 0.28, P = .035), semantic memory (ES =
      0.26, P = .026), mental flexibility (ES = 0.26, P = .044), visual attention (ES =
      0.23, P = .004) and speed of processing (ES = 0.23, P = .043). CONCLUSION: Our
      results suggest that abnormal CRP level is associated with cognitive impairment
      in SZ. Evaluating the effectiveness of neuroprotective anti-inflammatory
      strategies is needed in order to prevent cognitive impairment in SZ.

PMID- 27143799
TI  - Effect of seasonal variations on the phytoconstituents of Asvagandha w.r. to
      lunar cycles.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Susruta, Caraka and other acaryas advocate the collection of
      medicinal plants keeping in view the part used, season, soil in which the herb
      grows and the desired pharmacological actions or therapeutic benefits. The logic
      behind such recommendations is being validated by modern scientific research.
      AIM: To assess the effect of seasonal variations on the phytoconstituents of
      Asvagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) w.s.r. to lunar cycles. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The plant specimens were collected from Jamnagar identified
      pharmacognostically and cultivated under a defined habitat in a herbal garden of
      IPGT and RA on 7 Oct 2013. The root samples were collected on every paurnima
      (full moon) and amavasya (new moon) days in sisira and grisma rtu (as per
      classics) of the year 2013-14. The physicochemical parameters such as pH, ash
      values, extractive value, total alkaloid content, total flavonoids content (UV
      spectrometer with AlCl3 reagent), total phenolic content (Singleton and Rossi
      method), total carbohydrate content (UV spectroscopy with glucose as standard),
      UV-VIS-NIR and HPTLC were determined. RESULT: The results of the analytical
      studies clearly validate the logic of the recommendations of Susruta and
      Cakrapani. According to these recommendations, usna virya drugs must be collected
      during agneya rtu i.e. grisma rtu. In present study, total phenolic, flavonide
      and carbohydrate content were found more in pournima samples. GAP samples showed
      maximum differentiation from rest of the samples with regards to TCA, TCW, TFW,
      MEx, WEX, pH etc. parameters. The Grisma Jyestha Paurnima (GJP) and Asadha
      Paurnima (GAP) samples were found to be superior than amavasya samples w.r.t.
      functional groups and withanoloid content respectively on HPTLC. CONCLUSION: The
      observations of experimental studies validate the concept of seasonal as well as
      lunar collection of herb Ashwagandha to yield a drug of superior quality of
      active principles.

PMID- 27143800
TI  - Toxicity study of Lauha Bhasma (calcined iron) in albino rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lauha Bhasma (LB) is a complex herbomineral preparation widely used
      as an Ayurvedic hematinic agent. It is an effective remedy for chronic fever
      (jirna jvara), phthisis (ksaya), Breathlessness (svasa) etc., and possesses
      vitality enhancing (vajikara), strength promoting and anti aging (rasayana)
      properties. OBJECTIVES: The present work was conducted to establish the safety
      aspects of the use of Lauha bhasma. SETTING AND DESIGN: LB was prepared by
      Ayurvedic procedures of purification (sodhana), sun drying (bhanupaka),
      sthalipaka, followed by repeated calcination (marana) and "nectarization"
      (amrtikarana). The resultant product was subjected to acute and sub acute
      toxicity studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute and subacute toxicity study of LB
      was conducted in albino rats. Criteria for assessment included ponderal changes,
      change in biochemical parameters viz., LFT and KFT and hematological parameters.
      Histopathological studies of different organs including liver, kidney, spleen,
      testis etc., were also conducted to observe pathological changes if any. RESULTS:
      In the acute toxicity study, the animal group did not manifest any signs of
      toxicity and no mortality was observed up to 100 times the therapeutic dose (TD).
      Significant increase in blood urea (27.83%, P < 0.01), serum creatinine (30.92%,
      P < 0.05), Aspartate aminotransferase (15.09%, P < 0.05), and serum alkaline
      phosphatase (27.5%, P < 0.01) was evident in group IV (10 TD). A significant
      increase in serum total protein (6.04%, P < 0.05) level was observed in group III
      (5 TD). Histopathological examination of livers in group IV (10 TD) showed mild
      inflammation in terms of bile stasis, peri-portal hepatic inflammation and
      sinusoidal congestion; lymphocyte infiltration in kidney and intracellular
      deposits in the splenic tissue. CONCLUSION: Lauha Bhasma was found to be safe at
      the therapeutic dose and also at five times the therapeutic dose levels. However,
      alteration in some of the biochemical and haematological parameters along with
      histopathological findings were evident at the highest dose level.

PMID- 27143801
TI  - Ayurvedic approach in the management of spinocerebellar ataxia-2.
AB  - Spinocerebellar ataxia -2 is a progressive, degenerative genetic disease caused
      by an expanded (CAG) trinucleotide repetition on the chromosome 12 resulting in
      production of an abnormal protein called ataxin-2. There is no known effective
      management or cure in biomedicine for this genetic disease. In the present study
      a case of SCA2 that was treated with Ayurvedic intervention is reported.
      Ayurvedic treatments in this case were directed towards alleviating symptoms and
      to reduce severe disability due to progressive nature of disease. A 42 year old
      male patient was diagnosed for Vata vyadhi (group of various neurological
      disorders) and was- treated with Salisastika pinda svedana (sudation with bolus
      of medicated cooked rice) for 30 days-, Sirobasti (sudation of head with the help
      of a cap on head) with Asvagandha taila for 45 days and Baladi ksira basti (enema
      with medicated milk) with Asvagandha taila anuvasana (enema with oil) for 30 days
      in Karma basti krama (30 days regime of purification and oleation enema) along
      with a combination of Ayurvedic oral drugs which consisted of
      Brahadvatacintamanirasa - 125 mg, Vasantamalti rasa- 125 mg, Dasamula kvatha- 40
      ml, Asvagandha curna (powder of Withania somnifera DUNAL)- 3g, Amrta curna
      (powder of Tinospora cordifolia Willd.)- 500 mg, Muktasukti pisti - 500 mg,
      Yogaraja Guggulu - 500 mg twice a day for 2 months. Patient's condition was
      assessed on the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Before
      treatment, mean SARA score was 35. This reduced to 15 after treatment. Good
      relief in dysarthria, fasciculation, heaviness in eye, blurred vision, axial
      tremor; constipation and quality of life were observed in this case. 

PMID- 27143802
TI  - Role of Ayurveda in the conservative management of avascular necrosis of the
      femoral head: A case study.
AB  - Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is the most common type of necrosis
      affecting the bones. Management of AVN aims at the preservation of structure,
      function and relief of from pain. Many surgical procedures such as drilling and
      insertion of bone grafts, modified Whitman or Colonna reconstruction and
      insertion of prosthesis are carried out to remedy the condition but all these
      procedures are costly with the prognosis being poor. Signs and symptoms of
      Avascular necrosis are nearer to asthivaha srotodusti vikara (disorders of
      musculoskeletal origin) and can be considered with gambhira avastha (chronic
      stage). An effort has been made in the present study to evaluate the efficiency
      of Ayurvedic formulations in the conservative management of AVN of the femoral
      head. A case of AVN with bilateral femoral head was treated with ruksana (Drying
      therapy) followed by sodhana (bio purification) and brhmana (rejuvenation).
      Patient was observed for complications during whole course of treatment, untoward
      complications were not seen. Patient was observed for symptomatic improvements
      based on assessment done by the questionnaire over graded signs and symptoms
      before and after treatment. The results were encouraging. The therapy provided
      marked relief from pain, tenderness, stiffness and improvement in the gait.
      Conservative management of AVN through Ayurvedic principles provides significant
      relief and improves quality of life. 

PMID- 27143804
TI  - Efficacy of herbomineral compounds and Pathya in the management of Yakrt Roga.

PMID- 27143803
TI  - Treatment of infective hepatitis: Where biomedicine has no answers, Ayurveda
      has!!
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infective hepatitis is a major health hazard in the Indian sub
      continent with a large population and improper sanitation adding to the malady.
      Water-borne or infective hepatitis has no treatment in modern medicine. However,
      there are multiple accounts of how infective hepatitis can be successfully cured
      by Ayurvedic medicine. AIM: To review relevant studies in Ayurveda claiming to
      treat hepatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed search was
      conducted using 'Treatment of Hepatitis' and 'Ayurveda' as the primary search
      criterion. RESULTS: 27 articles were revealed by the search. 16 of these 27
      articles were selected after reading all abstracts. All 16 articles were reviewed
      in detail and thereafter the current article was written. CONCLUSION: Ayurveda
      definitely has a lot to offer in terms of the treatment of hepatitis. However, a
      mass awareness of this potential of Ayurvedic medicine is desirable to achieve a
      larger impact on the society.

PMID- 27143805
TI  - Successful treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome by Ayurvedic treatment.

PMID- 27143807
TI  - Kalpanabodhini 2015: A wonderful learning experience.

PMID- 27143806
TI  - Black pepper: Stimulation of diarrhea in patient with underlying short bowel
      syndrome.

PMID- 27143808
TI  - Retraction: Variations in the progression of maturity onset diabetes according to
      body constitution.
AB  - [This retracts the article on p. 293 in vol. 13, PMID: 22556664.]. 

PMID- 27143809
TI  - Retraction: Anti-microbial activity of the various leaf extracts of Vitex negundo
      Linn.
AB  - [This retracts the article on p. 15 in vol. 28, PMID: 22557306.]. 

PMID- 27143810
TI  - Retraction: Phytochemical and antimicrobial studies of extracts of solanum
      xanthocarpum.
AB  - [This retracts the article on p. 83 in vol. 24, PMID: 22557158.]. 

PMID- 27143811
TI  - In silico modelling of mass transfer & absorption in the human gut.
AB  - An in silico model has been developed to investigate the digestion and absorption
      of starch and glucose in the small intestine. The main question we are aiming to
      address is the relative effect of gastric empting time and luminal viscosity on
      the rate of glucose absorption. The results indicate that all factors have a
      significant effect on the amount of glucose absorbed. For low luminal viscosities
      (e.g. lower than 0.1 Pas) the rate of absorption is controlled by the gastric
      emptying time. For viscosities higher than 0.1 Pas a 10 fold increase in
      viscosity can result in a 4 fold decrease of glucose absorbed. Our model, with
      the simplifications used to develop it, indicate that for high viscosity luminal
      phases, gastric emptying rate is not the controlling mechanism for nutrient
      availability. Developing a mechanistic model could help elucidate the rate
      limiting steps that control the digestion process.

PMID- 27143812
TI  - Detection of OSR2, VAV3, and PPFIA3 Methylation in the Serum of Patients with
      Gastric Cancer.
AB  - AIM: This study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of OSR2, VAV3, and PPFIA3
      hypermethylation in gastric cancer (GC) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: By using
      methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP), we detected the methylation
      status in tissue and serum samples from 48 gastric cancer (GC) patients and 25
      normal individuals. RESULTS: We found that OSR2, VAV3, and PPFIA3 were methylated
      in 70.8% (34/48), 54.2% (26/48), and 60.4% (29/48) of GC tissue, respectively. On
      the contrary, those genes were barely methylated in their paired paracancerous
      histological normal tissues (PCHNTs) (all P values < 0.01). We next analyzed the
      methylated OSR2, VAV3, and PPFIA3 in serum DNA. Compared with 25 normal
      individuals, those three genes were significantly hypermethylated in GC patients
      serum samples (all P values < 0.01). Regarding their diagnostic value in serum
      samples, the combined sensitivity of at least one positive among the three
      markers in serum was 83.3%, with a specificity of 88%. CONCLUSION: Our test
      suggested that methylation of OSR2, VAV3, and PPFIA3 genes in serum sample may
      offer a good alternative in a simple, promising, and noninvasive detection of GC.

PMID- 27143813
TI  - Long Noncoding RNAs as Novel Biomarkers Have a Promising Future in Cancer
      Diagnostics.
AB  - Cancers have a high mortality rate due to lack of suitable specific early
      diagnosis tumor biomarkers. Emerging evidence is accumulating that lncRNAs (long
      noncoding RNAs) are involved in tumorigenesis, tumor cells proliferation,
      invasion, migration, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, extracellular
      lncRNAs can circulate in body fluids; they can be detected and strongly resist
      RNases. Many researchers have found that lncRNAs could be good candidates for
      tumor biomarkers and possessed high specificity, high sensitivity, and
      noninvasive characteristics. In this review, we summarize the detection methods
      and possible sources of circulating lncRNAs and outline the biological functions
      and expression level of the most significant lncRNAs in tissues, cell lines, and
      body fluids (whole blood, plasma, urine, gastric juice, and saliva) of different
      kinds of tumors. We evaluate the diagnostic performance of lncRNAs as tumor
      biomarkers. However, the biological functions and the mechanisms of circulating
      lncRNAs secretion have not been fully understood. The uniform normalization
      protocol of sample collection, lncRNAs extraction, endogenous control selection,
      quality assessment, and quantitative data analysis has not been established.
      Therefore, we put forward some recommendations that might be investigated in the
      future if we want to adopt lncRNAs in clinical practice. 

PMID- 27143815
TI  - Quality of Life in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Treated with Transarterial
      Chemoembolization.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers
      worldwide. Majority of patients with HCC are diagnosed in the advanced stages of
      disease and hence they are only suitable for palliative therapy. TACE
      (transarterial chemoembolization) is the most commonly used treatment for
      unresectable HCC. It is however unclear if TACE improves the quality of life
      (QoL) in patients with HCC. The aim of this review is to evaluate the impact of
      TACE on QoL of HCC patients. 

PMID- 27143814
TI  - Salivary Markers for Periodontal and General Diseases.
AB  - The determination of biomarkers in saliva is becoming an important part of
      laboratory diagnostics and the prediction of not only periodontal, but also other
      tissue and organ diseases. Biomarkers in saliva (e.g., enzymes, protein markers,
      or oxidative stress markers) can be used for activity determination and for
      periodontal disease prognosis. Saliva also contains many markers which can
      predict the risk of certain diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular,
      oncology, endocrinology, and psychiatric diseases). The study of salivary
      components proteomics clearly shows the relationship of periodontal diseases and
      diseases of distant systems, organs, or tissues. 

PMID- 27143816
TI  - Increased Kappa/Lambda Hybrid Antibody in Serum Is a Novel Biomarker Related to
      Disease Activity and Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
AB  - The kappa/lambda hybrid antibodies in normal human serum were reported recently,
      but their clinical relevance has not yet been explored. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
      is one of the major joint diseases, and the early diagnosis and treatment of RA
      remain a challenge. Here, we developed a double-sandwich enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay system to quantify relative serum kappa/lambda hybrid
      antibody levels in RA patients, osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and healthy
      controls (HC) in order to assess their potential use as a serological biomarker
      of early disease and clinical activity and to preliminarily investigate their
      immunomodulatory roles in RA. Surprisingly, we found that kappa/lambda hybrid
      antibody was markedly increased in both early and established RA. Serum
      kappa/lambda hybrid antibody levels were significantly correlated with clinical
      indexes and inflammatory markers in RA. Further analysis showed a positive
      correlation between kappa/lambda hybrid antibody levels and the 28-joint disease
      activity score (DAS28). In conclusion, serum kappa/lambda hybrid antibodies in RA
      were identified for the first time. High levels of kappa/lambda hybrid antibody
      may be a useful tool in distinguishing early RA from OA and HC. We suggest
      kappa/lambda hybrid antibody as a marker for disease activity. The increased
      kappa/lambda hybrid antibodies were associated with inflammatory conditions in
      RA. 

PMID- 27143817
TI  - The Regulatory Role of Rolipram on Inflammatory Mediators and
      Cholinergic/Adrenergic Stimulation-Induced Signals in Isolated Primary Mouse
      Submandibular Gland Cells.
AB  - Exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induces inflammatory signals in
      salivary glands. We investigated the regulatory role of phosphodiesterase 4
      (PDE4) inhibitor rolipram on inflammatory mediators and cholinergic/adrenergic
      stimulation-induced intracellular Ca(2+) signaling in salivary acinar and ductal
      cells. Submandibular gland (SMG) expressed PDE4A through 4D mRNA and PDE4 was
      localized in the luminal membrane of SMG. LPS induced Ca(2+) signaling and ROS
      production in SMG. Treatment with rolipram blocked LPS-induced Ca(2+) increase
      and ROS production. The application of histamine evoked Ca(2+) signals and ROS
      production, which were attenuated by rolipram in SMG cells. Moreover, LPS-induced
      NLRP3 inflammasome and cleaved caspase-1 were inhibited by rolipram. The
      inhibitory role of rolipram in ROS-induced Ca(2+) signaling was mainly observed
      in acinar cells and not in ductal cells. Rolipram also protected SMG acinar but
      not ductal cells from LPS-induced cell membrane damage. In the case of
      cholinergic/adrenergic stimulation, carbachol/isoproterenol-induced Ca(2+)
      signals were upregulated by the treatment of rolipram in SMG. In the case of cAMP
      dependent ductal bicarbonate secretion by rolipram, no effect was observed on the
      modulation of ductal chloride/bicarbonate exchange activity. Rolipram could
      suppress the inflammatory signals and could be a potential therapeutic strategy
      against LPS-induced inflammation to protect the salivary gland cells. 

PMID- 27143820
TI  - Let's get into the "Cure Mode".

PMID- 27143821
TI  - Impact.

PMID- 27143818
TI  - Epigenetic Control of Macrophage Polarisation and Soluble Mediator Gene
      Expression during Inflammation.
AB  - Macrophages function as sentinel cells, which constantly monitor the host
      environment for infection or injury. Macrophages have been shown to exhibit a
      spectrum of activated phenotypes, which can often be categorised under the M1/M2
      paradigm. M1 macrophages secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such
      as TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12, CCL4, and CXCL10, and induce phagocytosis and
      oxidative dependent killing mechanisms. In contrast, M2 macrophages support wound
      healing and resolution of inflammation. In the past decade, interest has grown in
      understanding the mechanisms involved in regulating macrophage activation. In
      particular, epigenetic control of M1 or M2 activation states has been shown to
      rely on posttranslational modifications of histone proteins adjacent to
      inflammatory-related genes. Changes in methylation and acetylation of histones by
      methyltransferases, demethylases, acetyltransferases, and deacetylases can all
      impact how macrophage phenotypes are generated. In this review, we summarise the
      latest advances in the field of epigenetic regulation of macrophage polarisation
      to M1 or M2 states, with particular focus on the cytokine and chemokine profiles
      associated with these phenotypes. 

PMID- 27143819
TI  - IL-32: A Novel Pluripotent Inflammatory Interleukin, towards Gastric
      Inflammation, Gastric Cancer, and Chronic Rhino Sinusitis.
AB  - A vast variety of nonstructural proteins have been studied for their key roles
      and involvement in a number of biological phenomenona. Interleukin-32 is a novel
      cytokine whose presence has been confirmed in most of the mammals except rodents.
      The IL-32 gene was identified on human chromosome 16 p13.3. The gene has eight
      exons and nine splice variants, namely, IL-32alpha, IL-32beta, IL-32gamma, IL
      32delta, IL-32epsilon, IL-32zeta, IL-32eta, IL-32theta, and IL-32s. It was found
      to induce the expression of various inflammatory cytokines including TNF-alpha,
      IL-6, and IL-1beta as well as macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) and has
      been reported previously to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of a
      number of inflammatory disorders, namely, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),
      gastric inflammation and cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD). In the current review, we have highlighted the
      involvement of IL-32 in gastric cancer, gastric inflammation, and chronic
      rhinosinusitis. We have also tried to explore various mechanisms suspected to
      induce the expression of this extraordinary cytokine as well as various
      mechanisms of action employed by IL-32 during the mediation and progression of
      the above said problems. 

PMID- 27143822
TI  - Polymerase chain reaction: A molecular diagnostic tool in periodontology.
AB  - This review discusses the principles of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its
      application as a diagnostic tool in periodontology. The relevant MEDLINE and
      PubMed indexed journals were searched manually and electronically by typing PCR,
      applications of PCR, PCR in periodontics, polymorphism studies in periodontitis,
      and molecular techniques in periodontology. The searches were limited to articles
      in English language and the articles describing PCR process and its relation to
      periodontology were collected and used to prepare a concise review. PCR has now
      become a standard diagnostic and research tool in periodontology. Various studies
      reveal that its sensitivity and specificity allow it as a rapid, efficient method
      of detecting, identifying, and quantifying organism. Different immune and
      inflammatory markers can be identified at the mRNA expression level, and also the
      determination of genetic polymorphisms, thus providing the deeper insight into
      the mechanisms underlying the periodontal disease. 

PMID- 27143823
TI  - Periodontal pocket as a potential reservoir of high risk human papilloma virus: A
      pilot study.
AB  - AIM: Human papilloma viruses (HPVs) are small DNA viruses that have been
      identified in periodontal pocket as well as gingival sulcus. High risk HPVs are
      also associated with a subset of head and neck carcinomas. HPV detection in
      periodontium has previously involved DNA detection. This study attempts to: (a)
      Detect the presence or absence of high risk HPV in marginal periodontiun by
      identifying E6/E7 messenger RNA (mRNA) in cells from samples obtained by
      periodontal pocket scraping. (b) Detect the percentage of HPV E6/E7 mRNA in cells
      of pocket scrapings, which is responsible for producing oncoproteins E6 and E7.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pocket scrapings from the periodontal pockets of eight
      subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis were taken the detection of
      presence or absence of E6, E7 mRNA was performed using in situ hybridization and
      flow cytometry. RESULTS: HPV E6/E7 mRNA was detected in four of the eight
      samples. CONCLUSION: Presence of high risk human papillomaviruses in periodontal
      pockets patients of diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, not suffering from head
      and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the present day could link periodontitis to
      HPV related squamous cell carcinoma. Prevalence studies are needed detecting the
      presence of HPV in marginal periodontium as well as prospective studies of HPV
      positive periodontitis patients are required to explore this possible link.

PMID- 27143824
TI  - Occurrence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in Indian chronic
      periodontitis patients and periodontally healthy adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), an important primary
      periodontal pathogen, is known for its strong virulence characteristics that
      cause periodontal disease. We investigated Aa occurrence in Indian individuals
      using culture and 16 s rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 100 participants each in the healthy and
      chronic periodontitis (CP) groups was conducted. The subgingival plaque was
      collected and immediately plated on selective media for Aa. The remaining plaque
      samples were used for DNA extraction. PCR was performed using specific primers
      for Aa. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The detection of bacteria and the clinical
      parameters between the groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. For
      assessing the agreement between the results of anaerobic culture and PCR, Kappa
      analyses were performed. RESULTS: Aa levels using culture and PCR was 51% and 69%
      in the CP group and 12% and 30% in the healthy group, respectively. The two
      groups showed significant differences (P < 0.00001). The detection accuracy of
      culture and PCR was assessed, and the coefficient of accuracy (k) was highly
      significant in the healthy (0.3103; P < 0.0001) and CP groups (0.1536; P <
      0.0497). CONCLUSIONS: Aa was predominantly found in the CP group compared with
      the healthy group, which is consistent with previous findings. Our results showed
      that both techniques can be used for detecting Aa. An ideal technique for
      detecting subgingival microorganisms should be carefully selected depending on
      the scope of the intended future work.

PMID- 27143825
TI  - Antimicrobial efficacy of Tulsi leaf (Ocimum sanctum) extract on periodontal
      pathogens: An in vitro study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is an infection of the periodontal complex with severe
      forms of disease associated with specific bacteria colonizing the subgingival
      area. Widespread use of drugs has resulted in the emergence of side effects,
      uncommon infections, and resistance. Plant medicine like Tulsi has been used in
      many clinical conditions, and it appears to be a suitable alternative to manage
      conditions affecting the oral cavity. Hence, the objective was to assess the in
      vitro antimicrobial activity of Tulsi leaves extract (Ocimum sanctum) on
      periodontal pathogens with doxycycline as standard, as doxycycline has been used
      as an adjunct to nonsurgical therapy in periodontitis patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Ethanolic extract of Tulsi was prepared by cold extraction method.
      Extract was diluted with an inert solvent, dimethyl formamide, to obtain five
      different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%). Doxycycline was used as a
      positive control and dimethyl formamide, as a negative control. The extract and
      controls were subjected to the microbiological investigation against
      Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, and Porphyromonas
      gingivalis. Agar well diffusion method was employed to determine the
      concentration at which Tulsi gave an inhibition zone, similar to doxycycline.
      Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey post-hoc test was
      used for inter- and intra-group comparisons. RESULTS: At 5% and 10%
      concentrations, Tulsi extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity against A.
      actinomycetemcomitans, similar to doxycycline with similar inhibition zones (P >
      0.05). P. gingivalis and P. intermedia, however, exhibited resistance to Tulsi
      extract that showed significantly smaller inhibition zones (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Tulsi demonstrated effective antimicrobial property against A.
      actinomycetemcomitans, suggesting its possible use as an effective and affordable
      "adjunct" along with the standard care in the management of periodontal
      conditions. However, further research assessing the toxicity, durability, and
      other assessments followed by clinical trials is necessary to explore the
      potential of Tulsi in combating oral conditions.

PMID- 27143826
TI  - Fibrin network pattern changes of platelet-rich fibrin in young versus old age
      group of individuals: A cell block cytology study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate variations in fibrin network patterns of the platelet
      rich fibrin (PRF) in different age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five
      patients were divided into three age groups: Group 1: (20-39 years); Group 2: (40
      59 years); and Group 3: (60 years and above). PRF was prepared from blood samples
      of all patients and were subjected to cell block cytology method of histological
      analysis and slides were prepared to histologically assess the age-related
      changes in (i) fibrin network patterns in terms of density and (ii) entrapment of
      platelets and white blood cells (WBCs) within fibrin meshwork. RESULTS: Two types
      of fibrin network pattern arrangements noticed: Dense and loose types in three
      age groups. However, there was a noticeable decrease in the dense type of fibrin
      network with progressing age and increase in the loose type of fibrin
      arrangement. Furthermore, variation in a number of platelets and WBCs entrapped
      within fibrin network in relation to age was noticed. CONCLUSION: From the
      current study it can be concluded that age can be considered as one of the
      influencing factors on quality of PRF in terms of fibrin network patterns and
      hence, platelet and WBCs entrapment within these fibrin networks.

PMID- 27143828
TI  - Clinical and postextraction evaluation of periodontal disease indicators.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical attachment level is the most frequently used and acceptable
      parameter in monitoring periodontal status in diseased individual and denotes
      patterns of periodontal destruction. Awareness of root morphology and the
      condition of the periodontal tissues is essential for reliable periodontal pocket
      probing and for effective debridement of root surfaces. Clinically, it is
      challenging to observe exact nature of complex periodontal attachment loss. The
      aim of the present study was to evaluate patterns of periodontal destruction
      based on vertical and horizontal attachment loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total
      of 200 extracted teeth were obtained from chronic periodontitis patients. Prior
      to extraction, clinical measurements were recorded and after extraction, the
      teeth were stained with crystal violet. Root length, vertical and horizontal
      attachment loss were measured using digital caliper. RESULTS: There was a
      significant difference between clinical attachment level and vertical attachment
      loss for both maxillary and mandibular teeth. Mean vertical attachment loss
      varied between 5.17 mm and 9.17 mm. Interproximal surfaces exhibited
      statistically significant vertical attachment loss in both maxillary and
      mandibular dentition. Results indicated that vertical attachment loss was more
      severe with teeth belonging to the anterior sextant whereas the horizontal
      attachment loss was more pronounced with posterior teeth. CONCLUSION: Both
      vertical and horizontal attachment loss were observed in all periodontally
      involved teeth. There was a difference in clinical measurements and actual
      periodontal status denoted by postextraction staining. These findings have an
      impact on determining the prognosis and appropriate treatment plan for patients.

PMID- 27143827
TI  - Hidden truth of circulating neutrophils (polymorphonuclear neutrophil) function
      in periodontally healthy smoker subjects.
AB  - CONTEXT: Tobacco smoking is considered to be a major risk factor associated with
      periodontal disease. Smoking exerts a major effect on the protective elements of
      the immune response, resulting in an increase in the extent and severity of
      periodontal destruction. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to assess
      viability and phagocytic function of neutrophils in circulating blood of the
      smokers and nonsmokers who are periodontally healthy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Two
      hundred subjects in the mean range of 20-30 years of age were included in the
      study population. It was a retrospective study carried out for 6 months.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred subjects were divided into four groups: 50
      nonsmokers, 50 light smokers (<5 cigarettes/day), 50 moderate smokers (5-15
      cigarettes/day), and 50 heavy smokers (>15 cigarettes/day). Full mouth plaque
      index, sulcus bleeding index, and probing depths were measured. Percentage
      viability of circulating neutrophils and average number of phagocytosed Candida
      albicans were recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Means and standard deviations
      were calculated from data obtained within the groups. Comparison between the
      smokers and nonsmokers was performed by Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA analysis. Comparison
      between smoker groups was performed using Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test. RESULTS:
      Percentage viability of neutrophils was significantly less in heavy smokers (66.9
      +/- 4.0), moderate (76.6 +/- 4.2), light smokers (83.1 +/- 2.5) as compared to
      nonsmokers (92.3 +/- 2.6) (P < 0.01). The ability of neutrophils to phagocytose,
      i.e., mean particle number was significantly less in light smokers (3.5 +/- 0.5),
      moderate smokers (2.3 +/- 0.5), and heavy smokers (1.4 +/- 0.5) compared to
      nonsmokers (4.9 +/- 0.7) (P < 0.01) with evidence of dose-response effect.
      CONCLUSIONS: Smoking significantly affects neutrophils viability and phagocytic
      function in periodontally healthy population.

PMID- 27143829
TI  - The relation of gingival thickness to dynamics of gingival margin position pre-
      and post-surgically.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the gingival margin position (GMP) before and after open
      flap debridement in different gingival thickness (GT). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty-seven healthy patients with moderate to advanced adult periodontitis were
      included in a randomized control clinical trial. A calibrated UNC-15 periodontal
      probe, an occlusal onlay stent was used for clinical measurements recorded at
      baseline, 3 month, 6 month, and 16 month. The changes in the GMP were studied at
      midbuccal (Mi-B), mesiobuccal (MB), and distobuccal sites. GT was measured
      presurgically, transgingivally at Mi-B and interdental sites, divided into 2
      groups: Group 1 (thin) and Group 2 (thick). RESULTS: In GT of <=1 mm group, the
      statistically significant apical shift of GMP led to gingival recession at all
      study sites in the early postsurgical period of 1 and 3 months. During 6 and 16
      months, the apical shift of GMP coincided with the Chernihiv Airport at Mi-B site
      (6 months), MB site (16 months). The gingival recession was obvious at Mi-B sites
      (16 months). In the GT of >1 mm, the statistically significant apical shift of
      GMP did not cause gingival recession at any sites throughout postsurgical (1, 3,
      6, and 16 months) period. CONCLUSION: Thin gingiva showed apical shift of GMP
      leading to gingival recession as compared to thick gingiva postsurgically.

PMID- 27143830
TI  - Comparative evaluation of soft and hard tissue dimensions in the anterior maxilla
      using radiovisiography and cone beam computed tomography: A pilot study.
AB  - AIMS: To assess and compare the thickness of gingiva in the anterior maxilla
      using radiovisiography (RVG) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and its
      correlation with the thickness of underlying alveolar bone. SETTINGS AND DESIGN:
      This cross-sectional study included 10 male subjects in the age group of 20-45
      years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After analyzing the width of keratinized gingiva of
      the maxillary right central incisor, the radiographic assessment was done using a
      modified technique for RVG and CBCT, to measure the thickness of both the labial
      gingiva and labial plate of alveolar bone at 4 predetermined locations along the
      length of the root in each case. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis
      was performed using Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation test, with the
      help of statistical software (SPSS V13). RESULTS: No statistically significant
      differences were obtained in the measurement made using RVG and CBCT. The results
      of the present study also failed to reveal any significant correlation between
      the width of gingiva and the alveolar bone in the maxillary anterior region.
      CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that both
      CBCT and RVG can be used as valuable tools in the assessment of the soft and hard
      tissue dimensions.

PMID- 27143831
TI  - Evaluation of various hematological parameters in patients with periodontitis
      after nonsurgical therapy at different intervals.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Chronic low-level bacteremia and a systemic
      inflammatory response have been suggested as a pathogenetic link between
      periodontal disease and atherosclerosis. The objective of this study is to
      evaluate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on various hematological
      parameters in patients with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30
      periodontitis patients were selected for the study. Clinical parameters such as
      plaque index, gingival index, and probing pocket depth were assessed. For each
      patient, venous blood sample were collected, and the estimation of total
      leukocyte count (TLC), differential leukocyte count, platelet count, and
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was carried out. All the clinical and
      hematological parameters were measured at baseline, 1 week and 2 weeks after
      nonsurgical periodontal therapy. RESULTS: The study results showed that there was
      a statistically significant decrease in TLC, ESR, and platelet count at 1 week
      and 2 weeks following nonsurgical periodontal therapy. CONCLUSION: In this study,
      it has been concluded that there is a decrease in the hematological parameters
      after nonsurgical periodontal therapy, which may also reduce the risk of
      atherosclerosis formation in the blood vessel and possibly prevent cardiovascular
      diseases.

PMID- 27143833
TI  - Comparative evaluation of management of gingival recession using subepithelial
      connective tissue graft and collagen membrane by periodontal microsurgical
      technique: A clinical study of 40 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New technologies, instruments, and surgical techniques are necessary
      to help the clinician ensure the best result and satisfy the patient's
      expectations, and surgical microscope has been thoroughly demonstrated as a
      useful tool. A clinical study was carried out to compare 2 different types of
      root coverage procedures using periodontal microsurgical procedure. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Forty patients were selected and divided into Group A and Group B. Group
      A subjects were treated with subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) whereas
      Group B subjects were treated using a resorbable collagen membrane. The
      procedures were performed with the help of an operating microscope using 250 mm
      objective lens and *6 magnification. RESULTS: A comparison between baseline, 1,
      3, and 12 months have been done between groups among all parameters. It has been
      noticed that the root coverage was better in Group A subjects at all time. At 12
      months, Group A showed 81.42% coverage where in Group B it was 70.08%. Similarly,
      increase in the width of keratinized gingiva and attached gingiva were more in
      Group A. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that use of microsurgical
      instrument helped to deliver precise incision, better visual acuity, and improved
      illumination which facilitate to gain a better final outcome. Root coverage was
      better in the patients using CTG.

PMID- 27143832
TI  - Effect of low-level laser therapy on wound healing after depigmentation
      procedure: A clinical study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare the effects of low
      level laser therapy (LLLT) on wound healing after depigmentation procedure.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 12 patients with bilateral melanin
      hyperpigmentation were treated with surgical stripping using a blade. After
      completion of the surgical process and bleeding stasis, any of the symmetrical
      surgical sites was randomly assigned for LLLT (test site) using a defocused diode
      laser at 1 mm distance for 5 min. After every laser exposure, the surgical site
      was coated with plaque disclosing solution (erythrosine) on the 3(rd), 7(th), and
      15(th) day. A photograph of the surgical site was taken using a Digital SLR
      Camera, which was placed at 30 cm distance at 55 mm zoom, 1/100 shutter speed, f
      14 aperture size, and ISO 4000 with a ring flash. The area of the stained parts
      of the photographs was evaluated using image analysis software. RESULTS: At day
      3, test site showed 1.26 +/- 0.23 mm(2) and control site showed 1.45 +/- 0.21
      mm(2) stain uptake by the tissue which was statistically significant. At day 7
      and day 15, the test sites exhibited 1.24 +/- 0.30 mm(2) and 1.12 +/- 0.25 mm(2)
      stain uptake, whereas the control site showed 1.37 +/- 25 mm(2) and 1.29 +/- 0.28
      mm(2) staining, respectively, which were not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the findings revealed that LLLT
      promotes wound healing after depigmentation procedure until the 3(rd) day. On the
      7(th) and 15(th) day, the difference in healing was not statistically
      significant.

PMID- 27143834
TI  - Assessment of oral health status and periodontal treatment needs among rural,
      semi-urban, urban, and metropolitan population of Gurgaon District, Haryana
      State.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Role of various etiologic factors in periodontal disease has been
      investigated by means of epidemiologic surveys and clinical studies. The
      community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) provides a picture of the
      public health requirements in the periodontal field, which is essential for
      national oral health policy-making and specific interventions. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This study was conducted on 4000 individuals among rural, semi-urban,
      and metro population of Gurgaon District, Haryana State, to find out the oral
      health status and periodontal treatment needs (TNs) using CPITN index. RESULTS:
      An inference was drawn from the results that among 4000 participants from all the
      four population groups' maximum, i.e., 63.80% of individuals needed TN2 whereas
      18.20% of individuals needed TN3 and 18.10% of individuals needed TN1.
      CONCLUSION: It can be concluded with a word of hope and a word of warning. Hope
      lies in the fact that the measurement of periodontal diseases by epidemiological
      study of this condition is improving and receiving wide spread attention. The
      warning lies in the varied nature of the condition which goes to make up
      periodontal disease and perplexing ways in which these conditions blend. In
      addition to dental practitioner, periodontist and public health workers must
      devote more time and effort toward controlling periodontal disease than they seem
      to be devoting at present.

PMID- 27143835
TI  - A rare presentation of lipoma on mandibular mucogingival junction.
AB  - Lipoma is the most common tumor of mesenchymal tissues of body, but its
      occurrence in oral cavity is infrequent. Buccal mucosa is the most common
      intraoral site of lipoma followed by tongue, floor of the mouth, and buccal
      vestibule. The involvement of mucogingival junction is rare. We present a unique
      case report of oral lipoma occurring on mandibular mucogingival junction with
      review of literature which has emphasis on differential diagnosis. 

PMID- 27143836
TI  - Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the palate: A rare case report.
AB  - Mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs) of minor salivary gland origin are rare in
      children and adolescents and have been reported rarely. Literature regarding
      their clinical features and biologic behavior is scanty. The purpose of this case
      report is to discuss the clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment plan of
      MEC of the palate. A 16-year-old male subject visited the Department of
      Periodontics, The Oxford Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, India
      complaining of a painless swelling in the left posterior area of the hard palate
      since 6 months. Several clinical, radiographic, and histopathological
      investigations were carried out to rule out the lesion. Incisional biopsy of the
      lesion confirmed the diagnosis of lesion as MEC of the palate following which a
      wide surgical excision with adjacent free margins was carried out. This case
      report highlights the need for proper diagnosis and treatment plan in the cases
      of malignant tumors as it can lead to morbidity and mortality. 

PMID- 27143837
TI  - Esthetic dentistry for multiple gingival recession cases: Coronally advanced flap
      with bracket application.
AB  - Treatment of gingival recession is essential to rectify the esthetic and
      functional deficiencies of the patient and to combat further periodontal
      destruction. However, treating multiple recession cases is quite challenging, and
      therefore requires constant modifications of the prevalent treatment strategies
      as per the severity of the condition. The objective of this case report was to
      evaluate the effectiveness of coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique without
      vertical incisions using CAF brackets (CAF+B) for treating a patient presenting
      with class II gingival recession defects in relation to maxillary anteriors.
      Complete root coverage was observed, and the results were consistent even after 6
      months. The current case report demonstrates good outcomes of the CAF + B
      technique without the use of any additional soft tissue grafts or vertical
      incisions, therefore, endorsing the promising potential of the CAF + B technique
      in multiple gingival recession cases. 

PMID- 27143838
TI  - An interdisciplinary approach for the management of noncarious lesions.
AB  - Miller's class III gingival recession is a common entity observed in individuals,
      posing a difficult situation for the clinicians to treat. Large fenestration
      defects with cervical abrasion compromise the esthetics resulting in poor
      prognosis. Obtaining predictable and esthetic root coverage has become an
      integral part of periodontal therapy. The present case report describes a
      situation where class III gingival recession with cervical abrasion was seen in
      the lower central incisors. The patient was successfully treated with a
      combination of restorations (Filtek Z350((r)) composite resin) to fill the
      defect, followed by fenestration procedure to increase the vestibular depth and
      subsequently with grafting procedure (soft tissue autograft with bovine-derived
      xenograft collagen [Bio-oss]). Though the results were not tangible esthetically,
      it was functionally successful as evidenced during the follow-up period. 

PMID- 27143839
TI  - Pedicled buccal fat pad graft for root coverage in severe gingival recession
      defect.
AB  - Gingival recession (GR) is a condition resulting in root exposure which leads to
      root sensitivity, pain, root caries, plaque retention, poor esthetics, and tooth
      loss. Sites exhibiting Miller Class III and IV GR are not suitable for treatment
      with surgical root coverage techniques, and their prognosis are very poor with
      current techniques. In this case report, pedicled buccal fat pad (PBFP) was
      employed as subepithelial graft technique for root coverage of maxillary tooth
      with Class III GR defect along with furcation involvement and the absence of
      keratinized gingiva. PBFP as the subepithelial graft is likely to increase the
      predictability and outcome of root coverage procedures in the treatment of cases
      with poor prognosis, owing to its pedicled vascularity. PBFP may be considered as
      a reliable modality for root coverage of such severe maxillary posterior GR
      defects, as reported, that could not be repaired by other conventional
      procedures. 

PMID- 27143840
TI  - Periosteal pedicle graft for the treatment of gingival recession defects current
      status and future prospects: What the evidence suggests?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gingival Recession defects are one of the most common defects for
      which patients seek periodontal treatment. Many treatment options are available
      for the management of gingival recession. Most of the treatments offered aim to
      treat the cause, cover the denuded root surface and produce a long term aesthetic
      result. The use of periosteal pedicle graft (PPG) is a recent innovation for the
      treatment of gingival recession defects and has gained much attention in a short
      span of time. Although studies have been done utilizing PPG successfully for the
      treatment of gingival recession defects (GRD) but it is still not clear, whether
      PPG technique should be included in the established list of techniques used to
      treat GRD? An effort has been made to arrive at a decision on the current utility
      of PPG in the treatment of GRD based on the scientific evidence available in
      literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of current literature was done to
      critically evaluate the evidence related to the Periosteal pedicle graft
      technique. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Periosteal Pedicle Graft has come up as a
      viable treatment option for the treatment of GRD although it's still too early to
      predict the long-term results associated with PPG.

PMID- 27143841
TI  - Primary culprit for tooth loss!!
AB  - AIM: In order to facilitate planning for dental health services and to progress
      strategies to continue the reduction in tooth loss, it is important to identify
      the factors that result in such loss. therefore the aim of the study is to
      investigate the major cause for tooth extraction. OBJECTIVE: to examine whether
      the major reason for tooth extraction is dental caries or periodontal disease.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is carried out among the dental practitioners in
      our district. A questionnaire containing 10 items was distributed to the dental
      practitioners, which included age, gender, no of teeth indicated for extraction,
      the reason for extraction, and the periodontal parameters that are involved with
      the extracted tooth and were requested to complete the form on every extraction
      they were to undertake. the study form was collected at the end of the study
      period and data was subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 502
      patients were enrolled during the study period, and a total of 1055 teeth were
      extracted for several reasons. we found that 51.14%extractions are due to dental
      caries in case of 20-30years age groups, which is more when compared to tooth
      loss due to periodontal diseases in this age group. whereas in case of >40years
      of age group periodontal diseases account for 54.11%, and dental caries accounts
      for only 29.11%. Showing more teeth were lost due to periodontal disease.
      CONCLUSION: therefore we concluded that, caries is the dominant reason for
      extraction in patients with 20-30 years of age while periodontal disease accounts
      for the majority of tooth extraction in patients older than 40 years.

PMID- 27143842
TI  - Rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in pediatric vitreoretinopathies in Saudi
      Arabia.

PMID- 27143843
TI  - In vitro mitomycin C absorption and delivery with different sponge materials used
      in filtering surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare mitomycin C (MMC)
      absorption and delivery in different materials used in filtering surgery.
      METHODS: This is an in vitro study comparing polyvinyl alcohol triangular sponges
      (TS6, TS8), polyvinyl alcohol fluid wicks (EFW), and absorbable gelatin sponges
      (AGS3, AGS5), from which five different types of transport units were obtained.
      Seven pieces of sponge of each transport unit type were obtained as follows: two
      transverse strips were obtained at 6 and 8 mm from the apex of TS and divided
      into three equal pieces; 4*4 mm pieces of EFW; 3*3 and 5*5 mm pieces of
      absorbable gelatin sponges were cut. Filter paper was placed on a precision scale
      (0.01 mg). The seven sponge pieces of each type were weighed three times
      consecutively in dry and wet states, the latter after immersion for 15 seconds in
      0.2 mg/mL MMC. The difference between the weights of the dry and wet filter paper
      at the end of each measurement sequence was also calculated and considered as an
      estimate of the amount of mitomycin delivered. RESULTS: The amounts of MMC
      absorbed by each transport unit were as follows: (mean +/- standard deviation)
      27.43+/-5.13 for TS6, 31.91+/-6.63 for TS8, 15.96+/-2.23 for EFW, 17.96+/-2.05
      for AGS3, and 33.81+/-2.05 for AGS5. The amounts of MMC delivered to the filter
      paper were as follows: 21.70+/-2.84 for TS6, 23.83+/-4.03 for TS8, 12.93+/-1.75
      for EFW, 14.69+/-1.79 for AGS3, and 27.30+/-1.58 for AGS5. CONCLUSION: Percentage
      MMC delivered was similar for all materials, but there was a tendency for greater
      delivery using larger sponges and greater homogeneity in delivery with AGS5. No
      statistical differences were found in percentage delivered by the different
      transport materials.

PMID- 27143844
TI  - Brown-McLean syndrome: the role of iridodonesis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report a case series of Brown-McLean
      syndrome (BMS). METHODS: The charts of 28 patients with BMS at Ramathibodi and
      Rutnin Hospital from 1981 to 2015 were reviewed. RESULTS: BMS is a rare condition
      with corneal edema involving the peripheral cornea with orange-brown pigment
      deposition underlying the edematous area. The edema typically starts inferiorly
      and advances circumferentially to superior cornea. Central cornea remains clear
      in most patients. We report 28 patients with BMS that occurred either
      spontaneously or after various intraocular procedures. Ultrasound biomicroscopy
      was performed to demonstrate the iridocorneal relationship. CONCLUSION:
      Iridocorneal relationship from the ultrasound biomicroscopy study in four
      patients did not support previous hypothesis about the role of iridodonesis
      impact on corneal endothelium. Patients with BMS can rarely progress to corneal
      decompensation; however, they should be periodically monitored and made aware of
      early clinical signs of their complications.

PMID- 27143845
TI  - The first cataract surgeons in Latin America: 1611-1830.
AB  - We strove to identify the earliest cataract surgeons in Latin America. Probably
      by 1611, the Genovese oculist Francisco Drago was couching cataracts in Mexico
      City. The surgeon Melchor Vasquez de Valenzuela probably performed cataract
      couching in Lima by 1697. Juan Pere of France demonstrated cataract couching in
      Veracruz and Mexico City between 1779 and 1784. Juan Ablanedo of Spain performed
      couching in Veracruz in 1791. Cataract extraction might have been performed in
      Havana and Caracas by 1793 and in Mexico by 1797. The earliest contemporaneously
      documented cataract extractions in Latin America were performed in Guatemala City
      by Narciso Esparragosa in 1797. In addition to Esparragosa, surgeons born in the
      New World who established the academic teaching of cataract surgery included Jose
      Miguel Munoz in Mexico and Jose Maria Vargas in Caracas. Although cataract
      surgery came quite early to Latin America, its availability was initially
      inconsistent and limited. 

PMID- 27143846
TI  - Comment on: "Three-year follow-up of ranibizumab treatment of wet age-related
      macular degeneration: influence of baseline visual acuity and injection frequency
      on visual outcomes".

PMID- 27143847
TI  - Advances in femtosecond laser technology.
AB  - Femtosecond laser technology has become widely adopted by ophthalmic surgeons.
      The purpose of this study is to discuss applications and advantages of
      femtosecond lasers over traditional manual techniques, and related unique
      complications in cataract surgery and corneal refractive surgical procedures,
      including: LASIK flap creation, intracorneal ring segment implantation,
      presbyopic treatments, keratoplasty, astigmatic keratotomy, and intrastromal
      lenticule procedures. 

PMID- 27143848
TI  - The use of dry amniotic membrane in pterygium surgery.
AB  - Pterygium is a fibrovascular growth of the bulbar conjunctiva that crosses the
      limbus and extends over the peripheral cornea, in some cases resulting in
      significant visual morbidity. When treatment is indicated, surgery is necessary,
      and several management options exist. These include excision, conjunctival
      autografting, and the use of adjuvant therapies. This paper reviews the incidence
      and prevalence of pterygia and also describes the various techniques currently
      used to treat this condition. These management options are compared to the use of
      dry amniotic membrane grafting (AMG), specifically with regard to recurrence
      rates, time to recurrence, safety and tolerability, as well as patient factors
      including cosmesis and quality of life. AMG has been used in the treatment of
      ocular surface disease due to a variety of benefits, including its anti
      inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to promote epithelial growth and
      suppress transforming growth factor-beta signaling and fibroblast proliferation.
      However, rates of recurrence for AMG following pterygium excision still surpass
      other commonly used techniques, including conjunctival and limbal autografting.
      Nevertheless, there are circumstances in which AMG may be most beneficial to the
      patient, such as when preexisting conjunctival scarring is present, when the
      conjunctiva must be spared for future glaucoma filtering surgery, or in cases of
      large or double-headed pterygia. Therefore, surgeons should be prepared to offer
      this procedure as an option to their patients for the treatment of pterygia. 

PMID- 27143849
TI  - Ectasia risk factors in refractive surgery.
AB  - This review outlines risk factors of post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
      ectasia that can be detected preoperatively and presents a new metric to be
      considered in the detection of ectasia risk. Relevant factors in refractive
      surgery screening include the analysis of intrinsic biomechanical properties
      (information obtained from corneal topography/tomography and patient's age), as
      well as the analysis of alterable biomechanical properties (information obtained
      from the amount of tissue altered by surgery and the remaining load-bearing
      tissue). Corneal topography patterns of placido disk seem to play a pivotal role
      as a surrogate of corneal strength, and abnormal corneal topography remains to be
      the most important identifiable risk factor for ectasia. Information derived from
      tomography, such as pachymetric and epithelial maps as well as computational
      strategies, to help in the detection of keratoconus is additional and relevant.
      High percentage of tissue altered (PTA) is the most robust risk factor for
      ectasia after LASIK in patients with normal preoperative corneal topography.
      Compared to specific residual stromal bed (RSB) or central corneal thickness
      values, percentage of tissue altered likely provides a more individualized
      measure of biomechanical alteration because it considers the relationship between
      thickness, tissue altered through ablation and flap creation, and ultimate RSB
      thickness. Other recognized risk factors include low RSB, thin cornea, and high
      myopia. Age is also a very important risk factor and still remains as one of the
      most overlooked ones. A comprehensive screening approach with the Ectasia Risk
      Score System, which evaluates multiple risk factors simultaneously, is also a
      helpful tool in the screening strategy. 

PMID- 27143850
TI  - Relationship between magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity and volume of
      extraocular muscles in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy with methylprednisolone
      pulse therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize the relationship between inflammation and swelling of
      extraocular muscles in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy before and after
      methylprednisolone pulse therapy. METHODS: The signal intensities and volumes of
      the superior rectus (SR), inferior rectus (IR), lateral rectus (LR), medial
      rectus (MR), and superior oblique (SO) muscles were measured with magnetic
      resonance imaging in 25 eyes of 25 patients with thyroid-associated
      ophthalmopathy in the acute inflammatory phase before and after
      methylprednisolone pulse therapy. The signal intensity ratios (SIRs) of muscles
      and brain white matter were calculated. RESULT: The mean SIRs before treatment
      were 2.28+/-0.74 in SR, 2.66+/-0.57 in IR, 2.03+/-0.42 in LR, 2.45+/-0.49 in MR,
      and 1.98+/-0.48 in SO muscles. The mean SIRs after treatment were 1.82+/-0.62,
      1.84+/-0.52, 1.70+/-0.35, 1.95+/-0.46, and 1.60+/-0.36, respectively. The mean
      volumes (cm(3)) before treatment were 1.35+/-0.67 in SR, 1.21+/-0.39 in IR,
      0.66+/-0.13 in LR, 0.94+/-0.31 in MR, and 0.58+/-0.14 in SO muscles. Those after
      treatment were 1.12+/-0.45, 0.91+/-0.31, 0.61+/-0.12, 0.85+/-0.28, and 0.49+/
      0.11, respectively. The SIRs showed significantly positive correlations with
      volumes both before and after treatment in SR muscles (before, r=0.77; after,
      r=0.69), IR muscles (before, r=0.65; after, r=0.60), MR muscles (before, r=0.69;
      after, r=0.73), and SO muscles (before, r=0.52; after, r=0.50) (P<0.01 for all
      correlations). CONCLUSION: Swelling reflected the inflammation in extraocular
      muscles of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy both before and after treatment.

PMID- 27143852
TI  - Zoledronate upregulates MMP-9 and -13 in rat vascular smooth muscle cells by
      inducing oxidative stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonates, including zoledronate, target osteoclasts and are
      widely used in the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone resorption diseases,
      despite side effects that include damaging the stomach epithelium. Beneficial and
      adverse effects on other organ systems, including the cardiovascular system, have
      also been described and could impact on the use of bisphosphonates as therapeutic
      agents. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are major constituents of the normal
      vascular wall and have a key role in intimal thickening and atherosclerosis, in
      part by secreting MMPs that remodel the extracellular matrix and cleave cell
      surface proteins or secreted mediators. In this study, we investigated the
      effects of zoledronate on MMP expression. METHODS: Rat VSMCs were stimulated by
      PDGF (50 ng/mL) plus TNF-alpha (10 ng/mL) or left unstimulated for a further 24
      hours in serum-free medium. In other series of experiments, cells were pre
      treated either with SC-514 (50 MUM) or with apocynin (20 nM) for 2 hours, then
      zoledronate (100 MUM) was added into 2% fetal calf serum containing medium for 24
      hours. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Using isolated rat VSMCs in culture, zoledronate
      (100 MUM) increased MMP-9 and -13 mRNA expressions but inhibited MMP-2
      expression. MMP-9 and MMP-13 up-regulation was shown to depend on the NF-kappaB
      pathway; and this was activated by zoledronate. Furthermore, zoledronate elevated
      the levels of reactive oxygen species detected by either dichlorofluorescein in
      isolated VSMCs or lucigenin enhanced chemiluminescence in rat aortic rings in
      vitro. Apocynin, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, reversed NF-kappaB activation and
      MMP-9 and MMP-13 up-regulation by zoledronate. CONCLUSION: We conclude that
      zoledronate increases MMP-9 and MMP-13 expressions in rat VSMCs dependent upon
      stimulation of the NF-kappaB pathway by reactive oxygen species. Effects on MMP
      expression may contribute to the pharmacologic profile of bisphosphonates.

PMID- 27143851
TI  - Baicalein suppresses metastasis of breast cancer cells by inhibiting EMT via
      downregulation of SATB1 and Wnt/beta-catenin pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The flavonoid baicalein, a historically used Chinese herbal medicine,
      shows a wide range of biological and pharmaceutical effects, among which its
      potent antitumor activity has raised great interest in recent years. However, the
      molecular mechanism involved in the antimetastatic effect of baicalein remains
      poorly understood. This study aimed to verify the inhibitory effects of baicalein
      on metastasis of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo,
      as well as to investigate the related mechanisms. METHODS: MTT assay was used to
      examine the inhibition of baicalein on proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells. Wound
      healing assay and the in vitro invasion assay was carried out to investigate the
      effects of baicalein on migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively.
      In order to explore the effects of baicalein on tumor metastasis in vivo,
      xenograft nude mouse model of MDA-MB-231 cells was established. Animals were
      randomly divided into four groups (control, therapy group, and low-dose and high
      dose prevention group, n=6), and treated with baicalein as designed. Following
      sacrifice, their lungs and livers were collected to examine the presence of
      metastases. qRT-PCR and Western blot were performed to study the effects of
      baicalein on expression of SATB1, EMT-related molecules, and Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling components of MDA-MB-231 cells as well as the metastatic tissue.
      Effects of baicalein on the expression of target proteins in vivo were also
      analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Our results indicated that baicalein
      suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in a time-
      and dose-dependent manner. Based on assays carried out in xenograft nude mouse
      model, we found that baicalein inhibited tumor metastasis in vivo. Furthermore,
      baicalein significantly decreased the expression of SATB1 in MDA-MB-231 cells. It
      suppressed the expression of vimentin and SNAIL while enhancing the expression of
      E-cadherin. Baicalein also downregulated the expression of Wnt1 and beta-catenin
      proteins and transcription level of Wnt/beta-catenin-targeted genes. CONCLUSION:
      Our results demonstrate that baicalein has the potential to suppress breast
      cancer metastasis, possibly by inhibition of EMT, which may be attributed to
      downregulation of both SATB1 and the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Taken together,
      baicalein may serve as a promising drug for metastasis treatment of breast
      cancer.

PMID- 27143854
TI  - Possible association between acetazolamide administration during pregnancy and
      multiple congenital malformations.
AB  - Congenital malformations might occur because of environmental or genetic factors,
      and sometimes occur because of unknown causes. Acetazolamide is a carbonic
      anhydrase inhibitor that is used to treat idiopathic intracranial hypertension,
      glaucoma, and epilepsy. The use of acetazolamide has not been recommended for
      pregnant women because of reported teratogenic risks. Congenital malformations,
      such as ectrodactyly, syndactyly, cleft lip/palate, and retarded incisor teeth
      development, have been reported in experimental animals. However, tooth agenesis
      due to the use of acetazolamide has not been reported yet. Oligodontia is a
      severe type of tooth agenesis involving six or more congenitally missing teeth.
      The causes of oligodontia are attributed to environmental factors, such as
      irradiation, drugs, trauma, tumors, infection, genetic factors, or a combination.
      There is no credible evidence of undesirable effects of acetazolamide use in
      human pregnancy. However, we report a case of a 12-year-old Saudi boy who was
      exposed to maternal acetazolamide (1,000 mg/day) for treatment of idiopathic
      intracranial hypertension before pregnancy, during the first trimester, and
      throughout the pregnancy. This treatment might have resulted in some congenital
      malformations, such as ectrodactyly, syndactyly, and oligodontia. 

PMID- 27143853
TI  - Neuroprotective effect of beta-asarone against Alzheimer's disease: regulation of
      synaptic plasticity by increased expression of SYP and GluR1.
AB  - AIM: beta-asarone, an active component of Acori graminei rhizome, has been
      reported to have neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease. As the
      underlying mechanism is not known, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of
      beta-asarone in an APP/PS1 double transgenic mouse model and in NG108 cells.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: APPswe/PS1dE9 double transgenic male mice were randomly
      assigned to a model group, beta-asarone treatment groups (21.2, 42.4, or 84.8
      mg/kg/d), or donepezil treatment group (2 mg/kg/d). Donepezil treatment was a
      positive control, and background- and age-matched wild-type B6 mice were an
      external control group. beta-asarone (95.6% purity) was dissolved in 0.8% Tween
      80 and administered by gavage once daily for 2.5 months. Control and model
      animals received an equal volume of vehicle. After 2.5 months of treatment,
      behavior of all animals was evaluated in a Morris water maze. Expression of
      synaptophysin (SYP) and glutamatergic receptor 1 (G1uR1) in the hippocampus and
      cortex of the double transgenic mice was assayed by Western blotting. The
      antagonistic effects of beta-asarone against amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) were
      investigated in vitro in the NG108-15 cell line. After 24 hours of incubation,
      cells were treated with 10 MUm Abeta with or without beta-asarone at different
      concentrations (6.25, 12.5, or 25 MUM) for an additional 36 hours. The
      cytotoxicity of beta-asarone was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay of cell viability, and cell morphology was
      evaluated by bright-field microscopy after 24 hours of treatment. The expression
      of SYP and GluR1 in cells was detected by Western blot assay in the hippocampus
      and brain cortex tissues of mice. RESULTS: beta-asarone at a high dose reduced
      escape latency and upregulated SYP and GluR1 expression at both medium and high
      doses. Cell morphology evaluation showed that beta-asarone treatment did not
      result in obvious cell surface spots and cytoplasmic granularity. beta-asarone
      had a dose-dependent effect on cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: beta-asarone
      antagonized the Abeta neurotoxicity in vivo, improved the learning and memory
      ability of APP/PS1 mice, and increased the expression of SYP and GluR1 both in
      vivo and in vitro. Thus, beta-asarone may be a potential drug for the treatment
      of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27143855
TI  - Pirfenidone inhibits fibrosis in foreign body reaction after glaucoma drainage
      device implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the antiscarring effects of
      pirfenidone on foreign body reaction in a rabbit model of glaucoma drainage
      implant surgery. METHODS: Adult New Zealand White rabbits had glaucoma drainage
      device implantation using Model FP8 Ahmed glaucoma valves. One eye was randomly
      assigned to receive postoperative intrableb injection of pirfenidone followed by
      topical treatment. The other eye underwent the same procedure but without the
      addition of pirfenidone. Histochemical staining and immunohistochemistry for
      blebs were performed. RESULTS: The degree of cellularity was smaller in the
      pirfenidone group than in the control group at 2 weeks post operation (P=0.005).
      A few foreign body giant cells were detected in the inner border of the capsule,
      and their numbers were similar in the control and pirfenidone groups (P>0.05).
      Using Masson's trichrome stain, the inner collagen-rich layer was found to be
      thinner in the pirfenidone group than the control group at 4 weeks (P=0.031) and
      8 weeks (P=0.022) post operation. The percentage of proliferating cell nuclear
      antigen-positive cells was lower in the pirfenidone group than in the control
      group at 2 weeks post operation (total bleb, P=0.022; inner bleb, P=0.036).
      Pirfenidone treatment decreased the immunoreactivity of connective tissue growth
      factor at 2 weeks post operation (total bleb, P=0.029; inner bleb, P=0.018). The
      height and area of alpha-smooth muscle actin expression were lower in the
      pirfenidone group than the control group at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks post
      operation (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Postoperative intrableb injection of
      pirfenidone followed by topical administration reduced fibrosis following
      glaucoma drainage device implantation. These findings suggest that pirfenidone
      may function as an antiscarring treatment in foreign body reaction after tube
      shunt surgery.

PMID- 27143856
TI  - Autophagy inhibition enhances RAD001-induced cytotoxicity in human bladder cancer
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), involved in PI3K/AKT/mTOR
      pathway, is known to play a central role in regulating the growth of cancer
      cells. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway enhances tumor survival and proliferation
      through suppressing autophagy, which sustains energy homeostasis by collecting
      and recycling cellular components under stress conditions. Conversely, inhibitors
      of the mTOR pathway such as RAD001 induce autophagy, leading to promotion of
      tumor survival and limited antitumor efficacy. We thus hypothesized that the use
      of autophagy inhibitor in combination with mTOR inhibition improves the
      cytotoxicity of mTOR inhibitors in bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      cytotoxicity of RT4, 5637, HT1376, and T24 human bladder cancer cells treated
      with RAD001 alone or combined with autophagy inhibitors (3-methyladenine (3-MA),
      bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1), chloroquine, or hydroxychloroquine) was assessed using
      the WST-8 cell viability kit. The autophagy status in cells was analyzed by the
      detection of microtubule-associated light chain 3 form II (LC3-II), using
      immunofluorescent staining and Western blot. Acidic vesicular organelle (AVO)
      formation in treated cells was determined by acridine orange vital staining.
      Inhibition of mTOR pathway by RAD001 was monitored by using a homemade
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction gene array, while phospho-mTOR was
      detected using Western blot. Induced apoptosis was determined by measurement of
      caspase 3/7 activity and DNA fragmentation in cells after treatment. RESULTS:
      Advanced bladder cancer cells (5637, HT1376, and T24) were more resistant to
      RAD001 than RT4. Autophagy flux detected by the expression of LC3-II showed
      RAD001-induced autophagy. AVO formation was detected in cells treated with RAD001
      and was inhibited by the addition of 3-MA or Baf A1. Cotreatment of RAD001 with
      autophagy inhibitors further reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis in
      bladder cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that simultaneous
      inhibition of the mTOR and autophagy pathway significantly enhances apoptosis,
      and it is suggested to be a new therapeutic paradigm for the treatment of bladder
      cancer.

PMID- 27143857
TI  - Long-term efficacy and safety of oxycodone-naloxone prolonged release in
      geriatric patients with moderate-to-severe chronic noncancer pain: a 52-week open
      label extension phase study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two-thirds of older people suffer from chronic pain and finding valid
      treatment options is essential. In this 1-yearlong investigation, we evaluated
      the efficacy and safety of prolonged-release oxycodone-naloxone (OXN-PR) in
      patients aged >=70 (mean 81.7) years. METHODS: In this open-label prospective
      study, patients with moderate-to-severe noncancer chronic pain were prescribed
      OXN-PR for 1 year. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who
      achieved >=30% reduction in pain intensity after 52 weeks of treatment, without
      worsening bowel function. The scheduled visits were at baseline (T0), after 4
      weeks (T4), and after 52 weeks (T52). RESULTS: Fifty patients completed the
      study. The primary endpoint was achieved in 78% of patients at T4 and 96% at T52
      (P<0.0001). Pain intensity, measured on a 0-10 numerical rating scale, decreased
      from 6.0 at T0 to 2.8 at T4 and to 1.7 at T52 (P<0.0001). Mean daily dose of
      oxycodone increased from 10 to 14.4 mg (T4) and finally to 17.4 mg (T52). Bowel
      Function Index from 35.1 to 28.7 at T52. No changes were observed in cognitive
      functions (Mini-Mental State Examination evaluation), while daily functioning
      improved (Barthel Index from 53.1 to 61.0, P<0.0001). The Screener and Opioid
      Assessment for Patients with Pain-Revised score at 52 weeks was 2.6 (standard
      deviation 1.6), indicating a low risk of aberrant medication-related behavior. In
      general, OXN-PR was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: This study of the long-term
      treatment of chronic pain in a geriatric population with OXN-PR shows satisfying
      analgesic effects achieved with a stable low daily dose, coupled with a good
      safety profile and, in particular, with a reduction of constipation, often
      present during opioid therapy. Our findings support the indications of the
      American Geriatrics Society, suggesting the use of opioids to treat pain in older
      people not responsive to acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

PMID- 27143858
TI  - The influence of dietary sodium content on the pharmacokinetics and
      pharmacodynamics of fimasartan.
AB  - A low sodium diet enhances the hemodynamic effect of renin-angiotensin system
      blockers. It was suggested that the substrates of P-glycoprotein or cytochrome
      P450 3A4 were reduced on a high sodium diet. This study aimed to investigate the
      influence of high sodium diet on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of
      fimasartan, which is a substrate of cytochrome P450 3A4 but not P-glycoprotein.
      The study design was a two-diet, two-period, two-sequence, randomized, open
      label, and crossover with 1-week washout for diet. Eligible subjects were fed
      with either low sodium (50 mEq/day) diet or high sodium diet (300 mEq/day) for 7
      days in the first hospitalization period and the other diet in the second period.
      On the seventh morning of each period, subjects received a single dose of
      fimasartan 60 mg in a fasted state. The serial plasma concentrations of
      fimasartan, serum aldosterone concentration (SAC), and plasma renin activity
      (PRA) were measured for pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis. Sixteen
      subjects completed the study satisfying the compliance test for diets. Although
      the mean systemic exposure of fimasartan is slightly (~10%) decreased on a high
      sodium diet, the difference was not statistically or clinically significant
      (P>0.05). The SAC and PRA after fimasartan administration were highly dependent
      on their baseline levels. The dietary sodium content influenced the baseline of
      SAC and PRA, but did not influence the ratio change of SAC and PRA after
      fimasartan treatment. The ratio change of SAC after fimasartan treatment was
      correlated to the systemic exposure of fimasartan (P<0.05), while the correlation
      between the ratio change of PRA after fimasartan treatment and the individual
      systemic exposure of fimasartan was not significant (P>0.05). In conclusion, the
      pharmacokinetics of fimasartan and ratio changes of SAC and PRA after fimasartan
      treatment were not significantly influenced by dietary sodium content. 

PMID- 27143860
TI  - Adherence to alendronic or risedronic acid treatment, combined or not to calcium
      and vitamin D, and related determinants in Italian patients with osteoporosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Osteoporosis is a chronic disease and an important health and social
      burden due to its worldwide prevalence. Literature and clinical experience report
      incomplete adherence to the therapy. This retrospective observational study aimed
      at assessing the adherence to first-line antiosteoporosis drugs (AODs; reimbursed
      by the National Health System, according to the Italian Medicine Agency
      recommendation number 79), alendronate or risedronate, with or without calcium
      and/or vitamin D supplements, in a real, Italian clinical setting. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Analyses were carried out on data present in the ARNO Observatory, a
      population-based patient-centric Italian database. From a population of 5,808,832
      inhabitants with available data, a cohort of 3.3 million of patients aged >=40
      years was selected. New users of first-line AODs as monotherapy (accrual period,
      2007-2009) were followed up over 3 years to assess adherence at 6, 12, and 36
      months to AODs and to supplements and related determinants. RESULTS:
      Approximately 40,000 new users were identified: mostly women, aged on average
      (standard deviation) 71+/-10 years. Alendronate was the most prescribed (38.2% of
      patients), followed by risedronate (34.9%) and alendronate with colecalciferol as
      a fixed-dose combination (25.8%). Adherence at the 6-month follow-up was 54%, and
      this constantly and significantly decreased after 1 year to 46%, and after 3
      years to 33% (P<0.01). Adherence to the fixed-dose combination was higher than to
      plain alendronate throughout the follow-up period. Similarly, adherence to
      supplements constantly decreased with the duration of treatment. Women and
      patients aged >50 years were more likely to adhere to treatment regimen
      (P<0.001). The use of drugs for peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease
      and of corticosteroids for systemic use were significantly associated with high
      adherence at different times. Polytherapy (>5 drugs), cardiovascular, and
      neurological therapies were significantly associated with low adherence
      throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: In a huge clinical practice sample,
      this study highlights suboptimal adherence to first-line AODs and to supplements
      and important determinants, such as concomitant therapies.

PMID- 27143859
TI  - Effects of a novel ACE inhibitor, 3-(3-thienyl)-l-alanyl-ornithyl-proline, on
      endothelial vasodilation and hepatotoxicity in l-NAME-induced hypertensive rats.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) is a widespread biological mediator involved in many
      physiological and pathological processes, eg, in the regulation of vascular tone
      and hypertension. Chronic inhibition of NO synthase by N(G)-nitro-l-arginine
      methyl ester (l-NAME) hydrochloride results in the development of hypertension
      accompanied by an increase in vascular responsiveness to adrenergic stimuli.
      Recently, we developed a novel sulfur-containing angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitor: 3-(3-thienyl)-l-alanyl-ornithyl-proline (TOP). Our previous studies
      indicated a superior nature of the molecule as an antihypertensive agent in
      spontaneously hypertensive rats (showing the involvement of renin-angiotensin
      aldosterone system) in comparison to captopril. The aim of the present study was
      to investigate the effect of TOP on NO pathway in l-NAME-induced hypertensive
      rats, and captopril was included as the standard treatment group. Treatment with
      both TOP (20 mg/kg) and captopril (40 mg/kg) prevented the development of
      hypertension in l-NAME model, but TOP showed better restoration of NO and normal
      levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme. In addition, in vitro vasorelaxation
      assay showed an improvement in endothelium-dependent vasodilation in both the
      cases. Further, the biochemical (malondialdehyde, alanine aminotransferase, and
      aspartate aminotransferase) and the histopathological effects of TOP on rat liver
      tissues revealed a protective nature of TOP in comparison to captopril in the l
      NAME model. In conclusion, TOP at 50% lesser dose than captopril was found to be
      better in the l-NAME model. 

PMID- 27143861
TI  - Outpatient treatment of low-risk venous thromboembolism with monotherapy oral
      anticoagulation: patient quality of life outcomes and clinician acceptance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral monotherapy anticoagulation has facilitated home treatment of
      venous thromboembolism (VTE) in outpatients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study
      was to measure efficacy, safety, as well as patient and physician perceptions
      produced by a protocol that selected VTE patients as low-risk patients by the
      Hestia criteria, and initiated home anticoagulation with an oral factor Xa
      antagonist. METHODS: Patients were administered the Venous Insufficiency
      Epidemiological and Economic Study Quality of life/Symptoms questionnaire [VEINEs
      QoL/Sym] and the physical component summary [PCS] from the Rand 36-Item Short
      Form Health Survey [SF36]). The primary outcomes were VTE recurrence and
      hemorrhage at 30 days. Secondary outcomes compared psychometric test scores
      between patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to those with pulmonary embolism
      (PE). Patient perceptions were abstracted from written comments and physician
      perceptions specific to PE outpatient treatment obtained from structured survey.
      RESULTS: From April 2013 to September 2015, 253 patients were treated, including
      67 with PE. Within 30 days, 2/253 patients had recurrent DVT and 2/253 had major
      hemorrhage; all four had DVT at enrollment. The initial PCS scores did not differ
      between DVT and PE patients (37.2+/-13.9 and 38.0+/-12.1, respectively) and both
      DVT and PE patients had similar improvement over the treatment period (42.2+/
      12.9 and 43.4+/-12.7, respectively), consistent with prior literature. The most
      common adverse event was menorrhagia, present in 15% of women. Themes from
      patient-written responses reflected satisfaction with increased autonomy.
      Physicians' (N=116) before-to-after protocol comfort level with home treatment of
      PE increased 48% on visual analog scale. CONCLUSION: Hestia-negative VTE patients
      treated with oral monotherapy at home had low rates of VTE recurrence and
      bleeding, as well as quality of life measurements similar to prior reports.

PMID- 27143862
TI  - Characteristics and prognostic factors for pain management in 152 patients with
      lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the pain characteristics
      and factors influencing the outcome of pain control in patients with lung cancer
      having pain. METHODS: Pain characteristics, the effectiveness, and prognostic
      factors for pain control were analyzed in 152 patients with lung cancer having
      moderate or severe chronic pain admitted to Cancer Center of The First Hospital
      of Jilin University, People's Republic of China, between January 2012 and May
      2013. Information about sex, age, pathological type, TNM stage, presence/absence
      of bone metastases, characteristics of pain, methods, and effectiveness of pain
      management was recorded. RESULTS: Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and
      small-cell carcinoma accounted for 132/152 (86.8%) and 20/152 (13.2%) cases,
      respectively. Among them, moderate (72.4%) or severe pain (27.6%) was reported in
      73.7% of the cases at stage IV, chest or back pain was reported in 76.3% of the
      cases, and pain in other locations in the rest of the cases. Bone metastases were
      apparent in 44.1% of the patients. Neuropathic pain was noted in 46.7% of the
      patients, and frequent breakthrough pain was noted in 25.7% of the patients. High
      pain intensity was associated with frequent breakthrough pain. Pain was
      adequately controlled in 81.6% of the patients prescribed 3 days of analgesics.
      More patients reported a KPS higher than or equal to 80 after 3 days of analgesic
      treatment (P<0.001). Severe pain, frequent breakthrough pain, and presence of
      bone metastases were independent risk factors for poor pain control. Severe pain,
      frequent breakthrough pain, or neuropathic pain in the patients using opioids
      required higher doses of analgesic for pain control. Opioids plus nonsteroidal
      anti-inflammatory drugs offered better pain control than opioids alone.
      CONCLUSION: High pain intensity is associated with frequent breakthrough pain in
      patients with lung cancer, which can be largely controlled with analgesics.
      Severe pain, frequent breakthrough pain, presence of bone metastases, and
      neuropathic pain are predictors of refractory pain.

PMID- 27143863
TI  - Clinical factors affecting quality of life of patients with asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been increased interest in the subjective
      quality of life (QoL) of patients with bronchial asthma. QoL is a significant
      indicator guiding the efforts of professionals caring for patients, especially
      chronically ill ones. The identification of factors affecting the QoL reported by
      patients, despite their existing condition, is important and useful to provide
      multidisciplinary care for these patients. AIM: To investigate the clinical
      factors affecting asthma patients' QoL. METHODS: The study comprised 100 patients
      (73 female, 27 male) aged 18-84 years (mean age was 45.7) treated in the Allergy
      Clinic of the Wroclaw Medical University Department and Clinic of Internal
      Diseases, Geriatrics and Allergology. All asthma patients meeting the inclusion
      criteria were invited to participate. Data on sociodemographic and clinical
      variables were collected. In this study, we used medical record analysis and two
      questionnaires: the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) to assess the QoL
      of patients with asthma and the Asthma Control Test to measure asthma control.
      RESULTS: Active smokers were shown to have a significantly lower QoL in the
      "Symptoms" domain than nonsmokers (P=0.006). QoL was also demonstrated to
      decrease significantly as the frequency of asthma exacerbations increased (R=
      0.231, P=0.022). QoL in the domain "Activity limitation" was shown to increase
      significantly along with the number of years of smoking (R=0.404; P=0.004). Time
      from onset and the dominant symptom of asthma significantly negatively affected
      QoL in the "Activity limitation" domain of the AQLQ (R=-0.316, P=0.001; P=0.029,
      respectively). QoL scores in the "Emotional function" and "Environmental stimuli"
      subscale of the AQLQ decreased significantly as time from onset increased (R=
      0.200, P=0.046; R=-0.328, P=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients exhibiting
      better symptom control have higher QoL scores. Asthma patients' QoL decreases as
      time from onset increases. A lower QoL is reported by patients who visit allergy
      clinics more often, and those often hospitalized due to asthma. Smoking also
      contributes to a lower QoL in asthma patients.

PMID- 27143864
TI  - Higher diversity in fungal species discriminates children with type 1 diabetes
      mellitus from healthy control.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To conduct qualitative and quantitative assessment of yeast-like fungi
      in the feces of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)
      with respect to their metabolic control and duration of the disease. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The studied materials included samples of fresh feces collected from
      53 children and adolescents with T1DM. Control group included 30 age- and sex
      matched healthy individuals. Medical history was taken and physical examination
      was conducted in the two study arms. Prevalence of the yeast-like fungi in the
      feces was determined as well as their amounts, species diversity, drug
      susceptibility, and enzymatic activity. RESULTS: The yeast-like fungi were found
      in the samples of feces from 75.4% of T1DM patients and 70% controls. In the
      group of T1DM patients, no correlation was found between age (Rs=0.253, P=0.068),
      duration of diabetes (Rs=-0.038, P=0.787), or body mass index (Rs=0.150, P=0.432)
      and the amount of the yeast-like fungi isolated in the feces. Moreover, no
      correlation was seen between the amount of the yeast-like fungi and glycated
      hemoglobin (Rs=0.0324, P=0.823), systolic blood pressure (Rs=0.102, P=0.483), or
      diastolic blood pressure (Rs=0.271, P=0.345). CONCLUSION: Our research has shown
      that children and adolescents with T1DM show higher species diversity of the
      yeast-like fungi, with Candida albicans being significantly less prevalent versus
      control subjects. Moreover, fungal species in patients with T1DM turn out to be
      more resistant to antifungal treatment.

PMID- 27143865
TI  - Determinants and influencing mechanism of outpatient satisfaction: a survey on
      tertiary hospitals in the People's Republic of China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Most patients in the People's Republic of China prefer tertiary
      hospitals when seeking medical services. The aim of this study was to assess
      outpatient satisfaction with tertiary hospitals in the People's Republic of
      China, test overall and subscale satisfaction, and explore whether
      sociodemographic characteristics lead to different degrees of satisfaction and
      whether subscale outpatient satisfaction contributes to overall satisfaction.
      METHODS: A closed questionnaire was given out to investigate outpatients'
      sociodemographic characteristics, overall satisfaction, and various subtypes of
      satisfaction, and a 5-point Likert scale was employed to measure the degree of
      outpatient satisfaction. Descriptive analysis, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's
      rank correlation coefficient, and logistic regression analysis were employed for
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: Response rate was 92.48% (971/1,050). Outpatients'
      sociodemographic characteristics (including sex, age, occupation, monthly income,
      residence, and marital status) were related to various subtypes of satisfaction
      to varying degrees. Outpatients who were male, older, married, with low or middle
      incomes, living in Shanghai or other areas of the People's Republic of China,
      medical staff, or students were more satisfied with various subtypes of
      satisfaction than those without these characteristics. In further analyses,
      satisfaction with their medical needs being met by doctors had the strongest
      relation to overall satisfaction, followed by satisfaction with doctors' service
      attitudes, medical costs, waiting time, prescription, and diagnosis and treatment
      time. Satisfaction with environment had the weakest contribution to overall
      satisfaction. CONCLUSION: This study gave some suggestions for tertiary hospitals
      in advanced areas of the People's Republic of China. Outpatient sociodemographic
      characteristics should be paid more attention by medical staff to improve the
      degree of satisfaction. Tertiary hospitals in the People's Republic of China
      should provide more support on the management of doctors, medical costs, and
      time.

PMID- 27143866
TI  - Multiple myeloma in the very elderly patient: challenges and solutions.
AB  - Diagnosis and management of myeloma in the very elderly patient is challenging.
      Treatment options have vastly improved for elderly myeloma patients but still
      require the clinician to personalize therapy. In this paper, we offer evidence
      based, pragmatic advice on how to overcome six of the main challenges likely to
      arise: 1) diagnosis of myeloma in this age group, 2) assessment of the need for
      treatment, and the fitness for combination chemotherapy, 3) provision of the best
      quality of supportive care, 4) choice of combination chemotherapy in those fit
      enough for it, 5) treatment of relapsed myeloma, and 6) provision of end of life
      care. With an increased burden of comorbidities and a reduced resilience to
      treatment and its associated toxicities, the management of myeloma in this age
      group requires a different approach to that in younger patients to maximize both
      quality and length of life. 

PMID- 27143867
TI  - Evidence of functional declining and global comorbidity measured at baseline
      proved to be the strongest predictors for long-term death in elderly community
      residents aged 85 years: a 5-year follow-up evaluation, the OCTABAIX study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictive value of functional impairment, chronic
      conditions, and laboratory biomarkers of aging for predicting 5-year mortality in
      the elderly aged 85 years. METHODS: Predictive value for mortality of different
      geriatric assessments carried out during the OCTABAIX study was evaluated after 5
      years of follow-up in 328 subjects aged 85 years. Measurements included
      assessment of functional status comorbidity, along with laboratory tests on
      vitamin D, cholesterol, CD4/CD8 ratio, hemoglobin, and serum thyrotropin.
      RESULTS: Overall, the mortality rate after 5 years of follow-up was 42.07%.
      Bivariate analysis showed that patients who survived were predominantly female
      (P=0.02), and they showed a significantly better baseline functional status for
      both basic (P<0.001) and instrumental (P<0.001) activities of daily living
      (Barthel and Lawton index), better cognitive performance (Spanish version of the
      Mini-Mental State Examination) (P<0.001), lower comorbidity conditions (Charlson)
      (P<0.001), lower nutritional risk (Mini Nutritional Assessment) (P<0.001), lower
      risk of falls (Tinetti gait scale) (P<0.001), less percentage of heart failure
      (P=0.03) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P=0.03), and took less
      chronic prescription drugs (P=0.002) than nonsurvivors. Multivariate Cox
      regression analysis identified a decreased score in the Lawton index (hazard
      ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.78-0.91) and higher comorbidity conditions
      (hazard ratio 1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.33) as independent predictors
      of mortality at 5 years in the studied population. CONCLUSION: The ability to
      perform instrumental activities of daily living and the global comorbidity
      assessed at baseline were the predictors of death, identified in our 85-year-old
      community-dwelling subjects after 5 years of follow-up.

PMID- 27143868
TI  - Evaluation of serum lipid profile, body mass index, and waistline in Chinese
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: People with type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of hypertension,
      arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. Glucose intolerance (insulin
      resistance) is the main feature of type 2 diabetes. Obesity leads to insulin
      resistance, dyslipidemia, etc. The aim of this study was to assess the
      biochemical parameters and measures of obesity in type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM). METHODS: A total of 2,273 males and 6,547 females previously healthy
      volunteers (aged 41-95 years old) were recruited by open invitation. The basic
      information, including age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI),
      waistline, hipline, menstrual cycle, and medical history, was collected by
      questionnaire survey and physical examination. Serum lipid profile, liver
      transaminase, blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c were
      obtained after 12 hours of fasting. RESULTS: According to our results, diabetic
      patients presented serum lipid abnormality. Elevated triglyceride (TG) levels
      (>=1.7 mmol/L) were noted in 19.69% of males and 20.40% of females, and reduced
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (<=1.15 mmol/L) were noted in
      21.96% of males and 15.74% of females. The combination of elevated TG and reduced
      HDL-C was the most prevalent of the combined lipid abnormalities. In contrast, no
      differences were observed in the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      and total cholesterol. Moreover, there were statistically significant differences
      in the levels of BMI and waistline between T2DM and non-T2DM participants. After
      adjustment for BMI, logistic regression analysis revealed that the subjects with
      BMI <=20 kg/m(2) and >30 kg/m(2) had a significantly elevated hazard ratio of
      T2DM compared with participants having a BMI range of 20-30 kg/m(2) in both males
      and females. However, there was a significant difference between T2DM patients
      and non-T2DM patients in waistline (chi (2)=8.57, P<0.001) than in BMI parameter
      (chi (2)=6.29, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study shows for the first time
      that low levels of HDL-C, high levels of TG, and abnormal levels in BMI and
      waistline increase the risk of type 2 T2DM in Chinese people.

PMID- 27143869
TI  - Impacts of coexisting bronchial asthma on severe exacerbations in mild-to
      moderate COPD: results from a national database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbations are major drivers of COPD deterioration. However,
      limited data are available for the prevalence of severe exacerbations and impact
      of asthma on severe exacerbations, especially in patients with mild-to-moderate
      COPD. METHODS: Patients with mild-to-moderate COPD (>=40 years) were extracted
      from Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2007-2012) and
      were linked to the national health insurance reimbursement database to obtain
      medical service utilization records. RESULTS: Of the 2,397 patients with mild-to
      moderate COPD, 111 (4.6%) had severe exacerbations over the 6 years (0.012/person
      year). Severe exacerbations were more frequent in the COPD patients with
      concomitant self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma compared with only COPD
      patients (P<0.001). A multiple logistic regression presented that asthma was an
      independent risk factor of severe exacerbations in patients with mild-to-moderate
      COPD regardless of adjustment for all possible confounding factors (adjusted odds
      ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.002-2.77, P=0.049). In addition, age,
      female, poor lung function, use of inhalers, and low EuroQoL five dimensions
      questionnaire index values were independently associated with severe exacerbation
      in patients with mild-to-moderate COPD. CONCLUSION: In this population-based
      study, the prevalence of severe exacerbations in patients with mild-to-moderate
      COPD was relatively low, compared with previous clinical interventional studies.
      Coexisting asthma significantly impacted the frequency of severe exacerbations in
      patients with mild-to-moderate COPD, suggesting application of an exacerbation
      preventive strategy in these patients.

PMID- 27143870
TI  - Dual therapy strategies for COPD: the scientific rationale for LAMA + LABA.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity,
      mortality, and health care expenditure worldwide. Relaxation of airway smooth
      muscle with inhaled bronchodilators is the cornerstone of treatment for stable
      COPD, with inhaled corticosteroids reserved for those with a history of
      exacerbations. Tiotropium has occupied center stage in COPD treatment for over 10
      years and improves lung function, quality of life, exercise endurance, and
      reduces the risk of COPD exacerbation. Long-acting beta2-agonists (LABAs) improve
      lung function, reduce dynamic hyperinflation, increase exercise tolerance, health
      related quality of life, and reduce acute exacerbation of COPD. The combination
      of long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) and LABAs is thought to leverage
      different pathways to induce bronchodilation using submaximal drug doses,
      increasing the benefits and minimizing receptor-specific side effects.
      Umeclidinium/vilanterol is the first combination of LAMA/LABA to be approved for
      use in stable COPD in USA and Europe. Additionally, indacaterol/glycopyrronium
      and aclidinium/formoterol have been approved in Europe and in numerous locations
      outside USA. Several other agents are in the late stages of development, most of
      which offer once-daily dosing. The benefits of new LAMA/LABA combinations include
      improved pulmonary function, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life, and in
      some cases, reduced exacerbations. These evolving treatments will provide new
      opportunities and challenges in the management of COPD. 

PMID- 27143871
TI  - High-dose oral N-acetylcysteine fails to improve respiratory health status in
      patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis: a
      randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical outcomes are worse in patients with COPD and chronic
      bronchitis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is commonly prescribed for such patients but
      with uncertain clinical benefits. We postulated that oral NAC, at much larger
      doses than those ordinarily prescribed, would improve clinical outcomes in a
      subset of patients with COPD and chronic bronchitis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      study was to determine whether very high-dose NAC would improve respiratory
      health status in patients with COPD and chronic bronchitis. METHODS: Patients
      with COPD and chronic bronchitis were enrolled in a randomized, controlled,
      double-blinded trial. Patients received oral NAC (1,800 mg) or matching placebo
      twice daily for 8 weeks in addition to their usual respiratory medications. The
      primary outcome, respiratory health status, was assessed by changes in the St
      George's Respiratory Questionnaire. The effects of NAC on lung function and
      circulating markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were also evaluated.
      RESULTS: We terminated the study prematurely because new external information
      suggested the possibility of a safety issue. Of the planned 130 patients, 51 were
      randomized and 45 (22 in the placebo arm and 23 in the NAC arm) completed the
      study. There was no statistically significant difference between changes in the
      St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score, comparing NAC to placebo
      (adjusted mean difference, 0.1 U; 95% CI, -7.8 to 8.18 U; P=0.97). There were
      also no significant NAC-related improvements in any of the secondary outcomes.
      CONCLUSION: In this 8-week trial, we were unable to show any clinical benefit
      from a very high dose of NAC in patients with COPD and chronic bronchitis.

PMID- 27143872
TI  - Do telemedical interventions improve quality of life in patients with COPD? A
      systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Telehealth is an approach to disease management, which may hold the
      potential of improving some of the features associated with COPD, including
      positive impact on disease progression, and thus possibly limiting further
      reduction in quality of life (QoL). Our objective was, therefore, to summarize
      studies addressing the impact of telehealth on QoL in patients with COPD. DESIGN:
      Systematic review. METHODS: A series of systematic searches were carried out
      using the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trials
      Register, and ClinicalTrials.gov (last updated November 2015). A predefined
      search algorithm was utilized with the intention to capture all results related
      to COPD, QoL, and telehealth published since year 2000. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary
      outcome was QoL, assessed by validated measures. RESULTS: Out of the 18 studies
      fulfilling the criteria for inclusion in this review, three studies found
      statistically significant improvements in QoL for patients allocated to
      telemedical interventions. However, all of the other included studies found no
      statistically significant differences between control and telemedical
      intervention groups in terms of QoL. CONCLUSION: Telehealth does not make a
      strong case for itself when exclusively looking at QoL as an outcome, since
      statistically significant improvements relative to control groups have been
      observed only in few of the available studies. Nonetheless, this does not only
      rule out the possibility that telehealth is superior to standard care with regard
      to other outcomes but also seems to call for more research, not least in large
      scale controlled trials.

PMID- 27143873
TI  - Prevention of COPD exacerbation by lysozyme: a double-blind, randomized, placebo
      controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Lysozyme (mucopeptide N-acetyl-muramyl hydrolase) is widely used
      as a mucolytic and anti-inflammatory agent in Japan. We evaluated the effects of
      long-term lysozyme administration on COPD exacerbation. METHODS: In a 1-year,
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial, patients with
      moderate-to-severe COPD and one or more episodes of COPD exacerbation in the
      previous year before enrollment were selected. Lysozyme (270 mg) or placebo was
      administered orally for 52 weeks as an add-on to the standard therapies such as
      bronchodilators. COPD exacerbation, pulmonary function, and COPD assessment test
      scores were analyzed. An exacerbation was defined as worsening of more than one
      symptom of COPD (cough, sputum volume, purulent sputum, or breathlessness)
      leading to a change in medication. The primary endpoint was exacerbation rate.
      RESULTS: A total of 408 patients were randomly assigned to the lysozyme and
      placebo groups. The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups.
      The exacerbation rate was not significantly different between the two groups (1.4
      vs 1.2; P=0.292, Poisson regression). However, a subgroup analysis showed that
      lysozyme might reduce exacerbation rate in patients with airway-dominant
      phenotype (1.2 vs 1.6). Moreover, the median time to first exacerbation was
      longer in patients with airway-dominant phenotype in the lysozyme group than that
      in the placebo group. The levels of improvement in forced expiratory volume in 1
      second and COPD assessment test scores were not statistically different between
      the groups, but were always greater in the lysozyme group than in the placebo
      group over the 52 weeks of the study. CONCLUSION: The effects of using lysozyme
      as an add-on to standard COPD therapy were not significantly different compared
      with placebo and were insufficient to prevent COPD exacerbation.

PMID- 27143875
TI  - Novel walnut peptide-selenium hybrids with enhanced anticancer synergism: facile
      synthesis and mechanistic investigation of anticancer activity.
AB  - This contribution reports a facile synthesis of degreased walnut peptides (WP1)
      functionalized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) hybrids with enhanced anticancer
      activity and a detailed mechanistic evaluation of its superior anticancer
      activity. Structural and chemical characterizations proved that SeNPs are
      effectively capped with WP1 via physical absorption, resulting in a stable hybrid
      structure with an average diameter of 89.22 nm. A panel of selected human cancer
      cell lines demonstrated high susceptibility toward WP1-SeNPs and displayed
      significantly reduced proliferative behavior. The as-synthesized WP1-SeNPs
      exhibited excellent selectivity between cancer cells and normal cells. The
      targeted induction of apoptosis in human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) was
      confirmed by the accumulation of arrested S-phase cells, nuclear condensation,
      and DNA breakage. Careful investigations revealed that an extrinsic apoptotic
      pathway can be attributed to the cell apoptosis and the same was confirmed by
      activation of the Fas-associated with death domain protein and caspases 3, 8, and
      9. In addition, it was also understood that intrinsic apoptotic pathways
      including reactive oxygen species generation, as well as the reduction in
      mitochondrial membrane potential, are also involved in the WP1-SeNP-induced
      apoptosis. This suggested the involvement of multiple apoptosis pathways in the
      anticancer activity. Our results indicated that WP1-SeNP hybrids with Se core
      encapsulated in a WP1 shell could be a highly effective method to achieve
      anticancer synergism. Moreover, the great potential exhibited by WP1-SeNPs could
      make them an ideal candidate as a chemotherapeutic agent for human cancers,
      especially for breast cancer.

PMID- 27143876
TI  - A reduced graphene oxide-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensor for
      highly sensitive detection of matrix metalloproteinase 2.
AB  - A novel fluorescence nanoprobe (reduced nano-graphene oxide [nrGO]/fluorescein
      isothiocyanate-labeled peptide [Pep-FITC]) for ultrasensitive detection of matrix
      metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) has been developed by engineering the Pep-FITC
      comprising the specific MMP2 substrate domain (PLGVR) onto the surface of nrGO
      particles through non-covalent linkage. The nrGO was obtained by water bathing
      nano-graphene oxide under 90 degrees C for 4 hours. After mixing the nrGO and Pep
      FITC for 30 seconds, the fluorescence from Pep-FITC was almost completely
      quenched due to the fluorescence resonance energy transfer between fluorescein
      isothiocyanate (FITC) and nrGO. Upon cleavage of the amide bond between Leu and
      Gly in the Pep-FITC by protease-MMP2, the FITC bound to nrGO was separated from
      nrGO surface, disrupting the fluorescence resonance energy transfer process and
      resulting in fluorescence recovery of FITC. Under optimal conditions, the
      fluorescence recovery of nrGO/Pep-FITC was found to be directly proportional to
      the concentration of MMP2 within 0.02-0.1 nM. The detection limit of the nrGO/Pep
      FITC was determined to be 3 pM, which is approximately tenfold lower than that of
      the unreduced carboxylated nano-graphene oxide/Pep-FITC probe.

PMID- 27143874
TI  - Impact of air quality guidelines on COPD sufferers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: COPD is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in both
      high- and low-income countries and a major public health burden worldwide. While
      cigarette smoking remains the main cause of COPD, outdoor and indoor air
      pollution are important risk factors to its etiology. Although studies over the
      last 30 years helped reduce the values, it is not very clear if the current air
      quality guidelines are adequately protective for COPD sufferers. OBJECTIVE: This
      systematic review was to summarize the up-to-date literature on the impact of air
      pollution on the COPD sufferers. METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar were utilized
      to search for articles related to our study's focus. Search terms included "COPD
      exacerbation", "air pollution", "air quality guidelines", "air quality
      standards", "COPD morbidity and mortality", "chronic bronchitis", and "air
      pollution control" separately and in combination. We focused on articles from
      1990 to 2015. We also used articles prior to 1990 if they contained relevant
      information. We focused on articles written in English or with an English
      abstract. We also used the articles in the reference lists of the identified
      articles. RESULTS: Both short-term and long-term exposures to outdoor air
      pollution around the world are associated with the mortality and morbidity of
      COPD sufferers even at levels below the current air quality guidelines. Biomass
      cooking in low-income countries was clearly associated with COPD morbidity in
      adult nonsmoking females. CONCLUSION: There is a need to continue to improve the
      air quality guidelines. A range of intervention measures could be selected at
      different levels based on countries' socioeconomic conditions to reduce the air
      pollution exposure and COPD burden.

PMID- 27143877
TI  - Improving proton therapy by metal-containing nanoparticles: nanoscale insights.
AB  - The use of nanoparticles to enhance the effect of radiation-based cancer
      treatments is a growing field of study and recently, even nanoparticle-induced
      improvement of proton therapy performance has been investigated. Aiming at a
      clinical implementation of this approach, it is essential to characterize the
      mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects of nanoparticles combined with
      proton irradiation. In this study, we investigated the effect of platinum- and
      gadolinium-based nanoparticles on the nanoscale damage induced by a proton beam
      of therapeutically relevant energy (150 MeV) using plasmid DNA molecular probe.
      Two conditions of irradiation (0.44 and 3.6 keV/MUm) were considered to mimic the
      beam properties at the entrance and at the end of the proton track. We
      demonstrate that the two metal-containing nanoparticles amplify, in particular,
      the induction of nanosize damages (>2 nm) which are most lethal for cells. More
      importantly, this effect is even more pronounced at the end of the proton track.
      This work gives a new insight into the underlying mechanisms on the nanoscale and
      indicates that the addition of metal-based nanoparticles is a promising strategy
      not only to increase the cell killing action of fast protons, but also to improve
      tumor targeting. 

PMID- 27143879
TI  - Engineered metal nanoparticles in the sub-nanomolar levels kill cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small metal nanoparticles obtained from animal blood were observed to
      be toxic to cultured cancer cells, whereas noncancerous cells were much less
      affected. In this work, engineered zinc and copper metal nanoparticles were
      produced from bulk metal rods by an underwater high-voltage discharge method. The
      metal nanoparticles were characterized by atomic force microscopy and X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy. The metal nanoparticles, with estimated diameters of
      1 nm-2 nm, were determined to be more than 85% nonoxidized. A cell viability
      assay and high-resolution light microscopy showed that exposure of RG2, cultured
      rat brain glioma cancer cells, to the zinc and copper nanoparticles resulted in
      cell morphological changes, including decreased cell adherence,
      shrinking/rounding, nuclear condensation, and budding from cell bodies. The metal
      induced cell injuries were similar to the effects of staurosporine, an active
      apoptotic reagent. The viability experiments conducted for zinc and copper
      yielded values of dissociation constants of 0.22 +/- 0.08 nmol/L (standard error
      [SE]) and 0.12 +/- 0.02 nmol/L (SE), respectively. The noncancerous astrocytes
      were not affected at the same conditions. Because metal nanoparticles were lethal
      to the cancer cells at sub-nanomolar concentrations, they are potentially
      important as nanomedicine. PURPOSE: Lethal concentrations of synthetic metal
      nanoparticles reported in the literature are a few orders of magnitude higher
      than the natural, blood-isolated metal nanoparticles; therefore, in this work,
      engineered metal nanoparticles were examined to mimic the properties of
      endogenous metal nanoparticles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RG2, rat brain glioma
      cells CTX TNA2 brain rat astrocytes, obtained from the American Type Culture
      Collection, high-voltage discharge, atomic force microscope, X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy, high-resolution light microscopy, zeta potential measurements, and
      3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were
      used in this work. RESULTS: Engineered zinc and copper metal nanoparticles of
      size 1 nm-2 nm were lethal to cultured RG2 glioma cancer cells. Cell death was
      confirmed by MTT assay, showing that the relative viability of RG2 glioma cells
      is reduced in a dose-dependent manner at sub-nanomolar concentrations of the
      nanoparticles. The noncancerous astrocytes were not affected at the same
      conditions. CONCLUSION: The engineered and characterized zinc and copper
      nanoparticles are potentially significant as biomedicine.

PMID- 27143878
TI  - Development and characterization of self-assembling lecithin-based mixed
      polymeric micelles containing quercetin in cancer treatment and an in vivo
      pharmacokinetic study.
AB  - Quercetin (Que) is known to have biological benefits including an anticancer
      effect, but low water solubility limits its clinical application. The aim of this
      study was to develop a lecithin-based mixed polymeric micelle (LMPM) delivery
      system to improve the solubility and bioavailability of Que. The optimal Que
      LMPM, composed of Que, lecithin, Pluronic((r)) P123, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn
      glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-methoxy[poly(ethylene glycol)-2000] in a
      proportion of 3:1:17.5:2.5 (w/w), was prepared by a thin-film method. The average
      size, polydispersion index, encapsulating efficiency, and drug loading of Que
      LMPM were 61.60 +/- 5.02 nm, 0.589 +/- 0.198, 96.87% +/- 9.04%, and 12.18% +/-
      1.11%, respectively. The solubility of Que in the Que-LMPM system increased to
      5.81 mg/mL, compared to that of free Que in water of 0.17-7.7 MUg/mL. The Que
      LMPM system presented a sustained-release property in vitro. The in vitro
      cytotoxicity assay showed that the 50% inhibitory concentration values toward MCF
      7 breast cancer cells for free Que, blank LMPMs, and Que-LMPMs were >200, >200,
      and 110 MUM, respectively, indicating the nontoxicity of the LMPM carrier, but
      the LMPM formulation enhanced the cytotoxicity of Que against MCF-7 cells. A
      cellular uptake assay also confirmed the intake of Que-LMPM by MCF-7 cells. An in
      vivo pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that Que-LMPMs had higher area under the
      concentration-time curve and a longer half-life, leading to better
      bioavailability compared to a free Que injection. Due to their nanosize, core
      shell structure, and solubilization potential, LMPMs were successfully developed
      as a drug delivery system for Que to improve its solubility and bioavailability.

PMID- 27143880
TI  - Potential antitumor activity of novel DODAC/PHO-S liposomes.
AB  - In recent studies, we showed that synthetic phosphoethanolamine (PHO-S) has a
      great potential for inducing cell death in several tumor cell lines without
      damage to normal cells. However, its cytotoxic effect and selectivity against
      tumor cells could increase with encapsulation in cationic liposomes, such as
      dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride (DODAC), due to electrostatic interactions
      between these liposomes and tumor cell membranes. Our aim was to use cationic
      liposomes to deliver PHO-S and to furthermore maximize the therapeutic effect of
      this compound. DODAC liposomes containing PHO-S (DODAC/PHO-S), at concentrations
      of 0.3-2.0 mM, prepared by ultrasonication, were analyzed by scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering. The cytotoxic effect of DODAC/PHO
      S on B16F10 cells, Hepa1c1c7 cells, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      (HUVECs) was assessed by MTT assay. Cell cycle phases of B16F10 cells were
      analyzed by flow cytometry and the morphological changes by SEM, after treatment.
      The liposomes were spherical and polydisperse in solution. The liposomes were
      stable, presenting an average of ~ 50% of PHO-S encapsulation, with a small
      reduction after 40 days. DODAC demonstrated efficient PHO-S delivery, with the
      lowest values of IC50% (concentration that inhibits 50% of the growth of cells)
      for tumor cells, compared with PHO-S alone, with an IC50% value of 0.8 mM for
      B16F10 cells and 0.2 mM for Hepa1c1c7 cells, and without significant effects on
      endothelial cells. The Hepa1c1c7 cells showed greater sensitivity to the
      DODAC/PHO-S formulation when compared to B16F10 cells and HUVECs. The use of
      DODAC/PHO-S on B16F10 cells induced G2/M-phase cell cycle arrest, with the
      proportion significantly greater than that treated with PHO-S alone. The
      morphological analysis of B16F10 cells by SEM showed changes such as "bleb"
      formation, cell detachment, cytoplasmic retraction, and apoptotic bodies after
      DODAC/PHO-S treatment. Cationic liposomal formulation for PHO-S delivery promoted
      cytotoxicity more selectively and effectively against B16F10 and Hepa1c1c7 cells.
      Thus, the DODAC/PHO-S liposomal formulation presents great potential for
      preclinical studies.

PMID- 27143881
TI  - Polyacrylate/nanosilica causes pleural and pericardial effusion, and pulmonary
      fibrosis and granuloma in rats similar to those observed in exposed workers.
AB  - Nanomaterials offer great benefit as well as potential damage to humans. Workers
      exposed to polyacrylate coatings have pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and
      pulmonary fibrosis and granuloma, which are thought to be related to the high
      exposure to nanomaterials in the coatings. The study aimed to determine whether
      polyacrylate/silica nanoparticles cause similar toxicity in rats, as observed in
      exposed workers. Ninety male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups
      with 18 rats in each group. The groups included the saline control group, another
      control group of polyacrylate only, and low-, intermediate-, and high-dose groups
      of polyacrylate/nanosilica with concentrations of 3.125, 6.25, and 12.5 mg/kg.
      Seventy-five rats for the 1-week study were terminated for scheduled necropsy at
      24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days postintratracheal instillation. The remaining 15
      rats (three males/group) had repeated ultrasound and chest computed tomography
      examinations in a 2-week study to observe the pleural and pericardial effusion
      and pulmonary toxicity. We found that polyacrylate/nanosilica resulted in pleural
      and pericardial effusions, where nanosilica was isolated and detected. Effusion
      occurred on day 3 and day 5 post-administration of nanocomposites in the 6.25 and
      12.5 mg/kg groups, it gradually rose to a maximum on days 7-10 and then slowly
      decreased and disappeared on day 14. With an increase in polyacrylate/nanosilica
      concentrations, pleural effusion increased, as shown by ultrasonographic
      qualitative observations. Pulmonary fibrosis and granuloma were also observed in
      the high-dose polyacrylate/nanosilica group. Our study shows that
      polyacrylate/nanosilica results in specific toxicity presenting as pleural and
      pericardial effusion, as well as pulmonary fibrosis and granuloma, which are
      almost identical to results in reported patients. These results indicate the
      urgent need and importance of nanosafety and awareness of toxicity of
      polyacrylate/nanosilica. 

PMID- 27143882
TI  - Conjugation of insulin onto the sidewalls of single-walled carbon nanotubes
      through functionalization and diimide-activated amidation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The high aspect ratio of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) allows the attachment
      of compounds that enhance the functionality of the drug vehicle. Considering
      this, use of CNTs as a multifunctional insulin carrier may be an interesting
      prospect to explore. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The carboxylic acid groups were
      functionalized on the sidewalls of single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) followed by
      diimidation to form amide bonds with the amine groups of the insulin. RESULTS:
      Scanning transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy
      establish clear conjugation of insulin onto the surface of nanotube sidewalls.
      The incorporation of insulin further increased the solubility of SWCNTs in
      biological solution for the tested period of 5 months. Bicinchoninic acid assay
      confirms that 0.42 mg of insulin could be attached to every 1 mg of carboxylated
      SWCNTs. CONCLUSION: With the successful conjugation of insulin to SWCNTs, it
      opens up the potential use of SWCNTs as an insulin carrier which in need of
      further biological studies.

PMID- 27143885
TI  - Novel pharmacologic treatment in acute binge eating disorder - role of
      lisdexamfetamine.
AB  - Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder and an important
      public health problem. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive
      food consumption accompanied by a sense of loss of control over the binge eating
      behavior without the inappropriate compensatory weight loss behaviors of bulimia
      nervosa. BED affects both sexes and all age groups and is associated with medical
      and psychiatric comorbidities. Until recently, self-help and psychotherapy were
      the primary treatment options for patients with BED. In early 2015,
      lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a prodrug stimulant marketed for attention deficit
      hyperactive disorder, was the first pharmacologic agent to be approved by the US
      Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate or severe BED in
      adults. This article summarizes BED clinical presentation, and discusses the
      pharmacokinetic profile, efficacy, and safety of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in
      the treatment of BED in adults. 

PMID- 27143883
TI  - Design of acid-responsive polymeric nanoparticles for 7,3',4'
      trihydroxyisoflavone topical administration.
AB  - 7,3',4'-Trihydroxyisoflavone (734THIF) is a secondary metabolite of daidzein and
      has been recently found to possess antioxidant, melanin inhibition, and skin
      cancer chemopreventive activities. However, the poor water solubility of 734THIF
      impedes its absorption and skin penetration and, therefore, limits its
      pharmacological effects when applied topically to the skin. We seek to use the
      nanoprecipitation method to prepare optimal eudragit E100 (EE)-polyvinyl alcohol
      (PVA)-loaded 734THIF nanoparticles (734N) to improve its physicochemical
      properties and thereby increase its water solubility, skin penetration, and
      biological activities. EE-PVA-loaded 734THIF nanoparticles (734N) were prepared,
      and their morphology and particle size were evaluated using a particle size
      analyzer and by electron microscopy. The drug loading and encapsulation
      efficiencies and in vitro solubility were determined using high-performance
      liquid chromatography. Hydrogen-bond formation was evaluated by (1)H-nuclear
      magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and crystalline
      to-amorphous transformation was determined by differential scanning calorimetry
      and X-ray diffractometry. In vitro skin penetration was analyzed using fresh pig
      skin mounted on Franz diffusion cells, and cytotoxicity against human
      keratinocyte HaCaT cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. Antioxidant activity
      was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-free radical scavenging ability.
      EE-PVA-loaded 734THIF nanoparticles showed good drug loading and encapsulation
      efficiencies and were characterized by improved physicochemical properties,
      including reduction in particle size, amorphous transformation, and
      intermolecular hydrogen-bond formation. This is associated with increased water
      solubility and enhanced in vitro skin penetration, with no cytotoxicity toward
      HaCaT cells. In addition, 734THIF nanoparticles retained their antioxidant
      activity. In conclusion, 734THIF nanoparticles are characterized by improved
      physicochemical properties, increased water solubility, and enhanced skin
      penetration, and these may have potential use in the future as a topical delivery
      formulation for the treatment of skin diseases. 

PMID- 27143884
TI  - c(RGDyK)-decorated Pluronic micelles for enhanced doxorubicin and paclitaxel
      delivery to brain glioma.
AB  - Brain glioma therapy is an important challenge in oncology. Here, doxorubicin
      (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide
      (c(RGDyK))-decorated Pluronic micelles (cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid
      peptide-decorated Pluronic micelles loaded with doxorubicin and paclitaxel [RGD
      PF-DP]) were designed as a potential targeted delivery system to enhance blood
      brain barrier penetration and improve drug accumulation via integrin-mediated
      transcytosis/endocytosis and based on integrin overexpression in blood-brain
      barrier and glioma cells. The physicochemical characterization of RGD-PF-DP
      revealed a satisfactory size of 28.5+/-0.12 nm with uniform distribution and core
      shell structure. The transport rates across the in vitro blood-brain barrier
      model, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis of U87 malignant glioblastoma
      cells of RGD-PF-DP were significantly greater than those of non-c(RGDyK)
      decorated Pluronic micelles. In vivo fluorescence imaging demonstrated the
      specificity and efficacy of intracranial tumor accumulation of RGD-PF-DP. RGD-PF
      DP displayed an extended median survival time of 39 days, with no serious body
      weight loss during the regimen. No acute toxicity to major organs was observed in
      mice receiving treatment doses via intravenous administration. In conclusion, RGD
      PF-DP could be a promising vehicle for enhanced doxorubicin and paclitaxel
      delivery in patients with brain glioma. 

PMID- 27143887
TI  - Comparison of beta-endorphin and CGRP levels before and after treatment for
      severe schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Links between endorphins and dopaminergic transmission have not been
      fully explored in schizophrenia. Both endorphins excess and deficiency were
      postulated. CGRP is probably involved in dopaminergic transmission. The aim of
      this study was the evaluation of beta-endorphin (BE) and CGRP blood
      concentrations before and after treatment of severe schizophrenia. METHODS:
      Seventy patients treated with various antipsychotics, with severe symptoms of
      schizophrenia (51 with positive symptoms, 19 with negative symptoms), 15 first
      degree relatives, and 44 healthy controls were included in the study. BE and CGRP
      blood concentrations were measured during patients severe schizophrenia and in
      their stable mental state after treatment. The results were compared with
      relatives and controls. RESULTS: BE and CGRP concentrations in patients with
      negative symptoms were higher than in relatives and in controls. BE levels in
      patients with positive symptoms were lower than in patients with negative
      symptoms (P<0.0000) and controls (P<0.0006). No significant changes in CGRP
      concentration were found in patient samples. CGRP levels in these samples were
      independent of treatment, but they were significantly higher than in relatives
      and controls. After the treatment, BE level decreased in patients with negative
      symptoms (P<0.0001) and increased in patients with positive symptoms (P<0.0000).
      No differences in BE concentration between patients in stable mental state, their
      relatives, and controls were found. CONCLUSION: Effective antipsychotic treatment
      results in "normalization" of BE level. Specific changes in BE concentration
      could be involved in dopaminergic transmission and related to some symptoms of
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 27143886
TI  - Altered intra- and interregional synchronization in relapsing-remitting multiple
      sclerosis: a resting-state fMRI study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neuroimaging studies of relapsing-remitting multiple
      sclerosis (RRMS) have found structural disconnection and large-scale neural
      network dysfunction. However, few studies have explored the local brain activity
      of RRMS patients in the resting state. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study,
      regional homogeneity (ReHo) and resting-state functional connectivity (FC) were
      used to investigate intra- and interregional synchronized activity in 22 patients
      with RRMS and 22 matched healthy controls (HCs). RESULTS: Compared with HCs,
      patients with RRMS showed significantly decreased ReHo in the left insula and
      right caudate. Through further seed-based FC analysis, we found decreased FC
      between the left insula and left precentral gyrus in patients with RRMS compared
      with HCs, as well as increased FC between the right caudate and right
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that a
      decreased ReHo value in the left insula was associated with an increased total
      white matter lesion loads (TWMLL) score (r=-0.594, P=0.004) or a worsened paced
      auditory serial addition test score (r=0.536, P=0.010). No other significant
      correlations were observed between the FC value (left insula - left precentral
      gyrus) and clinical scores (P=0.246-0.982). The ReHo value of the right caudate
      was negatively correlated with disease duration (r=-0.526, P=0.012) and with the
      TWMLL score (r=-0.596, P=0.003). Moreover, a positive correlation was observed
      between the FC value (right caudate - right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and
      the TWMLL score (r=0.523, P=0.012) or the modified fatigue impact scale-5 score
      (r=0.608, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Together, these findings suggest that the insula
      with regional dysfunction involves disconnection with sensorimotor regions, and
      demyelinating lesion-related intra- and interregional dysfunction in the caudate
      is associated with the impact of fatigue on cognitive control functions. Abnormal
      synchronization of intra- and interregional activity in the insula and caudate
      may play important roles in the pathology of RRMS.

PMID- 27143888
TI  - Olfactory dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with the earliest
      clinical symptom of olfactory dysfunction, which is a potential clinical marker
      for AD severity and progression. However, many questions remain unanswered. This
      article reviews relevant research on olfactory dysfunction in AD and evaluates
      the predictive value of olfactory dysfunction for the epidemiological,
      pathophysiological, and clinical features of AD, as well as for the conversion of
      cognitive impairment to AD. We summarize problems of existing studies and provide
      a useful reference for further studies in AD olfactory dysfunction and for
      clinical applications of olfactory testing. 

PMID- 27143889
TI  - Fear of falling: efficacy of virtual reality associated with serious games in
      elderly people.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fear of falling is defined as an ongoing concern about falling that is
      not explained by physical examination. Focusing on the psychological dimension of
      this pathology (phobic reaction to walking), we looked at how virtual reality
      associated with serious games can be used to treat this pathology. METHODS:
      Participants with fear of falling were randomly assigned to either a treatment
      group or a waiting list. The therapy consisted of 12 weekly sessions of virtual
      reality exposure therapy associated with serious games. RESULTS: Sixteen
      participants were included. The mean age of the treatment group was 72 years and
      that of the control group was 69 years. Participants' scores on the fear of
      falling measure improved after treatment with virtual reality associated with
      serious games, leading to a significant difference between the two groups.
      CONCLUSION: Virtual reality exposure therapy associated with serious games can be
      used in the treatment of fear of falling. The two techniques are complementary
      (top-down and bottom-up processes). To our knowledge, this is the first time that
      a combination of the two has been assessed. There was a specific effect of this
      therapy on the phobic reaction. Further studies are needed to confirm its
      efficacy and identify its underlying mechanism.

PMID- 27143891
TI  - Patterns of psychotropic medication use in inpatient and outpatient psychiatric
      settings in Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the pattern of psychotropic medication use and compare this
      pattern between inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings in Saudi Arabia.
      METHOD: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between July 2012
      and June 2014 on patients seeking psychiatric advice at major hospitals in five
      main regions of Saudi Arabia. Male (n=651) and female (n=594) patients who signed
      the informed consent form and were currently or had been previously using
      psychotropic medications, irrespective of the patient's type of psychiatric
      diagnosis and duration of the disease, were included. A total of 1,246 patients
      were found to be suitable in the inclusion criteria of whom 464 were inpatients
      while 782 were outpatients. RESULTS: Several studied demographic factors have
      shown that compared with outpatients, inpatients were more likely to be male
      (P=0.004), unmarried (P<0.001), have less number of children (1-3; P=0.002),
      unemployed (P=0.001), have a lower family income (<3,000 SR; P<0.001), live in
      rural communities (P<0.001), have a lower body mass index (P=0.001), and are
      smokers (P<0.001); however, there were no differences with regard to age or
      educational levels. The current frequency of use of psychotropic medications in
      overall patients was antipsychotics (76.6%), antidepressants (41.4%), mood
      stabilizers (27.9%), and antianxiety (6.2%). However, compared to outpatients,
      the current use of medications for inpatients was more frequent (93.8% vs 89.9%,
      P=0.019) with inpatients more likely to be treated with multiple medications (2.1
      vs 1.8 medications). A similar trend was observed in the case of antipsychotics,
      high potency first-generation antipsychotics, second-generation antipsychotics,
      mood stabilizers, and antianxiety medicines where inpatients were more frequently
      treated with these medications for all psychiatric diagnoses when compared with
      outpatients. On the contrary, in the case of antidepressant treatment, an
      opposite trend was observed with more number of treated outpatients in comparison
      to inpatients. Among elderly patients, 75.9% received antipsychotics, mainly
      second-generation formulations (67.2%), whereas only 41% received antidepressants
      and 13.8% received mood stabilizers. CONCLUSION: Based upon the present study
      data, it is concluded that among all the psychotropic medications, antipsychotics
      were heavily used and the frequency was found to be significantly high in the
      case of inpatients compared with outpatients. Such a practice may lead to
      multiple negative consequences among the Saudi psychiatric patient population.
      Further, extensive use of sodium valproate in the case of bipolar disorder, and
      also among females either in childbearing age or during pregnancy is also the
      cause of concern and warrants logical use. Overall, this study may help in
      assessing the burden of psychiatric illness within specific patient demographics
      and might be effectively used to strategically plan health resources allocation,
      generate new treatment hypothesis, or be used as a source of evidence that could
      further integrate other observational studies.

PMID- 27143890
TI  - Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang exerts effects on a rat model of postpartum depression by
      regulating inflammatory cytokines and CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shen-Qi-Jie-Yu-Fang (SJF) is composed of eight Chinese medicinal
      herbs. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating postpartum
      depression (PPD). Previous studies have shown that SJF treats PPD through the
      neuroendocrine mechanism. AIM: To further investigate the effect of SJF on the
      immune system, including the inflammatory response system and CD4(+)CD25(+)
      regulatory T (Treg) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats were used
      to create an animal model of PPD by inducing hormone-simulated pregnancy followed
      by hormone withdrawal. After hormone withdrawal, the PPD rats were treated with
      SJF or fluoxetine for 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Levels of Treg cells in peripheral blood
      were measured by flow cytometry analysis. Serum interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-6
      were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and gene and protein
      expressions of IL-1RI, IL-6Ralpha, and gp130 in the hippocampus were observed by
      reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Serum
      IL-1beta in PPD rats increased at 2 weeks and declined from then on, while serum
      IL-6 increased at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Both IL-1beta and IL-6 were downregulated by
      SJF and fluoxetine. Changes in gene and protein expressions of IL-1RI and gp130
      in PPD rats were consistent with changes in serum IL-1beta, and were able to be
      regulated by SJF and fluoxetine. The levels of Treg cells were negatively
      correlated with serum IL-1beta and IL-6, and were decreased in PPD rats. The
      levels of Treg cells were increased by SJF and fluoxetine. CONCLUSION:
      Dysfunction of proinflammatory cytokines and Tregs in different stages of PPD was
      attenuated by SJF and fluoxetine through the modulation of serum concentrations
      of IL-1beta and IL-6, expressions of IL-1RI, and gp130 in the hippocampus, and
      CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells in peripheral blood.

PMID- 27143892
TI  - Olig1 expression pattern in neural cells during rat spinal cord development.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our purpose was to systematically investigate the expression pattern and
      role of Olig1 in neural cells during rat spinal cord development. ANIMALS AND
      METHODS: Spinal cord tissues were dissected from Sprague-Dawley rats at embryonic
      day 14.5 (E14.5) and E18.5, postnatal day 0 (P0), P3, P7, postnatal 2 weeks
      (P2W), P4W, and adults (more than 2 months after birth), respectively. The
      expression of Olig1 was determined by Western blot and immunostaining. To observe
      expression of Olig1 in different neural cell types, a double immunohistochemical
      staining was performed using antibodies against Olig1 with O4, beta-tubulin,
      glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and myelin basic protein, respectively.
      RESULTS: The expression of Olig1 protein shows a significant level change in rat
      spinal cord at different developmental time points. Starting with E14.5, the
      expression gradually increased and peaked at E18.5. Olig1 decreased gradually
      from P3 and reached its lowest level on P7. However, interestingly, the Olig1
      expression increased again from P2W, until adulthood. Olig1 was coexpressed with
      O4-positive oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and beta-tubulin-positive
      neurons at all time points during development. Olig1 was also coexpressed
      transiently with GFAP-positive astrocytes at only E14.5. Olig1 was localized in
      the cytoplasm of O4- and beta-tubulin-positive cells during the period from E14.5
      to adult. CONCLUSION: The expression of Olig1 in OPCs and neurons at all time
      points during development and in astrocytes at E14.5 suggests that Olig1 may play
      an important role in the generation and maturation of specific neural cells
      during development of spinal cord. Our results contribute to understanding the
      mechanism underlying developmental regulation of neural cells by Olig1.

PMID- 27143893
TI  - Second-generation long-acting injectable antipsychotics in schizophrenia: patient
      functioning and quality of life.
AB  - Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) were developed to make treatment
      easier, improve adherence, and/or signal the clinician when nonadherence occurs.
      Second-generation antipsychotic LAIs (SGA-LAIs) combine the advantages of SGA
      with a long-acting formulation. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the
      available literature concerning the impact of SGA-LAIs on patient functioning and
      quality of life (QOL). Although several studies regarding schizophrenia patients'
      functioning and QOL have been performed, the quantity of available data still
      varies greatly depending on the SGA-LAI under investigation. After reviewing the
      literature, it seems that SGA-LAIs are effective in ameliorating patient
      functioning and/or QOL of patients with schizophrenia, as compared with placebo.
      However, while methodological design controversy exists regarding the superiority
      of risperidone LAI versus oral antipsychotics, the significant amount of evidence
      in recently published research demonstrates the beneficial influence of
      risperidone LAI on patient functioning and QOL in stable patients and no benefit
      over oral treatment in unstable patients. However, the status of the research on
      SGA-LAIs is lacking in several aspects that may help physicians in choosing the
      correct drug therapy. Meaningful differences have been observed between SGA-LAIs
      in the onset of their clinical efficacy and in the relationships between symptoms
      and functioning scores. Moreover, head-to-head studies comparing the effects of
      SGA-LAIs on classical measures of psychopathology and functioning are available
      mainly on risperidone LAI, while those comparing olanzapine LAI with other SGA
      LAIs are still lacking. Lastly, some data on their use, especially in first
      episode or recent-onset schizophrenia and in refractory or treatment-resistant
      schizophrenia, is available. 

PMID- 27143895
TI  - Medication use patterns, health care resource utilization, and economic burden
      for patients with major depressive disorder in Beijing, People's Republic of
      China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate medication usage
      patterns, health care resource utilization, and direct medical costs of patients
      with major depressive disorder (MDD) in Beijing, People's Republic of China.
      METHODS: Data were extracted from a random sample of the Beijing Urban Employee
      Basic Medical Insurance database. Patients aged >=18 years, with >=1 primary
      diagnosis of MDD and 12-month continuous enrollment after their first observed
      MDD diagnosis between 2012 and 2013 were identified. Those with a diagnosis of
      schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or cancer during the analysis period were
      excluded. RESULTS: In total 8,484 patients, with a mean age of 57.2 years, were
      included and 63% were female. The top three commonly observed comorbidities were
      hypertension (70.9%), anxiety disorder (68.6%), and coronary heart disease
      (65.1%). Furthermore, 71.4% of patients were treated with antidepressant
      medications, including 60.5% of patients treated with selective serotonin
      reuptake inhibitors, followed by noradrenergic and specific serotonergic
      antidepressants (9.0%) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (8.3%).
      The proportions of patients who discontinued their initial antidepressant within
      the first and second months after the index date were 45.4% and 77.0%,
      respectively. Concomitant medications were prescribed for 76.8% of patients. Only
      0.42% of patients experienced >=1 MDD-related hospitalization(s) during the 1
      year follow-up, and the average annual number of hospitalization was 1.2 for
      those hospitalized. The mean length of stay was 33.4 days per hospitalization.
      All patients had >=1 MDD-related outpatient visit(s). The mean annual number of
      outpatient visits per patient was 3.1. The mean annual direct medical costs per
      patient with MDD was RMB Y1,694.1 (48.5% for antidepressant medications), and
      that for hospitalized patients was RMB Y21,291.0 (15.0% for antidepressant
      medications). CONCLUSION: In Beijing, the majority of patients with MDD were
      treated in the outpatient setting only and they received antidepressants.
      Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most commonly used
      antidepressants. However, the duration to antidepressant medication was short,
      and persistence was low. The economic burden of MDD-related hospitalization was
      considerable.

PMID- 27143894
TI  - Medication management during electroconvulsant therapy.
AB  - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has demonstrated to be highly effective and safe,
      even life saving for many psychiatric disorders such as major depression, bipolar
      disorder and schizophrenia. Most patients who require ECT are also on concurrent
      pharmacotherapy. As such, the objective of this article is to provide a review of
      the most recent literature focusing on the medications used during an ECT
      procedure and on the effects of concurrent psychiatric and non-psychiatric
      medications on the effectiveness and safety of ECT. The review also attempts to
      summarize the recommendations derived from existing documents to guide
      pharmacotherapy decisions for patients undergoing ECT. For this purpose, using
      electronic databases, an extensive search of the current literature was made
      using ECT and medications or drug classes as keywords. 

PMID- 27143896
TI  - The efficacy and safety of multiple doses of vortioxetine for generalized anxiety
      disorder: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Vortioxetine is a novel antidepressant approved for the treatment of
      major depressive disorder by the US Food and Drug Administration in September
      2013. This meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of different doses of
      vortioxetine for generalized anxiety disorder of adults. METHODS: PubMed,
      Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Clinical Trials databases were searched from 2000
      through 2015. The abstracts of the annual meetings of the American Psychiatric
      Association and previous reviews were searched to identify additional studies.
      The search was limited to individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and
      there was no language restriction. Four RCTs met the selection criteria. These
      studies included 1,843 adult patients. Results were expressed as odds ratios
      (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The data were pooled with a random
      effects or fixed-effects model. RESULTS: The results showed that multiple doses
      (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/d) of vortioxetine did not significantly improve the
      generalized anxiety disorder symptoms compared to placebo (OR=1.16, 95% CI=0.84
      1.60, Z=0.89, P=0.38; OR=1.41, 95% CI=0.82-2.41, Z=1.25, P=0.21; OR=1.05, 95%
      CI=0.76-1.46, Z=0.32, P=0.75, respectively). We measured the efficacy of 2.5 mg/d
      vortioxetine compared to 10 mg/d, and no significant differences were observed.
      The common adverse effects included nausea and headache. With increased dose,
      nausea was found to be more frequent in the vortioxetine (5 and 10 mg/d) group
      (OR=2.99, 95% CI=1.31-6.84, Z=2.60, P=0.009; OR=2.80, 95% CI=1.85-4.25, Z=4.85,
      P<0.00001, respectively), but no significant differences were observed for
      headache. CONCLUSION: The results showed no significant improvement in the
      treatment of generalized anxiety disorder for vortioxetine compared to placebo,
      and nausea was more frequent with higher doses. So the current evidences do not
      support using vortioxetine for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Few
      RCTs were included in our meta-analysis, and more studies are needed to verify
      our results in the future.

PMID- 27143898
TI  - The correlation between stress and economic crisis: a systematic review.
AB  - In 2008 a deep economic crisis started in the US and rapidly spread around the
      world. The crisis severely affected the labor market and employees' well-being.
      Hence, the aim of this work is to implement a systematic review of the principal
      studies that analyze the impact of the economic crisis on the health of workers.
      We conducted our search on the PubMed database, and a total of 19 articles were
      selected for review. All studies showed that the economic crisis was an important
      stressor that had a negative impact on workers' mental health. Most of the
      studies documented that a rise in unemployment, increased workload, staff
      reduction, and wages reduction were linked to an increased rate of mood
      disorders, anxiety, depression, dysthymia, and suicide. Some studies showed that
      problems related to the crisis may have also affected the general health of
      workers by increasing the risk of such health problems as cardiovascular and
      respiratory diseases. Finally, some studies looked at the impact of the crisis on
      health care services. These studies demonstrated that the reduction in public
      expenditure on health care services, and the reduction of public hospital budgets
      due to the recession, led to organizational problems (eg, medical supply
      shortages). 

PMID- 27143897
TI  - White matter alterations related to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and
      COMT val(158)met polymorphism: children with valine homozygote attention-deficit
      hyperactivity disorder have altered white matter connectivity in the right
      cingulum (cingulate gyrus).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this article, the COMT gene val(158)met polymorphism and
      attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related differences in diffusion
      tensor-imaging-measured white matter (WM) structure in children with ADHD and
      controls were investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 71 children
      diagnosed with ADHD and 24 controls aged 8-15 years were recruited. Using
      diffusion tensor imaging, COMT polymorphism and ADHD-related WM alterations were
      investigated, and any interaction effect between the COMT polymorphism and ADHD
      was also examined. The effects of age, sex, and estimated total IQ were
      controlled by multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). RESULTS: First, an
      interaction between the COMT val(158)met polymorphism and ADHD in the right (R)
      cingulum (cingulate gyrus) (CGC) was found. According to this, valine (val)
      homozygote ADHD-diagnosed children had significantly lower fractional anisotropy
      (FA) and higher radial diffusivity (RD) in the R-CGC than ADHD-diagnosed
      methionine (met) carriers, and val homozygote controls had higher FA and lower RD
      in the R-CGC than val homozygote ADHD patients. Second, met carriers had higher
      FA and axial diffusivity in the left (L)-uncinate fasciculus and lower RD in the
      L-posterior corona radiata and L-posterior thalamic radiation (include optic
      radiation) than the val homozygotes, independent of ADHD diagnosis. Third,
      children with ADHD had lower FA in the L-CGC and R-retrolenticular part of the
      internal capsule than the controls, independent of the COMT polymorphism.
      CONCLUSION: Significant differences reported here may be evidence that the COMT
      gene val(158)met polymorphism variants, as well as ADHD, could affect brain
      development. ADHD and the COMT polymorphism might be interactively affecting WM
      development in the R-CGC to alter the WM connectivity in children with val
      homozygote ADHD.

PMID- 27143899
TI  - Sense of alexithymia in patients with anxiety disorders comorbid with recurrent
      urticaria.
AB  - AIM: Alexithymia is associated with limited cognitive processing of emotions by
      an individual suffering from recurrent urticaria and alexithymia and makes them
      focus on somatic manifestations of emotional arousal and on poorly controlled
      compulsive reactions to negative stimulation. Alexithymia is considered to be a
      personality trait, which, along with other factors, predisposes individuals
      toward developing somatic diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the
      measurement of alexithymic features in patients with recurrent urticaria and to
      assess the types of concurrent anxiety disorders and overall anxiety level.
      METHODS: In order to diagnose clinical anxiety symptoms in patients, the
      Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition and the
      Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale were applied. Alexithymic features were measured by
      means of a shortened version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, characterized by
      high discrimination power, internal coherence, and reliability. RESULTS:
      According to the Toronto Alexithymia Scale results, the greatest contributing
      factor was "inability to differentiate between feelings and bodily sensations".
      This was observed in both males and females. Most frequently, the patients were
      found to suffer from generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. CONCLUSION:
      Alexithymia may result from the difficulty associated with expressing emotions
      caused by anxiety disorders. Undergoing treatment for anxiety disorders may
      contribute to reduced exacerbation of urticaria.

PMID- 27143900
TI  - Protective effects of l-glutamine against toxicity of deltamethrin in the
      cerebral tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deltamethrin (DLM) is a broad-spectrum synthetic dibromo-pyrethroid
      pesticide that is widely used for agricultural and veterinary purposes. However,
      human exposure to the pesticide leads to neurotoxicity. Glutamine is one of the
      principal, free intracellular amino acids and may also be an antioxidant. This
      study was undertaken in order to examine the neuroprotective and antioxidant
      potential of l-glutamine against DLM toxicity in female Wistar albino rats.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rats were divided into the following groups (n=10):
      Group I: control (distilled water; 10 mL/kg, po one dose), Group II: l-glutamine
      (1.5 g/kg, po one dose), Group III: DLM (35 mg/kg, po one dose), and Group IV:
      DLM (35 mg/kg, po one dose) and l-glutamine (1.5 g/kg, po one dose after 4
      hours). Total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 levels and apoptosis were
      evaluated in brain tissue. RESULTS: DLM-treated animals had a significant
      increase in brain biochemical parameters, as well as TOS and TAS. Furthermore,
      the histopathological examination showed neuronal cell degeneration in the
      cerebral tissue. l-Glutamine treatment decreased the elevated brain levels of TOS
      and neuronal cell degeneration. There was no difference in tumor necrosis factor
      alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 levels between the groups. CONCLUSION: l-Glutamine may
      reduce the toxic effects of DLM in the cerebral tissue through antioxidant
      properties.

PMID- 27143901
TI  - The influence of methods of bariatric surgery for treatment of type 2 diabetes
      mellitus.
AB  - The constantly growing incidence of obesity represents a risk of health
      complications for individuals, and is a growing economic burden for health care
      systems and society. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of
      bariatric surgery, specifically laparoscopic greater curve plication,
      laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in patients with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus. The effect of bariatric surgery on the changes in blood
      pressure before, and 12 months after, surgery and in pharmacotherapy in the 12
      months after surgery was analyzed. For achieving this purpose, 74 patients from
      the Obesity and Surgery Department of Vitkovice Hospital in Ostrava in the Czech
      Republic, were monitored. They were operated in 2011 and 2012. The Bonferroni
      method was used to test hypotheses about the impact of surgery on blood pressure
      and pharmacotherapy. One year after the surgery, systolic and diastolic blood
      pressure values decreased, both with no statistically significant difference
      between surgery types. Improvement was observed in 68% of cases, with 25% of
      patients discontinuing pharmacotherapy entirely. 

PMID- 27143902
TI  - The application of nutrition support in conservative treatment of chylous ascites
      after abdominal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chylous ascites is the pathologic leakage of triglycerides-rich
      lymphatic fluid into the peritoneal cavity. Chylous ascites is a rare
      complication in abdominal surgery. This study aimed to find a relatively better
      method for nutrition support in the treatment of chylous ascites after abdominal
      surgery. METHODS: This study was a retrospective study. This study
      retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent abdominal surgery and developed
      chylous ascites, from the year 2010 to 2014, at the West China Hospital of
      Sichuan University and the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College. Fifty
      eight patients who developed chylous ascites after abdominal surgery were
      included in the study. The clinical effect of somatostatin was evaluated. The
      differences in the curative efficacy among a daily diet, a low-fat diet
      supplemented with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), and total parenteral nutrition
      (TPN) were also analyzed in this study. RESULTS: Complete clinical success was
      reached earlier in patients treated with somatostatin (P<0.001). The tube removal
      time, the time to resumption of an oral diet, and the length of hospital stay
      after chylous leakage were significantly different between patients treated with
      and without somatostatin. The curative efficacies of the enteral nutrition (EN) +
      MCT plan and the TPN plan were quite similar, with no significant difference,
      however, were significantly different from the MCT regime, which was the worst.
      However, using the EN + MCT plan was more cost-effective (P=0.038). CONCLUSION:
      In treating chylous ascites, EN + MCT instead of TPN was the best nutrition
      support. Moreover, somatostatin or its analog octreotide should be used
      immediately. The treatment with somatostatin in combination with EN + MCT is
      recommended in the conservative treatment of postoperative chylous ascites.

PMID- 27143903
TI  - Effects of first-dose volume and exercise on the efficacy and tolerability of
      bowel preparations for colonoscopy in Chinese people.
AB  - AIM: This study was designed to compare the efficacy and tolerability of bowel
      preparations with and without the higher first-dose volume of polyethylene glycol
      (PEG) solution or exercise after drinking PEG solution in Chinese people.
      METHODS: A total of 330 participants who had a colonoscopy done in Peking Union
      Medical College Hospital were randomly and evenly assigned to three groups.
      Participants in Group A ingested 1 L PEG solution and then ingested 2 L PEG
      solution at a rate of 250 mL every 15 minutes. Participants in Group B ingested 3
      L PEG solution at a rate of 250 mL every 15 minutes and then exercised more than
      10 minutes after ingesting each liter of PEG solution. Participants in Group C
      ingested 3 L PEG solution at a rate of 250 mL every 15 minutes. Experienced
      gastrointestinal endoscopists rated the efficacy of bowel preparations based on
      the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score. A questionnaire regarding participants'
      symptoms associated with bowel preparations was administered to evaluate
      participants' tolerability. RESULTS: The three groups had insignificant
      difference in the percentages of participants' symptoms including dizziness,
      nausea, stomach ache, bloating, and asthenia. However, the percentages of
      participants having hunger sensation, sleep disturbance, and anal discomfort were
      significantly higher in groups with the higher first-dose volume of PEG solution
      or exercise after drinking PEG solution than without them. The three groups had
      insignificant difference in the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score. CONCLUSION:
      Whether to add the higher first-dose volume of PEG solution and exercise after
      drinking PEG solution or not, all participants achieved a similar quality of
      bowel preparations. Bowel preparations without the additional first-dose volume
      of PEG solution or exercise after drinking PEG solution showed the advantage of
      high participant tolerability.

PMID- 27143904
TI  - Are the blood groups of women with preeclampsia a risk factor for the development
      of hypertension postpartum?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-related disorder characterized by
      hypertension (HT) and proteinuria noticeable after 20 weeks of gestation. PE is
      now considered as a cardiovascular disease risk factor and a number of studies
      have shown that experiencing PE increases the prevalence of various
      cardiovascular risk factors, such as metabolic syndrome and HT. In this study, we
      aimed to investigate any possible relationship between the ABO/Rh blood group
      system and PE in Turkey. In the second part of the study, we examined the
      relationship between the ABO blood group system and development of HT after PE.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 250 patients with PE from Kayseri Training and
      Research Hospital between 2002 and 2012 were included in the study. Patients were
      classified according to blood groups (A, B, AB, and O) and Rh status (+/-).
      RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the patients with PE and the
      control group in terms of distribution of ABO blood groups and the percentage of
      group AB was found to be higher in patients with PE compared to the control group
      (P=0.029). The risk of developing PE was significantly higher in group AB than
      other blood groups (P=0.006). The risk of developing HT after PE was
      significantly higher in group O than other blood groups (P=0.004). DISCUSSION: In
      this study, we found that the patients with blood group AB have a higher risk for
      PE. The patients with PE of blood group O are at high risk of developing HT, and
      Rh factor was identified as another risk at this point and these patients should
      be closely followed postpartum.

PMID- 27143905
TI  - Cardiac, renal, and neurological benefits of preoperative levosimendan
      administration in patients with right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary
      hypertension undergoing cardiac surgery: evaluation with two biomarkers
      neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and neuronal enolase.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate if the preoperative administration of levosimendan in
      patients with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, and
      high perioperative risk would improve cardiac function and would also have a
      protective effect on renal and neurological functions, assessed using two
      biomarkers neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (N-GAL) and neuronal
      enolase. METHODS: This is an observational study. Twenty-seven high-risk cardiac
      patients with RV dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension, scheduled for cardiac
      valve surgery, were prospectively followed after preoperative administration of
      levosimendan. Levosimendan was administered preoperatively on the day before
      surgery. All patients were considered high risk of cardiac and perioperative
      renal complications. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography, renal
      function by urinary N-GAL levels, and the acute kidney injury scale. Neuronal
      damage was assessed by neuron-specific enolase levels. RESULTS: After surgery, no
      significant variations were found in mean and SE levels of N-GAL (14.31 [28.34]
      ng/mL vs 13.41 [38.24] ng/mL), neuron-specific enolase (5.40 [0.41] ng/mL vs 4.32
      [0.61] ng/mL), or mean +/- SD creatinine (1.06+/-0.24 mg/dL vs 1.25+/-0.37 mg/dL
      at 48 hours). RV dilatation decreased from 4.23+/-0.7 mm to 3.45+/-0.6 mm and
      pulmonary artery pressure from 58+/-18 mmHg to 42+/-19 mmHg at 48 hours.
      CONCLUSION: Preoperative administration of levosimendan has shown a protective
      role against cardiac, renal, and neurological damage in patients with a high risk
      of multiple organ dysfunctions undergoing cardiac surgery.

PMID- 27143906
TI  - The Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease 12-item questionnaire: equivalence,
      reliability, validity, and feasibility of the touch-screen administration versus
      the paper-and-pencil version.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the last few years, there has been a shift toward a more patient
      centered perspective of the disease by adopting patient-reported outcomes. Touch
      screen formats are increasingly being used for data collection in routine care
      and research. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the equivalence,
      reliability, validity and respondent preference for a computerized touch-screen
      version of the Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease 12-item (PsAID-12)
      questionnaire in comparison with the original paper-and-pencil version, in a
      cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). METHODS: One hundred and fifty
      nine patients with PsA completed both the touch screen- and the conventional
      paper-and-pencil administered PsAID-12 questionnaire. Agreement between formats
      was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients. Spearman's rho correlation
      coefficient was used to test convergent validity of the touch screen format of
      PsAID-12, while receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to
      test discriminant validity. In order to assess the patient's preference, the
      participants filled in an additional questionnaire. The time taken to complete
      both formats was measured. RESULTS: A high concordance between the responses to
      the two modes of the PsAID-12 tested was found, with no significant mean
      differences. Intraclass correlation coefficients between data obtained for touch
      screen and paper versions ranged from 0.801 to 0.962. There was a very high
      degree of correlation between the touch-screen format of PsAID-12 and composite
      disease activity indices (all at a P level <0.0001), Health Assessment
      Questionnaire, and Physician Assessment of disease activity. The discriminatory
      power of the touch-screen format of PsAID-12, assessed using the minimal disease
      activity - Outcome Measurements in Rheumatology Clinical Trials criteria, was
      very good, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of
      0.937 and a resulting cutoff value of 2.5. The touch-screen questionnaire was
      readily accepted and preferred. The mean time spent for completing the
      questionnaire on touch screen was 2 minutes and on paper was 2.7 minutes.
      CONCLUSION: The touch-screen mode of administration of PsAID-12 can be a feasible
      and suitable alternative to the paper-and-pencil mode for the assessment of
      patients with PsA.

PMID- 27143907
TI  - Targeting heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: current status and
      future prospects.
AB  - Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) portrays a significant
      burden in terms of prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. There
      is a lack of consensus on the basic pathophysiology, definition, and therapeutic
      targets for therapy for this syndrome. To date, there are no approved therapies
      available for reducing mortality or hospitalization for these patients. Several
      clinical trials have recently started to try and bridge this major gap. There is
      an urgent need to focus on drug and device development for HFpEF as well as to
      understand HFpEF pathophysiology.

PMID- 27143908
TI  - Mortality in primary angioplasty patients starting antiplatelet therapy with
      prehospital prasugrel or clopidogrel: a 1-year follow-up from the European
      MULTIPRAC Registry.
AB  - AIM: MULTIPRAC was designed to provide insights into the use and outcomes
      associated with prehospital initiation of antiplatelet therapy with either
      prasugrel or clopidogrel in the context of primary percutaneous coronary
      intervention. After a previous report on efficacy and safety outcomes during
      hospitalization, we report here the 1-year follow-up data, including
      cardiovascular (CV) mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: MULTIPRAC is a multinational,
      prospective registry of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
      from 25 hospitals in nine countries, all of which had an established practice of
      prehospital start of dual antiplatelet therapy in place. The key outcome was CV
      death at 1 year. Among 2,036 patients followed-up through 1 year, 49 died (2.4%),
      10 during the initial hospitalization and 39 within 1 year after hospital
      discharge. The primary analysis was based on the P2Y12-inhibitor, used from
      prehospital loading dose through hospital discharge. Prasugrel (n=824) was more
      commonly used than clopidogrel (n=425). The observed 1-year rates for CV death
      were 0.5% with prasugrel and 2.6% with clopidogrel. After adjustment for
      differences in baseline characteristics, treatment with prasugrel was associated
      with a significantly lower risk of CV death than treatment with clopidogrel (odds
      ratio 0.248; 95% confidence interval 0.06-0.89). CONCLUSION: In STEMI patients
      from routine practice undergoing primary angioplasty, who were able to start oral
      antiplatelet therapy prehospital, treatment with prasugrel as compared to
      clopidogrel was associated with a lower risk of CV death at 1-year follow-up.

PMID- 27143909
TI  - Management of intracerebral hemorrhage--use of statins.
AB  - Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a neurologic injury resulting in significant
      morbidity and mortality. Statins play a significant role in primary and secondary
      prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemic events. Despite clear
      benefits of statins in ischemic stroke, post hoc analyses of some studies suggest
      there may be a link between statin therapy and development of ICH. Direct
      pharmacologic effects of decreased serum levels of total cholesterol and low
      density lipoproteins in conjunction with pleiotropic effects are thought to be
      linked to this possible increase in ICH risk. In the face of the potential of
      statins to increase the risk of ICH, recent evidence suggests that statins may
      also have beneficial effects on patient outcomes when continued or initiated
      following an ICH. This discordance in findings and the overall lack of well
      designed prospective clinical trials increase the complexity of clinical decision
      making when utilizing statin therapy in patients with, or at risk for, ICH. This
      review evaluates the pharmacologic effects of statin therapy and describes how
      these effects translate to both risks and benefits in ICH. The current literature
      regarding the effects of statin therapy on clinical outcomes in ICH is evaluated
      to help guide clinicians with decisions regarding initiation, continuation, or
      discontinuation of statin therapy in patients with ICH.

PMID- 27143911
TI  - Interdisciplinary collaboration experiences in creating an everyday
      rehabilitation model: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When functional impairment occurs, assistance to achieve self-help
      can lead to qualitatively more active everyday life for recipients and better use
      of community resources. Home-based everyday rehabilitation is a new
      interdisciplinary service for people living at home. Rehabilitation involves
      meeting the need for interprofessional services, interdisciplinary collaboration,
      and coordination of services. Everyday rehabilitation is a service that requires
      close interdisciplinary cooperation. The purpose of this study was to gain
      knowledge about employees' experiences with establishing a new multidisciplinary
      team and developing a team-based work model. METHOD: The study had a qualitative
      design using two focus group interviews with a newly established rehabilitation
      team. The sample consisted of an occupational therapist, two care workers with
      further education in rehabilitation, a nurse, a physiotherapist, and a project
      leader. Data were analyzed by thematic content analysis. RESULTS: The data
      highlight three phases: a planning phase (ten meetings over half a year), a
      startup phase of trials of interdisciplinary everyday rehabilitation in practice
      (2 months), and a third period specifying and implementing an everyday
      rehabilitation model (6 months). During these phases, three themes emerged: 1)
      team creation and design of the service, 2) targeted practical trials, and 3)
      equality of team members and combining interdisciplinary methods. CONCLUSION: The
      team provided information about three processes: developing work routines and a
      revised team-based flow chart, developing team cooperation with integrated Trans-
      and interdisciplinary collaboration, and working with external exchange. There is
      more need for secure network solutions.

PMID- 27143910
TI  - Clinical efficacy and safety of evolocumab for low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol reduction.
AB  - Multiple categories of medications have been developed to manage lipid profiles
      and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with heart disease.
      However, currently marketed medications have not solved the problems associated
      with preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases completely. A substantial
      population of patients cannot take advantage of statin therapy due to statin
      intolerance, heart failure, or kidney hemodialysis, suggesting a need for
      additional effective agents to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
      levels. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) was discovered in
      2003 and subsequently emerged as a novel target for LDL-C-lowering therapy.
      Evolocumab is a fully human monoclonal immunoglobulin G2 (IgG2) directed against
      human PCSK9. By inactivating PCSK9, evolocumab upregulates LDL receptors causing
      increased catabolism of LDL-C and the consequent reduction of LDL-C levels in
      blood. Overall, evolocumab has had notable efficacy, with LDL-C reduction ranging
      from 53% to 75% in monotherapy and combination therapies, and is associated with
      minor adverse effects. However, studies regarding the ability of evolocumab to
      reduce mortality as well as long-term safety concerns are limited. The fact that
      the drug was introduced at a cost much higher than the existing medications and
      shows a low incremental mortality benefit suggests that many payers will consider
      evolocumab to have an unfavorable cost-benefit ratio.

PMID- 27143912
TI  - Systematic, early identification of dementia and dementia care management are
      highly appreciated by general physicians in primary care - results within a
      cluster-randomized-controlled trial (DelpHi).
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is evidence about the benefits of early detection of dementia
      and subsequent provision of adequate treatment and care. However, there is a lack
      of knowledge about the acceptance of detection and intervention procedures. These
      analyses describe the attitudes of general physicians [GPs] toward 1) dementia in
      general, 2) systematic detection of people with dementia, and 3) an intervention
      approach after they have experienced both. Comparisons are made based on
      experience with systematic screening and dementia-specific intervention. METHODS:
      Postal, cross-sectional survey to all n=1,252 GPs in the Mecklenburg-Western
      Pomerania, Germany. A subsample was drawn based on participation in the
      randomized, controlled, prospective intervention DelpHi-MV trial (Dementia: life-
      and person-centered help in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). In this trial,
      systematic screening is implemented and an intervention group receives support
      through dementia care management (DCM). GPs were categorized into either GPs with
      DCM and systematic screening (DCM-GP), GPs with systematic screening only (DelpHi
      GP), or GPs not participating in the trial. Data from n=257 GPs were available.
      Attitudes toward dementia were assessed using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS:
      There was strong agreement toward the helpfulness of implementing a brief
      cognitive screening test (89.9% agreed). Approximately two-thirds of the
      respondents indicated that they had identified at least some patients as being
      cognitively impaired for the first time. The majority of the respondents
      indicated agreement toward DCM. It was described as supportive and helpful. The
      qualified nurses were perceived as competent in dementia care and 79.3% would
      like to be supported with DCM. Attitudes toward dementia are positive and do not
      differ between groups. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that early recognition
      and DCM is highly appreciated by GPs and is considered feasible or wanted to be
      implemented in routine care.

PMID- 27143913
TI  - Association of the miR-196a2 C>T and miR-499 A>G polymorphisms with hepatitis B
      virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma risk: an updated meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study meta-analyzed data on the possible association of the miR
      196a2 C>T (rs11614913) and miR-499 A>G (rs3746444) polymorphisms with risk of
      hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS:
      Databases in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China BioMedicine, and Google
      Scholar were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Meta-analyses
      were performed to examine the association of the miR-196a2 C>T and miR-499 A>G
      polymorphisms with HBV-related HCC risk. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies involving
      3,964 cases and 5,875 healthy controls were included. Random-effect meta-analysis
      showed that the T allele and TT genotype of miR-196a2 C>T were associated with
      significantly lower HBV-related HCC risk (allelic model, OR =0.84, 95% CI =0.71
      0.99, P=0.04; homozygous model, OR =0.68, 95% CI =0.47-0.98, P=0.04). In
      contrast, miR-499 A>G showed no significant association with HBV-related HCC risk
      in either overall pooled analysis or ethnic subgroup analysis according to any of
      the four genetic models. Based on analysis of ethnic subgroups, neither miR-196a2
      C>T nor miR-499 A>G was significantly associated with risk of HBV-related HCC in
      Chinese population. CONCLUSION: The polymorphism miR-196a2 C>T, but not miR-499
      A>G, may be associated with decreased HBV-related HCC risk. These conclusions
      should be verified in large, well-designed studies.

PMID- 27143914
TI  - Association between two interleukin-2 gene polymorphisms and cancer
      susceptibility: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several epidemiological studies have illustrated that polymorphisms
      in interleukin-2 (IL-2) were associated with diverse cancer types. However,
      recently published statistics were inconsistent and inconclusive. Therefore, the
      current meta-analysis was performed to elaborate the effects of IL-2
      polymorphisms (rs2069762 and rs2069763) on cancer susceptibility. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A total of 5,601 cancer cases and 7,809 controls from 21 published case
      control studies were enrolled in our meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association between IL-2
      polymorphisms and cancer susceptibility. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated an
      increased susceptibility to cancer in rs2069762 (G vs T: OR =1.268, 95% CI =1.113
      1.445; GG vs TT: OR =1.801, 95% CI =1.289-2.516; GT vs TT: OR =1.250, 95% CI
      =1.061-1.473; GG + GT vs TT: OR =1.329, 95% CI =1.118-1.579; GG vs GT + TT: OR
      =1.536, 95% CI =1.162-2.030). In the subgroup analysis, increased susceptibility
      to cancer was identified in the hospital-based group and P HWE<0.05 (P-value of
      the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium [HWE]) group. In addition, a positive association
      with cancer susceptibility was observed among both Chinese and non-Chinese.
      However, no relationship was detected between the rs2069763 polymorphism of IL-2
      and cancer susceptibility. CONCLUSION: To conclude, rs2069762 polymorphism of IL
      2 contributed to an increased susceptibility to cancer, whereas no association
      was identified between rs2069763 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility. Further
      detailed studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

PMID- 27143915
TI  - Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery vs open surgery for
      transverse colon cancer: a retrospective multicenter study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the perioperative and
      oncologic outcomes between laparoscopic surgery and open surgery for transverse
      colon cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of
      patients who underwent surgery for transverse colon cancer at six Hallym
      University-affiliated hospitals between January 2005 and June 2015. The
      perioperative outcomes and oncologic outcomes were compared between laparoscopic
      and open surgery. RESULTS: Of 226 patients with transverse colon cancer, 103
      underwent laparoscopic surgery and 123 underwent open surgery. There were no
      differences in the patient characteristics between the two groups. Regarding
      perioperative outcomes, the operation time was significantly longer in the
      laparoscopic group than in the open group (267.3 vs 172.7 minutes, P<0.001), but
      the time to soft food intake (6.0 vs 6.6 days, P=0.036) and the postoperative
      hospital stay (13.7 vs 15.7 days, P=0.018) were shorter in the laparoscopic
      group. The number of harvested lymph nodes was lower in the laparoscopic group
      than in the open group (20.3 vs 24.3, P<0.001). The 5-year overall survival
      (90.8% vs 88.6%, P=0.540) and disease-free survival (86.1% vs 78.9%, P=0.201)
      rates were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that
      laparoscopic surgery is associated with several perioperative benefits and
      similar oncologic outcomes to open surgery for the resection of transverse colon
      cancer. Therefore, laparoscopic surgery offers a safe alternative to open surgery
      in patients with transverse colon cancer.

PMID- 27143916
TI  - Overexpression of BUB1B contributes to progression of prostate cancer and
      predicts poor outcome in patients with prostate cancer.
AB  - BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B (BUB1B) is a member of the
      spindle assembly checkpoint protein family, which has been proven to be
      associated with many kinds of cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate
      whether BUB1B was correlated with progression and prognosis in patients with
      prostate cancer (PCa) and how BUB1B regulated the proliferation, migration, and
      invasion of PCa cell lines. Compared to benign prostate cells and tissues, both
      messenger RNA and protein expressions of BUB1B were statistically increased in
      PCa cell lines and tumor tissues. In vitro studies revealed that BUB1B
      overexpression enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of PCa
      cell lines, whereas depletion of BUB1B did not affect the cell functions.
      Microarray analysis showed the positive staining of BUB1B was upregulated in the
      higher Gleason score group, which also correlated with advanced
      clinicopathological stage, higher serum prostate-specific antigen, metastasis,
      overall survival, and prostate-specific antigen failure. Furthermore, the
      survival analysis indicated that high expression of BUB1B was an independent
      predictor for shorter biochemical recurrence-free survival, which had no effect
      on overall survival. BUB1B plays an important role in tumor growth and
      progression, which can lead to its use as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis
      and prognosis of PCa. 

PMID- 27143917
TI  - BC200 LncRNA a potential predictive marker of poor prognosis in esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression and prognosis significance of BC200 in
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients who received radical
      resection. METHODS: We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to
      detect the expression level of BC200 in cancer tissue and paired adjacent normal
      tissue samples from 70 ESCC patients who received radical surgical resection and
      analyzed the correlation of the relative expression level of BC200 with clinical
      pathological features and prognosis. RESULTS: We found that the relative
      expression of BC200 was significantly higher in ESCC tissues compared with
      adjacent normal tissue samples (P=0.023). But the expression of BC200 were not
      related to clinical-pathological features, such as age, TNM stages, and
      histological grade (P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high expression
      levels of BC200 were correlated with poor prognosis in ESCC patients. Patients
      with a high level of BC200 had a shorter disease-free survival and overall
      survival than those with low BC200 expression (P=0.034 and P=0.031,
      respectively). On multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio (HR) of BC200
      expression was 2.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.12-4.19, P=0.022) for disease
      free survival and 2.24 (95% CI=1.12-4.49, P=0.023) for overall survival.
      CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that high expression of BC200 reflects poor
      prognosis and could serve as a novel predictive marker for ESCC patients who
      received radical resection.

PMID- 27143919
TI  - The important tumor suppressor role of PER1 in regulating the cyclin-CDK-CKI
      network in SCC15 human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that the abnormal expression of the
      circadian clock gene PER1 is closely related to the development and progression
      of cancer. However, the exact molecular mechanism by which the abnormal
      expression of PER1 induces carcinogenesis is unclear. This study was conducted to
      investigate the alterations in downstream cell cycle genes, cell cycle
      distribution, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and in vivo tumorigenicity in SCC15
      oral squamous cell carcinoma cells after PER1 downregulation. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A stable SCC15 cell line was established to constitutively express shRNA
      targeting PER1. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and
      Western blot analyses were conducted to estimate PER1 mRNA and protein
      expression. The expression of PER1, P53, CyclinD1, CyclinE, CyclinA2, CyclinB1,
      cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, P16, P21, WEE1, and CDC25 mRNA
      was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell cycle distribution, cell
      proliferation, and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. The in vivo
      tumorigenicity of SCC15 cells was evaluated in female BALB/c nu/nu mice. RESULTS:
      PER1 downregulation resulted in significantly increased mRNA expression levels of
      CyclinD1, CyclinE, CyclinB1, CDK1, and WEE1 (P<0.05), and significantly decreased
      mRNA expression levels of P53, CyclinA2, P16, P21, and CDC25 (P<0.05) compared to
      control cells. Additionally, PER1 downregulation led to significantly fewer cells
      in S phase (P<0.05), but significantly more cells in G2/M phase (P<0.05) compared
      to the control group. After PER1 downregulation, the cell proliferation index was
      significantly higher (P<0.05), and the apoptotic index was significantly lower
      (P<0.05). The in vivo tumorigenicity of SCC15 cells was significantly enhanced by
      PER1 downregulation (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: PER1 is an important tumor suppressor
      gene which acts by regulating the Cyclin-CDK-cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor
      regulatory network. An in-depth characterization of this gene may further
      illuminate the molecular mechanisms responsible for the development and
      progression of cancer, thus providing novel molecular targets for cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 27143918
TI  - Overexpression of ST3Gal-I promotes migration and invasion of HCCLM3 in vitro and
      poor prognosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Excessive ST3Gal-I levels predict a poor outcome for patients with
      several types of tumors. This study aims to investigate the role of ST3Gal-I in
      determining the invasive and metastatic potential of human hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) and clinical prognosis for patients with HCC. METHODS: We
      compared the expression of ST3Gal-I in various HCC cell lines and in 20 pairs of
      tumor and peritumor tissue samples using Western blot analysis. Changes in the
      degree of invasiveness and migration were determined before and after small
      interfering RNA-induced knockdown of ST3Gal-I using a Transwell matrigel invasion
      assay and scratch wound assay. The correlation between ST3Gal-I expression and
      prognosis was determined in a large HCC patient cohort (n=273). RESULTS: ST3Gal-I
      expression was higher in metastatic HCCLM3 cells and tumor tissue compared with
      normal adjacent tissue. Following the ST3Gal-I knockdown, the invasiveness and
      migration of HCCLM3 cells were markedly reduced. ST3Gal-I expression in HCC
      correlated closely with tumor thrombus (P<0.001), tumor size (>5.0 cm, P=0.032),
      tumor node metastasis stages II-III (P=0.002), and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer
      stages B-C (P<0.001). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that ST3Gal-I is an
      independent predictor of prognosis in patients with HCC, and related to disease
      free survival (hazard ratio =1.464, P=0.037) and overall survival (hazard ratio
      =1.662, P=0.012). CONCLUSION: ST3Gal-I might contribute to the invasiveness and
      metastatic nature of HCC and, thus, could be an independent predictor of
      recurrence and a suitable pharmaceutical target in patients with HCC.

PMID- 27143921
TI  - DUSP4/MKP2 overexpression is associated with BRAF(V600E) mutation and aggressive
      behavior of papillary thyroid cancer.
AB  - The study was performed to retrospectively analyze the correlation of dual
      specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4) expression with clinicopathological variables
      and BRAF(V600E) mutation to better characterize the potential role of DUSP4 as a
      biomarker in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Patients (n=120) who underwent
      surgery for PTC at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) were enrolled
      in this study, and a validation cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)
      database was identified to confirm the preliminary findings in our study. We
      investigated DUSP4 expression at the mRNA level in PTC tissues and adjacent
      normal tissues using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase
      chain reaction (qRT-PCR). BRAF(V600E) mutation analysis was also performed in PTC
      tissues using Sanger sequencing. Initially, we compared PTC tissues with paired
      normal tissues in DUSP4 expression using Student's t-test, and then analyzed the
      correlation of DUSP4 with clinicopathological variables and BRAF(V600E) mutation
      in PTC using Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, chi (2), and Fisher's exact tests.
      Human-derived thyroid cell lines were also used to verify our findings. DUSP4 was
      significantly overexpressed in PTC tissues compared with the adjacent normal
      tissues (P<0.001). High DUSP4 expression showed a significant association with
      lymph node metastasis and extrathyroidal extension in both FUSCC and TCGA
      cohorts, and DUSP4 overexpression was an independent risk factor for lymph node
      metastasis in multivariate analysis. Additionally, DUSP4 expression was
      associated with BRAF(V600E) mutation in both the cohorts (FUSCC: P=0.002, TCGA:
      P<0.001) and PTC cell lines (P=0.023). In conclusion, DUSP4 was identified as a
      potential biomarker for aggressive behavior in PTC, and its overexpression was
      BRAF(V600E) mutation-related. 

PMID- 27143920
TI  - Esophageal cancer stem cells and implications for future therapeutics.
AB  - Esophageal carcinoma (EC) is a lethal disease with high morbidity and mortality
      worldwide, and the incidence has been increasing in recent years. Although the
      diagnosis and treatment of EC have improved considerably, EC has rapidly
      progressed in the clinical setting and has a poor prognosis for its metastasis
      and recurrence. The general idea of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is primarily based
      on clinical and experimental observations, indicating the existence of a
      subpopulation of cells that can self-renew and differentiate. The EC stem cells,
      which can be isolated from normal pluripotent stem cells by applying similar
      biomarkers, may participate in promoting esophageal tumorigenesis through renewal
      and repair. In this review, major emphasis is given to CSC markers, altered CSC
      specific pathways, and molecular targeting agents currently available to target
      CSCs of esophageal cancer. The roles of numerous markers (CD44, aldehyde
      dehydrogenase, CD133, and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2) and
      developmental signaling pathways (Wnt/beta-catenin, Notch, hedgehog, and Hippo)
      in isolating esophageal CSCs are discussed in detail. Targeting CSCs can be a
      logical strategy to treat EC, as these cells are responsible for carcinoma
      recurrence and chemoradiation resistance. 

PMID- 27143922
TI  - Smad3 and phospho-Smad3 are potential markers of invasive nonfunctioning
      pituitary adenomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling plays important
      roles in tumor development. Nevertheless, the roles of TGF-beta/Smad signaling in
      nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) have not been fully studied. METHODS:
      Tumor samples were obtained from patients who had NFPAs and underwent endoscopic
      transsphenoidal surgery or craniotomy at Beijing Tiantan Hospital from March 2008
      to December 2012. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the expression
      of Smad transducer proteins in NFPAs. Ki-67 was evaluated as an indicator of the
      proliferative activity of NFPAs. RESULTS: A total of 161 patients with NFPAs were
      identified; 59 (36.6%) had invasive NFPAs and 102 (63.4%) had noninvasive NFPAs.
      Protein levels of Smad3 and phospho-Smad3 (p-Smad3) were significantly lower in
      patients with invasive NFPAs than in patients with noninvasive NFPAs (P<0.05 and
      P<0.01, respectively). The Ki-67 index was markedly greater in invasive NFPAs
      than in noninvasive NFPAs (P<0.05) and was significant correlated with p-Smad3
      levels (P<0.05, r=-0.702). CONCLUSION: A low level of Smad3 and p-Smad3 proteins
      was associated with the invasion of NFPAs.

PMID- 27143924
TI  - Clinicopathological characteristics of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer
      and the efficacy of trastuzumab in the People's Republic of China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and
      outcomes of Chinese patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)
      positive breast cancer. METHOD: The clinical data and survival statuses of 732
      patients with operable HER2-positive breast cancer who were treated at the
      Department of Breast Surgery of the Shanghai Cancer Center from January 1, 2007,
      to December 31, 2011, were collected. The patients were divided into two groups
      according to treatment with and without trastuzumab. Disease-free survival (DFS)
      and overall survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank
      test. The associations of the patient characteristics with prognosis were
      analyzed via Cox regression. RESULTS: A total of 732 women with HER2-positive
      breast cancer were included in this study, among whom 258 (35.2%) received
      trastuzumab. The median follow-up duration was 41 months. By the end of the
      follow-up period, 86 (12%) women experienced local recurrence or metastasis.
      Patients who received both anti-HER2 therapy and chemotherapy exhibited a longer
      DFS than those who received chemotherapy alone (P=0.001). Tumor size, lymph node
      status, and family history of breast cancer were associated with median DFS, and
      tumor size, lymph node status, clinical stage, age, and body mass index were
      associated with median overall survival. Patients who received both neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy and trastuzumab exhibited a higher rate of pathological complete
      remission. In the neoadjuvant group, the patients who received both anti-HER2
      therapy and chemotherapy exhibited a longer DFS than those who received
      chemotherapy alone (P=0.049). CONCLUSION: Significant clinical features were
      observed in the Chinese patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. Furthermore,
      targeted anti-HER2 therapy may improve the prognosis of these patients.

PMID- 27143923
TI  - Therapeutic approaches in myelofibrosis and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative
      overlap syndromes.
AB  - The discovery of JAK2 (V617F) a decade ago led to optimism for a rapidly
      developing treatment revolution in Ph(-) myeloproliferative neoplasms. Unlike BCR
      ABL, however, JAK2 was found to have a more heterogeneous role in carcinogenesis.
      Therefore, for years, development of new therapies was slow, despite standard
      treatment options that did not address the overwhelming symptom burden in
      patients with primary myelofibrosis (MF), post-essential thrombocythemia MF, post
      polycythemia vera MF, and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/myeloproliferative
      neoplasm (MPN) syndromes. JAK-STAT inhibitors have changed this, drastically
      ameliorating symptoms and ultimately beginning to show evidence of impact on
      survival. Now, the genetic foundations of myelofibrosis and MDS/MPN are rapidly
      being elucidated and contributing to targeted therapy development. This has been
      empowered through updated response criteria for MDS/MPN and refined prognostic
      scoring systems in these diseases. The aim of this article is to summarize
      concisely the current and rationally designed investigational therapeutics
      directed at JAK-STAT, hedgehog, PI3K-Akt, bone marrow fibrosis, telomerase, and
      rogue epigenetic signaling. The revolution in immunotherapy and novel treatments
      aimed at previously untargeted signaling pathways provides hope for considerable
      advancement in therapy options for those with chronic myeloid disease. 

PMID- 27143925
TI  - Carvacrol suppresses proliferation and invasion in human oral squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Carvacrol, a component of thyme oil, as a novel antitumor agent, has been
      implicated in several types of cancer cells. However, the mechanisms underlying
      the effect of carvacrol in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain
      unclear. Here, we report that carvacrol significantly inhibits tumor cell
      proliferation, metastasis and invasion, and induces apoptosis in OSCC. Our
      results demonstrated that the molecular mechanisms of the effect of carvacrol in
      Tca-8113 induces G1/S cell cycle arrest through downregulation of CDK regulator
      CCND1 and CDK4, and upregulation of CDK inhibitor P21. Further analysis
      demonstrated that carvacrol also inhibited Tca-8113 cells' clone formation in
      clonogenic cell survival assay. Student's t-test (two-tailed) was used to compare
      differences between groups, and the significance level was P<0.01. Then,
      treatment of Tca-8113 cells with carvacrol resulted in downregulation of Bcl-2,
      Cox2, and upregulation of Bax. Carvacrol significantly inhibited the migration
      and invasion of human OSCC cells by blocking the phosphorylation of FAK and MMP-9
      and MMP-2, transcription factor ZEB1, and beta-catenin proteins' expression.
      Taken together, these results provide novel insights into the mechanism of
      carvacrol and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for human OSCC. 

PMID- 27143927
TI  - Integrin and gene network analysis reveals that ITGA5 and ITGB1 are prognostic in
      non-small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integrin expression has been identified as a prognostic factor in non
      small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study was aimed at determining the
      predictive ability of integrins and associated genes identified within the
      molecular network. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 959 patients with NSCLC from
      The Cancer Genome Atlas cohorts were enrolled in this study. The expression
      profile of integrins and related genes were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas
      RNAseq database. Clinicopathological characteristics, including age, sex, smoking
      history, stage, histological subtype, neoadjuvant therapy, radiation therapy, and
      overall survival (OS), were collected. Cox proportional hazards regression models
      as well as Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess the relative factors. RESULTS:
      In the univariate Cox regression model, ITGA1, ITGA5, ITGA6, ITGB1, ITGB4, and
      ITGA11 were predictive of NSCLC prognosis. After adjusting for clinical factors,
      ITGA5 (odds ratio =1.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-1.31) and ITGB1 (odds
      ratio =1.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-1.55) remained statistically
      significant. In the gene cluster network analysis, PLAUR, ILK, SPP1, PXN, and
      CD9, all associated with ITGA5 and ITGB1, were identified as independent
      predictive factors of OS in NSCLC. CONCLUSION: A set of genes was identified as
      independent prognostic factors of OS in NSCLC through gene cluster analysis. This
      method may act as a tool to reveal more prognostic-associated genes in NSCLC.

PMID- 27143926
TI  - MicroRNA-145-5p inhibits gastric cancer invasiveness through targeting N-cadherin
      and ZEB2 to suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
AB  - MicroRNA (miR)-145-5p has been reported to function as a suppressor of cancer and
      plays an important role in cancer invasiveness. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) is an important process in cancer invasion and migration. However, the
      involvement of miR-145-5p in EMT in human gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. In
      this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which miR-145-5p
      regulates EMT in GC invasiveness. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction to investigate the miR-145-5p expression level in GC and matched normal
      tissues. The effects of miR-145-5p on GC cell invasion and migration abilities
      were evaluated using Transwell models. The relationships among miR-145-5p and
      zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2), E-cadherin, and N-cadherin were
      analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot
      analyses. miR-145-5p levels in primary GC tissues obtained from 60 patients were
      significantly downregulated, compared to those in paired normal tissues. Lauren
      classification, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic
      invasion, and tumor-node-metastasis stage were associated with miR-145-5p
      expression. miR-145-5p inhibits the expression of the candidate target gene ZEB2
      to delay the invasion and migration of GC cells. ZEB2 acts as transcriptional
      repressor of E-cadherin, while miR-145-5p is known to suppress N-cadherin
      directly to regulate EMT. Therefore, we concluded that miR-145-5p may target N
      cadherin and ZEB2 directly to influence EMT. 

PMID- 27143928
TI  - Comparison of KRAS and PIK3CA gene status between primary tumors and paired
      metastases in colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: In metastatic or recurrent colorectal cancer (MRCRC), the concordance of
      Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5
      bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) mutation status between
      the primary tumors and metastases is still controversial. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the association between KRAS and PIK3CA mutational status
      and various clinicopathologic features, and compare their genotype in primary
      tumors with that of the paired metastatic tumors. METHOD: We compared the
      mutation status of KRAS and PIK3CA between the primary tumors and the paired
      metastases of 59 MRCRC patients with available tissues (resection or biopsy). The
      presence of KRAS and PIK3CA mutations were determined by direct sequencing
      analysis. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (28.8%) had the KRAS mutation and 46
      patients (80.0%) had the PIK3CA mutation when considering both the primary and
      metastatic sites. KRAS mutation was observed in ten primary tumors and eleven
      related metastases (16.9% vs 18.6%), while PIK3CA mutation was found in 26
      primary tumors and 32 related metastases (44.1% vs 54.2%). KRAS status was
      concordant between primary and metastatic sites in 45 patients (76.3%, kappa
      =0.157), while the concordance of PIK3CA status was only found in 25 patients
      (42.4%, kappa =-0.141). The PIK3CA status discordance rate was significantly
      higher in 40 patients undergoing metachronous resection of primary tumor or
      metastasis, compared with that in 19 patients with synchronous resection of
      primary tumor or metastasis (67.5% [27/40] vs 36.8% [7/19]; P=0.026). CONCLUSION:
      Our results demonstrate that low concordance of KRAS and high discordance of
      PIK3CA mutational status exist between the primary tumors and paired metastasis,
      and these findings remind us to have second thoughts about the need to evaluate
      metastatic tumors separately rather than only based on the primary tumor data
      when targeted therapy is considered.

PMID- 27143929
TI  - The predictive and prognostic values of factors associated with visceral pleural
      involvement in resected lung adenocarcinomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The predictive and prognostic impact of factors associated with
      visceral pleural invasion (VPI) on survival and recurrence in patients with
      resected lung adenocarcinomas is not clearly defined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      total of 505 consecutive patients with stage Ia-IIIa lung adenocarcinomas treated
      with radical resection were included. The predominant growth pattern was
      classified according to the new classification system for lung adenocarcinoma
      proposed by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the
      American Thoracic Society, and the European Respiratory Society. The correlations
      of VPI with clinical and pathologic parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The
      incidence of VPI was significantly lower in lepidic predominant group (15.5% vs
      4.5%, P<0.001) and higher in solid and micropapillary predominant group (28.6% vs
      17.6%, P=0.004 and 14.7% vs 4.2%, P<0.001, respectively). VPI correlated with
      higher risk in regional postoperative recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.341; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.564-3.504) and distant recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.193;
      95% confidence interval, 1.665-2.89) in surgically resected lung adenocarcinomas.
      However, when growth patterns of adenocarcinoma were lumped into multivariate
      analysis, VPI was not a significant independent predictive factor for survival
      (P=0.854 for overall survival [OS] and P=0.575 for disease-free survival [DFS])
      and recurrence (P=0.38 for regional recurrence and P=0.089 for distant
      recurrence). Of the 95 patients with stage Ib, those who received adjuvant
      chemotherapy had longer DFS and OS than the patients who received no chemotherapy
      after surgery. However, these differences in DFS and OS did not reach statistical
      significance (P=0.063 for DFS, P=0.85 for OS). CONCLUSION: VPI was associated
      with solid and micropapillary histology. In addition, stage Ib patients with
      solid histologic subtype tumor showed longer DFS and OS, highlighting a potential
      benefit in this subgroup of patients and necessitating the need for larger
      clinical trials.

PMID- 27143931
TI  - Oral vinorelbine: a feasible and safe partner for radiotherapy in the treatment
      of locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) using cisplatin-based doublets
      represents the standard of care for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC), having shown good efficacy and activity in clinical trials. Locally
      advanced NSCLC occurs frequently in the elderly population, which is often
      excluded by platinum-based CCRT administration, due to severe associated
      toxicities. This limitation has been overcome using new-generation drugs such as
      gemcitabine, docetaxel, paclitaxel, and vinorelbine, which have shown not only to
      be efficacious but also to have a favorable toxicity spectrum, both in
      association with cisplatin and as single agents. Vinorelbine is a vinca alkaloid
      that binds to tubulin, thus inhibiting mitotic microtubule polymerization.
      Previous studies have clearly demonstrated that vinorelbine acts as a
      radiosensitizing agent when administered intravenously or orally. Moreover, oral
      administration of vinorelbine has shown a good clinical safety profile in both
      elderly and younger patients. METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature
      data regarding use of oral vinorelbine concurrently with radiotherapy in NSCLC
      was done. CONCLUSION: Single-agent oral vinorelbine may represent an effective
      therapy option for elderly patients with locally advanced lung cancer. This
      review has described the use of oral vinorelbine both as a monochemotherapy and
      in combination with cisplatin in the context of CCRT.

PMID- 27143930
TI  - Massive chest wall resection and reconstruction for malignant disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Malignant chest wall tumors are rare neoplasms. Resection with wide
      free margins is an important prognostic factor, and massive chest wall resection
      and reconstruction are often necessary. A recent case series of 20 consecutive
      patients is reported in order to find any possible correlation between tumor
      histology, extent of resection, type of reconstruction, and adjuvant treatment
      with short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS: Twenty patients were submitted to
      chest wall resection and reconstruction for malignant chest wall neoplasms
      between 2006 and 2014. The mean age (ten males) was 59+/-4 years. The size and
      histology of the tumor, the technique of reconstruction, and the short- and long
      term follow-up records were noted. RESULTS: The median maximum diameter of tumors
      was 10 cm (5.4-32 cm). Subtotal sternal resection was performed in nine cases,
      and the resection of multiple ribs was performed in eleven cases. The median area
      of chest wall defect was 108 cm(2) (60-340 cm(2)). Histology revealed soft
      tissue, bone, and cartilage sarcomas in 16 cases (80%), most of them
      chondrosarcomas. The rest of the tumors was metastatic tumors in two cases and
      localized malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in one case.
      The chest wall defect was reconstructed by using the "sandwich technique"
      (propylene mesh/methyl methacrylate/propylene mesh) in nine cases of large
      anterior defects or by using a 2 mm polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) mesh in nine
      cases of lateral or posterior defects. Support from a plastic surgeon was
      necessary to cover the full-thickness chest wall defects in seven cases. Adjuvant
      oncologic treatment was administered in 13 patients. Local recurrences were
      observed in five cases where surgical reintervention was finally necessary in two
      cases. Recurrences were associated with larger tumors, histology of malignant
      fibrous histiocytoma, and initial incomplete resection or misdiagnosis made by
      nonthoracic surgeons. Three patients died during the study period because of
      recurrent disease or complications of treatment for recurrent disease.
      CONCLUSION: Chest wall tumors are in their majority mesenchymal neoplasms, which
      often require major chest wall resection for their eradication. Long-term
      survival is expected in low-grade tumors where a radical resection is achieved,
      while big tumors and histology of malignant fibrous histiocytoma are connected
      with the increase rate of recurrence.

PMID- 27143932
TI  - Vitamin D postpones the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer induced by 7, 12
      dimethylbenz [a] anthracene both in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - PURPOSE: Ovarian cancer is the most lethal malignancy of the female reproductive
      system, and the prevention and treatment of ovarian carcinoma are still far from
      optimal. Epidemiological studies reported that ovarian cancer risk was inversely
      associated with low level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)]. Therefore, this study
      focuses on exploring the chemoprevention of vitamin D on epithelial ovarian
      cancer induced by 7, 12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene (DMBA). METHODS: The mouse
      ovarian surface epithelial cells were isolated from estrus mice by mild
      trypsinization and maintained in completed culture medium by repeated passaging.
      The malignant transformation of mouse ovarian surface epithelial cells was
      induced by DMBA in vitro. DMBA was directly injected into the bursa of mouse
      ovary to produce optimized in vivo ovarian cancer model. RESULTS: The results
      indicate that 1alpha,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 may delay malignant transformation of
      mouse ovarian surface epithelial cells induced by DMBA and significantly
      decreased the colony formation rate from 18.4% to 3.2% (P<0.05). There was a
      negative correlation between incidence of DMBA-induced tumor and 25-hydroxy
      vitamin D level (R (2)=0.978, P<0.05). Vitamin D3 can delay the progression of
      ovarian cancer induced by DMBA, and the administration of vitamin D3 during the
      whole process worked more effectively than the administration only during tumor
      initiation or promotion. Moreover, we found the vitamin D3 increased the
      expression of E-cadherin and vitamin D receptor while it decreased the expression
      of beta-catenin. CONCLUSION: We succeeded in establishment of epithelial ovarian
      cancer models both in vitro and in vivo. The DMBA-implanted model in mice yields
      high incidence and specificity of epithelial derived tumors. We also found that
      vitamin D delays the progression of ovarian cancer. However, spontaneous
      epithelial ovarian carcinoma models are still to be explored for testing the
      preventive effects of vitamin D on epithelial ovarian cancer.

PMID- 27143933
TI  - AEG-1 as a predictor of sensitivity to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced
      epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) plays a critical role in tumor
      progression and chemoresistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate
      the protein expression of AEG-1 in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)
      who underwent debulking surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The protein expression of AEG-1 was analyzed using
      immunohistochemistry in 162 patients with EOC. The relationship between AEG-1
      expression and chemotherapy resistance was assessed using univariate and
      multivariate logistic regression analyses with covariate adjustments. RESULTS:
      High AEG-1 expression was significantly associated with the International
      Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, age, serum cancer antigen-125
      concentration, histological grade, the presence of residual tumor after the
      interval debulking surgery, and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, AEG-1
      expression was significantly higher in NAC-resistant disease than in NAC
      sensitive disease (P<0.05). Multivariate analyses indicated that elevated AEG-1
      expression predicted poor survival. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that AEG-1
      may be a potential new biomarker for predicting chemoresistance and poor
      prognoses in patients with EOC.

PMID- 27143934
TI  - RNA interference-mediated silencing of speckle-type POZ protein promotes
      apoptosis of renal cell cancer cells.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the effects of silencing the speckle-type POZ
      protein (SPOP) gene on renal cell cancer (RCC) cells and to explore its possible
      mechanism. The A498 and ACHN RCC cells were transfected with small interference
      RNA (siRNA)-SPOP by lipofection methods. The silencing efficiency was monitored
      by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The effects
      of SPOP silencing on cell apoptosis, cell viability, colony formation ability,
      cell migration ability, and chemosensitivity to Sorafenib were assessed by flow
      cytometry, an MTT assay, a colony formation assay, a trans-well migration assay,
      and a CCK-8 assay, respectively. Its effects on the expression of several
      cytokines were determined by a protein microarray. Relevant signaling pathways
      were also analyzed. Compared with the control group, the cell apoptosis rate was
      significantly higher; the cell viability, the colony formation, and migration
      ability were significantly decreased in the siRNA-SPOP group. The protein
      microarray screening showed that the expression of vascular endothelial growth
      factor receptor, matrix metallopeptidase-9, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1,
      and stromal cell-derived factor-1 in the siRNA group was significantly decreased
      and that the expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and E
      cadherin was significantly increased (P<0.05). The relevant signaling pathways
      were the integrin-mediated cell surface interactions pathway and extracellular
      matrix organization signal pathway. SPOP gene silencing induced cell apoptosis,
      decreased cell viability, colony formation, and migration ability, and elevated
      the drug sensitivity in the RCC cells. A possible mechanism is that silencing
      SPOP induces the differential expression of E-cadherin, vascular endothelial
      growth factor receptor, matrix metallopeptidase-9, and vascular cell adhesion
      molecule, which are related to the integrin-mediated cell surface interactions
      and extracellular matrix organization signaling pathway. 

PMID- 27143935
TI  - Genetic association between interluekin-4 rs2243250 polymorphism and gastric
      cancer susceptibility: evidence based on a meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Numerous studies have suggested that the interleukin-4 (IL-4) rs2243250
      polymorphism is associated with gastric cancer susceptibility. However, the
      results were inconsistent. Hence, we carried out a meta-analysis to confirm the
      conclusion. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, CBM, CNKI, and Wanfang Data to
      identify relevant studies up to August 20, 2015. Odds ratio (OR) and 95%
      confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the association between IL-4
      rs2243250 polymorphism and gastric cancer susceptibility. All the statistical
      analyses were performed with Stata 12.0 software. RESULTS: A total of eleven
      published case-control studies were identified, including 2,247 gastric cancer
      patients and 3,370 controls. Overall, no significant association between IL-4
      rs2243250 polymorphism and gastric cancer susceptibility was observed in this
      meta-analysis (T vs C: OR =1.05, 95% CI =0.95-1.17; TT vs CC: OR =1.20, 95% CI
      =0.89-1.63; CT vs CC: OR =1.14, 95% CI =0.87-1.48; TT + CT vs CC: OR =1.13, 95%
      CI =0.89-1.44; TT vs CT + CC: OR =1.02, 95% CI =0.88-1.20). Similar results were
      found in subgroup analyses according to ethnicity and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
      in controls. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that IL-4 rs2243250
      polymorphism may not be associated with gastric cancer susceptibility. Further
      studies are needed to validate this conclusion.

PMID- 27143936
TI  - Comparison of erlotinib and pemetrexed as second-/third-line treatment for lung
      adenocarcinoma patients with asymptomatic brain metastases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Brain metastases occur in one-third of all non-small-cell lung cancer
      patients. Due to restrictive transport at the blood-brain barrier, many drugs
      provide poor control of metastases in the brain. The aim of this study was to
      compare erlotinib with pemetrexed as second-/third-line treatment in patients
      with lung adenocarcinoma with asymptomatic brain metastases. METHODS: From
      January 2012 to June 2014, all lung adenocarcinoma patients with asymptomatic
      brain metastases who received treatment with erlotinib or pemetrexed as second
      /third-line treatment were retrospectively reviewed. Chi-square and log-rank
      tests were used to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study enrolled 99
      patients, of which 44 were positive for EGFR mutation. Median progression-free
      survival (PFS) in months was not significantly different between the erlotinib-
      and pemetrexed-treated groups (4.2 vs 3.4 months; 95% confidence interval [CI]:
      2.01-6.40 vs 2.80-5.00, respectively; P=0.635). Median PFS was found to be
      significantly longer in EGFR mutation-positive patients in the erlotinib-treated
      group (8.0 months; 95% CI 5.85-10.15) compared to the pemetrexed group (3.9
      months; 95% CI: 1.25-6.55; P=0.032). The most common treatment-related side
      effect was mild-to-moderate rash and the most common drug-related side effects in
      the pemetrexed-group were vomiting and nausea. CONCLUSION: Erlotinib and
      pemetrexed may be used as second-/third-line treatment in lung adenocarcinoma
      patients with asymptomatic brain metastases, and detection of EGFR mutation
      status is very important in these patients. EGFR mutation-positive lung
      adenocarcinoma patients with asymptomatic brain metastases showed longer PFS when
      treated with erlotinib as opposed to pemetrexed.

PMID- 27143937
TI  - Risk of adverse events with bevacizumab addition to therapy in advanced non-small
      cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial
      growth factor ligand, has shown survival benefits in the treatment of many types
      of malignant tumors, including non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We conducted
      this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the risk of the most
      clinically relevant adverse events related to bevacizumab in advanced NSCLC.
      METHODS: Databases from PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to August
      2015, were searched to identify relevant studies. We included prospective
      randomized controlled Phase II/III clinical trials that compared therapy with or
      without bevacizumab for advanced NSCLC. Summary relative risk (RR) and 95%
      confidence intervals were calculated using random effects or fixed effects
      according to the heterogeneity among included trials. RESULTS: A total of 3,745
      patients from nine clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis. Summary
      RRs showed a statistically significant bevacizumab-associated increased risk in
      three of the adverse outcomes studied: proteinuria (RR =7.55), hypertension (RR
      =5.34), and hemorrhagic events (RR =2.61). No statistically significant
      differences were found for gastrointestinal perforation (P=0.60), arterial and
      venous thromboembolic events (P=0.35 and P=0.92, respectively), or fatal events
      (P=0.29). CONCLUSION: The addition of bevacizumab to therapy in advanced NSCLC
      did significantly increase the risk of proteinuria, hypertension, and hemorrhagic
      events but not arterial/venous thromboembolic events, gastrointestinal
      perforation, or fatal adverse events.

PMID- 27143938
TI  - Metadherin regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in carcinoma.
AB  - Metadherin (MTDH) was first identified in primary human fetal astrocytes exposed
      to HIV-1 in 2002 and then recognized as an important oncogene mediating
      tumorigenesis, progression, invasiveness, and metastasis of carcinomas.
      Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a vital process in embryonic
      development, organ repair, and cancer progression. MTDH and EMT have also been
      proved to be related to the prognosis of patients with cancers. Recent studies
      reveal a relationship between MTDH overexpression and EMT in some malignancies.
      This review highlights the overexpression of MTDH and EMT in cancers and their
      correlations in clinical studies. Positive correlations have been established
      between MTDH and mesenchymal biomarkers, and negative correlations between MTDH
      and epithelial biomarkers have also been established. Furthermore, experiments
      reveal EMT regulated by MTDH, and some signal pathways have been established.
      Some anticancer drugs targeting MTDH and EMT are introduced in this review. Some
      perspectives concerning EMT regulation by MTDH are also presented in this review.

PMID- 27143939
TI  - Characterization of neural stemness status through the neurogenesis process for
      bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - The in vitro isolation, identification, differentiation, and neurogenesis
      characterization of the sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were
      investigated to produce two types of cells in culture: neural cells and neural
      stem cells (NSCs). These types of stem cells were used as successful sources for
      the further treatment of central nervous system defects and injuries. The mouse
      bone marrow MSCs were used as the source of the stem cells in this study. beta
      Mercaptoethanol (BME) was used as the main inducer of the neurogenesis pathway to
      induce neural cells and to identify NSCs. Three types of neural markers were
      used: nestin as the immaturation stage marker, neurofilament light chain as the
      early neural marker, and microtubule-associated protein 2 as the maturation
      marker through different time intervals in the neurogenesis process starting from
      the MSCs, (as undifferentiated cells), NSCs, production stages, and toward neuron
      cells (as differentiated cells). The results of different exposure times to BME
      of the neural markers analysis done by immunocytochemistry and real time
      polymerase chain reaction helped us to identify the exact timing for the neural
      stemness state. The results showed that the best exposure time that may be used
      for the production of NSCs was 6 hours. The best maintenance media for NSCs were
      also identified. Furthermore, we optimized exposure to BME with different times
      and concentrations, which could be an interesting way to modulate specific
      neuronal differentiation and obtain autologous neuronal phenotypes. This study
      was able to characterize NSCs in culture under differentiation for neurogenesis
      in the pathway of the neural differentiation process by studying the expressed
      neural genes and the ability to maintain these NSCs in culture for further
      differentiation in thousands of functional neurons for the treatment of brain and
      spinal cord injuries and defects. 

PMID- 27143940
TI  - Sleep-disordered breathing in children with asthma: a systematic review on the
      impact of treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective was to perform a systematic review in order to describe
      the relationship between asthma and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children,
      especially regarding the impact of treatment and management. METHODS: We
      performed an electronic search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS database. Study
      inclusion criteria were the following: 1) studies that examined the relationship
      between asthma/wheezing and SDB/obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); and 2) studies
      conducted in children <18 years of age. Primary outcomes were the prevalence of
      asthma and SDB, the tests used for diagnosis, and the influence of their
      treatment and management. RESULTS: One thousand and twenty studies were
      identified, among which 32 were selected (n=143,343 children; 51% males; age
      [mean +/- standard deviation] 8.4+/-2.5 years). Most studies (n=26) diagnosed SDB
      using questionnaires or clinical history. Nine studies performed a sleep study
      for diagnosing OSA. The diagnosis of asthma was based on clinical history (n=16),
      previous medical diagnosis (n=4), questionnaires (n=12), and spirometry (n=5).
      Children with asthma were more likely to develop habitual snoring and OSA, and
      children with SDB were more likely to develop asthma. Moreover, asthma was
      associated with more severe OSA, and the presence of SDB was associated with
      severe asthma. Treatment of SDB with adenotonsillectomy was associated with
      significant asthma improvement. CONCLUSION: The relationship between asthma and
      SDB appears to be bidirectional, and adenotonsillectomy appears to improve asthma
      control. Future trials on how asthma treatment could impact on SDB are needed.

PMID- 27143942
TI  - Species-based comparison of disease severity and risk factors for disseminated
      Candida infections in pediatric patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric Candida infections are associated with worse clinical
      outcomes and increased costs. Yet, it is not definitively known if particular
      species are associated with more severe illness. Differential risk factor
      exposures among the species group may also exist. We aimed to determine whether
      certain Candida species are more strongly associated with worse outcomes, and
      whether certain risk factors more strongly predispose patients to infection with
      certain species. METHODS: Microbiology lab records from patients seen from 2003
      to 2010 at an urban children's hospital were reviewed for invasive or
      disseminated Candida infections. Data on measures of disease severity/outcome and
      risk factors were abstracted and analyzed to determine differences associated
      with various Candida species. RESULTS: Exactly 106 cases of infection were
      analyzed. Non-albicans species were associated with a significantly longer length
      of stay postdiagnosis (P=0.03), as well as longer treatment (P=0.02). Candida
      albicans was associated with a higher number of antihypotensive medications
      required (P=0.03) and length of mechanical ventilation postdiagnosis (P=0.05).
      Candida tropicalis was associated with the highest mortality (45.5%).
      Hypotension, which was found to be significantly associated with concurrent
      infection, was significantly associated with increased risk of mortality (odds
      ratio =5.85, P=0.005). Initial choice of antifungal therapy was not associated
      with differences in eventual patient mortality. Multivariate logistic regression
      modeling revealed a trend toward C. albicans infection in patients receiving
      antineoplastic chemotherapy and non-albicans infection in patients with >96 hours
      mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: Interspecies differences may exist for
      Candida in terms of disease severity and risk factors. Underlying morbidity and
      the role of concurrent infections may play a key role in poor outcomes.

PMID- 27143941
TI  - Daptomycin: an evidence-based review of its role in the treatment of Gram
      positive infections.
AB  - Infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens remain a major public health burden
      and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Increasing rates of
      infection with Gram-positive bacteria and the emergence of resistance to commonly
      used antibiotics have led to the need for novel antibiotics. Daptomycin, a cyclic
      lipopeptide with rapid bactericidal activity against a wide range of Gram
      positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, has been
      shown to be effective and has a good safety profile for the approved indications
      of complicated skin and soft tissue infections (4 mg/kg/day), right-sided
      infective endocarditis caused by S. aureus, and bacteremia associated with
      complicated skin and soft tissue infections or right-sided infective endocarditis
      (6 mg/kg/day). Based on its pharmacokinetic profile and concentration-dependent
      bactericidal activity, high-dose (>6 mg/kg/day) daptomycin is considered an
      important treatment option in the management of various difficult-to-treat Gram
      positive infections. Although daptomycin resistance has been documented, it
      remains uncommon despite the increasing use of daptomycin. To enhance activity
      and to minimize resistance, daptomycin in combination with other antibiotics has
      also been explored and found to be beneficial in certain severe infections. The
      availability of daptomycin via a 2-minute intravenous bolus facilitates its
      outpatient administration, providing an opportunity to reduce risk of health care
      associated infections, improve patient satisfaction, and minimize health care
      costs. Daptomycin, not currently approved for use in the pediatric population,
      has been shown to be widely used for treating Gram-positive infections in
      children. 

PMID- 27143943
TI  - Prescription omega-3 fatty acid products: considerations for patients with
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome contribute to
      hypertriglyceridemia, which may increase residual risk of cardiovascular disease
      in patients with elevated triglyceride (TG) levels despite optimal low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with statin therapy. Prescription products
      containing the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (OM3FAs) eicosapentaenoic acid
      (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are an effective strategy for reducing TG
      levels. This article provides an overview of prescription OM3FAs, including
      relevant clinical data in patients with T2DM and/or metabolic syndrome.
      Prescription OM3FAs contain either combinations of DHA and EPA (omega-3-acid
      ethyl esters, omega-3-carboxylic acids, omega-3-acid ethyl esters A) or EPA alone
      (icosapent ethyl). These products are well tolerated and can be used safely with
      statins. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that all prescription
      OM3FAs produce statistically significant reductions in TG levels compared with
      placebo; however, differential effects on LDL-C levels have been reported.
      Products containing DHA may increase LDL-C levels, whereas the EPA-only product
      did not increase LDL-C levels compared with placebo. Because increases in LDL-C
      levels may be unwanted in patients with T2DM and/or dyslipidemia, the EPA-only
      product should not be replaced with products containing DHA. Available data on
      the effects of OM3FAs in patients with diabetes and/or metabolic syndrome support
      that these products can be used safely in patients with T2DM and have beneficial
      effects on atherogenic parameters; in particular, the EPA-only prescription
      product significantly reduced TG, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, Apo
      B, remnant lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-sensitivity CRP levels without
      increasing LDL-C levels compared with placebo. Ongoing studies of the effects of
      prescription OM3FAs on cardiovascular outcomes will help determine whether these
      products will emerge as effective add-on options to statin therapy for reduction
      of residual cardiovascular disease risk. 

PMID- 27143944
TI  - Level of control among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending diabetic
      clinic under family medicine compared to diabetic clinic under endocrinology.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare level of control among patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus attending diabetic clinic under family medicine service and
      patients attending diabetic clinics under endocrinology service, and to explore
      the effect of different variables on the level of control in both groups.
      METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study by reviewing medical records of
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and laboratory studies from Hospital
      Information System at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, National Guard, Riyadh -
      Saudi Arabia using predesigned sheet for data collection. RESULTS: Among 352
      patients enrolled in the study, 176 (50%) patients were from the family medicine
      setting and 176 (50%) patients were from the hospital setting. The mean
      glycosylated hemoglobin for the whole study population was 8.97+/-1.87. There was
      no significant difference between the two groups in regard to level of control
      (9.01+/-1.75 in the family medicine setting compared to 8.93+/-1.98 in the
      hospital setting). No significant correlation was found between level of control
      and age, duration of disease and number of follow-up visits in both settings.
      CONCLUSION: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in this study were found to be
      poorly controlled in both the settings, diabetic clinic under family medicine and
      diabetic clinic under endocrinology. More research should be done to explore
      quality of care in a family medicine setting for patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus, as such a setting is expected to be more accessible, more convenient,
      and more cost effective to patients.

PMID- 27143945
TI  - A population-based study of the stratum corneum moisture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The stratum corneum (SC) has important functions as a bound-water
      modulator and a primary barrier of the human skin from the external environment.
      However, no large epidemiological study has quantified the relative importance of
      different exposures with regard to these functional properties. In this study, we
      have studied a large sample of individuals from the Brazilian population in order
      to understand the different relationships between the properties of SC and a
      number of demographic and self-perceived variables. METHODS: One thousand three
      hundred and thirty-nine individuals from a rural Brazilian population, who were
      participants of a family-based study, were submitted to a cross-sectional
      examination of the SC moisture by capacitance using the Corneometer(r) CM820 and
      investigated regarding environmental exposures, cosmetic use, and other
      physiological and epidemiological measurements. Self-perception-scaled questions
      about skin conditions were also applied. RESULTS: We found significant
      associations between SC moisture and sex, age, high sun exposure, and sunscreen
      use frequency (P<0.025). In specific studied sites, self-reported race and
      obesity were also found to show significant effects. Dry skin self-perception was
      also found to be highly correlated with the objective measurement of the skin.
      Other environmental effects on SC moisture are also reported.

PMID- 27143946
TI  - Improved patient satisfaction using ingenol mebutate gel 0.015% for the treatment
      of facial actinic keratoses: a prospective pilot study.
AB  - Actinic keratoses (AKs), especially on areas of the face, have a negative impact
      on a patient's quality of life (QoL). These lesions manifest on sun-damaged skin
      and have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Field-directed
      therapy alone and in combination with lesion-directed treatment is effective in
      clearing both visible and nonvisible AK lesions. Topical treatments of AKs thus
      have the potential to improve a patient's well-being. However, evidence
      demonstrating improvements in patient QoL is limited, and is mostly based on
      observational or retrospective studies. Some prospective studies have reported
      unchanged or even worsening QoL despite excellent treatment outcomes. Our
      prospective, pilot study demonstrated a significant increase in QoL in 28
      subjects with AKs of the face treated with ingenol mebutate gel 0.015%. QoL was
      assessed at days 0 and 60 using the Skindex-16 survey. Mean overall scores
      improved from 24.5% at baseline to 15.5% at day 60 (P=0.031). Improvements in QoL
      were consistent with an 80% reduction in AK lesion number at day 60. These
      improved QoL findings are in line with those from a recent retrospective study
      using ingenol mebutate 0.015% gel. This study therefore further demonstrates the
      potential for field therapy to improve both treatment outcomes and patient
      satisfaction. 

PMID- 27143947
TI  - Generation and characterization of ixekizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody
      that neutralizes interleukin-17A.
AB  - Interleukin (IL)-17A exists as a homodimer (A/A) or as a heterodimer (A/F) with
      IL-17F. IL-17A is expressed by a subset of T-cells, called Th17 cells, at
      inflammatory sites. Most cell types can respond to the local production of IL-17A
      because of the near ubiquitous expression of IL-17A receptors, IL-17RA and IL
      17RC. IL-17A stimulates the release of cytokines and chemokines designed to
      recruit and activate both neutrophils and memory T-cells to the site of injury or
      inflammation and maintain a proinflammatory state. IL-17A-producing pathogenic T
      cells contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis,
      psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. This study
      describes the generation and characterization of ixekizumab, a humanized IgG4
      variant IL-17A-neutralizing antibody. Ixekizumab binds human and cynomolgus
      monkey IL-17A with high affinity and binds rabbit IL-17A weakly but does not bind
      to rodent IL-17A or other IL-17 family members. Ixekizumab effectively inhibits
      the interaction between IL-17A and its receptor in binding assays and potently
      blocks IL-17A-induced GRO or KC secretion in cell-based assays. In an in vivo
      mouse pharmcodynamic model, ixekizumab blocks human IL-17A-induced mouse KC
      secretion. These data provide a comprehensive preclinical characterization of
      ixekizumab, for which the efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in human
      clinical trials in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. 

PMID- 27143948
TI  - Prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients on
      hemodialysis: challenges and management strategies.
AB  - Catheter-related bloodstream infections are a significant source of morbidity and
      mortality in the end-stage renal disease population. Although alternative
      accesses to undergoing renal replacement therapy exist, many patients begin
      hemodialysis with a dialysis catheter due to logistic and physiologic factors
      involved in arteriovenous fistula creation and maturation. Colonization of
      catheters via skin flora leads to the production of biofilm, which acts as a
      reservoir for virulent bacteria. Preventative therapies center on appropriate
      catheter maintenance, infection control measures, and early removal of devices as
      patients transition to other access. Despite best efforts, when conservative
      measures fail to prevent infections in a high-risk population, antimicrobial lock
      therapy should be considered as an option to combat catheter-related bloodstream
      infections. 

PMID- 27143949
TI  - Angioplasty of forearm arteries as a finger salvage procedure for patient with
      end-stage renal failure.
AB  - Due to the relatively low metabolic demand and extensive collaterals of the upper
      limb, peripheral arterial disease seldom leads to tissue loss, except in patients
      with end-stage renal failure (ESRF), rheumatologic diseases, Raynaud's disease,
      frostbites, or distal emboli. We report a case of a 51-year-old lady with ESRF
      who presented to our tertiary referral vascular center with infected gangrene of
      her right ring finger. Duplex ultrasound showed that her forearm arteries were
      severely diseased. Digital subtraction angiogram showed severe multilevel
      stenoses/occlusions in her forearm radial and ulnar arteries. These lesions were
      successfully angioplastized with 2 mm * 25 mm angioplasty balloon. Completion
      angiogram showed good radiological results with some post-dilatation spasm which
      improved with intra-arterial glyceryl trinitrate. The sepsis improved after
      revascularization, and the distal phalanx was allowed to self-demarcate with
      dressings and autoamputate with good clinical results. Our case illustrated that
      even in delayed setting, patients could still benefit from specialist vascular
      care with a combination of expert care and angioplasty of forearm arteries, with
      successful salvage of her finger. 

PMID- 27143950
TI  - Independent associations of urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and
      serum uric acid with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy in primary
      glomerulonephritis.
AB  - The degree of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) is one of the
      strongest prognostic factors in glomerulonephritis (GN). In experimental models,
      high serum uric acid (UA) could contribute to IFTA through direct effects on the
      renal tubules, but the significance of this process has not been evaluated in
      patients. Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is produced by
      renal tubules following acute or chronic damage. We investigated the relationship
      between UA and NGAL excretion in primary GN and tested whether these biomarkers
      are independently associated with IFTA. Urine and blood were collected from
      patients on the day of kidney biopsy. IFTA was assessed semi-quantitatively.
      Fifty-one patients with primary GN were enrolled. NGAL/creatinine correlated
      significantly with proteinuria but not with glomerular filtration rate (GFR). By
      contrast, UA correlated with GFR but not with proteinuria. NGAL/creatinine did
      not correlate with UA. Both NGAL/creatinine and UA increased with the severity of
      IFTA. By multivariate analysis, GFR, NGAL/creatinine, and UA were independently
      associated with moderate-to-severe IFTA. Combining UA and NGAL/creatinine with
      classical predictors (proteinuria and GFR) tended to improve discrimination for
      moderate-to-severe IFTA. Findings that UA was unrelated to urinary NGAL excretion
      suggest that the two biomarkers reflect different pathways related to the
      development of IFTA in primary GN. Both NGAL/creatinine and UA were independently
      associated with moderate-to-severe IFTA. 

PMID- 27143951
TI  - Potential utility of precision medicine for older adults with polypharmacy: a
      case series study.
AB  - Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing has been increasingly used to optimize drug
      regimens; however, its potential in older adults with polypharmacy has not been
      systematically studied. In this hypothesis-generating study, we employed a case
      series design to explore potential utility of PGx testing in older adults with
      polypharmacy and to highlight barriers in implementing this methodology in
      routine clinical practice. Three patients with concurrent chronic heart and lung
      disease aged 74, 78, and 83 years and whose medication regimen comprised 26, 17,
      and 18 drugs, correspondingly, served as cases for this study. PGx testing
      identified major genetic polymorphisms in the first two cases. The first case was
      identified as "CYP3A4/CYP3A5 poor metabolizer", which affected metabolism of
      eleven prescribed drugs. The second case had "CYP2D6 rapid metabolizer" status
      affecting three prescribed medications, two of which were key drugs for managing
      this patient's chronic conditions. Both these patients also had VKORC1 allele *A,
      resulting in higher sensitivity to warfarin. All cases demonstrated a significant
      number of potential drug-drug interactions. Both patients with significant drug
      gene interactions had a history of frequent hospitalizations (six and 23,
      respectively), whereas the person without impaired cytochrome P450 enzyme
      activity had only two acute episodes in the last 5 years, although he was older
      and had multiple comorbidities. Since all patients received guideline-concordant
      therapy from the same providers and were adherent to their drug regimen, we
      hypothesized that genetic polymorphism may represent an additional risk factor
      for higher hospitalization rates in older adults with polypharmacy. However,
      evidence to support or reject this hypothesis is yet to be established. Studies
      evaluating clinical impact of PGx testing in older adults with polypharmacy are
      warranted. For practical implementation of pharmacogenomics in routine clinical
      care, besides providing convincing evidence of its clinical effectiveness,
      multiple barriers must be addressed. Introduction of intelligent clinical
      decision support in electronic medical record systems is required to address
      complexities of simultaneous drug-gene and drug-drug interactions in older adults
      with polypharmacy. Physician training, clear clinical pathways, evidence-based
      guidelines, and patient education materials are necessary for unlocking full
      potential of pharmacogenomics into routine clinical care of older adults. 

PMID- 27143952
TI  - Association between sarcopenia and quality of life in quilombola elderly in
      Brazil.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Currently, there is no single consensual definition of sarcopenia
      in the literature. This creates a challenge for the evaluation of its prevalence
      and its direct or indirect impact on the quality of life of elderly populations
      of different races and ethnicities. Furthermore, no studies as yet have analyzed
      these variables in populations of elderly subjects of the "quilombola" ethnic
      group. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to verify the association between sarcopenia and
      quality of life in quilombola elderly using the Baumgartner and the European
      Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria. METHODS: This was
      a cross-sectional study of 70 male and female participants (mean age: 65.58+/
      6.67 years). Quality of life was evaluated using the multidimensional 36-item
      Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) of the Medical Outcomes Study. Sarcopenia was
      diagnosed according to the Baumgartner cutoff for appendicular skeletal muscle
      mass and the criteria recommended by the EWGSOP. Muscle mass and fat mass
      percentages were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, while handgrip
      strength (HGS) was evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer. Physical performance
      was assessed through a gait speed test. RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was
      15% according to the Baumgartner cutoff and 10% according to EWGSOP criteria.
      Quilombola elderly classified as physically active or very active were at least
      six times less likely to develop sarcopenia than those classified as irregularly
      active or sedentary. HGS was negatively associated with a diagnosis of sarcopenia
      according to both sets of criteria. Subjects with sarcopenia reported lower
      scores than those without the condition on the physical role functioning and
      bodily pain domains of the SF-36. CONCLUSION: In this sample of quilombola
      elderly, quality of life was negatively associated with sarcopenia, regardless of
      the classification criteria used. Additionally, the results showed that
      diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia should include reductions in lean mass in
      addition to measures of functioning and physical performance because some
      subjects showed the former symptom without any alteration of the latter two
      variables. The cutoff value suggested by Baumgartner criteria were less accurate
      than that specified by the EWGSOP criteria because they do not consider
      functioning and physical performance. However, Baumgartner criteria were more
      sensitive in detecting sarcopenia because reductions in lean mass predict
      alterations in strength and walking speed.

PMID- 27143953
TI  - Escalating placenta invasiveness: repeated placenta accreta at the limit of
      viability.
AB  - Placenta percreta is an obstetric condition in which the placenta invades through
      the myometrium. This is the most severe form of placenta accreta and may result
      in spontaneous uterine rupture, a rare complication that threatens the life of
      both mother and fetus. In this case report, we describe a 32-year-old woman in
      her fourth pregnancy, diagnosed with repeated placenta accreta, which was
      eventually complicated by spontaneous uterine rupture at 24 weeks' gestation.
      This patient had a history of abnormal placentation in prior pregnancies and
      previous uterine injuries. This case demonstrates a pattern of escalating
      placental invasiveness, and raises questions regarding the process of abnormal
      placentation and the manifestation of uterine rupture in scarred uteri. 

PMID- 27143954
TI  - Erratum: Cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker: critical appraisal of the
      adaptive CRT-P device [Corrigendum].
AB  - [This corrects the article on p. 19 in vol. 9, PMID: 26848278.]. 

PMID- 27143955
TI  - Methacryloxylethyl Cetyl Ammonium Chloride Induces DNA Damage and Apoptosis in
      Human Dental Pulp Cells via Generation of Oxidative Stress.
AB  - The polymerizable antibacterial monomer methacryloxylethyl cetyl ammonium
      chloride (DMAE-CB) has provided an effective strategy to combat dental caries.
      However, the application of such material raises the question about the
      biological safety and the question remains open. The mechanism of this toxic
      action, however, is not yet clearly understood. The present study aims at
      providing novel insight into the possible causal link between cellular oxidative
      stress and DNA damage, as well as apoptosis in human dental pulp cells exposed to
      DMAE-CB. The enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of
      glutathione, as well as differential changes in activities of superoxide
      dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in DMAE-CB-treated cells
      indicated oxidative stress. By using substances that can alter GSH synthesis, we
      found that GSH was the key component in the regulation of cell response towards
      oxidative stress induced by DMAE-CB. The increase in oxidative stress-sensitive 8
      Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) content, formation of gamma-H2AX and cell cycle G1
      phase arrest indicated that DNA damage occurred as a result of the interaction
      between DNA base and ROS beyond the capacities of antioxidant mechanisms in cells
      exposed to DMAE-CB. Such oxidative DNA damage thus triggers the activation of
      ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) signaling, the intrinsic apoptotic pathway,
      and destruction of mitochondrial morphology and function. 

PMID- 27143956
TI  - Revealing the Effects of the Herbal Pair of Euphorbia kansui and Glycyrrhiza on
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma Ascites with Integrating Network Target Analysis and
      Experimental Validation.
AB  - Although the herbal pair of Euphorbia kansui (GS) and Glycyrrhiza (GC) is one of
      the so-called "eighteen antagonistic medicaments" in Chinese medicinal
      literature, it is prescribed in a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
      formula Gansui-Banxia-Tang for cancerous ascites, suggesting that GS and GC may
      exhibit synergistic or antagonistic effects in different combination designs.
      Here, we modeled the effects of GS/GC combination with a target interaction
      network and clarified the associations between the network topologies involving
      the drug targets and the drug combination effects. Moreover, the "edge
      betweenness" values, which is defined as the frequency with which edges are
      placed on the shortest paths between all pairs of modules in network, were
      calculated, and the ADRB1-PIK3CG interaction exhibited the greatest edge
      betweenness value, suggesting its crucial role in connecting the other edges in
      the network. Because ADRB1 and PIK3CG were putative targets of GS and GC,
      respectively, and both had functional interactions with AVPR2 approved as known
      therapeutic target for ascites, we proposed that the ADRB1-PIK3CG-AVPR2 signal
      axis might be involved in the effects of the GS-GC combination on ascites. This
      proposal was further experimentally validated in a H22 hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) ascites model. Collectively, this systems-level investigation integrated
      drug target prediction and network analysis to reveal the combination principles
      of the herbal pair of GS and GC. Experimental validation in an in vivo system
      provided convincing evidence that different combination designs of GS and GC
      might result in synergistic or antagonistic effects on HCC ascites that might be
      partially related to their regulation of the ADRB1-PIK3CG-AVPR2 signal axis. 

PMID- 27143957
TI  - Ecological Trade-offs between Migration and Reproduction Are Mediated by the
      Nutrition-Sensitive Insulin-Signaling Pathway.
AB  - Crowding and changes in food availability are two critical environmental
      conditions that impact an animal's trajectory toward either migration or
      reproduction. Many insects facing this challenge have evolved wing polyphenisms.
      When conditions favor reproduction, wing polyphenic species produce adults that
      either have no wings or short, non-functional wings. Facultative wing growth
      reflects a physiological and evolutionary trade-off between migration and
      reproduction, triggered by environmental conditions. How environmental cues are
      transduced to produce these alternative forms, and their associated ecological
      shift from migration to reproduction, remains an important unsolved problem in
      evolutionary ecology. The brown planthopper, a wing polymorphic insect exhibiting
      strong trade-offs in investment between migration and reproduction, is one of the
      most serious rice pests in Asia. In this study, we investigated the function of
      four genes in the insulin-signaling pathway known to couple nutrition with
      growth, PI3 Kinase (PI3K), PDK1, Akt (Protein Kinase B), and the forkhead gene
      FOXO. Using a combination of RNA interference and pharmacological inhibitor
      treatment, we show that all four genes contribute to tissue level regulation of
      wing polymorphic development in this insect. As predicted, silencing of the
      NlPI3K, NlAkt and NlPDK1 through dsRNA and with the pharmacological inhibitor
      Perifosine resulted in short-winged brown planthoppers, whereas knockdown of
      NlFOXO resulted in long-winged planthoppers. Morphometric analyses confirm that
      phenotypes from our manipulations mimic what would be found in nature, i.e.,
      major parameters such as bristle number, wing area and body weight are not
      significantly different from non-experimental animals. Taken together, these data
      implicate the insulin-signaling pathway in the transduction of environmental
      factors into condition-dependent patterns of wing growth in insects. 

PMID- 27143958
TI  - Online Sequential Projection Vector Machine with Adaptive Data Mean Update.
AB  - We propose a simple online learning algorithm especial for high-dimensional data.
      The algorithm is referred to as online sequential projection vector machine
      (OSPVM) which derives from projection vector machine and can learn from data in
      one-by-one or chunk-by-chunk mode. In OSPVM, data centering, dimension reduction,
      and neural network training are integrated seamlessly. In particular, the model
      parameters including (1) the projection vectors for dimension reduction, (2) the
      input weights, biases, and output weights, and (3) the number of hidden nodes can
      be updated simultaneously. Moreover, only one parameter, the number of hidden
      nodes, needs to be determined manually, and this makes it easy for use in real
      applications. Performance comparison was made on various high-dimensional
      classification problems for OSPVM against other fast online algorithms including
      budgeted stochastic gradient descent (BSGD) approach, adaptive multihyperplane
      machine (AMM), primal estimated subgradient solver (Pegasos), online sequential
      extreme learning machine (OSELM), and SVD + OSELM (feature selection based on SVD
      is performed before OSELM). The results obtained demonstrated the superior
      generalization performance and efficiency of the OSPVM. 

PMID- 27143959
TI  - Gait Planning and Stability Control of a Quadruped Robot.
AB  - In order to realize smooth gait planning and stability control of a quadruped
      robot, a new controller algorithm based on CPG-ZMP (central pattern generator
      zero moment point) is put forward in this paper. To generate smooth gait and
      shorten the adjusting time of the model oscillation system, a new CPG model
      controller and its gait switching strategy based on Wilson-Cowan model are
      presented in the paper. The control signals of knee-hip joints are obtained by
      the improved multi-DOF reduced order control theory. To realize stability
      control, the adaptive speed adjustment and gait switch are completed by the real
      time computing of ZMP. Experiment results show that the quadruped robot's gaits
      are efficiently generated and the gait switch is smooth in the CPG control
      algorithm. Meanwhile, the stability of robot's movement is improved greatly with
      the CPG-ZMP algorithm. The algorithm in this paper has good practicability, which
      lays a foundation for the production of the robot prototype. 

PMID- 27143960
TI  - Altered Levels of Serum Zinc and Cadmium in Patients with Chronic Vesiculobullous
      Hand and Feet Dermatitis.
AB  - Micronutrients serve many important functions in our body and altered levels of
      heavy and trace metals are associated with cutaneous and systemic disorders.
      Vesicular palmoplantar eczema is an entity whose etiopathogenesis is a mystery.
      In this prospective case-noncase study blood levels of Zinc and Cadmium in 37
      patients of chronic vesiculobullous hand dermatitis were estimated and compared
      with 40 noncases with similar age and gender distributions. Low serum Zinc levels
      were found in patients as compared to noncases. The mean difference of serum Zinc
      between the case and noncase groups was 27.26; the mean value of serum Zinc
      between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). However,
      elevated Cadmium levels were detected in only 5 patients and in none of the
      noncases. The mean concentration of serum Cadmium was 2.32 +/- 0.38 MUg/dL, with
      a range of 1.90-2.80 MUg/dL for the five cases in whom Cadmium was detected.
      Various toxic and trace metals can interact by influencing each other's
      absorption, retention, distribution, and bioavailability in the body. The
      clinical significance of this finding lies in the possible beneficial role of
      Zinc supplementation in the therapy of chronic vesiculobullous hand dermatitis. 

PMID- 27143961
TI  - Jumihaidokuto (Shi-Wei-Ba-Du-Tang), a Kampo Formula, Decreases the Disease
      Activity of Palmoplantar Pustulosis.
AB  - Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic skin disease characterized by sterile
      intraepidermal pustules associated with erythematous scaling on the palms and
      soles. Jumihaidokuto is a traditional herbal medicine composed of ten medical
      plants and has been given to patients with suppurative skin disease in Japan.
      This study investigated the effect of jumihaidokuto on the disease activity in
      PPP patients (n = 10). PPP patients were given jumihaidokuto (EKT-6; 6.0 g per
      day) for 4 to 8 weeks in addition to their prescribed medications. The results
      showed that the palmoplantar pustular psoriasis area and severity index (PPPASI)
      was decreased after the administration of jumihaidokuto (p < 0.05). Therefore,
      Jumihaidokuto is seemingly effective against PPP. 

PMID- 27143962
TI  - The Effects of Infliximab on Laminin, NFkappaB, and Anti-TNF Expression through
      Its Effect on Ischemic Liver Tissue.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of
      infliximab on expression of laminin, anti-TNF, and NFkappaB in the rat hepatic
      cells after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). A total of 30 male Wistar albino rats
      were divided into three groups: Control (C), sham I/R (ISC), and I/R+ infliximab
      (ISC inf); each group comprised 10 animals. C group animals underwent laparotomy
      without I/R injury. In ISC groups after undergoing laparotomy, 1 hour of superior
      mesenteric artery ligation was done, which was followed by 1 hour of reperfusion.
      In the ISC inf group, 3 days before I/R, infliximab (3 mg/kg) was administered
      intravenously. All animals were killed at the end of reperfusion and hepatic
      tissue samples were obtained for histopathological and histochemical
      investigations in all groups. Laminin, anti-TNF, and NFkappaB immunoreactivity
      were performed for all groups. ISC caused severe histopathological injury
      including mucosal erosions, inflammatory cell infiltration, necrosis, hemorrhage,
      and villous congestion. Infliximab treatment significantly attenuated the
      severity of intestinal I/R injury and it is shown by laminin, anti-TNF, and
      NFkappaB immunoreactivity. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
      effects, infliximab pretreatment may have protective effects on hepatic cells in
      the experimental intestinal I/R model of rats. 

PMID- 27143963
TI  - Fish Oil Reduces Hepatic Injury by Maintaining Normal Intestinal Permeability and
      Microbiota in Chronic Ethanol-Fed Rats.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effects of fish oil on
      hepatic injury in ethanol-fed rats based on the intestinal permeability and
      microbiota. Rats were assigned to 6 groups and fed either a control diet or an
      ethanol diet such as C (control), CF25 (control with 25% fish oil), CF57 (control
      with 57% fish oil), E (ethanol), EF25 (ethanol with 25% fish oil), and EF57
      (ethanol with 57% fish oil) groups. Rats were sacrificed at the end of 8 weeks.
      Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and aminotransferase (ALT) activities,
      hepatic cytokines, and plasma endotoxin levels were significantly higher in the E
      group. In addition, hepatic histopathological analysis scores in the E group were
      significantly elevated. Rats in the E group also showed increased intestinal
      permeability and decreased numbers of fecal Bifidobacterium. However, plasma AST
      and ALT activities and hepatic cytokine levels were significantly lower in the
      EF25 and EF57 groups. Histological changes and intestinal permeability were also
      improved in the EF25 and EF57 groups. The fecal Escherichia coli numbers were
      significantly lower, but fecal Bifidobacterium numbers were significantly higher
      in the EF25 and EF57 groups. 

PMID- 27143964
TI  - Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy versus Laparoscopic Banded Sleeve Gastrectomy:
      First Prospective Pilot Randomized Study.
AB  - Introduction. The placement of ring or band around the gastric tube might prevent
      the dilation after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). We describe the first
      randomized study comparing LSG and Laparoscopic Banded Sleeve Gastrectomy (LBSG).
      Material and Method. Fifty obese patients were enrolled in the study between
      January 2014 and January 2015. We analysed differences in operative time,
      complication rate, mortality, and BMI between the two groups over a period of 12
      months. Results. Twenty-five patients received LSG (group A) and 25 LBSG (group
      B). The mean preoperative BMI was 47.3 +/- 6.58 kg/m(2) and 44.95 +/- 5.85
      kg/m(2), respectively, in the two groups. There was no statistical relevant
      difference in operative time. No intraoperative complications occurred. Mean BMI
      registered after 3, 6, and 12 months in groups A and B, respectively, were 37.86
      +/- 5.72 kg/m(2) and 37.58 +/- 6.21 kg/m(2) (p = 0.869), 33.64 +/- 6.08 kg/m(2)
      and 32.03 +/- 5.24 kg/m(2) (p = 0.325), and 29.72 +/- 4.40 kg/m(2) and 27.42 +/-
      4.47 kg/m(2) (p = 0.186); no statistical relevant difference was registered
      between the two groups. Conclusion. LBSG is a safe and feasible procedure. The
      time required for the device positioning did not influence significantly the
      surgical time. The results of bodyweight loss did not document any statistically
      significant differences among the two groups, even though LBSG group showed a
      mean BMI slightly lower than that of the control group. 

PMID- 27143965
TI  - Different Types of Periampullary Duodenal Diverticula Are Associated with
      Occurrence and Recurrence of Bile Duct Stones: A Case-Control Study from a
      Chinese Center.
AB  - Aims. We here investigated the association of different types of periampullary
      diverticula (PAD) with pancreaticobiliary disease and with technical success of
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Methods. A total of 850
      consecutive patients who underwent their first ERCP were entered into a database.
      Of these patients, 161 patients (18.9%) had PAD and the age- and sex-matched
      control group comprised 483 patients. Results. PAD was correlated with common
      bile duct (CBD) stones (59.6% versus 35.0% in controls; P = 0.008) and negatively
      correlated with periampullary malignancy (6.8% versus 21.5% in controls; P =
      0.004). The acute pancreatitis was more frequent (62.5%) in patients with PAD
      type 1 followed by PAD type 2 (28.9%, P = 0.017) and type 3 (28.0%, P = 0.006).
      No significant differences were observed in successful cannulation rate and post
      ERCP complications among the 3 types of PAD. Type 1 PAD patients had less
      recurrence of CBD stones than did the patients who had type 2 or type 3 PAD
      (53.8% versus 85.7%; P = 0.043). Conclusions. PAD, especially type 1 PAD, is
      associated with an increased acute pancreatitis as well as occurrence and
      recurrence of CBD stones. PAD during an ERCP should not be considered as an
      obstacle to a successful cannulation. 

PMID- 27143966
TI  - A Prospective Cohort Study Evaluating the Ability of Anticipated Pain, Perceived
      Analgesic Needs, and Psychological Traits to Predict Pain and Analgesic Usage
      following Cesarean Delivery.
AB  - Introduction. This study aimed to determine if preoperative psychological tests
      combined with simple pain prediction ratings could predict pain intensity and
      analgesic usage following cesarean delivery (CD). Methods. 50 healthy women
      undergoing scheduled CD with spinal anesthesia comprised the prospective study
      cohort. Preoperative predictors included 4 validated psychological questionnaires
      (Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), Fear of Pain (FPQ), Pain Catastrophizing Scale,
      and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire) and 3 simple ratings: expected
      postoperative pain (0-10), anticipated analgesic threshold (0-10), and perceived
      analgesic needs (0-10). Postoperative outcome measures included post-CD pain
      (combined rest and movement) and opioid used for the 48-hour study period.
      Results. Bivariate correlations were significant with expected pain and opioid
      usage (r = 0.349), anticipated analgesic threshold and post-CD pain (r = -0.349),
      and perceived analgesic needs and post-CD pain (r = 0.313). Multiple linear
      regression analysis found that expected postoperative pain and anticipated
      analgesic needs contributed to post-CD pain prediction modeling (R (2) = 0.443, p
      < 0.0001); expected postoperative pain, ASI, and FPQ were associated with opioid
      usage (R (2) = 0.421, p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Preoperative psychological tests
      combined with simple pain prediction ratings accounted for 44% and 42% of pain
      and analgesic use variance, respectively. Preoperatively determined expected
      postoperative pain and perceived analgesic needs appear to be useful predictors
      for post-CD pain and analgesic requirements. 

PMID- 27143967
TI  - Associations between Tactile Sensory Threshold and Postural Performance and
      Effects of Healthy Aging and Subthreshold Vibrotactile Stimulation on Postural
      Outcomes in a Simple Dual Task.
AB  - Specific activities that require concurrent processing of postural and cognitive
      tasks may increase the risk for falls in older adults. We investigated whether
      peripheral receptor sensitivity was associated with postural performance in a
      dual-task and whether an intervention in form of subthreshold vibration could
      affect performance. Ten younger (age: 20-35 years) and ten older adults (70-85
      years) performed repeated auditory-verbal 1-back tasks while standing quietly on
      a force platform. Foot sole vibration was randomly added during several trials.
      Several postural control and performance measures were assessed and statistically
      analyzed (significance set to alpha-levels of .05). There were moderate
      correlations between peripheral sensitivity and several postural performance and
      control measures (r = .45 to .59). Several postural performance measures differed
      significantly between older and younger adults (p < 0.05); addition of vibration
      did not affect outcome measures. Aging affects healthy older adults' performance
      in dual-tasks, and peripheral sensitivity may be a contributor to the observed
      differences. A vibration intervention may only be useful when there are more
      severe impairments of the sensorimotor system. Hence, future research regarding
      the efficacy of sensorimotor interventions in the form of vibrotactile
      stimulation should focus on older adults whose balance is significantly affected.

PMID- 27143968
TI  - Histopathologic Evaluation of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Hypothyroidism
      Induced Rats.
AB  - It is speculated that thyroid hormones may be involved in nonalcoholic fatty
      liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. A literature scan, however, demonstrated
      conflicting results from studies investigating the relationship between
      hypothyroidism and NAFLD. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate NAFLD, from the
      histopathologic perspective, in hypothyroidism-induced rats. Wistar rats were
      divided into 2 groups: the experimental group consumed water containing
      methimazole 0.025% (MMI, Sigma, USA) for 12 weeks and the control group consumed
      tap water. At the end of week 12, serum glucose, ALT, AST, triglyceride, HDL,
      LDL, TSH, fT4, fT3, visfatin, and insulin assays were performed. Sections were
      stained with hematoxylin-eosin and "Oil Red-O" for histopathologic examination of
      the livers. In our study, we detected mild hepatosteatosis in all hypothyroidism
      induced rats. There was statistically significant difference with respect to
      obesity between the two groups (p < 0.001). The mean fasting blood glucose was
      126.25 +/- 23.4 mg/dL in hypothyroidism-induced group and 102.63 +/- 15.51 mg/dL
      in the control group, with a statistically significant difference between the
      groups (p = 0.032). The two groups did not differ statistically significantly
      with respect to visfatin levels (p > 0.05). In conclusion, we found that
      hypothyroidism-induced rats had mild hepatosteatosis as opposed to the control
      group histopathologically. Our study indicates that hypothyroidism can cause
      NAFLD. 

PMID- 27143969
TI  - Investigation of Vitamin D-Binding Protein Polymorphism Impact on Coronary Artery
      Disease and Relationship with Longevity: Own Data and a Review.
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess the effect of vitamin D-binding protein (DBP)
      polymorphism on coronary artery disease (CAD). DBP phenotypes were identified in
      the groups: control (n = 306), men suffering from CAD (n = 154), and long-lived
      individuals (n = 108). Isoelectric focusing of DBP phenotypes in serum was
      performed on polyacrylamide gel. Distribution of DBP phenotypes in the study
      groups was found to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Gc1s-1s phenotype and Gc1s
      allele frequency in CAD groups were significantly higher than in control, and
      Gc1s allele frequency was found significantly more often in CAD compared with
      long-lived group (p < 0.05). The Gc2 allele frequency in control was higher as
      compared with Gc2 frequency in CAD group (p < 0.05). The Gc2-2 phenotype was more
      frequent in long-lived survivors than in the CAD group (p < 0.05). It was found
      that the Gc1s allele significantly increased the risk of CAD with the odds ratio
      (OR) equal to 1.45 (p < 0.02) and showed Gc2 to be related with a decreased risk
      of CAD (OR = 0.69; p < 0.03). Authors review the role of DBP in resistance to
      atherosclerosis and cancer as the main longevity determinants. 

PMID- 27143970
TI  - Effect of Different Denture Base Materials and Changed Mouth Temperature on
      Dimensional Stability of Complete Dentures.
AB  - Background. Type of materials used in fabrication of denture base has an effect
      on dimension during denture base material processing and other factors related to
      clinical use. Objective. The study aims were to assess the dimensional stability
      including thermal changes of three different denture base materials. Methods.
      Ninety patients were selected to construct complete dentures with different
      denture base materials. They were randomly divided into three groups: group 1,
      patients with cobalt chrome metallic base; group 2, patients with heat curing
      acrylic resin fabricated by injection moulding technique; and group 3, patients
      with denture bases fabricated by conventional heat curing acrylic resin. The
      dimensional changes were assessed using digital caliper. Results. After the
      twelfth month, injection moulding acrylic resin had significantly the highest
      dimensional change followed by the conventional heat curing acrylic resin. There
      were no significant differences in the dimensions between the three types of
      denture base materials at normal mouth temperature, while, after hot tea drinking
      at 45 degrees C, the dimensional change was significantly the highest in cobalt
      chrome metallic denture base group. Conclusion. Cobalt chrome metallic denture
      base has stable dimension compared to denture bases fabricated of acrylic resin
      but it was more affected by altered mouth temperature. The study was registered
      in the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN)
      registry with study ID (ISRCTN94238244). 

PMID- 27143971
TI  - Influence of the Cement Film Thickness on the Push-Out Bond Strength of Glass
      Fiber Posts Cemented in Human Root Canals.
AB  - The present study evaluated the influence of the cement film thickness on the
      push-out bond strength of glass fiber posts in the cervical, medium, and apical
      thirds of root canal spaces. Thirty roots were randomly divided into three
      groups, according to the fiber post system's drills: (G1) #2; (G2) #3; (G3) #4.
      The posts were cemented using a self-adhesive cement, and a small amount of
      powdered Rhodamine B was used as a stain. Images of both sides of each slice were
      obtained before and after the push-out test. To determine the cement thickness, a
      macro routine was developed using the software KS 400. The data were analyzed
      statistically using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test. G2 (14.62 +/- 5.15 MPa)
      showed statistically higher bond strength values than G1 (10.04 +/- 5.13 MPa) and
      G3 (7.68 +/- 6.14 MPa). All groups presented higher bond strength values in the
      apical third. The bur diameter significantly influenced the results of the shear
      bond strength for the push-out test. The slight increase in the cement thickness
      allowed an increase in the values of shear bond strength when compared to very
      thin or very thick cement films. 

PMID- 27143972
TI  - Core-Shell Columns in High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Food Analysis
      Applications.
AB  - The increased separation efficiency provided by the new technology of column
      packed with core-shell particles in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
      has resulted in their widespread diffusion in several analytical fields: from
      pharmaceutical, biological, environmental, and toxicological. The present paper
      presents their most recent applications in food analysis. Their use has proved to
      be particularly advantageous for the determination of compounds at trace levels
      or when a large amount of samples must be analyzed fast using reliable and
      solvent-saving apparatus. The literature hereby described shows how the
      outstanding performances provided by core-shell particles column on a traditional
      HPLC instruments are comparable to those obtained with a costly UHPLC
      instrumentation, making this novel column a promising key tool in food analysis. 

PMID- 27143973
TI  - HLA Haplotype Mismatch Transplants and Posttransplant Cyclophosphamide.
AB  - The use of high dose posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PT-CY) introduced by the
      Baltimore group approximately 10 years ago has been rapidly adopted worldwide and
      is becoming a standard for patients undergoing unmanipulated haploidentical
      (HAPLO) transplants. PT-CY has been used following nonmyeloablative as well as
      myeloablative conditioning regimens, for bone marrow or peripheral blood grafts,
      for patients with malignant and nonmalignant disorders. Retrospective comparisons
      of HAPLO grafts with conventional sibling and unrelated donor grafts have been
      published and suggest comparable outcome. The current questions to be answered
      include the use of PT-CY for sibling and unrelated donors transplant, possibly in
      the context of prospective randomized trial. 

PMID- 27143974
TI  - Poststernotomy Osteomyelitis Presenting with Severe Sepsis and Rhabdomyolysis.
AB  - A 39-year-old male, who recently underwent a composite valve graft of the aortic
      root and ascending aorta for bicuspid aortic valve and aortic root aneurysm, was
      hospitalized for severe sepsis, rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase 29000 U/L), and
      severe liver dysfunction (AST > 7000 U/L, ALT 4228 U/L, and INR > 10). Cardiac
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were consistent with sternal
      osteomyelitis with a 1.5 cm abscess at the inferior sternotomy margin, which was
      contiguous with pericardial thickening. Aspiration and culture of this abscess
      did not yield any organisms, so he was treated with vancomycin and cefepime
      empirically for 4 weeks. Because this patient was improving clinically on
      antibiotics and did not show external signs of wound infection, there was no
      compelling indication for sternectomy. This patient's unusual presentation with
      osteomyelitis and rhabdomyolysis has never been reported and is crucial for
      clinicians to recognize in order to prevent delays in diagnosis. 

PMID- 27143975
TI  - Sacroiliitis and Polyarteritis Nodosa in a Patient with Familial Mediterranean
      Fever.
AB  - Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disorder with autosomal
      recessive inheritance, characterized by recurrent fever and episodes of
      serositis. The condition is known to be caused by mutations in the MEFV
      (Mediterranean FeVer) gene, located in the short arm of chromosome 16. While more
      than 310 sequence variants in the MEFV gene have been described to date, the
      diagnosis is still established clinically. FMF may be accompanied by sacroiliitis
      and various forms of vasculitis. The most common forms of associated vasculitis
      are Henoch-Schonlein purpura and polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). We have presented
      here a fairly rare case of FMF, accompanied by both sacroiliitis and PAN. 

PMID- 27143976
TI  - An Extraordinary Cause of the Sucking Difficulty: Ecthyma Gangrenosum.
AB  - Ecthyma gangrenosum is a cutaneous lesion often associated with pseudomonas
      aeruginosa bacteremia, even though it may develop without bacteremia and may
      originate from other bacterial and fungal organisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      bacteremia or sepsis, which mainly affects immunocompromised patients, frequently
      occurs in hospitals. This lesion typically occurs on the extremities and gluteal
      and perineal regions. In this report we present a case of ecthyma gangrenosum in
      a premature newborn occurring secondary to pseudomonas sepsis causing sucking
      dysfunction due to tissue loss in the lip, soft palate, and tongue. 

PMID- 27143978
TI  - Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Regenerative Medicine.
AB  - Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a fundamental cellular mechanism
      that regulates embryonic development and diseases such as cancer and fibrosis.
      Recent developments in biomedical research have shown remarkable potential to
      harness the EndMT process for tissue engineering and regeneration. As an
      alternative to traditional or artificial stem cell therapies, EndMT may represent
      a safe method for engineering new tissues to treat degenerative diseases by
      mimicking a process that occurs in nature. This review discusses the signaling
      mechanisms and therapeutic inhibitors of EndMT, as well as the role of EndMT in
      development, disease, acquiring stem cell properties and generating connective
      tissues, and its potential as a novel mechanism for tissue regeneration. 

PMID- 27143977
TI  - A Common Language: How Neuroimmunological Cross Talk Regulates Adult Hippocampal
      Neurogenesis.
AB  - Immune regulation of the brain is generally studied in the context of injury or
      disease. Less is known about how the immune system regulates the brain during
      normal brain function. Recent work has redefined the field of neuroimmunology
      and, as long as their recruitment and activation are well regulated, immune cells
      are now known to have protective properties within the central nervous system in
      maintaining brain health. Adult neurogenesis, the process of new neuron
      generation in the adult brain, is highly plastic and regulated by diverse
      extrinsic and intrinsic cues. Emerging research has shown that immune cells and
      their secreted factors can influence adult neurogenesis, both under baseline
      conditions and during conditions known to change neurogenesis levels, such as
      aging and learning in an enriched environment. This review will discuss how,
      under nonpathological conditions, the immune system can interact with the neural
      stem cells to regulate adult neurogenesis with particular focus on the
      hippocampus-a region crucial for learning and memory. 

PMID- 27143979
TI  - Dental and Nondental Stem Cell Based Regeneration of the Craniofacial Region: A
      Tissue Based Approach.
AB  - Craniofacial reconstruction may be a necessary treatment for those who have been
      affected by trauma, disease, or pathological developmental conditions. The use of
      stem cell therapy and tissue engineering shows massive potential as a future
      treatment modality. Currently in the literature, there is a wide variety of
      published experimental studies utilising the different stem cell types available
      and the plethora of available scaffold materials. This review investigates
      different stem cell sources and their unique characteristics to suggest an ideal
      cell source for regeneration of individual craniofacial tissues. At present,
      understanding and clinical applications of stem cell therapy remain in their
      infancy with numerous challenges to overcome. In spite of this, the field
      displays immense capacity and will no doubt be utilised in future clinical
      treatments of craniofacial regeneration. 

PMID- 27143980
TI  - GABA-A Receptor Modulation and Anticonvulsant, Anxiolytic, and Antidepressant
      Activities of Constituents from Artemisia indica Linn.
AB  - Artemisia indica, also known as "Mugwort," has been widely used in traditional
      medicines. However, few studies have investigated the effects of nonvolatile
      components of Artemisia indica on central nervous system's function.
      Fractionation of Artemisia indica led to the isolation of carnosol, ursolic acid,
      and oleanolic acid which were evaluated for their effects on GABA-A receptors in
      electrophysiological studies in Xenopus oocytes and were subsequently
      investigated in mouse models of acute toxicity, convulsions (pentylenetetrazole
      induced seizures), depression (tail suspension and forced swim tests), and
      anxiety (elevated plus maze and light/dark box paradigms). Carnosol, ursolic
      acid, and oleanolic acid were found to be positive modulators of
      alpha1beta2gamma2L GABA-A receptors and the modulation was antagonized by
      flumazenil. Carnosol, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid were found to be devoid of
      any signs of acute toxicity (50-200 mg/kg) but elicited anticonvulsant,
      antidepressant, and anxiolytic activities. Thus carnosol, ursolic acid, and
      oleanolic acid demonstrated CNS activity in mouse models of anticonvulsant,
      antidepressant, and anxiolysis. The anxiolytic activity of all three compounds
      was ameliorated by flumazenil suggesting a mode of action via the benzodiazepine
      binding site of GABA-A receptors. 

PMID- 27143981
TI  - Osteoporosis Recovery by Antrodia camphorata Alcohol Extracts through Bone
      Regeneration in SAMP8 Mice.
AB  - Antrodia camphorata has previously demonstrated the efficacy in treating cancer
      and anti-inflammation. In this study, we are the first to evaluate Antrodia
      camphorata alcohol extract (ACAE) for osteoporosis recovery in vitro with
      preosteoblast cells (MC3T3-E1) and in vivo with an osteoporosis mouse model
      established in our previous studies, ovariectomized senescence accelerated mice
      (OVX-SAMP8). Our results demonstrated that ACAE treatment was slightly cytotoxic
      to preosteoblast at 25 MUg/mL, by which the osteogenic gene expression (RUNX2,
      OPN, and OCN) was significantly upregulated with an increased ratio of OPG to
      RANKL, indicating maintenance of the bone matrix through inhibition of
      osteoclastic pathway. Additionally, evaluation by Alizarin Red S staining showed
      increased mineralization in ACAE-treated preosteoblasts. For in vivo study, our
      results indicated that ACAE inhibits bone loss and significantly increases
      percentage bone volume, trabecular bone number, and bone mineral density in OVX
      SAMP8 mice treated with ACAE. Collectively, in vitro and in vivo results showed
      that ACAE could promote osteogenesis and prevent bone loss and should be
      considered an evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine for
      osteoporosis therapy through the maintenance of bone health. 

PMID- 27143982
TI  - Effect of Yi Gong San Decoction on Iron Homeostasis in a Mouse Model of Acute
      Inflammation.
AB  - We investigated the effect of Yi Gong San (YGS) decoction on iron homeostasis and
      the possible underlying mechanisms in a mouse model of acute inflammation in this
      study. Our findings suggest that YGS regulates iron homeostasis by downregulating
      the level of HAMP mRNA, which may depend on regulation of the IL-6/STAT3 or
      BMP/HJV/SMAD pathway during acute inflammation. 

PMID- 27143983
TI  - Manipulation Therapy Relieved Pain More Rapidly Than Acupuncture among Lateral
      Epicondylalgia (Tennis Elbow) Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 8-Week
      Follow-Up.
AB  - Radial bone adjustment manipulation treatment may be effective to reduce pain
      rapidly in lateral epicondylalgia patients and the pathological tension in the
      biceps brachii muscle is highly concerned. To prove this hypothesis, we conducted
      a randomized controlled trial and included 35 patients with lateral
      epicondylalgia for more than 2 months. Either manipulation treatment (n = 16) or
      acupuncture (n = 19) was given to these patients for 2 weeks and all patients'
      symptoms were followed up for 8 weeks after treatment. Both groups demonstrated
      changes in pain VAS score, grip strength, and DASH questionnaire. Lateral
      epicondylalgia patients who received manipulation treatment felt pain relief
      sooner than those who had acupuncture treatments during the first few treatments.
      However, both acupuncture and manipulation are effective, while the difference
      has no significance at the 8-week follow-up. The trial was registered with
      Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN81308551 on 5 February 2016. 

PMID- 27143984
TI  - Transcriptomics Analysis of Candida albicans Treated with Huanglian Jiedu
      Decoction Using RNA-seq.
AB  - Candida albicans is the major invasive fungal pathogen of humans, causing
      diseases ranging from superficial mucosal infections to disseminated, systemic
      infections that are often life-threatening. Resistance of C. albicans to
      antifungal agents and limited antifungal agents has potentially serious
      implications for management of infections. As a famous multiherb prescription in
      China, Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJJD, Orengedokuto in Japan) is efficient
      against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and C. albicans. But the antifungal mechanism
      of HLJDD remains unclear. In this study, by using RNA-seq technique, we performed
      a transcriptomics analysis of gene expression changes for C. albicans under the
      treatment of HLJDD. A total of 6057 predicted protein-encoding genes were
      identified. By gene expression analysis, we obtained a total of 735
      differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 700 upregulated genes and 35
      downregulated genes. Genes encoding multidrug transporters such as ABC
      transporter and MFS transporter were identified to be significantly upregulated.
      Meanwhile, by pathway enrichment analysis, we identified 26 significant pathways,
      in which pathways of DNA replication and transporter activity were mainly
      involved. These results might provide insights for the inhibition mechanism of
      HLJDD against C. albicans. 

PMID- 27143985
TI  - Effect of Frankincense Extract on Nerve Recovery in the Rat Sciatic Nerve Damage
      Model.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of frankincense extract on peripheral nerve
      regeneration in a crush injury rat model. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were
      randomly divided into four groups: control and frankincense extract low-, medium
      , and high-dose groups. At days 7, 14, 21, and 28 following the surgery, nerve
      regeneration and functional recovery were evaluated using the sciatic functional
      index (SFI), expression of GAP-43, and the proliferation of Schwann cells (SCs)
      in vivo and in vitro. At day 7, the SFI in the frankincense extract high-dose
      group was significantly improved compared with the control group. After day 14,
      SFI was significantly improved in the medium- and high-dose groups. There was no
      significant difference in GAP-43 expression among the groups at day 7. However,
      after day 14, expression of GAP-43 in the high-dose group was higher than that in
      the control group. Histological evaluation showed that the injured nerve of
      frankincense extract high-dose group recovered better than the other groups 28
      days after surgery. Further, S100 immunohistochemical staining, MTT colorimetry,
      and flow cytometry assays all showed that frankincense extract could promote the
      proliferation of SCs. In conclusion, frankincense extract is able to promote
      sciatic nerve regeneration and improve the function of a crushed sciatic nerve.
      This study provides a new direction for the repair of peripheral nerve injury. 

PMID- 27143986
TI  - Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activity of a New Tablets Formulation from
      Tamarindus indica L.
AB  - Hepatotoxic chemicals damage liver cells primarily by producing reactive oxygen
      species. The decoction of the leaves of Tamarindus indica L. is used for liver
      disorders. In this work we evaluated the hepatoprotective activity of a tablet
      formulation of this plant. Thirty-five Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided
      into five groups (n = 7). First group (I) is control group, fed with standard
      diet. Groups II to V (hepatotoxic groups) were subjected to a subcutaneous
      injection of CCl4 (0.5 mL/kg). Group II was negative control, fed with standard
      diet; group III was subjected to administration of Silymarin 150 mg/kg and groups
      IV and V were treated with tablets in dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg,
      respectively. Lipid peroxidation and the activity of superoxide dismutase,
      catalase, and reduced glutathione were evaluated. Serum levels of alanine
      aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamine transferase,
      alkaline phosphatase, and a lipid profile were evaluated too. The tablets inhibit
      lipid peroxidation. The redox balance (SOD-CAT-GSH) remains normal in the
      experimental groups treated with tablets. The liver function using dose of 200
      mg/kg of tablets was better than the other experimental groups. These results
      justify, scientifically, the ethnobotanical use of the leaves of Tamarindus
      indica L. 

PMID- 27143987
TI  - Polysaccharide Extracted from Laminaria japonica Delays Intrinsic Skin Aging in
      Mice.
AB  - This study aimed to determine the effect of topically applied Laminaria
      polysaccharide (LP) on skin aging. We applied ointment containing LP (10, 25, and
      50 MUg/g) or vitamin E (10 MUg/g) to the dorsal skin of aging mice for 12 months
      and young control mice for 4 weeks. Electron microscopy analysis of skin samples
      revealed that LP increased dermal thickness and skin collagen content. Tissue
      inhibitor of metalloprotease- (TIMP-) 1 expression was upregulated while that of
      matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 1 was downregulated in skin tissue of LP-treated
      as compared to untreated aging mice. Additionally, phosphorylation of c-Jun N
      terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 was higher in aging skin than in young skin, while
      LP treatment suppressed phospho-JNK expression. LP application also enhanced the
      expression of antioxidative enzymes in skin tissue, causing a decrease in
      malondialdehyde levels and increases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and
      glutathione peroxidase levels relative to those in untreated aging mice. These
      results indicate that LP inhibits MMP-1 expression by preventing oxidative stress
      and JNK phosphorylation, thereby delaying skin collagen breakdown during aging. 

PMID- 27143988
TI  - Yupingfeng Pulvis Regulates the Balance of T Cell Subsets in Asthma Mice.
AB  - Background. Yupingfeng Pulvis (HFBP) had played an active role in many diseases,
      especially respiratory tract infections. Exploring the possible prevention
      mechanism of HFBP may provide new ideas in clinical applications for this well
      known herbal formula. Purpose. To study the possible mechanisms of therapy effect
      of HFBP on asthma mice via regulating the balance of Tregs and Th17 cells.
      Method. The female BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: control group,
      model group, prednisone (5.5 mg/kg) group, and 22 g/kg HFBP and 44 g/kg HFBP
      groups. Ovalbumin was used to make the asthma model of mice; the drug was ig
      administered daily after atomization for consecutive 15 d. The mice were killed
      after the last administration. The paraffin-embedded tissue sections of the lungs
      were stained by H&E. Tregs and Th17 cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were
      detected by flow cytometry. IL-4, TGF-beta, and TNF-alpha in the serum were
      detected by ELISA assay. Results. HFBP could alleviate the inflammation in the
      lung tissue of mice, decrease the proportion of Th17 cells, and increase the
      proportion of Treg cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. HFBP could decrease IL
      4 and TNF-alpha level and increase TGF-beta level in blood. Conclusion. HFBP
      could treat the asthma through impacting the balance of Th17 cells and Treg cells
      as well as the levels of related inflammatory cytokines in asthma mice. 

PMID- 27143989
TI  - Veratri Nigri Rhizoma et Radix (Veratrum nigrum L.) and Its Constituent Jervine
      Prevent Adipogenesis via Activation of the LKB1-AMPKalpha-ACC Axis In Vivo and In
      Vitro.
AB  - This study was performed in order to investigate the antiobese effects of the
      ethanolic extract of Veratri Nigri Rhizoma et Radix (VN), a herb with limited
      usage, due to its toxicology. An HPLC analysis identified jervine as a
      constituent of VN. By an Oil Red O assay and a Real-Time RT-PCR assay, VN showed
      higher antiadipogenic effects than jervine. In high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced
      obese C57BL/6J mice, VN administration suppressed body weight gain. The levels of
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), CCAAT-enhancer
      binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha), adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein (aP2),
      adiponectin, resistin, and LIPIN1 were suppressed by VN, while SIRT1 was
      upregulated. Furthermore, VN activated phosphorylation of the liver kinase B1-
      (LKB1-) AMP-activated protein kinase alpha- (AMPKalpha-) acetyl CoA carboxylase
      (ACC) axis. Further investigation of cotreatment of VN with the AMPK agonist
      AICAR or AMPK inhibitor Compound C showed that VN can activate the
      phosphorylation of AMPKalpha in compensation to the inhibition of Compound C. In
      conclusion, VN shows antiobesity effects in HFD-induced obese C57BL/6J mice. In
      3T3-L1 adipocytes, VN has antiadipogenic features, which is due to activating the
      LKB1-AMPKalpha-ACC axis. These results suggest that VN has a potential benefit in
      preventing obesity. 

PMID- 27143990
TI  - The Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Total Glucosides of Peony and
      Leflunomide for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systemic Review and Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the total glucosides of peony
      (TGP) and leflunomide (LEF) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
      Methods. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy and safety of the
      combination of TGP and LEF versus LEF alone for the treatment of RA were
      retrieved by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, the China National
      Knowledge Infrastructure database, and Wanfang database. Results. Eight RCTs
      including 643 RA patients were included in the present meta-analysis. The quality
      of included studies was poor. The levels of ESR (P < 0.0001), CRP (P < 0.0001),
      and RF (P < 0.0001) in RA patients who received the combination of TGP and LEF
      were significantly lower than RA patients who received LEF therapy alone. The
      pooled results suggest that the combination of TGP and LEF caused less abnormal
      liver function than LEF alone (P = 0.02). No significant difference in the
      gastrointestinal discomfort was identified between the combination of TGP and LEF
      and LEF alone groups (P = 0.18). Conclusion. The combination of TGP and LEF in
      treatment of RA presented the characteristics of notably decreasing the levels of
      laboratory indexes and higher safety in terms of liver function. However, this
      conclusion should be further investigated based on a larger sample size. 

PMID- 27143991
TI  - Ligand cluster-based protein network and ePlatton, a multi-target ligand finder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small molecules are information carriers that make cells aware of
      external changes and couple internal metabolic and signalling pathway systems
      with each other. In some specific physiological status, natural or artificial
      molecules are used to interact with selective biological targets to activate or
      inhibit their functions to achieve expected biological and physiological output.
      Millions of years of evolution have optimized biological processes and pathways
      and now the endocrine and immune system cannot work properly without some key
      small molecules. In the past thousands of years, the human race has managed to
      find many medicines against diseases by trail-and-error experience. In the recent
      decades, with the deepening understanding of life and the progress of molecular
      biology, researchers spare no effort to design molecules targeting one or two key
      enzymes and receptors related to corresponding diseases. But recent studies in
      pharmacogenomics have shown that polypharmacology may be necessary for the
      effects of drugs, which challenge the paradigm, 'one drug, one target, one
      disease'. Nowadays, cheminformatics and structural biology can help us reasonably
      take advantage of the polypharmacology to design next-generation promiscuous
      drugs and drug combination therapies. RESULTS: 234,591 protein-ligand
      interactions were extracted from ChEMBL. By the 2D structure similarity, 13,769
      ligand emerged from 156,151 distinct ligands which were recognized by 1477
      proteins. Ligand cluster- and sequence-based protein networks (LCBN, SBN) were
      constructed, compared and analysed. For assisting compound designing, exploring
      polypharmacology and finding possible drug combination, we integrated the
      pathway, disease, drug adverse reaction and the relationship of targets and
      ligand clusters into the web platform, ePlatton, which is available at
      http://www.megabionet.org/eplatton. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were some
      disagreements between the LCBN and SBN, communities in both networks were largely
      the same with normalized mutual information at 0.9. The study of target and
      ligand cluster promiscuity underlying the LCBN showed that light ligand clusters
      were more promiscuous than the heavy one and that highly connected nodes tended
      to be protein kinases and involved in phosphorylation. ePlatton considerably
      reduced the redundancy of the ligand set of targets and made it easy to deduce
      the possible relationship between compounds and targets, pathways and side
      effects. ePlatton behaved reliably in validation experiments and also fast in
      virtual screening and information retrieval.Graphical abstractCluster exemplars
      and ePlatton's mechanism.

PMID- 27143994
TI  - Induction Effect of Bisphenol A on Gene Expression Involving Hepatic Oxidative
      Stress in Rat.
AB  - Background and Objective. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an abundantly used xenoestrogenic
      chemical which may cause various disorders in body. In the present study, we
      sought to investigate the effects of various doses of BPA on hepatic oxidative
      stress-related gene expression in rats. Methods. Male Wistar rats weighing 150
      200 g were used in this study. Three doses of the BPA (5, 25, and 125 MUg/kg) in
      corn oil were administered as gavage during 35 consecutive days. After the
      experiment, the rats were expired and the livers were removed and stored at -80
      degrees C freezer for RNA extraction. Findings. The Real Time PCR showed
      increased expression of HO-1 in the rats receiving BPA doses compared to the
      control group. This effect was dose-dependent and higher at doses of 25 and 125
      MUg/kg than 5 MUg/kg of body weight (p < 0.05). It was also demonstrated that
      various doses BPA can increase GADD45B gene expression compared to control group.
      That expression was significantly dominant in the lowest dose (5 MUg/kg) of the
      BPA (p < 0.05). The final body weights (168.0 +/- 10.0 gr) in the treatment group
      [BPA (125 MUg/kg)] showed a significant decrease compared to control group
      (191.60 +/- 6.50 gr). Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that BPA generated
      ROS and increased the antioxidant gene expression that causes hepatotoxicity. 

PMID- 27143993
TI  - Protective Effects of Melatonin on Retinal Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in
      Experimental Diabetic Retinopathy.
AB  - Oxidative stress and inflammation are important pathogenic factors contributing
      to the etiology of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Melatonin is an endogenous hormone
      that exhibits a variety of biological effects including antioxidant and anti
      inflammatory functions. The goals of this study were to determine whether
      melatonin could ameliorate retinal injury and to explore the potential
      mechanisms. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of
      STZ (60 mg/kg) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Melatonin (10 mg kg(-1) daily, i.p.) was
      administered from the induction of diabetes and continued for up to 12 weeks,
      after which the animals were sacrificed and retinal samples were collected. The
      retina of diabetic rats showed depletion of glutathione and downregulation of
      glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL). Melatonin significantly upregulated GCL by
      retaining Nrf2 in the nucleus and stimulating Akt phosphorylation. The production
      of proinflammatory cytokines and proteins, including interleukin 1beta, TNF
      alpha, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), was inhibited by melatonin
      through the NF-kappaB pathway. At 12 weeks, melatonin prevented the significant
      decrease in the ERG a- and b-wave amplitudes under the diabetic condition. Our
      results suggest potent protective functions of melatonin in diabetic retinopathy.
      In addition to being a direct antioxidant, melatonin can exert receptor-mediated
      signaling effects to attenuate inflammation and oxidative stress of the retina. 

PMID- 27143995
TI  - Hepatocyte Growth Factor Reduces Free Cholesterol-Mediated Lipotoxicity in
      Primary Hepatocytes by Countering Oxidative Stress.
AB  - Cholesterol overload in the liver has shown toxic effects by inducing the
      aggravation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to steatohepatitis and
      sensitizing to damage. Although the mechanism of damage is complex, it has been
      demonstrated that oxidative stress plays a prominent role in the process. In
      addition, we have proved that hepatocyte growth factor induces an antioxidant
      response in hepatic cells; in the present work we aimed to figure out the
      protective effect of this growth factor in hepatocytes overloaded with free
      cholesterol. Hepatocytes from mice fed with a high-cholesterol diet were treated
      or not with HGF, reactive oxygen species present in cholesterol overloaded
      hepatocytes significantly decreased, and this effect was particularly associated
      with the increase in glutathione and related enzymes, such as gamma-gamma
      glutamyl cysteine synthetase, GSH peroxidase, and GSH-S-transferase. Our data
      clearly indicate that HGF displays an antioxidant response by inducing the
      glutathione-related protection system. 

PMID- 27143992
TI  - The Reactive Oxygen Species in Macrophage Polarization: Reflecting Its Dual Role
      in Progression and Treatment of Human Diseases.
AB  - High heterogeneity of macrophage is associated with its functions in polarization
      to different functional phenotypes depending on environmental cues. Macrophages
      remain in balanced state in healthy subject and thus macrophage polarization may
      be crucial in determining the tissue fate. The two distinct populations,
      classically M1 and alternatively M2 activated, representing the opposing ends of
      the full activation spectrum, have been extensively studied for their
      associations with several disease progressions. Accumulating evidences have
      postulated that the redox signalling has implication in macrophage polarization
      and the key roles of M1 and M2 macrophages in tissue environment have provided
      the clue for the reasons of ROS abundance in certain phenotype. M1 macrophages
      majorly clearing the pathogens and ROS may be crucial for the regulation of M1
      phenotype, whereas M2 macrophages resolve inflammation which favours oxidative
      metabolism. Therefore how ROS play its role in maintaining the homeostatic
      functions of macrophage and in particular macrophage polarization will be
      reviewed here. We also review the biology of macrophage polarization and the
      disturbance of M1/M2 balance in human diseases. The potential therapeutic
      opportunities targeting ROS will also be discussed, hoping to provide insights
      for development of target-specific delivery system or immunomodulatory
      antioxidant for the treatment of ROS-related diseases. 

PMID- 27143996
TI  - Attenuated Oxidative Stress following Acute Exhaustive Swimming Exercise Was
      Accompanied with Modified Gene Expression Profiles of Apoptosis in the Skeletal
      Muscle of Mice.
AB  - Purpose. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of acute
      exhaustive swimming exercise on apoptosis in the skeletal muscle of mice. Method.
      C57BL/6 mice were averagely divided into seven groups. One group was used as
      control (C), while the remaining six groups went through one-time exhaustive
      swimming exercise and were terminated at 0 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h upon
      completion of exercise. Result. ABTS was significantly lowered at 12 h and 48 h
      after exercise. The MDA level was significantly decreased at any time points
      sampled following exercise. Total SOD activity was significantly decreased at 6
      h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after exercise. Neither mRNA of Bax nor Bax/Bcl-2 ratio
      was significantly altered by exercise. mRNA of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased
      since 6 h after exercise. mRNA and protein expressions of PGC-1alpha were
      significantly increased at different time points following exercise. Conclusion.
      Cellular oxidative stress level was decreased following low intensity, long
      duration acute exhaustive swimming exercise in mice, and the enzymatic
      antioxidant capacity was compromised. Apoptosis of the skeletal muscle was
      inhibited, which could partially be explained by the enhanced level of PGC
      1alpha. 

PMID- 27143998
TI  - Simulations of cellulose translocation in the bacterial cellulose synthase
      suggest a regulatory mechanism for the dimeric structure of cellulose.
AB  - The processive cycle of the bacterial cellulose synthase (Bcs) includes the
      addition of a single glucose moiety to the end of a growing cellulose chain
      followed by the translocation of the nascent chain across the plasma membrane.
      The mechanism of this translocation and its precise location within the
      processive cycle are not well understood. In particular, the molecular details of
      how a polymer (cellulose) whose basic structural unit is a dimer (cellobiose) can
      be constructed by adding one monomer (glucose) at a time are yet to be
      elucidated. Here, we have utilized molecular dynamics simulations and free energy
      calculations to the shed light on these questions. We find that translocation
      forward by one glucose unit is quite favorable energetically, giving a free
      energy stabilization of greater than 10 kcal/mol. In addition, there is only a
      small barrier to translocation, implying that translocation is not rate limiting
      within the Bcs processive cycle (given experimental rates for cellulose synthesis
      in vitro). Perhaps most significantly, our results also indicate that steric
      constraints at the transmembrane tunnel entrance regulate the dimeric structure
      of cellulose. Namely, when a glucose molecule is added to the cellulose chain in
      the same orientation as the acceptor glucose, the terminal glucose freely rotates
      upon forward motion, thus suggesting a regulatory mechanism for the dimeric
      structure of cellulose. We characterize both the conserved and non-conserved
      enzyme-polysaccharide interactions that drive translocation, and find that 20 of
      the 25 residues that strongly interact with the translocating cellulose chain in
      the simulations are well conserved, mostly with polar or aromatic side chains.
      Our results also allow for a dynamical analysis of the role of the so-called
      'finger helix' in cellulose translocation that has been observed structurally.
      Taken together, these findings aid in the elucidation of the translocation steps
      of the Bcs processive cycle and may be widely relevant to polysaccharide
      synthesizing or degrading enzymes that couple catalysis with chain translocation.

PMID- 27143997
TI  - Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides Protect against Trimethyltin Chloride-Induced
      Apoptosis via Sonic Hedgehog and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways in Mouse Neuro-2a
      Cells.
AB  - Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) is a classic neurotoxicant that can cause severe
      neurodegenerative diseases. Some signaling pathways involving cell death play
      pivotal roles in the central nervous system. In this study, the role of Sonic
      Hedgehog (Shh) and PI3K/Akt pathways in TMT-induced apoptosis and protective
      effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on mouse neuro-2a (N2a) cells
      were investigated. Results showed that TMT treatment significantly enhanced
      apoptosis, upregulated proapoptotic Bax, downregulated antiapoptotic Bcl-2
      expression, and increased caspase-3 activity in a dose-dependent manner in N2a
      cells. TMT induced oxidative stress in cells, performing reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) excessive generation, and superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) activity reduction. TMT significantly decreased phosphorylated glycogen
      synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) and inhibited Shh and PI3K/Akt pathways.
      However, the addition of LBP upregulated GSK-3beta phosphorylation, activated Shh
      and PI3K/Akt pathways, and eventually reduced apoptosis and oxidative stress
      caused by TMT. The interaction between Shh and PI3K/Akt pathways was clarified by
      specific PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or Shh inhibitor GDC-0449. Moreover, LY294002
      and GDC-0449 pretreatment both induced phosphorylated GSK-3beta downregulation
      and significantly promoted apoptosis induced by TMT. These results suggest that
      LBP could reduce TMT-induced N2a cells apoptosis by regulating GSK-3beta
      phosphorylation, Shh, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. 

PMID- 27134729
TI  - Alanylated lipoteichoic acid primer in Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - Lipoteichoic acid is a major lipid-anchored polymer in Gram-positive bacteria
      such as Bacillus subtilis. This polymer typically consists of repeating phosphate
      containing units and therefore has a predominant negative charge. The repeating
      units are attached to a glycolipid anchor which has a diacylglycerol (DAG) moiety
      attached to a dihexopyranose head group. D-alanylation is known as the major
      modification of type I and type IV lipoteichoic acids, which partially
      neutralizes the polymer and plays important roles in bacterial survival and
      resistance to the host immune system. The biosynthesis pathways of the glycolipid
      anchor and lipoteichoic acid have been fully characterized. However, the exact
      mechanism of D-alanyl transfer from the cytosol to cell surface lipoteichoic acid
      remains unclear. Here I report the use of mass spectrometry in the identification
      of possible intermediate species in the biosynthesis and D-alanylation of
      lipoteichoic acid: the glycolipid anchor, nascent lipoteichoic acid primer with
      one phosphoglycerol unit, as well as mono- and di-alanylated forms of the
      lipoteichoic acid primer. Monitoring these species as well as the recently
      reported D-alanyl-phosphatidyl glycerol should aid in shedding light on the
      mechanism of the D-alanylation pathway of lipoteichoic acid. 

PMID- 27144000
TI  - Fish-T1K (Transcriptomes of 1,000 Fishes) Project: large-scale transcriptome data
      for fish evolution studies.
AB  - Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii) represent more than 50 % of extant vertebrates
      and are of great evolutionary, ecologic and economic significance, but they are
      relatively underrepresented in 'omics studies. Increased availability of
      transcriptome data for these species will allow researchers to better understand
      changes in gene expression, and to carry out functional analyses. An
      international project known as the "Transcriptomes of 1,000 Fishes" (Fish-T1K)
      project has been established to generate RNA-seq transcriptome sequences for
      1,000 diverse species of ray-finned fishes. The first phase of this project has
      produced transcriptomes from more than 180 ray-finned fishes, representing 142
      species and covering 51 orders and 109 families. Here we provide an overview of
      the goals of this project and the work done so far. 

PMID- 27144001
TI  - Inhibition of early AAA formation by aortic intraluminal pentagalloyl glucose
      (PGG) infusion in a novel porcine AAA model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The vast majority of abdominal aortic aneurysms found in screening
      programs are small, and as no effective treatment exits, many will expand until
      surgery is indicated. Therefore, it remains intriguing to develop a safe and low
      cost treatment of these small aneurysms, that is able to prevent or delay their
      expansion. In this study, we investigated whether intraluminal delivered
      pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) can impair the early AAA development in a porcine
      model. METHODS: The infrarenal aorta was exposed in thirty pigs. Twenty underwent
      an elastase based AAA inducing procedure and ten of these received an additional
      intraluminal PGG infusion. The final 10 were sham operated and served as
      controls. RESULTS: All pigs who only had an elastase infusion developed
      macroscopically expanding AAAs. In pigs treated with an additional PGG infusion
      the growth rate of the AP-diameter rapidly returned to physiological values as
      seen in the control group. In the elastase group, histology revealed more or less
      complete resolution of the elastic lamellae in the media while they were more
      abundant, coherent and structurally organized in the PGG group. The control group
      displayed normal physiological growth and histology. CONCLUSION: In our model,
      intraluminal delivered PGG is able to penetrate the aortic wall from the inside
      and impair the early AAA development by stabilizing the elastic lamellae and
      preserving their integrity. The principle holds a high clinical potential if it
      can be translated to human conditions, since it, if so, potentially could
      represent a new drug for stabilizing small abdominal aneurysms.

PMID- 27144002
TI  - Colonic polyposis in a 15 year-old boy: Challenges and lessons from a rural
      resource-poor area.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Colorectal polyps usually present with rectal bleeding and are
      associated with increased risk of colorectal carcinoma. Evaluation and management
      in resource-poor areas present unique challenges. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This 15
      year-old boy presented with 9 years of painless rectal bleeding and 2 years of a
      prolapsing rectal mass after passing stool. He had 3 nephews with similar
      symptoms. On clinical assessment and initial exam under anesthesia, an impression
      of a polyposis syndrome was made and a biopsy taken from the mass that revealed
      inflammatory polyps with no dysplasia. He was identified during a pediatric
      surgical outreach to a rural area with no endoscopy, limited surgical services,
      and no genetic testing available, even at a tertiary center. He subsequently had
      a three-stage proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis with good outcome
      after referral to a tertiary care center. The surgical specimen showed many
      polyps scattered through the colon. DISCUSSION: In the absence of endoscopic
      surveillance and diagnostic services including advanced pathology and genetic
      testing, colorectal polyposis syndromes are a significant challenge if
      encountered in these settings. Reports from similar settings have not included
      this surgical treatment, often opting for partial colectomy. Nonetheless, good
      outcomes can be achieved even given these constraints. The case also illustrates
      the complexity of untreated chronic pediatric surgical disease in rural resource
      poor areas with limited health care access. CONCLUSION: Polyposis syndromes in
      children present unique challenges in rural resource-poor settings. Good outcomes
      can be achieved with total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anastomosis.

PMID- 27144003
TI  - Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease).
AB  - Thromboangiitis Obliterans is a non-atherosclerotic inflammatory disease of
      unknown etiology, which has a strong association with tobacco. We present current
      concepts on the pathophysiology and diagnosis, as well as a review in treatments.

PMID- 27144004
TI  - Cervical esophagotomy for foreign body extraction - Case report and comprehensive
      review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Esophageal foreign bodies are an important and serious cause of
      morbidity and mortality in both children and adults. Due to the possibility of
      serious complications, i.e. perforation, necrosis, mediastinitis, and
      fistulation, rapid and accurate diagnostic measures with subsequent therapy are
      necessary. CASE REPORT: We are reporting a case of a 55-year-old, mentally
      impaired patient that has swallowed a foreign body, which subsequently became
      lodged in his esophagus. Due to the fact that endoscopic removal was not possible
      and there was a high risk of complications such as esophageal perforation or
      mediastinitis in this case, we performed cervical esophagotomy and successfully
      extracted the foreign body. The patient showed an uneventful postoperative
      process and could be discharged on Day 11 after the operation. COMPREHENSIVE
      REVIEW: Furthermore, we performed a systematic review of the literature to
      identify all studies that described a surgical approach through esophagotomy in
      cases of foreign body ingestion and found 11 publications describing the cases of
      29 patients. These studies reported an overall complication rate of 17.2% and a
      mortality rate of 0%. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that esophagotomy could be
      a viable approach for the extraction of foreign bodies especially in some cases
      when endoscopic removal was not successful and the risk of esophageal perforation
      is high.

PMID- 27144005
TI  - Zuckerkandl tubercle in thyroid surgery: Is it a reality or a myth?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Zuckerkandl tubercle (ZT) is a lateral projection from the lateral
      thyroid lobe which is a constant landmark for finding the recurrent laryngeal
      nerve during thyroid surgery. It is the condensed thyroid parenchyma located in
      the cricothyroid junction. Even today, ZT and its relationship with recurrent
      laryngeal nerve (RLN) is not well known by all surgeons. The objectives of the
      present study were to find out the incidence of ZT in our thyroidectomies and to
      investigate whether the ZT has a relationship with RLN. We also discussed how to
      prevent RLN injury during thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred
      operations were performed by the same surgeon included in this study. All
      operations performed with intraoperative neuromonitorization (IONM) for proving
      the visualization of RLN. In each patient, particularly the ZT and its
      relationship with RLN searched and recorded. We also analyzed the patients in
      terms of sex, age, clinical diagnosis, and types of performed operations.
      RESULTS: In 100 operations, 173 thyroid lobectomies were considered. 87 of these
      lobectomies were in right side and 86 in left side. The ZT was determined in 127
      of 173 (73.41%) lobectomies. ZT was detected in 68 (78.16%) of right thyroid
      lobes whereas in 59 (68.60%) of left thyroid lobes. We observed that the ZT was
      detected more frequently in the right side. In 115 (90.55%) of these occasions,
      the recurrent nerve was directed upwards covered by the ZT. CONCLUSIONS: If it is
      present, ZT is a real constant landmark pointing to the RLN. In order to find and
      protect RLN during thyroid surgery, a careful, bloodless, and meticulous
      dissection should be carried out around the ZT. Although our results are
      encouraging, further researches are still needed on this topic.

PMID- 27144006
TI  - Hepatocyte growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor activator and arginine in a
      rat fulminant colitis model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) is commonly used to induce a murine
      fulminant colitis model. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to
      decrease the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but the effect of its
      activator, HGFA, is not well characterized. Arginine reduces effects of oxidative
      stress but its effect on IBD is not well known. The primary aim is to determine
      whether HGF and HGFA, or arginine will decrease IBD symptoms such as pain and
      diarrhea in a DSS-induced fulminant colitis murine model. METHODS: A severe
      colitis was induced in young, male Fischer 344 rats with 4% (w/v) DSS oral
      solution for seven days; rats were sacrificed on day 10. Rats were divided into
      five groups of 8 animals: control, HGF (700 mcg/kg/dose), HGF and HGFA (10
      mcg/dose), HGF and arginine, and high dose HGF (2800 mcg/kg/dose). Main clinical
      outcomes were pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Blinded pathologists scored the
      terminal ileum and distal colon. RESULTS: DSS reliably induced severe active
      colitis in 90% of animals (n = 36/40). There were no differences in injury scores
      between control and treatment animals. HGF led to 1.38 fewer days in pain (p =
      0.036), while arginine led to 1.88 fewer days of diarrhea (P = 0.017) compared to
      controls. 88% of HGFA-treated rats started regaining weight (P < 0.001).
      DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Although treatment was unable to reverse fulminant
      disease, HGF and arginine were associated with decreased days of pain and
      diarrhea. These clinical interventions may reduce associated symptoms for severe
      IBD patients, even when urgent surgical intervention remains the only viable
      option.

PMID- 27144007
TI  - Grynfelt-Lesshaft hernia a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lumbar hernia account for less than 2% of al abdominal hernias,
      been the Grynfelt-Lesshaft's hernia (GLH) more frequent than the others. With
      approximately 300 cases published in the literature, the general surgeon may have
      the chance of treat it ones in their professional life. CASE REPORT: A 42-years
      old male with human immunodeficiency virus and Diabetes Mellitus presented to the
      outpatient clinic with a GLH. Preoperative classified as a type "A" lumbar hernia
      an open approach was scheduled. We performed a Sandwich technique with a sublay
      and onlay ULTRAPRO((r)) mesh fixed with PDS((r)) II suture without complications
      and discharged the patient 24-h after. After six months, the patient denied any
      complication. DISCUSSION: Primary (spontaneous) lumbar hernias represent 50-60%
      of all GLH. The preoperative classification of a lumbar hernia is mandatory to
      propose the best surgical approach. According to the classification of Moreno
      Egea A et al., the best technique for our patient was an open approach. The
      Sandwich technique has demonstrated good outcomes in the management of the GLH.
      CONCLUSION: The surgical approach should be according to the classification
      proposed and to the experience of the surgeon. The Sandwich technique has good
      outcomes.

PMID- 27144008
TI  - Devising for a distal radius fracture fixation focus on the intra-articular volar
      dislocated fragment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Distal radius fracture (DRF) accompanied by intra-articular volar
      displaced fragment is difficult to reduce. This volar fragment remains when
      treated with a simple buttress effect alone, and V-shaped deformity may remain on
      the articular surface. We attempted to improve dorsal rotational deviation of
      volar fragment by osteosynthesis applying the condylar stabilizing technique. We
      report the surgical procedure and results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects
      were 10 cases of DRF accompanied by intra-articular volar displaced fragments
      surgically treated (mean age: 69 years old). The fracture type based on the AO
      classification was B3 in 1 case, C1 in 4, C2 in 2, and C3 in 3 cases. All cases
      were treated with a volar locking plate. Reduction was applied utilizing the
      angle stability of the volar locking plate, similarly to the condylar stabilizing
      technique. On the final follow-up, we evaluated clinical and radiologic
      evaluation. To evaluate V-shaped valley deformity of the articular surface, the
      depth of the lunate fossa of the radius was measured using computed tomography
      (CT). RESULTS: The duration of postoperative follow-up was 11 (6-24) months. Mayo
      wrist score was 93 (Excellent in 10 cases). No general complication associated
      with a volar locking plate was noted in any case. Volar tilt on radiography were
      11 degrees  (4-14). The depth of the lunate fossa on CT was 3.9 +/- 0.7 mm in the
      patients. CONCLUSION: This procedure may be useful for osteosynthesis of distal
      radius fracture accompanied by intra-articular volar displaced fragments.

PMID- 27144009
TI  - Dimensions of control and their relation to disordered eating behaviours and
      obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Issues of personal control have been proposed to play a central role
      in the aetiology and maintenance of eating disorders. Empirical evidence
      supporting this relationship is inconsistent, partly due to the multiplicity of
      constructs used to define "control". This study compares six commonly used
      measures of control with the aim of determining which operationalisation of
      control is most centrally relevant to eating pathology. Given the high level of
      comorbidity between eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder and the
      potentially common risk/maintenance factors for the two disorders, we also
      examine the relationship between control and obsessive-compulsive symptomatology.
      METHODS: Female community participants (N = 175) completed self-report measures
      of control, eating disorder pathology and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. RESULTS:
      Multivariate analyses of variance indicated significant differences between
      individuals with high vs. low levels of psychopathology on most of the measures
      of control. Using regression analyses, we found that a sense of ineffectiveness
      and fear of losing self-control were the only significant independent predictors
      of eating pathology, and fear of losing self-control was the most significant
      predictor of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights
      the importance of issues of control, particularly feelings of ineffectiveness and
      fear of losing self-control, in eating disorder symptoms. Furthermore, our
      findings suggest that there may be a similar underlying fear of losing self
      control among individuals who engage in disordered eating and obsessive
      compulsive behaviours. Thus, ineffectiveness and fear of losing self-control are
      two dimensions that are important to consider in maintenance and treatment models
      of disordered eating behaviours.

PMID- 27144011
TI  - Instructing students to measure their own bone density and prepare a simulated
      health class during pharmacy school improves their awareness and understanding of
      osteoporosis prevention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is estimated to afflict over 200 million people
      worldwide and healthcare professionals are needed to successfully intervene. The
      aim of this study was to assess cognitive changes in students pertaining to the
      primary prevention of osteoporosis after measuring their bone density and having
      them participate in a simulated health class during pharmacy school. METHODS:
      Third year pharmacy students participated in the training program, which
      consisted of measuring their bone density using quantitative ultrasound and
      preparing educational materials and conducting a simulated health class. The
      students' knowledge concerning the prevention and education on osteoporosis was
      surveyed using questionnaires before and after the training. RESULTS: The bone
      area ratio (BAR) in 24 % of the students was evaluated as category 4 (slightly
      low) or 5 (low or caution). Regression analysis indicated a significant
      relationship between the BAR and amount of exercise reported in both males (p =
      0.005) and females (p = 0.004). The student-made educational materials were
      prepared in line with the requirements of the Japanese 2011 guidelines. The
      student response rates for the importance of food, exercise, and the bone density
      measurement in youth were significantly increased after the training (p < 0.001
      in all). More than 95 % of students reported that the program was useful,
      improved their understanding, and important, with 94 % satisfied with the
      experience. CONCLUSIONS: This experience-based educational program combining
      measuring the bone density and the preparation and presentation of a simulated
      health class appeared to improve the awareness and understanding of osteoporosis
      prevention in pharmacy students.

PMID- 27144012
TI  - Clinical Performance of Toris K Contact Lens in Patients with Moderate to
      Advanced Keratoconus: A Real Life Retrospective Analysis.
AB  - Objectives. To evaluate the visual performance of Toris K soft contact lenses in
      patients with moderate-to-advanced keratoconus and also to compare the results
      according to cone types, cone location, and severity of keratoconus. Materials
      and Methods. Sixty eyes of 40 participants were included in this retrospective
      study. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-spectacle corrected visual acuity
      (BCVA), best-contact lens corrected visual acuity (BCLCVA), and comfort rating
      via visual analogue scales (VAS) were measured. Results. The mean age was 27.3 +/
      8.6 years (range: 18 to 54). The mean logMAR UCVA, BCVA, and BCLCVA were 0.85 +/
      0.38 (range: 0.30-1.30), 0.47 +/- 0.27 (range: 0.10-1.30), and 0.16 +/- 0.20
      (range: 0-1.00). There were significant increases in visual acuities with contact
      lenses (p < .05). BCLCVA was significantly better in oval type than globus type
      (p = .022). UCVA and BCLCVA were significantly better in moderate keratoconus
      group (p = .015, p = .018). The mean line gain in Snellen was 3.6 +/- 1.8 lines
      (range: 0-7 lines). The mean line gain was higher in central cone group than
      paracentral cone group and oval group than globus group (p = .014, p = .045). The
      mean VAS score was 8.14 +/- 1.88 (range: 6-10). Conclusions. Toris K can improve
      visual acuity of patients with keratoconus. Toris K is successful even in the
      moderate and advanced form of the disease. 

PMID- 27144010
TI  - Cerebellar fastigial nucleus: from anatomic construction to physiological
      functions.
AB  - Fastigial nucleus (FN) is the phylogenetically oldest nucleus in the cerebellum,
      a classical subcortical motor coordinator. As one of the ultimate integration
      stations and outputs of the spinocerebellum, the FN holds a key position in the
      axial, proximal and ocular motor control by projecting to the medial descending
      systems and eye movement related nuclei. Furthermore, through topographic
      connections with extensive nonmotor systems, including visceral related nuclei in
      the brainstem, hypothalamus, as well as the limbic system, FN has also been
      implicated in regulation of various nonsomatic functions, such as feeding,
      cardiovascular and respiratory, defecation and micturition, immune, as well as
      emotional activities. In clinic, FN lesion or dysfunction results in motor
      deficits including spinocerebellar ataxias, and nonmotor symptoms. In this
      review, we summarize the cytoarchitecture, anatomic afferent and efferent
      connections, as well as the motor and nonmotor functions of the FN and the
      related diseases and disorders. We suggest that by bridging the motor and
      nonmotor systems, the cerebellar FN may help to integrate somatic motor and
      nonsomatic functions and consequently contribute to generate a coordinated
      response to internal and external environments. 

PMID- 27144013
TI  - Macular Pigment Optical Density in Chinese Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Using the
      One-Wavelength Reflectometry Method.
AB  - Purpose. To investigate macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and its
      relationship with retinal thickness in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG)
      patients using the one-wavelength reflectometry method. Methods. A total of 30
      eyes from 30 POAG patients (18 males and 12 females, mean age 47.27 +/- 16.93)
      and 52 eyes from 52 controls (27 males and 25 females, mean age 49.54 +/- 19.15)
      were included in this prospective, observational, case-control study. MPOD was
      measured in a 7-degree area using one-wavelength reflectometry method. Two
      parameters, max and mean optical density (OD), were used for analyses. Spectral
      domain-optical coherence tomography was used to measure retinal thickness,
      including central retinal thickness (CRT), the macular ganglion cell complex
      (GCC), and the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Results. Both
      maxOD and meanOD were significantly reduced in POAG patients compared with normal
      subjects (P < 0.001). GCC, CRT, and RNFL thicknesses were also significantly
      reduced in POAG patients (P < 0.001). GCC thickness had a positive relationship
      with MPOD. Conclusions. MPOD within the 7-degree area was significantly lower in
      Chinese POAG patients than in control subjects, and GCC thickness was
      significantly and positively associated with MPOD. Whether the observed lower
      MPOD in POAG contributes to the disease process or is secondary to pathological
      changes caused by the disease (such as loss of ganglion cells) warrants further
      and longitudinal study. 

PMID- 27144014
TI  - Clinical Manifestations and Treatment Outcomes of Syphilitic Uveitis in a Chinese
      Population.
AB  - Purpose. To describe the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of
      syphilitic uveitis in a Chinese population. Methods. This is a retrospective case
      series of 15 consecutive patients with syphilitic uveitis treated at a uveitis
      referral center between 2012 and 2015. Results. Fifteen patients were diagnosed
      with syphilitic uveitis based on positive serological tests. Nine patients were
      male. Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus was detected in two patients.
      Twenty eyes presented with panuveitis and all patients had posterior involvement.
      The most frequent manifestations were retinal vasculitis and papillitis, while
      syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis was only found in three eyes. All
      patients received systemic penicillin therapy according to CDC guidelines. Nine
      patients were misdiagnosed before presenting to our center and the delay in
      treatment with penicillin was associated with poor final visual outcomes (P <
      0.05). Conclusions. In our series, both male and female were almost equally
      affected and coinfection of syphilis with human immunodeficiency virus was
      uncommon. All patients in this study had posterior involvement and the most
      common manifestations were retinal vasculitis and papillitis. Syphilis should be
      considered as an important differential diagnosis especially for posterior
      uveitis and panuveitis. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important
      for visual prognosis. 

PMID- 27144016
TI  - Zeaxanthin and Lutein in the Management of Eye Diseases.

PMID- 27144015
TI  - Stab Incision Glaucoma Surgery: A Modified Guarded Filtration Procedure for
      Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.
AB  - Purpose. To describe a modified guarded filtration surgery, stab incision
      glaucoma surgery (SIGS), for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods. This
      prospective, interventional case series included patients with POAG (IOP >=21
      mmHg with glaucomatous visual field defects). After sliding superior conjunctiva
      down over limbus, 2.8 mm bevel-up keratome was used to create conjunctival entry
      and superficial corneoscleral tunnel in a single step starting 1.5 mm behind
      limbus. Lamellar corneoscleral tunnel was carefully dissected 0.5-1 mm into
      cornea and anterior chamber (AC) was entered. Kelly Descemet's punch (1 mm) was
      slid along the tunnel into AC to punch internal lip of the tunnel, thereby
      compromising it. Patency of ostium was assessed by injecting fluid in AC and
      visualizing leakage from tunnel. Conjunctival incision alone was sutured.
      Results. Mean preoperative IOP was 27.41 +/- 5.54 mmHg and mean postoperative IOP
      was 16.47 +/- 4.81 mmHg (n = 17). Mean reduction in IOP was 38.81 +/- 16.55%.
      There was significant reduction of IOP (p < 0.000). 64.7% had IOP at final follow
      up of <18 mmHg without medication and 82.35% had IOP <18 mmHg with <=2
      medications. No sight threatening complications were encountered. Conclusion.
      Satisfactory IOP control was noted after SIGS in interim follow-up (14.18 +/-
      1.88 months). 

PMID- 27144017
TI  - Influence of Septal Deviation on the Prognosis of Transcanalicular Diode Laser
      Assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy.
AB  - Purpose. The objective of the present study is to determine whether the success
      rate in transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL DCR) is
      influenced by the variant septal deviation (SD). Methods. Patients were divided
      into two groups: one including operated lacrimal pathways (LP) with no anatomical
      nasosinusal variants and the other group of LP with SD. This study began on
      January 1, 2008, and ended on December 31, 2010, at Morales Meseguer Hospital.
      Variables were compared by means of ANOVA and a logistic regression model
      (LOGIT). Results. Out of the 159 LP operated on, 102 had no nasosinusal anatomic
      variant, but 39 LP were associated with SD. The first group evidenced a success
      rate of 67.64%, while the second group evidenced a success rate of 66.7%.
      Conclusion. We found no significant statistical differences between the success
      rates in the two groups (with SD and no anatomical variants). So we could avoid
      previous or concomitant septoplasty in some cases (mild and moderate SD). 

PMID- 27144018
TI  - Subconjunctival Injection of Viscoelastic Material for Leaking Sclerotomy in
      Transconjunctival Sutureless Vitrectomy.
AB  - Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of subconjunctivally injected viscoelastic
      material (VEM) for the self-sealing of leaking sclerotomy in transconjunctival
      sutureless vitrectomy (TSV). Methods. This was a prospective interventional
      series. Subconjunctival injection of VEM was performed in eyes showing leaking
      sclerotomy at the end of TSV in selected cases. This procedure was performed in
      24 consecutive eyes from 24 patients scheduled for 23- or 25-gauge TSV with
      phacoemulsification for various vitreoretinal diseases combined with cataracts.
      Results. Among the 24 eyes, 13 cases were scheduled for 23-gauge TSV, while 11
      cases were scheduled for 25-gauge TSV. The average number of injection sites per
      eye was 1.7 +/- 0.9 in the 23-gauge cases and 1.5 +/- 0.7 in the 25-gauge cases.
      Leakage was most commonly observed at the vitrector site of the sclerotomy, while
      little leakage was observed at the illuminator site. There were no cases of
      postoperative hypotony. Conclusion. Subconjunctival injection of VEM was simple
      and effective for the self-sealing of leaking sclerotomy after TSV in selected
      cases. 

PMID- 27144019
TI  - Cocobiota: Implications for Human Health.
AB  - Manufacturing of dark chocolate and other cocoa-based products is a complex
      multistage process beginning with spontaneous cocoa bean fermentation driven in
      the postharvest period by different microorganisms derived from the environment.
      Cocobiota defined as the association of microbial species involved in cocoa bean
      fermentation may have considerable impact on the medicinal properties of cocoa
      products via various primary and secondary metabolites, whose presence in dark
      chocolate and other cocoa-derived products has to be taken into consideration
      when analyzing medicinal effects of cocoa. Metabolites of acetic acid and lactic
      acid bacteria, two major cocobiota members, are recently shown to have
      considerable antifungal and cholesterol-lowering activities and promote the
      formation of short chain fatty acids and mannitol, an important prebiotic capable
      of modifying gut microbiota. Penicillium citrinum, a major type of fungi
      identifiable in fermented cocoa beans, produces a thermostable alkaloid,
      Penicitrinine A, as well as lovastatin, compounds with antineoplastic and
      cholesterol-lowering abilities, respectively. Moreover, recent results suggest
      that bacterial and fungal metabolites produced by cocobiota have a significant
      anti-infective potential. Therefore, various metabolites produced by cocobiota
      can mimic some medicinal effects of dark chocolate and other cocoa-derived
      products previously attributed to cocoa flavonoids and methylxanthines and need
      to be thoroughly investigated in in vitro and in vivo systems. 

PMID- 27144020
TI  - Delay for First Consultation and Its Associated Factors among New Pulmonary
      Tuberculosis Patients of Central Nepal.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major public health challenge in Nepal and
      worldwide. Most transmissions occur between the onset of symptoms and the
      consultation with formal health care centers. This study aimed to determine the
      duration of delay for the first consultation and its associated factors with
      unacceptable delay among the new sputum pulmonary tuberculosis cases in the
      central development region of Nepal. An analytical cross-sectional study was
      conducted in the central development region of Nepal between January and May
      2015. New pulmonary sputum positive tuberculosis patients were interviewed by
      using a structured questionnaire and their medical records were reviewed. Among a
      total of 374 patients, the magnitude of patient delay was 53.21% (95% CI: 48.12
      58.28%) with a median delay of 32 days and an interquartile range of 11-70 days.
      The factors associated with unacceptable patient delay (duration >= 30 days) were
      residence in the rural area (adj. OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.10-8.72; p value = 0.032)
      and DOTS center located more than 5 km away from their residences (adj. OR =
      5.53, 95% CI: 2.18-13.99; p value < 0.001). Unemployed patients were more likely
      to have patient delay (adj. OR = 7.79, 95% CI: 1.64-37.00; p value = 0.010) when
      controlled for other variables. 

PMID- 27144021
TI  - Influence of Antipsychotic and Anticholinergic Loads on Cognitive Functions in
      Patients with Schizophrenia.
AB  - Many patients with schizophrenia show cognitive impairment. There is evidence
      that, beyond a certain dose of antipsychotic medication, the antipsychotic daily
      dose (ADD) may impair cognitive performance. Parallel to their D2 receptor
      antagonism, many antipsychotics show a significant binding affinity to
      cholinergic muscarinic receptors. Pharmacological treatment with a high
      anticholinergic daily dose (CDD) significantly impairs attention and memory
      performance. To examine the relationships between individual cognitive
      performance and ADD and/or CDD, we conducted a retrospective record-based
      analysis of a sample of n = 104 in patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia,
      all of whom had completed a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. To
      calculate the individual ADD and CDD, the medication at the time of testing was
      converted according to equivalence models. After extracting five principal
      cognitive components, we examined the impact of ADD and CDD on cognitive
      performance in the medicated sample and subgroups using multiple regression
      analysis. Finally, locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (Loess) was applied to
      further explore the course of cognitive performance under increasing dosage.
      Results showed significant negative effects of ADD on performance in tests of
      information processing speed and verbal memory. No effects were found for CDD.
      The potential neuropsychopharmacological and clinical implications are discussed.

PMID- 27144022
TI  - Population Based Trends in the Incidence of Hospital Admission for the Diagnosis
      of Hepatorenal Syndrome: 1998-2011.
AB  - Background and Objectives. Hepatorenal syndrome carries a high risk of mortality.
      Understanding the incidence and mortality trends in hepatorenal syndrome will
      help inform future studies regarding the safety and efficacy of potential
      therapeutic interventions. Design and Methods. We conducted a retrospective
      cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We identified
      hospitalizations from January 1998-June 2011 with a primary diagnosis of
      hepatorenal syndrome. To characterize the incidence trends in monthly hepatorenal
      syndrome hospitalizations, we fit a piecewise linear model with a change point at
      January 2008. We examined hospital and patient characteristics before and after
      the change point. Results. Hospital admissions with a diagnosis of hepatorenal
      syndrome increased markedly between September of 2007 and March of 2008.
      Comparing patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome
      prior to 2008 with those after 2008, we found that length of stay increased while
      the mortality of patients admitted for hepatorenal syndrome decreased.
      Conclusion. The revision of the diagnostic criteria for hepatorenal syndrome may
      have contributed to the increase in the incidence of admissions for hepatorenal
      syndrome. However, the changes in the principles of hepatorenal syndrome
      management may have also contributed to the increase in incidence and lower
      mortality. 

PMID- 27144024
TI  - Characterization of Seed Storage Proteins from Chickpea Using 2D Electrophoresis
      Coupled with Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Proteomic analysis was employed to map the seed storage protein network in
      landrace and cultivated chickpea accessions. Protein extracts were separated by
      two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) across a broad range 3.0-10.0
      immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips. Comparative elucidation of differentially
      expressed proteins between two diverse geographically originated chickpea
      accessions was carried out using 2D-GE coupled with mass spectrometry. A total of
      600 protein spots were detected in these accessions. In-gel protein expression
      patterns revealed three protein spots as upregulated and three other as
      downregulated. Using trypsin in-gel digestion, these differentially expressed
      proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of
      flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) which showed 45% amino acid homology of
      chickpea seed storage proteins with Arabidopsis thaliana. 

PMID- 27144023
TI  - Personality and Perceived Health in Spousal Caregivers of Patients with Lung
      Cancer: The Roles of Neuroticism and Extraversion.
AB  - Purpose. Family members' responsibilities for patients with cancer have increased
      dramatically over the past decade and will likely continue to rise. Given that
      caregiving is associated with declines in self-care, there is a need for research
      on caregivers' perceptions of their own health. The purpose of this study was to
      examine whether personality is associated with four self-report perceived health
      items from the SF-36. Methods. The sample consisted of 114 spouses of lung cancer
      patients who completed cross-sectional measures as part of a larger cohort study
      on adjustment to the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Predictors of
      interest were Neuroticism and Extraversion scores from the NEO-FFI. Covariates
      were age, gender, conscientiousness, depressive symptoms, and objective illness
      burden. Results. Multivariate analyses revealed that caregivers with higher
      Extraversion scores were less likely to respond affirmatively to the item "I
      expect my health to get worse" (OR = 0.90, p < 0.05). Neuroticism was associated
      with poorer perceived health (ORs from 1.11 to 1.12, p's < 0.05). Conclusions.
      The present cross-sectional findings suggest that personality is associated with
      responses to SF-36 perceived health items beyond what can be accounted for by
      objective illness burden and other covariates. The potential overestimation of
      health among extraverted caregivers may have implications for their health
      outcomes. 

PMID- 27144025
TI  - Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Nondiabetic Hypertensive Nigerians: Role of
      Fasting and Postprandial Blood Glucose.
AB  - Background/Aims. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) tracks atherosclerotic
      vascular disease. Hypertension and diabetes chiefly contribute to atherosclerosis
      with 75% of symptomatic cardiovascular disease cases having dysglycaemia even in
      normal cases. Hypothesising that postprandial hyperglycaemia contributes to
      cardiovascular morbidity, we sought to determine if any relationship existed
      between glycaemic profile in nondiabetic hypertensives and atherosclerosis.
      Methods. In a study of CIMT in nondiabetic, statin-naive hypertensives, we
      evaluated fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2-hour postprandial sugar (2hPPBG) in
      the patients and compared them with the CIMT. CIMT was measured on both sides, 1
      cm proximal to the carotid bulb using a 7.5 mHz transducer of ALOKA SSD-3500
      ultrasound machine. Results. The subjects with complete data were 86 (63 F). The
      mean (SD) of CIMT was 0.89 (0.15) mm, FBG 4.8 (0.097) mmol/L, and 2hPPBG 6.5
      (1.81) mmol/L. There was no significant correlation between FBG and 2hPPBG with
      CIMT. Blood pressure had no bearing on this. When blood glucose data were divided
      into quartiles and post hoc multiple comparison was done, there was significant
      difference in CIMT for the different ranges. This was not so for 2hPPBG.
      Conclusion. Though expected from other studies, we did not show any significant
      correlation between FBG and 2hPPBG status and CIMT. This may be our pattern as
      the degree of excursion of 2hPPBG was low. There may be a threshold level above
      which PPBG starts to impact CIMT. 

PMID- 27144027
TI  - Trainers' Attitudes towards Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Current Care
      Guidelines, and Training.
AB  - Objectives. Studies have shown that healthcare personnel hesitate to perform
      defibrillation due to individual or organisational attitudes. We aimed to assess
      trainers' attitudes towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation (CPR
      D), Current Care Guidelines, and associated training. Methods. A questionnaire
      was distributed to CPR trainers attending seminars in Finland (N = 185) focusing
      on the updated national Current Care Guidelines 2011. The questions were answered
      using Likert scale (1 = totally disagree, 7 = totally agree). Factor loading of
      the questionnaire was made using maximum likelihood analysis and varimax
      rotation. Seven scales were constructed (Hesitation, Nurse's Role, Nontechnical
      Skill, Usefulness, Restrictions, Personal, and Organisation). Cronbach's alphas
      were 0.92-0.51. Statistics were Student's t-test, ANOVA, stepwise regression
      analysis, and Pearson Correlation. Results. The questionnaire was returned by
      124/185, 67% CPR trainers, of whom two-thirds felt that their undergraduate
      training in CPR-D had not been adequate. Satisfaction with undergraduate
      defibrillation training correlated with the Nontechnical Skills scale (p < 0.01).
      Participants scoring high on Hesitation scale (p < 0.01) were less confident
      about their Nurse's Role (p < 0.01) and Nontechnical Skills (p < 0.01).
      Conclusion. Quality of undergraduate education affects the work of CPR trainers
      and some feel uncertain of defibrillation. The train-the-trainers courses and
      undergraduate medical education should focus more on practical scenarios with
      defibrillators and nontechnical skills. 

PMID- 27144026
TI  - Investigation of TGFbeta1-Induced Long Noncoding RNAs in Endothelial Cells.
AB  - Objective. To evaluate the relationship between TGFbeta signaling and endothelial
      lncRNA expression. Methods. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs)
      lncRNAs and mRNAs were profiled with the Arraystar Human lncRNA Expression
      Microarray V3.0 after 24 hours of exposure to TGFbeta1 (10 ng/mL). Results. Of
      the 30,584 lncRNAs screened, 2,051 were significantly upregulated and 2,393 were
      appreciably downregulated (P < 0.05) in response to TGFbeta. In the same HUVEC
      samples, 2,148 of the 26,106 mRNAs screened were upregulated and 1,290 were
      downregulated. Of these 2,051 differentially expressed upregulated lncRNAs,
      MALAT1, which is known to be induced by TGFbeta in endothelial cells, was the
      most (~220-fold) upregulated lncRNA. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that the
      differentially expressed upregulated mRNAs are primarily enriched in hippo
      signaling, Wnt signaling, focal adhesion, neuroactive ligand-receptor
      interaction, and pathways in cancer. The most downregulated are notably involved
      in olfactory transduction, PI3-Akt signaling, Ras signaling, neuroactive ligand
      receptor interaction, and apoptosis. Conclusions. This is the first lncRNA and
      mRNA transcriptome profile of TGFbeta-mediated changes in human endothelial
      cells. These observations may reveal potential new targets of TGFbeta in
      endothelial cells and novel therapeutic avenues for cardiovascular disease
      associated endothelial dysfunction. 

PMID- 27144028
TI  - Coca: The History and Medical Significance of an Ancient Andean Tradition.
AB  - Coca leaf products are an integral part of the lives of the Andean peoples from
      both a cultural and traditional medicine perspective. Coca is also the whole
      plant from which cocaine is derived. Coca products are thought to be a panacea
      for health troubles in regions of South America. This review will examine the
      toxicology of whole coca and will also look at medicinal applications of this
      plant, past, present, and future. 

PMID- 27144029
TI  - Virulence Genes among Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium Isolated
      from Coastal Beaches and Human and Nonhuman Sources in Southern California and
      Puerto Rico.
AB  - Most Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium are harmless to humans; however,
      strains harboring virulence genes, including esp, gelE, cylA, asa1, and hyl, have
      been associated with human infections. E. faecalis and E. faecium are present in
      beach waters worldwide, yet little is known about their virulence potential.
      Here, multiplex PCR was used to compare the distribution of virulence genes among
      E. faecalis and E. faecium isolated from beaches in Southern California and
      Puerto Rico to isolates from potential sources including humans, animals, birds,
      and plants. All five virulence genes were found in E. faecalis and E. faecium
      from beach water, mostly among E. faecalis. gelE was the most common among
      isolates from all source types. There was a lower incidence of asa1, esp, cylA,
      and hyl genes among isolates from beach water, sewage, septage, urban runoff, sea
      wrack, and eelgrass as compared to human isolates, indicating that virulent
      strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium may not be widely disseminated at beaches.
      A higher frequency of asa1 and esp among E. faecalis from dogs and of asa1 among
      birds (mostly seagull) suggests that further studies on the distribution and
      virulence potential of strains carrying these genes may be warranted. 

PMID- 27144030
TI  - Altered Body Weight Regulation in CK1epsilon Null and tau Mutant Mice on Regular
      Chow and High Fat Diets.
AB  - Disruption of circadian rhythms results in metabolic dysfunction. Casein kinase 1
      epsilon (CK1epsilon) is a canonical circadian clock gene. Null and tau mutations
      in CK1epsilon show distinct effects on circadian period. To investigate the role
      of CK1epsilon in body weight regulation under both regular chow (RC) and high fat
      (HF) diet conditions, we examined body weight on both RC and HF diets in
      CK1epsilon (-/-) and CK1epsilon (tau/tau) mice on a standard 24 hr light-dark
      (LD) cycle. Given the abnormal entrainment of CK1epsilon (tau/tau) mice on a 24
      hr LD cycle, a separate set of CK1epsilon (tau/tau) mice were tested under both
      diet conditions on a 20 hr LD cycle, which more closely matches their endogenous
      period length. On the RC diet, both CK1epsilon (-/-) and CK1epsilon (tau/tau)
      mutants on a 24 hr LD cycle and CK1epsilon (tau/tau) mice on a 20 hr LD cycle
      exhibited significantly lower body weights, despite similar overall food intake
      and activity levels. On the HF diet, CK1epsilon (tau/tau) mice on a 20 hr LD
      cycle were protected against the development of HF diet-induced excess weight
      gain. These results provide additional evidence supporting a link between
      circadian rhythms and energy regulation at the genetic level, particularly
      highlighting CK1epsilon involved in the integration of circadian biology and
      metabolic physiology. 

PMID- 27144031
TI  - Age-Related Effects on Future Mental Time Travel.
AB  - Mental time travel (MTT), the ability to travel mentally back and forward in time
      in order to reexperience past events and preexperience future events, is crucial
      in human cognition. As we move along life, MTT may be changed accordingly.
      However, the relation between re- and preexperiencing along the lifespan is still
      not clear. Here, young and older adults underwent a psychophysical paradigm
      assessing two different components of MTT: self-projection, which is the ability
      to project the self towards a past or a future location of the mental time line,
      and self-reference, which is the ability to determine whether events are located
      in the past or future in reference to that given self-location. Aged individuals
      performed worse in both self-projection to the future and self-reference to
      future events compared to young individuals. In addition, aging decreased older
      adults' preference for personal compared to nonpersonal events. These results
      demonstrate the impact of MTT and self-processing on subjective time processing
      in healthy aging. Changes in memory functions in aged people may therefore be
      related not only to memory per se, but also to the relations of memory and self. 

PMID- 27144032
TI  - Plastic Change along the Intact Crossed Pathway in Acute Phase of Cerebral
      Ischemia Revealed by Optical Intrinsic Signal Imaging.
AB  - The intact crossed pathway via which the contralesional hemisphere responds to
      the ipsilesional somatosensory input has shown to be affected by unilateral
      stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the plasticity of the intact
      crossed pathway in response to different intensities of stimulation in a rodent
      photothrombotic stroke model. Using optical intrinsic signal imaging, an overall
      increase of the contralesional cortical response was observed in the acute phase
      (<=48 hours) after stroke. In particular, the contralesional hyperactivation is
      more prominent under weak stimulations, while a strong stimulation would even
      elicit a depressed response. The results suggest a distinct stimulation-response
      pattern along the intact crossed pathway after stroke. We speculate that the
      contralesional hyperactivation under weak stimulations was due to the
      reorganization for compensatory response to the weak ipsilateral somatosensory
      input. 

PMID- 27144034
TI  - Neural Plasticity in Obesity and Psychiatric Disorders.

PMID- 27144035
TI  - Tirofiban-Induced Thrombocytopenia Occurring with Crohn's Disease.
AB  - A 69-year-old man, with severe refractory Crohn's disease, presented with acute
      coronary syndrome that required angioplasty. He developed severe tirofiban
      induced thrombocytopenia (TIT) heralded by type I allergic reaction that required
      steroids and a combination of antihistamine H1 and antihistamine H2 for
      symptomatic management. The thrombocytopenia spontaneously resolved uneventfully
      in 48 hours thereafter. This case report suggests a possible association between
      TIT and inflammatory bowel disease. Therefore, strict monitoring of the platelet
      count is required in patients who develop allergic reactions to tirofiban. 

PMID- 27144036
TI  - Torsade de Pointes Triggered by Early Ventricular Escape Beats in a Patient with
      Complete Atrioventricular Block.
AB  - Torsade de pointes is an uncommon and malignant form of polymorphic ventricular
      tachycardia and associated with a prolonged QT interval, which may be congenital
      or acquired. Complete atrioventricular block may cause QT interval prolongation
      and torsade de pointes. In this paper, we present a case with complete
      atrioventricular block complicated with frequent episodes of torsade de pointes
      triggered by early premature ventricular contractions despite normal QT
      intervals. 

PMID- 27144033
TI  - The Contribution of Thalamocortical Core and Matrix Pathways to Sleep Spindles.
AB  - Sleep spindles arise from the interaction of thalamic and cortical neurons.
      Neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) inhibit thalamocortical neurons,
      which in turn excite the TRN and cortical neurons. A fundamental principle of
      anatomical organization of the thalamocortical projections is the presence of two
      pathways: the diffuse matrix pathway and the spatially selective core pathway.
      Cortical layers are differentially targeted by these two pathways with matrix
      projections synapsing in superficial layers and core projections impinging on
      middle layers. Based on this anatomical observation, we propose that spindles can
      be classified into two classes, those arising from the core pathway and those
      arising from the matrix pathway, although this does not exclude the fact that
      some spindles might combine both pathways at the same time. We find evidence for
      this hypothesis in EEG/MEG studies, intracranial recordings, and computational
      models that incorporate this difference. This distinction will prove useful in
      accounting for the multiple functions attributed to spindles, in that spindles of
      different types might act on local and widespread spatial scales. Because spindle
      mechanisms are often hijacked in epilepsy and schizophrenia, the classification
      proposed in this review might provide valuable information in defining which
      pathways have gone awry in these neurological disorders. 

PMID- 27144037
TI  - Fatal Nonhepatic Hyperammonemia in ICU Setting: A Rare but Serious Complication
      following Bariatric Surgery.
AB  - Bariatric surgery is well established in reducing weight and improving the
      obesity-associated morbidity and mortality. Hyperammonemic encephalopathy
      following bariatric surgery is rare but highly fatal if not diagnosed in time and
      managed aggressively. Both macro- and micronutrients deficiencies play a role. A
      42-year-old Hispanic female with a history of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Procedure
      was brought to ED for progressive altered mental status. Physical exam was
      remarkable for drowsiness with Glasgow Coma Scale 11, ascites, and bilateral
      pedal edema. Labs showed elevated ammonia, low hemoglobin, low serum prealbumin,
      albumin, HDL, and positive toxicology. She remained obtunded despite the
      treatment with Narcan and flumazenil and the serum ammonia level fluctuated
      despite standard treatment with lactulose and rifaximin. Laboratory
      investigations helped to elucidate the etiology of the hyperammonemia most likely
      secondary to unmasking the functional deficiency of the urea cycle enzymes.
      Hyperammonemia in the context of normal liver function tests becomes
      diagnostically challenging for physicians. Severe hyperammonemia is highly fatal.
      Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment can alter the prognosis favorably. 

PMID- 27144038
TI  - Management of Grossly Decayed Mandibular Molar with Different Designs of Split
      Cast Post and Core.
AB  - Mandibular molar with extensive loss of tooth structure, especially where no
      cavity wall is remaining, and insertion of posts in both the roots appear
      necessary so as to achieve proper retention for the core material. A single unit
      metal casting with two posts, one in the mesial root and the other in the distal
      divergent root, is difficult to fabricate due to difference in the path of
      insertion of the two posts. Multisection post and core or single cast post and
      core with auxiliary post can be an effective design to manage grossly decayed
      mandibular molars. 

PMID- 27144039
TI  - A Case of Sublingual Ranula That Responded Successfully to Localized Injection
      Treatment with OK-432 after Healing from Drug Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome.
AB  - A ranula is a mucus retention cyst or pseudocyst caused by leakage of mucus from
      the sublingual gland and generally occurs in the oral floor. In addition, drug
      induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) is a rare but well-recognized serious
      adverse effect characterized by fever, skin rashes, generalized lymphadenopathy,
      hepatitis, and hepatosplenomegaly and oral stomatitis. This paper presents the
      first case of successfully treated sublingual ranula with localized injection of
      OK-432 after healing from drug induced hypersensitivity syndrome, which has
      previously been unreported in the literature. We present the case of a 38-year
      old Japanese woman with sublingual ranula that responded successfully to
      localized injection treatment with OK-432 after healing from drug induced
      hypersensitivity syndrome. She was affected with cutaneous myositis and
      interstitial lung disease when she was 26 years old. At the age 34 years, she
      received additional oral treatment of diaminodiphenyl-sulfone due to
      deterioration of the cutaneous myositis, which resulted in drug induced
      hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) with severe oral stomatitis. Local injection of
      OK-432 to the ranula may be a very safe and useful treatment method even if the
      patient has a history of drug allergy and has connective tissue disease such as
      cutaneous myositis. 

PMID- 27144040
TI  - A Case of Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - A 49-year-old lady presented with multiple recurring painful lesions over her
      thighs, arms, and back. Past medical history included a left sided nephrectomy
      for renal cell carcinoma and a hysterectomy for multiple uterine fibroids
      (leiomyomas). Histopathological examination revealed changes consistent with
      pilar leiomyomas. Gene mutation analysis confirmed a diagnosis of hereditary
      leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma. Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell
      carcinoma is an uncommon autosomal dominant condition characterised by the
      concurrent presentation of cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas. Renal cell carcinoma
      associated with this condition is more aggressive and a significant cause of
      mortality. Due to this association with potentially fatal renal cell carcinoma we
      felt that it was important to highlight this case with an update on
      pathophysiology and management. 

PMID- 27144041
TI  - Bing-Neel Syndrome Case Report: A Previously Undocumented IgG Variant with MRI,
      PET/CT, and PET/MRI Imaging.
AB  - Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia is the most commonly reported subtype of
      lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL); it is characterised by IgM secretion.
      Neurological complications are common usually as a result of hyperviscosity. In
      rare cases, cells can infiltrate the central nervous system; this is known as
      Bing-Neel syndrome. We report the case of a 57-year-old male with
      lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma of the IgG-subtype with neurological symptoms and the
      consequent finding of lymphoplasmacytoid cells in his cerebrospinal fluid as well
      as deposits on MRI and PET-CT imaging. This is the first report of Bing-Neel
      syndrome in IgG-subtype LPL. We discuss the biological and radiological markers
      of his disease, including PET imaging, which has been minimal in this area to
      date. 

PMID- 27144042
TI  - Acute Hepatitis after Ingestion of a Preparation of Chinese Skullcap and Black
      Catechu for Joint Pain.
AB  - Many herbal preparations are routinely used and have been occasionally associated
      with a wide range of side effects, from mild to severe. Chinese skullcap and
      black catechu are herbal medications commonly used for their hepatoprotective and
      other properties. We report a case of acute toxic hepatitis associated with
      ingestion of Chinese skullcap and black catechu in one preparation for the
      alleviation of joint pain. 

PMID- 27144043
TI  - A Rare Case of Primary Anterior Mediastinal Yolk Sac Tumor in an Elderly Adult
      Male.
AB  - Mediastinal germ cell tumors are extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGGCTs) commonly
      seen in children and young adults. They are more common in men. Clinically they
      are classified as teratomas, seminomas, and nonseminomatous germ cell tumors.
      Primary mediastinal yolk sac neoplasm is an extremely rare tumor. We present here
      a very rare case of primary yolk sac tumor of the anterior mediastinum in a 73
      year-old male. Mediastinal germ cell tumors have a worse prognosis than gonadal
      germ cell tumors. Chemotherapy followed by adjuvant surgery improves overall
      response in EGGCTs. However, comorbidities can render treatment with chemotherapy
      and surgery challenging in elderly patients. 

PMID- 27144044
TI  - Revision Stapedectomy in a Female Patient with Inner Ear Malformation.
AB  - Objectives. We describe an unusual case of surgical management of congenital
      mixed hearing loss in a female patient with inner ear malformation. This report
      outlines the role of temporal bone imaging and previous surgical history in
      evaluating a patient's risk of perilymph gusher during stapes surgery. Methods. A
      68-year-old female patient with a history of profound bilateral mixed hearing
      loss due to ossicular and cochlear malformation presented to our otology clinic.
      She had undergone multiple unsuccessful previous ear surgeries. Computed
      tomography revealed bilateral inner ear malformations. She elected to proceed
      with revision stapedectomy. Results. The patient received modest benefit to
      hearing, and no operative complications occurred. Conclusions. Although
      stapedectomy has been shown to improve hearing in patients with stapes fixation,
      there is risk of perilymph gusher in patients with inner ear abnormalities.
      Evaluation and counseling of the risk of gusher during stapes surgery should be
      done on a case-by-case basis. 

PMID- 27144045
TI  - Markedly Reduced Thermal Pain Perception in a Schizoaffective Patient with
      Tardive Dyskinesia.
AB  - Several case reports have described stories of schizophrenia patients reporting
      no discomfort in response to several medical conditions which normally elicit
      pain. Comparatively, experimental studies performed on pain perception in
      schizophrenia have not documented hypoalgesic responses that are as frank as
      those reported in these clinical cases. Here, we report the case of a female
      patient with schizoaffective disorder, who displayed markedly reduced pain
      perception during an experimental heat pain paradigm. Compared to a large group
      of healthy volunteers that we tested in 3 previous studies using the same
      psychophysical procedure, the experimental temperature required to induce
      moderate pain was radically increased in this patient (z-score = 3.6). The
      patient had mild psychiatric symptoms and had insight into her symptoms. She had
      drug-induced dyskinetic symptoms. This case report illustrates that it is
      possible to observe marked reductions in pain perception in schizophrenia
      patients tested in experimental settings but that the phenomenon is relatively
      rare. Regardless of the exact nature of pain indifference in schizophrenia, it
      can delay diagnosis and treatment of medical problems in these patients. Future
      studies in the field will need to pay attention to drug-induced extrapyramidal
      symptoms. 

PMID- 27144046
TI  - Mediastinal Mature Teratoma Revealed by Empyema.
AB  - Teratomas are germ cell tumors, manifested with a great variety of clinical
      features; the most common extragonadal site is the anterior mediastinum. In this
      case, we report the patient with a large mature mediastinal teratoma with several
      components of ectodermal and endothermal epithelium. A 24-year-old female patient
      presented with history of persistent chest pain and progressively aggravating
      dyspnea for the previous 3 months. A chest X-ray showed a large opacity of the
      entire left hemithorax. Transcutaneous needle aspiration revealed a purulent
      fluid. The tube thoracostomy was introduced and the effusion was evacuated. Some
      weeks later, patient was seen in emergency for persistent cough and lateral chest
      pain. CT scan revealed a mass of the left hemithorax. The mass showed
      heterogeneous density, without compressing mediastinum great vessels and left
      hilar structures. Lipase value was elevated in needle aspiration. The patient
      underwent a total resection of the mediastinum mass via a left posterolateral
      thoracotomy. Microscopy revealed a mature teratoma with cystic structures. The
      patient subsequently made a full recovery. This case provide benign mediastinal
      teratoma with total atelectasis of left lung and elevated lipase value in needle
      transcutaneous aspiration; this event is explained by pancreatic component in the
      cystic tumor. Total removal of the tumor is adequate treatment for this type of
      teratoma and the prognosis is excellent. 

PMID- 27144047
TI  - Laparoscopic Management of Acute Pancreatitis Secondary to Rapunzel Syndrome.
AB  - A 17-year-old girl presented with bilious vomiting and abdominal pain to the
      surgery department. The history was positive for trichotillomania and
      trichophagia. A CT scan showed a mass in the stomach, which was highly suspicious
      for a gastric bezoar. Drooping parts of the bezoar caused a duodenal obstruction
      with secondary acute pancreatitis. The bezoar was removed via a laparoscopically
      performed gastrotomy. 

PMID- 27144048
TI  - Round Ligament Leiomyoma Presenting as an Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia: Case
      Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Leiomyomas are common benign gynecologic tumors occurring in up to 30% of women.
      Round ligament leiomyomas however are very rare and, if symptomatic, can present
      as an inguinal hernia. We report the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented
      with an irreducible inguinal mass consistent with an incarcerated hernia.
      Intraoperatively, the mass was found to be a round ligament leiomyoma, a
      diagnosis that was confirmed by histopathology following excision of the mass.
      Although rare, round ligament leiomyomas should be part of the differential
      diagnosis of an inguinal hernia in females. 

PMID- 27144049
TI  - Different Management Options for Transplant Ureteral Obstructions within an
      Inguinal Hernia.
AB  - Ureteral obstruction secondary to an inguinal hernia with transplant ureteral
      component is an extremely rare entity with only several case reports found in
      literature. In all previously reported cases, management of the obstruction
      involved temporary drainage with ureteral stenting or nephrostomy tube placements
      followed by delayed definitive repair. We present two case reports, here one
      being the first one managed by immediate definitive repair via ureteral reimplant
      and herniorrhaphy and a second case by delayed definitive repair after
      percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement. Both patients continued to do well
      postoperatively with normalization of renal function on follow-up. 

PMID- 27144050
TI  - Retained Urethral Catheter Secondary to Placement in Proximal Ureter.
AB  - We present an unusual complication secondary to indwelling urethral catheter
      placement. Routine catheter placement by the obstetrics team in a postpartum
      female leads to retention of the catheter and inability of its removal by both
      the obstetrics and urology teams. Although a retained urinary catheter is
      relatively common, inability to remove a catheter secondary to placement
      inadvertently into a ureter is extremely rare. In this paper we will discuss the
      options in removing a retained catheter and present our case of a retained
      catheter secondary to placement within the right proximal ureter. 

PMID- 27144051
TI  - Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia Is Related to Indirect Pathway Medium Spiny Neuron
      Excitotoxicity: A Hypothesis Based on an Unexpected Finding.
AB  - A serendipitous pharmacogenetic finding links the vulnerability to developing
      levodopa-induced dyskinesia to the age of onset of Huntington's disease.
      Huntington's disease is caused by a polyglutamate expansion of the protein
      huntingtin. Aberrant huntingtin is less capable of binding to a member of
      membrane-associated guanylate kinase family (MAGUKs): postsynaptic density- (PSD
      ) 95. This leaves more PSD-95 available to stabilize NR2B subunit carrying NMDA
      receptors in the synaptic membrane. This results in increased excitotoxicity for
      which particularly striatal medium spiny neurons from the indirect extrapyramidal
      pathway are sensitive. In Parkinson's disease the sensitivity for excitotoxicity
      is related to increased oxidative stress due to genetically determined abnormal
      metabolism of dopamine or related products. This probably also increases the
      sensitivity of medium spiny neurons for exogenous levodopa. Particularly the
      combination of increased oxidative stress due to aberrant dopamine metabolism,
      increased vulnerability to NMDA induced excitotoxicity, and the particular
      sensitivity of indirect pathway medium spiny neurons for this excitotoxicity may
      explain the observed increased prevalence of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. 

PMID- 27144052
TI  - Mindfulness for Motor and Nonmotor Dysfunctions in Parkinson's Disease.
AB  - Background. Motor and nonmotor symptoms negatively influence Parkinson's disease
      (PD) patients' quality of life. Mindfulness interventions have been a recent
      focus in PD. The present study explores effectiveness of a manualized group
      mindfulness intervention tailored for PD in improving both motor and
      neuropsychiatric deficits in PD. Methods. Fourteen PD patients completed an 8
      week mindfulness intervention that included 6 sessions. The Five Facet
      Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Geriatric Anxiety Inventory, Hamilton
      Depression Rating Scale, PD Cognitive Rating Scale, Unified PD Rating Scale, PD
      Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45) were
      administered before and after the intervention. Participants also completed the
      FFMQ-15 at each session. Gains at postassessment and at 6-month follow-up were
      compared to baseline using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon nonparametric tests.
      Results. A significant increase in FFMQ-Observe subscale, a reduction in anxiety,
      depression, and OQ-45 symptom distress, an increase in PDCRS-Subcortical scores,
      and an improvement in postural instability, gait, and rigidity motor symptoms
      were observed at postassessment. Gains for the PDCRS were sustained at follow-up.
      Conclusion. The mindfulness intervention tailored for PD is associated with
      reduced anxiety and depression and improved cognitive and motor functioning. A
      randomised controlled trial using a large sample of PD patients is warranted. 

PMID- 27144053
TI  - Importance of Indigenous Breeds of Chicken for Rural Economy and Their
      Improvements for Higher Production Performance.
AB  - Indigenous/native breeds of chickens are playing an important role in rural
      economies in most of the developing and underdeveloped countries. They play a
      major role for the rural poor and marginalised section of the people with respect
      to their subsidiary income and also provide them with nutritious chicken egg and
      meat for their own consumption. Performance of native fowl can be improved by
      change in husbandry, feeding, and better health cover. However, genetic
      improvement may be made either through selection and crossbreeding or by
      utilisation of both selection and crossbreeding. Improvement through selection
      may be time consuming but the improvement will be permanent. Through
      crossbreeding improvement may be faster but research has to aim for the
      production of native-type birds with higher production potential. In the present
      review efforts have been made to present the importance of native fowl to rural
      economy and their improvement for higher production performance. 

PMID- 27144054
TI  - Analysis and Enhancements of a Prolific Macroscopic Model of Epilepsy.
AB  - Macroscopic models of epilepsy can deliver surprisingly realistic EEG
      simulations. In the present study, a prolific series of models is evaluated with
      regard to theoretical and computational concerns, and enhancements are developed.
      Specifically, we analyze three aspects of the models: (1) Using dynamical systems
      analysis, we demonstrate and explain the presence of direct current potentials in
      the simulated EEG that were previously undocumented. (2) We explain how the
      system was not ideally formulated for numerical integration of stochastic
      differential equations. A reformulated system is developed to support proper
      methodology. (3) We explain an unreported contradiction in the published model
      specification regarding the use of a mathematical reduction method. We then use
      the method to reduce the number of equations and further improve the
      computational efficiency. The intent of our critique is to enhance the evolution
      of macroscopic modeling of epilepsy and assist others who wish to explore this
      exciting class of models further. 

PMID- 27144055
TI  - CSF ADA Determination in Early Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis in HIV
      Infected Patients.
AB  - Tuberculous and Cryptococcal meningitis are common in HIV patients. A highly
      specific and sensitive rapid test for diagnosis of Tuberculous meningitis
      especially in setting of HIV is not available in developing countries where the
      burden of disease is high. We measured ADA (adenosine deaminase) levels using
      spectrophotometric method in the CSF of HIV patients with meningitis to
      differentiate Tuberculous meningitis from meningitis due to other causes. Kruskal
      Wallis test was used to compare ADA values between tuberculous meningitis (TBM)
      and nontuberculous (non-TB) meningitis patients and a receiver-operating
      characteristic (ROC) analysis curve was drawn from these values. Levels of ADA in
      the CSF of patients with TBM were significantly higher than those in patients
      with meningitis due to other causes. CSF ADA level determination with a cut-off
      value of 6 IU/L was found to be highly specific and fairly sensitive test for the
      diagnosis of TBM in HIV positive patients. 

PMID- 27144057
TI  - The next generation of cancer management.

PMID- 27144056
TI  - Treatment Options for Class III Malocclusion in Growing Patients with Emphasis on
      Maxillary Protraction.
AB  - It is very difficult to diagnose and treat Class III malocclusion. This type of
      malocclusion involves a number of cranial base and maxillary and mandibular
      skeletal and dental compensation components. In Class III malocclusion
      originating from mandibular prognathism, orthodontic treatment in growing
      patients is not a good choice and in most cases orthognathic surgery is
      recommended after the end of growth. Approximately 30-40% of Class III patients
      exhibit some degree of maxillary deficiency; therefore, devices can be used for
      maxillary protraction for orthodontic treatment in early mixed dentition. In
      cases in which dental components are primarily responsible for Class III
      malocclusion, early therapeutic intervention is recommended. An electronic search
      was conducted using the Medline database (Entrez PubMed), the Cochrane
      Collaboration Oral Health Group Database of Clinical Trials, Science Direct, and
      Scopus. In this review article, we described the treatment options for Class III
      malocclusion in growing patient with an emphasis on maxillary protraction. It
      seems that the most important factor for treatment of Class III malocclusion in
      growing patient is case selection. 

PMID- 27144058
TI  - Current practices and guidelines for clinical next-generation sequencing oncology
      testing.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been rapidly integrated into molecular
      pathology, dramatically increasing the breadth genomic of information available
      to oncologists and their patients. This review will explore the ways in which
      this new technology is currently applied to bolster care for patients with solid
      tumors and hematological malignancies, focusing on practices and guidelines for
      assessing the technical validity and clinical utility of DNA variants identified
      during clinical NGS oncology testing. 

PMID- 27144059
TI  - Changing paradigm of cancer therapy: precision medicine by next-generation
      sequencing.
AB  - Precision medicine aims to identify the right drug, for the right patient, at the
      right dose, at the right time, which is particularly important in cancer therapy.
      Problems such as the variability of treatment response and resistance to
      medication have been long-standing challenges in oncology, especially for
      development of new medications. Solid tumors, unlike hematologic malignancies or
      brain tumors, are remarkably diverse in their cellular origins and developmental
      timing. The ability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze the
      comprehensive landscape of genetic alterations brings promises to diseases that
      have a highly complex and heterogeneous genetic composition such as cancer. Here
      we provide an overview of how NGS is able to facilitate precision medicine and
      change the paradigm of cancer therapy, especially for solid tumors, through
      technical advancements, molecular diagnosis, response monitoring and clinical
      trials. 

PMID- 27144061
TI  - Acute myeloid leukemia in the era of precision medicine: recent advances in
      diagnostic classification and risk stratification.
AB  - Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous myeloid malignancy
      that occurs more commonly in adults, and has an increasing incidence, most likely
      due to increasing age. Precise diagnostic classification of AML requires clinical
      and pathologic information, the latter including morphologic, immunophenotypic,
      cytogenetic and molecular genetic analysis. Risk stratification in AML requires
      cytogenetics evaluation as the most important predictor, with genetic mutations
      providing additional necessary information. AML with normal cytogenetics
      comprises about 40%-50% of all AML, and has been intensively investigated. The
      currently used 2008 World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic
      neoplasms has been proposed to be updated in 2016, also to include an update on
      the classification of AML, due to the continuously increasing application of
      genomic techniques that have led to major advances in our knowledge of the
      pathogenesis of AML. The purpose of this review is to describe some of these
      recent major advances in the diagnostic classification and risk stratification of
      AML. 

PMID- 27144063
TI  - Establishment and application of a multiplex genetic mutation-detection method of
      lung cancer based on MassARRAY platform.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to establish a method for highly parallel multiplexed
      detection of genetic mutations in Chinese lung cancer samples through Agena iPLEX
      chemistry and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight analysis
      on MassARRAY mass spectrometry platform. METHODS: We reviewed the related
      literature and data on lung cancer treatments. We also identified 99 mutation hot
      spots in 13 target genes closely related to the pathogenesis, drug resistance,
      and metastasis of lung cancer. A total of 297 primers, composed of 99 paired
      forward and reverse amplification primers and 99 matched extension primers, were
      designed using Assay Design software. The detection method was established by
      analyzing eight cell lines and six lung cancer specimens. The proposed method was
      then validated through comparisons by using a LungCarta(TM) kit. The sensitivity
      and specificity of the proposed method were evaluated by directly sequencing EGFR
      and KRAS genes in 100 lung cancer cases. RESULTS: The proposed method was able to
      detect multiplex genetic mutations in lung cancer cell lines. This finding was
      consistent with the observations on previously reported mutations. The proposed
      method can also detect such mutations in clinical lung cancer specimens. This
      result was consistent with the observations with LungCarta(TM) kit. However, an
      FGFR2 mutation was detected only through the proposed method. The measured
      sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 96.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The
      proposed MassARRAY technology-based multiplex method can detect genetic mutations
      in Chinese lung cancer patients. Therefore, the proposed method can be applied to
      detect mutations in other cancer tissues.

PMID- 27144062
TI  - Genetic evaluation and testing for hereditary forms of cancer in the era of next
      generation sequencing.
AB  - The introduction of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology in testing for
      hereditary cancer susceptibility allows testing of multiple cancer susceptibility
      genes simultaneously. While there are many potential benefits to utilizing this
      technology in the hereditary cancer clinic, including efficiency of time and
      cost, there are also important limitations that must be considered. The best
      panel for the given clinical situation should be selected to minimize the number
      of variants of unknown significance. The inclusion in panels of low penetrance or
      newly identified genes without specific actionability can be problematic for
      interpretation. Genetic counselors are an essential part of the hereditary cancer
      risk assessment team, helping the medical team select the most appropriate test
      and interpret the often complex results. Genetic counselors obtain an extended
      family history, counsel patients on the available tests and the potential
      implications of results for themselves and their family members (pre-test
      counseling), explain to patients the implications of the test results (post-test
      counseling), and assist in testing family members at risk. 

PMID- 27144060
TI  - The potential for liquid biopsies in the precision medical treatment of breast
      cancer.
AB  - Currently the clinical management of breast cancer relies on relatively few
      prognostic/predictive clinical markers (estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor,
      HER2), based on primary tumor biology. Circulating biomarkers, such as
      circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) or circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may enhance our
      treatment options by focusing on the very cells that are the direct precursors of
      distant metastatic disease, and probably inherently different than the primary
      tumor's biology. To shift the current clinical paradigm, assessing tumor biology
      in real time by molecularly profiling CTCs or ctDNA may serve to discover
      therapeutic targets, detect minimal residual disease and predict response to
      treatment. This review serves to elucidate the detection, characterization, and
      clinical application of CTCs and ctDNA with the goal of precision treatment of
      breast cancer. 

PMID- 27144064
TI  - Alterations in genes other than EGFR/ALK/ROS1 in non-small cell lung cancer:
      trials and treatment options.
AB  - During the last decade, we have seen tremendous progress in the therapy of lung
      cancer. Discovery of actionable mutations in EGFR and translocations in ALK and
      ROS1 have identified subsets of patients with excellent tumor response to oral
      targeted agents with manageable side effects. In this review, we highlight
      treatment options including corresponding clinical trials for oncogenic
      alterations affecting the receptor tyrosine kinases MET, FGFR, NTRK, RET, HER2,
      HER3, and HER4 as well as components of the RAS-RAF-MEK signaling pathway. 

PMID- 27144065
TI  - Changing the paradigm: the potential for targeted therapy in laryngeal squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains a highly morbid and fatal
      disease. Historically, it has been a model example for organ preservation and
      treatment stratification paradigms. Unfortunately, survival for LSCC has
      stagnated over the past few decades. As the era of next-generation sequencing and
      personalized treatment for cancer approaches, LSCC may be an ideal disease for
      consideration of further treatment stratification and personalization. Here, we
      will discuss the important history of LSCC as a model system for organ
      preservation, unique and potentially targetable genetic signatures of LSCC, and
      methods for bringing stratified, personalized treatment strategies to the 21(st)
      century. 

PMID- 27144068
TI  - Second-line panitumumab as a triweekly dose for patients with wild-type KRAS exon
      2 metastatic colorectal cancer: a single-institution experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Panitumumab administered as monotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC) has
      shown response and disease stabilization rates of approximately 30%. The current
      study aimed to evaluate the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival
      (OS) of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with
      panitumumab every 3 weeks as a second line treatment. METHODS: This study is a
      retrospective analysis of 18 patients, aged more than 18 years, with wild-type
      KRAS exon 2 mCRC treated with panitumumab as a second-line single agent after
      progression on first-line chemotherapy. RESULTS: The median number of courses
      received was 10 (range, 4-29), and the median duration of treatment was 30 weeks
      (range, 12-96 weeks). After a median follow-up period of 13 months, the median
      PFS was 6 months (range, 4.3-7.7 months) and the median OS was 11 months (range,
      7.4-14.5 months). The median PFS was 4 months for patients with < grade 2 skin
      toxicity and 6 months (range, 4.5-7.5 months) for patients with >=grade 2 skin
      rash (P=0.05). The median OS was 9 months (range, 6.4-11.5 months) and 14 months
      (range, 11.6-16.3 months) for the two groups of patients (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS:
      Panitumumab given every 3 weeks is effective and well tolerated in patients with
      advanced CRC that progressed after standard chemotherapy.

PMID- 27144066
TI  - Evolving role of adiponectin in cancer-controversies and update.
AB  - Adiponectin (APN), an adipokine produced by adipocytes, has been shown to have a
      critical role in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated malignancies. Through its
      receptor interactions, APN may exert its anti-carcinogenic effects including
      regulating cell survival, apoptosis and metastasis via a plethora of signalling
      pathways. Despite the strong evidence supporting this notion, some work may
      indicate otherwise. Our review addresses all controversies critically. On the
      whole, hypoadiponectinaemia is associated with increased risk of several
      malignancies and poor prognosis. In addition, various genetic polymorphisms may
      predispose individuals to increased risk of obesity-associated malignancies. We
      also provide an updated summary on therapeutic interventions to increase APN
      levels that are of key interest in this field. To date efforts to manipulate APN
      levels have been promising, but much work remains to be done. 

PMID- 27144069
TI  - Is adjuvant chemotherapy necessary for patients with microinvasive breast cancer
      after surgery?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Survival and treatment of patients with microinvasive breast cancer
      (MIBC) remain controversial. In this paper, we evaluated whether adjuvant
      chemotherapy is necessary for patients with MIBC to identify risk factors
      influencing its prognosis and decide the indication for adjuvant chemotherapy.
      METHODS: In this retrospective study, 108 patients with MIBC were recruited
      according to seventh edition of the staging manual of the American Joint
      Committee on Cancer (AJCC). The subjects were divided into chemotherapy and non
      chemotherapy groups. We compared the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and
      overall survival (OS) rates between groups. Furthermore, we analyzed the factors
      related to prognosis for patients with MIBC using univariate and multivariate
      analyses. We also evaluated the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on the prognostic
      factors by subgroup analysis after median follow-up time of 33 months (13-104
      months). RESULTS: The 5-year DFS and OS rates for the chemotherapy group were
      93.7% and 97.5%, whereas those for the non-chemotherapy group were 89.7% and
      100%. RESULTS indicate that 5-year DFS was superior, but OS was inferior, in the
      former group compared with the latter group. However, no statistical significance
      was observed in the 5-year DFS (P=0.223) or OS (P=0.530) rate of the two groups.
      Most relevant poor-prognostic factors were Ki-67 overexpression and negative
      hormonal receptors. Cumulative survival was 98.2% vs. 86.5% between low Ki-67
      (<=20%) and high Ki-67 (>20%). The hazard ratio of patients with high Ki-67 was
      16.585 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.969-139.724; P=0.010]. Meanwhile, ER(
      )/PR(-) patients with MIBC had cumulative survival of 79.3% compared with 97.5%
      for ER(+) or PR(+) patients with MIBC. The hazard ratio for ER(-)/PR(-) patients
      with MIBC was 19.149 (95% CI, 3.702-99.057; P<0.001). Subgroup analysis showed
      that chemotherapy could improve the outcomes of ER(-)/PR(-) patients (P=0.014),
      but not those who overexpress Ki-67 (P=0.105). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MIBC
      who overexpress Ki-67 and with negative hormonal receptors have relatively
      substantial risk of relapse within the first five years after surgery. However,
      adjuvant chemotherapy can only improve the outcomes of ER(-)/PR(-) patients, but
      not those who overexpress Ki-67. Further studies with prolonged follow-up of
      large cohorts are recommended to assess the prognostic significance and treatment
      of this lesion.

PMID- 27144070
TI  - Exploring Rare Diseases in South Africa, a Personal Journey: Time for Electronic
      Record-keeping.

PMID- 27144067
TI  - Colorectal cancer carcinogenesis: a review of mechanisms.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in women and the third
      most common in men globally. CRC arises from one or a combination of chromosomal
      instability, CpG island methylator phenotype, and microsatellite instability.
      Genetic instability is usually caused by aneuploidy and loss of heterozygosity.
      Mutations in the tumor suppressor or cell cycle genes may also lead to cellular
      transformation. Similarly, epigenetic and/or genetic alterations resulting in
      impaired cellular pathways, such as DNA repair mechanism, may lead to
      microsatellite instability and mutator phenotype. Non-coding RNAs, more
      importantly microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs have also been implicated at
      various CRC stages. Understanding the specific mechanisms of tumorigenesis and
      the underlying genetic and epigenetic traits is critical in comprehending the
      disease phenotype. This paper reviews these mechanisms along with the roles of
      various non-coding RNAs in CRCs. 

PMID- 27144071
TI  - Disparities in the Magnitude of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-related
      Opportunistic Infections Between High and Low/Middle-income Countries: Is Highly
      Active Antiretroviral Therapy Changing the Trend?
AB  - Opportunistic infections (OIs) cause significant morbidity/mortality in human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals globally. Disparities between
      high-income countries (HICs) and low/middle-income countries (LMICs) in the
      magnitude of HIV-related OIs in pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
      populations was reviewed, and HAART-induced decline in OIs was further compared
      between the two settings. Studies published in English from onset of HIV epidemic
      up to December 2013 were searched in PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and African
      Journal online. An article was included if (a) the study was conducted in HIC or
      LMIC, (b) the age of the participants was >=12 years, (c) the HAART status of the
      participants was stated, and (d) various types of OIs were investigated. In
      predominantly pre-HAART populations, the incidence and prevalence of overall HIV
      related OIs in HIC ranged from 5.5 to 50.0 per 100 person-years (PY) and 27.4
      56.7%, respectively. In LMIC, the respective overall incidence and prevalence of
      OIs were 12.2-93.9 per 100 PY and 32.0-77.7%. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia,
      candidiasis, Cytomegalovirus disease, Mycobacterium avium complex disease, and
      Kaposi's sarcoma were the most frequent OIs in HICs while tuberculosis,
      candidiasis, chronic diarrhea, and cryptococcosis were predominant in LMICs. The
      introduction of HAART led to substantial reduction in the incidence of OIs with
      more impressive percentage decline in HICs (43-97%) compared to 30-79% in LMICs.
      Disparities in the magnitude of HIV-related OIs between HICs and LMICs are
      evident both in the pre-HAART and post-HAART era. Efforts to optimize HAART
      induced decline in HIV-related OIs should become a global health priority
      irrespective of prevailing socioeconomic circumstances. 

PMID- 27144073
TI  - Knowledge of Maternal and Newborn Care Among Primary Level Health Workers in
      Kapilvastu District of Nepal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Higher maternal and neonatal deaths are common in low- and middle
      income countries; due to less access to skilled help. Adequate knowledge and
      skills on maternal and newborn care (MNC) of community health workers can improve
      maternal and newborn health. AIMS: To identify the knowledge of primary level
      health workers on some components of MNC. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Respondents were
      selected using simple random sampling method. For collecting the data,
      enumerators visited health institutions for 2 months from 1(st) October to 31(st)
      November 2012, and structured interview schedule was used to gather the
      information. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of one hundred and
      thirty-seven primary level health workers in Kapilvastu district, Nepal. The Chi
      square test was employed to examine the association between the knowledge of
      health workers on MNC and designation and work experience. Data were analyzed
      using SPSS version 17. RESULTS: In a total of 137 primary level health workers,
      more than half 53.2% (73/137) were senior auxiliary health workers/health
      assistant. Health workers having correct knowledge on contents of MNC were
      registration 32.1% (44/137), major components of antenatal care 57.7% (79/137),
      danger signs of pregnancy 39.4% (54/137), five cleans 59.1% (81/137), postnatal
      health problems 54.0% (74/137), majority to health action to newborn care,
      newborn bath and meaning of exclusive breastfeeding. There was a statistical
      association between designation of health workers and above-mentioned components
      of MNC (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The differentials in the knowledge of MNC among
      primary level health suggest improving knowledge of the grass root level health
      workers with appropriate training and development programs.

PMID- 27144072
TI  - Single Versus Multi-visit Endodontic Treatment of Teeth with Apical
      Periodontitis: An in vivo Study with 1-year Evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apical periodontitis (AP) is one of the most prevalent diseases of
      the teeth. Treatment of AP is based on the removal of the cause, i.e., bacteria
      from the root canals. Achievement of adequate bacterial eradication in one
      appointment treatment remains a controversy. AIM: This prospective study was
      conducted with the objective to compare the periapical healing of teeth with AP
      treated in (a) single visit versus (b) two visits, either with or without Vitapex
      as an intracanal medicament. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients were selected
      randomly from the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics. Forty
      three patients (81 teeth) met the inclusion criteria, i.e., AP (both symptomatic
      and asymptomatic) visible radiographically size >=2 mm * 2 mm, not suffering from
      any immune-compromising disease, age between 16 and 65 years and tooth not
      accessed previously. Patients were randomly divided into three groups, i.e.,
      single-visit group (Group 1), multi-visit group without any intracanal medicament
      (Group 2), and multi-visit group with Vitapex as interim intracanal medicament
      (Group 3). Comparison was done radiographically using periapical index (PAI). The
      primary outcome measure was the change in periapical radiolucency after 1 year
      assessed by PAI scores. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to evaluate differences
      between groups at baseline (immediate postoperative) and at the 12-month follow
      up evaluation. Change in PAI score for each group from baseline to 12-month
      follow-up evaluation was tested with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The secondary
      outcome measures, proportion of teeth in each group that could be considered
      improved (decreased PAI score) or healed (PAI <2), were assessed with the Chi
      square test. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in periapical
      healing was found between three groups. CONCLUSION: After 1-year evaluation, no
      difference in periapical healing was found between single-visit treatment and
      multi-visit treatment groups with the given sample size.

PMID- 27144074
TI  - Comparison of Serum Calcium and Magnesium Between Preeclamptic and Normotensive
      Pregnant Nigerian Women in Abakaliki, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests the involvement of calcium and magnesium metabolism
      in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. However, findings from studies are
      heterogenous and inconsistent. AIM: The study aimed to compare the total serum
      calcium and magnesium levels in preeclamptic women with that of normotensive
      pregnant women. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional subjects of eighty
      pregnant women living in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, South-East Nigeria, were
      recruited into the study. The present study compared serum calcium and magnesium
      in forty preeclamptic (cases) and forty normotensive (control) pregnant women
      matched for age, parity, and socioeconomic status. Serum calcium and magnesium
      levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Statistical
      analysis was done using SPSS Version 20 statistical software. Differences between
      means were compared using Student's t-test with P < 0.05 considered as
      statistically significant. RESULTS: While the mean serum calcium was comparable
      between preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women (13.99 [3.29] vs. 14.02
      [5.68] MUg/dl), the preeclamptic pregnant women have significantly (P < 0.001)
      lower serum magnesium in comparison to their normotensive counterparts (3.22
      [1.05] vs. 4.15 [0.78]). CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that serum magnesium
      seems to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia in this
      environment.

PMID- 27144075
TI  - Body Mass Index in Pregnancy Does Not Affect Peroxisome Proliferator-activated
      Receptor Gamma Promoter Region (-359 to -260) Methylation in the Neonate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity in pregnancy can contribute to epigenetic changes. AIM: To
      assess whether body mass index (BMI) in pregnancy is associated with changes in
      the methylation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR)
      promoter region (-359 to - 260) in maternal and neonatal leukocytes. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: In this matched, cohort study 41 pregnant women were allocated into two
      groups: (a) Normal weight (n = 21) and (b) overweight (n = 20). DNA was extracted
      from maternal and neonatal leukocytes (4000-10,000 cells) in MagNA Pure (Roche)
      using MagNA Pure LC DNA Isolation Kit 1 (Roche, Germany). Treatment of DNA (2
      MUg) was performed with sodium bisulfite (EZ DNA Methylation-DirectTM Kit; Zymo
      Research). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed
      in a LightCycler 2.0 (Roche) using the SYBR((r)) Advantage((r)) qPCR Premix Kit
      (Clontech). The primers used for PPARgamma coactivator (PPARG) M3 were 5'-
      aagacggtttggtcgatc-3' (forward), and5'- cgaaaaaaaatccgaaatttaa-3' (reverse) and
      those for PPARG unmethylated were: 5'-gggaagatggtttggttgatt-3' (forward) and 5'-
      ttccaaaaaaaaatccaaaatttaa-3' (reverse). Intergroup differences were calculated
      using the Mann-Whitney U-test, and intragroup differences, with the Wilcoxon test
      (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 19.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). RESULTS:
      Significant differences were found in BMI, pregestational weight, and
      postdelivery weight between groups but not in the methylation status of the
      PPARgamma promoter region (-359 to - 260). CONCLUSION: The PPARgamma promoter
      region (-359 to - 260) in peripheral leukocytes is unlikely to get an obesity
      induced methylation in pregnancy.

PMID- 27144076
TI  - Tuberculous Lymphadenitis in South-Eastern Nigeria; A 15 Years Histopathologic
      Review (2000-2014).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic has brought about a
      resurgence in tuberculosis (TB), especially in developing countries. Previous
      studies on TB lymphadenitis (TBLN) in South-Eastern Nigeria were done before the
      advent of the HIV pandemic making a review pertinent. AIM: To evaluate the role
      of TBLN as a cause of superficial lymphadenopathy in the post-HIV/acquired immune
      deficiency syndrome (AIDS) era of South-Eastern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This is a 15 years (2000-2014) retrospective review of all superficial lymph node
      biopsies (SLNBs) received at the Department of Morbid Anatomy, University of
      Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla Enugu, Nigeria. RESULTS: One hundred and
      seventy-two cases of TBLN were identified in this study constituting 14.6%
      (172/1,180) of SLNBs received at our Hospital's Morbid Anatomy Department during
      the 15 years period under review. Twenty-eight cases of TBLN were clinically
      screened for HIV, 23 of which tested positive, representing 82.1% (23/28) of
      clinically screened cases. Acid fast bacilli demonstration was positive in 15.1%
      (26/172) of cases using Ziehl-Neelsen stain. 48.8% (84/172) of TBLN cases were
      males, and 51.2% (88/172) were females with most (22) cases received in 2012 and
      least (5) cases in 2000. Most TBLN occurred in the 21-25 years age group with a
      total of 21.5% (37/172) of cases and a male to female ratio of 1:1.5 The most
      common biopsy site for TBLN was the cervical group followed by the axillary and
      inguinal groups with 73.8% (127/172), 14% (24/172), and 4.7% (8/172) of cases,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is a remarkable decline in the prevalence of TB
      lymphadenitis in South-Eastern Nigeria indicating a change in trend from the pre-
      to the post-HIV/AIDS era with slightly more females now presenting with TBLN and
      most TB lymphadenitis patients now presenting with associated HIV/AIDS disease.
      There is an urgent need to provide modern diagnostic facilities in our medical
      laboratories.

PMID- 27144077
TI  - Need for Oral Health Policy in India.
AB  - Dental diseases are a significant public health menace having a substantial
      impact on the quality of life which in turn affects the daily performance and
      general life satisfaction. There is a vast difference in health status including
      the oral health between urban and rural population of India and in other
      developing countries. The existing situation demands the formulation and
      implementation of National Oral Health Policy in India in order to expand the
      oral health care to make it more affordable, and reachable. An extensive
      literature search was conducted using various search engines in order to include
      relevant information in the review. Number of keywords and their combinations
      were used in order to extract appropriate data. Finally 24 out of 35 articles
      were selected upon detailed reading. The present paper focusses on some of the
      important subjects that can be considered while formulation of a National Oral
      Health Policy for the benefits of both the dental profession and community as a
      whole. There is a need of dental health planners and policy makers that have
      relevant qualifications and training in public health dentistry to understand the
      unique needs and resources for the development of an effective oral health
      policy. Professional dental organizations can also support government programs to
      provide basic oral health needs of extensive underserved population of this
      country. 

PMID- 27144078
TI  - Use of an Innovative Simple Method for Anaerobiosis in the Diagnosis and
      Management of Infections in Two Unusual Cases.
AB  - Technical limitations restrict routine anaerobe isolation from clinical materials
      in resource-limited laboratories. An innovative two steps combustion candle jar
      technique may be suitable for such setup. This system was tried with one case of
      chronic osteomyelitis developed on supracondyler compound fracture. Porphyromonas
      spp. was isolated and identified. Vancomycin was recommended based on in vitro
      sensitivity test, but the leg was amputed after receiving a resistant drug
      gentamycin. While in another child with hydrocephalous, V-P shunt associated
      infection by Peptostreptococcus anaerobius was successfully controlled by
      sensitive drug vancomycin. These two eye-opener cases insisted us for large scale
      application of the technique. 

PMID- 27144079
TI  - Neonatal Airway Obstruction from an Immature Teratoma: The Challenge of
      Appropriate Investigation in a Low-Resource Setting.
AB  - Teratoma in the nasopharynx is one of the rare causes for nasal symptoms in the
      newborn. The present report was on a term "neonate" who had respiratory distress
      from a hidden teratoma. Cheaper and readily available investigation modalities
      including postnasal space X-ray and examination under anesthesia revealed
      nothing. A postnasal space computed tomography also revealed nothing. Magnetic
      resonance imaging revealed a mass which was resected endoscopically and histology
      revealed an immature teratoma. Herein, we present the case, management challenges
      and literature review to emphasis that negative investigations with persistent
      nasal symptoms should prompt further evaluation and teratoma should be considered
      when encountering newborn with nasal symptoms without obvious cause. 

PMID- 27144080
TI  - Measurement Error in Anthropometric Studies and its Significance in Forensic
      Casework.

PMID- 27144081
TI  - Incremental Knowledge Base Construction Using DeepDive.
AB  - Populating a database with unstructured information is a long-standing problem in
      industry and research that encompasses problems of extraction, cleaning, and
      integration. Recent names used for this problem include dealing with dark data
      and knowledge base construction (KBC). In this work, we describe DeepDive, a
      system that combines database and machine learning ideas to help develop KBC
      systems, and we present techniques to make the KBC process more efficient. We
      observe that the KBC process is iterative, and we develop techniques to
      incrementally produce inference results for KBC systems. We propose two methods
      for incremental inference, based respectively on sampling and variational
      techniques. We also study the tradeoff space of these methods and develop a
      simple rule-based optimizer. DeepDive includes all of these contributions, and we
      evaluate Deep-Dive on five KBC systems, showing that it can speed up KBC
      inference tasks by up to two orders of magnitude with negligible impact on
      quality.

PMID- 27144082
TI  - Mindtagger: A Demonstration of Data Labeling in Knowledge Base Construction.
AB  - End-to-end knowledge base construction systems using statistical inference are
      enabling more people to automatically extract high-quality domain-specific
      information from unstructured data. As a result of deploying DeepDive framework
      across several domains, we found new challenges in debugging and improving such
      end-to-end systems to construct high-quality knowledge bases. DeepDive has an
      iterative development cycle in which users improve the data. To help our users,
      we needed to develop principles for analyzing the system's error as well as
      provide tooling for inspecting and labeling various data products of the system.
      We created guidelines for error analysis modeled after our colleagues' best
      practices, in which data labeling plays a critical role in every step of the
      analysis. To enable more productive and systematic data labeling, we created
      Mindtagger, a versatile tool that can be configured to support a wide range of
      tasks. In this demonstration, we show in detail what data labeling tasks are
      modeled in our error analysis guidelines and how each of them is performed using
      Mindtagger.

PMID- 27144083
TI  - Development of expanded host range phage active on biofilms of multi-drug
      resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Phage therapy is a promising treatment of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial
      infections but is limited by the narrow host range of phage. To overcome this
      limitation, we developed a host range expansion (HRE) protocol that expands the
      host range of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-specific phage by cycles of co-incubation of
      phage with multiple P. aeruginosa strains. Application of the HRE protocol to a
      mixture of 4 phages, using 16 P. aeruginosa strains for development, resulted in
      undefined phage mixtures with greatly expanded host range. Individual phage
      clones derived from the undefined mixture had expanded host ranges but no
      individual clone could lyse all of the strains covered by the undefined mixture
      from which it was isolated. Reconstituting host range-characterized clones into
      cocktails produced defined cocktails with predictable and broad host ranges. The
      undefined mixture from the 30th cycle of the mixed-phage HRE (4phiC30) showed a
      dose-dependent ability to prevent biofilm formation by, and to reduce a pre
      existing biofilm of, 3 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates that produced high amounts
      of biofilm. A defined cocktail reconstituted from 3 host range-characterized
      clones had activity on high biofilm-formers susceptible to the phage. Phage
      therapy was superior to antibiotic therapy (levofloxacin) in a strain of P.
      aeruginosa that was resistant to levofloxacin. The HRE protocol establishes a
      rapid approach to create libraries of phage clones and phage cocktails with broad
      host range, defined composition and anti-biofilm activity.

PMID- 27144084
TI  - Counteracting selection for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
AB  - The occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens is on the rise because
      antibiotics exert selection pressure that kills only the antibiotic-sensitive
      pathogens. Sanitation and cleansing of hospital surfaces and the skin of medical
      personnel do not counteract this selective pressure, but rather indiscriminately
      reduce total pathogens on treated surfaces. Here, we discuss two recently
      introduced genetic strategies, based on temperate bacteriophages as DNA-delivery
      vehicles, that aim to sensitize bacteria to antibiotics and selectively kill the
      antibiotic-resistant ones. Outlooks for rendering one such approach more
      efficient and applicable are proposed. We believe that using an end product
      designed according to the provided principles on hospital surfaces and in hand
      sanitizers will facilitate substitution of antibiotic-resistant pathogens with
      sensitive ones.

PMID- 27144085
TI  - Experimental bacteriophage treatment of honeybees (Apis mellifera) infected with
      Paenibacillus larvae, the causative agent of American Foulbrood Disease.
AB  - American Foulbrood Disease (AFB) is an infection of honeybees caused by the
      bacterium Paenibacillus larvae. One potential remedy involves using biocontrol,
      such as bacteriophages (phages) to lyse P. larvae. Therefore, bacteriophages
      specific for P. larvae were isolated to determine their efficacy in lysing P.
      larvae cells. Samples from soil, beehive materials, cosmetics, and lysogenized P.
      larvae strains were screened; of 157 total samples, 28 were positive for at least
      one P. larvae bacteriophage, with a total of 30. Newly isolated bacteriophages
      were tested for the ability to lyse each of 11 P. larvae strains. Electron
      microscopy demonstrated that the phage isolates were from the family
      Siphoviridae. Seven phages with the broadest host ranges were combined into a
      cocktail for use in experimental treatments of infected bee larvae; both
      prophylactic and post-infection treatments were conducted. Results indicated that
      although both pre- and post-treatments were effective, prophylactic
      administration of the phages increased the survival of larvae more than post
      treatment experiments. These preliminary experiments demonstrate the likelihood
      that phage therapy could be an effective method to control AFB.

PMID- 27144086
TI  - Lactococcus lactis phage TP901-1 as a model for Siphoviridae virion assembly.
AB  - Phages infecting Lactococcus lactis pose a serious threat to the dairy
      fermentation sector. Consequently, they are among the most thoroughly
      characterized Gram positive-infecting phages. The majority of lactococcal phages
      belong to the tailed family of phages named the Siphoviridae. The coliphage
      lambda and the Bacillus subtilis phage SPP1 have been the predominant comparators
      for emerging siphophages both genomically and structurally and both phages
      recognize a membrane protein receptor. In contrast, the lactococcal P335 group
      phage TP901-1 attaches to cell wall surface polysaccharides. It is a typical
      "lambdoid" siphophage possessing a long non-contractile tail and a genomic
      architecture reminiscent of lambda and SPP1 despite low or undetectable sequence
      homology in many of its encoded products, especially those involved in host
      recognition. A functional analysis of the structural components of TP901-1 was
      undertaken based on the characterization of a series of mutants in the region
      encoding the capsid and tail morphogenetic elements. Through this analysis, it
      was possible to deduce that, despite the lack of sequence homology, the overall
      genomic architecture of Siphoviridae phages typified by functional synteny is
      conserved. Furthermore, a model of the TP901-1 assembly pathway was developed
      with potential implications for many tailed phages.

PMID- 27144087
TI  - T7 ejectosome assembly: A story unfolds.
AB  - T7 phage DNA is transported from the capsid into the host cytoplasm across the
      cell wall by an ejectosome comprised of the viral proteins gp14, gp15 and gp16.
      Prior to infection, these proteins form the so-called internal core in the mature
      virion. Gp16 was shown to associate with pure phospholipid bilayers while gp15
      bound to DNA. A complex of both proteins appears as spiral-like rods in electron
      micrographs. It was also shown that the proteins gp15 and gp16 have the
      propensity to regain their full structure after thermal unfolding. From these
      observations it was concluded that (partial) unfolding of the proteins occurs
      during the translocation through the narrow portal of the phage capsid. After
      leaving the phage head, the proteins refold to form the ejectosome channel across
      the periplasm of the host. In this work, we analyzed the structure of gp15 and
      gp16 in presence of lipids and their stability toward chemical denaturants. A
      model to explain how the ejectosome might assemble in the host cell is discussed.

PMID- 27144088
TI  - Bacteriophage P2.
AB  - P2 is the original member of a highly successful family of temperate phages that
      are frequently found in the genomes of gram-negative bacteria. This article
      focuses on the organization of the P2 genome and reviews current knowledge about
      the function of each open reading frame.

PMID- 27144090
TI  - Possible Functional Moving Toes Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Moving toes syndrome has been classically described as an organic
      movement disorder, on occasion related to peripheral nerve injuries. The
      association between nerve trauma and movement disorders has become a
      controversial topic, and the functional etiology of moving toes syndrome has
      recently been proposed. CASE REPORT: We describe two cases of moving toes
      syndrome with clinical features typically suggestive of a functional movement
      disorder. DISCUSSION: The presence of entrainability and distractibility in the
      described patients is an indication of attentional influences on their
      involuntary movements. However, it is possible that if there is a subcortical
      origin, the toe movements could be influenced by voluntary commands.

PMID- 27144089
TI  - Bacteriophage MS2 genomic RNA encodes an assembly instruction manual for its
      capsid.
AB  - Using RNA-coat protein crosslinking we have shown that the principal RNA
      recognition surface on the interior of infectious MS2 virions overlaps with the
      known peptides that bind the high affinity translational operator, TR, within the
      phage genome. The data also reveal the sequences of genomic fragments in contact
      with the coat protein shell. These show remarkable overlap with previous
      predictions based on the hypothesis that virion assembly is mediated by multiple
      sequences-specific contacts at RNA sites termed Packaging Signals (PSs). These
      PSs are variations on the TR stem-loop sequence and secondary structure. They act
      co-operatively to regulate the dominant assembly pathway and ensure cognate RNA
      encapsidation. In MS2, they also trigger conformational change in the dimeric
      capsomere creating the A/B quasi-conformer, 60 of which are needed to complete
      the T=3 capsid. This is the most compelling demonstration to date that this ssRNA
      virus, and by implications potentially very many of them, assemble via a PS
      mediated assembly mechanism.

PMID- 27144091
TI  - Chronic treatment with a carbon monoxide releasing molecule reverses dietary
      induced obesity in mice.
AB  - Chronic, low level treatment with a carbon monoxide releasing molecule (CO-RM),
      CORM-A1, has been shown to prevent the development of obesity in response to a
      high fat diet. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that
      chronic, low level treatment with this CO-RM can reverse established obesity via
      a mechanism independent of food intake. Dietary induced obese mice were treated
      with CORM-A1, the inactive compound iCORM-A1, or saline every 48 hours for 30
      weeks while maintained on a high fat (60%) diet. Chronic treatment with CORM-A1
      resulted in a 33% decrease from initial body weight over the 30 week treatment
      period while treatment with iCORM and saline were associated with 18 and 25% gain
      in initial body weight over the same time frame. Chronic treatment with CORM-A1
      did not affect food intake or activity but resulted in a significant increase in
      metabolism. CORM-A1 treatment also resulted in lower fasting blood glucose,
      improvement in insulin sensitivity and decreased heptatic steatosis. Chronic
      treatment with CO releasing molecules can reverse dietary induced obesity and
      normalize insulin resistance independent of changes in food intake or activity.
      These findings are likely though a mechanism which increases metabolism. 

PMID- 27144093
TI  - Local fat treatments: classification proposal.
AB  - The poor understanding of the real, intimate action mechanisms behind any
      aesthetic procedures is a huge problem for many Aesthetic physicians. In
      addition, nomenclature of and regarding any procedure has become a true barrier
      when speaking about medical knowledge in the Aesthetic Medicine field since
      marketing and science often collide one another. Medical procedures for localized
      fat reduction are very different from each other and it is, at least, inaccurate
      to refer to all of them plainly as "fat reduction methods." A specific
      classification has become urgent and its categories should be able to imply what
      each method entails. For this classification proposal, "reversibility," "membrane
      disruption or inflammation," and "action selectivity," have been the selected
      criteria. 

PMID- 27144092
TI  - High-fat diet-induced obesity Rat model: a comparison between Wistar and Sprague
      Dawley Rat.
AB  - In the past decades, obesity and associated metabolic complications have reached
      epidemic proportions. For the study of these pathologies, a number of animal
      models have been developed. However, a direct comparison between Wistar and
      Sprague-Dawley (SD) Rat as models of high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity has not
      been adequately evaluated so far. Wistar and SD rats were assigned for 2
      experimental groups for 17 weeks: standard (St) and high-fat (HF) diet groups. To
      assess some of the features of the metabolic syndrome, oral glucose tolerance
      tests, systolic blood pressure measurements and blood biochemical analysis were
      performed throughout the study. The gut microbiota composition of the animals of
      each group was evaluated at the end of the study by real-time PCR. HF diet
      increased weight gain, body fat mass, mesenteric adipocyte's size, adiponectin
      and leptin plasma levels and decreased oral glucose tolerance in both Wistar and
      SD rats. However, the majority of these effects were more pronounced or earlier
      detected in Wistar rats. The gut microbiota of SD rats was less abundant in
      Bacteroides and Prevotella but richer in Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus
      comparatively to the gut microbiota of Wistar rats. Nevertheless, the modulation
      of the gut microbiota by HF diet was similar in both strains, except for
      Clostridium leptum that was only reduced in Wistar rats fed with HF diet. In
      conclusion, both Wistar and SD Rat can be used as models of HF diet-induced
      obesity although the metabolic effects caused by HF diet seemed to be more
      pronounced in Wistar Rat. Differences in the gut microbial ecology may account
      for the worsened metabolic scenario observed in Wistar Rat. 

PMID- 27144094
TI  - Gene expression in a rarely studied intraabdominal adipose depot, the round
      ligament, in severely obese women: A pilot study.
AB  - Gene expression (qPCR) was compared in round ligament (RL), omental (OME) and
      mesenteric (MES) ATs from 48 severely obese women (BMI, 54+/-11 kg/m(2); 38+/-9
      yrs). The mRNA levels of enzymes of lipid metabolism (LPL, HSL, and PDE-3B),
      cortisol production (11betaHSD-1), adipogenesis (PPAR-gamma1/2), thrombosis and
      inflammation (PAI-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha and adiponectin) were determined. AT-LPL
      mRNA was highest in RL. The highest PDE-3B and lowest PAI-1 mRNA levels were
      observed in RL and MES. The lowest IL-6 and TNF-alpha and the highest adiponectin
      and PPAR-g1/2 mRNA levels were found in RL AT. 11betaHSD-1 was highest in RL and
      OME. A higher lipogenic and adipogenic, and lower pro-inflammatory and pro
      thrombotic profiles of the RL suggest a lesser deleterious impact on obesity
      related complications. 

PMID- 27144095
TI  - Computed tomography-measured adipose tissue attenuation and area both predict
      adipocyte size and cardiometabolic risk in women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of CT-derived measurements including adipose
      tissue attenuation and area to predict fat cell hypertrophy and related
      cardiometabolic risk. METHODS: Abdominal adipose tissue areas and radiologic
      attenuation were assessed using 4 CT images in 241 women (age: 47 years, BMI:
      26.5 kg/m(2)). Fat cell weight was measured in paired VAT and SAT samples.
      Fasting plasma lipids, glucose and insulin levels were measured. RESULTS: Adipose
      tissue attenuation was negatively correlated with SAT (r=-0.46) and VAT (r=-0.67)
      fat cell weight in the corresponding depot (p<0.0001 for both). Women with
      visceral adipocyte hypertrophy had higher total-, VLDL-, LDL- and HDL
      triglyceride and apoB levels as well as a higher cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol
      ratio, fasting glucose and insulin levels compared to women with smaller visceral
      adipocytes. Adjustment for VAT area minimized these differences while subsequent
      adjustment for attenuation eliminated all differences, with the exception of
      fasting glycaemia. In SAT, adjustment for VAT area and attenuation eliminated all
      adipocyte hypertrophy-related alterations except for fasting hyperglycaemia.
      CONCLUSION: CT-derived adipose tissue attenuation and area both contribute to
      explain variation in the cardiometabolic risk profile associated with the same
      biological parameter: visceral fat cell hypertrophy.

PMID- 27144096
TI  - Postprandial fatty acid uptake and adipocyte remodeling in angiotensin type 2
      receptor-deficient mice fed a high-fat/high-fructose diet.
AB  - The role of the angiotensin type-2 receptor in adipose physiology remains
      controversial. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate whether genetic
      angiotensin type-2 receptor-deficiency prevents or worsens metabolic and adipose
      tissue morphometric changes observed following a 6-week high-fat/high-fructose
      diet with injection of a small dose of streptozotocin. We compared tissue uptake
      of nonesterified fatty acid and dietary fatty acid in wild-type and angiotensin
      type-2 receptor-deficient mice by using the radiotracer 14(R,S)-[(1) (8)F]-fluoro
      6-thia-heptadecanoic acid in mice fed a standard or high-fat diet. Postprandial
      fatty acid uptake in the heart, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and adipose tissue
      was increased in wild-type mice after a high-fat diet and in angiotensin type-2
      receptor-deficient mice on both standard and high-fat diets. Compared to the wild
      type mice, angiotensin type-2 receptor-deficient mice had a lower body weight, an
      increase in fasting blood glucose and a decrease in plasma insulin and leptin
      levels. Mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited increased adipocyte size that was
      prevented by angiotensin type-2 receptor-deficiency. Angiotensin type-2 receptor
      deficiency abolished the early hypertrophic adipocyte remodeling induced by a
      high-fat diet. The small size of adipocytes in the angiotensin type-2 receptor
      deficient mice reflects their inability to store lipids and explains the increase
      in fatty acid uptake in non-adipose tissues. In conclusion, a genetic deletion of
      the angiotensin type-2 receptor is associated with metabolic dysfunction of white
      adipose depots, and indicates that adipocyte remodeling occurs before the onset
      of insulin resistance in the high-fat fed mouse model. 

PMID- 27144098
TI  - Effects of high glucose on caveolin-1 and insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
AB  - Adipocytes exposed to high glucose concentrations exhibit impaired metabolic
      function, including an increase of oxidative and proinflammatory factors that
      might favor the development of insulin resistance. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is a key
      mediator of the insulin transduction pathway whose expression is significantly
      enhanced during adipocyte differentiation. In this work, we studied the effects
      of high glucose concentration on the regulation of Cav-1 expression and
      activation and its relation to the insulin signaling pathway during the
      adipogenic process and in long-term differentiated adipocytes. Both, long-term
      high glucose exposure during adipogenesis and short-term glucose incubation of
      mature adipocytes, promoted triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. The short
      term exposure of mature adipocytes to high glucose significantly reduced the
      sensitivity to insulin of Cav-1, insulin receptor (IR) and potein kinase B (AKT
      2) phosphorylation, as well as insulin-induced deoxyglucose uptake. Adipocytes
      differentiated in the presence of high glucose lost Cav-1 and IR response to
      insulin-stimulated phosphorylation, but maintained the insulin sensitivity of AKT
      2 phosphorylation and deoxyglucose uptake. Although long-term high glucose
      exposure increased DNA methylation in Cav-1 promoter, Cav-1 expression was not
      affected. Moreover, these cells showed an increase of Cav-1, IR and AKT-2 protein
      content, pointing to an adaptive response induced by the long-term high glucose
      exposure. 

PMID- 27144099
TI  - Adipose cell hypertrophy precedes the appearance of small adipocytes by 3 days in
      C57BL/6 mouse upon changing to a high fat diet.
AB  - Adipose tissue is the energy buffer in mammals. The cellularity of adipose tissue
      has a major role in determining the response of adipose tissue to insulin action.
      A reduction in the ability of adipose tissue to store ingested caloric excess can
      lead to dyslipidemia and lipotoxicity, impacting insulin action systemically. The
      dynamic response of adipose tissue to changes in diet is therefore a crucial
      aspect of metabolism, and has attracted attention in the context of the ongoing
      worldwide increase in overweight and obesity and resulting metabolic syndrome
      dysfunctions. We investigated in a mouse model if there is a specific delay
      between an increase in caloric intake and the recruitment of new adipocytes, and
      if there are other changes in adipose tissue dynamics concomitant with such a
      diet change. By developing a dynamic mathematical model, we found that there is a
      delay of 3 days between the start of a high fat diet and the recruitment of new
      adipocytes, and that the rate of fat mass increase modulates lipid turnover and
      adipose cell hypertrophy. 

PMID- 27144097
TI  - Human cytomegalovirus infection of human adipose-derived stromal/stem cells
      restricts differentiation along the adipogenic lineage.
AB  - Human adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) display potential to be used in
      regenerative stem cell therapies and as treatments for inflammatory and
      autoimmune disorders. Despite promising use of ASCs as therapeutics, little is
      known about their susceptibility to infectious agents. In this study, we
      demonstrate that ASCs are highly susceptible to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)
      infection and permissive for replication leading to release of infectious
      virions. Additionally, many basic ASC functions are inhibited during HCMV
      infection, such as differentiation and immunomodulatory potential. To our
      knowledge this is the first study examining potential adverse effects of HCMV
      infection on ASC biology. Our results suggest, that an active HCMV infection
      during ASC therapy may result in a poor clinical outcome due to interference by
      the virus. 

PMID- 27144101
TI  - More insights into a human adipose tissue GPAT activity assay.
AB  - Adipose tissue fatty acid storage varies according to sex, adipose tissue depot
      and degree of fat gain. However, the mechanism(s) for these variations is not
      completely understood. We recently published findings based on the glycerol 3
      phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) enzyme activity assay we optimized for use with
      human adipose tissue. These findings include a decrease in total GPAT and GPAT1
      as a function of adipocyte size in both omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue
      and a strong, positive correlations between ACS, GPAT, and DGAT activities for
      both sexes and depots and between these storage factors and palmitate storage
      rates into TAG. The aim of this commentary is to expand upon the data from our
      recent publication. We describe here additional details on the optimization of
      the GPAT enzyme activity assay, a correlation between DGAT and percentage
      palmitate in the diacylglycerol fraction, and sex differences in fatty acid
      storage factors and storage rates into TAG at high palmitate concentrations. 

PMID- 27144100
TI  - A short bout of HFD promotes long-lasting hepatic lipid accumulation.
AB  - A short bout of high fat diet (HFD) impairs glucose tolerance and induces hepatic
      steatosis in mice. Here, we aimed to elaborate on long-lasting effects of short
      term high fat feeding. As expected, one week of HFD significantly impaired
      glucose tolerance. Intriguingly, recovery feeding with a standard rodent diet for
      8 weeks did not fully normalize glucose tolerance. In addition, mice exposed to a
      short bout of HFD revealed significantly increased liver fat accumulation
      paralleled by elevated portal free fatty acid levels after 8 weeks of recovery
      feeding compared to exclusively chow-fed littermates. In conclusion, a short bout
      of HFD has long-lasting effects on hepatic lipid accumulation and glucose
      tolerance. 

PMID- 27144102
TI  - In this issue of Adipocyte.

PMID- 27144103
TI  - Microsatellite primers for two threatened orchids in Florida: Encyclia tampensis
      and Cyrtopodium punctatum (Orchidaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: The Million Orchid Project at Fairchild Tropical Botanic
      Garden is an initiative to propagate native orchids for reintroduction into
      Miami's urban landscapes. The aim of this study was to develop microsatellites
      for Encyclia tampensis and Cyrtopodium punctatum (Orchidaceae). METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Ten microsatellites were developed for each species. For E. tampensis
      sampled from the natural population, allele numbers ranged from one to four, with
      an average observed heterozygosity (H o) of 0.314 and average expected
      heterozygosity (H e) of 0.281. For the individuals from cultivation, allele
      numbers ranged from one to six, with an average H o of 0.35 and an average H e of
      0.224. For C. punctatum, allele numbers ranged from one to three, with an average
      H o of 0.257 and an average H e of 0.272. CONCLUSIONS: These microsatellites will
      be used to assess the genetic diversity of natural and cultivated populations
      with the intention of guiding genetic breeding under the Million Orchid Project.

PMID- 27144104
TI  - Development and characterization of 14 microsatellite markers for Indigofera
      pseudotinctoria (Fabaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers can be used to evaluate population
      structure and genetic diversity in native populations of Indigofera
      pseudotinctoria (Fabaceae) and assess genetic disturbance caused by nonnative
      plants of the same species. METHODS AND RESULTS: We developed 14 markers for I.
      pseudotinctoria using next-generation sequencing and applied them to test two
      native populations, totaling 77 individuals, and a transplanted population,
      imported from a foreign country, of 17 individuals. The mean number of alleles
      was 3.310, observed heterozygosity was 0.242, and expected heterozygosity was
      0.346. The fixation index in the transplanted population was 0.469, which was
      higher than in the native populations (0.154 and 0.158). In addition, the
      transplanted population contains one allele that is not shared by the native
      population. CONCLUSIONS: Microsatellite markers can be useful for evaluating
      genetic diversity within and between populations and for studying population
      genetics in I. pseudotinctoria and related species.

PMID- 27144105
TI  - Development and characterization of EST-SSR markers for Catalpa bungei
      (Bignoniaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Catalpa bungei (Bignoniaceae) is a deciduous tree native to
      China. We developed microsatellite markers for C. bungei to investigate its
      population genetics. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred seventy-seven expressed
      sequence tag (EST)-simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs were isolated and
      characterized using next-generation sequencing. Thirty of these primer pairs were
      polymorphic loci in 52 individuals of C. bungei. The number of alleles ranged
      from two to 18 with observed and expected heterozygosity values of 0.05-1.00 and
      0.18-0.95, respectively. The fixation index ranged from -1.00 to 1.00 with an
      average of 0.32. No linkage disequilibrium was detected in any pair of loci. All
      markers showed good amplification results in four species (C. bungei, C.
      fargesii, C. duclouxii, and C. ovata) except three loci. CONCLUSIONS: These
      polymorphic markers are expected to be helpful in further studies on the
      systematics and phylogeography of C. bungei and related species.

PMID- 27144106
TI  - Development of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the endangered Seychelles
      palm Lodoicea maldivica (Arecaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: The evolutionarily and ecologically distinct coco de mer
      palm Lodoicea maldivica (Arecaceae) is endemic to two islands in the Seychelles.
      Before colonization of the islands by man, the endangered palm formed large
      monodominant stands, but its natural range is now restricted to four main
      populations and several patches of isolated individuals. Microsatellite markers
      were designed to investigate the genetic structure of the remaining natural
      populations of L. maldivica. METHODS AND RESULTS: We developed 12 polymorphic and
      three monomorphic microsatellite markers for this species, with a mean number of
      alleles per locus of 13.2 (range 5-21) and expected heterozygosity values ranging
      from 0.31-0.91 for the polymorphic loci. CONCLUSIONS: These markers enable us to
      study the patterns of genetic diversity, contemporary seed dispersal, and the
      fine-scale spatial genetic structure of this important conservation flagship
      species.

PMID- 27144107
TI  - Development and characterization of microsatellite primers in the federally
      endangered Astragalus bibullatus (Fabaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellites were developed for Astragalus bibullatus
      (Fabaceae), a federally endangered narrow endemic, to investigate reproductive
      ecology and species boundaries among closely related taxa. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Next-generation sequencing was used to develop 12 nuclear microsatellite loci
      that amplify in A. bibullatus, as well as in A. crassicarpus var. trichocalyx, A.
      gypsodes, and A. tennesseensis. Identified loci were di- and trinucleotide
      repeats, with 1-15 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosities
      ranged from 0.000-0.938 and 0.000-0.860, respectively. Cross-amplification of
      three loci previously published in A. michauxii was also confirmed for the taxa
      included here. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate the utility of novel
      microsatellite loci for conservation genetics and reproductive ecology in closely
      related Astragalus species.

PMID- 27144108
TI  - Microsatellite markers for hoop-petticoat daffodils (Narcissus sect. Bulbocodii;
      Amaryllidaceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were developed using hoop-petticoat
      daffodils (Narcissus sect. Bulbocodii; Amaryllidaceae) to aid in the taxonomic
      revision of the section, and to further evaluate their broad applicability for
      daffodil cultivar identification. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-one
      primer pairs were developed using a commercial service. Nineteen polymorphic and
      repeatable markers were developed by screening 67 of these primer pairs. Of
      these, 11 chosen markers were used to screen 317 samples; the number of alleles
      per locus ranged from four to 21, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from
      0.101 to 0.297. There were null genotypes in some samples for six of the markers.
      All the microsatellites were transferable to other Narcissus sections.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that these new markers have sufficient
      potential variation to be used for taxonomic revision of the genus and to
      distinguish many commercial daffodil cultivars.

PMID- 27144109
TI  - Simple Web-based interactive key development software (WEBiKEY) and an example
      key for Kuruna (Poaceae: Bambusoideae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Programs that are user-friendly and freely available for
      developing Web-based interactive keys are scarce and most of the well-structured
      applications are relatively expensive. WEBiKEY was developed to enable
      researchers to easily develop their own Web-based interactive keys with fewer
      resources. METHODS AND RESULTS: A Web-based multiaccess identification tool
      (WEBiKEY) was developed that uses freely available Microsoft ASP.NET technologies
      and an SQL Server database for Windows-based hosting environments. WEBiKEY was
      tested for its usability with a sample data set, the temperate woody bamboo genus
      Kuruna (Poaceae). CONCLUSIONS: WEBiKEY is freely available to the public and can
      be used to develop Web-based interactive keys for any group of species. The
      interactive key we developed for Kuruna using WEBiKEY enables users to visually
      inspect characteristics of Kuruna and identify an unknown specimen as one of
      seven possible species in the genus.

PMID- 27144110
TI  - A case of vildagliptin-induced interstitial pneumonia.
AB  - A 65-year-old Japanese male with type 2 diabetes mellitus was admitted to our
      hospital with a productive cough and worsening dyspnea. He had started receiving
      vildagliptin, which is one of the dipeptideylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors,
      several days before the appearance of his symptoms. Laboratory findings revealed
      markedly elevated levels of immunoglobulin E and Krebs von den Lungen-6. Chest
      computed tomography revealed ground-glass opacity with irregular reticulation
      throughout both lungs. Biopsy specimens by transbronchial lung biopsy showed
      subacute interstitial pneumonia and an organizing pneumonia pattern with acute
      alveolar injury. The drug lymphocyte stimulation test showed a positive result
      for vildagliptin. Withdrawal of vildagliptin and administration of glucocorticoid
      treatment improved his respiratory condition and radiological findings.
      Therefore, we diagnosed the patient with vildagliptin-induced interstitial
      pneumonia based on both his clinical course and pathological findings.
      Interstitial pneumonia as a side effect of vildagliptin is rare. It may be
      necessary to monitor the respiratory condition of patients upon administration of
      DPP-4 inhibitors until further evidence is obtained. 

PMID- 27144112
TI  - Tracheo-parenchymal fistula following concurrent chemo-radiation for stage III
      NSCLC.
AB  - Non-Small Cell Cancer (NSCLC) are frequently diagnosed at a later stage [1].
      Treatment involves chemotherapy and radiation, either sequentially or
      concurrently [2]. Concurrent therapy is more efficacious but also associated with
      more complications [4-6]. We present a rare care of trachea-pulmonary fistula
      formation after concurrent chemo and radiation in a patient with Squamous Cell
      Cancer (SCC). 

PMID- 27144111
TI  - Pulmonary nocardiosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A new clinical
      challenge.
AB  - Pulmonary nocardiosis (PN) is a rare but severe disease caused by Nocardia spp.
      Despite the traditional description as opportunistic infection, case reports and
      case series of pulmonary nocardiosis have recently been reported in
      immunocompetent patients too, in particular among people with chronic pulmonary
      diseases such as advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). PN is
      characterized by non-specific symptoms and radiological findings; bacteriological
      culture can be difficult. For the reasons above, diagnosis of PN is challenging,
      sometimes resulting in a misdiagnosis of tuberculosis. We report an interesting
      case of PN in a 75-year-old male with COPD. He complained a 3-months history of
      fatigue, evening rise in body temperature, night sweats, unexplained weight loss
      of 5 kg, worsening dyspnea, cough and mucopurulent sputum. The chest X-ray showed
      multiple nodules with cavitations bilaterally in the apical and subclavian
      regions. Nocardia cyriacigeorgica with 100% identity was identified in three
      sputum samples. Since the patient has never undergone a systemic and/or inhaled
      steroid therapy, and has no respiratory failure and comorbidities entailing
      immunodepression, it is conceivable that, in this immunocompetent patient, the
      COPD could represent an isolated risk factor for PN. Risk factors, clinical
      presentations, radiographic findings, differential diagnosis and review of the
      literature of PN cases in COPD, pointing out the similarities and differences,
      are also described. 

PMID- 27144113
TI  - Use of Computed Tomography - Digital Subtraction Angiography in differentiating
      pulmonary thrombosis and pulmonary artery dissection in a large pulmonary artery
      aneurysm.
AB  - 70 year-old female with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presented
      with typical symptoms of an exacerbation of COPD. Management of COPD resolved her
      wheezing, but ongoing hypoxia and retrospective history of atypical chest pain
      prompted exclusion of a pulmonary embolus. A CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA) with
      standard 64-slice CT revealed an extensive non-occlusive defect in a grossly
      dilated right pulmonary artery. Presence of circumferential cuff of soft tissue
      within sub-segmental pulmonary artery branch raised the possibility of pulmonary
      artery dissection (PAD). Exclusion of PAD was important as it precluded full
      anticoagulation. A dynamic CT-digital subtraction angiography (CT-DSA) with the
      320-slice multidetector CT (Aquilion-one Vision, Toshiba) did not reveal any
      intimal flap or contrast extension into the pulmonary arterial wall, suggesting
      it is unlikely to be PAD. The patient was started on full anticoagulation and
      reported improvement of symptoms with reduction in pulmonary thrombus burden on
      repeat CTPA at 4 weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of
      dynamic CT-DSA in ruling out PAD. 

PMID- 27144114
TI  - A 22-year-old man with pleural tuberculosis associated hydropneumothorax: Case
      report and literature review.
AB  - A 22-year-old Asian male presented with fever, non-productive cough, right-sided
      pleuritic chest pain and was found to have a large right hydropneumothorax. A
      chest tube was placed. Pleural fluid analysis revealed a lymphocytic predominant
      exudate and he was subsequently started on four-drug daily anti-tuberculosis
      therapy (isoniazid, ethambutol, rifampin, pyrazinamide). Pleural biopsy revealed
      acid-fast bacilli. Given his persistent pleural effusion, he was given four doses
      of intrapleural tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and dornase alpha (DNase) via
      his chest tube over a period of 6 days resulting in clinical and radiologic
      improvement. Pleural biopsy and pleural fluid culture specimens later revealed
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Intrapleural tPA-DNase therapy has demonstrated
      improved resolution of infections and shortened hospitalizations for
      parapneumonic infectious effusions. However, there is little literature on the
      use of intrapleural fibrinolytics specifically for pleural tuberculosis
      associated effusions. Furthermore, the American Thoracic Society does not comment
      on therapeutic thoracentesis or intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy in their
      recommendations for treatment of pleural tuberculosis. In our case of pleural TB
      associated hydropneumothorax, the use of intrapleural tPA-DNase therapy
      facilitated pleural fluid drainage and resulted in near-complete resolution of
      the effusion. 

PMID- 27144115
TI  - Pediatric intranasal lobular capillary hemangioma: Report of two new cases and
      review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH) is an acquired benign vascular
      tumor of unknown origin. It usually affects skin and mucous membranes of the
      oropharynx. It rarely involves the nasal cavity which most commonly manifests as
      epistaxis. To our knowledge, only fifteen pediatric intranasal LCH cases have
      been reported in the literature. None of these occurred in the inferior
      turbinate. We report two new pediatric cases of LCH, one of them on the inferior
      turbinate and the other one on the anterior nasal septum. Our principal aim was
      to highlight the importance of considering this lesion as a differential
      diagnosis for pediatric unilateral nasal obstruction and epistaxis. METHODS:
      Retrospective case series and review of current literature regarding the possible
      causes, diagnosis, and treatment of nasal LCH. DESCRIPTION OF CASES: Two
      adolescents presented with symptoms of unilateral nasal obstruction and
      epistaxis. Plain and contrast enhanced computed tomography revealed a well
      defined intensely enhancing lesion in both cases. Patients underwent transnasal
      endoscopic excision and bipolar electrocautery at the base of the tumor for
      hemostasis. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of LCH.
      DISCUSSION: Current epidemiological and pathophysiological data suggests that the
      development of LCH may be associated to previous nasal trauma or endocrine
      disorders. LCH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all
      pediatric endonasal masses associated with unilateral epistaxis and nasal
      obstruction. Endoscopic total excision with bipolar electrocautery for hemostasis
      is an appropriate treatment.

PMID- 27144116
TI  - Sulfasalazine: A rare cause of acute eosinophilic pneumonia.
AB  - Sulfasalazine is a compound of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and sulfapyridine
      joined by an azo bond. It is a widely used drug in the treatment of chronic
      inflammatory bowel disease. Fatal toxicity of sulfasalazine arises from its
      effects on the bone marrow and the resulting blood dyscrasias. Pulmonary toxicity
      from sulfasalazine is a rather rare finding. Here, we present the case of a
      patient who developed acute eosinophilic pneumonia with sulfasalazine use. 

PMID- 27144117
TI  - Erdheim Chester Disease treated successfully with cladribine.
AB  - A 61-year-old previously healthy male with a history of progressive fatigue,
      lower extremity edema, and dyspnea for 4 months was hospitalized with pericardial
      and pleural effusions (Figure 1A, B). Lung, pleural, and pericardial biopsies
      were consistent with Erdheim-Chester disease. He was treated with systemic
      steroids, and ultimately tried on PEG-interferon. He deteriorated clinically and
      the disease progressed to include CNS manifestations. Ultimately he was treated
      with Cladribine, at a dose 0.014 mg/kg on day 1, followed by 0.09 mg/kg/day = 6.4
      mg IV for 6 additional days. He received 2 further cycles of 0.14 mg kg/day for 7
      days (1 month apart). After 3 cycles he improved significantly both clinically
      and radiographically. Six months post-treatment objective testing showed
      improvement in cardiac, neurologic, and pulmonary disease. Erdheim Chester
      Disease (ECD) is a rare non Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Only several hundred
      cases have been reported in the literature. Treatment for ECD is reserved for
      those with symptomatic disease, asymptomatic CNS involvement, or evidence of
      organ dysfunction. There is no standard treatment regimen: Current options
      include corticosteroids, Interferon alpha (IFN), systemic chemotherapy, and
      radiation therapy. The occurrence of the V600EBRAF mutation in about 50% of
      patients can make these patients amenable to targeted therapy with BRAF kinase
      inhibitors (e.g. Vemurafenib). More recently the presence of N/KRAS, and PIK3CA
      mutations have provided further rational for targeted therapies. The cytokine
      profile in patients with ECD suggests monocyte activation cladribine, a purine
      analogue toxic to monocytes, has also been studied as a treatment for ECD,
      especially in patients who test negative for the BRAF mutation. 

PMID- 27144118
TI  - Consider Behcet's disease in young patients with deep vein thrombosis.
AB  - Behcet's disease is a multi-systemic and chronic inflammatory vasculitis of
      unknown etiology characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, uveitis,
      arthritis, arterial aneurysms, venous thrombosis, skin lesions and GIS lesions.
      Although pulmonary artery aneurysms are rare, it is a critical condition due to
      high risk of rupture. Venous involvement of Behcet's disease primarily occurs in
      the lower extremities. In the presence of deep vein thrombosis(DVT) and pulmonary
      embolism, the mainstay of treatment in Behcet's disease is immunosuppressant
      therapy. Anticoagulants can be used only after initiation of immunosuppressant
      therapy and suppression of the disease. Anticoagulant therapy alone may lead to
      fatal hemoptysis. We report the case of a 24 year-old patient who presented to
      the emergency service with complaints of shortness of breath, general condition
      disorder and hemoptyhis while using warfarin for DVT and whose thoracic CT
      angiography showed pulmonary embolism and pulmonary artery aneurysm and diagnosed
      with Behcet's disease. 

PMID- 27144119
TI  - Refractory acute promyelocytic leukemia successfully treated with combination
      therapy of arsenic trioxide and tamibarotene: A case report.
AB  - A 40-year-old male developed refractory acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) after
      various treatments including all-trans retinoic acid, tamibarotene, arsenic
      trioxide (As2O3), conventional chemotherapy, and autologous peripheral blood stem
      cell transplantation. We attempted to use both tamibarotene and As2O3 as a
      combination therapy, and he achieved molecular complete remission. Grade 2
      prolongation of the QTc interval on the electrocardiogram was observed during the
      therapy. The combination therapy of As2O3 and tamibarotene may be effective and
      tolerable for treating refractory APL cases who have no treatment options, even
      when they have previously been treated with tamibarotene and As2O3 as a single
      agent. 

PMID- 27144120
TI  - The formation of an aberrant PAX5 transcript in a patient with mixed phenotype
      acute leukemia harboring der(9)t(7;9)(q11.2;p13).
AB  - We experienced the case of a 56-year-old male with B-lymphoid/myeloid lineage
      mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL). A cytogenetic analysis of the patient's
      bone marrow revealed a complex karyotype, including der(9)t(7;9)(q11.2;p13). We
      identified an aberrant PAX5 transcript, including the exons 1A to 5 and the
      contiguous intron 5/6 sequence using the 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends
      polymerase chain reaction method, and confirmed their expression in the leukemic
      cells. Our case suggests that der(9)t(7;9)(q11.2;p13) can cause the truncation of
      the PAX5 transcript, which is supposed to contribute to the generation of MPAL,
      in addition to three previously reported types of PAX5 fusion. 

PMID- 27144121
TI  - Corrigendum to abnormalities in personal space and parietal-frontal function in
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 27144122
TI  - Dynamics of epileptic activity in a peculiar case of childhood absence epilepsy
      and correlation with thalamic levels of GABA.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is a syndrome with well-defined
      electroclinical features but unknown pathological basis. An increased thalamic
      tonic GABA inhibition has recently been discovered on animal models (Cope et al.,
      2009), but its relevance for human CAE is unproven. METHODS: We studied an 11
      year-old boy, presenting the typical clinical features of CAE, but spike-wave
      discharges (SWD) restricted to one hemisphere. RESULTS: High-resolution EEG
      failed to demonstrate independent contralateral hemisphere epileptic activity.
      Consistently, simultaneous EEG-fMRI revealed the typical thalamic BOLD
      activation, associated with caudate and default mode network deactivation, but
      restricted to the hemisphere with SWD. Cortical BOLD activations were localized
      on the ipsilateral pars transverse. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, using MEGA
      PRESS, showed that the GABA/creatine ratio was 2.6 times higher in the hemisphere
      with SWD than in the unaffected one, reflecting a higher GABA concentration.
      Similar comparisons for the patient's occipital cortex and thalamus of a healthy
      volunteer yielded asymmetries below 25%. SIGNIFICANCE: In a clinical case of CAE
      with EEG and fMRI-BOLD manifestations restricted to one hemisphere, we found an
      associated increase in thalamic GABA concentration consistent with a role for
      this abnormality in human CAE.

PMID- 27144123
TI  - Long-term accelerometry-triggered video monitoring and detection of tonic-clonic
      and clonic seizures in a home environment: Pilot study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to test the efficacy of the VARIA system
      (video, accelerometry, and radar-induced activity recording) and validation of
      accelerometry-based detection algorithms for nocturnal tonic-clonic and clonic
      seizures developed by our team. METHODS: We present the results of two patients
      with tonic-clonic and clonic seizures, measured for about one month in a home
      environment with four wireless accelerometers (ACM) attached to wrists and
      ankles. The algorithms were developed using wired ACM data synchronized with the
      gold standard video-/electroencephalography (EEG) and then run offline on the
      wireless ACM signals. Detection of seizures was compared with semicontinuous
      monitoring by professional caregivers (keeping an eye on multiple patients).
      RESULTS: The best result for the two patients was obtained with the semipatient
      specific algorithm which was developed using all patients with tonic-clonic and
      clonic seizures in our database with wired ACM. It gave a mean sensitivity of
      66.87% and false detection rate of 1.16 per night. This included 13 extra
      seizures detected (31%) compared with professional caregivers' observations.
      CONCLUSION: While the algorithms were previously validated in a controlled
      video/EEG monitoring unit with wired sensors, we now show the first results of
      long-term, wireless testing in a home environment.

PMID- 27144124
TI  - HTLV-1 and HIV-1 co-infection: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - HTLV type 1 and 2 are both involved in actively spreading epidemics, affecting
      over 15 million people worldwide. HTLV-1 has been described as the more
      clinically significant one, being associated with diseases such as adult T-cell
      leukemia and tropical spastic paraparesis. We report here a case of tropical
      spastic paraparesis in an HIV-positive patient who did not report any history of
      travel or residence in an HTLV endemic area. A 57 year old African-American male
      was admitted to the hospital due to bilateral upper and lower extremity weakness
      associated with stiffness. He had recently been diagnosed with HIV. His physical
      examination showed mild to moderate decreased motor strength, in both upper
      extremities and marked loss in both lower extremities. This was associated with
      hyperreflexia and clonus. Sensory function was intact. He looked cachectic and
      had several psoriatic plaques on both lower and upper extremities. Laboratory
      work-up showed a CD4 count decreased to 94 cells/mm(3) and a HIV viral load of
      273,000 copies/mL. Based on serum positivity for HTLV type 1 and the patient's
      clinical presentation suggestive of upper and lower motor neuron dysfunction, the
      diagnosis of tropical spastic paraparesis was made. HTLV and HIV share the same
      routes of transmission and the same tropism for T-lymphocytes. Co-infection
      occurs probably more frequently than we are aware, since testing for HTLV is not
      routinely performed in outpatient HIV clinics. 

PMID- 27144125
TI  - Nonencapsulated Streptococcus pneumoniae as a cause of chronic adenoiditis.
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important human pathogen. To cause disease, it
      must first colonize the nasopharynx. The widespread use of pneumococcal-conjugate
      vaccines which target the capsular polysaccharide has led to decreased
      nasopharyngeal carriage of vaccine serotypes, but a concomitant increase in
      carriage of non-vaccine serotypes and nonencapsulated S. pneumoniae (NESp). Some
      NESp express pneumococcal surface protein K (PspK), a virulence factor shown to
      contribute to nasopharyngeal colonization. We present the case of a child with
      chronic adenoiditis caused by a PspK(+) NESp. We tested the pneumococcal isolate,
      designated C144.66, for antimicrobial resistance, the presence of the pspK gene
      and the expression of PspK. Sequence typing and genome sequencing were performed.
      C144.66 was found to be resistant to erythromycin and displayed intermediate
      resistance to penicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. C144.66 has the pspK
      gene in place of the capsule locus. Additionally, PspK expression was confirmed
      by flow cytometry. NESp are a growing concern as an emerging human pathogen, as
      current pneumococcal vaccines do not confer immunity against them. An inability
      to vaccinate against NESp may result in increased carriage and associated
      pathology. 

PMID- 27144126
TI  - Difficulties in recognition of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency on the
      basis of clinical and biochemical features. The role of next-generation
      sequencing.
AB  - Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc) defect is a well-known cause of
      mitochondrial disorders (MD) with at least six responsible genes (PDHA1, PDHB,
      DLAT, DLD, PDHX, PDP1). The aim of this work was to assess the diagnostic value
      of biochemical methods in recognition of PDHc defect in Polish patients with
      suspicion of MD. In the first step, Western blot of the E1alpha subunit was
      performed on 86 archive muscle bioptates with suspicion of MD. In the second
      step, Sanger PDHA1 sequencing was performed in 21 cases with low E1alpha
      expression. In the third step, 7 patients with negative results of PDHA1
      sequencing were subjected to whole-exome sequencing (WES). This protocol revealed
      4 patients with PDHA1 and one with DLD mutations. Four additional probands were
      diagnosed outside the protocol (WES or Sanger sequencing). The molecular
      characterization of PDHc defect was conducted in a total of 9 probands: 5
      according to and 4 off the protocol. Additionally, two affected relatives were
      recognized by a family study. Altogether we identified seven different PDHA1
      changes, including two novel variants [c.464T > C (p.Met155Thr) and
      c.856_859dupACTT (p.Arg288Leufs*10)] and one DLD variant. The lactate response to
      glucose load in the PDHA1 subset was compared to a subset of non PDHc-related MD.
      Opposite responses were observed, with an increase of 23% and decrease of 27%,
      respectively. The results show that determining lactate response to glucose load
      and muscle E1alpha expression may contribute to distinguishing PDHc-related and
      other MD, however, WES is becoming the method of choice for MD diagnostics. 

PMID- 27144127
TI  - Double trouble progressive external ophthalmoplegia and Huntington's disease.

PMID- 27144128
TI  - Nanometric resolution magnetic resonance imaging methods for mapping functional
      activity in neuronal networks.
AB  - This contribution highlights and compares some recent achievements in the use of
      k-space and real space imaging (scanning probe and wide-filed microscope
      techniques), when applied to a luminescent color center in diamond, known as
      nitrogen vacancy (NV) center. These techniques combined with the optically
      detected magnetic resonance of NV, provide a unique platform to achieve
      nanometric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) resolution of nearby nuclear spins
      (known as nanoMRI), and nanometric NV real space localization. *Atomic size
      optically detectable spin probe.*High magnetic field sensitivity and nanometric
      resolution.*Non-invasive mapping of functional activity in neuronal networks. 

PMID- 27144129
TI  - Universal method to determine acidic licit and illicit drugs and personal care
      products in water by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight.
AB  - Pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs and personal care products are emerging
      contaminants widely distributed in water. Currently, a number of solid-phase
      extraction (SPE) procedures followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) have been reported. However, target analysis of selected
      compounds is commonly used whereas other related contaminants present in the
      sample remain invisible. Carmona et al. [1] described a method for determining 21
      emerging contaminants by LC-MS/MS with improved mobile phases. We tested this
      protocol in combination with high resolution mass spectrometry using a quadrupole
      time-of-flight (QqTOF) instrument to get a wide non-target screening approach in
      order to have a broader scope and more practical method for detecting licit and
      illicit drugs and personal care products than traditional target methods. The
      essential points in the method are: *The screening capabilities of QqTOF (ABSciex
      Triple TOFTM) are used for detecting and identifying non-target pharmaceuticals
      and a large number of other emerging contaminants in water.*The quantitative
      features of the instrument, the Achilles heel of the QqTOF mass spectrometers,
      are established for few selected compounds.*The method may be applied to identify
      a large number of emerging contaminants in water. However, pre-validation will be
      needed to quantify them. 

PMID- 27144130
TI  - Diabetic retinopathy care in India: An endocrinology perspective.

PMID- 27144131
TI  - Human resources, patient load, and infrastructure at institutions providing
      diabetic care in India: The India 11-city 9-state study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a lack of information on the practice patterns and available
      human resources and services for screening for eye complications among persons
      with diabetes in India. OBJECTIVES: The study was undertaken to document existing
      health care infrastructure and practice patterns for managing diabetes and
      screening for eye complications. METHODS: This cross-sectional, hospital-based
      survey was conducted in 11 cities where public and private diabetic care
      providers were identified. Both multispecialty and standalone diabetic care
      facilities were included. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to
      senior representative(s) of each institution to evaluate parameters using the
      World Health Organization health systems framework. RESULTS: We interviewed
      physicians in 73 hospitals (61.6% multispecialty hospitals; 38.4% standalone
      clinics). Less than a third reported having skilled personnel for direct
      ophthalmoscopy. About 74% had provision for glycated hemoglobin testing. Only a
      third had adequate vision charts. Printed protocols on management of diabetes
      were available only in 31.5% of the facilities. Only one in four facilities had a
      system for tracking diabetics. Half the facilities reported having access to
      records from the treating ophthalmologists. Direct observation of the services
      provided showed that reported figures in relation to availability of patient
      support services were overestimated by around 10%. Three fourths of the
      information sheets and half the glycemia monitoring cards contained information
      on the eye complications and the need for a regular eye examination. CONCLUSIONS:
      The study highlighted existing gaps in service provision at diabetic care centers
      in India.

PMID- 27144132
TI  - Situational analysis of services for diabetes and diabetic retinopathy and
      evaluation of programs for the detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy in
      India: Methods for the India 11-city 9-state study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of visual impairment in
      India. Available evidence shows that there are more than 60 million persons with
      diabetes in India and that the number will increase to more than a 100 million by
      2030. There is a paucity of data on the perceptions and practices of persons with
      diabetes and the available infrastructure and uptake of services for DR in India.
      OBJECTIVES: Assess perception of care and challenges faced in availing eye care
      services among persons with diabetics and generate evidence on available human
      resources, infrastructure, and service utilization for DR in India. METHODS: The
      cross-sectional, hospital-based survey was conducted in eleven cities across 9
      States in India. In each city, public and private providers of eye-care were
      identified. Both multispecialty and standalone facilities were included.
      Specially designed semi-open ended questionnaires were administered to the
      clients. Semi-structured interviews were administered to the service providers
      (both diabetic care physicians and eye care teams) and observational checklists
      were used to record findings of the assessment of facilities conducted by a
      dedicated team of research staff. RESULTS: A total of 859 units were included in
      this study. This included 86 eye care and 73 diabetic care facilities, 376
      persons with diabetes interviewed in the eye clinics and 288 persons with
      diabetes interviewed in the diabetic care facilities. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      will have significant implications for the organization of services for persons
      with diabetes in India.

PMID- 27144133
TI  - Perceptions and practices related to diabetes reported by persons with diabetes
      attending diabetic care clinics: The India 11-city 9-state study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: India has the second largest population of persons with diabetes and
      a significant proportion has poor glycemic control and inadequate awareness of
      management of diabetes. OBJECTIVES: Determine the level of awareness regarding
      management of diabetes and its complications and diabetic care practices in
      India. METHODS: The cross-sectional, hospital-based survey was conducted in 11
      cities where public and private providers of diabetic care were identified. At
      each diabetic care facility, 4-6 persons with diabetes were administered a
      structured questionnaire in the local language. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty
      five persons with diabetes were interviewed. The mean duration since diagnosis of
      diabetes was 8.1 years (standard deviation +/- 7.3). Half of the participants
      reported a family history of diabetes and 41.7% were hypertensive. Almost 62.1%
      stated that they received information on diabetes and its management through
      interpersonal channels. Family history (36.1%), increasing age (25.3%), and
      stress (22.8%) were the commonest causes of diabetes reported. Only 29.1% stated
      that they monitored their blood sugar levels at home using a glucometer. The
      commonest challenges reported in managing diabetes were dietary modifications
      (67.4%), compliance with medicines (20.5%), and cost of medicines (17.9%). Around
      76.5% were aware of complications of diabetes. Kidney failure (79.8%),
      blindness/vision loss (79.3%), and heart attack (56.4%) were the commonest
      complications mentioned. Almost 67.7% of the respondents stated that they had had
      an eye examination earlier. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have significant
      implications for the organization of diabetes services in India for early
      detection and management of complications, including eye complications.

PMID- 27144134
TI  - Eye care infrastructure and human resources for managing diabetic retinopathy in
      India: The India 11-city 9-state study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of information on the availability of services for
      diagnosis and management of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in India. OBJECTIVES: The
      study was undertaken to document existing healthcare infrastructure and practice
      patterns for managing DR. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 11
      cities and included public and private eye care providers. Both multispecialty
      and stand-alone eye care facilities were included. Information was collected on
      the processes used in all steps of the program, from how diabetics were
      identified for screening through to policies about follow-up after treatment by
      administering a semistructured questionnaire and by using observational
      checklists. RESULTS: A total of 86 eye units were included (31.4% multispecialty
      hospitals; 68.6% stand-alone clinics). The availability of a dedicated retina
      unit was reported by 68.6% (59) facilities. The mean number of outpatient
      consultations per year was 45,909 per responding facility, with nearly half being
      new registrations. A mean of 631 persons with sight-threatening-DR (ST-DR) were
      registered per year per facility. The commonest treatment for ST-DR was laser
      photocoagulation. Only 58% of the facilities reported having a full-time retina
      specialist on their rolls. More than half the eye care facilities (47; 54.6%)
      reported that their ophthalmologists would like further training in retina. Half
      (51.6%) of the facilities stated that they needed laser or surgical equipment.
      About 46.5% of the hospitals had a system to track patients needing treatment or
      for follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted existing gaps in service
      provision at eye care facilities in India.

PMID- 27144135
TI  - Perception of care and barriers to treatment in individuals with diabetic
      retinopathy in India: 11-city 9-state study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of visual impairment. Low
      awareness about the disease and inequitable distribution of care are major
      challenges in India. OBJECTIVES: Assess perception of care and challenges faced
      in availing care among diabetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional,
      hospital based survey was conducted in eleven cities. In each city, public and
      private providers of eye-care were identified. Both multispecialty and standalone
      facilities were included. Specially designed semi-open ended questionnaires were
      administered to the clients. RESULTS: 376 diabetics were interviewed in the eye
      clinics, of whom 62.8% (236) were selected from facilities in cities with a
      population of 7 million or more. The mean duration of known diabetes was 11.1 (+/
      7.7) years. Half the respondents understood the meaning of adequate glycemic
      control and 45% reported that they had visual loss when they first presented to
      an eye facility. Facilities in smaller cities and those with higher educational
      status were found to be statistically significant predictors of self-reported
      good/adequate control of diabetes. The correct awareness of glycemic control was
      significantly high among attending privately-funded facilities and higher
      educational status. Self-monitoring of glycemic status at home was significantly
      associated with respondents from larger cities, privately-funded facilities,
      those who were better educated and reported longer duration of diabetes. Duration
      of diabetes (41%), poor glycemic control (39.4%) and age (20.7%) were identified
      as the leading causes of DR. The commonest challenges faced were
      lifestyle/behavior related. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have significant
      implications for the organization of diabetes services in India.

PMID- 27144136
TI  - Is India's policy framework geared for effective action on avoidable blindness
      from diabetes?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The growing burden of avoidable blindness caused by diabetic
      retinopathy (DR) needs an effective and holistic policy that reflects mechanisms
      for early detection and treatment of DR to reduce the risk of blindness.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a comprehensive health policy review to
      highlight the existing systemic issues that enable policy translation and to
      assess whether India's policy architecture is geared to address the mounting
      challenge of DR. We used a keyword-based Internet search for documents available
      in the last 15 years. Two reviewers independently assessed retrieved policies and
      extracted contextual and program-oriented information and components delineated
      in national policy documents. Using a "descriptive analytical" method, the
      results were collated and summarized as per themes to present status quo, gaps,
      and recommendations for the future. RESULTS: Lack of focus on building
      sustainable synergies that require well laid out mechanisms for collaboration
      within and outside the health sector and poor convergence between national health
      programs appears to be the weakest links across policy documents. CONCLUSIONS: To
      reasonably address the issues of consistency, comprehensiveness, clarity,
      context, connectedness, and sustainability, policies will have to rely more
      strongly on evidence from operational research to support decisions. There is a
      need to involve multiple stakeholders from multiple sectors, recognize
      contributions from not-for-profit sector and private health service providers,
      and finally bring about a nuanced holistic perspective that has a voice with
      implementable multiple sector actions.

PMID- 27144137
TI  - Estimating the proportion of persons with diabetes developing diabetic
      retinopathy in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Available evidence from India shows that the control of diabetes is
      poor in majority of the population. This escalates the risk of complications.
      There is no systematic review to estimate the magnitude of diabetic retinopathy
      (DR) in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was carried
      out in Ovid Medline and EMBASE databases using Mesh and key search terms. Studies
      which reported the proportion of people with diabetes with DR in a representative
      community population were included. Two independent reviewers reviewed all the
      retrieved publications. Data were extracted using a predefined form. Review
      Manager software was used to perform meta-analysis to provide a pooled estimate.
      Studies included were assessed for methodological quality using selected items
      from the STROBE checklist. RESULTS: Seven studies (1999-2014; n = 8315 persons
      with diabetes) were included in the review. In the meta-analysis, 14.9% (95%
      confidence interval [CI] 10.7-19.0%) of known diabetics aged >=30 years and 18.1%
      (95% CI 14.8-21.4) among those aged >=50 years had DR. Heterogeneity around this
      estimate ranged from I(2)= 79-87%. No linear trend was observed between age and
      the proportion with DR. The overall methodological quality of included studies
      was moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of DR is currently not prioritized in
      public health policies for noncommunicable diseases and blindness programs.
      Methodological issues in studies suggest that the proportion of diabetics with DR
      is underestimated in the Indian population. Future research should emphasize more
      robust methodology for assessing diabetes and DR status.

PMID- 27144138
TI  - Strengthening diabetes retinopathy services in India: Qualitative insights into
      providers' perspectives: The India 11-city 9-state study.
AB  - CONTEXT: There is a lack of evidence on the subjective aspects of the provider
      perspective regarding diabetes and its complications in India. OBJECTIVES: The
      study was undertaken to understand the providers' perspective on the delivery of
      health services for diabetes and its complications, specifically the eye
      complications in India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Hospitals providing diabetic
      services in government and private sectors were selected in 11 of the largest
      cities in India, based on geographical distribution and size. METHODS: Fifty-nine
      semi-structured interviews conducted with physicians providing diabetes care were
      analyzed all interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated. Nvivo 10
      software was used to code the transcripts. Thematic analysis was conducted to
      analyze the data. RESULTS: The results are presented as key themes: "Challenges
      in managing diabetes patients," "Current patient management practices," and
      "Strengthening diabetic retinopathy (DR) services at the health systems level."
      Diabetes affects people early across the social classes. Self-management was
      identified as an important prerequisite in controlling diabetes and its
      complications. Awareness level of hospital staff on DR was low. Advances in
      medical technology have an important role in effective management of DR. A team
      approach is required to provide comprehensive diabetic care. CONCLUSIONS: Sight
      threatening DR is an impending public health challenge that needs a concerted
      effort to tackle it. A streamlined, multi-dimensional approach where all the
      stakeholders cooperate is important to strengthening services dealing with DR in
      the existing health care setup.

PMID- 27144139
TI  - The cardiac patient in Ramadan.
AB  - Ramadan is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam. During this month, the
      majority of the 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide observe an absolute fast from dawn
      to sunset without any drink or food. Our review shows that the impact of fasting
      during Ramadan on patients with stable cardiac disease is minimal and does not
      lead to any increase in acute events. Most patients with the stable cardiac
      disease can fast safely. Most of the drug doses and their regimen are easily
      manageable during this month and may need not to be changed. Ramadan fasting is a
      healthy nonpharmacological means for improving cardiovascular risk factors. Most
      of the Muslims, who suffer from chronic diseases, insist on fasting Ramadan
      despite being exempted by religion. The Holy Quran specifically exempts the sick
      from fasting. This is particularly relevant if fasting worsens one's illness or
      delays recovery. Patients with unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction,
      uncontrolled hypertension, decompensated heart failure, recent cardiac
      intervention or cardiac surgery or any debilitating diseases should avoid
      fasting. 

PMID- 27144140
TI  - Self-reported study habits for enhancing medical students' performance in the
      National Medical Unified Examination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National Medical Unified Examination (NMUE) is currently required
      for graduation, joining postgraduate medical training, and practicing medicine in
      Syria. OBJECTIVE: To investigate self-reported study habits that correlate with
      high performance on the NMUE. METHODS: First through 3(rd) year residents at the
      three main hospitals in Damascus, Syria, were asked to complete a retrospective
      cross-sectional survey investigating their study habits and previous scores.
      RESULTS: Significantly higher score was associated with >15 study h/day and
      allocating 1-40% of study time for practicing questions. Mean NMUE score was not
      significantly different in relation to preparation months for examination or for
      those who reported spending all their time studying alone compared with spending
      any amount of time in a group setting. Scores of 231-240 on the Syrian scientific
      high school exam correlated with significantly higher NMUE performance compared
      with fewer scores, except scores of 221-230. For every 10 point increase in
      medical school cumulative grades, the NMUE score increased 3.6 (95% confidence
      interval 2.5-4.8). CONCLUSION: The NMUE score was significantly affected by hours
      spent studying per day, number of practice questions completed, percentage of
      study time allocated for doing questions, Syrian scientific high school exam
      scores, and the cumulative medical school class grades. It was not significantly
      affected by preparation months or studying in a group setting. More studies are
      needed to further describe and investigate the factors that might affect
      performance in the NMUE.

PMID- 27144142
TI  - Esophageal stent placement as a therapeutic option for iatrogenic esophageal
      perforation in children.
AB  - Iatrogenic esophageal perforation (IEP) is a potentially serious adverse event of
      interventional endoscopy. The approach to IEP varies from surgical repair for
      large perforations to conservative treatment for small contained perforations. We
      report a case of an 18-month-old girl with congenital esophageal stenosis
      suffering a large esophageal perforation after a trial of stricture dilatation,
      which was successfully managed by the placement of fully covered stent. Hence, in
      selected cases, esophageal stent placement is a feasible alternative to invasive
      surgery in managing IEP. 

PMID- 27144141
TI  - Troubleshooting during pacemaker implant in persistent left superior vena cava
      with absence of right superior vena cava (isolated persistent left superior vena
      cava).
AB  - Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) with absence of right SVC (isolated
      PLSVC) is a rare congenital anomaly that occurs as a result of a degenerative
      condition in the left anterior cardinal vein. It is generally an incidental
      finding while performing invasive procedures such as antiarrhythmic device
      implantation. We report on a rare case of permanent pacemaker implantation in a
      patient with this anomaly from right subclavian route, albeit most of the earlier
      reported cases are from left subclavian approach. A wide spectrum of clinicians
      should be aware of this anomaly, its variations, and possible complications. 

PMID- 27144143
TI  - The role of war trauma survivors in managing their own mental conditions, Syria
      civil war as an example.
AB  - War trauma leads to a wide range of psychological consequences and disorders that
      can be quite disabling to individuals and their families. At times of war,
      existing resources become strained to cope with all demands of trauma sufferers.
      The survivors' role of managing their own mental conditions becomes highly
      important and relevant as a way of reducing the resulted suffering.
      Unfortunately, this role is often ignored or trivialized by all concerned. The
      self-efficacy and resilience of people are the factors not to be underestimated
      and should be built upon. Reaching solutions are generally more satisfying and
      long-lasting when the affected person has taken a positive active part in finding
      them. Encouraging the use of own resources and experiences and using own problem
      solving skills can be all that is needed for survivors to feel enabled. Engaging
      survivors and focusing on promoting recovery and social inclusion along with the
      use of self-help skills make them feel more positive about their own conditions.
      Being more involved, taking even small steps reduces the development of learned
      helplessness and reduces the psychiatric morbidities. 

PMID- 27144144
TI  - Comments on: Three stitch hernioplasty.

PMID- 27144145
TI  - Author's Reply.

PMID- 27144146
TI  - Comments on: "Case reports and research productivity among Syrian medical
      students: Review, reality, and suggested solutions".

PMID- 27144147
TI  - Analysis of diabetic ketoacidosis.

PMID- 27144148
TI  - Patent: A priceless element for intellectuality.

PMID- 27144149
TI  - Characterization of Yuhushiella sp. TD-032 from the Thar Desert and its
      antimicrobial activity.
AB  - During a screening program for antimicrobial compounds from underexplored
      habitats, a Gram-positive bacterium TD-032, was isolated from arid soil, Thar
      Desert (India), and analyzed for its morphological, physicochemical, and
      antimicrobial properties. The 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence of the isolate
      was further studied for the novelty of gamma-hyper variable region. TD-032 was
      grown in large-scale culture, and aqueous and organic solvent extracts analyzed
      for antimicrobial activity. Culture characteristics showed a lack of diffusible
      and melanoid pigments. The morphological features were pale yellow aerial
      mycelium colony color with brownish yellow substrate mycelium and leathery
      texture. The isolate could grow at 1% concentration of sodium chloride,
      temperature of 40 degrees C, and a wide range of pH (7.0-12.0). An evaluation for
      extracellular enzymatic activities showed secretion of gelatinase(s),
      cellulase(s), and lipase(s). The gamma-hyper variable region of 16S rDNA sequence
      of TD-032 showed 98.33% relatedness to Yuhushiella deserti, indicating a
      potential new species. Aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts showed antimicrobial
      activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria inclusive clinical
      isolates. Inhibition of both test bacteria suggests that TD-032 produces a broad
      spectrum of antimicrobial substances. 

PMID- 27144150
TI  - Chlorogenic acid content, essential oil compositions, and in vitro antioxidant
      activities of Chromolaena odorata leaves.
AB  - Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King and H. Rob. is a Thai medicinal plant used
      for the treatment of wounds, rashes, diabetes, and insect repellent. The leaves
      of C. odorata were collected from 10 different sources throughout Thailand. The
      chemical constituents of essential oils were hydro-distilled from the leaves and
      were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Chlorogenic acid contents
      were determined by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) - densitometry with winCATS
      software and TLC image analysis with ImageJ software. The TLC plate was developed
      in the mobile phase that consisted of ethyl acetate:water:formic acid (17:3:2).
      Antioxidant activities were examined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH)
      radical scavenging and beta-carotene bleaching assays. C. odorata essential oil
      has shown the major components of pregeijerene, dauca-5, 8-diene, (E)
      caryophyllene, beta-pinene, and alpha-pinene. The chlorogenic acid content of C.
      odorata leaves was determined by TLC-densitometry and TLC image analysis. Results
      have shown that TLC-densitometry and TLC image analysis method were not
      statistically significantly different. DPPH radical scavenging and beta-carotene
      bleaching assays of ethanolic extract of C. odorata leaves showed its antioxidant
      potential. 

PMID- 27144151
TI  - Comparison of risperidone and aripiprazole in the treatment of preschool children
      with disruptive behavior disorder and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder: A
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - Although pharmacotherapy with atypical antipsychotics is common in child
      psychiatry, there has been little research on this issue. To compare the efficacy
      and safety of risperidone and aripiprazole in the treatment of preschool children
      with disruptive behavior disorders comorbid with attention deficit-hyperactivity
      disorder (ADHD). Randomized clinical trial conducted in a university-affiliated
      child psychiatry clinic in southwest Iran. Forty 3-6-year-old children, diagnosed
      with oppositional defiant disorder comorbid with ADHD, were randomized to an 8
      week trial of treatment with risperidone or aripiprazole (20 patients in each
      group). Assessment was performed by Conners' rating scale-revised and clinical
      global impressions scale, before treatment, and at weeks 2, 4, and 8 of
      treatment. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 16. Mean scores between the two
      groups were compared by analysis of variance and independent and paired t-test.
      Mean scores of Conners rating scales were not different between two groups in any
      steps of evaluation. Both groups had significantly reduced scores in week 2 of
      treatment (P = 0.00), with no significant change in subsequent measurements.
      Rates of improvement, mean increase in weight (P = 0.894), and mean change in
      fasting blood sugar (P = 0.671) were not significantly different between two
      groups. Mean serum prolactin showed a significant increase in risperidone group
      (P = 0.00). Both risperidone and aripiprazole were equally effective in reducing
      symptoms of ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder, and relatively safe, but high
      rates of side effects suggest the cautious use of these drugs in children. 

PMID- 27144152
TI  - Assessment of prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in multiethnic population of the
      United Arab Emirates.
AB  - United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. Not much
      data are available regarding the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency among
      multiethnic UAE adult population. (1) To determine the prevalence of
      hypovitaminosis D in multiethnic UAE population (2) To compare the Vitamin D
      status in Arab and non-Arab population (3) To identify the demographic variables
      associated with hypovitaminosis D. It was a retrospective study conducted at a
      secondary care hospital. Electronic case records of all the subjects who had
      checked their Vitamin D levels during the time period of May 2010-October 2012
      were considered for the study. Vitamin D severe deficiency, deficiency,
      insufficiency, and sufficiency were defined as serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D
      (25(OH)D) levels < 10 ng/mL, 10-20 ng/mL, 21-30 ng/mL, and > 30 ng/mL,
      respectively. A total 425 subjects were included for the data analysis. Vitamin D
      deficiency was diagnosed in 208 (48.9%) subjects followed by severe Vitamin D
      deficiency and insufficiency in 141 (33.2%) and 63 (14.8%) subjects,
      respectively. The overall prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 96.9%. Negative
      association (r = -0.196, P < 0.01) was observed between body mass index (BMI) and
      25(OH)D levels. Ethnicity was not (P = 0.103) a predictor of 25(OH)D levels.
      Majority of our study subjects had Vitamin D deficiency. There was no substantial
      difference in 25(OH)D levels of different ethnic groups. Female gender, age, and
      BMI were the predictors 25(OH)D levels. 

PMID- 27144153
TI  - Possible carcinogenic potential of dimethyl dimethoxy biphenyl dicarboxylate in
      experimental animals.
AB  - Dimethyl dimethoxy biphenyl dicarboxylate (DDB) has been extensively used in the
      treatment of liver diseases accounting for 1-6% of the global disease burden.
      Cell replication, DNA synthesis, and proliferation, providing significant
      information about behavior of cells were examined in mice exposed to subchronic
      administration with DDB. Conventional liver functions specifically gamma
      glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT), a marker expressing liver canceration was also
      investigated. Normal mice were allocated into two groups each of 10 mice. The
      1(st) and 2(nd) groups were treated with DDB in a dose of 50 mg/kg/day, 5
      days/week for 1 month and 3 months, respectively. Comparable groups of normal
      mice were left without treatment as controls. Compared to normal control group,
      animals receiving DDB for 3 months showed marked elevations of both alanine
      aminotransferase and gamma-GT, significant inhibition in cytochrome P450, a
      significant increase in the mean ploidy and 4C with moderate to marked increase
      in S-phase populations and the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen
      positive cells. In conclusion, this is the first report on the potential
      relationship between the subchronic administration of DDB and the increase in the
      hepatocyte proliferation, cell replication and DNA synthesis that may raise an
      alarm regarding possible DDB insult on the biological behavior of cells. 

PMID- 27144155
TI  - Propranolol-induced gingival hyperplasia with Nager syndrome: A rare adverse drug
      reaction.
AB  - Drug reactions are a group of reactionary lesions generally show their
      manifestations in the oral cavity. The drug reactions may vary from local rashes
      to well-developed swellings in the oral cavity especially involving the gingiva.
      Most of the drug reactions are asymptomatic and commonly triggered from the
      active metabolite of a drug used for a long time. Nager syndrome is a group of
      acrofacial dysostosis that usually results in craniofacial and limb
      malformations. The craniofacial defects are very similar to the mandibulofacial
      dysostosis. A very early intervention is needed for the habilitation of the
      patient especially when it is concerned with speech and language development.
      This paper reports a case of a 32-year-old female with craniofacial, limb, and
      skeletal abnormalities along with a drug-induced gingival hyperplasia. 

PMID- 27144154
TI  - In vivo antimalarial activity of extracts of Tanzanian medicinal plants used for
      the treatment of malaria.
AB  - Plants used in traditional medicine have been the source of a number of currently
      used antimalarial medicines and continue to be a promising resource for the
      discovery of new classes of antimalarial compounds. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate in vivo antimalarial activity of four plants; Erythrina schliebenii
      Harms, Holarrhena pubescens Buch-Ham, Phyllanthus nummulariifolius Poir, and
      Caesalpinia bonducella (L.) Flem used for treatment of malaria in Tanzania. In
      vivo antimalarial activity was assessed using the 4-day suppressive antimalarial
      assay. Mice were infected by injection via tail vein with 2 * 10(7) erythrocytes
      infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA. Extracts were administered orally, once
      daily, for a total of four daily doses from the day of infection. Chloroquine (10
      mg/kg/day) and solvent (5 mL/kg/day) were used as positive and negative controls,
      respectively. The extracts of C. bonducella, E. schliebenii, H. pubescens, and P.
      nummulariifolius exhibited dose-dependent suppression of parasite growth in vivo
      in mice, with the highest suppression being by C. bonducella extract. While each
      of the plant extracts has potential to yield useful antimalarial compounds, the
      dichloromethane root extract of C. bonducella seems to be the most promising for
      isolation of active antimalarial compound(s). In vivo antimalarial activity
      presented in this study supports traditional uses of C. bonducella roots, E.
      schliebenii stem barks, H. pubescens roots, and P. nummulariifolius for treatment
      of malaria. 

PMID- 27144156
TI  - Canadian Physicians' Attitudes towards Accessing Mental Health Resources.
AB  - Despite their rigorous training, studies have shown that physicians experience
      higher rates of mental illness, substance abuse, and suicide compared to the
      general population. An online questionnaire was sent to a random sample of
      physicians across Canada to assess physicians' knowledge of the incidence of
      mental illness among physicians and their attitudes towards disclosure and
      treatment in a hypothetical situation where one developed a mental illness. We
      received 139 responses reflecting mostly primary care physicians and nonsurgical
      specialists. The majority of respondents underestimated the incidence of mental
      illness in physicians. The most important factors influencing respondent's will
      to disclose their illness included career implications, professional integrity,
      and social stigma. Preference for selecting mental health treatment services, as
      either outpatients or inpatients, was mostly influenced by quality of care and
      confidentiality, with lower importance of convenience and social stigma. Results
      from this study suggest that the attitudes of physicians towards becoming
      mentally ill are complex and may be affected by the individual's previous
      diagnosis of mental illness and the presence of a family member with a history of
      mental illness. Other factors include the individual's medical specialty and
      level of experience. As mental illness is common among physicians, one must be
      conscious of these when offering treatment options. 

PMID- 27144157
TI  - Protective Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Fluoxetine-Induced
      Hepatotoxicity: An Experimental Study.
AB  - Background. The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of caffeic acid
      phenethyl ester (CAPE) on fluoxetine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials
      and Methods. Group I served as control. Group II received CAPE intraperitoneally.
      Group III received fluoxetine per orally. Group IV received fluoxetine and CAPE.
      The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative
      stress index (OSI), and liver enzymes including paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), aspartate
      transaminase, and alanine transaminase levels were measured. Liver tissues were
      processed histopathologically for evaluation of liver injury and to validate the
      serum enzyme levels. Results. An increase in TOS and OSI and a decrease in TAC
      and PON-1 levels in serum and liver tissues of Group III were observed compared
      to Groups I and II. After treatment with CAPE, the level of TOS and OSI decreased
      while TAC and PON-1 increased in serum and liver in Group IV. Histopathological
      examination of the liver revealed hepatic injury after fluoxetine treatment and
      reduction of injury with CAPE treatment. Conclusion. Our results suggested that
      CAPE treatment provided protection against fluoxetine toxicity. Following CAPE
      treatment with fluoxetine-induced hepatotoxicity, TOS and OSI levels decreased,
      whereas PON-1 and TAC increased in the serum and liver. 

PMID- 27144159
TI  - Utilizing Autologous Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and beta-Tricalcium
      Phosphate Scaffold in Human Bone Defects: A Prospective, Controlled Feasibility
      Trial.
AB  - The purpose of this prospective controlled study was to compare healing quality
      following the implantation of ultraporous beta-tricalcium phosphate, containing
      either expanded autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (trial group, 9 patients) or
      beta-tricalcium phosphate alone (control group, 9 patients), into femoral defects
      during revision total hip arthroplasty. Both groups were assessed using the
      Harris Hip Score, radiography, and DEXA scanning at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12
      months postoperatively. A significant difference in the bone defect healing was
      observed between both groups of patients (P < 0.05). In the trial group,
      trabecular remodeling was found in all nine patients and in the control group, in
      1 patient only. Whereas, over the 12-month follow-up period, no significant
      difference was observed between both groups of patients in terms of the
      resorption of beta-tricalcium phosphate, the significant differences were
      documented in the presence of radiolucency and bone trabeculation through the
      defect (P < 0.05). Using autologous mesenchymal stromal cells combined with a
      beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffold is a feasible, safe, and effective approach
      for management of bone defects with compromised microenvironment. The clinical
      trial was registered at the EU Clinical Trials Register before patient
      recruitment has begun (EudraCT number 2012-005599-33). 

PMID- 27144158
TI  - Effects of Exercise Interventions and Physical Activity Behavior on Cancer
      Related Cognitive Impairments: A Systematic Review.
AB  - This systematic review analyzes current data on effects of exercise interventions
      and physical activity behavior on objective and subjective cancer related
      cognitive impairments (CRCI). Out of the 19 studies which met all inclusion
      criteria, five RCTs investigated rodents, whereas the other 14 trials explored
      humans and these included six RCTs, one controlled trial, two prospective
      noncontrolled trials, one case series, one observational study, and three cross
      sectional studies. The results from animal models revealed positive effects of
      exercise during and after chemotherapy or radiation on structural alterations of
      the central nervous system, physiological as well as neuropsychological outcomes.
      The overall study quality in patient studies was poor. The current data on
      intervention studies showed preliminary positive effects of Asian-influenced
      movement programs (e.g., Yoga) with benefits on self-perceived cognitive
      functions as well as a reduction of chronic inflammation for breast cancer
      patients in the aftercare. Exercise potentially contributes to the prevention and
      rehabilitation of CRCI. Additional RCTs with standardized neuropsychological
      assessments and controlling for potential confounders are needed to confirm and
      expand preliminary findings. 

PMID- 27144160
TI  - Call to Action for Nurses/Nursing.
AB  - The 13 million nurses worldwide constitute most of the global healthcare
      workforce and are uniquely positioned to engage with others to address
      disparities in healthcare to achieve the goal of better health for all. A new
      vision for nurses involves active participation and collaboration with
      international colleagues across research practice and policy domains. Nursing can
      embrace new concepts and a new approach-"One World, One Health"-to animate
      nursing engagement in global health, as it is uniquely positioned to participate
      in novel ways to improve healthcare for the well-being of the global community.
      This opinion paper takes a historical and reflective approach to inform and
      inspire nurses to engage in global health practice, research, and policy to
      achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It can be argued that a colonial
      perspective currently informs scholarship pertaining to nursing global health
      engagement. The notion of unidirectional relationships where those with resources
      support training of those less fortunate has dominated the framing of nursing
      involvement in low- and middle-income countries. This paper suggests moving
      beyond this conceptualization to a more collaborative and equitable approach that
      positions nurses as cocreators and brokers of knowledge. We propose two concepts,
      reverse innovation and two-way learning, to guide global partnerships where
      nurses are active participants. 

PMID- 27144161
TI  - Risks of Mycotoxins from Mycoinsecticides to Humans.
AB  - There are more than thirty mycotoxins produced by fungal entomopathogens.
      Totally, they belong to two classes, NRP and PK mycotoxins. Most of mycotoxins
      have not been paid sufficient attention yet. Generally, mycotoxins do not exist
      in mycoinsecticide and might not be released to environments unless entomogenous
      fungus proliferates and produces mycotoxins in host insects or probably in
      plants. Some mycotoxins, destruxins as an example, are decomposed in host insects
      before they, with the insect's cadavers together, are released to environments.
      Many species of fungal entomopathogens have the endophytic characteristics. But
      we do not know if fungal entomopathogens produce mycotoxins in plants and release
      them to environments. On the contrary, the same mycotoxins produced by
      phytopathogens such as Fusarium spp. and Aspergillus spp. have been paid enough
      concerns. In conclusion, mycotoxins from mycoinsecticides have limited ways to
      enter environments. The risks of mycotoxins from mycoinsecticides contaminating
      foods are controllable. 

PMID- 27144162
TI  - No Significant Reduction of Circulating Endothelial-Derived and Platelet-Derived
      Microparticles in Patients with Psoriasis Successfully Treated with Anti-IL12/23.
AB  - Psoriasis is associated with atherosclerosis, in which circulating microparticles
      play an important role. In severe psoriasis, there was an increase of endothelial
      and platelet- microparticles which could be decreased by anti-TNFalpha. However,
      whether anti-IL-12/23 treatment would decrease the level of microparticles
      remains unknown. Our study showed that, despite the clinical improvement of
      psoriasis after IL-12/13 blockage, the increased levels of circulating CD41a and
      CD31 microparticles were unchanged after anti-IL-12/23. This result suggested
      that anti-IL12/23 treatment may not alter the development of cardiovascular
      disease in patients with psoriasis. 

PMID- 27144163
TI  - FSGS Recurrence in Adults after Renal Transplantation.
AB  - Recurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in the allograft occurs
      in 30-50% of patients, and it is associated with poor renal allograft survival.
      Major risk factors for recurrence are younger age at diagnosis, rapid progression
      to end-stage renal disease, white race, and the loss of previous allografts due
      to recurrence. Recent data support the hypothesis that circulating permeability
      factors play a crucial role in podocyte injury and progression of FSGS. Due to
      lack of controlled trials, the management of recurrent FSGS is inconsistent and
      highly empirical. Prophylactic and perioperative treatment with plasmapheresis
      and high-dose (intravenous) cyclosporine represent the main cornerstones of
      immunosuppressive therapy. In recent years, therapy with rituximab has shown
      promising results. Despite evidence of activation of the renin-angiotensin system
      (RAS) in recurrent FSGS and its association with progression, only limited data
      exist on the renoprotective role of RAS blockade in this setting. Further well
      designed studies are needed on pathogenesis risk factors and therapeutical
      options in FSGS and its recurrence after transplantation. 

PMID- 27144164
TI  - Complement Factor 3 Could Be an Independent Risk Factor for Mortality in Patients
      with HBV Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure.
AB  - The complement is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple liver
      disorders. However, its role in patients with HBV related acute-on-chronic liver
      failure (HBV-ACLF) remains unclear. Serum levels of the third and fourth
      complement components (C3, C4) and complement function (CH50) were examined in
      this prospective, observational study. Associations between their expression and
      disease activity were analyzed. Survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curves.
      Predictors of clinical outcome were determined by Cox regression analysis. C3,
      C4, and CH50 levels were significantly lower in HBV-ACLF patients compared to
      controls. C3, C4, and CH50 levels were negatively correlated with Tbil levels but
      positively associated with PTA levels. C3 levels were negatively associated with
      MELD-Na. C3 levels were significantly lower in HBV-ACLF patients who died
      compared to patients who survived. In a median hospital stay of 39 days,
      mortality occurred in 41 patients with a progressive increase based on C3 grade
      (P = 0.008). The actuarial probability of developing mortality was significantly
      higher in patients with low C3 grade compared to those with high C3 grade (P <
      0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that C3 levels were an
      independent predictor of mortality. Complement played a pathogenic role in HBV
      ACLF patients and C3 was an independent predictor of mortality. 

PMID- 27144165
TI  - Infections due to Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae among Saudi Arabian
      Hospitalized Patients: A Matched Case-Control Study.
AB  - Background. We conducted this case-control study to determine the risk factors
      and treatment outcome of infections due to carbapenem resistant
      Enterobacteriaceae in our institution. Methods. This is a matched case-control
      study of patients with infection due to carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae
      (CRE) and carbapenem susceptible Enterobacteriaceae (CSE), from Riyadh, Saudi
      Arabia, between March 2012 and December 2013. Results. During this period, 29
      cases and 58 controls were studied. The mean ages of the cases (55.4 years) and
      controls (54.7 years) were similar (p = 0.065). Cases had higher mean Charlson
      comorbidity index (CCI) (3.1) than controls (1.9), p = 0.026. Several factors
      contributed to infection among the studied population. Prior uses of piperacillin
      tazobactam, a carbapenem, a quinolone, and metronidazole were significantly
      associated with CRE infections. Nine of the cases died compared with 7 of the
      controls, p = 0.031. Mortality was associated with advanced age, the presence of
      comorbidities, ICU stay, and receipt of invasive procedures. Conclusions.
      Infections due to CRE resulted in a significantly increased mortality.
      Combination antibiotic therapy was associated with reduced mortality. Properly
      designed randomized controlled studies are required to better characterize these
      findings. 

PMID- 27144166
TI  - Treatment Strategies of Adult Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: A
      Systematic Review Focusing on the Last Two Decades.
AB  - Adult primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) remains a therapeutic
      challenge for the treating physician. With the advent of novel immunosuppressive
      measures, our arsenal of therapeutic options increased considerably. The aim of
      this review was to summarize reports published over the last two decades which
      reported on treatment outcome. Most reports included patients with a steroid
      resistant (SR) disease course, yet the cohort with the highest unmet need, since
      persistent nephrotic range proteinuria is associated with a poor renal prognosis
      and portends a high risk of developing end-stage renal disease. While in first
      line treatment, steroid treatment remains the recommended standard with an
      overall remission rate of 50% and higher, optimal treatment strategies for
      steroid-dependent/multirelapsing (SD/MR) and SR patients have to be defined. In
      both entities, calcineurin inhibitors showed good efficacy, while mycophenolate
      mofetil was less effective in SR cases compared to those with SD/MR. The same was
      true for rituximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting B-cells. In resistant cases,
      addition of extracorporeal treatment options or treatment with alkylating agents
      may be considered. To shape the future for treatment of FSGS, international
      collaborations to conduct larger clinical trials are needed to identify potential
      novel efficacious immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapies. 

PMID- 27144168
TI  - Cri-Du-Chat Syndrome: Clinical Profile and Chromosomal Microarray Analysis in Six
      Patients.
AB  - Cri-du-chat syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by a deletion of the short
      arm of chromosome 5. The disease severity, levels of intellectual and
      developmental delay, and patient prognosis have been related to the size and
      position of the deletion. Aiming to establish genotype-phenotype correlations, we
      applied array-CGH to evaluate six patients carrying cytogenetically detected
      deletions of the short arm of chromosome 5 who were followed at a genetics
      community service. The patients' cytogenetic and clinical profiles were
      reevaluated. A database review was performed to predict additional genes and
      regulatory elements responsible for the characteristic phenotypic and behavioral
      traits of this disorder. Array-CGH analysis allowed for delineation of the
      terminal deletions, which ranged in size from approximately 11.2 Mb to 28.6 Mb,
      with breakpoints from 5p15.2 to 5p13. An additional dup(8)(p23) (3.5 Mb),
      considered to be a benign copy number variation, was also observed in one
      patient. The correlation coefficient value (rho = 0.13) calculated indicated the
      presence of a weak relationship between developmental delay and deletion size.
      Genetic background, family history, epigenetic factors, quantitative trait locus
      polymorphisms, and environmental factors may also affect patient phenotype and
      must be taken into account in genotype-phenotype correlations. 

PMID- 27144170
TI  - Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment of Acute Epidural Hematoma: Case Series.
AB  - Background and Objective. Although minimally invasive surgical treatment of acute
      epidural hematoma attracts increasing attention, no generalized indications for
      the surgery have been adopted. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of
      minimally invasive surgery in acute epidural hematoma with various hematoma
      volumes. Methods. Minimally invasive puncture and aspiration surgery were
      performed in 59 cases of acute epidural hematoma with various hematoma volumes
      (13-145 mL); postoperative follow-up was 3 months. Clinical data, including
      surgical trauma, surgery time, complications, and outcome of hematoma drainage,
      recovery, and Barthel index scores, were assessed, as well as treatment outcome.
      Results. Surgical trauma was minimal and surgery time was short (10-20 minutes);
      no anesthesia accidents or surgical complications occurred. Two patients died.
      Drainage was completed within 7 days in the remaining 57 cases. Barthel index
      scores of ADL were <=40 (n = 1), 41-60 (n = 1), and >60 (n = 55); scores of 100
      were obtained in 48 cases, with no dysfunctions. Conclusion. Satisfactory results
      can be achieved with minimally invasive surgery in treating acute epidural
      hematoma with hematoma volumes ranging from 13 to 145 mL. For patients with
      hematoma volume >50 mL and even cerebral herniation, flexible application of
      minimally invasive surgery would help improve treatment efficacy. 

PMID- 27144167
TI  - Nonsteroidal Topical Immunomodulators in Allergology and Dermatology.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to review currently available literature data
      concerning pathomechanisms of action, indications, treatment efficacy, as well as
      side effects of nonsteroidal immunomodulators used in dermatology, primarily for
      the treatment of allergic dermatoses. MEDLINE search was undertaken using the key
      words "Topical Immunomodulators, Dermatology and Allergy". Full articles, and
      nothing but full articles, were used. 

PMID- 27144169
TI  - Arm Crank and Wheelchair Ergometry Produce Similar Peak Oxygen Uptake but
      Different Work Economy Values in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury.
AB  - Objective. To study whether values for peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and work
      economy (WE) at a standardized workload are different when tested by arm crank
      ergometry (ACE) and wheelchair ergometry (WCE). Methods. Twelve paraplegic men
      with spinal cord injury (SCI) in stable neurological condition participated in
      this cross-sectional repeated-measures study. We determined VO2peak and peak
      power output (POpeak) values during ACE and WCE in a work-matched protocol. Work
      economy was tested at a standardized workload of 30 Watts (W) for both ACE and
      WCE. Results. There were no significant differences in VO2peak (mL.kg(-1).min(
      1)) between ACE (27.3 +/- 3.2) and WCE (27.4 +/- 3.8) trials, and a Bland-Altman
      plot shows that findings are within 95% level of agreement. WE or oxygen
      consumption at 30 W (VO2-30W) was significantly lower during WCE compared to ACE
      (P < 0.039). Mean (95% CI) POpeak (W) were 130 (111-138) and 100 (83-110) during
      ACE and WCE, respectively. Conclusion. The findings in the present study support
      the use of both ACE and WCE for testing peak oxygen uptake. However, WE differed
      between the two test modalities, meaning that less total energy is used to
      perform external work of 30 W during wheelchair exercise when using this WCE
      (VP100 Handisport ergometer). Clinical Trials Protocol Record is
      NCT00987155/4.2007.2271. 

PMID- 27144171
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness between Double and Single Fecal Immunochemical Test(s) in a
      Mass Colorectal Cancer Screening.
AB  - This study investigated the cost-effectiveness between double and single Fecal
      Immunochemical Test(s) (FIT) in a mass CRC screening. A two-stage sequential
      screening was conducted. FIT was used as a primary screening test and recommended
      twice by an interval of one week at the first screening stage. We defined the
      first-time FIT as FIT1 and the second-time FIT as FIT2. If either FIT1 or FIT2
      was positive (+), then a colonoscopy was recommended at the second stage. Costs
      were recorded and analyzed. A total of 24,419 participants completed either FIT1
      or FIT2. The detection rate of advanced neoplasm was 19.2% among both FIT1+ and
      FIT2+, especially high among men with age >=55 (27.4%). About 15.4% CRC, 18.9%
      advanced neoplasm, and 29.9% adenoma missed by FIT1 were detected by FIT2 alone.
      Average cost was $2,935 for double FITs and $2,121 for FIT1 to detect each CRC
      and $901 for double FITs and $680 for FIT1 to detect each advanced neoplasm.
      Double FITs are overall more cost-effective, having significantly higher positive
      and detection rates with an acceptable higher cost, than single FIT. Double FITs
      should be encouraged for the first screening in a mass CRC screening, especially
      in economically and medically underserved populations/areas/countries. 

PMID- 27144173
TI  - Synergistic Effect of Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene on Diopside Scaffolds.
AB  - A synergetic effect between carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene on diopside (Di)
      scaffolds was demonstrated. 3D network architecture in the matrix was formed
      through the 1D CNTs inlaid among the 2D graphene platelets (GNPs). The mechanical
      properties of the CNTs/GNPs/Di scaffolds were significantly improved compared
      with the CNTs/Di scaffolds and GNPs/Di scaffolds. In addition, the scaffolds
      exhibited excellent apatite-forming ability, a modest degradation rate, and
      stable mechanical properties in simulated body fluid (SBF). Moreover, cell
      culturing tests indicated that the scaffolds supported the cells attachment and
      proliferation. Taken together, the CNTs/GNPs/Di scaffolds offered great potential
      for bone tissue engineering. 

PMID- 27144172
TI  - Cancerous Inhibitor of PP2A Silencing Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes
      Apoptosis in Human Multiple Myeloma Cells.
AB  - Multiple myeloma is the second most prevalent type of blood cancer, representing
      approximately 1% of all cancers and 2% of all cancer deaths. There is therefore a
      strong need to identify critical targets in multiple myeloma neoplasia and
      progression. Cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A) is a human oncoprotein that
      regulates cancer cell viability and anchorage-independent growth and induces
      apoptosis. The present study investigated CIP2A function in the human multiple
      myeloma cell lines RPMI-8226 and NCI-H929 to determine whether it can serve as a
      potential therapeutic target. CIP2A was silenced in the cells by transfection of
      short interfering RNA and cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by a
      tetrazolium salt-based assay and flow cytometry, respectively. CIP2A knockdown
      inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in RPMI-8226 and NCI-H929 cells and
      decreased the phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) p85, AKT1, and
      mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) without affecting total protein levels.
      Treatment of CIP2A-depletion cells with insulin-like growth factor 1 decreased
      the effects of CIP2A inhibition on cell viability and apoptosis. These results
      indicate that CIP2A modulates myeloma cell proliferation and apoptosis via
      PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and suggest that it can potentially serve as a drug
      target for the treatment of multiple myeloma. 

PMID- 27144174
TI  - Retracted: How to Perfuse: Concepts of Cerebral Protection during Arch
      Replacement.
AB  - [This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2015/981813.].

PMID- 27144175
TI  - Analyzing Dynamic Changes of Laboratory Indexes in Patients with Acute Heart
      Failure Based on Retrospective Study.
AB  - Background. Changes of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have
      been studied whether in the long term or the short term in patients of acute
      heart failure (AHF); however, changes of NT-proBNP in the first five days and
      their association with other factors have not been investigated. Aims. To
      describe the dynamic changes of relevant laboratory indexes in the first five
      days between different outcomes of AHF patients and their associations. Methods
      and Results. 284 AHF with dynamic values recorded were analyzed. Changes of NT
      proBNP, troponin T, and C-reactive protein were different between patients with
      different outcomes, with higher values in adverse group than in control group at
      the same time points (p < 0.05). Then, prognostic use and risk stratification of
      NT-proBNP were assessed by receiver-operating characteristic curve and logistic
      regression. NT-proBNP levels at day 3 showed the best prognostic power (area
      under the curve = 0.730, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.657 to 0.794) and was an
      independent risk factor for adverse outcome (odds ratio, OR: 2.185, 95% CI: 1.584
      3.015). Classified changes of NT-proBNP may be predictive for adverse outcomes in
      AHF patients. Conclusions. Sequential monitoring of laboratory indexes within the
      first 5 days may be helpful for management of AHF patients. 

PMID- 27144176
TI  - The First Outbreak Caused by Acinetobacter baumannii ST208 and ST195 in China.
AB  - This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients and
      molecular mechanisms of the first outbreak mainly caused by sequence types (STs)
      208 multidrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii in China. A total of 10
      clinical samples were collected from 5 patients who were involved in the
      outbreak. Bacterial identification and antibiotic sensitivity tests were
      performed by the VITEK-2 COMPACT automated system. MICs of tigecycline for
      clinical isolates were determined using broth microdilution. The clonal
      relatedness of A. baumannii clinical isolates in our local settings was
      determinated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence
      typing (MLST). A total of 7 A. baumannii strains were isolated and all were MDR
      strains; two of them were carbapenem-nonsusceptible strains. bla OXA-23 was the
      only acquired carbapenemase gene in the isolates. The isolates belonged to a
      single clonal pulsotype determined by PFGE and two sequences types (STs)
      determined by MLST. The isolates belonged to the globally disseminated clonal
      complex 92, among which ST195 and ST208 were the most common sequence types
      (71.43% and 28.57%). The outbreak was successfully controlled by stringent
      infection control measures, especially improving the hand hygiene compliance and
      enhancing antimicrobial stewardship. In conclusion, this is the first description
      of an outbreak caused mainly by A. baumannii of ST208 in China. Infection control
      measures should be strengthened when infection outbreaks in hospital. 

PMID- 27144178
TI  - Fiber in Diet Is Associated with Improvement of Glycated Hemoglobin and Lipid
      Profile in Mexican Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Objective. To assess the association of dietary fiber on current everyday diet
      and other dietary components with glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c), glucose,
      lipids profile, and body weight body weight, in patients with type 2 diabetes.
      Methods. A cross-sectional survey of 395 patients with type 2 diabetes was
      performed. HbA1c, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and lipids profile were
      measured. Weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, and body composition were
      measured. Everyday diet with a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was
      evaluated. ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square tests and multivariate logistic
      regression were used in statistical analysis. Results. Higher fiber intake was
      associated with a low HbA1c, high HDL-c levels, low weight, and waist
      circumference. The highest tertile of calories consumption was associated with a
      higher fasting glucose level and weight. The highest tertile of carbohydrate
      consumption was associated with a lower weight. The lowest tertile of total fat
      and saturated fat was associated with the highest tertile of HDL-c levels, and
      lower saturated fat intake was associated with lower weight (p < 0.05).
      Conclusions. A higher content of fiber in the diet reduces HbA1c and
      triglycerides, while improving HDL-c levels. Increasing fiber consumption while
      lowering calorie consumption seems to be an appropriate strategy to reduce body
      weight and promote blood glucose control. 

PMID- 27144179
TI  - Impaired Thermogenesis and a Molecular Signature for Brown Adipose Tissue in Id2
      Null Mice.
AB  - Inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (ID2) is a helix-loop-helix transcriptional repressor
      rhythmically expressed in many adult tissues. Our previous studies have
      demonstrated that Id2 null mice have sex-specific elevated glucose uptake in
      brown adipose tissue (BAT). Here we further explored the role of Id2 in the
      regulation of core body temperature over the circadian cycle and the impact of
      Id2 deficiency on genes involved in insulin signaling and adipogenesis in BAT. We
      discovered a reduced core body temperature in Id2-/- mice. Moreover, in Id2-/-
      BAT, 30 genes including Irs1, PPARs, and PGC-1s were identified as differentially
      expressed in a sex-specific pattern. These data provide valuable insights into
      the impact of Id2 deficiency on energy homeostasis of mice in a sex-specific
      manner. 

PMID- 27144177
TI  - Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Pregnancy: The Global Challenge of Preventing
      Adverse Pregnancy and Infant Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
AB  - Screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnancy
      represents an overlooked opportunity to improve the health outcomes of women and
      infants worldwide. Although Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common treatable
      bacterial STI, few countries have routine pregnancy screening and treatment
      programs. We reviewed the current literature surrounding Chlamydia trachomatis in
      pregnancy, particularly focusing on countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. We
      discuss possible chlamydial adverse pregnancy and infant health outcomes
      (miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, preterm birth, neonatal
      conjunctivitis, neonatal pneumonia, and other potential effects including HIV
      perinatal transmission) and review studies of chlamydial screening and treatment
      in pregnancy, while simultaneously highlighting research from resource-limited
      countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. 

PMID- 27144180
TI  - Identification of the Allergenic Ingredients in Reduning Injection by
      Ultrafiltration and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.
AB  - Reduning injection is a traditional Chinese medicine injection which has multiple
      functions such as clearing heat, dispelling wind, and detoxification. Although
      Reduning injection was widely utilized, reports of its allergenicity emerged one
      after another. However, there is little research on its allergenic substances.
      The aim of this study is to evaluate the sensitization of Reduning injection and
      explore the underlying cause of the anaphylactic reaction. The main ingredients
      in Reduning injection were analyzed before and after ultrafiltration.
      Ultrafiltrate Reduning injection, unfiltered Reduning injection, egg albumin,
      Tween-80, and nine effective components in Reduning injection were utilized to
      sensitize guinea pigs. The serum 5-hydroxytryptamine level was used to assess the
      sensitization effect of Reduning injection. We found a significant decrease in
      Tween-80 content comparing to other components in the injection after
      ultrafiltration. Unfiltered Reduning injection, Tween-80, chlorogenic acid, and
      cryptochlorogenin acid caused remarkable anaphylactoid reaction on guinea pigs
      while ultrafiltration Reduning resulted in a significantly lower degree of
      sensitization. Our results suggest that ultrafiltration could significantly
      reduce the sensitization of Reduning injection, which is likely due to the
      decrease of Tween-80. We also conjectured that the form of chlorogenic acid and
      cryptochlorogenin acid within the complex solution mixture may also affect the
      sensitizing effect. 

PMID- 27144181
TI  - Interleukin-2/Anti-Interleukin-2 Immune Complex Attenuates Cardiac Remodeling
      after Myocardial Infarction through Expansion of Regulatory T Cells.
AB  - CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) have protective effects in wound
      healing and adverse ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). We
      hypothesize that the interleukin- (IL-) 2 complex comprising the recombinant
      mouse IL-2/anti-IL-2 mAb (JES6-1) attenuates cardiac remodeling after MI through
      the expansion of Treg. Mice were subjected to surgical left anterior descending
      coronary artery ligation and treated with either PBS or IL-2 complex. The IL-2
      complex significantly attenuates ventricular remodeling, as demonstrated by
      reduced infarct size, improved left ventricular (LV) function, and attenuated
      cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The IL-2 complex increased the percentage of
      CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells, which may be recruited to the infarcted heart, and
      decreased the frequencies of IFN-gamma- and IL-17-producing CD4+ T helper (Th)
      cells among the CD4+Foxp3- T cells in the spleen. Furthermore, the IL-2 complex
      inhibited the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines as well as macrophage
      infiltrates in the infarcted myocardium and induced the differentiation of
      macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype in border zone of infarcted myocardium. Our
      studies indicate that the IL-2 complex may serve as a promising therapeutic
      approach to attenuate adverse remodeling after MI through expanding Treg cells
      specifically. 

PMID- 27144183
TI  - Current Challenges Facing Women in Gastroenterology: How Do We Move Forward?

PMID- 27144182
TI  - Pure Red Cell Aplasia Following Interleukin-2 Therapy.
AB  - A 61-year-old woman with metastatic renal cell carcinoma underwent systemic
      treatment with high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2). Anemia requiring transfusion of 1
      unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) was required during the second week of IL
      2 therapy. One month following completion of high-dose IL-2 treatment, she was
      hospitalized for severe, symptomatic anemia and received 5 units of PRBCs. She
      was referred back for evaluation. A complete hematologic evaluation was performed
      including antiviral serology, evaluation for hemolysis, complete iron studies,
      and finally bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. The diagnosis was pure red cell
      aplasia, and no inciting viral cause could be ascertained. She required PRBCs for
      5 months following IL-2 therapy. It was concluded that IL-2 was the cause of her
      red cell aplasia. This subsequently resolved spontaneously, and she had normal
      hemoglobin and hematocrit, respectively, 1 and 2 years after treatment. 

PMID- 27144184
TI  - Publishing as a Fellow: Why & How.

PMID- 27144185
TI  - Pharyngeal Varices Secondary to Sinistral Portal Hypertension.

PMID- 27144186
TI  - Gastric Diverticulum: An Unusual Endoscopic Finding.

PMID- 27144187
TI  - A Deadly Connection: Aortoenteric Fistula as a Cause of Acute Upper
      Gastrointestinal Bleeding.

PMID- 27144188
TI  - Retrograde Jejunogastric Intussusception: A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain.

PMID- 27144189
TI  - Fecalith Causing Mechanical Bowel Obstruction Managed with Intracorporeal
      Lithotripsy.

PMID- 27144190
TI  - Transverse Colon Submucosal Lipoma Presenting With Colocolic Intussusception.

PMID- 27144191
TI  - Gallstones Within the Pancreatic Duct: An Underlying Pancraticobiliary
      Maljunction.

PMID- 27144192
TI  - Endoscopic and Abdominal Management of Complete Benign Esophageal Obstruction.
AB  - Benign esophageal strictures leading to complete esophageal occlusion are well
      known. In the pre-endoscopic era, such cases required surgery, but over the last
      decade, various novel endoscopic techniques have been developed to prevent
      morbidity and mortality. A 37-year-old man presented after 1 year of dysphagia
      and weight loss, and was found to have complete esophageal obstruction, not
      allowing even passage of guidewire. We used a combination antegrade endoscopic
      abdominal procedures to deploy a stent, obviating the need for surgery. His
      symptoms improved dramatically, and the stent was successfully removed 12 weeks
      later. He is now swallowing normally and has gained significant weight. 

PMID- 27144193
TI  - Acute Herpes Simplex Viral Esophagitis Occurring in 5 Immunocompetent Individuals
      With Eosinophilic Esophagitis.
AB  - Herpes simplex esophagitis (HSE) is an acute, severe viral infection of the
      esophagus, rarely occurring in immunocompetent individuals. Eosinophilic
      esophagitis (EoE) is a rare immune-mediated esophageal disorder. We recently
      observed 5 severe HSE cases in diagnosed EoE patients. Four of the 5 patients had
      active, untreated EoE at the time of infection, so HSE is not likely a side
      effect of swallowed topical corticosteroids, the first-line medical treatment of
      EoE. However, this coincidence of these 2 rare conditions raises the question of
      a causal relationship between these 2 forms of esophagitis, and whether active
      EoE might predispose to HSE infection. 

PMID- 27144195
TI  - Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for the Complete Resection of the Rectal Remnant
      Mucosa in a Patient With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.
AB  - A 47-year-old woman underwent prophylactic subtotal colectomy with ileorectal
      anastomosis (IRA) for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) 18 years ago. She
      underwent 5 transanal endoscopic microsurgeries for rectal remnant polyps, and
      was referred for the treatment of rectal remnant polyp recurrence. Endoscopic
      submucosal dissection (ESD) was performed to remove multiple polypoid lesions
      that circumferentially extended throughout the rectal remnant with lesions
      spreading onto the anastomotic site. The rectal remnant mucosa was resected in 2
      pieces without complication. Specimens showed high-grade adenoma but no
      malignancy. Follow-up colonoscopy showed no recurrence. 

PMID- 27144194
TI  - Secondary Aortoesophageal Fistula Associated With Aneurysmal Graft Infection by
      Coxiella burnetii.
AB  - Aortoesophageal fistula is a rare and serious condition that carries a high
      mortality rate. We present a case of overt gastrointestinal bleeding from an
      aortoesophageal fistula in a patient with chronic infection of an endovascular
      prosthesis with Coxiella burnetii. 

PMID- 27144196
TI  - Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Arising From a Gastric Duplication Cyst.
AB  - Gastric duplication cysts (GDC) are rarely diagnosed in adults, but previous
      cases have been associated with malignancy. We present a case of gastrointestinal
      stromal tumor (GIST) arising from a GDC in a 71-year-old woman who presented with
      3 years of early satiety, anorexia, abdominal distention, and weight loss.
      Abdominal CT showed a 9.3 x 5.2 x 9.5-cm well-circumscribed cystic mass arising 3
      cm above the gastroduodenal junction. The cyst was resected, and histopathology
      was consistent with GDC. Future studies are needed to clarify the malignant
      potential of GDC and the molecular pathways for its development. 

PMID- 27144198
TI  - Tracheobronchitis in a Patient With Crohn's Disease.
AB  - We report a 63-year-old woman who presented with 1 month of non-productive cough
      and non-bloody diarrhea. She was on maintenance therapy for a 15-year history of
      Crohn's disease. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids resulted in rapid
      improvement of both her diarrhea and respiratory symptoms. Our patient is unique
      in that she presented with tracheobronchitis during an acute flare of her Crohn's
      without obvious lung pathology on chest imaging. Tracheobronchitis is a rare
      manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease that should be considered in Crohn's
      disease patients presenting with persistent non-infectious cough. 

PMID- 27144197
TI  - Obscure Overt Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due To Isolated Small Bowel Angiomatosis.
AB  - Isolated small bowel angiomatosis is a rare entity with a distinctive endoscopic
      appearance. A multidisciplinary approach is often required to diagnose and treat
      these complex lesions. We present 2 cases of isolated small bowel angiomatosis,
      and illustrate the endoscopic findings that may guide similar diagnoses. 

PMID- 27144199
TI  - Mesenteric Fibromatosis in Crohn's Disease as a Potential Effect of Adalimumab.
AB  - A 36-year-old woman with no medical or surgical history was evaluated for weight
      loss. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed signs of Crohn's disease, which
      was later confirmed endoscopically. She was started on tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor therapy. Nine months after treatment, she experienced
      additional weight loss and a 7 x 8 x 8-cm mass on repeat CT. Biopsy revealed
      retroperitoneal fibromatosis, so TNF-alpha was continued. Repeat CT showed an
      enlarged mass. TNF-alpha therapy had a suspected role in mass growth, therapy was
      discontinued, and the mass surgically resected. One year after resection, she has
      regained weight with no recurrence of the mesenteric fibromatosis. 

PMID- 27144200
TI  - Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy Following Anti-TNF-alpha
      Therapy With Infliximab for Crohn's Disease.
AB  - We present a 29-year-old male with Crohn's disease who developed chronic
      inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) related to infliximab therapy.
      He developed lower extremity weakness and dysesthesia 3 weeks after a fourth
      infliximab dose. Laboratory examination revealed an elevated cerebrospinal fluid
      protein without pleocytosis. The patient initially responded to plasmapheresis
      therapy with marked symptomatic improvement, but relapsed and was refractory to
      subsequent treatments with plasmaphereisis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and
      glucocorticoids. While a causal relationship between infliximab and CIDP cannot
      be proven, clinicians should monitor Crohn's disease patients who are receiving
      TNF-alpha antagonists for neurologic symptoms suggestive of demyelinating
      disease. 

PMID- 27144201
TI  - Primary Small Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas Presenting With Likely
      Paraneoplastic Features.
AB  - Primary small cell carcinoma of the pancreas (SCCP) is a rare malignancy, and has
      been associated with paraneoplastic features in only 2 reported cases. We report
      a rare and fatal case of SCCP with likely paraneoplastic features in a previously
      well 67-year-old woman presenting with abdominal pain. She was found to have
      abnormal biochemical markers (hyperkalaemia and hyponatraemia) with a normal
      abdominal CT. Emergency laparotomy identified a mass at the head of the pancreas
      and liver metastases, she died soon after, and diagnosis was confirmed post
      mortem. 

PMID- 27144202
TI  - Incidental Diagnosis of MEN1 Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient Presenting With
      Obstructive Jaundice and Abdominal Pain.
AB  - A 16-year-old adolescent boy presented with obstructive jaundice and was
      incidentally found to have a well-differentiated pancreatic endocrine neoplasm
      upon endoscopic ultrasound. The discovery of this tumor led to further
      investigation and the eventual diagnosis of MEN1 syndrome. The diagnosis of MEN1
      can prove difficult, and lack of treatment has been shown to lead to early
      mortality. One must maintain clinical suspicion for this disease in the
      evaluation of patients presenting with suspicious lesions of unknown etiology,
      especially those involving the pancreas, anterior pituitary, and parathyroid
      glands. 

PMID- 27144203
TI  - Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Needle-Based Probe Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy
      (nCLE) of Intrapancreatic Ectopic Spleen.
AB  - Accessory spleens and splenosis represent the congenital and acquired type of
      ectopic splenic tissue. Generally, they are asymptomatic entities posing as solid
      hypervascular masses at the splenic hilum or in other organs, such as the
      pancreas. Intrapancreatic ectopic spleen mimics pancreatic neoplasms on imaging
      studies, and due to the lack of radiological diagnostic criteria, patients
      undergo unnecessary distal pancreatectomy. We present the first case of
      intrapancreatic ectopic spleen in which the concomitant use of needle-based probe
      confocal laser endomicroscopy and fine-needle aspiration supported the final
      diagnosis. 

PMID- 27144204
TI  - Polycystic Pancreas.
AB  - Polycystic disease of the pancreas is a very rare entity with very few cases
      reported in the literature. We report a symptomatic case of polycystic pancreas
      associated with pheochromocytoma that was treated surgically. 

PMID- 27144206
TI  - Recurrent Cardiac Tamponade: An Unusual Presentation of Intrahepatic
      Cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - A 48-year-old Egyptian woman presented with 8 months of sharp right upper chest
      pain and weight loss. She was discovered to have an enlarged cardiac silhouette
      on chest x-ray, and an echocardiogram revealed a large pericardial effusion with
      diastolic right atrial collapse. Pericardial window was done, and epithelial
      membrane antigen-positive neoplastic cells were identified in the pericardial
      fluid. Computed tomography showed a 6-cm hypermetabolic lesion on the liver
      segment IV, confirmed on biopsy to be a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma
      consistent with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. 

PMID- 27144205
TI  - Refractory Jaundice From Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm Treated With
      Cholangioscopy-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation.
AB  - Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are epithelial neoplasms treated
      with surgical resection when appropriate. We present a 79-year-old man with
      jandice refractory to endoscopic stenting. Biliary radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
      with cholangioscopy was used as palliation of obstructive jaundice due to a mucin
      producing pancreatic IPMN with fistulous biliary communication. Clinical
      improvement permitted surgery, and he returned to pre-illness status at 17
      months. The use of cholangioscopy in the setting of mucinous filling defects can
      guide over-the-wire RFA for palliation and may be a bridge to surgery. 

PMID- 27144207
TI  - Cholangicarcinoma Presenting as a Sister Mary Joseph Nodule.
AB  - Sister Mary Joseph nodules represent metastatic cancer of the umbilicus. More
      than half of these cases are attributable to gastrointestinal malignancies
      including gastric, colonic, and pancreatic cancer. In addition, gynecologic
      (ovarian, uterine cancer), unknown primary tumors, and, rarely, bladder or
      respiratory malignancies may cause umbilical metastasis. We report the case of a
      Sister Mary Joseph nodule originating from a hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Umbilical
      nodules should prompt clinical evaluation, as these tumors are usually associated
      with poor prognosis. 

PMID- 27144208
TI  - Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection Caused by Spilled Gallstones.
AB  - We report a case of a 57-year-old woman who presented with a necrotizing soft
      tissue infection of the right anterior abdominal wall, 1 year after open
      cholecystectomy for gallbladder perforation. Surgical exploration revealed
      pigmented gallstones along with pus in the abdominal wall and gallbladder fossa.
      Intraoperative spillage of gallstones is common during both open and laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy, but, in rare cases, can lead to serious complications including
      necrotizing infection of the abdominal wall. 

PMID- 27144209
TI  - Colon Cancer Metastatic to the Biliary Tree.
AB  - Metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma is commonly found in the lung, liver, or
      peritoneum. Common bile duct (CBD) tumors related to adenomas from familial
      adenomatous polyposis metastasizing from outside of the gastrointestinal tract
      have been reported. We report a case of biliary colic due to metastatic colon
      adenocarcinoma to the CBD. Obstructive jaundice with signs of acalculous
      cholecystitis on imaging in a patient with a history of colon cancer should raise
      suspicion for metastasis to CBD. 

PMID- 27144210
TI  - Abdominal Skin Rash After TACE Due to Non-Target Embolization of Hepatic
      Falciform Artery.
AB  - Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a well-recognized procedure
      for management of hepatocellular carcinoma. We present a 54-year-old man who
      presented with a periumbilical maculopapular skin rash that developed after an
      otherwise uneventful TACE procedure. A retrospective review of imaging was
      consistent with non-target embolization of the hepatic falciform artery (HFA). He
      was treated with oral non-steroidal antiinflammatory medication for 3 weeks with
      improvement, but had slight skin induration and an excoriated papule at 6-month
      follow-up. Non-target embolization of HFA is very rare, but clinicians and
      interventionalists should be aware of this complication, especially in patients
      predisposed to enlargement of HFA. 

PMID- 27144211
TI  - 26-Year-Old Survivor of Kasai Procedure With Native Liver.
AB  - A 26-year old woman with history of congenital biliary atresia and Kasai
      procedure as a newborn presented with recurrent nausea and abdominal pain.
      Physical examination showed anicteric sclera and tender right upper quadrant.
      Elevated liver function tests suggested obstruction and hepatitis. Percutaneous
      transhepatic cholangiogram showed generalized ductal dilation, innumerable
      intrahepatic bile duct stones, and multiple filling defects. No anastomotic
      stenosis was noted. The patient was treated for acute symptoms and referred to a
      liver transplant center. Long-term survivors of the Kasai procedure with a native
      liver are rare, and this represents the third known U.S. case in the literature. 

PMID- 27144212
TI  - Interleukin-7 treatment of PML in a patient with idiopathic lymphocytopenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the compassionate use of interleukin-7 (IL-7) for
      treatment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in the setting of
      idiopathic CD8+ greater than CD4+ lymphocytopenia. METHODS: A 66-year-old HIV
      seronegative man presented with progressive language dysfunction. MRI showed
      hyperintense lesions in the left hemispheric white matter with mild contrast
      enhancement. A brain biopsy performed 4 months after symptom onset established
      the diagnosis of PML. The patient had profound lymphocytopenia with absolute
      lymphocyte count (ALC) at 168 cells/MUL, 87 CD4+ T cells/MUL, and 7 CD8+ T
      cells/MUL. There was no evidence of hematologic malignancy or rheumatologic
      disease. RESULTS: The patient received 3 intramuscular injections of IL-7 at a
      dose of 10 MUg/kg per week with no adverse effects. ALC peaked at 595 cells/MUL,
      CD4+ T cells at 301 cells/MUL, and CD8+ T cells at 34 cells/MUL 3 weeks after
      completion of treatment. His lesions on MRI stabilized and neurologic examination
      mildly improved. JCV-specific T-cell responses measured by intracellular cytokine
      staining were not altered after treatment with IL-7 but there was a marked
      increase in regulatory T cells. CONCLUSION: This case further supports the
      investigational use of IL-7 in patients who develop PML in the setting of ICL.
      CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class IV evidence that for
      patients with ICL and PML, IL-7 improves PML-related-outcomes. The study is rated
      Class IV because it is a case report.

PMID- 27144213
TI  - IL-17 production by CSF lymphocytes as a biomarker for cerebral vasculitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility of using interleukin-17 (IL-17) production
      by CD4+ T cells in the CSF as a potential biomarker for cerebral vasculitis in
      stroke patients. METHODS: In this consecutive case study, we performed
      prospective analysis of CSF and blood in patients admitted to a university
      medical center with symptoms of stroke and suspected cerebral vasculitis. Flow
      cytometry was performed for intracellular detection of inflammatory cytokines in
      peripheral blood lymphocytes and expanded T cells from CSF. RESULTS: CSF CD4+
      lymphocytes from patients with cerebral vasculitis showed significantly higher
      levels of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17 compared to patients with stroke not
      due to vasculitis or with other, noninflammatory neurologic diseases. There was
      no difference in the production of interferon-gamma in the CSF and no overall
      differences in the relative frequencies of peripheral immune cells. CONCLUSIONS:
      Intracellular IL-17 in CSF cells is potentially useful in discriminating cerebral
      vasculitis as a rare cause in patients presenting with ischemic stroke.
      CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that an
      increased proportion of IL-17-producing CD4+ cells in CSF of patients presenting
      with stroke symptoms is indicative of cerebral vasculitis (sensitivity 73%, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 39-94%; specificity 100%, 95% CI 74%-100%).

PMID- 27144214
TI  - Circulating miR-150 in CSF is a novel candidate biomarker for multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in cell-free CSF as novel
      biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Profiling of miRNAs in CSF of
      pooled patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), patients with relapsing
      remitting MS, and inflammatory and noninflammatory neurologic disease controls
      was performed using TaqMan miRNA arrays. Two independent patient cohorts (n = 142
      and n = 430) were used for validation with real-time PCR. RESULTS: We reliably
      detected 88 CSF miRNAs in the exploratory cohort. Subsequent validation in 2
      cohorts demonstrated significantly higher levels of miR-150 in patients with MS.
      Higher miR-150 levels were also observed in patients with CIS who converted to MS
      compared to nonconverters, and in patients initiating natalizumab treatment.
      Levels of miR-150 correlated with immunologic parameters including CSF cell
      count, immunoglobulin G index, and presence of oligoclonal bands, and with
      candidate protein biomarkers C-X-C motif chemokine 13, matrix metallopeptidase 9,
      and osteopontin. Correlation with neurofilament light chain (NFL) was observed
      only when NFL was adjusted for age using a method that requires further
      validation. Additionally, miR-150 discriminated MS from controls and CIS
      converters from nonconverters equally well as the most informative protein
      biomarkers. Following treatment with natalizumab, but not fingolimod, CSF levels
      of miR-150 decreased, while plasma levels increased with natalizumab and
      decreased with fingolimod, suggesting immune cells as a source of miR-150.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate miR-150 as a putative novel biomarker of
      inflammatory active disease with the potential to be used for early diagnosis of
      MS. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class II evidence that CSF
      miR-150 distinguishes patients with MS from patients with other neurologic
      conditions.

PMID- 27144215
TI  - Cervical spinal cord atrophy in NMOSD without a history of myelitis or MRI
      visible lesions.

PMID- 27144216
TI  - Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: Comparison according to the phenotype
      and serostatus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To (1) determine the value of the recently proposed criteria of
      neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disorder (NMOSD) that unify patients with NMO
      and those with limited forms (NMO/LF) with aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4
      IgG) antibodies; and (2) investigate the clinical significance of the serologic
      status in patients with NMO. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter study
      of 181 patients fulfilling the 2006 NMO criteria (n = 127) or NMO/LF criteria
      with AQP4-IgG (n = 54). AQP4-IgG and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein
      immunoglobulin G (MOG-IgG) antibodies were tested using cell-based assays.
      RESULTS: Patients were mainly white (86%) and female (ratio 6.5:1) with median
      age at onset 39 years (range 10-77). Compared to patients with NMO and AQP4-IgG
      (n = 94), those with NMO/LF presented more often with longitudinally extensive
      transverse myelitis (LETM) (p < 0.001), and had lower relapse rates (p = 0.015),
      but similar disability outcomes. Nonwhite ethnicity and optic neuritis
      presentation doubled the risk for developing NMO compared with white race (p =
      0.008) or LETM presentation (p = 0.008). Nonwhite race (hazard ratio [HR] 4.3,
      95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-13.6) and older age at onset were associated
      with worse outcome (for every 10-year increase, HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.2). Patients
      with NMO and MOG-IgG (n = 9) had lower female:male ratio (0.8:1) and better
      disability outcome than AQP4-IgG-seropositive or double-seronegative patients (p
      < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AQP4-IgG, the similar outcomes regardless
      of the clinical phenotype support the unified term NMOSD; nonwhite ethnicity and
      older age at onset are associated with worse outcome. Double-seronegative and
      AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMO have a similar clinical outcome. The better prognosis
      of patients with MOG-IgG and NMO suggests that phenotypic and serologic
      classification is useful.

PMID- 27144217
TI  - Widespread inflammation in CLIPPERS syndrome indicated by autopsy and ultra-high
      field 7T MRI.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine if there is widespread inflammation in the brain of
      patients with chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular
      enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) syndrome by using histology and
      ultra-high-field MRI at 7.0T. METHODS: We performed a detailed neuropathologic
      examination in 4 cases, including 1 autopsy case, and studied 2 additional
      patients by MRI at 7.0T to examine (1) extension of inflammation to areas
      appearing normal on 3.0T MRI, (2) potential advantages of 7.0T MRI compared to
      3.0T MRI in reflecting widespread inflammation, perivascular pathology, and
      axonal damage, and (3) the possibility of lymphoma. RESULTS: In the autopsy case,
      perivascular inflammation dominated by CD4+ T cells was not only detected in the
      brainstem and cerebellum but also in brain areas with normal appearance on 3.0T
      MRI, including supratentorial regions and cranial nerve roots. There was no
      evidence of lymphoma in any of the 4 patients. The 7.0T MRI in clinical remission
      also revealed supratentorial lesions and perivascular pathology in vivo with
      contrast-enhancing lesions centered around a small venous vessel. Ultra-high
      field MRI at 7.0T disclosed prominent T1 hypointensities in the brainstem, which
      were not seen on 3.0T MRI. This corresponded to neuropathologic detection of
      axonal injury in the autopsy case. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest more
      widespread perivascular inflammation and postinflammatory axonal injury in
      patients with CLIPPERS.

PMID- 27144218
TI  - Multiple sclerosis and risk of young-adult-onset Hodgkin lymphoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is an association between multiple
      sclerosis (MS) and young-adult-onset Hodgkin lymphoma (YAHL) as this will signal
      etiologic similarities relevant both to inherited characteristics and
      environmental exposures in childhood. METHODS: Swedish general population
      registers identified a cohort of 29,617 with an MS diagnosis between 1968 and
      2012, matched with a cohort of 296,164 without MS. Cox regression was used to
      assess the association of MS with subsequent YAHL (defined as onset between ages
      15 and 39 years; n = 20), with adjustment, for age/period, sex, county of
      residence, and level of education. RESULTS: The adjusted hazard ratio (and 95%
      confidence interval) for the association of MS with YAHL is 3.30 (1.01-10.73),
      resulting from 4 and 16 events in the MS and non-MS cohorts, respectively. All 4
      of the YAHL diagnoses in MS occurred in women, and the association of MS with
      YAHL has a hazard ratio of 4.04 (1.17-13.94) among women. There was no notable
      association of MS with older-onset Hodgkin lymphoma. CONCLUSION: There may be
      common risks for YAHL and MS, consistent with an etiologic role in MS for early
      life exposures, such as to infectious agents.

PMID- 27144219
TI  - Normal volumes and microstructural integrity of deep gray matter structures in
      AQP4+ NMOSD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess volumes and microstructural integrity of deep gray matter
      structures in a homogeneous cohort of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum
      disorder (NMOSD). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including 36
      aquaporin-4 antibody-positive (AQP4 Ab-positive) Caucasian patients with NMOSD
      and healthy controls matched for age, sex, and education. Volumetry of deep gray
      matter structures (DGM; thalamus, caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, hippocampus,
      amygdala, nucleus accumbens) was performed using 2 independent automated methods.
      Microstructural integrity was assessed based on diffusion tensor imaging.
      RESULTS: Both volumetric analysis methods consistently revealed similar volumes
      of DGM structures in patients and controls without significant group differences.
      Moreover, no differences in DGM microstructural integrity were observed between
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Deep gray matter structures are not affected in AQP4 Ab
      positive Caucasian patients with NMOSD. NMOSD imaging studies should be
      interpreted with respect to Ab status, educational background, and ethnicity of
      included patients.

PMID- 27144220
TI  - Tumefactive brain lesion with rapid cavity formation associated with anti
      aquaporin-4 antibody.

PMID- 27144221
TI  - Clinical utility of testing AQP4-IgG in CSF: Guidance for physicians.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define, using assays of optimized sensitivity and specificity, the
      most informative specimen type for aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG)
      detection. METHODS: Results were reviewed from longitudinal service testing for
      AQP4-IgG among specimens submitted to the Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory
      from 101,065 individual patients. Paired samples of serum/CSF were tested from
      616 patients, using M1-AQP4-transfected cell-based assays (both fixed AQP4-CBA
      Euroimmun kit [commercial CBA] and live in-house flow cytometry [FACS]).
      Sensitivities were compared for 58 time-matched paired specimens (drawn <=30 days
      apart) from patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) or high-risk patients.
      RESULTS: The frequency of CSF submission as sole initial specimen was 1 in 50 in
      2007 and 1 in 5 in 2015. In no case among 616 paired specimens was CSF positive
      and serum negative. In 58 time-matched paired specimens, AQP4-IgG was detected by
      FACS or by commercial CBA more sensitively in serum than in CSF (respectively, p
      = 0.06 and p < 0.001). A serum titer >1:100 predicted CSF positivity (p < 0.001).
      The probability of CSF positivity was greater around attack time (p = 0.03). No
      control specimen from 128 neurologic patients was positive by either assay.
      CONCLUSIONS: FACS and commercial CBA detection of AQP4-IgG is less sensitive in
      CSF than in serum. The data suggest that most AQP4-IgG is produced in peripheral
      lymphoid tissues and that a critical serum/CSF gradient is required for IgG to
      penetrate the CNS in pathogenic quantity. Serum is the optimal and most cost
      effective specimen for AQP4-IgG testing. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study
      provides Class IV evidence that for patients with NMO or NMOSD, CSF is less
      sensitive than serum for detection of AQP4-IgG.

PMID- 27144223
TI  - Corrigendum to "A Systematic Review of Peripheral and Central Nervous System
      Involvement of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Primary
      Sjogren's Syndrome, and Associated Immunological Profiles".
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2015/910352.]. 

PMID- 27144222
TI  - Evolution of Experience of Care of Patients with and without Chronic Diseases
      following a Quebec Primary Healthcare Reform.
AB  - Objectives. To assess the extent to which new primary healthcare (PHC) models
      implemented in two regions of Quebec have improved patient experience of care,
      unmet needs, and use of services for individuals with and without chronic
      diseases, compared with other forms of PHC practices. Methods. In 2005 and 2010,
      we carried out population and organization surveys. We divided PHC organizations
      into new model practices and other practices and followed the evolution over time
      of patient experience of care. Results. Patients with chronic diseases had better
      accessibility but worse continuity of care in the new model practices than in the
      other practices at both time periods. Through the reform, accessibility decreased
      evenly in both groups, but continuity and perceived outcomes improved more in the
      other practices. Use of primary care services decreased more in the new model
      practices. Among patients without chronic disease, accessibility decreased much
      less in the new models and responsiveness increased more. There was no
      significant change in ER attendance and hospitalization. Conclusion. The
      evolution of patient experience of care has been more favorable for patients
      without chronic diseases. These findings raise concerns about equity since the
      aim of the PHC reform was targeting in priority individuals with the greatest
      needs. 

PMID- 27144224
TI  - Effects of Lornoxicam on Anastomotic Healing: A Randomized, Blinded, Placebo
      Control Experimental Study.
AB  - Introduction and Aim. With the implementation of multimodal analgesia regimens,
      Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are often administered for optimal
      pain control and reduction of opioid use. The aim of the study was to examine the
      effects of lornoxicam, a NSAID, on anastomotic healing employing an animal model.
      Materials and Methods. A total of 28 Wistar rats were randomly assigned in two
      groups. All animals underwent ascending colonic transection followed by an end-to
      end hand sewn anastomosis. Group 1 received intraperitoneally lornoxicam before
      and daily after surgery. Group 2 received intraperitoneally an equal volume of
      placebo. Half of the animals in each group were euthanized on the 3rd pod and the
      remaining on the 7th pod. Macro- and microscopic indicators of anastomotic
      healing were compared using a two-tailed Fisher exact test. Results. The
      lornoxicam group significantly decreased fibroblast in growth and
      reepithelization of the mucosa at the anastomotic site on the 3rd pod and
      significantly increased occurrence of deep reaching defects, necrosis, and
      microabscess on the 7th pod. Conclusion. Lornoxicam administration during the
      perioperative period adversely affects histologic parameters of intestinal
      anastomotic healing. These effects of lornoxicam administration were not found to
      induce significant increase of anastomotic dehiscence in the rat model. 

PMID- 27144225
TI  - Difficulties and Problematic Steps in Teaching the Onstep Technique for Inguinal
      Hernia Repair, Results from a Focus Group Interview.
AB  - Background. When a new surgical technique is brought into a department, it is
      often experienced surgeons that learn it first and then pass it on to younger
      surgeons in training. This study seeks to clarify the problems and positive
      experiences when teaching and training surgeons in the Onstep technique for
      inguinal hernia repair, seen from the instructor's point of view. Methods. We
      designed a qualitative study using a focus group to allow participants to
      elaborate freely and facilitate a discussion. Participants were surgeons with
      extensive experience in performing the Onstep technique from Germany, UK, France,
      Belgium, Italy, Greece, and Sweden. Results. Four main themes were found, with
      one theme covering three subthemes: instruction of others (experience, patient
      selection, and tailored teaching), comfort, concerns/fear, and anatomy.
      Conclusion. Surgeons receiving a one-day training course should preferably have
      experience with other types of hernia repairs. If trainees are inexperienced, the
      training setup should be a traditional step-by-step programme. A training setup
      should consist of an explanation of the technique with emphasis on anatomy and
      difficult parts of the procedure and then a training day should follow. Surgeons
      teaching surgery can use these findings to improve their everyday practice. 

PMID- 27144226
TI  - General Framework of Hearing Aid Fitting Management.
AB  - Hearing aids are one of the most widely used treatment options for the hearing
      impaired and optimal outcomes of hearing aids are supported by comprehensive
      hearing aid fitting protocols. Currently, the term 'hearing aid fitting' is
      prevalently used among service and industry sectors with its comprehensive
      procedures not systematically explicated. In addition, a variety of non
      normalized guidelines for hearing aid fitting has led to non-uniform care,
      outcome variability, and dissatisfaction of the use of hearing aids. The main
      purpose of the present study is to suggest a general framework of standardized
      practice for hearing aid fitting management including its pre- and post-fitting
      stages. The management framework centers on its fitting process with its prior
      steps of assessment as well as its posterior steps of follow-up, thereby
      eliminating diverging interpretations and non-uniform practices. Outcomes of this
      study are also expected to improve potential benefits such as quality of hearing
      aid fitting, user satisfaction, and cost effectiveness across relevant
      stakeholders. 

PMID- 27144227
TI  - Clinical Efficacy of Electroneurography in Acute Facial Paralysis.
AB  - The estimated incidence of acute facial paralysis is approximately 30 patients
      per 100000 populations annually. Facial paralysis is an extremely frightening
      situation and gives extreme stress to patients because obvious disfiguring face
      may cause significant functional, aesthetic, and psychological disturbances. For
      stressful patients with acute facial paralysis, it is very important for
      clinicians to answer the questions like whether or not their facial function will
      return to normal, how much of their facial function will be recovered, and how
      long this is going to take. It is also important for clinicians to treat the
      psychological aspects by adequately explaining the prognosis, in addition to
      providing the appropriate medical treatment. For decades, clinicians have used
      various electrophysiologic tests, including the nerve excitability test, the
      maximal stimulation test, electroneurography, and electromyography. In
      particular, electroneurography is the only objective measure that is useful in
      early stage of acute facial paralysis. In this review article, we first discuss
      the pathophysiology of injured peripheral nerve. And then, we describe about
      various electrophysiologic tests and discuss the electroneurography extensively. 

PMID- 27144228
TI  - Auditory Brainstem Response Improvements in Hyperbillirubinemic Infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hyperbillirubinemia in infants have been associated
      with neuronal damage including in the auditory system. Some researchers have
      suggested that the bilirubin-induced auditory neuronal damages may be temporary
      and reversible. This study was aimed at investigating the auditory neuropathy and
      reversibility of auditory abnormalities in hyperbillirubinemic infants. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: The study participants included 41 full term hyperbilirubinemic
      infants (mean age 39.24 days) with normal birth weight (3,200-3,700 grams) that
      admitted in hospital for hyperbillirubinemia and 39 normal infants (mean age
      35.54 days) without any hyperbillirubinemia or other hearing loss risk factors
      for ruling out maturational changes. All infants in hyperbilirubinemic group had
      serum bilirubin level more than 20 milligram per deciliter and undergone one
      blood exchange transfusion. Hearing evaluation for each infant was conducted
      twice: the first one after hyperbilirubinemia treatment and before leaving
      hospital and the second one three months after the first hearing evaluation.
      Hearing evaluations included transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE)
      screening and auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold tracing. RESULTS: The
      TEOAE and ABR results of control group and TEOAE results of the
      hyperbilirubinemic group did not change significantly from the first to the
      second evaluation. However, the ABR results of the hyperbilirubinemic group
      improved significantly from the first to the second assessment (p=0.025).
      CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the bilirubin induced auditory neuronal
      damage can be reversible over time so we suggest that infants with
      hyperbilirubinemia who fail the first hearing tests should be reevaluated after 3
      months of treatment.

PMID- 27144229
TI  - Paraoxonase Activity and Oxidative Status in Patients with Tinnitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate serum
      paraoxanase-1 (PON) activity, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant
      status (TAS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI) in tinnitus; and to compare
      the results with data from healthy subjects. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 114
      subjects-54 patients with tinnitus and 60 healthy controls were enrolled in this
      study. Serum PON activity, TOS, TAS, and OSI levels were measured. RESULTS: In
      the tinnitus group, TAS, and PON were significantly lower than in the control
      group (p<0.001). However, the TOS, and OSI levels were significantly higher in
      the tinnitus group than in the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to
      the data obtained from the present study, patients with tinnitus were exposed to
      potent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may be the key contributing factor to
      the pathogenesis of tinnitus.

PMID- 27144231
TI  - Clinical Features and Prognosis of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Secondary to
      Intralabyrinthine Hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A number of etiologies of idiopathic sudden
      sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) have been proposed, including viral
      infection, vascular disturbance, and immune-mediated mechanisms.
      Intralabyrinthine hemorrhage (ILH) as a cause of SSNHL is extremely rare, and
      there have been no studies defining the characteristics of hearing impairment and
      prognosis in patients with ISSNHL due to ILH. This study aimed to investigate the
      difference in impaired hearing patterns and prognosis for hearing recovery
      between patients with ISSNHL due to ILH confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) and sex- and age-matched patients with ISSNHL due to causes other than ILH.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We compared the results of audiometry and MRI in 12
      patients who had ILH on MRI (hemorrhage group) and in 23 sex- and age-matched
      controls without abnormal findings related to their hearing loss on MRI (non
      hemorrhage group). Initial hearing impairment, progression, and recovery of
      hearing loss were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A majority of
      patients (92%) in the hemorrhage group complained of dizziness. Initial hearing
      impairment was more frequent in the hemorrhage group than in the non-hemorrhage
      group (94.09+/-35.9 vs. 66.66+/-30.1, p-value=0.036). The final recovery
      threshold in the hemorrhage group was worse (78.19+/-46.26 vs. 37.17+/-31.96, p
      value=0.014) than that in the non-hemorrhage group. In the hemorrhage group,
      hearing recovery seemed to occur less often at high frequencies (2,000, 4,000,
      and 8,000 Hz) than at low frequencies (250, 500, and 1,000 Hz). CONCLUSIONS: The
      presence of ILH was associated with poor hearing prognosis and the occurrence of
      vertigo. The abrupt onset of hearing loss associated with vertigo and the
      presence of hyperresonance on fat-suppressed T1-weighted MRI images of
      labyrinthic fluid strongly suggests acute intralabyrinthine hemorrhage, and is
      predictive of considerable hearing impairment and poor prognosis.

PMID- 27144230
TI  - Cortical Auditory Event Related Potentials (P300) for Frequency Changing Dynamic
      Tones.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: P300 has been studied with a variety of stimuli.
      However, the nature of P300 has not been investigated for deviant stimuli which
      change its characteristics from standard stimuli after a period of time from
      onset. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Nine young adults with normal hearing participated
      in the study. The P300 was elicited using an oddball paradigm, the probability of
      standard and deviant stimuli was 80% and 20% respectively. Six stimuli were used
      to elicit P300, it included two pure-tones (1,000 Hz and 2,000 Hz) and four tone
      complexes (tones with frequency changes). Among these stimuli, 1,000 Hz tone
      served as standard while others served as deviant stimuli. The P300 was recorded
      in five separate blocks, with one of the deviant stimuli as target in each block.
      Electroencephalographic was recorded from electrode sites Fz, Cz, C3, C4, and Pz.
      Latency and amplitude of components of the cortical auditory evoked potentials
      were measured at Cz. RESULTS: Waveforms obtained in the present study shows that,
      all the deviant stimuli elicited obligatory P1-N1-P2 for stimulus onset. 2,000 Hz
      deviant tone elicited P300 at a latency of 300 ms. While, tone-complexes elicited
      acoustic change complex (ACC) for frequency changes and finally elicited P300 at
      a latency of 600 ms. In addition, the results showed shorter latency and larger
      amplitude ACC and P300 for rising tone-complexes compared to falling tone
      complexes. CONCLUSIONS: Tone-complexes elicited distinct waveforms compared to
      2,000 Hz deviant tone. Rising tone-complexes which had an increase in frequency
      elicited shorter latency and larger amplitude responses, which could be
      attributed to perceptual bias for frequency changes.

PMID- 27144232
TI  - Clinical Characteristics of Epidermoid Cysts of the External Auditory Canal.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The epidermoid cyst is a common benign disease of the
      skin caused by inflammation of hair cortex follicles and proliferation of
      epidermal cells within the dermis or superficial subcutaneous tissue. The purpose
      of this study was to investigate the characteristics of epidermoid cysts of the
      external auditory canal (EAC) by analyzing the clinical and radiologic features.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The clinical records were retrospectively reviewed for
      patients diagnosed with epidermoid cyst of the EAC from March 2004 to December
      2013. The epidermoid cysts were diagnosed clinically by endoscopy and microscopy
      examinations and by temporal bone CT images, and were confirmed by
      histopathologic examination. Characteristics of epidermoid cysts in bony EAC and
      cartilaginous EAC were compared. RESULTS: Eight patients had an epidermoid cyst
      in the bony EAC and nine patients had one in the cartilaginous EAC. Swelling and
      otalgia were common symptoms, but 47% of cysts were found incidentally. The mean
      age of patients was 49.6 years (age range, 26-67 years) in the bony EAC cases and
      26.1 years (age range, 6-57 years) in the cartilaginous EAC cases. The mean size
      of the epidermoid cyst was 3.50 mm (size range, 2-7 mm) in the bony EAC cases and
      9.55 mm (size range, 2-20 mm) in the cartilaginous EAC cases. CONCLUSIONS:
      Comparison of epidermoid cysts of the bony EAC and the cartilaginous EAC revealed
      that epidermoid cysts of the bony EAC is usually found incidentally, arose in
      older patients and had smaller size.

PMID- 27144233
TI  - Volumetric Changes in the Bony External Auditory Canal in Unilateral Chronic
      Otitis Media.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pneumatization of air cells in the mastoid bone is
      decreased in chronic otitis media (COM). A decrease in the size of the external
      auditory canal (EAC) is also found frequently in patients with COM, but this has
      been little studied. We compared the size of affected bony EACs and the
      contralateral side in patients with single-side COM using high-resolution
      computed tomography. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In total, 99 patients with single-side
      COM were included. Four indicators related to the size of the bony EAC and IAC
      were measured using high-resolution computed tomography: the axial and coronal
      lengths of the tympanic membrane, the length of the isthmus, and the area of the
      bony ear canal. We also compared both internal auditory canals as negative
      controls. These assessments were made by radiologists who were blinded to the
      objective of this study. RESULTS: In patients with single-side COM, the axial
      length of the tympanic membrane was significantly shorter than normal, and the
      volume of the EAC was also significantly smaller. The length of the isthmus of
      the EAC was shorter on the affected side, but the difference was not significant.
      The IAC volume showed no difference between the two sides. CONCLUSIONS: COM
      affects general temporal bony development, including the bony EAC and mastoid
      bone. Therefore, whether to correct this should be considered when preparing for
      COM surgery.

PMID- 27144234
TI  - Short-Term Outcomes of Acute Low-Tone Sensorineural Hearing Loss According to
      Treatment Modality.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We compared improvements in hearing thresholds in
      acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL) patients after two different
      treatments: steroid alone and steroid and diuretic combined. We analyzed how the
      duration between the onset of symptoms and the initiation of treatment affected
      hearing loss improvement and investigated the relation between presence of
      vertigo in ALHL patients and ALHL progression to Meniere's disease (MD). SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 47 ALHL patients
      aged 21 to 76 years. Patients received either orally administered steroid alone
      (n=12) or steroid and diuretic combined (n=35). We compared improvements in the
      two groups' hearing thresholds at three lower frequencies (125, 250, and 500 Hz)
      after participants had received one month of each respective treatment. RESULTS:
      Our two treatments did not show any statistical difference in hearing loss
      improvement after one month. Forty percent of ALHL patients with vertigo
      developed MD, which was a significantly higher rate than the 12.5% of ALHL
      patients without vertigo who developed MD. The shorter duration between the onset
      of symptoms and the initiation of treatment significantly increased improvement
      in the sum of lower frequency hearing threshold after one month. CONCLUSIONS: The
      current study suggests that steroid and diuretic administered together and
      steroid alone similarly improve the hearing threshold in ALHL patients after one
      month. We concluded that patients should initiate ALHL treatment as soon as they
      experience symptoms. ALHL patients should also be notified of their higher risk
      of developing MD.

PMID- 27144235
TI  - Auditory Neuropathy/Dyssynchrony in Biotinidase Deficiency.
AB  - Biotinidase deficiency is a disorder inherited autosomal recessively showing
      evidence of hearing loss and optic atrophy in addition to seizures, hypotonia,
      and ataxia. In the present study, a 2-year-old boy with Biotinidase deficiency is
      presented in which clinical symptoms have been reported with auditory
      neuropathy/auditory dyssynchrony (AN/AD). In this case, transient-evoked
      otoacoustic emissions showed bilaterally normal responses representing normal
      function of outer hair cells. In contrast, acoustic reflex test showed absent
      reflexes bilaterally, and visual reinforcement audiometry and auditory brainstem
      responses indicated severe to profound hearing loss in both ears. These results
      suggest AN/AD in patients with Biotinidase deficiency. 

PMID- 27144236
TI  - Refractory Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Presenting as Facial Paralysis and
      Bilateral Sudden Deafness.
AB  - Granulomatosis with polyangiitisis [(GPA) or Wegener granulomatosis] is a multi
      system disease characterized by granuloma formation and necrotizing vasculitis.
      GPA classically shows involvement of the respiratory tracts and the renal system.
      However, locoregional disease is common and may include otologic manifestations.
      Although otologic involvement can occur during the course of GPA, no report has
      described facial palsy with sudden sensorineural total deafness with vertigo as
      the presenting feature of GPA. This case describes a patient with multiorgan
      involving resistant form of GPA initially presenting with bilateral profound
      sudden sensorineural hearing loss and left facial paralysis with vertigo. The
      condition responded well to treatment with rituximab. 

PMID- 27144237
TI  - Connecting defects and amorphization in UiO-66  and MIL-140 metal-organic
      frameworks: a  combined experimental and computational study.
AB  - The mechanism and products of the structural collapse of the metal-organic
      frameworks (MOFs) UiO-66, MIL-140B and MIL-140C upon ball-milling are
      investigated through solid state 13C NMR and pair distribution function (PDF)
      studies, finding amorphization to proceed by the breaking of a fraction of metal
      ligand bonding in each case. The amorphous products contain inorganic-organic
      bonding motifs reminiscent of the crystalline phases. Whilst the inorganic
      Zr6O4(OH)4 clusters of UiO-66 remain intact upon structural collapse, the ZrO
      backbone of the MIL-140 frameworks undergoes substantial distortion. Density
      functional theory calculations have been performed to investigate defective
      models of MIL-140B and show, through comparison of calculated and experimental
      13C NMR spectra, that amorphization and defects in the materials are linked.

PMID- 27144238
TI  - Bullying among urology trainees in Australia and New Zealand:   lessons from a
      cross-sectional survey.

PMID- 27144239
TI  - Medicine in small doses.

PMID- 27144240
TI  - 'Sic transit gloria mundi': Gallipoli, a centenary reflection.

PMID- 27144241
TI  - Establishing a Health Economic Evaluation for  Collective Well-Being in Workplace
      Health Promotion.

PMID- 27144242
TI  - Commentary: The Genesis--and Grand Possibilities--of Well-Being.

PMID- 27144243
TI  - Ageless learning.

PMID- 27144244
TI  - Global water fluoridation: what is holding us back?

PMID- 27144245
TI  - Global water fluoridation: what is holding us back?

PMID- 27144246
TI  - Global water fluoridation: what is holding us back? Reply.

PMID- 27144247
TI  - [Psychiatry in the era of National Socialism].

PMID- 27144248
TI  - "Ten Commandments" of 2015 European Society  of Cardiology Guidelines for the
      management of  patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the  prevention of
      sudden cardiac death.

PMID- 27144249
TI  - Natriuretic peptides in 2015.

PMID- 27144250
TI  - Teachable moment or missed opportunity?

PMID- 27144251
TI  - Retraction notice to "Liposome-encapsulated curcumin suppresses neuroblastoma
      growth through nuclear factor-kB inhibition" [j.surg 151 (2012) 736-744].

PMID- 27144254
TI  - Brain. Editorial.

PMID- 27144253
TI  - Remembering antibodies coming of age.
AB  - Fifty years ago, Norbert Hilschmann discovered that antibodies have variable
      immunoglobulin domains to bind antigens, and constant domains to carry out
      effector functions in the immune system. Just as this happened, the author of
      this perspective entered the field of immunology. Ten years later, the genetic
      basis of antibody variability was discovered by Susumu Tonegawa and his
      colleagues at the Basel Institute for Immunology, where the author had become a
      scientific member. At the same time, Georges Kohler, a former graduate student of
      the author's at the Basel Institute, invented with Cesar Milstein at the
      Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England, the method to produce
      monoclonal antibodies. The author describes here his memories connected to these
      three monumental, paradigm-changing discoveries, which he observed in close
      proximity.

PMID- 27144255
TI  - Manufacturer's reply.

PMID- 27144256
TI  - The SSO/ESSO International Career Development  Exchange Program: Experience from
      MD Anderson  Cancer Center and Massachusetts General Hospital.

PMID- 27144257
TI  - Video Visits Aim to Improve Patient Satisfaction.

PMID- 27144259
TI  - Financial Stakes Rise as Auditors Set Their Sights on Providers.

PMID- 27144258
TI  - Hospital LOS Confirmed to Worsen Hip Fracture Outcomes.

PMID- 27144260
TI  - Help Wanted: CBO to Screen Patients for Benefits.

PMID- 27144261
TI  - Prevalence of and trends in diabetes among adults in the United States, 1988
      2012.

PMID- 27144263
TI  - [Morphological diagnostics of fat embolism].
AB  - The present review of the literature concerns the problem of morphological
      diagnostics of fat embolism, i.e. mechanical obturation of multiple blood vessels
      with fat globules, that can be detected by a variety of methods including
      polarization microscopy, staining of native, frozen, and paraffin-embedded
      histological sections with the use of immunohistochemical techniques, electron
      microscopy, etc.

PMID- 27144264
TI  - [The current state of the expertise of the injuries inflicted by the power-driven
      sawing tools].
AB  - This review of the literature covers the major articles published during the past
      40 years that treat the problem of forensic medical expertise of the injuries to
      human organs inflicted by the power saws with high-speed reciprocating motion of
      the blade (power jigsaws and sabre saws.) The authors analyze the current state
      of-the-art in this field and the available possibilities for the forensic medical
      expertise to evaluate the injuries inflicted by the sawing devices.

PMID- 27144265
TI  - [The analysis of the articles concerning toxicological (forensic) chemistry
      published in the journal "Sudebno-meditsinskaya ekspertiza (Forensic Medical
      Expertise)" during the period from 2004 to 2013. Part 2. The analysis and
      assessment of the publications, peculiarities of the development of
      investigations].
AB  - The author presents the results of the analysis of the publications concerning
      toxicological (forensic) chemistry issues published in the journal "Sudebno
      meditsinskaya ekspertiza" during the period from 2004 to 2013 with their
      assessment making use of scientometrical methods. Special emphasis is laid on the
      publications devoted to the development and improvement of the approaches to the
      investigation into narcotic and psychotropic drugs as well as other toxic
      substances. Specific features of such investigations are described.

PMID- 27144266
TI  - Author Response: Yousef Hannawi, Columbus,  OH; Robert D. Stevens, Baltimore, MD.

PMID- 27144268
TI  - Prevention Matters.

PMID- 27144267
TI  - Obituary: Robert A Godke Jr (1945-2015).

PMID- 27144269
TI  - An Analysis of Precipitation Isotope Distributions across Namibia Using
      Historical Data.
AB  - Global precipitation isoscapes based on the Global Network for Isotopes in
      Precipitation (GNIP) network are an important toolset that aid our understanding
      of global hydrologic cycles. Although the GNIP database is instrumental in
      developing global isoscapes, data coverage in some regions of hydrological
      interest (e.g., drylands) is low or non-existent thus the accuracy and relevance
      of global isoscapes to these regions is debatable. Capitalizing on existing
      literature isotope data, we generated rainfall isoscapes for Namibia (dryland)
      using the cokriging method and compared it to a globally fitted isoscape (GFI)
      downscaled to country level. Results showed weak correlation between observed and
      predicted isotope values in the GFI model (r2 < 0.20) while the cokriging
      isoscape showed stronger correlation (r2 = 0.67). The general trend of the local
      cokriging isoscape is consistent with synoptic weather systems (i.e., influences
      from Atlantic Ocean maritime vapour, Indian Ocean maritime vapour, Zaire Air
      Boundary, the Intertropical Convergence Zone and Tropical Temperate Troughs) and
      topography affecting the region. However, because we used the unweighted approach
      in this method, due to data scarcity, the absolute values could be improved in
      future studies. A comparison of local meteoric water lines (LMWL) constructed
      from the cokriging and GFI suggested that the GFI model still reflects the global
      average even when downscaled. The cokriging LMWL was however more consistent with
      expectations for an arid environment. The results indicate that although not
      ideal, for data deficient regions such as many drylands, the unweighted cokriging
      approach using historical local data can be an alternative approach to modelling
      rainfall isoscapes that are more relevant to the local conditions compared to
      using downscaled global isoscapes.

PMID- 27144270
TI  - Trace Elements in Stormflow, Ash, and Burned Soil following the 2009 Station Fire
      in Southern California.
AB  - Most research on the effects of wildfires on stream water quality has focused on
      suspended sediment and nutrients in streams and water bodies, and relatively
      little research has examined the effects of wildfires on trace elements. The
      purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to determine the effect of the 2009
      Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest northeast of Los Angeles, CA on trace
      element concentrations in streams, and 2) compare trace elements in post-fire
      stormflow water quality to criteria for aquatic life to determine if trace
      elements reached concentrations that can harm aquatic life. Pre-storm and
      stormflow water-quality samples were collected in streams located inside and
      outside of the burn area of the Station Fire. Ash and burned soil samples were
      collected from several locations within the perimeter of the Station Fire.
      Filtered concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Hg and total concentrations of most trace
      elements in storm samples were elevated as a result of the Station Fire. In
      contrast, filtered concentrations of Cu, Pb, Ni, and Se and total concentrations
      of Cu were elevated primarily due to storms and not the Station Fire. Total
      concentrations of Se and Zn were elevated as a result of both storms and the
      Station Fire. Suspended sediment in stormflows following the Station Fire was an
      important transport mechanism for trace elements. Cu, Pb, and Zn primarily
      originate from ash in the suspended sediment. Fe primarily originates from burned
      soil in the suspended sediment. As, Mn, and Ni originate from both ash and burned
      soil. Filtered concentrations of trace elements in stormwater samples affected by
      the Station Fire did not reach levels that were greater than criteria established
      for aquatic life. Total concentrations for Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn were detected at
      concentrations above criteria established for aquatic life.

PMID- 27144272
TI  - Correction: GDF-15 Is Elevated in Children with Mitochondrial Diseases and Is
      Induced by Mitochondrial Dysfunction.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148709.].

PMID- 27144271
TI  - Attenuating Oxidative Stress by Paeonol Protected against Acetaminophen-Induced
      Hepatotoxicity in Mice.
AB  - Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most frequent cause of drug-induced acute
      liver failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether paeonol
      protected against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Mice treated with paeonol (25, 50,
      100 mg/kg) received 400 mg/kg acetaminophen intraperitoneally (i.p.) and
      hepatotoxicity was assessed. Pre-treatment with paeonol for 6 and 24 h
      ameliorated APAP-induced hepatic necrosis and significantly reduced the serum
      alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in a dose
      dependent manner. Post-treatment with 100 mg/kg paeonol ameliorated APAP-induced
      hepatic necrosis and reduced AST and ALT levels in the serum after APAP
      administration for 24 h. Western blot revealed that paeonol inhibited APAP
      induced phosphorylated JNK protein expression but not p38 and Erk1/2. Moreover,
      paeonol showed anti-oxidant activities with reducing hepatic MDA contents and
      increasing hepatic SOD, GSH-PX and GSH levels. Paeonol dose-dependently prevented
      against H2O2 or APAP-induced LDH releasing and ROS production in primary mouse
      hepatocytes. In addition, the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory genes such as TNF
      alpha, MCP-1, IL-1beta and IL-6 in the liver were dose-dependently reduced by
      paeonol pre-treatment. Pre-treatment with paeonol significantly inhibited
      IKKalpha/beta, IkappaBalpha and p65 phosphorylation which contributed to
      ameliorating APAP-induced hepatic inflammation. Collectively, the present study
      demonstrates paeonol has a protective ability against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity
      and might be an effective candidate compound against drug-induced acute liver
      failure.

PMID- 27144273
TI  - Bayesian Inference of Reticulate Phylogenies under the Multispecies Network
      Coalescent.
AB  - The multispecies coalescent (MSC) is a statistical framework that models how gene
      genealogies grow within the branches of a species tree. The field of
      computational phylogenetics has witnessed an explosion in the development of
      methods for species tree inference under MSC, owing mainly to the accumulating
      evidence of incomplete lineage sorting in phylogenomic analyses. However, the
      evolutionary history of a set of genomes, or species, could be reticulate due to
      the occurrence of evolutionary processes such as hybridization or horizontal gene
      transfer. We report on a novel method for Bayesian inference of genome and
      species phylogenies under the multispecies network coalescent (MSNC). This
      framework models gene evolution within the branches of a phylogenetic network,
      thus incorporating reticulate evolutionary processes, such as hybridization, in
      addition to incomplete lineage sorting. As phylogenetic networks with different
      numbers of reticulation events correspond to points of different dimensions in
      the space of models, we devise a reversible-jump Markov chain Monte Carlo
      (RJMCMC) technique for sampling the posterior distribution of phylogenetic
      networks under MSNC. We implemented the methods in the publicly available, open
      source software package PhyloNet and studied their performance on simulated and
      biological data. The work extends the reach of Bayesian inference to phylogenetic
      networks and enables new evolutionary analyses that account for reticulation.

PMID- 27144274
TI  - Interactive Effects of Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs and Cattle on Shrub Encroachment
      in a Desert Grassland Ecosystem.
AB  - The widespread encroachment of woody plants throughout the semi-arid grasslands
      in North America has largely resulted from overgrazing by domestic livestock,
      fire suppression, and loss of native large and small mammalian herbivores.
      Burrowing-herbivorous mammals, such as prairie dogs (Cynomys spp.), help control
      shrub encroachment through clipping of shrubs and consumption of their seedlings,
      but little is known about how this important ecological role interacts with and
      may be influenced by co-existing large herbivores, especially domestic livestock.
      Here, we established a long-term manipulative experiment using a 2 * 2 factorial
      design to assess the independent and interactive effects of black-tailed prairie
      dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) and cattle (Bos taurus) on honey mesquite (Prosopis
      glandulosa) abundance and structure. We found that, after five years, mesquite
      abundance was three to five times greater in plots where prairie dogs were
      removed compared to plots where they occurred together or alone, respectively.
      While both prairie dogs and cattle reduced mesquite cover, the effect of prairie
      dogs on reducing mesquite abundance, cover, and height was significantly greater
      than that by cattle. Surprisingly, cattle grazing enhanced prairie dog abundance,
      which, in turn, magnified the effects of prairie dogs on mesquite shrubs.
      Mesquite canopy cover per hectare was three to five times greater where prairie
      dogs and cattle were absent compared to where they occurred together or by
      themselves; whereas, cumulative mesquite height was two times lower on sites
      where prairie dog and cattle occurred together compared to where they occurred
      alone or where neither occurred. Data from our experimental study demonstrate
      that prairie dogs and moderate grazing by cattle can suppress mesquite growth,
      and, when their populations are properly managed, they may interact
      synergistically to significantly limit mesquite encroachment in desert
      grasslands.

PMID- 27144275
TI  - Comparative Use of a Caribbean Mesophotic Coral Ecosystem and Association with
      Fish Spawning Aggregations by Three Species of Shark.
AB  - Understanding of species interactions within mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; ~
      30-150 m) lags well behind that for shallow coral reefs. MCEs are often sites of
      fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) for a variety of species, including many
      groupers. Such reproductive fish aggregations represent temporal concentrations
      of potential prey that may be drivers of habitat use by predatory species,
      including sharks. We investigated movements of three species of sharks within a
      MCE and in relation to FSAs located on the shelf edge south of St. Thomas, United
      States Virgin Islands. Movements of 17 tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier), seven lemon
      (Negaprion brevirostris), and six Caribbean reef (Carcharhinus perezi) sharks
      tagged with acoustic transmitters were monitored within the MCE using an array of
      acoustic receivers spanning an area of 1,060 km2 over a five year period.
      Receivers were concentrated around prominent grouper FSAs to monitor movements of
      sharks in relation to these temporally transient aggregations. Over 130,000
      detections of telemetered sharks were recorded, with four sharks tracked in
      excess of 3 years. All three shark species were present within the MCE over long
      periods of time and detected frequently at FSAs, but patterns of MCE use and
      orientation towards FSAs varied both spatially and temporally among species.
      Lemon sharks moved over a large expanse of the MCE, but concentrated their
      activities around FSAs during grouper spawning and were present within the MCE
      significantly more during grouper spawning season. Caribbean reef sharks were
      present within a restricted portion of the MCE for prolonged periods of time, but
      were also absent for long periods. Tiger sharks were detected throughout the
      extent of the acoustic array, with the MCE representing only portion of their
      habitat use, although a high degree of individual variation was observed. Our
      findings indicate that although patterns of use varied, all three species of
      sharks repeatedly utilized the MCE and as upper trophic level predators they are
      likely involved in a range of interactions with other members of MCEs.

PMID- 27144277
TI  - Optimization of In Vitro Techniques for Distinguishing between Live and Dead
      Second Stage Juveniles of Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita.
AB  - Heterodera glycines (Soybean Cyst nematode, or SCN) and Meloidogyne incognita
      (Root-Knot nematode, or RKN) are two damaging plant-parasitic nematodes on
      important field crops. Developing a quick method to distinguish between live and
      dead SCN and RKN second stage juveniles (J2) is vital for high throughput
      screening of pesticides or biological compounds against SCN and RKN. The in vitro
      assays were conducted in 96-well plates to determine the optimum chemical
      stimulus to distinguish between live and dead SCN and RKN J2. Sodium carbonate
      (Na2CO3), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) were evaluated
      for the nematode response to see if these compounds can help distinguish between
      viable from the dead J2. Results indicated that live SCN J2 responded equally (P
      <= 0.05) to 1 MUl Na2CO3 and 10 MUl NaHCO3 in 100 MUl of water at pH = 10. Live
      SCN J2 responded by twisting their bodies in a curling shape and increasing rate
      of movements within 2 minutes of exposure. The twisting activity continued for up
      to 30 minutes. Live RKN J2 responded by increasing activity with the application
      of 1 MUl NaOH in 100 MUl of water at pH = 10 also in the 2 minutes to 30 minutes
      time frame. Furthermore, in growth chamber tests to confirm the infectivity of
      live SCN. The live SCN as determined by exposure to 1 MUl of Na2CO3 indicated
      60.5% of the SCN J2 were alive and of those, 29.5% were infective and entered the
      soybean roots. The 1 MUl of NaOH stimulus revealed that 75.2% RKN J2 were alive
      and of those, 14.9% were infective and entered soybean roots. These results
      confirmed that 1 MUl of Na2CO3 added to 100 MUl suspension of SCN J2 and 1 MUl of
      NaOH added to 100 MUl suspension of RKN J2 are the effective stimuli for rapidly
      distinguishing between live and dead SCN and RKN J2 in vitro. SCN and RKN J2
      responded differently to different compounds.

PMID- 27144278
TI  - Tannic Acid as a Potential Modulator of Norfloxacin Resistance in Staphylococcus
      Aureus Overexpressing norA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tannins have shown inhibitory effects against pathogenic bacteria,
      and these properties make tannins potential modifying agents in bacterial
      resistance. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tannic acid
      (TA), gallic acid (GA) and norfloxacin (Nor) against Staphylococcus aureus SA
      1119 (NorA-effluxing strain) was determined using broth microdilution tests. To
      assess the modulation of antibiotic resistance, the MIC of Nor was determined in
      growth media with or without TA or GA at a subinhibitory concentration (1/4 MIC).
      The checkerboard method was performed to obtain the fractional inhibitory
      concentration index (FICI) for the combined application of TA and Nor. RESULTS:
      TA displayed a weak inhibitory effect (MIC 512 MUg/ml) against S. aureus SA-1119,
      while no inhibitory effect was displayed by GA (MIC >512 MUg/ml). However, when
      TA was tested at a subinhibitory concentration in combination with Nor, the MIC
      of Nor against S. aureus SA-1119 decreased from 128 to 4 MUg/ml (32-fold); this
      effect was not observed for GA. In the checkerboard assay, the MIC of TA and Nor
      decreased from 512 to 128 MUg/ml (4-fold) and from 128 to 8 MUg/ml (16-fold),
      respectively. The combination of TA and Nor presented an FICI as low as 0.31,
      which indicates a synergistic interaction. CONCLUSIONS: TA is a potential agent
      for increasing the clinical efficacy of Nor to control resistant S. aureus.

PMID- 27144276
TI  - Chemical Genetic Analysis and Functional Characterization of Staphylococcal Wall
      Teichoic Acid 2-Epimerases Reveals Unconventional Antibiotic Drug Targets.
AB  - Here we describe a chemical biology strategy performed in Staphylococcus aureus
      and Staphylococcus epidermidis to identify MnaA, a 2-epimerase that we
      demonstrate interconverts UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-ManNAc to modulate substrate levels
      of TarO and TarA wall teichoic acid (WTA) biosynthesis enzymes. Genetic
      inactivation of mnaA results in complete loss of WTA and dramatic in vitro beta
      lactam hypersensitivity in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and S.
      epidermidis (MRSE). Likewise, the beta-lactam antibiotic imipenem exhibits
      restored bactericidal activity against mnaA mutants in vitro and concomitant
      efficacy against 2-epimerase defective strains in a mouse thigh model of MRSA and
      MRSE infection. Interestingly, whereas MnaA serves as the sole 2-epimerase
      required for WTA biosynthesis in S. epidermidis, MnaA and Cap5P provide
      compensatory WTA functional roles in S. aureus. We also demonstrate that MnaA and
      other enzymes of WTA biosynthesis are required for biofilm formation in MRSA and
      MRSE. We further determine the 1.9A crystal structure of S. aureus MnaA and
      identify critical residues for enzymatic dimerization, stability, and substrate
      binding. Finally, the natural product antibiotic tunicamycin is shown to
      physically bind MnaA and Cap5P and inhibit 2-epimerase activity, demonstrating
      that it inhibits a previously unanticipated step in WTA biosynthesis. In summary,
      MnaA serves as a new Staphylococcal antibiotic target with cognate inhibitors
      predicted to possess dual therapeutic benefit: as combination agents to restore
      beta-lactam efficacy against MRSA and MRSE and as non-bioactive prophylactic
      agents to prevent Staphylococcal biofilm formation.

PMID- 27144279
TI  - Efficacy and Safety of Tigecycline for Patients with Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tigecycline is an antibiotic agent with a broad spectrum, which has
      an antibacterial effect against many multidrug-resistant organisms. However, its
      clinical efficacy in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is
      disputed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this report, a systematic review and meta
      analysis were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tigecycline for
      the treatment of HAP. The primary outcome was the rate of clinical cure, and the
      secondary outcomes were mortality and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Four trials
      involving 1,234 patients were included. The standard-dose tigecycline and
      comparator groups did not differ significantly in their rates of clinical cure.
      However, high-dose tigecycline was more effective than standard-dose tigecycline
      or the comparators for the treatment of HAP. There was no significant difference
      in mortality between the standard-dose or high-dose regimen and the comparators.
      Although the safety profile of standard-dose tigecycline was similar to the
      comparators, the high-dose regimen exhibited more AEs compared with the other
      groups. CONCLUSION: High-dose tigecycline is efficient for the treatment of HAP
      but is associated with more AEs.

PMID- 27144280
TI  - Jaguar Densities across Human-Dominated Landscapes in Colombia: The Contribution
      of Unprotected Areas to Long Term Conservation.
AB  - Large carnivores such as jaguars (Panthera onca) are species of conservation
      concern because they are suffering population declines and are keystone species
      in their ecosystems. Their large area requirements imply that unprotected and
      ever-increasing agricultural regions can be important habitats as they allow
      connectivity and dispersal among core protected areas. Yet information on jaguar
      densities across unprotected landscapes it is still scarce and crucially needed
      to assist management and range-wide conservation strategies. Our study provides
      the first jaguar density estimates of Colombia in agricultural regions which
      included cattle ranching, the main land use in the country, and oil palm
      cultivation, an increasing land use across the Neotropics. We used camera
      trapping across two agricultural landscapes located in the Magdalena River valley
      and in the Colombian llanos (47-53 stations respectively; >2000 trap nights at
      both sites) and classic and spatially explicit capture-recapture models with the
      sex of individuals as a covariate. Density estimates were 2.52+/-0.46-3.15+/-1.08
      adults/100 km2 in the Magdalena valley, whereas 1.12+/-0.13-2.19+/-0.99
      adults/100 km2 in the Colombian llanos, depending on analysis used. We suggest
      that jaguars are able to live across unprotected human-use areas and co-exist
      with agricultural landscapes including oil-palm plantations if natural areas and
      riparian habitats persist in the landscape and hunting of both jaguar and prey is
      limited. In the face of an expanding agriculture across the tropics we recommend
      land-use planning, adequate incentives, regulations, and good agricultural
      practices for range-wide jaguar connectivity and survival.

PMID- 27144282
TI  - Inorganic Nutrients Increase Humification Efficiency and C-Sequestration in an
      Annually Cropped Soil.
AB  - Removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and storing the carbon (C) in
      resistant soil organic matter (SOM) is a global priority to restore soil
      fertility and help mitigate climate change. Although it is widely assumed that
      retaining rather than removing or burning crop residues will increase SOM levels,
      many studies have failed to demonstrate this. We hypothesised that the microbial
      nature of resistant SOM provides a predictable nutrient stoichiometry
      (C:nitrogen, C:phosphorus and C:sulphur-C:N:P:S) to target using supplementary
      nutrients when incorporating C-rich crop residues into soil. An improvement in
      the humification efficiency of the soil microbiome as a whole, and thereby C
      sequestration, was predicted. In a field study over 5 years, soil organic-C (SOC)
      stocks to 1.6 m soil depth were increased by 5.5 t C ha-1 where supplementary
      nutrients were applied with incorporated crop residues, but were reduced by 3.2 t
      C ha-1 without nutrient addition, with 2.9 t C ha-1 being lost from the 0-10 cm
      layer. A net difference of 8.7 t C ha-1 was thus achieved in a cropping soil over
      a 5 year period, despite the same level of C addition. Despite shallow
      incorporation (0.15 m), more than 50% of the SOC increase occurred below 0.3 m,
      and as predicted by the stoichiometry, increases in resistant SOC were
      accompanied by increases in soil NPS at all depths. Interestingly the C:N, C:P
      and C:S ratios decreased significantly with depth possibly as a consequence of
      differences in fungi to bacteria ratio. Our results demonstrate that irrespective
      of the C-input, it is essential to balance the nutrient stoichiometry of added C
      to better match that of resistant SOM to increase SOC sequestration. This has
      implications for global practices and policies aimed at increasing SOC
      sequestration and specifically highlight the need to consider the hidden cost and
      availability of associated nutrients in building soil-C.

PMID- 27144283
TI  - Capecitabine for treating head and neck cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: With an increasing incidence, over half a million cases of head and
      neck cancer (HNC) are diagnosed annually worldwide. Various chemotherapeutic
      agents are utilized to achieve adequate locoregional control. Cisplatin,
      fluorouracil (FU), and taxanes are often used to treat HNC but these regimens
      have shown high toxicity and poor patient compliance. Capecitabine is an orally
      administered prodrug that is preferentially converted to FU in tumor cells in
      comparison to normal cells. AREA COVERED: In this review, the authors evaluate
      the role of capecitabine in radical and palliative settings either alone or in
      combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs in the management of HNC. In
      addition, metabolic conversion, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity
      profile of capecitabine are discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Various phase II trials
      conducted on capecitabine in the management of recurrent HNC have shown
      comparable results and tolerable toxic effects especially in pre-treated fragile
      patients. Capecitabine, used in induction or concurrent settings in the radical
      management of locoregionally advanced HNC, have also shown promising results.
      Randomized trials are needed to validate the role of capecitabine in the
      management of HNC.

PMID- 27144281
TI  - MAP3K19 Is a Novel Regulator of TGF-beta Signaling That Impacts Bleomycin-Induced
      Lung Injury and Pulmonary Fibrosis.
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, debilitating disease for
      which two medications, pirfenidone and nintedanib, have only recently been
      approved for treatment. The cytokine TGF-beta has been shown to be a central
      mediator in the disease process. We investigated the role of a novel kinase,
      MAP3K19, upregulated in IPF tissue, in TGF-beta-induced signal transduction and
      in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. MAP3K19 has a very limited tissue
      expression, restricted primarily to the lungs and trachea. In pulmonary tissue,
      expression was predominantly localized to alveolar and interstitial macrophages,
      bronchial epithelial cells and type II pneumocytes of the epithelium. MAP3K19 was
      also found to be overexpressed in bronchoalveolar lavage macrophages from IPF
      patients compared to normal patients. Treatment of A549 or THP-1 cells with
      either MAP3K19 siRNA or a highly potent and specific inhibitor reduced phospho
      Smad2 & 3 nuclear translocation following TGF-beta stimulation. TGF-beta-induced
      gene transcription was also strongly inhibited by both the MAP3K19 inhibitor and
      nintedanib, whereas pirfenidone had a much less pronounced effect. In
      combination, the MAP3K19 inhibitor appeared to act synergistically with either
      pirfenidone or nintedanib, at the level of target gene transcription or protein
      production. Finally, in an animal model of IPF, inhibition of MAP3K19 strongly
      attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis when administered either
      prophylactically ortherapeutically. In summary, these results strongly suggest
      that inhibition of MAP3K19 may have a beneficial therapeutic effect in the
      treatment of IPF and represents a novel strategy to target this disease.

PMID- 27144284
TI  - Neuropsychological assessment in two cases of adult mild traumatic brain injury
      with a history of childhood head trauma.
AB  - The existence of residual cognitive deficits following mild traumatic brain
      injury (MTBI) has been a topic of controversy. The current paper describes
      neuropsychological assessment in two cases of adulthood mild traumatic brain
      injury. Both patients showed objective results demonstrating cognitive
      impairment. The first patient experienced a head trauma around the age of 4 and
      the other patient had a head injury around the age of 7. Discussion focuses on
      the need for the systematic consideration of a history of childhood head injury
      as a moderating factor that may account for why a subgroup of patients show
      cognitive deficits following MTBI.

PMID- 27144285
TI  - Evaluating clinical reason and rationale for not delivering reperfusion therapy
      in ST elevation myocardial infarction patients: Insights from a comprehensive
      cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), reperfusion therapy is
      lifesaving but is not delivered in approximately one quarter of patients. To
      address this care gap, we reviewed all STEMI patients that did not receive
      reperfusion to identify patient characteristics, in-hospital outcomes and the
      clinical reason or rationale for withholding reperfusion therapy. METHODS: A
      prospective chart review identified a consecutive cohort of STEMI patients over
      one-year within a defined health care region with independent data abstraction.
      Subsequently a trained nurse completed retrospective chart review and categorized
      patients by rationale for failure to receive reperfusion. RESULTS: Of 745 STEMI
      patients, 181 (24.3%) did not receive reperfusion. Compared to those receiving
      reperfusion, they were older (67.5 vs. 58.0years, p=0.001) with more
      comorbidities and higher in-hospital mortality (15.5% vs. 3.5% p=<0.0001). After
      excluding 35 patients (unavailable data) there were 146 STEMI patients for
      qualitative determination. Patient delay greater than 12hours from symptom onset
      accounted for the majority of patients (56/146, 38.4%). In 19.9% (29/146),
      conservative medical management with documented rationale occurred. Following
      angiography, primary PCI was attempted but was unsuccessful or no culprit lesion
      identified in 19.2% (28/146). The diagnosis of STEMI was missed or no rationale
      for failure to deliver therapy identified in 8.2% (12/146). Death prior to
      planned reperfusion occurred in 8 (8/146, 5.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Legitimate
      rationale exists for the majority of STEMI patients not receiving reperfusion.
      Ultimately, only 1.6% (12/745) of consecutive STEMI patients failed to receive
      reperfusion without documented rationale or due to missed diagnosis.

PMID- 27144286
TI  - Impact of once- or twice-daily dosing frequency on adherence to chronic
      cardiovascular disease medications: A meta-regression analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most cardiovascular diseases require patients to take one or more
      chronic medications, often administered multiple times daily. We sought to
      determine the impact of once- vs. twice-daily dosing of chronic cardiovascular
      disease medication on adherence. METHODS: We searched Medline and Embase from
      1/1/86 to 10/15/15 for prospective studies electronically measuring adherence for
      at least four weeks to oral, chronic cardiovascular disease medications taken one
      to two times daily. Regimen adherence (the proportion of days with the
      appropriate number of doses taken) and timing adherence (the number of doses
      taken within an assigned interval divided by the total number of intervals) were
      outcomes of interest. Meta-regression was performed to assess how dosing
      frequency, adjusted for study-level covariates, impacted regimen and timing
      adherence. RESULTS: We identified 26 studies that met inclusion criteria. Forty
      study arms consisting of 1834 patients (range: 12-501) evaluated once-daily
      dosing and 18 arms consisting of 451 patients (range: 9-82) evaluated twice-daily
      dosing. Based upon evaluation of the regimen and timing definitions, unadjusted
      adherence rates were lower for twice-daily (73.8% and 50.4%) than once-daily
      dosing (83.1% and 74.2%) of chronic cardiovascular disease medications (p<=0.02
      for both). Upon meta-regression, adjusted mean percent regimen and timing
      adherence for twice-daily dosing was 14.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.8
      21.7%) and 22.9% (95%CI 13.0-32.8%) worse than once-daily dosing (p<=0.002 for
      both). CONCLUSION: Patients appear to be more adherent to cardiovascular disease
      medications dosed once-daily compared to twice-daily. Dosing frequency may be a
      factor for providers to consider when selecting an agent to prescribe.

PMID- 27144287
TI  - Effect of pH and Pressure on Uranium Removal from Drinking Water Using NF/RO
      Membranes.
AB  - Groundwater is becoming an increasingly important drinking water source. However,
      the use of groundwater for potable purposes can lead to chronic human exposure to
      geogenic contaminants, for example, uranium. Nanofiltration (NF) and reverse
      osmosis (RO) processes are used for drinking water purification, and it is
      important to understand how contaminants interact with membranes since
      accumulation of contaminants to the membrane surface can lead to fouling,
      performance decline and possible breakthrough of contaminants. During the current
      study laboratory experiments were conducted using NF (TFC-SR2) and RO (BW30)
      membranes to establish the behavior of uranium across pH (3-10) and pressure (5
      15 bar) ranges. The results showed that important determinants of uranium
      membrane sorption interactions were (i) the uranium speciation (uranium species
      valence and size in relation to membrane surface charge and pore size) and (ii)
      concentration polarization, depending on the pH values. The results show that it
      is important to monitor sorption of uranium to membranes, which is controlled by
      pH and concentration polarization, and, if necessary, adjust those parameters
      controlling uranium sorption.

PMID- 27144288
TI  - Large-Area Buckled MoS2 Films on the Graphene Substrate.
AB  - In this study, a novel buckled structure of edge-oriented MoS2 films is
      fabricated for the first time by employing monolayer graphene as the substrate
      for MoS2 film growth. Compared to typical buckling methods, our technique has
      several advantages: (1) external forces such as heat and mechanical strain are
      not applied; (2) uniform and controllable buckling over a large area is possible;
      and (3) films are able to be transferred to a desired substrate. Dual MoS2
      orientation was observed in the buckled film where horizontally aligned MoS2
      layers of 7 nm thickness were present near the bottom graphene surface and
      vertically aligned layers dominated the film toward the outer surface, in which
      the alignment structure was uniform across the entire film. The catalytic ability
      of the buckled MoS2 films, measured by performing water-splitting tests in acidic
      environments, shows a reduced onset potential of -0.2 V versus reversible
      hydrogen electrode (RHE) compared to -0.32 V versus RHE for pristine MoS2,
      indicating that the rough surface provided a higher catalytic activity. Our work
      presents a new method to generate a buckled MoS2 structure, which may be extended
      to the formation of buckled structures in various 2D materials for future
      applications. 

PMID- 27144289
TI  - DNA Methylation Biphasically Regulates 3T3-L1 Preadipocyte Differentiation.
AB  - Better understanding the mechanisms underlying adipogenesis may provide novel
      therapeutic targets in the treatment of obesity. Most studies investigating the
      mechanisms underlying adipogenesis focus on highly regulated transcriptional
      pathways; little is known about the epigenetic mechanisms in this process. Here,
      we determined the role of DNA methylation in regulating 3T3-L1 adipogenesis in
      early and late stage of differentiation. We found that inhibiting DNA methylation
      pharmacologically by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) at early stage of 3T3-L1
      differentiation markedly suppressed adipogenesis. This inhibition of adipogenesis
      by 5-aza-dC was associated with up-regulation of Wnt10a, an antiadipogenic
      factor, and down-regulation of Wnt10a promoter methylation. In contrast,
      inhibiting DNA methylation by 5-aza-dC at late stage of differentiation enhanced
      the lipogenic program. The differential effects of 5-aza-dC on adipogenesis were
      confirmed by gain or loss of function of DNA methyltransferase 1 using genetic
      approaches. We further explored the molecular mechanism underlying the enhanced
      lipogenesis by inhibition of DNA methylation at late stage of differentiation.
      The Srebp1c promoter is enriched with CpG sites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation
      assays showed that DNA methyltransferase 1 bound to the methylation region at the
      Srebp1c promoter. Pyrosequencing analysis revealed that the DNA methylation at
      the key cis-elements of the Srebp1c promoter was down-regulated in adipogenesis.
      Further, luciferase reporter assays showed that the Srebp1c promoter activity was
      dramatically up-regulated by the unmethylated promoter compared with the fully
      methylated promoter. Thus DNA methylation appears to exert a biphasic regulatory
      role in adipogenesis, promoting differentiation at early stage while inhibiting
      lipogenesis at late stage of 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. 

PMID- 27144290
TI  - The Nuclear Receptor, Nor-1, Induces the Physiological Responses Associated With
      Exercise.
AB  - Skeletal muscle remodels metabolic capacity, contractile and exercise phenotype
      in response to physiological demands. This adaptive remodeling response to
      physical activity can ameliorate/prevent diseases associated with poor diet and
      lifestyle. Our previous work demonstrated that skeletal muscle-specific
      transgenic expression of the neuron-derived orphan nuclear receptor, Nor-1 drives
      muscle reprogramming, improves exercise endurance, and oxidative metabolism. The
      current manuscript investigates the association between exercise, Nor-1
      expression and the role of Nor-1 in adaptive remodeling. We demonstrate that Nor
      1 expression is induced by exercise and is dependent on calcium/calcineurin
      signaling (in vitro and in vivo). Analysis of fatigue-resistant transgenic mice
      that express Nor-1 in skeletal muscle revealed increased hypertrophy and
      vascularization of muscle tissue. Moreover, we demonstrate that transgenic Nor-1
      expression is associated with increased intracellular recycling, ie, autophagy,
      involving 1) increased expression of light chain 3A or LC3A-II, autophagy protein
      5, and autophagy protein 12 in quadriceps femoris muscle extracts from Tg-Nor-1
      (relative to Wild-type (WT) littermates); 2) decreased p62 expression indicative
      of increased autophagolysosome assembly; and 3) decreased mammalian target of
      rapamycin complex 1 activity. Transfection of LC3A-GFP-RFP chimeric plasmid
      demonstrated that autophagolysosome formation was significantly increased by Nor
      1 expression. Furthermore, we demonstrated a single bout of exercise induced LC3A
      II expression in skeletal muscle from C57BL/6 WT mice. This study, when combined
      with our previous studies, demonstrates that Nor-1 expression drives multiple
      physiological changes/pathways that are critical to the beneficial responses of
      muscle to exercise and provides insights into potential pharmacological
      manipulation of muscle reprogramming for the treatment of lifestyle induced
      chronic diseases. 

PMID- 27144292
TI  - Pediatric Posterior Vertebral Column Resection (PVCR): Before and After Ten Years
      of Age: Greater Than 10-Year Follow-Up.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the surgical outcomes
      of posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) and its long-term effects on the
      deformity correction for congenital scoliosis in children less than 18 years of
      age. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There have been no reports on surgical outcomes
      that pertain to the timing of surgery for congenital scoliosis in children under
      age 18 years with long term follow-up. METHODS: Forty-five congenital scoliosis
      patients (N = 45) under age 18 at the time of surgery were treated by PVCR. These
      cases were retrospectively studied and had a minimum 10-year follow-up. We
      assigned patients into two groups: Group 1 (N = 19) patients who had surgery
      before 10 years of age, Group 2 (N = 26) patients who had surgery after 10 years
      of age. RESULTS: In Group 1, the mean Cobb angle of the main curve was 44 degrees
      before surgery, 10.2 degrees  after surgery, and 14.2 degrees  at last follow
      up. In Group 2, the mean Cobb angle of the main curve was 48.7 degrees  before
      surgery, 17.2 degrees  after surgery, and 20.4 degrees  at the last follow-up.
      The mean operative time was 189 minutes in Group 1 and 245 minutes in Group 2.
      The mean estimated blood loss (EBL) per kilogram was 52.9 mL/kg in Group 1 and
      48.1 mL/kg in Group 2. There were 22 complications for PVCR and the overall
      prevalence of complications was 48.9%. CONCLUSION: PVCR is an effective procedure
      for the management of congenital scoliosis under age 18. PVCR for congenital
      scoliosis before the age of 10 years had significantly better deformity
      correction compared with the group after the age of 10 years and did not cause
      crankshaft phenomenon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27144294
TI  - Mental Health Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! Evans Debbie Allen Helen Mental
      Health Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! 544pp Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
      9781901831108 1901831108 [Formula: see text].
AB  - This is an informative read for any nurse or student training in the mental
      health field. It includes more than 70 conditions from anxiety to schizophrenia,
      as well as the range of treatment options. It also looks at nursing concepts in
      mental health and subjects such as communication, consent, multidisciplinary
      care, advocacy and scope of practice. There are expert tips on patient care,
      research, cultural considerations and the latest news in psychopharmacology.

PMID- 27144291
TI  - Glucose Enhances Basal or Melanocortin-Induced cAMP-Response Element Activity in
      Hypothalamic Cells.
AB  - Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)-induced activation of the cAMP-response
      element (CRE) via the CRE-binding protein in hypothalamic cells promotes
      expression of TRH and thereby restricts food intake and increases energy
      expenditure. Glucose also induces central anorexigenic effects by acting on
      hypothalamic neurons, but the underlying mechanisms are not completely
      understood. It has been proposed that glucose activates the CRE-binding protein
      regulated transcriptional coactivator 2 (CRTC-2) in hypothalamic neurons by
      inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinases (AMPKs), but whether glucose directly
      affects hypothalamic CRE activity has not yet been shown. Hence, we dissected
      effects of glucose on basal and MSH-induced CRE activation in terms of kinetics,
      affinity, and desensitization in murine, hypothalamic mHypoA-2/10-CRE cells that
      stably express a CRE-dependent reporter gene construct. Physiologically relevant
      increases in extracellular glucose enhanced basal or MSH-induced CRE-dependent
      gene transcription, whereas prolonged elevated glucose concentrations reduced the
      sensitivity of mHypoA-2/10-CRE cells towards glucose. Glucose also induced CRCT-2
      translocation into the nucleus and the AMPK activator metformin decreased basal
      and glucose-induced CRE activity, suggesting a role for AMPK/CRTC-2 in glucose
      induced CRE activation. Accordingly, small interfering RNA-induced down
      regulation of CRTC-2 expression decreased glucose-induced CRE-dependent reporter
      activation. Of note, glucose also induced expression of TRH, suggesting that
      glucose might affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis via the regulation
      of hypothalamic CRE activity. These findings significantly advance our knowledge
      about the impact of glucose on hypothalamic signaling and suggest that TRH
      release might account for the central anorexigenic effects of glucose and could
      represent a new molecular link between hyperglycaemia and thyroid dysfunction. 

PMID- 27144295
TI  - Living Confidently With HIV - A Self-Help Book for People Living With HIV Shaw
      Liz Living Confidently With HIV - A Self-Help Book for People Living With HIV
      270pp Blue Stallion Publications 9781904127093 1904127096 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Many self-help books are written by people who have little or no experience of
      the subject. Fortunately this book does not fall into that category. The authors
      are four clinical psychologists with extensive experience of working with people
      who are HIV positive. Their book is a guide for those newly diagnosed with HIV,
      giving information on what to expect and what to do.

PMID- 27144293
TI  - Novel trans-Stilbene-based Fluorophores as Probes for Spectral Discrimination of
      Native and Protofibrillar Transthyretin.
AB  - Accumulation of misfolded transthyretin (TTR) as amyloid fibrils causes various
      human disorders. Native transthyretin is a neurotrophic protein and is a putative
      extracellular molecular chaperone. Several fluorophores have been shown in vitro
      to bind selectively to native TTR. Other compounds, such as thioflavin T, bind
      TTR amyloid fibrils. The probe 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonate (ANS) binds to
      both native and fibrillar TTR, becoming highly fluorescent, but with
      indistinguishable emission spectra for native and fibrillar TTR. Herein we report
      our efforts to develop a fluorescent small molecule capable of binding both
      native and misfolded protofibrillar TTR, providing distinguishable emission
      spectra. We used microwave synthesis for efficient production of a small library
      of trans-stilbenes and fluorescence spectral screening of their binding
      properties. We synthesized and tested 22 trans-stilbenes displaying a variety of
      functional groups. We successfully developed two naphthyl-based trans-stilbenes
      probes that detect both TTR states at physiological concentrations. The compounds
      bound with nanomolar to micromolar affinities and displayed distinct emission
      maxima upon binding native or misfolded protofibrillar TTR (>100 nm difference).
      The probes were mainly responsive to environment polarity providing evidence for
      the divergent hydrophobic structure of the binding sites of these protein
      conformational states. Furthermore, we were able to successfully use one of these
      probes to quantify the relative amounts of native and protofibrillar TTR in a
      dynamic equilibrium. In conclusion, we identified two trans-stilbene-based
      fluorescent probes, (E)-4-(2-(naphthalen-1-yl)vinyl)benzene-1,2-diol (11) and (E)
      4-(2-(naphthalen-2-yl)vinyl)benzene-1,2-diol (14), that bind native and
      protofibrillar TTR, providing a wide difference in emission maxima allowing
      conformational discrimination by fluorescence spectroscopy. We expect these novel
      molecules to serve as important chemical biology research tools in studies of TTR
      folding and misfolding.

PMID- 27144296
TI  - Nursing the Neonate - Second edition Meeks Maggie Hallsworth Maggie Yeo Helen
      Nursing the Neonate - Second edition 376pp Wiley-Blackwell 9781405149747
      1405149744 [Formula: see text].
AB  - This text is an excellent resource and includes chapters on the complex aspects
      of neonatal care, including thermoregulation, fluids and electrolytes,
      respiratory difficulties, surgery and congenital conditions. There is also well
      presented content on developmental care, the neonatal environment and the care of
      families.

PMID- 27144297
TI  - The Potential Role of Probiotics in Cancer Prevention and Treatment.
AB  - The human gut microbiota has a significant effect on many aspects of human
      physiology such as metabolism, nutrient absorption, and immune function.
      Imbalance of the microbiota has been implicated in many disorders including
      inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, asthma, psychiatric illnesses, and cancers.
      As a kind of functional foods, probiotics have been shown to play a protective
      role against cancer development in animal models. Clinical application of
      probiotics indicated that some probiotic strains could diminish the incidence of
      postoperative inflammation in cancer patients. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy
      related diarrhea was relieved in patients who were administered oral probiotics.
      The present review summarizes the up-to-date studies on probiotic effects and the
      underlying mechanisms related to cancer. At present, it is commonly accepted that
      most commercial probiotic products are generally safe and can improve the health
      of the host. By modulating intestinal microbiota and immune response, some
      strains of probiotics can be used as an adjuvant for cancer prevention or/and
      treatment.

PMID- 27144298
TI  - Integrating Early Intervention for Borderline Personality Disorder and Mood
      Disorders.
AB  - Borderline personality disorder (BPD) has been demonstrated to be a reliable and
      valid construct in young people (adolescents and young adults). Both borderline-
      and mood-related psychopathology become clinically apparent from puberty through
      to young adulthood, frequently co-occur, can reinforce one another, and can be
      difficult to differentiate clinically. This Gordian knot of overlapping clinical
      features, common risk factors, and precursors to both BPD and mood disorders
      complicates clinical assessment, prevention, and treatment. Regardless of whether
      an individual crosses an arbitrary diagnostic threshold, a considerable
      proportion of young people with borderline- and mood-related psychopathology will
      develop significant and persistent functional, vocational, and interpersonal
      impairment and disability during this critical risk and developmental period.
      There is a clear need for early intervention, but spurious diagnostic certainty
      risks stigma, misapplication of diagnostic labels, inappropriate treatment, and
      unfavorable outcomes. This article aims to integrate early intervention for BPD
      and mood disorders in the clinical context of developmental and phenomenological
      change and evolution. "Clinical staging," similar to disease staging in general
      medicine, is presented as a pragmatic, heuristic, and trans-diagnostic framework
      to guide prevention and intervention. It acknowledges that the early stages of
      these disorders cannot be disentangled sufficiently to allow for disorder
      specific preventive measures and early interventions. Clinical staging defines an
      individual's location along the continuum of the evolving temporal course of a
      disorder. Such staging aids differentiation of early or milder clinical phenomena
      from those that accompany illness progression and chronicity, and suggests the
      application of appropriate and proportionate intervention strategies.

PMID- 27144299
TI  - Development of a robust immuno-S-FISH protocol using imaging flow cytometry.
AB  - Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a microscopy technique which uses a
      fluorescent probe to detect DNA sequences and is generally performed on metaphase
      spreads or interphase nuclei of intact cells on a slide. In a diagnostic
      laboratory, cells are hybridized with fluorescent probes and up to 200 cells
      counted for the number of cells with probe "spots." Recent modifications to
      standard FISH include immuno-FISH, where chromosomal abnormalities are detected
      only in cells by their phenotype, and S-FISH where probe hybridization is
      performed on whole cells in suspension. Here we describe the development of an
      immuno-S-FISH method that combines immunophenotyping and FISH analysis of cells
      in suspension followed by analysis on an imaging flow cytometer. This single
      platform technique couples microscopy with flow cytometry and "spot" detection of
      bound FISH probe. Automated immuno-S-FISH enables large numbers of analyzed cells
      to be identified by phenotype and assessed for specific chromosomal determinants
      by FISH. This novel robust method enables quantitative cell population analysis
      and "spot" counting for large numbers of cells. We report method optimization of
      this imaging immuno-S-FISH flow cytometry protocol which has capability for many
      clinical applications. (c) 2016 International Society for Advancement of
      Cytometry.

PMID- 27144300
TI  - Effect of Fixed Versus Adjusted Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
      Amplitude on Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of adjusting pulse
      amplitude of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation versus fixed pulse
      amplitude in treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain. DESIGN: Randomized
      clinical trial. SETTING: El-sahel Teaching Hospital, Egypt. PARTICIPANTS: Forty
      five patients with chronic low back pain assigned to three equal groups. Their
      ages ranged from 20 to 50 years. INTERVENTION: The three groups received the same
      exercise program. Group A received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
      with fixed pulse amplitude for 40 minutes. Group B received transcutaneous
      electrical nerve stimulation with adjusted pulse amplitude for 40 minutes, with
      the pulse amplitude adjusted every 5 minutes. Group C received exercises only.
      Treatment sessions were applied three times per week for 4 weeks for the three
      groups. OUTCOME MEASURES: A visual analogue scale was used to assess pain
      severity, the Oswestry Disability Index was used to assess functional level, and
      a dual inclinometer was used to measure lumbar range of motion. Evaluations were
      performed before and after treatment. RESULTS: Visual analogue scale, Oswestry
      Disability Index, and back range of motion significantly differed between the two
      groups that received transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and the control
      group and did not significantly differ between fixed and adjusted pulse amplitude
      of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. CONCLUSION: Adjusting pulse
      amplitude of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation does not produce a
      difference in the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation used to
      treat chronic low back pain.

PMID- 27144301
TI  - Fatty Acid-Derived Pro-Toxicants of the Rat Selective Toxicant Norbormide.
AB  - Norbormide [5-(alpha-hydroxy-alpha-2-pyridylbenzyl)-7-(alpha-2
      pyridylbenzylidene)-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximide] (NRB), an existing but
      infrequently used rodenticide, is known to be uniquely toxic to rats but
      relatively harmless to other rodents and mammals. However, as an acute
      vasoactive, NRB has a rapid onset of action which makes it relatively unpalatable
      to rats, often leading to sublethal uptake and accompanying bait shyness. A
      series of NRB-derived pro-toxicants (3a - i, 4a - i, and 5a - i) were prepared in
      an effort to 'mask' this acute response and improve both palatability and
      efficacy. Their synthesis, in vitro biological evaluation (vasocontractile
      response in rat vasculature, stability in selected rat media) and
      palatability/efficacy in Sprague-Dawley, wild Norway, and wild ship rats is
      described. Most notably, pro-toxicant 3d was revealed to be free of all pre
      cleavage vasoconstrictory activity in rat caudal artery and was subsequently
      demonstrated to release NRB in the presence of rat blood, liver, and pancreatic
      enzymes. Moreover, it consistently displayed a high level of acceptance by rats
      in a two-choice bait-palatability and efficacy trial, with accompanying high
      mortality. On this evidence, fatty acid ester prodrugs would appear to offer a
      promising platform for the further development of NRB-derived toxicants with
      enhanced palatability and efficacy profiles. 

PMID- 27144302
TI  - Zinc Stabilizes Shank3 at the Postsynaptic Density of Hippocampal Synapses.
AB  - Shank3 is a postsynaptic density (PSD) scaffold protein of the Shank family. Here
      we use pre-embedding immunogold electron microscopy to investigate factors
      influencing the distribution of Shank3 at the PSD. In dissociated rat hippocampal
      cultures under basal conditions, label for Shank3 was concentrated in a broad
      layer of the PSD, ~20-80 nm from the postsynaptic membrane. Upon depolarization
      with high K+ (90 mM, 2 min), or application of NMDA (50 MUM, 2 min), both the
      labeling intensity at the PSD and the median distance of label from the
      postsynaptic membrane increased significantly, indicating that Shank3 molecules
      are preferentially recruited to the distal layer of the PSD. Incubation in medium
      supplemented with zinc (50 MUM ZnCl2, 1 hr) also significantly increased labeling
      intensity for Shank3 at the PSD, but this addition of Shank3 was not preferential
      to the distal layer. When cells were incubated with zinc and then treated with
      NMDA, labeling intensity of Shank3 became higher than with either treatment alone
      and manifested a preference for the distal layer of the PSD. Without zinc
      supplementation, NMDA-induced accumulation of Shank3 at the PSD was transient,
      reversing within 30 min after return to control medium. However, when zinc was
      included in culture media throughout the experiment, the NMDA-induced
      accumulation of Shank3 was largely retained, including Shank3 molecules recruited
      to the distal layer of the PSD. These results demonstrate that activity induces
      accumulation of Shank3 at the PSD and that zinc stabilizes PSD-associated Shank3,
      possibly through strengthening of Shank-Shank association.

PMID- 27144303
TI  - Limited ATF4 Expression in Degenerating Retinas with Ongoing ER Stress Promotes
      Photoreceptor Survival in a Mouse Model of Autosomal Dominant Retinitis
      Pigmentosa.
AB  - T17M rhodopsin expression in rod photoreceptors leads to severe retinal
      degeneration and is associated with the activation of ER stress related Unfolded
      Protein Response (UPR) signaling. Here, we show a novel role of a UPR
      transcription factor, ATF4, in photoreceptor cellular pathology. We demonstrated
      a pro-death role for ATF4 overexpression during autosomal dominant retinitis
      pigmentosa (ADRP). Based on our results in ATF4 knockout mice and adeno
      associated viral (AAV) delivery of ATF4 to the retina, we validated a novel
      therapeutic approach targeting ATF4 over the course of retinal degeneration. In
      T17M rhodopsin retinas, we observed ATF4 overexpression concomitantly with
      reduction of p62 and elevation of p53 levels. These molecular alterations,
      together with increased CHOP and caspase-3/7 activity, possibly contributed to
      the mechanism of photoreceptor cell loss. Conversely, ATF4 knockdown retarded
      retinal degeneration in 1-month-old T17M Rhodopsin mice and promoted
      photoreceptor survival, as measured by scotopic and photopic ERGs and
      photoreceptor nuclei row counts. Similarly, ATF4 knockdown also markedly delayed
      retinal degeneration in 3-month-old ADRP animals. This delay was accompanied by a
      dramatic decrease in UPR signaling, the launching of anti-oxidant defense,
      initiation of autophagy, and improvement of rhodopsin biosynthesis which together
      perhaps combat the cellular stress associated with T17M rhodopsin. Our data
      indicate that augmented ATF4 signals during retinal degeneration plays a
      cytotoxic role by triggering photoreceptor cell death. Future ADRP therapy
      regulating ATF4 expression can be developed to treat retinal degenerative
      disorders associated with activated UPR.

PMID- 27144304
TI  - Digital Droplet Multiple Displacement Amplification (ddMDA) for Whole Genome
      Sequencing of Limited DNA Samples.
AB  - Multiple displacement amplification (MDA) is a widely used technique for
      amplification of DNA from samples containing limited amounts of DNA (e.g.,
      uncultivable microbes or clinical samples) before whole genome sequencing.
      Despite its advantages of high yield and fidelity, it suffers from high
      amplification bias and non-specific amplification when amplifying sub-nanogram of
      template DNA. Here, we present a microfluidic digital droplet MDA (ddMDA)
      technique where partitioning of the template DNA into thousands of sub-nanoliter
      droplets, each containing a small number of DNA fragments, greatly reduces the
      competition among DNA fragments for primers and polymerase thereby greatly
      reducing amplification bias. Consequently, the ddMDA approach enabled a more
      uniform coverage of amplification over the entire length of the genome, with
      significantly lower bias and non-specific amplification than conventional MDA.
      For a sample containing 0.1 pg/MUL of E. coli DNA (equivalent of ~3/1000 of an E.
      coli genome per droplet), ddMDA achieves a 65-fold increase in coverage in de
      novo assembly, and more than 20-fold increase in specificity (percentage of reads
      mapping to E. coli) compared to the conventional tube MDA. ddMDA offers a
      powerful method useful for many applications including medical diagnostics,
      forensics, and environmental microbiology.

PMID- 27144305
TI  - Synaptic signalling and its interface with neuropathologies: snapshots from the
      past, present and future.
AB  - This 'Past to Future' Review as part of the 60th anniversary year of the Journal
      of Neurochemistry focuses on synaptic transmission and associated signalling, and
      seeks to identify seminal progress in neurochemistry over the last 10 years which
      has advanced our understanding of neuronal communication in brain. The approach
      adopted analyses neurotransmitters on a case by case basis (i.e. amino acids,
      monoamines, acetylcholine, neuropeptides, ATP/purines and gasotransmitters) to
      highlight novel findings that have changed the way we view each type of
      transmitter, to explore commonalities and interactions, and to note how new
      insights have changed the way we view the biology of degenerative, psychiatric
      and behavioural conditions. Across all transmitter systems there was remarkable
      growth in the identification of targets likely to provide therapeutic benefit and
      which undoubtedly was driven by the elucidation of circuit function and new
      vistas of synaptic signalling. There has been an increasing trend to relate
      signalling to disease, notably for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and
      related conditions, and which has occurred for each transmitter family. Forebrain
      circuitry and tonic excitatory control have been the centre of great attention
      yielding novel findings that will impact upon cognitive, emotional and addictive
      behaviours. Other impressive insights focus on gasotransmitters integrating
      activity as volume transmitters. Exciting developments in how serotonin,
      cholinergic, l-glutamate, galanin and adenosine receptors and their associated
      signalling can be beneficially targeted should underpin the development of new
      therapies. Clearly integrated, multifaceted neurochemistry has changed the way we
      view synaptic signalling and its relevance to pathobiology. Highlighted are
      important advances in synaptic signalling over the last decade in the Journal of
      Neurochemistry. Across all transmitter systems elucidation of circuit function,
      and notably molecular insights, have underpinned remarkable growth in the
      identification of targets likely to provide therapeutic benefit in
      neuropathologies. Another commonality was wide interest in forebrain circuitry
      and its tonic excitatory control. Increasingly observations relate to signalling
      in disease and behavioural conditions. This article is part of the 60th
      Anniversary special issue.

PMID- 27144306
TI  - A Versatile Bioreactor for Dynamic Suspension Cell Culture. Application to the
      Culture of Cancer Cell Spheroids.
AB  - A versatile bioreactor suitable for dynamic suspension cell culture under tunable
      shear stress conditions has been developed and preliminarily tested culturing
      cancer cell spheroids. By adopting simple technological solutions and avoiding
      rotating components, the bioreactor exploits the laminar hydrodynamics
      establishing within the culture chamber enabling dynamic cell suspension in an
      environment favourable to mass transport, under a wide range of tunable shear
      stress conditions. The design phase of the device has been supported by
      multiphysics modelling and has provided a comprehensive analysis of the operating
      principles of the bioreactor. Moreover, an explanatory example is herein
      presented with multiphysics simulations used to set the proper bioreactor
      operating conditions for preliminary in vitro biological tests on a human lung
      carcinoma cell line. The biological results demonstrate that the ultralow shear
      dynamic suspension provided by the device is beneficial for culturing cancer cell
      spheroids. In comparison to the static suspension control, dynamic cell
      suspension preserves morphological features, promotes intercellular connection,
      increases spheroid size (2.4-fold increase) and number of cycling cells (1.58
      fold increase), and reduces double strand DNA damage (1.5-fold reduction). It is
      envisioned that the versatility of this bioreactor could allow investigation and
      expansion of different cell types in the future.

PMID- 27144307
TI  - Effects of Different Analysis Strategies on Paired Associative Stimulation. A
      Pooled Data Analysis from Three Research Labs.
AB  - Paired associative stimulation (PAS) is a widely used transcranial magnetic
      stimulation (TMS) paradigm to non-invasively induce synaptic plasticity in the
      human brain in vivo. Altered PAS-induced plasticity has been demonstrated for
      several diseases. However, researchers are faced with a high inter- and intra
      subject variability of the PAS response. Here, we pooled original data from nine
      PAS studies from three centers and analyzed the combined dataset of 190 healthy
      subjects with regard to age dependency, the role of stimulation parameters and
      the effect of different statistical methods. We observed no main effect of the
      PAS intervention over all studies (F(2;362) = 0.44; p = 0.644). The rate of
      subjects showing the expected increase of motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes
      was 53%. The PAS effect differed significantly between studies as shown by a
      significant interaction effect (F(16;362) = 1.77; p = 0.034) but post-hoc testing
      did not reveal significant effects after correction for multiple tests. There was
      a trend toward increased variability of the PAS effect in older subjects.
      Acquisition parameters differed across studies but without systematically
      influencing changes in MEP-size. The use of post/baseline quotients
      systematically indicated stronger PAS effects than post/baseline difference or
      the logarithm of the post/baseline quotient. The non-significant PAS effects
      across studies and a wide range of responder rates between studies indicate a
      high variability of this method. We were thus not able to replicate findings from
      a previous meta-analysis showing robust effects of PAS. No pattern emerged
      regarding acquisition parameters that at this point could guide future studies to
      reduce variability and help increase response rate. For future studies, we
      propose to report the responder rate and recommend the use of the logarithmized
      post/baseline quotient for further analyses to better address the possibility
      that results are driven by few extreme cases.

PMID- 27144309
TI  - Correction: Mouse SIRT3 Attenuates Hypertrophy-Related Lipid Accumulation in the
      Heart through the Deacetylation of LCAD.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118909.].

PMID- 27144308
TI  - Pathogenic Chlamydia Lack a Classical Sacculus but Synthesize a Narrow, Mid-cell
      Peptidoglycan Ring, Regulated by MreB, for Cell Division.
AB  - The peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall is a peptide cross-linked glycan polymer
      essential for bacterial division and maintenance of cell shape and hydrostatic
      pressure. Bacteria in the Chlamydiales were long thought to lack PG until recent
      advances in PG labeling technologies revealed the presence of this critical cell
      wall component in Chlamydia trachomatis. In this study, we utilize bio-orthogonal
      D-amino acid dipeptide probes combined with super-resolution microscopy to
      demonstrate that four pathogenic Chlamydiae species each possess a <= 140 nm wide
      PG ring limited to the division plane during the replicative phase of their
      developmental cycles. Assembly of this PG ring is rapid, processive, and linked
      to the bacterial actin-like protein, MreB. Both MreB polymerization and PG
      biosynthesis occur only in the intracellular form of pathogenic Chlamydia and are
      required for cell enlargement, division, and transition between the microbe's
      developmental forms. Our kinetic, molecular, and biochemical analyses suggest
      that the development of this limited, transient, PG ring structure is the result
      of pathoadaptation by Chlamydia to an intracellular niche within its vertebrate
      host.

PMID- 27144310
TI  - A Grassroots Remote Sensing Toolkit Using Live Coding, Smartphones, Kites and
      Lightweight Drones.
AB  - This manuscript describes the development of an android-based smartphone
      application for capturing aerial photographs and spatial metadata automatically,
      for use in grassroots mapping applications. The aim of the project was to exploit
      the plethora of on-board sensors within modern smartphones (accelerometer, GPS,
      compass, camera) to generate ready-to-use spatial data from lightweight aerial
      platforms such as drones or kites. A visual coding 'scheme blocks' framework was
      used to build the application ('app'), so that users could customise their own
      data capture tools in the field. The paper reports on the coding framework, then
      shows the results of test flights from kites and lightweight drones and finally
      shows how open-source geospatial toolkits were used to generate geographical
      information system (GIS)-ready GeoTIFF images from the metadata stored by the
      app. Two Android smartphones were used in testing-a high specification OnePlus
      One handset and a lower cost Acer Liquid Z3 handset, to test the operational
      limits of the app on phones with different sensor sets. We demonstrate that best
      results were obtained when the phone was attached to a stable single line kite or
      to a gliding drone. Results show that engine or motor vibrations from powered
      aircraft required dampening to ensure capture of high quality images. We
      demonstrate how the products generated from the open-source processing workflow
      are easily used in GIS. The app can be downloaded freely from the Google store by
      searching for 'UAV toolkit' (UAV toolkit 2016), and used wherever an Android
      smartphone and aerial platform are available to deliver rapid spatial data (e.g.
      in supporting decision-making in humanitarian disaster-relief zones, in teaching
      or for grassroots remote sensing and democratic mapping).

PMID- 27144311
TI  - Mandatory Assignment of Modified Wells Score Before CT Angiography for Pulmonary
      Embolism Fails to Improve Utilization or Percentage of Positive Cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to determine the impact of embedding a
      pretest probability rule that is required during the computerized physician order
      entry (CPOE) process on the appropriateness of CT angiography (CTA) of the
      pulmonary arteries for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency
      department (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the electronic
      medical records of all adults who visited the ED from October 17, 2010, through
      October 17, 2012 (n = 96,507). The primary outcome was the appropriateness of
      pulmonary CTA. Logistic regression was used to test whether rates of appropriate
      use, overuse, and underuse of pulmonary CTA improved significantly after the
      implementation of the decision support tool when controlling for other patient
      characteristics. RESULTS: Pulmonary CTA was appropriately used in 67.2% of
      patients with a modified Wells score of >= 4, a positive d-dimer test result, or
      both. CTA was overused in 19.3% of patients and underused in 13.5% of patients.
      Each additional month after the start of the intervention was associated with a 4
      percentage point increase in the odds that the modified Wells score would
      indicate CTA had been used appropriately (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01
      1.07) and significantly lowered the odds of overuse of CTA (OR = 0.93; 95% CI,
      0.90-0.96) based on the modified Wells score. These changes were not associated
      with any significant alteration in the level of CTA utilization or the positivity
      rate. CONCLUSION: The addition of a mandatory field in the CPOE record was
      associated with a significant improvement in the appropriate ordering of
      pulmonary CTA but did not change the PE positive rate or CTA utilization. It
      seems likely that physicians gradually inflated the modified Wells scores in
      spite of the fact that a threshold modified Wells score was not required to
      perform pulmonary CTA.

PMID- 27144314
TI  - Corrigendum: Identifying the Minimal Enzymes for Unusual Carbon-Sulfur Bond
      Formation in Thienodolin Biosynthesis.

PMID- 27144315
TI  - Examining Treatment Climate Across Prison-Based Substance Abuse Treatment Groups.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With notable exceptions, few studies have looked critically at the
      role and effects of factors other than individual or programmatic differences
      that contribute to the climate within substance abuse treatment programs. De
      Leon's work on the therapeutic community, however, indicates that factors beyond
      the individual and program can contribute to the overall functioning of similarly
      situated communities. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we introduce and examine the
      concept of the "treatment group," the level of aggregation between the individual
      who participates in treatment and the organization that provides it. The
      treatment group refers to the social context and dynamics that operate among
      treatment participants, and we sought to study differences in treatment climate
      across 12 prison-based treatment groups within a single prison. METHODS: Using
      data from 604 participants who were assigned at random to one of the 12 groups,
      we analyzed differences on seven treatment climate indicators from one month and
      six months into the program across the treatment groups. RESULTS: No differences
      were found among the treatment groups at after one month; however, after 6
      months, significant differences emerged across the groups on three treatment
      climate variables: program structure, counselor rapport, and counselor
      competence. CONCLUSIONS/IMPORTANCE: This study is among the first of its kind to
      conceptualize and examine treatment climate across otherwise similar groups and
      find that differences emerge on several indicators of climate. As such, we argue
      that the treatment group may be important to consider in both the delivery and
      evaluation of substance abuse treatment.

PMID- 27144316
TI  - Protein translation machinery holds a key for transition of planktonic cells to
      biofilm state in Enterococcus faecalis: A proteomic approach.
AB  - Enterococcus faecalis is a member of human gut microflora causing nosocomial
      infection involving biofilm formation. Ethyl methyl sulfonate induced mutants
      were analysed using crystal violet assay, SEM and CLSM microscopy which confirmed
      AK-E12 as biofilm efficient and AK-F6 as biofilm deficient mutants. Growth curve
      pattern revealed AK-E12 was fast growing whereas, AK-F6 was found slow growing
      mutant. 2D-Electrophorosis and MALDI-TOF analysis revealed over and
      underexpression of many translation-elongation associated proteins in mutants
      compared to wild type. Protein translation elongation factor G, translation
      elongation factor Tu and ribosomal subunit interface proteins were underexpressed
      and UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyl transferase and cell division protein divIVA
      were overexpressed in AK-E12 as compared to wild type. In AK-F6, except 10 kDa
      chaperonin which was over-expressed other selected proteins were found to be
      suppressed. RT-PCR confirmed proteomic data except for the translation elongation
      factor G which showed contradictory data of proteome expression in AK-E12.
      Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using STRING 10.0 which
      demonstrated strong connection of translation-elongation proteins with other
      proteins. Hence, it concludes from the data that translation elongation factors
      are important in transition of planktonic cells to biofilm cells in Enterococcus
      faecalis.

PMID- 27144312
TI  - An FGF3-BMP Signaling Axis Regulates Caudal Neural Tube Closure, Neural Crest
      Specification and Anterior-Posterior Axis Extension.
AB  - During vertebrate axis extension, adjacent tissue layers undergo profound
      morphological changes: within the neuroepithelium, neural tube closure and neural
      crest formation are occurring, while within the paraxial mesoderm somites are
      segmenting from the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). Little is known about the signals
      between these tissues that regulate their coordinated morphogenesis. Here, we
      analyze the posterior axis truncation of mouse Fgf3 null homozygotes and
      demonstrate that the earliest role of PSM-derived FGF3 is to regulate BMP signals
      in the adjacent neuroepithelium. FGF3 loss causes elevated BMP signals leading to
      increased neuroepithelium proliferation, delay in neural tube closure and
      premature neural crest specification. We demonstrate that elevated BMP4 depletes
      PSM progenitors in vitro, phenocopying the Fgf3 mutant, suggesting that excessive
      BMP signals cause the Fgf3 axis defect. To test this in vivo we increased BMP
      signaling in Fgf3 mutants by removing one copy of Noggin, which encodes a BMP
      antagonist. In such mutants, all parameters of the Fgf3 phenotype were
      exacerbated: neural tube closure delay, premature neural crest specification, and
      premature axis termination. Conversely, genetically decreasing BMP signaling in
      Fgf3 mutants, via loss of BMP receptor activity, alleviates morphological
      defects. Aberrant apoptosis is observed in the Fgf3 mutant tailbud. However, we
      demonstrate that cell death does not cause the Fgf3 phenotype: blocking apoptosis
      via deletion of pro-apoptotic genes surprisingly increases all Fgf3 defects
      including causing spina bifida. We demonstrate that this counterintuitive
      consequence of blocking apoptosis is caused by the increased survival of BMP
      producing cells in the neuroepithelium. Thus, we show that FGF3 in the caudal
      vertebrate embryo regulates BMP signaling in the neuroepithelium, which in turn
      regulates neural tube closure, neural crest specification and axis termination.
      Uncovering this FGF3-BMP signaling axis is a major advance toward understanding
      how these tissue layers interact during axis extension with important
      implications in human disease.

PMID- 27144317
TI  - Activation of mPTP-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by a novel pan HDAC
      inhibitor resminostat in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
AB  - Over-expression and aberrant activation of histone deacetylases (HDACs) are often
      associated with poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we
      evaluated the potential anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell activity by
      resminostat, a novel pan HDAC inhibitor (HDACi). We demonstrated that resminostat
      induced potent cytotoxic and anti-proliferative activity against established HCC
      cell lines (HepG2, HepB3, SMMC-7721) and patient-derived primary HCC cells.
      Further, resminostat treatment in HCC cells activated mitochondrial permeability
      transition pore (mPTP)-dependent apoptosis pathway, which was evidenced by
      physical association of cyclophilin-D and adenine nucleotide translocator 1 (ANT
      1), mitochondrial depolarization, cytochrome C release and caspase-9 activation.
      Intriguingly, the mPTP blockers (sanglifehrin A and cyclosporine A), shRNA
      knockdown of cyclophilin-D or the caspase-9 inhibitor dramatically attenuated
      resminostat-induced HCC cell apoptosis and cytotoxicity. Reversely, HCC cells
      with exogenous cyclophilin-D over-expression were hyper-sensitive to resminostat.
      Intriguingly, a low concentration of resminostat remarkably potentiated sorafenib
      induced mitochondrial apoptosis pathway activation, leading to a profound
      cytotoxicity in HCC cells. The results of this preclinical study indicate that
      resminostat (or plus sorafenib) could be further investigated as a valuable anti
      HCC strategy.

PMID- 27144318
TI  - Advancing Partner Notification Through Electronic Communication Technology: A
      Review of Acceptability and Utilization Research.
AB  - A cornerstone of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention is the
      identification, tracing, and notification of sex partners of index patients.
      Although partner notification reduces disease burden and prevents new infections
      as well as reinfections, studies show that only a limited number of partners are
      ever notified. Electronic communication technologies, namely, the Internet, text
      messaging, and phone calls (i.e., e-notification), have the potential to expand
      partner services. We conducted a systematic review of studies that have
      investigated the acceptability and utility of e-notification. We identified 23
      studies that met the following criteria: (a) 9 studies presented data on the
      acceptability of technology-based communications for contacting sex partner(s),
      and (b) 14 studies reported on the utilization of communication technologies for
      partner notification. Studies found high levels of interest in and acceptability
      of e-notification; however, there was little evidence for actual use of e
      notification. Taken together, results suggest that electronic communications
      could have their greatest impact in notifying less committed partners who would
      otherwise be uninformed of their STI exposure. In addition, all studies to date
      have been conducted in resource-rich countries, although the low cost of e
      notification may have its greatest impact in resource-constrained settings.
      Research is needed to determine the best practices for exploiting the
      opportunities afforded by electronic communications for expanding STI partner
      services.

PMID- 27144320
TI  - Polydimethylsiloxane Coating for a Palladium/MOF Composite: Highly Improved
      Catalytic Performance by Surface Hydrophobization.
AB  - Surface wettability of active sites plays a crucial role in the activity and
      selectivity of catalysts. This report describes modification of surface
      hydrophobicity of Pd/UiO-66, a composite comprising a metal-organic framework
      (MOF) and stabilized palladium nanoparticles (NPs), using a simple
      polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating. The modified catalyst demonstrated
      significantly improved catalytic efficiency. The approach can be extended to
      various Pd nanoparticulate catalysts for enhanced activity in reactions involving
      hydrophobic reactants, as the hydrophobic surface facilitates the enrichment of
      hydrophobic substrates around the catalytic site. PDMS encapsulation of Pd NPs
      prevents aggregation of NPs and thus results in superior catalytic recyclability.
      Additionally, PDMS coating is applicable to a diverse range of catalysts,
      endowing them with additional selectivity in sieving reactants with different
      wettability.

PMID- 27144319
TI  - School- and Individual-level Predictors of Weight Status Misperception among
      Korean Adolescents: A National Online Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growing body of literature has reported that weight status estimation
      pattern, including accurate-, under-, and overestimation, was associated with
      weight related behaviors and weight change among adolescents and young adults.
      However, there have been a few studies investigating the potential role of school
      contexts in shaping adolescents' weight status estimation pattern among Korea
      adolescents. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the
      association between weight status misperception patterns and factors at
      individual-, family-, and school-level, simultaneously, and whether there was
      significant between schools variation in the distribution of each weight status
      misperception pattern, underestimation and overestimation respectively, among
      Korean adolescents aged 12-18 years. METHOD: Data from the Eighth Korea Youth
      Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS), 2012, a nationally representative online
      survey of 72,228 students (boys = 37,229, girls = 34,999) from a total of 797
      middle and high schools were used. Sex stratified multilevel random intercept
      multinomial logistic models where adolescents (level 1) were nested within
      schools (level 2) were performed. RESULTS: At the school level, attending a
      school with higher average BMI (kg/m2) was positively associated with weight
      status underestimation, and inversely associated with weight status
      overestimation among boys and girls. Single-sex schooling was positively
      associated with weight status underestimation among girls. At the family level,
      higher household income (high/middle versus low) was inversely associated with
      both weight status under- and overestimation among boys and girls. Higher
      maternal education (equal to or more than college graduate versus equal to or
      less than high school graduate) was positively associated with weight status
      overestimation among boys, and living with both parents (compared to not living
      with both parents) was inversely associated with weight status underestimation
      among girls. At the individual level, high academic achievement (compared to low)
      was positively associated with weight status underestimation among boys and
      girls. CONCLUSIONS: While further research with prospective designs and
      objectively measured anthropometric information is needed, school environmental
      factors such as sex composition and school average BMI, as well as, family
      contexts such as socioeconomic status need to be considered when developing and
      implementing obesity prevention programs.

PMID- 27144321
TI  - Estimating heritability of wool shedding in a cross-bred ewe population.
AB  - Low wool prices and high production costs in sheep systems have resulted in the
      introduction of genotypes that shed wool into flocks to reduce shearing costs.
      Wool shedding occurs naturally in a few breeds and can be incorporated by cross
      breeding. The opportunity to enhance shedding through selection depends on the
      extent of genetic variability present. Genetic and environmental parameters for
      wool shedding for ewes from a three-breed composite population were estimated
      using Bayesian inference. Data on 2025 cross-bred ewes, including 3345 wool
      shedding scores (WS) and 1647 breeding weight (BW) records, were analysed using
      bivariate and, for WS, univariate animal repeatability models. Breeding weight
      was included to account for possible selection bias. Breeding weight was
      moderately heritable and highly repeatable with means of 0.317 and 0.724,
      respectively. Under both models, WS was found to be moderately heritable and
      repeatable with means of 0.256 and 0.399, respectively. Based on a cumulative
      link model and contingency table analysis, age and reproductive activity
      influenced the extent of WS (p < 0.05). Given that WS is moderately heritable,
      selective gain in WS can be achieved. 

PMID- 27144322
TI  - Blood pressure as prognostic marker for body condition, cardiovascular, and
      metabolic diseases in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increasing life span of Callithrix jacchus in combination with
      the occurrence of metabolic and age-dependent diseases requires improved health
      surveillance for this species. METHODS: The health status of 56 marmosets was
      studied using a non-invasive blood pressure (BP) device. Age-, weight-, and sex
      dependent changes were analyzed. Four animals with striking BP findings had
      follow-up exams. RESULTS: Physiological and pathological BP values could be
      defined. BP positively correlated with age and weight, while no effect of sex
      could be found. Measurement time for female and older animals was shorter than
      for male and younger individuals. Further analysis of the suspicious patients
      revealed renal or hepatic diseases and cardiac alterations. CONCLUSION: The
      description of age and weight influences on BP delivers physiological and
      pathological values for common marmosets. This may contribute to the
      understanding of aging process and cardiology in this primate species.

PMID- 27144324
TI  - Saving grace.

PMID- 27144323
TI  - BDNF promotes human neural stem cell growth via GSK-3beta-mediated crosstalk with
      the wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays important roles in neural stem
      cell (NSC) growth. In this study, we investigated whether BDNF exerts its
      neurotrophic effects through the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in human
      embryonic spinal cord NSCs (hESC-NSCs) in vitro. We found an increase in hESC-NSC
      growth by BDNF overexpression. Furthermore, expression of Wnt1, Frizzled1 and Dsh
      was upregulated, whereas GSK-3beta expression was downregulated. In contrast,
      hESC-NSC growth was decreased by BDNF RNA interference. BDNF, Wnt1 and beta
      catenin components were all downregulated, whereas GSK-3beta was upregulated.
      Next, we treated hESC-NSCs with 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (BIO), a small molecule
      inhibitor of GSK-3beta. BIO reduced the effects of BDNF
      upregulation/downregulation on the cell number, soma size and differentiation,
      and suppressed the effect of BDNF modulation on the Wnt signaling pathway. Our
      findings suggest that BDNF promotes hESC-NSC growth in vitro through crosstalk
      with the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, and that this interaction may be
      mediated by GSK-3beta.

PMID- 27144325
TI  - Acute kidney injury: Limiting the damage.

PMID- 27144326
TI  - Looking into oropharyngeal dysphagia in older adults.

PMID- 27144327
TI  - Assessment of methods of detection of water estrogenicity for their use as
      monitoring tools in a process of estrogenicity removal.
AB  - Methods of monitoring of estrogenicity in water were gathered, compared, and
      tested within the context of their practical use as measurement and design tools,
      in the development of a process of degradation of estrogenic endocrine
      disruptors. In this work, the focus was put on in vitro assays, with the use of
      analytical techniques as additional analysis when possible. Practically, from a
      literature review, four methods that seemed most suitable to practical use
      required in a process development were tested: the Yeast Estrogen Screen assay,
      the Lyticase-assisted Yeast Estrogen Screen assay (LYES), the MMV-LUC assay and
      the HPLC-UV analytical method. Dose-response curves in response to estrogenic
      standard 17beta-estradiol were compared. Bisphenol A estrogenicity was measured
      by the methods as well. The model for the calculation of estradiol equivalents as
      measurements units was adapted. The methods were assessed in terms of ranges of
      detection, time of experiment, cost, ease of the experiment, reproducibility,
      etc. Based on that assessment, the LYES assay was selected and successfully
      applied to the monitoring of estrogenicity removal from 17beta-estradiol and
      bisphenol A. More precisely, the bioassay allowed the acquisition of kinetic
      curves for a laboratory-scaled process of estrogenicity removal by immobilized
      enzymes in a continuous packed-bed reactor. The LYES assay was found to have a
      real methodological potential for scale-up and design of a treatment process. The
      HPLC-UV method showed good complementarity with the LYES assay for the monitoring
      of bisphenol A concentrations in parallel with estrogenicity, reporting no
      significant estrogenicity from degradation byproducts, among others. 

PMID- 27144328
TI  - Yeast biota of naturally fermented black olives in different brines made from cv.
      Gemlik grown in various districts of the Cukurova region of Turkey.
AB  - In this study, the yeast microbiota of naturally fermented black olives made from
      cv. Gemlik, grown in three different districts of the Cukurova region of Turkey,
      were investigated. Fermentations were conducted for 180 days in three different
      brines, including NaCl 10% w/v, NaCl 8% w/v and NaCl 8% w/v added with glucose
      0.5%. In total, 223 yeasts were isolated and then identified by PCR-RFLP analysis
      of the 5.8S ITS rRNA region and sequence information for the D1/D2 domains of the
      26S rRNA gene. A broad range of yeast biodiversity was identified, including
      eight genera and nine species. Candida boidinii (41%), Wickerhamomyces anomalus
      (32%) and Saccharomyces sp. (18%) were predominant yeasts throughout the
      fermentations. To a lesser extent, the other species, Candida aaseri, Meyerozyma
      sp., Zygoascus hellenicus, Pichia kudriavzevii, Schwanniomyces etchellsii and
      Candida atlantica were also members of the olive-fermenting microbiota. In Tarsus
      and Bahce districts C. boidinii and in Serinyol district Saccharomyces sp. were
      the most frequently identified species. W. anomalus was the most frequently
      isolated species (by 48% of total yeasts) in NaCl 10% brines. C. boidinii was the
      most dominant species in the brines, including NaCl 8% and NaCl 8% + glucose
      0.5%, with frequencies of 42% and 61%, respectively. At the end of the 180 days
      of fermentation, total acidity values of the brines were in the range 1.04-8.1
      g/l lactic acid. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27144329
TI  - The Effect of a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program on Physical
      Activity and Health-Related Fitness in Children From Low-Income Families.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a
      Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) on physical activity and
      health-related fitness (HRF) in children from low-income families. METHODS:
      Participants included 1390 children recruited from kindergarten through sixth
      grade (mean age = 8.4 +/- 1.8 years). Physical activity measures were collected
      at baseline and at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after program implementation, and HRF
      measures were collected at baseline and at 12 weeks after program implementation.
      RESULTS: There were significant but weak-to-moderate increases in step counts
      (mean difference = 603.1 steps, P < .001, d = 0.39) and moderate-to-vigorous
      physical activity (mean difference = 4.9 minutes, P < .001, d = 0.39) at 12 weeks
      compared with baseline. There were also significant but moderate increases in
      Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run laps (mean difference = 6.5
      laps, P < .001, d = 0.47) at 12 weeks compared with baseline. Generalized mixed
      models respectively yielded 3.02 and 2.34 greater odds that a child would achieve
      step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity standards and 2.26 greater
      odds that a child would achieve aerobic fitness standards at 12 weeks compared
      with baseline (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week CSPAP improved physical
      activity and HRF in children from low-income families; however, the magnitude of
      the effects was weak to moderate.

PMID- 27144330
TI  - Atopy, but not obesity is associated with asthma severity among children with
      persistent asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of asthma
      in children. Atopic sensitization is a major risk factor for asthma including
      severe asthma in children. It is unclear if obesity is associated with worse
      asthma control or severity in children and how its effects compare to atopy. We
      sought to examine relationships of weight status and atopy to asthma control and
      severity among a population of predominantly low income, minority children and
      adolescents with persistent asthma. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 832
      children and adolescents, age range 5-17 years, with persistent asthma was
      performed. Clinical assessments included asthma questionnaires of symptoms,
      asthma severity score, health care utilization and medication treatment step,
      lung function testing, and skin prick testing as well as measures of adiposity.
      Data were collected between December 2010 and August 2014 from Johns Hopkins
      Hospital in Baltimore, MD and Children's Hospital of Boston, MA. RESULTS: Obesity
      was not associated with worse asthma control or severity in this group of
      predominantly low income, minority children and adolescents with persistent
      asthma. However, a greater degree of atopy was associated with lower lung
      function, higher asthma severity score, and higher medication treatment step.
      CONCLUSION: Atopy may be a more important risk factor for asthma severity than
      obesity among low-income minority children and adolescents with persistent asthma
      living in Northeastern cities in the United States.

PMID- 27144331
TI  - Liposomal bortezomib is active against chronic myeloid leukemia by disrupting the
      Sp1-BCR/ABL axis.
AB  - The abundance of the BCR/ABL protein critically contributes to CML pathogenesis
      and drug resistance. However, understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying
      BCR/ABL gene regulation remains incomplete. While BCR/ABL kinase inhibitors have
      shown unprecedented efficacy in the clinic, most patients relapse. In this study,
      we demonstrated that the Sp1 oncogene functions as a positive regulator for
      BCR/ABL expression. Inactivation of Sp1 by genetic and pharmacological approaches
      abrogated BCR/ABL expression, leading to suppression of BCR/ABL kinase signaling
      and CML cell proliferation. Because of potential adverse side effects of
      bortezomib (BORT) in imatinib-refractory CML patients, we designed a transferrin
      (Tf)-targeted liposomal formulation (Tf-L-BORT) for BORT delivery. Cellular
      uptake assays showed that BORT was efficiently delivered into K562 cells, with
      the highest efficacy obtained in Tf-targeted group. After administered into mice,
      L-BORT exhibited slower clearance with less toxicity compared to free BORT.
      Furthermore, L-BORT exposure significantly blocked BCR/ABL kinase activities and
      sensitized CML cell lines, tumor cells and doxorubicin (DOX) resistant cells to
      DOX. This occurred through the more pronounced inhibition of BCR/ABL activity by
      L-BORT and DOX. Collectively, these findings highlight the therapeutic relevance
      of disrupting BCR/ABL protein expression and strongly support the utilization of
      L-BORT alone or in combination with DOX to treat CML patients with overexpressing
      BCR/ABL.

PMID- 27144332
TI  - Analysis of overall survival in a large multiethnic cohort reveals absolute
      neutrophil count of 1,100 as a novel prognostic cutoff in African Americans.
AB  - Although absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) below 1.5x103/uL are used to define
      neutropenia as a marker of increased susceptibility to infections, their
      relationship with survival has not been examined. Since low counts trigger
      extensive investigations, determining prognostic cutoffs especially for different
      ethnicities and races is critical.A multiethnic cohort of 27,760 subjects, 65
      years old and above, was utilized to evaluate the association of neutropenia with
      overall survival in different ethnicities and races.The mean ANC was 4.6+/
      1.51x103/uL in non-Hispanic whites, 3.6+/-1.57x103/uL in non-Hispanic blacks and
      4.3+/-1.54x103/uL in Hispanics (p<0.001). An ANC below 1.5x103/uL was associated
      with significantly shorter overall survival among whites (HR 1.74; 95% CI 1.18 -
      2.58; p<0.001), but not in blacks (HR 0.89; 95% CI 0.86 - 1.17; p=0.40) or
      Hispanics (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.76 - 1.46; p=0.82), after adjustment for age, sex,
      comorbidities, anemia and thrombocytopenia. Using Cox regression multivariable
      models, an ANC below 1.1x103/uL in blacks was found to be associated with
      increased mortality (HR 1.86; 95%CI 1.21 - 2.87; p<0.01). We found no association
      between neutropenia and mortality at any ANC cutoff in elderly Hispanics. In
      conclusion, neutropenia was found to be an independent prognostic variable in the
      elderly, when determined in race-specific manner. Most importantly, a cutoff of
      1.1x103 neutrophils/uL may be a more prognostically relevant marker in elderly
      blacks and could serve as a novel threshold for further evaluation and
      intervention in this population.

PMID- 27144333
TI  - The role of VDR and BIM in potentiation of cytarabine-induced cell death in human
      AML blasts.
AB  - Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) has grave prognosis due to aggressive nature of the
      disease, the toxicity of standard treatment, and overall low cure rates. We
      recently showed that AML cells in established culture treated with Cytarabine
      (AraC) and a differentiation agent combination show enhancement of AraC
      cytotoxicity. Here we elucidate molecular changes which underlie this observation
      with focus on AML blasts in primary culture. The cells were treated with AraC at
      concentrations achievable in clinical settings, and followed by the addition of
      Doxercalciferol, a vitamin D2 derivative (D2), together with Carnosic acid (CA),
      a plant-derived antioxidant. Importantly, although AraC is also toxic to normal
      bone marrow cell population, the enhanced cell kill by D2/CA was limited to
      malignant blasts. This enhancement of cell death was associated with activation
      of the monocytic differentiation program as shown by molecular markers, and the
      increased expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR). Apoptosis elicited by this
      treatment is caspase-dependent, and the optimal blast killing required the
      increased expression of the apoptosis regulator Bim. These data suggest that
      testing of this regimen in the clinic is warranted.

PMID- 27144334
TI  - Mutant IDH1 expression is associated with down-regulation of monocarboxylate
      transporters.
AB  - Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) are characteristic of low-grade
      gliomas. We recently showed that mutant IDH1 cells reprogram cellular metabolism
      by down-regulating pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity. Reduced pyruvate
      metabolism via PDH could lead to increased pyruvate conversion to lactate. The
      goal of this study was therefore to investigate the impact of the IDH1 mutation
      on the pyruvate-to-lactate flux. We used 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy and
      compared the conversion of hyperpolarized [1-13C]-pyruvate to [1-13C]-lactate in
      immortalized normal human astrocytes expressing mutant or wild-type IDH1
      (NHAIDHmut and NHAIDHwt). Our results indicate that hyperpolarized lactate
      production is reduced in NHAIDHmut cells compared to NHAIDHwt. This reduction was
      associated with lower expression of the monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and
      MCT4 in NHAIDHmut cells. Furthermore, hyperpolarized lactate production was
      comparable in lysates of NHAIDHmut and NHAIDHwt cells, wherein MCTs do not impact
      hyperpolarized pyruvate delivery and lactate production. Collectively, our
      findings indicated that lower MCT expression was a key contributor to lower
      hyperpolarized lactate production in NHAIDHmut cells. The SLC16A3 (MCT4) promoter
      but not SLC16A1 (MCT1) promoter was hypermethylated in NHAIDHmut cells, pointing
      to possibly different mechanisms mediating reduced MCT expression. Finally
      analysis of low-grade glioma patient biopsy data from The Cancer Genome Atlas
      revealed that MCT1 and MCT4 expression was significantly reduced in mutant IDH1
      tumors compared to wild-type. Taken together, our study shows that reduced MCT
      expression is part of the metabolic reprogramming of mutant IDH1 gliomas. This
      finding could impact treatment and has important implications for metabolic
      imaging of mutant IDH1 gliomas. 

PMID- 27144335
TI  - Identification of genes that are essential to restrict genome duplication to once
      per cell division.
AB  - Nuclear genome duplication is normally restricted to once per cell division, but
      aberrant events that allow excess DNA replication (EDR) promote genomic
      instability and aneuploidy, both of which are characteristics of cancer
      development. Here we provide the first comprehensive identification of genes that
      are essential to restrict genome duplication to once per cell division. An siRNA
      library of 21,584 human genes was screened for those that prevent EDR in cancer
      cells with undetectable chromosomal instability. Candidates were validated by
      testing multiple siRNAs and chemical inhibitors on both TP53+ and TP53- cells to
      reveal the relevance of this ubiquitous tumor suppressor to preventing EDR, and
      in the presence of an apoptosis inhibitor to reveal the full extent of EDR. The
      results revealed 42 genes that prevented either DNA re-replication or unscheduled
      endoreplication. All of them participate in one or more of eight cell cycle
      events. Seventeen of them have not been identified previously in this capacity.
      Remarkably, 14 of the 42 genes have been shown to prevent aneuploidy in mice.
      Moreover, suppressing a gene that prevents EDR increased the ability of the
      chemotherapeutic drug Paclitaxel to induce EDR, suggesting new opportunities for
      synthetic lethalities in the treatment of human cancers. 

PMID- 27144336
TI  - Overexpression of ankyrin1 promotes pancreatic cancer cell growth.
AB  - The methylation status of a promoter influences gene expression and aberrant
      methylation during tumor development has important functional consequences for
      pancreatic and other cancers. Using methylated CpG island amplification and
      promoter microarrays, we identified ANK1 as hypomethylated in pancreatic cancers.
      Expression analysis determined ANK1 as commonly overexpressed in pancreatic
      cancers relative to normal pancreas. ANK1 was co-expressed with miR-486 in
      pancreatic cancer cells. Stable knockdown of ANK1 in the pancreatic cancer cell
      line AsPC1 led to changes in cell morphology, and decreases in colony formation.
      Stable knockdown of ANK1 also marked reduced the growth of tumors in athymic nude
      mice. Among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, those with pancreatic
      cancers expressing ANK1 had a poorer prognosis than those without ANK1
      expression. These findings indicate a role for ANK1 overexpression in mediating
      pancreatic cancer tumorigenicity. 

PMID- 27144337
TI  - microRNA-802/Rnd3 pathway imposes on carcinogenesis and metastasis of fine
      particulate matter exposure.
AB  - Recent studies have linked ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to increased
      lung cancer mortality and morbidity. However, the underlying mechanism causing
      the adverse effects of PM2.5 is less clear. In the present study, post
      transcriptional profiling was used to explore biological pathways involved in
      PM2.5-induced pulmonary disorders. The carcinogenesis and metastasis of PM2.5
      exposure were evaluated by long-term PM2.5 exposure tests. We observed
      dysregulation of actin in A549 cells line and dysplasia in the lungs of mice
      exposed to PM2.5. Both PM2.5-exposed cells and animals showed increased Rnd3
      expression levels. Moreover, miR-802 mimics rescued actin disorganization in
      vitro and alveolitis in vivo. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 promoted carcinogenesis
      and metastasis of pulmonary cells. Decreased miR-802 expression levels in the
      serum samples of PM2.5-treated mice and individuals from moderately polluted
      cities were observed. Increased Rnd3 expression levels in lung cancers tissues
      have been identified by a genome database TCGA, and have been linked to less
      overall survival probabilities of lung cancer patients. Our findings suggest that
      dysregulation of actin cytoskeleton and down-regulation of miR-802 expression
      might be the underlying mechanism involved in the adverse effects of PM2.5
      exposure. In addition, long-term exposure to PM2.5 demonstrated strong
      associations with malignant pulmonary disorders. 

PMID- 27144338
TI  - Oncogenic function of the homeobox A13-long noncoding RNA HOTTIP-insulin growth
      factor-binding protein 3 axis in human gastric cancer.
AB  - To study the mechanisms of gastric tumorigenesis, we have established CSN cell
      line from human normal gastric mucosa, and CS12, a tumorigenic and invasive
      gastric cancer cell line from CSN passages. Many stem cell markers were expressed
      in both CSN and CS12 cells, but LGR5 and NANOG were expressed only in CS12 cells.
      Increased expression of homeobox A13 (HoxA13) and its downstream cascades was
      significant for the tumorigenic activity of CS12 cells, and was associated with
      recruitment of E2F-1 to HoxA13 promoter accompanied with increased trimethylation
      of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) at the hypomethylated E2F motifs. Knockdown of
      HoxA13 caused the downregulation of long non-coding RNA HOTTIP and insulin growth
      factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) genes, indicating that both were targets of
      HoxA13. Concurrent regulation of HoxA13-HOTTIP was mediated by the mixed lineage
      leukemia-WD repeat domain 5 complex, which caused the trimethylation of H3K4 and
      then stimulated cell proliferation. HoxA13 transactivated the IGFBP-3 promoter
      through the HOX-binding site. Activation of IGFBP-3 stimulated the oncogenic
      potential and invasion activity. Increased expression of HoxA13 (63.2%) and IGFBP
      3 (28.6%) was detected in human gastric cancer tissues and was found in the
      gastric cancer data of The Cancer Genome Atlas. Taken together, the HoxA13-HOTTIP
      IGFBP-3 cascade is critical for the carcinogenic characteristics of CS12 cells.

PMID- 27144339
TI  - FRA1 promotes squamous cell carcinoma growth and metastasis through distinct AKT
      and c-Jun dependent mechanisms.
AB  - FRA1 (Fos-like antigen 1) is highly expressed in many epithelial cancers
      including squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (cSCC) and head and neck (HNSCC).
      However, the functional importance and the mechanisms mediating FRA1 function in
      these cancers are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that FRA1 gene
      silencing in HNSCC and cSCC cells resulted in two consequences - impaired cell
      proliferation and migration. FRA1 regulation of cell growth was distinct from
      that of c-Jun, a prominent Jun group AP-1 factor. While c-Jun was required for
      the expression of the G1/S phase cell cycle promoter CDK4, FRA1 was essential for
      AKT activation and AKT-dependent expression of CyclinB1, a molecule required for
      G2-M progression. Exogenous expression of a constitutively active form of AKT
      rescued cancer cell growth defect caused by FRA1-loss. Additionally, FRA1
      knockdown markedly slowed cell adhesion and migration, and conversely expression
      of an active FRA1 mutant (FRA1DD) expedited these processes in a JNK/c-Jun
      dependent manner. Through protein and ChIP-PCR analyses, we identified KIND1, a
      cytoskeletal regulator of the cell adhesion molecule beta1-integrin, as a novel
      FRA1 transcriptional target. Restoring KIND1 expression rescued migratory defects
      induced by FRA1 loss. In agreement with these in vitro data, HNSCC cells with
      FRA1 loss displayed markedly reduced rates of subcutaneous tumor growth and
      pulmonary metastasis. Together, these results indicate that FRA1 promotes cancer
      growth through AKT, and enhances cancer cell migration through JNK/c-Jun,
      pinpointing FRA1 as a key integrator of JNK and AKT signaling pathways and a
      potential therapeutic target for cSCC and HNSCC. 

PMID- 27144340
TI  - Metformin restores crizotinib sensitivity in crizotinib-resistant human lung
      cancer cells through inhibition of IGF1-R signaling pathway.
AB  - AIM: Despite the impressive efficacy of crizotinib for the treatment of ALK
      positive non-small cell lung cancer, patients invariably develop therapeutic
      resistance. Suppression of the IGF-1R signaling pathway may abrogate this
      acquired mechanism of drug resistance to crizotinib. Metformin, a widely used
      antidiabetic agent, may reverse crizotinib resistance through inhibition of IGF
      1R signaling. RESULTS: The present study revealed that metformin effectively
      increased the sensitivity of both crizotinib-sensitive and -resistant non-small
      cell lung cancer cells to crizotinib, as evidenced by decreased proliferation and
      invasion and enhanced apoptosis. Metformin reduced IGF-1R signaling activation in
      crizotinib-resistant cells. Furthermore, the addition of IGF-1 to crizotinib
      sensitive H2228 cells induced crizotinib resistance, which was overcome by
      metformin. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The effects of metformin to reverse crizotinib
      resistance were examined in vitro by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyltetrazolium (MTT), invasion assay, ki67 incorporation assay, flow
      cytometry analysis, Western blot analysis, and colony-forming assay. CONCLUSIONS:
      Metformin may be used in combination with crizotinib in ALK+ NSCLC patients to
      overcome crizotinib resistance and prolong survival.

PMID- 27144342
TI  - Model of socio-cultural dimensions involved in adherence to antiretroviral
      therapy for HIV/AIDS in public health care centers in Chile.
AB  - In Chile, over 14,000 adults are living with HIV receive antiretroviral therapy
      (HAART). Adequate adherence to HAART has a major impact on survival. There is
      little consensus on the causes of poor adherence, due to the unique and diverse
      sociocultural parameters involved in the issue. The objective of this study was
      to identify sociocultural dimensions that serve as barriers or facilitators to
      HAART adherence among persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Chile. A
      qualitative study design, with an exploratory followed by a descriptive phase was
      conducted. The study population consisted of adults living with HIV/AIDS, with
      and without HAART. A theoretical sample was designed and three gender profiles
      defined: women, men, and transwomen. Data collection methods included in-depth
      interviews by anthropologists in seven public health care centers for PLHIV. The
      model of sociocultural dimensions indicated that factors associated with family,
      expectations, gender/sexuality, affect, relationship with HIV, HAART, work,
      social support and networks, and stigma and discrimination influenced adherence,
      with different patterns among profiles. This study found that adherence is a
      dynamic category. It is crucial to consider sociocultural factors in developing
      strategies to improve HAART adherence.

PMID- 27144341
TI  - Obatoclax kills anaplastic thyroid cancer cells by inducing lysosome
      neutralization and necrosis.
AB  - Poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas are very aggressive,
      almost invariably lethal neoplasms for which no effective treatment exists. These
      tumors are intrinsically resistant to cell death, even when their driver
      oncogenic signaling pathways are inhibited.We have undertaken a detailed
      analysis, in mouse and human thyroid cancer cells, of the mechanism through which
      Obatoclax, a pan-inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic proteins of the BCL2 family,
      effectively reduces tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.We demonstrate that
      Obatoclax does not induce apoptosis, but rather necrosis of thyroid cancer cells,
      and that non-transformed thyroid cells are significantly less affected by this
      compound. Surprisingly, we show that Obatoclax rapidly localizes to the lysosomes
      and induces loss of acidification, block of lysosomal fusion with autophagic
      vacuoles, and subsequent lysosomal permeabilization. Notably, prior lysosome
      neutralization using different V-ATPase inhibitors partially protects cancer
      cells from the toxic effects of Obatoclax. Although inhibition of autophagy does
      not affect Obatoclax-induced cell death, selective down-regulation of ATG7, but
      not of ATG5, partially impairs Obatoclax effects, suggesting the existence of
      autophagy-independent functions for ATG7. Strikingly, Obatoclax killing activity
      depends only on its accumulation in the lysosomes, and not on its interaction
      with BCL2 family members.Finally, we show that also other lysosome-targeting
      compounds, Mefloquine and LLOMe, readily induce necrosis in thyroid cancer cells,
      and that Mefloquine significantly impairs tumor growth in vivo, highlighting a
      clear vulnerability of these aggressive, apoptosis-resistant tumors that can be
      therapeutically exploited. 

PMID- 27144343
TI  - Prey Density Threshold and Tidal Influence on Reef Manta Ray Foraging at an
      Aggregation Site on the Great Barrier Reef.
AB  - Large tropical and sub-tropical marine animals must meet their energetic
      requirements in a largely oligotrophic environment. Many planktivorous
      elasmobranchs, whose thermal ecologies prevent foraging in nutrient-rich polar
      waters, aggregate seasonally at predictable locations throughout tropical oceans
      where they are observed feeding. Here we investigate the foraging and
      oceanographic environment around Lady Elliot Island, a known aggregation site for
      reef manta rays Manta alfredi in the southern Great Barrier Reef. The foraging
      behaviour of reef manta rays was analysed in relation to zooplankton populations
      and local oceanography, and compared to long-term sighting records of reef manta
      rays from the dive operator on the island. Reef manta rays fed at Lady Elliot
      Island when zooplankton biomass and abundance were significantly higher than
      other times. The critical prey density threshold that triggered feeding was 11.2
      mg m-3 while zooplankton size had no significant effect on feeding. The community
      composition and size structure of the zooplankton was similar when reef manta
      rays were feeding or not, with only the density of zooplankton changing. Higher
      zooplankton biomass was observed prior to low tide, and long-term (~5 years)
      sighting data confirmed that more reef manta rays are also observed feeding
      during this tidal phase than other times. This is the first study to examine prey
      availability at an aggregation site for reef manta rays and it indicates that
      they feed in locations and at times of higher zooplankton biomass.

PMID- 27144344
TI  - Dry Reforming of Methane on a Highly-Active Ni-CeO2 Catalyst: Effects of Metal
      Support Interactions on C-H Bond Breaking.
AB  - Ni-CeO2 is a highly efficient, stable and non-expensive catalyst for methane dry
      reforming at relative low temperatures (700 K). The active phase of the catalyst
      consists of small nanoparticles of nickel dispersed on partially reduced ceria.
      Experiments of ambient pressure XPS indicate that methane dissociates on Ni/CeO2
      at temperatures as low as 300 K, generating CHx and COx species on the surface of
      the catalyst. Strong metal-support interactions activate Ni for the dissociation
      of methane. The results of density-functional calculations show a drop in the
      effective barrier for methane activation from 0.9 eV on Ni(111) to only 0.15 eV
      on Ni/CeO2-x (111). At 700 K, under methane dry reforming conditions, no signals
      for adsorbed CHx or C species are detected in the C 1s XPS region. The reforming
      of methane proceeds in a clean and efficient way.

PMID- 27144346
TI  - Urethrocutaneous fistulae after hypospadias repair: When do they occur?
AB  - AIM: The aim is to determine the incidence and timing of urethrocutaneous fistula
      diagnosis after hypospadias surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review of all
      patients who had both initial hypospadias surgery and subsequent fistula repair
      from 1995 to 2012. A comparison was made between patients who had an initial
      onlay island flap procedure and those who had a tubularised incised plate repair.
      RESULTS: Patient age at initial surgery ranged from 6 months to 16 years of age.
      The median time to fistula presentation was 8.5 months with a range of less than
      1 month to 13.9 years post-hypospadias surgery. The median time to fistula repair
      was 17 months. The overall fistula rate was 8%. There was no significant
      difference between the rates of fistulae for onlay island flap (9%) versus
      tubularised incised plate procedure (7%). CONCLUSIONS: Urethrocutaneous fistulae
      can present many years after the original hypospadias repair. The majority are
      diagnosed within the first year after surgery. Rates of fistulae are probably
      underreported due to short follow-up, but more importantly, due to patients
      transferring to other surgeons for fistula repair.

PMID- 27144345
TI  - A Genome-Wide Association Study on the Seedless Phenotype in Banana (Musa spp.)
      Reveals the Potential of a Selected Panel to Detect Candidate Genes in a
      Vegetatively Propagated Crop.
AB  - Banana (Musa sp.) is a vegetatively propagated, low fertility, potentially hybrid
      and polyploid crop. These qualities make the breeding and targeted genetic
      improvement of this crop a difficult and long process. The Genome-Wide
      Association Study (GWAS) approach is becoming widely used in crop plants and has
      proven efficient to detecting candidate genes for traits of interest, especially
      in cereals. GWAS has not been applied yet to a vegetatively propagated crop.
      However, successful GWAS in banana would considerably help unravel the genomic
      basis of traits of interest and therefore speed up this crop improvement. We
      present here a dedicated panel of 105 accessions of banana, freely available upon
      request, and their corresponding GBS data. A set of 5,544 highly reliable markers
      revealed high levels of admixture in most accessions, except for a subset of 33
      individuals from Papua. A GWAS on the seedless phenotype was then successfully
      applied to the panel. By applying the Mixed Linear Model corrected for both
      kinship and structure as implemented in TASSEL, we detected 13 candidate genomic
      regions in which we found a number of genes potentially linked with the seedless
      phenotype (i.e. parthenocarpy combined with female sterility). An additional GWAS
      performed on the unstructured Papuan subset composed of 33 accessions confirmed
      six of these regions as candidate. Out of both sets of analyses, one strong
      candidate gene for female sterility, a putative orthologous gene to Histidine
      Kinase CKI1, was identified. The results presented here confirmed the feasibility
      and potential of GWAS when applied to small sets of banana accessions, at least
      for traits underpinned by a few loci. As phenotyping in banana is extremely space
      and time-consuming, this latest finding is of particular importance in the
      context of banana improvement.

PMID- 27144348
TI  - Homeless Liaisons' Perceptions of McKinney-Vento Act Implementation: Examining
      Geographical Trends and Differences.
AB  - The number of children experiencing homelessness continues to rise at alarming
      rates. Schools are on the front lines of service delivery and face numerous
      barriers in an attempt to meet the educational and psychosocial needs of these
      children. This study explored the perceptions of homeless liaisons in three
      states about the implementation of the McKinney Vento Act within the school
      districts. While no differences were found across the states, significant
      differences were found between rural and urban geographic densities in the
      perceived implementation of the federal legislation. The significant differences
      relate to collaboration within the community and resonate with the lack of
      resources available to the families experiencing homelessness in rural areas.

PMID- 27144347
TI  - Reduced global functional connectivity of the medial prefrontal cortex in major
      depressive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder is a disabling neuropsychiatric condition
      that is associated with disrupted functional connectivity across brain networks.
      The precise nature of altered connectivity, however, remains incompletely
      understood. The current study was designed to examine the coherence of large
      scale connectivity in depression using a recently developed technique termed
      global brain connectivity. METHODS: A total of 82 subjects, including medication
      free patients with major depression (n = 57) and healthy volunteers (n = 25)
      underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging with resting data acquisition for
      functional connectivity analysis. Global brain connectivity was computed as the
      mean of each voxel's time series correlation with every other voxel and compared
      between study groups. Relationships between global connectivity and depressive
      symptom severity measured using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale
      were examined by means of linear correlation. RESULTS: Relative to the healthy
      group, patients with depression evidenced reduced global connectivity bilaterally
      within multiple regions of medial and lateral prefrontal cortex. The largest
      between-group difference was observed within the right subgenual anterior
      cingulate cortex, extending into ventromedial prefrontal cortex bilaterally
      (Hedges' g = -1.48, P < 0.000001). Within the depressed group, patients with the
      lowest connectivity evidenced the highest symptom severity within ventromedial
      prefrontal cortex (r = -0.47, P = 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with major
      depressive evidenced abnormal large-scale functional coherence in the brain that
      was centered within the subgenual cingulate cortex, and medial prefrontal cortex
      more broadly. These data extend prior studies of connectivity in depression and
      demonstrate that functional disconnection of the medial prefrontal cortex is a
      key pathological feature of the disorder. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3214-3223, 2016. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144349
TI  - The PI3K/AKT/c-MYC Axis Promotes the Acquisition of Cancer Stem-Like Features in
      Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - The importance of intratumoral heterogeneity has been highlighted by the
      identification and characterization of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Based on the
      differential responsiveness to a Sox2 reporter, SRR2, we had found a novel
      dichotomy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells, with reporter
      responsive (RR) cells showing more CSC-like features than reporter-unresponsive
      (RU) cells. Specifically, RR cells exhibited significantly higher tumorsphere
      formation capacity, proportions of CD44(High) cells, chemoresistance to
      cisplatin, and tumorigenic potential in vivo. H2 O2 , a potent inducer of
      oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species, was found to induce a conversion
      from RU to RR cells; importantly, converted RR cells acquired CSC-like features.
      The PI3K/AKT/c-MYC signalling axis is important in this context, since
      pharmacologic blockade of PI3K-AKT or siRNA knockdown of c-MYC effectively
      inhibited the RR phenotype and its associated CSC-like features, as well as the
      H2 O2 -induced RU/RR conversion. In a cohort of 188 ESCC patient samples, we
      found a significant correlation between strong c-MYC expression and a short
      overall survival (p = .009). In conclusion, we have described a novel
      intratumoral heterogeneity in ESCC. The identification of the PI3K/AKT/c-MYC axis
      as a driver of CSC-like features carries therapeutic implications. Stem Cells
      2016;34:2040-2051.

PMID- 27144350
TI  - Depression: Ketamine steps out of the darkness.

PMID- 27144351
TI  - Continuous probing of cold complex molecules with infrared frequency comb
      spectroscopy.
AB  - For more than half a century, high-resolution infrared spectroscopy has played a
      crucial role in probing molecular structure and dynamics. Such studies have so
      far been largely restricted to relatively small and simple systems, because at
      room temperature even molecules of modest size already occupy many millions of
      rotational/vibrational states, yielding highly congested spectra that are
      difficult to assign. Targeting more complex molecules requires methods that can
      record broadband infrared spectra (that is, spanning multiple vibrational bands)
      with both high resolution and high sensitivity. However, infrared spectroscopic
      techniques have hitherto been limited either by narrow bandwidth and long
      acquisition time, or by low sensitivity and resolution. Cavity-enhanced direct
      frequency comb spectroscopy (CE-DFCS) combines the inherent broad bandwidth and
      high resolution of an optical frequency comb with the high detection sensitivity
      provided by a high-finesse enhancement cavity, but it still suffers from spectral
      congestion. Here we show that this problem can be overcome by using buffer gas
      cooling to produce continuous, cold samples of molecules that are then subjected
      to CE-DFCS. This integration allows us to acquire a rotationally resolved direct
      absorption spectrum in the C-H stretching region of nitromethane, a model system
      that challenges our understanding of large-amplitude vibrational motion. We have
      also used this technique on several large organic molecules that are of
      fundamental spectroscopic and astrochemical relevance, including naphthalene,
      adamantane and hexamethylenetetramine. These findings establish the value of our
      approach for studying much larger and more complex molecules than have been
      probed so far, enabling complex molecules and their kinetics to be studied with
      orders-of-magnitude improvements in efficiency, spectral resolution and
      specificity.

PMID- 27144352
TI  - Activation of the A2A adenosine G-protein-coupled receptor by conformational
      selection.
AB  - Conformational selection and induced fit are two prevailing mechanisms to explain
      the molecular basis for ligand-based activation of receptors. G-protein-coupled
      receptors are the largest class of cell surface receptors and are important drug
      targets. A molecular understanding of their activation mechanism is critical for
      drug discovery and design. However, direct evidence that addresses how agonist
      binding leads to the formation of an active receptor state is scarce. Here we use
      (19)F nuclear magnetic resonance to quantify the conformational landscape
      occupied by the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR), a prototypical class A G-protein
      coupled receptor. We find an ensemble of four states in equilibrium: (1) two
      inactive states in millisecond exchange, consistent with a formed (state S1) and
      a broken (state S2) salt bridge (known as 'ionic lock') between transmembrane
      helices 3 and 6; and (2) two active states, S3 and S3', as identified by binding
      of a G-protein-derived peptide. In contrast to a recent study of the beta2
      adrenergic receptor, the present approach allowed identification of a second
      active state for A2AR. Addition of inverse agonist (ZM241385) increases the
      population of the inactive states, while full agonists (UK432097 or NECA)
      stabilize the active state, S3', in a manner consistent with conformational
      selection. In contrast, partial agonist (LUF5834) and an allosteric modulator
      (HMA) exclusively increase the population of the S3 state. Thus, partial agonism
      is achieved here by conformational selection of a distinct active state which we
      predict will have compromised coupling to the G protein. Direct observation of
      the conformational equilibria of ligand-dependent G-protein-coupled receptor and
      deduction of the underlying mechanisms of receptor activation will have wide
      reaching implications for our understanding of the function of G-protein-coupled
      receptor in health and disease.

PMID- 27144353
TI  - Culturing of 'unculturable' human microbiota reveals novel taxa and extensive
      sporulation.
AB  - Our intestinal microbiota harbours a diverse bacterial community required for our
      health, sustenance and wellbeing. Intestinal colonization begins at birth and
      climaxes with the acquisition of two dominant groups of strict anaerobic bacteria
      belonging to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla. Culture-independent, genomic
      approaches have transformed our understanding of the role of the human microbiome
      in health and many diseases. However, owing to the prevailing perception that our
      indigenous bacteria are largely recalcitrant to culture, many of their functions
      and phenotypes remain unknown. Here we describe a novel workflow based on
      targeted phenotypic culturing linked to large-scale whole-genome sequencing,
      phylogenetic analysis and computational modelling that demonstrates that a
      substantial proportion of the intestinal bacteria are culturable. Applying this
      approach to healthy individuals, we isolated 137 bacterial species from
      characterized and candidate novel families, genera and species that were archived
      as pure cultures. Whole-genome and metagenomic sequencing, combined with
      computational and phenotypic analysis, suggests that at least 50-60% of the
      bacterial genera from the intestinal microbiota of a healthy individual produce
      resilient spores, specialized for host-to-host transmission. Our approach unlocks
      the human intestinal microbiota for phenotypic analysis and reveals how a marked
      proportion of oxygen-sensitive intestinal bacteria can be transmitted between
      individuals, affecting microbiota heritability.

PMID- 27144354
TI  - Sex-specific pruning of neuronal synapses in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Whether and how neurons that are present in both sexes of the same species can
      differentiate in a sexually dimorphic manner is not well understood. A comparison
      of the connectomes of the Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite and male nervous
      systems reveals the existence of sexually dimorphic synaptic connections between
      neurons present in both sexes. Here we demonstrate sex-specific functions of
      these sex-shared neurons and show that many neurons initially form synapses in a
      hybrid manner in both the male and hermaphrodite pattern before sexual
      maturation. Sex-specific synapse pruning then results in the sex-specific
      maintenance of subsets of these connections. Reversal of the sexual identity of
      either the pre- or postsynaptic neuron alone transforms the patterns of synaptic
      connectivity to that of the opposite sex. A dimorphically expressed and
      phylogenetically conserved transcription factor is both necessary and sufficient
      to determine sex-specific connectivity patterns. Our studies reveal new insights
      into sex-specific circuit development.

PMID- 27144357
TI  - No Sun-like dynamo on the active star zeta Andromedae from starspot asymmetry.
AB  - Sunspots are cool areas caused by strong surface magnetic fields that inhibit
      convection. Moreover, strong magnetic fields can alter the average atmospheric
      structure, degrading our ability to measure stellar masses and ages. Stars that
      are more active than the Sun have more and stronger dark spots than does the Sun,
      including on the rotational pole. Doppler imaging, which has so far produced the
      most detailed images of surface structures on other stars, cannot always
      distinguish the hemisphere in which the starspots are located, especially in the
      equatorial region and if the data quality is not optimal. This leads to problems
      in investigating the north-south distribution of starspot active latitudes (those
      latitudes with more starspot activity); this distribution is a crucial constraint
      of dynamo theory. Polar spots, whose existence is inferred from Doppler
      tomography, could plausibly be observational artefacts. Here we report imaging of
      the old, magnetically active star zeta Andromedae using long-baseline infrared
      interferometry. In our data, a dark polar spot is seen in each of two observation
      epochs, whereas lower-latitude spot structures in both hemispheres do not persist
      between observations, revealing global starspot asymmetries. The north-south
      symmetry of active latitudes observed on the Sun is absent on zeta And, which
      hosts global spot patterns that cannot be produced by solar-type dynamos.

PMID- 27144358
TI  - Neurobiology: Wired for sex.

PMID- 27144355
TI  - NMDAR inhibition-independent antidepressant actions of ketamine metabolites.
AB  - Major depressive disorder affects around 16 per cent of the world population at
      some point in their lives. Despite the availability of numerous monoaminergic
      based antidepressants, most patients require several weeks, if not months, to
      respond to these treatments, and many patients never attain sustained remission
      of their symptoms. The non-competitive, glutamatergic NMDAR (N-methyl-d-aspartate
      receptor) antagonist (R,S)-ketamine exerts rapid and sustained antidepressant
      effects after a single dose in patients with depression, but its use is
      associated with undesirable side effects. Here we show that the metabolism of
      (R,S)-ketamine to (2S,6S;2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (HNK) is essential for its
      antidepressant effects, and that the (2R,6R)-HNK enantiomer exerts behavioural,
      electroencephalographic, electrophysiological and cellular antidepressant-related
      actions in mice. These antidepressant actions are independent of NMDAR inhibition
      but involve early and sustained activation of AMPARs (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5
      methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors). We also establish that (2R,6R)-HNK
      lacks ketamine-related side effects. Our data implicate a novel mechanism
      underlying the antidepressant properties of (R,S)-ketamine and have relevance for
      the development of next-generation, rapid-acting antidepressants.

PMID- 27144359
TI  - Corrigendum: Dietary emulsifiers impact the mouse gut microbiota promoting
      colitis and metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 27144360
TI  - Celestial mechanics: Fresh solutions to the four-body problem.

PMID- 27144356
TI  - Crystal structure of the human sterol transporter ABCG5/ABCG8.
AB  - ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters play critical roles in maintaining sterol
      balance in higher eukaryotes. The ABCG5/ABCG8 heterodimer (G5G8) mediates
      excretion of neutral sterols in liver and intestines. Mutations disrupting G5G8
      cause sitosterolaemia, a disorder characterized by sterol accumulation and
      premature atherosclerosis. Here we use crystallization in lipid bilayers to
      determine the X-ray structure of human G5G8 in a nucleotide-free state at 3.9 A
      resolution, generating the first atomic model of an ABC sterol transporter. The
      structure reveals a new transmembrane fold that is present in a large and
      functionally diverse superfamily of ABC transporters. The transmembrane domains
      are coupled to the nucleotide-binding sites by networks of interactions that
      differ between the active and inactive ATPases, reflecting the catalytic
      asymmetry of the transporter. The G5G8 structure provides a mechanistic framework
      for understanding sterol transport and the disruptive effects of mutations
      causing sitosterolaemia.

PMID- 27144361
TI  - Human embryology: Implantation barrier overcome.

PMID- 27144362
TI  - Universal resilience patterns in complex networks.

PMID- 27144363
TI  - Self-organization of the in vitro attached human embryo.
AB  - Implantation of the blastocyst is a developmental milestone in mammalian
      embryonic development. At this time, a coordinated program of lineage
      diversification, cell-fate specification, and morphogenetic movements establishes
      the generation of extra-embryonic tissues and the embryo proper, and determines
      the conditions for successful pregnancy and gastrulation. Despite its basic and
      clinical importance, this process remains mysterious in humans. Here we report
      the use of a novel in vitro system to study the post-implantation development of
      the human embryo. We unveil the self-organizing abilities and autonomy of in
      vitro attached human embryos. We find human-specific molecular signatures of
      early cell lineage, timing, and architecture. Embryos display key landmarks of
      normal development, including epiblast expansion, lineage segregation, bi-laminar
      disc formation, amniotic and yolk sac cavitation, and trophoblast
      diversification. Our findings highlight the species-specificity of these
      developmental events and provide a new understanding of early human embryonic
      development beyond the blastocyst stage. In addition, our study establishes a new
      model system relevant to early human pregnancy loss. Finally, our work will also
      assist in the rational design of differentiation protocols of human embryonic
      stem cells to specific cell types for disease modelling and cell replacement
      therapy.

PMID- 27144365
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27144366
TI  - Small-cell predominant extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type:
      clinicopathological analysis of a series of cases diagnosed in a Western
      population.
AB  - AIMS: Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL) is usually composed of
      medium- to large-sized lymphoid cells showing prominent angiotrophism and tumour
      cell necrosis. We report 13 cases composed predominantly of small lymphocytes
      diagnosed in the United States and Western Europe. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients
      included seven females and six males aged 17-75 years. Ten presented with
      sinonasal and three with buccal disease. Nine had stage IE/IIE and four had stage
      IV disease. In five of seven patients with multiple biopsies at different time
      intervals, the lymphoma was misinterpreted as representing chronic inflammation
      on an earlier biopsy. In all cases morphology showed a dense infiltrate of small
      lymphoid cells with minimal cytological atypia. Necrosis, angioinvasion and
      angiodestruction were each seen in 17%, 22% and 17% of biopsies. Median Ki67 was
      5%. Four patients died of lymphoma 4-16 months after diagnosis, including three
      of four patients with stage IV disease; seven (54%) are alive with no evidence of
      disease at a median of 39 months; one patient with stage IV disease is alive at
      10 months and one recurred at 17 months. CONCLUSIONS: In sinonasal biopsies with
      predominantly small lymphocytic infiltrates with admixed chronic inflammation,
      focal hypercellularity, focal surface ulceration or microscopic bone invasion by
      small lymphoid cells should alert pathologists to the possibility of small-cell
      predominant ENKTCL. Awareness of the full histological spectrum of ENKTCL,
      particularly in non-endemic areas, is important in avoiding a delay in diagnosis
      and ensuring timely initiation of therapy.

PMID- 27144364
TI  - Metabolic acceleration and the evolution of human brain size and life history.
AB  - Humans are distinguished from the other living apes in having larger brains and
      an unusual life history that combines high reproductive output with slow
      childhood growth and exceptional longevity. This suite of derived traits suggests
      major changes in energy expenditure and allocation in the human lineage, but
      direct measures of human and ape metabolism are needed to compare evolved energy
      strategies among hominoids. Here we used doubly labelled water measurements of
      total energy expenditure (TEE; kcal day(-1)) in humans, chimpanzees, bonobos,
      gorillas and orangutans to test the hypothesis that the human lineage has
      experienced an acceleration in metabolic rate, providing energy for larger brains
      and faster reproduction without sacrificing maintenance and longevity. In
      multivariate regressions including body size and physical activity, human TEE
      exceeded that of chimpanzees and bonobos, gorillas and orangutans by
      approximately 400, 635 and 820 kcal day(-1), respectively, readily accommodating
      the cost of humans' greater brain size and reproductive output. Much of the
      increase in TEE is attributable to humans' greater basal metabolic rate (kcal
      day(-1)), indicating increased organ metabolic activity. Humans also had the
      greatest body fat percentage. An increased metabolic rate, along with changes in
      energy allocation, was crucial in the evolution of human brain size and life
      history.

PMID- 27144367
TI  - Differential cortical laminar structure revealed by NeuN immunostaining and
      myeloarchitecture between sulcal and gyral regions independent of sexual
      dimorphisms in the ferret cerebrum.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to quantitatively clarify differences in laminar
      structure and myeloarchitecture of sulcal and gyral regions of the cerebral
      cortex of ferrets. Histological sections of cerebrum from male and female ferrets
      at postnatal day 90 were made at the coronal plane, and were immunostained with
      anti-NeuN or anti-myelin basic protein (MBP). Thickness was estimated in the
      entire depth or three strata, that is, layer I, outer (layers II-III) and inner
      (layers IV-VI) strata of the neocortex in representative five sulcal and seven
      gyral regions. As with the entire cortical depth, outer and inner strata were
      significantly thinner in the sulcal bottoms than in the gyral crowns, whereas
      layer I had about twofold greater thickness in the sulcal bottoms. However,
      thicknesses of the entire cortical depth and each cortical stratum were not
      statistically different among five sulcal regions or seven gyral regions
      examined. By MBP immunostaining, myelin fibers ran tangentially through the
      superficial regions of layer I in gyral crowns. Those fibers were relatively
      denser in gyri of frontal and temporal regions, and relatively sparse in gyri of
      parietal and occipital regions, although their density in any gyri was not
      different between sexes. These results show a differential laminar structure and
      myeloarchitecture between the sulcal and gyral regions of the ferret cerebral
      cortex present in both sexes. Myelination of layer I tangential fibers varied
      among primary gyri and was weaker in phylogenetically higher-order cortical gyri.
      Anat Rec, 299:1003-1011, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144368
TI  - Ulcerative dermatitis in wild dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe) from
      Libyan waters.
AB  - In the period 2013-2015, wild dusky grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe),
      caught in Libyan coastal waters and ranging in size from 42 to 92 cm in total
      length, were observed to have distinctive skin lesions of unknown aetiology.
      Histopathologically, the lesions comprised a multifocal, unilateral or bilateral
      dermatitis, involving the epidermis, superficial dermis and scale pockets, and
      sometimes, in severe cases, the hypodermis. Severe lesions had marked epidermal
      spongiosis progressing to ulceration. Healing was observed in some fish. Bacteria
      and fungi could be isolated from severe lesions, although they were not seen
      histopathologically in early-stage lesions. By contrast, metazoan parasite eggs
      were observed in the dermis and epidermis of some fish with mild and moderate
      dermatitis. Unidentified gravid digenean trematode parasites carrying similar
      eggs were also seen within the blood vessels of the deep and superficial dermis.
      The cause of this distinctive condition, termed dusky grouper dermatitis (DGD),
      and its potential impact upon already threatened Mediterranean wild dusky grouper
      populations and upon cultured grouper more widely have yet to be established.

PMID- 27144369
TI  - Automated hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction followed by liquid
      chromatography with mass spectrometry for the determination of benzodiazepine
      drugs in biological samples.
AB  - In this study, two-phase hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction and three
      phase hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction based on two immiscible organic
      solvents were compared for extraction of oxazepam and Lorazepam. Separations were
      performed on a liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry instrument. Under
      optimal conditions, three-phase hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction based
      on two immiscible organic solvents has a better extraction efficiency. In a urine
      sample, for three-phase hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction based on two
      immiscible organic solvents, the calibration curves were found to be linear in
      the range of 0.6-200 and 0.9-200 MUg L(-1) and the limits of detection were 0.2
      and 0.3 MUg L(-1) for oxazepam and lorazepam, respectively. For two-phase hollow
      fiber liquid-phase microextraction, the calibration curves were found to be
      linear in the range of 1-200 and 1.5-200 MUg L(-1) and the limits of detection
      were 0.3 and 0.5 MUg L(-1) for oxazepam and lorazepam, respectively. In a urine
      sample, for three-phase hollow-fiber-based liquid-phase microextraction based on
      two immiscible organic solvents, relative standard deviations in the range of 4.2
      4.5% and preconcentration factors in the range of 70-180 were obtained for
      oxazepam and lorazepam, respectively. Also for the two-phase hollow-fiber liquid
      phase microextraction, preconcentration factors in the range of 101-257 were
      obtained for oxazepam and lorazepam, respectively. 

PMID- 27144371
TI  - Age is an important factor to consider when using neuroimaging technologies for
      studying ambivalence among adolescents.

PMID- 27144370
TI  - Association of the clinical efficacy of vancomycin with the novel pharmacokinetic
      parameter area under the trough level (AUTL) in elderly patients with hospital
      acquired pneumonia.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic parameter that
      best predicts the efficacy of vancomycin is the ratio of the area under the
      concentration versus time curve (AUC) to the minimum inhibitory concentration
      (MIC). A 24-h AUC (AUC24 )/MIC ratio >= 400 was recommended in an American
      consensus review, but vancomycin treatment occasionally fails despite maintenance
      of AUC24 /MIC >= 400. We evaluated the association between clinical efficacy of
      vancomycin and two novel pharmacokinetic parameters, the 'area under the trough
      level' (AUTL) and the 'area above the trough level' (AATL), in hospitalized
      elderly patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
      pneumonia. METHODS: The subjects were hospitalized elderly patients who were
      administered vancomycin for treatment of MRSA pneumonia between 2006 and 2012 at
      Sasebo Chuo Hospital (Nagasaki, Japan). Pharmacokinetic parameters of vancomycin
      were estimated for each patient by Bayesian analysis using population
      pharmacokinetic parameters for Japanese patients. Based on the patient-specific
      parameters thus obtained, AUC24 values were calculated as the vancomycin dosage
      divided by vancomycin clearance. AUTL was calculated as the trough serum
      concentration multiplied by 24 h, whereas AATL was calculated by subtracting AUTL
      from AUC24 . RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Logistic regression analysis demonstrated
      that efficacy of vancomycin was more strongly associated with AUTL than AUC24 .
      The optimal cut-off value of AUTL was 331 MUg?h/mL, which means that the optimal
      cut-off value of the trough serum concentration was 13.8 MUg/mL. WHAT IS NEW AND
      CONCLUSION: Efficacy of vancomycin was associated with AUTL, a novel
      pharmacokinetic parameter. Determining the target AUTL or trough concentration
      may enhance the efficacy of vancomycin therapy in elderly patients with MRSA
      pneumonia. Given that nephrotoxicity may increase with a Ctrough in excess of 15
      MUg/mL, this level should ideally not be exceeded.

PMID- 27144372
TI  - Managing Obesity in Pregnancy: A Change in Focus from Harm Minimization to
      Prevention.
AB  - Obesity represents a significant global health problem, contributing to the
      overall burden of disease worldwide and a 30% increase in cost of health care
      provision. Over 50% of women who enter pregnancy are classified as overweight or
      obese resulting in short and long term effects on maternal and child health
      outcomes.There is a substantial amount of literature focusing on interventions in
      the antenatal period have been associated with modest changes in weight gain
      during pregnancy. There has been little effect on clinical pregnancy and birth
      outcomes.The article discusses the evidence supporting the shift from harm
      minimization via antenatal intervention, to one of prevention by targeting the
      time prior to conception to optimize maternal weight. 

PMID- 27144374
TI  - Fasting target for hyperglycaemia in pregnancy.
AB  - Knowledge of the fasting plasma glucose of healthy women may assist in the
      setting of treatment targets for women with hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP).
      This study examines the pregnancy glucose tolerance test results of 3344 women
      without HIP collected over a three-year period. The median fasting plasma glucose
      was 4.4 mmol/L with an interquartile range of 4.2-4.6 mmol/L and a 5th to 95th
      centile of 3.8-4.9 mmol/L. As the diagnostic fasting glucose level for HIP is
      >=5.1 mmol/L, these data support a treatment target of <=5.0 mmol/L.

PMID- 27144375
TI  - Prospective cohort study of phenotypic variation based on an anal sphincter
      function in adults with fecal incontinence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One-third of patients with fecal incontinence (FI) do not have any
      anal dysfunction. The aim was to characterize patients with FI with normal anal
      function compared with patients with anal weakness. METHODS: The general
      characteristics and data of anal manometry, endosonography, and defecography of
      patients who were evaluated for FI at a single institution from 2005 to 2015 were
      prospectively assessed. Fecal incontinence was defined by the Cleveland Clinic
      Incontinence Score (CCIS) >4. Anal weakness was defined by one or more of the
      three following parameters: <25 mmHg at the upper part of the anal canal, <26
      mmHg at the lower part of the anal canal, and <60 mmHg for the mean squeeze
      pressure. KEY RESULTS: A total of 439 patients with FI were included (152 with
      normal anal function/287 with anal weakness). Severe constipation (Kess score
      >=21) was predominant in patients with normal anal function (44/151 vs 50/284,
      respectively; p = 0.0054). Fecal incontinence with normal anal function was
      significantly associated with lower age (>63 years; odds ratio [OR] = 0.29),
      higher weight (>65 kg; OR = 1.69), fecal urgency (OR = 1.58), less severe FI
      score (CCIS score >10; OR = 0.52), higher abdominal pressure (>36 mmHg; OR =
      2.15), and paradoxical puborectal contraction (OR = 2.07) in a multivariate
      analysis model. CONCLUSION & INFERENCES: Fecal incontinence with normal anal
      function is a specific phenotype that involves distal constipation and may be an
      early stage of FI with anal weakness. Physicians should adapt their management to
      focus on the treatment of constipation.

PMID- 27144373
TI  - Selection on an antagonistic behavioral trait can drive rapid genital coevolution
      in the burying beetle, Nicrophorus vespilloides.
AB  - Male and female genital morphology varies widely across many taxa, and even among
      populations. Disentangling potential sources of selection on genital morphology
      is problematic because each sex is predicted to respond to adaptations in the
      other due to reproductive conflicts of interest. To test how variation in this
      sexual conflict trait relates to variation in genital morphology we used our
      previously developed artificial selection lines for high and low repeated mating
      rates. We selected for high and low repeated mating rates using monogamous
      pairings to eliminate contemporaneous female choice and male-male competition.
      Male and female genital shape responded rapidly to selection on repeated mating
      rate. High and low mating rate lines diverged from control lines after only 10
      generations of selection. We also detected significant patterns of male and
      female genital shape coevolution among selection regimes. We argue that because
      our selection lines differ in sexual conflict, these results support the
      hypothesis that sexually antagonistic coevolution can drive the rapid divergence
      of genital morphology. The greatest divergence in morphology corresponded with
      lines in which the resolution of sexual conflict over mating rate was biased in
      favor of male interests.

PMID- 27144376
TI  - Incorporation of beta-Silicon-beta3-Amino Acids in the Antimicrobial Peptide
      Alamethicin Provides a 20-Fold Increase in Membrane Permeabilization.
AB  - Incorporation of silicon-containing amino acids in peptides is known to endow the
      peptide with desirable properties such as improved proteolytic stability and
      increased lipophilicity. In the presented study, we demonstrate that
      incorporation of beta-silicon-beta3-amino acids into the antimicrobial peptide
      alamethicin provides the peptide with improved membrane permeabilizing
      properties. A robust synthetic procedure for the construction of beta-silicon
      beta3-amino acids was developed and the amino acid analogues were incorporated
      into alamethicin at different positions of the hydrophobic face of the
      amphipathic helix by using SPPS. The incorporation was shown to provide up to 20
      fold increase in calcein release as compared with wild-type alamethicin.

PMID- 27144377
TI  - Bioaccumulation of hexachlorobenzene in the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber.
AB  - A test system to investigate the biomagnification of organic chemicals in the
      terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber was developed and validated. Adult isopods
      were fed on alder leaf powder (Alnus glutinosa) spiked with [14
      C]hexachlorobenzene (HCB). Test animals, sampled regularly during the uptake (16
      d) and depuration phases (16 d), were analyzed, and the kinetics of tissue
      concentrations were determined. Uptake (k1 ) and depuration rates (k2 ) were
      calculated to estimate kinetic biomagnification factors (BMFs). In addition, the
      effect of coprophagy on the uptake and accumulation of HCB as well as the tissue
      distribution of HCB in P. scaber was investigated. The test system was shown to
      be suitable for investigations into the terrestrial bioaccumulation of chemicals.
      Coprophagy had no effect on the bioaccumulation of HCB in P. scaber. The
      hepatopancreas was identified as the main target tissue for HCB accumulation. The
      low BMF of 0.057 resulted from an assimilation efficiency (alpha) of 31.42%, a
      low uptake rate k1 (0.009 d-1 ), and a high depuration rate k2 (0.164 d-1 ). The
      results indicate that the terrestrial bioaccumulation of organic chemicals in P.
      scaber might not represent a worst-case scenario for biomagnification, limiting
      the value of the test system for the regulatory assessment of organic chemicals.
      Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2867-2873. (c) 2016 The Authors. Environmental
      Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

PMID- 27144378
TI  - The associations of vascular endothelial growth factor gene polymorphisms with
      susceptibility to osteosarcoma: evidence from a meta-analysis.
AB  - Several studies have investigated the associations of the vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to osteosarcoma,
      while their conclusions are conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to
      provide a comprehensive assessment on those associations. Electronic
      bibliographic databases were searched for potential studies focused on the
      relationship between VEGF polymorphisms and the susceptibility to osteosarcoma on
      10 December 2015. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were conducted
      to assess the associations. After strict screening process, six articles
      consisted of 1220 osteosarcoma patients and 1576 controls were selected. The
      pooled results suggested that VEGF-2578C/A polymorphism was significantly
      associated with osteosarcoma risk in all genetic models as well as VEGF-634G/C
      polymorphism. When it came to VEGF+936C/T polymorphism, we detected significant
      associations under allele contrast, heterozygote, dominant and recessive models.
      As to VEFG-460T/C polymorphism, significant associations were demonstrated in
      allele contrast and heterozygote models. With regard to VEGF-1156G/A
      polymorphism, significant association was observed only in alleles contrast
      model. However, there was no significant association between VEGF-1612G/A
      polymorphism and risk of osteosarcoma. This meta-analysis suggests that these
      polymorphisms comprised of VEGF-2578C/A, VEGF-1156G/A, VEGF+936C/T, VEGF-634G/C
      and VEGF-460T/C are associated with osteosarcoma risk in Chinese Han population.

PMID- 27144379
TI  - Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Retrospective
      Study.
AB  - Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have a role in treating neurological
      disorders. The efficacy and safety of hESC in treating spinal cord injury (SCI)
      was reported in our previous study. In the present study, we have evaluated the
      efficacy and safety of hESC therapy in 226 patients with SCI. In the first
      treatment phase (T1), 0.25 mL hESCs were administered intramuscularly twice
      daily, 1 mL every 10 days i.v., and 1-5 mL every 7 days. Of 153 patients in the
      American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale A at the beginning of T1, a
      significant number of patients (n = 80; 52.3%) moved to lower scales at the end
      of T1 (p = 0.01). At the end of T2, of 32 patients in ASIA scale A, 12 patients
      (37.5%) moved to scale B (p = 0.01). Of 19 patients, 3 patients (37.5%) moved to
      scale B at the end of T3 (p = 0.02). No serious adverse events (AEs) were
      observed. hESC transplantation is safe and effective. 

PMID- 27144380
TI  - Histologic and immunohistochemical characterization of thymic epithelial tumours
      in the dog.
AB  - Thymic epithelial tumour (TET) histologic subclassification has not been well
      described in the veterinary literature as it has in humans. The objective of this
      study was to identify and describe TET subtypes in dogs and to determine the
      utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in differentiating these subtypes. Samples
      were reviewed and classified according to a modified World Health Organization
      (WHO) criteria for human tumours of thymic origin. Signallment, presenting signs,
      treatment and survival data was collected from medical records. Histologic review
      confirmed the same subtypes as described in humans. Presence of high stage
      disease, pleomorphism, mitotic figures and capsular invasion was more common in
      atypical thymomas and thymic carcinomas than in thymomas. IHC was performed for
      GLUT-1, CD5, CD117 and CK8/18; however, this was not useful in classifying the
      tumours. 

PMID- 27144381
TI  - Possible Involvement of the Rat Hypothalamo-Neurohypophysial/-Spinal
      Oxytocinergic Pathways in Acute Nociceptive Responses.
AB  - Oxytocin (OXT)-containing neurosecretory cells in the parvocellular divisions of
      the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), which project to the medulla and spinal cord,
      are involved in various physiological functions, such as sensory modulation and
      autonomic processes. In the present study, we examined OXT expression in the
      hypothalamo-spinal pathway, as well as the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system,
      which includes the magnocellular neurosecretory cells in the PVN and the
      supraoptic nucleus (SON), after s.c. injection of saline or formalin into the
      hindpaws of transgenic rats that express the OXT and monomeric red fluorescent
      protein 1 (mRFP1) fusion gene. (i) The numbers of OXT-mRFP1 neurones that
      expressed Fos-like immunoreactivity (-IR) and OXT-mRFP1 intensity were increased
      significantly in the magnocellular/parvocellular PVN and SON after s.c. injection
      of formalin. (ii) OXT-mRFP1 neurones in the anterior parvocellular PVN, which may
      project to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, were activated by s.c. injection
      of formalin, as indicated by a significant increases of Fos-IR and mRFP1
      intensity intensity. (iii) Formalin injection caused a significant transient
      increase in plasma OXT. (iv) OXT, mRFP1 and corticotrophin-releasing hormone
      mRNAs in the PVN were significantly increased after s.c. injection of formalin.
      (v) An intrathecal injection of OXT-saporin induced hypersensitivity in conscious
      rats. Taken together, these results suggest that the hypothalamo
      neurohypophysial/-spinal OXTergic pathways may be involved in acute nociceptive
      responses in rats.

PMID- 27144382
TI  - Thinking Beyond Age for Postacute Care After Major Abdominal Surgery: A New
      Surgical Era.

PMID- 27144383
TI  - Interpretability of the Modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI).

PMID- 27144384
TI  - Structural studies of the protein endostatin in fusion with BAX BH3 death domain,
      a hybrid that presents enhanced antitumoral activity.
AB  - Endostatin (ES) is an antiangiogenic protein that exhibits antitumor activity in
      animal models. However, the activity observed in animals was not observed in
      human clinical trials. ES-BAX is a fusion protein composed of two functional
      domains: ES, which presents specificity and is internalized by activated
      endothelial cells and the proapoptotic BH3 domain of the protein BAX, a peptide
      inductor of cellular death when internalized. We have previously shown (Chura
      Chambi et al., Cell Death Dis, 5, e1371, 2014) that ES-BAX presents improved
      antitumor activity in relation to wild-type ES. Secondary and tertiary structures
      of ES-BAX are similar to ES, as indicated by homology-modeling studies and
      molecular dynamics simulations. Tryptophan intrinsic fluorescence and circular
      dichroism spectroscopy corroborate these data. 15 N HSQC NMR indicates that ES
      BAX is structured, but some ES residues have suffered chemical shift
      perturbations, suggesting that the BH3 peptide interacts with some parts of the
      ES protein. ES and ES-BAX present similar stability to thermal denaturation. The
      production of stable hybrid proteins can be a new approach to the development of
      therapeutic agents presenting specificity for tumoral endothelium and improved
      antitumor effect.

PMID- 27144385
TI  - Negativity Bias in Media Multitasking: The Effects of Negative Social Media
      Messages on Attention to Television News Broadcasts.
AB  - Television viewers' attention is increasingly more often divided between
      television and "second screens", for example when viewing television broadcasts
      and following their related social media discussion on a tablet computer. The
      attentional costs of such multitasking may vary depending on the ebb and flow of
      the social media channel, such as its emotional contents. In the present study,
      we tested the hypothesis that negative social media messages would draw more
      attention than similar positive messages. Specifically, news broadcasts were
      presented in isolation and with simultaneous positive or negative Twitter
      messages on a tablet to 38 participants in a controlled experiment. Recognition
      memory, gaze tracking, cardiac responses, and self-reports were used as
      attentional indices. The presence of any tweets on the tablet decreased attention
      to the news broadcasts. As expected, negative tweets drew longer viewing times
      and elicited more attention to themselves than positive tweets. Negative tweets
      did not, however, decrease attention to the news broadcasts. Taken together, the
      present results demonstrate a negativity bias exists for social media messages in
      media multitasking; however, this effect does not amplify the overall detrimental
      effects of media multitasking.

PMID- 27144386
TI  - Habitat conditions and phenological tree traits overrule the influence of tree
      genotype in the needle mycobiome-Picea glauca system at an arctic treeline
      ecotone.
AB  - Plant-associated mycobiomes in extreme habitats are understudied and poorly
      understood. We analysed Illumina-generated ITS1 sequences from the needle
      mycobiome of white spruce (Picea glauca) at the northern treeline in Alaska
      (USA). Sequences were obtained from the same DNA that was used for tree
      genotyping. In the present study, fungal metabarcoding and tree microsatellite
      data were compared for the first time. In general, neighbouring trees shared more
      fungal taxa with each other than trees growing in further distance. Mycobiomes
      correlated strongly with phenological host traits and local habitat
      characteristics contrasting a dense forest stand with an open treeline site.
      Genetic similarity between trees did not influence fungal composition and no
      significant correlation existed between needle mycobiome and tree genotype. Our
      results suggest the pronounced influence of local habitat conditions and
      phenotypic tree traits on needle-inhabiting fungi. By contrast, the tree genetic
      identity cannot be benchmarked as a dominant driver for needle-inhabiting
      mycobiomes, at least not for white spruce in this extreme environment.

PMID- 27144387
TI  - Face-specific and domain-general visual processing deficits in children with
      developmental prosopagnosia.
AB  - Evidence suggests that face and object recognition depend on distinct neural
      circuitry within the visual system. Work with adults with developmental
      prosopagnosia (DP) demonstrates that some individuals have preserved object
      recognition despite severe face recognition deficits. This face selectivity in
      adults with DP indicates that face- and object-processing systems can develop
      independently, but it is unclear at what point in development these mechanisms
      are separable. Determining when individuals with DP first show dissociations
      between faces and objects is one means to address this question. In the current
      study, we investigated face and object processing in six children with DP (5-12
      years-old). Each child was assessed with one face perception test, two different
      face memory tests, and two object memory tests that were matched to the face
      memory tests in format and difficulty. Scores from the DP children on the matched
      face and object tasks were compared to within-subject data from age-matched
      controls. Four of the six DP children, including the 5-year-old, showed evidence
      of face-specific deficits, while one child appeared to have more general visual
      processing deficits. The remaining child had inconsistent results. The presence
      of face-specific deficits in children with DP suggests that face and object
      perception depend on dissociable processes in childhood.

PMID- 27144388
TI  - Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecule-A1 (CORM-A1) Improves Neurogenesis: Increase
      of Neuronal Differentiation Yield by Preventing Cell Death.
AB  - Cerebral ischemia and neurodegenerative diseases lead to impairment or death of
      neurons in the central nervous system. Stem cell based therapies are promising
      strategies currently under investigation. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenous
      product of heme degradation by heme oxygenase (HO) activity. Administration of CO
      at low concentrations produces several beneficial effects in distinct tissues,
      namely anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory. Herein the CO role on modulation of
      neuronal differentiation was assessed. Three different models with increasing
      complexity were used: human neuroblastoma SH-S5Y5 cell line, human
      teratocarcinoma NT2 cell line and organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSC).
      Cell lines were differentiated into post-mitotic neurons by treatment with
      retinoic acid (RA) supplemented with CO-releasing molecule A1 (CORM-A1). CORM-A1
      positively modulated neuronal differentiation, since it increased final neuronal
      production and enhanced the expression of specific neuronal genes: Nestin, Tuj1
      and MAP2. Furthermore, during neuronal differentiation process, there was an
      increase in proliferative cell number (ki67 mRNA expressing cells) and a decrease
      in cell death (lower propidium iodide (PI) uptake, limitation of caspase-3
      activation and higher Bcl-2 expressing cells). CO supplementation did not
      increase the expression of RA receptors. In the case of SH-S5Y5 model, small
      amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation emerges as important
      signaling molecules during CO-promoted neuronal differentiation. CO's improvement
      of neuronal differentiation yield was validated using OHSC as ex vivo model. CORM
      A1 treatment of OHSC promoted higher levels of cells expressing the neuronal
      marker Tuj1. Still, CORM-A1 increased cell proliferation assessed by ki67
      expression and also prevented cell death, which was followed by increased Bcl-2
      expression, decreased levels of active caspase-3 and PI uptake. Likewise, ROS
      signaling emerged as key factors in CO's increasing number of differentiated
      neurons in OHSC. In conclusion, CO's increasing number of differentiated neurons
      is a novel biological role disclosed herein. CO improves neuronal yield due to
      its capacity to reduce cell death, promoting an increase in proliferative
      population. However, one cannot disregard a direct CO's effect on specific
      cellular processes of neuronal differentiation. Further studies are needed to
      evaluate how CO can potentially modulate cell mechanisms involved in neuronal
      differentiation. In summary, CO appears as a promising therapeutic molecule to
      stimulate endogenous neurogenesis or to improve in vitro neuronal production for
      cell therapy strategies.

PMID- 27144389
TI  - This paper is a winner in the Undergraduate category for the SFB awards:
      Evaluation of the tissue response to alginate encapsulated islets in an omentum
      pouch model.
AB  - Islet transplantation is currently in clinical use as a treatment for type I
      diabetes, but donor shortages and long-term immunosuppression limit broad
      application. Alginate microcapsules coated with poly-l-ornithine can be used to
      encapsulate islets in an environment that allows diffusion of glucose, insulin,
      nutrients, and waste products while inhibiting cells and antibodies. While
      clinical trials are ongoing using islets encapsulated in alginate microbeads,
      there are concerns in regards to long-term stability. Evaluation of the local
      tissue response following implantation provides insight into the underlying
      mechanisms contributing to biomaterial failure, which can be used to the design
      of new material strategies. Macrophages play an important role in driving the
      response. In this study, the stability of alginate microbeads coated with PLO
      containing islets transplanted in the omentum pouch model was investigated.
      Biomaterial structure and the inflammatory response were characterized by X-ray
      phase contrast (XPC) MUCT imaging, histology, and immunostaining. XPC allowed
      evaluation of microbead 3D structure and identification of failed and stable
      microbeads. A robust inflammatory response characterized by high cell density and
      the presence of pro-inflammatory macrophages was found around the failed grafts.
      The results obtained provide insight into the local tissue response and possible
      failure mechanisms for alginate microbeads. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J
      Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1581-1590, 2016.

PMID- 27144390
TI  - IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-A CASE OF SPONTANEOUS HEPATIC PORTAL VEIN GAS IN AN 11-MONTH
      OLD WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER.
AB  - An 11-month-old female entire West Highland White Terrier presented for chronic
      diarrhea with acute deterioration in demeanor and progression to systemic
      inflammatory response syndrome. Transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography
      identified colonic ulceration and secondary mucosal gas. Suspected hepatic portal
      vein gas and hepatic parenchyma gas were also visualized. The patient was
      stabilized and managed for ulcerative colitis. Based on endoscopic biopsies, the
      dog was diagnosed with severe, chronic, pyogranulomatous colitis. On repeat
      ultrasonographic evaluation the portal vein and hepatic gas had resolved but the
      patient deteriorated and was ultimately euthanized due to sepsis. 

PMID- 27144391
TI  - Sea Star Wasting Disease in the Keystone Predator Pisaster ochraceus in Oregon:
      Insights into Differential Population Impacts, Recovery, Predation Rate, and
      Temperature Effects from Long-Term Research.
AB  - Sea star wasting disease (SSWD) first appeared in Oregon in April 2014, and by
      June had spread to most of the coast. Although delayed compared to areas to the
      north and south, SSWD was initially most intense in north and central Oregon and
      spread southward. Up to 90% of individuals showed signs of disease from June
      August 2014. In rocky intertidal habitats, populations of the dominant sea star
      Pisaster ochraceus were rapidly depleted, with magnitudes of decline in density
      among sites ranging from -2x to -9x (59 to 84%) and of biomass from -2.6x to 
      15.8x (60 to 90%) by September 2014. The frequency of symptomatic individuals
      declined over winter and persisted at a low rate through the spring and summer
      2015 (~5-15%, at most sites) and into fall 2015. Disease expression included six
      symptoms: initially with twisting arms, then deflation and/or lesions, lost arms,
      losing grip on substrate, and final disintegration. SSWD was disproportionally
      higher in orange individuals, and higher in tidepools. Although historically P.
      ochraceus recruitment has been low, from fall 2014 to spring 2015 an
      unprecedented surge of sea star recruitment occurred at all sites, ranging from
      ~7x to 300x greater than in 2014. The loss of adult and juvenile individuals in
      2014 led to a dramatic decline in predation rate on mussels compared to the
      previous two decades. A proximate cause of wasting was likely the "Sea Star
      associated Densovirus" (SSaDV), but the ultimate factors triggering the epidemic,
      if any, remain unclear. Although warm temperature has been proposed as a possible
      trigger, SSWD in Oregon populations increased with cool temperatures. Since P.
      ochraceus is a keystone predator that can strongly influence the biodiversity and
      community structure of the intertidal community, major community-level responses
      to the disease are expected. However, predicting the specific impacts and time
      course of change across west coast meta-communities is difficult, suggesting the
      need for detailed coast-wide investigation of the effects of this outbreak.

PMID- 27144392
TI  - Reliability of ultrasound evaluation of the long head of the biceps tendon.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability of quantitative measures of the long head
      of the biceps tendon using an ultrasound-imaging system. DESIGN: Intra- and inter
      rater reliability study. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS: Thirty-one participants without
      shoulder pain. METHODS: All participants took part in 3 ultrasound imaging
      sessions; they were assessed by 2 evaluators (inter-rater reliability), one of
      whom assessed them twice (intra-rater reliability). All measurements were taken
      at the widest identified part of the tendon using longitudinal and transverse
      views. Measurements of the long head of the biceps tendon included width,
      thickness and cross-sectional area. Intraclass correlation coefficients and
      minimal detectable change were used to characterize reliability. RESULTS: Intra-
      and inter-rater reliabilities were excellent for all measures when the mean of 2
      measures were considered, except for inter-rater reliability of the width, for
      which it ranged from 0.76 to 0.86. Minimal detectable change ranged from 0.3 to
      1.6 mm for width and thickness, and from 2.8 to 4.9 mm2 for cross-sectional area.
      CONCLUSION: Ultrasound measurement of the long head of the biceps tendon is a
      highly reliable method, except for the width. When measuring the long head of the
      biceps tendon, a mean of 2 measurements is recommended. Now that reliability has
      been shown in healthy individuals, the next step will be to determine the
      validity/reliability of these quantitative measures in symptomatic shoulders.

PMID- 27144393
TI  - Assessing the Effect of mHealth Interventions in Improving Maternal and Neonatal
      Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Maternal and neonatal mortality remains high in many low- and
      middle-income countries (LMIC). Availability and use of mobile phones is
      increasing rapidly with 90% of persons in developing countries having a mobile
      cellular subscription. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been proposed
      as effective solutions to improve maternal and neonatal health. This systematic
      review assessed the effect of mHealth interventions that support pregnant women
      during the antenatal, birth and postnatal period in LMIC. METHODS: The review was
      registered with Prospero (CRD42014010292). Six databases were searched from June
      2014-April 2015, accompanied by grey literature search using pre-defined search
      terms linked to pregnant women in LMIC and mHealth. Quality of articles was
      assessed with an adapted Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Because of heterogeneity in
      outcomes, settings and study designs a narrative synthesis of quantitative
      results of intervention studies on maternal outcomes, neonatal outcomes, service
      utilization, and healthy pregnancy education was conducted. Qualitative and
      quantitative results were synthesized with a strengths, weaknesses,
      opportunities, and threats analysis. RESULTS: In total, 3777 articles were found,
      of which 27 studies were included: twelve intervention studies and fifteen
      descriptive studies. mHealth interventions targeted at pregnant women increased
      maternal and neonatal service utilization shown through increased antenatal care
      attendance, facility-service utilization, skilled attendance at birth, and
      vaccination rates. Few articles assessed the effect on maternal or neonatal
      health outcomes, with inconsistent results. CONCLUSION: mHealth interventions may
      be effective solutions to improve maternal and neonatal service utilization.
      Further studies assessing mHealth's impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes are
      recommended. The emerging trend of strong experimental research designs with
      randomized controlled trials, combined with feasibility research, government
      involvement and integration of mHealth interventions into the healthcare system
      is encouraging and can pave the way to improved decision making on best practice
      implementation of mHealth interventions.

PMID- 27144395
TI  - Betaine Inhibits Hepatitis B Virus with an Advantage of Decreasing Resistance to
      Lamivudine and Interferon alpha.
AB  - Betaine (BET) is a native compound known for its ability to protect the liver
      from toxicants. However, few studies have examined the effects of BET on the most
      common cause of liver disease, hepatitis B virus (HBV). In this study, the anti
      HBV activity of BET was assessed in vitro and in vivo using enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Southern
      blotting. The resistance of HBV to lamivudine and interferon alpha is challenging
      in the clinical treatment of HBV. The effect of BET on resistance was also
      investigated. The results showed that the secretion of HBsAg (HBV surface
      antigen), HbeAg (HBV e antigen), and HBV DNA in HepG2.2.15 cells was
      significantly decreased by BET via suppression of GRP78 expression. In duck HBV
      (DHBV)-infected ducklings, 1.0 or 2.0 g/kg BET significantly reduced serum DHBV
      DNA, and DHBV DNA did not rebound after the 5 day withdrawal period. BET
      suppressed HBV DNA rebound produced by the resistance of HBV to lamivudine and
      decreased the resistance mutation (rtM204V/I) of HBV DNA. Supplementation of BET
      may improve the anti-HBV effect of interferon alpha by increasing the expression
      of antiviral dsRNA-dependent protein kinase induced by the JAK-STAT (JAK = Janus
      kinase; STAT = signal transducer and activator of transcription) signaling
      pathway. These results may provide useful information for the clinical
      application of BET and solution of HBV drug resistance in anti-HBV therapy. 

PMID- 27144394
TI  - Functional Study of Ectodysplasin-A Mutations Causing Non-Syndromic Tooth
      Agenesis.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated that ectodysplasin-A (EDA) mutations are
      associated with non-syndromic tooth agenesis. Indeed, we were the first to report
      three novel EDA mutations (A259E, R289C and R334H) in sporadic non-syndromic
      tooth agenesis. We studied the mechanism linking EDA mutations and non-syndromic
      tooth agenesis in human embryonic kidney 293T cells and mouse ameloblast-derived
      LS8 cells transfected with mutant isoforms of EDA. The receptor binding
      capability of the mutant EDA1 protein was impaired in comparison to wild-type
      EDA1. Although the non-syndromic tooth agenesis-causing EDA1 mutants possessed
      residual binding capability, the transcriptional activation of the receptor's
      downstream target, nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), was compromised. We also
      analyzed the changes of selected genes in other signaling pathways, such as WNT
      and BMP, after EDA mutation. We found that non-syndromic tooth agenesis-causing
      EDA1 mutant proteins upregulate BMP4 (bone morphogenetic protein 4) mRNA
      expression and downregulate WNT10A and WNT10B (wingless-type MMTV integration
      site family member 10A and 10B) mRNA expression. Our results indicated that non
      syndromic tooth agenesis causing EDA mutations (A259E, R289C and R334H) were loss
      of-function, and suggested that EDA may regulate the expression of WNT10A, WNT10B
      and BMP4 via NF-kappaB during tooth development. The results from our study may
      help to understand the molecular mechanism linking specific EDA mutations with
      non-syndromic tooth agenesis.

PMID- 27144396
TI  - Oxidation of Refractory Benzothiazoles with PMS/CuFe2O4: Kinetics and
      Transformation Intermediates.
AB  - Benzothiazole (BTH) and its derivatives 2-(methylthio)bezothiazole (MTBT), 2
      benzothiazolsulfonate (BTSA), and 2-hydroxybenzothiazole (OHBT) are refractory
      pollutants ubiquitously existing in urban runoff at relatively high
      concentrations. Here, we report their oxidation by CuFe2O4-activated
      peroxomonosulfate (PMS/CuFe2O4), focusing on kinetics and transformation
      intermediates. These benzothiazoles can be efficiently degraded by this oxidation
      process, which is confirmed to generate mainly sulfate radicals (with negligible
      hydroxyl-radical formation) under slightly acidic to neutral pH conditions. The
      molar exposure ratio of sulfate radical to residual PMS (i.e., Rct) for this
      process is a constant that is related to the reaction condition and can be easily
      determined. The reaction rate constants of these benzothiazoles toward sulfate
      radical are (3.3 +/- 0.3) * 10(9), (1.4 +/- 0.3) * 10(9), (1.5 +/- 0.1) * 10(9),
      and (4.7 +/- 0.5) * 10(9) M(-1) s(-1), respectively (pH 7 and 20  degrees C). On
      the basis of Rct and these rate constants, their degradation in the presence of
      organic matter can be well-predicted. A number of transformation products were
      detected and tentatively identified using triple-quadruple/linear ion trap MS/MS
      and high-resolution MS. It appears that sulfate radicals attack BTH, MTBT, and
      BTSA on their benzo ring via electron transfer, generating multiple hydroxylated
      intermediates that are reactive toward common oxidants. For OHBT oxidation, the
      thiazole ring is preferentially broken down. Due to competitions of the
      transformation intermediates, a minimum PMS/pollutant molar ratio of 10-20 is
      required for effective degradation. The flexible PMS/CuFe2O4 could be a useful
      process to remove the benzothiazoles from low dissolved organic carbon waters
      like urban runoff or polluted groundwater.

PMID- 27144397
TI  - Subcutaneously Administered Ultrafine PLGA Nanoparticles Containing Doxycycline
      Hydrochloride Target Lymphatic Filarial Parasites.
AB  - Systemic chemotherapeutic targeting of filarial parasites is unfocused due to
      their deep seated location in lymphatic vessels. This warrants a prolonged dosing
      regimen in high doses for an anthelmintic like doxycycline hydrochloride (DOX).
      In order to provide an alternative, we have constructed ultrafine PLGA
      nanoparticles of DOX (DPNPs), so as to exploit the peculiarity of lymphatic
      vasculature underneath the subcutaneous layer of skin, which preferentially
      allows entry of only 10-100 nm sized particles. DPNPs were constructed using a
      novel solvent diffusion method aided by probe sonication, which resulted in an
      average size 95.43 +/- 0.8 nm as per DLS, PDI 0.168 +/- 0.03, zeta potential 
      7.38 +/- 0.32, entrapment efficiency 75.58 +/- 1.94%, and refrigerator stability
      of 7 days with respect to size in the optimized batch. TEM further substantiated
      the spherical shape of DPNPs along with their actual nonhydrated size as being
      well below 100 nm. FTIR analysis of DOX, dummy nanoparticles, and freeze-dried
      DPNPs revealed that the formulation step did not induce prominent changes in the
      chemical nature of DOX. The drug release was significantly altered (p < 0.05)
      with 64.6 +/- 1.67% release in 48 h from DPNPs and was dictated by Fickian
      diffusion. Pharmacokinetic studies in Wistar rats further revealed that DPNPs
      caused a 16-fold prolongation in attainment of plasma Tmax and a 2-fold extension
      of elimination half-life (28.569 +/- 1.27 h) at a dose of 5 mg/kg when compared
      to native drug (DOX solution) of the same strength. Contrastingly the trend was
      reversed in regional lymph nodes where Cmax for DPNPs (820 +/- 84 ng/mg) was 4
      fold greater, and lymphatic Tmax was attained in one-fourth of what was required
      for DOX solution. This size based preferential lymphatic targeting resulted in
      significantly greater in vivo antifilarial activity of DPNPs when compared to DOX
      solution as gauged by several parameters in Brugia malayi infected Mastomys
      coucha. Interestingly, the magnification in efficacy was obtained despite
      equivalent in vitro antifilarial activity of DOX solution and DPNPs against B.
      malayi worms.

PMID- 27144399
TI  - A New Fluorinated Tyrosinase Inhibitor from a Chemically Engineered Essential
      Oil.
AB  - The generation of fluorinated essential oils as a source of bioactive compounds
      is described. Most of the components of the natural mixtures were altered,
      leading to the discovery of a new fluorinated tyrosinase inhibitor.

PMID- 27144400
TI  - Correction: Glucocorticoids Inhibit Basal and Hormone-Induced Serotonin Synthesis
      in Pancreatic Beta Cells.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149343.].

PMID- 27144401
TI  - Tough Polymer Aerogels Incorporating a Conformal Inorganic Coating for Low
      Flammability and Durable Hydrophobicity.
AB  - Both inorganic and polymeric aerogels are well-known in the materials field.
      Inorganic aerogels are generally susceptible to brittle fracture, while polymeric
      aerogels tend to exhibit low modului and high flammability. To overcome these
      disadvantages, we introduce a new approach to the design of aerogels. A
      microporous poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aerogel/silica nanocomposite was prepared
      by growing a silica conformal coating onto a PVA aerogel scaffold. Such
      aerogel/silica nanocomposites show significant improvement in their mechanical
      properties over either individual component. The nanocomposites show excellent
      fire resistance since the silica conformal coating serves as a barrier for heat
      transfer and mass loss of the coated organic materials. After a fluorocarbon
      silane treatment, the nanocomposites also show durable superhydrophobicity.

PMID- 27144398
TI  - The Staphylococcus aureus Global Regulator MgrA Modulates Clumping and Virulence
      by Controlling Surface Protein Expression.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is a human commensal and opportunistic pathogen that causes
      devastating infections in a wide range of locations within the body. One of the
      defining characteristics of S. aureus is its ability to form clumps in the
      presence of soluble fibrinogen, which likely has a protective benefit and
      facilitates adhesion to host tissue. We have previously shown that the ArlRS two
      component regulatory system controls clumping, in part by repressing production
      of the large surface protein Ebh. In this work we show that ArlRS does not
      directly regulate Ebh, but instead ArlRS activates expression of the global
      regulator MgrA. Strains lacking mgrA fail to clump in the presence of fibrinogen,
      and clumping can be restored to an arlRS mutant by overexpressing either arlRS or
      mgrA, indicating that ArlRS and MgrA constitute a regulatory pathway. We used RNA
      seq to show that MgrA represses ebh, as well as seven cell wall-associated
      proteins (SraP, Spa, FnbB, SasG, SasC, FmtB, and SdrD). EMSA analysis showed that
      MgrA directly represses expression of ebh and sraP. Clumping can be restored to
      an mgrA mutant by deleting the genes for Ebh, SraP and SasG, suggesting that
      increased expression of these proteins blocks clumping by steric hindrance. We
      show that mgrA mutants are less virulent in a rabbit model of endocarditis, and
      virulence can be partially restored by deleting the genes for the surface
      proteins ebh, sraP, and sasG. While mgrA mutants are unable to clump, they are
      known to have enhanced biofilm capacity. We demonstrate that this increase in
      biofilm formation is partially due to up-regulation of SasG, a surface protein
      known to promote intercellular interactions. These results confirm that ArlRS and
      MgrA constitute a regulatory cascade, and that they control expression of a
      number of genes important for virulence, including those for eight large surface
      proteins.

PMID- 27144402
TI  - Interfacial Mode Interactions of Surface Plasmon Polaritons on Gold Nanodome
      Films.
AB  - Hollow metallic nanodome structures were fabricated using anodized aluminum oxide
      (AAO) nanopores as deposition and sacrificial templates. Individual Au nanodomes
      inherit the unique shapes of the well-defined AAO membranes whose pedestal cells
      become square or hexagonal lattices with hemispheres in close proximity. Minimal
      contact between the hollow nanodomes and the glass substrate provide an identical
      dielectric medium across the film. The nanodome Au films support surface plasmon
      polaritons (SPPs) of strong air-Au and weak Au-glass modes in the light
      transmission dispersions. The mode crossings of distinct SPPs exhibit
      characteristic energy gaps, which depend on the periodic geometries of the
      nanostructures. 

PMID- 27144403
TI  - Invasive Asian Earthworms Negatively Impact Keystone Terrestrial Salamanders.
AB  - Asian pheretimoid earthworms (e.g. Amynthas and Metaphire spp.) are invading
      North American forests and consuming the vital detrital layer that forest floor
      biota [including the keystone species Plethodon cinereus (Eastern Red-backed
      Salamander)], rely on for protection, food, and habitat. Plethodon cinereus
      population declines have been associated with leaf litter loss following the
      invasion of several exotic earthworm species, but there have been few studies on
      the specific interactions between pheretimoid earthworms and P. cinereus. Since
      some species of large and active pheretimoids spatially overlap with salamanders
      beneath natural cover objects and in detritus, they may distinctively compound
      the negative consequences of earthworm-mediated resource degradation by
      physically disturbing important salamander activities (foraging, mating, and egg
      brooding). We predicted that earthworms would exclude salamanders from high
      quality microhabitat, reduce foraging efficiency, and negatively affect
      salamander fitness. In laboratory trials, salamanders used lower quality
      microhabitat and consumed fewer flies in the presence of earthworms. In a natural
      field experiment, conducted on salamander populations from "non-invaded" and
      "pheretimoid invaded" sites in Ohio, salamanders and earthworms shared cover
      objects ~60% less than expected. Earthworm abundance was negatively associated
      with juvenile and male salamander abundance, but had no relationship with female
      salamander abundance. There was no effect of pheretimoid invasion on salamander
      body condition. Juvenile and non-resident male salamanders do not hold stable
      territories centered beneath cover objects such as rocks or logs, which results
      in reduced access to prey, greater risk of desiccation, and dispersal pressure.
      Habitat degradation and physical exclusion of salamanders from cover objects may
      hinder juvenile and male salamander performance, ultimately reducing recruitment
      and salamander abundance following Asian earthworm invasion.

PMID- 27144404
TI  - Natural History of Cryptosporidiosis in a Longitudinal Study of Slum-Dwelling
      Bangladeshi Children: Association with Severe Malnutrition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cryptosporidiosis is a common cause of infectious diarrhea in young
      children worldwide, and is a significant contributor to under-five mortality.
      Current treatment options are limited in young children. In this study, we
      describe the natural history of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in a birth cohort
      of children in Bangladesh and evaluate for association with malnutrition.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This is a longitudinal birth cohort study of 392
      slum-dwelling Bangladeshi children followed over the first two years of life from
      2008 to 2014. Children were monitored for diarrheal disease, and stool was tested
      for intestinal protozoa. Anthropometric measurements were taken at 3-month
      intervals. A subset of Cryptosporidium positive stools were genotyped for species
      and revealed that C. hominis was isolated from over 90% of samples. In the first
      two years of life, 77% of children experienced at least one infection with
      Cryptosporidium spp. Non-diarrheal infection (67%) was more common than diarrheal
      infection (6.3%) although 27% of children had both types of infection. Extreme
      poverty was associated with higher rates of infection (chi-square, 49.7% vs
      33.3%, p = 0.006). Malnutrition was common in this cohort, 56% of children had
      stunted growth by age two. Children with Cryptosporidium spp. infection had a
      greater than 2-fold increased risk of severe stunting at age two compared to
      uninfected children (odds ratio 2.69, 95% CI 1.17, 6.15, p = 0.019) independent
      of sex, income, maternal body-mass index, maternal education and weight for age
      adjusted z (WAZ) score at birth. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Cryptosporidium
      infection is common (77%) in this cohort of slum-dwelling Bangladeshi children,
      and both non-diarrheal and diarrheal infections are significantly associated with
      a child's growth at 2 years of age.

PMID- 27144406
TI  - Lipid Transfer Protein Syndrome in a Non-Mediterranean Area.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plant food allergies associated with lipid transfer protein (LTP)
      have been widely described in the Mediterranean Basin. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      work was to describe the clinical profile and pollen sensitization of plant food-
      allergic patients sensitized to LTP in a non-Mediterranean area. METHODS:
      Patients with clear IgE-mediated symptoms associated with plant foods and a
      positive skin prick test (SPT) to Pru p 3 were included in a prospective study in
      the north of Spain. Reported symptoms were analyzed together with a battery of
      food and pollen SPTs and specific IgE components by ISAC microarray. Cross
      inhibition studies were performed by ImmunoCAP with plane tree, mugwort and rPru
      p 3. RESULTS: Among the 72 patients included, the most frequent food allergy
      reported was to peaches (69%) followed by nuts (walnuts 55%, peanuts 54% and
      hazelnuts 43%). Most patients suffered from symptoms with multiple plant foods (a
      median of 6 foods per patient). Regarding the patients' pollen sensitization, 36%
      were sensitized to mugwort pollen (72% showing sIgE to Art v 3), 33% to grass
      pollen and 24% to plane tree pollen (94% with sIgE to Pla a 3). Inhibition
      studies showed that specific IgEs against mugwort and plane tree pollen are
      inhibited by Pru p 3 in a strong manner, whereas Pru p 3 was less inhibited by
      pollen extracts. CONCLUSIONS: LTP syndrome occurs in a non-Mediterranean area and
      is related to multiple sensitizations to foods and pollens such as plane tree and
      mugwort. In these pollen sensitizations, Pru p 3 seems to be the primary
      sensitizer.

PMID- 27144405
TI  - Characterization of Fosfomycin Resistance Gene, fosB, in Methicillin-Resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus Isolates.
AB  - To investigate the prevalence, location and genetic environments of fosfomycin
      resistance (fos) genes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
      clinical strains, 67 fosfomycin-resistant MRSA strains were isolated from the
      blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples at a teaching hospital in Shanghai. The
      presence of fos genes in these clinical strains was detected by PCR and
      sequencing. The locations of fos genes were determined by Southern blotting and
      genetic environments were analyzed by primer walking sequencing. Multiple locus
      sequence typing (MLST) was used to characterize genetic diversity. Conjugation
      was performed to evaluate the transferability of fos genes. Among 67 fosfomycin
      resistant MRSA strains, nine high level fosfomycin resistant strains (>=128
      MUg/ml) were fosB-positive. Three new subtypes of fosB, designated as fosB4,
      fosB5, and fosB6, were identified. fosB1, fosB4 or fosB6 genes were located on
      small plasmids (ca. 2.5 kb) and flanked by an analogous replication gene (rep).
      Differently, the fosB5 gene was surrounded by a shorter rep gene and two copies
      of a transposon gene (tnp) that shared high identity with the IS257-like
      transposon. Four MLST types were found among the nine fosB-positive strains.
      Transconjugants with the fosB genes were resistant to fosfomycin with MIC 64 or
      128 MUg/ml. In conclusion, different subtypes and genetic environment of fosB
      genes indicate that gene heterogeneity for fosfomycin resistance in MRSA
      isolates.

PMID- 27144407
TI  - Cord Blood Soluble CD14 Predicts Wheeze and Prolonged Cough in Young Children:
      The PATCH Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14) plays a role in the
      development and manifestation of atopic symptoms, although the results of
      previous studies have been inconclusive. The aim of this study is to evaluate the
      practical use of sCD14 as a predictive biomarker of allergy in young children.
      METHODS: Children aged 0-1 year from a birth cohort in the Prediction of
      Allergies in Taiwanese Children (PATCH) study were enrolled. Cord blood sCD14
      concentrations were measured. Pediatrician evaluation and questionnaire
      interviews were performed periodically until 1 year of age to determine the
      children's allergic and respiratory symptoms. RESULTS: Two hundred and six 1-year
      old subjects were enrolled. Wheeze was positively associated with cord blood
      sCD14, a family member with asthma and parental smoking. Prolonged cough was
      associated with cord blood sCD14, older maternal age and more siblings. In the
      multivariate logistic regression analysis, cord blood sCD14 was the only
      independent predictive biomarker for wheeze and prolonged cough by 1 year of age.
      Every 100-ng/ml increase in cord blood sCD14 resulted in a 1.56-fold higher risk
      of developing wheeze and a 1.62-fold higher risk of prolonged cough in children
      by 1 year of age. CONCLUSIONS: Cord blood sCD14 may be a useful biomarker for
      predicting infant wheeze and prolonged cough by 1 year of age.

PMID- 27144408
TI  - IgE-Mediated Hypersensitivity and Desensitisation with Recombinant Enzymes in
      Pompe Disease and Type I and Type VI Mucopolysaccharidosis.
AB  - Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is important for the treatment of lysosomal
      storage disorders. Hypersensitivity reactions with ERT have been reported, and in
      these cases, desensitisation with the enzyme is necessary. Here we report the
      cases of 3 patients with lysosomal storage disorders, including Pompe disease and
      mucopolysaccharidosis type I and VI, who had IgE-mediated hypersensitivity
      reactions and positive skin tests. Successful desensitisation protocols with the
      culprit enzyme solution were used for these patients. All 3 patients were able to
      safely receive ERT with the desensitisation protocol. 

PMID- 27144409
TI  - Does Gender Moderate the Direct and Indirect Relationships Between Different
      Sources of Social Support and Adolescents' Physical Activity?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Using the social cognitive theory, this study aims to examine how
      gender moderates the direct and indirect relationships of various sources of
      social support on Chinese adolescents' physical activity (PA). METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted. The final data includes 396 students (55.8% are
      boys) who were randomly selected from 2 middle schools and 4 high schools in
      Fuzhou city located in southeast China. Family support, peer support, and self
      efficacy (SE) were measured using validated questionnaires. Participants' PA was
      assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form.
      Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. A bootstrapping method
      was used to determine and compare the direct and indirect effects of social
      support on PA across genders. RESULTS: Peer support had no direct effect on PA;
      rather, peer support indirectly influenced PA through SE. Gender did not moderate
      this mediating effect. In addition, family support had neither a direct nor an
      indirect effect on PA via SE, and gender did not moderate these effects.
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that peer support played a more important role than
      family support on study participants' PA indirectly through SE. SE also has a
      similar indirect effect across genders.

PMID- 27144411
TI  - Treatment via Television: The Relation Between Watching Dr. Phil and Viewers'
      Intentions to Seek Mental Health Treatment.
AB  - Many people with a mental disorder fail to obtain professional treatment for a
      diagnosable mental disorder, and some turn to media outlets for diagnosis and
      treatment recommendations; however, little is known about outcomes associated
      with exposure to media mental health professionals. We reasoned that exposure to
      Dr. Phil would be associated with greater intentions to seek mental health
      treatment for oneself and for one's child and that this relationship would be
      serially mediated by higher levels of parasocial relationship with Dr. Phil and
      greater efficacy beliefs in treating the mental illness of oneself and one's
      child. As predicted, frequent viewing of Dr. Phil was associated with higher
      levels of parasocial relationship with Dr. Phil, which in turn was itself
      associated with greater efficacy beliefs in treating a mental illness of oneself
      and of one's child, which was ultimately related to greater intentions to seek
      treatment for oneself or for one's child. The findings suggest that the
      relationship that develops between media mental health professionals and their
      audience can encourage intentions to seek mental health treatment.

PMID- 27144410
TI  - Airway Progenitor Clone Formation Is Enhanced by Y-27632-Dependent Changes in the
      Transcriptome.
AB  - The application of conditional reprogramming culture (CRC) methods to nasal
      airway epithelial cells would allow more wide-spread incorporation of primary
      airway epithelial culture models into complex lung disease research. In this
      study, we adapted the CRC method to nasal airway epithelial cells, investigated
      the growth advantages afforded by this technique over standard culture methods,
      and determined the cellular and molecular basis of CRC cell culture effects. We
      found that the CRC method allowed the production of 7.1 * 10(10) cells after 4
      passages, approximately 379 times more cells than were generated by the standard
      bronchial epithelial growth media (BEGM) method. These nasal airway epithelial
      cells expressed normal basal cell markers and could be induced to form a
      mucociliary epithelium. Progenitor cell frequency was significantly higher using
      the CRC method in comparison to the standard culture method, and progenitor cell
      maintenance was dependent on addition of the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632. Whole
      transcriptome sequencing analysis demonstrated widespread gene expression changes
      in Y-27632-treated basal cells. We found that Y-27632 treatment altered
      expression of genes fundamental to the formation of the basal cell cytoskeleton,
      cell-cell junctions, and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions.
      Importantly, we found that Y-27632 treatment up-regulated expression of unique
      basal cell intermediate filament and desmosomal genes. Conversely, Y-27632 down
      regulated multiple families of protease/antiprotease genes involved in ECM
      remodeling. We conclude that Y-27632 fundamentally alters cell-cell and cell-ECM
      interactions, which preserves basal progenitor cells and allows greater cell
      amplification.

PMID- 27144412
TI  - Predicting verbal fluency using Word Reading: Implications for premorbid
      functioning.
AB  - The estimation of premorbid general intellectual functioning using word reading
      tests has a rich history of validation and is a common assessment practice for
      neuropsychologists. What is less well-researched is the approach used to estimate
      premorbid functioning of non-intellectual domains, such as executive functions,
      including verbal fluency. The current study evaluated this relationship with 41
      adult college students who completed the Word Reading subtest of the Wechsler
      Individual Achievement Test-Second Edition (WIAT-II) and the Verbal Fluency test
      from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS). Path analysis indicated
      that only Letter Fluency (a measure of phonemic fluency) was statistically
      significantly related to Word Reading and the relationship was somewhat weak. The
      relationship between Category Fluency (a measure of semantic fluency) and
      Category Switching (a measure of verbal fluency cognitive set-shifting) to Word
      Reading was nonsignificant. Participants also completed the Wechsler Adult
      Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III), and as expected a strong
      relationship was found between Word Reading and the Verbal IQ (VIQ), Performance
      IQ (PIQ), and Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ). Results of this study
      strongly suggest that caution be exercised when extrapolating an estimate of
      premorbid verbal fluency abilities from measures of word reading. 

PMID- 27144413
TI  - Malnutrition and Clinical Outcome of 234 Head and Neck Cancer Patients who
      Underwent Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy.
AB  - Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients who underwent percutaneous endoscopic
      gastrostomy (PEG) present malnutrition risk and speech impairments. Their
      assessment relies on objective anthropometric/laboratory data. Focusing on HNC
      PEG patients, our aims were to evaluate: 1) outcome; 2) nutritional status when
      the patients underwent PEG; and 3) association of nutritional status/outcome,
      creating a survival predictive model. We evaluated the outcome based on NRS 2002,
      dietary assessment, body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC),
      triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), albumin,
      transferrin, and cholesterol on the day of gastrostomy. Using BMI, TSF, MAMC, and
      laboratory data, a survival predictive model was created. Of the 234 patients
      (cancer stages III-IV), 149 died, 33 were still PEG-fed, and 36 resumed oral
      intake (NRS-2002>=3, caloric needs <50% in all). BMI was 12.7-43. 189, 197, and
      168 patients displayed, respectively, low MUAC, TSF, and MAMC. 91, 155, and 119
      patients displayed low albumin, transferrin, and cholesterol. Albumin,
      cholesterol, and transferrin were strongly associated with the outcome. A
      predictive model was created, discriminating between short-term survivors (<4
      months) and long-term survivors. HNC patients were malnourished. Using
      anthropometric/laboratory parameters, a predictive model provides discrimination
      between patients surviving PEG for <4 months and long-term survivors. Teams
      taking care of PEG patients may provide special support to potential short-term
      survivors.

PMID- 27144415
TI  - Behaviour mechanisms and correlation between lead (Pb) and its isotope (210)Pb in
      industrial residue as an indicator for waste characterization.
AB  - Total lead and (210)Pb concentrations were determined in various ash fractions
      (collected from two of the world's largest oil shale-fired power plants) by
      inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS) and gamma spectrometry.
      Results show a clear increase in total lead (values up to 193 ppm in filter
      ashes) and (210)Pb (values up to 148 Bq kg(-1) in filter ashes) concentrations in
      the ash fractions from the furnace towards the filter ashes. A strong positive
      linear correlation (Pearson's bivariate correlation remained between 0.86 and
      0.99) was determined between total lead concentration (ppm) and (210)Pb activity
      concentration (Bq kg(-1)) within all the boilers under observation. The constant
      concentration ratio between total lead and (210)Pb remained around one (with
      minor exceptions), independent of the sampling location and the used combustion
      technology. The determined concentration ratio can be applicable as an indicative
      tool in waste material characterization. It also provides multiple additions to
      the general material characterization approach, by integrating radiological and
      elemental studies and providing an option to rapidly obtain initial indicative
      information about the residues. This in turn helps to generate the initial
      information to work out the next steps in waste material management. 

PMID- 27144414
TI  - The effect of an IkappaB-kinase-beta(IKKbeta) inhibitor on tobacco smoke-induced
      pulmonary inflammation.
AB  - PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Inactivation of NF-kappaB with IKKbeta knockout mice
      reduces tobacco smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation. In this study, we
      investigated whether the IKKbeta inhibitor PS-1145 could attenuate the pulmonary
      inflammation induced by tobacco smoke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We divided 30 mice
      into three groups: a control group, a smoking group, and a PS-1145 group. Mice
      from the smoking and PS-1145 groups were exposed for 2 weeks to tobacco smoke. PS
      1145 was injected intraperitoneally before every tobacco smoke exposure. After 2
      weeks, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed for cell counting and measuring
      of inflammatory chemokines. We analyzed the correlation between NF-kappaB and NF
      kappaB-regulated chemokines in BAL fluid and measured the neutrophils and
      macrophages by immunostaining in lung tissues. RESULTS: The PS-1145 group showed
      a significant reduction in the number of total cells, neutrophils, and
      macrophages, as well as the KC and MCP-1 level, in the BAL fluid compared to the
      smoking group. There was no significant difference in the level of MIP-1alpha.
      The level of NF-kappaB in BAL fluid was significantly positively correlated with
      KC and MCP-1 levels, but not with MIP-1alpha level. The PS-1145 group also showed
      a significant fewer neutrophils and macrophages in the lung tissue. CONCLUSIONS:
      We conclude that the IKKbeta inhibitor PS-1145 suppressed the NF-kappaB signaling
      pathway and reduced the recruitment of inflammatory cells and chemokines in
      pulmonary inflammation induced by tobacco smoke. IKKbeta inhibition offers a
      potential therapeutic target for tobacco smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation.

PMID- 27144416
TI  - Pleomorphic Carcinoma of the Lung: Relationship Between CT Findings and
      Prognosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to assess the radiologic and clinical
      findings of pleomorphic carcinoma (PC) of the lung and to evaluate whether there
      are any characteristic features that can be used to predict prognosis. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients whose diagnosis of PC was
      histologically confirmed through resection of the lung tumor were included in
      this study. The clinical and CT findings of these patients were retrospectively
      reviewed. Two thoracic radiologists evaluated the CT findings including the size,
      location, internal characteristics, and margin characteristics of the tumors and
      the presence of chest wall invasion, mediastinal invasion, and surrounding lung
      abnormalities. A multivariate analysis by the Cox proportional hazards regression
      model was used to identify variables that can be used to predict overall survival
      and disease-free survival. RESULTS: In the patients with PC, a central low
      attenuation area or cavity (40/44, 91%), chest wall invasion (19/44, 43%), and
      pulmonary emphysema (30/44, 68%) were frequently observed on CT. On multivariate
      analysis, a massive central low-attenuation area or cavity (> 25% of the lesion)
      on CT indicating necrosis was the only significant independent factor for overall
      survival and disease-free survival (p < 0.05). Clinical findings, the presence of
      lymph node metastasis at surgery, and postoperative pathologic stage were not
      significant predictors of overall survival and disease-free survival. CONCLUSION:
      A massive central low-attenuation area or cavity on CT was the only predictor of
      overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with lung PC.

PMID- 27144417
TI  - The role of ctDNA detection and the potential of the liquid biopsy for breast
      cancer monitoring.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent advances in deep amplicon sequencing have enabled rapid
      assessment of somatic mutations and structural changes in multiple cancer genes
      in DNA isolated from tumour tissues and circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA). This
      cfDNA is under investigation as a 'liquid biopsy' for the real time monitoring of
      patients with cancer in a growing number of research studies and clinical trials.
      AREAS COVERED: Here we will provide a brief overview of the potential clinical
      utility of cfDNA profiling for detection and monitoring of patients with breast
      cancer. The review was conducted in English using PubMed and search terms
      including 'breast cancer', 'plasma DNA', 'circulating cell free DNA' and
      'circulating tumour DNA'. Expert commentary: Liquid biopsies through circulating
      tumor DNA (ctDNA) enable monitoring of patients with breast cancer. The challenge
      ahead will be to incorporate cfDNA mutation profiling into routine clinical
      practice to provide patients with the most appropriate and timely treatment.

PMID- 27144418
TI  - The buck stops at the top.
AB  - There is nothing like a health scare to get the editors of newspapers and rolling
      news programmes excited, especially over the Christmas and new year period when
      little else is happening. So it is no surprise that the fallout from the recent
      increase in flu cases has dominated the headlines for a fortnight or more.

PMID- 27144419
TI  - Introducing Research and Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses Jolley Jeremy
      Introducing Research and Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses 168pp Pearson
      Education 9780273719168 0273719165 [Formula: see text].
AB  - This is a curious book of contradictions. On the one hand, it is easy to read,
      there is good use of humour and it offers sound advice. On the other, its title
      refers to evidence-based practice for nurses, but there is only one chapter
      devoted to it.

PMID- 27144420
TI  - Patients, the Public and Priorities in Healthcare Littlejohns Peter Rawlins
      Michael Patients, the Public and Priorities in Healthcare 208pp Radcliffe
      Publishing 9781846193873 1846193877 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Involving patients and carers in healthcare decision making is now a central part
      of NHS policy. How it is done in a meaningful and constructive way is more of a
      challenge.

PMID- 27144421
TI  - National Autistic Society.
AB  - The National Autistic Society aims to 'accept difference, not indifference', and
      it certainly lives up to its promise.

PMID- 27144422
TI  - Nurse to Nurse Dementia Care - Expert Interventions Steele Cynthia D Nurse to
      Nurse Dementia Care - Expert Interventions 200pp McGraw-Hill Medical
      9780071484329 0071484329 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Cynthia Steele's book is a welcome addition to the literature. It covers the
      basics and is a step in the right direction for the care of patients with
      dementia.

PMID- 27144423
TI  - Chronic anemia and non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome - double jeopardy.
AB  - This review outlines the priorities from cardiology and gastroenterology
      perspectives, resolves some of the misconceptions, and uses the evidence
      available to suggest strategies for optimizing management of these patients. The
      dual presentation of acute active gastrointestinal (GI) blood loss together with
      an acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS or STEMI) is outside the remit of this review
      but has been previously reviewed by our group. The review covers NSTEACS together
      with chronic or sub-acute anemia, anemia that cannot be accounted for by chronic
      kidney disease, heart failure, or inflammatory disorders. Identification of a
      potential GI etiology of anemia is important as it allows adjustment to both GI
      and CV investigations and treatments that can reduce the likelihood and impact of
      bleeding complications.

PMID- 27144424
TI  - Secretion pathway of liver IGF-1 via JAK2/STAT3 in chick embryo under the
      monochromatic light.
AB  - This study reveals mechanism of monochromatic light on the IGF-1 secretion of
      chick embryo liver. The chick embryos were incubated and exposed to continuous
      red, green, blue light or a dark environment. Compared to other light-treated
      groups, green light increased IGF-1 and melatonin concentrations both in plasma
      and liver, and Mel1a, Mel1b and Mel1c receptors expressions in liver but
      decreased p-JAK2, p-STAT3 and ROS in liver. IGF-1 had a positive correlation with
      melatonin, but a negative relevance with p-JAK2 and p-STAT3. In vitro, the IGF-1
      level in the hepatocyte supernatant was enhanced by melatonin with lower p-JAK2/p
      STAT3 and ROS levels, which was suppressed by Mel1c antagonist but not
      Mel1a/Mel1b or Mel1b antagonists. AG490 (JAK/STAT inhibitor) promoted role of
      melatonin-Mel1c modulated IGF-1 secretion. These results suggest the antioxidant
      effect of melatonin mediated the green light-enhanced IGF-1 secretion of chick
      embryo liver through Mel1c receptor to inhibit the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

PMID- 27144426
TI  - Primary tracheal papilloma disguised as asthma: A case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tracheal papilloma presenting as asthma is a rare occurrence. CASE
      STUDY: We report a case of a 32-year-old male patient who presented with features
      of asthma. Flexible bronchoscopy demonstrated a large growth arising from the
      lower end of the trachea. Successful treatment using snare loop and argon plasma
      coagulation (APC) of the polyploidal growth was performed via flexible
      bronchoscope. RESULTS: The patient had immediate relief of airway obstruction and
      histopathological examination of the neoplasm demonstrated features of papilloma.
      CONCLUSION: Primary tracheal papilloma is mimicker of asthma, CT scan should be
      considered in patients with persistent chronic cough, or stridor. Endoscopic
      papillectomy is a safe and effective treatment and should be considered as first
      line therapy for tracheal papilloma.

PMID- 27144425
TI  - Metabolomics of silver nanoparticles toxicity in HaCaT cells: structure-activity
      relationships and role of ionic silver and oxidative stress.
AB  - The widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is accompanied by a growing
      concern regarding their potential risks to human health, thus calling for an
      increased understanding of their biological effects. The aim of this work was to
      systematically study the extent to which changes in cellular metabolism were
      dependent on the properties of AgNPs, using NMR metabolomics. Human skin
      keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were exposed to citrate-coated AgNPs of 10, 30 or 60
      nm diameter and to 30 nm AgNPs coated either with citrate (CIT), polyethylene
      glycol (PEG) or bovine serum albumin (BSA), to assess the influence of NP size
      and surface chemistry. Overall, CIT-coated 60 nm and PEG-coated 30 nm AgNPs had
      the least impact on cell viability and metabolism. The role of ionic silver and
      reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated effects was also studied, in comparison to
      CIT-coated 30 nm particles. At concentrations causing an equivalent decrease in
      cell viability, Ag(+ )ions produced a change in the metabolic profile that was
      remarkably similar to that seen for AgNPs, the main difference being the lesser
      impact on the Krebs cycle and energy metabolism. Finally, this study newly
      reported that while down-regulated glycolysis and disruption of energy production
      were common to AgNPs and H2O2, the impact on some metabolic pathways (GSH
      synthesis, glutaminolysis and the Krebs cycle) was independent of ROS-mediated
      mechanisms. In conclusion, this study shows the ability of NMR metabolomics to
      define subtle biochemical changes induced by AgNPs and demonstrates the potential
      of this approach for rapid, untargeted screening of pre-clinical toxicity of
      nanomaterials in general.

PMID- 27144427
TI  - Factors associated with late diagnosis of HIV infection and missed opportunities
      for earlier testing.
AB  - Late diagnosis (LD) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to
      be a significant problem that increases disease burden both for patients and for
      the public health system. Guidelines have been updated in order to facilitate
      earlier HIV diagnosis, introducing "indicator condition-guided HIV testing". In
      this study, we analysed the frequency of LD and associated risk factors. We
      retrospectively identified those cases that could be considered missed
      opportunities for an earlier diagnosis. All patients newly diagnosed with HIV
      infection who attended Hospital La Princesa, Madrid (Spain) between 2007 and 2014
      were analysed. We collected epidemiological, clinical and immunological data. We
      also reviewed electronic medical records from the year before the HIV diagnosis
      to search for medical consultations due to clinical indicators. HIV infection was
      diagnosed in 354 patients. The median CD4 count at presentation was 352
      cells/mm(3). Overall, 158 patients (50%) met the definition of LD, and 97 (30.7%)
      the diagnosis of advanced disease. LD was associated with older age and was more
      frequent amongst immigrants. Heterosexual relations and injection drug use were
      more likely to be the reasons for LD than relations between men who have sex with
      men. During the year preceding the diagnosis, 46.6% of the patients had sought
      medical advice owing to the presence of clinical indicators that should have led
      to HIV testing. Of those, 24 cases (14.5%) were classified as missed
      opportunities for earlier HIV diagnosis because testing was not performed.
      According to these results, all health workers should pursue early HIV diagnosis
      through the proper implementation of HIV testing guidelines. Such an approach
      would prove directly beneficial to the patient and indirectly beneficial to the
      general population through the reduction in the risk of transmission.

PMID- 27144428
TI  - Exposure-Specific and Age-Specific Attack Rates for Ebola Virus Disease in Ebola
      Affected Households, Sierra Leone.
AB  - Using histories of household members of Ebola virus disease (EVD) survivors in
      Sierra Leone, we calculated risk of EVD by age and exposure level, adjusting for
      confounding and clustering, and estimated relative risks. Of 937 household
      members in 94 households, 448 (48%) had had EVD. Highly correlated with exposure,
      EVD risk ranged from 83% for touching a corpse to 8% for minimal contact and
      varied by age group: 43% for children <2 years of age; 30% for those 5-14 years
      of age; and >60% for adults >30 years of age. Compared with risk for persons 20
      29 years of age, exposure-adjusted relative risks were lower for those 5-9
      (0.70), 10-14 (0.64), and 15-19 (0.71) years of age but not for children <2
      (0.92) or 2-4 (0.97) years of age. Lower risk for 5-19-year-olds, after
      adjustment for exposure, suggests decreased susceptibility in this group.

PMID- 27144429
TI  - A functional single nucleotide polymorphism of SET8 is prognostic for breast
      cancer.
AB  - A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus rs16917496 (T > C) within the 3'
      untranslated region (3'-UTR) of SET8 was associated with susceptibility in
      several malignancies including breast cancer. To further elucidate the prognostic
      relevance of this SNP in breast cancer, we conducted a clinical study as well as
      SET8 expression analysis in a cohort of 1,190 breast cancer patients. We
      demonstrated the expression levels of SET8 in TT genotype were higher than in CC
      genotypes, and high levels of SET8 were associated with poor survival. SET8
      expression was significantly higher in breast tumor tissue than in paired
      adjacent normal tissue. In addition, survival analysis in 315 patients showed SNP
      rs16917496 was an independent prognostic factor of breast cancer outcome with TT
      genotype associated with poor survival compared with CC/CT genotypes. Thus, this
      SNP may serve as a genetic prognostic factor and a treatment target for breast
      cancer. Future studies are warranted. 

PMID- 27144430
TI  - Relationship between insulin-like growth factor axis gene polymorphisms and
      clinical outcome in advanced gastric cancer patients treated with FOLFOX.
AB  - The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis plays a crucial role in proliferation,
      differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. The present study
      evaluated the associations between IGF axis single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) and clinical outcomes in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients treated
      with oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin (FOLFOX). A total of 190
      patients undergoing FOLFOX chemotherapy for AGC were considered eligible for this
      study. Forty-four SNPs of 10 IGF axis genes were genotyped. Levels of serum IGF1
      were measured using enzyme-linked immunoassays. SNPs of the IGF1R (rs12423791),
      and IGF1 (rs2162679, rs5742612, rs35767) genes were significantly associated with
      tumor response to FOLFOX. SNPs of rs4619 and rs17847203 were significantly
      associated with PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.575, 95% CI 0.385-0.858, P = 0.007; and
      HR 2.530, 95% CI 1.289-4.966, P = 0.007; respectively). SNPs of rs2872060 were
      significantly associated with OS-OS was shorter in patients carrying the TT
      variant than in those with the GG/GT genotypes (HR, 1.708, 95% CI 1.024-2.850, P
      = 0.040). The GT genotype of rs12847203 was also identified as an independent
      prognostic factor (HR 2.087, 95% CI 1.070-4.069, P = 0.031). These results
      suggest that IGF axis-pathway SNPs could be used as prognostic biomarkers of the
      outcome of FOLFOX chemotherapy in AGC patients. This information may facilitate
      identification of population subgroups that could benefit from IGF1R-targeted
      agents. 

PMID- 27144431
TI  - Identification of miR-34a-target interactions by a combined network based and
      experimental approach.
AB  - Circulating miRNAs have been associated with numerous human diseases. The lack of
      understanding the functional roles of blood-born miRNAs limits, however, largely
      their value as disease marker. In a systems biology analysis we identified miR
      34a as strongly associated with pathogenesis. Genome-wide analysis of miRNAs in
      blood cell fractions highlighted miR-34a as most significantly up-regulated in
      CD3+ cells of lung cancer patients. By our in silico analysis members of the
      protein kinase C family (PKC) were indicated as miR-34a target genes. Using a
      luciferase assay, we confirmed binding of miR-34a-5p to target sequences within
      the 3'UTRs of five PKC family members. To verify the biological effect, we
      transfected HEK 293T and Jurkat cells with miR-34a-5p causing reduced endogenous
      protein levels of PKC isozymes. By combining bioinformatics approaches with
      experimental validation, we demonstrate that one of the most relevant disease
      associated miRNAs has the ability to control the expression of a gene family. 

PMID- 27144432
TI  - Establishment and validation of a prognostic nomogram for patients with
      resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - As the conventional staging systems have poor prognosis prediction ability for
      patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA), we established and validated
      an effective prognostic nomogram for pCCA patients based on their personal and
      tumor characteristics. A total of 235 patients who received curative intent
      resections at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital from 2000 to 2009 were
      recruited as the primary training cohort. Age, preoperative CA19-9 levels, portal
      vein involvement, hepatic artery invasion, lymph node metastases, and surgical
      treatment outcomes (R0 or R1/2) were independent prognostic factors for pCCA
      patients in the primary cohort as suggested by the multivariate analyses and
      these were included in the established nomogram. The calibration curve showed
      good agreement between overall survival probability of pCCA patients for the
      nomogram predictions and the actual observations and the concordance index (C
      index) was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.61-0.71). The C-index values and time-dependent ROC
      tests suggested that the nomogram is superior to the conventional staging systems
      including the Bismuth-Corlette, Gazzaniga, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
      (MSKCC), American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM 7th edition, and Mayo
      Clinic. The nomogram also performed better than the traditional staging system in
      the internal cohort with 93 pCCA patients from the same institution and an
      external validation cohort including 84 pCCA patients from another institution in
      predicting the overall survival of the pCCA patients as suggested by the C-index
      values and the time-dependent ROC tests. In summary, the proposed nomogram has
      superior predictive accuracy of prognosis for resectable pCCA patients.

PMID- 27144433
TI  - Nobiletin inhibits human osteosarcoma cells metastasis by blocking ERK and JNK
      mediated MMPs expression.
AB  - Nobiletin, a polymethoxyflavone, has a few pharmacological activities, including
      anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects. However, its effect on human
      osteosarcoma progression remains uninvestigated. Therefore, we examined the
      effectiveness of nobiletin against cellular metastasis of human osteosarcoma and
      the underlying mechanisms. Nobiletin, up to 100 MUM without cytotoxicity,
      significantly decreased motility, migration and invasion as well as enzymatic
      activities, protein levels and mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)
      2 and MMP-9 in U2OS and HOS cells. In addition to inhibition of extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the inhibitory
      effect of nobiletin on the DNA-binding activity of the transcription factor
      nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB),
      and specificity protein 1 (SP-1) in U2OS and HOS cells. Co-treatment with ERK and
      JNK inhibitors and nobiletin further reduced U2OS cells migration and invasion.
      These results indicated that nobiletin inhibits human osteosarcoma U2OS and HOS
      cells motility, migration and invasion by down-regulating MMP-2 and MMP-9
      expressions via ERK and JNK pathways and through the inactivation of downstream
      NF-kappaB, CREB, and SP-1. Nobiletin has the potential to serve as an anti
      metastatic agent for treating osteosarcoma. 

PMID- 27144434
TI  - MEK5/ERK5 signaling inhibition increases colon cancer cell sensitivity to 5
      fluorouracil through a p53-dependent mechanism.
AB  - The MEK5/ERK5 signaling pathway is emerging as an important contributor to colon
      cancer onset, progression and metastasis; however, its relevance to chemotherapy
      resistance remains unknown. Here, we evaluated the impact of the MEK5/ERK5
      cascade in colon cancer cell sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Increased ERK5
      expression was correlated with poor overall survival in colon cancer patients. In
      colon cancer cells, 5-FU exposure impaired endogenous KRAS/MEK5/ERK5 expression
      and/or activation. In turn, MEK5 constitutive activation reduced 5-FU-induced
      cytotoxicity. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we showed that ERK5
      inhibition increased caspase-3/7 activity and apoptosis following 5-FU exposure.
      Mechanistically, this was further associated with increased p53 transcriptional
      activation of p21 and PUMA. In addition, ERK5 inhibition increased the response
      of HCT116 p53+/+ cells to 5-FU, but failed to sensitize HCT116 p53-/- cells to
      the cytotoxic effects of this chemotherapeutic agent, suggesting a p53-dependent
      axis mediating 5-FU sensitization. Finally, ERK5 inhibition using XMD8-92 was
      shown to increase the antitumor effects of 5-FU in a murine subcutaneous
      xenograft model, enhancing apoptosis while markedly reducing tumor growth.
      Collectively, our results suggest that ERK5-targeted inhibition provides a
      promising therapeutic approach to overcome resistance to 5-FU-based chemotherapy
      and improve colon cancer treatment. 

PMID- 27144435
TI  - Androgen suppresses testicular cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Silencing of androgen receptor (AR)-meditated androgen signaling is thought to be
      associated with the development of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). However,
      the role of the androgen/AR signal in TGCT development has not been investigated.
      In this study, we show that the androgen/AR signal suppressed the cell growth of
      seminomas (SEs), a type of TGCT, in vitro and in vivo. Growth of SE cells was
      suppressed by DHT treatment and reduction of androgen levels by surgical
      castration promoted cancer cell growth in an in vivo xenograft model. Tryptophan
      hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), the rate limit enzyme in serotonin synthesis, was one of
      the genes which expression was reduced in DHT-treated SE cells. TPH1 was highly
      expressed in SE cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Activation
      of androgen/AR signaling in SE cells reduced the expression of TPH1 in SE cells,
      followed by the reduction of serotonin secretion in cell culture supernatant.
      These results suggested that silencing of androgen/AR signaling may cause
      initiation and progression of SE through increase in TPH1 gene expression level. 

PMID- 27144436
TI  - Nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) as a drug target for treating rhabdomyosarcoma
      (RMS).
AB  - The orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1 is expressed in tumors from rhabdomyosarcoma
      (RMS) patients and Rh30 and RD RMS cell lines, and we used RNA interference
      (RNAi) to investigate the role of this receptor in RMS cells. Knockdown of NR4A1
      in Rh30 cells decreased cell proliferation, induced Annexin V staining and
      induced polyADPribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage and these results were similar
      to those observed in other solid tumors. Previous studies show that NR4A1
      regulates expression of growth promoting/pro-survival genes with GC-rich
      promoters, activates mTOR through suppression of p53, and maintains low oxidative
      stress by regulating expression of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and
      thioredoxin domain containing 5 (TXNDC5). Results of RNAi studies demonstrated
      that NR4A1 also regulates these pathways and associated genes in RMS cells and
      thereby exhibits pro-oncogenic activity. 1,1-Bis(3-indolyl)-1-(p-substituted
      phenyl)methane (C-DIM) analogs containing p-hydroxyl (DIM-C-pPhOH) and p
      carboxymethyl (DIM-C-pPhCO2Me) substituents are NR4A1 ligands that decreased
      NR4A1-dependent transactivation in RMS cells and inhibited RMS cell and tumor
      growth and induced apoptosis. Moreover, the effects of NR4A1 knockdown and the C
      DIM/NR4A1 antagonists were comparable as inhibitors of NR4A1-dependent
      genes/pathways. Both NR4A1 knockdown and treatment with DIM-C-pPhOH and DIM-C
      pPhCO2Me also induced ROS which activated stress genes and induced sestrin 2
      which activated AMPK and inhibited mTOR in the mutant p53 RMS cells. Since NR4A1
      regulates several growth-promoting/pro-survival pathways in RMS, the C-DIM/NR4A1
      antagonists represent a novel mechanism-based approach for treating this disease
      alone or in combination and thereby reducing the adverse effects of current
      cytotoxic therapies. 

PMID- 27144438
TI  - Alcohol Use, Depression, and High-Risk Occupations Among Young Adults in the
      Ukraine.
AB  - This study examined alcohol consumption in relation to anxiety, depression, and
      involvement with high risk occupations (HRO; e.g., coal miners), among young
      adults in the Ukraine (aged 18-25) (N = 192; 60.9% male; 100% Caucasian).
      Participants were grouped on the basis of drinking status: (1) current drinkers
      (CDs; n = 132) or (2) nondrinkers (NDs; n = 60). Questionnaires assessed
      frequency of alcohol use, motives for drinking, problem identification, as well
      as anxiety and depression (i.e., Hamilton scales). Bivariate analyses showed that
      CDs were more likely than NDs to be single, have a HRO, and have greater anxiety
      and depression; for example, 91.7% of CDs had a HRO as compared to 56.7% of NDs.
      Drinking status was not significantly related to age or gender. Among CDs, common
      motives for use included: to reduce anxiety and fears (60.6%), because my friends
      use alcohol (75.0%), to fight stress (78.8%), and to increase self-esteem
      (64.4%). Among CDs, past month drinking days were: 25% 1-2 days, 37.9% 3-7 days,
      25% 8-21 days, and 12.1% 22-30 days. Regarding problem identification, 29.5%
      reported not having a problem, 34.8% reported possibly having a problem, 21.9%
      reported having a problem but not needing help, and 13.6% reported having a
      problem/needing help. Young adults involved in HRO may be a particularly high
      risk population given increased likelihood of alcohol use, anxiety, and
      depression. Early intervention strategies that incorporate motivational
      interviewing approaches to address coping and social motives for use may be
      beneficial to address substance use and mental health problems.

PMID- 27144439
TI  - Periorbital Autologous Fat Grafting in Facial Nerve Palsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report outcomes and complications of periorbital autologous fat
      grafting (AFG) in improving volume loss-related symmetry and function in facial
      nerve palsy patients and to assess patient satisfaction. METHODS: A
      retrospective, noncomparative review of all facial nerve palsy patients who
      underwent periorbital AFG at single center over a 4-year period. Two independent
      graders objectively assessed standard photographs for any change in volume loss
      and symmetry: pre- and postoperative periods (early, 0-2 months; intermediate, 3
      9 months; and late, >10 months). Any adverse outcomes were recorded. Patient
      satisfaction was assessed by questionnaire survey. RESULTS: A total of 18 facial
      nerve palsy patients (13 females) underwent periorbital AFG between February 2011
      and 2015. Mean age was 51.9 +/- 15.3 years (range, 26-76). Mean follow up was 6.8
      +/- 4.6 (range, 0.5-15) months. Photographs of 14 patients were eligible for
      evaluation. Tear trough visibility (p < 0.01), infraorbital rim visibility (p =
      0.03), and lower eyelid-cheek junction symmetry (p < 0.01) improved in the early
      postoperative period with persistence of improvement in the latter parameter at
      intermediate postoperative period (p < 0.01). Lagophthalmos significantly
      improved (p = 0.03) in the early postoperative period. Two patients developed
      cheek cellulitis and 4 had persistent malar edema (3 had existing edema).
      Questionnaire survey showed a reduction in daytime ocular lubricants and an
      improvement in nocturnal-lagophthalmos symptoms. CONCLUSION: Periorbital AFG is a
      useful adjunct in improving symmetry and lagophthalmos in facial nerve palsy
      patients where volume loss is a contributory factor but effects were not long
      lasting. Patient satisfaction is high. Those with preexisting malar bags are at
      higher risk of developing persistent malar edema following periorbital AFG.

PMID- 27144440
TI  - Virtual Fitting, Selection, and Cutting of Preformed Anatomic Orbital Implants.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the usage of preoperative digital anatomic implant
      evaluation in internal orbital fractures. METHODS: An IRB-approved review of
      cases of orbital fracture repair was conducted and cases where digital implant
      modeling was performed were selected for comprehensive review. The surgical time
      of these cases was also compared with surgeon and implant matched controls.
      RESULTS: A total of 25 patients and 26 orbits underwent preoperative virtual
      fitting and were reviewed. There were no complications or revision surgeries
      needed. Postoperative assessment demonstrated accuracy to the preoperative target
      with an average maximum deviation of 1.9 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative digital
      fracture assessment, implant manufacturer and size selection, and virtual cutting
      guide creation provides additional tools for orbital surgeons to achieve anatomic
      restoration without significant differences in operating time.

PMID- 27144437
TI  - AT101 exerts a synergetic efficacy in gastric cancer patients with 5-FU based
      treatment through promoting apoptosis and autophagy.
AB  - Gastric cancer remains a disease with a high mortality rate despite of multiple
      therapeutic strategies. So far, it is very important to develop new treatment
      approaches to improve current therapeutic efficacy in gastric cancer.
      Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE1) involves in DNA base excision repair
      (BER) during DNA damage pathway. APE1 was found to be associated with poor
      overall survival with gastric cancer patients. In the in vitro experiment, we
      tested APE1 inhibitor-AT101 could potently inhibit gastric cancer cell growth and
      further induce cancer cell apoptosis and autophagy through p53-dependent pathway.
      Downregulation of APE1 by AT101 has ability to suppress gastric cancer cell
      migration and renewal through inhibition of CD133, Nanog and LC3expression. Based
      on findings that Her-2 positive expression cases has poor prognosis from our
      dataset and TCGA database, we investigated the role of AT101 in synergetic
      efficacy with 5-FU treatment in Her-2 overexpression gastric cancer in vivo,
      indicating that AT101 is able to enhance 5-FU in the shrinkage of xenograft mice
      tumor and induction of cell apoptosis. In summary, the data obtained from our
      study showed APE1 is guided as a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
      AT101 could be regarded as a potent inhibitor to promote chemotherapeutic
      sensitivity in patients with gastric cancer. 

PMID- 27144441
TI  - Epidural Analgesia and Postoperative Outcome-Clinical Recommendations?

PMID- 27144442
TI  - Traumatic Endotheliopathy: A Prospective Observational Study of 424 Severely
      Injured Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Investigate and confirm the association between sympathoadrenal
      activation, endotheliopathy and poor outcome in trauma patients. BACKGROUND: The
      association between sympathoadrenal activation, endotheliopathy, and poor outcome
      in trauma has only been demonstrated in smaller patient cohorts and animal models
      but needs confirmation in a large independent patient cohort. METHODS:
      Prospective observational study of 424 trauma patients admitted to a level 1
      Trauma Center. Admission plasma levels of catecholamines (adrenaline,
      noradrenaline) and biomarkers reflecting endothelial damage (syndecan-1,
      thrombomodulin, and sE-selectin) were measured and demography, injury type and
      severity, physiology, treatment, and mortality up till 28 days were recorded.
      RESULTS: Patients had a median ISS of 17 with 72% suffering from blunt injury.
      Adrenaline and noradrenaline correlated with syndecan-1 (r = 0.38, P < 0.001 and
      r = 0.23, P < 0.001, respectively) but adrenaline was the only independent
      predictor of syndecan-1 by multiple linear regression adjusted for age, injury
      severity score, Glascow Coma Scale, systolic blood pressure, base excess,
      platelet count, hemoglobin, prehospital plasma, and prehospital fluids (100 pg/mL
      higher adrenaline predicted 2.75 ng/mL higher syndecan-1, P < 0.001). By Cox
      analyses adjusted for age, sex, injury severity score, Glascow Coma Scale, base
      excess, platelet count and hemoglobin, adrenaline, and syndecan-1 were the only
      independent predictors of both <24-hours, 7-day and 28-day mortality (all P <
      0.05). Furthermore, noradrenaline was an independent predictor of <24-hours
      mortality and thrombomodulin was an independent predictor of 7-day and 28-day
      mortality (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that sympathoadrenal
      activation was strongly and independently associated with endothelial glycocalyx
      and cell damage (ie, endotheliopathy) and furthermore that sympathoadrenal
      activation and endotheliopathy were independent predictors of mortality in trauma
      patients.

PMID- 27144443
TI  - Postembryonic Nephrogenesis and Persistence of Six2-Expressing Nephron Progenitor
      Cells in the Reptilian Kidney.
AB  - New nephron formation (nephrogenesis) ceases in mammals around birth and is
      completely absent in adults. In contrast, postembryonic nephrogenesis is well
      documented in the mesonephric kidneys of fishes and amphibians. The transient
      mesonephros in reptiles (including birds) and mammals is replaced by the
      metanephros during embryogenesis. Thus, one may speculate that postembryonic
      nephrogenesis is restricted to the mesonephric kidney. Previous reports have
      suggested the metanephros of non-avian reptiles (hereafter reptiles) may
      continually form nephrons throughout life. We investigated the presence of adult
      nephrogenesis in reptiles by examining adult kidneys from several species
      including Trachemys scripta, Chrysemys picta, Boa constrictor, Tupinambis tegu,
      Anolis carolinensis, and Alligator mississipiensis among others. We found that
      all major reptilian groups (Testudines, Crocodylia, and Squamates) showed the
      presence of adult nephrogenesis. The total amount of nephrogenesis varied greatly
      between species with turtles displaying the highest density of nephrogenesis. In
      contrast, we were unable to detect adult nephrogenesis in monotremes, and in the
      iguanid A. carolinensis. Nephron progenitor cells express the transcription
      factor Six2, which in mammals, becomes downregulated as the progenitor cell
      population is exhausted and nephrogenesis ends. Using the alligator as a model,
      we were able to detect Six2-positive cap mesenchyme cells in the adult kidney,
      which spatially correlated with areas of nephrogenesis. These results suggest
      that the metanephric kidney of reptiles has maintained the ability to continually
      grow new nephrons during postembryonic life, a process lost early in mammalian
      evolution, likely due to the persistence of a Six2-expressing progenitor cell
      population.

PMID- 27144444
TI  - Different Effects of Hypoxia on Mental Rotation of Normal and Mirrored Letters:
      Evidence from the Rotation-Related Negativity.
AB  - The present study explored the neural mechanism underlying the effect of moderate
      and transient hypoxic exposure on mental rotation of two-dimensional letters in
      both normal and mirror versions. Event-related potential data and behavioral data
      were acquired in the task of discrimination between normal and mirrored versions
      separately in conditions of normoxia (simulated sea level) and hypoxia conditions
      (simulated 5000 meter altitude). The behavioral results revealed no significant
      difference between the normoxia and hypoxia conditions both in response time and
      error rate. However, obvious differences between these two conditions in ERP were
      found. First, enlarged P300 and Rotation-related Negativity (RRN) were observed
      in the hypoxia condition compared to the normoxia condition only with normal
      letters. Second, the angle effect on the amplitude of RRN was more evident with
      normal letters in the hypoxia condition than that in the normoxia condition.
      However, this angle effect nearly disappeared with the mirrored letters in the
      hypoxia condition. Third, more bilateral parietal activation was observed in the
      hypoxia condition than the normoxia condition. These results suggested that the
      compensation mechanism existed in the hypoxia condition and was effective with
      normal letters but had little effect on the mirrored letters. This study extends
      the research about the hypoxic effect on spatial ability of humans by employing a
      mental rotation task and further provides neural evidence for this effect.

PMID- 27144446
TI  - Impact of national and regional smoking ban on hospital admission for acute
      coronary syndromes.

PMID- 27144445
TI  - Role of Fibrin(ogen) in Progression of Liver Disease: Guilt by Association?
AB  - Strong experimental evidence indicates that components of the hemostatic system,
      including thrombin, exacerbate diverse features of experimental liver disease.
      Clinical studies have also begun to address this connection and some studies have
      suggested that anticoagulants can improve outcome in patients with liver disease.
      Among the evidence of coagulation cascade activation in models of liver injury
      and disease is the frequent observation of thrombin-driven hepatic fibrin(ogen)
      deposition. Indeed, hepatic fibrin(ogen) deposition has long been recognized as a
      consequence of hepatic injury. Although commonly inferred as pathologic due to
      protective effects of anticoagulants in mouse models, the role of fibrin(ogen) in
      acute liver injury and chronic liver disease may not be universally detrimental.
      The localization of hepatic fibrin(ogen) deposits within the liver is connected
      to the disease stimulus and in animal models of liver toxicity and chronic
      disease, fibrin(ogen) deposition may not always be synonymous with large vessel
      thrombosis. Here, we provide a balanced review of the experimental evidence
      supporting a direct connection between fibrin(ogen) and liver injury/disease
      pathogenesis, and suggest a path forward bridging experimental and clinical
      research to improve our knowledge on the nature and function of fibrin(ogen) in
      liver disease. 

PMID- 27144447
TI  - Friendships and Family Support Reduce Subsequent Depressive Symptoms in At-Risk
      Adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early life stress (ELS) consists of child family adversities (CFA:
      negative experiences that happened within the family environment) and/or peer
      bullying. ELS plays an important role in the development of adolescent depressive
      symptoms and clinical disorders. Identifying factors that may reduce depressive
      symptoms in adolescents with ELS may have important public mental health
      implications. METHODS: We used structural equation modelling and examined the
      impact of adolescent friendships and/or family support at age 14 on depressive
      symptoms at age 17 in adolescents exposed to ELS before age 11. To this end, we
      used structural equation modelling in a community sample of 771 adolescents (322
      boys and 477 girls) from a 3 year longitudinal study. Significant paths in the
      model were followed-up to test whether social support mediated or moderated the
      association between ELS and depressive symptoms at age 17. RESULTS: We found that
      adolescent social support in adolescence is negatively associated with subsequent
      depressive symptoms in boys and girls exposed to ELS. Specifically, we found
      evidence for two mediational pathways: In the first pathway family support
      mediated the link between CFA and depressive symptoms at age 17. Specifically,
      CFA was negatively associated with adolescent family support at age 14, which in
      turn was negatively associated with depressive symptoms at age 17. In the second
      pathway we found that adolescent friendships mediated the path between peer
      bullying and depressive symptoms. Specifically, relational bullying was
      negatively associated with adolescent friendships at age 14, which in turn were
      negatively associated with depressive symptoms at age 17. In contrast, we did not
      find a moderating effect of friendships and family support on the association
      between CFA and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Friendships and/or family
      support in adolescence mediate the relationship between ELS and late adolescent
      depressive symptoms in boys and girls. Therefore, enhancing affiliate
      relationships and positive family environments may benefit the mental health of
      vulnerable youth that have experienced CFA and/or primary school bullying.

PMID- 27144449
TI  - Green Tea Catechin Prevents Hypoxia/Reperfusion-Evoked Oxidative Stress-Regulated
      Autophagy-Activated Apoptosis and Cell Death in Microglial Cells.
AB  - Defective activation and proliferation in microglial cells has been suggested to
      be associated with the increase of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. We
      investigated the protection and molecular mechanism of green tea catechin on
      hypoxia/reperfusion-induced microglial cell injury in vitro. Microglial cells
      were cultured in hypoxia condition (O2 < 1%) and then re-incubated to the
      complete normal culture medium (reperfusion). Hypoxia/reperfusion obviously
      decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in microglial cells, but not in
      neuronal cells. Catechin significantly inhibited the hypoxia/reperfusion-induced
      decreased cell viability and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and
      apoptosis in microglia. The administration of both PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002
      and mTOR inhibitor rapamycin demonstrated that Akt/mTOR-regulated autophagy was
      involved in the hypoxia/reperfusion-induced microglia apoptosis/death. Catechin
      up-regulated the Akt and mTOR phosphorylation and inhibited the
      hypoxia/reperfusion-induced autophagy in microglia. These results suggest that
      hypoxia/reperfusion can evoke autophagy-activated microglia apoptosis/death via
      an ROS-regulated Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, which can be reversed by catechin. 

PMID- 27144448
TI  - DNA Topology and the Initiation of Virus DNA Packaging.
AB  - During progeny assembly, viruses selectively package virion genomes from a
      nucleic acid pool that includes host nucleic acids. For large dsDNA viruses,
      including tailed bacteriophages and herpesviruses, immature viral DNA is
      recognized and translocated into a preformed icosahedral shell, the prohead.
      Recognition involves specific interactions between the viral packaging enzyme,
      terminase, and viral DNA recognition sites. Generally, viral DNA is recognized by
      terminase's small subunit (TerS). The large terminase subunit (TerL) contains
      translocation ATPase and endonuclease domains. In phage lambda, TerS binds a
      sequence repeated three times in cosB, the recognition site. TerS binding to cosB
      positions TerL to cut the concatemeric DNA at the adjacent nicking site, cosN.
      TerL introduces staggered nicks in cosN, generating twelve bp cohesive ends.
      Terminase separates the cohesive ends and remains bound to the cosB-containing
      end, in a nucleoprotein structure called Complex I. Complex I docks on the
      prohead's portal vertex and translocation ensues. DNA topology plays a role in
      the TerSlambda-cosBlambda interaction. Here we show that a site, I2, located
      between cosN and cosB, is critically important for an early DNA packaging step.
      I2 contains a complex static bend. I2 mutations block DNA packaging. I2 mutant
      DNA is cut by terminase at cosN in vitro, but in vivo, no cos cleavage is
      detected, nor is there evidence for Complex I. Models for what packaging step
      might be blocked by I2 mutations are presented.

PMID- 27144450
TI  - Design of Controlled Release PLGA Microspheres for Hydrophobic Fenretinide.
AB  - Fenretinide, a chemotherapeutic agent for cancer, is water-insoluble and has a
      very low oral bioavailability. Hence, the objective was to deliver it as an
      injectable depot and improve the drug solubility and release behavior from
      poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres by incorporating nonionic
      surfactants with fenretinide. Enhancement of drug solubilization was observed
      with Brij 35 or 98, Tween 20, and Pluronic F127, but not Pluronic F68. Co
      incorporation of Brij 98 with fenretinide significantly changed the microsphere
      morphology and improved the fenretinide release profile. The most optimal
      microsphere formulation, with 20% Brij 98 as excipient, showed an initial in
      vitro burst around 20% and a sustained release over 28 days in a solubilizing
      release medium at 37  degrees C. The effect of addition of MgCO3, drug loading,
      and polymer blending on the release of fenretinide from PLGA microspheres was
      also investigated and observed to enhance the drug release. Two sustained release
      formulations, one incorporating 20% Brij 98 and the other incorporating 3% MgCO3
      in the oil phase, were selected for dosing in Sprague-Dawley rats and compared to
      a single injection of an equivalent dose of fenretinide drug suspension. These
      two formulations were chosen due to their high encapsulation efficiency, high
      cumulative release, and desirable in vitro release profile. The drug suspension
      resulted in a higher initial release in rats compared to the polymeric
      formulations, however, sustained release was also observed beyond 2 weeks, which
      may be attributed to the physiological disposition of the drug in vivo. The two
      PLGA based test formulations provided the desired low initial burst of
      fenretinide followed by 4 weeks of in vivo sustained release.

PMID- 27144451
TI  - Rats with Chronic, Stable Pulmonary Hypertension Tolerate Low Dose Sevoflurane
      Inhalation as Well as Normal Rats Do.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of low concentration of sevoflurane on right ventricular
      (RV) function and intracellular calcium in the setting of pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (PAH) have not been investigated clearly. We aim to study these
      effects and associated signaling pathways in rats with PAH. METHODS: Hemodynamics
      were assessed with or without sevoflurane inhalation in established PAH rats. We
      analysis the classic RV function parameters and RV-PA coupling efficiency using
      steady-state PV loop recordings. The protein levels of SERCA2, PLB and p-PLB
      expression was analyzed by western blot to assess their relevance in PAH.
      RESULTS: Rats with PAH presented with RV hypertrophy and increased pulmonary
      arterial pressure. The values of Ea, R/L ratio, ESP, SW, PRSW, +dP/dtmax and the
      slope of the dP/dtmax-EDV relationship increased significantly in PAH rats
      (P<0.05). Sevoflurane induced a concentration-dependent decrease of systemic and
      pulmonary blood pressure, HR, RV contractility, and increased the R/L ratio in
      both groups. Sevoflurane reduced the expression of SERCA2 and increased the
      expression of PLB in both groups. Interestingly, sevoflurane only reduced the p
      PLB/PLB ratio in PAH rats, not in normal rats. CONCLUSIONS: Rats with chronic,
      stable pulmonary hypertension tolerate low concentrations of sevoflurane
      inhalation as well as normal rats do. It may be related to the modulation of the
      SERCA2-PLB signaling pathway.

PMID- 27144452
TI  - Thyroid Hormone Disruption by Water-Accommodated Fractions of Crude Oil and
      Sediments Affected by the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill in Zebrafish and GH3 Cells.
AB  - A crude oil and the coastal sediments that were affected by the Hebei Spirit Oil
      Spill (HSOS) of Taean, Korea were investigated for thyroid hormone disruption
      potentials. Water-accommodated fractions (WAFs) of Iranian Heavy crude oil, the
      major oil type of HSOS, and the porewater or leachate of sediment samples
      collected along the coast line of Taean were tested for thyroid disruption using
      developing zebrafish and/or rat pituitary GH3 cells. Major polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their alkylated forms were also measured from the test
      samples. In zebrafish larvae, significant decreases in whole-body thyroxine (T4)
      and triiodothyronine (T3) levels, along with transcriptional changes of thyroid
      regulating genes, were observed following 5 day exposure to WAFs. In GH3 cells,
      transcriptions of thyroid regulating genes were influenced following the exposure
      to the sediment samples, but the pattern of the regulatory change was different
      from those observed from the WAFs. Composition of PAHs and their alkylated
      homologues in the WAFs could partly explain this difference. Our results clearly
      demonstrate that WAFs of crude oil can disrupt thyroid function of larval
      zebrafish. Sediment samples also showed thyroid disrupting potentials in the GH3
      cell, even several years after the oil spill. Long-term ecosystem consequences of
      thyroid hormone disruption due to oil spill deserve further investigation.

PMID- 27144454
TI  - Underwater Optics in Sub-Antarctic and Antarctic Coastal Ecosystems.
AB  - Understanding underwater optics in natural waters is essential in evaluating
      aquatic primary production and risk of UV exposure in aquatic habitats. Changing
      environmental conditions related with global climate change, which imply
      potential contrasting changes in underwater light climate further emphasize the
      need to gain insights into patterns related with underwater optics for more
      accurate future predictions. The present study evaluated penetration of solar
      radiation in six sub-Antarctic estuaries and fjords in Chilean North Patagonian
      region (39-44 degrees S) and in an Antarctic bay (62 degrees S). Based on
      vertical diffuse attenuation coefficients (Kd), derived from measurements with a
      submersible multichannel radiometer, average summer UV penetration depth (z1%) in
      these water bodies ranged 2-11 m for UV-B (313 nm), 4-27 m for UV-A (395 nm), and
      7-30 m for PAR (euphotic zone). UV attenuation was strongest in the shallow
      Quempillen estuary, while Fildes Bay (Antarctica) exhibited the highest
      transparency. Optically non-homogeneous water layers and seasonal variation in
      transparency (lower in winter) characterized Comau Fjord and Puyuhuapi Channel.
      In general, multivariate analysis based on Kd values of UV and PAR wavelengths
      discriminated strongly Quempillen estuary and Puyuhuapi Channel from other study
      sites. Spatial (horizontal) variation within the estuary of Valdivia river
      reflected stronger attenuation in zones receiving river impact, while within
      Fildes Bay a lower spatial variation in water transparency could in general be
      related to closeness of glaciers, likely due to increased turbidity through ice
      driven processes. Higher transparency and deeper UV-B penetration in proportion
      to UV-A/visible wavelengths observed in Fildes Bay suggests a higher risk for
      Antarctic ecosystems reflected by e.g. altered UV-B damage vs. photorepair under
      UV-A/PAR. Considering that damage repair processes often slow down under cool
      temperatures, adverse UV impact could be further exacerbated by cold temperatures
      in this location, together with episodes of ozone depletion. Overall, the results
      emphasize the marked spatial (horizontal and vertical) and temporal heterogeneity
      of optical characteristics, and challenges that these imply for estimations of
      underwater optics.

PMID- 27144455
TI  - Mixing Enthalpy for Binary Mixtures Containing Ionic Liquids.
AB  - A complete review of the published data on the mixing enthalpies of mixtures
      containing ionic liquids, measured directly using calorimetric techniques, is
      presented in this paper. The field of ionic liquids is very active and a number
      of research groups in the world are dealing with different applications of these
      fluids in the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, energy, gas storage and
      separation or materials science. In all these fields, the knowledge of the
      energetics of mixing is capital both to understand the interactions between these
      fluids and the different substrates and also to establish the energy and
      environmental cost of possible applications. Due to the relative novelty of the
      field, the published data is sometimes controversial and recent reviews are
      fragmentary and do not represent a set of reliable data. This fact can be
      attributed to different reasons: (i) difficulties in controlling the purity and
      stability of the ionic liquid samples; (ii) availability of accurate experimental
      techniques, appropriate for the measurement of viscous, charged, complex fluids;
      and (iii) choice of an appropriate clear thermodynamic formalism to be used by an
      interdisciplinary scientific community. In this paper, we address all these
      points and propose a critical review of the published data, advise on the most
      appropriate apparatus and experimental procedure to measure this type of physical
      chemical data in ionic liquids as well as the way to treat the information
      obtained by an appropriate thermodynamic formalism.

PMID- 27144457
TI  - Pseudocapacitive Properties of Two-Dimensional Surface Vanadia Phases Formed
      Spontaneously on Titania.
AB  - Pseudocapacitive properties of V2O5-based adsorbates supported on TiO2
      nanoparticles, which form spontaneously as two-dimensional (2-D) nonautonomous
      surface phases (complexions) at thermodynamic equilibria, have been
      systematically measured. Surprisingly, surface amorphous films (SAFs), which form
      naturally at thermodynamic equilibria at 550-600  degrees C with self-regulating
      or "equilibrium" thicknesses on the order of 1 nm, exhibit superior
      electrochemical performance at moderate and high scan rates (20-500 mV/s) that
      are of prime importance for supercapacitor applications, as compared with
      submonolayer and monolayer adsorbates formed at lower equilibration temperatures.
      This study suggests a new direction to design and fabricate a novel class of
      supercapacitors and other functional devices via utilizing 2-D interfacial phases
      that can form spontaneously via facile, cost-effective, and highly scalable
      synthesis routes.

PMID- 27144458
TI  - Controlled Charge Trapping and Retention in Large-Area Monodisperse Protein Metal
      Nanoparticle Conjugates.
AB  - Here, we report on charge-retention transistors based on novel protein-mediated
      Au nanoparticle (NP) arrays, with precise control over dimension and
      distribution. Individual NPs are coated with alpha-synuclein, an amyloidogenic
      protein responsible for Lewy body formation in Parkinson's disease. Subsequently,
      a monolayer of protein-NP conjugates is successfully created via a simple and
      scalable solution deposition to function as distributed nanoscale capacitors.
      Controllability over the film structure translates into the tunability of the
      electrical performance; pentacene-based organic transistors feature widely
      varying programmability and relaxation dynamics, providing versatility for
      various unconventional memory applications.

PMID- 27144453
TI  - NUDT2 Disruption Elevates Diadenosine Tetraphosphate (Ap4A) and Down-Regulates
      Immune Response and Cancer Promotion Genes.
AB  - Regulation of gene expression is one of several roles proposed for the stress
      induced nucleotide diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A). We have examined this
      directly by a comparative RNA-Seq analysis of KBM-7 chronic myelogenous leukemia
      cells and KBM-7 cells in which the NUDT2 Ap4A hydrolase gene had been disrupted
      (NuKO cells), causing a 175-fold increase in intracellular Ap4A. 6,288
      differentially expressed genes were identified with P < 0.05. Of these, 980 were
      up-regulated and 705 down-regulated in NuKO cells with a fold-change >= 2.
      Ingenuity(r) Pathway Analysis (IPA(r)) was used to assign these genes to known
      canonical pathways and functional networks. Pathways associated with interferon
      responses, pattern recognition receptors and inflammation scored highly in the
      down-regulated set of genes while functions associated with MHC class II antigens
      were prominent among the up-regulated genes, which otherwise showed little
      organization into major functional gene sets. Tryptophan catabolism was also
      strongly down-regulated as were numerous genes known to be involved in tumor
      promotion in other systems, with roles in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition,
      proliferation, invasion and metastasis. Conversely, some pro-apoptotic genes were
      up-regulated. Major upstream factors predicted by IPA(r) for gene down-regulation
      included NFkappaB, STAT1/2, IRF3/4 and SP1 but no major factors controlling gene
      up-regulation were identified. Potential mechanisms for gene regulation mediated
      by Ap4A and/or NUDT2 disruption include binding of Ap4A to the HINT1 co
      repressor, autocrine activation of purinoceptors by Ap4A, chromatin remodeling,
      effects of NUDT2 loss on transcript stability, and inhibition of ATP-dependent
      regulatory factors such as protein kinases by Ap4A. Existing evidence favors the
      last of these as the most probable mechanism. Regardless, our results suggest
      that the NUDT2 protein could be a novel cancer chemotherapeutic target, with its
      inhibition potentially exerting strong anti-tumor effects via multiple pathways
      involving metastasis, invasion, immunosuppression and apoptosis.

PMID- 27144459
TI  - Age and gender leucocytes variances and references values generated using the
      standardized ONE-Study protocol.
AB  - Flow cytometry is now accepted as an ideal technology to reveal changes in immune
      cell composition and function. However, it is also an error-prone and variable
      technology, which makes it difficult to reproduce findings across laboratories.
      We have recently developed a strategy to standardize whole blood flow cytometry.
      The performance of our protocols was challenged here by profiling samples from
      healthy volunteers to reveal age- and gender-dependent differences and to
      establish a standardized reference cohort for use in clinical trials. Whole blood
      samples from two different cohorts were analyzed (first cohort: n = 52, second
      cohort: n = 46, both 20-84 years with equal gender distribution). The second
      cohort was run as a validation cohort by a different operator. The "ONE Study"
      panels were applied to analyze expression of >30 different surface markers to
      enumerate proportional and absolute numbers of >50 leucocyte subsets. Indeed,
      analysis of the first cohort revealed significant age-dependent changes in
      subsets e.g. increased activated and differentiated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell
      subsets, acquisition of a memory phenotype for Tregs as well as decreased MDC2
      and Marginal Zone B cells. Males and females showed different dynamics in age
      dependent T cell activation and differentiation, indicating faster
      immunosenescence in males. Importantly, although both cohorts consisted of a
      small sample size, our standardized approach enabled validation of age-dependent
      changes with the second cohort. Thus, we have proven the utility of our strategy
      and generated reproducible reference ranges accounting for age- and gender
      dependent differences, which are crucial for a better patient monitoring and
      individualized therapy. (c) 2016 International Society for Advancement of
      Cytometry.

PMID- 27144460
TI  - Correction: Time-Dependent Progression of Demyelination and Axonal Pathology in
      MP4-Induced Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144847.].

PMID- 27144456
TI  - Mnn10 Maintains Pathogenicity in Candida albicans by Extending alpha-1,6-Mannose
      Backbone to Evade Host Dectin-1 Mediated Antifungal Immunity.
AB  - The cell wall is a dynamic structure that is important for the pathogenicity of
      Candida albicans. Mannan, which is located in the outermost layer of the cell
      wall, has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of C. albicans, however,
      the molecular mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear. Here we identified
      a novel alpha-1,6-mannosyltransferase encoded by MNN10 in C. albicans. We found
      that Mnn10 is required for cell wall alpha-1,6-mannose backbone biosynthesis and
      polysaccharides organization. Deletion of MNN10 resulted in significant
      attenuation of the pathogenesis of C. albicans in a murine systemic candidiasis
      model. Inhibition of alpha-1,6-mannose backbone extension did not, however,
      impact the invasive ability of C. albicans in vitro. Notably, mnn10 mutant
      restored the invasive capacity in athymic nude mice, which further supports the
      notion of an enhanced host antifungal defense related to this backbone change.
      Mnn10 mutant induced enhanced Th1 and Th17 cell mediated antifungal immunity, and
      resulted in enhanced recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes for pathogen
      clearance in vivo. We also demonstrated that MNN10 could unmask the surface beta
      (1,3)-glucan, a crucial pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) of C.
      albicans recognized by host Dectin-1. Our results demonstrate that mnn10 mutant
      could stimulate an enhanced Dectin-1 dependent immune response of macrophages in
      vitro, including the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB, mitogen-activated
      protein kinase pathways, and secretion of specific cytokines such as TNF-alpha,
      IL-6, IL-1beta and IL-12p40. In summary, our study indicated that alpha-1,6
      mannose backbone is critical for the pathogenesis of C. albicans via shielding
      beta-glucan from recognition by host Dectin-1 mediated immune recognition.
      Moreover, our work suggests that inhibition of alpha-1,6-mannose extension by
      Mnn10 may represent a novel modality to reduce the pathogenicity of C. albicans.

PMID- 27144461
TI  - Phototaxis of Oil Droplets Comprising a Caged Fatty Acid Tightly Linked to
      Internal Convection.
AB  - We found that novel sub-millimeter-sized photoactive oil droplets of oleic acid
      bearing a photolabile protecting group, 2-nitrobenzyl oleate (NBO), in basic
      water exhibited unidirectional motion toward a UV light source. This
      unidirectional motion can be explained by anisotropic photolysis on a surface of
      the NBO droplet with low permeability for UV light. Time-dependent changes of the
      movement under UV irradiation occurred in a cascade manner (still-standing,
      induction, and active stages). The velocity of the UV-irradiated droplet in the
      induction stage was small, but it was accelerated sixteen times by the presence
      of an inner convection structure, which was created by continued photolysis. This
      characteristic dynamics, which is derived from a supramolecular machinery system
      towards the external stimulus, may be similar to the phototaxis of a living cell.

PMID- 27144462
TI  - Why do local corticosteroid injections work in carpal tunnel syndrome, But not in
      ulnar neuropathy at the elbow?

PMID- 27144463
TI  - Bilirubin Nanoparticles as a Nanomedicine for Anti-inflammation Therapy.
AB  - Despite the high potency of bilirubin as an endogenous anti-inflammatory
      compound, its clinical translation has been hampered because of its insolubility
      in water. Bilirubin-based nanoparticles that may overcome this critical issue are
      presented. A polyethylene glycol compound (PEG) was covalently attached to
      bilirubin, yielding PEGylated bilirubin (PEG-BR). The PEG-BR self-assembled into
      nanoscale particles with a size of approximately 110 nm, termed bilirubin
      nanoparticles (BRNPs). BRNPs are highly efficient hydrogen peroxide scavengers,
      thereby protecting cells from H2 O2 -induced cytotoxicity. In a murine model of
      ulcerative colitis, intravenous injection of BRNPs showed preferential
      accumulation of nanoparticles at the sites of inflammation and significantly
      inhibited the progression of acute inflammation in the colon. Taken together,
      BRNPs show potential for use as a therapeutic nanomedicine in various
      inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 27144464
TI  - Chemical and Genetic Comparative Analysis of Gentiana crassicaulis and Gentiana
      macrophylla.
AB  - Gentiana crassicaulis Duthie ex Burk. and Gentiana macrophylla Pall. are two main
      sources of Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae (Qinjiao) available in markets, which has
      a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects and has been extensively used for
      fighting rheumatoid arthritis. However, they vary in terms of chemical
      compositions, pharmacological activities, and biomass. In this study, a combined
      chemical and genetic (HPLC and DNA barcoding) approach was used to compare these
      two plants. Four predominant bioactive compounds, namely, gentiopicroside,
      loganic acid, swertiamarin, and sweroside, were used to assess the chemical
      variations. Based on chemical variations, 15 samples were clustered into two
      groups through PCA analyses. DNA barcoding utilizing the variable nuclear ITS2
      regions were sequenced, aligned, and compared. Together with 61 sequences
      collected from GenBank, 76 batches of Qinjiao were clustered in two groups
      according to species origin. The genetic relationships indicated by the ITS2
      based NJ tree were consistent with the chemical variations. Thus, the chemical
      profiles determined by HPLC and DNA profiles obtained from ITS2 region could be
      applied for the quality control of Qinjiao. 

PMID- 27144465
TI  - Effects of Upright and Recumbent Cycling on Executive Function and Prefrontal
      Cortex Oxygenation in Young Healthy Men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the acute effects of posture
      (upright vs recumbent) during moderate-intensity cycle exercise on executive
      function and prefrontal cortex oxygenation in young healthy adults. METHODS:
      Seventeen physically active men (24.6 +/- 4.3 years) completed 2 30-minute
      submaximal exercise tests (conditions: upright and recumbent cycle ergometry).
      Executive function was assessed using the "color" and "word" Stroop task,
      preexercise (resting) and postexercise. Regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) to the
      prefrontal cortex was continuously monitored using near-infrared spectroscopy.
      RESULTS: Significant improvements in executive function (Stroop color and word
      tasks) were observed after 30 minutes of exercise for both upright and recumbent
      cycling (P < .05). However, there were no differences in executive function
      between cycling conditions (P > .05). A significant increase in rSO2 was recorded
      immediately postexercise compared with preexercise for both conditions (P < .05),
      with a trend (P = .06) for higher peak rSO2 following recumbent cycling compared
      with upright cycling (81.9% +/- 6.5% cf 79.7% +/- 9.3%, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although submaximal cycling exercise acutely improves cognitive
      performance and prefrontal oxygenation, changes in cognition are not perceived to
      be dependent on body posture in young, healthy men.

PMID- 27144467
TI  - The clinical spectrum of sporadic and familial forms of frontotemporal dementia.
AB  - The term frontotemporal dementia (FTD) describes a clinically, genetically and
      pathologically diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders. Symptoms of FTD can
      present in individuals in their 20s through to their 90s, but the mean age at
      onset is in the sixth decade. The most common presentation is with a change in
      personality and impaired social conduct (behavioural variant FTD). Less
      frequently patients present with language problems (primary progressive aphasia).
      Both of these groups of patients can develop motor features consistent with
      either motor neuron disease (usually the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis variant)
      or parkinsonism (most commonly a progressive supranuclear palsy or corticobasal
      syndrome). In about a third of cases FTD is familial, with mutations in the
      progranulin, microtubule-associated protein tau and chromosome 9 open reading
      frame 72 genes being the major causes. Mutations in a number of other genes
      including TANK-binding kinase 1 are rare causes of familial FTD. This review aims
      to clarify the often confusing terminology of FTD, and outline the various
      clinical features and diagnostic criteria of sporadic and familial FTD syndromes.
      It will also discuss the current major challenges in FTD research and clinical
      practice, and potential areas for future research. This review clarifies the
      terminology of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and summarizes the various clinical
      features and most recent diagnostic criteria of sporadic and familial FTD
      syndromes. It also discusses the current major challenges in FTD research and
      clinical practice, and highlights potential areas for future research.

PMID- 27144466
TI  - PreSMA stimulation changes task-free functional connectivity in the fronto-basal
      ganglia that correlates with response inhibition efficiency.
AB  - Previous work using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) demonstrated that the
      right presupplementary motor area (preSMA), a node in the fronto-basal-ganglia
      network, is critical for response inhibition. However, TMS influences
      interconnected regions, raising the possibility of a link between the preSMA
      activity and the functional connectivity within the network. To understand this
      relationship, we applied single-pulse TMS to the right preSMA during functional
      magnetic resonance imaging when the subjects were at rest to examine changes in
      neural activity and functional connectivity within the network in relation to the
      efficiency of response inhibition evaluated with a stop-signal task. The results
      showed that preSMA-TMS increased activation in the right inferior-frontal cortex
      (rIFC) and basal ganglia and modulated their task-free functional connectivity.
      Both the TMS-induced changes in the basal-ganglia activation and the functional
      connectivity between rIFC and left striatum, and of the overall network
      correlated with the efficiency of response inhibition and with the white-matter
      microstructure along the preSMA-rIFC pathway. These results suggest that the task
      free functional and structural connectivity between the rIFCop and basal ganglia
      are critical to the efficiency of response inhibition. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3236
      3249, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144468
TI  - Optimizing the use of cadavers by integrating pathology during anatomy
      dissection.
AB  - An accurate knowledge of anatomy, especially natural variation within
      individuals, is of vital clinical importance. Cadaver dissection during
      anatomical training may be a valuable introduction to pathology for undergraduate
      students, which can contribute greatly to a successful medical career. The
      purpose of this study was to determine the extent and type of pathology lesions
      in a cadaver population (n = 127) used for medical dissection. This was done to
      gauge whether sufficient pathology lesions representative of all the organ
      systems were present in the cadaver population to warrant the use of cadavers as
      an additional pathology learning resource. This study demonstrated a wide variety
      of pathology lesions in different organ systems. The respiratory system was most
      affected with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) lesions being the most common finding
      (seen in 76% of cadavers) followed by bronchopneumonia and emphysema. Other
      common pathology findings included atherosclerosis, colonic diverticula, and
      chronic pyelonephritis. Skeletal fractures and degenerative joint disease were
      also noted. This study shows that cadaveric dissection offers a chance to alert
      and expose students to a wide variety of gross pathology and histopathology. It
      has been suggested that most medical students will practice in primary health
      care and as such more attention should be given to the pathology of commonly
      encountered diseases. This is particularly true for developing countries, where
      diseases such as TB are commonly encountered. The integration of pathology into
      the dissection hall may therefore be beneficial to student learning while
      simultaneously optimizing the use of cadaver material. Anat Sci Educ 9: 575-582.
      (c) 2016 American Association of Anatomists.

PMID- 27144469
TI  - Characteristics of residents who thrive in nursing home environments: a cross
      sectional study.
AB  - AIM: To describe what characterizes residents with higher levels compared with
      those with lower levels of thriving in nursing homes using the Thriving of Older
      People Assessment Scale. BACKGROUND: Thriving is conceptualized as people's
      experiences of well-being in relation to the environment where they live.
      Thriving has the potential to emphasize health-promotion and positive experiences
      in nursing home residents in addition to current focus on illness and symptoms.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. METHODS: Data from a total sample of 191
      residents in a large Swedish nursing home facility were separated into two
      groups; rated as having high and low thriving based on a median split of thriving
      total score for each participating resident. The characteristics of residents
      with higher and lower levels of thriving were compared using bivariate analyses
      to investigate differences. Data were collected in 2013. RESULTS: Residents with
      higher levels of thriving had shorter length of stay at the facility, higher
      functioning in Activities of Daily Living and less cognitive impairment, lower
      frequency of behavioural and psychological symptoms and higher assessed quality
      of life. The ability to walk and possibilities to spend time outdoors were higher
      among those with higher levels of thriving. CONCLUSION: Nursing home residents
      who experience thriving have a higher level of functioning in activities of daily
      living, a higher quality of life and are less physically and cognitively
      impaired.

PMID- 27144471
TI  - Small-Scale ASR Between Flow Barriers in a Saline Aquifer.
AB  - Regular aquifer storage recovery, ASR, is often not feasible for small-scale
      storage in brackish or saline aquifers because fresh water floats to the top of
      the aquifer where it is unrecoverable. Flow barriers that partially penetrate a
      brackish or saline aquifer prevent a stored volume of fresh water from expanding
      sideways, thus increasing the recovery efficiency. In this paper, the groundwater
      flow and mixing is studied during injection, storage, and recovery of fresh water
      in a brackish or saline aquifer in a flow-tank experiment and by numerical
      modeling to investigate the effect of density difference, hydraulic conductivity,
      pumping rate, cyclic operation, and flow barrier settings. Two injection and
      recovery methods are investigated: constant flux and constant head. Fresh water
      recovery rates on the order of 65% in the first cycle climbing to as much as 90%
      in the following cycles were achievable for the studied configurations with
      constant flux whereas the recovery efficiency was somewhat lower for constant
      head. The spatial variation in flow velocity over the width of the storage zone
      influences the recovery efficiency, because it induces leakage of fresh water
      underneath the barriers during injection and upconing of salt water during
      recovery.

PMID- 27144470
TI  - Improved model of hydrated calcium ion for molecular dynamics simulations using
      classical biomolecular force fields.
AB  - Calcium ions (Ca(2+) ) play key roles in various fundamental biological processes
      such as cell signaling and brain function. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations
      have been used to study such interactions, however, the accuracy of the Ca(2+)
      models provided by the standard MD force fields has not been rigorously tested.
      Here, we assess the performance of the Ca(2+) models from the most popular
      classical force fields AMBER and CHARMM by computing the osmotic pressure of
      model compounds and the free energy of DNA-DNA interactions. In the simulations
      performed using the two standard models, Ca(2+) ions are seen to form artificial
      clusters with chloride, acetate, and phosphate species; the osmotic pressure of
      CaAc2 and CaCl2 solutions is a small fraction of the experimental values for both
      force fields. Using the standard parameterization of Ca(2+) ions in the
      simulations of Ca(2+) -mediated DNA-DNA interactions leads to qualitatively wrong
      outcomes: both AMBER and CHARMM simulations suggest strong inter-DNA attraction
      whereas, in experiment, DNA molecules repel one another. The artificial
      attraction of Ca(2+) to DNA phosphate is strong enough to affect the direction of
      the electric field-driven translocation of DNA through a solid-state nanopore. To
      address these shortcomings of the standard Ca(2+) model, we introduce a custom
      model of a hydrated Ca(2+) ion and show that using our model brings the results
      of the above MD simulations in quantitative agreement with experiment. Our
      improved model of Ca(2+) can be readily applied to MD simulations of various
      biomolecular systems, including nucleic acids, proteins and lipid bilayer
      membranes. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 752-763, 2016. 

PMID- 27144472
TI  - Evaluation of incubation time for dermatophytes cultures.
AB  - In general, it is recommended to incubate dermatophytes cultures for a minimum of
      4 weeks. Several aspects of routine fungal cultures should be evaluated in order
      to implement appropriate and necessary changes. The aim of this study was to
      determine the optimum incubation time for routine dermatophytes cultures,
      analysing the time to find first fungal growth by visual observation. We recorded
      the time when the initial growth was detected for all dermatophyte isolates
      during a 4-year period. A total of 5459 dermatophyte cultures were submitted to
      our laboratory. From the total cultures, only 16 (1.42%) isolates were recovered
      over/after 17 days of incubation and only three dermatophyte species were
      recovered over 17 days. Fourteen isolates belong to Trichophyton rubrum, one
      isolate to Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex and one isolate to Epidermophyton
      floccosum. We concluded that an incubation period of 17 days is enough to
      establish a microbiological diagnosis of dermatophytosis. 

PMID- 27144474
TI  - Sports and Child Development.
AB  - The role of curricular activities for the formation of education, health and
      behavioural outcomes has been widely studied. Yet, the role of extra-curricular
      activities has received little attention. This study analyzes the effect of
      participation in sports clubs-one of the most popular extra-curricular activities
      among children. We use alternative datasets and flexible semi-parametric
      estimation methods with a specific way to use the panel dimension of the data to
      address selection into sports. We find positive and robust effects on children's
      school performance and peer relations. Crowding out of passive leisure activities
      can partially explain the effects.

PMID- 27144475
TI  - Remote Control of T Cell Activation Using Magnetic Janus Particles.
AB  - We report a strategy for using magnetic Janus microparticles to control the
      stimulation of T cell signaling with single-cell precision. To achieve this, we
      designed Janus particles that are magnetically responsive on one hemisphere and
      stimulatory to T cells on the other side. By manipulating the rotation and
      locomotion of Janus particles under an external magnetic field, we could control
      the orientation of the particle-cell recognition and thereby the initiation of T
      cell activation. This study demonstrates a step towards employing anisotropic
      material properties of Janus particles to control single-cell activities without
      the need of complex magnetic manipulation devices.

PMID- 27144476
TI  - Prestimulus alpha power influences response criterion in a detection task.
AB  - Recent studies have linked variability in near-threshold stimulus detection to
      fluctuations in the prestimulus EEG alpha power (alpha, ~8-12 Hz). Typically,
      these studies rely on hit rate as a measure of detection performance and show
      that detection is enhanced when alpha power is low compared to when it is high.
      However, hit rates are determined by both sensitivity to the stimulus and the
      placement of the response criterion. Here, we investigated the relationships
      between prestimulus alpha power and variability in these two measures on a single
      trial basis. We confirm earlier reports that detection is inversely related to
      power in the individual alpha-frequency band. However, our results show a
      stronger relationship between alpha power and response criterion than with
      sensitivity. Higher alpha power was related to a more conservative response
      criterion (i.e., more "no" responses). A response criterion that varies depending
      on alpha power might help to optimize performance in an excited state and protect
      against false positives in a relatively disengaged state.

PMID- 27144477
TI  - The first pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinic under a collaborative
      practice agreement in Qatar: clinical and patient-oriented outcomes.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Optimal outpatient anticoagulation management
      requires a systematic and coordinated approach. Extensive evidence regarding the
      benefits of pharmacist-managed anticoagulation services has been reported in the
      literature. The quality and outcomes associated with pharmacist-managed
      anticoagulation clinics under collaborative practice agreements in the Middle
      East have rarely been reported. The first pharmacist-managed ambulatory
      anticoagulation clinic in Qatar was launched at Al-Wakrah Hospital in March 2013.
      The objectives of this study were to: (i) describe the practice model of the
      clinic, (ii) evaluate the quality of the clinic [i.e. the time in therapeutic
      range (TTR)] and the clinical outcomes (i.e. the efficacy and safety), and (iii)
      determine the patients' satisfaction and overall quality of life (QoL). METHODS:
      Clinical outcome data were collected through a retrospective chart review of all
      patients managed from March 2013 to October 2014 at the pharmacist-managed
      anticoagulation clinic. Furthermore, the patient-oriented outcomes data were
      prospectively collected using the 24-item Duke Anticoagulation Satisfaction Scale
      (DASS). Each item was assessed using a 7-point Likert-type scale on which lower
      scores indicated better QoL and greater satisfaction. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The
      clinical outcome data analyses included 119 patients who were enrolled at the
      clinic during the 19-month study period. The mean number of international
      normalized ratio (INR) tests/month was 65 +/- 9, the average testing frequency
      was 2.7 +/- 1.6 weeks, and the average %TTR was 76.8 +/- 22.9%. There was one
      major bleeding event (0.67%/year), 12 minor bleeding events (8%/year) and two
      thromboembolic events (1.35%/year) recorded during the study period. Of the 119
      patients, 50 participated in the satisfaction and QoL survey. The median (IQR)
      total QoL score of these subjects was 63 (48) (minimum-maximum achievable score:
      24-168). Seventy-six per cent of the patients indicated 'a lot to very much' in
      terms of their overall satisfaction with the anticoagulation treatment. The
      participants who were naive to anticoagulation treatment reported a significantly
      greater satisfaction and better QoL than the experienced patients [58 (44) vs. 82
      (59); P = 0.009]. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: These findings provide early
      evidence that the patients who were managed at a pharmacy-based anticoagulation
      clinic in an evolving healthcare system experienced optimal anticoagulation
      management.

PMID- 27144473
TI  - Barx2 and Pax7 Regulate Axin2 Expression in Myoblasts by Interaction with beta
      Catenin and Chromatin Remodelling.
AB  - Satellite cells are the resident stem cells of skeletal muscle; quiescent in
      adults until activated by injury to generate proliferating myoblasts. The
      canonical Wnt signalling pathway, mediated by T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer
      factor (TCF/LEF) and beta-catenin effector proteins, controls myoblast
      differentiation in vitro, and recent work suggests that timely termination of the
      Wnt/beta-catenin signal is important for normal adult myogenesis. We recently
      identified the Barx2 and Pax7 homeobox proteins as novel components of the Wnt
      effector complex. Here, we examine molecular and epigenetic mechanisms by which
      Barx2 and Pax7 regulate the canonical Wnt target gene Axin2, which mediates
      critical feedback to terminate the transcriptional response to Wnt signals. Barx2
      is recruited to the Axin2 gene via TCF/LEF binding sites, recruits beta-catenin
      and the coactivator GRIP-1, and induces local H3K-acetylation. Barx2 also
      promotes nuclear localization of beta-catenin. Conversely, Pax7 represses Axin2
      promoter/intron activity and inhibits Barx2-mediated H3K-acetylation via the
      corepressor HDAC1. Wnt3a not only induces Barx2 mRNA, but also stabilises Barx2
      protein in myoblasts; conversely, Wnt3a potently inhibits Pax7 protein
      expression. As Barx2 promotes myogenic differentiation and Pax7 suppresses it,
      this novel posttranscriptional regulation of Barx2 and Pax7 by Wnt3a may be
      involved in the specification of differentiation-competent and -incompetent
      myoblast populations. Finally, we propose a model for dual function of Barx2
      downstream of Wnt signals: activation of myogenic target genes in association
      with canonical myogenic regulatory factors, and regulation of the negative
      feedback loop that limits the response of myoblasts to Wnt signals via direct
      interaction of Barx2 with the TCF/beta-catenin complex. Stem Cells 2016;34:2169
      2182.

PMID- 27144478
TI  - Yeast culture collections in the twenty-first century: new opportunities and
      challenges.
AB  - The twenty-first century has brought new opportunities and challenges to yeast
      culture collections, whether they are long-standing or recently established.
      Basic functions such as archiving, characterizing and distributing yeasts
      continue, but with expanded responsibilities and emerging opportunities. In
      addition to a number of well-known, large public repositories, there are dozens
      of smaller public collections that differ in the range of species and strains
      preserved, field of emphasis and services offered. Several collections have
      converted their catalogues to comprehensive databases and synchronize them
      continuously through public services, making it easier for users worldwide to
      locate a suitable source for specific yeast strains and the data associated with
      these yeasts. In-house research such as yeast taxonomy continues to be important
      at culture collections. Because yeast culture collections preserve a broad
      diversity of species and strains within a species, they are able to make
      discoveries in many other areas as well, such as biotechnology, functional,
      comparative and evolution genomics, bioprocesses and novel products. Due to the
      implementation of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya
      Protocol (NP), there are new requirements for both depositors and users to ensure
      that yeasts were collected following proper procedures and to guarantee that the
      country of origin will be considered if benefits arise from a yeast's
      utilization. Intellectual property rights (IPRs) are extremely relevant to the
      current access and benefit-sharing (ABS) mechanisms; most research and
      development involving genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge will
      be subject to this topic. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27144480
TI  - Application of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and gas chromatography
      with mass spectrometry for the determination of oxygenated volatile organic
      compounds in effluents from the production of petroleum bitumen.
AB  - We present a new procedure for the determination of oxygenated volatile organic
      compounds in samples of postoxidative effluents from the production of petroleum
      bitumens using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and gas chromatography
      with mass spectrometry. The eight extraction parameters were optimized for 43
      oxygenated volatile organic compounds. The detection limits obtained ranged from
      0.07 to 0.82 MUg/mL for most of the analytes, the precision was good (relative
      standard deviation below 2.91% at the 5 MUg/mL level and 4.75% at the limit of
      quantification), the recoveries for the majority of compounds varied from 70.6 to
      118.9%, and the linear range was wide, which demonstrates the usefulness of the
      procedure. The developed procedure was used for the determination of oxygenated
      volatile organic compounds in samples of raw postoxidative effluents and in
      effluents after chemical treatment. In total, 23 compounds at concentration
      levels from 0.37 to 32.95 MUg/mL were identified in real samples. The same
      samples were also analyzed in the SCAN mode, which resulted in four more phenol
      derivatives being identified and tentatively determined. The studies demonstrated
      the need for monitoring volatile organic compounds content in effluents following
      various treatments due to the formation of secondary oxygenated volatile organic
      compounds. 

PMID- 27144479
TI  - Assessment of skinfold thickness equations in estimating body composition in
      children with inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - AIM: To assess the agreement of commonly used skinfold thickness equations to
      estimate percentage of Fat Mass (FM%) in paediatric patients with IBD, in
      comparison with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). METHODS: Twenty-one
      paediatric IBD patients were included: 11 females and 10 males; mean age for the
      entire group: 14.3 years, range 12-16 years, 16 with Crohn's disease, five with
      ulcerative colitis. The FM% was calculated using six established paediatric
      skinfold thickness equations and compared to the results obtained by DEXA. The
      statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's correlation, Lin's
      concordance correlation coefficient and corresponding 95% confidence interval,
      Bland-Altman's limits of agreement method and the Bradley-Blackwood test.
      RESULTS: Correlation between skinfold and DEXA values ranged between 0.85
      (Deurenberg) and 0.92 (Durnin and Rahaman and Johnston), all P < 0.001. Lin's
      concordance correlation coefficients and (95% confidence interval) ranged between
      0.702 (0.512-0.891) for the Deurenberg equation and 0.876 (0.779-0.972) for the
      Brook equation. Average differences between skinfold and DEXA values ranged
      between -3.6% (Deurenberg) and 2.5% (Weststrate). Bland-Altman limits of
      agreement were wide, spanning over 10%. Finally, the Bradley-Blackwood test of
      equality of means and variances was significant in all but the Durnin and Rahaman
      equation. CONCLUSION: In adolescents with IBD, fat mass calculated from six
      skinfold thickness equations showed good correlation but poor agreement with
      reference values from DEXA. Assessment of body composition using skinfold
      thickness equations cannot be recommended in paediatric patients with IBD.

PMID- 27144481
TI  - Concurrence of lower jaw skeletal anomalies in triploid Atlantic salmon (Salmo
      salar L.) and the effect on growth in freshwater.
AB  - Triploid Atlantic salmon populations are associated with higher prevalence of
      lower jaw skeletal anomalies affecting fish performance, welfare and value
      deleteriously. Anomalous lower jaw can be curved downward (LJD), shortened (SJ)
      or misaligned (MA). Two separate groups of triploid Atlantic salmon (~12 g) with
      either normal lower jaw (NOR) or SJ were visually assessed four times over three
      months for presence and concurrence of jaw anomalies (with severity classified)
      and opercular shortening to understand the relatedness of these anomalous
      developmental processes. The prevalence of jaw anomalies increased in both groups
      over time (NOR group - SJ, LJD and MA combined 0-24.5%; SJ group - LJD and MA
      combined 17-31%). SJ and LJD occurred both independently and concurrently whereas
      MA exclusively concurred with them. All three anomalies could be concurrent.
      Severity of both LJD and SJ increased in the SJ group only. Opercular shortening
      recovery was observed in both groups but at a slower rate in the SJ group. The SJ
      group specific growth rate (SGR) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the NOR
      group. This study demonstrated the concurrence of SJ, LJD and MA and showed
      possible deleterious consequences deriving from the conditions.

PMID- 27144485
TI  - Sharing Assessment in Health and Social Care - A Practical Handbook for
      Interprofessional Working Wallace Carolyn Mott Benn Sharing Assessment in Health
      and Social Care - A Practical Handbook for Interprofessional Working 216pp Sage
      9781412945745 1412945747 [Formula: see text].
AB  - The relevance of this book for students is clear from the outset. If a single
      assessment process for health and social care is to be achieved, then a student
      cohort using it naturally in their practice is needed. This is not to undermine
      the determination of all support services to adopt single assessment. However, a
      new intake of skilled and confident assessors can only speed up the move towards
      integrated and effective person-centred assessment.

PMID- 27144486
TI  - Making Sense of the ECG - Cases for Self-Assessment Houghton Andrew R Gray David
      Making Sense of the ECG - Cases for Self-Assessment 290pp Hodder Education
      9780340946893 034094689X [Formula: see text].
AB  - This practical, pocket-book approach to ECG interpretation accompanies the well
      known text Making Sense of the ECG, by the same authors. It is also designed to
      be used alone to test knowledge of ECG interpretation and to make clinical
      decisions based on presented scenarios.

PMID- 27144483
TI  - Ultrastrong Chemiluminescence Activity of Nanocarbon Materials after Ozonation
      and Their Effects on Different Chemiluminescent Systems.
AB  - Ozonized nanocarbon materials with different dimensionalities, structures, and
      components exhibited significantly different chemiluminescence (CL) activities.
      The ozonation time and the weight ratio of hydroxyl carbon nanotubes (d~8 nm,
      hyCNTs-8) and graphene oxide (GO) strongly affected the CL activity of ozonized
      hybrids. Among GO, hyCNTs-8, and GO/hyCNTs-8, the GO/hyCNTs-8 hybrids exhibited
      the strongest CL-enhancing properties toward the luminol/H2 O2 system, in
      contrast to previous reports. This study provides new understanding of the CL
      activity and CL-enhancing properties of nanocarbon materials in signal-enhanced
      analytical and biomedical fields. 

PMID- 27144484
TI  - IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-IDIOPATHIC HYOID MALFORMATION IN AN 8-YEAR-OLD WELSH SECTION D
      HORSE.
AB  - An 8-year-old gelding was evaluated for intermittent dorsal displacement of the
      soft palate (DDSP) at exercise. Standing laterolateral radiographs demonstrated
      an abnormal crossed appearance of the stylohyoid bones. Computed tomography (CT)
      confirmed abnormal positioning of the left stylohyoid bone and articulations with
      both the left thyrohyoid and ceratohyoid bones. Surgical treatment consisted of
      combined left ceratohyoidectomy and thyrohyoidectomy. Postoperatively the
      patient's presenting complaint resolved completely, with the horse returning to
      full work. Standing laterolateral radiographs should be obtained prior to
      laryngeal or hyoid surgery to rule out hyoid anomalies, which could result in
      surgical failure or subsequent hyoid fracture.

PMID- 27144482
TI  - The Incidence and Differential Seasonal Patterns of Plasmodium vivax Primary
      Infections and Relapses in a Cohort of Children in Papua New Guinea.
AB  - Plasmodium vivax has the ability to relapse from dormant parasites in the liver
      weeks or months after inoculation, causing further blood-stage infection and
      potential onward transmission. Estimates of the force of blood-stage infections
      arising from primary infections and relapses are important for designing
      intervention strategies. However, in endemic settings their relative
      contributions are unclear. Infections are frequently asymptomatic, many
      individuals harbor multiple infections, and while high-resolution genotyping of
      blood samples enables individual infections to be distinguished, primary
      infections and relapses cannot be identified. We develop a model and fit it to
      longitudinal genotyping data from children in Papua New Guinea to estimate the
      incidence and seasonality of P vivax primary infection and relapse. The children,
      aged one to three years at enrolment, were followed up over 16 months with
      routine surveys every two months. Blood samples were taken at the routine visits
      and at other times if the child was ill. Samples positive by microscopy or a
      molecular method for species detection were genotyped using high-resolution
      capillary electrophoresis for P vivax MS16 and msp1F3, and P falciparum msp2. The
      data were summarized as longitudinal patterns of success or failure to detect a
      genotype at each routine time-point (eg 001000001). We assume that the
      seasonality of P vivax primary infection is similar to that of P falciparum since
      they are transmitted by the same vectors and, because P falciparum does not have
      the ability to relapse, the seasonality can be estimated. Relapses occurring
      during the study period can be a consequence of infections occurring prior to the
      study: we assume that the seasonal pattern of primary infections repeats over
      time. We incorporate information from parasitological and entomology studies to
      gain leverage for estimating the parameters, and take imperfect detection into
      account. We estimate the force of P vivax primary infections to be 11.5 (10.5,
      12.3) for a three-year old child per year and the mean number of relapses per
      infection to be 4.3 (4.0, 4.6) over 16 months. The peak incidence of relapses
      occurred in the two month interval following the peak interval for primary
      infections: the contribution to the force of blood-stage infection from relapses
      is between 71% and 90% depending on the season. Our estimates contribute to
      knowledge of the P vivax epidemiology and have implications for the timing of
      intervention strategies targeting different stages of the life cycle.

PMID- 27144487
TI  - Kidney Patient Guide.
AB  - The Kidney Patient Guide website is a collaboration between healthcare
      professionals, writers, multimedia experts and most importantly, renal failure
      patients and their families and carers.

PMID- 27144489
TI  - Hunston, Connie 1920-2010 Ward sister and lay preacher.
AB  - Connie Hunston (nee Duckhouse), who died in September at the age of 90, was a
      long-serving ward sister and lay preacher in the West Midlands.

PMID- 27144488
TI  - Mental Capacity Act 2005 - Implications for People with Learning Disabilities
      Hardie Elaine Brooks Liz Mental Capacity Act 2005 - Implications for People with
      Learning Disabilities 43pp plus poster BILD 9781905218066 1905218060 [Formula:
      see text].
AB  - This guide provides a useful overview of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how it
      is to be used in practice. In a jargon-free style and a logical progression, the
      guide presents the key points and principles of the act.

PMID- 27144490
TI  - Missed doses of oral antihyperglycemic medications in US adults with type 2
      diabetes mellitus: prevalence and self-reported reasons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adherence to antihyperglycemic medication is thought to be
      suboptimal, but the proportion of patients missing doses, the number of doses
      missed, and reasons for missing are not well described. This survey was conducted
      to estimate the prevalence of and reasons for missed doses of oral
      antihyperglycemic medications among US adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and
      to explore associations between missed doses and health outcomes. METHODS: The
      study was a cross-sectional patient survey. Respondents were contacted via a
      commercial survey panel and completed an on-line questionnaire via the Internet.
      Respondents provided information about their use of oral antihyperglycemic
      medications including doses missed in the prior 4 weeks, personal
      characteristics, and health outcomes. Weights were calculated to project the
      prevalence to the US adult population with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Outcomes
      were compared according to number of doses missed in the past 4 weeks using
      bivariate statistics and generalized linear models. RESULTS: Approximately 30% of
      adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus reported missing or reducing >=1
      dose of oral antihyperglycemic medication in the prior 4 weeks. Accidental
      missing was more commonly reported than purposeful skipping, with forgetting the
      most commonly reported reason. The timing of missed doses suggested respondents
      had also forgotten about doses missed, so the prevalence of missed doses is
      likely higher than reported. Outcomes were poorer among those who reported
      missing three or more doses in the prior 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial
      number of US adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus miss doses of their oral
      antihyperglycemic medications.

PMID- 27144491
TI  - The potential role of bioscavenger in the medical management of nerve-agent
      poisoned casualties.
AB  - The provision of effective Medical Countermeasures (MedCM) for all agents and
      routes of exposure is a strategic goal of defence research and development. In
      the case of military autoinjector-based therapies for nerve agent poisoning,
      current treatment effectiveness is limited by the oxime reactivator being
      effective against only certain agents, by rapid clearance times of the drugs and
      because the doses may not be optimal for treatment of severe poisoning. Prolonged
      poisoning by nerve agents entering the body through the skin is also challenging.
      Since casualty handling timelines have reduced significantly in recent years, it
      may be sufficient for first aid therapy to provide protection for only a few
      hours until further medical treatment is available. Therefore, the traditional
      evaluation of first aid therapy in animal models of survival at 24 h may not be
      appropriate. At various echelons of medical care, further therapeutic
      interventions are possible. The current basis for the medical management of nerve
      agent poisoned casualties is derived mainly from clinical experience with
      pesticide poisoning. Adjunct therapy with a bioscavenger (such as human
      butyrylcholinesterase (huBChE)), could have utility as a delayed intervention by
      reducing the toxic load. It has previously been demonstrated that huBChE is an
      effective post-exposure therapy against percutaneous VX poisoning. It is
      recommended that the scope of animal models of nerve agent MedCM are extended to
      cover evaluation of both first aid MedCM over significantly reduced timescales,
      and subsequent supportive therapeutic and medical management strategies over
      longer timescales. In addition to bioscavengers, these strategies could include
      repeated combined and individual therapy drugs to alleviate symptoms, other
      classes of drugs or ventilatory support. Crown Copyright (c) [2016] Published by
      Elsevier Ireland Ltd. This is an open access article under the Open Government
      Licence (OGL) (http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government
      licence/version/3/).

PMID- 27144492
TI  - Feasibility, Reliability and Predictive Value Of In-Ambulance Heart Rate
      Variability Registration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a parameter of autonomic nervous
      system function. A decrease of HRV has been associated with disease severity,
      risk of complications and prognosis in several conditions. OBJECTIVE: We aim to
      investigate the feasibility and the reliability of in-ambulance HRV registration
      during emergency interventions, and to evaluate the association between
      prehospital HRV parameters, patient characteristics, vital parameters and short
      term outcome. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study using a non-invasive 2
      lead ECG registration device in 55 patients transported by the paramedic
      intervention team of the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel. HRV assessment included
      time domain parameters, frequency domain parameters, nonlinear analysis, and time
      frequency analysis. The correlation between HRV parameters and patient and
      outcome characteristics was analyzed and compared to controls. RESULTS: Artifact
      and ectopic detection rates were higher in patients during ambulance
      transportation compared to controls in resting conditions, yet technical reasons
      precluding in-ambulance HRV analysis occurred in only 9.6% of cases. HRV
      acquisition was possible without safety issues or interference with routine
      emergency care. Reliability of the results was considered sufficient for Sample
      entropy (SampEn), good for the ratio of low frequency and high frequency
      components (LF/HF ratio) in the frequency and the time frequency domain, and
      excellent for the triangular interpolation of the NN interval histogram (TINN),
      and for the short-term scaling exponent of the detrended fluctuation analysis
      (DFA alpha1). HRV indices were significantly reduced inpatients with unfavorable
      outcome compared to patients with favorable outcome and controls. Multivariate
      analysis identified lower DFA alpha1 as an independent predictor of unfavorable
      outcome (OR, 0.155; 95% CI 0.024-0.966; p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: In-ambulance HRV
      registration is technically and operationally feasible and produces reliable
      results for parameters in the time, frequency, nonlinear and time frequency
      domain. Especially non-linear HRV analysis during emergency ambulance
      transportation may be a promising approach to predict patient outcome.

PMID- 27144493
TI  - Mourning the support of women postpartum: The experiences of migrants in Cape
      Town, South Africa.
AB  - The maintenance of social networks amongst migrant diasporas has been previously
      emphasized. When caring for a new baby in particular, however, hands-on social
      supports are needed. These social supports are poorly understood for migrants.
      This qualitative study of maternal postpartum support included 23 in-depth
      interviews with postpartum migrant women and nine focus groups with adult men and
      women (N = 48) in Cape Town. The absence of nonworking women specifically, and
      social support generally, was central to migrants' descriptions of stress and
      infant feeding. The absence of elder and other nonworking women in migrant
      contexts may add vulnerability to already marginal communities.

PMID- 27144494
TI  - Robustness of reliable change indices to variability in Parkinson's disease with
      mild cognitive impairment.
AB  - Ability to identify change is crucial for measuring response to interventions and
      tracking disease progression. Beyond psychometrics, investigations of Parkinson's
      disease with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) must consider fluctuating
      medication, motor, and mental status. One solution is to employ 90% reliable
      change indices (RCIs) from test manuals to account for account measurement error
      and practice effects. The current study examined robustness of 90% RCIs for 19
      commonly used executive function tests in 14 PD-MCI subjects assigned to the
      placebo arm of a 10-week randomized controlled trial of atomoxetine in PD-MCI.
      Using 90% RCIs, the typical participant showed spurious improvement on one
      measure, and spurious decline on another. Reliability estimates from healthy
      adults standardization samples and PD-MCI were similar. In contrast to healthy
      adult samples, practice effects were minimal in this PD-MCI group. Separate 90%
      RCIs based on the PD-MCI sample did not further reduce error rate. In the present
      study, application of 90% RCIs based on healthy adults in standardization samples
      effectively reduced misidentification of change in a sample of PD-MCI. Our
      findings support continued application of 90% RCIs when using executive function
      tests to assess change in neurological populations with fluctuating status. 

PMID- 27144495
TI  - Method for a homogeneous distribution of pollens in an environmental exposure
      chamber.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A variety of different environmental exposure chambers (EECs) have
      been used to evaluate treatments for allergic rhinitis. OBJECTIVE: To describe
      and test a system for a homogenous distribution of grass pollen, Phleum Pratense,
      in an EEC to be used for controlled pollen exposure studies in allergic
      participants. METHODS: A chamber made of stainless steel with completely rounded
      corners, seating four individuals at a time, was used. Room pressure,
      temperature, humidity and the air change rate were kept constant throughout the
      study period. A rotating pipette dispensed a uniform supply of pollen into a
      turntable's v-shaped grooves. A stainless steel capillary tube sucked the pollens
      into a venturi throat at which time the pollens were mixed with a high-pressure
      airstream of compressed high-efficiency particulate arrestance filtered air and
      then transported to a spreading plate inside the EEC. To achieve uniform
      concentrations in the EEC, the turntable's rotating speed was continuously
      adjusted using information from video-coupled feedback and feed forward
      mechanisms. Pollen levels were detected using standard volumetric air samplers
      and laser particle counters. The target pollen exposure level was 1000
      pollens/m(3) . Twenty-one participants were exposed to pollens in the EEC twice
      for 210 min. Participants evaluated their symptoms every 30 min using a total
      nasal symptom score (TNSS) consisting of blocked nose, runny nose, nasal itching
      and sneezing. RESULTS: Across fifteen study days, the average pollen level was
      982 pollens/m(3) (SD, 102 pollens/m(3) ). On average, participants experienced a
      10% difference in overall pollen levels between their two visits to the EEC. The
      mean TNSSs rose throughout the exposure period, with a low at baseline of 0.43
      (SD, 0.68) to a high of 4.71 (SD, 2.43) just before exiting the EEC. CONCLUSION
      AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This EEC provides a reproducible, precise and homogenous
      distribution of pollens making it suitable for single-centre allergy clinical
      trials.

PMID- 27144496
TI  - Influence of Donor on the Sensing Performance of a Series of Through-Bond Energy
      Transfer-Based Two-photon Fluorescent Cu(2+) Probes.
AB  - Optical properties of a series of molecular two-photon fluorescent Cu(2+) probes
      containing the same acceptor (rhodamine group) are analyzed using time-dependent
      density functional theory in combination with analytical response theory. Special
      emphasis is placed on evolution of the probes' optical properties in the presence
      of Cu(2+) . In this study, the compound with naphthalene as the donor is shown to
      be excellent ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor, whereas the compound with
      quinoline derivative as the donor shows off/on-typed colorimetric fluorescent
      response. For the compound with naphthalimide derivative as the donor, changing
      the connection between the donor and acceptor can efficiently prevent the
      fluorescent quenching of the probe both in the absence and presence of Cu(2+) .
      The donor moiety and the connection between donor and acceptor are thus found to
      play dominant roles on sensing performance of these probes. Moreover,
      distributions of molecular orbitals involved in the excitation and emission of
      the probes are analyzed to explore responsive mechanism of the probes. The
      through-bond energy transfer process is theoretically demonstrated. Our results
      are used to elucidate the available experimental measurements. This work is
      helpful to understand the relationships of structure with optical properties for
      the studied probes.

PMID- 27144497
TI  - "These patients look lost" - Community pharmacy staff's identification and
      support of patients with limited health literacy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To date, routine use of health literacy assessment in clinical
      settings is limited. The objective of this study was to explore if community
      pharmacy staff can identify patients with limited health literacy, how they
      identify patients and how they support patients to improve medication use. In
      addition, perceived barriers in providing care for patients with limited health
      literacy were assessed. METHODS: Structured face-to-face interviews with pharmacy
      staff were performed in 27 community pharmacies. Questions concerned pharmacy
      staff's experiences with limited health literacy during their work, e.g.
      recognition of patients, communication strategies and possible interventions for
      this patient group to improve medication use. KEY FINDINGS: Results from 74
      interviews were included for analysis. Sixty-eight interviewees (92%) mentioned
      to identify patients with limited health literacy during their work, mostly based
      on intuition. Suggested strategies to improve medication use included tailored
      education and information, intensive support or use of aids such as a multidose
      drug dispensing system. Pharmacy staff indicated lack of time as a barrier to
      provide tailored pharmaceutical care. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants mentioned to
      recognize patients with limited health literacy merely on intuition or based on
      certain patient characteristics. Thus, an unknown number of patients with limited
      health literacy might be missed. This underlines the need to create more
      awareness of health literacy among pharmacy professionals. Moreover, training of
      pharmacy staff and use of aids to identify limited health literacy may help to
      identify more patients who need additional counselling.

PMID- 27144498
TI  - A study to evaluate the effect of ultrasound treatment on nodules in multiple
      sclerosis patients.
AB  - : Purpose/aim: Ultrasound has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and pain-relief
      benefits in several conditions such as cellulite or trauma events. We assessed
      the efficacy of ultrasound therapy on nodules associated with first-line
      treatments in multiple sclerosis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two
      multiple sclerosis patients were enrolled during 2013 and randomized to two
      groups: in the control group patients were treated only with a conventional gel
      prescribed for cellulite and nodules, while in the experimental group the gel was
      combined with ultrasound therapy. Patients were treated during 10 weeks and
      followed up for 10 additional weeks. Three nodules were assessed for each
      patient, measuring size, pain and redness at 0, 10 and 20 weeks. RESULTS: We
      found a significant decrease in both groups in size, pain and redness across the
      three visits (p < 0.0001 for size, p = 0.01 and p < 0.0001 for pain, and p =
      0.0002 and p < 0.0001 for redness, respectively for the difference at visit 2 and
      3 with respect to visit 1). More interestingly, we observed a greater reduction
      in pain and redness in the ultrasound-treated group, but the difference was only
      statistically significant at 10 weeks (p = 0.01 for both pain and redness). On
      the third visit, no differences between control and experimental groups were
      detected, both achieving the same levels in measured variables. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      treatments are useful to improve skin reaction after first-line treatments, but
      ultrasound in combination with gel achieves a faster reduction in pain and
      redness, suggesting that ultrasound treatment might be a good analgesic for
      nodule management in multiple sclerosis patients.

PMID- 27144499
TI  - Development and application of the SSD approach in scientific case studies for
      ecological risk assessment.
AB  - Species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) are used in ecological risk assessment
      for extrapolation of the results of toxicity tests with single species to a
      toxicity threshold considered protective of ecosystem structure and functioning.
      The attention to and importance of the SSD approach has increased in scientific
      and regulatory communities since the 1990s. Discussion and criticism have been
      triggered on the concept of the approach as well as its technical aspects (e.g.,
      distribution type, number of toxicity endpoints). Various questions remain
      unanswered, especially with regard to different endpoints, statistical methods,
      and protectiveness of threshold levels, for example. In the present literature
      review (covering the period 2002-2013), case studies are explored in which the
      SSD approach was applied, as well as how endpoint types, species choice, and data
      availability affect SSDs. How statistical methods may be used to construct
      reliable SSDs and whether the lower 5th percentile hazard concentrations (HC5s)
      from a generic SSD can be protective for a specific local community are also
      investigated. It is shown that estimated protective concentrations were
      determined by taxonomic groups rather than the statistical method used to
      construct the distribution. Based on comparisons between semifield and laboratory
      based SSDs, the output from a laboratory SSD was protective of semifield
      communities in the majority of studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2149-2161.
      (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27144500
TI  - Lung-Restricted Antibodies Mediate Primary Graft Dysfunction and Prevent
      Allotolerance after Murine Lung Transplantation.
AB  - Over one-third of lung recipients have preexisting antibodies against lung
      restricted antigens: collagen (Col) type V and K-alpha1 tubulin (KAT). Although
      clinical studies have shown association of these antibodies with primary graft
      dysfunction (PGD), their biological significance remains unclear. We tested
      whether preexisting lung-restricted antibodies can mediate PGD and prevent
      allotolerance. A murine syngeneic (C57BL/6) or allogeneic (C57BL/6 to BALB/c)
      left lung transplantation model was used. Rabbit polyclonal antibodies were
      produced against KAT and Col-V and injected pretransplantation. T cell frequency
      was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunospot, whereas alloantibodies were
      determined using flow cytometry. Wet:dry ratio, arterial oxygenation, and
      histology were used to determine PGD. Preexisting Col-V or KAT, but not isotype
      control, antibodies lead to dose-dependent development of PGD after syngeneic
      lung transplantation, as evidenced by poor oxygenation and increased wet:dry
      ratio. Histology confirmed alveolar and capillary edema. The native right lung
      remained unaffected. Epitope spreading was observed where KAT antibody treatment
      led to the development of IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells and humoral response
      against Col-V, or vice versa. In contrast, isotype control antibody failed to
      induce Col-V- or KAT-specific cellular or humoral immunity. In addition, none of
      the mice developed immunity against a non-lung antigen, collagen type II.
      Preexisting lung-restricted antibodies, but not isotype control, prevented
      development of allotolerance using the MHC-related 1 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte
      associated protein 4-Ig regimen. Lung-restricted antibodies can induce both early
      and delayed lung graft dysfunction. These antibodies can also cause spreading of
      lung-restricted immunity and promote alloimmunity. Antibody-directed therapy to
      treat preexisting lung-restricted antibodies might reduce PGD after lung
      transplantation.

PMID- 27144501
TI  - Retrospective evaluation of the effects of administration of tetrastarch
      (hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4) on plasma creatinine concentration in dogs (2010
      2013): 201 dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in creatinine concentrations following the
      administration of 6% tetrastarch (hydroxyethyl starch [HES] 130/0.4) compared to
      crystalloids (CRYSs) in critically ill dogs. DESIGN: Retrospective case series
      (2010-2013). SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Two hundred and one
      dogs admitted to the intensive care unit with initial plasma creatinine
      concentrations not exceeding laboratory reference intervals (52-117 MUmol/L [0.6
      1.3 mg/dL]) and receiving either CRYSs alone (CRYS group, n = 115) or HES with or
      without CRYSs (HES group, n = 86) for at least 24 hours. INTERVENTIONS: None.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Creatinine concentrations at admission to the
      intensive care unit (T0), and 2-13 days (T1) and 2-12 weeks (T2) after initiation
      of fluid therapy were analyzed. Creatinine concentrations were analyzed as
      absolute values and as the maximum percentage change from T0 to T1 (T1max%) and
      from T0 to T2 (T2max%), respectively. Creatinine concentrations were available
      for 192 dogs during T1 and 37 dogs during T2. The median cumulative dose of HES
      was 86 mL/kg (range, 12-336 mL/kg). No difference was detected between the groups
      for age, gender, body weight, and length of hospitalization. Outcome was
      significantly different between the HES (66% survived) and the CRYS (87%
      survived) groups (P = 0.014). No significant difference was detected between
      groups for creatinine concentrations at T0, T1, T2, T1max%, or T2max%. No
      significant difference was detected between the groups for T1max% creatinine in
      dogs subclassified as having systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis.
      CONCLUSIONS: HES administration in this canine population did not result in
      increased creatinine concentrations compared to administration of CRYSs. Further
      studies are needed to establish the safety of HES in critically ill dogs.

PMID- 27144504
TI  - The therapeutic potential of natural killer cells to target medulloblastoma.

PMID- 27144503
TI  - Parkia javanica Extract Induces Apoptosis in S-180 Cells via the Intrinsic
      Pathway of Apoptosis.
AB  - Parkia javanica is a leguminous tree, various parts of which are used as food and
      folklore medicine by the ethnic groups of northeastern India. The present study
      investigates the in vitro and in vivo anticancer effect of aqueous methanol
      extract of P. javanica fruit (PJE). HPLC analysis was done to establish the
      fingerprint chromatogram of PJE and its in vitro radical scavenging activity was
      measured. PJE caused significant cytotoxicity in sarcoma-180 (S-180), A549, AGS,
      and MDA-MB435S cancer cells in vitro. Exploration of the mechanistic details in S
      180 cells suggested that the reduced cell viability was mediated by induction of
      apoptosis. Increased expression of proapoptotic proteins such as p53, p21,
      Bax/Bcl2, cytochrome c (Cyt c), caspase 9, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose)
      polymerase, and decrease in proliferative and antiapoptotic markers (Ki-67,
      Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen [PCNA], Bcl-2) validated the anticancer effect
      of PJE. A decline in the relative fluorescence emission upon staining S-180 cells
      with Rhodamine 123 (Rh 123), enhanced expression of cytosolic Cyt c and
      mitochondrial Bax, and inhibition of apoptosis in the presence of caspase-9
      inhibitor in PJE-treated cells indicated intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Liver
      function test and hepatic antioxidant enzymes demonstrated non-toxicity of PJE.
      Finally, the detection of PJE in sera by HPLC confirmed its bioavailability.

PMID- 27144505
TI  - Problematizing the practice of policy.

PMID- 27144506
TI  - Measuring nurse managers' boundary spanning: development and psychometric
      evaluation.
AB  - AIM: To test the psychometric properties of a boundary spanning measure by nurse
      managers. BACKGROUND: The health-care environment requires hospital units to
      coordinate efforts autonomously across their boundaries and to manage
      relationships with other professionals, units and departments. Boundary spanning
      has become increasingly important for first-line nurse managers as unit
      gatekeepers; however, the available measures are limited. METHOD: The 30-item
      instrument was developed from a literature review. Survey participants were 4918
      nurses at 231 hospital units. Statistical analyses of construct validity and
      internal consistency were performed. Furthermore, the correlation between nurses'
      scores on the Nurse Managers Boundary Spanning Scale and nurses' evaluations of
      their managers were examined. RESULTS: Three factors and 26 items were derived
      from factor analyses: connecting and mediating, informing and feedback
      utilisation, and resource acquisition. Cronbach's subscales' alpha coefficients
      were above 0.9. Correlation analysis indicated that the Nurse Managers Boundary
      Spanning Scale score correlated with nurses' positive perceptions of their
      managers. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates tentative support for the validity
      and reliability of the Nurse Managers Boundary Spanning Scale. Although further
      study is needed, the Nurse Managers Boundary Spanning Scale shows possibilities
      as a new measurement of nursing leadership. IMPLICATIONS: This study underscores
      measures to build on nurse managers' roles by building on the limited research
      available.

PMID- 27144507
TI  - Development of a nanofibrous wound dressing with an antifibrogenic properties in
      vitro and in vivo model.
AB  - Dermal fibrosis, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), is a
      pathological condition with limited effective therapeutic modalities. Lack of an
      antiscarring dressing further impedes the preventive measures for this condition.
      Here, we develop a new antiscarring dressing and investigate its potential as a
      slow-releasing vehicle for kynurenic acid (KynA), an antifibrotic agent. KynA was
      incorporated into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanofibers, containing
      increasing concentration of polyethylene glycol (PEG). Fibre morphology, water
      absorption capacity, surface hydrophilicity, in vitro drug release profile, and
      in vivo antifibrotic effects were investigated. Increasing concentrations of PEG
      (1-20%) significantly increased surface hydrophilicity, water absorption
      capacity, and drug release. Based on the obtained release profiles, PMMA + 10%
      PEG was the preferred formulation for sustained KynA release up to 120 hours. In
      vitro studies confirmed the preservation of KynA antifibrotic properties during
      electrospinning, indicated by fibroblasts proliferation suppression and ECM
      expression modulation. In vivo application of KynA-incorporated films
      significantly inhibited collagen (23.89 +/- 4.79 vs. 6.99 +/- 0.41, collagen
      I/beta-actin mRNA expression, control vs. treated) and fibronectin expression
      (7.18 +/- 1.09 vs. 2.31 +/- 0.05, fibronectin/beta-actin mRNA expression, control
      vs. treated) and enhanced the production of an ECM-degrading enzyme (2.03 +/-
      0.88 vs. 11.88 +/- 1.16 MMP-1/beta-actin mRNA expression, control vs. treated).
      The fabricated KynA-incorporated films can be exploited as antifibrotic wound
      dressings. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2334
      2344, 2016.

PMID- 27144508
TI  - Implementing a pragmatic framework for authentic patient-researcher partnerships
      in clinical research.
AB  - In response to the creation of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
      in 2010, researchers have begun to incorporate patient and family stakeholders
      into the research process as equal partners, bringing their unique perspectives
      and experiences to the table. Nonetheless, there is a dearth of literature around
      how best to engage patients and families and many barriers to doing so
      effectively. This paper outlines a pragmatic framework of collaborative
      engagement and partnership between research investigators and patient and family
      advisors from existing patient and family advisory councils (PFACs) at an
      academic medical center. This framework includes the role for each party
      throughout the clinical research process (launch, hypothesis, specific aims,
      measures/methods, results, interpretations/recommendation and dissemination).

PMID- 27144509
TI  - Correction to "M3Ag17(SPh)12 Nanoparticles and Their Structure Prediction".

PMID- 27144511
TI  - Cross-border-assisted reproduction: a qualitative account of UK travellers'
      experiences.
AB  - Surveys on patients' experiences of cross-border fertility treatment have
      reported a range of positive and challenging features. However, the number of
      such studies is limited, and there is no detailed qualitative account of the
      experiences of UK patients who travel overseas for fertility treatment. The
      present study used a cross-sectional, qualitative design and in-depth interviews.
      Fifty-one participants (41 women and 10 men, representing 41 treatment 'cases')
      participated in semi-structured interviews. The experiences reported were broadly
      positive with a large proportion of participants (39 cases, 95%) citing a
      favourable overall experience with only two cases (5%) reporting a more negative
      experience. Thematic analysis revealed 6 major categories and 20 sub-categories,
      which described the positive and challenging aspects of cross-border fertility
      travel. The positive aspects were represented by the categories: 'access',
      'control' and 'care and respect'. The more challenging aspects were categorized
      as 'logistics and coordination of care', 'uncertainty' and 'cultural dissonance'.
      The study confirms findings from others that despite some challenges, there is a
      relatively high level of patient satisfaction with cross-border treatment with
      participants able to extend the boundaries of their fertility-seeking
      trajectories and in some cases, regain a sense of control over their treatment. 

PMID- 27144510
TI  - Medical and Social Determinants of Health Associated with Intensive Care
      Admission for Asthma in Children.
AB  - RATIONALE: Risk factors for severe asthma exacerbations in children requiring
      admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) may occur in variety of medical,
      environmental, economic, and socioeconomic domains. OBJECTIVES: We sought to
      characterize medical and sociodemographic risk factors among children who
      required admission to the intensive care unit for asthma. METHODS: Data were
      obtained from the Greater Cincinnati Asthma Risk Study, a population-based,
      prospective, observational cohort of children admitted for treatment of acute
      asthma or bronchodilator-responsive wheezing. Data collected on 774 children
      included race, socioeconomic status, allergen sensitization, environmental
      exposures, psychosocial strain, and financial hardship. Analyses compared
      children admitted to the ICU to those admitted to a medical inpatient unit.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: One hundred sixty-one (20.9%) children required
      admission to intensive care. There was no difference in sex, race, insurance
      status, caregiver educational level, income, financial strain, psychological
      distress, or marital status between the ICU and non-ICU cohorts. Risk for
      medication nonadherence assessed by parent report was not different between
      groups. Although previous hospital admission or emergency department visit
      history did not differ between the groups, prior ICU admission was more common
      among those admitted to the ICU at the index admission (27 vs. 16%, P = 0.002).
      Children requiring intensive care admission were more likely to be sensitized to
      multiple aeroallergens. Exposure to cigarette smoke (measured as salivary
      cotinine), although a risk factor for hospital admission, was negatively
      associated with risk of ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: Social and economic risk
      factors typically predictive of increased asthma morbidity, including exposure to
      tobacco smoke, were not associated with ICU admission among a population of
      children admitted to the hospital for treatment of acute asthma. Intrinsic
      disease factors, including allergic sensitization, may be more important
      predictors of ICU admission.

PMID- 27144512
TI  - Cost-effectiveness and budget impact of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral
      based regimens for hepatitis C treatment: the French case.
AB  - We evaluated the cost-effectiveness and the budget impact of new DAA-based
      regimen use in France. A Markov model simulated chronic hepatitis C (CHC)
      treatment interventions with IFN-based and IFN-free regimens at stage of fibrosis
      >=F3, >=F2 or regardless of fibrosis stage, and treatment either with the least
      or the most expensive combination. It estimated quality-adjusted life years
      (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). It also assessed the
      budget impact over 5 years of treating all CHC-screened patients, regardless of
      fibrosis, assuming <=20 000 patients treated/year and priority to >=F3.
      Sensitivity analyses were also conducted. For genotypes (G) 1-4, the initiation
      of IFN-free regardless of fibrosis was a cost-effective strategy compared to
      prior standard of care (SOC) initiated at stage F2: ?40 400-88 300/QALY gained in
      G1; similar results were obtained for patients infected with G4. Considering G2
      3, the most cost-effective strategy was IFN-based regimens regardless of fibrosis
      compared to prior SOC initiated at stage F2: ?21 300 and ?19 400/QALY gained,
      respectively; the strategy with IFN-free regimens being more effective but not
      cost-effective at current costs. The budget impact of treating all CHC-screened
      patients over 5 years would range between 3.5 and 7.2 billion ?, depending on
      whether one considers the least or the most expensive combination of new DAAs and
      whether one treats G2-3 with IFN-based or IFN-free new DAAs. In France, treatment
      initiation with new DDAs regardless of fibrosis stage is cost-effective, but
      would add 3.5-7.2 billion ? to an already overburdened medical care system.

PMID- 27144513
TI  - Kinetics and thermodynamics studies of silver ions adsorption onto coconut shell
      activated carbon.
AB  - The presence of silver in the natural water environment has been of great concern
      because of its toxicity, especially when it is in the free ion form (Ag(+)). This
      paper aims to study the adsorption kinetics of silver ions from an aqueous
      solution onto coconut shell activated carbon using batch methods. Batch kinetic
      data were fitted to the first-order model and the pseudo-second-order model, and
      this last equation fits correctly the experimental data. Equilibrium experiments
      were carried out at 30 degrees C, 40 degrees C, and 50 degrees C. The adsorption
      isotherms were reasonably fit using Langmuir model, and the adsorption process
      was slightly influenced by changes in temperature. Thermodynamic parameters
      (DeltaH degrees , DeltaG degrees , and DeltaS degrees ) were determined. The
      adsorption process seems to be non-favorable, exothermic, and have an increase in
      the orderness. 

PMID- 27144514
TI  - Omalizumab treatment in asthma-COPD overlap syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap syndrome
      (ACOS) is a poorly understood disease with an increasing morbidity and mortality.
      Currently, the most effective treatment for ACOS is unknown and omalizumab for
      ACOS has not yet been reported. METHODS: We report our experience with anti-IgE,
      omalizumab treatment on 3 patients with ACOS as a retrospective case study.
      RESULTS: After 1 year of omalizumab treatment, patients experienced significantly
      lower rates of asthma exacerbation and hospitalization and better asthma control
      test results. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that omalizumab may be an effective and
      safe therapy for patients with ACOS. However larger randomized trials are needed.

PMID- 27144515
TI  - Time Lags between Exanthematous Illness Attributed to Zika Virus, Guillain-Barre
      Syndrome, and Microcephaly, Salvador, Brazil.
AB  - Zika virus infection emerged as a public health emergency after increasing
      evidence for its association with neurologic disorders and congenital
      malformations. In Salvador, Brazil, outbreaks of acute exanthematous illness
      (AEI) attributed to Zika virus, Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), and microcephaly
      occurred in 2015. We investigated temporal correlations and time lags between
      these outbreaks to identify a common link between them by using epidemic curves
      and time series cross-correlations. Number of GBS cases peaked after a lag of 5-9
      weeks from the AEI peak. Number of suspected cases of microcephaly peaked after a
      lag of 30-33 weeks from the AEI peak, which corresponded to time of potential
      infections of pregnant mothers during the first trimester. These findings support
      the association of GBS and microcephaly with Zika virus infection and provide
      evidence for a temporal relationship between timing of arboviral infection of
      pregnant women during the first trimester and birth outcome.

PMID- 27144516
TI  - Zinc finger protein 91 (ZFP91) activates HIF-1alpha via NF-kappaB/p65 to promote
      proliferation and tumorigenesis of colon cancer.
AB  - Zinc finger protein 91 (ZFP91) has been reported to be involved in various
      biological processes. However, the clinical significance and biological role of
      ZFP91 in colon cancer remains unknown. Here, we show that ZFP91 expression is
      upregulated in patients with colon cancer. We found that ZFP91 upregulated HIF
      1alpha at the levels of promoter and protein in colon cancer cells. Using
      chromatin immunoprecipitation, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and
      luciferase reporter gene assay, we found that NF-kappaB/p65 is required for the
      binding of ZFP91 to the HIF-1alpha promoter at -197/-188 base pairs and for the
      transcriptional activation of HIF-1alpha gene mediated by ZFP91. Flow cytometry,
      5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation and tumor xenograft assay
      demonstrated that ZFP91 enhanced cell proliferation of colon cancer through
      upregulating HIF-1alpha in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, ZFP91 is positively
      associated with HIF-1alpha in human colon cancer. Thus, we concluded that ZFP91
      activates transcriptional coregulatory protein HIF-1alpha through transcription
      factor NF-kappaB/p65 in the promotion of proliferation and tumorigenesis in colon
      cancer cell. ZFP91 may serve as a driver gene to activate HIF-1alpha
      transcription in the development of cancer.

PMID- 27144517
TI  - Th17 cytokine differentiation and loss of plasticity after SOCS1 inactivation in
      a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
AB  - We propose that deregulated T-helper-cell (Th) signaling underlies evolving Th17
      cytokine expression seen during progression of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).
      Accordingly, we developed a lymphoma progression model comprising cell lines
      established at indolent (MAC-1) and aggressive (MAC-2A) CTCL stages. We
      discovered activating JAK3 (V722I) mutations present at indolent disease,
      reinforced in aggressive disease by novel compound heterozygous SOCS1
      (G78R/D105N) JAK-binding domain inactivating mutations. Though isogenic, indolent
      and aggressive-stage cell lines had diverged phenotypically, the latter
      expressing multiple Th17 related cytokines, the former a narrower profile.
      Importantly, indolent stage cells remained poised for Th17 cytokine expression,
      readily inducible by treatment with IL-2 - a cytokine which mitigates Th17
      differentiation in mice. In indolent stage cells JAK3 expression was boosted by
      IL-2 treatment. Th17 conversion of MAC-1 cells by IL-2 was blocked by
      pharmacological inhibition of JAK3 or STAT5, implicating IL2RG - JAK3 - STAT5
      signaling in plasticity responses. Like IL-2 treatment, SOCS1 knockdown drove
      indolent stage cells to mimic key aggressive stage properties, notably IL17F
      upregulation. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that SOCS1 mutations
      abolished JAK3 binding, revealing a key role for SOCS1 in regulating JAK3/STAT5
      signaling. Collectively, our results show how JAK/STAT pathway mutations
      contribute to disease progression in CTCL cells by potentiating inflammatory
      cytokine signaling, widening the potential therapeutic target range for this
      intractable entity. MAC-1/2A cells also provide a candidate human Th17 laboratory
      model for identifying potentally actionable CTCL markers or targets and testing
      their druggability in vitro. 

PMID- 27144518
TI  - Prognostic impact of tumor-associated macrophage infiltration in non-small cell
      lung cancer: A systemic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important components of cancer
      microenvironment. In the present study, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane
      library and Web of Science to perform a meta-analysis of 20 studies including a
      total of 2,572 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, in order to determine
      the association between TAMs and NSCLC prognosis. The combined hazard ratio (HR)
      of 9 studies showed that the density of total CD68+ TAMs in the tumor islet and
      stroma was not associated with overall survival (OS) of the patients. However,
      the pooled HR of 4 studies showed that high density of CD68+ TAMs in the tumor
      islet predicted better OS, while the pooled HR of 6 studies showed that high
      density of CD68+ TAMs in the tumor stroma was associated with poor OS. A high
      islet/stroma ratio of CD68+ TAMs was associated with better OS. A high density of
      M1 TAMs in the tumor islet was associated with better OS, while a high density of
      M2 TAMs in the tumor stroma predicted poor OS. These findings suggest that,
      although the density of total CD68+ TAMs is not associated with OS, the
      localization and M1/M2 polarization of TAMs are potential prognostic predictors
      of NSCLC. 

PMID- 27144519
TI  - Dendrimer antibody conjugate to target and image HER-2 overexpressing cancer
      cells.
AB  - Although many breast and lung cancers overexpress human epidermal growth factor
      receptor-2 (HER-2), no methods currently exist for effective and early detection
      of HER-2-positive cancers. To address this issue, we designed and synthesized
      dendrimer-based novel nano-imaging agents that contain gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)
      and gadolinium (Gd), conjugated with the humanized anti-HER-2 antibody
      (Herceptin). Generation 5 (G5) polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers were selected as
      the backbone for the nano-imaging agents due to their unique size, high ratio of
      surface functional groups and bio-functionality. We modified G5 PAMAM dendrimer
      surface with PEG and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid
      (DOTA) chelators to encapsulate AuNPs and complex Gd. These dendrimer entrapped
      AuNPs were further conjugated with Herceptin through copper-catalyzed azide-
      alkyne click reaction to construct the nano-imaging agent Au-G5-Gd-Herceptin. The
      targeted nano-imaging agent bound selectively to HER-2 overexpressing cell lines,
      with subsequent internalization into the cells. More importantly, non-targeted
      nano-imaging agent neither bound nor internalized into cells overexpressing HER
      2. These results suggest that our approach could provide a platform to develop
      nano-diagnostic agents or nano-therapeutic agents for early detection and
      treatment of HER-2-positive cancers.

PMID- 27144520
TI  - Exogenous carbon monoxide inhibits neutrophil infiltration in LPS-induced sepsis
      by interfering with FPR1 via p38 MAPK but not GRK2.
AB  - Excessive neutrophil infiltration in vital organs is life-threatening to patients
      who suffer from sepsis. We identified a critical role of exogenous carbon
      monoxide (CO) in the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration during
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis. CO delivered from carbon monoxide
      releasing molecule 2 (CORM-2) dramatically increased the survival rate of C57BL/6
      mice subjected to LPS in vivo. CORM-2 significantly suppressed neutrophil
      infiltration in liver and lung as well as markers of inflammatory responses.
      Affymetrix GeneChip array analysis revealed that the increased expression of
      chemoattractant receptor formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) may contribute to the
      excessive neutrophil infiltration. The under agarose migration assay demonstrated
      that LPS stimulation promoted migration to the ligand of FPR1, N-Formyl-Met-Leu
      Phe (fMLP) but that CORM-2 treatment inhibited this promotion. Further studies
      demonstrated that CORM-2 internalized FPR1 by inhibiting p38 mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (MAPK) but not G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2), which
      may explain the inhibitory effect of CORM-2 on LPS-stimulated neutrophils. In
      summary, our study demonstrates that exogenous CO inhibits sepsis-induced
      neutrophil infiltration by interfering with FPR1 via p38 MAPK but not GRK2. 

PMID- 27144521
TI  - NME8 rs2718058 polymorphism with Alzheimer's disease risk: a replication and meta
      analysis.
AB  - Recently, a large meta-analysis of five genome wide association studies (GWAS)
      has identified that a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2718058,
      adjacent to gene NME8 on chromosome 7p14.1, was associated with late-onset
      Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) in Caucasians. However, the effect of rs2718058 on
      other populations remains unclear. In order to explore the relationship between
      rs2718058 and LOAD risk in a North Han Chinese population, we recruited 984 LOAD
      cases and 1354 healthy controls that matched for sex and age in this study. The
      results showed no significant differences in the genotypic or allelic
      distributions of rs2718058 polymorphism between LOAD cases and healthy controls,
      even though after stratification for APOE epsilon4 status and statistical
      adjustment for age, gender and APOE epsilon4 status (p > 0.05). However, a meta
      analysis conducted in a sample of 82513 individuals confirmed a significant
      association between SNP rs2718058 and LOAD risk (OR = 1.08, 95%CI = 1.05-1.11) in
      the whole population. But there was still no positive results in Chinese subgroup
      (OR = 1.05, 95%CI = 0.93-1.17). In conclusion, the rs2718058 near gene NME8 on
      chromosome 7p14.1 might not play a major role in the genetic predisposition to
      LOAD in the North Han Chinese.

PMID- 27144522
TI  - Quinazoline derivative QPB-15e stabilizes the c-myc promoter G-quadruplex and
      inhibits tumor growth in vivo.
AB  - The ribozyme-sensitive element NHE-III1 in the P1 promoter region of the
      important proto-oncogene c-myc contains many guanine (G)-rich sequences.
      Induction and stabilization of the G-quadruplex formed by NHE-III1 can
      downregulate c-myc expression. In the present study, we found that QPB-15e, a
      quinazoline derivative designed and synthesized by our laboratory, binds to and
      stabilizes the c-myc G-quadruplex in vitro, thereby inhibiting double-stranded
      DNA replication, downregulating c-myc gene expression and arresting cancer cell
      proliferation. PCR termination experiments showed that QPB-15e blocked double
      stranded DNA replication by inducing or stabilizing the c-myc G-quadruplex. FRET
      melting further confirmed that QPB-15e improved the stability of the G
      quadruplex, and CD spectroscopy indicated that the compound interacted directly
      with the G-rich sequence. In competitive dialysis experiments, QPB-15e bound
      preferentially to quadruplex DNA in various structures, especially the G
      quadruplex within the c-myc promoter region. Moreover, QPB-15e reduced the
      weights and volumes of tumors transplanted into nude mice. These findings
      strongly suggest that QPB-15e is a c-myc G-quadruplex ligand with anti-tumor
      properties, and may be efficacious for treating cancer in humans. 

PMID- 27144523
TI  - Subanesthetic isoflurane relieves zymosan-induced neutrophil inflammatory
      response by targeting NMDA glutamate receptor and Toll-like receptor 2 signaling.
AB  - Neutrophil release of NO/ONOO- induces endothelial cell barrier dysfunction in
      inflammatory acute lung injury (ALI). Previous studies using zymosan-triggered
      inflammation and ALI model revealed that zymosan promotes inducible NO synthase
      (iNOS) expression in neutrophils, and that isoflurane inhibits zymosan-induced
      oxidative stress and iNOS biosynthesis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain
      largely unknown. We found here that in zymosan-primed neutrophils, iNOS is
      transcriptionally activated by NF-kappaB, whose nuclear translocation is
      triggered by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequently activated
      p38 MAPK. ROS production is attributed to zymosan-initiated Toll-like receptor 2
      (TLR2) signaling, in which the adaptor MyD88 recruits and activates c-Src, and c
      Src activates NADPH oxidase to generate ROS. Subanesthetic isoflurane counteracts
      the aforementioned zymosan-induced signaling by targeting N-methyl-D-aspartic
      acid (NMDA) glutamate receptor and thereby suppressing calcium influx and c-Src
      activation. Whereas iNOS accelerates NO/ONOO- production in neutrophils which
      eventually promote protein leak from pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells
      (PMVEC), isoflurane reduced NO/ONOO- release from zymosan-treated neutrophils,
      and thus relieves trans-PMVEC protein leak. This study provides novel insights
      into the roles of neutrophils and the underlying mechanisms in zymosan-induced
      ALI, and has implications for the therapeutic potential of subanesthetic
      isoflurane in attenuating inflammatory responses causing lung endothelial cell
      damage. 

PMID- 27144524
TI  - An integrated proteomics approach shows synaptic plasticity changes in an APP/PS1
      Alzheimer's mouse model.
AB  - The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular signature of Alzheimer's
      disease-associated amyloid pathology.We used the double APPswe/PS1DeltaE9 mouse,
      a widely used model of cerebral amyloidosis, to compare changes in proteome,
      including global phosphorylation and sialylated N-linked glycosylation patterns,
      pathway-focused transcriptome and neurological disease-associated miRNAome with
      age-matched controls in neocortex, hippocampus, olfactory bulb and brainstem. We
      report that signalling pathways related to synaptic functions associated with
      dendritic spine morphology, neurite outgrowth, long-term potentiation, CREB
      signalling and cytoskeletal dynamics were altered in 12 month old
      APPswe/PS1DeltaE9 mice, particularly in the neocortex and olfactory bulb. This
      was associated with cerebral amyloidosis as well as formation of argyrophilic
      tangle-like structures and microglial clustering in all brain regions, except for
      brainstem. These responses may be epigenetically modulated by the interaction
      with a number of miRNAs regulating spine restructuring, Abeta expression and
      neuroinflammation.We suggest that these changes could be associated with
      development of cognitive dysfunction in early disease states in patients with
      Alzheimer's disease. 

PMID- 27144526
TI  - Social Anxiety and Cannabis-Related Impairment: The Synergistic Influences of
      Peer and Parent Descriptive and Injunctive Normative Perceptions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cannabis users, especially socially anxious cannabis users, are
      influenced by perceptions of other's use. The present study tested whether social
      anxiety interacted with perceptions about peer and parent beliefs to predict
      cannabis-related problems. METHODS: Participants were 148 (36.5% female, 60.1%
      non-Hispanic Caucasian) current cannabis users aged 18-36 (M = 21.01, SD = 3.09)
      who completed measures of perceived descriptive and injunctive norms, social
      anxiety, and cannabis use behaviors. Hierarchical multiple regressions were
      employed to investigate the predictive value of the social anxiety X parent
      injunctive norms X peer norms interaction terms on cannabis use behaviors.
      RESULTS: Higher social anxiety was associated with more cannabis problems. A
      three-way interaction emerged between social anxiety, parent injunctive norms,
      and peer descriptive norms, with respect to cannabis problems. Social anxiety was
      positively related to more cannabis problems when parent injunctive norms were
      high (i.e., perceived approval) and peer descriptive norms were low. Results
      further showed that social anxiety was positively related to more cannabis
      problems regardless of parent injunctive norms. CONCLUSIONS: The present work
      suggests that it may be important to account for parent influences when
      addressing normative perceptions among young adult cannabis users. Additional
      research is needed to determine whether interventions incorporating feedback
      regarding parent norms impacts cannabis use frequency and problems.

PMID- 27144525
TI  - Collecting duct carcinoma of the kidney is associated with CDKN2A deletion and
      SLC family gene up-regulation.
AB  - The genetic landscape and molecular features of collecting duct carcinoma (CDC)
      of the kidney remain largely unknown. Herein, we performed whole exome sequencing
      (WES) and transcriptome sequencing (RNASeq) on 7 CDC samples (CDC1 -7). Among the
      7 samples, 4 samples with matched non-tumor tissue were used for copy number
      analysis by SNP array data. No recurrent somatic SNVs were observed except for
      MLL, which was found to be mutated (p.V297I and p.F407C) in 2 samples. We
      identified somatic SNVs in 14 other cancer census genes including: ATM, CREBBP,
      PRDM1, CBFB, FBXW7, IKZF1, KDR, KRAS, NACA, NF2, NUP98, SS18, TP53, and ZNF521.
      SNP array data identified a CDKN2A homozygous deletion in 3 samples and SNV
      analysis showed a non-sense mutation of the CDKN2A gene with unknown somatic
      status. To estimate the recurrent rate of CDKN2A abnormalities, we performed FISH
      screening of additional samples and confirmed the frequent loss (62.5%) of CDKN2A
      expression. Since cisplatin based therapy is the common treatment option for CDC,
      we investigated the expression of solute carrier (SLC) family transporters and
      found 45% alteration. In addition, SLC7A11 (cystine transporter, xCT), a
      cisplatin resistance associated gene, was found to be overexpressed in 4 out of 5
      (80%) cases of CDC tumors tested, as compared to matched non-tumor tissue. In
      summary, our study provides a comprehensive genomic analysis of CDC and
      identifies potential pathways suitable for targeted therapies. 

PMID- 27144527
TI  - Brief Report: Geographical Variation in Prevalence of Cryptococcal Antigenemia
      Among HIV-Infected, Treatment-Naive Patients in Nigeria: A Multicenter Cross
      Sectional Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Worldwide, HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis affects
      approximately 1 million persons and causes 600,000 deaths each year mostly in sub
      Saharan Africa. Limited data exist on cryptococcal meningitis and antigenemia in
      Nigeria, and most studies are geographically restricted. We determined the
      prevalence of cryptococcal antigenemia (CrAg) among HIV-infected, treatment-naive
      individuals in Nigeria. DESIGN/METHODS: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional
      study across 4 geographic regions in Nigeria. We performed CrAg testing using a
      lateral flow immunoassay on archived whole-blood samples collected from HIV
      infected participants at US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
      supported sites selected to represent the major geographical and ethnic diversity
      in Nigeria. Eligible samples were collected from consenting patients (>15 years)
      naive to antiretroviral therapy with CD4 count less than 200 cells per cubic
      millimeter and were stored in an -80 degrees C freezer. RESULTS: A total of 2752
      stored blood samples were retrospectively screened for CrAg. Most of the samples
      were from participants aged 30-44 years (57.6%), and 1570 (57.1%) were from
      women. The prevalence of CrAg positivity in specimens with CD4 <200 cells per
      cubic millimeter was 2.3% (95% confidence interval: 1.8% to 3.0%) and varied
      significantly across the 4 regions (P < 0.001). At 4.4% (3.2% to 5.9%), the South
      East contained the highest prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: The significant regional
      variation in CrAg prevalence found in Nigeria should be taken into consideration
      as plans are made to integrate routine screening into clinical care for HIV
      infected patients.

PMID- 27144528
TI  - Branchiosyllis, Haplosyllis, Opisthosyllis and Trypanosyllis (Annelida: Syllidae)
      from Brazil, with the Description of Two New Species.
AB  - Brazilian specimens of Branchiosyllis cf. exilis, B. tamandarensis sp. n.,
      Haplosyllis lattigae sp. n., H. loboi, Opisthosyllis brunnea and O. viridis are
      described and illustrated herein, from recently collected material; also, the
      distributions of Haplosyllis amphimedonicola and H. rosenalessoae are expanded to
      other localities in the states of Paraiba and Pernambuco. Branchiosyllis
      tamandarensis sp. n. was found associated with sponges and is characterized by
      having a flattened, ribbon-like body, with longitudinal line of mid-dorsal
      papillae, peristomium dorsally inconspicuous, branchiae with up to six lobes,
      branchiae and ungulae on all parapodia, and falcigers absent. Haplosyllis
      lattigae sp. n. is characterized by having two kinds of chaetae with different
      sizes and shapes per parapodium, papillate dorsum from midbody, and midbody
      dorsal cirri alternating in length. Additionally, we provide keys to the
      Brazilian species of Branchiosyllis, Haplosyllis and Opisthosyllis, comparative
      tables of the new species described herein and selected similar congeners, and
      the first record for Trypanosyllis zebra in the states of Espirito Santo and
      Paraiba.

PMID- 27144529
TI  - Urine Exosomes for Non-Invasive Assessment of Gene Expression and Mutations of
      Prostate Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The analysis of exosome/microvesicle (extracellular vesicles (EVs)) and
      the RNA packaged within them (exoRNA) has the potential to provide a non-invasive
      platform to detect and monitor disease related gene expression potentially in
      lieu of more invasive procedures such as biopsy. However, few studies have tested
      the diagnostic potential of EV analysis in humans. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The
      ability of EV analysis to accurately reflect prostate tissue mRNA expression was
      examined by comparing urinary EV TMPRSS2:ERG exoRNA from pre-radical
      prostatectomy (RP) patients versus corresponding RP tissue in 21 patients. To
      examine the differential expression of TMPRSS2:ERG across patient groups a random
      urine sample was taken without prostate massage from a cohort of 207 men
      including prostate biopsy negative (Bx Neg, n = 39), prostate biopsy positive (Bx
      Pos, n = 47), post-radical prostatectomy (post-RP, n = 37), un-biopsied healthy
      age-matched men (No Bx, n = 44), and young male controls (Cont, n = 40). The use
      of EVs was also examined as a potential platform to non-invasively differentiate
      Bx Pos versus Bx Neg patients via the detection of known prostate cancer genes
      TMPRSS2:ERG, BIRC5, ERG, PCA3 and TMPRSS2. RESULTS: In this technical pilot study
      urinary EVs had a sensitivity: 81% (13/16), specificity: 80% (4/5) and an overall
      accuracy: 81% (17/21) for non-invasive detection of TMPRSS2:ERG versus RP tissue.
      The rate of TMPRSS2:ERG exoRNA detection was found to increase with age and the
      expression level correlated with Bx Pos status. Receiver operator characteristic
      analyses demonstrated that various cancer-related genes could differentiate Bx
      Pos from Bx Neg patients using exoRNA isolated from urinary EVs: BIRC5 (AUC 0.674
      (CI:0.560-0.788), ERG (AUC 0.785 (CI:0.680-0.890), PCA3 (AUC 0.681 (CI:0.567
      0.795), TMPRSS2:ERG (AUC 0.744 (CI:0.600-0.888), and TMPRSS2 (AUC 0.637 (CI:0.519
      0.754). CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggests that urinary EVs have the potential
      to be used as a platform to non-invasively differentiate patients with prostate
      cancer with very good accuracy. Larger studies are needed to confirm the
      potential for clinical utility.

PMID- 27144533
TI  - Analysis of the Physiological Variation in Neutrophil CD64 Expression during the
      Early Neonatal Period.
AB  - Background Several biomarkers for the diagnosis of sepsis are elevated during the
      early neonatal period due to physiological variations. The aim of this study was
      to investigate the physiological variation in neutrophil CD64 (nCD64) expression
      during the early neonatal period and the change in nCD64 expression in neonates
      with noninfectious diseases. Methods Of 71 neonates enrolled in this prospective
      study, 5 and 51 were diagnosed as having bacteremia and noninfectious diseases,
      respectively. Fifteen healthy neonates were enrolled as normal controls.
      Peripheral white blood cell counts, serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin
      levels, and nCD64 expression were examined at birth and on the first and fifth
      day of life in neonates with noninfectious diseases and healthy neonates. In
      neonates with bacteremia, these markers were measured at onset. Results nCD64
      expression was significantly higher in neonates with bacteremia (median, 1,992)
      than in those with noninfectious diseases (1,823, p < 0.001) and healthy neonates
      (1,848, p = 0.002). Unlike other biomarkers, no differences in nCD64 expression
      were observed on the same days between neonates with noninfectious diseases and
      healthy neonates. Conclusion nCD64 expression may be a useful marker for the
      diagnosis of bacterial infection in the early neonatal period, because it does
      not show any physiological variations.

PMID- 27144530
TI  - MEF2C-MYOCD and Leiomodin1 Suppression by miRNA-214 Promotes Smooth Muscle Cell
      Phenotype Switching in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vascular hyperproliferative disorders are characterized by excessive
      smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation leading to vessel remodeling and
      occlusion. In pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), SMC phenotype switching from
      a terminally differentiated contractile to synthetic state is gaining traction as
      our understanding of the disease progression improves. While maintenance of SMC
      contractile phenotype is reportedly orchestrated by a MEF2C-myocardin (MYOCD)
      interplay, little is known regarding molecular control at this nexus. Moreover,
      the burgeoning interest in microRNAs (miRs) provides the basis for exploring
      their modulation of MEF2C-MYOCD signaling, and in turn, a pro-proliferative,
      synthetic SMC phenotype. We hypothesized that suppression of SMC contractile
      phenotype in pulmonary hypertension is mediated by miR-214 via repression of the
      MEF2C-MYOCD-leiomodin1 (LMOD1) signaling axis. METHODS AND RESULTS: In SMCs
      isolated from a PAH patient cohort and commercially obtained hPASMCs exposed to
      hypoxia, miR-214 expression was monitored by qRT-PCR. miR-214 was upregulated in
      PAH- vs. control subject hPASMCs as well as in commercially obtained hPASMCs
      exposed to hypoxia. These increases in miR-214 were paralleled by MEF2C, MYOCD
      and SMC contractile protein downregulation. Of these, LMOD1 and MEF2C were
      directly targeted by the miR. Mir-214 overexpression mimicked the PAH profile,
      downregulating MEF2C and LMOD1. AntagomiR-214 abrogated hypoxia-induced
      suppression of the contractile phenotype and its attendant proliferation. Anti
      miR-214 also restored PAH-PASMCs to a contractile phenotype seen during vascular
      homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings illustrate a key role for miR-214 in
      modulation of MEF2C-MYOCD-LMOD1 signaling and suggest that an antagonist of miR
      214 could mitigate SMC phenotype changes and proliferation in vascular
      hyperproliferative disorders including PAH.

PMID- 27144531
TI  - Ck2-Dependent Phosphorylation Is Required to Maintain Pax7 Protein Levels in
      Proliferating Muscle Progenitors.
AB  - Skeletal muscle regeneration and long term maintenance is directly link to the
      balance between self-renewal and differentiation of resident adult stem cells
      known as satellite cells. In turn, satellite cell fate is influenced by a
      functional interaction between the transcription factor Pax7 and members of the
      MyoD family of muscle regulatory factors. Thus, changes in the Pax7-to-MyoD
      protein ratio may act as a molecular rheostat fine-tuning acquisition of lineage
      identity while preventing precocious terminal differentiation. Pax7 is expressed
      in quiescent and proliferating satellite cells, while its levels decrease sharply
      in differentiating progenitors Pax7 is maintained in cells (re)acquiring
      quiescence. While the mechanisms regulating Pax7 levels based on differentiation
      status are not well understood, we have recently described that Pax7 levels are
      directly regulated by the ubiquitin-ligase Nedd4, thus promoting proteasome
      dependent Pax7 degradation in differentiating satellite cells. Here we show that
      Pax7 levels are maintained in proliferating muscle progenitors by a mechanism
      involving casein kinase 2-dependent Pax7 phosphorylation at S201. Point mutations
      preventing S201 phosphorylation or casein kinase 2 inhibition result in decreased
      Pax7 protein in proliferating muscle progenitors. Accordingly, this correlates
      directly with increased Pax7 ubiquitination. Finally, Pax7 down regulation
      induced by casein kinase 2 inhibition results in precocious myogenic induction,
      indicating early commitment to terminal differentiation. These observations
      highlight the critical role of post translational regulation of Pax7 as a
      molecular switch controlling muscle progenitor fate.

PMID- 27144534
TI  - Retraction: Bacteria-Induced Dscam Isoforms of the Crustacean, Pacifastacus
      leniusculus.

PMID- 27144532
TI  - Long-Term Effects of Induced Hypothermia on Local and Systemic Inflammation -
      Results from a Porcine Long-Term Trauma Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypothermia has been discussed as playing a role in improving the
      early phase of systemic inflammation. However, information on the impact of
      hypothermia on the local inflammatory response is sparse. We therefore
      investigated the kinetics of local and systemic inflammation in the late
      posttraumatic phase after induction of hypothermia in an established porcine long
      term model of combined trauma. MATERIALS & METHODS: Male pigs (35 +/- 5kg) were
      mechanically ventilated and monitored over the study period of 48 h. Combined
      trauma included tibia fracture, lung contusion, liver laceration and pressure
      controlled hemorrhagic shock (MAP < 30 +/- 5 mmHg for 90 min). After
      resuscitation, hypothermia (33 degrees C) was induced for a period of 12 h (HT-T
      group) with subsequent re-warming over a period of 10 h. The NT-T group was kept
      normothermic. Systemic and local (fracture hematoma) cytokine levels (IL-6, -8, 
      10) and alarmins (HMGB1, HSP70) were measured via ELISA. RESULTS: Severe signs of
      shock as well as systemic and local increases of pro-inflammatory mediators were
      observed in both trauma groups. In general the local increase of pro- and anti
      inflammatory mediator levels was significantly higher and prolonged compared to
      systemic concentrations. Induction of hypothermia resulted in a significantly
      prolonged elevation of both systemic and local HMGB1 levels at 48 h compared to
      the NT-T group. Correspondingly, local IL-6 levels demonstrated a significantly
      prolonged increase in the HT-T group at 48 h. CONCLUSION: A prolonged
      inflammatory response might reduce the well-described protective effects on organ
      and immune function observed in the early phase after hypothermia induction.
      Furthermore, local immune response also seems to be affected. Future studies
      should aim to investigate the use of therapeutic hypothermia at different degrees
      and duration of application.

PMID- 27144535
TI  - Sixteen Years of Bt Maize in the EU Hotspot: Why Has Resistance Not Evolved?
AB  - The majority of Bt maize production in the European Union (EU) is concentrated in
      northeast Spain, which is Europe's only hotspot where resistance might evolve,
      and the main target pest, Sesamia nonagrioides, has been exposed to Cry1Ab maize
      continuously since 1998. The cropping system in northeast Spain has some similar
      characteristics to those that probably led to rapid resistance failures in two
      other target noctuid maize pests. These include repeated cultivation of Bt maize
      in the same fields, low use of refuges, recurring exposure of larvae to non-high
      dose concentrations of Cry1Ab toxin during the first years of cultivation, low
      migratory potential, and production concentrated in an irrigated region with few
      alternative hosts. Available data reveal no evidence of resistance in S.
      nonagrioides after 16 years of use. We explore the possible reasons for this
      resistance management success using evolutionary models to consider factors
      expected to accelerate resistance, and those expected to delay resistance. Low
      initial adoption rates and the EU policy decision to replace Event 176 with MON
      810 Bt maize were key to delaying resistance evolution. Model results suggest
      that if refuge compliance continues at the present 90%, Bt maize might be used
      sustainably in northeast Spain for at least 20 more years before resistance might
      occur. However, obtaining good estimates of the present R allele frequency and
      level of local assortative mating are crucial to reduce uncertainty about the
      future success of resistance management.

PMID- 27144536
TI  - MR Imaging Radiomics Signatures for Predicting the Risk of Breast Cancer
      Recurrence as Given by Research Versions of MammaPrint, Oncotype DX, and PAM50
      Gene Assays.
AB  - Purpose To investigate relationships between computer-extracted breast magnetic
      resonance (MR) imaging phenotypes with multigene assays of MammaPrint, Oncotype
      DX, and PAM50 to assess the role of radiomics in evaluating the risk of breast
      cancer recurrence. Materials and Methods Analysis was conducted on an
      institutional review board-approved retrospective data set of 84 deidentified,
      multi-institutional breast MR examinations from the National Cancer Institute
      Cancer Imaging Archive, along with clinical, histopathologic, and genomic data
      from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The data set of biopsy-proven invasive breast
      cancers included 74 (88%) ductal, eight (10%) lobular, and two (2%) mixed
      cancers. Of these, 73 (87%) were estrogen receptor positive, 67 (80%) were
      progesterone receptor positive, and 19 (23%) were human epidermal growth factor
      receptor 2 positive. For each case, computerized radiomics of the MR images
      yielded computer-extracted tumor phenotypes of size, shape, margin morphology,
      enhancement texture, and kinetic assessment. Regression and receiver operating
      characteristic analysis were conducted to assess the predictive ability of the MR
      radiomics features relative to the multigene assay classifications. Results
      Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated significant associations (R2 =
      0.25-0.32, r = 0.5-0.56, P < .0001) between radiomics signatures and multigene
      assay recurrence scores. Important radiomics features included tumor size and
      enhancement texture, which indicated tumor heterogeneity. Use of radiomics in the
      task of distinguishing between good and poor prognosis yielded area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.88 (standard error, 0.05),
      0.76 (standard error, 0.06), 0.68 (standard error, 0.08), and 0.55 (standard
      error, 0.09) for MammaPrint, Oncotype DX, PAM50 risk of relapse based on subtype,
      and PAM50 risk of relapse based on subtype and proliferation, respectively, with
      all but the latter showing statistical difference from chance. Conclusion
      Quantitative breast MR imaging radiomics shows promise for image-based
      phenotyping in assessing the risk of breast cancer recurrence. (c) RSNA, 2016
      Online supplemental material is available for this article.

PMID- 27144537
TI  - Lymph Node Micrometastases and In-Transit Metastases from Melanoma: In Vivo
      Detection with Multispectral Optoacoustic Imaging in a Mouse Model.
AB  - Purpose To study whether multispectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) can serve
      as a label-free imaging modality for the detection of lymph node micrometastases
      and in-transit metastases from melanoma on the basis of the intrinsic contrast of
      melanin in comparison to fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission
      tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods The study was
      approved by the institutional animal care and use committee. Sequential MSOT was
      performed in a mouse B16F10 melanoma limb lymph node metastasis model (n = 13) to
      survey the development of macro-, micro- and in-transit metastases (metastases
      that are in transit from the primary tumor site to the local nodal basin) in
      vivo. The in vitro limit of detection was assessed in a B16F10 cell phantom.
      Signal specificity was determined on the basis of a simultaneous lymphadenitis (n
      = 4) and 4T1 breast cancer lymph metastasis (n = 2) model. MSOT was compared with
      intravenous FDG PET/CT. The diagnosis was assessed with histologic examination.
      Differences in the signal ratio (metastatic node to contralateral limb) between
      the two modalities were determined with the two-tailed paired t test. Results The
      mean signal ratios acquired with MSOT in micrometastases (2.5 +/- 0.3, n = 6) and
      in-transit metastases (8.3 +/- 5.8, n = 4) were higher than those obtained with
      FDG PET/CT (1.1 +/- 0.5 [P < .01] and 1.3 +/- 0.6 [P < .05], respectively). MSOT
      was able to help differentiate even small melanoma lymph node metastases from the
      other lymphadenopathies (P < .05 for both) in vivo, whereas FDG PET/CT could not
      (P > .1 for both). In vitro, the limit of detection was at an approximate cell
      density of five cells per microliter (P < .01). Conclusion MSOT enabled detection
      of melanoma lymph node micrometastases and in-transit metastases undetectable
      with FDG PET/CT and helped differentiate melanoma metastasis from other
      lymphadenopathies. ((c)) RSNA, 2016 Online supplemental material is available for
      this article.

PMID- 27144539
TI  - Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor of the Pineal Region in a Young Adult Male
      Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
AB  - Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) represents a highly malignant and
      aggressive embryonal neoplasm of the central nervous system (CNS). Histologically
      it consists of rhabdoid cells with a varying combination of neuroectodermal,
      epithelial, and mesenchymal tissue. Histologic features and the poor clinical
      outcome indicate that this tumor corresponds to World Health Organization grade
      IV. AT/RT mainly occurs in children < 3 years of age and has only been rarely
      described in adults. It often arises from the posterior fossa of infants and has
      the tendency to spread through the subarachnoid space. In contrast to pediatric
      cases, most of the AT/RTs in adults are located in the cerebral hemispheres;
      infratentorial appearance or localization in the spinal cord is relatively
      uncommon. Likewise there are only a few reports of AT/RT in the pineal region. We
      present another interesting case of this tumor occurring in the pineal region of
      a 19-year-old man and discuss our case in the context of the current literature.
      The patient is alive 18 months since his initial diagnosis without any signs of
      tumor relapse.

PMID- 27144540
TI  - Psychosocial Factors in Patients Indicated for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery.
AB  - In the context of the interdisciplinary care of patients with chronic back pain,
      surgery is an option for those who do not benefit from conservative treatment.
      Psychological assessment prior to back surgery aims to identify suitable
      candidates for surgery and predict possible complications or poor treatment
      effects. The literature suggests that psychosocial factors are important outcome
      predictors of lumbar spinal surgery; however, there is not enough empirical
      evidence to show that early identification and treatment of these factors help
      improve surgical outcome. This review discusses the possible psychosocial risk
      factors in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who are undergoing decompression
      or stabilization surgery, shows the association between presurgical psychological
      parameters and surgical treatment outcome, and describes the characteristics of
      our pilot study to implement presurgical psychological assessment in routine
      clinical practice. 

PMID- 27144538
TI  - High-order resting-state functional connectivity network for MCI classification.
AB  - Brain functional connectivity (FC) network, estimated with resting-state
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) technique, has emerged as a
      promising approach for accurate diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. However,
      the conventional FC network is essentially low-order in the sense that only the
      correlations among brain regions (in terms of RS-fMRI time series) are taken into
      account. The features derived from this type of brain network may fail to serve
      as an effective disease biomarker. To overcome this drawback, we propose
      extraction of novel high-order FC correlations that characterize how the low
      order correlations between different pairs of brain regions interact with each
      other. Specifically, for each brain region, a sliding window approach is first
      performed over the entire RS-fMRI time series to generate multiple short
      overlapping segments. For each segment, a low-order FC network is constructed,
      measuring the short-term correlation between brain regions. These low-order
      networks (obtained from all segments) describe the dynamics of short-term FC
      along the time, thus also forming the correlation time series for every pair of
      brain regions. To overcome the curse of dimensionality, we further group the
      correlation time series into a small number of different clusters according to
      their intrinsic common patterns. Then, the correlation between the respective
      mean correlation time series of different clusters is calculated to represent the
      high-order correlation among different pairs of brain regions. Finally, we design
      a pattern classifier, by combining features of both low-order and high-order FC
      networks. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of the high-order FC
      network on disease diagnosis. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3282-3296, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144542
TI  - Proteomic Comparison of Fruit Ripening between 'Hedelfinger' Sweet Cherry (Prunus
      avium L.) and Its Somaclonal Variant 'HS'.
AB  - The somaclonal variant HS, from sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) 'Hedelfinger' (H),
      was previously selected for reduced tree vegetative vigor and lesser canopy
      density. In this work, we compared H and HS fruits at early unripe (green) and
      full ripe (dark red) stages by biochemical and proteomic approaches. The main
      biochemical parameters showed that fruit quality was not affected by somaclonal
      variation. The proteomic analysis identified 39 proteins differentially
      accumulated between H and HS fruits at the two ripening stages, embracing enzymes
      involved in several pathways, such as carbon metabolism, cell wall modification,
      stress response, and secondary metabolism. The evaluation of fruit phenolic
      composition by mass spectrometry showed that HS sweet cherries have higher levels
      of procyanidin, flavonol, and anthocyanin compounds. This work provides the first
      proteomic characterization of fruit ripening in sweet cherry, revealing new
      positive traits of the HS somaclonal variant. 

PMID- 27144541
TI  - A Novel Mobile Phone Application for Pulse Pressure Variation Monitoring Based on
      Feature Extraction Technology: A Method Comparison Study in a Simulated
      Environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulse pressure variation (PPV) can be used to assess fluid status in
      the operating room. This measurement, however, is time consuming when done
      manually and unreliable through visual assessment. Moreover, its continuous
      monitoring requires the use of expensive devices. CapstesiaTM is a novel
      AndroidTM/iOSTM application, which calculates PPV from a digital picture of the
      arterial pressure waveform obtained from any monitor. The application identifies
      the peaks and troughs of the arterial curve, determines maximum and minimum pulse
      pressures, and computes PPV. In this study, we compared the accuracy of PPV
      generated with the smartphone application Capstesia (PPVapp) against the
      reference method that is the manual determination of PPV (PPVman). METHODS: The
      Capstesia application was loaded onto a Samsung Galaxy S4 phone. A physiologic
      simulator including PPV was used to display arterial waveforms on a computer
      screen. Data were obtained with different sweep speeds (6 and 12 mm/s) and
      randomly generated PPV values (from 2% to 24%), pulse pressure (30, 45, and 60 mm
      Hg), heart rates (60-80 bpm), and respiratory rates (10-15 breaths/min) on the
      simulator. Each metric was recorded 5 times at an arterial height scale X1
      (PPV5appX1) and 5 times at an arterial height scale X3 (PPV5appX3).
      Reproducibility of PPVapp and PPVman was determined from the 5 pictures of the
      same hemodynamic profile. The effect of sweep speed, arterial waveform scale (X1
      or X3), and number of images captured was assessed by a Bland-Altman analysis.
      The measurement error (ME) was calculated for each pair of data. A receiver
      operating characteristic curve analysis determined the ability of PPVapp to
      discriminate a PPVman > 13%. RESULTS: Four hundred eight pairs of PPVapp and
      PPVman were analyzed. The reproducibility of PPVapp and PPVman was 10%
      (interquartile range, 7%-14%) and 6% (interquartile range, 3%-10%), respectively,
      allowing a threshold ME of 12%. The overall mean bias for PPVappX1 was 1.1%
      within limits of -1.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.7 to -1.1) to +3.5% (95%
      CI, +3.2 to +3.8). Averaging 5 values of PPVappX1 with a sweep speed of 12 mm/s
      resulted in the smallest bias (+0.6%) and the best limits of agreement (+/-1.3%).
      ME of PPVapp was <12% whenever 3, 4, or 5 pictures were taken to average PPVapp.
      The best predictive value for PPVapp to detect a PPVman > 13% was obtained for
      PPVappX1 by averaging 5 pictures showing a PPVapp threshold of 13.5% (95% CI,
      12.9-15.2) and a receiver operating characteristic curve area of 0.989 (95% CI,
      0.963-0.998) with a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 94%. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings show that the Capstesia PPV calculation is a dependable substitute for
      standard manual PPV determination in a highly controlled environment (simulator
      study). Further studies are warranted to validate this mobile feature extraction
      technology to predict fluid responsiveness in real conditions.

PMID- 27144543
TI  - Correction: Interaction of G-Protein betagamma Complex with Chromatin Modulates
      GPCR-Dependent Gene Regulation.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052689.].

PMID- 27144544
TI  - Complete necrosis after microwave thermosphere ablation of liver metastases from
      colorectal cancer, histological proof of efficacy.

PMID- 27144546
TI  - New Aspects in the Formulation of Drugs Based on Three Case Studies.
AB  - The improvement of pharmaceutical dosage forms, such as tablets, towards drug
      delivery control and cost efficiency is of great importance in formulation
      technologies. Here, three examples: in situ coating, freeze casting and protein
      based biocomposites are presented that address the above mentioned issues and
      contribute to further developments in formulation technologies. The in situ
      coating increases the economic efficiency by saving process steps in comparison
      to a conventional tableting process and provides a crystalline coating for a
      tailorable drug delivery rate. The freeze casting allows the control over the
      surface area of a drug delivery system (DDS) by providing different numbers and
      sizes of pores, which in conjunction with adequate additives offer an efficient
      instrument for drug delivery control, especially by accelerating the dissolution
      effect. Protein-based biocomposites are attractive materials for biomedical and
      pharmaceutical applications that can be applied as a polymeric DDS. They
      inherently combine degradability in vivo and in vitro, show a good
      biocompatibility, offer sites of adhesion for cells and may additionally be used
      to release embedded bioactive molecules. Here, a new approach regarding the
      incorporation of crystalline active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) into a
      protein matrix in one process step is presented. All three presented techniques
      mark decisive progress towards tailor-made drug delivery systems with respect to
      function, economic efficiency and the generation of additional values. 

PMID- 27144545
TI  - A Novel Computational Tool for Mining Real-Life Data: Application in the
      Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Care Setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Randomized clinical trials constitute the gold-standard for
      evaluating new anti-cancer therapies; however, real-life data are key in
      complementing clinically useful information. We developed a computational tool
      for real-life data analysis and applied it to the metastatic colorectal cancer
      (mCRC) setting. This tool addressed the impact of oncology/non-oncology
      parameters on treatment patterns and clinical outcomes. METHODS: The developed
      tool enables extraction of any computerized information including comorbidities
      and use of drugs (oncological/non-oncological) per individual HMO member. The
      study in which we evaluated this tool was a retrospective cohort study that
      included Maccabi Healthcare Services members with mCRC receiving bevacizumab with
      fluoropyrimidines (FP), FP plus oxaliplatin (FP-O), or FP plus irinotecan (FP-I)
      in the first-line between 9/2006 and 12/2013. RESULTS: The analysis included 753
      patients of whom 15.4% underwent subsequent metastasectomy (the Surgery group).
      For the entire cohort, median overall survival (OS) was 20.5 months; in the
      Surgery group, median duration of bevacizumab-containing therapy (DOT) pre
      surgery was 6.1 months; median OS was not reached. In the Non-surgery group,
      median OS and DOT were 18.7 and 11.4 months, respectively; no significant OS
      differences were noted between FP-O and FP-I, whereas FP use was associated with
      shorter OS (12.3 month; p <0.002; notably, these patients were older). Patients
      who received both FP-O- and FP-I-based regimens achieved numerically longer OS
      vs. those who received only one of these regimens (22.1 [19.9-24.0] vs. 18.9
      [15.5-21.9] months). Among patients assessed for wild-type KRAS and treated with
      subsequent anti-EGFR agent, OS was 25.4 months and 18.7 months for 124 treated
      vs. 37 non-treated patients (non-significant). Cox analysis (controlling for age
      and gender) identified several non-oncology parameters associated with poorer
      clinical outcomes including concurrent use of diuretics and proton-pump
      inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Our tool provided insights that confirmed/complemented
      information gained from randomized-clinical trials. Prospective tool
      implementation is warranted.

PMID- 27144547
TI  - Design, Synthesis, Antimicrobial Evaluation and Molecular Modeling Study of 1,2,4
      Triazole-Based 4-Thiazolidinones.
AB  - A series of 3-(2H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives (7c-l)
      was designed and synthesized. Their structures have been elucidated based on
      analytical and spectral data. They were evaluated for their antibacterial and
      antifungal activities. Compound 7h showed the highest activity against all tested
      strains, except P. vulgaris, with MIC 8 MUg/mL and 4 MUg/mL against S. aureus and
      C. albicans, respectively. Furthermore, Compounds 7c, 7h, and 7j demonstrated
      moderate anti-mycobacterium activity. The binding mode of the synthesized
      thiazolidinones to bacterial MurB enzyme was also studied. Good interactions
      between the docked compounds to the MurB active site were observed primarily with
      Asn83, Arg310, Arg188 and Ser82 amino acid residues. 

PMID- 27144548
TI  - Using LC and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis as Tools to Distinguish Timbo
      Collections into Two Deguelia Species: A Contribution to Chemotaxonomy.
AB  - The species Deguelia utilis and Deguelia rufescens var. urucu, popularly known as
      "timbo," have been used for many years as rotenone sources in insecticide
      formulations. In this work, a method was developed and validated using a high
      performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) system, and results
      were analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). By quantifying the major
      rotenoids of these species, it was possible to establish a linear relation
      between them. The ratio between the concentrations of rotenone and deguelin for
      D. utilis is approximately 1:0.8, respectively, while for D. rufescens var. urucu
      it is 2:1. These results may help to distinguish these species contributing to
      their taxonomic identification. 

PMID- 27144549
TI  - Synthesis of a Cytokinin Linked by a Spacer to Dexamethasone and Biotin:
      Conjugates to Detect Cytokinin-Binding Proteins.
AB  - Yeast cells expressing cDNA libraries have provided two new approaches to
      facilitate further identification of cytokinin-binding proteins and receptors.
      These are the yeast three hybrid (Y3H) system and fluorescence activated cell
      sorting (FACS). The Y3H system requires a synthetic hybrid ligand comprising an
      "anchor" moiety (e.g., dexamethasone) linked to a cytokinin via a spacer. In the
      yeast nucleus, this ligand by binding connects two fusion proteins leading to a
      reporter gene activation and detection and characterisation of cytokinin binding
      proteins. Herein is reported the first synthesis of dexamethasone-cytokinin
      ligands with a spacer linkage. This was attached to the purine ring of 6
      benzylaminopurine (BAP) at positions 2, 8 or 9. To achieve this, dexamethasone
      was modified by periodate oxidation yielding a carboxylic group used for
      conjugation to the spacer by amide formation. Biotinyl derivatives of cytokinins
      for FACS included those synthesised by reaction of an activated ester of biotin
      with 8-(10-amino-decylamino) derivatives of BAP and BAP 9-riboside. Properties of
      the conjugates and some biological situations where they could be applicable are
      discussed briefly. 

PMID- 27144550
TI  - Celastrol Induces Cell Apoptosis and Inhibits the Expression of the AML1-ETO/C
      KIT Oncoprotein in t(8;21) Leukemia.
AB  - Resistance to chemotherapy is a major challenge to improving overall survival in
      Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Therefore, the development of innovative therapies
      and the identification of more novel agents for AML are urgently needed.
      Celastrol, a compound extracted from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii
      Hook, exerts anticancer activity. We investigated the effect of celastrol in the
      t(8;21) AML cell lines Kasumi-1 and SKNO-1. We demonstrated that inhibition of
      cell proliferation activated caspases and disrupted mitochondrial function. In
      addition, we found that celastrol downregulated the AML1-ETO fusion protein,
      therefore downregulating C-KIT kinases and inhibiting AKT, STAT3 and Erk1/2.
      These findings provide clear evidence that celastrol might provide clinical
      benefits to patients with t(8;21) leukemia. 

PMID- 27144551
TI  - Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Antiproliferative Activity of New
      Benzimidazolehydrazones.
AB  - The synthesis and antiproliferative activity of new benzimidazole derivatives
      bearing an hydrazone mojety at the 2-position is described. The new N'-(4
      arylidene)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2-carbohydrazides were evaluated for their
      cytostatic activity toward the murine leukemia (L1210), human T-cell leukemia
      (CEM), human cervix carcinoma (HeLa) and human pancreas carcinoma cells (Mia Paca
      2). A preliminary structure-activity relationship could be defined. Some of the
      compounds possess encouraging and consistent antiproliferative activity, having
      IC50 values in the low micromolar range. 

PMID- 27144552
TI  - Synthesis of Thiazolo[5,4-f]quinazolin-9(8H)-ones as Multi-Target Directed
      Ligands of Ser/Thr Kinases.
AB  - A library of thirty novel thiazolo[5,4-f]quinazolin-9(8H)-one derivatives
      belonging to four series designated as 12, 13, 14 and 15 was efficiently
      prepared, helped by microwave-assisted technology when required. The efficient
      multistep synthesis of methyl 6-amino-2-cyano- benzo[d]thiazole-7-carboxylate (1)
      has been reinvestigated and performed on a multigram scale. The inhibitory
      potency of the final products against five kinases involved in Alzheimer's
      disease was evaluated. This study demonstrates that some molecules of the 12 and
      13 series described in this paper are particularly promising for the development
      of new multi-target inhibitors of kinases. 

PMID- 27144553
TI  - Antitumor and Antibacterial Derivatives of Oridonin: A Main Composition of Dong
      Ling-Cao.
AB  - Isodon rubescens has been used as a traditional green tea for more than 1000
      years and many medicinal functions of I. rubescens are also very useful, such as
      its well-known antitumor and antibacterial activities. Oridonin, a bioactive ent
      kaurane diterpenoid, is the major ingredient of this medicinal tea. Herein, 22
      novel oridonin derivatives were designed and synthesized. The antibacterial
      activity was evaluated for the first time. Compound 12 was the most promising one
      with MIC of 2.0 MUg/mL against B. subtilis, which was nearly 3-fold stronger than
      positive control chloromycetin. The antiproliferative property was also assayed
      and compound 19 showed stronger activity than taxol. The apoptosis-inducing
      ability, cell cycle arrest effect at S phase and influence of mitochondrial
      membrane potential by 19 in CaEs-17 cancer cells were first disclosed. Based on
      the above results, the cell apoptosis induced by compound 19 in CaEs-17 cells was
      most probably involved in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. 

PMID- 27144554
TI  - Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel 1-(1,4-Alkylaryldisubstituted
      4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo)-3-substituted Urea Derivatives.
AB  - Novel 1-(1,4-alkylaryldisubstituted-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo)-3-substituted urea
      derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for their central nervous system
      activity. Compounds 3a-m were prepared in the reaction between the respective 1
      alkyl-4-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-amines 1a-c and appropriate isocyanates 2
      in dichloromethane. The compounds were subjected to in silico ADMET studies in
      order to select best candidates for in vivo experiments. The effects of the
      compounds on the spontaneous locomotor activity and amphetamine-evoked
      hyperactivity were estimated. Analgesic activity, without or in the presence of
      naloxone, was assessed in the writhing test. The tendency to change the HTR,
      evoked by l-5-HTP and the involvement in alteration in body temperature in mice
      was studied. Additionally, to check possible occurrence of drug-induced changes
      in the muscle relaxant activity of mice, which may have contributed to their
      behaviour in other tests, the rota-rod and chimney tests were performed. The new
      urea derivatives exerted significant activities in the performed pharmacological
      tests, although the presented results show a preliminary estimation, and thus,
      need to be extended for identification and understanding the complete
      pharmacological profile of the examined compounds. 

PMID- 27144555
TI  - Development of Chromatographic Fingerprints of Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali)
      Roots Using Online Solid Phase Extraction-Liquid Chromatography (SPE-LC).
AB  - E. longifolia is attracting interest due to its pharmacological properties and
      pro-vitality effects. In this study, an online SPE-LC approach using polystyrene
      divinyl benzene (PSDVB) and C18 columns was developed in obtaining
      chromatographic fingerprints of E. longifolia. E. longifolia root samples were
      extracted using pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) technique prior to online SPE
      LC. The effects of mobile phase compositions and column switching time on the
      chromatographic fingerprint were optimized. Validation of the developed method
      was studied based on eurycomanone. Linearity was in the range of 5 to 50 ug?mL(
      1) (r2 = 0.997) with 3.2% relative standard deviation of peak area. The developed
      method was used to analyze 14 E. longifolia root samples and 10 products
      (capsules). Selected chemometric techniques: cluster analysis (CA), discriminant
      analysis (DA), and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to the
      fingerprint datasets of 37 selected peaks to evaluate the ability of the
      chromatographic fingerprint in classifying quality of E. longifolia. Three groups
      were obtained using CA. DA yielded 100% correlation coefficient with 19
      discriminant compounds. Using PCA, E. longifolia root samples were clearly
      discriminated from the products. This study showed that the developed online SPE
      LC method was able to provide comprehensive evaluation of E. longifolia samples
      for quality control purposes. 

PMID- 27144556
TI  - Encapsulation of Beetroot Pomace Extract: RSM Optimization, Storage and
      Gastrointestinal Stability.
AB  - One of the great problems in food production are surplus by-products, usually
      utilized for feeding animals and for preparation of dietary fibre or biofuel.
      These products represent potential sources of bioactive antioxidants and colour
      giving compounds which could be used in the pharmaceutical industry and as food
      additives. In the present study beetroot pomace extract was encapsulated in soy
      protein by a freeze drying method. Process parameters (core: wall ratio, extract
      concentration and mixing time) were optimized using response surface methodology
      (RSM) in order to obtain the optimum encapsulate (OE) with the highest polyphenol
      encapsulation efficiency (EE) and radical scavenging activity on DPPH radicals
      (SA). Using the calculated optimum conditions, the EE (86.14%) and SA (1668.37
      MUmol Trolox equivalents/100 g) of OE did not differ significantly (p < 0.05)
      from the predicted ones. The contents of total polyphenols (326.51 mg GAE/100 g),
      flavonoids (10.23 mg RE/100 g), and betalains (60.52 mg betanin/100 g and 61.33
      mg vulgaxanthin-I/100 g), individual content of phenolic compounds and betalains
      by HPLC, and the ability to reduce Fe(3+) ions, i.e., reducing power (394.95
      MUmol Trolox equivalents/100 g) of OE were determined as well. During three
      months of storage at room temperature, polyphenol retention was much higher
      (76.67%) than for betalain pigments, betacyanins (17.77%) and betaxanthins
      (17.72%). In vitro digestion and release of phenolics from OE showed higher
      release rate in simulated intestinal fluid than in gastric fluid. These results
      suggest encapsulation as a contemporary method for valorisation of sensitive
      bioactive compounds from food industry by-products. 

PMID- 27144557
TI  - New Trends on Antineoplastic Therapy Research: Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana Shaw)
      Oil Nanostructured Systems.
AB  - Bullfrog oil is a natural product extracted from the Rana catesbeiana Shaw
      adipose tissue and used in folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the extraction process of bullfrog oil, to
      develop a suitable topical nanoemulsion and to evaluate its efficacy against
      melanoma cells. The oil samples were obtained by hot and organic solvent
      extraction processes and were characterized by titration techniques and gas
      chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The required hydrophile-lipophile
      balance and the pseudo-ternary phase diagram (PTPD) were assessed to determine
      the emulsification ability of the bullfrog oil. The anti-tumoral activity of the
      samples was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide (MTT) assay for normal fibroblast (3T3) and melanoma (B16F10) cell lines.
      Both extraction methods produced yielded around 60% and the oil was mainly
      composed of unsaturated compounds (around 60%). The bullfrog oil nanoemulsion
      obtained from PTPD presented a droplet size of about 390 nm and polydispersity =
      0.05 and a zeta potential of about -25 mV. Both the bullfrog oil itself and its
      topical nanoemulsion did not show cytotoxicity in 3T3 linage. However, these
      systems showed growth inhibition in B16F10 cells. Finally, the bullfrog oil
      presented itself as a candidate for the development of pharmaceutical products
      free from cytotoxicity and effective for antineoplastic therapy. 

PMID- 27144559
TI  - Overview of Common Sleep Disorders and Intersection with Dermatologic Conditions.
AB  - Sleep disorders are very common, often under-recognized and therefore
      undertreated, are associated with a myriad of medical conditions and could lead
      to significant impairment of quality of life. This review provides an up-to-date
      synopsis of common sleep disorders encompassing insufficient sleep syndrome,
      insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders and obstructive sleep apnea with a brief
      overview of epidemiology, screening, diagnostic testing and treatment. We also
      emphasize the emerging area of the intersection of sleep disorders and
      dermatologic conditions and present compelling data regarding underlying
      mechanisms including sleep dysfunction in relation to disorders of skin
      inflammation, aging and skin cancer. 

PMID- 27144558
TI  - Exogenous and Endogeneous Disialosyl Ganglioside GD1b Induces Apoptosis of MCF-7
      Human Breast Cancer Cells.
AB  - Gangliosides have been known to play a role in the regulation of apoptosis in
      cancer cells. This study has employed disialyl-ganglioside GD1b to apoptosis in
      human breast cancer MCF-7 cells using exogenous treatment of the cells with GD1b
      and endogenous expression of GD1b in MCF-7 cells. First, apoptosis in MCF-7 cells
      was observed after treatment of GD1b. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with GD1b reduced
      cell growth rates in a dose and time dependent manner during GD1b treatment, as
      determined by XTT assay. Among the various gangliosides, GD1b specifically
      induced apoptosis of the MCF-7 cells. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence
      assays showed that GD1b specifically induces apoptosis in the MCF-7 cells with
      Annexin V binding for apoptotic actions in early stage and propidium iodide (PI)
      staining the nucleus of the MCF-7 cells. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with GD1b
      activated apoptotic molecules such as processed forms of caspase-8, -7 and PARP
      (Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase), without any change in the expression of
      mitochondria-mediated apoptosis molecules such as Bax and Bcl-2. Second, to
      investigate the effect of endogenously produced GD1b on the regulation of cell
      function, UDP-gal: beta1,3-galactosyltransferase-2 (GD1b synthase, Gal-T2) gene
      has been transfected into the MCF-7 cells. Using the GD1b synthase-transfectants,
      apoptosis-related signal proteins linked to phenotype changes were examined.
      Similar to the exogenous GD1b treatment, the cell growth of the GD1b synthase
      gene-transfectants was significantly suppressed compared with the vector
      transfectant cell lines and transfection activated the apoptotic molecules such
      as processed forms of caspase-8, -7 and PARP, but not the levels of expression of
      Bax and Bcl-2. GD1b-induced apoptosis was blocked by caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD.
      Therefore, taken together, it was concluded that GD1b could play an important
      role in the regulation of breast cancer apoptosis. 

PMID- 27144560
TI  - Confocal Spectroscopy to Study Dimerization, Oligomerization and Aggregation of
      Proteins: A Practical Guide.
AB  - Protein self-association is a key feature that can modulate the physiological
      role of proteins or lead to deleterious effects when uncontrolled. Protein
      oligomerization is a simple way to modify the activity of a protein, as the
      modulation of binding interfaces allows for self-activation or inhibition, or
      variation in the selectivity of binding partners. As such, dimerization and
      higher order oligomerization is a common feature in signaling proteins, for
      example, and more than 70% of enzymes have the potential to self-associate. On
      the other hand, protein aggregation can overcome the regulatory mechanisms of the
      cell and can have disastrous physiological effects. This is the case in a number
      of neurodegenerative diseases, where proteins, due to mutation or dysregulation
      later in life, start polymerizing and often fibrillate, leading to the creation
      of protein inclusion bodies in cells. Dimerization, well-defined oligomerization
      and random aggregation are often difficult to differentiate and characterize
      experimentally. Single molecule "counting" methods are particularly well suited
      to the study of self-oligomerization as they allow observation and quantification
      of behaviors in heterogeneous conditions. However, the extreme dilution of
      samples often causes weak complexes to dissociate, and rare events can be
      overlooked. Here, we discuss a straightforward alternative where the principles
      of single molecule detection are used at higher protein concentrations to
      quantify oligomers and aggregates in a background of monomers. We propose a
      practical guide for the use of confocal spectroscopy to quantify protein
      oligomerization status and also discuss about its use in monitoring changes in
      protein aggregation in drug screening assays. 

PMID- 27144561
TI  - Ewing's Sarcoma: An Analysis of miRNA Expression Profiles and Target Genes in
      Paraffin-Embedded Primary Tumor Tissue.
AB  - The molecular mechanism responsible for Ewing's Sarcoma (ES) remains largely
      unknown. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs able to regulate
      gene expression, are deregulated in tumors and may serve as a tool for diagnosis
      and prediction. However, the status of miRNAs in ES has not yet been thoroughly
      investigated. This study compared global miRNAs expression in paraffin-embedded
      tumor tissue samples from 20 ES patients, affected by primary untreated tumors,
      with miRNAs expressed in normal human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) by
      microarray analysis. A miRTarBase database was used to identify the predicted
      target genes for differentially expressed miRNAs. The miRNAs microarray analysis
      revealed distinct patterns of miRNAs expression between ES samples and normal
      MSCs. 58 of the 954 analyzed miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed
      in ES samples compared to MSCs. Moreover, the qRT-PCR analysis carried out on
      three selected miRNAs showed that miR-181b, miR-1915 and miR-1275 were
      significantly aberrantly regulated, confirming the microarray results. Bio
      database analysis identified BCL-2 as a bona fide target gene of the miR-21, miR
      181a, miR-181b, miR-29a, miR-29b, miR-497, miR-195, miR-let-7a, miR-34a and miR
      1915. Using paraffin-embedded tissues from ES patients, this study has identified
      several potential target miRNAs and one gene that might be considered a novel
      critical biomarker for ES pathogenesis. 

PMID- 27144562
TI  - Physiological and Molecular Analysis of Aluminium-Induced Organic Acid Anion
      Secretion from Grain Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) Roots.
AB  - Grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.) is abundant in oxalate and can
      secrete oxalate under aluminium (Al) stress. However, the features of Al-induced
      secretion of organic acid anions (OA) and potential genes responsible for OA
      secretion are poorly understood. Here, Al-induced OA secretion in grain amaranth
      roots was characterized by ion charomatography and enzymology methods, and
      suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) together with quantitative real-time
      PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to identify up-regulated genes that are potentially
      involved in OA secretion. The results showed that grain amaranth roots secrete
      both oxalate and citrate in response to Al stress. The secretion pattern,
      however, differs between oxalate and citrate. Neither lanthanum chloride (La) nor
      cadmium chloride (Cd) induced OA secretion. A total of 84 genes were identified
      as up-regulated by Al, in which six genes were considered as being potentially
      involved in OA secretion. The expression pattern of a gene belonging to multidrug
      and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family, AhMATE1, was in close agreement with
      that of citrate secretion. The expression of a gene encoding tonoplast
      dicarboxylate transporter and four genes encoding ATP-binding cassette
      transporters was differentially regulated by Al stress, but the expression
      pattern was not correlated well with that of oxalate secretion. Our results not
      only reveal the secretion pattern of oxalate and citrate from grain amaranth
      roots under Al stress, but also provide some genetic information that will be
      useful for further characterization of genes involved in Al toxicity and
      tolerance mechanisms. 

PMID- 27144563
TI  - 3D-QSAR Studies on Barbituric Acid Derivatives as Urease Inhibitors and the
      Effect of Charges on the Quality of a Model.
AB  - Urease enzyme (EC 3.5.1.5) has been determined as a virulence factor in
      pathogenic microorganisms that are accountable for the development of different
      diseases in humans and animals. In continuance of our earlier study on the
      helicobacter pylori urease inhibition by barbituric acid derivatives, 3D-QSAR
      (three dimensional quantitative structural activity relationship) advance studies
      were performed by Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA) and Comparative
      Molecular Similarity Indices Analysis (CoMSIA) methods. Different partial charges
      were calculated to examine their consequences on the predictive ability of the
      developed models. The finest developed model for CoMFA and CoMSIA were achieved
      by using MMFF94 charges. The developed CoMFA model gives significant results with
      cross-validation (q2) value of 0.597 and correlation coefficients (r2) of 0.897.
      Moreover, five different fields i.e., steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic, H
      bond acceptor and H-bond donors were used to produce a CoMSIA model, with q2 and
      r2 of 0.602 and 0.98, respectively. The generated models were further validated
      by using an external test set. Both models display good predictive power with
      r2pred >= 0.8. The analysis of obtained CoMFA and CoMSIA contour maps provided
      detailed insight for the promising modification of the barbituric acid
      derivatives with an enhanced biological activity. 

PMID- 27144564
TI  - Two Novel Relative Double-Stranded RNA Mycoviruses Infecting Fusarium poae Strain
      SX63.
AB  - Two novel double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycoviruses, termed Fusarium poae dsRNA
      virus 2 (FpV2) and Fusarium poae dsRNA virus 3 (FpV3), were isolated from the
      plant pathogenic fungus, Fusarium poae strain SX63, and molecularly
      characterized. FpV2 and FpV3, with respective genome sequences of 9518 and 9419
      base pairs (bps), are both predicted to contain two discontinuous open reading
      frames (ORFs), ORF1 and ORF2. A hypothetical polypeptide (P1) and a RNA-dependent
      RNA polymerase (RdRp) are encoded by ORF1 and ORF2, respectively. Phytoreo_S7
      domain (pfam07236) homologs were detected downstream of the RdRp domain (RdRp_4;
      pfam02123) of the ORF2-coded proteins of both FpV2 and FpV3. The same shifty
      heptamers (GGAAAAC) were both found immediately before the stop codon UAG of ORF1
      in FpV2 and FpV3, which could mediate programmed -1 ribosomal frameshifting (-1
      PRF). Phylogenetic analysis based on RdRp sequences clearly place FpV2 and FpV3
      in a taxonomically unassigned dsRNA mycovirus group. Together, with a comparison
      of genome organization, a new taxonomic family termed Fusagraviridae is proposed
      to be created to include FpV2- and FpV3-related dsRNA mycoviruses, within which
      FpV2 and FpV3 would represent two distinct virus species. 

PMID- 27144565
TI  - Comprehensive Identification of Immunodominant Proteins of Brucella abortus and
      Brucella melitensis Using Antibodies in the Sera from Naturally Infected Hosts.
AB  - Brucellosis is a debilitating zoonotic disease that affects humans and animals.
      The diagnosis of brucellosis is challenging, as accurate species level
      identification is not possible with any of the currently available serology-based
      diagnostic methods. The present study aimed at identifying Brucella (B.) species
      specific proteins from the closely related species B. abortus and B. melitensis
      using sera collected from naturally infected host species. Unlike earlier
      reported investigations with either laboratory-grown species or vaccine strains,
      in the present study, field strains were utilized for analysis. The label-free
      quantitative proteomic analysis of the naturally isolated strains of these two
      closely related species revealed 402 differentially expressed proteins, among
      which 63 and 103 proteins were found exclusively in the whole cell extracts of B.
      abortus and B. melitensis field strains, respectively. The sera from four
      different naturally infected host species, i.e., cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goat
      were applied to identify the immune-binding protein spots present in the whole
      protein extracts from the isolated B. abortus and B. melitensis field strains and
      resolved on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Comprehensive analysis revealed
      that 25 proteins of B. abortus and 20 proteins of B. melitensis were distinctly
      immunoreactive. Dihydrodipicolinate synthase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
      dehydrogenase and lactate/malate dehydrogenase from B. abortus, amino acid ABC
      transporter substrate-binding protein from B. melitensis and fumarylacetoacetate
      hydrolase from both species were reactive with the sera of all the tested
      naturally infected host species. The identified proteins could be used for the
      design of serological assays capable of detecting pan-Brucella, B. abortus- and
      B. melitensis-specific antibodies. 

PMID- 27144567
TI  - In Situ Representation of Soil/Sediment Conductivity Using Electrochemical
      Impedance Spectroscopy.
AB  - The electrical conductivity (EC) of soil is generally measured after soil
      extraction, so this method cannot represent the in situ EC of soil (e.g., EC of
      soils with different moisture contents) and therefore lacks comparability in some
      cases. Using a resistance measurement apparatus converted from a configuration of
      soil microbial fuel cell, the in situ soil EC was evaluated according to the
      Ohmic resistance (Rs) measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The
      EC of soils with moisture content from 9.1% to 37.5% was calculated according to
      Rs. A significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.896, p < 0.01) between the soil EC
      and the moisture content was observed, which demonstrated the feasibility of the
      approach. This new method can not only represent the actual soil EC, but also
      does not need any pretreatment. Thus it may be used widely in the measurement of
      the EC for soils and sediments.

PMID- 27144566
TI  - Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Differences in Molecular Mechanism of
      Atherosclerosis Related and Non-Related to Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - The major cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is
      atherosclerosis related to traditional and non-traditional risk factors. However,
      the understanding of the molecular specificity that distinguishes the risk
      factors for classical cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CKD-related
      atherosclerosis (CKD-A) is far from complete. In this study we investigated the
      disease-related differences in the proteomes of patients with atherosclerosis
      related and non-related to CKD. Plasma collected from patients in various stages
      of CKD, CVD patients without symptoms of kidney dysfunction, and healthy
      volunteers (HVs), were analyzed by a coupled label-free and mass spectrometry
      approach. Dysregulated proteins were confirmed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA). All proteomic data were correlated with kidney disease development
      and were subjected to bioinformatics analysis. One hundred sixty-two
      differentially expressed proteins were identified. By directly comparing the
      plasma proteomes from HVs, CKD, and CVD patients in one study, we demonstrated
      that proteins involved in inflammation, blood coagulation, oxidative stress,
      vascular damage, and calcification process exhibited greater alterations in
      patients with atherosclerosis related with CKD. These data indicate that the
      above nontraditional risk factors are strongly specific for CKD-A and appear to
      be less essential for the development of "classical" CVD. 

PMID- 27144569
TI  - Implementation Strategies for a Universal Acquisition and Tracking Channel
      Applied to Real GNSS Signals.
AB  - This paper presents a universal GNSS receiver channel capable of tracking any
      civil GNSS signal. This fundamentally differs from dedicated channels, each
      customized for a given signal. A mobile device could integrate fewer universal
      channels to harvest all available signals. This would allow securing signal
      availability, while minimizing power consumption and chip size, thus maximizing
      battery lifetime. In fact, the universal channel allows sequential acquisition
      and tracking of any chipping rate, carrier frequency, FDMA channel, modulation,
      or constellation, and is totally configurable (any integration time, any
      discriminator, etc.). It can switch from one signal to another in 1.07 ms, making
      it possible for the receiver to rapidly adapt to its sensed environment. All this
      would consume 3.5 mW/channel in an ASIC implementation, i.e., with a slight
      overhead compared to the original GPS L1 C/A dedicated channel from which it was
      derived. After extensive surveys on GNSS signals and tracking channels, this
      paper details the implementation strategies that led to the proposed universal
      channel architecture. Validation is achieved using GNSS signals issued from
      different constellations, frequency bands, modulations and spreading code
      schemes. A discussion on acquisition approaches and conclusive remarks follow,
      which open up a new signal selection challenge, rather than satellite selection.

PMID- 27144568
TI  - A Rapid In Situ Colorimetric Assay for Cobalt Detection by the Naked Eye.
AB  - A simple, rapid, and convenient colorimetric chemosensor of a specific target
      toward the end user is still required for on-site detection and real-time
      monitoring applications. In this study, we developed a rapid in situ colorimetric
      assay for cobalt detection using the naked eye. Interestingly, a yellow to light
      orange visual color transition was observed within 3 s when a Chrysoidine G (CG)
      chemosensor was exposed to cobalt. Surprisingly, the CG chemosensor had great
      selectivity toward cobalt without any interference of other metal ions. Under
      optimized conditions, a lower detection limit of 0.1 ppm via a spectrophotometer
      and a visual detection limit of 2 ppm with a linear range from 0.4 to 1 ppm (R2 =
      0.97) were determined. Moreover, the CG chemosensor is reversible and maintains
      its functionality after treatment with chelating agents. In conclusion, we show
      the superior capabilities of the CG chemosensor, which has the potential to
      provide extremely facile handling, high sensitivity, and a fast response time for
      applications of on-site detection to real-time cobalt monitoring for the general
      public.

PMID- 27144570
TI  - Tracking Architecture Based on Dual-Filter with State Feedback and Its
      Application in Ultra-Tight GPS/INS Integration.
AB  - If a Kalman Filter (KF) is applied to Global Positioning System (GPS) baseband
      signal preprocessing, the estimates of signal phase and frequency can have low
      variance, even in highly dynamic situations. This paper presents a novel
      preprocessing scheme based on a dual-filter structure. Compared with the
      traditional model utilizing a single KF, this structure avoids carrier tracking
      being subjected to code tracking errors. Meanwhile, as the loop filters are
      completely removed, state feedback values are adopted to generate local carrier
      and code. Although local carrier frequency has a wide fluctuation, the accuracy
      of Doppler shift estimation is improved. In the ultra-tight GPS/Inertial
      Navigation System (INS) integration, the carrier frequency derived from the
      external navigation information is not viewed as the local carrier frequency
      directly. That facilitates retaining the design principle of state feedback.
      However, under harsh conditions, the GPS outputs may still bear large errors
      which can destroy the estimation of INS errors. Thus, an innovative integrated
      navigation filter is constructed by modeling the non-negligible errors in the
      estimated Doppler shifts, to ensure INS is properly calibrated. Finally, field
      test and semi-physical simulation based on telemetered missile trajectory
      validate the effectiveness of methods proposed in this paper.

PMID- 27144571
TI  - Multi-Mode Electromagnetic Ultrasonic Lamb Wave Tomography Imaging for Variable
      Depth Defects in Metal Plates.
AB  - This paper proposes a new cross-hole tomography imaging (CTI) method for variable
      depth defects in metal plates based on multi-mode electromagnetic ultrasonic Lamb
      waves (LWs). The dispersion characteristics determine that different modes of LWs
      are sensitive to different thicknesses of metal plates. In this work, the
      sensitivities to thickness variation of A0- and S0-mode LWs are theoretically
      studied. The principles and procedures for the cooperation of A0- and S0-mode LW
      CTI are proposed. Moreover, the experimental LW imaging system on an aluminum
      plate with a variable-depth defect is set up, based on A0- and S0-mode EMAT
      (electromagnetic acoustic transducer) arrays. For comparison, the traditional
      single-mode LW CTI method is used in the same experimental platform. The imaging
      results show that the computed thickness distribution by the proposed multi-mode
      method more accurately reflects the actual thickness variation of the defect,
      while neither the S0 nor the A0 single-mode method was able to distinguish
      thickness variation in the defect region. Moreover, the quantification of the
      defect's thickness variation is more accurate with the multi-mode method.
      Therefore, theoretical and practical results prove that the variable-depth defect
      in metal plates can be successfully quantified and visualized by the proposed
      multi-mode electromagnetic ultrasonic LW CTI method.

PMID- 27144572
TI  - Automatic Recognition of Aggressive Behavior in Pigs Using a Kinect Depth Sensor.
AB  - Aggression among pigs adversely affects economic returns and animal welfare in
      intensive pigsties. In this study, we developed a non-invasive, inexpensive,
      automatic monitoring prototype system that uses a Kinect depth sensor to
      recognize aggressive behavior in a commercial pigpen. The method begins by
      extracting activity features from the Kinect depth information obtained in a
      pigsty. The detection and classification module, which employs two binary
      classifier support vector machines in a hierarchical manner, detects aggressive
      activity, and classifies it into aggressive sub-types such as head-to-head (or
      body) knocking and chasing. Our experimental results showed that this method is
      effective for detecting aggressive pig behaviors in terms of both cost
      effectiveness (using a low-cost Kinect depth sensor) and accuracy (detection and
      classification accuracies over 95.7% and 90.2%, respectively), either as a
      standalone solution or to complement existing methods.

PMID- 27144575
TI  - Confirmation of Maslow's Hypothesis of Synergy: Developing an Acceptance of
      Selfishness at the Workplace Scale.
AB  - This study aimed to develop a new Acceptance of Selfishness at the Workplace
      Scale (ASWS) and to confirm Maslow's hypothesis of synergy: if both a sense of
      contribution and acceptance of selfishness at the workplace are high, workers are
      psychologically healthy. In a cross-sectional study with employees of three
      Japanese companies, 656 workers answered a self-administered questionnaire on
      paper completely (response rate = 66.8%). Each questionnaire was submitted to us
      in a sealed envelope and analyzed. The ASWS indicated high internal consistency
      (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86). Significant (p < 0.001) positive moderate correlations
      between ASWS scores and job control scores support the ASWS's convergent and
      discriminant validity. Significant (p < 0.001) associations of ASWS scores with
      psychological distress and work engagement supported the ASWS's criterion
      validity. In short, ASWS was a psychometrically satisfactory measure. Significant
      (p < 0.05) interactions between a sense of contribution and acceptance of
      selfishness at the workplace in linear regression models showed that when those
      two factors are low, psychological distress becomes high. However, when a sense
      of contribution and acceptance of selfishness are high, work engagement also
      becomes high. Thus, Maslow's hypothesis of synergy was confirmed.

PMID- 27144574
TI  - Use of Walnut Shell Powder to Inhibit Expression of Fe(2+)-Oxidizing Genes of
      Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans.
AB  - Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a Gram-negative bacterium that obtains energy
      by oxidizing Fe(2+) or reduced sulfur compounds. This bacterium contributes to
      the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD). This study determined whether walnut
      shell powder inhibits the growth of A. ferrooxidans. First, the effects of walnut
      shell powder on Fe(2+) oxidization and H+ production were evaluated. Second, the
      chemical constituents of walnut shell were isolated to determine the active
      ingredient(s). Third, the expression of Fe(2+)-oxidizing genes and rus operon
      genes was investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Finally, growth
      curves were plotted, and a bioleaching experiment was performed to confirm the
      active ingredient(s) in walnut shells. The results indicated that both walnut
      shell powder and the phenolic fraction exert high inhibitory effects on Fe(2+)
      oxidation and H+ production by A. ferrooxidans cultured in standard 9K medium.
      The phenolic components exert their inhibitory effects by down-regulating the
      expression of Fe(2+)-oxidizing genes and rus operon genes, which significantly
      decreased the growth of A. ferrooxidans. This study revealed walnut shell powder
      to be a promising substance for controlling AMD.

PMID- 27144573
TI  - Bioprospecting Sponge-Associated Microbes for Antimicrobial Compounds.
AB  - Sponges are the most prolific marine organisms with respect to their arsenal of
      bioactive compounds including antimicrobials. However, the majority of these
      substances are probably not produced by the sponge itself, but rather by bacteria
      or fungi that are associated with their host. This review for the first time
      provides a comprehensive overview of antimicrobial compounds that are known to be
      produced by sponge-associated microbes. We discuss the current state-of-the-art
      by grouping the bioactive compounds produced by sponge-associated microorganisms
      in four categories: antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal
      compounds. Based on in vitro activity tests, identified targets of potent
      antimicrobial substances derived from sponge-associated microbes include: human
      immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) (2-undecyl-4-quinolone, sorbicillactone A and
      chartarutine B); influenza A (H1N1) virus (truncateol M); nosocomial Gram
      positive bacteria (thiopeptide YM-266183, YM-266184, mayamycin and kocurin);
      Escherichia coli (sydonic acid), Chlamydia trachomatis (naphthacene glycoside
      SF2446A2); Plasmodium spp. (manzamine A and quinolone 1); Leishmania donovani
      (manzamine A and valinomycin); Trypanosoma brucei (valinomycin and
      staurosporine); Candida albicans and dermatophytic fungi (saadamycin, 5,7
      dimethoxy-4-p-methoxylphenylcoumarin and YM-202204). Thirty-five bacterial and 12
      fungal genera associated with sponges that produce antimicrobials were
      identified, with Streptomyces, Pseudovibrio, Bacillus, Aspergillus and
      Penicillium as the prominent producers of antimicrobial compounds. Furthemore
      culture-independent approaches to more comprehensively exploit the genetic
      richness of antimicrobial compound-producing pathways from sponge-associated
      bacteria are addressed. 

PMID- 27144576
TI  - Conserved Endonuclease Function of Hantavirus L Polymerase.
AB  - Hantaviruses are important emerging pathogens belonging to the Bunyaviridae
      family. Like other segmented negative strand RNA viruses, the RNA-dependent RNA
      polymerase (RdRp) also known as L protein of hantaviruses lacks an intrinsic
      "capping activity". Hantaviruses therefore employ a "cap snatching" strategy
      acquiring short 5' RNA sequences bearing 5'cap structures by endonucleolytic
      cleavage from host cell transcripts. The viral endonuclease activity implicated
      in cap snatching of hantaviruses has been mapped to the N-terminal domain of the
      L protein. Using a combination of molecular modeling and structure-function
      analysis we confirm and extend these findings providing evidence for high
      conservation of the L endonuclease between Old and New World hantaviruses.
      Recombinant hantavirus L endonuclease showed catalytic activity and a defined
      cation preference shared by other viral endonucleases. Based on the previously
      reported remarkably high activity of hantavirus L endonuclease, we established a
      cell-based assay for the hantavirus endonuclase function. The robustness of the
      assay and its high-throughput compatible format makes it suitable for small
      molecule drug screens to identify novel inhibitors of hantavirus endonuclease.
      Based on the high degree of similarity to RdRp endonucleases, some candidate
      inhibitors may be broadly active against hantaviruses and other emerging human
      pathogenic Bunyaviruses.

PMID- 27144577
TI  - Identification of Host Micro RNAs That Differentiate HIV-1 and HIV-2 Infection
      Using Genome Expression Profiling Techniques.
AB  - While human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2) share many
      similar traits, major differences in pathogenesis and clinical outcomes exist
      between the two viruses. The differential expression of host factors like
      microRNAs (miRNAs) in response to HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections are thought to
      influence the clinical outcomes presented by the two viruses. MicroRNAs are small
      non-coding RNA molecules which function in transcriptional and post
      transcriptional regulation of gene expression. MiRNAs play a critical role in
      many key biological processes and could serve as putative biomarker(s) for
      infection. Identification of miRNAs that modulate viral life cycle, disease
      progression, and cellular responses to infection with HIV-1 and HIV-2 could
      reveal important insights into viral pathogenesis and provide new tools that
      could serve as prognostic markers and targets for therapeutic intervention. The
      aim of this study was to elucidate the differential expression profiles of host
      miRNAs in cells infected with HIV-1 and HIV-2 in order to identify potential
      differences in virus-host interactions between HIV-1 and HIV-2. Differential
      expression of host miRNA expression profiles was analyzed using the miRNA
      profiling polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays. Differentially expressed miRNAs
      were identified and their putative functional targets identified. The results
      indicate that hsa-miR 541-3p, hsa-miR 518f-3p, and hsa-miR 195-3p were
      consistently up-regulated only in HIV-1 infected cells. The expression of hsa-miR
      1225-5p, hsa-miR 18a* and hsa-miR 335 were down modulated in HIV-1 and HIV-2
      infected cells. Putative functional targets of these miRNAs include genes
      involved in signal transduction, metabolism, development and cell death.

PMID- 27144578
TI  - Protective Effect of Proanthocyanidins from Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides
      L.) Seed against Visible Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration in Vivo.
AB  - Dietary proanthocyanidins (PACs) as health-protective agents have become an
      important area of human nutrition research because of their potent bioactivities.
      We investigated the retinoprotective effects of PACs from sea buckthorn
      (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) seed against visible light-induced retinal degeneration
      in vivo. Pigmented rabbits were orally administered sea buckthorn seed PACs (50
      and 100 mg/kg/day) for 14 consecutive days of pre-illumination and seven
      consecutive days of post-illumination. Retinal function was quantified via
      electroretinography 7 days after light exposure. Retinal damage was evaluated by
      measuring the thickness of the full-thickness retina and outer nuclear layer 7
      days after light exposure. Sea buckthorn seed PACs significantly attenuated the
      destruction of electroretinograms and maintained the retinal structure. Increased
      retinal photooxidative damage was expressed by the depletion of glutathione
      peroxidase and catalase activities, the decrease of total antioxidant capacity
      level and the increase of malondialdehyde level. Light exposure induced a
      significant increase of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta, TNF-alpha and IL-6) and
      angiogenesis (VEGF) levels in retina. Light exposure upregulated the expression
      of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 and downregulated the expression of
      anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. However, sea buckthorn seed PACs ameliorated these
      changes induced by light exposure. Sea buckthorn seed PACs mediated the
      protective effect against light-induced retinal degeneration via antioxidant,
      anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic mechanisms. 

PMID- 27144579
TI  - Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10-Fermented Soymilk on Deoxycorticosterone
      Acetate-Salt-Induced Hypertension and Associated Dementia in Rats.
AB  - Oxidative stress resulting from excessive production of reactive oxygen species
      is the major mediator of neuronal cell degeneration observed in neurodegenerative
      diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD).
      Additionally, hypertension has been shown to be a positive risk factor for VaD.
      Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of
      Lactobacillus plantarum strain TWK10 (TWK10)-fermented soymilk on the protection
      of PC-12 cells in H2O2-, oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)- and
      deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt-induced rat models of VaD. Notably, the
      viabilities of H2O2-treated PC-12 cells and OGD model were significantly
      increased by treatment with TWK10-fermented soymilk ethanol extract (p < 0.05).
      In addition, oral administration of TWK10-fermented soymilk extract in DOCA-salt
      hypertension-induced VaD rats resulted in a significant decrease in blood
      pressure (p < 0.05), which was regulated by inhibiting ACE activity and promoting
      NO production, in addition to decreased escape latency and increased target
      crossing (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results demonstrated that TWK10
      fermented soymilk extract could improve learning and memory in DOCA-salt
      hypertension-induced VaD rats by acting as a blood pressure-lowering and
      neuroprotective agent. 

PMID- 27144580
TI  - Chemopreventive Effect of Dietary Glutamineon Colitis-Associated Colorectal
      Cancer Is Associated with Modulation of the DEPTOR/mTOR Signaling Pathway.
AB  - Glutamine plays a protective role in colitis and colitis-associated colorectal
      cancer (CAC); however, the protective mechanisms are largely unknown to date. DEP
      domain-containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR)/mammalian Target of Rapamycin
      (mTOR) signaling plays an important role in carcinogenesis. The present study
      investigated the potential molecular mechanisms for the protective effect of
      glutamine in a murine model of azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)
      induced CAC. The effects of glutamine on DEPTOR/mTOR signaling and protein light
      chain 3 (LC3) were evaluated. Administration of glutamine was associated with
      attenuated development of CAC. Increased expression of DEPTOR and decreased
      expressions of factors of mTOR signaling, including phospho-mTOR, phospho-STAT3,
      phospho-Akt, and phospho-S6, were observed in AOM/DSS mice administered
      glutamine. Furthermore, oral glutamine was associated with increased LC3-II
      expression in AOM/DSS mice. The present study indicates that regulation of
      DEPTOR/mTOR signaling may be an important mechanism for glutamine in prevention
      against the development of CAC. In addition, the chemopreventive effect of
      dietary glutamine on CAC is, at least in part, associated with the induction of
      autophagy. 

PMID- 27144582
TI  - Hypertrophy-Promoting Effects of Leucine Supplementation and Moderate Intensity
      Aerobic Exercise in Pre-Senescent Mice.
AB  - Several studies have indicated a positive influence of leucine supplementation
      and aerobic training on the aging skeletal muscle signaling pathways that control
      muscle protein balance and muscle remodeling. However, the effect of a combined
      intervention requires further clarification. Thirteen month old CD-1((r)) mice
      were subjected to moderate aerobic exercise (45 min swimming per day with 3% body
      weight workload) and fed a chow diet with 5% leucine or 3.4% alanine for 8 weeks.
      Serum and plasma were prepared for glucose, urea nitrogen, insulin and amino acid
      profile analysis. The white gastrocnemius muscles were used for determination of
      muscle size and signaling proteins involved in protein synthesis and degradation.
      The results show that both 8 weeks of leucine supplementation and aerobic
      training elevated the activity of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) and its
      downstream target p70S6K and 4E-BP1, inhibited the ubiquitin-proteasome system,
      and increased fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) in white gastrocnemius muscle.
      Moreover, leucine supplementation in combination with exercise demonstrated more
      significant effects, such as greater CSA, protein content and altered
      phosphorylation (suggestive of increased activity) of protein synthesis signaling
      proteins, in addition to lower expression of proteins involved in protein
      degradation compared to leucine or exercise alone. The current study shows
      moderate aerobic training combined with 5% leucine supplementation has the
      potential to increase muscle size in fast-twitch skeletal muscle during aging,
      potentially through increased protein synthesis and decreased protein breakdown. 

PMID- 27144584
TI  - Characterization of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Protein Dynamics and Localization
      at the Centrosome.
AB  - The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor is a multifunctional
      regulator of Wnt signaling and acts as a mobile scaffold at different cellular
      sites. APC was recently found to stimulate microtubule (MT) growth at the
      interphase centrosome; however, little is known about its dynamics and
      localization at this site. To address this, we analysed APC dynamics in fixed and
      live cells by fluorescence microscopy. In detergent-extracted cells, we
      discovered that APC was only weakly retained at the centrosome during interphase
      suggesting a rapid rate of exchange. This was confirmed in living cells by
      fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), which identified two pools of
      green fluorescent protein (GFP)-APC: a major rapidly exchanging pool (~86%) and
      minor retained pool (~14%). The dynamic exchange rate of APC was unaffected by C
      terminal truncations implicating a targeting role for the N-terminus. Indeed, we
      mapped centrosome localization to N-terminal armadillo repeat (ARM) domain amino
      acids 334-625. Interestingly, the rate of APC movement to the centrosome was
      stimulated by intact MTs, and APC dynamics slowed when MTs were disrupted by
      nocodazole treatment or knockdown of gamma-tubulin. Thus, the rate of APC
      recycling at the centrosome is enhanced by MT growth, suggesting a positive
      feedback to stimulate its role in MT growth. 

PMID- 27144585
TI  - Personalized Medicine in the U.S. and Germany: Awareness, Acceptance, Use and
      Preconditions for the Wide Implementation into the Medical Standard.
AB  - The aim of our research was to collect comprehensive data about the public and
      physician awareness, acceptance and use of Personalized Medicine (PM), as well as
      their opinions on PM reimbursement and genetic privacy protection in the U.S. and
      Germany. In order to give a better overview, we compared our survey results with
      the results from other studies and discussed Personalized Medicine preconditions
      for its wide implementation into the medical standard. For the data collection,
      using the same methodology, we performed several surveys in Pennsylvania (U.S.)
      and Bavaria (Germany). Physicians were contacted via letter, while public
      representatives in person. Survey results, analyzed by means of descriptive and
      non-parametric statistic methods, have shown that awareness, acceptance, use and
      opinions on PM aspects in Pennsylvania and Bavaria were not significantly
      different. In both states there were strong concerns about genetic privacy
      protection and no support of one genetic database. The costs for Personalized
      Medicine were expected to be covered by health insurances and governmental funds.
      Summarizing, we came to the conclusion that for PM wide implementation there will
      be need to adjust the healthcare reimbursement system, as well as adopt new laws
      which protect against genetic misuse and simultaneously enable voluntary data
      provision. 

PMID- 27144581
TI  - Resveratrol and Cardiovascular Diseases.
AB  - The increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has stimulated research
      for substances that could improve cardiovascular health. Among them, resveratrol
      (RES), a polyphenolic compound notably present in grapes and red wine, has been
      involved in the "French paradox". RES is known for its antioxidant and anti
      inflammatory properties and for its ability to upregulate endothelial NO synthase
      (eNOS). RES was able to scavenge (*)OH/O2(*-) and peroxyl radicals, which can
      limit the lipid peroxidation processes. Moreover, in bovine aortic endothelial
      cells (BAEC) under glucose-induced oxidative stress, RES restored the activity of
      dimethylargininedimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), an enzyme that degrades an
      endogenous inhibitor of eNOS named asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Thus, RES
      could improve (*)NO availability and decrease the endothelial dysfunction
      observed in diabetes. Preclinical studies have made it possible to identify
      molecular targets (SIRT-1, AMPK, Nrf2, NFkappaB...); however, there are limited
      human clinical trials, and difficulties in the interpretation of results arise
      from the use of high-dose RES supplements in research studies, whereas low RES
      concentrations are present in red wine. The discussions on potential beneficial
      effects of RES in CVDs (atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, myocardial
      infarction, heart failure) should compare the results of preclinical studies with
      those of clinical trials. 

PMID- 27144583
TI  - Regulatory T Cells Contribute to the Inhibition of Radiation-Induced Acute Lung
      Inflammation via Bee Venom Phospholipase A2 in Mice.
AB  - Bee venom has long been used to treat various inflammatory diseases, such as
      rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Previously, we reported that bee
      venom phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2) has an anti-inflammatory effect through the
      induction of regulatory T cells. Radiotherapy is a common anti-cancer method, but
      often causes adverse effects, such as inflammation. This study was conducted to
      evaluate the protective effects of bvPLA2 in radiation-induced acute lung
      inflammation. Mice were focally irradiated with 75 Gy of X-rays in the lung and
      administered bvPLA2 six times after radiation. To evaluate the level of
      inflammation, the number of immune cells, mRNA level of inflammatory cytokine,
      and histological changes in the lung were measured. BvPLA2 treatment reduced the
      accumulation of immune cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and
      eosinophils. In addition, bvPLA2 treatment decreased inflammasome-, chemokine-,
      cytokine- and fibrosis-related genes' mRNA expression. The histological results
      also demonstrated the attenuating effect of bvPLA2 on radiation-induced lung
      inflammation. Furthermore, regulatory T cell depletion abolished the therapeutic
      effects of bvPLA2 in radiation-induced pneumonitis, implicating the anti
      inflammatory effects of bvPLA2 are dependent upon regulatory T cells. These
      results support the therapeutic potential of bvPLA2 in radiation pneumonitis and
      fibrosis treatments.

PMID- 27144586
TI  - Quantitative RT-PCR Gene Evaluation and RNA Interference in the Brown Marmorated
      Stink Bug.
AB  - The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) has emerged as one of the most
      important invasive insect pests in the United States. Functional genomics in H.
      halys remains unexplored as molecular resources in this insect have recently been
      developed. To facilitate functional genomics research, we evaluated ten common
      insect housekeeping genes (RPS26, EF1A, FAU, UBE4A, ARL2, ARP8, GUS, TBP, TIF6
      and RPL9) for their stability across various treatments in H. halys. Our
      treatments included two biotic factors (tissues and developmental stages) and two
      stress treatments (RNAi injection and starvation). Reference gene stability was
      determined using three software algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper) and a
      web-based tool (RefFinder). The qRT-PCR results indicated ARP8 and UBE4A exhibit
      the most stable expression across tissues and developmental stages, ARL2 and FAU
      for dsRNA treatment and TBP and UBE4A for starvation treatment. Following the
      dsRNA treatment, all genes except GUS showed relatively stable expression. To
      demonstrate the utility of validated reference genes in accurate gene expression
      analysis and to explore gene silencing in H. halys, we performed RNAi by
      administering dsRNA of target gene (catalase) through microinjection. A
      successful RNAi response with over 90% reduction in expression of target gene was
      observed.

PMID- 27144587
TI  - The role of in-depth reproductive health counseling in addressing reproductive
      health concerns in female survivors of nongynecologic cancers.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to characterize reproductive concerns among female
      cancer survivors and determine the role of targeted counseling in improving
      overall reproductive quality of life (QOL). A survey was administered to women
      from the California Cancer Registry, ages 18-40, with nongynecologic cancers
      diagnosed from 1993 to 2007, who received fertility-compromising treatments. In
      total, 356 women completed the survey, which included questions regarding their
      reproductive health counseling history and the reproductive concerns scale (RCS),
      a validated reproductive QOL tool. Factors independently associated with higher
      RCS scores included a desire for children at the time of diagnosis, posttreatment
      infertility, treatment with chemoradiation or bone marrow transplant, and income
      less than $100,000 per year at diagnosis. Among the highest reported reproductive
      concerns were those related to loss of control over one's reproductive future and
      concerns about the effect of illness on one's future fertility. Across our
      population and independent of age, in-depth reproductive health counseling prior
      to cancer treatment was associated with significantly lower RCS scores. Our
      findings highlight the importance of early counseling and targeting high-risk
      groups for additional counseling after completion of cancer treatment. This
      approach may be an effective strategy for optimizing long-term reproductive QOL
      in this vulnerable population.

PMID- 27144588
TI  - Chikungunya Fever Cases Identified in the Veterans Health Administration System,
      2014.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During December 2013, the first locally transmitted chikungunya virus
      (CHIKV) infections in the Americas were reported in the Caribbean. Although CHIKV
      infection is rarely fatal, risk for severe disease increases with age and medical
      comorbidities. Herein we describe characteristics of Veterans Health
      Administration (VHA) patients with CHIKV infection and, among those with
      infections diagnosed in Puerto Rico, investigated risk factors for
      hospitalization. METHODOLOGY: We queried VHA's national electronic medical
      records to identify patients with CHIKV testing during 2014. Demographics,
      clinical history, laboratory results, and outcomes were abstracted. We
      investigated risk factors for hospitalization among patients with laboratory
      confirmed CHIKV infection in Puerto Rico. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We identified 180
      laboratory-confirmed CHIKV infections; 148 (82.2%) were diagnosed in Puerto Rico,
      and 32 (17.8%) were diagnosed among returning travelers elsewhere in the United
      States. In Puerto Rico, where more patients were hospitalized (55.4% versus
      20.0%) and died (4.1% versus 0%), risk for hospitalization increased with age
      (relative risk [RR]/each 10-year increase, 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      1.06-1.32) and, adjusted for age, increased among patients with congestive heart
      failure (RR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.25-1.99), chronic kidney disease (RR, 1.52; 95% CI,
      1.19-1.94), diabetes mellitus (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.06-1.84), or chronic lung
      disease (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.03-1.82). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: CHIKV infection
      is an emerging problem among Veterans residing in or visiting areas with CHIKV
      transmission. Although overall mortality rates are low, clinicians in affected
      areas should be aware that older patients and patients with comorbidities may be
      at increased risk for severe disease.

PMID- 27144589
TI  - How Did Urban Land Expand in China between 1992 and 2015? A Multi-Scale Landscape
      Analysis.
AB  - Effective and timely quantification of the spatiotemporal pattern of urban
      expansion in China is important for the assessment of its environmental effects.
      However, the dynamics of the most recent urban expansions in China since 2012
      have not yet been adequately explained due to a lack of current information. In
      this paper, our objective was to quantify spatiotemporal patterns of urban
      expansion in China between 1992 and 2015. First, we extracted information on
      urban expansion in China between 1992 and 2015 by integrating nighttime light
      data, vegetation index data, and land surface temperature data. Then we analyzed
      the spatiotemporal patterns of urban expansion at the national and regional
      scales, as well as at that of urban agglomerations. We found that China
      experienced a rapid and large-scale process of urban expansion between 1992 and
      2015, with urban land increasing from 1.22 * 104 km2 to 7.29 * 104 km2,
      increasing in size nearly fivefold and with an average annual growth rate of
      8.10%, almost 2.5 times as rapid as the global average. We also found that urban
      land in China expanded mainly by occupying 3.31 * 104 km2 of cropland, which
      comprised 54.67% of the total area of expanded urban land. Among the three modes
      of growth-infilling, edge expansion, and leapfrog-edge expansion was the main
      cause of cropland loss. Cropland loss resulting from edge expansion of urban land
      totalled 2.51 * 104 km2, accounting for over 75% of total cropland loss. We
      suggest that effective future management with respect to edge expansion of urban
      land is needed to protect cropland in China.

PMID- 27144590
TI  - Asymptomatic Pulmonary Embolism after Ablation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening event with a broad
      presentation spectrum ranging from asymptomatic cases to sudden cardiac arrest.
      It is unclear if right atrial emboli cause PE in patients with atrial
      fibrillation (AF) or if mild PE itself increases right cardiac pressure provoking
      AF. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and predictors of asymptomatic PE in
      patients undergoing AF ablation. METHOD AND RESULTS: Patients (n = 93) were
      screened and those with previous or current symptomatic PE or venous
      thromboembolism, pulmonary hypertension, increased right heart pressures detected
      on echocardiography, a history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, coagulopathy
      or cancer and inappropriate contrast for the evaluation of pulmonary arterial
      tree were excluded. The remaining AF patients (n = 71) underwent guided ablation
      controlled with 3-dimensional, left atrial and pulmonary venous computed
      tomography. The asymptomatic PE was defined by using the modified Miller score by
      2 independent assessors in 6 patients. Univariate logistic regression showed that
      age (OR: 1.094, 95% CI 1.007-1.188, p = 0.033), diabetes (OR: 12.000, 95% CI
      1.902-75.716, p = 0.008), CHA2DS2-VASc score (OR: 2.800, 95% CI 1.304-6.013, p =
      0.008), and pulmonary artery diameter (OR: 1.221, 95% CI 1.033-1.444, p = 0.019)
      were significantly associated with PE. However, multivariate analysis revealed
      that the CHA2DS2-VASc score (p = 0.047) remained the exclusive significant
      predictor for asymptomatic PE. CONCLUSION: The incidence of random asymptomatic
      PE in AF patients is high (>8%). The CHA2DS2-VASc score can predict silent PE.
      Since patients with a high CHA2DS2-VASc score are already anticoagulated, our
      results do not change clinical practice but are noteworthy in terms of the cause
      effect relationship between AF and PE.

PMID- 27144591
TI  - Idiopathic Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Arteriovenous Fistulae: Is There a
      Link.
AB  - Despite being one of the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmias, the cause of atrial
      fibrillation (AF) in a vast majority of patients remains unknown. There is
      growing evidence of associated AF in patients diagnosed with coronary
      arteriovenous fistula. In this discussion, we have included an example of a
      patient who presented with new-onset AF and was subsequently diagnosed with an
      anomalous fistula between the right coronary artery and the superior vena cava.
      Definitive treatment of the fistula resulted in permanent resolution of the AF.
      Based on this case and a similar case reported in the literature, it is proposed
      that further research will unmask this possibly underdiagnosed and very treatable
      cause of AF. 

PMID- 27144592
TI  - Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Subtype 1 Inhibits Inflammation and
      Apoptosis via the Release of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in the Heart after
      Myocardial Infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A high mortality rate occurs with silent myocardial infarction (MI),
      particularly in aging and diabetic populations due to defects in the transient
      receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV1)-positive sensory nerve function. We have
      previously shown that TRPV1 deficiency markedly enhances post-MI inflammation and
      remodeling. However, the mechanisms remain unknown. The objective of this study
      was to clarify whether calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release was
      associated with the protective role of TRPV1 against postmyocardial inflammation
      and apoptosis. METHODS: TRPV1 gene knockout (TRPV1KO) and wild-type (WT) mice
      were subjected to left anterior descending ligation or sham operation. The
      concentration of CGRP in the myocardium was measured at 30 min, 1, 6 and 24 h
      post-MI. Mice received saline vehicle, CGRP or the CGRP antagonist CGRP8-37
      before ligation. Inflammation was evaluated by ELISA assay and histological
      staining. Apoptosis was assessed by Western blot and TUNEL assay. RESULTS: Post
      MI, both TRPV1KO and WT mice displayed elevated CGRP levels in myocardium when
      compared to sham controls. However, the levels of CGRP were significantly lower
      in TRPV1KO mice than in WT mice at 30 min after MI. Exogenous CGRP downregulated
      the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 expression in TRPV1KO
      mice post-MI. Moreover, exogenous CGRP decreased the neutrophil infiltration in
      TRPV1KO mice, whereas inhibition of CGRP by CGRP8-37 increased the neutrophil
      infiltration in WT mice. Western blotting data indicated that CGRP attenuated
      caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression, and enhanced Bcl-2 expression in TRPV1KO mice
      post-MI. CGRP8-37 upregulated caspase-3 and caspase-9 expression and
      downregulated Bcl-2 expression in WT mice. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest a
      protective role of TRPV1 activation against inflammation and apoptosis in mice
      post-MI, possibly through CGRP release. These findings elucidate a neurogenic
      mechanism in mice post-MI, which may participate in sensory neurotransmitter
      mediated protection in TRPV1 activation.

PMID- 27144593
TI  - Self-Powered Electrical Stimulation for Enhancing Neural Differentiation of
      Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Graphene-Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Hybrid
      Microfibers.
AB  - Engineered conductive scaffolds toward neural regeneration should have the
      ability to regulate mesenchymal stems cell (MSC) differentiation into neural
      lineage through an electrical stimulation-assisted culture process. In this work,
      a self-powered electrical stimulation-assisted neural differentiation system for
      MSCs was realized by combining a high effective triboelectric nanogenerator
      (TENG) to supply pulsed electric simulation signals and a poly(3,4
      ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hybrid microfiber
      (80 MUm in diameter) as a scaffold. The conductive PEDOT endows the rGO-PEDOT
      hybrid microfiber with an enhanced electrical conductivity and maintains a good
      cytocompatibility. MSCs cultured on this highly conductive rGO-PEDOT hybrid
      microfiber possess enhanced proliferation ability and good neural differentiation
      tendency. Importantly, by inducing electric pulses generated by the TENG as the
      electrical stimulation signal, which are triggered by human walking steps, neural
      differentiation of MSCs is dramatically improved. This study illustrates the
      customizability of the rGO-PEDOT hybrid microfiber for neural tissue engineering
      scaffolding applications, underlines the potential of a self-powered TENG
      electrical stimulation system for accelerating MSC differentiation into neural
      cells without bio/chemical cues, and suggests the TENG's practical use as a
      wearable stimulation system to assist nerve regeneration for a walking person.

PMID- 27144594
TI  - IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-TRAUMATIC ABOMASITIS CAUSED BY FOREIGN BODIES IN A COW.
AB  - A 2-year-old Holstein cow presented with a history of colic signs of 3 days'
      duration that had not responded to routine medical therapy. Physical examination
      findings were consistent with tachycardia and colic. Ultrasonographic examination
      of the abomasum revealed a thin hyperechoic line producing a cone shadow.
      Radiography of the cranial abdomen revealed two radiopaque objects within the
      abomasum. Right paracostal laparotomy and abomasotomy permitted palpation and
      manual removal of two metallic foreign bodies and a small quantity of gravel. The
      animal recovered well after surgery and no signs of colic were observed. Her
      appetite and rumination were also improved.

PMID- 27144595
TI  - Trickle-Down Preferences: Preferential Conformity to High Status Peers in Fashion
      Choices.
AB  - How much do our choices represent stable inner preferences versus social
      conformity? We examine conformity and consistency in sartorial choices
      surrounding a common life event of new norm exposure: relocation. A large-scale
      dataset of individual purchases of women's shoes (16,236 transactions) across
      five years and 2,007 women reveals a balance of conformity and consistency,
      moderated by changes in location socioeconomic status. Women conform to new local
      norms (i.e., average heel size) when moving to relatively higher status
      locations, but mostly ignore new local norms when moving to relatively lower
      status locations. In short, at periods of transition, it is the fashion norms of
      the rich that trickle down to consumers. These analyses provide the first
      naturalistic large-scale demonstration of the tension between psychological
      conformity and consistency, with real decisions in a highly visible context.

PMID- 27144596
TI  - Using a modified dredging elutriate testing approach to evaluate potential
      aquatic impacts associated with dredging a large freshwater industrial harbor.
AB  - Potential adverse impacts to the aquatic environment should be minimized whenever
      possible during an environmental dredging project by selecting realistic and
      technically feasible environmental targets. These targets need to balance short
      term impacts with the longer term benefit of removing contaminated sediments from
      the environment. Environmental dredging is part of the planned remediation of
      Randle Reef (a 60 hectare zone of mostly PAH-contaminated sediments) in Hamilton,
      Ontario, Canada. In this study, we describe the results of dredging elutriate
      toxicity testing (DETE) to assess the potential risks from dredging this PAH
      contaminated site. A modified elutriate preparation method intended as an
      alternative measure of conditions within the dredging plume was assessed with
      both standard water column species (Daphnia magna and fathead minnow [Pimephales
      promelas]) and alternative benthic and epibenthic test organisms (Chironomus
      dilutus and Hyalella azteca). The standard DETE test was also conducted with H.
      azteca to compare with the modified DETE results. The greatest toxic response was
      seen in the alternative test species; however, the modified DETE method resulted
      in less toxicity than the standard protocol. The relationship between toxicity
      results and chemical and/or physical characteristics of the samples was examined,
      but differences in toxicity could only be explained by differences in the total
      suspended solids concentrations in the elutriate samples. Challenges associated
      with DETE assessment of PAH-contaminated sediments and the implications for
      establishing dredging benchmarks are discussed. Integr Environ Assess Manag
      2017;13:155-166. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27144597
TI  - Unravelling the Secrets of Mycobacterial Cidality through the Lens of Antisense.
AB  - One of the major impediments in anti-tubercular drug discovery is the lack of a
      robust grammar that governs the in-vitro to the in-vivo translation of efficacy.
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is capable of growing both extracellular as well
      as intracellular; encountering various hostile conditions like acidic milieu,
      free radicals, starvation, oxygen deprivation, and immune effector mechanisms.
      Unique survival strategies of Mtb have prompted researchers to develop in-vitro
      equivalents to simulate in-vivo physiologies and exploited to find efficacious
      inhibitors against various phenotypes. Conventionally, the inhibitors are
      screened on Mtb under the conditions that are unrelated to the in-vivo disease
      environments. The present study was aimed to (1). Investigate cidality of Mtb
      targets using a non-chemical inhibitor antisense-RNA (AS-RNA) under in-vivo
      simulated in-vitro conditions.(2). Confirm the cidality of the targets under in
      vivo in experimental tuberculosis. (3). Correlate in-vitro vs. in-vivo cidality
      data to identify the in-vitro condition that best predicts in-vivo cidality
      potential of the targets. Using cidality as a metric for efficacy, and AS-RNA as
      a target-specific inhibitor, we delineated the cidality potential of five target
      genes under six different physiological conditions (replicating, hypoxia, low pH,
      nutrient starvation, nitrogen depletion, and nitric oxide).In-vitro cidality
      confirmed in experimental tuberculosis in BALB/c mice using the AS-RNA allowed us
      to identify cidal targets in the rank order of rpoB>aroK>ppk>rpoC>ilvB. RpoB was
      used as the cidality control. In-vitro and in-vivo studies feature aroK (encoding
      shikimate kinase) as an in-vivo mycobactericidal target suitable for anti-TB drug
      discovery. In-vitro to in-vivo cidality correlations suggested the low pH (R =
      0.9856) in-vitro model as best predictor of in-vivo cidality; however, similar
      correlation studies in pathologically relevant (Kramnik) mice are warranted. In
      the acute infection phase for the high fidelity translation, the compound
      efficacy may also be evaluated in the low pH, in addition to the standard
      replication condition.

PMID- 27144599
TI  - High Prevalence of Infectious Diseases and Drug-Resistant Microorganisms in
      Asylum Seekers Admitted to Hospital; No Carbapenemase Producing
      Enterobacteriaceae until September 2015.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The current refugee crisis emphasizes the need for information on
      infectious diseases and resistant microorganisms in asylum seekers with possible
      consequences for public health and infection control. METHODS: We collected data
      from asylum seekers admitted to our university hospital or who presented at the
      Emergency Department (n = 273). We collected general and demographic
      characteristics including country of origin, the reason of presentation, and the
      screening results of multi-drug resistant organisms. RESULTS: 67% of the patients
      were male with a median age of the study group of 24 years (IQR 15-33); 48% of
      the patients had an infectious disease-predominantly malaria with P. vivax or
      tuberculosis. Patients also reported with diseases which are less common-e.g.
      leishmaniasis, or even conditions rarely diagnosed in Europe-e.g. louse borne
      relapsing fever. A carriage rate of 31% for multi-drug resistant microorganisms
      (MDRO) was observed, with ESBL-expressing E.coli (n = 20) being the most common
      MDRO. No carriage of Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae was found.
      CONCLUSION: The current refugee crisis in Europe challenges hospitals to quickly
      identify and respond to communicable diseases and the carriage of MDRO. A rapid
      response is necessary to optimize the treatment of infectious diseases amongst
      asylum seekers to maximize infection control.

PMID- 27144598
TI  - TRPA1 is functionally co-expressed with TRPV1 in cardiac muscle: Co-localization
      at z-discs, costameres and intercalated discs.
AB  - Transient receptor potential channels of the ankyrin subtype-1 (TRPA1) and
      vanilloid subtype-1 (TRPV1) are structurally related, non-selective cation
      channels that show a high permeability to calcium. Previous studies indicate that
      TRP channels play a prominent role in the regulation of cardiovascular dynamics
      and homeostasis, but also contribute to the pathophysiology of many diseases and
      disorders within the cardiovascular system. However, no studies to date have
      identified the functional expression and/or intracellular localization of TRPA1
      in primary adult mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes (CMs). Although TRPV1 has been
      implicated in the regulation of cardiac function, there is a paucity of
      information regarding functional expression and localization of TRPV1 in adult
      CMs. Our current studies demonstrate that TRPA1 and TRPV1 ion channels are co
      expressed at the protein level in CMs and both channels are expressed throughout
      the endocardium, myocardium and epicardium. Moreover, immunocytochemical
      localization demonstrates that both channels predominantly colocalize at the Z
      discs, costameres and intercalated discs. Furthermore, specific TRPA1 and TRPV1
      agonists elicit dose-dependent, transient rises in intracellular free calcium
      concentration ([Ca2+]i) that are abolished in CMs obtained from TRPA1-/- and
      TRPV1-/- mice. Similarly, we observed a dose-dependent attenuation of the TRPA1
      and TRPV1 agonist-induced increase in [Ca2+]i when WT CMs were pretreated with
      increasing concentrations of selective TRPA1 or TRPV1 channel antagonists. In
      summary, these findings demonstrate functional expression and the precise
      ultrastructural localization of TRPA1 and TRPV1 ion channels in freshly isolated
      mouse CMs. Crosstalk between TRPA1 and TRPV1 may be important in mediating
      cellular signaling events in cardiac muscle.

PMID- 27144600
TI  - Distribution and Localised Effects of the Invasive Ascidian Didemnum perlucidum
      (Monniot 1983) in an Urban Estuary.
AB  - Didemnid ascidians are notorious marine invaders, fouling infrastructure in many
      ecosystems globally. However, there have been few reports of direct interactions
      with native species in their natural environment. The invasive colonial ascidian
      Didemnum perlucidum was discovered in the Swan River estuary (Western Australia)
      growing on the native seagrass Halophila ovalis. Given the known effects of other
      related Didemnum species it was expected that D. perlucidum could adversely
      affect the seagrass, with possible flow on effects to the rest of the ecosystem.
      This study aimed to document the distribution and abundance of D. perlucidum in
      the estuary, and to determine whether this species had a negative impact on H.
      ovalis or associated flora and fauna. D. perlucidum was largely present near
      areas of infrastructure, particularly mooring buoys, suggesting these were the
      source of D. perlucidum recruits on the seagrasses. It showed a clear seasonal
      pattern in abundance, with highly variable cover and colony size. D. perlucidum
      had a measurable effect on H. ovalis, with colonies enveloping all plant tissue,
      likely restricting the photosynthetic ability of individual leaves and total
      plant biomass. There were also significantly less seagrass-associated mud snails
      (Batillaria australis) where D. perlucidum cover was high. These results
      demonstrate the ability of invasive ascidians to colonise and affect native
      seagrasses and associated biota. Seagrasses are pivotal to the ecological
      function of many urban estuaries world-wide. Biodiversity in these systems is
      already vulnerable to multiple stressors from human activities but the potential
      stress of fouling ascidians may pose an additional and increasing threat in the
      future.

PMID- 27144602
TI  - Start-ups: A sense of enterprise.

PMID- 27144601
TI  - The Effects of Sensorineural Hearing Impairment on Asynchronous Glimpsing of
      Speech.
AB  - In a previous study with normal-hearing listeners, we evaluated consonant
      identification masked by two or more spectrally contiguous bands of noise, with
      asynchronous square-wave modulation applied to neighboring bands. Speech
      recognition thresholds were 5.1-8.5 dB better when neighboring bands were
      presented to different ears (dichotic) than when all bands were presented to one
      ear (monaural), depending on the spectral width of the frequency bands. This
      dichotic advantage was interpreted as reflecting masking release from peripheral
      spread of masking from neighboring frequency bands. The present study evaluated
      this effect in listeners with sensorineural hearing loss, a population more
      susceptible to spread of masking. Speech perception (vowel-consonant-vowel
      stimuli, as in /aBa/) was measured in the presence of fluctuating noise that was
      either modulated synchronously across frequency or asynchronously. Hearing
      impaired listeners (n = 9) and normal-hearing controls were tested at either the
      same intensity (n = 7) or same sensation level (n = 8). Hearing-impaired
      listeners had mild-to-moderate hearing loss and symmetrical, flat audiometric
      thresholds. While all groups of listeners performed better in the dichotic than
      monaural condition, this effect was smaller for the hearing-impaired (3.5 dB) and
      equivalent-sensation-level controls (3.3 dB) than controls tested at the same
      intensity (11.0 dB). The present study is consistent with the idea that dichotic
      presentation can improve speech-in-noise listening for hearing-impaired
      listeners, and may be enhanced when combined with amplification.

PMID- 27144603
TI  - Technology transfer: The leap to industry.

PMID- 27144604
TI  - Assessment: Academic return.

PMID- 27144605
TI  - Australia: Engagement upgrade.

PMID- 27144606
TI  - Q&A: Horst Domdey.

PMID- 27144607
TI  - China: Building an innovator.

PMID- 27144608
TI  - Collaboration: The geography of discovery.

PMID- 27144609
TI  - Funding: Donor drugs.

PMID- 27144610
TI  - Q&A: Helga Nowotny.

PMID- 27144611
TI  - Research commercialization.

PMID- 27144612
TI  - Cashing in on science.

PMID- 27144613
TI  - Left Atrial Intrinsic Strain Rate Correcting for Pulmonary Wedge Pressure Is
      Accurate in Estimating Pulmonary Vascular Resistance in Breathless Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that left atrial deformation during atrial systole
      (LASRa) correlates with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), thus enabling
      echo-derived pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) estimation in a wide range of
      different subsets of patients. BACKGROUND: Various etiologies of pulmonary
      hypertension (PH) have different mechanisms and treatments for breathlessness.
      Irrespective of the location of the underlying pulmonary vascular pathology, pre-
      or postcapillary, the resulting PH is fairly easy to assess by Doppler
      echocardiography, but PVR remains a challenge. METHODS: We prospectively included
      46 patients (mean age 61 +/- 13 years) in sinus rhythm, who underwent right heart
      catheterization because of dyspnea. According to the NICE guidelines
      classification, 22 belonged to group 1 pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), 19
      belonged to group 2 congestive heart failure (CHF), 1 belonged to group 4 chronic
      thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), and 4 had normal hemodynamics.
      Simultaneous Doppler echocardiography using spectral, tissue Doppler, and speckle
      tracking echocardiography techniques for assessing LA structure and function was
      performed. RESULTS: PCWPrhc correlated with LASRa (r(2) = 0.65, P < 0.001).
      PCWPecho was calculated using the equation (PCWPecho = 26.12 - 11.09 * LASRa),
      and the resulting PVR echo strongly correlated with the respective catheter-based
      measurements PVRrhc (r(2) = 0.69. P < 0.001) with a sensitivity of 85% and
      specificity of 74% identifying a PVR >= 3 WU. CONCLUSIONS: Left atrial strain
      rate during atrial systole correlates closely with pulmonary capillary wedge
      pressure and consequently the calculated pulmonary vascular resistance,
      irrespective of the etiology of PH.

PMID- 27144614
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27144615
TI  - Optimal Design of Multitype Groundwater Monitoring Networks Using Easily
      Accessible Tools.
AB  - Monitoring networks are expensive to establish and to maintain. In this paper, we
      extend an existing data-worth estimation method from the suite of PEST utilities
      with a global optimization method for optimal sensor placement (called optimal
      design) in groundwater monitoring networks. Design optimization can include
      multiple simultaneous sensor locations and multiple sensor types. Both location
      and sensor type are treated simultaneously as decision variables. Our method
      combines linear uncertainty quantification and a modified genetic algorithm for
      discrete multilocation, multitype search. The efficiency of the global
      optimization is enhanced by an archive of past samples and parallel computing. We
      demonstrate our methodology for a groundwater monitoring network at the Steinlach
      experimental site, south-western Germany, which has been established to monitor
      river-groundwater exchange processes. The target of optimization is the best
      possible exploration for minimum variance in predicting the mean travel time of
      the hyporheic exchange. Our results demonstrate that the information gain of
      monitoring network designs can be explored efficiently and with easily accessible
      tools prior to taking new field measurements or installing additional measurement
      points. The proposed methods proved to be efficient and can be applied for model
      based optimal design of any type of monitoring network in approximately linear
      systems. Our key contributions are (1) the use of easy-to-implement tools for an
      otherwise complex task and (2) yet to consider data-worth interdependencies in
      simultaneous optimization of multiple sensor locations and sensor types.

PMID- 27144616
TI  - The mediating role of processing speed in the relationship between depressive
      symptoms and cognitive function in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although disorders of mood and cognition are frequently observed in
      multiple sclerosis, their relationship remains unclear. We aimed to investigate
      whether this mood-cognition relationship is mediated by inefficient processing
      speed, a deficit typically associated with mood symptomatology in the psychiatric
      literature and a common deficit observed in multiple sclerosis patients. METHOD:
      In this study, comprehensive cognitive data and self-reported mood data were
      retrospectively analyzed from 349 patients with relapsing remitting multiple
      sclerosis. We performed a bootstrapping analysis to examine whether processing
      speed provided an indirect means by which depressive symptoms influenced
      cognitive functioning, specifically memory and executive function. RESULTS: We
      observed that processing speed mediated the relationship between depressive
      symptoms and measures of memory and executive function. Interestingly,
      exploratory analyses revealed that this mediational role of processing speed was
      specific to MS patients who were younger, had a lower disability level, and had
      fewer years since MS diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings have
      implications for mood and cognitive intervention with multiple sclerosis
      patients.

PMID- 27144617
TI  - Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: History, Pathophysiology, Clinical
      Features and Rome IV.
AB  - Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), the most common diagnoses in
      gastroenterology are recognized by morphological and physiological abnormalities
      that often occur in combination including motility disturbance, visceral
      hypersensitivity, altered mucosal and immune function, altered gut microbiota and
      altered central nervous system processing. Research on these gut-brain
      interaction disorders is based on using specific diagnostic criteria. The Rome
      Foundation has played a pivotal role in creating diagnostic criteria thus
      operationalizing the dissemination of new knowledge in the field of FGIDs. Rome
      IV is a compendium of the knowledge accumulated since Rome III was published 10
      years ago. It improves upon Rome III by: 1) updating the basic and clinical
      literature, 2) offering new information on gut microenvironment, gut-brain
      interactions, pharmacogenomics, biopsychosocial, gender and cross cultural
      understandings of FGIDs, 3) reduces the use of imprecise and occassionally
      stigmatizing terms when possible, 4) uses updated diagnostic algorithms, 5)
      incorporates information on the patient illness experience, and physiological
      subgroups or biomarkers that might lead to more targeted treatment. This
      introductory article sets the stage for the remaining 17 articles that follow and
      offers an historical overview of the FGIDs field, differentiates FGIDs from
      motility and structural disorders, discusses the changes from Rome III, reviews
      the Rome committee process, provides a biopsychosocial pathophysiological
      conceptualization of FGIDs, and offers an approach to patient care.

PMID- 27144618
TI  - Fundamentals of Neurogastroenterology: Basic Science.
AB  - This review examines the fundamentals of neurogastroenterology that may underlie
      the pathophysiology of functional GI disorders (FGIDs). It was prepared by an
      invited committee of international experts and represents an abbreviated version
      of their consensus document that will be published in its entirety in the
      forthcoming book and online version entitled ROME IV. It emphasizes recent
      advances in our understanding of the enteric nervous system, sensory physiology
      underlying pain, and stress signaling pathways. There is also a focus on
      neuroimmmune signaling and intestinal barrier function, given the recent evidence
      implicating the microbiome, diet, and mucosal immune activation in FGIDs.
      Together, these advances provide a host of exciting new targets to identify and
      treat FGIDs and new areas for future research into their pathophysiology.

PMID- 27144619
TI  - Fundamentals of Neurogastroenterology: Physiology/Motility - Sensation.
AB  - The fundamental gastrointestinal functions include motility, sensation,
      absorption, secretion, digestion and intestinal barrier function. Digestion of
      food and absorption of nutrients normally occurs without conscious perception.
      Symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders are often triggered by meal
      intake suggesting abnormalities in the physiological processes are involved in
      the generation of symptoms. In this manuscript, normal physiology and
      pathophysiology of gastrointestinal function, and the processes underlying
      symptom generation are critically reviewed. The functions of each anatomical
      region of the digestive tract are summarized. The pathophysiology of perception,
      motility, mucosal barrier, and secretion in functional gastrointestinal disorders
      as well as effects of food, meal intake and microbiota on gastrointestinal
      motility and sensation are discussed. Genetic mechanisms associated with visceral
      pain and motor functions in health and functional gastrointestinal disorders are
      reviewed. Understanding the basis for digestive tract functions is essential to
      understand dysfunctions in the functional gastrointestinal disorders.

PMID- 27144620
TI  - The Intestinal Microenvironment and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.
AB  - For decades, interactions between the enteric neuromuscular apparatus and the
      central nervous system have served as the primary focus of pathophysiological
      research in the functional gastrointestinal disorders. The accumulation of
      patient reports, as well as clinical observations, has belatedly led to an
      interest in the role of various luminal factors and their interactions with each
      other and the host in functional gastrointestinal disorders. Most prominent among
      these factors has been the role of food. As a consequence, while not always
      evidence-based, dietary interventions are enjoying a renaissance in irritable
      bowel syndrome management. Not surprisingly, given its exploration in many
      disease states, the gut microbiota has also been studied in functional
      gastrointestinal disorders; data remain inconclusive. Likewise, there is also a
      considerable body of experimental and some clinical data to link functional
      gastrointestinal disorders pathogenesis to disturbances in epithelial barrier
      integrity, abnormal entero-endocrine signaling and immune activation. These data
      provide growing evidence supporting the existence of micro-organic changes,
      particularly in subgroups of patients with functional dyspepsia and IBS. However,
      their exact role in the complex pathophysiology and symptom generation of
      functional gastrointestinal disorders needs to be further studied and elucidated
      particularly with longitudinal and interventional studies.

PMID- 27144621
TI  - Pharmacological, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacogenomic Aspects of Functional
      Gastrointestinal Disorders.
AB  - This article reviews medications commonly used for the treatment of patients with
      functional gastrointestinal disorders. Specifically, we review the animal models
      that have been validated for the study of drug effects on sensation and motility;
      the preclinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology usually required
      for introduction of new drugs; the biomarkers that are validated for studies of
      sensation and motility endpoints with experimental medications in humans; the
      pharmacogenomics applied to these medications and their relevance to the FGIDs;
      and the pharmacology of agents that are applied or have potential for the
      treatment of FGIDs, including psychopharmacologic drugs.

PMID- 27144622
TI  - Age, Gender and Women's Health and the Patient.
AB  - Patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) often experience
      distress, reduced quality of life, a perceived lack of validation, and an
      unsatisfactory experience with health care providers. A health care provider can
      provide the patient with a framework in which to understand and legitimize their
      symptoms, remove self-doubt or blame, and identify factors that contribute to
      symptoms that the patient can influence or control. This framework is implemented
      with the consideration of important factors that impact FGIDs, such as gender,
      age, society, and the patient's perspective. Although the majority of FGIDs,
      including globus, rumination syndrome, IBS, bloating, constipation, functional
      abdominal pain, sphincter of Oddi dyskinesia, pelvic floor dysfunction, and extra
      intestinal manifestations, are more prevalent in women than men, functional chest
      pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, and anorectal pain do not appear to vary by gender.
      Studies suggest sex differences in somatic but not visceral pain perception,
      motility, and central processing of visceral pain; although further research is
      required in autonomic nervous system dysfunction, genetics and
      immunologic/microbiome. Gender differences in response to psychological
      treatments, antidepressants, fiber, probiotics, and anticholinergics have not
      been adequately studied. However, a greater clinical response to 5-HT3
      antagonists but not 5-HT4 agonists has been reported in women compared with men.

PMID- 27144623
TI  - Multicultural Aspects in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs).
AB  - Cross-cultural factors are important in functional gastrointestinal disorders
      (FGIDs). In the setting of FGIDs, the aims of this review were to: 1) engender
      interest in global aspects; 2) gain a clearer understanding of culture, race and
      ethnicity and their effect on patient care and research; 3) facilitate cross
      cultural clinical and research competency; and 4) improve and foster the quality
      and conduct of cross-cultural, multinational research. Cultural variables are
      inevitably present in the physician-patient context. Food and diets, which differ
      among cultural groups, are perceived globally as related to or blamed for
      symptoms. From an individual perspective, biological aspects, such as genetics,
      the microbiome, environmental hygiene, cytokines and the nervous system, which
      are affected by cultural differences, are all relevant. Of equal importance are
      issues related to gender, symptom reporting and interpretation, and family
      systems. From the physician's viewpoint, understanding the patient's explanatory
      model of illness, especially in a cultural context, affects patient care and
      patient education in a multicultural environment. Differences in the definition
      and use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and other issues related to
      healthcare services for the FGIDs are also a relevant cross-cultural issue. This
      paper highlights the importance of cross-cultural competence in clinical medicine
      and research.

PMID- 27144624
TI  - Biopsychosocial Aspects of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.
AB  - In this paper, we provide a general framework for understanding the functional
      gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) from a biopsychosocial perspective. More
      specifically, we provide an overview of the recent research on how the complex
      interactions of environmental, psychological, and biological factors contribute
      to the development and maintenance of the FGID. We emphasize that considering and
      addressing all these factors is a conditio sine qua non for appropriate treatment
      of these conditions. First, we provide an overview of what is currently known
      about how each of these factors - the environment, including the influence of
      those in an individual's family, the individual's own psychological states and
      traits, and the individual's (neuro)physiological make-up - interact to
      ultimately result in the generation of FGID symptoms. Second, we provide an
      overview of commonly used assessment tools which can assist clinicians in
      obtaining a more comprehensive assessment of these factors in their patients.
      Finally, the broader perspective outlined earlier is applied to provide an
      overview of centrally acting treatment strategies, both psychological and
      pharmacological, which have been shown to be efficacious to treat FGID.

PMID- 27144625
TI  - Functional Esophageal Disorders.
AB  - Functional esophageal disorders consist of a disease category that present with
      esophageal symptoms (heartburn, chest pain, dysphagia, globus) not explained by
      mechanical obstruction (stricture, tumor, eosinophilic esophagitis), major motor
      disorders (achalasia, EGJ outflow obstruction, absent contractility, distal
      esophageal spasm, jackhammer esophagus), or gastroesophageal reflux disease
      (GERD). While mechanisms responsible are unclear, it is theorized that visceral
      hypersensitivity and hypervigilance play an important role in symptom generation,
      in the context of normal or borderline function. Treatments directed at improving
      borderline motor dysfunction or reducing reflux burden to sub-normal levels have
      limited success in symptom improvement. In contrast, strategies focused on
      modulating peripheral triggering and central perception are mechanistically
      viable and clinically meaningful. However, outcome data from these treatment
      options are limited. Future research needs to focus on understanding mechanisms
      underlying visceral hypersensitivity and hypervigilance so that appropriate
      targets and therapies can be developed.

PMID- 27144627
TI  - Bowel Disorders.
AB  - Functional bowel disorders are highly prevalent disorders found worldwide. These
      disorders have the potential to affect all members of society, regardless of age,
      gender, race, creed, color or socioeconomic status. Improving our understanding
      of functional bowel disorders (FBD) is critical as they impose a negative
      economic impact to the global health care system in addition to reducing quality
      of life. Research in the basic and clinical sciences during the past decade has
      produced new information on the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology,
      diagnosis and treatment of FBDs. These important findings created a need to
      revise the Rome III criteria for FBDs, last published in 2006. This manuscript
      classifies the FBDs into five distinct categories: irritable bowel syndrome
      (IBS); functional constipation (FC); functional diarrhea (FDr); functional
      abdominal bloating/distention (FAB/D); and unspecified FBD (U-FBD). Also included
      in this article is a new sixth category, opioid induced constipation (OIC) which
      is distinct from the functional bowel disorders (FBDs). Each disorder will first
      be defined, followed by sections on epidemiology, rationale for changes from
      prior criteria, clinical evaluation, physiologic features, psychosocial features
      and treatment. It is the hope of this committee that this new information will
      assist both clinicians and researchers in the decade to come.

PMID- 27144628
TI  - Centrally Mediated Disorders of Gastrointestinal Pain.
AB  - Centrally Mediated Abdominal Pain Syndrome (CAPS), formerly known as Functional
      Abdominal Pain Syndrome, can be distinguished from other functional GI disorders
      by its strong central component and relative independence from motility
      disturbances. CAPS is a result of central sensitization with disinhibition of
      pain signals rather than increased peripheral afferent excitability. A newly
      described condition, Narcotic Bowel Syndrome (NBS)/Opioid-Induced GI
      Hyperalgesia, is characterized by the paradoxical development of or increases in
      abdominal pain associated with continuous or increasing dosages of opioids.
      Patients only have relief when opioids are withdrawn. We define both conditions
      in the context of epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical evaluation and
      treatment, emphasizing the importance of a physician-patient relationship in all
      aspects of care.

PMID- 27144629
TI  - Rome IV. Gallbladder and Sphincter of Oddi Disorders.
AB  - The concept that motor disorders of the gallbladder, cystic duct and sphincter of
      Oddi can cause painful syndromes is attractive and popular, at least in the USA.
      However, the results of commonly performed ablative treatments (cholecystectomy
      and sphincterotomy) are not uniformly good. The predictive value of tests that
      are often used to diagnose dysfunction (dynamic gallbladder scintigraphy and
      sphincter manometry) is controversial. Evaluation and management of these
      patients is made difficult by the fluctuating symptoms and the placebo effect of
      invasive interventions. A recent stringent study has shown that sphincterotomy is
      no better than sham treatment in patients with post-cholecystectomy pain and
      little or no objective abnormalities on investigation, so that the old concept of
      sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) type III is discarded. ERCP approaches are no
      longer appropriate in that context. There is a pressing need for similar
      prospective studies to provide better guidance for clinicians dealing with these
      patients. We need to clarify the indications for cholecystectomy in patients with
      Functional Gallbladder Disorder (FGBD) and the relevance of sphincter dysfunction
      in patients with some evidence for biliary obstruction (previously SOD type II,
      now called "Functional Biliary Sphincter Disorder - FBSD") and with idiopathic
      acute recurrent pancreatitis.

PMID- 27144631
TI  - Childhood Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Neonate/Toddler.
AB  - In 2006, a consensus concerning functional gastrointestinal intestinal disorders
      (FGIDs) in infants and toddlers was described. At that time little evidence
      regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic work-up, treatment strategies
      and follow-up was available. Consequently the criteria for the clinical entities
      were more experience than evidence based. In the past decade, new insights have
      been gained in the different FGIDs in these age groups. Based on those, further
      revisions have been made to the criteria. The description of infant colic has
      been expanded to include criteria for the general pediatrician and specific
      criteria for researchers. The greatest change was the addition of a paragraph
      regarding the neurobiology of pain in infants and toddlers, including the
      understanding of the neurodevelopment of nociception and of the wide array of
      factors that may impact the pain experience.

PMID- 27144630
TI  - Functional Anorectal Disorders.
AB  - This report defines criteria and reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and
      management of common anorectal disorders: fecal incontinence (FI), functional
      anorectal pain and functional defecation disorders. FI is defined as the
      recurrent uncontrolled passage of fecal material for at least 3 months. The
      clinical features of FI are useful for guiding diagnostic testing and therapy.
      Anorectal manometry and imaging are useful for evaluating anal and pelvic floor
      structure and function. Education, antidiarrheals and biofeedback therapy are the
      mainstay of management; surgery may be useful in refractory cases. Functional
      anorectal pain syndromes are defined by clinical features and categorized into
      three subtypes. In proctalgia fugax, the pain is typically fleeting and lasts for
      seconds to minutes. In levator ani syndrome (LAS) and unspecified anorectal pain
      the pain lasts more than 30 minutes, but in LAS there is puborectalis tenderness.
      Functional defecation disorders are defined by >2 symptoms of chronic
      constipation or irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, and with >2 features
      of impaired evacuation i.e., abnormal evacuation pattern on manometry, abnormal
      balloon expulsion test or impaired rectal evacuation by imaging. It includes two
      subtypes; dyssynergic defecation and inadequate defecatory propulsion. Pelvic
      floor biofeedback therapy is effective for treating LAS and defecatory disorders.

PMID- 27144632
TI  - Functional Disorders: Children and Adolescents.
AB  - Characterization of childhood and adolescent functional gastrointestinal
      disorders (FGIDs) has evolved during the two decade long Rome process now
      culminating in Rome IV. The era of diagnosing a FGID only when organic disease
      has been excluded is waning,as we now have evidence to support symptom-based
      diagnosis. In child/adolescent Rome IV we extend this concept by removing the
      dictum that there was "no evidence for organic disease" in all definitions and
      replacing it with "after appropriate medical evaluation the symptoms cannot be
      attributed to another medical condition". This change allows the clinician to
      perform selective or no testing to support a positive diagnosis of a FGID. We
      also point out that FGIDs can coexist with other medical conditions that
      themselves result in gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., inflammatory bowel
      disease). In Rome IV functional nausea and functional vomiting are now described.
      Rome III "abdominal pain related functional gastrointestinal disorders" (AP-FGID)
      has been changed to functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD) and we have
      derived a new term, "functional abdominal pain -not otherwise specified", to
      describe children who do not fit a specific disorder such as irritable bowel,
      functional dyspepsia, or abdominal migraine. Rome IV FGID definitions should
      enhance clarity for both clinicians and researchers.

PMID- 27144634
TI  - Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaires and Tables for Investigators and Clinicians.
AB  - The Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaires were developed to screen for functional
      gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), serve as inclusion criteria in clinical
      trials, and support epidemiological surveys. Separate questionnaires were
      developed for adults, children/adolescents, and infants/toddlers. For the adult
      questionnaire, we first surveyed 1,162 adults without gastrointestinal disorders,
      and recommended the 90th percentile symptom frequency as the threshold for
      defining what is abnormal. Diagnostic questions were formulated and verified with
      clinical experts using a recursive process. The diagnostic sensitivity of the
      questionnaire was tested in 843 patients from 9 gastroenterology clinics, with a
      focus on clinical diagnoses of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional
      constipation (FC), and functional dyspepsia (FD). Sensitivity was 62.7% for IBS,
      54.7% for FD, and 32.2% for FC. Specificity, assessed in a population sample of
      5,931 adults, was 97.1% for IBS, 93.3% for FD, and 93.6% for FC. Excess overlap
      among IBS, FC, and FD was a major contributor to reduced diagnostic sensitivity,
      and when overlap of IBS with FC was permitted, sensitivity for FC diagnosis
      increased to 73.2%. All questions were understandable to at least 90% of
      individuals, and Rome IV diagnoses were reproducible in 3/4 of patients after one
      month. Validation of the pediatric questionnaires is ongoing.

PMID- 27144636
TI  - Infusion Nursing: An Evidence-Based Approach - Third edition Alexander Mary
      Infusion Nursing: An Evidence-Based Approach - Third edition 625pp Elsevier
      9781416064107 1416064109 [Formula: see text].
AB  - This book considers all aspects of infusion therapy and provides a solid evidence
      base. Its 30 chapters are well organised into six sections covering physiological
      considerations, infusion therapies and nursing practice.

PMID- 27144638
TI  - Wilson, Kathleen 1922-2010 Nurse, lecturer, author and editor.
AB  - Kathleen Wilson OBE, who has died aged 87, wrote a number of books during a
      distinguished career.

PMID- 27144637
TI  - Communication Skills for Nurses - A Practical Guide on How to Achieve Successful
      Consultations Edwards Marilyn (Ed) Communication Skills for Nurses - A Practical
      Guide on How to Achieve Successful Consultations 200pp Quay Books 9781856423939
      185642393X [Formula: see text].
AB  - Marilyn Edwards offers a basic introduction to the management of consultations
      for practice nurses. Healthcare consultations involve the need for effective
      communication and this book's examples show the benefits when it works well.

PMID- 27144639
TI  - Facile Synthesis of Uniform-Sized Bismuth Nanoparticles for CT Visualization of
      Gastrointestinal Tract in Vivo.
AB  - High-performance and biocompatible contrast agents are the key to accurate
      diagnosis of various diseases in vivo via CT imaging. Fabrication of pure Bi
      nanoparticles is the best way to maximize X-ray absorption efficiency due to the
      ultrahigh X-ray attenuation ability of Bi and 100% content of Bi element.
      However, high-quality Bi nanoparticles prepared through a facile strategy are
      still lacking. Herein, we report a simple noninjection method to fabricate
      uniformly sized pure Bi nanoparticles using only two commercial reagents by
      simply heating the mixture of raw materials in a short time. The obtained Bi
      nanoparticles owned highly uniform size, excellent monodispersity, and impressive
      antioxidant capacity. After being modified with oligosaccharide, the "sweet" Bi
      nanoprobe with comfortable patient experience and favorable biocompatibility was
      successfully used in CT visualization of gastrointestinal tract in detail.

PMID- 27144640
TI  - Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Measurement of HLA-DRA Gene
      Expression in Whole Blood Is Highly Reproducible and Shows Changes That Reflect
      Dynamic Shifts in Monocyte Surface HLA-DR Expression during the Course of Sepsis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A decrease in the expression of monocyte surface protein HLA-DR
      (mHLA-DR), measured by flow cytometry (FCM), has been suggested as a marker of
      immunosuppression and negative outcome in severe sepsis. However, FCM is not
      always available due to sample preparation that limits its use to laboratory
      operational hours. In this prospective study we evaluated dynamic changes in mHLA
      DR expression during sepsis in relation to changes in HLA-DRA gene expression and
      Class II transactivator (CIITA), measured by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase
      Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). AIMS: The aims of this study were: 1. to validate the
      robustness of qRT-PCR measurement of HLA-DRA- and CIITA-mRNA expression, in terms
      of reproducibility; and 2. to see if changes in expression of these genes reflect
      changes in mHLA-DR expression during the course of severe and non-severe
      bacteraemic sepsis. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Blood samples were collected from 60
      patients with bacteraemic sepsis on up to five occasions during Days 1-28 after
      hospital admission. We found the reproducibility of the qRT-PCR method to be high
      by demonstrating low threshold variations (<0.11 standard deviation (SD)) of the
      qRT-PCR system, low intra-assay variation of Ct-values within triplicates (<=0.15
      SD) and low inter-assay variations (12%) of the calculated target gene ratios.
      Our results also revealed dynamic HLA-DRA expression patterns during the course
      of sepsis that reflected those of mHLA-DR measured by FCM. Furthermore, HLA-DRA
      and mHLA-DR recovery slopes in patients with non-severe sepsis differed from
      those in patients with severe sepsis, shown by mixed model for repeated
      measurements (p<0.05). However, during the first seven days of sepsis, PCR
      measurements showed a higher magnitude of difference between the two sepsis
      groups. Mean differences (95% CI) between severe sepsis (n = 20) and non-severe
      sepsis (n = 40) were; on day 1-2, HLA-DRA 0.40 (0.28-0.59) p<0.001, CIITA 0.48
      (0.32-0.72) p = 0.005, mHLA-DR 0.63 (0.45-1.00) p = 0.04, day 7 HLA-DRA 0.59
      (0.46-0.77) p<0.001, CIITA 0.56 (0.41-0.76) p<0.001, mHLA-DR 0.81 (0.66-1.00) p =
      0.28. CONCLUSION: We conclude that qRT-PCR measurement of HLA-DRA expression is
      robust, and that this method appears to be preferable to FCM in identifying
      patients with severe sepsis that may benefit from immunostimulation.

PMID- 27144641
TI  - Evaluation of the Effect of A Structured Program to Guide Residents' Experience
      in Research (ASPIRE) on Pharmacy Residents' Knowledge, Confidence, and Attitude
      toward Research.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of A Structured Program to guide Resident
      Experience in Research (ASPIRE) on pharmacy residents' knowledge, confidence, and
      attitude toward research. DESIGN: Nonrandomized controlled study using data from
      a validated questionnaire administered through an online survey. PARTICIPANTS: Of
      60 pharmacy residents (residency year 2013-2014) who completed the baseline
      assessment, the 41 residents who also completed the follow-up assessment were
      included in the final analysis; of those, 26 Colorado pharmacy postgraduate year
      1 (PGY1) and year 2 (PGY2) residents were enrolled in ASPIRE between July 2013
      and June 2014 (intervention group) and 16 PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residents
      outside of Colorado did not participate in ASPIRE (control group). MEASUREMENTS
      AND MAIN RESULTS: Both the intervention and control groups completed a pre- and
      post-assessment at the beginning (July 2013 [baseline]) and end (May/June 2014
      [follow-up]), respectively, of their residency year that measured knowledge (with
      a tool measuring biostatistics and research methodology knowledge), confidence,
      and attitude toward research. Research knowledge scores improved similarly from
      baseline to follow-up in the intervention and control groups: 11.8% and 11.3%,
      respectively (adjusted p=0.8). Research confidence improved significantly more in
      the intervention group, with a 48% increase in confidence score from before to
      after residency completion, compared with a 15% increase in the control group
      (adjusted p=0.002). Residents in both the intervention and control groups
      expressed positive attitudes toward pharmacist-conducted research, with 100% and
      87% of intervention and control residents, respectively (adjusted p=0.970),
      agreeing that pharmacist-conducted research is essential to driving pharmacy
      practice and expanding the roles of pharmacists. CONCLUSION: ASPIRE was not
      associated with greater research methodology knowledge but did significantly
      increase confidence in performing research.

PMID- 27144642
TI  - Diagnosing autism: Contemporaneous surveys of parent needs and paediatric
      practice.
AB  - AIM: Concurrence between parents' information needs and clinicians' practice when
      diagnosing autism is unknown but may influence families' uptake of management and
      adjustment. We aimed to compare parents' experience and preferences with
      paediatrician report of (i) diagnosis delivery and (ii) information given at
      diagnosis and identify types and usefulness of resources accessed by families
      post-diagnosis. METHODS: The design used for the study are parent and
      paediatrician surveys. Participants are parents of children aged 1.5-18 years,
      diagnosed with autism between 01 January 2010 and 30 September 2012 and their
      paediatricians who are members of the Australian Paediatric Research Network.
      Study-designed quantitative and qualitative questions about diagnosis delivery
      and information given at diagnosis (written and spoken vs. neither) and parent
      perceived importance and harms of information accessed post-diagnosis. RESULTS:
      Paediatricians (53/198 (27%)) identified 1127 eligible families, of whom 404
      (36%) participated. Parents were more likely to report receiving adequate time to
      discuss diagnosis than paediatricians (71 vs. 51%). Parents (98%) rated
      information about accessing allied health professionals and the meaning of
      diagnosis as most important, yet paediatricians offered written or spoken
      information about each infrequently (allied health: 22%; diagnosis: 42%). Post
      diagnosis, allied health was the most important source of information (83%).
      Harmful resources conveyed helplessness or non-evidenced-based therapies, but few
      parents (14%) reported this. CONCLUSIONS: Parents want more information than can
      be conveyed in a single diagnostic consultation. Developing a tailored 'autism
      action plan' with written materials could improve parents' understanding of and
      satisfaction with children's autism diagnoses.

PMID- 27144643
TI  - Where there is no policy: governing the posting and transfer of primary health
      care workers in Nigeria.
AB  - The posting and transfer of health workers and managers receives little policy
      and research attention in global health. In Nigeria, there is no national policy
      on posting and transfer in the health sector. We sought to examine how the
      posting and transfer of frontline primary health care (PHC) workers is conducted
      in four states (Lagos, Benue, Nasarawa and Kaduna) across Nigeria, where public
      sector PHC facilities are usually the only form of formal health care service
      providers available in many communities. We conducted in-depth interviews with
      PHC workers and managers, and group discussions with community health committee
      members. The results revealed three mechanisms by which PHC managers conduct
      posting and transfer: (1) periodically moving PHC workers around as a routine
      exercise aimed at enhancing their professional experience and preventing them
      from being corrupted; (2) as a tool for improving health service delivery by
      assigning high-performing PHC workers to PHC facilities perceived to be in need,
      or posting PHC workers nearer their place of residence; and (3) as a response to
      requests for punishment or favour from PHC workers, political office holders,
      global health agencies and community health committees. Given that posting and
      transfer is conducted by discretion, with multiple influences and sometimes
      competing interests, we identified practices that may lead to unfair treatment
      and inequities in the distribution of PHC workers. The posting and transfer of
      PHC workers therefore requires policy measures to codify what is right about
      existing informal practices and to avert their negative potential. (c) 2016 The
      Authors The International Journal of Health Planning and Management Published by
      John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27144644
TI  - Evaluation of the screw position and angle using a post-contoured plate in the
      open wedge high tibial osteotomy according to the correction degree and surgical
      technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the screw insertion
      angle and orientation with an anatomical plate that is post-contoured to the
      surface geometry of the proximal tibia after open wedge high tibial osteotomy.
      METHODS: From March 2012 to June 2014, 31 uni-planar and 38 bi-planar osteotomies
      were evaluated. Postoperative computed tomography data obtained after open wedge
      high tibial osteotomy using a locking plate were used for reconstruction of the 3
      dimensional model with Mimics v.16.0 of the proximal tibia and locking plate.
      Measurement data were compared between 2 groups (gap lesser than or equal to 10mm
      (Group 1) and gap greater than 10mm(Group 2)). These data were also compared
      between the uniplanar (Group 3) and bi-planar (Group 4) osteotomy groups.
      FINDINGS: Dimensions of the medial proximal tibia of the sagittal plane,
      positions of the screw hole in the sagittal plane, and angles of screw insertion
      of all planes were not statistically different, regardless of the correction
      degree and operative technique. Additionally, angles of screw insertion were
      larger at the most anterior and posterior screw in the axial plane and most
      inferior screw showed smallest angle in the coronal plane. INTERPRETATION: Using
      a post-contoured plate, the position and angle of the screw insertion were not
      different in the direction of the lateral hinge, regardless of the correction
      degree and operative technique. This could imply that it could be used
      universally in the open wedge high tibial osteotomy.

PMID- 27144645
TI  - Angiostrongylus cantonensis Infection on Mayotte Island, Indian Ocean, 2007-2012.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Human angiostrongyliasis (HA) is a neurological helminthic disease
      caused by the lung worm Angiostrongylus cantonensis. It is suspected in the
      combination of travel or a residence in an endemic area and eosinophilic
      meningitis. In Mayotte, an island in the Indian Ocean, cases are rare but
      regular. The main objective of our study was to describe the epidemiological and
      diagnosis clues of HA in Mayotte. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the
      contribution of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT- PCR) for the diagnosis
      of HA, delineate the characteristics of the local transmission and ascertain the
      presence of A. cantonensis in Achatina fulica, the potential vector of the
      disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2007 and 2012, all cases of eosinophilic
      meningitis were retrospectively included and investigated by RT- PCR in the CSF.
      Descriptive analysis was conducted for clinical, biological and radiological
      features, and were analyzed for all patients together with the search for
      prognostic factors for mortality. Concurrently, geolocalization and temporal
      parameters were studied to correlate the occurrence of the cases with rainfall
      seasons and snails were collected to enhance a parasitic carriage with real time
      PCR. RESULTS: During the 6-year period of the study, 14 cases were identified
      (2.3 cases/year) and 9 among 10 remaining CSF were positive in PCR. Among 14
      cases of EM, 13 were less than 2 year-old children. The 1 year mortality rate was
      5/14 (35.7%). Among survivors, 3/7 (42.8%) presented neurological sequelae.
      Factors associated with mortality were dysfunction of cranial nerves, abnormal
      brain imaging, and CSF glucose level inferior to 2 mmol/l. Occurrence of cases
      was temporarily and spatially correlated to the rainy season. Among the 64
      collected giant snails, 6 (9.4%) were positive with A. cantonensis PCR. The
      likely main route of transmission was the children licking snails, carriers of
      the parasite. CONCLUSION: In Mayotte, HA was mainly found in paediatric cases
      under 2 years old, and evidenced a life-threatening disease. PCR seems to be a
      promising tool in the definitive diagnosis of HA. Population should be aware of
      the role of A. fulica, and not let the children have direct contact with the
      snails.

PMID- 27144646
TI  - Chemical Composition of Ballota macedonica Vandas and Ballota nigra L. ssp.
      foetida (Vis.) Hayek Essential Oils - The Chemotaxonomic Approach.
AB  - The essential oils isolated from fresh aerial parts of Ballota macedonica (two
      populations) and Ballota nigra ssp. foetida were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Eighty
      five components were identified in total; 60 components in B. macedonica oil
      (population from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), 34 components in B.
      macedonica oil (population from the Republic of Serbia), and 33 components in the
      oil of B. nigra ssp. foetida accounting for 93.9%, 98.4%, and 95.8% of the total
      oils, respectively. The most abundant components in B. macedonica oils were
      carotol (13.7 - 52.1%), germacrene D (8.6 - 24.6%), and (E)-caryophyllene (6.5 -
      16.5%), while B. nigra ssp. foetida oil was dominated by (E)-phytol (56.9%),
      germacrene D (10.0%), and (E)-caryophyllene (4.7%). Multivariate statistical
      analyses (agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component
      analysis) were used to compare and discuss relationships among Ballota species
      examined so far based on their volatile profiles. The chemical compositions of B.
      macedonica essential oils are reported for the first time. 

PMID- 27144647
TI  - Association between an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant dietary pattern and
      diabetes in British adults: results from the national diet and nutrition survey
      rolling programme years 1-4.
AB  - This study investigated the cross-sectional association between an anti
      inflammatory and anti-oxidant dietary pattern and diabetes in the national diet
      and nutrition survey (NDNS) rolling programme years 1-4. A total of 1531 survey
      members provided dietary data. Reduced Rank Regression (RRR) was used to derive
      an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant dietary pattern. Serum C-reactive protein
      (CRP) and plasma carotenoids were selected as response variables and markers of
      inflammation and antioxidant status, respectively. Overall, 52 survey members had
      diabetes. The derived anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant dietary pattern was
      inversely related to CRP and positively to carotenoids. It was associated with
      lower odds of diabetes (multivariate adjusted OR for highest compared with lowest
      quintile: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.04-0.73; p for linear trend = 0.013). In conclusion, an
      anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant dietary pattern is inversely related to
      diabetes. Further research is required to understand the overall framework within
      which foods and nutrients interact to affect metabolic pathways related to
      diabetes risk. 

PMID- 27144648
TI  - Patterns of Hamstring Muscle Tears in the General Population: A Systematic
      Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hamstring tears are well recognised in the sporting population.
      Little is known about these injuries in the general population. PURPOSE:
      Evaluating the rates, patterns and risk factors of non-sporting hamstring tears,
      compared to sporting related hamstring tears. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1989-2015). STUDY
      SELECTION: Studies reporting patients with a grade 2 or 3 hamstring muscle tear,
      identified clinically, confirmed by MRI imaging or direct visualisation during
      surgical exploration. DATA SYNTHESIS: 144 sets of linked data were extracted for
      analysis. Most injuries were in males (81.3%), where mean age at injury was lower
      (30.2, 95% CI 29.1-31.3) than in females (35.4, 95% CI 32.4-38.4) p = 0.06. Key
      differences were found in the proportion of non-sporting injuries in patients
      under and over the age 40 (p = 0.001). The proportion of non-sporting injuries
      was significantly higher in females compared to males (25.9% female non-sporting
      injuries, versus 8.5% male; p = 0.02). Avulsions were more frequently reported in
      non-sporting activities (70.5%). The proportion of such injuries was notably
      higher in females, though this failed to meet significance (p = 0.124). Grouped
      by age category a bimodal distribution was noted, with the proportion of
      avulsions greater in younger (age <15) and older patients (age > 40) (p = 0.008).
      86.8% of patients returned to pre-injury activity levels with a similar frequency
      across all study variables; age, activity (sporting vs non-sporting) and injury
      type (avulsion vs tear). CONCLUSION: This review highlights a proportion of
      adults suffering grade 2 or 3 hamstring injuries from activities other than the
      classic sports trauma. The majority of these non-sporting injuries were avulsion
      injuries that clustered in older female and skeletally immature patients
      suggesting a potential link to bone mineral density.

PMID- 27144649
TI  - Lions as Bone Accumulators? Paleontological and Ecological Implications of a
      Modern Bone Assemblage from Olduvai Gorge.
AB  - Analytic models have been developed to reconstruct early hominin behaviour,
      especially their subsistence patterns, revealed mainly through taphonomic
      analyses of archaeofaunal assemblages. Taphonomic research is used to discern
      which agents (carnivores, humans or both) generate the bone assemblages recovered
      at archaeological sites. Taphonomic frameworks developed during the last decades
      show that the only large-sized carnivores in African biomes able to create bone
      assemblages are leopards and hyenas. A carnivore-made bone assemblage located in
      the short-grassland ecological unit of the Serengeti (within Olduvai Gorge) was
      studied. Taphonomic analyses of this assemblage including skeletal part
      representation, bone density, breakage patterns and anatomical distribution of
      tooth marks, along with an ecological approach to the prey selection made by
      large carnivores of the Serengeti, were carried out. The results show that this
      bone assemblage may be the first lion-accumulated assemblage documented, although
      other carnivores (namely spotted hyenas) may have also intervened through
      postdepositional ravaging. This first faunal assemblage potentially created by
      lions constitutes a new framework for neotaphonomic studies. Since lions may
      accumulate carcasses under exceptional circumstances, such as those documented at
      the site reported here, this finding may have important consequences for
      interpretations of early archaeological and paleontological sites, which provide
      key information about human evolution.

PMID- 27144650
TI  - Imbalanced Hemolymph Lipid Levels Affect Feeding Motivation in the Two-Spotted
      Cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus.
AB  - Insect feeding behavior is regulated by many intrinsic factors, including
      hemolymph nutrient levels. Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) is a peptide factor that
      modulates hemolymph nutrient levels and regulates the nutritional state of
      insects by triggering the transfer of lipids into the hemolymph. We recently
      demonstrated that RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of the AKH receptor
      (AKHR) reduces hemolymph lipid levels, causing an increase in the feeding
      frequency of the two-spotted cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. This result indicated
      that reduced hemolymph lipid levels might motivate crickets to feed. In the
      present study, to elucidate whether hemolymph lipid levels contribute to insect
      feeding behavior, we attempted to manipulate hemolymph lipid levels via the
      lipophorin (Lp)-mediated lipid transferring system in G. bimaculatus. Of the
      constituent proteins in Lp, we focused on apolipophorin-III (GrybiApoLp-III)
      because of its possible role in facilitating lipid mobilization. First, we used
      RNAi to reduce the expression of GrybiApoLp-III. RNAi-mediated knockdown of
      GrybiApoLp-III had little effect on basal hemolymph lipid levels and the amount
      of food intake. In addition, hemolymph lipid levels remained static even after
      injecting AKH into GrybiApoLp-IIIRNAi crickets. These observations indicated that
      ApoLp-III does not maintain basal hemolymph lipid levels in crickets fed ad
      libitum, but is necessary for mobilizing lipid transfer into the hemolymph
      following AKH stimulation. Second, Lp (containing lipids) was injected into the
      hemolymph to induce a temporary increase in hemolymph lipid levels. Consequently,
      the initiation of feeding was delayed in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that
      increased hemolymph lipid levels reduced the motivation to feed. Taken together,
      these data validate the importance of basal hemolymph lipid levels in the control
      of energy homeostasis and for regulating feeding behavior in crickets.

PMID- 27144651
TI  - Parental experience caring for cleft lip and palate infants with nasoalveolar
      moulding.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of parents caring for an
      infant with a cleft lip and palate receiving nasoalveolar moulding. BACKGROUND:
      Nasoalveoral moulding is a pre-surgical orthopedic appliance used to approximate
      an infant's cleft lip and palate, mould the nose and reduce surgical correction.
      Use of nasoalveolar moulding can be intensive, costly and lengthy requiring
      parental commitment to the process since it involves several months of weekly
      visits for appliance adjustment. Although extensive research has been conducted
      on surgical outcomes after use, little evidence exists pertaining to parental
      experiences caring for an infant undergoing the nasoalveolar moulding treatment
      process. DESIGN: The qualitative design phenomenology was used to best capture
      parents' lived experiences. METHODS: Eight mothers and four fathers participated
      in informal, semi-structured interviews during the months of April-May 2010.
      RESULTS: Four themes were identified: (1) You do what you have to do; (2) We
      weren't left alone in the dark; (3) It's just amazing to see the difference; and
      (4) It's like nothing ever happened. Findings indicated that despite some
      difficulties, parents' were dedicated to the treatment process and expressed the
      benefits exceeded any additional work nasoalveolar moulding required. CONCLUSION:
      Multiple recommendations to assist parents with the nasoalveolar moulding
      treatment process were identified. Improving nasoalveolar moulding education and
      providing support can substantially improve challenges that are experienced by
      parents throughout this process - strengthening the importance of their role for
      successful nasoalveolar moulding outcomes.

PMID- 27144652
TI  - European Stroke Conference. 25th Conference, Venice, Italy, April 13-15, 2016:
      Abstract e-Book.
AB  - <strong> Click here for the free
      "http://misc.karger.com/products/CED_2016_041_S1/index.html"
      target="_blank">Abstract E-Book</a></strong>. 

PMID- 27144654
TI  - The difference in amount of physical activity performed by children with and
      without asthma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite the benefits of a physically active lifestyle, some studies
      suggest fear of exacerbations by both children and their parents limit physical
      activity in children with asthma. We undertook a systematic review to quantify
      the difference in objectively measured physical activity levels of children and
      adolescents with and without asthma. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE.
      STUDY SELECTION: English language observational studies of children and
      adolescents to the age of 18 that compared objectively measured physical activity
      (accelerometer or pedometer devices) between those with asthma and without
      asthma. RESULTS: Overall 22,285 articles were retrieved with 12 studies being
      included in the review: 1 cohort, 1 case-control and 10 cross-sectional. A meta
      analysis of accelerometry data from the single cohort study and 8 cross-sectional
      studies produced an overall mean difference of 0.01 (95% CI: -0.09-0.11) activity
      counts per minute in children and adolescents without asthma compared to those
      with asthma. CONCLUSION: We did not find any evidence that children and
      adolescents with and without asthma engaged in different amounts of physical
      activity when measured objectively by accelerometers. Children and adolescents
      with asthma may not require differentially targeted policies to encourage more
      physical activity, however further longitudinal studies are needed.

PMID- 27144653
TI  - Nutritional Adequacy and Diet Quality in Colorectal Cancer Patients Postsurgery:
      A Pilot Study.
AB  - Recent evidence has shown that an unhealthy diet is associated with a higher risk
      of tumor recurrence, metastasis, and death among patients with colorectal cancer
      (CRC). The aims of this study were to assess nutritional adequacy and diet
      quality in a group of CRC patients postsurgery and to identify possible
      associations between dietary and nutritional aspects and environmental factors
      and weight status. This was an observational study conducted on a random sample
      of 74 patients, aged 50-69 years. Dietary intake was evaluated utilizing a
      validated frequency questionnaire, and diet quality was evaluated utilizing the
      Healthy Eating Index for Spanish Diet and the MedDietScore. Data regarding
      socioeconomic, demographic, lifestyles, dietary supplements use, and body mass
      index were collected. Subjects followed a diet characterized by a low
      carbohydrate intake (94% of the cases), excessive protein (48%), high fat intake
      (67%), and some micronutrient deficiencies. The inadequacy of some nutrients was
      associated with male gender, overweight/obesity, smoking, and low educational
      level; and low adherence to the MedDiet was identified in those with a low
      educational level (adjusted odds ratio = 4.16, P < 0.05). Therefore, such
      patients should be an important target group when applying educational programs
      and giving individualized nutritional advice to improve their quality of life.

PMID- 27144655
TI  - Ten years of practice-based small group learning (PBSGL) in Scotland - a survey
      of general practitioners.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Practice-based small group learning (PBSGL) has grown in Scotland
      since its pilot in 2004. There are now over 2,100 clinicians in 370 groups across
      the UK. The programme is used by all 14 territorial health boards in NHS
      Scotland. It seemed timely to undertake an evaluation of the programme. METHOD: A
      questionnaire was developed and piloted. It consisted of 16 questions with two
      free text questions asking respondents what had motivated them to join PBSGL, and
      what encouraged them to stay. The questionnaire was converted into an electronic
      format and emailed to all qualified general practitioners (GPs) in Scotland.
      RESULTS: A wide range of GPs were involved in PBSGL and the mean number of
      modules studied per year was 6.8. The vast majority (589 (88.2%)) of respondents
      met in their own home or practice and were either very likely (549 (82.2%)) or
      likely (93 (13.9%)) to continue with the programme. The dominant reasons to join
      and stay with the programme related to learning issues: meeting learning needs,
      learning from peers and issues of peer support. CONCLUSION: PBSGL has become an
      established continuous professional development resource for many GPs in
      Scotland. It is well-received and likely to continue.

PMID- 27144657
TI  - Strategies for Tailoring the Pore-Size Distribution of Virus Retention Filter
      Papers.
AB  - The goal of this work is to demonstrate how the pore-size distribution of the
      nanocellulose-based virus-retentive filter can be tailored. The filter paper was
      produced using cellulose nanofibers derived from Cladophora sp. green algae using
      the hot-press drying at varying drying temperatures. The produced filters were
      characterized using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and N2
      gas sorption analysis. Further, hydraulic permeability and retention efficiency
      toward surrogate 20 nm model particles (fluorescent carboxylate-modified
      polystyrene spheres) were assessed. It was shown that by controlling the rate of
      water evaporation during hot-press drying the pore-size distribution can be
      precisely tailored in the region between 10 and 25 nm. The mechanism of pore
      formation and critical parameters are discussed in detail. The results are highly
      valuable for development of advanced separation media, especially for virus
      retentive size-exclusion filtration. 

PMID- 27144656
TI  - Persistent impacts to the deep soft-bottom benthos one year after the Deepwater
      Horizon event.
AB  - In fall 2010, several months after the Deepwater Horizon blowout was capped,
      zones of moderate and severe impacts to deep-sea, soft-bottom benthos were
      identified that together extended over an area of 172 km2 . A subset of stations
      sampled in 2010 was resampled in May and June 2011, 10 to 11 months after the
      event, to determine whether the identified adverse effects were persisting. The
      design compared 20 stations from the combined moderate and severe impact zone to
      12 stations in the reference zone that were sampled in both years. There were no
      statistically significant differences in contaminant concentrations between the
      impact and nonimpact zones from 2010 to 2011, which indicates contaminants
      persisted after 1 y. Whereas there were some signs of recovery in 2011
      (particularly for the meiofauna abundance and diversity), there was evidence of
      persistent, statistically significant impacts to both macrofauna and meiofauna
      community structure. Macrofaunal taxa richness and diversity in 2011 were still
      22.8% and 35.9% less, respectively, in the entire impact zone than in the
      surrounding nonimpact area, and meiofaunal richness was 28.5% less in the entire
      impact zone than in the surrounding area. The persistence of significant
      biodiversity losses and community structure change nearly 1 y after the wellhead
      was capped indicates that full recovery had yet to have occurred in 2011. Integr
      Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:342-351. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27144658
TI  - Role of 5 Saponins in Secretion of Cytokines by PRRSV-induced Endothelial Cells.
AB  - The aim of the research presented here was to investigate the immunoloregulatory
      effects of 5 saponins: Saikosaponins A (SSA) and D (SSD) from Bupleurum chinese
      DC (Umbelliferae), Panax Notoginseng Saponin (PNS) and Notoginsenoside R1 from
      Panax notoginseng (Araliaceae) (SR1), and Anemoside B4 from Pulsatilla chinensis
      Regel (Ranunculaceae) (AB4). To achieve this, endothelial cells were challenged
      with 10(5) TCID50/mL PRRSV for 24 h then treated respectively with 5 saponins at
      3 concentrations (1, 5 and 10 MUg/mL). The cells were incubated at 37 degrees C
      in a cell incubator for 24 h. The supernatants were collected and analyzed the
      levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, IL-2, and gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) by
      ELISA kits. The results revealed that PNS and SR1 inhibited the production of IL
      4; PNS, SR1 and SSD inhibited the secretion of IL-10; SSA, SSD and AB4 up
      regulated IL-2 expression; SSA and SSD increased the level of IFN-gamma. All
      these changes were significant. Taken together, the data suggested that these 5
      saponins might effectively regulate immune responses via changes in the levels of
      these select cytokines. 

PMID- 27144659
TI  - Dual Incorporation of the in vitro Data (IC50) and in vivo (Cmax) Data for the
      Prediction of Area Under the Curve (AUC) for Statins using Regression Models
      Developed for Either Pravastatin or Simvastatin.
AB  - Linear regression models utilizing a single time point (Cmax) has been reported
      for pravastatin and simvastatin. A new model was developed for the prediction of
      AUC of statins that utilized the slopes of the above 2 models, with
      pharmacokinetic (Cmax) and a pharmacodynamic (IC50 value) components for the
      statins. The prediction of AUCs for various statins (pravastatin, atorvastatin,
      simvastatin and rosuvastatin) was carried out using the newly developed dual
      pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic model. Generally, the AUC predictions were
      contained within 0.5 to 2-fold difference of the observed AUC suggesting utility
      of the new models. The root mean square error predictions were<45% for the 2
      models. On the basis of the present work, it is feasible to utilize both
      pharmacokinetic (Cmax) and pharmacodynamic (IC50) data for effectively predicting
      the AUC for statins. Such a new concept as described in the work may have utility
      in both drug discovery and development stages. 

PMID- 27144660
TI  - Nurse managers' decision-making in daily unit operation in peri-operative
      settings: a cross-sectional descriptive study.
AB  - AIM: To describe the tactical and the operational decisions made by nurse
      managers when managing the daily unit operation in peri-operative settings.
      BACKGROUND: Management is challenging as situations change rapidly and decisions
      are constantly made. Understanding decision-making in this complex environment
      helps to develop decision support systems to support nurse managers' operative
      and tactical decision-making. DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional design. METHOD:
      Data were collected from 20 nurse managers with the think-aloud method during the
      busiest working hours and analysed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS:
      Nurse managers made over 700 decisions; either ad hoc (n = 289), near future (n =
      268) or long-term (n = 187) by nature. Decisions were often made simultaneously
      with many interruptions. Ad hoc decisions covered staff allocation, ensuring
      adequate staff, rescheduling surgical procedures, confirmation tangible resources
      and following-up the daily unit operation. Decisions in the near future were:
      planning of surgical procedures and tangible resources, and planning staff
      allocation. Long-term decisions were: human recourses, nursing development,
      supplies and equipment, and finances in the unit. CONCLUSIONS: Decision-making
      was vulnerable to interruptions, which sometimes complicated the managing tasks.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The results can be used when planning
      decision support systems and when defining the nurse managers' tasks in peri
      operative settings.

PMID- 27144661
TI  - Natural coinfection by Streptococcus agalactiae and Francisella noatunensis
      subsp. orientalis in farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.).
AB  - Streptococcus agalactiae and Francisella noatunensis subsp. orientalis (Fno) are
      important pathogens for farm-raised tilapia worldwide. There are no reports of
      coinfection caused by S. agalactiae and Fno in fish. This study aimed to
      determine the aetiology of atypical mortalities in a cage farm of Nile tilapia
      and to characterize the genetic diversity of the isolates. Fifty-two fish were
      sampled and subjected to parasitological and bacteriological examination. The S.
      agalactiae and Fno isolates were genotyped using MLST and REP-PCR, respectively.
      Whole-genome sequencing was performed to confirm the MLST results. Seven fish
      were shown coinfected by S. agalactiae and Fno. Chronic hypoxia and a reduction
      in the water temperature were determined as risk factors for coinfection. Fno
      isolates were shown clonally related in REP-PCR. The MLST analysis revealed that
      the S. agalactiae isolates from seven coinfected fish were negative for the glcK
      gene; however, these were determined to be members of clonal complex CC-552. This
      is the first description of coinfection by S. agalactiae and Fno in farm-raised
      Nile tilapia. The coinfection was predisposed by chronic hypoxia and was caused
      by the main genotypes of S. agalactiae and Fno reported in Brazil. Finally, a new
      S. agalactiae genotype with glcK gene partially deleted was described.

PMID- 27144662
TI  - The forgotten or underestimated relevance of biopharmaceutical-based assessments
      for the oral absorption studies of oxime reactivators.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity
      (ADME(T)) of oxime reactivators have been assessed with respect to their
      polarity, a fundamental requirement for their specific mechanism of action in the
      intoxication with organophosphorous compounds. The limitations of the therapeutic
      outcome have been associated not only with the severity of intoxication and to
      particularities of the toxicants, but also to the reduced lipophilicity and
      consequent restricted permeability across biological barriers. AREAS COVERED:
      This article inventories the plethora of mnemotic rules developed throughout the
      years for defining chemical spaces where drugs share one or more structural and
      ADME(T) characteristics. Their applicability to oxime is analyzed, especially in
      relation to intestinal absorption and brain distribution. Other aspects of oximes
      for antidotal outcome are also reviewed. EXPERT OPINION: The drugability rules
      are not applicable to oxime reactivators, because the increase in lipophicity and
      consequent improved permeability across biological barrier comes together with
      amplified (neuro)toxicity and reduced reactivating capacity. The available data
      suggest a high solubility and reduced metabolism, assigning the quaternary oximes
      to the fourth class of Biopharmaceutical Classification Systems. Reliance upon
      oral absorption data for designing safe centrally acting oximes can be of
      potential value, with adequate characterization of uptake-influx transporters
      interplay.

PMID- 27144663
TI  - Brain Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Directs the Transition from Stem Cells to
      Mature Neurons During Postnatal/Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis.
AB  - The specific actions of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and the role of
      brain-derived IGF-I during hippocampal neurogenesis have not been fully defined.
      To address the influence of IGF-I on the stages of hippocampal neurogenesis, we
      studied a postnatal/adult global Igf-I knockout (KO) mice (Igf-I(-/-) ) and a
      nervous system Igf-I conditional KO (Igf-I(Delta/Delta) ). In both KO mice we
      found an accumulation of Tbr2(+) -intermediate neuronal progenitors, some of
      which were displaced in the outer granule cell layer (GCL) and the molecular
      layer (ML) of the dentate gyrus (DG). Similarly, more ectopic Ki67(+) - cycling
      cells were detected. Thus, the GCL was disorganized with significant numbers of
      Prox1(+) -granule neurons outside this layer and altered morphology of radial
      glial cells (RGCs). Dividing progenitors were also generated in greater numbers
      in clonal hippocampal stem cell (HPSC) cultures from the KO mice. Indeed, higher
      levels of Hes5 and Ngn2, transcription factors that maintain the stem and
      progenitor cell state, were expressed in both HPSCs and the GCL-ML from the Igf
      I(Delta/Delta) mice. To determine the impact of Igf-I deletion on neuronal
      generation in vivo, progenitors in Igf-I(-/-) and Igf-I(+/+) mice were labeled
      with a GFP-expressing vector. This revealed that in the Igf-I(-/-) mice more
      GFP(+) -immature neurons were formed and they had less complex dendritic trees.
      These findings indicate that local IGF-I plays critical roles during
      postnatal/adult hippocampal neurogenesis, regulating the transition from HPSCs
      and progenitors to mature granule neurons in a cell stage-dependent manner. Stem
      Cells 2016;34:2194-2209.

PMID- 27144665
TI  - Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA): Normative data for old and very old Czech
      adults.
AB  - The principal aim of our study was to present norms for old and very old Czech
      adults on the Czech version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and
      investigate the influence of social and demographic factors on MoCA performance.
      We analyzed 540 adults aged >= 60 years (5-year age categories; nationally
      representative sample in terms of sex and educational level), who met strict
      inclusion criteria for the absence of neurodegenerative disorders and performed
      within normal range in neuropsychological assessment. Using multiple regression
      model, we found that MoCA performance was affected by age and education (both p <
      .001) but not sex. The study provides normed percentile estimates for MoCA
      performance stratified by age (60-74 years; >= 75 years) and education lower
      versus higher. We also present percentile equivalents for the MoCA and Mini
      Mental State Examination (MMSE) for use in clinical practice. We found age- and
      education-related effects on MoCA performance which support the use of culturally
      adapted normative data.

PMID- 27144664
TI  - Increases in anaphylaxis fatalities in Australia from 1997 to 2013.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiological studies indicate increases in Australian, UK
      and US hospital anaphylaxis admission rates. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study
      was to determine whether Australian anaphylaxis fatalities are increasing in
      parallel and to examine the characteristics of fatalities recorded in the
      National Coronial Information System (NCIS). METHODS: Time trends in Australian
      anaphylaxis fatalities were examined using data derived from the Australian
      Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 1997-2013 and the NCIS 2000-2013, the latter providing
      additional information to verify cause and identify risk factors. RESULTS: The
      ABS recorded 324 anaphylaxis fatalities by cause: unspecified (n = 205);
      medication (n = 52); insect stings/tick bites (n = 41); food (n = 23); and blood
      products (n = 3). From 1997 to 2013, all-cause fatal anaphylaxis rates increased
      by 6.2%/year (95% CI: 3.8-8.6%, P < 0.0001) or from 0.054% to 0.099/10(5)
      population. Fatal food anaphylaxis increased by 9.7%/year (95% CI: 0.25-20%, P =
      0.04) and unspecified anaphylaxis deaths by 7.8% (95% CI: 4.6-11.0, P < 0.0001).
      There was an insignificant change in medication-related fatalities (5.6%
      increase/year; 95% CI: 0.3% decrease to 11.8% increase, P = 0.06), and sting/bite
      fatalities remained unchanged. Hospital anaphylaxis admission rates for all
      cause, food, unspecified and medication anaphylaxis increased at rates of 8%,
      10%, 4.4% and 6.8%/year, respectively. A total of 147 verified NCIS deaths were
      examined in detail: medication- and sting/bite-related fatalities occurred
      predominantly in older individuals with multiple comorbidities. Upright posture
      after anaphylaxis was associated with risk of sudden death (all causes). Seafood
      (not nuts) was the most common trigger for food-related anaphylaxis deaths.
      CONCLUSIONS: Australian anaphylaxis fatality rates (most causes) have increased
      over the last 16 years, contrasting with UK- and US-based studies that describe
      overall lower and static overall anaphylaxis fatality rates (0.047-0.069/10(5)
      population).

PMID- 27144668
TI  - Problems on the Evaluation of the Critical Wavelength of Sunscreens for "Broad
      Spectrum" Approval Brought on by Viscous Fingering During Sunscreen Application.
AB  - When a viscous liquid is applied to a solid substrate, a patterned liquid layer
      is usually formed by the phenomenon called viscous fingering, since the moving
      liquid surface is in far-from-equilibrium conditions to let the morphological
      fluctuation to grow. Pseudosunscreen solutions were prepared and applied on a
      flat quartz plate. A spatially periodic stripe pattern was formed on the
      pseudosunscreen layer when a block applicator was used, whereas a flat surface
      layer was formed when a four-sided applicator was used. UV absorbance of the
      patterned layer was lower than that of the flat layer having the same average
      thickness. In addition, a larger decrease in the UV absorbance by the pattern
      formation was observed at wavelengths at which the UV absorbance of the flat
      layer was large, which was consistent with theoretical simulations. In 2011, US
      FDA introduced a new rule using the term "Broad Spectrum" for labeling the
      sunscreens. The different decrease in the UV absorbance at each wavelength was
      found to change the critical wavelength, which is a criterion for sunscreens to
      be labeled as "Broad Spectrum" protection. The result of this study makes the
      problem on the evaluation of the critical wavelength come to the surface.

PMID- 27144666
TI  - The MTA1 subunit of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase complex can recruit
      two copies of RBBP4/7.
AB  - The nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex remodels the genome in
      the context of both gene transcription and DNA damage repair. It is essential for
      normal development and is distributed across multiple tissues in organisms
      ranging from mammals to nematode worms. In common with other chromatin-remodeling
      complexes, however, its molecular mechanism of action is not well understood and
      only limited structural information is available to show how the complex is
      assembled. As a step towards understanding the structure of the NuRD complex, we
      have characterized the interaction between two subunits: the metastasis
      associated protein MTA1 and the histone-binding protein RBBP4. We show that MTA1
      can bind to two molecules of RBBP4 and present negative stain electron microscopy
      and chemical crosslinking data that allow us to build a low-resolution model of
      an MTA1-(RBBP4)2 subcomplex. These data build on our understanding of NuRD
      complex structure and move us closer towards an understanding of the biochemical
      basis for the activity of this complex.

PMID- 27144667
TI  - Waist-hip ratio and 1-year clinical outcome in patients with non-ST-elevation
      myocardial infarctions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a well-known cardiovascular disease risk factor. We
      evaluated the relationship between the waist-hip ratio (WHR), as a surrogate
      marker of central obesity, and clinical outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarctions (NSTEMIs) undergoing percutaneous coronary
      interventions (PCIs). METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, NSTEMI patients who
      underwent PCI and who had available anthropometric data were divided into three
      groups according to their WHR tertile range. Clinical outcomes in the groups were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Increasing incidences of hypertension and diabetes mellitus
      were associated with increasing WHR. As the WHR increased, a disintegration of
      patient metabolic patterns was documented in laboratory findings. There was no
      difference in the 1-year mortality rates between the three groups. However,
      increasing 1-year major adverse cardiovascular event rates were documented as the
      WHR increased (13, 14.7, and 19.4% in tertile groups 1-3, respectively; P=0.005).
      After adjusting for confounding variables, the highest tertile group was
      associated with increased 1-year mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event
      rates compared with the lowest tertile group. These differences arose from the
      female subgroup, suggesting that the magnitude of the central obesity effect
      might be greater in female than in male patients. CONCLUSION: Central obesity,
      represented by WHR, was associated with poor clinical outcomes in NSTEMI patients
      undergoing PCI, particularly among women.

PMID- 27144669
TI  - A patch-based tensor decomposition algorithm for M-FISH image classification.
AB  - Multiplex-fluorescence in situ hybridization (M-FISH) is a chromosome imaging
      technique which can be used to detect chromosomal abnormalities such as
      translocations, deletions, duplications, and inversions. Chromosome
      classification from M-FISH imaging data is a key step to implement the technique.
      In the classified M-FISH image, each pixel in a chromosome is labeled with a
      class index and drawn with a pseudo-color so that geneticists can easily conduct
      diagnosis, for example, identifying chromosomal translocations by examining color
      changes between chromosomes. However, the information of pixels in a neighborhood
      is often overlooked by existing approaches. In this work, we assume that the
      pixels in a patch belong to the same class and use the patch to represent the
      center pixel's class information, by which we can use the correlations of
      neighboring pixels and the structural information across different spectral
      channels for the classification. On the basis of assumption, we propose a patch
      based classification algorithm by using higher order singular value decomposition
      (HOSVD). The developed method has been tested on a comprehensive M-FISH database
      that we established, demonstrating improved performance. When compared with other
      pixel-wise M-FISH image classifiers such as fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM),
      adaptive fuzzy c-means clustering (AFCM), improved adaptive fuzzy c-means
      clustering (IAFCM), and sparse representation classification (SparseRC) methods,
      the proposed method gave the highest correct classification ratio (CCR), which
      can translate into improved diagnosis of genetic diseases and cancers. (c) 2016
      International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

PMID- 27144670
TI  - Grafting Poly(3-hexylthiophene) from Silicon Nanocrystal Surfaces: Synthesis and
      Properties of a Functional Hybrid Material with Direct Interfacial Contact.
AB  - Hybrid functional materials (HFMs) comprised of semiconductor nanoparticles and
      conjugated polymers offer the potential of synergetic photophysical properties.
      We have developed HFMs based upon silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) and the conductive
      polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (SiNC@P3HT) by applying surface-initiated Kumada
      catalyst transfer polycondensation (SI-KCTP). One unique characteristic of the
      developed SiNC@P3HT is the formation of a direct covalent bonding between SiNCs
      and P3HT. The presented method for obtaining direct interfacial attachment, which
      is not accessible using other methods, may allow for the development of materials
      with efficient electronic communication at the donor-acceptor interfaces.
      Systematic characterization provides evidence of a core-shell structure, enhanced
      interfacial electron and/or energy transfer between the P3HT and SiNC components,
      as well as formation of a type-II heterostructure.

PMID- 27144671
TI  - Multi-Level Risk and Protective Factors for Substance Use Among Zambian Street
      Youth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High rates of substance use have been reported among youth in Zambia.
      This is particularly concerning given that substance use is one of the biggest
      risk factors placing young people at risk for HIV infection. OBJECTIVES: The
      purpose of the current study is to examine how multi-level risk and protective
      factors (i.e., community, family, peers, individual) influence alcohol and
      marijuana use. METHODS: A total of 250 street youth in Lusaka, Zambia were
      interviewed in the summer of 2014 about their alcohol and marijuana use and
      reasons for usage. Data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate methods.
      RESULTS: Youth reported high rates of alcohol use. At the multivariate level,
      peer and individual level variables (e.g., using alcohol or drugs for coping or
      for fun) explained the most variance, followed by family level factors. Community
      level variables explained the least variance in all models.
      Conclusion/Importance: A better understanding of multi-level risk and protective
      factors for young people's alcohol and marijuana use could lead to the
      development of better intervention strategies to reduce this behavior among
      Zambian street youth.

PMID- 27144672
TI  - Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves radiation-induced fibrosis through
      Tgf-Beta1/MyoD homeostasis in head and neck cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze TGF-beta1 and MyoD
      expression in cervical muscles during radiation therapy (RT) and their role in
      inducing muscle fibrosis in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. We also studied
      the effect of combined traditional swallow therapy (TST) and neuromuscular
      electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy on TGF-beta1/MyoD homeostasis in patients
      undergoing post-operative RT for HNC. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS:
      Thirty patients, 10 with benign thyroid lesions and non-radiated muscle
      (control), and 20 with advanced-stage HNC receiving primary resection and post
      operative radiation (study group) were enrolled. Patients in the study group were
      randomly assigned to receive post-operative RT alone (Group I) or post-operative
      RT with TST/NMES therapy (Group II). Intraoperative biopsies were obtained in all
      30 patients. In the study groups, biopsies were repeated 4 weeks after completion
      of RT. TGF-beta1 and MyoD expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and
      Western Blot. RESULTS: The control group demonstrated low expression of TGF-beta1
      and high expression of MyoD. Following RT, patients in study Group I had high
      expression of TGF-beta1 and low levels of MyoD. Group II patients demonstrated
      TGF-beta1 levels more consistent with that of non-irradiated tissue. CONCLUSION:
      The molecular pathogenesis of RT-induced muscle fibrosis involves the TGF-beta1
      pathway and its repression of MyoD expression. Our results suggest a correlation
      between TST/NMES combined therapy and the restoration of TGF-beta1/MyoD
      homeostasis in cervical muscles. TST/NMES is a plausible prophylaxis and/or
      treatment for RT-induced muscle fibrosis and dysphagia. J. Surg. Oncol.
      2016;114:27-31. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144673
TI  - Applying risk analysis to predict posterior capsule rupture during cataract
      surgery in New Zealand.

PMID- 27144674
TI  - Distribution of Organophosphate Esters between the Gas and Particle Phase-Model
      Predictions vs Measured Data.
AB  - Gas-particle partitioning is one of the key factors that affect the environmental
      fate of semivolatile organic chemicals. Many organophosphate esters (OPEs) have
      been reported to primarily partition to particles in the atmosphere. However,
      because of the wide range of their physicochemical properties, it is unlikely
      that OPEs are mainly in the particle phase "as a class". We compared gas-particle
      partitioning predictions for 32 OPEs made by the commonly used OECD POV and LRTP
      Screening Tool ("the Tool") with the partitioning models of Junge-Pankow (J-P)
      and Harner-Bidleman (H-B), as well as recently measured data on OPE gas-particle
      partitioning. The results indicate that half of the tested OPEs partition into
      the gas phase. Partitioning into the gas phase seems to be determined by an
      octanol-air partition coefficient (log KOA) < 10 and a subcooled liquid vapor
      pressure (log PL) > -5 (PL in Pa), as well as the total suspended particle
      concentration (TSP) in the sampling area. The uncertainty of the physicochemical
      property data of the OPEs did not change this estimate. Furthermore, the
      predictions by the Tool, J-P- and H-B-models agreed with recently measured OPE
      gas-particle partitioning.

PMID- 27144676
TI  - Nursing Engagement in Governing Health Care Organizations: Past, Present, and
      Future.

PMID- 27144675
TI  - Acute Infection by Staphylococcus simulans in the Hand of a Man.

PMID- 27144677
TI  - Nurse Perceptions and Safety Practices of the Carpuject Cartridge System.
AB  - Injectable medications have been found to be associated with a higher incidence
      of errors than with other medication preparations. Carpuject syringe systems have
      been implemented to protect patients and improve safety; however, an overall lack
      of knowledge of the device was discovered. The purpose of this study, using a
      pre/postsurvey design, was to investigate nursing knowledge of and practices with
      the prefilled Carpuject syringe system and narcotic dilution practices before and
      after multidisciplinary interventions. Statistically significant differences were
      found before and after interventions. 

PMID- 27144678
TI  - Physician Perceptions of Magnet Nurses and Magnet Designation.
AB  - This exploratory study uses focus group methodology to examine physician
      perceptions of Magnet nurses and Magnet designation. No studies have explored
      physicians' insights, which are becoming increasingly important to implementing
      and sustaining a Magnet culture. Qualitative content analysis demonstrated that
      physicians highly regard Magnet nurses and benefit from Magnet status. Key themes
      emerged related to Magnet nurse characteristics, relationships with physicians,
      nursing leadership, shared governance, and Magnet as a marketing tool. "Magnet
      marginalization" emerged as a new concept. 

PMID- 27144679
TI  - Enabling Role of Manager in Engaging Clinicians and Staff in Quality Improvement:
      Being Present and Flexible.
AB  - Managers are uniquely placed to facilitate quality improvement (QI), yet little
      empirical evidence exists about their influence in engaging clinicians in QI. To
      address this gap, a qualitative study was undertaken and revealed 2 themes:
      balancing being present with letting frontline staff lead their QI projects, and
      leveraging flexibility in scheduling with protected time. Efforts are needed to
      enable managers to engage clinicians and staff in local QI efforts. 

PMID- 27144680
TI  - Evaluating domains of everyday functioning in people with developmental
      disabilities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship among (a) quality of activities of daily
      living (ADL) task performance, (b) quality of social interaction, and (c) the
      extent of discrepancy between the person's and the occupational therapist's
      perspectives; and explore patterns of strengths and challenges among people with
      developmental disabilities (DD). METHODS: Fifty-eight adults with different types
      of DD, living in northern Sweden, were evaluated using the Assessment of Motor
      and Process Skills (AMPS), the Evaluation of Social Interaction (ESI) and the
      Assessment of Compared Qualities - Occupational Performance (ACQ-OP) and
      Assessment of Compared Qualities - Social Interaction (ACQ-SI). The relationships
      among assessments were analysed using Pearson correlation analyses. Cluster
      analysis was used to group participants based on their evaluation results.
      Results The quality of ADL task performance and the quality of social interaction
      demonstrated weak to moderate positive relationships while the ACQ-OP and ACQ-SI
      demonstrated a strong positive relationship. The cluster analysis resulted in
      identifying three distinct groups that differed significantly from one another.
      CONCLUSION: The findings support the clinical use of multiple assessment tools,
      including observation and self-report, to evaluate different aspects of
      occupational performance. Comprehensive and relevant evaluation supports
      collaborative goal setting and intervention planning.

PMID- 27144682
TI  - N-N Bond Forming Reductive Elimination via a Mixed-Valent Nickel(II)-Nickel(III)
      Intermediate.
AB  - Natural products containing N-N bonds exhibit important biological activity.
      Current methods for constructing N-N bonds have limited scope. An advanced
      understanding of the fundamental N-N bond formation/cleavage processes occurring
      at the transition-metal center would facilitate the development of catalytic
      reactions. Herein we present an N-N bond-forming reductive elimination, which
      proceeds via a mixed-valent Ni(II) -Ni(III) intermediate with a Ni-Ni bond order
      of zero. The discrete Ni(II) -Ni(III) oxidation states contrast with the cationic
      dimeric Ni analogue, in which both Ni centers are equivalent with an oxidation
      state of 2.5. The electronic structures of these mixed-valent complexes have
      implications for the fundamental understanding of metal-metal bonding
      interactions.

PMID- 27144681
TI  - Visual Hallucinations in First-Episode Psychosis: Association with Childhood
      Trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hallucinations are a core diagnostic criterion for psychotic
      disorders and have been investigated with regard to its association with
      childhood trauma in first-episode psychosis samples. Research has largely focused
      on auditory hallucinations, while specific investigations of visual
      hallucinations in first-episode psychosis remain scarce. OBJECTIVES: The aims of
      this study were to describe the prevalence of visual hallucinations, and to
      explore the association between visual hallucination and childhood trauma in a
      first-episode psychosis sample. METHODS: Subjects were included from TIPS-2, a
      first episode psychosis study in south Rogaland, Norway. Based on the medical
      journal descriptions of the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS), a
      separate score for visual and auditory hallucinations was created (N = 204).
      Patients were grouped according to hallucination severity (none, mild, and
      psychotic hallucinations) and multinomial logistic regression was performed to
      identify factors associated with visual hallucination group. RESULTS: Visual
      hallucinations of a psychotic nature were reported by 26.5% of patients. The
      experience of childhood interpersonal trauma increased the likelihood of having
      psychotic visual hallucinations. CONCLUSION: Visual hallucinations are common in
      first-episode psychosis, and are related to childhood interpersonal trauma.

PMID- 27144683
TI  - Correction: Abundance and Distribution of Sperm Whales in the Canary Islands: Can
      Sperm Whales in the Archipelago Sustain the Current Level of Ship-Strike
      Mortalities?
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150660.].

PMID- 27144685
TI  - Effects of Designer Hyper-Interleukin 11 (H11) on Hematopoiesis in
      Myelosuppressed Mice.
AB  - The incidence of cancer is constantly increasing. Chemo/radiotherapy is one of
      major methods of treating cancer. Although adverse chemo/radiotherapy events,
      such as anemia and neutropenia, can be successfully cured, thrombocytopenia is
      still problematic. We constructed the Hyper-IL11 (H11) cytokine by linking
      soluble interleukin 11 receptor alpha (sIL-11Ralpha) with IL-11. In vivo H11
      activity was examined in myelosuppressed mice. Myelosuppression was induced by
      either i) sublethal irradiation and carboplatin administration or ii) sublethal
      irradiation. A dose of 100 MUg/kg of H11 or IL-11 was administered subcutaneously
      for 7 days. IL-11 and H11 accelerated leukocyte, hematocrit and platelet
      recovery. The effect on the attenuation of thrombocytopenia was significant.
      Moreover, both cytokines increased the cellularity and numbers of megakaryocyte,
      erythroid, and granulocyte/macrophage progenitors in the bone morrow and spleen
      compared with the control. Although H11 was administered at a molar concentration
      that was three times lower, its effects were comparable with or better than those
      of IL-11; thus, the activity of H11 was superior to that of IL-11. Because no
      toxicity was observed after the intravenous administration of H11, this hyper
      cytokine may be potentially useful for treatment of thrombocytopenia and other IL
      11-dependent disorders.

PMID- 27144686
TI  - Self-organization of the human embryo in the absence of maternal tissues.
AB  - Remodelling of the human embryo at implantation is indispensable for successful
      pregnancy. Yet it has remained mysterious because of the experimental hurdles
      that beset the study of this developmental phase. Here, we establish an in vitro
      system to culture human embryos through implantation stages in the absence of
      maternal tissues and reveal the key events of early human morphogenesis. These
      include segregation of the pluripotent embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages,
      and morphogenetic rearrangements leading to generation of a bilaminar disc,
      formation of a pro-amniotic cavity within the embryonic lineage, appearance of
      the prospective yolk sac, and trophoblast differentiation. Using human embryos
      and human pluripotent stem cells, we show that the reorganization of the
      embryonic lineage is mediated by cellular polarization leading to cavity
      formation. Together, our results indicate that the critical remodelling events at
      this stage of human development are embryo-autonomous, highlighting the
      remarkable and unanticipated self-organizing properties of human embryos.

PMID- 27144687
TI  - Multiple Differential Networks Strategy Reveals Carboplatin and Melphalan-Induced
      Dynamic Module Changes in Retinoblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common malignant tumor of the eye in
      childhood. The objective of this paper was to investigate carboplatin (CAR)- and
      melphalan (MEL)-induced dynamic module changes in RB based on multiple (M)
      differential networks, and to generate systems-level insights into RB
      progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS To achieve this goal, we constructed M
      differential co-expression networks (DCNs), assigned a weight to each edge, and
      identified seed genes in M DCNs by ranking genes based on their topological
      features. Starting with seed genes, a module search was performed to explore
      candidate modules in CAR and MEL condition. M-DMs were detected according to
      significance evaluations of M-modules, which originated from refinement of
      candidate modules. Further, we revealed dynamic changes in M-DM activity and
      connectivity on the basis of significance of Module Connectivity Dynamic Score
      (MCDS). RESULTS In the present study, M=2, a total of 21 seed genes were
      obtained. By assessing module search, refinement, and evaluation, we gained 18 2
      DMs. Moreover, 3 significant 2-DMs (Module 1, Module 2, and Module 3) with
      dynamic changes across CAR and MEL condition were determined, and we denoted them
      as dynamic modules. Module 1 had 27 nodes of which 6 were seed genes and 56
      edges. Module 2 was composed of 28 nodes and 54 edges. A total of 28 nodes
      interacted with 45 edges presented in Module 3. CONCLUSIONS We have identified 3
      dynamic modules with changes induced by CAR and MEL in RB, which might give
      insights in revealing molecular mechanism for RB therapy. 

PMID- 27144688
TI  - Novel Cephalosporins Selectively Active on Nonreplicating Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis.
AB  - We report two series of novel cephalosporins that are bactericidal to
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis alone of the pathogens tested, which only kill M.
      tuberculosis when its replication is halted by conditions resembling those
      believed to pertain in the host, and whose bactericidal activity is not dependent
      upon or enhanced by clavulanate, a beta-lactamase inhibitor. The two classes of
      cephalosporins bear an ester or alternatively an oxadiazole isostere at C-2 of
      the cephalosporin ring system, a position that is almost exclusively a carboxylic
      acid in clinically used agents in the class. Representatives of the series kill
      M. tuberculosis within macrophages without toxicity to the macrophages or other
      mammalian cells.

PMID- 27144689
TI  - Hemodynamic Effects of Phenylephrine, Vasopressin, and Epinephrine in Children
      With Pulmonary Hypertension: A Pilot Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: During a pulmonary hypertensive crisis, the marked increase in
      pulmonary vascular resistance can result in acute right ventricular failure and
      death. Currently, there are no therapeutic guidelines for managing an acute
      crisis. This pilot study examined the hemodynamic effects of phenylephrine,
      arginine vasopressin, and epinephrine in pediatric patients with pulmonary
      hypertension. DESIGN: In this prospective, open-label, nonrandomized pilot study,
      we enrolled pediatric patients previously diagnosed with pulmonary hypertensive
      who were scheduled electively for cardiac catheterization. Primary outcome was a
      change in the ratio of pulmonary-to-systemic vascular resistance. Baseline
      hemodynamic data were collected before and after the study drug was administered.
      PATIENTS: Eleven of 15 participants were women, median age was 9.2 years (range,
      1.7-14.9 yr), and median weight was 26.8 kg (range, 8.5-55.2 kg). Baseline mean
      pulmonary artery pressure was 49 +/- 19 mm Hg, and mean indexed pulmonary
      vascular resistance was 10 +/- 5.4 Wood units. Etiology of pulmonary hypertensive
      varied, and all were on systemic pulmonary hypertensive medications.
      INTERVENTIONS: Patients 1-5 received phenylephrine 1 MUg/kg; patients 6-10
      received arginine vasopressin 0.03 U/kg; and patients 11-15 received epinephrine
      1 MUg/kg. Hemodynamics was measured continuously for up to 10 minutes following
      study drug administration. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After study drug
      administration, the ratio of pulmonary-to-systemic vascular resistance decreased
      in three of five patients receiving phenylephrine, five of five patients
      receiving arginine vasopressin, and three of five patients receiving epinephrine.
      Although all three medications resulted in an increase in aortic pressure, only
      arginine vasopressin consistently resulted in a decrease in the ratio of systolic
      pulmonary artery-to-aortic pressure. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective pilot study of
      phenylephrine, arginine vasopressin, and epinephrine in pediatric patients with
      pulmonary hypertensive showed an increase in aortic pressure with all drugs
      although only vasopressin resulted in a consistent decrease in the ratio of
      pulmonary-to-systemic vascular resistance. Studies with more subjects are
      warranted to define optimal dosing strategies of these medications in an acute
      pulmonary hypertensive crisis.

PMID- 27144690
TI  - Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Dysfunction: Another Piece in the Puzzle.

PMID- 27144691
TI  - It's Time to ROCKIT: Predicting Venous Thrombosis in Children After Trauma.

PMID- 27144692
TI  - Recognizing Pediatric Sepsis: Do the Concepts Help Us to Focus Appropriately?

PMID- 27144693
TI  - Modes and Causes of Death in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care: Digging Deeper.

PMID- 27144694
TI  - Fluid Overload After Neonatal Cardiac Surgery Is Bad: Keep the Bottles on the
      Shelf, Squeeze the Patients...or Both?

PMID- 27144695
TI  - Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertensive Crisis Medications: A Stepping Stone for the
      Future.

PMID- 27144696
TI  - What Do Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Acute Costs Tell Us About Value? Currently
      Inconclusive.

PMID- 27144697
TI  - Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Easy to Prevent or Hard to Define?

PMID- 27144698
TI  - "Potential" Drug-Drug Interactions and the PICU: Should We Worry About ICU
      Polypharmacy?

PMID- 27144699
TI  - Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Infants and Children.

PMID- 27144700
TI  - After the Fairytale Ending: Functional Impairment After Pediatric Critical
      Illness.

PMID- 27144701
TI  - Perioperative Steroids in Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass: We Still Do Not Have
      All the Answers.

PMID- 27144702
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 27144703
TI  - The author replies.

PMID- 27144704
TI  - Magnesium Sulfate for Acute Asthma in Children: A Good Option, but How to Use It?

PMID- 27144705
TI  - The authors reply.

PMID- 27144706
TI  - You Are Hypoalbuminemic and So You Are Sick...but What Can I Do for You? Your
      Amino Acid Gram Could Help Me.

PMID- 27144707
TI  - The author replies.

PMID- 27144708
TI  - Prospective Evaluation of Agreement and Accuracy in the Diagnosis of Meniscal
      Tears: MR Arthrography a Short Time After Injection Versus CT Arthrography After
      a Moderate Delay.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of direct CT
      arthrography performed after a moderate injection delay with that of MR
      arthrography performed soon after injection in the diagnosis of meniscal tears.
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients underwent direct MR arthrography
      followed by same-day CT arthrography of the knee. Two blinded musculoskeletal
      radiologists independently reviewed the MR and CT arthrographic images for the
      presence of medial or lateral meniscal tears in the anterior horn, body, and
      posterior horn. Their readings were compared with a reference standard reading,
      which was based on post-MRI arthroscopic findings (n = 11) or the consensus
      opinion of two other musculoskeletal radiologists who simultaneously reviewed the
      paired CT and MR arthrographic examinations using all available clinical,
      surgical, and imaging information. The individual and combined radiologist
      agreements with the reference standard were calculated for each modality.
      RESULTS: Interreader agreement was 91% for MR arthrography and 85% for CT
      arthrography. The overall combined radiologist agreement with the reference
      standard was 91% for MR arthrography and 86% for CT arthrography (p = 0.03). For
      the two readers, the overall accuracy rates for diagnosing a meniscal tear were
      82% and 88% with MR arthrography and 74% and 76% with CT arthrography. Only 50%
      (3/6) of surgically proven tears imbibed gadolinium. CONCLUSION: Although MR
      arthrography performed soon after the contrast injection had higher interreader
      agreement and greater accuracy, CT arthrography performed after a mean
      postinjection delay of 100 minutes was moderately accurate in the diagnosis of
      meniscal tears and can be used as an alternative procedure when MR arthrography
      cannot be completed.

PMID- 27144709
TI  - [Some Caveats in the Interpretation of Population Attributable Risks].
AB  - Population attributable risks (PARs) are often used in health sciences because
      they offer an apparently easy answer to the question as to the proportion of
      disease cases that could be prevented in a population if one or more risk factors
      were eliminated. We discuss some problems in the interpretation of PARs that
      result from the fact that diseases have more than one cause. Moreover,
      requirements are discussed which have to be met before PARs can give a realistic
      idea of the proportion of cases of illness that can be avoided.

PMID- 27144710
TI  - [How are Pediatric Hospitals in North-Rhine Westfalia Prepared to Overcome
      Language Barriers? A Pilot Study Exploring The Structural Quality of Inpatient
      Care].
AB  - Background In Germany, 35% of all children are considered to have a "migration
      background", and in the state of North-Rhine-Westfalia 43%. Frequently, one or
      both parents of a patient with a migration background have limited German
      language proficiency. Communication barriers due to a language difference can
      have a negative impact on quality of care, patient safety and costs of care. In
      this study, we investigate how children's hospitals are prepared to meet the
      challenges associated with language barriers. Methods We surveyed all children's
      hospitals in the state of North-Rhine-Westfalia, Germany. The questionnaire was
      based on the "Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in
      Health and Health Care (CLAS)" and was adapted to circumstances in Germany.
      Results Thirty-eight hospitals participated (51%) in this survey. Language
      barriers occurred frequently (75% of respondents mentioned language difficulties
      in more than 10% of the patient population). 82% of respondents rated their
      hospital to be "less than well prepared" to overcome language barriers. In the
      majority of hospitals (62%), the need for an interpreter was determined on a case
      to-case basis and not according to any set protocol. In most cases bilingual
      staff was used for interpreting. However, only 38% of respondents found a list of
      available bilingual staff to be a sufficient resource. 42% of respondents did not
      know the monthly costs for professional interpreting services. In the remaining
      cases, costs were less than ? 500/month. Conclusion To overcome language
      barriers, hospitals rely on local resources. The majority of respondents did not
      find them to be appropriate and sufficient. The development of quality standards
      and the provision of financial resources are necessary to mobilize this potential
      for improvement. Therefore, other disciplines and sectors of healthcare need to
      be analyzed in order to provide the evidence for a constructive discussion with
      decision makers in policy and health insurance.

PMID- 27144711
TI  - [The Rule of Rescue - Irrational and Discriminating?]
AB  - State of the debate: The "Rule of Rescue" refers to the practice that, in order
      to save people from immediate peril, societies incur high costs largely
      irrespective of the fact that many more lives could be saved under alternative
      uses of the resources. The practice has been found difficult to explain, let
      alone justify, and has often been criticized. In the early literature in the
      context of the Oregon rationing experiment, the irrationality objection dominated
      in view of the obvious lack to consider opportunity costs. More recent
      contributions, taking account of the declining support for purely efficiency
      oriented prioritization approaches, advance an equity objection: The practice
      discriminates against statistical lives. Intent of the present contribution: This
      article provides a critical assessment of both objections. Results: The following
      contentions result from the analysis: 1. The equity objection is unfounded; 2.
      Following the rule of rescue is (in a certain sense) inefficient, but it is not
      irrational; 3. The criticized judgments result from deep-seated shortcomings in
      the action-theoretical concepts used (or rather, omitted) in the literature.
      These shortcomings are inherent in the consequentialist framework dominating the
      debate and deserve more attention.

PMID- 27144712
TI  - Requirements and Application Guide for the Use of Quality Indicators in Medical
      Care: Results of a Systematic Review.
AB  - Background: Quality indicators are employed in the assessment of quality of
      medical care. Valid measurement and reporting of quality are essential for
      maintenance and enhancement of high-quality medical care. The aim of this study
      was to identify the requirements for quality indicators and their successful
      implementation in routine care. Method: A systematic literature search conducted
      in Medline using MESH keywords resulted in 573 hits. A complementary hand search
      additionally identified 153 papers, so that in all 726 abstracts were screened.
      In conformity with the PRISMA Statement, 83 papers were finally included in this
      review. Results: Quality criteria are described in 48 publications and
      requirements for the application of quality indicators in medical care are given
      in 41 publications. Validity (n=19), feasibility (n=16), reliability (n=15), and
      interpretability of the quality indicator (n=14) are the most frequently named
      quality criteria, followed by relevance (n=10), sensitivity (n=8) and risk
      adjustment (n=6). The most common requirements for the application of quality
      indicators are integration of quality indicators in the given healthcare setting
      (n=15) and ability to derive potential improvement (n=11), data validity (n=8),
      data availability (n=7) as well as acceptance of the measurement in the given
      setting (n=6). Conclusion: Plausible quality measurements help improve healthcare
      structures and processes and provide patients and professionals with valid
      statements on the quality of care. The original articles examined focus primarily
      on the validity of quality indicators. A consensus on methodological criteria for
      the development, implementation and application of quality indicators is
      required. Furthermore, the practical applicability of quality criteria should be
      tested empirically.

PMID- 27144713
TI  - [Recovery and Inclusion: A Field Report on 5 Years of Peer Support in
      Psychiatry].
AB  - We report on 5 years of hands-on experience with the inclusion of peers as
      recovery companions in the psychiatric teams at Klinikum Bremerhaven
      Reinkenheide. It was our aim to offer those affected the possibility of
      professional inclusion into peer support and organize our department more
      strongly in line with recovery principles as result of their work. Currently,
      seven peer support people are permanent employees at our department. Their
      salaries are covered by the nursing budget. We discuss the preconditions of our
      model, implementation of the program, changes that occurred, but also problems
      that arose.

PMID- 27144714
TI  - Comparison of Right Ventricle Systolic Function between Long-Term Anabolic
      Androgenic Steroid User and Nonuser Bodybuilder Athletes: A Study of Two
      Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) effects of long-term use of anabolic
      androgenic steroids (AAS) are not clearly known. The aim of this study was to
      assess RV systolic functions by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography
      (2DSTE) in AAS user and nonuser bodybuilders. METHODS: A total of 33 competitive
      male bodybuilders (15 AAS users, 18 AAS nonusers) were assessed. To assess RV
      systolic functions, all participants underwent standard two-dimensional and
      Doppler echocardiography, and 2DSTE. RESULTS: Interventricular septal thickness,
      left ventricle posterior wall thickness, relative wall thickness, and left
      ventricle mass index were significantly higher in AAS users than nonusers. While
      standard diastolic parameters were not statistically different between the
      groups, tissue Doppler parameters including RV E' and E'/A' were lower in AAS
      users than nonusers (10.1 +/- 2.0 vs. 12.7 +/- 2.1; P = 0.001, 1.1 +/- 0.1 vs.
      1.5 +/- 0.4; P = 0.009, respectively). Tricuspid annular plane systolic
      excursion, RV fractional area change, and RV S' were in normal ranges. However,
      RV S' was found to be lower in users than nonusers (12.2 +/- 2.2 vs. 14.6 +/-
      2.8, P = 0.011). RV free wall longitudinal strain and strain rate were decreased
      in AAS users in comparison with nonusers (-20.2 +/- 3.1 vs. -23.3 +/- 3.5; P =
      0.012, -3.2 +/- 0.1 vs. -3.4 +/- 0.1; P = 0.022, respectively). In addition,
      there were good correlations between 2DSTE parameters and RV S', E', and E'/A'.
      CONCLUSION: Despite normal standard systolic echo parameters, peak systolic RV
      free wall strain and strain rate were reduced in AAS user bodybuilders in
      comparison with nonusers. Strain and strain rate by 2DSTE may be useful for early
      determination of subclinical RV dysfunction in AAS user bodybuilders.

PMID- 27144715
TI  - The Cell Surface Receptor CD44: NMR-Based Characterization of Putative Ligands.
AB  - The cell surface receptor CD44 is a glycoprotein belonging to the hyaluronan
      binding proteins, termed hyaladherins. CD44 is expressed in a wide variety of
      isoforms in many cells and, in particular, is present on the surface of malignant
      cells where it is involved in the onset and progression of cancer. In a first
      attempt to identify novel CD44-binding agents, we first characterized, with NMR
      spectroscopic techniques, several agents that were reported to bind to human CD44
      (hCD44). To our surprise, however, none of these putative CD44-binding agents,
      including a peptide that is in phase 2 clinical trials (A6 peptide) and a
      recently reported fragment hit, were found to interact significantly with
      recombinant hCD44(21-178). Nonetheless, we further report that a fragment
      screening campaign, with solution NMR spectroscopy as the detection method,
      identified a viable fragment hit that bound in a potentially functional pocket on
      the surface of CD44, opposite to the hyaluronic acid binding site. We hypothesize
      that this pocket could be indirectly associated with the cellular and in vivo
      activity of the A6 peptide, which would provide a novel framework for the
      possible development of therapeutically viable CD44 antagonists.

PMID- 27144716
TI  - Synthesis and Investigation of 2,6-Bis(picrylamino)-3,5-dinitro-pyridine (PYX)
      and Its Salts.
AB  - 2,6-Bis(picrylamino)pyridine (1; pre-PYX) and 2,6-bis(picrylamino)-3,5
      dinitropyridine (2; PYX) were synthesized using an improved literature method.
      Compounds 1 and 2 were reinvestigated in detail and the X-ray structures (1:
      rho=1.698 g cm(-3) at 173 K; 2: rho=1.757 g cm(-3) at 298 K) are given. The
      reactions of 2 with different bases, such as alkali metal hydroxides (sodium,
      potassium, rubidium, cesium), and N-bases (ammonia, hydrazine, hydroxylamine,
      guanidinium carbonate, aminoguanidine bicarbonate) are reported, as well as
      metathesis reactions producing energetic salts. Several energetic compounds were
      synthesized and characterized for the first time using vibrational (IR, Raman)
      and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and
      DSC. The crystal structures of four energetic salts were determined using low
      temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Heats of formation for the metal
      free species were calculated using the Gaussian 09 software. Detonation
      parameters were estimated using the EXPLO5 program. The sensitivities towards
      impact, friction, and electrostatic discharge were also determined. 

PMID- 27144717
TI  - Lateralization in Alpha-Band Oscillations Predicts the Locus and Spatial
      Distribution of Attention.
AB  - Attending to a task-relevant location changes how neural activity oscillates in
      the alpha band (8-13Hz) in posterior visual cortical areas. However, a clear
      understanding of the relationships between top-down attention, changes in alpha
      oscillations in visual cortex, and attention performance are still poorly
      understood. Here, we tested the degree to which the posterior alpha power tracked
      the locus of attention, the distribution of attention, and how well the
      topography of alpha could predict the locus of attention. We recorded
      magnetoencephalographic (MEG) data while subjects performed an attention
      demanding visual discrimination task that dissociated the direction of attention
      from the direction of a saccade to indicate choice. On some trials, an endogenous
      cue predicted the target's location, while on others it contained no spatial
      information. When the target's location was cued, alpha power decreased in
      sensors over occipital cortex contralateral to the attended visual field. When
      the cue did not predict the target's location, alpha power again decreased in
      sensors over occipital cortex, but bilaterally, and increased in sensors over
      frontal cortex. Thus, the distribution and the topography of alpha reliably
      indicated the locus of covert attention. Together, these results suggest that
      alpha synchronization reflects changes in the excitability of populations of
      neurons whose receptive fields match the locus of attention. This is consistent
      with the hypothesis that alpha oscillations reflect the neural mechanisms by
      which top-down control of attention biases information processing and modulate
      the activity of neurons in visual cortex.

PMID- 27144718
TI  - Vascularization is delayed in long nerve constructs compared with nerve grafts.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nerve regeneration across nerve constructs, such as acellular nerve
      allografts (ANAs), is inferior to nerve auto/isografts especially in the case of
      long defect lengths. Vascularization may contribute to poor regeneration. The
      time course of vascular perfusion within long grafts and constructs was tracked
      to determine vascularization. METHODS: Male Lewis rat sciatic nerves were
      transected and repaired with 6 cm isografts or ANAs. At variable days following
      grafting, animals were perfused with Evans Blue albumin, and grafts were
      evaluated for vascular perfusion by a blinded observer. RESULTS: Vascularization
      at mid-graft was re-established within 3-4 days in 6 cm isografts, while it was
      established after 10 days in 6 cm ANAs. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular perfusion is
      reestablished over a shorter time course in long isografts when compared with
      long ANAs. The differences in vascularization of long ANAs compared with
      auto/isografts suggest regenerative outcomes across ANAs could be affected by
      vascularization rates. Muscle Nerve 54: 319-321, 2016.

PMID- 27144719
TI  - Influence of Hydraulic Fracturing on Overlying Aquifers in the Presence of Leaky
      Abandoned Wells.
AB  - The association between hydrocarbon-rich reservoirs and organic-rich source rocks
      means unconventional oil and gas plays usually occur in mature sedimentary basins
      where large-scale conventional development has already taken place. Abandoned
      wells in proximity to hydraulic fracturing could be affected by increased fluid
      pressures and corresponding newly generated fractures that directly connect (frac
      hit) to an abandoned well or to existing fractures intersecting an abandoned
      well. If contaminants migrate to a pathway hydraulically connected to an
      abandoned well, upward leakage may occur. Potential effects of hydraulic
      fracturing on upward flow through a particular type of leaky abandoned well
      abandoned oil and gas wells converted into water wells were investigated using
      numerical modeling. Several factors that affect flow to leaky wells were
      considered including proximity of a leaky well to hydraulic fracturing, flowback,
      production, and leaky well abandonment methods. The numerical model used
      historical records and available industry data for the Eagle Ford Shale play in
      south Texas. Numerical simulations indicate that upward contaminant migration
      could occur through leaky converted wells if certain spatial and hydraulic
      conditions exist. Upward flow through leaky converted wells increased with
      proximity to hydraulic fracturing, but decreased when flowback and production
      occurred. Volumetric flow rates ranged between 0 and 0.086 m3 /d for hydraulic
      fracturing scenarios. Potential groundwater impacts should be paired with
      plausible transport mechanisms, and upward flow through leaky abandoned wells
      could be unrelated to hydraulic fracturing. The results also underscore the need
      to evaluate historical activities.

PMID- 27144720
TI  - Disentangling Action from Social Space: Tool-Use Differently Shapes the Space
      around Us.
AB  - Converging evidence suggests close relationships between the action and social
      space representations. The concepts of peripersonal space, as defined by
      cognitive neuroscience, and interpersonal space, as defined by social psychology,
      refer to approximately the same spatial area surrounding our bodies. The aim of
      this study was thus to assess experimentally whether the peripersonal (PPS) and
      interpersonal space (IPS) represent a similar psychological entity. Were this
      true, they should share some functional features. Here we tested tool-use
      dependent plasticity, known to modulate PPS, but still unexplored in the IPS.
      Results from two experiments converge in showing that tool-use remapped the
      action-related PPS, measured by a Reaching-distance toward a confederate, but did
      not affect the social-related IPS, measured by a Comfort-distance task. These
      findings indicate that PPS and IPS rely on dissociable plastic mechanisms and
      suggest that, at least in the present experimental conditions, there is no full
      functional overlap between these two spatial representations.

PMID- 27144721
TI  - Pro-phagocytic Effects of Thymoquinone on Cigarette Smoke-exposed Macrophages
      Occur by Modulation of the Sphingosine-1-phosphate Signalling System.
AB  - Oxidative stress, inflammation, increased bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis,
      and deficient phagocytic clearance of these cells (efferocytosis) by the alveolar
      macrophages are present in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in
      response to cigarette smoke. We previously showed that the macrophage dysfunction
      is associated with changes to the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signalling
      system. We hypothesized that the antioxidant/anti-inflammatory agent,
      thymoquinone, would improve macrophage phagocytosis via modulation of the S1P
      system and protect bronchial epithelial cells from cigarette smoke or
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis. Phagocytosis was assessed using flow
      cytometry, S1P mediators by Real-Time PCR, and apoptosis of 16HBE bronchial
      epithelial cells using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Cigarette smoke
      and LPS decreased phagocytosis and increased S1P receptor (S1PR)-5 mRNA in THP-1
      macrophages. Thymoquinone enhanced efferocytic/phagocytic ability, antagonized
      the effects of cigarette smoke extract and LPS on phagocytosis and S1PR5, and
      protected bronchial epithelial cells from cigarette smoke-induced apoptosis.
      Thymoquinone is worth further investigating as a potential therapeutic strategy
      for smoking-related lung diseases.

PMID- 27144722
TI  - Metacognitive knowledge and experience in recently diagnosed patients with
      bipolar disorder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Metacognition, which refers to an individual's ability to assess
      their own cognitive ability or performance, is poorly understood in bipolar
      disorder. This study was conducted to evaluate two aspects of metacognitive
      ability in recently diagnosed patients with bipolar disorder: (a) metacognitive
      knowledge, pertaining to awareness of one's own general cognitive functioning;
      and (b) metacognitive experience, referring to awareness of one's cognitive
      performance on a specific, online cognitive task. METHOD: Participants consisted
      of 50 clinically euthymic patients recently diagnosed with Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) bipolar I disorder
      who were within three months of resolution of their first manic episode, and a
      comparison group of 38 demographically similar healthy volunteers. To assess
      metacognitive knowledge, participants provided a general rating of their
      estimated cognitive ability prior to completing a neuropsychological battery, and
      self-ratings were compared to actual ability based on a composite score of
      overall cognitive functioning. To assess metacognitive experience, subjects
      provided a postdiction rating of their perceived memory performance after
      completing a list learning verbal memory test, and self-ratings were compared to
      actual memory performance. Measures of both relative and absolute accuracy of
      ratings were obtained. RESULTS: Results indicated that patients showed diminished
      accuracy in rating their general cognitive ability, implying deficits in
      metacognitive knowledge. In contrast, patients were accurate in rating their
      online memory performance, suggesting intact metacognitive experience.
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that in patients with bipolar disorder, intact task
      specific cognitive self-appraisals may fail to generalize to or to modify
      inaccurate global cognitive self-appraisals. Further research using more
      comprehensive metacognitive tasks is warranted in bipolar disorder.

PMID- 27144723
TI  - Contemporary Management Strategies for Chronic Type B Aortic Dissections: A
      Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, the optimal management strategy for chronic type B aortic
      dissections (CBAD) is unknown. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the
      literature to compare results of open surgical repair (OSR), standard thoracic
      endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) or branched and fenestrated TEVAR
      (BEVAR/FEVAR) for CBAD. METHODS: EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were searched for
      eligible studies between January 2000 and October 2015. Studies describing
      outcomes of OSR, TEVAR, B/FEVAR, or all, for CBAD patients initially treated with
      medical therapy, were included. Primary endpoints were early mortality, and one
      year and five-year survival. Secondary endpoints included occurrence of
      complications. Furthermore, a Time until Treatment Equipoise (TUTE) graph was
      constructed. RESULTS: Thirty-five articles were selected for systematic review. A
      total of 1081 OSR patients, 1397 TEVAR patients and 61 B/FEVAR patients were
      identified. Early mortality ranged from 5.6% to 21.0% for OSR, 0.0% to 13.7% for
      TEVAR, and 0.0% to 9.7% for B/FEVAR. For OSR, one-year and five-year survival
      ranged 72.0%-92.0% and 53.0%-86.7%, respectively. For TEVAR, one-year survival
      was 82.9%-100.0% and five-year survival 70.0%-88.9%. For B/FEVAR only one-year
      survival was available, ranging between 76.4% and 100.0%. Most common
      postoperative complications included stroke (OSR 0.0%-13.3%, TEVAR 0.0%-11.8%),
      spinal cord ischemia (OSR 0.0%-16.4%, TEVAR 0.0%-12.5%, B/FEVAR 0.0%-12.9%) and
      acute renal failure (OSR 0.0%-33.3%, TEVAR 0.0%-34.4%, B/FEVAR 0.0%-3.2%). Most
      common long-term complications after OSR included aneurysm formation (5.8%-20.0%)
      and new type A dissection (1.7-2.2%). Early complications after TEVAR included
      retrograde dissection (0.0%-7.1%), malperfusion (1.3%-9.4%), cardiac
      complications (0.0%-5.9%) and rupture (0.5%-5.0%). Most common long-term
      complications after TEVAR were rupture (0.5%-7.1%), endoleaks (0.0%-15.8%) and
      cardiac complications (5.9%-7.1%). No short-term aortic rupture or malperfusion
      was observed after B/FEVAR. Long-term complications included malperfusion (6.5%)
      and endoleaks (0.0%-66.7%). Reintervention rates after OSR, TEVAR and B/FEVAR
      were 5.8%-29.0%, 4.3%-47.4% and 0.0%-53.3%, respectively. TUTE for OSR was 2.7
      years, for TEVAR 9.9 months and for B/FEVAR 10.3 months. CONCLUSION: We found a
      limited early survival benefit of standard TEVAR over OSR for CBAD. Complication
      rates after TEVAR are higher, but complications after OSR are usually more
      serious. Initial experiences with B/FEVAR show its feasibility, but long-term
      results are needed to compare it to OSR and standard TEVAR. We conclude that
      optimal treatment of CBAD remains debatable and merits a patient specific
      decision. TUTE seems a feasible and useful tool to better understand management
      outcomes of CBAD.

PMID- 27144724
TI  - The safety and efficacy of nivolumab for the treatment of advanced renal cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite a variety of therapies for advanced advanced renal cell
      carcinoma (RCC) including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      inhibitors, outcomes for these patients are still not optimal. Immunotherapy with
      checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab, a fully human immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 PD
      1 inhibitor antibody, is a promising development in RCC and provides a new
      therapeutic option for patients with advanced disease. AREAS COVERED: This
      article reviews safety and efficacy data from the phase I, II, and III clinical
      trials that have led to the approval of nivolumab for the treatment of patients
      with advanced RCC who have previously been treated with VEGF-directed therapy.
      Expert Commentary: Given the overall survival advantage with nivolumab compared
      to previously approved therapy, nivolumab is a new standard of care in the second
      line setting for patients with advanced RCC. Additional studies are underway to
      answer important questions including the identification of biomarkes and the use
      of nivolumab in treatment-naive patients.

PMID- 27144725
TI  - Molecular characterisation and antifungal susceptibility of clinical Trichosporon
      isolates in India.
AB  - In Asian countries, Trichosporon infection is a well-known disease in Japan. In
      India, the infection is increasingly recognised. The study was conducted to
      characterise the clinical Trichosporon isolates from India by phenotypic and
      molecular techniques. A total of 31 Trichosporon clinical isolates, recovered
      from patients of 14 hospitals across India were sequenced (ITS and IGS1 regions
      of rDNA). In vitro drug susceptibility testing of the isolates was performed
      against amphotericin-B, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole.
      IGS1, rather than ITS sequences, correctly identified the isolates: Trichosporon
      asahii, 20; Trichosporon ovoides, 3; Trichosporon inkin, 2; Trichosporon
      asteroides, 1; Trichosporon mucoides, 1; Trichosporon loubieri, 1; Trichosporon
      debeurmannianum, 1; and Trichosporon dermatis, 1. Trichosporon asahii genotype
      III was the most common type, followed by genotype I and VII. Both these targets
      did not help to identify one Trichosporon to the species level. Trichosporon
      debeurmannianum, T. dermatis and T. asteroides were isolated for the first time
      from a human disease in India. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for
      voriconazole and posaconazole were within effective range. The study highlights
      the presence of wide range of Trichosporon species causing infection in India.
      Voriconazole or posaconazole may be the better drugs to treat such patients. 

PMID- 27144726
TI  - Magnetic solid-phase extraction based on a polydopamine-coated Fe3 O4
      nanoparticles absorbent for the determination of bisphenol A, tetrabromobisphenol
      A, 2,4,6-tribromophenol, and (S)-1,1'-bi-2-naphthol in environmental waters by
      HPLC.
AB  - Polydopamine-coated Fe3 O4 magnetic nanoparticles synthesized through a facile
      solvothermal reaction and the self-polymerization of dopamine have been employed
      as a magnetic solid-phase extraction sorbent to enrich four phenolic compounds,
      bisphenol A, tetrabromobisphenol A, (S)-1,1'-bi-2-naphthol and 2,4,6
      tribromophenol, from environmental waters followed by high-performance liquid
      chromatographic detection. Various parameters of the extraction were optimized,
      including the pH of the sample matrix, the amount of polydopamine-coated Fe3 O4
      sorbent, the adsorption time, the enrichment factor of analytes, the elution
      solvent, and the reusability of the nanoparticles sorbent. The recoveries of
      these phenols in spiked water samples were 62.0-112.0% with relative standard
      deviations of 0.8-7.7%, indicating the good reliability of the magnetic solid
      phase extraction with high-performance liquid chromatography method. In addition,
      the extraction characteristics of the magnetic polydopamine-coated Fe3 O4
      nanoparticles were elucidated comprehensively. It is found that there are
      hydrophobic, pi-pi stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions between phenols and
      more dispersible polydopamine-coated Fe3 O4 in water, among which hydrophobic
      interaction dominates the magnetic solid-phase extraction performance. 

PMID- 27144727
TI  - Using nitrification inhibitors to mitigate agricultural N2 O emission: a double
      edged sword?
AB  - Nitrification inhibitors show promise in decreasing nitrous oxide (N2 O) emission
      from agricultural systems worldwide, but they may be much less effective than
      previously thought when both direct and indirect emissions are taken into
      account. Whilst nitrification inhibitors are effective at decreasing direct N2 O
      emission and nitrate (NO3- ) leaching, limited studies suggest that they may
      increase ammonia (NH3 ) volatilization and, subsequently, indirect N2 O emission.
      These dual effects are typically not considered when evaluating the inhibitors as
      a climate change mitigation tool. Here, we collate results from the literature
      that simultaneously examined the effects of nitrification inhibitors on N2 O and
      NH3 emissions. We found that nitrification inhibitors decreased direct N2 O
      emission by 0.2-4.5 kg N2 O-N ha-1 (8-57%), but generally increased NH3 emission
      by 0.2-18.7 kg NH3 -N ha-1 (3-65%). Taking into account the estimated indirect N2
      O emission from deposited NH3 , the overall impact of nitrification inhibitors
      ranged from -4.5 (reduction) to +0.5 (increase) kg N2 O-N ha-1 . Our results
      suggest that the beneficial effect of nitrification inhibitors in decreasing
      direct N2 O emission can be undermined or even outweighed by an increase in NH3
      volatilization.

PMID- 27144728
TI  - Clinicians' perceptions of decision making regarding discharge from public
      hospitals to in-patient rehabilitation following trauma.
AB  - Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the perceptions of
      consultant surgeons, allied health clinicians and rehabilitation consultants
      regarding discharge destination decision making from the acute hospital following
      trauma. Methods A qualitative study was performed using individual in-depth
      interviews of clinicians in Victoria (Australia) between April 2013 and September
      2014. Thematic analysis was used to derive important themes. Case studies
      provided quantitative information to enhance the information gained via
      interviews. Results Thirteen rehabilitation consultants, eight consultant
      surgeons and 13 allied health clinicians were interviewed. Key themes that
      emerged included the importance of financial considerations as drivers of
      decision making and the perceived lack of involvement of medical staff in
      decisions regarding discharge destination following trauma. Other themes included
      the lack of consistency of factors thought to be important drivers of discharge
      and the difficulty in acting on trauma patients' requests in terms of discharge
      destination. Importantly, as the complexity of the patient increases in terms of
      acquired brain injury, the options for rehabilitation become scarcer. Conclusions
      The information gained in the present study highlights the large variation in
      discharge practises between and within clinical groups. Further consultation with
      stakeholders involved in the care of trauma patients, as well as government
      bodies involved in hospital funding, is needed to derive a more consistent
      approach to discharge destination decision making. What is known about the topic?
      Little is known about the drivers for referral to, or acceptance at, in-patient
      rehabilitation following acute hospital care for traumatic injury in Victoria,
      Australia, including who makes these decisions of behalf of patients and how
      these decisions are made. What does this paper add? This paper provides
      information regarding the perceptions of acute hospital consultant surgeons and
      allied health, as well as rehabilitation clinicians, in terms of discharge
      destination decision making from the acute hospital following trauma. The use of
      case studies further highlights differences between, and within, these
      specialities with regard to this decision making. This research also highlights
      the importance of financial considerations as drivers of decision making, and the
      lack of consistency of the factors thought to be important drivers of discharge
      between these different clinical groupings. What are the implications for
      practitioners? This research shows that financial factors are significant drivers
      of discharge destination decision making for trauma patients. The present study
      highlights opportunities to engage with stakeholders (acute care, rehabilitation,
      administration, government and patients) to develop more consistent discharge
      processes that optimise the use of rehabilitation resources for those patients
      who could benefit from in-patient rehabilitation.

PMID- 27144729
TI  - Health goal priming as a situated intervention tool: how to benefit from
      nonconscious motivational routes to health behaviour.
AB  - Recent research has shown the limited effects of intentions on behaviour, so that
      novel methods to facilitate behaviour change are needed that do not rely on
      conscious intentions. Here, it is argued that nonintentional effects on health
      behaviour, such as the effects of habits, impulses, and nonconscious goals, occur
      through the activation of cognitive structures by specific situations.
      Interventions should therefore be situated to change these effects, either by
      changing the critical cognitive structures (training interventions), or by
      changing which cognitive structures get activated (cueing interventions). The
      current article presents this framework for situated interventions, as well as
      examples of interventions of each type. Then, it introduces goal priming as a
      cueing intervention tool to activate health goals and thus facilitate healthier
      behaviour, even in tempting situations that typically activate short-term hedonic
      goals. Following a review of empirical evidence, five principles for the
      effective application of health goal primes are proposed, namely (1) to target
      individuals who value the primed goals, (2) by activating their specific
      motivation, (3) through effective cues (4) that attract attention at the right
      time. Finally, (5) an effective goal-directed behaviour needs to be known and
      accessible to the primed individual. These principles are illustrated with
      examples of different health behaviours in order to facilitate their application
      for successful behaviour change.

PMID- 27144730
TI  - Changes in Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Subsequent Sickness Absence Due to
      Any Cause, Musculoskeletal, and Mental Causes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between changes in physical activity and sickness
      absence is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the
      association between changes in leisure-time physical activity and long-term
      sickness absence due to any cause and musculoskeletal and mental causes. METHODS:
      We measured physical activity at baseline in 2000-2002 (response rate 67%) and at
      follow-up in 2007 (response rate 83%) among middle-aged employees of the City of
      Helsinki, Finland. The survey data were linked to the Finnish Social Insurance
      Institute's register data on sickness benefit periods > 9 days, including
      diagnoses (ICD-10; International Statistical Classification of Diseases and
      Related Health Problems, 10th revision) (mean follow-up 2.3 years). We used a
      negative binomial model to calculate rate ratios. The analyses included 4010
      respondents (81% women). RESULTS: Those who were persistently vigorously active
      and those whose physical activity level changed from low to moderate or vigorous,
      from moderate to vigorous, or from vigorous to moderate were at lower risk for
      sickness absence than were the persistently low-activity group. For sickness
      absence due to musculoskeletal causes, vigorous activity showed stronger
      associations, whereas mental causes showed no such associations. CONCLUSIONS: To
      reduce sickness absence due to both musculoskeletal and mental causes, middle
      aged and aging employees should be encouraged to engage in physical activity.

PMID- 27144731
TI  - Potential of hydrolysis of particulate COD in extended anaerobic conditions to
      enhance biological phosphorous removal.
AB  - The effect of anaerobic hydrolysis of particulate COD (pCOD) on biological
      phosphorous removal in extended anaerobic condition was investigated through (i)
      sequencing batch reactors (SBR)s with anaerobic hydraulic retention time (HRT) of
      0.8, 2, and 4 h; (ii) batch tests using biomass from a full scale biological
      nutrient removal (BNR) plant; and (iii) activated sludge modeling (BioWin 4.1
      simulation). The results from long-term SBRs operation showed that phosphorus
      removal was correlated to the ratio of filtered COD (FCOD) to total phosphorus
      (TP) in the influent. Under conditions with low FCOD/TP ratio (average of 20) in
      the influent, extending anaerobic HRT to 4 h in the presence of pCOD did not
      significantly improve overall phosphorous removal. During the period with high
      FCOD/TP ratio (average of 37) in the influent, all SBRs removed phosphorous
      completely, and the long anaerobic HRT did not have negative effect on overall
      phosphorous removal. The batch tests also showed that pCOD at different
      concentration during 4 h test did not affect the rate of anaerobic phosphorus
      release. The rate of anaerobic hydrolysis of pCOD was significantly low and
      extending the anaerobic HRT was ineffective. The simulation (BioWin 4.1) of SBRs
      with low influent FCOD/TP ratio showed that the default kinetics of anaerobic
      hydrolysis in ASM2d overestimated phosphorous removal in the SBRs (high anaerobic
      hydrolysis of pCOD). The default anaerobic hydrolysis rate in BioWin 4.1 (ten
      times lower) could produce similar phosphorous removal to that in the experiment.
      Results showed that the current kinetics of anaerobic hydrolysis in ASM2d could
      lead to considerable error in predicting phosphorus removal in processes with
      extended anaerobic HRT. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2377-2385. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144732
TI  - No Surgeon Is an Island.

PMID- 27144733
TI  - Health-related quality of life in children and adolescents: Current normative
      data, determinants and reliability on proxy-report.
AB  - AIM: Health-related quality of life (HrQoL) is a multidimensional concept
      including self-reported measures of physical and mental health. Throughout the
      last decades, HrQoL has become a more and more important outcome measure not only
      in clinical conditions. This study evaluates current HrQoL of healthy children
      and adolescents, determinants of HrQoL, and the agreement between self- and proxy
      report. METHODS: From April 2012 to July 2013, we prospectively examined 530
      healthy children (13.2 +/- 2.1 years, 236 girls) and their parents on their
      childrens HrQoL using the KINDL-R self-report questionnaire and the parent's
      proxy-report. Data was compared to the established reference value from 2007 and
      the agreement of self- and parent's proxy-report was assessed by calculation of
      intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: In general, the HrQoL improved
      compared to references in both children's (104.5 +/- 12.6 % of predicted
      reference value, P < .001) and parent's proxy-report (104.3 +/- 12.3 % of
      predicted reference value, P < .001). HrQoL declined with proceeding age (r = 
      .247, P < .001) but was not associated with BMI (r = -.035, P = .420). There was
      good accordance between children's reported HrQoL and the parent's proxy-report
      (ICC: .774). Only in the domains 'self-esteem' (ICC: .558) and 'Emotional well
      being' (ICC: .612) the agreements were moderate. CONCLUSIONS: HrQoL perception
      has increased throughout the past 10 years and worsens with increasing age.
      Moreover, the parent's proxy-report of the KINDL-R questionnaire is a good
      supplementary method to provide additional information regarding to children's
      HrQoL.

PMID- 27144734
TI  - National Swedish study of immigrant children with type 1 diabetes showed impaired
      metabolic control after three years of treatment.
AB  - AIM: This study examined the clinical status and socio-demographic conditions of
      children with type 1 diabetes at baseline and after three years of treatment,
      comparing those born to immigrant parents and Swedish parents. METHODS: This
      observational nationwide population-based cohort study used prospectively
      collected registry data from Swediabkids, the National Quality Registry for
      Paediatric Diabetes in Sweden from 2000 to 2010. Of the 13 415 children with type
      1 diabetes, there were 879 born to immigrant parents. We selected three children
      born to Swedish parents from the same registry for each immigrant child matching
      them by gender, age and year of diabetes onset (n = 2627; with 10 control
      children missing probably due to the matching procedure). RESULTS: Immigrant
      children had a higher median glycated haemoglobin level (HbA1c) than their
      Swedish peers, but there was no difference in the frequency of hypoglycaemia or
      ketoacidosis between the two cohorts. A linear regression model with HbA1c as a
      dependent variable showed that insulin units per kilogram of body weight were the
      main reason for inferior metabolic control. CONCLUSION: Children with type 1
      diabetes born to immigrant parents had inferior metabolic control three years
      after disease onset compared to children with Swedish born parents. Social family
      support and educational coping programmes are needed to improve treatment
      outcomes in immigrants with diabetes.

PMID- 27144736
TI  - Differential Water Thermodynamics Determine PI3K-Beta/Delta Selectivity for
      Solvent-Exposed Ligand Modifications.
AB  - Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are involved in important cellular functions
      and represent desirable targets for drug discovery efforts, especially related to
      oncology; however, the four PI3K subtypes (alpha, beta, gamma, and delta) have
      highly similar binding sites, making the design of selective inhibitors
      challenging. A series of inhibitors with selectivity toward the beta subtype over
      delta resulted in compound 3(S), which has entered a phase I/Ib clinical trial
      for patients with advanced PTEN-deficient cancer. Interestingly, X-ray
      crystallography revealed that the modifications making inhibitor 3(S) and related
      compounds selective toward the beta-isoform do not interact directly with either
      PI3Kbeta or PI3Kdelta, thereby confounding rationalization of the SAR. Here, we
      apply explicit solvent molecular dynamics and solvent thermodynamic analysis
      using WaterMap in an effort to understand the unusual affinity and selectivity
      trends. We find that differences in solvent energetics and water networks, which
      are modulated upon binding of different ligands, explain the experimental
      affinity and selectivity trends. This study highlights the critical role of water
      molecules in molecular recognition and the importance of considering water
      networks in drug discovery efforts to rationalize and improve selectivity.

PMID- 27144735
TI  - Disease models for the development of therapies for lysosomal storage diseases.
AB  - Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of rare diseases in which the
      function of the lysosome is disrupted by the accumulation of macromolecules. The
      complexity underlying the pathogenesis of LSDs and the small, often pediatric,
      population of patients make the development of therapies for these diseases
      challenging. Current treatments are only available for a small subset of LSDs and
      have not been effective at treating neurological symptoms. Disease-relevant
      cellular and animal models with high clinical predictability are critical for the
      discovery and development of new treatments for LSDs. In this paper, we review
      how LSD patient primary cells and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cellular
      models are providing novel assay systems in which phenotypes are more similar to
      those of the human LSD physiology. Furthermore, larger animal disease models are
      providing additional tools for evaluation of the efficacy of drug candidates.
      Early predictors of efficacy and better understanding of disease biology can
      significantly affect the translational process by focusing efforts on those
      therapies with the higher probability of success, thus decreasing overall time
      and cost spent in clinical development and increasing the overall positive
      outcomes in clinical trials.

PMID- 27144737
TI  - Elevated Serum Uric Acid Is Associated with Greater Bone Mineral Density and
      Skeletal Muscle Mass in Middle-Aged and Older Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have suggested a positive link between
      serum uric acid (UA) and bone mineral density (BMD). In this study, we re
      examined the association between UA and BMD and further explored whether this was
      mediated by skeletal muscle mass in a general Chinese population. METHOD: This
      community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 3079 (963 men and 2116
      women) Chinese adults aged 40-75 years. Face-to-face interviews and laboratory
      analyses were performed to determine serum UA and various covariates. Dual-energy
      X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess the BMD and appendicular skeletal muscle
      mass. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI = ASM/Height(2), kg/m(2)) for the total
      limbs, arms, and legs was then calculated. RESULTS: The serum UA was graded and,
      in general, was significantly and positively associated with the BMD and muscle
      mass, after adjustment for multiple covariates in the total sample. Compared with
      participants in lowest quartile of UA, those participants in highest quartile
      showed a 2.3%(whole body), 4.1%(lumbar spine), 2.4%(total hip), and 2.0% (femoral
      neck) greater BMDs. The mean SMIs in the highest (vs. lowest) quartile increased
      by 2.7% (total), 2.5% (arm), 2.7% (leg) respectively. In addition, path analysis
      suggested that the favorable association between UA and BMD might be mediated by
      increasing SMI. CONCLUSION: The elevated serum UA was associated with a higher
      BMD and a greater muscle mass in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese population and
      the UA-BMD association was partly mediated by muscle mass.

PMID- 27144738
TI  - Arcuate fasciculus asymmetry has a hand in language function but not handedness.
AB  - The importance of relationships between handedness, language lateralization and
      localization, and white matter tracts for language performance is unclear. The
      goal of the study was to investigate these relationships by examining arcuate
      fasciculus (AF) structural asymmetry (DTI) and functional asymmetry (fMRI) in
      language circuits, handedness, and linguistic performance. A large sample of
      right-handed (n = 158) and atypical-handed (n = 82) healthy adults underwent DTI
      at 3 T to assess number of streamlines and fractional anisotropy (FA) of the AF,
      and language fMRI. Language functions were assessed using standard tests of
      vocabulary, naming, verbal fluency, and complex ideation. Laterality indices
      (LIs) illustrated degree of asymmetry and lateralization patterns for the AF
      (streamlines and FA) and verb generation fMRI. Both handedness groups showed
      leftward lateralization bias for streamline and fMRI LIs and symmetry for FA LI.
      The proportion of subjects with left, right, or symmetric lateralization were
      similar between groups if based on AF LIs, but differed if based on fMRI LIs (p =
      0.0016). Degree of right-handedness was not associated with AF lateralization,
      but was associated with fMRI language lateralization (p = 0.0014). FA LI was not
      associated with performance on language assessments, but streamline LI was
      associated with better vocabulary and complex ideation performance in atypical
      handed subjects (p = 0.022 and p = 0.0098, respectively), and better semantic
      fluency in right-handed subjects (p = 0.047); however, these did not survive
      multiple comparisons correction. We provide evidence that AF asymmetry is
      independent of hand preference, and while degree of right-handedness is
      associated with hemispheric language lateralization, the majority of atypical
      handed individuals are left-lateralized for language. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3297
      3309, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144740
TI  - Consultation on regulators gets under way.
AB  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council could find it easier to create lists of
      specialist practitioners on its register under proposals set out in a
      consultation on regulation.

PMID- 27144742
TI  - College considers next steps after pensions ballot.
AB  - The RCN is to meet other unions to discuss the 'next steps forward' regarding the
      government's plans to change NHS pensions.

PMID- 27144741
TI  - Nurses show they are game for a laugh.
AB  - An NHS trust in Lancashire has introduced traditional board games at its
      hospitals in an effort to help nurses bond more easily with their patients.

PMID- 27144739
TI  - A Luciferase-Expressing Leishmania braziliensis Line That Leads to Sustained Skin
      Lesions in BALB/c Mice and Allows Monitoring of Miltefosine Treatment Outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leishmania braziliensis is the most prevalent species isolated from
      patients displaying cutaneous and muco-cutaneous leishmaniasis in South America.
      However, there are difficulties for studying L. braziliensis pathogenesis or
      response to chemotherapy in vivo due to the natural resistance of most mouse
      strains to infection with these parasites. The aim of this work was to develop an
      experimental set up that could be used to assess drug efficacy against L.
      braziliensis. The model was tested using miltefosine. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: A L. braziliensis line, originally isolated from a cutaneous
      leishmaniasis patient, was passaged repeatedly in laboratory rodents and further
      genetically manipulated to express luciferase. Once collected from a culture of
      parasites freshly transformed from amastigotes, 106 wild type or luciferase
      expressing stationary phase promastigotes were inoculated subcutaneously in young
      BALB/c mice or golden hamsters. In both groups, sustained cutaneous lesions
      developed at the site of inoculation, no spontaneous self- healing being observed
      4 months post-inoculation, if left untreated. Compared to the wild type line
      features, no difference was noted for the luciferase-transgenic line. Infected
      animals were treated with 5 or 15 mg/kg/day miltefosine orally for 15 days. At
      the end of treatment, lesions had regressed and parasites were not detected.
      However, relapses were observed in animals treated with both doses of
      miltefosine. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Here we described experimental settings
      for a late-healing model of cutaneous leishmaniasis upon inoculation of a
      luciferase-expressing L. braziliensis line that can be applied to drug
      development projects. These settings allowed the monitoring of the transient
      efficacy of a short-term miltefosine administration.

PMID- 27144743
TI  - NMC says placements can restart at Pilgrim Hospital.
AB  - A hospital criticised for poor care has been given the go-ahead to reopen its
      doors to nursing students on placement from this month.

PMID- 27144744
TI  - Employers have a duty to ensure linguistic competence.
AB  - NHS employers who identify European nurses with inadequate language skills are
      responsible for helping them improve their English, according to new guidance.

PMID- 27144745
TI  - Government response to commission findings 'insulting'.
AB  - A member of Gordon Brown's commission on the future of nursing and midwifery has
      attacked the coalition government for failing to implement its findings.

PMID- 27144746
TI  - Students worry about public opinion.
AB  - Nursing students are more concerned about public perception of the profession
      than jobs cuts or pay, according to the RCN.

PMID- 27144747
TI  - The Nursing and Midwifery Council wants your views on equality.
AB  - I have said before that there is no such thing as a typical nurse or midwife. You
      only need to glance around any ward in the UK to see that the 670,000 nurses and
      midwives on our register come from an array of incredibly diverse backgrounds.

PMID- 27144748
TI  - Thanks a bunch.
AB  - Dangerous daisies, hazardous heliotropes or a delightful gift to gladden the
      heart? Flowers in hospital are still a minefield. Some hospitals ban them, some
      do not. Some wards will not let a bunch past the door, while others welcome their
      cheering presence.

PMID- 27144749
TI  - Waste water.
AB  - Can teeth-brushing be a source of family conflict? You bet. Take the question of
      brush ownership. Yesterday, I found one of the boys had been using my new purple
      one for a fortnight, claiming it to be his. Now it is chewed up and I have got to
      buy both of us a new one.

PMID- 27144750
TI  - I faced my fear of communicating and enhanced my patient insight.
AB  - During a recent surgical placement I helped look after four female patients who
      were undergoing mastectomies after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

PMID- 27144751
TI  - Workforce.
AB  - The future of national pay for NHS nurses is in the balance. Chancellor George
      Osborne has charged the independent pay review body (RB) with making Agenda for
      Change more 'market facing in local areas'. It has to examine the scope to
      differentiate pay levels by geographical areas or zones, reporting in July.

PMID- 27144752
TI  - Sleeping tablets.
AB  - I have some patients requesting prescriptions for benzodiazepines and 'Z' drugs
      for insomnia. It concerns me that some of these patients have been on such drugs
      for years.

PMID- 27144754
TI  - The Handbook of Midwifery Research Steen Mary Roberts Taniya The Handbook of
      Midwifery Research 240pp Wiley-Blackwell 9781405195102 140519510X [Formula: see
      text].
AB  - Written for practising midwives and midwifery students, this detailed, well
      structured and accessible 240-page handbook covers all general research
      principles.

PMID- 27144753
TI  - Medicines management in Adult Nursing Lawson Elizabeth Hennefer Dawn L Medicines
      management in Adult Nursing 192pp Learning Matters 9781844458424 1844458423
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - With the expansion of nursing roles in medication management, the introduction of
      the nursing formulary and the Nursing and Midwifery Council's 2012 essential
      skills clusters, this succinct new book promotes the fundamentals of safe and
      effective medicines management to pre-registration nursing students.

PMID- 27144755
TI  - Military Nurse.
AB  - The Military Nurse website is dedicated to all the military nurses, in and out of
      uniform, in the United States and throughout the world. It is an informative
      resource, and is particularly rich in military nursing history.

PMID- 27144756
TI  - Creativity and Communication in Persons with Dementia - A Practical Guide Killick
      John Craig Claire Creativity and Communication in Persons with Dementia - A
      Practical Guide 216pp Jessica Kingsley Publishers 9781849051132 1849051135
      [Formula: see text].
AB  - This practical guide will help those who care for people with dementia to develop
      a creative approach to communication.

PMID- 27144758
TI  - Teamwork helps nurses to develop personally and professionally.
AB  - Your columnist Jane Bates claims that teaching team building is a waste of time (
      reflections February 15 ), saying that nursing students should have less time
      allotted to 'collaborative working' and more time spent learning how to look
      after patients.

PMID- 27144757
TI  - RCN members throw away chance to have their say on pensions.
AB  - I have just seen the result of the RCN ballot of members on the government's
      pensions offer. The vote closed on February 27 and 65,759 votes were cast, a
      turnout of 16 per cent of the RCN members eligible to vote.

PMID- 27144759
TI  - Bedside handovers are only suitable on general wards.
AB  - Further to the Care campaign feature, 'Nurses have a duty to be kind, friendly
      and polite' (February 8), I was interested to read about the introduction of
      bedside handovers for nursing teams.

PMID- 27144760
TI  - Who says going from the wards to the lords is a good thing?
AB  - Nursing Standard's Peer Pressure campaign aims to boost the number of nurses in
      the House of Lords. There are currently only four nurses out of a total
      membership of 788 ( news February 15 ).

PMID- 27144761
TI  - Making good oral hygiene a priority for all our patients.
AB  - Oral hygiene is an important aspect of basic patient care, but it is often
      overlooked among all the other tasks we need to carry out.

PMID- 27144762
TI  - Tell us how can we improve health outcomes for children.
AB  - Health secretary Andrew Lansley launched a children's and young people's outcomes
      strategy on January 26.

PMID- 27144763
TI  - Cost of competition proving greater than we imagined.
AB  - There is much to value in the NHS in England, particularly its patient
      satisfaction levels, investment in staff and its rebuilding programme.

PMID- 27144765
TI  - Corrections - 07.03.12.

PMID- 27144764
TI  - Nice swimming against the tide with its new quality standards.
AB  - I am pleased that the RCN has endorsed the quality standards for adult NHS
      services launched by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
      (NICE).

PMID- 27144766
TI  - In vitro calcium availability in bakery products fortified with tuna bone powder
      as a natural calcium source.
AB  - Avoidance of dairy products due to lactose intolerance can lead to insufficiency
      of calcium (Ca) in the body. In an approach to address this problem, tuna bone
      powder (TBP) was formulated as a calcium supplement to fortify bakery products.
      In a study, TBP recovered by alkaline treatment contained 38.16 g/100 g of
      calcium and 23.31 g/100 g of phosphorus. The ratio of Ca:P that was close to 2:1
      was hence comparable to that in human bones. The availability of calcium in TBP
      was 53.93%, which was significantly higher than most calcium salts, tricalcium
      phosphate (TCP) being the exception. In vitro availability of calcium in TBP
      fortified cookies or TCP-fortified cookies were comparable at 38.9% and 39.5%,
      respectively. These values were higher than the readings from TBP-fortified bread
      (36.7%) or TCP-fortified bread (37.4%). Sensory evaluation of bakery products
      containing TBP or TCP elicited comparable scores for the two additives from test
      panels. Hence, TBP could be used in the production of high calcium bakery
      products that would enjoy consumer acceptance. 

PMID- 27144767
TI  - Combined Use of Electron and Light Microscopy Techniques Reveals False Secondary
      Shell Units in Megaloolithidae Eggshells.
AB  - Abnormalities in the histo- and ultrastructure of the amniote eggshell are often
      related to diverse factors, such as ambient stress during egg formation,
      pathologies altering the physiology of the egg-laying females, or evolutionarily
      selected modifications of the eggshell structure that vary the physical
      properties of the egg, for example increasing its strength so as to avoid
      fracture during incubation. When dealing with fossil materials, all the above
      hypotheses are plausible, but a detailed taphonomical study has to be performed
      to rule out the possibility that secondary processes of recrystallization have
      occurred during fossilization. Traditional analyses, such as optical microscopy
      inspection and cathodoluminescence, have proven not to be enough to understand
      the taphonomic story of some eggshells. Recently, electron backscatter
      diffraction has been used, in combination with other techniques, to better
      understand the alteration of fossil eggshells. Here we present a combined study
      using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, cathodoluminescence and
      electron backscatter diffraction of eggshell fragments assigned to Megaloolithus
      cf. siruguei from the Upper Cretaceous outcrops of the Cameros Basin. We focus
      our study on the presence of secondary shell units that mimic most aspects of the
      ultrastructure of the eggshell mammillae, but grow far from the inner surface of
      the eggshell. We call these structures extra-spherulites, describe their crystal
      structure and demonstrate their secondary origin. Our study has important
      implications for the interpretation of secondary shell units as biological or
      pathological structures. Thus, electron backscatter diffraction complements other
      microscope techniques as a useful tool for understanding taphonomical alterations
      in fossil eggshells.

PMID- 27144768
TI  - IFAR Editorial May 2016.

PMID- 27144769
TI  - Shortened Lifespan and Lethal Hemorrhage in a Hemophilia A Mouse Model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hemophilia A animal models have helped advance our understanding of
      factor VIII deficiency. Previously, factor VIII deficient mouse models were
      reported to have a normal life span without spontaneous bleeds. However, the
      bleeding frequency and survival in these animals has not been thoroughly
      evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the survival and lethal bleeding frequency
      in two strains of E-16 hemophilia A mice. METHODS: We prospectively studied
      factor VIII deficient hemizygous affected males (n = 83) and homozygous affected
      females (n = 55) for survival and bleeding frequency. Animals were evaluated for
      presence and location of bleeds as potential cause of death. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSIONS: Hemophilia A mice had a median survival of 254 days, which is
      significantly shortened compared to wild type controls (p < 0.0001). In addition,
      the hemophilia A mice experienced hemorrhage in several tissues. This previously
      underappreciated shortened survival in the hemophilia A murine model provides new
      outcomes for investigation of therapeutics and also reflects the shortened
      lifespan of patients if left untreated.

PMID- 27144770
TI  - A New Basal Salamandroid (Amphibia, Urodela) from the Late Jurassic of Qinglong,
      Hebei Province, China.
AB  - A new salamandroid salamander, Qinglongtriton gangouensis (gen. et sp. nov.), is
      named and described based on 46 fossil specimens of juveniles and adults
      collected from the Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian) Tiaojishan Formation cropping out
      in Hebei Province, China. The new salamander displays several ontogenetically and
      taxonomically significant features, most prominently the presence of a toothed
      palatine, toothed coronoid, and a unique pattern of the hyobranchium in adults.
      Comparative study of the new salamander with previously known fossil and extant
      salamandroids sheds new light on the early evolution of the Salamandroidea, the
      most species-diverse clade in the Urodela. Cladistic analysis places the new
      salamander as the sister taxon to Beiyanerpeton, and the two taxa together form
      the basalmost clade within the Salamandroidea. Along with recently reported
      Beiyanerpeton from the same geological formation in the neighboring Liaoning
      Province, the discovery of Qinglongtriton indicates that morphological disparity
      had been underway for the salamandroid clade by early Late Jurassic (Oxfordian)
      time.

PMID- 27144771
TI  - Identifying Behavioral Phenotypes and Heterogeneity in Heart Valve Surface
      Endothelium.
AB  - Heart valvular endothelial cells (VECs) are distinct from vascular endothelial
      cells (ECs), but have an uncertain context within the spectrum of known
      endothelial phenotypes, including lymphatic ECs (LECs). Profiling the phenotypes
      of the heart valve surface VECs would facilitate identification of a proper
      seeding population for tissue-engineered valves, as well as elucidate mechanisms
      of valvular disease. Porcine VECs and porcine aortic ECs (AECs) were isolated
      from pig hearts and characterized to assess known EC and LEC markers. A transwell
      migration assay determined their propensity to migrate toward vascular
      endothelial growth factor, an angiogenic stimulus, over 24 h. Compared to AECs,
      Flt-1 was expressed on almost double the percentage of VECs, measured as 74
      versus 38%. The expression of angiogenic EC markers CXCR4 and DLL4 was >90% on
      AECs, whereas VECs showed only 35% CXCR4+ and 47% DLL4+. AECs demonstrated
      greater migration (71.5 +/- 11.0 cells per image field) than the VECs with 30.0
      +/- 15.3 cells per image field (p = 0.032). In total, 30% of VECs were positive
      for LYVE1+/Prox1+, while these markers were absent in AECs. In conclusion, the
      population of cells on the surface of heart valves is heterogeneous, consisting
      largely of nonangiogenic VECs and a subset of LECs. Previous studies have
      indicated the presence of LECs within the interior of the valves; however, this
      is the first study to demonstrate their presence on the surface. Identification
      of this unique endothelial mixture is a step forward in the development of
      engineered valve replacements as a uniform EC seeding population may not be the
      best option to maximize transplant success.

PMID- 27144772
TI  - Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase as a Potential Key Factor for Human Prenatal
      Development.
AB  - Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) converts highly active epoxyeicosatrienoic acids
      (EETs) generated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases from arachidonic acid to
      less active dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. Because of the role of EETs in
      processes potentially relevant to the development of organisms, EETs could be
      suggested as potential morphogens. Unfortunately, only little is known about sEH
      expression during human intrauterine development (IUD). We investigated the
      spatio-temporal expression pattern of sEH in human embryonic/foetal intestines,
      liver and kidney from the 6th to the 20th week of IUD by two-step
      immunohistochemistry. sEH was expressed during the whole tested period of
      prenatal development and its level of expression remained more or less the same
      during the estimated period of IUD. Distribution of CYP epoxygenases and sEH in
      the intestinal epithelium and the nephrogenic zone of the kidney suggests an
      influence of EETs on cell proliferation and differentiation and, consequently, on
      the development of intestines and kidney. Thus, alterations in the strict spatio
      temporal pattern of expression of CYP epoxygenases and/or sEH during human
      prenatal development by xenobiotics could have a harmful impact for developing
      organisms.

PMID- 27144773
TI  - On the Automatic Decellularisation of Porcine Aortae: A Repeatability Study Using
      a Non-Enzymatic Approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the repeatability of automatic decellularisation of
      porcine aortae using a non-enzymatic approach, addressing current limitations
      associated with other automatic decellularisation processes. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Individual porcine aortae (n = 3) were resected and every third segment
      (n = 4) was allocated to one of three different groups: a control or a manually
      or automatically decellularised group. Manual and automatic decellularisation was
      performed using Triton X-100 (2% v/v) and sodium deoxycholate. Protein
      preservation and the elimination of a galactosyl-alpha(1,3)galactose (GAL)
      epitope were measured using immunohistochemistry and protein binding assays. The
      presence of residual DNA was determined with gel electrophoresis and
      spectrophotometry. Scaffold integrity was characterised with scanning electron
      microscopy and uni-axial tensile testing. Manual and automatic results were
      compared to one another, to control groups and to current gold standards.
      RESULTS: The results were comparable to those of current gold standard
      decellularisation techniques. Successful repeatability was achieved, both
      manually and automatically, with little effect on mechanical characteristics.
      Complete acellularity was not confirmed in either decellularisation group.
      Protein preservation was consistent in both the manually and automatically
      decellularised groups and between each individual aorta. Elimination of GAL was
      not achieved. CONCLUSION: Repeatable automatic decellularisation of porcine
      aortae is feasible using a Triton X-100-sodium deoxycholate protocol. Protein
      preservation was satisfactory; however, gold standard thresholds for permissible
      residual DNA levels were not achieved. Future research will focus on addressing
      this issue by optimisation of the existing protocol for thick tissues.

PMID- 27144774
TI  - Stretchable Superhydrophobicity from Monolithic, Three-Dimensional Hierarchical
      Wrinkles.
AB  - We report the design of three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical wrinkle substrates
      that can maintain their superhydrophobicity even after being repeatedly
      stretched. Monolithic poly(dimethysiloxane) with multiscale features showed
      wetting properties characteristic of static superhydrophobicity with water
      contact angles (>160 degrees ) and very low contact angle hysteresis (<5 degrees
      ). To examine how superhydrophobicity was maintained as the substrate was
      stretched, we investigated the dynamic wetting behavior of bouncing and splashing
      upon droplet impact with the surface. On hierarchical wrinkles consisting of
      three different length scales, superhydrophobic bouncing was observed. The
      substrate remained superhydrophobic up to 100% stretching with no structural
      defects after 1000 cycles of stretching and releasing. Stretchable
      superhydrophobicity was possible because of the monolithic nature of the
      hierarchical wrinkles as well as partial preservation of nanoscale structures
      under stretching.

PMID- 27144775
TI  - MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF INTRACRANIAL INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS IN DOGS:
      SENSITIVITY OF SUBTRACTION IMAGES VERSUS PRE- AND POST-GADOLINIUM T1-WEIGHTED
      IMAGE PAIRS.
AB  - Ante mortem diagnosis of canine meningoencephalitis is usually based on the
      results of neurologic examination, cerebrospinal fluid analysis and magnetic
      resonance (MR) imaging. It has been hypothesized that subtraction MR imaging may
      increase the sensitivity of MR for intracranial inflammatory lesions compared to
      conventional post-gadolinium T1-weighted imaging. Sensitivity of pre- and post
      gadolinium (C-/C+) image pairs and dynamic subtraction (DS) images was compared
      in a retrospective diagnostic accuracy study of 52 dogs with inflammatory
      cerebrospinal fluid and 67 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Series of transverse C
      /C+ and DS images were reviewed independently for signs of abnormal enhancement
      affecting the pachymeninges, leptomeninges or intra-axial structures. Sensitivity
      of C-/C+ image pairs and DS images was 48% (95% CI: 35-61%) and 65% (95% CI: 52
      77%), respectively (P = 0.01). Intra-axial lesions were observed more frequently
      than meningeal lesions in both C-/C+ (43% vs. 31%) and DS images (61% vs. 22%).
      The difference in sensitivities of C-/C+ and DS series was entirely due to
      increased sensitivity of DS images for intra-axial lesions. Eight (12%) dogs with
      epilepsy had evidence of intra-axial gadolinium accumulation affecting the
      cerebral cortex in DS images. This finding may represent a false-positive result
      or a true sign of pathology, possibly associated with a leaky blood-brain barrier
      in areas of the brain affected by neovascularization secondary to repeated
      seizures. Results suggest that DS imaging has higher sensitivity than comparison
      of pre- and post-gadolinium image pairs for inflammatory intra-axial lesions. 

PMID- 27144776
TI  - Cytokeratin 20 positive cells in blood of colorectal cancer patients as an
      unfavorable prognostic marker.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cytokeratin 20 (CK20) is one of the most investigated markers for the
      detection of circulating colorectal cancer (CRC) cells by reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The aim of this study was to evaluate
      prognostic value of RT-PCR detection of circulating CRC cells using CK20 as a
      marker, and to compare the value of preoperative and postoperative blood sample
      analysis for that purpose. METHODS: Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was isolated from
      mononuclear cell fraction of blood samples taken from 95 CRC patients before and
      after tumor resection and from 23 healthy volunteers and assayed by real-time RT
      PCR for CK20 expression. RESULTS: In patients positive for CK20 postoperatively
      both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival were significantly
      shorter than in patients negative for CK20 postoperatively, while the difference
      between patients positive and negative for CK20 preoperatively was not
      statistically significant in terms of neither PFS nor overall survival.
      CONCLUSION: Our results have shown prognostic value of circulating cancer cells
      detected in postoperative blood samples from CRC patients using CK20 as marker
      for RT-PCR, which has potential implications for treatment of these patients. In
      clinical practice, CK20 expression profile could be a factor in weighting
      treatment options in CRC patients. In cases where multiple treatment options are
      possible, patients with positive postoperative CK20 expression could be
      candidates to receive more aggressive treatment.

PMID- 27144777
TI  - Value of MMA crossmatch?

PMID- 27144778
TI  - Communicative challenges in the home care of older persons - a qualitative
      exploration.
AB  - AIM: To explore communicative challenges in encounters between nurse assistants
      and older persons during home care visits. BACKGROUND: The older population is
      increasing worldwide. Currently, there is a shift in care for older people from
      institutional care to home care. Providing home care in a person's home involves
      several challenges, including the complexity of communication. DESIGN: A
      descriptive observational design with a qualitative approach was used. METHODS:
      The data consisted of audio recordings of real-life encounters during home care
      visits between nurse assistants and older persons, collected in 2014. A
      hermeneutic phenomenological analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Communicative
      challenges were identified: (a) in situations where the older persons had a
      different view than the nurse assistants on the care task and its content; and
      (b) when unexpected actions or turns occurred in the communication. Challenges
      included older person's existential issues, fragility and worries and concerns,
      which often appeared to be only vaguely expressed and difficult to verbally
      detect and tackle. This engendered a risk of misinterpretation or ignorance of
      these challenges. CONCLUSION: The findings point to the importance of
      communication as the key to facilitate person-centred home care. Communication
      training should focus more on addressing needs and existential issues in older
      persons. Person-centred home care for older persons needs to be addressed at both
      an individual and an organizational level.

PMID- 27144779
TI  - Competitive Adsorption of Plasma Proteins Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance.
AB  - Proteins that get adsorbed onto the surfaces of biomaterials immediately upon
      their implantation mediate the interactions between the material and the
      environment. This process, in which proteins in a complex mixture compete for
      adsorption sites on the surface, is determined by the physicochemical
      interactions at the interface. Competitive adsorption of bovine serum albumin
      (BSA), fibronectin (Fn), and collagen type I (Col I), sequentially and from
      mixtures, was investigated so as to understand the performances of different
      surfaces used in biomedical applications. A quartz crystal microbalance with
      dissipation was used to monitor the adsorption of these proteins onto two
      materials used in functional bone replacement, a titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) and
      Ti6Al4V physisorbed with poly(sodium styrenesulfonate) [poly(NaSS)], and three
      controls, gold, poly(desaminotyrosyltyrosine ethyl ester carbonate) [poly(DTEc)],
      and polystyrene (PS). In experiments with individual proteins, the adsorption was
      the highest with Fn and Col I and the least with BSA. Also, protein adsorption
      was the highest on poly(NaSS) and Ti6Al4V and the least on poly(DTEc). In
      sequential adsorption experiments, protein exchange was observed in BSA + Fn, Fn
      + Col I, and BSA + Col I sequences but not in Fn + BSA and Col I + BSA because of
      the lower affinity of BSA to surfaces relative to Fn and Col I. Protein
      adsorption was the highest with Col I + Fn on hydrophobic surfaces. In
      experiments with protein mixtures, with BSA & Fn, Fn appears to be preferentially
      adsorbed; with Fn & Col I, both proteins were adsorbed, probably as multilayers;
      and with Col I & BSA, the total amount of protein was the highest, greater than
      that in sequential and individual adsorption of the two proteins, probably
      because of the formation of BSA and Col I complexes. Protein conformational
      changes induced by the adsorbing surfaces, protein-protein interactions, and
      affinities of proteins appear to be the important factors that govern competitive
      adsorption. The findings reported here will be useful in understanding the host
      response to surfaces used for implants. 

PMID- 27144781
TI  - Transmission of vibration through gloves: effects of contact area.
AB  - For three samples of material (12.5, 25.0 and 37.5 mm diameter) from each of
      three gloves, the dynamic stiffnesses and the vibration transmissibilities of the
      materials (to both the palm of the hand and the thenar eminence) were measured at
      frequencies from 10 to 300 Hz. Additional measurements showed the apparent masses
      of the hand at the palm and the thenar eminence were independent of contact area
      at frequencies less than about 40 Hz, but increased with increasing area at
      higher frequencies. The stiffness and damping of the glove materials increased
      with increasing area. These changes caused material transmissibilities to the
      hand to increase with increasing area. It is concluded that the size of the area
      of contact has a large influence on the transmission of vibration through a glove
      to the hand. The area of contact should be well-defined and controlled when
      evaluating the transmission of vibration through gloves. Practitioner Summary:
      The transmission of vibration through gloves depends on both the dynamic
      stiffness of glove material and the dynamic response of the hand. Both of these
      depend on the size of the contact area between a glove material and the hand,
      which should be taken into account when assessing glove transmissibility.

PMID- 27144780
TI  - Mediating Mechanisms of Theory-Based Psychosocial Determinants on Behavioral
      Changes in a Middle School Obesity Risk Reduction Curriculum Intervention,
      Choice, Control, and Change.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A limited number of school-based intervention studies have explored
      mediating mechanisms of theory-based psychosocial variables on obesity risk
      behavior changes. The current study investigated how theory-based psychosocial
      determinants mediated changes in energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs) among
      urban youth. METHODS: A secondary analysis study was conducted using data from a
      cluster randomized controlled trial. Data from students at 10 middle schools in
      New York City (n = 1136) were used. The intervention, Choice, Control, and Change
      curriculum, was based on social cognitive and self-determination theories. Theory
      based psychosocial determinants (goal intention, cognitive outcome expectations,
      affective outcome expectations, self-efficacy, perceived barriers, and autonomous
      motivation) and EBRBs were measured with self-report questionnaires. Mediation
      mechanisms were examined using structural equation modeling, Results: Mediating
      mechanisms for daily sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and purposeful
      stair climbing were identified. Models with best fit indices (root mean square
      error of approximation = 0.039/0.045, normed fit index = 0.916/0.882; comparative
      fit index = 0.945/0.932; Tucker-Lewis index = 0.896/0.882, respectively)
      suggested that goal intention and reduced perceived barriers were significant
      proximal mediators for reducing SSB consumption among both boys and girls or
      increasing physical activity by stair climbing among boys. Cognitive outcome
      expectations, affective outcome expectations, self-efficacy, and autonomous
      motivation indirectly mediated behavioral changes through goal intention or
      perceived barriers (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The final models explained 25%-27% of
      behavioral outcome variances. CONCLUSIONS: Theory-based psychosocial determinants
      targeted in Choice, Control, and Change in fact mediated behavior changes in
      middle school students. Strategies targeting these mediators might benefit future
      success of behavioral interventions. Further studies are needed to determine
      other potential mediators of EBRBs in youth.

PMID- 27144782
TI  - Development and validation of glycoprotein-based native-subunit vaccine for fish
      against Aeromonas hydrophila.
AB  - Aeromonas hydrophila is known to be causative agent of an infection named as
      Bacterial haemorrhagic septicaemia or red pest in freshwater fish. The aim of
      this study was to develop and validate the glycoprotein-based fish vaccine
      against Aeromonas hydrophila. For this aim, after identification and
      characterization of A. hydrophila isolates from fish farms, one A. hydrophila
      isolate was selected as vaccine strain. Antigenic glycoproteins of this vaccine
      strain were determined by Western blotting and glycan detection kit. The
      connection types of these glycoproteins were examined by glycoprotein
      differentiation kit. Two glycoproteins, molecular weights of 19 and 38 kDa, with
      SNA connection type were selected for use in vaccination trials. After their
      purification by SNA-specific lectin and size-exclusion chromatography, protection
      studies with purified proteins were performed. For challenge trials, four
      experimental fish groups were designated: Group I (with montanide), Group II
      (with montanide and ginseng), Group III [with Al(OH)3 ] and Group IV [with
      Al(OH)3 and ginseng]. The survival ratings of fish were determined, and
      protection was calculated as 21.56%, 29.41%, 69.83% and 78.88% in groups I, II,
      III and IV, respectively. In conclusion, A. hydrophila glycoproteins with Al(OH)3
      and ginseng could be used as a safe and effective vaccine for fish. 

PMID- 27144783
TI  - Hidden Obesity in Dialysis Patients: Clinical Implications.
AB  - While body-mass index (BMI) is used to diagnose obesity in the general
      population, its application in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population is
      fraught with difficulty. A major limitation is its inability to distinguish
      muscle mass from fat mass, thereby leading to misclassification of individuals
      with poor muscle mass but excess adipose tissue as non-obese (i.e. BMI <30
      kg/m(2) ). As muscle wasting is common among ESRD patients, this is an important
      problem. A substantial proportion of ESRD patients have levels of BMI in the
      normal range, yet excess adiposity based on other measures. The importance of
      this "hidden" obesity remains to be determined, but it must be recognized in
      order for obesity interventions to be appropriately targeted and tested in the
      ESRD population.

PMID- 27144784
TI  - Chemiexcitation Efficiency of Intermolecular Electron-transfer Catalyzed Peroxide
      Decomposition Shows Low Sensitivity to Solvent-cavity Effects.
AB  - Intermolecular chemically initiated electron exchange luminescence (CIEEL)
      systems are known to possess low chemiluminescence efficiency; whereas, the
      corresponding intramolecular transformations are highly efficient. As the reasons
      for this discrepancy are not known, we report in this work our studies of the
      solvent-cavity effect on the efficiency of two intermolecular CIEEL systems, the
      catalyzed decomposition of diphenoyl peroxide and of a relatively stable 1,2
      dioxetanone derivative, spiro-adamantyl-1,2-dioxetanone. The results indicate a
      very low medium viscosity effect on the quantum yields of these systems, a priori
      not compatible with these bimolecular transformations, showing also that their
      low efficiency cannot be due to solvent-cavity escape of intermediate radical ion
      pairs. In addition, the solvent-cage effect on the CIEEL efficiency, after the
      occurrence of the initial electron transfer, proved also to be very low,
      indicating the intrinsic low viscosity effect on the chemiexcitation step.
      Therefore, it is concluded that the low efficiency of these systems is intrinsic
      to the chemiexcitation step and cannot be improved by medium viscosity effects,
      being possibly due to sterical hindrance on charge-transfer complex formation in
      the initial step of the CIEEL.

PMID- 27144785
TI  - Effect of Onabotulinum Toxin A on Substance P and Receptor Neurokinin 1 in the
      Rat Ventral Prostate.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this work is to examine if sensory innervation
      impacts lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Onabotulinum toxin A (BoNTA) has
      been used for the treatment of overactive and neurogenic bladder and as a
      treatment for LUTS secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The mechanism
      of how BoNTA impacts LUTS/BPH is unclear. In rats, BoNTA injection causes
      prostate denervation, apoptosis and atrophy. In clinical trials reduced prostate
      size and LUTS are observed inconsistently, suggesting a neurologic component. We
      will examine if BoNTA treatment inhibits substance P production in sensory nerve
      fibers in the rat prostate. METHODS: Twenty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into
      four groups including 1X PBS (control, n=6), 2.5 units Onabotulinum toxin A
      (BoNTA, n=6), 5 units BoNTA (n=6) injected into both lobes of the ventral
      prostate (VP) and sham surgery (n=2). Rats were Euthanized after one week.
      Substance P and its receptor neurokinin 1 localization and quantification were
      performed by counting the number of stained neurons and nerve bundles, by semi
      quantitative immunohistochemical analysis and by western analysis. RESULTS:
      Substance P was localized in neuronal axons and bundles in the stroma of the VP
      but not in the epithelium. Receptor neurokinin 1 was identified in neuronal
      bundles of the stroma and in columnar epithelium of the VP ducts. Substance P
      decreased ~90% after BoNTA treatment (p=0.0001) while receptor neurokinin 1 did
      not change by IHC (p=0.213) or Western (p=0.3675). CONCLUSIONS: BoNTA treatment
      decreases substance P in the rat VP.

PMID- 27144786
TI  - Responding to the Global Threat of High-Consequence Pathogens: Protecting Health
      Care Workers and Caring for Patients.

PMID- 27144787
TI  - One Step at a Time. Lifestyle Physical Activity Interventions.

PMID- 27144788
TI  - Healthy Diets and Lung Health. Connecting the Dots.

PMID- 27144789
TI  - The Intention to Test for Latent Tuberculosis Should Be a Targeted Intention to
      Trust and Treat the Result.

PMID- 27144790
TI  - "Latent Tuberculosis Infection" Is a Term That Should Go Dormant, and the
      Significance of Latent Tuberculosis Should Be Rethought.

PMID- 27144791
TI  - Integrating Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit. Evidence Gaps and Quality
      Gaps.

PMID- 27144792
TI  - The Goldilocks Dilemma. How Much Work is "Just Right" for the Intensivist?

PMID- 27144793
TI  - Validation and Refinement of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction Phenotypes in
      Bilateral and Single Lung Recipients.
AB  - RATIONALE: The clinical course of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is
      heterogeneous. Forced vital capacity (FVC) loss at onset, which may suggest a
      restrictive phenotype, was associated with worse survival for bilateral lung
      transplant recipients in one previously published single-center study.
      OBJECTIVES: We sought to replicate the significance of FVC loss in an
      independent, retrospectively identified cohort of bilateral lung transplant
      recipients and to investigate extended application of this approach to single
      lung recipients. METHODS: FVC loss and other potential predictors of survival
      after the onset of CLAD were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional
      hazards models. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: FVC loss at the onset of CLAD was
      associated with higher mortality in an independent cohort of bilateral lung
      transplant recipients (hazard ratio [HR], 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      2.02-3.73; P < 0.0001) and in a multicenter cohort of single lung recipients (HR,
      1.80; 95% CI, 1.09-2.98; P = 0.02). Including all subjects, the deleterious
      impact of FVC loss on survival persisted after adjustment for other relevant
      clinical variables (HR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.77-3.15; P < 0.0001). In patients who
      develop CLAD without FVC loss, chest computed tomography features suggestive of
      pleural or parenchymal fibrosis also predicted worse survival in both bilateral
      (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.16-5.20; P = 0.02) and single recipients (HR, 2.47; 95% CI,
      1.24-10.57; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: We independently validated the prognostic
      significance of FVC loss for bilateral lung recipients and demonstrated that this
      approach to CLAD classification also confers prognostic information for single
      lung transplant recipients. Improved understanding of these discrete phenotypes
      is critical to the development of effective therapies.

PMID- 27144794
TI  - Patient and Clinician Characteristics Associated with Adherence. A Cohort Study
      of Veterans with Incidental Pulmonary Nodules.
AB  - RATIONALE: Many patients are diagnosed with small pulmonary nodules for which
      professional societies recommend subsequent imaging surveillance. Adherence to
      these guidelines involves many steps from both clinicians and patients but has
      not been well studied. OBJECTIVES: In a health care setting with a nodule
      tracking system, we evaluated the association of communication processes and
      distress with patient and clinician adherence to recommended follow up and
      Fleischner Society guidelines, respectively. METHODS: We conducted a prospective,
      longitudinally assessed, cohort study of patients with incidentally detected
      nodules who received care at one Veterans Affairs Medical Center. We measured
      patient-centered communication with the Consultation Care Measure and distress
      with the Impact of Event Scale. We abstracted data regarding participant
      adherence to clinician recommendations (defined as receiving the follow-up scan
      within 30 d of the recommended date) and clinician adherence to Fleischner
      guidelines (defined as planning the follow-up scan within 30 d of the recommended
      interval) from the electronic medical record. We measured associations of
      communication and distress with adherence using multivariable-adjusted
      generalized estimating equations. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among 138
      veterans, 39% were nonadherent at least once during follow up. Clinicians were
      nonadherent to Fleischner guidelines for 27% of follow-up scans. High-quality
      communication (adjusted odds ratio, 3.65; P = 0.02) and distress (adjusted odds
      ratio, 0.38; P = 0.02) were associated with increased and decreased participant
      adherence, respectively. Neither was associated with clinician adherence.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients and clinicians often do not adhere to nodule follow-up
      recommendations. Interventions designed to improve communication quality and
      decrease distress may also improve patient adherence to nodule follow-up
      recommendations.

PMID- 27144795
TI  - Medical Record Quality Assessments of Palliative Care for Intensive Care Unit
      Patients. Do They Match the Perspectives of Nurses and Families?
AB  - RATIONALE: To understand how well palliative care is provided in the intensive
      care unit (ICU) and to direct improvements, measurement of the quality of care
      delivered is requisite. OBJECTIVES: To measure the quality of palliative care
      delivered in the ICU, using chart review-derived process quality measures of
      palliative care in critically ill patients, and to compare these measures with
      family and nursing perspectives on the quality of care provided. METHODS: We
      developed and operationalized a comprehensive quality evaluation measure set from
      previously endorsed palliative care measure statements, using a rigorous
      multidisciplinary Delphi process focused on optimizing the validity and
      feasibility of chart review-derived metrics. Fourteen process measures assessed
      the quality of care delivered across established domains of palliative care for
      the ICU. We assessed the quality of care for ICU patients with ICU length of stay
      exceeding 2 days from three perspectives: medical record reviews, family
      satisfaction reports, and nurse ratings from those providing care in the ICU.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We evaluated the care over a 7-month period of 150
      patients (mean age, 63.9 yr [SD 13.4], average ICU length of stay, 7.5 d [SD
      7.2]). Overall, ICU patients received 53.1% of recommended palliative care. The
      Family Satisfaction with Care in the Intensive Care Unit total scores from 136
      family members (response rate, 91%) were high, 85.7 (SE 2.0) and 86.0 (SE 1.6),
      at the two sites but not correlated to measured quality delivered. Nurses rated
      the quality of care higher than medical record review (mean, 77.3% [SD 13.4]; n =
      135) and similarly correlation with chart based process measures was poor.
      CONCLUSIONS: Delivering high-quality palliative care in the ICU requires
      assessing key patient-centered domains. However, assessments from different
      perspectives do not always agree with technical quality of care as measured
      through chart-based metrics. We found deficits across seven domains of technical
      quality that were not correlated with either nurse or family ratings. Despite
      care gaps, families were generally satisfied with the care delivered. We conclude
      that each measurement perspective provides an independent view that can guide
      quality improvement and innovation work as well as subsequent research.

PMID- 27144796
TI  - Barriers and Strategies for Early Mobilization of Patients in Intensive Care
      Units.
AB  - Early mobilization of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is safe,
      feasible, and beneficial. However, implementation of early mobility as part of
      routine clinical care can be challenging. The objective of this review is to
      identify barriers to early mobilization and discuss strategies to overcome such
      barriers. Based on a literature search, we synthesize data from 40 studies
      reporting 28 unique barriers to early mobility, of which 14 (50%) were patient
      related, 5 (18%) structural, 5 (18%) ICU cultural, and 4 (14%) process-related
      barriers. These barriers varied across ICUs and within disciplines, depending on
      the ICU patient population, setting, attitude, and ICU culture. To overcome the
      identified barriers, over 70 strategies were reported and are synthesized in this
      review, including: implementation of safety guidelines; use of mobility
      protocols; interprofessional training, education, and rounds; and involvement of
      physician champions. Systematic efforts to change ICU culture to prioritize early
      mobilization using an interprofessional approach and multiple targeted strategies
      are important components of successfully implementing early mobility in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 27144798
TI  - Trust Your Instincts. Surgical Lung Biopsy with Normal Chest Imaging in a 49-Year
      Old Man with Progressive Dyspnea.

PMID- 27144797
TI  - ATS Core Curriculum 2016: Part II. Adult Critical Care Medicine.

PMID- 27144799
TI  - A 40-Year-Old Woman with Progressive Shortness of Breath, Cough, and Recurrent
      "Pneumonia".

PMID- 27144800
TI  - Survey of Annual Staffing Workloads for Adult Critical Care Physicians Working in
      the United States.

PMID- 27144801
TI  - Adult Scimitar Syndrome with Severe Pulmonary Hypertension, Treated by Occlusion
      of Aortopulmonary Collateral.

PMID- 27144802
TI  - Pulmonary Infection Secondary to Chrysosporium zonatum in an Immunocompetent Man.

PMID- 27144803
TI  - Is 1p36 deletion associated with anterior body wall defects?
AB  - Epispadias and exstrophy of the cloaca, also known as OEIS complex (omphalocele,
      exstrophy, imperforate anus, spinal defects), respectively constitute the most
      benign and severe ends of the bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex (BEEC)
      spectrum. In 2009, El-Hattab et al. reported the first patient with OEIS complex
      associated with a chromosome 1p36 deletion. Here we report a second patient with
      1p36 deletion who also has classic bladder exstrophy, supporting the possible
      role of genes in this region in the development of BEEC. The absence of
      omphalocele and imperforate anus in our patient places him toward classic bladder
      exstrophy while presence of spina bifida and the absence of coccyx suggest an
      overlap with OEIS complex. An additional differential diagnosis is the pentalogy
      of Cantrell in our patient as he also has a diaphragmatic hernia and an
      incomplete sternum. This is the second observation of a ventral midline birth
      defect in association with 1p36 deletion syndrome, following El-Hattab et al.'s
      report [2009]. The three genes (NOCL2, DVL1, and MMP23B) discussed as possible
      candidates are also among the deleted ones in our patient, supporting the
      possible role of these genes in BEEC spectrum. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144804
TI  - Physical Activity Level of Post-menopausal Women with Low Bone Mineral Density.
AB  - Introduction Proper physical activity is related to the prevention and the
      treatment of osteoporosis. Purpose To assess the level of physical activity (PA)
      in post-menopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD). Methods This cross
      sectional clinical study included 123 post-menopausal women. The inclusion
      criteria were: age of >= 45 years with last menses at least 12 months prior to
      the initiation of the study, and bone density scan (BDS) values measured over the
      preceding 12 months. Women with severe osteoarthritis were excluded. Women were
      allocated into three groups, according to BMD measured by BDS [osteoporosis (OP;
      54 women), osteopenia (35 women), and normal bone density (NBD; 35 women)], and
      compared for general, clinical, and anthropometric data, and for PA level. The
      latter was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire
      (IPAQ), in metabolic equivalent of task (MET) units. Participants were classified
      as sedentary, active or very active. Quantitative variables were compared using
      ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. Associations between qualitative variables were
      tested by Chi-square (chi2) or Fisher's exact test. In order to check for
      differences among groups and IPAQ domains, a generalized linear model with Gamma
      distribution was adjusted for values in METs. Results The OP group differed from
      the NBD group regarding age (61.8 +/- 10.1 and 52.9 +/- 5.4 years), percentage of
      participants with self-declared white ethnicity (43.9 and 28.0%), body mass index
      (BMI - 25.7 +/- 5.4 and 30.9 +/- 5.1 kg/m(2)), and time since menopause (15.5 +/-
      7.5 and 5.8 +/- 4.5 years). Smoking rates were higher in the OP (55.6%) and NBD
      groups (33.3%) than in the osteopenia group (11.1%). Within the OP group, the
      rate of subjects with sedentary lifestyles was higher (42.6%), and time spent
      sitting was greater (344.3 +/- 204.8 METs) than in the groups with osteopenia
      (20.0% and 300.9 +/- 230.6 METs) and NBD (17.7% and 303.2 +/- 187.9 METs).
      Conclusions The rate of sedentary lifestyles was higher in post-menopausal women
      with OP than in those with either osteopenia or NBD. In order to change this
      physical inactivity profile, strategies should be created to address this group
      of patients. 

PMID- 27144805
TI  - Transformational leadership in nursing and medication safety education: a
      discussion paper.
AB  - AIMS: This paper discusses the application of transformational leadership to the
      teaching and learning of safe medication management. BACKGROUND: The prevalence
      of adverse drug events (ADEs) and medication-related hospitalisations (one
      hundred thousand each year in the USA) are of concern. EVALUATION: This
      discussion is based on a narrative literature review and scrutiny of
      international nursing research to synthesise pedagogical strategies for the
      application of transformational leadership to teaching medication safety. KEY
      ISSUES: The four elements relating transformational leadership to medication
      safety education are: 'Idealised influence' or role modelling, both actual and
      exemplary, 'Inspirational motivation' providing students with commitment to
      medication safety, 'Intellectual stimulation' encouraging students to value
      improvement and change, and 'Individualised consideration' of individual
      students' educational goals, practice development and patient outcomes. The model
      lends itself to experiential learning and a case-study approach to teaching,
      offering an opportunity to reduce nursing's theory-practice gap. CONCLUSION:
      Transformational leadership for medication safety education is characterised by a
      focus on the role of nurse educators and mentors in the development of students'
      abilities, creation of a supportive culture, and enhancement of students'
      creativity, motivation and ethical behaviour. This will prepare nursing graduates
      with the competencies necessary to be diligent about medication safety and the
      prevention of errors. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Teaching medication
      safety through transformational leadership requires the close collaboration of
      educators, managers and policy makers. Investigation of strategies to reduced
      medication errors and consequent patient harm should include exploration of the
      application of transformational leadership to education and its impact on the
      number and severity of medication errors.

PMID- 27144806
TI  - Serum myostatin in central south Chinese postmenopausal women: Relationship with
      body composition, lipids and bone mineral density.
AB  - AIMS: Previous data suggest that myostatin has direct effects on the
      proliferation and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells. The relationships
      between serum myostatin, body composition lipids and bone mineral density in
      postmenopausal women remain unclear. The aim of this study is to elucidate the
      relationships between serum myostatin, body composition, lipids and bone mineral
      density in central south Chinese postmenopausal women. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      study was conducted in 175 healthy postmenopausal women, aged 51-75 years old.
      Bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition were measured by double energy X
      ray absorptiometry (DXA). Serum myostatin, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(25OH-D),
      parathyroid hormone (PTH), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) and carboxy-terminal
      telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were measured by enzyme-linked
      immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: In contrast to the osteoporotic women,
      the women without osteoporosis had higher BMI, fat mass and lean mass (P<0.01).
      The osteoporotic women were older than women without osteoporosis (P<0.01). There
      were no differences between two groups with regard to serum BAP, CTX, (25OH-D),
      PTH, lipids and myostatin after adjusted by age. BMD at each site was positively
      correlated with age at menopause, fat mass and lean mass, and also negatively
      correlated with age and serum BAP. Serum myostatin was positively correlated with
      tryglicerides, not correlated with either body composition or BMD at each site.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that serum myostatin concentration did not
      correlate with muscle and bone mass. Further studies are needed to demonstrate
      the role of myostatin in regulating the bone metabolism.

PMID- 27144808
TI  - Dual-Functionalized Theranostic Nanocarriers.
AB  - Nanocarriers with the ability to spatially organize chemically distinct multiple
      bioactive moieties will have wide combinatory therapeutic and diagnostic
      (theranostic) applications. We have designed dual-functionalized, 100 nm to 1 MUm
      sized scalable nanocarriers comprising a silica golf ball with amine or
      quaternary ammonium functional groups located in its pits and hydroxyl groups
      located on its nonpit surface. These functionalized golf balls selectively
      captured 10-40 nm charged gold nanoparticles (GNPs) into their pits. The
      selective capture of GNPs in the golf ball pits is visualized by scanning
      electron microscopy. zeta potential measurements and analytical modeling indicate
      that the GNP capture involves its proximity to and the electric charge on the
      surface of the golf balls. Potential applications of these dual-functionalized
      carriers include distinct attachment of multiple agents for multifunctional
      theranostic applications, selective scavenging, and clearance of harmful
      substances. 

PMID- 27144807
TI  - Low-to-Moderate Alcohol Consumption is Associated With Hippocampal Volume in
      Fibromyalgia and Insomnia.
AB  - Fibromyalgia and chronic insomnia are frequently comorbid conditions with
      heightened sensitivity to painful stimuli, potentially subserved by the
      hippocampus. Recent evidence suggests moderate alcohol consumption is associated
      with reduced fibromyalgia symptom severity. We examined the relationship among
      alcohol use, hippocampal morphology, fibromyalgia, and insomnia symptom severity
      in 41 fibromyalgia patients (19 with insomnia). A 14-day diary of sleep, pain,
      and alcohol consumption was followed by structural MRI. Analyses indicated
      greater bilateral hippocampal volume, lower clinical pain intensity, and better
      sleep quality in moderate drinkers versus abstainers. Underlying mechanisms may
      include gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) receptor agonism, n-methyl d-aspartate
      (NMDA) receptor antagonism, and psychosocial factors. Further study of the
      relationship between alcohol use and fibromyalgia and insomnia symptom severity
      is warranted.

PMID- 27144809
TI  - Theoretical Studies on F(-) + NH2Cl Reaction: Nucleophilic Substitution at
      Neutral Nitrogen.
AB  - The SN2 reactions at N center, denoted as SN2@N, has been recognized to play a
      significant role in carcinogenesis, although they are less studied and less
      understood. The potential energy profile for the model reaction of SN2@N,
      chloramine (NH2Cl) with fluorine anion (F(-)), has been characterized by
      extensive electronic structure calculations. The back-side SN2 channel dominates
      the reaction with the front-side SN2 channel becoming feasible at higher
      energies. The minimum energy pathway shows a resemblance to the well-known double
      well potential model for SN2 reactions at carbon. However, the complexes
      involving nitrogen on both sides of the reaction barrier are characterized by NH-
      -X (X = F or Cl) hydrogen bond and possess C1 symmetry, in contrast to the more
      symmetric ion-dipole carbon analogues. In the F(-) + NH2Cl system, the proton
      transfer pathway is found to become more competitive with the SN2 pathway than in
      the F(-) + CH3Cl system. The calculations reported here indicate that stationary
      point properties on the F(-) + NH2Cl potential energy surface are slightly
      perturbed by the theories employed. The MP2 and CAM-B3LYP, as well as M06-2X and
      MPW1K functionals give overall best agreement with the benchmark CCSD(T)/CBS
      energies for the major SN2 reaction channel, and are recommended as the preferred
      methods for the direct dynamics simulations to uncover the dynamic behaviors of
      the title reaction. 

PMID- 27144810
TI  - Wolbachia-mediated protection against viruses in the invasive pest Drosophila
      suzukii.
AB  - The maternally inherited bacterium Wolbachia is well known for spreading in
      natural populations by manipulating the reproduction of its arthropod hosts, but
      can also have mutualist effects that increase host fitness. In mosquitoes and
      Drosophila some Wolbachia strains can lead to an increase in survival of virus
      infected insects, and in most cases this is associated with reduced accumulation
      of the virus in host tissues. We investigated if the Wolbachia strain wSuz, which
      naturally infects Drosophila suzukii, is able to confer protection against
      Drosophila C virus and Flock House virus in different host genetic backgrounds.
      We found that this strain can increase host survival upon infection with these
      two viruses. In some cases this effect was associated with lower viral titres,
      suggesting that it confers resistance to the viruses rather than allowing the
      flies to tolerate infection. Our results indicate that, in D. suzukii, the
      antiviral protection provided by Wolbachia is not correlated to its density as
      found in other Drosophila species. This study demonstrates a phenotypic effect
      induced by wSuz on its native host which could explain its maintenance in natural
      populations of D. suzukii.

PMID- 27144811
TI  - Effect of nitrogen fertilisation on the overall quality of minimally processed
      globe artichoke heads.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although nitrogen (N) fertilisation is essential for promoting crop
      yield, it may also affect the produce quality. Here, the influence of three N
      fertiliser rates (0 kg ha-1 as a control, 200 kg ha-1 and 400 kg ha-1 referred to
      as N0 , N200 and N400, respectively) on the overall quality of minimally
      processed globe artichoke heads was investigated during refrigerated storage for
      12 days. RESULTS: Throughout the storage time, N fertilised samples had higher
      inulin contents than those unfertilised. In addition, the respiratory quotient of
      N200 and N400 samples was 2-fold and 2.5-fold lower than N0 ones, whose values
      were close to the normal range for vegetables. All the samples reported good
      microbiological standards, although N200 and N400 achieved lower mesophilic and
      psychotropic counts than N0 throughout the storage time. After 8 and 12 days of
      refrigerated storage, the N200 samples showed the highest scores of positive
      sensory descriptors. CONCLUSION: A fertiliser level of 200 kg N ha-1 is suitable
      for obtaining minimally processed globe artichoke heads with good nutritional,
      sensory and microbiological quality, characterised by low endogenous oxidase
      activities. Proper packaging systems and procedures are, however, crucial for
      extending the product shelf-life and, thus, promoting its exportation on a wider
      scale. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27144812
TI  - First Consumers, Then Socially Integrated: Results of a Study on 100 Italian Drug
      Users Who Had Never Turned to Public or Private Addiction Services.
AB  - This study, which addressed a per quota sample of 100 socially integrated drug
      users (SID) residing in Emilia Romagna (Italy) who have never referred to a
      public/private Addiction Service, has four main aims: (1) to describe the
      phenomenology of substance use in all its different facets; (2) to identify
      feared unwanted consequences due to the use of illegal substances and possible
      behaviors finalized to preventing them; (3) to identify possible common
      consumption rules; (4) to identify any differences among the SID. Two types of
      consumers have been compared: the "law-breakers" (i.e. those who have committed
      an illegal activity to procure money) and the "law-abiders" (no such action).From
      the interviewees some discontinuous consumption trajectories over time are
      reported in relation to the different levels of disposable income and the change
      in the relationship with the substances. Most of these consumers fear being
      stigmatized or labeled as drug-addicts, and cause themselves physical,
      psychological or economic harm; instead only a minority fear developing
      addiction. The most widespread protective behavior is to purchase through trusted
      direct channels, followed by the attempt to limit the doses and to consume only
      in positive emotional states. Rules of conduct implemented at a general level by
      all the consumers were evidenced, which the law-breakers finalize towards a
      greater attention to their own psycho-physical health and to better handling the
      effects produced by the substances, while the law-abiders seek to keep their
      status as consumers secret.

PMID- 27144813
TI  - Visual outcomes with toric intraocular lenses and laser cataract surgery.

PMID- 27144814
TI  - Proportion of women with self-reported opportunistic mammography before organized
      screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Finland, organized nationwide breast cancer (BC) screening is
      biennially offered for women aged 50-69 years. The aim was to estimate, for the
      first time in Finland, the proportion of women having opportunistic mammography
      at age less than 50 years and to investigate the role of BC family history and
      educational level for having opportunistic mammography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      study material comprises two self-administered, population-based questionnaires
      from altogether 9845 healthy women; 4666 women in Women's Health and Use of
      Hormone-study (WHH survey), and 5179 in Breast Cancer Screening, Lifestyle and
      Quality of Life-study (EET survey). We report the estimated proportions of women
      with self-reported opportunistic mammography at age <50 years in percentages.
      RESULTS: The response percentages were 53% in the WHH survey and 52% in the EET
      survey. The percentage of women with self-reported opportunistic mammography was
      66.7% and 60.4% in the two questionnaires, respectively. Regarding family history
      of BC, 76.5% and 68.5% of women with BC family history in a first degree relative
      reported having had a mammography, in contrast to that of 65.5% and 59.4% of
      women without BC family history. Opportunistic mammography was also more common
      in women with >12 years of education than women with <=12 years of education.
      DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Overall, some two thirds of the women reports of
      having had a mammography before organized screening started. Opportunistic
      mammography was more likely among women with a positive family history of BC in a
      first degree relative as well as more than 12 years of education. Regardless of
      low response activity, the observed popularity of opportunistic mammography
      before organized screening gives ground for further evaluation of the related
      health care practices. Screening activity before organized screening also
      influences the evaluation of the screening program, as women have different,
      indeterminate histories of pre-organized screening.

PMID- 27144815
TI  - Exploring Divergent Volatility Properties from Yield and Thermodenuder
      Measurements of Secondary Organic Aerosol from alpha-Pinene Ozonolysis.
AB  - There are large uncertainties in the parameters dictating the gas-particle
      partitioning of secondary organic aerosols (SOA), although this process has major
      influences on their atmospheric lifecycle. Here, we extract parameters that
      describe the partitioning of SOA from alpha-pinene ozonolysis using measurements
      from a dual-thermodenuder (TD) system that constrains both the equilibrium and
      the kinetic properties that dictate SOA phase partitioning. Parallel TDs that
      vary in temperature and residence time were used with an evaporation-kinetics
      model to extract parameter values. An evaporation coefficient of an order of 0.1
      best describes the observed evaporation, suggesting equilibration time scales of
      atmospheric SOA on the order of minutes to hours. A total of 20-40% of SOA mass
      consists of low-volatility material (saturation concentration of <0.3 MUg m(-3))
      in the TD-derived SOA volatility distribution. While distinct from existing
      parametrizations from aerosol growth experiments, derived values are consistent
      with recent observations of slow room-temperature evaporation of SOA and
      contributions from extremely low volatility organic compounds formed during alpha
      pinene ozonolysis. The volatility parameters thus determined suggest that SOA
      yields and enthalpies of evaporation are substantially higher, and products less
      volatile, than is currently assumed in atmospheric models. These results will
      help improve the representation of SOA in air-quality and climate models.

PMID- 27144816
TI  - Hierarchical Proteinosomes for Programmed Release of Multiple Components.
AB  - A facile route to hierarchically organized multicompartmentalized proteinosomes
      based on a recursive Pickering emulsion procedure using amphiphilic protein
      polymer nanoconjugate building blocks is described. The number of incarcerated
      guest proteinosomes within a single host proteinosome is controlled, and enzymes
      and genetic polymers encapsulated within targeted subcompartments to produce
      chemically organized multi-tiered structures. Three types of spatiotemporal
      response-retarded concomitant release, synchronous release or hierarchical
      release of dextran and DNA-are demonstrated based on the sequential response of
      the host and guest membranes to attack by protease, or through variations in the
      positioning of disulfide-containing cross-links in either the host or guest
      proteinosomes integrated into the nested architectures. Overall, our studies
      provide a step towards the construction of hierarchically structured synthetic
      protocells with chemically and spatially integrated proto-organelles.

PMID- 27144817
TI  - Esophagitis Dissecans Superficialis Endoscopically Induced in a Patient With
      Pemphigus Vulgaris and Gastrointestinal Complaints.

PMID- 27144818
TI  - A rapid method to verify single-cell deposition setup for cell sorters.
AB  - Studying single cells reveals biology that cannot be explored using bulk
      techniques. Cell sorters provide the opportunity of separating single cells
      either for cell culture or for downstream molecular applications such as qPCR to
      study specific gene expression and single cell mRNA sequencing. Some of these
      molecular studies can be expensive so the investigator will often want
      reassurance that the cell sorter can reliably deposit a single droplet into each
      well of a 96-well or 384-well plate. Such plates may contain very small volumes
      of fluid as reducing the volume of fluid used can reduce the cost of the assay.
      To miss some of the wells could leave the data set incomplete requiring costly
      repetition. To verify this by microscopy is at best very time consuming and at
      worst impossible. Here, an inexpensive colorimetric method is described for
      verifying whether a well, in either a 96- or 384-well plate, did receive a single
      sorted droplet from a cell sorter into the fluid at the bottom of the well. The
      droplet consists of particles suspended in an enzymatic solution, horseradish
      peroxidase, which is deposited into microtiter plate wells containing a
      substrate, 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine. This method requires no special
      equipment or expertise and is rapid enough to be performed directly prior to the
      single-cell sorting experiment. (c) 2016 International Society for Advancement of
      Cytometry.

PMID- 27144819
TI  - Compartment Syndrome of the Leg Associated With Fracture: An Algorithm to Avoid
      Releasing the Posterior Compartments.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to report on a prospective series of
      patients in whom an algorithm was used to attempt to avoid releasing the
      posterior compartments in patients with lower leg compartment syndrome (CS) and
      the safety of such a practice. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Level 1
      trauma center. PATIENTS: A consecutive series of 39 patients was managed by one
      surgeon for CS using the reported protocol. INTERVENTION: Patients diagnosed with
      a CS of the leg were managed with a single operative protocol. After a standard
      anterior and lateral compartment release through a full-length lateral incision
      was performed, the superficial and deep posterior compartments were measured with
      the heel resting on a bolster. Using the preoperative diastolic blood pressure, a
      DeltaP < 30 was considered to be a positive finding warranting a separate medial
      incision for release of the posterior compartments. If the DeltaP was >=30, the
      posterior compartments were not released. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Need for
      medial release or development of posterior CS or sequelae. RESULTS: A consecutive
      series of 39 patients were managed by 1 surgeon for CS using the described
      protocol. Two patients with an isolated posterior CS were excluded. The other 37
      had clinical symptoms or compartment pressures consistent with anterior
      compartment involvement. Of 37 patients, 21 had (57%) symptoms suggesting
      posterior compartment involvement. The preoperative pressure measurements
      averaged 41 mm Hg with an average DeltaP of 38. After full-length release of the
      anterior and lateral compartments, only 3/37 (8%) required a posterior release
      for a DeltaP of <30 mm Hg. The lowest DeltaP in the posterior compartments of the
      remaining 34 patients averaged 59 (32-86). The compartment pressures in the
      superficial and deep posterior compartments decreased by 22 mm Hg and 24 mm Hg,
      respectively, after the anterolateral release. None of the patients who had only
      an anterolateral release developed sequelae of a missed posterior CS.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of the reported algorithm is effective in avoiding posterior
      compartment release. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions
      for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 27144820
TI  - The Effect of Transiliac-Transsacral Screw Fixation for Pelvic Ring Injuries on
      the Uninjured Sacroiliac Joint.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional outcomes and pain in patients with
      unilateral posterior pelvic ring injuries treated with transiliac-transsacral
      screw fixation compared with unilateral iliosacral screw fixation. DESIGN:
      Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: Three academic level 1 trauma centers.
      PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: From a group of 866 patients with pelvic ring injuries
      treated surgically, 86 patients with unilateral pelvic ring injuries treated with
      transiliac-transsacral screws and 97 patients treated with unilateral iliosacral
      screws were identified. Thirty-six patients treated with transiliac-transsacral
      fixation and 26 patients treated with unilateral iliosacral screws met the
      inclusion criteria and participated. INTERVENTION: Patients were treated
      surgically for unstable pelvic ring injuries with either unilateral iliosacral
      screws or transiliac-transsacral screws at the discretion of the treating
      surgeon. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Majeed Pelvic Score. RESULTS: There was no
      significant difference in Majeed Pelvic Scores between patients treated with
      transiliac-transsacral screws and those treated with unilateral iliosacral screws
      (72.8 +/- 23.7 vs. 70.4 +/- 19.0, P = 0.66). There was no difference in side
      specific Numeric Rating Scale pain scores between patients treated with
      transiliac-transsacral screws and those treated with unilateral iliosacral screws
      on the injured side (2.5 +/- 3.1 vs. 2.0 +/- 2.4, P = 0.46) or the uninjured side
      (1.7 +/- 2.8 vs. 0.8 +/- 1.7, P = 0.12). Mean follow-up was greater than 3 years
      with no difference between the groups (mean 1270 vs. 1242 days, P = 0.84).
      CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of unilateral pelvic ring injuries with transiliac
      transsacral screws does not adversely affect or improve patient outcomes or
      subjective pain scores when compared with those treated with unilateral
      iliosacral screws. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for
      Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 27144821
TI  - Unstable Proximal Femur Fractures Treated With Proximal Femoral Locking Plates: A
      Retrospective, Multicenter Study of 111 Cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A few small case series have found that proximal femur fractures
      treated with a proximal femur locking plate (PFLP) have experienced more failures
      than expected. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical results of
      patients with acute, unstable proximal femur fractures treated with proximal
      femoral locking plates in a large, multicenter patient cohort. DESIGN: This is a
      retrospective clinical study. SETTING: The study included patients from 12
      regional trauma centers and tertiary referral hospitals. PATIENTS: One hundred
      eleven consecutive patients with unstable proximal femur fractures stabilized
      with a PFLP and having required clinical and radiographic follow-up at a minimum
      of 12 months after injury. INTERVENTION: Surgical repair of an unstable proximal
      femur fracture with a PFLP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Treatment failures
      (failure of fixation, nonunion, and malunion) and need for revision surgery.
      RESULTS: Forty-six patients (41.4%) experienced a major treatment failure,
      including failed fixation with or without nonunion (39), surgical malalignment or
      malunion (18), deep infection (8), or a combination of these. Thirty-eight (34%)
      patients underwent secondary surgeries, including 30 for failed fixation,
      nonunion, or both. Treatment failure was found to occur at a significantly higher
      rate in patients with major comorbidities, in femurs repaired in varus
      malalignment, and using specific plate designs. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal femoral
      locking plates are associated with a high complication rate, frequently requiring
      revision or secondary surgeries in the treatment of unstable proximal femur
      fractures. Given the high complication rate with PFLPs, careful attention to
      reduction, use of a PFLP implant, and consideration should be given to
      alternative implants or fixation techniques when appropriate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of
      levels of evidence.

PMID- 27144822
TI  - Constitutional Dynamics of Metal-Organic Motifs on a Au(111) Surface.
AB  - Constitutional dynamic chemistry (CDC), including both dynamic covalent chemistry
      and dynamic noncovalent chemistry, relies on reversible formation and breakage of
      bonds to achieve continuous changes in constitution by reorganization of
      components. In this regard, CDC is considered to be an efficient and appealing
      strategy for selective fabrication of surface nanostructures by virtue of dynamic
      diversity. Although constitutional dynamics of monolayered structures has been
      recently demonstrated at liquid/solid interfaces, most of molecular
      reorganization/reaction processes were thought to be irreversible under ultrahigh
      vacuum (UHV) conditions where CDC is therefore a challenge to be achieved. Here,
      we have successfully constructed a system that presents constitutional dynamics
      on a solid surface based on dynamic coordination chemistry, in which selective
      formation of metal-organic motifs is achieved under UHV conditions. The key to
      making this reversible switching successful is the molecule-substrate interaction
      as revealed by DFT calculations.

PMID- 27144823
TI  - Combined Hormonal Birth Control.

PMID- 27144824
TI  - The Final Days of Paracas in Cerro del Gentil, Chincha Valley, Peru.
AB  - This article describes and analyzes a highly significant archaeological context
      discovered in a late Paracas (400-200 BCE) sunken patio in the monumental
      platform mound of Cerro Gentil, located in the Chincha Valley, Peru. This patio
      area was used for several centuries for ritual activities, including large-scale
      feasting and other public gatherings. At one point late in this historical
      sequence people deposited a great deal of objects in what is demonstrably a
      single historical event. This was quickly followed by a series of minor events
      stratigraphically immediately above this larger event. This entire ritual process
      included the consumption of liquids and food, and involved the offering of whole
      pottery, pottery fragments, botanical remains, bone, lithics, baskets, pyro
      engraved gourds, mummies, and other objects. We interpret these events as an
      "abandonment ceremony" or "termination ritual" during the late Paracas period,
      one that may have lasted for weeks or even months. The subsequent Topara
      occupation at the site (ca. 200 BCE- AD 100) involved the architectural
      enhancement of the mound area, but the pattern of use of the patio itself ended.
      Such a termination ritual signals a reorganization in the regional political
      structure of Paracas society.

PMID- 27144825
TI  - Correction: Exploring Geographic Variability in Cancer Prevalence in Eastern
      Morocco: a Retrospective Study over Eight Years.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151987.].

PMID- 27144826
TI  - Imiquimod treatment effectively reduces the percentage of viable cells in a
      cervical carcinoma cell line but does not affect the expression of HLA-G or OCT
      4.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cervical cancer is a challenging pathologic entity because of its lack
      of response to conventional chemotherapy. Imiquimod is a synthetic analogue which
      seems to activate skin immune cells, acting as a Toll-like receptor 7 agonist.
      Previous studies in the field of cervical cancer have showed that its application
      may play a significant role in the treatment of cervical HPV infection with or
      without cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). In the present study we
      investigate the therapeutic potential of imiquimod in a cervical carcinoma cell
      line and evaluate whether the expression of HLA-G and OCT-4 is altered during
      this treatment. METHODS: HeLa cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle
      medium and treated with 200 MUl of imiquimod diluted solution (50 MUg/ml).
      Cultured cells were allocated in four groups 1) control, 2) DMSO only, 3) DMSO
      and imiquimod for 48 hours, 4) DMSO and imiquimod for 72 hours. RESULTS: In the
      imiquimod treated cell lines we observed a significant reduction of viable cells
      at 48 and 72 hours (p = .001). The relative expression analysis of OCT-4 and HLA
      G genes at 48 and 72 hours did not reveal significant differences after imiquimod
      treatment. CONCLUSION: Imiquimod effectively reduces the percentage of viable
      HeLa cells and should be further evaluated in future clinical trials. This effect
      takes place as of 48 hours after its initial application and seems to persist at
      least until 72 hours. HLA-G and OCT-4 expression is not affected by this type of
      treatment.

PMID- 27144827
TI  - Stability of Reference Genes during Tri-Lineage Differentiation of Human Adipose
      Derived Stromal Cells.
AB  - Quantitative real-time PCR can detect variations in gene expression. The
      identification of the stable reference genes (RGs) is necessary to evaluate the
      expression of specific genes of interest under various conditions in many cell
      types, including human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs). In this study, we
      used the algorithms BestKeeper, NormFinder, geNorm, and RefFinder to investigate
      the stability of 15 potential RGs (B2M, eEF1A1, GAPDH, H2AFZ, HMBS, HPRT1, PGK1,
      PPIA, RPL5, SDHA, TBP, TKT, TRFC, TUBB, and UBC) in hASCs during control, adipo-,
      chondro-, and osteogenic differentiation for 28 days. RPL5, GAPDH, H2AFZ, and
      HPRT1 were the most stable RGs, while B2M and UBC were the least stable RGs for
      the majority of group analyses (tri-lineage differentiation and control analyzed
      combined or individually; each lineage combined with the control). These RGs were
      used to normalize adipo- (FABP4, LPL, and PPARG), chondro- (COMP and SOX9), and
      osteogenic gene expression markers (BMP4, COL1A1, and RUNX2). Each marker showed
      a similar expression when normalized by H2AFZ, HPRT1, or RPL5, confirming that
      these RGs exhibit stable expression. However, GAPDH, B2M, and UBC exhibited high
      standard deviation (SD), down-regulated and/or up-regulated differentiation gene
      expression markers when compared with stable RGs, demonstrating that these RGs
      are unstable.

PMID- 27144828
TI  - Stem Cells Cultured on Beta Tricalcium Phosphate (beta-TCP) in Combination with
      Recombinant Human Platelet-Derived Growth Factor - BB (rh-PDGF-BB) for the
      Treatment of Human Infrabony Defects.
AB  - Knowledge gained from the field of tissue engineering, helped to develop a
      biological substitute that promotes tissue regeneration. The usual biological
      substitute consists of stem cells, growth factors and an appropriate scaffold.
      The present randomized controlled clinical and radiographic study was undertaken
      to evaluate the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cells cultured on beta
      tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) in combination with rh-PDGF-BB in treatment of
      infrabony defect in humans. A total of 24 infrabony defects in 14 systemically
      healthy patients were selected for the present study. The selected defects
      exhibited a probing pocket depth (PPD) of >= 5 mm and depth of infrabony
      component >= 3 mm as assessed by clinical and radiographic measurements and later
      confirmed by intrasurgical measurement. Baseline measurements included were
      Plaque Index (PI), Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD),
      Relative gingival marginal level (RGML), Relative Clinical Attachment Level (R
      CAL) and Radiographic Defect Depth (DD) and linear bone growth (LBG). 6 weeks
      after initial therapy, the defects were randomly assigned to either test group or
      control group. The control group was treated by an open flap debridement (OFD)
      only, while the test group was treated by a Stem cells cultured on beta-TCP in
      combination with rh-PDGF-BB. All the measurements recorded preoperatively were
      repeated at 6 months after the surgery. The efficacy of each treatment modality
      was investigated through statistical analysis. Mean probing pocket depth
      reduction was significantly greater in test group (4.50 +/- 1.08 mm) compared to
      the OFD group (3.50 +/- 0.90 mm). Mean gains in clinical attachment level was
      3.91 +/- 1.37 mm in the test group and 2.08 +/- 0.90 mm in the control group. The
      mean increase in gingival recession (GR) was less in test group (0.58 +/- 0.79
      mm) compared to OFD group (1.4 +/- 0.66 mm). Radiographic defect depth reduction
      was greater in the test group (3.50 +/- 0.67 mm) with 88.33% defect fill compared
      to control group (1.83 +/- 0.38 mm) with only 52.77% defect fill. Linear bone
      growth (LBG) was significantly improved by 3.58 mm in test group, while in
      control group, it was 1.83 mm. Regenerative approach using Stem cells cultured on
      beta-TCP in combination with rh-PDGF-BB for the treatment of human infrabony
      defects resulted in a significant added benefit in terms of CAL gains, PPD
      reductions greater radiographic defect fill and improvement in Linear bone growth
      (LBG) compared to the OFD alone.

PMID- 27144829
TI  - Cancer Stem Cells and Chemoresistance in Glioblastoma Multiform: A Review
      Article.
AB  - Glioblastomamultiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant and aggressive primary
      tumor of the brain in adults and characterized by a heterogeneous population of
      cells that are genetically unstable, highly infiltrative, angiogenic, and
      resistant to chemotherapy. Considerable efforts being devoted to identifying the
      molecular basis of resistance in GBM and exploring novel therapeutic targets that
      may improve overall survival. Several independent DNA repair mechanisms that
      normally safeguard genome integrity can facilitate drug resistance and cancer
      cell survival by removing chemotherapy- induced adducts. The recent data suggest
      that the most important mechanism of resistance to alkylating agents is the DNA
      repair enzyme O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT). Although, the treatment
      failure is a result of a number of causes, but currently, it has been
      demonstrated that a highly tumorigenic subpopulation of cancer cells called
      glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) display relative resistance to radiation and
      chemotherapy. In fact, GBM stem cells express high levels of MGMT and this may
      account for GBM resistance following chemotherapy. GSCs also contribute to tumor
      growth through the stimulation of angiogenesis, which has been shown to be a
      useful therapeutic target in the treatment of recurrent or progressive malignant
      gliomas. In this review, we summarize the chemoresistance mechanisms of GBMs (to
      alkylating agents), with a special focus on the role of cancer stem cells.

PMID- 27144830
TI  - Effect of Mobile Phone-Induced Electromagnetic Field on Brain Hemodynamics and
      Human Stem Cell Functioning: Possible Mechanistic Link to Cancer Risk and Early
      Diagnostic Value of Electronphotonic Imaging.
AB  - The mobile phones (MP) are low power radio devices which work on electromagnetic
      fields (EMFs), in the frequency range of 900-1800 MHz. Exposure to MPEMFs may
      affect brain physiology and lead to various health hazards including brain
      tumors. Earlier studies with positron emission tomography (PET) have found
      alterations in cerebral blood flow (CBF) after acute exposure to MPEMFs. It is
      widely accepted that DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their misrepair in stem
      cells are critical events in the multistage origination of various leukemia and
      tumors, including brain tumors such as gliomas. Both significant misbalance in
      DSB repair and severe stress response have been triggered by MPEMFs and EMFs from
      cell towers. It has been shown that stem cells are most sensitive to microwave
      exposure and react to more frequencies than do differentiated cells. This may be
      important for cancer risk assessment and indicates that stem cells are the most
      relevant cellular model for validating safe mobile communication signals.
      Recently developed technology for recording the human bio-electromagnetic (BEM)
      field using Electron photonic Imaging (EPI) or Gas Discharge Visualisation (GDV)
      technique provides useful information about the human BEM. Studies have recorded
      acute effects of Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Fields (MPEMFs) using EPI and found
      quantifiable effects on human BEM field. Present manuscript reviews evidences of
      altered brain physiology and stem cell functioning due to mobile phone/cell tower
      radiations, its association with increased cancer risk and explores early
      diagnostic value of EPI imaging in detecting EMF induced changes on human BEM.

PMID- 27144831
TI  - Discovery of Brigatinib (AP26113), a Phosphine Oxide-Containing, Potent, Orally
      Active Inhibitor of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase.
AB  - In the treatment of echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)
      anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC),
      secondary mutations within the ALK kinase domain have emerged as a major
      resistance mechanism to both first- and second-generation ALK inhibitors. This
      report describes the design and synthesis of a series of 2,4
      diarylaminopyrimidine-based potent and selective ALK inhibitors culminating in
      identification of the investigational clinical candidate brigatinib. A unique
      structural feature of brigatinib is a phosphine oxide, an overlooked but novel
      hydrogen-bond acceptor that drives potency and selectivity in addition to
      favorable ADME properties. Brigatinib displayed low nanomolar IC50s against
      native ALK and all tested clinically relevant ALK mutants in both enzyme-based
      biochemical and cell-based viability assays and demonstrated efficacy in multiple
      ALK+ xenografts in mice, including Karpas-299 (anaplastic large-cell lymphomas
      [ALCL]) and H3122 (NSCLC). Brigatinib represents the most clinically advanced
      phosphine oxide-containing drug candidate to date and is currently being
      evaluated in a global phase 2 registration trial.

PMID- 27144832
TI  - Perceived Stress Is Differentially Related to Hippocampal Subfield Volumes among
      Older Adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic exposure to stress has been shown to impact a wide range of
      health-related outcomes in older adults. Despite extensive animal literature
      revealing deleterious effects of biological markers of stress on the dentate
      gyrus subfield of the hippocampus, links between hippocampal subfields and
      psychological stress have not been studied in humans. This study examined the
      relationship between perceived stress and hippocampal subfield volumes among
      racially/ethnically diverse older adults. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between July
      2011 and March 2014, 116 nondemented participants were consecutively drawn from
      the Einstein Aging Study, an ongoing community-based sample of individuals over
      the age of 70 residing in Bronx, New York. All participants completed the
      Perceived Stress Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and underwent 3.0 T MRI.
      FreeSurfer was used to derive total hippocampal volume, hippocampal subfield
      volumes (CA1, CA2/CA3, CA4/Dentate Gyrus (CA4/DG), and subiculum), entorhinal
      cortex volume, whole brain volume, and total intracranial volume. RESULTS: Linear
      regression analyses revealed that higher levels of perceived stress were
      associated with smaller total hippocampal volume (beta = -0.20, t = -2.40, p =
      0.02), smaller CA2/CA3 volumes (beta = -0.18, t = -2.24, p = 0.03) and smaller
      CA4/DG volumes (beta = -0.19, t = -2.28, p = 0.03) after controlling for total
      intracranial volume, age, gender, and race. These findings remained unchanged
      after removal of individuals with clinically significant symptoms of depression.
      DISCUSSION: Our findings provide evidence of a relationship between a direct
      indicator of psychological stress and specific hippocampal subfield volumes in
      elderly individuals. These results highlight the importance of clinical screening
      for chronic stress in otherwise healthy older adults.

PMID- 27144833
TI  - Does Simulation Improve Recognition and Management of Pediatric Septic Shock, and
      If One Simulation Is Good, Is More Simulation Better?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Determine whether serial simulation training sessions improve
      resident recognition and initial septic shock management in a critically ill
      simulated septic shock patient, and to determine whether serial simulations
      further improve resident task performance when compared with a single simulation
      session. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study with a live expert review
      of trainee simulation performance. Expert reviewers blinded to prior trainee
      performance. SETTING: A PICU room in a quaternary-care children's hospital,
      featuring a hi-fidelity pediatric patient simulator. SUBJECTS: Postgraduate year
      2 and postgraduate year-3 pediatric residents who rotate through the PICU.
      INTERVENTIONS: Postgraduate year-3 residents as the control cohort, completing
      one simulation near the start of their third residency year. Postgraduate year-2
      residents as the intervention cohort, completing two simulations during their
      second residency year and one near the start of their third residency year.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Resident objective performance was measured using
      a validated 27-item checklist (graded 0/1) related to monitoring, data gathering,
      and interventions in the diagnosis and management of pediatric septic shock. The
      intervention cohort had a higher mean performance percentage score during their
      third simulation than the control cohort completing their single simulation (87%
      vs 77%; p < 0.001). Septic shock was correctly diagnosed more often in the
      intervention cohort at the time of their third simulation (100% vs 78%; p <
      0.001). Appropriate broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered correctly more
      often in the intervention cohort (83% vs 50%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Simulations significantly improved resident performance scores in the management
      of septic shock with repetitive simulation showing significant ongoing
      improvements. Further studies are needed to determine long-term impact on
      knowledge and skill retention and whether results attained in a simulation
      environment are translatable into clinical practice in improving bedside care.

PMID- 27144835
TI  - JOURNAL CLUB: Preoperative MRI Evaluation of Primary Rectal Cancer: Intrasubject
      Comparison With and Without Rectal Distention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether rectal distention
      influences the accuracy of MRI for tumor staging and for measuring of maximal
      extramural depth of tumor spread and distance between tumor and mesorectal fascia
      (MRF). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with rectal carcinoma underwent MRI
      before and after rectal distention. Both sets of MR images were reviewed by two
      radiologists. The scores for depiction of the mass (1-4 scale), T and N category,
      distance from normal rectal wall to MRF, maximal extramural depth of tumor
      spread, and distance between tumor and MRF were evaluated. RESULTS: The
      visualization scores on MR images obtained with the rectum distended were
      significantly higher than those on images obtained without distention (90% vs 58%
      for score 4, p < 0.001). The accuracy of T category assessed on distended images
      was slightly higher than the accuracy on nondistended images (88.6% vs 84.1% for
      observer 1, 84.1% vs 81.8% for observer 2), but the accuracy of N category was
      stable. The distance between normal rectal wall and MRF was significantly less on
      distended images than on nondistended images (p < 0.05). However, there was no
      significant difference between nondistended and distended images for maximal
      extramural depth and distance between tumor and MRF (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Rectal distention significantly improved visualization of tumors on MR images. It
      also improved T category assessment to some extent. Although the distance between
      normal rectal wall and MRF was significantly less with rectal distention than
      without rectal distention, maximal extramural depth and the distance between
      tumor and MRF did not vary significantly with or without rectal distention.

PMID- 27144837
TI  - Does Muscular Force of the Upper Body Increase Following Acute, Direct Vibration?
AB  - The aim of the current study was to examine the acute effect of direct vibration
      has on bicep curl force-generating capacity. 11 healthy team and individual sport
      trained males performed right and left DB bicep curl at 50% of 1 RM where peak
      force (PF), mean force (MF), rate of force development (RFD) and electromyography
      (EMG) were assessed during the concentric phase before and immediately after
      direct vibration. Using new vibration technology utilizing a pulsing frequency (0
      170 Hz) each arm was randomly assigned to receive either 10 min of direct
      vibration or control (no vibration). Following direct vibration PF increased
      6.6+/-4.5 N (difference pre-post+/-90 CL; p>0.05) compared to control FP (-1.2+/
      65 N; p>0.05) however, this was not significant. Furthermore, there were no other
      significant changes (p>0.05) in MP, RFD and EMG between vibration and control
      arms. This is in agreement with other research that has reported that acute
      strength changes from vibration elicits negligible changes, however it appears
      that there are no detrimental effects of using this new vibration device. 

PMID- 27144836
TI  - Analyses of Meldonium (Mildronate) from Blood, Dried Blood Spots (DBS), and Urine
      Suggest Drug Incorporation into Erythrocytes.

PMID- 27144834
TI  - Angiomotin stabilization by tankyrase inhibitors antagonizes constitutive TEAD
      dependent transcription and proliferation of human tumor cells with Hippo pathway
      core component mutations.
AB  - The evolutionarily conserved Hippo inhibitory pathway plays critical roles in
      tissue homeostasis and organ size control, while mutations affecting certain core
      components contribute to tumorigenesis. Here we demonstrate that proliferation of
      Hippo pathway mutant human tumor cells exhibiting high constitutive TEAD
      transcriptional activity was markedly inhibited by dominant negative TEAD4, which
      did not inhibit the growth of Hippo wild-type cells with low levels of
      regulatable TEAD-mediated transcription. The tankyrase inhibitor, XAV939,
      identified in a screen for inhibitors of TEAD transcriptional activity,
      phenocopied these effects independently of its other known functions by
      stabilizing angiomotin and sequestering YAP in the cytosol. We also identified
      one intrinsically XAV939 resistant Hippo mutant tumor line exhibiting lower and
      less durable angiomotin stabilization. Thus, angiomotin stabilization provides a
      new mechanism for targeting tumors with mutations in Hippo pathway core
      components as well as a biomarker for sensitivity to such therapy. 

PMID- 27144838
TI  - Attitudes, perceptions and awareness concerning quaternary prevention among
      family doctors working in the Social Security System, Peru: a cross-sectional
      descriptive study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quaternary Prevention is defined as the action taken to identify
      patients at risk of overtreatment, to protect them from additional medical
      treatments, and to suggest interventions that are ethically acceptable. Many
      countries and organizations have joined in the efforts to practice quaternary
      prevention. These countries started a campaign called Choosing Wisely that
      implements recommendations in order to avoid harming patients. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the attitudes, perceptions and awareness towards Quaternary Prevention
      and the practice of ?Choosing Wisely Canada Recommendations? among family doctors
      working in the Social Security System in Peru. METHODS: A questionnaire was
      developed after reviewing the literature and contacting experts in the field and
      was sent by email to all 64 family physicians in the Social Security System
      (Essalud) in Lima Peru. Responses were received from 40 participants. RESULTS:
      The response rate was 64%. Approximately 95% reported that they understand the
      concept of quaternary prevention. Agreement with all the recommendations was 90%
      or higher. In most of the recommendations the applicability was more than 80%.
      The most important barriers perceived for the practice of Quaternary Prevention
      were patients? expectations (33%). CONCLUSIONS: There are positive perceptions
      towards Quaternary Preventions and Choosing Wisely recommendations in the family
      doctors of social security in Lima Peru.

PMID- 27144839
TI  - A Challenging Differential Diagnosis: Distinguishing between Endomyocardial
      Fibrosis and Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Endomyocardial fibrosis, which is a cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy, is
      characterized by the deposition of fibrous tissue in the apical region of 1 or
      both ventricles. The condition not only affects the diastolic dynamics of the
      ventricles, but also the function of the atrioventricular valves. The disease
      occurs predominantly in tropical regions worldwide and in sub-Saharan Africa.
      This condition is not well understood, with varied manifestations, from
      subclinical presentations to chronic and progressive edematous syndromes. Here,
      we present the challenging case of a patient with an indeterminate
      echocardiographic image, suggesting apical hypertrophy, plus severe aortic
      stenosis and fibrosis of the left ventricular outflow tract. An electrocardiogram
      revealed symmetrical T-wave inversion, which is a characteristic manifestation of
      apical hypertrophy. The importance of cardiac imaging examinations such as
      echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance for differentiating between
      endomyocardial fibrosis and apical hypertrophy is highlighted in this patient's
      case. 

PMID- 27144840
TI  - 3-Formyl-BODIPY Phenylhydrazone as a Chromo-Fluorogenic Probe for Selective
      Detection of NO2 (g).
AB  - A new colorimetric and fluorogenic probe, based on a 3-formyl boron
      dipyrromethene (BODIPY) phenylhydrazone, for the sensitive and selective
      detection NO2 (g) has been prepared. The probe in solution experiences a
      remarkable hypsochromic shift of its absorption and fluorescence emission bands
      in the presence gaseous NO2 (g), leading to limits of detection of few ppb. The
      probe also works in the solid phase, adsorbed on filter paper strips, or
      chemically immobilized on the surface of silica nanoparticles, with limits of
      detection to the naked eye of about 0.5 ppm. 

PMID- 27144841
TI  - Metalloproteinases ADAM12 and MMP-14 are associated with cavernous sinus invasion
      in pituitary adenomas.
AB  - Invasion of tumor cells critically depends on cell-cell or cell-extracellular
      matrix interactions. Enzymes capable of modulating these interactions belong to
      the proteinase families of ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) and MMP
      (matrix metalloprotease) proteins. Our objective is to examine their expression
      levels and evaluate the relationship between expression levels and cavernous
      sinus invasion in pituitary adenomas. Tissue samples from 35 patients with
      pituitary adenomas were analyzed. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction (qPCR) was employed to assess mRNA expression levels for ADAM and MMP
      genes. Protein levels were examined using immunohistochemistry and Western Blot.
      Correlation analyses between expression levels and clinical parameters were
      performed. By silencing ADAM12 and MMP-14 with siRNA in a mouse pituitary adenoma
      cell line (TtT/GF), their cellular effects were investigated. In our study, nine
      women and 26 men were included, with a mean age of 53.1 years (range 15-84 years)
      at the time of surgery. There were 19 cases with cavernous sinus invasion. The
      proteins ADAM12 and MMP-14 were significantly up-regulated in invasive adenomas
      compared to noninvasive adenomas. Both human isoforms of ADAM12 (ADAM12L and
      ADAM12s) were involved in tumor invasion; moreover, ADAM12L was found to
      correlate positively with Ki-67 proliferation index in pituitary adenomas. In
      TtT/GF pituitary adenoma cells, silencing of ADAM12 and MMP-14 significantly
      inhibited cell invasion and migration, respectively, whereas only silencing of
      ADAM12 suppressed cell proliferation. We conclude that ADAM12 and MMP-14 are
      associated with cavernous sinus invasion in pituitary adenomas, which qualifies
      these proteins in diagnosis and therapy.

PMID- 27144843
TI  - An Exploratory Examination of Interpersonal Interactions between Peers in
      Informal Sport Play Contexts.
AB  - Athlete-driven informal sport play represents an important context for athlete
      development. However, in contrast to coach-driven organized sport, little is
      known about the interpersonal processes driving development in this context. The
      present study was an exploratory descriptive analysis of the interactive peer
      behaviors occurring in an informal sport play setting and their relationship to
      athlete psychological characteristics. Thirty young athletes (<25 years old, Mage
      = 19.84) participating in informal mixed-age volleyball, soccer, and basketball
      sessions at a community recreation center were observed and their interactive
      behavior coded. Participants also completed questionnaire measures of
      psychological characteristics (competence, confidence, character). Descriptive
      analyses examined the interaction patterns of young athletes in these contexts.
      Multiple regression analyses were then conducted to examine the relationships
      between peer interactive behavior and athlete psychological characteristics.
      Results point to the social nature of participation in informal sport play
      contexts and the critical relationship between athlete competence and peer
      interaction tendencies. This study presents an initial exploration of peer
      interactive behavior in informal, mixed-age sport play contexts, but continued
      future research is needed to better understand the developmental processes and
      implications of participation in these important contexts.

PMID- 27144842
TI  - Neuroprotective Effects of Low-Dose Statins in the Retinal Ultrastructure of
      Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits.
AB  - To evaluate the pleiotropic effects to statins, we analyze the qualitative and
      quantitative retinal changes in hypercholesterolemic rabbits after a low-dosage
      statin treatment. For this purpose, New Zealand rabbits were split into three
      groups: control (G0; n = 10), fed a standard diet; hypercholesterolemic (G1; n =
      8), fed a 0.5% cholesterol-enriched diet for 8 months; and statins (G2; n = 8),
      fed a 0.5% cholesterol-enriched diet for 8 months, together with the
      administration of statin (pravastatin or fluvastatin sodium) at a dose of 2 mg /
      kg / day each diet. The retinas were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy
      and immunohistochemistry (glial fibrillary acidic protein). The retinal thickness
      of nuclear and plexiform layers were quantified in semi-thin sections. The
      results revealed that the low-statin-treated rabbits in comparison with the
      hypercholesterolemic group showed: i) a more preserved structure in all retinal
      layers; ii) a significant reduction in retinal thickness; iii) a decrease in cell
      death in the nuclear-and ganglion-cell layers; iv) a reduction of hydropic
      degeneration in the plexiform and nerve-fiber layers; v) a preservation of
      astrocytes and of the retinal area occupied by them; and vi) a better-preserved
      retinal vascular structure. Our findings indicate that low doses of statins can
      prevent retinal degeneration, acting on retinal macroglia, neurons and retinal
      vessels, despite that hypercholesterolemia remained unchanged. Thus, the
      pleiotropic effects of the statins may help safeguard the retinal ultrastructure.

PMID- 27144845
TI  - Decriminalizing Mental Illness--The Miami Model.

PMID- 27144844
TI  - Non-Invasive Evaluation of Heart Function with Four-Dimensional Echocardiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the accuracy and feasibility of
      left ventricular systolic function determined by four-dimensional
      echocardiography (4DE). METHODS: Latex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle
      (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a
      pulsatile pump apparatus. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global
      circumferential strain (GCS), global area strain (GAS) and left ventricular
      ejection fraction (LVEF) derived from 4DEand two-dimensional echocardiography
      (2DE)-derived LVEF were quantified at different stroke volumes (SV) 30-70 ml and
      correlated with sonomicrometry data. RESULTS: In all comparisons, GLS, GCS, GAS,
      2DE-LVEF, and 4DE-LVEF demonstrated strong correlations with sonomicrometry data
      (r = 0.77, r = 0.89, r = 0.79, r = 0.93, r = 0.96, all P <0.001). Bland-Altman
      analyses showed slight overestimations of echo-derived GLS, GCS, 2DE-LVEF and 3DE
      LVEF over sonomicrometry values (bias = 2.88, bias = 3.99, bias = 3.37, bias =
      2.78, respectively). Furthermore, there is better agreement between GCS, 4D LVEF
      and sonomicrometry values compared with GLS and 2D LVEF. CONCLUSION: Four
      dimensional echocardiography accurately assesses LV function. GCS derived by 4DE
      is a potential alternative parameter to quantify LV systolic function.

PMID- 27144846
TI  - Reforming Solitary-Confinement Policy--Heeding a Presidential Call to Action.

PMID- 27144847
TI  - When New Medicare Payment Systems Collide.

PMID- 27144848
TI  - Efficacy of a Single-Dose, Inactivated Oral Cholera Vaccine in Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A single-dose regimen of the current killed oral cholera vaccines
      that have been prequalified by the World Health Organization would make them more
      attractive for use against endemic and epidemic cholera. We conducted an efficacy
      trial of a single dose of the killed oral cholera vaccine Shanchol, which is
      currently given in a two-dose schedule, in an urban area in which cholera is
      highly endemic. METHODS: Nonpregnant residents of Dhaka, Bangladesh, who were 1
      year of age or older were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of oral
      cholera vaccine or oral placebo. The primary outcome was vaccine protective
      efficacy against culture-confirmed cholera occurring 7 to 180 days after dosing.
      Prespecified secondary outcomes included protective efficacy against severely
      dehydrating culture-confirmed cholera during the same interval, against cholera
      and severe cholera occurring 7 to 90 versus 91 to 180 days after dosing, and
      against cholera and severe cholera according to age at baseline. RESULTS: A total
      of 101 episodes of cholera, 37 associated with severe dehydration, were detected
      among the 204,700 persons who received one dose of vaccine or placebo. The
      vaccine protective efficacy was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11 to 60%;
      0.37 cases per 1000 vaccine recipients vs. 0.62 cases per 1000 placebo
      recipients) against all cholera episodes, 63% (95% CI, 24 to 82%; 0.10 vs. 0.26
      cases per 1000 recipients) against severely dehydrating cholera episodes, and 63%
      (95% CI, -39 to 90%), 56% (95% CI, 16 to 77%), and 16% (95% CI, -49% to 53%)
      against all cholera episodes among persons vaccinated at the age of 5 to 14
      years, 15 or more years, and 1 to 4 years, respectively, although the differences
      according to age were not significant (P=0.25). Adverse events occurred at
      similar frequencies in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of the oral
      cholera vaccine was efficacious in older children (>=5 years of age) and in
      adults in a setting with a high level of cholera endemicity. (Funded by the Bill
      and Melinda Gates Foundation and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number,
      NCT02027207.).

PMID- 27144849
TI  - Perioperative Rosuvastatin in Cardiac Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complications after cardiac surgery are common and lead to
      substantial increases in morbidity and mortality. Meta-analyses of small
      randomized trials have suggested that perioperative statin therapy can prevent
      some of these complications. METHODS: We randomly assigned 1922 patients in sinus
      rhythm who were scheduled for elective cardiac surgery to receive perioperative
      rosuvastatin (at a dose of 20 mg daily) or placebo. The primary outcomes were
      postoperative atrial fibrillation within 5 days after surgery, as assessed by
      Holter electrocardiographic monitoring, and myocardial injury within 120 hours
      after surgery, as assessed by serial measurements of the cardiac troponin I
      concentration. Secondary outcomes included major in-hospital adverse events,
      duration of stay in the hospital and intensive care unit, left ventricular and
      renal function, and blood biomarkers. RESULTS: The concentrations of low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol and C-reactive protein after surgery were lower in
      patients assigned to rosuvastatin than in those assigned to placebo (P<0.001).
      However, the rate of postoperative atrial fibrillation did not differ
      significantly between the rosuvastatin group and the placebo group (21.1% and
      20.5%, respectively; odds ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84 to 1.30;
      P=0.72), nor did the area under the troponin I-release curve (102 ng*hour per
      milliliter and 100 ng*hour per milliliter, respectively; between-group
      difference, 1%; 95% CI, -9 to 13; P=0.80). Subgroup analyses did not indicate
      benefit in any category of patient. Rosuvastatin therapy did not result in
      beneficial effects on any of the secondary outcomes but was associated with a
      significant absolute (+/-SE) excess of 5.4+/-1.9 percentage points in the rate of
      postoperative acute kidney injury (P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: In this trial,
      perioperative statin therapy did not prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation or
      perioperative myocardial damage in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.
      Acute kidney injury was more common with rosuvastatin. (Funded by the British
      Heart Foundation and others; STICS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01573143.).

PMID- 27144851
TI  - CLINICAL PRACTICE. Herniated Lumbar Intervertebral Disk.

PMID- 27144852
TI  - IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE. Cutaneous Actinomycosis.

PMID- 27144853
TI  - CLINICAL PROBLEM-SOLVING. Eye of the Beholder.

PMID- 27144850
TI  - Ozanimod Induction and Maintenance Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ozanimod (RPC1063) is an oral agonist of the sphingosine-1-phosphate
      receptor subtypes 1 and 5 that induces peripheral lymphocyte sequestration,
      potentially decreasing the number of activated lymphocytes circulating to the
      gastrointestinal tract. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled
      phase 2 trial of ozanimod in 197 adults with moderate-to-severe ulcerative
      colitis. Patients were randomly assigned, in a 1:1:1 ratio, to receive ozanimod
      at a dose of 0.5 mg or 1 mg or placebo daily for up to 32 weeks. The Mayo Clinic
      score was used to measure disease activity on a scale from 0 to 12, with higher
      scores indicating more severe disease; subscores range from 0 to 3, with higher
      scores indicating more severe disease. The primary outcome was clinical remission
      (Mayo Clinic score <=2, with no subscore >1) at 8 weeks. RESULTS: The primary
      outcome occurred in 16% of the patients who received 1 mg of ozanimod and in 14%
      of those who received 0.5 mg of ozanimod, as compared with 6% of those who
      received placebo (P=0.048 and P=0.14, respectively, for the comparison of the two
      doses of ozanimod with placebo). Differences in the primary outcome between the
      group that received 0.5 mg of ozanimod and the placebo group were not
      significant; therefore, the hierarchical testing plan deemed the analyses of
      secondary outcomes exploratory. Clinical response (decrease in Mayo Clinic score
      of >=3 points and >=30% and decrease in rectal-bleeding subscore of >=1 point or
      a subscore <=1) at 8 weeks occurred in 57% of those receiving 1 mg of ozanimod
      and 54% of those receiving 0.5 mg, as compared with 37% of those receiving
      placebo. At week 32, the rate of clinical remission was 21% in the group that
      received 1 mg of ozanimod, 26% in the group that received 0.5 mg of ozanimod, and
      6% in the group that received placebo; the rate of clinical response was 51%,
      35%, and 20%, respectively. At week 8, absolute lymphocyte counts declined 49%
      from baseline in the group that received 1 mg of ozanimod and 32% from baseline
      in the group that received 0.5 mg. The most common adverse events overall were
      anemia and headache. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary trial, ozanimod at a daily
      dose of 1 mg resulted in a slightly higher rate of clinical remission of
      ulcerative colitis than placebo. The trial was not large enough or of
      sufficiently long duration to establish clinical efficacy or assess safety.
      (Funded by Receptos; TOUCHSTONE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01647516.).

PMID- 27144854
TI  - The sFlt-1:PlGF Ratio in Women with Suspected Preeclampsia.

PMID- 27144855
TI  - The sFlt-1:PlGF Ratio in Women with Suspected Preeclampsia.

PMID- 27144856
TI  - Azithromycin versus Doxycycline for Chlamydia.

PMID- 27144857
TI  - Azithromycin versus Doxycycline for Chlamydia.

PMID- 27144858
TI  - Azithromycin versus Doxycycline for Chlamydia.

PMID- 27144859
TI  - Wound Irrigation in Initial Management of Open Fractures.

PMID- 27144860
TI  - Wound Irrigation in Initial Management of Open Fractures.

PMID- 27144861
TI  - Wound Irrigation in Initial Management of Open Fractures.

PMID- 27144862
TI  - Crizotinib Resensitization by Compound Mutation.

PMID- 27144863
TI  - Crizotinib Resensitization by Compound Mutation.

PMID- 27144864
TI  - Viral Bronchiolitis in Children.

PMID- 27144865
TI  - Viral Bronchiolitis in Children.

PMID- 27144866
TI  - Viral Bronchiolitis in Children.

PMID- 27144867
TI  - Viral Bronchiolitis in Children.

PMID- 27144868
TI  - Viral Bronchiolitis in Children.

PMID- 27144869
TI  - Chewing Gum Test for Jaw Claudication in Giant-Cell Arteritis.

PMID- 27144870
TI  - Reevaluating PSA Testing Rates in the PLCO Trial.

PMID- 27144872
TI  - Assortative sexual mixing among heterosexuals in Australia: implications for herd
      protection in males from a female human papillomavirus vaccination program.
AB  - The aim was to investigate the assortative sexual mixing by country of birth
      among heterosexuals in Australia. An analysis of 1060 heterosexual couples who
      attended the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between 2011 and 2014 was conducted.
      Of the 1060 couples, 27% (n = 281) were both Australian-born men and women, and
      42% (n = 445) were both overseas-born. Of the 171 couples with women aged <=21
      years, 41% (n = 70) were both born in Australia and 33% (n = 56) were both born
      overseas. A strong assortative mixing pattern by country of birth was observed
      among all 1060 couples (r = 0.361; 95% CI: 0.320-0.403), and among 171 couples
      with women aged <=21 years (r = 0.481; 95% CI: 0.379-0.584).

PMID- 27144871
TI  - IMAGES IN CLINICAL MEDICINE. Petaloid Cataract.

PMID- 27144873
TI  - Single fiber EMG as a prognostic tool in myasthenia gravis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) is the most sensitive
      diagnostic tool for diagnosis of myasthenia gravis (MG). Its prognostic value is
      not known. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical course of 232 MG
      patients who presented with only mild symptoms and had SFEMG of the orbicularis
      oculi muscle. We correlated their SFEMG results with the severity of their later
      clinical course. RESULTS: During the observation period 39 patients (17%)
      developed severe disease exacerbations, and 193 (83%) remained stable. Patients
      with severe disease exacerbation had a significantly higher mean jitter value (P
      < 0.0001), a greater percentage of fibers with increased jitter (P < 0.0001),
      and/or impulse blocking (P < 0.0001) on SFEMG. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of the
      SFEMG abnormalities in this study correlated with the later clinical course of
      MG. Muscle Nerve 54: 1034-1040, 2016.

PMID- 27144874
TI  - The safety and efficacy of ramucirumab for the treatment of metastatic colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ramucirumab (IMC-1121B, LY3009806) is a fully humanized monoclonal
      antibody that targets the extracellular domain of vascular endothelial growth
      factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), the principal mediator of VEGF-A downstream effects
      in cancer angiogenesis. Ramucirumab has been recently approved for use in
      combination with FOLFIRI for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal
      cancer (mCRC) whose disease has progressed on a first line bevacizumab-,
      oxaliplatin- and fluoropyrimidine-containing regimen. This approval was based on
      the results of the RAISE phase III placebo-controlled trial. This study
      demonstrated that the addition of ramucirumab to irinotecan-based chemotherapy
      significantly improved progression-free and overall survival of patients with
      mCRC, with manageable toxicity. AREAS COVERED: The aim of this drug profile is to
      briefly summarize the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of
      ramucirumab in the context of metastatic colorectal cancer, and to provide some
      perspective regarding the role of the drug in clinical practice. Expert
      commentary: Pending issues that shall be addressed in the upcoming years include
      the optimization of ramucirumab dosing schedule, assessment of its role with
      other chemotherapy regimens or in other treatment settings, comparative
      evaluation of this agent with other antiangiogenics, and identification of
      predictive biomarkers to improve the therapeutic index and cost-effectiveness of
      this drug.

PMID- 27144876
TI  - Novel stationary phases based on asphaltenes for gas chromatography.
AB  - We present the results of investigations on the possibility of the application of
      the asphaltene fraction isolated from the oxidized residue from vacuum
      distillation of crude oil as a stationary phase for gas chromatography. The
      results of the investigation revealed that the asphaltene stationary phases can
      find use for the separation of a wide range of volatile organic compounds. The
      experimental values of Rohrschneider/McReynolds constants characterize the
      asphaltenes as stationary phases of medium polarity and selectivity similar to
      commercially available phases based on alkyl phthalates. Isolation of asphaltenes
      from the material obtained under controlled process conditions allows the
      production of a stationary phase having reproducible sorption properties and
      chromatographic columns having the same selectivity. Unique selectivity and high
      thermal stability make asphaltenes attractive as a material for stationary phases
      for gas chromatography. A low production cost from a readily available raw
      material (oxidized petroleum bitumens) is an important economic factor in case of
      application of the asphaltene stationary phases for preparative and process
      separations. 

PMID- 27144875
TI  - Overcoming the Interface Losses in Planar Heterojunction Perovskite-Based Solar
      Cells.
AB  - A scalable, hysteresis-free and planar architecture perovskite solar cell is
      presented, employing a flame spray synthesized low-temperature processed NiO (LT
      NiO) as hole-transporting layer yielding efficiencies close to 18%. Importantly,
      it is found that LT-NiO boosts the limits of open-circuit voltages toward an
      impressive non-radiative voltage loss of 0.226 V only, whereas PEDOT: PSS suffers
      from significant large non-radiative recombination losses.

PMID- 27144877
TI  - Physical Activity in People With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic
      Review of Correlates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely than
      the general population to be physically inactive. The present review
      systematically evaluated correlates of physical activity across the
      socioecological model for people with PTSD. METHODS: Two independent reviewers
      searched Embase, PubMed, PsycARTICLES, and CINAHL from inception until June 2015,
      combining the medical subject heading "posttraumatic stress disorder" or "PTSD,"
      with "physical activity" or "exercise." Data were extracted by the same
      independent researchers and summarized according to the socioecological model.
      RESULTS: Eight papers involving 1368 (994 men) participants (age range = 18-70
      years) were eligible and enabled evaluation of 21 correlates. The only correlate
      (n >= 4) consistently associated with lower physical activity participation in
      people with PTSD was symptoms of hyperarousal. No consistent facilitators were
      identified. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperarousal symptoms are associated with lower physical
      activity participation among people with PTSD and should be considered in the
      design and delivery of individualized exercise programs targeting this
      population. The role of social, environmental, and policy factors on physical
      activity participation among people with PTSD is unknown and should be addressed
      by future research.

PMID- 27144878
TI  - Surface display vectors for selective detection and isolation of high level
      antibody producing cells.
AB  - Cell line generation for production of biopharmaceuticals in mammalian cells
      usually involves intensive screening of clones to identify the rare high
      producers. In order to facilitate efficient and selective fluorescence activated
      cell sorting (FACS) based enrichment and cloning of antibody producing CHO cells,
      we developed a special vector setup by inserting a leaky translation termination
      signal between the heavy chain of an IgG antibody and an IgG transmembrane
      domain. Partial read-through during translation of the antibody heavy chain leads
      to display of a subset of the produced antibody on the surface of the expressing
      cell. We could show that the level of surface expression correlates well with the
      productivity. By applying FACS, high producing cells can be selectively enriched
      and cloned. Two sequential FACS enrichment cycles were performed which led to
      more than eightfold increased productivities of transfected and selected cell
      populations without cloning. The combination of selective FACS enrichment and
      FACS cloning with the new vector setup led to a sevenfold higher average
      productivity of the resulting clones as compared to a reference vector.
      Productivity and production stability assessment of clones generated with the new
      vector showed no negative impact of the co-expression of transmembrane antibody.
      Clone productivities of 4 g/L in a generic shake flask fed-batch model were
      achieved. Thus, this new vector setup facilitates fast and selective isolation of
      high producing production cell lines and allows significant reduction of clone
      screening efforts during cell line development for production cell lines.
      Additionally, the high productivity of FACS-enriched but non-clonal cell
      populations supports rapid, high yield, and cost efficient material production in
      early project phases. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 2386-2393. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144879
TI  - Match-to-match variability in high-speed running activity in a professional
      soccer team.
AB  - This study investigated variability in competitive high-speed running performance
      in an elite soccer team. A semi-automated tracking system quantified running
      performance in 12 players over a season (median 17 matches per player, 207
      observations). Variability [coefficient of variation (CV)] was compared for total
      sprint distance (TSD, >25.2 km/h), high-speed running (HSR, 19.8-25.2 km/h),
      total high-speed running (THSR, >=19.8 km/h); THSR when the team was in and out
      of ball possession, in individual ball possession, in the peak 5 min activity
      period; and distance run according to individual maximal aerobic speed (MAS).
      Variability for % declines in THSR and distance covered at >=80% MAS across
      halves, at the end of play (final 15 min vs. mean for all 15 min periods) and
      transiently (5 min period following peak 5 min activity period), was analysed.
      Collectively, variability was higher for TSD versus HSR and THSR and lowest for
      distance run at >=80% MAS (CVs: 37.1%, 18.1%, 19.8% and 11.8%). THSR CVs when the
      team was in/out of ball possession, in individual ball possession and during the
      peak 5 min period were 31.5%, 26.1%, 60.1% and 23.9%. Variability in THSR
      declines across halves, at the end of play and transiently, ranged from 37.1% to
      142.6%, while lower CVs were observed in these metrics for running at >=80% MAS
      (20.9-53.3%).These results cast doubt on the appropriateness of general measures
      of high-speed activity for determining variability in an elite soccer team,
      although individualisation of HSR thresholds according to fitness characteristics
      might provide more stable indicators of running performance and fatigue
      occurrence.

PMID- 27144880
TI  - Overcoming redundancies in bedside nursing assessments by validating a
      parsimonious meta-tool: findings from a methodological exercise study.
AB  - RATIONALE: There is growing interest in validating tools aimed at supporting the
      clinical decision-making process and research. However, an increased
      bureaucratization of clinical practice and redundancies in the measures collected
      have been reported by clinicians. Redundancies in clinical assessments affect
      negatively both patients and nurses. METHODS: To validate a meta-tool measuring
      the risks/problems currently estimated by multiple tools used in daily practice.
      A secondary analysis of a database was performed, using a cross-validation and a
      longitudinal study designs. In total, 1464 patients admitted to 12 medical units
      in 2012 were assessed at admission with the Brass, Barthel, Conley and Braden
      tools. Pertinent outcomes such as the occurrence of post-discharge need for
      resources and functional decline at discharge, as well as falls and pressure
      sores, were measured. Explorative factor analysis of each tool, inter-tool
      correlations and a conceptual evaluation of the redundant/similar items across
      tools were performed. Therefore, the validation of the meta-tool was performed
      through explorative factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and the
      structural equation model to establish the ability of the meta-tool to predict
      the outcomes estimated by the original tools. RESULTS: High correlations between
      the tools have emerged (from r 0.428 to 0.867) with a common variance from 18.3%
      to 75.1%. Through a conceptual evaluation and explorative factor analysis, the
      items were reduced from 42 to 20, and the three factors that emerged were
      confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. According to the structural equation
      model results, two out of three emerged factors predicted the outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: From the initial 42 items, the meta-tool is composed of 20 items
      capable of predicting the outcomes as with the original tools.

PMID- 27144881
TI  - Postacute Care After Major Abdominal Surgery in Elderly Patients: Intersection of
      Age, Functional Status, and Postoperative Complications.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Advanced age is an important risk factor for discharge to postacute
      care (PAC) facilities including skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Factors
      modifying the age-related risk of discharge to PAC have not been adequately
      examined for surgical patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how preoperative
      functional status and postoperative complications affect age-related risk of
      discharge to PAC facilities following major abdominal surgery. DESIGN, SETTING,
      AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective cohort study of 55 238 patients aged 18 years or
      older having colorectal, pancreas, or liver operations in 2011 and 2012 at
      hospitals participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Age
      was classified as younger than 65 years, 65 to 74 years, 75 to 84 years, and 85
      years or older. The study was conducted between July 1, 2014, and July 1, 2015.
      MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was discharge to a PAC facility
      following surgery. The secondary outcome was type of PAC facility (skilled
      nursing, rehabilitation, or other facility). RESULTS: Among 55 238 patients (mean
      [SD] age, 61 [15] years; 49% male) having colorectal, pancreas, or liver
      operations, 5325 (10%) were discharged to PAC facilities after major abdominal
      surgery. Skilled nursing facilities were the most common type of PAC (63%),
      followed by rehabilitation hospitals (30%) and other facilities (7%). Older age
      was an important predictor of discharge to PAC facilities, but there were
      significant interaction effects with age and postoperative complications. Among
      functionally independent patients who avoided postoperative complications, rates
      of discharge to PAC increased from 1% in the group younger than 65 years to 30%
      in the group aged 85 years or older. For functionally independent patients with
      multiple complications, 13% of patients younger than 65 years were discharged to
      PAC facilities compared with 66% of those aged 85 years or older. After risk
      adjustment, the oldest patients were 27 times more likely to be discharged to PAC
      than the youngest group when there were no postoperative complications (odds
      ratio = 26.6; 95% CI, 21.6-32.7) and 11 times more likely after multiple
      complications (odds ratio = 11.4; 95% CI, 8.3-15.6). Among functionally dependent
      patients, the overall risk of discharge to PAC facilities was increased, but age
      was not as important a predictor for discharge to PAC. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE:
      Older patients are frequently discharged to PAC facilities even when they are
      functionally independent and without postoperative complications. Helping older
      patients to return home after surgery and avoid placement in PAC facilities will
      require innovative programs that go beyond reducing complication rates and
      enhance postoperative recovery.

PMID- 27144882
TI  - The Authors' Reply: Acylated and unacylated ghrelin during OGTT in Prader-Willi
      syndrome, a rebuttal to the conclusions by Kuppens et al.

PMID- 27144883
TI  - Allergic contact dermatitis caused by cocamide diethanolamine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cocamide DEA (CAS no. 68603-42-9) is a non-ionic surfactant
      frequently used in industrial, household and cosmetic products for its foam
      producing and stabilizing properties. Contact allergy has been reported quite
      rarely in the past, but recently several cases were published, raising the
      question of an increase in the frequency of allergic dermatitis caused by this
      substance. OBJECTIVES: To describe cocamide DEA-allergic patients and their
      characteristics observed in our department. METHODS: Medical charts of patients,
      investigated between 1990 and December 2015, were retrospectively reviewed for
      cocamide DEA-allergy. Demographic characteristics and patch test results were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 1767 patients tested, 18 (1%) presented with an
      allergic reaction to cocamide DEA, all of them at least with hand dermatitis.
      Twelve patients had (past) occupational exposure to cocamide DEA. Out of the 18
      patients, 15 showed (most often) multiple positive reactions and 7 also suffered
      from atopic dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Cocamide DEA allergy is relatively rare,
      despite frequent use, and an increasing trend was not observed. Reactions to
      cocamidopropyl betaine and cocamide MEA only occurred in some of the subjects
      tested. Shampoos and liquid hand soaps/cleansers dominated as sources of
      exposure. All patients presented with an impaired skin barrier due to atopic
      and/or previous contact dermatitis.

PMID- 27144884
TI  - Impact of family structure and socio-demographic characteristics on child health
      and wellbeing in same-sex parent families: A cross-sectional survey.
AB  - Children with same-sex attracted parents develop well in terms of their health
      and wellbeing. There are many recognised factors that have an impact on child
      health, in general, including individual, family and wider social mediators. The
      aim of this study is to determine the impact of family structure and socio
      demographic characteristics on child health and wellbeing in Australian same-sex
      parent families. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of self-identified same-sex
      attracted parents from across Australia was used to collect information on child
      health and wellbeing between May and December 2012. Mixed-effects multiple linear
      regression models were used to identify associations between family
      structure/socio-demographic characteristics and child wellbeing. Child health
      outcomes were measured using the Child Health Questionnaire and the Strengths and
      Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS: In same-sex parent families, biological
      relationships, parental gender and parental education were not significantly
      associated with health and wellbeing. Parental income, rurality and stable
      parental relationships were associated with health and wellbeing, and living in a
      single-parent household was associated with poorer wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: Stable
      dual parent families offer good outcomes for children with same-sex attracted
      parents. Family processes are most important. This study does not support the
      assertion that children require both male and female parents, nor that biological
      relationships are essential to health and wellbeing. This study provides
      scientific data from a cross-sectional Australian-based study to describe and
      understand health determinants for children in family contexts that comprise same
      sex parent and all family contexts. It recommends equitable, stigma-free family
      support.

PMID- 27144885
TI  - Comprehensive profiling of virus microRNAs of Epstein-Barr virus-associated
      gastric carcinoma: highlighting the interactions of ebv-Bart9 and host tumor
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is suggested to actively utilize its
      ebv-microRNAs (miRNAs) to manipulate viral and cellular functions during
      neoplasia transformation. A systemic profiling of ebv-miRNAs expressed in EBV
      associated gastric carcinoma (EBVa GC) helps understand its epigenetic regulation
      of carcinogenesis. METHODS: A total of 1039 patients with gastric cancer were
      screened for EBVa GC using EBV-encoded RNAs in situ hybridization. A
      comprehensive profiling of ebv-miRNAs expressed in EBVa GC was constructed using
      stem-loop quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Functional assay of specific
      ebv-miRNA was conducted. Expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
      markers among EBVa GC and non-EBVa GC was compared. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      EBVa GC was 5.0% (52 out of 1039) in our series. The most abundant ebv-miRNAs of
      EBVa GC were Bart4, followed by Bart11, Bart2, Bart6, Bart9, and Bart18, in the
      decreasing order. Of them, Bart9 exhibited the same seed sequence as to hsa miR
      200a and miR-141. Expression of E-cadherin of EBV-positive SNU-719 was increased
      after BART9 knockdown. Depleting endogenous Bart9 of SNU-719 induced a surged
      expression of miR-200a and miR-141, accompanied by decreased proliferative and
      invasive ability. Expression of mesenchymal markers in EBVa GC was increased
      compared with those of non-EBVa GC, albeit the two cohorts exhibited a comparable
      long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS: We constructed a comprehensive profiling of ebv
      miRNAs in EBVa GC. BART9 plays an important role during carcinogenesis through
      EMT. Inherent mesenchymal phenotype of EBVa GC represents a unique virus-induced
      morphology and microenvironment rather than being able to predict the prognosis.

PMID- 27144886
TI  - PPARgamma Inhibits VSMC Proliferation and Migration via Attenuating Oxidative
      Stress through Upregulating UCP2.
AB  - Increasing evidence showed that abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular
      smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are common event in the pathophysiology of many
      vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty.
      Among the underlying mechanisms, oxidative stress is one of the principal
      contributors to the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Oxidative stress occurs
      as a result of persistent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recently,
      the protective effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      (PPARgamma) against oxidative stress/ROS in other cell types provide new insights
      to inhibit the suggests that PPARgamma may regulate VSMCs function. However, it
      remains unclear whether activation of PPARgamma can attenuate oxidative stress
      and further inhibit VSMC proliferation and migration. In this study, we therefore
      investigated the effect of PPARgamma on inhibiting VSMC oxidative stress and the
      capability of proliferation and migration, and the potential role of
      mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in oxidative stress. It was found that
      platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) induced VSMC proliferation and
      migration as well as ROS production; PPARgamma inhibited PDGF-BB-induced VSMC
      proliferation, migration and oxidative stress; PPARgamma activation upregulated
      UCP2 expression in VSMCs; PPARgamma inhibited PDGF-BB-induced ROS in VSMCs by
      upregulating UCP2 expression; PPARgamma ameliorated injury-induced oxidative
      stress and intimal hyperplasia (IH) in UCP2-dependent manner. In conclusion, our
      study provides evidence that activation of PPARgamma can attenuate ROS and VSMC
      proliferation and migration by upregulating UCP2 expression, and thus inhibit IH
      following carotid injury. These findings suggest PPARgamma may represent a
      prospective target for the prevention and treatment of IH-associated vascular
      diseases.

PMID- 27144887
TI  - Decoding Group Vocalizations: The Acoustic Energy Distribution of Chorus Howls Is
      Useful to Determine Wolf Reproduction.
AB  - Population monitoring is crucial for wildlife management and conservation. In the
      last few decades, wildlife researchers have increasingly applied bioacoustics
      tools to obtain information on several essential ecological parameters, such as
      distribution and abundance. One such application involves wolves (Canis lupus).
      These canids respond to simulated howls by emitting group vocalizations known as
      chorus howls. These responses to simulated howls reveal the presence of wolf
      litters during the breeding period and are therefore often used to determine the
      status of wolf populations. However, the acoustic structure of chorus howls is
      complex and discriminating the presence of pups in a chorus is sometimes
      difficult, even for experienced observers. In this study, we evaluate the
      usefulness of analyses of the acoustic energy distribution in chorus howls to
      identify the presence of pups in a chorus. We analysed 110 Iberian wolf chorus
      howls with known pack composition and found that the acoustic energy distribution
      is concentrated at higher frequencies when there are pups vocalizing. We built
      predictive models using acoustic energy distribution features to determine the
      presence of pups in a chorus, concluding that the acoustic energy distribution in
      chorus howls can be used to determine the presence of wolf pups in a pack. The
      method we outline here is objective, accurate, easily implemented, and
      independent of the observer's experience. These advantages are especially
      relevant in the case of broad scale surveys or when many observers are involved.
      Furthermore, the analysis of the acoustic energy distribution can be implemented
      for monitoring other social canids that emit chorus howls such as jackals or
      coyotes, provides an easy way to obtain information on ecological parameters such
      as reproductive success, and could be useful to study other group vocalizations.

PMID- 27144888
TI  - Vector Competence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes polynesiensis Populations from
      French Polynesia for Chikungunya Virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: From October 2014 to March 2015, French Polynesia experienced for the
      first time a chikungunya outbreak. Two Aedes mosquitoes may have contributed to
      chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmission in French Polynesia: the worldwide
      distributed Ae. aegypti and the Polynesian islands-endemic Ae. polynesiensis
      mosquito. METHODS: To investigate the vector competence of French Polynesian
      populations of Ae. aegypti and Ae. polynesiensis for CHIKV, mosquitoes were
      exposed per os at viral titers of 7 logs tissue culture infectious dose 50%. At
      2, 6, 9, 14 and 21 days post-infection (dpi), saliva was collected from each
      mosquito and inoculated onto C6/36 mosquito cells to check for the presence of
      CHIKV infectious particles. Legs and body (thorax and abdomen) of each mosquito
      were also collected at the different dpi and submitted separately to viral RNA
      extraction and CHIKV real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: CHIKV infection rate,
      dissemination and transmission efficiencies ranged from 7-90%, 18-78% and 5-53%
      respectively for Ae. aegypti and from 39-41%, 3-17% and 0-14% respectively for
      Ae. polynesiensis, depending on the dpi. Infectious saliva was found as early as
      2 dpi for Ae. aegypti and from 6 dpi for Ae. polynesiensis. Our laboratory
      results confirm that the French Polynesian population of Ae. aegypti is highly
      competent for CHIKV and they provide clear evidence for Ae. polynesiensis to act
      as an efficient CHIKV vector. CONCLUSION: As supported by our findings, the
      presence of two CHIKV competent vectors in French Polynesia certainly contributed
      to enabling this virus to quickly disseminate from the urban/peri-urban areas
      colonized by Ae. aegypti to the most remote atolls where Ae. polynesiensis is
      predominating. Ae. polynesiensis was probably involved in the recent chikungunya
      outbreaks in Samoa and the Cook Islands. Moreover, this vector may contribute to
      the risk for CHIKV to emerge in other Polynesian islands like Fiji, and more
      particularly Wallis where there is no Ae. aegypti.

PMID- 27144889
TI  - Testing for Questionable Research Practices in a Meta-Analysis: An Example from
      Experimental Parapsychology.
AB  - We describe a method of quantifying the effect of Questionable Research Practices
      (QRPs) on the results of meta-analyses. As an example we simulated a meta
      analysis of a controversial telepathy protocol to assess the extent to which
      these experimental results could be explained by QRPs. Our simulations used the
      same numbers of studies and trials as the original meta-analysis and the
      frequencies with which various QRPs were applied in the simulated experiments
      were based on surveys of experimental psychologists. Results of both the meta
      analysis and simulations were characterized by 4 metrics, two describing the
      trial and mean experiment hit rates (HR) of around 31%, where 25% is expected by
      chance, one the correlation between sample-size and hit-rate, and one the
      complete P-value distribution of the database. A genetic algorithm optimized the
      parameters describing the QRPs, and the fitness of the simulated meta-analysis
      was defined as the sum of the squares of Z-scores for the 4 metrics. Assuming no
      anomalous effect a good fit to the empirical meta-analysis was found only by
      using QRPs with unrealistic parameter-values. Restricting the parameter space to
      ranges observed in studies of QRP occurrence, under the untested assumption that
      parapsychologists use comparable QRPs, the fit to the published Ganzfeld meta
      analysis with no anomalous effect was poor. We allowed for a real anomalous
      effect, be it unidentified QRPs or a paranormal effect, where the HR ranged from
      25% (chance) to 31%. With an anomalous HR of 27% the fitness became F = 1.8 (p =
      0.47 where F = 0 is a perfect fit). We conclude that the very significant
      probability cited by the Ganzfeld meta-analysis is likely inflated by QRPs,
      though results are still significant (p = 0.003) with QRPs. Our study
      demonstrates that quantitative simulations of QRPs can assess their impact. Since
      meta-analyses in general might be polluted by QRPs, this method has wide
      applicability outside the domain of experimental parapsychology.

PMID- 27144890
TI  - Understanding the role of mind wandering in stress-related working memory
      impairments.
AB  - Mind wandering has been identified as a possible cause for stress-related working
      memory (WM) task impairments following laboratory stressors. The current study
      attempted to induce mind wandering regarding negative, positive, or neutral
      events using an expressive writing task and examined the impact on WM task
      performance. We examined the role of mind wandering in understanding the impact
      of life stress on WM. Additionally, we explored the role of thought suppression
      on the relationship between mind wandering and WM. One hundred and fifty
      participants completed WM measures before (Time 1) and after (Time 2) the writing
      manipulation. The writing manipulation did not alter mind wandering or WM task
      performance. Time 1 WM predicted mind wandering during the Time 2 WM task, which
      subsequently predicted poorer Time 2 WM task performance. The impact of daily
      life stress on WM was mediated by mind wandering. Trait levels of thought
      suppression moderated the impact of mind wandering on WM. Specifically, higher
      levels of suppression resulted in stronger negative impact of mind wandering on
      WM task performance. Findings are discussed in terms of the impact of mind
      wandering on WM task performance.

PMID- 27144891
TI  - Multiresidue method for simultaneous analysis of aflatoxin M1, avermectins,
      organophosphate pesticides and milbemycin in milk by ultra-performance liquid
      chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A method developed for the simultaneous analysis of aflatoxin M1, abamectin,
      doramectin, eprinomectin, ivermectin, moxidectin, acephate, azinphos-ethyl,
      azinphos-methyl, diazinon, methamidophos, methidathion, mevinphos, pirimiphos
      ethyl and pirimiphos-methyl in whole raw milk, based on the QuEChERS method for
      extraction and clean-up, with detection and quantification by ultra-performance
      liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) is
      described. The method was validated according to parameters of the Analytical
      Quality Assurance Manual from the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and
      Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, and proved suitable for analysis of these
      analytes within the proposed working range, with recovery values between 77% and
      110%, a standard deviation lower than 20%, limits of detection between 0.05 and
      0.99 ug l(-)(1), and limits of quantification between 0.15 and 1.98 ug l(-1).
      Samples from animals treated with abamectin, doramectin, ivermectin and diazinon
      were analysed by the validated method. Residues of aflatoxin M1 were also found
      in field samples at levels below the established maximum residue limit. 

PMID- 27144892
TI  - Probing the ATP Site of GRP78 with Nucleotide Triphosphate Analogs.
AB  - GRP78, a member of the ER stress protein family, can relocate to the surface of
      cancer cells, playing key roles in promoting cell proliferation and metastasis.
      GRP78 consists of two major functional domains: the ATPase and protein/peptide
      binding domains. The protein/peptide-binding domain of cell-surface GRP78 has
      served as a novel functional receptor for delivering cytotoxic agents (e.g., a
      apoptosis-inducing peptide or taxol) across the cell membrane. Here, we report
      our study on the ATPase domain of GRP78 (GRP78ATPase), whose potential as a
      transmembrane delivery system of cytotoxic agents (e.g., ATP-based nucleotide
      triphosphate analogs) remains unexploited. As the binding of ligands (ATP
      analogs) to a receptor (GRP78ATPase) is a pre-requisite for internalization, we
      determined the binding affinities and modes of GRP78ATPase for ADP, ATP and
      several ATP analogs using surface plasmon resonance and x-ray crystallography.
      The tested ATP analogs contain one of the following modifications: the nitrogen
      at the adenine ring 7-position to a carbon atom (7-deazaATP), the oxygen at the
      beta-gamma bridge position to a carbon atom (AMPPCP), or the removal of the 2'-OH
      group (2'-deoxyATP). We found that 7-deazaATP displays an affinity and a binding
      mode that resemble those of ATP regardless of magnesium ion (Mg++) concentration,
      suggesting that GRP78 is tolerant to modifications at the 7-position. By
      comparison, AMPPCP's binding affinity was lower than ATP and Mg++-dependent, as
      the removal of Mg++ nearly abolished binding to GRP78ATPase. The AMPPCP-Mg++
      structure showed evidence for the critical role of Mg++ in AMPPCP binding
      affinity, suggesting that while GRP78 is sensitive to modifications at the beta
      gamma bridge position, these can be tolerated in the presence of Mg++.
      Furthermore, 2'-deoxyATP's binding affinity was significantly lower than those
      for all other nucleotides tested, even in the presence of Mg++. The 2'-deoxyATP
      structure showed the conformation of the bound nucleotide flipped out of the
      active site, explaining the low affinity binding to GRP78 and suggesting that the
      2'-OH group is essential for the high affinity binding to GRP78. Together, our
      results demonstrate that GRP78ATPase possesses nucleotide specificity more
      relaxed than previously anticipated and can tolerate certain modifications to the
      nucleobase 7-position and, to a lesser extent, the beta-gamma bridging atom,
      thereby providing a possible atomic mechanism underlying the transmembrane
      transport of the ATP analogs.

PMID- 27144893
TI  - Analyzing treatment aggressiveness and identifying high-risk patients in diabetic
      foot ulcer return to care.
AB  - Rates of diabetes and its associated comorbidities have been increasing in the
      United States, with diabetic foot ulcer treatment representing a large cost to
      the patient and healthcare system. These ulcers often result in multiple hospital
      admissions. This study examined readmissions following inpatient care for a
      diabetic foot ulcer and identified modifiable factors associated with all-cause
      30-day readmissions to the inpatient or emergency department (ED) setting. We
      hypothesized that patients undergoing aggressive treatment would have lower 30
      day readmission rates. We identified patient discharge records containing
      International Classification of Disease ninth revision codes for both diabetes
      mellitus and distal foot ulcer in the State Inpatient and Emergency Department
      databases from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Healthcare Cost
      and Utilization Project in Florida and New York, 2011-2012. All-cause 30-day
      return to care visits (ED or inpatient) were analyzed. Patient demographics and
      treatment characteristics were evaluated using univariate and multivariable
      regression models. The cohort included 25,911 discharges, having a mean age of 63
      and an average of 3.8 comorbidities. The overall rate of return to care was 30%,
      and 21% of subjects underwent a toe or midfoot amputation during their index
      stay. The most common diagnosis codes upon readmission were diabetes mellitus
      (19%) and infection (13%). Patients with a toe or midfoot amputation procedure
      were less likely to be readmitted within 30 days (odds ratio: 0.78; 95%
      confidence interval: 0.73, 0.84). Presence of comorbidities, black and Hispanic
      ethnicities, and Medicare and Medicaid payer status were also associated with
      higher odds of readmission following initial hospitalization (p < 0.05). The
      study suggests that there are many factors that affect readmission rates for
      diabetic foot ulcer patients. Understanding patients at high-risk for readmission
      can improve counseling and treatment strategies for this fragile patient
      population.

PMID- 27144895
TI  - IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF A
      SKULL BASE CHORDOMA IN A CAT.
AB  - An 8-year-old domestic short-haired cat was presented with anorexia, lethargy,
      ataxia and one episode of consciousness loss. A midline vertically orientated,
      biconcave, extra-axial mass originating from the basioccipital bone was detected
      on magnetic resonance images of the head. The mass was T1W iso- to hypointense
      when compared with normal grey matter, T2W hyperintense with small areas of
      isointensity and heterogeneously enhanced with contrast. Multiple signal voids
      were observed on T2* images. Histopathological evaluation confirmed a chordoma.
      To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of the imaging characteristics
      of a chordoma affecting the skull base in a cat.

PMID- 27144896
TI  - Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of apigenin in a rat model of sepsis:
      an immunological, biochemical, and histopathological study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that apigenin may inhibit some cellular process of
      sepsis-induced spleen injury and simultaneously improve inflammation and
      oxidative stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the
      potential protective effects of apigenin in a polymicrobial sepsis rat model of
      by cecal ligation and puncture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 64 female Wistar albino
      rats were divided into 8 groups. The pro-inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor
      alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1-beta) and anti-inflammatory (tumor growth
      factor-beta and interleukin-10) cytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. CD3, CD68, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) positivity
      rates were detected by immunohistochemical methods. Oxidative stress parameters
      were measured by tissue biochemistry. RESULTS: Sepsis caused a significant
      increase in TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta, IL-6, and TGF-beta levels whereas it reduced IL
      10 level. Additionally, it led to an increase in CD3, CD68, and NF-kappaB
      positivity rates as well as oxidative stress parameters levels. However, apigenin
      inhibited the inflammation process, increased the IL-10 level and normalized the
      oxidative stress parameters. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with
      apigenin results in a significant reduction in the amount of inflammatory cells.
      The beneficial effect of apigenin on spleen injury also involved inhibition of NF
      kappaB pathway, suppression of proinflammatory cytokines, and induction of anti
      inflammatory cytokine production. Additionally, it led to a decrease in oxidative
      stress in spleen tissue. Taking everything into account, apigenin may be an
      alternative therapeutic option for prevention of sepsis-induced organ.

PMID- 27144897
TI  - STarMirDB: A database of microRNA binding sites.
AB  - microRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of small endogenous non-coding RNAs
      (ncRNAs) of ~22 nucleotides (nts) in length. These small regulatory molecules are
      involved in diverse developmental, physiological and pathological processes.
      miRNAs target mRNAs (mRNAs) for translational repression and/or mRNA degradation.
      Predictions of miRNA binding sites facilitate experimental validation of miRNA
      targets. Models developed with data from CLIP studies have been used for
      predictions of miRNA binding sites in the whole transcriptomes of human, mouse
      and worm. The prediction results have been assembled into STarMirDB, a new
      database of miRNA binding sites available at
      http://sfold.wadsworth.org/starmirDB.php . STarMirDB can be searched by miRNAs or
      mRNAs separately or in combination. The search results are categorized into seed
      and seedless sites in 3' UTR, CDS and 5' UTR. For each predicted site, STarMirDB
      provides a comprehensive list of sequence, thermodynamic and target structural
      features that are known to influence miRNA: target interaction. A high resolution
      PDF diagram of the conformation of the miRNA:target hybrid is also available for
      visualization and publication. The results of a database search are available
      through both an interactive viewer and downloadable text files.

PMID- 27144898
TI  - Mapping-by-sequencing in complex polyploid genomes using genic sequence capture:
      a case study to map yellow rust resistance in hexaploid wheat.
AB  - Previously we extended the utility of mapping-by-sequencing by combining it with
      sequence capture and mapping sequence data to pseudo-chromosomes that were
      organized using wheat-Brachypodium synteny. This, with a bespoke haplotyping
      algorithm, enabled us to map the flowering time locus in the diploid wheat
      Triticum monococcum L. identifying a set of deleted genes (Gardiner et al.,
      2014). Here, we develop this combination of gene enrichment and sliding window
      mapping-by-synteny analysis to map the Yr6 locus for yellow stripe rust
      resistance in hexaploid wheat. A 110 MB NimbleGen capture probe set was used to
      enrich and sequence a doubled haploid mapping population of hexaploid wheat
      derived from an Avalon and Cadenza cross. The Yr6 locus was identified by mapping
      to the POPSEQ chromosomal pseudomolecules using a bespoke pipeline and algorithm
      (Chapman et al., 2015). Furthermore the same locus was identified using newly
      developed pseudo-chromosome sequences as a mapping reference that are based on
      the genic sequence used for sequence enrichment. The pseudo-chromosomes allow us
      to demonstrate the application of mapping-by-sequencing to even poorly defined
      polyploidy genomes where chromosomes are incomplete and sub-genome assemblies are
      collapsed. This analysis uniquely enabled us to: compare wheat genome
      annotations; identify the Yr6 locus - defining a smaller genic region than was
      previously possible; associate the interval with one wheat sub-genome and
      increase the density of SNP markers associated. Finally, we built the pipeline in
      iPlant, making it a user-friendly community resource for phenotype mapping.

PMID- 27144900
TI  - The Great Deceiver: A Case of Central Sensitization Presenting as Carcinoid
      Syndrome.
AB  - Central sensitization defines a state of amplified sensory input within the
      nervous system across many organ systems; it overlaps syndromes as fibromyalgia,
      chronic fatigue, irritable bowel, and interstitial cystitis. Commonly,
      individuals will experience multiple syndromes during the course of their
      lifetime. A 62-year-old patient presented for evaluation of multiple medically
      unexplained symptoms postsurgically including chronic left chest wall and flank
      pain with concomitant diarrhea, abdominal pain, and facial flushing. After
      extensive multidisciplinary evaluations, he was diagnosed as having central
      sensitization in which the initial presentation mimicked carcinoid syndrome. He
      was subsequently treated with extensive multidisciplinary pain rehabilitation,
      and it did well. 

PMID- 27144899
TI  - Inadvertent Prolonged Femoral Nerve Palsy After Field Block with Liposomal
      Bupivacaine for Inguinal Herniorrhaphy.
AB  - Inguinal herniorrhaphy is a common outpatient procedure where analgesia can be
      augmented with local infiltration. We report a case of prolonged femoral nerve
      palsy secondary to liposomal bupivacaine use during wound infiltration after
      inguinal herniorrhaphy. Inadvertent transient femoral nerve palsy is a rare but
      known complication after ilioinguinal field block. This case both highlights the
      value of ultrasound imaging in evaluating the complications and demonstrates how
      the prolonged nature of liposomal bupivacaine can prolong adverse sequela. 

PMID- 27144901
TI  - The Relationship Between Sexual Violence and Disordered Eating.
AB  - College women who experience sexual violence (SV) and disordered eating (DE) are
      at risk for comorbid mental health symptomology (depression, somatization) and
      risky health behaviors (dating status, alcohol use). The purpose of this study is
      to explore associations of coexisting sexual violence history and disordered
      eating with mental health and health behaviors in college women. This cross
      sectional descriptive study is a secondary analysis of survey data from college
      students from five universities (n = 2747). College women with both SV and DE
      were more likely to experience increased depressive and somatic symptoms and
      participate in risky health behaviors. 

PMID- 27144894
TI  - Epigenetics of breast cancer: Modifying role of environmental and bioactive food
      compounds.
AB  - SCOPE: Reduced expression of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) increases the
      susceptibility to breast cancer. However, only a small percentage of breast
      tumors is related to family history and mutational inactivation of TSG.
      Epigenetics refers to non-mutational events that alter gene expression. Endocrine
      disruptors found in foods and drinking water may disrupt epigenetically hormonal
      regulation and increase breast cancer risk. This review centers on the working
      hypothesis that agonists of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), bisphenol A
      (BPA), and arsenic compounds, induce in TSG epigenetic signatures that mirror
      those often seen in sporadic breast tumors. Conversely, it is hypothesized that
      bioactive food components that target epigenetic mechanisms protect against
      sporadic breast cancer induced by these disruptors. METHODS AND RESULTS: This
      review highlights (i) overlaps between epigenetic signatures placed in TSG by AHR
      ligands, BPA, and arsenic with epigenetic alterations associated with sporadic
      breast tumorigenesis; and (ii) potential opportunities for the prevention of
      sporadic breast cancer with food components that target the epigenetic machinery.
      CONCLUSIONS: Characterizing the overlap between epigenetic signatures elicited in
      TSG by endocrine disruptors with those observed in sporadic breast tumors may
      afford new strategies for breast cancer prevention with specific bioactive food
      components or diet.

PMID- 27144902
TI  - Greatly Enhanced Optical Absorption of a Defective MoS2 Monolayer through Oxygen
      Passivation.
AB  - Structural defects in the molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayer are widely
      reported and greatly degrade the transport and photoluminescence. However, how
      they influence the optical absorption properties remains unclear. In this work,
      by employing many-body perturbation theory calculations, we investigate the
      influence of sulfur vacancies (SVs), the main type of intrinsic defects in the
      MoS2 monolayer, on the optical absorption and exciton effect. Our calculations
      reveal that the presence of SVs creates localized midgap states in the bandgap,
      which results in a dramatic red-shift of the absorption peak and stronger
      absorbance in the visible light and near-infrared region. Nevertheless, the SVs
      can be finely repaired by oxygen passivation and are beneficial to the formation
      of the stable localized excitons, which greatly enhance the optical absorption in
      the spectral range. The defect-mediated/-engineered absorption mechanism is well
      understood, which offers insightful guides for improving the performance of two
      dimensional dichalcogenide-based optoelectronic devices.

PMID- 27144903
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Gauze and tape and transparent polyurethane dressings for central
      venous catheters.

PMID- 27144905
TI  - Prednisone lowers serum uric acid levels in patients with decompensated heart
      failure by increasing renal uric acid clearance.
AB  - Clinical studies have shown that large doses of prednisone could lower serum uric
      acid (SUA) in patients with decompensated heart failure (HF); however, the
      optimal dose of prednisone and underlying mechanisms are unknown. Thirty-eight
      patients with decompensated HF were randomized to receive standard HF care alone
      (n = 10) or with low-dose (15 mg/day, n = 8), medium-dose (30 mg/day, n = 10), or
      high-dose prednisone (60 mg/day, n = 10), for 10 days. At the end of the study,
      only high-dose prednisone significantly reduced SUA, whereas low- and medium-dose
      prednisone and standard HF care had no effect on SUA. The reduction in SUA in
      high-dose prednisone groups was associated with a significant increase in renal
      uric acid clearance. In conclusion, prednisone can reduce SUA levels by
      increasing renal uric acid clearance in patients with decompensated HF. 

PMID- 27144906
TI  - Not a load of rubbish: simulated field trials in large-scale containers.
AB  - Assessment of yield performance under fluctuating environmental conditions is a
      major aim of crop breeders. Unfortunately, results from controlled-environment
      evaluations of complex agronomic traits rarely translate to field performance. A
      major cause is that crops grown over their complete lifecycle in a greenhouse or
      growth chamber are generally constricted in their root growth, which influences
      their response to important abiotic constraints like water or nutrient
      availability. To overcome this poor transferability, we established a plant
      growth system comprising large refuse containers (120 L 'wheelie bins') that
      allow detailed phenotyping of small field-crop populations under semi-controlled
      growth conditions. Diverse winter oilseed rape cultivars were grown at field
      densities throughout the crop lifecycle, in different experiments over 2 years,
      to compare seed yields from individual containers to plot yields from multi
      environment field trials. We found that we were able to predict yields in the
      field with high accuracy from container-grown plants. The container system proved
      suitable for detailed studies of stress response physiology and performance in
      pre-breeding populations. Investment in automated large-container systems may
      help breeders improve field transferability of greenhouse experiments, enabling
      screening of pre-breeding materials for abiotic stress response traits with a
      positive influence on yield.

PMID- 27144907
TI  - Regulation of Black Pepper Inflorescence Quantity by Shading at Different Growth
      Stages.
AB  - Black pepper is a perennial plant that can bloom throughout the year. It is
      generally expected that pepper inflorescence quantity could be minimized at the
      nonfull-bloom stage. The objective of this study was to find an appropriate
      shading measure that could inhibit blooming at other growing stages except the
      full-bloom stage and did not cause any reduction in pepper yield and quality. In
      this study, pepper trees were shaded up to 15%, 30%, 60% and 75%, respectively,
      and the inflorescence quantity, photosynthetic characteristics, pepper yield and
      quality traits were investigated at every growing stage. The results showed that
      the effect of shading on pepper yield decreased as time progressed. Shading
      treatment did not alter the composition of piperine and volatile oil, but reduced
      the moisture content. Based on the correlation between photosynthetic parameter
      and inflorescence number, the appropriate shading intensities for regulating
      inflorescence quantity at different phenological stages were determined.
      Moreover, it was found that the regulation of inflorescence quantity could be
      achieved by controlling leaf temperature during recovery to filling period. This
      research outcome also will give us some guidelines to develop other management
      strategies that control leaf temperature and regulate inflorescence quantity to
      consequently improve pepper yield.

PMID- 27144904
TI  - The functional connectome of cognitive reserve.
AB  - Cognitive Reserve (CR) designates the brain's capacity to actively cope with
      insults through a more efficient use of its resources/networks. It was proposed
      in order to explain the discrepancies between the observed cognitive ability and
      the expected capacity for an individual. Typical proxies of CR include education
      and Intelligence Quotient but none totally account for the variability of CR and
      no study has shown if the brain's greater efficiency associated with CR can be
      measured. We used a validated model to estimate CR from the residual variance in
      memory and general executive functioning, accounting for both brain anatomical
      (i.e., gray matter and white matter signal abnormalities volume) and demographic
      variables (i.e., years of formal education and sex). Functional connectivity (FC)
      networks and topological properties were explored for associations with CR.
      Demographic characteristics, mainly accounted by years of formal education, were
      associated with higher FC, clustering, local efficiency and strength in parietal
      and occipital regions and greater network transitivity. Higher CR was associated
      with a greater FC, local efficiency and clustering of occipital regions, strength
      and centrality of the inferior temporal gyrus and higher global efficiency.
      Altogether, these findings suggest that education may facilitate the brain's
      ability to form segregated functional groups, reinforcing the view that higher
      education level triggers more specialized use of neural processing. Additionally,
      this study demonstrated for the first time that CR is associated with more
      efficient processing of information in the human brain and reinforces the
      existence of a fine balance between segregation and integration. Hum Brain Mapp
      37:3310-3322, 2016.. (c) 2016 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144908
TI  - Patient-Provider Communication With Older Adults About Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and
      Treatment.
AB  - Patient-provider communication impacts adherence to therapy. We explored older
      adults' communication with their providers, preferences for communication, and
      views on communication attributes and decision aid characteristics, by conducting
      four focus groups. Several participants reported they had received insufficient
      information about their sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment options. Most
      participants felt that it would be helpful to have treatment information tailored
      to their needs, including information on the negative impact of treatment on
      comfort and convenience and disclosure about common barriers to adherence.
      Participants provided desired characteristics for a decision aid, including their
      preferred delivery method, content, and format. These findings have implications
      for how to design useful decision aids for older adults with newly diagnosed
      sleep apnea.

PMID- 27144909
TI  - FADS2 genotype influences whole-body resting fat oxidation in young adult men.
AB  - Considerable evidence supports an association between fatty acid desaturase 2
      (FADS2) polymorphisms and the efficiency of converting alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
      into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) via the desaturation-elongation pathway.
      However, ALA conversion into EPA represents only 1 of the metabolic fates for
      this essential fatty acid, as ALA is also highly oxidized. This study
      demonstrates for the first time that genetic variation in FADS2 (rs174576) is not
      only associated with the activity of the desaturation-elongation pathway, but
      also whole-body fat oxidation. 

PMID- 27144910
TI  - Exploring the human emotion of feeling cared for in the workplace.
AB  - AIM: To explore the emotion of feeling cared for in the workplace. BACKGROUND:
      The emotion of feeling cared for drives health-promoting behaviours. Feeling
      cared for is the end-product of caring, affecting practice, environment and
      outcomes. Identifying behaviours that lead to feeling cared for is the first step
      in promoting caring practices in leadership. METHOD: A survey with open-ended
      questions was designed, validated and electronically distributed. Data from 35
      responses were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Unit culture and leadership style
      affect caring capacity in the workplace. First level coding revealed two caring
      behaviour categories: recognition and support. Themes emerged aligned to
      Chapman's model of workplace appreciation: words of affirmation, receiving gifts,
      quality time and acts of service. The importance of being treated as a whole
      person was reported: being appreciated personally and professionally. Feeling
      cared for drives outcomes such as feeling valued, important, teamwork and
      organisational loyalty. CONCLUSIONS: This study generalises the applicability of
      Chapman's model developed for workplace appreciation in the health-care setting.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Concrete examples of how leaders stimulate
      feeling cared for are provided. Caring leadership behaviours have the potential
      to improve retention, engagement, the healing environment and the capacity for
      caring for others.

PMID- 27144911
TI  - Spray-Deposited Large-Area Copper Nanowire Transparent Conductive Electrodes and
      Their Uses for Touch Screen Applications.
AB  - Large-area conducting transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) were prepared by a
      fast, scalable, and low-cost spray deposition of copper nanowire (CuNW)
      dispersions. Thin, long, and pure copper nanowires were obtained via the seed
      mediated growth in an organic solvent-based synthesis. The mean length and
      diameter of nanowires are, respectively, 37.7 MUm and 46 nm, corresponding to a
      high-mean-aspect ratio of 790. These wires were spray-deposited onto a glass
      substrate to form a nanowire conducting network which function as a TCE. CuNW
      TCEs exhibit high-transparency and high-conductivity since their relatively long
      lengths are advantageous in lowering in the sheet resistance. For example, a 2 *
      2 cm(2) transparent nanowire electrode exhibits transmittance of T = 90% with a
      sheet resistance as low as 52.7 Omega sq(-1). Large-area sizes (>50 cm(2)) of
      CuNW TCEs were also prepared by the spray coating method and assembled as
      resistive touch screens that can be integrated with a variety of devices,
      including LED lighting array, a computer, electric motors, and audio electronic
      devices, showing the capability to make diverse sizes and functionalities of CuNW
      TCEs by the reported method.

PMID- 27144912
TI  - Nanoscale Control of Morphology in Fullerene-Based Electron-Conducting Buffers
      via Organic Vapor Phase Deposition.
AB  - Small molecular weight organic thin film mixtures of the electron-conducting C60
      in a wide energy gap matrix, 3,5,3',5'-tetra(m-pyrid-3-yl)phenyl[1,1']biphenyl
      (BP4mPy) forms a high efficiency electron filtering buffer in organic
      photovoltaics (OPV). Electrons are conducted via percolating paths of C60 whereas
      excitons are blocked by the BP4mPy. We find that the conductivity and exciton
      blocking efficiency of the blends are strongly dependent on film morphology that
      can be precisely controlled by the conditions used in the organic vapor phase
      deposition (OVPD). Specifically, we find that a background carrier gas pressure
      of 0.28 Torr leads to extended and highly conductive crystalline C60 domains.
      Furthermore, the structure is strongly influenced by carrier gas pressure. Via a
      combination of morphological measurements and molecular dynamics simulations, we
      find that this dependence is due to kinetically induced structural annealing at
      the growth interface. The highest electron mobility of (6.1 +/- 0.5) * 10(-3)
      (cm(2)/V.s) is obtained at 0.28 Torr, which is approximately 2 orders of
      magnitude higher than for amorphous C60 films. The fill factors and power
      conversion efficiencies of vacuum deposited tetraphenyldibenzoperiflanthene
      (DBP):C70 planar mixed heterojunction OPVs using an OVPD-grown buffer layer are
      (8.0 +/- 0.2)% compared to (6.6 +/- 0.2)% using amorphous buffers grown by vacuum
      thermal evaporation.

PMID- 27144913
TI  - Spontaneous tension pneumoperitoneum presenting as an out of hospital cardiac
      arrest: A case report and review of the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: It is known that tension pneumoperitoneum (TPP) can lead to
      cardiopulmonary arrest but it does not figure in the advanced life support
      algorithms. Therefore we discuss a case of TPP together with the literature
      review of its aetiology and treatment. PATIENT: We describe an out of hospital
      cardiac arrest due to a spontaneous TPP secondary to a perforated duodenal ulcer.
      CONCLUSION: Emergency personnel should consider the possibility of TPP in a
      patient with a distended abdomen and a cardiac arrest, even in the absence of
      known traumatic and iatrogenic causes for TPP. We believe that TPP should be
      added as a reversible cause for pulseless electrical activity in the
      resuscitation guidelines.

PMID- 27144914
TI  - Homozygous HOXB1 loss-of-function mutation in a large family with hereditary
      congenital facial paresis.
AB  - Hereditary congenital facial paresis (HCFP) belongs to the congenital cranial
      dysinnervation disorders. HCFP is characterized by the isolated dysfunction of
      the seventh cranial nerve and can be associated with hearing loss, strabismus,
      and orofacial anomalies. Mobius syndrome shares facial palsy with HCFP, but is
      additionally characterized by limited abduction of the eye(s). Genetic
      heterogeneity has been documented for HCFP as one locus mapped to chromosome 3q21
      q22 (HCFP1) and a second to 10q21.3-q22.1 (HCFP2). The only known causative gene
      for HCFP is HOXB1 (17q21; HCFP3), encoding a homeodomain-containing transcription
      factor of the HOX gene family, which are master regulators of early developmental
      processes. The previously reported HOXB1 mutations change arginine 207 to another
      residue in the homeodomain and alter binding capacity of HOXB1 for
      transcriptional co-regulators and DNA. We performed whole exome sequencing in
      HCFP-affected individuals of a large consanguineous Moroccan family. The
      homozygous nonsense variant c.66C>G/p.(Tyr22*) in HOXB1 was identified in the
      four patients with HCFP and ear malformations, while healthy family members
      carried the mutation in the heterozygous state. This is the first disease
      associated HOXB1 mutation with a likely loss-of-function effect suggesting that
      all HOXB1 variants reported so far also have severe impact on activity of this
      transcriptional regulator. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144916
TI  - The Impact of the Impact Factor.

PMID- 27144915
TI  - A highly specific rapid antigen detection assay for on-site diagnosis of MERS.

PMID- 27144917
TI  - Ultrastructural Characterization of Fresh and Vitrified In Vitro- and In Vivo
      Produced Sheep Embryos.
AB  - The lower results in cryopreservation of in vitro-produced (IVP) sheep embryos,
      when compared to the in vivo derived, limits its use. Four groups of blastocyst
      (BL) were evaluated: fresh IVP (n = 3), fresh in vivo derived (n = 3), warmed IVP
      cryopreserved in open pulled straws (OPS, n = 3) and warmed in vivo derived
      cryopreserved in OPS (n = 3). Ultrastructural observation of processed fresh
      embryos showed a reduced number of microvilli and mitochondria in the IVP ones,
      as well as a lower number of mature mitochondria, that can be associated with
      deficient metabolism in IVP embryos, possibly involved in the lower resistance to
      cryopreservation. Both in vivo-derived and IVP embryos had a large number of
      vesicles, with light and dense content. In embryos vitrified by OPS, major
      changes were observed mainly in IVP embryos with small changes in grade 2 (fair)
      and high changes in grade 3 (bad) semithin scoring. The main changes associated
      with cryopreservation included disruption of cellular membranes and poor
      intracellular preservation, with loss of microvilli and the presence of cellular
      debris. In conclusion, ultrastructural evaluation of IVP blastocysts
      cryopreserved in OPS was herein described for the first time, reporting more
      severe cellular damage in these embryos when compared to those produced in vivo.
      This is probably associated with a lower cryotolerance that can be related to
      their lipid content and metabolism. 

PMID- 27144918
TI  - Correction: The Influence of the Digital Divide on Face Preferences in El
      Salvador: People without Internet Access Prefer More Feminine Men, More Masculine
      Women, and Women with Higher Adiposity.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100966.].

PMID- 27144919
TI  - County Poverty Concentration and Disparities in Unintentional Injury Deaths: A
      Fourteen-Year Analysis of 1.6 Million U.S. Fatalities.
AB  - Unintentional injury is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States,
      and mortality due to injury has risen over the past decade. The social
      determinants behind these rising trends have not been well documented. This study
      examines the relationship between county-level poverty and unintentional injury
      mortality in the United States from 1999-2012. Complete annual compressed
      mortality and population data for 1999-2012 were obtained from the National
      Center for Health Statistics and linked with census yearly county poverty
      measures. The outcomes examined were unintentional injury fatalities, overall and
      by six specific mechanisms: motor vehicle collisions, falls, accidental discharge
      of firearms, drowning, exposure to smoke or fire, and unintentional poisoning.
      Age-adjusted mortality rates and time trends for county poverty categories were
      calculated, and multivariate negative binomial regression was used to determine
      changes over time in both the relative risk of living in high poverty
      concentration areas and the population attributable fraction. Age-adjusted
      mortality rates for counties with > 20% poverty were 66% higher mortality in 1999
      compared with counties with < 5% poverty (45.25 vs. 27.24 per 100,000; 95% CI for
      rate difference 15.57,20.46), and that gap widened in 2012 to 79% (44.54 vs.
      24.93; 95% CI for rate difference 17.13,22.09). The relative risk of living in
      the highest poverty counties has increased for all injury mechanisms with the
      exception of accidental discharge of firearms. The population attributable
      fraction for all unintentional injuries rose from 0.22 (95% CI 0.13,0.30) in 1999
      to 0.35 (95% CI 0.22,0.45) in 2012. This is the first study that uses
      comprehensive mortality data to document the associations between county poverty
      and injury mortality rates for the entire US population over a 14 year period.
      This study suggests that injury reduction interventions should focus on areas of
      high or increasing poverty.

PMID- 27144920
TI  - Thyroglobulin levels and thyroglobulin/thyrotropin ratio could predict the
      success of the ablative/therapeutic 131I in the differentiated thyroid cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stimulated thyroglobulin (STg) levels in patients with differentiated
      thyroid carcinomas (DTCs) after total thyroidectomy (TT) and before radioactive
      iodine (131I) ablation/therapy (RIT) are predictive of therapeutic success but
      can be influenced by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level. OBJECTIVES:
      This study compared the reliability of the STg/TSH ratio and STg measurement in
      predicting the success of RIT. METHODS: Sixty-three DTC patients submitted to TT
      were assessed retrospectively to compare the ability of STg level and the STg/TSH
      ratio to predict successful RIT. RESULTS: In this study 48 (76.2%) patients had
      successful RIT. The successful and unsuccessful groups received different 131I
      doses and had different STg levels and STg/TSH ratios. The STg and STg/TSH ratio
      cutoff values that predicted successful RIT were 4.41 ng/mL (sensitivity of 86.7%
      and specificity of 77%) and 0.093 (sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 79.2%),
      respectively. Age, STg level, STg/TSH ratio, and 131I dose were associated with
      successful RIT, but after multivariate analysis only STg remained associated (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our data suggest that the STg/TSH ratio and
      measurement of STg are equally reliable in predicting successful RIT in DTC
      patients.

PMID- 27144921
TI  - Essential Features of Responsible Governance of Agricultural Biotechnology.
AB  - Agricultural biotechnology continues to generate considerable controversy. We
      argue that to address this controversy, serious changes to governance are needed.
      The new wave of genomic tools and products (e.g., CRISPR, gene drives, RNAi,
      synthetic biology, and genetically modified [GM] insects and fish), provide a
      particularly useful opportunity to reflect on and revise agricultural
      biotechnology governance. In response, we present five essential features to
      advance more socially responsible forms of governance. In presenting these, we
      hope to stimulate further debate and action towards improved forms of governance,
      particularly as these new genomic tools and products continue to emerge.

PMID- 27144923
TI  - A Two-Step Synthetic Strategy toward Monodisperse Colloidal CdSe and CdSe/CdS
      Core/Shell Nanocrystals.
AB  - CdSe magic-size clusters with close-shell surface and fixed molecular formula are
      well-known in the size range between ~1 and 3 nm. By applying high concentration
      of cadmium alkanoates as ligands, a conventional synthetic system for CdSe
      nanocrystals was tuned to discriminate completion from initiation of atomic flat
      facets. This resulted in ~4-13 nm CdSe nanocrystals with hexahedral shape
      terminated with low-index facets, namely three (100), one (110), and two (111)
      facets. These low-symmetry (Cs group with single mirror plane) yet monodisperse
      hexahedra were found to be persistent not only in a broad size range but also
      under typical synthetic temperatures for growth of both CdSe and CdS. Atomic
      motion on the surface of the nanocrystals under enhanced ligand dynamics
      initiated intraparticle ripening without activating interparticle ripening, which
      converted the hexahedral nanocrystals to monodisperse spherical ones. This new
      synthetic strategy rendered optimal color purity of photoluminescence (PL) of the
      CdSe and CdSe/CdS core/shell nanocrystals, with the ensemble PL peak width
      comparable with that of a corresponding single dot.

PMID- 27144922
TI  - Removal of Congo Red and Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solutions by Vermicompost
      Derived Biochars.
AB  - Biochars, produced by pyrolyzing vermicompost at 300, 500, and 700 degrees C were
      characterized and their ability to adsorb the dyes Congo red (CR) and Methylene
      blue (MB) in an aqueous solution was investigated. The physical and chemical
      properties of biochars varied significantly based on the pyrolysis temperatures.
      Analysis of the data revealed that the aromaticity, polarity, specific surface
      area, pH, and ash content of the biochars increased gradually with the increase
      in pyrolysis temperature, while the cation exchange capacity, and carbon,
      hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen contents decreased. The adsorption kinetics of CR
      and MB were described by pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Both of Langmuir and
      Temkin model could be employed to describe the adsorption behaviors of CR and MB
      by these biochars. The biochars generated at higher pyrolysis temperature
      displayed higher CR adsorption capacities and lower MB adsorption capacities than
      those compared with the biochars generated at lower pyrolysis temperatures. The
      biochar generated at the higher pyrolytic temperature displayed the higher
      ability to adsorb CR owing to its promoted aromaticity, and the cation exchange
      is the key factor that positively affects adsorption of MB.

PMID- 27144924
TI  - The revising of the Tangney Self-Control Scale for Chinese students.
AB  - Recent studies have characterized self-control as a vital psychological variable
      that helps explain various problems. Tangney's Self-Control Scale (SCS) is a self
      report measurement to assess individual differences in traits of self-control. It
      has gained popularity in social and psychological science research. In China,
      there are a few Chinese-version scales measuring general self-control, which can
      be applied to college students. The purposes of the present study were to
      evaluate: (a) the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Tangney's SCS
      using confirmatory factor analysis, and (b) whether higher scores on the scale
      correlated with positive outcomes in China. The final sample in this study
      consisted of 371 Chinese college students aged 17-23 years. The Full SCS and
      Brief SCS were both found to have a reasonable fitness, which also had
      satisfactory internal consistencies and a high correlation. Higher scores on the
      SCS correlated with higher self-esteem, extraversion, better harmony in
      interpersonal relationships and an appropriate anger expression, less
      impulsiveness, and state and trait anger. The test-retest reliability was
      confirmed in two additional samples. Tangney's SCS could be used in China. 

PMID- 27144925
TI  - Environmental Conditions Associated with Elevated Vibrio parahaemolyticus
      Concentrations in Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire.
AB  - Reports from state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention indicate that the annual number of reported human vibriosis cases in
      New England has increased in the past decade. Concurrently, there has been a
      shift in both the spatial distribution and seasonal detection of Vibrio spp.
      throughout the region based on limited monitoring data. To determine
      environmental factors that may underlie these emerging conditions, this study
      focuses on a long-term database of Vibrio parahaemolyticus concentrations in
      oyster samples generated from data collected from the Great Bay Estuary, New
      Hampshire over a period of seven consecutive years. Oyster samples from two
      distinct sites were analyzed for V. parahaemolyticus abundance, noting
      significant relationships with various biotic and abiotic factors measured during
      the same period of study. We developed a predictive modeling tool capable of
      estimating the likelihood of V. parahaemolyticus presence in coastal New
      Hampshire oysters. Results show that the inclusion of chlorophyll a concentration
      to an empirical model otherwise employing only temperature and salinity
      variables, offers improved predictive capability for modeling the likelihood of
      V. parahaemolyticus in the Great Bay Estuary.

PMID- 27144926
TI  - [Depressive symptoms and type 2 diabetes mellitus in outpatients of an Armed
      Forces hospital in Lima, Peru, 2012: a cross-sectional study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DB2) are more prone to poor
      quality of life, disability and even death. They also have a greater
      predisposition to depression compared with non-diabetic patients; as well as a
      favorable prognosis after mental health-oriented interventions. OBJECTIVES: The
      aim of this study was to explore the presence of depressive symptoms in an
      outpatient population diagnosed with DB2 and military affiliation. Also, to
      examine the factors associated with the presence of depressive symptoms. METHODS:
      We performed a cross sectional study in 108 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus
      in January 2012 in an outpatient sample of a military hospital. Depressive
      symptoms were assessed with Zung?s self-administered test. We used the chi-square
      test or Fisher's exact test to examine associations between depressive symptoms
      and factors of interest. We use crude and adjusted generalized linear models to
      estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) for association between clinical and
      sociodemographic characteristics with the presence of depressive symptoms.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 56.5% (95% CI: 46.6 to 66.0%).
      The bivariate analysis showed significant association between depressive symptoms
      and variables: sex, age and clinical complications of diabetes. Adjusted analysis
      showed that diabetic retinopathy [RP: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1-1.7], and diabetic
      neuropathy [RP: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1-1.7] were associated with a greater presence of
      depressive symptoms after taking into account sex of participants. CONCLUSIONS:
      We observed a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in the study population,
      especially in female or elderly patients. This was also true among subjects with
      late complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus that likely represent the impact
      of the disease on quality of life and its ultimate effect being manifested as
      depressive symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach focusing on mental health
      oriented aspects should be considered, as it could benefit the evolution of these
      patients in Peru.

PMID- 27144928
TI  - Electrode Potentials of l-Tryptophan, l-Tyrosine, 3-Nitro-l-tyrosine, 2,3
      Difluoro-l-tyrosine, and 2,3,5-Trifluoro-l-tyrosine.
AB  - Electrode potentials for aromatic amino acid radical/amino acid couples were
      deduced from cyclic voltammograms and pulse radiolysis experiments. The amino
      acids investigated were l-tryptophan, l-tyrosine, N-acetyl-l-tyrosine methyl
      ester, N-acetyl-3-nitro-l-tyrosine ethyl ester, N-acetyl-2,3-difluoro-l-tyrosine
      methyl ester, and N-acetyl-2,3,5-trifluoro-l-tyrosine methyl ester. Conditional
      potentials were determined at pH 7.4 for all compounds listed; furthermore,
      Pourbaix diagrams for l-tryptophan, l-tyrosine, and N-acetyl-3-nitro-l-tyrosine
      ethyl ester were obtained. Electron transfer accompanied by proton transfer is
      reversible, as confirmed by detailed analysis of the current waves, and because
      the slopes of the Pourbaix diagrams obey Nernst's law. E degrees
      '(Trp(*),H(+)/TrpH) and E degrees '(TyrO(*),H(+)/TyrOH) at pH 7 are 0.99 +/- 0.01
      and 0.97 +/- 0.01 V, respectively. Pulse radiolysis studies of two dipeptides
      that contain both amino acids indicate a difference in E degrees ' of
      approximately 0.06 V. Thus, in small peptides, we recommend values of 1.00 and
      0.96 V for E degrees '(Trp(*),H(+)/TrpH) and E degrees '(TyrO(*),H(+)/TyrOH),
      respectively. The electrode potential of N-acetyl-3-nitro-l-tyrosine ethyl ester
      is higher, while because of mesomeric stabilization of the radical, those of N
      acetyl-2,3-difluoro-l-tyrosine methyl ester and N-acetyl-2,3,5-trifluoro-l
      tyrosine methyl ester are lower than that of tyrosine. Given that the electrode
      potentials at pH 7 of E degrees '(Trp(*),H(+)/TrpH) and E degrees
      '(TyrO(*),H(+)/TyrOH) are nearly equal, they would be, in principle,
      interchangeable. Proton-coupled electron transfer pathways in proteins that use
      TrpH and TyrOH are thus nearly thermoneutral.

PMID- 27144927
TI  - Virtual Hand Feedback Reduces Reaction Time in an Interactive Finger Reaching
      Task.
AB  - Computer interaction via visually guided hand or finger movements is a ubiquitous
      part of daily computer usage in work or gaming. Surprisingly, however, little is
      known about the performance effects of using virtual limb representations versus
      simpler cursors. In this study 26 healthy right-handed adults performed cued
      index finger flexion-extension movements towards an on-screen target while
      wearing a data glove. They received each of four different types of real-time
      visual feedback: a simple circular cursor, a point light pattern indicating
      finger joint positions, a cartoon hand and a fully shaded virtual hand. We found
      that participants initiated the movements faster when receiving feedback in the
      form of a hand than when receiving circular cursor or point light feedback. This
      overall difference was robust for three out of four hand versus circle pairwise
      comparisons. The faster movement initiation for hand feedback was accompanied by
      a larger movement amplitude and a larger movement error. We suggest that the
      observed effect may be related to priming of hand information during action
      perception and execution affecting motor planning and execution. The results may
      have applications in the use of body representations in virtual reality
      applications.

PMID- 27144929
TI  - Adaptation to climate through flowering phenology: a case study in Medicago
      truncatula.
AB  - Local climatic conditions likely constitute an important selective pressure on
      genes underlying important fitness-related traits such as flowering time, and in
      many species, flowering phenology and climatic gradients strongly covary. To test
      whether climate shapes the genetic variation on flowering time genes and to
      identify candidate flowering genes involved in the adaptation to environmental
      heterogeneity, we used a large Medicago truncatula core collection to examine the
      association between nucleotide polymorphisms at 224 candidate genes and both
      climate variables and flowering phenotypes. Unlike genome-wide studies, candidate
      gene approaches are expected to enrich for the number of meaningful trait
      associations because they specifically target genes that are known to affect the
      trait of interest. We found that flowering time mediates adaptation to climatic
      conditions mainly by variation at genes located upstream in the flowering
      pathways, close to the environmental stimuli. Variables related to the annual
      precipitation regime reflected selective constraints on flowering time genes
      better than the other variables tested (temperature, altitude, latitude or
      longitude). By comparing phenotype and climate associations, we identified 12
      flowering genes as the most promising candidates responsible for phenological
      adaptation to climate. Four of these genes were located in the known flowering
      time QTL region on chromosome 7. However, climate and flowering associations also
      highlighted largely distinct gene sets, suggesting different genetic
      architectures for adaptation to climate and flowering onset.

PMID- 27144930
TI  - Combination of Saxagliptin and Metformin Is Effective as Initial Therapy in New
      Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With Severe Hyperglycemia.
AB  - CONTEXT: The efficacy/safety of combination oral agents in those with stable
      newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with severe hyperglycemia is unknown.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess glycemic and beta-cell
      outcomes of two oral regimens. DESIGN: This was an open-label, randomized
      controlled trial with patients enrolled from 2011 through 2014 and followed up
      for 12 weeks. SETTING: The study was conducted at a major public hospital in
      Chicago. PATIENTS: One hundred adults with newly diagnosed T2DM and severe
      hyperglycemia (300-450 mg/dL) participated in the study. INTERVENTION: One
      hundred patients were randomized to receive Kombiglyze XR (saxagliptin 5
      mg/metformin 2000 mg) daily (K group) vs glipizide XL 10 mg daily (G group). MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: The measure was to maintain fasting/premeal glucose of less
      than 300 mg/dL up to 6 weeks and less than 250 mg/dL after 6 weeks until study
      end, and to have no return acute care-site visits. Those not meeting criteria
      were discontinued. Other outcomes included continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
      and beta-cell function estimates at start and study end. RESULTS: Baseline
      characteristics and primary outcome (K group 94%, G group 98%) were similar in
      both groups. The enrollment glucose (K group 343 mg/dL, G group 341 mg/dL) and
      glycated hemoglobin (K group 10.8%, G group 11%) declined by week 12 (K group 137
      mg/dL, G group 129 mg/dL, and K group 6.8%, G group 6.9%), respectively.
      Homeostasis model assessment to assess basal insulin secretion and early insulin
      response improved severalfold (K group *5.8, G group *5.9, and K group *9.5, G
      group *13.1). In follow-up, the incidence of hypoglycemia was lower in the K
      group (self-monitored blood glucose: K group 8.0%, G group 24%; CGM: K group 20%,
      G group 46.5%) as were the number of episodes of hypoglycemia (self-monitored
      blood glucose: K group 4 in 12 weeks, G group 27 in 12 weeks; CGM: K group 0.28
      per 24 h, G group 0.31 per 24 h). CONCLUSIONS: Kombiglyze XR and glipizide XL are
      efficacious in improving glycemia and beta-cell function in stable newly
      diagnosed T2DM with severe hyperglycemia. The K group had less hypoglycemia.
      These results suggest that certain oral medications could be appropriate
      alternatives in treating severe hyperglycemia.

PMID- 27144931
TI  - Therapy of Hypoparathyroidism With PTH(1-84): A Prospective Six Year
      Investigation of Efficacy and Safety.
AB  - CONTEXT: Human recombinant (rh)PTH(1-84) was recently approved for the treatment
      of refractory hypoparathyroidism, based upon a short-term phase 3 clinical trial.
      Long-term data are needed, because no time limit was placed on the treatment
      period. OBJECTIVE: We studied the effect of long-term rhPTH(1-84) treatment in
      hypoparathyroidism for up to 6 years. DESIGN: Prospective open-label study.
      SETTING: Referral center. PATIENTS: A total of 33 subjects with
      hypoparathyroidism. INTERVENTIONS: rhPTH(1-84) treatment was initiated at a
      starting dose of 100 MUg every other day for 6 years. Due to the availability of
      new dosages during the 6-year time period of the study, the dose could be and was
      adjusted for most patients to a daily dosing regimen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Supplemental calcium and vitamin D requirements, serum and urinary calcium
      (monthly for 6 mo and then biannually), serum phosphorus, bone turnover markers,
      and bone mineral density (BMD) biannually. RESULTS: Treatment with rhPTH(1-84)
      progressively reduced supplemental calcium requirements over 6 years by 53% (P <
      .0001) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D requirements by 67% (P < .0001). Sixteen
      subjects (48%) were able to eliminate 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D supplementation
      completely. Serum calcium concentration remained stable, and urinary calcium
      excretion fell. Lumbar spine BMD increased (3.8 +/- 1%, P = .004) as did total
      hip BMD (2.4 +/- 1%, P = .02), whereas femoral neck BMD remained stable and the
      distal one third radius decreased (-4.4 +/-1%, P < .0001). Bone turnover markers
      increased significantly, reaching a 3-fold peak above baseline values at 1 year
      and subsequently declining but remaining higher than pretreatment values.
      Hypercalcemia was uncommon (12 episodes over 6 y; 2.5% of all values).
      CONCLUSIONS: Long-term, continuous therapy of hypoparathyroidism for 6 years with
      rhPTH(1-84) is associated with reductions in supplemental calcium and calcitriol
      requirements, stable serum calcium concentration, and reduced urinary calcium
      excretion. The safety profile remains good. These data represent the longest
      experience with the therapeutic use of PTH for any condition and demonstrate its
      long-term efficacy and safety in hypoparathyroidism.

PMID- 27144932
TI  - Longitudinal Associations of Phospholipid and Cholesteryl Ester Fatty Acids With
      Disorders Underlying Diabetes.
AB  - CONTEXT: Specific serum fatty acid (FA) profiles predict the development of
      incident type 2 diabetes; however, limited longitudinal data exist exploring
      their role in the progression of insulin sensitivity (IS) and beta-cell function.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine the longitudinal associations of the FA composition of
      serum phospholipid (PL) and cholesteryl ester (CE) fractions with IS and beta
      cell function over 6 years. DESIGN: The Prospective Metabolism and Islet Cell
      Evaluation (PROMISE) cohort is a longitudinal observational study, with clinic
      visits occurring every 3 years. Three visits have been completed, totaling 6
      years of follow-up. SETTING: Individuals (n = 477) at risk for diabetes recruited
      from the general population in London and Toronto, Canada. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Values from an oral glucose tolerance test were used to compute 1/HOMA-IR and the
      Matsuda index for IS, the insulinogenic index over HOMA-IR, and the insulin
      secretion-sensitivity index-2 for beta-cell function. Thin-layer chromatograph
      and gas chromatograph quantified FA. Generalized estimating equations were used
      for the analysis. RESULTS: IS and beta-cell function declined by 8.3-19.4% over 6
      years. In fully adjusted generalized estimating equation models, PL cis-vaccenate
      (18:1n-7) was positively associated with all outcomes, whereas gamma-linolenate
      (GLA; 18:3n-6) and stearate (18:0) were negatively associated with IS. Tests for
      time interactions revealed that PL eicosadienoate (20:2n-6) and palmitate (16:0)
      and CE dihomo-gamma-linolenate (20:3n-6), GLA, and palmitate had stronger
      associations with the outcomes after longer follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In a Canadian
      population at risk for diabetes, we found that higher PL stearate and GLA and
      lower cis-vaccenic acid predicted consistently lower IS and beta-cell function
      over 6 years.

PMID- 27144934
TI  - Maladaptative Autophagy Impairs Adipose Function in Congenital Generalized
      Lipodystrophy due to Cavin-1 Deficiency.
AB  - CONTEXT: Mutations in PTRF encoding cavin-1 are responsible for congenital
      generalized lipodystrophy type 4 (CGL4) characterized by lipoatrophy, insulin
      resistance, dyslipidemia, and muscular dystrophy. Cavin-1 cooperates with
      caveolins to form the plasma membrane caveolae, which are involved in cellular
      trafficking and signalling and in lipid turnover. OBJECTIVE: We sought to
      identify PTRF mutations in patients with CGL and to determine their impact on
      insulin sensitivity, adipose differentiation, and cellular autophagy. DESIGN AND
      PATIENTS: We performed phenotyping studies and molecular screening of PTRF in two
      unrelated families with CGL. Cellular studies were conducted in cultured skin
      fibroblasts from the two probands and from control subjects, and in murine 3T3
      F442A preadipocytes. Knockdown of cavin-1 or ATG5 was obtained by small
      interfering RNA-mediated silencing. RESULTS: We identified two new PTRF
      homozygous mutations (p.Asp59Val or p.Gln157Hisfs*52) in four patients with CGL4
      presenting with generalized lipoatrophy and associated metabolic abnormalities.
      In probands' fibroblasts, cavin-1 expression was undetectable and caveolin-1 and 
      2 barely expressed. Ultrastructural analysis revealed a loss of membrane caveolae
      and the presence of numerous cytoplasmic autophagosomes. Patients' cells also
      showed increased autophagic flux and blunted insulin signaling. These results
      were reproduced by PTRF knockdown in control fibroblasts and in 3T3-F442A
      preadipocytes. Cavin-1 deficiency also impaired 3T3-F442A adipocyte
      differentiation. Suppression of autophagy by small interfering RNA-mediated
      silencing of ATG5 improved insulin sensitivity and adipocyte differentiation.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that cavin-1 deficiency resulted in maladaptative
      autophagy that contributed to insulin resistance and altered adipocyte
      differentiation. These new pathophysiological mechanisms could open new
      therapeutic perspectives for adipose tissue diseases including CGL4.

PMID- 27144933
TI  - Natural History of Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy: A Nationwide Study From
      Turkey.
AB  - CONTEXT: Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare autosomal recessive
      disorder characterized by near-total lack of body fat. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to
      study natural history and disease burden of various subtypes of CGL. DESIGN: We
      attempted to ascertain nearly all patients with CGL in Turkey. SETTING: This was
      a nationwide study. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 33
      patients (22 families) with CGL and 30 healthy controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):
      We wanted to ascertain genotypes by sequencing of the known genes. Whole-body
      magnetic resonance imaging was used to investigate the extent of fat loss.
      Metabolic abnormalities and end-organ complications were measured on prospective
      follow-up. RESULTS: Analysis of the AGPAT2 gene revealed four previously reported
      and four novel mutations (CGL1; c.144C>A, c.667_705delinsCTGCG, c.268delC, and
      c.316+1G>T). Analysis of the BSCL2 gene revealed four different homozygous and
      one compound heterozygous possible disease-causing mutations (CGL2), including
      four novel mutations (c.280C>T, c.631delG, c.62A>T, and c.465-468delGACT). Two
      homozygous PTRF mutations (c.481-482insGTGA and c.259C>T) were identified (CGL4).
      Patients with CGL1 had preservation of adipose tissue in the palms, soles, scalp,
      and orbital region, and had relatively lower serum adiponectin levels as compared
      to CGL2 patients. CGL4 patients had myopathy and other distinct clinical
      features. All patients developed various metabolic abnormalities associated with
      insulin resistance. Hepatic involvement was more severe in CGL2. End-organ
      complications were observed at young ages. Two patients died at age 62 years from
      cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS: CGL patients from Turkey had both previously
      reported and novel mutations of the AGPAT2, BSCL2, and PTRF genes. Our study
      highlights the early onset of severe metabolic abnormalities and increased risk
      of end-organ complications in patients with CGL.

PMID- 27144935
TI  - Association of Hypoalbuminemia With Osteoporosis: Analysis of the National Health
      and Nutrition Examination Survey.
AB  - CONTEXT: The association of hypoalbuminemia with osteoporosis in human studies is
      controversial. OBJECTIVE: We tested the independent association between
      hypoalbuminemia and osteoporosis in a national dataset. DESIGN: This is a cross
      sectional observation. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Participants are individuals
      selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with
      available clinical, laboratory, and densitometry data from the 2005-2010 and 2013
      2014 cycles. EXPOSURE: Exposure is hypoalbuminemia defined as serum albumin <3.5
      g/dL. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Osteoporosis is defined as bone mineral density of
      <=2.5 SD below the mean peak bone mass of young, healthy adults. Analysis took
      into account the hidden variance and the weighting methodology pertinent to
      analysis of NHANES. RESULTS: Overall, 15 539 individuals were included. The mean
      age was 48.6 years (SE = 0.27). Fifty percent of the individuals were male, and
      10.2% were of the black race. There was a graded decrease in the rate of
      osteoporosis from 15.2% at albumin <3.5 g/dL to 2.6% at albumin >4 g/dL (P =
      .007) at the femoral neck and from 11.0 to 1.4% at total femur (P = .009). In a
      fully adjusted model, the odds of osteoporosis with hypoalbuminemia were 5.37
      fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43 to 20.20; P = .014) at the femoral neck,
      12.46-fold (95% CI, 3.24 to 48.01; P < .001) at total femur, and 4.59-fold (95%
      CI, 1.49 to 14.16; P = .025) at the lumbar spine higher as compared to albumin >4
      mg/dL. CONCLUSION: In the NHANES dataset, we report an independent association of
      osteoporosis with hypoalbuminemia at different anatomical sites.

PMID- 27144936
TI  - Contribution of Heritability and Epigenetic Factors to Skeletal Muscle Mass
      Variation in United Kingdom Twins.
AB  - CONTEXT: Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) is one of the major components of human body
      composition, with deviations from normal values often leading to sarcopenia.
      OBJECTIVE: Our major aim was to conduct a genome-wide DNA methylation study in an
      attempt to identify potential genomic regions associated with SMM. DESIGN: This
      was a mixed cross-sectional and longitudinal study. SETTING: Community-based
      study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1550 middle-aged United Kingdom twins
      (monozygotic [MZ] and dizygotic [DZ]), 297 of which were repeatedly measured
      participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Appendicular lean mass assessed
      using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry technology, and methylated DNA
      immunoprecipitation sequencing DNA methylation profiling genome-wide were
      obtained from each individual. RESULTS: Heritability estimate of SMM, with
      simultaneous adjustment for covariates obtained using variance decomposition
      analysis, was h(2) = 0.809 +/- 0.050. After quality control and analysis of
      longitudinal stability, the DNA methylation data comprised of 723 029 genomic
      sites, with positive correlations between repeated measurements (Rrepeated =
      0.114-0.905). Correlations between MZ and DZ twins were 0.51 and 0.38 at a genome
      wide average, respectively, and clearly increased with Rrepeated. Testing for DNA
      methylation association with SMM in 50 discordant MZ twins revealed 36 081
      nominally significant results, of which the top-ranked 134 signals (P < .01 and
      Rrepeated > 0.40) were subjected to replication in the sample of 1196
      individuals. Seven SMM methylation association signals replicated at a false
      discovery rate less than 0.1, and these were located in or near genes DNAH12,
      CAND1, CYP4F29P, and ZFP64, which have previously been highlighted in muscle
      related studies. Adjusting for age, smoking, and blood cell heterogeneity did not
      alter significance of these associations. CONCLUSION: This epigenome-wide study,
      testing longitudinally stable methylation sites, discovered and replicated a
      number of associations between DNA methylation at CpG loci and SMM. Four
      replicated signals were related to genes with potential muscle functions,
      suggesting that the methylome of whole blood may be informative of SMM variation.

PMID- 27144937
TI  - A Common CD36 Variant Influences Endothelial Function and Response to Treatment
      with Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibition.
AB  - CONTEXT: The scavenger receptor CD36 influences the endothelial nitric oxide-cGMP
      pathway in vitro. Genetic variants that alter CD36 level are common in African
      Americans (AAs), a population at high risk of endothelial dysfunction. OBJECTIVE:
      To examine if the minor allele (G) of coding CD36 variant rs3211938 (G/T) which
      reduces CD36 level by approximately 50% influences endothelial function, insulin
      sensitivity (IS), and the response to treatment with the nitric oxide-cGMP
      potentiator sildenafil. DESIGN: IS (frequently sampled iv glucose tolerance) and
      endothelial function (flow mediated dilation [FMD]) were determined in age- and
      body mass index-matched obese AA women with or without the G allele of rs3211938
      (protocol 1). Effect of chronic sildenafil treatment on IS and FMD was tested in
      AA women with metabolic syndrome and with/without the CD36 variant, using a
      randomized, placebo-controlled trial (protocol 2). SETTING: Two-center study.
      PARTICIPANTS: Obese AA women. INTERVENTION: A total of 20-mg sildenafil citrate
      or placebo thrice daily for 4 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME: IS, FMD. RESULTS: G allele
      carriers have lower FMD (P = .03) and cGMP levels (P = .01) than noncarriers.
      Sildenafil did not improve IS, mean difference 0.12 (95% confidence interval
      [CI], -0.33 to 0.58; P = .550). However, there was a significant interaction
      between FMD response to sildenafil and rs3211938 (P = .018). FMD tended to
      improve in G carriers, 2.9 (95% CI, -0.9 to 6.8; P = .126), whereas it
      deteriorated in noncarriers, -2.6 (95% CI, -5.1 to -0.1; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS:
      The data document influence of a common genetic variant on susceptibility to
      endothelial dysfunction and its response to sildenafil treatment.

PMID- 27144938
TI  - Diverse Genotypes and Phenotypes of Three Novel Thyroid Hormone Receptor-alpha
      Mutations.
AB  - CONTEXT: Recently several patients with resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH)-alpha
      due to T3 receptor-alpha (TRalpha) mutations were identified. The phenotype of
      these patients consists of varying degrees of growth impairment, delayed bone,
      mental and motor development, constipation, macrocephaly, and near-normal thyroid
      function tests. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe the
      clinical phenotype of three new families with RTHalpha and thereby gain more
      detailed knowledge on this novel syndrome. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
      RTHalpha was suspected in three index patients from different families. Detailed
      clinical and biochemical assessment and imaging and genetic analyses were
      performed in the patients and their relatives. In addition, functional
      consequences of TRalpha mutations were investigated in vitro. RESULTS: We studied
      22 individuals from three families and identified 10 patients with heterozygous
      TRalpha mutations: C380fs387X, R384H, and A263S, respectively. The frame-shift
      mutation completely inactivated TRalpha, whereas the missense mutations produced
      milder defects. These mutations were associated with decreasing severity of the
      clinical phenotype: the patient in family 1 showed severe defects in growth,
      mental, and motor development, whereas the seven patients in family 3 had only
      mild clinical features. The most frequent abnormalities were anemia,
      constipation, and a delay in at least one of the developmental milestones. Serum
      free T3 ranged from high-normal to high and serum free T4 and rT3 from normal to
      low. TSH levels were normal in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: This large case series
      underlines the variation in the clinical phenotype of RTHalpha patients. RTHalpha
      should be suspected in subjects when even mild clinical and laboratory features
      of hypothyroidism are present along with high/high-normal free T3, low/normal
      free T4, and normal TSH.

PMID- 27144939
TI  - Prediction of Vertebral Fractures in Patients With Monolateral Adrenal
      Incidentalomas.
AB  - CONTEXT: Subtle hypercortisolism is associated with an increased risk of
      vertebral fracture (VFx). OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the best
      parameters of cortisol secretion for detecting the VFx risk in patients with
      adrenal incidentalomas (AI). DESIGN: This was a retrospective (cross-sectional
      arm) and prospective (longitudinal arm) design. In the cross-sectional arm, we
      assessed the accuracy of the cortisol secretion indexes in identifying the
      patients with VFx (prevalent VFx). In the longitudinal arm, we tested the
      cortisol secretion parameters, which were able to identify the prevalent VFx, for
      the prediction of the occurrence of a new VFx (incident VFx) in AI patients
      followed-up for at least 2 years. SETTING: Four referral Italian endocrinology
      units participated in this study. PATIENTS: A total of 444 and 126 AI patients
      without symptoms of hypercortisolism enrolled in the cross-sectional arm and
      longitudinal arm, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum cortisol after a 1
      mg dexamethasone suppression test (1 mg DST), urinary free cortisol, ACTH, bone
      mineral density at lumbar spine and femoral neck (by dual-energy x-ray
      absorptiometry), and the VFx presence (by x-ray). RESULTS: The cortisol levels
      after 1 mg DST that were greater than 2.0 MUg/dl (55 nmol/liter) were the best
      criteria for detecting patients with both prevalent (73.6% sensitivity, 70.5%
      specificity) and incident VFx (80% sensitivity, 68.8% specificity) and were
      associated with a 10-fold increased risk of a new VFx (odds ratio,10.27; 95%
      confidence interval, 3.39-31.12; P < .0001), regardless of age, gender, bone
      mineral density at lumbar spine, and prevalent VFx. CONCLUSIONS: In AI patients
      without symptoms of overt hypercortisolism, the cortisol levels after 1 mg DST
      greater than 2.0 MUg/dl (55 nmol/liter) represent the best criterion for
      detecting prevalent and incident VFx.

PMID- 27144940
TI  - Familial Adrenocortical Carcinoma in Association With Lynch Syndrome.
AB  - CONTEXT: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy with a
      poor prognosis. Although the majority of childhood ACC arises in the context of
      inherited cancer susceptibility syndromes, it remains less clear whether a
      hereditary tumor predisposition exists for the development of ACC in adults.
      Here, we report the first occurrence of familial ACC in a kindred with Lynch
      syndrome resulting from a pathogenic germline MSH2 mutation. CASE: A 54-year-old
      female with a history of ovarian and colorectal malignancy was found to have an
      ACC. A detailed family history revealed her mother had died of ACC and her sister
      had previously been diagnosed with endometrial and colorectal cancers. A unifying
      diagnosis of Lynch syndrome was considered, and immunohistochemical analyses
      demonstrated loss of MSH2 and MSH6 expression in both AACs (proband and her
      mother) and in the endometrial carcinoma of her sister. Subsequent genetic
      screening confirmed the presence of a germline MSH2 mutation (resulting in
      deletions of exons 1-3) in the proband and her sister. CONCLUSION: Our findings
      provide strong support for the recent proposal that ACC should be considered a
      Lynch syndrome-associated tumor and included in the Amsterdam II clinical
      diagnostic criteria. We also suggest that screening for ACC should be considered
      in cancer surveillance strategies directed at individuals with germline mutations
      in DNA mismatch repair genes.

PMID- 27144942
TI  - The inhibitory input to mouse cerebellar Purkinje cells is reciprocally modulated
      by Bergmann glial P2Y1 and AMPA receptor signaling.
AB  - Synaptic transmission has been shown to be modulated by glial functions, but the
      modes of specific glial action may vary in different neural circuits. We have
      tested the hypothesis, if Bergmann GLIA (BG) are involved in shaping neuronal
      communication in the mouse cerebellar cortex, using acutely isolated cerebellar
      slices of wild-type (WT) and of glia-specific receptor knockout mice. Activation
      of P2Y1 receptors by ADP (100 uM) or glutamatergic receptors by AMPA (0.3 uM)
      resulted in a robust, reversible and repeatable rise of evoked inhibitory input
      in Purkinje cells by 80% and 150%, respectively. The ADP-induced response was
      suppressed by prior application of AMPA, and the AMPA-induced response was
      suppressed by prior application of ADP. Genetic deletion or pharmacological
      blockade of either receptor restored the response to the other receptor agonist.
      Both ADP and AMPA responses were sensitive to Rose Bengal, which blocks vesicular
      glutamate uptake, and to the NMDA receptor antagonist D-AP5. Our results provide
      strong evidence that activation of both ADP and AMPA receptors, located on BGs,
      results in the release of glutamate, which in turn activates inhibitory
      interneurons via NMDA-type glutamate receptors. This infers that BG cells, by
      means of metabotropic signaling via their AMPA and P2Y1 receptors, which mutually
      suppress each other, would interdependently contribute to the fine-tuning of
      Purkinje cell activity in the cerebellar cortex. GLIA 2016. GLIA 2016;64:1265
      1280.

PMID- 27144943
TI  - Early Transthoracic Echocardiography after Cardiac Surgery Predicts Postoperative
      Atrial Fibrillation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is frequent after cardiac
      surgery. We aimed to establish a predictive model of POAF based on postoperative
      transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) findings. METHODS: This study included 147
      patients (aged 67 +/- 11 years; 109 men) undergoing coronary artery bypass
      grafting and/or aortic valve replacement. TTE and Doppler tissue imaging were
      performed on intensive care unit arrival after surgery. All patients were
      continuously monitored during hospitalization. The end point was the appearance
      of POAF. RESULTS: POAF appeared in 37 patients (25.2%). These patients were older
      (69 +/- 16 vs. 65 +/- 12 years; P < 0.001) and had increased long axis of the
      left atrium (LA) dimension (5.4 +/- 1 vs. 4.8 +/- 0.9 cm, P = 0.02), lower early
      diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (e') (6.9 +/- 2.1 vs. 8 +/- 1.8 cm/sec;
      P < 0.01), and higher early diastolic pulsed Doppler mitral ratio (E)/e' (E/e')
      (17.4 +/- 6.8 vs. 13.8 +/- 6; P = 0.01). Left ventricle diastolic dysfunction
      grade (DFG) of 2 or 3 relative to grade 0 was significant: odds ratio (OR) 22.5,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 4.52-57.2; P < 0.001, and OR: 23.6, 95% CI: 3.57
      60.1; P = 0.001), respectively. On multivariate analysis, the independent
      predictors of POAF were age (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18; P < 0.05), long-axis LA
      dimension (OR: 6.24, 95% CI: 1.97-8.23; P = 0.0017), DFG-2 (OR: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.57
      15.81; P < 0.001), and DFG-3 (OR: 8.3, 95% CI: 4.11-25.37; P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Apart from age, the simple determination by postoperative TTE of
      long-axis LA dimension and DFG after cardiac surgery proved to be powerful
      independent predictors of POAF and may be useful for risk stratification of these
      patients.

PMID- 27144944
TI  - Palladium(0)-Catalyzed Intermolecular Carbocyclization of (1,n)-Diynes and
      Bromophenols: An Efficient Route to Tricyclic Scaffolds.
AB  - A novel palladium(0)-catalyzed dearomative cyclization reaction of bromophenols
      with (1,n)-diynes has been developed for building two new types of tricyclic
      architectures containing a quaternary carbon center. This method employs
      inexpensive bromophenols, and easily accessible tethered diynes. It exhibits a
      broad substrate scope and tolerates various functional groups. Preliminary
      results with commercially available chiral ligands indicate that enantioselective
      variants are feasible for both cyclization processes.

PMID- 27144941
TI  - Plakoglobin Reduces the in vitro Growth, Migration and Invasion of Ovarian Cancer
      Cells Expressing N-Cadherin and Mutant p53.
AB  - Aberrant expression of cadherins and catenins plays pivotal roles in ovarian
      cancer development and progression. Plakoglobin (PG, gamma-catenin) is a paralog
      of beta-catenin with dual adhesive and signaling functions. While beta-catenin
      has known oncogenic function, PG generally acts as a tumor/metastasis suppressor.
      We recently showed that PG interacted with p53 and that its growth/metastasis
      inhibitory function may be mediated by this interaction. Very little is known
      about the role of PG in ovarian cancer. Here, we investigated the in vitro
      tumor/metastasis suppressor effects of PG in ovarian cancer cell lines with
      mutant p53 expression and different cadherin profiles. We showed that the N
      cadherin expressing and E-cadherin and PG deficient ES-2 cells were highly
      migratory and invasive, whereas OV-90 cells that express E-cadherin, PG and very
      little/no N-cadherin were not. Exogenous expression of PG or E-cadherin or N
      cadherin knockdown in ES-2 cells (ES-2-E-cad, ES-2-PG and ES-2-shN-cad)
      significantly reduced their migration and invasion. Also, PG expression or N
      cadherin knockdown significantly decreased ES-2 cells growth. Furthermore, PG
      interacted with both cadherins and with wild type and mutant p53 in normal
      ovarian and ES-2-PG cell lines, respectively.

PMID- 27144945
TI  - Generation of Benzyne Species from Diphenylphosphoryl Derivatives: Simultaneous
      Exchange of Three Functional Groups.
AB  - Interaction of (2-diphenylphosphoryl-3-iodo-4-methoxy-phenyl) methanol with NaH
      in DMF at ambient temperature results in the generation of benzyne intermediates
      that can be trapped by furan or DMF. Trapping with DMF forms 3
      (dimethylaminomethyl)-2-hydroxy-6-methoxybenzaldehyde demonstrating the
      simultaneous exchange of three functionalities in a single step. The presence of
      the alkoxy substituent adjacent to iodine is critical for high regioselectivity
      addition of DMF. The corresponding bromide or triflate can be used in place of
      the iodide with equal efficiency. This methodology was used to synthesize the
      reported structure of gigasol and leading to a structural reassignment of this
      biscoumarin natural product.

PMID- 27144946
TI  - Bio-inspired flexible joints with passive feathering for robotic fish pectoral
      fins.
AB  - In this paper a novel flexible joint is proposed for robotic fish pectoral fins,
      which enables a swimming behavior emulating the fin motions of many aquatic
      animals. In particular, the pectoral fin operates primarily in the rowing mode,
      while undergoing passive feathering during the recovery stroke to reduce
      hydrodynamic drag on the fin. The latter enables effective locomotion even with
      symmetric base actuation during power and recovery strokes. A dynamic model is
      developed to facilitate the understanding and design of the joint, where blade
      element theory is used to calculate the hydrodynamic forces on the pectoral fins,
      and the joint is modeled as a paired torsion spring and damper. Experimental
      results on a robotic fish prototype are presented to illustrate the effectiveness
      of the joint mechanism, validate the proposed model, and indicate the utility of
      the proposed model for the optimal design of joint depth and stiffness in
      achieving the trade-off between swimming speed and mechanical efficiency. 

PMID- 27144947
TI  - Medicolegal-Malpractice and Ethical Issues in Radiology.

PMID- 27144949
TI  - Parental state anxiety correlates with preoperative anxiety in Chinese preschool
      children.
AB  - AIM: Preoperative anxiety in children is largely dependent on age and is
      influenced by anxiety level in parents. The current study compared the level of
      preoperative anxiety in preschool children versus school-aged children and its
      relationship with the state and trait anxiety of the parents. METHODS: This study
      included 54 preschool children (2-5 years of age) and 48 school-age children (6
      12 years) scheduled to receive ear, nose and throat, plastic or ophthalmologic
      surgeries. Preoperative anxiety of children was assessed in the holding area
      immediately prior to the surgery using a modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale
      (m-YPAS). Compliance with anaesthesia induction was assessed using an Induction
      Compliance Checklist (ICC). The state and trait anxiety of the parent who
      accompanied the child was assessed using a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)
      questionnaire. RESULTS: Both m-YPAS and ICC scores were higher in preschool
      children than in school-age children with significant correlation between the two
      measures. The STAI-S score of parents was higher in the preschool group than in
      the school-age group. No significant difference was found in STAI-T score between
      the two age groups. Children's m-YPAS score correlated with parental STAI-T score
      in both groups (rho = 0.297, P = 0.029 and rho = 0.338, P = 0.019, respectively)
      but only with STAI-S score in the preschool group (rho = 0.400, P = 0.003).
      CONCLUSIONS: Both preschool children and their parents are more anxious than
      school-age dyads prior to surgery. The anxiety level of the children correlates
      with state anxiety of the parents in preschool children but not in school-age
      children.

PMID- 27144948
TI  - Chromium(III) and chromium(VI) release from leather during 8 months of simulated
      use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chromium (Cr) release from Cr-tanned leather articles is a major
      cause of Cr contact dermatitis. It has been suggested that Cr(VI) release from
      leather is not necessarily an intrinsic property of the leather, but is strongly
      dependent on environmental conditions. OBJECTIVES: To test this hypothesis for
      long-term (8 months) simulated use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The release of total
      Cr and Cr(VI) from Cr-tanned, unfinished leather was analysed in subsequent
      phosphate buffer (pH 8.0) immersions for a period of 7.5 months. The effect of
      combined ultraviolet treatment and alkaline solution (pH 12.1) was tested. Dry
      storage [20% relative humidity (RH)] was maintained between immersions. Atomic
      absorption spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence and diphenylcarbazide tests were
      used. RESULTS: Cr(VI) release was dependent on previous dry storage or alkaline
      treatment, but not on duration or number of previous immersions. Cr(III) release
      decreased with time. Fifty-two percent of the total Cr released during the last
      immersion period was Cr(VI). Cr(VI) release exceeded 9 mg/kg in all immersion
      periods except in the first 10-day immersion (2.6 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: Cr(VI)
      release is primarily determined by environmental factors (RH prior to immersion,
      solution pH, and antioxidant content). The RH should be kept low prior to testing
      Cr(VI) release from leather.

PMID- 27144951
TI  - Phrenic Nerve Transfer for Reconstruction of Elbow Extension in Severe Brachial
      Plexus Injuries.
AB  - Background Restoring elbow extension is an important objective to pursue when
      repairing the brachial plexus in patients with a flail arm. Based upon the good
      results obtained using the phrenic nerve to restore elbow flexion and shoulder
      stability, we hypothesized that this nerve could also be employed to reconstruct
      elbow extension in patients with severe brachial plexus injuries. Methods A
      retrospective study of 10 patients in which the phrenic nerve targeted the radial
      nerve (7 patients) or the branch to the long head of the triceps (3 patients) as
      a surgical strategy for reconstruction of the brachial plexus. Results The mean
      postoperative follow-up time was 34 months. At final follow-up, elbow extension
      graded as M4 was measured in three patients, Medical Research Council MRC M3 in
      five patients, and M2 in one patient, while one patient experienced no measurable
      recovery (M0). No patient complained or demonstrated any signs of respiratory
      insufficiency postoperatively. Conclusions The phrenic nerve is a reliable donor
      for reanimation of elbow extension in such cases, and the branch to the long head
      of the triceps should be considered as a better target for the nerve transfer. 

PMID- 27144950
TI  - Nano/Micro-Manufacturing of Bioinspired Materials: a Review of Methods to Mimic
      Natural Structures.
AB  - Through billions of years of evolution and natural selection, biological systems
      have developed strategies to achieve advantageous unification between structure
      and bulk properties. The discovery of these fascinating properties and phenomena
      has triggered increasing interest in identifying characteristics of biological
      materials, through modern characterization and modeling techniques. In an effort
      to produce better engineered materials, scientists and engineers have developed
      new methods and approaches to construct artificial advanced materials that
      resemble natural architecture and function. A brief review of typical naturally
      occurring materials is presented here, with a focus on chemical composition, nano
      structure, and architecture. The critical mechanisms underlying their properties
      are summarized, with a particular emphasis on the role of material architecture.
      A review of recent progress on the nano/micro-manufacturing of bio-inspired
      hybrid materials is then presented in detail. In this case, the focus is on nacre
      and bone-inspired structural materials, petals and gecko foot-inspired adhesive
      films, lotus and mosquito eye inspired superhydrophobic materials, brittlestar
      and Morpho butterfly-inspired photonic structured coatings. Finally, some
      applications, current challenges and future directions with regard to
      manufacturing bio-inspired hybrid materials are provided. 

PMID- 27144952
TI  - Donor-Site Morbidity Following Free Tissue Harvest from the Thigh: A Systematic
      Review and Pooled Analysis of Complications.
AB  - Background Donor-site morbidity significantly influences patient satisfaction and
      quality of life following reconstructive surgery. The relevant donor-site
      morbidities associated with more commonly utilized thigh-based flaps are
      reviewed. Methods A systematic search of the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases from
      1994 to 2014 was conducted to identify all reports of "anterolateral thigh
      (ALT)," "vastus lateralis (VL)," "anteromedial thigh (AMT)," "transverse upper
      gracilis (TUG)," tensor fascia latae (TFL)," "gracilis," and "rectus femoris
      (RF)," flaps. Only studies that investigated donor-site outcomes related to pain,
      paresthesia, wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma, seroma, contour deformity,
      and/or objective functional performance were included. Case series or anecdotal
      reports with less than five flaps, non-English, and animal studies were excluded.
      Results A total of 116 articles representing 4,554 flaps were reviewed, including
      2,922 ALT/VL, 148 AMT, 436 TUG, 278 TFL, 527 gracilis, and 243 RF flaps. The most
      frequently cited donor-site complication was paresthesia (range: 0-36.4%),
      followed by wound dehiscence (range: 0.9-8.3%), contour deformity (range: 0
      5.2%), pain (range: 0-6.3%), and seroma (range: 0.4-2.0%). Despite mixed results
      regarding functional performance, pooled-analysis of dynamometric studies
      demonstrated a significant reduction in strength only after RF flap harvest
      (21%). Conclusions Donor-site morbidity for thigh-flaps is minimal and appears to
      be well-tolerated by the majority of patients. Nevertheless, the appropriate flap
      selection is highly individualized, and patients must be informed of potential
      complications and morbidities specific to each flap. We have established the most
      current review of donor-site morbidity for thigh-based flaps to aid the surgeon
      in this important discussion. 

PMID- 27144953
TI  - Longitudinal Associations Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity and
      Development of Executive Functioning Across the Transition to First Grade.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current study investigates how children's amount of daily
      physical activity relates to subcomponents of executive functions, the cognitive
      processes needed for goal-directed behavior. Previous studies rarely determined
      this association at the subcomponent level and did not explicitly examine the
      period when children make the transition to first grade, despite its importance
      for the development of executive functions. METHODS: In a sample of 54 children,
      working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility were thoroughly measured at
      the subcomponent level at the end of kindergarten and first grade. In the middle
      of first grade, children wore a pedometer for 7 consecutive days. RESULTS:
      Regression analyses showed that performance on a measure of the visuospatial
      sketchpad, the central executive, and fluency was predicted by children's amount
      of daily physical activity after controlling for initial task performance.
      CONCLUSIONS: The development of the visuospatial sketchpad (working memory), the
      central executive (working memory), and fluency (cognitive flexibility) might be
      improved by increasing the amount of time being physically active. However, as
      other subcomponents of executive functioning were not affected, the role of other
      aspects of physical activity, such as intensity and content, in the development
      of executive functions should be further investigated.

PMID- 27144955
TI  - Sequencing Effects of Balance and Plyometric Training on Physical Performance in
      Youth Soccer Athletes.
AB  - Hammami, R, Granacher, U, Makhlouf, I, Behm, DG, and Chaouachi, A. Sequencing
      effects of balance and plyometric training on physical performance in youth
      soccer athletes. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3278-3289, 2016-Balance training may
      have a preconditioning effect on subsequent power training with youth. There are
      no studies examining whether the sequencing of balance and plyometric training
      has additional training benefits. The objective was to examine the effect of
      sequencing balance and plyometric training on the performance of 12- to 13-year
      old athletes. Twenty-four young elite soccer players trained twice per week for 8
      weeks either with an initial 4 weeks of balance training followed by 4 weeks of
      plyometric training (BPT) or 4 weeks of plyometric training proceeded by 4 weeks
      of balance training (PBT). Testing was conducted pre- and posttraining and
      included medicine ball throw; horizontal and vertical jumps; reactive strength;
      leg stiffness; agility; 10-, 20-, and 30-m sprints; Standing Stork balance test;
      and Y-Balance test. Results indicated that BPT provided significantly greater
      improvements with reactive strength index, absolute and relative leg stiffness,
      triple hop test, and a trend for the Y-Balance test (p = 0.054) compared with
      PBT. Although all other measures had similar changes for both groups, the average
      relative improvement for the BPT was 22.4% (d = 1.5) vs. 15.0% (d = 1.1) for the
      PBT. BPT effect sizes were greater with 8 of 13 measures. In conclusion, although
      either sequence of BPT or PBT improved jumping, hopping, sprint acceleration, and
      Standing Stork and Y-Balance, BPT initiated greater training improvements in
      reactive strength index, absolute and relative leg stiffness, triple hop test,
      and the Y-Balance test. BPT may provide either similar or superior performance
      enhancements compared with PBT.

PMID- 27144954
TI  - Geometry and expression enhance enrichment of functional yeast-displayed ligands
      via cell panning.
AB  - Yeast surface display has proven to be an effective tool in the discovery and
      evolution of ligands with new or improved binding activity. Selections for
      binding activity are generally carried out using immobilized or fluorescently
      labeled soluble domains of target molecules such as recombinant ectodomain
      fragments. While this method typically provides ligands with high affinity and
      specificity for the soluble molecular target, translation to binding true
      membrane-bound cellular target is commonly problematic. Direct selections against
      mammalian cell surfaces can be carried out either exclusively or in combination
      with soluble target-based selections to further direct towards ligands for
      genuine cellular target. Using a series of fibronectin domain, affibody, and Gp2
      ligands and human cell lines expressing a range of their targets, epidermal
      growth factor receptor and carcinoembryonic antigen, this study quantitatively
      identifies the elements that dictate ligand enrichment and yield. Most notably,
      extended flexible linkers between ligand and yeast enhance enrichment ratios from
      1.4 +/- 0.8 to 62 +/- 57 for a low-affinity (>600 nM) binder on cells with high
      target expression and from 14 +/- 13 to 74 +/- 25 for a high-affinity binder (2
      nM) on cells with medium valency. Inversion of the yeast display fusion from C
      terminal display to N-terminal display still enables enrichment albeit with 40
      97% reduced efficacy. Collectively, this study further enlightens the conditions
      while highlighting new approaches-that yield successful enrichment of yeast
      displayed binding ligands via panning on mammalian cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng.
      2016;113: 2328-2341. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144956
TI  - Paraviral exanthems.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Paraviral exanthems are skin diseases suspected to be caused by
      viruses, with a single virus-exanthem relationship not universally accepted.
      Although most paraviral exanthems are self-remitting, accurate diagnoses are
      important as some patients might develop complications. Some of the differential
      diagnoses might cause serious complications, and some paraviral exanthems might
      lead to complications for at-risk groups such as pregnant women. Moreover, some
      paraviral exanthems might be symptomatic such as the development of severe
      pruritus, with relief of such being crucial in the plan of management. Patients
      and carers of patients should also be counselled regarding the aetiologies,
      clinical features, and prognoses of the exanthems concerned. AREAS COVERED: We
      covered the clinical manifestations and managements of pityriasis rosea,
      pityriasis lichenoides, and Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. Expert Commentary: Most
      patients with pityriasis rosea do not need any active intervention. Symptomatic
      relief of the pruritus would be adequate. For patients with pityriasis rosea that
      are serious, extensive, or causing severe impacts of their quality of life, oral
      acyclovir could be considered. For pityriasis lichenoides, managements would be
      depending on the type of the exanthem such as the acute form (pityriasis
      lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, also known as Mucha Habermann disease) the
      chronic form (pityriasis lichenoides chronic Juliusberg's disease), and the
      febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha-Habermann disease, which is a complication of the
      acute form. The management of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is mainly symptomatic. The
      need for long-term follow-up for chronic complications of the underlying viral
      infections is still controversial.

PMID- 27144957
TI  - A Rainbow Structural-Color Chip for Multisaccharide Recognition.
AB  - A critical requirement for the successful recognition of multiple analytes is the
      acquisition of abundant sensing information. However, for this to be achieved
      requires massive chemical sensors or multiplex materials, which complicates the
      multianalysis. Thus, there is a need to develop a strategy for the facile and
      efficient recognition of multiple analytes. Herein, we explore the angle
      dependent structural colors of photonic crystals to provide abundant optical
      information, thereby generating a rainbow-color chip to realize the convenient
      recognition of multiple analytes. By simply using a multiangle analysis method,
      the monophotonic crystal matrix chip can differentially enhance fluorescence
      signals over broad spectral ranges, thereby resulting in abundant sensing
      information for highly efficient multiple analysis. Twelve saccharides with
      similar structures, as well as saccharides in different concentrations and
      mixtures, were successfully discriminated.

PMID- 27144958
TI  - Novel membrane-tube type glaucoma shunt device for glaucoma surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The background of this study is to introduce the surgical technique
      and outcomes of a novel membrane-tube (MT) type glaucoma shunt device (MicroMT),
      which was developed to achieve safer and more predictable intraocular pressure
      (IOP) control compared with conventional trabeculectomy. DESIGN: This is a
      retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series study. PARTICIPANTS:
      The MicroMT was implanted in 43 glaucomatous eyes with insufficient IOP control
      despite medical treatment. METHODS: The MicroMT consists of an expanded
      polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and a silicone tube with an intraluminal stent,
      which allows aqueous drainage from the anterior chamber to the lamellar scleral
      flap. The intraluminal stent prevents excessive aqueous drainage and allows
      additional IOP reduction through retraction or removal of the stent. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: The main outcome measures of this study are IOP changes and
      complications. RESULTS: The mean (SD) IOP decreased from a preoperative value of
      22.5 (6.9) mmHg to 11.1 (3.6) mmHg 3 years after the operation (50.7% reduction
      from baseline; P < 0.01). Intraluminal stent removal 4 weeks after the operation
      induced an additional 40.2% IOP reduction (P < 0.01). When success was defined as
      an IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg, and an IOP reduction of >=20% from baseline, the
      success rate was 89.5% at 3 years after the operation. No postoperative ocular
      hypotony (IOP <6 mmHg) or tube-related complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS:
      MicroMT implantation is a novel therapy that may reduce IOP safely and
      effectively, with no apparent risk of postoperative ocular hypotony. Glaucoma
      surgery using this device may be a good alternative to conventional glaucoma
      surgery.

PMID- 27144959
TI  - Characterization of specific spoilage organisms (SSOs) in vacuum-packed ham by
      culture-plating techniques and MiSeq next-generation sequencing technologies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knowledge regarding microaerophilic and anaerobic specific spoilage
      organisms (SSOs) is crucial for an appropriate evaluation of vacuum-packed ham.
      The objective of this study was to characterize the SSO community in vacuum
      packed ham by a culture-dependent technique and MiSeq next-generation sequencing
      (NGS) platform. The relation between changes among the SSO group in the ham and
      changes in sensory characteristics of the product was also assessed. RESULTS: In
      the study, conventional microbiological analyses were employed in order to
      establish the participation of several groups of microorganisms in the
      deterioration of vacuum-packed ham. The diversity of the SSO group in the product
      was further assessed with the use of MiSeq NGS technology. The bacteria
      identified in sliced cooked ham belonged mostly to four phyla, namely
      Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. A temperature of 4 
      degrees C favoured the development of mesophilic and psychrophilic/psychrotrophic
      flora, mainly Lactobacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Micrococcaceae families. A
      high ratio of Brochothrix thermosphacta species and new, cold-tolerant
      Clostridium spp. was also observed. The growth of these microorganisms
      facilitated changes in the pH value and organoleptic characteristics of the
      product. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that the combination of culturing and
      MiSeq NGS technology improves the microbial evaluation of food. (c) 2016 Society
      of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27144961
TI  - Does stage of cancer, comorbidity or lifestyle factors explain educational
      differences in survival after endometrial cancer? A cohort study among Danish
      women diagnosed 2005-2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have documented an association between socioeconomic
      position and survival from gynaecological cancer, but the mechanisms are unclear.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the association between level of
      education and survival after endometrial cancer among Danish women; and whether
      differences in stage at diagnosis and comorbidity contribute to the educational
      differences in survival. METHODS: Women with endometrial cancer diagnosed between
      2005 and 2009 were identified in the Danish Gynaecological Cancer Database, with
      information on clinical characteristics, surgery, body mass index (BMI) and
      smoking status. Information on highest attained education, cohabitation and
      comorbidity was obtained from nationwide administrative registries. Logistic
      regression models were used to determine the association between level of
      education and cancer stage and Cox proportional hazards model for analyses of
      overall survival. RESULTS: Of the 3638 patients identified during the study
      period, 787 had died by the end of 2011. The group of patients with short
      education had a higher odds ratio (OR) for advanced stage at diagnosis, but this
      was not statistically significant (adjusted OR 1.20; 95% CI 0.97-1.49). The age
      adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for dying of patients with short education was 1.47
      (CI 95% 1.17-1.80). Adjustment for cohabitation status, BMI, smoking and
      comorbidity did not change HRs, but further adjustment for cancer stage yielded a
      HR of 1.36 (1.11-1.67). CONCLUSION: Early detection in all educational groups
      might reduce social inequalities in survival, however, the unexplained increased
      risk for death after adjustment for prognostic factors, warrants increased
      attention to patients with short education in all age groups throughout treatment
      and rehabilitation.

PMID- 27144960
TI  - Organic Contaminants in Chinese Sewage Sludge: A Meta-Analysis of the Literature
      of the Past 30 Years.
AB  - The production of sewage sludge is increasing in China but with unsafe disposal
      practices, causing potential risk to human health and the environment. Using
      literature from the past 30 years (N = 159), we conducted a meta-analysis of
      organic contaminants (OCs) in Chinese sludge. Most data were available from
      developed and populated regions, and no data were found for Tibet. Since 1987, 35
      classes of chemicals consisting of 749 individual compounds and 1 mixture have
      been analyzed, in which antibiotics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
      were the most targeted analytes. For 13 classes of principal OCs (defined as
      chemicals detected in over five studies) in sludge, the median (expressed in
      nanograms per gram dry weight) was the highest for phthalate esters (27 900),
      followed by alkylphenol polyethoxylates (12 000), synthetic musks (5800),
      antibiotics (4240), PAHs (3490), ultraviolet stabilizers (670), bisphenol analogs
      (160), organochlorine pesticides (110), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (100),
      pharmaceuticals (84), hormones (69), perfluorinated compounds (21), and
      polychlorinated biphenyls (15). Concentrations of PAHs in sludges collected
      between 1998 and 2012 showed a decreasing trend. Study findings suggest the need
      for a Chinese national sewage sludge survey to identify and regulate toxic OCs,
      ideally employing both targeted as well as nontargeted screening approaches. 

PMID- 27144962
TI  - Arthritis -The Complete Guide to Relief Using Methods that Really Work Klein
      Arthur C Arthritis -The Complete Guide to Relief Using Methods that Really Work
      561 Robinson 9781845290733 1845290739.
AB  - This guide for people living with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis aims to
      share with the reader what help people have accessed and what aspects of
      management, including conventional and complementary treatment, they have found
      beneficial or unhelpful.

PMID- 27144963
TI  - Introduction to Telemedicine Wootton Richard Introduction to Telemedicine 206
      Royal Society of Medicine Press 9781853156779 1853156779.
AB  - Health informatics - or telemedicine - is often viewed as a bewildering range of
      jargon and gadgets best left to computer geeks. The second edition of
      Introduction to Telemedicine provides an accessible insight into informatics and
      allows healthcare professionals to assess how telemedicine might be applied to
      their working practice.

PMID- 27144964
TI  - Doctors' Latin - A Miscellany of Latin and Greek Phrases Souter Keith Doctors'
      Latin - A Miscellany of Latin and Greek Phrases 196 Robert Hale Publishers
      9780709079507 0709079508.
AB  - At 13, a GCSE in a dead language seemed such a chore. But thankfully Keith
      Souter's Latin and Greek are a far cry from my schoolgirl Latin text. This is an
      education for the reader bent on a little learning and some fun.

PMID- 27144965
TI  - Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol over Nitrogen
      Doped Carbon-Supported Iron Catalysts.
AB  - Iron-based heterogeneous catalysts, which were generally prepared by pyrolysis of
      iron complexes on supports at elevated temperature, were found to be capable of
      catalyzing the transfer hydrogenation of furfural (FF) to furfuryl alcohol (FFA).
      The effects of metal precursor, nitrogen precursor, pyrolysis temperature, and
      support on catalytic performance were examined thoroughly, and a comprehensive
      study of the reaction parameters was also performed. The highest selectivity of
      FFA reached 83.0 % with a FF conversion of 91.6 % under the optimal reaction
      condition. Catalyst characterization suggested that iron cations coordinated by
      pyridinic nitrogen functionalities were responsible for the enhanced catalytic
      activity. The iron catalyst could be recycled without significant loss of
      catalytic activity for five runs, and the destruction of the nitrogen-iron
      species, the presence of crystallized Fe2 O3 phase, and the pore structure change
      were the main reasons for catalyst deactivation.

PMID- 27144966
TI  - Assessing the Accuracy and Readability of Online Health Information for Patients
      With Pancreatic Cancer.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: The degree to which patients are empowered by written educational
      materials depends on the text's readability level and the accuracy of the
      information provided. The association of a website's affiliation or focus on
      treatment modality with its readability and accuracy has yet to be thoroughly
      elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To compare the readability and accuracy of patient
      oriented online resources for pancreatic cancer by treatment modality and website
      affiliation. DESIGN: An online search of 50 websites discussing 5 pancreatic
      cancer treatment modalities (alternative therapy, chemotherapy, clinical trials,
      radiation therapy, and surgery) was conducted. The website's affiliation was
      identified. Readability was measured by 9 standardized tests, and accuracy was
      assessed by an expert panel. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Nine standardized tests
      were used to compute the median readability level of each website. The median
      readability scores were compared among treatment modality and affiliation
      categories. Accuracy was determined by an expert panel consisting of 2 medical
      specialists and 2 surgical specialists. The 4 raters independently evaluated all
      websites belonging to the 5 treatment modalities (a score of 1 indicates that
      <25% of the information is accurate, a score of 2 indicates that 26%-50% of the
      information is accurate, a score of 3 indicates that 51%-75% of the information
      is accurate, a score of 4 indicates that 76%-99% of the information is accurate,
      and a score of 5 indicates that 100% of the information is accurate). RESULTS:
      The 50 evaluated websites differed in readability and accuracy based on the focus
      of the treatment modality and the website's affiliation. Websites discussing
      surgery (with a median readability level of 13.7 and an interquartile range [IQR]
      of 11.9-15.6) were easier to read than those discussing radiotherapy (median
      readability level, 15.2 [IQR, 13.0-17.0]) (P = .003) and clinical trials (median
      readability level, 15.2 [IQR, 12.8-17.0]) (P = .002). Websites of nonprofit
      organizations (median readability level, 12.9 [IQR, 11.2-15.0]) were easier to
      read than media (median readability level, 16.0 [IQR, 13.4-17.0]) (P < .001) and
      academic (median readability level, 14.8 [IQR, 12.9-17.0]) (P < .001) websites.
      Privately owned websites (median readability level, 14.0 [IQR, 12.1-16.1]) were
      easier to read than media websites (P = .001). Among treatment modalities,
      alternative therapy websites exhibited the lowest accuracy scores (median
      accuracy score, 2 [IQR, 1-4]) (P < .001). Nonprofit (median accuracy score, 4
      [IQR, 4-5]), government (median accuracy score, 5 [IQR, 4-5]), and academic
      (median accuracy score, 4 [IQR, 3.5-5]) websites were more accurate than
      privately owned (median accuracy score, 3.5 [IQR, 1.5-4]) and media (median
      accuracy score, 4 [IQR, 2-4]) websites (P < .004). Websites with higher accuracy
      were more difficult to read than websites with lower accuracy. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Online information on pancreatic cancer overestimates the reading
      ability of the overall population and lacks accurate information about
      alternative therapy. In the absence of quality control on the Internet,
      physicians should provide guidance to patients in the selection of online
      resources with readable and accurate information.

PMID- 27144967
TI  - Nanoluciferase signal brightness using furimazine substrates opens
      bioluminescence resonance energy transfer to widefield microscopy.
AB  - Fluorescence and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (FRET, BRET)
      techniques are powerful tools for studying protein-protein interactions in
      cellular assays. In contrast to fluorescent proteins, chemiluminescent proteins
      do not require excitation light, known to trigger autofluorescence,
      phototoxicity, and photobleaching. Regrettably, low signal intensity of
      luciferase systems restricts their usage as they require specialized microscopes
      equipped with ultra low-light imaging cameras. In this study, we report that
      bioluminescence quantification in living cells using a standard widefield
      automated microscope dedicated to screening and high content analysis is possible
      with the newer luciferase systems, Nanoluciferase (Nluc). With such equipment, we
      showed that robust intramolecular BRET can be measured using a combination of
      Nluc and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). Using the human Superoxide Dismutase 1
      (SOD1) dimer model, we next validated that intermolecular BRET could be
      quantified at a single cell level. The enhanced signal brightness of Nluc
      enabling BRET imaging to widefield microscopy shows strong potential to open up
      single cell protein-protein interactions studies to a wider audience. (c) 2016
      International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

PMID- 27144968
TI  - Chlorine Para-Substitution of 1-Phenylethanol: Resonant Photoionization
      Spectroscopy and Quantum Chemical Calculations of Hydrated and Diastereomeric
      Complexes.
AB  - The conformational landscape of (S)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol, its monohydrated
      complex, and its diastereomeric adducts with R- and S-butan-2-ol, have been
      investigated by resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI) spectroscopy coupled with
      time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Theoretical calculations at the D-B3LYP/6
      31++G** level of theory have been performed to assist in the interpretation of
      the spectra and in the assignment of the structures. The R2PI spectra and the
      predicted structures have been compared with those obtained on the analogous non
      halogenated and fluorinated systems, i.e., (R)-1-phenylethanol and (S)-1-(4
      fluorophenyl)ethanol, respectively. It appears that the presence of chlorine atom
      in the para position of the aromatic ring does not influence the overall geometry
      of bare molecule and its complexes with respect to the non-halogenated analogous
      systems. Anyway, it affects the electron density in the pi system, and in turn
      the strength of OH...pi and CH...pi interactions. A spectral chiral
      discrimination is evident from the R2PI spectra of the diastereomeric adducts of
      (S)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol with the two enantiomers of butan-2-ol. 

PMID- 27144970
TI  - Tuning of Polymeric Nanoparticles by Coassembly of Thermoresponsive Polymers and
      a Double Hydrophilic Thermoresponsive Block Copolymer.
AB  - The coassembly behavior of thermoresponsive statistical copolymers and a double
      hydrophilic block copolymer having a permanently hydrophilic block and a
      thermoresponsive block is investigated. By adjusting the hydrophilicity of the
      thermoresponsive statistical copolymers, hybrid nanoparticles are obtained with
      various ratios of the two species. Importantly, the size of these nanoparticles
      can be controlled in between 40 and 250 nm dependent on the TCP and the amount of
      statistical copolymers in the solution. Simultaneous analysis of static and
      dynamic light scattering data indicates that the possible structure of
      nanoparticles varies from hard sphere to less compact architecture and most
      probably depends on a difference between cloud point temperatures of individual
      components. This developed coassembly method provides a simple platform for the
      preparation of defined polymeric nanoparticles.

PMID- 27144969
TI  - Longterm clinical and radiological follow-up of living liver donors.
AB  - Although short-term risks of living donor hepatectomy have been well defined,
      little is known about the longterm impact. We aimed to perform a systematic
      follow-up to screen for unanticipated health consequences of liver donation. All
      donors who were more than 1 year from donation were invited for a systematic
      evaluation including physical and laboratory assessment, quality of life
      questionnaire, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance
      cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Those unable to return were offered the
      questionnaire and laboratory assessment at home. Out of our total of 97 donors,
      45 returned for a full assessment and 23 completed labs and survey locally (total
      n = 68; 70%) after a median of 5.5 years (1.5-10.9 years) after donation. The
      only laboratory abnormality was a significant decrease in platelet count (median
      198 *10(9) /L versus 224 *10(9) /L before donation; P < 0.001), whereas 93% of
      patients were still above normal limits. No late biliary strictures or other
      structural abnormalities were found on MRI/MRCP. Liver regeneration was complete.
      Spleen volume did significantly increase (median 278 cm(3) versus 230 cm(3)
      before donation; P < 0.001) without resulting in lowered platelets (P = 0.73).
      The most common complaints were persistent incisional numbness and changed bowel
      habits. Seven donors (11%) reported problems obtaining insurance. The vast
      majority (97%) would have donated again. In conclusion, longterm outcome
      following liver donation appears satisfactory. None of our donors have developed
      occult biliary strictures, failure of regeneration, abnormal liver function, or
      other important health consequences after a median of 5.5 years from surgery.
      These findings can be used when counseling potential donors in the future. Liver
      Transplantation 22 934-942 2016 AASLD.

PMID- 27144972
TI  - Survival of an Enveloped Virus on Toys.
AB  - Children's toys may carry respiratory viruses. Inactivation of a lipid-enveloped
      bacteriophage, Phi6, was measured on a nonporous toy at indoor temperature and
      relative humidity (RH). Inactivation was approximately 2log10 after 24 hours at
      60% RH and 6.8log10 at 10 hours at 40% RH. Enveloped viruses can potentially
      survive on toys long enough to result in exposures. 

PMID- 27144971
TI  - PEGylated Bis-Sulfonamide Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors Can Efficiently Control
      the Growth of Several Carbonic Anhydrase IX-Expressing Carcinomas.
AB  - A series of aromatic/heterocyclic bis-sulfonamides were synthesized from three
      established aminosulfonamide carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitor
      pharmacophores, coupled with either ethylene glycol oligomeric or polymeric
      diamines to yield bis-sulfonamides with short or long (polymeric) linkers.
      Testing of novel inhibitors and their precursors against a panel of membrane
      bound CA isoforms, including tumor-overexpressed CA IX and XII and cytosolic
      isozymes, identified nanomolar-potent inhibitors against both classes and several
      compounds with medium isoform selectivity in a detailed structure-activity
      relationship study. The ability of CA inhibitors to kill tumor cells
      overexpressing CA IX and XII was tested under normoxic and hypoxic conditions,
      using 2D and 3D in vitro cellular models. The study identified a nanomolar potent
      PEGylated bis-sulfonamide CA inhibitor (25) able to significantly reduce the
      viability of colon HT-29, breast MDA-MB231, and ovarian SKOV-3 cancer cell lines,
      thus revealing the potential of polymer conjugates in CA inhibition and cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 27144973
TI  - A novel antagonist anti-cMet antibody with antitumor activities targeting both
      ligand-dependent and ligand-independent c-Met receptors.
AB  - c-Met is a prototypic member of a sub-family of RTKs. Inappropriate c-Met
      activation plays a crucial role in tumor formation, proliferation and metastasis.
      Using a key c-Met dimerization assay, a set of 12 murine whole IgG1 monoclonal
      antibodies was selected and a lead candidate, m224G11, was humanized by CDR
      grafting and engineered to generate a divalent full antagonist humanized IgG1
      antibody, hz224G11. Neither m224G11 nor hz224G11 bind to the murine c-Met
      receptor. Their antitumor activity was investigated in vitro in a set of
      experiments consistent with the reported pleiotropic effects mediated by c-Met
      and, in vivo, using several human tumor xenograft models. Both m224G11 and
      hz224G11 exhibited nanomolar affinities for the receptor and inhibited HGF
      binding, c-Met phosphorylation, and receptor dimerization in a similar fashion,
      resulting in a profound inhibition of all c-Met functions in vitro. These effects
      were presumably responsible for the inhibition of c-Met's major functions
      including cell proliferation, migration, invasion scattering, morphogenesis and
      angiogenesis. In addition to these in vitro properties, hz224G11 dramatically
      inhibits the growth of autocrine, partially autophosphorylated and c-Met
      amplified cell lines in vivo. Pharmacological studies performed on Hs746T gastric
      cancer xenografts demonstrate that hz224G11 strongly downregulates c-Met
      expression and phosphorylation. It also decreases the tumor mitotic index (Ki67)
      and induces apoptosis. Taken together, the in vitro and in vivo data suggest that
      hz224G11 is a promising candidate for the treatment of tumors. This antibody, now
      known as ABT-700 and currently in Phase I clinical trials, may provide a novel
      therapeutic approach to c-Met-expressing cancers.

PMID- 27144974
TI  - Evidence for central hypercortisolism and elevated blood pressure in adolescent
      offspring of mothers with pre-eclampsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Maternal total and free cortisol concentrations are reduced in pre
      eclampsia (PE) and gestational hypertension (GH). However, the effect of this on
      the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function in the offspring is
      unknown. We examined the basal HPA axis activity in adolescent offspring of
      mothers with pre-pregnancy hypertension/GH/PE. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A total of
      1182 participants (mean age 17.1 years) recruited from the Western Australian
      Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study provided fasting morning blood samples for basal
      HPA axis and concomitant clinical assessments, including blood pressure.
      MEASUREMENTS: Plasma ACTH, total cortisol, corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG)
      and free cortisol calculated by Coolens' equation were measured from the blood
      samples collected at home before 10:00 am. RESULTS: Total plasma cortisol (689 +/
      153 nmol/l vs 583 +/- 172 nmol/l, P = 0.024), ACTH (15.5 +/- 13 pmol/l vs 10.8
      +/- 5.1 pmol/l, P = 0.040) and calculated free cortisol (52 +/- 21 nmol/l vs 42
      +/- 22 nmol/l, P = 0.052) were higher in the PE offspring than in controls. The
      pre-pregnancy hypertension group had evidence of a lower ACTH/plasma free
      cortisol ratio (0.22 vs 0.33 P = 0.020) and lower CBG (713 nmol/l vs 821 nmol/l,
      P = 0.004) compared with controls. Systolic blood pressure was elevated in the
      GH/PE group compared with controls (120 mmHg vs 116 mmHg, P = 0.006).
      CONCLUSIONS: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity is increased in the
      adolescent offspring of mothers with pre-eclampsia. This may be an adaptation
      resulting from the reduced maternal cortisol during foetal life. The resulting
      mild hypercortisolism may have implications for long-term health outcomes and
      warrants further investigation.

PMID- 27144975
TI  - Low-Lying pipi* States of Heteroaromatic Molecules: A Challenge for Excited State
      Methods.
AB  - The description of low-lying pipi* states of linear acenes by standard electronic
      structure methods is known to be challenging. Here, we broaden the framework of
      this problem by considering a set of fused heteroaromatic rings and demonstrate
      that standard electronic structure methods do not provide a balanced description
      of the two (typically) lowest singlet state (La and Lb) excitations. While the Lb
      state is highly sensitive to correlation effects, La suffers from the same
      drawbacks as charge transfer excitations. We show that the comparison between
      CIS/CIS(D) can serve as a diagnostic for detecting the two problematic excited
      states. Standard TD-DFT and even its spin-flip variant lead to inaccurate
      excitation energies and interstate gaps, with only a double hybrid functional
      performing somewhat better. The complication inherent to a balanced description
      of these states is so important that even CC2 and ADC(2) do not necessarily match
      the ADC(3) reference. 

PMID- 27144976
TI  - Juvenile muscular atrophy of the distal upper extremities associated with x
      linked periventricular heterotopia with features of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Juvenile muscular atrophy of the distal upper extremities (JMADUE)
      is a rare, sporadic disorder that affects adolescent males and is characterized
      by progressive but self-limited weakness of the distal upper extremities. The
      etiology is unknown, but cervical hyperflexion has been hypothesized. METHODS: We
      report a case of an adolescent male who presented with typical JMADUE but also
      had joint hypermobility and multiple congenital anomalies, including
      periventricular heterotopias, suggesting a multisystem syndrome. RESULTS:
      Subsequent diagnostic testing confirmed a diagnosis of JMADUE, and sequencing of
      the filamin-A gene showed a novel, pathogenic mutation that confirmed an
      additional diagnosis of X-linked periventricular heterotopias with features of
      Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (XLPH-EDS). CONCLUSIONS: The concurrent diagnosis of these
      2 rare conditions suggests a pathogenic connection. It is likely that the joint
      hypermobility from XLPH-EDS predisposed this patient to developing JMADUE. This
      supports the cervical hyperflexion theory of pathogenesis. This case also expands
      the phenotype associated with FLNA mutations. Muscle Nerve 54: 794-797, 2016.

PMID- 27144977
TI  - Independent effects of relevance and arousal on deductive reasoning.
AB  - Emotional content can have either a deleterious or a beneficial impact on
      logicality. Using standard deductive-reasoning tasks, we tested the hypothesis
      that the interplay of two factors - personal relevance and arousal - determines
      the nature of the effect of emotional content on logicality. Arousal was assessed
      using measures of skin conductance. Personal relevance was manipulated by asking
      participants to reason about semantic contents linked to an emotional event that
      they had experienced or not. Findings showed that (1) personal relevance exerts a
      positive effect on logicality while arousal exerts a negative effect, and that
      (2) these effects are independent of each other.

PMID- 27144979
TI  - The association of HTR3A mRNA expression and craving in Han Chinese alcohol
      dependent patients: a preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 3 receptor plays a crucial role in craving
      of alcohol dependence. Recent evidence shows that chronic alcohol exposure causes
      changes in gene expression and induces behavioral changes. However, the
      relationship between gene expression of 5-HT3 receptor and craving in alcohol
      dependent patients is not fully understood. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this
      preliminary study was to investigate the relationship between gene expression of
      the 5-HT3 receptor and craving in alcohol-dependent patients and the epigenetic
      mechanism. METHODS: We recruited 50 male Han Chinese alcohol-dependent patients
      and 46 male Han Chinese healthy controls. We investigated the changes of HTR3A
      mRNA, which encodes the 5-HT3 receptor A subunit, and H3K9 acetylation in HTR3A
      promoter region. Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) was used to assess
      the craving of alcohol-dependent patients relative to controls. RESULTS: HTR3A
      mRNA expression levels and acetylation levels of H3K9 in the HTR3A promoter
      region were significantly higher in the alcohol-dependent patients. HTR3A mRNA
      expression levels were positively correlated with OCDS scores. Moreover, HTR3A
      mRNA expression levels were positively correlated with acetylation levels of H3K9
      in HTR3A promoter region. CONCLUSION: The current findings suggest that HTR3A
      mRNA expression levels were positively correlated with craving in Han Chinese
      alcohol-dependent patients. The regulation of H3K9 histone acetylation in HTR3A
      promoter region may offer a target for the treatment of alcohol dependence.

PMID- 27144978
TI  - The TNFalpha-Transgenic Rat: Hippocampal Synaptic Integrity, Cognition, Function,
      and Post-Ischemic Cell Loss.
AB  - The cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), is a key regulator of
      neuroinflammation linked to numerous neurodegenerative conditions and diseases.
      The present study used transgenic rats that overexpress a murine TNFalpha gene,
      under the control of its own promoter, to investigate the impact of chronically
      elevated TNFalpha on hippocampal synaptic function. Neuronal viability and
      cognitive recovery in TNFalpha Tg rats were also determined following an ischemic
      insult arising from reversible middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Basal CA3
      CA1 synaptic strength, recorded in acute brain slices, was not significantly
      different between eight-week-old TNFalpha Tg rats and non-Tg rats. In contrast,
      slices from TNFalpha Tg rats showed significantly greater levels of long-term
      potentiation (LTP) in response to 100 Hz stimulation, suggesting that synaptic
      networks may be hyperexcitable in the context of elevated TNFalpha. Cognitive and
      motor deficits (assessed on the Morris Water Maze and Rotarod task, respectively)
      were present in TNFalpha Tg rats in the absence of significant differences in the
      loss of cortical and hippocampal neurons. TNF overexpression exacerbated MCAO
      dependent deficits on the rotarod, but ameliorated cortical neuron loss in
      response to MCAO.

PMID- 27144980
TI  - Where Is My Food? Brazilian Flower Fly Steals Prey from Carnivorous Sundews in a
      Newly Discovered Plant-Animal Interaction.
AB  - A new interaction between insects and carnivorous plants is reported from Brazil.
      Larvae of the predatory flower fly Toxomerus basalis (Diptera: Syrphidae:
      Syrphinae) have been found scavenging on the sticky leaves of several carnivorous
      sundew species (Drosera, Droseraceae) in Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo states, SE
      Brazil. This syrphid apparently spends its whole larval stage feeding on prey
      trapped by Drosera leaves. The nature of this plant-animal relationship is
      discussed, as well as the Drosera species involved, and locations where T.
      basalis was observed. 180 years after the discovery of this flower fly species,
      its biology now has been revealed. This is (1) the first record of
      kleptoparasitism in the Syrphidae, (2) a new larval feeding mode for this family,
      and (3) the first report of a dipteran that shows a kleptoparasitic relationship
      with a carnivorous plant with adhesive flypaper traps. The first descriptions of
      the third instar larva and puparium of T. basalis based on Scanning Electron
      Microscope analysis are provided.

PMID- 27144982
TI  - Between Pleasure and Contentment: Evolutionary Dynamics of Some Possible
      Parameters of Happiness.
AB  - We offer and test a simple operationalization of hedonic and eudaimonic well
      being ("happiness") as mediating variables that link outcomes to motivation. In
      six evolutionary agent-based simulation experiments, we compared the relative
      performance of agents endowed with different combinations of happiness-related
      traits (parameter values), under four types of environmental conditions. We found
      (i) that the effects of attaching more weight to longer-term than to momentary
      happiness and of extending the memory for past happiness are both stronger in an
      environment where food is scarce; (ii) that in such an environment "relative
      consumption," in which the agent's well-being is negatively affected by that of
      its neighbors, is more detrimental to survival when food is scarce; and (iii)
      that having a positive outlook, under which agents' longer-term happiness is
      increased by positive events more than it is decreased by negative ones, is
      generally advantageous.

PMID- 27144981
TI  - Multi-country Survey Revealed Prevalent and Novel F1534S Mutation in Voltage
      Gated Sodium Channel (VGSC) Gene in Aedes albopictus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aedes albopictus is an important dengue vector because of its
      aggressive biting behavior and rapid spread out of its native home range in
      Southeast Asia. Pyrethroids are widely used for adult mosquito control, and
      resistance to pyrethroids should be carefully monitored because vector control is
      the only effective method currently available to prevent dengue transmission. The
      voltage-gated sodium channel gene is the target site of pyrethroids, and
      mutations in this gene cause knockdown resistance (kdr). Previous studies
      reported various mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene, but
      the spatial distribution of kdr mutations in Ae. albopictus has not been
      systematically examined, and the association between kdr mutation and phenotypic
      resistance has not been established. METHODS: A total of 597 Ae. albopictus
      individuals from 12 populations across Asia, Africa, America and Europe were
      examined for mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene. Three domains
      for a total of 1,107 bp were sequenced for every individual. Two populations from
      southern China were examined for pyrethroid resistance using the World Health
      Organization standard tube bioassay, and the association between kdr mutations
      and phenotypic resistance was tested. RESULTS: A total of 29 synonymous mutations
      were found across domain II, III and IV of the VGSC gene. Non-synonymous
      mutations in two codons of the VGSC gene were detected in 5 populations from 4
      countries. A novel mutation at 1532 codon (I1532T) was found in Rome, Italy with
      a frequency of 19.7%. The second novel mutation at codon 1534 (F1534S) was
      detected in southern China and Florida, USA with a frequency ranging from 9.5
      22.6%. The WHO insecticide susceptibility bioassay found 90.1% and 96.1%
      mortality in the two populations from southern China, suggesting resistance and
      probable resistance. Positive association between kdr mutations with deltamethrin
      resistance was established in these two populations. CONCLUSIONS: Two novel kdr
      mutations, I1532T and F1534S were found in Ae. albopictus. This is the first
      report of I1532T mutations in Italy and F1534S mutation in China and US.
      Significant association between kdr mutation and protection from deltamethrin
      raised the possibility that kdr mutation may be a viable biomarker for pyrethroid
      resistance surveillance in Ae. albopictus. The patchy distribution of kdr
      mutations in Ae. albopictus mosquitoes calls for developing global surveillance
      plan for pyrethroid resistance and developing countermeasures to mitigate the
      spread of resistance.

PMID- 27144983
TI  - Quantitative analysis of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine molecular species in rat
      brain using solid-phase extraction combined with reversed-phase chromatography
      and tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A novel method for the sensitive and selective identification and quantification
      of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine molecular species was developed. Samples were
      prepared using a combination of liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction, and
      intact N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine species were determined by reversed-phase
      high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to positive electrospray tandem
      mass spectrometry. As a result of their biological functions as precursors for N
      acylethanolamines and as signaling molecules, tissue concentrations of N
      acylphosphatidylethanolamines are very low, and their analysis is additionally
      hindered by the vast excess of other sample components. Our sample preparation
      methods are able to selectively separate the analytes of interest from any
      expected biological interferences. Finally, the highest selectivity is achieved
      by coupling chromatographic separation and two N-acyl chain specific selected
      reaction monitoring scans per analyte, enabling identification of both the N-acyl
      chain and the phosphatidylethanolamine moiety. The validated method is suitable
      for the reliable quantification of N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine species from
      rat brain with a lower limit of quantification of 10 pmol/g and a linear range up
      to 2300 pmol/g. In total, 41 N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine molecular species
      with six different N-acyl chains, amounting to a total concentration of 3 nmol/g,
      were quantified. 

PMID- 27144984
TI  - Prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase in Australia and its relationship to
      metabolic risk factors: A cross-sectional study of 9,447 people.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) is a strong predictor of
      metabolic syndrome, but there are few data from the Australian population. We
      aimed to determine the prevalence of elevated ALT and association with metabolic
      risk factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study including adult participants
      (N = 9,447) from a nationwide, population-based survey, we assessed the
      prevalence of elevated ALT [defined as >= 40 IU/L (men) and >= 30 IU/L (women) as
      baseline, and ALT as >= 30 IU/L (men) and >= 19 IU/L (women) as lower threshold],
      distribution of metabolic risk factors, and independent predictors of elevated
      ALT in logistic regression models. Analyses were weighted to the population with
      population weights. RESULTS: Elevated ALT levels were found in 11.2% of the
      Australian population. People with elevated ALT were younger (43 vs 46 yrs) with
      more truncal adiposity (100 vs 91 cm), higher pro-atherogenic lipids and glucose
      and exercised less (120 vs 160 min per week, P < 0.05 for all analyses).
      Regression analyses indicated that younger age, male sex, diabetes,
      triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, and waist circumference were independent
      predictors of elevated ALT. The population attributable fraction of elevated ALT
      due to truncal obesity was estimated at 47%. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate a
      high prevalence of elevated ALT in the general population that is closely
      associated with metabolic risk factors. Individuals with elevated ALT should be
      evaluated for co-existent metabolic disorders.

PMID- 27144985
TI  - Computer Aided Diagnosis for Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy in Advanced Colorectal
      Adenocarcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is becoming a popular method
      for optical biopsy of digestive mucosa for both diagnostic and therapeutic
      procedures. Computer aided diagnosis of CLE images, using image processing and
      fractal analysis can be used to quantify the histological structures in the CLE
      generated images. The aim of this study is to develop an automatic diagnosis
      algorithm of colorectal cancer (CRC), based on fractal analysis and neural
      network modeling of the CLE-generated colon mucosa images. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      We retrospectively analyzed a series of 1035 artifact-free endomicroscopy images,
      obtained during CLE examinations from normal mucosa (356 images) and tumor
      regions (679 images). The images were processed using a computer aided diagnosis
      (CAD) medical imaging system in order to obtain an automatic diagnosis. The CAD
      application includes image reading and processing functions, a module for fractal
      analysis, grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) computation module, and a
      feature identification module based on the Marching Squares and linear
      interpolation methods. A two-layer neural network was trained to automatically
      interpret the imaging data and diagnose the pathological samples based on the
      fractal dimension and the characteristic features of the biological tissues.
      RESULTS: Normal colon mucosa is characterized by regular polyhedral crypt
      structures whereas malignant colon mucosa is characterized by irregular and
      interrupted crypts, which can be diagnosed by CAD. For this purpose, seven
      geometric parameters were defined for each image: fractal dimension, lacunarity,
      contrast correlation, energy, homogeneity, and feature number. Of the seven
      parameters only contrast, homogeneity and feature number were significantly
      different between normal and cancer samples. Next, a two-layer feed forward
      neural network was used to train and automatically diagnose the malignant
      samples, based on the seven parameters tested. The neural network operations were
      cross-entropy with the results: training: 0.53, validation: 1.17, testing: 1.17,
      and percent error, resulting: training: 16.14, validation: 17.42, testing: 15.48.
      The diagnosis accuracy error was 15.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Computed aided diagnosis via
      fractal analysis of glandular structures can complement the traditional
      histological and minimally invasive imaging methods. A larger dataset from
      colorectal and other pathologies should be used to further validate the
      diagnostic power of the method.

PMID- 27144986
TI  - Effect of Teledermatology on Access to Dermatology Care Among Medicaid Enrollees.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Access to specialists such as dermatologists is often limited for
      Medicaid enrollees. Teledermatology has been promoted as a potential solution;
      however, its effect on access to care at the population level has rarely been
      assessed. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of teledermatology on the number of
      Medicaid enrollees who received dermatology care and to describe which patients
      were most likely to be referred to teledermatology. DESIGN, SETTING, AND
      PARTICIPANTS: Claims data from a large California Medicaid managed care plan that
      began offering teledermatology as a covered service in April 2012 were analyzed.
      The plan enrolled 382 801 patients in California's Central Valley, including 108
      480 newly enrolled patients who obtained coverage after the implementation of the
      Affordable Care Act. Rates of dermatology visits by patients affiliated with
      primary care practices that referred patients to teledermatology and those that
      did not were compared. Data were collected from April 1, 2012, through December
      31, 2014, and assessed from March 1 to October 15, 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND
      MEASURES: The percentage of patients with at least 1 visit to a dermatologist
      (including in-person and teledermatology visits) and total visits with
      dermatologists (including in-person and teledermatology visits) per 1000
      patients. RESULTS: Of the 382 801 patients enrolled for at least 1 day from 2012
      to 2014, 8614 (2.2%) had 1 or more visits with a dermatologist. Of all patients
      who visited a dermatologist, 48.5% received care via teledermatology. Among the
      patients newly enrolled in Medicaid, 75.7% (1474 of 1947) of those who visited a
      dermatologist received care via teledermatology. Primary care practices that
      engaged in teledermatology had a 63.8% increase in the fraction of patients
      visiting a dermatologist (vs 20.5% in other practices; P < .01). Compared with in
      person dermatology, teledermatology served more patients younger vs older than 17
      years (2600 of 4427 [58.7%] vs 1404 of 4187 [33.5%]), male patients (1849 of 4427
      [41.8%] vs 1526 of 4187 [36.4%]), nonwhite patients (2779 of 4188 [66.4%] vs 1844
      of 3478 [53.0%]), and individuals without comorbid conditions (1795 of 2464
      [72.8%] vs 1978 of 3024 [65.4%]) (P < .001 for all comparisons). Conditions
      managed across settings varied; teledermatology physicians were more likely to
      care for viral skin lesions and acne (3405 of 7287 visits [46.7%]), whereas in
      person dermatologists were more likely to care for psoriasis and skin neoplasms
      (10 062 of 27 347 visits [36.8%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The offering of
      teledermatology appeared to improve access to dermatology care among Medicaid
      enrollees and played an especially important role for the newly enrolled.

PMID- 27144988
TI  - Dietary exposure to mycotoxins of the Hong Kong adult population from a Total
      Diet Study.
AB  - Dietary exposure of Hong Kong adults to mycotoxins and their metabolites
      including aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FNs), deoxynivalenol
      (DON), acetyldeoxynivalenols (AcDONs) and zearalenone (ZEA) was estimated using
      the Total Diet Study (TDS) approach to assess the associated health risk to the
      local people. Sixty commonly consumed food items, collected in four seasons, were
      sampled and prepared as consumed. These mycotoxins were primarily found at low
      levels. The highest mean levels (upper bound) were: AFs, 1.50 ug kg(-)(1) in
      legumes, nuts and seed; OTA, 0.22 ug kg(-)(1) in sugars and confectionery; FNs,
      9.76 ug kg(-)(1) in cereals and their products; DON and AcDONs, 33.1 ug kg(-)(1)
      in cereals and their products; and ZEA, 53.8 ug kg(-)(1) in fats and oils. The
      estimated dietary exposures of Hong Kong adults to the mycotoxins analysed were
      well below the respective health-based guidance values, where available. For AFs,
      the upper-bound exposure for high consumers is 0.0049 ug kg bw(-)(1) day(-)(1),
      which was estimated to contribute to about 7.7 (< 1%) of liver cancer cases when
      compared with 1222 liver cancer cases per year in Hong Kong. The percentage
      contributions of the estimated 95th percentile dietary exposures (lower and upper
      bound) to the health-based guidance values of individual mycotoxins were:
      ochratoxin A, 3.6-9.2%; fumonisins, 0.04-8.5%; deoxynivalenol and
      acetyldeoxynivalenols, 21.7-28.2%; and zearalenone 3.3-34.5%. The findings
      indicate that dietary exposures to all the mycotoxins analysed in this study were
      unlikely to pose an unacceptable health risk to the Hong Kong population. 

PMID- 27144989
TI  - Self over time: another difference between borderline personality disorder and
      bipolar disorder.
AB  - RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The nature of the relationship between bipolar
      disorder and borderline personality disorder has been an intense field of debate
      in the last two decades. Current diagnostic classifications approach this complex
      phenomenon using syndromatic definitions based on presence or absence of a
      restricted set of signs or symptoms that have demonstrated low specificity. One
      of the several utilities of the phenomenological method in psychiatry is to
      complement the clinical panorama, helping in the process of identifying potential
      differences between two separated clinical syndromes. The main objective of this
      publication is to explore one particular clinical difference between these two
      conditions - that is, the experience of self-continuity and time perception.
      METHODS: the argument explored in this paper is based on previous second-person
      or phenomenological accounts of sufferers of both conditions. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSIONS: Whereas borderline personality disorder patients tend to experience
      only the present moment, referring frequent difficulties of drawing experiences
      of the past in order to determine their own future, bipolar disorder patients are
      constantly worried about the contradictions in their past experiences and the
      latent risk of losing control of themselves in future episodes of their disease.
      This contrast should be, however, corroborated in future research comparing
      directly the two groups in terms of the continuity of the self and their temporal
      structures.

PMID- 27144987
TI  - CUG-BP, Elav-like family member 1 (CELF1) is required for normal
      myofibrillogenesis, morphogenesis, and contractile function in the embryonic
      heart.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CUG-BP, Elav-like family member 1 (CELF1) is a multifunctional RNA
      binding protein found in a variety of adult and embryonic tissues. In the heart,
      CELF1 is found exclusively in the myocardium. However, the roles of CELF1 during
      cardiac development have not been completely elucidated. RESULTS: Myofibrillar
      organization is disrupted and proliferation is reduced following knockdown of
      CELF1 in cultured chicken primary embryonic cardiomyocytes. In vivo knockdown of
      Celf1 in developing Xenopus laevis embryos resulted in myofibrillar
      disorganization and a trend toward reduced proliferation in heart muscle,
      indicating conserved roles for CELF1 orthologs in embryonic cardiomyocytes. Loss
      of Celf1 also resulted in morphogenetic abnormalities in the developing heart and
      gut. Using optical coherence tomography, we showed that cardiac contraction was
      impaired following depletion of Celf1, while heart rhythm remained unperturbed.
      In contrast to cardiac muscle, loss of Celf1 did not disrupt myofibril
      organization in skeletal muscle cells, although it did lead to fragmentation of
      skeletal muscle bundles. CONCLUSIONS: CELF1 is required for normal myofibril
      organization, proliferation, morphogenesis, and contractile performance in the
      developing myocardium. Developmental Dynamics 245:854-873, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27144990
TI  - Effectiveness of a Multimodal Intervention Program for Older Individuals
      Presenting to the Emergency Department After a Fall in the Northern French Alps
      Emergency Network.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fall-related visits to emergency departments (EDs) are common among
      older individuals. We aimed to assess effectiveness of a healthcare intervention
      program for the management of elderly patients admitted to EDs after a fall.
      METHODS: Using a before-after observation method, we investigated ED healthcare
      staff practices related to fall-related injuries in 2010 (period 1) and 2012
      (period 2) in 13 centers participating in the Northern French Alps Emergency
      Network. Following the identification of initial weaknesses, several information
      and training tools were introduced between the two periods to improve patient
      management. All individuals aged 75 years or over who presented to an ED after a
      fall were included in the study. We reviewed the completeness and quality of
      medical records during both periods and compared the rate of clinical
      paraclinical check-ups performed, geriatric evaluation/assessment in the ED, and
      the 1-month recurrence of visits to the ED for the same reason. RESULTS: During
      period 1, a total of 2,425 falls were recorded, while 2,684 were reported in
      period 2. The 2012 medical charts contained significantly more information about
      risk factors than those of 2010. An electrocardiogram (64% vs. 53%; p < 0.001),
      biologic check-up (65% vs. 57%; p < 0.001), balance, orthostatic hypotension, and
      cognitive impairment tests were more often performed in 2012. There was no change
      in the hospitalization rate, although short-duration hospitalization in the ED
      was more frequent in 2012. Geriatrists were more often consulted by patients in
      2012 (18% vs. 13%; p < 0.001) and more involved in ED evaluation and
      hospitalization. The intervention program had a beneficial impact on the fall
      recurrence rate (n = 29 [3.6%] in period 1 and n = 17 [2.0%] in period 2; odds
      ratio = 0.52; p = 0.037), which significantly decreased between 2010 and 2012.
      CONCLUSIONS: The intervention program was associated with a decrease of fall
      recurrence. Further efforts should be made in EDs to ensure a sustained level of
      satisfactory and long-lasting management of the elderly.

PMID- 27144991
TI  - Postexamination Analysis: A Means of Improving the Exam Cycle.

PMID- 27144992
TI  - A Career Exploration Program: An Effective Alternative to the Traditional Use of
      Faculty Advisors.
AB  - PROBLEM: Providing medical students with resources to make effective career
      choices is challenging for medical schools as career options outnumber the formal
      clinical rotations students can experience during their undergraduate education.
      APPROACH: In 2009, the authors introduced the Career Exploration (CE) courses
      into the required curriculum at the Quillen College of Medicine. This three
      course sequence includes large-group sessions addressing broad issues related to
      career choices, small-group specialty interest groups, individual student self
      assessments, assignments through which students receive individualized feedback,
      and individual student advising sessions. The overall objective of the course
      sequence is to involve all students in career planning from the beginning of
      medical school so as to help them make more informed career decisions. OUTCOMES:
      The authors used improvement in student satisfaction with career planning
      activities as a surrogate measure for the outcome of helping students make more
      informed career choices. Students evaluated the CE courses positively, and
      overall satisfaction scores averaged 4 (1 = poor to 5 = excellent). Scores on
      Association of American Medical Colleges Graduation Questionnaire items related
      to career planning showed improved student satisfaction from 2010 to 2015. NEXT
      STEPS: Succession planning for the first- and second-year career advisor is vital
      as is faculty development for all clinical advisors to ensure that they have
      current information regarding both the curriculum and Match process, especially
      as residency selection becomes increasingly competitive. Enhancing the role of
      fourth-year students who serve as CE III mentors has the potential to prepare
      these students to be better teachers as residents.

PMID- 27144993
TI  - Gender Differences in Publication Productivity, Academic Rank, and Career
      Duration Among U.S. Academic Gastroenterology Faculty.
AB  - PURPOSE: Female representation in academic medicine is increasing without
      proportional increases in female representation at senior ranks. The purpose of
      this study is to describe the gender representation in academic gastroenterology
      (GI) and compare publication productivity, academic rank, and career duration
      between male and female gastroenterologists. METHOD: In 2014, the authors
      collected data including number of publications, career duration, h-index, and m
      index for faculty members at 114 U.S. academic GI programs. RESULTS: Of 2,440
      academic faculty, 1,859 (76%) were men and 581 (24%) were women. Half (50%) of
      men held senior faculty position compared with 29% of women (P < .001). Compared
      with female faculty, male faculty had significantly (P < .001) longer careers (20
      vs. 11 years), more publications (median 24 [0-949] vs. 9 [0-438]), and higher h
      indices (8 vs. 4). Higher h-index correlated with higher academic rank (P <
      .001). The authors detected no difference in the h-index between men and women at
      the same rank for professor, associate professor, and instructor, nor any
      difference in the m-index between men and women (0.5 vs. 0.46, respectively, P =
      .214). CONCLUSIONS: A gender gap exists in the number and proportion of women in
      academic GI; however, after correcting for career duration, productivity measures
      that consider quantity and impact are similar for male and female faculty. Women
      holding senior faculty positions are equally productive as their male
      counterparts. Early and continued career mentorship will likely lead to continued
      increases in the rise of women in academic rank.

PMID- 27144994
TI  - Neotuberostemonine attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by suppressing
      the recruitment and activation of macrophages.
AB  - Neotuberostemonine (NTS) is one of the main antitussive alkaloids in the root of
      Stemona tuberosa Lour. This study aimed to investigate the effects of NTS on
      bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice and the underlying mechanism.
      After BLM administration, NTS were orally administered to mice at 20 and 40mg/kg
      per day from days 8 to 21, with nintedanib as a positive control. The effect of
      NTS on BLM-induced mice was assessed via histopathological examination by HE and
      Masson's trichrome staining, TGF-beta1 level and macrophage recruitment by
      immunohistochemical staining, expression of profibrotic media and M1/M2
      polarization by western blot. RAW 264.7 cells were used to evaluate whether NTS
      (1, 10, 100MUM) directly affected macrophages. The results revealed that NTS
      treatment significantly ameliorated lung histopathological changes and decreased
      inflammatory cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The over-expression
      of collagen, alpha-SMA and TGF-beta1 was reduced by NTS. Furthermore, NTS
      markedly lowered the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 while raised the expression
      of MMP-9. A further analysis showed that NTS was able to decrease the recruitment
      of macrophages and to inhibit the M2 polarization in mice lung tissues. The
      experiment in vitro showed that NTS significantly reduced the arginase-1 (marker
      for M2) expression in a dose-dependent manner but down-regulated the iNOS (marker
      for M1) expression only at 100MUM. In conclusion, our study demonstrated for the
      first time that NTS has a significant protective effect on BLM-induced pulmonary
      fibrosis through suppressing the recruitment and M2 polarization of macrophages. 

PMID- 27144996
TI  - Hydraulic conductance and the maintenance of water balance in flowers.
AB  - Flowers face desiccating conditions, yet little is known about their ability to
      transport water. We quantified variability in floral hydraulic conductance
      (Kflower ) for 20 species from 10 families and related it to traits hypothesized
      to be associated with liquid and vapour phase water transport. Basal angiosperm
      flowers had trait values associated with higher water and carbon costs than
      monocot and eudicot flowers. Kflower was coordinated with water supply (vein
      length per area, VLA) and loss (minimum epidermal conductance, gmin ) traits
      among the magnoliids, but was insensitive to variation in these traits among the
      monocots and eudicots. Phylogenetic independent contrast (PIC) correlations
      revealed that few traits had undergone coordinated evolution. However, VLA and
      the desiccation time (Tdes ), the quotient of water content and gmin , had
      significant trait and PIC correlations. The near absence of stomata from monocot
      and eudicot flowers may have been critical in minimizing water loss rates among
      these clades. Early divergent, basal angiosperm flowers maintain higher Kflower
      because of traits associated with high rates water loss and water supply, while
      monocot and eudicot flowers employ a more conservative strategy of limiting water
      loss and may rely on stored water to maintain turgor and delay desiccation.

PMID- 27144997
TI  - Identification of gut-derived metabolites of maslinic acid, a bioactive compound
      from Olea europaea L.
AB  - SCOPE: Maslinic acid has been described to exert a chemopreventive activity in
      colon cancer. Hereby, we determined maslinic acid and its metabolites in the rat
      intestine previous oral administration as a first step in elucidating whether
      this triterpene might be used as a nutraceutical. METHODS AND RESULTS: Maslinic
      acid was orally administered at 1, 2, and 5 mg/kg to male Sprague-Dawley for 2
      days. At 24 h after the last administration, the content of the duodenum and
      jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon was collected and extracted with methanol 80%
      prior to LC-APCI-MS analysis. The developed method was validated providing
      suitable sensitivity (LOQ of 5 nM), good recovery (97.8 +/- 3.6%), linear
      correlation, and appropriate precision (< 9%). Maslinic acid was detected in all
      the segments with higher concentrations in the distal part of the intestine. LC
      APCI-LTQ-ORBITRAP-MS allowed the identification of 11 gut-derived metabolites
      that were formed by mono-, dihydroxylation, and dehydrogenation reactions.
      CONCLUSION: Maslinic acid undergoes phase I reactions resulting in a majority of
      monohydroxylated metabolites without the presence of phase II derivatives. The
      high concentration of maslinic acid achieved in the intestine suggests that it
      could exert a beneficial effect in the prevention of colon cancer.

PMID- 27144995
TI  - Attenuation of PAMP-triggered immunity in maize requires down-regulation of the
      key beta-1,6-glucan synthesis genes KRE5 and KRE6 in biotrophic hyphae of
      Colletotrichum graminicola.
AB  - In plants, pathogen defense is initiated by recognition of pathogen-associated
      molecular patterns (PAMPs) via plasma membrane-localized pattern-recognition
      receptors (PRRs). Fungal structural cell wall polymers such as branched beta
      glucans are essential for infection structure rigidity and pathogenicity, but at
      the same time represent PAMPs. Kre5 and Kre6 are key enzymes in beta-1,6-glucan
      synthesis and formation of branch points of the beta-glucan network. In spite of
      the importance of branched beta-glucan for hyphal rigidity and plant-fungus
      interactions, neither the role of KRE5 and KRE6 in pathogenesis nor mechanisms
      allowing circumventing branched beta-glucan-triggered immune responses are known.
      We functionally characterized KRE5 and KRE6 of the ascomycete Colletotrichum
      graminicola, a hemibiotroph that infects maize (Zea mays). After appressorial
      plant invasion, this fungus sequentially differentiates biotrophic and highly
      destructive necrotrophic hyphae. RNAi-mediated reduction of KRE5 and KRE6
      transcript abundance caused appressoria to burst and swelling of necrotrophic
      hyphae, indicating that beta-1,6-glucosidic bonds are essential in these cells.
      Live cell imaging employing KRE5:mCherry and KRE6:mCherry knock-in strains and
      probing of infection structures with a YFP-conjugated beta-1,6-glucan-binding
      protein showed expression of these genes and exposure of beta-1,6-glucan in
      conidia, appressoria and necrotrophic, but not in biotrophic hyphae.
      Overexpression of KRE5 and KRE6 in biotrophic hyphae led to activation of broad
      spectrum plant defense responses, including papilla and H2 O2 formation, as well
      as transcriptional activation of several defense-related genes. Collectively, our
      results strongly suggest that down-regulation of synthesis and avoidance of
      exposure of branched beta-1,3-beta-1,6-glucan in biotrophic hyphae is required
      for attenuation of plant immune responses.

PMID- 27144999
TI  - Patient-Centered Homes and Integrated Behavioral Health Care: Reclaiming the Role
      of "Consultant" for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
AB  - The notion of patient-centered care has long been linked with nursing practice
      since Florence Nightingale. The discipline of nursing is focused on the holistic
      care of individuals, families, and communities in times of sickness and/or
      health. However, in psychiatric-mental health nursing, the concepts of mental
      health and psychiatric illness still remain marginalized in our health care
      delivery systems, as well as in nursing education, knowledge development, and
      practice. Even with the concept of patient-centered homes, acute and primary care
      providers are reluctant to embrace care of those with psychiatric illness in
      their respective settings. Psychiatric illness was and continues to be in the
      shadows, hidden and often ignored by the larger community as well as by health
      care providers. This paper describes a Health Resources Services Administration
      (HRSA) Advanced Nursing Education (ANE) training grant's objective of
      reintegrating psychiatric-mental health practice into ALL health care delivery
      systems using the concept of patient-centered nursing care as a foundation for,
      and promotion of, the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMH-NP) as
      the "navigator" for not only the patients and their families, but also for their
      acute and primary care colleagues using an Interprofessional Education Model. The
      major barriers and lessons learned from this project as well as the need for
      psychiatric-mental health nurses to reclaim their role as a consultant/liaison in
      acute, primary, and long-term care settings will be discussed. The PMHNP as a
      consultant/liaison is being revitalized as an innovative advanced practice
      nursing health care model in North Carolina. 

PMID- 27144998
TI  - MicroRNAs as key regulators of GTPase-mediated apical actin reorganization in
      multiciliated epithelia.
AB  - Multiciliated cells (MCCs), which are present in specialized vertebrate tissues
      such as mucociliary epithelia, project hundreds of motile cilia from their apical
      membrane. Coordinated ciliary beating in MCCs contributes to fluid propulsion in
      several biological processes. In a previous work, we demonstrated that microRNAs
      of the miR-34/449 family act as new conserved regulators of MCC differentiation
      by specifically repressing cell cycle genes and the Notch pathway. Recently, we
      have shown that miR-34/449 also modulate small GTPase pathways to promote, in a
      later stage of differentiation, the assembly of the apical actin network, a
      prerequisite for proper anchoring of centrioles-derived neo-synthesized basal
      bodies. We characterized several miR-34/449 targets related to small GTPase
      pathways including R-Ras, which represents a key and conserved regulator during
      MCC differentiation. Direct RRAS repression by miR-34/449 is necessary for apical
      actin meshwork assembly, notably by allowing the apical relocalization of the
      actin binding protein Filamin-A near basal bodies. Our studies establish miR
      34/449 as central players that orchestrate several steps of MCC differentiation
      program by regulating distinct signaling pathways.

PMID- 27145000
TI  - Is nurse managers' leadership style related to Japanese staff nurses' affective
      commitment to their hospital?
AB  - AIM: To determine if nurse managers' leadership style is related to Japanese
      staff nurses' affective commitment to their hospital. BACKGROUND: In Western
      countries, nurse managers' transformational leadership style has been found to
      increase staff nurses' affective commitment to their hospital. However, there are
      few studies examining this relationship in the context of acute care hospitals in
      Japan. METHODS: Staff nurses completed measures of their nurse managers'
      perceived leadership style and factors related to their own affective commitment.
      The association between affective commitment and perception of leadership style
      was assessed with multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 736 questionnaires
      distributed, 579 (78.9%) were returned, and data from 396 (53.8%) fully completed
      questionnaires were analysed. The intellectual stimulation aspect of
      transformational leadership positively increased staff nurses' affective
      commitment (odds ratio: 2.23). Nurse managers' transactional and laissez-faire
      leadership styles were not related to affective commitment among staff nurses.
      CONCLUSIONS: The intellectual stimulation aspect of transformational leadership
      may increase the retention of staff nurses through enhanced affective commitment.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: To increase staff nurses' affective
      commitment to their hospital, we suggest that hospital administrators equip nurse
      managers with intellectual stimulation skills.

PMID- 27145001
TI  - Acupuncture for neck disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neck pain is one of the three most frequently reported complaints of
      the musculoskeletal system. Treatments for neck pain are varied, as are
      perceptions of benefit. Acupuncture has been used as an alternative to more
      conventional treatment for musculoskeletal pain. This review summarises the most
      current scientific evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture for acute,
      subacute and chronic neck pain. This update replaces our 2006 Cochrane review
      update on this topic. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of acupuncture for
      adults with neck pain, with focus on pain relief, disability or functional
      measures, patient satisfaction and global perceived effect. SEARCH METHODS: We
      searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, the Manual, Alternative and Natural Therapy Index System (MANTIS), the
      Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and the Index
      to Chiropractic Literature (ICL) from their beginning to August 2015. We searched
      reference lists, two trial registers and the acupuncture database Traditional
      Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (TCMLARS) in China to
      2005. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included published trials that used random
      assignment to intervention groups, in full text or abstract form. We excluded
      quasi-randomised controlled trials (RCTs). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
      review authors made independent decisions for each step of the review: article
      inclusion, data abstraction and assessment of quality of trial methods. We
      assessed study quality by using the Cochrane Back Review Group 'Risk of bias'
      tool. We used consensus to resolve disagreements, and when clinical heterogeneity
      was absent, we combined studies by using random-effects meta-analysis models.
      MAIN RESULTS: Of the 27 included studies, three represented individuals with
      whiplash-associated disorders (WADs) ranging from acute to chronic (205
      participants), five explored chronic myofascial neck pain (186 participants),
      five chronic pain due to arthritic changes (542 participants), six chronic non
      specific neck pain (4011 participants), two neck pain with radicular signs (43
      participants) and six subacute or chronic mechanical neck pain (5111
      participants).For mechanical neck pain, we found that acupuncture is beneficial
      at immediate-term follow-up compared with sham acupuncture for pain intensity; at
      short-term follow-up compared with sham or inactive treatment for pain intensity;
      at short-term follow-up compared with sham treatment for disability; and at short
      term follow-up compared with wait-list control for pain intensity and neck
      disability improvement. Statistical pooling was appropriate for acupuncture
      compared with sham for short-term outcomes due to statistical homogeneity (P
      value = 0.83; I(2) = 20%). Results of the meta-analysis favoured acupuncture
      (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.20 to 
      0.07; P value = 0.0006). This effect does not seem sustainable over the long
      term. Whether subsequent repeated sessions would be successful was not examined
      by investigators in our primary studies.Acupuncture appears to be a safe
      treatment modality, as adverse effects are minor. Reported adverse effects
      include increased pain, bruising, fainting, worsening of symptoms, local swelling
      and dizziness. These studies reported no life-threatening adverse effects and
      found that acupuncture treatments were cost-effective.Since the time of our
      previous review, the quality of RCTs has improved, and we have assessed many of
      them as having low risk of bias. However, few large trials have provided high
      quality evidence. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-quality evidence suggests that
      acupuncture relieves pain better than sham acupuncture, as measured at completion
      of treatment and at short-term follow-up, and that those who received acupuncture
      report less pain and disability at short-term follow-up than those on a wait
      list. Moderate-quality evidence also indicates that acupuncture is more effective
      than inactive treatment for relieving pain at short-term follow-up.

PMID- 27145002
TI  - Future Directions in Research on Racism-Related Stress and Racial-Ethnic
      Protective Factors for Black Youth.
AB  - Research on racism-related stress and racial-ethnic protective factors represents
      an important enterprise for optimizing the mental health of African American and
      other racial and ethnic minority youth. However, there has been a relative dearth
      of work on these factors in the clinical psychology research literature, and more
      work is needed in outlets such as these. To this end, the current article adopts
      a developmental psychopathology framework and uses recent empirical findings to
      outline our current understanding of racism-related stress and racial-ethnic
      protective factors (i.e., racial identity, racial socialization, Africentric
      worldview) for African American youth. We then provide nine recommendations
      across basic, applied, and broader/cross-cutting research lines-that we
      prioritize as essential to advancing the future scientific investigation of this
      crucial research agenda. Within and across these recommendations, we issue a
      charge to researchers and clinicians alike, with the ultimate goal of alleviating
      the negative mental health impact that racism-related stress can have on the well
      being and mental health of African American and other racial and ethnic minority
      youth.

PMID- 27145003
TI  - Cardiometabolic Effects of Chronic Hyperandrogenemia in a New Model of
      Postmenopausal Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
AB  - Postmenopausal women who have had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and chronic
      hyperandrogenemia may be at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease than
      normoandrogenemic postmenopausal women. The cardiometabolic effect of chronic
      hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS after menopause is unclear. The present
      study was performed to test the hypothesis that chronic hyperandrogenemia in
      aging female rats would have more deleterious effects on metabolic function,
      blood pressure, and renal function than in normoandrogenemic age-matched females.
      Female Sprague Dawley were implanted continuously, beginning at 4-5 weeks, with
      dihydrotestosterone (postmenopausal hyperandrogenemic female [PMHAF]) or placebo
      pellets (controls), and were studied at 13 months of age. Plasma DHT was 3-fold
      higher, and estradiol was 90% lower in PMHAF than controls. Body weights were
      higher; EchoMRI showed greater fat and lean mass; and computed tomography showed
      more sc and visceral adiposity in PMHAF, but with similar femur length compared
      with controls. Insulin resistance was present in PMHAF with higher plasma
      insulin, normal fasting blood glucose, abnormal oral glucose tolerance test, and
      higher nonfasting blood glucose. Blood pressure (radiotelemetry) was
      significantly higher and heart rate was lower, and renal function (glomerular
      filtration rate) was reduced by 40% in PMHAF. Thus the aging chronically
      hyperandrogenemic female rat is a new model of postmenopausal PCOS, which
      exhibits insulin resistance and visceral obesity, hypertension, and impairment in
      renal function. This new model provides a unique tool to study the deleterious
      effects of chronic androgen excess in postmenopausal females rats.

PMID- 27145005
TI  - Bisphenol A Promotes Adiposity and Inflammation in a Nonmonotonic Dose-response
      Way in 5-week-old Male and Female C57BL/6J Mice Fed a Low-calorie Diet.
AB  - A growing body of epidemiological research show that Bisphenol A (BPA) is
      positively correlated with obesity and metabolic disorders. However, the
      mechanisms of BPA on adiposity remain largely unknown. In this study, we found
      that 5-week-old male and female C57BL/6J mice exposed to four dosages of BPA (5,
      50, 500, and 5000 MUg/kg/d) by oral intake for 30 days showed significantly
      increased body weight and fat mass in a nonmonotonic dose-dependent manner when
      fed a chow diet. The effect occurred even at the lowest concentration
      (5MUg/kg/d), lower than the tolerable daily intake of 50 MUg/kg/day for BPA.
      However, no significant difference in body weight and fat mass was observed in
      either male or female mice fed a high-fat diet, suggesting that BPA may interact
      with diet in promoting obesity risk. In vitro study showed that BPA treatment
      drives the differentiation of white adipocyte progenitors from the stromal
      vascular fraction, partially through glucocorticoid receptor. BPA exposure
      increased circulating inflammatory factors and the local inflammation in white
      adipose tissues in both genders fed a chow diet, but not under high-fat diet. We
      further found that BPA concentration was associated with increased circulating
      inflammatory factors, including leptin and TNFalpha, in lean female subjects
      (body mass index < 23.0 kg/m(2)) but not in lean male subjects or in both sexes
      of overweight/obese subjects (body mass index > 25.0 kg/m(2)). In conclusion, we
      demonstrated the nonmonotonic dose effects of BPA on adiposity and chronic
      inflammation in 5-week-old mice, which is related to caloric uptake.

PMID- 27145004
TI  - Free Fatty Acid Receptor 4 (GPR120) Stimulates Bone Formation and Suppresses Bone
      Resorption in the Presence of Elevated n-3 Fatty Acid Levels.
AB  - Free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4) has been reported to be a receptor for n-3
      fatty acids (FAs). Although n-3 FAs are beneficial for bone health, a role of
      FFA4 in bone metabolism has been rarely investigated. We noted that FFA4 was more
      abundantly expressed in both mature osteoclasts and osteoblasts than their
      respective precursors and that it was activated by docosahexaenoic acid. FFA4
      knockout (Ffar4(-/-)) and wild-type mice exhibited similar bone masses when fed a
      normal diet. Because fat-1 transgenic (fat-1(Tg+)) mice endogenously converting n
      6 to n-3 FAs contain high n-3 FA levels, we crossed Ffar4(-/-) and fat-1(Tg+)
      mice over two generations to generate four genotypes of mice littermates:
      Ffar4(+/+);fat-1(Tg-), Ffar4(+/+);fat-1(Tg+), Ffar4(-/-);fat-1(Tg-), and Ffar4(-/
      );fat-1(Tg+). Female and male littermates were included in ovariectomy- and high
      fat diet-induced bone loss models, respectively. Female fat-1(Tg+) mice decreased
      bone loss after ovariectomy both by promoting osteoblastic bone formation and
      inhibiting osteoclastic bone resorption than their wild-type littermates, only
      when they had the Ffar4(+/+) background, but not the Ffar4(-/-) background. In a
      high-fat diet-fed model, male fat-1(Tg+) mice had higher bone mass resulting from
      stimulated bone formation and reduced bone resorption than their wild-type
      littermates, only when they had the Ffar4(+/+) background, but not the Ffar4(-/-)
      background. In vitro studies supported the role of FFA4 as n-3 FA receptor in
      bone metabolism. In conclusion, FFA4 is a dual-acting factor that increases
      osteoblastic bone formation and decreases osteoclastic bone resorption,
      suggesting that it may be an ideal target for modulating metabolic bone diseases.

PMID- 27145006
TI  - Neurons and Glial Cells Are Added to the Female Rat Anteroventral Periventricular
      Nucleus During Puberty.
AB  - The anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) orchestrates the neuroendocrine
      positive feedback response that triggers ovulation in female rodents. The AVPV is
      larger and more cell-dense in females than in males, and during puberty, only
      females develop the capacity to show a positive feedback response. We previously
      reported a potential new mechanism to explain this female-specific gain of
      function during puberty, namely a female-biased sex difference in the pubertal
      addition of new cells to the rat AVPV. Here we first asked whether this sex
      difference is due to greater cell proliferation and/or survival in females.
      Female and male rats received the cell birthdate marker 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine
      (BrdU; 200 mg/kg, ip) on postnatal day (P) 30; brains were collected at short and
      long intervals after BrdU administration to assess cell proliferation and
      survival, respectively. Overall, females had more BrdU-immunoreactive cells in
      the AVPV than did males, with no sex differences in the rate of cell attrition
      over time. Thus, the sex difference in pubertal addition of AVPV cells appears to
      be due to greater cell proliferation in females. Next, to determine the phenotype
      of pubertally born AVPV cells, daily BrdU injections were given to female rats on
      P28-56, and tissue was collected on P77 to assess colocalization of BrdU and
      markers for mature neurons or glia. Of the pubertally born AVPV cells,
      approximately 15% differentiated into neurons, approximately 19% into astrocytes,
      and approximately 23% into microglia. Thus, both neuro- and gliogenesis occur in
      the pubertal female rat AVPV and potentially contribute to maturation of female
      reproductive function.

PMID- 27145007
TI  - Maternal Hyperleptinemia Improves Offspring Insulin Sensitivity in Mice.
AB  - Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes are prevalent worldwide. Offspring of
      mothers with these conditions weigh more and are predisposed to metabolic
      syndrome. A hallmark of both conditions is maternal hyperleptinemia, but the role
      of elevated leptin levels during pregnancy on developmental programming is
      largely unknown. We previously found that offspring of hyperleptinemic mothers
      weighed less and had increased activity. The goal of this study was to determine
      whether maternal leptin affects offspring insulin sensitivity by investigating
      offspring glucose metabolism and lipid accumulation. Offspring from two maternal
      hyperleptinemic models were compared. The first model of hyperleptinemia is the
      Lepr(db/+) mouse, which has a mutation in one copy of the gene that encodes the
      leptin receptor, resulting in a truncated long form of the receptor, and
      hyperleptinemia. Wild-type females served as the control for the Lepr(db/+)
      females. For the second hyperleptinemic model, wild-type females were implanted
      with miniosmotic pumps, which released leptin (350 ng/h) or saline (as the
      control) just prior to mating and throughout gestation. In the offspring of these
      dams, we measured glucose tolerance; serum leptin, insulin, and triglyceride
      levels; liver triglycerides; pancreatic alpha- and beta-cell numbers; body
      composition; incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; and the expression of
      key metabolic genes in the liver and adipose tissue. We found that the offspring
      of hyperleptinemic dams exhibited improved glucose tolerance, reduced insulin and
      leptin concentrations, reduced liver triglycerides, and a lower incidence of
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Overall, maternal hyperleptinemia was
      beneficial for offspring glucose and lipid metabolism.

PMID- 27145008
TI  - Genomic Effect of Triclosan on the Fetal Hypothalamus: Evidence for Altered
      Neuropeptide Regulation.
AB  - Triclosan (TCS), an antibacterial compound commonly added to personal care
      products, could be an endocrine disruptor at low doses. Although TCS has been
      shown to alter fetal physiology, its effects in the developing fetal brain are
      unknown. We hypothesize that exposure to TCS during fetal life could affect fetal
      hypothalamic gene expression. The objective of this study was to use
      transcriptomics and systems analysis to identify significantly altered biological
      processes in the late gestation ovine fetal hypothalamus after direct or indirect
      exposure to low doses of TCS. For direct TCS exposure, chronically catheterized
      late gestation fetal sheep were infused with vehicle (n = 4) or TCS (250 MUg/d; n
      = 4) iv. For indirect TCS exposure, TCS (100 MUg/kg . d; n = 3) or vehicle (n =
      3) was infused into the maternal circulation. Fetal hypothalami were collected
      after 2 days of infusion, and gene expression was measured through microarray.
      Hierarchical clustering of all samples according to gene expression profiles
      showed that samples from the TCS-treated animals clustered apart from the
      controls. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that fetal hypothalamic genes
      stimulated by maternal and fetal TCS infusion were significantly enriching for
      cell cycle, reproductive process, and feeding behavior, whereas the inhibited
      genes were significantly enriching for chromatin modification and metabolism of
      steroids, lipoproteins, fatty acids, and glucose (P < .05). In conclusion, short
      term infusion of TCS induces vigorous changes in the fetal hypothalamic
      transcriptomics, which are mainly related to food intake pathways and metabolism.
      If these changes persist to postnatal life, they could result in adverse
      consequences in adulthood.

PMID- 27145009
TI  - Membrane-Localized Estrogen Receptor 1 Is Required for Normal Male Reproductive
      Development and Function in Mice.
AB  - Estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mediates major reproductive functions of 17beta
      estradiol (E2). Male Esr1 knockout (Esr1KO) mice are infertile due to efferent
      ductule and epididymal abnormalities. The majority of ESR1 is
      nuclear/cytoplasmic; however, a small fraction is palmitoylated at cysteine 451
      in mice and localized to cell membranes, in which it mediates rapid E2 actions.
      This study used an Esr1 knock-in mouse containing an altered palmitoylation site
      (C451A) in ESR1 that prevented cell membrane localization, although nuclear ESR1
      was expressed. These nuclear-only estrogen receptor 1 (NOER) mice were used to
      determine the roles of membrane ESR1 in males. Epididymal sperm motility was
      reduced 85% in 8-month-old NOER mice compared with wild-type controls. The NOER
      mice had decreased epididymal sperm viability and greater than 95% of sperm had
      abnormalities, including coiled midpieces and tails, absent heads, and folded
      tails; this was comparable to 4-month Esr1KO males. At 8 months, daily sperm
      production in NOER males was reduced 62% compared with controls. The NOER mice
      had histological changes in the rete testes, efferent ductules, and seminiferous
      tubules that were comparable with those previously observed in Esr1KO males.
      Serum T was increased in NOER males, but FSH, LH, and E2 were unchanged.
      Critically, NOER males were initially subfertile, becoming infertile with
      advancing age. These findings identify a previously unknown role for membrane
      ESR1 in the development of normal sperm and providing an adequate environment for
      spermatogenesis.

PMID- 27145010
TI  - Thermoregulatory and Cardiovascular Consequences of a Transient Thyrotoxicosis
      and Recovery in Male Mice.
AB  - Thyroid hormones play a major role in body homeostasis, regulating energy
      expenditure and cardiovascular function. Given that obese people or athletes
      might consider rapid weight loss as beneficial, voluntary intoxication with T4
      preparations is a growing cause for thyrotoxicosis. However, the long-lasting
      effects of transient thyrotoxicosis are poorly understood. Here we examined
      metabolic, thermoregulatory, and cardiovascular function upon induction and
      recovery from a 2-week thyrotoxicosis in male C57BL/6J mice. Our results showed
      that T4 treatment caused tachycardia, decreased hepatic glycogen stores, and
      higher body temperature as expected; however, we did not observe an increase in
      brown fat thermogenesis or decreased tail heat loss, suggesting that these
      tissues do not contribute to the hyperthermia induced by thyroid hormone. Most
      interestingly, when the T4 treatment was ended, a pronounced bradycardia was
      observed in the animals, which was likely caused by a rapid decline of T3 even
      below baseline levels. On the molecular level, this was accompanied by an
      overexpression of cardiac phospholamban and Serca2a mRNA, supporting the
      hypothesis that the heart depends more on T3 than T4. Our findings therefore
      demonstrate that a transient thyrotoxicosis can have pathological effects that
      even persist beyond the recovery of serum T4 levels, and in particular the
      observed bradycardia could be of clinical relevance when treating hyperthyroid
      patients.

PMID- 27145011
TI  - Caloric Restriction Paradoxically Increases Adiposity in Mice With Genetically
      Reduced Insulin.
AB  - Antiadiposity effects of caloric restriction (CR) are associated with reduced
      insulin/IGF-1 signaling, but it is unclear whether the effects of CR would be
      additive to genetically reducing circulating insulin. To address this question,
      we examined female Ins1(+/-):Ins2(-/-) mice and Ins1(+/+):Ins2(-/-) littermate
      controls on either an ad libitum or 60% CR diet. Although Igf1 levels declined as
      expected, CR was unable to reduce plasma insulin levels in either genotype below
      their ad libitum-fed littermate controls. In fact, 53-week-old Ins1(+/-):Ins2(-/
      ) mice exhibited a paradoxical increase in circulating insulin in the CR group
      compared with the ad libitum-fed Ins1(+/-):Ins2(-/-) mice. Regardless of insulin
      gene dosage, CR mice had lower fasting glucose and improved glucose tolerance.
      Although body mass and lean mass predictably fell after CR initiation, we
      observed a significant and unexpected increase in fat mass in the CR Ins1(+/
      ):Ins2(-/-) mice. Specifically, inguinal fat was significantly increased by CR at
      66 weeks and 106 weeks. By 106 weeks, brown adipose tissue mass was also
      significantly increased by CR in both Ins1(+/-):Ins2(-/-) and Ins1(+/+):Ins2(-/-)
      mice. Interestingly, we observed a clear whitening of brown adipose tissue in the
      CR groups. Mice in the CR group had altered daily energy expenditure and
      respiratory exchange ratio circadian rhythms in both genotypes. Multiplexed
      analysis of circulating hormones revealed that CR was associated with increased
      fasting and fed levels of the obesogenic hormone, glucose-dependent
      insulinotropic polypeptide. Collectively these data demonstrate CR has
      paradoxical effects on adipose tissue growth in the context of genetically
      reduced insulin.

PMID- 27145012
TI  - 11beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Is Expressed in Neutrophils and
      Restrains an Inflammatory Response in Male Mice.
AB  - Endogenous glucocorticoid action within cells is enhanced by prereceptor
      metabolism by 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1), which
      converts intrinsically inert cortisone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone into active
      cortisol and corticosterone, respectively. 11beta-HSD1 is highly expressed in
      immune cells elicited to the mouse peritoneum during thioglycollate-induced
      peritonitis and is down-regulated as the inflammation resolves. During
      inflammation, 11beta-HSD1-deficient mice show enhanced recruitment of
      inflammatory cells and delayed acquisition of macrophage phagocytic capacity.
      However, the key cells in which 11beta-HSD1 exerts these effects remain unknown.
      Here we have identified neutrophils (CD11b(+),Ly6G(+),7/4(+) cells) as the
      thioglycollate-recruited cells that most highly express 11beta-HSD1 and show
      dynamic regulation of 11beta-HSD1 in these cells during an inflammatory response.
      Flow cytometry showed high expression of 11beta-HSD1 in peritoneal neutrophils
      early during inflammation, declining at later states. In contrast, expression in
      blood neutrophils continued to increase during inflammation. Ablation of
      monocytes/macrophages by treatment of CD11b-diphtheria-toxin receptor transgenic
      mice with diphtheria toxin prior to thioglycollate injection had no significant
      effect on 11beta-HSD1 activity in peritoneal cells, consistent with neutrophils
      being the predominant 11beta-HSD1 expressing cell type at this time. Similar to
      genetic deficiency in 11beta-HSD1, acute inhibition of 11beta-HSD1 activity
      during thioglycollate-induced peritonitis augmented inflammatory cell recruitment
      to the peritoneum. These data suggest that neutrophil 11beta-HSD1 increases
      during inflammation to contribute to the restraining effect of glucocorticoids
      upon neutrophil-mediated inflammation. In human neutrophils, lipopolysaccharide
      activation increased 11beta-HSD1 expression, suggesting the antiinflammatory
      effects of 11beta-HSD1 in neutrophils may be conserved in humans.

PMID- 27145013
TI  - Glucocorticoid Fast Feedback Inhibition of Stress-Induced ACTH Secretion in the
      Male Rat: Rate Independence and Stress-State Resistance.
AB  - Normal glucocorticoid secretion is critical for physiological and mental health.
      Glucocorticoid secretion is dynamically regulated by glucocorticoid-negative
      feedback; however, the mechanisms of that feedback process are poorly understood.
      We assessed the temporal characteristics of glucocorticoid-negative feedback in
      vivo using a procedure for drug infusions and serial blood collection in
      unanesthetized rats that produced a minimal disruption of basal ACTH plasma
      levels. We compared the negative feedback effectiveness present when stress onset
      coincides with corticosterone's (CORT) rapidly rising phase (30 sec
      pretreatment), high plateau phase (15 min pretreatment), or restored basal phase
      (60 min pretreatment) as well as effectiveness when CORT infusion occurs after
      the onset of stress (5 min poststress onset). CORT treatment prior to stress
      onset acted remarkably fast (within 30 sec) to suppress stress-induced ACTH
      secretion. Furthermore, fast feedback induction did not require rapid increases
      in CORT at the time of stress onset (hormone rate independent), and those
      feedback actions were relatively long lasting (>=15 min). In contrast, CORT
      elevation after stress onset produced limited and delayed ACTH suppression
      (stress state resistance). There was a parallel stress-state resistance for CORT
      inhibition of stress-induced Crh heteronuclear RNA in the paraventricular nucleus
      but not Pomc heteronuclear RNA in the anterior pituitary. CORT treatment did not
      suppress stress-induced prolactin secretion, suggesting that CORT feedback is
      restricted to the control of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis elements of a
      stress response. These temporal, stress-state, and system-level features of in
      vivo CORT feedback provide an important physiological context for ex vivo studies
      of molecular and cellular mechanisms of CORT-negative feedback.

PMID- 27145014
TI  - Formin 1 Regulates Microtubule and F-Actin Organization to Support Spermatid
      Transport During Spermatogenesis in the Rat Testis.
AB  - Formin 1 confers actin nucleation by generating long stretches of actin
      microfilaments to support cell movement, cell shape, and intracellular protein
      trafficking. Formin 1 is likely involved in microtubule (MT) dynamics due to the
      presence of a MT binding domain near its N terminus. Here, formin 1 was shown to
      structurally interact with alpha-tubulin, the building block of MT, and also end
      binding protein 1 (a MT plus [+]-end-binding protein that stabilizes MT) in the
      testis. Knockdown of formin 1 in Sertoli cells with an established tight junction
      barrier was found to induce down-regulation of detyrosinated MT (a stabilized
      form of MT), and disorganization of MTs, in which MTs were retracted from the
      cell cortical zone, mediated through a loss of MT polymerization and down
      regulation of Akt1/2 signaling kinase. An efficient knockdown of formin 1 in the
      testis reduced the number of track-like structures conferred by MTs and F-actin
      considerably, causing defects in spermatid and phagosome transport across the
      seminiferous epithelium. In summary, formin1 maintains MT and F-actin track-like
      structures to support spermatid and phagosome transport across the seminiferous
      epithelium during spermatogenesis.

PMID- 27145016
TI  - Brain GABA levels across psychiatric disorders: A systematic literature review
      and meta-analysis of (1) H-MRS studies.
AB  - The inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system is involved in the etiology
      of most psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder
      (ASD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). It is therefore not surprising that
      proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1) H-MRS) is increasingly used to
      investigate in vivo brain GABA levels. However, integration of the evidence for
      altered in vivo GABA levels across psychiatric disorders is lacking. We therefore
      systematically searched the clinical (1) H-MRS literature and performed a meta
      analysis. A total of 40 studies (N = 1,591) in seven different psychiatric
      disorders were included in the meta-analysis: MDD (N = 437), schizophrenia (N =
      517), ASD (N = 150), bipolar disorder (N = 129), panic disorder (N = 81),
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (N = 104), and attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (N = 173). Brain GABA levels were lower in
      ASD (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.74, P = 0.001) and in depressed MDD
      patients (SMD = -0.52, P = 0.005), but not in remitted MDD patients (SMD = -0.24,
      P = 0.310) compared with controls. In schizophrenia this finding did not reach
      statistical significance (SMD = -0.23, P = 0.089). No significant differences in
      GABA levels were found in bipolar disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, and ADHD
      compared with controls. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provided evidence for
      lower brain GABA levels in ASD and in depressed (but not remitted) MDD patients
      compared with healthy controls. Findings in schizophrenia were more equivocal.
      Even though future (1) H-MRS studies could greatly benefit from a longitudinal
      design and consensus on the preferred analytical approach, it is apparent that
      (1) H-MRS studies have great potential in advancing our understanding of the role
      of the GABA system in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. Hum Brain Mapp
      37:3337-3352, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145015
TI  - Sertoli Cells Modulate Testicular Vascular Network Development, Structure, and
      Function to Influence Circulating Testosterone Concentrations in Adult Male Mice.
AB  - The testicular vasculature forms a complex network, providing oxygenation,
      micronutrients, and waste clearance from the testis. The vasculature is also
      instrumental to testis function because it is both the route by which
      gonadotropins are delivered to the testis and by which T is transported away to
      target organs. Whether Sertoli cells play a role in regulating the testicular
      vasculature in postnatal life has never been unequivocally demonstrated. In this
      study we used models of acute Sertoli cell ablation and acute germ cell ablation
      to address whether Sertoli cells actively influence vascular structure and
      function in the adult testis. Our findings suggest that Sertoli cells play a key
      role in supporting the structure of the testicular vasculature. Ablating Sertoli
      cells (and germ cells) or germ cells alone results in a similar reduction in
      testis size, yet only the specific loss of Sertoli cells leads to a reduction in
      total intratesticular vascular volume, the number of vascular branches, and the
      numbers of small microvessels; loss of germ cells alone has no effect on the
      testicular vasculature. These perturbations to the testicular vasculature leads
      to a reduction in fluid exchange between the vasculature and testicular
      interstitium, which reduces gonadotropin-stimulated circulating T concentrations,
      indicative of reduced Leydig cell stimulation and/or reduced secretion of T into
      the vasculature. These findings describe a new paradigm by which the transport of
      hormones and other factors into and out of the testis may be influenced by
      Sertoli cells and highlights these cells as potential targets for enhancing this
      endocrine relationship.

PMID- 27145017
TI  - Self-Organized Al2Cu Nanocrystals at the Interface of Aluminum-Based Reactive
      Nanolaminates to Lower Reaction Onset Temperature.
AB  - Nanoenergetic materials are beginning to play an important role in part because
      they are being considered as energetic components for materials, chemical, and
      biochemical communities (e.g., microthermal sources, microactuators, in situ
      welding and soldering, local enhancement of chemical reactions,
      nanosterilization, and controlled cell apoptosis) and because their
      fabrication/synthesis raises fundamental challenges that are pushing the
      engineering and scientific frontiers. One such challenge is the development of
      processes to control and enhance the reactivity of materials such as energetics
      of nanolaminates, and the understanding of associated mechanisms. We present here
      a new method to substantially decrease the reaction onset temperature and in
      consequence the reactivity of nanolaminates based on the incorporation of a Cu
      nanolayer at the interfaces of Al/CuO nanolaminates. We further demonstrate that
      control of its thickness allows accurate tuning of both the thermal transport and
      energetic properties of the system. Using high resolution transmission electron
      microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry to analyze
      the physical, chemical and thermal characteristics of the resulting Al/CuO +
      interfacial Cu nanolaminates, we find that the incorporation of 5 nm Cu at both
      Al/CuO and CuO/Al interfaces lowers the onset temperature from 550 to 475 
      degrees C because of the lower-temperature formation of Al-Cu intermetallic
      phases and alloying. Cu intermixing is different in the CuO/Cu/Al and Al/Cu/CuO
      interfaces and independent of total Cu thickness: Cu readily penetrates into Al
      grains upon annealing to 300  degrees C, leading to Al/Cu phase transformations,
      while Al does not penetrate into Cu. Importantly, theta-Al2Cu nanocrystals are
      created below 63% wt Cu/Al, and coexist with the Al solid solution phase. These
      well-defined theta-Al2Cu nanocrystals seem to act as embedded Al+CuO energetic
      reaction triggers that lower the onset temperature. We show that ~10 nm thick Cu
      at Al/CuO interfaces constitutes the optimum amount to increase both reactivity
      and overall heat of reaction by a factor of ~20%. Above this amount, there is a
      rapid decrease of the heat of reaction.

PMID- 27145018
TI  - Anti-HI can cause a severe delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction with
      hyperhemolysis in sickle cell disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) is a life-threatening
      condition in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients that is frequently complicated by
      hyperhemolysis. Antibodies resulting from antigen disparity between donors of
      European ancestry and patients of African ancestry are common, but situations
      involving antibodies not classically of clinical significance are also
      encountered. Anti-HI is generally considered to be an innocuous naturally
      occurring antibody. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We describe two cases of
      hyperhemolysis with anti-HI and provide details of the reported cases. RESULTS:
      Both SCD patients were polyimmunized and belonged to blood group B. They
      developed anti-HI that was reactive at 37 degrees C, after the transfusion of
      group O red blood cell units matched for all known and produced antibodies
      classically considered to be clinically significant. Both patients developed DHTR
      with hyperhemolysis. In the first case, a pregnant woman, a second transfusion
      was unavoidable and the patient died from cardiac arrest. The state of the second
      patient improved without the need for further transfusion. CONCLUSION: Three
      other cases of DHTR with anti-HI have been described in the literature in SCD
      patients. The two additional cases reported here definitively demonstrate that
      anti-HI is dangerous in SCD patients. As a result, ABO-identical matching
      (including A1 status) must be considered in SCD patients with anti-HI.

PMID- 27145021
TI  - MMP2-Sensitive PEG-Lipid Copolymers: A New Type of Tumor-Targeted P-Glycoprotein
      Inhibitor.
AB  - Low tumor targetability and multidrug resistance (MDR) are two major impediments
      to the success of cancer treatments. Nanomaterials which possess high tumor
      targetability and the ability to reverse the MDR are rare. This report describes
      a new type of self-assembling polyethylene glycol-phosphoethanolamine-based
      copolymers (PEG-pp-PE) which showed both the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2)
      sensitive tumor-targeted drug delivery and ability to inhibit the P-glycoprotein
      (P-gp)-mediated drug efflux. In this study, we synthesized a series of the
      homologous analogues of PEG-pp-PE copolymers and investigated the influence of
      their structures, including PEG lengths and peptide linkers, on the drug efflux,
      and identified the underlying mechanisms. We found that the whole structure (PEG
      peptide-lipid) rather than any parts of the copolymers was key for the P-gp
      inhibition and a delicate balance between the hydrophilic and lipophilic segments
      of the PEG-pp-PE copolymers was needed for better modulating the P-gp-mediated
      drug efflux. The best copolymer, PEG2k-pp-PE, showed even higher P-gp inhibition
      effect than the d-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS1k).
      We also found that the P-gp inhibition capability of PEG-pp-PE copolymers was
      highly associated with the P-gp down-regulation, the increase in the plasma
      membrane fluidity, and the inhibition of the P-gp ATPase activity. Besides, the
      excellent physicochemical properties, high drug loading, MMP2-dependent drug
      release, and improved drug efficacy in the MDR cancer cells suggested that the
      PEG-pp-PE copolymers might have great potential for building tumor-targeted drug
      delivery systems for treating drug-resistant cancers.

PMID- 27145022
TI  - Enantioselective Construction of Spirocyclic Oxindole Derivatives with Multiple
      Stereocenters via an Organocatalytic Michael/Aldol/Hemiacetalization Cascade
      Reaction.
AB  - An efficient organocatalytic Michael/aldol/hemiacetalization cascade reaction for
      construction of enantioenriched spirocyclic oxindoles fused with tetrahydropyrane
      has been developed. The desired highly functionalized 5',6'-dihydro-2'H,4'H
      spiro[indoline-3,3'-pyran]-2-one derivatives containing multiple stereogenic
      centers were obtained in moderate to high chemical yields and with high
      stereoselectivities.

PMID- 27145023
TI  - Death from supine asphyxia in late onset pompe disease: Two patients.

PMID- 27145024
TI  - Effect of benzophenone-1 and octylphenol on the regulation of epithelial
      mesenchymal transition via an estrogen receptor-dependent pathway in estrogen
      receptor expressing ovarian cancer cells.
AB  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important process in embryonic
      development and cancer progression and metastasis. EMT is influenced by 17beta
      estradiol (E2), an endogenous estrogen. Benzophenone-1 (2,4
      dihydroxybenzophenone, BP-1) and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) are suspected endocrine
      disrupting chemicals (EDCs) because they can exhibit estrogenic properties. In
      this study, we examined whether BP-1 and OP can lead to EMT of BG-1 ovarian
      cancer cells expressing estrogen receptors (ERs). A wound healing assay and
      western blot assay were conducted to show the effect of BP-1 and OP on the
      migration of BG-1 cells and protein expression of EMT-related genes. BP-1 (10(-6)
      M) and OP (10(-6) M) significantly enhanced the migration capability of BG-1
      cells by reducing the wounded area in the cell monolayer relative to the control,
      similar to E2 (10(-9) M). However, when BG-1 cells were co-treated with ICI
      182,780, an ER antagonist, the uncovered area was maintained at the level of the
      control. N-cadherin, snail, and slug were increased by BP-1 and OP while E
      cadherin was reduced compared to the control. However, this effect was also
      restored by co-treatment with ICI 182,780. Taken together, these results indicate
      that BP-1 and OP, the potential EDCs, may have the ability to induce ovarian
      cancer metastasis via regulation of the expression of EMT markers and migration
      of ER-expressing BG-1 ovarian cancer cells. 

PMID- 27145025
TI  - Characteristics of falls producing hip fracture in patients on oral
      anticoagulants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients on
      chronic anticoagulant therapy (CAT) admitted because of a hip fracture secondary
      to a fall, and to compare with patients not receiving CAT. METHODS: A
      prospective, observational study realized in six hospitals in the Barcelona area.
      Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were collected. The index
      fall characteristics - cause, height, location, and time of occurrence - were
      evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 1225 patients included, 99 (8%) patients were on CAT.
      When we compare with the rest logistic regression analysis showed that patients
      receiving CAT were more likely to be male (odds ratio 3.7), not institutionalized
      (odds ratio 3.5), to take more number of drugs (odds ratio 1.3), to have dementia
      (odds ratio 2.1) and stroke (odds ratio 1.7). Results revealed a higher
      prevalence of combined factors as the cause of the index fall in the group of
      patients on anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristics of falls were very
      similar when comparing the group of patients receiving CAT with those who did
      not. A prior history of falls should lead physicians to take actions for
      preventing falls causing hip fracture, in all patients and particularly in these
      on CAT.

PMID- 27145026
TI  - Low-dose methotrexate as treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms: Proof of
      principle of clinical activity.

PMID- 27145027
TI  - Arboreal Day Geckos (Phelsuma madagascariensis) Differentially Modulate Fore- and
      Hind Limb Kinematics in Response to Changes in Habitat Structure.
AB  - By using adhesion, geckos can move through incredibly challenging habitats.
      However, continually changing terrain may necessitate modulation of the adhesive
      apparatus in order to maximize its effectiveness over a range of challenges.
      Behaviorally modulating how the adhesive system is applied can occur by altering
      the alignment of the foot relative to the long axis of the body and/or the angles
      between the digits (interdigital angle). Given the directionality of the adhesive
      system, geckos likely vary the application of the system via these mechanisms as
      they run. We quantified 3D movements (using high-speed video) of the day gecko,
      Phelsuma madagascariensis, running on a range of ecologically relevant inclines
      (0 degrees , 45 degrees , 90 degrees ) and perch diameters (1.5 cm, 10 cm and
      broad). We measured the instantaneous sum of interdigital angles and foot
      alignment relative to the body, as well as other kinematic variables, throughout
      each stride and across treatments. Modulation of foot alignment at 45 degrees 
      and 90 degrees  was similar between the forelimb and hind limb, but differed at 0
      degrees , suggesting that P. madagascariensis is able to exert an adhesive force
      using multiple strategies. Both the sum of interdigital angles and alignment in
      the fore- and hind foot were modulated. Differences in modulation between the
      limbs are likely related to the underlying morphology. The modulation of
      interdigital angle and foot alignment suggests that aspects other than the
      mechanism of adhesion, such as joint morphology, are important for arboreal
      movement in geckos. Our study of foot usage in arboreal locomotion reveals
      patterns that may be widespread across pad-bearing lizards. In addition to
      understanding the constraints exerted by the adhesive apparatus, we highlight how
      biomechanical traits may respond to the evolution of novel adaptations and
      morphologies.

PMID- 27145028
TI  - Correction: Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Toot Traits Using
      Sequencing-Based Genotyping Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines Derived from
      9311 and Nipponbare in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151796.].

PMID- 27145029
TI  - Pd-Catalyzed C(sp(3))-H Functionalization/Carbenoid Insertion: All-Carbon
      Quaternary Centers via Multiple C-C Bond Formation.
AB  - A Pd-catalyzed C(sp(3))-H functionalization/carbenoid insertion is described. The
      method allows for the rapid synthesis of bicyclic frameworks, generating all
      carbon quaternary centers via multiple C-C bond formations in a straightforward
      manner.

PMID- 27145030
TI  - Ionotropic Chemosensory Receptors Mediate the Taste and Smell of Polyamines.
AB  - The ability to find and consume nutrient-rich diets for successful reproduction
      and survival is fundamental to animal life. Among the nutrients important for all
      animals are polyamines, a class of pungent smelling compounds required in
      numerous cellular and organismic processes. Polyamine deficiency or excess has
      detrimental effects on health, cognitive function, reproduction, and lifespan.
      Here, we show that a diet high in polyamine is beneficial and increases
      reproductive success of flies, and we unravel the sensory mechanisms that attract
      Drosophila to polyamine-rich food and egg-laying substrates. Using a combination
      of behavioral genetics and in vivo calcium imaging, we demonstrate that
      Drosophila uses multisensory detection to find and evaluate polyamines present in
      overripe and fermenting fruit, their favored feeding and egg-laying substrate. In
      the olfactory system, two coexpressed ionotropic receptors (IRs), IR76b and
      IR41a, mediate the long-range attraction to the odor. In the gustatory system,
      multimodal taste sensation by IR76b receptor and GR66a bitter receptor neurons is
      used to evaluate quality and valence of the polyamine providing a mechanism for
      the fly's high attraction to polyamine-rich and sweet decaying fruit. Given their
      universal and highly conserved biological roles, we propose that the ability to
      evaluate food for polyamine content may impact health and reproductive success
      also of other animals including humans.

PMID- 27145031
TI  - Ecosystem Services Modeling as a Tool for Defining Priority Areas for
      Conservation.
AB  - Conservationists often have difficulty obtaining financial and social support for
      protected areas that do not demonstrate their benefits for society. Therefore,
      ecosystem services have gained importance in conservation science in the last
      decade, as these services provide further justification for appropriate
      management and conservation of natural systems. We used InVEST software and a set
      of GIS procedures to quantify, spatialize and evaluated the overlap between
      ecosystem services-carbon stock and sediment retention-and a biodiversity proxy
      habitat quality. In addition, we proposed a method that serves as an initial
      approach of a priority areas selection process. The method considers the
      synergism between ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation. Our study
      region is the Iron Quadrangle, an important Brazilian mining province and a
      conservation priority area located in the interface of two biodiversity hotspots,
      the Cerrado and Atlantic Forest biomes. The resultant priority area for the
      maintenance of the highest values of ecosystem services and habitat quality was
      about 13% of the study area. Among those priority areas, 30% are already within
      established strictly protected areas, and 12% are in sustainable use protected
      areas. Following the transparent and highly replicable method we proposed in this
      study, conservation planners can better determine which areas fulfill multiple
      goals and can locate the trade-offs in the landscape. We also gave a step towards
      the improvement of the habitat quality model with a topography parameter. In
      areas of very rugged topography, we have to consider geomorfometric barriers for
      anthropogenic impacts and for species movement and we must think beyond the
      linear distances. Moreover, we used a model that considers the tree mortality
      caused by edge effects in the estimation of carbon stock. We found low spatial
      congruence among the modeled services, mostly because of the pattern of sediment
      retention distribution.

PMID- 27145032
TI  - Dopamine Modulates Motor Control in a Specific Plane Related to Support.
AB  - At the acute stage following unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL), rats, mice or
      guinea pigs exhibit a complex motor syndrome combining circling (HSCC lesion) and
      rolling (utricular lesion). At the chronic stage, they only display circling,
      because proprioceptive information related to the plane of support substitutes
      the missing utricular information to control posture in the frontal plane.
      Circling is also observed following unilateral lesion of the mesencephalic
      dopaminergic neurons by 6- hydroxydopamine hydrobromide (6-OHDA rats) and
      systemic injection of apomorphine (APO rats). The resemblance of behavior induced
      by unilateral vestibular and dopaminergic lesions at the chronic stage can be
      interpreted in two ways. One hypothesis is that the dopaminergic system exerts
      three-dimensional control over motricity, as the vestibular system does. If this
      hypothesis is correct, then a unilateral lesion of the nigro-striatal pathway
      should induce three-dimensional motor deficits, i.e., circling and at least some
      sort of barrel rolling at the acute stage of the lesion. Then, compensation could
      also take place very rapidly based on proprioception, which would explain the
      prevalence of circling. In addition, barrel rolling should reappear when the
      rodent is placed in water, as it occurs in UL vertebrates. Alternatively, the
      dopaminergic network, together with neurons processing the horizontal canal
      information, could control the homeostasis of posture and locomotion specifically
      in one and only one plane of space, i.e. the plane related to the basis of
      support. In that case, barrel rolling should never occur, whether at the acute or
      chronic stage on firm ground or in water. Moreover, circling should have the same
      characteristics following both types of lesions. Clearly, 6-OHDA and APO-rats
      never exhibited barrel rolling at the acute stage. They circled at the acute
      stage of the lesion and continued to do so three weeks later, including in water.
      In contrast, UL-rats, exhibited both circling and barrel rolling at the acute
      stage, and then only circled on the ground. Furthermore, barrel rolling
      instantaneously reappeared in water in UL rats, which was not the case in 6-OHDA
      and APO-rats. That is, the lesion of the dopaminergic system on one side did not
      compromise trim in the pitch and roll planes, even when proprioceptive
      information related to the basis of support was lacking as in water. Altogether,
      these results strongly suggest that dopamine does not exert three-dimensional
      control of the motor system but regulates postural control in one particular
      plane of space, the one related to the basis of support. In contrast, as
      previously shown, the vestibular system exerts three-dimensional control on
      posture. That is, we show here for the first time a relationship between a given
      neuromodulator and the spatial organization of motor control.

PMID- 27145033
TI  - Continuous infusion or bolus injection of loop diuretics for congestive heart
      failure?
AB  - Loop diuretics are widely used in acute heart failure. However, there is
      controversy about the superiority of continuous infusion over bolus
      administration. Searching in Epistemonikos database, which is maintained by
      screening 30 databases, we identified four systematic reviews including 11
      pertinent randomized controlled trials overall. We combined the evidence using
      meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings following the GRADE approach.
      We concluded continuous administration of loop diuretics probably reduces
      mortality and length of stay compared to intermittent administration in patients
      with acute heart failure. 

PMID- 27145034
TI  - A Longitudinal Analysis of Mosquito Net Ownership and Use in an Indigenous Batwa
      Population after a Targeted Distribution.
AB  - Major efforts for malaria prevention programs have gone into scaling up ownership
      and use of insecticidal mosquito nets, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where
      the malaria burden is high. Socioeconomic inequities in access to long lasting
      insecticidal nets (LLINs) are reduced with free distributions of nets. However,
      the relationship between social factors and retention of nets after a free
      distribution has been less studied, particularly using a longitudinal approach.
      Our research aimed to estimate the ownership and use of LLINs, and examine the
      determinants of LLIN retention, within an Indigenous Batwa population after a
      free LLIN distribution. Two LLINs were given free of charge to each Batwa
      household in Kanungu District, Uganda in November 2012. Surveyors collected data
      on LLIN ownership and use through six cross-sectional surveys pre- and post
      distribution. Household retention, within household access, and individual use of
      LLINs were assessed over an 18-month period. Socioeconomic determinants of
      household retention of LLINs post-distribution were modelled longitudinally using
      logistic regression with random effects. Direct house-to-house distribution of
      free LLINs did not result in sustainable increases in the ownership and use of
      LLINs. Three months post-distribution, only 73% of households owned at least one
      LLIN and this period also saw the greatest reduction in ownership compared to
      other study periods. Eighteen-months post distribution, only a third of
      households still owned a LLIN. Self-reported age-specific use of LLINs was
      generally higher for children under five, declined for children aged 6-12, and
      was highest for older adults aged over 35. In the model, household wealth was a
      significant predictor of LLIN retention, controlling for time and other
      variables. This research highlights on-going socioeconomic inequities in access
      to malaria prevention measures among the Batwa in southwestern Uganda, even after
      free distribution of LLINs, and provides critical information to inform local
      malaria programs on possible intervention entry-points to increase access and use
      among this marginalized population.

PMID- 27145035
TI  - Effect of a 72 Hour Stroke Care Bundle on Early Outcomes after Acute Stroke: A
      Non Randomised Controlled Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integrated care pathways (ICP) in stroke management are increasingly
      being implemented to improve outcomes of acute stroke patients. We evaluated the
      effect of implementing a 72 hour stroke care bundle on early outcomes among
      patients admitted within seven days post stroke to the national referral hospital
      in Uganda. METHODS: In a one year non-randomised controlled study, 127 stroke
      patients who had 'usual care' (control group) were compared to 127 stroke
      patients who received selected elements from an ICP (intervention group).
      Patients were consecutively enrolled (controls first, intervention group second)
      into each group over 5 month periods and followed to 30-days post stroke.
      Incidence outcomes (mortality and functional ability) were compared using chi
      square test and adjusted for potential confounders. Kaplan Meier survival
      estimates and log rank test for comparison were used for time to death analysis
      for all strokes and by stroke severity categories. Secondary outcomes were in
      hospital mortality, median survival time and median length of hospital stay.
      RESULTS: Mortality within 7 days was higher in the intervention group compared to
      controls (RR 13.1, 95% CI 3.3-52.9). There was no difference in 30-day mortality
      between the two groups (RR 1.2, 95% CI 0.5-2.6). There was better 30-day survival
      in patients with severe stroke in the intervention group compared to controls (P
      = 0.018). The median survival time was 30 days (IQR 29-30 days) in the control
      group and 30 days (IQR 7-30 days) in the intervention group. In the intervention
      group, 41patients (32.3%) died in hospital compared to 23 (18.1%) in controls (P
      < 0.001). The median length of hospital stay was 8 days (IQR 5-12 days) in the
      controls and 4 days (IQR 2-7 days) in the intervention group. There was no
      difference in functional outcomes between the groups (RR 0.9, 95% CI 0.4-2.2).
      CONCLUSIONS: While implementing elements of a stroke-focused ICP in a Ugandan
      national referral hospital appeared to have little overall benefit in mortality
      and functioning, patients with severe stroke may benefit on selected outcomes.
      More research is needed to better understand how and when stroke protocols should
      be implemented in sub-Saharan African settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African
      Clinical Trials Registry PACTR201510001272347.

PMID- 27145037
TI  - Dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1 fermented barley
      suppresses body weight gain in high-fat diet-induced obese rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cereal fermentations have shown significant potential in improvement
      and design of the nutritional quality and health effects of foods and
      ingredients. In the present study, the effect of supplementary Lactobacillus
      plantarum dy-1 fermented barley (LFB) on obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced
      obese rats was investigated. RESULTS: LFB treatment showed a lower rate of
      increase in body weight and percentage of body fat and a reversal of HFD-induced
      glucose intolerance, with ameliorated hyperinsulinemia, decreased levels of
      triglycerides and total cholesterol, and inhibited concentration of interleukin
      (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Moreover, LFB treatment also
      showed the strongest inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-kB activation and
      exhibited the greatest effects in blocking the degradation of the inhibitor of NF
      kB and inhibiting p38 and JNK1 phosphorylation compared with HFD and raw barley
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: It was clear that Lactobacillus plantarum dy-1
      fermentation significantly improves the anti-obesity properties of barley. The
      results establish the foundation for ameliorating diet-induced obesity of product
      with LFB as nutritional supplements. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27145038
TI  - Self-Powered Electrochemistry for the Oxidation of Organic Molecules by a Cross
      Linked Triboelectric Nanogenerator.
AB  - A cross-linked triboelectric nanogenerator with high performance is designed for
      the first time, which harvests vibrational energy to self-power the
      electrochemical oxidation of organic molecules. This system lays the groundwork
      for applications to an environmentally friendly production of important organic
      molecules and the waste treatment of organic pollutants. 

PMID- 27145039
TI  - [(NHC)Cu(I)-ER3] Complexes (ER3 = SiMe2Ph, SiPh3, SnMe3): From Linear,
      Mononuclear Complexes to Polynuclear Complexes with Ultrashort Cu(I)...Cu(I)
      Distances.
AB  - A series of complexes of the type [(NHC)Cu-ER3] (NHC = IDipp, IMes, ItBu, Me2IMe,
      and ER3 = SiMe2Ph, SiPh3, SnMe3) and [(NHC)Cu-R'] (NHC = IDipp, Me2IMe and R' =
      Ph, C=CPh) was synthesized in good yields by the reaction of the corresponding
      [(NHC)Cu-OtBu] complex with the respective silylborane pinB-ER3 (pin =
      OCMe2CMe2O; ER3 = SiMe2Ph, SiPh3), the stannylborane ((C2H4)(iPrN)2)B-SnMe3, or a
      boronic acid ester pinB-R' (R' = Ph, C=CPh). Solid structures of all complexes
      were systematically studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. The solid state
      structures of the complexes [(NHC)Cu-ER3] show a dependence of the structural
      motif from the steric properties of the NHC ligand. The sterically demanding NHC
      ligands (IDipp, IMes, ItBu) lead to monomeric, linear complexes [(NHC)Cu-ER3],
      while with the less demanding Me2IMe ligand, polynuclear, MU-ER3-bridged
      complexes with ultrashort Cu...Cu distances are observed. For the related
      complexes [(NHC)Cu-R'] no analogous complexes with bridging anionic ligands are
      realized. Instead, irrespective of the NHC ligand, linear coordinated copper
      complexes of different types are formed. (29)Si heteronuclear solution NMR
      spectroscopic data on [(NHC)Cu(I)-SiR3] exhibit distinctly different chemical
      shifts for the (in the solid state) monomeric and dimeric complexes suggesting
      different structure types also in solution. This agrees well with the observation
      of a trinuclear complex [(Me2IMe)Cu-SnMe3]3 both in the solid state and in
      solution. Initial catalytic studies suggest that [(NHC)Cu-OtBu] complexes (NHC =
      ItBu, Me2IMe) are, in addition to the established [(IDipp)Cu-OtBu] complex,
      efficient precatalysts for the silylation of aldehydes and alpha,beta-unsaturated
      ketones with pinB-SiMe2Ph.

PMID- 27145036
TI  - Genomewide ancestry and divergence patterns from low-coverage sequencing data
      reveal a complex history of admixture in wild baboons.
AB  - Naturally occurring admixture has now been documented in every major primate
      lineage, suggesting its key role in primate evolutionary history. Active primate
      hybrid zones can provide valuable insight into this process. Here, we investigate
      the history of admixture in one of the best-studied natural primate hybrid zones,
      between yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus) and anubis baboons (Papio anubis) in
      the Amboseli ecosystem of Kenya. We generated a new genome assembly for yellow
      baboon and low-coverage genomewide resequencing data from yellow baboons, anubis
      baboons and known hybrids (n = 44). Using a novel composite likelihood method for
      estimating local ancestry from low-coverage data, we found high levels of genetic
      diversity and genetic differentiation between the parent taxa, and excellent
      agreement between genome-scale ancestry estimates and a priori pedigree, life
      history and morphology-based estimates (r(2)  = 0.899). However, even putatively
      unadmixed Amboseli yellow individuals carried a substantial proportion of anubis
      ancestry, presumably due to historical admixture. Further, the distribution of
      shared vs. fixed differences between a putatively unadmixed Amboseli yellow
      baboon and an unadmixed anubis baboon, both sequenced at high coverage, is
      inconsistent with simple isolation-migration or equilibrium migration models. Our
      findings suggest a complex process of intermittent contact that has occurred
      multiple times in baboon evolutionary history, despite no obvious fitness costs
      to hybrids or major geographic or behavioural barriers. In combination with the
      extensive phenotypic data available for baboon hybrids, our results provide
      valuable context for understanding the history of admixture in primates,
      including in our own lineage.

PMID- 27145040
TI  - Polymorphisms in CYP19A1 and NFKB1 genes are associated with cutaneous melanoma
      risk in southern Brazilian patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melanoma is the leading cause of death from skin cancers and its
      etiology is complex. Recent discoveries related to genetic risk factors are
      helping us to understand melanoma pathogenesis better. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF
      kappaB) has a critical role in immunity, inflammation, and tumor growth. The
      94ins/del ATTG (rs28362491) polymorphism located in the NFKB1 gene has been
      associated to various cancers and the ATTG2/ATTG2 genotype was correlated to
      melanoma risk in Sweden. The CYP19A1 gene encodes the enzyme aromatase, which is
      active in malignant melanoma tissue. In addition, the CYP19A1 TCT
      insertion/deletion variant in intron 4 (rs11575899) has been associated with an
      increased incidence of cancer, albeit with conflicting results. The goal of this
      study was to investigate possible associations between these two gene variants
      and melanoma. METHODS: In this case-control study, we evaluated 117 cutaneous
      melanoma patients and 116 controls from southern Brazil. Genotyping of rs28362491
      and rs11575899 was carried out by means of PCR amplification and capillary
      electrophoresis. Logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) of
      melanoma, according to genotypes. RESULTS: We identified an association between
      the ATTG2/ATTG2 and melanoma [OR=1.78; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-3.00;
      P=0.03]. In addition, there was a dose effect: for each ins allele in the
      genotype, the risk for melanoma increased (OR=1.51; 95% CI: 1.08-2.11; P=0.017).
      As regards the CYP19A1 variant, genotype 11 (del/del) was more frequent in
      patients than in controls (OR=1.85; 95% CI 1.06-3.22; P=0.03). CONCLUSION: The
      NFKB1 ATTG2/ATTG2 and CYP19A1 del/del genotypes are significantly associated with
      melanoma and could be genetic markers of melanoma susceptibility in southern
      Brazilian population.

PMID- 27145041
TI  - Reverse Mummified Thyroid Syndrome.

PMID- 27145043
TI  - Physiology and Anatomy for Nurses and Healthcare Practitioners: A Homeostatic
      Approach - Third edition Clancy John McVicar Andrew J Physiology and Anatomy for
      Nurses and Healthcare Practitioners: A Homeostatic Approach - Third edition 768pp
      Hodder Arnold 9780340967591 0340967595 [Formula: see text].
AB  - John Clancy and Andrew McVicar give a fascinating insight into the homeostatic
      mechanism for health. The content focuses on the body's adaptive responses in
      health and the maladaptive processes in ill-health. In turn, these processes are
      linked to the knowledge required by healthcare professionals in restoring health
      or enhancing the quality of life until death.

PMID- 27145042
TI  - Quantitative structure-activity relationships (HQSAR, CoMFA, and CoMSIA) studies
      for COX-2 selective inhibitors.

PMID- 27145045
TI  - Wound Care Made Incredibly Easy! - First UK Edition Vuolo Julie Wound Care Made
      Incredibly Easy! - First UK Edition 283pp Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
      9781901831061 190183106X [Formula: see text].
AB  - Part of the Incredibly Easy! series, this book is similar to the Dummies computer
      books, which makes it a refreshing change to most other wound care titles. I like
      the format, but some readers may find the cartoons and 'helpful' straplines on
      each page irritating.

PMID- 27145046
TI  - Structural and Functional Investigation of the Ag(+)/Cu(+) Binding Domains of the
      Periplasmic Adaptor Protein SilB from Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34.
AB  - Silver ion resistance in bacteria mainly relies on efflux systems, and notably on
      tripartite efflux complexes involving a transporter from the resistance
      nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily, such as the SilCBA system from
      Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34. The periplasmic adaptor protein SilB hosts two
      specific metal coordination sites, located in the N-terminal and C-terminal
      domains, respectively, that are believed to play a different role in the efflux
      mechanism and the trafficking of metal ions from the periplasm to the RND
      transporter. On the basis of the known domain structure of periplasmic adaptor
      proteins, we designed different protein constructs derived from SilB domains with
      either one or two metal binding sites per protein chain. ITC data acquired on
      proteins with single metal sites suggest a slightly higher affinity of Ag(+) for
      the N-terminal metal site, compared to that for the C-terminal one. Remarkably,
      via the study of a protein construct featuring both metal sites, nuclear magnetic
      resonance (NMR) and fluorescence spectroscopies concordantly show that the C
      terminal site is saturated prior to the N-terminal one. The C-terminal binding
      site is supposed to transfer the metal ions to the RND protein, while the
      transport driven by this latter is activated upon binding of the metal ion to the
      N-terminal site. Our results suggest that the filling of the C-terminal metal
      site is a key prerequisite for preventing futile activation of the transport
      system. Exhaustive NMR studies reveal for the first time the structure and
      dynamics of the functionally important N-terminal domain connected to the
      membrane proximal domain as well as of its Ag(+) binding site.

PMID- 27145047
TI  - Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is associated with pet ownership in
      cystic fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Late diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is
      associated with significant lung function decline and morbidity in cystic
      fibrosis (CF). The association of ABPA and domestic pet ownership in patients
      with CF has not been elucidated yet. Our objective was to determine the
      association of ABPA with pet ownership in patients with CF. METHODS: Clinical and
      microbiological data from certified local patient registry were analyzed for 109
      patients with CF aged 1-64 years: 55 pet owner and 54 non-pet owners. The primary
      outcome of the retrospective observational study was the occurrence of ABPA in
      pet owners and non-pet owners with CF. The free statistical software R was
      utilized to investigate logistic regression models for association factors.
      RESULTS: Of the 109 patients included in the study, 61 (56%) were female. The
      mean age of the total group was 25.4 +/- 13.2 years. Adjusted analysis revealed
      that ABPA (OR 5.0227, 95% CI: 1.182-21.340, p = 0.029) was associated with pet
      ownership in patients with CF. Furthermore, ABPA in pet owners with CF was
      associated with an increased number of exacerbations (OR 6.446, 95% CI: 1.057
      39.328, p = 0.043). Other outcomes did not significantly differ. CONCLUSION:
      Owning a pet was associated with ABPA in patients with CF. Future prospective
      multicenter longitudinal studies are needed to investigate chronological
      causality between pet ownership, ABPA development, and pulmonary exacerbations
      and to determine whether these estimates are generalizable for ABPA susceptible
      patients beyond CF (asthma, bronchiectasis).

PMID- 27145048
TI  - L-fucose influences chemotaxis and biofilm formation in Campylobacter jejuni.
AB  - Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are zoonotic pathogens once
      considered asaccharolytic, but are now known to encode pathways for glucose and
      fucose uptake/metabolism. For C. jejuni, strains with the fuc locus possess a
      competitive advantage in animal colonization models. We demonstrate that this
      locus is present in > 50% of genome-sequenced strains and is prevalent in
      livestock-associated isolates of both species. To better understand how these
      campylobacters sense nutrient availability, we examined biofilm formation and
      chemotaxis to fucose. C. jejuni NCTC11168 forms less biofilms in the presence of
      fucose, although its fucose permease mutant (fucP) shows no change. In a newly
      developed chemotaxis assay, both wild-type and the fucP mutant are chemotactic
      towards fucose. C. jejuni 81-176 naturally lacks the fuc locus and is unable to
      swim towards fucose. Transfer of the NCTC11168 locus into 81-176 activated fucose
      uptake and chemotaxis. Fucose chemotaxis also correlated with possession of the
      pathway for C. jejuni RM1221 (fuc+) and 81116 (fuc-). Systematic mutation of the
      NCTC11168 locus revealed that Cj0485 is necessary for fucose metabolism and
      chemotaxis. This study suggests that components for fucose chemotaxis are encoded
      within the fuc locus, but downstream signals only in fuc + strains, are involved
      in coordinating fucose availability with biofilm development.

PMID- 27145049
TI  - Novel Technique of Advancing the Rotational Atherectomy Device: "Single-Operator"
      Technique.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We report the clinical outcomes of the "single-operator" technique,
      whereby the operator both advances the rotational atherectomy (RA) device and
      keeps the distal wire in place. BACKGROUND: Severely calcified lesions are
      associated with increased ischemic complications during percutaneous coronary
      intervention. RA, which utilizes a differential cutting mechanism of action for
      plaque modification, is a valuable treatment option for patients with severely
      calcified vessels prior to stent implantation. Reasons that may explain the
      underutilization include lack of operator experience and the availability of a
      skilled assistant to maintain wire position while the operator advances the
      device to the lesion. Loss of wire position can lead to increased procedural and
      fluoroscopic times. METHODS: In a prospective single-center study, a total of 67
      consecutive patients underwent RA from July 2012 to June 2015. The primary
      endpoint was successful delivery of the RA device to the lesion without losing
      wire position with procedural success. RESULTS: The primary endpoint was met in
      100% of the patients. The 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event
      rate was 6.0%, all due to non-fatal myocardial infarction. There was no cardiac
      death, target lesion revascularization, stroke, stent thrombosis, perforation, or
      flow-limiting dissection. Five patients had slow flow, but resolved with
      intracoronary vasodilator therapy and achieved TIMI grade 3 flow. CONCLUSION: RA
      can be performed successfully without a skilled assistant to maintain wire
      position during advancement of the burr, and the absence of an assistant should
      therefore not eliminate the performance of RA.

PMID- 27145050
TI  - To Protect or Not to Protect: Mitigating the Potential Risk That Surgical
      Ineligibility Poses in High-Risk PCI.

PMID- 27145051
TI  - Right Atrial Vacuum-Assisted Thrombectomy: Single-Center Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right heart thrombus in the absence of structural heart disease,
      atrial fibrillation, or intracardiac catheter is rare. It typically represents a
      thrombus migrating from the venous system to the lung, known as thrombi-in
      transit, and can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. The optimal
      therapy for thrombi-in-transit remains controversial. We report our experience
      using percutaneous removal of right heart thrombus using vacuum aspiration.
      METHODS: Patients with right atrial mass who were hemodynamically stable and
      underwent vacuum thombectomy using the AngioVac system (AngioDynamics) at our
      institution were included in this analysis. Between December 2012 and August
      2014, a total of 7 patients (2 men, 5 women) with a mean age of 51.5 years
      (range, 20-83 years) underwent right atrial thrombectomy. Data during the
      procedure and follow-up period were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: All patients
      were hemodynamically stable before the procedure. The procedure was considered
      successful in 6 patients. All patients survived through hospitalization. No
      periprocedural bleeding, stroke, or myocardial infarction occurred. One patient
      developed cardiogenic shock after the procedure that required extracorporeal
      membrane oxygenation support for <24 hours. There was no recurrent venous
      thromboembolism at a mean follow-up of 9 months. CONCLUSION: Vacuum-assisted
      thrombectomy can be a potential treatment option for hemodynamically stable
      patients with large right-sided intracardiac thrombus who are not surgical
      candidates.

PMID- 27145052
TI  - Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment of Adult-Onset Pulmonary
      Artery Stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary artery stenosis (PAS) in adults is a rare condition. The
      role of endovascular stent implantation as a therapeutic option has not been
      clearly defined. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a retrospective review of all
      cases of adult-onset PAS published in Pubmed/Medline from 1990 to 2013. A total
      of 126 cases of adult-onset PAS were identified, out of which 46 cases (37%) were
      treated with an endovascular intervention. Symptomatic improvement was reported
      in 98% of cases. Average translesional gradient at baseline was 47 +/- 20 mm Hg,
      which reduced to 8 +/- 11 mm Hg after stenting (P<.001). Mean preprocedural
      pulmonary systolic artery pressures were 79 +/- 26 mm Hg, which reduced post
      procedure to 50 +/- 20 mm Hg (P=.02). There were no immediate adverse events
      reported related to procedure. In-stent restenosis was reported in 7 cases on
      follow-up. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment appears safe and effective for
      symptom relief in adult-onset PAS and should be considered as an alternative
      treatment option in patients with prohibitive surgical risk.

PMID- 27145053
TI  - Expanding the Horizons for Pulmonary Artery Stenting.

PMID- 27145054
TI  - A Comparison Between First-Generation and Second-Generation Transcatheter Aortic
      Valve Implantation (TAVI) Devices: A Propensity-Matched Single-Center Experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the treatment of
      choice for high-risk patients presenting with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of second-generation (2G)
      devices in comparison to first-generation (1G) devices with regard to procedural
      and short-term clinical outcomes. METHODS: Between November 2007 and May 2015, a
      total of 449 patients treated with 1G TAVI devices (Edwards Sapien XT, Medtronic
      CoreValve) were propensity matched (1:1) to 179 patients treated with 2G TAVI
      devices (Edwards Sapien 3, Medtronic Evolut R, Boston Scientific Lotus, Direct
      Flow Medical). The primary endpoint was 30-day safety according to the Valve
      Academic Research Consortium 2 (VARC-2) definition. RESULTS: Patients treated
      with 1G devices suffered more adverse events at 30-day follow-up (freedom of
      adverse events, 75.3% vs 88.8%; hazard ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI),
      1.4-4.0; P=.01) and a significantly greater number of minor vascular
      complications (31.8% vs 10.4%; P<.001) and major vascular complications (3.2% vs
      0.6%; P<.001) compared with patients treated with 2G devices. The presence of
      residual aortic regurgitation >=2 was also greater in the 1G group (17.5% vs
      5.8%; odds ratio, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.13-0.69; P<.001). There were no differences
      between groups with regard to 30-day all-cause mortality (5.2% vs 3.2%; odds
      ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.20-1.92; P=.40). CONCLUSION: TAVI with contemporary 2G
      devices was associated with a significant safety benefit at 30 days and reduction
      of residual moderate or severe paravalvular leak. Longer-term follow-up in more
      patients is required to determine if these short-term benefits translate into
      improvements in long-term clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27145055
TI  - Drug-Coated Balloon Venoplasty for In-Stent Restenosis in a Patient With
      Recurrent Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Post Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Initial
      Experience With a New Treatment Technique.
AB  - Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is an uncommon but serious complication following
      radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. Occurrence of this complication
      has risen with increased rates of ablation procedures, with >50,000 AF ablation
      procedures performed per year, and can occur within weeks to months post
      procedure. Currently, the main therapies for PVS include percutaneous
      interventions with balloon angioplasty and stenting, but these treatments are
      complicated by a high rate of restenosis. The optimal treatment for recurrent
      pulmonary vein in-stent restenosis has not been determined. We describe the novel
      use of a paclitaxel drug-coated balloon for the treatment of in-stent restenosis
      of the pulmonary veins. 

PMID- 27145056
TI  - Transcatheter Therapy for a Large Mobile Right Atrial Thrombus and Massive
      Pulmonary Embolism.
AB  - A variety of interventional management approaches exist for the treatment of
      acute pulmonary embolism (PE). However, when PE is accompanied by residual right
      heart thrombus, the best therapeutic options are less clear. We describe a novel
      combined technique of percutaneous aspiration of unstable right atrial thrombus
      followed by ultrasound-directed thrombolysis of massive PE. 

PMID- 27145058
TI  - Concomitant contact allergies to formaldehyde,
      methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, and
      fragrance mixes I and II.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Contact allergies to the preservatives formaldehyde and
      methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/methylisothiazolinone (MI) have been reported
      to appear together at a statistically significant level. Recently, revisions
      concerning the patch test preparations of MCI/MI, MI and formaldehyde have been
      recommended for the European baseline series. AIM: To investigate (i) the number
      of concomitant contact allergies to the preservatives, (ii) the number of
      concomitant contact allergies to the preservatives and the fragrance mixes (FM I
      and FM II) and (iii) gender differences. METHODS: Patients tested with the
      Swedish baseline series during the period 2012-2014 at the Department of
      Occupational and Environmental Dermatology in Malmo, Sweden were investigated.
      RESULTS: 2165 patients were patch tested with the baseline series (34% males and
      66% females). Contact allergies to formaldehyde and MCI/MI and/or MI were
      significantly associated (p < 0.001). The associations between contact allergy to
      MCI/MI and/or MI and FM I and/or FM II, and between formaldehyde and FM I and/or
      FM II as well as, were statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Contact
      allergies to formaldehyde and MCI/MI and/or MI are significantly associated, as
      well as contact allergies to these preservatives and fragrance allergy. Males and
      females do not differ significantly concerning contact allergy to fragrances.

PMID- 27145059
TI  - The Productivity of NHLBI-Funded Obesity Research, 1983-2013.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe and elucidate the time trends of the academic productivity
      of NHLBI's obesity-related research funding via bibliometric analysis of 30 years
      of NHLBI-supported obesity-related publications. METHODS: In total, 3,545 NHLBI
      funded obesity-related publications were identified in the Thomson Reuters
      InCitesTM database. Shared references in a community detection algorithm were
      used to identify publication topics. Characteristics of publications and topical
      communities were analyzed based on citation count and percentile rank. A
      percentile rank >90 was considered "highly cited." RESULTS: Obesity-related
      publications increased more than 10-fold over 30 years, whereas NHLBI-funded
      publications only increased twofold NHLBI-funded obesity publications were cited
      a median of 23 times (IQR 8-55, range 0-2,047, mean 52). Thirty percent of these
      publications were highly cited compared to the expected ten percent. Six topical
      communities were present in 1983 compared to 16 in 2013. The most highly cited
      topical areas were sleep (n = 199 publications, 38% highly cited), cardiovascular
      morbidity and mortality (n = 277, 36%), obesity correlates and consequences (n =
      588, 35%), and asthma and inflammation (n = 283, 35%). CONCLUSIONS: NHLBI-funded
      obesity publications have contributed substantially to the obesity literature,
      with many highly cited. Publications grew in number and topical diversity over 30
      years and grew at a faster rate than total NHLBI publications.

PMID- 27145060
TI  - Coupling of the Decarboxylation of 2-Cyano-2-phenylpropanoic Acid to Large
      Amplitude Motions: A Convenient Fuel for an Acid-Base-Operated Molecular Switch.
AB  - The decarboxylation of 2-cyano-2-phenylpropanoic acid is fast and quantitative
      when carried out in the presence of 1 molar equivalent of a [2]catenane composed
      of two identical macrocycles incorporating a 1,10-phenanthroline unit in their
      backbone. When decarboxylation is over, all of the catenane molecules have
      experienced large-amplitude motions from neutral to protonated catenane, and back
      again to the neutral form, so that they are ready to perform another cycle. This
      study provides the first example of the cyclic operation of a molecular switch at
      the sole expenses of the energy supplied by the substrate undergoing chemical
      transformation, without recourse to additional stimuli.

PMID- 27145057
TI  - Emerging Concepts on the Gut Microbiome and Multiple Sclerosis.
AB  - Microbiota of the human body perform fundamental tasks that contribute to normal
      development, health, and homeostasis and are intimately associated with numerous
      organ systems, including the gut. Microbes begin gut inhabitance immediately
      following birth and promote proper gut epithelial construction and function,
      metabolism and nutrition, and immune system development. Inappropriate immune
      recognition of self-tissue can lead to autoimmune disease, including conditions
      such as multiple sclerosis (MS), in which the immune system recognizes and
      attacks central nervous system tissue. Preclinical studies have demonstrated a
      requirement of gut microbiota for neuroinflammatory autoimmune disease in animal
      models, and a growing number of clinical investigations are finding associations
      between MS status and the composition of the gut microbiota. In this review, we
      examine current undertakings into better understanding the role of gut bacteria
      and their phages in MS development, review associations of the gut microbiota
      makeup and MS, and discuss potential mechanisms by which the gut microbiota may
      be manipulated for therapeutic benefit.

PMID- 27145061
TI  - Turtle mimetic soft robot with two swimming gaits.
AB  - This paper presents a biomimetic turtle flipper actuator consisting of a shape
      memory alloy composite structure for implementation in a turtle-inspired
      autonomous underwater vehicle. Based on the analysis of the Chelonia mydas, the
      flipper actuator was divided into three segments containing a scaffold structure
      fabricated using a 3D printer. According to the filament stacking sequence of the
      scaffold structure in the actuator, different actuating motions can be realized
      and three different types of scaffold structures were proposed to replicate the
      motion of the different segments of the flipper of the Chelonia mydas. This
      flipper actuator can mimic the continuous deformation of the forelimb of Chelonia
      mydas which could not be realized in previous motor based robot. This actuator
      can also produce two distinct motions that correspond to the two different
      swimming gaits of the Chelonia mydas, which are the routine and vigorous swimming
      gaits, by changing the applied current sequence of the SMA wires embedded in the
      flipper actuator. The generated thrust and the swimming efficiency in each
      swimming gait of the flipper actuator were measured and the results show that the
      vigorous gait has a higher thrust but a relatively lower swimming efficiency than
      the routine gait. The flipper actuator was implemented in a biomimetic turtle
      robot, and its average swimming speed in the routine and vigorous gaits were
      measured with the vigorous gait being capable of reaching a maximum speed of 11.5
      mm s(-1). 

PMID- 27145062
TI  - A Pathway to Understanding Emotional Dysfunction in Schizophrenia.

PMID- 27145063
TI  - The impact of social cognitive and personality factors on teachers' reported
      inclusive behaviour.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inclusive education of children with intellectual disabilities (ID)
      is intended to maximize their educational experience within the mainstream school
      setting. While policy mandates inclusion, it is classroom teachers' behaviours
      that determine its success. AIMS: This study provided a novel application of the
      theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in this setting. It examined the effect of TPB
      variables and personality on reported inclusive teaching behaviours for learners
      with ID. SAMPLE: The sample comprised 145 primary school teachers (85% female)
      from mainstream schools across Scotland. METHOD: Participants completed a TPB
      questionnaire assessing attitudes (instrumental and affective), subjective norms
      (injunctive and descriptive norms), perceptions of control (self-efficacy and
      controllability), and behavioural intentions towards using inclusive strategies.
      The Big Five Personality Index, measuring extraversion, conscientiousness,
      openness, neuroticism, and agreeableness, was also completed. Teaching practices
      were reported 2 weeks later. RESULTS: Instrumental attitudes, descriptive norm,
      self-efficacy, and neuroticism predicted teachers' intentions to use inclusive
      strategies. Further, conscientiousness had indirect effects on intentions through
      TPB variables. These intentions, however, did not predict reported behaviour
      expected by TPB. Instead, self-efficacy was the only significant predictor of
      reported behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the application of TPB
      to an educational setting and contributes to the understanding of teachers'
      reported use of inclusive strategies for children with ID.

PMID- 27145064
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27145065
TI  - Mild C-H/C-C Activation by Z-Selective Cobalt Catalysis.
AB  - Cationic cobalt complexes enable unprecedented cobalt-catalyzed C-H/C-C
      functionalizations with unique selectivity features. The versatile cobalt
      catalyst proved broadly applicable, enabled efficient C-H/C-C cleavage at room
      temperature, and delivered Z-alkenes with excellent diastereocontrol.

PMID- 27145066
TI  - Sezary syndrome with T/NK phenotype: A variant phenotype or a distinct clinical
      entity?

PMID- 27145067
TI  - Outcomes of liver transplantation with liver grafts from pediatric donors used in
      adult recipients.
AB  - Although there is an agreement that liver grafts from pediatric donors (PDs)
      should ideally be used for pediatric patients, there remain situations when these
      grafts are turned down for pediatric recipients and are then offered to adult
      recipients. The present study aimed to investigate the outcomes of using these
      grafts for liver transplantation (LT) in adult patients. Data from all patients
      undergoing LT between 2002 and 2014 were obtained from the United Network for
      Organ Sharing Standard Analysis and Research file. Adult recipients undergoing LT
      were divided into 2 groups: those receiving a pediatric liver graft (pediatric-to
      adult group) and those receiving a liver graft from adult donors (adult-to-adult
      group). A separate subgroup analysis comparing the PDs used for adult recipients
      and those used for pediatric recipients was also performed. Patient and graft
      survival were not significantly different between pediatric-to-adult and adult-to
      adult groups (P = 0.08 and P = 0.21, respectively). Hepatic artery thrombosis as
      the cause for graft loss was higher in the pediatric-to-adult group (3.6%) than
      the adult-to-adult group (1.9%; P < 0.001). A subanalysis looking at the
      pediatric-to-adult group found that patients with a predicted graft-to-recipient
      weight ratio (GRWR) < 0.8 had a higher 90-day graft loss rate than those with a
      GRWR >= 0.8 (39% versus 9%; P < 0.001). PDs used for adult recipients had a
      higher proportion of donors with elevated aspartate aminotransferase/alanine
      aminotransferase (20% vs. 12%; P < 0.001), elevated creatinine (11% vs. 4%; P <
      0.001), donation after cardiac death donors (12% vs. 0.9%; P < 0.001), and were
      hepatitis B virus core positive (1% vs. 0.3%; P = 0.002) than PDs used for
      pediatric recipients. In conclusion, acceptable patient and graft survival can be
      achieved with the use of pediatric liver grafts in adult recipients, when these
      grafts have been determined to be inappropriate for usage in the pediatric
      population. Liver Transplantation 22 1099-1106 2016 AASLD.

PMID- 27145069
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27145068
TI  - Delayed nausea and vomiting from carboplatin doublet chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delayed nausea and vomiting following administration of carboplatin
      containing chemotherapy regimen remains a clinically significant problem for
      patients with cancer despite administration of standard antiemetic prophylaxis
      comprising of a 5-HT3 antagonist and dexamethasone. We performed a prospective
      study to define the incidence and risk factors for delayed chemotherapy-induced
      nausea and vomiting (CINV). METHODS: Previously untreated patients with newly
      diagnosed cancer scheduled to receive carboplatin containing chemotherapy (AUC 5
      or above), but no prophylactic aprepitant were enrolled in the study. The primary
      endpoint was the incidence of delayed CINV after Cycle 1 of chemotherapy.
      Secondary endpoints included the incidence of CINV with the third chemotherapy
      cycle and gender differences in incidence of CINV. Patients completed the
      Functional Living Index Emesis (FLIE) questionnaires 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours
      after receiving chemotherapy. Telephone interviews were conducted 24-48 hours
      following chemotherapy to assess the severity and need for breakthrough
      medications for CINV. RESULTS: Between December 2006 and July 2009, 105 patients
      were enrolled onto this study. Delayed emesis following Cycle 1 of carboplatin
      was observed in 30% of patients. Of these, 14.1%, 22.4% and 23.5% of patients
      described CINV at 48, 72, and 96 hours, respectively. The incidence of delayed
      CINV following Cycle 3 dropped to 12.8%, 14.6% and 16% of patients at 48, 72 and
      96 hours, respectively. No differences were observed in the incidence of CINV
      between men and women. A total of 20% of patients required use of breakthrough
      antiemetics with Cycle 1. CONCLUSIONS: Without prophylactic aprepitant
      administration, 30% of patients receiving carboplatin containing regimen had
      moderate to severe delayed CINV.

PMID- 27145070
TI  - Management of acute traumatic intracranial haematoma in rural and remote areas of
      Australia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Outcomes are reviewed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) involving
      intracranial haematomata (ICH) with patients in rural and remote areas of South
      Australia and adjacent states. Patients were referred to the Royal Adelaide
      Hospital (RAH), a level 1 trauma centre with a major neurosurgical service.
      METHOD: From 2000 to 2013, 1107 multiple trauma cases included 162 with severe
      TBI. Local medical officers (LMOs) phoned a specific number to access
      resuscitative and neurosurgical advice. Onsite neurosurgical support was provided
      when requested. Specialist teams later retrieved these patients to RAH. Locations
      were coded according to the Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA+).
      Injuries were coded using ICD 9 and 10. RESULTS: General surgeon LMOs drained
      nine clinically progressive ICHs. Neurosurgical attendance was provided in four
      instances. Eight patients survived. The remaining 153 patients had other injuries
      involving thoraco-abdominal organs, spine, pelvis and limbs. The overall
      mortality was 30%. Twenty-six had ICHs requiring surgical drainage later at the
      RAH, with 46% mortality. Average Injury Severity Score was 30 (range 9-66).
      Male/female ratio was 76/24. Motor vehicular accidents predominated (60%),
      followed by falls (26%) and assaults (10%). Those under 30 years were
      overrepresented. Patients were transported a mean distance of 283 km (maximum
      distance 2600 km). CONCLUSION: LMOs in remote locations may consider immediate
      drainage of deteriorating traumatic ICH. Adequate support from a distant major
      trauma centre can help achieve acceptable outcomes. Effective communications are
      vital. The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Neurosurgical Society of
      Australasia guidelines based on the Early Management of Severe Trauma protocols
      can assist LMOs in making the decision to undertake emergency craniotomy.

PMID- 27145071
TI  - 2-(3-Methoxyphenyl)quinazoline Derivatives: A New Class of Direct Constitutive
      Androstane Receptor (CAR) Agonists.
AB  - Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is a key regulator of xenobiotic and
      endobiotic metabolism. Together with pregnane X (PXR) and aryl hydrocarbon (AHR)
      receptors, it is referred to as "xenobiotic receptor". The unique properties of
      human CAR, such as its high constitutive activity, both direct (ligand-binding
      domain-dependent) and indirect activation have hindered the discovery of direct
      selective human CAR ligands. Herein, we report a novel class of direct human CAR
      agonists in a group of 2-(3-methoxyphenyl)quinazoline derivatives. The compounds
      are even more potent activators of human CAR than is prototype 6-(4
      chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazole-5-carbaldehyde O-(3,4
      dichlorobenzyl)oxime (CITCO). The three most potent ligands are at the same time
      extremely potent activators of the other xenobiotic or hormonal receptors, namely
      PXR, AHR, and vitamin D receptor, which regulate major xenobiotic-metabolizing
      enzymes and efflux transporters. Thus, the novel CAR ligands can be also
      considered as constituting the first class of potent pan-xenobiotic receptor
      ligands that can serve as potential antidotes boosting overall metabolic
      elimination of xenobiotic or toxic compounds.

PMID- 27145072
TI  - PRCosomes: pretty reactive complexes formed in liposomes.
AB  - As a tribute to Pieter R. Cullis, this manuscript identifies a liposomal
      formulation that bears his initials: the PRCosomes. "Pretty" Reactive Complexes
      within liposomes were observed, while the senior author of this manuscript
      completed his Ph.D. thesis under Pieter's supervision. The dye (safranine) was
      used as a tool to measure the magnitude of the transmembrane gradient generated
      with liposomes. The dye's redistribution is easily detected by eye and correlates
      with >98% encapsulation of the dye. This observation became the basis from which
      remote drug loading methods developed. Remote loading methodology involves the
      addition of drugs to pre-formed liposomes with a transmembrane gradient, which
      results in drug redistribution to the liposome interior. Doxorubicin, as an
      example drug candidate, complexes manganese trapped within the liposome. A color
      change accompanied drug encapsulation as the solution went from an orange to
      purple. This manuscript reviews and adds a novel perspective on the use of metal
      complexation reactions to prepare PRCosomes. The technology described provides a
      versatile method to form metal-drug complexed within liposomes. The purpose of
      this work is to differentiation between drug candidate loading that is caused by
      metal-drug complexation and loading driven by formation of a pH gradient.

PMID- 27145073
TI  - Production of Heteromeric Transmembrane Receptors with Defined Subunit
      Stoichiometry.
AB  - Signal transduction across cell membranes often requires assembly of heteromeric
      receptors with defined stoichiometry. In this issue of Structure, Morales-Perez
      et al. (2016) present elegant methods for the expression of heteromeric nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors with a defined alpha4beta2 stoichiometry involving
      controlled baculovirus-mediated transduction and subunit counting by measurement
      of two fluorescent signals.

PMID- 27145074
TI  - Bilateral Subpectoral Interfascial Plane Catheters for Analgesia for Sternal
      Fractures: A Case Report.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Sternal fractures occur after deceleration injuries such as falls and
      road traffic accidents. Recovery from isolated fractures is excellent, but
      mortality increases dramatically with concurrent chest injuries such as rib
      fractures and soft tissue injuries. Short-term complications include chest pain,
      which prevents patients from taking deep breaths and coughing, thereby
      predisposing them to chest infections. CASE REPORT: We present a case of a 73
      year-old woman with sternal fracture in whom enteral analgesia was inadequate and
      who was intolerant to intravenous opiates. CONCLUSIONS: The patient was
      successfully treated with a continuous infusion of local anesthetic into the
      subpectoral interfascial plane. We also discuss the use and potential benefits of
      the subpectoral interfascial plane block in the treatment of pain from sternal
      fractures.

PMID- 27145075
TI  - A trans-Atlantic examination of haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus food habits.
AB  - The food habits of Melanogrammus aeglefinus were explored and contrasted across
      multiple north-eastern and north-western Atlantic Ocean ecosystems, using
      databases that span multiple decades. The results show that among all ecosystems,
      echinoderms are a consistent part of M. aeglefinus diet, but patterns emerge
      regarding where and when M. aeglefinus primarily eat fishes v. echinoderms.
      Melanogrammus aeglefinus does not regularly exhibit the increase in piscivory
      with ontogeny that other gadoids often show, and in several ecosystems there is a
      lower occurrence of piscivory. There is an apparent inverse relationship between
      the consumption of fishes and echinoderms in M. aeglefinus over time, where
      certain years show high levels of one prey item and low levels of the other. This
      apparent binary choice can be viewed as part of a gradient of prey options,
      contingent upon a suite of factors external to M. aeglefinus dynamics. The
      energetic consequences of this prey choice are discussed, noting that in some
      instances it may not be a choice at all. 

PMID- 27145076
TI  - Role of endothelin receptors and relationship with nitric oxide synthase in
      impaired erectile response in diabetic rats.
AB  - To evaluate the protective role of bosentan (BOS), an endothelin-1 (ET-1)
      receptor antagonist, and to show the changes in rats with experimentally induced
      diabetic erectile dysfunction (ED), a total of 24 albino Wistar rats were
      allocated into four groups. Group 1 was the healthy group and Group 2 had
      diabetes mellitus (DM) induced by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg kg-1
      streptozotocin (STZ). Following the establishment of DM, Group 3 and Group 4 were
      treated with oral BOS doses of 50 mg kg-1 and 100 mg kg-1 , respectively, for 60
      days. At the end of the treatment, we evaluated yawning and erection response to
      apomorphine treatment and then the animals were sacrificed. ET-1, eNOS, iNOS,
      tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, ET-RA and ET-RB mRNA expressions were
      analysed in cavernosal tissue. It was observed that yawning and erection response
      decreased in the diabetic group; however, both of these improved with BOS
      treatment. While ET-1, TNF-alpha and iNOS gene expressions increased, eNOS, ET-RA
      and ET-RB gene expressions decreased in the DM group compared to the healthy
      group. DM has a negative impact on cavernosal tissue blood flow through
      activating vasoconstrictor mediators in cavernosal tissue. BOS regulates
      significantly eNOS, iNOS and TNF-alpha expressions in a dose-dependent manner.

PMID- 27145077
TI  - Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 4G/5G Polymorphism is Associated with
      Reproductive Failure: Metabolic, Hormonal, and Immune Profiles.
AB  - PROBLEM: Association between PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism and reproductive failures
      has been postulated. We aimed to investigate its impact on metabolic, hormonal,
      and immune profiles of women with reproductive failures. METHOD OF STUDY: A
      retrospective study was carried out in 208 women with a history of reproductive
      failure. Study patients were divided into three groups: women with repeated
      implantation failure (RIF, n = 40), recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL, n = 113), and
      both RIF and RPL (n = 55). Fertile controls were 92. RESULTS: PAI-1 4G/4G was
      prevalent in RPL, RIF, and RIF/RPL groups when compared with controls (P = 0.003)
      and associated with increased risks of RIF, RPL, and RIF with RPL (OR = 4.5, 2.2
      and 2.7). Women with PAI-1 4G/4G have significantly higher BMI, glucose, and PAI
      1 levels and lower NK cytotoxicity when compared with women without PAI-1 4G/4G.
      CONCLUSION: PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism plays a major role in the pathogenesis of
      RPL and RIF by altering metabolic and immunological profiles.

PMID- 27145078
TI  - IDH1R132H in Neural Stem Cells: Differentiation Impaired by Increased Apoptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The high frequency of mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1
      (IDH1) gene in diffuse gliomas indicates its importance in the process of
      gliomagenesis. These mutations result in loss of the normal function and
      acquisition of the neomorphic activity converting alpha-ketoglutarate to 2
      hydroxyglutarate. This potential oncometabolite may induce the epigenetic
      changes, resulting in the deregulated expression of numerous genes, including
      those related to the differentiation process or cell survivability. METHODS:
      Neural stem cells were derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells
      following embryoid body formation. Neural stem cells transduced with mutant
      IDH1R132H, empty vector, non-transduced and overexpressing IDH1WT controls were
      differentiated into astrocytes and neurons in culture. The neuronal and
      astrocytic differentiation was determined by morphology and expression of lineage
      specific markers (MAP2, Synapsin I and GFAP) as determined by real-time PCR and
      immunocytochemical staining. Apoptosis was evaluated by real-time observation of
      Caspase-3 activation and measurement of PARP cleavage by Western Blot. RESULTS:
      Compared with control groups, cells expressing IDH1R132H retained an
      undifferentiated state and lacked morphological changes following stimulated
      differentiation. The significant inhibitory effect of IDH1R132H on neuronal and
      astrocytic differentiation was confirmed by immunocytochemical staining for
      markers of neural stem cells. Additionally, real-time PCR indicated suppressed
      expression of lineage markers. High percentage of apoptotic cells was detected
      within IDH1R132H-positive neural stem cells population and their derivatives, if
      compared to normal neural stem cells and their derivatives. The analysis of PARP
      and Caspase-3 activity confirmed apoptosis sensitivity in mutant protein
      expressing neural cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that expression of
      IDH1R132H increases apoptosis susceptibility of neural stem cells and their
      derivatives. Robust apoptosis causes differentiation deficiency of IDH1R132H
      expressing cells.

PMID- 27145079
TI  - Possible Biomarkers of Chronic Stress Induced Exhaustion - A Longitudinal Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor
      (EGF) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) have previously been suggested
      to be potential biomarkers for chronic stress induced exhaustion. The knowledge
      about VEGF has increased during the last decades and supports the contention that
      VEGF plays an important role in stress and depression. There is scarce knowledge
      on the possible relationship of EGF and MCP-1 in chronic stress and depression.
      This study further examines the role of VEGF, EGF and MCP-1 in women with chronic
      stress induced exhaustion and healthy women during a follow-up period of two
      years. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Blood samples were collected from 105 women with
      chronic stress induced exhaustion on at least 50% sick leave for at least three
      months, at inclusion (T0), after 12 months (T12) and after 24 months (T24). Blood
      samples were collected at inclusion (T0) in 116 physically and psychiatrically
      healthy women. The plasma levels of VEGF, EGF and MCP-1 were analyzed using
      Biochip Array Technology. Women with chronic stress induced exhaustion had
      significantly higher plasma levels of VEGF and EGF compared to healthy women at
      baseline, T12 and at T24. There was no significant difference in plasma levels of
      MCP-1. Plasma levels of VEGF and EGF decreased significantly in women with
      chronic stress induced exhaustion during the two years follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      The replicated findings of elevated levels of VEGF and EGF in women with chronic
      stress induced exhaustion and decreasing plasma levels of VEGF and EGF during the
      two years follow-up add important knowledge to the pathophysiology of chronic
      stress induced exhaustion.

PMID- 27145081
TI  - Toward Chemical Accuracy in the Description of Ion-Water Interactions through
      Many-Body Representations. I. Halide-Water Dimer Potential Energy Surfaces.
AB  - Despite recent progress, a unified understanding of how ions affect the structure
      and dynamics of water across different phases remains elusive. Here, we report
      the development of full-dimensional many-body potential energy functions, called
      MB-nrg (Many-Body-energy), for molecular simulations of halide ion-water systems
      from the gas phase to the condensed phase. The MB-nrg potentials are derived
      entirely from "first-principles" calculations carried out at the F12 explicitly
      correlated coupled-cluster level including single, double, and perturbative
      triple excitations, CCSD(T)-F12, in the complete basis set limit. Building upon
      the functional form of the MB-pol water potential, the MB-nrg potentials are
      expressed through the many-body expansion of the total energy in terms of
      explicit contributions representing one-body, two-body, and three-body
      interactions, with all higher-order contributions being described by classical
      induction. The specific focus of this study is on the MB-nrg two-body terms
      representing the full-dimensional potential energy surfaces (PESs) of the
      corresponding H2O-X(-) dimers, with X(-)= F(-), Cl(-), Br(-), and I(-). The
      accuracy of the MB-nrg PESs is systematically assessed through extensive
      comparisons with results obtained using both ab initio models and polarizable
      force fields for energies, structures, and harmonic frequencies of the H2O-X(-)
      dimers. 

PMID- 27145080
TI  - Effect of Cage-Induced Stereotypies on Measures of Affective State and Recurrent
      Perseveration in CD-1 and C57BL/6 Mice.
AB  - Stereotypies are abnormal repetitive behaviour patterns that are highly prevalent
      in laboratory mice and are thought to reflect impaired welfare. Thus, they are
      associated with impaired behavioural inhibition and may also reflect negative
      affective states. However, in mice the relationship between stereotypies and
      behavioural inhibition is inconclusive, and reliable measures of affective
      valence are lacking. Here we used an exploration based task to assess cognitive
      bias as a measure of affective valence and a two-choice guessing task to assess
      recurrent perseveration as a measure of impaired behavioural inhibition to test
      mice with different forms and expression levels of stereotypic behaviour. We
      trained 44 CD-1 and 40 C57BL/6 female mice to discriminate between positively and
      negatively cued arms in a radial maze and tested their responses to previously
      inaccessible ambiguous arms. In CD-1 mice (i) mice with higher stereotypy levels
      displayed a negative cognitive bias and this was influenced by the form of
      stereotypy performed, (ii) negative cognitive bias was evident in back-flipping
      mice, and (iii) no such effect was found in mice displaying bar-mouthing or cage
      top twirling. In C57BL/6 mice neither route-tracing nor bar-mouthing was
      associated with cognitive bias, indicating that in this strain these stereotypies
      may not reflect negative affective states. Conversely, while we found no relation
      of stereotypy to recurrent perseveration in CD-1 mice, C57BL/6 mice with higher
      levels of route-tracing, but not bar-mouthing, made more repetitive responses in
      the guessing task. Our findings confirm previous research indicating that the
      implications of stereotypies for animal welfare may strongly depend on the
      species and strain of animal as well as on the form and expression level of the
      stereotypy. Furthermore, they indicate that variation in stereotypic behaviour
      may represent an important source of variation in many animal experiments.

PMID- 27145082
TI  - A Hidden Transhydrogen Activity of a FMN-Bound Diaphorase under Anaerobic
      Conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Redox cofactors of NADH/NADPH participate in many cellular metabolic
      pathways for facilitating the electron transfer from one molecule to another in
      redox reactions. Transhydrogenase plays an important role in linking catabolism
      and anabolism, regulating the ratio of NADH/NADPH in cells. The cytoplasmic
      transhydrogenases could be useful to engineer synthetic biochemical pathways for
      the production of high-value chemicals and biofuels. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: A transhydrogenase activity was discovered for a FMN-bound diaphorase
      (DI) from Geobacillus stearothermophilus under anaerobic conditions. The DI
      catalyzed hydride exchange were monitored and characterized between a NAD(P)H and
      a thio-modified NAD+ analogue. This new function of DI was demonstrated to
      transfer a hydride from NADPH to NAD+ that was consumed by NAD-specific lactate
      dehydrogenase and malic dehydrogenase. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We discover a
      novel transhydrogenase activity of a FMN-DI by stabilizing the reduced state of
      FMNH2 under anaerobic conditions. FMN-DI was demonstrated to catalyze the hydride
      transfer between NADPH and NAD+. In the future, it may be possible to incorporate
      this FMN-DI into synthetic enzymatic pathways for balancing NADH generation and
      NADPH consumption for anaerobic production of biofuels and biochemicals.

PMID- 27145083
TI  - An In Vitro/In Vivo Model to Analyze the Effects of Flubendazole Exposure on
      Adult Female Brugia malayi.
AB  - Current control strategies for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF) rely
      on prolonged yearly or twice-yearly mass administration of microfilaricidal
      drugs. Prospects for near-term elimination or eradication of these diseases would
      be improved by availability of a macrofilaricide that is highly effective in a
      short regimen. Flubendazole (FLBZ), a benzimidazole anthelmintic registered for
      control of human gastrointestinal nematode infections, is a potential candidate
      for this role. FLBZ has profound and potent macrofilaricidal effects in many
      experimental animal models of filariases and in one human trial for
      onchocerciasis after parental administration. Unfortunately, the marketed
      formulation of FLBZ provides very limited oral bioavailability and parenteral
      administration is required for macrofilaricidal efficacy. A new formulation that
      provided sufficient oral bioavailability could advance FLBZ as an effective
      treatment for onchocerciasis and LF. Short-term in vitro culture experiments in
      adult filariae have shown that FLBZ damages tissues required for reproduction and
      survival at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. The current study
      characterized the long-term effects of FLBZ on adult Brugia malayi by maintaining
      parasites in jirds for up to eight weeks following brief drug exposure (6-24 hr)
      to pharmacologically relevant concentrations (100 nM-10 MUM) in culture.
      Morphological damage following exposure to FLBZ was observed prominently in
      developing embryos and was accompanied by a decrease in microfilarial output at 4
      weeks post-exposure. Although FLBZ exposure clearly damaged the parasites,
      exposed worms recovered and were viable 8 weeks after treatment.

PMID- 27145086
TI  - Undergraduate Students' Experiences of an Integrated Psychiatric Nursing
      Curriculum in Korea.
AB  - This qualitative study explored undergraduate nursing students' experiences of an
      integrated psychiatric nursing curriculum in Seoul, Korea. Thirteen college
      students from the nursing school participated in focus-group interviews; the data
      were analyzed using content analysis. Four themes were derived: being confused by
      uncertainty, struggling to gain confidence, realizing humanity from stigma, and
      being motivated by role models. A conceptual model of psychiatric nursing
      education was developed based on these themes to explain the students'
      developmental process from student nurse to psychiatric nurse. Psychiatric nurse
      educators must understand students' learning process to facilitate their
      professional role identification.

PMID- 27145084
TI  - Testosterone administration in females modulates moral judgment and patterns of
      brain activation and functional connectivity.
AB  - Morality is defined as prescriptive norms regarding how people should treat one
      another, and includes concepts of fairness, justice, and rights. One recent study
      with moral dilemmas suggested that testosterone administration increases
      utilitarian judgments, which depends on second-to-fourth (2D: 4D) digit ratio, as
      a proxy of prenatal priming. However, the neural mechanism by which acute
      testosterone modulates moral reasoning remains to be determined. Using a placebo
      controlled within-subject design, the current study examined the neuromodulatory
      effect of testosterone in young females by combining moral dilemmas, 2D: 4D,
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and subjective ratings of morally
      laden scenarios. Results showed that testosterone administration elicited more
      utilitarian responses to evitable dilemmas. The high 2D: 4D group scored more
      punishments for moral evaluation, whereas the low 2D: 4D group did the opposite.
      The activity in the amygdala, anterior insular cortex, and dorsolateral
      prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) was increased when participants evaluated morally
      unorthodox actions (intentional harm). The activity in the posterior superior
      temporal sulcus/temporoparietal junction (pSTS/TPJ) to accidental harm was
      decreased, specific to the high 2D: 4D group. The functional connectivity between
      the amygdala and dlPFC was reduced. The activity in the pSTS/TPJ to perceived
      agency predicted utilitarian responses to evitable dilemmas. The findings
      demonstrate the acute effect of testosterone on neural responses associated with
      moral judgment, and provide evidence to support that prenatal sex-hormones
      priming could be important for early neurodevelopment, which plays a crucial role
      in the neural and behavioral manifestations of testosterone on adult moral
      reasoning. Hum Brain Mapp 37:3417-3430, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145085
TI  - Enhanced detection of respiratory pathogens with nanotrap particles.
AB  - The Influenza virus is a leading cause of respiratory disease in the United
      States each year. While the virus normally causes mild to moderate disease,
      hospitalization and death can occur in many cases. There are several
      methodologies that are used for detection; however problems such as decreased
      sensitivity and high rates of false-negative results may arise. There is a
      crucial need for an effective sample preparation technology that concentrates
      viruses at low abundance while excluding resident analytes that may interfere
      with detection. Nanotrap particles are hydrogel particles that are coupled to
      chemical dye affinity baits that bind a broad range of proteins and virions.
      Within minutes (<30 minutes), Nanotrap particles concentrate low abundant
      proteins and viruses from clinically complex matrices. Nanotrap particles with
      reactive red baits concentrated numerous respiratory viruses including various
      strains and subtypes of Influenza virus, Coronavirus, and Respiratory Syncytial
      Virus from saliva, nasal fluid swab specimens, and nasal aspirates. Detection was
      enhanced more than 10-fold when coupled to plaque assays and qRT-PCR.
      Importantly, Nanotrap particle can efficiently capture and concentrate multiple
      viral pathogens during a coinfection scenario. These results collectively
      demonstrate that Nanotrap particles are an important tool that can easily be
      integrated into various detection methodologies.

PMID- 27145087
TI  - Interactive dashboards to support a patient blood management program across a
      multi-institutional healthcare system.

PMID- 27145088
TI  - Parallel reaction monitoring using quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer:
      Principle and applications.
AB  - Targeted mass spectrometry-based approaches are nowadays widely used for
      quantitative proteomics studies and more recently have been implemented on high
      resolution/accurate mass (HRAM) instruments resulting in a considerable
      performance improvement. More specifically, the parallel reaction monitoring
      technique (PRM) performed on quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometers, leveraging
      the high resolution and trapping capabilities of the instrument, offers a clear
      advantage over the conventional selected reaction monitoring (SRM) measurements
      executed on triple quadrupole instruments. Analyses performed in HRAM mode allow
      for an improved discrimination between signals derived from analytes and those
      resulting from matrix interferences translating in the reliable quantification of
      low abundance components. The purpose of the study defines various implementation
      schemes of PRM, namely: (i) exploratory experiments assessing the detectability
      of very large sets of peptides (100-1000), (ii) wide-screen analyses using
      (crude) internal standards to obtain statistically meaningful (relative)
      quantitative analyses, and (iii) precise/accurate quantification of a limited
      number of analytes using calibrated internal standards. Each of the three
      implementation schemes requires specific acquisition methods with defined
      parameters to appropriately control the acquisition during the actual peptide
      elution. This tutorial describes the different PRM approaches and discusses their
      benefits and limitations in terms of quantification performance and confidence in
      analyte identification.

PMID- 27145090
TI  - Survival analysis of geospatial factors in the Irish ALS cohort.
AB  - Variations in environmental risk factors potentially influence incidence and
      progression in complex multifactorial diseases. Few studies have examined the
      association of survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with environmental
      geospatial variables. Here we use data from the Irish ALS cohort to perform such
      an analysis. Geographic data sources were used to generate small area values for
      four geospatial variables (population density, social deprivation, distance to
      coast, and distance to ALS multidisciplinary (MDT) clinic) for each ALS case on
      the Irish ALS register. These were combined with follow-up data and used as
      covariates in Royston-Parmar regression survival analysis including age of onset,
      site of onset, diagnostic delay, riluzole prescription and MDT clinic attendance
      as covariates. One thousand, two hundred and thirty-two patients with median
      survival of 2.31 years from disease onset were included. After addition of the
      individual geospatial variables in turn, none of the four variables was found to
      be associated with survival with a p-value <0.05. The results may reflect the
      public healthcare system that provides riluzole prescription and access to the
      MDT to all patients free of charge, and is also congruent with our recent finding
      that social deprivation is not associated with ALS incidence in Ireland.

PMID- 27145091
TI  - BRAF and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: Lessons From Papillary Thyroid
      Carcinoma and Primary Cutaneous Melanoma.
AB  - The increased prevalence of BRAF mutations in thyroid carcinoma and primary
      cutaneous melanoma (PCM) hint that dysregulation of BRAF might contribute to the
      noted association between PCM and thyroid carcinoma. A recent study evaluating
      the rate of BRAFV600E mutations among patients who had been diagnosed with
      primary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and PCM showed that patients with
      either PCM or PTC were at an increased risk of developing the other as a second
      primary malignant neoplasm. Furthermore, the authors noted that samples from
      patients suffering from both malignancies exhibited a higher rate of incidence of
      the BRAFV600E mutation, compared with patients not suffering from both
      malignancies. These studies support the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of these
      2 malignancies might share a conserved molecular pattern associated with
      dysregulation of the BRAF protein. One mechanism through which BRAF might
      contribute to PCM and thyroid carcinoma progression is through induction of
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Specifically, the Snail/E-cadherin axis
      has been demonstrated as a pathway dysregulated by BRAF, leading to EMT in both
      malignancies. Our analysis focuses on the results of these recent investigations,
      and through a review of select molecules relevant to EMT, looks to provide a
      context by which to better understand the relevance and role of stromal
      parenchymal signaling and the BRAF mutation in the pathogenesis of PTC and PCM. 

PMID- 27145089
TI  - Subclinical Vascular Disease and Subsequent Erectile Dysfunction: The Multiethnic
      Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between subclinical cardiovascular disease and
      subsequent development of erectile dysfunction (ED) remains poorly described.
      HYPOTHESIS: Among multiple subclinical atherosclerosis and vascular dysfunction
      measurements, coronary artery calcium (CAC) score best predicts ED. METHODS:
      After excluding participants taking ED medications at baseline, we studied 1862
      men age 45 to 84 years free of known cardiovascular disease from the Multi-Ethnic
      Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) with comprehensive baseline subclinical vascular
      disease phenotyping and ED status assessed at MESA visit 5 (9.4 +/- 0.5 years
      after baseline) using a standardized question on ED symptoms. Multivariable
      logistic regression was used to assess the associations between baseline measures
      of vascular disease (atherosclerosis domain: CAC, carotid intima-media thickness,
      carotid plaque, ankle-brachial index; vascular stiffness/function domain: aortic
      stiffness, carotid stiffness, brachial flow-mediated dilation) and ED symptoms at
      follow-up. RESULTS: Mean baseline age was 59.5 +/- 9 years, and 839 participants
      (45%) reported ED symptoms at follow-up. Compared with symptom-free individuals,
      participants with ED had higher baseline prevalence of CAC score >100 (36.4% vs
      17.2%), carotid intima-media thickness Z score >75th percentile (35.3% vs 16.6%),
      carotid plaque score >=2 (39% vs 21.1%), carotid distensibility <25th percentile
      (34.6% vs 17.1%), aortic distensibility <25th percentile (34.2% vs 18.7%), and
      brachial flow-mediated dilation <25th percentile (28.4% vs 21.3%); all P < 0.01.
      Only CAC >100 (odds ratio: 1.43, 95% confidence interval: 1.09-1.88) and carotid
      plaque score >=2 (odds ratio: 1.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.73) were
      significantly associated with ED. CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical vascular disease is
      common in men who later self-report ED. Early detection of subclinical
      atherosclerosis, particularly advanced CAC and carotid plaque, may provide
      opportunities for predicting the onset of subsequent vascular ED.

PMID- 27145092
TI  - Demographic and clinical characteristics of a paediatric low vision population in
      a low vision clinic in China.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim was to describe the characteristics of the paediatric population
      attending the low vision clinic of the Eye and ENT Hospital, located in Shanghai,
      China. METHODS: The clinical records of all the children attending the low vision
      clinic of Eye and ENT Hospital affiliated to Fudan University between January 1,
      2009 and May 31, 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The main data analysed were
      age, gender, education, visual demand, diagnosis, visual acuity and prescription
      of low vision aids. RESULTS: Of the 162 patients, 104 (64.20 per cent) were male.
      The age range of the study population was three to 20 years, with a mean of 10.73
      +/- 5.08 years. There were 43.21 per cent with moderate visual impairment, 26.54
      per cent had severe visual impairment and 19.75 per cent were blind. The leading
      causes of visual impairment were congenital cataract (21.61 per cent), optic
      atrophy (14.20 per cent), macular dystrophy (11.73 per cent), nystagmus (9.88 per
      cent) and congenital glaucoma (9.26 per cent). The most frequently prescribed low
      vision devices for distant and near vision were binocular telescopes (23.57 per
      cent) and stand magnifiers (22.93 per cent), respectively. Young age (up to six
      years, 37.93 per cent), high cost (24.14 per cent), cosmetic reasons (17.24 per
      cent) and inconvenience (13.79 per cent) were the main reasons that children or
      parents refused to accept useful low vision aids. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital and
      hereditary diseases constituted the major causes of low vision in the study
      population. Strategies that make good-quality rehabilitation services available,
      affordable and accessible, especially in developing countries, will have the
      greatest impact on visual impairment. In China, both urban and rural, the
      coverage of low vision services should be strengthened.

PMID- 27145093
TI  - The development of an educational video to motivate teens with asthma to be more
      involved during medical visits and to improve medication adherence.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to develop a series of short educational videos for
      teens and parents to watch before pediatric visits to motivate teens to be more
      actively involved during their visits. METHODS: The development of the short
      educational videos was theoretically guided by Social Cognitive Theory. First we
      conducted four focus groups with teens (ages 11 to 17) with asthma, four focus
      groups with the teens' parents, and seven focus groups with pediatric providers
      from four clinics. The research team, which included two teens with asthma and
      their parents, analyzed the focus group transcripts for themes and then developed
      the initial video script. Next, a visual storyboard was reviewed by focus groups
      with parents and four with teens to identify areas of the script for improvement.
      The English videos were then produced. Focus groups with Hispanic parents and
      teens were then conducted for advice on how to modify the videos to make a more
      culturally appropriate Spanish version. RESULTS: Based on focus group results,
      teen newscasters narrate six one- to two-minute videos with different themes: (a)
      how to get mom off your back, (b) asthma triggers, (c) staying active with
      asthma, (d) tracking asthma symptoms, (e) how to talk to your doctor and (f)
      having confidence with asthma. Each video clip has three key messages and
      emphasizes how teens should discuss these messages with their providers.
      CONCLUSIONS: Teens, parents, and providers gave us excellent insight into
      developing videos to increase teen involvement during medical visits.

PMID- 27145094
TI  - More Women With Breast Cancer Opt for Bilateral Mastectomy Despite Lack of
      Survival Benefit.

PMID- 27145095
TI  - CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in human pluripotent stem cells: Harnessing human
      genetics in a dish.
AB  - Because of their extraordinary differentiation potential, human pluripotent stem
      cells (hPSCs) can differentiate into virtually any cell type of the human body,
      providing a powerful platform not only for generating relevant cell types useful
      for cell replacement therapies, but also for modeling human development and
      disease. Expanding this potential, structures resembling human organs, termed
      organoids, have been recently obtained from hPSCs through tissue engineering.
      Organoids exhibit multiple cell types self-organizing into structures
      recapitulating in part the physiology and the cellular interactions observed in
      the organ in vivo, offering unprecedented opportunities for human disease
      modeling. To fulfill this promise, tissue engineering in hPSCs needs to be
      supported by robust and scalable genome editing technologies. With the advent of
      the CRISPR/Cas9 technology, manipulating the genome of hPSCs has now become an
      easy task, allowing modifying their genome with superior precision, speed, and
      throughput. Here we review current and potential applications of the CRISPR/Cas9
      technology in hPSCs and how they contribute to establish hPSCs as a model of
      choice for studying human genetics. Developmental Dynamics 245:788-806, 2016. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145096
TI  - Epidemiology of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability whose prevalence and incidence
      continue to increase. History of joint injury represents an important risk factor
      for posttraumatic osteoarthritis and is a significant contributor to the rapidly
      growing percentage of the population with osteoarthritis. This review will
      present the epidemiology associated with posttraumatic osteoarthritis, with
      particular emphasis on the knee and ankle joints. It is important to understand
      the effect of posttraumatic osteoarthritis on the population so that sufficient
      resources can be devoted to countering the disease and promoting optimal long
      term health for patients after joint injury.

PMID- 27145097
TI  - Certified Athletic Trainers' Knowledge and Perceptions of Posttraumatic
      Osteoarthritis After Knee Injury.
AB  - CONTEXT:   Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a specific phenotype of
      osteoarthritis (OA) that commonly develops after acute knee injury, such as
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or meniscal injury (or both). Athletic trainers
      (ATs) are well positioned to educate patients and begin PTOA management during
      rehabilitation of the acute injury, yet it remains unknown if ATs currently
      prioritize long-term outcomes in patients with knee injury. OBJECTIVE:   To
      investigate ATs' knowledge and perceptions of OA and its treatment after ACL
      injury, ACL reconstruction, or meniscal injury or surgery. DESIGN:   Cross
      sectional study. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS:   An online survey was
      administered to 2000 randomly sampled certified ATs. We assessed participants'
      perceptions of knee OA, the risk of PTOA after ACL or meniscal injury or surgery,
      and therapeutic management of knee OA. RESULTS:   Of the 437 ATs who responded
      (21.9%), the majority (84.7%) correctly identified the definition of OA, and
      60.3% indicated that they were aware of PTOA. A high percentage of ATs selected
      full meniscectomy (98.9%), meniscal tear (95.4%), ACL injury (90.2%), and partial
      meniscectomy (90.1%) as injuries that would increase the risk of developing OA.
      Athletic trainers rated undertaking strategies to prevent OA development in
      patients after ACL injury or reconstruction (73.8%) or meniscal injury or surgery
      (74.7%) as extremely or somewhat important. Explaining the risk of OA to patients
      with an ACL or meniscal injury was considered appropriate by 98.8% and 96.8% of
      respondents, respectively; yet a lower percentage reported that they actually
      explained these risks to patients after an ACL (70.8%) or meniscal injury
      (80.6%). CONCLUSIONS:   Although 84.7% of ATs correctly identified the definition
      of OA, a lower percentage (60.3%) indicated awareness of PTOA. These results may
      reflect the need to guide ATs on how to educate patients regarding the long-term
      risks of ACL and meniscal injuries and how to implement strategies that may
      prevent PTOA.

PMID- 27145098
TI  - The role of arabinokinase in arabinose toxicity in plants.
AB  - Plant cell wall polymers are synthesized by glycosyltransferases using nucleotide
      sugars as substrates. Most UDP-sugars are synthesized from UDP-glucose via de
      novo pathways but salvage pathways work in parallel to recycle sugars, which have
      been released during cell wall polymer and glycoprotein turnover. Here we report
      on the cloning and biochemical analysis of two arabinokinases in Arabidopsis.
      Arabinokinase is a 100 kDa protein located in the cytosol with a putative N
      terminal glycosyltransferase domain and a C-terminal sugar-1-kinase domain. This
      unique structure is highly conserved in the plant kingdom. Arabinokinase has a
      high affinity for l-arabinose, which is the only sugar substrate of this GHMP
      (galactose; homoserine; mevalonate; phosphomevalonate) kinase. Plants that were
      knocked-out for arabinokinase and the previously described ara1-1 mutant were
      characterized. The ARA1-1 mutant form of the enzyme carries a point mutation in
      an alpha-helix. The mutation is close to the substrate binding site and changes
      the Km value for arabinose from 80 MUm in the wild type to 17 000 MUm in ARA1-1.
      The previous arabinose toxicity explanation is challenged by knockout plants in
      arabinokinase that accumulate higher levels of arabinose but do not show signs of
      arabinose toxicity. Analysis of marker genes from sugar signalling pathways
      (SnRK1 and Tor) suggest that ara1-1 misinterprets its carbon energy status.
      Although glucose is present in ara1-1 similar to wild type levels, it
      constitutively changes gene expression as typically found in wild type plants
      only under starvation conditions. Furthermore, ara1-1 shows increased expression
      of marker genes for programmed cell death as found in other lesion mimic mutants.

PMID- 27145099
TI  - Implicit learning and emotional responses in nine-month-old infants.
AB  - To study the interplay between motor learning and emotional responses of young
      infants, we developed a contingent learning paradigm that included two related,
      difficult, operant tasks. We also coded facial expression to characterise
      emotional response to learning. In a sample of nine-month-old healthy Chinese
      infants, 44.7% achieved learning threshold during this challenging arm
      conditioning test. Some evidence of learning was observed at the beginning of the
      second task. The lowest period of negative emotions coincided with the period of
      maximum movement responses after the initiation of the second task, and movement
      responses negatively correlated with the frequency of negative emotions. Positive
      emotions, while generally low throughout the task, increased during peak
      performance especially for learners. Peak frequency of movement responses was
      positively correlated with the frequency of positive emotions. Despite the weak
      evidence of learning this difficult task, our results from the learners would
      suggest that increasing positive emotions, and perhaps down-regulating negative
      emotional responses, may be important for improving performance and learning a
      complex operant task in infancy. Further studies are necessary to determine the
      role of emotions in learning difficult tasks in infancy.

PMID- 27145100
TI  - Media alert in an SIS epidemic model with logistic growth.
AB  - In general, media coverage would not be implemented unless the number of infected
      cases reaches some critical number. To reflect this feature, we incorporate the
      media effect and a critical number of infected cases into the disease
      transmission rate and consider an susceptible-infected-susceptible epidemic model
      with logistic growth. Our model analysis shows that early media alert and strong
      media effects are preferable to decrease the numbers of infected cases at endemic
      equilibria. Furthermore, we noticed that the model may have up to three endemic
      equilibria and bi-stability can occur in a threshold interval for the critical
      number. Note that the interval depends on parameters for the focal disease and
      the media effect. It is possible to roughly estimate the interval for re-emerging
      diseases in a given region. Therefore, the result could be useful to health
      policymakers. Global stability is also obtained when the model admits a unique
      endemic equilibrium.

PMID- 27145101
TI  - Anxiety Impacts Cognitive Inhibition in Remitted Anorexia Nervosa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Eating disorders are complex psychiatric disorders, associated with
      alterations in neural and cognitive functioning. Research suggests inhibition and
      set-shifting deficits in anorexia nervosa (AN), but less is known about the
      persistence of these deficits after recovery, or their relationship to comorbid
      psychiatric symptoms. METHOD: Women aged 19-45 remitted from AN (RAN, N = 47) and
      controls (CW, N = 24) completed the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Color
      Word Interference Test. It was hypothesized that RAN, and those with higher
      anxiety or depression, would demonstrate worse Inhibition and Switching task
      performance than CW. RESULTS: Differences in performance between groups trended
      toward significance on Inhibition Ratio (p = 0.08) but were nonsignificant on
      Inhibition/Switching Ratio (p = 0.93). A model including State Anxiety and
      diagnosis revealed a significant independent effect of State Anxiety (p = 0.026),
      but not of diagnosis nor their interaction. Regressing State Anxiety on Color
      Word Interference Test Inhibition among just the RAN group was significant [beta
      = 0.37, t(46) = 2.63, p = 0.012] but among just CW was not (p = 0.54).
      DISCUSSION: Interference control for neutral stimuli is influenced by anxiety in
      women with a history of AN. Anxiety is linked with greater symptom severity among
      AN individuals, and state anxiety may account for larger deficits seen on tasks
      using disorder-specific stimuli. Future research is warranted to elucidate the
      nature of neuropsychological deficits in eating disorders. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

PMID- 27145102
TI  - Association of the MIND diet with cognition and risk of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 27145103
TI  - Lipidology, cardiovascular risk, and schizophrenia.

PMID- 27145105
TI  - Is it time to reconsider combination lipid therapy in high-risk diabetic
      patients?

PMID- 27145104
TI  - Atherosclerosis: cell biology and lipoproteins-focus on interleukin-18 signaling,
      chemotactic heteromers, and microRNAs.

PMID- 27145107
TI  - Structure-Antibacterial Activity Relationships of Imidazolium-Type Ionic Liquid
      Monomers, Poly(ionic liquids) and Poly(ionic liquid) Membranes: Effect of Alkyl
      Chain Length and Cations.
AB  - The structure-antibacterial activity relationship between the small molecular
      compounds and polymers are still elusive. Here, imidazolium-type ionic liquid
      (IL) monomers and their corresponding poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) and poly(ionic
      liquid) membranes were synthesized. The effect of chemical structure, including
      carbon chain length of substitution at the N3 position and charge density of
      cations (mono- or bis-imidazolium) on the antimicrobial activities against both
      Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was investigated
      by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The antibacterial
      activities of both ILs and PILs were improved with the increase of the alkyl
      chain length and higher charge density (bis-cations) of imidazolium cations.
      Moreover, PILs exhibited lower MIC values relative to the IL monomers. However,
      the antibacterial activities of PIL membranes showed no correlation to those of
      their analogous small molecule IL monomers and PILs, which increased with the
      charge density (bis-cations) while decreasing with the increase of alkyl chain
      length. The results indicated that antibacterial property studies on small
      molecules and homopolymers may not provide a solid basis for evaluating that in
      corresponding polymer membranes.

PMID- 27145108
TI  - One-Reactant Photografting of ATRP Initiators for Surface-Initiated
      Polymerization.
AB  - Self-initiated photografting polymerization is used to couple the polymerizable
      initiator monomer 2-(2-chloropropanoyloxy)ethyl acrylate to a range of polymeric
      substrates. The technique requires only UV light to couple the initiator to
      surfaces. The initiator surface density can be varied by inclusion of a diluent
      monomer or via selection of initiator and irradiation parameters. The
      functionality of the initiator surface is demonstrated by subsequent surface
      initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. Surfaces are characterized by x
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ellipsometry, and atomic force microscopy
      (AFM), and UV-induced changes to the initiator are assessed by (1) H NMR and gel
      permeation chromatography (GPC). This is the first time this one-reactant one
      step technique has been demonstrated for creating an initiator surface of
      variable density. 

PMID- 27145109
TI  - Organ identity specification factor WGE localizes to the histone locus body and
      regulates histone expression to ensure genomic stability in Drosophila.
AB  - Over-expression of Winged-Eye (WGE) in the Drosophila eye imaginal disc induces
      an eye-to-wing transformation. Endogenous WGE is required for organ development,
      and wge-deficient mutants exhibit growth arrest at the larval stage, suggesting
      that WGE is critical for normal growth. The function of WGE, however, remains
      unclear. Here, we analyzed the subcellular localization of WGE to gain insight
      into its endogenous function. Immunostaining showed that WGE localized to
      specific nuclear foci called the histone locus body (HLB), an evolutionarily
      conserved nuclear body required for S phase-specific histone mRNA production.
      Histone mRNA levels and protein levels in cytosolic fractions were aberrantly up
      regulated in wge mutant larva, suggesting a role for WGE in regulating histone
      gene expression. Genetic analyses showed that wge suppresses position-effect
      variegation, and that WGE and a HLB component Mute appears to be synergistically
      involved in heterochromatin formation. Further supporting a role in chromatin
      regulation, wge-deficient mutants showed derepression of retrotransposons and
      increased gammaH2Av signals, a DNA damage marker. These findings suggest that WGE
      is a component of HLB in Drosophila with a role in heterochromatin formation and
      transposon silencing. We propose that WGE at HLB contributes to genomic stability
      and development by regulating heterochromatin structure via histone gene
      regulation. 

PMID- 27145110
TI  - Investigating the Effects of Particulate Matter on House Dust Mite and Ovalbumin
      Allergic Airway Inflammation in Mice.
AB  - Particulate matter (PM), a component of air pollution, has been shown to enhance
      allergen-mediated airway hypersensitivity and inflammation. Surprisingly,
      exposure to PM during the sensitization to allergen is sufficient to produce
      immunological changes that result in heightened inflammatory effects upon future
      allergen exposures (challenge) in the absence of PM. This suggests that PM has
      the ability to modulate the allergic immune response, thereby acting as an
      adjuvant by enhancing the immunological memory formed during the adaptive immune
      response; however, the mechanisms through which this occurs remain elusive.
      Establishing a reproducible animal model to study the PM-mediated
      immunotoxicological effects that enhance allergy, may provide insights to
      understand how air pollution activates the immune system and thereby modulates
      the pathophysiology of asthma. The basic protocol can be used to study various
      characteristics of air pollution, such as PM size, source, or chemical
      composition, to help elucidate how such features may affect the allergic response
      in a mouse model of asthma. Using a BALB/c model of acute exposure (14 days),
      mice are first sensitized with allergen and PM, and then subsequently challenged
      with allergen only. The endpoints of this basic protocol include the assessment
      of inflammation via cells recovered from broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL),
      histopathological analysis, gene expression profiles, and protein quantification
      of inflammatory markers. (c) 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

PMID- 27145111
TI  - Determination of Metabolic Viability and Cell Mass Using a Tandem
      Resazurin/Sulforhodamine B Assay.
AB  - The identification of rapid, reliable, and highly reproducible biological assays
      that can be standardized and routinely used in preclinical tests constitutes a
      promising approach to reducing drug discovery costs and time. This unit details a
      tandem, rapid, and reliable cell viability method for preliminary screening of
      chemical compounds. This assay measures metabolic activity and cell mass in the
      same cell sample using a dual resazurin/sulforhodamine B assay, eliminating the
      variation associated with cell seeding and excessive manipulations in assays that
      test different cell samples across plates. The procedure also reduces the amount
      of cells, test compound, and reagents required, as well as the time expended in
      conventional tests, thus resulting in a more confident prediction of toxic
      thresholds for the tested compounds. (c) 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

PMID- 27145112
TI  - Multielectrode Array (MEA) Assay for Profiling Electrophysiological Drug Effects
      in Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes.
AB  - More relevant and reliable preclinical cardiotoxicity tests are required to
      improve drug safety and reduce the cost of drug development. Human stem cell
      derived cardiomyocytes (hSC-CMs) provide a potential model for the development of
      superior assays for preclinical drug safety screening. One such hSC-CM assay that
      has shown significant potential for enabling more predictive drug cardiac risk
      assessment is the MEA assay. The Multi-electrode Array (MEA) assay is an
      electrophysiology-based technique that uses microelectrodes embedded in the
      culture surface of each well to measure fluctuations in extracellular field
      potential (FP) generated from spontaneously beating hSC-CMs. Perturbations to the
      recorded FP waveform can be used as an unbiased method of predicting the identity
      of ion channel(s) impacted on drug exposure. Here, a higher throughput MEA assay
      using hSC-CMs in 48-well MEA plates is described for profiling compound-induced
      effects on cardiomyocyte electrophysiology. Techniques for preparing hSC-CM
      monolayers in MEA plates and methods to contextualize MEA assay experimental
      results are also covered. (c) 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

PMID- 27145113
TI  - Copper-Catalyzed Aza-Diels-Alder Reaction and Halogenation: An Approach To
      Synthesize 7-Halogenated Chromenoquinolines.
AB  - A new halogenation method to construct halogen-substituted quinoline moieties is
      described. The Cu-catalyzed intramolecular aza-Diels-Alder reaction and
      halogenation reaction proceeded smoothly under mild conditions to produce the
      corresponding 7-chloro-6H-chromeno[4,3-b]quinolines and 7-chloro-6H
      thiochromeno[4,3-b]quinolines in satisfactory yields.

PMID- 27145115
TI  - The Test-Retest Reliability of the Visually Evoked Contingent Negative Variation
      (CNV) in Children and Adults.
AB  - Establishing the reliability of event-related potentials is critical for future
      applications to biomarker development and clinical research. Few studies have
      examined the reliability of the contingent negative variation (CNV), and only in
      adults. The current study explored test-retest reliability of the visually evoked
      CNV and its embedded components, the O-wave and the E-wave, in children (7-13
      years) and young adults (19-28 years) during a visual Go/No-Go task over 1-2
      weeks. Test-retest reliability of the components was moderate for children, and
      low-to-moderate for adults. These findings were in contrast to previous work with
      adults showing moderate-to-high reliability of the auditory-evoked CNV.

PMID- 27145114
TI  - Biochanin A improves hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance by regulating the
      hepatic lipid and glucose metabolic pathways in diet-induced obese mice.
AB  - SCOPE: Natural compounds that regulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      alpha (PPARalpha) have been reported to have beneficial effects in obesity
      mediated metabolic disorders. In this study, we demonstrated that biochanin A
      (BA), an agonist of PPAR-alpha, improved hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance
      by regulating hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. METHODS AND RESULTS: C57BL/6
      mice were fed a normal chow diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), and an HFD supplemented
      with 0.05% BA for 12 weeks. Histological and biochemical examinations indicated
      that BA prevented obesity-induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in HFD
      fed mice. BA stimulated the transcriptional activation of PPAR-alpha in vitro and
      increased the expression of PPAR-alpha and its regulatory proteins in the liver.
      CE-TOF/MS analyses indicated that BA administration promoted the recovery of
      metabolites involved in phosphatidylcholine synthesis, lipogenesis, and beta
      oxidation in the livers of obese mice. BA also suppressed the levels of
      gluconeogenesis-related metabolites and the expression of the associated enzymes,
      glucose 6-phosphatase and pyruvate kinase. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these
      results showed that BA ameliorated metabolic disorders such as hepatic steatosis
      and insulin resistance by modulating lipid and glucose metabolism in diet-induced
      obesity. Thus, BA may be a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of
      obesity-mediated hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance.

PMID- 27145116
TI  - Influence of hearing loss and cognitive abilities on language development in
      CHARGE Syndrome.
AB  - Hearing loss and cognitive delay are frequently occurring features in CHARGE
      syndrome that may contribute to impaired language development. However, not much
      is known about language development in patients with CHARGE syndrome. In this
      retrospective study, hearing loss, cognitive abilities, and language development
      are described in 50 patients with CHARGE syndrome. After informed consent was
      given, data were collected from local medical files. Most patients (38.3%; 18/47
      patients) had moderate hearing loss (41-70 dB) and 58.5% (24/41 patients) had an
      IQ below 70. The mean language quotients of the receptive and expressive language
      were more than one standard deviation below the norm. Both hearing loss and
      cognitive delay had an influence on language development. Language and cognitive
      data were not available for all patients, which may have resulted in a pre
      selection of patients with a delay. In conclusion, while hearing thresholds,
      cognitive abilities and language development vary widely in CHARGE syndrome, they
      are mostly below average. Hearing loss and cognitive delay have a significant
      influence on language development in children with CHARGE syndrome. To improve
      our knowledge about and the quality of care we can provide to CHARGE patients,
      hearing and developmental tests should be performed regularly in order to
      differentiate between the contributions of hearing loss and cognitive delay to
      delays in language development, and to provide adequate hearing amplification in
      the case of hearing loss. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145119
TI  - External validity of post-stroke interventional gait rehabilitation studies.
AB  - : Gait rehabilitation is a major component of stroke rehabilitation, and is
      supported by extensive research. The objective of this review was to examine the
      external validity of intervention studies aimed at improving gait in individuals
      post-stroke. To that end, two aspects of these studies were assessed: subjects'
      exclusion criteria and the ecological validity of the intervention, as manifested
      by the intervention's technological complexity and delivery setting.
      Additionally, we examined whether the target population as inferred from the
      titles/abstracts is broader than the population actually represented by the
      reported samples. METHODS: We systematically researched PubMed for intervention
      studies to improve gait post-stroke, working backwards from the beginning of
      2014. Exclusion criteria, the technological complexity of the intervention
      (defined as either elaborate or simple), setting, and description of the target
      population in the titles/abstracts were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-two studies were
      reviewed. The samples were exclusive, with recurrent stroke, co-morbidities,
      cognitive status, walking level, and residency being major reasons for exclusion.
      In one half of the studies, the intervention was elaborate. Descriptions of
      participants in the title/abstract in almost one half of the studies included
      only the diagnosis (stroke or comparable terms) and its stage (acute, subacute,
      and chronic). CONCLUSIONS: The external validity of a substantial number of
      intervention studies about rehabilitation of gait post-stroke appears to be
      limited by exclusivity of the samples as well as by deficiencies in ecological
      validity of the interventions. These limitations are not accurately reflected in
      the titles or abstracts of the studies.

PMID- 27145118
TI  - Determining residual reduction algorithm kinematic tracking weights for a
      sidestep cut via numerical optimization.
AB  - Musculoskeletal modeling allows for the determination of various parameters
      during dynamic maneuvers by using in vivo kinematic and ground reaction force
      (GRF) data as inputs. Differences between experimental and model marker data and
      inconsistencies in the GRFs applied to these musculoskeletal models may not
      produce accurate simulations. Therefore, residual forces and moments are applied
      to these models in order to reduce these differences. Numerical optimization
      techniques can be used to determine optimal tracking weights of each degree of
      freedom of a musculoskeletal model in order to reduce differences between the
      experimental and model marker data as well as residual forces and moments. In
      this study, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and simplex simulated annealing
      (SIMPSA) algorithms were used to determine optimal tracking weights for the
      simulation of a sidestep cut. The PSO and SIMPSA algorithms were able to produce
      model kinematics that were within 1.4 degrees  of experimental kinematics with
      residual forces and moments of less than 10 N and 18 Nm, respectively. The PSO
      algorithm was able to replicate the experimental kinematic data more closely and
      produce more dynamically consistent kinematic data for a sidestep cut compared to
      the SIMPSA algorithm. Future studies should use external optimization routines to
      determine dynamically consistent kinematic data and report the differences
      between experimental and model data for these musculoskeletal simulations.

PMID- 27145120
TI  - Mass production of stem cell derived human hepatocytes for experimental medicine.

PMID- 27145117
TI  - Targeting the thrombin receptor modulates inflammation and astrogliosis to
      improve recovery after spinal cord injury.
AB  - The deregulation of serine protease activity is a common feature of neurological
      injury, but little is known regarding their mechanisms of action or whether they
      can be targeted to facilitate repair. In this study we demonstrate that the
      thrombin receptor (Protease Activated Receptor 1, (PAR1)) serves as a critical
      translator of the spinal cord injury (SCI) proteolytic microenvironment into a
      cascade of pro-inflammatory events that contribute to astrogliosis and functional
      decline. PAR1 knockout mice displayed improved locomotor recovery after SCI and
      reduced signatures of inflammation and astrogliosis, including expression of
      glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, and STAT3 signaling. SCI
      associated elevations in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta and IL-6
      were also reduced in PAR1-/- mice and co-ordinate improvements in tissue sparing
      and preservation of NeuN-positive ventral horn neurons, and PKCgamma
      corticospinal axons, were observed. PAR1 and its agonist's thrombin and neurosin
      were expressed by perilesional astrocytes and each agonist increased the
      production of IL-6 and STAT3 signaling in primary astrocyte cultures in a PAR1
      dependent manner. In turn, IL-6-stimulated astrocytes increased expression of
      PAR1, thrombin, and neurosin, pointing to a model in which PAR1 activation
      contributes to increased astrogliosis by feedforward- and feedback-signaling
      dynamics. Collectively, these findings identify the thrombin receptor as a key
      mediator of inflammation and astrogliosis in the aftermath of SCI that can be
      targeted to reduce neurodegeneration and improve neurobehavioral recovery.

PMID- 27145121
TI  - Dual secretion locations on type II cells in the avian lung suggest local as well
      as general roles of surfactant.
AB  - Transmission electron microscopy indicates that the avian lung surfactant may be
      secreted in two directions: a) into air passages of parabronchus, atrium and
      infundibulum where it forms a trilaminar substance serving the respiratory role
      and b) to the basolateral surface-intercellular space-of type II pneumocytes,
      contributing to the innate and adoptive immune responses of lung. Basolateral
      secretion may be confirmed by the presence of trilaminal substance in the
      intercellular space of type II pneumocytes. Fusion of surfactant containing
      vesicles with the lateral plasma membrane may result in membrane fusion of
      neighboring cells and subsequently formation of multinucleated giant cell. The
      indistinct and in some places discontinuous basal lamina in the parabronchial
      atrium and infundibulum permits the hydrophilic surfactant proteins to spread
      into the interstitium of air-blood capillary region. The hydrophilic surfactant
      proteins may activate lung interstitial macrophages to migrate into the air
      passages where they appear as "free avian respiratory macrophages." Therefore, in
      the interstitium the hydrophilic surfactant proteins are essential soluble
      components of innate immunity. J. Morphol. 277:1062-1071, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145122
TI  - Systematic Construction of Ternary Cocrystals by Orthogonal and Robust Hydrogen
      and Halogen Bonds.
AB  - A carefully designed strategy is presented for the construction of ternary
      cocrystals, based on the orthogonality of two supramolecular interaction modes:
      hydrogen bonding between crown ethers and thioureas and the halogen bonding
      between thioureas and perfluorohalocarbons. Tested on a set comprising two crown
      ethers, two thioureas and five halogen bond donors, the strategy resulted in a
      high, 75% success rate, with 15/20 component combinations yielding at least one
      cocrystal. Crystal structure analysis revealed the interplay between the hydrogen
      and halogen bonding motifs, also shedding light on the variables affecting their
      formation.

PMID- 27145123
TI  - Spectrum of cytopathologic features of epithelioid sarcoma in a series of 7
      uncommon cases with immunohistochemical results, including loss of INI1/SMARCB1
      in two test cases.
AB  - Diagnosis of an epithelioid sarcoma (ES) is challenging on fine needle aspiration
      cytology (FNAC) smears. There are few documented series describing cytopathologic
      features and immunostaining results of ESs. The present study describes
      cytopathologic features of seven cases of ES. All seven tumors occurred in males
      within age-range of 22-61 years; in sites, such as forearm (n = 3), hand (n = 2),
      thigh (n = 1), and inguinal region (n = 1). FNAC was performed for metastatic
      lesions (n = 5), recurrent lesions (n = 4), as well as for a primary diagnosis (n
      = 1). FNAC smears in most cases were moderate to hypercellular, composed of
      polygonal cells(seven cases) and spindle cells(three cases), arranged in loosely
      cohesive groups, non-overlapping clusters, and scattered singly, containing
      moderate to abundant cytoplasm, defined cell borders, vesicular nuclei, and
      discernible nucleoli. Variable cytopathologic features identified in certain
      cases were "rhabdoid-like" intracytoplasmic inclusions (n = 5), giant cells (n =
      3), and interspersed scanty, metachromatic stroma (n = 4). Histopathologic
      examination revealed two cases of conventional-type ES, three of proximal/large
      cell-type ES, and two cases of mixed-type ES, displaying features of conventional
      and proximal subtypes. By immunohistochemistry (IHC), tumor cells were positive
      for cytokeratin (CK)(4/5), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) (6/6), panCK (1/1),
      vimentin (3/3), and CD34 (7/7). Tumor cells were completely negative for
      INI1/SMARCB1 (0/2) and CD31 (0/5). In our settings, FNAC was mostly performed in
      recurrent and/or metastatic cases of ES, and rarely for a primary diagnosis of
      ES. Important cytopathologic features of ESs include loosely cohesive, non
      overlapping clusters of polygonal cells with variable "rhabdoid-like" and spindle
      cells. Optimal diagnostic IHC markers in such cases include CK, EMA, AE1AE3,
      CD34, and INI1/SMARCB1. Clinical correlation is imperative in all cases. Diagn.
      Cytopathol. 2016;44:636-642. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27145124
TI  - VI2TA2 S2C2ORE: a new score system for in hospital mortality in acute aortic
      dissections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aortic Dissections classification systems have always been an
      argument of debate. It is well known that none of the described classifications
      is complete and easy at the same time. While the more used classification is
      currently the Stanford classification, it is clear that type A and B dissections
      prognosis can dramatically vary, depending on many different characteristics that
      they can present. The aim of this study is to propose a new severity score system
      that could reflect the risk of in hospital mortality of acute aortic dissections.
      METHODS: Through a review of the literature, studies describing significant
      predictors of in hospital mortality of any type of aortic dissection were
      searched and selected by predefined selection criteria. RESULTS: 9 studies met
      the criteria and were finally analyzed. The Odds Ratios of the reported
      predictors were the basis to the drawing of the score system. 16 main in hospital
      mortality predictors were found, 14 of which described in more than one study.
      They were combined into a new severity score system that we named VI2TA2 S2C2ORE.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is a simple risk score that we propose as a first assessment
      risk-evaluating tool. We look forward to validate it and to describe specific in
      hospital mortality risk ranges once it will be adopted.

PMID- 27145125
TI  - Correction: Phosphorylated Ribosomal Protein S6 Is Required for Akt-Driven
      Hyperplasia and Malignant Transformation, but Not for Hypertrophy, Aneuploidy and
      Hyperfunction of Pancreatic beta-Cells.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149995.].

PMID- 27145126
TI  - If Dung Beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) Arose in Association with Dinosaurs,
      Did They Also Suffer a Mass Co-Extinction at the K-Pg Boundary?
AB  - The evolutionary success of beetles and numerous other terrestrial insects is
      generally attributed to co-radiation with flowering plants but most studies have
      focused on herbivorous or pollinating insects. Non-herbivores represent a
      significant proportion of beetle diversity yet potential factors that influence
      their diversification have been largely unexamined. In the present study, we
      examine the factors driving diversification within the Scarabaeidae, a speciose
      beetle family with a range of both herbivorous and non-herbivorous ecologies. In
      particular, it has been long debated whether the key event in the evolution of
      dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) was an adaptation to feeding on
      dinosaur or mammalian dung. Here we present molecular evidence to show that the
      origin of dung beetles occurred in the middle of the Cretaceous, likely in
      association with dinosaur dung, but more surprisingly the timing is consistent
      with the rise of the angiosperms. We hypothesize that the switch in dinosaur diet
      to incorporate more nutritious and less fibrous angiosperm foliage provided a
      palatable dung source that ultimately created a new niche for diversification.
      Given the well-accepted mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs at the Cretaceous
      Paleogene boundary, we examine a potential co-extinction of dung beetles due to
      the loss of an important evolutionary resource, i.e., dinosaur dung. The
      biogeography of dung beetles is also examined to explore the previously proposed
      "out of Africa" hypothesis. Given the inferred age of Scarabaeinae as originating
      in the Lower Cretaceous, the major radiation of dung feeders prior to the
      Cenomanian, and the early divergence of both African and Gondwanan lineages, we
      hypothesise that that faunal exchange between Africa and Gondwanaland occurred
      during the earliest evolution of the Scarabaeinae. Therefore we propose that both
      Gondwanan vicariance and dispersal of African lineages is responsible for present
      day distribution of scarabaeine dung beetles and provide examples.

PMID- 27145128
TI  - Genomics of hybridization and its evolutionary consequences.

PMID- 27145130
TI  - Correction: Comparative Analysis of Prokaryotic Communities Associated with
      Organic and Conventional Farming Systems.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145072.].

PMID- 27145129
TI  - Physico-chemical, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and stability of
      hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) procyanidins microcapsules with inulin and
      maltodextrin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Procyanidins from the bark of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.)
      were isolated and purified. Qualitative and quantitative composition was compared
      with that of the extract of hawthorn fruit (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.). Stability
      and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of procyanidins before and after
      micro-encapsulation were estimated. The effects of the carrier type (inulin and
      maltodextrin) and procyanidins:carrier ratio (1:1, 1:3) and the influence of
      storage temperature (20  degrees C, -20  degrees C, -80  degrees C) on the
      content of procyanidins were evaluated. RESULTS: Samples before and after micro
      encapsulation contained from 651 to 751 mg of procyanidins in 1 g. Among the
      procyanidins, (-)-epicatechin, dimer B2, and trimer C1 dominated. The use of
      inulin during spray drying resulted in greater efficiency of micro-encapsulation
      than the use of maltodextrin. During storage of the samples at 20  degrees C
      degradation of procyanidins was observed, whereas at -20  degrees C and -80 
      degrees C concentrations of them increased. CONCLUSION: The microcapsules with
      procyanidins from the bark of hawthorn, as well as the extract of procyanidins,
      have valuable biological activity, and strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
      properties. It is better to prepare microcapsules with a greater amount of
      carrier, with the procyanidin/carrier ratio 1:3. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical
      Industry.

PMID- 27145127
TI  - Neuropeptides Modulate Female Chemosensory Processing upon Mating in Drosophila.
AB  - A female's reproductive state influences her perception of odors and tastes along
      with her changed behavioral state and physiological needs. The mechanism that
      modulates chemosensory processing, however, remains largely elusive. Using
      Drosophila, we have identified a behavioral, neuronal, and genetic mechanism that
      adapts the senses of smell and taste, the major modalities for food quality
      perception, to the physiological needs of a gravid female. Pungent smelling
      polyamines, such as putrescine and spermidine, are essential for cell
      proliferation, reproduction, and embryonic development in all animals. A
      polyamine-rich diet increases reproductive success in many species, including
      flies. Using a combination of behavioral analysis and in vivo physiology, we show
      that polyamine attraction is modulated in gravid females through a G-protein
      coupled receptor, the sex peptide receptor (SPR), and its neuropeptide ligands,
      MIPs (myoinhibitory peptides), which act directly in the polyamine-detecting
      olfactory and taste neurons. This modulation is triggered by an increase of SPR
      expression in chemosensory neurons, which is sufficient to convert virgin to
      mated female olfactory choice behavior. Together, our data show that neuropeptide
      mediated modulation of peripheral chemosensory neurons increases a gravid
      female's preference for important nutrients, thereby ensuring optimal conditions
      for her growing progeny.

PMID- 27145131
TI  - Strain-Transcending Inhibitory Antibodies against Homologous and Heterologous
      Strains of Duffy Binding Protein region II.
AB  - Duffy binding protein region II (DBPII) is a promising vaccine candidate against
      vivax malaria. However, polymorphisms of DBPII are the major obstacle to
      designing a successful vaccine. Here, we examined whether anti-DBPII antibodies
      from individual P. vivax exposures provide strain-transcending immunity and
      whether their presence is associated with DBPII haplotypes found in patients with
      acute P. vivax. The ability of antibodies to inhibit DBL-TH-erythrocyte binding
      was tested by COS7 erythrocyte binding inhibition assay. Seven samples of high
      responders (HR) were identified from screening anti-DBPII levels. HR no.3 and HR
      no.6 highly inhibited all DBL-TH binding to erythrocytes, by >80%. Antibodies
      from these two patients' plasma had the potential to be broadly inhibitory
      against DBL-TH1, -TH2, -TH6, -TH7, -TH8 and -TH9 haplotypes when plasma was
      serially diluted from 1:500 to 1:2000. To further examine the association of
      DBPII haplotypes and the ability of antibodies to broadly inhibit DBL-TH
      variants, the individual samples underwent sequencing analysis and the inhibitory
      function of the anti-DBPII antibodies was tested. The patterns of DBPII
      polymorphisms in acute patients were classified into two groups, DBPII Sal I
      (55%) and DBL-TH variants (45%). Plasma from Sal I and DBPII-TH patients who had
      the highest inhibition against Sal I or DBL-TH4 and -TH5 was serially diluted
      from 1:500 to 1:2000 and their inhibitory capacity was tested against a panel of
      DBL-TH haplotypes. Results provided evidence of both strain-transcending
      inhibition as well as strain-specific inhibition by antibodies that blocked
      erythrocyte binding against some DBL-TH variants and against homologous alleles.
      This study demonstrated broad inhibition by anti-DBPII antibodies against DBL-TH
      haplotypes in natural P. vivax exposed individuals. The identification of
      conserved epitopes among DBL-TH may have implications for vaccine development of
      a DBPII-based vaccine against diverse P. vivax infections.

PMID- 27145132
TI  - Inter-Pregnancy Weight Change and the Risk of Recurrent Pregnancy Complications.
AB  - Women with specific adverse pregnancy outcomes in their first pregnancy may be
      receptive to inter-pregnancy weight management guidance aimed at preventing these
      complications reoccurring in subsequent pregnancies. Thus the association between
      inter-pregnancy weight change and the risk of recurrent pregnancy complications
      at the second pregnancy was investigated in a retrospective cohort study of
      24,520 women with their first-ever and second consecutive deliveries in Aberdeen
      using logistic regression. Compared with women who were weight stable, weight
      loss (>2BMI units) between pregnancies was associated with an increased risk of
      recurrent small for gestational age (SGA) birth and elective Cesarean-section,
      and was protective against recurrent pre-eclampsia, placental oversize and large
      for gestational age (LGA) birth. Conversely weight gain (>2BMI units) between
      pregnancies increased the risk of recurrent gestational hypertension, placental
      oversize and LGA birth and was protective against recurrent low placental weight
      and SGA birth. The relationships between weight gain, and placental and birth
      weight extremes were evident only in women with a healthy weight at first
      pregnancy (BMI<25units), while that between weight gain and the increased risk of
      recurrent gestational hypertension was largely independent of first pregnancy
      BMI. No relationship was detected between inter-pregnancy weight change and the
      risk of recurrent spontaneous preterm delivery, labour induction, instrumental
      delivery, emergency Cesarean-section or postpartum hemorrhage. Therefor inter
      pregnancy weight change impacts the risk of recurrent hypertensive disorders, SGA
      and LGA birth and women with a prior history of these specific conditions may
      benefit from targeted nutritional advice to either lose or gain weight after
      their first pregnancy.

PMID- 27145133
TI  - Tracking the Time-Dependent Role of the Hippocampus in Memory Recall Using
      DREADDs.
AB  - The hippocampus is critical for the storage of new autobiographical experiences
      as memories. Following an initial encoding stage in the hippocampus, memories
      undergo a process of systems-level consolidation, which leads to greater
      stability through time and an increased reliance on neocortical areas for
      retrieval. The extent to which the retrieval of these consolidated memories still
      requires the hippocampus is unclear, as both spared and severely degraded remote
      memory recall have been reported following post-training hippocampal lesions. One
      difficulty in definitively addressing the role of the hippocampus in remote
      memory retrieval is the precision with which the entire volume of the hippocampal
      region can be inactivated. To address this issue, we used Designer Receptors
      Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs), a chemical-genetic tool
      capable of highly specific neuronal manipulation over large volumes of brain
      tissue. We find that remote (>7 weeks after acquisition), but not recent (1-2
      days after acquisition) contextual fear memories can be recalled after injection
      of the DREADD agonist (CNO) in animals expressing the inhibitory DREADD in the
      entire hippocampus. Our data demonstrate a time-dependent role of the hippocampus
      in memory retrieval, supporting the standard model of systems consolidation.

PMID- 27145137
TI  - [Reports of Oncological Societies].

PMID- 27145134
TI  - A scaffold protein connects type IV pili with the Chp chemosensory system to
      mediate activation of virulence signaling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Type IV pili (TFP) function as mechanosensors to trigger acute virulence programs
      in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. On surface contact, TFP retraction activates the Chp
      chemosensory system phosphorelay to upregulate 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)
      production and transcription of virulence-associated genes. To dissect the
      specific interactions mediating the mechanochemical relay, we used affinity
      purification/mass spectrometry, directed co-immunoprecipitations in P.
      aeruginosa, single cell analysis of contact-dependent transcriptional reporters,
      subcellular localization and bacterial two hybrid assays. We demonstrate that
      FimL, a Chp chemosensory system accessory protein of unknown function, directly
      links the integral component of the TFP structural complex FimV, a peptidoglycan
      binding protein, with one of the Chp system output response regulators PilG. FimL
      and PilG colocalize at cell poles in a FimV-dependent manner. While PilG
      phosphorylation is required for TFP function and mechanochemical signaling, it is
      not required for polar localization or binding to FimL. Phylogenetic analysis
      reveals other bacterial species simultaneously encode TFP, the Chp system, FimL,
      FimV and adenylate cyclase homologs, suggesting that surface sensing may be
      widespread among TFP-expressing bacteria. We propose that FimL acts as a scaffold
      enabling spatial colocalization of TFP and Chp system components to coordinate
      signaling leading to cAMP-dependent upregulation of virulence genes on surface
      contact.

PMID- 27145135
TI  - Comparative docking of dual conformations in human fatty acid synthase
      thioesterase domain reveals potential binding cavity for virtual screening of
      ligands.
AB  - Human fatty acid synthase (hFASN), a homo dimeric lipogenic enzyme with seven
      catalytic domains, is an important clinical target in cancer, metabolic syndrome
      and infections. Here, molecular modelling and docking methods were implemented to
      examine the inter-molecular interactions of thioesterase (TE) domain in hFASN
      with its physiological substrate, and to identify potential chemical inhibitors.
      TE catalyses the hydrolysis of thioester bond between palmitate and the 4'
      phosphopantetheine of acyl carrier protein, releasing 16-carbon palmitate. The
      crystal structure of hFASN TE in two inhibitory conformations (A and B) were
      geometry-optimized and used for molecular docking with palmitate, orlistat (a
      known FASN inhibitor) and virtual screening against compounds from National
      Cancer Institute (NCI) database. Relatively, low binding affinity was observed
      during the complex formation of palmitate with A (-.164 kcal/mol) and B (-.332
      kcal/mol) forms of TE, when compared with orlistat-docked TE (A form: -5.872
      kcal/mol and B form: -5.484 kcal/mol), clearly indicating that the native
      inhibited conformation (crystal structure) was unfavourable for substrate
      binding. We used these orlistat dual binding modes as positive controls for
      prioritizing the ligands during virtual screening. From 2, 31,617 molecules in
      the NCI database, 916 high-scoring compounds (hit ligands) were obtained for A
      form and 4582 for B-form of the TE-domain, which were then ranked according to
      glide docking score, XP H bond score, absorption, distribution, metabolism and
      excretion and binding free energy (Prime/MM-GBSA). Consequently, two top scoring
      ligands (NSC: 319661 and NSC: 153166) emerged as promising drug candidates that
      may be tested in FASN-over-expressing diseases.

PMID- 27145138
TI  - [PharmaNews].

PMID- 27145139
TI  - [Meetings and Conferences].

PMID- 27145140
TI  - Structure and Catalytic Activity of Cr-Doped BaTiO3 Nanocatalysts Synthesized by
      Conventional Oxalate and Microwave Assisted Hydrothermal Methods.
AB  - In the present study synthesis of BaTi1-xCrxO3 nanocatalysts (x = 0.0 <= x <=
      0.05) by conventional oxalate and microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis
      methods was carried out to investigate the effect of synthesis methods on the
      physicochemical and catalytic properties of nanocatalysts. These catalysts were
      thoroughly characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy (XPS), N2 physisortion, and total acidity by pyridine adsorption
      method. Their catalytic performance was evaluated for the reduction of
      nitrobenzene using hydrazine hydrate as the hydrogen source. Structural
      parameters refined by Rietveld analysis using XRD powder data indicate that BaTi1
      xCrxO3 conventional catalysts were crystallized in the tetragonal BaTiO3
      structure with space group P4mm, and microwave catalysts crystallized in pure
      cubic BaTiO3 structure with space group Pm3m. TEM analysis of the catalysts
      reveal spherical morphology of the particles, and these are uniformly dispersed
      in microwave catalysts whereas agglomeration of the particles was observed in
      conventional catalysts. Particle size of the microwave catalysts is found to be
      20-35 nm compared to conventional catalysts (30-48 nm). XPS studies reveal that
      Cr is present in the 3+ and 6+ mixed valence state in all the catalysts.
      Microwave synthesized catalysts showed a 4-10-fold increase in surface area and
      pore volume compared to conventional catalysts. Acidity of the BaTiO3 catalysts
      improved with Cr dopant in the catalysts, and this could be due to an increase in
      the number of Lewis acid sites with an increase in Cr content of all the
      catalysts. Catalytic reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline studies reveals that
      BaTiO3 synthesized by microwave is very active and showed 99.3% nitrobenzene
      conversion with 98.2% aniline yield. The presence of Cr in the catalysts
      facilitates a faster reduction reaction in all the catalysts, and its effect is
      particularly notable in conventional synthesized catalysts.

PMID- 27145141
TI  - Obesity and gestational diabetes in pregnancy: an evolving epidemic.

PMID- 27145142
TI  - Controlling quality and amount of mitochondria by mitophagy: insights into the
      role of ubiquitination and deubiquitination.
AB  - Mitophagy is a selective autophagy pathway conserved in eukaryotes and plays an
      essential role in mitochondrial quality and quantity control. Mitochondrial
      fission and fusion cycles maintain a certain amount of healthy mitochondria and
      allow the isolation of damaged mitochondria for their elimination by mitophagy.
      Mitophagy can be classified into receptor-dependent and ubiquitin-dependent
      pathways. The mitochondrial outer membrane protein Atg32 is identified as the
      only known receptor for mitophagy in baker's yeast, whereas mitochondrial
      proteins FUNDC1, NIX/BNIP3L, BNIP3 and Bcl2L13 are recognized as mitophagy
      receptors in mammalian cells. Earlier studies showed that ubiquitination and
      deubiquitination occurs in yeast, yet there is no direct evidence for an
      ubiquitin-dependent mitophagy pathway in this organism. In contrast, a ubiquitin
      /PINK1-/Parkin-dependent mitophagy pathway was unraveled and was extensively
      characterized in mammals in recent years. Recently, a quantitative method termed
      synthetic quantitative array (SQA) technology was developed to identify
      modulators of mitophagy in baker's yeast on a genome-wide level. The Ubp3-Bre5
      deubiquitination complex was found as a negative regulator of mitophagy while
      promoting other autophagic pathways. Here we discuss how ubiquitination and
      deubiquitination regulates mitophagy and other selective forms of autophagy and
      what argues for using baker's yeast as a model to study the ubiquitin-dependent
      mitophagy pathway.

PMID- 27145143
TI  - A Modified Approach for Transgluteal Prostate Biopsy in Patients Without Rectal
      Access.

PMID- 27145144
TI  - Determining Electroconvulsive Therapy Response With Machine Learning.

PMID- 27145145
TI  - Rapid Prototyping of Chemical Microsensors Based on Molecularly Imprinted
      Polymers Synthesized by Two-Photon Stereolithography.
AB  - Two-photon stereolithography is used for rapid prototyping of submicrometre
      molecularly imprinted polymer-based 3D structures. The structures are evaluated
      as chemical sensing elements and their specific recognition properties for target
      molecules are confirmed. The 3D design capability is exploited and highlighted
      through the fabrication of an all-organic molecularly imprinted polymeric
      microelectromechanical sensor. 

PMID- 27145146
TI  - Mandibular Class II Furcation Defect Treatment: Effects of the Addition of
      Platelet Concentrates to Open Flap: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of
      Randomized Clinical Trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To improve the efficacy and outcomes of regenerative therapy for
      furcation defects, the use of platelet concentrates (PCs) in addition to open
      flap debridement (OFD) has been investigated. The aim of this systematic review
      is to evaluate whether mandibular Class II furcation defects treated with the
      addition of PC to OFD heal with a significant improvement in the following: 1)
      horizontal clinical attachment level (HCAL); 2) vertical clinical attachment
      level (VCAL); 3) probing depth (PD); and 4) level of gingival margin (LGM).
      METHODS: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EBSCO Library, Cochrane Database of
      Systematic Reviews, and SCOPUS) were searched for randomized clinical trials to
      address the use of PCs in combination with OFD compared with a control group
      without PCs for the treatment of mandibular Class II furcation defects in humans
      and to provide data on the above reported outcome measures. The results of
      selected studies were converted to mean difference and standard error and
      interpolated using the inverse of variance test. Heterogeneity was investigated
      using both the Higgins index and the Q test. RESULTS: Of 254 articles screened,
      only 11 were read in full text, and three of these were included in the meta
      analysis. The addition of PCs to OFD revealed a small improvement in the
      following: 1) HCAL (mean difference, 1.36 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07
      to 1.65); 2) VCAL (mean difference, 1.54 mm; 95% CI = 1.23 to 1.85); and 3) PD
      (mean difference, 1.83 mm; 95% CI = 1.36 to 2.29). No differences were found for
      the LGM. Heterogeneity across the studies was high, and all the three included
      studies were performed in one country. CONCLUSIONS: Adding PCs to OFD for the
      treatment of mandibular Class II furcation defects may lead to slight
      improvements in clinical parameters. Nonetheless, because of the high
      heterogeneity of the very small number of reported studies and the small effect
      size, no definitive conclusion can be achieved about the clinical application of
      such a treatment option.

PMID- 27145147
TI  - Conditioned medium from human bone marrow stromal cells attenuates initial
      inflammatory reactions in dental pulp tissue.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effect of MSC-conditioned medium (CM) on the secretion of
      pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines from dental pulp cells (hDPC) in vitro, and
      on the gene expression in vivo after replantation of rat molars. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: hDPC were cultured in CM for 24 h, and the concentration of interleukin
      IL-10, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8, regulated on activation, normal T Cell expressed and
      secreted (RANTES), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) in the media were measured by
      multiplex assay and ELISA, respectively. Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
      was also examined by Western blot analysis after 24 h. Left and right maxillary
      first rat molars (n = 20) were elevated for 2 min and then replanted with or
      without application of CM into the tooth sockets. Levels of IL-1beta, IL-10, IL
      4, IL-6, and IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA were
      evaluated by real-time qRT-PCR 3 and 14 days following tooth replantation.
      RESULTS: The production of IL-8, IL-10, and IL-6, RANTES and PGE2 by cells
      cultured in CM was significantly higher than production by cells cultured in
      standard medium (DMEM). At day 3 following replantation in vivo, the levels of IL
      1beta and IL-6, and TNF-alpha mRNA were significantly lower in the CM-treated
      replanted teeth compared with control teeth. Further, at day 3, the IL-6/IL-10
      ratio was significantly lower in the CM-treated replanted teeth compared with
      control. At day 14 following replantation, no differences in the mRNA ratios were
      detected between the pulp tissues of replanted and control teeth. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings indicated that CM promotes secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory
      cytokines from hDPCin vitro and attenuates the initial inflammatory response in
      the rat dental pulp in vivo following tooth replantation.

PMID- 27145148
TI  - Use of a Needs Assessment in the Development of an Interprofessional Faculty
      Development Program.
AB  - A needs assessment was conducted regarding an interprofessional faculty
      development program for promoting excellence in education. Nursing and medical
      faculty and administrators (N = 156) were surveyed about perceived need, program
      curriculum, and delivery. The results indicated strong support for the program,
      particularly related to teaching/learning strategies, leadership, and
      scholarship. Nursing faculty rated some topical areas significantly higher than
      did the medical faculty, including innovative classroom teaching, educational
      technology, interprofessional education, diversity/inclusion, and mentoring
      graduate students.

PMID- 27145149
TI  - Nursing and Theater: Teaching Ethics Through the Arts.
AB  - Prelicensure nursing education needs to prepare students for their future roles
      as professional nurses with ethical and moral decision-making skills. This
      article describes the use of theater as one approach to teaching nursing ethics
      at the prelicensure level. Students perform as actors, directors, and discussion
      leaders in a series of simulated ethical scenarios designed to encourage
      individual accountability and responsibility for action. 

PMID- 27145150
TI  - Obesity and Age-Related Changes in Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
      Across Four Generations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of obesity increases with age and is higher in each
      younger generation (unfavorable generation shift). This may influence patterns of
      oxidative stress and inflammation. Age-related changes and generation shifts in
      markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were investigated, specifically
      addressing the role of body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Four generations (aged 26
      35, 36-45, 46-55, and 56-65 at baseline) (N = 5,155) were examined every 5 years
      for 15 years between 1993 and 2012. Random coefficient analyses were used to
      study age-related changes and generation shifts in BMI, gamma-glutamyltransferase
      (GGT), uric acid (UA), and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: Levels of BMI, UA,
      and CRP increased in all generations up to age 75, whereas GGT increased up to
      age 55. No consistent generation shifts were observed for GGT, UA, and CRP (P >=
      0.05). Participants with a stable BMI (change <=1 kg/m(2) /15 years) had either
      no or small increases with age in GGT, UA, and CRP, whereas participants with
      increasing BMI (increase >1 kg/m(2) /15 years) had much larger increases (P <
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The unfavorable age-related changes in obesity-related
      biochemical markers, particularly among individuals with increasing BMI, show the
      importance of maintaining a healthy weight to improve population levels of
      oxidative stress and inflammation.

PMID- 27145153
TI  - Patients suffer as sisters lose control of ward budgets.
AB  - A government pledge to give ward managers in England budgets to improve their
      clinical environments has floundered, a Nursing Standard investigation reveals.

PMID- 27145152
TI  - T lymphocyte dynamics in methylisothiazolinone-allergic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methylisothiazolinone (MI), a preservative that is commonly used in
      personal care products, is now recognized as an important contact allergen in
      both cosmetic and occupational settings. OBJECTIVES: To analyse T lymphocyte
      responses to MI, in order to provide important information regarding the
      relationship between the nature of such responses and skin sensitization potency.
      METHODS: Proliferative responses to free MI and to an MI-human serum albumin
      (HSA) conjugate were measured according to [(3) H]thymidine incorporation (n = 56
      donors; patch test scores of + in 20, ++ in 29, and +++ in 7). Peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells were cultured in the presence of MI (0.001-1 ug/ml) or MI-HSA
      (0.001-100 ug/ml). Proliferating CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes were identified
      by flow cytometry with the intracellular marker Ki-67. RESULTS: For free MI,
      modest positive responses were recorded for 7 of 31 donors. In contrast, MI-HSA
      stimulated more marked responses in 17 of 31 donors. Characterization of positive
      proliferative responses showed variable patterns of proliferating CD4(+) and
      CD8(+) T lymphocytes from donors with the same patch test scores and similar
      maximal values. CONCLUSIONS: MI-HSA is able to induce secondary responses in
      lymphocytes drawn from sensitized subjects, and provides a more effective source
      of antigen than free MI. Furthermore, individual donors show differential
      activity profiles with respect to T lymphocyte subsets.

PMID- 27145154
TI  - Confuse and Conceal - The NHS and Independent Sector Treatment Centres Player
      Stewart Leys Colin Confuse and Conceal - The NHS and Independent Sector Treatment
      Centres 128pp Merlin Press 9780850366099 0850366097 [Formula: see text].
AB  - The main thrust of this book is that independent sector treatment centres (ISTCs)
      were set up as a covert way of introducing private providers into the NHS, rather
      than offering patients more choice of where to receive surgical care.

PMID- 27145151
TI  - Structural Features Essential to the Antimicrobial Functions of Human SPLUNC1.
AB  - SPLUNC1 is an abundantly secreted innate immune protein in the mammalian
      respiratory tract that exerts bacteriostatic and antibiofilm effects, binds to
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and acts as a fluid-spreading surfactant. Here, we
      unravel the structural elements essential for the surfactant and antimicrobial
      functions of human SPLUNC1 (short palate lung nasal epithelial clone 1). A unique
      alpha-helix (alpha4) that extends from the body of SPLUNC1 is required for the
      bacteriostatic, surfactant, and LPS binding activities of this protein. Indeed,
      we find that mutation of just four leucine residues within this helical motif to
      alanine is sufficient to significantly inhibit the fluid spreading abilities of
      SPLUNC1, as well as its bacteriostatic actions against Gram-negative pathogens
      Burkholderia cenocepacia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conformational flexibility
      in the body of SPLUNC1 is also involved in the bacteriostatic, surfactant, and
      LPS binding functions of the protein as revealed by disulfide mutants introduced
      into SPLUNC1. In addition, SPLUNC1 exerts antibiofilm effects against Gram
      negative bacteria, although alpha4 is not involved in this activity.
      Interestingly, though, the introduction of surface electrostatic mutations away
      from alpha4 based on the unique dolphin SPLUNC1 sequence, and confirmed by
      crystal structure, is shown to impart antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus
      aureus, the first SPLUNC1-dependent effect against a Gram-positive bacterium
      reported to date. Together, these data pinpoint SPLUNC1 structural motifs
      required for the antimicrobial and surfactant actions of this protective human
      protein.

PMID- 27145156
TI  - Beating Bowel Cancer.
AB  - The Beating Bowel Cancer charity website helps people with colorectal cancer. Its
      focus is on prevention, awareness and early diagnosis. It provides information on
      symptoms, diagnosis and support and emphasises the importance of screening and
      good communication with healthcare professionals.

PMID- 27145159
TI  - Clinical Utility of Atrial Electromechanical Conduction Time Measured with
      Speckle Tracking Echocardiography after Catheter Ablation in Patients with Atrial
      Fibrillation: A Validation Study with Electroanatomical Mapping.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our recent report demonstrated that atrial electromechanical conduction
      time (EMT-epsilon) measured with speckle tracking echocardiography could predict
      cardiac events in patients with pathological left ventricular hypertrophy. This
      study aimed to validate EMT-epsilon by comparison with electroanatomical mapping
      and to investigate the clinical utility of EMT-epsilon in patients with atrial
      fibrillation (AF) undergoing catheter ablation. METHODS: Forty-six patients with
      preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF >= 50%) undergoing pulmonary vein isolation
      (PVI) for AF were studied. Atrial electrical conduction delay was determined by
      measuring atrial electrical activation time (EAT) using three-dimensional
      electroanatomical mapping just after PVI. Echocardiographic parameters were
      acquired within 24 hours and at 6 months after PVI. The study also included 10
      control subjects. RESULTS: AF patients had a larger left atrial (LA) volume index
      (LAVI) and more prolonged EMT-epsilon compared with control subjects. According
      to the validation study, EAT was closely related to EMT-epsilon and a', and this
      association was independent of LAVI and the presence of persistent AF (EMT
      epsilon: R(2) = 0.342, P < 0.0001, a': R(2) = 0.337, P < 0.0001). At 6 months
      after PVI, LAVI and EMT-epsilon were significantly improved. During continued
      follow-up beyond 6 months (total follow-up, 26 +/- 12 months), the EMT-epsilon
      shortening at 6 months after PVI was significantly greater in AF-free patients
      than patients with AF recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested that the EMT
      epsilon could be a useful echocardiographic marker of LA electromechanical
      abnormalities in patients with AF.

PMID- 27145160
TI  - Sodium-Doped Gold-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization for Enhanced Imaging Mass
      Spectrometry of Triacylglycerols from Thin Tissue Sections.
AB  - The deposition of sodium salts followed by a sputtered layer of gold has been
      demonstrated to be a power combination for the analysis of triacylglycerols
      (TAGs) from tissue sections by laser desorption ionization (LDI) imaging mass
      spectrometry (IMS). Various sodium salts were tested for their capability to
      ionize TAGs and their ability to produce fast drying, small crystals (<=3 MUm).
      The spray deposition of a sodium acetate and carbonate buffer mixture at pH 10.3
      on which a 28 +/- 3 nm sputtered layer of gold (Au-CBS) is subsequently deposited
      was found to provide the most effective combination for TAG analysis by high
      imaging resolution IMS. Under these conditions, a 30-fold increase in TAG signal
      intensity was observed when compared to matrix-assisted LDI (MALDI) methods using
      2,5-dihydrobenzoic acid as matrix. Furthermore, Au-CBS led to an increase in the
      number of detected TAG species from ~7 with DHB to more than 25 with the novel
      method, while few phospholipid signals were observed. These results were derived
      from the IMS investigation of fresh frozen mouse liver and rabbit adrenal gland
      tissue sections with a range of higher spatial resolutions between 35 and 10 MUm.
      Au-CBS-LDI MS presents a highly sensitive and specific alternative to MALDI MS
      for imaging of TAGs from tissue sections. This novel approach has the potential
      to provide new biological insights on the role of TAGs in both health and
      disease.

PMID- 27145158
TI  - Targeted alpha therapy using short-lived alpha-particles and the promise of
      nanobodies as targeting vehicle.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The combination of a targeted biomolecule that specifically defines
      the target and a radionuclide that delivers a cytotoxic payload offers a specific
      way to destroy cancer cells. Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRNT) aims to deliver
      cytotoxic radiation to cancer cells and causes minimal toxicity to surrounding
      healthy tissues. Recent advances using alpha-particle radiation emphasizes their
      potential to generate radiation in a highly localized and toxic manner because of
      their high level of ionization and short range in tissue. AREAS COVERED: We
      review the importance of targeted alpha therapy (TAT) and focus on nanobodies as
      potential beneficial vehicles. In recent years, nanobodies have been evaluated
      intensively as unique antigen-specific vehicles for molecular imaging and TRNT.
      EXPERT OPINION: We expect that the efficient targeting capacity and fast
      clearance of nanobodies offer a high potential for TAT. More particularly, we
      argue that the nanobodies' pharmacokinetic properties match perfectly with the
      interesting decay properties of the short-lived alpha-particle emitting
      radionuclides Astatine-211 and Bismuth-213 and offer an interesting treatment
      option particularly for micrometastatic cancer and residual disease.

PMID- 27145161
TI  - Nucleus Accumbens Deep Brain Stimulation for Alcohol Addiction - Safety and
      Clinical Long-term Results of a Pilot Trial.
AB  - We report on the long-term clinical outcome (up to 8 years) of 5 patients who
      received deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus accumbens to treat their
      long-lasting and treatment-resistant alcohol addiction. All patients reported a
      complete absence of craving for alcohol; 2 patients remained abstinent for many
      years and 3 patients showed a marked reduction of alcohol consumption. No severe
      or long-standing side effects occurred. Therefore, DBS could be a promising,
      novel treatment option for severe alcohol addiction, but larger clinical trials
      are needed to further investigate the efficacy of DBS in addiction. 

PMID- 27145162
TI  - Sesquiterpenoids Isolated from Two Species of the Asteriscus Alliance.
AB  - Investigation of the aerial parts of two Spanish members of the Asteriscus
      alliance, Asteriscus graveolens subsp. stenophyllus and Asteriscus schultzii,
      afforded four new sesquiterpene lactones containing a humulene skeleton (1-4) and
      one new sesquiterpene lactone of the asteriscanolide type (5). Their chemical
      structures were determined on the basis of the HRMS and from 1D and 2D NMR
      spectroscopic studies. Both species showed different profiles of sesquiterpenoid
      constituents. A. schultzii did not show humulene or asteriscane sesquiterpenes,
      suggesting a resemblance to the genus Pallenis, another member of the Asteriscus
      alliance. A literature review on chemical isolates from the Asteriscus alliance
      supported the placement of A. schultzii in the genus Pallenis. The isolated
      components (1-5) were assessed for cytotoxicity against the HL-60 and MOLT-3
      leukemia cell lines, with compound 1 showing activity in both biological assays
      (IC50 value range 4.1-5.4 MUM).

PMID- 27145163
TI  - Viability, Acid and Bile Tolerance of Spray Dried Probiotic Bacteria and Some
      Commercial Probiotic Supplement Products Kept at Room Temperature.
AB  - Production of probiotic food supplements that are shelf-stable at room
      temperature has been developed for consumer's convenience, but information on the
      stability in acid and bile environment is still scarce. Viability and acid and
      bile tolerance of microencapsulated Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus
      acidophilus and 4 commercial probiotic supplements were evaluated.
      Bifidobacterium and L. acidophilus were encapsulated with casein-based emulsion
      using spray drying. Water activity (aw ) of the microspheres containing
      Bifidobacterium or L. acidophilus (SD GM product) was adjusted to 0.07 followed
      by storage at 25  degrees C for 10 wk. Encapsulated Bifidobacterium spp. and
      Lactobacillus acidophilus and 4 commercial probiotic supplement products (AL, GH,
      RE, and BM) were tested. Since commercial probiotic products contained mixed
      bacteria, selective media MRS-LP (containing L-cysteine and Na-propionate) and
      MRS-clindamycin agar were used to grow Bifidobacterium spp. or L. acidophilus,
      respectively, and to inhibit the growth of other strains. The results showed that
      aw had a strong negative correlation with the viability of dehydrated probiotics
      of the 6 products. Viable counts of Bifidobacterium spp. and L. acidophilus of SD
      GM, AL, and GH were between 8.3 and 9.2 log CFU/g, whereas that of BM and RE were
      between 6.7 and 7.3 log CFU/g. Bifidobacterium in SD GM, in AL, and in GH
      products and L. acidophilus in SD GM, in AL, and in BM products demonstrated high
      tolerance to acid. Most of dehydrated probiotic bacteria were able to survive in
      bile environment except L. acidophilus in RE product. Exposure to gastric juice
      influenced bacterial survivability in subsequent bile environment. 

PMID- 27145165
TI  - Ileal ulceration in a child: a rare cause of occult haemorrhage.

PMID- 27145164
TI  - Prospective MRI-based imaging study to assess feasibility of proton therapy for
      post-prostatectomy radiation.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To optimize delivery of post-prostatectomy radiation (PPRT)
      with protons by examining dosimetric effects of variations in physician
      contouring, organ motion, and patient alignment during a course of PPRT. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: We enrolled 10 patients receiving PPRT in a prospective imaging
      study. All patients underwent combined computed tomography (CT)/magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) simulation with endorectal balloon (ERB) and received
      intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) per institutional standards. Study
      patients underwent weekly MRI verification scans in the treatment position. Three
      radiation oncologists contoured clinical target volumes (CTV) on initial and
      verification scans using two consensus guidelines (RTOG and EORTC). We generated
      IMRT, double scattering (DS), and pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton plans and
      examined the dosimetric impact of contour variations, inter-fraction motion, and
      patient alignment techniques. RESULTS: Inter-observer variations in contouring
      reduced median CTV coverage (D100) by 0.9% for IMRT plans, 2.8% for DS proton
      plans, 3.4-4.9% for PBS Proton Plans. Inter-fraction changes in target volumes
      due to internal organ motion resulted in a median loss of target dose coverage
      (D98) of 0% with IMRT, 3.5% with DS, and 8.1-8.3% with PBS. Median bladder V65Gy
      increased during the treatment course with all techniques (6.0-7.5%). Changes in
      the median rectal V60Gy remained small regardless of the treatment technique (0.5
      3.1% increase). Alignment to the ERB after cranio-caudal bony alignment reduced
      CTV displacement compared to bony alignment alone, and as a result CTV coverage
      (D98) changed <2% with IMRT, DS, and PBS. CONCLUSION: Proton-based treatments are
      more sensitive to changes in inter-fraction organ motion during PPRT compared to
      IMRT, and therefore motion management and patient alignment methods are critical.
      Patient alignment using bony anatomy as well as the ERB minimizes displacement of
      the CTV, and reduces variation in target dose coverage particularly for PBS
      proton therapy.

PMID- 27145166
TI  - Normative values for mandibular mobility in Scandinavian individuals 4-17 years
      of age.
AB  - Assessment of mandibular mobility is an important part of the clinical oro-facial
      examination of paediatric and adolescent patients. The aims of the present cross
      sectional study were to establish age-related normative values for mandibular
      mobility in a Scandinavian paediatric and adolescent cohort and to assess the
      validity of universal cut-off values for lower 'normal' mandibular ranges of
      motion. A total of 1114 Danish individuals between 4-17 years of age were
      included. Maximal mouth opening capacity and laterotrusion capacity were
      assessed, in each individual, according to a standardised measurement protocol.
      The mean maximal mouth opening capacity gradually increased from 38 mm (SD 6.1
      mm) at age 4 to 54.5 mm (SD 6.8 mm) at age 17. No inter-gender difference in
      maximal mouth opening capacity was observed (P > 0.15). The mean maximal
      laterotrusion capacity gradually increased from 7.4 mm (SD. 1.1 mm) at age four
      to 10.1 mm (SD 1.9 mm) at age 17. A statistical significant inter-gender
      difference of 0.8 mm (SD 0.4 mm) was observed in relation to the total
      laterotrusion capacity; however, the clinical relevance of this significant
      difference is questionable. Normative values of mandibular function was
      established in individuals 4-17 years of age. Our findings oppose the use of a
      single universal cut-off value for 'normal' range of motion in paediatric and
      adolescent patients. Instead, we recommend to use the age-related normative
      values of mandibular range of motion as basis for the assessment of the
      development of oro-facial function. 

PMID- 27145167
TI  - Comparing Charge Transport in Oligonucleotides: RNA:DNA Hybrids and DNA Duplexes.
AB  - Understanding the electronic properties of oligonucleotide systems is important
      for applications in nanotechnology, biology, and sensing systems. Here the charge
      transport properties of guanine-rich RNA:DNA hybrids are compared to double
      stranded DNA (dsDNA) duplexes with identical sequences. The conductance of the
      RNA:DNA hybrids is ~10 times higher than the equivalent dsDNA, and conformational
      differences are determined to be the primary reason for this difference. The
      conductance of the RNA:DNA hybrids is also found to decrease more rapidly than
      dsDNA when the length is increased. Ab initio electronic structure and Green's
      function-based density of states calculations demonstrate that these differences
      arise because the energy levels are more spatially distributed in the RNA:DNA
      hybrid but that the number of accessible hopping sites is smaller. These
      combination results indicate that a simple hopping model that treats each
      individual guanine as a hopping site is insufficient to explain both a higher
      conductance and beta value for RNA:DNA hybrids, and larger delocalization lengths
      must be considered.

PMID- 27145168
TI  - Fulfill Promises and Avoid Breaches to Retain Satisfied, Committed Nurses.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study examines two commonly proposed mechanisms, violation and
      trust, to see if they mediate the relationships between the components of the
      psychological contract (i.e., promises, fulfillment, and breach) and their impact
      on the work-related outcomes of job satisfaction, intent to quit, and
      organizational commitment. DESIGN: Online surveys were completed by 459
      Australian nurses. FINDINGS: Structural equation modeling revealed that breach
      and fulfillment have direct and mediated effects on the outcomes, whereas
      promises had no impact. Violation partially mediated the relationship between
      breach and job satisfaction and intent to quit, while trust partially mediated
      the relationships between fulfillment and organizational commitment, and breach
      and organizational commitment. CONCLUSIONS: Negative experiences (i.e., breaches)
      were related to both increased feelings of violation and decreased feelings of
      trust. In contrast, positive experiences (i.e., fulfillment) increased trust but
      did not significantly reduce feelings of violation. Nurse and organizational
      managers can use these findings to improve communication with nurses so as to
      minimize the negative effects of breach and maximize the positive effects of
      fulfillment and thus improve attitudes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nurse managers need
      to be careful to make promises regarding their nurses' employment that they can
      fulfill and to particularly avoid breaking the psychological contract. The
      potentially disproportionate negative effect of breach means that a breach can
      undo a lot of efforts to fulfill employment-related promises.

PMID- 27145170
TI  - Retraction Notice to: Gut-Colonizing Bacteria Promote C. elegans Innate Immunity
      by Producing Nitric Oxide.

PMID- 27145172
TI  - RAPID MACULAR HOLE FORMATION, SPONTANEOUS CLOSURE, AND REOPENING AFTER PARS PLANA
      VITRECTOMY FOR MACULA-SPARING RETINAL DETACHMENT.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To report a single case of macular hole (MH) opening,
      spontaneous closure, and reopening in the 3-month period after pars plana
      vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: Case report.
      RESULTS: A 59-year-old man with a macula-sparing RRD underwent uncomplicated pars
      plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade. The patient developed a FTMH 2 months
      postoperatively. The hole was noted to spontaneously close 3 months
      postoperatively, but then reopened 4 months postoperatively and required repeat
      pars plana vitrectomy and inner limiting membrane peel for definitive closure.
      The rapidity with which the MH developed after pars plana vitrectomy for macula
      sparing RRD and its dynamic behavior have not been previously reported.
      CONCLUSION: Full-thickness macular holes may rarely develop rapidly, spontaneous
      close, and reopen after pars plana vitrectomy for RRD, even in macula-sparing
      cases.

PMID- 27145171
TI  - X-ray Excited Optical Fluorescence and Diffraction Imaging of Reactivity and
      Crystallinity in a Zeolite Crystal: Crystallography and Molecular Spectroscopy in
      One.
AB  - Structure-activity relationships in heterogeneous catalysis are challenging to be
      measured on a single-particle level. For the first time, one X-ray beam is used
      to determine the crystallographic structure and reactivity of a single zeolite
      crystal. The method generates MUm-resolved X-ray diffraction (MU-XRD) and X-ray
      excited optical fluorescence (MU-XEOF) maps of the crystallinity and Bronsted
      reactivity of a zeolite crystal previously reacted with a styrene probe molecule.
      The local gradients in chemical reactivity (derived from MU-XEOF) were correlated
      with local crystallinity and framework Al content, determined by MU-XRD. Two
      distinctly different types of fluorescent species formed selectively, depending
      on the local zeolite crystallinity. The results illustrate the potential of this
      approach to resolve the crystallographic structure of a porous material and its
      reactivity in one experiment via X-ray induced fluorescence of organic molecules
      formed at the reactive centers.

PMID- 27145173
TI  - LOCATING AND CHARACTERIZING ANGIOID STREAKS WITH EN FACE OPTICAL COHERENCE
      TOMOGRAPHY.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize angioid streaks (AS) with en face optical coherence
      tomography (OCT). METHODS: Case report of a patient with myopia presenting with
      choroidal neovascularization secondary to AS. Swept-source en face OCT ability to
      image the streaks was compared with spectral-domain and swept-source B-scans as
      well as color and red-free pictures. A 48-year-old man with myopia presented with
      sudden central visual loss. Choroidal neovascularization secondary to AS was
      diagnosed and intraocular anti-vascular endothelial growth factor given with
      clinical and OCT features improvement. RESULTS: Angioid streaks were visualized
      as less dark than the overlying retinal and the underlying choroidal vasculature.
      En face OCT located the changes at the level of Bruch membrane. An AS was found
      to be interrupted by the choroidal neovascularization, what was not captured by
      other modalities. CONCLUSION: En face OCT allows to assess the extent of changes
      in Bruch membrane and their spatial relationship to choroidal neovascularization.

PMID- 27145174
TI  - Enteroviral proteases: structure, host interactions and pathogenicity.
AB  - Enteroviruses are common human pathogens, and infections are particularly
      frequent in children. Severe infections can lead to a variety of diseases,
      including poliomyelitis, aseptic meningitis, myocarditis and neonatal sepsis.
      Enterovirus infections have also been implicated in asthmatic exacerbations and
      type 1 diabetes. The large disease spectrum of the closely related enteroviruses
      may be partially, but not fully, explained by differences in tissue tropism. The
      molecular mechanisms by which enteroviruses cause disease are poorly understood,
      but there is increasing evidence that the two enteroviral proteases, 2A(pro) and
      3C(pro) , are important mediators of pathology. These proteases perform the post
      translational proteolytic processing of the viral polyprotein, but they also
      cleave several host-cell proteins in order to promote the production of new virus
      particles, as well as to evade the cellular antiviral immune responses.
      Enterovirus-associated processing of cellular proteins may also contribute to
      pathology, as elegantly demonstrated by the 2A(pro) -mediated cleavage of
      dystrophin in cardiomyocytes contributing to Coxsackievirus-induced
      cardiomyopathy. It is likely that improved tools to identify targets for these
      proteases will reveal additional host protein substrates that can be linked to
      specific enterovirus-associated diseases. Here, we discuss the function of the
      enteroviral proteases in the virus replication cycle and review the current
      knowledge regarding how these proteases modulate the infected cell in order to
      favour virus replication, including ways to avoid detection by the immune system.
      We also highlight new possibilities for the identification of protease-specific
      cellular targets and thereby a way to discover novel mechanisms contributing to
      disease. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27145175
TI  - Petascale Orbital-Free Density Functional Theory Enabled by Small-Box Algorithms.
AB  - Orbital-free density functional theory (OFDFT) is a quantum-mechanics-based
      method that utilizes electron density as its sole variable. The main
      computational cost in OFDFT is the ubiquitous use of the fast Fourier transform
      (FFT), which is mainly adopted to evaluate the kinetic energy density functional
      (KEDF) and electron-electron Coulomb interaction terms. We design and implement a
      small-box FFT (SBFFT) algorithm to overcome the parallelization limitations of
      conventional FFT algorithms. We also propose real-space truncation of the
      nonlocal Wang-Teter KEDF kernel. The scalability of the SBFFT is demonstrated by
      efficiently simulating one full optimization step (electron density, energies,
      forces, and stresses) of 1,024,000 lithium (Li) atoms on up to 65,536 cores. We
      perform other tests using Li as a test material, including calculations of
      physical properties of different phases of bulk Li, geometry optimizations of
      nanocrystalline Li, and molecular dynamics simulations of liquid Li. All of the
      tests yield excellent agreement with the original OFDFT results, suggesting that
      the OFDFT-SBFFT algorithm opens the door to efficient first-principles
      simulations of materials containing millions of atoms. 

PMID- 27145176
TI  - Three-Level Mixed-Effects Logistic Regression Analysis Reveals Complex
      Epidemiology of Swine Rotaviruses in Diagnostic Samples from North America.
AB  - Rotaviruses (RV) are important causes of diarrhea in animals, especially in
      domestic animals. Of the 9 RV species, rotavirus A, B, and C (RVA, RVB, and RVC,
      respectively) had been established as important causes of diarrhea in pigs. The
      Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory receives swine stool samples from
      North America to determine the etiologic agents of disease. Between November 2009
      and October 2011, 7,508 samples from pigs with diarrhea were submitted to
      determine if enteric pathogens, including RV, were present in the samples. All
      samples were tested for RVA, RVB, and RVC by real time RT-PCR. The majority of
      the samples (82%) were positive for RVA, RVB, and/or RVC. To better understand
      the risk factors associated with RV infections in swine diagnostic samples, three
      level mixed-effects logistic regression models (3L-MLMs) were used to estimate
      associations among RV species, age, and geographical variability within the major
      swine production regions in North America. The conditional odds ratios (cORs) for
      RVA and RVB detection were lower for 1-3 day old pigs when compared to any other
      age group. However, the cOR of RVC detection in 1-3 day old pigs was
      significantly higher (p < 0.001) than pigs in the 4-20 days old and >55 day old
      age groups. Furthermore, pigs in the 21-55 day old age group had statistically
      higher cORs of RV co-detection compared to 1-3 day old pigs (p < 0.001). The 3L
      MLMs indicated that RV status was more similar within states than among states or
      within each region. Our results indicated that 3L-MLMs are a powerful and
      adaptable tool to handle and analyze large-hierarchical datasets. In addition,
      our results indicated that, overall, swine RV epidemiology is complex, and RV
      species are associated with different age groups and vary by regions in North
      America.

PMID- 27145177
TI  - Failure of introduction of cashew nut after a negative oral food challenge test
      in children.

PMID- 27145178
TI  - Slow Gait Speed and Rapid Renal Function Decline Are Risk Factors for
      Postoperative Delirium after Urological Surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with
      postoperative delirium in patients undergoing urological surgery. METHODS: We
      prospectively evaluated pre- and postoperative risk factors for postoperative
      delirium in consecutive 215 patients who received urological surgery between
      August 2013 and November 2014. Preoperative factors included patient
      demographics, comorbidities, and frailty assessment. Frailty was measured by
      handgrip strength, fatigue scale of depression, fall risk assessment, and gait
      speed (the timed Get-up and Go test). Postoperative factors included types of
      anesthesia, surgical procedure, renal function and serum albumin decline, blood
      loss, surgery time, highest body temperature, and complications. Uni- and
      multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess pre- and
      postoperative predictors for the development of postoperative delirium. RESULTS:
      Median age of this cohort was 67 years. Ten patients (4.7%) experienced
      postoperative delirium. These patients were significantly older, had weak
      handgrip strength, a higher fall risk assessment score, slow gait speed, and
      greater renal function decline compared with patients without delirium.
      Multivariate analysis revealed slow gait speed (>13.0 s) and rapid renal function
      decline (>30%) were independent risk factors for postoperative delirium.
      CONCLUSIONS: Slow gait speed and rapid renal function decline after urological
      surgery are significant factors for postoperative delirium. These data will be
      helpful for perioperative patient management. This study was registered as a
      clinical trial: UMIN: R000018809.

PMID- 27145181
TI  - Correction: Mapping the Distribution of Anthrax in Mainland China, 2005-2013.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004637.].

PMID- 27145179
TI  - MiR-211/STAT5A Signaling Modulates Migration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Improve
      its Therapeutic Efficacy.
AB  - Our previous study showed that the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSCs) transplantation were improved by enhancing migration. MicroRNA-211 (miR
      211) can modulate the migratory properties of some cell types by mechanisms that
      are not fully understood. This study was designed to investigate a possible role
      for miR-211 in MSC migration, and whether genetic manipulation of miR-211 in MSCs
      could be used to enhance its beneficial effects of cell transplantation.
      Transwell assays confirmed that MSCs migration of was significantly impaired by
      miR-211 knockdown but enhanced by miR-211 overexpression. MiR-211 overexpressing
      MSCs also exhibited significantly increased cell engraftment in the peri-infarct
      areas of female rat hearts 2 days after intravenous transplantation of male MSCs
      as shown by GFP tracking and SYR gene quantification. This conferred a
      significant decrease in infarct size and improved cardiac performance. By using a
      loss or gain of gene function approach, we demonstrated that miR-211 targeted
      STAT5A to modulate MSCs migration, possibly by interacting with MAPK signaling.
      Furthermore, the beneficial effects of miR-211 overexpression in MSCs were
      abolished by simultaneous overexpression of STAT5A whereas the negative effects
      of miR-211 silencing on MSC migration were rescued by simultaneous downregulation
      of STAT5A. Finally, using ChIP-PCR and luciferase assays, we provide novel
      evidence that STAT3 can directly bind to promoter elements that activate miR-211
      expression. STAT3/miR-211/STAT5A signaling plays a key role in MSCs migration.
      Intravenous infusion of genetically modified miR-211 overexpressing MSCs conveys
      enhanced protection from adverse post-MI remodeling compared with unmodified
      MSCs. Stem Cells 2016;34:1846-1858.

PMID- 27145180
TI  - Characterization of DNA Binding Sites of RokB, a ROK-Family Regulator from
      Streptomyces coelicolor Reveals the RokB Regulon.
AB  - ROK-family proteins have been described to act either as sugar kinases or as
      transcriptional regulators. Few ROK-family regulators have been characterized so
      far and most of them are involved in carbon catabolite repression. RokB (Sco6115)
      has originally been identified in a DNA-affinity capturing approach as a possible
      regulator of the heterologously expressed novobiocin biosynthetic gene cluster in
      Streptomyces coelicolor M512. Interestingly, both, the rokB deletion mutants as
      well as its overexpressing mutants showed significantly reduced novobiocin
      production in the host strain S.coelicolor M512. We identified the DNA-binding
      site for RokB in the promoter region of the novobiocin biosynthetic genes novH
      novW. It overlaps with the novH start codon which may explain the reduction of
      novobiocin production caused by overexpression of rokB. Bioinformatic screening
      coupled with surface plasmon resonance based interaction studies resulted in the
      discovery of five RokB binding sites within the genome of S. coelicolor. Using
      the genomic binding sites, a consensus motif for RokB was calculated, which
      differs slightly from previously determined binding motifs for ROK-family
      regulators. The annotations of the possible members of the so defined RokB
      regulon gave hints that RokB might be involved in amino acid metabolism and
      transport. This hypothesis was supported by feeding experiments with casamino
      acids and L-tyrosine, which could also explain the reduced novobiocin production
      in the deletion mutants.

PMID- 27145182
TI  - Which professional (non-technical) competencies are most important to the success
      of graduate veterinarians? A Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME) systematic
      review: BEME Guide No. 38.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the growing prominence of professional (non-technical)
      competencies in veterinary education, the evidence to support their importance to
      veterinary graduates is unclear. AIM: To summarize current evidence within the
      veterinary literature for the importance of professional competencies to graduate
      success. METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted (CAB
      Abstracts, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, Australian and British
      Education Index, Dissertations & Theses) from 1988 to 2015 and limited to the
      veterinary discipline (veterinar* term required). Evidence was sought from
      consensus-based competence frameworks, surveys of stakeholder perceptions, and
      empirical evidence linked to relevant outcomes (e.g. employability, client
      satisfaction or compliance). Data extraction was completed by two independent
      reviewers and included a quality assessment of each source. RESULTS: Fifty-two
      sources were included in the review, providing evidence from expert frameworks
      (10 sources), stakeholder perceptions (30 sources, including one from the
      previous category), and empirical research (13 sources). Communication skills
      were the only competency to be well-supported by all three categories of
      evidence. Other competencies supported by multiple sources of empirical evidence
      include empathy, relationship-centered care, self-efficacy, and business skills.
      Other competencies perceived to be relatively more important included awareness
      of limitations, professional values, critical thinking, collaboration, and
      resilience. CONCLUSIONS: This review has highlighted the comparatively weak body
      of evidence supporting the importance of professional competencies for veterinary
      graduate success, with the exception of communication skills. However we stress
      this is more indicative of the scarcity of high-quality veterinary-based
      education research in the field, than of the true priority of these competencies.

PMID- 27145184
TI  - Understanding standard deviations and standard errors.

PMID- 27145183
TI  - Men with Sickle Cell Anemia and Priapism Exhibit Increased Hemolytic Rate,
      Decreased Red Blood Cell Deformability and Increased Red Blood Cell Aggregate
      Strength.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between priapism in men with sickle
      cell anemia (SCA) and hemorheological and hemolytical parameters. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Fifty-eight men with SCA (median age: 38 years) were included; 28 who
      had experienced priapism at least once during their life (priapism group) and 30
      who never experienced this complication (control group). Twenty-two patients were
      treated with hydroxycarbamide, 11 in each group. All patients were at steady
      state at the time of inclusion. Hematological and biochemical parameters were
      obtained through routine procedures. The Laser-assisted Optical Rotational Cell
      Analyzer was used to measure red blood cell (RBC) deformability at 30 Pa
      (ektacytometry) and RBC aggregation properties (laser backscatter versus time).
      Blood viscosity was measured at a shear rate of 225 s-1 using a cone/plate
      viscometer. A principal component analysis was performed on 4 hemolytic markers
      (i.e., lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), total
      bilirubin (BIL) levels and reticulocyte (RET) percentage) to calculate a
      hemolytic index. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, patients with priapism
      exhibited higher ASAT (p = 0.01), LDH (p = 0.03), RET (p = 0.03) levels and
      hemolytic indices (p = 0.02). Higher RBC aggregates strength (p = 0.01) and lower
      RBC deformability (p = 0.005) were observed in patients with priapism compared to
      controls. After removing the hydroxycarbamide-treated patients, RBC deformability
      (p = 0.01) and RBC aggregate strength (p = 0.03) were still different between the
      two groups, and patients with priapism exhibited significantly higher hemolytic
      indices (p = 0.01) than controls. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm that priapism
      in SCA is associated with higher hemolytic rates and show for the first time that
      this complication is also associated with higher RBC aggregate strength and lower
      RBC deformability.

PMID- 27145185
TI  - Leap forward with insect genomics.

PMID- 27145186
TI  - Stereospecific capillary electrophoresis assays using pentapeptide substrates for
      the study of Aspergillus nidulans methionine sulfoxide reductase A and mutant
      enzymes.
AB  - Stereospecific capillary electrophoresis-based methods for the analysis of
      methionine sulfoxide [Met(O)]-containing pentapeptides were developed in order to
      investigate the reduction of Met(O)-containing peptide substrates by recombinant
      Aspergillus nidulans methionine sulfoxide reductase A (MsrA) as well as enzymes
      carrying mutations in position Glu99 and Asp134. The separation of the
      diastereomers of the N-acetylated, C-terminally 2,4-dinitrophenyl (Dnp)-labeled
      pentapeptides ac-Lys-Phe-Met(O)-Lys-Lys-Dnp, ac-Lys-Asp-Met(O)-Asn-Lys-Dnp and ac
      Lys-Asn-Met(O)-Asp-Lys-Dnp was achieved in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffers containing
      sulfated beta-CD in fused-silica capillaries, while the diastereomer separation
      of ac-Lys-Asp-Met(O)-Asp-Lys-Dnp was achieved by sulfated beta-CD-mediated MEKC.
      The methods were validated with regard to range, linearity, accuracy, limits of
      detection and quantitation as well as precision. Subsequently, the substrates
      were incubated with wild-type MsrA and three mutants in the presence of
      dithiothreitol as reductant. Wild-type MsrA displayed the highest activity
      towards all substrates compared to the mutants. Substitution of Glu99 by Gln
      resulted in the mutant with the lowest activity towards all substrates except for
      ac-Lys-Asn-Met(O)-Asp-Lys-Dnp, while replacement Asn for Asp134 lead to a higher
      activity towards ac-Lys-Asp-Met(O)-Asn-Lys-Dnp compared with the Glu99 mutant.
      The mutant with Glu instead of Asp134 was the most active among the mutant
      enzymes. Molecular modeling indicated that the conserved Glu99 residue is buried
      in the Met-S-(O) groove, which might contribute to the correct placing of
      substrates and, consequently, to the catalytic activity of MsrA, while Asp134 did
      not form hydrogen bonds with the substrates but only within the enzyme.

PMID- 27145187
TI  - Aortic pulsatility assessed by an oscillometric method is associated with
      coronary atherosclerosis in elderly people.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the association of aortic pulsatility
      assessed by a non-invasive brachial cuff-based method with coronary
      atherosclerosis. In total, 139 patients undergoing coronary angiography were
      included in this cross-sectional study. Aortic blood pressure (BP) indices were
      recorded invasively by a fluid-filled catheter and non-invasively by a brachial
      cuff-based oscillometric device. Fractional pulse pressure (FPP) was defined as
      pulse pressure (PP)/mean BP and pulsatility index (PI) as PP/diastolic BP. Aortic
      FPP and PI in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients were significantly higher
      than in non-CAD patients in both invasive and non-invasive methods. Multivariate
      logistic regression analysis demonstrated that non-invasively measured aortic FPP
      and PI were associated with CAD risk in patients aged >=70 years [aortic FPP per
      0.1 odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.64; aortic PI per
      0.1 OR =1.39, 95% CI 1.02-1.88; all p < 0.05], but were not associated with CAD
      risk in patients aged <70 years. In linear regression analysis, non-invasively
      measured aortic FPP and PI correlated with SYNTAX and Gensini scores only in
      patients aged >=70 years. Aortic FPP and PI measured non-invasively by a brachial
      cuff-based oscillometric device were associated with coronary atherosclerosis in
      elderly patients.

PMID- 27145188
TI  - Mechanisms and Genetic Susceptibility of Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity in
      Patients With Breast Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiotoxicity remains an important adverse reaction of chemotherapy
      used in the treatment of breast cancer, leading to increased morbidity and
      mortality. DATA SOURCES: Anthracyclines, taxanes, and trastuzumab are the most
      commonly used cytotoxic drugs for the treatment of breast cancer. Cardiotoxicity
      may vary from asymptomatic forms to irreducible heart failure and death. AREAS OF
      UNCERTAINTY: Susceptibility for the occurrence of chemotherapy-induced
      cardiotoxicity and treatment resistance is multifactorial, with interindividual
      variability, determined by the interaction between genetic and phenotypic
      factors. Implementation of pharmacogenomic findings into clinical practice might
      be useful, to predict cardiotoxicity and to allow appropriate therapeutic
      measures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This review will summarize the cellular
      mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients and
      will discuss the role of the genetic susceptibility for cardiac dysfunction.

PMID- 27145189
TI  - Hip Fracture in Patients With Non-Dialysis-Requiring Chronic Kidney Disease.
AB  - Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at a high risk for hip fracture.
      Little is known about the risk for, and consequences of, hip fracture among
      patients with non-dialysis-requiring chronic kidney disease (CKD). We examined
      the incidence of hip fracture, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and costs
      among patients with ESRD, non-dialysis-requiring CKD, and normal or near normal
      kidney function. Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide
      Inpatient Sample, a nationally representative database, we identified
      hospitalizations for hip fracture in 2010. We incorporated data from the United
      States Renal Data System (USRDS) and the US census to calculate population
      specific rates. Age-standardized incidence of hip fracture was highest among
      patients with ESRD (3.89/1000 person-years), followed by non-dialysis-requiring
      CKD (1.81/1000 persons) and patients with normal or near normal kidney function
      (1.18/1000 persons). In-hospital mo rtality (odds ratio [OR] = 1.69, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.46 to 1.96), lengths of stay (median [10th, 90th
      percentiles] 5 [3 to 11] versus 5 [3 to 10] days) and costs (median $14,807
      versus $13,314) were significantly higher in patients with non-dialysis-requiring
      CKD relative to patients with normal or near normal kidney function. In summary,
      non-dialysis-requiring CKD is associated with higher age-standardized rates of
      hip fracture and post-hip fracture mortality and higher resource utilization. (c)
      2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

PMID- 27145190
TI  - Reduced clot retraction rate and altered platelet energy production in patients
      with asthma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Asthma enhances the risk of pulmonary embolism. The mechanism of this
      phenomenon is unclear. METHODS: We evaluated the kinetics of clot formation, clot
      retraction rate (CRR), clot volume at 40 min, the rate of lactate production (a
      marker of aerobic glycolysis in platelets in contracting clots), blood eosinophil
      count (EOS), nitric oxide in exhaled breath (FENO), and spirometry (FEV1) in 50
      healthy controls and in 81 allergic asthmatics (41 subjects with steroid-naive
      asthma and 40 with steroid-treated asthma). RESULTS: Thromboelastometry revealed
      that only steroid-treated asthmatics had slightly activated coagulation. Compared
      with healthy controls, whole asthmatics demonstrated (p < 0.05) reduced CRR,
      higher clot volume at 40 minutes, higher FENO, decreased FEV1, elevated EOS, and
      augmented lactate production in retracting clots. Reduced CRR was observed also
      in the absence of native plasma. In whole study population (asthmatics and
      healthy controls), CRR positively correlated with spirometry (rS = 0.668, p =
      <0.001) and negatively with FENO (rS = -0.543; p < 0.001), EOS (rS = -0.367, p <
      0.002), and lactate production (rS = -0.791; p < 0.001). However, in steroid
      treated asthmatics, the CRR did not correlate with FENO and EOS. In all study
      patients lactate production negatively correlated with FEV1 and positively with
      FENO. CONCLUSION: Collectively, this data is consistent with the hypothesis that,
      in asthmatics, reactive nitrogen species produced in the lungs may reduce
      platelet contractility (and CRR) through the diminution of platelet energy
      production. CRR inhibition would predispose asthmatics to pulmonary embolism.

PMID- 27145191
TI  - Knowing What We're Doing: Why Specification of Treatment Methods Is Critical for
      Evidence-Based Practice in Speech-Language Pathology.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical focus article is to describe the conceptual
      framework of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatment taxonomy (RTT) and
      illustrate its potential use in speech-language pathology (SLP) clinical practice
      and research. METHOD: The method used was a critical discussion. RESULTS: Current
      methods of defining and classifying SLP and other rehabilitation interventions
      maintain the "black box" of rehabilitation by referring to hours or days of
      therapy or using problem-oriented labels (e.g., naming treatment) to describe
      treatments, none of which reveal what is actually done to effect desired changes
      in patient functioning. The RTT framework uses treatment targets, ingredients,
      and mechanisms of action defined by treatment theory to specify SLP and other
      rehabilitation interventions with greater precision than current methods of
      treatment labeling and classification. It also makes a distinction between the
      target of treatment at which ingredients are directed and broader aims of
      treatment, which may be downstream effects explained instead by
      enablement/disablement theory. CONCLUSION: Future application of the RTT
      conceptual scheme to SLP intervention may enhance clinical practice, research,
      and knowledge translation as well as training and program evaluation efforts.

PMID- 27145192
TI  - In situ TEM studies of micron-sized all-solid-state fluoride ion batteries:
      Preparation, prospects, and challenges.
AB  - Trustworthy preparation and contacting of micron-sized batteries is an essential
      task to enable reliable in situ TEM studies during electrochemical biasing. Some
      of the challenges and solutions for the preparation of all-solid-state batteries
      for in situ TEM electrochemical studies are discussed using an optimized focused
      ion beam (FIB) approach. In particular redeposition, resistivity, porosity of the
      electrodes/electrolyte and leakage current are addressed. Overcoming these
      challenges, an all-solid-state fluoride ion battery has been prepared as a model
      system for in situ TEM electrochemical biasing studies and first results on a
      Bi/La0.9 Ba0.1 F2.9 half-cell are presented. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:615-624,
      2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27145193
TI  - Development of a Divergent Synthetic Route to the Erythrina Alkaloids: Asymmetric
      Syntheses of 8-Oxo-erythrinine, Crystamidine, 8-Oxo-erythraline, and Erythraline.
AB  - A general synthetic methodology toward the erythrina alkaloids has been
      developed. Inspired by a proposed biosynthetic mechanism, the medium-sized chiral
      biaryl lactam was asymmetrically transformed into the common core A-D rings by a
      stereospecific singlet oxygen oxidation of the phenol moiety, followed by a
      transannular aza-Michael reaction to the dienone functionality. The late-stage
      manipulation of the oxidation and oxygenation states of the functional groups on
      the peripheral moieties enabled the flexible syntheses of the erythrina
      alkaloids.

PMID- 27145194
TI  - The walnut (Juglans regia) genome sequence reveals diversity in genes coding for
      the biosynthesis of non-structural polyphenols.
AB  - The Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.), a diploid species native to the
      mountainous regions of Central Asia, is the major walnut species cultivated for
      nut production and is one of the most widespread tree nut species in the world.
      The high nutritional value of J. regia nuts is associated with a rich array of
      polyphenolic compounds, whose complete biosynthetic pathways are still unknown. A
      J. regia genome sequence was obtained from the cultivar 'Chandler' to discover
      target genes and additional unknown genes. The 667-Mbp genome was assembled using
      two different methods (SOAPdenovo2 and MaSuRCA), with an N50 scaffold size of 464
      955 bp (based on a genome size of 606 Mbp), 221 640 contigs and a GC content of
      37%. Annotation with MAKER-P and other genomic resources yielded 32 498 gene
      models. Previous studies in walnut relying on tissue-specific methods have only
      identified a single polyphenol oxidase (PPO) gene (JrPPO1). Enabled by the J.
      regia genome sequence, a second homolog of PPO (JrPPO2) was discovered. In
      addition, about 130 genes in the large gallate 1-beta-glucosyltransferase (GGT)
      superfamily were detected. Specifically, two genes, JrGGT1 and JrGGT2, were
      significantly homologous to the GGT from Quercus robur (QrGGT), which is involved
      in the synthesis of 1-O-galloyl-beta-d-glucose, a precursor for the synthesis of
      hydrolysable tannins. The reference genome for J. regia provides meaningful
      insight into the complex pathways required for the synthesis of polyphenols. The
      walnut genome sequence provides important tools and methods to accelerate
      breeding and to facilitate the genetic dissection of complex traits.

PMID- 27145195
TI  - A pointing facilitation system for motor-impaired users combining polynomial
      smoothing and time-weighted gradient target prediction models.
AB  - As computers become more and more essential for everyday life, people who cannot
      use them are missing out on an important tool. The predominant method of
      interaction with a screen is a mouse, and difficulty in using a mouse can be a
      huge obstacle for people who would otherwise gain great value from using a
      computer. If mouse pointing were to be made easier, then a large number of users
      may be able to begin using a computer efficiently where they may previously have
      been unable to. The present article aimed to improve pointing speeds for people
      with arm or hand impairments. The authors investigated different smoothing and
      prediction models on a stored data set involving 25 people, and the best of these
      algorithms were chosen. A web-based prototype was developed combining a
      polynomial smoothing algorithm with a time-weighted gradient target prediction
      model. The adapted interface gave an average improvement of 13.5% in target
      selection times in a 10-person study of representative users of the system. A
      demonstration video of the system is available at https://youtu.be/sAzbrKHivEY.

PMID- 27145196
TI  - High-Frequency Stimulation of Dorsal Column Axons: Potential Underlying Mechanism
      of Paresthesia-Free Neuropathic Pain Relief.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) treats neuropathic pain through
      retrograde stimulation of dorsal column axons and their inhibitory effects on
      wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons. Typical SCS uses frequencies from 50-100 Hz.
      Newer stimulation paradigms use high-frequency stimulation (HFS) up to 10 kHz and
      produce pain relief but without paresthesia. Our hypothesis is that HFS
      preferentially blocks larger diameter axons (12-15 um) based on dynamics of ion
      channel gates and the electric potential gradient seen along the axon, resulting
      in inhibition of WDR cells without paresthesia. METHODS: We input field potential
      values from a finite element model of SCS into an active axon model with ion
      channel subcomponents for fiber diameters 1-20 um and simulated dynamics on a
      0.001 msec time scale. RESULTS: Assuming some degree of wave rectification seen
      at the axon, action potential (AP) blockade occurs as hypothesized,
      preferentially in larger over smaller diameters with blockade in most medium and
      large diameters occurring between 4.5 and 10 kHz. Simulations show both ion
      channel gate and virtual anode dynamics are necessary. CONCLUSION: At clinical
      HFS frequencies and pulse widths, HFS preferentially blocks larger-diameter
      fibers and concomitantly recruits medium and smaller fibers. These effects are a
      result of interaction between ion gate dynamics and the "activating function"
      (AF) deriving from current distribution over the axon. The larger fibers that
      cause paresthesia in low-frequency simulation are blocked, while medium and
      smaller fibers are recruited, leading to paresthesia-free neuropathic pain relief
      by inhibiting WDR cells.

PMID- 27145197
TI  - Ex-vivo normothermic perfusion in renal transplantation: past, present and
      future.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Marginal donor kidneys make up a substantial proportion of
      transplanted kidneys. Nonetheless, they are more susceptible to injury during
      procurement and preservation. Normothermic perfusion is an alternative method of
      organ preservation that can be used to improve the quality, resuscitate, assess
      and potentially repair the organ. This review provides an up-to-date summary of
      the role of normothermic perfusion in renal transplantation and what we can
      expect in the future. RECENT FINDINGS: Normothermic perfusion has been
      demonstrated to be a feasible and well tolerated method of organ preservation in
      a series of extended criteria donor kidneys. Furthermore, normothermic perfusion
      can be used as a quality assessment tool for kidneys pretransplant. In the
      future, normothermic perfusion could be used to manipulate the organ using gene
      and stem cell therapies ameliorating renal function after injury. SUMMARY: In the
      last 5 years, normothermic perfusion has been translated from an experimental
      laboratory technique into clinical practice with promising results. Normothermic
      perfusion has demonstrated itself to be multifaceted in its application in renal
      transplantation. It may improve early graft function and can be used to assess
      the quality of the kidney before transplantation. The implications of these
      applications are crucial in maximizing the use of donor organs available in the
      perpetual climate of organ shortage.

PMID- 27145198
TI  - Extracorporeal lung perfusion (ex-vivo lung perfusion).
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The number of patients listed for lung transplantation largely
      exceeds the number of available transplantable organs because of both a shortage
      of organ donors and a low utilization rate of lungs from those donors. A novel
      strategy of donor lung management, ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), that keeps the
      organ at physiological protective conditions has shown great promise to increase
      lung utilization by re-evaluating, treating, and repairing donor lungs prior to
      transplantation. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinical trials using EVLP have shown the
      method to be well tolerated and it allows for reassessment and improvement in
      function from high-risk donor lungs from both brain death and cardiac death
      donors prior to transplantation. When these lungs were transplanted, low rates of
      primary graft dysfunction were achieved, and the early outcomes were similar to
      those with conventionally selected and transplanted lungs. Preclinical studies
      have also shown a great potential of EVLP as a platform for the delivery of novel
      therapies to repair injured organs ex vivo and thus further increase the donor
      lung utilization rate. SUMMARY: Development of an ex-vivo treatment arsenal
      ranging in complexity from pharmacologic to gene and cellular therapies will soon
      allow clinicians to utilize the full potential of the donor organ pool improving
      outcomes of lung transplantation.

PMID- 27145200
TI  - Spectroscopic Investigation of the Mechanisms Responsible for the Superior
      Stability of Hybrid Class 1/Class 2 CO2 Sorbents: A New Class 4 Category.
AB  - Hybrid Class 1/Class 2 supported amine CO2 sorbents demonstrate superior
      performance under practical steam conditions, yet their amine immobilization and
      stabilization mechanisms are unclear. Uncovering the interactions responsible for
      the sorbents' robust features is critical for further improvements and can
      facilitate practical applications. We employ solid state (29)Si CP-MAS and 2-D
      FSLG (1)H-(13)C CP HETCOR NMR spectroscopies to probe the overall molecular
      interactions of aminosilane/silica, polyamine [poly(ethylenimine), PEI]/silica,
      and hybrid aminosilane/PEI/silica sorbents. A unique, sequential impregnation
      sorbent preparation method is executed in a diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier
      transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) setup to decouple amine binding mechanisms at the
      amine-silica interface from those within bulk amine layers. These mechanisms are
      correlated with each sorbents' resistance to accelerated liquid H2O and TGA steam
      treatments (H2O stability) and to oxidative degradation (thermal stability). High
      percentages of CO2 capture retained (PCR) and organic content retained (OCR)
      values after H2O testing of N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethylenediamine
      (TMPED)/PEI and (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS)/PEI hybrid sorbents are
      associated with a synergistic stabilizing effect of the amine species observed
      during oxidative degradation (thermal gravimetric analysis-differential scanning
      calorimetry, TGA-DSC). Solid state NMR spectroscopy reveals that the synergistic
      effect of the TMPED/PEI mixture is manifested by the formation of hydrogen-bonded
      PEI-NH2...NH2-TMPED and PEI-NH2...HO-Si/O-Si-O (TMPED, T(2)) linkages within the
      sorbent. DRIFTS further determines that PEI enhances the grafting of TMPED to
      silica and that PEI is dispersed among a stable network of polymerized TMPED in
      the bulk, utilizing H-bonded linkages. These findings provide the scientific
      basis for establishing a Class 4 category for aminosilane/polyamine/silica hybrid
      sorbents.

PMID- 27145201
TI  - Self-Assembly of Polyether Diblock Copolymers in Water and Ionic Liquids.
AB  - Here the thermoresponsive self-assembly of diblock copolymers comprising
      poly(ethyl glycidyl ether) (PEGE) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in water and
      ionic liquids (ILs) is investigated. PEGE undergoes lower critical solution
      temperature (LCST) phase separation in both water and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium
      bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide ([C2 mim][NTf2 ]), while PEO is a compatible
      segment for these solvents. The diblock copolymers, PEGE-b-PEO, undergo
      thermosensitive unimer-micelle transitions at temperatures close to the LCST
      point (TLCST ) of the PEGE homopolymer in water but not in [C2 mim][NTf2 ], even
      at temperatures much higher than TLCST . The difference in the thermoresponsivity
      of these solutions is explored using differential scanning calorimetry results
      from rather small magnitudes of the thermodynamic parameters for the phase
      transition of the PEGE segment in [C2 mim][NTf2 ], compared with those in water.
      Due to such small magnitudes, TLCST of the PEGE segment for the block copolymers
      in the IL is greatly affected by the elongation of soluble PEO segments. 

PMID- 27145169
TI  - Mortality of emergency abdominal surgery in high-, middle- and low-income
      countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical mortality data are collected routinely in high-income
      countries, yet virtually no low- or middle-income countries have outcome
      surveillance in place. The aim was prospectively to collect worldwide mortality
      data following emergency abdominal surgery, comparing findings across countries
      with a low, middle or high Human Development Index (HDI). METHODS: This was a
      prospective, multicentre, cohort study. Self-selected hospitals performing
      emergency surgery submitted prespecified data for consecutive patients from at
      least one 2-week interval during July to December 2014. Postoperative mortality
      was analysed by hierarchical multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Data
      were obtained for 10 745 patients from 357 centres in 58 countries; 6538 were
      from high-, 2889 from middle- and 1318 from low-HDI settings. The overall
      mortality rate was 1.6 per cent at 24 h (high 1.1 per cent, middle 1.9 per cent,
      low 3.4 per cent; P < 0.001), increasing to 5.4 per cent by 30 days (high 4.5 per
      cent, middle 6.0 per cent, low 8.6 per cent; P < 0.001). Of the 578 patients who
      died, 404 (69.9 per cent) did so between 24 h and 30 days following surgery (high
      74.2 per cent, middle 68.8 per cent, low 60.5 per cent). After adjustment, 30-day
      mortality remained higher in middle-income (odds ratio (OR) 2.78, 95 per cent
      c.i. 1.84 to 4.20) and low-income (OR 2.97, 1.84 to 4.81) countries. Surgical
      safety checklist use was less frequent in low- and middle-income countries, but
      when used was associated with reduced mortality at 30 days. CONCLUSION: Mortality
      is three times higher in low- compared with high-HDI countries even when adjusted
      for prognostic factors. Patient safety factors may have an important role.
      REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02179112 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

PMID- 27145202
TI  - Challenges of bacterial meningitis case management in low income settings: an
      experience from Ethiopia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies used
      in the care of patients with suspected bacterial meningitis at teaching hospitals
      in Ethiopia. METHODS: This was a hospital-based retrospective study conducted at
      four teaching hospitals in different regions of Ethiopia. Participants were
      patients aged 14 years and older treated for suspected bacterial meningitis.
      Presenting complaints, diagnostic strategies used and treatments given were
      obtained from clinical records. RESULT: A total of 425 patients were included in
      the study; 52.7% were men and 83.8% were younger than 50 years. Fever, headache,
      neck stiffness and impaired consciousness were the most common clinical
      presentations; 55.5% underwent lumbar puncture. Overall, only 96 (22.6%) patients
      had cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities compatible with bacterial meningitis. A
      causative bacterium was identified in only 14 cases. Ceftriaxone was used as the
      empiric treatment of choice, either alone or in combination with other
      antibiotics; 17.6% of patients were also given vancomycin. Adjunctive
      dexamethasone was given to 50.4%. CONCLUSION: Most patients treated as bacterial
      meningitis did not receive a proper diagnostic workup. The choice of antibiotic
      was not tailored to the specific clinical condition of the patient. Such an
      approach may result in poor treatment outcomes and lead to antibiotic resistance.
      Management of patients with suspected bacterial meningitis should be supported by
      analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, and treatment should be tailored to local
      evidence and current evidence-based recommendations.

PMID- 27145203
TI  - Influence of cognitive function on cerebrovascular disease among the elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the interrelationships between baseline Mini-Mental
      State Examination (MMSE) score and overall long-term risk of cerebrovascular
      disease (CBVD). MATERIALS & METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of
      subjects aged 55 years or more who were enrolled in the Beijing Longitudinal
      Study of Aging (BLSA) and had a baseline MMSE score available. Baseline MMSE
      score was divided into four categories: >=28, 26-27, 23-25, and <=22.
      Participants were followed for 23 years. Cox regression models were used to
      examine the association between MMSE score and CBVD. RESULTS: A total of 2101
      participants were included in this analysis, 335 (15.9%) with an MMSE score >=28,
      365 (17.4%) with a score of 26-27, 579 (27.6%) with a score of 23-25, and 822
      (7.4%) with a score <=22. There were 576 cases of CBVD. The overall risk of CBVD
      increased with decreasing MMSE score. The impact of MMSE score on the risk of
      CBVD was much stronger in women than in men. The hazard ratio for CBVD risk was
      1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-2.39, P < 0.05) for subjects with an
      MMSE score <=22, and 1.21 (95% CI, 0.91-1.61, P < 0.05) for those with an MMSE
      score of 23-25. Higher MMSE scores were less strongly associated with the risk of
      CBVD. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly people with lower MMSE scores, especially women, are
      at higher long-term risk of CBVD.

PMID- 27145205
TI  - Electrodiagnostic studies for neuralgic amyotrophy.

PMID- 27145204
TI  - Heterocyclic Aromatic N-Oxidation in the Biosynthesis of Phenazine Antibiotics
      from Lysobacter antibioticus.
AB  - Heterocyclic aromatic N-oxides often have potent biological activities, but the
      mechanism for aromatic N-oxidation is unclear. Six phenazine antibiotics were
      isolated from Lysobacter antibioticus OH13. A 10 gene cluster was identified for
      phenazine biosynthesis. Mutation of LaPhzNO1 abolished all N-oxides, while non
      oxides markedly increased. LaPhzNO1 is homologous to Baeyer-Villiger
      flavoproteins but was shown to catazlye phenazine N-oxidation. LaPhzNO1 and
      LaPhzS together converted phenazine 1,6-dicarboxylic acid to 1,6
      dihydroxyphenazine N5,N10-dioxide. LaPhzNO1 also catalyzed N-oxidation of 8
      hydroxyquinoline.

PMID- 27145206
TI  - Fabrication of Hollow Microporous Carbon Spheres from Hyper-Crosslinked
      Microporous Polymers.
AB  - Porous carbon materials prepared from the porous organic polymers are currently
      the subject of extensive investigation. On the basis of their interesting
      applications, it is highly desirable to develop new synthetic methodologies to
      obtain carbon materials with controllable pore size and morphology. Herein, a
      facile synthesis of hollow microporous carbon spheres (HCSs) from hollow
      microporous organic capsules (HMOCs) with a good control over the pore
      morphology, hollow cavity, and the shell thickness is reported. The highly porous
      hollow carbon spheres are prepared by the pyrolysis of HMOCs-based microporous
      polymers. The synthetic parameters, such as hypercrosslinking and pyrolysis
      conditions, are optimized to modify the porous structures and the properties. The
      morphology and porosity as well as energy storage applications of the microporous
      structures HCSs, derived through a combination of divinylbenzene-crosslinking and
      micropore-generating hypercrosslinking, are discussed. These findings provide a
      new benchmark for fabricating well-defined HCSs with great promise for various
      applications. 

PMID- 27145207
TI  - The Effect of Reduced Dietary Fat and Soy Supplementation on Circulating
      Adipocytokines in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled 2-Month Trial.
AB  - The reduced risk of breast cancer observed in Asia has been linked with diets
      rich in soy foods, and observational studies suggest that regular soy food intake
      is related to lower circulating levels of some inflammatory markers which have
      been implicated in breast cancer risk. However, short-term intervention studies
      with soy-based diets in small numbers of women have shown few significant changes
      in adipocytokine levels. This 8-wk dietary intervention study in 57 healthy
      postmenopausal women investigated whether soy food supplementation (50 mg
      isoflavones or 15 g soy protein in the form of tofu) or a very low-fat diet
      (11.3% of total energy), similar to the traditional Asian diet, is associated
      with beneficial effects on serum levels of the following adipocytokines: TNF
      alpha, IL-6, adiponectin, and resistin. We found no statistically significant
      changes in the levels of these adipocytokines in association with the very low
      fat diet or soy supplementation. Only the change in TNF-alpha levels between the
      very low-fat and control diet groups had borderline statistical significance. We
      conclude that ingestion of a very low-fat diet or a soy food supplemented diet
      for 8 wk does not significantly alter important circulating adipocytokines.

PMID- 27145208
TI  - A novel de novo dominant negative mutation in DNM1L impairs mitochondrial fission
      and presents as childhood epileptic encephalopathy.
AB  - DNM1L encodes dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1/DLP1), a key component of the
      mitochondrial fission machinery that is essential for proper functioning of the
      mammalian brain. Previously reported probands with de novo missense mutations in
      DNM1L presented in the first year of life with severe encephalopathy and
      refractory epilepsy, with several dying within the first several weeks after
      birth. In contrast, we report identical novel missense mutations in DNM1L in two
      unrelated probands who experienced normal development for several years before
      presenting with refractory focal status epilepticus and subsequent rapid
      neurological decline. We expand the phenotype of DNM1L-related mitochondrial
      fission defects, reveal common unique clinical characteristics and imaging
      findings, and compare the cellular impact of this novel mutation to the
      previously reported A395D lethal variant. We demonstrate that our R403C mutation,
      which resides in the assembly region of DRP1, acts by a dominant-negative
      mechanism and reduces oligomerization, mitochondrial fission activity, and
      mitochondrial recruitment of DRP1, but to a lesser extent compared to the A395D
      mutation. In contrast to the initial report of neonatal lethality resulting from
      DNM1L mutation and DRP1 dysfunction, our results show that milder DRP1 impairment
      is compatible with normal early development and subsequently results in a
      distinct set of neurological findings. In addition, we identify a common
      pathogenic mechanism whereby DNM1L mutations impair mitochondrial fission. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145209
TI  - Two listeria outbreaks caused by smoked fish consumption-using whole-genome
      sequencing for outbreak investigations.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes may contaminate and persist in food production facilities
      and cause repeated, seemingly sporadic, illnesses over extended periods of time.
      We report on the investigation of two such concurrent outbreaks. We compared
      patient isolates and available isolates from foods and food production facilities
      by use of whole-genome sequencing and subsequent multilocus sequence type and
      single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. Outbreak cases shared outbreak strains,
      defined as Listeria monocytogenes isolates belonging to the same sequence type
      with fewer than five single nucleotide polymorphism differences. We performed
      routine food consumption interviews of L. monocytogenes patients and compared
      outbreak cases with sporadic cases. Two outbreaks were defined, each consisting
      of ten outbreak cases in the period 2013-15. Seven outbreak cases and a fetus in
      gestational week 38 died. Listeria monocytogenes isolates from cold smoked or
      gravad fish products or their two respective production environments were
      repeatedly found to belong to the outbreak strains. Outbreak cases more often
      than sporadic cases stated that they consumed the relevant fish products, odds
      ratio 10.7. Routine collection and typing of food isolates was key to solving the
      outbreaks. Furthermore, these outbreaks illustrate the value of whole-genome
      sequencing for outbreak definition and investigation. Whole-genome sequencing
      combined with epidemiological investigations provided the discriminatory power to
      recognize low-intensity, extended time-period outbreaks and link them to food
      products from two different contaminated production facilities with sufficient
      strength for food authorities to intervene on. Cold smoked and gravad fish
      constitute risk products and may be responsible for more listeriosis cases than
      previously recognized. 

PMID- 27145210
TI  - The ANTIBIOPERF study: a nationwide cross-sectional survey about practices for
      beta-lactam administration and therapeutic drug monitoring among critically ill
      patients in France.
AB  - Our objective was to assess current practices about the administration
      (intermittent, extended, or continuous infusions) and therapeutic drug monitoring
      (TDM) of beta-lactam antibiotics and vancomycin in France. We conducted a
      nationwide cross-sectional survey in May-August 2015, using an online
      questionnaire, sent as an e-mail link to infectious disease specialists and
      intensive care specialists through national mailing lists. We used clinical
      vignettes of critically ill patients to assess physicians' practices about
      administration and TDM practices for amoxicillin, cloxacillin,
      piperacillin/tazobactam, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefepime, meropenem and
      vancomycin. In all, 507 physicians participated (507/1200, response rate 42%).
      TDM was rarely available for beta-lactams (from 16.5% (81/490) for cloxacillin to
      30% (145/490) for ceftazidime), whereas vancomycin TDM was available in 97%
      (477/490) of the cases. In the clinical vignettes, ceftazidime and
      piperacillin/tazobactam were the beta-lactams administered most frequently by
      extended or continuous infusions (76% (336/440) and 57% (252/444), respectively).
      Gaps in knowledge about the duration of stability of intravenous beta-lactams
      were common (correct answers ranged from 8% (35/432) for cloxacillin to 33%
      (146/438) for ceftazidime). Most physicians (77%, 339/442) were convinced of the
      value of extended or continuous infusions for beta-lactams in critically ill
      patients, but 48% (211/442) did not have access to practical guidelines. Our
      survey found that most infectious disease and intensive care specialists are
      favourable to optimized administration of beta-lactams in critically ill
      patients. But the lack of guidelines and limited TDM availability for beta
      lactams in hospitals are potential barriers to its implementation. 

PMID- 27145211
TI  - Diagnostic Emplotment in Q'eqchi' Maya Medicine.
AB  - Medical diagnosis is a process of illness discrimination, categorization, and
      identification on the basis of careful observation and is central in biomedicine
      and many traditional medical systems around the world. Through a detailed
      analysis of several illness episodes and healer interviews among Maya communities
      in southern Belize, we observe that the diagnostic processes of traditional
      Q'eqchi' healers reflect patterns of narrative 'emplotment' that engage not
      simply the individual patient but also significant spiritual and cosmological
      forces. Three diagnostic techniques of the Q'eqchi' Maya healers are described
      and their connections to Maya concepts of personhood and cosmovision are
      presented. This research fosters an appreciation of how Indigenous knowledge
      systems shape clinical encounters and healing dramas, widening the spheres of
      clinical narrative co-construction and dialogue beyond the material and physical
      contexts implicit within Western clinical encounters.

PMID- 27145212
TI  - Grip strength is a representative measure of muscle weakness in the upper
      extremity after stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Muscle weakness is the most common impairment in the upper extremity
      after stroke, leading to a reduced ability to use the arm and the hand in daily
      activities. Grip strength is easier to measure than precise, but more time
      consuming, isokinetic and isometric arm muscle strength measurements. It would
      therefore be advantageous in a clinical setting if grip strength could be used as
      a proxy for muscle strength in the entire upper extremity. OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate the association between grip strength and isometric and isokinetic
      arm muscle strength in persons with chronic stroke. METHODS: Forty-five persons
      with mild-to-moderate paresis in the upper extremity, at least 6 months post
      stroke participated. Isometric grip strength was measured with a computerized
      grip dynamometer and arm strength (isometric shoulder abduction and elbow flexion
      as well as isokinetic elbow extension and flexion) with an isokinetic
      dynamometer. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the
      association between the muscle strength measurements. RESULTS: There were
      significant correlations (p < .0001) between grip strength and all arm strength
      measurements in both the more affected (r = 0.77-0.82) and the less affected
      upper extremity (r = 0.65-0.82). CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional study showed
      that grip strength is strongly associated with muscle strength in the arm in
      persons in the chronic phase after stroke. As grip strength is easy to measure
      and less time-consuming than arm muscle strength measurements, this implies that
      grip strength can be a representative measure of muscle weakness of the entire
      upper extremity in the chronic phase after stroke.

PMID- 27145213
TI  - Assessment of disease activity in pediatric ulcerative colitis.
AB  - To date, we encounter more and more pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis
      (UC). For yet unclear reasons, UC in pediatric patients seems to be a more
      aggressive and extensive disease than in their adult counterparts. In the
      majority of pediatric patients, the disease presents as pancolitis. The severity
      of the disease is reflected in the high use of corticosteroids and
      immunosuppressants and a high rate of surgery for medically refractory patients.
      The means by which to assess disease activity or to accurately predict its course
      are far from optimal. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the means
      for assessing UC activity in children. Research for developing new tools by which
      to monitor and forecast disease activity, are needed in all areas including
      invasive endoscopy, clinical evaluation, and treatment follow-up.

PMID- 27145214
TI  - Early development and replacement of the stickleback dentition.
AB  - Teeth have long served as a model system to study basic questions about
      vertebrate organogenesis, morphogenesis, and evolution. In nonmammalian
      vertebrates, teeth typically regenerate throughout adult life. Fish have evolved
      a tremendous diversity in dental patterning in both their oral and pharyngeal
      dentitions, offering numerous opportunities to study how morphology develops,
      regenerates, and evolves in different lineages. Threespine stickleback fish
      (Gasterosteus aculeatus) have emerged as a new system to study how morphology
      evolves, and provide a particularly powerful system to study the development and
      evolution of dental morphology. Here, we describe the oral and pharyngeal
      dentitions of stickleback fish, providing additional morphological, histological,
      and molecular evidence for homology of oral and pharyngeal teeth. Focusing on the
      ventral pharyngeal dentition in a dense developmental time course of lab-reared
      fish, we describe the temporal and spatial consensus sequence of early tooth
      formation. Early in development, this sequence is highly stereotypical and
      consists of seventeen primary teeth forming the early tooth field, followed by
      the first tooth replacement event. Comparing this detailed morphological and
      ontogenetic sequence to that described in other fish reveals that major changes
      to how dental morphology arises and regenerates have evolved across different
      fish lineages. J. Morphol. 277:1072-1083, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145215
TI  - Formation and Stability of Phenylphosphonic Acid Monolayers on ZnO: Comparison of
      In Situ and Ex Situ SAM Preparation.
AB  - Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) enable an electronic interface tailoring of
      conductive metal oxides and offer an alternative to common transparent electrodes
      in optoelectronic devices. Here, the influence of surface orientation and
      pretreatment on the formation and stability of SAMs has been studied for the case
      of phenylphosphonic acid (PPA) on ZnO single crystals. Using thermal desorption
      spectroscopy (TDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near-edge X-ray
      adsorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) and density-functional theory
      (DFT) calculations, the thermal stability and orientational ordering of PPA-SAMs
      on the polar and mixed-terminated ZnO surfaces were analyzed. On all surfaces,
      PPA-SAMs remain stable up to 550 K, while at higher temperatures a C-P bond
      cleavage and dissociative desorption takes place yielding two distinct desorption
      peaks. Based on DFT calculations, these desorption channels are attributed to
      protonated and deprotonated chemisorbed PPA molecules, which can be related to
      tri- and bidentate species, hence allowing to determine their relative abundance
      from the intensity ratio. Beside immersion, an alternative monolayer preparation
      based on vacuum deposition in combination with controlled desorption of excess
      multilayers is demonstrated. This enables a SAM preparation on bare ZnO surfaces
      without any precoating due to exposure to ambient air, which is further compared
      with SAM formation on intentionally hydroxylated substrates. Corresponding TDS
      data indicate that initial hydroxylation favors the formation of tridentate and
      deprotonated bidentate, while the OMBD preparation on bare surfaces yields a
      larger fraction of protonated bidentate species. The orientation of PPA molecules
      adopted in the SAMs was determined from the dichroism of K-edge NEXAFS
      measurements and reveals an almost upright orientation for the deprotonated
      species, while a slight tilting is obtained for monolayer films with a large
      fraction of protonated bidentate molecules.

PMID- 27145216
TI  - Perfluorinated Ligands Induce Meridional Metal Stereochemistry to Generate M8L12,
      M10L15, and M12L18 Prisms.
AB  - Meridional (mer) coordination promotes the generation of larger and lower
      symmetry prismatic metallosupramolecular structures, in contrast with the facial
      (fac) coordination common to smaller and higher-symmetry polyhedra. Here, we
      describe a general route to the selective formation of large
      metallosupramolecular prisms that contain exclusively mer-coordinated metal
      vertices. The use of 2-formylpyridine subcomponents that contain
      perfluorophenylene substituents at their 5-positions resulted in stereoselective
      formation of the iron(II) complexes from these subcomponents. Only mer vertices
      were observed, as opposed to the statistical fac/mer mixture otherwise generated.
      This mer-selective self-assembly could be used to prepare tetragonal (M8L12),
      pentagonal (M10L15), and hexagonal (M12L18) prisms by taking advantage of the
      subtle selectivities imposed by the different anilines and counterions employed.
      The equilibrium between the tetragonal and pentagonal prism followed a linear
      free-energy relationship, with the ratio between structures correlating with the
      Hammett sigmap(+) parameter of the incorporated aniline. The contrasting
      preferences of the fluorinated and nonfluorinated ligands to generate prisms and
      tetrahedra, respectively, were quantified energetically, with the destabilization
      increasing linearly for each "incorrect ligand" incorporated into either
      structure.

PMID- 27145217
TI  - Variable phenotypic presentation of a novel FOXF1 missense mutation in a single
      family.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heterozygous mutations in the FOXF1 transcription factor gene are
      implicated in alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins
      (ACDMPV), a developmental disorder of the lungs classically presenting with
      pulmonary hypertension and early demise. Evidence has suggested
      haploinsufficiency and partial paternal imprinting. We present a family with
      several affected members with an extremely variable phenotype. PATIENTS: The
      index patient presented several hours after birth with severe pulmonary
      hypertension. She is now 3-years old, thriving on maximal pulmonary hypertension
      therapy, chronic steroids, and oxygen. One of the patient's siblings died at 16
      days with pulmonary hypertension and an annular pancreas, consistent with
      classical ACDMPV. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing was performed in the index
      case. The identified variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing, and tested in
      the remaining family members. Parental origin was determined by PCR amplification
      and cloning, sequencing, and identification of adjacent single nucleotide
      polymorphisms. Echocardiography was performed in the asymptomatic carriers.
      RESULTS: Whole exome analysis revealed a novel, predictably pathogenic
      heterozygous missense mutation, g.chr16:86544406 C>A NM_001451, c.C231A, p.F77L,
      in the FOXF1 gene. The mutation arose in the father, de novo, early
      postzygotically, with 70% somatic mosaicism in the blood, on the grandpaternal
      chromosome. It was also present in the proband's asymptomatic sister, found to
      have partial anomalous pulmonary venous return. CONCLUSION: FOXF1 mutations may
      have an extremely variable phenotype, possibly as a result of somatic mosaicism
      and complex gene regulation including unorthodox imprinting of the gene locus.
      The prolonged survival of the proband suggests the need for aggressive treatment.
      Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016; 51:921-927. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145218
TI  - The outcome of a modified version of the Cheneau brace in adolescent idiopathic
      scoliosis (AIS) based on SRS and SOSORT criteria: a retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bracing therapy for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
      (AIS) continues to be a controversial issue. As a consequence, to achieve an
      adequate level of evidence, there is a strong need for specific studies conducted
      according to standard outcome and management criteria. AIM: To assess the
      outcomes of a modified version of the Cheneau brace, ("Cheneau-P") in patients
      with AIS, based on SRS and SOSORT criteria. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING:
      Scoliosis Unit of a Clinical Center. POPULATION: Sixty-seven patients, 56 females
      and 11 males. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of AIS, age >=10 years,
      Risser Score 0-2, Cobb degrees 20-40, no previous treatment, beginning of brace
      treatment within 1 year after menarche and minimum 2-year follow-up. According to
      SRS criteria, bracing outcomes were classified, as follows: "improved" (reduction
      of the curve >=6 degrees ), "unchanged" (5 degrees  curve progression or
      reduction), "worsened" (>=6 degrees  curve progression), and "over 45 degrees "
      (curve exceeding 45 degrees  or undergone surgery during the follow-up). The
      outcomes "improved" and "unchanged" were considered as successful outcomes.
      Groups and related subgroups were created according to curve type (thoracic,
      thoraco-lumbar, lumbar and double major) and magnitude (20 degrees -30 degrees ;
      30 degrees -40 degrees ) and to skeletal age (Risser score 0, 1, 2). A separate
      analysis was also performed on the 37 patients, 30 females and 7 males, who
      completely fulfilled the SRS eligibility criteria, showing spinal curves between
      25 and 40 Cobb degrees. RESULTS: In the whole group SRS outcome after bracing
      treatment was successful in 93% and in 81% of patients, at per protocol (PP) and
      intention to treat (ITT) analysis, respectively, the latter also including drop
      outs as worst outcomes. Cobb angles significantly decreased in all subgroups
      except in patients showing double major curves, lower curve magnitude (20-30
      degrees ) and Risser score 2. Rib humps and balance rate also significantly
      improved in the whole sample (12.78+/-4.54 at T0 vs. 6.83+/-4.33 at T1 P<0.001;
      60% at T0 vs. 94% at T1 P<0.001, respectively). In the subgroup that completely
      fulfilled the SRS eligibility criteria, the outcome was successful in 92% and 83%
      of patients, at PP and ITT analysis, respectively, the latter also including,
      even in this case, drop-outs as worst outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows
      that in patients with AIS the treatment with the "Cheneau-P" brace is associated
      with a remarkably high rate of successful outcomes, both in the whole sample and
      in the subgroup of patients completely fulfilling the SRS criteria. CLINICAL
      REHABILITATION IMPACT: The "Cheneau-P" brace proved effective as a conservative
      treatment for AIS by stabilizing curve progression and limiting the need for
      surgical treatment.

PMID- 27145219
TI  - Postoperative rehabilitation for chronic subdural hematoma in the elderly. An
      observational study focusing on balance, ambulation and discharge destination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) can have a negative impact on
      autonomy of the elderly. Ambulatory and functional status may remain limited
      despite successful surgical evacuation. AIM: To evaluate the outcome of a
      postoperative assisted rehabilitation program. DESIGN: Single-institution short
      term observational study. SETTING: Inpatient (Neurosurgery Unit of a University
      Hospital). POPULATION: Thirty-five patients, aged 65 or older, who underwent burr
      hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma. METHODS: Postoperatively all
      participants underwent a rehabilitation program, described in details, aimed at
      recovering standing position and gait as soon as possible. The program involved
      daily 30-minute individual sessions assisted by a physiotherapist, until
      discharge from hospital. The Markwalder's Grading Scale was used to assess the
      neurological status preoperatively and at discharge. The Trunk Control Test, the
      Standing Balance by Bohannon Scale and the Modified Rankin Scale were used to
      evaluate balance and general function (primary outcome) in the immediate
      postoperative and at discharge. We also recorded the rate of pre-CSDH walking
      patients who maintained ambulation at discharge and the discharge destination
      (secondary outcome). RESULTS: Total scores of Markwalder's Grading Scale, Trunk
      Control Test, Standing Balance by Bohannon Scale and Modified Rankin Scale
      improved (P<0.05), indicating a global favorable outcome, especially for balance.
      Excluding the patients who were dependent pre-CSDH, the others maintained gait
      function in 74.2% of cases. Only 45.7% of the patients were discharged home, the
      others being divided between inpatient medical settings and rehabilitation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The rehabilitation program was well tolerated by the patients. Our
      study showed a clear improvement in trunk control and standing balance and an
      overall favorable outcome for neurological and ambulatory status at discharge.
      Despite an assisted postoperative rehabilitation program, the residual impairment
      in general function was the main factor that prevents us to discharge more
      elderly patients home rather than to assisted settings. CLINICAL REHABILITATION
      IMPACT: The results of this descriptive study suggest that an assisted
      rehabilitation program may be helpful in improving short-term postoperative
      balance and ambulatory status (more than functional status), but further studies,
      with a randomized controlled design, are certainly justified to understand the
      efficacy of rehabilitation in this context.

PMID- 27145220
TI  - Portal-drained viscera heat production in Iberian pigs fed betaine- and
      conjugated linoleic acid-supplemented diets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Betaine and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may alter growth and body
      composition in pigs, although their mode of action is not well understood. Portal
      drained viscera (PDV) have a disproportionate influence with respect to their
      masses, and this may affect the productivity of more profitable tissues. The
      objective of this study was to determine if the use of betaine and/or CLA in the
      diet affects PDV heat production. RESULTS: Postprandial portal blood flow (PBF)
      was greater (19.0%, P = 0.004) for control compared with the other three diets.
      The lowest (P < 0.001) value for postprandial PDV O2 consumption corresponded to
      betaine + CLA followed by betaine and CLA diets (32.7, 25.4 and 17.7%
      respectively with respect to control diet). Postprandial PDV heat production was
      greater (26.4%, P < 0.001) for control with respect to the other three diets,
      with the minimum value corresponding to betaine + CLA (34.1% lower than control).
      CONCLUSION: Supplementation with betaine and/or CLA reduced the PBF, O2
      consumption and therefore PDV heat production with respect to control diet. This
      effect was more pronounced when betaine and CLA were supplemented together,
      potentially increasing the energy availability for other body tissues. (c) 2016
      Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27145221
TI  - In memoriam: Richard G. Harrison - his life and legacy.
AB  - Richard G. Harrison passed away unexpectedly on April 12th, 2016. In this
      memoriam we pay tribute to the life and legacy of an extraordinary scientist,
      mentor, friend, husband, and father. 

PMID- 27145222
TI  - Correction: Spaceflight Activates Lipotoxic Pathways in Mouse Liver.
AB  - [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152877.].

PMID- 27145223
TI  - Efficient Coalescent Simulation and Genealogical Analysis for Large Sample Sizes.
AB  - A central challenge in the analysis of genetic variation is to provide realistic
      genome simulation across millions of samples. Present day coalescent simulations
      do not scale well, or use approximations that fail to capture important long
      range linkage properties. Analysing the results of simulations also presents a
      substantial challenge, as current methods to store genealogies consume a great
      deal of space, are slow to parse and do not take advantage of shared structure in
      correlated trees. We solve these problems by introducing sparse trees and
      coalescence records as the key units of genealogical analysis. Using these tools,
      exact simulation of the coalescent with recombination for chromosome-sized
      regions over hundreds of thousands of samples is possible, and substantially
      faster than present-day approximate methods. We can also analyse the results
      orders of magnitude more quickly than with existing methods.

PMID- 27145224
TI  - Association of Circulating Follistatin-Like 1 Levels with Inflammatory and
      Oxidative Stress Markers in Healthy Men.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Follistatin-like 1 (Fstl1) is a circulating glycoprotein that plays a
      crucial role in cardiovascular diseases and inflammation-related disorders. We
      have shown that Fstl1 acts as an anti-inflammatory factor that protects against
      ischemic heart disease and chronic kidney disease. Here we examined whether
      plasma level of Fstl1 associates with markers of inflammation and oxidative
      stress in apparently healthy Japanese men. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma Fstl1
      levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Circulating Fstl1
      concentrations positively correlated with levels of fasting immune-reactive
      insulin (FIRI), high-sensitive CRP (hsCRP) and derivatives of reactive oxidative
      metabolites (dROMs), an indicator of oxidative stress. The levels of hsCRP
      positively associated with Fstl1, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride, FIRI and
      dROMs levels. dROMs levels positively associated with Fstl1, Hemoglobin A1c and
      hsCRP levels. Multiple regression analysis with confounding factors revealed that
      Fstl1 levels, together with BMI and FIRI, correlated with hsCRP and that Fstl1
      levels correlated with dROMs. CONCLUSION: Our observations indicate that
      measurement of plasma Fstl1 levels can be valuable for assessment of pro
      inflammatory and oxidative stress conditions.

PMID- 27145225
TI  - Estrogenic Activity Including Bone Enhancement and Effect on Lipid Profile of
      Luteolin-7-O-glucoside Isolated from Trifolium alexandrinum L. in Ovariectomized
      Rats.
AB  - Luteolin-7-O-glycoside (LG), an abundant component in many edible plants, was
      found to be one of the major constituents of the aqueous methanol extract of
      Trifolium alexandrinum L. family Fabaceae, a fodder plant widely cultivated in
      Egypt. The estrogenic activity of LG concerning the effect on uterotrophy, lipid
      profile, weight gain and bone enhancement activity was determined in
      ovariectomized rat model at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Luteolin-7-O-glycoside showed
      significant estrogenic effect through the preservation of normal uterine weight
      and plasma estradiol level. It also significantly inhibited the bone turnover
      markers plasma bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, plasma osteocalsin, type I
      procollagen N-terminal, and C-telopeptide of type II collagen levels. It induced
      a significant improvement in plasma lipid profile. The effect of LG was
      comparable with estradiol with lower effect on uterine weight. Liver and kidney
      functions revealed a wide safety of LG at this dose level. The present study
      revealed that LG may be a promising hormone replacement therapy after being
      examined thoroughly on human. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27145226
TI  - Assessment of FBA Based Gene Essentiality Analysis in Cancer with a Fast Context
      Specific Network Reconstruction Method.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Gene Essentiality Analysis based on Flux Balance Analysis (FBA-based
      GEA) is a promising tool for the identification of novel metabolic therapeutic
      targets in cancer. The reconstruction of cancer-specific metabolic networks,
      typically based on gene expression data, constitutes a sensible step in this
      approach. However, to our knowledge, no extensive assessment on the influence of
      the reconstruction process on the obtained results has been carried out to date.
      RESULTS: In this article, we aim to study context-specific networks and their FBA
      based GEA results for the identification of cancer-specific metabolic essential
      genes. To that end, we used gene expression datasets from the Cancer Cell Line
      Encyclopedia (CCLE), evaluating the results obtained in 174 cancer cell lines. In
      order to more clearly observe the effect of cancer-specific expression data, we
      did the same analysis using randomly generated expression patterns. Our
      computational analysis showed some essential genes that are fairly common in the
      reconstructions derived from both gene expression and randomly generated data.
      However, though of limited size, we also found a subset of essential genes that
      are very rare in the randomly generated networks, while recurrent in the sample
      derived networks, and, thus, would presumably constitute relevant drug targets
      for further analysis. In addition, we compare the in-silico results to high
      throughput gene silencing experiments from Project Achilles with conflicting
      results, which leads us to raise several questions, particularly the strong
      influence of the selected biomass reaction on the obtained results.
      Notwithstanding, using previous literature in cancer research, we evaluated the
      most relevant of our targets in three different cancer cell lines, two derived
      from Gliobastoma Multiforme and one from Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, finding that
      some of the predictions are in the right track.

PMID- 27145227
TI  - Utilizing High-Risk Kidneys-Risks, Benefits, and Unintended Consequences?

PMID- 27145228
TI  - Improvement of memory recall by quercetin in rodent contextual fear conditioning
      and human early-stage Alzheimer's disease patients.
AB  - Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience a wide array of cognitive
      deficits, which typically include the impairment of explicit memory. In previous
      studies, the authors reported that a flavonoid, quercetin, reduces the expression
      of ATF4 and delays memory deterioration in an early-stage AD mouse model. In the
      present study, the effects of long-term quercetin intake on memory recall were
      assessed using contextual fear conditioning in aged wild-type mice. In addition,
      the present study examined whether memory recall was affected by the intake of
      quercetin-rich onion (a new cultivar of hybrid onion 'Quergold') powder in early
      stage AD patients. In-vivo analysis indicated that memory recall was enhanced in
      aged mice fed a quercetin-containing diet. Memory recall in early-stage AD
      patients, determined using the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale, was significantly
      improved by the intake of quercetin-rich onion (Quergold) powder for 4 weeks
      compared with the intake of control onion ('Mashiro' white onion) powder. These
      results indicate that quercetin might influence memory recall.

PMID- 27145229
TI  - Strict Regiospecificity of Human Epithelial 15-Lipoxygenase-2 Delineates Its
      Transcellular Synthesis Potential.
AB  - Lipoxins are an important class of lipid mediators that induce the resolution of
      inflammation and arise from transcellular exchange of arachidonic acid (AA)
      derived lipoxygenase products. Human epithelial 15-lipoxygenase-2 (h15-LOX-2),
      the major lipoxygenase in macrophages, has exhibited strict regiospecificity,
      catalyzing only the hydroperoxidation of carbon 15 of AA. To determine the
      catalytic potential of h15-LOX-2 in transcellular synthesis events, we reacted it
      with the three lipoxygenase-derived monohydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acids
      (HPETE) in humans: 5-HPETE, 12-HPETE, and 15-HPETE. Only 5-HPETE was a substrate
      for h15-LOX-2, and the steady-state catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of this
      reaction was 31% of the kcat/Km of AA. The only major product of h15-LOX-2's
      reaction with 5-HPETE was the proposed lipoxin intermediate, 5,15-dihydroperoxy
      eicosatetraenoic acid (5,15-diHPETE). However, h15-LOX-2 did not react further
      with 5,15-diHPETE to produce lipoxins. This result is consistent with the
      specificity of h15-LOX-2 despite the increased reactivity of 5,15-diHPETE.
      Density functional theory calculations determined that the radical, after
      abstracting the C10 hydrogen atom from 5,15-diHPETE, had an energy 5.4 kJ/mol
      lower than that of the same radical generated from AA, demonstrating the facility
      of 5,15-diHPETE to form lipoxins. Interestingly, h15-LOX-2 does react with 5S,6R
      diHETE, forming LipoxinA4, indicating the gemdiol does not prohibit h15-LOX-2
      reactivity. Taken together, these results demonstrate the strict regiospecificity
      of h15-LOX-2 that circumscribes its role in transcellular synthesis.

PMID- 27145230
TI  - Efficacy and safety of otelixizumab use in new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is an immune-mediated disease induced by
      antigen-specific T cells infiltrating pancreatic beta cells leading to the
      progressive loss of endogenous insulin secretion. AREAS COVERED: The
      identification of specific components of the autoimmune response favoured the
      implementation of several immunomodulatory therapies including antiCD3 monoclonal
      antibody (mAb) called otelixizumab. Otelixizumab is a chimeric monoclonal
      antibody that targets the epsilon-chain of the CD3T-lymphocyte surface receptor
      that has been developed with the aim of short therapeutic courses capable of
      inducing a remission of T1DM. Clinical trials have been carried out with
      otelixizumab to evaluate its safety and efficacy, but despite positive results of
      Phase I and II studies, the results of Phase III studies have been contradictory.
      EXPERT OPINION: High doses of otelixizumab have shown beneficial effects on beta
      cell function whereas a lower dose, which was tested to avoid the adverse effects
      associated with higher doses, was not effective on beta cells preservation. We
      believe that otelixizumab is a drug of potential interest for treating new onset
      T1DM patients and its use in combination with other immunomodulatory agents
      should be considered as a solution to circumvent adverse effects while
      maintaining efficacy.

PMID- 27145231
TI  - Autophagy, citrullination and cancer.
AB  - A cell needs to maintain a balance between biosynthesis and degradation of
      cellular components to maintain homeostasis. There are 2 pathways, the
      proteasome, which degrades short-lived proteins, and the autophagy/lysosomal
      pathway, which degrades long-lived proteins and organelles. Both of these
      pathways are also involved in antigen presentation or the effective delivery of
      peptides to MHC molecules for presentation to T cells. Autophagy (macroautophagy)
      is a key player in providing substantial sources of citrullinated peptides for
      loading onto MHC-II molecules to stimulate CD4(+) T cell responses. Stressful
      conditions in the tumor microenvironment induce autophagy in cancer cells as a
      mechanism to promote their survival. We therefore investigated if citrullinated
      peptides could stimulate CD4(+) T cell responses that would recognize these
      modifications produced during autophagy within tumor cells. Focusing on the
      intermediate filament protein VIM (vimentin), we generated citrullinated VIM
      peptides for immunization experiments in mice. Immunization with these peptides
      induced CD4(+) T cells in response to autophagic tumor targets. Remarkably, a
      single immunization with modified peptide, up to 14 d after tumor implant,
      resulted in long-term survival in 60% to 90% of animals with no associated
      toxicity. These results show how CD4(+) cells can mediate potent antitumor
      responses against modified self-epitopes presented on tumor cells, and they
      illustrate for the first time how the citrullinated peptides produced during
      autophagy may offer especially attractive vaccine targets for cancer therapy.

PMID- 27145232
TI  - A Simple Approach to Boost Capacitance: Flexible Supercapacitors Based on
      Manganese Oxides@MOFs via Chemically Induced In Situ Self-Transformation.
AB  - An extremely simple in situ self-transformation methodology is developed to
      introduce pseudocapacitance into the MOF system resulting in a largely boosted
      electrochemical performance: a three-fold increase in capacitance as well as
      improved rate capacity. An all-solid-state hybrid flexible supercapacitor is
      fabricated based on the obtained MnOx -MHCF composite and activated carbon with
      an areal capacitance of 175 mF cm(-2) at 0.5 mA cm(-2) . 

PMID- 27145233
TI  - Protein profiles of CCL5, HPGDS, and NPSR1 in plasma reveal association with
      childhood asthma.
AB  - Asthma is a common chronic childhood disease with many different phenotypes that
      need to be identified. We analyzed a broad range of plasma proteins in children
      with well-characterized asthma phenotypes to identify potential markers of
      childhood asthma. Using an affinity proteomics approach, plasma levels of 362
      proteins covered by antibodies from the Human Protein Atlas were investigated in
      a total of 154 children with persistent or intermittent asthma and controls.
      After screening, chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase
      (HPGDS) and neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) were selected for further
      investigation. Significantly lower levels of both CCL5 and HPGDS were found in
      children with persistent asthma, while NPSR1 was found at higher levels in
      children with mild intermittent asthma compared to healthy controls. In addition,
      the protein levels were investigated in another respiratory disease, sarcoidosis,
      showing significantly higher NPSR1 levels in sera from sarcoidosis patients
      compared to healthy controls. Immunohistochemical staining of healthy tissues
      revealed high cytoplasmic expression of HPGDS in mast cells, present in stroma of
      both airway epithelia, lung as well as in other organs. High expression of NPSR1
      was observed in neuroendocrine tissues, while no expression was observed in
      airway epithelia or lung. In conclusion, we have utilized a broad-scaled affinity
      proteomics approach to identify three proteins with altered plasma levels in
      asthmatic children, representing one of the first evaluations of HPGDS and NPSR1
      protein levels in plasma.

PMID- 27145234
TI  - Exogenous melatonin improved potassium content in Malus under different stress
      conditions.
AB  - Melatonin mediates many physiological processes in plants. We investigated its
      role in regulating growth, potassium uptake, and root system architecture under
      three types of stress: salinity or a deficiency of all nutrients in Malus
      hupehensis Rehd., as well as a K deficiency in Malus rockii Rehd. Each treatment
      caused a reduction in growth rates and disrupted the absorption of potassium.
      However, pretreatment with 0.1 mmol/L melatonin significantly alleviated such
      inhibitions. The addition of melatonin also upregulated genes for antioxidant
      enzymes involved in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle (MdcAPX, MdDHAR1, MdDHAR2,
      MdMDHAR, and MdcGR) and helped decrease the accumulation of H2 O2 while improving
      the expression of K transporters and genes for the CBL1-CIPK23 pathway. These
      results indicated that melatonin can regulate the ROS signal and activate the
      CBL1-CIPK23 pathway to regulate the expression of a potassium channel protein
      gene, thereby promoting the absorption of potassium ions. Our findings
      demonstrate that inducing melatonin production is an important mechanism for
      plant defenses that can serve as a platform for possible applications in
      agricultural or related fields of research. 

PMID- 27145235
TI  - Proximal location in extremity long bones is a poor prognostic factor for
      osteosarcoma: A retrospective cohort study of 153 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteosarcomas arising in the proximal femur, humerus, and tibia
      appear to have poorer outcomes than those arising in distal long bones. However,
      the strength of this association is uncertain, particularly in light of other
      prognostic factors. Therefore, this retrospective cohort study was performed to
      compare patient outcomes between proximal and distal tumor location within
      extremity long bones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 153 patients with
      conventional high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremity long bones, pelvis, or
      axial skeleton who had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection
      between 1985 and 2010 were identified in the Surgical Pathology files at
      Vanderbilt Medical Center. Effect of anatomic location within a proximal long
      bone was assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression.
      RESULTS: Proximal tumor location was a strong predictor of poor prognosis in
      univariate survival analysis. Multivariate regression analysis showed that after
      controlling for American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, histologic
      response to chemotherapy, surgical resection margin status, and histologic type,
      location in the proximal femur, tibia, and humerus were independent risk factors
      for death due to osteosarcoma, but not event-free survival. CONCLUSION:
      Osteosarcomas of the proximal extremity long bones are associated with decreased
      disease-specific survival compared to tumors of the distal long bones, even after
      accounting for other key prognostic covariates.

PMID- 27145236
TI  - Linkage-Specific in Situ Sialic Acid Derivatization for N-Glycan Mass
      Spectrometry Imaging of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissues.
AB  - Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging is
      a rapidly evolving field in which mass spectrometry techniques are applied
      directly on tissues to characterize the spatial distribution of various molecules
      such as lipids, protein/peptides, and recently also N-glycans. Glycans are
      involved in many biological processes and several glycan changes have been
      associated with different kinds of cancer, making them an interesting target
      group to study. An important analytical challenge for the study of glycans by
      MALDI mass spectrometry is the labile character of sialic acid groups which are
      prone to in-source/postsource decay, thereby biasing the recorded glycan profile.
      We therefore developed a linkage-specific sialic acid derivatization by
      dimethylamidation and subsequent amidation and transferred this onto formalin
      fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues for MALDI imaging of N-glycans. Our
      results show (i) the successful stabilization of sialic acids in a linkage
      specific manner, thereby not only increasing the detection range, but also adding
      biological meaning, (ii) that no noticeable lateral diffusion is induced during
      to sample preparation, (iii) the potential of mass spectrometry imaging to
      spatially characterize the N-glycan expression within heterogeneous tissues.

PMID- 27145237
TI  - hERG Channel Blocking Ipecac Alkaloids Identified by Combined In Silico - In
      Vitro Screening.
AB  - Human ether-a-go-go-related gene channel blocking is associated with QT interval
      prolongation and increased risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias. As natural
      products keep increasing in popularity, there is an urgent need for studies
      assessing human ether-a-go-go-related gene channel-related cardiotoxic risks. We
      selected 49 plant species based on the results of a pharmacophore-based virtual
      screening campaign, in parallel with a literature data survey concerning highly
      consumed herbal medicines with reported cardiac liabilities. Lead-like enhanced
      extracts were prepared, an initial in vitro screening was performed at 100 ug/mL
      by voltage clamp on Xenopus oocytes, and five human ether-a-go-go-related gene
      channel blocking extracts were identified. In accordance to the six virtually
      predicted alkaloids, the root extract of Carapichea ipecacuanha inhibited human
      ether-a-go-go-related gene channel currents by 32.5 %. A phytochemical workflow
      resulted in the isolation and identification of five out of the six virtually
      predicted alkaloids. All isolates blocked human ether-a-go-go-related gene
      channel currents to different extents. The major ipecac constituents emetine (1)
      and cephaeline (2) showed IC50 values of 21.4 and 5.3 uM, respectively, measured
      by whole-cell patch clamp in HEK293 cells. This is the first report on human
      ether-a-go-go-related gene channel blockers from C. ipecacuanha. Its roots and
      rhizomes are used to produce different pharmacopeial ipecac preparations that are
      mainly used as emetics for poisoning treatment. Our findings raise further
      questions regarding the safety and over-the-counter appropriateness of these
      herbal products. 

PMID- 27145238
TI  - Overcoming Multidrug Resistance in Candida albicans: Macrocyclic Diterpenes from
      Euphorbia Species as Potent Inhibitors of Drug Efflux Pumps.
AB  - Thirteen macrocyclic diterpenes (1-13) of the jatrophane and lathyrane types,
      either isolated from Euphorbia species or obtained by chemical derivatization,
      were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the drug efflux activity of Candida
      albicans CaCdr1p and CaMdr1p multidrug transporters overexpressed in a
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. Their inhibitory potential was assessed through
      a functional assay of Nile Red accumulation monitored by flow cytometry. A
      chemosensitization assay, using the checkerboard method, was also performed with
      the active compounds in order to evaluate their type of interaction with
      fluconazole.In the transport assay, most compounds were found to inhibit both
      transporters, most likely as non-substrates, as shown by relative resistance
      indices close to unity. In contrast, the jatrophanes euphopubescenol (10) and
      euphomelliferene A (11) were selective for CaMdr1p and CaCdr1p, respectively.
      Moreover, when used in combination with fluconazole, compounds 12 and 13
      displayed strong synergistic interactions (FICI = 0.071) against the yeast strain
      overexpressing CaMdr1p, decreasing the MIC80 of the antifungal agent 13-fold.
      Both compounds were also able to reduce the effective concentration of this
      antifungal agent by 4- to 8-fold against an azole-resistant clinical isolate of
      C. albicans (F5). 

PMID- 27145239
TI  - Medium and Long Chain Fatty Acids Differentially Modulate Apoptosis and Release
      of Inflammatory Cytokines in Human Liver Cells.
AB  - Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) can be more easily absorbed and supply energy
      more rapidly than long chain fatty acids (LCFA). However, little is known about
      the inflammatory response by the treatment of MCFA in human liver cells. Thus
      this study used human liver cells (LO2) to evaluate the effects of MCFA on
      apoptosis and inflammatory response. Tetrazolim-based colorimetric assay and
      lactate dehydrogenase assay were used to measure the viability of LO2 cells,
      isolated spleens and liver cells from BALB/C mice. Inverted fluorescence
      microscopy and flow cytometry were used to assess the cell apoptosis. Activity of
      superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde level were measured to determine the
      oxidative damage. mRNA or protein levels of classical pro-inflammatory cytokines
      were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting. The results showed that the
      liver cells treated with the fatty acids at 200 MUM for 24 h exhibited good
      viability. Fatty acids induced inflammatory cytokines at transcriptional and
      translational levels to a lesser extent than lipopolysaccharide. LCFA (oleic
      acid) up-regulated tumor necrosis fator-alpha, monocyte chemoattractant-1 and
      interleukin-1beta while down-regulated IL-6 and IL-8 secretion to a higher extent
      than MCFA in mRNA and protein levels. These findings suggested that MCFA may
      induce apoptosis to a less extent and exert more gentle inflammation than LCFA in
      human liver cells. 

PMID- 27145240
TI  - Wolcott-Rallison Syndrome with Novel EIF2AK3 Gene Mutation.

PMID- 27145241
TI  - Platelet hyperaggregability in obesity: is there a role for nitric oxide
      impairment and oxidative stress?
AB  - Epidemiological evidence has shown that platelet activation markers are
      consistently elevated in obesity, contributing to its prothrombotic state. In
      order to improve the understanding of the regulation of platelet function in
      obesity, the aim of this study was to investigate the l-arginine-nitric oxide
      (NO) pathway in obese adults without other cardiovascular risk factor. Seventeen
      obese (body mass index [BMI] 35.9+/-1.0 kg/m(2) ) and eighteen age-matched normal
      weight subjects (BMI 22.0+/-0.6 kg/m(2) ) were included in this study. l-arginine
      influx was measured with incubation of l-[(3) H]-arginine. NO synthase (NOS) and
      arginase activities were determined by the citrulline assay and the conversion of
      l-[(14) C]-arginine to [(14) C]-urea, respectively. Cyclic guanosine
      monophosphate (cGMP) content was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
      In addition, the study analyzed: platelet aggregation; intraplatelet antioxidant
      enzymes, via superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities; and systemic
      levels of l-arginine, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Obese patients
      presented a significant decrease of platelet l-arginine influx, NOS activity, and
      cGMP levels, along with platelet hyperaggregability. On the presence of NO donor,
      platelet aggregation was similar between the groups. The fibrinogen and CRP
      systemic levels were significantly higher and SOD activity was reduced in
      obesity. No significant differences were observed in plasma levels of l-arginine
      and intraplatelet arginase and catalase activities between groups. The diminished
      NO bioavailability associated with inflammatory status and impaired enzymatic
      antioxidant defence may contribute to future cardiovascular complications in
      obesity.

PMID- 27145242
TI  - Response to: "Can Racial Differences in Resting Metabolic Rate be Explained by
      Body Composition?".

PMID- 27145244
TI  - Ward Sisters At Sharp End of Cutbacks.
AB  - Ward sisters and charge nurses will be critical to ensuring 'cutbacks do not cost
      lives' in the current economic climate, according to the RCN's head of policy.

PMID- 27145243
TI  - Medicolegal-Malpractice and Ethical Issues in Radiology.

PMID- 27145245
TI  - Turning the Blues Around - One Woman's Story of Kicking Depression to Nurse the
      Mentally III Burnett-Thomas Irene Turning the Blues Around - One Woman's Story of
      Kicking Depression to Nurse the Mentally III 247pp Athena Press 9781847484123
      1847484123 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Trapped in a failing marriage and experiencing postnatal depression, Irene
      Burnett-Thomas ended up in a psychiatric hospital - with the depressive's
      characteristic feelings of worthlessness and guilt. But she fought back against
      this near-overwhelming situation to start life afresh and develop a satisfying
      career in nursing.

PMID- 27145246
TI  - Arts Development in Community Health - A Social Tonic White Mike Arts Development
      in Community Health - A Social Tonic 262pp Radcliffe Publishing 9781846191404
      1846191408 [Formula: see text].
AB  - Those who work in community health services will no doubt be aware of the
      therapeutic use of the arts for patients. However, most nurses will be hard
      pressed to say much about how arts development is applied specifically to
      patients or generally to public health initiatives. Mike White, research and
      development fellow in arts and health, Durham University, addresses this
      knowledge gap. He provides an overview by tracing the roots of arts development,
      with several case studies from Ireland, Australia and South Africa.

PMID- 27145247
TI  - The Rise of Obesity in Europe - A Twentieth Century Food History McKevith Brigid
      The Rise of Obesity in Europe - A Twentieth Century Food History 262pp Ashgate
      9780754676966 075467696X [Formula: see text].
AB  - This history book explores the rise of obesity in Europe by examining a range of
      cultural, social and economic factors.

PMID- 27145248
TI  - Mobile Phone Short Message Service to Improve Malaria Pharmacoadherence in
      Zambia.
AB  - PURPOSE: The current malaria treatment in Zambia is more than 97% effective when
      the regimen is strictly adhered to. However, the mean adherence rate in sub
      Saharan Africa is only 38% to 48%. Poor pharmacoadherence remains a significant
      barrier to malaria control and elimination. The purpose of this study was to
      determine if adherence rates to a six-dose artemesinin-based combination therapy
      (ACT) treatment differ between patients who received short message service (SMS)
      reminders and those who did not. This is the first study of its kind using SMS
      directly to the patient for ACT adherence in sub-Saharan Africa. DESIGN: An
      experimental, randomized controlled trial was conducted through a sample of 96
      adult malaria patients at Fisenge Clinic in Zambia in 2014. METHODS: The
      intervention group received SMS messages to remind them to take their medication
      according to the prescribed regimen. An electronic pillbox was used to measure
      pharmacoadherence for both groups, and patients were classified as probably
      adherent or probably nonadherent. FINDINGS: Data were analyzed using chi-square
      for association between the SMS intervention and pharmacoadherence, and logistic
      regression was used for predictors of adherence. No significant association was
      found between SMS reminders and pharmacoadherence (chi(2) = 0.19, df = 1, p =
      .67). Binary logistic regression indicated that there were no variables
      associated with adherence (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: SMS reminder messages did not
      appear to improve pharmacoadherence in malaria medication. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      The study indicates few implications to nursing practice due to the lack of
      association between SMS and adherence, but adds to current knowledge.

PMID- 27145249
TI  - Advancing a comprehensive cancer care agenda for children and their families:
      Institute of Medicine Workshop highlights and next steps.
AB  - This article highlights key findings from the "Comprehensive Cancer Care for
      Children and Their Families" March 2015 joint workshop by the Institute of
      Medicine (IOM) and the American Cancer Society. This initiative convened more
      than 100 family members, clinician investigators, advocates, and members of the
      public to discuss emerging evidence and care models and to determine the next
      steps for optimizing quality-of-life outcomes and well-being for children and
      families during pediatric cancer treatment, after treatment completion, and
      across the life spectrum. Participants affirmed the triple aim of pediatric
      oncology that strives for every child with cancer to be cured; provides high
      quality palliative and psychosocial supportive, restorative, and rehabilitative
      care to children and families throughout the illness course and survivorship; and
      assures receipt of high-quality end-of-life care for patients with advancing
      disease. Workshop outcomes emphasized the need for new pediatric cancer drug
      development and identified critical opportunities to prioritize palliative care
      and psychosocial support as an integral part of pediatric cancer research and
      treatment, including the necessity for adequately resourcing these supportive
      services to minimize suffering and distress, effectively address quality-of-life
      needs for children and families at all stages of illness, and mitigate the long
      term health risks associated with childhood cancer and its treatment. Next steps
      include dismantling existing silos and enhancing collaboration between clinical
      investigators, disease-directed specialists, and supportive care services;
      expanding the use of patient-reported and parent-reported outcomes; effectively
      integrating palliative and psychosocial care; and clinical communication skills
      development. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:398-407. (c) 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID- 27145250
TI  - Design of Switchable Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells Targeting Breast Cancer.
AB  - Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells have demonstrated promising results
      against hematological malignancies, but have encountered significant challenges
      in translation to solid tumors. To overcome these hurdles, we have developed a
      switchable CAR-T cell platform in which the activity of the engineered cell is
      controlled by dosage of an antibody-based switch. Herein, we apply this approach
      to Her2-expressing breast cancers by engineering switch molecules through site
      specific incorporation of FITC or grafting of a peptide neo-epitope (PNE) into
      the anti-Her2 antibody trastuzumab (clone 4D5). We demonstrate that both switch
      formats can be readily optimized to redirect CAR-T cells (specific for the
      corresponding FITC or PNE) to Her2-expressing tumor cells, and afford dose
      titratable activation of CAR-T cells ex vivo and complete clearance of the tumor
      in rodent xenograft models. This strategy may facilitate the application of
      immunotherapy to solid tumors by affording comparable efficacy with improved
      safety owing to switch-based control of the CAR-T response.

PMID- 27145251
TI  - DOUBLE RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM TEARS IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR
      DEGENERATION.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the occurrence and treatment outcomes of double retinal
      pigment epithelium (RPE) tears in neovascular age-related macular degeneration
      and to elucidate the mechanism of tear development by means of multimodal imaging
      analysis. METHODS: Fundus autofluorescence, spectral-domain optical coherence
      tomography, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography were
      retrospectively studied before and after the occurrence of first and second RPE
      tears and at the final visit. RESULTS: Twelve eyes of 10 patients that developed
      double RPE tears, either simultaneously (6 eyes) or at variable intervals after
      repeated intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor administration (6
      eyes), were included. First RPE tears developed after a mean of 4.5 +/- 2.7 anti
      vascular endothelial growth factor injections; second RPE tears developed after a
      mean of 7.1 +/- 5.2 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections. Mean best
      corrected visual acuity was 20/63 at baseline evaluation, 20/76 after occurrence
      of first tear, 20/90 after occurrence of second tear, and 20/95 at final visit (P
      > 0.05 for all). Multimodal imaging revealed in all cases a Type 1 neovascular
      lesion adherent to the posterior surface of the RPE and spanning a significant
      portion of the pigment epithelium detachment with variable orientation; after
      development of double tears, the RPE seemed retracted on both borders of the
      neovascular network. CONCLUSION: Double RPE tears may occur on opposite sides of
      a vascularized pigment epithelium detachment, in eyes with neovascular age
      related macular degeneration after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor
      therapy, because of neovascular contraction of a Type 1 neovascular complex,
      adherent to the posterior surface of the RPE and spanning a significant portion
      of the pigment epithelium detachment area.

PMID- 27145252
TI  - Correspondence.

PMID- 27145253
TI  - Correspondence.

PMID- 27145254
TI  - Correspondence.

PMID- 27145256
TI  - Correspondence.

PMID- 27145255
TI  - FEATURES OF OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF VOGT-KOYANAGI
      HARADA DISEASE.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To examine the diagnostic value of optical coherence
      tomography (OCT) for the detection of acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease.
      METHODS: Clinical charts and OCT images were retrospectively reviewed for
      patients consecutively diagnosed with acute VKH, subacute VKH, multifocal central
      serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), and posterior scleritis. All patients underwent
      OCT, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography (FA) before treatment. The
      characteristics of OCT and FA were analyzed and recorded. RESULTS: The study
      included 80 eyes with acute VKH, 32 eyes with subacute VKH, 33 eyes with CSCR,
      and 13 eyes with posterior scleritis. The most common OCT features of VKH disease
      were hyperreflective dots (70/80; 88%), subretinal membranous structures (64/80;
      80%), retinal detachment higher than 450 MUm (63/80; 79%), and retinal pigment
      epithelium (RPE) folds (44/80; 55%). For the detection of VKH disease,
      sensitivity and specificity were for subretinal membranous structures 80% and
      95.6%, respectively, for high retinal detachment 78.8% and 76.1%, respectively,
      for subretinal hyperreflective dots, 87.5 and 60.9%, respectively, and for RPE
      folds 55% and 80.4% respectively. Subretinal membranous structures showed the
      highest positive predictive value (97.3%) and negative predictive value (65.7%)
      of all OCT assessed features. CONCLUSION: OCT-related morphological signs have a
      relatively high predictive value for the diagnosis of acute VKH.

PMID- 27145257
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27145258
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27145259
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27145260
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27145261
TI  - Efficiency of Health Investment: Education or Intelligence?
AB  - In this paper, we hypothesize that education is associated with a higher
      efficiency of health investment, yet that this efficiency advantage is solely
      driven by intelligence. We operationalize efficiency of health investment as the
      probability of dying conditional on a certain hospital diagnosis and estimate a
      multistate structural equation model with three states: (i) healthy, (ii)
      hospitalized, and (iii) death. We use data from a Dutch cohort born around 1940
      that links intelligence tests at age 12 years to later-life hospitalization and
      mortality records. The results indicate that intelligent individuals have a clear
      survival advantage for most hospital diagnoses, while the remaining disparities
      across education groups are small and not statistically significant. (c) 2016 The
      Authors. Health Economics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27145262
TI  - Prediction of Protein-Ligand Binding Poses via a Combination of Induced Fit
      Docking and Metadynamics Simulations.
AB  - Ligand docking is a widely used tool for lead discovery and binding mode
      prediction based drug discovery. The greatest challenges in docking occur when
      the receptor significantly reorganizes upon small molecule binding, thereby
      requiring an induced fit docking (IFD) approach in which the receptor is allowed
      to move in order to bind to the ligand optimally. IFD methods have had some
      success but suffer from a lack of reliability. Complementing IFD with all-atom
      molecular dynamics (MD) is a straightforward solution in principle but not in
      practice due to the severe time scale limitations of MD. Here we introduce a
      metadynamics plus IFD strategy for accurate and reliable prediction of the
      structures of protein-ligand complexes at a practically useful computational
      cost. Our strategy allows treating this problem in full atomistic detail and in a
      computationally efficient manner and enhances the predictive power of IFD
      methods. We significantly increase the accuracy of the underlying IFD protocol
      across a large data set comprising 42 different ligand-receptor systems. We
      expect this approach to be of significant value in computationally driven drug
      design. 

PMID- 27145263
TI  - Prophylactic treatment with plasma-derived C1 inhibitor in idiopathic non
      histaminergic angioedema.

PMID- 27145264
TI  - Chronic High Dose Alcohol Induces Osteopenia via Activation of mTOR Signaling in
      Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
AB  - Chronic consumption of excessive alcohol results in reduced bone mass, impaired
      bone structure, and increased risk of bone fracture. However, the mechanisms
      underlying alcohol-induced osteoporosis are not fully understood. Here, we show
      that high dose chronic alcohol consumption reduces osteogenic differentiation and
      enhances adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
      (BMMSCs), leading to osteopenia in a mouse model. Mechanistically, impaired
      osteo/adipogenic lineage differentiation of BMMSCs is due to activation of a
      phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling
      cascade, resulting in downregulation of runt-related transcription factor 2 and
      upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma via activation
      of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase. Blockage of the mTOR pathway by rapamycin
      treatment ameliorates alcohol-induced osteopenia by rescuing impaired
      osteo/adipogenic lineage differentiation of BMMSCs. In this study, we identify a
      previously unknown mechanism by which alcohol impairs BMMSC lineage
      differentiation and reveal a potential rapamycin-based drug therapy for alcohol
      induced osteoporosis. Stem Cells 2016;34:2157-2168.

PMID- 27145265
TI  - Quote ... unquote.

PMID- 27145266
TI  - IKKepsilon and TBK1 expression in gastric cancer.
AB  - Inhibitor of kappa B kinase epsilon (IKKepsilon) and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)
      are non-canonical IKKs. IKKepsilon and TBK1 share the kinase domain and are
      similar in their ability to activate the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling
      pathway. IKKepsilon and TBK1 are overexpressed through multiple mechanisms in
      various human cancers. However, the expression of IKKepsilon and TBK1 in gastric
      cancer and their role in prognosis have not been studied.To investigate
      overexpression of the IKKepsilon and TBK1 proteins in gastric cancer and their
      relationship with clinicopathologic factors, we performed immunohistochemical
      staining using a tissue microarray. Tissue microarray samples were obtained from
      1,107 gastric cancer patients who underwent R0 gastrectomy with extensive lymph
      node dissection and adjuvant chemotherapy.We identified expression of IKKepsilon
      in 150 (13.6%) and TBK1 in 38 (3.4%) gastric cancers. Furthermore, co-expression
      of IKKepsilon and TBK1 was identified in 1.5% of cases. Co-expression of
      IKKepsilon and TBK1 was associated with differentiated intestinal histology and
      earlier T stage. In a multivariate binary logistic regression model, intestinal
      histologic type by Lauren classification and early AJCC stage were significant
      predictors for expression of IKKepsilon and TBK1 proteins in gastric cancer.
      Changes in IKKepsilon and TBK1 expression may be involved in the development of
      intestinal-type gastric cancer. The overexpression of IKKepsilon and TBK1 should
      be considered in selected patients with intestinal-type gastric cancer.In
      conclusion, this is the first large-scale study investigating the relationships
      between expression of IKKepsilon and TBK1 and clinicopathologic features of
      gastric cancer. The role of IKKepsilon and TBK1 in intestinal-type gastric cancer
      pathogenesis should be elucidated by further investigation.

PMID- 27145267
TI  - Solid tumors provide niche-specific conditions that lead to preferential growth
      of Salmonella.
AB  - Therapeutic attenuated strains of Salmonella Typhimurium target and eradicate
      tumors in mouse models. However, the mechanism of S. Typhimurium for tumor
      targeting is still poorly understood. We performed a high-throughput screening of
      single-gene deletion mutants of S. Typhimurium in an orthotopic, syngeneic murine
      mammary model of breast cancer. The mutants under selection in this system were
      classified into functional categories to identify bacterial processes involved in
      Salmonella accumulation within tumors. Niche-specific genes involved in
      preferential tumor colonization were identified and exemplars were confirmed by
      competitive infection assays. Our results show that the chemotaxis gene cheY and
      the motility genes motAB confer an advantage for colonization of Salmonella
      within orthotopic syngeneic breast tumors. In addition, eutC, a gene belonging to
      the ethanolamine metabolic pathway, also confers an advantage for Salmonella
      within tumors, perhaps by exploiting either ethanolamine or an alternative
      nutrient in the inflamed tumor environment. 

PMID- 27145268
TI  - mir-101-3p is a key regulator of tumor metabolism in triple negative breast
      cancer targeting AMPK.
AB  - mir-101-3p has been reported to be a tumor suppressor and a promising therapeutic
      target in cancer. Recently, AMPK dysfunction has been highlighted in cancers,
      including breast cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the biological
      roles of mir-101-3p and AMPK in breast cancer. Our research demonstrated that
      AMPK was up-regulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, especially in
      triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). High-expression of AMPK correlated with
      poor outcome in both total breast cancer and TNBC patients. Ectopic expression of
      AMPK improved glucose uptake, glycolysis, proliferation of TNBC cells in vitro
      and its tumorigenicity in vivo. AMPK was predicted to be a direct target of mir
      101-3p. The luciferase reporter assay was performed to certificate this
      prediction. The expression of AMPK was suppressed by transfection of mir-101-3p
      in TNBC cells. Over-expression of mir-101-3p or knock-down of AMPK inhibited
      glucose metabolism and proliferation of TNBC cells in vitro. Our study provides
      evidence that mir-101-3p- AMPK axis could be a promising therapeutic target in
      TNBC targeting tumor metabolism. 

PMID- 27145269
TI  - Prognostic and predictive value of Ki-67 in triple-negative breast cancer.
AB  - This study was to investigate the prognostic role of Ki-67 in further
      classification of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and to test whether high
      expression level of Ki67 can predict benefit from carboplatin. From January 2004
      to December 2012, 363 patients operated for TNBC were identified through the
      institutional clinical database. After a median follow-up time of 34 months (5.2
      120.0 months), 62 patients (17.1%) had relapses and 33 patients (9.1%) died of
      breast cancer. In univariate analysis, high Ki-67 index as well as larger tumor
      size and lymph node involvement was associated with shorter disease-free survival
      (DFS) and overall survival (OS). In multivariate analysis, high Ki-67 is an
      independent risk factor for DFS (Risk Ratio, RR: 2.835, 95% confidence interval,
      95% CI: 1.586-5.068, P < 0.001) and OS (RR: 3.180, 95% CI: 1.488-6.793, P =
      0.003). When analyzing the 3-year DFS by Ki-67 distribution, Subpopulation
      Treatment Effect Pattern Plot analysis showed a beneficial effect of carboplatin
      in patients with high Ki-67 index. In conclusion, TNBC is probably a
      heterogeneous disease with different characteristics and prognosis, and may be
      further subdivided according to the Ki-67 expression levels. Patients in the high
      Ki- 67 group seem to benefit more from treatment with carboplatin, but this needs
      to be further verified. 

PMID- 27145271
TI  - EphB6 overexpression and Apc mutation together promote colorectal cancer.
AB  - The erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte (Eph) family tyrosine kinases play
      important roles in tumorigenesis and cancer aggression. In this study, we
      investigated the role of EphB6 in oncogenic transformation of colorectal
      epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo. EphB6 is upregulated in human colorectal
      cancer (CRC) tissues as compared to normal tissues, and its overexpression
      promotes proliferation, migration and invasion by IMCE colorectal adenoma cells,
      in which one Apc allele is mutated. EphB6 overexpression together with Apc
      mutation leads to the development of colorectal tumors in vivo. Expression
      microarrays using mRNAs and lncRNAs isolated from EphB6-overexpresssing IMCE and
      control cells revealed a large number of dysregulated genes involved in cancer
      related functions and pathways. The present study is the first to demonstrate
      that EphB6 overexpression together with Apc gene mutations may enhance
      proliferation, invasion and metastasis by colorectal epithelial cells. Microarray
      data and pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes provided insight into
      possible EphB6-regulated mechanisms promoting tumorigenesis and cancer
      progression. EphB6 overexpression may represent a novel, effective biomarker
      predictive of cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis patterns in CRC tumors.

PMID- 27145270
TI  - Cyclin D1 expression predicts postoperative distant metastasis and survival in
      resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aim to identify esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with
      increased risk of postoperative metastases. RESULTS: A high level of cyclin D1
      expression, together with poor tumor cell differentiation and advanced tumor
      stages, increased risk of postoperative metastasis and decreased distant
      metastasis-free survival in ESCC in both cohorts. A high level of cyclin D1
      expression also decreased overall survival in the training cohort (p < 0.01) but
      not in the validation cohort (p = 0.415). However, when the two cohorts of
      patients were pooled to obtain a larger case number, a high level of cyclin D1
      expression was again demonstrated as an independent predictor that decreased
      overall survival (p < 0.01). METHODS: We used data from two institutions to
      establish training (n = 319) and validation (n = 164) cohorts. Tissue microarrays
      were generated for immunohistochemical evaluation. The correlation among cyclin
      D1 expression, clinicopathologic variables, postoperative distant metastases,
      overall survival, and distant metastasis-free survival were analyzed.
      Multivariate analyses were used to test the independent factors impacting
      postoperative distant metastases and survival. The outcomes generated from the
      training cohort were then tested using the validation cohort and pooled dataset.
      CONCLUSIONS: High level of cyclin D1 expression increased distant metastasis,
      decreased overall survival and distant metastasis-free survival in resectable
      ESCC. Using a combination of cyclin D1 expression, tumor cell differentiation
      grade, and tumor stages, identifying patients with increased risk of
      postoperative metastases becomes possible.

PMID- 27145273
TI  - Genetic alterations and protein expression in combined small cell lung cancers
      and small cell lung cancers arising from lung adenocarcinomas after therapy with
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
AB  - There are 2 hypotheses regarding the mechanism underlying the adenocarcinoma (AD)
      to small cell lung cancer (SCLC) transition in patients receiving Tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor (TKI) therapy: 1) AD gives rise to SCLC owing to the pressure of the
      TKI therapy, and 2) the SCLC coexists with the AD de novo, but is not detected in
      biopsy specimens of the heterogeneous tumor. In this study, we try to address
      this issue by examination the genetic alteration and protein expression profile
      between SCLC arising from AD, and SCLC in combined small cell lung cancers
      (CSCLC). In the former, the SCLC had the same genetic profile as the AD, and we
      strongly suggest that the transition was a consequence of TKI therapy. In the
      latter, genetic alterations and protein expression tended to differ between the
      NSCLC and SCLC components of the CSCLC. The results showed that EGFR and KRAS
      mutation were found in 1 but not both component of CSCLC, and the NSCLC component
      usually expressed the EGFR and RB1 proteins, whereas the SCLC component did not.
      This finding indicates that the NSCLC and SCLC components arose separately and
      that CSCLC are unsuitable for TKI therapy despite the presence of sensitive EGFR
      mutations. 

PMID- 27145272
TI  - A comprehensive expression analysis of the MIA gene family in malignancies: MIA
      gene family members are novel, useful markers of esophageal, lung, and cervical
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) gene family members include MIA, MIA2, and
      Transport and Golgi organization protein 1 (TANGO). Although MIA gene family
      members have several tumor-related functions, their detailed roles in
      malignancies remain poorly elucidated. In this study, 477 tumor specimens were
      subjected to immunohistochemical screening to evaluate MIA gene family
      expression. For a validation analysis, we also examined the association between
      MIA gene family expression and clinicopathological factors in 66 cases of
      esophageal cancer, 145 cases of lung cancer, and 126 cases of cervical cancer.
      The frequency of MIA gene family expression was higher among squamous cell
      carcinomas than among other tumor types subjected to screening. In the validation
      analysis, MIA gene family staining was observed frequently in esophageal and lung
      cancers associated with nodal and/or distant metastasis. In cervical cancers, MIA
      and TANGO immunostaining also correlated with tumor progression and metastasis.
      Furthermore, MIA2 expression levels in invasive cervical cancer were upregulated
      relative to those in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3. A disease-free
      survival analysis revealed that MIA-, MIA2, or TANGO-positive patients had a
      significantly shorter disease-free survival than did those patients who were
      negative. Our results suggest that MIA, MIA2, and TANGO may be useful diagnostic
      and therapeutic molecular targets in human malignancies. 

PMID- 27145274
TI  - Fractionation of Fab glycosylated immunoglobulin G with concanavalin A
      chromatography unveils new structural properties of the molecule.
AB  - Concanavalin A (ConA) chromatography has been extensively used to separate
      asymmetric Immunoglobulin G (IgG), which possesses oligosaccharide attached to
      one of the two F(ab')2 arms, from symmetric IgG with no glycan attached to Fab
      fragments. In this study, applying affinity chromatography, silver stain, Western
      blot and lectin stain techniques, N- linked oligosaccharide attached to Fab
      fragment was demonstrated to be exposed on the surface of the protein and be
      accessible by ConA. In contrast, N- linked oligosaccharide attached to asparagine
      (Asn) 297 of IgG Fc was located in the inside of the natural protein and was
      inaccessible by ConA. In addition to asymmetric IgG, there are also detectable
      level of IgG with both F(ab')2 arms glycosylated that has not been reported
      previously. The discoveries of new basic molecular structure of IgG would have
      implications in understanding the function and properties of this important
      immune molecule with clinical applications. 

PMID- 27145275
TI  - Non-thermal plasma-induced apoptosis is modulated by ATR- and PARP1-mediated DNA
      damage responses and circadian clock.
AB  - Non-thermal plasma (NTP) has been emerging as a potential cancer therapeutic.
      However, the practical use of NTP as a cancer therapy requires a better
      understanding of the precise mechanisms underlying NTP-induced DNA damage
      responses in order to achieve optimal efficacy. It has been shown that the
      addition of oxygen gas flow during NTP treatment (NTPO), when compared to NTP
      exposure alone, can induce a 2-3 fold greater generation of intracellular
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) in A549 cells. Here, we examined NTPO-induced DNA
      damage responses and found that NTPO generated a substantial number of genomic
      DNA lesions and breaks that activated ATR-mediated cell-cycle checkpoints. In
      addition, we discovered that NTPO-induced DNA lesions were primarily removed by
      base excision repair (BER) rather than by nucleotide excision repair (NER).
      Therefore, the inhibition of the BER pathway using a PARP1 inhibitor drastically
      induced the phosphorylation of gammaH2AX, and was followed by the programmed cell
      death of cancer cells. However, the knock-down of XPA, which inhibited the NER
      pathway, had no effect on NTPO-induced phosphorylation of gammaH2AX. Finally, in
      agreement with a recent report, we found a circadian rhythm of PARP1 activity in
      normal mouse embryonic fibroblasts that needed for cell viability upon NTPO
      treatment. Taken together, our findings provided an advanced NTP regimen for
      cancer treatment by combining NTPO treatment with chemical adjuvants for the
      inhibition of ATR- and PARP1-activated DNA damage responses, and circadian timing
      of treatment. 

PMID- 27145276
TI  - Sulfatide interacts with and activates integrin alphaVbeta3 in human
      hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
AB  - Integrin alphaVbeta3 is a malignant driver of anchorage-independence and tumor
      angiogenesis, but its dysregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains
      unclear. In this study, we observed that sulfatide significantly promoted
      integrin alphaV(ITGAV) expression and wound closure in HCC. We also noted that
      elevated sulfatide profoundly stimulated integrin alphaVbeta3 clustering and
      signaling. In the cells with integrin alphaVbeta3 clustering induced by
      sulfatide, integrin beta3 subunit was phosphorylated. Simultaneously, focal
      adhesion kinase (FAK), Src and paxillin were also phosphorylated. Treatment with
      FAK inhibitor resulted in robust suppression of FAK-Y397 and Src-Y416
      phosphorylation stimulated by sulfatide, but not suppression of integrin beta3
      phosphorylation. Src inhibitors repressed Src-Y416 and FAK Y861 and Y925
      phosphorylation, but not FAK-Y397 and integrin beta3 phosphorylation. After
      mutation of integrin beta3 (Y773F and Y785F), FAK or Src phosphorylation failed
      to be stimulated by sulfatide. Moreover, beta3 Y773 and Y785 phosphorylation was
      suppressed by insulin-like growth factor receptor knockdown even in cells
      stimulated by sulfatide. In assays of immunoprecipitation and immunostaining with
      integrin alphaV or beta3 antibody, labeled sulfatide was found in the complex and
      co-localized with integrin alphaVbeta3. Taken together, this study demonstrated
      that elevated sulfatide bound to integrin alphaVbeta3 and induced clustering and
      phosphorylation of alphaVbeta3 instead of matrix ligand binding, triggering
      outside-in signaling.

PMID- 27145277
TI  - Genetic alteration profiling of patients with resected squamous cell lung
      carcinomas.
AB  - In this study, we analyzed the genetic profiles of squamous cell lung carcinoma
      (SqCLC) to identify potential therapeutic targets. Approximately 2,800 COSMIC
      mutations from 50 genes were determined by next-generation sequencing.
      Amplification/deletion of SOX2, CDKN2A, PTEN, FGFR1, EGFR, CCND1, HER2 and PDGFRA
      were detected by FISH and expression of VEGFR2, PD-L1 and PTEN were examined by
      IHC. One hundred and fifty-seven samples of SqCLC were collected. Somatic
      mutations was identified in 73.9% of cases, with TP53 (56.1%), CDKN2A (8.9%),
      PIK3CA (8.9%), KRAS (4.5%) and EGFR (3.2%). Gene copy number alterations were
      identified in 75.8% of cases, including SOX2 amplification (31.2%), CDKN2A
      deletion (21.7%), PTEN deletion (16.6%), FGFR1 amplification (15.9%), EGFR
      amplification (14.0%), CCND1 amplification (14.0%), HER2 amplification (9.6%) and
      PDGFRA amplification (7.6%). Positive expression of VEGFR2 and PD-L1 and loss of
      PTEN expression were observed in 80.5%, 47.2%, and 42.7% of cases, respectively.
      Multivariate analysis showed that positive expression of PD-L1 was an independent
      favorable prognostic factor for DFS (HR = 0.610; P = 0.044). In conclusion,
      nearly all (93.6%) SqCLC cases harbored at least one potential druggable target.
      The findings of this study could facilitate the identification of therapeutic
      target candidates for precision medicine of SqCLC.

PMID- 27145278
TI  - Targeting ubiquitin-specific protease 22 suppresses growth and metastasis of
      anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - Ubiquitin-specific protease 22 (USP22) aberrance has been implicated in several
      malignancies; however, whether USP22 plays a role in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
      (ATC) remains unclear. Here, we report that USP22 expression is highly elevated
      in ATC tissues, which positively correlated with tumor size, extracapsular
      invasion, clinical stages, and poor prognosis of ATC patients. In vitro assays
      showed that USP22 depletion suppressed ATC cell survival and proliferation by
      decreasing Rb phosphorylation and cyclin D2, inactivating Akt, and simultaneously
      upregulating Rb; USP22 silencing restrained cell migration and invasion by
      inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition; USP22 knockdown promoted
      mitochondrion- mediated and caspase-dependent apoptosis by upregulating Bax and
      Bid and promoting caspase-3 activation. Consistent with in vitro findings,
      downregulation of USP22 in ATC cells impeded tumor growth and lung metastasis in
      vivo. These results raise the applicability for USP22 as a useful predictor of
      ATC prognosis and a potential therapeutic target for ATC. 

PMID- 27145279
TI  - Impact of capillary invasion on the prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma patients:
      A retrospective cohort study.
AB  - Capillary invasion (CI) has been found to play an important role in metastasis
      and recurrence of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). However, the prognostic
      significance of CI is still controversial. From January 2005 to December 2011,
      1398 patients with GAC who underwent gastrectomy were retrospectively enrolled
      and divided into CI (+) and CI (-) groups. Clinicopathological features and
      survival outcomes were compared between these groups. In our study, 227 (16.2%)
      patients were CI (+). Patients with CI (+) had significantly more advanced tumors
      and worse prognosis than those with CI (-) (p < 0.001). CI was demonstrated as an
      independent prognostic factor (p = 0.023) in patients with GAC. When stratified
      by TNM stage, the prognosis of CI (+) group in stage III was remarkably worse
      than CI (-) group (p = 0.006), while the differences were not significant in
      stage I-II and stage IV (both p > 0.05). The nomograms indicated that CI was part
      of the individual prognostic prediction system. The predictive accuracy of CI and
      other characteristics was better than TNM alone (p < 0.001). Our finding
      suggested that CI was an independent prognostic factor in patients with GAC, and
      the nomogram based on CI and other clinicopathological factors was a valuable and
      accurate tool in individual prognostic prediction. 

PMID- 27145280
TI  - Cytoplasmic calcium increase via fusion with inactivated Sendai virus induces
      apoptosis in human multiple myeloma cells by downregulation of c-Myc oncogene.
AB  - Because the emergence of drug resistance is a major limitation of current
      treatments for multiple myeloma (MM), it is necessary to continuously develop
      novel anticancer strategies. Here, using an inactivated Sendai virus
      (Hemagglutinating Virus of Japan; HVJ) envelope (HVJ-E), we discovered that
      increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ by virus-cell fusion significantly induced apoptosis
      against human MM cells but not peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy
      donors. Interaction of F protein of HVJ-E with MM cells increased intracellular
      Ca2+ level of MMs by the induction of Ca2+ efflux from endoplasmic reticulum but
      not influx from extracellular region. The elevation of the Ca2+ cytoplasmic level
      induced SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation and translocation into the nucleus, and
      SMAD1/5/8 and SMAD4 complex suppressed c-Myc transcription. Meanwhile, HVJ-E
      decreases S62 phosphorylation of c-Myc and promotes c-Myc protein degradation.
      Thus, HVJ-E-induced cell death of MM resulted from suppression of c-Myc by both
      destabilization of c-Myc protein and downregulation of c-Myc transcription. This
      study indicates that HVJ-E will be a promising tool for MM therapy.

PMID- 27145281
TI  - Quantitative assessment of the CD26+ leukemic stem cell compartment in chronic
      myeloid leukemia: patient-subgroups, prognostic impact, and technical aspects.
AB  - Little is known about the function and phenotype of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in
      chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or about specific markers that discriminate LSCs
      from normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). CD26 has recently been described as
      a specific marker of CML LSCs. In the current study, we investigated this marker
      in a cohort of 31 unselected CML patients. BCR/ABL1 positivity was analyzed in
      highly enriched stem cell fractions using fluorescence in situ hybridization
      (FISH) and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The proportion of CD26+ LSCs and
      CD26- HSCs varied considerably among the patients analyzed, and the percentage of
      CD26+ cells correlated with leukocyte count. The CD26 expression robustly
      discriminated LSCs from HSCs. This required a strict gating of the stem cell
      compartment. Thus, in patients with very low LSC or HSC numbers, only the highly
      sensitive RT-PCR method discriminated between clonal and non-clonal cells, while
      a robust FISH analysis required larger numbers of cells in both compartments.
      Finally, our data show that the numbers of CD26+ CML LSCs correlate with
      responses to treatment with BCR-ABL1 inhibitors. 

PMID- 27145282
TI  - Inhibition of cancer cell epithelial mesenchymal transition by normal fibroblasts
      via production of 5-methoxytryptophan.
AB  - We reported previously that human fibroblasts release 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP)
      which inhibits cancer cell COX-2 overexpression and suppresses cancer cell
      migration and metastasis. To determine whether fibroblasts block cancer cell
      epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) via 5-MTP, we evaluated the effect of
      Hs68 fibroblasts (HsFb) on A549 cancer cell EMT in a two-chamber system. Co
      incubation of A549 with HsFb prevented TGF-beta1-induced reduction of E-cadherin
      and increase in Snail and N-cadherin. Transfection of HsFb with tryptophan
      hydroxylase-1 siRNA, which inhibited tryptophan hydroxylase-1 protein expression
      and 5-MTP release in HsFb abrogated the effect of HsFb on A549 EMT. Direct
      addition of pure 5-MTP to cultured A549 cells followed by TGF-beta1 prevented TGF
      beta1-induced reduction of E-cadherin, and elevation of Snail, vimentin and
      matrix metalloproteinase 9. Administration of 5-MTP to a murine xenograft tumor
      model reduced vimentin protein expression in the tumor tissues compared to
      vehicle control which was correlated with reduction of metastasis in the 5-MTP
      treated mice. Our experimental data suggest that 5-MTP exerted its anti-EMT
      actions through inhibition of p38 MAPK activation, p65/p50 NF-kappaB nuclear
      translocation and transactivation without the involvement of COX-2 or p300
      histone acetyltransferase. Our findings indicate that fibroblasts release a
      tryptophan metabolite, 5-MTP, to reduce cancer cell EMT, migration, invasion and
      metastasis. 

PMID- 27145283
TI  - A global assessment of the male predominance in esophageal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is characterized by a male
      predominance. However, variations in the sex difference across populations and
      over time have not previously been thoroughly investigated. RESULTS: The male-to
      female ratio in EAC incidence varied greatly across continents, ranging from 1.03
      in Africa to 7.64 in Northern America during 2003- 2007. The ratio was high in
      Europe (6.04) and Oceania (6.24), and lower in Asia (4.37) and Latin America and
      the Caribbean (3.94). The sex ratio remained relatively stable over time in most
      populations. In absolute terms, the sex difference in EAC incidence increased
      over time in populations of higher incidence, while it remained stable or
      slightly decreased in low-incidence populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used
      data from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents series to compute sex-specific
      age-standardized rates of EAC by population. The sex difference in incidence was
      evaluated on both absolute and relative scales, measured by the absolute
      difference and ratio between sexes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This first global
      assessment of the sex ratio in EAC shows that the male predominance is
      particularly strong in developed countries. The underlying reasons remain to be
      identified, but the emerging EAC burden in men merits consideration for targeted
      prevention and early detection.

PMID- 27145284
TI  - Chimeric antigen receptor T cells secreting anti-PD-L1 antibodies more
      effectively regress renal cell carcinoma in a humanized mouse model.
AB  - Advances in the treatment of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC)
      have led to improved progression-free survival of many patients; however the
      therapies are toxic, rarely achieve durable long-term complete responses and are
      not curative. Herein we used a single bicistronic lentiviral vector to develop a
      new combination immunotherapy that consists of human anti-carbonic anhydrase IX
      (CAIX)-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells engineered to secrete
      human anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies at the tumor site. The
      local antibody delivery led to marked immune checkpoint blockade. Tumor growth
      diminished 5 times and tumor weight reduced 50-80% when compared with the anti
      CAIX CAR T cells alone in a humanized mice model of ccRCC. The expression of PD
      L1 and Ki67 in the tumors decreased and an increase in granzyme B levels was
      found in CAR T cells. The anti-PD-L1 IgG1 isotype, which is capable of mediating
      ADCC, was also able to recruit human NK cells to the tumor site in vivo. These
      armed second-generation CAR T cells empowered to secrete human anti-PD-L1
      antibodies in the ccRCC milieu to combat T cell exhaustion is an innovation in
      this field that should provide renewed potential for CAR T cell immunotherapy of
      solid tumors where limited efficacy is currently seen. 

PMID- 27145285
TI  - Effective elimination of liver cancer stem-like cells by CD90 antibody targeted
      thermosensitive magnetoliposomes.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the use of thermosensitive magnetoliposomes (TMs) loaded with
      magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) and the anti-cancer stem cell marker CD90 (CD90@TMs)
      to target and kill CD90+ liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). METHODS: The
      hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Huh7 was used to separate CD90+ LCSCs by
      magnetic-activated cell sorting. CD90@TMs was characterized and their ability to
      target CD90+ LCSCs was determined. Experiments were used to investigate whether
      CD90@TMs combined with magnetic hyperthermia could effectively eliminate CD90+
      LCSCs. RESULTS: The present study demonstrated that CD90+ LCSCs with stem cells
      properties were successfully isolated. We also successfully prepared CD90@TMs
      that was almost spherical and uniform with an average diameter of 130+/-4.6 nm
      and determined that magnetic iron oxide could be incorporated and retained a
      superparamagnetic response. CD90@TMs showed good targeting and increased
      inhibition of CD90+ LCSCs in vitro and in vivo compared to TMs. CONCLUSIONS:
      CD90@TMs can be used for controlled and targeted delivery of anticancer drugs,
      which may offer a promising alternative for HCC therapy.

PMID- 27145286
TI  - Altered Functional Subnetwork During Emotional Face Processing: A Potential
      Intermediate Phenotype for Schizophrenia.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Although deficits in emotional processing are prominent in
      schizophrenia, it has been difficult to identify neural mechanisms related to the
      genetic risk for this highly heritable illness. Prior studies have not found
      consistent regional activation or connectivity alterations in first-degree
      relatives compared with healthy controls, suggesting that a more comprehensive
      search for connectomic biomarkers is warranted. OBJECTIVES: To identify a
      potential systems-level intermediate phenotype linked to emotion processing in
      schizophrenia and to examine the psychological association, task specificity,
      test-retest reliability, and clinical validity of the identified phenotype.
      DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPATIONS: The study was performed in university
      research hospitals from June 1, 2008, through December 31, 2013. We examined 58
      unaffected first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia and 94 healthy
      controls with an emotional face-matching functional magnetic resonance imaging
      paradigm. Test-retest reliability was analyzed with an independent sample of 26
      healthy participants. A clinical association study was performed in 31 patients
      with schizophrenia and 45 healthy controls. Data analysis was performed from
      January 1 to September 30, 2014. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Conventional
      amygdala activity and seeded connectivity measures, graph-based global and local
      network connectivity measures, Spearman rank correlation, intraclass correlation,
      and gray matter volumes. RESULTS: Among the 152 volunteers included in the
      relative-control sample, 58 were unaffected first-degree relatives of patients
      with schizophrenia (mean [SD] age, 33.29 [12.56]; 38 were women), and 94 were
      healthy controls without a first-degree relative with mental illness (mean [SD]
      age, 32.69 [10.09] years; 55 were women). A graph-theoretical connectivity
      approach identified significantly decreased connectivity in a subnetwork that
      primarily included the limbic cortex, visual cortex, and subcortex during
      emotional face processing (cluster-level P corrected for familywise error = .006)
      in relatives compared with controls. The connectivity of the same subnetwork was
      significantly decreased in patients with schizophrenia (F = 6.29, P = .01).
      Furthermore, we found that this subnetwork connectivity measure was negatively
      correlated with trait anxiety scores (P = .04), test-retest reliable (intraclass
      correlation coefficient = 0.57), specific to emotional face processing (F =
      17.97, P < .001), and independent of gray matter volumes of the identified brain
      areas (F = 1.84, P = .18). Replicating previous results, no significant group
      differences were found in face-related amygdala activation and amygdala-anterior
      cingulate cortex connectivity (P corrected for familywise error =.37 and .11,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our results indicate that altered
      connectivity in a visual-limbic subnetwork during emotional face processing may
      be a functional connectomic intermediate phenotype for schizophrenia. The
      phenotype is reliable, task specific, related to trait anxiety, and associated
      with manifest illness. These data encourage the further investigation of this
      phenotype in clinical and pharmacologic studies.

PMID- 27145287
TI  - Consent for Biobanking: The Legal Frameworks of Countries in the BioSHaRE-EU
      Project.
AB  - Currently, there is no single, Europe-wide regulation of biomedical research
      using human samples and data. Instead, the law that applies spans a number of
      areas of law, such as data protection, clinical trials, and tissue regulation. In
      the absence of harmonized regulation, there is considerable scope for national
      legal variation. This article analyzes the legislative frameworks that apply to
      biobanking activities to identify differences in legal requirements between the
      BioSHaRE-EU project countries: Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway,
      and the United Kingdom. This article highlights the primary role of consent and
      accompanying governance mechanisms, such as research ethics committee oversight,
      which enable consent exemptions in the context of research. Our analysis
      identifies a complicated legal landscape, whereby broadly similar provisions are
      contained in varied sources of law in each jurisdiction. The challenge for
      researchers is locating the applicable legal provisions within each national
      legal framework. 

PMID- 27145289
TI  - Facile and Efficient Synthesis of Bismuth Nanowires for Improved Photocatalytic
      Activity.
AB  - An aqueous reduction method was reported for the synthesis of bismuth nanowires
      (Bi NWs) 5-10 nm in diameter and several micrometers in length under the guidance
      of PVP molecules. The reactions were performed at 80  degrees C by reducing
      bismuth chloride with sodium hypophosphite first in acid and then under neutral
      circumstances. The key to successful preparation of the Bi NWs is regulation of
      the reduction speed by control of the pH value. The morphology evolution of the
      samples was also found to have a strong dependence on the reaction parameters,
      including the introduction amount and molecular weight of PVP molecules. A solid
      solution-solid (SSS) mechanism was proposed for the nucleation and growth of Bi
      NWs in our strategy. The as-prepared Bi NWs exhibit excellent visible-light
      photocatalytic activities for the degradation of the organic pollutant Rhodamine
      B (RhB) and colorless bisphenol A (BPA). The good recyclability of the Bi NWs on
      RhB photodegradation demonstrates the possibility of their practical
      applications.

PMID- 27145290
TI  - Identification of genetic variants in TNF receptor 2 which are associated with
      the development of cervical carcinoma.
AB  - Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies among women in India.
      Beside HPV, other factors present in host also put their role in the progression
      of cervical tumerogenesis. In present study, we screened 300 subjects to identify
      variations in TNFR2 gene by PCR-dHPLC method followed by direct sequencing. We
      identified six known and four novel variations in six different exons of TNFR2
      gene. Out of these identified variations, five known variations were found to be
      significantly associated with the risk of cervical cancer (p < 0.0001). On
      construction of haplotypes, one haplotype (TTGCC) was emerged as a major
      protective type while two (CAAGC + CTGCC) were revealed as major risk haplotypes.
      In conclusion, postmenopausal women having CAAGC + CTGCC haplotypes in TNFR2 gene
      along with HPV infection and tobacco consumption may lead to the development of
      cervical cancer. 

PMID- 27145288
TI  - Genotype, environment and G * E interaction influence (1,3;1,4)-beta-d-glucan
      fine structure in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The structure of beta-glucan influences its use in cereal-based foods
      and feed. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of environment
      (E) and genotype (G) on beta-glucan fine structure and its genetic control in two
      row spring barley with normal starch characteristics. RESULTS: A population of 89
      recombinant inbred lines, derived from the cross of two-row spring barley
      genotypes Merit * H93174006 (H92076F1 * TR238), was characterized for
      concentration and structure of grain beta-glucan in two environments. Results
      showed that concentrations of beta-glucan, DP3, DP4 and DP3 + DP4 were positively
      correlated with each other, suggesting no preference for DP3 or DP4 subunit
      production in high- or low-beta-glucan lines. The concentrations of beta-glucan,
      DP3, DP4 and DP3:DP4 ratios were significantly influenced by genotype and
      environment. However, only DP3:DP4 ratio showed a significant effect of G * E
      interaction. Association mapping of candidate markers in 119 barley genotypes
      showed that marker CSLF6_4105 was associated with beta-glucan concentration,
      whereas Bmac504 and Bmac211 were associated with DP3:DP4 ratio. Bmac273e was
      associated with both beta-glucan concentration and DP3:DP4 ratio. CONCLUSION: The
      grain beta-glucan concentration and DP3:DP4 ratio are strongly affected by
      genotype and environment. Single-marker analyses suggested that the genetic
      control of beta-glucan concentration and DP3:DP4 ratio was linked to separate
      chromosomal regions on barley genome. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27145291
TI  - The effects of acid erosion and remineralization on enamel and three different
      dental materials: FT-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: FT-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were
      employed to test the hypothesis that the beverage consumption or mouthwash
      utilization would change the chemistry of dental materials and enamel inorganic
      content. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bovine enamel samples (n = 36) each received two
      cavity preparations (n = 72), each pair filled with one of three dental materials
      (R: nanofilled composite resin, GIC: glass-ionomer cement, RMGIC: resin-modified
      GIC). Furthermore, they were treated with three different solutions (S:
      artificial saliva, E: erosion/Pepsi Twist or EM: erosion + mouthwash/Colgate
      Plax). RESULTS: Reduction of carbonate content of enamel was greater in RE than
      RS (P < 0.01). Increment of carbonate was greater in GICEM than in GICE and GICS
      (P < 0.01; P < 0.001). Significant material degradation was found in RE, REM,
      GICE, and GICEM than in RS and GICS (P < 0.01; P < 0.001). SEM showed clear
      enamel demineralization after erosion. Material degradation was greater after E
      and EM than S. GIC and RMGIC materials had a positive effect against acid erosion
      in the adjacent enamel after remineralization with mouthwash. CONCLUSIONS: The
      beverage and mouthwash utilization would change R and GIC chemical properties.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A professional should periodically monitor the glass-ionomer
      and resin restorations, as they degrade over time under erosive challenges and
      mouthwash utilization. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals,
      Inc. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:646-656, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145292
TI  - Efficacy of transcranial alternating current stimulation over bilateral mastoids
      (tACSbm) on enhancing recovery of subacute post-stroke patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) offers
      another method of non-invasive brain stimulation in post-stroke rehabilitation.
      Because it is not known if tACS over bilateral mastoids (tACSbm) can promote the
      functional recovery in subacute post-stroke patients, we wish to learn the effect
      of tACSbm on improving neurological function and intracranial hemodynamics of
      subacute post-stroke patients. METHODS: Sixty subacute post-stroke patients (mean
      age: 65.4 +/- 9.8 years), 15 to 60 days after the onset, were randomly assigned
      to receiving 15 sessions of usual rehabilitation program without (n = 30) or with
      tACSbm (20 Hz and < 400 MUA for 30-min; n = 30). The outcome measures included
      the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and measures of intracranial hemodynamics before and
      after treatment. RESULTS: At the fifteenth session, when compared with the
      baseline, the mean NIHSS scores of the patients in the tACSbm group had
      significantly a larger decrease [18.3 +/- 2.6 vs. 10.8 +/- 2.7; p < 0.001] than
      that of the control group [19.1 +/- 2.7 vs. 13.0 +/- 2.4] [F(1,54) = 4.29, p =
      0.043]. After both the first and fifteenth sessions, compared with the control
      group, the mean blood flow velocity (MFVs) of the tACSbm group had significantly
      larger increase in the MCA, ACA, and PCA (p < 0.001), the Gosling pulsatility
      index (PI) of the tACSbm group had also significantly larger decline in the MCA,
      ACA, and PCA than that of the control group (p < 0.001). The best predictor of
      the changes in the NIHSS scores was the decline in the pulsatility index in the
      vascular territory of both lesional and non-lesional MCA measured by the end of
      the last treatment session. CONCLUSIONS: tACSbm appeared to be effective for
      enhancing patients' functional recovery and cerebral hemodynamics in the subacute
      phase. The extent of recovery seems to be associated with the decline of the
      resistance in vascular bed of the main cerebral arteries. The mechanisms behind
      this effect should be explored further through research.

PMID- 27145293
TI  - Use of finger-prick dried blood spots (fpDBS) and capillary electrophoresis for
      carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT) screening in forensic toxicology.
AB  - Continued progress in chronic alcohol abuse investigation requires the
      development of less invasive procedures for screening purposes. The application
      of finger-prick and related dried blood spots (fpDBS) for carbohydrate deficient
      transferrin (CDT) detection appears suitable for this aim. Therefore, the goal of
      this project was to develop a screening method for CDT using fpDBS with CZE
      analysis. Blood samples prepared by finger-prick were placed on DBS cards and
      left to air dry; each dried fpDBS disc was shredded into small pieces and
      suspended in acid solution (60 MUL of HCl 120 mmol/L). After centrifugation (10
      min at 1500 * g), the collected sample was adjusted to pH 3.5. After an overnight
      incubation, the pH was neutralised and an iron rich solution was added. After 1
      h, CZE analysis was carried out. A group of 47 individuals was studied. Parallel
      serum samples were collected from each investigated subject and the %CDT for each
      sample was measured using HPLC and CZE techniques. The fpDBS transferrin sialo
      isoform electropherograms were similar to those obtained with serum. Moreover,
      fpDBS CZE CDT percentage levels demonstrated significant statistical correlation
      with those obtained from serum for both HPLC and CZE %CDT (p < 0.01; r2 = 0.8913
      and 0.8976, respectively), with %CDT from 0.8 to 13.7% for fpDBS and from 0.7 to
      12.7% for serum. The newly developed fpDBS procedure for CDT analysis provides a
      simple and inexpensive tool for use in population screening.

PMID- 27145294
TI  - Neonatal Prefrontal Inactivation Results in Reversed Dopaminergic Responses in
      the Shell Subregion of the Nucleus Accumbens to NMDA Antagonists.
AB  - Striatal dopaminergic dysregulation in schizophrenia could result from a
      prefronto-striatal dysconnectivity, of neurodevelopmental origin, involving N
      methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The dorsomedian shell part of the nucleus
      accumbens is a striatal subregion of particular interest inasmuch as it has been
      described as the common target region for antipsychotics. Moreover, NMDA
      receptors located on the dopaminergic endings have been reported in the shell.
      The present study examines in adult rats the effects of early functional
      inactivation of the left prefrontal cortex on behavioral and dopaminergic
      responses in the dorsomedian shell part of the nucleus accumbens following
      administration of two noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists, ketamine, and
      dizocilpine (MK-801). The results showed that postnatal blockade of the
      prefrontal cortex led to increased locomotor activity as well as increased
      extracellular dopamine levels in the dorsomedian shell following administration
      of both noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists, and, more markedly, after
      treatment with the more specific one, MK-801, whereas decreased dopaminergic
      levels were observed in respective controls. These data suggest a link between
      NMDA receptor dysfunctioning and dopamine dysregulation at the level of the
      dorsomedian shell part of the nucleus accumbens. They may help to understand the
      pathophysiology of schizophrenia in a neurodevelopmental perspective.

PMID- 27145295
TI  - Use of Crowdsourcing to Assess the Ecological Validity of Perceptual-Training
      Paradigms in Dysarthria.
AB  - PURPOSE: It has been documented in laboratory settings that familiarizing
      listeners with dysarthric speech improves intelligibility of that speech. If
      these findings can be replicated in real-world settings, the ability to improve
      communicative function by focusing on communication partners has major
      implications for extending clinical practice in dysarthria rehabilitation. An
      important step toward development of a listener-targeted treatment approach
      requires establishment of its ecological validity. To this end, the present study
      leveraged the mechanism of crowdsourcing to determine whether perceptual-training
      benefits achieved by listeners in the laboratory could be elicited in an at-home
      computer-based scenario. METHOD: Perceptual-training data (i.e., intelligibility
      scores from a posttraining transcription task) were collected from listeners in 2
      settings-the laboratory and the crowdsourcing website Amazon Mechanical Turk.
      RESULTS: Consistent with previous findings, results revealed a main effect of
      training condition (training vs. control) on intelligibility scores. There was,
      however, no effect of training setting (Mechanical Turk vs. laboratory). Thus,
      the perceptual benefit achieved via Mechanical Turk was comparable to that
      achieved in the laboratory. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence regarding
      the ecological validity of perceptual-training paradigms designed to improve
      intelligibility of dysarthric speech, thereby supporting their continued
      advancement as a listener-targeted treatment option.

PMID- 27145296
TI  - An evaluation of overall effectiveness and treatment satisfaction with
      intravenous immunoglobulin among patients with immune thrombocytopenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A global assessment of patient satisfaction that considers
      therapeutic effect, toxicities, and convenience is needed to evaluate the
      acceptability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as a treatment for patients
      with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a
      cross-sectional pilot study to assess the feasibility and usefulness of a
      treatment satisfaction questionnaire for adult patients with ITP receiving IVIG
      in an academic hematology clinic. Treatment satisfaction was evaluated by
      administration of a validated survey-based tool 7 days after IVIG administration.
      The tool assessed treatment satisfaction across four domains (effectiveness,
      toxicity, convenience, and global satisfaction); results were summarized with
      mean scores. RESULTS: Twelve patients were enrolled (nine females; median age, 44
      years; interquartile range, 35-69 years). Mean platelet increment after infusion
      was 54.2 * 10(9) /L (SD, 47.6 * 10(9) /L). Treatment satisfaction scores were
      highest in the side effect burden domain (88.2/100; SD, 19.3; higher scores
      indicate a lower burden of side effects). Six participants reported IVIG
      associated toxicities; most were "slightly" or "not at all" dissatisfied by the
      impact of side effects. The domain with the lowest score was convenience
      (62.0/100; SD, 24.7). CONCLUSION: The assessment of treatment satisfaction using
      a survey-based assessment tool was feasible for patients receiving IVIG and
      provided meaningful results that discriminated between domains. Patients found
      IVIG treatment to be inconvenient, but were satisfied with its tolerability as an
      ITP treatment. Larger studies are needed to determine the precise impact on each
      domain and the reproducibility of study results. Patient satisfaction scores can
      be used to compare different ITP treatments.

PMID- 27145298
TI  - Evaluation of asbestos-containing products and released fibers in home
      appliances.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to detect asbestos-containing products and released
      asbestos fibers from home appliances. The authors investigated a total of 414
      appliances manufactured between 1986 and 2007. Appliances were divided into three
      categories: large-sized electric appliances, small-sized electric appliances, and
      household items. Analysis for asbestos-containing material (ACM) was performed
      using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and stereoscopic microscopy. Air sampling
      was performed to measure airborne concentration of asbestos using a phase
      contrast microscope (PCM). The results of the analysis for ACM in appliances show
      that large-sized electric appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, kimchi
      refrigerators) and household items (bicycles, motorcycles, gas boilers) contain
      asbestos material and small-sized electric appliances do not contain asbestos
      material. All appliances with detected asbestos material showed typical
      characteristics of chrysotile (7-50%) and tremolite (7-10%). No released fibers
      of ACM were detected from the tested appliances when the appliances were
      operating. This study gives the basic information on asbestos risk to people who
      use home appliances. IMPLICATIONS: All appliances with detected asbestos material
      showed typical characteristics of chrysotile (7-50%) and tremolite (7-10%). No
      released fibers of ACM were detected from the tested appliances when the
      appliances were operating.

PMID- 27145297
TI  - Design of Hybrid Electrochromic Materials with Large Electrical Modulation of
      Plasmonic Resonances.
AB  - We present a rational approach to fabricating plasmonically active hybrid polymer
      metal nanomaterials with electrochemical tunability of the localized surface
      plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of noble metal nanostructures embedded in an
      electroactive polymer matrix. The key requirement for being able to significantly
      modulate the LSPR band position is a close overlap between the refractive index
      change [Deltan(lambda)] of a stimuli-responsive polymeric matrix and the
      intrinsic LSPR bands. For this purpose, gold nanorods with a controlled aspect
      ratio, synthesized to provide high refractive index sensitivity while maintaining
      good oxidative stability, were combined with a solution-processable electroactive
      and electrochromic polymer (ECP): alkoxy-substituted poly(3,4
      propylenedioxythiophene) [PProDOT(CH2OEtHx)2]. Spectral characteristics of the
      ECP, in particular the Deltan(lambda) variation, were evaluated as the material
      was switched between oxidized and reduced states. We fabricated ultrathin
      plasmonic electrochromic hybrid films consisting of gold nanorods and ECP that
      exhibited a large, stable, and reversible LSPR modulation of up to 25-30 nm with
      an applied electrical potential. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations
      confirm a good match between the experimentally measured refractive index change
      in the ECP and the plasmonic response during electrochemical modulations.

PMID- 27145299
TI  - Evaluation of the effects of iodized salt on the mental development of preschool
      aged children: a cluster randomized trial in northern Ethiopia.
AB  - A cluster randomized effectiveness trial was used to examine the effects on
      mental development of introducing iodized salt to children 4 to 6 years of age in
      Ethiopia, where there were reportedly high levels of iodine deficiency. Sixty
      district clusters were randomized to receive iodized salt early at their markets
      with assistance from regular salt distributors or later as introduced by market
      forces. At pre- and post-iodization, 1602 children were given cognitive/language
      tests (namely School Readiness, WPPSI verbal reasoning, WPPSI Matrix reasoning),
      and mothers were interviewed concerning demographics, nutrition and health.
      Children's weight, height, urine and a blood sample were taken. Analyses of
      covariance, adjusting for clustering and baseline levels were conducted. Urinary
      iodine concentrations were significantly higher at endline in the intervention
      children than controls though both medians were above threshold. Overall, less
      than 5% were anemic. There were no significant main effect differences between
      groups on the cognitive/language tests, but there were effect modifiers, namely
      mother's education, child's sex and diet. For example, the intervention group
      performed better on the school readiness test than controls if their mothers had
      attended school, but not otherwise. In conclusion, the data are consistent with
      negative findings from studies where children 6 to 12 years were supplemented
      with an iodine capsule, indicating that the benefits of iodine, in salt or
      capsule form, for brain development may be restricted to children under 3 years.
      Yet, benefits may be tied to those with more educational resources or may
      compensate for conditions of disadvantage.

PMID- 27145300
TI  - Regio- and Stereoselective Copper(II)-Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Activated
      Allenes in Water: Access to Vinylsilanes.
AB  - By using catalytic amounts of copper(II), 4-picoline, and
      dimethylphenylsilylpinacol borane, a series of allenoates were silylated on the
      beta carbon in good to excellent yields and high (E)-selectivity. The mild and
      efficient silylation method is conducted in water under atmospheric conditions to
      afford vinylsilanes.

PMID- 27145301
TI  - Radiation Damage and Racemic Protein Crystallography Reveal the Unique Structure
      of the GASA/Snakin Protein Superfamily.
AB  - Proteins from the GASA/snakin superfamily are common in plant proteomes and have
      diverse functions, including hormonal crosstalk, development, and defense. One 63
      residue member of this family, snakin-1, an antimicrobial protein from potatoes,
      has previously been chemically synthesized in a fully active form. Herein the 1.5
      A structure of snakin-1, determined by a novel combination of racemic protein
      crystallization and radiation-damage-induced phasing (RIP), is reported. Racemic
      crystals of snakin-1 and quasi-racemic crystals incorporating an unnatural 4
      iodophenylalanine residue were prepared from chemically synthesized d- and l
      proteins. Breakage of the C-I bonds in the quasi-racemic crystals facilitated
      structure determination by RIP. The crystal structure reveals a unique protein
      fold with six disulfide crosslinks, presenting a distinct electrostatic surface
      that may target the protein to microbial cell surfaces.

PMID- 27145302
TI  - HPCA-related dystonia: Too rare to be found?

PMID- 27145303
TI  - Leaks, Pearls, and Pitfalls in Diagnostic Testing.

PMID- 27145304
TI  - The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons' Clinical Practice Guideline
      for the Evaluation and Management of Constipation.

PMID- 27145305
TI  - Risk of Surgical Site Infection Varies Based on Location of Disease and Segment
      of Colorectal Resection for Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current quality-monitoring initiatives do not accurately evaluate
      surgical site infections based on type of surgical procedure. OBJECTIVE: This
      study aimed to characterize the effect of the anatomical site resected (right,
      left, rectal) on wound complications, including superficial, deep, and organ
      space surgical site infections, in patients who have cancer. SETTINGS: Data were
      retrieved from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program database. DESIGN: This study was designed to determine the
      independent risk associated with the anatomical location of cancer resection for
      all subtypes of surgical site infection. Statistical methods included the Fisher
      exact test, the chi test, and univariable and multivariable analyses for each
      outcome of interest. PATIENTS: All colon and rectal resections for colorectal
      cancer between 2006 and 2012 were selected. Included were 45,956 patients: 17,993
      (39.2%) underwent right colectomy, 11,538 (25.1%) underwent left colectomy, and
      16,425 (35.7%) underwent rectal resections. RESULTS: The overall surgical site
      infection rate was 12.3%: 3.7% organ space, 1.4% deep, and 7.2% superficial. On
      multivariable analysis, rectal resection was associated with the greatest odds of
      overall surgical site infections in comparison with left- or right-sided
      resections (rectal OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.35-1.69 vs left OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.97
      1.23 vs right OR, 1). Rectal resections were also associated with greater odds of
      developing a deep surgical site infection than either right (rectal OR, 1.45; 95%
      CI, 1.06-1.99) or left (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.62-1.27). The likelihood of organ
      space surgical site infection followed a similar pattern (rectal OR, 1.83; 95% CI
      1.49-2.25; left colon, OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.75-1.19). Rectal and left resections
      had increased odds of superficial surgical site infections compared with right
      resections (rectal OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.14-1.51; left OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03
      1.37). LIMITATIONS: This is a retrospective observational study. CONCLUSIONS:
      Rectal resections for cancer are independently associated with an increased
      likelihood of superficial, deep, and organ space infections. The policy on
      surgical site infections as a quality measure currently in place requires
      modification to adjust for the location of pathology and, hence, the anatomical
      segment resected when assessing the risk for type of surgical site infection.

PMID- 27145306
TI  - Colorectal Cancer Surgery in the Very Elderly: Nonagenarians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgery in the very elderly is a topic that has not been well
      studied, despite the steady rise in this population. With the rise in this
      population, there is now discussion on the safety of surgery in this cohort for
      colorectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate
      elective and nonelective colorectal cancer surgery outcomes in patients aged >=90
      years at both private and public hospitals in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
      DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of patients aged >=90 years who were
      included in the prospectively maintained Cabrini Monash University Department of
      Surgery colorectal neoplasia database for patients entered between January 2010
      and February 2015. Comorbidity, ASA score, acuity of surgery, treatment,
      mortality, morbidity, and survival were analyzed. SETTINGS: This study was
      conducted in a tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 48 patients were
      identified from the database. The majority of these patients were women (58.0%),
      ASA score III to IV (91.7%), and treated in an elective setting (79.2%). The
      median age was 91.8 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured 30-day mortality,
      180-day mortality, and perioperative morbidity. RESULTS: Thirty-day mortality
      rate was 2.1%. The 180-day mortality rate was 10.4%. A total of 29.2% of patients
      had a perioperative complication. Median follow-up was 21 months (range, 13-54
      months). In 180-day mortality, minimally invasive surgery was associated with a
      lower mortality rate vs open surgery (p = 0.043). Perioperative complications
      were associated with nonelective surgery (p = 0.045), open surgery procedures (p
      = 0.014), and higher stages of disease (p = 0.014). A total of 81.3% of patients
      were able to return home after surgery. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective
      study with the usual limitations; however, these have been minimized with the use
      of a high-quality, prospective data collection database. The median follow-up was
      21 months. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal surgery was generally safe for nonagenarians
      in this study. This study demonstrates that excellent outcomes can be achieved in
      a selected group. Additional prospective studies with larger numbers and 5-year
      follow-up are recommended.

PMID- 27145307
TI  - Clinical Significance of Metastatic Lymph Nodes in the Gut of Patients with Pure
      and Mixed Primary Appendiceal Carcinoids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right hemicolectomy is indicated for primary appendiceal carcinoids
      with diameters greater than 2 cm because of an increased risk of metastasis to
      the lymph nodes of the gut. However, the natural history of positive nodes
      remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact
      of metastatic lymph nodes on survival among patients with pure or mixed primary
      appendiceal carcinoids, while controlling for potential confounders such as age,
      sex, tumor size, surgical intervention, and lymph node rate (number of positive
      lymph nodes/lymph node yield). DESIGN: This is a retrospective comparative
      study.. SETTINGS: Data were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End
      Results database. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing colectomy for appendiceal
      carcinoids between 1998 and 2009 were selected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The
      survival curves for the 2 groups were compared to evaluate differences in
      prognosis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Lymph
      node rates did not significantly differ between the pure and mixed carcinoid
      groups (p = 0.768), although overall survival was poorer among patients with
      mixed carcinoids (p = 0.004; HR, 0.498; 95% CI, 0.310-0.800). For pure
      carcinoids, surgical intervention (p = 0.029; HR, 0.241; 95% CI, 0.067-0.867),
      age (p < 0.001; HR, 1.083; 95% CI, 1.051-1.116), and lymph node rate (p = 0.039;
      HR, 5.295; 95% CI, 1.089-25.754) were independent predictors of overall survival.
      For mixed carcinoids, surgical intervention (p = 0.019; HR, 1.675; 95% CI, 1.088
      2.578), tumor size (p < 0.001; HR, 0.442; 95% CI, 0.286-0.683), age (p < 0.001;
      HR, 1.041; 95% CI, 1.026-1.056), and lymph node rate (p < 0.001; HR, 17.471; 95%
      CI, 10.047-0.382) were significant prognostic factors. LIMITATIONS: The study is
      limited by its retrospective nature and by the shortcomings of the Surveillance,
      Epidemiology and End Results database related to the availability and quality of
      data. CONCLUSION: Based on the data retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology
      and End Results database and adjusted for potential confounding factors, the
      lymph node rate of metastasis strongly impacts overall survival among patients
      with pure or mixed carcinoids. Nodal metastasis thus appears to be a reliable
      clinical hallmark of tumor aggressiveness.

PMID- 27145308
TI  - Ethnic Inequalities in Rectal Cancer Care in a Universal Access Healthcare
      System: A Nationwide Register-Based Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ethnic inequalities in colorectal cancer care were reported
      previously in the United States. Studies specifically reporting on ethnic
      inequalities in rectal cancer care are limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to
      explore potential ethnic inequalities in rectal cancer care in the Netherlands.
      DESIGN: This was a nationwide, population-based observational study. SETTINGS:
      The study linked data of the Netherlands Cancer Registry with the Dutch
      population registry and the Social Statistics Database of Statistics Netherlands.
      Data were analyzed using stepwise multivariable logistic regression models.
      PATIENTS: All of the patients diagnosed with rectal carcinoma in 2003-2011 in the
      Netherlands (N = 27,159) were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We analyzed 2
      rectal cancer treatment indicators (preoperative radiotherapy and sphincter
      sparing surgery) and 2 indicators of short-term outcome of rectal cancer surgery
      (anastomotic leakage and 30-day postoperative mortality). RESULTS: Patients of
      Western non-Dutch and non-Western origin with rectal cancer were significantly
      younger and had a higher tumor stage than ethnic Dutch patients. Considering
      preoperative radiotherapy, anastomotic leakage, and 30-day postoperative
      mortality, no ethnic inequalities were detected. After adjustment for age, sex,
      disease characteristics, and socioeconomic status, Western non-Dutch and non
      Western patients were significantly more likely to receive sphincter-sparing
      surgery than ethnic Dutch patients (OR = 1.27 (95% CI, 1.04-1.55) and OR = 1.57
      (95% CI, 1.02-2.42)). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the relatively low
      numbers of non-Dutch patients with rectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Non-Dutch ethnic
      origin was associated with a higher rate of sphincter-sparing surgery. The
      absence of ethnic inequalities in preoperative radiotherapy, anastomotic leakage,
      and 30-day postoperative mortality suggests that ethnic minority patients have
      similar chances of optimal rectal cancer care outcomes as Dutch patients.

PMID- 27145309
TI  - A Novel Decision Aid for Surgical Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: Results of a
      Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Up to 30% of patients who have ulcerative colitis are faced with the
      complex decision between end ileostomy and IPAA. We developed a decision aid to
      encourage shared decision making between patients and surgeons. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this study is to determine whether a decision aid is effective and
      acceptable for surgical patients with ulcerative colitis and their treating
      surgeons. DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study. SETTINGS: Patients and
      surgeons were enrolled from 3 colorectal surgery clinics. PATIENTS: Consecutive
      adult patients with ulcerative colitis who were candidates for IPAA and end
      ileostomy were selected. INTERVENTIONS: Patients used a multilingual decision aid
      before meeting with the surgeon. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured changes in
      knowledge, treatment preference, and stage of decision making, as well as
      preparation for decision making, patient satisfaction, and surgeon satisfaction
      after using the decision aid. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled; 5 had
      previously undergone subtotal colectomy. After using the decision aid, patients'
      knowledge scores improved by 39% (p < 0.006), 6 patients changed their treatment
      preference, and 8 reported increased certainty in treatment preference. The
      median for preparation for decision making was 75 of 100. Patient satisfaction
      with the decision aid (median score, 37/41) and surgeon satisfaction with the
      clinical encounter (median score, 38/45) were high. Patients who previously
      underwent subtotal colectomy had lower preparation for decision-making scores
      (median score, 58 vs 78 for surgery-naive patients, p = 0.06), and did not report
      increased certainty in treatment preference after using the decision aid.
      LIMITATIONS: The study included a small sample with no comparison group.
      CONCLUSIONS: A novel decision aid for surgical patients with ulcerative colitis
      appears to be effective and acceptable in patients and surgeons from diverse
      clinical settings. Patients who have not yet initiated surgical treatment seem to
      benefit most. Future studies to validate the knowledge questionnaire and test the
      decision aid in a randomized fashion are warranted.

PMID- 27145310
TI  - Symptomatic Treatment for Uncomplicated Acute Diverticulitis: A Prospective
      Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Even though evidence for nonantibiotic treatment of uncomplicated
      diverticulitis exists, it has not gained widespread adoption. OBJECTIVE: The aim
      of this prospective single-arm study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of
      symptomatic (nonantibiotic) treatment for uncomplicated diverticulitis during a
      30-day follow-up period. DESIGN: This study is a single-arm prospective trial
      (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02219698). SETTINGS: This study was performed at an
      academic teaching hospital functioning as both a tertiary and secondary care
      referral center. PATIENTS: Patients, who had CT-verified uncomplicated acute
      colonic diverticulitis (including diverticulitis with pericolic air), were
      evaluated for the study. Patients with ongoing antibiotic therapy,
      immunosuppression, suspicion of peritonitis, organ dysfunction, pregnancy, or
      other infections requiring antibiotics were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Symptomatic
      in- or outpatient treatment consisted of mild analgesics (nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drug or paracetamol). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence of
      complicated diverticulitis was the primary outcome. RESULTS: Overall, 161
      patients were included in the study, and 153 (95%) completed the 30-day follow
      up. Four (3%) of these patients were misdiagnosed (abscess in the initial CT
      scan). A total of 14 (9%) patients had pericolic air. Altogether, 140 (87%)
      patients were treated as outpatients, and 4 (3%) of them were admitted to the
      hospital during the follow-up. None of the patients developed complicated
      diverticulitis or required surgery, but, 2 days (median) after inclusion,
      antibiotics were given to 14 (9%, 6 orally, 8 intravenously) patients.
      LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by the lack of a comparison group and by the
      relatively short follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated
      diverticulitis without antibiotics is safe and effective.

PMID- 27145311
TI  - Comparison of Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Colectomies Using a Large National
      Database: Outcomes and Trends Related to Surgery Center Volume.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that high-volume centers and laparoscopic
      techniques improve outcomes of colectomy. These evidence-based measures have been
      slow to be accepted, and current trends are unknown. In addition, the current
      rates and outcomes of robotic surgery are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      study was to examine current national trends in the use of minimally invasive
      surgery and to evaluate hospital volume trends over time. DESIGN: This was a
      retrospective study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a tertiary referral
      hospital. PATIENTS: Using the National Inpatient Sample, we evaluated trends in
      patients undergoing elective open, laparoscopic, and robotic colectomies from
      2009 to 2012. Patient and institutional characteristics were evaluated and
      outcomes compared between groups using multivariate hierarchical-logistic
      regression and nonparametric tests. The National Inpatient Sample includes
      patient and hospital demographics, admission and treating diagnoses, inpatient
      procedures, in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, hospital charges, and
      discharge status. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In-hospital mortality and postoperative
      complications of surgery were measured. RESULTS: A total of 509,029 patients
      underwent elective colectomy from 2009 to 2012. Of those 266,263 (52.3%) were
      open, 235,080 (46.2%) laparoscopic, and 7686 (1.5%) robotic colectomies. The
      majority of minimal access surgery is still being performed at high-volume
      compared with low-volume centers (37.5% vs 28.0% and 44.0% vs 23.0%; p < 0.001).
      A total of 36% of colectomies were for cancer. The number of robotic colectomies
      has quadrupled from 702 in 2009 to 3390 (1.1%) in 2012. After adjustment, the
      rate of iatrogenic complications was higher for robotic surgery (OR = 1.73 (95%
      CI, 1.20-2.47)), and the median cost of robotic surgery was higher, at $15,649
      (interquartile range, $11,840-$20,183) vs $12,071 (interquartile range, $9338
      $16,203; p < 0.001 for laparoscopic). LIMITATIONS: This study may be limited by
      selection bias by surgeons regarding the choice of patient management. In
      addition, there are limitations in the measures of disease severity and, because
      the database relies on billing codes, there may be inaccuracies such as
      underreporting. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the majority of colectomies in
      the United States are still performed open, although rates of laparoscopy
      continue to increase. There is a trend toward increased volume of laparoscopic
      procedures at specialty centers. The role of robotics is still being defined, in
      light of higher cost, lack of clinical benefit, and increased iatrogenic
      complications, albeit comparable overall complications, as compared with
      laparoscopic colectomy.

PMID- 27145312
TI  - Short-term Outcomes After Open and Laparoscopic Colostomy Creation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colostomy creation is a common procedure performed in colon and
      rectal surgery. Outcomes by technique have not been well studied. OBJECTIVE: This
      study evaluated outcomes related to open versus laparoscopic colostomy creation.
      DESIGN: This was a retrospective review of patients undergoing colostomy creation
      using univariate and multivariate propensity score analyses. SETTINGS: Hospitals
      participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program database were included. PATIENTS: Data on patients were
      obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program 2005-2011 Participant Use Data Files. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      We measured 30-day mortality, 30-day complications, and predictors of 30-day
      mortality. RESULTS: A total of 2179 subjects were in the open group and 1132 in
      the laparoscopic group. The open group had increased age (open, 64 years vs
      laparoscopic, 60 years), admission from facility (17.0% vs 14.9%), and
      disseminated cancer (26.1% vs 21.4%). All were statistically significant. The
      open group had a significantly higher percentage of emergency operations (24.9%
      vs 7.9%). Operative time was statistically different (81 vs 86 minutes). Thirty
      day mortality was significantly higher in the open group (8.7% vs 3.5%), as was
      any 30-day complication (25.4% vs 17.0%). Propensity-matching analysis on
      elective patients only revealed that postoperative length of stay and rate of any
      wound complication were statistically higher in the open group. Multivariate
      analysis for mortality was performed on the full, elective, and propensity
      matched cohorts; age >65 years and dependent functional status were associated
      with an increased risk of mortality in all of the models. LIMITATIONS: This study
      has the potential for selection bias and limited generalizability. CONCLUSIONS:
      Colostomy creation at American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Program hospitals is more commonly performed open rather than
      laparoscopically. Patient age >65 years and dependent functional status are
      associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality.

PMID- 27145313
TI  - Peritoneal Cytokine Levels Can Predict Anastomotic Leak on the First
      Postoperative Day.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that peritoneal cytokine
      concentrations may predict anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery, but
      previous studies have been underpowered. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to test this
      hypothesis by using a larger prospectively collected data set. DESIGN: This study
      is an analysis of prospectively collected data. SETTINGS: This study was
      conducted at 3 public hospitals in Auckland, New Zealand. PATIENTS: Patients
      undergoing colorectal surgery recruited as part of 3 previous randomized
      controlled trials were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data on peritoneal and
      plasma levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha on day 1 after colorectal surgery were reanalyzed to evaluate their
      predictive value for clinically important anastomotic leak. Area under receiver
      operating characteristic curve analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 206
      patients with complete cytokine data were included. The overall anastomotic leak
      rate was 8.3%. Concentration levels of peritoneal interleukin-6 and interleukin
      10 on day 1 after colorectal surgery were predictive of anastomotic leak (area
      under receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.72 and 0.74; p = 0.006 and
      0.004). Plasma cytokine levels of interleukin-6 were higher on day 1 after
      colorectal surgery in patients who had an anastomotic leak, but this was a poor
      predictor of anastomotic leak. Levels of other peritoneal and plasma cytokines
      were not predictive. LIMITATIONS: The study was not powered a priori for
      anastomotic leak prediction. Although the current data do suggest that peritoneal
      levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 are predictive of leak, the
      discriminative value in clinical practice remains unclear. CONCLUSIONS:
      Peritoneal levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 on day 1 after colorectal
      surgery can predict clinically important anastomotic leak.

PMID- 27145314
TI  - Transverse Perineal Support: A Novel Surgical Treatment for Perineal Descent in
      Patients With Obstructed Defecation Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that pathological perineal descent may be responsible
      for the failure of operations for obstructed defecation syndrome and that
      correcting excessive perineal descent may improve the outcome in this group of
      patients. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to report the short-term
      preliminary results of a novel surgical procedure, transverse perineal support,
      for the correction of pathological perineal descent. DESIGN: This was a
      prospective, uncontrolled, open-label study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in
      a hospital and a university center. PATIENTS: Among 25 patients observed with
      failure of previous surgery for obstructed defecation syndrome, 12 with
      pathological perineal descent underwent transverse perineal support, were
      followed-up at 6 months, and constituted the object of analysis. INTERVENTIONS:
      The surgical procedure was performed positioning a porcine dermal implant just
      above the perineum superficial fascia sutured to the periosteum membrane of
      ischiatic tuberosities at the insertion of the superficial transverse perineal
      muscle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were obstructed
      defecation syndrome score and x-ray and magnetic resonance defecographic imaging
      evaluation of perineal descent and anorectal manometric parameters. RESULTS: The
      postoperative median obstructed defecation syndrome score was 7.0 (range, 3-8),
      showing a statistically significant difference if compared with the preoperative
      score of 13.5 (range, 9-18; p = 0.0005). The mean postoperative maximum
      intrarectal pressure was 69.4 +/- 11.1 mm Hg, significantly higher than the
      preoperative pressure of 45.9 +/- 12.8 mm Hg (p < 0.0001). At postoperative x-ray
      and magnetic resonance imaging defecography, the mean fixed and dynamic perineal
      descents were significantly lower than the preoperative descents (p = 0.02 for
      fixed perineal descent and p = 0.0004 for dynamic perineal descent). Of the 4
      patients (33.3%) with preoperative pathological dynamic perineal descent, only 1
      showed a persistent pathological dynamic perineal descent. No early or late
      complication was observed. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its small size
      and short follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Transverse perineal support appears to be
      a promising, safe, and effective procedure in the treatment of obstructed
      defecation syndrome associated with pathological perineal descent (see Video,
      Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A225).

PMID- 27145315
TI  - The "Studded" Rectum: Phenotypic Evidence of MYH-Associated Polyposis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MYH-associated polyposis is a recessively inherited syndrome of
      colorectal cancer predisposition attributed to biallelic germline mutations in
      the base excision repair gene MYH. Clinically it overlaps with attenuated
      familial adenomatous polyposis, sporadic oligopolyposis, serrated polyposis,
      familial colorectal cancer type X, and Lynch syndrome. There is no specific
      phenotypic feature of MYH-associated polyposis. We have noticed that a proportion
      of patients with MYH-associated polyposis presenting for yearly colonoscopy
      surveillance have rectums that are studded with small hyperplastic polyps.
      OBJECTIVE: We report this as a possible unique phenotypic feature of the
      syndrome. DESIGN: This was a descriptive study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted
      at a department of colorectal surgery in a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS:
      Patients affected with oligopolyposis or MYH-associated polyposis presenting for
      endoscopic surveillance and polyp control were included. INTERVENTIONS:
      Interventions included colonoscopy or proctoscopy with excision or biopsy of
      mucosal lesions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The presence of rectal studding was
      measured. RESULTS: There were 49 patients, 16 with biallelic germline mutations
      of MYH; 10 of these had rectal studding. A sampling of rectal polyps was biopsied
      and all were hyperplastic. Five patients with biallelic MYH mutations had no
      studding, and 1 had not been prospectively examined. The studding was independent
      of the nature of the MYH mutation(s). The 33 patients other patients included 21
      with serrated polyposis, 2 with a germline APC mutation, 1 with a PTEN mutation,
      2 with mixed polyposis, 3 with oligoadenomatous polyposis and no germline
      mutation, and 4 patients with oligoadenomatous polyposis who had not been
      genetically tested. Only 1 of these (oligoadenomatous polyposis, not tested) had
      studding. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its small number of biallelic MYH
      mutation carriers. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal studding may be a sign of MYH-associated
      polyposis and raises questions about the biology of abnormal base excision
      repair.

PMID- 27145316
TI  - Prevalence of Active Long-term Problems in Patients With Anorectal Malformations:
      A Systematic Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anorectal malformations are a spectrum of congenital anomalies of the
      rectum with high infantile survival rates and variable outcomes. Long-term (>10
      years old) active problems associated with this condition have been poorly
      investigated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to systematically define
      the prevalence of the most common active long-term problems in patients with a
      history of anorectal malformation repair. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the
      Cochrane Library were searched electronically using the OVID search platform.
      STUDY SELECTION: Original articles from August 1, 1994, to October 20, 2015, that
      included outcome data for patients aged >=10 years with anorectal malformation.
      Cloaca was excluded from the study. INTERVENTIONS: Prevalence estimates of
      anorectal malformations were obtained from published articles. CIs were
      ascertained in the logit scale after transforming prevalence into log odds and
      were then transformed into the original scale. The same method was used for
      subgroup analysis investigating high and low anorectal malformations. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: The overall prevalences of fecal, urinary, and sexual
      dysfunction were analyzed. RESULTS: Twelve studies including 455 patients with a
      history of anorectal malformation repair were included for analysis. The range of
      reported prevalence of long-term active problems was as follows: fecal
      incontinence, 16.7% to 76.7%; chronic constipation, 22.2% to 86.7%; urinary
      incontinence, 1.7% to 30.5%; ejaculatory dysfunction, 15.6% to 41.2%; and
      erectile dysfunction, 5.6% to 11.8%. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its
      retrospective, small size; multiple complex associated anomalies often not
      reported; and heterogeneous composition of patients with limited stratification
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: There is an overall high prevalence of active long-term
      issues in adolescents and young adults with anorectal malformations. Additional
      multicenter research is needed to define characteristics and predictors of long
      term outcome, to implement effective follow-up, and to transition to adult health
      care.

PMID- 27145317
TI  - Laparoscopic En Bloc Resection of T4 Colon Cancer Invading the Spleen and
      Pancreatic Tail.

PMID- 27145318
TI  - Why Should a Good Proportion of Hemorrhoids Not Be Operated On? - Let's TONE Up.

PMID- 27145319
TI  - Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy in Neoadjuvant Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for
      Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

PMID- 27145320
TI  - The Authors Reply.

PMID- 27145323
TI  - Gene coexpression network analysis of oil biosynthesis in an interspecific
      backcross of oil palm.
AB  - Global demand for vegetable oils is increasing at a dramatic rate, while our
      understanding of the regulation of oil biosynthesis in plants remains limited. To
      gain insights into the mechanisms that govern oil synthesis and fatty acid (FA)
      composition in the oil palm fruit, we used a multilevel approach combining gene
      coexpression analysis, quantification of allele-specific expression and joint
      multivariate analysis of transcriptomic and lipid data, in an interspecific
      backcross population between the African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis, and the
      American oil palm, Elaeis oleifera, which display contrasting oil contents and FA
      compositions. The gene coexpression network produced revealed tight
      transcriptional coordination of fatty acid synthesis (FAS) in the plastid with
      sugar sensing, plastidial glycolysis, transient starch storage and carbon
      recapture pathways. It also revealed a concerted regulation, along with FAS, of
      both the transfer of nascent FA to the endoplasmic reticulum, where
      triacylglycerol assembly occurs, and of the production of glycerol-3-phosphate,
      which provides the backbone of triacylglycerols. Plastid biogenesis and auxin
      transport were the two other biological processes most tightly connected to FAS
      in the network. In addition to WRINKLED1, a transcription factor (TF) known to
      activate FAS genes, two novel TFs, termed NF-YB-1 and ZFP-1, were found at the
      core of the FAS module. The saturated FA content of palm oil appeared to vary
      above all in relation to the level of transcripts of the gene coding for beta
      ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase II. Our findings should facilitate the
      development of breeding and engineering strategies in this and other oil crops.

PMID- 27145325
TI  - Amygdala hyperactivation to angry faces in intermittent explosive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with intermittent explosive disorder (IED) were
      previously found to exhibit amygdala hyperactivation and relatively reduced
      orbital medial prefrontal cortex (OMPFC) activation to angry faces while
      performing an implicit emotion information processing task during functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This study examines the neural substrates
      associated with explicit encoding of facial emotions among individuals with IED.
      METHOD: Twenty unmedicated IED subjects and twenty healthy, matched comparison
      subjects (HC) underwent fMRI while viewing blocks of angry, happy, and neutral
      faces and identifying the emotional valence of each face (positive, negative or
      neutral). We compared amygdala and OMPFC reactivity to faces between IED and HC
      subjects. We also examined the relationship between amygdala/OMPFC activation and
      aggression severity. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the IED group exhibited
      greater amygdala response to angry (vs. neutral) facial expressions. In contrast,
      IED and control groups did not differ in OMPFC activation to angry faces. Across
      subjects amygdala activation to angry faces was correlated with number of prior
      aggressive acts. CONCLUSIONS: These findings extend previous evidence of amygdala
      dysfunction in response to the identification of an ecologically-valid social
      threat signal (processing angry faces) among individuals with IED, further
      substantiating a link between amygdala hyperactivity to social signals of direct
      threat and aggression.

PMID- 27145324
TI  - Resting state default mode network connectivity in children and adolescents with
      ADHD after acute tryptophan depletion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Alterations of the default mode network (DMN) have been described in
      patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, including attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) is known
      to modulate DMN activity. This study aimed to explore the role of 5-HT on the DMN
      and its functional connectivity (FC) in young patients with ADHD. METHODS: Young
      male patients with ADHD (n = 12) and healthy controls (n = 10) (both aged 12-17
      years) were subjected to acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) and subsequently
      diminished brain 5-HT synthesis. Three hours after challenge intake (ATD or a
      balanced control condition, BAL), resting state fMRI scans were obtained.
      RESULTS: In patients, ATD led to attenuated FC of the right superior premotor
      cortex (BA 6) with the DMN, comparable to the extent found in controls after BAL
      administration. ATD lowered FC of the left somatosensory cortex (BA 3) with the
      DMN, independently of the factor group, but with stronger effects in controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: Data reveal a serotonergic modulation of FC between BA 6 and 3,
      known to be relevant for motor planning and sensory perception, and the DMN,
      thereby possibly pointing toward ATD acting beneficially on neural planning of
      motor activity in patients with ADHD.

PMID- 27145326
TI  - Somatosensory deficits in post-ACL reconstruction patients: A case-control study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diminished cutaneous detection thresholds have been identified in
      patients with multiple orthopedic conditions, and these phenomena may occur in
      postanterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACLR) patients. The purpose of this
      study was to determine if differences in lower extremity cutaneous detection
      thresholds exist in post-ACLR patients when compared with healthy controls.
      METHODS: Fifteen individuals who were post-ACLR and 15 individuals who had no
      history of knee injury participated. Light touch cutaneous detection thresholds
      were assessed at 4 locations on the foot and ankle (first metatarsal, fifth
      metatarsal, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus). Nonparametric statistics
      examined group differences between the sites. RESULTS: ACLR subjects had
      decreased cutaneous sensation at the first metatarsal and medial malleolus
      compared with healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Somatosensory deficits are present
      in post-ACLR patients. Future research should investigate these phenomena
      longitudinally in post-ACLR individuals along with somatosensory targeted
      interventions. Muscle Nerve 55: 5-8, 2017.

PMID- 27145327
TI  - Raltitrexed plus oxaliplatin-based transarterial chemoembolization in patients
      with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Raltitrexed has shown efficacy and safety in many tumor types; however, the
      clinical data on the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma is rare. In this
      report, we aim to assess the efficacy and safety of raltitrexed plus oxaliplatin
      (OXA)-based transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with unresectable
      hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). Patients with uHCC were recruited from multi
      centers in China and assigned randomly to raltitrexed+OXA-based (n=76),
      fluorouracil+OXA-based (n=76), and doxorubicin+OXA-based (n=75) TACE treatment.
      The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Tumor response was assessed
      using response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST), modified response
      evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST), and European Association for the
      Study of the Liver criteria (EASL). Safety and toxicity were evaluated using the
      National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. The raltitrexed group showed
      a better disease control rate evaluated using RECIST (raltitrexed vs.
      fluorouracil vs. doxorubicin: 96.1 vs. 84.2 vs. 86.7%, P=0.05) and a better
      overall response rate on the basis of mRECIST (67.1 vs. 47.4 vs. 50.7%, P=0.03)
      and EASL (67.1 vs. 47.4 vs. 49.3%, P=0.02). The median OS and median progression
      free survival (PFS) were higher in the raltitrexed group (median OS: 13.4 vs. 9.6
      vs. 8.5 months; median PFS: 6.7 vs 4.9 vs 4.6 months). The most common toxicities
      included elevated aspartate aminotransferase (78.9 vs. 86.8 vs. 81.3%) and
      abdominal nonspecific pain (68.4 vs. 81.6 vs. 78.7%). No significant differences
      were found in the overall number of patients who experienced any toxicity.
      Raltitrexed plus OXA-based TACE suggested a safe and efficacious regimen in uHCC
      patients. The results warrant further clinical investigation.

PMID- 27145328
TI  - Revisiting self-regulatory techniques to promote physical activity in older
      adults: null-findings from a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to evaluate a three
      hour face-to-face physical activity (PA) intervention in community-dwelling older
      German adults with four groups: The intervention group (IG) received behaviour
      change techniques (BCTs) based on the health action process approach plus a views
      on-ageing component to increase PA. The second intervention group 'planning'
      (IGpl) contained the same BCTs, only substituted the views-on-ageing component
      against an additional planning task. An active control group received the same
      BCTs, however, targeting volunteering instead of PA. A passive control group
      (PCG) received no intervention. DESIGN: The RCT comprised 5 time-points over 14
      months in N = 310 participants aged 64+. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported as
      well as accelerometer-assessed PA. RESULTS: Neither PA measure increased in the
      IG as compared to the other groups at any point in time. Bayes analyses supported
      these null-effects. CONCLUSION: A possible explanation for this null-finding in
      line with a recent meta-analysis is that some self-regulatory BCTs may be
      ineffective or even negatively associated with PA in interventions for older
      adults as they are assumed to be less acceptable for older adults. This
      interpretation was supported by observed reluctance to participate in self
      regulatory BCTs in the current study.

PMID- 27145329
TI  - The commercial focus of US cannabis regulation models should not close our eyes
      to other options.

PMID- 27145330
TI  - Real-time navigation in spinal surgery: what has it changed in surgical practice?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The authors have carried out a retrospective study to assess the
      advantages of real-time spinal navigation with 3D-fluoro images (O-Arm(r) and
      StealthStation(r) navigation systems, Medtronic) versus fluoroscopy in spinal
      surgery. The aim of the study is to ascertain whether this technology has
      affected surgical indications and clinical practice. METHODS: From January 2009
      to December 2013, 421 patients underwent image-guided spinal surgery procedures
      in our department. They were divided into two main groups: Group 1: operated on
      with C-arm fluoroscopic control; Group 2: operated on with real-time navigation
      with 3D-fluoro images. All patients with vertebral osteosynthesis underwent a
      post-operative CT scan to check the final position of the screws. RESULTS: The
      screw misplacement proved to be 5.8% in group 1 and 1.5% in group 2. The odds
      ratio was 4.2 (95% confidence interval 2.3-7.5) with statistical significance
      (p<0.0001). The results clearly show an increased number of percutaneous
      procedures in group 2, as well as longer open osteosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Navigation with 3D-fluoro images reduces screw misplacement, facilitates
      osteosynthesis in the most difficult vertebral segments and allows broader use of
      percutaneous techniques, when indicated.

PMID- 27145333
TI  - Enhanced production of microsclerotia in recalcitrant Verticillium dahliae
      isolates and its use for inoculation of olive plants.
AB  - AIMS: The optimization of a simple protocol for the mass production of viable
      microsclerotia (MS) of Verticillium spp., even for recalcitrant isolates, to the
      inoculation of olive cuttings. METHOD AND RESULTS: Four Verticillium spp.
      isolates were characterized by growth rate and morphology. Then, the production
      ability and the viability of MS over time were assessed in seven solid culture
      media and five aqueous media. The best culture medium, according to the quantity
      and the quality (size) of the MS produced, was the alkaline-modified sodium
      polipectate (AMSP) aqueous medium. The MS viability was higher in peat moss
      substrates. Finally, the MS obtained in this work were infective causing 100%
      incidence of Verticillium wilt (VW) disease in inoculated olive plants.
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the modified sodium polipectate medium
      amended with 0.1% agar is the most suitable for the production of MS of
      Verticillium dahliae isolates that have lost the ability to produce MS in
      standard culture media. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Mass production of
      MS for artificial infestation of soil is critical to the study of epidemiological
      and control aspects of the VW. To overcome the failure in the production of MS in
      recalcitrant isolates, a culture media was optimized and a successful plant
      inoculation experiment was carried out with artificial MS.

PMID- 27145332
TI  - Low Working-Temperature Acetone Vapor Sensor Based on Zinc Nitride and Oxide
      Hybrid Composites.
AB  - Transition-metal nitride and oxide composites are a significant class of emerging
      materials that have attracted great interest for their potential in combining the
      advantages of nitrides and oxides. Here, a novel class of gas sensing materials
      based on hybrid Zn3 N2 and ZnO composites is presented. The Zn3 N2 /ZnO (ZnNO)
      composites-based sensor exhibits selectivity and high sensitivity toward acetone
      vapor, and the sensitivity is dependent on the nitrogen content of the
      composites. The ZnNO-11.7 described herein possesses a low working temperature of
      200  degrees C. The detection limit (0.07 ppm) is below the diabetes diagnosis
      threshold (1.8 ppm). In addition, the sensor shows high reproducibility and long
      term stability. 

PMID- 27145331
TI  - Predictors of long-term disability accrual in relapse-onset multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of 10-year Expanded Disability Status Scale
      (EDSS) change after treatment initiation in patients with relapse-onset multiple
      sclerosis. METHODS: Using data obtained from MSBase, we defined baseline as the
      date of first injectable therapy initiation. Patients need only have remained on
      injectable therapy for 1 day and were monitored on any approved disease-modifying
      therapy, or no therapy thereafter. Median EDSS score changes over a 10-year
      period were determined. Predictors of EDSS change were then assessed using median
      quantile regression analysis. Sensitivity analyses were further performed.
      RESULTS: We identified 2,466 patients followed up for at least 10 years reporting
      post-baseline disability scores. Patients were treated an average 83% of their
      follow-up time. EDSS scores increased by a median 1 point (interquartile range =
      0-2) at 10 years post-baseline. Annualized relapse rate was highly predictive of
      increases in median EDSS over 10 years (coeff = 1.14, p = 1.9 * 10(-22) ). On
      therapy relapses carried greater burden than off-therapy relapses. Cumulative
      treatment exposure was independently associated with lower EDSS at 10 years
      (coeff = -0.86, p = 1.3 * 10(-9) ). Furthermore, pregnancies were also
      independently associated with lower EDSS scores over the 10-year observation
      period (coeff = -0.36, p = 0.009). INTERPRETATION: We provide evidence of long
      term treatment benefit in a large registry cohort, and provide evidence of long
      term protective effects of pregnancy against disability accrual. We demonstrate
      that high annualized relapse rate, particularly on-treatment relapse, is an
      indicator of poor prognosis. Ann Neurol 2016;80:89-100.

PMID- 27145336
TI  - Sedation and general anesthesia for patients with Cornelia De Lange syndrome: A
      case series.
AB  - Cornelia De Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a rare congenital disease characterized by
      typical facial dysmorphism, developmental disability, and limb deficiency
      defects. Various congenital malformations and medical complications have been
      described with gastroesophageal reflux as the major one. CdLS patients often
      require multiple high-risk anesthetic procedures. At San Gerardo Hospital (Monza,
      Italy) the management of CdLS patients is routinely organized through a standard
      protocol and a dedicated pediatric anesthesia team has been implemented. We
      report on a retrospective descriptive analysis of the anesthetic records of the
      CdLS patients admitted to San Gerardo Hospital from January 2010 to December
      2015. We retrieved: demographics, genetic profiles, type of procedures,
      anesthetic approaches, anesthetics usage and complications. Data are reported as
      median (interquartile range) values. Twenty-seven patients (11 female), with age
      12 (7-15) years old, weight 24 (14-35) kg, and severity score of 25 (18-32) were
      included. NIBPL mutations were the most frequently represented. We analyzed 58
      procedures (30 esophagogastroduodenoscopies, 8 evoked auditory potential tests, 5
      radiodiagnostics, 5 catheters positioning, 4 bronchoscopies) managed by sedation
      (36) and general anesthesia (6). Each patient underwent one (1-2) anesthetic
      procedure. Propofol (59%), sevoflurane (31%), fentanyl (24%), and ketamine (10%)
      were used. Three out of six endotracheal intubations were difficult. The only
      documented intraoperative complications were three episodes of desaturation
      (oxygen saturation <90%) occurring during sedations and were managed without the
      need for an invasive control of the airways. Implementation of a specific
      management protocol and a dedicated allowed to provide anesthesia to CdLS
      patients without the occurrence of major complications. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145335
TI  - Alcohol Intake is Associated with Increased Risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of
      the Skin: Three US Prospective Cohort Studies.
AB  - The association between alcohol intake and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
      (cSCC) is unclear. We studied the association between alcohol intake and incident
      invasive cSCC in three cohorts of women and men with repeated assessments of
      alcohol intake in the US. Information on alcohol intake was collected repeatedly
      during follow-up. Cumulative average of alcohol intakes was used. Multivariable
      Cox proportional hazards models with time-dependent exposure were used to
      estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals, followed by a meta
      analysis. During a follow-up of 4,234,416 person-years, 2,938 cSCC were
      identified. Alcohol intake was associated with an increased risk of cSCC with a
      dose-response relationship. Each additional drink (12.8 gram of alcohol) per day
      was associated with a 22% increased risk of cSCC (RR 1.22, 95% confidence
      interval: 1.13-1.31). White wine consumption of >=5 times/wk was associated with
      an increased risk of cSCC (RR 1.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.09-1.59). We found
      no increased risk of cSCC with other alcoholic beverages. The population
      attributable risk associated with alcohol intake of >=20 grams/d was 3% of cSCCs.
      In conclusion, alcohol intake was associated with an elevated risk of cSCC. Among
      alcoholic beverages, white wine was associated with cSCC.

PMID- 27145337
TI  - Double Modification of Polymer End Groups through Thiolactone Chemistry.
AB  - A straightforward synthetic procedure for the double modification and polymer
      polymer conjugation of telechelic polymers is performed through amine-thiol-ene
      conjugation. Thiolactone end-functionalized polymers are prepared via two
      different methods, through controlled radical polymerization of a thiolactone
      containing initiator, or by modification of available end-functionalized
      polymers. Next, these different linear polymers are treated with a variety of
      amine/acrylate-combinations in a one-pot procedure, creating a library of
      tailored end-functionalized polymers. End group conversions are monitored via
      SEC, NMR, and MALDI-TOF analysis, confirming the quantitative modification after
      each step. Finally, this strategy is applied for the synthesis of block
      copolymers via polymer-polymer conjugation and the successful outcome is analyzed
      via LCxSEC measurements. 

PMID- 27145334
TI  - Domain Movements upon Activation of Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Characterized by
      Crystallography and Chromatography-Coupled Small-Angle X-ray Scattering.
AB  - Mammalian phenylalanine hydroxylase (PheH) is an allosteric enzyme that catalyzes
      the first step in the catabolism of the amino acid phenylalanine. Following
      allosteric activation by high phenylalanine levels, the enzyme catalyzes the
      pterin-dependent conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine. Inability to control
      elevated phenylalanine levels in the blood leads to increased risk of mental
      disabilities commonly associated with the inherited metabolic disorder,
      phenylketonuria. Although extensively studied, structural changes associated with
      allosteric activation in mammalian PheH have been elusive. Here, we examine the
      complex allosteric mechanisms of rat PheH using X-ray crystallography, isothermal
      titration calorimetry (ITC), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We describe
      crystal structures of the preactivated state of the PheH tetramer depicting the
      regulatory domains docked against the catalytic domains and preventing substrate
      binding. Using SAXS, we further describe the domain movements involved in
      allosteric activation of PheH in solution and present the first demonstration of
      chromatography-coupled SAXS with Evolving Factor Analysis (EFA), a powerful
      method for separating scattering components in a model-independent way. Together,
      these results support a model for allostery in PheH in which phenylalanine
      stabilizes the dimerization of the regulatory domains and exposes the active site
      for substrate binding and other structural changes needed for activity.

PMID- 27145338
TI  - Uncovering the Evolution of Lead In-Use Stocks in Lead-Acid Batteries and the
      Impact on Future Lead Metabolism in China.
AB  - This study aims to illustrate the evolution of lead in-use stocks, particularly
      in lead-acid batteries (LABs), and their impact on future lead metabolism in
      China. First, we used a bottom-up methodology to study the evolution of lead in
      use stocks in China from 2000 to 2014. It was found that the lead in-use stocks
      increased from 0.91 to 7.75 Mt. The principal driving force of such change is the
      rapid development of LABs-driven electric vehicles. Then, we proposed three
      scenarios, low, baseline, and high in-use stocks, to project the lead demand and
      supply toward 2030. The results show that the LAB demand will decrease as a
      result of competition and replacement by lithium ion batteries. The lead demand
      in China will come to a peak around 2018-2020 under the three scenarios, then
      reduce to 3.7, 4.6, and 5.3 Mt/yr in 2030. Meanwhile, primary lead outputs will
      follow the increase of zinc production in China. Secondary lead recovered from
      spent LABs will also increase gradually. The overall unused lead stocks in 2030
      will be 49.6, 44.8, and 41.2 Mt under the three scenarios, some 3.5-5.7 times as
      big as the lead in-use stocks. Thus, a large amount of lead will have to be
      safely stockpiled or exported in China.

PMID- 27145339
TI  - Inhibition of UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) Isoforms by Arctiin and
      Arctigenin.
AB  - Arctiin is the major pharmacological ingredient of Fructus Arctii, and arctigenin
      is the metabolite of arctiin formed via the catalysis of human intestinal
      bacteria. The present study aims to investigate the inhibition profile of arctiin
      and arctigenin on important phase II drug-metabolizing enzymes UDP
      glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), indicating the possible herb-drug interaction.
      In vitro screening experiment showed that 100 MUM of arctiin and arctigenin
      inhibited the activity of UGT1A3, 1A9, 2B7, and 2B15. Homology modeling-based in
      silico docking of arctiin and arctigenin into the activity cavity of UGT2B15
      showed that hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions contributed to the strong
      binding free energy of arctiin (-8.14 kcal/mol) and arctigenin (-8.43 kcal/mol)
      with UGT2B15. Inhibition kinetics study showed that arctiin and arctigenin
      exerted competitive and noncompetitive inhibition toward UGT2B15, respectively.
      The inhibition kinetic parameters (Ki ) were calculated to be 16.0 and 76.7 MUM
      for the inhibition of UGT2B15 by arctiin and arctigenin, respectively. Based on
      the plasma concentration of arctiin and arctigenin after administration of 100
      mg/kg of arctiin, the [I]/Ki values were calculated to be 0.3 and 0.007 for
      arctiin and arctigenin, respectively. Based on the inhibition evaluation standard
      ([I]/Ki  < 0.1, low possibility; 0.1 < [I]/Ki  < 1, medium possibility; [I]/Ki  >
      1, high possibility), arctiin might induce drug-drug interaction with medium
      possibility. Based on these results, clinical monitoring the utilization of
      Fructus Arctii is very important and necessary. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley &
      Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27145340
TI  - Biomechanical analysis of different starting strategies utilized during cross
      country skiing starts.
AB  - The present study was designed to analyse and compare the kinetics and kinematics
      associated with three different starting strategies during classic cross-country
      ski racing. Inside a ski tunnel, 12 elite male skiers performed three sets of
      three 38 m starts. Each set included one start using: double poling only (DP),
      diagonal stride only (DIA) and freely chosen (FREE) (i.e. where subjects used the
      strategy or combination of strategies they felt was fastest) in random order. The
      first 18 m was performed on a series of force plates that measured horizontal and
      vertical forces followed by 20 m of a standard snow track. Additionally, cycle
      characteristics and joint angles were measured. DIA and FREE were faster over 38
      m than DP (P < .01). Net horizontal impulse (taking into account both positive
      and negative impulses) 5-10 m after the start was lower during DP than during DIA
      and FREE (both P < .05). All subjects skied faster when using only DIA for the
      entire 38 m. Furthermore, the sum duration and frequency of propulsive contacts
      over the first 18 m was less in DP than DIA and FREE (P < .01). In conclusion,
      differences between the starting strategies examined was especially pronounced
      during the initial cycles. Transition from DIA to DP during the start also slowed
      the skiers, but optimal timing for such a transition was not elucidated. 

PMID- 27145341
TI  - Identifying Network Perturbation in Cancer.
AB  - We present a computational framework, called DISCERN (DIfferential SparsE
      Regulatory Network), to identify informative topological changes in gene
      regulator dependence networks inferred on the basis of mRNA expression datasets
      within distinct biological states. DISCERN takes two expression datasets as
      input: an expression dataset of diseased tissues from patients with a disease of
      interest and another expression dataset from matching normal tissues. DISCERN
      estimates the extent to which each gene is perturbed-having distinct regulator
      connectivity in the inferred gene-regulator dependencies between the disease and
      normal conditions. This approach has distinct advantages over existing methods.
      First, DISCERN infers conditional dependencies between candidate regulators and
      genes, where conditional dependence relationships discriminate the evidence for
      direct interactions from indirect interactions more precisely than pairwise
      correlation. Second, DISCERN uses a new likelihood-based scoring function to
      alleviate concerns about accuracy of the specific edges inferred in a particular
      network. DISCERN identifies perturbed genes more accurately in synthetic data
      than existing methods to identify perturbed genes between distinct states. In
      expression datasets from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), breast
      cancer and lung cancer, genes with high DISCERN scores in each cancer are
      enriched for known tumor drivers, genes associated with the biological processes
      known to be important in the disease, and genes associated with patient
      prognosis, in the respective cancer. Finally, we show that DISCERN can uncover
      potential mechanisms underlying network perturbation by explaining observed
      epigenomic activity patterns in cancer and normal tissue types more accurately
      than alternative methods, based on the available epigenomic data from the ENCODE
      project.

PMID- 27145344
TI  - Safety of insulin analogues as compared with human insulin in pregnancy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes during pregnancy may lead to maternal, fetal and neonatal
      complications. In order to limit unwarranted outcomes, strict glycemic control is
      essential. In the past, human insulin was the only insulin formulation
      administered in pregnancy. However, insulin analogues have also been used for
      this indication in recent years. AREAS COVERED: This article reviews the
      published data regarding the safety of insulin analogue use during pregnancy. We
      present the qualities, advantages and pitfalls of insulin analogue use in
      pregnancy compared with human insulin. Insulins lispro, aspart and detemir are
      safe in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. Correspondingly, they were
      reclassified for the treatment of pregnant women with diabetes from category C to
      category B. For insulin glargine use in pregnancy, most studies are small and
      retrospective. Yet, no major safety concerns were reported. Insulin glulisine and
      degludec have not been studied in pregnancy. EXPERT OPINION: Insulin analogues
      are viable therapeutic options for diabetes in pregnancy, specifically lispro,
      aspart and detemir. Though data in limited, their safety and efficacy are
      comparable with human insulin. Remarkably, the analogues are superior to human
      insulin regarding hypoglycaemia risk. More data, specifically for their use in
      pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes, is needed.

PMID- 27145342
TI  - Role of Bone Marrow Maturity, Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor, and Forkhead
      Box Protein N1 in Thymic Involution and Rejuvenation.
AB  - Thymic involution is associated with age-related changes of the immune system.
      Utilizing our innovative technique of transplantation of a thymus as an isolated
      vascularized graft in MHC-inbred miniature swine, we have previously demonstrated
      that aged thymi are rejuvenated after transplantation into juvenile swine. Here
      we have studied the role of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and forkhead-box
      protein-N1 (FOXN1) as well as bone marrow (BM) in thymic rejuvenation and
      involution. We examined thymic rejuvenation and involution by means of histology
      and flow cytometry. Thymic function was assessed by the ability to induce
      tolerance of allogeneic kidneys. Aged thymi were rejuvenated in a juvenile
      environment, and successfully induced organ tolerance, while juvenile thymi in
      aged recipients involuted and had a limited ability to induce tolerance. However,
      juvenile BM inhibited the involution process of juvenile thymi in aged
      recipients. An elevated expression of both FOXN1 and IGF1 receptors (IGF-1R) was
      observed in juvenile thymi and rejuvenated thymi. Juvenile BM plays a role in
      promoting the local thymic milieu as indicated by its ability to inhibit thymic
      involution in aged animals. The expression of FOXN1 and IGF-1R was noted to
      increase under conditions that stimulated rejuvenation, suggesting that these
      factors are involved in thymic recovery.

PMID- 27145345
TI  - Identifying, Preventing, and Addressing Job Burnout and Vicarious Burnout for
      Social Work Professionals.
AB  - Genuineness, concern for others, and empathy are characteristics used to describe
      the professional social worker. To this end, the social worker tirelessly works
      on behalf of and in collaboration with the client to move them from stagnant life
      situations into positive life situations. While the fundamental principles of
      social work are wonderful, the result for some workers is job burnout and/or
      vicarious trauma. The concepts of job burnout, its antecedents, and
      manifestations are thoroughly discussed in this article to provide a holistic
      overview of this phenomenon. The six antecedents: workload, control, values,
      fairness, reward, and community are discussed and linked to the manifestations of
      job burnout. When working with individuals who have been exposed to the depravity
      of life, the professional can take on the client's vulnerabilities,
      victimizations, and stress. The common term for this phenomenon is vicarious
      trauma. Professionals who work with trauma victims can often have issues in their
      personal and professional life as evidenced by reduced professional efficacy,
      increased emotional concerns, and physical concerns. The purpose of the author in
      this article is to provide an overview of job burnout, vicarious trauma, and a
      discussion about self-care responsibilities. 

PMID- 27145346
TI  - Employing Lead Thiocyanate Additive to Reduce the Hysteresis and Boost the Fill
      Factor of Planar Perovskite Solar Cells.
AB  - Lead thiocyanate in the perovskite precursor can increase the grain size of a
      perovskite thin film and reduce the conductivity of the grain boundaries, leading
      to perovskite solar cells with reduced hysteresis and enhanced fill factor. A
      planar perovskite solar cell with grain boundary and interface passivation
      achieves a steady-state efficiency of 18.42%. 

PMID- 27145348
TI  - Unsupervised Identification of Isotope-Labeled Peptides.
AB  - In vivo isotopic labeling coupled with high-resolution proteomics is used to
      investigate primary metabolism in techniques such as stable isotope probing
      (protein-SIP) and peptide-based metabolic flux analysis (PMFA). Isotopic
      enrichment of carbon substrates and intracellular metabolism determine the
      distribution of isotopes within amino acids. The resulting amino acid mass
      distributions (AMDs) are convoluted into peptide mass distributions (PMDs) during
      protein synthesis. With no a priori knowledge on metabolic fluxes, the PMDs are
      therefore unknown. This complicates labeled peptide identification because prior
      knowledge on PMDs is used in all available peptide identification software. An
      automated framework for the identification and quantification of PMDs for
      nonuniformly labeled samples is therefore lacking. To unlock the potential of
      peptide labeling experiments for high-throughput flux analysis and other complex
      labeling experiments, an unsupervised peptide identification and quantification
      method was developed that uses discrete deconvolution of mass distributions of
      identified peptides to inform on the mass distributions of otherwise
      unidentifiable peptides. Uniformly (13)C-labeled Escherichia coli protein was
      used to test the developed feature reconstruction and deconvolution algorithms.
      The peptide identification was validated by comparing MS(2)-identified peptides
      to peptides identified from PMDs using unlabeled E. coli protein. Nonuniformly
      labeled Glycine max protein was used to demonstrate the technology on a
      representative sample suitable for flux analysis. Overall, automatic peptide
      identification and quantification were comparable or superior to manual
      extraction, enabling proteomics-based technology for high-throughput flux
      analysis studies.

PMID- 27145347
TI  - Drug allergy passport and other documentation for patients with drug
      hypersensitivity - An ENDA/EAACI Drug Allergy Interest Group Position Paper.
AB  - The strongest and best-documented risk factor for drug hypersensitivity (DH) is
      the history of a previous reaction. Accidental exposures to drugs may lead to
      severe or even fatal reactions in sensitized patients. Preventable prescription
      errors are common. They are often due to inadequate medical history or poor risk
      assessment of recurrence of drug reaction. Proper documentation is essential
      information for the doctor to make sound therapeutic decision. The European
      Network on Drug Allergy and Drug Allergy Interest Group of the European Academy
      of Allergy and Clinical Immunology have formed a task force and developed a drug
      allergy passport as well as general guidelines of drug allergy documentation. A
      drug allergy passport, a drug allergy alert card, a certificate, and a discharge
      letter after medical evaluation are adequate means to document DH in a patient.
      They are to be handed to the patient who is advised to carry the documentation at
      all times especially when away from home. A drug allergy passport should at least
      contain information on the culprit drug(s) including international nonproprietary
      name, clinical manifestations including severity, diagnostic measures, potential
      cross-reactivity, alternative drugs to prescribe, and where more detailed
      information can be obtained from the issuer. It should be given to patients only
      after full allergy workup. In the future, electronic prescription systems with
      alert functions will become more common and should include the same information
      as in paper-based documentation.

PMID- 27145349
TI  - [Modern Hospital Architecture and Quality of Treatment in Psychiatry and
      Psychotherapy].

PMID- 27145350
TI  - [Could Psychiatry Dispense with Involuntary Medication? - Pro].

PMID- 27145351
TI  - [Could Psychiatry Dispense with Involuntary Medication? - Contra].

PMID- 27145352
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27145353
TI  - Making microscopy count: quantitative light microscopy of dynamic processes in
      living plants.
AB  - Cell theory has officially reached 350 years of age as the first use of the word
      'cell' in a biological context can be traced to a description of plant material
      by Robert Hooke in his historic publication 'Micrographia: or some physiological
      definitions of minute bodies'. The 2015 Royal Microscopical Society Botanical
      Microscopy meeting was a celebration of the streams of investigation initiated by
      Hooke to understand at the subcellular scale how plant cell function and form
      arises. Much of the work presented, and Honorary Fellowships awarded, reflected
      the advanced application of bioimaging informatics to extract quantitative data
      from micrographs that reveal dynamic molecular processes driving cell growth and
      physiology. The field has progressed from collecting many pixels in multiple
      modes to associating these measurements with objects or features that are
      meaningful biologically. The additional complexity involves object identification
      that draws on a different type of expertise from computer science and statistics
      that is often impenetrable to biologists. There are many useful tools and
      approaches being developed, but we now need more interdisciplinary exchange to
      use them effectively. In this review we show how this quiet revolution has
      provided tools available to any personal computer user. We also discuss the oft
      neglected issue of quantifying algorithm robustness and the exciting
      possibilities offered through the integration of physiological information
      generated by biosensors with object detection and tracking.

PMID- 27145354
TI  - Analysis of the interacting partners eIF4F and 3'-CITE required for Melon
      necrotic spot virus cap-independent translation.
AB  - We have shown previously that the translation of Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV,
      family Tombusviridae, genus Carmovirus) RNAs is controlled by a 3'-cap
      independent translation enhancer (CITE), which is genetically and functionally
      dependent on the eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4E. Here, we
      describe structural and functional analyses of the MNSV-Malpha5 3'-CITE and its
      translation initiation factor partner. We first mapped the minimal 3'-CITE
      (Ma5TE) to a 45-nucleotide sequence, which consists of a stem-loop structure with
      two internal loops, similar to other I-shaped 3'-CITEs. UV crosslinking, followed
      by gel retardation assays, indicated that Ma5TE interacts in vitro with the
      complex formed by eIF4E + eIF4G980-1159 (eIF4Fp20 ), but not with each subunit
      alone or with eIF4E + eIF4G1003-1092 , suggesting binding either through
      interaction with eIF4E following a conformational change induced by its binding
      to eIF4G980-1159 , or through a double interaction with eIF4E and eIF4G980-1159 .
      Critical residues for this interaction reside in an internal bulge of Ma5TE, so
      that their mutation abolished binding to eIF4E + eIF4G1003-1092 and cap
      independent translation. We also developed an in vivo system to test the effect
      of mutations in eIF4E in Ma5TE-driven cap-independent translation, showing that
      conserved amino acids in a positively charged RNA-binding motif around amino acid
      position 228, implicated in eIF4E-eIF4G binding or belonging to the cap
      recognition pocket, are essential for cap-independent translation controlled by
      Ma5TE, and thus for the multiplication of MNSV.

PMID- 27145356
TI  - Ethnicity and Healthcare Practice - A Guide for the Primary Care Team Dyson Simon
      Culley Lorraine Ethnicity and Healthcare Practice - A Guide for the Primary Care
      Team 150 Quay Books 9781856423663 1856423662 [Formula: see text].
AB  - How could a book exploring culture and ethnicity not interest a nurse? Chapters
      cover ethnicity, the diversity of UK ethnic groups, managing diversity in health
      care, communication, the effects of disease on family and community, mental
      health, substance misuse and refugees and asylum seekers.

PMID- 27145355
TI  - Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary psychological benefits of mindfulness
      meditation training in a sample of men diagnosed with prostate cancer on active
      surveillance: results from a randomized controlled pilot trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In a pilot randomized controlled trial, examine the feasibility and
      preliminary efficacy of an 8-week, mindfulness training program (Mindfulness
      Based Stress Reduction) in a sample of men on active surveillance on important
      psychological outcomes including prostate cancer anxiety, uncertainty intolerance
      and posttraumatic growth. METHODS: Men were randomized to either mindfulness (n =
      24) or an attention control arm (n = 19) and completed self-reported measures of
      prostate cancer anxiety, uncertainty intolerance, global quality of life,
      mindfulness and posttraumatic growth at baseline, 8 weeks, 6 months and 12
      months. RESULTS: Participants in the mindfulness arm demonstrated significant
      decreases in prostate cancer anxiety and uncertainty intolerance, and significant
      increases in mindfulness, global mental health and posttraumatic growth.
      Participants in the control condition also demonstrated significant increases in
      mindfulness over time. Longitudinal increases in posttraumatic growth were
      significantly larger in the mindfulness arm than they were in the control arm.
      CONCLUSIONS: While mindfulness training was found to be generally feasible and
      acceptable among participants who enrolled in the 8-week intervention as
      determined by completion rates and open-ended survey responses, the response rate
      between initial enrollment and the total number of men approached was lower than
      desired (47%). While larger sample sizes are necessary to examine the efficacy of
      mindfulness training on important psychological outcomes, in this pilot study
      posttraumatic growth was shown to significantly increase over time for men in the
      treatment group. Mindfulness training has the potential to help men cope more
      effectively with some of the stressors and uncertainties associated with active
      surveillance. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27145357
TI  - Great Answers to Difficult Questions About Death - What Children Need to Know
      Goldman Linda Great Answers to Difficult Questions About Death - What Children
      Need to Know 112 Jessica Kingsley Publishers 9781849058056 1849058059 [Formula:
      see text].
AB  - Dealing with children's feelings and questions after a death can be incredibly
      difficult. This book, which is set out in easily accessed chapters, gives advice
      and suggestions on how to manage those conversations and questions that a
      bereaved child is likely to ask.

PMID- 27145358
TI  - CapacityPlus.
AB  - CapacityPlus is a five-year global project being run by the United States Agency
      for International Development to strengthen the human resources for health needed
      to reach the millennium development goals. The project puts health workers at the
      centre of improving healthcare delivery and targets countries that have a health
      worker crisis as the focus for US government core health programmes.

PMID- 27145360
TI  - Maternal vitamin D status and childhood asthma, wheeze, and eczema: A systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal vitamin D status has been reported to be associated with
      childhood allergic diseases. However, this association remains to be fully
      elucidated. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using
      prospective cohort studies that examined the association between maternal vitamin
      D status and childhood allergic diseases including wheeze, eczema and asthma. We
      searched electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, the
      Wanfang (Chinese) database, the VIP (Chinese) database, and Chinese National
      Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to August 2014. Odds ratios and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) from individual studies were synthesized using a fixed effects
      model. RESULTS: Four studies on the association between maternal vitamin D status
      and childhood asthma (3666 mother-child pairs), four studies on the association
      between maternal vitamin D status and childhood wheeze (2225 mother-child pairs)
      and three papers on the association between maternal vitamin D status and
      childhood eczema (2172 mother-child pairs) met our inclusion criteria. Maternal
      vitamin D status during pregnancy was associated with childhood eczema (pooled
      OR=0.904, 95% CI=0.831-0.983). However, the meta-analysis showed no statistical
      association between maternal vitamin D status and childhood asthma (pooled
      OR=0.981, 95% CI=0.944-1.019) or childhood wheeze (pooled OR=0.995, 95% CI=0.982
      1.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis found that lower maternal vitamin D during
      pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of childhood eczema but was not
      associated with childhood asthma or wheeze. The role of maternal vitamin D as an
      important protective factor for the development of childhood eczema remains to be
      elucidated.

PMID- 27145362
TI  - Can Racial Differences in Resting Metabolic Rate be Explained by Body
      Composition?

PMID- 27145361
TI  - Dopamine-Related Disruption of Functional Topography of Striatal Connections in
      Unmedicated Patients With Schizophrenia.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Despite the well-established role of striatal dopamine in psychosis,
      current views generally agree that cortical dysfunction is likely necessary for
      the emergence of psychotic symptoms. The topographic organization of striatal
      cortical connections is central to gating and integration of higher-order
      information, so a disruption of such topography via dysregulated dopamine could
      lead to cortical dysfunction in schizophrenia. However, this hypothesis remains
      to be tested using multivariate methods ascertaining the global pattern of
      striatal connectivity and without the confounding effects of antidopaminergic
      medication. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the pattern of brain connectivity
      across striatal subregions is abnormal in unmedicated patients with schizophrenia
      and whether this abnormality relates to psychotic symptoms and extrastriatal
      dopaminergic transmission. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this multimodal,
      case-control study, we obtained resting-state functional magnetic resonance
      imaging data from 18 unmedicated patients with schizophrenia and 24 matched
      healthy controls from the New York State Psychiatric Institute. A subset of these
      (12 and 17, respectively) underwent positron emission tomography with the
      dopamine D2 receptor radiotracer carbon 11-labeled FLB457 before and after
      amphetamine administration. Data were acquired between June 16, 2011, and
      February 25, 2014. Data analysis was performed from September 1, 2014, to January
      11, 2016. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Group differences in the striatal
      connectivity pattern (assessed via multivariable logistic regression) across
      striatal subregions, the association between the multivariate striatal
      connectivity pattern and extrastriatal baseline D2 receptor binding potential and
      its change after amphetamine administration, and the association between the
      multivariate connectivity pattern and the severity of positive symptoms evaluated
      with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. RESULTS: Of the patients with
      schizophrenia (mean [SEM] age, 35.6 [11.8] years), 9 (50%) were male and 9 (50%)
      were female. Of the controls (mean [SEM] age, 33.7 [8.8] years), 10 (42%) were
      male and 14 (58%) were female. Patients had an abnormal pattern of striatal
      connectivity, which included abnormal caudate connections with a distributed set
      of associative cortex regions (chi229 = 53.55, P = .004). In patients, more
      deviation from the multivariate pattern of striatal connectivity found in
      controls correlated specifically with more severe positive symptoms (rho = -0.77,
      P = .002). Striatal connectivity also correlated with baseline binding potential
      across cortical and extrastriatal subcortical regions (t25 = 3.01, P = .01,
      Bonferroni corrected) but not with its change after amphetamine administration.
      CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Using a multimodal, circuit-level interrogation of
      striatal-cortical connections, it was demonstrated that the functional topography
      of these connections is globally disrupted in unmedicated patients with
      schizophrenia. These findings suggest that striatal-cortical dysconnectivity may
      underlie the effects of dopamine dysregulation on the pathophysiologic mechanism
      of psychotic symptoms.

PMID- 27145363
TI  - Drug use among HIV+ adults aged 50 and older: findings from the GOLD II study.
AB  - Understanding the nexus of aging, HIV, and substance use is key to providing
      appropriate services and support for their aging, HIV seropositive patients. The
      proportion of PLWHA aged 50 and older is growing due to a variety of factors like
      decreases in mortality due to highly active retroviral therapy and non-negligible
      HIV incidence. We describe prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and
      participation in substance use treatment and 12-step programs among 95 HIV
      positive patients aged 50 and older engaged in care. Most (73.7%) smoked
      cigarettes in their lifetime and 46.3% were current smokers. Most were at medium
      (81.1%) or high risk (13.7%) for an alcohol use disorder. With respect to illicit
      drug use, 48.4% had used marijuana, cocaine, crack, methamphetamines, heroin,
      and/or prescription opiates without a prescription in the last 12 months; 23.2%
      met criteria for drug dependence. Marijuana was the most commonly reported
      illicit drug (32.6%) followed by cocaine and crack (10.5% each), heroin and
      prescription opiates (7.4% each), and methamphetamines (6.3%). Among those who
      had not used drugs in the past 12 months, 36.7% had been in a substance use
      treatment program and 26.5% had participated in a 12-step program in their
      lifetime; 8.2% were currently in treatment and 16.3% were currently participating
      in a 12-step program. Among those who had used an illicit drug in the past 12
      months, 37.0% had never been in treatment, 34.8% had been in treatment in their
      lifetime, and 28.3% were currently in treatment. With respect to 12-step
      programs, 27.3% of those meeting dependence criteria had never participated,
      45.5% had participated in their lifetimes, and 27.3% were currently
      participating. Our findings suggest that older adults in HIV care settings could
      benefit from Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment
      interventions and/or integrated services for substance abuse and medical
      treatment.

PMID- 27145364
TI  - R- and S-citalopram concentrations have differential effects on neuropsychiatric
      scores in elders with dementia and agitation.
AB  - AIMS: The aim was to determine the relationship between (R) and (S)-citalopram
      enantiomer exposure (AUC(0,24 h)) and therapeutic response in agitated
      individuals greater than 60 years old with Alzheimer's dementia (AD). METHODS:
      Citalopram enantiomer exposures (AUC(0,24 h)) derived from an established
      population pharmacokinetic analysis were utilized to explore the relationship
      between (R)- and (S)-citalopram area under the curve (AUC(0,24 )) and Mini-Mental
      State Examination (MMSE), Neurobehavioural Rating Scale-Agitation Subscale (NBRS
      A), modified Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study-Clinical Global Impression of
      Change (mADCS-CGIC) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory Agitation subscale (NPIA)
      scores. Time dependent changes in these scores (disease progression) were
      accounted for prior to exploring the exposure effect relationship for each
      enantiomer. These relationships were evaluated using a non-linear-mixed effects
      modelling approach as implemented in nonmem v7.3. RESULTS: (S)-AUC(0,24 h) and
      (R)-AUC(0,24 h) each contributed to improvement in NBRS-A scores (k3(R) -0.502;
      k4(S) -0.712) as did time in treatment. However, increasing (R)-AUC(0,24 h)
      decreased the probability of patient response (maximum Delta -0.182%/AUC(0,24 h))
      based on the CGIC while (S)-AUC(0,24 h) improved the probability of response
      (maximum Delta 0.112%/AUC(0,24 h)). (R)-AUC(0,24 h) was also associated with
      worsening in MMSE scores (-0.5 points). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that
      citalopram enantiomers contributed differentially to treatment outcomes. (R)
      citalopram accounted for a greater proportion of the adverse consequences
      associated with racemic citalopram treatment in patients with AD including a
      decreased probability of treatment response as measured by the CGIC and a
      reduction in MMSE scores. The S-enantiomer was associated with increased
      probability of response based on the CGIC.

PMID- 27145365
TI  - The co-stimulatory molecule B7-H3 promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition
      in colorectal cancer.
AB  - B7-H3, first recognized as a co-stimulatory molecule, is abnormally expressed in
      cancer tissues and is associated with cancer metastasis and a poor prognosis.
      However, as an initial event of metastasis, the relationship between the
      Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT ) in cancer cells and B7-H3 has still not
      been investigated. In this study, we first analyzed B7-H3 expression by
      immunohistochemistry in colorectal cancer tissues. B7-H3 was expressed in the
      cancer cell membrane and was associated with the T stage of colorectal cancer; it
      also showed a positive correlation with MMP2 and MMP9 expression in cancer
      tissues. Over-expression of B7-H3 in SW480 cells allowed cancer cells to invade
      and metastasize more than the control cells, whereas invasion and metastasis
      capabilities were decreased after B7-H3 was knocked down in Caco-2 cells. We
      further showed that B7-H3 down-regulated the expression of E-cadherin and beta
      catenin and up-regulated N-cadherin and Vimentin expression, implying that B7-H3
      promoted the EMT in colorectal cancer cells. We also checked another character of
      the EMT, the stemness of cancer cells. CD133, CD44 and Oct4 were significantly
      elevated after the SW480 cells were transfected with B7-H3 and reduced in Caco-2
      cells after B7-H3 was inhibited. In subsequent studies, we proved that B7-H3
      upregulated the expression of Smad1 via PI3K-Akt. In conclusion, B7-H3 promotes
      the EMT in colorectal cancer cells by activating the PI3K-Akt pathway and
      upregulating the expression of Smad1. 

PMID- 27145366
TI  - BRG1 targeting STAT3/VEGFC signaling regulates lymphangiogenesis in colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - Tumor lymphangiogenesis is an important early event in tumorigenesis, one that
      promotes lymphatic metastasis. BRG1 (also known as SMARCA4) is a central
      component of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex. In a previous work, we
      have reported that decreased BRG1 could promote colon cancer cell migration and
      invasion, and that the BRG1 expression level is negatively correlated with
      lymphatic metastasis. In the current study, we provide a comprehensive analysis
      of the role of BRG1 during lymphangiogenesis in colorectal cancer. Lymphatic
      vessels are more abundant in BRG1 low-expression tumors than in BRG1 high
      expression tumors. We investigate the process by which BRG1 can promote VEGFC
      transcription and induce lymphangiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. We show that
      BRG1 controls lymphangiogenesis by binding to STAT3 and regulating STAT3
      activation. We also prove the mechanisms through clinical samples. In summary,
      our demonstration of the important roles of the BRG1/STAT3/VEGFC in tumor
      associated lymphangiogenesis might lead to the discovery of novel therapeutic
      targets in the treatment of cancers with BRG1 loss of function.

PMID- 27145368
TI  - Downregulation of miR-199b is associated with distant metastasis in colorectal
      cancer via activation of SIRT1 and inhibition of CREB/KISS1 signaling.
AB  - The progression of distant metastasis cascade is a multistep and complicated
      process, frequently leading to a poor prognosis in cancer patients. Recently,
      growing evidence has indicated that deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs)
      contributes to tumorigenesis and tumor progression in colorectal cancer (CRC). In
      the present study, by comparing the miRNA expression profiles of CRC tissues and
      corresponding hepatic metastasis tissues, we established the downregulation of
      miR-199b in CRC metastasis tissues. The decrease in miR-199b expression was
      significantly correlated to late TNM stage and distant metastasis. Moreover,
      Kaplan-Meier curves showed that CRC patients with high expression level of miR
      199b had a longer median survival. Functional assays results indicated that the
      restoration of miR-199b considerably reduced cell invasion and migration in vitro
      and in vivo, and increased the sensitivity to 5-FU and oxaliplatin. Further dual
      luciferase reporter gene assays revealed that SIRT1 was the direct target of miR
      199b in CRC. The expression of miR-199b was inversely correlated with SIRT1 in
      CRC specimens. SIRT1 knockdown produced effects on biological behavior that were
      similar to those of miR-199b overexpression. Furthermore, through Human Tumor
      Metastasis PCR Array we discovered KISS1 was one of the downstream targets of
      SIRT1. Silencing of SIRT1 upregulated KISS1 expression by enhancing the
      acetylation of the transcription factor CREB. The latter was further activated
      via binding to the promoter of KISS1 to induce transcription. Thus, we concluded
      that miR-199b regulates SIRT1/CREB/KISS1 signaling pathway and might serve as a
      prognosis marker or a novel therapeutic target for patients with CRC. 

PMID- 27145367
TI  - BIS-mediated STAT3 stabilization regulates glioblastoma stem cell-like
      phenotypes.
AB  - Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) are a subpopulation of highly tumorigenic and stem
      like cells that are responsible for resistance to conventional therapy. Bcl-2
      intreacting cell death suppressor (BIS; also known as BAG3) is an anti-apoptotic
      protein that is highly expressed in human cancers with various origins, including
      glioblastoma. In the present study, to investigate the role of BIS in GSC
      subpopulation, we examined the expression profile of BIS in A172 and U87-MG
      glioblastoma cell lines under specific in vitro culture conditions that enrich
      GSC-like cells in spheres. Both BIS mRNA and protein levels significantly
      increased under the sphere-forming condition as compared with standard culture
      conditions. BIS depletion resulted in notable decreases in sphere-forming
      activity and was accompanied with decreases in SOX-2 expression. The expression
      of STAT3, a master regulator of stemness, also decreased following BIS depletion
      concomitant with decreases in the nuclear levels of active phosphorylated STAT3,
      while ectopic STAT3 overexpression resulted in recovery of sphere-forming
      activity in BIS-knockdown glioblastoma cells. Additionally, immunoprecipitation
      and confocal microscopy revealed that BIS physically interacts with STAT3.
      Furthermore, BIS depletion increased STAT3 ubiquitination, suggesting that BIS is
      necessary for STAT3 stabilization in GSC-like cells. BIS depletion also affected
      epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related genes as evidenced by decrease in
      SNAIL and MMP-2 expression and increase in E-cadherin expression in GSC-like
      cells. Our findings suggest that high levels of BIS expression might confer stem
      cell-like properties on cancer cells through STAT3 stabilization, indicating that
      BIS is a potential target in cancer therapy. 

PMID- 27145369
TI  - Assessment of epigenetic alterations in early colorectal lesions containing BRAF
      mutations.
AB  - To clarify the molecular and clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal
      serrated lesions, we assessed the DNA methylation of cancer-associated genes in a
      cohort of BRAF-mutant precancerous lesions from 94 individuals. We then compared
      those results with the lesions' clinicopathological features, especially
      colorectal subsites. The lesions included hyperplastic polyps (n = 16),
      traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs) (n = 15), TSAs with sessile serrated
      adenomas (SSAs) (n = 6), SSAs (n = 49) and SSAs with dysplasia (n = 16). The
      prevalence of lesions exhibiting the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) was
      lower in the sigmoid colon and rectum than in other bowel subsites, including the
      cecum, ascending, transverse and descending colon. In addition, several cancer
      associated genes showed higher methylation levels within lesions in the proximal
      to sigmoid colon than in the sigmoid colon and rectum. These results indicate
      that the methylation status of lesions with BRAF mutation is strongly associated
      with their location, histological findings and neoplastic pathways. By contrast,
      no difference in aberrant DNA methylation was observed in normal-appearing
      background colonic mucosa along the bowel subsites, which may indicate the
      absence of an epigenetic field defect. 

PMID- 27145370
TI  - CDK5 promotes renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy via
      ERK1/2/PPARgamma pathway.
AB  - Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) has been documented in podocyte injuries in
      diabetic nephropathy (DN), however its role in renal tubular epithelial cells has
      not been elucidated. We report here that CDK5 is detrimental and promotes
      tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      1/2 (ERK1/2)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPRAgamma) pathway
      in DN. In high glucose cultured NRK52E cells, blocking CDK5 activity inhibited
      epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrosis via ERK1/2/PPARgamma
      pathway. In diabetic rats, CDK5 inhibitor roscovitine decreased renal fibrosis
      and improved renal function as demonstrated by a decrease in levels of blood
      urine nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and beta2-microglobulin. Further studies
      revealed that improved renal fibrosis and function in diabetic rats were
      associated with inactivation of ERK1/2 and PPARgamma signaling pathways. In late
      staged DN patients, the upregulation of CDK5 and p35 activated phosphorylated
      ERK1/2 and PPARgamma, leading to decreased levels of E-cadherin but increased
      Vimentin and Collagen IV. Accordingly, renal fibrosis and function were worsened
      as revealed by decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and
      increased serum BUN, creatinine, beta2-microglobulin, 24-hour proteinuria and
      urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR). These findings demonstrate a novel
      mechanism that CDK5 increases tubulointerstitial fibrosis by activating the
      ERK1/2/PPARgamma pathway and EMT in DN. CDK5 might have therapeutic potential in
      diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 27145371
TI  - Limited effect of lymph node status on the metastatic pattern in colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - Regional lymph node metastases in colorectal cancer (CRC) decrease outcome.
      Whether nodal metastases function as a biomarker, i.e. as a sign of advanced
      disease, or are in fact involved in the metastatic process is unclear. We
      evaluated metastatic patterns of CRC according to the lymph node status of the
      primary tumor.A retrospective review of 1393 patients with metastatic CRC who
      underwent autopsy in the Netherlands was performed. Metastatic patterns of
      regional lymph node positive and negative CRC were compared and validated by
      population-based data from the Eindhoven Cancer Registry (ECR).Patients with
      regional lymph node positive CRC more often developed peritoneal metastases (28%
      vs. 21%, p=0.003) and distant lymph node metastases (25% vs. 15%, p <0.001).
      Incidences of liver and lung metastases were comparable. Data from the ECR
      confirmed our findings regarding peritoneal (22.4% vs. 17.0%, p=0.003) and
      distant lymph node metastases (15.8% vs. 9.7%, p <0.001).Regional lymph node
      positive CRC show a slightly different dissemination pattern, with higher rates
      of peritoneal and distant lymph nodes metastases. Comparable incidences of liver
      and lung metastases support the hypothesis that dissemination to distant organs
      occurs independently of lymphatic spread. 

PMID- 27145372
TI  - Vitamin D receptor signaling improves Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome
      cellular phenotypes.
AB  - Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a devastating incurable premature
      aging disease caused by accumulation of progerin, a toxic lamin A mutant protein.
      HGPS patient-derived cells exhibit nuclear morphological abnormalities, altered
      signaling pathways, genomic instability, and premature senescence. Here we
      uncover new molecular mechanisms contributing to cellular decline in progeria. We
      demonstrate that HGPS cells reduce expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and DNA
      repair factors BRCA1 and 53BP1 with progerin accumulation, and that
      reconstituting VDR signaling via 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) treatment
      improves HGPS phenotypes, including nuclear morphological abnormalities, DNA
      repair defects, and premature senescence. Importantly, we discovered that the
      1,25D/VDR axis regulates LMNA gene expression, as well as expression of DNA
      repair factors. 1,25D dramatically reduces progerin production in HGPS cells,
      while stabilizing BRCA1 and 53BP1, two key factors for genome integrity. Vitamin
      D/VDR axis emerges as a new target for treatment of HGPS and potentially other
      lamin-related diseases exhibiting VDR deficiency and genomic instability. Because
      progerin expression increases with age, maintaining vitamin D/VDR signaling could
      keep the levels of progerin in check during physiological aging. 

PMID- 27145375
TI  - Osteopenic features of the hip joint in patients with cerebral palsy: a hospital
      based study.
AB  - AIM: We aimed to evaluate the bone mineral density of the hip joint in patients
      with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: Patients with CP younger than 18 years who
      underwent three-dimensional hip examination by computed tomography were analysed.
      Bone attenuation of the acetabulum and femur was measured as Hounsfield units
      (HU), and was adjusted for affecting factors such as hip instability and Gross
      Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-six
      patients with CP and 86 typically developing participants were included. The
      average bone attenuation was significantly lower in those with CP than in the
      comparison group (acetabulum: 70.8HU, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 59.9-81.8;
      femur: 82.2HU, 95% CI 70.4-95.8). Compared with GMFCS levels I to III, bone
      attenuation was significantly lower for GMFCS levels IV (acetabulum: 30.9HU, 95%
      CI 15.7-46.2; femur: 39.7HU, 95% CI 19.9-59.5) and V (acetabulum: 51.7HU, 95% CI
      35.9-67.5; femur: 72.5HU, 95% CI 51.9-93.0). The average bone attenuation
      decreased when the migration percentage was over 37% (acetabulum: 11.6HU, 95% CI
      1.4-24.6; femur: 26.8HU, 95% CI 9.9-43.6). INTERPRETATION: Bone attenuation of
      the acetabulum and femur was significantly affected both by GMFCS level and by
      severity of hip instability.

PMID- 27145376
TI  - Redox Switching of Orthoquinone-Containing Aromatic Compounds with Hydrogen and
      Oxygen Gas.
AB  - Unique redox switching of orthoquinone-containing pentacyclic aromatic compounds
      with molecular hydrogen and oxygen in the presence of a palladium nanoparticle
      catalyst (SAPd) is disclosed. These molecules were predicted by in silico
      screening before synthesis. Efficient protocols for the synthesis of orthoquinone
      containing aromatic compounds by palladium-mediated homocoupling and the benzoin
      condensation reaction were developed. Clear switching between orthoquinone and
      aromatic hydroquinone compounds was observed on the basis of their
      photoluminescence properties. Furthermore, the twist strain of the orthoquinone
      moiety could induce dramatic changes in color and emission.

PMID- 27145374
TI  - Identification of nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis-related biomarkers by iTRAQ
      combined with 2D-LC-MS/MS.
AB  - To identify metastasis-related proteins in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), iTRAQ
      tagging combined with 2D LC-MS/MS analysis was performed to identify the
      differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in high metastatic NPC 5-8F cells and
      non-metastatic NPC 6-10B cells, and qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to
      confirm DEPs. As a result, 101 DEPs were identified by proteomics, and 12 DEPs
      were selectively validated. We further detected expression of three DEPs (RAN,
      SQSTM1 and TRIM29) in a cohort of NPC tissue specimens to assess their value as
      NPC metastatic biomarkers, and found that combination of RAN, SQSTM1 and TRIM29
      could discriminate metastatic NPC from non-metastatic NPC with a sensitivity of
      88% and a specificity of 91%. TRIM29 and RAN expression level were closely
      correlated with lymph node and distant metastasis and clinical stage (P <0.05) in
      NPC patients. Finally, a combination of loss-of-function and gain-of-function
      approaches was performed to determine the effects of TRIM29 on NPC cell
      proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. The results showed that TRIM29
      knockdown significantly attenuated while TRIM29 overexpression promoted NPC cell
      in vitro proliferation, migration and invasion and in vivo metastasis. The
      present data first time show that SQSTM1, RAN and TRIM29 are novel potential
      biomarkers for predicting NPC metastasis, demonstrate that TRIM29 is a metastasis
      promoted protein of NPC. 

PMID- 27145373
TI  - Optical imaging probes in oncology.
AB  - Cancer is a complex disease, characterized by alteration of different
      physiological molecular processes and cellular features. Keeping this in mind,
      the possibility of early identification and detection of specific tumor
      biomarkers by non-invasive approaches could improve early diagnosis and patient
      management.Different molecular imaging procedures provide powerful tools for
      detection and non-invasive characterization of oncological lesions. Clinical
      studies are mainly based on the use of computed tomography, nuclear-based imaging
      techniques and magnetic resonance imaging. Preclinical imaging in small animal
      models entails the use of dedicated instruments, and beyond the already cited
      imaging techniques, it includes also optical imaging studies. Optical imaging
      strategies are based on the use of luminescent or fluorescent reporter genes or
      injectable fluorescent or luminescent probes that provide the possibility to
      study tumor features even by means of fluorescence and luminescence imaging.
      Currently, most of these probes are used only in animal models, but the
      possibility of applying some of them also in the clinics is under evaluation.The
      importance of tumor imaging, the ease of use of optical imaging instruments, the
      commercial availability of a wide range of probes as well as the continuous
      description of newly developed probes, demonstrate the significance of these
      applications. The aim of this review is providing a complete description of the
      possible optical imaging procedures available for the non-invasive assessment of
      tumor features in oncological murine models. In particular, the characteristics
      of both commercially available and newly developed probes will be outlined and
      discussed.

PMID- 27145377
TI  - CT Textural Analysis of Large Primary Renal Cell Carcinomas: Pretreatment Tumor
      Heterogeneity Correlates With Histologic Findings and Clinical Outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to determine whether CT texture
      features of newly diagnosed primary renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) correlate with
      pathologic features and oncologic outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT texture
      analysis was performed on large (> 7 cm; mean size, 9.9 cm) untreated RCCs in 157
      patients (52 women and 105 men; mean age, 60.3 years). Measures of tumor
      heterogeneity, including entropy, kurtosis, skewness, mean, mean of positive
      pixels, and SD of pixel distribution histogram were derived from multiphasic CT
      using various filter settings: unfiltered (spatial scaling factor, 0), fine
      (spatial scaling factor, 2), medium (spatial scaling factor, 3-4), or coarse
      (spatial scaling factor, 5-6). Texture values were correlated with histologic
      subtype, nuclear grade, pathologic stage, and clinical outcome. RESULTS: When a
      coarse filter setting (spatial scaling factor, 6) was used, entropy on portal
      venous phase CT images was positively associated with clear cell histologic
      findings (odds ratio [OR], 134; 95% CI, 16-1110; p < 0.001) and was negatively
      associated with non-clear cell subtype findings (papillary spatial scale factor,
      6; OR, 0.016; 95% CI, 0.002-0.132; p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis for entropy (on
      portal venous phase images obtained with a spatial scaling factor of 6) revealed
      an AUC of 0.943 (95% CI, 0.892-0.993) for clear cell histologic findings, with
      similar values noted for non-clear cell histologic findings. The mean of positive
      pixels and the SD of the pixel distribution histogram were statistically
      significantly associated with histologic cell type in a similar fashion. Entropy,
      the SD of the pixel distribution histogram, and the mean of positive pixels were
      associated with nuclear grade, most prominently when fine or medium texture
      filters were used (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant association
      of texture features noted on unenhanced CT, including the SD of the pixel
      distribution histogram, the mean of positive pixels, and entropy, with the time
      to disease recurrence and death due to disease (e.g., for entropy noted on
      unenhanced CT images obtained with a spatial scaling factor of 6, the hazard
      ratio was 3.49 [95% CI, 1.55-7.84]; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: CT texture features
      (in particular, entropy, the mean of positive pixels, and the SD of the pixel
      distribution histogram) are associated with tumor histologic findings, nuclear
      grade, and outcome measures. The contrast phase does seem to affect heterogeneity
      measures.

PMID- 27145378
TI  - Investigation of the Effects of an Exercise Program on Physical Functions and
      Activities of Daily Life in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an
      implemented exercise program for children throughout the hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) process. PROCEDURE: Twenty-two children aged between 3 and
      17, who were earlier selected for HSCT, were divided into two groups-intervention
      and control. Children's physical function, functional performance, and activities
      of daily life (ADL) were assessed before HSCT, at discharge, and 1 month later.
      The exercise program, which consisted of strengthening, endurance, stretching,
      and relaxation exercises, was implemented to the intervention group for 5 days a
      week throughout hospitalization; and these exercises were given as home program
      at discharge. RESULTS: The results of the supervised exercise program during
      hospitalization showed that the children's physical function and functional
      performance increased statistically significantly in the intervention group (P <
      0.05) and decreased statistically significantly in the control group (P < 0.05).
      For the ADL, no difference was found between the two groups (P ? 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study determined that the exercise program had positive
      effects throughout the HSCT process, but these effects did not continue during
      the follow-up period. Exercise programs implemented by physiotherapists are
      important for children undergoing HSCT, and after transplantation it is necessary
      to continue supervised exercise program during follow-up.

PMID- 27145380
TI  - An Entry to Stable Mixed Phosphine-Osmium-NHC Polyhydrides.
AB  - An entry to mixed phosphine-osmium-NHC polyhydride complexes is described,
      starting from the five-coordinate hydrido-alkylidyne compounds
      [OsHCl(=CPh)(IPr)(PR3)]OTf (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-disopropylphenyl)imidazolylidene;
      OTf = CF3SO3; PR3 = P(i)Pr3 (1), PPh3 (2)). The experimental procedure involves
      the borylation of the Os-C triple bond of 1 and 2 with NaBH4 and the subsequent
      alcoholysis of the borylation products OsH2Cl(eta(2)-H-BCH2Ph)(IPr)(PR3) (PR3 =
      P(i)Pr3 (3), PPh3 (4)) or OsH2(eta(2):eta(2):H2BCH2Ph)(IPr)(P(i)Pr3) (5).
      Stirring of 3 in 2-propanol affords the five coordinate chloride-trihydride
      OsH3Cl(IPr)(P(i)Pr3)2 (6), which reacts with NaBH4 to give OsH3(kappa(2)
      H2BH2)(IPr)(P(i)Pr3) (7). This trihydride-tetrahydrideborate derivative and its
      PPh3 counterpart OsH3(kappa(2)-H2BH2)(IPr)(PPh3) (8) can be also obtained in a
      one-pot procedure, starting from 1 and 2 and using methanol at -60  degrees C
      instead of 2-propanol as alcoholysis agent. The bonding situation in 7 and 8,
      analyzed by DFT calculations using AIM and NBO methods, resembles that found in
      B2H6 and contrasts with the bonding situation in the bis-sigma-borane derivative
      5. Stirring of 7 and 8 in 2-propanol leads to the corresponding d(2)-hexahydride
      derivatives OsH6(IPr)(PR3) (PR3 = P(i)Pr3 (9), PPh3 (10)), which reduce the C=N
      triple bond of benzonitrile and promote the subsequent chelate-assisted ortho-CH
      bond activation of the resulting phenylmethanimine, to form the trihydride
      compounds OsH3{kappa(2)-N,C-(NH?CH-C6H4)}(IPr)(PR3)2 (PR3 = P(i)Pr3 (11), PPh3
      (12)), containing a stabilized orthometalated aldimine.

PMID- 27145379
TI  - Effects of Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. extract and its biopolymer encapsulation on
      a mouse model of colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prunus mume suppresses various diseases caused by inflammation
      response and exhibits antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities.
      Therefore this study determined the effect of an aqueous P. mume (PM) extract in
      a mouse colitis model and investigated the value of biopolymer encapsulation,
      facilitating targeted delivery to the colon. Colitis was induced by
      administration of 30 g kg-1 dextran sulfate sodium to male BALB/c mice for 7 days
      prior to treatment with vehicle, 50 mg kg-1 PM extract or biopolymer-encapsulated
      PM extract, or 50 mg kg-1 sulfasalazine. RESULTS: Histological examination of the
      colon in BALB/c mice showed epithelial destruction and mucosal infiltration of
      inflammatory cells. These changes were attenuated in PM-treated mice, which had
      lower levels of inflammatory cytokines, cyclooxygenase 2 and immunoglobulins
      (IgA, IgM and IgE) compared with the vehicle-treated colitis group. The PM
      extract showed concentration-dependent radical scavenging and superoxide
      dismutase-like antioxidant activities. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that
      the effects of the PM extract on colitis were not influenced by biopolymer
      encapsulation and that this PM extract could be a potential therapeutic agent for
      inflammatory bowel disease. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27145381
TI  - Determination of albumin adducts of 4,4'-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate in
      workers of a 4,4'-methylenedianiline factory.
AB  - Lung sensitization and asthma are the main health effects of 4,4'
      methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). Albumin adducts (isocyanate specific
      adducts) of MDI might be involved in the etiology of sensitization reactions.
      Albumin adducts of MDI have been found in subjects classified as 4,4'
      methylenedianiline (MDA) workers. The mean adduct levels in these MDA-workers
      were 1.5 times higher than in MDI-workers of the same company. MDA-specific
      hemoglobin adducts, were present ten times more in the MDA-workers than in the
      MDI-workers. MDA-workers with specific work task had significantly higher albumin
      adduct levels.

PMID- 27145383
TI  - Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor reduces cell apoptosis via
      upregulating GRP78 in SH-SY5Y cells.
AB  - Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) protects dopaminergic
      neurons from damage. In this study, we used MTT, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL
      staining to investigate the protective effect of MANF in SH-SY5Y cells treated
      with 6-OHDA or overexpressed alpha-synuclein. Cleaved caspase-3 levels
      significantly increased in cells treated with 6-OHDA or overexpressed alpha
      synuclein. 6-OHDA or alpha-synuclein overexpression that induced cleaved caspase
      3 levels to increase was reduced by MANF treatment. In addition, MANF treatment
      upregulated GRP78 expressions in cells treated with 6-OHDA or overexpressed alpha
      synuclein, and RNAi knockdown for GRP78 could block the MANF induced cell
      survival from 6-OHDA treatment. Furthermore, GRP78 overexpression inhibited 6
      OHDA-induced apoptosis. Our data suggest that MANF inhibits apoptosis induced by
      6-OHDA and overexpressed alpha-synuclein in SH-SY5Y cells via upregulating GRP78
      in the transcriptional pattern. 

PMID- 27145385
TI  - Beers versus STOPP criteria in polyharmacy community-dwelling older patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) using Beers
      (2012 version) and STOPP (2008 version) criteria in polypharmacy, community
      dwelling, older patients. METHODS: From the information collected in the
      invoicing data of the prescriptions and the electronic medical records, a sample
      was selected of 223 >= 65-year-old patients who were taking simultaneously 10 or
      more drugs per day. Beers and STOPP criteria were separately applied, and the
      results obtained with the two methods were compared. RESULTS: A total of 141
      (63.2%) patients presented at least one Beers criterion. The two most frequently
      observed Beers criteria independent of diagnosis were the use of benzodiazepines
      and the use of non-COX-2-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. With
      regard to Beers criteria considering diagnosis, the most frequent were the use of
      anticholinergic drugs in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms or benign
      prostatic hyperplasia, and the use of benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, zolpidem
      or H2-antihistamines, in patients with dementia or cognitive impairment. A total
      of 165 (73.9%) patients had at least one PIP according to the STOPP criteria.
      Duplicate drug classes and long-term use of long-acting benzodiazepines were the
      two most frequent STOPP criteria. DISCUSSION: Our study identified a high
      frequency of PIP in polymedicated community-dwelling older patients. Simultaneous
      application of Beers and STOPP criteria represents a useful tool to improve
      prescribing in this population group.

PMID- 27145382
TI  - Cancer Stem Cell-Secreted Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Stimulates
      Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cell Function and Facilitates Glioblastoma Immune
      Evasion.
AB  - Shifting the balance away from tumor-mediated immune suppression toward tumor
      immune rejection is the conceptual foundation for a variety of immunotherapy
      efforts currently being tested. These efforts largely focus on activating
      antitumor immune responses but are confounded by multiple immune cell
      populations, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which serve to
      suppress immune system function. We have identified immune-suppressive MDSCs in
      the brains of GBM patients and found that they were in close proximity to self
      renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs). MDSCs were selectively depleted using 5
      flurouracil (5-FU) in a low-dose administration paradigm, which resulted in
      prolonged survival in a syngeneic mouse model of glioma. In coculture studies,
      patient-derived CSCs but not nonstem tumor cells selectively drove MDSC-mediated
      immune suppression. A cytokine screen revealed that CSCs secreted multiple
      factors that promoted this activity, including macrophage migration inhibitory
      factor (MIF), which was produced at high levels by CSCs. Addition of MIF
      increased production of the immune-suppressive enzyme arginase-1 in MDSCs in a
      CXCR2-dependent manner, whereas blocking MIF reduced arginase-1 production.
      Similarly to 5-FU, targeting tumor-derived MIF conferred a survival advantage to
      tumor-bearing animals and increased the cytotoxic T cell response within the
      tumor. Importantly, tumor cell proliferation, survival, and self-renewal were not
      impacted by MIF reduction, demonstrating that MIF is primarily an indirect
      promoter of GBM progression, working to suppress immune rejection by activating
      and protecting immune suppressive MDSCs within the GBM tumor microenvironment.
      Stem Cells 2016;34:2026-2039.

PMID- 27145384
TI  - Study on adherence to treatment with imatinib in chronic myeloid leukaemia and
      its association with therapeutic response.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of adherence to treatment with imatinib in
      patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia and its association with therapeutic
      response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study conducted on October, 2013 - March, 2014,
      including patients diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia on treatment with
      imatinib in the hospital. Therapeutic adherence was assessed through the standard
      Morisky-Green Questionnaire and the medication dispensing record. Those patients
      who did not complete 6 months of treatment and/or did not complete the
      questionnaire were excluded. Therapeutic response was assessed following clinical
      guidelines. The descriptive analysis of variables and correlation was conducted
      through Pearsons's Chi-Square Test. RESULTS: The study included 31 patients. When
      assessing the level of association between response variables and therapeutic
      adherence: 1. The highest molecular response was reached by 68.4% of those
      patients with high adherence, and by 75% of those patients with intermediate
      adherence. 2. Complete molecular response was achieved by 57.9% of patients with
      high adherence, and by 58.3% of patients with intermediate adherence. No
      statistically significant differences were found in response variables between
      patients with high and intermediate therapeutic adherence. No association was
      observed between level of adherence and therapeutic response. CONCLUSIONS: We
      cannot confirm that a different level of therapeutic adherence might have an
      impact on response to imatinib, though this should be taken into account in cases
      of therapeutic failure or sub-optimal response.

PMID- 27145386
TI  - Comparison of the traditional pharmaceutical validation method versus an assisted
      pharmaceutical validation in hospitalized patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze pharmaceutical interventions that have been carried out
      with the support of an automated system for validation of treatments vs. the
      traditional method without computer support. METHOD: The automated program,
      ALTOMEDICAMENTOS(r) version 0, has 925 052 data with information regarding
      approximately 20 000 medicines, analyzing doses, administration routes, number of
      days with such a treatment, dosing in renal and liver failure, interactions
      control, similar drugs, and enteral medicines. During eight days, in four
      different hospitals (high complexity with over 1 000 beds, 400-bed intermediate,
      geriatric and monographic), the same patients and treatments were analyzed using
      both systems. RESULTS: 3,490 patients were analyzed, with 42 155 different
      treatments. 238 interventions were performed using the traditional system
      (interventions 0.56% / possible interventions) vs. 580 (1.38%) with the automated
      one. Very significant pharmaceutical interventions were 0.14% vs. 0.46%;
      significant was 0.38% vs. 0.90%; non-significant was 0.05% vs. 0.01%,
      respectively. If both systems are simultaneously used, interventions are
      performed in 1.85% vs. 0.56% with just the traditional system. Using only the
      traditional model, 30.5% of the possible interventions are detected, whereas
      without manual review and only the automated one, 84% of the possible
      interventions are detected. CONCLUSIONS: The automated system increases
      pharmaceutical interventions between 2.43 to 3.64 times. According to the results
      of this study the traditional validation system needs to be revised relying on
      automated systems. The automated program works correctly in different hospitals.

PMID- 27145387
TI  - Hypoglycemic treatment of diabetic patients in the Emergency Department.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyze if the hypoglycemic therapy prescribed in the Emergency
      Department adapts to the consensus recommendations available, as well as to
      assess its clinical impact. METHODS: A descriptive observational study, which
      included patients awaiting hospital admission, who were in the Observation Ward
      of the Emergency Department and had been previously diagnosed with diabetes
      mellitus, and were receiving treatment with hypoglycemic drugs at home. The
      management of antidiabetic treatment and its clinical impact were assessed.
      RESULTS: 78 patients were included. At admission to the Emergency Department,
      treatment was modified for 91% of patients, and omitted for 9%. The most
      prescribed treatment was sliding scale insulin (68%). The treatments prescribed
      coincided in a 16.7% with the recommendations by the Spanish Society of Emergency
      Medicine. After intervention by the Pharmacist, the omission descended to 1.3%,
      and the adaptation to the recommendations increased to 20.5%. Comparing patients
      whose treatment coincided with the recommendations and those who did not, the
      clinical impact was respectively: mean glycemia at 24 hours: 138.3 ?} 49.5 mg/dL
      versus 182.7 ?} 97.1 mg/dL (p = 0.688); mean rescues with insulin lispro: ?} 1.6
      versus 1.5 ?} 1.8 (p = 0.293); mean units of insulin lispro administered: 4.6 ?}
      12.7 IU versus 6.6 ?} 11.3 IU (p = 0.155). CONCLUSIONS: We found antidiabetic
      prescriptions to have a low adaptation to consensus recommendations. These
      results are in line with other studies, showing an abuse of sliding scale regimen
      as single hypoglycemic treatment.

PMID- 27145388
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of apixaban compared to low-molecularweight heparins
      and vitamin k antagonists for treatment and secondary prevention of venous
      thromboembolism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cost-effectiveness analysis of a 6-month treatment of apixaban (10
      mg/12h, first 7 days; 5 mg/12h afterwards) for the treatment of the first event
      of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prevention of recurrences, versus low
      molecular-weight heparins/vitamin K antagonists treatment (LMWH/VKA). MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: A lifetime Markov model with 13 health states was used for
      describing the course of the disease. Efficacy and safety data were obtained from
      AMPLIFY and AMPLIFY-EXT clinical trials; health outcomes were measured as life
      years gained (LYG) and quality-adjusted life years (QALY). The chosen perspective
      of this analysis has been the Spanish National Health System (NHS). Drugs,
      management of VTE and complications costs were obtained from several Spanish data
      sources (?, 2014). A 3% discount rate was applied to health outcomes and costs.
      Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (SA) were performed in order to
      assess the robustness of the results. RESULTS: Apixaban was the most effective
      therapy with 7.182 LYG and 5.865 QALY, versus 7.160 LYG and 5.838 QALYs with
      LMWH/VKA. Furthermore, apixaban had a lower total cost (?13,374.70 vs
      ?13,738.30). Probabilistic SA confirmed dominance of apixaban (led to better
      health outcomes with less associated costs) in 89% of the simulations.
      CONCLUSIONS: Apixaban 5 mg/12h versus LMWH/VKA was an efficient therapeutic
      strategy for the treatment and prevention of recurrences of VTE from the NHS
      perspective.

PMID- 27145389
TI  - Informed consent in clinical research; Do patients understand what they have
      signed?
AB  - Informed consent is an essential element of research, and signing this document
      is required to conduct most clinical trials. Its aim is to inform patients what
      their participation in the study will involve. However, increasingly, their
      complexity and length are making them difficult to understand, which might lead
      patients to give their authorization without having read them previously or
      without having understood what is stated. In this sense, the Ethics Committees
      for Clinical Research, and Pharmacists specialized in Hospital Pharmacy and
      Primary Care in their capacity as members of said committees, play an important
      and difficult role in defending the rights of patients. These Committees will
      review thoroughly these documents to guarantee that all legal requirements have
      been met and, at the same time, that they are easy to understand by the potential
      participants in a clinical trial.

PMID- 27145390
TI  - Pre-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection: a new prevention
      paradigm?
AB  - Pre-exposure prophylaxis" (PrEP) has been recently developed as a prevention
      strategy which involves the administration of drugs to non-infected individuals
      who present high exposure or susceptibility to HIV. Although this use is not
      approved in our country, several guidelines recommend PrEP as a prevention option
      in adult MSM, heterosexual men and women, and users of parenteral drugs at risk
      of acquiring the infection. This article presents the characteristics that an
      ideal agent to be used as PrEP should meet, recent efficacy published data and
      barriers for the implementation of this new strategy. On the other hand, the role
      of hospital pharmacists will be discussed.

PMID- 27145391
TI  - [Serotonin syndrome associated with the administration of duloxetine; report of a
      case].

PMID- 27145392
TI  - [Grave diarrhea associated with idelalisib administration].

PMID- 27145393
TI  - Therapeutic failure with thalidomide in patients with recurrent intestinal
      bleeding due to angiodysplasias.
AB  - Angiodysplasias are one of the reasons of gastrointestinal bleeding, whose origin
      is usually due to vascular malformations. There are different types of therapies
      for angiodysplasia such as endoscopic, angiographic and pharmacological
      techniques. Among the last ones, there is little variety of effective drugs to
      treat the disease. We describe the therapeutic failure with thalidomide in a male
      with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding due to angiodysplasias. A thorough
      diagnostic work-up, including gastroscopy, enteroscopy, angiography and capsule
      endoscopy were performed. Despite treatment with high-dose somatostatin analogues
      and oral iron, the patient continued bleeding. The patient was administered then
      thalidomide for three months with no clinical response. Thalidomide had to be
      withdrawn owing to adverse effects.

PMID- 27145394
TI  - Systematic review: psychological morbidity in young people with inflammatory
      bowel disease - risk factors and impacts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychological morbidity in young people aged 10-24 years, with
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increased, but risk factors for and impacts
      of this are unclear. AIM: To undertake a systematic literature review of the risk
      factors for and impact of psychological morbidity in young people with IBD.
      METHODS: Electronic searches for English-language articles were performed with
      keywords relating to psychological morbidity according to DSM-IV and subsequent
      criteria; young people; and IBD in the MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Web of Science and
      CINAHL databases for studies published from 1994 to September 2014. RESULTS: One
      thousand four hundred and forty-four studies were identified, of which 30 met the
      inclusion criteria. The majority measured depression and anxiety symptoms, with a
      small proportion examining externalising behaviours. Identifiable risk factors
      for psychological morbidity included: increased disease severity (r(2) = 0.152, P
      < 0.001), lower socioeconomic status (r(2) = 0.046, P < 0.001), corticosteroids
      (P <= 0.001), parental stress (r = 0.35, P < 0.001) and older age at diagnosis (r
      = 0.28, P = 0.0006). Impacts of psychological morbidity in young people with IBD
      were wide-ranging and included abdominal pain (r = 0.33; P < 0.001), sleep
      dysfunction (P < 0.05), psychotropic drug use (HR 4.16, 95% CI 2.76-6.27), non
      adherence to medication (12.6% reduction) and negative illness perceptions (r = 
      0.43). CONCLUSIONS: Psychological morbidity affects young people with IBD in a
      range of ways, highlighting the need for psychological interventions to improve
      outcomes. Identified risk factors provide an opportunity to develop targeted
      therapies for a vulnerable group. Further research is required to examine groups
      under-represented in this review, such as those with severe IBD and those from
      ethnic minorities.

PMID- 27145396
TI  - Clinical and Quality of Life Outcomes of Speech Treatment for Parkinson's Disease
      Delivered to the Home Via Telerehabilitation: A Noninferiority Randomized
      Controlled Trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigated the noninferiority and validity of an intensive
      speech treatment for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) delivered via
      telerehabilitation to the home. The effect of location on online delivery was
      also investigated. METHOD: In this single-blinded, randomized controlled
      noninferiority trial, 31 participants with dysarthria associated with PD from a
      metropolitan area were randomly assigned to either face-to-face or online Lee
      Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD). A cohort of 21 participants from
      nonmetropolitan areas was also recruited and treated online. Outcomes were
      assessed using acoustic, perceptual, and quality of life measures. RESULTS:
      Noninferiority of online treatment was confirmed through comparable clinical and
      quality of life outcomes for the metropolitan online and face-to-face treatment
      groups. Significant improvements posttreatment were achieved for several
      acoustic, perceptual, and quality of life measures across the groups. No
      significant effect of online treatment location was identified. CONCLUSIONS:
      Clinical and quality of life outcomes supported the noninferiority and validity
      of online delivery of intensive speech treatment to people with PD in the home.
      Future research should address the implementation of online treatment in a
      clinical service, cost analyses, and potentially technology-enabled clinical
      pathways for people with PD in order to maintain optimal communication and
      quality of life.

PMID- 27145395
TI  - Impaired Brain Dopamine and Serotonin Release and Uptake in Wistar Rats Following
      Treatment with Carboplatin.
AB  - Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, known also as "chemobrain", is a
      medical complication of cancer treatment that is characterized by a general
      decline in cognition affecting visual and verbal memory, attention, complex
      problem solving skills, and motor function. It is estimated that one-third of
      patients who undergo chemotherapy treatment will experience cognitive impairment.
      Alterations in the release and uptake of dopamine and serotonin, central nervous
      system neurotransmitters that play important roles in cognition, could
      potentially contribute to impaired intellectual performance in those impacted by
      chemobrain. To investigate how chemotherapy treatment affects these systems, fast
      scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) at carbon-fiber microelectrodes was used to
      measure dopamine and serotonin release and uptake in coronal brain slices
      containing the striatum and dorsal raphe nucleus, respectively. Measurements were
      taken from rats treated weekly with selected doses of carboplatin and from
      control rats treated with saline. Modeling the stimulated dopamine release plots
      revealed an impairment of dopamine release per stimulus pulse (80% of saline
      control at 5 mg/kg and 58% at 20 mg/kg) after 4 weeks of carboplatin treatment.
      Moreover, Vmax, the maximum uptake rate of dopamine, was also decreased (55% of
      saline control at 5 mg/kg and 57% at 20 mg/kg). Nevertheless, overall dopamine
      content, measured in striatal brain lysates by high performance liquid
      chromatography, and reserve pool dopamine, measured by FSCV after pharmacological
      manipulation, did not significantly change, suggesting that chemotherapy
      treatment selectively impairs the dopamine release and uptake processes.
      Similarly, serotonin release upon electrical stimulation was impaired (45% of
      saline control at 20 mg/kg). Measurements of spatial learning discrimination were
      taken throughout the treatment period and carboplatin was found to alter
      cognition. These studies support the need for additional neurochemical and
      behavioral analyses to identify the underlying mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced
      cognitive disorders.

PMID- 27145397
TI  - An alternative to dextran for the thawing of cord blood units.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preparation of umbilical cord blood units (CBUs) for infusion
      requires a step of dilution or washing to reduce the toxicity of the dimethyl
      sulfoxide present in the freezing solution. However, the worldwide shortage of
      clinical-grade dextran 40, the most widely used cord blood dilution or washing
      solution, prompted us to search for an alternative solution. We elected to
      evaluate the performance of alternative solutions that could be used as potential
      replacements for the dextran 40-based solution. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Frozen
      CBUs were rapidly thawed and immediately diluted 1:4 in each of 10 dilution
      solution variants of dextran 40, Plasma-lyte, or Hespan. We compared these
      alternatives by assessing viability, CD34, CD45, and colony-forming units
      recovery postthaw. RESULTS: A significantly lower CD34 and CD45 recovery was
      observed in all solutions without human serum albumin (HSA). All solutions with
      5% HSA gave recovery, viability, and potency figures similar to the dextran
      40/HSA solution. CONCLUSION: Based on our results and considering that Plasma
      lyte A (PA)/HSA is already used for the thawing of CD34 from mobilized blood, we
      conclude that PA/HSA could be a safe and efficient solution for the replacement
      of dextran 40-based dilution solutions.

PMID- 27145398
TI  - Computational Approach for Epitaxial Polymorph Stabilization through Substrate
      Selection.
AB  - With the ultimate goal of finding new polymorphs through targeted synthesis
      conditions and techniques, we outline a computational framework to select optimal
      substrates for epitaxial growth using first principle calculations of formation
      energies, elastic strain energy, and topological information. To demonstrate the
      approach, we study the stabilization of metastable VO2 compounds which provides a
      rich chemical and structural polymorph space. We find that common polymorph
      statistics, lattice matching, and energy above hull considerations recommends
      homostructural growth on TiO2 substrates, where the VO2 brookite phase would be
      preferentially grown on the a-c TiO2 brookite plane while the columbite and
      anatase structures favor the a-b plane on the respective TiO2 phases. Overall, we
      find that a model which incorporates a geometric unit cell area matching between
      the substrate and the target film as well as the resulting strain energy density
      of the film provide qualitative agreement with experimental observations for the
      heterostructural growth of known VO2 polymorphs: rutile, A and B phases. The
      minimal interfacial geometry matching and estimated strain energy criteria
      provide several suggestions for substrates and substrate-film orientations for
      the heterostructural growth of the hitherto hypothetical anatase, brookite, and
      columbite polymorphs. These criteria serve as a preliminary guidance for the
      experimental efforts stabilizing new materials and/or polymorphs through epitaxy.
      The current screening algorithm is being integrated within the Materials Project
      online framework and data and hence publicly available.

PMID- 27145399
TI  - Impact of Ageing on Serum Concentrations of Risperidone and Its Active Metabolite
      in Patients with Known CYP2D6 Genotype.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ageing on serum
      concentrations of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone in patients with known
      CYP2D6 genotype. We included retrospective therapeutic drug monitoring data from
      464 genotyped patients with measured serum concentrations of risperidone and 9
      hydroxyrisperidone after oral administration. Patients were divided into two age
      subgroups, that is <=65 (n = 396) and >65 years (n = 68), and dose-adjusted
      concentrations (C:D ratios) were compared using multiple linear regression
      analyses with CYP2D6 genotype and gender as covariates. Moreover, absolute
      concentrations and prescribed daily doses were compared between age subgroups by
      simple, univariate Mann-Whitney tests. Age had no effect on C:D ratio of
      risperidone (p > 0.4), but C:D ratios of 9-hydroxyrisperidone and risperidone + 9
      hydroxyrisperidone (total active moiety) were estimated to be 2.6 and 2.0 times
      higher in patients >65 versus <=65 years (p < 0.001). Female gender and a CYP2D6
      poor metabolizer (PM) genotype were also associated with significantly higher C:D
      ratio of the total active moiety (p < 0.01). Despite lower dosing in patients >65
      versus <=65 years (median 1.5 versus 3.0 mg/day, p < 0.0001), absolute
      concentration of the total active moiety did not differ between the age subgroups
      (median 52.5 versus 47.0 nmol/L, p > 0.6). In conclusion, ageing implies
      significantly increased dose-adjusted serum concentration of risperidone active
      moiety, and treatment intensity is not generally reduced by halving the oral dose
      in the elderly. Tolerability of risperidone therapy should therefore be closely
      monitored in older patients, and female CYP2D6 PMs >65 years might be a
      particularly vulnerable subgroup of adverse effects.

PMID- 27145400
TI  - (64)Cu- and (68)Ga-Based PET Imaging of Folate Receptor-Positive Tumors:
      Development and Evaluation of an Albumin-Binding NODAGA-Folate.
AB  - A number of folate-based radioconjugates have been synthesized and evaluated for
      nuclear imaging purposes of folate receptor (FR)-positive tumors and potential
      therapeutic application. A common shortcoming of radiofolates is, however, a
      significant accumulation of radioactivity in the kidneys. This situation has been
      faced by modifying the folate conjugate with an albumin-binding entity to
      increase the circulation time of the radiofolate, which led to significantly
      improved tumor-to-kidney ratios. The aim of this study was to develop an albumin
      binding folate conjugate with a NODAGA-chelator (rf42) for labeling with (64)Cu
      and (68)Ga, allowing application for PET imaging. The folate conjugate rf42 was
      synthesized in 8 steps, with an overall yield of 5%. Radiolabeling with (64)Cu
      and (68)Ga was carried out at room temperature within 10 min resulting in (64)Cu
      rf42 and (68)Ga-rf42 with >95% radiochemical purity. (64)Cu-rf42 and (68)Ga-rf42
      were stable (>95% intact) in phosphate-buffered saline over more than 4 half
      lives of the corresponding radionuclide. In vitro, the plasma protein-bound
      fraction of (64)Cu-rf42 and (68)Ga-rf42 was determined to be >96%. Cell
      experiments proved FR-specific uptake of both radiofolates, as it was reduced to
      <1% when KB tumor cells were coincubated with excess folic acid. In vivo, high
      accumulation of (64)Cu-rf42 and (68)Ga-rf42 was found in KB tumors of mice (14.52
      +/- 0.99% IA/g and 11.92 +/- 1.68% IA/g, respectively) at 4 h after injection.
      The tumor-to-kidney ratios were in the range of 0.43-0.55 over the first 4 h of
      investigation. At later time points (up to 72 h p.i. of (64)Cu-rf42) the tumor-to
      kidney ratio increased to 0.73. High-quality PET/CT images were obtained 2 h
      after injection of (64)Cu-rf42 and (68)Ga-rf42, respectively, allowing distinct
      visualization of tumors and kidneys. Comparison of PET/CT images obtained with
      (64)Cu-rf42 and a (64)Cu-labeled DOTA-folate conjugate (cm10) clearly proved the
      superiority of NODAGA for stable coordination of (64)Cu. (64)Cu-cm10 showed high
      liver uptake, most probably as a consequence of released (64)Cu(2+). The data
      reported in this study clearly proved the promising features of (64)Cu-rf42,
      particularly in terms of favorable tumor-to-kidney ratios. The relatively long
      half-life of (64)Cu (T1/2 = 12.7 h) matches well with the enhanced circulation
      time of the albumin-binding NODAGA-folate, allowing PET imaging at longer time
      points after injection than is possible when using (68)Ga (T1/2 = 68 min).

PMID- 27145401
TI  - Visualizing the Dynamics of Temperature- and Solvent-Responsive Soft Crystals.
AB  - We demonstrate that three flexible MOFs termed FJI-H11-R (FJI-H=Hong's group in
      Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, R=Me, Et, (i) Pr) can
      reversibly respond to temperature and solvents via structural transformations,
      which can be visualized by in situ single-crystal X-ray snapshot analyses. FJI
      H11-R exhibit colossal anisotropic thermal expansion, with a record-high uniaxial
      positive thermal-expansion coefficient of 653.2*10(-6)  K(-1) observed in FJI-H11
      Me. Additionally, large c-axial shrinkage of 32.4 % is also observed during
      desolvation. The stimuli-responsive mechanism reveals the structural evolutions
      are related to the rotations and deformations of the organic linkers.

PMID- 27145403
TI  - Recording Your Legacy.

PMID- 27145402
TI  - Functional connectivity underpinnings of fatigue in "Drug-Naive" patients with
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fatigue is a common problem in PD either in the early or later
      stage of the disease. Using resting-state functional MRI, we investigated the
      functional correlates of fatigue in a cohort of "drug-naive" patients with PD.
      METHODS: MRI at 3Tesla was collected in 40 patients with PD, 20 with and 20
      without fatigue, and 20 matched healthy controls. Presence and the severity of
      fatigue were defined based on the 16-item Parkinson fatigue scale. Single-subject
      and group-level independent component analysis was used to investigate functional
      connectivity differences within the major resting state networks between patients
      subgroups and healthy controls. In addition, we used voxel-based morphometry to
      test whether between-group functional changes were related to structural
      differences. RESULTS: Distressing fatigue was associated with a decreased
      connectivity in the supplementary motor area within the sensorimotor network and
      an increased connectivity in the prefrontal and posterior cingulate cortices
      within the default mode network (P < 0.05 corrected). Fatigue severity was
      correlated with both sensorimotor and default mode networks connectivity changes.
      Voxel-based morphometry analysis did not reveal any significant volume
      differences between all patients with PD and healthy controls and between
      patients with PD with and without fatigue (P < 0.05; family-wise error).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that primary PD-related fatigue is associated
      with an altered default mode network and sensorimotor network connectivity in
      drug-naive patients. We hypothesize that these divergent motor and cognitive
      networks connectivity changes and their adaptive or maladaptive functional
      outcome may play a prominent role in the pathophysiology of fatigue in PD. (c)
      2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

PMID- 27145405
TI  - Improving Patient Outcomes With Oral Heart Failure Medications.
AB  - Hospitals are under immense pressure to reduce heart failure readmissions that
      occur within 30 days of discharge, and to improve the quality of care for these
      patients. Penalties mandated by the Affordable Care Act decrease hospital
      reimbursement and ultimately the overall cost of caring for these patients
      increases if they are not well managed. Approximately 25% of patients
      hospitalized for heart failure are at high risk for readmission and these rates
      have not changed over the past decade. As a result of an aging population, the
      incidence of heart failure is expected to increase to one in five Americans over
      the age of 65. Pharmacologic management can reduce the risk of death and help
      prevent unnecessary hospitalizations. Healthcare providers who have knowledge of
      heart failure medications and drug interactions and share this information with
      their patients contribute to improved long-term survival and physical functioning
      as well as fewer hospitalizations and a delay of progressive worsening of heart
      failure. 

PMID- 27145406
TI  - "Top Ten" List: A Brief Report of Adult Poisoning and Prevention Tips.
AB  - This article reviews the 10 major categories of poisoning exposures, as reported
      to the American Association of Poison Control Centers through the national
      surveillance system, provides an overview of adult poisonings, and offers tips
      for home care clinicians to educate themselves and patients on poison exposure,
      prevention, and response. Home healthcare clinicians provide a critical link in
      the chain of home safety throughout the care continuum. The phone number for the
      local poison control center should be readily available in patients' homes and
      known to all home healthcare staff members. The top 10 categories should be
      reviewed during orientation of new home care staff members and at staff meetings.

PMID- 27145407
TI  - Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - Each year, more than 795,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke and by
      2030, it is estimated that 4% of the U.S. population will have had a stroke. Home
      healthcare clinicians will be increasingly called upon to assist stroke survivors
      and their caregivers adjust to disability and assist the survivor during their
      reintegration into the community. Therapeutic modalities are changing with
      advanced technology. Great strides are being made in the treatment of acute
      stroke; particularly endovascular interventions. More patients are surviving the
      acute stroke event and therefore will need to learn how to live with various
      degrees of disability. It is important for home healthcare clinicians to
      understand the process from acute event to medical stabilization, and from
      rehabilitation to long-term adaptation. 

PMID- 27145408
TI  - Health-Related Quality of Life in Heart Failure Patients With Varying Levels of
      Health Literacy Receiving Telemedicine and Standardized Education.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of telemonitoring plus
      education by home healthcare nurses on health-related quality of life in patients
      with heart failure who had varying health literacy levels. In this
      pretest/posttest treatment only study, 35 patients with a diagnosis of heart
      failure received home healthcare nurse visits, including education and
      telemonitoring. Heart failure education was provided by nurses at each home
      healthcare visit for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. All participants completed
      the Short-Form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) and the
      Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) during the first week
      of home healthcare services. The MLHFQ was administered again at the completion
      of the covered home healthcare services period (1-3 visits per week for 10
      weeks). Most participants were older adults (mean age 70.91+/-12.47) and had
      adequate health literacy (51.4%). Almost half of the participants were NYHA Class
      III (47.1%). All participants received individual heart failure education, but
      this did not result in statistically significant improvements in health-related
      quality-of-life scores. With telemonitoring and home healthcare nurse visits,
      quality-of-life scores improved by the conclusion of home healthcare services
      (clinically significant), but the change was not statistically significant.
      Individuals with marginal and inadequate health literacy ability were able to
      correctly use the telemonitoring devices. 

PMID- 27145409
TI  - Dispelling Insulin Myths.

PMID- 27145410
TI  - With Oral Chemotherapy, We Simply Must Do Better.

PMID- 27145411
TI  - A Day in the Life of a Home Healthcare Consultant.

PMID- 27145412
TI  - Remote Telemonitoring.

PMID- 27145413
TI  - Legal Versus Common Sense Advocacy to Improve Home Healthcare Quality.

PMID- 27145414
TI  - IMPACT Act of 2014 Is Here: What Are the Implications for Home Healthcare?

PMID- 27145415
TI  - Sexual Wellness for Cancer Patients and Their Partners.

PMID- 27145416
TI  - Improving Patient Outcomes With Oral Heart Failure Medications.

PMID- 27145418
TI  - Dermatology teaching in Australian Medical Schools.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although skin disease and skin cancers cause significant
      morbidity and mortality in Australia, limited time is dedicated to dermatology
      teaching in most medical courses. The aim of this study was to define the current
      state of dermatology teaching in Australian medical schools with a view to
      developing a national core curriculum for dermatology. METHODS: An electronic
      questionnaire was circulated to the dermatology teaching leads and relevant
      medical program coordinators of the 18 medical schools in Australia. RESULTS:
      Replies were received from 17 medical schools. Dermatology was included as part
      of the core curriculum in 15 schools. Time set aside for dermatology teaching
      varied, as reflected by the number of lectures delivered (0-21, mean 5, median 3)
      and minimum clinics attended (0-10, mean 1.2, median 0). Only four medical
      schools had a compulsory clinical attachment in dermatology. Furthermore,
      satisfying requirements in dermatology was mentioned in the university
      examination regulations in only six schools. Certain core learning outcomes were
      addressed in most schools, including the structure and function of the skin,
      common conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis and cutaneous
      malignancies. However, there were important omissions, ranging from common
      problems like dermatophyte infections and drug reactions to the recognition of
      dermatological emergencies. CONCLUSIONS: These results are a compelling impetus
      to improve current standards of dermatology teaching, learning and assessment.
      The introduction of a national core curriculum would provide guidelines for
      dermatology teaching in medical schools, enabling the more effective utilisation
      of available time for key learning outcomes.

PMID- 27145419
TI  - Echo intensity independently predicts functionality in sedentary older men.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between
      quadriceps muscle functionality features in nonactive older men to determine
      predictors of functional performance. METHODS: Quadriceps functional parameters,
      including quadriceps echo intensity (QEI), rate of torque development (RTD), and
      the 30 s sit-to-stand test (30SS), were assessed in 50 healthy sedentary older
      men (66 +/- 5.4 years). RTD/QEI ratios were also calculated to identify the best
      predictor of functional performance. RESULTS: 30SS performance was associated
      with RTD, muscle thickness, RTD-50/QEI, RTD-100/QEI, RTD-50/QEI/WBM, and RTD
      100/QEI/WBM. A multiple stepwise linear regression demonstrated that QEI was the
      best single predictor of functional performance, explaining ~30% of the 30SS
      variance. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that QEI was the strongest
      contributor to functionality of nonactive older men, suggesting that QEI may be
      an alternative tool for screening of muscle impairment that leads to decreased
      functional performance in this population. Muscle Nerve 55: 9-15, 2017.

PMID- 27145421
TI  - Photodegradation of ibuprofen by TiO2 co-doping with urea and functionalized CNT
      irradiated with visible light - Effect of doping content and pH.
AB  - Ibuprofen (IBP) is one kind of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
      which are classified as Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs). IBP
      possesses bioactive property and the substantial use of IBP results in a harmful
      impact on bioreceptors even in small concentrations. Accordingly, the treatment
      of these wastewaters is important before discharging them into the ecosystem. The
      photodegradation of IBP with TiO2 co-doped with functionalized CNTs (CNT-COOH and
      CNT-COCl) and urea, named as N-doping CNT/TiO2, irradiated with visible light of
      410 nm was investigated in this study. The titanium tetrachloride was used as the
      precursor of Ti. The N-doping CNT-COCl/TiO2 photocatalysts exhibited a better
      crystalline structure and smaller crystal size than the N-doping CNT-COOH/TiO2
      photocatalyst. It might largely ascribe to strong binding between acyl chloride
      functional group and TiO2. About 85.0%-86.0% of IBP was degraded with N-doping
      CNT/TiO2 within 120 min at natural condition, which obeyed the pseudo first order
      reaction and the rate constant was 4.45 * 10(-3)-1.22 * 10(-2) min(-1) and 5.03 *
      10(-3)-1.47 * 10(-2) min(-1) for N-doping CNT-COOH/TiO2 and N-doping CNT
      COCl/TiO2, respectively. The best IBP degradation of 87.9%-89.0% was found at pH
      5, which indicated superoxide radicals (O2(-)) played a key role. The optimal pH
      was majorly dominated by the nature of IBP and N-doping CNT/TiO2. A successful
      synergy effect of TiO2 and dopants was exhibited and this mainly attributed to
      the strong binding strength by functional group of acyl chloride (COCl) and
      carboxylic acid (COOH). In summary, IBP could be effectively photodegraded by the
      fabricated N-doping CNT/TiO2 photocatalysts. 

PMID- 27145420
TI  - Denitrification of groundwater using PHBV blends in packed bed reactors and the
      microbial diversity.
AB  - In the present study, three kinds of biopolymers, PHBV, PHBV/starch and
      PHBV/bamboo powder (BP) blends were used as carbon source and biofilm carriers
      for denitrification in packed bed reactors to remove nitrate from groundwater.
      Results showed that a fast start-up was obtained in bioreactors filled with both
      PHBV/Starch and PHBV/BP blends without external inocula and it took more than 3
      month for PHBV reactor to reach the same loading rate. The PHBV/BP packed reactor
      exhibited a better nitrate removal efficiency (87.4 +/- 7.0%) and less adverse
      effects in nitrite accumulation and DOC release (below 0.5 mg NO2N L(-1) and 10.5
      mg DOC L(-1) in the effluent) during stable operation. Pyrosequencing analysis
      demonstrated that bacteria belonging to genus Clostridium in phylum Firmicus,
      which play the primary role in degrading the biopolymers, are the most dominant
      (33-15% of the sequences). The predominant species in all samples is related to
      Clostridium crotonatovorans. All the identified 11 genera of denitrifying
      bacteria affiliated with phylum Proteobacteria and constituted 30-55% in the
      representative sequences. The PHBV/BP blend is economically attractive carbon
      source with good denitrification performance. 

PMID- 27145422
TI  - Effects of RAMEB and/or mechanical mixing on the bioavailability and
      biodegradation of PCBs in soil/slurry.
AB  - Microbial remediation is preferred as a clean and cost-effective method for
      restoring environments polluted by organics. But the biodegradation rates of
      hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) are usually extremely restricted by their
      low bioavailability, especially in soil. Here, a physical method (mechanical
      mixing) and a chemical method (randomly methylated-beta-cyclodextrins, RAMEB)
      were adopted to improve the bioavailability and biodegradation of polychlorinated
      biphenyls (PCBs) of an aged soil. The bioavailability of tri-CBs was increased by
      adding RAMEB in soil/slurry or assisting mechanical mixing in slurry, but these
      methods had no effects on the bioavailability of tetra-CBs and high chlorinated
      PCBs (Cl > 4). The degradation rate of tri-CBs could be obviously enhanced by
      adding RAMEB in soil or assisting mechanical mixing in slurry. The highest
      removal amount of tri-CBs reached 43.8% in 100 d with a first-order decay
      kinetics constant of 0.0059 d(-1). But the removal of tetra-CBs and high
      chlorinated PCBs (Cl > 4) were not significant in all mesocosms, possibly due to
      the lack or weakness of the native degrading microflora. Based on the analysis of
      the richness and diversity of bacterial communities, the characteristics of the
      heatmap and the variation of bphC copy numbers in the soil/slurry mesocosms, it
      could be inferred that there was no obvious corresponding relationship between
      the variation of the bacterial communities and the physical/chemical measures. 

PMID- 27145423
TI  - Cardiovascular disease and dementia risk: an ever growing problem in an aging
      population.

PMID- 27145424
TI  - Legal regulated markets have the potential to reduce population levels of harm
      associated with cannabis use.

PMID- 27145425
TI  - Reminiscence functions over time: consistency of self functions and variation of
      prosocial functions.
AB  - The current study examines the temporal stability of the tripartite model of
      reminiscence functions in which eight separate reminiscence functions map onto
      three second-order factors which contribute significantly to measurement of an
      overarching reminiscence latent construct. We collected online responses from 411
      adults 50+ years of age. Confirmatory factor analytic models were computed at
      three points of data collection over 16 months. Invariance analyses were next
      undertaken to simultaneously compare the measurement properties to assess within
      person stability of reminiscence functions over time. The tripartite structure of
      reminiscence functions was replicated at each point of data collection. As
      hypothesised, self-positive and self-negative functions are consistent across
      points of data collection, whereas prosocial functions vary over time. The
      temporal stability of the self functions may be attributed to enduring
      characteristics of the individual such as personality traits and life attitudes,
      as well as their solitary nature. Previous research indicates that consistency of
      self-positive reminiscence functions has ensuing benefits for physical health and
      psychological well-being; the opposite is true for self-negative functions. The
      temporal variation of prosocial functions may be due to the varying availability
      of others to share memories and their responsiveness to the emotional context.

PMID- 27145426
TI  - Coagulation management during ECMO: where are we?

PMID- 27145427
TI  - Low-temperature derivatization followed by vortex-assisted liquid-liquid
      microextraction for the analysis of polyamines in Nicotiana Tabacum.
AB  - Polyamines are ubiquitous polycationic molecules that play a key role in many
      biological processes such as nucleic acid metabolism, protein synthesis, cell
      growth, and nicotine synthesis precursors. This work describes a rapid,
      sensitive, convenient, green, and cost-effective method for the determination of
      polyamines in Nicotiana tabacum by ultra high performance liquid chromatography
      with photodiode array detection. The analytes were derivatized with 3,5
      dinitrobenzoyl chloride at low temperature (about 4 degrees C) and then extracted
      with vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction. The experimental designs
      based on quarter-fractional factorial design and Doehlert design were used to
      screen and optimize the important factors in microextraction process. Under the
      optimal conditions, the method was linear over 0.05-8.00 MUg/mL with an r(2) >=
      0.992 and exhibited good repeatability and reproducibility less than 6.0 and
      6.9%, respectively. The limit of detection ranged between 0.013 and 0.029 MUg/g.
      The newly developed method was successfully employed to analyze different leaf
      samples of Nicotiana tabacum, among which the polyamines contents were found to
      be very different. Moreover, tyramine, 1,3-diaminopropane, homospermidine, and
      canavalmine were tentatively identified with the electrospray ionization
      quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. To our knowledge, this is the first
      report of identification of canavalmine in Nicotiana Tabacum. 

PMID- 27145429
TI  - A Woman With Abdominal Pain and Anemia.

PMID- 27145430
TI  - Drug breakthrough offers hope to arthritis sufferers: qualitative analysis of
      medical research in UK newspapers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Newspaper stories can impact behaviours, particularly in relation to
      research participation. It is therefore important to understand the narratives
      presented and ways in which these are received. Some work to date assumes
      journalism transmits existing medical knowledge to a passive audience. This study
      aimed to explore how newspaper articles present stories about medical research
      and how people interpret and use them. DESIGN: Qualitative research methods were
      employed to analyse two data sets: newspaper articles relating to 'rheumatoid
      arthritis' and 'research' from UK local and national news sources; and existing
      transcripts of interviews with patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their
      carers. RESULTS: Newspapers present a positive account of medical research,
      through a simple narrative with three essential components: an 'innovation'
      offers 'hope' in the context of 'burden'. Patients frequently feature as passive
      subjects without attributed opinions. Few articles include patients' experiences
      of research involvement. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their carers read
      articles about medical research critically, often with cynicism and drawing on
      other sources for interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: An understanding of the simple,
      positive narrative of medical research found in newspaper articles may enable
      researchers to gain mass media exposure for their work and challenge this typical
      style of reporting. The critical and cynical ways patients and carers read
      stories about medical research suggest that concerns about newspaper articles
      misinforming the public may be overstated, but any effect on research engagement
      is unknown. Newspaper articles rarely present patients' views or their
      experiences of research, and this can be conceptualized as 'depersonalization
      bias'.

PMID- 27145431
TI  - Rebiopsy for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer after epidermal growth
      factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor failure.
AB  - Although third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (EGFR-TKI) can overcome T790M-mediated resistance in non-small-cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC), rebiopsy to confirm T790M status is occasionally difficult.
      We aimed to investigate the current tendency and the limitations of rebiopsy in
      clinical practice. This study included 139 consecutive NSCLC patients with EGFR
      mutations, who had experienced progressive disease (PD) after EGFR-TKI treatment.
      We retrospectively reviewed patient characteristics, tumor progression sites and
      rebiopsy procedures. Of 120 patients (out of the original 139) who were eligible
      for clinical trials, 75 (63%) underwent rebiopsy for 30 pleural effusions, 32
      thoracic lesions, four bone, two liver, and seven at other sites. Rebiopsy
      procedures included 30 thoracocentesis, 24 transbronchial biopsies, 13 computed
      tomography (CT)-guided needle biopsies and 8 other procedures. Of the 75
      rebiopsied patients, 71 (95%) were pathologically diagnosed with malignancy; and
      34 (45%) had available tissue samples for EGFR analyses. Of the 75 biopsied
      patients, 61 (81%) were analyzed for EGFR mutation, using tissue or cytology
      samples; T790M mutations were identified in 20 (33%) of the 61 patients. Of the
      120 patients, 45 (38%) did not undergo rebiopsy, because of inaccessible tumor
      sites (n = 19), patient refusal (n = 6) or decision of physician (n = 10). In
      conclusion, among patients with EGFR mutations who had PD after EGFR-TKI
      treatment, 63% underwent rebiopsy. Most rebiopsy samples were diagnosed with
      malignancy. However, tissue samples were less available and T790M mutations were
      identified less frequently than in previous studies. Skill and experience with
      rebiopsy and noninvasive alternative methods will be increasingly important. 

PMID- 27145432
TI  - Resveratrol Prevents Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Inhibiting Lymphangiogenesis
      and M2 Macrophage Activation and Differentiation in Tumor-associated Macrophages.
AB  - Antitumor and antimetastatic effects of resveratrol on tumor-induced
      lymphangiogenesis through the regulation of M2 macrophages in tumor-associated
      macrophages currently remain unknown. Therefore, we herein examined the effects
      of resveratrol on M2 macrophage activation and differentiation, and those of
      resveratrol-treated condition medium (CM) in M2 macrophages on vascular
      endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF)-C-induced migration, invasion, and tube
      formation by human lymphatic endothelial cells (HLECs). Resveratrol (50 MUM or 5
      50 MUM) inhibited the production of interleukin-10 and monocyte chemoattractant
      protein-1 in M2 macrophages, whereas it promoted that of transforming growth
      factor-beta1. Resveratrol (25 and 50 MUM) inhibited the phosphorylation of signal
      transducer and activator of transcript 3 without affecting its expression in the
      differentiation process of M2 macrophages. Furthermore, resveratrol-treated CM of
      M2 macrophages inhibited VEGF-C-induced HLEC migration, invasion, and
      lymphangiogenesis. Resveratrol (25 mg/kg, twice daily) inhibited tumor growth and
      metastasis to the lung and also reduced the area of lymphatic endothelial cells
      in tumors (in vivo). These results suggest that the antitumor and antimetastatic
      effects of resveratrol were partly due to antilymphangiogenesis through the
      regulation of M2 macrophage activation and differentiation.

PMID- 27145433
TI  - Benefits and limitations of a multidisciplinary approach to individualized
      management of Cornelia de Lange syndrome and related diagnoses.
AB  - Given the clinical complexities of Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), the Center
      for CdLS and Related Diagnoses at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
      and The Multidisciplinary Clinic for Adolescents and Adults at Greater Baltimore
      Medical Center (GBMC) were established to develop a comprehensive approach to
      clinical management and research issues relevant to CdLS. Little work has been
      done to evaluate the general utility of a multispecialty approach to patient
      care. Previous research demonstrates several advantages and disadvantages of
      multispecialty care. This research aims to better understand the benefits and
      limitations of a multidisciplinary clinic setting for individuals with CdLS and
      related diagnoses. Parents of children with CdLS and related diagnoses who have
      visited a multidisciplinary clinic (N = 52) and who have not visited a
      multidisciplinary clinic (N = 69) were surveyed to investigate their attitudes.
      About 90.0% of multispecialty clinic attendees indicated a preference for
      multidisciplinary care. However, some respondents cited a need for additional
      clinic services including more opportunity to meet with other specialists (N =
      20), such as behavioral health, and increased information about research studies
      (N = 15). Travel distance and expenses often prevented families'
      multidisciplinary clinic attendance (N = 41 and N = 35, respectively). Despite
      identified limitations, these findings contribute to the evidence demonstrating
      the utility of a multispecialty approach to patient care. This approach
      ultimately has the potential to not just improve healthcare for individuals with
      CdLS but for those with medically complex diagnoses in general. (c) 2016 Wiley
      Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145434
TI  - Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Anthracene-Functionalized beta-Cyclodextrin (CD-AN)
      through Multi-Micelle Aggregation.
AB  - Multi-micelle aggregation (MMA) mechanism is widely acknowledged to explicate
      large spherical micelles self-assembly, but the process of MMA during self
      assembly is hard to observe. Herein, a novel kind of strong, regular microspheres
      fabricated from self-assembly of amphiphilic anthracene-functionalized beta
      cyclodextrin (CD-AN) via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne click reactions is
      reported. The obtained CD-AN amphiphiles can self-assemble in water from primary
      core-shell micelles to secondary aggregates with the diameter changing from
      several tens nm to around 600-700 nm via MMA process according to the images of
      scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force
      microscopy as well as the dynamic light scattering measurements, followed by
      further crosslinking through photo-dimerization of anthracene. What merits
      special attention is that such photo-crosslinked self-assemblies are able to
      disaggregate reversibly into primary nanoparticles when changing the solution
      conditions, which is benefited from the designed regular structure of CD-AN and
      the rigid ranging of anthracene during assembly, thus confirming the process of
      MMA. 

PMID- 27145436
TI  - Improvement of dewatering characteristics by co-digestion of rice straw with
      sewage sludge.
AB  - A continuous mesophilic co-digestion of sewage sludge and softened rice straw was
      conducted and the dewatering characteristics of digested sludge were evaluated by
      a dewatering experiment using a belt press. The digestion was operated with solid
      retention time (SRT) of 25 days, and the feeding ratio of sludge to rice straw
      was 1:0.5 (total solids base). After 129 days of stable operation, the properties
      of digested sludge were analysed; then five kinds of cationic coagulants were
      tested to select the optimal coagulants for dewatering, and two coagulants were
      selected and used in the dewatering experiment because of lower doses and lower
      moisture of sludge cakes. Sludge property analysis showed that by the addition of
      rice straw, the fibrous materials in the digested sludge increased remarkably and
      the normalized capillary suction time (CST) decreased significantly, indicating
      that the dewatering properties was improved. The results of dewatering experiment
      showed that by the addition of rice straw, specific filtration rate of digested
      sludge increased by 81.2% and 174.6%, respectively; water content of dewatered
      sludge cakes decreased by 8.2% and 13.4%, respectively. The dewaterability of
      digested sludge was suggested to be improved due to rice straw addition. 

PMID- 27145435
TI  - Adjuvant Treatment with Yupingfeng Formula for Recurrent Respiratory Tract
      Infections in Children: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
AB  - This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the immunomodulating function of Yupingfeng
      Formula (YPFF) in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs).
      The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI and WanFang databases were searched
      for randomized controlled trials comparing with and without YPFF for RRTIs in
      children. Twelve trials with 1236 patients were identified. Adjuvant treatment
      with YPFF significantly increased serum levels of IgA (weighted mean difference
      [WMD] 0.33 mg/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20 to 0.45), IgG (WMD 1.36
      mg/mL; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.65), IgM (WMD 0.16 mg/mL; 95% CI 0.02 to 0.31), and
      CD3(+) T-lymphocytes (WMD 10.16%; 95% CI 4.62 to 15.69) but not CD4(+) T
      lymphocytes (WMD 3.16%; 95% CI -0.27 to 6.59) and CD8(+) T-lymphocytes (WMD 
      0.84%; 95% CI -2.50 to 0.81). YPFF also reduced the frequency of RRTIs (WMD -3.80
      times; 95% CI -4.86 to -2.74) and increased total effective rates of symptom
      improvement (risk ratio: 1.44; 95% CI 1.19 to 1.75). Adjuvant treatment with YPFF
      could improve total clinical effective rate and decrease the frequency of
      respiratory tract infections in children with RRTIs. The beneficial effects of
      YPFF may be correlated to its immunomodulating action. More well-designed trials
      with larger sample sizes are needed to evaluate its efficacy and safety.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27145437
TI  - Interest in international programmes - a survey of Japanese dental hygiene
      students and educators.
AB  - PURPOSE: Globalization of Japanese dental hygienists is important to match the
      demands in the present society. The purpose of this study was to gauge opinions
      on international programmes of Japanese dental hygiene students and educators.
      METHOD: Data were collected using a survey that was sent to all eight Japanese
      universities of oral hygiene in December 2014. Participants were composed of 466
      university students majoring in oral hygiene (463 women; three men; mean age: 21
      years) and 45 educators teaching dental hygiene education (mean age: 50 years).
      The response rates were 83.81% and 46.88%, respectively. RESULTS: 48.06% of 464
      students would like to study abroad, and 76.04% of 330 students would like to
      interact with foreign students frequently. 97.54% of 455 students answered that
      learning English is important for dental hygienists, but 72.39% of 460 students
      are not comfortable interacting with foreigners in English. Those who knew more
      dental English terms had higher interest in studying abroad (odds ratio: 1.136).
      75% of 44 educators think that dental hygiene students need to or sometimes need
      to study abroad. 68.89% of 45 educators think that teaching international
      programmes is costly. CONCLUSION: We found that Japanese dental hygiene students
      and educators have positive interest in international programmes. However, they
      have concerns about their English skills and about the cost of studying it.
      Therefore, English classes need to be improved, and new approaches are required
      for lowering the cost of teaching international programmes, while stimulating
      foreign students' and educators' interest in studying abroad in Japan.

PMID- 27145438
TI  - PET/CT in the evaluation of treatment response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
      and prognostication in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed
      tomography for the prognostication and evaluation of neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy response in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma. METHODS: All consecutive biopsy-proven esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma patients with PET/computed tomography at baseline (PET0) and 1 month
      after the completion of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (PET1) between January 2008
      and December 2013, followed by esophagectomy, were included. Maximum and mean
      standard uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean), metabolic tumor volume, and total
      lesion glycolysis of all lesions at PET0 and PET1 were analyzed. Logistic and Cox
      regressions were used to identify factors predictive of pathological complete
      remission (pCR), overall survival, and recurrence-free survival. Cut-offs were
      identified using leave-one-out cross-validation adjusted receiver operator curve
      based methods. A Kaplan-Meier model was adopted to compare survivals between
      groups using log-rank tests. RESULTS: Of a total of 52 patients (45 men, age 21
      78 years), pCR was achieved in 21 (40.4%). SUVmax of primary tumor at PET1 was
      independently predictive of pCR [P=0.013, odds ratio=0.736, 95% confidence
      interval (CI): 0.578-0.937]; using a leave-one-out cross-validation-adjusted cut
      off of 2.7, pCR could be predicted with a sensitivity of 71.0%, a specificity of
      66.7%, a positive predictive value of 75.9%, and a negative predictive value of
      60.9%. In the subset of 40 patients with standardized treatment included in
      survival analysis, total lesion glycolysis (P=0.002, hazard ratio: 1.029, 95% CI:
      1.01-1.048) and SUVmax (P=0.003, hazard ratio: 1.167, 95% CI: 1.055-1.290) of
      nodal metastasis at PET0 were independently predictive of overall survival and
      recurrence-free survival, respectively. CONCLUSION: Baseline total lesion
      glycolysis and SUVmax of nodal metastases are significant independent predictors
      of survival, whereas post-treatment SUVmax of the primary tumor is predictive of
      pCR. However, the predictive value of the latter is modest, which may limit its
      clinical utility.

PMID- 27145439
TI  - Normal range of osteoblastic activity in total hip arthroplasties on single
      photon emission computed tomography bone scintigraphy.
AB  - AIM: Knowledge of the normal range of periprosthetic osteoblastic activity around
      total hip arthroplasties is required for rational diagnosis of complications. The
      aim of this study was to establish such a normal range for single-photon emission
      computed tomography (SPECT). Clinical utility of such a range is confident
      differentiation of normal from abnormal arthroplasties. METHODS: A total of 122
      asymptomatic acetabular cups (age: 0-22 years) and 71 femoral stems (age: 0-20
      years) were scanned with SPECT/CT. Two acetabular and three femoral activity
      ratios to normal reference bone were defined [acetabular axial (AA/RA),
      acetabular coronal (AC/RA), RA=reference acetabulum; femoral calcar (FC/RF),
      femoral mid-stem (FM/RF), femoral stem tip (FS/RF), RF=reference femur]. Upper
      cut-off of normal was defined as mean +3 SD (rounded). Two time breakpoints were
      analysed (12 and 24 months). RESULTS: The upper cut-off for the normal range was
      1.0 for AA/RA, 1.5 for AC/RA and 2.2 for all thee of FC/RF, FM/RF and FS/RF.
      AA/RA, FM/RF and FS/RF showed no statistically significant temporal trends. AC/RA
      showed stabilization of activity after 12 months and FC/RF after 24 months.
      CONCLUSION: Measured activity ratios that fall within our normal range are likely
      to represent normal periprosthetic osteoblastic activity. Measured activity
      ratios that fall above the upper cut-offs of our normal range are likely to be
      abnormal. The cut-offs are robust in clinical practice and have utility in
      discriminating normal from abnormal stabilized arthroplasties where visual
      interpretation is ambiguous. Elevated AC/RA under 12 months and FC/RF under 24
      months may represent normal periprosthetic activity and should be interpreted
      with caution.

PMID- 27145440
TI  - Manufacturers' promotion of off-label drug use: implications for drug safety.

PMID- 27145441
TI  - Optimal Current Transfer in Dendrites.
AB  - Integration of synaptic currents across an extensive dendritic tree is a
      prerequisite for computation in the brain. Dendritic tapering away from the soma
      has been suggested to both equalise contributions from synapses at different
      locations and maximise the current transfer to the soma. To find out how this is
      achieved precisely, an analytical solution for the current transfer in dendrites
      with arbitrary taper is required. We derive here an asymptotic approximation that
      accurately matches results from numerical simulations. From this we then
      determine the diameter profile that maximises the current transfer to the soma.
      We find a simple quadratic form that matches diameters obtained experimentally,
      indicating a fundamental architectural principle of the brain that links
      dendritic diameters to signal transmission.

PMID- 27145442
TI  - Iridium(III) Anthraquinone Complexes as Two-Photon Phosphorescence Probes for
      Mitochondria Imaging and Tracking under Hypoxia.
AB  - In the present study, four mitochondria-specific and two-photon phosphorescence
      iridium(III) complexes, Ir1-Ir4, were developed for mitochondria imaging in
      hypoxic tumor cells. The iridium(III) complex has two anthraquinone groups that
      are hypoxia-sensitive moieties. The phosphorescence of the iridium(III) complex
      was quenched by the functions of the intramolecular quinone unit, and it was
      restored through two-electron bioreduction under hypoxia. When the probes were
      reduced by reductase to hydroquinone derivative products under hypoxia, a
      significant enhancement in phosphorescence intensity was observed under one-
      (lambda=405 nm) and two-photon (lambda=720 nm) excitation, with a two-photon
      absorption cross section of 76-153 GM at lambda=720 nm. More importantly, these
      probes possessed excellent specificity for mitochondria, which allowed imaging
      and tracking of the mitochondrial morphological changes in a hypoxic environment
      over a long period of time. Moreover, the probes can visualize hypoxic
      mitochondria in 3D multicellular spheroids and living zebrafish through two
      photon phosphorescence imaging. 

PMID- 27145443
TI  - Insights from synthetic yeasts.
AB  - Synthetic biology is one of the most exciting strategies for the investigation of
      living organisms and lies at the intersection of biology and engineering.
      Originally developed in prokaryotes, the idea of deciphering biological phenomena
      through building artificial genetic circuits and studying their behaviours has
      rapidly demonstrated its potential in a broad range of fields in the life
      sciences. From the assembly of synthetic genomes to the generation of novel
      biological functions, yeast cells have imposed themselves as the most powerful
      eukaryotic model for this approach. However, we are only beginning to explore the
      possibilities of synthetic biology, and the perspectives it offers in a
      genetically amenable system such as yeasts are endless. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27145444
TI  - Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.
AB  - Questions from patients about pain conditions and analgesic pharmacotherapy and
      responses from authors are presented to help educate patients and make them more
      effective self-advocates. In reply to a question, lumbar spinal stenosis,
      commonly a multifactorial disease that can have profound functional consequences,
      is considered, along with a discussion of physical and pharmacologic treatments
      and quality of life. 

PMID- 27145445
TI  - Overcoming translational barriers impeding development of Alzheimer's disease
      modifying therapies.
AB  - It has now been ~ 30 years since the Alzheimer's disease (AD) research entered
      what may be termed the 'molecular era' that began with the identification of the
      amyloid beta protein (Abeta) as the primary component of amyloid within senile
      plaques and cerebrovascular amyloid and the microtubule-associated protein tau as
      the primary component of neurofibrillary tangles in the AD brain. These pivotal
      discoveries and the subsequent genetic, pathological, and modeling studies
      supporting pivotal roles for tau and Abeta aggregation and accumulation have
      provided firm rationale for a new generation of AD therapies designed not to just
      provide symptomatic benefit, but as disease modifying agents that would slow or
      even reverse the disease course. Indeed, over the last 20 years numerous
      therapeutic strategies for disease modification have emerged, been preclinically
      validated, and advanced through various stages of clinical testing.
      Unfortunately, no therapy has yet to show significant clinical disease
      modification. In this review, I describe 10 translational barriers to successful
      disease modification, highlight current efforts addressing some of these
      barriers, and discuss how the field could focus future efforts to overcome
      barriers that are not major foci of current research efforts. Seminal discoveries
      made over the past 25 years have provided firm rationale for a new generation of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapies designed as disease modifying agents that
      would slow or even reverse the disease course. Unfortunately, no therapy has yet
      to show significant clinical disease modification. In this review, I describe 10
      translational barriers to successful AD disease modification, highlight current
      efforts addressing some of these barriers, and discuss how the field could focus
      future efforts to overcome these barriers. This article is part of the 60th
      Anniversary special issue.

PMID- 27145446
TI  - Comparative genomics reveals genes significantly associated with woody hosts in
      the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae.
AB  - The diversification of lineages within Pseudomonas syringae has involved a number
      of adaptive shifts from herbaceous hosts onto various species of tree, resulting
      in the emergence of highly destructive diseases such as bacterial canker of kiwi
      and bleeding canker of horse chestnut. This diversification has involved a high
      level of gene gain and loss, and these processes are likely to play major roles
      in the adaptation of individual lineages onto their host plants. In order to
      better understand the evolution of P. syringae onto woody plants, we have
      generated de novo genome sequences for 26 strains from the P. syringae species
      complex that are pathogenic on a range of woody species, and have looked for
      statistically significant associations between gene presence and host type (i.e.
      woody or herbaceous) across a phylogeny of 64 strains. We have found evidence for
      a common set of genes associated with strains that are able to colonize woody
      plants, suggesting that divergent lineages have acquired similarities in genome
      composition that may form the genetic basis of their adaptation to woody hosts.
      We also describe in detail the gain, loss and rearrangement of specific loci that
      may be functionally important in facilitating this adaptive shift. Overall, our
      analyses allow for a greater understanding of how gene gain and loss may
      contribute to adaptation in P. syringae.

PMID- 27145447
TI  - Examination of moderators of expressive writing in patients with renal cell
      carcinoma: the role of depression and social support.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify groups most likely to benefit from an Expressive Writing
      (EW) intervention, we examined psychosocial variables as intervention moderators.
      We hypothesized that EW would be particularly effective for participants with
      high levels of depressive symptoms and social support at study entry. METHODS:
      Patients (n = 277; 60.6% male) with kidney cancer were randomly assigned to
      either an expressive (EW) or neutral writing (NW) condition. Intervention
      outcomes included measures of depressive symptoms (CESD), cancer-related symptoms
      (MDASI), fatigue (BFI), and sleep disturbances (PSQI) assessed at baseline, 1, 4,
      and 10 months later. Moderators were measured at baseline. RESULTS: As
      hypothesized, depressive symptoms and social support moderated intervention
      efficacy. When examining both moderators simultaneously, EW appeared to be most
      effective in terms of cancer-related symptoms (p < 0.05) and depressive symptoms
      (p < 0.01) for participants with elevated depressive symptoms who received high
      levels of social support at baseline relative to their counterparts in the NW
      condition. Moreover, participants in EW with high levels of social support at
      baseline reported lower levels sleep disturbances (p = 0.005) than their
      counterparts in NW. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of baseline depressive symptoms and
      social support as intervention moderators may lead to improved patient selection
      for EW interventions, as EW may be particularly beneficial regarding QOL outcomes
      for patients that have social support available including participants with
      depressive symptoms. EW may not be beneficial, or potentially even
      contraindicated, for participants lacking social support. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27145448
TI  - Pre-augmentation soft tissue expansion improves scaffold-based vertical bone
      regeneration - a randomized study in dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Soft tissue (ST) dehiscence with graft exposure is a frequent
      complication of vertical augmentation. Flap dehiscence is caused by failure to
      achieve tension-free primary wound closure and by the impairment of flap
      microcirculation due to surgical trauma. Soft tissue expansion (STE) increases ST
      quality and quantity prior to reconstructive surgery. We hypothesized that flap
      preconditioning using STE would reduce the incidence of ST complications after
      bone augmentation and that optimized ST healing would improve the outcome of bone
      regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Self-filling tissue expanders were implanted
      in mandibular bone defects in ten beagle dogs. After expansion, alloplastic
      scaffolds were placed for vertical bone augmentation in STE sites and in control
      sites without STE pre-treatment. ST flap microcirculation was analysed using
      laser Doppler flowmetry. The incidence of graft exposures was evaluated after 2
      weeks. Bone formation was assessed after 2 months, using histomorphometry and
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Test sites showed significantly less impairment of
      perfusion and faster recovery of microcirculation after bone augmentation.
      Furthermore, no flap dehiscences occurred in STE sites. Bone regeneration was
      found in both groups; however, significantly greater formation of new bone was
      detected in test sites with preceding STE. CONCLUSIONS: Preconditioning using STE
      improved ST healing and bone formation after vertical augmentation. The
      combination of STE and the subsequent placement of alloplastic scaffolds may
      facilitate the reconstruction of severe bone defects.

PMID- 27145449
TI  - Prediction of Individual Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy via Machine
      Learning on Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective
      treatments for severe depression. However, biomarkers that accurately predict a
      response to ECT remain unidentified. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether certain
      factors identified by structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are
      able to predict ECT response. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this
      nonrandomized prospective study, gray matter structure was assessed twice at
      approximately 6 weeks apart using 3-T MRI and voxel-based morphometry. Patients
      were recruited through the inpatient service of the Department of Psychiatry,
      University of Muenster, from March 11, 2010, to March 27, 2015. Two patient
      groups with acute major depressive disorder were included. One group received an
      ECT series in addition to antidepressants (n = 24); a comparison sample was
      treated solely with antidepressants (n = 23). Both groups were compared with a
      sample of healthy control participants (n = 21). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:
      Binary pattern classification was used to predict ECT response by structural MRI
      that was performed before treatment. In addition, univariate analysis was
      conducted to predict reduction of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score by
      pretreatment gray matter volumes and to investigate ECT-related structural
      changes. RESULTS: One participant in the ECT sample was excluded from the
      analysis, leaving 67 participants (27 men and 40 women; mean [SD] age, 43.7
      [10.6] years). The binary pattern classification yielded a successful prediction
      of ECT response, with accuracy rates of 78.3% (18 of 23 patients in the ECT
      sample) and sensitivity rates of 100% (13 of 13 who responded to ECT).
      Furthermore, a support vector regression yielded a significant prediction of
      relative reduction in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score. The principal
      findings of the univariate model indicated a positive association between
      pretreatment subgenual cingulate volume and individual ECT response (Montreal
      Neurological Institute [MNI] coordinates x = 8, y = 21, z = -18; Z score, 4.00; P
      < .001; peak voxel r = 0.73). Furthermore, the analysis of treatment effects
      revealed a increase in hippocampal volume in the ECT sample (MNI coordinates x = 
      28, y = -9, z = -18; Z score, 7.81; P < .001) that was missing in the medication
      only sample. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: A relatively small degree of structural
      impairment in the subgenual cingulate cortex before therapy seems to be
      associated with successful treatment with ECT. In the future, neuroimaging
      techniques could prove to be promising tools for predicting the individual
      therapeutic effectiveness of ECT.

PMID- 27145450
TI  - Anatomical Details of the Rabbit Nasal Passages and Their Implications in
      Breathing, Air Conditioning, and Olfaction.
AB  - The rabbit is commonly used as a laboratory animal for inhalation toxicology
      tests and detail knowledge of the rabbit airway morphometry is needed for outcome
      analysis or theoretical modeling. The objective of this study is to quantify the
      morphometric dimension of the nasal airway of a New Zealand white rabbit and to
      relate the morphology and functions through analytical and computational methods.
      Images of high-resolution MRI scans of the rabbit were processed to measure the
      axial distribution of the cross-sectional areas, perimeter, and complexity level.
      The lateral recess, which has functions other than respiration or olfaction, was
      isolated from the nasal airway and its dimension was quantified separately. A low
      Reynolds number turbulence model was implemented to simulate the airflow, heat
      transfer, vapor transport, and wall shear stress. Results of this study provide
      detailed morphological information of the rabbit that can be used in the studies
      of olfaction, inhalation toxicology, drug delivery, and physiology-based
      pharmacokinetics modeling. For the first time, we reported a spiral nasal
      vestibule that splits into three paths leading to the dorsal meatus,
      maxilloturbinate, and ventral meatus, respectively. Both non-dimensional
      functional analysis and CFD simulations suggested that the airflow in the rabbit
      nose is laminar and the unsteady effect is only significantly during sniffing.
      Due to the large surface-to-volume ratio, the maxilloturbinate is highly
      effective in warming and moistening the inhaled air to body conditions. The
      unique anatomical structure and respiratory airflow pattern may have important
      implications for designing new odorant detectors or electronic noses. Anat Rec,
      299:853-868, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145452
TI  - Methodological quality of antimalarial randomized controlled trials during
      pregnancy and its impact on the risk of low birth weight.
AB  - AIM: To describe biases in antimalarial randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
      during pregnancy and their influence on antimalarial drug efficacy to reduce the
      risk of low birth weight (LBW). METHODS: RCT characteristics and results were
      retrieved from a previous systematic review on the efficacy of antimalarials. The
      Cochrane risk of bias assessment was used to investigate source of biases in each
      RCT. The quality of RCT reporting published after the introduction of the CONSORT
      statement in medical literature in 1996 were compared to those published before
      1996. A meta-regression analysis was performed to examine the impact of bias on
      the efficacy of antimalarials to reduce LBW after controlling for the time period
      prior to 1996. RESULTS: Twenty out of 25 RCTs (80%) had a high risk of bias. The
      proportion of RCTs having a low risk of bias was higher in manuscripts published
      after the introduction of CONSORT compared to those published before 1996 for
      sequence generation (P = 0.04) and allocation concealment (P = 0.04).
      Heterogeneity between RCTs was associated with an overestimation of the efficacy
      of antimalarial drugs in reducing LBW in RCTs with inadequate methods for
      randomization, allocation concealment or not being free of other bias.
      CONCLUSION: Antimalarial RCTs during pregnancy are poorly reported but may be
      improved by using the CONSORT statement. After taking into account the time
      period before 1996, we found that biases had an impact on the efficacy of
      antimalarials to reduce the risk of LBW.

PMID- 27145453
TI  - Imaging of Mueller-Weiss Syndrome: A Review of Clinical Presentations and Imaging
      Spectrum.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mueller-Weiss syndrome is a complex condition of the adult tarsal
      navicular characterized by progressive fragmentation leading to mid- and hindfoot
      pain and deformity. Since its first descriptions in the early 20th century,
      controversy has persisted regarding its pathogenesis. CONCLUSION: This article
      reviews the literature and discusses the anatomy, epidemiology, causes, clinical
      and radiologic findings, and treatment of Mueller-Weiss syndrome, and thus
      permits a better understanding of this disease and its management.

PMID- 27145451
TI  - Movement between facilities for HIV care among a mobile population in Kenya:
      transfer, loss to follow-up, and reengagement.
AB  - HIV treatment is life-long, yet many patients travel or migrate for their
      livelihoods, risking treatment interruption. We examine timely reengagement in
      care among patients who transferred-out or were lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) from a
      rural HIV facility. We conducted a cohort study among 369 adult patients on
      antiretroviral therapy between November 2011 and November 2013 on Mfangano
      Island, Kenya. Patients who transferred or were LTFU (i.e., missed a scheduled
      appointment by >=90 days) were traced to determine if they reengaged or accessed
      care at another clinic. We report cumulative incidence and time to reengagement
      using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for patient demographic and
      clinical characteristics. Among 369 patients at the clinic, 23(6%) requested an
      official transfer and 78(21%) were LTFU. Among official transfers, cumulative
      incidence of linkage to their destination facility was 91% at three months (95%CI
      (confidence intervals) 69-98%). Among LTFU, cumulative incidence of reengagement
      in care at the original or a new clinic was 14% at three months (95%CI 7-23%) and
      60% at six months (95%CI 48-69%). In the adjusted Cox model, patients who left
      with an official transfer reengaged in care six times faster than those who did
      not (adjusted hazard ratio 6.2, 95%CI 3.4-11.0). Patients who left an island
      based HIV clinic in Kenya with an official transfer letter reengaged in care
      faster than those who were LTFU, although many in both groups had treatment gaps
      long enough to risk viral rebound. Better coordination of transfers between
      clinics, such as assisting patients with navigating the process or improving
      inter-clinic communication surrounding transfers, may reduce delays in treatment
      during transfer and improve overall clinical outcomes.

PMID- 27145454
TI  - Metformin blocks progression of obesity-activated thyroid cancer in a mouse
      model.
AB  - Compelling epidemiologic evidence indicates that obesity is associated with a
      high risk of human malignancies, including thyroid cancer. We previously
      demonstrated that a high fat diet (HFD) effectively induces the obese phenotype
      in a mouse model of aggressive follicular thyroid cancer (ThrbPV/PVPten+/-mice).
      We showed that HFD promotes cancer progression through aberrant activation of the
      leptin-JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway. HFD-promoted thyroid cancer progression
      allowed us to test other molecular targets for therapeutic opportunity for
      obesity-induced thyroid cancer. Metformin is a widely used drug to treat patients
      with type II diabetes. It has been shown to reduce incidences of neoplastic
      diseases and cancer mortality in type II diabetes patients. The present study
      aimed to test whether metformin could be a therapeutic for obesity-activated
      thyroid cancer. ThrbPV/PVPten+/-mice were fed HFD together with metformin or
      vehicle-only, as controls, for 20 weeks. While HFD-ThrbPV/PVPten+/-mice had
      shorter survival than LFD-treated mice, metformin had no effects on the survival
      of HFD-ThrbPV/PVPten+/-mice. Remarkably, metformin markedly decreased occurrence
      of capsular invasion and completely blocked vascular invasion and anaplasia in
      HFD-ThrbPV/PVPten+/-mice without affecting thyroid tumor growth. The impeded
      cancer progression was due to the inhibitory effect of metformin on STAT3-ERK
      vimentin and fibronectin-integrin signaling to decrease tumor cell invasion and
      de-differentiation. The present studies provide additional molecular evidence to
      support the link between obesity and thyroid cancer risk. Importantly, our
      findings suggest that metformin could be used as an adjuvant in combination with
      antiproliferative modalities to improve the outcome of patients with obesity
      activated thyroid cancer. 

PMID- 27145456
TI  - The prognostic and predictive value of the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in
      luminal-type breast cancer patients treated with CEF chemotherapy.
AB  - Several reports have suggested that peripheral blood-based parameters are
      associated with host immunity response, which is an essential component of the
      pathogenesis and progression of cancer. The purpose of the present study was to
      identify the prognostic significance of various peripheral blood-based biomarkers
      and to determine the optimal cut-off value suitable for luminal breast cancer
      patients. We found that lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was significant
      prognostic predictors. And the patients with a CEF regimen and LMR ratio >= 5.2
      gained a good prognosis. This study suggested that the LMR could be regarded as
      an independent prognostic factor in luminal breast cancer patients. The elevated
      LMR level also had enhanced 5-fluorouracil sensitivity in luminal breast cancer
      patients. 

PMID- 27145455
TI  - Trk inhibition reduces cell proliferation and potentiates the effects of
      chemotherapeutic agents in Ewing sarcoma.
AB  - Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a highly aggressive pediatric cancer that may arise from
      neuronal precursors. Neurotrophins stimulate neuronal devlopment and plasticity.
      Here, we found that neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as well as their receptors (TrkA and TrkB,
      respectively) are expressed in ES tumors. Treatment with TrkA (GW-441756) or TrkB
      (Ana-12) selective inhibitors decreased ES cell proliferation, and the effect was
      increased when the two inhibitors were combined. ES cells treated with a pan-Trk
      inhibitor, K252a, showed changes in morphology, reduced levels of beta-III
      tubulin, and decreased mRNA expression of NGF, BDNF, TrkA and TrkB. Furthermore,
      combining K252a with subeffective doses of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs
      resulted in a decrease in ES cell proliferation and colony formation, even in
      chemoresistant cells. These results indicate that Trk inhibition may be an
      emerging approach for the treatment of ES. 

PMID- 27145457
TI  - SOX2 functions as a molecular rheostat to control the growth, tumorigenicity and
      drug responses of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly deadly malignancy. Expression
      of the stem cell transcription factor SOX2 increases during progression of PDAC.
      Knockdown of SOX2 in PDAC cell lines decreases growth in vitro; whereas, stable
      overexpression of SOX2 in one PDAC cell line reportedly increases growth in
      vitro. Here, we reexamined the role of SOX2 in PDAC cells, because inducible SOX2
      overexpression in other tumor cell types inhibits growth. In this study, four
      PDAC cell lines were engineered for inducible overexpression of SOX2 or inducible
      knockdown of SOX2. Remarkably, inducible overexpression of SOX2 in PDAC cells
      inhibits growth in vitro and reduces tumorigenicity. Additionally, inducible
      knockdown of SOX2 in PDAC cells reduces growth in vitro and in vivo. Thus, growth
      and tumorigenicity of PDAC cells is highly dependent on the expression of optimal
      levels of SOX2 - a hallmark of molecular rheostats. We also determined that SOX2
      alters the responses of PDAC cells to drugs used in PDAC clinical trials.
      Increasing SOX2 reduces growth inhibition mediated by MEK and AKT inhibitors;
      whereas knockdown of SOX2 further reduces growth when PDAC cells are treated with
      these inhibitors. Thus, targeting SOX2, or its mode of action, could improve the
      treatment of PDAC. 

PMID- 27145459
TI  - Heterogeneous PSMA expression on circulating tumor cells: a potential basis for
      stratification and monitoring of PSMA-directed therapies in prostate cancer.
AB  - The prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is the only clinically validated
      marker for therapeutic decisions in prostate cancer (PC). Characterization of
      circulating tumor cells (CTCs) obtained from the peripheral blood of PC patients
      might provide an alternative to tissue biopsies called "liquid biopsy". The aim
      of this study was to develop a reliable assay for the determination of PSMA on
      CTCs. PSMA expression was analyzed on tissue samples (cohort one, n = 75) and
      CTCs from metastatic PC patients (cohort two, n = 29). Specific signals for the
      expression of PSMA could be seen for different prostate cancer cell line cells
      (PC3, LaPC4, 22Rv1, and LNCaP) by Western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC),
      immunocytochemistry (ICC), and FACS. PSMA expression was found to be
      significantly increased in patients with higher Gleason grade (p = 0.0011) and
      metastases in lymph nodes (p = 0.0000085) or bone (p = 0.0020) (cohort one). In
      cohort two, CTCs were detectable in 20 out of 29 samples (69 %, range from 1 -
      1000 cells). Twelve out of 20 CTC-positive patients showed PSMA-positive CTCs (67
      %, score 1+ to 3+). We found intra-patient heterogeneity regarding the PSMA
      status between CTCs and the corresponding primary tumors. The results of our
      study could help to address the question whether treatment decisions based on CTC
      PSMA profiling will lead to a measurable benefit in clinical outcome for prostate
      cancer patients in the near future. 

PMID- 27145458
TI  - Systemic release of osteoprotegerin during oxaliplatin-containing induction
      chemotherapy and favorable systemic outcome of sequential radiotherapy in rectal
      cancer.
AB  - In colorectal cancer, immune effectors may be determinative for disease outcome.
      Following curatively intended combined-modality therapy in locally advanced
      rectal cancer metastatic disease still remains a dominant cause of failure. Here,
      we investigated whether circulating immune factors might correlate with outcome.
      An antibody array was applied to assay changes of approximately 500 proteins in
      serial serum samples collected from patients during oxaliplatin-containing
      induction chemotherapy and sequential chemoradiotherapy before final pelvic
      surgery. Array data was analyzed by the Significance Analysis of Microarrays
      software and indicated significant alterations in serum osteoprotegerin
      (TNFRSF11B) during the treatment course, which were confirmed by osteoprotegerin
      measures using a single-parameter immunoassay. Patients experiencing increase in
      circulating osteoprotegerin during the chemotherapy had significantly better 5
      year progression-free survival than those without increase (78% versus 48%; P =
      0.009 by log-rank test). Hence, systemic release of this soluble tumor necrosis
      factor decoy receptor following the induction phase of neoadjuvant therapy was
      associated with favorable long-term outcome in patients given curatively intended
      chemoradiotherapy and surgery but with metastatic disease as the main adverse
      event. This finding suggests that osteoprotegerin may mediate or reflect systemic
      anti-tumor immunity invoked by combined-modality therapy in locally advanced
      rectal cancer. 

PMID- 27145460
TI  - Significance of microRNA-related variants in susceptibility to recurrence of
      oropharyngeal cancer patients after definitive radiotherapy.
AB  - Common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs may affect miRNA
      functions and their target expression and thus may affect biological activities
      and cancer etiology as well as prognosis. Thus, we determined whether the 9 SNPs
      in microRNAs modify the risk of recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the
      oropharynx (SCCOP) in a cohort of 1008 patients. The log-rank test and
      multivariate Cox models were used to evaluate the associations. We found that the
      SNPs in the miRNA146, miRNA196, and Gemin3 were associated with a significantly
      reduced and increased risk of SCCOP recurrence after multivariate adjustment
      (aHR, 0.6, 95%CI, 0.4-0.9, aHR, 2.1, 95%CI, 1.6-2.8, and aHR, 0.6, 95%CI, 0.5
      0.9, respectively). Furthermore, the similar effect of these 3 SNPs on SCCOP
      recurrence risk was found in HPV-positive SCCOP patients only. However, no
      significant associations were found for other SNPs. To evaluate the aggregate
      effects of these SNPs, we performed a combined risk genotype analysis. We found
      that, compared with the low-risk reference group with less than 4 risk genotypes,
      the medium-risk group with 4 or 5 risk genotypes exhibited a 1.7-fold (1.2-2.4)
      increased risk whereas the high-risk group with more than 5 risk genotypes
      exhibited a 3.0-fold (1.7-4.2) increased risk (Ptrend < 0.001). Such combined
      effects were particularly pronounced in HPV-positive SCCOP patients. Taken
      together, this is the first study with a large cohort of SCCOP patients showing
      that miRNA-related genetic variants may modify risk of SCCOP recurrence
      individually and jointly. Larger studies are needed to validate these results. 

PMID- 27145461
TI  - Prognostic factors in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma treated
      with salvage liver transplantation: a single-center study.
AB  - Although salvage liver transplantation (LT) has been widely adopted as a
      treatment for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), candidate selection
      criteria have not been established. This single-center study aimed to identify
      risk factors associated with HCC recurrence and survival following salvage LT.
      The study included 74 patients treated with salvage LT between October 2001 and
      February 2013. The median follow-up was 37.2 months after LT. There were 29 cases
      of HCC recurrence and 31 deaths following LT. Microvascular invasion at the time
      of liver resection, a time interval to post-LR HCC recurrence of <= 12months, an
      alpha-fetoprotein level at LT greater than 200 ng/mL, and having undergone LT
      outside of the UCSF criteria were independent risk factors for HCC recurrence
      after salvage LT. Patients with no more than one risk factor had a 5-year
      recurrence-free survival rate of 71.2% compared to 15.9% in patients with two or
      more risk factors. These findings suggest that to avoid post-LT HCC recurrence
      and a dismal prognosis, patients with no more than one risk factor for recurrence
      should be given priority for salvage LT. These criteria may improve the outcomes
      of patients treated with salvage LT and facilitate the effective use of limited
      organ supplies. 

PMID- 27145463
TI  - Positioning a Carbon-Fluorine Bond over the pi Cloud of an Aromatic Ring: A
      Different Type of Arene Activation.
AB  - It is known that the fluoro group has only a small effect on the rates of
      electrophilic aromatic substitutions. Imagine instead a carbon-fluorine (C-F)
      bond positioned tightly over the pi cloud of an aryl ring-such an orthogonal,
      noncovalent arrangement could instead stabilize a positively charged arene
      intermediate or transition state, giving rise to novel electrophilic aromatic
      substitution chemistry. Herein, we report the synthesis and study of molecule 1,
      containing a rigid C-F???Ar interaction that plays a prominent role in both its
      reaction chemistry and spectroscopy. For example, we established that the C
      F???Ar interaction can bring about a >1500 fold increase in the relative rate of
      an aromatic nitration reaction, affording functionalization on the activated ring
      exclusively. Overall, these results establish fluoro as a through-space
      directing/activating group that complements the traditional role of fluorine as a
      slightly deactivating aryl substituent in nitrations.

PMID- 27145462
TI  - MicroRNA-300 inhibited glioblastoma progression through ROCK1.
AB  - Glioblastoma is a common type of brain aggressive tumors and has a poor
      prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, endogenous and non-coding
      RNAs that play crucial roles in cell proliferation, survival and invasion.
      Deregulated expression of miR-300 has been studied in a lot of cancers. However,
      the role of miR-300 in glioblastoma is still unknown. In this study, we
      demonstrated that miR-300 expression was downregulated in glioblastoma tissues
      compared with the normal tissues. Lower expression level of miR-300 was observed
      in thirty cases (75 %, 30/40) of glioblastoma samples compared with the normal
      samples. Moreover, the overall survival of glioblastoma patients with lower miR
      300 expression level was shorter than those with higher miR-300 expression level.
      In addition, miR-300 expression was also downregulated in glioblastoma cell
      lines. Overexpression of miR-300 inhibited cell proliferation, cell cycle and
      invasion in glioblastoma cell line U87 and U251. Moreover, we identified ROCK1 as
      a direct target of miR-300 in U87 and U251 cells. Overexpression of ROCK1
      partially rescued the miR-300-mediated cell growth. ROCK1 expression levels in
      glioblastoma tissues were higher than that in normal tissues. ROCK1 expression
      levels were higher in thirty-one cases of glioblastoma samples than their normal
      samples. Furthermore, the expression level ROCK1 was inversely correlated with
      the expression level of miR-300. Importantly, overexpression of miR-300
      suppressed glioblastoma progression in an established xenograft model. In
      conclusion, we revealed that miR-300 might act as a tumor suppressor gene through
      inhibiting ROCK1 in glioblastoma.

PMID- 27145466
TI  - Design Strategy for High-Performance Dendritic Carbazole-Containing
      Alkynylplatinum(II) Complexes and Their Application in Solution-Processable
      Organic Light-Emitting Devices.
AB  - A new class of luminescent dendritic carbazole-containing alkynylplatinum(II)
      complexes has been synthesized, characterized, and applied as phosphorescent
      dopants in the fabrication of solution-processable organic light-emitting devices
      (OLEDs). These complexes exhibit high photoluminescence quantum yields of up to
      80% in spin-coated thin films. In addition, the incorporation of carbazole
      dendrons into the platinum(II) center can significantly suppress intermolecular
      interactions in solid-state thin films, giving rise to emission spectra that are
      similar to those found in solution irrespective of dopant concentrations. High
      performance solution-processable OLEDs have also been fabricated, with a maximum
      external quantum efficiency of up to 10.4%, which is comparable to that of the
      vacuum-deposited devices based on the small-molecule counterpart. This is one of
      the highest ever reported values for solution-processable devices based on
      platinum(II) complexes with tridentate ligands.

PMID- 27145465
TI  - Clobazam-treated patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome experienced fewer seizure
      related injuries than placebo patients during trial OV-1012.
AB  - Drop seizures are especially problematic in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
      (LGS) because of their potential for serious injury. In this post hoc analysis of
      phase 3 OV-1012 data, a medical review was conducted of seizure-related injuries
      based on Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) preferred terms
      from all adverse event (AE) listings. Patients receiving clobazam experienced
      fewer seizure-related injuries than those receiving placebo (8.9% all clobazam
      dosages vs. 27.1% placebo, p <= 0.05). Significant differences in the rates of
      seizure-related injuries were observed for the medium- and high-dosage clobazam
      treatment groups (4.8% and 10.2%, respectively, p <= 0.05). A total of 50 of 53
      AEs considered seizure-related were mild or moderate in intensity; 3 severe AEs
      occurred in the placebo group (fall, contusion, and jaw fracture). A single
      serious AE (jaw fracture, which required hospitalization and surgery) occurred in
      a placebo-treated patient. Most injuries resolved by the end of the study. This
      analysis indicates that the reduction in drop-seizure frequency achieved with
      clobazam provides a clinically meaningful benefit, a reduced likelihood of
      experiencing seizure-related injuries. 

PMID- 27145467
TI  - Bundle interventions used to reduce prescribing and administration errors in
      hospitalized children: a systematic review.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Bundle interventions are becoming increasingly used
      as patient safety interventions. The objective of this study was to describe and
      categorize which bundle interventions are used to reduce prescribing errors (PEs)
      and administration errors (AEs) in hospitalized children and to assess the
      quality of the published literature. METHODS: Articles published in English and
      Arabic between 1985 and September 2015 were sought in MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINHAL.
      Bibliographies of included articles were screened for additional studies. We
      included any study with a comparator group reporting rates of PEs and AEs. Two
      authors independently extracted data, classified interventions in each bundle and
      assessed the studies for potential risk of bias. Constituent interventions of the
      bundles were categorized using both the Cochrane Effective Practice and
      Organization of Care Group (EPOC) taxonomy of intervention and the Behavioural
      Change Wheel (BCW). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Seventeen studies met the inclusion
      criteria. All bundles contained interventions that were either professional,
      organizational or a mixture of both. According to the BCW, studies used
      interventions with functions delivering environmental restructuring (17/17),
      education (16/17), persuasion (4/17), training (3/17), restriction (3/17),
      incentivization (1/17), coercion (1/17), modelling (1/17) and enablement (1/17).
      Nine studies had bundles with two intervention functions, and eight studies had
      three or more intervention functions. All studies were low quality before/after
      studies. Selection bias varied between studies. Performance bias was either low
      or unclear. Attrition bias was unclear, and detection bias was rated high in most
      studies. Ten studies described the interventions fairly well, and seven studies
      did not adequately explain the interventions used. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION:
      This novel analysis in a systematic review showed that bundle interventions
      delivering two or more intervention functions have been investigated but that the
      study quality was too poor to assess impact.

PMID- 27145464
TI  - Clinical, Pathological, and Molecular Characterization of Infant Medulloblastomas
      Treated with Sequential High-Dose Chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-dose chemotherapy (HDC) strategies were developed to avoid
      unacceptable neurotoxicity associated with craniospinal irradiation in infants
      with embryonal brain tumors. However, the impact of molecular and pathological
      characterizations in such approaches and long-term outcome have not been widely
      described in young children. METHODS: We retrospectively collected information
      from seven North American institutions, on young children with medulloblastoma
      (MB) treated with sequential HDC, as per the CCG 99703 protocol. Data collection
      included clinical presentation, histology, molecular subgroup, irradiation,
      ototoxicity, and neurocognitive evaluations. RESULTS: The cohort included 53
      patients diagnosed at a median age of 24 months (2.9-63.2). Seventeen patients
      (32.1%) had nodular desmoplatic MB, all belonging to the sonic Hedgehog (SHH)
      subgroup, as did 30% of classic MB. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS)
      and overall survival (OS) was 69.6% (+/-6.9%) and 76.1% (+/-6.5%), respectively.
      Seventeen (32.1%) patients received irradiation (nine adjuvant radiotherapy
      [RT]). Patients with SHH and group 3 MB had a 5-year PFS of 86.2% (+/-7.4%) and
      49.1% (+/-14%), respectively (P = 0.03). The 5-year PFS radiation free for group
      3 MB was 46.4%. Patients with macroscopic metastasis (M2 and M3) had a worst
      survival. Fifteen (45.5%) patients had significant ototoxicity. Mean Full Scale
      Intellectual Quotient (FSIQ) for 24 survivors was 91.6 (range 52-119).
      CONCLUSIONS: This HDC strategy led to an encouraging OS while only 20% of the
      patients received adjuvant RT. SHH MB, irrespective of histological subgroup, had
      an excellent outcome. Such intensive therapy may not be needed for this subgroup.
      Patients with classic histology or group 3 had an encouraging PFS of 58% and
      46.4%, respectively, in the absence of adjuvant RT. The neurocognitive profile of
      the survivors appears to be within the normal range.

PMID- 27145470
TI  - Robot-Assisted Posterior C1-2 Transarticular Screw Fixation for Atlantoaxial
      Instability: A Case Report.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the
      feasibility, safety, and accuracy of a new robotic system for performing
      posterior C1-2 transarticular screw fixation for atlantoaxial instability.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: C1-2 transarticular fixation is a reliable procedure.
      However, the procedure is high-risk because of the important structures and
      frequent anatomical variation around the atlantoaxial region. Navigation improves
      the accuracy, but it might require repeated adjustments of the trajectories,
      which is inconvenient. Robot-assisted surgery can make this process easier and
      has the potential to improve the safety and accuracy. METHODS: A 43-year-old man
      with atlantoaxial deformity and instability underwent posterior C1-2
      transarticular screw fixation under the guidance of the new robotic system
      (TiRobot, co-designed by Beijing Jishuitan hospital and TINAVI Medical
      Technologies Co., Ltd.). We performed a surgery of posterior decompression and C0
      2 fusion. Based on the intraoperative 3D images, we planned the trajectory on the
      robot system. Then, the robotic arm spontaneously moved to guide the screw
      insertion. RESULTS: A unilateral C1-2 transarticular screw was safely placed with
      good accuracy. The calculated deviation of the planned position and actual
      position was 0.8798 mm. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative
      computed tomography showed there were no perforations and loosening of the screw.
      CONCLUSION: We report the first case of atlantoaxial transarticular screw
      fixation using the TiRobot system. Robotic guidance for complex upper cervical
      deformity based on intraoperative 3D images could be feasible, safe, and
      accurate, and has a significant clinical potential in spine surgery. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: 4.

PMID- 27145469
TI  - Psychometric Validation of the Traditional Chinese Version of the Early Onset
      Scoliosis-24 Item Questionnaire (EOSQ-24).
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Questionnaire translation and validation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Early Onset Scoliosis
      24 item Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) into traditional Chinese, and to assess its
      validity, reliability, and sensitivity in Southern-Chinese patients diagnosed
      with early onset scoliosis (EOS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Relying on
      radiographs alone for assessing treatment outcomes in EOS patients is inadequate.
      To properly gauge health-related quality of life, a disease-specific instrument
      that assesses patient quality of life and the burden of primary caregivers is
      necessary. The EOSQ-24 was created for this purpose, but it has not been adapted
      to the Chinese language. METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation
      of the original English EOSQ-24 were performed using the method of double forward
      and single backward translations, followed by a panel review. EOS patients of
      Southern-Chinese descent were recruited, via convenience sampling from a
      scoliosis specialty clinic. These patients' parents/caretakers were then
      administered the traditional Chinese EOSQ-24, Likert Scale regarding the
      understanding of completed EOSQ-24, and the Child Health Questionnaire Parent
      Form 50 (CHQ-PF50) (Traditional Chinese). Reliability was analyzed using Cronbach
      alpha. Construct validity of domains and subdomains was assessed using Spearman
      correlation test against CHQ-PF50 domains with similar constructs. Sensitivity of
      the EOSQ-24 scores was determined by performing known group comparisons. RESULTS:
      A total of 100 EOS patients were recruited. A very good reliability was
      demonstrated (Cronbach alpha: 0.896) and internal consistency of all domains was
      excellent (Cronbach alpha: 0.829-0.919). Subdomain scores of EOSQ-24 and CHQ-PF50
      had significant correlations (P < 0.001), indicating a good construct validity.
      CONCLUSION: This is the first psychometric study to translate and adapt the EOSQ
      24 questionnaire for Chinese EOS patients and it has been found to have
      satisfactory validity, reliability, and sensitivity. It is a useful disease
      specific instrument for assessing patients' quality of life and the burden of
      caregivers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

PMID- 27145471
TI  - Medical Device Innovation in the United States: Why Are We Falling Behind?

PMID- 27145472
TI  - Toward a cumulative science of functional integration: A meta-analysis of
      psychophysiological interactions.
AB  - Much of the work in cognitive neuroscience is shifting from a focus on single
      brain regions to a focus on the connectivity between multiple brain regions.
      These inter-regional connectivity patterns contribute to a wide range of
      behaviors and are studied with models of functional integration. The rapid
      expansion of the literature on functional integration offers an opportunity to
      scrutinize the consistency and specificity of one of the most popular approaches
      for quantifying connectivity: psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis. We
      performed coordinate-based meta-analyses on 284 PPI studies, which allowed us to
      test (a) whether those studies consistently converge on similar target regions
      and (b) whether the identified target regions are specific to the chosen seed
      region and psychological context. Our analyses revealed two key results. First,
      we found that different types of PPI studies-e.g., those using seeds such as
      amygdala and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and contexts such as emotion
      and cognitive control, respectively-each consistently converge on similar target
      regions, thus supporting the reliability of PPI as a tool for studying functional
      integration. Second, we also found target regions that were specific to the
      chosen seed region and psychological context, indicating distinct patterns of
      brain connectivity. For example, the DLPFC seed reliably contributed to a
      posterior cingulate cortex target during cognitive control but contributed to an
      amygdala target in other contexts. Our results point to the robustness of PPI
      while highlighting common and distinct patterns of functional integration,
      potentially advancing models of brain connectivity. Hum Brain Mapp 37:2904-2917,
      2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145473
TI  - Sebum/Meibum Surface Film Interactions and Phase Transitional Differences.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sebum may contribute to the composition of the tear film lipid layer
      naturally or as a contaminant artifact from collection. The aims of this study
      were to determine: if sebum changes the rheology of meibum surface films; if the
      resonance near 5.2 ppm in the 1H-NMR spectra of sebum is due to squalene (SQ);
      and if sebum or SQ, a major component of sebum, interacts with human meibum.
      METHODS: Human meibum was collected from the lid margin with a platinum spatula.
      Human sebum was collected using lipid absorbent tape. Langmuir trough technology
      was used to measure the rheology of surface films. Infrared spectroscopy was used
      to measure lipid conformation and phase transitions. We used 1H-NMR to measure
      composition and confirm the primary structure of SQ. RESULTS: The NMR resonance
      near 5.2 ppm in the spectra of human sebum was from SQ which composed 28 mole
      percent of sebum. Both sebum and SQ lowered the lipid order of meibum. Sebum
      expanded meibum films at lower concentrations and condensed meibum films at
      higher concentrations. Sebum caused meibum to be more stable at higher pressures
      (greater maximum surface pressure). CONCLUSIONS: Physiological levels of sebum
      would be expected to expand or fluidize meibum making it spread better and be
      more surface active (qualities beneficial for tear film stability). Sebum would
      also be expected to stabilize the tear film lipid layer, which may allow it to
      withstand the high shear pressure of a blink.

PMID- 27145474
TI  - Corneal Sensitivity to Hyperosmolar Eye Drops: A Novel Behavioral Assay to Assess
      Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy (PN), which affects approximately 50%
      of the diabetic population, is subjective, with many patients seeking a diagnosis
      only after presenting with symptoms. Recently, in vivo confocal microscopy of
      subepithelial corneal nerve density has been promoted as a surrogate marker for
      early detection of PN, but imaging of corneal nerves requires sophisticated
      instrumentation, expertise in confocal imaging, cooperative patients, and
      automated analysis tools to derive corneal nerve density. As an alternative, we
      developed a simple screening method that is based on the sensitivity of corneal
      nerves to cause reflex eyelid squinting in response to hyperosmolar eye drops.
      METHODS: Eyes of control and type 2 diabetic rats were given an eye drop of a 290
      to 900-mOsm solution, and the ocular response was video recorded. Other
      neuropathic end points including nerve conduction velocity and subepithelial
      cornea nerve density were determined. RESULTS: Motor and sensory nerve conduction
      velocity and total nerve fiber length of corneal nerves in the subepithelial
      layer were significantly decreased in diabetic rats. Applying the hyperosmotic
      solutions to the ocular surface caused an osmolarity-dependent increase in
      squinting of the treated eye in control rats. Squinting was almost totally
      blocked by preapplication of proparacaine or N-(4-tertiarybutylphenyl)-4-(3
      chloropyridin-2-yl)tetrahydropyrazine-1(2H)-carbox-amide, a transient receptor
      potential melastatin-8 channel blocker. Squinting in response to the 900-mOsm
      solution was significantly reduced in diabetic rats. CONCLUSIONS: Preclinical
      studies show that evaluation of corneal sensitivity may be an alternative method
      for the early detection of PN and has potential for translation to clinical
      studies.

PMID- 27145475
TI  - A Proposed New Measure of Corneal Sensitivity.

PMID- 27145476
TI  - Increment Threshold Functions in Retinopathy of Prematurity.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess scotopic background adaptation in subjects with a history of
      preterm birth and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Retinopathy of prematurity is
      known to have long-term effects on rod photoreceptor and rod mediated
      postreceptor retinal function. METHODS: Rod-mediated thresholds for detection of
      3 degrees  diameter, 50 ms stimuli presented 20 degrees  from fixation were
      measured using a spatial forced choice method in 36 subjects (aged 9-17 years)
      with a history of preterm birth and 11 age similar term-born subjects. Thresholds
      were measured first in the dark-adapted condition and then in the presence of 6
      steady background lights (-2.8 to +2.0 log scot td). A model of the increment
      threshold function was fit to each subject's thresholds to estimate the dark
      adapted threshold (TDA) and the Eigengrau (A0, the background that elevates
      threshold 0.3 log unit above TDA). RESULTS: In subjects with a history of severe
      ROP, both TDA and A0 were significantly elevated relative to those in former
      preterms who never had ROP and term-born control subjects. Subjects who had mild
      ROP had normal TDA but elevated A0. Neither TDA nor A0 differed significantly
      between former preterms who never had ROP and term-born controls. CONCLUSIONS:
      The results suggest that in severe ROP, threshold is affected at a preadaptation
      site, possibly the rod outer segment. In mild ROP, changes in the Eigengrau may
      reflect increased intrinsic noise in the photoreceptor or postreceptor circuitry
      or both.

PMID- 27145478
TI  - Clinical features and long exercise test in Chinese patients with Andersen-Tawil
      syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Andersen-Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a rare multisystem channelopathy
      characterized by periodic paralysis, ventricular arrhythmias, and developmental
      dysmorphology. There are few reports concerning ATS in the Chinese population. We
      analyzed clinical features and evaluated the long exercise test as a tool for
      diagnosis of periodic paralysis in ATS. METHODS: Direct sequencing of KCNJ2 was
      performed in 12 subjects from mainland China with suspected ATS. Clinical
      features, therapeutic responses, and long exercise tests (LET) were
      retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Twelve patients were genetically confirmed to
      have ATS. A small mandible and clinodactyly were demonstrated in all patients.
      Premature ventricular contractions were the most prevalent form of cardiac
      arrhythmia. The LET revealed an early amplitude decrement. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese
      ATS patients shared some common clinical features with reported subjects in other
      countries. An early amplitude decrement in LET may be useful for diagnosis of
      ATS. Muscle Nerve 54: 1059-1063, 2016.

PMID- 27145477
TI  - Assessing Photoreceptor Structure in Retinitis Pigmentosa and Usher Syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine cone photoreceptor structure in
      retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and Usher syndrome using confocal and nonconfocal split
      detector adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO). METHODS: Nineteen
      subjects (11 RP, 8 Usher syndrome) underwent ophthalmic and genetic testing,
      spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and AOSLO imaging. Split
      detector images obtained in 11 subjects (7 RP, 4 Usher syndrome) were used to
      assess remnant cone structure in areas of altered cone reflectivity on confocal
      AOSLO. RESULTS: Despite normal interdigitation zone and ellipsoid zone appearance
      on OCT, foveal and parafoveal cone densities derived from confocal AOSLO images
      were significantly lower in Usher syndrome compared with RP. This was due in
      large part to an increased prevalence of non-waveguiding cones in the Usher
      syndrome retina. Although significantly correlated to best-corrected visual
      acuity and foveal sensitivity, cone density can decrease by nearly 38% before
      visual acuity becomes abnormal. Aberrantly waveguiding cones were noted within
      the transition zone of all eyes and corresponded to intact inner segment
      structures. These remnant cones decreased in density and increased in diameter
      across the transition zone and disappeared with external limiting membrane
      collapse. CONCLUSIONS: Foveal cone density can be decreased in RP and Usher
      syndrome before visible changes on OCT or a decline in visual function. Thus,
      AOSLO imaging may allow more sensitive monitoring of disease than current
      methods. However, confocal AOSLO is limited by dependence on cone waveguiding,
      whereas split-detector AOSLO offers unambiguous and quantifiable visualization of
      remnant cone inner segment structure. Confocal and split-detector thus offer
      complementary insights into retinal pathology.

PMID- 27145480
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases-From
      pathophysiology to clinical practice.
AB  - This review provides an update on the role, development, and validation of CSF
      biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of Alzheimer's disease and PD. Some
      recent developments on novel biomarkers are also discussed. We also give an
      overview of methodological/technical factors still hampering the global
      validation and standardization of CSF Alzheimer's disease and PD biomarkers. CSF
      biomarkers have the potential to improve the diagnostic accuracy at the early
      stages not only for Alzheimer's disease but also for PD. This step is essential
      in view of the availability of disease-modifying treatments. Our vision for the
      future is that analyzing biomarker panels on a minute amount of CSF could provide
      important information on the whole spectrum of the molecular pathogenic events
      characterizing these neurodegenerative disorders. CSF core biomarkers have
      already been included in the diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease, and
      they are also under consideration as tools to monitor the effects of disease
      modifying drugs. With respect to PD, their potential for improving diagnostic
      accuracy in early diagnosis is under intense research, resembling the same path
      followed for Alzheimer's disease. (c) 2016 International Parkinson and Movement
      Disorder Society.

PMID- 27145479
TI  - Metabolism Regulates Cellular Functions of Bone Marrow-Derived Cells used for
      Cardiac Therapy.
AB  - Administration of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMC) may increase
      cardiac function after myocardial ischemia. However, the functional capacity of
      BMC derived from chronic heart failure (CHF) patients is significantly impaired.
      As modulation of the energy metabolism allows cells to match the divergent
      demands of the environment, we examined the regulation of energy metabolism in
      BMC from patients and healthy controls (HC). The glycolytic capacity of CHF
      derived BMC is reduced compared to HC, whereas BMC of metabolically activated
      bone marrow after acute myocardial infarction reveal increased metabolism. The
      correlation of metabolic pathways with the functional activity of cells indicates
      an influence of metabolism on cell function. Reducing glycolysis without
      profoundly affecting ATP-production reversibly reduces invasion as well as colony
      forming capacity and abolishes proliferation of CD34(+) CD38(-) lin(-)
      hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). Ex vivo inhibition of glycolysis
      further reduced the pro-angiogenic activity of transplanted cells in a hind limb
      ischemia model in vivo. In contrast, inhibition of respiration, without affecting
      total ATP production, leads to a compensatory increase in glycolytic capacity
      correlating with increased colony forming capacity. Isolated CD34(+) , CXCR4(+) ,
      and CD14(+) cells showed higher glycolytic activity compared to their negative
      counterparts. Metabolic activity was profoundly modulated by the composition of
      media used to store or culture BMC. This study provides first evidence that
      metabolic alterations influence the functional activity of human HSPC and BMC
      independent of ATP production. Changing the balance between respiration and
      glycolysis might be useful to improve patient-derived cells for clinical cardiac
      cell therapy. Stem Cells 2016;34:2236-2248.

PMID- 27145481
TI  - Aggregation-Induced Delayed Fluorescence Based on Donor/Acceptor-Tethered Janus
      Carborane Triads: Unique Photophysical Properties of Nondoped OLEDs.
AB  - Luminescent materials consisting of boron clusters, such as carboranes, have
      attracted immense interest in recent years. In this study, luminescent organic
      inorganic conjugated systems based on o-carboranes directly bonded to electron
      donating and electron-accepting pi-conjugated units were elaborated as novel
      optoelectronic materials. These o-carborane derivatives simultaneously possessed
      aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and thermally activated delayed fluorescence
      (TADF) capabilities, and showed strong yellow-to-red emissions with high
      photoluminescence quantum efficiencies of up to 97 % in their aggregated states
      or in solid neat films. Organic light-emitting diodes utilizing these o-carborane
      derivatives as a nondoped emission layer exhibited maximum external
      electroluminescence quantum efficiencies as high as 11 %, originating from TADF.

PMID- 27145482
TI  - Reversing dobutamine-induced tachycardia using ivabradine increases stroke volume
      with neutral effect on cardiac energetics in left ventricular post-ischaemia
      dysfunction.
AB  - AIM: Compensatory tachycardia can potentially be deleterious in acute heart
      failure. In this study, we tested a therapeutic strategy of combined inotropic
      support (dobutamine) and selective heart rate (HR) reduction through
      administration of ivabradine. METHODS: In an open-chest pig model (n = 12) with
      left ventricular (LV) post-ischaemia dysfunction, cardiac function was assessed
      by LV pressure catheter and sonometric crystals. Coronary flow and blood samples
      from the coronary sinus were used to measure myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2
      ). LV energetics was assessed by comparing MVO2 with cardiac work at a wide range
      of workloads. RESULTS: In the post-ischaemia heart, dobutamine (5 MUg kg(-1) 
      min(-1) ) increased cardiac output (CO) by increasing HR from 102 +/- 21 to 131
      +/- 16 bpm (beats per min; P < 0.05). Adding ivabradine (0.5 mg kg(-1) ) slowed
      HR back to 100 +/- 9 bpm and increased stroke volume from 30 +/- 5 to 36 +/- 5 mL
      (P < 0.05) by prolonging diastolic filling time and increasing end-diastolic
      dimensions. Adding ivabradine had no adverse effects on CO, mean arterial
      pressure and cardiac efficiency. Similar findings on efficiency and LV function
      were also seen using an ex vivo working mouse heart protocol. CONCLUSIONS: A
      combined infusion of dobutamine and ivabradine had a neutral effect on post
      ischaemia LV efficiency and increased left ventricular output without an increase
      in HR.

PMID- 27145483
TI  - Targeted analysis and determination of beta-agonists, hormones, glucocorticoid
      and psychiatric drugs in feed by liquid chromatography with electrospray
      ionization tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - A comprehensive strategy combining a quantitative method was developed for 30
      banned drugs including beta-agonists, hormones, glucocorticoid and psychiatric
      drugs in swine and chicken feeds. This rapid, simple and effective extraction
      method was based on matrix solid-phase dispersion and electrospray ionization
      tandem mass spectrometry. The quantitative method was validated after previous
      statistical optimization of the main parameters of matrix solid-phase dispersion.
      The limit of quantification of dopamine hydrochloride, chlormadinone acetate,
      melengestrol acetate, testosterone propionate, nandrolone and midazolam was 2
      MUg/kg and that of the other 24 drugs was 1 MUg/kg. The recoveries of beta
      agonists, hormones, glucocorticoid and psychiatric drugs spiked in swine and
      chicken feeds at a concentration range of 1-8 MUg/kg were above 70.1% with inter
      day relative standard deviations less than 15.8%. The analytical strategy was
      applied to 100 feed samples collected from a local market in Wuhan (China).
      Clenbuterol, ractopamine and melengestrol acetate were identified and quantified
      at the level 0.2~3.5 MUg/kg. The rapid and reliable method can be used to
      efficiently separate, characterize and quantify the residues of 30 banned drugs
      in swine and chicken feeds with advantages of simple pretreatment and
      environmental friendly nature. 

PMID- 27145484
TI  - Barcode error leading to sample misidentification during blood grouping.

PMID- 27145485
TI  - Psychological Characteristics in Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: An MMPI-2
      Study.
AB  - The psychological characteristics of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) have
      received limited research focus, despite empirical evidence of their relevance
      for subsequent psychological adjustment and early therapeutic intervention. This
      study addressed a wide range of psychological features in 47 individuals who were
      hospitalized as a result of acute mild TBI (mTBI). Participants were screened
      from amongst consecutive TBI admissions for moderate to severe brain injury, and
      for pre-injury neurological, psychiatric, or substance abuse histories. Clinical
      and content scale scores on the MMPI-2 were explored in relation to patient
      gender, age, level of education, and extent of cognitive complaints. The results
      revealed diverse psychosocial problem areas across the sample, the most common of
      which were somatic and cognitive complaints, compromised insight, and a naively
      optimistic self-perception. The mediating roles of injury severity and
      demographic variables are discussed. Clinical implications and specific
      recommendations are presented.

PMID- 27145486
TI  - Missing Author Name in Byline.

PMID- 27145487
TI  - The use of public health infrastructure probably the best strategy for national
      and large-scale naloxone distribution programmes.

PMID- 27145488
TI  - Bioswales reduce contaminants associated with toxicity in urban storm water.
AB  - Contamination and toxicity associated with urban storm water runoff are a growing
      concern because of the potential impacts on receiving systems. California water
      regulators are mandating implementation of green infrastructure as part of new
      urban development projects to treat storm water and increase infiltration.
      Parking lot bioswales are low impact development practices that promote filtering
      of runoff through plants and soil. Studies have demonstrated that bioswales
      reduce concentrations of suspended sediments, metals, and hydrocarbons. There
      have been no published studies evaluating how well these structures treat current
      use pesticides, and studies have largely ignored whether bioswales reduce
      toxicity in surface water. Three storms were monitored at 3 commercial and
      residential sites, and reductions of contaminants and associated toxicity were
      quantified. Toxicity testing showed that the majority of untreated storm water
      samples were toxic to amphipods (Hyalella azteca) and midges (Chironomus
      dilutus), and toxicity was reduced by the bioswales. No samples were toxic to
      daphnids (Ceriodaphnia dubia) or fish (Pimephales promelas). Contaminants were
      significantly reduced by the bioswales, including suspended solids (81%
      reduction), metals (81% reduction), hydrocarbons (82% reduction), and pyrethroid
      pesticides (74% reduction). The single exception was the phenypyrazole pesticide
      fipronil, which showed inconsistent treatment. The results demonstrate these
      systems effectively treat contaminated storm water associated with surface water
      toxicity but suggest that modifications of their construction may be required to
      treat some contaminant classes. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:3124-3134. (c) 2016
      SETAC.

PMID- 27145489
TI  - Atypical exanthems related to human herpesvirus-6 reactivations in transplant
      recipients.

PMID- 27145490
TI  - Using geochemical indicators to distinguish high biogeochemical activity in
      floodplain soils and sediments.
AB  - A better understanding of how microbial communities interact with their
      surroundings in physically and chemically heterogeneous subsurface environments
      will lead to improved quantification of biogeochemical reactions and associated
      nutrient cycling. This study develops a methodology to predict potential elevated
      rates of biogeochemical activity (microbial "hotspots") in subsurface
      environments by correlating microbial DNA and aspects of the community structure
      with the spatial distribution of geochemical indicators in subsurface sediments.
      Multiple linear regression models of simulated precipitation leachate, HCl and
      hydroxylamine extractable iron and manganese, total organic carbon (TOC), and
      microbial community structure were used to identify sample characteristics
      indicative of biogeochemical hotspots within fluvially-derived aquifer sediments
      and overlying soils. The method has been applied to (a) alluvial materials
      collected at a former uranium mill site near Rifle, Colorado and (b) relatively
      undisturbed floodplain deposits (soils and sediments) collected along the East
      River near Crested Butte, Colorado. At Rifle, 16 alluvial samples were taken from
      8 sediment cores, and at the East River, 46 soil/sediment samples were collected
      across and perpendicular to 3 active meanders and an oxbow meander. Regression
      models using TOC and TOC combined with extractable iron and manganese results
      were determined to be the best fitting statistical models of microbial DNA (via
      16S rRNA gene analysis). Fitting these models to observations in both
      contaminated and natural floodplain deposits, and their associated alluvial
      aquifers, demonstrates the broad applicability of the geochemical indicator based
      approach. 

PMID- 27145491
TI  - Assessment of health risks due to arsenic from iron ore lumps in a beach setting.
AB  - In 2011, an artificial hook-shaped peninsula of 128ha beach area was created
      along the Dutch coast, containing thousands of iron ore lumps, which include
      arsenic from natural origin. Elemental arsenic and inorganic arsenic induce a
      range of toxicological effects and has been classified as proven human
      carcinogens. The combination of easy access to the beach and the presence of
      arsenic raised concern about possible human health effects by the local
      authorities. The objective of this study is therefore to investigate human health
      risks from the presence of arsenic-containing iron ore lumps in a beach setting.
      The exposure scenarios underlying the human health-based risk limits for
      contaminated land in The Netherlands, based on soil material ingestion and a
      residential setting, are not appropriate. Two specific exposure scenarios related
      to the playing with iron ore lumps on the beach ('sandcastle building') are
      developed on the basis of expert judgement, relating to children in the age of 2
      to 12years, i.e., a worst case exposure scenario and a precautionary scenario.
      Subsequently, exposure is calculated by the quantification of the following
      factors: hand loading, soil-mouth transfer effectivity, hand-mouth contact
      frequency, contact surface, body weight and the relative oral bioavailability
      factor. By lack of consensus on a universal reference dose for arsenic for use in
      the stage of risk characterization, three different types of assessments have
      been evaluated: on the basis of the current Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake
      (PTWI), on the basis of the Benchmark Dose Lower limit (BMDL), and by a
      comparison of exposure from the iron ore lumps with background exposure. It is
      concluded, certainly from the perspective of the conservative exposure
      assessment, that unacceptable human health risks due to exposure to arsenic from
      the iron ore lumps are unlikely and there is no need for risk management actions.

PMID- 27145492
TI  - (-)-Hydroxycitric Acid Nourishes Protein Synthesis via Altering Metabolic
      Directions of Amino Acids in Male Rats.
AB  - (-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a major active ingredient of Garcinia Cambogia
      extracts, had shown to suppress body weight gain and fat accumulation in animals
      and humans. While, the underlying mechanism of (-)-HCA has not fully understood.
      Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the effects of long-term supplement
      with (-)-HCA on body weight gain and variances of amino acid content in rats.
      Results showed that (-)-HCA treatment reduced body weight gain and increased feed
      conversion ratio in rats. The content of hepatic glycogen, muscle glycogen, and
      serum T4 , T3 , insulin, and Leptin were increased in (-)-HCA treatment groups.
      Protein content in liver and muscle were significantly increased in (-)-HCA
      treatment groups. Amino acid profile analysis indicated that most of amino acid
      contents in serum and liver, especially aromatic amino acid and branched amino
      acid, were higher in (-)-HCA treatment groups. However, most of the amino acid
      contents in muscle, especially aromatic amino acid and branched amino acid, were
      reduced in (-)-HCA treatment groups. These results indicated that (-)-HCA
      treatment could reduce body weight gain through promoting energy expenditure via
      regulation of thyroid hormone levels. In addition, (-)-HCA treatment could
      promote protein synthesis by altering the metabolic directions of amino acids.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27145493
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of additional docetaxel for metastatic hormone
      sensitive prostate cancer treated with androgen-deprivation therapy from a
      Chinese perspective.
AB  - The E3805 (CHAARTED) study found that docetaxel combined with androgen
      deprivation therapy (ADT) significantly improved overall survival of patients
      with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. This study aims to determine
      whether docetaxel combined with ADT is a cost-effective strategy for advanced
      prostate cancer in China. According to the E3805 study, two groups (docetaxel +
      ADT and ADT alone) and three health states [progression-free survival (PFS),
      progressive disease (PD) and death] were analysed in a Markov model. All medical
      costs were calculated from the Chinese societal perspective. Quality-adjusted
      life year (QALY) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were applied
      as the primary outcome. Overall, the addition of docetaxel was estimated to
      increase the cost by $12 816.93, with a gain of 0.48 QALY. Additionally, for
      patients with high-volume disease, the increased cost and effectiveness were $14
      627.75 and 0.69 QALYs in docetaxel + ADT group versus the ADT alone group, and
      the ICER was $21 199.63 per QALY. These ICERs are far more than the commonly
      accepted willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $20 301 per QALY in China. In
      spite of longer survival time, docetaxel combined with ADT is not a recommended
      cost-effective treatment for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer in the
      Chinese setting.

PMID- 27145495
TI  - Heroes.

PMID- 27145494
TI  - A prognostic risk model for patients with triple negative breast cancer based on
      stromal natural killer cells, tumor-associated macrophages and growth-arrest
      specific protein 6.
AB  - The aim of this study was to establish a prognostic risk model for patients with
      triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). A total of 278 specimens of human TNBC
      tissues were investigated by immunohistochemistry for growth-arrest specific
      protein 6 expression, infiltrations of stromal natural killer cells and tumor
      associated macrophages. According to their prognostic risk scores based on the
      model, patients were divided into three groups (score 0, 1-2, 3). Correlations of
      prognostic risk scores, clinicopathologic features and overall survival (OS) were
      analyzed. To study the clinical value of this stratification model in early
      disease recurrence or metastasis, 177 patients were screened out for further
      analysis. Based on disease free survival (DFS), 90 patients fell within the DFS
      <=3 years group and 87 patients within the DFS >=5 years group. We analyzed the
      differences in prognostic risk scores between the two groups. The prognostic risk
      scores were negatively related to tumor size, lymph node metastasis and P53
      status (P < 0.001 for all). Patients with low prognostic risk scores had longer
      OS (P = 0.001). Using multivariate analysis, it was determined that TNM stage (HR
      = 0.432, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.281-0.665, P = 0.003), FOXP3 positive
      lymphocytes (HR = 1.712, 95% CI = 1.085-2.702, P = 0.021) and prognostic risk
      scores (HR = 1.340, 95% CI = 1.192-1.644, P = 0.005) were independent prognostic
      factors for OS. Compared with the DFS >=5 years group, the DFS <=3 years group
      patients had significantly higher prognostic risk scores (P < 0.001). In
      conclusion, the prognostic risk score of the model was a significant indicator of
      prognosis for patients with TNBC. 

PMID- 27145496
TI  - In-flight emergencies: Medical kits are not good enough for kids.

PMID- 27145497
TI  - Hippocrates and the smart phone: The evolving parent and doctor relationship.

PMID- 27145498
TI  - Interstitial lung disease in infancy: A general approach.
AB  - Childhood Interstitial lung disease (chILD) is an umbrella term used to define a
      broad range of rare, diffuse pulmonary disorders with altered interstitial
      structure that leads to abnormal gas exchange. Presentation of chILD in infancy
      can be difficult to differentiate from other common causes of diffuse lung
      disease. This article aimed at paediatricians provides an overview of
      interstitial lung disease presenting in infancy and includes key clinical
      features, a suggested approach to investigation and a summary of management. An
      overview of three clinical cases has been included to demonstrate the diagnostic
      approach, characteristic investigation findings and varied clinical outcomes. 

PMID- 27145499
TI  - Formula and breast feeding in infant food allergy: A population-based study.
AB  - AIM: To determine whether infant-feeding practices, including duration of
      exclusive breastfeeding and use of partially hydrolysed formula, modify the risk
      of developing infant food allergy. METHODS: In an observational population-based
      study, 1 year olds were recruited from community immunisation clinics in
      Melbourne, Australia. Parent-reported data on infant-feeding practices and
      potential confounders were collected prior to infant skin prick testing for four
      food allergens. Sensitised infants attended hospital-based oral food challenges
      to establish food allergy status. Multiple logistic regression was used to
      investigate associations between breastfeeding and formula-feeding and infant
      food allergy adjusting for possible confounding variables. RESULTS: A total of
      5276 (74% response) infants participated. Of the 4537 for whom food allergy
      status was determined, 515 (11.3%) were food allergic (challenge-proven in the
      context of skin prick testing positive (>=2 mm)). After adjusting for confounding
      variables, there was no association between duration of exclusive breastfeeding
      and food allergy. Use of partially hydrolysed formula did not reduce the risk of
      food allergy compared with cow's milk formula in the general population (adjusted
      odds ratios 1.03 (confidence interval 0.67-1.50)). CONCLUSION: Duration of
      exclusive breastfeeding and use of partially hydrolysed formula were not
      associated with food allergy at 1 year of age in this large population-based
      study. These findings have implications for population-based infant-feeding
      guidelines and do not support the use of partially hydrolysed formula for food
      allergy prevention.

PMID- 27145501
TI  - A practical comparison of temporal artery thermometry and axillary thermometry in
      neonates under different environments.
AB  - AIM: Thermoregulatory stability and monitoring are crucial in neonatal care.
      However, the current standard of temperature measurement using Axillary
      Thermometry (AT) poses multiple limitations. Temporal Artery Thermometry (TT) is
      a promising new method, which thus begs the question: Can TT replace AT in
      neonates? Previous studies reveal conflicting results, with none involving a
      Southeast-Asian multi-ethnic neonatal population under different environments.
      METHODS: A 6-month prospective comparative study involving neonates managed in a
      tertiary neonatal centre. Subjects were divided into 4 groups based on the
      required nursing environment: A) Room air B) Phototherapy C) Radiant warmers D)
      Incubators. Six hundred and sixty-one paired TT and AT temperature readings were
      obtained, with concurrent FLACC scoring to evaluate the discomfort associated
      with each thermometry method. RESULTS: TT readings were higher than AT in all
      groups. The mean temperature difference between both methods (TT-AT) was lowest
      in Group A (0.10 +/- 0.19 degrees C), followed by Groups B (0.50 +/- 0.33 degrees
      C), C (0.97 +/- 0.76 degrees C) and D (1.15 +/- 0.57 degrees C) respectively.
      Bland-Altman analysis revealed good clinical agreement (+/- 0.5 degrees C)
      between both methods in Group A (7-0.27,0.47). However, Groups B (-0.14,1.13), C
      (-0.51,2.45) and D (0.03,2.27) showed poor agreement. Multiple GEE analysis
      revealed Malay ethnicity to be an additional predictor of decreased TT-AT ( beta
      = -0.13, p = 0.012). Compared to TT, AT was associated with higher discomfort
      levels (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Given the good agreement and increased comfort
      with TT use, our study confirms that TT is comparable to AT for neonates nursed
      in room air. TT is therefore recommended for the temperature screening and
      monitoring of neonates nursed on ambient air. Its use in other environments and
      factors predictive of comparability of both methods requires further study.

PMID- 27145500
TI  - Association between waist circumference and childhood-masked hypertension: A
      community-based study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the association between waist
      circumference (WC) and childhood-masked hypertension. METHODS: A territory-wide,
      school-based cohort of 1385 Hong Kong students (672 boys and 713 girls) aged 8-17
      years was analysed. The ambulatory blood pressure-monitoring assessment was
      performed using validated oscillometric recorders (A&D TM-2430 (A&D Inc., Tokyo,
      Japan)) following American Heart Association's recommendations. Subjects were
      considered normotensive if their casual blood pressure, 24-h daytime and night
      time average systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were
      <95th percentile. If one or more of the ambulatory blood pressure parameters was
      >=95th percentile, subjects would be considered suffering from masked
      hypertension (MH). Subjects who had three successive casual blood pressure
      measurements above the 95th percentile were excluded. RESULTS: By body mass
      index, 148 (10.7%) subjects were obese, 182 (13.1%) overweight and 359 (25.9%)
      having larger WC (>=85th percentiles). MH was diagnosed in 217 subjects (15.7%).
      Subjects with larger WC or obesity were significantly associated with higher 24-h
      daytime and night-time systolic blood pressure (>=95th percentile) (odds ratios
      from 1.84 to 2.09 and from 2.07 to 3.54 for larger WC and obese respectively, all
      P < 0.05) as well as 24-h DBP for larger WC (odds ratio = 2, P = 0.015) than
      normal subjects adjusted by sex, age and height. CONCLUSION: Waist circumference
      and body mass index are independent risk factors of childhood and adolescent MH.
      WC appears a significant associated factor of elevated 24-h DBP in children aged
      8-17 years.

PMID- 27145502
TI  - Short-term morbidities and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants exposed
      to magnesium sulphate treatment.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study is to examine whether baseline serum Mg concentration
      has an impact on short-term and long-term outcomes in preterm infants exposed
      antenatally to MgSO4. METHODS: Participants included all infants admitted to the
      neonatal intensive care unit at <32 weeks of gestational age. Infant serum Mg
      concentration (iMgC) was examined immediately after birth in those exposed to
      maternal MgSO4. Data for short-term outcomes were collected from the infants'
      computerised charts. Neurodevelopmental outcomes at 6-12 months corrected age
      were assessed using the Griffiths Mental Developmental Scales. RESULTS: Of 197
      eligible infants, 145 were exposed to MgSO4. Baseline iMgC was available for 88
      infants. Mean iMgC was 3.5 +/- 0.88 mg/dL (1.6-5.7 mg/dL). Baseline iMgC was not
      associated with an increased risk for neither early morbidities nor adverse long
      term outcome. However, iMgC above the mean (>3.5 mg/dL) was associated with
      significantly lower scores on locomotor (P = 0.016) and personal-social (0.041)
      scales in the first year of life. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of preterm infants
      antenatally exposed to MgSO4, elevated baseline iMgC (>3.5 mg/dL) was associated
      with lower locomotor scores. Further research is needed in order to study the
      relationship between supra-physiologic iMgC and its effect on the developing
      brain.

PMID- 27145503
TI  - Health service use and costs for infant behaviour problems and maternal stress.
AB  - AIM: We aim to describe health service (HS) use in the first 6 months post-partum
      and to examine the associations between service costs, infant behaviour and
      maternal depressive symptoms. METHODS: Participants were 781 infants and mothers
      in Melbourne, Australia. Mothers reported infant feeding, sleeping and crying
      problems, depressive symptoms and health service use. Costs were valued in 2012
      Australian dollars. RESULTS: The most common services used were maternal child
      health nurses, general practitioners (GP) and allied health. Infant feeding
      problems were associated with increased costs for services relevant to infant
      behaviour including maternal child health nurses (P = 0.007), GP (P = 0.008) and
      paediatricians (P = 0.03). Maternal depressive symptoms were associated with
      increased costs for services relevant to depressive symptoms including parenting
      centres (P = 0.04), GP (P = 0.004), psychiatrists (P = 0.02) and psychologists (P
      = 0.001). Mothers who completed high school had higher service costs for infant
      problems than those with lower education (P = 0.02). Single mothers had higher
      costs for services used for their depressive symptoms than partnered mothers (P <
      0.001). Mothers with English as a second language had lower service costs for
      their depressive symptoms (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Infant feeding problems and
      maternal depressive symptoms are associated with higher costs for health services
      relevant to these conditions. Cost-effective strategies to manage these
      conditions are needed with accessibility being ensured for mothers who are
      experiencing social adversity.

PMID- 27145504
TI  - The diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Australian children:
      Current paediatric practice and parent perspective.
AB  - AIMS: In a sample of newly diagnosed children with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the aims were to examine (1) paediatrician
      assessment and management practices; (2) previous assessments and interventions;
      (3) correspondence between parent-report and paediatrician identification of
      comorbidities; and (4) parent agreement with diagnosis of ADHD. METHODS:  DESIGN:
      cross-sectional, multi-site practice audit with questionnaires completed by
      paediatricians and parents at the point of ADHD diagnosis. SETTING:
      private/public paediatric practices in Western Australia and Victoria, Australia.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: paediatricians: elements of assessment and management were
      indicated on a study-designed data form. Parents: ADHD symptoms and comorbidities
      were measured using the Conners 3 ADHD Index and Strengths and Difficulties
      Questionnaire, respectively. Sleep problems, previous assessments and
      interventions, and agreement with ADHD diagnosis were measured by questionnaire.
      RESULTS: Twenty-four paediatricians participated, providing data on 137 patients
      (77% men, mean age 8.1 years). Parent and teacher questionnaires were used in 88%
      and 85% of assessments, respectively. Medication was prescribed in 75% of cases.
      Comorbidities were commonly diagnosed (70%); however, the proportion of patients
      identified by paediatricians with internalising problems (18%), externalising
      problems (15%) and sleep problems (4%) was less than by parent report (51%, 66%
      and 39%). One in seven parents did not agree with the diagnosis of ADHD.
      CONCLUSIONS: Australian paediatric practice in relation to ADHD assessment is
      generally consistent with best practice guidelines; however, improvements are
      needed in relation to the routine use of questionnaires and the identification of
      comorbidities. A proportion of parents do not agree with the diagnosis of ADHD
      made by their paediatrician.

PMID- 27145505
TI  - Body mass index in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy: A cohort study.
AB  - AIM: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have reduced levels of physical activity
      compared with children without physical disability and experience risk factors
      for becoming overweight or obese. In the Australian CP population, there is
      little information available about the weight status of children with CP. The
      aims of this study were to compare the distribution of body mass index (BMI) in a
      cohort of ambulant children with CP with the BMI distribution of Australian
      children and explore the relationship between BMI and gross motor function.
      METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 587 children with CP Gross Motor
      Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I-III who attended a Gait
      Laboratory between July 1995 and January 2012 was carried out. The BMI and Z
      score were calculated at each assessment. Data were grouped into the categories
      of underweight, healthy, overweight and obese according to age-specific and sex
      specific percentiles. RESULTS: There were 348 boys and 240 girls with a mean age
      11.2 (standard deviation 3.2) years. Mean BMI Z-score was 0.11 (standard
      deviation 1.33). Seven percent of children were underweight, 73.6% healthy, 7.3%
      overweight and 12.1% obese. This was similar to the distribution of children
      without disability. The largest percentage of children in the healthy group were
      classified GMFCS I. The largest percentage of children in the obese group were
      classified GMFCS III. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, 19.4% of ambulant children
      with CP were overweight or obese. This is of concern as BMI may impact on the
      outcomes of surgical intervention and rehabilitation. Further research is needed
      to determine the consequences of obesity for children with CP.

PMID- 27145506
TI  - Utility of early influenza diagnosis through point-of-care testing in children
      presenting to an emergency department.
AB  - AIM: Influenza causes a large burden of disease in children. Point-of-care
      testing (POCT) can rapidly diagnose influenza with the potential to reduce
      investigation and hospital admission rates, but information on its use in an
      Australian setting is limited. METHODS: Through a retrospective review of
      laboratory-confirmed influenza cases presenting at a paediatric emergency
      department (ED) in 2009, we evaluated children diagnosed by POCT versus standard
      testing (direct fluorescent antibody, polymerase chain reaction or viral culture)
      and assessed differences in investigations, admission requirements, length-of
      stay (LOS) in ED/hospital and antibiotic/antiviral prescription. The rate of
      serious bacterial infection was examined. RESULTS: Compared with standard testing
      (n = 65), children diagnosed by positive POCT (n = 236) had a shorter median
      hospital LOS by 1 day (P = 0.006), increased antiviral prescription (odds ratio
      3.31, P < 0.001) and a reduction in the time to influenza diagnosis (2.4 vs. 24.4
      h, P < 0.001); however, a negative POCT result (n = 63) resulted in delayed
      diagnosis (44.0 h, P = 0.001). POCT did not decrease LOS in ED. Interpretation of
      reductions in admission and investigations with POCT may be limited by possible
      confounding. Approximately 4% of influenza patients had a serious bacterial
      infection; urinary tract infections were commonest (2.7%), but no cerebrospinal
      fluid cultures were positive. A single positive blood culture was seen among 332
      immunocompetent influenza patients. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza diagnosis by POCT was
      quicker and reduced LOS of hospitalised children, whereas negative results
      delayed diagnosis. Negative POCT should not alter usual investigations if
      influenza remains suspected. A controlled prospective study during the influenza
      season is needed to clarify the direct benefits of POCT.

PMID- 27145507
TI  - High ambient temperature and risk of intestinal obstruction in cystic fibrosis.
AB  - AIMS: Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) and constipation in cystic
      fibrosis (CF) are conditions associated with impaction and/or obstruction by
      abnormally viscid mucofaecal material within the intestinal lumen. Dehydration
      has been proposed as a risk factor for DIOS and constipation in CF. The study
      primarily aimed to determine whether warmer ambient temperature and lower
      rainfall are risk factors for DIOS and constipation in CF. METHODS:
      Hospitalisations for DIOS (incomplete or complete) and/or constipation were
      retrospectively identified (2000-2012). Genotype, phenotype, temperatures and
      rainfall data (for the week preceding and season of hospitalisation) were
      collected. RESULTS: Twenty-seven DIOS (59.3% incomplete; 40.7% complete) and 44
      constipation admissions were identified. All admitted patients were pancreatic
      insufficient. Meconium ileus was significantly more likely in DIOS than
      constipation (64.7% vs. 33.3%; P = 0.038) and in complete than incomplete DIOS
      (100% vs. 57.1%; P = 0.04). The maximum temperature of the week before DIOS
      admission (mean (standard deviation) = 28.0 (5.8)  degrees C) was significantly
      higher than the maximum temperature of the season of admission (25.2 (3.4) 
      degrees C; P = 0.002). Similarly, the maximum temperature of the week before
      hospitalisation for constipation (mean (standard deviation) = 27.9 (6.3)  degrees
      C) was significantly warmer compared with the season of admission (24.0 (4.1) 
      degrees C; P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between levels of
      rainfall during the week before hospitalisation and the season of admission for
      both DIOS and constipation. CONCLUSIONS: Relatively high ambient temperature may
      play a role in the pathogenesis of DIOS and constipation in CF.

PMID- 27145508
TI  - Characterising the ambient sound environment for infants in intensive care wards.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study is to characterise ambient sound levels of
      paediatric and neonatal intensive care units in an old and new hospital according
      to current standards. METHODS: The sound environment was surveyed for 24-h data
      collection periods (n = 80) in the Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Units
      (NICUs and PICUs) and Special Care Nursery of the old and new Royal Children's
      Hospital Melbourne. The ambient sound environment was characterised as the
      proportion of time the ongoing ambient sound met standard benchmarks, the mean 5
      s sound levels and the number and duration of noise events. RESULTS: In the old
      hospital, none of the data collection periods in the NICU and PICU met the
      standard benchmark for ongoing ambient sound, while only 5 of the 22 data
      collection periods in the new hospital met the recommended level. There was no
      change in proportion of time at recommended Leq between the old and the new
      Special Care Nursery. There was strong evidence for a difference in the mean
      number of events >65 dBA (Lmax ) in the old and new hospital (rate ratio = 0.82,
      95% confidence interval: 0.73 to 0.92, P = 0.001). The NICU and PICU were above
      50 dBA in 75% of all data collection periods, with ventilatory equipment
      associated with higher ongoing ambient sound levels. CONCLUSIONS: The ongoing
      ambient sound suggests that the background sound environment of the new hospital
      is not different to the old hospital. However, there may be a reduction in the
      number of noise events.

PMID- 27145509
TI  - Factors associated with parents' attitudes to unhealthy foods and beverages.
AB  - AIM: Previous research has identified convenience, enjoyment, value for money and
      perceived goodness as primary dimensions of parents' attitudes to foods and
      beverages. The aim of the present study was to examine the factors associated
      with parents' scores on each of these attitudinal dimensions to identify key
      issues for future interventions designed to improve parents' food provision
      behaviours and children's diets. METHODS: A sample of 1302 Australian parents of
      children aged 8 to 14 years completed an online survey relating to their food
      related beliefs. Linear regression analyses were undertaken to examine factors
      associated with parents' attitudes to soft drinks and energy-dense nutrient-poor
      foods. RESULTS: Consistent factors were identified for both energy-dense,
      nutrient-poor foods and soft drinks, indicating that similar approaches could be
      adopted in interventions for both product categories. The primary factors were
      social norms, child pestering, television viewing and exposure to food
      advertising. CONCLUSIONS: Food advertising represents a common link between the
      primary factors, indicating that it constitutes a critical component of future
      interventions designed to modify parents' attitudes to unhealthy food products
      and to reduce the frequency with which these foods are consumed by children.

PMID- 27145510
TI  - An adolescent with urinary frequency, fevers and lower abdominal pain.

PMID- 27145511
TI  - Oxygen salvage: Healing a child's ischaemic limb with hyperbaric therapy.

PMID- 27145512
TI  - Social communication in autism spectrum disorder not improved by Theory of Mind
      interventions.

PMID- 27145513
TI  - Early treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

PMID- 27145515
TI  - Boy with silvery grey hair and immunodeficiency.

PMID- 27145514
TI  - Boy with silvery grey hair and immunodeficiency.

PMID- 27145516
TI  - A very rare cause of abdominal pain.

PMID- 27145517
TI  - A very rare cause of abdominal pain.

PMID- 27145518
TI  - Neonatal resuscitation with no detectable heartbeat.

PMID- 27145519
TI  - Oxygen saturations targets in infants with bronchiolitis: Is 90% as effective as
      94%?

PMID- 27145520
TI  - Hypotension in very low birthweight newborns.

PMID- 27145521
TI  - Amber jewellery: A dangerous popular trend for toddlers during their teething
      months and beyond.

PMID- 27145522
TI  - Climate change: Child's play?

PMID- 27145523
TI  - Grandmother's effect on child weight in Turkish Community.

PMID- 27145524
TI  - Effect of a thin-neck pacifier on primary dentition: a randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes in occlusal characteristics in the primary
      dentition that occur after introducing a thin-neck pacifier (TNP) to children
      with previously diagnosed pacifier-associated anterior open bite (AOB) and
      increased overjet. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Department of Preventive and
      Pediatric Dentistry, Jena University Hospital, Germany. Subjects were 86 children
      (mean age 20.3 months) with a pacifier-associated open bite or overjet >=2 mm.
      MATERIAL & METHODS: Randomized controlled trial. Subjects were randomly assigned:
      group I (n = 28), intervention group using a TNP; group II (n = 30), control
      group, using a conventional or physiological pacifier; and group III (n = 28),
      intervention group, Gold standard, weaned off pacifier. Participants were re
      examined after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months by an operator, blinded for the treatment.
      RESULTS: After 12 months data for 63 children (mean age 33.1 months) were
      analyzed (I: n = 24; II: n = 22; III: n = 17). There was a significant difference
      between the groups regarding mean overjet (group I: 2.7 +/- 0.5 mm, group II: 3.2
      +/- 0.7 mm, group III: 2.4 +/- 0.5 mm, Kruskal-Wallis, p = 0.002) and AOB (group
      I: -1.2 +/- 0.3 mm, group II: -2.2 +/- 0.3 mm, group III: -0.8 +/- 0.8 mm,
      Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.001). The differences between group I and II regarding
      increased overjet (3.1 +/- 0.2 mm vs. 3.6 +/- 0.3 mm, Mann-Whitney, p < 0.001)
      and extent of AOB (-1.2 +/- 0.3 mm vs. -2.2 +/- 0.3 mm, Mann-Whitney, p < 0.001)
      were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Use of TNP resulted in better
      clinical measurements for in overjet and overbite compared with the continuing
      use of conventional or physiological pacifiers.

PMID- 27145525
TI  - Stabilization of the Columnar Mesophase of Perylenediimide by Racemic Triple
      Tails.
AB  - Whereas perylene tetracarboxdiimides derived from amino-n-alkanes if at all only
      show monotropic (thermodynamically unstable) mesogenic self-assembly, the
      hexagonal columnar liquid crystalline state can be stabilized over a broad
      temperature range with doubly branched, doubly racemic alkyl residues. An
      improved tendency to homeotropic surface orientation is observed, and the
      orientation of the liquid crystalline domains is maintained upon cycling through
      the crystalline state at room temperature. 

PMID- 27145526
TI  - Technical pre-analytical effects on the clinical biochemistry of Atlantic salmon
      (Salmo salar L.).
AB  - Clinical biochemistry has long been utilized in human and veterinary medicine as
      a vital diagnostic tool, but despite occasional studies showing its usefulness in
      monitoring health status in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.), it has not yet been
      widely utilized within the aquaculture industry. This is due, in part, to a lack
      of an agreed protocol for collection and processing of blood prior to analysis.
      Moreover, while the analytical phase of clinical biochemistry is well controlled,
      there is a growing understanding that technical pre-analytical variables can
      influence analyte concentrations or activities. In addition, post-analytical
      interpretation of treatment effects is variable in the literature, thus making
      the true effect of sample treatment hard to evaluate. Therefore, a number of pre
      analytical treatments have been investigated to examine their effect on analyte
      concentrations and activities. In addition, reference ranges for salmon plasma
      biochemical analytes have been established to inform veterinary practitioners and
      the aquaculture industry of the importance of clinical biochemistry in health and
      disease monitoring. Furthermore, a standardized protocol for blood collection has
      been proposed.

PMID- 27145527
TI  - Re: Ultrasound-guided micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients
      with kidney stones.

PMID- 27145528
TI  - Use of habitat odour by host-seeking insects.
AB  - Locating suitable feeding or oviposition sites is essential for insect survival.
      Understanding how insects achieve this is crucial, not only for understanding the
      ecology and evolution of insect-host interactions, but also for the development
      of sustainable pest-control strategies that exploit insects' host-seeking
      behaviours. Volatile chemical cues are used by foraging insects to locate and
      recognise potential hosts but in nature these resources usually are patchily
      distributed, making chance encounters with host odour plumes rare over distances
      greater than tens of metres. The majority of studies on insect host-seeking have
      focussed on short-range orientation to easily detectable cues and it is only
      recently that we have begun to understand how insects overcome this challenge.
      Recent advances show that insects from a wide range of feeding guilds make use of
      'habitat cues', volatile chemical cues released over a relatively large area that
      indicate a locale where more specific host cues are most likely to be found.
      Habitat cues differ from host cues in that they tend to be released in larger
      quantities, are more easily detectable over longer distances, and may lack
      specificity, yet provide an effective way for insects to maximise their chances
      of subsequently encountering specific host cues. This review brings together
      recent advances in this area, discussing key examples and similarities in
      strategies used by haematophagous insects, soil-dwelling insects and insects that
      forage around plants. We also propose and provide evidence for a new theory that
      general and non-host plant volatiles can be used by foraging herbivores to locate
      patches of vegetation at a distance in the absence of more specific host cues,
      explaining some of the many discrepancies between laboratory and field trials
      that attempt to make use of plant-derived repellents for controlling insect
      pests.

PMID- 27145530
TI  - Systematization and description of the internal carotid arteries and their main
      ramifications at the brain base in turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans).
AB  - Thirty turtle brains (Trachemys scripta elegans) were injected with latex to
      systematize and describe the internal carotid arteries and their main
      ramifications at the brain base. The internal carotid arteries had one
      intercarotid anastomosis. At the level of the tuber cinereum, the internal
      carotid artery bifurcated into its terminal branches, the rostral and the caudal
      branches. The rostral branch emitted the rostral choroid artery, the orbital
      artery, and a series of middle cerebral arteries. After giving off the last
      middle cerebral artery, the rostral branch continued as the rostral cerebral
      artery in the cerebral longitudinal fissure, and had one anastomosis with its
      contralateral homologous artery, the rostral communicating artery, making the
      first rostral closure of the cerebral arterial circle. Next, the rostral cerebral
      arteries anastomosed forming a rostral interhemispheric artery, making the second
      rostral closure of the cerebral arterial circle. The internal carotid artery,
      after emitting its rostral branch, continued caudally as the caudal branch. The
      caudal branch ran caudally along the ventral surface of the mesencephalic
      tegmentum, emitted the caudal cerebral artery and the mesencephalic artery, and
      continued caudomedially while progressively narrowing, and anastomosed with its
      contralateral homologous artery, forming the basilar artery. The narrower portion
      also emitted the trigeminal artery. The anastomosis of the caudal branches closed
      the cerebral arterial circle caudally. The internal carotid arteries exclusively
      supplied the cerebral arterial circle of the turtle. Anat Rec, 299:1090-1098,
      2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145529
TI  - Risk of Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Among Siblings of Probands
      With Autism Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - IMPORTANCE: Previous research has focused on examining the familial clustering of
      schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Little is
      known about the clustering of other psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders
      among siblings of persons with ASD. OBJECTIVE: To examine the risk for
      psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders among full siblings of probands with
      ASD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Finnish Prenatal Study of Autism and
      Autism Spectrum Disorders used a population-based cohort that included children
      born from January 1, 1987, to December 31, 2005, who received a diagnosis of ASD
      by December 31, 2007. Each case was individually matched to 4 control
      participants by sex and date and place of birth. The siblings of the cases and
      controls were born from January 1, 1977, to December 31, 2005, and received a
      diagnosis from January 1, 1987, to December 31, 2009. This nested case-control
      study included 3578 cases with ASD with 6022 full siblings and 11 775 controls
      with 22 127 siblings from Finnish national registers. Data were analyzed from
      March 6, 2014, to February 12, 2016. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The adjusted
      risk ratio (RR) for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders among siblings
      of probands with ASD vs siblings of matched controls. Additional analyses were
      conducted separately for ASD subgroups, including childhood autism, Asperger
      syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified. Analyses
      were further stratified by sex and intellectual disability among the probands.
      RESULTS: Among the 3578 cases with ASD (2841 boys [79.4%]) and 11 775 controls
      (9345 boys [79.4%]), 1319 cases (36.9%) and 2052 controls (17.4%) had at least 1
      sibling diagnosed with any psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorder (adjusted
      RR, 2.5; 95% CI, 2.3-2.6). The largest associations were observed for childhood
      onset disorders (1061 cases [29.7%] vs 1362 controls [11.6%]; adjusted RR, 3.0;
      95% CI, 2.8-3.3), including ASD (374 cases [10.5%] vs 125 controls [1.1%];
      adjusted RR, 11.8; 95% CI, 9.4-14.7), tic disorders (28 cases [0.8%] vs 24
      controls [0.2%]; adjusted RR, 4.3; 95% CI, 2.3-8.2), attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (189 cases [5.3%] vs 180 controls [1.5%]; adjusted
      RR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.9-4.7), learning and coordination disorders (563 cases [15.7%]
      vs 697 controls [5.9%]; adjusted RR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.8-3.6), intellectual
      disability (104 cases [2.9%] vs 137 controls [1.2%]; adjusted RR, 3.1; 95% CI,
      2.3-4.2), conduct and oppositional disorders (180 cases [5.0%] vs 221 controls
      [1.9%]; adjusted RR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.2-3.5), and emotional disorders with onset
      specific to childhood (126 cases [3.5%] vs 157 controls [1.3%]; adjusted RR, 2.6;
      95% CI, 1.9-3.4). Autism spectrum disorders were also associated with
      schizophrenia spectrum disorders, affective disorders, anxiety disorders, and
      other neurotic and personality disorders among siblings. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders cluster among siblings of
      probands with ASD. For etiologic research, these findings provide further
      evidence that several psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders have common
      risk factors.

PMID- 27145531
TI  - Human search for a target on a textured background is consistent with a
      stochastic model.
AB  - Previous work has demonstrated that search for a target in noise is consistent
      with the predictions of the optimal search strategy, both in the spatial
      distribution of fixation locations and in the number of fixations observers
      require to find the target. In this study we describe a challenging visual-search
      task and compare the number of fixations required by human observers to find the
      target to predictions made by a stochastic search model. This model relies on a
      target-visibility map based on human performance in a separate detection task. If
      the model does not detect the target, then it selects the next saccade by
      randomly sampling from the distribution of saccades that human observers made. We
      find that a memoryless stochastic model matches human performance in this task.
      Furthermore, we find that the similarity in the distribution of fixation
      locations between human observers and the ideal observer does not replicate:
      Rather than making the signature doughnut-shaped distribution predicted by the
      ideal search strategy, the fixations made by observers are best described by a
      central bias. We conclude that, when searching for a target in noise, humans use
      an essentially random strategy, which achieves near optimal behavior due to
      biases in the distributions of saccades we have a tendency to make. The findings
      reconcile the existence of highly efficient human search performance with recent
      studies demonstrating clear failures of optimality in single and multiple saccade
      tasks.

PMID- 27145532
TI  - Singlet Oxygen Formation during the Charging Process of an Aprotic Lithium-Oxygen
      Battery.
AB  - Aprotic lithium-oxygen (Li-O2 ) batteries have attracted considerable attention
      in recent years owing to their outstanding theoretical energy density. A major
      challenge is their poor reversibility caused by degradation reactions, which
      mainly occur during battery charge and are still poorly understood. Herein, we
      show that singlet oxygen ((1) Deltag ) is formed upon Li2 O2 oxidation at
      potentials above 3.5 V. Singlet oxygen was detected through a reaction with a
      spin trap to form a stable radical that was observed by time- and voltage
      resolved in operando EPR spectroscopy in a purpose-built spectroelectrochemical
      cell. According to our estimate, a lower limit of approximately 0.5 % of the
      evolved oxygen is singlet oxygen. The occurrence of highly reactive singlet
      oxygen might be the long-overlooked missing link in the understanding of the
      electrolyte degradation and carbon corrosion reactions that occur during the
      charging of Li-O2 cells.

PMID- 27145533
TI  - Update on causes of premature death in people with convulsive epilepsy in rural
      West China.
AB  - This longitudinal prospective study updated a previous report on premature
      mortality and focused on the risk factors among patients with convulsive epilepsy
      in resource-poor settings. The present cohort size (7,231) and follow-up (mean
      33.4 months) were expanded. The basic epidemiologic aspects of this cohort were
      similar to the original report (case fatality: 3.26% vs. 2.97%, respectively;
      injury contributed more than half of the deaths). Cox regression analysis
      suggested that male patients, late ages of onset (>45 years old), short duration
      of epilepsy (<10 years), and high convulsive seizure frequency (>2 per month)
      were independent risk factors for overall premature death. Male patients with
      late ages of onset and high seizure frequency had a higher risk of injury
      specific death. This study emphasizes the preventable nature of injuries that are
      leading putative causes of death among people with convulsive epilepsy in rural
      West China. Education on specific populations and efficient seizure control are
      of paramount importance in reducing the risk of premature mortality.

PMID- 27145534
TI  - Differences in Oxygenation Kinetics Between the Dominant and Nondominant Flexor
      Digitorum Profundus in Rock Climbers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine differences in oxygenation kinetics in the nondominant and
      dominant flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) of rock climbers. METHODS: Participants
      were 28 sport climbers with a range of on-site abilities (6a+ to 8a French
      Sport). Using near-infrared spectroscopy, oxygenation kinetics of the FDP was
      assessed by calculating the time to half recovery (t1/2 recovery) of the tissue
      saturation index (TSI) after 3-5 min of ischemia. RESULTS: A 2-way mixed-model
      ANOVA found a nonsignificant interaction (P = .112) for TSI by sex. However,
      there was a significant main effect (P = .027) of handedness (dominant vs
      nondominant FDP). The dominant forearm recovered 13.6% faster (t1/2 recovery mean
      difference = 1.12 s, 95% CI 0.13-2.10 s) than the nondominant FDP. This was not
      affected by 6-mo on-site climbing ability or sex (P = .839, P = .683).
      CONCLUSIONS: Significant intraindividual differences in oxygenation kinetics of
      the FDP were found. Improvements in oxygenation kinetics in the FDP are likely
      due to the abilities of the muscle to deliver, perfuse, and consume oxygen. These
      enhancements may be due to structural adaptations in the microvasculature, such
      as an increase in capillary density and enhanced improvement in capillary
      filtration.

PMID- 27145535
TI  - Early T-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in an Infant With an NRAS
      Q61R Mutation and Clinical Features of Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia.
AB  - Early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP-ALL) is a subtype of T
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) arising from a primitive precursor. We
      present a unique case of an infant with ETP-ALL with a missense NRAS mutation in
      codon 61 (c.182A>G, p.Q61R). The patient also had a minor population of non-ETP T
      ALL blasts and clinical features typically associated with juvenile
      myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), namely, absolute monocytosis, splenomegaly, and
      elevated hemoglobin F. The treatment was initiated with chemotherapy, followed by
      cord blood transplantation. The patient achieved remission, but unfortunately
      died from transplant-related complications. This case highlights an NRAS mutation
      in ETP-ALL with JMML-like phenotype.

PMID- 27145536
TI  - Author Middle Initial Omitted.

PMID- 27145537
TI  - An Elemental Phosphorus Photocatalyst with a Record High Hydrogen Evolution
      Efficiency.
AB  - Semiconductive property of elementary substance is an interesting and attractive
      phenomenon. We obtain a breakthrough that fibrous phase red phosphorus, a recent
      discovered modification of red phosphorus by Ruck et al., can work as a
      semiconductor photocatalyst for visible-light-driven hydrogen (H2 ) evolution.
      Small sized fibrous phosphorus is obtained by 1) loading it on photoinactive SiO2
      fibers or by 2) smashing it ultrasonically. They display the steady hydrogen
      evolution rates of 633 MUmol h(-1)  g(-1) and 684 MUmol h(-1)  g(-1) ,
      respectively. These values are much higher than previous amorphous P (0.6 MUmol
      h(-1)  g(-1) ) and Hittorf P (1.6 MUmol h(-1)  g(-1) ). Moreover, they are the
      highest records in the family of elemental photocatalysts to date. This discovery
      is helpful for further understanding the semiconductive property of elementary
      substance. It is also favorable for the development of elemental photocatalysts.

PMID- 27145541
TI  - Atopobium rimae bacteremia complicated by an infection-related glomerulonephritis
      in a cardiac transplanted patient.

PMID- 27145540
TI  - Whole cell biocatalysts: essential workers from Nature to the industry.
AB  - Microorganisms have been exposed to a myriad of substrates and environmental
      conditions throughout evolution resulting in countless metabolites and enzymatic
      activities. Although mankind have been using these properties for centuries, we
      have only recently learned to control their production, to develop new
      biocatalysts with high stability and productivity and to improve their yields
      under new operational conditions. However, microbial cells still provide the best
      known environment for enzymes, preventing conformational changes in the protein
      structure in non-conventional medium and under harsh reaction conditions, while
      being able to efficiently regenerate necessary cofactors and to carry out
      cascades of reactions. Besides, a still unknown microbe is probably already
      producing a compound that will cure cancer, Alzeihmer's disease or kill the most
      resistant pathogen. In this review, the latest developments in screening
      desirable activities and improving production yields are discussed.

PMID- 27145543
TI  - [Personalities in the history of medicine. Jules-Emile Pean].

PMID- 27145542
TI  - Lower Odds of Poststroke Symptoms of Depression When Physical Activity Guidelines
      Met: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One-third of individuals with stroke report symptoms of depression,
      which has a negative impact on recovery. Physical activity (PA) is a potentially
      effective therapy. Our objective was to examine the associations of subjectively
      assessed PA levels and symptoms of depression in a nationally representative
      stroke sample. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 175 adults in the
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012 cycle. Moderate,
      vigorous, and combination equivalent PA metabolic equivalent (MET)-minutes per
      week averages were derived from the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and
      .the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines/American College of Sports Medicine
      recommendations of >=500 MET-minutes per week of moderate, vigorous, or
      combination equivalent PA were used as cut points. Depression symptoms were
      measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. RESULTS: Meeting moderate PA
      guidelines resulted in 74% lower odds of having depression symptoms (P < .0001)
      and 89% lower odds of major symptoms of depression (P = .0003). Meeting vigorous
      guidelines showed a 91% lower odds of having mild symptoms of depression (P =
      .04). Participating in some moderate, vigorous, or combination equivalent PA
      revealed the odds of depression symptoms 13 times greater compared with meeting
      guidelines (P = .005); odds of mild symptoms of depression were 9 times greater
      (P = .01); and odds of major symptoms of depression were 15 times greater (P =
      .006). CONCLUSIONS: There is a lower risk of developing mild symptoms of
      depression when vigorous guidelines for PA are met and developing major symptoms
      of depression when moderate guidelines met. Participating in some PA is not
      enough to reduce the risk of depression symptoms.

PMID- 27145544
TI  - Investing in IV access services.

PMID- 27145545
TI  - IV antibiotic therapy in the community: clinically effective and cost effective.
AB  - This article discusses how the introduction of new ways of working has resulted
      in a more cost-effective service for the delivery of intravenous (IV) antibiotic
      therapy in a community setting. When community IV therapy was originally
      initiated in the trust, the system involved two nurses to check calculations and
      oversee the administration of IV antibiotic therapy. However, as the demand for
      IV therapy escalated, and with some patients requiring multiple visits, pressures
      on community nursing teams created challenges relating to capacity and demand.
      This service improvement project involved two phases. Phase one examined patient
      safety and the administration of IV antibiotics by one nurse. Phase two reviewed
      the administration of IV antibiotic via a timed bolus route. Following the
      analysis, the implementation of these initiatives demonstrated maximisation of
      resources, a release of nurses' time to care and improvements to the patient
      experience.

PMID- 27145546
TI  - Trapezius placement of implanted ports: understanding the procedure.
AB  - Totally implantable vascular access devices (TIVADs) are indicated for
      intermittent long-term intravenous access. It is widely accepted within medical
      literature that TIVADs are associated with statistically significant lower
      infection rates than other central venous access devices. Typical sites for
      implantation are on the anterior chest wall, using the internal jugular,
      axillary, cephalic or a subclavian vein. This article follows on from a previous
      discussion of the benefits of this approach, which illustrated and examined
      clinical outcomes of trapezius-placement versus anterior chest wall placed ports,
      for patients with metastatic subcutaneous disease on the anterior chest wall. The
      procedure provides a unique challenge for the clinician. This article focuses on
      the process of trapezius port implantation, providing an illustrative guide to
      understand the procedure. Trapezius port placement is a viable option for
      patients for whom routine sites are excluded and who require long-term
      intermittent vascular access.

PMID- 27145547
TI  - Confirming PICC tip position during insertion with real-time information.
AB  - Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) play a fundamental role in
      patient care in a variety of clinical and healthcare settings. Tip location is
      important for both safety and efficacy. New technologies may offer the
      possibility of safer, more efficient and more effective insertion. A prospective
      evaluation was carried out of a system providing real-time information on the
      tip's location, direction, and depth during insertion in a total of 488 patients
      at a single centre (65 patients in the initial study, plus follow-on case series
      reports in 423 patients). No tip malpositions were reported and, as a result, the
      institution has been able to waive the requirement for confirmatory chest X-ray
      after PICC insertion, thus minimising the delay before the PICC can be used and
      increasing staff and patient confidence in the procedure.

PMID- 27145548
TI  - Innovation in training for totally  implanted port insertion.
AB  - This article discusses the use of fresh frozen cadavers as an innovative way to
      teach the procedure of totally implanted port insertion. In an attempt to
      increase the number of competent medical and nursing practitioners able to insert
      these devices, workshops have been devised and delivered at a university clinical
      anatomy skills centre. This method of teaching has had positive feedback from
      practitioners.

PMID- 27145549
TI  - Developing a vascular access team.

PMID- 27145550
TI  - Considering the relationship between  the needle, patient and cannulator.

PMID- 27145551
TI  - DIAZEPAM.

PMID- 27145552
TI  - What's new in ... The Process of Consent.
AB  - An understanding of mental capacity is fundamental to the process of obtaining
      valid consent. This article looks at the processes of both consent and capacity
      assessment, and highlights the importance of fully informed consent following
      recent changes in the law.

PMID- 27145553
TI  - An Investigation into Dental Local Anaesthesia Teaching in United Kingdom Dental
      Schools.
AB  - AIM: To review the current teaching of the use and administration of local
      anaesthesia in United Kingdom dental schools, along with their local guidelines
      and protocols. METHODS: A qualitative and quantitative questionnaire was sent to
      sixteen UK dental schools to probe the methods of local anaesthetic teaching
      within each school. RESULTS: 14 of the 16 schools replied and the responses show
      a variety of practices being taught in the dental schools. 2% Lidocaine 1:80,000
      Adrenaline is the first choice local anaesthetic solution for the majority of
      clinical situations. CONCLUSION: 2% Lidocaine with 1:80,000 Adrenaline remains
      the gold standard dental local anaesthetic with teaching about its safety and
      uses in all but a few situations. Most are taught the use of additional aids such
      as safety syringes and topical anaesthesia. There is variation with regards to
      the use of alternative anaesthetic agents.

PMID- 27145554
TI  - Oral Midazolam Sedation For Uncooperative Children In Outpatient Paedodontics:
      Time For Reappraisal.
AB  - Sedation is frequently desired to facilitate dental procedures in uncooperative
      paediatric patients. Oromucosal Midazolam sedation is a popular choice among
      paediatric dentists world wide due to its many advantages such as ease of
      administration, good efficacy, presence of reversal agents and a wide margin of
      safety. On the other hand, many investigators have reported that midazolam
      sedation may not be successful for carrying out all types of dental procedures.
      This may be attributed to diverse nature of various treatment plans coupled with
      the extent of behavioural changes in the child and operator's experience. Due to
      the heterogeneity involved in treatment of paediatric dental procedures, the
      specific indications for oral midazolam use that ensure its success rate,
      probably need to be defined. This may enable the clinicians to have a convenient
      and quicker option for managing the cases rather than facing sedation failure or
      at times, ending up giving general anaesthetics. This article therefore brings
      forth the possible causes of midazolam sedation failure and proposes a 'case
      selection criterion'.

PMID- 27145556
TI  - Is Propofol Safe For Food Allergy Patients? A Review of the Evidence.
AB  - Allergic cross-reactivity between propofol and food is frequently considered as a
      risk factor for perioperative allergic hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis
      during dental anaesthesia and sedation. Better understanding of of this cross
      reactivity is important to providing safe care. There are, however, conflicting
      assumptions about anaphylactic reactions to propofol in patients reporting
      allergy to certain type of the food. Egg and/or soya allergy are often cited as
      contraindications to propofol administration but the evidence remains unclear.
      The main goal of this article is to review the available advice and evidence
      about the cross-reactivity between propofol and foods. A literature search was
      undertaken. The current published evidence does not elucidate that propofol
      allergy and food allergies are linked directly, but this drug should be used with
      caution in atopic patients with allergies to egg and/or soya bean oil. Clinical
      audit projects may gather data on anaphylactic events during anaesthesia and may
      aid the profession in this dilemma.

PMID- 27145555
TI  - A Clinical Audit of Escorts' Awareness And Patients' Safety Following Intravenous
      Sedation In Adult Oral Surgery.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate current level of safety under the care of an escort following
      intravenous sedation, post-sedation arrangements and to identify potential risk
      levels. BACKGROUND: Information and post-sedation arrangements are important to
      patients'safety following surgery but although there is a general consensus over
      what is recommended for patients and their escorts, there is little, if any,
      literature on the escorts' awareness of sedation and accordance to post-sedation
      arrangement and recommendations. METHOD: Escorts of 113 consecutive patients
      treated in oral surgery under sedation (midazolam) completed a questionnaire
      composed of 27 questions divided into seven sections including demographics,
      awareness of sedation, source of information and post-operative arrangement. From
      the data collected, two scores were calculated representative of the escorts'
      Safety and Reliability. Data were then analysed by ANOVA. RESULTS: Safety scores
      were statistically correlated with instruction source while Reliability
      correlated to a wider variety of parameters including gender, age as well as
      information source. CONCLUSION: Provision of clear written information to escorts
      is recommended as likely to improve patients' safety. Assessment of escorts'
      Safety and Reliability could provide a means for improving quality and safety of
      sedation service.

PMID- 27145557
TI  - Defining Over-Sedation: Literature Review and National Survey of Dental Hospitals
      Within the United Kingdom.
AB  - AIMS: To review the literature, to investigate whether there was aconsensus on
      what encompasses over-sedation, and to determine the guidance employed for the
      administration of flumazenil. METHODS: A literature search was performed
      following which a self-designed questionnaire was emailed to 14 sedation leads
      within UK Dental Hospitals. RESULTS: 10 documents in the literature review met
      the inclusion criteria. In their definitions of over-sedation, loss of
      consciousness and respiratory depression were the main terms used; but a variety
      of terms were also seen, indicating a lack of agreement. Fourteen dental
      institutes were contacted of which nine (64%) responded. Thirty-seven per cent of
      sedation leads who responded stated they were unaware of a definition for over
      sedation. Seventy-seven percent stated that when flumazenil was used this was
      recorded in a drugs book, with a broad range of justifications given. CONCLUSION:
      This study shows that there is a lack of uniformity both from clinicians and the
      literature, in what encompasses over-sedation. This makes formulating an accepted
      definition of over-sedation difficult. In order to ensure accurate reporting,
      monitoring and auditing of such events, a clear definition for over-sedation is
      required and can be used to provide clarity when flumazenil is to be
      administered.

PMID- 27145558
TI  - The State of UK Dental Anaesthesia: Results From The NAP5 Activity Survey. A
      national survey by the 5th National Audit Project of the Royal College of
      Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.
AB  - The National Health Service anaesthesia annual activity (2013) was recently
      reported by the Fifth National Audit Program of the Royal College of
      Anaesthetists and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.
      Within a large dataset were 620 dental cases. Here, we describe this data subset.
      The estimated annual dental caseload was 111,600:60% were children (< 16 y),
      38.5% adults (16 - 65y) and 1.5% the elderly (> 65y). Almost all were elective
      day procedures (97%) and ASA 1 or 2 patients (95%).The most senior anaesthetist
      present was a Consultant in 82% and a non-career grade doctor in 14%.Virtually
      all (98%) cases were conducted during GA. Propofol was used to induce anaesthesia
      in almost all adults compared with 60% of children. Propofol maintenance was used
      in 5% of both children and adults. Almost all adults received an opioid
      (including remifentanil) compared with only 40% of children. Thirty one per cent
      of children had a GA for a dental procedure without either opioid or LA
      supplementation. Approximately 50% of adults and 16% of children received a
      tracheal tube: 20% of children needed only anaesthesia by face mask. These data
      show that anaesthetists almost always use general anaesthesia for dental
      procedures and this exposes difficulties in training of anaesthetists in sedation
      techniques. Dentists, however, are well known to use sedation when operating
      alone and our report provides encouragement for a comprehensive survey of dental
      sedation and anaesthesia practice in both NHS and non-NHS hospitals and clinics
      in the UK.

PMID- 27145559
TI  - Short Report. Audit of Conscious Sedation Provision in a Salaried Dental Service.
AB  - Clinical audit is a tool that may be used to improve the quality of care and
      outcomes for patients in a health care setting as well as a mechanism for
      clinicians to reflect on their performance. The audit described in this short
      report involved the collection and analysis of data related to the administration
      of 1,756 conscious sedations, categorised as standard techniques, by clinicians
      employed by an NHS Trust-based dental service during the year 2014. Data
      collected included gender, age and medical status of subject, the type of care
      delivered, the dose of drug administered and the quality of the achieved sedation
      and any sedation-related complications. This was the first time that a service
      wide clinical audit had been undertaken with the objective of determining the
      safety and effectiveness of this aspect of care provision. Evaluation of the
      analysed data supported the perceived view that such care was being delivered
      satisfactorily. This on-going audit will collect data during year 2016 on the
      abandonment of clinical sessions, in which successful sedation had been achieved,
      due to the failure to obtain adequate local anaesthesia.

PMID- 27145560
TI  - The use of Midazolam as an Intranasal Sedative in Dentistry.
AB  - The administration of midazolam intranasally exploits the unique structure of the
      nasopharynx thus ensuring rapid delivery to the systemic circulation (The Nose -
      Brain Pathway). The absorption of midazolam nasally is influenced by the volume
      and concentration of midazolam, its physicochemical properties and the
      characteristics of the nasal mucosa. Delivering midazolam intranasally is non
      titratable. The level of conscious sedation may be equivalent to that achieved by
      intravenous routes but is approached in a less controlled manner. Randomised
      Control trials using intranasal sedation in children have shown the technique to
      be safe and effective in secondary care for dental procedures at concentrations
      varying from 0.2 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg. A combined technique of intranasal midazolam
      (to facilitate cannulation) and intravenous midazolam is used for adults with
      moderate to severe learning disabilities. This has revolutionised dental
      treatment for this group of patients as treatment under General Anaesthesia (GA)
      may be avoided. Intranasal delivery of midazolam is emerging as a significant
      tool in our dental armamentarium for the treatment of anxious children, phobic
      adult patients and patients with learning disabilities.

PMID- 27145561
TI  - Articaine--to use or not to use?

PMID- 27145562
TI  - The Nocebo Effect.
AB  - A growing body of evidence is emerging for a phenomenon known as the nocebo
      effect. This is when a person is conditioned to expect a negative response, or to
      anticipate negative effects from an experience. These findings highlight the
      importantance of effective communication with patients and the influence that
      good anxiety and pain management control can have in improving treatment
      outcomes. The placebo effect has been widely researched, but new studies have
      shown that nocebo can have a greater effect than placebo The nocebo effect is
      prevalent in interactions between patients and healthcare workers. Research has
      demonstrated that if a patient deems a healthcare professional not to understand
      or believe them, this can cause distress, and the physiological effect can reduce
      the prognosis of treatment. It has also been demonstrated that patients who are
      anxious or expect pain during a procedure, feel more pain because of this
      negative expectation.

PMID- 27145563
TI  - Prospective study on dental extractions carried out for paediatric patients under
      general anaesthetic in a district general hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first line approach to managing healthy anxious children
      requiring dental extractions should include behavioural management and treatment
      under local anaesthetic. This can be coupled with conscious sedation. AIM: To
      evaluate alternative methods attempted prior to treatment under general
      anaesthesia (GA), to establish the incidence of repeat GA procedures. METHOD:
      Paediatric cases requiring dental extractions under GA were audited from October
      2014 - December 2014 in the Oral and Maxillofacial Department, Great Western
      Hospital, Swindon. RESULTS: 78 paediatric cases requiring dental extractions were
      carried out during the study period. 91% of referrals came from local general
      dental practitioners (GDPs). The indication for the GA was included in 59% of the
      referral letters. The number of teeth extracted per case ranged from 1 - 14. In
      18% of cases treatment under local anaesthetic had been attempted previously.
      Conscious sedation had not been attempted in any of the cases. There were 5 cases
      (6.4%) of repeat general anaesthetic procedures. CONCLUSION: Local guidance
      regarding appropriate paediatric referrals should be distributed to primary care
      referrers. Treatment under conscious sedation should be considered for paediatric
      cases and an improved referral pathway to the community dental service should be
      developed. Preventative advice should be reinforced to the referrer and to the
      patient.

PMID- 27145564
TI  - Interview With Francis Collier President of SAAD. Sadie Hughes (Honorary
      Secretary).

PMID- 27145565
TI  - Kellie Boles New SAAD Trustee.

PMID- 27145566
TI  - Yi Kwan Loo New SAAD Trustee.

PMID- 27145567
TI  - Miss Margaret Hughes 1925-2015.

PMID- 27145568
TI  - SOIL ECOLOGY AS KEY TO SUSTAINABLE CROP PRODUCTION.
AB  - Sustainable production of food, feed and fiberwarrants sustainable soil
      management and crop protection. The tools available to achieve this are both in
      the realm of the plants and of the soil, with a key role for plant-soil
      interactions. At the plant level we have vast knowledge of variation within plant
      species with respect to pests and diseases, based on which we can breed for
      resistance. However, given that systems evolve this resistance is bound to be
      temporarily, hence also other strategies are needed. Here I plea for an
      integrative approach for sustainable production using ecological principles.
      Ecology, the study of how organisms interact with their environment, teaches us
      that diversity promotes productivity and yield stability. These effects are
      thought to be governed through resource use complementarity and reduced build-up
      of pests and diseases both above- and belowground. In recent years especially the
      role of soil biotic interactions has revealed new insights in how plant diversity
      and productivity are related to soil biodiversity and the functions soil biota
      govern. In our grassland biodiversity studies we found that root feeders can
      promote plant diversity and succession without reducing plant community
      productivity, this illustrates the role of diversity to maintain productivity.
      Also diversity within species offers scope for sustainable production, for
      example through awareness of differences between plant genotypes in chemical
      defense compounds that can attract natural enemies of pests aboveground- and
      belowground thereby providing plant protection. Plant breeding can also benefit
      from using complementarity between plant species in the selection for new
      varieties, as our work demonstrated that when growing in species mixtures plant
      species adapt to each other over time such that their resource acquisition traits
      become more complementing. Finally, in a recent meta-analysis we show that
      earthworms can stimulate crop yield with on average 25%, but also that the effect
      size is conditional on fertilizer management and crop type. Together these
      examples illustrate the role of soil ecology in plant growth and the potential of
      its use for sustainable crop productivity through judicious management of plant
      soil interactions.

PMID- 27145569
TI  - THE POTENTIAL FOR USING ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODES TO CONTROL DARKWINGED FUNGUS
      GNATS BRADYSIA COPROPHILA (LINTNER) ON SUCCULENTS IN GLASS HOUSES.
AB  - Darkwinged fungus gnat Bradysia coprophila Lintner (Diptera: Sciaridae) is known
      as a pest of ornamental plants in commercial green and glass houses in nurseries
      worldwide. There have been reports about significant Bradysia coprophila damage
      of succulent plants in five Botanical gardens in Ukraine, including Academician
      Fomin's Botanical garden (Kiev) for the last three years. In pot experiments the
      commercial strain of S.feltiae to control B. coprophila was tested on Mammilaria,
      Opuntia, Echinocerus plants grown individually in plastic pots at rate 500,000
      IJs/m2. Efficacy of EPN was evaluated based on the percentage of fly emergence
      from compost and captured in yellow sticky traps in treated and untreated benches
      with pots. It was shown that Steinernema feltiae application causes significant
      reduction (90%) of flies captured in yellow traps in comparison with the control.
      To evaluate virulence of EPNs to B. coprophila in laboratory bioassays, fourth
      instar larvae were exposed to 20, 50, 75, 100 IJs. B. coprophila was susceptible
      to all commercial and wild isolates of Steinernema and Heterorhabditis spp.
      Percentage mortality of B. coprophila larva ranged between 49 and 95%. Wild and
      commercial isolates of S. feltiae were highly virulent to the pest. The highest
      mortality--95% was obtained by using a wild strain of S. feltice. The nematode
      concentration tills to 50 IJ and all nematode species significantly affected the
      mortality rate of B. coprophila. Increasing the dosage of Steinernema spp. from
      75 to 100 IJs did not affect significantly the mortality rate of the insect.

PMID- 27145570
TI  - SOME ASPECTS OF THE NATURAL CONTROL OF PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES IN SOIL UNDER
      BROAD BEAN VICIA FABA L. CULTIVATED IN CROP ROTATION AND LONG-TERM MONOCULTURE.
AB  - Observations on population density of plant parasitic nematodes occurring in
      rhizosphere of broad bean cultivated in the crop rotation and long-term
      monoculture were performed during 2013-2014. 13 species were observed:
      Trichodorus primitivus, T. viruliferus, Paratrichodorus pachydermus, Criconema
      annuliferum, Paratylenchus projectus, Bitylenchus dubius, Merlinius brevidens,
      Pratylenchus fallax, P. flakkensis, P. neglectus, Heterodera triffolii, H.
      goettingiana, and Ditylenchus dipsaci. In monoculture plots 70-80% of eggs inside
      Heterodera cysts were colonized by pathogenic fungi (v.s. 50-62% of cysts from
      crop rotation). 12-18% of specimens of Pratylenchus species were colonized by the
      nematode-pathogenic bacteria: Bacillus penetrans.

PMID- 27145571
TI  - NEW INSIGHTS OF SIDE-EFFECTS OF TAU-FLUVALINATE ON BIOLOGICAL AGENTS AND
      POLLINATORS.
AB  - A high number of side-effects trials were developed and carried out on beneficial
      insects and mites by the 'Side-effects on beneficial organisms' IOBC working
      group and subsequently published in the IOBC bulletins over a number of years. In
      general, these tests were mainly carried out under laboratory and/or semi-field
      conditions following the very worst case scenario applications, leading to an
      IOBC classification of 3 (moderately toxic) and 4 (harmful) for many of the
      tested compounds However, feedback from applications under practical conditions,
      often indicated that the published results were far from realism for a number of
      compounds. Due to the fact that some of these active ingredients are still
      regularly used, or even growing in importance, a number of them were tested on
      many beneficial arthropods and pollinators and the upcoming results were compared
      with the registered IOBC data. Among these compounds, Tau-fluvalinate (Mavrik), a
      widely used synthetic pyrethroid against aphids, caterpillars and beetles in a
      large number of crops, was tested in the facilities of IPM Impact. While this
      compound was often considered as being very toxic for all beneficial organisms,
      slightly toxicity was shown on adults of Aphidius colemani (Hymenoptera:
      Aphidiidae), and larvae of Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and
      Anthocoris nemoralis (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae). However, the moderately
      toxicity or toxicity appeared on adults of Trichogramma brassicae (Hymenoptera:
      Trichogrammatidae) as well as larvae of Adalia bipunctata (Coleoptera:
      Coccinellidae) and Episyrphus balteatus (Diptera: Syrphidae), was moderated by
      short persistence of less than 3 days. Concerning large earth bumblebee, Bombus
      terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae), the compound was characterized as completely
      safe, even when being sprayed in the full flight phase of the bumblebees. This
      indicates that for a high number of pollinator species and some of the most
      important beneficial insects, tau-fluvalinate can be applied without any
      restriction in IPM schemes in the majority of crops. Furthermore, the appropriate
      application time may lead to hardly any residual effects on other beneficials in
      practice.

PMID- 27145572
TI  - POPULATION DYNAMICS OF CHAFF SCALE, PARLATORIA PERGANDII COMSTOCK IN COMPARATIVE
      ANALYSIS OF FLUCTUATING POPULATION DENSITIES ON THREE CITRUS VARIETIES IN EL
      BEHEIRA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT.
AB  - Investigation throughout the subsequent years of 2011-2012 and 2012-2013
      indicated that chaff scale, P. pegandii is an important economic pest on citrus
      trees in Abou El-Matamer area, El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt. It has been
      recorded in relatively high rates all over the year on three citrus varieties
      called Succari, Baladi and Navel oranges. Field observation and recorded data
      revealed that the common abundance was recorded for chaff scale on Succari
      oranges followed by Navel oranges then the least abundant on Baladi oranges.
      Generally, the calculated data on Succari oranges showed that, the population of
      P. pergandii reached the maximum during July and there were five highly variation
      periods in both the growing seasons of 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. The maximal
      percent of pre and adult females was observed during Spring and early Summer and
      reached 100% of the total counted individuals during October and December in the
      first year, but in the second one a higher population was recorded during Summer
      and early Winter months. The adult males were observed during Summer and Autumn
      months. Results showed also that the relationship between daily mean temperature
      and population density of chaff scale was weak, insignificantly negative in the
      two growing seasons (2011-2012 and 2012-2013) and also insignificantly but
      positive with relative humidity. That relationship with wind speed indicated weak
      positive significance in the first year and strong in the second season. The
      relationship between dew point and insect population was weak of positive
      significance in both growing seasons.

PMID- 27145573
TI  - LANDSCAPE CHANGES IN A LOWLAND IN BENIN: ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ON PESTS AND NATURAL
      ENEMIES.
AB  - Habitat management involving conservative biological control could be a good crop
      pest management option in poor African countries. A survey was conducted from
      August 2013 to July 2014 in a rainfed lowland region near Pelebina, northern
      Benin, in order to characterize spatiotemporal landscape changes and investigate
      their influence on the main crop pests and their associated natural enemies. The
      area was mapped mainly regarding crop fields and fallows. Visual observations
      were recorded and a database was compiled. Major landscape composition changes
      were noted between rainy and dry seasons, which affected the presence of both
      pests and natural enemies. Cereals (rice, maize and sorghum) and cotton were
      grown in the humid season, and then okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) was the
      dominant vegetable crop in dry season. These modifications impacted fallow
      abundance throughout the lowland. Different cotton (e.g. Helicoverpa armigera,
      Dysdercus sp., Zonocerus variegatus) or rice (e.g. Diopsis longicornis, D.
      apicalis) pests were observed during dry season in okra crops. Dry season surveys
      of Poaceae in two types of fallows ('humid', 'dry') revealed the presence of very
      few stem borers: only 0.04% of stems sampled were infested by stem borers, with a
      mean of 1.13 larvae per stem. Known cereal stem borer species such as Busseola
      fusco, Coniesta ignefusalis, Sesamia calamistis were not clearly identified among
      these larvae because of their diapausing stage and white color. Unexpected
      pollinators (Hymenoptera Apidae, genus Braunsapis, Ceratina and Xylocopa) and
      predators (Crabronidae, genus Dasyproctus) were found in the stems. Sweep-net
      collection of insects in humid fallows allowed us to describe for the first time
      in Benin seven Diopsidae species (23% of adults bearing Laboulbeniomycetes
      ectoparasitic fungi). Some of these species were captured in rice fields during
      rainy season. Parasitoids (adult Chalcidoidae and Ichneumonoidae) were observed
      during both seasons but their impact on stem borers was hard to determine, even
      during the rainy season, due to their low abundance and the difficulty of
      identification. Predators (Reduviidae, Odonata) were found mainly in humid
      fallows and rice fields. Regarding our observations, we suggest the presence of
      alternate host crops such as okra during the dry season for rainy season crop
      pests. Moreover, fallows also had a real ecological role as a habitat resource
      for many guilds of insects (pollinators, pests, predators). The management of
      these landscape components should be the focus of a long-term study with the aim
      of enhancing pest management of rainy season crop pests.

PMID- 27145574
TI  - TOXICITY OF SEVERAL FUNGICIDES FOR ORANGE WHEAT BLOSSOM MIDGE, SITODIPLOSIS
      MOSELLANA (GEHIN) (DIPTERA: CECIDOMYIIDAE).
AB  - The orange wheat blossom midge, Sitadiplosis mosellano (Gehin) (Diptera:
      Cecidomyiidae), can cause severe losses in wheat grain yield and quality. This
      pest is known to be susceptible to many insecticides, but various field
      observations have suggested that some fungicides could also significantly affect
      S. mosellana. In order to confirm these field observations, the effect on adult
      midges of several fungicides commonly applied to wheat crops was investigated in
      the laboratory and in small plots in the field. In each experiment, the
      fungicides were compared with a positive (insecticide) and a negative control
      (water). Four fungicides were assessed in the laboratory, each with five doses
      based on basis of a tenfold dilution starting at the field-recommended dose. The
      mortality rate was evaluated after 24 hours and the lethal dose 50% (LD50) was
      determined for each product. In the field, six fungicides were tested at the
      recommended dose. The effect of each product was compared on the basis of the
      number of S. mosellana adults caught alive with an insect vacuum sampler
      (Vortis(r)) on the morning after the treatments. Both experiments showed a
      significant effect of several fungicides tested on S. mosellana adults.
      Chlorothalonil was not toxic for S. mosellana, but tebuconazole, fluxapyroxad and
      azoxystrobin all induced significant mortality rates.

PMID- 27145575
TI  - ERGOGRAPHY-RATIONAL METHOD FOR HANDLING AND EXTRACTING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN
      BIBLIOGRAPHIES OF PROLIFIC AUTHORS.
AB  - Ergography is a novel technique invented in 2003 by the first author in his
      attempts to understand, analyze, and quantify at one glance the work of creative
      scientists without reading through lengthy, usually boring laudations of invited
      speakers. Traditional enumeration of accomplishments is helpful but less than
      satisfactory. Simple descriptive texts often do not satisfactorily answer the
      question of how, when and why certain observations and theories were established
      and how they influenced the development and advance of scientific fields at
      large. Five influential entomologists, R.L. Metcalf, H. Schmutterer, P. Karlson,
      T. Eisner and E.O. Wilson, as well as two biochemists, A. Butenandt and F. Lynen,
      a few of them still alive, were selected as targets to gain some experience with
      the new technique superficially resembling chromatograms or spectra. Pretty soon,
      it became clear that the "when" is easy to answer and follows from simple time
      diagrams. More difficult is the analysis of the "how" and "why" and "under whose
      influence" certain subject areas were pursued. Even more difficult to analyze is
      the impact, if any, certain papers had on subsequent authors and to what extent
      the "memes" influence contemporary or future authors within and outside
      established research schools of thought. Ergographic analysis is an ongoing
      project that learns its rules by trying and doing. It links the forefront of
      research to the task of the science historian who is looking back over
      considerable distances. Ergographists try to speed up this process by the tools
      of analyzing working patterns and hopefully finding similarities and signs of
      influences in other schools of thought. In the virtual absence of suitable
      critical electronic software with semantic resolution power, ergography is still
      a matter of personal enterprise, curiosity, intuition, and willingness to follow
      with a prepared mind the paths investigated before by ingenious talent and make
      them more transparent.

PMID- 27145576
TI  - THE EFFECT OF COLD STORAGE OF POTTED AZALEA ON BROAD MITE INFECTION.
AB  - In potted azalea (Rhododendron simsii hybrids) the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus
      latus (Banks) is considered a severe pest with an important economic impact.
      Although chemical control is available, permitted acaricides are limited and have
      a restricted number of applications. Therefore, growers have a keen interest in
      alternative control measures. Recently, research on the behaviour and population
      dynamics of P. latus on azalea leaf disks stored at different temperatures
      indicated that survival and reproductive capacity of broad mite is reduced
      drastically when temperature drops below 7 degrees C. In Flanders, storage of
      azalea plants at 3 degrees C is common practice to pause flower development (in
      function of the date that plants have to be ready for sale) before forcing them
      to flower in a heated greenhouse. Hence, an experiment was set-up to verify and
      quantify the effect of cold storage of azalea on broad mite infection. Azalea
      plants were infected with P. latus and stored at 3 degrees C for 2, 3 or 4 weeks.
      Then, plants were transferred to a heated greenhouse for 2 weeks to check whether
      surviving female broad mites were still able to reproduce. The number of P. latus
      on azalea was assessed before cold treatment, immediately after treatment, and 2
      weeks after transfer to the heated greenhouse. Results confirmed that cold
      storage can play a role in broad mite control as the P. latus population was
      significantly reduced (up to 90%) immediately after treatment. A further decrease
      in the number of P. latus during storage in the heated greenhouse indicated that
      cold treatment during 4 weeks had also an effect on the reproduction capacity of
      P. latus. We conclude that cold storage of azalea plants (at least 4 weeks at
      maximum 3 degrees C) should be considered as an additional and alternative
      control method for P. latus at the end of the azalea production cycle.

PMID- 27145578
TI  - PHYTOPLASMAS IN POME FRUIT TREES: UPDATE OF THEIR PRESENCE AND THEIR VECTORS IN
      BELGIUM.
AB  - Among the numerous diseases that can attack pome fruit trees, apple proliferation
      and pear decline, both caused by a phytoplasma ('Candidatus Phytoplasma mali'
      (AP) and 'Ca. P. pyri' (PD), respectively), may result into important losses of
      quality and quantity of the crop. Until a few years ago, no scientific and
      reliable data on their presence in Belgium was available and so a 2-year survey
      was organised to obtain more detailed information on the status of both
      pathogens. Root and leaf samples collected in commercial orchards were analysed
      using molecular detection tools and tested positive for both phytoplasmas.
      Additionally, the presence and infectivity of Psyllidae, vectors of AP and PD,
      was assessed during this survey but no infected Cacopsylla-species were found.
      Lab trials revealed its vector capacity at the end of summer and autumn and its
      migration pattern 80 m in line and 10.5 m across trees in an orchard.

PMID- 27145577
TI  - SIDE-EFFECTS OF COMMONLY USED CROP PROTECTION PRODUCTS IN PEAR ON TWO BENEFICIAL
      MIRIDAE BUGS.
AB  - Anthocoris nemoralis, Anthocoris nemorum and Orius spp. are not the only
      beneficial predatory bugs inhabiting pear orchards in Belgium. Quite often, the
      Miridae bugs Heterotoma spp. and Pilophorus spp. can be found during spring and
      summer in these orchards, thereby feeding on several pests such as psyllids,
      aphids, spider mites, ... . Side-effects are usually assessed on Anthocoris and
      Orius spp., but due to the potential importance of Miridae bugs in pest
      reduction, we tested some commonly used crop protection products used in pear
      cultivation on Heterotoma planicornis and Pilophorus perplexus (residue-based
      tests in petri-dishes). One day after treatment, mortalities already could be
      observed for some products. Seven days after treatment, abamectin, deltamethrin
      and thiacloprid were considered the most toxic products as stated by the IOBC
      classification. This outcome was then analysed with regard to different treatment
      schedules, providing insights in potential side-effects on crop protection
      treatments on the composition of beneficial fauna in pear orchards.

PMID- 27145579
TI  - EFFICACY DATA OF CYANTRANILIPROLE CONTAINING INSECTICIDE PREPARATION ON CABBAGE
      ROOT FLY (DELIA RADICUM LINNAEUS) IN WINTER OILSEED RAPE.
AB  - The increasing pressure of oilseed rape pests emphasized the need to improve the
      insecticide portfolio, i.e. register new active ingredients with new insecticide
      mode of action. The tested seed treatment formulation applied at 32; 40 and 50
      UAT rate of containing cyantraniliprole as active substance. 40 UAT rate gives
      acceptable control of the Cabbage root fly in each trial. Despite the long
      lasting flight and egg laying period of cabbage root fly, the standard control
      products and also this product give 50-65% efficacy. It is enough to reduce
      damage of the Cabbage root fly and prevent economical damage in oilseed rape.

PMID- 27145580
TI  - ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGUS ENTOMOPHAGA MAIMAIGA AND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IN
      SERBIA.
AB  - During the latest outbreak of the gypsy moth in Serbia (2009-2014), some areas of
      Central Serbia were particularly endangered, and one of them was Krusevac region,
      where the forests give way to orchards in the pattern resembling the tiger's
      skin. Since the number of the laid egg masses in the autumn 2013 guaranteed the
      defoliation of both forest tree species and agricultural crops, and the presence
      of E. maimaigo, in Central Serbia had already been determined, at 30 selected
      plots the assisted spread of it was performed, through the introduction of the
      infectious inoculum in the beech and oak forests which border the orchards. Since
      there was dealt with the living organism--fungus, which is particularly
      susceptible to the weather conditions (temperature and air humidity, as well as
      the precipitation), and under the conditions of the global warming and great
      drought, the special recipe for the preparation of inoculum was made. In the
      following year the mass epizootic of the gypsy moth caterpillars, of the younger
      instars (L2 and L3), occurred, which implies that E. maimaiga caused the crash of
      the outbreak of this most harmful species of the defoliating insects of the
      forests and orchards.

PMID- 27145581
TI  - PROTECTION OF SWEET CORN FROM OSTRINIA NUBILALIS HBN. AND HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA
      HBN.
AB  - O. nubilalis and H. armigera regularly occur and cause significant damages in
      corn crops in Serbia, particularly under global warming conditions. Several
      measures are applied against these pests (crop rotation, tolerant and resistant
      hybrids, monitoring, forecast, chemical measures). Larvae damage stem, panicle
      and ear, which favour development of saprophytes and secondary infections by
      mycotoxin producing, pathogenic fungi. The aim of the paper was to test the
      efficacy of the insecticides azadirachtin and indoxacarb in sweet corn protection
      against the mentioned pests. The trials were conducted in 2014 at two localities
      (Becej B. and PoIjanice P.) on sweet corn, hybrid Enterprise according to
      standard OEPP methods (PP1/13; 1/152; 1/135). Products on the basis of
      azadirachtin (10 g a.i./I of product) at a rate of 0.4 and 0.5% and indoxacarb
      (150 g a.i./I of product) at a rate of 0.25 I/ha, were applied. Treatments were
      conducted on the 5th of August with tractor sprayers (high clearance). The plot
      size was 5000 m2. Three assessments were made. The first one prior to treatment,
      on 25 randomly selected plants per replicate, and the number of O. nubilalis and
      H. armigera egg masses and larvae on silk was registered. In the second
      assessment (18th of August), on 20 randomly selected plants per replicate, the
      number of damaged plants and the number of vital larvae was registered. In the
      third assessment, immediately before harvest (28th of August, i.e. 12th of
      September) on 20 randomly selected plants per replicate, the number of plants
      broken below ear (fallen on the ground), damaged ears and vital larvae, was
      determined. Results are presented as means, efficacy (E%) according to Abbott and
      significance of differences by LSD test (5%). At B locality egg masses of O.
      nubilalis were registered on ear silk on 13-19% of plants and larvae on 3-7%, and
      larvae of H. armigera on 2-4%. At P locality egg masses of O. nubilalis were
      present on 34-40.8% of plants. After 13 days from treatment, at B locality the
      percentage of damaged plants was 3.8-7.5% and at a significantly lower level
      compared to control where 40.0% of damaged plants was recorded. Vital larvae of
      O. nubilalis were present on 1.3-31% of plants, depending on the insecticide and
      application rate, and in the control on 41.3%. At P locality the percentage of
      damaged plants per treatment ranged from 20 to 46.3% depending on insecticide and
      application rate, and in the control 63.8%, and the presence of vital larvae of
      O. nubilalis on 16.3-21.3% of plants, and in the control on 53.5%. Immediately
      before harvest, at B locality azadirachtin efficacy, depending on application
      rate and counted parameters, was 88.5-92.5%; 66.7-72.9% and 69.1-75.2%. Efficacy
      of indoxacarb in general was 75-100%. At P locality, efficacy of azadirachtin
      depending on application rate and counted parameters, was 77.8-88.9%; 66.5-83.3%
      and 44.1-74.6%, while efficacy of this insecticide in general amounted 91.5-100%.

PMID- 27145582
TI  - EFFECTS OF AZADIRACHTIN ON CUTICULAR PROTEINS OF SPODOPTERA LITURA (LEPIDOPTERA:
      NOCTUIDAE) VIS-A-VIS THE MODES OF APPLICATION.
AB  - Azadirachtin is a known botanical insecticide with multiple modes of action.
      Whether these effects have any relation with the modes of application,
      specifically during ecdysis process, has been the objective of the present study
      and accordingly the impairment, if any, among cuticular proteins of Spodoptera
      litura (Fab.) was determined. Azadirachtin was applied topically, via injection
      or oral administration. Azadirachtin administered via injection and topical
      applications severely impaired the ecdysis by 86.67 and 80.0%, respectively.
      However, this impairment via oral administration was significantly lower
      (73.33%). Using SDS-PAGE, the cuticular proteins were determined for treated
      insects under all the three modes of application. In all cases 6 protein bands
      (MW 9-34 kDa) were identified using markers as standard. In all treatments 3
      induced proteins (MW. ~16, 20 and 23 kDa) and 1 reduced protein (~19 kDa) were
      observed. In case of the topical treatment a different induced protein of ~18 kDa
      was identified. The change in cuticular proteins, their possible role in ecdysis
      impairment vis-a-vis the mode of application of azadirachtin is being correlated.
      This will help in understanding the mode-of-action at cuticular level and also
      will allow developing a suitable application strategy under field conditions in
      insect pest management.

PMID- 27145583
TI  - [BIO-INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF ALPINIA GALANGA (L.) ON LARVAL DEVELOPMENT OF
      SPODOPTERA LITURA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE).
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess the bio-efficacy of four Alpinia galanga
      rhizome crude extracts against the second and third instars of Spodoptera litura,
      an important field pest. The growth of younger larvae was significantly affected
      while that of the older larval stage was less influenced. In both stages, the
      methanol crude extract showed the greatest efficiency which caused the highest
      number of abnormal adults to occur and produced a large LD50 value (12.816 ug/
      larvae) pupicidal percentage after treatment, whereas, hexane extract caused the
      highest mortality during the larval-pupal stage after treatment with an LD50
      value of 6.354 ug/ larvae. However, the larval development was not significantly
      different among all treated larvae compared to the control. This study suggests
      that secondary larval instars of S. litura are more susceptible to the larval
      growth inhibitory action of Alpinia galanga extracts and these extracts could
      also be applied for use in the management of pests.

PMID- 27145584
TI  - INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITIES OF THYMOL ON EGG PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE
      DIAMONDBACK MOTH, PLUTELLA XYLOSTELLA (LEPIDOPTERA).
AB  - The insecticidal activity of thymol was evaluated in the laboratory against third
      instar Plutella xylostella by topical application. Our previous results described
      mortality in P. xylostella by thymol and the present study continues
      investigation for its possible efficacy on egg production and development in
      surviving treated P. xylostella. Our results showed that thymol at a sublethal
      dose (0.43 ug/larvae, LD30) caused pupation inhibition, adult-emergence
      inhibition and abnormal adults at rates of 30, 33.33 and 23.33%, respectively.
      Moreover, the number of eggs was also reduced by 54.33%. These results showed
      that thymol was active against P. xylostella larvae and can effectively control
      this pest.

PMID- 27145585
TI  - TOXICITY OF THE SEEDS OF PHASEOLUS LATHYROIDES (LEGUMINOSAE) AGAINST SPODOPTERA
      LITURA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE).
AB  - The seeds of Phaseolus lathyroides were extracted with hexane, dichloromethane,
      ethyl acetate and methanol, respectively by Soxhlet apparatus. Each crude extract
      was examined for toxicity against the second instars of Spodoptera litura using a
      topical application method under laboratory conditions. The ethyl acetate extract
      showed the most effective mortality (LD50 = 11,964 and 9,169 ppm after treated at
      24 and 48 hours, respectively). Furthermore, in vivo enzyme based experiments
      revealed that acetylcholinesterase activity of survived S. litura (24 hours post
      treatment) was increased by 12% compared to control experiments. Our result
      showed the possibility to develop alternative strategies by using extract from
      the seeds of Phaseolus lathyroides for the control of S. litura.

PMID- 27145586
TI  - INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF PROTEIN EXTRACTS OBTAINED FROM BULBS OF CHILEAN
      AMARYLLIDACEAE AGAINST TRIALEURODES VAPORARIORUM WESTWOOD AND PSEUDOCOCCUS
      VIBURNI SIGNORET.
AB  - Entomotoxic proteins are produced by plants in defence against insect herbivory.
      Some carbohydrate-binding proteins exhibit strong insecticidal activity affecting
      the survival, growth, development and feeding behavior of phytophagous insects.
      The occurrence of entomotoxic lectins is well documented in the Amaryllidaceae, a
      plant family spread world-wide. In Chile, this family is represented by numerous
      species, many of which are also of high ornamental value. Protein extracts were
      obtained from bulbs of five different species of Chilean Amaryllidaceae. A dose
      response assay was carried out with two important pests: the greenhouse whitefly
      Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood and the mealybug Pseudococcus viburni
      Signoret. The extracts were offered to insects in a liquid artificial diet for
      three days and the mortality was scored. The Phycella australis Ravenna extract
      caused the highest insecticidal activity (T. vaporariorum LC50: 7200 ug/mL; P.
      viburni LC50: 9500 ug/mL). Applied at 1000 ug/mL in the diet the P. australis
      extract did not repel feeding of these pests. A mannose-binding lectin isolated
      from the bulbs of P. australis proved to be moderately toxic for these pests (T.
      vaporariorum LC50: 1127 ug/mL; P. viburni LC50: 2320 ug/mL).

PMID- 27145587
TI  - EFFECTS OF SOME BIOINSECTICIDES AND ENTOMOPATHOGENIC FUNGI ON COLORADO POTATO
      BEETLE (LEPTINOTARSA DECEMLINEATA L.).
AB  - In this study, biological activity of entomopathogenic fungi (4 strains) isolated
      from the Colorado potato beetle and the commercial biopesticides containing
      entomopathogenic fungi; Priority(r) (Paecilomyces fumosoroseus), Nibortem(r)
      (Verticillium lecanii), Nostalgist(r) (Beauveria bassiana), Bio-Magic*
      (Metarhizium anisopliae), Bio-Nematon* (Paeciliomyces sp.) and plant extracts;
      Nimbedicine EC* (Azadiractin) were determined against Leptinotarsa decemlineata
      under laboratory conditions. An Imidacloprid active ingredient commercial
      insecticide was also used to compare the insecticidal activity and distilled
      water was used as control. The biological control agents were applied to 2nd-3rd
      larval instars, 4th larval instars and adults with spray and leaf dipping
      methods. Single concentration (108 conidia/mL-1) of entomopathogenic fungi and
      recommended dose of bioinsecticides were prepared for application. The number of
      dead insects were determined at 3, 5, and 7 days after applications. Experiments
      were conducted at 25 +/-1 degrees  C and 60% +/- 5 relative humidity with 16:8 h
      light: dark conditions. Entomopathogenic fungi and bioinsecticides were found to
      be more effective on larval stage than 4th larval instars and adults. In spray
      methods, Bio-Magic(r), Nibortem(r), and Nostalgist(r) caused 96.4%, 92.9% and
      82.1% mortality on 2nd larval instars and 20%, 36.7% and 33.3% mortality on
      adults, respectively. All local fungal isolates (B. bassiana) applied on 2nd and
      4th larval instars caused 100% mortality. Adults showed 58.6-86.2% mortality.

PMID- 27145588
TI  - INTEGRATED WEED CONTROL IN MAIZE.
AB  - Integrated pest management has been implemented as a general practice by EU
      legislation. As weed control actually is the most important crop protection
      measure in maize for Western Europe, the new legislation will have its impact.
      The question is of course which systems can be successfully implemented in
      practice with respect to labour efficiency and economical parameters. During 3
      successive growing seasons (2007, 2008, 2009) weed control in maize was
      evaluated, the main focus was put on different techniques of integrated weed
      control and was compared with chemical weed control. Additionally, during 4
      successive growing seasons (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014) two objects based on
      integrated weed control and two objects based on mechanical weed control were
      compared to about twenty different objects of conventional chemical weed control.
      One of the objects based on mechanical weed control consisted of treatment with
      the flex-tine harrow before and after emergence in combination with chemical weed
      control at a reduced rate in 3-4 leave stage. The second one consisted of
      broadcast mechanical treatments before and after emergence followed by a final in
      row application of herbicides and an inter-row cultivation at 6-7(8) leave stage.
      All trials were conducted on the Experimental farm of Bottelare HoGent-UGent on a
      sandy loam soil. Maize was growing in 1/3 crop rotation. The effect on weed
      growth as well as the economic impact of the different applications was
      evaluated. Combining chemical and mechanical weed control is a possible option in
      conventional farming but the disadvantages must be taken into account. A better
      planned weed control based on the real present weed-population in combination
      with a carefully thought-out choice of herbicides should also be considered as an
      IPM--approach.

PMID- 27145589
TI  - RESISTANCE TO ALS-INHIBITING HERBICIDES IN WEED POPULATIONS FROM BELGIAN WHEAT
      FIELDS.
AB  - In modern agriculture, most farmers rely on herbicides for weed control. The
      intensive use of herbicides in crops has led to the development of herbicide
      resistance in numerous weeds worldwide. In Belgium, farmers have encountered
      problems with controlling populations of Alopecurus myosuroides, Matricaria
      recutita, Stellaria media and Popover rhoeas in some wheat fields with the
      conventionally used acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides. Dose
      response assays were conducted in the greenhouse to test the sensitivity of these
      populations to the key ALS-inhibiting herbicides mesosulfuron-methyl +
      iodosulfuron-methyl for A. myosuroides and metsulfuron-methyl and florasulam for
      M. recutita, S. media and P. rhoeas. The ED90- and ED50-values (effective dose
      for resp. 90% and 50% biomass reduction) were compared with those of sensitive
      reference populations and the resistance index (RI) was calculated. High levels
      of resistance were detected forA. myosuroides (RI: 24.3) after treatment with
      mesosulfuron-methyl and for M. recutita (RI: 36.4 to 49.5), S. media (RI > 20)
      and P. rhoeas (RI: 23.6) after treatment with metsulfuron-methyl. However, the
      metsulfuron-methyl resistant populations of M. recutita and S. media were
      sufficiently controlled with florasulam at the maximum authorised field dose.
      This was not the case for P. rhoeas. The metsulfuron-methyl resistant P. rhoeas
      population were also high-level resistant against florasulam (RI: 29.5).
      Integrated weed management practices (crop rotation, herbicide mixing, ...)
      should be applied to reduce the selection pressure for resistant weeds.

PMID- 27145590
TI  - EFFICACY OF METAMITRON IN APPLE THINNING IN SERBIA.
AB  - The thinning of fruits is a required pomotechnical measure in intensive fruit
      production which ensures the production of good quality fruits and high yields.
      Metamitron, known as inhibitor of photosynthesis, has been successfully used in
      the thinning of apple fruits. This study had the aim to determine the efficacy of
      metamitron on the thinning of apple fruits in the agroecological conditions of
      Serbia and to evaluate the possibility of its practical application. Two
      varieties of apples that are widely grown in Serbia, dared and Golden Delicious,
      have been chosen for this research. The experiments were carried out during 2011
      and 2012 according to the EPPO PP 1/158 (3) method. Metamitron has shown a good
      efficacy in the thinning of apple fruits. The effect of metamitron on the
      thinning of apple fruits depends on multiple factors, pri- marily the application
      dose, time of application, apple variety, but also on the number of fruits
      developed. The best efficacy on the Idared variety was in plots where metamitron
      was applied at a dose of 1.1 kg ha-1, once (in the growth stage when the fruits
      were 8 mm in diameter) or twice (in the growth stages when the fruits were 8 mm
      and 12 mm in diameter), when the number of developed fruits per tree is smaller,
      or 1.65 kg ha-1 applied once when the fruits are 12 mm in size when a larger
      number of fruits per tree is developed. On the Golden Delicious variety, the best
      efficacy was in treatments when metamitron was applied twice (in the growth
      stages when the fruits were 8 mm and 12 mm in diameter) in quantities of 1.1 kg
      ha-1, when less fruits per tree were formed or 1.65 kg ha-1, applied once or
      twice when a larger number of fruits per tree were formed.

PMID- 27145591
TI  - EASTERN DODDER (CUSCUTA MONOGYNA VAHL.) SEED GERMINATION AFFECTED BY SOME
      HERBACEOUS DISTILLATES.
AB  - Eastern dodder (Cuscuta monogyna Vahl.) is one of the noxious parasitic weeds
      that infected many ornamental trees in green spaces and gardens. Our purpose is
      to find natural inhibitors for prevention of its seed germination. In order to
      reach this aim, laboratory studies were conducted by using of herbaceous
      distillates of Dracocephalum moldavica, Nasturtium officinalis, Malva neglecta,
      Mentha piperita, Mentha pulegium, Rosa damascene, Ziziphora tenuior, and Urtica
      dioica on seed germination of C. monogyna. Z. tenuior distillate stimulated C.
      monogyna seed germination, whereas others reduced this parasitic weed's seed
      germination. D. moldavica caused maximum inhibition on weed seed germination.
      Seedling growth of C. monogyna was more affected than its seed germination. All
      of these herbaceous distillates reduced C. monogyna seedling length so that the
      latter decreased from 28.2 mm in distilled water to 4.5, 3.97, 3.85, 3.67, 3.1,
      2.87, 2.57, 1.9, and 1.17 in M. pulegium, M. piperita, F. officinalis, Z.
      tenuior, N. officinalis, M. neglecta, R. damascene, U. dioica and D. moldavica,
      respectively. By using these medicinal plants distillates instead of herbicides,
      the parasitic weed seedling length and host plant infection will reduce.

PMID- 27145592
TI  - RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SOME SOIL PARAMETERS AND WEED COMMUNITY (CASE STUDY: WINTER
      WHEAT FIELDS OF UREMIA-IRAN).
AB  - In order to find relationships between weed species distribution and soil pH,
      calcium carbonate (CaCO3), electrical conductivity (EC), and organic matter
      percentage (OM %), fields surveys were done in 50 wheats (Triticum aestivum L.)
      fields of Uremia county (one of the northwest counties of Iran) in 2013. Data
      sampling of weeds was conducted from the beginning of stem elongation until the
      end of heading stages of wheat. In each field, 20 quadrates (0.25 m2) were
      randomly placed along a "W" pattern (5 quadrates in each line of this pattern)
      and in each quadrat, weed species were coded and recorded (density and cover
      percentage) for subsequent data entry and analysis. Canonical correspondence
      analysis (CCA) was used to find relationships between presence and absence of
      weeds in wheat fields and some of soil parameters. A total 169 weed species
      belonging to 35 plant families were recorded. CCA showed that four soil factors
      including soil pH, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), electrical conductivity (EC), and
      organic matter percentage (OM %) showed 58.6 percentage of weed species
      distribution variance. Abutilon theophrasti Medicus, Datura stramonium L., Malva
      neglecta Wallr., Portulaca oleracea L., Sisymbrium irio L., Atriplex patulum
      (L.). Aellen., and Heliotropium europaeum L. had maximum correlation with soil's
      pH. Euphorbia peplus L. and Salvia spinosa L. had negative correlation with pH,
      so that increasing pH caused reduction in the presence of these weeds. The
      presence of Chondrilla juncea L., Lepidium perfoliatum L., and Turgenia latifolia
      (L.) Hoff in the center of CCA biplot indicated that these weeds were correlated
      with all of these soil parameters.

PMID- 27145593
TI  - [SYNTHETIC PEPTIDE VACCINES].
AB  - An update on the development and trials of synthetic peptide vaccines is
      reviewed. The review considers the successful examples of specific protection as
      a result of immunization with synthetic peptides using various protocols. The
      importance of conformation for the immunogenicity of the peptide is pointed out.
      An alternative strategy of the protection of the organism against the infection
      using synthetic peptides is suggested.

PMID- 27145594
TI  - [VACCINE-ASSOCIATED PARALYTIC POLIOMYELITIS IN RUSSIAN FEDERATION DURING THE
      PERIOD OF CHANGES IN VACCINATION SCHEDULE (2006-2013 yy.)].
AB  - The results of virologic testing of clinical materials and epidemiological
      analysis of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) cases obtained in
      2006-2013 during AFP surveillance are presented. Among the 2976 cases of AFP 30
      cases were VAPP. 15 cases were observed in OPV recipients, whereas 15 cases were
      observed in non-vaccinated contacts. The age of the patients varied from 4 months
      to 5.5 years (13.6 +/- 12.4 months old). Children younger than 1 year constituted
      63.3% of the group; boys were dominant (73.3%); 53.3% of children were vaccinated
      with OPV; the time period between receipt of OPV and onset of palsy was from 2 to
      32 days (18.7 +/- 8.2). Lower paraparesis was documented in 48.3% of patients;
      lower monoparesis in 37.9%; upper monoparesis, in 6.9%; tetraparesis with bulbar
      syndrome, in 6%. The majority of the patients (85.7%) had an unfavorable
      premorbid status. The violations of the humoral immunity were found in 73.9%
      cases: CVID (52.9%), hypogammaglobulinemia (41.2%); selective lgA deflciency
      (5.9%). In 70.6% cases damage to humoral immunity was combined with poor
      premorbid status. The most frequently observed (76%, p < 0.05) represented the
      single type of poliovirus--type 2 (44%) and type 3 (32%). All strains were of the
      vaccine origin, the divergence from the homotypic Sabin strains fell within the
      region of the gene encoding VPI protein, which did not exceed 0.5% of nucleotide
      substitutions except vaccine derived poliovirus type 2--multiple recombinant
      (type 2/type 3/ type 2/type 1) with the degree of the divergence of 1.44%
      isolated from 6-month old unvaccinated child (RUS08063034001). The frequency of
      the VAPP cases was a total of 1 case per 3.4 million doses of distributed OPV in
      2006-2013; 2.2 cases per 1 million of newborns were observed. This frequency
      decreased after the introduction of the sequential scheme of vaccination (IPV,
      OPV) in 2008-2013 as compared with the period of exclusive use of OPV in 2006
      2007: 1 case per 4.9 million doses, 1.4 cases per million newborns and 1 case per
      1.9 million doses, 4.9 cases per 1 million newborns, respectively. The study has
      been financed from Russian Federation budget within the framework of the Program
      for eradication of poliomyelitis in the Russian Federation, WHO Polio eradication
      initiative, WHO's European Regional Bureau, Russian Foundation for Basic Research
      (project No. 15-15-00147).

PMID- 27145595
TI  - [DEVELOPMENT OF THE QUADRIVALENT LIVE ATTENUATED INFLUENZA VACCINE INCLUDING TWO
      INFLUENZA B LINEAGES--VICTORIA AND YAMAGATA].
AB  - This work is devoted to the research of the live attenuated influenza vaccine
      (LAIV) comprising two reassortant B/USSR/60/69-based vaccine influenza viruses
      Victoria and Yamagata. The intranasal immunization of the CBA mice with both
      Victoria and Yamagata strains induced 100% lung protection against the subsequent
      infection with the wild-type influenza B viruses of any antigen lineage. The
      quadrivalent LAIV (qLAIV) comprising both reassortant influenza B viruses
      Victoria and Yamagata were safe and areactogenic in adult volunteers. Following
      qLAIV administration the immune response was achieved to both Victoria and
      Yamagata lineages.

PMID- 27145596
TI  - [AVIAN RECOMBINANT VIRUS H5N1 INFLUENZA (A/VIETNAM/1203/04) AND ITS ESCAPE-MUTANT
      m13(13) INDUCE EARLY SIGNALING REACTIONS OF THE IMMUNITY IN HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES].
AB  - The innate immune receptors TLR4, TLR7, TLR8, and RIG1 recognized the structures
      of the influenza viruses in human lymphocytes and were activated by the
      recombinant avian influenza virus A/Vietnam/1203/04 and its escape-mutant m13(13)
      during early period of interaction. The stimulated levels are not connected with
      viral reproduction. Donor cells with the low constitutive immune receptors gene
      expression levels showed higher stimulation. Inflammation virus effects resulted
      in. increasing production of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma by lymphocytes. Signaling
      gene reactions of the parent and mutant viruses endosomal as well as cytoplasmic
      receptors are very similar. The mutant virus A/Vietnam/1203/04 (HA S145F),
      stimulated an increase in the transcription level of the membrane receptor gene
      TLR4 and a decrease in the level of activation of TNF-alpha gene. Further studies
      of natural influenza virus isolates are necessary to estimate the role of HA
      antigenic changes on immune reactions in humans.

PMID- 27145598
TI  - [EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF THE HANTAVIRUS SURVIVAL IN COMPLEXES WITH ENVIRONMENTAL
      SUBSTRATES].
AB  - Survival of viruses in the environment is a very important problem in
      epidemiology, especially for infections with indirect transmission. This work
      describes the results of the experimental study of adsorption and survival of the
      hantavirus on different environmental substrates (natural organic and inorganic
      sorbents). Bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution (5-10%) was effective in the
      hantavirus elution and phosphate-buffer saline (PBS) pH- 7,2 was optimal for
      elution of specific RNA. Potential survival of the infectious hantavirus on
      environmental substrates was observed within up to 14 days at +4 degrees C.

PMID- 27145597
TI  - [ANTIVIRAL ACTIVITY OF THE DIHYDROQUERCETIN DURING THE COXSACKIEVIRUS B4
      REPLICATION IN VITRO].
AB  - A study of the antiviral activity of antioxidants against viral infections is
      believed to be essential for creating complex antiviral agents. Dihydroquercetin
      is considered as the most active antioxidant extracted from Larix gmelinii. In
      this work, we present results of experiments of the antiviral properties of
      dihydroquercetin against a member of the family Picarnaviridae--Coxsackievirus B4
      in vitro. We have estimated that dihydroquercetin reduces viral titers at 100
      ug/ml concentration as compared with control of virus. We have shown using the
      plaque assay that CPE of virusis reduced in the presence of dihydroquercetin at
      100 ug/ml. Study of the phase of viral lifecycle, in which dihydroquercetin
      acted, demonstrated that the highest efficacy of the antiviral therapy was
      reached at early stages of virus reproduction (1-3 hours post infection). These
      results show that dihydroquercetin has antiviralproperty against Coxsackievirus
      B4. This drug and other antioxidants can be tested as inhibitors of viral
      replication.

PMID- 27145599
TI  - [CLINICAL AND PHARMACOECONOMIC RESULTS OF THE USAGE OF VARIOUS HIV REVERSE
      TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITORS IN THE SCHEMES OF ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY OF PATIENT
      RECEIVING THERAPY FOR THE CHRONIC HEPATITIS C VIRUS].
AB  - Efficacy, safety, and economical aspects of treatment with abacavir, zidovudine,
      stavudine, and phosphazide in the schemes of antiretroviral therapy of the HIV
      infected patients receiving therapy for hepatitis C virus were tested. Clinical,
      immunological, and virologic efficacy of treatment and dynamics of hemoglobin,
      thrombocytes, and alanine aminotransferase as markers of common adverse events
      recorded at the start of the antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C and after
      4, 8, 12, 24, 48 weeks of the treatment were evaluated. The usage of these drugs
      in the schemes of antiretroviral therapy exhibited efficacy, high tolerability
      and safety for all HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

PMID- 27145600
TI  - [CYTOKINES DURING THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION TYPE 1(HIV-1)].
AB  - In this work the proinflammatory (IL-1beta, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2) and anti
      inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10) plasma cytokine levels were evaluated in HIV-infected
      patients with or without antiretroviral treatment (ART). IFN-gamma was detected
      in 94% samples with and without ART, TNF-alpha in 88% and IL-2 in 38% samples
      without ART, as well as in 12% and 30% samples with ART, respectively. Positive
      correlation was detected between viral RNA and IFN-gamma levels (rs = 0.13) and
      negative correlation (rs = -0.242) in the patients without or with ART.
      Cosecretion of three cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2) was detected in 31%
      samples and two cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) in 35% samples of persons
      without ART. Cosecretion of three cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-2) was
      detected in 20% samples with ART; cosecretion of IFN-gamma and IL-2 was detected
      in 10% samples. The higher percentage of the proinflammatory cytokines with
      cosecretion was detected in plasma HIV-infected patients without ART in the
      course of 6 and more years, which suggests that their immune system is able to
      provide disease control.

PMID- 27145601
TI  - [IDENTIFICATION OF THE INFECTIOUS PANCREATIC NECROSIS VIRUS (IPNV) USING THE
      ENZYME IMMUNOASSAY].
AB  - The infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) caused by a non-enveloped virus of the
      Birnaviridae family is one of the most important loss factors in the salmonid
      aquaculture. Virus isolation in the sensitive cell cultures has been approved in
      the Russian Federation as the diagnostic method for determination of IPNV
      antigen. This work gives the results of the development of the diagnostic test to
      reveal IPNV using the antigen-bound ELISA (sandwich ELISA). The developed test
      supplements a new diagnostic method and verifies some disputable results obtained
      with classical methods.

PMID- 27145602
TI  - [A STUDY OF THE ISOLATED BACTERIOPHAGE PhiAB-SP7 ADSORPTION ON THE CELL SURFACE
      OF THE AZOSPIRILLUM BRASILENSE SP7].
AB  - The bacteriophage PhiAb-Sp7 was isolated from the cells of the Azospirillum
      brasilense Sp7. The morphology, size of the gram-negative colonies, and range of
      lytic activity against other strains and species of the genus Azospirillum was
      tested. The isolated phage DNA was examined using electrophoretic and restriction
      analysis, and the size of the genome were established. The electron microscopy.
      resuIts show that the phage (capsid) has a strand-like form. The electron
      microscopy study of the bacteriophage PhiAb-Sp7 adsorption on the A. brasilense
      Sp7 bacterial surface was performed.

PMID- 27145603
TI  - Instantaneous threat escape and differentiated refuge demand among zooplankton
      taxa.
AB  - Most animals, including aquatic crustacean zooplankton, perform strong avoidance
      movements when exposed to a threat, such as ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We here
      show that the genera Daphnia and Bosmina instantly adjust their vertical position
      in the water in accordance with the present UVR threat, i.e., seek refuge in
      deeper waters, whereas other taxa show less response to the threat. Moreover,
      Daphnia repeatedly respond to UVR pulses, suggesting that they spend more energy
      on movement than more stationary taxa, for example, during days with fluctuating
      cloud cover, illustrating nonlethal effects in avoiding UVR threat. Accordingly,
      we also show that the taxa with the most contrasting behavioral responses differ
      considerably in photoprotection, suggesting different morphological and
      behavioral strategies in handling the UVR threat. In a broader context, our
      studies on individual and taxa specific responses to UVR provide insights into
      observed spatial and temporal distribution in natural ecosystems.

PMID- 27145604
TI  - Improving phylogenetic regression under complex evolutionary models.
AB  - Phylogenetic Generalized Least Square (PGLS) is the tool of choice among
      phylogenetic comparative methods to measure the correlation between species
      features such as morphological and life-history traits or niche characteristics.
      In its usual form, it assumes that the residual variation follows a homogenous
      model of evolution across the branches of the phylogenetic tree. Since a
      homogenous model of evolution is unlikely to be realistic in nature, we explored
      the robustness of the phylogenetic regression when this assumption is violated.
      We did so by simulating a set of traits under various heterogeneous models of
      evolution, and evaluating the statistical performance (type I error [the
      percentage of tests based on samples that incorrectly rejected a true null
      hypothesis] and power [the percentage of tests that correctly rejected a false
      null hypothesis]) of classical phylogenetic regression. We found that PGLS has
      good power but unacceptable type I error rates. This finding is important since
      this method has been increasingly used in comparative analyses over the last
      decade. To address this issue, we propose a simple solution based on transforming
      the underlying variance-covariance matrix to adjust for model heterogeneity
      within PGLS. We suggest that heterogeneous rates of evolution might be
      particularly prevalent in large phylogenetic trees, while most current approaches
      assume a homogenous rate of evolution. Our analysis demonstrates that overlooking
      rate heterogeneity can result in inflated type I errors, thus misleading
      comparative analyses. We show that it is possible to correct for this bias even
      when the underlying model of evolution is not known a priori.

PMID- 27145605
TI  - Plant-soil feedback in East-African savanna trees.
AB  - Research in savannas has focused on tree-grass interactions, whereas tree species
      coexistence received little attention. A leading hypothesis to explain tree
      coexistence is the Janzen-Connell model, which proposes an accumulation of host
      specific enemies, e.g., soil organisms. While it has been shown in several non
      savanna case studies that seedlings dispersed away from the mother perform better
      than seedlings that stay close (home-away effect), few studies tested whether
      foreign seedling species can replace own seedlings under conspecific adults
      (replacement effect). Some studies additionally tested for negative effects of
      conspecific biota (conspecific effect) to demonstrate the accumulation of
      enemies. We tested these effects by reciprocally growing seedlings of four tree
      species on soil collected beneath adults of all species, with and without
      applying a soil sterilization treatment. We found negative home-away effects
      suggesting that dispersal is advantageous and negative replacement effects
      suggesting species replacement under adults. While negative conspecific effects
      indicate accumulated enemies, positive heterospecific effects indicate an
      accumulation of mutualists rather than enemies for some species. We suggest that
      plant-soil feedbacks may well contribute to tree coexistence in savannas due to
      both negative conspecific and positive heterospecific feedbacks.

PMID- 27145606
TI  - The ecological impacts of marine debris: unraveling the demonstrated evidence
      from what is perceived.
AB  - Anthropogenic debris contaminates marine habitats globally, leading to several
      perceived ecological impacts. Here, we critically and systematically review the
      literature regarding impacts of debris from several scientific fields to
      understand the weight of evidence regarding the ecological impacts of marine
      debris. We quantified perceived and demonstrated impacts across several levels of
      biological organization that make up the ecosystem and found 366 perceived
      threats of debris across all levels. Two hundred and ninety-six of these
      perceived threats were tested, 83% of which were demonstrated. The majority (82%)
      of demonstrated impacts were due to plastic, relative to other materials (e.g.,
      metals, glass) and largely (89%) at suborganismal levels (e.g., molecular,
      cellular, tissue). The remaining impacts, demonstrated at higher levels of
      organization (i.e., death to individual organisms, changes in assemblages), were
      largely due to plastic marine debris (> 1 mm; e.g., rope, straws, and fragments).
      Thus, we show evidence of ecological impacts from marine debris, but conclude
      that the quantity and quality of research requires improvement to allow the risk
      of ecological impacts of marine debris to be determined with precision. Still,
      our systematic review suggests that sufficient evidence exists for decision
      makers to begin to mitigate problematic plastic debris now, to avoid risk of
      irreversible harm.

PMID- 27145607
TI  - Nutrient limitation in tropical savannas across multiple scales and mechanisms.
AB  - Nutrients have been hypothesized to influence the distribution of the savanna
      biome through two possible mechanisms. Low nutrient availability may restrict
      growth rates of trees, thereby allowing for intermittent fires to maintain low
      tree cover; alternatively, nutrient deficiency may even place an absolute
      constraint on the ability of forests to form, independent of fire. However, we
      have little understanding of the scales at which nutrient limitation operates,
      what nutrients are limiting, and the mechanisms that influence how nutrient
      limitation regulates savanna-forest transitions. Here, I review literature,
      synthesize existing data, and present a simple calculation of nutrient demand to
      evaluate how nutrient limitation may regulate the distribution of the savanna
      biome. The literature primarily supports the hypothesis that nutrients may
      interact dynamically with fire to restrict the transition of savanna into forest.
      A compilation of indirect metrics of nutrient limitation suggest that nitrogen
      and phosphorus are both in short supply and may limit plants. Nutrient demand
      calculations provided a number of insights. First, trees required high rates of
      nitrogen and phosphorus supply relative to empirically determined inputs. Second,
      nutrient demand increased as landscapes approached the transition point between
      savanna and forest. Third, the potential for fire-driven nutrient losses remained
      high throughout transitions, which may exaggerate limitation and could be a key
      feedback stabilizing the savanna biome. Fourth, nutrient limitation varied
      between functional groups, with fast-growing forest species having substantially
      greater nutrient demand and a higher susceptibility to fire-driven nutrient
      losses. Finally, African savanna trees required substantially larger amounts of
      nutrients supplied at greater rates, although this varied across plant functional
      groups. In summary, the ability of nutrients to control transitions emerges at
      individual and landscape scales, and is regulated through different mechanisms
      based on spatial (differences in underlying geology), temporal (stage in biome
      transition) and biological (species traits and community composition)
      variability.

PMID- 27145608
TI  - Nectar chemistry mediates the behavior of parasitized bees: consequences for
      plant fitness.
AB  - Plants produce an array of secondary metabolites that play important ecological
      roles as anti-herbivore and anti-pathogen defenses. Many herbivores experience
      physiological costs when they consume secondary metabolites, yet some also
      benefit, for example when these chemicals confer resistance to parasites and
      predators. Secondary metabolites are often present in nectar and pollen, which is
      paradoxical given that floral rewards are important in the attraction of
      mutualists rather than deterrence of antagonists. Motivated by studies of
      interactions among plants, herbivores, and parasites, as well as research showing
      that secondary metabolites can reduce bee disease, we characterized the
      occurrence of two iridoid glycosides, aucubin and catalpol, in floral rewards and
      other tissues of the bee pollinated plant, Chelone glabra. We then experimentally
      investigated effects of nectar iridoid glycoside concentrations on the foraging
      behavior of bumble bee pollinators naturally afflicted by a parasitoid fly and a
      protozoan intestinal parasite, and subsequent effects on an estimate of plant
      reproduction. We found that floral nectar had lower iridoid glycoside
      concentrations than leaves, pollen, and corollas, and that, compared to those
      plant parts, the relative ratio of the two primary iridoid glycosides, aucubin
      and catalpol, was reversed in nectar. Whether bees carried parasitoid fly larvae
      did not affect their response to nectar chemistry; however, there was a
      significant interaction between protozoan parasite infection and nectar
      treatment, with infected bees foraging longer at flowers with high compared to
      low nectar iridoid glycoside concentrations. Parasitized bees were also more
      likely to return to inflorescences with high iridoid glycoside nectar.
      Consequently, flowers in the high iridoid glycoside nectar treatment donated
      significantly more pollen to conspecific stigmas than did flowers in the low
      iridoid glycoside treatment, suggesting an increase in male plant fitness. Taken
      together, these results demonstrate that nectar secondary metabolites can mediate
      the behavior of pollinators with subsequent benefits for estimates of plant
      reproduction.

PMID- 27145609
TI  - Direct and indirect trophic effects of predator depletion on basal trophic
      levels.
AB  - Human population growth and development have heavily degraded coastal ecosystems
      with cascading impacts across multiple trophic levels. Understanding both the
      direct and indirect trophic effects of human activities is important for coastal
      conservation. In New England, recreational overfishing has triggered a regional
      trophic cascade. Predator depletion releases the herbivorous purple marsh crab
      from consumer control and leads to overgrazing of marsh cordgrass and salt marsh
      die-off. The direct and indirect trophic effects of predator depletion on basal
      trophic levels, however, are not understood. Using observational and experimental
      data, we examined the hypotheses that (1) direct trophic effects of predator
      depletion decrease meiofaunal abundance by releasing deposit feeding fiddler
      crabs from consumer control, and/or (2) indirect trophic effects of predator
      depletion increase meiofaunal abundance by releasing blue carbon via the erosion
      of centuries of accreted marsh peat. Experimental deposit feeder removal led to
      23% higher meiofaunal density at die-off than at healthy sites, while
      reciprocally transplanting sediment from die-off and healthy sites revealed that
      carbon-rich die-off sediment increased meiofauna density by over 164%: six times
      stronger than direct trophic effects. Recovering sites had both carbon-rich
      sediment and reduced deposit feeding leading to higher meiofauna densities than
      both die-off and healthy sites. This suggests that consequences of the trophic
      downgrading of coastal habitats can be driven by both direct and indirect trophic
      mechanisms that may vary in direction and magnitude, making their elucidation
      dependent on experimental manipulations.

PMID- 27145610
TI  - Stochastic dilution effects weaken deterministic effects of niche-based processes
      in species rich forests.
AB  - Recent theory predicts that stochastic dilution effects may result in species
      rich communities with statistically independent species spatial distributions,
      even if the underlying ecological processes structuring the community are driven
      by deterministic niche differences. Stochastic dilution is a consequence of the
      stochastic geometry of biodiversity where the identities of the nearest neighbors
      of individuals of a given species are largely unpredictable. Under such
      circumstances, the outcome of deterministic species interactions may vary greatly
      among individuals of a given species. Consequently, nonrandom patterns in the
      biotic neighborhoods of species, which might be expected from coexistence or
      community assembly theory (e.g., individuals of a given species are neighbored by
      phylogenetically similar species), are weakened or do not emerge, resulting in
      statistical independence of species spatial distributions. We used data on
      phylogenetic and functional similarity of tree species in five large forest
      dynamics plots located across a gradient of species richness to test predictions
      of the stochastic dilution hypothesis. To quantify the biotic neighborhood of a
      focal species we used the mean phylogenetic (or functional) dissimilarity of the
      individuals of the focal species to all species within a local neighborhood. We
      then compared the biotic neighborhood of species to predictions from stochastic
      null models to test if a focal species was surrounded by more or less similar
      species than expected by chance. The proportions of focal species that showed
      spatial independence with respect to their biotic neighborhoods increased with
      total species richness. Locally dominant, high-abundance species were more likely
      to be surrounded by species that were statistically more similar or more
      dissimilar than expected by chance. Our results suggest that stochasticity may
      play a stronger role in shaping the spatial structure of species rich tropical
      forest communities than it does in species poorer forests. These findings
      represent an important step towards understanding the factors that govern the
      spatial configuration of local biotic communities. The stochastic dilution effect
      is a simple geometric mechanism that can explain why species' spatial
      distributions in species-rich communities approximate independence from their
      biotic neighborhood, even if deterministic niche processes are in effect.

PMID- 27145611
TI  - Identifying consumer-resource population dynamics using paleoecological data.
AB  - Ecologists have long been fascinated by cyclic population fluctuations, because
      they suggest strong interactions between exploiter and victim species.
      Nonetheless, even for populations showing high-amplitude fluctuations, it is
      often hard to identify which species are the key drivers of the dynamics, because
      data are generally only available for a single species. Here, we use a
      paleoecological approach to investigate fluctuations in the midge population in
      Lake Myvatn, Iceland, which ranges over several orders of magnitude in irregular,
      multigeneration cycles. Previous circumstantial evidence points to consumer
      resource interactions between midges and their primary food, diatoms, as the
      cause of these high-amplitude fluctuations. Using a pair of sediment cores from
      the lake, we reconstructed 26 years of dynamics of midges using egg remains and
      of algal groups using diagnostic pigments. We analyzed these data using
      statistical methods that account for both the autocorrelated nature of
      paleoecological data and measurement error caused by the mixing of sediment
      layers. The analyses revealed a signature of consumer-resource interactions in
      the fluctuations of midges and diatoms: diatom abundance (as inferred from
      biomarker pigment diatoxanthin) increased when midge abundance was low, and midge
      abundance (inferred from egg capsules) decreased when diatom abundance was low.
      Similar patterns were not found for pigments characterizing the other dominant
      primary producer group in the lake (cyanobacteria), subdominant algae
      (cryptophytes), or ubiquitous but chemically unstable biomarkers of total algal
      abundance (chlorophyll a); however, a significant but weaker pattern was found
      for the chemically stable indicator of total algal populations (beta-carotene) to
      which diatoms are the dominant contributor. These analyses provide the first
      paleoecological evaluation of specific trophic interactions underlying high
      amplitude population fluctuations in lakes.

PMID- 27145612
TI  - Beyond arctic and alpine: the influence of winter climate on temperate
      ecosystems.
AB  - Winter climate is expected to change under future climate scenarios, yet the
      majority of winter ecology research is focused in cold-climate ecosystems. In
      many temperate systems, it is unclear how winter climate relates to biotic
      responses during the growing season. The objective of this study was to examine
      how winter weather relates to plant and animal communities in a variety of
      terrestrial ecosystems ranging from warm deserts to alpine tundra. Specifically,
      we examined the association between winter weather and plant phenology, plant
      species richness, consumer abundance, and consumer richness in 11 terrestrial
      ecosystems associated with the U.S. Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Network.
      To varying degrees, winter precipitation and temperature were correlated with all
      biotic response variables. Bud break was tightly aligned with end of winter
      temperatures. For half the sites, winter weather was a better predictor of plant
      species richness than growing season weather. Warmer winters were correlated with
      lower consumer abundances in both temperate and alpine systems. Our findings
      suggest winter weather may have a strong influence on biotic activity during the
      growing season and should be considered in future studies investigating the
      effects of climate change on both alpine and temperate systems.

PMID- 27145613
TI  - Structural complexity and component type increase intertidal biodiversity
      independently of area.
AB  - Complexity is well accepted as one of the primary drivers of biodiversity,
      however, empirical support for such positive associations is often confounded
      with surface area and undermined by other potential explanatory factors,
      especially the type of structural component (e.g., pits, crevices, overhangs,
      etc.). In the present study, sample units (artificial substrates) of equal
      surface area (+/- 0.2%) were used to simultaneously examine the independent
      effects of complexity and different structural component types on species
      richness (S), abundance (N), and community composition. We created simple and
      complex concrete substrates of four different geometric designs using novel
      software. The substrates (n = 8) were mounted onto granite seawalls (at two tidal
      heights) on two islands south of Singapore Island. After 13 months of
      colonization, all 384 tiles were collected and their assemblages compared. A
      total of 53 744 individuals of 70 species/morphospecies were collected and
      identified. Our results show that greater complexity can support greater species
      richness and different communities that are independent of surface area.
      Furthermore, the type of structure (e.g., "pits," "grooves," "towers") can have
      an effect on richness and community composition that is independent of
      complexity.

PMID- 27145614
TI  - Disease-induced decline of an apex predator drives invasive dominated states and
      threatens biodiversity.
AB  - Apex predators are important in protecting biodiversity through top-down
      influence on food webs. Their loss is linked with competitive release of invasive
      mesopredators and species extinctions. The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)
      has experienced severe declines over a 15-yr period as a novel transmissible
      cancer has spread across its current geographic range. We surveyed the mammalian
      community, using hair traps, across the spatial extent of the devil's progressive
      population decline. We found increased activity of alien invasive species (feral
      cats, black rats), and reduced small and medium-sized native prey species in
      response to the timing of the decline. In areas of long-term devil decline,
      invasive species comprised a significantly larger proportion of the community.
      The results provide evidence that the devil plays a keystone role in Tasmania's
      ecosystem with their decline linked to a shift toward an invasive state and
      biodiversity loss in one of Australia's most intact faunal communities.

PMID- 27145615
TI  - Density-dependent productivity in a colonial vulture at two spatial scales.
AB  - Understanding how density dependence modifies demographic parameters in long
      lived vertebrates is a challenge for ecologists. Two alternative hypotheses have
      been used to explain the mechanisms behind density-dependent effects on breeding
      output: habitat heterogeneity and individual adjustment (also known as
      interference competition). A number of studies have highlighted the importance of
      habitat heterogeneity in density dependence in territorial species, but less
      information exists on demographic processes in colonial species. For these, we
      expect density-dependent mechanisms to operate at two spatial scales: colony and
      breeding unit. In this study, we used long-term data from a recovering population
      of Cinereous Vultures (Aegypius monachus) in southern Spain. We analyzed a long
      term data set with information on 2162 breeding attempts at four colonies over a
      nine-year period (2002-2010) to evaluate environmental and population parameters
      influencing breeding output. Our results suggest that breeding productivity is
      subject to density-dependent processes at the colony and the nest site scale and
      is best explained by interference competition. Factors intrinsic to each colony,
      as well as environmental constraints linked to physiography and human presence,
      also play a role in regulatory processes. We detected the existence of a trade
      off between the disadvantages of nesting too close to conspecifics and the
      benefits of coloniality. These could be mediated by the agonistic interactions
      between breeding pairs and the benefits derived from social sharing of
      information by breeding individuals. We propose that this trade-off may play a
      role in defining colony structure and may hold true for other colonial breeding
      bird species. Our findings also have important management implications for the
      conservation of this threatened species.

PMID- 27145616
TI  - Local differences in parasitism and competition shape defensive investment in a
      polymorphic eusocial bee.
AB  - Many colonial animals rely for their defense on a soldier caste. Adaptive colony
      demography theory predicts that colonies should flexibly adjust the investment in
      different worker castes depending on the colony needs. For example, colonies
      should invest more in defensive workers (e.g., soldiers) in dangerous
      environments. However, evidence for this prediction has been mixed. We combined
      descriptive and experimental approaches to examine whether defensive investment
      and worker size are adjusted to local ecology in the only known bee with
      polymorphic workers, Tetragonisca angustula. Colonies of this species are
      defended by a morphologically specialized soldier caste. Our study included three
      populations that differed in the density of food competition and the occurrence
      of a parasitic robber bee. We found that colonies coexisting with robber bees had
      on average 43% more soldiers defending the nest entrance, while colonies facing
      stronger foraging competition had soldiers that were -6-7% smaller. We then
      experimentally relocated colonies to areas with different levels of competition.
      When released from intense food competition, body sizes of guards and foragers
      increased. After introducing chemical robber bee cues at nest entrances, we found
      both a short-term and a long-term up-regulation of the number of soldiers
      defending the colony. Active soldier numbers remained high after the experiment
      for a duration equivalent to 2-3 worker life spans. How information about past
      parasite threat is stored in the colony is currently unknown. In summary, T.
      angustula adjusts both the number and the body size of active soldiers to local
      ecological conditions. Competitor density also affects forager (or minor) size,
      an important colony trait with potential community ecological consequences. Our
      study supports adaptive colony demography theory in a eusocial bee and highlights
      the importance of colony threats and competition as selective forces shaping
      colony phenotype.

PMID- 27145617
TI  - Ecosystem engineering by a gall-forming wasp indirectly suppresses diversity and
      density of herbivores on oak trees.
AB  - Ecosystem engineers, organisms that modify the physical environment, are
      generally thought to increase diversity by facilitating species that benefit from
      engineered habitats. Recent theoretical work, however, suggests that ecosystem
      engineering could initiate cascades of trophic interactions that shape community
      structure in unexpected ways, potentially having negative indirect effects on
      abundance and diversity in components of the community that do not directly
      interact with the habitat modifications. We tested the indirect effects of a gall
      forming wasp on arthropod communities in surrounding unmodified foliage. We
      experimentally removed all senesced galls from entire trees during winter and
      sampled the arthropod community on foliage after budburst. Gall removal resulted
      in 59% greater herbivore density, 26% greater herbivore richness, and 27% greater
      arthropod density five weeks after budburst. Gall removal also reduced the
      differences in community composition among trees (i.e., reduced beta diversity),
      even when accounting for differences in richness. The community inside galls
      during winter and through the growing season was dominated by jumping spiders
      (Salticidae; 0.87 +/- 0.12 spiders per gall). We suggest that senesced galls
      provided habitat for spiders, which suppressed herbivorous arthropods and
      increased beta diversity by facilitating assembly of unusual arthropod
      communities. Our results demonstrate that the effects of habitat modification by
      ecosystem engineers can extend beyond merely providing habitat for specialists;
      the effects can propagate far enough to influence the structure of communities
      that do not directly interact with habitat modifications.

PMID- 27145618
TI  - Parasites destabilize host populations by shifting stage-structured interactions.
AB  - Should parasites stabilize or destabilize consumer-resource dynamics? Recent
      theory suggests that parasite-enhanced mortality may confer underappreciated
      stability to their hosts. We tested this hypothesis using disease in zooplankton.
      Across both natural and experimental epidemics, bigger epidemics correlated with
      larger--not smaller--host fluctuations. Thus, we tested two mechanistic
      hypotheses to explain destabilization or apparent destabilization by parasites.
      First, enrichment could, in principle, simultaneously enhance both instability
      and disease prevalence. In natural epidemics, destabilization was correlated with
      enrichment (indexed by total phosphorous). However, an in situ (lake enclosure)
      experiment did not support these links. Instead, field and experimental results
      point to a novel destabilizing mechanism involving host stage structure.
      Epidemics pushed hosts from relatively more stable host dynamics with less
      synchronized juveniles and adults to less stable dynamics with more-synchronized
      juveniles and adults. Our results demonstrate how links between host stage
      structure and disease can shape host/consumer-resource stability.

PMID- 27145619
TI  - Salmon nutrients are associated with the phylogenetic dispersion of riparian
      flowering-plant assemblages.
AB  - A signature of nonrandom phylogenetic community structure has been interpreted as
      indicating community assembly processes. Significant clustering within the
      phylogenetic structure of a community can be caused by habitat filtering due to
      low nutrient availability. Nutrient limitation in temperate Pacific coastal
      rainforests can be alleviated to some extent by marine nutrient subsidies
      introduced by migrating salmon, which leave a quantitative signature on the
      makeup of plant communities near spawning streams. Thus, nutrient-mediated
      habitat filtering could be reduced by salmon nutrients. Here, we ask how salmon
      abundance affects the phylogenetic structure of riparian flowering plant
      assemblages across 50 watersheds in the Great Bear Rainforest of British
      Columbia, Canada. Based on a regional pool of 60 plant species, we found that
      assemblages become more phylogenetically dispersed and species poor adjacent to
      streams with higher salmon spawning density. In contrast, increased phylogenetic
      clumping and species richness was seen in sites with low salmon density, with
      steeper slopes, further from the stream edge, and within smaller watersheds.
      These observations are all consistent with abiotic habitat filtering and biotic
      competitive exclusion acting together across local and landscape-scale gradients
      in nutrient availability to structure assembly of riparian flowering plants. In
      this case, rich salmon nutrients appear to release riparian flowering-plant
      assemblages from the confines of a low-nutrient habitat filter that drives
      phylogenetic clustering.

PMID- 27145620
TI  - Size- and condition-dependent predation: a seabird disproportionately targets
      substandard individual juvenile salmon.
AB  - Selection of prey that are small and in poor body condition is a widespread
      phenomenon in terrestrial predator-prey systems and may benefit prey populations
      by removing substandard individuals. Similar selection is widely assumed to
      operate in aquatic systems. Indeed, size-selective predation is a longstanding
      and central tenet of aquatic food web theory. However, it is not known if aquatic
      predators select prey based on their condition or state, compared to their size.
      Surprisingly, no comparable information is available for marine systems because
      it is exceedingly difficult to make direct observations in this realm. Thus the
      role of body condition in regulating susceptibility to predation remains a black
      box in the marine environment. Here we have exploited an ideal model system to
      evaluate selective predation on pelagic marine fish: comparing characteristics
      (fork length, mass corrected for fork length) of fresh, whole, intact juvenile
      Pacific salmon delivered by a seabird to its single nestling with salmon
      collected concurrently in coastal trawl surveys. Three species of juvenile salmon
      (Oncorhynchus spp.) are consumed by provisioning Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerorhinca
      nionocerata); an abundant, colonial, pursuit-diving seabird. Samples were
      collected from multiple colonies and fisheries surveys in coastal British
      Columbia in two years. As predicted, Auklets preyed on small individuals in poor
      condition and consistently selected them at levels higher than their relative
      availability. This is the first study to provide direct evidence for both size-
      and condition-selective predation on marine fish in the wild. We anticipate that
      our results will be a starting point in evaluating how selective predation may
      structure or influence marine fish populations and bridges a fundamental
      incongruity between ecological theory and application; although "bigger is
      better" is considered a fundamental tenet of marine food webs, marine predators
      are often assumed to consume indiscriminately.

PMID- 27145621
TI  - Species introductions and the phylogenetic and functional structure of
      California's grasses.
AB  - Many species assemblages represent a nonrandom subset of a larger species pool.
      When an assemblage tends to contain close evolutionary relatives or species with
      similar functional traits, it can be described as phylogenetically or
      functionally clustered. Clustering is often interpreted as evidence for filtering
      by some combination of environmental and biotic factors. At sufficiently large
      spatial extents, however, biogeographic barriers can also lead to strong
      clustering. Here, we suggest that the breakdown of biogeographic barriers
      associated with human introductions of exotic species can be used as an
      unintentional experiment to assess their importance in driving phylogenetic and
      functional structure. An important role of biogeographic barriers would be
      revealed by a breakdown in clustering, particularly phylogenetic clustering,
      following species introductions. On the other hand, a role of filtering can be
      supported by similar patterns of clustering in the native and exotic assemblages
      along environmental gradients. We test these predictions using the grasses of
      California, a diverse group including many introduced species. Native grass
      assemblages in the state are highly clustered with respect to the global grass
      species pool, both phylogenetically and functionally. Within the state, variation
      in the strength of clustering is well explained by climatic variables, suggesting
      an important role for environmental-biotic filtering. Further, subregions within
      the state with highly clustered native assemblages also contain highly clustered
      exotic assemblages. Contrary to expectation, though, the introduction of exotic
      species led to even more strongly clustered assemblages. We conclude that
      biogeographic barriers have generally not excluded the major grass lineages
      (e.g., tribes) from the state and likely act only on finer taxonomic scales (for
      example, excluding particular genera). Our approach should prove broadly
      applicable and contribute to improved understanding of broad-scale patterns of
      assemblage structure.

PMID- 27145622
TI  - Plant and root endophyte assembly history: interactive effects on native and
      exotic plants.
AB  - Differences in the arrival timing of plants and soil biota may result in
      different plant communities through priority effects, potentially affecting the
      success of native vs. exotic plants, but experimental evidence is largely
      lacking. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to investigate whether the assembly
      history of plants and fungal root endophytes could interact to influence plant
      emergence and biomass. We introduced a grass species and eight fungal species
      from one of three land-use types (undisturbed, disturbed, or pasture sites in a
      Florida scrubland) in factorial combinations. We then introduced all plants and
      fungi from the other land-use types 2 weeks later. Plant emergence was monitored
      for 6 months, and final plant biomass and fungal species composition assessed.
      The emergence and growth of the exotic Melinis repens and the native
      Schizacharyium niveum were affected negatively when introduced early with their
      "home" fungi, but early introduction of a different plant species or fungi from a
      different site type eliminated these negative effects, providing evidence for
      interactive priority effects. Interactive effects of plant and fungal arrival
      history may be an overlooked determinant of plant community structure and may
      provide an effective management tool to inhibit biological invasion and aid
      ecosystem restoration.

PMID- 27145623
TI  - Biogeography of Alaska paper birch (Betula neoalaskana): latitudinal patterns in
      chemical defense and plant architecture.
AB  - The latitudinal herbivory-defense hypothesis (LHDH) predicts that plants near the
      equator will be more heavily defended against herbivores than are plants at
      higher latitudes. Although this idea is widely found in the literature, recent
      studies have called this biogeographic pattern into question. We sought to
      evaluate the LHDH in a high-latitude terrestrial ecosystem where fire and
      mammalian herbivores may contribute to selection for higher levels of defensive
      chemistry. To address this objective, we collected seeds of Alaska paper birch
      (Betula neoalaskana) from nine locations along two north-south transects between
      55 degrees N and 62 degrees N latitudes in western, interior Canada. The birch
      seeds were planted in pots in a common garden in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. From
      the resulting seedlings, we determined levels of chemical defense by assessing
      the density of resin glands, which have been shown to be negatively correlated
      with browsing. To assess plant architectural traits such as height, mean
      individual leaf area, and root-to-shoot ratio, we harvested a subset of the birch
      seedlings. Further, we used these traits to examine growth-defense trade-offs.
      Contrary to the LHDH, we found a positive correlation between chemical defense
      and latitude. Investigating relationships with fire, we found a strong positive
      correlation between resin gland density and percentage of area annually burned
      (PAAB) around each collection location and also between PAAB and latitude.
      Additionally, birch seedlings originating from higher latitudes were shorter,
      smaller-leaved, and rootier than their lower-latitude counterparts. Growth
      defense trade-offs were observed in negative correlations between resin gland
      density and height and leaf size. Seedlings with higher resin gland densities
      also allocated less biomass to shoots and more to roots. These results further
      call into question the LHDH and provide specific information about latitudinal
      trends in plant defense at high, northern latitudes where fire is a major
      ecosystem driver and mammals are the main herbivores of deciduous trees such as
      birches. We propose that these interconnected relationships are the key drivers
      of the positive correlation between defense and latitude in B. neoalaskana.
      Understanding patterns of boreal plant defense and growth is especially important
      because high latitude ecosystems are particularly susceptible to climate change.
      Key words: Alaska paper birch; Betula neoalaskana; biogeography; chemical
      defense; grotvth-defense trade-offs; inherent growth rate; latitude; latitudinal
      herbivory-defense hypothesis; papyr'feric acid; plant ar- chitecture; resin
      glands; root-to-shoot ratio.

PMID- 27145624
TI  - Drought tolerance as a driver of tropical forest assembly: resolving spatial
      signatures for multiple processes.
AB  - Spatial patterns in trait variation reflect underlying community assembly
      processes, allowing us to test hypotheses about their trait and environmental
      drivers by identifying the strongest correlates of characteristic spatial
      patterns. For 43 evergreen tree species (> 1 cm dbh) in a 20-ha seasonal tropical
      rainforest plot in Xishuangbanna, China, we compared the ability of drought
      tolerance traits, other physiological traits, and commonly measured functional
      traits to predict the spatial patterns expected from the assembly processes of
      habitat associations, niche-overlap-based competition, and hierarchical
      competition. We distinguished the neighborhood-scale (0-20 m) patterns expected
      from competition from larger-scale habitat associations with a wavelet method.
      Species' drought tolerance and habitat variables related to soil water supply
      were strong drivers of habitat associations, and drought tolerance showed a
      significant spatial signal for influencing competition. Overall, the traits most
      strongly associated with habitat, as quantified using multivariate models, were
      leaf density, leaf turgor loss point (pi(tlp); also known as the leaf wilting
      point), and stem hydraulic conductivity (r2 range for the best fit models = 0.27
      0.36). At neighborhood scales, species spatial associations were positively
      correlated with similarity in pi(tlp), consistent with predictions for
      hierarchical competition. Although the correlation between pi(tlp) and
      interspecific spatial associations was weak (r2 < 0.01), this showed a persistent
      influence of drought tolerance on neighborhood interactions and community
      assembly. Quantifying the full impact of traits on competitive interactions in
      forests may require incorporating plasticity among individuals within species,
      especially among specific life stages, and moving beyond individual traits to
      integrate the impact of multiple traits on whole-plant performance and resource
      demand.

PMID- 27145625
TI  - Soil fertility and disturbance interact to drive contrasting responses of co
      occurring native and nonnative species.
AB  - Some plant functional groups such as nonnative invasive and nitrogen (N)-fixing
      plants are widely thought to have consistent, coordinated differences in their
      functional traits relative to other groups such as native and non -N-fixing
      plants. Recent evidence suggests that these trait differences between groups can
      be context dependent, varying with environmental factors such as resource
      availability and disturbance. However, many previous comparisons among plant
      groups differing in invasion status have not standardized growth form between
      groups or have compared species that do not co-occur, which could result in
      invasion status per se being confounded with other factors. We determined growth
      and leaf functional trait responses of 20 co-occurring woody species, that is,
      five species within each of four functional groups (native N-fixers, native non 
      N-fixers, nonnative [invasive] N-fixers and nonnative [invasive] non-N-fixers),
      to factorial combinations of soil fertility and defoliation treatments in a
      mesocosm experiment to test each of two hypotheses. First, we hypothesized that
      nonnative invasive and N-fixing species will have functional traits associated
      with rapid resource acquisition whereas natives and non -N-fixing species will
      have traits linked to resource conservation. Second, we hypothesized that plant
      growth and leaf traits of nonnative and N-fixing species will be more strongly
      influenced by environmental factors (i.e., soil fertility and disturbance) than
      will natives and non-N-fixers. Plant growth, foliar nutrients, and leaf
      structural traits varied among plant functional groups in a manner consistent
      with our first hypothesis. Support for our second hypothesis was mixed; origin
      (native vs. nonnative) and soil fertility rarely interacted to determine plant
      growth or variation in leaf traits whereas interactions involving N-fixing
      ability and soil fertility were common. Further, there were no consistent
      interactive effects between plant groupings and disturbance. Our results
      demonstrate that variation in growth and functional traits among plant species
      were driven primarily by the relatively large responses of nonnative N-fixers to
      soil fertility, rather than by consistent differences between other plant
      functional groups. These findings highlight the importance of resource
      availability in determining trait or performance differences among plant
      functional groups, and provide insights into the assembly of plant functional
      traits in novel communities of co-occurring native and nonnative species.

PMID- 27145626
TI  - Seedling mortality from litterfall increases with decreasing latitude.
AB  - Global patterns in ecology need to be identified and interpreted if
      macroecological processes are to be fully understood. Facilitating effects on
      seedlings such as that of nurse plants and competitive effects such as
      allelopathy have been well recognized but the importance of plants acting as
      killers through physical damage by the litterfall they produce has received
      relatively little attention. Here I examine latitudinal patterns of physical
      disturbance to seedlings (microdisturbance) due to litterfall and discuss the
      macroecological implications in light of current research. Analyses of results
      from published studies show that both the risk of litterfall disturbance, as
      measured using artificial model seedlings, and the proportion of seedling
      mortalities due to litterfall decrease significantly with increasing latitude.
      Patterns of microdisturbance appear to be driven by the dynamic interaction
      between macro-litterfall, safe sites with protective overhead vegetation,
      topography, and animal activity. However, we are informed on this subject by few
      studies. There is evidence, again from a limited number of studies, for
      considerable spatial heterogeneity in microdisturbance intensity and for seedling
      resilience to litterfall damage to differ substantially among species. Therefore,
      differential survival among microsites may produce regeneration niche diversity.
      However, more focused studies are required across a range of forest types and
      latitudes before these results can be generalized. Therefore, there is fertile
      ground for researchers to use comparable multifactorial methods to investigate
      the implications of microdisturbance at macro-ecological scales.

PMID- 27145627
TI  - Does biodiversity protect humans against infectious disease? Comment.

PMID- 27145628
TI  - Does biodiversity protect humans against infectious disease? Reply.

PMID- 27145629
TI  - Oviposition Deterrents in Herbivorous Insects and their potential use in
      Integrated Pest Management.
AB  - In the life cycle of insects, oviposition is an important phenomenon, and it is
      influenced by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors, especially in relation to
      suitable hosts for completion of their life-cycle. Oviposition deterrents which
      deter an insect from laying eggs are important in the management of insect pests.
      Proper understanding of these deterrents shall provide necessary insight into new
      vistas for Insect Pest Management. Chemicals from plants and insects play an
      important role in attracting phytophagous insects for selecting host for
      oviposition. Considerable research has been done on oviposition deterrents and
      their mode of actions. In the present review, we have consolidated the updated
      information on this important aspect of insect behavior.

PMID- 27145630
TI  - MMP-3 gene polymorphisms and Osteosarcoma.
AB  - Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common adolescence cancer among all primary bone
      tumors next only to multiplemyeloma. It has a substantially worse prognosis and
      ability to metastasize to lung. MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) are among the
      major proteases that take part in regulation of ECM (extracellular matrix). MMPs
      play an active role in the formation of the osteoid tissue, rich in collagens and
      other ECM proteoglycans. They also take part in pro-osteoclast, osteoclast,
      osteoblast, and osteoid formation. Many members of the MMP gene family have been
      linked to human cancers. It has been shown that MMPs particularly play a role in
      the tumor's acquisition of an invasive and metastatic character. In our study,
      the E45K and T102T polymorphisms of MMP-3 were studied using the PCR-RFLP method
      in 135 Turkish subjects (54 subjects with osteosarcoma and 81 healthy controls).
      We found that frequencies of E45K G allele (p:0,010, chi2:6,710, OR:1,429, 95%
      Cl: 1,019-1,858) and AG genotype (p:0,001, chi2:14,753, OR:2,32, 95% Cl: 1,491
      3,626) were elevated in patients compared to controls. Besides, there was a
      significant difference in.E45K AA genotype between study groups (p:0,004,
      chi2:8,182, OR: 2,929, 95% Cl: 1,38-6,19). There were no significant differences
      between any genotypes or allele in the control and patient groups for MMP-3 T102T
      polymorphism. Our findings indicate that the G allele and AG genotype of MMP-3
      E45K polymorphism is associated with increased risk of osteosarcoma in adolescent
      population of Turkey.

PMID- 27145631
TI  - Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to Newcastle Disease
      Virus.
AB  - Newcastle Disease (ND) is one of the major causes of economic loss in the poultry
      industry. Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) is a single-stranded, negative-sense
      enveloped RNA virus (Fam. Paramyxoviridae; Order Mononegavirales). In the present
      study three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced by polyethyleneglycol
      (PEG)-mediated fusion of lymphocytes sensitized to NDV Bareilly strain and
      myeloma cells. NDV possesses ability to agglutinate erythrocytes of avian
      species. All the three MAbs designated as 2H7, 3E9 and 3G6 caused
      hemagglutination inhibition of NDV by specifically binding to NDV. The reactivity
      for all the 3 MAbs on indirect ELISA was found to be significantly higher than
      the antibody and antigen controls. On flowcytometry of HeLa cells infected with
      NDV using the MAbs as primary antibodies, there was a significant difference in
      the percentage of cells showing positive fluorescence compared to the mock
      control. One of the MAbs (3E9) was found to react with hemagglutinin
      neuraminidase (HN) protein on western blot.

PMID- 27145632
TI  - Quercetin accelerated cutaneous wound healing in rats by increasing levels of
      VEGF and TGF-beta1.
AB  - Quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-penthydroxyflavone)-induced biological effects have been
      beneficial in various disease conditions. In this study, wound healing potential
      of quercetin was evaluated in a time-dependent manner in open excision wounds in
      adult Wistar rats. Experimentally-wounded rats were divided into two groups
      namely, control and quercetin-treated. Wounds were photographed and the area was
      measured on the day of wounding and on days 3, 7, 11 and 14 post-wounding. The
      granulation/healing tissue was collected on days 3, 7, 11 and 14 post-wounding
      for cytokine/growth factor measurements and histology/immunohistochemistry
      studies. There was significant time-dependent increase in wound closure in
      quercetin-treated rats. Vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming
      growth factor-beta1 expressions were significantly upregulated in quercetin
      treated rats, whereas tumor necrosis factor-alpha level was markedly reduced.
      Interleukin- 10 levels and CD31 stained vessels were markedly higher on day 3 and
      on day 7, respectively, in quercetin-treated rats. In H & E stained sections,
      quercetin-treated group showed less inflammatory cells, more fibroblast
      proliferation, increased microvessel density, better reepithelialization and more
      regular collagen deposition, as compared to control. The results suggest that
      topical application of quercetin promotes wound healing by effectively modulating
      the cytokines, growth factors and cells involved in inflammatory and
      proliferative phases of healing.

PMID- 27145634
TI  - A minimal cost micropropagation protocol for Dianthus caryophyllus L.-- a
      commercially significant venture.
AB  - In tissue culture, high production cost of the products restricts their reach.
      Though tissue culture is a major strength in floriculture it is marred by pricing
      issues. Hence, we developed a complete regeneration low cost micropropagation
      protocol for an economically important floriculture crop, carnation (Dianthus
      caryophyllus L.). Successful regeneration of carnation from nodal explants on
      cost-efficient medium indicates that psyllium husk, sugar and RO water can
      effectively replace the conventional medium comprising agar, sucrose and
      distilled water. The protocol can contribute to increased carnation production at
      comparatively reduced cost, and there by encourage wide scale adoption by the
      common growers.

PMID- 27145633
TI  - Determination of betulinic acid, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid from Achyranthes
      aspera L. using RP-UFLC-DAD analysis and evaluation of various parameters for
      their optimum yield.
AB  - Achyranthes aspera L. is a well known herb commonly used in traditional system of
      Indian medicine to treat various disorders, such as cough, dysentery, gonorrhea,
      piles, kidney stone, pneumonia, renal dropsy, skin eruptions, snake bite, etc.
      Here, we used RP-UFLC-DAD method for determining triterpenoids betulinic acid
      (BA), oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA) from A. aspera. Optimum yield of
      these compounds were studied and evaluated using parameters viz., method of
      extraction, time of extraction, age of plant and plant parts (leaves, stem and
      roots). Linear relationships in RP-UFLC-DAD analysis were obtained in the range
      0.05-100 ug/mL with 0.035, 0.042 and 0.033 ug/mL LOD for BA, OA and UA,
      respectively. Of the variables tested, extraction method and parts used
      significantly affected content yield. Continuous shaking extraction (CSE) at
      ambient temperature gave better extraction efficiency than exposure to ultra
      sonic extraction (USE) or microwave assisted extraction (MAE) methods. The
      highest content of BA, OA and UA were determined individually in leaf, stem and
      root extracts with CSE. Collective yield of these triterpenoids were higher in
      leaf part exposed to 15 min USE method. To best of our knowledge, the study newly
      reports UA from A. aspera and the same was confirmed using ATR-FT-IR studies.
      This study explains the distribution pattern of these major triterpenoids and
      optimum extraction parameters in detail.

PMID- 27145635
TI  - Expression analysis of Type 1 and 2 Metallothionein genes in Rape (Brassica napus
      L.) during short-term stress using sqRT-PCR analysis.
AB  - With the extent of contamination in water and soil today, possibility of presence
      of toxic heavy metals in plants in everyday life can not be ruled out. In this
      context, understanding the influence of exogenenous factors on such plants gains
      importance. Here, we investigated expression of metallothioneins genes MT1 and
      MT2 in Rape Brassica napus L. as representatives of MT gene type 1, type 2 (BnMT1
      and BnMT2), respectively to explore such influence, if there any. Seedlings of 7
      day-old were exposed to various exogenous factors including plant hormones, heavy
      metals, abiotic and biotic stresses. The basal expression levels of two BnMT
      genes were determined using water-treated samples (control). Each treatment was
      replicated 3 times for statistical validity. SPSS computer software was used for
      statistical analyses. Expression profiles of BnMT1 and BnMT2 were generated by
      semi-quantitative RT-PCR (sqRT-PCR) to monitor stress-response gene expression of
      both genes. The BnMT1 and BnMT2 genes were expressed at the same level in control
      samples. In general, BnMT1 gene was better expressed in most treatments compared
      to BnMT2 throughout the 48 h experimental period. Moreover, BnMT2 expression was
      not affected by heavy metal stress. The results provide considerable insights
      into the molecular mechanism of MTs responses to environmental stress in B. napus
      which can be utilized for future plant manipulations to improve its ability to
      accumulate higher metal concentration from the soil.

PMID- 27145636
TI  - The impact of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) on growth and food conversion
      efficiency in Royal Danio, Barilius bakeri Day.
AB  - In aquaculture, growth hormones attract many researchers as they play a key role
      in the regulation of body weight and metabolism. In this study, we observed the
      influence of hCG on growth in Barilius bakeri, a common ornamental fish endemic
      to the Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Juveniles of B. bakeri 2.19 +/- 0.92 g were
      selected and stocked in the experimental tanks of size 90 x 45 x 45 cm. Water
      quality parameters were examined periodically and were maintained under tolerable
      limits. The feeds were formulated at 40% protein level. Different levels of hCG
      i.e. @ 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 ppm were tested for both short term and long
      term. Fishes were fed with experimental diets twice daily at the rate of 5% body
      weight. Fishes were examined fortnightly and their length and weight documented.
      Their gross body compositions were also analyzed. The results of the study were
      subjected to ANOVA using statistical package SPSS version 10.1. Feed incorporated
      with 12.5 ppm hCG showed the best result in providing percentage gain in length,
      weight and SGR. The FCE, FAE, PER and protein digestibility values were highest
      in fishes given feed incorporated with 12.5 ppm hCG.

PMID- 27145637
TI  - "Leaked guidance backs ratios despite u-turn".

PMID- 27145638
TI  - Review questions pre-reg standards.

PMID- 27145639
TI  - Minimum salary for overseas staff could rise.

PMID- 27145640
TI  - NMC could regulate the nursing associate role if asked, says chief.

PMID- 27145641
TI  - Carter proposes new nurse productivity measure.

PMID- 27145642
TI  - Leaked guideline recommended minimum nurse-patient ratios.

PMID- 27145643
TI  - NICE: staffing levels too low 'almost half of the time'.

PMID- 27145644
TI  - Appeal leads to evidence review publication.

PMID- 27145645
TI  - Nurses hit out against new rotas likely to mean more unpaid work.

PMID- 27145646
TI  - Badge scheme allows patients to reward staff for excellent care.

PMID- 27145647
TI  - Risk that nurses may quit rather than revalidate.

PMID- 27145648
TI  - Practice nurses 'overwhelmingly negative' about DN merger plan.

PMID- 27145650
TI  - "Be proud of the UKS advances in learning disability care".

PMID- 27145649
TI  - Dots and colour make charts easier to read.

PMID- 27145651
TI  - "The NMC needs to provide clearer guidance in its code".

PMID- 27145652
TI  - Family Nurse Partnership: why supervision matters.
AB  - First-time teenage mothers and their babies are likely to have increased levels
      of need. This article explores how supervision supports Family Nurse Partnership
      (FNP) nurses to undertake complex work with teenage, first-time mothers and their
      babies. Careful application of a supervision model can provide the structure for
      a safe, containing, reflective space.

PMID- 27145653
TI  - Identifying and defining research questions.
AB  - Research is vital to improving nursing practice and patient outcomes, and
      therefore a key aspect of nursing degree programmes. All student nurses must show
      they can undertake an independent learning project before they can graduate and
      become registered nurses. This article outlines processes that can be followed to
      select a research area and narrow it down to generate a specific research
      question. Methodologies and models can then be used to compile a list of search
      terms that can be used to get the research underway.

PMID- 27145655
TI  - 60 second with Emily Govorovski.

PMID- 27145654
TI  - Accessing specialist nurse roles on placement.
AB  - It is important that clinical placements provide students with experience of
      working in a wide range of settings and nursing roles. However, the duration of
      some placements that involve specialist nurses is too short to allow education
      establishments to adequately assess their students in line with Nursing and
      Midwifery Council guidelines. This has a negative effect on the development of
      students, nursing research teams and mentors. This article describes a framework
      devised by one university in an attempt to address the issue with one of its
      placement providers and improve students' access to specialist nursing roles
      while on placement

PMID- 27145656
TI  - Striving for positive change.

PMID- 27145657
TI  - "Why are NHS staff afraid to 'fess up"?

PMID- 27145658
TI  - NHS must avoid 'knee-jerk' approach to staffing levels.

PMID- 27145659
TI  - 'Crediting' nurses who admit mistakes could improve safety.

PMID- 27145660
TI  - Overseas hires 'will not solve staff shortage'.

PMID- 27145662
TI  - PRB warns of 'unsettling effect' of bursary removal.

PMID- 27145661
TI  - Nurses in line for 1% pay rise as DH accepts review body advice.

PMID- 27145664
TI  - Nurses in mobile heart-failure clinic are 'pushing boundaries of practice'.

PMID- 27145663
TI  - Trust offers nurses better pay if they opt out of pension scheme.

PMID- 27145665
TI  - Better nurse staffing levels key to cutting post-op readmissions.

PMID- 27145666
TI  - Delegate insulin role to HCAs, suggests charity.

PMID- 27145668
TI  - 'Simple red stripe' on cast helps trust wipe out pressure ulcers.

PMID- 27145667
TI  - Report flags student nurses' lack of feedback with mentors.

PMID- 27145669
TI  - "Commuters have unwritten rules--and so have nurses".

PMID- 27145670
TI  - "Saddling people with loans will put off mature students".

PMID- 27145671
TI  - Implementing national patient safety alerts.
AB  - National patient safety alerts are sometimes difficult to implement in an
      effective way. All trusts have to declare compliance with alerts as part of a
      three-step process to improve patient safety. This article discusses an
      alternative way of implementing national patient safety alerts and describes how
      behaviour-change methods can be used to successfully implement lasting changes in
      practice at ward or departmental level.

PMID- 27145672
TI  - Helping patients to give informed consent.
AB  - This is the second article in a seven-part series demonstrating the value of
      analysing patient narratives in nursing and nurse education. Part 1 reviewed the
      evidence regarding the use of narrative and focused on unintended communication.
      This article draws on a story exploring consent and capacity, and demonstrates
      the lessons that can be learnt for all fields of nursing. We hope your
      reflections on the narratives will help to inform your professional practice and
      provide evidence for revalidation.

PMID- 27145673
TI  - Online tool to aid decision-making in child health.

PMID- 27145675
TI  - Are day hospitals effective for older people's care?

PMID- 27145674
TI  - The impact of weight loss on patients with cancer.
AB  - Weight loss due to cachexia is a common symptom in patients with advanced cancer
      and often affects their quality of life. This article outlines a literature
      review conducted to better understand the effects of weight loss on patients with
      cancer. Five themes were identified that encompassed patients' experiences,
      including personal response, physical effects, emotions and moods, changes in
      eating habits and effects on social life. The review suggests strategies that
      health professionals can implement to ensure patients' and their families'
      feelings about weight loss are taken into consideration.

PMID- 27145676
TI  - 60 seconds with Emma Alderwick.

PMID- 27145678
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27145677
TI  - Platform to strike black gold.

PMID- 27145679
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27145680
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27145681
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27145682
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27145683
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 27145685
TI  - [Inherited thrombopathia in Simmental cattle].
AB  - During the years 2012 to 2014, a total of 5 affected Simmental cattle showing
      persistent bleeding after minor or unknown trauma, were presented at the Clinic
      for Ruminants or at the Institute for Genetics of the Vetsuisse-Faculty,
      University of Berne. The homozygous mutation RASGRP2, initially reported in 2007,
      was present in all these cases and all available parents were heterozygous
      carriers thus confirming the recessive mode of inheritance. Three affected
      animals died as a result of persistent bleeding. One animal was stabilized at the
      Clinic for Ruminants and was slaughtered one month later. Another case showing
      persistent bleeding and several hematomas was euthanized after genotyping. A
      frequency of 10% carriers for the associated mutation was detected in a sample of
      145 Simmental sires which were used 2013 for artificial insemination in
      Switzerland. These bulls are designated as TP carriers and should not be used
      uncontrolled. Breeding organizations in Switzerland make use of the gene test to
      select bulls which do not carry the mutation.

PMID- 27145684
TI  - [Sonographic diagnosis of pregnancy and determination of fetal number and
      gestational age in ewes].
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate accuracy of transabdominal
      ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis, determination of fetal number and
      estimation of gestational age in ewes. A total of 1068 ewes from 8 different
      flocks (Swiss White Alpine n = 379, Swiss Black-Brown Mountain n = 189, Oxford
      type n = 164, Ostfriesian n = 154, Texel n = 104, Lacaune x Osfriesian crossbred
      n = 78) was investigated using an Ovi-ScanTM ultrasound scanner with a 3.5 MHz
      170 degrees  mechanical axial probe (BCF Technology Ltd., BelIshill, Great
      Britain). Scanning was performed transabdominally at the right inguinal region in
      ewes restrained in standing position. Sonographic findings were compared with
      lambing data recorded by the farmers. Included in the analysis were all ewes
      that, at the time of examination, were not pregnant and those that were pregnant
      between 26 and 110 days with a known lambing date and number of lambs born (n =
      882). The sensitivity of pregnancy diagnosis was 97.8% and the specificity 97.6%
      (overall accuracy 97.8%, n = 853). Sensitivity and specificity for discrimination
      between single and multiple pregnancies was 95.8% and 90.5% (overall accuracy
      93.9%, n = 752), respectively, when multiples were defined as positive.
      Discrimination between twins and triplets reached a sensitivity of 86.0% and a
      specificity of 99.5% (overall accuracy 98.0%, n = 458) when triplets were defined
      as positive. Considering a gestation period of 150 days, the mean deviation of
      the estimated to the effective day of gestation at examination was 5.6 +/- 5.0
      days (n = 781). The correlation between estimated and true gestational age was
      very high (r=0.936, P<0.0001). In conclusion, a highly accurate and efficient
      diagnosis of pregnancy with reliable estimation of fetal number and age is
      possible using an Ovi-ScanTM ultrasound scanner by an experienced examiner.

PMID- 27145686
TI  - Ethylene glycol poisoning in three dogs: Importance of early diagnosis and role
      of hemodialysis as a treatment option.
AB  - Poisoning with ethylene glycol as contained in antifreeze can rapidly lead to
      irreversible acute renal failure and other organ damage. It carries a grave
      prognosis unless diagnosed early and adequate treatment is initiated within 8
      hours of ingestion. Toxicity of ethylene glycol is related to the production of
      toxic metabolites by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), leading to early
      signs of severe polyuria (PU) and polydipsia (PD), gastritis, ataxia and central
      nervous depression, followed by progressive dehydration, and ultimately
      oligoanuric renal failure. In addition to general supportive care, therapeutic
      interventions must include either antidotes blocking ADH-mediated metabolism or
      blood purification techniques to remove both the parent compound and the toxic
      metabolites. The goal of this case report is to describe three cases of acute
      antifreeze intoxication in dogs, and to discuss treatment options available for
      this poisoning.

PMID- 27145687
TI  - First autochtonous infection of a dog with Oslerus (Filaroides) osleri in the
      Czech Republic.
AB  - This case report describes an infection with O. osleri in a 10-month-old intact
      female Miniature German Spitz that presented with a 3-month history of
      progressive cough. Diagnosis was based upon visualization of characteristic
      lesions during bronchoscopy. Female parasites and first-stage larvae collected
      from tracheal nodules were morphologically identical to the larvae of O. osleri.
      First-stage larvae isolated from faeces were used for morphological and molecular
      confirmation of the diagnosis. Anthelmintic therapy with fenbendazole (50 mg/kg
      orally once daily for 2 weeks) was successful. This is the first report of
      autochthonous infection of a dog with O. osleriin the Czech Republic. Oslerosis
      should be considered in the differential diagnosis in young dogs with persistent
      respiratory signs.

PMID- 27145688
TI  - Religiosity as a predictor of mortality: A retrospective cohort study in 1519
      rural citizens in Greece.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Investigating the role of religiosity in mortality. DESIGN: A
      retrospective cohort study (mean follow-up period 131.2 +/- 30.8 months) in 1519
      rural citizens in Greece (57.1% women, mean age 56.9 +/- 20.4 years). MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Measurements included education, disease status, body mass
      index, lifestyle, sleep-quality and self-rated health (SRH). Religiosity was
      assessed as composite score of praying and church attendance. Cox proportional
      hazard models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for all-cause
      and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: A total of 293 deaths were recorded, 59.2%
      of which had occurred due to cardiovascular diseases, followed by cancer diseases
      (17%). All-cause mortality was found increased for older people (aHR: 1.10,
      95%CI: 1.08-1.11, p < .0001), for males (aHR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.14-1.83, p = .002),
      for people reporting good SRH (aHR: .66, 95%CI: .51-.87, p = .003). Moreover,
      with increasing age the practice of regular exercise decreases all-causes
      mortality by approximately 3.5% by each year. Participants in the moderate
      category of religiosity were found to have decreased risk for all-cause mortality
      (aHR: .61, 95%CI: .46-.83, p = .001) compared to those in the low religiosity
      category. Cardiovascular mortality was also significantly associated with SRH and
      religiosity. CONCLUSION: Religiosity predicts mortality, in a rural population in
      Greece. Deciphering the mediators of religiosity and mortality relationship could
      facilitate future health policies.

PMID- 27145689
TI  - Development and Applications of Liquid Sample Desorption Electrospray Ionization
      Mass Spectrometry.
AB  - Desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) is a recent
      advance in the field of analytical chemistry. This review surveys the development
      of liquid sample DESI-MS (LS-DESI-MS), a variant form of DESI-MS that focuses on
      fast analysis of liquid samples, and its novel analy-tical applications in
      bioanalysis, proteomics, and reaction kinetics. Due to the capability of directly
      ionizing liquid samples, liquid sample DESI (LS-DESI) has been successfully used
      to couple MS with various analytical techniques, such as microfluidics,
      microextraction, electrochemistry, and chromatography. This review also covers
      these hyphenated techniques. In addition, several closely related ionization
      methods, including transmission mode DESI, thermally assisted DESI, and
      continuous flow-extractive DESI, are briefly discussed. The capabilities of LS
      DESI extend and/or complement the utilities of traditional DESI and electrospray
      ionization and will find extensive and valuable analytical application in the
      future. 

PMID- 27145690
TI  - Ceria Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoflowers Enhanced Luminol-Based
      Electrochemiluminescence Immunosensor for Amyloid-beta Detection.
AB  - In this work, ceria doped ZnO nanomaterials with flower-structure (Ce:ZONFs) were
      prepared to construct a luminol-based electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor
      for amyloid-beta protein (Abeta) detection. Herein, carboxyl groups (-COOH)
      covered Ce:ZONFs were synthesized by a green method with lysine as reductant.
      After that, Ce:ZONFs-based ECL nanocomposite was prepared by combining the
      luminophore of luminol and Ce:ZONFs via amidation and physical absorption.
      Luminol modified on Ce:ZONFs surface could generate a strong ECL signal under the
      assistance of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) (such as OH(*) and O2(*-)), which
      were produced by a catalytic reaction between Ce:ZONFs and H2O2. It was worth
      noticing that a quick Ce(4+) <-> Ce(3+) reaction in this doped material could
      increase the rate of electron transfer to realize the signal amplification.
      Subsequently, the luminol functionalized Ce:ZONFs (Ce:ZONFs-Lum) were covered by
      secondary antibody (Ab2) and glucose oxidase (GOD), respectively, to construct a
      novel Ab2 bioconjugate (Ab2-GOD@Ce:ZONFs-Lum). The wire-structured silver
      cysteine complex (AgCys NWs) with a large number of -COOH, which was synthesized
      by AgNO3 and l-cysteine, was used as substrate of the immunosensor to capture the
      primary antibody (Ab1). Under the optimal conditions, this proposed ECL
      immunosensor had exhibited high sensitivity for Abeta detection with a wide
      linear range from 80 fg/mL to 100 ng/mL and an ultralow detection limit of 52
      fg/mL. Meanwhile, this biosensor had good specificity for Abeta, indicating that
      the provided strategy had a promising potential in the detection of Abeta.

PMID- 27145691
TI  - Analysis of correlation factors and pregnancy outcomes of hypertensive disorders
      of pregnancy - a secondary analysis of a random sampling in Beijing, China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors for hypertensive
      disorders and to study the main pregnancy outcomes in the Beijing area of China.
      STUDY DESIGN: This study randomly sampled 15 hospitals in Beijing from Jun 2013
      to Nov 2013 and evaluated 15 194 deliveries. Logistic regression analysis was
      used to study the association between risk factors and hypertensive disorders.
      Pregnancy outcomes included preterm birth, cesarean delivery and small for
      gestational age (SGA). RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertensive disorders,
      preeclampsia (PE) and severe PE was 4.4, 2.7 and 1.8%, respectively. The risk
      factors for hypertensive disorders and severe PE were maternal body mass index
      before pregnancy, gestational weight gain (GWG), gestational diabetes and pre
      gestational diabetes, and third trimester cholesterol (CHOL) levels. First
      trimester high-density lipoprotein was a protective factor for severe PE. The
      incidence of hypertensive disorders increased with maternal age. Preterm
      delivery, cesarean delivery and small infant size for gestational age were more
      prevalent in the severe PE group compared with the non-hypertensive group.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the Beijing area of China, maternal body mass index before
      pregnancy, GWG, maternal complications of gestational diabetes and pre
      gestational diabetes, and third trimester CHOL levels are risk factors for both
      hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and severe PE. First trimester high-density
      lipoprotein is a protective factor for severe PE. Severe preeclampsia leads to a
      higher incidence of preterm delivery, cesarean delivery and SGA infants.

PMID- 27145692
TI  - Bipolar radio-frequency-induced thermofusion of intestinal tissue - In vivo
      evaluation of a new fusion technique in an experimental study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bipolar radio-frequency-induced thermofusion (BiRTh) of intestinal
      tissue might replace conventional stapling devices which are associated with
      technical and functional complications. Previous results of our study group
      confirmed the feasibility to fuse intestinal tissue using BiRTh-induced
      thermofusion ex vivo. The aim of this study was now to evaluate the efficacy of
      fusing intestinal tissue in vivo by BiRTh-induced thermofusion. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In male Wistar rats a blind bowel originating from the caecum was closed
      either by BiRTh (n = 24) or conventional suture (n = 16). At 6 h, 48 h, 4 days,
      and 2 weeks after the procedure caecum bursting pressure was measured to compare
      both groups. RESULTS: In total 18 of 21 (85.7%) thermofused and 15 of 16 (93.7%)
      sutured cecal stumps were primarily tight and leakage-proof (p > 0.05). The
      operative time was comparable in both groups without significant differences.
      Both groups showed increases in bursting pressure over the post-operative period.
      The mean bursting pressure for thermofusion was 47.8, 48.3, 55.2, and 68.0 mmHg,
      compared to 69.8, 51.5, 70.0 and 71.0 mmHg in the hand-sutured group (p > 0.05)
      after 6 h, 48 h, 4 days, and 2 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest that BiRTh-induced thermofusion is a safe and feasible method for fusing
      intestinal tissue in this experimental in vivo model and could be an innovative
      approach for achieving gastrointestinal anastomoses.

PMID- 27145693
TI  - Impact of prostate volume on erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
AB  - We evaluated the impact of total prostate volume (TPV) on the international index
      of erectile function-5 (IIEF) and the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool
      (PEDT). A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 8336 men who had
      participated in a health examination. PEDT, IIEF and transrectal ultrasonography
      were used. A full metabolic work-up and serum testosterone level checks were also
      performed. The median age of participants was 51.0 years. In total, 40.1% had
      IIEF scores <=16. Additionally, 24.7% were classified as demonstrating premature
      ejaculation (PE) (PEDT > 10). The severity of erectile dysfunction (ED)
      significantly increased with the TPV (p trend < 0.001). After adjusting for
      potential confounding factors, the odds ratio (OR) for IIEF scores <= 16
      significantly increased in the group with TPVs of 30-39 cm(3) and the group with
      TPVs >= 40 cm(3) compared with the group with TPVs <= 19 cm(3) (TPV 30-39 cm(3),
      OR: 1.204, 95% confidence interval: 1.034-1.403; TPV >= 40 cm(3), OR: 1.326: 95%
      confidence interval: 1.051-1.733) and this relationship was maintained after
      adjusting for propensity score (TPV >= 30 cm(3), OR: 1.138: 95% confidence
      interval: 1.012-1.280). However, neither PEDT nor PE was correlated with TPV. In
      conclusion, TPV is significantly and independently correlated with IIEF but not
      with PEDT. Future investigations should explore the temporal relationship between
      TPV and ED. 

PMID- 27145694
TI  - Isolated oculomotor nerve palsy with complete recovery in eclampsia: A rare
      presentation.

PMID- 27145695
TI  - Interpretation of 'incidental' cardiovascular findings in standard chest CTs
      impact of evolving scanner technology on educational requirements.

PMID- 27145696
TI  - Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are
      certain to miss the future. - John F. Kennedy.

PMID- 27145697
TI  - Concurrent Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Implantation and Percutaneous
      Temporary RVAD Support via CardiacAssist Protek-Duo TandemHeart to Preempt Right
      Heart Failure.
AB  - Right ventricular failure (RVF) is an unfortunate complication that continues to
      limit outcomes following durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD)
      implantation. Despite several 'RVF risk scores' having been proposed,
      preoperative prediction of post-LVAD RVF remains a guesstimate at best. Current
      strategies for institution of temporary RVAD support are invasive, necessitate
      additional re-thoracotomy, restrict postoperative mobilization, and/or entail
      prolonged retention of prosthetic material in-situ. The authors propose a novel
      surgical strategy comprising simultaneous implantation of a permanent LVAD and
      percutaneous TandemHeart(r) plus ProtekDuo(r) to provide temporary RVAD support
      and preempt RVF in patients with impaired RV function. 

PMID- 27145699
TI  - A Chemical Template for Synthesis of Molecular Sheets of Calcium Carbonate.
AB  - Inspired by the discovery of graphene and its unique properties, we focused our
      research to develop a scheme to create nacre like lamellar structures of
      molecular sheets of CaCO3 interleaved with an organic material, namely carbon. We
      developed a facile, chemical template technique, using a formulation of
      poly(acrylic) acid (PAA) and calcium acetate to create lamellar stacks of single
      crystal sheets of CaCO3, with a nominal thickness of 17 A, the same as a unit
      cell dimension for calcite (c-axis = 17.062 A), interleaved with amorphous carbon
      with a nominal thickness of 8 A. The strong binding affinity between carboxylate
      anions and calcium cations in the formulation was used as a molecular template to
      guide CaCO3 crystallization. Computational modeling of the FTIR spectra showed
      good agreement with experimental data and confirmed that calcium ions are bridged
      between polymer chains, resulting in a net-like polymer structure. The process
      readily lends itself to explore the feasibility of creating molecular sheets of
      other important inorganic materials and potentially find applications in many
      fields such as super capacitors and "low k di-electric" systems.

PMID- 27145698
TI  - Plant phenological synchrony increases under rapid within-spring warming.
AB  - Phenological synchrony influences many ecological processes. Recent climate
      change has altered the synchrony of phenology, but little is known about the
      underlying mechanisms. Here using in situ phenological records from Europe, we
      found that the standard deviation (SD, as a measure of synchrony) of first
      leafing day (FLD) and the SD of first flowering day (FFD) among local plants were
      significantly smaller in the years and/or in the regions with a more rapid within
      spring warming speed (WWS, the linear slope of the daily mean temperature against
      the days during spring, in (o)C/day) with correlation coefficients of -0.75 and 
      0.48 for FLD and -0.55 and -0.23 for FFD. We further found that the SDs of
      temperature sensitivity of local plants were smaller under the rapid WWS
      conditions with correlation coefficients of -0.46 and -0.33 for FLD and FFD
      respectively. This study provides the first evidence that the within-season rate
      of change of the temperature but not the magnitude determines plant phenological
      synchrony. It implies that temporally, the asymmetric seasonal climatic warming
      may decrease the synchrony via increasing WWS, especially in arctic regions;
      spatially, plants in coastal and low latitude areas with low WWS would have more
      diverse spring phenological traits.

PMID- 27145701
TI  - The Institut Pasteur International Network: a century-old global public health
      powerhouse.

PMID- 27145702
TI  - Tackling antimicrobial resistance in France.

PMID- 27145700
TI  - CD36 is expressed in a defined subpopulation of neurons in the olfactory
      epithelium.
AB  - The sensory neurons in the olfactory epithelium (OSNs) are equipped with a large
      repertoire of olfactory receptors and the associated signal transduction
      machinery. In addition to the canonical OSNs, which express odorant receptors
      (ORs), the epithelium contains specialized subpopulations of sensory neurons that
      can detect specific information from environmental cues and relay it to relevant
      neuronal circuitries. Here we describe a subpopulation of mature OSNs in the main
      olfactory epithelium (MOE) which expresses CD36, a multifunctional receptor
      involved in a series of biological processes, including sensory perception of
      lipid ligands. The Cd36 expressing neurons coexpress markers of mature OSNs and
      are dispersed throughout the MOE. Unlike several ORs analyzed in our study, we
      found frequent coexpression of the OR Olfr287 in these neurons, suggesting that
      only a specific set of ORs may be coexpressed with CD36 in OSNs. We also show
      that CD36 is expressed in the cilia of OSNs, indicating a possible role in
      odorant detection. CD36-deficient mice display no signs of gross changes in the
      organization of the olfactory epithelium, but show impaired preference for a
      lipid mixture odor. Our results show that CD36-expressing neurons represent a
      distinct population of OSNs, which may have specific functions in olfaction.

PMID- 27145703
TI  - Profile: Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.

PMID- 27145704
TI  - Democratising the global health agenda: why we need France.

PMID- 27145705
TI  - France: a philosophy for health.

PMID- 27145706
TI  - Liberte, egalite, fraternite...sante.

PMID- 27145707
TI  - Achieving universal health coverage in France: policy reforms and the challenge
      of inequalities.
AB  - Since 1945, the provision of health care in France has been grounded in a social
      conception promoting universalism and equality. The French health-care system is
      based on compulsory social insurance funded by social contributions, co
      administered by workers' and employers' organisations under State control and
      driven by highly redistributive financial transfers. This system is described
      frequently as the French model. In this paper, the first in The Lancet's Series
      on France, we challenge conventional wisdom about health care in France. First,
      we focus on policy and institutional transformations that have affected deeply
      the governance of health care over past decades. We argue that the health system
      rests on a diversity of institutions, policy mechanisms, and health actors, while
      its governance has been marked by the reinforcement of national regulation under
      the aegis of the State. Second, we suggest the redistributive mechanisms of the
      health insurance system are impeded by social inequalities in health, which
      remain major hindrances to achieving objectives of justice and solidarity
      associated with the conception of health care in France. 

PMID- 27145708
TI  - REACTing: the French response to infectious disease crises.

PMID- 27145709
TI  - Jean-Paul Moatti: charismatic French leader in global health.

PMID- 27145710
TI  - State humanitarian verticalism versus universal health coverage: a century of
      French international health assistance revisited.
AB  - The French contribution to global public health over the past two centuries has
      been marked by a fundamental tension between two approaches: State-provided
      universal free health care and what we propose to call State humanitarian
      verticalism. Both approaches have historical roots in French colonialism and have
      led to successes and failures that continue until the present day. In this paper,
      the second in The Lancet's Series on France, we look at how this tension has
      evolved. During the French colonial period (1890s to 1950s), the Indigenous
      Medical Assistance structure was supposed to bring metropolitan France's model of
      universal and free public health care to the colonies, and French State imperial
      humanitarianism crystallised in vertical programmes inspired by Louis Pasteur,
      while vying with early private humanitarian activism in health represented by
      Albert Schweitzer. From decolonisation to the end of the Cold War (1960-99),
      French assistance to newly independent states was affected by sans frontierisme,
      Health for All, and the AIDS pandemic. Since 2000, France has had an active role
      in development of global health initiatives and favoured multilateral action for
      health assistance. Today, with adoption of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals
      and the challenges of non-communicable diseases, economic inequality, and climate
      change, French international health assistance needs new direction. In the
      context of current debate over global health as a universal goal, understanding
      and acknowledging France's history could help strengthen advocacy in favour of
      universal health coverage and contribute to advancing global equity through
      income redistribution, from healthy populations to people who are sick and from
      wealthy individuals to those who are poor. 

PMID- 27145711
TI  - Towards a global agenda on health security.

PMID- 27145713
TI  - Ultrasound-assisted reductive dissolution of CeO2 and PuO2 in the presence of Ti
      particles.
AB  - PuO2 is considered an important material for current and future nuclear fuel;
      however it is a very refractive compound towards dissolution. Among other
      techniques, its reprocessing can be performed via complexing dissolution in
      concentrated and boiling nitric acid containing hydrofluoric acid, or via oxidant
      dissolution in the presence of reagents with redox couples having high potentials
      such as Ce(iv)/Ce(iii), or Ag(ii)/Ag(i). Reductive dissolution can be performed
      under softer conditions and is considered an alternative to these methods which
      may suffer from several drawbacks (corrosion, effluent management, compatibility
      with nuclear waste disposal, etc.). In this study, a sonochemical and reductive
      approach is investigated for PuO2 dissolution under relatively mild conditions.
      At the first stage, the experiments are performed with CeO2 as an inactive
      surrogate for PuO2. The quantitative dissolution of both oxides can be achieved
      under ultrasound (20 kHz, 0.35-0.70 W mL(-1)) in 0.5 M HNO3/0.1 M [N2H5NO3]/2 M
      HCOOH sparged with Ar at 33-35  degrees C in the presence of Ti particles as a
      generating source of reductive species. Ultrasound enables the depassivation of
      the Ti surface (usually strongly passivated in nitric solutions) through acoustic
      cavitation which then allows further generation of the intermediate Ti(iii)
      reductive species. Dissolution rates and yields can be further increased with the
      injection of dilute fluoride aliquots (NH4F or HF) in the sonicated solution to
      favor Ti chemical depassivation. The rapid and complete dissolution of PuO2 under
      selected conditions is accompanied by Pu(iii) accumulation in solution. 

PMID- 27145712
TI  - Homolytic cleavage of the O-Cu(ii) bond: XAFS and EPR spectroscopy evidence for
      one electron reduction of Cu(ii) to Cu(i).
AB  - The investigation into the active copper(i) catalysts from copper(ii) precursors
      has become a fundamental and important task in copper catalysis. In this work, we
      demonstrate that the (t)BuO(-) anion serves not only as a base but also as a
      mediator to promote the reduction of Cu(ii) to Cu(i) in copper catalysis. XAFS
      and EPR spectroscopy evidence the [Cu(O(t)Bu)3](-) ate complex as the key
      intermediate which undergoes homolytic-cleavage of the O-Cu(ii) bond generating
      [Cu(O(t)Bu)2](-) ate complex.

PMID- 27145714
TI  - N-GQDs and Eu(3+) co-encapsulated anionic MOFs: two-dimensional luminescent
      platform for decoding benzene homologues.
AB  - Highly luminescent hybrids N-GQDs/Eu(3+)@Mg-MOF (N-GQDs = N atom doped graphene
      quantum dots and Mg-MOF = {[Mg3(ndc)2.5(HCO2)2(H2O)][NH2Me2].2H2O.DMF}) have been
      synthesized and their photophysical properties were investigated. The resulting
      luminescent material can exhibit dual-emission from N-GQDs and Eu(3+) when
      excited at 394 nm, whereas the emission of ligand-based and Eu(3+) can be
      collected when excited at 349 nm. Exposed to a series of atmospheric benzene
      homologues (BTEX) in a sealed environment for 1 hour at 25  degrees C, N
      GQDs/Eu(3+)@Mg-MOF shows excellent fingerprint correlations between the exact
      BTEX and the emission peak height ratio of IL/IEu (luminescent intensity ratio of
      ligand-based emission at 414 nm and Eu(3+)-based emission at 618 nm) and IEu/IN
      GQDs (luminescent intensity ratio of l-emission based on N-GQDs at 443 nm and
      Eu(3+)-based emission at 618 nm), which makes it possible for this material to
      become a good platform for the detection of BTEX. 

PMID- 27145715
TI  - 5-Hydroxy-7-azaindolin-2-one, a novel hybrid of pyridinol and sunitinib: design,
      synthesis and cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
AB  - Angiogenesis plays important roles in tumor growth and metastasis. Sunitinib
      (Sutent(r)) is an antitumor agent targeting receptor tyrosine kinases which are
      involved in angiogenesis as well as cancer cell growth and survival. Using the
      pyridin-3-ol scaffold, which was previously reported as an excellent antioxidant
      and antiangiogenic platform, we have synthesized sunitinib mimics 6 by
      hybridizing bicyclic pyridinol 4 as a key scaffold and pyrrole-2-carbaldehydes 7
      as side chains. Cytotoxicity assays showed that compounds 6 have comparable to
      better anticancer activity than sunitinib against five different cancer cell
      lines. In addition, compounds 6 showed even lower levels of cytotoxicity against
      normal cells, resulting in up to 26-fold better safety windows, than sunitinib.
      Signaling pathway-associated transcription factor reporter assay and western blot
      analyses revealed that apoptosis induction in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer
      cells by 6F is mainly mediated through the p53 increase and down-regulation of
      phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and its target
      gene products, cyclin D, Bcl-2, and survivin. The data strongly suggest that our
      hybrid compounds can provide a novel anticancer scaffold with improved and safer
      cytotoxicity profiles than sunitinib. 

PMID- 27145716
TI  - Previous hospitalizations predict both hospital readmissions and mortality in
      patients with heart failure.

PMID- 27145717
TI  - Eliminating Health Disparities through Action on the Social Determinants of
      Health: A Systematic Review of Home Visiting in the United States, 2005-2015.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic literature review was to synthesize the
      results of transdisciplinary interventions designed with a home visit component
      in experimental and quasi-experimental studies having representative samples of
      racial and ethnic minorities. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: The design of this systematic
      review was adapted to include both experimental and quasi-experimental
      quantitative studies. MEASURES: The predetermined inclusion criteria were studies
      (a) having an experimental or quasi-experimental quantitative design, (b) having
      a home visit as a research component, (c) including a prevention research
      intervention strategy targeting health and/or safety issues, (d) conducted in the
      United States, (e) having representation (at least 30% in the total sample size)
      of one or more racial/ethnic minority, (f) available in full text, and (g)
      published in a peer-reviewed journal between January, 2005 and December, 2015.
      RESULTS: Thirty-nine articles were included in the review. There were 20 primary
      prevention, 5 secondary prevention, and 14 tertiary prevention intervention
      studies. CONCLUSIONS: Community and home visitation interventions by nurses can
      provide an effective means for mitigating social determinants of health by
      empowering people at risk for health disparities to avoid injury, maintain
      health, and prevent and manage existing disease.

PMID- 27145719
TI  - DNA Replication: Looping smoothens repetitive DNA replication.

PMID- 27145718
TI  - Breath-print analysis by e-nose for classifying and monitoring chronic liver
      disease: a proof-of-concept study.
AB  - Since the liver plays a key metabolic role, volatile organic compounds in the
      exhaled breath might change with type and severity of chronic liver disease
      (CLD). In this study we analysed breath-prints (BPs) of 65 patients with liver
      cirrhosis (LC), 39 with non-cirrhotic CLD (NC-CLD) and 56 healthy controls by the
      e-nose. Distinctive BPs characterized LC, NC-CLD and healthy controls, and, among
      LC patients, the different Child-Pugh classes (sensitivity 86.2% and specificity
      98.2% for CLD vs healthy controls, and 87.5% and 69.2% for LC vs NC-CLD).
      Moreover, the area under the BP profile, derived from radar-plot representation
      of BPs, showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.84 (95% CI 0.76-0.91) for CLD, of
      0.76 (95% CI 0.66-0.85) for LC, and of 0.70 (95% CI 0.55-0.81) for decompensated
      LC. By applying the cut-off values of 862 and 812, LC and decompensated LC could
      be predicted with high accuracy (PPV 96.6% and 88.5%, respectively). These
      results are proof-of-concept that the e-nose could be a valid non-invasive
      instrument for characterizing CLD and monitoring hepatic function over time. The
      observed classificatory properties might be further improved by refining stage
      specific breath-prints and considering the impact of comorbidities in a larger
      series of patients.

PMID- 27145720
TI  - Non-coding RNA: LINP1 joins ends with triple-negative effect.

PMID- 27145722
TI  - DNA damage response: Controlling ubiquitylation at DNA lesions.

PMID- 27145723
TI  - Heat tolerance in a wild Oryza species is attributed to maintenance of Rubisco
      activation by a thermally stable Rubisco activase ortholog.
AB  - The mechanistic basis of tolerance to heat stress was investigated in Oryza
      sativa and two wild rice species, Oryza meridionalis and Oryza australiensis. The
      wild relatives are endemic to the hot, arid Australian savannah. Leaf elongation
      rates and gas exchange were measured during short periods of supra-optimal heat,
      revealing species differences. The Rubisco activase (RCA) gene from each species
      was sequenced. Using expressed recombinant RCA and leaf-extracted RCA, the
      kinetic properties of the two isoforms were studied under high temperatures. Leaf
      elongation was undiminished at 45 degrees C in O. australiensis. The net
      photosynthetic rate was almost 50% slower in O. sativa at 45 degrees C than at 28
      degrees C, while in O. australiensis it was unaffected. Oryza meridionalis
      exhibited intermediate heat tolerance. Based on previous reports that RCA is heat
      labile, the Rubisco activation state was measured. It correlated positively with
      leaf elongation rates across all three species and four periods of exposure to 45
      degrees C. Sequence analysis revealed numerous polymorphisms in the RCA amino
      acid sequence from O. australiensis. The O. australiensis RCA enzyme was
      thermally stable up to 42 degrees C, contrasting with RCA from O. sativa, which
      was inhibited at 36 degrees C. We attribute heat tolerance in the wild species to
      thermal stability of RCA, enabling Rubisco to remain active.

PMID- 27145724
TI  - Plasmon-enhanced second-harmonic generation from hybrid ZnO-covered silver-bowl
      array.
AB  - High-efficient, plasmon-enhanced nonlinear phenomena based on hybrid
      nanostructures, which combine nonlinear dielectrics with plasmonic metals, are of
      fundamental importance for various applications ranging from all-optical
      switching to imaging or bio-sensing. However, the high loss of the excitation
      energy in nanostructures and the poor spatial overlap between the plasmon
      enhancement and the bulk of nonlinear materials largely limit the operation of
      plasmon-enhanced nonlinear effects, resulting in low nonlinear conversion
      efficiency. Here, we design and fabricate a ZnO-covered, 2D silver-bowl array,
      which can serve as an efficient platform for plasmon-enhanced second-harmonic
      generation (PESHG). Validated by experiments and simulations, we demonstrate that
      the high spatial overlap between the near-field enhancement and the ZnO film
      plays the key role for this nanostructure-based PESHG process. The enhancement
      mainly originates from the fundamental wavelength-derived plasmon resonance,
      providing an enhancement factor of approximately 33 times. These results achieved
      pave the way for future applications, which require localized light sources at
      nanoscale.

PMID- 27145721
TI  - The Fanconi anaemia pathway: new players and new functions.
AB  - The Fanconi anaemia pathway repairs DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) in the
      genome. Our understanding of this complex pathway is still evolving, as new
      components continue to be identified and new biochemical systems are used to
      elucidate the molecular steps of repair. The Fanconi anaemia pathway uses
      components of other known DNA repair processes to achieve proper repair of ICLs.
      Moreover, Fanconi anaemia proteins have functions in genome maintenance beyond
      their canonical roles of repairing ICLs. Such functions include the stabilization
      of replication forks and the regulation of cytokinesis. Thus, Fanconi anaemia
      proteins are emerging as master regulators of genomic integrity that coordinate
      several repair processes. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the
      functions of the Fanconi anaemia pathway in ICL repair, together with an overview
      of its connections with other repair pathways and its emerging roles in genome
      maintenance.

PMID- 27145725
TI  - Early onset of cardiomyopathy and intellectual disability in a girl with Danon
      disease associated with a de novo novel mutation of the LAMP2 gene.
AB  - Danon disease, primary lysosome-associated membrane protein-2 (LAMP-2)
      deficiency, is characterized clinically by cardiomyopathy, myopathy and
      intellectual disability in boys. Because Danon disease is inherited in an X
      linked dominant fashion, males are more severely affected than females, who
      usually have only cardiomyopathy without myopathy or intellectual disability;
      moreover, the onset of symptoms in females is usually in adulthood. We describe a
      girl with Danon disease who presented with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and Wolff
      Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome at 12 years of age. Subsequently, she showed signs
      of mild learning disability and intellectual disability on psychological
      examinations. She had a de novo novel mutation in the LAMP-2 gene and harbored an
      identical c.749C > A (p.Ser250X) variant, resulting in a stop codon in exon 6.
      She showed decreased, but not completely absent LAMP-2 expression on
      immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses of a skeletal muscle biopsy
      specimen, which has been suggested to be caused by a 50% reduction in LAMP-2
      expression (LAMP-2 haploinsufficiency) in female patients with Danon disease
      caused by a heterozygous null mutation. To our knowledge, our patient is one of
      the youngest female patients to have been given a diagnosis of Danon disease. In
      addition, this is the first documented case in a girl that was clearly associated
      with intellectual disability, which is very rare in females with Danon disease.
      Our findings suggest that studies of female patients with Danon disease can
      extend our understanding of the clinical features of this rare disease.

PMID- 27145726
TI  - ZnFe2 O4 Leaves Grown on TiO2 Trees Enhance Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting.
AB  - TiO2 has excellent electrochemical properties but limited solar photocatalytic
      performance in light of its large bandgap. One important class of visible
      wavelength sensitizers of TiO2 is based on ZnFe2 O4 , which has shown fully a
      doubling in performance relative to pure TiO2 . Prior efforts on this important
      front have relied on presynthesized nanoparticles of ZnFe2 O4 adsorbed on a TiO2
      support; however, these have not yet achieved the full potential of this system
      since they do not provide a consistently maximized area of the charge-separating
      heterointerface per volume of sensitizing absorber. A novel atomic layer
      deposition (ALD)-enhanced synthesis of sensitizing ZnFe2 O4 leaves grown on the
      trunks of TiO2 trees is reported. These new materials exhibit fully a threefold
      enhancement in photoelectrochemical performance in water splitting compared to
      pristine TiO2 under visible illumination. The new materials synthesis strategy
      relies first on the selective growth of FeOOH nanosheets, 2D structures that
      shoot off from the sides of the TiO2 trees; these templates are then converted to
      ZnFe2 O4 with the aid of a novel ALD step, a strategy that preserves morphology
      while adding the Zn cation to achieve enhanced optical absorption and optimize
      the heterointerface band alignment. 

PMID- 27145727
TI  - MFSD8 single-base pair deletion in a Chihuahua with neuronal ceroid
      lipofuscinosis.

PMID- 27145728
TI  - Optimisation of breast cancer patients' follow-up - potential way to improve
      cancer care in transitional countries.
AB  - The aim of this analysis was to evaluate adherence of Croatian oncologists to
      follow-up criteria as suggested by the current national and international
      guidelines for women with breast cancer receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy. The
      use of clinical and diagnostic methods was documented in this prospective, non
      interventional, multicenter study. A total of 438 post-menopausal patients
      receiving adjuvant endocrine treatment with non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors
      were included. Average annual frequency for each clinical and diagnostic method
      was calculated. Median adjuvant endocrine treatment duration before study
      recruitment was 10.5 months (interquartile 4.7-26.6). Patients were followed up
      for an average 23.5 +/- 4.9 months. Average number of oncological visits was 5.3.
      Mammograms were performed at mean annual frequency of 0.7, chest radiographs at
      0.5, abdominal ultrasounds at 0.9, breast ultrasounds at 1.2, complete blood
      counts and chemistry panels at 1.7, carcinoembryonic antigen at 0.8, cancer
      antigen 15-3 at 1.6, gynaecological examination at 0.3, and densitometry at mean
      annual frequency of 0.3. In conclusion, among post-menopausal women with breast
      cancer receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy in this study, more unnecessary and
      unproven follow-up procedures were done compared to the guidelines'
      recommendations.

PMID- 27145729
TI  - Social correlates of the dominance rank and long-term cortisol levels in
      adolescent and adult male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta).
AB  - A common pattern in dominance hierarchies is that some ranks result in higher
      levels of psychosocial stress than others. Such stress can lead to negative
      health outcomes, possibly through altered levels of stress hormones. The
      dominance rank-stress physiology relationship is known to vary between species;
      sometimes dominants show higher levels of glucocorticoid stress hormones, whereas
      in other cases subordinates show higher levels. It is less clear how this
      relationship varies between groups of different ages or cultures. In this study,
      we used long-term cortisol measurement methods to compare the effect of rank on
      cortisol levels in adult and adolescent male rhesus macaques. In the adult
      groups, subordinates had significantly higher cortisol levels. In the
      adolescents, no significant correlation between cortisol and status was found.
      Further analysis demonstrated that the adult hierarchy was stricter than that of
      the adolescents. Adult subordinates received extreme aggression more frequently
      than dominants, and this class of behavior was positively correlated with
      cortisol; by contrast, adolescents showed neither trend. Together, these findings
      provide evidence for a cortisol-rank relationship determined by social factors,
      namely, despotism of the group, and highlight the importance of group-specific
      social analysis when comparing or combining results obtained from different
      groups of animals.

PMID- 27145730
TI  - beta1-integrin restricts astrocytic differentiation of adult hippocampal neural
      stem cells.
AB  - Integrins are transmembrane receptors that mediate cell-extracellular matrix and
      cell-cell interactions. The beta1-integrin subunit is highly expressed by
      embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs) and is critical for NSC maintenance in the
      developing nervous system, but its role in the adult hippocampal niche remains
      unexplored. We show that beta1-integrin expression in the adult mouse dentate
      gyrus (DG) is localized to radial NSCs and early progenitors, but is lost in more
      mature progeny. Although NSCs in the hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ) normally
      only infrequently differentiate into astrocytes, deletion of beta1-integrin
      significantly enhanced astrocyte differentiation. Ablation of beta1-integrin also
      led to reduced neurogenesis as well as depletion of the radial NSC population.
      Activation of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in cultured adult NSCs from beta1
      integrin knockout mice reduced astrocyte differentiation, suggesting that at
      least some of the inhibitory effects of beta1-integrin on astrocytic
      differentiation are mediated through ILK. In addition, beta1-integrin conditional
      knockout also resulted in extensive cellular disorganization of the SGZ as well
      as non-neurogenic regions of the DG. The effects of beta1-integrin ablation on DG
      structure and astrogliogenesis show sex-specific differences, with the effects
      following a substantially slower time-course in males. beta1-integrin thus plays
      a dual role in maintaining the adult hippocampal NSC population by supporting the
      structural integrity of the NSC niche and by inhibiting astrocytic lineage
      commitment. GLIA 2016;64:1235-1251.

PMID- 27145731
TI  - Bioelectronic Interface Connecting Reversible Logic Gates Based on Enzyme and DNA
      Reactions.
AB  - It is believed that connecting biomolecular computation elements in complex
      networks of communicating molecules may eventually lead to a biocomputer that can
      be used for diagnostics and/or the cure of physiological and genetic disorders.
      Here, a bioelectronic interface based on biomolecule-modified electrodes has been
      designed to bridge reversible enzymatic logic gates with reversible DNA-based
      logic gates. The enzyme-based Fredkin gate with three input and three output
      signals was connected to the DNA-based Feynman gate with two input and two output
      signals-both representing logically reversible computing elements. In the
      reversible Fredkin gate, the routing of two data signals between two output
      channels was controlled by the control signal (third channel). The two data
      output signals generated by the Fredkin gate were directed toward two
      electrochemical flow cells, responding to the output signals by releasing DNA
      molecules that serve as the input signals for the next Feynman logic gate based
      on the DNA reacting cascade, producing, in turn, two final output signals. The
      Feynman gate operated as the controlled NOT gate (CNOT), where one of the input
      channels controlled a NOT operation on another channel. Both logic gates
      represented a highly sophisticated combination of input-controlled signal-routing
      logic operations, resulting in redirecting chemical signals in different channels
      and performing orchestrated computing processes. The biomolecular reaction
      cascade responsible for the signal processing was realized by moving the solution
      from one reacting cell to another, including the reacting flow cells and
      electrochemical flow cells, which were organized in a specific network mimicking
      electronic computing circuitries. The designed system represents the first
      example of high complexity biocomputing processes integrating enzyme and DNA
      reactions and performing logically reversible signal processing.

PMID- 27145732
TI  - Changes in choroidal thickness after intraocular pressure reduction following
      trabeculectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes of peripapillary and subfoveal choroidal
      thickness (CT) after trabeculectomy. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study
      included 37 eyes with open-angle glaucoma. The subfoveal and peripapillary CT was
      measured using enhanced depth imaging spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography before trabeculectomy and 1 week, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The
      associations between changes in the CT, intraocular pressure (IOP) and axial
      length were analysed. RESULTS: The medium subfoveal CT (IQR) increased from 182
      (97) MUm at baseline to 267 (107) MUm 1 week, 213 (97) MUm 3 months and 207 (91)
      MUm 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). The peripapillary CT increased in all
      four quadrants at all follow-ups (p < 0.05). The subfoveal and peripapillary
      choroidal thickening correlated with the magnitude of IOP reduction (p < 0.05)
      and axial length shortening (p < 0.01) during whole follow-up period. There was a
      peripapillary CT increase of 2.9 MUm per mmHg of IOP reduction (p < 0.001, CI 1.5
      4.4) and 4.8 MUm per mm of baseline axial length (p = 0.049, CI 0.03-9.6) 1 week
      postoperatively after adjustment for baseline IOP. Six months postoperatively,
      the decrease in axial length was the only factor associated with peripapillary
      choroidal thickening (p = 0.031; regression coefficient: 73.29 MUm/mm, CI 7.1
      139.5). CONCLUSION: Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction after trabeculectomy
      caused the increase in subfoveal and peripapillary CT for at least 6 months
      postoperatively correlating with greater IOP reduction and axial length
      shortening. In the long term, the decrease in axial eye length, but not IOP, was
      the only factor to be associated with peripapillary choroidal thickening.

PMID- 27145735
TI  - No smoke without fire?

PMID- 27145733
TI  - Model-based evaluation of pulmonary pharmacokinetics in asthmatic and COPD
      patients after oral olodaterol inhalation.
AB  - AIMS: Olodaterol is an orally inhaled beta2 -agonist for treatment of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aims of this population pharmacokinetic
      (PK) analysis were: (1) to investigate systemic PK and thereby make inferences
      about pulmonary PK in asthmatic patients, COPD patients and healthy volunteers,
      and (2) to assess whether differences in pulmonary efficacy might be expected
      based on pulmonary PK characteristics. METHODS: Plasma and urine data after
      olodaterol inhalation were available from six clinical trials comprising 710
      patients and healthy volunteers (single and multiple dosing). To investigate the
      relevance of covariates, full fixed-effect modelling was applied based on a
      previously developed healthy volunteer systemic disposition model. RESULTS: A
      pulmonary model with three parallel absorption processes best described PK after
      inhalation in patients. The pulmonary bioavailable fraction (PBIO) was 48.7%
      (46.1-51.3%, 95% confidence interval) in asthma, and 53.6% (51.1-56.2%) in COPD.
      In asthma 87.2% (85.4-88.8%) of PBIO was slowly absorbed with an absorption half
      life of 18.5 h (16.3-21.4 h), whereas in COPD 80.1% (78.0-82.2%) was absorbed
      with a half-life of 37.8 h (31.1-47.8 h). In healthy volunteers absorption was
      faster, with a half-life of 18.5 h (16.3-21.4 h) of the slowest absorbed process,
      which characterized 74.6% (69.1-80.2%) of PBIO. CONCLUSIONS: The modelling
      approach successfully described data after olodaterol inhalation in patients and
      healthy volunteers. Slow pulmonary absorption was demonstrated both in asthma and
      COPD. Absorption characteristics after olodaterol inhalation indicated even more
      beneficial lung targeting in patients compared to healthy volunteers.

PMID- 27145734
TI  - Controlled rippling of graphene via irradiation and applied strain modify its
      mechanical properties: a nanoindentation simulation study.
AB  - Ripples present in free standing graphene have an important influence on the
      mechanical behavior of this two-dimensional material. In this study, we show
      through nanoindentation simulations, how out-of-plane displacements can be
      modified by strain, resulting in softening of the membrane under compression and
      stiffening under tension. Irradiation also induces changes in the mechanical
      properties of graphene. Interestingly, compressed samples, irradiated at low
      doses are stiffened by the irradiation, whereas the samples under tensile strain
      do not show significant changes in their mechanical properties. These simulations
      indicate that vacancies produced by the energetic ions cannot be the ones
      directly responsible for this behavior. However, changes in roughness induced by
      the momentum transferred from the energetic ions to the membrane, can explain
      these differences. These results provide an alternative explanation to recent
      experimental observations of the stiffening of graphene under low dose
      irradiation, as well as the paths to tailor the mechanical properties of this
      material via applied strain and irradiation.

PMID- 27145736
TI  - A Visible-Light-Triggered Conformational Diastereomer Photoswitch in a Bridged
      Azobenzene.
AB  - Ketal-substituted bridged azobenzenes have been synthesized; these display a
      symmetrical boat conformation with the ketal in pseudo-equatorial positions.
      These bridged Z-azobenzenes (Z1 ) readily photoisomerize to the E-isomer as well
      as another Z-conformer (Z2 ) with ketal function on the pseudo-axial position
      upon irradiation at 406 nm. The two diastereomeric conformers display distinct
      physicochemical characteristics. Spectroscopic and NMR investigations supported
      that interconversion of two conformers occurs via the E-isomer, with good
      photochemical quantum yield (PhiZ1->E =0.45+/-0.03, PhiE->Z1 =0.33+/-0.05, PhiE
      >Z2 =0.37+/-0.06 and PhiZ2->E =0.36+/-0.04). The system shows high photostability
      and no thermal equilibrium between the two stable Z1 and Z2 conformers. 

PMID- 27145737
TI  - Dchs1-Fat4 regulation of polarized cell behaviours during skeletal morphogenesis.
AB  - Skeletal shape varies widely across species as adaptation to specialized modes of
      feeding and locomotion, but how skeletal shape is established is unknown. An
      example of extreme diversity in the shape of a skeletal structure can be seen in
      the sternum, which varies considerably across species. Here we show that the
      Dchs1-Fat4 planar cell polarity pathway controls cell orientation in the early
      skeletal condensation to define the shape and relative dimensions of the mouse
      sternum. These changes fit a model of cell intercalation along differential Dchs1
      Fat4 activity that drives a simultaneous narrowing, thickening and elongation of
      the sternum. Our results identify the regulation of cellular polarity within the
      early pre-chondrogenic mesenchyme, when skeletal shape is established, and
      provide the first demonstration that Fat4 and Dchs1 establish polarized cell
      behaviour intrinsically within the mesenchyme. Our data also reveal the first
      indication that cell intercalation processes occur during ventral body wall
      elongation and closure.

PMID- 27145738
TI  - Wheat transcription factor TaWRKY70 is positively involved in high-temperature
      seedling plant resistance to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici.
AB  - Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a
      devastating disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum) worldwide. Wheat high
      temperature seedling plant (HTSP) resistance to Pst is non-race-specific and
      durable. WRKY transcription factors have been proven to play important roles in
      plant defence responses to attacks by several pathogens. However, there is no
      direct evidence as to whether WRKY transcription factors play a role in HTSP
      resistance to Pst. We isolated a WRKY gene, named TaWRKY70, from wheat cultivar
      Xiaoyan 6. The expression level of TaWRKY70 was increased significantly when
      exposed to high temperatures (HTs) during the initial symptom expression stage of
      Pst infection. The expression of this gene increased in plants treated with
      ethylene (ET), salicylic acid (SA) and cold (4 degrees C) stresses, but decreased
      in plants treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and heat (40 degrees C) stresses.
      Silencing of TaWRKY70 led to greater susceptibility to Pst (in terms of the
      increase in length of uredinial pustules and the decrease in the number of
      necrotic cells) compared with non-silenced plants when exposed to HT during the
      initial symptom expression stage of Pst infection, coinciding with expression
      changes of the ET- and SA-responsive genes TaPIE1 and TaPR1.1. In contrast, the
      expression level of the jasmonic acid (JA)-responsive gene TaAOS was not affected
      by TaWRKY70. These results indicate that TaWRKY70 is positively involved in HTSP
      resistance, during which SA and ET signalling are probably activated.

PMID- 27145740
TI  - A call for ACEM to act on gender inequity in our training programme: A male
      perspective.

PMID- 27145739
TI  - The effects of torture-related stressors on long-term complex post-traumatic
      symptoms in South Korean torture survivors.
AB  - This study explored whether perceived distress from specific stressors during and
      after torture explain long-term complex post-traumatic symptoms of South Korean
      torture survivors. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of survivors who had
      been tortured by the homeland regime from the 1970s to the 2000s. Data from 206
      survivors were gathered by key informants using target sampling and snowballing
      techniques. Project staff designed scales to encompass the specific types of
      stressors related to torture techniques used in Korea. Frequencies and distress
      ratings of exposure to torture, post-torture psychosocial stressors and physical
      damage related to torture were gathered. Psychological symptoms were assessed by
      the Impact of Event Scale-Revised-Korean version and subscales of the Symptom
      Checklist 90-Revised-Korean version. Perceived distress from torture stressors
      was mainly divided into factors representing physical, psychological and
      deprivation torture by adapting a principal axis factor analysis. Hierarchical
      regression analyses showed that distress from psychological torture explained
      post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and that distress from deprivation
      explained PTSD and anxiety after controlling for demographic variables,
      psychological preparedness, time span since torture and distress from trauma
      other than torture. Among post-torture stressors, distress from physical damage
      related to torture and social exclusion were strong indicators of complex
      symptoms.

PMID- 27145741
TI  - The Efficacy and Safety of Cyclosporin A in Pregnant Patients with Systemic
      Autoimmune Diseases.
AB  - PROBLEM: Cyclosporin A (CYS A) is an immunosuppressant agent administered in
      autoimmune diseases, and its use during pregnancy and lactation is a debated
      topic. METHOD OF STUDY: The demographic characteristics, the activity of the
      underlying disease, and the onset of fetal-maternal complications have been
      investigated in 21 consecutive patients (2 RA, 14 SLE, 2 PA, 1 SjS, 1 DM, 1 Churg
      Strauss vasculitis), treated with CYS A throughout 29 gestations. A subanalysis
      of the SLE group was performed. RESULTS: We recorded a live birth rate of 86.2%.
      The median gestational age at birth was 38.2 weeks. The prevalence of maternal
      fetal complications showed no differences with general population. Disease flares
      appeared in 4% of patients during gestation and in 12% during puerperium.
      CONCLUSION: We found no evidence justifying the suspension of CYS A when a
      pregnancy occurs. The drug does not appear to promote maternal-fetal
      complications and should be continued in patients who benefit from therapy. Data
      regarding breast-feeding during therapy are still scarce, but no evidence of
      toxicity has emerged.

PMID- 27145742
TI  - Passion: A day in the life of an interventionalist.

PMID- 27145743
TI  - Echocardiographic determinants of LV functional improvement after transcatheter
      aortic valve replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established
      therapy in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Among patients with
      reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), it is unclear which patients
      will derive maximal benefit from TAVR. METHODS: Clinical and echocardiographic
      data of patients with severe aortic stenosis and low LVEF (<=50%) who underwent
      TAVR at a single institution during 2009-2013 were retrospectively analyzed.
      Patients were divided into 2 groups post-TAVR based on improved LV function
      (Group A = DeltaLVEF >= 10%) versus persistent LV dysfunction (Group B =
      DeltaLVEF<10%). Echocardiographic parameters were assessed for their association
      with LVEF change post-TAVR. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to generate
      survival estimates. RESULTS: Of 382 patients who underwent TAVR, 60 patients had
      low LVEF, LV function failed to improve >=10% in 50% of patients following the
      procedure (Group B). At baseline echocardiograms, Group B had higher LVEF, stroke
      volume (SV), SV index; and lower E, E/E', and estimated pulmonary arterial
      systolic pressure (PASP) compared to Group A. Higher mortality was found in Group
      B compared to the Group A (p = 0.003) with a significantly shorter survival
      (Group A = 3.3 +/- 0.1 years vs Group B = 2.7 +/- 0.2 years, p = 0.003). One-year
      event free survival was 53.3% in Group B compared to 93.3% in Group A, with a
      stable trend over ensuing years (5-year survival; 53.3% versus 90.0%, p = 0.003).
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing TAVR with depressed LV function, those who
      failed to improve were more likely to have relatively higher LVEF, SV, and SVI;
      and lower E, E/E', and PASP at baseline. Mortality rates were found to be higher
      in persistent LV dysfunction group. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145744
TI  - Retrograde approach to an ostial left anterior descending chronic total occlusion
      through a left internal mammary artery graft.
AB  - Retrograde approach to chronic total occlusions (CTO) has been described via
      saphenous vein grafts, septal and epicardial collaterals. We report for the first
      time a successful retrograde approach to an ostial left anterior descending (LAD)
      artery CTO through a failed left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to LAD
      anastamosis. This case demonstrates the technical aspects of using a LIMA conduit
      as a retrograde approach to CTO. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27145745
TI  - Effect of timing and type of supplementary grain on herbage intake, nitrogen
      utilization and milk production in dairy cows grazed on perennial ryegrass
      pasture from evening to morning.
AB  - The present study aimed to clarify the effect of timing and type of supplementary
      grain in grazing dairy cows on herbage dry matter intake (HDMI), nitrogen
      utilization and milk production. Eight lactating cows were allowed to graze from
      evening to morning during three seasonal periods (spring, summer, autumn). They
      were randomly allocated to four treatments (timing: pre- (Pre) or post-grazing
      (Post), for large grain allotments consisting of 75% of daily grain offered;
      grain type: barley or corn) in 4 * 4 Latin square designs in each period. In the
      spring period, HDMI was greater for cows fed corn than those fed barley (P =
      0.005), whereas cows in the Pre treatment had a similar HDMI, higher (P = 0.049)
      urinary purine derivative concentration and greater (P = 0.004) milk yield
      compared with cows in the Post treatment. In the summer and autumn periods,
      timing treatments did not affect HDMI, nitrogen utilization or milk production,
      but cows supplemented with barley had higher urinary purine derivatives
      concentration (P < 0.05) and milk yield (P < 0.05) compared with those
      supplemented with corn. The results indicate that large grain allotments
      immediately before evening grazing during early grazing seasons increased ruminal
      microbial protein synthesis and milk production without reducing HDMI regardless
      of grain type.

PMID- 27145746
TI  - IMAGING DIAGNOSIS-MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS IN A CAT WITH SYSTEMIC
      REACTIVE ANGIOENDOTHELIOMATOSIS.
AB  - A 10-year-old, castrated male domestic short-haired cat was presented with an
      acute history of seizures, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and dyspnea. Magnetic
      resonance imaging of the brain showed multifocal areas of gray matter T2-weighted
      hyperintensity. The lesions did not enhance with intravenous contrast. The cat
      was diagnosed at necropsy with feline systemic reactive angioendotheliomatosis, a
      rare vascular proliferative disorder for which a treatment has not yet been
      identified. This report is the first to describe associated magnetic resonance
      imaging changes for this disease.

PMID- 27145747
TI  - Comparative genomic analysis of six new-found integrative conjugative elements
      (ICEs) in Vibrio alginolyticus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vibrio alginolyticus is ubiquitous in marine and estuarine
      environments. In 2012-2013, SXT/R391-like integrative conjugative elements (ICEs)
      in environmental V. alginolyticus strains were discovered and found to occur in
      8.9 % of 192 V. alginolyticus strains, which suggests that V. alginolyticus may
      be a natural pool possessing resourceful ICEs. However, complete ICE sequences
      originating from this bacterium have not been reported, which represents a
      significant barrier to characterizing the ICEs of this bacterium and exploring
      their relationships with other ICEs. In the present study, we acquired six ICE
      sequences from five V. alginolyticus strains and performed a comparative analysis
      of these ICE genomes. RESULTS: A sequence analysis showed that there were only 14
      variable bases dispersed between ICEValE0601 and ICEValHN492. ICEValE0601 and
      ICEValHN492 were treated as the same ICE. ICEValA056-1, ICEValE0601 and
      ICEValHN492 integrate into the 5' end of the host's prfC gene, and their Int and
      Xis share at least 97 % identity with their counterparts from SXT. ICEValE0601 or
      ICEValHN492 contain 50 of 52 conserved core genes in the SXT/R391 ICEs (not s025
      or s026). ICEValA056-2, ICEValHN396 and ICEValHN437 have a different tRNA-ser
      integration site and a distinct int/xis module; however, the remaining backbone
      genes are highly similar to their counterparts in SXT/R391 ICEs. DNA sequences
      inserted into hotspot and variable regions of the ICEs are of various sizes. The
      variable genes of six ICEs encode a large array of functions to bestow various
      adaptive abilities upon their hosts, and only ICEValA056-1 contains drug
      resistant genes. Many variable genes have orthologous and functionally related
      genes to those found in SXT/R391 ICEs, such as genes coding for a toxin-antitoxin
      system, a restriction-modification system, helicases and endonucleases. Six ICEs
      also contain a large number of unique genes or gene clusters that were not found
      in other ICEs. Six ICEs harbor more abundant transposase genes compared with
      other parts of their host genomes. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that
      transposase genes in these ICEs are highly diverse. CONCLUSIONS: ICEValA056-1,
      ICEValE0601 and ICEValHN492 are typical members of the SXT/R391 family.
      ICEValA056-2, ICEValHN396 and ICEValHN437 form a new atypical group belonging to
      the SXT/R391 family. In addition to the many genes found to be present in other
      ICEs, six ICEs contain a large number of unique genes or gene clusters that were
      not found in other ICEs. ICEs may serve as a carrier for transposable genetic
      elements (TEs) and largely facilitate the dissemination of TEs.

PMID- 27145748
TI  - Peak cap stress calculations in coronary atherosclerotic plaques with an
      incomplete necrotic core geometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress calculations in atherosclerotic coronary vulnerable plaques
      can aid in predicting coronary cap rupture. In vivo plaque geometry and
      composition of coronary arteries can merely be obtained via intravascular
      imaging. Only optical driven imaging techniques have sufficient resolution to
      visualize the fibrous cap, but due to limited penetration depth deeper components
      such as the backside of the necrotic core (NC) are generally not visible. The
      goal of this study was to investigate whether peak cap stresses can be
      approximated by reconstructing the backside of the NC. METHODS: Manual
      segmentations of coronary histological cross-sections served as a geometrical
      ground truth and were obtained from seven patients resulting in 73 NCs. Next, the
      backside was removed and reconstructed according to an estimation of the relative
      necrotic core thickness (rNCt). The rNCt was estimated at three locations along
      the NC angle and based on either group averaged parameters or plaque specific
      parameters. Stress calculations were performed in both the ground truth geometry
      and the reconstructed geometries and compared. RESULTS: Good geometrical
      agreement was found between the ground truth NC and the reconstructed NCs, based
      on group averaged rNCt estimation and plaque specific rNCt estimation, measuring
      the NC area difference (25.1 % IQR 14.0-41.3 % and 17.9 % IQR 9.81-32.7 %) and
      similarity index (0.85 IQR 0.77-0.90 and 0.88 IQR 0.79-0.91). The peak cap
      stresses obtained with both reconstruction methods showed a high correlation with
      respect to the ground truth, r(2) = 0.91 and r(2) = 0.95, respectively. For high
      stress plaques, the peak cap stress difference with respect to the ground truth
      significantly improved for the NC reconstruction based plaque specific features
      (6 %) compared to the reconstruction group averaged based (16 %). CONCLUSIONS: In
      conclusion, good geometry and stress agreement was observed between the ground
      truth NC geometry and the reconstructed geometries. Although group averaged rNCt
      estimation seemed to be sufficient for the NC reconstruction and stress
      calculations, including plaque specific data further improved stress predictions,
      especially for higher stresses.

PMID- 27145750
TI  - Molecular characterization of LhpR in control of hydroxyproline catabolism and
      transport in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.
AB  - Utilization of hydroxy-l-proline (l-Hyp) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa requires
      conversion of l-Hyp to d-Hyp followed by the d-Hyp dehydrogenase pathway;
      however, the molecular mechanism in control of l-Hyp catabolism and transport was
      not clear. DNA microarray analysis revealed twelve genes in two adjacent loci
      that were induced by exogenous l-Hyp and d-Hyp. The first locus includes lhpABFE
      encoding a Hyp epimerase (LhpA) and d-Hyp dehydrogenase (LhpBEF), while the
      second locus codes for a putative ABC transporter (LhpPMNO), a protein of unknown
      function (LhpH), Hyp/Pro racemase (LhpK) and two enzymes in l-Hyp catabolism
      (LhpC and LhpG). Proximal to these two loci, lhpR encodes a transcriptional
      regulator of the AraC family. The importance of these genes on l-Hyp catabolism
      was supported by growth phenotype analysis on knockout mutants. Induction of the
      lhpA and lhpP promoters by exogenous l-Hyp and d-Hyp was demonstrated by the
      measurement of beta-galactosidase activities from promoter-lacZ fusions in PAO1,
      and no induction could be detected in the DeltalhpR mutant. Induction of the lhpA
      promoter by d-Hyp was completely abolished in the lhpA lhpK double mutant devoid
      of two epimerases, while the induction effect of l-Hyp remained unchanged. The
      purified His-tagged LhpR binds specifically to the lhp promoter regions, and
      formation of nucleoprotein complexes is affected by the presence of l-Hyp but not
      d-Hyp. Putative LhpR binding sites were deduced from serial deletions and
      comparative genomic sequence analysis. In summary, expression of lhp genes for
      Hyp catabolism and uptake requires the transcriptional activator LhpR and l-Hyp
      as the signalling compound.

PMID- 27145749
TI  - A new automatic algorithm for quantification of myocardial infarction imaged by
      late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance: experimental
      validation and comparison to expert delineations in multi-center, multi-vendor
      patient data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance
      (CMR) using magnitude inversion recovery (IR) or phase sensitive inversion
      recovery (PSIR) has become clinical standard for assessment of myocardial
      infarction (MI). However, there is no clinical standard for quantification of MI
      even though multiple methods have been proposed. Simple thresholds have yielded
      varying results and advanced algorithms have only been validated in single center
      studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an automatic algorithm
      for MI quantification in IR and PSIR LGE images and to validate the new algorithm
      experimentally and compare it to expert delineations in multi-center, multi
      vendor patient data. METHODS: The new automatic algorithm, EWA (Expectation
      Maximization, weighted intensity, a priori information), was implemented using an
      intensity threshold by Expectation Maximization (EM) and a weighted summation to
      account for partial volume effects. The EWA algorithm was validated in-vivo
      against triphenyltetrazolium-chloride (TTC) staining (n = 7 pigs with paired IR
      and PSIR images) and against ex-vivo high resolution T1-weighted images (n = 23
      IR and n = 13 PSIR images). The EWA algorithm was also compared to expert
      delineation in 124 patients from multi-center, multi-vendor clinical trials 2-6
      days following first time ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n = 124 IR and n = 49 PSIR images).
      RESULTS: Infarct size by the EWA algorithm in vivo in pigs showed a bias to ex
      vivo TTC of -1 +/- 4%LVM (R = 0.84) in IR and -2 +/- 3%LVM (R = 0.92) in PSIR
      images and a bias to ex-vivo T1-weighted images of 0 +/- 4%LVM (R = 0.94) in IR
      and 0 +/- 5%LVM (R = 0.79) in PSIR images. In multi-center patient studies,
      infarct size by the EWA algorithm showed a bias to expert delineation of -2 +/- 6
      %LVM (R = 0.81) in IR images (n = 124) and 0 +/- 5%LVM (R = 0.89) in PSIR images
      (n = 49). CONCLUSIONS: The EWA algorithm was validated experimentally and in
      patient data with a low bias in both IR and PSIR LGE images. Thus, the use of EM
      and a weighted intensity as in the EWA algorithm, may serve as a clinical
      standard for the quantification of myocardial infarction in LGE CMR images.
      CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: CHILL-MI: NCT01379261 . MITOCARE: NCT01374321 .

PMID- 27145751
TI  - Regulation of the cerebral circulation: bedside assessment and clinical
      implications.
AB  - Regulation of the cerebral circulation relies on the complex interplay between
      cardiovascular, respiratory, and neural physiology. In health, these physiologic
      systems act to maintain an adequate cerebral blood flow (CBF) through modulation
      of hydrodynamic parameters; the resistance of cerebral vessels, and the arterial,
      intracranial, and venous pressures. In critical illness, however, one or more of
      these parameters can be compromised, raising the possibility of disturbed CBF
      regulation and its pathophysiologic sequelae. Rigorous assessment of the cerebral
      circulation requires not only measuring CBF and its hydrodynamic determinants but
      also assessing the stability of CBF in response to changes in arterial pressure
      (cerebral autoregulation), the reactivity of CBF to a vasodilator (carbon dioxide
      reactivity, for example), and the dynamic regulation of arterial pressure
      (baroreceptor sensitivity). Ideally, cerebral circulation monitors in critical
      care should be continuous, physically robust, allow for both regional and global
      CBF assessment, and be conducive to application at the bedside. Regulation of the
      cerebral circulation is impaired not only in primary neurologic conditions that
      affect the vasculature such as subarachnoid haemorrhage and stroke, but also in
      conditions that affect the regulation of intracranial pressure (such as traumatic
      brain injury and hydrocephalus) or arterial blood pressure (sepsis or cardiac
      dysfunction). Importantly, this impairment is often associated with poor patient
      outcome. At present, assessment of the cerebral circulation is primarily used as
      a research tool to elucidate pathophysiology or prognosis. However, when combined
      with other physiologic signals and online analytical techniques, cerebral
      circulation monitoring has the appealing potential to not only prognosticate
      patients, but also direct critical care management. 

PMID- 27145752
TI  - The contribution of the cytoplasmic retrieval signal of severe acute respiratory
      syndrome coronavirus to intracellular accumulation of S proteins and
      incorporation of S protein into virus-like particles.
AB  - The cytoplasmic tails of some coronavirus (CoV) spike (S) proteins contain an
      endoplasmic reticulum retrieval signal (ERRS) that can retrieve S proteins from
      the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); this process is thought to
      accumulate S proteins at the CoV budding site, the ER-Golgi intermediate
      compartment (ERGIC), and to facilitate S protein incorporation into virions.
      However, we showed previously that porcine epidemic diarrhoea CoV S proteins
      lacking the ERRS were efficiently incorporated into virions, similar to the
      original virus. Thus, the precise role of the ERRS in virus assembly remains
      unclear. Here, the roles of the S protein ERRS in severe acute respiratory
      syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV) intracellular trafficking and S incorporation into virus
      like particles (VLPs) are described. Intracellular trafficking and indirect
      immunofluorescence analysis suggested that when M protein was present, wild-type
      S protein (wtS) could be retained in the pre- and post-medial Golgi compartments
      intracellularly and co-localized with M protein in the Golgi. In contrast, mutant
      S protein lacking the ERRS was distributed throughout the ER and only partially
      co-localized with M protein. Moreover, the intracellular accumulation of mutant S
      protein, particularly at the post-medial Golgi compartment, was significantly
      reduced compared with wtS. A VLP assay suggested that wtS that reached the post
      medial compartment could be returned to the ERGIC for subsequent incorporation
      into VLPs, while mutant S protein could not. These results suggest that the ERRS
      of SARS-CoV contributes to intracellular S protein accumulation specifically in
      the post-medial Golgi compartment and to S protein incorporation into VLPs.

PMID- 27145753
TI  - Genetic polymorphism rs3760396 of the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 gene (CCL2)
      associated with the susceptibility of lung cancer in a pathological subtype
      specific manner in Han-ancestry Chinese: a case control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chemokines are well known inflammatory factors critical for tumor
      development in diverse tissues, including lung cancer. Chemokine (C-C motif)
      Ligand 2 (CCL2) was one of such chemokines important for both primary tumor
      development and metastasis of various cancers. Polymorphism at rs3760396 of CCL2
      genes is associated with the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The
      goal of our study was to examine the relationship of genetic polymorphisms
      rs3760396 with the susceptibility of lung cancer and its pathological subtypes in
      Han-ancestry Chinese population. METHODS: rs3760396 G/C polymorphism of CCL2 was
      genotyped using PCR in 394 patients with lung cancer and 545 cancer-free controls
      from the same Northeast region of China. RESULTS: After controlling for gender,
      age and smoking status, no significant association was observed between rs3760396
      polymorphism and overall lung cancer. However, minor allele G of rs3760396
      polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of adenosquamous
      lung carcinoma with either allelic genetic model (OR = 5.29, P < 0.001), or
      dominant genetic model (OR = 9.88, P < 0.001), or genotypic model (GC genotype
      vs. CC genotype, OR = 10.73, P < 0.001). Although rs3760396 polymorphism was not
      significantly associated with increased risk of adenocarcinoma subtype, it was
      nominally associated with the pooled outcome of either adenocarcinoma or
      adenosquamous carcinoma under allelic genetic model (OR = 1.54, P = 0.023) or
      dominant genetic model (OR = 1.57, P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested
      rs3760396 polymorphism of CCL2 is associated not only with prognosis of NSCLC,
      but also with risk of lung cancer in a subtype-specific manner. Our results
      further supported previous evidence of the important role of CCL2 in lung cancer
      development.

PMID- 27145755
TI  - Five minutes with . . . Glyn Phillips, GP and Hillsborough survivor.

PMID- 27145754
TI  - Frequency of circulating topoisomerase-I-specific CD4 T cells predicts presence
      and progression of interstitial lung disease in scleroderma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scleroderma is an antigen-driven T cell-mediated autoimmune disease.
      Presence of anti-topoisomerase-I antibodies is associated with pulmonary fibrosis
      and predicts increased mortality. Characterization of autoreactive T lymphocytes
      may shed light on disease pathogenesis and serve as a biomarker for disease
      activity. Here, we aimed to quantify and functionally characterize circulating
      topoisomerase I (topo-I)-specific CD4+ T cells and to define their association
      with presence and progression of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with
      scleroderma. METHODS: Using flow cytometry, circulating topo-I-reactive CD4+ T
      cells were identified by the expression of specific activation markers (CD154 and
      CD69) upon stimulation with purified topo-I and quantified in 27 SSc patients and
      4 healthy donors (HD). Polarization of autoreactive T cells (Th1, Th2, Th17, Th1
      17) was defined using surface expression of specific chemokine receptors.
      Presence and progression of ILD were determined using high-resolution chest CT
      and pulmonary function tests. RESULTS: Topo-I-reactive CD4+ T cells were found in
      all topo-I-positive patients compared to one topo-I-negative subject and no HD.
      Topo-I-specific CD4+ T cells exhibited a distinct Th17 polarized phenotype.
      Autoreactive T cells were significantly increased in subjects with evidence of
      ILD and were quantitatively associated with the decline of lung volumes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Topo-I-specific T cells can be reliably quantified in the peripheral
      blood of patients with scleroderma, exhibit a pro-inflammatory Th17 phenotype,
      and predict progression of ILD.

PMID- 27145756
TI  - Gynecomastia and hormones.
AB  - Gynecomastia-the enlargement of male breast tissue in men-is a common finding,
      frequently observed in newborns, adolescents, and old men. Physiological
      gynecomastia, occurring in almost 25 % of cases, is benign and self-limited; on
      the other hand, several conditions and drugs may induce proliferation of male
      breast tissue. True gynecomastia is a common feature often related to estrogen
      excess and/or androgen deficiency as a consequence of different endocrine
      disorders. Biochemical evaluation should be performed once physiological or
      iatrogenic gynecomastia has been ruled out. Non-endocrine illnesses, including
      liver failure and chronic kidney disease, are another cause of gynecomastia which
      should be considered. Treating the underlying disease or discontinuing
      medications might resolve gynecomastia, although the psychosocial burden of this
      condition might require different and careful consideration.

PMID- 27145757
TI  - Positive parenting attitudes and practices in three transitional Eastern European
      countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Serbia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify potential predictors of using only non-violent forms of
      discipline for children aged 2-14 years and of being against physical punishment
      among Roma and non-Roma parents/caregivers in Eastern European countries with
      similar cultural-historical backgrounds. METHODS: UNICEF Multiple Indicator
      Cluster Survey data collected in 2010-2011 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia
      and Serbia (total of 9973 respondents) were analysed using multivariate logistic
      regression modelling with receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS:
      Approximately 27 % of the respondents practiced only non-violent child
      discipline. Roma children experienced only non-violent discipline less than half
      as often as their non-Roma counterparts. Household wealth index and child sex
      were significant predictors of positive parenting attitudes and practice. For
      Roma respondents, rural residence also contributed to being against physical
      punishment. CONCLUSIONS: Parents?caregivers from more affluent households are
      more likely than those who are less affluent to be against physical punishment of
      children and are more likely to practice only non-violent discipline. Evidence
      based interventions are required to support existing positive forms of child
      rearing. These should target less affluent households from Roma settlements in
      the studied countries.

PMID- 27145759
TI  - Breathe.

PMID- 27145758
TI  - Erratum to: Pharmacology of anticoagulants used in the treatment of venous
      thromboembolism.
AB  - Anticoagulant drugs are the foundation of therapy for patients with VTE. While
      effective therapeutic agents, anticoagulants can also result in hemorrhage and
      other side effects. Thus, anticoagulant therapy selection should be guided by the
      risks, benefits and pharmacologic characteristics of each agent for each patient.
      Safe use of anticoagulants requires not only an in-depth knowledge of their
      pharmacologic properties but also a comprehensive approach to patient management
      and education. This paper will summarize the key pharmacologic properties of the
      anticoagulant agents used in the treatment of patients with VTE.

PMID- 27145760
TI  - Incident Type 2 Diabetes Risk is Influenced by Obesity and Diabetes in Social
      Contacts: a Social Network Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity and diabetes family history are the two strongest risk
      factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Prior work shows that an individual's obesity
      risk is associated with obesity in social contacts, but whether T2D risk follows
      similar patterns is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate the relationship
      between obesity or diabetes in an individual's social contacts and his/her T2D
      risk. We hypothesized that obesity and diabetes in social contacts would increase
      an individual's T2D risk. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of the
      community-based Framingham Offspring Study (FOS). PARTICIPANTS: FOS participants
      with T2D status, height and weight, and at least one social contact were eligible
      for this study (n = 4797 at Exam 1). Participants' interpersonal ties,
      cardiometabolic and demographic variables were available at eight exams from 1971
      to 2008, and a T2D additive polygenic risk score was measured at the fifth exam.
      MAIN MEASURES: Primary exposures were T2D (fasting glucose >= 7 mmol/L or taking
      diabetes medications) and obesity status (BMI >= 30 kg/m(2)) of social contacts
      at a prior exam. Primary outcome was incident T2D in participants. KEY RESULTS:
      Incident T2D was associated with having a social contact with diabetes (OR 1.32,
      p = 0.004) or with obesity (OR 1.21, p = 0.004). In stratified analyses, incident
      T2D was associated with diabetes in siblings (OR 1.64, p = 0.001) and obesity in
      spouses (OR 1.54, p = 0.0004). The associations between diabetes and obesity in
      social contacts and an individual's incident diabetes risk were stronger in
      individuals with a high diabetes genetic risk score. CONCLUSIONS: T2D and obesity
      in social contacts, particularly siblings and spouses, were associated with an
      individual's risk of incident diabetes even after accounting for parental T2D
      history. Assessing risk factors in an individual's siblings and spouses can
      inform T2D risk; furthermore, social network based lifestyle interventions
      involving spouses and siblings might be a novel T2D prevention approach.

PMID- 27145761
TI  - Evolution of Chemosensitivity and Resistance Assays as Predictors of Clinical
      Outcomes in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients.
AB  - Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is responsible for more cancer-related deaths
      than any other malignancy of the female reproductive system. The standard of care
      for advanced EOC involves a combination of cytoreductive surgery and platinum
      based chemotherapy. Although a majority of patients respond to a platinum
      containing regimen, many fail to respond to first-line treatment (platinum
      refractory disease) or experience disease progression within 6 months of
      completing treatment (platinum-resistant disease). Even in patients who initially
      respond to platinum-based therapy, secondary development of platinum resistance
      is common. Many chemotherapeutic regimens with comparable efficacy and toxicities
      are available, leaving the determination of optimal therapy to the physician's
      discretion. There have been many efforts over the years to develop accurate
      predictors of outcomes in patients treated with chemotherapy to help inform
      treatment decisions. Predictive treatment markers are particularly relevant in a
      disease such as EOC, where a large number of similarly efficacious chemotherapy
      regimens are available. Chemosensitivity and resistance assays (CSRAs) are
      attractive approaches to interrogate the efficacy and complex biology of EOC.
      Some early predictive cellular tests, such as the early clonogenic assays, were
      limited by technical and logistical issues. Over time, changes in these assays
      have improved their prognostic and predictive value, but there is still a lack of
      widespread adoption due to methodological difficulties or limited clinical
      validation. Herein, we provide an overview of the evolution of CSRAs used to
      predict outcomes in patients treated with chemotherapy that have been evaluated
      for use in EOC, with a focus on the latest generation chemoresponse assay.

PMID- 27145762
TI  - Nrf2: a modulator of Parkinson's disease?
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex multifactorial disorder that has been
      associated with the processes of oxidative stress. In the absence of curative
      therapies, modification of the neurodegenerative process-including the
      manipulation of endogenous antioxidant pathways-is the focus of intensive
      research. Recently, genetic and pharmacological accretion of the transcription
      factor, and phase II antioxidant 'master regulator' Nrf2, has shown to
      demonstrably mitigate the toxic neuronal effects of parkinsonian agents such as
      MPP(+), rotenone, and hydrogen peroxide in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore,
      baseline genetic variability in Nrf2-dependant pathways may promote neuronal
      susceptibility to exogenous agents and correlate with PD onset within certain
      populations. While contemporary evidence directly implicating Nrf2 in the
      pathogenesis of PD is not conclusive and likely contingent upon the evaluation of
      complex interacting factors-including genetic variation and a history of
      environmental exposures-it remains a promising target for therapeutic benefit in
      the modulation of oxidative stress.

PMID- 27145764
TI  - Influence of 5-HTT variation, childhood trauma and self-efficacy on anxiety
      traits: a gene-environment-coping interaction study.
AB  - Environmental vulnerability factors such as adverse childhood experiences in
      interaction with genetic risk variants, e.g., the serotonin transporter gene
      linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), are assumed to play a role in the
      development of anxiety and affective disorders. However, positive influences such
      as general self-efficacy (GSE) may exert a compensatory effect on genetic
      disposition, environmental adversity, and anxiety traits. We, thus, assessed
      childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, CTQ) and GSE in 678 adults
      genotyped for 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 and their interaction on agoraphobic cognitions
      (Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire, ACQ), social anxiety (Liebowitz Social
      Anxiety Scale, LSAS), and trait anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI-T).
      The relationship between anxiety traits and childhood trauma was moderated by
      self-efficacy in 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 LALA genotype carriers: LALA probands
      maltreated as children showed high anxiety scores when self-efficacy was low, but
      low anxiety scores in the presence of high self-efficacy despite childhood
      maltreatment. Our results extend previous findings regarding anxiety-related
      traits showing an interactive relationship between 5-HTT genotype and adverse
      childhood experiences by suggesting coping-related measures to function as an
      additional dimension buffering the effects of a gene-environment risk
      constellation. Given that anxiety disorders manifest already early in childhood,
      this insight could contribute to the improvement of psychotherapeutic
      interventions by including measures strengthening self-efficacy and inform early
      targeted preventive interventions in at-risk populations, particularly within the
      crucial time window of childhood and adolescence.

PMID- 27145763
TI  - Cross-generational influences on childhood anxiety disorders: pathways and
      mechanisms.
AB  - Anxiety disorders are common across the lifespan, cause severe distress and
      impairment, and usually have their onset in childhood. Substantial clinical and
      epidemiological research has demonstrated the existence of links between anxiety
      and its disorders in children and parents. Research on the pathways and
      mechanisms underlying these links has pointed to both behavioral and biological
      systems. This review synthesizes and summarizes several major aspects of this
      research. Behavioral systems include vicarious learning, social referencing, and
      modeling of parental anxiety; overly protective or critical parenting styles; and
      aspects of parental responses to child anxiety including family accommodation of
      the child's symptoms. Biological systems include aspects of the prenatal
      environment affected by maternal anxiety, development and functioning of the
      oxytocinergic system, and genetic and epigenetic transmission. Implications for
      the prevention and treatment of child anxiety disorders are discussed, including
      the potential to enhance child anxiety treatment outcomes through biologically
      informed parent-based interventions.

PMID- 27145765
TI  - The effect of the interval-between-sessions on prefrontal transcranial direct
      current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive outcomes: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - Recently, there has been wide interest in the effects of transcranial direct
      current stimulation (tDCS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on
      cognitive functioning. However, many methodological questions remain unanswered.
      One of them is whether the time interval between active and sham-controlled
      stimulation sessions, i.e. the interval between sessions (IBS), influences DLPFC
      tDCS effects on cognitive functioning. Therefore, a systematic review and meta
      analysis was performed of experimental studies published in PubMed, Science
      Direct, and other databases from the first data available to February 2016.
      Single session sham-controlled within-subject studies reporting the effects of
      tDCS of the DLPFC on cognitive functioning in healthy controls and
      neuropsychiatric patients were included. Cognitive tasks were categorized in
      tasks assessing memory, attention, and executive functioning. Evaluation of 188
      trials showed that anodal vs. sham tDCS significantly decreased response times
      and increased accuracy, and specifically for the executive functioning tasks, in
      a sample of healthy participants and neuropsychiatric patients (although a
      slightly different pattern of improvement was found in analyses for both samples
      separately). The effects of cathodal vs. sham tDCS (45 trials), on the other
      hand, were not significant. IBS ranged from less than 1 h to up to 1 week (i.e.
      cathodal tDCS) or 2 weeks (i.e. anodal tDCS). This IBS length had no influence on
      the estimated effect size when performing a meta-regression of IBS on reaction
      time and accuracy outcomes in all three cognitive categories, both for anodal and
      cathodal stimulation. Practical recommendations and limitations of the study are
      further discussed.

PMID- 27145766
TI  - Dimensional psychiatry: mental disorders as dysfunctions of basic learning
      mechanisms.
AB  - It has been questioned that the more than 300 mental disorders currently listed
      in international disease classification systems all have a distinct
      neurobiological correlate. Here, we support the idea that basic dimensions of
      mental dysfunctions, such as alterations in reinforcement learning, can be
      identified, which interact with individual vulnerability and psychosocial stress
      factors and, thus, contribute to syndromes of distress across traditional
      nosological boundaries. We further suggest that computational modeling of
      learning behavior can help to identify specific alterations in reinforcement
      based decision-making and their associated neurobiological correlates. For
      example, attribution of salience to drug-related cues associated with dopamine
      dysfunction in addiction can increase habitual decision-making via promotion of
      Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer as indicated by computational modeling of the
      effect of Pavlovian-conditioned stimuli (here affectively positive or alcohol
      related cues) on instrumental approach and avoidance behavior. In schizophrenia,
      reward prediction errors can be modeled computationally and associated with
      functional brain activation, thus revealing reduced encoding of such learning
      signals in the ventral striatum and compensatory activation in the frontal
      cortex. With respect to negative mood states, it has been shown that both reduced
      functional activation of the ventral striatum elicited by reward-predicting
      stimuli and stress-associated activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
      axis in interaction with reduced serotonin transporter availability and increased
      amygdala activation by aversive cues contribute to clinical depression;
      altogether these observations support the notion that basic learning mechanisms,
      such as Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning and Pavlovian-to-instrumental
      transfer, represent a basic dimension of mental disorders that can be
      mechanistically characterized using computational modeling and associated with
      specific clinical syndromes across established nosological boundaries. Instead of
      pursuing a narrow focus on single disorders defined by clinical tradition, we
      suggest that neurobiological research should focus on such basic dimensions,
      which can be studied in and compared among several mental disorders.

PMID- 27145769
TI  - Introduction to the special focus section: kidney.

PMID- 27145770
TI  - The "beak" sign.

PMID- 27145768
TI  - Development of quality indicators for care of chronic kidney disease in the
      primary care setting using electronic health data: a RAND-modified Delphi method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has recently
      increased, and maintaining high quality of CKD care is a major factor in
      preventing end-stage renal disease. Here, we developed novel quality indicators
      for CKD care based on existing electronic health data. METHODS: We used a
      modified RAND appropriateness method to develop quality indicators for the care
      of non-dialysis CKD patients, by combining expert opinion and scientific
      evidence. A multidisciplinary expert panel comprising six nephrologists, two
      primary care physicians, one diabetes specialist, and one rheumatologist assessed
      the appropriateness of potential indicators extracted from evidence-based
      clinical guidelines, in accordance with predetermined criteria. We developed
      novel quality indicators through a four-step process: selection of potential
      indicators, first questionnaire round, face-to-face meeting, and second
      questionnaire round. RESULTS: Ten expert panel members evaluated 19 potential
      indicators in the first questionnaire round, of which 7 were modified, 12
      deleted, and 4 newly added during subsequent face-to-face meetings, giving a
      final total of 11 indicators. Median rate of these 11 indicators in the final set
      was at least 7, and percentages of agreement exceeded 80 % for all but one
      indicator. All indicators in the final set can be measured using only existing
      electronic health data, without medical record review, and 9 of 11 are process
      indicators. CONCLUSION: We developed 11 quality indicators to assess quality of
      care for non-dialysis CKD patients. Strengths of the developed indicators are
      their applicability in a primary care setting, availability in daily practice,
      and emphasis on modifiable processes.

PMID- 27145767
TI  - Proteomic profile of embryonic stem cells with low survival motor neuron protein
      is consistent with developmental dysfunction.
AB  - Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive motor neuron disease caused by
      a genetic defect carried by as many as one in 75 people. Unlike most neurological
      disorders, we know exactly what the genetic basis is of the disorder, but in
      spite of this, have little understanding of why the low levels of one protein,
      survival motor neuron protein, results in the specific progressive die back of
      only one cell type in the body, the motor neuron. Given the fact that all cells
      in the body of a patient with spinal muscular atrophy share the same low
      abundance of the protein throughout development, an appropriate approach is to
      ask how lower levels of survival motor neuron protein affects the proteome of
      embryonic stem cells prior to development. Convergent biostatistical analyses of
      a discovery proteomic analysis of these cells provide results that are consistent
      with the pathomechanistic fate of the developed motor neuron.

PMID- 27145771
TI  - Natural history of liver imaging reporting and data system category 4 nodules in
      MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize the MR imaging features
      and outcomes of liver imaging reporting and data system (LI-RADS) category 4
      (LR4) nodules, with an emphasis on upgrade to category 5 (LR5) and development of
      contraindications to curative therapy. METHODS: Institutional review board
      approval was obtained for this retrospective, dual-institutional Health Insurance
      Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study. The requirement for informed
      consent was waived. Contrast-enhanced MRI studies performed on patients with
      cirrhosis were retrospectively assessed using LI-RADS 2014 by at least two
      readers. All nodules were individually evaluated to determine their major imaging
      features at diagnosis, and follow-up data were used to determine the associated
      imaging outcomes. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-one untreated LR4 nodules in 139
      patients had adequate imaging and follow-up for inclusion in the study. Most (61%
      [111/181]) of these demonstrated arterial phase hyperenhancement, washout, and
      diameter less than 20 mm. During the follow-up period (median 163 days), 31%
      (56/181) of the nodules upgraded to LR5, 40% (73/181) remained stable, and 29%
      (52/181) downgraded. Of the nodules that upgraded, 61% (34/56) increased their
      size category and 54% (30/56) developed newly visualized capsules. No LR4 nodules
      developed venous invasion, satellites nodules, or new intrahepatic or
      extrahepatic metastatic disease. 75% (42/56) of the nodules that upgraded to LR5
      did so within 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of LR4 nodules
      upgrade to LR5, and the short-term risk of developing venous invasion or
      metastasis is very low.

PMID- 27145773
TI  - An analysis of knee anatomic imaging factors associated with primary lateral
      patellar dislocations.
AB  - PURPOSE: Various knee anatomic imaging factors have been historically associated
      with lateral patellar dislocation. The characterization of these anatomic factors
      in a primary lateral patellar dislocation population has not been well described.
      Our purpose was to characterize the spectrum of anatomic factors from slice
      imaging measurements specific to a population of primary lateral patellar
      dislocation. A secondary purpose was to stratify these data by sex/skeletal
      maturity to better detail potential dimorphic characteristics. METHODS: Patients
      with a history of primary lateral patellar dislocation between 2008 and 2012 were
      prospectively identified. Ten MRI measurements were analysed with results
      stratified by sex/skeletal maturity. A '4-factor' analysis was performed to
      detail the number of 'excessive' anatomic factors within a single individual.
      RESULTS: This study involved 157 knees (79 M/78 F), and 107 patients were
      skeletally mature. The measurements demonstrate more anatomic risk factors in
      this population than historical controls. Patella height and trochlear
      measurements are the most common 'dysplastic' anatomic factors in this
      population. There were differences based on sex for some patellar height
      measurements and for TT-TG; there were no differences based on skeletal maturity.
      CONCLUSION: Primary lateral patellar dislocation patients have MRI measurements
      of knee anatomic factors that are generally more dysplastic than the normal
      population; however, there is a broad spectrum of anatomic features with no
      pattern predominating. Characterizing knee anatomic imaging factors in the
      patient with a primary lateral patellar dislocation is a necessary first step in
      characterizing the (potential) differences between the primary and recurrent
      patellar dislocation patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27145772
TI  - Comparison of ultra-congruent mobile- and fixed-bearing navigation-assisted total
      knee arthroplasty with minimum 5-year follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the midterm outcomes between
      fixed and mobile ultra-congruent (UC) bearings in total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
      METHODS: This is a retrospective matched-pairs case-control study of patients who
      underwent primary navigation-assisted TKA with a minimum 5-year follow-up. A
      total of 182 cases involved the fixed UC bearing system as Group 1 and 101 cases
      involved mobile UC bearing system group as Group 2. After 1:1 matching, 73 knees
      in each group were enrolled. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated.
      RESULTS: The overall survival was 143 of 146 cases (97.9 %) at final follow-up,
      and 72 of 73 cases (96.3 %) in Group 1 and 71 of 73 cases (95.8 %) in Group 2 at
      final follow-up based on an endpoint of revision surgery. The reasons of revision
      TKA were periprosthetic fracture in Group 1, infection and bearing dislocation in
      Group 2. There was no statistical difference in Hospital for Special Surgery
      (HSS) scores, Knee Society Scores (KSS), WOMAC index score evaluations between
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the fixed-bearing UC prosthesis
      could provide satisfactory performance compared with that of the mobile-bearing
      UC prosthesis with minimum 5-year follow-up. The fixed-bearing UC prosthesis
      could be considered in navigation-assisted TKA with theoretical advantages of UC
      design. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 27145774
TI  - Proprioception after bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty is comparable
      to unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: Rising expectations in functional performance of total knee joints are
      inciting further improvement of knee arthroplasty implants. From a patient
      centred view, bicruciate-retaining models provide a more natural feeling knee.
      However, there is no evidence of functional advantage for these implants. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate balance ability as a measure of proprioception in
      patients with a bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: A
      prospective, controlled trial was conducted to compare balance ability in 60
      patients after arthroplasty of the knee for osteoarthritis. We compared patients
      with a bicruciate-retaining knee arthroplasty (BCR group) to a control group of
      patients with a medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA group) and another
      control group of patients with a posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty (PS
      group). The patient population comprised 30 women (50.0 %) and 30 men in three
      cohorts of 20 each. The mean age was 62.1 +/- 8.0 years (range 43-78). Patients
      were evaluated preoperatively and 9 months post-operatively. The evaluation
      included clinical, radiological, and balance testing-a single-leg stance with
      eyes closed compared to eyes open. The difference in area of sway between eyes
      closed and eyes open represents static balance ability after knee arthroplasty.
      RESULTS: Perioperative data showed that there was no intra-operative fracture of
      the intercondylar eminence. There was a decreased post-operative knee extension 9
      months post-operative in the BCR group, which was not clinically relevant in any
      case. We recorded a lower difference in the area of sway between eyes closed and
      eyes open (DeltaA (ec-eo)) for the BCR group (p = 0.01) and the UKA group (p =
      0.04) compared to the PS group. CONCLUSIONS: This study found superior static
      balance ability after preservation of both cruciate ligaments in arthroplasty of
      the knee, indicating superior proprioceptive function. Hence, BCR implants could
      provide improved functional properties. Superior proprioceptive function of
      bicruciate-retaining implants can be an important factor in implant selection.
      Further prospective, randomized studies to investigate kinematics and long-term
      survivorship of bicruciate-retaining implants are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 27145775
TI  - Evaluating posterior cruciate ligament injury by using two-dimensional
      ultrasonography and sonoelastography.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to elucidate the diagnostic criteria for posterior
      cruciate ligament (PCL) injury using ultrasonography. METHODS: Thirty-three
      patients with clinically suspected PCL injuries and 30 normal control subjects
      were recruited. Both groups were assessed using sonographic examination with
      reliability testing. Patients also underwent posterior stress radiography and
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PCL thickness on two-dimensional
      ultrasonography (2D US), pixel intensity on sonoelastography, displacement on
      posterior stress view, and severity grading using MRI were analysed. Receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted using MRI as the gold
      standard. Correlation coefficients among variables were calculated. RESULTS: Good
      to excellent reliabilities were noted for 2D US and red pixel intensity on
      sonoelastography. In injured knees, PCL thicknesses were significantly greater,
      and red pixel intensities were significantly lower, compared to non-injured knees
      of patients and healthy controls. This indicates increased swelling and softness
      in injured PCLs. The area under the PCL thickness ROC curve was 0.917 (p <
      0.001), and the best diagnostic criterion was a thickness >=6.5 mm (90.6 %
      sensitivity and 86.7 % specificity). Thickness correlated with red pixel
      intensity, International Knee Documentation Committee examination grade, and MRI
      severity grading. In addition, effusions were detected on 2D US in all knees with
      "tears" of other structures on MRI. CONCLUSIONS: 2D US is a useful tool to
      diagnose PCL injury, and PCL thickness >=6.5 mm is the recommended diagnostic
      criterion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 27145776
TI  - Prevention of heterotopic ossification: an experimental study using a plasma
      expander in a murine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a frequent complication following
      orthopedic and trauma surgery. It often leads to substantial morbidity as many
      affected patients suffer from pain and joint contractures. Current prophylactic
      measures include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and local
      radiation. However, several disadvantages such as delayed fracture healing and
      impaired ossification have been reported. For this reason, a novel approach for
      prevention of HO was searched for. We hypothesized that systemic administration
      of hydroxyethyl starch (HES), a substance known to influence microcirculation,
      would reduce formation of HO in a murine model. METHODS: A pre-established murine
      model was used where HO has been shown to develop following Achilles tendon
      tenotomy. Twenty CD1 mice were randomly assigned to a control (n = 10) or
      treatment group (n = 10). The treatment group received two intravenous HES
      injections perioperatively, while the control group underwent tenotomy only.
      After ten weeks, the mice were euthanized and micro CT scans of the hind limbs
      were performed. HO was manually identified and quantitatively assessed. A
      Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for comparison of both groups. RESULTS: The mean
      heterotopic bone volume in the control group was significantly larger compared to
      the HES group (2.276 mm(3) vs. 0.271 mm(3), p = 0.005). A reduction of mean
      ectopic bone volume of 88 % was found following administration of HES.
      CONCLUSION: A substantial reduction of HO formation was found following
      perioperative short-term administration of HES. This work represents a
      preliminary study, necessitating further studies before drawing ultimate
      conclusions. However, this simple addition to current prophylactic measures might
      lead to a more effective prevention of HO in the future.

PMID- 27145777
TI  - Biochemical Properties and Mechanism of Action of Enterocin LD3 Purified from
      Enterococcus hirae LD3.
AB  - Enterocin LD3 was purified using activity-guided multistep chromatography
      techniques such as cation-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. The
      preparation's purity was tested using reverse-phase ultra-performance liquid
      chromatography. The specific activity was tested to be 187.5 AU ug(-1) with 13
      fold purification. Purified enterocin LD3 was heat stable up to 121  degrees C
      (at 15 psi pressure) and pH 2-6. The activity was lost in the presence of papain,
      reduced by proteinase K, pepsin and trypsin, but was unaffected by amylase and
      lipase, suggesting proteinaceous nature of the compound and no role of
      carbohydrate and lipid moieties in the activity. MALDI-TOF/MS analysis of
      purified enterocin LD3 resolved m/z 4114.6, and N-terminal amino acid sequence
      was found to be H2NQGGQANQ-COOH suggesting a new bacteriocin. Dissipation of
      membrane potential, loss of internal ATP and bactericidal effect were recorded
      when indicator strain Micrococcus luteus was treated with enterocin LD3. It
      inhibited Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including human pathogens such
      as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
      Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli
      O157:H7, E. coli (urogenic, a clinical isolate) and Vibrio sp. These properties
      of purified enterocin LD3 suggest its applications as a food biopreservative and
      as an alternative to clinical antibiotics.

PMID- 27145780
TI  - Acetic acid-catalyzed hydrothermal pretreatment of corn stover for the production
      of bioethanol at high-solids content.
AB  - Corn stover (CS) was hydrothermally pretreated using CH3COOH (0.3 %, v/v), and
      subsequently its ability to be utilized for conversion to ethanol at high-solids
      content was investigated. Pretreatment conditions were optimized employing a
      response surface methodology (RSM) with temperature and duration as independent
      variables. Pretreated CS underwent a liquefaction/saccharification step at a
      custom designed free-fall mixer at 50  degrees C for either 12 or 24 h using an
      enzyme loading of 9 mg/g dry matter (DM) at 24 % (w/w) DM. Simultaneous enzymatic
      saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of liquefacted corn stover resulted in
      high ethanol concentration (up to 36.8 g/L), with liquefaction duration having a
      negligible effect. The threshold of ethanol concentration of 4 % (w/w), which is
      required to reduce the cost of ethanol distillation, was surpassed by the
      addition of extra enzymes at the start up of SSF achieving this way ethanol titer
      of 41.5 g/L. 

PMID- 27145779
TI  - Effects of nitrogen on the lipid and carotenoid accumulation of oleaginous yeast
      Sporidiobolus pararoseus.
AB  - Nitrogen limited but carbon excess condition was used to obtain high cellular
      lipid content and production. The maximum lipid production was 51 g/L, the lipid
      content in the dry cell was 60 %, and the lipid productivity was 0.53 g/L/h. In
      the fermentation, the content of lipid was raised from 20 % of dry cell weight to
      60 %, and the proportion of oleic acid was raised from 66.8 to 72.5 %. Meanwhile,
      the metabolism of carotenoids switched to torulene, and its proportion was raised
      from 30 to 58 %. This was according to torulene had the better antioxidant
      ability than beta-carotene to protect the strain from oxidative damage proved by
      their ABTS* radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition
      ability. Sporidiobolus pararoseus lipid was a good source of lipid not only
      because of its high oleic acid composition, but also the antioxidant ability of
      carotenoids in the lipid. 

PMID- 27145778
TI  - The State of Diabetes Prevention Policy in the USA Following the Affordable Care
      Act.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem in the USA, affecting over 12 %
      of American adults and imposing considerable health and economic burden on
      individuals and society. There is a strong evidence base demonstrating that
      lifestyle behavioral changes and some medications can prevent or delay the onset
      of type 2 diabetes in high risk adults, and several policy and healthcare system
      changes motivated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) have
      the potential to accelerate diabetes prevention. In this narrative review, we (1)
      offer a conceptual framework for organizing how the ACA may influence diabetes
      prevention efforts at the level of individuals, healthcare providers, and health
      systems; (2) highlight ACA provisions at each of these levels that could
      accelerate type 2 diabetes prevention nationwide; and (3) explore possible policy
      gaps and opportunity areas for future research and action. 

PMID- 27145781
TI  - Two cases of primary adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma of bone: case reports and a
      review of the literature.
AB  - Primary bone lymphomas comprise <1 % of all malignant lymphomas, and there have
      been only a limited number of reports on primary adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
      (ATLL) of bone. Here, we report two cases of primary ATLL of bone. The first case
      was a 41-year-old woman with multiple bone tumors. She was diagnosed with ATLL of
      the skull through biopsy and treated with chemotherapy. Although the bone lesions
      showed transient improvement, the subsequent central nervous system (CNS)
      invasion of ATLL occurred and she died 7 months after diagnosis. The second case
      was a 65-year-old man with right coxodynia. He was diagnosed with ATLL through
      right femoral biopsy, and the lesion improved with chemotherapy. However, CNS
      invasion of ATLL developed during chemotherapy, and he died 10 months after
      diagnosis. Both the patients with primary ATLL of the bone reported here
      experienced CNS invasion. Thus, ATLL treatment should aim to prevent CNS invasion
      at an early stage. 

PMID- 27145782
TI  - Resolvin D1 Alleviates the Lung Ischemia Reperfusion Injury via Complement,
      Immunoglobulin, TLR4, and Inflammatory Factors in Rats.
AB  - Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) is still an unsolved medical issue, which
      negatively affects the prognosis of many lung diseases. The aim of this study is
      to determine the effects of RvD1 on LIRI and the potential mechanisms involved.
      The results revealed that the levels of complement, immunoglobulin, cytokines,
      sICAM-1, MPO, MDA, CINC-1, MCP-1, ANXA-1, TLR4, NF-kappaBp65, apoptosis index,
      and pulmonary permeability index were increased, whereas the levels of SOD, GSH
      PX activity, and oxygenation index were decreased in rats with LIRI. Except for
      ANXA-1, these responses induced by LIRI were significantly inhibited by RvD1
      treatment. In addition, LIRI-induced structure damages of lung tissues were also
      alleviated by RvD1 as shown by H&E staining and transmission electron microscopy.
      The results suggest that RvD1 may play an important role in protection of LIRI
      via inhibition of complement, immunoglobulin, and neutrophil activation; down
      regulation of TLR4/NF-kappaB; and the expression of a variety of inflammatory
      factors. 

PMID- 27145783
TI  - Fenton Reaction-Generated Advanced Oxidation Protein Products Induces
      Inflammation in Human Embryonic Kidney Cells.
AB  - Fenton reaction is a new mechanism able to generate advanced oxidation protein
      products (AOPPs) by exposing the human serum albumin to the Fenton system. Here,
      we characterized the effects of Fenton reaction-generated advanced oxidation
      protein products (AOPP-FR) on the gene transcription of the nuclear factor-kappaB
      (NF-kappaB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in human
      embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293). To investigate the effects of AOPP-FR and AOPP
      HOCl on transcription of inflammatory genes, the NF-kappaB, COX-2, and IL-6
      luciferase promoter activities were analyzed. AOPP-FR and AOPP-HOCl were able to
      induce the activation of the gene transcription of NF-kappaB, COX-2, and IL-6 in
      HEK 293 cells. However, the effects of AOPP-FR were significantly higher than the
      effects of AOPP-HOCl in relation to COX-2 and IL-6. AOPP-FR induces the
      activation of the gene transcription of NF-kappaB, COX-2, and IL-6 and may
      represent a novel pathogenic mediator of inflammation in kidney. 

PMID- 27145784
TI  - Intravitreal injection of methotrexate in persistent diabetic macular edema: a 6
      month follow-up study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of methotrexate (MTX)
      in patients with persistent diabetic macular edema (DME) nonresponsive to
      intravitreal bevacizumab. METHODS: In this prospective, interventional study,
      intravitreal injection of 400 MUg MTX was performed in eyes with persistent
      center-involving DME unresponsive to at least three consecutive bevacizumab
      injections or two consecutive bevacizumab injections plus macular
      photocoagulation. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness
      (CST), and maximum retinal thickness (MRT) were recorded before and 1, 3, and 6
      months after injections. RESULTS: Eighteen eyes of 16 patients with a mean age of
      61.1 +/- 6.7 years were included. Mean number of intravitreal bevacizumab
      injections was 3.9 +/- 1.8 (range 2-8). The mean change in BCVA was -0.09 +/-
      0.19, -0.1 +/- 0.19, and -0.1 +/- 0.19 LogMAR at 1, 3, and 6 months after
      intravitreal MTX injections, respectively (all P = 0.04). Three eyes (16.6 %) had
      improvement of at least two lines of BCVA and no eye lost visual acuity. Mean
      change in CST was -23.7 +/- 66.7, -28.7 +/- 82.2 and 26.5 +/- 83.4 MUm at 1, 3,
      and 6 months after MTX injections, respectively (all P = 0.1). A decrease in CST
      was found in 13 eyes (72.2 %) at 1 and 3 months, and seven eyes (38.8 %) at 6
      months of follow-up. Other eyes showed an increase in CST measurements. Mean
      change in MRT was -35.1 +/- 76.4, -40.6 +/- 86.3, and 29.8 +/- 68.6 MUm at 1, 3,
      and 6 months after MTX injections, respectively (P = 0.06, P = 0.06, and P =
      0.08, respectively). No complication attributable to intravitreal MTX occurred.
      CONCLUSION: In this study, intravitreal injection of MTX resulted in anatomical
      improvement in a significant proportion of eyes with persistent DME. Significant
      visual improvement was found in 16.6 % of eyes.

PMID- 27145785
TI  - Clinical experience with eplerenone to treat chronic central serous
      chorioretinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a vision-threatening
      eye disease for which there is still no approved treatment. Recent studies
      suggest that the corticosteroid pathway in the choroid is implicated in CSC
      pathogenesis, and that therapy with the aldosterone antagonist eplerenone
      improves clinical outcomes. However, there is still little clinical data to
      support this hypothesis. We performed a retrospective chart review to further
      investigate the clinical value of eplerenone treatment in patients with chronic
      CSC and to identify possible response predictors. METHODS: Twenty-four patients
      with chronic CSC resistant to conventional therapy over at least 4 months were
      included in this retrospective study. Patients were initially treated with 25
      mg/day of eplerenone administered orally for 1 week, followed by a sustained
      daily dose of 50 mg. The primary outcome measure was percentage of eyes achieving
      complete resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF), recorded by spectral domain
      optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Secondary outcomes included changes in
      central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Baseline
      SD-OCT images were also evaluated as possible predictors of treatment response.
      RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent of patients experienced complete resolution of SRF
      after a median of 106 days of treatment, while 33 % of patients showed a
      transient initial decrease in SRF, and 25 % failed to respond to treatment.
      Treatment had to be stopped in 13 % of patients because of adverse effects of the
      eplerenone treatment. In the study population, CMT decreased from 342 to 275 MUm
      after treatment, which was associated with a modest improvement in mean BCVA from
      0.35 to 0.3 logMar. The integrity of the ellipsoid zone and the retinal pigment
      epithelium (RPE) at baseline were associated with a tendency towards a favourable
      visual outcome. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the proposed clinical value of
      eplerenone for treating patients with therapy-resistant CSC. However, patients
      presenting widespread RPE changes are less likely to benefit from eplerenone
      treatment, which may argue for an earlier intervention. Larger studies are needed
      to characterise patient subgroups that may benefit the most from eplerenone
      treatment.

PMID- 27145787
TI  - Effect of Cadmium Ion on alpha-Glucosidase: An Inhibition Kinetics and Molecular
      Dynamics Simulation Integration Study.
AB  - alpha-Glucosidase is a critical metabolic enzyme that produces glucose molecules
      by catalyzing carbohydrates. The aim of this study is to elucidate biological
      toxicity of Cd(2+) based on alpha-glucosidase activity and conformational
      changes. We studied Cd(2+)-mediated inactivation as well as conformational
      modulation of alpha-glucosidase by using kinetics coupled with simulation of
      molecular dynamics. The enzyme was significantly inactivated by Cd(2+) in a
      reversibly binding behavior, and Cd(2+) binding induced a non-competitive type of
      inhibition reaction (the K i was calculated as 0.3863 +/- 0.033 mM). Cd(2+) also
      modulated regional denaturation of the active site pocket as well as overall
      partial tertiary structural change. In computational simulations using molecular
      dynamics, simulated introduction of Cd(2+) induced in a depletion of secondary
      structure by docking Cd(2+) near the saccharides degradation at the active site,
      suggesting that Cd(2+) modulating enzyme denaturation. The present study
      elucidated that the binding of Cd(2+) triggers conformational changes of alpha
      glucosidase as well as inactivates catalytic function, and thus suggests an
      explanation of the deleterious effects of Cd(2+) on alpha-glucosidase.

PMID- 27145786
TI  - Dependence of the structure and mechanics of metaphase chromosomes on oxidized
      cysteines.
AB  - We have found that reagents that reduce oxidized cysteines lead to
      destabilization of metaphase chromosome folding, suggesting that chemically
      linked cysteine residues may play a structural role in mitotic chromosome
      organization, in accord with classical studies by Dounce et al. (J Theor Biol
      42:275-285, 1973) and Sumner (J Cell Sci 70:177-188, 1984a). Human chromosomes
      isolated into buffer unfold when exposed to dithiothreitol (DTT) or tris(2
      carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP). In micromanipulation experiments which allow us to
      examine the mechanics of individual metaphase chromosomes, we have found that the
      gel-like elastic stiffness of native metaphase chromosomes is dramatically
      suppressed by DTT and TCEP, even before the chromosomes become appreciably
      unfolded. We also report protein labeling experiments on human metaphase
      chromosomes which allow us to tag oxidized and reduction-sensitive cysteine
      residues. PAGE analysis using fluorescent labels shows a small number of labeled
      bands. Mass spectrometry analysis of similarly labeled proteins provides a list
      of candidates for proteins with oxidized cysteines involved in chromosome
      organization, notably including components of condensin I, cohesin, the
      nucleosome-interacting proteins RCC1 and RCC2, as well as the RNA/DNA-binding
      protein NONO/p54NRB.

PMID- 27145788
TI  - Cost-effectiveness comparison of ureteral calculi treated with ureteroscopic
      laser lithotripsy versus shockwave lithotripsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) versus
      ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URS) for patients with ureteral stones less than 1.5
      cm in diameter. METHODS: Patient age, stone diameter, stone location, and stone
      free status were recorded for patients treated with SWL or URS for ureteral
      stones under 1.5 cm over a 1 year period. Institutional charges were obtained
      from in-house billing. A decision analysis model was constructed to compare the
      cost-effectiveness of SWL and URS using our results and success rates for
      modeling. Three separate models were created to reflect differing practice
      patterns. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were included-51 underwent SWL and 62
      underwent URS as primary treatment. Single procedure stone-free rates for SWL and
      URS were 47.1 and 88.7 %, respectively (p < 0.002). Decision analysis modeling
      demonstrated cost-effectiveness of SWL when SWL single procedure stone-free rates
      (SFR) were greater than or equal to 60-64 % or when URS single procedure SFRs
      were less than or equal to 57-76 %, depending on practice patterns. CONCLUSIONS:
      This retrospective study revealed superior SFR for ureteral stones less than 1.5
      cm treated with URS compared to SWL. Our decision analysis model demonstrated
      that when SFR for SWL is less than 60-64 % or is greater than 57-76 % for URS,
      SWL is not a cost-effective treatment option. Based on these findings, careful
      stratification and selection of stone patients may enable surgeons to increase
      the cost-effectiveness of SWL.

PMID- 27145789
TI  - Ice cream cone sign: reversible ballooning of the trachea due to tracheostomy
      tube cuff overinflation.

PMID- 27145790
TI  - Puerarin Attenuates Cardiac Hypertrophy Partly Through Increasing Mir-15b/195
      Expression and Suppressing Non-Canonical Transforming Growth Factor Beta
      (Tgfbeta) Signal Pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND Previous studies demonstrated that puerarin has therapeutic effects on
      cardiac hypertrophy. This study aimed to explore whether the effect of puerarin
      on attenuating cardiac hypertrophy is related to regulation of microRNAs (miRNAs)
      and the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) signal pathway. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS The therapeutic effect of puerarin was assessed using an angiotensin
      (Ang) II-induced heart hypertrophy model in mice. The primary cardiomyocytes were
      used as an in vitro model. MiR-15 family expression was quantified using qRT-PCR
      analysis. The expression of the genes involved in canonical and non-canonical
      TGFbeta signal pathways was measured using qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. In
      vitro cardiac hypertrophic features were assessed by quantifying cardiac
      hypertrophic genes and measurement of cell surface, protein synthesis, and total
      protein content. RESULTS Puerarin attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and increased
      miR-15b and miR-195 expression in the mouse cardiac hypertrophy model and in
      primary cardiomyocytes. It suppressed both canonical and non-canonical TGFbeta
      signal pathways, partially through miR-15b and miR-195. Puerarin reduced mRNA
      expression of cardiac hypertrophic genes, reduced cell surface area, and lowered
      the rate of protein synthesis and the total protein content induced by Ang II.
      Knockdown of endogenous miR-15b and miR-195 partly abrogated these effects.
      Knockdown of endogenous p38, but not Smad2/3/4, presented similar effects as miR
      15b. CONCLUSIONS Puerarin administration enhances miR-15b and miR-195 expression
      in an Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy model, through which it suppresses both
      canonical and non-canonical TGFbeta signal pathways at the same time. However,
      the effect of puerarin on attenuating cardiac hypertrophy is mainly through the
      non-canonical TGFbeta pathway. 

PMID- 27145791
TI  - Research with children and young people: not on them.

PMID- 27145792
TI  - Learning from excellence in healthcare: a new approach to incident reporting.

PMID- 27145793
TI  - Genetic analysis of PITX3 variants in patients with essential tremor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A clinical overlap between essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's
      disease (PD) has prompted investigation whether these disorders share common
      genetic factors. The paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3 gene (PITX3)
      has been shown to play an important role for the differentiation and survival of
      midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The
      preferential degeneration of those dopaminergic neurons is the pathological
      hallmark in PD. AIMS OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate
      whether PITX3 variants are related to susceptibility of ET in Chinese Han
      population. METHODS: Genetic analysis of two variants rs3758549 and rs4919621 of
      the PITX3 gene was conducted in 200 Chinese Han patients with ET and 426
      controls. RESULTS: We did not identify any statistically significant difference
      in either genotypic or allelic frequencies of variants between the ET patients
      and control cohort (all P > 0.05). Haplotype analysis of two variants in the
      PITX3 gene showed no potential association between the haplotypes and risk of ET
      (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that PITX3 variants rs3758549 and
      rs4919621 are not associated with ET in Chinese Han population.

PMID- 27145794
TI  - Corrigendum to Rationale and design of triple AXEL: Trial for early
      anticoagulation in acute ischemic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial
      fibrillation.

PMID- 27145795
TI  - Location of cerebral atherosclerosis: Why is there a difference between East and
      West?
AB  - Intracranial atherosclerosis is more prevalent in Asian patients, whereas
      extracranial atherosclerosis is more common in individuals from western
      countries. The reasons for this discrepancy remain unknown. We reviewed the
      relevant literature and discussed the currently available information. Although
      the study population, diagnostic modality, and risk factor definitions differ
      between studies, hypercholesterolemia is more correlated with extracranial
      atherosclerosis than intracranial atherosclerosis. The difference in
      hypercholesterolemia prevalence is one of the main reasons for racial
      differences. Intracranial arteries contain higher antioxidant level than
      extracranial arteries and may be more vulnerable to risk factors for antioxidant
      depletion (e.g., metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus). Intracranial arteries
      may be vulnerable to factors associated with hemodynamic stress (e.g., advanced,
      salt-retaining hypertension and arterial tortuosity) because of a smaller
      diameter, thinner media and adventitia, and fewer elastic medial fibers than
      extracranial arteries. Additionally, non-atherosclerotic arterial diseases (e.g.,
      moyamoya disease) that commonly occur in the intracranial arteries of East Asians
      may contaminate the reports of intracranial atherosclerosis cases. Genes,
      including RNF 213 or those associated with high salt sensitivity, may also
      explain racial differences in atherosclerotic location. To understand racial
      differences, further well-designed studies on various risk and genetic factors
      should be performed in patients with cerebral atherosclerosis. Additionally,
      improvements in diagnostic accuracy via advancements in imaging technologies and
      increased genetic data will aid in the differentiation of atherosclerosis from
      non-atherosclerotic intracranial diseases.

PMID- 27145796
TI  - Symptomatic intracerebral and systemic hemorrhage after stroke thrombolysis in
      patients taking ticagrelor.

PMID- 27145797
TI  - RDoC and shift of reference.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to analyse in a philosophically informed way the
      recent National Institute of Mental Health proposal for the Research Domain
      Criteria (RDoC) framework. CONCLUSION: Current classification systems have helped
      unify psychiatry and the conditions that it is most concerned with. However, by
      relying too much on syndromes and symptoms, they too often do not define stable
      constructs. As a result, inclusions and removals from the manuals are not always
      backed by sound reasons. The RDoC framework is an important move towards
      ameliorating matters. This paper argues that it improves the current situation by
      re-referencing constructs to physical properties (biomarkers for disorders, for
      example), by allowing theoretical levels within the framework, and by treating
      psychiatry as a special case of the cognitive sciences.

PMID- 27145798
TI  - The importance of taking a religious and spiritual history.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explain the reasons for taking a
      religious and spiritual history, which is often neglected by psychiatrists, and
      to introduce some religious and spiritual assessment tools to assist those
      psychiatrists who feel inexperienced in this area. CONCLUSION: Religious and
      spiritual assessment enhances quality of patient care. Training programs for
      psychiatry registrars need to include modules on religious and spiritual
      assessment of patients.

PMID- 27145799
TI  - Acute laryngeal dystonia: a persisting psychiatric emergency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Acute laryngeal dystonia is one of the most life-threatening
      medication side effects in psychiatry. It is rare and predominately caused by the
      use of antipsychotics in at-risk individuals. Within days of a patient's initial
      presentation, several antipsychotics can be administered for the purposes of
      acute sedation and ongoing pharmacotherapy. In this case report, we describe a 27
      year-old at-risk male, who developed acute laryngeal dystonia in the context of
      antipsychotic polypharmacy. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should take into account
      recent sedation and ongoing antipsychotic use in patients at risk of developing
      acute laryngeal dystonia. Awareness of this condition and prompt treatment with
      parenteral anticholinergic medication can be lifesaving.

PMID- 27145800
TI  - Exhausted atrial reserve by tissue Doppler echocardiography: a risk marker in
      heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

PMID- 27145801
TI  - Area at risk in acute myocardial infarction: oedema imaging and species-specific
      findings.

PMID- 27145802
TI  - Comprehensive and differential long-term characterization of the alpha
      galactosidase A deficient mouse model of Fabry disease focusing on the sensory
      system and pain development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fabry disease is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder due to
      impaired activity of alpha-galactosidase A with intracellular accumulation of
      globotriaosylceramide. Associated small fiber pathology leads to characteristic
      pain in Fabry disease. We systematically assessed sensory system, physical
      activity, metabolic parameters, and morphology of male and female mice with alpha
      galactosidase A deficiency (Fabry ko) from 2 to 27 months of age and compared
      results with those of age- and gender-matched wild-type littermates of C57Bl/6J
      background. RESULTS: From the age of two months, male and female Fabry mice
      showed mechanical hypersensitivity (p < 0.001 each) compared to wild-type
      littermates. Young Fabry ko mice of both genders were hypersensitive to heat
      stimulation (p < 0.01) and developed heat hyposensitivity with aging (p < 0.05),
      while cold hyposensitivity was present constantly in young (p < 0.01) and old (p
      < 0.05) Fabry ko mice compared to wild-type littermates. Stride angle increased
      only in male Fabry ko mice with aging (p < 0.01) in comparison to wild-type
      littermates. Except for young female mice, male (p < 0.05) and female (p < 0.01)
      Fabry ko mice had a higher body weight than wild-type littermates. Old male Fabry
      ko mice were physically less active than their wild-type littermates (p < 0.05),
      had lower chow intake (p < 0.001), and lost more weight (p < 0.001) in a one-week
      treadmill experiment than wild-type littermates. Also, Fabry ko mice showed
      spontaneous pain protective behavior and developed orofacial dysmorphism
      resembling patients with Fabry disease. CONCLUSIONS: Mice with alpha
      galactosidase A deficiency show age-dependent and distinct deficits of the
      sensory system. alpha-galactosidase A-deficient mice seem to model human Fabry
      disease and may be helpful when studying the pathophysiology of Fabry-associated
      pain.

PMID- 27145803
TI  - Reduced acute nociception and chronic pain in Shank2-/- mice.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorder is a debilitating mental illness and social issue.
      Autism spectrum disorder patients suffer from social isolation, cognitive
      deficits, compulsive behavior, and sensory deficits, including hyposensitivity to
      pain. However, recent studies argued that autism spectrum disorder patients show
      physiological pain response and, in some cases, even extremely intense pain
      response to harmless stimulation. Recently, Shank gene family was reported as one
      of the genetic risk factors of autism spectrum disorder. Thus, in this study, we
      used Shank2(-) (/) (-) (Shank2 knock-out, KO) mice to investigate the
      controversial pain sensitivity issue and found that Shank2 KO mice showed reduced
      tactile perception and analgesia to chronic pain. 

PMID- 27145804
TI  - Peripheral nerve injury induces loss of nociceptive neuron-specific Galphai
      interacting protein in neuropathic pain rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Galphai-interacting protein (GINIP) is expressed specifically in
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and functions in modulation of peripheral
      gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor (GBR). Genetic deletion of GINIP leads to
      impaired responsiveness to GBR agonist-mediated analgesia in rodent. It is,
      however, not defined whether nerve injury changes GINIP expression. RESULTS:
      Immunolabeling with validated antibody revealed GINIP expression in ~40% of total
      lumbar DRG neurons in normal adult rats. GINIP immunoreactivity was detected in
      ~80% of IB4-positive (nonpeptidergic) and ~30% of CGRP-positive (peptidergic)
      neurons. GINIP immunoreactivity in the spinal cord dorsal horn was colabeled with
      IB4 and partially with CGRP. In addition, GINIP was expressed in DRG neurons
      immunopositive for GBR1, GBR2, Galphai(s), and Galphao and was also extensively
      colabeled with multiple nociceptive neuronal markers, including Trpv1, NaV1.7,
      CaV2.2alpha1b, CaV3.2alpha1b, TrkA, and Trek2. Peripheral nerve injury by L5
      spinal nerve ligation significantly decreased the proportion of GINIP
      immunoreactivity-positive neurons from 40 +/- 8.4% to 0.8 +/- 0.1% (p < 0.01,
      mean +/- SD, four weeks after spinal nerve ligation) and the total GINIP protein
      to 1.3% +/- 0.04% of its basal level (p < 0.01, n = 6 animals in each group, two
      weeks after spinal nerve ligation) in the ipsilateral L5 DRGs. CONCLUSION: Our
      results show that GINIP is predominantly expressed by small nonpeptidergic
      nociceptive neurons and that nerve injury triggers loss of GINIP expression.
      Signal transduction roles of GINIP may be diverse as it colabeled with various
      subgroups of nociceptive neurons. Future studies may investigate details of the
      signaling mechanism engaged by GINIP, as well as the pathophysiological
      significance of lost expression of GINIP in neuropathic pain.

PMID- 27145807
TI  - Complex intervention modelling should capture the dynamics of adaptation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complexity has been linked to health interventions in two ways: first
      as a property of the intervention, and secondly as a property of the system into
      which the intervention is implemented. The former recognizes that interventions
      may consist of multiple components that act both independently and
      interdependently, making it difficult to identify the components or combinations
      of components (and their contexts) that are important mechanisms of change. The
      latter recognizes that interventions are implemented in complex adaptive systems
      comprised of intelligent agents who modify their behaviour (including any actions
      required to implement the intervention) in an effort to improve outcomes relative
      to their own perspective and objectives. Although an intervention may be intended
      to take a particular form, its implementation and impact within the system may
      deviate from its original intentions as a result of adaptation. Complexity
      highlights the challenge in developing interventions as effective health
      solutions. The UK Medical Research Council provides guidelines on the development
      and evaluation of complex interventions. While mathematical modelling is included
      in the guidelines, there is potential for mathematical modeling to play a greater
      role. DISCUSSION: The dynamic non-linear nature of complex adaptive systems makes
      mathematical modelling crucial. However, the tendency is for models of
      interventions to limit focus on the ecology of the system - the 'real-time'
      operation of the system and impacts of the intervention. These models are
      deficient by not modelling the way the system reacts to the intervention via
      agent adaptation. Complex intervention modelling needs to capture the
      consequences of adaptation through the inclusion of an evolutionary dynamic to
      describe the long-term emergent outcomes that result as agents respond to the
      ecological changes introduced by intervention in an effort to produce better
      outcomes for themselves. Mathematical approaches such as those found in economics
      in evolutionary game theory and mechanism design can inform the design and
      evaluation of health interventions. As an illustration, the introduction of a
      central screening clinic is modeled as an example of a health services delivery
      intervention. Complexity necessitates a greater role for mathematical models,
      especially those that capture the dynamics of human actions and interactions.

PMID- 27145805
TI  - Overexpression of GRK6 attenuates neuropathic pain via suppression of CXCR2 in
      rat dorsal root ganglion.
AB  - G protein-coupled kinase (GRK) 6 is a member of the GRK family that mediates
      agonist-induced desensitization and signaling of G protein-coupled receptors
      (GPCRs), thus involving in a wide variety of processes including inflammation and
      nociception. Recent studies have indicated that chemokines play an important role
      in chronic pain via increased expression of respective GPCRs. This study was
      designed to investigate the role of GRK6 and its interaction with substrate
      chemokine receptors in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in a rat model of neuropathic
      pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI). Following induction of CCI,
      GRK6 expression was significantly downregulated in rat DRGs at L4-L6 segments.
      Overexpression of GRK6 using lentiviral-mediated production strategy via sciatic
      nerve injection markedly attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia
      in CCI rats. Overexpression of GRK6 also drastically reversed the
      hyperexcitability of DRG neurons innervating the hind paw and suppressed the
      enhanced expression of CXCR2 in DRGs of CCI rats. In addition, co
      immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and correlation analysis supported the
      interaction between GRK6 and CXCR2. These results suggest that GRK6 might be a
      key molecular involved in peripheral mechanism of neuropathic pain and that
      overexpression of GRK6 might be a potential strategy for treatment for
      neuropathic pain through inhibition of CXCR2 signal pathway. 

PMID- 27145806
TI  - The brain-derived neurotrophic factor pathway, life stress, and chronic multi
      site musculoskeletal pain.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) disturbances and life
      stress, both independently and in interaction, have been hypothesized to induce
      chronic pain. We examined whether (a) the BDNF pathway (val(66)met genotype, gene
      expression, and serum levels), (b) early and recent life stress, and (c) their
      interaction are associated with the presence and severity of chronic multi-site
      musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: Cross-sectional data are from 1646 subjects of the
      Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. The presence and severity of chronic
      multi-site musculoskeletal pain were determined using the Chronic Pain Grade
      (CPG) questionnaire. The BDNF val(66)met polymorphism, BDNF gene expression, and
      BDNF serum levels were measured. Early life stress before the age of 16 was
      assessed by calculating a childhood trauma index using the Childhood Trauma
      Interview. Recent life stress was assessed as the number of recent adverse life
      events using the List of Threatening Events Questionnaire. RESULTS: Compared to
      val(66)val, BDNF met carriers more often had chronic pain, whereas no differences
      were found for BDNF gene expression and serum levels. Higher levels of early and
      recent stress were both associated with the presence and severity of chronic pain
      (p < 0.001). No interaction effect was found for the BDNF pathway with life
      stress in the associations with chronic pain presence and severity. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study suggests that the BDNF gene marks vulnerability for chronic pain.
      Although life stress did not alter the impact of BDNF on chronic pain, it seems
      an independent factor in the onset and persistence of chronic pain.

PMID- 27145808
TI  - Differential expression of P2X7 receptor and IL-1beta in nociceptive and
      neuropathic pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite substantial progress, pathogenesis and therapy of chronic
      pain are still the focus of many investigations. The ATP-gated P2X7 receptor
      (P2X7R) has previously been shown to play a central role in animal models of
      nociceptive inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Recently, we found that the
      adaptive immune system is involved in the pathophysiology of chronic nociceptive
      and neuropathic pain in humans. So far, data regarding P2X7R expression patterns
      on cells of the adaptive immune system of pain patients are scarce. We therefore
      analyzed the P2X7R expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes, as
      well as serum levels of IL-1beta in patients suffering from chronic nociceptive
      and neuropathic pain in comparison to healthy volunteers in order to identify
      individuals who might benefit from a P2X7R modulating therapy. METHODS: P2X7R
      messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were determined in patients with
      either chronic nociceptive low back pain (CLBP) or neuropathic pain (NeP), and in
      healthy volunteers by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and by fluorescence
      assisted cell-sorting (FACS), respectively. IL-1beta serum levels were measured
      with a multiplex cytokine assay. RESULTS: Compared to healthy volunteers, P2X7R
      mRNA (1.6-fold, p = 0.038) and protein levels were significantly increased on
      monocytes (NeP: 24.6 +/- 6.2, healthy volunteers: 17.0 +/- 5.4; p = 0.002) and
      lymphocytes (NeP: 21.8 +/- 6.5, healthy volunteers: 15.6 +/- 5.2; p = 0.009) of
      patients with NeP, but not in patients with CLBP. Similarly, IL-1beta serum
      concentrations were significantly elevated only in NeP patients (1.4-fold, p =
      0.04). CONCLUSIONS: A significant upregulation of P2X7R and increased IL-1beta
      release seems to be a particular phenomenon in patients with NeP. P2X7R
      inhibitors may therefore represent a potential option for the treatment of this
      frequently intractable type of pain. German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS):
      Registration Trial DRKS00005954.

PMID- 27145810
TI  - Smoke and mirrors: unanswered questions and misleading statements obscure the
      truth about organ sources in China.
AB  - This response refutes the claim made in a recent article that organs for
      transplantation in China will no longer be sourced from executed prisoners. We
      identify ongoing ethical problems due to the lack of transparent data on current
      numbers of transplants in China; implausible and conflicting claims about
      voluntary donations; and obfuscation about who counts as a voluntary donor. The
      big unanswered question in Chinese transplant ethics is the source of organs, and
      until there is an open and independently audited system in China, legitimate
      concerns remain about organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience.

PMID- 27145811
TI  - Clarifying the best interests standard: the elaborative and enumerative
      strategies in public policy-making.
AB  - One recurring criticism of the best interests standard concerns its vagueness,
      and thus the inadequate guidance it offers to care providers. The lack of an
      agreed definition of 'best interests', together with the fact that several
      suggested considerations adopted in legislation or professional guidelines for
      doctors do not obviously apply across different groups of persons, result in
      decisions being made in murky waters. In response, bioethicists have attempted to
      specify the best interests standard, to reduce the indeterminacy surrounding
      medical decisions. In this paper, we discuss the bioethicists' response in
      relation to the state's possible role in clarifying the best interests standard.
      We identify and characterise two clarificatory strategies employed by
      bioethicists -elaborative and enumerative-and argue that the state should adopt
      the latter. Beyond the practical difficulties of the former strategy, a state
      adoption of it would inevitably be prejudicial in a pluralistic society. Given
      the gravity of best interests decisions, and the delicate task of respecting
      citizens with different understandings of best interests, only the enumerative
      strategy is viable. We argue that this does not commit the state to silence in
      providing guidance to and supporting healthcare providers, nor does it facilitate
      the abuse of the vulnerable. Finally, we address two methodological worries about
      adopting this approach at the state level. The adoption of the enumerative
      strategy is not defeatist in attitude, nor does it eventually collapse into (a
      form of) the elaborative strategy.

PMID- 27145809
TI  - Understanding the 'therapeutic misconception' from the research participant's
      perspective.

PMID- 27145812
TI  - The ethics of sexual reorientation: what should clinicians and researchers do?
AB  - Technological measures meant to change sexual orientation are, we have argued
      elsewhere, deeply alarming, even and indeed especially if they are safe and
      effective. Here we point out that this in part because they produce a distinctive
      kind of 'clinical collective action problem', a sort of dilemma for individual
      clinicians and researchers: a treatment which evidently relieves the suffering of
      particular patients, but in the process contributes to a practice that
      substantially worsens the conditions that produce this suffering in the first
      place. We argue that the role obligations of clinicians to relieve the suffering
      of their patients put them in a poor position to solve this problem, though they
      can take measures to avoid complicity in the harms that would result from
      widespread use of individually safe and effective reorientation biotechnology.
      But in the end the medical community as a whole still seems obligated to provide
      these measures, if they become technologically feasible. Medical researchers are
      in a better position to prevent the harms that would result if reorientation
      techniques were safe, effective and widely available. We argue that the harms
      attendant on the development of safe and effective re-orientation techniques give
      researchers reason to avoid 'applied' research aimed at developing these
      techniques, and to be careful in the conduct of basic orientation research which
      might be applied in this way.

PMID- 27145813
TI  - Ageing, justice and resource allocation.
AB  - Around the world, the population is ageing in ways that pose new challenges for
      healthcare providers. To date these have mostly been formulated in terms of
      challenges created by increasing costs, and the focus has been squarely on life
      prolonging treatments. However, this focus ignores the ways in which many older
      people require life-enhancing treatments to counteract the effects of physical
      and mental decline. This paper argues that in doing so it misses important
      aspects of what justice requires when it comes to older people.

PMID- 27145815
TI  - Angle closure caused by a plateau-like iris associated with an enlarged
      Soemmering's ring: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the anterior ocular segment in a pseudophakic
      eye with angle closure due to a plateau-like iris associated with Soemmering's
      ring, using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and anterior segment optical coherence
      tomography (AS-OCT). CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old woman was referred from a
      local clinic due to sudden-onset ocular pain and uncontrolled intraocular
      pressure (IOP) in the left eye, which was 56 mmHg after treatment with
      latanoprost, timolol, and dorzolamide eye drops. Fourteen years earlier, she
      developed acute primary angle closure. At that time, because the IOP remained
      elevated after a peripheral iridectomy, cataract extraction combined with
      goniosynechialysis was added. After the IOP decreased to within the normal range,
      a secondary intraocular lens was implanted outside the bag. On this admission,
      UBM and AS-OCT images showed angle closure caused by the combination of a plateau
      like iris and contact between the mydriatic pupillary margin and enlarged
      Soemmering's ring. After adding 2 % pilocarpine four times a day, the mydriasis
      resolved slightly, and the IOP decreased to the normal range between 8 and 18
      mmHg. AS-OCT images showed re-opening of the angle structure after treatment with
      2 % pilocarpine. CONCLUSION: The intraocular pressure and angle structure in eyes
      with a plateau iris after cataract extraction should be followed carefully.

PMID- 27145814
TI  - Optimizing sedation in patients with acute brain injury.
AB  - Daily interruption of sedative therapy and limitation of deep sedation have been
      shown in several randomized trials to reduce the duration of mechanical
      ventilation and hospital length of stay, and to improve the outcome of critically
      ill patients. However, patients with severe acute brain injury (ABI; including
      subjects with coma after traumatic brain injury, ischaemic/haemorrhagic stroke,
      cardiac arrest, status epilepticus) were excluded from these studies. Therefore,
      whether the new paradigm of minimal sedation can be translated to the neuro-ICU
      (NICU) is unclear. In patients with ABI, sedation has 'general' indications
      (control of anxiety, pain, discomfort, agitation, facilitation of mechanical
      ventilation) and 'neuro-specific' indications (reduction of cerebral metabolic
      demand, improved brain tolerance to ischaemia). Sedation also is an essential
      therapeutic component of intracranial pressure therapy, targeted temperature
      management and seizure control. Given the lack of large trials which have
      evaluated clinically relevant endpoints, sedative selection depends on the effect
      of each agent on cerebral and systemic haemodynamics. Titration and withdrawal of
      sedation in the NICU setting has to be balanced between the risk that
      interrupting sedation might exacerbate brain injury (e.g. intracranial pressure
      elevation) and the potential benefits of enhanced neurological function and
      reduced complications. In this review, we provide a concise summary of cerebral
      physiologic effects of sedatives and analgesics, the advantages/disadvantages of
      each agent, the comparative effects of standard sedatives (propofol and
      midazolam) and the emerging role of alternative drugs (ketamine). We suggest a
      pragmatic approach for the use of sedation-analgesia in the NICU, focusing on
      some practical aspects, including optimal titration and management of sedation
      withdrawal according to ABI severity. 

PMID- 27145816
TI  - Selective inhibition of tropomyosin-receptor-kinase A (TrkA) reduces pain and
      joint damage in two rat models of inflammatory arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammation is an essential component of arthritis pain. Nerve
      growth factor (NGF) plays a key role in acute and chronic pain states especially
      those associated with inflammation. NGF acts through tropomyosin-receptor-kinase
      A (TrkA). NGF blockade has reduced arthritis pain in clinical trials. We explored
      the mechanisms within the joint which may contribute to the analgesic effects of
      NGF by selectively inhibiting TrkA in carrageenan-induced or collagen-induced
      joint pain behaviour. The goal of the current study was to elucidate whether
      inflammation is central to the efficacy for NGF blockade. METHODS: Rats were
      injected in their left knees with 2 % carrageenan or saline. Collagen-induced
      arthritis (CIA) was induced by intradermal injections of a mixture of bovine type
      II collagen (0.2 mg) and incomplete Freund's adjuvant (0.2 mg). Oral doses (30
      mg/kg) of AR786 or vehicle control were given twice daily after arthritis
      induction. Ibuprofen-treated (35 mg/kg, orally, once daily) rats with CIA were
      used as positive analgesic controls. Pain behaviour was measured as hind-limb
      weight-bearing asymmetry and hind-paw withdrawal thresholds to von Frey hair
      stimulation (carrageenan synovitis), or withdrawal to joint compression using a
      Randall Selitto device (CIA). Inflammation was measured as increased knee joint
      diameter and by histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Intra-articular injections
      of carrageenan or induction of CIA was each associated with pain behaviour and
      synovial inflammation. Systemic administration of the TrkA inhibitor AR786
      reduced carrageenan-induced or CIA-induced pain behaviour to control values, and
      inhibited joint swelling and histological evidence of synovial inflammation and
      joint damage. CONCLUSIONS: By using two models of varying inflammation we
      demonstrate for the first time that selective inhibition of TrkA may reduce
      carrageenan-induced or CIA-induced pain behaviour in rats, in part through
      potentially inhibiting synovial inflammation, although direct effects on sensory
      nerves are also likely. Our observations suggest that inflammatory arthritis
      causes pain and the presence of inflammation is fundamental to the beneficial
      effects (reduction in pain and pathology) of NGF blockade. Further research
      should determine whether TrkA inhibition may ameliorate human inflammatory
      arthritis.

PMID- 27145817
TI  - Systematic literature review of use of blood glucose monitoring in phase III
      clinical studies of insulin analogs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Safe and effective insulin therapy for diabetes mellitus requires
      initial dose titration and regular adjustments based on blood glucose (BG)
      monitoring. Our objective was to explore the use of BG measurement in phase-III
      clinical studies of insulin analogs. These studies provide safety and efficacy
      information for regulatory authorities and are the basis for insulin analog
      regulatory approval. METHODS: A systematic review of phase-III studies of rapid
      acting insulin analogs (insulin lispro, insulin aspart and insulin glulisine) and
      pre-mixed insulin analogs (biphasic insulin aspart and insulin lispro mix) was
      conducted. Studies were identified using manufacturers' databases. Search for
      reports was performed in Medline and registry of clinical trials
      (clinicaltrials.gov). The European Medicines Agency was contacted to provide
      Clinical Study Reports. RESULTS: Forty-five studies were included. Regular BG
      measurements were reported in 100 % of the studies and were performed by either
      self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) alone in 84 %, laboratory alone in 7 %,
      and both SMBG and laboratory in 9 % of studies. In total, 93 % of the studies
      reported SMBG. Most studies (91 %) reported insulin therapy adjustments based on
      BG measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that BG monitoring and
      specifically SMBG are co-dependent technologies with insulin analogs. BG
      measurement is used in most phase-III registration studies for establishing safe
      and efficacious insulin administration and is recommended in the insulin labels.
      The indispensable role of SMBG in treatment of insulin-dependent patients should
      receive attention from health care payers to assess and reimburse SMBG along with
      insulin to avoid adverse events from inappropriate insulin administration and
      associated costs.

PMID- 27145818
TI  - Assessment of dead-space ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress
      syndrome: a prospective observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physiological dead space (VD/VT) represents the fraction of
      ventilation not participating in gas exchange. In patients with acute respiratory
      distress syndrome (ARDS), VD/VT has prognostic value and can be used to guide
      ventilator settings. However, VD/VT is rarely calculated in clinical practice,
      because its measurement is perceived as challenging. Recently, a novel technique
      to calculate partial pressure of carbon dioxide in alveolar air (PACO2) using
      volumetric capnography (VCap) was validated. The purpose of the present study was
      to evaluate how VCap and other available techniques to measure PACO2 and partial
      pressure of carbon dioxide in mixed expired air (PeCO2) affect calculated VD/VT.
      METHODS: In a prospective, observational study, 15 post-cardiac surgery patients
      and 15 patients with ARDS were included. PACO2 was measured using VCap to
      calculate Bohr dead space or substituted with partial pressure of carbon dioxide
      in arterial blood (PaCO2) to calculate the Enghoff modification. PeCO2 was
      measured in expired air using three techniques: Douglas bag (DBag), indirect
      calorimetry (InCal), and VCap. Subsequently, VD/VT was calculated using four
      methods: Enghoff-DBag, Enghoff-InCal, Enghoff-VCap, and Bohr-VCap. RESULTS: PaCO2
      was higher than PACO2, particularly in patients with ARDS (post-cardiac surgery
      PACO2 = 4.3 +/- 0.6 kPa vs. PaCO2 = 5.2 +/- 0.5 kPa, P < 0.05; ARDS PACO2 = 3.9
      +/- 0.8 kPa vs. PaCO2 = 6.9 +/- 1.7 kPa, P < 0.05). There was good agreement in
      PeCO2 calculated with DBag vs. VCap (post-cardiac surgery bias = 0.04 +/- 0.19
      kPa; ARDS bias = 0.03 +/- 0.27 kPa) and relatively low agreement with DBag vs.
      InCal (post-cardiac surgery bias = -1.17 +/- 0.50 kPa; ARDS mean bias = -0.15 +/-
      0.53 kPa). These differences strongly affected calculated VD/VT. For example, in
      patients with ARDS, VD/VTcalculated with Enghoff-InCal was much higher than Bohr
      VCap (VD/VT Enghoff-InCal = 66 +/- 10 % vs. VD/VT Bohr-VCap = 45 +/- 7 %; P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Different techniques to measure PACO2 and PeCO2 result in
      clinically relevant mean and individual differences in calculated VD/VT,
      particularly in patients with ARDS. Volumetric capnography is a promising
      technique to calculate true Bohr dead space. Our results demonstrate the
      challenges clinicians face in interpreting an apparently simple measurement such
      as VD/VT.

PMID- 27145820
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 27145819
TI  - Effect of recombinant PDGF-BB on bone formation in the presence of beta
      tricalcium phosphate and bovine bone mineral matrix: a pilot study in rat
      calvarial defects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Supplementation of bone substitutes with recombinant platelet-derived
      growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) can enhance bone regeneration. The aim of the study
      was to evaluate the effect of PDGF-BB on bone formation in the presence of beta
      tricalcium phosphate and bovine bone mineral matrix in a rat calvaria defect
      model. METHODS: The authors examined 5 mm rat calvarial defects treated with beta
      tricalcium phosphate (TCP) or demineralized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) with and
      without 0.3 mg/ml recombinant PDGF-BB. Calvaria defects were randomly divided
      into the following treatment groups (n = 5); TCP; TCP plus PDGF-BB; DBBM; DBBM
      plus PDGF-BB; and untreated empty control. After 45 days, bone formation was
      evaluated by histomorphometry and fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: The authors
      report that the area of newly formed bone was similar between the empty controls
      and the two bone substitutes, TCP and DBBM. Supplementation of TCP and DBBM with
      PDGF-BB had no significant impact on bone formation. Fluorochrome staining
      revealed no visible changes in the pattern of bone formation in defects filled
      with TCP and DBBM, irrespective of PDGF-BB. Furthermore, supplementation with
      PDGF-BB did not influence biomaterial degradation. CONCLUSIONS: The authors
      concluded that PDGF-BB had no impact on bone formation and degradation of bone
      substitutes in the respective rodent models. Thus, possible beneficial effects of
      PDGF-BB may require other model situations.

PMID- 27145821
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 27145823
TI  - Qualitative study on the shifting sociocultural meanings of the facemask in Hong
      Kong since the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak: implications
      for infection control in the post-SARS era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical importance and efficacy of facemasks in infection
      prevention have been documented in the international literature. Past studies
      have shown that the perceived susceptibility, the perceived severity of being
      afflicted with life-threatening diseases, and the perceived benefits of using a
      facemask are predictors of a person's use of a facemask. However, I argue that
      people wear a facemask not merely for infection prevention, and various
      sociocultural reasons have been motivating people to wear (and not wear) a
      facemask. Facemasks thus have sociocultural implications for people. Research on
      the sociocultural meanings of facemasks is scant, and even less is known on how
      the shifting sociocultural meanings of facemasks are related to the changing
      social environment, which, I argue, serve as remarkable underlying factors for
      people using (and not using) facemasks. As new infectious diseases such as avian
      influenza and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome have been emerging, threatening
      people's health worldwide, and because facemasks have been documented to have
      substantial efficacy in the prevention of infection transmission, understanding
      the sociocultural meanings of facemasks has significant implications for public
      health policymakers and health care providers in designing a socially and
      culturally responsive public health and infection control policy for the
      community. METHODS: A qualitative research design involving the use of 40
      individual, in-depth semistructured interviews and a phenomenological analysis
      approach were adopted. RESULTS: The sociocultural meanings of the facemask have
      been undergoing constant change, from positive to negative, which resulted in the
      participants displaying hesitation in using a facemask in the post-SARS era.
      Because it represents a violation of societal ideologies and traditional Chinese
      cultural beliefs, the meanings of the facemask that had developed during the SARS
      outbreak failed to be sustained in the post-SARS era. CONCLUSION: The changes in
      meaning not only influenced the participants' perceptions of the facemask but
      also influenced their perceptions of people who use facemasks, which ultimately
      influenced their health behavior, preventing them from using facemasks in the
      post-SARS era. These findings have critical implications for designing a
      culturally responsive infection prevention and facemask usage policy in the
      future.

PMID- 27145822
TI  - Antibodies to carbamylated alpha-enolase epitopes in rheumatoid arthritis also
      bind citrullinated epitopes and are largely indistinct from anti-citrullinated
      protein antibodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs),
      antibodies targeting carbamylated (i.e., homocitrullinated) proteins (anti-CarP
      antibodies) have been described in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the extent
      to which anti-CarP antibodies are truly distinct from ACPA remains unclear, and
      few studies have focused on specific autoantigens. Here, we examine cross
      reactivity between ACPA and anti-CarP antibodies, in the context of the candidate
      autoantigen alpha-enolase. METHODS: Cross-reactivity was examined by
      immunoblotting of citrullinated and carbamylated proteins using purified ACPA;
      and by peptide absorption experiments, using the citrullinated alpha-enolase
      peptide CEP-1 and a homocitrulline-containing version (carb-CEP-1) in ELISA. The
      population-based case-control cohort EIRA (n = 2836 RA; 373 controls) was
      screened for reactivity with CEP-1 and carb-CEP-1, using the ISAC multiplex
      array. Associations between anti-CarP antibodies, smoking and genetic risk
      factors were analysed using unconditional logistic regression models. Differences
      in antibody levels were investigated using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS:
      Affinity-purified ACPA was found to bind carbamylated proteins and homocitrulline
      containing peptides, demonstrating definitive cross-reactivity between ACPA and
      anti-CarP antibodies. Anti-carb-CEP-1 reactivity in EIRA was almost exclusively
      confined to the CEP-1-positive subset, and this group of RA patients (21 %)
      displayed a particularly strong ACPA response with marked epitope spreading. The
      small RA subset (3 %) with homocitrulline reactivity in the absence of citrulline
      reactivity did not associate with smoking or risk genes, and importantly had
      significantly lower anti-carb-CEP-1 antibody levels. CONCLUSION: Our data
      presented herein cast doubt on the specificity of anti-CarP antibodies in RA,
      which we posit may be a subset of cross-reactive ACPA.

PMID- 27145824
TI  - A critical review of exercise as a treatment for clinically depressed adults:
      time to get pragmatic.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although considerable evidence supports the efficacy of exercise as an
      antidepressant treatment, critical reviews informing routine practice and future
      research directions are scarce. METHODS: We critically reviewed exercise studies
      for clinically depressed adults, focussing on the PICOS criteria referred to
      participants, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and study designs. RESULTS:
      Most studies have not screened their samples for symptom heterogeneity. Also,
      they have employed heterogeneous exercise interventions and control groups that
      may lead to an underestimation of the benefits of exercise. In addition,
      pragmatic trials allowing scalable replication and implementation in routine
      practice are scarce. Future studies, can consider the research domain criteria as
      a diagnostic framework, and conduct moderator analyses to identify depressed
      subgroups with symptomatology and biopsychosocial characteristics associated with
      differential responses to exercise interventions. The search for biomarkers of
      the antidepressant responses to exercise should be prioritised. Further, non
      physically active comparison groups should be used to minimise treatment cross
      overs and thus the underestimation of the effects of exercise interventions.
      Finally, the use of outcome measures that maintain their validity at low and
      moderate levels of symptom severity and the development of trials with a
      pragmatic design are essential. CONCLUSION: The current evidence base is fraught
      with methodological considerations that need to be taken into account in order to
      increase further our understanding on the impact of exercise as medicine in
      depression. Future research should include moderator analyses, incorporate
      biomarker assays, use appropriate control and comparison groups, assess outcomes
      with psychometrically sensitive measures, and prioritise pragmatic trials towards
      transition to routine practice.

PMID- 27145825
TI  - Impact of Ivabradine on Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Ischaemic
      Chronic Heart Failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Chronic heart failure (CHF) remains a major health problem, with high
      levels of morbidity and mortality and a low health-related quality of life
      (HRQoL). We assessed the impact on HRQoL of adding the If channel blocker,
      ivabradine, to a standard treatment regimen of patients with ischaemic CHF (I
      CHF) and heart rate (HR) >=70 beats/min (bpm). METHODS: A randomized prospective
      study of 100 consecutive patients presenting with stable I-CHF, left ventricular
      ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% and a sinus HR >=70 bpm. New York Heart Association
      (NYHA) class, overall summary score (OSS) and clinical summary score (CSS) of the
      Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) were used to assess HRQoL. The
      patients were randomized into 2 groups: carvedilol only (group I (n=50)) and
      carvedilol + ivabradine (group II (n=50)). The patients were followed up for 12
      weeks and their HRQoL scores were monitored and compared. RESULTS: The overall
      mean age of the cohort was 63+/-10 years with 70% (n=70) males. HRQoL scores had
      significantly improved in group II after 12 weeks of follow-up. The net
      proportion of patients with a 5-point improvement in CSS was 30% higher in group
      II (p=0.002), whereas that for the OSS, it was 24% (p=0.001), when compared with
      group I. These improvements were accompanied by a significant HR reduction (69 vs
      78 bpm; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Adding ivabradine to the standard drug regimen,
      currently advocated by guidelines for CHF with a heart rate >=70 bpm, resulted in
      a significant improvement in HRQoL.

PMID- 27145827
TI  - Resistant tuberculosis in Maranhao, Brazil: a case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium tuberculosis multidrug resistance, especially against
      rifampicin and isoniazid, places pulmonary tuberculosis in the list of emerging
      diseases. The misuse of therapeutic regimens is one of its main predisposing
      factors. CASE PRESENTATION: Four clinical cases (three were brown and one black)
      with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, treated in a reference hospital in the
      state of Maranhao, Brazil, were reported to evaluate the importance of
      radiological framework on disease evolution. CONCLUSION: The clinical framework
      showed a bad evolution and drug resistance, while radiology showed lung lesions,
      ranging from exudative infiltrates to lung parenchyma disintegration.

PMID- 27145826
TI  - Beyond Turing: mechanochemical pattern formation in biological tissues.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During embryogenesis, chemical (morphogen) and mechanical patterns
      develop within tissues in a self-organized way. More than 60 years ago, Turing
      proposed his famous reaction-diffusion model for such processes, assuming
      chemical interactions as the main driving force in tissue patterning. However,
      experimental identification of corresponding molecular candidates is still
      incomplete. Recent results suggest that beside morphogens, also tissue mechanics
      play a significant role in these patterning processes. RESULTS: Combining
      continuous finite strain with discrete cellular tissue models, we present and
      numerically investigate mechanochemical processes, in which morphogen dynamics
      and tissue mechanics are coupled by feedback loops. We consider three different
      mechanical cues involved in such feedbacks: strain, stress, and compression.
      Based on experimental results, for each case, we present a feedback loop
      spontaneously creating robust mechanochemical patterns. In contrast to Turing
      type models, simple mechanochemical interaction terms are sufficient to create de
      novo patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Our results emphasize mechanochemical processes as
      possible candidates controlling different steps of embryogenesis. To motivate
      further experimental research discovering related mechanisms in living tissues,
      we also present predictive in silicio experiments. REVIEWERS: Reviewer 1 - Marek
      Kimmel; Reviewer 2 - Konstantin Doubrovinski (nominated by Ned Wingreen);
      Reviewer 3 - Jun Allard (nominated by William Hlavacek).

PMID- 27145828
TI  - The efficacy of Er,Cr:YSGG laser supported periodontal therapy on the reduction
      of peridodontal disease related oral malodor: a randomized clinical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Er,Cr:YSGG laser assisted
      periodontal therapy on the reduction of oral malodor and periodontal disease.
      METHODS: Sixty patients with chronic periodontitis were included in the study and
      allocated into two groups each containing 30 patients. The study was planned in a
      double blind fashion. Conventional periodontal therapy was performed in group 1
      and conventional periodontal therapy was performed in association with Er,Cr:YSGG
      application in group 2. Periodontal parameters of probing depth, clinical
      attachment level, plaque index and bleeding on probing were measured with a
      periodontal probe. Quantitative analysis of volatile sulphure compunds (VSCs)
      were measured with a calibrated halimeter at baseline level and at post-treatment
      1st, 3rd and 6th months. P values <0.05 were accepted as statistically
      significant. RESULTS: There was a statistical significant reduction in VSC values
      in group 2 at post-treatment 3rd and 6th months (p < 0.05). Pocket depth values
      at post-treatment 1st month and bleeding on probing values at post-treatment 3rd
      and 6th months were significantly decreased in group 2 (p < 0.05). Intragroup
      statistical analysis revealed that there were statistically significant
      differences for all parameters (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Er,Cr:YSGG laser assisted
      conventional periodontal therapy is more effective in reducing oral malodor and
      improving periodontal healing compared to conventional periodontal therapy alone.

PMID- 27145830
TI  - Pulse wave analysis by digital photoplethysmography to record maternal
      hemodynamic effects of spinal anesthesia, delivery of the baby, and intravenous
      oxytocin during cesarean section.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in maternal ECG ST index, blood pressure (BP),
      cardiac left ventricular (LV) ejection function and vascular tone/stiffness in
      large and small arteries occurring during elective cesarean section (CS) in
      spinal anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six women were monitored with
      photoplethysmographic digital pulse wave (PW) analysis (DPA) before and after
      spinal anesthesia, after delivery of the baby, after 5 IU oxytocin bolus IV, and
      5 min later. Statistics with Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank and Friedman
      tests at a p < 0.05 were performed. RESULTS: Spinal anesthesia resulted in
      significantly decreased BP, increased ST index and LV ejection time, and small
      artery vasodilation. Delivery of the baby resulted in global vasoconstriction and
      increases in systolic BP and heart rate (HR). Oxytocin lowered BP, HR and ST
      index, increased LV ejection power and caused both large- and small-artery
      vasodilation. ST index and BP recovered after 5 min, but low HR and low vascular
      tone persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anesthesia and oxytocin caused arterial
      vasodilation and cardiac affection. Oxytocin caused a decrease in HR despite a
      fall in BP, indicating a direct negative chronotropic effect. Delivery of the
      baby caused momentous cardiovascular changes, possibly due to maternal emotions
      and auto-transfusion of blood from the uterus.

PMID- 27145829
TI  - Reliability and criterion validity of self-measured waist, hip, and neck
      circumferences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Waist, hip, and neck circumference measurements are cost-effective,
      non-invasive, useful markers for body fat distribution and disease risk. For
      epidemiology and intervention studies, including body circumference measurements
      in self-report surveys could be informative. However, few studies have assessed
      the test-retest reliability and criterion validity of a self-report tool feasible
      for use in large scale studies. METHODS: At home, mothers of young children
      viewed a brief, online instructional video on how to measure their waist, hip,
      and neck circumferences. Afterwards, they created a homemade paper measuring tape
      from a downloaded file with scissors and tape, took all measurements in
      duplicate, and entered them into an online survey. A few weeks later,
      participants visited an anthropometrics lab where they measured themselves again,
      and trained technicians (n = 9) measured participants in duplicate using standard
      equipment and procedures. To assess differences between self- and technician
      measured circumferences, duplicate measurements for participant home self
      measurements, participant lab self-measurements, and technician measurements each
      were averaged and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests conducted. Agreement between all
      possible pairs of measurements were examined using Intraclass Correlations (ICCs)
      and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Participants (n = 41; aged 38.05 +/- 3.54SD
      years; 71 % white) were all mothers that had at least one child under the age of
      12 yrs. Technical error of measurements for self- and technician- duplicate
      measurements varied little (0.08 to 0.76 inches) and had very high reliability
      (>=0.90). Intraclass Correlations (ICC) comparing self vs technician were high
      (0.97, 0.96, and 0.84 for waist, hip, and neck). Comparison of self-measurements
      at home vs lab revealed high test-retest reliability (ICC >= 0.87). Differences
      between participant self- and technician measurements were small (i.e., mean
      difference ranged from -0.13 to 0.06 inches) with nearly all (>=93 %) differences
      within Bland-Altman limits of agreement and <10 % exceeding the a priori
      clinically meaningful difference criterion. CONCLUSIONS: This study has
      demonstrated a simple, inexpensive method for teaching novice mothers of young
      children to take their own body circumferences resulting in accurate, reliable
      data. Thus, collecting self-measured and self-reported circumference data in
      future studies may be a feasible approach in research protocols that has
      potential to expand our knowledge of body composition beyond that provided by
      self-reported body mass indexes.

PMID- 27145832
TI  - Micro-Pseudocapacitors with Electroactive Polymer Electrodes: Toward AC-Line
      Filtering Applications.
AB  - In this study, we investigate the frequency response of micro-pseudocapacitors
      based on conducting polymer electrodes such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)
      (PEDOT), polypyrrole, and polyaniline. It is shown that by proper choice of
      polymeric material and device structure, miniaturized micro-pseudocapacitors can
      match the frequency response of commercial bulky electrolytic capacitors.
      Specifically, we show that PEDOT-based micro-pseudocapacitors exhibit phase angle
      of -80.5 degrees  at 120 Hz, which is comparable to commercial bulky electrolytic
      capacitors, but with an order of magnitude higher capacitance density (3
      FV/cm(3)). The tradeoff between the areal capacitance (CA) and frequency response
      in the two-dimensional architecture (CA = 0.15 mF/cm(2), phase angle of -80.5
      degrees  at 120 Hz) is improved by designing three-dimensional thin-film
      architecture (CA = 1.3 mF/cm(2), phase angle of -60 degrees  at 120 Hz). Our work
      demonstrates that fast frequency response can be achieved using electroactive
      polymer electrodes.

PMID- 27145833
TI  - A divergent synthetic approach to diverse molecular scaffolds: assessment of lead
      likeness using LLAMA, an open-access computational tool.
AB  - Complementary cyclisation reactions of hex-2-ene-1,6-diamine derivatives were
      exploited in the synthesis of alternative molecular scaffolds. The value of the
      synthetic approach was analysed using LLAMA, an open-access computational tool
      for assessing the lead-likeness and novelty of molecular scaffolds. 

PMID- 27145831
TI  - Visual outcomes of posterior chamber intraocular lens intrascleral fixation in
      the setting of postoperative and posttraumatic aphakia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several techniques for fixation of the posterior chamber intraocular
      lens (IOL) have been developed. We evaluate long-term functional outcomes and
      safety of posterior chamber IOL implantation using Hoffman scleral haptic
      fixation and sutureless Sharioth technique in patients with posttraumatic and
      postoperative aphakia. METHODS: This retrospective case-series included 42 eyes
      operated by one surgeon. The data including demographic data, ocular history,
      preoperative, early postoperative and final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA),
      rate of complications as well as postoperative IOL position were collected. The
      mean follow-up was 14.5 months. Hoffman haptic scleral fixation was performed in
      31 eyes, Sharioth technique-in 11 eyes. Aphakia was due to eye trauma (19) or
      complicated cataract surgery (23). RESULTS: Overall, the final BCVA improved in
      26 eyes, did not change in 5 eyes, and worsened in 11 eyes. No significant
      differences in BCVA were found between groups operated with Hoffman scleral
      fixation and Sharioth technique. Postoperatively, we noticed two dislocations of
      IOL fixated using Sharioth technique and none after Hoffman technique. No severe
      complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Both transscleral fixation techniques
      are feasible methods of secondary IOL implantation in posttraumatic and
      postoperative aphakia. with low incidence of complications, however visual
      outcomes are diverse.

PMID- 27145834
TI  - Rotating shift work and menstrual characteristics in a cohort of Chinese nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shift work disrupts the circadian rhythm and may cause menstruation
      disorders. This study assessed the impact of shift work on menstrual cycle in a
      population of Chinese nurses. METHODS: Questionnaires on menstrual
      characteristics and shift schedules were sent to female nurses of the First
      Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (FAHSYSU) and Guanghua Hospital of
      Stomatology (GHHS), affiliated to Sun Yat-sen University. Part I was a cross
      sectional study and included 139 nurses in GHHS who had regular 8:00-17:30
      working (non-shift group), and 334 nurses from FAHSYSU who worked shifts, a
      response rate of 67.5 % and 59.6 %, respectively (age <= 50 years). Menstrual
      patterns were compared and age-adjusted relative risks of shift work were
      analyzed. Part II was a nested case-control study. Cases were nurses in Part I
      who had regular cycle with mean cycle length (MCL) of 25-31 days and but at least
      3 days variation in MCL after starting shift work (n = 45). Controls consisted of
      67 nurses with matching shift patterns and age, but no MCL changes. A control non
      shift age-matched group consisted of 30 GHHS nurses with no MCL changes. A follow
      up second questionnaire was sent 2 years later. RESULTS: In Part I, the shift
      group had a significantly higher proportion of nurses with menstrual cycle
      irregularity. The proportion of nurses with a cycle of 25-31 days decreased from
      81.7 to 67.8 % after changing to shift work. Logistic regression analysis showed
      that night shift frequency was the only risk factor associated with cycle
      shortening. After adjusting for age, MCL was shorter when night work was
      performed > 7 times per month. In Part II, the mean change in MCL in the case
      group, including prolongation or shortening, was 4.115 +/- 2.084 days after shift
      working. In the 2 years' follow-up, the MCL of the study group did not recover to
      the original length. CONCLUSIONS: Rotating shift work can increase the prevalence
      of menstrual cycle irregularity. Night shift frequency was the only risk factor
      associated with cycle reduced. Changes in MCL did not show recovery over a follow
      up period of 2 years.

PMID- 27145836
TI  - Water quality assessment of a small peri-urban river using low and high frequency
      monitoring.
AB  - The biogeochemical behaviors of small rivers that pass through suburban areas are
      difficult to understand because of the multi-origin inputs that can modify their
      behavior. In this context, a monitoring strategy has been designed for the Marque
      River, located in Lille Metropolitan area of northern France, that includes both
      low-frequency monitoring over a one-year period (monthly sampling) and high
      frequency monitoring (measurements every 10 minutes) in spring and summer.
      Several environmental and chemical parameters are evaluated including rainfall
      events, river flow, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity,
      nutritive salts and dissolved organic matter. Our results from the Marque River
      show that (i) it is impacted by both urban and agricultural inputs, and as a
      consequence, the concentrations of phosphate and inorganic nitrogen have degraded
      the water quality; (ii) the classic photosynthesis/respiration processes are
      disrupted by the inputs of organic matter and nutritive salts; (iii) during dry
      periods, the urban sewage inputs (treated or not) are more important during the
      day, as indicated by higher river flows and maximal concentrations of ammonium;
      (iv) phosphate concentrations depend on oxygen contents in the river; (v) high
      nutrient concentrations result in eutrophication of the Marque River with lower
      pH and oxygen concentrations in summer. During rainfalls, additional inputs of
      ammonium, biodegradable organic matter as well as sediment resuspension result in
      anoxic events; and finally (vi) concentrations of nitrate are approximately
      constant over the year, except in winter when higher inputs can be recorded.
      Having better identified the processes responsible for the observed water
      quality, a more informed remediation effort can be put forward to move this
      suburban river to a good status of water quality. 

PMID- 27145835
TI  - A survey on socioeconomic determinants of diabetes mellitus management in a lower
      middle income setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information on socioeconomic determinants in the management of
      diabetes mellitus is scarce in lower middle income countries. The aim of this
      study is to describe the socioeconomic determinants of management and
      complications of diabetes mellitus in a lower middle income setting. METHODS:
      Cross sectional descriptive study on a stratified random sample of 1300
      individuals was conducted by an interviewer administered questionnaire, clinical
      examinations and blood investigations. A single fasting venous blood sugar of
      >=126 mg/dl was considered diagnostic of new diabetics and poor control of
      diabetes mellitus as HbA1C > 6.5 %. RESULTS: There were 202 (14.7 %) with
      diabetes mellitus. Poor control was seen in 130 (90.7 %) while 71 (49.6 %) were
      not on regular treatment. Highest proportions of poor control and not on regular
      medication were observed in estate sector, poorest social status category and
      poorest geographical area. The annual HbA1C, microalbuminuria, retinal and
      neuropathy examination were performed in less than 6.0 %. Social gradient not
      observed in the management lapses. Most (76.6 %) had accessed private sector
      while those in estate (58.1 %) accessed the state system. The microvascular
      complications of retinopathy, neuropathy and microalbuminuria observed in 11.1 %,
      79.3 % and 54.5 % respectively. Among the macrovascular diseases, angina,
      ischaemic heart disease and peripheral arterial disease seen in 15.5 %, 15.7 %
      and 5.5 % respectively. These complications do not show a social gradient.
      CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus patients, irrespective of their socioeconomic
      status, are poorly managed and have high rates of complications. Most depend on
      the private healthcare system with overall poor access to care in the estate
      sector.

PMID- 27145838
TI  - Percutaneous microwave ablation of adrenal tumours under ultrasound guidance in
      33 patients with 35 tumours: A single-centre experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of
      percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) of adrenal tumours under ultrasound (US)
      guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 33 consecutive patients with 35
      tumours were enrolled. The term 'technical success' is used to indicate whether
      the tumour was treated according to protocol and was covered completely by the
      ablation zone. Technical success, local tumour progression (LTP) and
      complications were recorded. For seven patients with eight biochemically active
      tumours, biochemical markers were recorded prior to and after the ablation
      procedure. RESULTS: In this study, technical success was achieved in all cases.
      Follow-up imaging was performed on 31 patients with 33 tumours (excluding two
      patients who were lost to follow-up). LTP occurred for five tumours (15.2%) at a
      mean of 24 months of follow-up (range 3-82 months). In the subgroup analysis of
      tumour size and LTP, a significant difference was noted between tumours with a
      diameter <=5 cm compared with those >5 cm (p < 0.01). For seven cases of
      metabolically active adrenal tumours, technical success was confirmed in all
      patients, and LTP occurred in one case of recurrent pheochromocytoma. All
      patients demonstrated the normalisation of abnormal biochemical markers after
      ablation. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous MWA
      under US guidance is effective in terms of good local control of adrenal tumours
      with a diameter of less than or equal to 5 cm and is capable of treating
      biochemically active tumours harbouring clinical syndromes.

PMID- 27145837
TI  - Bifunctional CYP81AA proteins catalyse identical hydroxylations but alternative
      regioselective phenol couplings in plant xanthone biosynthesis.
AB  - Xanthones are natural products present in plants and microorganisms. In plants,
      their biosynthesis starts with regioselective cyclization of 2,3',4,6
      tetrahydroxybenzophenone to either 1,3,5- or 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthones, catalysed
      by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. Here we isolate and express CYP81AA-coding
      sequences from Hypericum calycinum and H. perforatum in yeast. Microsomes
      catalyse two consecutive reactions, that is, 3'-hydroxylation of 2,4,6
      trihydroxybenzophenone and C-O phenol coupling of the resulting 2,3',4,6
      tetrahydroxybenzophenone. Relative to the inserted 3'-hydroxyl, the orthologues
      Hc/HpCYP81AA1 cyclize via the para position to form 1,3,7-trihydroxyxanthone,
      whereas the paralogue HpCYP81AA2 directs cyclization to the ortho position,
      yielding the isomeric 1,3,5-trihydroxyxanthone. Homology modelling and reciprocal
      mutagenesis reveal the impact of S375, L378 and A483 on controlling the
      regioselectivity of HpCYP81AA2, which is converted into HpCYP81AA1 by sextuple
      mutation. However, the reciprocal mutations in HpCYP81AA1 barely affect its
      regiospecificity. Product docking rationalizes the alternative C-O phenol
      coupling reactions. Our results help understand the machinery of bifunctional
      CYPs.

PMID- 27145839
TI  - Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Enzymes in Human Health and Disease.
AB  - Radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzymes catalyze an astonishing array of
      complex and chemically challenging reactions across all domains of life. Of
      approximately 114,000 of these enzymes, 8 are known to be present in humans:
      MOCS1, molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis; LIAS, lipoic acid biosynthesis;
      CDK5RAP1, 2-methylthio-N(6)-isopentenyladenosine biosynthesis; CDKAL1, methylthio
      N(6)-threonylcarbamoyladenosine biosynthesis; TYW1, wybutosine biosynthesis;
      ELP3, 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl uridine; and RSAD1 and viperin, both of unknown
      function. Aberrations in the genes encoding these proteins result in a variety of
      diseases. In this review, we summarize the biochemical characterization of these
      8 radical S-adenosylmethionine enzymes and, in the context of human health,
      describe the deleterious effects that result from such genetic mutations. 

PMID- 27145840
TI  - The p53 Pathway: Origins, Inactivation in Cancer, and Emerging Therapeutic
      Approaches.
AB  - Inactivation of the transcription factor p53, through either direct mutation or
      aberrations in one of its many regulatory pathways, is a hallmark of virtually
      every tumor. In recent years, screening for p53 activators and a better
      understanding of the molecular mechanisms of oncogenic perturbations of p53
      function have opened up a host of novel avenues for therapeutic intervention in
      cancer: from the structure-guided design of chemical chaperones to restore the
      function of conformationally unstable p53 cancer mutants, to the development of
      potent antagonists of the negative regulators MDM2 and MDMX and other modulators
      of the p53 pathway for the treatment of cancers with wild-type p53. Some of these
      compounds have now moved from proof-of-concept studies into clinical trials, with
      prospects for further, personalized anticancer medicines. We trace the structural
      evolution of the p53 pathway, from germ-line surveillance in simple multicellular
      organisms to its pluripotential role in humans. 

PMID- 27145841
TI  - Enjoy the Trip: Calcium in Mitochondria Back and Forth.
AB  - In the last 5 years, most of the molecules that control mitochondrial Ca(2+)
      homeostasis have been finally identified. Mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake is mediated
      by the Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter (MCU) complex, a macromolecular structure
      that guarantees Ca(2+) accumulation inside mitochondrial matrix upon increases in
      cytosolic Ca(2+). Conversely, Ca(2+) release is under the control of the
      Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, encoded by the NCLX gene, and of a H(+)/Ca(2+)
      antiporter, whose identity is still debated. The low affinity of the MCU complex,
      coupled to the activity of the efflux systems, protects cells from continuous
      futile cycles of Ca(2+) across the inner mitochondrial membrane and consequent
      massive energy dissipation. In this review, we discuss the basic principles that
      govern mitochondrial Ca(2+) homeostasis and the methods used to investigate the
      dynamics of Ca(2+) concentration within the organelles. We discuss the functional
      and structural role of the different molecules involved in mitochondrial Ca(2+)
      handling and their pathophysiological role. 

PMID- 27145842
TI  - Dietary Protein, Metabolism, and Aging.
AB  - Dietary restriction (DR), a moderate reduction in food intake, improves health
      during aging and extends life span across multiple species. Specific nutrients,
      rather than overall calories, mediate the effects of DR, with protein and
      specific amino acids (AAs) playing a key role. Modulations of single dietary AAs
      affect traits including growth, reproduction, physiology, health, and longevity
      in animals. Epidemiological data in humans also link the quality and quantity of
      dietary proteins to long-term health. Intricate nutrient-sensing pathways fine
      tune the metabolic responses to dietary AAs in a highly conserved manner. In
      turn, these metabolic responses can affect the onset of insulin resistance,
      obesity, neurodegenerative disease, and other age-related diseases. In this
      review we discuss how AA requirements are shaped and how ingested AAs regulate a
      spectrum of homeostatic processes. Finally, we highlight the resulting
      opportunity to develop nutritional strategies to improve human health during
      aging. 

PMID- 27145844
TI  - Ice-Binding Proteins and Their Function.
AB  - Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) are a diverse class of proteins that assist organism
      survival in the presence of ice in cold climates. They have different origins in
      many organisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, diatoms, plants, insects, and
      fish. This review covers the gamut of IBP structures and functions and the common
      features they use to bind ice. We discuss mechanisms by which IBPs adsorb to ice
      and interfere with its growth, evidence for their irreversible association with
      ice, and methods for enhancing the activity of IBPs. The applications of IBPs in
      the food industry, in cryopreservation, and in other technologies are vast, and
      we chart out some possibilities. 

PMID- 27145843
TI  - CRISPR/Cas9 in Genome Editing and Beyond.
AB  - The Cas9 protein (CRISPR-associated protein 9), derived from type II CRISPR
      (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) bacterial immune
      systems, is emerging as a powerful tool for engineering the genome in diverse
      organisms. As an RNA-guided DNA endonuclease, Cas9 can be easily programmed to
      target new sites by altering its guide RNA sequence, and its development as a
      tool has made sequence-specific gene editing several magnitudes easier. The
      nuclease-deactivated form of Cas9 further provides a versatile RNA-guided DNA
      targeting platform for regulating and imaging the genome, as well as for
      rewriting the epigenetic status, all in a sequence-specific manner. With all of
      these advances, we have just begun to explore the possible applications of Cas9
      in biomedical research and therapeutics. In this review, we describe the current
      models of Cas9 function and the structural and biochemical studies that support
      it. We focus on the applications of Cas9 for genome editing, regulation, and
      imaging, discuss other possible applications and some technical considerations,
      and highlight the many advantages that CRISPR/Cas9 technology offers. 

PMID- 27145845
TI  - Understanding the Chemistry and Biology of Glycosylation with Glycan Synthesis.
AB  - Glycoscience research has been significantly impeded by the complex compositions
      of the glycans present in biological molecules and the lack of convenient tools
      suitable for studying the glycosylation process and its function. Polysaccharides
      and glycoconjugates are not encoded directly by genes; instead, their
      biosynthesis relies on the differential expression of carbohydrate enzymes,
      resulting in heterogeneous mixtures of glycoforms, each with a distinct
      physiological activity. Access to well-defined structures is required for
      functional study, and this has been provided by chemical and enzymatic synthesis
      and by the engineering of glycosylation pathways. This review covers general
      methods for preparing glycans commonly found in mammalian systems and applying
      them to the synthesis of therapeutically significant glycoconjugates
      (glycosaminoglycans, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosylphosphatidylinositol
      anchored proteins) and the development of carbohydrate-based vaccines. 

PMID- 27145848
TI  - Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Potentials of Marine Pyrrole-2-Aminoimidazole
      Alkaloids and their Synthetic Analogs.
AB  - Pyrrole-2-aminoimidazole compounds are found in marine organisms, mainly as
      secondary metabolites in various marine sponges. Studies of natural pyrrole-2
      aminoimidazole compounds showed that they possess different pharmacological
      properties, such as antimicrobial, antibiofilm, immunosuppressive and anticancer
      activities. Many analogs of the natural compounds have been synthesized to
      improve their biological activities. This review focuses on the antibacterial and
      antibiofilm potentials of natural pyrrole-2-aminoimidazoles and their synthetic
      analogs and derivatives, as well as on the structure-activity relationships of
      the most promising compounds. Known molecular targets of these compounds in
      bacterial cells are also described here, as is the synergistic activity of the
      pyrrole- 2-aminoimidazoles and conventional antibiotics.

PMID- 27145847
TI  - Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Novosphingobium sp. THG-C3 and their
      antimicrobial potential.
AB  - The present study described biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a
      bacterial strain Novosphingobium sp. THG-C3, isolated from soil, and their
      application in antibacterial activity. The maximum absorbance values of the
      synthesized AgNPs was measured at 406 nm in ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry
      and were mostly spherical in shape with particle size in range of 8-25 nm by
      field emission transmission electron microscopy analysis. X-ray diffraction
      pattern corresponding to planes (111), (200), (220), and (311) demonstrated the
      crystalline nature of the AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs exhibited antimicrobial
      activity against various pathogens inculding Staphylococcus aureus, Candida
      tropicalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Vibrio parahaemolyticus,
      Candida albicans, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus cereus. In
      addition, the AgNPs in combination with commercial antibiotics enhanced
      antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa, S. enterica, E. coli, and V.
      parahaemolyticus. The AgNPs synthesized by strain Novosphingobium sp. THG-C3 are
      comparatively simple, green, cost-effective, and may serve as a potential
      antimicrobial agent.

PMID- 27145849
TI  - Phosphoroorganic Metal Complexes in Therapeutics.
AB  - The present mini-review highlights recent developments on antitumor activity of
      metal-based therapeutics which have been a subject of researches for the last few
      decades. In 1965, Rosenberg found that during an electrolysis on platinum
      electrodes a complex of Pt is generated which inhibited to a great extent a
      binary fission in Escherichia coli bacteria. This discovery started a new chapter
      in medicinal chemistry and the interesting properties of cisplatin were soon
      applied in cancer therapy especially in curing genitourinary tumors. However,
      various side effects limited its use in medical treatment. Since then a great
      number of other metal-organic complexes based on platinum, palladium, ruthenium,
      gold, copper, silver, rhodium, osmium, rhenium, iridium and others have been
      synthesized. Among them, NAMI-A and KP1019 have recently undergone clinical
      trials. In this review paper we report a detailed account of metal complexes with
      phosphorus-based ligands which are of particular interest in therapeutics.

PMID- 27145850
TI  - Influencing COX-2 Activity by COX Related Pathways in Inflammation and Cancer.
AB  - Cancer is a major cause of death worldwide despite significant advances in
      surgery and biology. Several recent studies have suggested that there is a close
      connection between tumorigenesis and inflammation. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a
      link between inflammation and cancer, was proposed as a prime target for cancer
      therapy. However, the main available COX-2 inhibitors, nonsteroidal
      antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), have several side effects that limit their
      application in cancer treatment. Additional research is needed to identify drugs
      that can regulate COX-2 or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) with greater efficacy.
      Understanding the mechanism of COX-2/PGE2-mediated cancer and inflammation would
      be very useful for successful drug development. Progress of research and
      development into the role of COX related signaling both in inflammation and
      tumorigenesis in recent years has been summarized and introduced in this paper.
      Novel drugs designed to inhibit COX-2-related cancers are discussed to provide
      references for further development of novel drugs.

PMID- 27145851
TI  - Glycoconjugates of Quinolines: Application in Medicinal Chemistry.
AB  - Compounds with the quinoline scaffold are widely investigated and offer a variety
      of therapeutical properties. A number of quinoline derivatives have been
      synthesized and among these there are glycoconjugated derivatives. Based on the
      interest for this family of compounds, we reviewed the different biological
      activities (molecular probes, antiinfective, antiproliferative, antiaggregant and
      antioxidant) and the potential applications in medicinal chemistry of quinoline
      glycoconjugates. This review wants to show an example of the glycoconjugation
      strategy which arose not only to modify the water solubility of the quinolines
      but also to influence their activity and targeting properties.

PMID- 27145846
TI  - Mechanisms of Mitotic Spindle Assembly.
AB  - Life depends on cell proliferation and the accurate segregation of chromosomes,
      which are mediated by the microtubule (MT)-based mitotic spindle and ~200
      essential MT-associated proteins. Yet, a mechanistic understanding of how the
      mitotic spindle is assembled and achieves chromosome segregation is still
      missing. This is mostly due to the density of MTs in the spindle, which
      presumably precludes their direct observation. Recent insight has been gained
      into the molecular building plan of the metaphase spindle using bulk and single
      molecule measurements combined with computational modeling. MT nucleation was
      uncovered as a key principle of spindle assembly, and mechanistic details about
      MT nucleation pathways and their coordination are starting to be revealed.
      Lastly, advances in studying spindle assembly can be applied to address the
      molecular mechanisms of how the spindle segregates chromosomes. 

PMID- 27145852
TI  - Dynamics of Diabetes and Obesity: An Alarming Situation in the Developing
      Countries in Asia.
AB  - The incidence of diabetes in developing countries in Asia has increased over the
      last few years. The economic development is radically changing the lifestyle of
      the younger generation who prefer to embrace the western lifestyle of eating high
      calorie fast food with minimal physical exercise. Previously, the rate of
      diabetes was very low but it is increasing at an alarming rate in the developing
      countries in Asia. Admittedly, there is paucity of literature on the prevalence
      of patients with type-1 diabetes in Asian developing countries due to lower field
      surveys and lack of quantitative data. Few contributing factors such as body mass
      index (BMI) and its relation with obesity and diabetes, energy dense diet,
      excessive caloric intake, sedentary behaviors, lifestyle and family history, gene
      and genomewide association of diabetes, genes and gene polymorphisms are being
      discussed especially with regard to the Asian population. Dynamics of the
      diabetes and obesity was depicted for the population of Asian developing
      countries with special emphasis on China and India. Diabetes has become
      widespread among the low-income communities. Hence, it is necessary to develop
      appropriate healthcare policies in order to mitigate this rampant epidemic before
      it is too late.

PMID- 27145853
TI  - Indole based tubulin polymerization inhibitors: An update on recent developments.
AB  - The exploration of cancer microenvironment and its physiology have exposed a
      number of potential molecular targets for selective therapeutic intervention by
      anti-cancer agents. Microtubules are basic cell components formed by
      polymerization of alphabeta heterodimers which play a pivotal role in cellular
      functions as well as cell division. Drugs that can control the microtubule
      assembly either by hindering tubulin polymerization or by obstructing microtubule
      disassembly are of great importance in anti-cancer therapy. Diverse classes of
      naturally occurring as well as synthetic and semi-synthetic compounds with an
      indole nucleus induce microtubule polymerization and depolymerization and thereby
      change tubulin dynamics. Rapid development of several novel tubulin
      polymerization inhibitors has been observed over the past few years and some of
      them have associated vascular disrupting properties too. The present review
      starts with the structure, function and importance of microtubules in a
      eukaryotic cell. The well characterized tubulin binding domains and the
      corresponding inhibitors including their mechanism of action is also a part of
      this article. The report mainly focuses on the brief synthetic methodology with
      the relevant SAR studies of different indole derived molecules that have been
      reported in the past few years as potential inhibitors of tubulin polymerization
      is discussed. This review will provide the up-to-date evidence-base for synthetic
      chemists as well as biologists to design and synthesize new active molecules to
      inhibit tubulin polymerization.

PMID- 27145855
TI  - An Overview of Phytotherapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Tuberculosis.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) is highly infectious disease causing morbidity and death. Its
      causative organism is a contagious bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The
      incidence of tuberculosis is increasing worldwide due to the emergence of drug
      resistance bacteria. The resistance is being developed in Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis against both the first line as well as the second line drugs used
      for the treatment. The tuberculosis control programme is being complicated and
      failed to get the desired impact due to the development of multi-drug resistant
      (MDR) and extensively-drug resistant (XDR) strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
      So, there is a critical requirement to discover and produce newer anti-TB drugs
      with unique drug targets. Medicinal plants have been used for curing the diseases
      from ancient time. Medicinal plants are the novel sources for the production of
      alternate medicines for the treatment of TB caused by MDR and XDR strains. Plants
      produce a number of different kinds of secondary metabolites such as Alkaloids,
      Coumarins, Flavonoids, Polyphenols, Terpenoids, Quinines, etc. which have
      antimicrobial activity; thus may be useful in control of tuberculosis. These
      compounds do not contribute directly in growth and development but used by the
      plants for their defense. On the basis of various sources in the literature,
      about 72 phytochemicals constituents responsible for anti tubercular activity
      isolated from different plants have been explained along with their structure.
      Most effective isolated compounds from plants are plumbagin, maritinone, 3, 3'
      biplumbagin, aloe emodin, epigallocatechin and umckalin. These phytochemicals are
      helpful for the treatment of MDR, XDR type of tuberculosis. This review describes
      an overview of the current synthetic medicines used for treatment of TB and the
      work carried out on anti tubercular plants along with their phytochemicals.

PMID- 27145854
TI  - Tailored Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Delivery: Platform
      Fabrication, Targeted Delivery, and Computational Design and Analysis.
AB  - Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are exceptionally promising drug carriers
      for controlled drug delivery systems because their morphology, pore structure,
      pore volume and pore size can be well tailored to obtain certain drug release
      profiles. Moreover, they possess the ability to specifically transport and
      deliver anti-cancer drugs when targeting molecules are properly grafted onto
      their surface. MSNs based drug delivery systems have the potential to
      revolutionize cancer therapy. This review provides a comprehensive overview of
      the fabrication, modification of MSNs and their applications in tumour-targeted
      delivery. In addition, the characterization and analysis of MSNs with computer
      aided strategies were described. The existing issues and future prospective
      concerning the applications of MSNs as drug carriers for controlled drug delivery
      systems were discussed.

PMID- 27145856
TI  - Recent Advances in Methods of Puerarin Biotransformation.
AB  - Puerarin is an isoflavonoid extracted from the roots of Pueraria lobata in the
      Pueraria thomsonii family. Puerarin displays a broad range of pharmacological
      activities and has been widely used in clinics. However, puerarin's low
      solubility and permeability result in poor gastrointestinal absorption and low
      bioavailability. Simply increasing the dose does not effectively increase
      bioavailability and might lead to toxicity and side effects. Considerable
      progress has been achieved in the recent years on puerarin structural
      biotransformation using microorganisms and free enzymes. Increasingly numerous
      new puerarin derivatives with high solubility and bioactivity have been
      developed. This paper reviews recent progress in the biotransformation of
      puerarin.

PMID- 27145857
TI  - Hydrohalogenative aromatization of multiynes promoted by ruthenium alkylidene
      complexes.
AB  - A new functionalization method of arynes promoted by a novel catalytic role of
      the Grubbs-type ruthenium alkylidene complex is described. Through a sequence of
      aryne formation followed by their halo-functionalization, various bis-1,3-diynes
      were directly converted to functionalized aryl chlorides, bromides and iodides in
      good yields in the presence of a catalytic amount of a ruthenium alkylidene
      complex and halogenated hydrocarbons such as CH2Cl2, CHCl3, CH2Br2, and CH2I2.
      The utility of this novel transformation is demonstrated by a formal synthesis of
      herbindole B. 

PMID- 27145858
TI  - An Evaluation of Blood Compatibility of Silver Nanoparticles.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have tremendous potentials in medical devices due to
      their excellent antimicrobial properties. Blood compatibility should be
      investigated for AgNPs due to the potential blood contact. However, so far, most
      studies are not systematic and have not provided insights into the mechanisms for
      blood compatibility of AgNPs. In this study, we have investigated the blood
      biological effects, including hemolysis, lymphocyte proliferation, platelet
      aggregation, coagulation and complement activation, of 20 nm AgNPs with two
      different surface coatings (polyvinyl pyrrolidone and citrate). Our results have
      revealed AgNPs could elicit hemolysis and severely impact the proliferation and
      viability of lymphocytes at all investigated concentrations (10, 20, 40 MUg/mL).
      Nevertheless, AgNPs didn't show any effect on platelet aggregation, coagulation
      process, or complement activation at up to ~40 MUg/mL. Proteomic analysis on
      AgNPs plasma proteins corona has revealed that acidic and small molecular weight
      blood plasma proteins were preferentially adsorbed onto AgNPs, and these include
      some important proteins relevant to hemostasis, coagulation, platelet, complement
      activation and immune responses. The predicted biological effects of AgNPs by
      proteomic analysis are mostly consistent with our experimental data since there
      were few C3 components on AgNPs and more negative than positive factors involving
      platelet aggregation and thrombosis.

PMID- 27145859
TI  - HIV-1 Infection-Induced Suppression of the Let-7i/IL-2 Axis Contributes to CD4(+)
      T Cell Death.
AB  - The mechanisms underlying HIV-1-mediated CD4(+) T cell depletion are highly
      complicated. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a key cytokine that maintains the survival
      and proliferation of activated CD4(+) T cells. IL-2 levels are disturbed during
      HIV-1 infection, but the underlying mechanism(s) requires further investigation.
      We have reported that cellular microRNA (miRNA) let-7i upregulates IL-2
      expression by targeting the promoter TATA-box region, which functions as a
      positive regulator. In this study, we found that HIV-1 infection decreases the
      expression of let-7i in CD4(+) T cells by attenuating its promoter activity. The
      reduced let-7i miRNA expression led to a decline in IL-2 levels. A let-7i mimic
      increased IL-2 expression and subsequently enhanced the resistance of CD4(+) T
      cells to HIV-1-induced apoptosis. By contrast, the blockage of let-7i with a
      specific inhibitor resulted in elevated CD4(+) T cell apoptosis during HIV-1
      infection. Furthermore, by knocking down the expression of IL-2, we found that
      the let-7i-mediated CD4(+) T cell resistance to apoptosis during HIV-1 infection
      was dependent on IL-2 signaling rather than an alternative CD95-mediated cell
      death pathway. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel pathway for HIV-1
      induced dysregulation of IL-2 cytokines and depletion of CD4(+) T-lymphocytes.

PMID- 27145861
TI  - 2D-IR spectroscopy of hydrogen-bond-mediated vibrational excitation transfer.
AB  - Vibrational excitation transfer along the hydrogen-bond-mediated pathways in the
      complex of methyl acetate (MA) and 4-cyanophenol (4CP) was studied by dual
      frequency femtosecond two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. We excited the
      energy-donating ester carbonyl stretching vibrational mode and followed the
      transfer to the energy-accepting benzene ring and cyano stretching vibrations.
      The complexes with no, one, and two hydrogen-bonded 4CP molecules were studied.
      Vibrational relaxation of the carbonyl mode is more efficient in both hydrogen
      bonded complexes as compared with free MA molecules. The inter-molecular
      transport in a hydrogen-bonded complex involving a single 4CP molecule is slower
      than that in a complex with two 4CP molecules. In the former, vibrational
      relaxation leads to local heating, as shown by the spectroscopy of the carbonyl
      mode, whereas the local heating is suppressed in the latter because the
      excitation redistribution is more efficient. At early times, the transfer to the
      benzene ring is governed by its direct coupling with the energy-donating carbonyl
      mode, whereas at later times intermediate states are involved. The transfer to a
      more distant site of the cyano group in 4CP involves intermediate states at all
      times, since no direct coupling between the energy-donating and accepting modes
      was observed. We anticipate that our findings will be of importance for
      spectroscopic studies of bio-molecular structures and dynamics, and inter- and
      intra-molecular signaling pathways, and for developing molecular networking
      applications.

PMID- 27145860
TI  - A potential adjuvant chemotherapeutics, 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, inhibits
      renal tubular epithelial cells apoptosis via enhancing BMP-7 epigenetically
      through targeting HDAC2.
AB  - Cisplatin, a highly effective and widely used chemotherapeutic agent, has a major
      limitation for its nephrotoxicity. We recently identified a novel strategy for
      attenuating its nephrotoxicity in chemotherapy by an effective adjuvant via
      epigenetic modification through targeting HDAC2. Molecular docking and SPR assay
      firstly reported that 18betaGA, major metabolite of GA, could directly bind to
      HDAC2 and inhibit the activity of HDAC2. The effects and mechanisms of GA and
      18betaGA were assessed in CP-induced AKI in C57BL/6 mice, and in CP-treated HK-2
      and mTEC cells lines. TUNEL and FCM results confirmed that GA and 18betaGA could
      inhibit apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells induced by CP in vivo and in
      vitro. Western blot and immunofluorescence results demonstrated that the
      expression of BMP-7 was clearly induced by 18betaGA in AKI models while siRNA BMP
      7 could reduce the inhibitory effect of 18betaGA on apoptosis. Results of current
      study indicated that 18betaGA inhibited apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial
      cells via enhancing the level of BMP-7 epigenetically through targeting HDAC2,
      therefore protecting against CP-induced AKI. These available evidence, which led
      to an improved understanding of molecular recognition, suggested that 18betaGA
      could serve as a potential clinical adjuvant in chemotherapy.

PMID- 27145862
TI  - Differential effects of pravastatin on the pharmacokinetics of paroxetine in
      normal and diabetic rats.
AB  - 1. Diabetes is often accompanied with depression and hypercholesterolemia. It is
      possible that paroxetine and pravastatin are co-administered to diabetic
      patients. The aim of this study was to research the differential effect of
      pravastatin on plasma exposure of paroxetine in normal and diabetic rats. 2.
      Pharmacokinetics of paroxetine was investigated following oral administration of
      paroxetine with and without pravastatin in normal and diabetic rats. Effects of
      pravastatin on metabolism, intestinal absorption and hepatic uptake of paroxetine
      were investigated. Activity and expression of hepatic Oatp1 and Oatp2 were also
      assessed. 3. Pravastatin decreased plasma exposure of paroxetine in normal rats,
      but increased exposure of paroxetine in diabetic rats. Pravastatin neither
      affected metabolism nor intestinal absorption of paroxetine. Data from
      hepatocytes demonstrated that hepatic uptake of paroxetine were involved in Oatp1
      and Oatp2. Diabetes suppressed Oatp1 activity and expression, but enhanced Oatp2
      activity and expression. Pravastatin stimulated Oatp1 but inhibited Oatp2
      activity. 4. We concluded that differential effects of pravastatin on plasma
      exposure of paroxetine in normal and diabetic rats was partly due to the fact
      that diabetes suppressed Oatp1 activity and expression but enhanced Oatp2
      activity and expression as well as that pravastatin stimulated Oatp1 activity but
      inhibited Oatp2 activity.

PMID- 27145863
TI  - High surface-area amidoxime-based polymer fibers co-grafted with various acid
      monomers yielding increased adsorption capacity for the extraction of uranium
      from seawater.
AB  - Uranium is dissolved in the ocean at a uniform concentration of 3.34 ppb, which
      translates to approximately 4-5 billion tons of uranium. The development of
      adsorbents that can extract uranium from seawater has been a long term goal, but
      the extremely dilute uranium concentration along with the competition of other
      metal salts (which are at higher concentrations) has hindered the development of
      an economical adsorption process. Several acid monomers were co-grafted with
      acrylonitrile (AN) to help increase the hydrophilicity of the adsorbent to
      improve access to the metal adsorption sites. Grafting various acid monomers on
      PE fibers was found to significantly affect the uranium adsorption in simulated
      seawater in the following order: acrylic acid (AA) < vinyl sulfonic acid (VSA) <
      methacrylic acid (MAA) < itaconic acid (ITA) < vinyl phosphonic acid (VPA).
      Interestingly, the uranium adsorption capacity significantly increased when
      Mohr's salt was added with acrylic acid, most likely due to the reduction of co
      polymerization of the monomers. When testing under more realistic conditions, the
      acid-grafted PE fiber adsorbents were exposed to natural seawater (more dilute
      uranium), the uranium adsorption capacity increased in the following order: MAA <
      AA (Mohr's salt) < VSA < ITA (Mohr's salt) < ITA < VPA, which agreed well with
      the simulated seawater results. Characterization of the adsorbents indicated that
      the increase in uranium adsorption capacity with each acid monomer was related to
      higher grafting of AN and therefore a higher conversion to amidoxime (AO).

PMID- 27145864
TI  - Duodenal perforation by an inferior vena cava filter with staphylococcal
      bacteremia: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inferior vena cava filter complications can range from dislodgement
      to perforation. Patients who present with concomitant bacteremia have rarely been
      reported. Persistent bacteremia usually results from direct bacterial seeding
      from a source other than perforation of surrounding viscus. It is unclear if the
      risk of perforation is higher in patients who are bacteremic due to other causes.
      CASE PRESENTATION: We report an interesting case of a 67-year-old white woman who
      presented with fever, chills, and right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Her blood
      cultures were positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus with no
      obvious source. Upon further investigation, she was found to have an inferior
      vena cava filter perforating her duodenum. The cause of her abdominal pain was
      explained by the inferior vena cava filter penetrating the duodenum; however, the
      source of bacteremia could not be ascertained. The inferior vena cava filter was
      removed successfully, and she was discharged on an intravenous antibiotic. Her
      symptoms resolved soon after the filter was removed. CONCLUSIONS: The use of
      inferior vena cava filters has increased significantly in recent years. This is
      likely due to their wider availability and safer placement techniques. With
      increasing use, the complications arising from these filters have been on the
      rise as well. It is very important for clinicians to be aware of these
      complications to avoid delays in diagnosis and patient care.

PMID- 27145865
TI  - Don't turn your back on the symptoms of psychosis: the results of a proof-of
      principle, quasi-experimental intervention to reduce duration of untreated
      psychosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No evidence based approach to reduce duration of untreated psychosis
      (DUP) has been effective in the UK. Existing interventions have many components
      and have been difficult to replicate. The majority of DUP in Birmingham, UK is
      accounted for by delays within mental health services (MHS) followed by help
      seeking delay and, we hypothesise, these require explicit targeting. This study
      examined the feasibility and impact of an intervention to reduce DUP, targeting
      help-seeking and MHSs delays. METHODS: A dual-component intervention, comprising
      a direct care pathway, for 16-25 year olds, and a community psychosis awareness
      campaign, using our youth-friendly website as the central hub, was implemented,
      targeting the primary sources of care pathway delays experienced by those with
      long DUP. Evaluation, using a quasi-experimental, design compared DUP of cases in
      two areas of the city receiving early detection vs detection as usual,
      controlling for baseline DUP in each area. RESULTS: DUP in the intervention area
      was reduced from a median 71 days (mean 285) to 39 days (mean 104) following the
      intervention, with no change in the control area. Relative risk for the reduction
      in DUP was 0.74 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.89; p = .004). Delays in MHSs and help-seeking
      were also reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Our targeted approach appears to be successful in
      reducing DUP and could provide a generalizable methodology applicable in a
      variety of healthcare contexts with differing sources of delay. More research is
      needed, however, to establish whether our approach is truly effective. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ISRCTN45058713 - 30 December 2012.

PMID- 27145866
TI  - Central extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for treatment of reperfusion oedema
      following pulmonary thromboendarterectomy: a case report.
AB  - One of the most severe and frequent complication of pulmonary
      thromboendarterectomy is reperfusion pulmonary oedema. The only effective
      treatment for this complication is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. A case of
      successful treatment of reperfusion pulmonary oedema with prolonged veno-arterial
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation complicated by several episodes of bleeding
      and surgical site infection is presented. 

PMID- 27145867
TI  - Effect of complete decongestive therapy and home program on health- related
      quality of life in post mastectomy lymphedema patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Secondary lymphedema is common in women treated for breast cancer. It
      may be a result of surgery or radiotherapy. Edema commonly affects the arm,
      leading to discomfort, reduced arm movements, pain and diminished quality of
      life. Therefore, the relationship between post mastectomy lymphedema and quality
      of life has evolved as an important criteria in treatment of breast cancer
      survivors. METHODS: Sixty breast cancer survivors who developed post mastectomy
      lymphedema were recruited. Patients were divided into 2 groups (n = 30) according
      to the treatment they received; Conventional therapy (CT) and Complete
      Decongestive Therapy (CDT) groups. Measurements were taken at baseline, 4 and 6
      weeks. Health related Quality of Life was evaluated with the EORTC QLQ C30 and
      EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaires. Pain was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale.
      Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participant demographics and repeated
      measures of ANOVA was used for within and between group comparisons. RESULTS:
      Both groups showed improved quality of life and diminished pain after 6 weeks of
      treatment. However, greater improvement was observed in CDT group compared to the
      CT group. CONCLUSION: In this study, remedial exercises and home program in
      addition to manual lymphatic drainage and compression bandaging resulted in
      improved quality of life. Early identification of lymphedema and incorporation of
      remedial exercises and a home program improve the quality of life for breast
      cancer survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registry ID: ISRCTN13242080 , Date of
      registration: 7 April 2016.

PMID- 27145868
TI  - Genetic characterization of TEM-type ESBL-associated antibacterial resistance in
      Enterobacteriaceae in a tertiary hospital in Ghana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance due to the presence of extended-spectrum beta
      lactamases (ESBLs) among Enterobacteriaceae is a worldwide problem. Data from
      Ghana regarding this resistance mechanism is limited. This study was designed to
      investigate the presence of TEM-type ESBL genes, their locations and their
      conjugabilities in clinical isolates of enterobacteria collected from the Korle
      Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. METHODS: Study isolates were characterized with
      respect to ESBL phenotype, TEM-type ESBL gene detection, location of the ESBL
      gene(s) and conjugability of the ESBL phenotype using nalidixic acid-resistant
      Escherichia coli K-12 as recipient. Phenotyping was by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion
      using cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, cefotaxime and their combinations with
      clavulanate. Gene detections were by PCR using blaTEM primers. RESULTS: Overall,
      37.96 % of 137 clinical isolates showed ESBL phenotype. The ESBLs occurred mostly
      in Klebsiella spp. (42.3 %) and then Escherichia coli (34.6 %). The TEM gene was
      detected in 48.1 % of ESBL-positive isolates and was determined to be plasmid
      borne in 24 of 25 blaTEM detections. Overall, 62.7 % of TEM-producing isolates
      transferred the ESBL phenotype by conjugation. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight
      the presence of TEM-type ESBLs in the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and show
      considerable risk of environmental contamination through the urine of infected
      persons. An inhibition zone chart was generated which indicates the possible
      presence of complex beta-lactamase types. The data points to the fact that the
      ESBL-producing bacteria may disseminate this resistance mechanism via
      conjugation.

PMID- 27145870
TI  - European Union investment and countries' involvement in mental health research
      between 2007 and 2013.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the commitment to mental health research
      by the European Union (EU) through the 7th framework (FP7) and the
      competitiveness and innovation (CIP) programmes during the 2007-2013 period.
      METHODS: Research projects dedicated or partially related to mental health were
      identified using keywords in the CORDIS database that inventories all FP7 and CIP
      research projects. We then contacted projects' principal investigators to access
      the budget breakdown by country and performed an imputation of the distribution
      of funding between countries based on projects' and participants' characteristics
      where information was missing. RESULTS: Among the 25 783 research projects funded
      by the FP7 and the CIP, 215 (0.8%) were specifically dedicated to mental health
      and 170 (0.7%) were partially related to mental health. They received ?607.1
      million representing 1.4% of FP7 total funding. Within the FP7-Health
      subprogramme, the projects represented 5.2% of funding. Important variations
      appeared across EU countries both for raw funding, which varied between ?0 and
      ?77M, and for funding per 100 inhabitants, which varied between ?0 and ?293.
      CONCLUSION: EU funding of mental health research does not match the burden
      incurred by mental disorders and must be increased in the next framework
      programme.

PMID- 27145869
TI  - In silico identification of anti-cancer compounds and plants from traditional
      Chinese medicine database.
AB  - There is a constant demand to develop new, effective, and affordable anti-cancer
      drugs. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a valuable and alternative
      resource for identifying novel anti-cancer agents. In this study, we aim to
      identify the anti-cancer compounds and plants from the TCM database by using
      cheminformatics. We first predicted 5278 anti-cancer compounds from TCM database.
      The top 346 compounds were highly potent active in the 60 cell lines test.
      Similarity analysis revealed that 75% of the 5278 compounds are highly similar to
      the approved anti-cancer drugs. Based on the predicted anti-cancer compounds, we
      identified 57 anti-cancer plants by activity enrichment. The identified plants
      are widely distributed in 46 genera and 28 families, which broadens the scope of
      the anti-cancer drug screening. Finally, we constructed a network of predicted
      anti-cancer plants and approved drugs based on the above results. The network
      highlighted the supportive role of the predicted plant in the development of anti
      cancer drug and suggested different molecular anti-cancer mechanisms of the
      plants. Our study suggests that the predicted compounds and plants from TCM
      database offer an attractive starting point and a broader scope to mine for
      potential anti-cancer agents.

PMID- 27145871
TI  - Simulation of non-linear acoustic field and thermal pattern of phased-array high
      intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).
AB  - PURPOSE: HIFU becomes an effective and non-invasive modality of solid
      tumour/cancer ablation. Simulation of the non-linear acoustic wave propagation
      using a phased-array transducer in multiple layered media using different
      focusing strategies and the consequent lesion formation are essential in HIFU
      planning in order to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of treatment. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: An angular spectrum approach with marching fractional steps was
      applied in the wave propagation from phased-array HIFU transducer, and
      diffraction, attenuation, and non-linearity effects were accounted for by a
      second-order operator splitting scheme. The simulated distributions of the first
      three harmonics along and transverse to the transducer axis were compared to the
      hydrophone measurements. The bioheat equation was used to simulate the subsequent
      temperature elevation using the deposited acoustic energy, and lesion formation
      was determined by the thermal dose. RESULTS: Better agreement was found between
      the measured harmonics distribution and simulation using the proposed algorithm
      than the Khokhlov-Zabozotskaya-Kuznetsov equation. Variable focusing of the
      phased-array transducer (geometric focusing, transverse shifting and the
      generation of multiple foci) can be simulated successfully. The shifting and
      splitting of focus was found to result in significantly less temperature
      elevation at the focus and the subsequently, the smaller lesion size, but the
      larger grating lobe grating lobe in the pre-focal region. CONCLUSIONS: The
      proposed algorithm could simulate the non-linear wave propagation from the source
      with arbitrary shape and distribution of excitation through multiple tissue
      layers in high computation accuracy. The performance of phased-array HIFU can be
      optimised in the treatment planning.

PMID- 27145872
TI  - Geometrical tuning art for entirely subwavelength grating waveguide based
      integrated photonics circuits.
AB  - Subwavelength grating (SWG) waveguide is an intriguing alternative to
      conventional optical waveguides due to the extra degree of freedom it offers in
      tuning a few important waveguide properties, such as dispersion and refractive
      index. Devices based on SWG waveguides have demonstrated impressive performances
      compared to conventional waveguides. However, the high loss of SWG waveguide
      bends jeopardizes their applications in integrated photonic circuits. In this
      work, we propose a geometrical tuning art, which realizes a pre-distorted
      refractive index profile in SWG waveguide bends. The pre-distorted refractive
      index profile can effectively reduce the mode mismatch and radiation loss
      simultaneously, thus significantly reduce the bend loss. This geometry tuning art
      has been numerically optimized and experimentally demonstrated in present study.
      Through such tuning, the average insertion loss of a 5 MUm SWG waveguide bend is
      reduced drastically from 5.43 dB to 1.10 dB per 90 degrees  bend for quasi-TE
      polarization. In the future, the proposed scheme will be utilized to enhance
      performance of a wide range of SWG waveguide based photonics devices.

PMID- 27145873
TI  - Self-Organization and Forces in the Mitotic Spindle.
AB  - At the onset of division, the cell forms a spindle, a precise self-constructed
      micromachine composed of microtubules and the associated proteins, which divides
      the chromosomes between the two nascent daughter cells. The spindle arises from
      self-organization of microtubules and chromosomes, whose different types of
      motion help them explore the space and eventually approach and interact with each
      other. Once the interactions between the chromosomes and the microtubules have
      been established, the chromosomes are moved to the equatorial plane of the
      spindle and ultimately toward the opposite spindle poles. These transport
      processes rely on directed forces that are precisely regulated in space and time.
      In this review, we discuss how microtubule dynamics and their rotational movement
      drive spindle self-organization, as well as how the forces acting in the spindle
      are generated, balanced, and regulated.

PMID- 27145874
TI  - Single-Molecule FRET Spectroscopy and the Polymer Physics of Unfolded and
      Intrinsically Disordered Proteins.
AB  - The properties of unfolded proteins have long been of interest because of their
      importance to the protein folding process. Recently, the surprising prevalence of
      unstructured regions or entirely disordered proteins under physiological
      conditions has led to the realization that such intrinsically disordered proteins
      can be functional even in the absence of a folded structure. However, owing to
      their broad conformational distributions, many of the properties of unstructured
      proteins are difficult to describe with the established concepts of structural
      biology. We have thus seen a reemergence of polymer physics as a versatile
      framework for understanding their structure and dynamics. An important driving
      force for these developments has been single-molecule spectroscopy, as it allows
      structural heterogeneity, intramolecular distance distributions, and dynamics to
      be quantified over a wide range of timescales and solution conditions. Polymer
      concepts provide an important basis for relating the physical properties of
      unstructured proteins to folding and function.

PMID- 27145875
TI  - Computational Methodologies for Real-Space Structural Refinement of Large
      Macromolecular Complexes.
AB  - The rise of the computer as a powerful tool for model building and refinement has
      revolutionized the field of structure determination for large biomolecular
      systems. Despite the wide availability of robust experimental methods capable of
      resolving structural details across a range of spatiotemporal resolutions,
      computational hybrid methods have the unique ability to integrate the diverse
      data from multimodal techniques such as X-ray crystallography and electron
      microscopy into consistent, fully atomistic structures. Here, commonly employed
      strategies for computational real-space structural refinement are reviewed, and
      their specific applications are illustrated for several large macromolecular
      complexes: ribosome, virus capsids, chemosensory array, and photosynthetic
      chromatophore. The increasingly important role of computational methods in large
      scale structural refinement, along with current and future challenges, is
      discussed.

PMID- 27145878
TI  - Elastic Properties of Nucleic Acids by Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy.
AB  - We review the current knowledge on the use of single-molecule force spectroscopy
      techniques to extrapolate the elastic properties of nucleic acids. We emphasize
      the lesser-known elastic properties of single-stranded DNA. We discuss the
      importance of accurately determining the elastic response in pulling experiments,
      and we review the simplest models used to rationalize the experimental data as
      well as the experimental approaches used to pull single-stranded DNA.
      Applications used to investigate DNA conformational transitions and secondary
      structure formation are also highlighted. Finally, we provide an overview of the
      effects of salt and temperature and briefly discuss the effects of contour length
      and sequence dependence.

PMID- 27145876
TI  - Design Principles of Length Control of Cytoskeletal Structures.
AB  - Cells contain elaborate and interconnected networks of protein polymers, which
      make up the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton governs the internal positioning and
      movement of vesicles and organelles and controls dynamic changes in cell
      polarity, shape, and movement. Many of these processes require tight control of
      the size and shape of cytoskeletal structures, which is achieved despite rapid
      turnover of their molecular components. Here we review mechanisms by which cells
      control the size of filamentous cytoskeletal structures, from the point of view
      of simple quantitative models that take into account stochastic dynamics of their
      assembly and disassembly. Significantly, these models make experimentally
      testable predictions that distinguish different mechanisms of length control.
      Although the primary focus of this review is on cytoskeletal structures, we
      believe that the broader principles and mechanisms discussed herein will apply to
      a range of other subcellular structures whose sizes are tightly controlled and
      are linked to their functions.

PMID- 27145879
TI  - Cell Geometry: How Cells Count and Measure Size.
AB  - The cell represents a highly organized state of living matter in which numerous
      geometrical parameters are under dynamic regulation in order to match the form of
      a cell with its function. Cells appear capable of regulating not only the total
      quantity of their internal organelles, but also the size and number of those
      organelles. The regulation of three parameters, size, number, and total quantity,
      can in principle be accomplished by regulating the production or growth of
      organelles, their degradation or disassembly, and their partitioning among
      daughter cells during division. Any or all of these steps could in principle be
      under regulation. But if organelle assembly or disassembly is regulated by number
      or size, how would the cell know how many copies of an organelle it has, or how
      big they are?

PMID- 27145880
TI  - Transcription Dynamics in Living Cells.
AB  - The transcription cycle can be roughly divided into three stages: initiation,
      elongation, and termination. Understanding the molecular events that regulate all
      these stages requires a dynamic view of the underlying processes. The development
      of techniques to visualize and quantify transcription in single living cells has
      been essential in revealing the transcription kinetics. They have revealed that
      (a) transcription is heterogeneous between cells and (b) transcription can be
      discontinuous within a cell. In this review, we discuss the progress in our
      quantitative understanding of transcription dynamics in living cells, focusing on
      all parts of the transcription cycle. We present the techniques allowing for
      single-cell transcription measurements, review evidence from different organisms,
      and discuss how these experiments have broadened our mechanistic understanding of
      transcription regulation.

PMID- 27145877
TI  - Imaging Specific Genomic DNA in Living Cells.
AB  - The three-dimensional organization of the genome plays important roles in
      regulating the functional output of the genome and even in the maintenance of
      epigenetic inheritance and genome stability. Here, we review and compare a number
      of newly developed methods-especially those that utilize the CRISPR (clustered
      regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)-Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein
      9) system-that enable the direct visualization of specific, endogenous DNA
      sequences in living cells. We also discuss the practical considerations in
      implementing the CRISPR imaging technique to achieve sufficient signal-to
      background levels, high specificity, and high labeling efficiency. These DNA
      labeling methods enable tracking of the copy number, localization, and movement
      of genomic elements, and we discuss the potential applications of these methods
      in understanding the searching and targeting mechanism of the Cas9-sgRNA complex,
      investigating chromosome organization, and visualizing genome instability and
      rearrangement.

PMID- 27145882
TI  - Maternal high-fat diet promotes onset of diabetes in rat offspring.
AB  - The onset and progression of type II diabetes is closely related to environmental
      factors, in particular dietary habit. Moreover, the environmental exposures very
      early in life can influence the risk for development of type II diabetes later in
      life. In this study, we investigated pathophysiological changes in the pups of
      maternal Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats that were fed a high-fat diet
      (HFD) throughout gestation and lactation. Maternal SDT rats were continued on HFD
      for 5 weeks, from day 8 of gestation to day 21 after birth, and biological
      analyses of the pups were performed from 2 to 22 weeks of age. Results of serum
      lipid levels in pups from dams fed HFD were higher than pups from dams fed a
      standard diet, and the onset of diabetes was significantly accelerated in pups
      from dams fed HFD. In pathological analyses, pups from dams fed HFD showed
      increases in liver weight and vacuolation of hepatic cells at 2 weeks of age. In
      conclusion, the metabolic disorder of lipids and glucose in SDT rats is closely
      related to the nutritional condition of dams during the periods of gestation and
      lactation.

PMID- 27145881
TI  - Protein Folding-How and Why: By Hydrogen Exchange, Fragment Separation, and Mass
      Spectrometry.
AB  - Advanced hydrogen exchange (HX) methodology can now determine the structure of
      protein folding intermediates and their progression in folding pathways. Key
      developments over time include the HX pulse labeling method with nuclear magnetic
      resonance analysis, the fragment separation method, the addition to it of mass
      spectrometric (MS) analysis, and recent improvements in the HX MS technique and
      data analysis. Also, the discovery of protein foldons and their role supplies an
      essential interpretive link. Recent work using HX pulse labeling with MS analysis
      finds that a number of proteins fold by stepping through a reproducible sequence
      of native-like intermediates in an ordered pathway. The stepwise nature of the
      pathway is dictated by the cooperative foldon unit construction of the protein.
      The pathway order is determined by a sequential stabilization principle; prior
      native-like structure guides the formation of adjacent native-like structure.
      This view does not match the funneled energy landscape paradigm of a very large
      number of folding tracks, which was framed before foldons were known and is more
      appropriate for the unguided residue-level search to surmount an initial kinetic
      barrier rather than for the overall unfolded-state to native-state folding
      pathway.

PMID- 27145883
TI  - Patient enrollment and logistical problems top the list of difficulties in
      clinical research: a cross-sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many medical research projects encounter difficulties. The objective
      of this study was to assess the self-reported frequency of difficulties
      encountered by medical researchers while conducting research and to identify
      factors associated with their occurrence. METHODS: The authors conducted a cross
      sectional survey in 2010 among principal investigators of 996 study protocols
      approved by the Research Ethics Committee in Geneva, Switzerland, between 2001
      and 2005. The authors asked principal investigators to rate the level of
      difficulty (1: none, to 5: very great) encountered across the research process.
      RESULTS: 588 questionnaires were sent back (participation rate 59.0 %). 391 (66.5
      %) studies were completed at the time of the survey. Investigators reported that
      the most frequent difficulties were related to patient enrollment (44.3 %), data
      collection (26.7 %), data analysis and interpretation (21.5 %), collaboration
      with caregivers (21.0 %), study design (20.4 %), publication in peer-reviewed
      journal (20.2 %), hiring of competent study personnel (20.2 %), and getting
      funding (19.2 %). On average, investigators reported 2.8 difficulties per project
      (SD 2.8, range 0 to 12). In multivariable analysis, the number of difficulties
      was higher for studies initiated by public sponsors (vs. private), single center
      studies (vs. multicenter), and studies about treatment, diagnosis or prognosis
      (i.e., clinical vs. other studies). CONCLUSIONS: Medical researchers reported
      substantial logistical difficulties in conducting clinical research.

PMID- 27145884
TI  - Solvent Effects on the Dynamic Polarizability and Raman Response of Molecule
      Metal Oxide Hybrid Clusters.
AB  - Currently, there is considerable interest in the properties of semiconducting
      metal oxide nanoparticle substrates because of their utility in surface-enhanced
      Raman scattering, dye-sensitized solar cells, and photocatalysis. While the
      enhancement of Raman activities of molecules adsorbed on these nanoparticles is
      due to a large increase in the polarizability, because of charge transfer from
      the molecule to the semiconducting nanoparticle, little is known about the
      factors responsible for modulating the polarizability, particularly the influence
      of the solvent. Consequently, we have carried out Monte Carlo simulations of
      several hybrids to study the solvent effect on the dynamic polarizabilities and
      electronic spectra. Our results indicate that the presence of the solvent induces
      a shift and an increase in the polarization response that is dependent on the
      identity of the hybrid. The observed enhancement can be attributed to both the
      resonant character of the excitation and the participation of the solvent in the
      charge redistribution. The methodology employed in this work could be very
      valuable in both identifying and developing metal oxides as novel molecular
      sensors. 

PMID- 27145885
TI  - UpStart Parent Survey-Prenatal: A New Tool for Evaluating Prenatal Education
      Programs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a new prenatal education program evaluation tool, the
      UpStart Parent Survey - Prenatal, in terms of: (a) reliability and validity; (b)
      sensitivity to change over time; (c) whether results differed for mothers versus
      fathers; and (d) whether results differed when using an electronic tablet
      computer versus a paper survey. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Psychometric study.
      Participants were 277 expectant mothers (n = 161) and fathers (n = 106) enrolled
      in Childbirth Essentials, a 6-week prenatal education program. MEASURES: The
      UpStart Parent Survey - Prenatal is a retrospective pretest/posttest survey with
      three scales: Parenting Knowledge, Parenting Experience, and Program
      Satisfaction, and three open-ended questions. RESULTS: The UpStart Parent Survey 
      Prenatal is sensitive to change and demonstrated significant positive
      differences in parenting knowledge and parenting experience. There was no
      difference in results whether the survey was completed by mothers or fathers.
      Results were similar whether paper or electronic formats were used. The survey
      was easy to complete. CONCLUSION: The UpStart Parent Survey - Prenatal holds
      promise as a reliable and valid evaluation tool to capture outcomes of brief
      prenatal education programs that target the general population of expectant
      parents.

PMID- 27145887
TI  - Investigation of the electrochemical and photoelectrochemical properties of Ni-Al
      LDH photocatalysts.
AB  - Layered double hydroxide (LDH) photocatalysts, including Ni-Al LDH, are active
      for the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 in water under UV light irradiation. In
      this study, we found that a series of LDHs exhibited anodic photocurrent which is
      a characteristic feature corresponding to n-type materials. Also, we estimated
      the potentials of photogenerated electrons and holes for LDHs, which are
      responsible for the photocatalytic reactions, using electrochemical techniques.
      The flat band potential of the Ni-Al LDH photocatalyst was estimated to be -0.40
      V vs. NHE (pH = 0), indicating that the potential of the photogenerated electron
      is sufficient to reduce CO2 to CO. Moreover, we revealed that the flat band
      potentials of M(2+)-M(3+) LDH are clearly influenced by the type of trivalent
      metal (M(3+)) components.

PMID- 27145886
TI  - Prescribing trends of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications
      in UK primary care, 1995-2015.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to describe the prescription of medications
      for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the UK between 1995 and
      2015. METHODS: Using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), we defined a
      cohort of all patients aged 6-45 years, registered with a general practitioner
      between January 1995 and September 2015. All prescriptions of methylphenidate,
      dexamphetamine/lisdexamphetamine and atomoxetine were identified and annual
      prescription rates of ADHD were estimated using Poisson regression. RESULTS:
      Within a cohort of 7 432 735 patients, we identified 698 148 prescriptions of
      ADHD medications during 41 171 528 person-years of follow-up. Usage was
      relatively low until 2000, during which the prescription rate was 42.7 [95%
      confidence interval (CI) 20.9, 87.2] prescriptions per 10 000 persons, increasing
      to 394.4 (95% CI 296.7, 524.2) in 2015, corresponding to an almost 800% increase
      (rate ratio 8.87; 95% CI 7.10, 11.09). The increase was seen in all age groups
      and in both sexes but was steepest in boys aged 10-14 years. The prescription
      rate in males was almost five times that of females. Methylphenidate remained the
      most prescribed drug during the 20-year study period, representing 88.9% of all
      prescriptions in the 6-24-year-old group, and 63.5% of all prescriptions in
      adults (25-45 years of age). CONCLUSIONS: Prescription rates of ADHD medications
      have increased dramatically in the past two decades. This may be due, at least in
      part, to both an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with ADHD over time
      and a higher percentage of those patients treated with medication.

PMID- 27145888
TI  - Barium titanate nanoparticles: promising multitasking vectors in nanomedicine.
AB  - Ceramic materials based on perovskite-like oxides have traditionally been the
      object of intense interest for their applicability in electrical and electronic
      devices. Due to its high dielectric constant and piezoelectric features, barium
      titanate (BaTiO3) is probably one of the most studied compounds of this family.
      Recently, an increasing number of studies have been focused on the exploitation
      of barium titanate nanoparticles (BTNPs) in the biomedical field, owing to the
      high biocompatibility of BTNPs and their peculiar non-linear optical properties
      that have encouraged their use as nanocarriers for drug delivery and as label
      free imaging probes. In this review, we summarize all the recent findings about
      these 'smart' nanoparticles, including the latest, most promising potential as
      nanotransducers for cell stimulation. 

PMID- 27145889
TI  - Pre-existing cognitive impairment and post-operative cognitive dysfunction:
      should we be talking the same language?
AB  - Changes in cognition are known to follow anesthesia and surgery in older
      individuals (Evered et al., 2011). Although survival per se was the prime outcome
      in the 19th and early 20th centuries for invasive procedures, a link was none-the
      less observed with adverse cognitive outcomes as far back as 1887 (Savage, 1887).
      Historical reports of "insanity" or "weak mindedness" after anesthesia appeared
      within 40 years of the first anesthetic having been administered and anecdotal
      and retrospective reports have implicated anesthesia ever since. However, it was
      not until the 1970s that these observations received any sound scientific
      evaluation, when clinicians became aware of cognitive changes following cardiac
      surgery. It was assumed that the cardiopulmonary bypass (heart lung machine) must
      have been the main culprit because it was this factor which so greatly
      distinguished cardiac surgery from non-cardiac surgery (Shaw et al., 1987). This
      long held belief entered surgical folklore and was the basis for many
      publications endeavoring to identify particular aspects of the heart lung machine
      responsible for this cognitive decline.

PMID- 27145891
TI  - Resynchronising returns to service in anoestrous dairy cows in the South Island
      of New Zealand.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the effect of targeted resynchronisation of cows treated for
      non-observed oestrus before the planned start of mating (PSM), that were not
      detected in oestrus or pregnant 23 days after treatment (phantom cows), on the
      proportion pregnant at 42 days after PSM and the end of mating. METHODS: Farm
      staff from eight herds in two regions of the South Island of New Zealand
      identified 1,819 cows not showing oestrus by 10 days before PSM. These cows were
      treated with intravaginal progesterone for 7 days, and I/M gonadorelin 10 days
      and 1 day before PSM. Three days before PSM they were injected with cloprostenol
      and equine chorionic gonadotrophin, with fixed time artificial insemination
      (FTAI) at PSM. By 23 days after PSM, 1,218 cows had not returned to oestrus. Of
      these, 161 cows confirmed not pregnant by transrectal ultrasonography were
      randomly assigned to no treatment (control group; n=74) or were resynchronised 25
      days after PSM using the same treatment programme as above, with FTAI 35 days
      after PSM (n=87). All cows that returned to oestrus were artificially inseminated
      until 42 days after PSM, when natural mating was used. All cows were examined
      using transrectal ultrasonography 80 to 90 days after PSM to confirm conception
      dates. RESULTS: Of the 1,819 anoestrous cows treated before PSM, 526 (29 (95%
      CI=23.1-34.0)%) had not been observed in oestrus by 23 days after PSM and had not
      conceived, so were diagnosed as phantoms cows. For resynchronised cows, 42/87 (48
      (95% CI=37.8-58.8)%) were pregnant by 42 days after PSM compared to 21/74 (28
      (95% CI=18.1-38.7)%) control cows (p=0.009). At the end of mating 58/87 (67 (95%
      CI=56.6-76.7)%) cows in the resynchronised group were pregnant and 46/74 (62 (95%
      CI=50.9-73.2)%) in the control group (p=0.554). The hazard of conception from 21
      to 42 days after PSM was 1.9 (95% CI=1.07-3.12) times greater for resynchronised
      than control cows (p=0.026). CONCLUSION: In cows not observed in oestrus and
      treated before PSM, resynchronisation increased the proportion pregnant by 42
      days after PSM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The benefit of resynchronisation depends on
      the number of anoestrous cows before PSM and the number of phantom cows after
      PSM. However at the herd-level it is likely that providing advice to reduce the
      known risk factors for cows not being observed in oestrus before the PSM may well
      be more cost effective than identifying and treating a sub-population of phantom
      cows.

PMID- 27145890
TI  - Transitioning adolescent and young adults with chronic disease and/or
      disabilities from paediatric to adult care services - an integrative review.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to provide an updated comprehensive review
      of the research-based evidence related to the transitions of care process for
      adolescents and young adults with chronic illness/disabilities since 2010.
      BACKGROUND: Transitioning adolescent and young adults with chronic disease and/or
      disabilities to adult care services is a complex process, which requires
      coordination and continuity of health care. The quality of the transition process
      not only impacts on special health care needs of the patients, but also their
      psychosocial development. Inconsistent evidence was found regarding the process
      of transitioning adolescent and young adults. DESIGN: An integrative review was
      conducted using a five-stage process: problem identification, literature search,
      data evaluation, data analysis and presentation. METHODS: A search was carried
      out using the EBSCOhost, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and AustHealth, from 2010 to
      31 October 2014. The key search terms were (adolescent or young adult) AND
      (chronic disease or long-term illness/conditions or disability) AND (transition
      to adult care or continuity of patient care or transfer or transition). RESULTS:
      A total of 5719 records were initially identified. After applying the inclusion
      criteria a final 61 studies were included. Six main categories derived from the
      data synthesis process are Timing of transition; Perceptions of the transition;
      Preparation for the transition; Patients' outcomes post-transition; Barriers to
      the transition; and Facilitating factors to the transition. A further 15
      subcategories also surfaced. CONCLUSIONS: In the last five years, there has been
      improvement in health outcomes of adolescent and young adults post-transition by
      applying a structured multidisciplinary transition programme, especially for
      patients with cystic fibrosis and diabetes. However, overall patients' outcomes
      after being transited to adult health care services, if recorded, have remained
      poor both physically and psychosocially. An accurate tracking mechanism needs to
      be established by stakeholders as a formal channel to monitor patients' outcomes
      post- transition.

PMID- 27145892
TI  - The effect of polar auxin transport on adventitious branches formation in
      Gracilaria lichenoides in vitro.
AB  - Seaweed tissue culture (STC) is an important micropropagation tool that has been
      applied for strain improvement, micropropagation and genetic engineering. Because
      the mechanisms associated with STC are poorly understood, its application to
      these organisms lags far behind that of tissue culture propagation of higher
      plants. Auxin, calcium (Ca2+ ) and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) fluxes all play key
      roles during plant growth and development. In this study, we therefore measured
      indole-3-acetic acid, Ca2+ and H2 O2 fluxes of Gracilaria lichenoides explants
      during adventitious branches (ABs) formation for the first time using noninvasive
      micro-test technology. We confirmed that polar auxin transport (PAT) also occurs
      in the marine red alga G. lichenoides. We additionally found that N-1
      naphthylphthalamic acid may suppress auxin efflux via ABCB1 transporters and then
      inhibit ABs formation from the apical region of G. lichenoides segments. The
      involvement of Ca2+ and H2 O2 fluxes in PAT-mediated AB formation in G.
      lichenoides was also investigated. We propose that complex feedback among Ca2+ ,
      H2 O2 and auxin signaling and response systems may occur during ABs polar
      formation in G. lichenoides explants, similar to that in higher plants. Our
      results provide innovative insights that should aid future elucidation of
      mechanisms operative during STC.

PMID- 27145893
TI  - A Rhodium Catalyst Superior to Iridium Congeners for Enantioselective Radical
      Amination Activated by Visible Light.
AB  - A bis-cyclometalated rhodium(III) complex catalyzes a visible-light-activated
      enantioselective alpha-amination of 2-acyl imidazoles with up to 99 % yield and
      98 % ee. The rhodium catalyst is ascribed a dual function as a chiral Lewis acid
      and, simultaneously, as a light-activated smart initiator of a radical-chain
      process through intermediate aminyl radicals. Notably, related iridium-based
      photoredox catalysts reported before were unsuccessful in this enantioselective
      radical C-N bond formation. The surprising preference for rhodium over iridium is
      attributed to much faster ligand-exchange kinetics of the rhodium complexes
      involved in the catalytic cycle, which is crucial to keep pace with the highly
      reactive and thus short-lived nitrogen-centered radical intermediate. 

PMID- 27145894
TI  - Intracerebral hemorrhage due to cerebral amyloid angiopathy after head injury:
      Report of a case and review of the literature.
AB  - Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is an important cause of spontaneous
      intracerebral hemorrhage in the elderly. A few case reports of CAA-related
      intracerebral hemorrhage after head injury, usually following a fall, have been
      published. More rarely, it may occur in the setting of a traffic accident, with
      only four cases having been reported. We describe a case of CAA-related
      intracerebral hemorrhage in an 88-year-old man injured in a road traffic
      accident. The patient died 14 h after the accident. Autopsy examination revealed
      a left frontoparietal hematoma and CAA of most of the small leptomeningeal and
      cortical arteries, as well as several capillaries, predominantly in the parietal
      and occipital lobes. Except for bruises in the frontal and zygomatic regions,
      elbow and forearm, to the left, there were no skull fractures or traumatic
      lesions in other parts of the body. We review the literature on CAA-related
      intracerebral hemorrhage associated with head injury. CAA-related intracerebral
      hemorrhage after head injury may occur due to a minor trauma, minor and severe
      falls, or in the setting of a traffic accident. However, even in this last
      condition, it seems to happen mostly in patients who had a mild to moderate head
      injury. These facts show that replacement of the contractile components of the
      arterial tunica media by amyloid renders the affected cerebral blood vessels more
      vulnerable to head injury associated with acceleration and deceleration,
      independently of the severity of the dynamic loading acting on the head.

PMID- 27145896
TI  - A call for ACEM to act on gender inequity in our training programme: A female
      perspective.

PMID- 27145895
TI  - Presence of Li Clusters in Molten LiCl-Li.
AB  - Molten mixtures of lithium chloride and metallic lithium are of significant
      interest in various metal oxide reduction processes. These solutions have been
      reported to exhibit seemingly anomalous physical characteristics that lack a
      comprehensive explanation. In the current work, the physical chemistry of molten
      solutions of lithium chloride and metallic lithium, with and without lithium
      oxide, was investigated using in situ Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra
      obtained from these solutions were in agreement with the previously reported
      spectrum of the lithium cluster, Li8. This observation is indicative of a
      nanofluid type colloidal suspension of Li8 in a molten salt matrix. It is
      suggested that the formation and suspension of lithium clusters in lithium
      chloride is the cause of various phenomena exhibited by these solutions that were
      previously unexplainable.

PMID- 27145897
TI  - Stent luxation: Possible complication of subadventitial stenting in coronary
      chronic total occlusion revascularization.
AB  - The entry to the subadventitial space is not a mode of failure, but the road to
      success in many chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) cases. Long-term clinical outcomes of subadventitial stenting are favorable
      and similar to intraluminal stenting. However, the subadventitial space histology
      and physiology remains different to the coronary true intraluminal space. We
      report a complication specific to stenting of the subadventitial space, where
      overlapping stents dislocated from one another, which resulted in late non
      occlusive stent thrombosis. We describe, for the first time in the literature,
      this complication, possible reasons behind, and the ways to avoid this
      potentially major mischief. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145898
TI  - Myeloma imaging: time to move on!

PMID- 27145899
TI  - Pharmaceutical liposomal drug delivery: a review of new delivery systems and a
      look at the regulatory landscape.
AB  - Liposomes were the first nanoscale drug to be approved for clinical use in 1995.
      Since then, the technology has grown considerably, and pioneering recent work in
      liposome-based delivery systems has brought about remarkable developments with
      significant clinical implications. This includes long-circulating liposomes,
      stimuli-responsive liposomes, nebulized liposomes, elastic liposomes for topical,
      oral and transdermal delivery and covalent lipid-drug complexes for improved drug
      plasma membrane crossing and targeting to specific organelles. While the
      regulatory bodies' opinion on liposomes is well-documented, current guidance that
      address new delivery systems are not. This review describes, in depth, the
      current state-of-the-art of these new liposomal delivery systems and provides a
      critical overview of the current regulatory landscape surrounding
      commercialization efforts of higher-level complexity systems, the expected
      requirements and the hurdles faced by companies seeking to bring novel liposome
      based systems for clinical use to market.

PMID- 27145900
TI  - Fabrication of porous TiO2 nanorod array photoelectrodes with enhanced
      photoelectrochemical water splitting by helium ion implantation.
AB  - Porous photoelectrodes show high efficiency in hydrogen production by water
      splitting. However, fabrication of porous nanorods is usually difficult. Here, we
      report a simple approach to fabricate a kind of novel porous rutile titanium
      dioxide nanorod array by an advanced ion implantation method using multiple
      energy helium ion implantation and subsequent annealing. The porous nanostructure
      enhances the photoelectrochemical performance of the titanium dioxide nanorod
      array photoelectrodes under Uv-visible light illumination, where the highest
      photocurrent density was relatively about 10 times higher than that of the
      pristine titanium dioxide nanorod array. The formation of nanocavities mainly
      contributes to the enhancement of the photocurrent density by trapping holes
      inside to separate the charge carriers. The study demonstrates that ion
      implantation could be an effective approach to develop novel porous
      nanostructural photoelectrodes for the application of hydrogen production. 

PMID- 27145903
TI  - CAPTURING WHOLE PERSON CARE.

PMID- 27145902
TI  - Microglia replenished OHSC: A culture system to study in vivo like adult
      microglia.
AB  - Recent data suggest that ramified microglia fulfil various tasks in the brain.
      However, to investigate this unique cell type cultured primary microglia are only
      a poor model. We here describe a method to deplete and repopulate organotypic
      hippocampal slice cultures (OHSC) with ramified microglia isolated from adult
      mouse brain creating microglia-replenished OHSC (Mrep-OHSC). Replenished
      microglia integrate into the tissue and ramify to a degree indistinguishable from
      their counterparts in the mouse brain. Moreover, wild-type slices replenished
      with microglia from TNFalpha-deficient animals provide similar results as OHSC
      prepared from microglia-specific TNFalpha-knockout mice (CX3CR1(cre)
      /TNFalpha(fl/fl) ). Furthermore, this study demonstrates that replenished
      microglia in OHSC maintain original functions and properties acquired in vivo.
      Microglia from ERCC1(Delta/ko) mice, a mouse model of accelerated aging, maintain
      enhanced Mac2 expression and their activated phenotype after replenishment to
      wild-type OHSC tissue. Thus, the present study demonstrates that Mrep-OHSC are a
      unique tool to construct chimeric brain slices allowing studying the function of
      different phenotypes of in vivo like microglia in a tissue culture setting. GLIA
      2016 GLIA 2016;64:1285-1297.

PMID- 27145901
TI  - The extracellular interactome of the human adenovirus family reveals diverse
      strategies for immunomodulation.
AB  - Viruses encode secreted and cell-surface expressed proteins essential to modulate
      host immune defenses and establish productive infections. However, to date there
      has been no systematic study of the extracellular interactome of any human virus.
      Here we utilize the E3 proteins, diverse and rapidly evolving transmembrane
      containing proteins encoded by human adenoviruses, as a model system to survey
      the extracellular immunomodulatory landscape. From a large-scale protein
      interaction screen against a microarray of more than 1,500 human proteins, we
      find and validate 51 previously unidentified virus-host interactions. Our results
      uncover conserved strategies as well as substantial diversity and
      multifunctionality in host targeting within and between viral species. Prominent
      modulation of the leukocyte immunoglobulin-like and signalling lymphocyte
      activation molecule families and a number of inhibitory receptors were identified
      as hubs for viral perturbation, suggesting unrecognized immunoregulatory
      strategies. We describe a virus-host extracellular interaction map of
      unprecedented scale that provides new insights into viral immunomodulation.

PMID- 27145906
TI  - Cable-Type Water-Survivable Flexible Li-O2 Battery.
AB  - A novel cable-type water-survivable flexible Li-O2 battery is developed with a
      hydrophobic and free standing gel polymer electrolyte. Superior battery
      performances are successfully achieved under mechanical twisting, bending, and
      even immersed in water conditions, showing the high promise to power next
      generation versatile flexible electronics. 

PMID- 27145907
TI  - Novel functional foods for optimal oxidative status in healthy ageing.
AB  - An antioxidant-rich diet has been shown to reduce the incidence of diet-induced
      metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, and
      contributes to healthy ageing. Yet, clinical trials investigating common dietary
      antioxidants, such as vitamins, have often failed to find a significant lowering
      effect on markers of oxidative stress. This review examines the latest clinical
      evidence on whether three novel potential antioxidant foods-fish omega-3 fatty
      acids, red wine and dairy products-can affect the oxidative status of healthy
      individuals. Clinical studies have reported heterogeneous results regarding the
      effect of fish oil, red wine and dairy products on oxidative stress. However,
      numerous studies have suggested that omega-3, red wine and dairy products may
      lower lipid peroxidation, a known trigger of cardiovascular disease, without
      affecting the oxidative status of healthy individuals. Overall, this review
      suggests that consumption of 1-2g/day of omega-3, a moderate red wine intake (200
      400ml/day) or 2-3 portions/day of dairy products within a healthy diet exert
      beneficial effects on oxidative markers. Further investigation to ascertain these
      effects should focus on the antioxidant effects of long-term omega-3
      supplementation, and of intake of dealcoholized red wine or higher dairy product
      consumption.

PMID- 27145905
TI  - Devices for Self-Monitoring Sedentary Time or Physical Activity: A Scoping
      Review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is well documented that meeting the guideline levels (150 minutes
      per week) of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) is protective against
      chronic disease. Conversely, emerging evidence indicates the deleterious effects
      of prolonged sitting. Therefore, there is a need to change both behaviors. Self
      monitoring of behavior is one of the most robust behavior-change techniques
      available. The growing number of technologies in the consumer electronics sector
      provides a unique opportunity for individuals to self-monitor their behavior.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to review the characteristics and measurement
      properties of currently available self-monitoring devices for sedentary time
      and/or PA. METHODS: To identify technologies, four scientific databases were
      systematically searched using key terms related to behavior, measurement, and
      population. Articles published through October 2015 were identified. To identify
      technologies from the consumer electronic sector, systematic searches of three
      Internet search engines were also performed through to October 1, 2015. RESULTS:
      The initial database searches identified 46 devices and the Internet search
      engines identified 100 devices yielding a total of 146 technologies. Of these, 64
      were further removed because they were currently unavailable for purchase or
      there was no evidence that they were designed for, had been used in, or could
      readily be modified for self-monitoring purposes. The remaining 82 technologies
      were included in this review (73 devices self-monitored PA, 9 devices self
      monitored sedentary time). Of the 82 devices included, this review identified no
      published articles in which these devices were used for the purpose of self
      monitoring PA and/or sedentary behavior; however, a number of technologies were
      found via Internet searches that matched the criteria for self-monitoring and
      provided immediate feedback on PA (ActiGraph Link, Microsoft Band, and Garmin
      Vivofit) and sedentary time (activPAL VT, the Lumo Back, and Darma). CONCLUSIONS:
      There are a large number of devices that self-monitor PA; however, there is a
      greater need for the development of tools to self-monitor sedentary time. The
      novelty of these devices means they have yet to be used in behavior change
      interventions, although the growing field of wearable technology may facilitate
      this to change.

PMID- 27145909
TI  - Ranging behavior drives parasite richness: A more parsimonious hypothesis.
AB  - Parasitism is a ubiquitous interspecific interaction that may play an important
      role in the evolution of hosts and parasites, molding many aspects of their
      behavior and ecology. Detecting behavioral changes of hosts infected with
      parasites is not a straightforward task. Extrapolating from individual-level
      responses to group-level decision-making is still a much more complex challenge.
      The ranging behavior of hosts that live in social groups is a good example. Many
      hypotheses of the cause-effect relationship between this behavior and parasite
      diversity and load have been proposed. For instance, Brockmeyer et al. [2015, Am.
      J. Primatol. 77:1036-1048] recently suggested that the richness of protozoan
      parasites influences the daily path length of free-ranging mandrills. We believe
      that this explanation for the relationship contains several implicit assumptions.
      Therefore, we offer an alternative, more parsimonious hypothesis in which daily
      path length is the driver of parasite richness rather than its consequence. Our
      hypothesis only assumes that ranging farther exposes animals to a richer parasite
      diversity. We discuss the data required to test these alternative hypotheses and
      recall empirical evidence and theoretical modeling results supporting or
      rejecting their assumptions. We also propose a model of the expected outcomes in
      terms of species richness, load, intensity of infection, and within-group
      community similarity of non-lethal environmentally transmitted parasites in
      social animal groups showing distinct patterns of range use. Am. J. Primatol.
      78:923-927, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145908
TI  - Salidroside improves glucose homeostasis in obese mice by repressing inflammation
      in white adipose tissues and improving leptin sensitivity in hypothalamus.
AB  - Salidroside is a functionally versatile natural compound from the perennial
      flowering plant Rhodiola rosea L. Here, we examined obese mice treated with
      salidroside at the dosage of 50 mg/kg/day for 48 days. Mice treated with
      salidroside showed slightly decreased food intake, body weight and hepatic
      triglyceride content. Importantly, salidroside treatment significantly improved
      glucose and insulin tolerance. It also increased insulin singling in both liver
      and epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). In addition, salidroside markedly
      ameliorated hyperglycemia in treated mice, which is likely due to the suppression
      of gluconeogenesis by salidroside as the protein levels of a gluconeogenic enzyme
      G6Pase and a co-activator PGC-1alpha were all markedly decreased. Further
      analysis revealed that adipogenesis in eWAT was significantly decreased in
      salidroside treated mice. The infiltration of macrophages in eWAT and the
      productions of pro-inflammatory cytokines were also markedly suppressed by
      salidroside. Furthermore, the leptin signal transduction in hypothalamus was
      improved by salidroside. Taken together, these euglycemic effects of salidroside
      may due to repression of adipogenesis and inflammation in eWAT and stimulation of
      leptin signal transduction in hypothalamus. Thus, salidroside might be used as an
      effective anti-diabetic agent.

PMID- 27145910
TI  - Insights into the importance of the electrocardiogram in patients with acute
      heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute heart
      failure (AHF) are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The
      electrocardiogram (ECG) is a routine investigation in patients with AHF used to
      identify potential causes and/or complications. It is unclear whether 12-lead ECG
      characteristics can serve as a prognostic indicator in this population. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Patients with AHF from four hospital EDs were prospectively enrolled
      into the AHF - Emergency Management cohort. In addition to baseline data
      collection, the first available ECG was read in a core laboratory. Clinical
      outcomes (all-cause mortality and readmission) were recorded and risk models were
      developed. Of 937 enrolled patients, 816 had a diagnosis of AHF and an available
      ECG. Median age of the population was 77 [interquartile range (IQR) 67-85], 47%
      were female and median ejection fraction was 45% (IQR 30-55). Abnormalities were
      common, with only 7.5% of patients having a normal ECG. During the median follow
      up of 25.7 months, there were 379 (46%) all-cause deaths and 328 (40%) hospital
      readmissions. Sinus rhythm was associated with better outcomes [hazard ratio (HR)
      0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62, 0.94], while paced rhythms (HR 1.51, 95%
      CI 1.11, 2.05), a wide QRS (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04, 1.59) and an ECG with any
      abnormality (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.01, 2.44) was associated with poorer outcomes.
      Other individual ECG characteristics were not related to clinical outcomes after
      risk adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Certain ECG abnormalities are common in patients
      with AHF and associated with poor outcomes. Used in conjunction with other
      clinical variables, the ECG may be a useful tool in long-term risk stratifying
      patients.

PMID- 27145911
TI  - The Emergence of a Circuit Model for Addiction.
AB  - Addiction is a disease of altered behavior. Addicts use drugs compulsively and
      will continue to do so despite negative consequences. Even after prolonged
      periods of abstinence, addicts are at risk of relapse, particularly when cues
      evoke memories that are associated with drug use. Rodent models mimic many of the
      core components of addiction, from the initial drug reinforcement to cue
      associated relapse and continued drug intake despite negative consequences.
      Rodent models have also enabled unprecedented mechanistic insight into addiction,
      revealing plasticity of glutamatergic synaptic transmission evoked by the strong
      activation of mesolimbic dopamine-a defining feature of all addictive drugs-as a
      neural substrate for these drug-adaptive behaviors. Cell type-specific
      optogenetic manipulations have allowed both identification of the relevant
      circuits and design of protocols to reverse drug-evoked plasticity and to
      establish links of causality with drug-adaptive behaviors. The emergence of a
      circuit model for addiction will open the door for novel therapies, such as deep
      brain stimulation.

PMID- 27145913
TI  - The Genetic Basis of Hydrocephalus.
AB  - Studies of syndromic hydrocephalus have led to the identification of >100
      causative genes. Even though this work has illuminated numerous pathways
      associated with hydrocephalus, it has also highlighted the fact that the genetics
      underlying this phenotype are more complex than anticipated originally. Mendelian
      forms of hydrocephalus account for a small fraction of the genetic burden, with
      clear evidence of background-dependent effects of alleles on penetrance and
      expressivity of driver mutations in key developmental and homeostatic pathways.
      Here, we synthesize the currently implicated genes and inheritance paradigms
      underlying hydrocephalus, grouping causal loci into functional modules that
      affect discrete, albeit partially overlapping, cellular processes. These in turn
      have the potential to both inform pathomechanism and assist in the rational
      molecular classification of a clinically heterogeneous phenotype. Finally, we
      discuss conceptual methods that can lead to enhanced gene identification and
      dissection of disease basis, knowledge that will potentially form a foundation
      for the design of future therapeutics.

PMID- 27145914
TI  - Maps of the Auditory Cortex.
AB  - One of the fundamental properties of the mammalian brain is that sensory regions
      of cortex are formed of multiple, functionally specialized cortical field maps
      (CFMs). Each CFM comprises two orthogonal topographical representations,
      reflecting two essential aspects of sensory space. In auditory cortex, auditory
      field maps (AFMs) are defined by the combination of tonotopic gradients,
      representing the spectral aspects of sound (i.e., tones), with orthogonal
      periodotopic gradients, representing the temporal aspects of sound (i.e., period
      or temporal envelope). Converging evidence from cytoarchitectural and
      neuroimaging measurements underlies the definition of 11 AFMs across core and
      belt regions of human auditory cortex, with likely homology to those of macaque.
      On a macrostructural level, AFMs are grouped into cloverleaf clusters, an
      organizational structure also seen in visual cortex. Future research can now use
      these AFMs to investigate specific stages of auditory processing, key for
      understanding behaviors such as speech perception and multimodal sensory
      integration.

PMID- 27145915
TI  - Reward and Aversion.
AB  - To benefit from opportunities and cope with challenges in the environment,
      animals must adapt their behavior to acquire rewards and to avoid punishments.
      Maladaptive changes in the neuromodulatory systems and neural circuits for reward
      and aversion can lead to manifestation of several prominent psychiatric disorders
      including addiction and depression. Recent progress is pushing the boundaries of
      knowledge on two major fronts in research on reward and aversion: First, new
      layers of complexity have been reported on the functions of dopamine (DA) and
      serotonin (5-HT) neuromodulatory systems in reward and aversion. Second, specific
      circuit components in the neural pathways that encode reward and aversion have
      begun to be identified. This review aims to outline historic perspectives and new
      insights into the functions of DA and 5-HT systems in coding the distinct
      components of rewards. It also highlights recent advances in neural circuit
      studies enabled by new technologies, such as cell-type-specific electrophysiology
      and tracing, and optogenetics-based behavioral manipulation. This knowledge may
      provide guidance for developing novel treatment strategies for neuropsychiatric
      diseases related to the malfunction of the reward system.

PMID- 27145917
TI  - Synthetic investigation toward apigenin 5-O-glycoside camellianin B as well as
      the chemical structure revision.
AB  - Capitalizing on the Au(i)-catalyzed ortho-alkynylbenzoate glycosylation method,
      the first total synthesis of the proposed structure of apigenin-5-O-glycoside
      camellianin B was achieved, wherein three approaches, one linear and two
      convergent, were established, through which the synthetic structures were firmly
      corroborated. Meanwhile, through the synthesis of anthentic camellianin B via
      commercially available camellianin A, the misassigned structures of camellianins
      A and B were revised. 

PMID- 27145918
TI  - Using resilience to predict the effects of disturbance.
AB  - Animal behaviour emerges from a complex interaction between an individual's
      needs, life history strategies and the varying local environment. This
      environment is increasingly disturbed as human activity encroaches on previously
      unexposed regions. This disturbance can have different effects on individual
      animals or populations depending on their behavioural strategies. Here, we
      examine a means of predicting the resilience of individuals or populations to
      unanticipated disturbances, and we find that resilience that can be estimated
      from routinely collected behavioural observations is a good predictor of how
      rapidly an individual's expected behaviour is returned to following a
      perturbation, and correlates strongly with how much population abundance changes
      following a disturbance.

PMID- 27145919
TI  - Systemic causes of hair loss.
AB  - Hair loss is both a common chief complaint by patients and a clinical challenge
      for physicians, especially general practitioners, yet few dermatological problems
      yield as much patient satisfaction when resolved as hair loss. The diagnosis is
      often attributed to androgen-related hair loss, while other causes, some of which
      are life-threatening but treatable, are overlooked. We searched for relevant
      literature on hair loss and supported these findings with our clinical experience
      to identify seven major systemic etiologies of hair loss, ranging from infectious
      agents to consumption of unsafe supplements. Many causes are only described in
      the literature through case studies, though some original articles and meta
      analyses are available. Careful history taking, proper examination techniques,
      and judicious use of laboratory tests are essential to reach at the correct
      diagnosis in a cost-effective manner when performing patient work-up. Such
      methodical evaluation of hair loss can result in the appropriate treatment plan
      and provide significant patient satisfaction. Key messages Hair loss is a common
      chief complaint and a difficult challenge for both general practitioners and
      dermatology consultants. We identified seven major categories of systemic hair
      loss etiology and present a framework for their clinical evaluation. A methodical
      approach to hair loss can result in the appropriate treatment plan and provide
      significant patient satisfaction.

PMID- 27145916
TI  - Correlations and Neuronal Population Information.
AB  - Brain function involves the activity of neuronal populations. Much recent effort
      has been devoted to measuring the activity of neuronal populations in different
      parts of the brain under various experimental conditions. Population activity
      patterns contain rich structure, yet many studies have focused on measuring
      pairwise relationships between members of a larger population-termed noise
      correlations. Here we review recent progress in understanding how these
      correlations affect population information, how information should be quantified,
      and what mechanisms may give rise to correlations. As population coding theory
      has improved, it has made clear that some forms of correlation are more important
      for information than others. We argue that this is a critical lesson for those
      interested in neuronal population responses more generally: Descriptions of
      population responses should be motivated by and linked to well-specified
      function. Within this context, we offer suggestions of where current theoretical
      frameworks fall short.

PMID- 27145920
TI  - Placental histologic patterns and neonatal seizure, in preterm premature rupture
      of membrane.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between placenta and perinatal
      outcomes, in preterm infants born to mothers with preterm premature rupture of
      fetal membrane (PPROM). METHODS: We report detailed histology of placentas and
      perinatal outcomes of infants from 79 PPROM pregnancies. Placental histologic
      pattern and adverse perinatal outcomes were assessed by logistic regression,
      adjusting for gestational age at birth, birth weight and interval from rupture of
      membrane to delivery. RESULTS: Mean gestational age at membrane rupture was 29.5
      +/- 3.4 weeks. The incidence of histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA), fetal
      inflammatory response (FIR) and vascular thrombotic abnormalities in placental
      histologic examination were 63.3, 25.3 and 78.5%, respectively. Neonates with FIR
      showed significantly higher incidence of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) (85%
      versus 59.3%, p = 0.0364) at brain ultrasonography, than neonates without FIR, in
      univariate analysis, but not in logistic regression analysis. In logistic
      regression analysis, the odds ratio of low Apgar score at 1 min in the neonates
      with clinical chorioamnionitis was 5.009 (95% CI, 1.242-20.195). The odds ratio
      of neonatal seizure in the neonates with FIR and vascular thrombotic problem was
      7.486 (95% CI, 1.617-34.653). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the association
      between FIR with vascular thrombotic problem in placenta and neonatal seizure, in
      pregnancies with PPROM.

PMID- 27145921
TI  - The role of posttraumatic fear and social support in the relationship between
      trauma severity and posttraumatic growth among adolescent survivors of the Yaan
      earthquake.
AB  - Middle school students in Lushan county (N = 315) were assessed 6 months after
      the Yaan earthquake using a trauma severity questionnaire, a posttraumatic fear
      questionnaire, a social support questionnaire and a posttraumatic growth
      inventory to examine the effects of posttraumatic fear and social support in the
      relationship between trauma severity and posttraumatic growth (PTG). The results
      showed that posttraumatic fear mediated the relationship between trauma severity
      and PTG, and social support moderated the relationship between posttraumatic fear
      and PTG. These findings suggested that trauma severity could be positively
      associated with PTG in a direct way or in an indirect way through posttraumatic
      fear. Moreover, posttraumatic fear had a positive relation to PTG under the
      condition of high social support level, whereas the relation was non-significant
      when the level of social support was low. These results were discussed in terms
      of their implications for adolescents after trauma.

PMID- 27145912
TI  - New Perspectives on Genomic Imprinting, an Essential and Multifaceted Mode of
      Epigenetic Control in the Developing and Adult Brain.
AB  - Mammalian evolution entailed multiple innovations in gene regulation, including
      the emergence of genomic imprinting, an epigenetic regulation leading to the
      preferential expression of a gene from its maternal or paternal allele. Genomic
      imprinting is highly prevalent in the brain, yet, until recently, its central
      roles in neural processes have not been fully appreciated. Here, we provide a
      comprehensive survey of adult and developmental brain functions influenced by
      imprinted genes, from neural development and wiring to synaptic function and
      plasticity, energy balance, social behaviors, emotions, and cognition. We further
      review the widespread identification of parental biases alongside monoallelic
      expression in brain tissues, discuss their potential roles in dosage regulation
      of key neural pathways, and suggest possible mechanisms underlying the dynamic
      regulation of imprinting in the brain. This review should help provide a better
      understanding of the significance of genomic imprinting in the normal and
      pathological brain of mammals including humans.

PMID- 27145922
TI  - Meclizine-induced enhanced glycolysis is neuroprotective in Parkinson disease
      cell models.
AB  - Meclizine is a well-tolerated drug routinely used as an anti-histamine agent in
      the management of disequilibrium. Recently, meclizine has been assessed for its
      neuroprotective properties in ischemic stroke and Huntington disease models. We
      found that meclizine protected against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced apoptosis and
      cell death in both SH-SY5Y cells and rat primary cortical cultures. Meclizine
      increases the level of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3
      (PFKFB3), which activates phosphofructokinase, a rate-determining enzyme of
      glycolysis. This protection is therefore mediated by meclizine's ability to
      enhance glycolysis and increase mitochondrial hyperpolarization. Meclizine
      represents an interesting candidate for further investigation to re-purpose for
      its potential to be neuroprotective in Parkinson disease.

PMID- 27145925
TI  - Dual c-Jun N-terminal kinase-cyclin D1 and extracellular signal-related kinase-c
      Jun disjunction in human melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Activity of both c-Jun and cyclin D1 is deemed critical for melanoma
      cell proliferation. This functionality is corroborated by frequently elevated
      expression and activity of these proteins in human melanomas. Correspondingly,
      alleviating c-Jun and cyclin D1 function is vital to the success of antimelanoma
      therapeutics. OBJECTIVES: To understand the role of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase
      (JNK) signalling pathway in melanoma cell proliferation and survival. METHODS:
      The effect of JNK inhibitors SP600125 and JNK-IN-8 on the proliferation and
      survival of genetically highly representative human melanoma cell lines was
      studied in assays of proliferation and apoptosis. Changes in c-Jun and cyclin D1
      protein and mRNA levels in response to JNK and mitogen-activated protein kinase
      kinase (MEK) inhibition were investigated through immunoblotting and quantitative
      reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The effects of JNK and MEK
      inhibitors on cell-cycle distribution were assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS:
      We demonstrate the requirement of JNK signalling in melanoma cell proliferation
      and survival. While JNK inhibition suppressed the expression and activity of c
      Jun, it failed to suppress cyclin D1 levels. Consistently with its inability to
      downregulate cyclin D1, JNK inhibition failed to induce G1 arrest. In contrast,
      the blockade of MEK-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling,
      although unable to suppress c-Jun activity and expression, paradoxically abated
      cyclin D1 levels and triggered G1 arrest. This previously unreported dual
      disconnect between JNK-cyclin D1 and ERK-c-Jun levels was confirmed by
      concomitant JNK and BRAF inhibition, which suppressed both c-Jun and cyclin D1
      levels and exhibited a heightened antiproliferative response. CONCLUSIONS: Dual
      disjunction between JNK-cyclin D1 and ERK-c-Jun signalling forms the basis for
      further investigation of combined JNK and MAPK signalling blockade as a more
      effective therapeutic approach in human melanoma.

PMID- 27145924
TI  - Asymmetric masks for laboratory-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging with edge
      illumination.
AB  - We report on an asymmetric mask concept that enables X-ray phase-contrast imaging
      without requiring any movement in the system during data acquisition. The method
      is compatible with laboratory equipment, namely a commercial detector and a
      rotating anode tube. The only motion required is that of the object under
      investigation which is scanned through the imaging system. Two proof-of-principle
      optical elements were designed, fabricated and experimentally tested.
      Quantitative measurements on samples of known shape and composition were compared
      to theory with good agreement. The method is capable of measuring the
      attenuation, refraction and (ultra-small-angle) X-ray scattering, does not have
      coherence requirements and naturally adapts to all those situations in which the
      X-ray image is obtained by scanning a sample through the imaging system.

PMID- 27145923
TI  - Effective connectivity of ascending and descending frontalthalamic pathways
      during sustained attention: Complex brain network interactions in adolescence.
AB  - Frontal-thalamic interactions are crucial for bottom-up gating and top-down
      control, yet have not been well studied from brain network perspectives. We
      applied network modeling of fMRI signals [dynamic causal modeling (DCM)] to
      investigate frontal-thalamic interactions during an attention task with
      parametrically varying levels of demand. fMRI was collected while subjects
      participated in a sustained continuous performance task with low and high
      attention demands. 162 competing model architectures were employed in DCM to
      evaluate hypotheses on bilateral frontal-thalamic connections and their
      modulation by attention demand, selected at a second level using Bayesian model
      selection. The model architecture evinced significant contextual modulation by
      attention of ascending (thalamus -> dPFC) and descending (dPFC -> thalamus)
      pathways. However, modulation of these pathways was asymmetric: while positive
      modulation of the ascending pathway was comparable across attention demand,
      modulation of the descending pathway was significantly greater when attention
      demands were increased. Increased modulation of the (dPFC -> thalamus) pathway in
      response to increased attention demand constitutes novel evidence of attention
      related gain in the connectivity of the descending attention pathway. By
      comparison demand-independent modulation of the ascending (thalamus -> dPFC)
      pathway suggests unbiased thalamic inputs to the cortex in the context of the
      paradigm. Hum Brain Mapp 37:2557-2570, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27145926
TI  - Longitudinal Assessment of Systemic and Genital Tract Inflammatory Markers and
      Endogenous Genital Tract E. coli Inhibitory Activity in HIV-Infected and
      Uninfected Women.
AB  - PROBLEM: Stability over time of systemic and mucosal immunity and their
      associations with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and HIV-specific parameters were
      assessed. METHOD OF STUDY: Immune mediators and HIV viral load in plasma and
      cervicovaginal lavage (CVL), E. coli inhibition, and Nugent score were measured
      at three semiannual visits among 94 participants in the Women's Interagency HIV
      Study. Mixed models identified the factors associated with immune mediators.
      RESULTS: There was higher E. coli inhibition and lower inflammation over time in
      the genital tract and systemically. BV was consistently associated with higher
      CVL inflammatory mediators and lower CVL E. coli inhibition. HIV-infected women
      with higher CD4 counts had lower systemic and genital inflammatory mediators, and
      genital HIV shedding was associated with higher CVL inflammatory mediators. Use
      of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was associated with lower plasma and CVL
      mediators, but higher E. coli inhibition. CONCLUSION: HIV and BV are linked to
      inflammation, and ART may be associated with improved vaginal health.

PMID- 27145927
TI  - Toxoplasmosis in Blood Donors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - Transfusion-transmissible infections include pathogens that may cause severe and
      debilitating diseases. Toxoplasmosis is a cosmopolitan neglected parasitic
      infection that can lead to severe complications including death in immune
      compromised patients or following infection in utero. Multiple studies have
      demonstrated the transmission of Toxoplasma gondii by blood transfusion. The
      objective of this review was to comprehensively assess the seroprevalence rate of
      Toxoplasma in blood donors from a worldwide perspective. Seven electronic
      databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Ovid, and
      Google Scholar) were searched using medical subject headings terms. A total of 43
      records met the inclusion criteria in which 20,964 donors were tested during the
      period from January 1980 to June 2015. The overall weighted prevalence of
      exposure to toxoplasmosis in blood donors was 33% (95% confidence interval [CI],
      28%-39%). The seroprevalences of immunoglobulin (Ig)M and both IgG and IgM
      antibodies were 1.8% (95% CI, 1.1%-2.4%) and 1.1% (95% CI, 0.3%-1.8%),
      respectively. The highest and the lowest seroprevalences of toxoplasmosis were
      observed in Africa (46%; 95% CI, 14%-78%) and in Asia (29%; 95% CI, 23%-35%),
      respectively. Brazil (75%) and Ethiopia (73%) were identified as countries with
      high seroprevalence. Because positive serology does not imply infectiousness and
      because seroprevalence is high in some nations, a positive serology test result
      alone cannot be used as an effective method for donor screening. Future research
      for methods to prevent transfusion-transmitted toxoplasmosis may derive benefit
      from studies conducted in areas of high endemicity.

PMID- 27145928
TI  - The Chemopreventive Peptide Lunasin Inhibits d-Galactose- Induced Experimental
      Cataract in Rats.
AB  - Oxidative damage to the constituents of the eye lens is a major mechanism in the
      initiation and development of cataract. Lunasin, a 43-amino acids chemoprevention
      peptide, has been proved to possess potent anti-oxidative activity other than its
      established anticancer activities. Herein, we explored whether lunasin has
      preventative effects on d-galactose-induced experimental cataract in rat. After
      modeling, SD rats were administrated by instillation, 80 uM of lunasin eye drops
      to each eye thrice daily and consecutively for 30 days. As a result, lunasin
      treatment effectively inhibited the progression of d-galactose-induced
      experimental cataract, and protected the lenses of rats from oxidative damage and
      attenuated the lipid peroxidation through up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes,
      and inhibited the activation of polyol pathway by decreasing AR activity.
      Additionally, in vitro studies proved that lunasin treatment could protect human
      lens epithelial cells (hLECs) against d-galactose induced cell damage and
      apoptosis, and up-regulate antioxidant enzymes. This is the first demonstration
      that lunasin could inhibit d-galactose-induced experimental cataract in rats by
      protecting against oxidative damage and inhibiting the activation of polyol
      pathway. 

PMID- 27145930
TI  - Catherine Provan Pike.

PMID- 27145929
TI  - A Comprehensive Proteomic Study of the Skin Secretions of the Frog Lithobates
      spectabilis.
AB  - Disulfide C-terminal loop fragments derived from AMPs and the presence of
      peptidases have been previously reported in the skin secretions of different
      amphibians. However, there are only a few studies on the identification of
      enzymes in frog skin secretion based on the primary structure of these proteins.
      Similarly, little data exist regarding the identification of disulfide C-terminal
      loops at large scale. Therefore, a comprehensive study on this issue certainly
      could bring in much more information for understanding this molecular process and
      its biochemical consequences. Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize the
      presence of disulfide C-terminal loop fragments of AMPs and identify the proteins
      and probable enzymes present in the completely unknown secretion contents of the
      frog Lithobates spectabilis. For this purpose, high-resolution mass spectrometry
      was applied to analyze the skin secretions processed by two different protocols:
      (1) using a cocktail of enzymatic inhibitors and 2) without any protease
      inhibitors, maintaining the solution for 2 hours at 10 degrees C. Results from
      procedure-1, revealed 122 molecular masses, whereas procedure-2 permitted 253
      different molecular masses to be identified. Fifty-nine peptides including 22
      disulfide C-terminal loop-containing peptides were obtained following procedure
      2. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis separation, tryptic digestion and LCMS/ MS
      were used for "de novo" sequencing of 111 different peptides and the unequivocal
      identification of fifteen proteins including at least three different peptidases.
      Additionally, it was possible to fully sequence eight peptides, including a
      ranatuerin-related peptide identified here as Spectabilin, that was subsequently
      chemically synthesized and showed high antibacterial, antiparasitic and cytotoxic
      activities. 

PMID- 27145931
TI  - Global curriculum in surgical oncology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The significant global variations in surgical oncology training
      paradigms can have a detrimental effect on tackling the rising global cancer
      burden. While some variations in training are essential to account for the
      differences in types of cancer and biology, the fundamental principles of
      providing care to a cancer patient remain the same. The development of a global
      curriculum in surgical oncology with incorporated essential standards could be
      very useful in building an adequately trained surgical oncology workforce, which
      in turn could help in tackling the rising global cancer burden. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The leaders of the Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of
      Surgical Oncology convened a global curriculum committee to develop a global
      curriculum in surgical oncology. RESULTS: A global curriculum in surgical
      oncology was developed to incorporate the required domains considered to be
      essential in training a surgical oncologist. The curriculum was constructed in a
      modular fashion to permit flexibility to suit the needs of the different regions
      of the world. Similarly, recognizing the various sociocultural, financial and
      cultural influences across the world, the proposed curriculum is aspirational and
      not mandatory in intent. CONCLUSIONS: A global curriculum was developed which may
      be considered as a foundational scaffolding for training surgical oncologists
      worldwide. It is envisioned that this initial global curriculum will provide a
      flexible and modular scaffolding that can be tailored by individual countries or
      regions to train surgical oncologists in a way that is appropriate for practice
      in their local environment.

PMID- 27145932
TI  - Searching for qualitative research for inclusion in systematic reviews: a
      structured methodological review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Qualitative systematic reviews or qualitative evidence syntheses
      (QES) are increasingly recognised as a way to enhance the value of systematic
      reviews (SRs) of clinical trials. They can explain the mechanisms by which
      interventions, evaluated within trials, might achieve their effect. They can
      investigate differences in effects between different population groups. They can
      identify which outcomes are most important to patients, carers, health
      professionals and other stakeholders. QES can explore the impact of acceptance,
      feasibility, meaningfulness and implementation-related factors within a real
      world setting and thus contribute to the design and further refinement of future
      interventions. To produce valid, reliable and meaningful QES requires systematic
      identification of relevant qualitative evidence. Although the methodologies of
      QES, including methods for information retrieval, are well-documented, little
      empirical evidence exists to inform their conduct and reporting. METHODS: This
      structured methodological overview examines papers on searching for qualitative
      research identified from the Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods
      Group Methodology Register and from citation searches of 15 key papers. RESULTS:
      A single reviewer reviewed 1299 references. Papers reporting methodological
      guidance, use of innovative methodologies or empirical studies of retrieval
      methods were categorised under eight topical headings: overviews and
      methodological guidance, sampling, sources, structured questions, search
      procedures, search strategies and filters, supplementary strategies and
      standards. CONCLUSIONS: This structured overview presents a contemporaneous view
      of information retrieval for qualitative research and identifies a future
      research agenda. This review concludes that poor empirical evidence underpins
      current information practice in information retrieval of qualitative research. A
      trend towards improved transparency of search methods and further evaluation of
      key search procedures offers the prospect of rapid development of search methods.

PMID- 27145934
TI  - Health behavior theories as predictors of hearing-aid uptake and outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand hearing behaviors of adults seeking help for the first
      time through the application of two models of health behavior change: the
      transtheoretical model and the health belief model. DESIGN: The relationships
      between attitudes and beliefs were examined relative to hearing-aid uptake and
      outcomes six months later. STUDY SAMPLE: One hundred and sixty adults completed
      the University of Rhode Island change assessment (targeting the transtheoretical
      model), and the hearing beliefs questionnaire (targeting the health belief
      model), as well as the hearing handicap inventory and the psychosocial impact of
      hearing loss scale, within two months of an initial hearing assessment. Six
      months later, participants completed these same questionnaires, while those who
      had taken up hearing aids also completed hearing-aid outcome questionnaires.
      RESULTS: (1) Attitudes and beliefs were associated with future hearing-aid
      uptake, and were effective at modeling this behavior; (2) attitudes and beliefs
      changed following behavior change, and (3) attitudes and beliefs following
      behavior change were better predictors of hearing-aid outcomes than pre-behavior
      change attitudes and beliefs. CONCLUSION: A counseling-based intervention
      targeting the attitudes and beliefs assessed by the transtheoretical model and
      the health belief model has the potential to increase uptake of hearing health
      care.

PMID- 27145935
TI  - Forensic aspects of starvation.
AB  - Fatal starvation is a rare cause of death in industrialized countries. However,
      it may have major medicolegal importance if death results from the deliberate
      withholding of food, especially from infants. In such cases, the task of the
      forensic pathologist and the medical examiner, respectively, is to clarify the
      cause of death and give an expert opinion on the degree and duration of
      starvation. Several classification systems have been developed to estimate
      protein-energy malnutrition in developing countries. Simpler classifications,
      such as the Gomez classification, use the weight expected for the respective age
      group as the standard. However, smaller infants will be lighter, and therefore
      the classification may not be accurate in this case. Following the Waterlow
      classification, the extent of stunted growth (referring to growth retardation in
      cases of chronic malnutrition) is calculated using the ratio of the measured body
      height to that expected for the age. Using such classification systems, grading
      of stunting and wasting can be achieved and may greatly help in the assessment of
      a given child's nutritional status in legal cases. The application of the
      Waterlow classification to the authors' case material and previously published
      cases in the literature is herein demonstrated. The Waterlow classification is
      not only of importance for grading the final stage of fatal starvation, but also
      for the chronological development of the nutritional status if anthropometrical
      data have been repeatedly recorded from the affected individual in vivo. 

PMID- 27145933
TI  - FUNDC1 regulates mitochondrial dynamics at the ER-mitochondrial contact site
      under hypoxic conditions.
AB  - In hypoxic cells, dysfunctional mitochondria are selectively removed by a
      specialized autophagic process called mitophagy. The ER-mitochondrial contact
      site (MAM) is essential for fission of mitochondria prior to engulfment, and the
      outer mitochondrial membrane protein FUNDC1 interacts with LC3 to recruit
      autophagosomes, but the mechanisms integrating these processes are poorly
      understood. Here, we describe a new pathway mediating mitochondrial fission and
      subsequent mitophagy under hypoxic conditions. FUNDC1 accumulates at the MAM by
      associating with the ER membrane protein calnexin. As mitophagy proceeds,
      FUNDC1/calnexin association attenuates and the exposed cytosolic loop of FUNDC1
      interacts with DRP1 instead. DRP1 is thereby recruited to the MAM, and
      mitochondrial fission then occurs. Knockdown of FUNDC1, DRP1, or calnexin
      prevents fission and mitophagy under hypoxic conditions. Thus, FUNDC1 integrates
      mitochondrial fission and mitophagy at the interface of the MAM by working in
      concert with DRP1 and calnexin under hypoxic conditions in mammalian cells.

PMID- 27145936
TI  - Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery: A Guideline for
      Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke
      Association.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this guideline is to provide a synopsis of best clinical
      practices in the rehabilitative care of adults recovering from stroke. METHODS:
      Writing group members were nominated by the committee chair on the basis of their
      previous work in relevant topic areas and were approved by the American Heart
      Association (AHA) Stroke Council's Scientific Statement Oversight Committee and
      the AHA's Manuscript Oversight Committee. The panel reviewed relevant articles on
      adults using computerized searches of the medical literature through 2014. The
      evidence is organized within the context of the AHA framework and is classified
      according to the joint AHA/American College of Cardiology and supplementary AHA
      methods of classifying the level of certainty and the class and level of
      evidence. The document underwent extensive AHA internal and external peer review,
      Stroke Council Leadership review, and Scientific Statements Oversight Committee
      review before consideration and approval by the AHA Science Advisory and
      Coordinating Committee. RESULTS: Stroke rehabilitation requires a sustained and
      coordinated effort from a large team, including the patient and his or her goals,
      family and friends, other caregivers (eg, personal care attendants), physicians,
      nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists,
      recreation therapists, psychologists, nutritionists, social workers, and others.
      Communication and coordination among these team members are paramount in
      maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of rehabilitation and underlie this
      entire guideline. Without communication and coordination, isolated efforts to
      rehabilitate the stroke survivor are unlikely to achieve their full potential.
      CONCLUSIONS: As systems of care evolve in response to healthcare reform efforts,
      postacute care and rehabilitation are often considered a costly area of care to
      be trimmed but without recognition of their clinical impact and ability to reduce
      the risk of downstream medical morbidity resulting from immobility, depression,
      loss of autonomy, and reduced functional independence. The provision of
      comprehensive rehabilitation programs with adequate resources, dose, and duration
      is an essential aspect of stroke care and should be a priority in these redesign
      efforts. (Stroke.2016;47:e98-e169. DOI: 10.1161/STR.0000000000000098.).

PMID- 27145937
TI  - Hospitalisation of severely mentally ill patients with and without problematic
      substance use before and during Assertive Community Treatment: an observational
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Co-occurring substance use increases the risk of hospitalisation in
      people with severe mental illness, whereas Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
      generally reduces hospitalisation in patients with severe mental illness and high
      inpatient service use. Because the superiority of ACT over standard services
      amongst patients with problematic substance use is uncertain, the present study
      examined inpatient service use amongst patients with and without problematic
      substance use in the 2 years before and the 2 years after they enrolled into ACT
      teams. METHODS: This naturalistic observational study included 142 patients of 12
      different ACT teams throughout Norway. The teams assessed the patients upon
      enrolment into ACT using clinician-rated and self-reported questionnaires. We
      obtained hospitalisation data from the Norwegian Patient Register for the 2 years
      before and the 2 years after enrolment into ACT. We used linear mixed models to
      assess changes in hospitalisation and to explore associations between problematic
      substance use and changes in hospitalisation, controlling for socio-demographic
      and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 84 (59%) participants had
      problematic substance use upon enrolment into the ACT teams. In the 2 years after
      ACT enrolment both participants with and without problematic substance use
      experienced a reduction in total inpatient days. Those with problematic substance
      use also had fewer involuntary inpatient days. Exploratory analyses suggested
      that symptom severity and functioning level interacted with problematic substance
      use to influence change in total inpatient days. CONCLUSION: These findings may
      suggest that ACT teams successfully support people with complex mental health
      problems in the community, including those with problematic substance use, and
      thereby contribute to a reduction in inpatient service use.

PMID- 27145938
TI  - Disc position in clinically asymptomatic, pretreatment adolescents with Class I,
      II, or III malocclusion : A retrospective magnetic resonance imaging study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the null hypothesis that children with Class I, II, and III
      malocclusions who have not undergone orthodontic therapy present with displaced
      discs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study relied on retrospective material
      consisting of 76 unilateral left sagittal-oblique temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and lateral cephalometric radiographs taken in
      maximum intercuspal position in patients with clinically symptom-free and
      orthodontically untreated Class I (n = 30; 19 girls and 11 boys), Class II (n =
      26; 10 girls and 16 boys), and Class III malocclusion (n = 20; 5 girls and 15
      boys). The mean ages of patients with Class I, II, and III malocclusions were
      10.55 +/- 0.81, 11.71 +/- 0.31, and 8.98 +/- 1.80 years, respectively. Study
      groups were compared with one-way ANOVA analysis or Welch ANOVA test. Differences
      were evaluated via the Tukey HSD or Games-Howell test. RESULTS: Disc-condyle
      positions were almost within normal limits in Class I malocclusion. The disc was
      positioned anteriorly relative to the condyle (p < 0.05) and the condyle
      positioned posteriorly in the glenoid fossa in Class II malocclusion (p < 0.05).
      The disc was positioned slightly anteriorly relative to the condyle (p < 0.05)
      and the condyle was positioned posteriorly in the glenoid fossa in Class III
      malocclusion. Disc-condyle positions were observed to be almost identical in all
      three malocclusion classes. CONCLUSION: Disc-condyle position was nearly normal
      in patients with Class I malocclusion. Nevertheless, a Class II malocclusion is
      more apt to reveal anterior disc displacement than a Class III malocclusion.

PMID- 27145939
TI  - Alternate rapid maxillary expansion-constriction and tooth-borne symphyseal
      distraction osteogenesis : A case report demonstrating treatment of a patient
      with severe crowding.
AB  - Surgically assisted rapid mandibular expansion is a contemporary treatment
      alternative to enable genuine skeletal mandibular widening. Mandibular widening
      via a tooth-borne distractor is a practical and noninvasive clinical approach.
      Recently, to expand and protract the maxilla, the alternate rapid maxillary
      expansion-and-constriction procedure was suggested. In this case report, we
      describe a female patient (12 years 7 months old) having severe maxillary and
      mandibular crowding who underwent repeated alternate rapid maxillary expansion
      and constriction in combination with tooth-borne symphyseal distraction
      osteogenesis. 

PMID- 27145940
TI  - A biotransformation process for the production of cucurbitacin B from its
      glycoside using a selected Streptomyces sp.
AB  - Cucurbitacin B (CuB) and its glycoside, cucurbitacin B 2-o-beta-D-glucoside
      (CuBg), abundantly occur in the pedicels of Cucumis melo. Compared with CuB, CuBg
      is not efficiently extracted from the pedicels. Furthermore, the anticancer
      activity of CuBg is lower than that of the aglycone. A process for CuBg
      biotransformation to CuB was developed for the first time. A strain of
      Streptomyces species that converts CuBg into CuB was isolated from an enrichment
      culture of C. melo pedicels. After optimization of conditions for enzyme
      production and biotransformation, a maximum conversion rate of 92.6 % was
      obtained at a CuBg concentration of 0.25 g/L. When biotransformation was
      performed on C. melo pedicel extracts, the CuB concentration in the extracts
      increased from 1.50 to 3.27 g/L. The conversion rate was almost 100 %. The
      developed process may be an effective biotransformation method for industrial
      production CuB from C. melo pedicels for pharmaceuticals. 

PMID- 27145941
TI  - Exploring traditional chinese medicine by a novel therapeutic concept of network
      target.
AB  - Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) holds a holistic theory, and specializes in
      balancing disordered human body using numerous natural products, particularly
      Chinese herbal formulae. TCM has certain treatment advantages for patients
      suffering from various complex diseases. However, due to the complex nature of
      TCM, it remains difficult to unveil such holistic medicine by the current
      reductionism research strategies, which treat both herbal ingredients and targets
      in isolation. Recently, an emerging network pharmacology approach has been
      introduced to tackle this bottleneck problem. A TCM-derived novel therapeutic
      concept, "network target", which is different from the Western medicine's
      "onetarget" concept, has been proposed from China. The network target strategy is
      able to illustrate the complex interactions among the biological systems, drugs,
      and complex diseases from a network perspective, and thus provides an innovative
      approach to access ancient remedies in a precision manner and at a systematic
      level, which also highlights TCM's potential in current medical systems. 

PMID- 27145943
TI  - Medical humanities: a closer look at learning.
AB  - The inclusion of medical humanities with medical curricula is a question that has
      been the focus of attention for many within the evolving field. This study
      addressed the question from a medical education perspective and aimed to
      investigate what students at Trinity College Dublin learned from participating in
      a short medical humanities student-selected module in their first year of an
      undergraduate medical programme. A total of 156 students provided a written
      reflection on a memorable event that occurred during their student-selected
      module. The reflections were analysed using the Reflection Evaluation for
      Learners' Enhanced Competencies Tool (REFLECT) and through qualitative thematic
      analysis of the written reflections. Evidence of learning from the REFLECT
      quantitative analysis showed that 50% of students displayed higher levels of
      reflection when describing their experience. The reflection content analysis
      supported the heterogeneous nature of learning outcome for students, with
      evidence to support the idea that the module provided opportunities for students
      to explore their beliefs, ideas and feelings regarding a range of areas outside
      their current experience or world view, to consider the views of others that they
      may have not previously been aware of, to reflect on their current views, and to
      consider their future professional practice. 

PMID- 27145942
TI  - Protective effects of traditional Tibetan medicine Zuo-Mu-A Decoction () on the
      blood parameters and myocardium of high altitude polycythemia model rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effects of Tibetan medicine Zuo-Mu-A
      Decoction (, ZMAD) on the blood parameters and myocardium of high altitude
      polycythemia (HAPC) model rats. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly
      divided into 4 groups by a random number table, including the normal, model,
      Rhodiola rosea L. (RRL) and ZMAD groups (10 in each group). Every group was
      raised in Lhasa to create a HAPC model except the normal group. After modeling,
      rats in the RRL and the ZMAD groups were administered intragastrically with RRL
      (20 mL/kg) and ZMAD (7.5 mL/kg) once a day for 2 months, respectively; for the
      normal and the model groups, 5 mL of distilled water was administered
      intragastrically instead of decoction. Then routine blood and hematologic
      rheology parameters were taken, levels of erythropoietin and 8-hydroxy-2'
      deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were tested, and ultrastructural change in the left
      ventricular myocardium was observed using transmission electron microscopy.
      RESULTS: Compared with the model group, ZMAD significantly reduced the red blood
      cell count, hemoglobin levels, whole blood viscosity at low/middle shear rates,
      plasma viscosity, erythrocyte electrophoretic time, erythropoietin and 8-OHdG
      levels, and also increased the erythrocyte deformation index (P<0.05). There was
      no difference in all results between the RRL and the ZMAD groups. The cardiac
      muscle fibers were well-protected, mitochondrial matrix swelled mildly and
      ultrastructure changes were less prominent in the ZMAD group compared with the
      model group. CONCLUSION: ZMAD has significant protective effects on the blood
      parameters against HAPC, and also has the beneficial effect in protecting against
      myocardial injury.

PMID- 27145944
TI  - Theories and Modules Applied in Islamic Counseling Practices in Malaysia.
AB  - Some Malaysian scholars believe that the theoretical basis and models of
      intervention in Islamic counseling practices in Malaysia are deficient and not
      eminently identified. This study investigated and describes the nature of current
      Islamic counseling practices including the theories and modules of Islamic
      counseling that are been practiced in Malaysia. This qualitative research has
      employed data that mainly consist of texts gathered from literatures and semi
      structured interviews of 18 informants. It employed grounded theory analysis, and
      the result shows that most of the practitioners had applied integrated
      conventional counseling theories with Islamic rituals, references, interventions
      and ethics. Some had also applied Islamic theories and modules formulated in
      Malaysia such as iCBT, al-Ghazali counseling theories, Cognitive ad-Deen, KBJ,
      Prophetic Counseling and Asma Allah al-Husna Counseling Therapy.

PMID- 27145945
TI  - Toward an Understanding of Citywide Urban Environmental Governance: An
      Examination of Stewardship Networks in Baltimore and Seattle.
AB  - Efforts to create more sustainable cities are evident in the proliferation of
      sustainability policies in cities worldwide. It has become widely proposed that
      the success of these urban sustainability initiatives will require city agencies
      to partner with, and even cede authority to, organizations from other sectors and
      levels of government. Yet the resulting collaborative networks are often poorly
      understood, and the study of large whole networks has been a challenge for
      researchers. We believe that a better understanding of citywide environmental
      governance networks can inform evaluations of their effectiveness, thus
      contributing to improved environmental management. Through two citywide surveys
      in Baltimore and Seattle, we collected data on the attributes of environmental
      stewardship organizations and their network relationships. We applied missing
      data treatment approaches and conducted social network and comparative analyses
      to examine (a) the organizational composition of the network, and (b) how
      information and knowledge are shared throughout the network. Findings revealed
      similarities in the number of actors and their distribution across sectors, but
      considerable variation in the types and locations of environmental stewardship
      activities, and in the number and distribution of network ties in the networks of
      each city. We discuss the results and potential implications of network research
      for urban sustainability governance.

PMID- 27145946
TI  - The Impact of Experiencing Adverse Drug Reactions on the Patient's Quality of
      Life: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study in the Netherlands.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is little information as to what extent adverse drug
      reactions (ADRs) influence patients' health-related quality of life (HR-QOL).
      From a pharmacovigilance perspective, capturing and making the best use of this
      information remains a challenge. The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb
      received about 1800 reports after the packaging of the drug Thyrax((r))
      (levothyroxine; Aspen Pharma Trading Limited, Dublin, Ireland) changed from a
      brown glass bottle to a blister package in the Netherlands. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of this study was to explore the impact of ADRs on HR-QOL in patients
      who reported a possible ADR to Lareb in relation to the change in the packaging
      of the drug Thyrax((r)). A secondary objective was to explore factors correlated
      with change in HR-QOL. METHODS: Patients who reported an ADR in relation to the
      Thyrax((r)) packaging change were included in this study. A web-based adapted
      version of the COOP/WONCA questionnaire was sent to explore the HR-QOL before
      versus during the ADR, expressed on a 5-point scale from no impact (1) to high
      impact (5). Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify factors
      correlated with change in HR-QOL. RESULTS: Overall, 1167 patients returned the
      questionnaire (71.2 % response rate). The difference in HR-QOL was -0.8 for
      physical, -1.2 for mental, -1.4 for daily activities, -1.3 for social, and -1.3
      for overall health status (p < 0.001 for each domain). Age, sex, educational
      level of the patient, and absence from work due to an ADR were correlated with at
      least one domain, while severity of the ADR was found to be correlated with all
      domains of HR-QOL. CONCLUSION: Patients who reported possible ADRs after the
      Thyrax((r)) packaging change experienced a significant decrease in HR-QOL. This
      impact was highest for the domains 'daily activities', 'overall health status',
      and 'mental health' and lowest for 'physical fitness'.

PMID- 27145948
TI  - 'Paranoia and its historical development (systematized delusion)', by Eugenio
      Tanzi (1884).
AB  - This was the first paper by the Italian alienist Eugenio Tanzi (1856-1934). It
      surveyed existing works and provided an analysis of clinical categories such as
      monomania, sensory madness, moral insanity, Wahnsinn, Verrucktheit and
      systematized delusions, which had been used in France, Germany, Britain and Italy
      since the early nineteenth century to deal with paranoia. As pointed out by
      Tanzi, discrepancies and discontinuities in diagnostic concepts affected both
      psychiatric nosology and practice. Paranoia (from the Greek pialpharhoalpha and
      nuomicroniotaalpha) made for greater clarity in psychiatric terminology, and
      denoted a broad category, including both acute and chronic delusional states
      which were considered to be distinct from mania and melancholia, and usually not
      to lead to mental deterioration.

PMID- 27145947
TI  - Effects of whole body vibration on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women:
      a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
      identified significant effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on bone mineral
      density (BMD) of the lumbar spine (in the sensitivity analysis and seven subgroup
      analyses), femoral neck (in one subgroup analysis), and trochanter (four subgroup
      analyses) in postmenopausal women, but not other measurements of BMD.
      INTRODUCTION: Interventions using WBV training have been conducted in
      postmenopausal women, aimed at increasing BMD; however, the results are
      contradictory. Our objective is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis
      of RCTs examining WBV effect on BMD. METHODS: RCTs were considered eligible, with
      follow-up >=6 months, which verified the effects of WBV on the BMD of
      postmenopausal women. The calculations of the meta-analysis were performed
      through the weighted mean difference between the WBV and control groups, or the
      WBV and combined training, through the absolute change between pre- and post
      intervention in the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) or trabecular volumetric
      bone mineral density (vBMDt). RESULTS: Fifteen RCTs were included in the meta
      analysis. No differences were observed in the primary analysis. WBV was found to
      improve aBMD compared with the control group, after exclusion of studies with low
      quality methodological (lumbar spine), when excluding the studies which combined
      WBV with medication or combined training (lumbar spine), with the use of low
      frequency and high magnitude (lumbar spine and trochanter), high frequency and
      low magnitude (lumbar spine), high cumulative dose and low magnitude (lumbar
      spine), low cumulative dose and high magnitude (lumbar spine and trochanter),
      with semi-flexed knee (lumbar spine, femoral neck, and trochanter), and side
      alternating type of vibration (lumbar spine and trochanter). CONCLUSIONS: Despite
      WBV presenting potential to act as a coadjuvant in the prevention or treatment of
      osteoporosis, especially for aBMD of the lumbar spine, the ideal intervention is
      not yet clear. Our subgroup analyses helped to demonstrate the various factors
      which appear to influence the effects of WBV on BMD, contributing to clinical
      practice and the definition of protocols for future interventions.

PMID- 27145953
TI  - [Contact lens-associated Paecilomyces lilacinus keratitis].
AB  - We present the case of a 23-year-old otherwise healthy female patient with
      contact lens-associated Paecilomyces lilacinus keratitis. The clinical findings
      stabilized after initial local antimycotic and antibacterial treatment; however,
      in the further course of local therapy an extensive relapse occurred which
      required treatment by perforating keratoplasty a chaud due to a penetrating
      corneal ulcer. The patient responded well to subsequent treatment with systemic
      and local antimycotic medication. After a few months HLA-matched keratoplasty was
      performed. During the follow-up time of 14 months there were no signs of
      recurrence of the infection.

PMID- 27145952
TI  - Normal formation of a vertebrate body plan and loss of tissue maintenance in the
      absence of ezh2.
AB  - Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are transcriptional repressors of numerous genes,
      many of which regulate cell cycle progression or developmental processes. We used
      zebrafish to study Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2), the PcG protein
      responsible for placing the transcriptional repressive H3K27me3 mark. We
      identified a nonsense mutant of ezh2 and generated maternal zygotic (MZ) ezh2
      mutant embryos. In contrast to knockout mice for PcG proteins, MZezh2 mutant
      embryos gastrulate seemingly normal, but die around 2 days post fertilization
      displaying pleiotropic phenotypes. Expression analyses indicated that genes
      important for early development are not turned off properly, revealing a
      regulatory role for Ezh2 during zygotic gene expression. In addition, we suggest
      that Ezh2 regulates maternal mRNA loading of zygotes. Analyses of tissues arising
      later in development, such as heart, liver, and pancreas, indicated that Ezh2 is
      required for maintenance of differentiated cell fates. Our data imply that the
      primary role of Ezh2 is to maintain tissues after tissue specification.
      Furthermore, our work indicates that Ezh2 is essential to sustain tissue
      integrity and to set up proper maternal mRNA contribution, and presents a novel
      and powerful tool to study how PcG proteins contribute to early vertebrate
      development.

PMID- 27145954
TI  - [Immunosuppression after corneal transplantation : Clinical standards and novel
      approaches].
AB  - Corticosteroid eye drops are the mainstay of immunosuppressive therapy after
      routine lamellar and perforating corneal transplantation. Commonly occurring side
      effects are cataract formation and increased intraocular pressure. Alternative
      immunosuppressive agents could allow the dosage of glucocorticoids to be reduced.
      The antibiotic azithromycin is a candidate drug that showed anti-inflammatory
      properties in cell cultures and animal models and has positive effects on
      transplant rejection. 

PMID- 27145955
TI  - Two-spatulae maneuver to intraocularly flip a reverse-opened, foldable
      intraocular lens.

PMID- 27145956
TI  - Disease burden of spinal muscular atrophy in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed at analyzing the economic burden and disease
      specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with spinal muscular
      atrophy (SMA) in Germany. SMA is a so far non-curable neuromuscular disease of
      the anterior nerve cells that causes high rates of morbidity and mortality.
      METHODS: In a cross-sectional study we analyzed the cost of illness (COI) and
      factors that influence the direct, indirect and informal care costs of affected
      patients and their families by using standardized, self-developed questionnaires.
      We used the PedsQLTM((c)) Measurement Model to analyze the disease-specific HRQOL
      of patients. RESULTS: One hundred eighty nine patients with SMA types I to III
      aged <1 to 73 years were enrolled. The average annual COI was estimated at
      ?70,566 per patient in 2013. The highest cost resulted in SMA I with significant
      lower costs for the milder phenotypes. Inversely, the self-estimated HRQOL
      increased from SMA I to SMA III. Major cost drivers were informal care cost and
      indirect cost incurred by patients and their caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      SMA requires high standards of care, there has been a distinct lack of health
      services research on SMA. Accordingly, our results significantly contribute to a
      more comprehensive insight into the current burden of SMA and quality of life
      status as related to SMA health services in Germany. In the light of innovative
      therapeutic interventions, our results suggest a notable potential for a
      reduction in overall COI and improvement of HRQOL if the therapeutic intervention
      leads to a less severe course of the disease.

PMID- 27145957
TI  - Homeopathic medical practice for anxiety and depression in primary care: the EPI3
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to compare utilization of conventional
      psychotropic drugs among patients seeking care for anxiety and depression
      disorders (ADDs) from general practitioners (GPs) who strictly prescribe
      conventional medicines (GP-CM), regularly prescribe homeopathy in a mixed
      practice (GP-Mx), or are certified homeopathic GPs (GP-Ho). METHODS: This was one
      of three epidemiological cohort studies (EPI3) on general practice in France,
      which included GPs and their patients consulting for ADDs (scoring 9 or more in
      the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS). Information on all medication
      utilization was obtained by a standardised telephone interview at inclusion, 1, 3
      and 12 months. RESULTS: Of 1562 eligible patients consulting for ADDs, 710 (45.5
      %) agreed to participate. Adjusted multivariate analyses showed that GP-Ho and GP
      Mx patients were less likely to use psychotropic drugs over 12 months, with Odds
      ratio (OR) = 0.29; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.19 to 0.44, and OR = 0.62; 95
      % CI: 0.41 to 0.94 respectively, compared to GP-CM patients. The rate of clinical
      improvement (HADS <9) was marginally superior for the GP-Ho group as compared to
      the GP-CM group (OR = 1.70; 95 % CI: 1.00 to 2.87), but not for the GP-Mx group
      (OR = 1.49; 95 % CI: 0.89 to 2.50). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ADD, who chose to
      consult GPs prescribing homeopathy reported less use of psychotropic drugs, and
      were marginally more likely to experience clinical improvement, than patients
      managed with conventional care. Results may reflect differences in physicians'
      management and patients' preferences as well as statistical regression to the
      mean.

PMID- 27145958
TI  - Mediterranean versus vegetarian diet for cardiovascular disease prevention (the
      CARDIVEG study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nutrition is able to alter the cardiovascular health of the general
      population. However, the optimal dietary strategy for cardiovascular disease
      prevention is still far from being defined. Mediterranean and vegetarian diets
      are those reporting the greatest grade of evidence in the literature, but no
      experimental studies comparing these two dietary patterns are available.
      METHODS/DESIGN: This is an open randomized crossover clinical trial including
      healthy subjects with a low-to-medium cardiovascular risk profile, characterized
      by being overweight and by the presence of at least an additional metabolic risk
      factor (abdominal obesity, high total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, high
      triglycerides, impaired glucose fasting levels) but free from medications. A
      total of 100 subjects will be included and randomly assigned to two groups:
      Mediterranean calorie-restricted diet (n = 50) and vegetarian calorie-restricted
      diet (n = 50). The intervention phases will last 3 months each, and at the end of
      intervention phase I the groups will be crossed over. The two diets will be
      isocaloric and of three different sizes (1400 - 1600 - 1800 kcal/day), according
      to specific energy requirements. Adherence to the dietary intervention will be
      established through questionnaires and 24-h dietary recall. Anthropometric
      measurements, body composition, blood samples and stool samples will be obtained
      from each participant at the beginning and at the end of each intervention phase.
      The primary outcome measure will be change in weight from baseline. The secondary
      outcome measures will be variations of anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance
      variables as well as traditional and innovative cardiovascular biomarkers.
      DISCUSSION: Despite all the data supporting the efficacy of Mediterranean and
      vegetarian diets on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, no studies have
      directly compared these two dietary profiles. The trial will test whether there
      are statistically significant differences between these dietary profiles in
      reducing the cardiovascular risk burden for the general population. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02641834.

PMID- 27145960
TI  - Relaxation dynamics of two-component fluid bilayer membranes.
AB  - We theoretically investigate the relaxation dynamics of a nearly flat binary
      lipid bilayer membrane by taking into account the membrane tension, hydrodynamics
      of the surrounding fluid, inter-monolayer friction and mutual diffusion. Mutual
      diffusion is the collective irreversible process that leads to homogenization of
      the density difference between the two lipid species. We find that two relaxation
      modes associated with the mutual diffusion appear in addition to the three
      previously discussed relaxation modes reflecting the bending and compression of
      the membrane. Because of the symmetry, only one of the two diffusive modes is
      coupled to the bending mode. The two diffusive modes are much slower than the
      bending and compression modes in the entire realistic wave number range. This
      means that the long time relaxation behavior is dominated by the mutual diffusion
      in binary membranes. The two diffusive modes become even slower in the vicinity
      of the unstable region towards phase separation, while the other modes are almost
      unchanged. In short time scales, on the other hand, the lipid composition
      heterogeneity induces in-plane compression and bending of the bilayer.

PMID- 27145959
TI  - Mode instabilities and dynamic patterns in a colony of self-propelled surfactant
      particles covering a thin liquid layer.
AB  - We consider a colony of point-like self-propelled surfactant particles (swimmers)
      without direct interactions that cover a thin liquid layer on a solid support.
      The particles predominantly swim normal to the free film surface with only a
      small component parallel to the film surface. The coupled dynamics of the swimmer
      density and film height profile is captured in a long-wave model allowing for
      diffusive and convective transport of the swimmers (including rotational
      diffusion). The dynamics of the film height profile is determined by i) the
      upward pushing force of the swimmers onto the liquid-gas interface, ii) the
      solutal Marangoni force due to gradients in the swimmer concentration, and iii)
      the rotational diffusion of the swimmers together with the in-plane active
      motion. After reviewing and extending the analysis of the linear stability of the
      uniform state, we analyse the fully nonlinear dynamic equations and show that
      point-like swimmers, which only interact via long-wave deformations of the liquid
      film, self-organise in highly regular (standing, travelling, and modulated waves)
      and various irregular patterns.

PMID- 27145961
TI  - Comparison of different tissue clearing methods and 3D imaging techniques for
      visualization of GFP-expressing mouse embryos and embryonic hearts.
AB  - Our goal was to find an optimal tissue clearing protocol for whole-mount imaging
      of embryonic and adult hearts and whole embryos of transgenic mice that would
      preserve green fluorescent protein GFP fluorescence and permit comparison of
      different currently available 3D imaging modalities. We tested various published
      organic solvent- or water-based clearing protocols intended to preserve GFP
      fluorescence in central nervous system: tetrahydrofuran dehydration and
      dibenzylether protocol (DBE), SCALE, CLARITY, and CUBIC and evaluated their
      ability to render hearts and whole embryos transparent. DBE clearing protocol did
      not preserve GFP fluorescence; in addition, DBE caused considerable tissue
      shrinking artifacts compared to the gold standard BABB protocol. The CLARITY
      method considerably improved tissue transparency at later stages, but also
      decreased GFP fluorescence intensity. The SCALE clearing resulted in sufficient
      tissue transparency up to ED12.5; at later stages the useful depth of imaging was
      limited by tissue light scattering. The best method for the cardiac specimens
      proved to be the CUBIC protocol, which preserved GFP fluorescence well, and
      cleared the specimens sufficiently even at the adult stages. In addition, CUBIC
      decolorized the blood and myocardium by removing tissue iron. Good 3D renderings
      of whole fetal hearts and embryos were obtained with optical projection
      tomography and selective plane illumination microscopy, although at resolutions
      lower than with a confocal microscope. Comparison of five tissue clearing
      protocols and three imaging methods for study of GFP mouse embryos and hearts
      shows that the optimal method depends on stage and level of detail required. 

PMID- 27145962
TI  - J domain independent functions of J proteins.
AB  - Heat shock proteins of 40 kDa (Hsp40s), also called J proteins, are obligate
      partners of Hsp70s. Via their highly conserved and functionally critical J
      domain, J proteins interact and modulate the activity of their Hsp70 partners.
      Mutations in the critical residues in the J domain often result in the null
      phenotype for the J protein in question. However, as more J proteins have been
      characterized, it is becoming increasingly clear that a significant number of J
      proteins do not "completely" rely on their J domains to carry out their cellular
      functions, as previously thought. In some cases, regions outside the highly
      conserved J domain have become more important making the J domain dispensable for
      some, if not for all functions of a J protein. This has profound effects on the
      evolution of such J proteins. Here we present selected examples of J proteins
      that perform J domain independent functions and discuss this in the context of
      evolution of J proteins with dispensable J domains and J-like proteins in
      eukaryotes. 

PMID- 27145963
TI  - Severe meningeal fibrinoid vasculitis associated with Theileria taurotragi
      infection in two short-horned Zebu cattle.
AB  - The Authors describe a severe vasculitis with fibrinoid necrosis of the meningeal
      arteries observed in two brains of indigenous short-horn zebu (Bos indicus)
      cattle, with bovine cerebral theileriosis (BCT) caused by a tick-transmitted
      hemoprotozoan, Theileria taurotragi, from Northern Tanzania. In the Author's
      opinion, the role of T. taurotragi infection in the angiocentric and
      angiodestructive detected features remains to be evaluated. A possible
      immunopathologic cancerous mechanism, secondary to the lymphoid deregulation,
      could be involved. This report suggests further studies to better characterize
      the lymphoid cell involvement in the pathogenesis of the meningeal vascular
      lesions by T. taurotragi. 

PMID- 27145966
TI  - Could Transthoracic Echocardiography Results Be Convincing Enough to Impact the
      Management of Atrial Fibrillation?

PMID- 27145967
TI  - Continuing Medical Education Activity in Echocardiography: May 2016.

PMID- 27145964
TI  - ARHGEF15 overexpression worsens the prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma through enhancing the motility and proliferative activity of the
      cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive
      neoplastic diseases, associated with a remarkably poor prognosis. However, the
      molecular mechanisms underlying the development of PDAC remain elusive. The aim
      of this study was to identify genes whose expressions are correlated with a poor
      prognosis in PDAC patients, and to unravel the mechanisms underlying the
      involvement of these genes in the development of the cancer. METHODS: Global gene
      expression profiling was conducted in 39 specimens obtained from Japanese
      patients with PDAC to identify genes whose expressions were correlated with a
      shorter overall survival. The effect of gene silencing or overexpression of
      ARHGEF15 in pancreatic cancer cell lines was examined by introducing siRNAs of
      ARHGEF15 or the ARHGEF15 expression vector. After assessing the effect of
      ARHGEF15 deregulation on the Rho-family proteins by pull-down assay, wound
      healing, transwell and cell viability assays were carried out to investigate the
      cellular phenotypes caused by the perturbation. RESULTS: The global mRNA
      expression profiling revealed that overexpression of ARHGEF15, a Rho-specific
      GEF, was significantly associated with a poor prognosis in patients with PDAC. We
      also found that the depletion of ARHGEF15 by RNA interference in pancreatic
      cancer cell lines downregulated the activities of molecules of the Rho signaling
      pathway, including RhoA, Cdc42 and Rac1. Then, we also showed that ARHGEF15
      silencing significantly reduced the motility and viability of the cells, while
      its overexpression resulted in the development of the opposite phenotype in
      multiple pancreatic cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that
      upregulation of ARHGEF15 contributes to the development of aggressive PDAC by
      increasing the growth and motility of the pancreatic cancer cells, thereby
      worsening the prognosis of these patients. Therefore, ARHGEF15 could serve as a
      novel therapeutic target in patients with PDAC.

PMID- 27145968
TI  - A Calcified Amorphous Tumor Originating in the Sinus of Valsalva.
AB  - An 81-year-old male with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis was
      admitted to our hospital for congestive heart failure secondary to severe aortic
      stenosis. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed a 15.3 * 9.9 mm calcified
      mass in the sinus of Valsalva. The tumor was diagnosed as a calcified amorphous
      tumor (CAT) by histologic examination. This is the first report of a CAT that
      originated in the sinus of Valsalva.

PMID- 27145969
TI  - Reply.

PMID- 27145970
TI  - Prevalence of Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony in Patients with Congenital
      Atrioventricular Block and Long-Term Pacing: A Three-Dimensional Echocardiography
      Study.

PMID- 27145971
TI  - Feed-derived volatile basic nitrogen increases reactive oxygen species production
      of blood leukocytes in lactating dairy cows.
AB  - The present study investigated over 9 months the changes of fermentative quality
      of total mixed rations (TMR) containing grass silage (GS) as a major component,
      associated with changes in the volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) levels in an
      experimental dairy farm. Effects of VBN levels in TMR on metabolic parameters,
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes
      (PMNs) and conception rates for dairy cows were analyzed. According to VBN levels
      in TMR during survey periods, three distinct phases were identified; phase A with
      low VBN; phase B with high VBN; and phase C with mid-VBN. Metabolic parameters in
      blood were all within normal range. However, during phases B and C, nitrogen
      metabolic indices such as blood urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen showed
      higher levels compared to those in phase A, and a simultaneous increase in ROS
      production by blood PMNs and the load on hepatic function in metabolic parameters
      was observed in the cows with a lower conception rate. This suggests that feeding
      TMR with elevated VBN levels due to poor fermented GS results in stimulation of
      ROS production by PMNs by ammonia, and negatively affects metabolism and
      reproductive performance in lactating dairy cow.

PMID- 27145972
TI  - Tuning the Electronic Properties of the Dative N-B Bond with Associated O-B
      Interaction: Electron Localizability Indicator from X-Ray Wavefunction
      Refinement.
AB  - Despite the immense growth in interest in difluoroborate dyes, the nature of the
      interactions of the boron atom within the N-BF2 -O kernel is not yet fully
      understood. Herein, a set of real-space bonding indicators is used to quantify
      the electronic characteristics of the dative N-B bond in difluoroborate
      derivatives. The atoms-in-molecules (AIM) partitioning scheme is complemented by
      the electron localizability indicator (ELI-D) approach, and both were applied to
      experimental and theoretical electron-density distributions (X-ray constrained
      wavefunction fitting vs. DFT calculations). Additionally, Fermi orbital analysis
      was introduced for small DFT models to support and extend the findings for
      structures that contain BF2 . 

PMID- 27145973
TI  - "Pnicogen bonds" or "chalcogen bonds": exploiting the effect of substitution on
      the formation of PSe noncovalent bonds.
AB  - In this article, we have analyzed the nature and characteristics of PSe
      noncovalent interactions by studying the effect of substitution on XH2PSeH2,
      H3PSeHX and XH2PSeHX (X= -H, -F, -CH3, -CF3, -Cl, -OH, -OCH3, -NH2, -NHCH3, and 
      CN) as our systems of interest at MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ level of theory. Binding energy
      calculations depict that binding energy increases in the order XH2PSeH2 < H3PSeHX
      < XH2PSeHX with the nature of the substituent having a direct effect on the
      strength of the interactions. PSe contacts as short as 2.52 A were observed and
      analyzed in our study. The energy values for PSe contacts were found to exist in
      the range of -1.20 kcal mol(-1) to -7.89 kcal mol(-1). The topological analysis
      confirms the presence of PSe contacts in all the complexes with characteristics
      similar to hydrogen bonds. NBO analysis helped in categorizing these interactions
      into pnicogen and chalcogen bonds, depending on the strength of P(lp) to
      sigma*(Se-X) orbitals or Se(lp) to sigma*(P-X) orbitals.

PMID- 27145975
TI  - Aberration-Corrected Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM) Through
      Focus Imaging for Three-Dimensional Atomic Analysis of Bismuth Segregation on
      Copper [001]/33 degrees  Twist Bicrystal Grain Boundaries.
AB  - Scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) through-focus imaging (TFI) has
      been used to determine the three-dimensional atomic structure of Bi segregation
      induced brittle Cu grain boundaries (GBs). With TFI, it is possible to observe
      single Bi atom distributions along Cu [001] twist GBs using an aberration
      corrected STEM operating at 200 kV. The depth resolution is ~5 nm. Specimens with
      GBs intentionally inclined with respect to the microscope's optic axis were used
      to investigate Bi segregant atom distributions along and through the Cu GB. It
      was found that Bi atoms exist at most once per Cu unit cell along the GB, meaning
      that no continuous GB film is present. Therefore, the reduced fracture toughness
      of this particular Bi-doped Cu boundary would not be caused by fracture of Bi-Bi
      bonds.

PMID- 27145974
TI  - Salivary caffeine concentrations are comparable to plasma concentrations in
      preterm infants receiving extended caffeine therapy.
AB  - AIMS: Caffeine concentrations in preterm infants are usually measured in the
      blood. However, salivary assays may provide a valid and practical alternative.
      The present study explored the validity and clinical utility of salivary caffeine
      concentrations as an alternative to blood concentrations and developed a novel
      plasma/salivary caffeine distribution model. METHODS: Paired salivary and plasma
      samples were obtained in 29 infants. Salivary samples were obtained using a
      commercially available salivary collection system. Caffeine concentrations in the
      saliva and plasma were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. A
      population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed using NONMEM 7.3. RESULTS:
      The mean (+/- standard deviation) gestational age (GA) at birth and birth weight
      were 27.9 +/- 2.1 weeks and 1171.6 +/- 384.9 g, respectively. Paired samples were
      obtained at a mean postmenstrual age (PMA) of 35.5 +/- 1.1 weeks. The range of
      plasma caffeine concentrations was 9.5-54.1 MUg ml(-1) , with a mean difference
      (95% confidence interval) between plasma and salivary concentrations of -0.18 MUg
      ml(-1) (-1.90, 1.54). Salivary and plasma caffeine concentrations were strongly
      correlated (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.87, P < 0.001). Caffeine PK in
      plasma and saliva was simultaneously described by a three-compartment
      recirculation model. Current body weight, birth weight, GA, PMA and postnatal age
      were not significantly correlated with any PK parameter. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary
      sampling provides an easy, non-invasive method for measuring caffeine
      concentrations. Salivary concentrations correlate highly with plasma
      concentrations. Caffeine PK in saliva and plasma are well described by a three
      compartment recirculation model.

PMID- 27145976
TI  - Theoretical and experimental investigations of the 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-{[5-(2
      cyano-2-phenylethenyl)]furan-2-yl}acrylonitrile molecule as a potential acceptor
      in organic solar cells.
AB  - A novel soluble asymmetric acrylonitrile derivative, 2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-{[5-(2
      cyano-2-phenylethenyl)]furan-2-yl}acrylonitrile (CPCPFA, 3) was synthesized in
      three steps by Knoevenagel condensation. The structure of the CPCPFA was
      characterized using UV-vis, FTIR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and LC-MS. CPCPFA was
      evaluated as an electron acceptor in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. Its
      optical and electronic properties as well as photovoltaic performance were
      investigated. 

PMID- 27145978
TI  - Communication in practice: the vet's manual on clienthusiasm.

PMID- 27145977
TI  - Pharmacokinetic Properties and Human Use Characteristics of an FDA-Approved
      Intranasal Naloxone Product for the Treatment of Opioid Overdose.
AB  - Parenteral naloxone has been approved to treat opiate overdose for over 4
      decades. Intranasal naloxone, administered "off label" using improvised devices,
      has been widely used by both first responders and the lay public to treat
      overdose. However, these improvised devices require training for effective use,
      and the recommended volumes (2 to 4 mL) exceed those considered optimum for
      intranasal administration. The present study compared the pharmacokinetic
      properties of intranasal naloxone (2 to 8 mg) delivered in low volumes (0.1 to
      0.2 mL) using an Aptar Unit-Dose device to an approved (0.4 mg) intramuscular
      dose. A parallel study assessed the ease of use of this device in a simulated
      overdose situation. All doses of intranasal naloxone resulted in plasma
      concentrations and areas under the curve greater than those observed following
      the intramuscular dose; the time to reach maximum plasma concentrations was not
      different following intranasal and intramuscular administration. Plasma
      concentrations of naloxone were dose proportional between 2 and 8 mg and
      independent of whether drug was administered to 1 or both nostrils. In a study
      using individuals representative of the general population, >90% were able to
      perform both critical tasks (inserting nozzle into a nostril and pressing
      plunger) needed to deliver a simulated dose of naloxone without prior training.
      Based on both pharmacokinetic and human use studies, a 4-mg dose delivered in a
      single device (0.1 mL) was selected as the final product. This product can be
      used by first responders and the lay public, providing an important and
      potentially life-saving intervention for victims of an opioid overdose.

PMID- 27145979
TI  - RNase E-based degradosome modulates polyadenylation of mRNAs after Rho
      independent transcription terminators in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Here we demonstrate that the RNase E-based degradosome is required for poly(A)
      polymerase I (PAP I)-dependent polyadenylation after Rho-independent
      transcription terminators for both mono- and polycistronic transcripts.
      Disruption of degradosome assembly in mutants lacking the polynucleotide
      phosphorylase (PNPase) binding domain led to a significant increase in the level
      of PNPase synthesized polynucleotide tails in the rpsJ and rpsM polycistronic
      transcripts and the lpp monocistronic transcript. The polynucleotide tails were
      mostly located within the coding sequences in the degradosome mutants compared to
      the wild type control where the majority of the PAP I synthesized poly(A) tails
      were after the Rho-independent transcription terminators. For the Rho terminated
      metNIQ operon, the tails for all three mRNAs were predominately polynucleotide
      and were located within the coding sequences in both wild type and degradosome
      mutant strains. Furthermore, by employing a pnp-R100D point mutant that encodes a
      catalytically inactive PNPase protein that still forms intact degradosomes, we
      show that a catalytically active PNPase is required for normal mRNA
      polyadenylation by PAP I. Our data suggest that polyadenylation requires a
      functional degradosome to maintain an equilibrium between free PNPase and the PAP
      I polyadenylation complex.

PMID- 27145980
TI  - Contact allergy to rubber accelerators remains prevalent: retrospective results
      from a tertiary clinic suggesting an association with facial dermatitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chemicals used for the manufacturing of rubber are known causes of
      allergic contact dermatitis on the hands. Recent European studies have suggested
      a decrease in thiuram contact allergy. Moreover, while an association with hand
      dermatitis is well established, we have recently observed several clinical cases
      with allergic facial dermatitis to rubber. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate temporal
      trends of contact allergy to rubber accelerators from the European baseline
      series in a tertiary patch test clinic in Denmark, and examine associations with
      anatomical locations of dermatitis. METHODS: Patch test and clinical data
      collected in a Danish tertiary dermatology clinic in Gentofte, Herlev, Copenhagen
      between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2014 were analysed. The following rubber
      accelerators or mixtures in petrolatum from the European baseline patch test
      series were included: thiuram mix 1.0%, mercaptobenzothiazole 2.0% and mercapto
      mix 1.0%. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of contact allergy to rubber
      accelerators was 3.1% with no significant change during the study period (Ptrend
      = 0.667). Contact allergy to thiuram mix was the most prevalent and was
      significantly associated with occupational contact dermatitis, hand dermatitis,
      age >40 years and facial dermatitis in adjusted binary logistic regression
      analysis. Current clinical relevance of contact allergy to thiuram mix was 59.3%.
      Patients with contact allergy to mercapto mix and mercaptobenzothiazole had a
      concomitant reaction to thiuram mix in 35.2% (19/54) and 35.4% (17/48) of the
      cases respectively. CONCLUSION: Contact allergy to rubber accelerators remains
      prevalent. Clinicians should be aware of the hitherto unexplored clinical
      association with facial dermatitis.

PMID- 27145981
TI  - Impact of hyperkalaemia definition on incidence assessment: implications for
      epidemiological research based on a large cohort study in newly diagnosed heart
      failure patients in primary care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various definitions of hyperkalaemia have been used in clinical
      research, and data from routine clinical practice on its incidence are sparse. We
      aimed to establish the incidence of hyperkalaemia in patients with newly
      diagnosed heart failure in the UK general population using different definitions
      for the condition. METHODS: We conducted a large retrospective cohort study using
      data from The Health Improvement Network primary care database. Patients with
      newly diagnosed heart failure (N = 19,194) were identified and followed until the
      first occurrence of hyperkalaemia. Different serum potassium (K(+)) thresholds
      were evaluated as possible definitions for hyperkalaemia, and incidence rates
      (IRs) calculated using a final operational definition both overall and among
      patient sub-groups. RESULTS: IRs of hyperkalaemia ranged from 0.92-7.93 per 100
      person-years according to the definition. Based on considerable differences in
      the serum K(+) normal range used between practices, 2176 (11.3 %) individuals
      were identified with a record of hyperkalaemia using our operational definition
      of a proportional increase of >=10 % above the upper bound of the normal range:
      IR 2.90 per 100 person-years (95 % CI 2.78-3.02) over a mean follow-up of 3.91
      years. Incidence rates were higher in older patients, and in those with diabetes
      or renal impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperkalaemia is a common finding in heart
      failure patients in primary care, but its incidence can vary nearly ten-fold
      depending on its definition. Since assessment of hyperkalaemia risk is essential
      for therapeutic decision making in heart failure patients, this finding warrants
      consideration in future epidemiological studies.

PMID- 27145982
TI  - Isolation and antimicrobial activities of actinobacteria closely associated with
      liquorice plants Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Glycyrrhiza inflate BAT. in Xinjiang,
      China.
AB  - A total of 218 actinobacteria strains were isolated from wild perennial liquorice
      plants Glycyrrhiza glabra L. and Glycyrrhiza. inflate BAT. Based on morphological
      characteristics, 45 and 32 strains from G. inflate and G. glabra, respectively,
      were selected for further analyses. According to 16S rRNA sequence analysis, most
      of the strains belonged to genus Streptomyces and a few strains represented the
      rare actinobacteria Micromonospora, Rhodococcus and Tsukamurella. A total of 39
      strains from G. inflate and 27 strains from G. glabra showed antimicrobial
      activity against at least one indicator organism. The range of the antimicrobial
      activity of the strains isolated from G. glabra and G. inflate was similar. A
      total of 34 strains from G. inflate and 29 strains from G. glabra carried at
      least one of the genes encoding polyketide synthases, non-ribosomal peptide
      synthetase and FADH2-dependent halogenase. In the type II polyketide synthase
      KSalpha gene phylogenetic analysis, the strains were divided into two major
      clades: one included known spore pigment production-linked KSalpha sequences and
      other sequences were linked to the production of different types of aromatic
      polyketide antibiotics. Based on the antimicrobial range, the isolates that
      carried different KSalpha types were not separated from each other or from the
      isolates that did not carry KSalpha. The incongruent phylogenies of 16S rRNA and
      KSalpha genes indicated that the KSalpha genes were possibly horizontally
      transferred. In all, the liquorice plants were a rich source of biocontrol agents
      that may produce novel bioactive compounds.

PMID- 27145983
TI  - Synthesis of Fe16N2 compound Free-Standing Foils with 20 MGOe Magnetic Energy
      Product by Nitrogen Ion-Implantation.
AB  - Rare-earth-free magnets are highly demanded by clean and renewable energy
      industries because of the supply constraints and environmental issues. A
      promising permanent magnet should possess high remanent magnetic flux density
      (Br), large coercivity (Hc) and hence large maximum magnetic energy product
      ((BH)max). Fe16N2 has been emerging as one of promising candidates because of the
      redundancy of Fe and N on the earth, its large magnetocrystalline anisotropy (Ku
      > 1.0 * 10(7) erg/cc), and large saturation magnetization (4piMs > 2.4 T).
      However, there is no report on the formation of Fe16N2 magnet with high Br and
      large Hc in bulk format before. In this paper, we successfully synthesize free
      standing Fe16N2 foils with a coercivity of up to 1910 Oe and a magnetic energy
      product of up to 20 MGOe at room temperature. Nitrogen ion implantation is used
      as an alternative nitriding approach with the benefit of tunable implantation
      energy and fluence. An integrated synthesis technique is developed, including a
      direct foil-substrate bonding step, an ion implantation step and a two-step post
      annealing process. With the tunable capability of the ion implantation fluence
      and energy, a microstructure with grain size 25-30 nm is constructed on the FeN
      foil sample with the implantation fluence of 5 * 10(17)/cm(2).

PMID- 27145984
TI  - Singular Spectrum Analysis: A Note on Data Processing for Fourier Transform
      Hyperspectral Imagers.
AB  - Hyperspectral remote sensing is experiencing a dazzling proliferation of new
      sensors, platforms, systems, and applications with the introduction of novel, low
      cost, low-weight sensors. Curiously, relatively little development is now
      occurring in the use of Fourier transform (FT) systems, which have the potential
      to operate at extremely high throughput without use of a slit or reductions in
      both spatial and spectral resolution that thin film based mosaic sensors
      introduce. This study introduces a new physics-based analytical framework called
      singular spectrum analysis (SSA) to process raw hyperspectral imagery collected
      with FT imagers that addresses some of the data processing issues associated with
      the use of the inverse FT. Synthetic interferogram data are analyzed using SSA,
      which adaptively decomposes the original synthetic interferogram into several
      independent components associated with the signal, photon and system noise, and
      the field illumination pattern. 

PMID- 27145985
TI  - Reversible Gap Derivatives and Their Integration.
AB  - Higher-order gap derivatives are sometimes avoided as a preprocessing method for
      multivariate calibration despite their numerous advantages. One reason that they
      are avoided is the difficulty in interpreting the complex processed spectra and
      the regression vectors that arise from common calibration procedures like
      principal components regression or partial least squares regression. In this
      report we offer a method of calculating gap derivatives of any order with the aim
      of retrieving zero-order spectral information via numerical integration. This
      method is also extended to the integration of the accompanying regression vectors
      to aid in the interpretation of multivariate calibration models.

PMID- 27145986
TI  - Cytomegalovirus pUL50 is the multi-interacting determinant of the core nuclear
      egress complex (NEC) that recruits cellular accessory NEC components.
AB  - Nuclear egress of herpesvirus capsids through the nuclear envelope is mediated by
      the multimeric nuclear egress complex (NEC). The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)
      core NEC is defined by an interaction between the membrane-anchored pUL50 and its
      nuclear co-factor pUL53, tightly associated through heterodimeric corecruitment
      to the nuclear envelope. Cellular proteins, such as p32/gC1qR, emerin and protein
      kinase C (PKC), are recruited by direct interaction with pUL50 for the multimeric
      extension of the NEC. As a functionally important event, the recruitment of both
      viral and cellular protein kinases leads to site-specific lamin phosphorylation
      and nuclear lamina disassembly. In this study, interaction domains within pUL50
      for its binding partners were defined by co-immunoprecipitation. The interaction
      domain for pUL53 is located within the pUL50 N-terminus (residues 10-169),
      interaction domains for p32/gC1qR (100-358) and PKC (100-280) overlap in the
      central part of pUL50, and the interaction domain for emerin is located in the C
      terminus (265-397). Moreover, expression and formation of core NEC proteins at
      the nuclear rim were consistently detected in cells permissive for productive
      HCMV replication, including two trophoblast-cell lines. Importantly, regular
      nuclear-rim formation of the core NEC was blocked by inhibition of cyclin
      dependent kinase (CDK) activity. In relation to the recently published crystal
      structure of the HCMV core NEC, our findings result in a refined view of NEC
      assembly. In particular, we suggest that CDKs may play an important regulatory
      role in NEC formation during HCMV replication.

PMID- 27145987
TI  - Barriers to accessing termination of pregnancy in a remote and rural setting: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences of women from a remote and rural setting
      who had a termination of pregnancy (TOP), in relation to any barriers they may
      have experienced trying to access TOP. DESIGN: Qualitative interview study.
      SETTING: Scottish Highlands and Western Isles. POPULATION: Women who had
      undergone TOP in the Scottish Highlands National Health Service between October
      2014 and May 2015. METHODS: Sixteen semi-structured, audio-recorded telephone
      interviews were conducted by a researcher with women who had consented to be
      interviewed at their initial assessment. Six stages of thematic analysis were
      followed to explore themes in and across participant accounts. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Themes derived from interview transcripts. RESULTS: Four themes emerged
      relating to barriers to access and experience: (1) the impact of travel for TOP,
      (2) temporal factors unique to this population and how they affected women, (3)
      the attitude of health professionals, notably general practitioners, as a result
      of local culture, and (4) stigma surrounding TOP and the expectation that
      abortion will be traumatising. CONCLUSION: Women in remote and rural areas
      experience barriers to accessing TOP. Prompt referrals, more providers of TOP and
      tackling stigma associated with TOP could make delivery of this service more
      equitable and improve women's journey through TOP. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Women in
      remote and rural areas of Scotland face multiple barriers to accessing
      termination of pregnancy.

PMID- 27145988
TI  - Imaging for patients presenting to an emergency department with back pain: Impact
      on patient pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to quantify utilisation of
      imaging for patients presenting to an ED with back pain, their characteristics
      and dispositions. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 1132 ED presentations
      for back pain to an Australian metropolitan ED in 2013 was performed. Patient
      demographics, rates of radiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance
      imaging and rates of subsequent admission and ED re-presentation were analysed.
      RESULTS: Patients aged 26-35 years were the largest group presenting with back
      pain (19.4% of presentations), with the majority being female (52.3%). Imaging
      was requested at 29.5% (n = 334) of presentations (radiography n = 297; advanced
      imaging n = 63). Patients over 70 years had higher imaging rates than younger
      patients (49.4% vs 25.5%, P < 0.001). Imaging was not associated with attendance
      during or outside office hours (29.3% vs 31.8%, P = 0.4). Of presentations, 34.1%
      resulted in admission, with no association between imaging and admission (31.8%
      vs 36.0%, P = 0.2) or ED re-presentation for back pain in the same year (6.5% vs
      9.7%, P = 0.09). CONCLUSION: This study provides benchmark data on the use of
      imaging for back pain in an Australian ED, an area which has been largely
      unexplored. The rate of imaging in the ED was higher than previously reported in
      a General Practice setting. Consistent with guidelines, patients older than 70
      were more than twice as likely to receive imaging compared to younger patients.
      It was beyond the scope of the current study to determine whether these images
      were clinically indicated and further research is required to determine if
      initiatives to reduce imaging in this population are warranted.

PMID- 27145989
TI  - Resonance Rayleigh scattering technique as a detection method for the RP-HPLC
      determination of local anaesthetics in human urine.
AB  - A highly selective and sensitive method of reversed phase high-performance liquid
      chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled with resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) was
      developed for the determination of procaine, bupivacaine and tetracaine.
      Separation of three local anaesthetics was achieved at 35  degrees C on a C18
      column. The mobile phase was 30: 70 (v/v) acetonitrile/triethylamine-phosphoric
      acid buffer (pH 2.9) at flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The RRS detection was conducted
      by taking advantage of the strong RRS enhancement of the local anaesthetics with
      erythrosine reaction in an acidic medium. Under optimum conditions, the limit of
      detection (S/N = 3) values were in the range of 2.4-11.2 ng/mL. Recoveries from
      spiked human urine samples were 95.8%-104.5%. The proposed method applied to the
      determination of local anaesthetics in human urine achieved satisfactory results.
      In addition, the mechanism of the reaction is fully discussed. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27145990
TI  - Preparation of polyurea/melamine formaldehyde double-layered self-healing
      microcapsules and investigation on core fraction.
AB  - Moisture curing type self-healing microcapsules become more attractive, while
      instability of active core material crippled the efficiency of self-healing
      behaviour. Polyurea (PU)/melamine formaldehyde (MF) double-layered self-healing
      microcapsules containing isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) core with high and stable
      core fraction were prepared. The structure, morphology, particle size and
      distribution were studied with Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, optical
      microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Mastersizer 3000. The influences of
      process conditions were investigated to uncover the principle of core fraction
      and morphology of microcapsules. The core fraction of microcapsules was reduced
      with the increase of ageing time, and microcapsules prepared with ice-bath,
      polyetheramine (PEA) and prepolymer of melamine formaldehyde (P-MF) had higher
      core fraction and better morphology. PEA D230 and 1500 rpm agitation rate were
      chosen according to optimised trade-offs in the core fraction and morphology of
      the microcapsules. 

PMID- 27145991
TI  - Aggressive solitary intracranial metastatic malignant melanoma from a primary
      mediastinal tumour.
AB  - Malignant melanoma is the third most common tumour to cause cerebral metastases,
      following breast and lung cancer. Central nervous system metastases occur in 10
      40% of patients with melanoma. Intracranial metastasis from a primary malignant
      melanoma of the anterior mediastinum is uncommon. We report a case of solitary
      intracranial metastatic melanoma arising from a primary mediastinal tumour. We
      then discuss the clinico-radiological features and treatment options. 

PMID- 27145992
TI  - Incidental optochiasmatic cavernoma: Case report of an unusual finding on 3 Tesla
      MRI.
AB  - Cavernoma is a vascular hamartoma, which represents 10-20% of all central nervous
      system vascular malformations. The majority (80%) of them are supratentorial,
      while involvement of the cranial nerves and the optic pathways is extremely rare.
      The main clinical presentation of optochiasmatic cavernomas consists of
      chiasmatic apoplexy, which is a neurosurgical emergency. Here, we report a case
      in which the finding was incidentally detected in a 49-year-old man. We describe
      the imaging characteristics of the lesion in such a rare location, highlighting
      the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (specifically 3 Tesla) in the
      management of asymptomatic patients. 

PMID- 27145993
TI  - Effective cytoplasmic release of siRNA from liposomal carriers by controlling the
      electrostatic interaction of siRNA with a charge-invertible peptide, in response
      to cytoplasmic pH.
AB  - Condensing siRNA with cationic polymers is a major strategy used in the
      development of siRNA carriers that can avoid degradation by nucleases and achieve
      effective delivery of siRNA into the cytoplasm. However, ineffective release of
      siRNA from such condensed forms into the cytoplasm is a limiting step for
      induction of RNAi effects, and can be attributed to tight condensation of siRNA
      with the cationic polymers, due to potent electrostatic interactions. Here, we
      report that siRNA condensed with a slightly acidic pH-sensitive peptide (SAPSP),
      whose total charge is inverted from positive to negative in response to
      cytoplasmic pH, is effectively released via electrostatic repulsion of siRNA with
      negatively charged SAPSP at cytoplasmic pH (7.4). The condensed complex of siRNA
      and positively-charged SAPSP at acidic pH (siRNA/SAPSP) was found to result in
      almost complete release of siRNA upon charge inversion of SAPSP at pH 7.4, with
      the resultant negatively-charged SAPSP having no undesirable interactions with
      endogenous mRNA. Moreover, liposomes encapsulating siRNA/SAPSP demonstrated
      knockdown efficiencies comparable to those of commercially available siRNA
      carriers. Taken together, SAPSP may be very useful as a siRNA condenser, as it
      facilitates effective cytoplasmic release of siRNA, and subsequent induction of
      specific RNAi effects. 

PMID- 27145995
TI  - Cribra orbitalia: Prevalence in contemporary populations.
AB  - The prevalence of cribra orbitalia (CO) is often used as an indicator of the
      general health status of past populations. Although debates as to its exact
      etiology are still ongoing, cribra is generally accepted to be the result of an
      anemic condition. Cribra has been reported to be declining in modern populations
      or even to be absent. The aim of this study was to compare modern, historic, and
      prehistoric prevalences of CO to assess whether it has changed through time and
      if it still occurs in contemporary populations. CO in skeletons (n = 844) from
      two widely different regions, the northeastern US and the central Gauteng area of
      South Africa, were compared in order to evaluate temporal trends. The sample
      comprised 245 prehistoric, 381 historic, and 218 modern skeletons. In adult
      skeletons the prevalence was found to be lower in historic South Africans (2.23%)
      than in historic North Americans (6.25%). It was lower in modern North Americans
      than in modern South Africans (12.35 and 16.8%, respectively). Its prevalence in
      prehistoric North Americans (11.86%) was also not much different from that of
      modern North Americans (12.35%). The frequency of CO in historic South African
      juveniles was higher (10.71%) than in historic North American juveniles (1.35%).
      Modern South African children had a lower frequency (25.14%) than modern American
      juveniles (40%), although the sample in the North American group was small. It
      seems that CO is still present in modern populations, and that health may indeed
      have declined for some groups in recent times. Clin. Anat. 29:823-830, 2016. (c)
      2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 

PMID- 27145994
TI  - Common genetic variation in ETV6 is associated with colorectal cancer
      susceptibility.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified multiple susceptibility
      loci for colorectal cancer, but much of heritability remains unexplained. To
      identify additional susceptibility loci for colorectal cancer, here we perform a
      GWAS in 1,023 cases and 1,306 controls and replicate the findings in seven
      independent samples from China, comprising 5,317 cases and 6,887 controls. We
      find a variant at 12p13.2 associated with colorectal cancer risk (rs2238126 in
      ETV6, P=2.67 * 10(-10)). We replicate this association in an additional 1,046
      cases and 1,076 controls of European ancestry (P=0.034). The G allele of
      rs2238126 confers earlier age at onset of colorectal cancer (P=1.98 * 10(-6)) and
      reduces the binding affinity of transcriptional enhancer MAX. The mRNA level of
      ETV6 is significantly lower in colorectal tumours than in paired normal tissues.
      Our findings highlight the potential importance of genetic variation in ETV6
      conferring susceptibility to colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27145996
TI  - [Molecular Epidemiology of Bartonella henselae in Stray and Sheltered Cats of
      Zaragoza, Spain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bartonella henselae is responsible for the Cat Scratch Disease in
      humans, being it underdiagnosed. This study aims to detect and quantify the load
      of B. henselae DNA in oral and whole blood samples from stray and shelthered cats
      from Zaragoza (Spain), and analyze associations with epidemiological and clinical
      factors. METHODS: 47 cats entered in the estudy. Real time PCR was used to detect
      B. henselae DNA in blood and oral samples. The SPSS software was applied to the
      statistical analysis of positivity of paired samples and its relationship with
      variables as age, sex, origin, month of sampling and fleas/ticks observation in
      fur and clinical factors (health status and observation of oral lesions). To know
      the relationship between the presence in blood and oral cavity a logistic
      regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A 23.40% of blood samples and the
      27.65% of the oral swabs carried the B. henselae DNA. A fair agreement between
      paired samples was observed (kappa value = 0.33, p less than 0.05). Bacterial DNA
      detected in oral and blood samples were not significantly associated to any of
      the epidemiological and clinical factors. Positive cats having oral lesions
      carried higher loads (3,12/1x1,000,000 cells) of bacterial DNA in their oral
      cavity than those without lesions (2,58/1x1,000,000 cells) being p=0.032.
      CONCLUSIONS: Carriage of the B. henselae DNA in the blood samples appears not to
      be related with carriage of the DNA of the bacteria in mouth and vice versa.
      Positive cats having oral lesions carry a higher load of B. henselae DNA and may
      suppose a higher risk of transmission to people handling them.

PMID- 27145997
TI  - Structural and Magnetic Properties of 2p-3d-4f Hetero-Tri-Spin Chains Comprising
      [{Cu(hfac)2 -Radical}2 ] Dimers and Ln(hfac)3 (hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetonate).
AB  - A new family of 2p-3d-4f hetero-tri-spin complexes [Ln(hfac)3 {Cu(hfac)2 (NIT-3
      PyPh)}2 ] (Ln=Gd (1), Tb (2), Dy (3), Ho (4); NIT-3 PyPh=2-[4-(3
      pyridinylmethoxy)phenyl]-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide;
      hfac=hexafluoroacetylacetonate) have been synthesized. Four complexes possess a
      1D chain structure in which two radical ligands join two Cu(hfac)2 molecules to
      form a [{Cu(hfac)2 -rad)}2 ] dimer cycle and the dimer rings are linked by
      Ln(hfac)3 units. Magnetic studies show that ferromagnetic exchange couplings
      exist between the coordinated NO groups of radical ligands and metal ions. Field
      induced slow relaxation of the magnetization was observed in the Tb and Dy
      compounds. 

PMID- 27145998
TI  - KinasePA: Phosphoproteomics data annotation using hypothesis driven kinase
      perturbation analysis.
AB  - Mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative phosphoproteomics has become a key
      approach for proteome-wide profiling of phosphorylation in tissues and cells.
      Traditional experimental design often compares a single treatment with a control,
      whereas increasingly more experiments are designed to compare multiple treatments
      with respect to a control. To this end, the development of bioinformatic tools
      that can integrate multiple treatments and visualise kinases and substrates under
      combinatorial perturbations is vital for dissecting concordant and/or independent
      effects of each treatment. Here, we propose a hypothesis driven kinase
      perturbation analysis (KinasePA) to annotate and visualise kinases and their
      substrates that are perturbed by various combinatorial effects of treatments in
      phosphoproteomics experiments. We demonstrate the utility of KinasePA through its
      application to two large-scale phosphoproteomics datasets and show its
      effectiveness in dissecting kinases and substrates within signalling pathways
      driven by unique combinations of cellular stimuli and inhibitors. We implemented
      and incorporated KinasePA as part of the "directPA" R package available from the
      comprehensive R archive network (CRAN). Furthermore, KinasePA also has an
      interactive web interface that can be readily applied to annotate user provided
      phosphoproteomics data (http://kinasepa.pengyiyang.org).

PMID- 27145999
TI  - Antibody Persistence in Young Children 5 Years after Vaccination with a Combined
      Haemophilus influenzae Type b-Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup C Conjugate
      Vaccine Coadministered with Diphtheria-Tetanus-Acellular Pertussis-Based and
      Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines.
AB  - We evaluated antibody persistence in children up to 5 years after administration
      of a combined Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)-Neisseria meningitidis
      serogroup C (MenC)-tetanus toxoid (TT) conjugate vaccine coadministered with a
      pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. This is the follow-up study of a randomized trial
      (ClinicalTrials.gov registration no. NCT00334334/00463437) in which healthy
      children were vaccinated (primary vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months of age and
      booster vaccination at 11 to 18 months of age) with Hib-MenC-TT or a control MenC
      conjugate vaccine, coadministered with diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis
      (DTPa)-based combination vaccines (DTPa/Hib for control groups) and a
      pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (10-valent pneumococcal nontypeable H. influenzae
      protein D conjugate vaccine [PHiD-CV] or 7-valent cross-reacting material 197
      [CRM197] conjugate vaccine [7vCRM]). MenC antibody titers were measured with a
      serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) assay using rabbit complement (i.e., rabbit SBA
      [rSBA]), and antibodies against Hib polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP) were
      measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody persistence up to 5
      years after booster vaccination is reported for 530 children ~6 years of age. The
      percentages of children with seroprotective rSBA-MenC titers were between 24.2%
      and 40.1% in all groups approximately 5 years after booster vaccination. More
      than 98.5% of children in each group retained seroprotective anti-PRP
      concentrations. No vaccine-related serious adverse events and no events related
      to a lack of vaccine efficacy were reported. Approximately 5 years after booster
      vaccination, the majority of children retained seroprotective anti-PRP antibody
      concentrations. The percentage of children retaining seroprotective rSBA-MenC
      titers was low (<=40%), suggesting that a significant proportion of children may
      be unprotected against MenC disease. (This study has been registered at
      ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00891176.). 

PMID- 27146000
TI  - Clinical Trial of an Oral Live Shigella sonnei Vaccine Candidate, WRSS1, in Thai
      Adults.
AB  - Live attenuated Shigella sonnei vaccine candidate WRSS1, previously tested in
      U.S. and Israeli volunteers, was evaluated in a population of adult Thai
      volunteers in which the organism is endemic. In a randomized placebo-controlled,
      double-blind design, inpatient participants received a single oral dose of 1.6 *
      10(4) CFU of WRSS1. The vaccine was generally well tolerated, with equal numbers
      of vaccinees and placebo controls showing mild symptoms. Only 3 of 13 vaccinees
      (23%) had culture-positive stools, while a total of 9 vaccinees were positive by
      PCR. Lack of vaccine shedding in volunteers correlated with lack of clinical
      symptoms and immune responses, just as the duration of fecal shedding correlated
      directly with stronger immune responses. Two months following immunization, 10
      vaccinees and 10 newly recruited naive controls received a challenge dose of
      1,670 CFU of virulent S. sonnei strain 53G. This dose had previously demonstrated
      a 75% attack rate for dysentery in Thai volunteers. However, in this study the
      attack rate for dysentery in naive controls after challenge was 20%. Based on
      clinical record summaries, 3 vaccinees and 5 naive controls experienced
      clinically relevant illness (diarrhea/dysentery/fever/shigellosis), and a 40%
      vaccine efficacy was calculated. When these data are compared to those for the
      performance of this vaccine candidate in more naive populations, it is clear that
      a single oral dose of WRSS1 at 10(4) CFU failed to achieve its full potential in
      a population in which the organism is endemic. Higher doses and/or repeated
      immunizations may contribute to improved vaccine shedding and consequent
      elevation of protective immune responses in a population in which the organism is
      endemic. (The study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration
      no. NCT01080716.).

PMID- 27146002
TI  - Creation of an Accurate Algorithm to Detect Snellen Best Documented Visual Acuity
      from Ophthalmology Electronic Health Record Notes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visual acuity is the primary measure used in ophthalmology to
      determine how well a patient can see. Visual acuity for a single eye may be
      recorded in multiple ways for a single patient visit (eg, Snellen vs. Jager units
      vs. font print size), and be recorded for either distance or near vision.
      Capturing the best documented visual acuity (BDVA) of each eye in an individual
      patient visit is an important step for making electronic ophthalmology clinical
      notes useful in research. OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is limited methodology for
      capturing BDVA in an efficient and accurate manner from electronic health record
      (EHR) notes. We developed an algorithm to detect BDVA for right and left eyes
      from defined fields within electronic ophthalmology clinical notes. METHODS: We
      designed an algorithm to detect the BDVA from defined fields within 295,218
      ophthalmology clinical notes with visual acuity data present. About 5668 unique
      responses were identified and an algorithm was developed to map all of the unique
      responses to a structured list of Snellen visual acuities. RESULTS: Visual acuity
      was captured from a total of 295,218 ophthalmology clinical notes during the
      study dates. The algorithm identified all visual acuities in the defined visual
      acuity section for each eye and returned a single BDVA for each eye. A clinician
      chart review of 100 random patient notes showed a 99% accuracy detecting BDVA
      from these records and 1% observed error. CONCLUSIONS: Our algorithm successfully
      captures best documented Snellen distance visual acuity from ophthalmology
      clinical notes and transforms a variety of inputs into a structured Snellen
      equivalent list. Our work, to the best of our knowledge, represents the first
      attempt at capturing visual acuity accurately from large numbers of electronic
      ophthalmology notes. Use of this algorithm can benefit research groups interested
      in assessing visual acuity for patient centered outcome. All codes used for this
      study are currently available, and will be made available online at
      https://phekb.org.

PMID- 27146001
TI  - Modified Vaccinia Ankara Virus Vaccination Provides Long-Term Protection against
      Nasal Rabbitpox Virus Challenge.
AB  - Modified vaccinia Ankara virus (MVA) is a smallpox vaccine candidate. This study
      was performed to determine if MVA vaccination provides long-term protection
      against rabbitpox virus (RPXV) challenge, an animal model of smallpox. Two doses
      of MVA provided 100% protection against a lethal intranasal RPXV challenge
      administered 9 months after vaccination.

PMID- 27146003
TI  - Correction to Charge-Convertible Carbon Dots for Imaging-Guided Drug Delivery
      with Enhanced in Vivo Cancer Therapeutic Efficiency.

PMID- 27146005
TI  - A case of recurrent malignant triton tumor successfully treated with
      radiotherapy.
AB  - A 15-year-old female was previously admitted to another hospital because of
      painless swelling of the lateral right nasal ala for 2 months. Magnetic resonance
      imaging revealed an expansive enhancing lesion in close proximity to the anterior
      surface of the right maxillary sinus and lateral wall of the right nasal cavity.
      Tumor extirpation was performed via the supragingival transantral approach under
      general anesthesia. Histopathological study revealed a malignant triton tumor
      (MTT) arising from the nasal vestibule. The patient was referred to our
      department for consultation regarding additional treatment. Because the surgical
      margin was positive and MTT has high malignant potential, we recommended
      expansion re-surgical treatment following immediate free-flap reconstruction and
      postoperative radiotherapy, but family consent was not obtained. Tumor regrowth
      was noted 1 month after her first visit to our department. The patient and her
      family accepted radiotherapy instead of surgical treatment. Complete remission
      was achieved by radiotherapy alone. No local recurrence or distant metastasis was
      observed for 30 months after radiotherapy. The conventional mode of treatment for
      MTT is radical excision followed by high-dose radiotherapy. However, this case is
      remarkable because our patient experienced complete remission by simple
      radiotherapy. 

PMID- 27146004
TI  - Rupture Forces among Human Blood Platelets at different Degrees of Activation.
AB  - Little is known about mechanics underlying the interaction among platelets during
      activation and aggregation. Although the strength of a blood thrombus has likely
      major biological importance, no previous study has measured directly the adhesion
      forces of single platelet-platelet interaction at different activation states.
      Here, we filled this void first, by minimizing surface mediated platelet
      activation and second, by generating a strong adhesion force between a single
      platelet and an AFM cantilever, preventing early platelet detachment. We applied
      our setup to measure rupture forces between two platelets using different
      platelet activation states, and blockade of platelet receptors. The rupture force
      was found to increase proportionally to the degree of platelet activation, but
      reduced with blockade of specific platelet receptors. Quantification of single
      platelet-platelet interaction provides major perspectives for testing and
      improving biocompatibility of new materials; quantifying the effect of drugs on
      platelet function; and assessing the mechanical characteristics of
      acquired/inherited platelet defects.

PMID- 27146006
TI  - Complications after cochlear implantation in adult patients. 10-Year
      retrospective analysis of a tertiary academic centre.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cochlear implants (CI) are electronic devices that enable the auditory
      rehabilitation and the management of individuals with severe to profound
      bilateral hearing loss, and nowadays, advanced age is not considered a
      contraindication for cochlear implantation and several studies have shown that
      older adults do benefit from CI, with improvements in hearing abilities and
      quality of life. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients older than 18 years
      who underwent cochlear implant surgery in a tertiary academic centre. RESULTS: 57
      patients met the inclusion criteria: 25 (43.9%) male and 32 (56.1%) female. Total
      percentage of minor complication was 24.6% and major complication was 17.5%. The
      most common minor complication in our series was vestibular disorder, and the
      most common major complication was device failure. No correlation was found among
      age, previous meningitis, anatomical variables or comorbidities with the
      appearance of complications. CONCLUSION: Cochlear implantation is a safe surgical
      technique for rehabilitation of severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.
      According to our results, neither the age over 65 years nor the presence of
      comorbidities does have a direct impact over the complication rates in our
      patients.

PMID- 27146007
TI  - Cavernous sinus thrombosis during pregnancy.
AB  - Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) represents a rare but devastating disease
      process that may be associated with significant long-term patient morbidity or
      mortality. Rapid diagnosis and aggressive medical and surgical management are
      imperative for patients with CST. We present the case of a 24-year-old pregnant
      woman with intraorbital abscess and CST secondary to Streptococcus milleri.
      Surgical intervention included orbital abscess drainage and dental extraction,
      medical therapy included intravenous antibiotic, heparin, and methylprednisolone
      and an elective cesarean section was performed. The latter was the key point to
      resolution the disease.

PMID- 27146009
TI  - Molecular machines mitigate melanoma.

PMID- 27146008
TI  - The relationship between dioptric power and magnification in progressive addition
      lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE: Non-uniform magnification (distortion) and dioptric blur are two major
      undesired optical defects affecting vision when looking through progressive
      addition lenses (PALs) and studying them is potentially very valuable for PAL
      design. The major purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between
      dioptric power and magnification and, additionally, to evaluate the expected
      values of distortion and dioptric blur typically present in PALs. This has not
      been carefully and rigorously analysed to date. METHODS: We computed the local
      dioptric and magnification matrices (using a two-ray differential method) for
      different gaze directions in an archetypical model of a PAL. We used four
      different maps: scalar magnification and anamorphic distortion, to describe
      magnification, and mean power and astigmatism, to describe dioptric power.
      RESULTS: There is a good correlation between scalar magnification and mean power
      on the one hand, and anamorphic distortion and astigmatism on the other hand.
      Changes of 1 D in mean power are associated with variations in scalar
      magnification of around 3%. Also, 3% of anamorphic distortion is associated with
      increasing astigmatism up to 1 D. The directions of maximal power and maximal
      magnification are quite similar, though not equal (differences up to +/- 1.5
      degrees ). These directions strongly change from close to isotropic at the
      intermediate corridor to around 45 degrees  of oblique inclination for a few
      degrees of horizontal eye rotation. In typical PALs the level of distortion,
      which is unavoidably present when dioptric blurring appears, is small for usable
      vision zones (below 1 D of astigmatism). CONCLUSION: The combined analysis of
      dioptric power and magnification in PALs helps to understand their limitations as
      a visual aid. On the one hand, the potentials of including distortion magnitude
      as a target in the metric function being optimised in the PAL design are reduced;
      on the other hand, it seems worthwhile to explore adding the degradation
      orientation as an additional target.

PMID- 27146011
TI  - Disallowed and Allowed Gene Expression: Two Faces of Mature Islet Beta Cells.
AB  - Glucose homeostasis greatly depends on the match between fluctuating insulin
      demands and adjusted rates of insulin secretion, which is the function of
      pancreatic beta cells. Emerging evidence suggests that when neonatal beta cells
      mature, they acquire two faces of differentiated function: an expected "visible
      face" that depends on specific beta cell proteins needed for regulated insulin
      release, but also a "hidden face" that represses ubiquitous proteins to prevent
      inappropriate beta cell function such as elevated basal hormone secretion or
      insulin release triggered by exercise. This review highlights this novel concept,
      and we first propose that hidden faces may also be relevant for other specialized
      tissue functions, such as ketogenesis in the liver. Next, we discuss three
      scenarios in which aberrant gene expression causes abnormal glucose-induced
      insulin release and the epigenetic regulation of the hidden face in beta cells.
      We conclude with perspectives for new research, including beta cell replacement
      to cure diabetes.

PMID- 27146012
TI  - Alterations of Mitochondrial Function and Insulin Sensitivity in Human Obesity
      and Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - Mitochondrial function refers to a broad spectrum of features such as resting
      mitochondrial activity, (sub)maximal oxidative phosphorylation capacity (OXPHOS),
      and mitochondrial dynamics, turnover, and plasticity. The interaction between
      mitochondria and insulin sensitivity is bidirectional and varies depending on
      tissue, experimental model, methodological approach, and features of
      mitochondrial function tested. In human skeletal muscle, mitochondrial
      abnormalities may be inherited (e.g., lower mitochondrial content) or acquired
      (e.g., impaired OXPHOS capacity and plasticity). Abnormalities ultimately lead to
      lower mitochondrial functionality due to or resulting in insulin resistance and
      type 2 diabetes mellitus. Similar mechanisms can also operate in adipose tissue
      and heart muscle. In contrast, mitochondrial oxidative capacity is transiently
      upregulated in the liver of obese insulin-resistant humans with or without fatty
      liver, giving rise to oxidative stress and declines in advanced fatty liver
      disease. These data suggest a highly tissue-specific interaction between insulin
      sensitivity and oxidative metabolism during the course of metabolic diseases in
      humans.

PMID- 27146013
TI  - Regulation of Hepcidin by Erythropoiesis: The Story So Far.
AB  - Hepcidin is the master regulator of systemic iron homeostasis, facilitating iron
      balance by controlling intestinal iron absorption and recycling. Hepcidin levels
      are suppressed when erythropoiesis is stimulated, for example following acute
      blood loss, appropriately enhancing cellular iron export to the plasma to support
      production of new red blood cells. However, persistent increased and ineffective
      erythropoiesis, for example in thalassemia, results in sustained elevations in
      iron absorption, which cause iron overload with associated organ toxicities. The
      ligands, receptors, and canonical pathways by which iron loading and inflammation
      upregulate hepcidin expression have been largely established. However, although
      several mechanisms have been proposed, the means by which erythropoiesis causes
      hepcidin suppression have been unclear. The erythroid-derived hormone
      erythroferrone appears to be a convincing candidate for the link between
      increased erythropoiesis and hepcidin suppression. If confirmed to be clinically
      and physiologically relevant in humans, potentiation or inhibition of
      erythroferrone activity could be a crucial pharmaceutical strategy.

PMID- 27146014
TI  - Hormonal and Metabolite Regulation of Hepatic Glucokinase.
AB  - Liver glucose metabolism is dependent on glucokinase activity. Glucokinase
      expression is transcriptionally regulated by hormones and metabolites of glucose,
      and glucokinase activity is dependent on reversible binding of glucokinase to a
      specific inhibitor protein, glucokinase regulatory protein (GKRP), and to other
      binding proteins such as 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose 2,6-bisphosphatase
      (PFK2/FBP2), which functions as an activator. Glucokinase is inhibited in the
      postabsorptive state by sequestration in the nucleus bound to GKRP, and it is
      activated postprandially by portal hyperglycemia and fructose through
      dissociation from GKRP, translocation to the cytoplasm, and binding to PFK2/FBP2.
      Glucagon dissociates this interaction, promoting translocation back to the
      nucleus. In humans, changes in glucokinase expression and activity are associated
      with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,
      and a common variant of GKRP with altered binding affinity for glucokinase is
      associated with increased blood and liver lipids and other metabolic traits that
      implicate a role for GKRP in maintaining intrahepatic metabolite homeostasis.

PMID- 27146015
TI  - Citrus Flavonoids as Regulators of Lipoprotein Metabolism and Atherosclerosis.
AB  - Citrus flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds with significant biological
      properties. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the ability
      of citrus flavonoids to modulate lipid metabolism, other metabolic parameters
      related to the metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis. Citrus flavonoids,
      including naringenin, hesperitin, nobiletin, and tangeretin, have emerged as
      potential therapeutics for the treatment of metabolic dysregulation.
      Epidemiological studies reveal an association between the intake of citrus
      flavonoid-containing foods and a decreased incidence of cardiovascular disease.
      Studies in cell culture and animal models, as well as a limited number of
      clinical studies, reveal the lipid-lowering, insulin-sensitizing,
      antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory properties of citrus flavonoids. In
      animal models, supplementation of rodent diets with citrus flavonoids prevents
      hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance primarily through
      inhibition of hepatic fatty acid synthesis and increased fatty acid oxidation.
      Citrus flavonoids blunt the inflammatory response in metabolically important
      tissues including liver, adipose, kidney, and the aorta. The mechanisms
      underlying flavonoid-induced metabolic regulation have not been completely
      established, although several potential targets have been identified. In mouse
      models, citrus flavonoids show marked suppression of atherogenesis through
      improved metabolic parameters as well as through direct impact on the vessel
      wall. Recent studies support a role for citrus flavonoids in the treatment of
      dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, obesity, and
      atherosclerosis. Larger human studies examining dose, bioavailability, efficacy,
      and safety are required to promote the development of these promising therapeutic
      agents.

PMID- 27146016
TI  - Iron Regulation of Pancreatic Beta-Cell Functions and Oxidative Stress.
AB  - Dietary advice is the cornerstone in first-line treatment of metabolic diseases.
      Nutritional interventions directed at these clinical conditions mainly aim to (a)
      improve insulin resistance by reducing energy-dense macronutrient intake to
      obtain weight loss and (b) reduce fluctuations in insulin secretion through
      avoidance of rapidly absorbable carbohydrates. However, even in the majority of
      motivated patients selected for clinical trials, massive efforts using this
      approach have failed to achieve lasting efficacy. Less attention has been given
      to the role of micronutrients in metabolic diseases. Here, we review the evidence
      that highlights (a) the importance of iron in pancreatic beta-cell function and
      dysfunction in diabetes and (b) the integrative pathophysiological effects of
      tissue iron levels in the interactions among the beta cell, gut microbiome,
      hypothalamus, innate and adaptive immune systems, and insulin-sensitive tissues.
      We propose that clinical trials are warranted to clarify the impact of dietary or
      pharmacological iron reduction on the development of metabolic disorders.

PMID- 27146018
TI  - Reward Systems in the Brain and Nutrition.
AB  - The taste cortex in the anterior insula provides separate and combined
      representations of the taste, temperature, and texture of food in the mouth
      independently of hunger and thus of reward value and pleasantness. One synapse
      on, in the orbitofrontal cortex, these sensory inputs are combined by associative
      learning with olfactory and visual inputs for some neurons, and these neurons
      encode food reward value in that they respond to food only when hunger is present
      and in that activations correlate linearly with subjective pleasantness.
      Cognitive factors, including word-level descriptions and selective attention to
      affective value, modulate the representation of the reward value of taste,
      olfactory, and flavor stimuli in the orbitofrontal cortex and a region to which
      it projects, the anterior cingulate cortex. These food reward representations are
      important in the control of appetite and food intake. Individual differences in
      reward representations may contribute to obesity, and there are age-related
      differences in these reward representations. Implications of how reward systems
      in the brain operate for understanding, preventing, and treating obesity are
      described.

PMID- 27146019
TI  - beta-Peptide bundles: Design. Build. Analyze. Biosynthesize.
AB  - Peptides containing beta-amino acids are unique non-natural polymers known to
      assemble into protein-like tertiary and quaternary structures. When composed
      solely of beta-amino acids, the structures formed, defined assemblies of 14
      helices called beta-peptide bundles, fold cooperatively in water solvent into
      unique and discrete quaternary assemblies that are highly thermostable, bind
      complex substrates and metal ion cofactors, and, in certain cases, catalyze
      chemical reactions. In this Perspective, we recount the design and elaboration of
      beta-peptide bundles and provide an outlook on recent, unexpected discoveries
      that could influence research on beta-peptides and beta-peptide bundles (and beta
      amino acid-containing proteins) for decades to come. 

PMID- 27146017
TI  - Lactation and Maternal Cardio-Metabolic Health.
AB  - Researchers hypothesize that pregnancy and lactation are part of a continuum,
      with lactation meant to "reset" the adverse metabolic profile that develops as a
      part of normal pregnancy, and that when lactation does not occur, women maintain
      an elevated risk of cardio-metabolic diseases. Several large prospective and
      retrospective studies, mostly from the United States and other industrialized
      countries, have examined the associations between lactation and cardio-metabolic
      outcomes. Less evidence exists regarding an association of lactation with
      maternal postpartum weight status and dyslipidemia, whereas more evidence exists
      for an association with diabetes, hypertension, and subclinical and clinical
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 27146020
TI  - Colorectal cancer risk genes are functionally enriched in regulatory pathways.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common complex disease caused by the combination of
      genetic variants and environmental factors. Genome-wide association studies
      (GWAS) have been performed and reported some novel CRC susceptibility variants.
      However, the potential genetic mechanisms for newly identified CRC susceptibility
      variants are still unclear. Here, we selected 85 CRC susceptibility variants with
      suggestive association P < 1.00E-05 from the National Human Genome Research
      Institute GWAS catalog. To investigate the underlying genetic pathways where
      these newly identified CRC susceptibility genes are significantly enriched, we
      conducted a functional annotation. Using two kinds of SNP to gene mapping methods
      including the nearest upstream and downstream gene method and the ProxyGeneLD, we
      got 128 unique CRC susceptibility genes. We then conducted a pathway analysis in
      GO database using the corresponding 128 genes. We identified 44 GO categories, 17
      of which are regulatory pathways. We believe that our results may provide further
      insight into the underlying genetic mechanisms for these newly identified CRC
      susceptibility variants.

PMID- 27146021
TI  - Nurses' communication with patients who are mechanically ventilated in intensive
      care: the Botswana experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Communication is an integral part of nursing practice not just only
      for therapeutic reasons but also for sharing information. Nurses working in
      intensive care experience challenges when communicating with patients who are
      mechanically ventilated due to lack of knowledge and skill. These challenges
      infringe on the patients' rights to receive information and as such they may
      impact negatively on the patients' outcomes. AIM: This study determined the
      existing knowledge and skills of intensive care nurses working with mechanically
      ventilated patients in Botswana. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive and
      explorative research design with a quantitative approach was used to audit
      patients' records. This was augmented by further interviewing nurses for their
      knowledge and skills when communicating with ventilated patients within the two
      intensive care units in Botswana. The American Association of Critical Nurses
      Synergy Model was used to guide the study. One hundred and fifty-nine (159)
      patients' files were audited and 50 nurses chosen by purposive sampling completed
      a self-administered 42-item questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social
      Sciences version 10 and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse the data. RESULTS:
      Assessment of patients' ability to communicate was recorded in more than 90% of
      files audited. Four per cent (4%) of the respondents only communicated essential
      information and no other strategies or devices were used to aid communication.
      CONCLUSION: Communication with ventilated patients can be quite challenging to
      nurses working in the intensive care unit. There is a need for communication
      skills training to ensure that all nurses working with mechanically ventilated
      patients are properly trained, equipped and capable of communicating effectively
      with the patient. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: A greater
      understanding of communication dynamics with the intensive care unit with
      patients who are mechanically ventilated is crucial to enable nurses to improve
      their care and improve patients' comfort. Incorporating communication in the
      nursing standards would ensure that patients are treated with dignity which would
      help improve patient outcomes.

PMID- 27146022
TI  - Exercise capacity and mortality - a follow-up study of 3033 subjects referred to
      clinical exercise testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercise stress testing is used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool.
      We determined the prognostic significance of exercise test findings for
      cardiovascular (CVD) and all-cause mortality in men and women. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: 3033 subjects underwent a symptom-limited bicycle exercise test.
      Exercise capacity was defined as the mean of last four minutes of exercise
      workload. RESULTS: During an average follow-up of 19 years, 186 (11.6%) CVD and
      370 (20.6%) all-cause deaths in men and 57 (5.0%) CVD and 155 (12.5%) all-cause
      deaths in women occurred. Among exercise test variables (workload, ECG, BP, HR),
      exercise capacity was the strongest predictor of mortality. Low exercise capacity
      (1st quartile) was associated with a hazard ratio of 4.2 (95% CI: 1.7, 10.8) for
      CVD and 4.0 (95% CI: 2.5, 6.4) for all-cause mortality compared with high
      exercise capacity (4th quartile) among men and in women with a 5.4-fold (95% CI:
      1.2, 24.0) risk for CVD and 2.3-fold (95% CI: 1.2, 4.3) risk for all-cause
      mortality, respectively. The relationship between other exercise test variables
      and mortality was much weaker. CONCLUSIONS: Among exercise test variables
      exercise capacity was the strongest predictor of CVD and all-cause mortality in
      both genders, and especially CVD deaths in women. Key Messages Exercise capacity
      was the most powerful predictor of CVD and all-cause mortality in both men and
      women. Low exercise capacity is a strong predictor of CVD death, especially among
      women.

PMID- 27146023
TI  - Intrauterine infection caused by herpes simplex virus type-1 in the setting of
      recurrent maternal infection.

PMID- 27146025
TI  - Histone Chaperone SSRP1 is Essential for Wnt Signaling Pathway Activity During
      Osteoblast Differentiation.
AB  - Cellular differentiation is accompanied by dramatic changes in chromatin
      structure which direct the activation of lineage-specific transcriptional
      programs. Structure-specific recognition protein-1 (SSRP1) is a histone chaperone
      which is important for chromatin-associated processes such as transcription, DNA
      replication and repair. Since the function of SSRP1 during cell differentiation
      remains unclear, we investigated its potential role in controlling lineage
      determination. Depletion of SSRP1 in human mesenchymal stem cells elicited
      lineage-specific effects by increasing expression of adipocyte-specific genes and
      decreasing the expression of osteoblast-specific genes. Consistent with a role in
      controlling lineage specification, transcriptome-wide RNA-sequencing following
      SSRP1 depletion and the induction of osteoblast differentiation revealed a
      specific decrease in the expression of genes involved in biological processes
      related to osteoblast differentiation. Importantly, we observed a specific
      downregulation of target genes of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, which was
      accompanied by decreased nuclear localization of active beta-catenin. Together
      our data uncover a previously unknown role for SSRP1 in promoting the activation
      of the Wnt signaling pathway activity during cellular differentiation. Stem Cells
      2016;34:1369-1376.

PMID- 27146026
TI  - Wearable 3-D Photoacoustic Tomography for Functional Brain Imaging in Behaving
      Rats.
AB  - Understanding the relationship between brain function and behavior remains a
      major challenge in neuroscience. Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an emerging
      technique that allows for noninvasive in vivo brain imaging at micrometer
      millisecond spatiotemporal resolution. In this article, a novel, miniaturized 3D
      wearable PAT (3D-wPAT) technique is described for brain imaging in behaving rats.
      3D-wPAT has three layers of fully functional acoustic transducer arrays. Phantom
      imaging experiments revealed that the in-plane X-Y spatial resolutions were ~200
      MUm for each acoustic detection layer. The functional imaging capacity of 3D-wPAT
      was demonstrated by mapping the cerebral oxygen saturation via multi-wavelength
      irradiation in behaving hyperoxic rats. In addition, we demonstrated that 3D-wPAT
      could be used for monitoring sensory stimulus-evoked responses in behaving rats
      by measuring hemodynamic responses in the primary visual cortex during visual
      stimulation. Together, these results show the potential of 3D-wPAT for brain
      study in behaving rodents.

PMID- 27146024
TI  - Metabolic Reprogramming and Dependencies Associated with Epithelial Cancer Stem
      Cells Independent of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Program.
AB  - In solid tumors, cancer stem cells (CSCs) can arise independently of epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT). In spite of recent efforts, the metabolic
      reprogramming associated with CSC phenotypes uncoupled from EMT is poorly
      understood. Here, by using metabolomic and fluxomic approaches, we identify major
      metabolic profiles that differentiate metastatic prostate epithelial CSCs (e
      CSCs) from non-CSCs expressing a stable EMT. We have found that the e-CSC program
      in our cellular model is characterized by a high plasticity in energy substrate
      metabolism, including an enhanced Warburg effect, a greater carbon and energy
      source flexibility driven by fatty acids and amino acid metabolism and an
      essential reliance on the proton buffering capacity conferred by glutamine
      metabolism. An analysis of transcriptomic data yielded a metabolic gene signature
      for our e-CSCs consistent with the metabolomics and fluxomics analyses that
      correlated with tumor progression and metastasis in prostate cancer and in 11
      additional cancer types. Interestingly, an integrated metabolomics, fluxomics,
      and transcriptomics analysis allowed us to identify key metabolic players
      regulated at the post-transcriptional level, suggesting potential biomarkers and
      therapeutic targets to effectively forestall metastasis. Stem Cells 2016;34:1163
      1176.

PMID- 27146027
TI  - Accuracy of optical coherence tomography for the diagnosis of superficial basal
      cell carcinoma: a prospective, consecutive, cohort study of 168 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) can be safely treated
      topically. Potentially noninvasive imaging techniques, such as optical coherence
      tomography (OCT), may be useful to diagnose and manage patients with sBCC and
      obviate the need for biopsy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in OCT (i) the sensitivity
      and specificity for sBCC diagnosis, (ii) the accuracy in determining BCC depth
      and (iii) the role in management of sBCC mimickers. METHODS: A prospective,
      consecutive cohort of lesions for which sBCC was considered in the differential
      diagnosis. These lesions underwent clinical, dermoscopic and OCT assessment.
      Diagnosis and its confidence were recorded for each modality and were correlated
      with the histopathological diagnosis (punch biopsy). Interpretation of the OCT
      images and assessment of individual features were performed blinded to the biopsy
      results. RESULTS: In total, 168 lesions were recruited: 52% were sBCC, 26% were
      other BCC variants and the remaining lesions were actinic keratosis, squamous
      cell carcinoma in situ, other benign inflammatory processes and two other
      malignant tumours. The sensitivity and specificity of OCT for diagnosis of sBCC
      were 0.87 and 0.80, respectively. There was excellent correlation between OCT and
      biopsy for tumour depth amongst tumours <= 0.4 mm (Pearson correlation r = 0.86,
      P < 0.001), but the correlation was less as depth increased (Pearson correlation
      r = 0.71, P < 0.001 for all tumours < 1.0 mm). CONCLUSIONS: OCT has good
      diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing sBCC and measuring depth in tumours <= 0.4 mm.
      Potentially OCT can reduce the need for biopsy in clinically suspected sBCCs.
      However, careful follow-up is required in such cases as there is a small risk
      (5%) of misdiagnosis.

PMID- 27146028
TI  - Transsexual Voice Questionnaire for Male-to-female Brazilian Transsexual People.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to verify the answers to the transsexual
      voice questionnaire for male-to-female transsexual (TVQMtF) people given to
      individuals who participated in the Gender Identity Program (PROTIG) at the
      Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil, in relation to some of their
      demographic characteristics, visual-perceptual evaluations of the face, laryngeal
      prominence, and auditoryperceptual judgments of voice. METHODS: In this cross
      sectional study, 47 transsexual women aged between 18 and 50 responded to the
      (TVQMtF). The demographic data and perceptual ratings were selected from the
      PROTIG database. RESULTS: Among all participants, 55.32% had completed secondary
      education, and 72.34% had not undergone a sex reassignment surgery; 4.2% of
      subjects did not use hormones, 23.40% had undergone speech therapy, the average
      number of years of experience in the female role was 13.98 years, and the
      participants had been definitively cross-dressing for 5-34 years. Most of the
      participants had low scores on the (TVQMtF), and significant differences in the
      total score were observed in accordance with age (higher scores were observed
      among those <30 years and >=40 years old) and visual-perceptual evaluations of
      the face (higher scores were observed in the individual evaluated with masculine
      face). There were no significant correlations between the total score obtained by
      the participants and the other demographic variables. CONCLUSIONS: Although most
      of the participants had low scores on the (TVQMtF), some individuals were still
      experiencing distress due to being perceived as being of the opposite sex or were
      dissatisfied with their voices.

PMID- 27146029
TI  - Evaluation of analytical methodology for the detection of hormones and their
      attenuation during aquifer recharge and recovery cycles.
AB  - The hormones listed in the screening survey list 2 of the Unregulated Contaminant
      Monitoring Rule 3 (estrone, 17-beta-estradiol, 17-alpha-ethynylestradiol, 16
      alpha-hydroxyestradiol (estriol), equilin, testosterone and 4-androstene-3,17
      dione) were analyzed by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Two analytical methods were compared: EPA method 539
      and the isotope dilution method. EPA method 539 was successfully utilized in
      river and drinking water matrices with fortified recoveries of 98.9 to 108.5%.
      Samples from the Hillsborough River reflected levels below the method detection
      limit (MDL) for the majority of the analytes, except estrone (E1), which was
      detected at very low concentrations (<0.5 to 1 ng L(-1)) in the majority of
      samples. No hormones were detected in drinking water samples. The isotope
      dilution method was used to analyze reclaimed and aquifer storage and recovery
      (ASR) water samples as a result of strong matrix/solid phase extraction (SPE)
      losses observed in these more complex matrices. Most of the compounds were not
      detected or found at relatively low concentrations in the ASR samples.
      Attenuation of 50 to 99.1% was observed as a result of the ASR recharge/recovery
      cycles for most of the hormones, except for estriol (E3). Relatively stable
      concentrations of E3 were found, with only 10% attenuation at one of the sites
      and no measureable attenuation at another location. These results have
      substantiated that while EPA method 539 works well for most environmental
      samples, the isotope dilution method is more robust when dealing with complex
      matrices such as reclaimed and ASR samples. 

PMID- 27146030
TI  - Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells, Their Fibroblast Progeny in
      Endometriosis, and More.

PMID- 27146031
TI  - Chemokine Receptor Type 4 Regulates Migration and Invasion of Trophectoderm Cell
      in the Human Blastocyst.
AB  - Chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) has been suggested to regulate cell migration
      and invasion in human somatic cells. However, its role in human oocytes and
      embryos has not been investigated directly. Here we show that CXCR4 mRNA was
      initially expressed at the 4-cell stage, and its expression gradually increased
      until the blastocyst stage, whereas its protein was detectable only after the 8
      cell stage. In addition, CXCR4 mRNA and protein were expressed in the inner cell
      mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) cell of the blastocyst. Furthermore, we
      collected embryos from women whose embryos had undergone successful implantation
      (SI) and those whose embryos had failed implantation (FI) in their fresh cycles.
      TE cells from the FI group had reduced CXCR4 mRNA expression relative to those
      from the SI group but not in the ICM. Through ICM replacement, we constructed
      mouse blastocysts in which Cxcr4 was specifically knocked down in TE cells to
      simulate the CXCR4 expression profile of human blastocysts from the FI group. In
      this case, we found that the implantation rate significantly decreased after
      transfer of reconstructed embryos. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that CXCR4
      can induce cell apoptosis and migration mediated by Rho signaling. This
      hypothesis was confirmed by invasion and migration experiments, using a human
      trophoblast cell line. The present study is the first to explore the
      characteristics of CXCR4 expression using human oocytes and embryos and suggests
      that CXCR4 is required upstream of TE cell apoptosis and migration. CXCR4
      expression is a potential biomarker to predict implantation competence during
      assisted reproductive technologies.

PMID- 27146033
TI  - In Vitro Maturation of Mouse Oocytes Increases the Level of Kif11/Eg5 on Meiosis
      II Spindles.
AB  - Although in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes has been used for a relatively long
      time, during which the culture conditions have improved remarkably, the resulting
      germ cells are still not fully comparable to the cells obtained from the ovary in
      many important aspects, namely in fertilization rate and subsequent embryonic
      development. Some of the differences between IVM and in vivo maturation (IVV)
      oocytes were already discovered, including variability in spindle assembly and
      morphology. In this study we focused on a role of molecular motor Kif11
      (hereafter referred to as Eg5) in maintaining bipolar spindle structure in IVM
      and IVV oocytes. Our experiments revealed that in IVM oocytes, Eg5 is abundant on
      meiosis II spindle, which makes these cells more sensitive to Eg5 inhibition than
      IVV oocytes. We further demonstrate that this sensitivity is acquired gradually
      with exposure to the in vitro conditions. This is a remarkable difference in
      function of spindle apparatus between IVM and IVV oocytes, and we believe our
      results are important not only for understanding of the chromosome segregation in
      mammalian oocytes but also because they indicate cells are using alternative
      pathways to achieve the same function when exposed to different conditions.

PMID- 27146034
TI  - Expression of Tachykinins and Tachykinin Receptors and Interaction with
      Kisspeptin in Human Granulosa and Cumulus Cells.
AB  - The neurokinin B/NK3 receptor (NK3R) and kisspeptin/kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R),
      two systems which are essential for reproduction, are coexpressed in human mural
      granulosa (MGC) and cumulus cells (CCs). However, little is known about the
      presence of other members of the tachykinin family in the human ovary. In the
      present study, we analyzed the expression of substance P (SP), hemokinin-1 (HK
      1), NK1 receptor (NK1R), and NK2 receptor (NK2R) in MGCs and CCs collected from
      preovulatory follicles of oocyte donors at the time of oocyte retrieval. RT-PCR,
      quantitative RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, and Western blotting were used to
      investigate the patterns of expression of tachykinin and tachykinin receptor
      mRNAs and proteins and the possible interaction between the tachykinin family and
      kisspeptin. Intracellular free Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)]i) in MGCs after exposure
      to SP or kisspeptin in the presence of SP were also measured. We found that SP,
      HK-1, the truncated NK1R isoform NK1R-Tr, and NK2R were all expressed in MGCs and
      CCs. NK1R-Tr mRNA and NK2R mRNA and protein levels were higher in MGCs than in
      CCs from the same patients. Treatment of cells with kisspeptin modulated the
      expression of HK-1, NK3R, and KISS1R mRNAs, whereas treatment with SP regulated
      kisspeptin mRNA levels and reduced the [Ca(2+)]i response produced by kisspeptin.
      These data demonstrate that the whole tachykinin system is expressed and acts in
      coordination with kisspeptin to regulate granulosa cell function in the human
      ovary.

PMID- 27146035
TI  - Benefit-risk reassessment of medicines: a retrospective analysis of all safety
      related referral procedures in Europe during 2001-2012.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes and timing within
      the product life cycle of all benefit-risk reassessment procedures for marketed
      products that were completed by the committee for medicinal product for human use
      during 2001-2012. METHODS: A cohort of all referral procedures for benefit-risk
      reassessment (Article 20, Article 31, Article 36, Article 107 procedures) for
      which committee for medicinal product for human use issued an opinion between 1
      January 2001 and 31 December 2012 was created. The European Medicines Agency
      website and the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board website were used to collect all
      data. RESULTS: There were a total of 73 benefit-risk reassessments during the
      study period; 61 reassessments for a single product and 12 reassessments for
      multiple products or an entire product class. Nineteen reassessments resulted in
      the recommendation to remove the product from the market. On average, a benefit
      risk reassessment was performed 18.7 years after the product was first marketed.
      Seventeen products were marketed 5 years or less when the reassessment procedure
      was completed; six of these products were subsequently removed from the market.
      CONCLUSIONS: The majority of all benefit-risk reassessments that were performed
      during the study period did not result in removing the product from the market,
      but rather, in confirming the positive benefit-risk of the product, conditional
      to changes to the product's marketing authorisation. About half of all products
      that were removed from the market during the 2000s had been marketed for more
      than 20 years. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27146032
TI  - Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects at the Maternal-Fetal
      Interface and Prevents Endotoxin-Induced Preterm Birth, but Causes Dystocia and
      Fetal Compromise in Mice.
AB  - Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is implicated in the maintenance of uterine
      quiescence by down-regulating myometrial gap junctions during pregnancy, and it
      was considered as a strategy to prevent preterm birth after the occurrence of
      preterm labor. However, the effect of hCG on innate and adaptive immune cells
      implicated in parturition is poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the
      immune effects of hCG at the maternal-fetal interface during late gestation, and
      whether this hormone can safely prevent endotoxin-induced preterm birth. Using
      immunophenotyping, we demonstrated that hCG has immune effects at the maternal
      fetal interface (decidual tissues) by: 1) increasing the proportion of regulatory
      T cells; 2) reducing the proportion of macrophages and neutrophils; 3) inducing
      an M1 -> M2 macrophage polarization; and 4) increasing the proportion of T helper
      17 cells. Next, ELISAs were used to determine whether the local immune changes
      were associated with systemic concentrations of progesterone, estradiol, and/or
      cytokines (IFNgamma, IL1beta, IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL10, IL12p70, KC/GRO, and
      TNFalpha). Plasma concentrations of IL1beta, but not progesterone, estradiol, or
      any other cytokine, were increased following hCG administration. Pretreatment
      with hCG prevented endotoxin-induced preterm birth by 44%, proving the
      effectiveness of this hormone as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, hCG
      administration alone caused dystocia and fetal compromise, as proven by Doppler
      ultrasound. These results provide insight into the mechanisms whereby hCG induces
      an anti-inflammatory microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface during late
      gestation, and demonstrate its effectiveness in preventing preterm labor/birth.
      However, the deleterious effects of this hormone on mothers and fetuses warrant
      caution.

PMID- 27146036
TI  - A systematic review of techniques and effects of self-help interventions for
      tinnitus: Application of taxonomies from health psychology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Self-help interventions are followed by people independently with
      minimal or no therapist contact. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of
      self-help interventions for adults with chronic tinnitus and systematically
      identify the self-help techniques used. DESIGN: Systematic review and application
      of health psychology taxonomies. Electronic database searches were conducted,
      supplemented by citation searching and hand-searching of key journals.
      Prospective controlled trials, which used measures of tinnitus distress,
      functional management, anxiety, depression, and quality of life, were included.
      Michie et al's behaviour change techniques (BCTs) taxonomy and Taylor et al's
      PRISMS taxonomy of self-management components were applied to describe
      interventions. STUDY SAMPLE: Five studies were included, providing low-to
      moderate levels of evidence. RESULTS: Randomized controlled trial studies were
      too few and heterogeneous for meta-analysis to be performed. Studies comparing
      self-help interventions to therapist-guided interventions and assessing non
      tinnitus-specific psychosocial outcomes and functional management were lacking.
      Fifteen BCTs and eight self-management components were identified across
      interventions. CONCLUSIONS: A lack of high-quality and homogeneous studies meant
      that confident conclusions could not be drawn regarding the efficacy of self-help
      interventions for tinnitus. Better reporting and categorization of intervention
      techniques is needed for replication in research and practice and to facilitate
      understanding of intervention mechanisms.

PMID- 27146037
TI  - readat: An R package for reading and working with SomaLogic ADAT files.
AB  - BACKGROUND: SomaLogic's SOMAscanTM assay platform allows the analysis of the
      relative abundance of over 1300 proteins directly from biological matrices such
      as blood plasma and serum. The data resulting from the assay is provided in a
      proprietary text-based format not easily imported into R. RESULTS: readat is an R
      package for working with the SomaLogic ADAT file format. It provides
      functionality for importing, transforming and annotating data from these files.
      The package is free, open source, and available on Bioconductor and Bitbucket.
      CONCLUSIONS: readat integrates into both Bioconductor and traditional R
      workflows, rendering it easy to make use of ADAT files.

PMID- 27146039
TI  - Paul Gibbs: Kidney donation altruist.

PMID- 27146038
TI  - Identifying effective behavioural components of Intervention and Comparison group
      support provided in SMOKing cEssation (IC-SMOKE) interventions: a systematic
      review protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systematic reviews of behaviour change interventions for smoking
      cessation vary in scope, quality, and applicability. The current review aims to
      generate more accurate and useful findings by (1) a detailed analysis of
      intervention elements that change behaviour (i.e. behaviour change techniques
      (BCTs)) and potential moderators of behaviour change (i.e. other intervention and
      sample characteristics) and (2) assessing and controlling for variability in
      support provided to comparison groups in smoking cessation trials. METHODS: A
      systematic review will be conducted of randomized controlled trials of behaviour
      change interventions for smoking cessation in adults (with or without
      pharmacological support), with a minimum follow-up of 6 months, published after
      1995. Eligible articles will be identified through the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction
      Group Specialized Register. Study authors will be asked for detailed descriptions
      of smoking cessation support provided to intervention and comparison groups. All
      data will be independently coded by two researchers. The BCT taxonomy v1
      (tailored to smoking cessation interventions) and template for intervention
      description and replication criteria will be used to code intervention
      characteristics. Data collection will further include sample and trial
      characteristics and outcome data (smoking cessation rates). Multilevel mixed
      effects meta-regression models will be used to examine which BCTs and/or BCT
      clusters delivered to intervention and comparison groups explain smoking
      cessation rates in treatment arms (and effect sizes) and what key moderators of
      behaviour change are. Predicted effect sizes of each intervention will be
      computed assuming all interventions are compared against comparison groups
      receiving the same levels of behavioural support (i.e. low, medium, and high
      levels). Multi-disciplinary advisory board members (policymakers, health care
      providers, and (ex-)smokers) will provide strategic input throughout the project
      to ensure the review's applicability to policy and practice. DISCUSSION: By
      capturing BCTs in intervention and comparison groups, this systematic review will
      provide more accurate estimates of the effectiveness of smoking cessation
      interventions, the most promising BCTs and/or BCT clusters associated with
      smoking cessation rates in intervention and comparison arms, and important
      moderators of behaviour change. The results could set new standards for
      conducting meta-analyses of behaviour change interventions and improve research,
      service delivery, and training in the area of smoking cessation. SYSTEMATIC
      REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42015025251.

PMID- 27146041
TI  - Survey of alcohol-related cirrhosis at a tertiary care center in North East
      India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol use is increasing in North East India and is important to
      estimate the influence of these changes in the epidemiology of alcohol related
      cirrhosis. METHODS: Among 1000 consecutive patients of cirrhosis, diagnosed by a
      combination of clinical, radiological and/or histopathological features, etiology
      was established by history of significant alcohol abuse, determining viral and
      autoimmune markers and by metabolic screening. Patients not confirmed to be
      cirrhotic were excluded from the study. All cases were studied to determine
      clinical features, complications, disease prognosis, and mortality. Alcoholic
      cirrhotics were then compared with nonalcohol etiology. RESULTS: 72.2 % alcoholic
      cirrhosis were compared with 27.8 % patients of nonalcohol etiology and alcoholic
      cirrhotics were younger (45 + 9.4 years vs. 47.9 + 12.5 years), predominantly
      males (M/F ratio 37:1 vs. 1.8:1) with significantly high incidence of jaundice
      (38.5 % vs. 30.5 %), night blindness (14.4 % vs. 3.6 %), ascites (76.3 % vs. 69.1
      %), upper gastrointestinal bleed (46.4 % vs. 34.5 %), and hepatic encephalopathy
      (24.1 % vs. 10.4 %). Biochemical parameters that were significantly higher in
      alcoholics were mean bilirubin (4.7 + 8.7 vs. 3.1 + 4.7 mg/dL), AST/ALT ratio
      (2.03 vs. 1.4), gamma-glutaryl transaminase levels (209.7 + 37.9 vs. 93.9 + 14
      IU/mL), and serum ammonia (75.1 + 55.7 vs. 52.1 + 45.4 mg/dL). Mean model for end
      stage liver disease, scores, and Child C disease was significantly higher in
      alcoholics (18.6 + 7.7 vs. 15.6 + 6.4) and (54.1 % vs. 37 %), respectively,
      representing advanced disease at presentation. Mortality within 1 month was
      significantly higher among alcoholic cirrhosis (9.8 % vs. 3.2 %). CONCLUSION:
      Thus, alcoholic cirrhosis is of major concern in North East India as majority
      patients are in most productive age group and presented with advanced disease.
      Short-term mortality was high among alcoholic cirrhotics. Proper education and
      legislation are essential to mitigate the consequences of this disease.

PMID- 27146040
TI  - Scoring system to preoperatively predict choledocholithiasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of common bile duct (CBD) calculi has been reported to
      be 8 % to 20 % among the patients with cholelithiasis. Failure to detect CBD
      stones on the part of the surgeon not only fails to relieve symptoms but also
      subjects them to potentially life-threatening complications such as cholangitis,
      pancreatitis or obstructive jaundice. Modalities for detection of CBD stones have
      evolved over time from CBD exploration based on clinical and operative findings
      to intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), to endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) and, recently, to magnetic resonance
      cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). We felt a
      need for a scoring system to predict a patient population having a higher risk of
      choledocholithiasis so that these modern interventions can be selectively
      utilized. SETTING: This study was performed in a tertiary care medical college
      hospital in a metropolitan city. DESIGN: This is a prospective observational
      study. METHODS: All patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis admitted to the
      hospital were included. Patients were diagnosed as having choledocholithiasis
      either by ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography scan, MRCP, EUS or ERCP and
      were followed up for at least 6 weeks. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      choledocholithiasis among the 275 patients with symptomatic biliary colic in our
      study was 18.9 % (n = 77). On bivariate analysis, dilated bile duct on USG (>6
      mm), raised total bilirubin, raised alkaline phosphatase (ALP), raised amylase,
      raised SGPT and SGOT were significantly associated with choledocholithiasis (p <
      0.05). On multivariate analysis also, all these factors except amylase and SGPT
      showed a significant correlation with choledocholithiasis (p < 0.05). These
      observations were used to build a scoring system consisting of four factors:
      dilated bile duct on USG (>6 mm), total bilirubin >2 mg/dL, ALP >190 IU/L and
      SGOT >40 IU/L. CONCLUSION: A positive predictive value of 3 or more factors was
      over 95 %, necessitating an endoscopic intervention. A negative predictive value
      of the absence of any factor was 100 %, which ruled out CBD calculi. If only one
      or two factors are positive, then further evaluation is recommended preferably
      using non-minimal or minimal invasive investigations like EUS or MRCP.

PMID- 27146042
TI  - Management of Locally Advanced Carcinoma Oesophagus with
      Radiation/Chemoradiation: Single Institute Experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: Oesophageal malignancy is the fourth commonest cancer which has a very
      poor outcome. In the management of oesophageal malignancy, radiation therapy is
      underutilized by many physicians due to feared complications though its role is
      well proven in literature. This study brings the role of radiation therapy in
      terms of loco-regional and distant relapse. This study characterizes demographic
      characteristics, treatment modality and the impact of these on recurrence-free
      survival of locally advanced carcinoma oesophagus. METHOD: In a retrospective
      analysis over a period of 24 months, 28 patients diagnosed to have locally
      advanced oesophageal malignancy were included. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was
      carried out in 4 patients and concurrent chemoradiotherapy in 18 patients. Among
      the 28 patients, 7 patients who were operable and fit underwent surgery 6-8 weeks
      after completion of the planned neoadjuvant therapy. All patients received
      concurrent chemoradiation for a period of 5 weeks with platinum and/or taxane
      based chemotherapy. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 12 months, loco-regional
      recurrence and distant relapse were substantially less with 14 and 10 %,
      respectively. The Kaplan-Meier recurrence-free survival was 60 % at 24 months.
      All patients who had surgery as a part of the multimodality management were
      disease free at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: In locally advanced oesophageal
      malignancy, radiation therapy plays an important role in downsizing the tumour
      for operability or can also be utilized as the sole modality of management.

PMID- 27146043
TI  - Fibrosis and Mast Cells in Colorectal Lesions: Significance in Adenoma-Colorectal
      Cancer Sequence and Association with Diet.
AB  - PURPOSE: Adenoma is the most common benign neoplasm with potential to progress
      into colorectal cancer (CRC), a disease responsible for high rates of mortality.
      However, it is not possible yet to establish which lesions will evolve into CRC.
      We aimed to investigate the intrinsic factors, diet profile, and microenvironment
      as factors involved in adenoma-CRC progression. METHODS: We evaluated nutritional
      profile and microscopic features. Adenomas and CRC lesions were stained with
      Mallory's trichrome to reveal fibrosis and Alcian blue to identify mast cells.
      RESULTS: A total of 143 patients was selected, 66 % diagnosed with normal mucosa,
      28.4 % with benign lesion, and 5.6 % with CRC. A higher frequency of lesions was
      associated with patients older than 50 years (26.57 %) and women (18.18 %), but
      men were more likely to develop CRC. Regarding microscopic aspects, epithelium
      connective tissue interface with disorganization feature was significantly higher
      in CRC when compared to adenoma (P = 0.0007). A greater fibrosis around vessels
      was also observed in CRC (P = 0.01). The statistical analysis indicated a
      significant correlation between mast cell population and patients older than 50
      years (P < 0.01), male (P < 0.01), with right colon lesion (P < 0.05) and CRC.
      Low consumption of leafy greens (P < 0.001) and carotenoids (P < 0.01) and
      elevated consumption of red meat (P < 0.001) were associated with a high density
      of mast cells. CONCLUSIONS: An association between clinical, diet profile, and
      microscopic features in colorectal lesions was observed, with a progressive
      change in the microenvironment during adenoma-CRC sequence.

PMID- 27146044
TI  - A history of childhood trauma is associated with slower improvement rates:
      Findings from a one-year follow-up study of patients with a first-episode
      psychosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether childhood trauma was
      associated with more severe clinical features in patients with first-episode
      psychosis, both at the initial assessment and after one year. METHODS: Ninety-six
      patients with a first-episode of a DSM-IV diagnosis of psychosis, in addition to
      264 healthy controls from the same catchment area, were recruited to the TOP
      NORMENT study. A history of childhood trauma was obtained using the Childhood
      Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Function and symptom severity were measured using the
      Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale divided into function (GAF-F) and
      symptoms (GAF-S), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Young
      Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). All clinical assessments were completed at two time
      points: At an initial assessment within the first year of initiating treatment
      for psychosis and after one year. RESULTS: Childhood trauma was associated with
      significantly reduced global functioning and more severe clinical symptoms at
      both baseline and follow-up, whereas emotional neglect was associated with a
      significantly reduced improvement rate for global functioning (GAF-F) over the
      follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that patients with first-episode
      psychosis who report a history of childhood trauma constitute a subgroup
      characterized by more severe clinical features over the first year of treatment,
      as well as slower improvement rates.

PMID- 27146046
TI  - Paper-based archiving of biological samples from fish for detecting
      betanodavirus.
AB  - This study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of the Flinders Technology
      Associates (FTA((r))) card (Whatman((r))) as a sampling device and storage
      platform for RNA from betanodavirus-infected biological samples (viz., larvae,
      broodstock, cell culture supernatants and rearing seawater spiked with infected
      materials). The study showed that FTA cards can be used to detect betanodaviruses
      by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The diagnostic
      efficiency of RT-PCR from all sample types on FTA cards decreased after 21 days
      of storage at 4  degrees C, although the virus could be detected up to 28 days by
      nested RT-PCR. The FTA card protocol thus provides a supplementary method for
      quick and easy collection of samples, preservation of RNA on a dry storage basis,
      and detection of betanodavirus-infected fish. 

PMID- 27146045
TI  - A Return to Linnaeus's Focus on Diagnosis, Not Description: The Use of DNA
      Characters in the Formal Naming of Species.
AB  - Descriptions and diagnoses are alternative choices in all Codes of Nomenclature
      because Linnaeus relied on diagnoses, not descriptions, to name ca. 13,400
      animals, plants, and fungi. A diagnosis names characters in which a new taxon
      differs from the most similar known taxon; a description mixes taxonomically
      informative and uninformative features, usually without indicating which is
      which. The first formal diagnoses of new taxa that included DNA-based characters
      came out in 2001, and by November 2015, at least 98 names of species of acoels,
      lichens, angiosperms, annelids, alveolates, arachnids, centipedes, turtles,
      fishes, butterflies, mollusks, nematodes, and pathogenic fungi have been
      published based on diagnostic mitochondrial, plastid, or nuclear DNA
      substitutions, indels, or rarely genetic distances, with or without additional
      morphological features. Authors have found diverse ways to specify the diagnostic
      traits (all published studies are here tabulated). While descriptions try to
      "cover" within-species variation, a goal rarely accomplished because of (i) the
      stochastic nature of specimen availability (thousands of species are known from
      single collections) and (ii) the subjective circumscription of species, the
      purpose of diagnoses was and is speedy identification. Linnaeus tried to achieve
      this by citing images, geographic occurrence, and previous literature. The
      renewed attention to sharp diagnosis now coincides with worldwide barcoding
      efforts, may speed up formal naming, and matches the increasing reliance on DNA
      for both classification and identification. I argue for DNA-based diagnoses of
      new species becoming a recommendation in all Codes, not just the bacterial code.
      [Codes of Nomenclature; description; diagnosis; DNA-based diagnosis; naming new
      species; nomenclature.

PMID- 27146047
TI  - Laudatio.

PMID- 27146048
TI  - A Preliminary Study of How the Viscosity of Dietary Fluids and Videofluoroscopy
      Fluids can be Matched.
AB  - This study examined the method by which the viscosity of mealtime and
      videofluoroscopy fluid can be matched through adjustment of the amount of xanthan
      gum-based thickener added to them. Viscosity measurement was made with a cone
      plate viscometer. Samples were tested at 5, 25, 45, and 65 +/- 0.1  degrees C and
      shear rates of 5-200 s(-1). We found that the adjusted amount of thickener
      differs depending on the shear rate and temperature, and that the amount of
      thickener added to samples without barium sulfate should be increased by 26.8
      37.5 % as compared to samples with barium sulfate at a shear rate of 50 s(-1) and
      temperature of 25  degrees C. Further research is needed in terms of the shear
      rate and temperature during swallowing.

PMID- 27146049
TI  - Haoqin Qingdan Decoction () and ribavirin therapy downregulate CD14 and toll-like
      receptor 4 in febrile disease with dampness-heat syndrome in a mouse model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of Chinese medicine Haoqin Qingdan Decoction (,
      HQD) for febrile disease dampness-heat syndrome (FDDHS). METHODS: Forty mice were
      divided into four groups, including normal control, FDDHS (induced by Radix et
      Rhizoma Rhei recipe and influenza virus A1 FM1 model), HQD, and the ribavirin
      groups (10 in each). The normal control and FDDHS groups were administered normal
      saline. HQD and the ribavirin groups were administered HQD and ribavirin
      intragastrically once daily at a dose of 64 g/(kg d) and 0.07 g/(kg d),
      respectively for 7 days. Lethargy, rough hair, diarrhea, tongue color and sole
      color were evaluated for pathological changes in morphology. The tongue and lung
      tissues were collected for histology. The CD14 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)
      expression levels were measured using real-time quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction. RESULTS: More than 80% of the FDDHS mice showed hypokinesia and
      lethargy, and pathological changes associated with rough hair, diarrhea, tongue
      color and sole color. With advanced treatment for 7 days, the thick greasy tongue
      fur of the HQD and ribavirin groups were thinner than that of the FDDHS group
      (P<0.05), and it was the thinnest in the ribavirin group as compared with that in
      other groups (P<0.05). The CD14 and TLR4 expression levels in the lung tissues of
      HQD and ribavirin groups significantly delined compared with the model group
      (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CD14 was down-regulated more remarkably in the HQD group
      compared with the ribavirin group (P<0.05), whereas the converse was true with
      TLR4 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We established a FDDHS mouse model showing systemic
      clinical symptoms. Both HQD and ribavirin can inhibit the expression of CD14 and
      TLR4 in FDDHS mice, while the effect of ribavirin might be much more violent. The
      expression changes of CD14 and TLR4 consistently refers to lipopolysaccharide,
      the commonly and hotly inducing factor in FDDHS.

PMID- 27146050
TI  - Sense of Coherence (SOC) in Christian Orthodox Monks and Nuns in Greece.
AB  - This paper aims to investigate the stress management skills of Christian Orthodox
      monks and nuns, as measured by Antonovsky's scale sense of coherence (SOC). A
      case-control study was designed to test the hypotheses whether monks and nuns
      have higher SOC than secular people. The study population consisted of 193
      individuals, 96 monks and nuns (study group) and 97 secular men and women
      (control group). SOC score was higher in monks and nuns as compared to the
      secular population (p = 0.002), men as compared to women (p = 0.012) and persons
      of older age (p = 0.004) as compared to younger individuals.

PMID- 27146051
TI  - Spirometric Lung Age Predicts Postoperative Pneumonia After Esophagectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite advances in treatment, postoperative pneumonia remains a
      major problem after esophagectomy. Lung age has been proposed as a comprehensive
      indicator for respiratory function. The aim of this study is to reveal the
      efficacy of lung age in predicting occurrence of pneumonia after esophagectomy.
      METHODS: We assessed 342 consecutive patients who underwent subtotal
      esophagectomy for primary esophageal cancer from 2011 to 2014. Lung age was
      calculated from the preoperative spirometric test using the methods advocated by
      the Japanese Respiratory Society. We investigated factors predicting the
      occurrence of postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy. RESULTS: The incidence
      of postoperative pneumonia was 28.9 %. According to the Clavien-Dindo
      classification, grade II and grade III-V pneumonia were observed in 21.3 and 7.6
      % patients, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis for the
      factors predicting the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia, higher lung age (p
      = 0.010) and lower body mass index (p = 0.006) were independent factors. Patients
      with grade III-V pneumonia tended to have higher lung age than those with grade
      II pneumonia (p = 0.084). In addition, lung age was significantly higher in
      patients who experienced pneumonia within postoperative days 7 than those who
      experienced pneumonia after postoperative days 7 (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION:
      Spirometric lung age was associated with occurrence, severity, and time of onset
      of postoperative pneumonia after esophagectomy. This simple parameter deserves a
      greater consideration as a predictor of postoperative pneumonia after
      esophagectomy and can support both surgeons and patients in understanding the
      status of respiratory function.

PMID- 27146052
TI  - Surviving Sepsis in the Intensive Care Unit: The Challenge of Antimicrobial
      Resistance and the Trauma Patient.
AB  - Sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU) presents a great challenge to any
      critical care clinician. Patients admitted to the ICU are especially vulnerable
      to sepsis due to the nature of the underlying pathology that warranted admission
      to the ICU and deranged physiological function coupled with invasive procedures.
      Nosocomial infections are common in patients admitted to the ICU, and with these
      infections come the burden of multidrug-resistant organisms. Antimicrobial
      resistance (AMR) is now a global emergency that warrants the attention of every
      health-care professional. AMR has escalated to epic proportions and solutions to
      this problem are now a matter of "life and death." The ICU also represents the
      "breeding ground" of antibiotic-resistant organisms due to the high broad
      spectrum antibiotic consumption. Many would argue that broad-spectrum
      antimicrobials are overprescribed in this patient population, but do all patients
      admitted to the ICU warrant such therapy? Is there evidence that narrower
      spectrum antimicrobial agents can be employed in specific ICU populations coupled
      with surveillance strategies? The aims of this review are to focus on strategies
      with the aim of optimizing antimicrobial use within ICUs, and to highlight the
      importance of differentiating ICU populations with regard to the use of
      antimicrobial agents.

PMID- 27146053
TI  - Incisional Hernia Rates After Laparoscopic or Open Abdominal Surgery-A Systematic
      Review and Meta-Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Incisional hernias are one of the most common long-term complications
      associated with open abdominal surgery. The aim of this review and meta-analysis
      was to systematically assess laparoscopic versus open abdominal surgery as a
      general surgical strategy in all available indications in terms of incisional
      hernia occurrence. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to
      identify randomized controlled trials comparing incisional hernia rates after
      laparoscopic versus open abdominal surgery in all indications. Random effects
      meta-analyses were calculated and presented as risk differences (RD) with their
      corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: 24 trials (3490 patients)
      were included. Incisional hernias were significantly reduced in the laparoscopic
      group (RD -0.06, 95 % CI [-0.09, -0.03], p = 0.0002, I (2) = 75). The advantage
      of the laparoscopic procedure persisted in the subgroup of total-laparoscopic
      interventions (RD -0.14, 95 % CI [-0.22, -0.06], p = 0.001, I (2) = 87 %),
      whereas laparoscopically assisted procedures did not show a significant reduction
      of incisional hernias compared to open surgery (RD -0.01, 95 % CI [-0.03, 0.01],
      p = 0.31, I (2) = 35 %). Wound infections were significantly reduced in the
      laparoscopic group (RD -0.06, 95 % CI [-0.09, -0.03], p < 0.0001, I (2) = 35 %);
      overall postoperative morbidity was comparable in both groups (RD -0.06, 95 % CI
      [-0.13, 0.00], p = 0.06; I (2) = 64 %). Open abdominal surgery showed a
      significantly longer hospital stay compared to laparoscopy (RD -1.92, 95 % CI [
      2.67, -1.17], p < 0.00001, I (2) = 87 %). At short-term follow-up, quality of
      life was in favor of laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Incisional hernias are less
      frequent using the total-laparoscopic approach instead of open abdominal surgery.
      Whenever possible, the less traumatic access should be chosen.

PMID- 27146055
TI  - Biofilms of vaginal Lactobacillus reuteri CRL 1324 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus
      CRL 1332: kinetics of formation and matrix characterization.
AB  - Adhesion and biofilm formation are strain properties that reportedly contribute
      to the permanence of lactobacilli in the human vagina. The kinetics of biofilm
      formation and the chemical nature of the biofilm matrix formed by Lactobacillus
      reuteri CRL (Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos Culture Collection) 1324 and
      Lactobacillus rhamnosus CRL 1332, vaginal beneficial strains, were evaluated in
      this work. Crystal violet-stained microplate assay and techniques of
      epifluorescence, electron and confocal microscopy were applied. The highest
      density and complexity of biofilms of both vaginal lactobacilli were observed at
      72 h of incubation. Protease, proteinase K, alpha-chymotrypsin and trypsin
      treatments efficiently detached L. reuteri CRL 1324 biofilm that was also
      partially affected by alpha-amylase. However, L. rhamnosus CRL 1332 biofilm was
      slightly affected by protease, proteinase K and alpha-amylase. Confocal
      microscopy revealed greater amount of polysaccharides in L. rhamnosus CRL 1332
      biofilm matrix than in L. reuteri CRL 1324 biofilm matrix. The results indicate
      that proteins are one of the main components of the L. reuteri CRL 1324 biofilm,
      while the biofilm matrix of L. rhamnosus CRL 1332 is composed of carbohydrates
      and proteins. The results obtained support the knowledge, understanding and
      characterization of two biofilm-forming vaginal Lactobacillus strains. 

PMID- 27146054
TI  - Trocar Injuries in Laparoscopy: Techniques, Tools, and Means for Prevention. A
      Systematic Review of the Literature.
AB  - Trocar injuries are a possible cause for severe morbidity and mortality when
      performing laparoscopic surgery. This systematic review investigates the
      differences in the incidence of complications depending on the method of entry. A
      meta-analysis of the medical literature was performed. Search results were
      limited to clinical trials and the following languages: English, French, German,
      or Dutch. All results that compared the Veress, Hasson, and direct entry
      technique or compared sharp, blunt, and radially expanding trocars (RET) were
      included (n = 19). Studies involving pediatric and pregnant patients were
      excluded. When comparing the Veress needle to direct trocar insertion (DTI),
      pooled analysis showed a borderline significant reduction for major complications
      (p = 0.04) based on five events in 2 RCT's (n = 978) and a reduction in minor
      complications (p < 0.001) in favor of DTI. RCT's comparing the Hasson and Veress
      techniques showed no significant reduction in major complications (p = 0.17), but
      the Hasson technique showed significantly less minor complications (p = 0.01) and
      failed entries (p = 0.002). CO2 leakage was far more common when using the Hasson
      technique (p < 0.001). Our search method did not reveal any studies comparing the
      Hasson technique to DTI. When comparing bladed to RET, three studies (n = 408)
      showed less minor complications when using a RET (p = 0.003) and a qualitative
      analysis showed a trend toward pain reduction when using RET. This meta-analysis
      concludes that there are less minor complications and failed attempts when using
      the Hasson or direct entry technique when compared to the Veress method, but
      there is limited evidence regarding major complications. RET reduce minor
      vascular complications when compared to bladed trocars.

PMID- 27146056
TI  - Gabapentin Enacarbil: A Review in Restless Legs Syndrome.
AB  - Gabapentin enacarbil is an extended-release prodrug of gabapentin that is
      approved in the USA (Horizant((r))) and Japan (Regnite((r))) for the treatment of
      moderate to severe primary restless legs syndrome (RLS) in adults [featured
      indication]. This article summarizes pharmacological, efficacy and tolerability
      data relevant to the use of oral gabapentin enacarbil in this indication. In
      double-blind, multicentre trials, treatment with gabapentin enacarbil 600 mg/day
      for 12 weeks significantly improved the symptoms of moderate to severe primary
      RLS in adults. Gabapentin enacarbil also significantly improved RLS pain scores
      and generally improved sleep and mood outcomes. These data are supported by
      retrospective pooled analyses of three of these trials (XP081, PIVOT RLS I and
      PIVOT RLS II), with gabapentin enacarbil generally improving symptoms
      irrespective of disease severity, associated sleep disturbance or prior dopamine
      agonist use. Responses to gabapentin enacarbil were sustained in longer-term
      trials, with lower relapse rates in gabapentin enacarbil than placebo recipients
      in a longer-term maintenance study. Overall, in short and longer-term trials,
      relatively few patients discontinued treatment, adverse events were mostly mild
      to moderate in severity, and somnolence/sedation and dizziness were the most
      commonly reported adverse events. Notably, there were no reports of augmentation
      or QT-interval prolongation. Gabapentin enacarbil is an important agent for the
      treatment of adults with moderate to severe primary RLS. 

PMID- 27146057
TI  - Seasonal changes in atmospheric noise levels and the annual variation in pigeon
      homing performance.
AB  - Repeated releases of experienced homing pigeons from single sites were conducted
      between 1972 and 1974 near Cornell University in upstate New York and between
      1982 and 1983 near the University of Pittsburgh in western Pennsylvania, USA. No
      annual variation in homing performance was observed at these sites in eastern
      North America, in contrast to results from a number of similar experiments in
      Europe. Assuming pigeons home using low-frequency infrasonic signals (~0.1-0.3
      Hz), as has been previously proposed, the annual and geographic variability in
      homing performance within the northern hemisphere might be explained, to a first
      order, by seasonal changes in low-frequency atmospheric background noise levels
      related to storm activity in the North Atlantic Ocean, and by acoustic waveguides
      formed between the surface and seasonally reversing stratospheric winds. In
      addition, increased dispersion among departure bearings of test birds on some
      North American release days was possibly caused by infrasonic noise from severe
      weather events during tornado and Atlantic hurricane seasons.

PMID- 27146058
TI  - Absence of cytoglobin promotes multiple organ abnormalities in aged mice.
AB  - Cytoglobin (Cygb) was identified in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and pericytes
      of all organs; however, the effects of Cygb on cellular functions remain unclear.
      Here, we report spontaneous and age-dependent malformations in multiple organs of
      Cygb(-/-) mice. Twenty-six percent of young Cygb(-/-) mice (<1 year old) showed
      heart hypertrophy, cystic disease in the kidney or ovary, loss of balance, liver
      fibrosis and lymphoma. Furthermore, 71.3% (82/115) of aged Cygb(-/-) mice (1-2
      years old) exhibited abnormalities, such as heart hypertrophy and cancer
      development in multiple organs; by contrast, 5.8% (4/68) of aged wild-type (WT)
      mice had abnormalities (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, serum and urine analysis
      demonstrated that the concentration of nitric oxide metabolites increased
      significantly in Cygb(-/-) mice, resulting in an imbalance in the oxidative
      stress and antioxidant defence system that was reversed by N(G)-monomethyl-L
      arginine treatment. A senescent phenotype and evidence of DNA damage were found
      in primary HSCs and the liver of aged Cygb(-/-) mice. Moreover, compared with
      HSC(+/+), HSC(-/-) showed high expression of Il-6 and chemokine mRNA when
      cocultured with mouse Hepa 1-6 cells. Thus, the absence of Cygb in pericytes
      provokes organ abnormalities, possibly via derangement of the nitric oxide and
      antioxidant defence system and through accelerated cellular senescence.

PMID- 27146059
TI  - Silencing of sterol glycosyltransferases modulates the withanolide biosynthesis
      and leads to compromised basal immunity of Withania somnifera.
AB  - Sterol glycosyltransferases (SGTs) catalyse transfer of glycon moiety to sterols
      and their related compounds to produce diverse glyco-conjugates or steryl
      glycosides with different biological and pharmacological activities. Functional
      studies of SGTs from Withania somnifera indicated their role in abiotic stresses
      but details about role under biotic stress are still unknown. Here, we have
      elucidated the function of SGTs by silencing SGTL1, SGTL2 and SGTL4 in Withania
      somnifera. Down-regulation of SGTs by artificial miRNAs led to the enhanced
      accumulation of withanolide A, withaferin A, sitosterol, stigmasterol and
      decreased content of withanoside V in Virus Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) lines.
      This was further correlated with increased expression of WsHMGR, WsDXR, WsFPPS,
      WsCYP710A1, WsSTE1 and WsDWF5 genes, involved in withanolide biosynthesis. These
      variations of withanolide concentrations in silenced lines resulted in pathogen
      susceptibility as compared to control plants. The infection of Alternaria
      alternata causes increased salicylic acid, callose deposition, superoxide
      dismutase and H2O2 in aMIR-VIGS lines. The expression of biotic stress related
      genes, namely, WsPR1, WsDFS, WsSPI and WsPR10 were also enhanced in aMIR-VIGS
      lines in time dependent manner. Taken together, our observations revealed that a
      positive feedback regulation of withanolide biosynthesis occurred by silencing of
      SGTLs which resulted in reduced biotic tolerance.

PMID- 27146060
TI  - Coaching in self-efficacy improves care responses, health and well-being in
      dementia carers: a pre/post-test/follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maintaining the health and well-being of family carers of people with
      dementia is vital, given their potential for experiencing burden associated with
      the role. The study aimed to help dementia carers develop self-efficacy, be less
      hassled by the caring role and improve their health and well-being with goal
      directed behaviour, by participating in an eight module carer coaching program.
      METHODS: The study used mixed methods in a pre/post-test/follow-up design over 24
      months, with assignment of consented dementia carers to either individualised (n
      = 16) or group coaching (n = 32), or usual carer support services (n = 43),
      depending on preference. Care-giving self-efficacy and hassles, carer health,
      well-being and goal-directed behaviours were assessed over time. Analysis of
      Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare changes over time and the effects of
      coaching on carer self-efficacy, hassles and health, using the Univariate General
      Linear Model (GLM). RESULTS: All carers were hassled by many aspects of caring at
      baseline. Participants receiving coaching reported non-significant improvements
      in most areas of self-efficacy for caring, hassles associated with caring and
      self-reported health at post-test and follow-up, than did carers receiving usual
      carer support. Group coaching had greater success in helping carers to achieve
      their goals and to seek help from informal and formal support networks and
      services. CONCLUSION: The study outcomes were generally positive, but need to be
      interpreted cautiously, given some methodological limitations. It has been shown,
      however, that health staff can assist dementia carers to develop self-efficacy in
      better managing their family member's limitations and behaviour, seek help from
      others and attend to their health. Teaching carers to use goal-directed behaviour
      may help them achieve these outcomes.

PMID- 27146061
TI  - Effects of Parent Training on Callous-Unemotional Traits, Effortful Control, and
      Conduct Problems: Mediation by Parenting.
AB  - Callous-unemotional (CU) traits and effortful control (EC) are personality and
      temperament traits implicated in early-onset antisocial trajectories. This
      secondary analysis of Hitkashrut's randomized controlled trial first tested
      parent training's effects on EC and CU traits while controlling for more general
      treatment effects on conduct problems (CP), and subsequently tested mediation by
      parenting. Prekindergarten teachers in three Israeli cities identified 209 3-5
      year-old (163 boys; 46 girls) preschoolers with subclinical-clinical range
      conduct problems. All participants were Jewish ranging from ultra-orthodox to
      secular. They were assigned to 14-session co-parent training groups (n = 140
      couples), or to minimal intervention control groups with referral to local
      services as necessary (n = 69 couples). We employed averaged indices of pre- and
      post-intervention questionnaires completed by both parents. The testing of all
      hypothesized models controlled for treatment effects on CP in order to strengthen
      the robustness of the analyses. We found significant concurrent treatment effects
      on CP and on either CU traits or EC. All effects were mediated by ineffective
      parenting (IP): a latent variable that was indicated by negative/inconsistent
      practices and perceived parenting inefficacy. This is the first demonstration of
      parenting mediated treatment effects on both EC and CU traits in a randomized
      controlled study conducted in everyday practice contexts. This finding supports a
      disruption model of change: the reduction of IP facilitates a caregiving
      environment that affects children's behavior and developing personality. The
      changing of personality and temperament characteristics implicated in early-onset
      pathways suggests an innovative prevention strategy for disruptive behavior
      disorders.

PMID- 27146062
TI  - The Multivariate Roles of Family Instability and Interparental Conflict in
      Predicting Children's Representations of Insecurity in the Family System and
      Early School Adjustment Problems.
AB  - This study examined the moderating role of family instability in relations
      involving destructive interparental conflict, children's internal representations
      of insecurity in the family system, and their early school maladjustment. Two
      hundred forty-three preschool children (M age = 4.60 years; 56 % girls) and their
      families participated in this multi-method (i.e., observations, structured
      interview, surveys) multi-informant (i.e., observer, parent, teacher),
      longitudinal study. Findings indicated that the mediational role of children's
      insecure family representations in the pathway between destructive interparental
      conflict and children's adjustment problems varied significantly depending on the
      level of family instability. Interparental conflict was specifically associated
      with insecure family representations only under conditions of low family
      instability. In supporting the role of family instability as a vulnerable-stable
      risk factor, follow up analyses revealed that children's concerns about security
      in the family were uniformly high under conditions of heightened instability
      regardless of their level of exposure to interparental conflict.

PMID- 27146064
TI  - Sample size calculations for stepped wedge trials using design effects are only
      approximate in some circumstances.
AB  - Estimation of sample size and power for stepped wedge cluster randomised trials
      can be determined by one of a number of related methods. These include exact
      analytical approaches, design effects or simulation. A recent paper compared the
      design effect to the analytical method. There were some differences between the
      two approaches. We show here that these differences occur because the design
      effect approach is only technically correct when there is an equal number of
      clusters crossing over at each step. FINDINGS: The design effect for the stepped
      wedge cluster randomised trial is only appropriate when there is an equal number
      of clusters switching at each step.

PMID- 27146063
TI  - Endoscopy-guided orthotopic implantation of colorectal cancer cells results in
      metastatic colorectal cancer in mice.
AB  - Advanced stage colorectal cancer (CRC) is still associated with limited
      prognosis. For preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches, murine
      models with orthotopic tumor growth and distant metastases are required. However,
      these models usually require surgical procedures possibly influencing tumor
      immunogenicity and development. The aim of this study was to establish a minimal
      invasive endoscopy-based murine orthotopic model of metastatic CRC. During
      colonoscopy of CD-1 nude and non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency
      (NOD/SCID) mice, implantation of Caco-2 and HT-29 CRC cells was performed
      subcutaneously (s.c.) or orthotopic into the colonic submucosa. White light
      endoscopy (WLE) and fluorescence endoscopy (FE) were applied for tumor detection
      in vivo. Ex vivo, resected tumors were examined by fluorescence reflectance
      imaging (FRI), histology, gelatin zymography and immunohistochemistry. In CD-1
      nude mice, marked tumor growth was observed within 14 days after subcutaneous
      implantation while submucosal implantation failed to induce CRC after 17 weeks.
      In contrast, in NOD/SCID mice submucosal injection of HT-29 cells resulted in
      pronounced tumor growth 12 days post injectionem. Subsequently, rapid tumor
      expansion occurred, occupying the entire colonic circumference. Importantly, post
      mortem histological analyses confirmed liver metastases in 28.6 % and peritoneal
      metastases in 14.3 % of all mice. FRI and gelatin zymography did not detect a
      significantly increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression in s.c.
      implanted tumors while MMP-tracer uptake was significantly enhanced in orthotopic
      implanted tumors. Neither s.c. nor orthotopic Caco-2 cell implantation resulted
      in tumor development. We successfully established an endoscopy-based model of
      metastatic CRC in immunodeficient mice.

PMID- 27146065
TI  - Clinical evaluation of (18)F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT
      using point spread function reconstruction for nodal staging of colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: For patients with colorectal cancer, lymph node metastasis is a very
      important factor for prognostic and treatment determinations. Fluorine-18
      fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT ((18)F-FDG-PET/CT) is among the
      useful tools for detecting lymph node metastasis. Recently, a new (18)F-FDG
      PET/CT reconstruction technique for improving spatial resolution and signal-to
      noise ratios, point spread function (PSF), has become available. We assessed the
      effect of PSF reconstruction on standardized uptake values and its diagnostic
      accuracy for lymph node staging in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analysed records from patients with colorectal cancer who
      underwent (18)F-FDG-PET/CT for pre-operative staging. All positron emission
      tomography CT (PET/CT) examinations were reconstructed using ordered subset
      expectation maximization (OSEM) and OSEM + PSF. We compared sensitivities,
      specificities, positive-predictive values (PPVs), negative-predictive values
      (NPVs) and accuracies of conventional PET/CT (reconstructed with OSEM) and PSF
      PET/CT (reconstructed with OSEM + PSF) for identifying lymph node metastases. We
      also analysed the diagnostic confidence level on a 5-point scale. RESULTS: With
      conventional PET/CT, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were
      53.1%, 99.1%, 94.4%, 88.3% and 89.1%, respectively. With PSF PET/CT, the
      corresponding values were 65.6%, 99.1%, 95.4%, 91.2% and 91.8%, respectively.
      Conventional PET/CT and PSF PET/CT did not differ significantly in terms of N
      stage definition (p = 0.125). However, the diagnostic confidence level of PSF
      PET/CT was significantly higher than that of conventional PET/CT (p < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: PSF reconstruction might slightly increase sensitivity without
      impairing specificity. Moreover, this technique is expected to facilitate more
      confident radiological decisions when compared with conventional PET/CT. Advance
      in knowledge: This study demonstrates the clinical effectiveness of PSF PET/CT
      for lymph node staging in colorectal cancer.

PMID- 27146066
TI  - Multidetector CT imaging features of invasive renal parenchyma urothelial
      carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the multidetector CT imaging features of invasive
      renal parenchyma urothelial carcinoma (IRPUC). METHODS: 29 patients with IRPUC
      were retrospectively evaluated. Tumour location, density, cystic or solid
      appearance, calcification, capsule sign, enhancement pattern and metastases were
      assessed. RESULTS: IRPUC involved the right kidney in 82.7% of patients.
      Medullary involvement was observed in 93.1% of patients. In 89.6% of patients,
      the reniform contour of the kidney was preserved. Tumours showed an infiltrative
      appearance (100%) with a poorly defined margin (100%), but an expansile component
      was also present (20.7%). Linear calcification was present (20.7%). Evidence of
      intra-abdominal metastatic disease (in 37.9% of cases) and regional
      lymphadenopathy (in 27.5% of cases) was present. Tumour attenuation was less or
      equal compared with the renal cortex or medulla on unenhanced CT (p-value> 0.05),
      after i.v. contrast administration; 100% were of homogeneous low attenuation
      compared with the normal renal cortex and medulla (p-value< 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      IRPUC tends to be more prevalent in the right kidney, poorly defined margin,
      medullary involvement, with homogeneous enhancement less than the cortex and
      medulla in all phases. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: IRPUC was more prevalent in the
      right kidney. IRPUC enhancement was less than that of the cortex and medulla on
      all phases. IRPUC showed poorly defined margin with medullary involvement and
      preserved reniform contour.

PMID- 27146067
TI  - (18)F-FDG PET/CT imaging in rectal cancer: relationship with the RAS mutational
      status.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Treating metastatic colorectal cancer with anti-EGFR monoclonal
      antibodies is recommended only for patients whose tumour does not harbour
      mutations of KRAS or NRAS. The aim of this study was to investigate the biology
      of rectal cancers and specifically to evaluate the relationship between fluorine
      18 fludeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) intensity and
      heterogeneity parameters and their mutational status. METHODS: 151 patients with
      newly diagnosed rectal cancer were included in this retrospective study. All
      patients underwent a baseline (18)F-FDG PET/CT within a median time interval of
      27 days of tumour tissue sampling, which was performed before any treatment.
      Standardized uptake values (SUVs), volume-based parameters and texture analysis
      were studied. We retrospectively performed KRAS genotyping on codons 12, 13, 61,
      117 and 146, NRAS genotyping on codons 12, 13 and 61 and BRAF on codon 600.
      Associations between PET/CT parameters and the mutational status were assessed
      using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 83 (55%) patients had an RAS
      mutation: 74 KRAS and 9 NRAS, while 68 patients had no mutation (wild-type
      tumours). No patient had BRAF mutation. First-order features based on intensity
      histogram analysis were significantly associated with RAS mutations: maximum SUV
      (SUVmax) (p-value = 0.002), mean SUV (p-value = 0.006), skewness (p-value =
      0.049), SUV standard deviation (p-value = 0.001) and SUV coefficient of variation
      (SUVcov) (p-value = 0.001). Both SUVcov and SUVmax showed an area under the curve
      of 0.65 with sensitivity of 56% and 69%, respectively, and specificity of 64% and
      52%, respectively. None of the volume-based (metabolic tumour volume and total
      lesion glycolysis), nor local or regional textural features were associated with
      the presence of RAS mutations. CONCLUSION: Although rectal cancers with KRAS or
      NRAS mutations display a significantly higher glucose metabolism than wild-type
      cancers, the accuracy of the currently proposed quantitative metrics extracted
      from (18)F-FDG PET/CT is not sufficiently high for playing a meaningful clinical
      role. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: RAS-mutated rectal cancers have a significantly
      higher glucose metabolism. However, the accuracy of (18)F-FDG PET/CT quantitative
      metrics is not as such as the technique could play a clinical role.

PMID- 27146068
TI  - Increased efficacy of regularly repeated cycles with OnabotulinumtoxinA in MOH
      patients beyond the first year of treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic migraine is one of the most common diseases in the world and
      it is often associated with medication overuse that can worsen the headache
      itself. Thus, it is important to adopt effective therapies to relieve pain and
      improve patients' quality of life. The PREEMT studies have already demonstrated
      the effectiveness of OnabotulinumtoxinA in the treatment of chronic migraine.
      With this in mind, the aim of this real life observation has been to assess the
      clinical improvements as well as the impact on the quality of life of patients
      being regularly (every three months) administered this therapy. METHODS: Data
      from 66 chronic-migraineurs treated with OnabotulinumtoxinA after failing
      previous therapies were collected. Only 57 of them were analysed since 9
      discontinued the therapy due to administrative reasons. For every patient
      enrolled, headache frequency, analgesic consumption, pain severity, headache
      related disability, health-related quality of life as well as anxiety and
      depression symptoms were collected through the Headache Index (HI), analgesic
      consumption rate in one day (AC), VAS score, Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) and the
      Short Form (36) Health Survey questionnaire Version 2 (SF-36(r)), Zung Self
      Rating Anxiety Scale (ZUNG-A) and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZUNG-D),
      respectively. All the changes vs baseline (Tx vs T0) were expressed as mean +/-
      SD and analysed with a one-way ANOVA plus non-parametric Wilcoxon test, that was
      used for paired data for each subject. RESULTS: As the number of injection
      increased, those patients injected regularly observed a statistically significant
      reduction in the headache frequency, pain intensity, headache disability score
      and an overall marked improvement in patients' quality of life. There was also a
      significant reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms as for the ZUNG-A and
      ZUNG-D scales scores. At any time point, those patients who stopped the therapy
      worsened their overall conditions as confirmed by quality of life parameters.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study outpoints that OnabotulinumtoxinA treatment is an
      effective treatment to reduce the headache-related disability and improve
      patients' quality of life when patients are treated regularly every three months
      and consistently overtime. Therapy discontinuation leads to a general worsening
      of health-related quality of life. Long term treatment over one year confirms a
      consistently positive and sustained trend of improvement with a high safety
      profile.

PMID- 27146069
TI  - Frequency, causes and human impact of motor vehicle-related road traffic accident
      (RTA) in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Road traffic accident (RTA)-related trauma remains a public health
      issue. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, causes and human
      impact of motor vehicle-related RTA in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
      METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the first semester
      of the year 2015 in which 288 drivers (144 RTA-causing drivers and 144 control
      drivers who have been declared not guilty by road safety agents) involved in 144
      motor vehicle-related RTA were interviewed, and only data on all RTA involving
      two motor vehicles with at least four wheels were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS:
      Results showed a total of 144 RTA that involved two motor vehicles with four
      wheels occurring during the study period which affected 104 people, including 93
      injury and 11 fatality cases. The mean age of RTA-causing drivers was 33.8 +/-
      7.4, whereas it was 35 +/- 8.8 for control drivers. The majority of RTA-causing
      drivers (53.4 %) did not attend a driving school. Over speeding (32 %),
      distracted driving (22 %), overtaking (16 %) and careless driving/risky maneuver
      (15 %) and driving under the influence of alcohol (9 %) were the main causes of
      RTA occurrence. In addition, the absence of a valid driving license [aOR = 12.74
      (+/-2.71); 95 % CI 3.877-41.916; p = 0.015], unfastened seat belt for the RTA
      causing driver [aOR = 1.85 (+/-0.62); 95 % CI 1.306-6.661; p = 0.048] and
      presence of damages on RTA-causing vehicle [aOR = 33.56 (24.01); 95 % CI 1.429
      78.352; p = 0.029] were associated with the occurrence of RTA-related fatality.
      CONCLUSION: This study showed a relatively high frequency of RTA occurring in
      Lubumbashi and suggests the necessity to reinforce road traffic regulation.

PMID- 27146070
TI  - Comparison of health-related quality of life between type 2 diabetic patients
      with and without locomotive syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare health-related quality of life
      (HRQOL) between type 2 diabetic patients with and without locomotive syndrome,
      which is a risk for becoming bedridden because of deteriorating locomotive
      organs. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 135 patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (69.2 +/- 10.2 years) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. HRQOL
      was evaluated by the Euro-QOL-5 (EQ-5D), and locomotive syndrome was evaluated by
      "loco-check," established the Japanese Orthopedic Association. Clinical data,
      such as anthropometric parameters, blood and urine examination results, blood
      pressure (BP), drug usage, and psychological distress, were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Average HbA1c in all patients was 7.2 +/- 1.0 %, and 74 patients (54.8 %) were
      identified as having the locomotive syndrome. EQ-5D scores were significantly
      lower in type 2 diabetic patients with locomotive syndrome than in those without
      locomotive syndrome, even after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI),
      and HbA1c. By the multiple regression analysis, locomotive syndrome and age were
      identified as determinant factors of HRQOL in type 2 diabetic patients.
      CONCLUSION: In type 2 diabetic patients, lower HRQOL was a characteristic feature
      of subjects with locomotive syndrome, even after adjusting for confounding
      factors. Prevention or management of locomotive syndrome may be beneficial for
      improving HRQOL in type 2 diabetic patients.

PMID- 27146071
TI  - Evaluation of P-Wave Dispersion, Diastolic Function, and Atrial Electromechanical
      Conduction in Pediatric Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to evaluate ventricular diastolic dysfunction, inter- and
      intraatrial conduction delay, and P-wave dispersion in pediatric patients with
      subclinical hypothyroidism. METHODS: The study comprised a total of 30 pediatric
      patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) (mean age 7.8 +/- 3.2 years) and 30
      healthy children (mean age 8.4 +/- 3.6 years) as the control group. A SH
      diagnosis was made in the event of increased serum thyroid-stimulating hormone
      (TSH) and decreased serum free triiodothyronine (T3 ) and free thyroxine (T4 )
      concentrations. RESULTS: Conventional Doppler imaging (TDI) showed low mitral
      early diastolic E-wave velocity and E/A ratio (P < 0.001) and significantly
      higher mitral late diastolic A-wave velocity (P = 0.001) in hypothyroidism
      patients. Moreover, patients with hypothyroidism had significantly lower left
      ventricular (LV) septal Em velocity and Em /Am ratios compared with the control
      group (P < 0.001), whereas Am velocity was higher in hypothyroidism patients (P =
      0.018). LV lateral Em velocity and Em /Am ratio were significantly lower in
      patients with hypothyroidism compared with the control group (P < 0.001). With
      regard to atrial electromechanical conduction, atrial electromechanical delay
      (PA) lateral, PA septum, PA tricuspid, and each of interatrial and intraatrial
      conduction delay were significantly prolonged in hypothyroidism patients as
      compared with the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.023, P = 0.002, and
      P = 0.003, respectively). P-wave dispersion was significantly different in the
      pediatric patients with hypothyroidism (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study
      demonstrated atrial electromechanical conduction delay, abnormal P-wave
      dispersion, and ventricle diastolic dysfunction in pediatric patients with
      hypothyroidism.

PMID- 27146072
TI  - Estimates of genetic parameters for chemical traits of meat quality in Japanese
      black cattle.
AB  - Genetic parameters for 54 carcass and chemical traits, such as general
      composition (moisture, crude fat and crude protein), fatty acid composition and
      water-soluble compounds (free amino acids, peptides, nucleotides and sugars) of
      587 commercial Japanese Black cattle were assessed. Heritability estimates for
      carcass traits and general composition ranged between 0.19-0.28, whereas those
      for fatty acid composition ranged between 0.11-0.85. Most heritability estimates
      for water-soluble compounds were lower than 0.30; these traits were affected by
      aging period. Moderate heritability was observed for glutamine, alanine, taurine,
      anserine, inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP), inosine and myo-inositol. In
      particular, heritability estimates were the highest (0.66) for taurine. Traits
      with moderate heritability were unaffected by aging period, with the exception of
      IMP, which was affected by aging period but exhibited moderate heritability
      (0.47). Although phenotypic correlations of water-soluble compounds with carcass
      weight (CW), beef marbling standard (BMS) and monounsaturated fatty acid were
      generally low, genetic correlations between these traits were low to high. At the
      genetic level, most of the water-soluble compounds were positively correlated
      with monounsaturated fatty acid but negatively correlated with CW and BMS. Thus,
      our results indicate that genetic variance and correlations could exist and be
      captured for some of the water-soluble compounds.

PMID- 27146074
TI  - HUWE1 comes to the rescue at stalled replication forks.

PMID- 27146073
TI  - HUWE1 interacts with PCNA to alleviate replication stress.
AB  - Defects in DNA replication, DNA damage response, and DNA repair compromise
      genomic stability and promote cancer development. In particular, unrepaired DNA
      lesions can arrest the progression of the DNA replication machinery during S
      phase, causing replication stress, mutations, and DNA breaks. HUWE1 is a HECT
      type ubiquitin ligase that targets proteins involved in cell fate, survival, and
      differentiation. Here, we report that HUWE1 is essential for genomic stability,
      by promoting replication of damaged DNA We show that HUWE1-knockout cells are
      unable to mitigate replication stress, resulting in replication defects and DNA
      breakage. Importantly, we find that this novel role of HUWE1 requires its
      interaction with the replication factor PCNA, a master regulator of replication
      fork restart, at stalled replication forks. Finally, we provide evidence that
      HUWE1 mono-ubiquitinates H2AX to promote signaling at stalled forks. Altogether,
      our work identifies HUWE1 as a novel regulator of the replication stress
      response.

PMID- 27146076
TI  - Structural and Material Properties of Amyloid Abeta40/42 Fibrils.
AB  - In this study, structural and mechanical properties of a series of models of
      Abeta42 (one- and two-fold) and Abeta40 (two- and three-fold) fibrils have been
      computed by using all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. Based on calculations
      of the twist angle (theta) and periodicity (v=360d/theta), oligomers formed by
      20, 11, and 13 monomers were found to be the smallest realistic models of three
      fold Abeta40 , one-fold Abeta42 , and two-fold Abeta42 fibrils, respectively. Our
      results predict that the Abeta40 fibrils initially exist in two staggered
      conformations [STAG(+2) and STAG(+1)] and then undergo a [STAG(+2)->STAG(+1)]
      transformation in a size-dependent manner. The length of the loop region
      consisting of the residues 23-29 shrinks with the elongation of both Abeta40 and
      Abeta42 fibrils. A comparison of the computed potential energy suggests that a
      two-fold Abeta40 aggregate is more stable than its three-fold counterpart, and
      that Abeta42 oligomers can exist only in one-fold conformation for aggregates of
      more than 11 monomers in length. The computed Young's modulus and yield strengths
      of 50 GPa and 0.95 GPa, respectively, show that these aggregates possess
      excellent material properties. 

PMID- 27146075
TI  - Midlife job profiles and disabilities in later life: a 28-year follow-up of
      municipal employees in Finland.
AB  - PURPOSE: Occupations during adult life may have long-term effects and
      subsequently increase the risk of disability in old age. We investigated the
      associations between job profile groups in midlife and disability in old age for
      women and men. METHODS: This prospective 28-year follow-up study (1981-2009)
      examined 2998 municipal employees (1892 women and 1106 men) aged 44-58 years at
      baseline. A detailed analysis of the demands of 88 occupations based on
      interviews and observations at the work places was made at baseline. Thirteen job
      profile clusters emerged. Questionnaire information on health, lifestyle and
      socio-demographic factors was collected at baseline. In 2009, five Activities of
      Daily Living and seven Instrumental Activities of Daily Living tasks were
      assessed. A sum score of '0-12' was calculated using 12 dichotomous tasks where
      '0' indicates no difficulties in any tasks and '1-12' indicates increasing
      disability. Negative binomial regression was used to calculate rate ratios (RR)
      and their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for disability due to midlife job
      profiles. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, socioeconomic, lifestyle and health
      related characteristics, women in auxiliary (RR 2.1, 95 % CI 1.4-3.2), home care
      (2.1, 1.4-3.2), kitchen supervision (2.0, 1.1-3.6) and office (1.6, 1.1-2.4) job
      profiles had a higher risk of disability in later life than those in
      administrative jobs. Auxiliary (1.5, 1.1-2.9) and technical supervision (1.7, 1.1
      2.7) job profiles carried an increased risk among men. CONCLUSION: Midlife job
      profiles mainly linked with physically heavy work were strong predictors of
      disability in later life. In women, office work also increased the risk of
      disability.

PMID- 27146077
TI  - The application of CT voiding urethrography in the evaluation of urethral
      stricture associated with fistula: a preliminary report.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the clinical utility of CT voiding
      urethrography (2D/3D reformatted CT images and virtual cystourethroscopy) in
      terms of its ability to detect urethral stricture associated with fistula.
      METHODS: In the study period, 80 patients were found to have signs or symptoms of
      urine leakage, as detected by voiding CT scanning. 2D/3D reformatted CT images
      and the virtual cystourethroscopic view were generated by the software.
      Conventional urethrography and traditional cystourethroscopy were also used prior
      to operation. The accuracy of these techniques was compared to the actual
      findings during the operation. RESULTS: For 58 male patients suffering from
      urethral strictures associated with fistulas, the detection rate of the fistulas
      by 2D/3D reformatted CT images was superior to conventional urethrography for
      characterizing the site of the fistula and the length of the urethral stricture
      (P < 0.05). The detection rate of the fistula by 3D virtual cystourethroscopy was
      similar to that by traditional cystourethroscopy (P > 0.05). The duration of the
      examination was shorter for 3D virtual cystourethroscopy than for traditional
      cystourethroscopy (P < 0.05). The same results were observed in 22 cases that
      featured a urethrovaginal fistula. CONCLUSION: CT voiding urethrography is a
      useful technique for the diagnosis of urethral disease, especially in male
      patients suffering from urethral stricture associated with fistula.

PMID- 27146078
TI  - A systematic investigation of acetylene activation and hydracyanation of the
      activated acetylene on Aun (n = 3-10) clusters via density functional theory.
AB  - A systematic investigation of the selective catalytic conversion of poisonous HCN
      gas through hydracyanation of C2H2 activated on Au clusters, presented here for
      the first time, is of paramount importance from both scientific and technological
      perspectives. Hydracyanation of activated acetylene on an Au-cluster based
      catalyst leads to vinyl isocyanide (H2C[double bond, length as m-dash]CHNC)
      formation, a versatile chemical intermediate. Using density functional theory,
      bond activation of acetylene and selective catalytic hydracyanation of activated
      acetylene on small gold clusters Aun (n = 3-10) have been studied through a
      detailed analysis of the geometric and electronic structures. Different possible
      complexes of Aun-CHCH have been studied and two possible modes of adsorption of
      acetylene over the gold clusters, namely, the pi- and di-sigma modes, have been
      observed. The hydracyanation of the acetylene molecule is found to occur via the
      cleavage of one of acetylene triple bonds at the cost of formation of two Au-C
      bonds followed by the binding of HCN to the activated C[double bond, length as m
      dash]C bond via nitrogen's lone pair. Preferential binding sites for HCN and C2H2
      are analyzed through Fukui function calculations, frontier molecular orbital
      analysis and natural population charge distribution analysis. Based on adsorption
      energies, odd-sized Aun clusters are found to be significantly more favorable for
      C2H2 adsorption with the C-C bond stretching up to 1.31 A with respect to the C-C
      triple bond length of 1.21 A in the gas phase. The stretching frequency of
      adsorbed complexes, C2H2/Aun, (3460 cm(-1)), decreases notably relative to the
      frequency of the free acetylene molecule (7948 cm(-1)), which is a signature of
      the bond activation of the acetylene molecule over the Au clusters. The high
      adsorption energy of HCN on the Au9-C2H2 complex implies the considerable binding
      strength and activation of C2H2 and HCN on the Au9 clusters. Due to the
      importance of polymerization/cyclotrimerization of C2H2 in synthetic fiber
      industries, the capability of Au9 clusters to adsorb up to four acetylene
      molecules, (C2H2)n (n = 1-4), on adjacent sites without affecting the
      planarity/structure of Au9 is demonstrated here for the first time. Our findings
      provide valuable guidance for choosing a suitable substrate/support for realizing
      these Aun-catalyzed reactions in practical applications.

PMID- 27146079
TI  - Genomic variation of Epstein-Barr virus in inflammatory pseudotumour-like
      follicular dendritic cell tumour.

PMID- 27146080
TI  - An engineered non-oxidative glycolysis pathway for acetone production in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To find new metabolic engineering strategies to improve the yield of
      acetone in Escherichia coli. RESULTS: Results of flux balance analysis from a
      modified Escherichia coli genome-scale metabolic network suggested that the
      introduction of a non-oxidative glycolysis (NOG) pathway would improve the
      theoretical acetone yield from 1 to 1.5 mol acetone/mol glucose. By inserting the
      fxpk gene encoding phosphoketolase from Bifidobacterium adolescentis into the
      genome, we constructed a NOG pathway in E.coli. The resulting strain produced 47
      mM acetone from glucose under aerobic conditions in shake-flasks. The yield of
      acetone was improved from 0.38 to 0.47 mol acetone/mol glucose which is a
      significant over the parent strain. CONCLUSIONS: Guided by computational analysis
      of metabolic networks, we introduced a NOG pathway into E. coli and increased the
      yield of acetone, which demonstrates the importance of modeling analysis for the
      novel metabolic engineering strategies.

PMID- 27146083
TI  - The co-design of interface sensing and tailoring of ultra-thin film with
      ultrasonic vibration-assisted AFM system.
AB  - Ultra-thin films (e.g., graphene, MoS2, and black phosphorus) have shown amazing
      performance in a variety of applications. The tailoring or machining of these
      ultra-thin films is often the preliminary step to manufacturing them into
      functional devices. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a flexible, high-efficiency
      and low-cost tailoring or machining tool with the advantages of high resolution
      and precision. However, the current AFM-based tailoring methods are often set up
      as an open loop regarding the machined depth and state. Thus, because of a lack
      of real-time feedback, an inappropriate applied force leads to over-cutting or
      under-cutting, which limits the performance of the manufactured devices. In this
      study, we propose a real-time tailoring and sensing method based on an ultrasonic
      vibration-assisted (USV-assisted) AFM system to solve the above problems. With
      the proposed method, the machined depth and state can be sensed in real time by
      detecting the phase value of the vibrating cantilever. To characterize and gain
      insight into the phase responses of the cantilever to the machined depth and
      sample material, a theoretical dynamic model of a cantilever-film vibrating
      system is introduced to model the machining process, and a sensing theory of
      machined depth and state is developed based on a USV-assisted AFM system. The
      experimental results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed
      method, which in turn lay the foundation for a closed-loop tailoring control
      strategy for ultra-thin films. 

PMID- 27146082
TI  - Trichobaris weevils distinguish amongst toxic host plants by sensing volatiles
      that do not affect larval performance.
AB  - Herbivorous insects use plant metabolites to inform their host plant selection
      for oviposition. These host-selection behaviours are often consistent with the
      preference-performance hypothesis; females oviposit on hosts that maximize the
      performance of their offspring. However, the metabolites used for these
      oviposition choices and those responsible for differences in offspring
      performance remain unknown for ecologically relevant interactions. Here, we
      examined the host-selection behaviours of two sympatric weevils, the Datura
      (Trichobaris compacta) and tobacco (T. mucorea) weevils in field and glasshouse
      experiments with transgenic host plants specifically altered in different
      components of their secondary metabolism. Adult females of both species strongly
      preferred to feed on D. wrightii rather than on N. attenuata leaves, but T.
      mucorea preferred to oviposit on N. attenuata, while T. compacta oviposited only
      on D. wrightii. These oviposition behaviours increased offspring performance: T.
      compacta larvae only survived in D. wrightii stems and T. mucorea larvae survived
      better in N. attenuata than in D. wrightii stems. Choice assays with nicotine
      free, JA-impaired, and sesquiterpene-over-produced isogenic N. attenuata plants
      revealed that although half of the T. compacta larvae survived in nicotine-free
      N. attenuata lines, nicotine did not influence the oviposition behaviours of both
      the nicotine-adapted and nicotine-sensitive species. JA-induced sesquiterpene
      volatiles are key compounds influencing T. mucorea females' oviposition choices,
      but these sesquiterpenes had no effect on larval performance. We conclude that
      adult females are able to choose the best host plant for their offspring and use
      chemicals different from those that influence larval performance to inform their
      oviposition decisions.

PMID- 27146081
TI  - Effect of high dietary fat content on heat production and lipid and protein
      deposition in growing immunocastrated male pigs.
AB  - In immunocastrated (IC) pigs, revaccination (V2) increases lipid deposition (LD)
      because of increased voluntary feed intake; but little is known on associated
      effect of diet composition on partitioning of nutrients in IC pigs. Digestibility
      measurements, N and energy balances in respiration chambers were performed in two
      subsequent stages in four replicates of two male littermates to determine the
      changes between 85 (stage 1) and 135 (stage 2) kg live weight due to combined
      effect of IC, growth and increased feed intake (IC/growth). During stage 1, pigs
      received a standard low-fat diet (LF diet; 2.5% dry matter (DM) of fat fed at
      2.27 MJ metabolizable energy (ME)/kg BW0.60 per day), whereas during stage 2,
      feed intake was increased to 2.47 MJ ME/kg BW0.60 per day and one littermate was
      fed LF diet whereas the second received a fat-enriched diet (HF diet; 8.9% DM of
      fat) to determine the effect of increased dietary fat content on energy
      utilization in IC pigs. Results from N balance and measurements of gas exchanges
      were used to calculate respiratory quotient (RQ), heat production (HP), nutrient
      contribution to fat retention, components of HP, protein deposition (PD) and LD.
      Nutrients and energy apparent digestibility coefficients, methane losses and N
      retention (P<0.05) increased with IC/growth. Despite higher ME intake, total HP
      remained similar (1365 kJ/kg of BW0.60 per day; P=0.47) with IC/growth.
      Consequently, total retained energy (RE) increased with IC/growth (from 916 to
      1078 kJ/kg of BW0.60 per day; P<0.01) with a higher fat retention (625 to 807
      kJ/kg BW0.60 per day; P<0.01), originating mainly from carbohydrates associated
      with a higher lipogenesis (536 to 746 kJ/kg BW0.60 per day; P<0.01) and RQ (1.095
      to 1.145; P<0.01). Both PD (from 178 to 217 g/day; P=0.02) and LD (from 227 to
      384 g/day; P<0.01) increased due to IC/growth. Feeding HF diet after IC was
      associated with increased crude fat digestibility (P<0.01) and increased RE as
      fat (807 to 914 kJ/kg BW0.60 per day; P=0.03), originating mainly from dietary
      fat (P<0.01) and resulting in increased LD (384 to 435 g/day; P<0.01) and lower
      RQ (from 1.145 to 1.073; P<0.01). Altogether, present results indicate that
      increased fatness of IC pigs is a result of increased daily LD caused by higher
      energy intake and lower basal metabolic rate. In addition, LD is further enhanced
      by dietary energy enrichment with fat after V2.

PMID- 27146084
TI  - Sex Differences in mRNA Expression of Reduced Folate Carrier-1, Folypolyformyl
      Glutamate Synthase, and gamma-Glutamyl Hydrolase in a Healthy Japanese
      Population.
AB  - Sex differences in the prevalence of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) are well known, but little is known about those differences in
      relation to therapeutic response. Reduced folate carrier-1 (RFC-1),
      folypolyformyl glutamate synthase (FPGS), and gamma-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) are
      important transporters and enzymes that convert methotrexate (MTX) in the body.
      This study investigated the sex differences in mRNA expression of RFC-1, FPGS,
      and GGH in 190 unrelated healthy Japanese people. The genotypes and mRNA
      expression were determined using the real-time PCR method. Significant
      differences between men and women were observed in RFC-1, FPGS, and GGH mRNA
      expression. The mRNA expression of FPGS and GGH was greater in women than that in
      men, but the expression of RFC-1 was less in the former than the latter. In
      stratified analysis by genotype, significant differences in sex-specific mRNA
      expression were observed in G/G of FPGS, C/C of GGH 452, and C/C of GGH -401. All
      showed greater mRNA expression in women than in men. In the 5 single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms RFC-1 80G>A, RFC-1 -43T>C, FPGS 1994G>A, GGH 452C>T, and GGH 
      401C>T examined, the FPGS 1994 G/G (1.46-fold), GGH 452 C/C (2.16-fold), and GGH 
      401 C/C (2.68-fold) genotypes showed significantly higher mRNA expression in
      women than in men. Healthy Japanese adults in this study showed sex-specific
      differences in mRNA expression that differed among RFC-1, FPGS, and GGH.
      Therefore, the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and mRNA expression
      including sex differences might contribute to the variation in the
      efficacy/toxicity of MTX in patients with RA.

PMID- 27146085
TI  - Ultrasonography to investigate the effect of supplementing whole milk with
      complex carbohydrates and specific amino acids on curd retention in the abomasum
      of dairy calves.
AB  - AIM: To determine whether the retention time of curd in the abomasum of calves
      was influenced by supplementing milk with a plant-derived carbohydrate and amino
      acid supplement, evaluated non-invasively using ultrasonography. METHODS: Female
      dairy calves aged between 2-6 days of age were sourced from a commercial farm in
      March 2013. All calves were fed whole milk until weaning (4 L per day); 21 calves
      were supplemented with a probiotic until 18 days of age, and thereafter with a
      plant-derived complex carbohydrate and amino acid supplement until weaning, and
      22 calves were just fed whole milk. Treatment groups were balanced for age,
      weight and breed. At 9-14, 24-29 and 52-57 days of age, the abomasum of each calf
      was examined using ultrasonography immediately before and after feeding, 1 and 2
      hours after feeding, and then at 30 minute intervals until curd was no longer
      visible in the abomasum. Abomasal volume and curd size were recorded to assess
      retention time of curd in the abomasum. RESULTS: At 9-14 days of age, mean
      retention time of curd in the abomasum was similar (4.6 hours) in both groups. At
      24-29 days of age, when the supplemented calves had been receiving the supplement
      for approximately 10 days, mean curd retention time was longer by 1.4 (SE 0.28)
      hours in supplemented compared with unsupplemented calves (p<0.001). At 52-57
      days of age, mean retention time was longer by 0.7 (SE 0.34) hours compared to
      unsupplemented calves (p=0.05). CONCLUSION: Using ultrasonography, changes in
      abomasal content could be followed non-invasively over time and it was
      demonstrated that the plant-derived complex carbohydrate supplement increased the
      curd retention time in the abomasum. We speculate that the increased retention
      time enables an increased availability of nutrients following a more complete
      digestion of milk, thereby improving animal performance.

PMID- 27146087
TI  - N-Acetylcysteine in the treatment of trichotillomania: remarkable results in two
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of trichotillomania is challenging. The limited
      efficacy and side-effects of pharmacological medications and difficulty in long
      term maintenance of behavioural therapies necessitates alternative treatment
      options. A dysregulated glutamatergic system has been implicated in the
      pathophysiology of trichotillomania. A limited number of reports indicate that N
      acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutamate modulator, may be a promising treatment for
      this disorder. OBJECTIVES: We report two patients with trichotillomania for whom
      treatment with NAC was successful. METHODS: The first patient was a 30-year-old
      female, and the second patient was a 14-year-old girl, both who were diagnosed
      with trichotillomania and prescribed NAC (1200 mg/d, p.o.). RESULTS: Hair pulling
      behaviour subsided within 2 months and 2 weeks of initiating NAC in the first and
      second patient, respectively. Complete hair regrowth was observed after 4 and 6
      months of NAC treatment in the first and second patient, respectively. No side
      effects related to NAC were noted. CONCLUSION: NAC could be a well-tolerated and
      effective treatment option for trichotillomania.

PMID- 27146086
TI  - Function, expression, specificity, diversity and incompatibility of
      actinobacteriophage parABS systems.
AB  - More than 180 individual phages infecting hosts in the phylum Actinobacteria have
      been sequenced and grouped into Cluster A because of their similar overall
      nucleotide sequences and genome architectures. These Cluster A phages are either
      temperate or derivatives of temperate parents, and most have an integration
      cassette near the centre of the genome containing an integrase gene and attP.
      However, about 20% of the phages lack an integration cassette, which is replaced
      by a 1.4 kbp segment with predicted partitioning functions, including plasmid
      like parA and parB genes. Phage RedRock forms stable lysogens in Mycobacterium
      smegmatis in which the prophage replicates at 2.4 copies/chromosome and the
      partitioning system confers prophage maintenance. The parAB genes are expressed
      upon RedRock infection of M. smegmatis, but are downregulated once lysogeny is
      established by binding of RedRock ParB to parS-L, one of two centromere-like
      sites flanking the parAB genes. The RedRock parS-L and parS-R sites are composed
      of eight directly repeated copies of an 8 bp motif that is recognized by ParB.
      The actinobacteriophage parABS cassettes span considerable sequence diversity and
      specificity, providing a suite of tools for use in mycobacterial genetics.

PMID- 27146088
TI  - Flagellin-induced NADPH oxidase 4 activation is involved in atherosclerosis.
AB  - It is widely accepted that bacterial infection-mediated inflammation facilitates
      development of atherosclerosis by activating toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling
      system. We reasoned that NADPH oxidases (Nox), required for TLR-mediated
      inflammatory response, are involved in atherogenesis. Here, we show that the
      activation of Nox4 through TLR5 regulates the inflammation of the endothelium and
      in atherogenesis. Flagellin-induced interaction between the COOH region of Nox4
      and the TIR domain of TLR5 led to H2O2 generation, which in turn promoted the
      secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-8, as well as the expression
      of ICAM-1 in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Knockdown of the Nox4 in
      HAECs resulted in attenuated expressions of IL-8 and ICAM-1 leading to a
      reduction in the adhesion and trans-endothelial migration of monocytes. Challenge
      of recombinant FliC (rFliC) to the ApoE KO mice with high-fat diet (HFD) resulted
      in significantly increased atherosclerotic plaque sizes compared to the saline
      injected mice. However, an injection of rFliC into the Nox4ApoE DKO mice with
      HFDs failed to generate atherosclerotic plaque, suggesting that Nox4 deficiency
      resulted in significant protections against rFliC-mediated atherogenesis. We
      conclude that TLR5-dependent Nox4 activation and subsequent H2O2 generation play
      critical roles for the development of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 27146089
TI  - Evidence-based practices can improve safety and timeliness of care for women
      needing safe termination of pregnancy.

PMID- 27146091
TI  - Eu2+ -induced enhancement of defect luminescence of ZnS.
AB  - The Eu2+ -induced enhancement of defect luminescence of ZnS was studied in this
      work. While photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibited 460 nm and 520 nm emissions
      in both ZnS and ZnS:Eu nanophosphors, different excitation characteristics were
      shown in their photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra. In ZnS nanophosphors,
      there was no excitation signal in the PLE spectra at the excitation wavelength
      lambdaex  > 337 nm (the bandgap energy 3.68 eV of ZnS); while in ZnS:Eu
      nanophosphors, two excitation bands appeared that were centered at 365 nm and 410
      nm. Compared with ZnS nanophosphors, the 520 nm emission in the PL spectra was
      relatively enhanced in ZnS:Eu nanophosphors and, furthermore, in ZnS:Eu
      nanophosphors the 460 nm and 520 nm emissions increased more than 10 times in
      intensity. The reasons for these differences were analyzed. It is believed that
      the absorption of Eu2+ intra-ion transition and subsequent energy transfer to
      sulfur vacancy, led to the relative enhancement of the 520 nm emission in ZnS:Eu
      nanophosphors. In addition, more importantly, Eu2+ acceptor-bound excitons are
      formed in ZnS:Eu nanophosphors and their excited levels serve as the intermediate
      state of electronic relaxation, which decreases non-radiative electronic
      relaxation and thus increases the intensity of the 460 nm and 520 nm emission
      dramatically. In summary, the results in this work indicate a new mechanism for
      the enhancement of defect luminescence of ZnS in Eu2+ -doped ZnS nanophosphors.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27146092
TI  - Plasmodesmata targeting and intercellular trafficking of Tomato spotted wilt
      tospovirus movement protein NSm is independent of its function in HR induction.
AB  - The movement protein NSm of Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV) plays pivotal
      roles in viral intercellular trafficking. Recently, the TSWV NSm was also
      identified as an avirulence (Avr) determinant during the Sw-5b-mediated
      hypersensitive response (HR). However, whether the cell-to-cell movement of NSm
      is coupled to its function in HR induction remains obscure. Here, we showed that
      the NSm mutants defective in targeting plasmodesmata and cell-to-cell movement
      were still capable of inducing Sw-5b-mediated HR. In addition, introduction of a
      single amino-acid substitution, C118Y or T120N, identified previously from TSWV
      resistance-breaking isolates, into the movement-defective NSm mutants resulted in
      the failure of HR induction. Collectively, our results showed that the
      intercellular trafficking of NSm is uncoupled from its function in HR induction.
      These findings shed light on the evolutionary mechanism of R-Avr recognition and
      may be used to explain why this uncoupled phenomenon can be observed in many
      different viruses.

PMID- 27146090
TI  - Molecular characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of Acinetobacter
      baumannii isolates obtained from two hospital outbreaks in Los Angeles County,
      California, USA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii have been
      responsible for an increasing number of nosocomial infections including
      bacteremia and ventilator-associated pneumonia. In this study, we analyzed 38
      isolates of A. baumannii obtained from two hospital outbreaks in Los Angeles
      County for the molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial susceptibility and
      resistance determinants. METHODS: Pulsed field gel electrophoresis, tri-locus
      multiplex PCR and multi-locus sequence typing (Pasteur scheme) were used to
      examine clonal relationships of the outbreak isolates. Broth microdilution method
      was used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility of these isolates. PCR and
      subsequent DNA sequencing were employed to characterize antibiotic resistance
      genetic determinants. RESULTS: Trilocus multiplex PCR showed these isolates
      belong to Global Clones I and II, which were confirmed to ST1 and ST2,
      respectively, by multi-locus sequence typing. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis
      analysis identified two clonal clusters, one with 20 isolates (Global Clone I)
      and the other with nine (Global Clone II), which dominated the two outbreaks.
      Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using 14 antibiotics indicated that all
      isolates were resistant to antibiotics belonging to four or more categories of
      antimicrobial agents. In particular, over three fourth of 38 isolates were found
      to be resistant to both imipenem and meropenem. Additionally, all isolates were
      found to be resistant to piperacillin, four cephalosporin antibiotics,
      ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Resistance phenotypes of these strains to
      fluoroquinolones were correlated with point mutations in gyrA and parC genes that
      render reduced affinity to target proteins. ISAba1 was detected immediately
      upstream of the bla OXA-23 gene present in those isolates that were found to be
      resistant to both carbapenems. Class 1 integron-associated resistance gene
      cassettes appear to contribute to resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics.
      CONCLUSION: The two outbreaks were found to be dominated by two clonal clusters
      of A. baumannii belonging to MLST ST1 and ST2. All isolates were resistant to
      antibiotics of at least four categories of antimicrobial agents, and their
      antimicrobial susceptibility profiles correlate well with genetic determinants.
      The results of this study will facilitate our understanding of the molecular
      epidemiology, antimicrobial susceptibility and mechanisms of resistance of A.
      baumannii obtained from Los Angeles hospitals.

PMID- 27146093
TI  - Prognostic factors in kidney transplantation in the septuagenarian: a multicenter
      analysis.
AB  - Kidney transplant (KT) programs have extended recipient eligibility to those who
      were previously excluded due to advanced age. We aimed to determine the outcomes
      of the patients >=70 years undergoing KT and investigate factors predicting
      survival. Two thousand six hundred and twenty-four KT patients between 2003 and
      2013 at two institutions were divided into two groups; those >=70 years (n=300)
      and those <70 years (n=2324) at the time of KT. Patient survival at 1, 3, and 5
      years was 95%, 86%, and 77% in >=70 years of age group and 98%, 95%, and 90% in
      the <70 years group (P<.001). When graft loss due to death was censored, graft
      survival was not significantly different between the two groups (P=.18). On
      multivariable analysis, the significant predictors of inferior survival in
      patients >=70 years included: body mass index (BMI)>30 kg/m(2) (hazard ratio [HR]
      1.07; P=.01), panel reactive antibody (PRA)>20% (HR 2.38; P=.01), previous
      coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG; HR 1.95; P=.03) and peripheral vascular
      disease (PVD; HR 2.60; P=.04). Acceptable outcomes can be achieved in KT
      recipients >=70 years. Caution should be used when listing these patients if they
      have BMI>30 kg/m(2) , PRA>20%, CABG or PVD.

PMID- 27146094
TI  - Digital Technology Use Among Individuals with Schizophrenia: Results of an Online
      Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite growing interest in the use of digital technology by
      individuals with schizophrenia, little is known about how these individual relate
      to, own, and use technology in their daily life and in the context of their
      symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to better characterize technology
      use in those with schizophrenia. METHODS: A Web-based survey of individuals' use
      of and attitudes toward technology for those 18 years and older self-identifying
      as having schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophrenia spectrum
      disorders was conducted. Consumer input was sought in the design of the survey.
      RESULTS: In total, 457 individuals responded to this Web-based survey. Ninety
      percent owned more than one device (personal computer, landline telephone,
      tablet, public computer, mobile phone without applications or Internet, or
      smartphone), with many reporting high utilization of multiple devices, and 61%
      having 2 devices. The respondents reported that Web-based technology helped with
      support from family and friends, as well as in gathering information. Many
      respondents used Web-based technology to help identify coping strategies (24%
      very often or often) including music to help block or manage voices (42%), while
      others used technology to set alarms/reminders for medication management (28%).
      Younger respondents in particular anticipated the role of technology growing over
      time with respect to their recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Survey respondents reported
      that technology access was common, with utilization involving coping, reminders
      for medications and appointments, and connection. Overall, attitudes were largely
      positive. Overuse was a concern for 30% of respondents. The study is limited in
      its generalizability as the population was highly engaged in mental health
      treatment (87%), self-identified as living with the disorder, and had awareness
      of their illness. This survey demonstrates high engagement for a subset of
      technology-oriented individuals living with schizophrenia. It is not known what
      percent of individuals with schizophrenia are represented by these technology
      oriented survey respondents.

PMID- 27146095
TI  - SERS monitoring the dynamics of local pH in lysosome of living cells during
      photothermal therapy.
AB  - In this communication, we propose a gold nanorod-based SERS nanotracker to
      monitor the local pH change during photothermal therapy (PTT). The dynamic SERS
      analysis indicated that the local pH of the lysosome in living cells increased
      during the PTT which would be helpful to understand the cellular metabolic
      processes and further facilitate the photosensitizer screening and optimization. 

PMID- 27146096
TI  - Increasing the CO2 /N2 Selectivity with a Higher Surface Density of Pyridinic
      Lewis Basic Sites in Porous Carbon Derived from a Pyridyl-Ligand-Based Metal
      Organic Framework.
AB  - The development of functional porous carbon with high CO2 /N2 selectivity is of
      great importance for CO2 capture. In this paper, a type of porous carbon with
      doped pyridinic sites (termed MOFC) was prepared from the carbonization of a
      pyridyl-ligand based MOF. Four MOFCs derived from different carbonizing
      temperatures were prepared. Structural studies revealed high contents of
      pyridinic-N groups and nearly the same pore-size distributions for these MOFCs.
      Gas-sorption studies revealed outstanding CO2 uptake at low pressures and room
      temperature. Owing to the high content of pyridinic-N groups, the CO2 /N2
      selectivity on these MOFCs exhibits values of about 40-50, which are among the
      top values in carbon materials. Further correlation studies demonstrated that the
      CO2 /N2 selectivities show a positive linear relationship with the surface
      density of pyridinic-N groups, thus validating the synergistic effect of the
      doped pyridinic-N groups on CO2 adsorption selectivity. 

PMID- 27146098
TI  - Highly Visible Light Responsive, Narrow Band gap TiO2 Nanoparticles Modified by
      Elemental Red Phosphorus for Photocatalysis and Photoelectrochemical
      Applications.
AB  - This paper reports that the introduction of elemental red phosphorus (RP) into
      TiO2 can shift the light absorption ability from the UV to the visible region,
      and confirmed that the optimal RP loading and milling time can effectively
      improve the visible light driven-photocatalytic activity of TiO2. The resulting
      RP-TiO2 nanohybrids were characterized systematically by a range of techniques
      and the photocatalytic ability of the RP-TiO2 photocatalysts was assessed further
      by the photodegradation of a model Rhodamine B pollutant under visible light
      irradiation. The results suggest that the RP-TiO2 has superior photodegradation
      ability for model contaminant decomposition compared to other well-known
      photocatalysts, such as TiO2 and other reference materials. Furthermore, as a
      photoelectrode, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, differential pulse
      voltammetry, and linear scan voltammetry were also performed in the dark and
      under visible light irradiation. These photoelectrochemical performances of RP
      TiO2 under visible light irradiation revealed more efficient photoexcited
      electron-hole separation and rapid charge transfer than under the dark condition,
      and thus improved photocatalytic activity. These findings show that the use of
      earth abundant and inexpensive red phosphorus instead of expensive plasmonic
      metals for inducing visible light responsive characteristics in TiO2 is an
      effective strategy for the efficient energy conversion of visible light.

PMID- 27146097
TI  - Charge Central Interpretation of the Full Nonlinear PB Equation: Implications for
      Accurate and Scalable Modeling of Solvation Interactions.
AB  - Continuum solvation modeling based upon the Poisson-Boltzmann equation (PBE) is
      widely used in structural and functional analysis of biomolecules. In this work,
      we propose a charge-central interpretation of the full nonlinear PBE
      electrostatic interactions. The validity of the charge-central view or simply
      charge view, as formulated as a vacuum Poisson equation with effective charges,
      was first demonstrated by reproducing both electrostatic potentials and energies
      from the original solvated full nonlinear PBE. There are at least two benefits
      when the charge-central framework is applied. First the convergence analyses show
      that the use of polarization charges allows a much faster converging numerical
      procedure for electrostatic energy and forces calculation for the full nonlinear
      PBE. Second, the formulation of the solvated electrostatic interactions as
      effective charges in vacuum allows scalable algorithms to be deployed for large
      biomolecular systems. Here, we exploited the charge-view interpretation and
      developed a particle-particle particle-mesh (P3M) strategy for the full nonlinear
      PBE systems. We also studied the accuracy and convergence of solvation forces
      with the charge-view and the P3M methods. It is interesting to note that the
      convergence of both the charge-view and the P3M methods is more rapid than the
      original full nonlinear PBE method. Given the developments and validations
      documented here, we are working to adapt the P3M treatment of the full nonlinear
      PBE model to molecular dynamics simulations.

PMID- 27146099
TI  - [Venous thrombo-embolic disease in cancer. Low molecular weight heparin
      indications].
AB  - Cancer and venous thrombo-embolic disease (VTE) are closely related. Indeed,
      cancer can reveal VTE and VTE can be the first sign of cancer. Low molecular
      weight heparin (LWMH) is now the first line treatment in cancer patients.
      Compliance with marketing authorizations and guidelines are crucial for patient
      centered decision-making. This work deals with the prescription of LWMH in
      patients who develop VTE during cancer in order to better recognize what should
      or should not be done. The patient's wishes must be taken into consideration when
      making the final therapeutic decision. The other treatments are discussed:
      vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be useful. 

PMID- 27146100
TI  - Coral snakes predict the evolution of mimicry across New World snakes.
AB  - Batesian mimicry, in which harmless species (mimics) deter predators by
      deceitfully imitating the warning signals of noxious species (models), generates
      striking cases of phenotypic convergence that are classic examples of evolution
      by natural selection. However, mimicry of venomous coral snakes has remained
      controversial because of unresolved conflict between the predictions of mimicry
      theory and empirical patterns in the distribution and abundance of snakes. Here
      we integrate distributional, phenotypic and phylogenetic data across all New
      World snake species to demonstrate that shifts to mimetic coloration in
      nonvenomous snakes are highly correlated with coral snakes in both space and
      time, providing overwhelming support for Batesian mimicry. We also find that
      bidirectional transitions between mimetic and cryptic coloration are unexpectedly
      frequent over both long- and short-time scales, challenging traditional views of
      mimicry as a stable evolutionary 'end point' and suggesting that insect and snake
      mimicry may have different evolutionary dynamics.

PMID- 27146101
TI  - Central perimetric sensitivity estimates are directly influenced by the fixation
      target.
AB  - PURPOSE: Perimetry is increasingly being used to measure sensitivity at central
      visual field locations. For many tasks, the central (0 degrees , 0 degrees )
      location is functionally the most important, however threshold estimates at this
      location may be affected by masking by the nearby spatial structure of the
      fixation target. We investigated this effect. METHODS: First we retrospectively
      analysed microperimetry (MAIA-2; CenterVue, Padova, Italy) data from 60 healthy
      subjects, tested on a custom grid with 1 degrees  central spacing. We compared
      sensitivity at (0 degrees , 0 degrees ) to the mean sensitivity at the eight
      adjacent locations. We then prospectively tested 15 further healthy subjects on
      the same instrument using a cross-shaped test pattern with 1 degrees  spacing.
      Testing was carried out with and without the central fixation target, and
      sensitivity estimates at (0 degrees , 0 degrees ) were compared. We also compared
      sensitivity at (0 degrees , 0 degrees ) to the mean of the adjacent four
      locations in each condition. Three subjects undertook 10 repeated tests with the
      fixation target in place to assess within-subject variability of the effect.
      RESULTS: In the retrospective analysis, central sensitivity was median 2.8 dB
      lower (95% range 0.1-8.8 dB lower, p < 0.0001) than the mean of the adjacent
      locations. In the prospective study, central sensitivity was median 2.0 dB lower
      with the fixation target vs without (95% range 0.4-4.7 dB lower, p = 0.0011).
      With the fixation target in place central sensitivity was median 2.5 dB lower
      than mean sensitivity of adjacent locations (95% range 0.8-4.2 dB lower, p =
      0.0007), whilst without the fixation target there was no difference (mean 0.4 dB
      lower, S.D. 0.9 dB, p = 0.15). These differences could not be explained by
      reduced fixation stability. Mean within subject standard deviation in the
      difference between central and adjacent locations' sensitivity was 1.84 dB for
      the repeated tests. CONCLUSIONS: Perimetric sensitivity estimates from the
      central (0 degrees , 0 degrees ) location are, on-average, reduced by 2 to 3 dB,
      corresponding to a 60-100% increase in stimulus luminance at threshold. This
      effect can be explained by masking by the nearby fixation target. The
      considerable within- and between-subject variability in magnitude, and the
      unknown effects of disease may hamper attempts to compensate threshold estimates
      for this effect. Clinicians should interpret central perimetric sensitivity
      estimates with caution, especially in patients with reduced sensitivity due to
      disease.

PMID- 27146102
TI  - A case of successfully treated recalcitrant EGFR inhibitor-induced acneiform
      eruption following non-ablative fractional laser.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, a targeted therapy in the
      field of oncology, is a new drugs suggested for the cause of acneiform eruptions.
      The unresponsiveness to conventional acne therapy is a pivotal reason of seeking
      alternatives to treat drug-induced acneiform eruptions. A 30-year-old female
      treated with cetuximab, EGFR inhibitor presented with numerous sized erythematous
      papules and pustules on her face. All responses of oral medications and topical
      application were poor. She was treated with two passes of non-ablative 1550 nm
      fractional erbium glass laser with topical clindamycin. After three laser
      sessions, the skin lesions improved dramatically without any side effects. There
      is currently no single effective treatment for acneiform eruption. This report
      shed light on the possibility that non-ablative fractional laser can be an
      alternative for recalcitrant drug-induced acneiform eruptions. 

PMID- 27146104
TI  - Association of Putative Fungal Effectors in Fusarium oxysporum with Wilt Symptoms
      in Soybean.
AB  - Fungi within the Fusarium oxysporum species complex can cause root rot, seedling
      blight, and wilt of soybean. Isolates recovered from soybean vary in
      aggressiveness and also the type of symptoms they produce. The aim of this study
      was to identify genetic markers to detect aggressive soybean wilt isolates.
      Eighty isolates collected primarily from soybean were tested in the greenhouse
      for their ability to produce wilt symptoms using susceptible 'Jack' soybean. The
      same 80 isolates were assessed for the presence of fungal effector genes Fmk1,
      Fow1, Pda1, PelA, PelD, Pep1, Prt1, Rho1, Sge1, Six1, Six6, and Snf1. All
      polymerase chain reaction amplicons were sequenced, phylogenies were inferred,
      and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was performed for 10 of the 12 genes.
      High incidence of vascular discoloration of roots or stems was observed with 3
      isolates, while moderate to low levels of incidence were observed for 25
      isolates. Fungal effector genes Fmk1, Fow1, PelA, Rho1, Sge1, and Snf1 were
      present in all isolates screened, while Pda1, PelD, Pep1, Prt1, Six1, and Six6
      were dispersed among isolates. The Bayesian and AMOVA analyses found that the
      genes Fmk1, Fow1, Pda1, PelA, Rho1, Sge1, and Snf1 corresponded to previously
      designated clades based on tef1alpha and mitochondrial small subunit sequences.
      None of the genes had a significant association with wilt symptoms on soybean.
      Interestingly, the Six6 gene was only present in three previously known wilt
      isolates from soybean, common bean, and tomato; of these, the soybean and common
      bean isolates produced high levels of vascular wilt in our study. 

PMID- 27146105
TI  - Single-indicator-based Multidimensional Sensing: Detection and Identification of
      Heavy Metal Ions and Understanding the Foundations from Experiment to Simulation.
AB  - Multidimensional sensing offers advantages in accuracy, diversity and capability
      for the simultaneous detection and discrimination of multiple analytes, however,
      the previous reports usually require complicated synthesis/fabrication process
      and/or need a variety of techniques (or instruments) to acquire signals.
      Therefore, to take full advantages of this concept, simple designs are highly
      desirable. Herein, a novel concept is conceived to construct multidimensional
      sensing platforms based on a single indicator that has capability of showing
      diverse color/fluorescence responses with the addition of different analytes.
      Through extracting hidden information from these responses, such as red, green
      and blue (RGB) alterations, a triple-channel-based multidimensional sensing
      platform could consequently be fabricated, and the RGB alterations are further
      applicable to standard statistical methods. As a proof-of-concept study, a triple
      channel sensing platform is fabricated solely using dithizone with assistance of
      cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) for hyperchromicity and sensitization,
      which demonstrates superior capabilities in detection and identification of ten
      common heavy metal ions at their standard concentrations of wastewater-discharge
      of China. Moreover, this sensing platform exhibits promising applications in semi
      quantitative and even quantitative analysis individuals of these heavy metal ions
      with high sensitivity as well. Finally, density functional theory calculations
      are performed to reveal the foundations for this analysis.

PMID- 27146107
TI  - Synthesis of isoquinolines via Rh-catalyzed C-H activation/C-N cyclization with
      diazodiesters or diazoketoesters as a C2 source.
AB  - Synthesis of isoquinolines based on efficient C-C and C-N bond formation through
      Rh(iii)-catalyzed C-H activation and subsequent intramolecular cyclization is
      reported. Diazodiesters serving as a C2 source in the newly formed heterocycles
      are first demonstrated. Additionally, the Rh(iii)-catalyzed direct C-H
      activation/cyclization of benzimidates with diazoketoesters is also described. 

PMID- 27146106
TI  - 3D scanning and printing skeletal tissues for anatomy education.
AB  - Detailed anatomical models can be produced with consumer-level 3D scanning and
      printing systems. 3D replication techniques are significant advances for
      anatomical education as they allow practitioners to more easily introduce diverse
      or numerous specimens into classrooms. Here we present a methodology for
      producing anatomical models in-house, with the chondrocranium cartilage from a
      spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and the skeleton of a cane toad (Rhinella
      marina) as case studies. 3D digital replicas were produced using two consumer
      level scanners and specimens were 3D-printed with selective laser sintering. The
      fidelity of the two case study models was determined with respect to key
      anatomical features. Larger-scale features of the dogfish chondrocranium and frog
      skeleton were all well-resolved and distinct in the 3D digital models, and many
      finer-scale features were also well-resolved, but some more subtle features were
      absent from the digital models (e.g. endolymphatic foramina in chondrocranium).
      All characters identified in the digital chondrocranium could be identified in
      the subsequent 3D print; however, three characters in the 3D-printed frog
      skeleton could not be clearly delimited (palatines, parasphenoid and pubis).
      Characters that were absent in the digital models or 3D prints had low-relief in
      the original scanned specimen and represent a minor loss of fidelity. Our method
      description and case studies show that minimal equipment and training is needed
      to produce durable skeletal specimens. These technologies support the tailored
      production of models for specific classes or research aims.

PMID- 27146108
TI  - The effect of luteal-phase support with vaginal progesterone on pregnancy rates
      in gonadotropin and clomiphene citrate/intra-uterine insemination cycles in
      unexplained infertility: A prospective randomised study.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of luteal-phase support on
      pregnancy rates in gonadotropin + intra-uterine insemination (Gn/IUI) and
      clomiphene citrate (CC) +IUI (CC/IUI) cycles in patients with unexplained
      infertility. Equal numbers of patients were recruited in two treatment arms
      (CC/IUI and Gn/IUI) (n = 100, n = 100, respectively). In each group, 50 patients
      received vaginal progesterone for 14 days (Crinone 8% vaginal gel, 90 mg per day)
      for luteal-phase support from the day after IUI and continued until menstruation
      or the 10th week of gestation if pregnant. There were 29 clinical pregnancies
      among 200 patients. Pregnancy rates were 12% in CC/IUI cycles, 10% in luteal
      phase-supported CC/IUI cycles 16% in Gn/IUI cycles and 20% in luteal-phase
      supported Gn/IUI cycles. Although pregnancy rates were higher in Gn/IUI cycles
      compared to CC/IUI cycles, luteal-phase support did not significantly affect the
      pregnancy rates in both groups. This study implies that luteal-phase support with
      progesterone has no pronounced beneficial effect on pregnancy rates in either
      CC/IUI or Gn/IUI cycles in patients with unexplained infertility.

PMID- 27146109
TI  - Comparison of self and proxy ratings for voice handicap index and motor-related
      quality-of-life of individuals with Parkinson's disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Quality-of-life (QoL) consists of health, psychological well-being and
      communication-related domains. Due to the heterogeneous nature of Parkinson
      disease (PD), it is important to examine effects of different domains including
      motor and cognitive performance or motor and speech performance among the same
      set of individuals. Existing studies indicate mixed findings due to use of
      different QoL measures and lack of general consensus regarding QoL components.
      METHOD: The present study examined self and proxy ratings for 20 individuals with
      PD on Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and PDQ-39 mobility to determine effects on
      speech and motor-related QoL, respectively. RESULT: There was good level of
      agreement between self and proxy ratings for PDQ-39 mobility ratings alone. In
      addition, no overall group differences were found for self and proxy ratings of
      VHI and PDQ-39 mobility ratings, thus indicating similar perceptions by
      individuals with PD and their communication partners for speech and motor-related
      changes associated with PD. Further, no significant correlations between speech
      and motor-related QoL were found, thereby suggesting these domains to be
      independent of each other. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates the need to
      consider both self and proxy reports to understand the impact of PD on a person's
      overall functioning.

PMID- 27146110
TI  - Kinesin-8 effects on mitotic microtubule dynamics contribute to spindle function
      in fission yeast.
AB  - Kinesin-8 motor proteins destabilize microtubules. Their absence during cell
      division is associated with disorganized mitotic chromosome movements and
      chromosome loss. Despite recent work studying effects of kinesin-8s on
      microtubule dynamics, it remains unclear whether the kinesin-8 mitotic phenotypes
      are consequences of their effect on microtubule dynamics, their well-established
      motor activity, or additional, unknown functions. To better understand the role
      of kinesin-8 proteins in mitosis, we studied the effects of deletion of the
      fission yeast kinesin-8 proteins Klp5 and Klp6 on chromosome movements and
      spindle length dynamics. Aberrant microtubule-driven kinetochore pushing
      movements and tripolar mitotic spindles occurred in cells lacking Klp5 but not
      Klp6. Kinesin-8-deletion strains showed large fluctuations in metaphase spindle
      length, suggesting a disruption of spindle length stabilization. Comparison of
      our results from light microscopy with a mathematical model suggests that kinesin
      8-induced effects on microtubule dynamics, kinetochore attachment stability, and
      sliding force in the spindle can explain the aberrant chromosome movements and
      spindle length fluctuations seen.

PMID- 27146111
TI  - GDP-to-GTP exchange on the microtubule end can contribute to the frequency of
      catastrophe.
AB  - Microtubules are dynamic polymers of alphabeta-tubulin that have essential roles
      in chromosome segregation and organization of the cytoplasm. Catastrophe-the
      switch from growing to shrinking-occurs when a microtubule loses its stabilizing
      GTP cap. Recent evidence indicates that the nucleotide on the microtubule end
      controls how tightly an incoming subunit will be bound (trans-acting GTP), but
      most current models do not incorporate this information. We implemented trans
      acting GTP into a computational model for microtubule dynamics. In simulations,
      growing microtubules often exposed terminal GDP-bound subunits without undergoing
      catastrophe. Transient GDP exposure on the growing plus end slowed elongation by
      reducing the number of favorable binding sites on the microtubule end. Slower
      elongation led to erosion of the GTP cap and an increase in the frequency of
      catastrophe. Allowing GDP-to-GTP exchange on terminal subunits in simulations
      mitigated these effects. Using mutant alphabeta-tubulin or modified GTP, we
      showed experimentally that a more readily exchangeable nucleotide led to less
      frequent catastrophe. Current models for microtubule dynamics do not account for
      GDP-to-GTP exchange on the growing microtubule end, so our findings provide a new
      way of thinking about the molecular events that initiate catastrophe.

PMID- 27146112
TI  - Dense granule trafficking in Toxoplasma gondii requires a unique class 27 myosin
      and actin filaments.
AB  - The survival of Toxoplasma gondii within its host cell requires protein release
      from secretory vesicles, called dense granules, to maintain the parasite's
      intracellular replicative niche. Despite the importance of DGs, nothing is known
      about the mechanisms underlying their transport. In higher eukaryotes, secretory
      vesicles are transported to the plasma membrane by molecular motors moving on
      their respective cytoskeletal tracks (i.e., microtubules and actin). Because the
      organization of these cytoskeletal structures differs substantially in T. gondii,
      the molecular motor dependence of DG trafficking is far from certain. By imaging
      the motions of green fluorescent protein-tagged DGs in intracellular parasites
      with high temporal and spatial resolution, we show through a combination of
      molecular genetics and chemical perturbations that directed DG transport is
      independent of microtubules and presumably their kinesin/dynein motors. However,
      directed DG transport is dependent on filamentous actin and a unique class 27
      myosin, TgMyoF, which has structural similarity to myosin V, the prototypical
      cargo transporter. Actomyosin DG transport was unexpected, since filamentous
      parasite actin has yet to be visualized in vivo due in part to the prevailing
      model that parasite actin forms short, unstable filaments. Thus our data uncover
      new critical roles for these essential proteins in the lytic cycle of this
      devastating pathogen.

PMID- 27146113
TI  - High rates of chromosome missegregation suppress tumor progression but do not
      inhibit tumor initiation.
AB  - Aneuploidy, an abnormal chromosome number that deviates from a multiple of the
      haploid, has been recognized as a common feature of cancers for >100 yr.
      Previously, we showed that the rate of chromosome missegregation/chromosomal
      instability (CIN) determines the effect of aneuploidy on tumors; whereas low
      rates of CIN are weakly tumor promoting, higher rates of CIN cause cell death and
      tumor suppression. However, whether high CIN inhibits tumor initiation or
      suppresses the growth and progression of already initiated tumors remained
      unclear. We tested this using the Apc(Min/+) mouse intestinal tumor model, in
      which effects on tumor initiation versus progression can be discriminated.
      Apc(Min/+) cells exhibit low CIN, and we generated high CIN by reducing
      expression of the kinesin-like mitotic motor protein CENP-E. CENP-E(+/
      );Apc(Min/+) doubly heterozygous cells had higher rates of chromosome
      missegregation than singly heterozygous cells, resulting in increased cell death
      and a substantial reduction in tumor progression compared with Apc(Min/+)
      animals. Intestinal organoid studies confirmed that high CIN does not inhibit
      tumor cell initiation but does inhibit subsequent cell growth. These findings
      support the conclusion that increasing the rate of chromosome missegregation
      could serve as a successful chemotherapeutic strategy.

PMID- 27146114
TI  - Loss of CENP-F results in distinct microtubule-related defects without
      chromosomal abnormalities.
AB  - Microtubule (MT)-binding centromere protein F (CENP-F) was previously shown to
      play a role exclusively in chromosome segregation during cellular division. Many
      cell models of CENP-F depletion show a lag in the cell cycle and aneuploidy.
      Here, using our novel genetic deletion model, we show that CENP-F also regulates
      a broader range of cellular functions outside of cell division. We characterized
      CENP-F(+/+) and CENP-F(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and found drastic
      differences in multiple cellular functions during interphase, including cell
      migration, focal adhesion dynamics, and primary cilia formation. We discovered
      that CENP-F(-/-) MEFs have severely diminished MT dynamics, which underlies the
      phenotypes we describe. These data, combined with recent biochemical research
      demonstrating the strong binding of CENP-F to the MT network, support the
      conclusion that CENP-F is a powerful regulator of MT dynamics during interphase
      and affects heterogeneous cell functions.

PMID- 27146116
TI  - A Multicomponent Intervention Including Texting to Promote Tobacco Abstinence in
      Emergency Department Smokers: A Pilot Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency department (ED) patients commonly smoke. Current treatment
      approaches use motivational interviewing, which is effective, but resource
      intensive. Mobile health approaches may be more feasible and generalizable.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the feasibility of an ED-initiated program
      of tobacco dependence treatment that employs text messaging. METHODS: Smokers age
      18 or older were randomized to intervention or control arms. Control subjects
      received a brochure describing the state smokers' quitline. Intervention subjects
      received the brochure, 4 weeks of nicotine patches and gum (with the initial dose
      administered in the ED), a referral to the quitline, and enrollment in
      SmokefreeTXT, a free SMS-messaging service. SmokefreeTXT delivered 28 days of
      messages, two to five messages/day. Some messages ask subjects to provide data on
      mood or craving. Follow-up was conducted by phone call. RESULTS: Sixty subjects
      were enrolled in May 2014. Of all subjects, 33 (55%) were nonwhite; 78% were
      insured by Medicaid. All intervention subjects used the texting program, with
      24/30 (80%) using the program for all 28 days. At 1 month, 14/30 subjects (47%)
      in the intervention arm reported abstinence versus 3/30 (10%) in the control arm
      (p = 0.003). At 3 months, the abstinence rates in the intervention and control
      arms were, respectively, 9/30 (30%) and 4/30 (13%; p = 0.21). Subjects responding
      to more assessments of mood or craving were more likely to report abstinence at 1
      month. CONCLUSION: A texting program, combined with pharmacotherapy and a
      quitline referral, is feasible and may promote tobacco abstinence in ED smokers.
      A larger trial is planned to assess these results.

PMID- 27146115
TI  - Syndapin promotes pseudocleavage furrow formation by actin organization in the
      syncytial Drosophila embryo.
AB  - Coordinated membrane and cytoskeletal remodeling activities are required for
      membrane extension in processes such as cytokinesis and syncytial nuclear
      division cycles in Drosophila Pseudocleavage furrow membranes in the syncytial
      Drosophila blastoderm embryo show rapid extension and retraction regulated by
      actin-remodeling proteins. The F-BAR domain protein Syndapin (Synd) is involved
      in membrane tubulation, endocytosis, and, uniquely, in F-actin stability. Here we
      report a role for Synd in actin-regulated pseudocleavage furrow formation. Synd
      localized to these furrows, and its loss resulted in short, disorganized furrows.
      Synd presence was important for the recruitment of the septin Peanut and
      distribution of Diaphanous and F-actin at furrows. Synd and Peanut were both
      absent in furrow-initiation mutants of RhoGEF2 and Diaphanous and in furrow
      progression mutants of Anillin. Synd overexpression in rhogef2 mutants reversed
      its furrow-extension phenotypes, Peanut and Diaphanous recruitment, and F-actin
      organization. We conclude that Synd plays an important role in pseudocleavage
      furrow extension, and this role is also likely to be crucial in cleavage furrow
      formation during cell division.

PMID- 27146120
TI  - Abnormalities of the Mitral Apparatus in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy:
      Echocardiographic, Pathophysiologic, and Surgical Insights.
AB  - Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic disorder characterized by increased
      cardiac muscle mass. This disorder has broad phenotypic expression, including,
      among others, asymmetric septal hypertrophy, midcavity hypertrophy, and apical
      hypertrophy. In recent years, it has been recognized that hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy is not characterized solely by ventricular hypertrophy but that a
      number of abnormalities of the mitral apparatus (papillary muscles, leaflets,
      chords, and annulus) may also occur. These figure prominently in the
      echocardiographic evaluation and surgical planning of patients with hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy and serve as the focus of this review.

PMID- 27146122
TI  - New crystalline complex metal oxides created by unit-synthesis and their
      catalysis based on porous and redox properties.
AB  - The development of new complex metal oxides having structural complexity suitable
      for solid-state catalysis is of great importance in fundamental catalysis
      research and practical applications. However, examples of these materials are
      rare. Herein, we report two types of crystalline complex metal oxides with new
      structures and their catalytic properties. The first one is an all-inorganic
      epsilon-Keggin polyoxometalate-based material with intrinsic microporosity. The
      framework of the material is formed by the assembly of epsilon-Keggin
      polyoxomolybdate units with metal ion linkers in a diamondoid topology. The
      micropores of the material can be opened without change of the structures, and
      the material adsorbs small molecules. This material has both redox properties and
      acidity and can be applied to O2 adsorption, selective oxidation of methacrolein,
      and hydrolysis of cellobiose. The other material is a crystalline metal oxide
      based on molecular nanowires. The hexagonal POM units stack along the c axis to
      form prismatic clusters as molecular wires. The molecular wires further assemble
      in a hexagonal fashion to form the crystals, and NH4(+) and water are present in
      between the molecular wires. The material is active as an acid catalyst for
      cellobiose conversion.

PMID- 27146121
TI  - Cyclin D type does not influence cell cycle response to DNA damage caused by
      ionizing radiation in multiple myeloma tumours.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by over-expression of cyclin D1 (CCND1) or
      D2 (CCND2), which control G1 phase cell-cycle progression. Proteolytic
      degradation of CCND1 (but not CCND2), resulting in G1 arrest, is reported in non
      MM cells post-DNA damage, affecting DNA repair and survival. We examined the
      effect of ionizing radiation (IR) on D-cyclin levels and cell-cycle kinetics of
      MM cells, exploring differences based on D-cyclin expression. We showed that
      CCND1 is downregulated, whereas CCND2 is not, following IR. This did not lead to
      hypo-phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein or G1 arrest. Both CCND1- and
      CCND2-expressing MM cells arrested in S/G2/M, and did not differ in other cell
      cycle proteins or sensitivity to IR. When treated with a CDK4/6 inhibitor, both
      CCND1 and CCND2 MM cells arrested in G1 and therefore are subject to
      physiological regulation at this checkpoint. Immunoprecipitation showed that,
      despite CCND1 degradation following IR, sufficient protein remains bound to
      CDK4/6 to prevent G1 arrest. Aberrant expression of CCND1 driven from the IGH
      promoter in t(11;14) MM cells maintains progression through G1 to arrest in
      S/G2/M. Differential expression of D-cyclin does not appear to affect cell-cycle
      response to IR, and is unlikely to underlie differential sensitivity to DNA
      damage.

PMID- 27146119
TI  - Mapping human dispersals into the Horn of Africa from Arabian Ice Age refugia
      using mitogenomes.
AB  - Rare mitochondrial lineages with relict distributions can sometimes be
      disproportionately informative about deep events in human prehistory. We have
      studied one such lineage, haplogroup R0a, which uniquely is most frequent in
      Arabia and the Horn of Africa, but is distributed much more widely, from Europe
      to India. We conclude that: (1) the lineage ancestral to R0a is more ancient than
      previously thought, with a relict distribution across the Mediterranean/Southwest
      Asia; (2) R0a has a much deeper presence in Arabia than previously thought,
      highlighting the role of at least one Pleistocene glacial refugium, perhaps on
      the Red Sea plains; (3) the main episode of dispersal into Eastern Africa, at
      least concerning maternal lineages, was at the end of the Late Glacial, due to
      major expansions from one or more refugia in Arabia; (4) there was likely a minor
      Late Glacial/early postglacial dispersal from Arabia through the Levant and into
      Europe, possibly alongside other lineages from a Levantine refugium; and (5) the
      presence of R0a in Southwest Arabia in the Holocene at the nexus of a trading
      network that developed after ~3 ka between Africa and the Indian Ocean led to
      some gene flow even further afield, into Iran, Pakistan and India.

PMID- 27146123
TI  - Uptake of new drugs in the early post-approval period in the Mini-Sentinel
      distributed database.
AB  - PURPOSE: Several factors limit the statistical power of drug safety surveillance
      during the early post-approval period, including uptake of the drug and lag in
      data availability. This study characterized new drug uptake in the Mini-Sentinel
      Distributed Database and determined statistical power to detect levels of risk in
      post-launch safety assessments. METHODS: The cumulative exposure among initiators
      of 46 new molecular entities approved from 2008 to 2011 was assessed. Using a
      Poisson estimation method, minimum incidence rate ratios (IRRs) detectable, with
      80% power, were calculated under varying background incidence rates. RESULTS:
      Twelve products (26.1%) had more than 15 000 new users after 2 years. With
      comparator group incidence rate of 1/1000 person-years, 16 (33.3%) products had
      enough exposure to detect an IRR of 5 with 24 months of data collected that would
      be available for assessment at 33 months post-launch. With an incidence rate of
      5/1000 person-years, 23 (50%) products had enough exposure to detect an IRR of
      >=3 with 2 years of data collected. At 33 months post-launch, only two (4.3%) of
      the drugs examined had enough data availability to detect IRR of <2, and eight
      (17.4%) of <3, with a background rate of 1/1000 person-years. CONCLUSION: This
      study highlights the importance of drug uptake and data availability in early
      post-approval drug safety surveillance in Mini-Sentinel. There is limited ability
      to detect rate ratios below three for events with background rates of 1/1000
      person-years or lower. This is largely due to low product uptake. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27146125
TI  - Matthen, M. (Ed). The Oxford Handbook of Philosophy of Perception.

PMID- 27146124
TI  - Faces and Photography in 19th-Century Visual Science.
AB  - Reading faces for identity, character, and expression is as old as humanity but
      representing these states is relatively recent. From the 16th century,
      physiognomists classified character in terms of both facial form and represented
      the types graphically. Darwin distinguished between physiognomy (which concerned
      static features reflecting character) and expression (which was dynamic and
      reflected emotions). Artists represented personality, pleasure, and pain in their
      paintings and drawings, but the scientific study of faces was revolutionized by
      photography in the 19th century. Rather than relying on artistic abstractions of
      fleeting facial expressions, scientists photographed what the eye could not
      discriminate. Photography was applied first to stereoscopic portraiture (by
      Wheatstone) then to the study of facial expressions (by Duchenne) and to identity
      (by Galton and Bertillon). Photography opened new methods for investigating face
      perception, most markedly with Galton's composites derived from combining aligned
      photographs of many sitters. In the same decade (1870s), Kuhne took the process
      of photography as a model for the chemical action of light in the retina. These
      developments and their developers are described and fixed in time, but the ideas
      they initiated have proved impossible to stop. 

PMID- 27146126
TI  - Self-harm and its association with internet addiction and internet exposure to
      suicidal thought in adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Self-harm (SH) is a risk factor for suicide. We aimed to
      determine whether internet addiction and internet exposure to confided suicidal
      ideation are associated with SH in adolescents. METHODS: This study was a cross
      sectional survey of students who self-completed a series of online questionnaires
      including a sociodemographic information questionnaire, questionnaire for
      suicidality and SH, Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS), Patient Health
      Questionnaire (PHQ-9), multi-dimensional support scale (MDSS), Rosenberg self
      esteem scale (RSES), Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT
      C), and questionnaire for substance abuse. RESULTS: A total of 2479 students
      completed the questionnaires (response rate = 62.1%). They had a mean age of
      15.44 years (range 14-19 years; standard deviation 0.61), and were mostly female
      (n = 1494; 60.3%). The prevalence of SH within the previous year was 10.1% (n =
      250). Among the participants, 17.1% had internet addiction (n = 425) and 3.3% had
      been exposed to suicidal content on the internet (n = 82). In the hierarchical
      logistic regression analysis, internet addiction and internet exposure to
      suicidal thoughts were both significantly related to an increased risk of SH,
      after controlling for gender, family factors, exposure to suicidal thoughts in
      the real life, depression, alcohol/tobacco use, concurrent suicidality, and
      perceived social support. However, the association between internet addiction and
      SH weakened after adjusting for the level of self-esteem, while internet exposure
      to suicidal thoughts remained significantly related to an increased risk of SH
      (odds ratio = 1.96; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-3.64). CONCLUSION: Online
      experiences are associated with SH in adolescents. Preventive strategies may
      include education to increase social awareness, to identify the youths most at
      risk, and to provide prompt help.

PMID- 27146127
TI  - Evaluation of Antiangiogenic Efficacy of Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC on Tumor
      Specific Neovessel Formation by Regulating MMPs, VEGF, and Proinflammatory
      Cytokines.
AB  - Formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature is an indispensable
      process in tumor initiation, invasion, and metastasis. Novel therapeutic
      approaches target endothelial cells involved in the process of angiogenesis, due
      to their genetic stability relative to the rapidly mutating drug-resistant cancer
      cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of an active fraction
      from Emilia sonchifolia, belonging to the family Asteraceae, a plant well known
      for its anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects, on the inhibition of tumor
      specific angiogenesis. Administration of the active fraction from E sonchifolia
      (AFES; 5 mg/kg, body weight, intraperitoneally) containing the major compound
      gamma-humulene significantly inhibited B16F10 melanoma-induced capillary
      formation in C57BL/6 mice. The level of serum vascular endothelial growth factor
      and serum proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6,
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
      were also reduced significantly. At the same time, administration of AFES
      significantly enhanced the production of antiangiogenic factors such as tissue
      inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1. Dose-dependent reduction can be seen in
      the budding and expansion of microvessels from rat thoracic aorta by AFES
      treatment. Inhibition of the activation of proenzyme to active enzyme of matrix
      metalloproteinase along with a successful reduction of proliferation, invasion,
      and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells demonstrated the
      antiangiogenic effect of AFES in vitro. To date, no study has examined the
      antiangiogenic activity of this plant with already well-known anti-inflammatory
      and antitumor effects. Results obtained in the present study by using both in
      vivo and in vitro angiogenic models altogether proved the inhibitory effect of
      AFES on tumor-specific neovessel formation.

PMID- 27146128
TI  - Impact of Anthocyanidins on Mitoxantrone-Induced Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity:
      An In Vitro and In Vivo Analysis.
AB  - Hypothesis Anthocyanins possess well-known biological effects and suppress DNA
      damage induced by therapeutic topoisomerase poisons. Our study focusses on the
      modulatory effects of anthocyanidins-malvidin (MAL) and pelargonidin (PEL)-on
      topoisomerase II poison mitoxantrone (MXT)-induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity
      in in vitro and in vivo conditions. Study design HepG2 cells were treated with
      MXT (1-10 uM), MAL (10-100 uM,) and PEL (5-640 uM) to determine cell viability.
      Further, experiments on cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction by single agents or
      combinations were performed. In vitro and in vivo antigenotoxic effect of MAL/PEL
      against MXT was evaluated in human lymphocytes and mouse bone marrow cells.
      Methods Cytotoxicity of test agents and apoptosis induction in HepG2 cells was
      assessed by MTT assay, trypan blue dye exclusion assay and Hoechst 33258
      staining. Antigenotoxic effects of MAL/PEL against MXT were assessed in co
      treated human lymphocytes and bone marrow from mice that received MXT
      intraperitoneally 30 minutes post MAL/PEL oral administration Results Dose
      dependent cytotoxicity was observed with all 3 test agents in HepG2 cells.
      Highest test concentration of 100 uM MAL, 640 uM PEL, and 10 uM MXT decreased
      HepG2 cell viability by 80%, 30%, and 90%, respectively. The combination of 1 uM
      MXT + 80 uM MAL reduced cell viability better than single agents. MAL/PEL
      treatment significantly reduced MXT-induced genotoxicity in human lymphocytes and
      micronuclei formation in mice. Conclusion Combination of MAL/PEL with lower doses
      of MXT, especially MAL+MXT increases the cytotoxicity in cancer cells. In
      addition, MXT treatment with MAL/PEL reduced MXT-induced genotoxicity and
      protected normal cells during chemotherapy.

PMID- 27146129
TI  - Antitumor Effects of Systemic DNAse I and Proteases in an In Vivo Model.
AB  - Background Cell-free DNA circulates in cancer patients and induces in vivo cell
      transformation and cancer progression in susceptible cells. Based on this, we
      hypothesized that depletion of circulating DNA with DNAse I and a protease mix
      could have antitumor effects. Study design The study aimed to demonstrate that
      DNAse I and a protease mix can degrade in vitro DNA and proteins from the serum
      of healthy individuals and cancer patients, and in vivo in serum of Wistar rats,.
      Moreover, the antitumor effect of the systemically administered enzyme mix
      treatmentwas evaluated in nude mice subcutaneously grafted with the human colon
      cancer cell line SW480. Results The serum DNA of cancer patients or healthy
      individuals was almost completely degraded in vitro by the enzymatic treatment,
      but no degradation was found with the enzymes given separately. The intravenous
      administration of the enzymes led to significant decreases in DNA and proteins
      from rat serum. No antitumor effect was observed in immunodeficient mice treated
      with the enzymes given separately. In contrast, the animals that received both
      enzymes exhibited a marked growth inhibition of tumors, 40% of them having
      pathological complete response. Conclusion This study demonstrated that systemic
      treatment with DNAse I and a protease mix in rats decreases DNA and proteins from
      serum and that this treatment has antitumor effects. Our results support the
      hypothesis that circulating DNA could have a role in tumor progression, which can
      be offset by depleting it. Further studies are needed to prove this concept.

PMID- 27146130
TI  - Development of an Individualized Yoga Intervention to Address Fatigue in
      Hospitalized Children Undergoing Intensive Chemotherapy.
AB  - Purpose Fatigue is an important problem in children receiving intensive
      chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Exercise may be
      an effective intervention for fatigue. Individualized yoga represents an ideal
      intervention because it can be tailored according to an individual child's needs.
      Little is known about how to structure a standardized yoga program for
      intensivelytreated children. Therefore, this study describes the development of a
      yoga program and an approach to monitoring sessions suitable for hospitalized
      children receiving intensive chemotherapy or HSCT. Methods The yoga program was
      designed to increase mobility in hospitalized children and to provide children
      with relaxation techniques that could be used independently in a variety of
      environments. The program was founded on 4 key tenets: safety, adaptability,
      environmental flexibility, and appeal to children. We also developed quality and
      consistency assurance procedures. Results A menu format with a fixed structure
      was selected for the yoga program. Each yoga session contained up to 6 sections:
      breathing exercises, warmup exercises, yoga poses, balancing poses, cool-down
      poses, and final relaxation. Yoga instructors selected specific yoga poses for
      each session from a predetermined list organized by intensity level (low,
      moderate, or high). Monitoring procedures were developed using videotaping and
      multirater adjudication. Conclusion We created a standardized yoga program and an
      approach to monitoring that are now ready for incorporation in clinical trials.
      Future work should include the adaptation of the program to different pediatric
      populations and clinical settings.

PMID- 27146132
TI  - Impact of non-pharmacological interventions on prevention and treatment of
      delirium in critically ill patients: protocol for a systematic review of
      quantitative and qualitative research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients have an increased risk of developing delirium
      during their intensive care stay. To date, pharmacological interventions have not
      been shown to be effective for delirium management but non-pharmacological
      interventions have shown some promise. The aim of this systematic review is to
      identify effective non-pharmacological interventions for reducing the incidence
      or the duration of delirium in critically ill patients. METHODS: We will search
      MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, AMED, psycINFO and the Cochrane Library.
      We will include studies of critically ill adults and children. We will include
      randomised trials and controlled trials which measure the effectiveness of one or
      more non-pharmacological interventions in reducing incidence or duration of
      delirium in critically ill patients. We will also include qualitative studies
      that provide an insight into patients and their families' experiences of delirium
      and non-pharmacological interventions. Two independent reviewers will assess
      studies for eligibility, extract data and appraise quality. We will conduct meta
      analyses if possible or present results narratively. Qualitative studies will
      also be reviewed by two independent reviewers, and a specially designed quality
      assessment tool incorporating the CASP framework and the POPAY framework will be
      used to assess quality. DISCUSSION: Although non-pharmacological interventions
      have been studied in populations outside of intensive care units and
      multicomponent interventions have successfully reduced incidence and duration of
      delirium, no systematic review of non-pharmacological interventions specifically
      targeting delirium in critically ill patients have been undertaken to date. This
      systematic review will provide evidence for the development of a multicomponent
      intervention for delirium management of critically ill patients that can be
      tested in a subsequent multicentre randomised trial. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
      REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42015016625.

PMID- 27146133
TI  - A principal components method constrained by elementary flux modes: analysis of
      flux data sets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-negative linear combinations of elementary flux modes (EMs)
      describe all feasible reaction flux distributions for a given metabolic network
      under the quasi steady state assumption. However, only a small subset of EMs
      contribute to the physiological state of a given cell. RESULTS: In this paper, a
      method is proposed that identifies the subset of EMs that best explain the
      physiological state captured in reaction flux data, referred to as principal EMs
      (PEMs), given a pre-specified universe of EM candidates. The method avoids the
      evaluation of all possible combinations of EMs by using a branch and bound
      approach which is computationally very efficient. The performance of the method
      is assessed using simulated and experimental data of Pichia pastoris and
      experimental fluxome data of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The proposed method is
      benchmarked against principal component analysis (PCA), commonly used to study
      the structure of metabolic flux data sets. CONCLUSIONS: The overall results show
      that the proposed method is computationally very effective in identifying the
      subset of PEMs within a large set of EM candidates (cases with ~100 and ~1000 EMs
      were studied). In contrast to the principal components in PCA, the identified
      PEMs have a biological meaning enabling identification of the key active pathways
      in a cell as well as the conditions under which the pathways are activated. This
      method clearly outperforms PCA in the interpretability of flux data providing
      additional insights into the underlying regulatory mechanisms.

PMID- 27146134
TI  - Ticagrelor-induced Sweet Syndrome: an unusual dermatologic complication after
      percutaneous coronary intervention.
AB  - A 73-year-old male underwent cardiac catheterization and received two Everolimus
      drug eluting stents for 80 % stenotic lesions in the left anterior descending and
      right coronary arteries. He was discharged on aspirin and ticagrelor. He started
      noticing progressive multiple painful hemorrhagic bullae on the palms of both
      hands. Biopsy showed lesions consistent with Sweet Syndrome (SS). He was started
      on steroids and ticagrelor was switched to Clopidogrel with improvement in rash
      without recurrence. SS is an inflammatory disorder characterized by the abrupt
      appearance of painful, edematous, and erythematous lesions on the skin. This is
      the first reported case of SS associated with ticagrelor.

PMID- 27146135
TI  - Sixty seconds on . . . guardians.

PMID- 27146136
TI  - Intravesical PAC1 Receptor Antagonist, PACAP(6-38), Reduces Urinary Bladder
      Frequency and Pelvic Sensitivity in NGF-OE Mice.
AB  - Chronic NGF overexpression (OE) in the urothelium, achieved through the use of a
      highly urothelium-specific uroplakin II promoter, stimulates neuronal sprouting
      in the urinary bladder, produces increased voiding frequency and non-voiding
      contractions, and referred somatic sensitivity. Additional NGF-mediated
      pleiotropic changes might contribute to increased voiding frequency and pelvic
      hypersensitivity in NGF-OE mice such as neuropeptide/receptor systems including
      PACAP(Adcyap1) and PAC1 receptor (Adcyap1r1). Given the presence of PAC1
      immunoreactive fibers and the expression of PAC1 receptor expression in bladder
      tissues, and PACAP-facilitated detrusor contraction, whether PACAP/receptor
      signaling contributes to increased voiding frequency and somatic sensitivity was
      evaluated in NGF-OE mice. Intravesical administration of the PAC1 receptor
      antagonist, PACAP(6-38) (300 nM), significantly (p <= 0.01) increased
      intercontraction interval (2.0-fold) and void volume (2.5-fold) in NGF-OE mice.
      Intravesical instillation of PACAP(6-38) also decreased baseline bladder pressure
      in NGF-OE mice. PACAP(6-38) had no effects on bladder function in WT mice.
      Intravesical administration of PACAP(6-38) (300 nM) significantly (p <= 0.01)
      reduced pelvic sensitivity in NGF-OE mice but was without effect in WT mice.
      PACAP/receptor signaling contributes to the increased voiding frequency and
      pelvic sensitivity observed in NGF-OE mice. 

PMID- 27146138
TI  - Study of the epidemiology and etiological characteristics of hand, foot, and
      mouth disease in Suzhou City, East China, 2011-2014.
AB  - Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness that is caused
      by enteroviruses, and the prevalence of HFMD in China and around the world has
      resulted in a huge disease burden. Since 2010, the HFMD incidence has been the
      highest among infectious diseases in Suzhou, China. To investigate the
      epidemical, features, etiological characteristics, and clinical characteristics
      of HFMD in Suzhou City, East China, from 2011 to 2014. We retrospectively
      analyzed HFMD epidemiological data in Suzhou from 2011 to 2014. A total of 80,723
      outpatients in the city of Suzhou were diagnosed with HFMD, including 1,846
      severe cases. There were 2,387 (3.0 %) laboratory-confirmed cases, 807 of which
      exhibited severe symptoms. All analyses were stratified by age, disease severity,
      laboratory confirmation status, and enterovirus subtype. From 2011 to 2014, HFMD
      mainly affected children aged 1-3, and boys were more affected than girls. The
      highest peak incidences of HFMD occurred in May or June from 2011 to 2014, and
      lower peak incidences were observed from November to December and in districts
      with higher humidity. Enterovirus 71 and coxsackievirus A16 were the predominant
      viral genotypes in Suzhou in 2011 to 2012 and 2014, and the severe cases mainly
      correlated with EV71 subtypes. In 2013, other EVs were dominant. The proportion
      of patients with severe disease decreased significantly, and the VP1 capsid
      proteins of EV71 and CA16 from severe and mild cases were nearly identical. This
      study shows that it is time to start monitoring EVs in China and that we should
      accelerate vaccine research and develop public-health interventions for the
      control and prevention of HFMD, all of which will play an important role in the
      prevention of HFMD. 

PMID- 27146137
TI  - Loneliness and its association with psychological and somatic health problems
      among Czech, Russian and U.S. adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Loneliness is common in adolescence and has been linked to various
      negative outcomes. Until now, however, there has been little cross-country
      research on this phenomenon. The aim of the present study was to examine which
      factors are associated with adolescent loneliness in three countries that differ
      historically and culturally-the Czech Republic, Russia and the United States, and
      to determine whether adolescent loneliness is associated with poorer
      psychological and somatic health. METHODS: Data from a school survey, the Social
      and Health Assessment (SAHA), were used to examine these relations among 2205
      Czech, 1995 Russian, and 2050 U.S. male and female adolescents aged 13 to 15
      years old. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine if specific
      demographic, parenting, personal or school-based factors were linked to feeling
      lonely and whether lonely adolescents were more likely to report psychological
      (depression and anxiety) or somatic symptoms (e.g. headaches, pain). RESULTS:
      Inconsistent parenting, shyness, and peer victimisation were associated with
      higher odds for loneliness in at least 4 of the 6 country- and sex-wise subgroups
      (i.e. Czech, Russian, U.S. boys and girls). Parental warmth was a protective
      factor against feeling lonely among Czech and U.S. girls. Adolescents who were
      lonely had higher odds for reporting headaches, anxiety and depressive symptoms
      across all subgroups. Loneliness was associated with other somatic symptoms in at
      least half of the adolescent subgroups. CONCLUSION: Loneliness is associated with
      worse adolescent health across countries. The finding that variables from
      different domains are important for loneliness highlights the necessity of
      interventions in different settings in order to reduce loneliness and its
      detrimental effects on adolescent health.

PMID- 27146139
TI  - The complete genomic sequence of a tentative new polerovirus identified in barley
      in South Korea.
AB  - The complete nucleotide sequence of a new barley polerovirus, tentatively named
      barley virus G (BVG), which was isolated in Gimje, South Korea, has been
      determined using an RNA sequencing technique combined with polymerase chain
      reaction methods. The viral genomic RNA of BVG is 5,620 nucleotides long and
      contains six typical open reading frames commonly observed in other
      poleroviruses. Sequence comparisons revealed that BVG is most closely related to
      maize yellow dwarf virus-RMV, with the highest amino acid identities being less
      than 90 % for all of the corresponding proteins. These results suggested that BVG
      is a member of a new species in the genus Polerovirus. 

PMID- 27146140
TI  - [Hygiene and infection control measures in intensive care units].
AB  - The prevention of infections is the purpose of hospital hygiene/infection control
      using control and preventive measures and strategies to achieve this. Especially
      in intensive care units with seriously ill patients. The continuous increase of
      multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) and as a consequence difficult to treat
      infections clearly shows the importance of prevention. Furthermore success and
      failure of hygienic/infection control activities is one of the few measurable
      quality and performance characteristics in the era of quality medicine and is
      therefore crucial for the evaluation of hospitals. Consequently it is recommended
      to meet the challenges and understand hygienic/infection control measures as
      vital and essential for the hospital. Central topics of present-day prevention
      are presented. 

PMID- 27146142
TI  - Impacts of temperature change on ambulance dispatches and seasonal effect
      modification.
AB  - Ambulance dispatch is a proxy of acute health outcomes, and growing
      epidemiological evidence documented its relation to extreme temperature events.
      Research, however, on short-term temperature change and ambulance dispatches is
      scarce. We aimed to investigate the effect of short-term temperature change on
      ambulance dispatches and potential modification by season. Daily data on
      ambulance dispatch and weather factors were collected in Huainan, a Chinese
      inland city from December 2011 through December 2013. A Poison generalized linear
      regression model combined with distributed lag nonlinear model was constructed to
      examine the association of temperature change between neighboring days (TCN) with
      ambulance dispatches. The effect modification by season was also examined. There
      were 48,700 ambulance attendances during the study period. A statistically
      significant association of TCN with ambulance dispatches was observed.
      Temperature rise between neighboring days (TCN > 0) was associated with elevated
      adverse risk of ambulance dispatches, and the effects appeared to be acute (lag0,
      on the current day) and could last for at least a week, while temperature drop
      between neighboring days (TCN < 0) had a protective effect. For a 1  degrees C
      increase of TCN at lag0 and lag06 (on the 7-day moving average), the risk of
      ambulance dispatches increased by 2 % (95 % CI 1-3 %) and 7 (95 % CI 1-13 %),
      respectively. Extreme TCN increase (95th percentile, 3.3  degrees C vs. 0 
      degrees C) at lag0 and lag05 was accompanied by 6 (95 % CI 3-8 %) and 27 % (95 %
      CI 12-44 %) increase in ambulance dispatches. Ambulance dispatches were more
      vulnerable to extremely great temperature rise in summer and autumn. TCN was
      adopted for the first time to quantify the impact of short-term temperature
      change on ambulance dispatches. Temperature drop between neighboring days (TCN <
      0) had a protective effect on ambulance dispatches, while temperature rise
      between neighboring days (TCN > 0) could acutely trigger the increase in
      ambulance dispatches, and TCN effect differs by season.

PMID- 27146143
TI  - Advancing Understanding of Acculturation for Adolescents of Asian Immigrants:
      Person-Oriented Analysis of Acculturation Strategy Among Korean American Youth.
AB  - Acculturation strategy, a significant predictor of immigrant adaptation, has been
      under-studied with Asian Americans, in particular, Asian American youth. Using
      person-oriented latent profile analysis, this study identified acculturation
      strategies among Korean American early adolescents living in the Midwest. Two
      hundred ninety-one families were interviewed in 2007 that included 220 youth
      (mean age 13, 47.7 % female), along with 272 mothers and 164 fathers (N = 656).
      They were re-interviewed in 2008 (N = 588). The study found three distinct
      acculturation strategies: separation (11.8 %, n = 26), integrated bicultural
      (66.9 %, n = 150), and modest bicultural (21.3 %, n = 44). Integrated bicultural
      youth reported the strongest sense of ethnic identity and the most favorable
      characteristics, providing empirical support for the benefit of biculturalism.
      The findings further suggest that separation may not be as detrimental as
      previously thought, and modest bicultural-biculturalism that is not fully
      developed-may in fact be less desirable among Korean American youth. 

PMID- 27146144
TI  - MoS2/C Multilayer Nanospheres as an Electrode Base for Lithium Power Sources.
AB  - Multilayer nanospheres with alternating 2H-MoS2 and C layers were studied as a
      cathode base for lithium power sources. Interesting hierarchical structure,
      synergetic effect, and the presence of defects as supplementary active sites,
      introduced by the additional annealing at 773 K in Ar atmosphere, have determined
      the conductivity, referred to symmetric hopping or random barrier model, and led
      to achieve the high values of specific capacity of 3700, 1390, and 790 A h kg(-1)
      at currents 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 C. Such unusual result was never reported before
      and could be explained by combining of the faradaic and non-faradaic accumulation
      processes within electrode material. 

PMID- 27146145
TI  - Accelerated telomere shortening in peripheral blood lymphocytes after
      occupational polychlorinated biphenyls exposure.
AB  - Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are organochlorine pollutants with a worldwide
      dissemination. We examined telomere length (TL) in peripheral blood cells of 207
      individuals with a high body burden of PCBs due to occupational exposure in a
      transformer recycling company. Whereas TL in granulocytes was not affected, the
      age-adjusted TL in lymphocytes (?TLLymph) of exposed individuals was
      significantly shorter than expected [-0.77 kb; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 
      0.9316; -0.6052; p = 0.0001]. PCB exposure did not affect lymphocyte numbers or T
      cell receptor excision circle (TREC) levels in T cells, suggesting that PCBs
      cause loss of telomeric DNA in T cells due to their metabolic activation and
      antigen-stimulated proliferation. In support of this hypothesis, blood plasma
      levels of PCB-exposed individuals inhibited expression of telomerase, the
      telomere elongating enzyme in vitro in antigen-specific T cell proliferation
      assays. 3-OH-CB28, a downstream metabolite of the lower chlorinated PCB-28 in PCB
      exposed individuals (mean blood plasma concentration: 0.185 +/- 0.68 ng/mL),
      inhibited telomerase gene expression within 48 h of incubation in
      lymphoproliferative assays starting at a concentration of 0.27-6.75 ug/mL and
      accelerated telomere shortening in long-term cell culture experiments.
      Accelerated telomere shortening due to PCB exposure may lead to limitations of
      cell renewal and clonal expansion of lymphocyte populations. As PCB-related
      immune dysfunctions have been linked to increased susceptibility to infectious
      diseases and increased risk of cancer, our data provide a possible explanation,
      for how PCBs could promote infections and cancer through limiting immune
      surveillance.

PMID- 27146146
TI  - Outcomes of Temporary Partially Covered Stent Placement for Benign
      Tracheobronchial Stenosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the intermediate outcomes of temporary partially covered
      tracheobronchial stenting in patients with benign tracheobronchial stenosis.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with benign
      tracheobronchial stenosis who underwent stent placement. All stents were removed
      approximately 3 months after placement. Respiratory function was assessed using
      the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Karnofsky performance status scale (KPS)
      before and after stent placement. The lumen diameters of the stenotic lesions
      were measured using chest computed tomography (CT) and compared between before
      stent placement and after stent removal. RESULTS: A total of 51 stents were
      successfully placed in consecutive 51 patients with benign tracheobronchial
      stenosis. No serious complications occurred. The mean VAS and KPS scores
      significantly improved after stent removal (6.291 +/- 0.495 and 25.352 +/-
      10.533, respectively) compared with those before stent placement (1.493 +/- 0.504
      and 60.140 +/- 16.344, respectively; P < 0.05). The mean lumen transverse
      diameters of the stenotic site in trachea and main bronchus after stent removal
      (17.235 +/- 3.457 and 8.993 +/- 0.961 mm; 1 month post-removal; 16.353 +/- 4.132
      and 8.357 +/- 1.082 mm; 6 months post-removal) were significantly larger than
      those before stent placement (7.876 +/- 2.351 and 2.143 +/- 0.770 mm,
      respectively; P < 0.05). However, the mean lumen diameters between 1 and 6 months
      after stent removal had no significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Temporary partially covered stenting may be a safe and effective treatment for
      benign tracheobronchial stenosis.

PMID- 27146147
TI  - Blood mixtures: impact of puncture site on blood parameters.
AB  - Various puncture routes, veins, arteries, heart, are used to take blood in
      animals. For anatomical reasons, differences in blood composition are expected
      among puncture sites. However, this issue has been rarely assessed and contrasted
      results have been reported: strong effects of puncture site versus a lack of
      effect. We captured free-ranging freshwater turtles from different locations to
      compare the mean concentrations of 12 blood parameters (metabolites, hormone,
      ions, and enzyme) among three puncture sites: (1) a lateral branch of the jugular
      vein, (2) a dorsal subcarapacial cervical plexus (sometimes incorrectly referred
      as the 'cervical sinus' in the literature), and (3) a caudal plexus site
      (sometimes incorrectly referred as the 'caudal sinus'). Because we used very
      small syringes (27-30G), we were able to separate lymph, blood, or blood-lymph
      mixtures. Our results show very strong effects of puncture site and of mixture
      level (mean maximal difference between sites was 250 %). We also found strong sex
      and geographical effects. Typically, there were differences in concentrations of
      blood solutes sampled from the lateral jugular vein and subcarapacial plexus,
      mainly due to sampling a mixture of blood and lymph from the 'blood' at the
      subcarapacial site and pure blood from the lateral jugular site, and likewise,
      samples from the caudal site were highly variable due to often sampling a mixture
      of blood and lymph. These results have technical and fundamental implications,
      especially when performing comparative analyses. Further, by selecting precise
      puncture sites, physiological differences between lymph and blood compartments
      could be investigated.

PMID- 27146148
TI  - Anguillicola crassus impairs the silvering-related enhancements of the ROS
      defense capacity in swimbladder tissue of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla).
AB  - In a process called silvering, European eels prepare for their long-distance
      migration from European freshwater systems to the Sargasso Sea for reproduction.
      During this journey, eels perform extended diel vertical migrations, and the
      concomitant changes in hydrostatic pressure significantly affect the swimbladder,
      functioning as a buoyancy organ. As the swimbladder is primarily filled with
      oxygen, the tissue has to cope with extreme hyperoxic conditions, which typically
      are accompanied by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative
      stress. In addition, since the introduction of the parasitic nematode
      Anguillicola crassus in the early 1980s, swimbladder function of most of the
      European eels is impaired by the infection with this parasite. However, the exact
      pathways to detoxify ROS and how these pathways are affected by silvering or the
      infection are still unknown. In swimbladder and muscle tissue from uninfected and
      infected yellow, and from uninfected and infected silver eels, we measured the
      level of lipid peroxidation, which increases with ROS stress. To assess the
      capacity of the ROS defense systems, we analyzed the activities of superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase
      (GR), and determined the concentration of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH +
      GSSG). In swimbladder tissue, we found increased concentrations of GSH + GSSG as
      well as higher activities of SOD, GPx and GR, suggesting that SOD and the
      glutathione cycle are important for ROS detoxification. Comparing swimbladder
      tissue of uninfected yellow with uninfected silver eels, the concentration of GSH
      + GSSG and the activity of SOD were higher after silvering, corresponding with
      lower levels of lipid peroxidation. Whereas in yellow eels the infection with A.
      crassus had no effect, in silver eels the capacity to cope with ROS was
      significantly impaired. In muscle tissue, silvering or the infection only
      affected the activity of SOD but in exactly the same way as in swimbladder
      tissue.

PMID- 27146149
TI  - Activation of endothelial beta-catenin signaling induces heart failure.
AB  - Activation of beta-catenin-dependent canonical Wnt signaling in endothelial cells
      plays a key role in angiogenesis during development and ischemic diseases,
      however, other roles of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in endothelial cells remain
      poorly understood. Here, we report that sustained activation of beta-catenin
      signaling in endothelial cells causes cardiac dysfunction through suppressing
      neuregulin-ErbB pathway in the heart. Conditional gain-of-function mutation of
      beta-catenin, which activates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in Bmx-positive arterial
      endothelial cells (Bmx/CA mice) led to progressive cardiac dysfunction and 100%
      mortality at 40 weeks after tamoxifen treatment. Electron microscopic analysis
      revealed dilatation of T-tubules and degeneration of mitochondria in
      cardiomyocytes of Bmx/CA mice, which are similar to the changes observed in mice
      with decreased neuregulin-ErbB signaling. Endothelial expression of Nrg1 and
      cardiac ErbB signaling were suppressed in Bmx/CA mice. The cardiac dysfunction of
      Bmx/CA mice was ameliorated by administration of recombinant neuregulin protein.
      These results collectively suggest that sustained activation of Wnt/beta-catenin
      signaling in endothelial cells might be a cause of heart failure through
      suppressing neuregulin-ErbB signaling, and that the Wnt/beta-catenin/NRG axis in
      cardiac endothelial cells might become a therapeutic target for heart failure.

PMID- 27146150
TI  - Mirror, mirror on the wall: which microbiomes will help heal them all?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinicians have known for centuries that there is substantial
      variability between patients in their response to medications-some individuals
      exhibit a miraculous recovery while others fail to respond at all. Still others
      experience dangerous side effects. The hunt for the factors responsible for this
      variation has been aided by the ability to sequence the human genome, but this
      just provides part of the picture. Here, we discuss the emerging field of study
      focused on the human microbiome and how it may help to better predict drug
      response and improve the treatment of human disease. DISCUSSION: Various clinical
      disciplines characterize drug response using either continuous or categorical
      descriptors that are then correlated to environmental and genetic risk factors.
      However, these approaches typically ignore the microbiome, which can directly
      metabolize drugs into downstream metabolites with altered activity, clearance,
      and/or toxicity. Variations in the ability of each individual's microbiome to
      metabolize drugs may be an underappreciated source of differences in clinical
      response. Complementary studies in humans and animal models are necessary to
      elucidate the mechanisms responsible and to test the feasibility of identifying
      microbiome-based biomarkers of treatment outcomes. We propose that the predictive
      power of genetic testing could be improved by taking a more comprehensive view of
      human genetics that encompasses our human and microbial genomes. Furthermore,
      unlike the human genome, the microbiome is rapidly altered by diet,
      pharmaceuticals, and other interventions, providing the potential to improve
      patient care by re-shaping our associated microbial communities.

PMID- 27146151
TI  - Ovarian stimulation in the luteal phase: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether outcomes are different
      if controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is started in the luteal phase rather
      than the follicular phase. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was
      performed. Sixteen studies were included in the qualitative analysis, and eight
      studies with a total of 338 women were included in the quantitative analysis.
      RESULTS: Cycles initiated in the luteal phase were slightly longer (WMD 1.1 days,
      95 % CI 0.39-1.9) and utilized more total gonadotropins (WMD 817 IU, 95 % CI 489
      1144). However, no differences were noted in peak estradiol levels (WMD -411
      pg/ml, 95 % CI -906-84.7) or in the total number of oocytes retrieved (WMD 0.52
      oocytes, 95 % CI -0.74-1.7). There were slightly more mature oocytes retrieved in
      the luteal phase (WMD 0.77 oocytes, 95 % CI 0.21-1.3), and fertilization rates
      were significantly higher (WMD 10 %, 95 % CI 0.03-0.18). While only three studies
      reported pregnancy outcomes, no difference was noted in the FET pregnancy rates
      after COS in the luteal versus follicular phase (RR 0.95, 95 % CI 0.56-1.7). A
      post hoc power analysis revealed that a sample of this size was sufficient to
      detect a clinically meaningful difference of 2 oocytes retrieved with 93 % power.
      CONCLUSION: Although initiating COS in the luteal phase requires a longer
      stimulation and a higher dose of total gonadotropin, these differences are not
      clinically significant. Furthermore, COS initiated in the luteal phase does not
      compromise the quantity or quality of oocytes retrieved compared to outcomes of
      traditional stimulation in the follicular phase.

PMID- 27146153
TI  - Internal limiting membrane translocation for refractory macular holes.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Closure is more difficult to achieve in macular holes that
      remain open following a previous unsuccessful pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). We
      present our results with the internal limiting membrane (ILM) translocation
      technique that is used to optimise outcomes in refractory macular holes. METHODS:
      A prospective, interventional, case series was conducted. 12 eyes of 12
      consecutive patients with incomplete sealing of the macular hole (open and type 2
      closure) after a previous PPV with ILM peeling were included. Measured baseline
      parameters included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular hole smallest
      diameter, base diameter and height. Surgeries were performed by harvesting a
      fragment of the ILM near the vascular arcades and subsequently placing it inside
      the hole. Postoperative measured outcomes included macular hole status, foveal
      contour, outer retina integrity, BCVA and surgery-related complications. RESULTS:
      Anatomic closure occurred in 11 of 12 eyes (91%). This technique elicited a
      statistically significant improvement in BCVA (p=0.008). Mean BCVA was 20/400 at
      study baseline and 20/160 at final follow-up. However, less than 16.7% of cases
      had a final BCVA of >=20/63. CONCLUSION: The ILM translocation technique seems to
      facilitate persistent idiopathic macular hole closure, where primary surgery with
      PPV and ILM peeling failed.

PMID- 27146152
TI  - Utility of whole exome sequencing for the early diagnosis of pediatric-onset
      cerebellar atrophy associated with developmental delay in an inbred population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebellar atrophy and developmental delay are commonly associated
      features in large numbers of genetic diseases that frequently also include
      epilepsy. These defects are highly heterogeneous on both the genetic and clinical
      levels. Patients with these signs also typically present with non-specific
      neuroimaging results that can help prioritize further investigation but don't
      suggest a specific molecular diagnosis. METHODS: To genetically explore a cohort
      of 18 Egyptian families with undiagnosed cerebellar atrophy identified on MRI, we
      sequenced probands and some non-affected family members via high-coverage whole
      exome sequencing (WES; >97 % of the exome covered at least by 30x). Patients were
      mostly from consanguineous families, either sporadic or multiplex. We analyzed
      WES data and filtered variants according to dominant and recessive inheritance
      models. RESULTS: We successfully identified disease-causing mutations in half of
      the families screened (9/18). These mutations are located in seven different
      genes, PLA2G6 being the gene most frequently mutated (n = 3). We also identified
      a recurrent de novo mutation in the KIF1A gene and a molybdenum cofactor
      deficiency caused by the loss of the start codon in the MOCS2A open-reading frame
      in a mildly affected subject. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates the necessity
      of screening for dominant mutations in WES data from consanguineous families. Our
      identification of a patient with a mild and improving phenotype carrying a
      previously characterized severe loss of function mutation also broadens the
      clinical spectrum associated with molybdenum cofactor deficiency.

PMID- 27146155
TI  - Correction: Current therapeutic developments in atrophic age-related macular
      degeneration.

PMID- 27146154
TI  - Angiopoietin 2 expression in the cornea and its control of corneal
      neovascularisation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To define proangiogenic angiopoietin 2 (ANG2) expression and role(s) in
      human and mouse vascularised corneas. Further, to evaluate the effect of ANG2
      inhibition on corneal neovascularisation (CNV). METHODS: CNV was induced in FVB
      mice by means of intrastromal suture placement. One group of animals was
      sacrificed 10 days later; corneas were immunostained for ANG2 and compared with
      (i) mouse non-vascularised corneas and (ii) human vascularised and non
      vascularised corneas. A second group of CNV animals was treated systemically with
      an anti-ANG2 antibody. After 10 days, the corneas were whole-mounted, stained for
      CD31 and LYVE1 and lymphatic/blood vessels quantified. In another set of
      experiments, the corneal basal Bowman membrane was either (i) removed or (ii)
      left in place. After 2 or 10 days the corneas were removed and immunostained for
      collagen IV, ANG2, CD31, LYVE1, CD11b and MRC1 markers. RESULTS: In human beings
      and mice, ANG2 is expressed only in the epithelium, and, mildly, in the
      endothelium, of the avascular cornea. Instead, it is expressed in the epithelium,
      endothelium and stroma of vascularised corneas. Disruption of the Bowman membrane
      is associated with a significant increase of (i) ANG2 stromal expression and (ii)
      proangiogenic macrophage infiltration in the corneal stroma. Finally, blocking
      ANG2 significantly reduced hemangiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and macrophage
      infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Balancing proper healing and good vision is crucial in
      the cornea, constantly exposed to potential injuries. In this paper, we suggest
      the existence of a mechanism regulating the onset of inflammation (and associated
      CNV) depending on injury severity.

PMID- 27146156
TI  - Addition of vasopressin synthetic analogue [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP to standard
      chemotherapy enhances tumour growth inhibition and impairs metastatic spread in
      aggressive breast tumour models.
AB  - [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP is a novel 2nd generation vasopressin analogue with robust
      antitumour activity against metastatic breast cancer. We recently reported that,
      by acting on vasopressin V2r membrane receptor present in tumour cells and
      microvascular endothelium, [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP inhibits angiogenesis and metastatic
      progression of the disease without overt toxicity. Despite chemotherapy remaining
      as a primary therapeutic option for aggressive breast cancer, its use is limited
      by low selectivity and associated adverse effects. In this regard, we evaluated
      potential combinational benefits by adding [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP to standard-of-care
      chemotherapy. In vitro, combination of [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP with sub-IC50
      concentrations of paclitaxel or carmustine resulted in a cooperative inhibition
      of breast cancer cell growth in comparison to single-agent therapy. In vivo
      antitumour efficacy of [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP addition to chemotherapy was first
      evaluated using the triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenograft model.
      Tumour-bearing mice were treated with i.v. injections of [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP (0.3
      MUg/kg, thrice weekly) in combination with weekly cycles of paclitaxel (10 mg/kg
      i.p.). After 6 weeks of treatment, combination regimen resulted in greater tumour
      growth inhibition compared to monotherapy. [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP addition was also
      associated with reduction of local aggressiveness, and impairment of tumour
      invasion and infiltration of the skin. Benefits of combined therapy were
      confirmed in the hormone-independent and metastatic F3II breast cancer model by
      combining [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP with carmustine (25 mg/kg i.p.). Interestingly,
      [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP plus cytotoxic agents severely impaired colony forming ability of
      tumour cells and inhibited breast cancer metastasis to lung. The present study
      shows that [V(4)Q(5)]dDAVP may complement conventional chemotherapy by modulating
      metastatic progression and early stages of microtumour establishment, and thus
      supports further preclinical testing of the compound for the management of
      aggressive breast cancer.

PMID- 27146157
TI  - Morphometric discrimination of two sympatric sibling species in the Palaearctic
      region, Culicoides obsoletus Meigen and C. scoticus Downes & Kettle (Diptera:
      Ceratopogonidae), vectors of bluetongue and Schmallenberg viruses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some Palaearctic biting midge species (subgenus Avaritia) have been
      implicated as vectors of bluetongue virus in northern Europe. Separation of two
      species (C. obsoletus and C. scoticus) is considered difficult morphologically
      and, often, these female specimens are grouped in entomological studies. However,
      species-specific identification is desirable to understand their life history
      characteristics, assess their roles in disease transmission or measure their
      abundance during arboviral outbreaks. This study aims to investigate whether
      morphometric identification techniques can be applied to female C. obsoletus and
      C. scoticus individuals trapped at different geographical regions and time
      periods during the vector season. METHODS: C. obsoletus and C. scoticus were
      collected using light-suction traps from the UK, France and Spain, with two
      geographical locations sampled per country. A total of 759 C. obsoletus/C.
      scoticus individuals were identified using a molecular assay based on the
      cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. Fifteen morphometric measurements were taken
      from the head, wings and abdomen of slide-mounted specimens, and ratios
      calculated between these measurements. Multivariate analyses explored whether a
      combination of morphometric variables could lead to accurate species
      identification. Finally, Culicoides spp. collected in France at the start, middle
      and end of the adult vector season were compared, to determine whether seasonal
      variation exists in any of the morphometric measurements. RESULTS: The principal
      component analyses revealed that abdominal characteristics: length and width of
      the smaller and larger spermathecae, and the length of the chitinous plates and
      width between them, are the most reliable morphometric characteristics to
      differentiate between the species. Seasonal variation in the size of each species
      was observed for head and wing measurements, but not abdominal measurements.
      Geographical variation in the size of Culicoides spp. was also observed and is
      likely to be related to temperature at the trapping sites, with smaller
      individuals trapped at more southern latitudes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest
      that female C. obsoletus and C. scoticus individuals can be separated under a
      stereomicroscope using abdominal measurements. Although we show the length and
      width of the spermathecae can be used to differentiate between the species, this
      can be time-consuming, so we recommend undertaking this using standardized
      subsampling of catches.

PMID- 27146158
TI  - Insights from a Convocation: Integrating Discovery-Based Research into the
      Undergraduate Curriculum.

PMID- 27146159
TI  - Development of the Neuron Assessment for Measuring Biology Students' Use of
      Experimental Design Concepts and Representations.
AB  - Researchers, instructors, and funding bodies in biology education are unanimous
      about the importance of developing students' competence in experimental design.
      Despite this, only limited measures are available for assessing such competence
      development, especially in the areas of molecular and cellular biology. Also,
      existing assessments do not measure how well students use standard symbolism to
      visualize biological experiments. We propose an assessment-design process that 1)
      provides background knowledge and questions for developers of new
      "experimentation assessments," 2) elicits practices of representing experiments
      with conventional symbol systems, 3) determines how well the assessment reveals
      expert knowledge, and 4) determines how well the instrument exposes student
      knowledge and difficulties. To illustrate this process, we developed the Neuron
      Assessment and coded responses from a scientist and four undergraduate students
      using the Rubric for Experimental Design and the Concept-Reasoning Mode of
      representation (CRM) model. Some students demonstrated sound knowledge of
      concepts and representations. Other students demonstrated difficulty with
      depicting treatment and control group data or variability in experimental
      outcomes. Our process, which incorporates an authentic research situation that
      discriminates levels of visualization and experimentation abilities, shows
      potential for informing assessment design in other disciplines. 

PMID- 27146160
TI  - Scaling Up: Adapting a Phage-Hunting Course to Increase Participation of First
      Year Students in Research.
AB  - Authentic research experiences are valuable components of effective undergraduate
      education. Research experiences during the first years of college are especially
      critical to increase persistence in science, technology, engineering, and
      mathematics fields. The Science Education Alliance Phage Hunters Advancing
      Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) model provides a high-impact
      research experience to first-year students but is usually available to a limited
      number of students, and its implementation is costly in faculty time and
      laboratory space. To offer a research experience to all students taking
      introductory biology at Gonzaga University (n = 350/yr), we modified the
      traditional two-semester SEA-PHAGES course by streamlining the first-semester
      Phage Discovery lab and integrating the second SEA-PHAGES semester into other
      courses in the biology curriculum. Because most students in the introductory
      course are not biology majors, the Phage Discovery semester may be their only
      encounter with research. To discover whether students benefit from the first
      semester alone, we assessed the effects of the one-semester Phage Discovery
      course on students' understanding of course content. Specifically, students
      showed improvement in knowledge of bacteriophages, lab math skills, and
      understanding experimental design and interpretation. They also reported learning
      gains and benefits comparable with other course-based research experiences.
      Responses to open-ended questions suggest that students experienced this course
      as a true undergraduate research experience. 

PMID- 27146161
TI  - Development and Assessment of Modules to Integrate Quantitative Skills in
      Introductory Biology Courses.
AB  - Redesigning undergraduate biology courses to integrate quantitative reasoning and
      skill development is critical to prepare students for careers in modern medicine
      and scientific research. In this paper, we report on the development,
      implementation, and assessment of stand-alone modules that integrate quantitative
      reasoning into introductory biology courses. Modules are designed to improve
      skills in quantitative numeracy, interpreting data sets using visual tools, and
      making inferences about biological phenomena using mathematical/statistical
      models. We also examine demographic/background data that predict student
      improvement in these skills through exposure to these modules. We carried out
      pre/postassessment tests across four semesters and used student interviews in one
      semester to examine how students at different levels approached quantitative
      problems. We found that students improved in all skills in most semesters,
      although there was variation in the degree of improvement among skills from
      semester to semester. One demographic variable, transfer status, stood out as a
      major predictor of the degree to which students improved (transfer students
      achieved much lower gains every semester, despite the fact that pretest scores in
      each focus area were similar between transfer and nontransfer students). We
      propose that increased exposure to quantitative skill development in biology
      courses is effective at building competency in quantitative reasoning. 

PMID- 27146162
TI  - Beyond the Cell: Using Multiscalar Topics to Bring Interdisciplinarity into
      Undergraduate Cellular Biology Courses.
AB  - Western science has grown increasingly reductionistic and, in parallel, the
      undergraduate life sciences curriculum has become disciplinarily fragmented.
      While reductionistic approaches have led to landmark discoveries, many of the
      most exciting scientific advances in the late 20th century have occurred at
      disciplinary interfaces; work at these interfaces is necessary to manage the
      world's looming problems, particularly those that are rooted in cellular-level
      processes but have ecosystem- and even global-scale ramifications (e.g.,
      nonsustainable agriculture, emerging infectious diseases). Managing such problems
      requires comprehending whole scenarios and their emergent properties as sums of
      their multiple facets and complex interrelationships, which usually integrate
      several disciplines across multiple scales (e.g., time, organization, space).
      This essay discusses bringing interdisciplinarity into undergraduate cellular
      biology courses through the use of multiscalar topics. Discussing how cellular
      level processes impact large-scale phenomena makes them relevant to everyday life
      and unites diverse disciplines (e.g., sociology, cell biology, physics) as facets
      of a single system or problem, emphasizing their connections to core concepts in
      biology. I provide specific examples of multiscalar topics and discuss
      preliminary evidence that using such topics may increase students' understanding
      of the cell's position within an ecosystem and how cellular biology interfaces
      with other disciplines. 

PMID- 27146163
TI  - The impact of race, income, drug abuse and dependence on health insurance
      coverage among US adults.
AB  - Little is known about the impact of drug abuse/dependence on health insurance
      coverage, especially by race groups and income levels. In this study, we examine
      the disparities in health insurance predictors and investigate the impact of drug
      use (alcohol abuse/dependence, nicotine dependence, and illicit drug
      abuse/dependence) on lack of insurance across different race and income groups.
      To perform the analysis, we used insurance data (8057 uninsured and 28,590
      insured individual adults) from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health
      (NSDUH 2011). To analyze the likelihood of being uninsured we performed weighted
      binomial logistic regression analyses. The results show that the overall
      prevalence of lacking insurance was 19.6 %. However, race differences in lack of
      insurance exist, especially for Hispanics who observe the highest probability of
      being uninsured (38.5 %). Furthermore, we observe that the lowest income level
      bracket (annual income <$20,000) is associated with the highest likelihood of
      being uninsured (37.3 %). As the result of this investigation, we observed the
      following relationship between drug use and lack of insurance: alcohol
      abuse/dependence and nicotine dependence tend to increase the risk of lack of
      insurance for African Americans and whites, respectively; illicit drug use
      increases such risk for whites; alcohol abuse/dependence increases the likelihood
      of lack of insurance for the group with incomes $20,000-$49,999, whereas nicotine
      dependence is associated with higher probability of lack of insurance for most
      income groups. These findings provide some useful insights for policy makers in
      making decisions regarding unmet health insurance coverage.

PMID- 27146166
TI  - Choosing wisely: should past medical decisions impact the allocation of scarce
      ECMO resources?

PMID- 27146164
TI  - Tinospora cordifolia ameliorates anxiety-like behavior and improves cognitive
      functions in acute sleep deprived rats.
AB  - Sleep deprivation (SD) leads to the spectrum of mood disorders like anxiety,
      cognitive dysfunctions and motor coordination impairment in many individuals.
      However, there is no effective pharmacological remedy to negate the effects of
      SD. The current study examined whether 50% ethanolic extract of Tinospora
      cordifolia (TCE) can attenuate these negative effects of SD. Three groups of
      adult Wistar female rats - (1) vehicle treated-sleep undisturbed (VUD), (2)
      vehicle treated-sleep deprived (VSD) and (3) TCE treated-sleep deprived (TSD)
      animals were tested behaviorally for cognitive functions, anxiety and motor
      coordination. TSD animals showed improved behavioral response in EPM and NOR
      tests for anxiety and cognitive functions, respectively as compared to VSD
      animals. TCE pretreatment modulated the stress induced-expression of plasticity
      markers PSA-NCAM, NCAM and GAP-43 along with proteins involved in the maintenance
      of LTP i.e., CamKII-alpha and calcineurin (CaN) in hippocampus and PC regions of
      the brain. Interestingly, contrary to VSD animals, TSD animals showed
      downregulated expression of inflammatory markers such as CD11b/c, MHC-1 and
      cytokines along with inhibition of apoptotic markers. This data suggests that TCE
      alone or in combination with other memory enhancing agents may help in managing
      sleep deprivation associated stress and improving cognitive functions.

PMID- 27146165
TI  - Phosphofructokinase-1 Negatively Regulates Neurogenesis from Neural Stem Cells.
AB  - Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1), a major regulatory glycolytic enzyme, has been
      implicated in the functions of astrocytes and neurons. Here, we report that PFK-1
      negatively regulates neurogenesis from neural stem cells (NSCs) by targeting pro
      neural transcriptional factors. Using in vitro assays, we found that PFK-1
      knockdown enhanced, and PFK-1 overexpression inhibited the neuronal
      differentiation of NSCs, which was consistent with the findings from NSCs
      subjected to 5 h of hypoxia. Meanwhile, the neurogenesis induced by PFK-1
      knockdown was attributed to the increased proliferation of neural progenitors and
      the commitment of NSCs to the neuronal lineage. Similarly, in vivo knockdown of
      PFK-1 also increased neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus.
      Finally, we demonstrated that the neurogenesis mediated by PFK-1 was likely
      achieved by targeting mammalian achaete-scute homologue-1 (Mash 1), neuronal
      differentiation factor (NeuroD), and sex-determining region Y (SRY)-related HMG
      box 2 (Sox2). All together, our results reveal PFK-1 as an important regulator of
      neurogenesis. 

PMID- 27146167
TI  - The relationship between spoken language and speech and nonspeech processing in
      children with autism: a magnetic event-related field study.
AB  - It has been proposed that language impairments in children with Autism Spectrum
      Disorders (ASD) stem from atypical neural processing of speech and/or nonspeech
      sounds. However, the strength of this proposal is compromised by the unreliable
      outcomes of previous studies of speech and nonspeech processing in ASD. The aim
      of this study was to determine whether there was an association between poor
      spoken language and atypical event-related field (ERF) responses to speech and
      nonspeech sounds in children with ASD (n = 14) and controls (n = 18). Data from
      this developmental population (ages 6-14) were analysed using a novel combination
      of methods to maximize the reliability of our findings while taking into
      consideration the heterogeneity of the ASD population. The results showed that
      poor spoken language scores were associated with atypical left hemisphere brain
      responses (200 to 400 ms) to both speech and nonspeech in the ASD group. These
      data support the idea that some children with ASD may have an immature auditory
      cortex that affects their ability to process both speech and nonspeech sounds.
      Their poor speech processing may impair their ability to process the speech of
      other people, and hence reduce their ability to learn the phonology, syntax, and
      semantics of their native language.

PMID- 27146168
TI  - Why RBE must be a variable and not a constant in proton therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article considered why the proton therapy (PT) relative
      biological effect (RBE) should be a variable rather than a constant. METHODS: The
      reasons for a variable proton RBE are enumerated, with qualitative and
      quantitative arguments. The heterogeneous data sets collated by Paganetti et al
      (2002) and the more homogeneous data of Britten et al (2013) are further analyzed
      using linear regression fitting and RBE-inclusive adaptations of the linear
      quadratic (LQ) radiation model. RESULTS: The in vitro data show RBE increasing as
      dose per fraction is lowered. In the Paganetti et al (2002) data sets, the
      differences between observed and expected effects are smaller when the LQ model
      is used, but with such data heterogeneity, firm statistical conclusions cannot be
      obtained. The more homogeneous data set shows an unequivocal variation in RBE
      with dose per faction. The in vivo data are inappropriate for assessments of late
      normal tissue effects in radiotherapy. Also, if there is the same degree of
      uncertainty in an RBE of 1.1 or in an RBE of 2-3 for C ions, the fractional and
      biological effective doses can vary considerably and be greater in the proton
      case. So, errors in RBE assignment are important for protons, just as with C
      ions. CONCLUSION: Further experimental programmes are proposed, including late
      normal tissue end points. Better RBE allocations might further improve PT
      outcomes. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study provides a rigorous critique of the
      1.1 RBE used for protons, from theoretical and practical standpoints. Data
      analysis shows that the LQ model is more appropriate than simple linear
      regression. Comprehensive research programmes are suggested.

PMID- 27146169
TI  - Physical exercise associated with improved BMD independently of sex and vitamin D
      levels in young adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: Young men and women accrue the majority of their bone mass in their
      teens and twenties, where their bone mass peaks (PBM), yet little is known about
      the roles of physical exercise, vitamin D levels and bone mineral density (BMD)
      near PBM. METHODS: To comparatively examine the effect of physical exercise and
      two vitamin D levels (insufficient s-25[OH]D <50 nmol/L and sufficient s-25[OH]D
      >80 nmol/L) on the BMD measured at the femoral neck, total hip (bilaterally) and
      the lumbar spine (L2-L4) in male and female participants approaching PBM.
      RESULTS: The insufficient s-25[OH]D group, median age 21.6 (19.8-22.8) years, and
      BMI 24.2 +/- 5.0 kg/m(2) had BMD 0.10 (0.03, 0.17) g/cm(2) (p = 0.008) lower at
      all DXA-scan sites compared to the sufficient s-25[OH]D group, median age 19.5
      (19.0-22.3) years, and BMI of 22.6 +/- 1.8 kg/m(2). Exercise was positively
      associated with the BMD at all DXA-scan sites (p trend = 0.0001) and with equal
      benefit; there was no interaction between exercise and the DXA-scan site (p =
      0.09). The male participants did not have a systematically higher BMD than the
      female participants for all scan sites; only for hips total and femoral neck
      bilaterally, while it was equal at the lumbar spine. CONCLUSION: The BMD in young
      healthy adults is associated with physical exercise, independent of sex and s
      25[OH]D status. A sufficient s-25[OH]D status was systematically associated with
      a higher BMD for all levels of exercise. For both sexes and vitamin D levels
      exercise was equally positively associated with BMD.

PMID- 27146170
TI  - Short-term increases in pressure and shear stress attenuate age-related declines
      in endothelial function in skeletal muscle feed arteries.
AB  - PURPOSE: We tested the hypothesis that exposure to a short-term (1 h) increase in
      intraluminal pressure and shear stress (SS), to mimic two mechanical signals
      associated with a bout of exercise, improves nitric oxide (NO)-mediated
      endothelium-dependent dilation in aged soleus muscle feed arteries (SFA). In
      addition, we hypothesized that pressure and SS would interact to produce greater
      improvements in endothelial function than pressure alone. METHODS: SFA from young
      (4 months) and old (24 months) Fischer 344 rats were cannulated and pressurized
      at 90 (P90) or 130 (P130) cmH2O and exposed to no SS (0 dyn/cm(2)) or high SS
      (~65 dyn/cm(2)) for 1 h. At the end of the 1 h treatment period, pressure in all
      P130 SFA was set to 90 cmH2O and no SS (0 dyn/cm(2)) for examination of
      endothelium-dependent [flow and acetylcholine (ACh)] and endothelium-independent
      [sodium nitroprusside (SNP)] dilation. To evaluate the contribution of NO,
      vasodilator responses were assessed in the presence of N(omega)-nitro- l 
      arginine (L-NNA). RESULTS: Flow- and ACh-induced dilations were impaired in Old
      P90 SFA. Treatment with increased pressure + SS for 1 h improved flow- and ACh
      induced dilations in old SFA. The beneficial effect of pressure + SS was
      abolished in the presence of L-NNA and was not greater than treatment with
      increased pressure alone. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that short-duration
      increases in pressure + SS improve NO-mediated endothelium-dependent dilation in
      aged SFA; however, pressure and SS do not interact to produce greater
      improvements in endothelial function than pressure alone.

PMID- 27146171
TI  - Genetic and antigenic characterization of hemagglutinin of influenza A/H3N2 virus
      from the 2015 season in Thailand.
AB  - Antigenic changes in the HA1 domain of the influenza A/H3N2 hemagglutinin (HA)
      present a challenge in the design of the annual influenza vaccine. We examined
      the genetic variability in the nucleotide and amino acid of encoding HA1
      sequences of the influenza A/H3N2 virus during the 2015 influenza season in
      Thailand. Toward this, the HA genes of 45 influenza A/H3N2 strains were amplified
      and sequenced. Although a clade 3C.3a strain (A/Switzerland/9715293/2013) was
      chosen for the 2015 vaccine, phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that strains
      belonging to clade 3C.2a (96 %) instead of clade 3C.3a (4 %) were circulating
      that year. Sequence analysis showed that seven codons were under positive
      selection, five of which were located inside the antigenic epitopes. The
      percentages of the perfect match vaccine efficacy (VE) estimated by the P epitope
      model against circulating strains suggested antigenic drift of the dominant
      epitopes A and B, which contributed to reduced VE of the 2015 vaccine. However,
      the 2016 vaccine strain (A/Hong Kong/4801/2014) was closely related and well
      matched against the circulating strain (mean of VE = 79.3 %). These findings
      provide data on the antigenic drift of the influenza A/H3N2 virus circulating in
      Thailand and further support continual monitoring and surveillance of the
      antigenic changes on HA1. 

PMID- 27146172
TI  - Contrast Media Delivery in the Assessment of Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From
      the Pulmonary Artery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A patient with a history of mitral valve prolapse and regurgitation
      that was corrected with a mitral ring repair 15 years earlier received a
      diagnosis of anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery and
      underwent repair. DISCUSSION: Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) was
      employed to image the patient before surgical intervention. Synchronizing
      contrast media administration to opacify the right coronary artery in the
      arterial phase and the left coronary artery in the venous phase required a test
      bolus approach. CONCLUSION: Matching compromised cardiovascular dynamics with
      patient-specific contrast media administration protocols was improved
      considerably with the use of a test-bolus technique during electrocardiography
      gated coronary CTA.

PMID- 27146173
TI  - Minimizing the Long-term Effects of Ionizing Radiation in Pediatric Computed
      Tomography Examinations.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify methods for minimizing the effects of ionizing radiation
      from pediatric computed tomography (CT) examinations, including the education of
      medical staff, imaging staff, and patients, and dose-reduction techniques that
      provide the best patient care and highest image quality at the lowest possible
      dose. METHODS: A literature search was conducted for peer-reviewed journal
      articles and Web-based information from professional organizations that discuss
      ionizing radiation in CT examinations and its effects on adult or pediatric
      patients. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The literature indicates that dose-reduction
      methods, such as using appropriate technical factors and shielding, are
      beneficial in acquiring the best image quality for proper diagnosis at the lowest
      dose possible to the patient. In addition, a radiologist review of examination
      requisitions can help eliminate duplicate orders and unnecessary examinations,
      along with providing recommendations for alternative examinations that do not use
      radiation such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Education for
      referring physicians and other medical professionals on the importance of
      alternative examinations and dose-reduction methods is essential to ensure they
      provide adequate education to pediatric patients and their families. CONCLUSION:
      Patient education and radiation safety are top priorities for imaging
      professionals. Radiation exposure to pediatric patients should be minimized
      through the use of shielding, appropriate CT parameters, other dose-reduction
      methods, and education. Further research is needed in these areas to ensure
      optimal patient care.

PMID- 27146174
TI  - Successful Admission Criteria to Predict Academic and Clinical Success in Entry
      Level Radiography Programs.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine successful admission criteria in health education programs.
      METHODS: Health sciences databases were searched for admission criteria in
      medical and allied health education. Special emphasis was placed on radiologic
      technology investigations. DISCUSSION: Many medical and health sciences programs
      use cognitive and noncognitive factors to predict student success. However,
      research has not identified common admission criteria that can be used to predict
      academic and clinical success of candidates in radiologic technology education
      programs. CONCLUSION: Further research is needed to investigate the use of
      cognitive and noncognitive factors as admission criteria for radiologic
      technology programs and to determine whether these factors can be used to predict
      student success.

PMID- 27146175
TI  - Radiation Safety Compliance.
AB  - This article discusses radiation safety programs, including the members of the
      radiation safety team, their roles, and the challenges they face, with a focus on
      the radiation safety officer's duties. Agencies that regulate radiation safety
      also are described. The importance of minimizing patient dose, ensuring that
      dosimetry badges are worn correctly, and using therapeutic radioactive materials
      safely are addressed. Finally, radiologic technologists' role in using radiation
      safely is discussed, and the principles of time, distance, and shielding are
      reviewed. 

PMID- 27146176
TI  - Multiple Sclerosis: An Update.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurologic condition in
      young adults and imposes high financial and quality of life costs on patients,
      their families, and society. Yet, developments in the battle against MS include
      new treatments to slow its progression and updated diagnostic criteria that can
      accelerate diagnosis and effective treatment. This article offers a review and
      update on the disease, focusing on risk factors and possible causes, symptoms,
      forms of MS, diagnostic criteria and tools, and the expanding array of approved
      treatments. It also reports on the skyrocketing cost of MS drugs, misdiagnosis,
      and special patient populations with MS. 

PMID- 27146177
TI  - Essential Reads.

PMID- 27146178
TI  - Essential Reads.

PMID- 27146179
TI  - Essential Reads.

PMID- 27146180
TI  - Essential Reads.

PMID- 27146181
TI  - Ensuring Student Safety in Magnetic Resonance Educational Programs.

PMID- 27146182
TI  - Surgical Breast Tissue Specimen Handling and Transportation in Radiology.

PMID- 27146183
TI  - Brave New World: Transitioning the Radiologic Sciences to Value-driven Economics.

PMID- 27146184
TI  - Radiation Exposure in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Female Interventional Radiology
      Workers.

PMID- 27146185
TI  - Treat All Patients With Respect.

PMID- 27146186
TI  - A Standardized Exposure Index for Digital Radiography.

PMID- 27146188
TI  - Publishing Columns in Radiologic Technology.

PMID- 27146187
TI  - Service Learning.

PMID- 27146189
TI  - Year One: Transitioning From Student to Staff Technologist.

PMID- 27146190
TI  - Off-Level Grid Use Error.

PMID- 27146191
TI  - Ankle Biter.

PMID- 27146192
TI  - Computed Tomography of Cardiac Malignancies.
AB  - Primary cardiac neoplasms-tumors originating in heart tissue-are rare. Most are
      benign, but even these can be life threatening. Metastatic cardiac tumors are
      secondary tumors that spread to heart tissues and are far more common than
      primary heart cancers. Computed tomography (CT) and other diagnostic imaging
      modalities play important roles in the multimodality detection, diagnosis,
      characterization, and treatment planning of cardiac malignancies. This article
      introduces the anatomy, pathobiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of
      adult and pediatric cardiac malignancies, with an emphasis on the roles of CT
      imaging. 

PMID- 27146193
TI  - Breast Cancer Screening Benefits: Research and Controversies.
AB  - The debate regarding the efficacy of breast cancer screening with mammography has
      intensified since about 2009, as the literature has reported on benefits, harms,
      and effectiveness of the technology in breast cancer diagnosis. As a result,
      women and their referring clinicians have been confused by conflicting reports in
      medical journals and the media. This article provides an overview of research and
      methodology used to generate these reports and the effects of contradictory
      research, screening recommendation changes, and the controversy over mammography
      efficacy on patients and the public. 

PMID- 27146194
TI  - Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents: Patient Safety Concerns.

PMID- 27146195
TI  - Quantitative analysis of ruminal bacterial populations involved in lipid
      metabolism in dairy cows fed different vegetable oils.
AB  - Vegetable oils are used to increase energy density of dairy cow diets, although
      they can provoke changes in rumen bacteria populations and have repercussions on
      the biohydrogenation process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of
      two sources of dietary lipids: soybean oil (SO, an unsaturated source) and
      hydrogenated palm oil (HPO, a saturated source) on bacterial populations and the
      fatty acid profile of ruminal digesta. Three non-lactating Holstein cows fitted
      with ruminal cannulae were used in a 3*3 Latin square design with three periods
      consisting of 21 days. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (Control, no
      fat supplement) and the basal diet supplemented with SO (2.7% of dry matter (DM))
      or HPO (2.7% of DM). Ruminal digesta pH, NH3-N and volatile fatty acids were not
      affected by dietary treatments. Compared with control and HPO, total bacteria
      measured as copies of 16S ribosomal DNA/ml by quantitative PCR was decreased
      (P<0.05) by SO. Fibrobacter succinogenes, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus and
      Anaerovibrio lipolytica loads were not affected by dietary treatments. In
      contrast, compared with control, load of Prevotella bryantii was increased
      (P<0.05) with HPO diet. Compared with control and SO, HPO decreased (P<0.05)
      C18:2 cis n-6 in ruminal digesta. Contents of C15:0 iso, C18:11 trans-11 and
      C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 were increased (P<0.05) in ruminal digesta by SO compared
      with control and HPO. In conclusion, supplementation of SO or HPO do not affect
      ruminal fermentation parameters, whereas HPO can increase load of ruminal P.
      bryantii. Also, results observed in our targeted bacteria may have depended on
      the saturation degree of dietary oils.

PMID- 27146196
TI  - Carbon-13 and carbon-14 labeled dabigatran etexilate and tritium labeled
      dabigatran.
AB  - Dabigatran etexilate or pradaxa, a novel oral anticoagulant, is a reversible,
      competitive, direct thrombin inhibitor. It is used to prevent strokes in patients
      with atrial fibrillation and the formation of blood clots in the veins (deep
      venous thrombosis) in adults who have had an operation to replace a hip or a
      knee. Pradaxa is the only novel oral anticoagulant available with both proven
      superiority to warfarin and a specific reversal agent for use in rare emergency
      situations. The detailed description of the synthesis of carbon-13 and carbon-14
      labeled dabigatran etexilate, and tritium labeled dabigatran is described. The
      synthesis of carbon-13 dabigatran etexilate was accomplished in eight steps and
      in 6% overall yield starting from aniline-13 C6 . Ethyl bromoacetate-1-14 C was
      the reagent of choice in the synthesis of carbon-14 labeled dabigatran etexilate
      in six steps and 17% overall yield. Tritium labeled dabigatran was prepared using
      either direct tritium incorporation under Crabtree's catalytic conditions or
      tritium-dehalogenation of a diiodo-precursor of dabigatran.

PMID- 27146197
TI  - Spectroscopic and Ab Initio Investigation of C-H???N Hydrogen-Bonded Complexes of
      Fluorophenylacetylenes: Frequency Shifts and Correlations.
AB  - The C-H???N hydrogen-bonded complexes of several fluorophenyacetylenes with
      ammonia and methylamine were characterized by a redshift in the acetylenic C-H
      stretching vibration of the phenylacetylene moiety. These redshifts were linearly
      correlated with the stabilization energies calculated at the CCSD(T)/CBS//MP2-aug
      cc-pVDZ level. Analysis of various components of the interaction energy indicated
      that the observed redshifts were weakly correlated with the electrostatic
      component. The weaker linear correlation between the frequency shifts and the
      electrostatic component between two data sets can perhaps be attributed to the
      marginal differences in the Stark tuning rate and zero-field shifts. The
      induction and exchange-repulsion components were linearly correlated. However,
      the dispersion component depends on the nature of the hydrogen-bond acceptor and
      shows a quantum jump when the hydrogen-bond acceptor is changed from ammonia to
      methylamine. The observed linear correlation between the redshifts in the C-H
      stretching frequencies and the total stabilization energies is due to mutual
      cancellation of deviations from linearity between various components. 

PMID- 27146198
TI  - Sub-50 fs excited state dynamics of 6-chloroguanine upon deep ultraviolet
      excitation.
AB  - The photophysical properties of natural nucleobases and their respective
      nucleotides are ascribed to the sub-picosecond lifetime of their first singlet
      states in the UV-B region (260-350 nm). Electronic transitions of the pipi* type,
      which are stronger than those in the UV-B region, lie at the red edge of the UV-C
      range (100-260 nm) in all isolated nucleobases. The lowest energetic excited
      states in the UV-B region of nucleobases have been investigated using a plethora
      of experimental and theoretical methods in gas and solution phases. The sub
      picosecond lifetime of these molecules is not a general attribute of all
      nucleobases but specific to the five primary nucleobases and a few xanthine and
      methylated derivatives. To determine the overall UV photostability, we aim to
      understand the effect of more energetic photons lying in the UV-C region on
      nucleobases. To determine the UV-C initiated photophysics of a nucleobase system,
      we chose a halogen substituted purine, 6-chloroguanine (6-ClG), that we had
      investigated previously using resonance Raman spectroscopy. We have performed
      quantitative measurements of the resonance Raman cross-section across the Bb
      absorption band (210-230 nm) and constructed the Raman excitation profiles. We
      modeled the excitation profiles using Lee and Heller's time-dependent theory of
      resonance Raman intensities to extract the initial excited state dynamics of 6
      ClG within 30-50 fs after photoexcitation. We found that imidazole and pyrimidine
      rings of 6-ClG undergo expansion and contraction, respectively, following
      photoexcitation to the Bb state. The amount of distortions of the excited state
      structure from that of the ground state structure is reflected by the total
      internal reorganization energy that is determined at 112 cm(-1). The contribution
      of the inertial component of the solvent response towards the total
      reorganization energy was obtained at 1220 cm(-1). In addition, our simulation
      also yields an instantaneous response of the first solvation shell within an
      ultrafast timescale of less than 30 fs following photoexcitation.

PMID- 27146199
TI  - Association between physical activity and health-related quality of life in
      children: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research suggests that physical activity plays a role to improve
      health related- quality of life (QoL), however studies examining the association
      between physical activity and HRQOL are limited in the paediatric literature. The
      aim of this study is to explore the relationship between physical activity and
      HRQoL among Malaysian children. METHODS: Participants (n = 78 normal weight; 78
      obese children) aged 9-11 years completed a validated quality of life (QoL)
      inventory and wore an accelerometer to objectively measure physical activity for
      1 week. RESULTS: Psychosocial Health domain and Total QoL (all p < 0.05) were
      significantly lower for obese compared to normal weight children. Children who
      spent more time in sedentary behaviour had significantly lower QoL on
      Psychosocial Health domain and Total QoL except for the Physical Health domain.
      There was also a strong positive correlation between QoL and moderate-vigorous
      physical activity (MVPA) indicating that children who are physically active have
      a better quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity promotion should be
      emphasised to improve QoL in children.

PMID- 27146201
TI  - EBUS-guided mediastinal lung cancer staging: monitoring of quality standards
      improves performance.
AB  - This audit examined key performance indices related to endobronchial ultrasound
      (EBUS)-guided mediastinal lung cancer staging before and after the introduction
      of defined quality standards, at four independent EBUS centres in one cancer
      network. Data from 642 procedures were prospectively collected and analysed. The
      introduction of standards was associated with a significant increase (p<0.001) in
      sampling of key mediastinal lymph node stations (4R, 4L and 7) and a reduction in
      the variability of staging sensitivity between centres. These data reinforce the
      requirement for an appropriate regulatory framework for EBUS-transbronchial
      needle aspiration provision that includes quality assurance and performance
      monitoring.

PMID- 27146200
TI  - Diagnostic performance of a seven-marker serum protein biosignature for the
      diagnosis of active TB disease in African primary healthcare clinic attendees
      with signs and symptoms suggestive of TB.
AB  - BACKGROUND: User-friendly, rapid, inexpensive yet accurate TB diagnostic tools
      are urgently needed at points of care in resource-limited settings. We
      investigated host biomarkers detected in serum samples obtained from adults with
      signs and symptoms suggestive of TB at primary healthcare clinics in five African
      countries (Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, The Gambia and Uganda), for the
      diagnosis of TB disease. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled individuals
      presenting with symptoms warranting investigation for pulmonary TB, prior to
      assessment for TB disease. We evaluated 22 host protein biomarkers in stored
      serum samples using a multiplex cytokine platform. Using a pre-established
      diagnostic algorithm comprising of laboratory, clinical and radiological
      findings, participants were classified as either definite TB, probable TB,
      questionable TB status or non-pulmonary TB. RESULTS: Of the 716 participants
      enrolled, 185 were definite and 29 were probable TB cases, 6 had questionable TB
      disease status, whereas 487 had no evidence of TB. A seven-marker biosignature of
      C reactive protein, transthyretin, IFN-gamma, complement factor H, apolipoprotein
      A1, inducible protein 10 and serum amyloid A identified on a training sample set
      (n=491), diagnosed TB disease in the test set (n=210) with sensitivity of 93.8%
      (95% CI 84.0% to 98.0%), specificity of 73.3% (95% CI 65.2% to 80.1%), and
      positive and negative predictive values of 60.6% (95% CI 50.3% to 70.1%) and
      96.4% (95% CI 90.5% to 98.8%), respectively, regardless of HIV infection status
      or study site. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified a seven-marker host serum protein
      biosignature for the diagnosis of TB disease irrespective of HIV infection status
      or ethnicity in Africa. These results hold promise for the development of a field
      friendly point-of-care screening test for pulmonary TB.

PMID- 27146203
TI  - Comprehensive MRI for the detection of subtle alterations in diastolic cardiac
      function in apoE/LDLR(-/-) mice with advanced atherosclerosis.
AB  - ApoE/LDLR(-/-) mice represent a reliable model of atherosclerosis. However, it is
      not clear whether cardiac performance is impaired in this murine model of
      atherosclerosis. Here, we used MRI to characterize cardiac performance in vivo in
      apoE/LDLR(-/-) mice with advanced atherosclerosis. Six-month-old apoE/LDLR(-/-)
      mice and age-matched C57BL/6J mice (control) were examined using highly time
      resolved cine-MRI [whole-chamber left ventricle (LV) imaging] and MR tagging
      (three slices: basal, mid-cavity and apical). Global and regional measures of
      cardiac function included LV volumes, kinetics, time-dependent parameters,
      strains and rotations. Histological analysis was performed using OMSB (orceine
      with Martius, Scarlet and Blue) and ORO (oil red-O) staining to demonstrate the
      presence of advanced coronary atherosclerosis. MR-tagging-based strain analysis
      in apoE/LDLR(-/-) mice revealed an increased frequency of radial and
      circumferential systolic stretch (25% and 50% of segments, respectively, p <=
      0.012), increased radial post-systolic strain index (45% of segments, p = 0.009)
      and decreased LV untwisting rate (-30.3 degrees  (11.6 degrees )/cycle, p =
      0.004) when compared with control mice. Maximal strains and LV twist were
      unchanged. Most of the cine-MRI-based LV functional and anatomical parameters
      also remained unchanged in apoE/LDLR(-/-) mice, with only a lower filling rate,
      longer filling time, shorter isovolumetric contraction time and slower heart rate
      observed in comparison with control mice. The coronary arteries displayed severe
      atherosclerosis, as evidenced by histological analysis. Using comprehensive MRI
      methods, we have demonstrated that, despite severe coronary atherosclerosis in
      six-month-old apoE/LDLR(-/-) mice, cardiac performance including global
      parameters, twist and strains, was well preserved. Only subtle diastolic
      alterations, possibly of ischemic background, were uncovered. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27146202
TI  - Community dynamics and the lower airway microbiota in stable chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease, smokers and healthy non-smokers.
AB  - RATIONALE: The role bacteria play in the progression of COPD has increasingly
      been highlighted in recent years. However, the microbial community complexity in
      the lower airways of patients with COPD is poorly characterised. OBJECTIVES: To
      compare the lower airway microbiota in patients with COPD, smokers and non
      smokers. METHODS: Bronchial wash samples from adults with COPD (n=18), smokers
      with no airways disease (n=8) and healthy individuals (n=11) were analysed by
      extended-culture and culture-independent Illumina MiSeq sequencing. We determined
      aerobic and anaerobic microbiota load and evaluated differences in bacteria
      associated with the three cohorts. Culture-independent analysis was used to
      determine differences in microbiota between comparison groups including taxonomic
      richness, diversity, relative abundance, 'core' microbiota and co-occurrence.
      MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Extended-culture showed no difference in total load
      of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria between the three cohorts. Culture-independent
      analysis revealed that the prevalence of members of Pseudomonas spp. was greater
      in the lower airways of patients with COPD; however, the majority of the sequence
      reads for this taxa were attributed to three patients. Furthermore, members of
      Bacteroidetes, such as Prevotella spp., were observed to be greater in the
      'healthy' comparison groups. Community diversity (alpha and beta) was
      significantly less in COPD compared with healthy groups. Co-occurrence of
      bacterial taxa and the observation of a putative 'core' community within the
      lower airways were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Microbial community composition in
      the lower airways of patients with COPD is significantly different to that found
      in smokers and non-smokers, indicating that a component of the disease is
      associated with changes in microbiological status.

PMID- 27146204
TI  - Highly selective and efficient biotransformation of linarin to produce tilianin
      by naringinase.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop a practical method to prepare tilianin by highly selective
      and efficient hydrolysis of the C-7 rhamnosyl group from linarin. RESULTS:
      Naringinase was utilized to selectively catalyze the formation of tilianin using
      linarin as the starting material. The reaction conditions, including temperature,
      pH, metal ions, substrate concentration and enzyme concentration, were optimized.
      At 60  degrees C, naringinase showed enhanced alpha-L-rhamnosidase activity while
      the beta-D-glucosidase activity was abrogated. The addition of Mg(2+), Fe(2+) and
      Co(2+) was also beneficial for selective biotransformation of linarin to
      tilianin. Under the optimized conditions (pH 7.0 at 60  degrees C), linarin could
      be nearly completely transformed to tilianin with excellent selectivity (>98.9
      %), while that of the by-product acacetin was less than 1.1 %. In addition, the
      structure of target product tilianin was fully characterized by HR-MS and (1)H
      NMR. CONCLUSION: A highly selective and efficient biotransformation of linarin to
      tilianin was developed by the proper control of incubation temperature, which
      enhanced the alpha-L-rhamnosidase activity of naringinase and blocked its beta-D
      glucosidase activity.

PMID- 27146205
TI  - Reliable RT-qPCR-based titration of retroviral and lentiviral vectors via
      quantification of residual vector plasmid DNA in samples.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To develop a method for reliable quantification of viral vectors,
      which is necessary for determining the optimal dose of vector particles in
      clinical trials to obtain the desired effects without severe unwanted immune
      responses. RESULTS: A significant level of vector plasmid remained in retroviral
      and lentiviral vector samples, which led to overestimation of viral titers when
      using the conventional RT-qPCR-based genomic titration method. To address this
      problem, we developed a new method in which the residual plasmid was quantified
      by an additional RT-qPCR step, and standard molecules and primer sets were
      optimized. The obtained counts were then used to correct the conventionally
      measured genomic titers of viral samples. While the conventional method produced
      significantly higher genomic titers for mutant retroviral vectors than for wild
      type vectors, our method produced slightly higher or equivalent titers,
      corresponding with the general idea that mutation of viral components mostly
      results in reduced or, at best, retained titers. CONCLUSION: Subtraction of the
      number of residual vector plasmid molecules from the conventionally measured
      genomic titer can yield reliable quantification of retroviral and lentiviral
      vector samples, a prerequisite to advancing the safety of gene therapy
      applications.

PMID- 27146206
TI  - Serum-free non-toxic freezing solution for cryopreservation of human adipose
      tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a cost-effective, non-toxic and xeno-free freezing solution
      for the preservation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hADSC) with a long
      shelf-life. RESULTS: The potential of various hydrocolloids and organic osmolytes
      as cryoprotectants and individual components of phosphate buffered saline (PBS)
      as carrier media were evaluated to formulate a freezing solution for the
      cryopreservation of hADSCs. Among the hydrocolloids, the highest viability, 55 %,
      was achieved with post-thawed (after 48 h storage at -80  degrees C) hADSCs
      cryopreserved in 10 % (v/v) polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) using PBS as carrier
      media. 0.9 % NaCl was a superior carrier medium resulting an enhanced cell
      viability (70 %) when used in 10 % PVP than other components of PBS. A higher
      cell viability (81 %) was achieved when 10 % PVP/0.9 % NaCl was supplemented with
      60 mM ectoin. The cryopreserved cells retained normal cytoskeletal distribution
      pattern and adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation ability during 14 and 21
      days of incubation. CONCLUSION: A serum-free and non-toxic 10 % PVP/0.9 % NaCl/60
      mM ectoin freezing solution was developed for cryopreservation of hADSC for
      application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

PMID- 27146207
TI  - Pranlukast, a novel binding ligand of human Raf1 kinase inhibitory protein.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the binding of pranlukast to hRKIP and its regulatory role
      in the Raf1/MEK/ERK signal pathway. RESULTS: NMR and fluorescence experiments
      demonstrated hRKIP could bind pranlukast with a binding constant of 1016 mM(-1).
      Residues (Y81, S109 and Y181) on the conserved ligand-binding pocket of hRKIP
      played a crucial role in binding pranlukast, and their mutations reduced the
      binding affinity more than 85 %. Furthermore, 25 MUM pranlukast could up-regulate
      the ERK phosphorylation by about 17 %. CONCLUSION: Pranlukast may be used as a
      potential drug precursor for treating hRKIP involved diseases.

PMID- 27146208
TI  - Down-regulation of microRNA-126-5p contributes to overexpression of VEGFA in
      lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of microRNA-126-5p (miR-126-5p) in acute lung
      injury induced by bronchial instillation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to
      explore the potential target(s) of miR-126-5p in acute lung injury. RESULTS: In
      the mice with LPS-induced acute lung injury, the level of miR-126-5p in the
      pulmonary tissues was decreased by 41 % whilst pulmonary vascular endothelial
      growth factor-A (VEGFA) doubled in its mRNA content and increased threefold in
      its protein level. Similar results were observed in the alveolar type II (ATII)
      cells treated with LPS. By using luciferase reporter assay, we found that miR-126
      5p inhibited VEGFA expression by targeting its 3'-untranslated region. In
      addition, overexpression of miR-126-5p attenuated LPS-induced reduction of
      epithelial sodium channel and aquaporin 1 in ATII cells CONCLUSIONS: MiR-126-5p
      was down-regulated in LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice. Thus overexpression
      of miR-126-5p may alleviate acute lung injury by down-regulating VEGFA.

PMID- 27146209
TI  - A novel major facilitator superfamily transporter in Penicillium digitatum
      (PdMFS2) is required for prochloraz resistance, conidiation and full virulence.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To clone a novel major facilitator superfamily (MFS, a large protein
      family with diverse physiological functions in all kingdoms) transporter gene,
      Pdmfs2, and characterize its function in Penicillium digitatum. RESULTS: A novel
      MFS transporter gene, Pdmfs2, was isolated from P. digitatum. The full-length DNA
      of Pdmfs2 had a 1590 bp ORF encoding a full-size MFS transporter with 529 amino
      acids. In a prochloraz-resistant strain (PdHS-F6), Pdmfs2 transcript level was up
      regulated compared with the prochloraz-sensitive strain (PdHS-E3) and could be
      induced by 7 MUg prochloraz/ml. The deletion of Pdmfs2 (DeltaPdmfs2) in PdHS-F6
      led to increased susceptibility to prochloraz and lower EC50 value (the
      concentration of prochloraz producing 50 % growth inhibition) compared with the
      PdHS-F6 or complementation strain (COPdmfs2). The DeltaPdmfs2 strain was
      defective in conidia yield and virulence towards citrus fruits, while the
      complementation of Pdmfs2 could restore the phenotypic features to a large
      extent. CONCLUSIONS: Pdmfs2 is the second MFS transporter gene in P. digitatum
      and is required for prochloraz resistance, conidiation and full virulence.

PMID- 27146210
TI  - The use of chlorogenic acid and its analogues as inhibitors: an investigation of
      the inhibition of sortase A of Staphylococcus aureus using molecular docking and
      dynamic simulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To use molecular docking and dynamic simulation to investigate the
      inhibitory action of chlorogenic acid (CHA) and its analogues against sortase A
      of Staphylococcus aureus. RESULTS: Five novel, natural inhibitors with different
      activities were discovered for sortase A (SrtA). The inhibition mechanism of the
      novel inhibitors was consistent with the mechanism of CHA, which was reported
      previously by Wang et al. (Front Microbiol 6:1031, 2015). Based on structure
      activity relationship analysis, the hydroxyl moiety (C1) of the inhibitors is
      critical in the catalytic region of SrtA, which could be confirmed by the
      calculation of the binding free energy between SrtA and the inhibitors.
      CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism obtained by molecular dynamics simulation is thus
      useful for the development of novel, selective SrtA inhibitors.

PMID- 27146211
TI  - A tightly regulated expression system for E. coli using supersaturated silicic
      acid.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a new expression system regulated by a ferric uptake
      regulator in which silicic acid is used as an inducer. RESULTS: Fur box (binding
      site for Fur) was substituted for the lac operator to regulate the expression of
      GFP with the lac promoter. Since the addition of supersaturated silicic acid
      invokes iron deficiency, supersaturated silicic acids were used as an inducer.
      GFP expression was dependent on silica concentration, and the expression level
      without silica was negligible. Basal expression level of this lac-Fur system was
      extremely low and, hence, lytic enzyme gene E from bacteriophage phiX174 could be
      retained in this system. Furthermore, the expression of genes of interest was
      spontaneously initiated as the cell density increased and the costs of the
      inducer are considerably less than IPTG. CONCLUSION: The combination of lac
      promoter and Ferric uptake repressor allowed the protein expression by
      supersaturated silicic acid as an inducer in an easy and cost-effective way.

PMID- 27146212
TI  - A high effective NADH-ferricyanide dehydrogenase coupled with laccase for NAD(+)
      regeneration.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To find an efficient and cheap system for NAD(+) regeneration
      RESULTS: A NADH-ferricyanide dehydrogenase was obtained from an isolate of
      Escherichia coli. Optimal activity of the NADH dehydrogenase was at 45  degrees C
      and pH 7.5, with a K m value for NADH of 10 MUM. By combining the NADH
      dehydrogenase, potassium ferricyanide and laccase, a bi-enzyme system for NAD(+)
      regeneration was established. The system is attractive in that the O2 consumed by
      laccase is from air and the sole byproduct of the reaction is water. During the
      reaction process, 10 mM NAD(+) was transformed from NADH in less than 2 h under
      the condition of 0.5 U NADH dehydrogenase, 0.5 U laccase, 0.1 mM potassium
      ferricyanide at pH 5.6, 30  degrees C CONCLUSION: The bi-enzyme system employed
      the NADH-ferricyanide dehydrogenase and laccase as catalysts, and potassium
      ferricyanide as redox mediator, is a promising alternative for NAD(+)
      regeneration.

PMID- 27146213
TI  - Brivaracetam Population Pharmacokinetics and Exposure-Response Modeling in Adult
      Subjects With Partial-Onset Seizures.
AB  - Brivaracetam is a selective high-affinity ligand for synaptic vesicle protein 2A,
      recently approved as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset (focal)
      seizures in patients 16 years of age and older with epilepsy. A population
      pharmacokinetic (PK) model and a population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic
      (PKPD) model were developed describing brivaracetam plasma concentration and the
      relationship with daily seizure counts in adequate well-controlled efficacy
      trials. The effect of body weight on clearance and volume was implemented using
      allometric scaling, and a range of covariates were investigated for their
      influence on brivaracetam clearance. The PKPD model described daily seizure
      counts using a negative binomial distribution, taking previous day seizures into
      account, and using a mixture model to separate "placebo-like" and "response"
      subpopulations. The PK and PKPD models provided a good description of the data,
      documented using visual predictive checks. Coadministration with carbamazepine,
      phenytoin, and phenobarbital decreased brivaracetam exposure by 26%, 21%, and
      19%, respectively, without significant effects on PD response. Covariate analysis
      indicated that levetiracetam coadministration reduced the fraction of subjects in
      the mixture model response population to 4% and identified baseline seizure
      frequency as a strong predictor for being assigned to the mixture model response
      population. Simulation allowed characterization of the dose-response curve,
      suggesting maximum response is obtained at brivaracetam 150-200 mg/day.

PMID- 27146214
TI  - Evaluation of artificial nerve conduit and autografts in peripheral nerve repair
      in the rat model of sciatic nerve injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of artificial nerve conduit in
      the sciatic nerve injury and repair in the rat model. METHODS: A total of 60
      adult male Sprague Dawley rats were evenly randomized into five groups to build
      the model of sciatic nerve injury and perform the injury repair experiment. The
      five groups were: group A which was treated with artificial nerve conduit, group
      B which was treated with common carotid artery (CCA) autograft, group C which was
      treated with sciatic nerve autograft, group D which was treated with sham
      operation, and group E as the normal control. The injury was repaired by direct
      coaptation of the nerve ends. Postoperatively, the rats' behavior, motor nerve
      conduction velocity (MNCV), incubation period, amplitude, remaining rate of wet
      weight of the gastrocnemius muscle, the diameter and section area of the
      gastrocnemius cell, and the histological changes were assessed. The results were
      analyzed by one-way ANOVA and two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Twelve days
      postoperatively, 36 rats in groups A, B, and C presented with denervated
      adermotrophia on the injured ankle. The electrophysiological indicators in groups
      D and E were constant and similar. The values of MNCV and amplitude were group C
      > group A > group B, with an increasing tendency. The values of the incubation
      period were group C < group A < group B with statistical difference (p < 0.05)
      and showed a decreasing tendency. The wet gastrocnemius muscle in groups D and E
      showed plump morphology with luster and elasticity. Groups A and C had similar
      atrophic gastrocnemius muscles and reduced flexibility while the phenomena were
      more severe in group B. Progressive decrease of the cell diameter and sectional
      area was observed in groups A, B, and C. The adhesion between the sciatic nerve
      and the surrounding area in groups A, B, and C had statistical significance (P <
      0.05), with group B the most serious. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that
      artificial nerve conduit facilitated functional and morphological regeneration of
      the nerve. It seemed more effective than CCA but inferior to sciatic nerve
      autograft in repairing sciatic nerve injury in the rat model.

PMID- 27146215
TI  - A synthesis of genetic connectivity in deep-sea fauna and implications for marine
      reserve design.
AB  - With anthropogenic impacts rapidly advancing into deeper waters, there is growing
      interest in establishing deep-sea marine protected areas (MPAs) or reserves.
      Reserve design depends on estimates of connectivity and scales of dispersal for
      the taxa of interest. Deep-sea taxa are hypothesized to disperse greater
      distances than shallow-water taxa, which implies that reserves would need to be
      larger in size and networks could be more widely spaced; however, this paradigm
      has not been tested. We compiled population genetic studies of deep-sea fauna and
      estimated dispersal distances for 51 studies using a method based on isolation-by
      distance slopes. Estimates of dispersal distance ranged from 0.24 km to 2028 km
      with a geometric mean of 33.2 km and differed in relation to taxonomic and life
      history factors as well as several study parameters. Dispersal distances were
      generally greater for fishes than invertebrates with the Mollusca being the least
      dispersive sampled phylum. Species that are pelagic as adults were more
      dispersive than those with sessile or sedentary lifestyles. Benthic species from
      soft-substrate habitats were generally less dispersive than species from hard
      substrate, demersal or pelagic habitats. As expected, species with pelagic and/or
      feeding (planktotrophic) larvae were more dispersive than other larval types.
      Many of these comparisons were confounded by taxonomic or other life-history
      differences (e.g. fishes being more dispersive than invertebrates) making any
      simple interpretation difficult. Our results provide the first rough estimate of
      the range of dispersal distances in the deep sea and allow comparisons to shallow
      water assemblages. Overall, dispersal distances were greater for deeper taxa,
      although the differences were not large (0.3-0.6 orders of magnitude between
      means), and imbalanced sampling of shallow and deep taxa complicates any simple
      interpretation. Our analyses suggest the scales of dispersal and connectivity for
      reserve design in the deep sea might be comparable to or slightly larger than
      those in shallow water. Deep-sea reserve design will need to consider the
      enormous variety of taxa, life histories, hydrodynamics, spatial configuration of
      habitats and patterns of species distributions. The many caveats of our analyses
      provide a strong impetus for substantial future efforts to assess connectivity of
      deep-sea species from a variety of habitats, taxonomic groups and depth zones.

PMID- 27146216
TI  - Ultrafast dynamics in unaligned MWCNTs decorated with metal nanoparticles.
AB  - The relaxation dynamics of unaligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes decorated with
      metallic nanoparticles have been studied by using transient optical measurements.
      The fast dynamics due to the short-lived free-charge carriers excited by the pump
      are not affected by the presence of nanoparticles. Conversely, a second long
      dynamics, absent in bare carbon nanotubes, appears only in the decorated samples.
      A combination of experiment and theory allows us to ascribe this long dynamics to
      relaxation channels involving electronic states localized at the tube
      nanoparticle interface. 

PMID- 27146217
TI  - Phase Change of Gallium Enables Highly Reversible and Switchable Adhesion.
AB  - Gallium exhibits highly reversible and switchable adhesion when it undergoes a
      solid-liquid phase transition. The robustness of gallium is notable as it
      exhibits strong performance on a wide range of smooth and rough surfaces, under
      both dry and wet conditions. Gallium may therefore find numerous applications in
      transfer printing, robotics, electronic packaging, and biomedicine. 

PMID- 27146220
TI  - If at first you don't succeed....

PMID- 27146221
TI  - Undertaking and reporting qualitative research.

PMID- 27146219
TI  - Complex patterns in fossilized stromatolites revealed by hyperspectral imaging
      (400-2496 nm).
AB  - Hyperspectral imaging (400-2496 nm) was used to quantitatively map surface
      textures and compositional variations in stromatolites to determine whether
      complexity of textures could be used as evidence to support biogenicity in the
      absence of preserved biomarkers. Four samples of 2.72-2.4 Ga stromatolites from a
      variety of settings, encompassing marine and lacustrine environments, were
      selected for hyperspectral imaging. Images of the sawn surfaces of samples were
      processed to identify reflectance and mineral absorption features and quantify
      their intensity (as an index of mineral abundance) using automated feature
      extraction. Amounts of ferrous iron were quantified using a ratio of reflectance
      at 1650 and 1299 nm. Visible near infrared imagery (400-970 nm) did not reveal
      additional textural patterns to those obtained from visual inspection. Shortwave
      infrared imagery (1000-2496 nm), however, revealed complex laminar and convoluted
      patterns, including a distinctive texture of sharp peaks and broad, low troughs
      in one sample, similar to living tufted microbial mats. Spectral analysis
      revealed another sample to be composed of dolomite. Two other samples were
      dominated by calcite or chlorite +/- illite. Large variations in amounts of
      ferrous iron were found, but ferric iron was exclusively located in the oxidation
      crust. Hyperspectral imaging revealed large differences between parts of a sample
      of biogenic and non-biogenic origin. The former was characterized by calcite with
      varying amounts of ferrous iron, distributed in lenticular, convoluted patterns;
      the latter by Mg-Fe chlorite with large amounts of aluminium silicate,
      distributed as fine laminar layers. All minerals identified by hyperspectral
      imaging were confirmed by thin section petrography and XRD analyses. Spatial
      statistics generated from quantitative minerals maps showed different patterns
      between these different parts of the sample. Thus, hyperspectral imaging was
      shown to be a powerful tool for detecting structures in stromatolites that could
      be used, together with other lines of evidence, to support biogenicity.

PMID- 27146218
TI  - Nanog, Oct4 and Tet1 interplay in establishing pluripotency.
AB  - A few central transcription factors inside mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and
      induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are believed to control the cells'
      pluripotency. Characterizations of pluripotent state were put forward on both
      transcription factor and epigenetic levels. Whereas core players have been
      identified, it is desirable to map out gene regulatory networks which govern the
      reprogramming of somatic cells as well as the early developmental decisions. Here
      we propose a multiple level model where the regulatory network of Oct4, Nanog and
      Tet1 includes positive feedback loops involving DNA-demethylation around the
      promoters of Oct4 and Tet1. We put forward a mechanistic understanding of the
      regulatory dynamics which account for i) Oct4 overexpression is sufficient to
      induce pluripotency in somatic cell types expressing the other Yamanaka
      reprogramming factors endogenously; ii) Tet1 can replace Oct4 in reprogramming
      cocktail; iii) Nanog is not necessary for reprogramming however its over
      expression leads to enhanced self-renewal; iv) DNA methylation is the key to the
      regulation of pluripotency genes; v) Lif withdrawal leads to loss of
      pluripotency. Overall, our paper proposes a novel framework combining
      transcription regulation with DNA methylation modifications which, takes into
      account the multi-layer nature of regulatory mechanisms governing pluripotency
      acquisition through reprogramming.

PMID- 27146222
TI  - Preceptor teaching tips in longitudinal clerkships.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In longitudinal integrated clerkships (LICs), the continuous
      preceptor and student relationship over time creates opportunities for more in
      depth teaching approaches than shorter preceptorships allow. We identify student
      perceptions of the most effective teaching practices and develop tips for LIC
      preceptors. METHODS: The first four third-year medical student classes completing
      the Asheville LIC of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine (UNC
      SOM) formed the subject group. Between June and August 2013, a trained research
      assistant (AS) conducted semi-structured interviews with all 27 UNC SOM Asheville
      LIC students. Interviews were transcribed and coded by thematic analysis.
      RESULTS: All 27 (100%) students participated in the interviews. We identified
      seven main themes of successful precepting practices: enhance teaching; create
      bring-backs (learning topics to bring back to preceptors); support patient
      ownership; structure clinic; improve feedback; engage learners; and develop a
      relationship. These themes were condensed into nine preceptor tips for teaching
      in LICs. CONCLUSIONS: The longitudinal relationship of preceptor and student in
      LIC models affords specific, important opportunities for teaching and learning.
      The concise list of LIC preceptor tips can be used by preceptors to further
      optimise their teaching in the LIC setting. We identify student perceptions of
      the most effective teaching practices and develop tips for LIC preceptors.

PMID- 27146223
TI  - Non-technical skills and health care provision in low- and middle-income
      countries.

PMID- 27146224
TI  - Learning when to involve patients in decision making.

PMID- 27146225
TI  - Response to Clinical supervision training across contexts.

PMID- 27146226
TI  - SJT or UKMLE?

PMID- 27146227
TI  - Ensuring adequate prescribing skills among doctors.

PMID- 27146228
TI  - Analysis of electron-vibrational interaction in interconfigurational 5d?4f
      transition of Eu2+ ions in Na5 Ca4 (PO4 )4 F.
AB  - In this paper, the photoluminescence properties of Eu2+ -activated greenish-blue
      emitting halophosphate phosphor Na5 Ca4 (PO4 )4 F were studied to estimate
      electron-vibrational interaction (EVI) parameters such as the Huang-Rhys factor,
      effective phonon energy, Stokes shift and zero phonon line (ZPL) position for
      various concentrations of dopant. The validity of the results was established by
      modeling the emission spectra, which was found to be in good agreement with the
      experimental photoluminescence spectra. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 27146229
TI  - Seasonal Incidence of Emergent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is often
      required in the case of severe coronary artery disease, which is refractory to
      traditional management. The objective of our study was to test the hypothesis
      that there is seasonal variation in the incidence of emergent CABG. METHODS: A
      sinusoidal logistic regression model was used to analyze operative data at our
      cardiovascular institute of 270 cases spanning 5939 calendar days. RESULTS: A
      cyclic peak risk for emergent CABG was observed for late winter (calendar day 66;
      P = .036). The odds ratios for the 1-, 2- and 3-month window surrounding this
      peak were 1.8 (95% CI = 0.94-3.5, P = .072), 1.6 (95% CI = 1.06-2.5, P = .024)
      and 1.4 (95% CI = 0.9-1.8, P = .066), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results
      suggest that a seasonal variation may exist in the incidence of patients
      presenting with severe coronary artery disease requiring emergent CABG. This
      information is useful in the scheduling of hospital resources and staff. It also
      provides important etiology clues underlying coronary artery disease that may
      lead to future interventions or targeted therapies.

PMID- 27146231
TI  - Early Outcomes of Coronary Endarterectomy in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery
      Bypass Surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coronary endarterectomy (CE) is performed as an adjunct to coronary
      artery bypass surgery (CABG); however, the efficacy of this technique is still
      controversial. We aimed to evaluate the impact of CE combined with CABG when
      compared with isolated CABG. METHODS: Patients who underwent CABG between July
      2007 and June 2014 were included. 70 of 2452 patients (2.8%) underwent CE in
      addition to CABG. Early results were compared with isolated CABG and predictors
      of adverse outcome were measured in stepwise multivariate logistic regression
      analyses. RESULTS: The incidence of comorbidities including prior myocardial
      infarction, diabetes mellitus, and three-vessel coronary disease in CE patients
      was higher; however, mortality (4.3% versus control 3.6%; P = .762) and
      postoperative complications were not significantly increased in this group of
      patients (except supraventricular arrhythmia). Although age greater than 70
      years, impaired ejection fraction, intraoperative intraaortic balloon pump, and
      prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time were important predictors of adverse
      outcomes, CE was not associated with increased mortality or postoperative
      morbidities. CONCLUSION: Despite the higher risk profile of patients who
      underwent CE, this technique was not identified as an independent risk factor for
      adverse postoperative outcomes.

PMID- 27146230
TI  - Left Ventricular Aneurysm Repair with Endoaneurysmorrhaphy Technique: An
      Assessment of Two Different Ventriculotomy Closure Methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular aneurysm is a serious mechanical complication of
      myocardial infarction and has an incidence of 10-35% after myocardial infarction.
      Ventricular aneurysm in patients with angina, heart failure, and ventricular
      arrhythmia should be surgically treated. Endoaneurysmorrhaphy is one of the
      repair techniques that results in better left ventricular geometry and function.
      After this surgical procedure the ventriculotomy is repaired either with Teflon
      felt strips or by direct suture of the epicardium. METHODS: In this study, we
      described the postoperative early outcomes of two ventriculotomy closing
      techniques such as Teflon felt versus direct closure after aneurysm repair. This
      retrospective study included a total of 73 patients (mean age > 70 years) with
      left ventricular aneurysm, who underwent endoaneurysmorrhaphy repair between 1997
      and 2009. All selected patients were divided into two groups according to the
      ventriculotomy closure technique either by Teflon felt or direct by epicardial
      closure. The pre-, intra-, and postoperative results of these patients were
      analyzed accordingly. RESULTS: The postoperative early mortality rate and
      postoperative bleeding were not significantly different between the Teflon felt
      and primary closure groups (P = .246 and P = .371 respectively), but
      postoperative arrhythmias were significantly higher in the Teflon felt repair
      group (P = .049). CONCLUSION: Endoaneurysmorrhaphy is a better surgical technique
      in left ventricle aneurysm to restore the internal contour and preserve the
      surface anatomy of the ventricle. The ventriculotomy closure can be performed
      with two different approaches, including Teflon felt strips or by direct suture
      of the epicardium. Based on this study's findings, two repair techniques have
      similar impact on the early outcomes. However, with overall outcomes with respect
      to Teflon felt repair, direct closure of the ventriculotomy after
      endoaneurysmorrhaphy was superior.

PMID- 27146232
TI  - Successful One-Stage Operative Resection of an Intravenous Leiomyomatosis
      Involving the Right-Sided Heart Chambers and Pulmonary Artery.
AB  - Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is a rare neoplastic disorder. It may extend
      into the right cardiac chambers, which are named after intracardiac
      leiomyomatosis (ICL). We describe a case of IVL extending into the right heart
      and pulmonary artery in a 46-year-old woman. The patient successfully underwent a
      one-stage operation under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with deep hypothermic
      circulatory arrest. The patient fully recovered without major complications and
      did not exhibit any recurrence at the 9-month follow-up. The unique feature of
      this case is its involvement with the pulmonary artery, which is uncommon but
      potentially lethal. 

PMID- 27146233
TI  - Long-Term Results of Pericardial Autologous Patch Enlargement of the Aortic
      Annulus Using the Manouguian Technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of a small aortic root at the time of aortic valve
      replacement is controversial. In cases in which the aortic root is very small the
      choice of aortic valve type and of root-enlargement method is difficult. The
      technical challenge of the small aortic root has instigated the creation of
      methods for annular enlargement. Severe mismatch as a predictor of overall 30-day
      mortality or midterm mortality reports about long-term results of aortic valve
      replacement using autologous pericardial patch are scarce. Moreover, no reports
      about patient series are present in the English medical literature. This
      retrospective study was designed to address this gap in evidence. METHODS: Twenty
      consecutive patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (with or without mitral
      valve replacement and/or coronary artery bypass grafting) at Baskent University
      Adana Medical Center between June 30, 1999 and April 10, 2006 were
      retrospectively evaluated. All clinical and echocardiographical data belonging to
      this population were specified. Their perioperational data were assessed.
      RESULTS: Twenty patients operated using the Manouguian technique for narrow
      aortic root from June 1999 to April 2006 were followed for 8.54 +/- 3.35 years.
      Fourteen patients were alive at the end of the follow-up. Six patients had died.
      Early mortality rate was 5% and late mortality after 8.54 +/- 3.35 years was 30%.
      Late mortality related to cardiac reasons was 5%. Only one death could be
      attributed to a cardiac cause which occured in a 36-year-old male patient 3 years
      and 6 months after the operation. 70% of the patients were alive after a mean
      follow-up period of 8.54 +/- 3.35 years. CONCLUSION: The main finding of the
      present study is that aortic root enlargement using untreated fresh autologous
      pericardium in Manouguian type operations is a durable option, especially in
      conditions when homograft or stentless valve use is difficult or economically not
      feasible. We found that no patient had aneurysmal dilatation or mitral
      regurgitation after a mean follow-up of 8.54 +/- 3.35 years with autologous
      untreated pericardium as the enlargement patch.

PMID- 27146234
TI  - Sutureless Technique to Fix the Great Saphenous Vein along the Atrioventricular
      Groove Using Fibrin Glue in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
AB  - We describe a simple method to fix the great saphenous vein graft (SVG) to the
      right coronary artery along the atrioventricular groove using fibrin glue in off
      pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). After completion of the proximal
      anastomosis, the SVG was placed along the atrioventricular groove to the acute
      margin. Fibrin glue was sprayed using pressurized carbon dioxide gas. A distal
      anastomosis was subsequently performed after rotating the heart to expose the
      posterior descending artery. It is a straightforward and reproducible technique
      to determine the optimal length of the SVG and prevent kinking or stretching of
      the graft, especially in OPCAB. 

PMID- 27146235
TI  - Right Ventricle Mass Removal from Tricuspid Valve Apparatus: An Unusual
      Thromboembolic Complication of Severe Ketoacidosis.
AB  - The presence of a pathologic mass in the right ventricle (RV) may lead to
      hemodynamic consequences and to a life-threatening incident of pulmonary
      embolism. The diagnosis of an unstable thrombus in the right heart chamber
      usually necessitates intensive treatment to dissolve or remove the pathology. We
      present a report of an unusual complication of severe ketoacidosis: thrombus in
      the right ventricle, removed from the tricuspid valve (TV) apparatus. A four-year
      old boy was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) type I de novo. During
      hospitalization, a 13.9 * 8.4 mm tumor in the RV was found in a routine cardiac
      ultrasound. The patient was referred for surgical removal of the floating lesion
      from the RV. The procedure was performed via midline sternotomy with
      extracorporeal circulation (ECC) and mild hypothermia. Control echocardiography
      showed complete tumor excision with normal atrioventricular valves and heart
      function. Surgical removal of the thrombus from the tricuspid valve apparatus was
      effective, safe, and a definitive therapy for thromboembolic complication of
      pediatric severe ketoacidosis. 

PMID- 27146236
TI  - Gimme 3 Steps (With a Nod to an American Rock Song from the 1970s).
AB  - The message that patients are frequently dissatisfied with their interactions
      with their physicians is a common one. And, articles about physician burnout are
      plentiful [Shanafelt 2015]. Indeed, a recent national survey showed a nearly 9
      percent increase in burnout rates over just the last 3 years [Peckham 2015]. Many
      factors contribute to this problem, not the least of which is the push to use
      electronic medical records systems, as evidenced by the recent comment from the
      acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Mr. Andy Slavitt,
      who said "we have to get the hearts and minds of physicians back. I think we've
      lost them" [McKnight 2016]. While many of the factors contributing to physician
      dissatisfaction are, and will be, difficult to control, there is at least one
      source of satisfaction that is within the relatively easy purview of virtually
      all practicing physicians, and that source is the patients for whom all
      physicians care.  Fortunately, there are some straightforward, simple, and
      efficient ways to improve the view patients have of their physicians and the
      satisfaction that physicians can derive from caring for their patients. Three
      simple steps that can make both physicians and their patients more satisfied with
      the interactions between patients and physicians are outlined here. These
      suggestions are primarily oriented toward physicians in training caring for
      hospitalized patients, though they are most certainly applicable to all
      physicians. These suggestions are based on what younger physicians can say to,
      ask of, or do for a patient under their care, all of which can be easily and
      efficiently accomplished. 

PMID- 27146237
TI  - Thoracic Grafts May Be an Alternative in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Hostile
      Neck Anatomy.
AB  - In cases with a proximal aneurysm neck diameter of higher than 28 mm, standard
      endovascular aneurysm repair is considered inappropriate. In the present study,
      we report a successful endovascular treatment using overlapped thoracic and
      abdominal grafts technique in a patient whose infrarenal aneurysm neck diameter
      is 38.1 mm. 

PMID- 27146238
TI  - Renal Artery Occlusion Due to Aortic Dissection Caused by Blunt Trauma.
AB  - In this report, our aim is to present a case of renal artery occlusion due to
      type-3 acute aortic dissection following blunt trauma. A twenty-four-year-old
      male patient was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with pain
      in his abdomen and on his back 3 hours after a blunt abdominal trauma due to an
      industrial injury. After consultation with the urology department, the patient
      was taken to operation to be evaluated for an intervention for aortic dissection
      and nephrectomy. 

PMID- 27146239
TI  - Use of an Intrapericardial Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device in a 4-Year
      Old Child Weighing 12 Kilograms.
AB  - Ventricular assist devices are implanted in patients with intractable heart
      failure as a bridge to cardiac transplantation to support the circulatory system
      mechanically. We present a report of a continuous flow ventricular assist device
      successfully placed as a bridge to transplantation in the intrapericardium of a
      petite-sized child with a BSA of 0.56 m2. Not only is the use of an
      intrapericardial, continuous-flow, centrifugal pump feasible for destination
      therapy, but also for low-weight pediatric patients with end-stage heart failure
      as a bridge to transplantation when there is chronic shortage of donor organs for
      heart transplantation. Consequently, the HeartWare system has been implanted in
      smaller patients with acceptable results, and this patient may be the youngest
      ever reported. 

PMID- 27146240
TI  - Is Preoperative Eosinopenia an Independent Predictor of Early Mortality for
      Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery in one of the most effective and
      widely used methods employed in the treatment of ischemic heart disease, but many
      factors to various degrees are directly associated with perioperative and
      postoperative problems. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between
      preoperative eosinophil count and postoperative mortality in patients who
      underwent coronary artery bypass graft operation. METHODS: A total of 241
      patients (157 males, 84 females) who underwent isolated on-pump coronary artery
      bypass graft operation between 2011 and 2013 in two centers were evaluated
      retrospectively. The mean age of patients was 64 +/- 11 years. After the mean 6.2
      +/- 0.8 month follow-up period, 36 (15%) of the 241 patients experienced
      cardiovascular death. Patients were classified into two groups as those who
      survived versus those who died. RESULTS: Eosinophil levels were lower among the
      patients who died compared to the patients who survived (0.8 [0-3.8] versus 1.7
      [0-9.4] *1000 cells/mm3; P < .001). Optimal cut-off level of eosinophils for
      predicting mortality was determined as <=1.6 *1000 cells/mm3, with a sensitivity
      of 85.7% and specificity of 51.0% (area under curve, 0.703; 95% CI, 0.641-0.760).
      CONCLUSION: Eosinopenia was used as the predictor of mortality in pediatric and
      adult patients in the intensive care units. Eosinopenia after coronary artery
      bypass graft can be related to the endogenous stress hormones, and insufficiency
      of the existing cardiac status. Eosinophil levels can assist and facilitate risk
      stratification for patients with coronary artery bypass graft.

PMID- 27146241
TI  - A case of intra-articular ganglion cysts of the knee joint: correlation between
      arthroscopic and magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intra-articular ganglion cysts of the knee are rare. Here we report a
      case of an arthroscopically confirmed ganglion cyst arising from the posterior
      cruciate ligament (PCL) along with preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      findings. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old female admitted a hospital with left
      knee pain with flexion and extension. MRI revealed a cystic lesion along the PCL.
      The lesion exhibited slight but homogeneous hyperintensity on T1 weighted images.
      Thin septals were visible within the lesion. Arthroscopic examination revealed a
      mass lesion with a white fibrous capsule, located near the PCL. A gel-like liquid
      spurted from the mass upon puncture. The lesion was completely resected.
      Histological examination revealed loose connective tissue and fibroblasts with
      collagen, thus confirming the diagnosis of a ganglion cyst. CONCLUSION: Many
      reports have suggested intra-articular ganglion cysts of the knee are rare. In
      our study, a cystic lesion may have been impinged between the PCL and
      intercondylar notch, resulting in flexion and extension difficulty in the left
      knee. Arthroscopic resection is the major treatment of intra-articular ganglion
      cyst, and preoperative MRI findings can predict the correct arthroscopic
      approach. We have reported a case in which an intra-articular ganglion attached
      to the PCL.

PMID- 27146242
TI  - A novel method predicting clinical response using only background clinical data
      in RA patients before treatment with infliximab.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to generate a novel method for
      predicting the clinical response to infliximab (IFX), using a machine-learning
      algorithm with only clinical data obtained before the treatment in rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: We obtained 32 variables out of the clinical
      data on the patients from two independent hospitals. Next, we selected both
      clinical parameters and machine-learning algorithms and decided the candidates of
      prediction method. These candidates were verified by clinical variables on
      different patients from two other hospitals. Finally, we decided the prediction
      method to achieve the highest score. RESULTS: The combination of multilayer
      perceptron algorithm (neural network) and nine clinical parameters shows the best
      accuracy performance. This method could predict the good or moderate response to
      IFX with 92% accuracy. The sensitivity of this method was 96.7%, while the
      specificity was 75%. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a novel method for predicting
      the clinical response using only background clinical data in RA patients before
      treatment with IFX. Our method for predicting the response to IFX in RA patients
      may have advantages over the other previous methods in several points including
      easy usability, cost-effectiveness and accuracy.

PMID- 27146243
TI  - Correlation of acute tubular injury in reperfusion biopsy with renal transplant
      outcomes.
AB  - Acute tubular injury (ATI) is common at reperfusion, but its relationship to
      graft outcomes is unclear. Prior studies lack standardization of morphological
      assessments and included elements of acute and chronic tubular injury. This study
      aimed to evaluate the impact of ATI on graft outcomes. Reperfusion biopsies from
      2004 to 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. ATI was assessed by a new
      standardized scoring system. We also assessed chronic injury (CI) by the Banff
      criteria. Outcomes evaluated included glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at 1 and 5
      years and delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection (AR), graft and patient
      survival. ATI did not correlate with DGF, AR, graft or overall survival. Mild
      moderate ATI was not predictive of GFR post-transplant. Moderate-severe CI was
      associated with lower GFR at 5 years with a mean difference of -7.14 mL/min/1.73
      m(2) (P=.04) and overall survival (HR 2.44, P=.01). Other predictors of graft
      function included donor age, DGF, and AR. Histologic criteria of ATI at
      implantation in the absence of donor demographics or clinical information do not
      provide sufficient predictability in outcomes after transplantation. On the other
      hand, histologic assessment of CI correlates with GFR and overall survival.

PMID- 27146244
TI  - Functionalization of metal nanoclusters for biomedical applications.
AB  - Metal nanoclusters (NCs) are emerging as a new class of functional nanomaterials
      in the area of biological sensing, labelling, imaging and therapy due to their
      unique physical and chemical properties, such as ultrasmall size, HOMO-LUMO
      transition, strong luminescence together with good photostability and
      biocompatibility. A recent surge of interest in this field is the surface
      functionalization of these metal NCs through which one can tailor their
      physicochemical properties, such as stability in solution, and strong
      luminescence, as well as their biodistribution and toxicity in biological
      systems, which in turn can empower these functionalized NCs with desirable
      targeting, imaging, and therapeutic ability for biomedical applications. In this
      review, we first introduce the functionalization strategies for the metal NCs
      developed in the past few years, followed by highlighting some biomedical
      applications of these functionalized metal NCs. We then discuss the difference of
      in vitro and in vivo fate as well as toxicity between various functionalized
      metal NCs. Finally, we present a short discussion on the current challenges and
      provide an outlook of the future developments of these functional metal NCs. 

PMID- 27146245
TI  - Natural-Antioxidant-Inspired Benzo[b]selenophenes: Synthesis, Redox Properties,
      and Antiproliferative Activity.
AB  - The cyclization of arylalkynes under selenobromination conditions, combined with
      an acid-induced 3,2-aryl shift, was elaborated as a general synthetic pathway for
      the preparation of polyhydroxy-2- and -3-arylbenzo[b]selenophenes from the same
      starting materials. The redox properties, free-radical-scavenging ability, and
      cytotoxicity against malignant cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HepG2, and 4T1) of
      the synthesized compounds were explored, and the obtained results were used to
      consider the structure-activity relationships (SARs) in these compounds.
      Consequently, the structural features that were responsible for the highly potent
      peroxyl-radical-scavenging activity were established. 

PMID- 27146247
TI  - Antibiotic resistance profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from various
      Greek aquatic environments.

PMID- 27146246
TI  - Cations Stiffen Actin Filaments by Adhering a Key Structural Element to Adjacent
      Subunits.
AB  - Ions regulate the assembly and mechanical properties of actin filaments. Recent
      work using structural bioinformatics and site-specific mutagenesis favors the
      existence of two discrete and specific divalent cation binding sites on actin
      filaments, positioned in the long axis between actin subunits. Cation binding at
      one site drives polymerization, while the other modulates filament stiffness and
      plays a role in filament severing by the regulatory protein, cofilin. Existing
      structural methods have not been able to resolve filament-associated cations, and
      so in this work we turn to molecular dynamics simulations to suggest a candidate
      binding pocket geometry for each site and to elucidate the mechanism by which
      occupancy of the "stiffness site" affects filament mechanical properties.
      Incorporating a magnesium ion in the "polymerization site" does not seem to
      require any large-scale change to an actin subunit's conformation. Binding of a
      magnesium ion in the "stiffness site" adheres the actin DNase-binding loop (D
      loop) to its long-axis neighbor, which increases the filament torsional stiffness
      and bending persistence length. Our analysis shows that bound D-loops occupy a
      smaller region of accessible conformational space. Cation occupancy buries key
      conserved residues of the D-loop, restricting accessibility to regulatory
      proteins and enzymes that target these amino acids.

PMID- 27146248
TI  - Effects of an intervention on infant growth and development: evidence for
      different mechanisms at work.
AB  - Millions of children in low-income and middle-income countries falter in linear
      growth and neurobehavioral development early in life. This faltering may be
      caused by risk factors that are associated with both growth and development, such
      as insufficient dietary intake and infection in infancy. Alternatively, these
      risk factors may be indicative of an environment that constrains both linear
      growth and development through different mechanisms. In a cluster-randomized
      trial in Burkina Faso, we previously found that provision of lipid-based nutrient
      supplements plus malaria and diarrhoea treatment from age 9 to 18 months resulted
      in positive effects of ~0.3 standard deviation on length-for-age z-score (LAZ)
      and of ~0.3 standard deviation on motor, language and personal-social development
      scores at age 18 months. In this paper, we examined whether the effect of the
      intervention on developmental scores was mediated by the effect on LAZ, or,
      alternatively, whether the intervention had independent effects on growth and
      development. For motor, language, and personal-social z-scores, the effect of the
      intervention decreased from 0.32 to 0.21, from 0.33 to 0.27 and from 0.35 to
      0.29, respectively, when controlling for change in LAZ from 9 to 18 months. All
      effects remained significant. These results indicate that the intervention had
      independent positive effects on linear growth and development, suggesting that
      these effects occurred through different mechanisms. (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons
      Ltd.

PMID- 27146250
TI  - Identification of Distribution Characteristics and Epidemic Trends of Hepatitis E
      in Zhejiang Province, China from 2007 to 2012.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus is a common hepatotropic virus that causes serious
      gastrointestinal symptoms. Data of reported HEV cases in Zhejiang Province was
      collected between 2007 and 2012. Descriptive epidemiological methods and spatial
      temporal epidemiological methods were used to investigate the epidemiological
      trends and identify high-risk regions of hepatitis E infection. In this study,
      the average morbidity of hepatitis E infection was 4.03 per 100,000 in Zhejiang
      Province, peaking in winter and spring. The ratio between the male and the female
      was 2.39:1, and the high-risk population was found to be aged between 40 and 60.
      Trend surface analysis and IDW maps revealed higher incidences in the
      northwestern counties. The spatial-temporal analysis showed comparable incidences
      in the counties at the basins of three rivers, mostly under administration of
      Hangzhou Municipality. Besides, the seasonal exponential smoothing method was
      determined as the better model for the retrieved data. The epidemiological
      characteristics of HEV suggested the need of strengthened supervision and
      surveillance of sanitary water, sewage treatment and food in high-risk areas
      especially around the Spring Festival. Additionally, time series model could be
      useful for forecasting the epidemics of HEV in future. All these findings may
      contribute to the prevention and control of HEV epidemics.

PMID- 27146254
TI  - Fertility rates, course of pregnancy and perinatal outcomes after laparoscopic
      ureterolysis for deep endometriosis: A long-term follow-up study.
AB  - We evaluated fertility rates, pregnancy course and maternal/neonatal outcomes
      following laparoscopic ureterolysis for deep endometriosis. Data about women who
      underwent laparoscopic excision of ureteral endometriosis were analysed. After
      exclusion of women who underwent hysterectomy/bilateral adnexectomy at initial
      surgery, and those lost-to-follow-up or with follow-up <1 year, a total of 61
      patients were included. Of them, 36 (59%) wished to conceive after surgery.
      Twenty women became pregnant: nine (45%) of them after assisted reproductive
      technologies. Twenty-six pregnancies were observed with four (15.6%)
      miscarriages. Median gestational week at delivery was 38 weeks + 2 days (range,
      33 + 1-41 + 6), with three (13.6%) and two (9%) deliveries before 37 and 34
      weeks, respectively. Nine caesarean sections were performed (40.9%). Fertility
      rates after laparoscopic ureterolysis are comparable to those of other women
      operated for other forms of deep endometriosis. Apart from a higher risk of
      caesarean and preterm birth, the course of pregnancy and peripartum outcomes
      appear encouraging.

PMID- 27146253
TI  - Comparative and kinetic analysis of viral shedding and immunological responses in
      MERS patients representing a broad spectrum of disease severity.
AB  - Despite the ongoing spread of MERS, there is limited knowledge of the factors
      affecting its severity and outcomes. We analyzed clinical data and specimens from
      fourteen MERS patients treated in a hospital who collectively represent a wide
      spectrum of disease severity, ranging from mild febrile illness to fatal
      pneumonia, and classified the patients into four groups based on severity and
      mortality. Comparative and kinetic analyses revealed that high viral loads, weak
      antibody responses, and lymphopenia accompanying thrombocytopenia were associated
      with disease mortality, whereas persistent and gradual increases in lymphocyte
      responses might be required for effective immunity against MERS-CoV infection.
      Leukocytosis, primarily due to increased neutrophils and monocytes, was generally
      observed in more severe and fatal cases. The blood levels of cytokines such as IL
      10, IL-15, TGF-beta, and EGF were either positively or negatively correlated with
      disease mortality. Robust induction of various chemokines with differential
      kinetics was more prominent in patients that recovered from pneumonia than in
      patients with mild febrile illness or deceased patients. The correlation of the
      virological and immunological responses with disease severity and mortality, as
      well as their responses to current antiviral therapy, may have prognostic
      significance during the early phase of MERS.

PMID- 27146255
TI  - Magnetic field controlled charge density wave coupling in underdoped YBa2Cu3O6+x.
AB  - The application of magnetic fields to layered cuprates suppresses their high
      temperature superconducting behaviour and reveals competing ground states. In
      widely studied underdoped YBa2Cu3O6+x (YBCO), the microscopic nature of field
      induced electronic and structural changes at low temperatures remains unclear.
      Here we report an X-ray study of the high-field charge density wave (CDW) in
      YBCO. For hole dopings ~0.123, we find that a field (B~10 T) induces additional
      CDW correlations along the CuO chain (b-direction) only, leading to a three
      dimensional (3D) ordered state along this direction at B~15 T. The CDW signal
      along the a-direction is also enhanced by field, but does not develop an
      additional pattern of correlations. Magnetic field modifies the coupling between
      the CuO2 bilayers in the YBCO structure, and causes the sudden appearance of the
      3D CDW order. The mirror symmetry of individual bilayers is broken by the CDW at
      low and high fields, allowing Fermi surface reconstruction, as recently
      suggested.

PMID- 27146256
TI  - Drag reduction on laser-patterned hierarchical superhydrophobic surfaces.
AB  - Hierarchical laser-patterned surfaces were tested for their drag reduction
      abilities. A tertiary level of surface roughness which supports stable Cassie
      wetting was achieved on the patterned copper samples by laser-scanning multiple
      times. The laser-fabricated micro/nano structures sustained the shear stress in
      liquid flow. A rheometer setup was used to measure the drag reduction abilities
      in term of slip lengths on eight different samples. A considerable increase in
      slip length (111% on a grate sample) was observed on these surfaces compared to
      the slip length predictions from the theoretical and the experimental models for
      the non-hierarchical surfaces. The increase in slip lengths was correlated to the
      secondary level of roughness observed on the patterned samples. The drag
      reduction abilities of three different arrangements of the surface features were
      also compared: posts in a square lattice, parallel grates, and posts in a
      hexagonal lattice. Although the latter facilitates a stable Cassie state, it
      nevertheless resulted in a lower normalized slip length compared to the other two
      arrangements at a similar solid fraction. Furthermore, we coated the laser
      patterned surfaces with a silane to test the effect of surface chemistry on drag
      reduction. While the contact angles were surprisingly similar for both the non
      silanized and the silanized samples, we observed higher slip lengths on the
      latter, which we were able to explain by measuring the respective penetration
      depths of the liquid-vapour interface between surface features. 

PMID- 27146257
TI  - The role of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant for
      treatment-naIotave patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma: a systematic review
      of the literature.

PMID- 27146258
TI  - Obese young adults exhibit lower total and lower free serum 25
      hydroxycholecalciferol in a randomized vitamin D intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although obesity is a risk factor for vitamin D insufficiency, its
      impact on vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) concentration, and thereby possibly
      also on free 25OHD, is less well known. Our aim was to compare total and free
      serum 25OHD, and DBP concentrations between obese and normal-weight young adults
      at baseline and their responses to cholecalciferol supplementation. DESIGN: A 12
      week randomized, double-blinded clinical trial. PATIENTS: Obese subjects N = 18
      (BMI = 38, 67% men) with severe childhood-onset obesity and 24 normal-weight
      subjects (BMI = 23, 46% men), age between 15 and 25 years, were randomized into
      two groups to receive either placebo or cholecalciferol 50 MUg (2000 IU) daily.
      MEASUREMENTS: At baseline, 6-week and 12-week blood samples and anthropometric
      measurements were collected; baseline body composition was assessed by dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: At baseline, obese subjects had, compared
      with normal-weight, lower total and free serum 25OHD (49 vs 62 nmol/l, P = 0.041;
      2.8 vs 4.7 pg/ml, P = 0.001), without differences in DBP concentrations (309 vs
      346 MUg/ml, P = 0.212). Cholecalciferol 50 MUg per day increased both total and
      free 25OHD (ancova P < 0.001 and P = 0.021). The response of total 25OHD to
      supplementation was inferior in the obese compared with normal-weight subjects (P
      = 0.027). On the contrary, the change in free 25OHD concentration was similar in
      groups (P = 0.487). CONCLUSIONS: Obese young adults exhibit lower total and free
      25OHD concentration, which is not directly explained by differences in DBP
      status. The response of free 25OHD to supplementation did not differ between
      obese and normal-weight subjects.

PMID- 27146260
TI  - Alitretinoin and acitretin in severe chronic hand eczema; results from a
      retrospective daily practice study.
AB  - Acitretin has been used off-label for years to treat chronic hand eczema, but
      acitretin is less often prescribed as alitretinoine was approved. This study
      evaluates both retinoids in a daily practice cohort of patients with severe
      chronic hand eczema in terms of drug survival and reasons for discontinuation.
      Patients using alitretinoin or acitretin between 01-01-1994 and 01-08-2015 were
      included in this retrospective daily practice study and analyzed by Kaplan-Meier
      drug survival curves. Potential determinants were analyzed by Cox regression
      analyses. Ninety-five patients were treated with alitretinoin and 109 patients
      with acitretin. The main reasons for discontinuation were adverse events and
      cleared hand eczema, 29.5 and 27.4% in alitretinoin versus 43.1 and 23.9% in
      acitretin. Patients with hyperkeratotic hand eczema had most often a good effect
      of treatment: 68.3% in alitretinoin and 50.7% in acitretin treatment. The drug
      survival rates of alitretinoin and acitretin after 12, 24, 36, and 52 weeks were
      69.3, 45.1, 19.6, 7.0% and 74.3, 45.5, 33.8, 23.2%, respectively. Alitretinoin
      and acitretin are effective treatment options for patients with hand eczema.
      However, both treatments were more effective in patients with hyperkeratotic hand
      eczema. Fewer patients discontinued alitretinoin compared with acitretin due to
      adverse events.

PMID- 27146259
TI  - Lactation undernutrition leads to multigenerational molecular programming of
      hypothalamic gene networks controlling reproduction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reproductive success is dependent on development of hypothalamic
      circuits involving many hormonal systems working in concert to regulate gonadal
      function and sexual behavior. The timing of pubertal initiation and progression
      in mammals is likely influenced by the nutritional and metabolic state, leading
      us to the hypothesis that transient malnutrition experienced at critical times
      during development may perturb pubertal progression through successive
      generations. To test this hypothesis we have utilized a mouse model of
      undernutrition during suckling by exposing lactating mothers to undernutrition.
      RESULTS: Using a combination of transcriptomic and biological approaches, we
      demonstrate that molecular programming of hypothalamus may perturb gender
      specific phenotypes across generations that are dependent on the nutritional
      environment of the lactation period. Lactation undernutrition in first (F1)
      generation offspring affected body composition, reproductive performance
      parameters and influenced the expression of genes responsible for hypothalamic
      neural circuits controlling reproductive function of both sexes. Strikingly, F2
      offspring showed phenotypes similar to F1 progeny; however, they were sex and
      parental nutritional history specific. Here, we showed that deregulated
      expression of genes involved in kisspeptin signaling within the hypothalamus is
      strongly associated with a delay in the attainment of puberty in F1 and F2 male
      and female offspring. CONCLUSION: The early developmental plasticity of
      hypothalamus when challenged with undernutrition during postnatal development not
      only leads to altered expression of genes controlling hypothalamic neural
      circuits, altered body composition, delayed puberty and disturbed reproductive
      performance in F1 progeny, but also affects F2 offspring, depending on parental
      malnutrition history and in sexually dimorphic manner.

PMID- 27146261
TI  - Acupuncture for chronic neck pain: a protocol for an updated systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture
      for patients with chronic neck pain. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL,
      CINAHL, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the China National
      Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Information, and Wanfang Data databases will be
      searched from their inception to present. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of
      acupuncture (assessed as the sole treatment or as an adjunct treatment) for
      chronic neck pain will be included. The primary outcome is chronic neck pain
      measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), McGill Pain Questionnaire, or short
      form McGill Pain Questionnaire. The secondary outcomes will include the
      functional recovery, health-related quality of life, psychological improvements
      related to the reduction of pain, and adverse events. Two authors will perform
      the study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment independently. Any
      disagreements will be resolved through discussion with a third author.
      Methodological quality of the included trials will be evaluated by the Cochrane
      risk-of-bias criteria, and the Standards for Reporting Interventions in
      Controlled Trials of Acupuncture checklist will be used to assess completeness of
      reporting. DISCUSSION: The results of this systematic review will provide the
      latest evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture in treating chronic neck pain,
      which will benefit both practitioners and policymakers. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
      REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42015017178.

PMID- 27146262
TI  - Street lighting: sex-independent impacts on moth movement.
AB  - Artificial lights have become an integral and welcome part of our urban and peri
      urban environments. However, recent research has highlighted the potentially
      negative ecological consequences of ubiquitous artificial light. In particular,
      insects, especially moths, are expected to be negatively impacted by the presence
      of artificial lights. Previous research with light traps has shown a male-biased
      attraction to light in moths. In this study, we sought to determine whether
      street lights could limit moth dispersal and whether there was any sex bias in
      attraction to light. More specifically, we aimed to determine sex-specific
      attraction radii for moths to street lights. We tested these hypotheses by
      collecting moths for 2 years at an experimental set-up. To estimate the
      attraction radii, we developed a Markov model and related it to the acquired
      data. Utilizing multinomial statistics, we found that attraction rates to lights
      in the middle of the matrix were substantially lower than predicted by the null
      hypothesis of equal attraction level (0.44 times). With the Markov model, we
      estimated that a corner light was 2.77 times more attractive than a wing light
      with an equivalentre attraction radius of c. 23 m around each light. We found
      neither sexual differences in the attraction rate nor in the attraction radius of
      males and females. Since we captured three times more males than females, we
      conclude that sex ratios are representative of operational sex ratios or of
      different flight activities. These results provide evidence for street lights to
      limit moth dispersal, and that they seem to act equally on male and female moths.
      Consequently, public lighting might divide a suitable landscape into many small
      habitats. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume (i) that public lighting near
      hedges and bushes or field margins reduces the quality of these important habitat
      structures and (ii) that public lighting may affect moth movement between
      patches.

PMID- 27146263
TI  - Positive Attitudes towards Technologies and facets of Well-being in Older Adults.
AB  - The current study investigates the relevance of positive attitudes toward
      Internet technologies for psychological well-being and social well-being in old
      age. A sample of 245 elderly people ( Mean age = 70; SD =9.1) filled in the
      Psychological Well-Being Questionnaire, the Social Well-Being Questionnaire, and
      Attitudes Toward Technologies Questionnaire (ATTQ). Favorable attitudes toward
      Internet technologies showed positive correlations with overall social well-being
      and all its components with the exception of social acceptance. Positive
      correlations with overall psychological well-being and two of its components,
      namely, personal growth and purpose in life, were also found. Two hierarchical
      multiple regression models underscored that positive attitudes toward Internet
      technologies constitute the most important predictor of social well-being, and it
      appears to be a significant predictor for psychological well-being as well.
      Results are discussed and integrated into the Positive Technology theoretical
      framework that sustains the value of technological resources for improving the
      quality of personal experience and well-being.

PMID- 27146264
TI  - Stage II Testicular Seminoma: Patterns of Care and Survival by Treatment
      Strategy.
AB  - AIMS: Stage II testicular seminoma is highly curable with radiotherapy or multi
      agent chemotherapy (MACT). These modalities have not been compared in a
      randomised manner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the US National Cancer Data Base,
      we identified 2437 stage II seminoma patients (IIA = 960, IIB = 812, IIC = 665)
      treated with orchiectomy and either radiotherapy or MACT from 1998 to 2012.
      Factors affecting treatment modality (radiotherapy versus MACT) were studied
      using multivariable logistic regression. Propensity scores for treatment
      selection were incorporated into multivariable Cox regression analyses of overall
      survival. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 65 months (interquartile range 34
      106). Rates of radiotherapy utilisation were: IIA = 78.1%, IIB = 54.4%, IIC =
      4.2%. Rates of MACT utilisation were: IIA = 21.9%, IIB = 45.6%, IIC = 95.8%. For
      both IIA and IIB patients, later year of diagnosis, academic treatment facility
      and pathological confirmation of lymph node positivity were associated with
      increased utilisation of MACT. Also predictive for preferential utilisation of
      MACT were comorbidity score >= 1 and non-private insurance for IIA patients and T
      stage >= 2 for IIB patients. For IIA patients, survival was improved with
      radiotherapy compared with MACT with a 5 year survival of 99.0% (95% confidence
      interval 98.2-99.8) versus 93.0% (95% confidence interval 89.0-97.0). This
      advantage persisted on propensity-adjusted multivariate analysis (hazard ratio
      0.28; 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.86; P = 0.027). For IIB patients, 5 year
      survival was 95.2% (95% confidence interval 92.8-97.6) for radiotherapy and 92.4%
      (95% confidence interval 89.2-95.6) for MACT (Log-rank P = 0.041), with no
      significant difference on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy is
      associated with improved survival over MACT for IIA patients, with no significant
      survival difference for IIB patients.

PMID- 27146265
TI  - Next generation tools to accelerate the synthetic biology process.
AB  - Synthetic biology follows the traditional engineering paradigm of designing,
      building, testing and learning to create new biological systems. While such
      approaches have enormous potential, major challenges still exist in this field
      including increasing the speed at which this workflow can be performed. Here, we
      present recently developed microfluidic tools that can be used to automate the
      synthetic biology workflow with the goal of advancing the likelihood of producing
      desired functionalities. With the potential for programmability, automation, and
      robustness, the integration of microfluidics and synthetic biology has the
      potential to accelerate advances in areas such as bioenergy, health, and
      biomaterials.

PMID- 27146267
TI  - Perceptual Decision-Making as Probabilistic Inference by Neural Sampling.
AB  - We address two main challenges facing systems neuroscience today: understanding
      the nature and function of cortical feedback between sensory areas and of
      correlated variability. Starting from the old idea of perception as probabilistic
      inference, we show how to use knowledge of the psychophysical task to make
      testable predictions for the influence of feedback signals on early sensory
      representations. Applying our framework to a two-alternative forced choice task
      paradigm, we can explain multiple empirical findings that have been hard to
      account for by the traditional feedforward model of sensory processing, including
      the task dependence of neural response correlations and the diverging time
      courses of choice probabilities and psychophysical kernels. Our model makes new
      predictions and characterizes a component of correlated variability that
      represents task-related information rather than performance-degrading noise. It
      demonstrates a normative way to integrate sensory and cognitive components into
      physiologically testable models of perceptual decision-making.

PMID- 27146266
TI  - Mnemonic Functions for Nonlinear Dendritic Integration in Hippocampal Pyramidal
      Circuits.
AB  - We present a model for neural circuit mechanisms underlying hippocampal memory.
      Central to this model are nonlinear interactions between anatomically and
      functionally segregated inputs onto dendrites of pyramidal cells in hippocampal
      areas CA3 and CA1. We study the consequences of such interactions using model
      neurons in which somatic burst-firing and synaptic plasticity are controlled by
      conjunctive processing of these separately integrated input pathways. We find
      that nonlinear dendritic input processing enhances the model's capacity to store
      and retrieve large numbers of similar memories. During memory encoding, CA3
      stores heavily decorrelated engrams to prevent interference between similar
      memories, while CA1 pairs these engrams with information-rich memory
      representations that will later provide meaningful output signals during memory
      recall. While maintaining mathematical tractability, this model brings
      theoretical study of memory operations closer to the hippocampal circuit's
      anatomical and physiological properties, thus providing a framework for future
      experimental and theoretical study of hippocampal function.

PMID- 27146269
TI  - Feeding State Modulates Behavioral Choice and Processing of Prey Stimuli in the
      Zebrafish Tectum.
AB  - Animals use the sense of vision to scan their environment, respond to threats,
      and locate food sources. The neural computations underlying the selection of a
      particular behavior, such as escape or approach, require flexibility to balance
      potential costs and benefits for survival. For example, avoiding novel visual
      objects reduces predation risk but negatively affects foraging success. Zebrafish
      larvae approach small, moving objects ("prey") and avoid large, looming objects
      ("predators"). We found that this binary classification of objects by size is
      strongly influenced by feeding state. Hunger shifts behavioral decisions from
      avoidance to approach and recruits additional prey-responsive neurons in the
      tectum, the main visual processing center. Both behavior and tectal function are
      modulated by signals from the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis and the
      serotonergic system. Our study has revealed a neuroendocrine mechanism that
      modulates the perception of food and the willingness to take risks in foraging
      decisions.

PMID- 27146268
TI  - PIAS1 Regulates Mutant Huntingtin Accumulation and Huntington's Disease
      Associated Phenotypes In Vivo.
AB  - The disruption of protein quality control networks is central to pathology in
      Huntington's disease (HD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. The aberrant
      accumulation of insoluble high-molecular-weight protein complexes containing the
      Huntingtin (HTT) protein and SUMOylated protein corresponds to disease
      manifestation. We previously identified an HTT-selective E3 SUMO ligase, PIAS1,
      that regulates HTT accumulation and SUMO modification in cells. Here we
      investigated whether PIAS1 modulation in neurons alters HD-associated phenotypes
      in vivo. Instrastriatal injection of a PIAS1-directed miRNA significantly
      improved behavioral phenotypes in rapidly progressing mutant HTT (mHTT) fragment
      R6/2 mice. PIAS1 reduction prevented the accumulation of mHTT and SUMO- and
      ubiquitin-modified proteins, increased synaptophysin levels, and normalized key
      inflammatory markers. In contrast, PIAS1 overexpression exacerbated mHTT
      associated phenotypes and aberrant protein accumulation. These results confirm
      the association between aberrant accumulation of expanded polyglutamine-dependent
      insoluble protein species and pathogenesis, and they link phenotypic benefit to
      reduction of these species through PIAS1 modulation.

PMID- 27146270
TI  - Drosophila SLC22A Transporter Is a Memory Suppressor Gene that Influences
      Cholinergic Neurotransmission to the Mushroom Bodies.
AB  - The mechanisms that constrain memory formation are of special interest because
      they provide insights into the brain's memory management systems and potential
      avenues for correcting cognitive disorders. RNAi knockdown in the Drosophila
      mushroom body neurons (MBn) of a newly discovered memory suppressor gene, Solute
      Carrier DmSLC22A, a member of the organic cation transporter family, enhances
      olfactory memory expression, while overexpression inhibits it. The protein
      localizes to the dendrites of the MBn, surrounding the presynaptic terminals of
      cholinergic afferent fibers from projection neurons (Pn). Cell-based expression
      assays show that this plasma membrane protein transports cholinergic compounds
      with the highest affinity among several in vitro substrates. Feeding flies
      choline or inhibiting acetylcholinesterase in Pn enhances memory, an effect
      blocked by overexpression of the transporter in the MBn. The data argue that
      DmSLC22A is a memory suppressor protein that limits memory formation by helping
      to terminate cholinergic neurotransmission at the Pn:MBn synapse.

PMID- 27146271
TI  - Fast, Temperature-Sensitive and Clathrin-Independent Endocytosis at Central
      Synapses.
AB  - The fusion of neurotransmitter-filled vesicles during synaptic transmission is
      balanced by endocytotic membrane retrieval. Despite extensive research, the speed
      and mechanisms of synaptic vesicle endocytosis have remained controversial. Here,
      we establish low-noise time-resolved membrane capacitance measurements that allow
      monitoring changes in surface membrane area elicited by single action potentials
      and stronger stimuli with high-temporal resolution at physiological temperature
      in individual bona-fide mature central synapses. We show that single action
      potentials trigger very rapid endocytosis, retrieving presynaptic membrane with a
      time constant of 470 ms. This fast endocytosis is independent of clathrin but
      mediated by dynamin and actin. In contrast, stronger stimuli evoke a slower mode
      of endocytosis that is clathrin, dynamin, and actin dependent. Furthermore, the
      speed of endocytosis is highly temperature dependent with a Q10 of ~3.5. These
      results demonstrate that distinct molecular modes of endocytosis with markedly
      different kinetics operate at central synapses.

PMID- 27146272
TI  - Relationship of diastolic function to new or persistent electrocardiographic left
      ventricular hypertrophy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Persistence or development of Cornell product left ventricular
      hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with increased heart failure (HF) risk that is
      partly explained by greater LV systolic dysfunction. However, whether new or
      persistent Cornell product LVH during antihypertensive treatment is associated
      with worse LV diastolic function is unclear. METHODS: Left ventricular diastolic
      function was examined in relation to year-3 ECG LVH in 377 hypertensive patients
      with a preserved LV ejection fraction (>45%) at year-3. Cornell product >2440
      mm.ms defined ECG LVH. RESULTS: In multivariate models adjusting for age, sex,
      change from baseline to year-3 systolic blood pressure, and baseline and change
      from baseline to year-3 Sokolow-Lyon voltage, persistent or new Cornell product
      LVH at year-3 remained associated with year-3 abnormal half filling time (OR
      1.63, 95% CI 1.04-2.55 p = 0.034), with a trend toward higher odds of abnormal
      third filling time (OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.087 p = 0.087) and total filling time (OR
      1.79, CI 0.98-3.27 p = 0.059). CONCLUSION: In hypertensive patients undergoing
      antihypertensive therapy, persistence or development of Cornell product ECG LVH
      at year-3 follow-up is modestly associated with LV diastolic dysfunction. These
      findings suggest that diastolic dysfunction may be a mechanism via which changing
      ECG LVH influences HF risk.

PMID- 27146273
TI  - Methods for using clinical laboratory test results as baseline confounders in
      multi-site observational database studies when missing data are expected.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our purpose was to quantify missing baseline laboratory results, assess
      predictors of missingness, and examine performance of missing data methods.
      METHODS: Using the Mini-Sentinel Distributed Database from three sites, we
      selected three exposure-outcome scenarios with laboratory results as baseline
      confounders. We compared hazard ratios (HRs) or risk differences (RDs) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CIs) from models that omitted laboratory results, included
      only available results (complete cases), and included results after applying
      missing data methods (multiple imputation [MI] regression, MI predictive mean
      matching [PMM] indicator). RESULTS: Scenario 1 considered glucose among second
      generation antipsychotic users and diabetes. Across sites, glucose was available
      for 27.7-58.9%. Results differed between complete case and missing data models
      (e.g., olanzapine: HR 0.92 [CI 0.73, 1.12] vs 1.02 [0.90, 1.16]). Across-site
      models employing different MI approaches provided similar HR and CI; site
      specific models provided differing estimates. Scenario 2 evaluated creatinine
      among individuals starting high versus low dose lisinopril and hyperkalemia.
      Creatinine availability: 44.5-79.0%. Results differed between complete case and
      missing data models (e.g., HR 0.84 [CI 0.77, 0.92] vs. 0.88 [0.83, 0.94]). HR and
      CI were identical across MI methods. Scenario 3 examined international normalized
      ratio (INR) among warfarin users starting interacting versus noninteracting
      antimicrobials and bleeding. INR availability: 20.0-92.9%. Results differed
      between ignoring INR versus including INR using missing data methods (e.g., RD
      0.05 [CI -0.03, 0.13] vs 0.09 [0.00, 0.18]). Indicator and PMM methods gave
      similar estimates. CONCLUSION: Multi-site studies must consider site variability
      in missing data. Different missing data methods performed similarly. Copyright
      (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27146274
TI  - Cell freezing protocol suitable for ATAC-Seq on motor neurons derived from human
      induced pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - In recent years, the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing
      (ATAC-Seq) has become a fundamental tool of epigenomic research. However, it is
      difficult to perform this technique on frozen samples because freezing cells
      before extracting nuclei can impair nuclear integrity and alter chromatin
      structure, especially in fragile cells such as neurons. Our aim was to develop a
      protocol for freezing neuronal cells that is compatible with ATAC-Seq; we focused
      on a disease-relevant cell type, namely motor neurons differentiated from induced
      pluripotent stem cells (iMNs) from a patient affected by spinal muscular atrophy.
      We found that while flash-frozen iMNs are not suitable for ATAC-Seq, the assay is
      successful with slow-cooled cryopreserved cells. Using this method, we were able
      to isolate high quality, intact nuclei, and we verified that epigenetic results
      from fresh and cryopreserved iMNs quantitatively agree.

PMID- 27146276
TI  - Development and testing of mobile technology for community park improvements:
      validity and reliability of the eCPAT application with youth.
AB  - Creation of mobile technology environmental audit tools can provide a more
      interactive way for youth to engage with communities and facilitate participation
      in health promotion efforts. This study describes the development and validity
      and reliability testing of an electronic version of the Community Park Audit Tool
      (eCPAT). eCPAT consists of 149 items and incorporates a variety of technology
      benefits. Criterion-related validity and inter-rater reliability were evaluated
      using data from 52 youth across 47 parks in Greenville County, SC. A large
      portion of items (>70 %) demonstrated either fair or moderate to perfect validity
      and reliability. All but six items demonstrated excellent percent agreement. The
      eCPAT app is a user-friendly tool that provides a comprehensive assessment of
      park environments. Given the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and other
      electronic devices among both adolescents and adults, the eCPAT app has potential
      to be distributed and used widely for a variety of health promotion purposes.

PMID- 27146275
TI  - Increasing US health plan coverage for exercise programming in community mental
      health settings for people with serious mental illness: a position statement from
      the Society of Behavior Medicine and the American College of Sports Medicine.
AB  - Adults with serious mental illness die more than 10 years earlier than the
      average American. Premature mortality is due to the high prevalence of
      preventable diseases including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Poor
      lifestyle behaviors including lack of exercise and physical inactivity contribute
      to the epidemic levels of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease observed
      among adults with serious mental illness. Not surprisingly, people with serious
      mental illness are among the most costly consumers of health services due to
      increased visits for poorly managed mental and physical health. Recent studies
      have demonstrated that exercise interventions based on community mental health
      settings can significantly improve physical and mental health in people with
      serious mental illness. However, current funding regulations limit the ability of
      community mental health settings to offer exercise programming services to people
      with serious mental illness. Policy efforts are needed to improve the
      dissemination and sustainability of exercise programs for people with serious
      mental illness.

PMID- 27146277
TI  - Global Emergency Medicine: A Review of the Literature From 2015.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Global Emergency Medicine Literature Review (GEMLR) conducts an
      annual search of peer-reviewed and gray literature relevant to global emergency
      medicine (EM) to identify, review, and disseminate the most important new
      research in this field to a global audience of academics and clinical
      practitioners. METHODS: This year 12,435 articles written in six languages were
      identified by our search. These articles were distributed among 20 reviewers for
      initial screening based on their relevance to the field of global EM. An
      additional two reviewers searched the gray literature. A total of 723 articles
      were deemed appropriate by at least one reviewer and approved by their editor for
      formal scoring of overall quality and importance. Two independent reviewers
      scored all articles. RESULTS: A total of 723 articles met our predetermined
      inclusion criteria and underwent full review. Sixty percent were categorized as
      emergency care in resource-limited settings (ECRLS), 17% as EM development (EMD),
      and 23% as disaster and humanitarian response (DHR). Twenty-four articles
      received scores of 18.5 or higher out of a maximum score 20 and were selected for
      formal summary and critique. Inter-rater reliability between reviewers gave an
      intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.71 (95% confidence interval = 0.66 to
      0.75). Studies and reviews with a focus on infectious diseases, trauma, and the
      diagnosis and treatment of diseases common in resource-limited settings
      represented the majority of articles selected for final review. CONCLUSIONS: In
      2015, there were almost twice as many articles found by our search compared to
      the 2014 review. The number of EMD articles increased, while the number ECRLS
      articles decreased. The number of DHR articles remained stable. As in prior
      years, the majority of articles focused on infectious diseases.

PMID- 27146278
TI  - A practical guide to cochlear implantation in adults with long durations of
      monaural sound deprivation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to summarize published findings by the authors and
      integrate these within current literature to support clinical guidelines when
      choosing an ear for cochlear implantation in adults with long-term monaural sound
      deprivation. STUDY SAMPLE: Four retrospective cohort studies based on data
      collected in five cochlear implantation centres with adults with bilateral
      hearing loss who used a single hearing aid for at least 15 years prior to
      unilateral or bilateral cochlear implantation. DESIGN: Review, integration and
      interpretation of retrospective cohort studies to support clinical
      recommendations. RESULTS: In this population, the prelingual nature of the
      hearing loss and the duration of bilateral significant hearing loss were the most
      reliable predictors of cochlear implantation outcomes. Importantly, the duration
      of sound deprivation in the ear to be implanted was not a significant predictor
      of speech recognition scores after cochlear implantation and should carry less
      weight in making recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: In most adults with postlingual
      hearing loss and long-term monaural sound deprivation, the sound-deprived sound
      deprivation ear should be preferred for implantation. For adults with prelingual
      deafness and monaural sound deprivation, the decision should weigh the risks of
      obtaining poorer results with the cochlear implant compared to the benefits of
      accessing binaural hearing.

PMID- 27146279
TI  - Hypoxic mechanisms in primary headaches.
AB  - Background Hypoxia causes secondary headaches such as high-altitude headache
      (HAH) and headache due to acute mountain sickness. These secondary headaches
      mimic primary headaches such as migraine, which suggests a common link. We review
      and discuss the possible role of hypoxia in migraine and cluster headache.
      Methods This narrative review investigates the current level of knowledge on the
      relation of hypoxia in migraine and cluster headache based on epidemiological and
      experimental studies. Findings Epidemiological studies suggest that living in
      high-altitude areas increases the risk of migraine and especially migraine with
      aura. Human provocation models show that hypoxia provokes migraine with and
      without aura, whereas cluster headache has not been reliably induced by hypoxia.
      Possible pathophysiological mechanisms include hypoxia-induced release of nitric
      oxide and calcitonin gene-related peptide, cortical spreading depression and
      leakage of the blood-brain barrier. Conclusion There is a possible link between
      hypoxia and migraine and maybe cluster headache, but the exact mechanism is
      currently unknown. Provocation models of hypoxia have yielded interesting results
      suggesting a novel approach to study in depth the mechanism underlying hypoxia
      and primary headaches.

PMID- 27146280
TI  - Trajectory of body shape in early and middle life and all cause and cause
      specific mortality: results from two prospective US cohort studies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess body shape trajectories in early and middle life in relation
      to risk of mortality. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Nurses' Health
      Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. POPULATION: 80 266 women and 36
      622 men who recalled their body shape at ages 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 years and
      provided body mass index at age 50, followed from age 60 over a median of 15-16
      years for death. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All cause and cause specific mortality.
      RESULTS: Using a group based modeling approach, five distinct trajectories of
      body shape from age 5 to 50 were identified: lean-stable, lean-moderate increase,
      lean-marked increase, medium-stable/increase, and heavy-stable/increase. The lean
      stable group was used as the reference. Among never smokers, the multivariable
      adjusted hazard ratio for death from any cause was 1.08 (95% confidence interval
      1.02 to 1.14) for women and 0.95 (0.88 to 1.03) for men in the lean-moderate
      increase group, 1.43 (1.33 to 1.54) for women and 1.11 (1.02 to 1.20) for men in
      the lean-marked increase group, 1.04 (0.97 to 1.12) for women and 1.01 (0.94 to
      1.09) for men in the medium-stable/increase group, and 1.64 (1.49 to 1.81) for
      women and 1.19 (1.08 to 1.32) for men in the heavy-stable/increase group. For
      cause specific mortality, participants in the heavy-stable/increase group had the
      highest risk, with a hazard ratio among never smokers of 2.30 (1.88 to 2.81) in
      women and 1.45 (1.23 to 1.72) in men for cardiovascular disease, 1.37 (1.14 to
      1.65) in women and 1.07 (0.89 to 1.30) in men for cancer, and 1.59 (1.38 to 1.82)
      in women and 1.10 (0.95 to 1.29) in men for other causes. The trajectory
      mortality association was generally weaker among ever smokers than among never
      smokers (for all cause mortality: P for interaction <0.001 in women and 0.06 in
      men). When participants were classified jointly according to trajectories and
      history of type 2 diabetes, the increased risk of death associated with heavier
      body shape trajectories was more pronounced among participants with type 2
      diabetes than those without diabetes, and those in the heavy-stable/increase
      trajectory and with a history of diabetes had the highest risk of death.
      CONCLUSIONS: Using the trajectory approach, we found that heavy body shape from
      age 5 up to 50, especially the increase in middle life, was associated with
      higher mortality. In contrast, people who maintained a stably lean body shape had
      the lowest mortality. These results indicate the importance of weight management
      across the lifespan.

PMID- 27146281
TI  - Investigation of the clinical utility of the hypomania checklist 32 (HCL-32) for
      the screening of bipolar disorders in the non-clinical adult population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hypomania checklist-32 (HCL-32) is a widely used questionnaire
      developed for identifying hypomanic components in patients with a depressive
      episode. Measuring and screening previous hypomanic symptoms in individuals
      without any definite history of depressive episode would also be needed for early
      detection of bipolar disorders (BDs). This study aimed at testing the clinical
      utility of the HCL-32 for screening of BDs in the non-clinical population.
      METHODS: Lifetime history of hypomanic symptoms was evaluated by using the HCL-32
      in 220 patients with BDs and 313 non-clinical individuals. Sensitivity,
      specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating
      Characteristic (ROC) were evaluated for assessing the discriminatory power of the
      scale and its two sub-domains in screening BDs. RESULTS: The mean HCL-32 total
      score was significantly higher in the Bipolar II disorder group compared to the
      non-clinical group (P < 0.001). Most of the items (10/12) of the irritable/risk
      taking factor showed higher positive responses in patient groups. Items of
      active/elated factor showed mixed results. The HCL-32 total score and the
      active/elated factor score were not adequate for both BDs and its subgroups with
      AUC values of less than 0.7. The irritable/risk-taking factor score showed higher
      discrimination power, i.e. AUC for BDs, Bipolar I disorder, and Bipolar II
      disorder was 0.71, 0.67, and 0.75, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The HCL-32 could
      not adequately distinguish BD patients from the non-clinical adult population.
      However, the current study identified items of irritable/risk-taking factor of
      the scale that could be useful in screening BDs in the general population.

PMID- 27146282
TI  - Silver Nanoparticles: An Influential Element in Plant Nanobiotechnology.
AB  - Profound interest and progress has been made since the invention of
      nanotechnology in 1959. However, its application in plant tissue culture and
      biotechnology has not been fully acknowledged in parallel with other facets of
      this technology. In this manuscript, the AgNPs effects on plant tissue culture
      and biotechnology encompass their antimicrobial effects and their mechanisms of
      action addressed to some extends. Moreover, their effects on seedling growth also
      reviewed. Most of the presented papers in the field of plant science have focused
      on antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles but its interesting inhibitory
      effects of plant senescence phytohormone ethylene, most likely can open a new
      window for future research. 

PMID- 27146283
TI  - The nature of inter- and intramolecular interactions in F2OXe(...)HX (X= F, Cl,
      Br, I) complexes.
AB  - Electronic structure of the XeOF2 molecule and its two complexes with HX (X= F,
      Cl, Br, I) molecules have been studied in the gas phase using quantum chemical
      topology methods: topological analysis of electron localization function (ELF),
      electron density, rho(r), reduced gradient of electron density |RDG(r)| in real
      space, and symmetry adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) in the Hilbert space. The
      wave function has been approximated by the MP2 and DFT methods, using APF-D,
      B3LYP, M062X, and B2PLYP functionals, with the dispersion correction as proposed
      by Grimme (GD3). For the Xe-F and Xe=O bonds in the isolated XeOF2 molecule, the
      bonding ELF-localization basins have not been observed. According to the ELF
      results, these interactions are not of covalent nature with shared electron
      density. There are two stable F2OXe(...)HF complexes. The first one is stabilized
      by the F-H(...)F and Xe(...)F interactions (type I) and the second by the F
      H(...)O hydrogen bond (type II). The SAPT analysis confirms the electrostatic
      term, Eelst ((1)) and the induction energy, Eind ((2)) to be the major
      contributors to stabilizing both types of complexes.

PMID- 27146284
TI  - [Surgical site infections: of miasma, airborne threats and other risk factors].

PMID- 27146285
TI  - [Anesthesia in thoracic surgery].
AB  - Thoracic surgery represents a special challenge for anesthesia and requires a
      high level of human and material resources. Accurate knowledge of the
      pathophysiology is essential for selection of the anesthetic procedure, the
      separation of the lungs, monitoring and treatment of hemodynamics as well as for
      postoperative follow-up care. The increasing number of thoracic interventions and
      patients who are often suffering from complex diseases require close
      interdisciplinary cooperation between surgeons, anesthesiologists and intensive
      care specialists. In addition to the anesthetic techniques particular attention
      must be paid to the prevention of perioperative complications that can have a
      relevant effect on patient outcome. In particular hypoxemia during one-lung
      ventilation influences postoperative morbidity and mortality. Protective
      pulmonary ventilation strategies play an important role in prevention of
      postoperative acute lung injury. 

PMID- 27146286
TI  - [Prevention of postoperative surgical site infections : Between tradition and
      evidence].
AB  - Postoperative wound infections represent a relevant complication of invasive
      interventions. Current European prevalence data show that for participating
      hospitals from Germany (n = 132) surgical site infections represent the most
      commonly occurring nosocomial infection with 24.3 %. This corresponds to a point
      prevalence of 1.31 %. It is assumed that approximately 25-33 % of all infections
      acquired in hospital could be prevented if all possible precautions would be
      taken. Recent studies have indicated that this rate might be even higher for
      individual infection entities. Infection control measures can be divided into
      general measures, which are valid for prevention in many fields and for many
      infection entities and into specific precautions related to hospital-specific
      circumstances or specific infection entities. In this article the various hygiene
      measures and recommendations are presented with respect to the level of evidence.

PMID- 27146287
TI  - Thermal sensation during mild hyperthermia is modulated by acute postural change
      in humans.
AB  - Thermal sensation represents the primary stimulus for behavioral and autonomic
      thermoregulation. We assessed whether the sensation of skin and core temperatures
      for the driving force of behavioral thermoregulation was modified by postural
      change from the supine (Sup) to sitting (Sit) during mild hyperthermia. Seventeen
      healthy young men underwent measurements of noticeable increase and decrease (+/
      0.1  degrees C/s) of skin temperature (thresholds of warm and cold sensation on
      the skin, 6.25 cm2 of area) at the forearm and chest and of the whole-body warm
      sensation in the Sup and Sit during normothermia (NT; esophageal temperature
      (Tes), ~36.6  degrees C) and mild hyperthermia (HT; Tes, ~37.2  degrees C; lower
      legs immersion in 42  degrees C of water). The threshold for cold sensation on
      the skin at chest was lower during HT than NT in the Sit (P < 0.05) but not in
      Sup, and at the forearm was lower during HT than NT in the Sup and further in Sit
      (both, P < 0.05), with interactive effects of temperature (NT vs. HT) * posture
      (Sup vs. Sit) (chest, P = 0.08; forearm, P < 0.05). The threshold for warm
      sensation on the skin at both sites remained unchanged with changes in body
      posture or temperature. The whole-body warm sensation was higher during HT than
      NT in both postures and higher in the Sit than Sup during both NT and HT (all, P
      < 0.05). Thus, thermal sensation during mild hyperthermia is modulated by
      postural change from supine to sitting to sense lesser cold on the skin and more
      whole-body warmth.

PMID- 27146288
TI  - Numerical analysis of blood flow through an elliptic stenosis using large eddy
      simulation.
AB  - The presence of a stenosis caused by the abnormal narrowing of the lumen in the
      artery tree can cause significant variations in flow parameters of blood. The
      original flow, which is believed to be laminar in most situations, may turn out
      to turbulent by the geometric perturbation created by the stenosis. Flow may
      evolve to fully turbulent or it may relaminarise back according to the intensity
      of the perturbation. This article reports the numerical simulation of flow
      through an eccentrically located asymmetric stenosis having elliptical cross
      section using computational fluid dynamics. Large eddy simulation technique using
      dynamic Smagorinsky sub-grid scale model is applied to capture the turbulent
      features of flow. Analysis is carried out for two situations: steady inflow as
      ideal condition and pulsatile inflow corresponding to the actual physiological
      condition in common carotid artery. The spatially varying pulsatile inflow
      waveforms are mathematically derived from instantaneous mass flow measurements
      available in the literature. Carreau viscosity model is used to estimate the
      effect of non-Newtonian nature of blood. The present simulations for steady and
      pulsatile conditions show that post-stenotic flow field undergoes transition to
      turbulence in all cases. The characteristics of mean and turbulent flow fields
      have been presented and discussed in detail. 

PMID- 27146289
TI  - Characteristics of a volume-adjustable compression chamber for transradial
      prosthetic interface.
AB  - In the transradial limb-socket contact interface, the physiological properties
      and prosthetic operating habits of the residual limb might affect the comfort and
      functionality of the prosthesis. To enhance the comfort and functionality of the
      interface, a frame-type socket with four volume-adjustable compression chambers
      was proposed for the transradial amputation level. The contact pressure of the
      limb-socket interface was adjusted by the volume changes in the chambers and
      controlled by a vacuum pump and the corresponding control system. The parameters
      of the chamber were designed in accordance with the biomechanics of the forearm
      soft tissue. The chamber with a negative stiffness characteristic was
      theoretically compared with the chamber with a positive stiffness characteristic.
      The results showed that the former had a superior performance to the latter in
      safety and pump performance requirements. A physical model of the transradial
      frame-type prosthetic interface was also manufactured with four negative
      stiffness chambers. The experimental results showed that this new prosthetic
      interface achieved more fitting time and better performance in comfort and
      functionality than the fixed frame-type socket. This new prosthetic interface
      with volume-adjustable compression chambers might be an alternative choice for
      transradial amputees. 

PMID- 27146290
TI  - Trace Detection of RDX, HMX and PETN Explosives Using a Fluorescence Spot Sensor.
AB  - 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7
      tetrazocine (HMX), and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), the major components
      in plastic explosives, pose a significant threat to public safety. A quick,
      sensitive, and low-cost detection method for these non-volatile explosives is
      eagerly demanded. Here we present a fluo-spot approach, which can be employed for
      in situ detection of trace amount of explosives. The sensor molecule is a charge
      transfer fluorophore, DCM, which is strongly fluorescent in its pristine state,
      but non-fluorescent after the quick reaction with NO2. (or NO2(+)) generated from
      the UV photolysis of RDX, HMX (or PETN). When fabricated within silica gel TLC
      plate, the fluo-spot sensor features high sensitivity owing to the large surface
      area and porous structure of the substrate. The sensor reaction mechanism was
      verified by various experimental characterizations, including chromatography, UV
      Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, MS and (1)H NMR spectrometry. The
      fluo-spot also demonstrated high selectivity towards RDX, HMX and PETN, as no
      significant fluorescence quenching was observed for other chemical compounds
      including common nitro-aromatic explosives and inorganic oxidative compounds. The
      DCM sensor can also be used as an economical spray kit to directly spot the
      explosives by naked eyes, implying great potential for quick, low-cost trace
      explosives detection.

PMID- 27146291
TI  - Combined structural and functional patterns discriminating upper limb motor
      disability in multiple sclerosis using multivariate approaches.
AB  - A structural or functional pattern of neuroplasticity that could systematically
      discriminate between people with impaired and preserved motor performance could
      help us to understand the brain networks contributing to preservation or
      compensation of behavior in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to (1)
      investigate whether a machine learning-based technique could accurately classify
      MS participants into groups defined by upper extremity function (i.e. motor
      function preserved (MP) vs. motor function impaired (MI)) based on their regional
      grey matter measures (GMM, cortical thickness and deep grey matter volume) and
      inter-regional functional connection (FC), (2) investigate which features (GMM,
      FC, or GMM + FC) could classify groups more accurately, and (3) identify the
      multivariate patterns of GMM and FCs that are most discriminative between MP and
      MI participants, and between each of these groups and the healthy controls (HCs).
      With 26 MP, 25 MI, and 21 HCs (age and sex matched) underwent T1-weighted and
      resting-state functional MRI at 3 T, we applied support vector machine (SVM)
      based classification to learn discriminant functions indicating regions in which
      GMM or between which FCs were most discriminative between groups. This study
      demonstrates that there exist structural and FC patterns sufficient for correct
      classification of upper limb motor ability of people with MS. The classifier with
      GMM + FC features yielded the highest accuracy of 85.61 % (p < 0.001) to
      distinguish between the MS groups using leave-one-out cross-validation. It
      suggests that a machine-learning approach combining structural and functional
      features is useful for identifying the specific neural substrates that are
      necessary and sufficient to preserve motor function among people with MS.

PMID- 27146292
TI  - Carboxyl terminus-truncated alpha1D-adrenoceptors inhibit the ERK pathway.
AB  - Human alpha1D-adrenoceptors are G protein-coupled receptors that mediate
      adrenaline/noradrenaline actions. There is a growing interest in identifying
      regulatory domains in these receptors and determining how they function. In this
      work, we show that the absence of the human alpha1D-adrenoceptor carboxyl tail
      results in altered ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and p38
      phosphorylation states. Amino terminus-truncated and both amino and carboxyl
      termini-truncated alpha1D-adrenoceptors were transfected into Rat-1, HEK293, and
      B103 cells, and changes in the phosphorylation state of extracellular signal
      regulated kinase was assessed using biochemical and biophysical approaches. The
      phosphorylation state of other protein kinases (p38, MEK1, and Raf-1) was also
      studied. Noradrenaline-induced ERK phosphorylation in Rat-1 fibroblasts
      expressing amino termini-truncated alpha1D-adrenoceptors. However, in cells
      expressing receptors with both amino and carboxyl termini truncations,
      noradrenaline-induced activation was abrogated. Interestingly, ERK
      phosphorylation that normally occurs through activation of endogenous G protein
      coupled receptors, EGF receptors, and protein kinase C, was also decreased,
      suggesting that downstream steps in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway
      were affected. A similar effect was observed in B103 cells but not in HEK 293
      cells. Phosphorylation of Raf-1 and MEK1 was also diminished in Rat-1 fibroblasts
      expressing amino- and carboxyl-truncated alpha1D-adrenoceptors. Our data indicate
      that expression of carboxyl terminus-truncated alpha1D-adrenoceptors alters ERK
      and p38 phosphorylation state. 

PMID- 27146294
TI  - Accessory mental foramina associated with neurovascular bundle in Korean
      population.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and anatomical features of accessory mental
      foramina (AMFs) associated with neurovascular bundle using reformatted CBCT
      images in Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional, cross
      sectional, and axial images of CBCT from total 446 patients were evaluated. To
      include only AMF associated with neurovascular bundle, the course of accessory
      nerve through AMF was evaluated on three-dimensional images. The prevalence,
      locations to mental foramen (MF), and distribution to the adjacent tooth of AMF
      were analyzed. Additionally, the distance from MF and dimension of AMF were
      measured. RESULTS: AMFs were found in 36 (8.1 %) patients in the 446 Koreans. The
      prevalence rate of AMFs in male was significant higher than that in female (p <
      0.05). Most AMFs were located anterior-superior to MF. The shortest distance
      between the center of AMF and that of MF was 5.80 mm (SD +/- 2.90, 1.40-13.0).
      Variance of location of AMF in relation to MF was greater in the horizontal
      direction than in the vertical direction. In related to adjacent tooth, AMF was
      mainly distributed between the first and second premolars. The horizontal
      dimension and vertical dimension of AMF were 1.54 mm (SD +/- 1.41, 0.70-9.80) and
      1.44 mm (SD +/- 0.41, 0.70-2.30), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of AMF is
      important for performing effective nerve block and avoiding injuries to
      neurovascular bundles passing through AMF. Evaluation of the course of AMF in
      three-dimensional image of CBCT is effective for confirming AMF associated with
      inferior alveolar nerve.

PMID- 27146295
TI  - Location of the infraorbital foramen with reference to soft tissue landmarks.
AB  - PURPOSE: The location of the infraorbital foramen and its variations are
      important during periorbital, dental, plastic, and oromaxillofacial surgeries.
      The aim of this study is to document the most practical anatomical soft tissue
      landmarks for defining the location of infraorbital foramen and infraorbital
      nerve for effective nerve blockade and to decrease its risk of injury during
      periorbital surgeries. METHODS: Forty sides from 20 adult fixed cadavers were
      used for this study. The position of the infraorbital nerve was determined in
      reference to the lateral edge of the ala of the nose, medial and lateral
      palpebral commissures. All these three soft tissue landmarks were then connected
      to each other forming a triangular shaped region. RESULTS: In 75 % of the cases
      the infraorbital foramen was located on the line which is connecting the lateral
      palpebral commissure to the ala of the nose. The closest distance of infraorbital
      foramen to the inferior orbital margin and to facial midline was also measured.
      The infraorbital foramen was located outside the previously defined triangular
      region in 20 % and inside the triangle in 5 %. The closest mean distance between
      the infraorbital foramen and the infraorbital margin was measured as 8.8 +/- 1.0
      mm and the distance between the medial wall of the infraorbital foramen and the
      facial midline was measured as 30.3 +/- 2.7 mm. CONCLUSION: The triangular region
      and the soft tissue landmarks we offered in this study may facilitate prediction
      of the locations of the infraorbital foramen thus, the infraorbital nerve.

PMID- 27146293
TI  - Pleiotropic effects of statins: new therapeutic targets in drug design.
AB  - The HMG Co-enzyme inhibitors and new lipid-modifying agents expand their new
      therapeutic target options in the field of medical profession. Statins have been
      described as the most effective class of drugs to reduce serum cholesterol
      levels. Since the discovery of the first statin nearly 30 years ago, these drugs
      have become the main therapeutic approach to lower cholesterol levels. The
      present scientific research demonstrates numerous non-lipid modifiable effects of
      statins termed as pleiotropic effects of statins, which could be beneficial for
      the treatment of various devastating disorders. The most important positive
      effects of statins are anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antioxidant,
      immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, anti-diabetes, and antithrombotic, improving
      endothelial dysfunction and attenuating vascular remodeling besides many others
      which are discussed under the scope of this review. In particular, inhibition of
      Rho and its downstream target, Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein
      kinase (ROCK), and their agonistic action on peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptors (PPARs) can be viewed as the principle mechanisms underlying the
      pleiotropic effects of statins. With gradually increasing knowledge of new
      therapeutic targets of statins, their use has also been advocated in chronic
      inflammatory disorders for example rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and in systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the scope of review, we highlight statins and their
      pleiotropic effects with reference to their harmful and beneficial effects as a
      novel approach for their use in the treatment of devastating disorders. Graphical
      abstract Pleiotropic effect of statins. 

PMID- 27146297
TI  - [Implementation of auricular acupuncture by the NADA protocol in geriatric
      patients suffering from major depression : A mixed methods feasibility study].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of elderly patients with depression has steadily increased
      in recent years; therefore, new treatment options and therapy approaches are
      urgently needed to improve treatment in this patient group. The aim of this
      project was to evaluate the additional application of auricular acupuncture
      according to the NADA protocol in patients treated in a daytime ward in terms of
      acceptability and feasibility. METHODS: A total of 20 psychogeriatric patients
      from a daytime clinic suffering from major depression (ICD-10: F32-F33) received
      auricular acupuncture in addition to the standard treatment three times per week
      over a treatment course of 3 weeks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted
      with the participants and the therapeutic team and qualitative content analyses
      were carried out. Depression, cognition, quality of sleep and quality of life
      were assessed using validated quantitative instruments. RESULTS: There was a 95 %
      utilization of the therapy. The qualitative analysis showed a high acceptance by
      all participants. The dominant perception by the patients was a positive
      expectation and conviction that acupuncture was an effective form of therapy
      without side effects, which could contribute to recovery. The majority of
      patients also felt that there was an improvement in the symptoms. The
      quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in the target parameters.
      CONCLUSION: The acceptance of the intervention by the patients and the
      willingness of the interdisciplinary team underlines the feasibility of this
      implementation within a fixed therapeutic concept. The significant pre-post
      improvements indicated a potential benefit and should be verified in further
      efficacy studies.

PMID- 27146296
TI  - Adolescent Vaccination Strategies: Interventions to Increase Coverage.
AB  - While vaccines have decreased the burden of disease, many adolescents still
      remain under-immunized, particularly for human papillomavirus (HPV) and
      influenza. We review the most current data regarding adolescent immunizations in
      the United States and discuss proven strategies that work for increasing
      vaccination rates. Strategies that have been shown to improve rates include
      provider feedback, immunization information systems (or registries), and enhanced
      access outside of provider offices, such as school-based immunization programs.
      Overall, practices may want to consider multimodal quality improvement approaches
      to enhance practice vaccination rates. The public health and cost benefits of
      immunizing adolescents are well known, yet recent measles outbreaks in the United
      States have highlighted issues with state immunization laws and vaccine refusals.
      Providers should be clear in their advice regarding vaccines and use effective
      reminder strategies as parents commonly cite not having enough information or
      knowledge that a vaccine was needed for their adolescent. Additional research is
      needed regarding adolescent consent for vaccines, as well as adolescent and
      parental refusal, in order to design systems that will help inform families and
      allow for widespread vaccine availability. 

PMID- 27146299
TI  - Treatment with Oral ATP decreases alternating hemiplegia of childhood with de
      novo ATP1A3 Mutation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alternating hemiplegia of childhood is an intractable neurological
      disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of alternating hemiplegia
      accompanied by other paroxysmal symptoms. Recent research has identified
      mutations in the ATP1A3 gene as the underlying cause. Adenosine-5'-triphosphate
      has a vasodilatory effect, can enhance muscle strength and physical performance,
      and was hypothesized to improve the symptoms of paroxysmal hemiplegia. METHODS: A
      7-year-old boy with alternating hemiplegia of childhood who was positive for a de
      novo ATP1A3 mutation was treated with adenosine- 5'- triphosphate supplementation
      orally as an innovative therapy for 2 years. Outcome was evaluated through the
      follow-up of improvement of hemiplegic episodes and psychomotor development. Side
      effects and safety were monitored in regularity. RESULTS: With the dosage of
      adenosine-5'-triphosphate administration increased, the patient showed
      significantly less frequency and shorter duration of hemiplegic episodes.
      Treatment with adenosine-5'-triphosphate was correlated with a marked
      amelioration of alternating hemiplegia of childhood episodes, and psychomotor
      development has improved. The maximum dose of oral administration of adenosine-5'
      triphosphate reached 25 mg/kg per day. Adenosine-5'-triphosphate therapy was well
      tolerated without complaint of discomfort and side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The 2
      year follow-up outcome of adenosine-5'-triphosphate therapy for alternating
      hemiplegia of childhood was successful.

PMID- 27146300
TI  - How effective is integrated care for community-dwelling frail older people? The
      case of the Netherlands.
AB  - Integrated care programs have been developed to enhance the quality care for
      older adults in primary care. These programs usually consist of a
      multidisciplinary approach, with personalised care based on comprehensive
      geriatric assessments. However, there is limited evidence for the effectiveness
      of these programs in frail older people. In this article, we review the results
      of three recent intervention studies carried out as part of the Dutch National
      Care for the Elderly Programme. The results illustrate how difficult it is to
      improve outcomes in community-dwelling frail older adults by means of integrated
      care. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these studies for future
      research into frailty interventions.

PMID- 27146298
TI  - Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasitaemia among indigenous Batwa and non
      indigenous communities of Kanungu district, Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The indigenous Batwa of southwestern Uganda are among the most highly
      impoverished populations in Uganda, yet there is negligible research on the
      prevalence of malaria in this population. Plasmodium falciparum malaria
      parasitaemia prevalence was estimated in an indigenous Batwa and a non-indigenous
      neighbouring population, and an exploration of modifiable risk factors was
      carried out to identify potential entry points for intervention. Additionally,
      evidence of zooprophylaxis was assessed, hypothesizing that livestock ownership
      may play a role in malaria risk. METHODS: Two cross-sectional surveys of Batwa
      and non-Batwa communities were carried out in Kanungu District, Uganda in July
      2013 and April 2014 based on a census of adult Batwa and a two-stage systematic
      random sample of adult non-Batwa in ten Local Councils where Batwa settlements
      are located. A community-based questionnaire and antigen rapid diagnostic test
      for P. falciparum were carried out in the cross-sectional health surveys. A
      multivariable logistic regression model was built to identify risk factors
      associated with positive malaria diagnostic test. A subset analysis of livestock
      owners tested for zooprophylaxis. RESULTS: Batwa experienced higher prevalence of
      malaria parasitaemia than non-Batwa (9.35 versus 4.45 %, respectively) with over
      twice the odds of infection (OR 2.21, 95 % CI 1.23-3.98). Extreme poverty (OR
      1.96, 95 % CI 0.98-3.94) and having an iron sheet roof (OR 2.54, 95 % CI 0.96
      6.72) increased the odds of infection in both Batwa and non-Batwa. Controlling
      for ethnicity, wealth, and bed net ownership, keeping animals inside the home at
      night decreased the odds of parasitaemia among livestock owners (OR 0.29, 95 % CI
      0.09-0.94). CONCLUSION: A health disparity exists between indigenous Batwa and
      non-indigenous community members with Batwa having higher prevalence of malaria
      relative to non-Batwa. Poverty was associated with increased odds of malaria
      infection for both groups. Findings suggest that open eaves and gaps in housing
      materials associated with iron sheet roofing represent a modifiable risk factor
      for malaria, and may facilitate mosquito house entry; larger sample sizes will be
      required to confirm this finding. Evidence for possible zooprophylaxis was
      observed among livestock owners in this population for those who sheltered
      animals inside the home at night.

PMID- 27146302
TI  - Moving upstream in the frailty trajectory.

PMID- 27146301
TI  - Reporting of clinically diagnosed dementia on death certificates: retrospective
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: mortality statistics are a frequently used source of information on
      deaths in dementia but are limited by concerns over accuracy. OBJECTIVE: to
      investigate the frequency with which clinically diagnosed dementia is recorded on
      death certificates, including predictive factors. METHODS: a retrospective cohort
      study assembled using a large mental healthcare database in South London, linked
      to Office for National Statistics mortality data. People with a clinical
      diagnosis of dementia, aged 65 or older, who died between 2006 and 2013 were
      included. The main outcome was death certificate recording of dementia. RESULTS:
      in total, 7,115 people were identified. Dementia was recorded on 3,815 (53.6%)
      death certificates. Frequency of dementia recording increased from 39.9% (2006)
      to 63.0% (2013) (odds ratio (OR) per year increment 1.11, 95% CI 1.07-1.15).
      Recording of dementia was more likely if people were older (OR per year increment
      1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03), and for those who died in care homes (OR 1.89, 95% CI
      1.50-2.40) or hospitals (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.46) compared with home, and less
      likely for people with less severe cognitive impairment (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.94
      0.96), and if the diagnosis was Lewy body (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.15-0.62) or vascular
      dementia (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.68-0.93) compared with Alzheimer's disease.
      CONCLUSIONS: changes in certification practices may have contributed to the rise
      in recorded prevalence of dementia from mortality data. However, mortality data
      still considerably underestimate the population burden of dementia. Potential
      biases affecting recording of dementia need to be taken into account when
      interpreting mortality data.

PMID- 27146304
TI  - Social engagement to prevent cognitive ageing?

PMID- 27146305
TI  - What we wish we knew about every embryo chosen for transfer.

PMID- 27146303
TI  - Hearing impairment and incident disability and all-cause mortality in older
      British community-dwelling men.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: hearing impairment is common in older adults and has
      been implicated in the risk of disability and mortality. We examined the
      association between hearing impairment and risk of incident disability and all
      cause mortality. DESIGN AND SETTING: prospective cohort of community-dwelling
      older men aged 63-85 followed up for disability over 2 years and for all-cause
      mortality for 10 years in the British Regional Heart Study. METHODS: data were
      collected on self-reported hearing impairment including hearing aid use, and
      disability assessed as mobility limitations (problems walking/taking stairs),
      difficulties with activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL).
      Mortality data were obtained from the National Health Service register. RESULTS:
      among 3,981 men, 1,074 (27%) reported hearing impairment. Compared with men with
      no hearing impairment, men who could hear and used a hearing aid, and men who
      could not hear despite a hearing aid had increased risks of IADL difficulties
      (age-adjusted OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.29-2.70; OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.53-4.93,
      respectively). The associations remained after further adjustment for covariates
      including social class, lifestyle factors, co-morbidities and social engagement.
      Associations of hearing impairment with incident mobility limitations, incident
      ADL difficulties and all-cause mortality were attenuated on adjustment for
      covariates. CONCLUSION: this study suggests that hearing problems in later life
      could increase the risk of having difficulties performing IADLs, which include
      more complex everyday tasks such as shopping and light housework. However,
      further studies are needed to determine the associations observed including the
      underlying pathways.

PMID- 27146306
TI  - Gluten-specific antibodies of celiac disease gut plasma cells recognize long
      proteolytic fragments that typically harbor T-cell epitopes.
AB  - This study aimed to identify proteolytic fragments of gluten proteins recognized
      by recombinant IgG1 monoclonal antibodies generated from single IgA plasma cells
      of celiac disease lesions. Peptides bound by monoclonal antibodies in complex gut
      enzyme digests of gluten treated with the deamidating enzyme transglutaminase 2,
      were identified by mass spectrometry after antibody pull-down with protein G
      beads. The antibody bound peptides were long deamidated peptide fragments that
      contained the substrate recognition sequence of transglutaminase 2.
      Characteristically, the fragments contained epitopes with the sequence QPEQPFP
      and variants thereof in multiple copies, and they typically also harbored many
      different gluten T-cell epitopes. In the pull-down setting where antibodies were
      immobilized on a solid phase, peptide fragments with multivalent display of
      epitopes were targeted. This scenario resembles the situation of the B-cell
      receptor on the surface of B cells. Conceivably, B cells of celiac disease
      patients select gluten epitopes that are repeated multiple times in long peptide
      fragments generated by gut digestive enzymes. As the fragments also contain many
      different T-cell epitopes, this will lead to generation of strong antibody
      responses by effective presentation of several distinct T-cell epitopes and
      establishment of T-cell help to B cells.

PMID- 27146307
TI  - Youth Perspectives on the Mental Health Treatment Process: What Helps, What
      Hinders?
AB  - In this study we explored adolescent perceptions of what was most helpful and
      most challenging about mental health treatment for mood and/or anxiety disorders.
      Youth seeking treatment at the First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program were
      recruited to participate in a follow-up survey about their experiences of mental
      health care services. Responses to two open-ended questions were analyzed for
      emerging themes and differences between age groups and gender. Males were more
      likely to report therapy as being helpful than females, 16-18 year olds were more
      likely to report medication as a challenge to treatment and 19-26 year olds were
      more likely to report accessing services as a challenge to treatment.
      Understanding what helps and what hinders treatment-seeking youth can guide both
      clinical treatment and service delivery models for this population.

PMID- 27146308
TI  - Risk factors and characteristics of suicide attempts among 381 suicidal
      adolescents.
AB  - AIM: This study explored the relationships between suicidal adolescents and their
      parents, siblings and friends. It examined how much adolescents talked to their
      parents before suicide attempts, the frequency of self-mutilation, the extent of
      suicidal ideation, previous suicide attempts and suicide attempts in the
      adolescent's surroundings. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional case-control
      study that focused on 381 adolescents aged 10-17 years who were admitted to
      hospitals across Denmark after suicide attempts with acetaminophen and 296 age-
      and gender-matched controls recruited from schools. The study used questionnaires
      and medical and child psychiatric records. RESULTS: The study group were ten
      times more likely to report dissociated parental relationships than the control
      group (41.5% versus 4%), and there were significant relationships between these
      reports and feelings of not being heard (p < 0.0001), dissociated relationships
      with friends (p < 0.0001) and siblings (p < 0.0001) and self-mutilation (p =
      0.009). Almost two-thirds (62.5%) of the suicidal adolescents who tried to talk
      to their parents about their problems felt unheard, and there was a significant
      relationship between this feeling and the duration of suicidal ideation (p =
      0.01) and self-mutilation (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Early risk factors for suicide
      were dissociated relationships with parents, siblings and friends, feeling
      unheard, self-mutilation and extended suicidal ideation.

PMID- 27146310
TI  - Co-occurrence statistics as a language-dependent cue for speech segmentation.
AB  - To what extent can language acquisition be explained in terms of different
      associative learning mechanisms? It has been hypothesized that distributional
      regularities in spoken languages are strong enough to elicit statistical learning
      about dependencies among speech units. Distributional regularities could be a
      useful cue for word learning even without rich language-specific knowledge.
      However, it is not clear how strong and reliable the distributional cues are that
      humans might use to segment speech. We investigate cross-linguistic viability of
      different statistical learning strategies by analyzing child-directed speech
      corpora from nine languages and by modeling possible statistics-based speech
      segmentations. We show that languages vary as to which statistical segmentation
      strategies are most successful. The variability of the results can be partially
      explained by systematic differences between languages, such as rhythmical
      differences. The results confirm previous findings that different statistical
      learning strategies are successful in different languages and suggest that
      infants may have to primarily rely on non-statistical cues when they begin their
      process of speech segmentation.

PMID- 27146309
TI  - Neemazal (r) as a possible alternative control tool for malaria and African
      trypanosomiasis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research efforts to identify possible alternative control tools for
      malaria and African trypanosomiasis are needed. One promising approach relies on
      the use of traditional plant remedies with insecticidal activities. METHODS: In
      this study, we assessed the effect of blood treated with different doses of
      NeemAzal (r) (NA, neem seed extract) on mosquitoes (Anopheles coluzzii) and
      tsetse flies (Glossina palpalis gambiensis) (i) avidity to feed on the treated
      blood, (ii) longevity, and (iii) behavioural responses to human and calf odours
      in dual-choice tests. We also gauged NeemAzal (r) toxicity in mice. RESULTS: In
      An. coluzzii, the ingestion of NA in bloodmeals offered by membrane feeding
      resulted in (i) primary antifeedancy; (ii) decreased longevity; and (iii) reduced
      response to host odours. In G. palpalis gambiensis, NA caused (i) a knock-down
      effect; (ii) decreased or increased longevity depending on the dose; and (iii)
      reduced response to host stimuli. In both cases, NA did not affect the
      anthropophilic rate of activated insects. Overall, the most significant effects
      were observed with NA treated bloodmeals at a dose of 2000 MUg/ml for mosquitoes
      and 50 MUg/ml for tsetse flies. Although no mortality in mice was observed after
      14 days of follow-up at oral doses of 3.8, 5.6, 8.4 and 12.7 g/kg, behavioural
      alterations were noticed at doses above 8 g/kg. CONCLUSION: This study revealed
      promising activity of NA on A. coluzzii and G. palpalis gambiensis but additional
      research is needed to assess field efficacy of neem products to be possibly
      integrated in vector control programmes.

PMID- 27146313
TI  - A comprehensive approach to assess the costs of renal replacement therapy for end
      stage renal disease in France: the importance of age, diabetes status, and
      clinical events.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In the current pressured economic context, and to continue to treat
      the growing number of patients with high-quality standards, the first step is to
      have a better understanding of the costs related to end-stage renal disease
      (ESRD) treatment according to various renal replacement therapy, age, diabetes
      status, and clinical events. METHODS: In order to estimate the direct costs of
      all adult ESRD patients, according to (RRT) modality, patient condition, and
      clinical events, data from the French national health insurance funds were used.
      RESULTS: The mean monthly costs for the 47,862 stable prevalent patients (73 % of
      the population) varied substantially according to treatment modality (from 7300?
      for in-center hemodialysis to 1100? for a functioning renal graft) and to
      clinical event (8300? for the first month of dialysis, 11,000? for the last month
      before death, 22,800? for the first month after renal transplantation). Mean
      monthly costs varied according to diabetic status and to age to a lesser extent.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate, for the first time in France and in
      Europe, the importance of a dynamic view of renal care and the bias likely when
      comparing treatments in cross-sectional studies.

PMID- 27146311
TI  - The Role of Adipocytes in Tissue Regeneration and Stem Cell Niches.
AB  - Classically, white adipose tissue (WAT) was considered an inert component of
      connective tissue but is now appreciated as a major regulator of metabolic
      physiology and endocrine homeostasis. Recent work defining how WAT develops and
      expands in vivo emphasizes the importance of specific locations of WAT or depots
      in metabolic regulation. Interestingly, mature white adipocytes are integrated
      into several tissues. A new perspective regarding the in vivo regulation and
      function of WAT in these tissues has highlighted an essential role of adipocytes
      in tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Finally, there has been significant
      progress in understanding how mature adipocytes regulate the pathology of several
      diseases. In this review, we discuss these novel roles of WAT in the homeostasis
      and regeneration of epithelial, muscle, and immune tissues and how they
      contribute to the pathology of several disorders.

PMID- 27146316
TI  - Translating Trial Results in Clinical Practice: the Risk GP Model.

PMID- 27146312
TI  - How Bacteria Subvert Animal Cell Structure and Function.
AB  - Bacterial pathogens encode a wide variety of effectors and toxins that hijack
      host cell structure and function. Of particular importance are virulence factors
      that target actin cytoskeleton dynamics critical for cell shape, stability,
      motility, phagocytosis, and division. In addition, many bacteria target
      organelles of the general secretory pathway (e.g., the endoplasmic reticulum and
      the Golgi complex) and recycling pathways (e.g., the endolysosomal system) to
      establish and maintain an intracellular replicative niche. Recent research on the
      biochemistry and structural biology of bacterial effector proteins and toxins has
      begun to shed light on the molecular underpinnings of these host-pathogen
      interactions. This exciting work is revealing how pathogens gain control of the
      complex and dynamic host cellular environments, which impacts our understanding
      of microbial infectious disease, immunology, and human cell biology.

PMID- 27146314
TI  - The pathobiology and pathology of aseptic implant failure.
AB  - Pathological assessment of periprosthetic tissues is important, not only for
      diagnosis, but also for understanding the pathobiology of implant failure. The
      host response to wear particle deposition in periprosthetic tissues is
      characterised by cell and tissue injury, and a reparative and inflammatory
      response in which there is an innate and adaptive immune response to the material
      components of implant wear. Physical and chemical characteristics of implant wear
      influence the nature of the response in periprosthetic tissues and account for
      the development of particular complications that lead to implant failure, such as
      osteolysis which leads to aseptic loosening, and soft-tissue
      necrosis/inflammation, which can result in pseudotumour formation. The innate
      response involves phagocytosis of implant-derived wear particles by macrophages;
      this is determined by pattern recognition receptors and results in expression of
      cytokines, chemokines and growth factors promoting inflammation and
      osteoclastogenesis; phagocytosed particles can also be cytotoxic and cause cell
      and tissue necrosis. The adaptive immune response to wear debris is characterised
      by the presence of lymphoid cells and most likely occurs as a result of a cell
      mediated hypersensitivity reaction to cell and tissue components altered by
      interaction with the material components of particulate wear, particularly metal
      ions released from cobalt-chrome wear particles.Cite this article: Professor N.
      A. Athanasou. The pathobiology and pathology of aseptic implant failure. Bone
      Joint Res 2016;5:162-168. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.55.BJR-2016-0086. 

PMID- 27146315
TI  - Neural Representations of Natural and Scrambled Movies Progressively Change from
      Rat Striate to Temporal Cortex.
AB  - In recent years, the rodent has come forward as a candidate model for
      investigating higher level visual abilities such as object vision. This view has
      been backed up substantially by evidence from behavioral studies that show rats
      can be trained to express visual object recognition and categorization
      capabilities. However, almost no studies have investigated the functional
      properties of rodent extrastriate visual cortex using stimuli that target object
      vision, leaving a gap compared with the primate literature. Therefore, we
      recorded single-neuron responses along a proposed ventral pathway in rat visual
      cortex to investigate hallmarks of primate neural object representations such as
      preference for intact versus scrambled stimuli and category-selectivity. We
      presented natural movies containing a rat or no rat as well as their phase
      scrambled versions. Population analyses showed increased dissociation in
      representations of natural versus scrambled stimuli along the targeted stream,
      but without a clear preference for natural stimuli. Along the measured cortical
      hierarchy the neural response seemed to be driven increasingly by features that
      are not V1-like and destroyed by phase-scrambling. However, there was no evidence
      for category selectivity for the rat versus nonrat distinction. Together, these
      findings provide insights about differences and commonalities between rodent and
      primate visual cortex.

PMID- 27146317
TI  - Utilization of milk fatty acids by the suckling Iberian piglets.
AB  - A total of 16 pure-bred Iberian (IB) sows, all of them suckling six piglets, were
      used, eight of them in each of the two consecutive trials (1 and 2). Daily milk
      yield and composition were determined weekly over a 34-day lactation period.
      Within each litter, one piglet at birth and four piglets on day 35 of life were
      slaughtered. Milk intake per piglet tended to be greater in trial 2 (832 v. 893
      g/day; P=0.066), but piglets grew at 168+/-3.3 g/day, irrespective of the trial.
      In the IB sow milk, the linoleic (LA) : linolenic (LNA) acid ratio averaged 14.6
      and 15.2 in trial 1 and trial 2, respectively. A fivefold increase in piglet body
      fat content was observed over lactation (P<0.001). Most of this fat (81.4%) was
      present in the carcass. After 34 days of lactation, whole-body relative content
      of palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic and oleic acids were very close to those in the
      milk consumed, suggesting direct deposition. Daily deposition of LA derivatives
      and of LNA and its derivatives was found to be extremely low (<0.02 g, on
      average). Moreover, some of the arachidonic acid (ARA) in tissues of the IB
      piglet at birth disappeared throughout the lactating period. An overall
      fractional deposition for total fatty acids (FA) was 0.409. Fractional oxidation
      (disappearance) rates were 0.939 and 0.926 for n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated FA.
      The overall rate of disappearance for the major non-essential FA (myristic,
      palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic and oleic acids), estimated as 1-the overall
      fractional deposition rate, was 0.546. It is concluded that the high degree of FA
      unsaturation, high oxidation rate of LA and LNA, and poor synthesis of ARA from
      LA and of docosahexaenoic acid from LNA found in the suckling piglet might
      increase the energy cost of whole-body fat accretion, a contributor to the
      observed low efficiency of use of milk energy for growth.

PMID- 27146318
TI  - Synthesis of the olanzapine labeled by carbon-14.
AB  - Olanzapine is one of the most widely used antipsychotic drugs, which acts as an
      antagonist for multiple neurotransmitter receptor sites. 2-Methyl-4-(4-methyl-1
      piperazinyl)-10H-thieno [2,3-b][1,5] benzodiazepine (Olanzapine) labeled with
      carbon-14 in the four positions has been synthesized as part of a three-step
      sequence from 2-amino-5-methylthiophene-3-carbonitrile-[carbonitrile-(14) C].

PMID- 27146319
TI  - Delaying surgery to perform CT scans for suspected appendicitis decreases the
      rate of negative appendectomies without increasing the rate of perforation nor
      postoperative complications.
AB  - PURPOSE: Negative appendectomies are costly and are embedded with unnecessary
      risks for the patients. A careful indication for surgery seems mandatory even
      more so, since conservative therapy emerges as a potential alternative to
      surgery. The aims of this population-based study were to analyze whether
      radiological examinations for suspected appendicitis decreased the rate of
      negative appendectomies without increasing the rate of perforation or worsening
      postoperative outcomes. METHOD: This study is a retrospective analysis of a
      prospective population-based database. The data collection included preoperative
      investigations and intraoperative and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Based on
      2559 patients, the rate of negative appendectomies decreased significantly with
      the use of CT scan as compared to clinical evaluation only (9.3 vs 5 %, p =
      0.019), whereas ultrasonography alone was not able to decrease this rate (9.3 vs
      6.2 %, p = 0.074). Delaying surgery for radiological investigation did not
      increase the rate of perforation (18.1 vs 19.2 %; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.01;
      0.8-1.3; p = 0.899). Postoperative complications (surgical reintervention,
      postoperative wound infection, postoperative hematoma, postoperative intra
      abdominal abscess, postoperative ileus) were all comparable. CONCLUSION: In this
      population-based study, CT scan was the only radiological modality that
      significantly reduced the rate of negative appendectomy. The delay induced by
      such additional imaging did not increase perforation nor complication rates.
      Abdominal CT scans for suspected appendicitis should therefore be more frequently
      used if clinical findings are unconclusive.

PMID- 27146320
TI  - Photoswitched Cell Adhesion on Azobenzene-Containing Self-Assembled Films.
AB  - Stimuli-responsive surfaces that can regulate and control cell adhesion have
      attracted much attention for their great potential in diverse biomedical
      applications. Unlike for pH- and temperature-responsive surfaces, the process of
      photoswitching requires no additional input of chemicals or thermal energy. In
      this work, two different photoresponsive azobenzene films are synthesized by
      chemisorption and electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly techniques. The LbL
      film exhibits a relatively loose packing of azobenzene chromophores compared with
      the chemisorbed film. The changes in trans/cis isomer ratio of the azobenzene
      moiety and the corresponding wettability of the LbL films are larger than those
      of the chemisorbed films under UV light irradiation. The tendency for cell
      adhesion on the LbL films decreases markedly after UV light irradiation, whereas
      adhesion on the chemisorbed films decreases only slightly, because the azobenzene
      chromophores stay densely packed. Interestingly, the tendency for cell adhesion
      can be considerably increased on rough substrates, the roughness being introduced
      by use of photolithography and inductively coupled plasma deep etching
      techniques. For the chemisorbed films on rough substrates, the amount of cells
      that adhere also changes slightly after UV light irradiation, whereas, the amount
      of cells that adhere to LbL films on rough substrates decreases significantly. 

PMID- 27146322
TI  - BaGdF5:Dy(3+),Tb(3+),Eu(3+) multifunctional nanospheres: paramagnetic,
      luminescence, energy transfer, and tunable color.
AB  - A series of Dy(3+),Tb(3+) and Eu(3+) singly, doubly or triply doped BaGdF5
      phosphors were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method with l-arginine, and
      their energy transfer, migrations and multicolored luminescence properties were
      investigated in detail. The as-prepared Dy(3+),Tb(3+) or Eu(3+) doped samples
      showed strong blue, green and red emission, respectively. Different hues of green
      and red light were obtained by co-doped Dy(3+),Tb(3+) and Tb(3+),Eu(3+) in the
      BaGdF5 host, respectively. More significantly, in the Dy(3+),Tb(3+),Eu(3+) tri
      doped BaGdF5 phosphors, colors changed from yellow green to orange red by
      adjusting the doping concentration of Eu(3+). Energy migrations from Dy(3+) to
      Tb(3+) and from Tb(3+) to Eu(3+) are reported in detail. Furthermore, the
      obtained samples exhibit paramagnetic properties at room temperature and low
      temperature. It is obvious that these Dy(3+), Tb(3+), Eu(3+) singly or doubly or
      triply doped BaGdF5 nanomaterials with tunable multicolored luminescence
      properties may have potential applications in the fields of full-color displays,
      biological labels and bio-separation.

PMID- 27146323
TI  - Recognition of silver nanoparticles surface-adsorbed citrate anions by
      macrocyclic polyammonium cations: a spectrophotometric approach to study
      aggregation kinetics and evaluation of association constant.
AB  - In this report, we have studied the recognition of citrate anions adsorbed on the
      surface of silver nanoparticles (cit-Ag-NPs), by macrocyclic polyammonium cations
      (MCPACs): Me6 [14]ane-N4 H8 (4+) (Tet-A/Tet-B cations) and [32]ane-N8 H16 (8+) ,
      which are well reputed anion recognizers and are treated as to mimic of
      biological polyamines. The study was monitored on ultraviolet-visible
      spectroscopy by performing a titration of the aqueous dispersion of the cit-Ag
      NPs by the aqueous solution of MCPACs. The ultraviolet-visible time-scan plots
      over the reduction of the absorption band of surface plasmon resonance of cit-Ag
      NPs at 390 nm are well fitted with fourth-order polynomial equation and are
      employed to determine the initial aggregation rate constants. It has been stated
      that the aggregation is the result in electrostatic attraction followed by H-bond
      formation between the surface-adsorbed citrate anions and added MCPACs. The
      atomic force microscopy results have evidenced aggregation of cit-Ag-NPs in
      presence of MCPACs. The evaluated H-bonded association constant (Kasso ) using
      Benesi-Hildebrand method reveals that [32]ane-N8 H16 (8+) cations form stronger
      association complex, as expected, with the citrate anions than the Me6 [14]ane-N4
      H8 (4+) cations. The study would thus provide the insight of molecular
      interactions involved in nanoparticle surface-adsorbed anions with biological
      polyamines. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27146321
TI  - Goatpoxvirus ATPase activity is increased by dsDNA and decreased by zinc ion.
AB  - Viral-encoded ATPase can act as a part of molecular motor in genome packaging of
      DNA viruses, such as vaccinia virus and adenovirus, by ATP hydrolysis and
      interaction with DNA. Poxviral ATPase (also called A32) is involved in genomic
      double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) encapsidation, and inhibition of the expression of
      A32 causes formation of immature virions lacking viral DNA. However, the role of
      A32 in goatpoxvirus genome packaging and its dsDNA binding property are not
      known. In this study, purified recombinant goatpoxvirus A32 protein (rA32) was
      examined for its dsDNA binding property as well as the effect of dsDNA on ATP
      hydrolysis. We found that rA32 could bind dsDNA, and its ATPase activity was
      significant increased with dsDNA binding. Effects of magnesium and calcium ions
      on ATP hydrolysis were investigated also. The ATPase activity was dramatically
      enhanced by dsDNA in the presence of Mg(2+); in contrast, ATPase function was not
      altered by Ca(2+). Furthermore, the enzyme activity of rA32 was completely
      blocked by Zn(2+). Regarding DNA-protein interaction, the rA32-ATP-Mg(2+) showed
      lower dsDNA binding affinity than that of rA32-ATP-Ca(2+). The DNA-protein
      binding was stronger in the presence of zinc ion. Our results implied that A32
      may play a role in viral genome encapsidation and DNA condensation. 

PMID- 27146325
TI  - Usage of allergy codes in primary care electronic health records: a national
      evaluation in Scotland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The UK's NHS intends to move from the current Read code system to the
      international, detailed Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms
      (SNOMED-CT) to facilitate more clinically appropriate coding of conditions and
      associated risk factors and outcomes. Given concerns about coding behaviour of
      general practitioners, we sought to study the current coding patterns in
      allergies and identify lessons for the future migration to SNOMED-CT. METHODS:
      Data from 2 014 551 primary care consultations in over 100 000 patients with one
      or more of 11 potentially allergic diseases (anaphylaxis, angioedema, asthma,
      conjunctivitis, drug allergies, eczema, food allergy, rhinitis, urticaria, venom
      allergy and other probable allergic disorders) from the Scottish Primary Care
      Clinical Informatics Unit Research (PCCIU-R) database were descriptively analysed
      and visualized to understand Read code usage patterns. RESULTS: We identified 352
      Read codes for these allergic diseases, but only 36 codes (10%) were used in 95%
      of consultations; 73 codes (21%) were never used. Half of all usage was for
      Quality and Outcomes Framework codes for asthma. Despite 149 detailed codes (42%)
      being available for allergic triggers, these were infrequently used. CONCLUSIONS:
      This analysis of Read codes use suggests that introduction of the more detailed
      SNOMED-CT, in isolation, will not improve the quality of allergy coding in
      Scottish primary care. The introduction of SNOMED-CT should be accompanied by
      initiatives aimed at improving coding quality, such as the definition of
      terms/codes, the availability of terminology browsers, a recommended list of
      codes and mechanisms to incentivize detailed coding of the condition and the
      underlying allergic trigger.

PMID- 27146324
TI  - An RNA matchmaker protein regulates the activity of the long noncoding RNA
      HOTAIR.
AB  - The human long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) HOTAIR acts in trans to recruit the
      Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) to the HOXD gene cluster and to promote gene
      silencing during development. In breast cancers, overexpression of HOTAIR
      increases metastatic potential via the repression of many additional genes. It
      has remained unclear what factors determine HOTAIR-dependent PRC2 activity at
      specific genomic loci, particularly when high levels of HOTAIR result in aberrant
      gene silencing. To identify additional proteins that contribute to the specific
      action of HOTAIR, we performed a quantitative proteomic analysis of the HOTAIR
      interactome. We found that the most specific interaction was between HOTAIR and
      the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A2/B1, a member of a family
      of proteins involved in nascent mRNA processing and RNA matchmaking. Our data
      suggest that A2/B1 are key contributors to HOTAIR-mediated chromatin regulation
      in breast cancer cells: A2/B1 knockdown reduces HOTAIR-dependent breast cancer
      cell invasion and decreases PRC2 activity at the majority of HOTAIR-dependent
      loci. We found that the B1 isoform, which differs from A2 by 12 additional amino
      acids, binds with highest specificity to HOTAIR. B1 also binds chromatin and
      associates preferentially with RNA transcripts of HOTAIR gene targets. We
      furthermore demonstrate a direct RNA-RNA interaction between HOTAIR and a target
      transcript that is enhanced by B1 binding. Together, these results suggest a
      model in which B1 matches HOTAIR with transcripts of target genes on chromatin,
      leading to repression by PRC2.

PMID- 27146327
TI  - Applying a system dynamics modelling approach to explore policy options for
      improving neonatal health in Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most recent reports on global trends in neonatal mortality
      continue to show alarmingly slow progress on improvements in neonatal mortality
      rates, with sub-Saharan Africa still lagging behind. This emphasised the urgent
      need to innovatively employ alternative solutions that take into account the
      intricate complexities of neonatal health and the health systems in which the
      various strategies operate. METHODS: In our first paper, we empirically explored
      the causes of the stagnating neonatal mortality in Uganda using a dynamic
      synthesis methodology (DSM) approach. In this paper, we completed the last three
      stages of DSM, which involved the development of a quantitative (simulation)
      model, using STELLA modelling software. We used statistical data to populate the
      model. Through brainstorming sessions with stakeholders, iterations to test and
      validate the model were undertaken. The different strategies and policy
      interventions that could possibly lower neonatal mortality rates were tested
      using what-if analysis. Sensitivity analysis was used to determine the strategies
      that could have a great impact on neonatal mortality. RESULTS: We developed a
      neonatal health simulation model (NEOSIM) to explore potential interventions that
      could possibly improve neonatal health within a health system context. The model
      has four sectors, namely population, demand for services, health of the mothers
      and choices of clinical care. It tests the effects of various interventions
      validated by a number of Ugandan health practitioners, including health education
      campaigns, free delivery kits, motorcycle coupons, kangaroo mother care,
      improving neonatal resuscitation and labour management skills, and interventions
      to improve the mothers health, i.e. targeting malaria, anaemia and tetanus. Among
      the tested interventions, the package with the highest impact on reducing
      neonatal mortality rates was a combination of the free delivery kits in a setting
      where delivery services were free and motorcycle coupons to take women to
      hospital during emergencies. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a System Dynamics
      model with a broad and integrated view of the neonatal health system facilitating
      a deeper understanding of its current state and constraints and how these can be
      mitigated. A tool with a user friendly interface presents the dynamic nature of
      the model using 'what-if' scenarios, thus enabling health practitioners to
      discuss the consequences or effects of various decisions. Key findings of the
      research show that proposed interventions and their impact can be tested through
      simulation experiments thereby generating policies and interventions with the
      highest impact for improved healthcare service delivery.

PMID- 27146326
TI  - Does attendance in SCI education courses impact health outcomes in acute
      rehabilitation?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Though education about secondary complications following spinal cord
      injury (SCI) is a component of many rehabilitation programs, there is little
      research on their success in promoting healthier outcomes. This study examined 1)
      whether greater education course attendance was associated with improved health
      outcomes and quality of life and 2) whether completion of bladder management and
      skin care courses was associated with decreased incidence of urinary tract
      infections (UTIs) and pressure ulcers (PUs). DESIGN: Retrospective medical record
      review. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N = 106) in a Veterans Administration
      (VA) SCI rehabilitation program who completed at least one education class from
      August 2008 to September 2012. METHODS AND OUTCOME MEASURES: Records were
      reviewed to determine the number of education courses completed and patients'
      responses to the Satisfaction with Life Survey (SWLS), the short form of the
      Craig Handicap and Assessment Reporting Technique (CHART-SF), and Short Form
      Health Survey (SF-8) at admission, discharge, and 90 days post-discharge. Records
      were reviewed to determine frequency of UTIs and PUs from admission to discharge
      and from discharge to 90-day follow-up. RESULTS: Regression analyses revealed no
      association between number of classes and self-reported health and quality of
      life. Skin care class attendance was associated with a decreased number of PUs.
      Greater overall attendance at education courses was unexpectedly associated with
      a higher number of UTIs from admission to discharge. CONCLUSION: Results of the
      study are mixed. Multiple factors appear to impact the success of education
      interventions. Future research is needed to clarify the best approach.

PMID- 27146328
TI  - Receptors rather than signals change in expression in four physiological
      regulatory networks during evolutionary divergence in threespine stickleback.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms underlying behavioural evolution following colonization
      of novel environments are largely unknown. Molecules that interact to control
      equilibrium within an organism form physiological regulatory networks. It is
      essential to determine whether particular components of physiological regulatory
      networks evolve or if the network as a whole is affected in populations diverging
      in behavioural responses, as this may affect the nature, amplitude and number of
      impacted traits. We studied the regulation of four physiological regulatory
      networks in freshwater and marine populations of threespine stickleback raised in
      a common environment, which were previously characterized as showing evolutionary
      divergence in behaviour and stress reactivity. We measured nineteen components of
      these networks (ligands and receptors) using mRNA and monoamine levels in the
      brain, pituitary and interrenal gland, as well as hormone levels. Freshwater fish
      showed higher expression in the brain of adrenergic (adrb2a), serotonergic
      (htr2a) and dopaminergic (DRD2) receptors, but lower expression of the htr2b
      receptor. Freshwater fish also showed higher expression of the mc2r receptor of
      the glucocorticoid axis in the interrenals. Collectively, our results suggest
      that the inheritance of the regulation of these networks may be implicated in the
      evolution of behaviour and stress reactivity in association with population
      divergence. Our results also suggest that evolutionary change in freshwater
      threespine stickleback may be more associated with the expression of specific
      receptors rather than with global changes of all the measured constituents of the
      physiological regulatory networks.

PMID- 27146329
TI  - A single probe for imaging photons, electrons and physical forces.
AB  - The combination of complementary measurement techniques has become a frequent
      approach to improve scientific knowledge. Pairing of the high lateral resolution
      scanning force microscopy (SFM) with the spectroscopic information accessible
      through scanning transmission soft x-ray microscopy (STXM) permits assessing
      physical and chemical material properties with high spatial resolution. We
      present progress from the NanoXAS instrument towards using an SFM probe as an x
      ray detector for STXM measurements. Just by the variation of one parameter, the
      SFM probe can be utilised to detect either sample photo-emitted electrons or
      transmitted photons. This allows the use of a single probe to detect electrons,
      photons and physical forces of interest. We also show recent progress and
      demonstrate the current limitations of using a high aspect ratio coaxial SFM
      probe to detect photo-emitted electrons with very high lateral resolution. Novel
      probe designs are proposed to further progress in using an SFM probe as a STXM
      detector. 

PMID- 27146331
TI  - Microbial siderophore-based iron assimilation and therapeutic applications.
AB  - Siderophores are structurally diverse, complex natural products that bind metals
      with extraordinary specificity and affinity. The acquisition of iron is critical
      for the survival and virulence of many pathogenic microbes and diverse strategies
      have evolved to synthesize, import and utilize iron. There has been a substantial
      increase of known siderophore scaffolds isolated and characterized in the past
      decade and the corresponding biosynthetic gene clusters have provided insight
      into the varied pathways involved in siderophore biosynthesis, delivery and
      utilization. Additionally, therapeutic applications of siderophores and related
      compounds are actively being developed. The study of biosynthetic pathways to
      natural siderophores augments the understanding of the complex mechanisms of
      bacterial iron acquisition, and enables a complimentary approach to address
      virulence through the interruption of siderophore biosynthesis or utilization by
      targeting the key enzymes to the siderophore pathways.

PMID- 27146330
TI  - Acute effects of aerobic exercise promote learning.
AB  - The benefits that physical exercise confers on cardiovascular health are well
      known, whereas the notion that physical exercise can also improve cognitive
      performance has only recently begun to be explored and has thus far yielded only
      controversial results. In the present study, we used a sample of young male
      subjects to test the effects that a single bout of aerobic exercise has on
      learning. Two tasks were run: the first was an orientation discrimination task
      involving the primary visual cortex, and the second was a simple thumb abduction
      motor task that relies on the primary motor cortex. Forty-four and forty
      volunteers participated in the first and second experiments, respectively. We
      found that a single bout of aerobic exercise can significantly facilitate
      learning mechanisms within visual and motor domains and that these positive
      effects can persist for at least 30 minutes following exercise. This finding
      suggests that physical activity, at least of moderate intensity, might promote
      brain plasticity. By combining physical activity-induced plasticity with specific
      cognitive training-induced plasticity, we favour a gradual up-regulation of a
      functional network due to a steady increase in synaptic strength, promoting
      associative Hebbian-like plasticity.

PMID- 27146332
TI  - Boosting the Performance of Organic Optoelectronic Devices Using Multiple
      Patterned Plasmonic Nanostructures.
AB  - Multiple-patterned nanostructures prepared by synergistically combining block
      copolymer lithography with nano-imprinting lithography have been used as back
      reflectors for enhancing light absorption in organic optoelectronic devices. The
      multiple-patterned electrodes have significantly boosted the performance of
      organic photovoltaics and photo-transistors, owed to the highly effective light
      scattering and plasmonic effects, extending the range of their practical
      applications. 

PMID- 27146334
TI  - A test of the hydraulic vulnerability segmentation hypothesis in angiosperm and
      conifer tree species.
AB  - Water transport from soils to the atmosphere is critical for plant growth and
      survival. However, we have a limited understanding about many portions of the
      whole-tree hydraulic pathway, because the vast majority of published information
      is on terminal branches. Our understanding of mature tree trunk hydraulic
      physiology, in particular, is limited. The hydraulic vulnerability segmentation
      hypothesis (HVSH) stipulates that distal portions of the plant (leaves, branches
      and roots) should be more vulnerable to embolism than trunks, which are
      nonredundant organs that require a massive carbon investment. In the current
      study, we compared vulnerability to loss of hydraulic function, leaf and xylem
      water potentials and the resulting hydraulic safety margins (in relation to the
      water potential causing 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity) in leaves, branches,
      trunks and roots of four angiosperms and four conifer tree species. Across all
      species, our results supported strongly the HVSH as leaves and roots were less
      resistant to embolism than branches or trunks. However, branches were
      consistently more resistant to embolism than any other portion of the plant,
      including trunks. Also, calculated whole-tree vulnerability to hydraulic
      dysfunction was much greater than vulnerability in branches. This was due to
      hydraulic dysfunction in roots and leaves at less negative water potentials than
      those causing branch or trunk dysfunction. Leaves and roots had narrow or
      negative hydraulic safety margins, but trunks and branches maintained positive
      safety margins. By using branch-based hydraulic information as a proxy for entire
      plants, much research has potentially overestimated embolism resistance, and
      possibly drought tolerance, for many species. This study highlights the necessity
      to reconsider past conclusions made about plant resistance to drought based on
      branch xylem only. This study also highlights the necessity for more research of
      whole-plant hydraulic physiology to better understand strategies of plant drought
      tolerance and the critical control points within the hydraulic pathway.

PMID- 27146335
TI  - Medical students' perceptions of bedside teaching.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bedside teaching is recognised as a valuable tool in medical
      education by both students and faculty members. Bedside teaching is frequently
      delivered by consultants; however, junior doctors are increasingly engaging in
      this form of clinical teaching, and their value in this respect is becoming more
      widely recognised. The aim of this study was to supplement work completed by
      previous authors who have begun to explore students' satisfaction with bedside
      teaching, and their perceptions of the relationship with the clinical teachers.
      Specifically, we aimed to identify how students perceive bedside teaching
      delivered by junior doctors compared with consultants. We aimed to identify how
      students perceived bedside teaching delivered by junior doctors compared with
      consultants METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to all third-year medical
      students at Keele University via e-mail. Responses were submitted anonymously.
      RESULTS: Forty-six students responded (37.4%), 73.3 per cent of whom said that
      they felt more comfortable having bedside teaching delivered by junior doctors
      than by consultants. Consultants were perceived as more challenging by 60 per
      cent of respondents. Students appeared to value feedback on their performance,
      trust the validity of taught information, and to value the overall educational
      experience equally, regardless of the clinical grade of the teacher. DISCUSSION:
      Student preference does not equate to the value that they place on their bedside
      teaching. Junior doctors are perceived as being more in touch with students and
      the curriculum, whereas consultants are perceived as having higher expectations
      and as being both stricter and more knowledgeable. The clinical teacher's
      approachable manner and enthusiasm for teaching are more important than clinical
      grade, as is the ability to deliver well-structured constructive feedback.

PMID- 27146333
TI  - Secreted microvesicular miR-31 inhibits osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal
      stem cells.
AB  - Damage to cells and tissues is one of the driving forces of aging and age-related
      diseases. Various repair systems are in place to counteract this functional
      decline. In particular, the property of adult stem cells to self-renew and
      differentiate is essential for tissue homeostasis and regeneration. However,
      their functionality declines with age (Rando, 2006). One organ that is notably
      affected by the reduced differentiation capacity of stem cells with age is the
      skeleton. Here, we found that circulating microvesicles impact on the osteogenic
      differentiation capacity of mesenchymal stem cells in a donor-age-dependent way.
      While searching for factors mediating the inhibitory effect of elderly derived
      microvesicles on osteogenesis, we identified miR-31 as a crucial component. We
      demonstrated that miR-31 is present at elevated levels in the plasma of elderly
      and of osteoporosis patients. As a potential source of its secretion, we
      identified senescent endothelial cells, which are known to increase during aging
      in vivo (Erusalimsky, 2009). Endothelial miR-31 is secreted within senescent cell
      derived microvesicles and taken up by mesenchymal stem cells where it inhibits
      osteogenic differentiation by knocking down its target Frizzled-3. Therefore, we
      suggest that microvesicular miR-31 in the plasma of elderly might play a role in
      the pathogenesis of age-related impaired bone formation and that miR-31 might be
      a valuable plasma-based biomarker for aging and for a systemic environment that
      does not favor cell-based therapies whenever osteogenesis is a limiting factor.

PMID- 27146336
TI  - Synthesis and photoluminescence characteristics of Sm3+ -doped Bi4 Si3 O12 red
      emitting phosphor.
AB  - A series of novel red-emitting Sm3+ -doped bismuth silicate phosphors, Bi4 Si3
      O12 :xSm3+ (0.01 <= x <= 0.06), were prepared via the sol-gel route. The phase of
      the synthesized samples calcinated at 800  degrees C is isostructural with Bi4
      Si3 O12 according to X-ray diffraction results. Under excitation with 405 nm
      light, some typical peaks of Sm3+ ions centered at 566, 609, 655 and 715 nm are
      found in the emission spectra of the Sm3+ -doped Bi4 Si3 O12 phosphors. The
      strongest peak located at 609 nm is due to 4 G5/2 -6 H7/2 transition of Sm3+ .
      The luminescence intensity reaches its maximum value when the Sm3+ ion content is
      4 mol%. The results suggest that Bi4 Si3 O12 :Sm3+ may be a potential red
      phosphor for white light-emitting diodes. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd.

PMID- 27146338
TI  - Hypolipidemic effects of chitosan and its derivatives in hyperlipidemic rats
      induced by a high-fat diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is the primary risk factor of cardiovascular
      disease (CVD). Various factors, including genetics, physical inactivity, and
      daily nutritional habits, affect the prevalence of HLP. Recently, it was revealed
      that dietary fibers, such as pectin, psyllium, and especially chitosan (CTS), may
      play important roles in hypolipidemic management. Thus, this study aims to
      determine the hypolipidemic effect and mechanism of CTS and its water-soluble
      derivatives, chitosan oligosaccharides (MN<=1,000 Da (COSI) and MN<=3,000 Da
      (COSIII)), in male hyperlipidemic rats induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). DESIGN:
      After the model creation, 120 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were equally assigned to
      12 groups fed various diets as follows: the normal group with basic diet, an HFD
      group, an HFD group supplemented with three doses of CTS, COSI and COSIII groups,
      and an HFD group treated with simvastatin (7 mg/kg.d). After 6 weeks, body
      weight, fat/body ratio, and the relevant biomarkers of serum, liver, and feces
      were measured. Additionally, the histological analysis of liver and adipose
      tissue was performed, and the mRNA expressions of liver peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) and hepatic lipase (HL) were examined.
      RESULTS: Compared with HFD group, rats fed CTS, COSI, and COSIII showed a better
      ability to regulate their body weight, liver and cardiac indices, fat/body ratio,
      as well as serum, liver, and fecal lipids, and simultaneously to maintain the
      appropriate activity of liver and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as liver and
      fecal total bile acids (TBA). Simultaneously, there had been a higher mRNA
      expression of PPARalpha and HL in the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: The obtained
      results suggested that these three function foods can effectively improve liver
      lipid metabolism by normalizing the expressions of PPARalpha and HL, and protect
      liver from the oxidized trauma by enhancing hepatic function, which could be
      potentially used to remedy hyperlipidemia.

PMID- 27146339
TI  - Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity evaluation of novel triazolyl-isatin
      hybrids.
AB  - New isatin-triazole based hybrids have been synthesized and evaluated for their
      inhibitory activity of TNF-alpha induced expression of Intercellular Adhesion
      Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on the surface of human endothelial cells. Structure-activity
      relationship (SAR) studies revealed that the presence of the electron-attracting
      bromo substituent at position-5 of the isatin moiety played an important role in
      enhancing the anti-inflammatory potential of the synthesized compounds. Z-1-[3
      (1H-1,2,4-Triazol-1-yl)propyl]-5-bromo-3-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)hydrazono]indolin-2
      one (19) with an IC50 = 20 MUM and 89% ICAM-1 inhibition with MTD at 200 MUM was
      found to be the most potent of all the synthesized derivatives. Introduction of
      1,2,4-triazole ring and electron-donating methoxy group on the phenylhydrazone
      moiety resulted in four-fold increase of the anti-inflammatory activity. 

PMID- 27146340
TI  - Mast cell phenotypes in the allograft after lung transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The burden of mast cell (MC) infiltration and their phenotypes, MC
      tryptase (MCT ) and MC-tryptase/chymase (MCTC ), after lung transplantation (LT)
      has not been evaluated in human studies. METHODS: We reviewed 20 transbronchial
      lung biopsy (TBLB) specimen from patients with early normal allograft (<6 months
      post-LT, n=5), late normal allograft (>6 months, n=5), A2 or worse acute cellular
      rejection (ACR, n=5), and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD, n=5). Slides
      were immunostained for tryptase and chymase. Total MC, MCT , MCTC and MCTC to-MCT
      ratio were compared between the four groups using a generalized linear mixed
      model. RESULTS: Irrespective of clinicopathologic diagnosis, MC burden tends to
      increase with time (r(2) =.56, P=.009). MCTC phenotype was significantly
      increased in the CLAD group (8.2+/-4.9 cells per HPF) in comparison with the
      other three groups (early normal: 1.6+/-1.7, P=.0026; late normal: 2.5+/-2.3,
      P=.048; ACR: 2.7+/-3.5, P=.021). Further, the ratio of MCTC to MCT was
      significantly increased in CLAD group as compared to the other three groups
      (P<.001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: The burden of MC may increase in the
      allograft as function of time. Patients with CLAD have an increased relative and
      absolute burden of MCTC phenotype MC. Future studies are needed to confirm these
      findings and evaluate the potential pathologic role of MCTC in allograft
      dysfunction.

PMID- 27146341
TI  - Dual stimuli-responsive smart beads that allow "on-off" manipulation of cancer
      cells.
AB  - Temperature- and electric field-responsive polymer-conjugated polystyrene beads,
      termed smart beads, are designed to isolate cancer cells. In smart beads, the
      reversible "on-off" antigen-antibody reaction and dielectrophoresis force on an
      electrode are accomplished to realize "on-off" remote manipulation of smart beads
      and cancer cells. Both the zeta-potential and the hydrodynamic diameter of the
      smart beads are sensitive to temperature, allowing "on-off" reversible capture
      and release of cancer cells. Cancer cell-captured smart beads are then localized
      on electrodes by applying an electrical signal. 

PMID- 27146342
TI  - Osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells in Bruck
      Syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) (OMIM %259450) is a heterogeneous group
      of inherited disorders characterized by increased bone fragility, with clinical
      severity ranging from mild to lethal. The majority of OI cases are caused by
      mutations in COL1A1 or COL1A2. Bruck Syndrome (BS) is a further recessively
      inherited OI-like phenotype in which bone fragility is associated with the
      unusual finding of pterygia and contractures of the large joints. Notably,
      several studies have failed to show any abnormalities in the biosynthesis of
      collagen 1 in BS patientes. Evidence was obtained for a specific defect of the
      procollagen telopeptide lysine hydroxylation in BS, whereas mutations in the gene
      PLOD2 have been identified. Recently, several studies described FKBP10 mutations
      in OI-like and BS patients, suggesting that FKBP10 is a bonafide BS locus.
      METHODS: We analyzed the coding region and intron/exon boundaries of COL1A1,
      COL1A2, PLOD2 and FKBP10 genes by sequence analysis using an ABI PRISM 3130
      automated sequencer and Big Dye Terminator Sequencing protocol. Mononuclear cells
      obtained from the bone marrow of BS, OI patients and healthy donors were cultured
      and osteogenic differentiation was induced. The gene expression of osteoblast
      specific markers were also evaluated during the osteoblastic differentiation of
      mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) by qRT-PCR using an ABI7500 Sequence Detection
      System. RESULTS: No mutations in COL1A1, COL1A2 or PLOD2 were found in BS
      patient. We found a homozygous 1-base-pair duplication (c.831dupC) that is
      predicted to produce a translational frameshift mutation and a premature protein
      truncation 17 aminoacids downstream (p.Gly278ArgfsX95). The gene expression of
      osteoblast specific markers BGLAP, COL1A1, MSX2, SPARC and VDR was evaluated by
      Real Time RT-PCR during differentiation into osteoblasts and results showed
      similar patterns of osteoblast markers expression in BS and healthy controls. On
      the other hand, when compared with OI patients, the expression pattern of these
      genes was found to be different. CONCLUSIONS: Our work suggests that the gene
      expression profiles observed during mesenchymal stromal cell differentiation into
      osteoblast are distinct in BS patients as compared to OI patients. The present
      study shows for the first time that genes involved in osteogenesis are
      differentially expressed in BS and OI patients.

PMID- 27146343
TI  - Rational Design of Bioelectrochemically Multifunctional Film with Oxidase,
      Ferrocene, and Graphene Oxide for Development of in Vivo Electrochemical
      Biosensors.
AB  - This study demonstrates a new strategy to develop in vivo electrochemical
      biosensors through rational design and simple formation of bioelectrochemically
      multifunctional film (BMF). The BMF is rationally designed by first efficiently
      incorporating oxidase, ferrocene mediator, and graphene oxide into
      polymaleimidostyrene/polystyrene (PMS/PS) matrix to form a homogeneous mixture
      and then simply formed by drop-coating the mixture onto solid conducting
      substrate. By using the as-formed BMF, electrochemical biosensors could be
      constructed with a technical simplicity and high reproducibility. To illustrate
      the BMF-based biosensors for in vivo applications, we directly couple the
      biosensors to in vivo microdialysis to establish an online electrochemical system
      (OECS) for in vivo monitoring of glucose in rat auditory cortex during salicylate
      induced tinnitus model. The OECS with the BMF-based biosensor as the detector
      shows a linear response toward glucose within a concentration range from 50 to
      500 MUM with a detection limit of 10 MUM (S/N = 3). Additionally, the OECS is
      stable and does not suffer from the interference from the electroactive species
      endogenously coexisting in the brain microdialysate. With the BMF-based OECS, the
      basal level of glucose in the microdialysate continuously sampled from rat
      auditory cortex is determined to be 120 +/- 10 MUM (n = 5). After the rats were
      administrated with salicylate to induce transient tinnitus, the microdialysate
      glucose concentration in the rat auditory cortex remarkably increased to 433 +/-
      190 MUM (n = 5) at the time point of 1.5 h. This study essentially offers a new,
      technically simple and reproducible approach to development of in vivo
      electrochemical biosensors, which is envisaged to be relatively useful for
      understanding of the molecular basis of brain functions.

PMID- 27146344
TI  - N-Boc-Indolylbenzothiadiazole Derivatives: Efficient Full-Color Solid-State
      Fluorescence and Self-Recovering Mechanochromic Luminescence.
AB  - Herein, the solid-state emission with good fluorescence quantum yields of N-Boc
      indolylbenzothiadiazoles as a new class of fluorophores is described. Their solid
      state emission covers the wide range of the visible spectrum and the emission
      color can be tuned easily by changing the substituents on the two heteroaromatic
      rings. Among these, 3-methylindolyl derivatives exhibit moreover autonomously
      self-recovering mechanochromic luminescence, whereby the original solid-state
      emission could be recovered spontaneously at room temperature after exposure to a
      mechanical stimulus. The emission color, as well as the recovery time for the
      color change could be tuned via the introduction of different substituents on the
      benzothiadiazole ring. We propose that the mechanism of the autonomously self
      recovering mechanochromic luminescence of 3-methylindolylbenzothiadiazoles is
      based on a partial amorphization of the crystals upon exposure to the mechanical
      stimulus, followed by autonomous recovering in the form of recrystallization. 

PMID- 27146345
TI  - Enzyme Catalysis that Paves the Way for S-Sulfhydration via Sulfur Atom Transfer.
AB  - S-sulfhydration is generally anticipated to proceed through the transfer of the
      SH group (Nu-SH...(-)S-R -> Nu(-)...HS-S-R). The other route involves the sulfur
      atom (S(0)) transfer between two sulfhydryl anions (Nu-S(-)...(-)S-R -> Nu(-)...(
      )S-S-R) and is considered electrostatically unfavorable. Mercaptopyruvate
      sulfurtransferase (MST, PDB code: 4JGT ) catalyzes sulfur transfer from
      mercaptopyruvate to sulfur acceptors, and the first step of the reaction is the
      formation of cysteine (Cys248) persulfide via S-sulfhydration. Mechanistic
      studies on S-sulfhydration in MST using QM/MM methods show that the sulfur atom
      transfer initialized by the deprotonation of the Ser250/His74/Asp63 triad is
      kinetically preferred to the SH-promoted sulfur transfer. The calculated barrier
      of approximately 16 kcal mol(-1) for the S(0) transfer agrees well with
      experimental results. The electrostatic repulsion during the S(0) transfer can be
      sophisticatedly reduced by the aid of the Cys248-Gly249-Ser250-Gly251-Val252
      Thr253 (CGSGVT) loop. Electrostatic potentials and frontier orbitals are also
      analyzed for the persulfide anion surrounded by the loop. The sulfur atom
      transfer which is seldom regarded possible is therefore facilitated with the
      assistance of the triad and the loop in the enzyme.

PMID- 27146346
TI  - A rare case of primary necrotising fasciitis of the breast: combined use of
      hyperbaric oxygen and negative pressure wound therapy to conserve the breast.
      Review of literature.
AB  - Necrotising fasciitis is a rare but potentially fatal disease. It is even more
      unusual as a primary disease of the breast. Surgical treatment is required in
      order to gain control over the spreading infection and mastectomy is reported to
      be the most common procedure. We report the first case of an otherwise healthy
      woman exhibiting a primary necrotising fasciitis of the breast, which was treated
      combining conservative surgery with hyperbaric oxygen (HO) and negative pressure
      wound therapy (NPWT). A 39-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with
      fever and swelling of her right breast. The physical examination showed oedema
      and erythema of the breast, with bluish blisters on the lower quadrant.
      Ultrasound and CT scans showed diffuse oedema of the entire right breast, with
      subdermal gas bubbles extending to the fascial planes. Few hours later the
      necrotic area extended regardless an IV antibiotic therapy; a selective
      debridement of all breast necrotic tissue was performed and repeated 7 days
      later. The HO was started immediately after the first surgery and repeated daily
      (2.8 Bar, 120 min) for 18 days and then a NPWT (120-135 mmHg) was applied. Forty
      five days after the last debridement, the breast wound was covered with a full
      thickness skin graft. Several months later, an excellent cosmetic result was
      observed. This is the first case of primary necrotising fasciitis of the breast
      treated associating HO and NPWT to surgical debridement only; this combination
      resulted in a complete recovery with the additional benefit of breast
      conservation. Such result is discussed in light of the available literature on
      the treatment of primary necrotising fasciitis of the breast.

PMID- 27146347
TI  - Evolution of cooperation by the introduction of the probabilistic peer-punishment
      based on the difference of payoff.
AB  - There are two types of costly punishment, i.e. peer-punishment and pool
      punishment. While peer-punishment applies direct face to face punishment, pool
      punishment is based on multi-point, collective interaction among group members.
      Regarding those two types of costly punishment, peer-punishment is especially
      considered to have the flaws that it lowers the average payoff of all players as
      well as pool-punishment does, and facilitates antisocial behaviour like
      retaliation of a defector on a cooperator. Here, this study proposes the new peer
      punishment that punishment to an opponent player works at high probability when
      an opponent one is uncooperative, and the difference of payoff between a player
      and an opponent one becomes large in order to prevent such antisocial behaviour.
      It is natural to think that players of high payoff do not expect to punish others
      of lower payoff because they do not have any complaints regarding their economic
      wealth. The author shows that the introduction of the proposed peer-punishment
      increases both the number of cooperative players and the average payoff of all
      players in various types of topology of connections between players.

PMID- 27146349
TI  - Erectile function after anastomotic urethroplasty for pelvic fracture urethral
      injuries.
AB  - There is an established association between ED and pelvic fracture urethral
      injuries (PFUIs). However, ED can occur after the injury and/or the urethral
      repair. To our knowledge, only one study of erectile function (EF) after
      urethroplasty for PFUIs used a validated questionnaire. This study was carried
      out to determine the impact of anastomotic posterior urethroplasty for PFUIs on
      EF. We retrospectively reviewed the computerized surgical records to identify
      patients who underwent anastomotic urethroplasty for PFUIs from 1998 to 2014.
      Those patients were contacted by phone or mail and were re-evaluated in the
      outpatient clinic by International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire; in
      unmarried men, the single-question self-report of ED was used for evaluation of
      EF, clinical examination and penile color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) for men
      with ED. Overall, 58 patients were included in the study among whom 36 (62%) men
      were sexually active and the remaining 22 (38%) were single. The incidence of ED
      among our group is 72%. All patients developed ED after initial pelvic trauma and
      none of our patients had impaired EF after urethroplasty. The incidence of ED
      increased proportionally with severity of pelvic trauma. All patients with type-C
      pelvic fracture, associated symphysis pubis diastasis, sacroiliac joints
      diastasis and bilateral pubic ramus fractures had ED. Men with PFUIs had worse EF
      than men in other series with pelvic fractures without urethral injury. The
      majority (88%) of men with ED showed veno-occlusive dysfunction on penile CDU. So
      we concluded that men with PFUIs had a high incidence of ED up to 72%.
      Anastomotic posterior urethroplasty had no negative impact on EF and the
      development of ED after PFUIs was related to the severity of the original pelvic
      trauma. Veno-occlusive dysfunction is the commonest etiology of ED on penile CDU.

PMID- 27146351
TI  - Gender differences in risk factors and clinical outcomes in young patients with
      acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the influence of gender on risk factors and
      clinical outcomes in young patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
      METHODS: This prospective study stratified outcomes according to gender in
      patients of age <=50 years with a diagnosis of AMI, and who were enrolled in the
      nationwide registry of the Korea Working Group of Myocardial Infarction. The end
      point was the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) defined as
      the composite of cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat
      revascularisation at 30 days and 1 year after admission. RESULTS: The registry
      enrolled 30 001 patients with AMI, of whom 5200 met the study inclusion criteria;
      4805 patients were male and 395 were female. Current smoking was significantly
      higher in men, while hypertension and diabetes mellitus were significantly more
      common in women. Women underwent less coronary revascularisation, and were less
      likely to be on optimal medical therapy compared with men despite having a higher
      Killip class at presentation and higher risk angiographic findings. Although
      women had higher rates of MACEs (3.8% vs 1.8%, p=0.018 at 30 days and 7.8% vs
      4.7%, p=0.004 at 1-year follow-up) compared with men, female gender was not an
      independent predictor of MACEs after adjusting for propensity score. CONCLUSIONS:
      There were significant gender differences in the risk factors for coronary artery
      disease and the short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of young patients with
      AMI. Continued preventive strategies should be focused on gender-different risk
      factor reduction in these young patients.

PMID- 27146350
TI  - Female sexual function following mid-urethral slings for the treatment of stress
      urinary incontinence.
AB  - The aim of our study was to describe the impact of mid-urethral sling procedure
      for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) on female sexual function.
      We used PubMed (updated March 2015) to conduct a literature electronic search
      that included peer-reviewed English language articles. We analyzed the studies
      about the impact of mid-urethral slings on female sexual function. There are
      different and contradictory results of the effects of mid-urethral sling on
      female sexual function. However, more papers show that women undergoing mid
      urethral sling procedures report that their sexual function is improved or
      remains unchanged. The main mechanism of this improved sexuality is the complete
      relief from coital incontinence, reduction in anxiety and avoidance of sex,
      whereas the most common symptom related to worsened sexual activity is
      dyspareunia. Women undergoing sling procedures for SUI should be informed that
      their sexual activity is likely to remain unchanged or even improve after the
      operation, but that dyspareunia may occur. 

PMID- 27146352
TI  - Abrogation of epithelial BMP2 and BMP4 causes Amelogenesis Imperfecta by reducing
      MMP20 and KLK4 expression.
AB  - Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) can be caused by the deficiencies of enamel matrix
      proteins, molecules responsible for the transportation and secretion of enamel
      matrix components, and proteases processing enamel matrix proteins. In the
      present study, we discovered the double deletion of bone morphogenetic protein 2
      (Bmp2) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4) in the dental epithelium by K14
      cre resulted in hypoplastic enamel and reduced density in X-ray radiography as
      well as shortened enamel rods under scanning electron microscopy. Such enamel
      phenotype was consistent with the diagnosis of hypoplastic amelogenesis
      imperfecta. Histological and molecular analyses revealed that the removal of
      matrix proteins in the mutant enamel was drastically delayed, which was coincided
      with the greatly reduced expression of matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20) and
      kallikrein 4 (KLK4). Although the expression of multiple enamel matrix proteins
      was down-regulated in the mutant ameloblasts, the cleavage of ameloblastin was
      drastically impaired. Therefore, we attributed the AI primarily to the reduction
      of MMP20 and KLK4. Further investigation found that BMP/Smad4 signaling pathway
      was down-regulated in the K14-cre;Bmp2(f/f);Bmp4(f/f)ameloblasts, suggesting that
      the reduced MMP20 and KLK4 expression may be due to the attenuated epithelial
      BMP/Smad4 signaling.

PMID- 27146353
TI  - Peritonitis due to a foreign vaginal body: A case report.

PMID- 27146355
TI  - Triggering bilayer to inverted-hexagonal nanostructure formation by thiol-ene
      click chemistry on cationic lipids: consequences on gene transfection.
AB  - The ramification of cationic amphiphiles on their unsaturated lipid chains is
      readily achieved by using the thiol-ene click reaction triggering the formation
      of an inverted hexagonal phase (HII). The new ramified cationic lipids exhibit
      different bio-activities (transfection, toxicity) including higher transfection
      efficacies on 16HBE 14o-cell lines.

PMID- 27146354
TI  - Marginal zone B cells exacerbate endotoxic shock via interleukin-6 secretion
      induced by Fcalpha/MUR-coupled TLR4 signalling.
AB  - Marginal zone (MZ) B cells produce a first wave of antibodies for protection from
      blood-borne pathogens. However, the role of MZ B cells in inflammatory responses
      has not been elucidated. Here we show that MZ B cells produce pro-inflammatory
      cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), and exacerbate systemic inflammatory
      responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After intravenous injection of LPS or E.
      coli, mice deficient in MZ B cells or IL-6 only in MZ B cells have attenuated
      systemic inflammatory responses and prolonged survival compared with wild-type
      mice. LPS directly stimulates MZ B cells via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and
      MyD88 pathways for IL-6 production. Furthermore, TLR4 requires physical and
      functional association with Fcalpha/MUR (CD351) for its oligomer formation, NF
      kappaB signalling and IL-6 production from MZ B cells; this association is
      responsible for systemic inflammatory responses and endotoxic shock. These
      results reveal a pro-inflammatory role of MZ B cells in endotoxic shock.

PMID- 27146356
TI  - Videoscopic ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy for groin lymph node metastases from
      melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Groin lymph node dissection for melanoma is burdened by high
      postoperative morbidity. Videoscopic lymphadenectomy may lower the incidence of
      complications, including infection, dehiscence and lymphoedema. This pilot study
      aimed to investigate the feasibility and postoperative outcomes of videoscopic
      ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with inguinal nodal melanoma metastases.
      METHODS: Patients with inguinal nodal metastases, with either a positive sentinel
      lymph node biopsy or clinically positive nodes from melanoma, were enrolled.
      Inguinal dissection was performed via three ports. Iliac dissection was obtained
      through a preperitoneal access. Intraoperative and postoperative data were
      collected. RESULTS: Of 23 patients selected for 24 procedures, four needed
      conversion to an open procedure. Median duration of surgery was 270 (i.q.r. 245
      300) min. Wound-related postoperative complications occurred in four patients,
      although only one needed further intervention. The median number of excised lymph
      nodes was 21 (i.q.r. 15-25). After a median follow-up of 18 months, regional
      lymph node recurrence was observed in two patients. CONCLUSION: Videoscopic
      ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy for melanoma groin lymph node metastases is
      technically feasible, safe, and associated with acceptable morbidity and
      oncological outcome.

PMID- 27146357
TI  - Identification of an IGSF1-specific deletion in a five-generation pedigree with X
      linked Central Hypothyroidism without macroorchidism.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: IGSF1 deficiency syndrome (IDS) is a recently described X-linked
      congenital central hypothyroidism disorder characterized by loss-of-function
      mutations in the immunoglobulin superfamily member 1 (IGSF1) gene. The phenotypic
      spectrum and intrafamilial variability associated with IDS remain unclear due to
      a paucity of large, well-characterized pedigrees. Here, we present phenotypic
      analysis and molecular characterization of a five-generation pedigree with IGSF1
      deficiency containing 10 affected males. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pituitary function
      was assessed in all available family members (n = 8 affected males and n = 5
      carrier females). Molecular characterization of the family was performed by
      Sanger sequencing of PCR products amplified from the IGSF1 locus and by array
      comparative genomic hybridization. RESULTS: A 42-kb IGSF1 deletion spanning the
      entire coding sequence was identified in all affected males. TSH deficiency,
      although subclinical in one case, was identified in all affected males (n = 8).
      PRL and GH deficiency were also present in 5 of 6 and 4 of 8 affected males,
      respectively. In contrast to previous reports, macroorchidism was not detected in
      any of the four affected males who were examined for this feature. Only 1 of 5
      carrier females had pituitary dysfunction (TSH and GH deficiency). CONCLUSION:
      Individuals with identical IGSF1 deletions can exhibit variable pituitary hormone
      deficiencies, of which overt TSH deficiency is the most consistent feature. We
      also show that macroorchidism is not obligatory in males with IDS. Mutations of
      IGSF1 should therefore be considered in males with isolated hypopituitarism that
      includes TSH deficiency.

PMID- 27146358
TI  - Clinical predictors of nonresponse to anti-TNF-alpha agents in psoriatic
      patients: A retrospective study.
AB  - Although the heterogeneity of the therapeutic response to TNF-alpha blockers
      seems to be mainly due to genetic factors, several studies showed that a range of
      factors may influence it. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of
      patients' demographic and clinical characteristics on primary response to an anti
      TNF-alpha therapy in psoriatic patients. We retrospectively examined the
      relationship between various clinical and demographic features and response to
      treatment with etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab, evaluated as PASI75 and
      average PASI improvement at weeks 12, 16, and 14, respectively. We analyzed data
      obtained from 199 patients. A better response to the treatment was significantly
      associated with male gender (OR = 2.59), coexistence of psoriatic arthritis (OR =
      1.97), and PASI <=15 at baseline (OR = 0.91). The present study supports that
      some clinical factors may be potential predictors of response to anti-TNF-alpha
      agents in psoriatic patients.

PMID- 27146359
TI  - Entrapment of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in a succinylated chitosan
      nanoparticle delivery system and release profile.
AB  - Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) helps to regulate the proliferation and
      migration of fibroblasts, the proliferation of endothelial cells, and aids the
      development of angiogenesis. Its in vivo half-life is on the order of minutes due
      to extensive degradation and inactivation, which could be potentially reduced by
      controlled release vehicles. In this study, bFGF was entrapped into chitosan (CS)
      and N-succinyl-chitosan (SC) nanoparticles, with and without heparin, at two
      levels of initial loading, followed by further characterization of the particles.
      Release studies were conducted using radiolabeled bFGF-loaded nanoparticles. Both
      types of nanoparticles loaded similar amounts of bFGF (60.2 and 68.6% for CS and
      SC, respectively). The release profile varied greatly among the samples, and a
      burst release was observed in most cases, with the release amount approaching its
      final value in the first 6 h. The final amount released varied from 1.5 to 18% of
      the amount of bFGF-entrapped. The concomitant encapsulation of heparin and the
      use of SC as a nanoparticle matrix contributed to the largest amount of bFGF
      release (18%) over the time investigated.

PMID- 27146360
TI  - A high density genetic map and QTL for agronomic and yield traits in Foxtail
      millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.], a crop of historical
      importance in China, has been adopted as a model crop for studying C-4
      photosynthesis, stress biology and biofuel traits. Construction of a high density
      genetic map and identification of stable quantitative trait loci (QTL) lay the
      foundation for marker-assisted selection for agronomic traits and yield
      improvement. RESULT: A total of 10598 SSR markers were developed according to the
      reference genome sequence of foxtail millet cultivar 'Yugu1'. A total of 1013 SSR
      markers showing polymorphism between Yugu1 and Longgu7 were used to genotype 167
      individuals from a Yugu1 * Longgu7 F2 population, and a high density genetic map
      was constructed. The genetic map contained 1035 loci and spanned 1318.8 cM with
      an average distance of 1.27 cM between adjacent markers. Based on agronomic and
      yield traits identified in 2 years, 29 QTL were identified for 11 traits with
      combined analysis and single environment analysis. These QTL explained from 7.0
      to 14.3 % of phenotypic variation. Favorable QTL alleles for peduncle length
      originated from Longgu7 whereas favorable alleles for the other traits originated
      from Yugu1 except for qLMS6.1. CONCLUSIONS: New SSR markers, a high density
      genetic map and QTL identified for agronomic and yield traits lay the ground work
      for functional gene mapping, map-based cloning and marker-assisted selection in
      foxtail millet.

PMID- 27146361
TI  - Establishment of a new cell line from the snout tissue of golden pompano
      Trachinotus ovatus, and its application in virus susceptibility.
AB  - A new marine-fish cell line, designated GPS, was established from the snout
      tissue of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus. GPS cells multiplied well in
      Leibovitz's L-15 containing 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) at 28 degrees  C and
      the cells have been subcultured for >60 passages. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      amplification of 16S ribosomal (r)RNA confirmed the origin of this cell line from
      T. ovatus. Chromosome analysis showed that GPS cells exhibited chromosomal
      aneuploidy with a modal chromosome number of 54. Bright green fluorescence signal
      was observed in enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-N3 transfected cells,
      indicating that GPS cells could be used to investigate gene functions in vitro.
      The GPS cells were highly susceptible to Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV),
      which was demonstrated by the presence of severe cytopathic effect (CPE) and
      increased viral titres. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis
      showed that the viral gene transcription and protein synthesis occurred during
      SGIV infection in GPS cells. Thus, this study described the characteristic of a
      new cell line from the snout tissue of T. ovatus that could be used as a tool for
      propagation of iridovirus and genetic manipulation to investigate host-pathogen
      interactions. 

PMID- 27146362
TI  - Comparative analysis of syndromic and PCR-based diagnostic assay reveals
      misdiagnosis/ overtreatment for trichomoniasis based on subjective judgment in
      symptomatic patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), is caused by
      Trichomonas vaginalis in both men and women. Screening of trichomoniasis is
      problematic in resource challenged settings as currently available, inexpensive
      diagnostic methods are of low sensitivity and/or specificity. In India, National
      AIDS Control organization (NACO) recommended syndromic case management (SCM) for
      treatment. The objective of the present study was to compare the utility of the
      NACO-NACP III Algorithms for STI/RTI treatment used by clinicians with PCR based
      diagnosis. METHODS: Patients visiting Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology,
      Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi from January
      2011 to June 2014 were enrolled in the study to compare the diagnostic efficiency
      of PCR-based assays against SCM. Based on SCM, patients (n = 820) were treated
      with antibiotics using pre-packed STI/RTI kits (sexually transmitted
      infection/reproductive tract infection; procured by National AIDS Control/State
      AIDS Control Society (NACO/SACS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of
      India.) under National AIDS Control Programme (NACP III) for syndromic case
      management (SCM). Ectocervical dry swab samples were also obtained from these
      patients and out of that 634 samples were tested by PCR. Total genomic DNA was
      extracted from these samples and used as template for PCR amplification using
      pfoB, gyrA and orf1 gene specific primers for diagnosis of T. vaginalis (TV),
      Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) respectively. RESULTS:
      Out of 6000 patients who visited OPD, 820 (14 %) female patients reported vaginal
      discharge and were recommended antibiotic treatment for one or more pathogens
      namely, TV, CT, NG and Candida or for co-infection. On the basis of signs &
      symptoms and NACO guidelines, the following distribution of various infections
      was observed: TV (46 %), CT (20 %), coinfection with TV and CT (12 %),
      coinfection with CT and NG (11 %), coinfection with TV, CT and Candida (7 %) and
      coinfection with TV and NG (2 %). Others were infected with NG alone (1 %),
      coinfected with TV and Candida (0.4 %) and 0.3 % were coinfected with CT, NG and
      Candida. Based on PCR method, 110 (17 %) women tested positive for one or more of
      these three pathogens while 524 (83 %) women were negative for any of these three
      pathogens but could be positive for other STIs not tested in this study. Since
      all the patients (634) were given antibiotics, we estimate that the over
      treatment was 85 % while 524 (83 %) patients were also misdiagnosed by SCM.
      CONCLUSIONS: The over-treatment and inaccurate diagnosis of pathogens due to
      subjective judgment based on syndromic approach in symptomatic women is a large
      economic wastage and may also contribute towards increased resistance. The
      misdiagnosed patients will also serve as a reservoir for transmission of
      pathogens to their sexual partner.

PMID- 27146363
TI  - The role of global and regional DNA methylation and histone modifications in
      glycemic traits and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New evidence suggests the potential involvement of epigenetic
      mechanisms in type 2 diabetes (T2D) as a crucial interface between the effects of
      genetic predisposition and environmental influences. AIM: To systematically
      review studies investigating the association between epigenetic marks (DNA
      methylation and histone modifications) with T2D and glycemic traits (glucose and
      insulin levels, insulin resistance measured by HOMA-IR). METHOD AND RESULTS: Six
      bibliographic databases (Embase.com, Medline (Ovid), Web-of-Science, PubMed,
      Cochrane Central and Google Scholar) were screened until 28th August 2015. We
      included randomized controlled trials, cohort, case-control and cross-sectional
      studies in humans that examined the association between epigenetic marks (global,
      candidate or genome-wide methylation of DNA and histone modifications) with T2D,
      glucose and insulin levels and insulin metabolism. Of the initially identified
      3879 references, 53 articles, based on 47 unique studies met our inclusion
      criteria. Overall, data were available on 10,823 participants, with a total of
      3358 T2D cases. There was no consistent evidence for an association between
      global DNA-methylation with T2D, glucose, insulin and insulin resistance. The
      studies reported epigenetic regulation of several candidate genes for diabetes
      susceptibility in blood cells, muscle, adipose tissue and placenta to be related
      with T2D without any general overlap between them. Histone modifications in
      relation to T2D were reported only in 3 observational studies. CONCLUSIONS AND
      RELEVANCE: Current evidence supports an association between epigenetic marks and
      T2D. However, overall evidence is limited, highlighting the need for further
      larger-scale and prospective investigations to establish whether epigenetic marks
      may influence the risk of developing T2D.

PMID- 27146365
TI  - 3D printed microfluidic devices: enablers and barriers.
AB  - 3D printing has the potential to significantly change the field of microfluidics.
      The ability to fabricate a complete microfluidic device in a single step from a
      computer model has obvious attractions, but it is the ability to create truly
      three dimensional structures that will provide new microfluidic capability that
      is challenging, if not impossible to make with existing approaches. This critical
      review covers the current state of 3D printing for microfluidics, focusing on the
      four most frequently used printing approaches: inkjet (i3DP), stereolithography
      (SLA), two photon polymerisation (2PP) and extrusion printing (focusing on fused
      deposition modeling). It discusses current achievements and limitations, and
      opportunities for advancement to reach 3D printing's full potential.

PMID- 27146364
TI  - Influence of moderate maternal nutrition restriction on the fetal baboon
      metabolome at 0.5 and 0.9 gestation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Moderately reduced maternal nutrient availability during
      pregnancy has adverse effects on the fetuses' growth and metabolism during and
      after pregnancy. The aim of this study was to explore effects of maternal
      nutrition restriction (MNR) on key metabolites of the fetal energy metabolism,
      particularly amino acids (AA), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), acylcarnitines
      and phospholipids. These effects may reflect mechanisms relating MNR to later
      adverse outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma and liver samples of fetal baboons,
      whose mothers were fed ad libitum (CTR) or MNR (70% of CTR), were collected at
      0.5 and 0.9 gestation (G - term 184 days). Metabolites were measured with liquid
      chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. In both, CTR and MNR, fetal
      metabolic profiles changed markedly between 0.5G and 0.9G. Fetal liver glucose
      concentrations were strongly increased. Hepatic levels of NEFA, sphingomyelins,
      and alkyl-linked phospholipids increased while plasma NEFA and acyl-linked
      phospholipids levels decreased with progression of gestation. At 0.5G, MNR fetal
      plasma levels of short- and medium-chain acylcarnitines were elevated, but did no
      longer differ between groups at 0.9G. At 0.9G, plasma levels of methionine and
      threonine as well as hepatic threonine levels were lower in the MNR group.
      CONCLUSION: Small differences in the concentrations of plasma and liver
      metabolites between MNR and CTR fetuses reflect good adaptation to MNR. Fetal
      liver metabolic profiles changed markedly between the two gestation stages,
      reflecting enhanced liver glucose and lipid levels with advancing gestation.
      Decreased concentrations of AA suggest an up-regulation of gluconeogenesis in
      MNR.

PMID- 27146366
TI  - Myocardial dysfunction identified by three-dimensional speckle tracking
      echocardiography in type 2 diabetes patients relates to complications of
      microangiopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical effect of diabetic microangiopathy on left ventricular
      (LV) function is still uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess the
      relation between diabetic microvascular complications and comprehensive
      myocardial deformation measurements using three-dimensional (3D) speckle tracking
      echocardiography. METHODS: Seventy-seven asymptomatic patients with type 2
      diabetes mellitus (DM) and 35 age-matched healthy control subjects underwent 3D
      echocardiography. Patients with coronary artery disease or LV ejection fraction
      <50% were excluded. Presence of proliferative retinopathy, microalbuminuria as
      nephropathy, and decreased coefficient of variation of R-R intervals (CVRR) <3%
      as cardiac autonomic neuropathy were defined as diabetic microvascular
      complications. RESULTS: LV ejection fraction, LV mass index, and global radial
      strain did not differ between control and DM patients. However, global
      longitudinal and circumferential strain and endocardial area change ratio were
      lower in patients with DM than in the controls (-12.0+/-3.0% vs. -16.2+/-1.9%, 
      27.7+/-7.1% vs. 32.2+/-5.7%, -37.6+/-7.6% vs. 44.0+/-6.2%, respectively,
      p<0.001). In DM patients, longitudinal strain is related to CVRR (R=0.58,
      p<0.001), retinopathy stage, and nephropathy stage. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic
      microangiopathy and its accumulated effects significantly related to subclinical
      LV dysfunction are characterized by impaired longitudinal shortening.

PMID- 27146367
TI  - Use of prescription drug claims data to identify lipid-lowering medication
      exposure in pharmacoepidemiology studies: potential pitfalls.

PMID- 27146368
TI  - The effect of social class on the amount of salt intake in patients with
      hypertension.
AB  - Reducing salt intake is a factor related to life style which can influence the
      prevention of blood pressure. This study was conducted to assess the impact of
      social class on the amount of salt intake in patients with hypertension in Iran.
      This was an observational on the intake of salt, as estimated by Kawasaki formula
      in a sample from Iranian population, stratified for social background
      characteristics. The finding in general was that the estimated salt intake was
      somewhat higher in subjects from a lower social background, while the opposite
      was true for lipid levels (LDL and HDL cholesterol). There was also a significant
      correlation between salt intake and the level of systolic blood pressure, but not
      the level of diastolic blood pressure. Considering high salt intake (almost
      double the standard amount in Iran), especially in patients with low-social class
      and the effects of salt on human health, it is suggested to design and perform
      suitable educational programs based on theories and models of health education in
      order to reduce salt intake.

PMID- 27146369
TI  - Anatomical variations of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in Chinese patients: a
      prospective study of 2,404 patients.
AB  - The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) shows some anatomical variations that can
      potentially compromise the safety of thyroid surgery. The purpose of this
      prospective study was to identify the anatomical variations of the RLN in Chinese
      patients undergoing thyroid surgery. Between January 2007 and December 2013,
      2,404 Chinese patients were hospitalized for thyroid surgery with dissecting of
      the RLN unilaterally or bilaterally. The patients consisted of 510 men and 1,894
      women, with a median age of 45.0 years. Overall 3,275 RLNs, including 1,576 left-
      and 1,699 right-side nerves, were dissected. The anatomical variations were
      identified in 690 RLNs, including 305 left- and 385 right-side nerves. We
      identified as many as seven RLN anatomical variations in Chinese patients. These
      findings indicate that anatomical variations of the RLN are common, and the
      identification of these anatomical variations of the RLN can help to minimize the
      risk of post-operative RLN paralysis.

PMID- 27146370
TI  - Prenatal Undernutrition and Physical Function and Frailty at the Age of 68 Years:
      The Dutch Famine Birth Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is evidence suggesting that the aging process has its origins
      in utero. We have previously shown that prenatal exposure to the Dutch famine is
      associated with chronic noncommunicable diseases and poorer cognitive function in
      men and women and increased mortality in women. We investigated whether prenatal
      undernutrition during early gestation is associated with decreased physical
      function in later life. METHODS: Between November 2012 and September 2013, we
      have studied a random subsample of 150 members of the Dutch famine birth cohort
      at the age of 68 years, of which 49 were exposed to prenatal undernutrition. In
      this observational study, we measured indicators of physical function including
      grip strength and the short physical performance battery. We composed categories
      of frailty, according to the Fried frailty scale. We also assessed self-reported
      activity and self-perceived health. RESULTS: Men, but not women, exposed to
      prenatal undernutrition had significantly lower grip strength (B = -4.2kg; 95%
      confidence interval: -8.2 to -0.3) and a lower physical performance score (B = 
      0.8 points; 95% confidence interval: -1.5 to 0.0) than unexposed men, independent
      of relevant confounders. There were no differences in frailty, self-reported
      activity, or self-perceived health between exposed and unexposed groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that prenatal undernutrition is associated
      with decreased physical function in later life in men, but not in women. Our
      findings provide further evidence for the hypothesis that prenatal undernutrition
      may lead to an accelerated aging process in humans. We currently do not have
      sufficient power to detect effects on frailty.

PMID- 27146372
TI  - Resilience Versus Robustness in Aging.

PMID- 27146371
TI  - Safety and Effectiveness of Statins for Prevention of Recurrent Myocardial
      Infarction in 12 156 Typical Older Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on statin risk and effectiveness for
      patients aged 80+. We estimated risk of recurrent myocardial infarction, muscle
      related and other adverse events, and statin-related incremental costs in "real
      world" older patients treated with statins versus no statins. METHODS: We used
      primary care electronic medical records from the UK Clinical Practice Research
      Datalink. Subhazard ratios (competing risk of death) for myocardial infarction
      recurrence (primary end point), falls, fractures, ischemic stroke, and dementia,
      and hazard ratios (Cox) for all-cause mortality were used to compare older (60+)
      statin users and 1:1 propensity-score-matched controls (n = 12,156). Participants
      were followed-up for 10 years. RESULTS: Mean age was 76.5+/-9.2 years; 45.5% were
      women. Statins were associated with near significant reduction in myocardial
      infarction recurrence (subhazard ratio = 0.84, 0.69-1.02, p = .073), with
      protective effect in the 60-79 age group (0.73, 0.57-0.94) but a nonsignificant
      result in the 80+ group (1.06, 0.78-1.44; age interaction p = .094). No
      significant associations were found for stroke or dementia. Data suggest an
      increased risk of falls (1.36, 1.17-1.60) and fractures (1.33, 1.04-1.69) in the
      first 2 years of treatment, particularly in the 80+ group. Treatment was
      associated with lower all-cause mortality. Statin use was associated with health
      care cost savings in the 60-79 group but higher costs in the 80+ group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Estimates of statin effectiveness for the prevention of recurrent
      myocardial infarction in patients aged 60-79 years were similar to trial results,
      but more evidence is needed in the older group. There may be an excess of falls
      and fractures in very old patients, which deserves further investigation.

PMID- 27146373
TI  - Effects of a Randomized Reading Intervention Study Aimed at 9-Year-Olds: A 5-Year
      Follow-up.
AB  - The present paper reports on a 5-year follow-up of a randomized reading
      intervention in grade 3 in Sweden. An intervention group (n = 57) received daily
      training for 12 weeks in phoneme/grapheme mapping, reading comprehension and
      reading speed, whereas a control group (n = 55) participated in ordinary
      classroom activities. The main aim was to investigate if there were remaining
      effects of the intervention on reading-related skills. Previous analyses showed
      that the intervention group performed significantly better than the control group
      on spelling, reading speed, reading comprehension and phoneme awareness at the
      immediate post-test with sustained effects 1 year later. Results from the 5-year
      follow-up show that the only significant difference between the intervention (n =
      47) and the control group (n = 37) was on word decoding. There was also a
      significant interaction effect of group assignment and initial word decoding, in
      the way that the lowest-performing students benefitted the most from the
      intervention. Another aim was to examine if the children identified in a
      screening (n = 2212) as poor readers in grade 2 still performed worse than
      typical readers. The analyses showed that the typically developing students (n =
      66) outperformed the students identified as poor readers in grade 2 on working
      memory, spelling, reading comprehension and word decoding. Copyright (c) 2016
      John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27146374
TI  - Novel Word Learning, Reading Difficulties, and Phonological Processing Skills.
AB  - Visual-verbal paired associate learning (PAL) refers to the ability to establish
      an arbitrary association between a visual referent and an unfamiliar label. It is
      now established that this ability is impaired in children with dyslexia, but the
      source of this deficit is yet to be specified. This study assesses PAL
      performance in children with reading difficulties using a modified version of the
      PAL paradigm, comprising a comprehension and a production phase, to determine
      whether the PAL deficit lies in children's ability to establish and retain novel
      object-novel word associations or their ability to retrieve the learned novel
      labels for production. Results showed that while children with reading
      difficulties required significantly more trials to learn the object-word
      associations, when they were required to use these associations in a
      comprehension-referent selection task, their accuracy and speed did not differ
      from controls. Nevertheless, children with reading difficulties were
      significantly less successful when they were required to produce the learned
      novel labels in response to the visual stimuli. Thus, these results indicate that
      while children with reading difficulties are successful at establishing visual
      verbal associations, they have a deficit in the verbal production component of
      PAL tasks, which may relate to a more general underlying impairment in auditory
      or phonological processing. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27146375
TI  - Spelling Errors in French-speaking Children with Dyslexia: Phonology May Not
      Provide the Best Evidence.
AB  - For children with dyslexia, learning to write constitutes a great challenge.
      There has been consensus that the explanation for these learners' delay is
      related to a phonological deficit. Results from studies designed to describe
      dyslexic children's spelling errors are not always as clear concerning the role
      of phonological processes as those found in reading studies. In irregular
      languages like French, spelling abilities involve other processes than
      phonological processes. The main goal of this study was to describe the relative
      contribution of these other processes in dyslexic children's spelling ability. In
      total, 32 francophone dyslexic children with a mean age of 11.4 years were
      compared with 24 reading-age matched controls (RA) and 24 chronological-age
      matched controls (CA). All had to write a text that was analysed at the graphemic
      level. All errors were classified as either phonological, morphological, visual
      orthographic or lexical. Results indicated that dyslexic children's spelling
      ability lagged behind not only that of the CA group but also of the RA group.
      Because the majority of errors, in all groups, could not be explained by
      inefficiency of phonological processing, the importance of visual
      knowledge/processes will be discussed as a complementary explanation of dyslexic
      children's delay in writing. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27146377
TI  - Pursue the truth, devote to education: Chen Hua-Kui, a respectable educator and
      pioneer of China's soil microbiology.

PMID- 27146376
TI  - Oxidative stress biomarkers and otoacoustic emissions in humans exposed to
      styrene and noise.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the correlation between otoacoustic emission levels,
      styrene exposure, and oxidative stress biomarkers concentration in styrene
      exposed subjects, to investigate the role of oxidative stress in outer hair cell
      damage. DESIGN: Distortion product otoacoustic emissions were measured in the
      exposed workers and in a control group. Separation between the distortion and
      reflection otoacoustic components was performed by time-frequency-domain
      filtering. The urinary concentration of the DNA and RNA oxidation products,
      namely 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (oxoGua), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine
      (oxodGuo), and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (oxoGuo), were evaluated. STUDY SAMPLE:
      Nine subjects exposed to styrene in a fiberglass factory, eight control subjects.
      The two groups were statistically equivalent in mean age. RESULTS: Statistically
      significant differences were found in the distortion component levels between the
      exposed and the control group. High levels of the oxidative damage biomarkers
      were found in the workers exposed to high levels of styrene. Significant negative
      correlation was found between the otoacoustic emission distortion component
      levels and the concentration of the oxoGuo biomarker. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure
      induced damage of the cochlear amplifier is shown in the mid-frequency range,
      confirming animal experiments, in which hair cells in the cochlear middle turn
      were damaged. Hearing damage is consistent with the outer hair cell apoptosis
      pathway associated with oxidative stress.

PMID- 27146378
TI  - The influence of temperature on mortality and its Lag effect: a study in four
      Chinese cities with different latitudes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Global climate change is one of the most serious environmental issues
      faced by humanity, and the resultant change in frequency and intensity of heat
      waves and cold spells could increase mortality. The influence of temperature on
      human health could be immediate or delayed. Latitude, relative humidity, and air
      pollution may influence the temperature-mortality relationship. We studied the
      influence of temperature on mortality and its lag effect in four Chinese cities
      with a range of latitudes over 2008-2011, adjusting for relative humidity and air
      pollution. METHODS: We recorded the city-specific distributions of temperature
      and mortality by month and adopted a Poisson regression model combined with a
      distributed lag nonlinear model to investigate the lag effect of temperature on
      mortality. RESULTS: We found that the coldest months in the study area are
      December through March and the hottest months are June through September. The
      ratios of deaths during cold months to hot months were 1.43, 1.54, 1.37 and 1.12
      for the cities of Wuhan, Changsha, Guilin and Haikou, respectively. The effects
      of extremely high temperatures generally persisted for 3 days, whereas the risk
      of extremely low temperatures could persist for 21 days. Compared with the
      optimum temperature of each city, at a lag of 21 days, the relative risks (95 %
      confidence interval) of extreme cold temperatures were 4.78 (3.63, 6.29), 2.38
      (1.35, 4.19), 2.62 (1.15, 5.95) and 2.62 (1.44, 4.79) for Wuhan, Changsha, Guilin
      and Haikou, respectively. The respective risks were 1.35 (1.18, 1.55), 1.19
      (0.96, 1.48), 1.22 (0.82, 1.82) and 2.47 (1.61, 3.78) for extreme hot
      temperatures, at a lag of 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature-mortality
      relationships vary among cities at different latitudes. Local governments should
      establish regional prevention and protection measures to more effectively
      confront and adapt to local climate change. The effects of hot temperatures
      predominantly occur over the short term, whereas those of cold temperatures can
      persist for an extended number of days.

PMID- 27146379
TI  - The meaning of being in uncertainty after heart transplantation - an unrevealed
      source to distress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As many as 88% of heart transplant recipients (HTRs) suffer from
      psychological distress. Both psychosocial factors and physical health are
      associated with increased psychological distress. However, the causes and impacts
      of psychological distress are unclear. HTRs strive for a sense of control over
      their health and daily lives in order to improve their psychological well-being.
      Perceived control was found to be related to the patients' construction of
      normality, their emotional state, as well as their thoughts and feelings of
      uncertainty about the future. AIM: An in-depth exploration of the meaning of
      uncertainty during the first year after a heart transplantation (HTX). METHOD: A
      phenomenological-hermeneutic method was employed. Interviews were conducted with
      14 patients, four women and ten men, with a mean age of 51 years (range: 28-67
      years). RESULTS: Being in uncertainty after HTX means losing a sense of
      coherence, which shatters the HTR's whole worldview. The HTRs search for meaning
      and strive for coherence, which is no longer achievable. By using a nursing
      theory, we understand that uncertainty should be seen as a natural state among
      HTRs. It constitutes the starting point from which the HTRs can reorganise their
      self-structure and find a new view of life. When striving for normality,
      certainty and predictability (i.e., the healthcare professional's perspective),
      we block or prolong this process, thus causing distress among HTRs because they
      are unable to create a new orientation in life. CONCLUSION: This study presents a
      hypothesis of the primary cause of psychological distress after HTX and provides
      a useful framework for how to approach this condition.

PMID- 27146382
TI  - Autonomous self-healing structural composites with bio-inspired design.
AB  - Strong and tough natural composites such as bone, silk or nacre are often built
      from stiff blocks bound together using thin interfacial soft layers that can also
      provide sacrificial bonds for self-repair. Here we show that it is possible
      exploit this design in order to create self-healing structural composites by
      using thin supramolecular polymer interfaces between ceramic blocks. We have
      built model brick-and-mortar structures with ceramic contents above 95 vol% that
      exhibit strengths of the order of MPa (three orders of magnitude higher than the
      interfacial polymer) and fracture energies that are two orders of magnitude
      higher than those of the glass bricks. More importantly, these properties can be
      fully recovered after fracture without using external stimuli or delivering
      healing agents. This approach demonstrates a very promising route towards the
      design of strong, ideal self-healing materials able to self-repair repeatedly
      without degradation or external stimuli.

PMID- 27146381
TI  - Clinical Trial Design Issues in Systemic Sclerosis: an Update.
AB  - Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is a multisystem disease characterized by
      vasculopathy, autoimmunity, and fibrosis. SSc has the highest disease-related
      mortality rate among the rheumatologic illnesses. In the USA, there remains no
      FDA-approved therapy. As our understanding of SSc pathogenesis improves, targeted
      therapies interrupting key pathways and mediators will be studied in clinical
      trials. However, clinical trials in SSc are fraught with challenges. Validated
      clinical outcome measures do not exist for all disease manifestations. It can be
      difficult to discern disease activity from damage. SSc is highly heterogeneous,
      with multiple different phenotypes, and predicting who will have progressive
      disease is not currently well understood. Biomarkers are in early stages of
      development and do not represent surrogate outcomes at this time. Given that SSc
      is uncommon, studies of similar disease aspects or populations can lead to
      competition for patients. This review will focus on current issues in SSc
      clinical trial design. 

PMID- 27146383
TI  - Erratum to: Polymorphism of rs3737597 in DISC1 Gene on Chromosome 1q42.2 in sALS
      Patients: a Chinese Han Population Case-Control Study.

PMID- 27146384
TI  - Fluorometric High-Throughput Screening Assay for Secreted Phospholipases A2 Using
      Phospholipid Vesicles.
AB  - There is interest in developing inhibitors of human group III secreted
      phospholipase A2 (hGIII-sPLA2) because this enzyme plays a role in mast cell
      maturation. There are no potent inhibitors for hGIII-sPLA2 reported to date, so
      we adapted a fluorescence-based enzyme activity monitoring method to a high
      throughput screening format. We opted to use an assay based on phospholipid
      substrate present in phospholipid vesicles since this matrix more closely
      resembles the natural substrate of hGIII-sPLA2, as opposed to
      phospholipid/detergent mixed micelles. The substrate is a phospholipid analogue
      containing BODIPY fluorophores dispersed as a minor component in vesicles of
      nonfluorescent phospholipids. Action of hGIII-sPLA2 liberates a free fatty acid
      from the phospholipid, leading to a reduction in quenching of the fluorophore and
      hence an increase in fluorescence. The assay uses optical detection in a 1536
      well plate format with an excitation wavelength far away from the UV range so as
      to minimize false-positive library hits that result from quenching of the
      fluorescence. The high-throughput screen was successfully carried out on a
      library of 370,276 small molecules. Several hits were discovered, and data have
      been uploaded to PubChem. This study describes the first high-throughput optical
      screening assay for secreted phospholipase A2 inhibitors based on a phospholipid
      vesicle substrate. 

PMID- 27146380
TI  - BMI and all cause mortality: systematic review and non-linear dose-response meta
      analysis of 230 cohort studies with 3.74 million deaths among 30.3 million
      participants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies of
      body mass index (BMI) and the risk of all cause mortality, and to clarify the
      shape and the nadir of the dose-response curve, and the influence on the results
      of confounding from smoking, weight loss associated with disease, and preclinical
      disease. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and Embase databases searched up to 23 September
      2015. STUDY SELECTION: Cohort studies that reported adjusted risk estimates for
      at least three categories of BMI in relation to all cause mortality. DATA
      SYNTHESIS: Summary relative risks were calculated with random effects models. Non
      linear associations were explored with fractional polynomial models. RESULTS: 230
      cohort studies (207 publications) were included. The analysis of never smokers
      included 53 cohort studies (44 risk estimates) with >738 144 deaths and >9 976
      077 participants. The analysis of all participants included 228 cohort studies
      (198 risk estimates) with >3 744 722 deaths among 30 233 329 participants. The
      summary relative risk for a 5 unit increment in BMI was 1.18 (95% confidence
      interval 1.15 to 1.21; I(2)=95%, n=44) among never smokers, 1.21 (1.18 to 1.25;
      I(2)=93%, n=25) among healthy never smokers, 1.27 (1.21 to 1.33; I(2)=89%, n=11)
      among healthy never smokers with exclusion of early follow-up, and 1.05 (1.04 to
      1.07; I(2)=97%, n=198) among all participants. There was a J shaped dose-response
      relation in never smokers (Pnon-linearity <0.001), and the lowest risk was
      observed at BMI 23-24 in never smokers, 22-23 in healthy never smokers, and 20-22
      in studies of never smokers with >=20 years' follow-up. In contrast there was a U
      shaped association between BMI and mortality in analyses with a greater potential
      for bias including all participants, current, former, or ever smokers, and in
      studies with a short duration of follow-up (<5 years or <10 years), or with
      moderate study quality scores. CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity is associated
      with increased risk of all cause mortality and the nadir of the curve was
      observed at BMI 23-24 among never smokers, 22-23 among healthy never smokers, and
      20-22 with longer durations of follow-up. The increased risk of mortality
      observed in underweight people could at least partly be caused by residual
      confounding from prediagnostic disease. Lack of exclusion of ever smokers, people
      with prevalent and preclinical disease, and early follow-up could bias the
      results towards a more U shaped association.

PMID- 27146387
TI  - [Expansion of the surgical spectrum through novel oncological therapies].

PMID- 27146385
TI  - Mycobacterium Cytidylate Kinase Appears to Be an Undruggable Target.
AB  - New and improved drugs against tuberculosis are urgently needed as multi-drug
      resistant forms of the disease become more prevalent. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      cytidylate kinase is an attractive target for screening due to its essentiality
      and different substrate specificity to the human orthologue. However, we selected
      the Mycobacterium smegmatis cytidylate kinase for screening because of the
      availability of high-resolution X-ray crystallographic data defining its
      structure and the high likelihood of active site structural similarity to the M.
      tuberculosis orthologue. We report the development and implementation of a high
      throughput luciferase-based activity assay and screening of 19,920 compounds
      derived from small-molecule libraries and an in silico screen predicting likely
      inhibitors of the cytidylate kinase enzyme. Hit validation included a
      counterscreen for luciferase inhibitors that would result in false positives in
      the initial screen. Results of this counterscreen ruled out all of the putative
      cytidylate kinase inhibitors identified in the initial screening, leaving no
      compounds as candidates for drug development. Although a negative result, this
      study indicates that this important drug target may in fact be undruggable and
      serve as a warning for future investigations. 

PMID- 27146386
TI  - [Oligometastasized stage IV colorectal cancer : Surgical resection and local
      ablative procedures].
AB  - BACKGROUND: By the intensified combination of systemic, surgical and local
      ablative therapies a significant improvement in therapy results for metastasized
      colorectal cancer has been achieved in the last decade. Downstaging with
      subsequent resection is nowadays a standard for oligometastasized primarily
      unresectable colorectal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The value of combining
      resection and local ablation is unclear; therefore, this article gives an
      overview of the available literature dealing with the combination of surgery and
      local ablative methods for oligometastasized stage IV colorectal cancer. RESULTS:
      The best results were obtained following surgical resection alone. Whereas
      nowadays cryoablation is of minor importance, the most successful results are
      achieved following local ablative methods by radiofrequency and microwave
      ablation. In the future irreversible electroporation will be the most promising
      local ablative method. A combination of surgical resection and local ablation
      appears to be rational in patients if an R0 resection can be achieved.
      CONCLUSION: Surgical resection of colorectal liver metastases is the gold
      standard for oncological therapy whenever possible. The rational combination of
      non-curative surgical resection and local ablation should be considered in the
      context of a multimodal therapeutic strategy, particularly in patients with
      primarily resectable disease.

PMID- 27146388
TI  - [Surgical reconstructive procedures of the chest wall after mediastinitis].
AB  - Sternal osteomyelitis as a direct consequence of advanced mediastinitis or as in
      most cases after median sternotomy is still associated with a prolonged hospital
      stay, increased morbidity and postoperative mortality. Early diagnosis and an
      adequate surgical treatment are decisive for the prognosis. Prerequisites for a
      secondary stabilization of the chest wall using wires or plates are sterile wound
      conditions. Diverse reconstructive techniques are available for anterior chest
      wall reconstruction depending on the defect size and localization. The various
      reconstructive methods including local and free flap coverage are described in
      this review article. 

PMID- 27146390
TI  - Management of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients: the economic burden of
      hospitalizations.
AB  - PURPOSE: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most frequent events
      associated with cancer, requiring hospitalization and generating additional
      healthcare costs. To date, no studies analyzing the additional costs resulting
      from VTE associated with cancer in France have been published. The objective of
      this study was to provide an estimation of the additional cost induced by VTE
      with cancer by analyzing hospital stays reported in the 2013 PMSI French Hospital
      Database ("Programme de Medicalisation des Systemes d'Information", a national
      hospital administrative database) for four cancer types (breast, lung,
      hepatocellular carcinoma, and colon). METHODS: The analysis is divided into three
      parts: a descriptive evaluation of hospitalizations for VTE with cancer, an
      analysis by severity level of diagnosis-related groups (DRG), and an estimation
      of the hospital costs based on the National Reference Costs (ENC). The French
      public ATIH ("Agence Technique de l'Information sur l'Hospitalisation", a
      national Agency for Data on Hospital Care) database was used. The critical
      approach of this study is based on analysis of the distribution of stays
      according to levels of severity of DRG. RESULTS: A total of 14,251
      hospitalizations were analyzed combining VTE and cancer. Hospitalizations of the
      two highest levels of severity (levels 3 and 4) for VTE with cancer represented
      81.7 % of all hospitalizations in this population. Increased costs were seen for
      all four cancer types evaluated, with cost coefficients ranging from 1.34 to
      2.01. For example, the average cost of lung cancer in cancer patients with VTE in
      the PMSI database was 7296 ? versus 4647 ? in the ATIH database. Cost
      coefficients were calculated, ranging from 1.34 in colon cancer, 1.50 for breast
      cancer, 1.57 in lung cancer, and 2.01 for hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSION:
      As discussed in the article, the current costs are high. Better physician
      adherence to clinical practice guidelines could potentially reduce these costs by
      lowering the number of recurrent VTE in patients with cancer.

PMID- 27146389
TI  - A study to examine the influence of health professionals' advice and support on
      work capacity and sick leave after breast cancer surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate how women, shortly after breast
      cancer surgery, experienced encounters with, and information from, healthcare
      professionals regarding work and sick leave and if these experiences were
      associated with self-reported work capacity and sick leave. METHODS: This is a
      cross-sectional study based on questionnaire data from 605 women who had had
      breast cancer surgery, aged 20-63 years. Exclusion criteria were known distant
      metastases, pre surgical therapy, and/or previous breast cancer. Data on age,
      type of surgery, global health, and work environment were included as covariates
      in multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Five percent of the women
      had not received any advice concerning work or sick leave. Women reporting
      receiving useful advice or support related to paid work had lower risk of
      reporting reduced physical or psychological/social work capacity due to the
      cancer or treatment (OR 0.46 (95 % CI 0.26-0.81) respective OR 0.45 (95 % CI 0.26
      0.77)). There were no associations between having received useful advice or
      support concerning work and being on sick leave. Women encouraged to take sick
      leave had an OR of 2.17 (95 % CI 1.39-3.37) of being sickness absent. They also
      to a higher extent had reduced physical and psychological/social work capacity.
      Women who reported to have been encouraged to work were sickness absent to a
      lower extent (OR 0.64; 95 % CI 0.41-0.98) and reported higher physical work
      capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Work and sick leave is being discussed during
      consultations with women with breast cancer and the advice given seems to be in
      line with the women's subjective work capacity.

PMID- 27146391
TI  - Sleep disorders in breast cancer survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility,
      acceptability, and initial results of a structured assessment of sleep disorders
      in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Our goal was to determine whether the
      assessment could be easily used and whether it would capture problems suggestive
      of one or more underlying sleep disorders that require referral to a specialist
      for diagnostic validation through polysomnography and appropriate specialty
      treatment. METHODS: A cross-sectional, feasibility study using convenience
      sampling. RESULTS: A total of 38 BCS completed the study. Recruitment procedures
      were adequate in finding eligible BCS, however, procedures used to establish
      possible patterns of sleep disorders (e.g., interview) were not feasible for
      screening for sleep disorders in the clinical setting due to the time it took to
      complete each interview. A total of seven sleep disorder categories were
      identified in the data with the majority of women having at least one possible
      sleep disorder. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings suggest that population-based
      screening for sleep disorders in clinical practice should be a priority for BCS
      reporting chronic sleep problems.

PMID- 27146392
TI  - The association between patient's and partner's fatigue in couples coping with
      colorectal cancer: a longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Couples coping with colorectal cancer were monitored during the first
      year after diagnosis to evaluate the following: (i) levels of patients' and
      partners' fatigue-hereby comparing their scores to each other and a normative
      population, (ii) association between patients' and partners' fatigue, (iii) the
      course of partners' fatigue, and (iv) biopsychosocial predictors of the partners'
      fatigue, including the patients' level of fatigue. METHOD: Couples (n = 171)
      preoperatively completed questions regarding age and sex as well as
      questionnaires assessing neuroticism and trait anxiety. Questionnaires assessing
      fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were measured preoperative (time-0) and
      3 (time-1), 6 (time-2), and 12 months (time-3) postoperative. Patients' clinical
      characteristics were retrieved from the Eindhoven Cancer Registry. Descriptive
      statistics, correlations, and linear mixed effect models were used. RESULTS:
      Compared with a normative population, partners' fatigue was similar (p > .05),
      while patients' fatigue was higher at Time-2 and Time-3 (p values <.001). At each
      time point, correlations between patients' and partners' fatigue were small (r <
      .30). Partner's course of fatigue was as follows: 18.2 at time-0, 19.0 at time-1,
      19.4 at time-2, and 19.2 at time-3 (p = 0.64). Scoring higher on neuroticism
      (beta = .12) and trait anxiety (beta = .23), and more depressive symptoms (beta =
      .30) significantly contributed to higher partners' fatigue. CONCLUSION: Trait
      anxiety, neuroticism, and depressive symptoms predicted higher levels of
      partners' fatigue, while demographic factors, patients' fatigue, and clinical
      factors did not. Health professionals are advised to be alert for partners with a
      vulnerable personality and depressive symptoms. If needed, they can for instance
      refer to a psychologist for treatment.

PMID- 27146393
TI  - Abducens palsy after temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: a rare complication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arthroscopy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a minimally
      invasive and safe procedure; nevertheless, some accidents and complications have
      been described in the literature. CASE REPORT: The purpose of this article is to
      describe a case report of a patient that progressed to paralysis of the abducens
      nerve after a TMJ arthroscopy procedure.

PMID- 27146394
TI  - Comparison of Primary Cesarean Delivery Rates Among Low-Risk Women in Urban and
      Rural Hospitals in Hawaii.
AB  - Objective The purpose of this study was to examine primary cesarean delivery
      rates among women with low risk pregnancies in urban and rural hospitals in
      Hawaii. Methods This is a retrospective study of all low-risk women (term,
      vertex, singleton) who had a primary cesarean delivery in any Hawaii hospital
      from 2010 to 2011 using a statewide health information database. Hospitals were
      divided into two categories: rural and urban. Results Of the 27,096 women who met
      criteria for this study, 7105 (26.2 %) delivered in a rural hospital. Low-risk
      women who delivered in a rural hospital had a primary cesarean delivery rate of
      18.5 % compared to 11.8 % in the urban hospitals, p < .0001. Low-risk women who
      delivered at rural hospitals had significantly higher unadjusted and adjusted
      odds ratios for cesarean delivery. The association with rural hospital was
      stronger after adjusting for confounders, aOR 2.47 (95 % CI 2.23-2.73) compared
      to unadjusted OR 1.70 (95 % CI 1.58-1.83) for primary cesarean delivery.
      Conclusions on practice In a geographically isolated population, rates of primary
      cesarean delivery among low-risk women are significantly higher in rural
      hospitals. This disparity should be investigated further.

PMID- 27146395
TI  - Care Coordination Associated with Improved Timing of Newborn Primary Care Visits.
AB  - Objective Despite practice recommendations that all newborns be examined within 3
      5 days after discharge, many are not seen within this timeframe. Our objective
      was to determine the association between care coordination and timing of newborn
      follow-up. Methods This retrospective study evaluated 6251 newborns from eight
      maternity hospitals who scheduled a primary care appointment at one of two
      academic pediatric practices over 3.5 years. Two programs were sequentially
      implemented: (1) newborn discharge coordination, and (2) primary care intake
      coordination. Primary outcome was days between discharge and follow-up,
      dichotomized as <= or >5 days. Number of rescheduled appointments and loss to
      follow-up were also assessed. Adjusted relative risks (RR) and odds ratios (OR)
      were determined by piecewise generalized linear and logistic regression. Results
      Among 5943 newborns with a completed visit, 52.9 % were seen within 5 days of
      discharge (mean 6.7 days). After multivariable adjustment, the pre-exposure
      period (8 months) demonstrated a downward monthly trend in completing early
      follow-up (RR 0.93, p < 0.001). After initial program implementation, we observed
      a 3 % monthly increase (RR 1.03, p < 0.001 for test of slope change from pre
      exposure to post-exposure), such that likelihood of recommended follow-up
      increased by roughly 72 % after discharge coordinator implementation and roughly
      33 % after primary care coordinator implementation. The latter was also
      associated with a 13 % monthly decrease in odds of loss to follow-up (OR 0.87, p
      < 0.001). Conclusions for Practice Care coordination increases adherence among
      low income families to recommended newborn follow-up after birth hospitalization.

PMID- 27146397
TI  - One Simple Intervention Begets Another: Let's Get the Gestational Age Right
      First.

PMID- 27146396
TI  - Baseline Demographic, Anthropometric, Psychosocial, and Behavioral
      Characteristics of Rural, Southern Women in Early Pregnancy.
AB  - Objectives Beginning life in a healthy uterine environment is essential for
      future well-being, particularly as it relates to chronic disease risk. Baseline
      (early pregnancy) demographic, anthropometric (height and weight), psychosocial
      (depression and perceived stress), and behavioral (diet and exercise)
      characteristics of rural, Southern, pregnant women enrolled in a maternal,
      infant, and early childhood home visiting program are described. Methods
      Participants included 82 women early in their second trimester of pregnancy and
      residing in three Lower Mississippi Delta counties in the United States. Baseline
      data were collected through direct measurement and surveys. Results Participants
      were primarily African American (96 %), young (mean age = 23 years), single (93
      %), and received Medicaid (92 %). Mean gestational age was 18 weeks, 67 % of
      participants were overweight or obese before becoming pregnant, and 16 % tested
      positive for major depression. Participants were sedentary (mean minutes of
      moderate intensity physical activity/week = 30), had low diet quality (mean
      Healthy Eating Index-2010 total score = 43 points), with only 38, 4, and 7 %
      meeting recommendations for saturated fat, fiber, and sodium intakes,
      respectively. Conclusions for Practice In the Lower Mississippi Delta, there is a
      need for interventions that are designed to help women achieve optimal GWG by
      improving their diet quality and increasing the amount of physical activity
      performed during pregnancy. Researchers also should consider addressing barriers
      to changing health behaviors during pregnancy that may be unique to this region
      of the United States.

PMID- 27146398
TI  - Urban Older Adults Becoming Unhealthier in Modern China: A Cross-Temporal Meta
      Analysis.
AB  - This study investigated patterns of change in the health status of urban older
      adults in urban China from 2001 to 2013. A cross-temporal meta-analysis was
      applied to 111 selected studies in which the SF-36 had been administered to urban
      older adults in China. Scores from a total of 72,441 participants were analyzed.
      Correlations between the SF-36 scores and sampling years were examined. The self
      reported health status of urban older adults in China has declined significantly
      in the past 13 years. The observed decline in the health status of older adults
      suggests that economic progress and a rapidly aging population have had more
      negative than positive effects on the health of this population. 

PMID- 27146399
TI  - Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: current situation and travel
      associated concerns.
AB  - The emergence of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012
      brought back memories of the occurrence of severe acute respiratory syndrome
      coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in 2002. More than 1500 MERS-CoV cases were recorded in 42
      months with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 40%. Meanwhile, 8000 cases of SARS-CoV
      were confirmed in six months with a CFR of 10%. The clinical presentation of MERS
      CoV ranges from mild and non-specific presentation to progressive and severe
      pneumonia. No predictive signs or symptoms exist to differentiate MERS-CoV from
      community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized patients. An apparent heterogeneity
      was observed in transmission. Most MERS-CoV cases were secondary to large
      outbreaks in healthcare settings. These cases were secondary to community
      acquired cases, which may also cause family outbreaks. Travel-associated MERS
      infection remains low. However, the virus exhibited a clear tendency to cause
      large outbreaks outside the Arabian Peninsula as exemplified by the outbreak in
      the Republic of Korea. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about
      MERS-CoV and highlight travel-related issues. 

PMID- 27146400
TI  - Mechanism-based modeling of the clinical effects of bevacizumab and everolimus on
      vestibular schwannomas of patients with neurofibromatosis type 2.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the natural growth of vestibular schwannoma in patients with
      neurofibromatosis type 2 and to predict tumor volume evolution in patients
      treated with bevacizumab and everolimus. METHODS: Clinical data, including
      longitudinal tumor volumes in patients treated by bevacizumab (n = 13),
      everolimus (n = 7) or both (n = 2), were analyzed by means of mathematical
      modeling techniques. Together with clinical data, data from the literature were
      also integrated to account for drugs mechanisms of action. RESULTS: We developed
      a model of vestibular schwannoma growth that takes into account the effect of
      vascular endothelial growth factors and mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1
      on tumor growth. Behaviors, such as tumor growth rebound following everolimus
      treatment stops, was correctly described with the model. Preliminary results
      indicate that the model can be used to predict, based on early tumor volume
      dynamic, tumor response to variation in treatment dose and regimen. CONCLUSION:
      The developed model successfully describes tumor volume growth before and during
      bevacizumab and/or everolimus treatment. It might constitute a rational tool to
      predict patients' response to these drugs, thus potentially improving management
      of this disease.

PMID- 27146402
TI  - Curcumin Exerts its Anti-hypertensive Effect by Down-regulating the AT1 Receptor
      in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.
AB  - Curcumin exerts beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases, including
      hypertension. However, its mechanisms are unknown. We propose that curcumin
      prevents the development of hypertension by regulating AT1 receptor (AT1R)
      expression in arteries. The present study examined how curcumin regulates AT1R
      expression in vascular smooth muscle cells and investigated the physiological
      significance of this regulation in angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertension. The
      results showed that curcumin decreased AT1R expression in a concentration- and
      time-dependent manner in vascular smooth muscle cells. Using luciferase reporters
      with an entire AT1 or a mutant AT1R in A10 cells, the AT1R promoter activity was
      inhibited by 10(-6 )M curcumin, and the proximal element (from -61 to +25 bp) of
      the AT1R promoter was crucial for curcumin-induced AT1R down-regulation. An
      electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that curcumin decreased specificity
      protein 1 (SP1) binding with the AT1R promoter in A10 cells. Curcumin treatment
      reduced Ang II-induced hypertension in C57Bl/6J mice, which was accompanied by
      lower AT1R expression in the arteries and decreased Ang II-mediated
      vasoconstriction in the mesenteric artery. These findings indicate that curcumin
      down-regulates AT1R expression in A10 cells by affecting SP1/AT1R DNA binding,
      thus reducing AT1R-mediated vasoconstriction and subsequently prevents the
      development of hypertension in an Ang II-induced hypertensive model.

PMID- 27146403
TI  - Substitution as a Strategy to Improve Excipient Exposure in Neonates: One Piece
      of the Puzzle.

PMID- 27146401
TI  - Premature responding is associated with approach to a food cue in male and female
      heterogeneous stock rats.
AB  - RATIONALE: Disorders of behavioral regulation, including attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and drug addiction, are in part due to poor
      inhibitory control, attentional deficits, and hyper-responsivity to reward
      associated cues. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether these traits are related, we
      tested genetically variable male and female heterogeneous stock rats in the
      choice reaction time (CRT) task and Pavlovian conditioned approach (PavCA). Sex
      differences in the response to methylphenidate during the CRT were also assessed.
      METHODS: In the CRT task, rats were required to withhold responding until one of
      two lights indicated whether responses into a left or right port would be
      reinforced with water. Reaction time on correct trials and premature responses
      were the operational definitions of attention and response inhibition,
      respectively. Rats were also pretreated with oral methylphenidate (0, 2, 4 mg/kg)
      during the CRT task to determine whether this drug would improve performance.
      Subsequently, during PavCA, presentation of an illuminated lever predicted the
      delivery of a food pellet into a food-cup. Lever-directed approach (sign
      tracking) and food-cup approach (goal-tracking) were the primary measures, and
      rats were categorized as "sign-trackers" and "goal-trackers" using an index based
      on these measures. RESULTS: Sign-trackers made more premature responses than goal
      trackers but showed no differences in reaction time. There were sex differences
      in both tasks, with females having higher sign-tracking, completing more CRT
      trials, and making more premature responses after methylphenidate administration.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that response inhibition is related to reward
      cue responsivity, suggesting that these traits are influenced by common genetic
      factors.

PMID- 27146404
TI  - [Biochemical markers of bone metabolism and their importance].
AB  - Laboratory analyses of biochemical markers for bone and mineral metabolism can
      play a key role in the assessment of patients with osteoporosis. They may help to
      assess bone turnover in the diagnostic work-up and aid decision-making as well as
      selection of pharmaceutical therapy options. Recent publications on therapy
      response have shown that biochemical markers of bone turnover are valuable tools
      for the evaluation of therapy success in individual osteoporosis patients and the
      assessment of bone mineral density gain during therapy. 

PMID- 27146405
TI  - [Sarcoidosis].
AB  - Sarcoidosis is a rare granulomatous disease mainly affecting lymph nodes and the
      lungs but joints, bones, muscles and other organs can also be affected.
      Sarcoidosis therefore represents an important differential diagnosis to various
      rheumatic diseases. For the diagnosis and differential diagnostic clarification,
      bronchoscopy including endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of
      mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes represent the main procedures. Because of the
      high spontaneous remission rate initiating a therapy requires a therapeutic goal
      defined by sarcoidosis-associated functional organ impairment, especially for
      acute sarcoidosis. Cortisone represents the most commonly administered medication
      whereas methotrexate and azathioprine are well-established second-line
      medications. Antibodies which neutralize tumor necrosis factors (TNF) are a
      potential third-line therapy. 

PMID- 27146406
TI  - Assessing the availability of LLINs for continuous distribution through routine
      antenatal care and the Expanded Programme on Immunizations in sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to mass distribution campaigns, the World Health
      Organization (WHO) recommends the continuous distribution of long-lasting
      insecticidal nets (LLINs) to all pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC)
      and all infants attending the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) services
      in countries implementing mosquito nets for malaria control. Countries report
      LLIN distribution data to the WHO annually. For this analysis, these data were
      used to assess policy and practice in implementing these recommendations and to
      compare the numbers of LLINs available through ANC and EPI services with the
      numbers of women and children attending these services. METHODS: For each
      reporting country in sub-Saharan Africa, the presence of a reported policy for
      LLIN distribution through ANC and EPI was reviewed. Prior to inclusion in the
      analysis the completeness of data was assessed in terms of the numbers of LLINs
      distributed through all channels (campaigns, EPI, ANC, other). For each country
      with adequate data, the numbers of LLINs reportedly distributed by national
      programmes to ANC was compared to the number of women reportedly attending ANC at
      least once; the ratio between these two numbers was used as an indicator of LLIN
      availability at ANC services. The same calculations were repeated for LLINs
      distributed through EPI to produce the corresponding LLIN availability through
      this distribution channel. RESULTS: Among 48 malaria-endemic countries in Africa,
      33 malaria programmes reported adopting policies of ANC-based continuous
      distribution of LLINs, and 25 reported adopting policies of EPI-based
      distribution. Over a 3-year period through 2012, distribution through ANC
      accounted for 9 % of LLINs distributed, and LLINs distributed through EPI
      accounted for 4 %. The LLIN availability ratios achieved were 55 % through ANC
      and 34 % through EPI. For 38 country programmes reporting on LLIN distribution,
      data to calculate LLIN availability through ANC and EPI was available for 17 and
      16, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These continuous LLIN distribution channels appear
      to be under-utilized, especially EPI-based distribution. However, quality data
      from more countries are needed for consistent and reliable programme performance
      monitoring. A greater focus on routine data collection, monitoring and reporting
      on LLINs distributed through both ANC and EPI can provide insight into both
      strengths and weaknesses of continuous distribution, and improve the
      effectiveness of these delivery channels.

PMID- 27146407
TI  - High unacylated ghrelin levels support the concept of anorexia in infants with
      prader-willi syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental
      disorder with different nutritional phases from suckling deficit with failure to
      thrive to early onset of obesity. Hyperghrelinemia has been described in PWS long
      before the development of obesity. Ghrelin is found in both acylated (AG) and
      unacylated (UAG) forms in the circulation. In contrast to AG, UAG has been shown
      to inhibit food intake and to be elevated in anorexia nervosa. The present
      project is aiming to determine the underlying mechanisms driving the different
      nutritional phases in PWS. METHODS: Measurement of at least 4 h-fasting plasma
      acylated and unacylated ghrelin in 37 infants with a genetic diagnosis of PWS
      aged from 1 month to 4 years and in 100 age-matched controls without endocrine
      disorder recruited prior to minor surgery. One blood sampling was analysed for
      each patient/control and clinical data were recorded. Eleven PWS infants
      underwent repetitive blood samples at 3 or 6-month intervals during routine
      visits. RESULTS: In infants with PWS, AG is not elevated (p = 0.45), UAG is
      significantly higher (p = 0.0044; confidence interval 1.06;1.33) resulting in a
      low AG/UAG ratio (p = 0.0056; confidence interval 0.76;0.95) compared to
      controls. CONCLUSION: Unlike children and adults with PWS that have high AG and
      AG/UAG ratio, infants with PWS have elevated UAG that supports the concept of
      anorexia in the early phases of the disease. The change in AG/UAG ratio possibly
      drives the switch from failure to thrive to obesity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      NCT02529085 .

PMID- 27146408
TI  - Characterization of mitochondrial function in cells with impaired cystic fibrosis
      transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function.
AB  - Evidence supporting the occurrence of oxidative stress in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is
      well established and the literature suggests that oxidative stress is inseparably
      linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, we have characterized mitochondrial
      function, in particular as it regards the steps of oxidative phosphorylation and
      ROS production, in airway cells either homozygous for the F508del-CFTR allele or
      stably expressing wt-CFTR. We find that oxygen consumption, DeltaPsi generation,
      adenine nucleotide translocator-dependent ADP/ATP exchange and both mitochondrial
      Complex I and IV activities are impaired in CF cells, while both mitochondrial
      ROS production and membrane lipid peroxidation increase. Importantly, treatment
      of CF cells with the small molecules VX-809 and 4,6,4'-trimethylangelicin, which
      act as "correctors" for F508del CFTR by rescuing the F508del CFTR-dependent
      chloride secretion, while having no effect per se on mitochondrial function in wt
      CFTR cells, significantly improved all the above mitochondrial parameters towards
      values found in the airway cells expressing wt-CFTR. This novel study on
      mitochondrial bioenergetics provides a springboard for future research to further
      understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for the involvement of
      mitochondria in CF and identify the proteins primarily responsible for the
      F508del-CFTR-dependent mitochondrial impairment and thus reveal potential novel
      targets for CF therapy.

PMID- 27146410
TI  - Risk factors and morbidity of infantile haemangioma: preterm birth promotes
      ulceration.
AB  - AIM: We identified the characteristics of an infantile haemangioma (IH) that
      predispose children to complications, interventions and long-term morbidity and
      examined perinatal risk factors for IH. METHODS: We studied children with IHs
      admitted to Helsinki University Hospital's paediatric vascular anomaly clinic in
      Finland in 2004-2007 and registered perinatal records, IH characteristics,
      complications and interventions. These patients received a questionnaire on
      perinatal data and long-term morbidity resulting from IH. We analysed factors
      related to complications, interventions and morbidity and compared our cohort's
      perinatal data to the Finnish Medical Birth Register (FMBR) figures. RESULTS: We
      approached 185 families, of which 136 replied to the questionnaire. Children with
      facial, segmental and indeterminate IHs showed more complications, interventions
      and higher long-term morbidity. Preterm birth predisposed infants to ulceration
      of IHs, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.02-5.14 and odds ratio (OR) of
      2.29. In addition to earlier known risks, maternal gestational diabetes mellitus
      rate was higher in our IH cohort than the rate in the FMBR (95% CI 1.39-4.95, OR
      2.62). CONCLUSION: Physicians treating IHs should consider the elevated
      ulceration risk in preterm infants. The association between gestational diabetes
      mellitus and child's risk for an IH is uncertain and requires further research.

PMID- 27146411
TI  - GRG Profiles: Jackie D. Wood.

PMID- 27146413
TI  - Assessment of Theileria equi and Babesia caballi infections in equine populations
      in Egypt by molecular, serological and hematological approaches.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Equine piroplasmosis (EP) caused by Theileria equi, Babesia caballi,
      or both, contributes to significant economic loss in the equine industry and
      remains uncontrolled in Egypt. This study focuses on surveying T. equi and B.
      caballi infections and hematological disorders in equine populations in Egypt.
      METHODS: Theileria equi and B. caballi infections were assessed in blood from 88
      horses and 51 donkeys in Egypt using light microscopy, indirect immunofluorescent
      antibody test (IFAT), nested PCR (nPCR), and competitive-ELISA (cELISA) assays.
      PCR products were examined for specificity by DNA sequencing. Hematological
      alterations were evaluated using a standard cell counter. RESULTS: Microscopic
      analysis revealed EP infection in 11.4% and 17.8% of horses and donkeys
      respectively. IFAT detected 23.9% and 17.0% infection of T. equi and B. caballi,
      respectively, in horses, and 31.4% of T. equi and B. caballi in donkeys. T. equi
      cELISA detected 14.8% and 23.5% positive horses and donkeys, respectively, but
      the B. caballi RAP-1-based cELISA failed to detect any positives, a result
      hypothesized to be caused by sequence polymorphism found in the rap-1 genes.
      Nested-PCR analysis identified 36.4% and 43.1% positive horses and donkeys,
      respectively for T. equi and it also identified 19.3% and 15.7% positive horses
      and donkeys, respectively for B. caballi. The overall EP incidence found in the
      population under study was relatively high and comparable regardless of the
      diagnostic method used (56.8% using nPCR and 48.9% using IFAT). Hematologic
      analysis revealed macrocytic hypochromic anemia and thrombocytopenia in all
      piroplasma-infected horses. CONCLUSIONS: The data confirm relatively high levels
      of EP, likely causing hematological abnormalities in equines in Egypt, and also
      suggest the need for an improved serological test to diagnose B. caballi
      infection in this region.

PMID- 27146412
TI  - Resveratrol Protects Oxidative Stress-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Barrier
      Dysfunction by Upregulating Heme Oxygenase-1 Expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Obstructive jaundice (OJ) is frequently complicated by infections
      and has been associated with increased bacterial translocation, intestinal
      epithelial hyperpermeability, and oxidative stress, but the mechanism remains
      unclear. The potential effect of resveratrol (Res) on modifying intestinal
      epithelial dysfunction was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Caco-2
      cells (in vitro) and male Wistar rats (n = 60; in vivo) were used to evaluate the
      role of Res on intestinal epithelial dysfunction. Hydrogen peroxide was used to
      induce oxidative stress in the Caco-2 cells. In bile duct-ligated group, OJ was
      successfully established on Day 7 after bile duct ligation, whereas sham-operated
      and vehicle-treated rats served as controls. Western blot and RT-qPCR were
      performed to analyze TJ proteins expression in epithelium isolated from rat
      intestine. RESULTS: Intestinal hyperpermeability was associated with decreased
      expression and phosphorylation of occludin and zonula occluden (ZO-1), but
      increased oxidation in Caco-2 cells and the intestinal epithelium. Res treatment
      increased the epithelial expression and phosphorylation of occludin and ZO-1 in a
      concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, Res which protected Caco-2 cells from
      H2O2-induced oxidative damage clearly reduced malondialdehyde level and
      intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, but increased the expression
      levels of superoxide dismutase and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Further studies
      showed that Res also inhibited H2O2-induced protein kinase C activity and p38
      phosphorylation. Interestingly, these effects of Res were abolished by the HO-1
      inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin or knockdown of HO-1 by siRNA. CONCLUSIONS: Res
      protected gut barrier function possibly by initiating HO-1-dependent signaling
      which is essential for common expression of key tight junction proteins. It also
      provides a rationale to develop Res clinical applications of intestinal
      disorders.

PMID- 27146414
TI  - Metadherin Expression is Associated with Extrathyroidal Extension in Papillary
      Thyroid Cancer Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metadherin (MTDH) is widely recognized as a promising molecular
      marker for tumor recurrence and poor survival in many cancers. By multiple
      pathways, MTDH promotes oncogenesis, metastasis, and chemoresistance. This study
      investigated the role of MTDH in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) to determine
      its potential association with aggressive clinical and pathologic features,
      including its relation in tumors harboring a BRAF (V600E) mutation. METHODS:
      Expression of MTDH was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 96 cases of PTC,
      including primary thyroid malignancies and lymph node metastases. The status of
      BRAF (V600E) mutation was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction.
      RESULTS: Overexpression of MTDH was observed in 26 % (23/88) of primary PTC
      cases. High-intensity staining was observed in 75 % (6/8) of lymph nodes with
      metastatic PTC and moderate staining in 25 % (2/8) of cases. Normal adjacent
      thyroid tissue and benign thyroid controls were found to have significantly lower
      MTDH expression than cancer tissue (p < 0.05). Apical staining of MTDH was
      observed in 19 % of thyroid tumors and not observed in normal thyroid tissue.
      Interestingly, MTDH expression was associated with extrathyroidal extension (p <
      0.05) and not associated with age, gender, overall tumor stage, or BRAF (V600E)
      mutation status. CONCLUSION: In a subset of PTC patients, MTDH was overexpressed
      and associated with extrathyroidal extension. Further studies are warranted to
      explore the utility of MTDH to improve risk stratification of current molecular
      panels for PTC.

PMID- 27146409
TI  - Revisiting trends on mitochondrial mega-channels for the import of proteins and
      nucleic acids.
AB  - The discovery of very large channels in the two membranes of mitochondria
      represented an astonishing finding and a turning point in the awareness of these
      conspicuous energy-generating organelles. Sizable channels are at the crossroads
      of important cellular pathways and mitochondrial functions like biogenesis,
      signaling, secretion, compartmentalization or apoptosis. The integrative approach
      that combines electrophysiological methods with biochemical and genetic
      alterations has been decisive to tackle the structure-function relationship of
      mitochondrial mega-channels. In this review we will give a short account of our
      joint effort to correlate the existence of large conductance channels in the two
      membranes of mitochondria with a precise function. In particular, we will focus
      on the import of proteins and nucleic acids. An analysis of the character of the
      aqueous pores through which these two types of macromolecules enter mitochondria
      has been attained, and an up-to date survey of the developments reached in these
      investigations will be presented. An overlook of the import pathways for proteins
      and nucleic acids into mitochondria will be outlined. Although this research area
      is rapidly developing, many issues remain shrouded in uncertainties. A special
      emphasis will be prone to the not yet entirely settled synergies between
      different protein translocases.

PMID- 27146415
TI  - Chemical constituents from the fruiting bodies of Cryptoporus volvatus.
AB  - New drimane-type sesquiterpene cryptoporol A (1), cryptoporic acid derivative 6'
      cryptoporic acid E methyl ester (2), and pseudouridine derivative cryptoporine A
      (3), as well as a known ergosterol 5alpha,8alpha-epidioxy-22E-ergosta-6,22-dien
      3beta-ol (4), were isolated from a 90 % alcohol extract of the fruiting bodies of
      Cryptoporus volvatus. The structures of these compounds were established by
      spectroscopic analysis and circular dichroism. 5alpha,8alpha-epidioxy-22E-ergosta
      6,22-dien-3beta-ol (4) exhibited antiviral activity against porcine reproductive
      and respiratory syndrome virus, and all compounds showed weak antioxidant
      activities. 

PMID- 27146417
TI  - The development of generosity and moral cognition across five cultures.
AB  - Morality is an evolved aspect of human nature, yet is heavily influenced by
      cultural environment. This developmental study adopted an integrative approach by
      combining measures of socioeconomic status (SES), executive function, affective
      sharing, empathic concern, theory of mind, and moral judgment in predicting
      sharing behavior in children (N = 999) from the age of 5 to 12 in five large
      scale societies: Canada, China, Turkey, South Africa, and the USA. Results
      demonstrate that age, gender, SES, culture, and social cognitive mechanisms
      explain over 20% of the variance worldwide in children's resource allocation.
      These findings are discussed in reference to standard cultural comparisons
      (individualist/collectivist), as well as the degree of market integration, and
      highlight continuities and discontinuities in children's generosity across urban
      contexts.

PMID- 27146416
TI  - Effects of alternative interventions among hospitalized, cognitively impaired
      older adults.
AB  - AIM: Compare within site effects of three interventions designed to enhance
      outcomes of hospitalized cognitively impaired elders. METHODS: Prospective,
      nonrandomized, confirmatory phased study. In Phase I, 183 patients received one
      of three interventions: augmented standard care (ASC), resource nurse care (RNC)
      or Transitional Care Model (TCM). In Phase II, 205 patients received the TCM.
      RESULTS: Time to first rehospitalization or death was longer for the TCM versus
      ASC group (p = 0.017). Rates for total all-cause rehospitalizations and days were
      significantly reduced in the TCM versus ASC group (p < 0.001, both). No
      differences were observed between RNC versus TCM. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest
      the TCM is more effective than ASC. However, potential effects of the RNC
      relative to the TCM warrant further study.

PMID- 27146418
TI  - Quantitative Analysis of the Isolation Area During the Chronic Phase After a 28
      mm Second-Generation Cryoballoon Ablation Demarcated by High-Resolution
      Electroanatomic Mapping.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The post-second-generation cryoballoon (CB) ablation isolation area
      during the chronic phase has not been described. The aim of this study was to
      quantitatively evaluate the chronic-phase isolation area after 28-mm second
      generation CB ablation and compare it to the estimated conventional
      radiofrequency circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) line. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent
      pulmonary vein (PV) isolation using second-generation CB. After a median of 6.0
      (4.0-9.0) months, the PV isolation area was evaluated using high-resolution
      mapping (1-mm electrode, 2-mm interelectrode spacing; 527+/-99 points per map)
      and pacing techniques in all patients (17 with and 15 without arrhythmia
      recurrence beyond blanking period) and compared with estimated conventional
      radiofrequency CPVI area. PV reconnections were observed in 34 of 126 PVs (27.0%)
      among 21 of 32 patients (65.6%), which were eliminated by a median of 1.0 (1.0
      3.0) focal radiofrequency application. The left- and right-sided PV antrum
      isolation area and nonablated posterior wall areas were 9.8+/-1.7, 8.1+/-2.3, and
      17.0+/-6.1 cm(2), respectively. The cryoablated areas were significantly smaller
      than the estimated conventional radiofrequency CPVI areas in all but the right
      inferior PV. The difference was highest in the left superior PV. In 2 patients
      (6.3%), recurrent atrial fibrillation originated from the foci identified at the
      left superior PV antrum outside the CB isolation area but inside the estimated
      conventional radiofrequency CPVI line. CONCLUSIONS: Although the PV isolation
      areas during the chronic phase after the second-generation CB ablation were
      generally wide, they were significantly smaller than the area encircled by the
      CPVI line except at the right inferior PV antrum. Recurrent atrial fibrillation
      could originate from the left superior PV antrum and could be isolated by a CPVI
      but not by a CB.

PMID- 27146419
TI  - Highly Luminescent Heterostructured Copper-Doped Zinc Sulfide Nanocrystals for
      Application in Cancer Cell Labeling.
AB  - The structural characteristics of the seed-mediated synthesis of heterostructured
      CuS-ZnS nanocrystals (NCs) and Cu-doped ZnS (ZnS:Cu) NCs synthesized by two
      different protocols are compared and analyzed. At high Cu dopant concentrations,
      segregated subclusters of ZnS and CuS are observed. The photoluminescence quantum
      yield of ZnS:Cu NCs is about 50-80 %; a value much higher than that of ZnS NCs (6
      %). Finally, these NCs are coated with a thin silica shell by using (3
      mercaptopropyl)triethoxysilane in a reverse microemulsion to make them water
      soluble. Cytotoxicity experiments show that these silica-coated NCs have greatly
      reduced toxicity on both cancerous HeLa and noncancerous Chinese hamster ovary
      cells. The labeling of cancerous HeLa cells is also demonstrated. 

PMID- 27146420
TI  - Benzenoid biosynthesis in the flowers of Eriobotrya japonica: molecular cloning
      and functional characterization of p-methoxybenzoic acid carboxyl
      methyltransferase.
AB  - MAIN CONCLUSION: p -Methoxybenzoic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (MBMT) was
      isolated from loquat flowers. MBMT displayed high similarity to jasmonic acid
      carboxyl methyltransferases, but exhibited high catalytic activity to form methyl
      p -methoxybenzoate from p -methoxybenzoic acid. Volatile benzenoids impart the
      characteristic fragrance of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) flowers. Here, we report
      that loquat produces methyl p-methoxybenzoate, along with other benzenoids, as
      the flowers bloom. Although the adaxial side of flower petals is covered with
      hairy trichomes, the trichomes are not the site of volatile benzenoid formation.
      Here we identified four carboxyl methyltransferase (EjMT1 to EjMT4) genes from
      loquat and functionally characterized EjMT1 which we found to encode a p
      methoxybenzoic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (MBMT); an enzyme capable of
      converting p-methoxybenzoic acid to methyl p-methoxybenzoate via methylation of
      the carboxyl group. We found that transcript levels of MBMT continually increased
      throughout the flower development with peak expression occurring in fully opened
      flowers. Recombinant MBMT protein expressed in Escherichia coli showed the
      highest substrate preference toward p-methoxybenzoic acid with an apparent K m
      value of 137.3 uM. In contrast to benzoic acid carboxyl methyltransferase (BAMT)
      and benzoic acid/salicylic acid carboxyl methyltransferase, MBMT also displayed
      activity towards both benzoic acid and jasmonic acid. Phylogenetic analysis
      revealed that loquat MBMT forms a monophyletic group with jasmonic acid carboxyl
      methyltransferases (JMTs) from other plant species. Our results suggest that
      plant enzymes with same BAMT activity have evolved independently.

PMID- 27146422
TI  - Ear tagging in piglets: the cortisol response with and without analgesia in
      comparison with castration and tail docking.
AB  - The objectives of the present study were to compare the cortisol response caused
      by ear tagging piglets with the distress caused by other known painful husbandry
      procedures (e.g. castration and tail docking) and to evaluate the effectiveness
      of analgesia with meloxicam to reduce the cortisol response caused by these
      procedures. In total, 210 male piglets were randomised to equal numbers (n=30)
      into one of seven groups: a control group which was only handled (H), an ear
      tagged group that received no analgesia (ET), an ear tagged group with analgesia
      (ETM), a castration group with no analgesia (C), a castration group with
      analgesia (CM), a tail-docked group with no analgesia (TD) and a tail-docked
      group with analgesia (TDM). The procedures were carried out on day 3 or 4 after
      farrowing. Five blood samples were taken from each piglet: 30 min before the
      respective procedure (baseline value), and 30, 60 min, 4 and 7 h after
      processing, to assess cortisol concentrations. Means as well as the area under
      the curve (AUC) value were analysed and the effective sizes of the procedures
      were established. At 7 h after the experimental treatment, cortisol
      concentrations had returned to base values in all groups. ET evoked a greater
      cortisol response than H piglets at 30 min (P<0.001) and 60 min (P=0.001). The
      cortisol response to ET was lower than C at 30 min (P=0.001) but did not differ
      significantly at the other sample times. The mean cortisol response was similar
      between ET and TD piglets over all sample times. Taking both intensity and
      duration of the cortisol response into account (AUC), ET evoked a greater
      response than TD. Analgesia (ETM) resulted in significantly lower cortisol levels
      than ET at 30 and 60 min post-procedure. Castration (C) provoked the highest
      cortisol response of all procedures; a significant analgesic effect (CM) was
      shown only at 4 h post-procedure. TD resulted in significantly higher cortisol
      levels than H piglets only at 30 min; analgesia (TDM) significantly reduced the
      cortisol response at 30 min. We conclude that ear tagging causes a dramatic
      increase in cortisol levels compared with handling alone in piglets, which
      suggests that this procedure causes substantial distress. However, further
      research is needed to confirm these results.

PMID- 27146421
TI  - [89Zr]Trastuzumab: Evaluation of Radiation Dosimetry, Safety, and Optimal Imaging
      Parameters in Women with HER2-Positive Breast Cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate safety, human radiation
      dosimetry, and optimal imaging time of [89Zr]trastuzumab in patients with HER2
      positive breast cancer. PROCEDURES: Twelve women with HER2-positive breast cancer
      underwent [89Zr]trastuzumab positron emission tomography (PET)/X-ray computed
      tomography (CT) twice within 7 days post-injection. Biodistribution data from
      whole-torso PET/CT images and organ time-activity curves were created using data
      from all patients. Human dosimetry was calculated using OLINDA with the adult
      female model. RESULTS: High-quality images and the greatest tumor-to-nontumor
      contrast were achieved with images performed 5 +/- 1 day post-injection.
      Increased [89Zr]trastuzumab uptake was seen in at least one known lesion in ten
      patients. The liver was the dose-limiting organ (retention of ~12 % of the
      injected dose and average dose of 1.54 mSv/MBq). The effective dose was 0.47
      mSv/MBq. No adverse effects of [89Zr]trastuzumab were encountered. CONCLUSION:
      [89Zr]trastuzumab was safe and optimally imaged at least 4 days post-injection.
      The liver was the dose-limiting organ.

PMID- 27146423
TI  - Viral co-infections in farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., displaying
      myocarditis.
AB  - Several different viruses have been associated with myocarditis-related diseases
      in the Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry. In this study, we investigated the
      presence of PMCV, SAV, PRV and the recently identified Atlantic salmon
      calicivirus (ASCV), alone and as co-infections in farmed Atlantic salmon
      displaying myocarditis. The analyses were performed at the individual level and
      comprised qPCR and histopathological examination of 397 salmon from 25 farms
      along the Norwegian coast. The samples were collected in 2009 and 2010, 5-22
      months post-sea transfer. The study documented multiple causes of myocarditis and
      revealed co-infections including individual fish infected with all four viruses.
      There was an overall correlation between lesions characteristic of CMS and PD and
      the presence of PMCV and SAV, respectively. Although PRV was ubiquitously
      present, high viral loads were with a few exceptions, correlated with lesions
      characteristic of HSMI. ASCV did not seem to have any impact on myocardial
      infection by PMCV, SAV or PRV. qPCR indicated a negative correlation between PMCV
      and SAV viral loads. Co-infections result in mixed and atypical pathological
      changes which pose a challenge for disease diagnostic work.

PMID- 27146424
TI  - In command of non-equilibrium.
AB  - The second law of thermodynamics is well known for determining the direction of
      spontaneous processes in the laboratory, life and the universe. It is therefore
      often called the arrow of time. Less often discussed but just as important is the
      effect of kinetic barriers which intercept equilibration and preserve highly
      ordered, high energy non-equilibrium states. Examples of such states are many
      modern materials produced intentionally for technological applications.
      Furthermore, all living organisms fuelled directly by photosynthesis and those
      fuelled indirectly by living on high energy nutrition represent preserved non
      equilibrium states. The formation of these states represents the local reversal
      of the arrow of time which only seemingly violates the second law. It has been
      known since the seminal work of Prigogine that the stabilisation of these states
      inevitably requires the dissipation of energy in the form of waste heat. It is
      this feature of waste heat dissipation following the input of energy that drives
      all processes occurring at a non-zero rate. Photosynthesis, replication of living
      organisms, self-assembly, crystal shape engineering and distillation have this
      principle in common with the well-known Carnot cycle in the heat engine. Drawing
      on this analogy, we subsume these essential and often sophisticated driven
      processes under the term machinery of life. 

PMID- 27146425
TI  - Guidelines for May-Grunwald-Giemsa staining in haematology and non-gynaecological
      cytopathology: recommendations of the French Society of Clinical Cytology (SFCC)
      and of the French Association for Quality Assurance in Anatomic and Cytologic
      Pathology (AFAQAP).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Since the guidelines of the International Committee for
      Standardisation in Haematology (ICSH) in 1984 and those of the European Committee
      for External Quality Assessment Programmes in Laboratory Medicine (EQALM) in
      2004, no leading organisation has published technical recommendations for the
      preparation of air-dried cytological specimens using May-Grunwald-Giemsa (MGG)
      staining. DATA SOURCES: Literature data were retrieved using reference books,
      baseline-published studies, articles extracted from PubMed/Medline and Google
      Scholar, and online-available industry datasheets. RATIONALE: The present review
      addresses all pre-analytical issues concerning the use of Romanowsky's stains
      (including MGG) in haematology and non-gynaecological cytopathology. It aims at
      serving as actualised, best practice recommendations for the proper handling of
      air-dried cytological specimens. It, therefore, appears complementary to the
      staining criteria of the non-gynaecological diagnostic cytology handbook edited
      by the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service (UK-NEQAS) in
      February 2015.

PMID- 27146426
TI  - Applying landscape genetics to the microbial world.
AB  - Landscape genetics, which explicitly quantifies landscape effects on gene flow
      and adaptation, has largely focused on macroorganisms, with little attention
      given to microorganisms. This is despite overwhelming evidence that
      microorganisms exhibit spatial genetic structuring in relation to environmental
      variables. The increasing accessibility of genomic data has opened up the
      opportunity for landscape genetics to embrace the world of microorganisms, which
      may be thought of as 'the invisible regulators' of the macroecological world.
      Recent developments in bioinformatics and increased data accessibility have
      accelerated our ability to identify microbial taxa and characterize their genetic
      diversity. However, the influence of the landscape matrix and dynamic
      environmental factors on microorganism genetic dispersal and adaptation has been
      little explored. Also, because many microorganisms coinhabit or codisperse with
      macroorganisms, landscape genomic approaches may improve insights into how micro-
      and macroorganisms reciprocally interact to create spatial genetic structure.
      Conducting landscape genetic analyses on microorganisms requires that we
      accommodate shifts in spatial and temporal scales, presenting new conceptual and
      methodological challenges not yet explored in 'macro'-landscape genetics. We
      argue that there is much value to be gained for microbial ecologists from
      embracing landscape genetic approaches. We provide a case for integrating
      landscape genetic methods into microecological studies and discuss specific
      considerations associated with the novel challenges this brings. We anticipate
      that microorganism landscape genetic studies will provide new insights into both
      micro- and macroecological processes and expand our knowledge of species'
      distributions, adaptive mechanisms and species' interactions in changing
      environments.

PMID- 27146428
TI  - An efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting based on cobalt
      phosphide.
AB  - The development of highly efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting is
      critical for various renewable-energy technologies. In this letter, we
      demonstrate a cobalt phosphide nanowire array grown on a Ti mesh (CoP/TM)
      behaving as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for water splitting. The CoP/TM
      electrode delivers 10 mA cm(-2) at an overpotential of 72 mV for the hydrogen
      evolution reaction (HER) and 310 mV for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in
      1.0 M KOH. Furthermore, its corresponding two-electrode alkaline electrolyzer
      displays 10 mA cm(-2) at 1.64 V. 

PMID- 27146427
TI  - Central fatigue in multiple sclerosis: a review of the literature.
AB  - CONCEPT: Fatigue is a major concern for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A
      clear definition of MS-related fatigue is a prerequisite for appropriate
      instruments for fatigue assessment. In turn, accurate assessment of fatigue in MS
      will enhance exploration of plausible mechanisms underlying this common and
      distressing symptom. Content/Objectives: To provide an integrative review of the
      current literature on theoretical models used to study fatigue in MS, instruments
      used to assess fatigue and other factors that impact fatigue during the various
      phases of MS. METHODS:  DATA SOURCES: PUBMED, OVID, Ovid Health Star, Ovid
      MEDINE, CINAHL, Health and Psychosocial Instruments (HaPI), and PsycINFO.
      Seventeen articles fit the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.
      RESULTS: Definitions of MS-related fatigue are reviewed. Several studies found a
      link with neurotransmitter dysfunction, circadian rhythm, and the timing of
      fatigue. Central fatigue in MS is associated with neurotransmitters disruptions
      as well as circadian rhythm disorders, but the evidence is not strong.
      Perceptions of fatigue or fatigability may arise as either a primary or secondary
      manifestation of disease. Based on findings from the literature review, a
      theoretical model of fatigue in MS is proposed. CONCLUSION: Future research on MS
      related fatigue may consider a longitudinal design with a carefully selected self
      report instrument to advance understanding of the underlying pathological
      mechanisms.

PMID- 27146430
TI  - Validity and reliability of the semi-quantitative self-report Home Food
      Availability Inventory Checklist (HFAI-C) in White and South Asian populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite interest in the importance of the home food environment and
      its potential influence on children's diets and social norms, there remain few
      self-report checklist methods that have been validated against the gold standard
      of researcher-conducted inventories. This study aimed to assess the criterion
      validity and reliability of the 'Home Food Availability Inventory Checklist'
      (HFAI-C), a 39-item checklist including categories of fruit, vegetables, snacks
      and drinks. METHODS: The HFAI-C was completed by 97 participants of White and
      Pakistani origin in the UK. Validity was determined by comparing participant
      reported HFAI-C responses to data from researcher observations of home food
      availability using PABAK and weighted kappa statistics. The validity of measuring
      the amount of items (in addition to presence/absence) available was also
      determined. Test-retest reliability compared repeated administrations of the HFAI
      C using intra-class correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Validity and reliability
      was fair to moderate overall. For validity, the average category-level PABAK
      ranged from 0.31 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.37) for vegetables to 0.44 (95% CI: 0.40, 0.49)
      for fruits. Assessment of the presence/absence of items demonstrated higher
      validity compared to quantity measurements. Reliability was increased when the
      HFAI-C was repeated close to the time of the first administration. For example,
      ICCs for reliability of the measurement of fruits were 0.52 (95%CI: 0.47, 0.56)
      if re-administered within 5 months, 0.58 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.64) within 30 days and
      0.97 (95%CI: 0.94, 1.00) if re-administered on the same day. CONCLUSIONS:
      Overall, the HFAI-C demonstrated fair to moderate validity and reliability in a
      population of White and South Asian participants. This evaluation is consistent
      with previous work on other checklists in less diverse, more affluent
      populations. Our research supports the use of the HFAI-C as a useful, albeit
      imperfect, representation of researcher-conducted inventories. The feasibility of
      collecting information using the HFAI-C in large, multi-ethnic samples can
      facilitate examination of home food availability in relation to exposures such as
      ethnicity and outcomes including behavioural, social and health outcomes. Future
      work using the HFAI-C could provide important insights into a modifiable
      influence with potential to impact health.

PMID- 27146431
TI  - Fast and Reversible Actuation of Metallic Muscles Composed of Nickel Nanowire
      Forest.
AB  - Surface-charge-induced reversible and millimeter-scale deflection is found in a
      bilayered Ni cantilever upon cyclic potential triggering. The nanowire-forest
      structure, in which unidirectional primary nanowires are evenly separated by
      cross-linking subnanowires, ensures fast ion transport leading to a record-high
      strain response time ~0.1 s. The actuation is sustainable beyond 800 cycles; the
      strain energy is compatible with human skeletal muscles. 

PMID- 27146429
TI  - Evaluation of energy metabolism and calcium homeostasis in cells affected by
      Shwachman-Diamond syndrome.
AB  - Isomorphic mutation of the SBDS gene causes Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). SDS
      is a rare genetic bone marrow failure and cancer predisposition syndrome. SDS
      cells have ribosome biogenesis and their protein synthesis altered, which are two
      high-energy consuming cellular processes. The reported changes in reactive oxygen
      species production, endoplasmic reticulum stress response and reduced
      mitochondrial functionality suggest an energy production defect in SDS cells. In
      our work, we have demonstrated that SDS cells display a Complex IV activity
      impairment, which causes an oxidative phosphorylation metabolism defect, with a
      consequent decrease in ATP production. These data were confirmed by an increased
      glycolytic rate, which compensated for the energetic stress. Moreover, the
      signalling pathways involved in glycolysis activation also appeared more
      activated; i.e. we reported AMP-activated protein kinase hyper-phosphorylation.
      Notably, we also observed an increase in a mammalian target of rapamycin
      phosphorylation and high intracellular calcium concentration levels ([Ca(2+)]i),
      which probably represent new biochemical equilibrium modulation in SDS cells.
      Finally, the SDS cell response to leucine (Leu) was investigated, suggesting its
      possible use as a therapeutic adjuvant to be tested in clinical trials.

PMID- 27146432
TI  - No TP63 rearrangements in a selected group of primary cutaneous CD30+
      lymphoproliferative disorders with aggressive clinical course.

PMID- 27146433
TI  - Enhanced thrombopoietin but not G-CSF receptor stimulation induces self-renewing
      hematopoietic stem cell divisions in vivo.
AB  - In steady-state adult hematopoiesis, most hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are in
      the resting phase of the cell cycle. Upon enhanced hematopoietic demand, HSCs can
      be induced to divide and self-renew or differentiate. However, the cell-extrinsic
      signals inducing HSC cycling remain to be elucidated. Using in vivo high
      resolution single HSC divisional tracking, we directly demonstrate that
      clinically applied thrombopoietin receptor but not granulocyte colony-stimulating
      factor (G-CSF) receptor agonists drive HSCs into self-renewing divisions leading
      to quantitative expansion of functional HSC as defined by their in vivo serial
      multilineage and long-term repopulating potential. These results suggest that
      thrombopoietin mimetics might be applicable to expand HSCs in vivo and to
      sensitize thrombopoietin receptor-expressing HSCs to cell cycle-dependent
      cytotoxic agents.

PMID- 27146434
TI  - Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, update January 2016.

PMID- 27146435
TI  - A retrospective look at anthranilic diamide insecticides: discovery and lead
      optimization to chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole.
AB  - Anthranilic diamides are an important commercial synthetic class of insecticides
      (IRAC Group 28) that bind to the ryanodine receptor with selective potency
      against insect versus mammalian forms of the receptor. The first commercialized
      diamide, chlorantraniliprole, has exceptional activity against lepidopteran
      pests. The second anthranilamide product, cyantraniliprole, has excellent cross
      spectrum activity against a range of insect orders, including both lepidopteran
      and hemipteran pests. Here, a retrospective look is presented on the discovery of
      the class, along with chemistry highlights of the lead evolution to both
      products. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27146437
TI  - Qualitative urinary organic acid analysis: 10 years of quality assurance.
AB  - Over the last 10 years, a total of 90 urine samples from patients with metabolic
      disorders and controls were circulated to different laboratories in Europe and
      overseas, starting with 67 laboratories in 2005 and reaching 101 in 2014. The
      participants were asked to analyse the samples in their usual way and to prepare
      a report as if to a non-specialist pediatrician. The performance for the
      detection of fumarase deficiency, glutaric aciduria type I, isovaleric aciduria,
      methylmalonic aciduria, mevalonic aciduria, phenylketonuria and propionic
      aciduria was excellent (98-100 %). Over the last few years, detection has clearly
      improved for tyrosinaemia type I (39 % in 2008 to over 80 % in 2011/2014), maple
      syrup urine disease (85 % in 2005 to 98 % in 2012), hawkinsinuria (62 % in 2010
      to 88 % in 2014), aminoacylase I deficiency (43 % in 2009 to 73 % in 2012) and 3
      methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase deficiency (60 % in 2005 to 93 % by 2011). Normal
      urines were mostly considered as normal (83-100 %), but laboratories often made
      additional diagnostic suggestions. When the findings were unambiguous, the
      reports were mostly clear. However, when they were less obvious, the content and
      quality of reports varied greatly. Repetition of organic acid measurements on a
      fresh sample was rarely suggested, while more complex or invasive diagnostic
      strategies, including further metabolic screening or biopsy were recommended.
      Surprisingly very few participants suggested referral from the general
      paediatrician to a specialist metabolic centre to confirm a diagnosis and, if
      applicable, to initiate treatment despite evidence suggesting that this improves
      the outcome for patients with inherited metabolic disorders. The reliability of
      qualitative organic acid analysis has improved over the last few years. However,
      several aspects of reporting to non-specialists may need discussion and
      clinicians need to be aware of the uncertainty inherent in all forms of
      laboratory diagnostic analysis.

PMID- 27146436
TI  - Sirtuin activation as a therapeutic approach against inborn errors of metabolism.
AB  - Protein acylation has emerged as a large family of post translational
      modifications in which an acyl group can alter the function of a wide variety of
      proteins, especially in response to metabolic stress. The acylation state is
      regulated through reversible acylation/deacylation. Acylation occurs
      enzymatically or non-enzymatically, and responds to acyl-CoA levels. Deacylation
      on the other hand is controlled through the NAD(+)-dependent sirtuin proteins. In
      several inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs), accumulation of acyl-CoAs, due to
      defects in amino acid and fatty acid metabolic pathways, can lead to
      hyperacylation of proteins. This can have a direct effect on protein function and
      might play a role in pathophysiology. In this review we describe several mouse
      and cell models for IEM that display high levels of lysine acylation.
      Furthermore, we discuss how sirtuins serve as a promising therapeutic target to
      restore acylation state and could treat IEMs. In this context we examine several
      pharmacological sirtuin activators, such as resveratrol, NAD(+) precursors and
      PARP and CD38 inhibitors.

PMID- 27146438
TI  - A BEME systematic review of the effects of interprofessional education: BEME
      Guide No. 39.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) aims to bring together different
      professionals to learn with, from, and about one another in order to collaborate
      more effectively in the delivery of safe, high-quality care for patients/clients.
      Given its potential for improving collaboration and care delivery, there have
      been repeated calls for the wider-scale implementation of IPE across education
      and clinical settings. Increasingly, a range of IPE initiatives are being
      implemented and evaluated which are adding to the growth of evidence for this
      form of education. AIM: The overall aim of this review is to update a previous
      BEME review published in 2007. In doing so, this update sought to synthesize the
      evolving nature of the IPE evidence. METHODS: Medline, CINAHL, BEI, and ASSIA
      were searched from May 2005 to June 2014. Also, journal hand searches were
      undertaken. All potential abstracts and papers were screened by pairs of
      reviewers to determine inclusion. All included papers were assessed for
      methodological quality and those deemed as "high quality" were included. The
      presage-process-product (3P) model and a modified Kirkpatrick model were employed
      to analyze and synthesize the included studies. RESULTS: Twenty-five new IPE
      studies were included in this update. These studies were added to the 21 studies
      from the previous review to form a complete data set of 46 high-quality IPE
      studies. In relation to the 3P model, overall the updated review found that most
      of the presage and process factors identified from the previous review were
      further supported in the newer studies. In regard to the products (outcomes)
      reported, the results from this review continue to show far more positive than
      neutral or mixed outcomes reported in the included studies. Based on the modified
      Kirkpatrick model, the included studies suggest that learners respond well to
      IPE, their attitudes and perceptions of one another improve, and they report
      increases in collaborative knowledge and skills. There is more limited, but
      growing, evidence related to changes in behavior, organizational practice, and
      benefits to patients/clients. CONCLUSIONS: This updated review found that key
      context (presage) and process factors reported in the previous review continue to
      have resonance on the delivery of IPE. In addition, the newer studies have
      provided further evidence for the effects on IPE related to a number of different
      outcomes. Based on these conclusions, a series of key implications for the
      development of IPE are offered.

PMID- 27146439
TI  - Borderline rejection in ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The clinical results of ABO-incompatible (ABOi) and ABO-compatible
      (ABOc) kidney transplantation (KT) are similar. Protocol kidney biopsies (PKB) of
      ABOi transplant recipients show positivity for C4d without evidence of antibody
      mediated rejection (ABMR), but little is known about the histologic progression.
      METHOD: We evaluated histologic parameters in PKB at 12 months and also compared
      clinical outcome at 1 year. This is a prospective observational study conducted
      between 2009 and 2013. We performed 146/30 ABOc/ABOi consecutive living-donor KT
      with PKB as well as additional indication biopsies. In the ABOi group, the
      desensitization protocol consisted of rituximab, plasma exchange or
      immunoadsorption, and immunoglobulins. RESULTS: In indication biopsies during the
      first year, T-cell-mediated rejection Banff >=immunoadsorption was 8.2% vs 6.7%
      (P=.561) and ABMR 4.8% vs 13.3% (P=.095). At 1 year, PKB (ABOc/ABOi) showed
      differences in borderline rejection lesions (6.8% vs 23.3% [P=.012]) and in C4d
      positivity in the ABOi group (P=.001). Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy
      (IFTA) lesions (ABOc/ABOi) were 68.4% vs 63.2% (P=.348). Transplant
      glomerulopathy was 0.7% vs 3.3% (P=.373) at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Our PKB ABOi
      series shows at 1 year more borderline lesions independent of ABO titers, HLA
      incompatibility, and the presence of antidonor antibody, but do not show more
      IFTA nor transplant glomerulopathy. No clinical differences were observed between
      ABOi and ABO transplants.

PMID- 27146440
TI  - Anti-tubercular and antioxidant activities of C-glycosyl carbonic anhydrase
      inhibitors: towards the development of novel chemotherapeutic agents against
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - During the treatment of tuberculosis infection, oxidative stress due to anti
      tubercular drugs may result in tissue inflammation. It was suggested that
      treatment with antioxidant drugs could be beneficial as an adjunct to anti
      tuberculosis drug therapy. Recently our group has shown that several C-glycosides
      are inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis beta-carbonic anhydrases (CAs, EC
      4.2.1.1). In an effort to develop novel chemotherapeutic agents against
      tuberculosis, the anti-tubercular and antioxidant activities of a series of C
      glycosides containing the phenol or the methoxyaryl moiety were studied. Many
      compounds showed inhibition of growth of M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain and good
      antioxidant ability. A glycomimetic incorporating the 3-hydroxyphenyl moiety
      showed the best activity profile and therefore this functionality represents lead
      for the development of novel anti-tubercular agents with dual mechanisms of
      action. 

PMID- 27146441
TI  - Hypoxia and acidification in ocean ecosystems: coupled dynamics and effects on
      marine life.
AB  - There is increasing recognition that low dissolved oxygen (DO) and low pH
      conditions co-occur in many coastal and open ocean environments. Within temperate
      ecosystems, these conditions not only develop seasonally as temperatures rise and
      metabolic rates accelerate, but can also display strong diurnal variability,
      especially in shallow systems where photosynthetic rates ameliorate hypoxia and
      acidification by day. Despite the widespread, global co-occurrence of low pH and
      low DO and the likelihood that these conditions may negatively impact marine
      life, very few studies have actually assessed the extent to which the combination
      of both stressors elicits additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects in marine
      organisms. We review the evidence from published factorial experiments that used
      static and/or fluctuating pH and DO levels to examine different traits (e.g.
      survival, growth, metabolism), life stages and species across a broad taxonomic
      spectrum. Additive negative effects of combined low pH and low DO appear to be
      most common; however, synergistic negative effects have also been observed.
      Neither the occurrence nor the strength of these synergistic impacts is currently
      predictable, and therefore, the true threat of concurrent acidification and
      hypoxia to marine food webs and fisheries is still not fully understood.
      Addressing this knowledge gap will require an expansion of multi-stressor
      approaches in experimental and field studies, and the development of a predictive
      framework. In consideration of marine policy, we note that DO criteria in coastal
      waters have been developed without consideration of concurrent pH levels. Given
      the persistence of concurrent low pH-low DO conditions in estuaries and the
      increased mortality experienced by fish and bivalves under concurrent
      acidification and hypoxia compared with hypoxia alone, we conclude that such DO
      criteria may leave coastal fisheries more vulnerable to population reductions
      than previously anticipated.

PMID- 27146442
TI  - Assessment of available anatomical characters for linking living mammals to
      fossil taxa in phylogenetic analyses.
AB  - Analyses of living and fossil taxa are crucial for understanding biodiversity
      through time. The total evidence method allows living and fossil taxa to be
      combined in phylogenies, using molecular data for living taxa and morphological
      data for living and fossil taxa. With this method, substantial overlap of coded
      anatomical characters among living and fossil taxa is vital for accurately
      inferring topology. However, although molecular data for living species are
      widely available, scientists generating morphological data mainly focus on
      fossils. Therefore, there are fewer coded anatomical characters in living taxa,
      even in well-studied groups such as mammals. We investigated the number of coded
      anatomical characters available in phylogenetic matrices for living mammals and
      how these were phylogenetically distributed across orders. Eleven of 28 mammalian
      orders have less than 25% species with available characters; this has
      implications for the accurate placement of fossils, although the issue is less
      pronounced at higher taxonomic levels. In most orders, species with available
      characters are randomly distributed across the phylogeny, which may reduce the
      impact of the problem. We suggest that increased morphological data collection
      efforts for living taxa are needed to produce accurate total evidence
      phylogenies.

PMID- 27146443
TI  - Ebola virus disease surveillance and response preparedness in northern Ghana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recent Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak has been described as
      unprecedented in terms of morbidity, mortality, and geographical extension. It
      also revealed many weaknesses and inadequacies for disease surveillance and
      response systems in Africa due to underqualified staff, cultural beliefs, and
      lack of trust for the formal health care sector. In 2014, Ghana had high risk of
      importation of EVD cases. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess
      the EVD surveillance and response system in northern Ghana. DESIGN: This was an
      observational study conducted among 47 health workers (district directors,
      medical, disease control, and laboratory officers) in all 13 districts of the
      Upper East Region representing public, mission, and private health services. A
      semi-structured questionnaire with focus on core and support functions (e.g.
      detection, confirmation) was administered to the informants. Their responses were
      recorded according to specific themes. In addition, 34 weekly Integrated Disease
      Surveillance and Response reports (August 2014 to March 2015) were collated from
      each district. RESULTS: In 2014 and 2015, a total of 10 suspected Ebola cases
      were clinically diagnosed from four districts. Out of the suspected cases, eight
      died and the cause of death was unexplained. All the 10 suspected cases were
      reported, none was confirmed. The informants had knowledge on EVD surveillance
      and data reporting. However, there were gaps such as delayed reporting, low
      quality protective equipment (e.g. gloves, aprons), inadequate staff, and lack of
      laboratory capacity. The majority (38/47) of the respondents were not satisfied
      with EVD surveillance system and response preparedness due to lack of infrared
      thermometers, ineffective screening, and lack of isolation centres. CONCLUSION:
      EVD surveillance and response preparedness is insufficient and the epidemic is a
      wake-up call for early detection and response preparedness. Ebola surveillance
      remains a neglected public health issue. Thus, disease surveillance strengthening
      is urgently needed in Ghana.

PMID- 27146444
TI  - Missed opportunities in full immunization coverage: findings from low- and lower
      middle-income countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An estimated 23 million infants are still not being benefitted from
      routine immunization services. We assessed how many children failed to be fully
      immunized even though they or their mothers were in contact with health services
      to receive other interventions. DESIGN: Fourteen countries with Demographic and
      Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys carried out after 2000 and
      with coverage for DPT (Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) vaccine below 70% were
      selected. We defined full immunization coverage (FIC) as having received one dose
      of BCG (bacille Calmette-Guerin), one dose of measles, three doses of polio, and
      three doses of DPT vaccines. We tabulated FIC against: antenatal care (ANC),
      skilled birth attendance (SBA), postnatal care for the mother (PNC), vitamin A
      supplementation (VitA) for the child, and sleeping under an insecticide-treated
      bed-net (ITN). Missed opportunities were defined as the percentage of children
      who failed to be fully immunized among those receiving one or more other
      interventions. RESULTS: Children who received other health interventions were
      also more likely to be fully immunized. In nearly all countries, FIC was lowest
      among children born to mothers who failed to attend ANC, and highest when the
      mother had four or more ANC visits Cote d'Ivoire presented the largest difference
      in FIC: 54 percentage points (pp) between having four or more ANC visits and lack
      of ANC. SBA was also related with higher FIC. For instance, the coverage in
      children without SBA was 36 pp lower than for those with SBA in Nigeria. The
      largest absolute difference on FIC in relation to PNC was observed for Ethiopia:
      31 pp between those without and with PNC. FIC was also positively related with
      having received VitA. The largest absolute difference was observed in DR Congo:
      41 pp. The differences in FIC among whether or not children slept under ITN were
      much smaller than for other interventions. Haiti presented the largest absolute
      difference: 16 pp. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the need to develop and
      implement strategies to vaccinate all children who contact health services in
      order to receive other interventions.

PMID- 27146445
TI  - Pattern and Prognostic Implications of Cardiac Metastases Among Patients With
      Advanced Systemic Cancer Assessed With Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is well validated for tissue
      characterization of cardiac masses but has not been applied to study pattern and
      prognostic implications of cardiac metastases (CMETs) among patients with
      systemic cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: The population consisted of 60 patients
      with stage IV cancer (32 patients with CMETs, 28 diagnosis-matched controls)
      undergoing CMR. CMET was defined as a discrete mass with vascular tissue
      properties on delayed enhancement CMR. CMET-positive patients and controls had
      similar clinical characteristics, cardiac geometry, and function (P=NS). Leading
      cancer types associated with CMET were sarcoma, melanoma, and gastrointestinal.
      Patients with CMETs had similar distribution of extracardiac metastatic disease
      compared with controls (organs involved: 3.4+/-2.0 versus 2.7+/-1.9, P=0.17). In
      94% of patients with CMETs, there were metastases involving >=1 extracardiac
      organ (66% lung involvement). CMET location varied (right ventricle 44%, right
      atrium 19%, left ventricle 28%, left atrium 9%, pericardial 25%); 22% of cases
      had multichamber involvement. Right-sided chamber involvement was common in
      hematologic/lymphatic spread (67%); pericardial involvement was common with
      direct spread (64%). Regarding tissue properties on delayed enhancement CMR,
      CMETs commonly (59%) demonstrated heterogeneous enhancement (41% diffuse
      enhancement). Heterogeneous lesions were larger and had increased border
      irregularity (P<0.05). Survival 6 months post-CMR was numerically lower among
      patients with CMETs (56% [95% CI 39-74%]) versus stage IV cancer-matched controls
      (68% [95% CI 50-86%]), although differences between groups were nonsignificant
      (P=0.42). CONCLUSIONS: CMETs vary regarding etiology, location, and tissue
      properties on CMR, highlighting need for comprehensive surveillance of cardiac
      involvement regardless of cancer origin. Prognosis remains poor with for patients
      with CMETs, albeit similar to that for stage IV cancer controls matched for
      cancer etiology.

PMID- 27146446
TI  - Adipose Tissue Depots and Their Cross-Sectional Associations With Circulating
      Biomarkers of Metabolic Regulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and fatty liver differ in their
      associations with cardiovascular risk compared with subcutaneous adipose tissue
      (SAT). Several biomarkers have been linked to metabolic derangements and may
      contribute to the pathogenicity of fat depots. We examined the association
      between fat depots on multidetector computed tomography and metabolic regulatory
      biomarkers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants from the Framingham Heart Study
      (n=1583, 47% women) underwent assessment of SAT, VAT, and liver attenuation. We
      measured circulating biomarkers secreted by adipose tissue or liver (adiponectin,
      leptin, leptin receptor, fatty acid binding protein 4, fetuin-A, and retinol
      binding protein 4). Using multivariable linear regression models, we examined
      relations of fat depots with biomarkers. Higher levels of fat depots were
      positively associated with leptin and fatty acid binding protein 4 but negatively
      associated with adiponectin (all P<0.001). Associations with leptin receptor,
      fetuin-A, and retinol binding protein 4 varied according to fat depot type or
      sex. When comparing the associations of SAT and VAT with biomarkers, VAT was the
      stronger correlate of adiponectin (beta=-0.28 [women]; beta=-0.30 [men]; both
      P<0.001), whereas SAT was the stronger correlate of leptin (beta=0.62 [women];
      beta=0.49 [men]; both P<0.001; P<0.001 for comparing VAT versus SAT). Although
      fetuin-A and retinol binding protein 4 are secreted by the liver in addition to
      adipose tissue, associations of liver attenuation with these biomarkers was not
      stronger than that of SAT or VAT. CONCLUSIONS: SAT, VAT, and liver attenuation
      are associated with metabolic regulatory biomarkers with differences in the
      associations by fat depot type and sex. These findings support the possibility of
      biological differences between fat depots.

PMID- 27146447
TI  - C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 9 Exacerbates Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac
      Hypertrophy and Dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy is a major risk factor for heart
      failure, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. C-C motif chemokine
      receptor 9 (CCR9), a subfamily of the G protein-coupled receptor supergene
      family, has been highlighted as an immunologic regulator in the development and
      homing of immune cells and in immune-related diseases. Recently, CCR9 was found
      to be involved in the pathogenesis of other diseases such as cardiovascular
      diseases; however, the effects that CCR9 exerts in cardiac hypertrophy remain
      elusive. METHODS AND RESULTS: We observed significantly increased CCR9 protein
      levels in failing human hearts and in a mouse or cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model.
      In loss- and gain-of-function experiments, we found that pressure overload
      induced hypertrophy was greatly attenuated by CCR9 deficiency in cardiac-specific
      CCR9 knockout mice, whereas CCR9 overexpression in cardiac-specific transgenic
      mice strikingly enhanced cardiac hypertrophy. The prohypertrophic effects of CCR9
      were also tested in vitro, and a similar phenomenon was observed. Consequently,
      we identified a causal role for CCR9 in pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
      Mechanistically, we revealed a lack of difference in the expression levels of
      mitogen-activated protein kinases between groups, whereas the phosphorylation of
      AKT/protein kinase B and downstream effectors significantly decreased in CCR9
      knockout mice and increased in CCR9 transgenic mice after aortic binding surgery.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prohypertrophic effects of CCR9 were not attributable to the
      mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway but rather to the AKT
      mammalian target of rapamycin-glycogen synthase kinase 3beta signaling cascade.

PMID- 27146449
TI  - Point-of-Care Detection of beta-Lactamase in Milk with a Universal Fluorogenic
      Probe.
AB  - The illegal addition of beta-lactamase (Bla) in milk to disguise beta-lactam
      antibiotics has been a serious issue in the milk industry worldwide. Herein, we
      report a method for point-of-care detection of Bla based on a probe, Tokyo Green
      tethered beta-lactam (CDG-1), as a common substrate of various Blas (Bla A, B...)
      which can enzymatically convert CDG-1 (low fluorescence) to Tokyo Green (high
      fluorescence). This approach allows rapid screening of a broad spectrum of Blas
      in real milk samples within 15 min without any pretreatment. Combined with the
      immuno-magnetic separation, we achieved sensitive and quantitative detection of
      Bla (10(-5) U/mL), which provides a universal platform for screening and
      determining Blas in complex samples with high efficiency and accuracy.

PMID- 27146448
TI  - Clinical Characteristics, Oral Anticoagulation Patterns, and Outcomes of Medicaid
      Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Insights From the Outcomes Registry for Better
      Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (ORBIT-AF I) Registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whereas insurance status has been previously associated with care
      patterns, little is currently known about the association between Medicaid
      insurance and the clinical characteristics, treatment, or outcomes of patients
      with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: We used data from adults with
      AF enrolled in the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of AF (ORBIT
      AF), a national outpatient registry conducted at 176 community, multispecialty
      sites. The primary outcome of interest was the proportion of patients prescribed
      any oral anticoagulation (OAC; warfarin or novel oral anticoagulants [NOAC]).
      Secondary outcomes of interest included the proportion of patients prescribed
      NOACs (dabigatran or rivaroxaban); time in therapeutic range (TTR) for warfarin
      users, all-cause mortality, stroke/systemic embolism, and major bleed. Of 10 133
      patients, N=470 (4.6%) had Medicaid insurance. Medicaid patients were similarly
      likely to receive OAC at baseline (72.8% vs 76.3%; unadjusted P=0.079), but less
      likely to receive NOAC at baseline or follow-up (12.1% vs 16.3%; unadjusted
      P=0.019). After risk adjustment, Medicaid status was associated with lower use of
      OAC at baseline among patients with high stroke risk (odds ratio [OR]=0.68; 95%
      CI=0.49, 0.94), but was not associated with OAC use overall (OR=0.82; 95%
      CI=0.61, 1.09). Among warfarin users, median TTR was lower among Medicaid
      patients (60% vs 68%; P<0.0001; adjusted TTR difference, -2.9; 95% CI=-5.7, -0.2;
      P=0.04). Use of an NOAC over 2 years of follow-up was not statistically different
      by insurance. Compared with non-Medicaid patients, Medicaid patients had higher
      unadjusted rates of mortality, stroke/systemic embolism, and major bleeding;
      however, these differences were attenuated following adjustment for clinical
      characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: In a contemporary AF cohort, use of OAC overall and
      use of NOACs were not significantly lower among Medicaid patients relative to
      others. However, among warfarin users, Medicaid patients spent less time in
      therapeutic range compared with those with other forms of insurance.

PMID- 27146450
TI  - Naphthyridine-Benzoazaquinolone: Evaluation of a Tricyclic System for the Binding
      to (CAG)n Repeat DNA and RNA.
AB  - The expansion of CAG repeats in the human genome causes the neurological disorder
      Huntington's disease. The small-molecule naphthyridine-azaquinolone NA we
      reported earlier bound to the CAG/CAG motif in the hairpin structure of the CAG
      repeat DNA. In order to investigate and improve NA-binding to the CAG repeat DNA
      and RNA, we conducted systematic structure-binding studies of NA to CAG repeats.
      Among the five new NA derivatives we synthesized, surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
      assay showed that all of the derivatives modified from amide linkages in NA to a
      carbamate linkage failed to bind to CAG repeat DNA and RNA. One derivative, NBzA,
      modified by incorporating an additional ring to the azaquinolone was found to
      bind to both d(CAG)9 and r(CAG)9 . NBzA binding to d(CAG)9 was similar to NA
      binding in terms of large changes in the SPR assay and circular dichroism (CD) as
      well as pairwise binding, as assessed by electron spray ionization time-of-flight
      (ESI-TOF) mass spectrometry. For the binding to r(CAG)9 , both NA and NBzA showed
      stepwise binding in ESI-TOF MS, and NBzA-binding to r(CAG)9 induced more
      extensive conformational change than NA-binding. The tricyclic system in NBzA did
      not show significant effects on the binding, selectivity, and translation, but
      provides a large chemical space for further modification to gain higher affinity
      and selectivity. These studies revealed that the linker structure in NA and NBzA
      was suitable for the binding to CAG DNA and RNA, and that the tricyclic
      benzoazaquinolone did not interfere with the binding. 

PMID- 27146452
TI  - Challenging passivity in venous leg ulcer care - the ABC model of management.
AB  - The under-utilisation of compression for venous leg ulcer (VLU) management
      translates into lost opportunities to heal wounds, improve patients' quality of
      life and maximise health care system efficiency. Although compression therapy is
      considered gold standard according to clinical guidelines, lack of clinician
      knowledge, unclear referral pathways, local unavailability of compression and
      patient unwillingness to receive compression, amongst other reasons, mean many
      candidates for compression do not receive appropriate treatment. This article
      presents a solution in the form of the 'ABC model of VLU management, a simplified
      approach that challenges passivity in the current approach to VLU treatment and
      supports wider adoption of appropriate compression therapy systems.

PMID- 27146451
TI  - Decision making under uncertainty, therapeutic inertia, and physicians' risk
      preferences in the management of multiple sclerosis (DIScUTIR MS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of multiple sclerosis (MS) is rapidly changing by the
      introduction of new and more effective disease-modifying agents. The importance
      of risk stratification was confirmed by results on disease progression predicted
      by different risk score systems. Despite these advances, we know very little
      about medical decisions under uncertainty in the management of MS. The goal of
      this study is to i) identify whether overconfidence, tolerance to
      risk/uncertainty, herding influence medical decisions, and ii) to evaluate the
      frequency of therapeutic inertia (defined as lack of treatment initiation or
      intensification in patients not at goals of care) and its predisposing factors in
      the management of MS. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a prospective study comprising a
      combination of case-vignettes and surveys and experiments from
      Neuroeconomics/behavioral economics to identify cognitive distortions associated
      with medical decisions and therapeutic inertia. Participants include MS fellows
      and MS experts from across Spain. Each participant will receive an individual
      link using Qualtrics platform((c)) that includes 20 case-vignettes, 3 surveys,
      and 4 behavioral experiments. The total time for completing the study is
      approximately 30-35 min. Case vignettes were selected to be representative of
      common clinical encounters in MS practice. Surveys and experiments include
      standardized test to measure overconfidence, aversion to risk and ambiguity,
      herding (following colleague's suggestions even when not supported by the
      evidence), physicians' reactions to uncertainty, and questions from the Socio
      Economic Panel Study (SOEP) related to risk preferences in different domains. By
      applying three different MS score criteria (modified Rio, EMA, Prosperini's
      scheme) we take into account physicians' differences in escalating therapy when
      evaluating medical decisions across case-vignettes. CONCLUSIONS: The present
      study applies an innovative approach by combining tools to assess medical
      decisions with experiments from Neuroeconomics that applies to common scenarios
      in MS care. Our results will help advance the field by providing a better
      understanding on the influence of cognitive factors (e.g., overconfidence,
      aversion to risk and uncertainty, herding) on medical decisions and therapeutic
      inertia in the management of MS which could lead to better outcomes.

PMID- 27146453
TI  - The Capacity Gain of Orbital Angular Momentum Based Multiple-Input-Multiple
      Output System.
AB  - Wireless communication using electromagnetic wave carrying orbital angular
      momentum (OAM) has attracted increasing interest in recent years, and its
      potential to increase channel capacity has been explored widely. In this paper,
      we compare the technique of using uniform linear array consist of circular
      traveling-wave OAM antennas for multiplexing with the conventional multiple-in
      multiple-out (MIMO) communication method, and numerical results show that the OAM
      based MIMO system can increase channel capacity while communication distance is
      long enough. An equivalent model is proposed to illustrate that the OAM
      multiplexing system is equivalent to a conventional MIMO system with a larger
      element spacing, which means OAM waves could decrease the spatial correlation of
      MIMO channel. In addition, the effects of some system parameters, such as OAM
      state interval and element spacing, on the capacity advantage of OAM based MIMO
      are also investigated. Our results reveal that OAM waves are complementary with
      MIMO method. OAM waves multiplexing is suitable for long-distance line-of-sight
      (LoS) communications or communications in open area where the multi-path effect
      is weak and can be used in massive MIMO systems as well.

PMID- 27146455
TI  - Relation of contrast nephropathy to adverse events in pulmonary emboli patients
      diagnosed with contrast CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Limited data exist on the incidence of contrast induced nephropathy
      (CIN) and its impact on in-hospital prognosis of patients diagnosed with acute
      pulmonary embolism (APE) using contrast computerized tomography pulmonary
      angiography (CTPA). In this study, we examined the frequency of nephropathy after
      CTPA in APE patients and its link to in-hospital adverse outcomes. METHODS: This
      was a retrospective study of 189 patients (mean age 67+16years, 48% male) with
      APE who underwent CTPA. CIN was defined as a>=0.5mg/dl and/or >=25% increase in
      serum creatinine levels >48hours after CTPA. Patients were divided into two
      groups according to the presence or absence of CIN to compare clinical
      characteristics, risk factors, and in-hospital adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty
      four (13%) of the patients were diagnosed with CIN. Patients with CIN were older
      (73+/-17 vs. 67+/-15years, P=.01) and had higher rates of heart failure (17% vs.
      6%, P=.04). Preexisting renal dysfunction and advanced age were found to be
      independent predictors of CIN (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.5-11.9, P=.006; OR: 3.2, 95%
      CI: 1.1-9.8, P=.03 respectively). The in-hospital adverse event rate was
      significantly higher in patients with CIN (16.7% vs. 2.4%, P=.001). A
      multivariate analysis revealed CIN as an independent predictor of in-hospital
      adverse event rate (OR: 6.1, 95%CI: 1.2-29.3, P=.02). CONCLUSION: CIN is
      associated with a higher in-hospital adverse event rate in APE patients diagnosed
      using CTPA. This is first large study to focus specifically on CIN in patients
      diagnosed with APE using CTPA.

PMID- 27146456
TI  - Cerebral oximetry with blood volume index and capnography in intubated and
      hyperventilated patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hyperventilation-induced hypocapnia leads to cerebral vasoconstriction
      and hypoperfusion. Intubated patients are often inadvertently hyperventilated
      during resuscitations, causing theoretical risk for ischemic brain injury.
      Current emergency department monitoring systems do not detect these changes. The
      purpose of this study was to determine if cerebral oximetry (rcSo2) with blood
      volume index (CBVI) would detect hypocapnia-induced cerebral tissue hypoxia and
      hypoperfusion. METHODS: Patients requiring mechanical ventilation underwent end
      tidal CO2 (ETco2), rcSo2, and CBVI monitoring. Baseline data was analyzed and
      then the effect of varying ETco2 on rcSo2 and CBVI readings was analyzed. Median
      rcSo2 and CBVI values were compared when above and below the ETco2 30 mmHg
      threshold. Subgroup analysis and descriptive statistics were also calculated.
      RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with neurologic emergencies and potential increased
      intracranial pressure were included. Age ranged from 6 days to 15 years (mean
      age, 3.1 years; SD, 3.9 years; median age, 1.5 years: 0.46-4.94 years). Diagnoses
      included bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis, and seizures. ETco2 crossed 30
      mm Hg 80 times. Median left and right rcSO2 when ETCO2 was below 30 mmhg was
      40.98 (35.3, 45.04) and 39.84 (34.64, 41) respectively. Median left and right
      CBVI when ETCO2 was below 30 mmhg was -24.86 (-29.92, -19.71) and -22.74 (-27.23,
      - 13.55) respectively. Median left and right CBVI when ETCO2 was below 30 mmHg
      was -24.86 (-29.92, -19.71) and -22.74 (-27.23, -13.55) respectively. Median left
      and right rcSO2 when ETCO2 was above 30 mmHg was 63.53 (61.41, 66.92) and 63.95
      (60.23, 67.58) respectively. Median left and right CBVI when ETCO2 was above 30
      mmHg was 12.26 (0.97, 20.16) and 8.11 (-0.2, 21.09) respectively. Median duration
      ETco2 was below 30 mmHg was 17.9 minutes (11.4, 26.59). Each time ETco2 fell
      below the threshold, there was a significant decrease in rcSo2 and CBVI
      consistent with decreased cerebral blood flow. While left and right rcSO2 and
      CBVI decreased quickly once ETCO2 was below 30 mmHg, increase once ETCO2 was
      above 30 mmHg was much slower. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study has
      demonstrated the ability of rcSo2 with CBVI to noninvasively detect the real-time
      effects of excessive hyperventilation producing ETco2 < 30 mmHg on cerebral
      physiology in an emergency department. We have demonstrated in patients with
      suspected increased intracranial pressure that ETco2 < 30 mmHg causes a
      significant decrease in cerebral blood flow and regional tissue oxygenation.

PMID- 27146457
TI  - In-water secondary spinal cord injury prevention. Does out-of-water cervical
      immobilization save time?

PMID- 27146459
TI  - The Art of Public Health in the Context of a Paradigm Shift.

PMID- 27146458
TI  - RBFOX1 and RBFOX2 are dispensable in iPSCs and iPSC-derived neurons and do not
      contribute to neural-specific paternal UBE3A silencing.
AB  - Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of
      function of the maternally inherited copy of UBE3A, an imprinted gene expressed
      biallelically in most tissues, but expressed exclusively from the maternal allele
      in neurons. Active transcription of the neuron-specific long non-coding RNA
      (lncRNA), UBE3A-ATS, has been shown to silence paternal UBE3A. We hypothesized
      that alternative splicing factors RBFOX2 and RBFOX1 might mediate splicing
      changes and result in the transcription of UBE3A-ATS in neurons. We found that
      RBFOX2 and RBFOX1 both bind to UBE3A-ATS transcript in neurons, but are not
      required for gene expression and/or neuron-specific processing in the SNURF/SNRPN
      UBE3A region. However, we found that depletion of RBFOX2 causes a proliferation
      phenotype in immature neural cultures, suggesting that RBFOX2 is involved in
      division versus differentiation decisions in iPSC-derived neural progenitors.
      Absence of RBFOX2 also altered the expression of some genes that are important
      for glutamatergic neocortical development and Wnt-Frizzled signalling in mature
      neuronal cultures. Our data show that while RBFOX1 and RBFOX2 do not mediate
      neuron-specific processing of UBE3A-ATS, these proteins play important roles in
      developing neurons and are not completely functionally redundant.

PMID- 27146460
TI  - 2015 Young Surgeon's Award Winner: Long-term Prognosis in Patients with Diabetes
      Mellitus after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Propensity-Matched Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on long
      term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with
      multivessel coronary artery disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective
      review was conducted for 5720 consecutive patients who underwent isolated first
      CABG between 1982 and 1999. Outcomes were reviewed to include in-hospital
      mortality and long-term survival. Mean follow-up was 13.0 +/- 5.8 years. To
      obtain comparable subgroups, 561 diabetic patients were matched with 561 non
      diabetic controls based on estimated propensity scores. RESULTS: Mean age was
      59.3 +/- 9.1 years with 4373 (76.5%) males. Amongst 5720 patients, 1977 (34.6%)
      had DM. Hypertension and dyslipidaemia were the most common cardiovascular
      comorbidities, present in 2920 (51.0%) and 2664 patients (46.6%) respectively.
      Emergency surgery was performed in 563 patients (9.8%). In-patient mortality
      occurred in 115 patients (2.0%), 48 (2.4%) in the DM group and 67 (1.8%) in the
      non-DM group, (P = 0.102). In the unmatched cohort, overall 20-year survival
      rates were 30.9 +/- 1.6% in diabetics and 49.2 +/- 1.0% in non-diabetics (P
      <0.001). Freedom from cardiac mortality at 20 years was 56.0 +/- 2.0% in
      diabetics and 68.4 +/- 1.0% in non-diabetics (P <0.001). In the propensity
      matched group, overall 20-year survival rates were 35.4 +/- 2.5% in diabetics and
      48.9 +/- 2.9% in non-diabetics (P <0.001). Freedom from cardiac mortality at 20
      years was 57.8 +/- 3.0% in diabetics and 70.2 +/- 2.9% in non-diabetics (P =
      0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified age (hazard ratio (HR):
      1.03/year), female gender (HR: 1.43), DM (HR: 1.51), previous myocardial
      infarction (HR: 1.54) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35% (HR:
      2.60) as independent factors influencing long-term cardiac mortality. CONCLUSION:
      Despite low operative mortality, long-term survival and freedom from cardiac
      death are significantly lower in patients with DM compared to non-diabetics.
      Aggressive treatment of DM, cardiovascular comorbidities and smoking cessation
      are essential to improve long-term survival in diabetic patients.

PMID- 27146461
TI  - Long-Term Oncological Safety of Minimally Invasive Hepatectomy in Patients with
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive hepatectomy (MIH) for patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is technically challenging, especially with large
      posteriorly located tumours or background of liver cirrhosis. This is a case
      control study comparing the long-term oncological safety of HCC patients who
      underwent MIH and open hepatectomy (OH). Most of these patients have liver
      cirrhosis compared to other studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were
      divided into 2 groups, 30 underwent MIH and 30 underwent OH for HCC resection.
      The patients in both groups were matched for extent of tumour resection, age and
      cirrhosis status. Patient characteristics, risk factors of HCC and all
      oncological data were studied. RESULTS: Negative resection margins were achieved
      in 97% of patients in both groups. The mean blood loss during surgery was
      significantly lower in the MIH group compared to the OH group (361 mL vs 740 mL;
      95% CI, 222.2, 734.9; P = 0.04). Hospitalisation is significantly shorter in MIH
      group (7 days vs 11 days; 95% CI, 6.9, 12.2,; P = 0.04). Eight patients (27%) in
      the MIH group and 13 patients (43%) in the OH group developed HCC recurrence (P =
      0.17). One, 3 and 5 years disease-free survival between MIH and OH groups are 76%
      vs 55%, 58% vs 47%, and 58% vs 39% respectively (P = 0.18). One, 3 and 5 years
      overall survival between MIH and OH groups are 93% vs 78%, 89% vs 70%, and 59% vs
      65% respectively (P = 0.41). CONCLUSION: MIH is a safe and feasible curative
      treatment option for HCC with similar oncological outcomes compared to OH. MIH
      can be safely performed to remove tumours larger than 5 cm, in cirrhotic liver,
      as well as centrally and posterior located tumours. In addition, MIH patients
      have significant shorter hospitalisation and intraoperative blood loss.

PMID- 27146462
TI  - A Practical Guide to Ordering and Interpreting Coagulation Tests for Patients on
      Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Singapore.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are establishing themselves as
      principle choices for the treatment of a variety of thrombotic disorders. DOACs
      are also known to affect common coagulation tests which are routinely performed
      for patients in clinical practice. An understanding of their varied effects is
      crucial for the appropriate ordering of coagulation tests and their
      interpretation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laboratories in public and private
      healthcare institutions and commercial sectors were surveyed on coagulation tests
      offered and their methods. A Medline and bibliography search, including a search
      on search engines, was performed for publications reporting the effects of
      dabigatran, apixaban and rivaroxaban on these coagulation tests. These papers
      were reviewed and summarised for consensus recommendations. RESULTS: Prothrombin
      time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) are variably affected
      by the DOACs and dependent of the coagulation assays used. Clinicians must know
      which laboratory has performed these tests to logically interpret test results. A
      normal PT or aPTT does not exclude the presence of residual DOACs effect. The
      thrombin time is sensitive to dabigatran but not apixaban or rivaroxaban.
      Specialised coagulation tests such as thrombophilia tests are also variably
      affected by the DOACs. All laboratories in Singapore however, employ similar test
      methods permitting a common set of recommendations for specialised coagulation
      testing. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the effects of DOACs on coagulation testing is
      essential to determine the appropriateness of performing such tests and
      interpreting them coherently. Practical recommendations which are tests and
      location-specific are set out in this paper.

PMID- 27146463
TI  - Viva-Asia Blood and Marrow Transplantation Groups - A Survey of Consortium
      Activity over a 12-year Period (2000 to 2011).

PMID- 27146464
TI  - Peripheral Osteoma of Palate.

PMID- 27146465
TI  - Icteric Intraductal Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Bile Duct Thrombus Masquerading
      as Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma.

PMID- 27146466
TI  - Fever in a Patient with a Previous Gastrectomy.

PMID- 27146467
TI  - The metabolic response to a high-fat diet reveals obesity-prone and -resistant
      phenotypes in mice with distinct mRNA-seq transcriptome profiles.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the phenotypic differences
      underpinning obesity susceptibility or resistance based on the metabolic and
      transcriptional profiling of C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS:
      The mice were fed either a normal diet or HFD for 12 weeks. After 6 weeks, the
      mice on HFD were classified as either obesity-prone (OP) or obesity-resistant
      (OR) depending on the body weight gain. RESULTS: Lipid profiles from plasma and
      liver significantly improved in OR mice relative to the OP group. Energy
      expenditure was greater in OR mice than in OP mice, with a simultaneous decrease
      in body fat mass. Epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) and liver were enlarged
      in OP mice (with visible immune-cell infiltration), but these effects were
      attenuated in OR mice compared with OP mice. Overall glucose metabolism was
      enhanced in OR mice compared with OP mice, including homeostasis model assessment
      for insulin resistance, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations, glucokinase
      activity and hepatic glycogen. Plasma adipokines and proinflammatory cytokines
      were upregulated in OP mice, and these changes were attenuated in OR mice.
      Transcriptomic profiles of eWAT and liver revealed common and divergent patterns
      of transcriptional changes in OP and OR mice, and pointed to differential
      metabolic phenotypes of OP and OR mice. There were substantial differences
      between OP and OR mice in molecular pathways, including atherosclerosis
      signaling, sperm motility, cAMP-mediated signaling in eWAT; and fibrosis,
      agranulocyte adhesion and diapedesis, and atherosclerosis signaling in liver.
      CONCLUSIONS: Taken altogether, the results provide robust evidence of major
      divergence in the transcriptomes, phenotypes and metabolic processes between
      obesity susceptibility and obesity resistance in the HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice.

PMID- 27146469
TI  - A methanotroph-based biorefinery: Potential scenarios for generating multiple
      products from a single fermentation.
AB  - Methane, a carbon source for methanotrophic bacteria, is the principal component
      of natural gas and is produced during anaerobic digestion of organic matter
      (biogas). Methanotrophs are a viable source of single cell protein (feed
      supplement) and can produce various products, since they accumulate osmolytes
      (e.g. ectoine, sucrose), phospholipids (potential biofuels) and biopolymers
      (polyhydroxybutyrate, glycogen), among others. Other cell components, such as
      surface layers, metal chelating proteins (methanobactin), enzymes (methane
      monooxygenase) or heterologous proteins hold promise as future products. Here,
      scenarios are presented where ectoine, polyhydroxybutyrate or protein G are
      synthesised as the primary product, in conjunction with a variety of ancillary
      products that could enhance process viability. Single or dual-stage processes and
      volumetric requirements for bioreactors are discussed, in terms of an annual
      biomass output of 1000 tonnesyear(-1). Product yields are discussed in relation
      to methane and oxygen consumption and organic waste generation. 

PMID- 27146468
TI  - Temporal Dysynchrony in brain connectivity gene expression following hypoxia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the fundamental biological importance and clinical relevance
      of characterizing the effects of chronic hypoxia exposure on central nervous
      system (CNS) development, the changes in gene expression from hypoxia are
      unknown. It is not known if there are unifying principles, properties, or logic
      in the response of the developing CNS to hypoxic exposure. Here, we use the small
      vertebrate zebrafish (Danio rerio) to study the effects of hypoxia on
      connectivity gene expression across development. We perform transcriptional
      profiling at high temporal resolution to systematically determine and then
      experimentally validate the response of CNS connectivity genes to hypoxia
      exposure. RESULTS: We characterized mRNA changes during development, comparing
      the effects of chronic hypoxia exposure at different time-points. We focused on
      changes in expression levels of a subset of 1270 genes selected for their roles
      in development of CNS connectivity, including axon pathfinding and synapse
      formation. We found that the majority of CNS connectivity genes were unaffected
      by hypoxia. However, for a small subset of genes hypoxia significantly affected
      their gene expression profiles. In particular, hypoxia appeared to affect both
      the timing and levels of expression, including altering expression of interacting
      gene pairs in a fashion that would potentially disrupt normal function.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study identifies the response of CNS connectivity genes
      to hypoxia exposure during development. While for most genes hypoxia did not
      significantly affect expression, for a subset of genes hypoxia changed both
      levels and timing of expression. Importantly, we identified that some genes with
      interacting proteins, for example receptor/ligand pairs, had dissimilar responses
      to hypoxia that would be expected to interfere with their function. The observed
      dysynchrony of gene expression could impair the development of normal CNS
      connectivity maps.

PMID- 27146471
TI  - Efficient quantum walk on a quantum processor.
AB  - The random walk formalism is used across a wide range of applications, from
      modelling share prices to predicting population genetics. Likewise, quantum walks
      have shown much potential as a framework for developing new quantum algorithms.
      Here we present explicit efficient quantum circuits for implementing continuous
      time quantum walks on the circulant class of graphs. These circuits allow us to
      sample from the output probability distributions of quantum walks on circulant
      graphs efficiently. We also show that solving the same sampling problem for
      arbitrary circulant quantum circuits is intractable for a classical computer,
      assuming conjectures from computational complexity theory. This is a new link
      between continuous-time quantum walks and computational complexity theory and it
      indicates a family of tasks that could ultimately demonstrate quantum supremacy
      over classical computers. As a proof of principle, we experimentally implement
      the proposed quantum circuit on an example circulant graph using a two-qubit
      photonics quantum processor.

PMID- 27146470
TI  - Are tuberculosis patients adherent to prescribed treatments in China? Results of
      a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) patients face numerous difficulties adhering to the
      long-term, rigorous TB treatment regimen. Findings on TB patients' treatment
      adherence vary across existing literature and official reports. The present study
      attempted to determine the actual treatment adherence of new TB patients and to
      identify factors leading to non-adherence. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 481
      newly confirmed TB patients from three counties in western China were enrolled
      during June to December 2012 and was followed until June 2013. Patients who
      missed at least one dose of drugs or one follow-up re-examination during the
      treatment course were deemed as non-adherent. Influencing factors were identified
      using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 173 (36.0 %) patients
      experienced non-adherence and the loss to follow-up cases reached 136 (28.2 %).
      Only 13.9 % of patients took drugs under direct observation, and 60.5 % of
      patients were supervised by phone calls. Factor analyses suggested that patients
      who were observed by family members (OR:5.54, 95 % CI:2.87-10.69) and paying
      monthly service expenses above 450 RMB (OR:2.08, 95 % CI:1.35-3.19) were more
      likely to be non-adherent, while supervision by home visit (OR:0.06, 95 % CI:0.01
      0.28) and phone calls (OR:0.27, 95 % CI:0.17-0.44) were protective factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite recent efforts, a large proportion of newly confirmed TB
      patients could not adhere to standard TB treatment, and patients' lost to follow
      up was still a serious problem. Poor treatment supervision and heavy financial
      burden might be the main causes for non-adherence. More needs to be done to
      enhance treatment supervision policies and financial supports to both health
      providers and TB patients.

PMID- 27146472
TI  - Multicentre study of short-course radiotherapy and transanal endoscopic
      microsurgery for early rectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Organ-preserving treatment for early-stage rectal cancer may avoid
      the substantial perioperative morbidity and functional sequelae associated with
      total mesorectal excision (TME). The initial results of an organ-preserving
      approach using preoperative short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) and transanal
      endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) are presented. METHODS: Patients with cT1-2N0
      rectal cancers staged using high-quality MRI and endorectal ultrasonography
      received SCRT, with TEMS 8-10 weeks later, at four regional referral centres
      between 2007 and 2013. Patients were generally considered high risk for TME
      surgery (a small number refused TME). RESULTS: Following SCRT and TEMS, 60 (97
      per cent) of 62 patients had an R0 resection. Histopathological staging
      identified 20 ypT0 tumours, 23 ypT1, 18 ypT2 and one ypT3. Preoperative uT
      category was significantly associated with a complete pathological response,
      which was achieved in 13 of 27 patients with uT0/uT1 disease and in five of 29
      with uT2 (P = 0.010). Acute complications affected 19 patients, the majority
      following TEMS. No fistulas occurred and no stomas were formed. Surveillance
      detected four intraluminal local recurrences at a median follow-up of 13 months,
      all in patients with tumours staged as ypT2. Salvage TME achieved R0 resection in
      three patients and a stent was placed in one patient owing to co-morbidities.
      CONCLUSION: SCRT with TEMS was effective in the majority of patients considered
      high risk for (or who refused) TME surgery.

PMID- 27146473
TI  - Utilising an innovative digital software to grade pre-clinical crown preparation
      exercise.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of dental students' pre-clinical work is the most
      critical component of the dental education process. Thus, this study came to
      investigate the effectiveness of using technology in students' pre-clinical work
      evaluation; by comparing grades generated from a digital assessment software of a
      prepared tooth and a traditional visual inspection carried out by four calibrated
      faculty members. METHODS: Ninety-six teeth were prepared for a ceramo-metal crown
      by fourth year dental students. The four examiners and the digital grading
      software evaluated independently each preparation once. A random sample of 20
      preparations were graded twice to assess intra-rater reliability. Inter-class
      correlation (ICC) was used to measure agreement among the four examiners, and
      between the examiners and the digital grading software. Paired student t-test was
      used to assess the accuracy of grades generated from visual inspection when
      compared to the digital grading system. RESULTS: Intra-rater reliability for
      examiners 1 and 2 were 0.73 and 0.78 and for the digital grading system was 0.99.
      The inter-rater reliability among the four examiners was very good, ICC of 0.76.
      However, the agreement between scores produced by the examiners and the digital
      system were mostly in the low to moderate range. The paired t-test demonstrated
      statistically significant differences between each examiner and the digital
      grading by 6-25 grades. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the digital
      grading system used in this study can reliably scan and compare students' tooth
      preparations to a known gold standard. Results of this study suggests that using
      digital grading will preclude the variability and the subjectivity that usually
      result from the traditional visual inspection grading.

PMID- 27146474
TI  - Impact of duration of untreated psychosis and premorbid intelligence on cognitive
      functioning in patients with first-episode schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neurotoxic hypothesis suggests that psychosis is toxic to the
      brain leading to clinical consequences. In this study, we hypothesized that a
      longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in first episode schizophrenia (FES)
      patients is associated with poorer cognitive functioning, and that higher
      premorbid intelligence buffers against DUP-related cognitive impairment. METHOD:
      Eighty-one FES patients completed a neuropsychological battery, the Brief
      Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Composite scores of the BACS,
      which were normalized to a matched healthy control of seventy-three subjects,
      were used as an index of general cognition. A median split using the Wide Range
      Achievement Test-Reading Test scores was used to divide the patients into low
      versus high premorbid IQ groups. Hierarchical linear regression was performed to
      examine predictors of general cognition, including DUP. RESULTS: Longer DUP was
      found to be a significant predictor of poorer general cognition. In addition, DUP
      predicted general cognition in the low premorbid IQ group but not in the high
      premorbid IQ group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that longer DUP in FES
      patients is associated with worse cognitive scores, and that this association is
      more pronounced in a subgroup of patients who have lower premorbid intelligence.
      Our results suggest the importance of earlier identification and management of
      patients with low premorbid IQ, given that their cognition may be more vulnerable
      to the toxicity of psychosis.

PMID- 27146475
TI  - Group mindfulness-based intervention for distressing voices: A pragmatic
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - Group Person-Based Cognitive Therapy (PBCT) integrates cognitive therapy and
      mindfulness to target distinct sources of distress in psychosis. The present
      study presents data from the first randomised controlled trial investigating
      group PBCT in people distressed by hearing voices. One-hundred and eight
      participants were randomised to receive either group PBCT and Treatment As Usual
      (TAU) or TAU only. While there was no significant effect on the primary outcome,
      a measure of general psychological distress, results showed significant between
      group post-intervention benefits in voice-related distress, perceived
      controllability of voices and recovery. Participants in the PBCT group reported
      significantly lower post-treatment levels of depression, with this effect
      maintained at six-month follow-up. Findings suggest PBCT delivered over 12weeks
      effectively impacts key dimensions of the voice hearing experience, supports
      meaningful behaviour change, and has lasting effects on mood.

PMID- 27146476
TI  - Effects of Anti-CD45RB Monoclonal Antibody for T Lymphocyte Subsets in Mice Heart
      Transplantation Model.
AB  - Anti-CD45RB monoclonal antibody (anti-CD45RBmAb), as a new immune tolerance
      inducer, may inhibit T cell proliferation and induce immune tolerance through
      competitive combination with CD45RB on the T cell surface, which blocks the
      conduction of activation signals. However, how anti-CD45RBmAb plays its role on T
      lymphocyte subsets during immunosuppression remains unclear. In this work, we
      investigate the effects of anti-CD45RBmAb on CD3(+) T lymphocyte both in vitro
      and in allogeneic heart transplant model in vivo. Interestingly, anti-CD45RBmAb
      could inhibit the proliferation of T cells, promote the transformation of T
      lymphocyte to Treg and Th2 cells, suppress the transformation to Th17 and Th1
      cells, increase the number of Ts cells, decrease the number of Tm cells and thus
      play a role in immune inhibition and induction of immune tolerance. 

PMID- 27146477
TI  - Non-targeted screening for contaminants in paper and board food-contact materials
      using effect-directed analysis and accurate mass spectrometry.
AB  - Due to large knowledge gaps in chemical composition and toxicological data for
      substances involved, paper and board food-contact materials (P&B FCM) have been
      emerging as a FCM type of particular concern for consumer safety. This study
      describes the development of a step-by-step strategy, including extraction, high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation, tentative identification
      of relevant substances and in vitro testing of selected tentatively identified
      substances. As a case study, we used two fractions from a recycled pizza box
      sample which exhibited aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity. These fractions
      were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and ultra-HPLC (UHPLC) coupled to
      quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometers (QTOF MS) in order tentatively to
      identify substances. The elemental composition was determined for peaks above a
      threshold, and compared with entries in a commercial mass spectral library for GC
      MS (GC-EI-QTOF MS) analysis and an in-house built library of accurate masses for
      substances known to be used in P&B packaging for UHPLC-QTOF analysis. Of 75
      tentatively identified substances, 15 were initially selected for further testing
      in vitro; however, only seven were commercially available and subsequently tested
      in vitro and quantified. Of these seven, the identities of three pigments found
      in printing inks were confirmed by UHPLC tandem mass spectrometry (QqQ MS/MS).
      Two pigments had entries in the database, meaning that a material relevant
      accurate mass database can provide a fast tentative identification. Pure
      standards of the seven tentatively identified substances were tested in vitro but
      could not explain a significant proportion of the AhR-response in the extract.
      Targeted analyses of dioxins and PCBs, both well-known AhR agonists, was
      performed. However, the dioxins could explain approximately 3% of the activity
      observed in the pizza box extract indicating that some very AhR active
      substance(s) still remain to be identified in recycled low quality P&B. 

PMID- 27146478
TI  - Fruit and fibroid: An alternative use of the Kiwi device.

PMID- 27146480
TI  - Cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase-deficient mice are protected from high-fat/high
      cholesterol diet-induced metabolic disorders.
AB  - Cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme in
      the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids in the liver. In addition to
      absorption and digestion of nutrients, bile acids play a critical role in the
      regulation of lipid, glucose, and energy homeostasis. We have backcrossed Cyp7a1(
      /-) mice in a mixed B6/129Sv genetic background to C57BL/6J mice to generate
      Cyp7a1(-/-) mice in a near-pure C57BL/6J background. These mice survive well and
      have normal growth and a bile acid pool size ~60% of WT mice. The expression of
      the genes in the alternative bile acid synthesis pathway are upregulated,
      resulting in a more hydrophilic bile acid composition with reduced cholic acid
      (CA). Surprisingly, Cyp7a1(-/-) mice have improved glucose sensitivity with
      reduced liver triglycerides and fecal bile acid excretion, but increased fecal
      fatty acid excretion and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) when fed a high
      fat/high-cholesterol diet. Supplementing chow and Western diets with CA restored
      bile acid composition, reversed the glucose tolerant phenotype, and reduced the
      RER. Our current study points to a critical role of bile acid composition, rather
      than bile acid pool size, in regulation of glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism
      to improve glucose and insulin tolerance, maintain metabolic homeostasis, and
      prevent high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders.

PMID- 27146482
TI  - Digoxin use after diagnosis of prostate cancer and survival: a population-based
      cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Preclinical studies have shown that digoxin exerts anticancer effects on
      different cancer cell lines including prostate cancer. A recent observational
      study has shown that digoxin use was associated with a 25% reduction in prostate
      cancer risk. The aim of this study was to investigate whether digoxin use after
      diagnosis of prostate cancer was associated with decreased prostate cancer
      specific mortality. METHODS: A cohort of 13 134 patients with prostate cancer
      newly diagnosed from 1998 to 2009 was identified from English cancer registries
      and linked to the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (to provide digoxin and
      other prescription records) and to the Office of National Statistics mortality
      data (to identify 2010 prostate cancer-specific deaths). Using time-dependent Cox
      regression models, unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) were calculated for the association between post-diagnostic
      exposure to digoxin and prostate cancer-specific mortality. RESULTS: Overall, 701
      (5%) patients with prostate cancer used digoxin after diagnosis. Digoxin use was
      associated with an increase in prostate cancer-specific mortality before
      adjustment (HR = 1.59; 95% CI 1.32-1.91), but after adjustment for confounders,
      the association was attenuated (adjusted HR = 1.13; 95% CI 0.93-1.37) and there
      was no evidence of a dose response. CONCLUSIONS: In this large population-based
      prostate cancer cohort, there was no evidence of a reduction in prostate cancer
      specific mortality with digoxin use after diagnosis. Copyright (c) 2016 John
      Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27146481
TI  - Incidence and prognosis of mid-back pain in the general population: A systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite being common early in life and affecting
      individuals' quality of life to the same degree as neck and low back pain,
      research into epidemiological aspects of mid-back pain (MBP) has been scarce. The
      purpose of our systematic review was therefore to describe the incidence and
      prognosis of MBP in the general population. The PRISMA Statement guided the study
      process. DATABASES: A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, PEDro, PsycINFO
      and Scopus. RESULTS: Of 3194 unique records identified, seven were included in
      our qualitative synthesis. The 3-month and 2-year incidence proportions of MBP in
      children and adolescents were approximately 4% and 50%, respectively. In adults,
      the 1-month incidence proportion was less than 1%. The persistence or recurrence
      of MBP over a 1- to 4-year period was between 13% and 45% in children and
      adolescents; a change in spinal pain location over time was common. Individuals
      reporting MBP have an increased risk of future care seeking compared with people
      without musculoskeletal complaints. No studies assessing adult MBP recovery
      trajectories or prognostic factors were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about
      the incidence and prognosis of MBP in the general population is limited. The
      incidence of MBP in children and adolescents seems to be similar to the incidence
      of neck and low back pain; in adults, it is lower than that of neck and low back
      pain. Studies investigating recovery trajectories of MBP in adults and prognostic
      factors for MBP are lacking. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: The incidence of mid-back
      pain (MBP) in young individuals is similar to that of neck and low back pain, and
      <=50% report persistent pain; however, the evidence base is limited. Knowledge
      about adult trajectories and prognostic factors for MBP is lacking.

PMID- 27146483
TI  - Study on the use of quantitative ultrasound evaluation of diabetic neuropathy in
      the rat sciatic nerve.
AB  - Ultrasound is an effective tool for peripheral disease with direct imaging of
      morphological and echogenic changes, but it has limitations when applied to
      evaluation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The aim of this study was to assess
      the role of ultrasound to quantitatively evaluate diabetic peripheral neuropathy
      in rat sciatic nerve. In our experiments, ultrasound imaging and
      electrophysiological examination testing of sciatic nerves were monitored in
      diabetic and control rats at the period of 1st and 4th month of hyperglycemia.
      Cross sectional area, intraneural echo intensity, inner diameter, motor nerve
      conduction velocity, and histological changes were measured and compared between
      diabetic and control groups. Intraneural hyperechoic were observed in the
      diabetic rats, and the echo intensity of the sciatic nerve was increased in
      diabetic rats rather than control lean rats at 4th month of hyperglycemia (p <
      0.05), which has shown a similar correlation with functional deficit and
      histological changes based on the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. We
      conclude that the echo intensity is potentially useful in detecting diabetic
      peripheral neuropathy, which can pave the way for more accurate and efficient
      diagnosis in clinical study.

PMID- 27146479
TI  - The role of ER stress in lipid metabolism and lipotoxicity.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a cellular organelle important for regulating
      calcium homeostasis, lipid metabolism, protein synthesis, and posttranslational
      modification and trafficking. Numerous environmental, physiological, and
      pathological insults disturb ER homeostasis, referred to as ER stress, in which a
      collection of conserved intracellular signaling pathways, termed the unfolded
      protein response (UPR), are activated to maintain ER function for cell survival.
      However, excessive and/or prolonged UPR activation leads to initiation of self
      destruction through apoptosis. Excessive accumulation of lipids and their
      intermediate products causes metabolic abnormalities and cell death, called
      lipotoxicity, in peripheral organs, including the pancreatic islets, liver,
      muscle, and heart. Because accumulating evidence links chronic ER stress and
      defects in UPR signaling to lipotoxicity in peripheral tissues, understanding the
      role of ER stress in cell physiology is a topic under intense investigation. In
      this review, we highlight recent findings that link ER stress and UPR signaling
      to the pathogenesis of peripheral organs due to lipotoxicity.

PMID- 27146484
TI  - Molecular insight into the regulation and function of MCAK.
AB  - Chromosome stability is ensured by precisely fine-tuned dynamics of mitotic
      spindles, which are controlled by a network of various microtubule-associated and
      interacting proteins including the kinesin-13 family. The best characterized
      member of this family is the mitotic centromere-associated kinesin (MCAK). By
      efficiently depolymerizing microtubules, MCAK influences various key events
      during mitosis. MCAK itself is regulated by its interaction partners, its
      intrinsic conformation switch and the phosphorylation of mitotic kinases like
      Aurora A/B, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 and Polo-like kinase 1. Perturbing its
      regulation alters MCAK's conformation, catalytic activity, subcellular
      localization and stability, leading further to mitotic defects in spindle
      formation and chromosome movement. Indeed, MCAK is aberrantly regulated in
      various cancer types, which is linked to increased invasiveness, metastasis and
      drug resistance. In the current review, we summarize recently published data
      concerning MCAK, correlate its conformation changes with its depolymerization
      activity and function, propose a model of its regulation by multiple mitotic
      kinases and highlight its potential involvement in oncogenesis and drug
      resistance.

PMID- 27146485
TI  - Physical activity initiated by employer and its health effects; an eight week
      follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While the health benefits of physical activity are well established,
      little is known about health effects of physical activity programs initiated by
      employer. METHODS: Background data and level of physical activity were collected
      by questionnaire among 78 men and 43 women working in road maintenance pre and
      post an 8-week physical activity motivational program. As a part of the program
      steps measured by accelerometer were registered online where team and individual
      performances could be continuously monitored. The physical activity levels were
      registered as 1) those physical active <=1 time per week, 2) 2-3 times per week
      and 3) >=4 times a week. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), blood pressure, resting
      heart rate (RHR) and blood samples (glycosylated hemoglobin, lipids and C
      reactive protein) were obtained at baseline and after eight weeks. Mixed models
      were applied to evaluate associations between physical activity and health
      parameters. RESULTS: With <=1 time per week as reference, exercising 2-3 times
      per week at baseline was associated with higher levels of VO2max. During follow
      up, VO2max increased with 2.8 mL ? kg(-1)? min(-1) (95 % CI = 1.4, 4.3). Women
      had more favorable body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, RHR and lipid profile
      than men. Total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), RHR and diastolic
      blood pressure (dBP) were lower among participants who exercised 2-3 times per
      week or >=4 times a week, compared with those with <=1 time per week. Half of the
      participants reported increased daily PA during follow-up, with high intensity PA
      such as jogging by 8.6 min (SD 14.6) and 8.3 min (SD 18.2), among women and men,
      respectively. During follow-up dBP increased among men. Further, total
      cholesterol and LDL were reduced by 0.12 mmol/L and 0.13 mmol/L, respectively (95
      % CI = -022, -0.01 and -0.22,-0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise several times a week
      was associated with lower blood pressure and a favorable lipid status compared to
      lower weekly activity. During the 8-week follow-up of an employer initiated
      exercise program VO2max increased, while total cholesterol and LDL were reduced.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN13033050 . Registered 21
      August 2015.

PMID- 27146486
TI  - The C-terminus of amelogenin enhances osteogenic differentiation of human
      cementoblast lineage cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Amelogenin proteins are the major constituent of
      developing extracellular enamel matrix and are believed to have an exclusively
      epithelial origin. Recent studies have suggested that amelogenins might induce
      the differentiation and maturation of various cells, including cementoblast
      lineage cells. However, the residues comprising the active site of amelogenin
      remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the active site region
      of amelogenin by studying the effects of amelogenin fragments on the osteogenic
      differentiation of cementoblasts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Amelogenin fragments
      lacking the C-terminus (rh163) and N-terminus (rh128) and a fragment consisting
      of the C-terminal region of rh174 (C11 peptide) were synthesized and purified.
      Human cementoblast lineage cells were cultured in osteogenic differentiation
      medium and treated with 0, 10, 100 or 1000 ng/mL of rh163, rh128 or C11 peptide.
      The mRNA levels of bone markers were examined by real-time polymerase chain
      reaction analysis. Alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition were also
      determined. Mineralization was evaluated by alizarin red staining. RESULTS: The
      osteogenic differentiation of human cementoblast lineage cells was significantly
      enhanced by treatment with rh128 or C11 peptide, whereas rh163 had no significant
      effect as compared with untreated controls. CONCLUSIONS: The C-terminus of
      amelogenin promotes the osteogenic differentiation of human cementoblast lineage
      cells, indicating the possible utility of C11 peptide in periodontal tissue
      regeneration.

PMID- 27146488
TI  - Prostate Artery Embolization as a New Treatment for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia:
      Contemporary Status in 2016.
AB  - The gold standard treatment for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is
      transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or open prostatectomy (OP).
      Recently, there has been increased interest and research in less invasive
      alternative treatments with less morbidity including prostate artery embolization
      (PAE). Several studies have shown PAE to be an effective alternative to TURP to
      treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH with decreased
      morbidity. Specifically, PAE has been advantageous in selected patient
      populations such as those with prostates too large for TURP or unsuitable
      surgical candidates, showing a promising potential for the future care of
      patients with BPH. Further studies are being done to demonstrate the clinical
      applications and advantages of this therapy in reduction of LUTS. 

PMID- 27146487
TI  - Membrane-association of mRNA decapping factors is independent of stress in
      budding yeast.
AB  - Recent evidence has suggested that the degradation of mRNA occurs on translating
      ribosomes or alternatively within RNA granules called P bodies, which are
      aggregates whose core constituents are mRNA decay proteins and RNA. In this
      study, we examined the mRNA decapping proteins, Dcp1, Dcp2, and Dhh1, using
      subcellular fractionation. We found that decapping factors co-sediment in the
      polysome fraction of a sucrose gradient and do not alter their behaviour with
      stress, inhibition of translation or inhibition of the P body formation.
      Importantly, their localisation to the polysome fraction is independent of the
      RNA, suggesting that these factors may be constitutively localised to the
      polysome. Conversely, polysomal and post-polysomal sedimentation of the decapping
      proteins was abolished with the addition of a detergent, which shifts the factors
      to the non-translating RNP fraction and is consistent with membrane association.
      Using a membrane flotation assay, we observed the mRNA decapping factors in the
      lower density fractions at the buoyant density of membrane-associated proteins.
      These observations provide further evidence that mRNA decapping factors interact
      with subcellular membranes, and we suggest a model in which the mRNA decapping
      factors interact with membranes to facilitate regulation of mRNA degradation.

PMID- 27146489
TI  - Illness Symptoms Experienced by Children Exposed to Benzene After a Flaring
      Incident at the BP Refinery Facility in Texas City.
AB  - Objective To evaluate the illness symptoms experienced by children who were
      exposed to benzene following a flaring incident at the BP refinery in Texas City,
      Texas. Methods A total of 641 children, aged <17 years, exposed to benzene were
      included. Using medical charts, data on the children's illness symptoms as well
      as the serum levels of beta-2-microglobulin and the amount of urinary excretion
      of phenol were reviewed and analyzed. Results A total of 1790 illness symptoms
      were reported in 641 children exposed to benzene. Upper respiratory symptoms were
      the most (67%) frequently reported, followed by neurological symptoms (57%),
      diarrhea (25%), and cough (24%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that
      neurological symptoms (R(2) = 0.75), chest pain (R(2) = 0.64), joint pain (R(2) =
      0.57), and vision difficulty (R(2) = 0.54) were positively associated with
      increasing age. beta-2-Microglobulin levels were significantly higher in children
      <5 years compared with those >5 year (P = .04). Conversely, urinary phenol levels
      were significantly lower in children <5 years compared with those >5 years (P =
      .00). Conclusion Together, these findings reveal that children exposed to benzene
      experience a range of illness symptoms and an altered profile of urinary phenol
      indicating their vulnerability to potentially increased health complications. 

PMID- 27146491
TI  - Caregivers' information needs and their 'experiences of care' during treatment
      are associated with elevated anxiety and depression: a cross-sectional study of
      the caregivers of renal cancer survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the unmet needs and psychological distress
      (anxiety and depression) in family caregivers of renal cell carcinoma survivors.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. Unmet needs were assessed with
      the Supportive Care Needs Survey-Partners and Caregivers (SCNS-P&C)
      questionnaire, and psychological distress was measured with the Hospital Anxiety
      and Depression Scale (HADS) in a telephone survey of 196 caregivers of renal cell
      carcinoma (RCC) survivors. Chi-square tests examined bivariate relationships, and
      multivariate logistic regression examined the associations between anxiety and
      depression and of unmet needs with caregivers' experience of patients' care, time
      spent caregiving, caregivers' demographic characteristics and patients' disease
      stage. RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of caregivers had at least one low, moderate
      or high unmet need, with 53 % reporting at least three needs and 29 % reporting
      10 or more unmet needs (median 2, range 0-38). Elevated anxiety (HADS-A > 8) and
      depression (HADS-D > 8) were found in 29 and 11 % of the sample, respectively.
      Psychological and emotional needs were associated with advanced cancer stage
      (stages 3 and 4) (OR 3.07, 95 % CI 1.35-6.76) and with experience of care during
      surgery (OR 0.87, 95 % CI 0.78-0.99). Healthcare service needs were associated
      with time spent caregiving, with caregivers spending >1 h/day in the past week
      having three times higher odds (OR 3.44, 95 % CI 1.52-7.72) than those not
      spending any time. Odds of experiencing information needs were lower in
      caregivers who were in a relationship (OR 0.20, 95 % CI 0.04-0.83). Elevated
      anxiety (OR 1.59, 95 % CI 1.09-2.33) and depression (OR 2.02, 95 % CI 1.08-3.79)
      were associated with unmet information needs. Depression was also associated with
      experiences of care during treatment (OR 0.69, 95 % CI 0.49-0.96). CONCLUSION:
      RCC caregivers' unmet information needs are associated with elevated anxiety and
      depression. Improved experiences of cancer care are associated with lower odds of
      unmet needs and elevated depression in RCC caregivers.

PMID- 27146493
TI  - Impact of obesity and exercise on chemotherapy-related fatigue.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy often
      develop fatigue from their treatment that may persist for months. While the
      positive effects of physical activity in cancer patients are increasingly
      recognized, the impact of obesity on chemotherapy-induced fatigue has not been
      well studied. METHODS: Female age 35-75 years with stage I-III breast cancer
      receiving adjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled in an IRB-approved study. Patient
      fatigue was self-reported using a 14-question fatigue symptom inventory. Patients
      were queried about fatigue and their level of exercise before, during, and after
      completion of chemotherapy. BMI was measured prior to their first cycle of
      chemotherapy. RESULTS: Of the 47 evaluable patients, 37 reported performing
      exercise on a regular basis. Following chemotherapy, 53 % of the exercise group
      and 80 % of the non-exercise group displayed a worsening of their FS. In patients
      with a BMI < 25, the fatigue score (FS) after chemotherapy was 27.6 in the
      exercise group versus 40.5 in the non-exercise group. In patients with a BMI >
      25, the FS after chemotherapy was 25.96 in the exercise group versus 32.6 in the
      non-exercise group. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates a trend towards fatigue
      reduction with exercise even in patients who are overweight. Thus, an elevated
      BMI at diagnosis does not preclude a breast cancer patient from experiencing the
      same positive effects from exercise on chemotherapy-related fatigue as patients
      with normal BMIs. This indicates an important role of physicians in the primary
      care setting to encourage patients to initiate physical activity when offering
      cancer-screening services.

PMID- 27146492
TI  - Barriers and facilitators to endocrine therapy adherence among underserved
      hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer survivors: a qualitative study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the barriers and facilitators to taking anti-hormonal
      medications among medically and historically underserved breast cancer survivors
      within the first 5 years post chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery. METHODS:
      The current study was framed within the National Institutes of Health Centers for
      Population Health and Health Disparities Model (NIHCPHHD Model). Twenty-five
      historically or medically underserved breast cancer survivors participated in an
      in-depth interview, in either English or Spanish. Interviews were audio recorded
      and transcribed verbatim. Interview data were analyzed using content analysis.
      RESULTS: Anti-hormonal medication adherence was facilitated in several ways,
      including establishing a routine of medication taking, leaving the medicine in a
      visible or easily accessible place, taking the medication with other medications,
      reducing the cost of medicine, using a pillbox, understanding the negative
      consequences of lack of adherence, and having positive interactions with
      physicians. Side effects were the most commonly mentioned barrier to medication
      adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to other research, this qualitative study of
      medically and historically underserved breast cancer survivors in the USA found
      that side effects are the most frequently endorsed barrier to anti-hormonal
      medication adherence. Conversely, there were a number of facilitators of correct
      and consistent anti-hormonal medication use. The management of side effects is
      critically important to increase adherence to anti-hormonal medications. Health
      care providers, support providers, and caregivers can encourage breast cancer
      survivors to better adhere to anti-hormonal medications using a number of
      approaches that have been successful for other women.

PMID- 27146494
TI  - Barriers and facilitators in coping with patient death in clinical oncology.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators in
      coping with patient death in the oncology context. METHODS: The grounded theory
      method was used to collect and analyze the data. Twenty-two oncologists were
      interviewed between March 2013 and June 2014 from three adult oncology centers.
      Oncologists were at different stages of their careers and varied in their sub
      specialties, gender, and personal and professional backgrounds. RESULTS: The
      analysis revealed that facilitators to coping with patient death included
      cognitive, behavioral, relational, professional, and spiritual coping strategies.
      Behavioral coping strategies included sports, hobbies, entertainment, and taking
      vacations. Cognitive strategies included accepting and normalizing death and
      focusing on the positive, and on successes in the practice of oncology.
      Relational coping strategies included accessing social support from family,
      friends, and colleagues. Professional coping strategies included focusing on
      work, withdrawing from patients at end of life, and compartmentalization.
      Spiritual coping strategies included turning to faith and religious coping.
      Oncologists also reported a number of challenges and barriers in coping
      effectively with patient deaths. These included challenges in accessing social
      support, challenges that were related to gender and expression of emotion, and
      challenges in maintaining emotional boundaries when patients died. CONCLUSIONS:
      Oncologists turn to a number of diverse coping strategies in dealing with patient
      death, but many obstacles to accessing this support were reported. Targeted
      interventions for managing and coping with grief related to patient death need to
      be developed to support oncologists in their emotionally difficult work.

PMID- 27146495
TI  - The lived experience of fatigue in children and adolescents with cancer: a
      systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Objectives of this systematic review were to summarize how fatigue has
      been described from the perspective of children and adolescents with cancer, the
      impact of fatigue on quality of life, and child reported contributing factors and
      potential alleviators of fatigue. METHODS: We conducted electronic searches of
      Ovid Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Science Citation, Social Science Citation (Web of
      Science), and CINAHL. We included studies of children and adolescents with cancer
      in which the experience of fatigue was described by the child/adolescent. The
      search was restricted to publications in English. Themes were summarized.
      RESULTS: Eleven studies were represented in 18 publications. Ages of included
      children ranged from 6 to 19 years. Majority of studies used semi-structured
      interviews to elicit participant's perceptions of fatigue. Terms used to describe
      fatigue included the following: tiredness, weary, loss of strength, dizziness,
      feeling drained, feeling drowsy, lacking motivation, exhaustion, and feeling
      emotional. Impact of fatigue related to not being able to participate in regular
      activities; needing to sleep or rest more; and impact on psychosocial health.
      Perceived alleviators of fatigue included exercise, distraction, rest, eating,
      and drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue is impactful from the perspective of children
      and adolescents. Future research should focus on prospective exploration of the
      impact of fatigue on pediatric cancer patients and identifying approaches to
      reduce fatigue.

PMID- 27146497
TI  - Change in bone mineral density during adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage
      breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Adjuvant chemotherapy has been associated with loss of bone mineral
      density (BMD) either as a direct effect or due to glucocorticoids used as
      supportive care medication. A prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate
      changes in BMD from baseline to right after completion of chemotherapy, i.e., 4
      months. METHODS: Dual-imaging X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was performed at
      baseline and after completing anthracycline- and taxane-based chemotherapy to
      measure BMD in the spine, hip, and forearm in early-stage breast cancer patients.
      High-dose prednisolone was used at three weekly intervals to reduce nausea and
      vomiting. Patients were advised a daily calcium/vitamin D supplement. Linear
      regression was used to assess mean percentage change in BMD and 95 % confidence
      intervals (95 % CI) according to doses of prednisolone, menopausal status,
      smoking, and BMI. RESULTS: Eight patients were excluded: seven because of
      initiation of bisphosphonate treatment due to osteoporosis at baseline, and one
      had non-interpretable DXA. The final cohort included 97 patients with a mean age
      of 53 years (range 34-72). Mean cumulative prednisolone dose was 1308 mg (95 % CI
      1255; 1362). BMD increased 1.36 % (95 % CI 0.7; 2.0, p < 0.001) in the spine and
      1.27 % (95 % CI 0.9; 1.7, p < 0.001) in the hip. Forearm BMD did not change.
      Postmenopausal women had increases in spine BMD of 2.35 % (95 % CI 1.1; 3.6, p <
      0.001) compared to premenopausal women. The spine BMD of current smokers
      decreased 1.67 % (95 % CI -3.3; -0.1, p = 0.04) compared to never/former smokers.
      CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant chemotherapy supplemented with prednisolone was not
      associated with loss of BMD. Postmenopausal women gained bone mass, whereas
      current smokers lost bone mass.

PMID- 27146498
TI  - Emplotting Hikikomori: Japanese Parents' Narratives of Social Withdrawal.
AB  - Hikikomori, often glossed as "social withdrawal," emerged as a sociomedical
      condition among Japanese youth at the end of the twentieth century, and it
      continues to fascinate and concern the public. Explanatory frameworks for
      hikikomori abound, with different stakeholders attributing it to individual
      psychopathology, poor parenting, and/or a lack of social support structures. This
      article takes an interpretive approach to hikikomori by exploring parents'
      narrative constructions of hikikomori children in support group meetings and in
      depth interviews. I argue that some parents were able to find hope in hikikomori
      by 'emplotting' their children's experiences into a larger narrative about onset,
      withdrawal, and recovery, which helped them remain invested in the present by
      maintaining a sense of possibility about the future. Contrary to literature that
      examines hikikomori as an epidemic of isolated individuals, I demonstrate how
      parents play a key role in hikikomori through meaning-making activities that have
      the potential to shape their children's experiences of withdrawal.

PMID- 27146496
TI  - Taxane acute pain syndrome (TAPS) in patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy
      for breast cancer-a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Taxane acute pain syndrome (TAPS) is characterized by myalgias and
      arthralgias starting 24-48 h after taxane-based chemotherapy and lasting for 5-7
      days. Relatively little is known about its incidence and impact on quality of
      life. OBJECTIVES: A systematic review was conducted evaluating the incidence of
      TAPS in breast cancer patients receiving taxane-based chemotherapy. METHODS:
      Embase, Cochrane, and Ovid MEDLINE were searched from 1947 to July 2015. Data was
      sought from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective
      observational studies. Two reviewers independently screened citations and full
      text articles. Outcomes of interest were the incidence of TAPS and its impact on
      quality of life. RESULTS: Of 980 citations identified, 51 relevant studies
      (27,007 patients) were included. Data came from RCTs (12,357 patients),
      retrospective (6566 patients) and prospective observational studies (6210
      patients). Study sample sizes ranged from 14 to 4149 patients (median 152). Given
      the significance between study heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not performed.
      The incidence of TAPS varied between taxanes: paclitaxel (median 13.1 %, range
      0.9-86 %), docetaxel (median 10.5 %, range 3.6-70 %), and nab-paclitaxel (26 %,
      range 14-43 %). In the metastatic setting, median incidence was 30 % (range 5.4
      73 %), compared with 11.3 % (range 0.9-86 %) in the adjuvant setting. Three out
      of eight studies assessing quality of life demonstrated pain interference with
      daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of TAPS varies between taxanes,
      regimens, and disease settings. In order to identify patients at the greatest
      risk of TAPS, and hence optimize its prevention and management, standardized
      methods of diagnosing and measuring TAPS are needed.

PMID- 27146499
TI  - [Response of BRAF(L597Q)-mutant melanoma to trametinib : Targeted melanoma
      therapy beyond BRAF(V600) mutations].
AB  - Approximately 7 % of melanomas have a BRAF mutation beyond codon 600. These
      mutations can be BRAF activating without being addressable by an approved BRAF
      inhibitor. The case of a patient with fulminant metastatic melanoma and a
      BRAF(L597Q) mutation is presented. It is demonstrated that the tumor shows an
      excellent response to the MEK inhibitor trametinib. This is an example for
      possible targeted therapy in a non-V600-mutated melanoma resulting in a 17-month
      overall survival. 

PMID- 27146500
TI  - Bariatric Surgery in China: How Is This New Concept Going?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity has become an epidemic in developing countries including
      China. The use of bariatric surgery to treat obesity has grown in popularity
      worldwide, but it is still a new concept in China. This study aims to investigate
      the trends in bariatric surgery in China. METHODS: An electronic search of the
      MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure was conducted to
      select studies for this survey. RESULTS: A total of 7779 bariatric procedures
      were reported from 2001 to 2015, most of which (89.2 %) were performed in the
      most recent 5 years. Further, 70.9 % of all procedures were performed to treat
      obesity and related comorbidities, defined as metabolic surgery. The data showed
      89.4 % of all operations were performed laparoscopically. The absolute number of
      bariatric surgeries increased 148.7 times in the last 5 years compared to the
      2001-2005 period. The percentage of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses
      performed increased from 0 to 62.2 %, and the percentage of laparoscopic sleeve
      gastrectomies from 0 to 12.7 %. The percentage of laparoscopic adjustable gastric
      bands increased dramatically from 0 to 73.3 % in the 2006-2010 period, but it
      dropped quickly to 12.9 % in the 2011-2015 period. Most operations (66.7 %) were
      conducted in the East area, which is the most developed economic region in China.
      There was limited surgical innovation or original research reported in China.
      CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery is still at an early stage in China, but is now
      experiencing an explosive growth. A national registry system needs to be
      established to record and provide precise data.

PMID- 27146501
TI  - Comparison Between Different Intramuscular Vitamin B12 Supplementation Regimes: a
      Retrospective Matched Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency after bariatric surgery can
      range from 26 to 70 %. There is no consensus on optimal vitamin B12
      supplementation in postbariatric patients. The objective of this study was to
      compare three different regimes. METHODS: In this retrospective matched cohort
      study, we included 63 patients with methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels >=300 nmol/L.
      Group A (n = 21) received 6 intramuscular (im) vitamin B12 injections including a
      loading dose, group B (n = 21) received 3 im vitamin B12 injections without
      loading dose and group C (n = 21) received no im vitamin B12 injections. RESULTS:
      The total post-bariatric patient population consisted of 14 males (22.2 %) and 49
      women (77.8 %) with a mean current body mass index of 30.6 +/- 8.0 kg/m2. There
      was no significant difference in vitamin B12 and MMA levels between 3 groups at
      baseline. There was a significant difference in follow-up vitamin B12 levels of
      group A compared to group B (p = 0.02) and group A compared to group C (p =
      0.03). In the follow-up results, there is also a significant decrease in MMA
      levels of group A compared to group B (p = 0.02), group A compared to group C (p
      < 0.001), and group B compared to group C (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this study,
      a shorter injection regime is probably not sufficient to treat a vitamin B12
      deficiency. An injection regime with 6 injections recovered all vitamin B12
      deficiencies biochemically. MMA levels cannot recover spontaneously over time
      without additional im injection regime.

PMID- 27146503
TI  - The role of transforming growth factor beta 1 in communicating and non
      communicating hydrocele.
AB  - PURPOSE: Repair of inguinal hernia and hydrocele are one of the most common
      operations performed by surgeons. However, the exact biological mechanism
      responsible for the closure of processus vaginalis (PV) is not completely
      understood. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) is a potent fibrogenic
      agent and probably stimulate fibrosis and disappearing of PV. METHODS: From
      September 2012 to December 2014, all boys from 1 to 5 years who were referred for
      surgery of hydrocele were divided into two groups of communicating (HC) or non
      communicating hydrocele (HNC). During surgery, the fluid in the sac was aspirated
      and sent for biochemical evaluation including calcium, phosphorus, total protein,
      and TGF-beta1. Finally, a biopsy of the sac was sent to the pathology. The
      results obtained were considered statistically significant (P < 0.05). RESULTS:
      The patients were categorized into two groups of non-communicating hydrocele,
      including 43 patients and communicating, including 33. The patients studied were
      aged 1-5 years (mean 33.6 months). Biochemical tests on hydrocele fluid showed no
      significant difference in the levels of calcium, phosphorus, total protein, and
      bilirubin between two groups. However, mean TGF-beta1 in NHC was found to be
      53.45-114.28 pg/ml in HC group. A statistically significant difference (P = 0.04)
      was obtained. Furthermore, the study showed higher amounts of muscles in NHC (P <
      0.001). CONCLUSION: The amount of TGF-beta1 was higher in HC fluid than in non
      communicating. To investigate the role of cytokine in the closure of PV, further
      studies will be required.

PMID- 27146502
TI  - Recurrence mechanisms after inguinal hernia repair by the Onstep technique: a
      case series.
AB  - PURPOSE: Inguinal hernia repairs should have few complications and a short
      learning curve. A new operation called Onstep has promising results, but still
      some recurrences. The aim of the study was to find reasons for recurrence, by
      studying the re-operations. METHODS: The study is a case series, where 565
      patients operated with Onstep at six hospitals between December 2011 and April
      2015 were identified. If a recurrence had occurred, the description of the re
      operation was studied and compared to the primary Onstep operation. RESULTS: We
      found 26 inguinal hernia recurrences, giving a recurrence rate of 4.6 %. The
      reasons for recurrence were a cranial displacement of the mesh in five patients,
      a caudal displacement in three patients, a folded mesh in one patient, and broken
      sutures in the mesh laterally in six patients. We found indications of a learning
      curve, since 70 % of the recurrences had their primary operation among the first
      half of the total Onstep procedures. Another finding was that 30 patients had
      complaints from the ring in the mesh, and most of these patients were slender.
      Fifteen patients have had the ring removed, and for six patients with a follow
      up, the complaints have been reduced or disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: The main
      reasons for recurrence may be broken sutures in the mesh laterally or a
      suboptimal size of the opening in fascia transversalis medially, enabling the
      mesh to displace. Furthermore, the results suggest a learning curve. These
      findings may guide further improvement in the Onstep method for inguinal hernia
      repair.

PMID- 27146504
TI  - Comparing Lichtenstein with darning for inguinal hernia repair in an African
      population.
AB  - PURPOSE: Being a relatively new entrant into our practice, mesh repair has not
      been compared with previously existing tissue-based techniques in our setting.
      This study is set out to compare darning with Lichtenstein technique of inguinal
      hernia repair in terms of frequency of post-operative complications, recovery and
      cost. METHOD: Patients with uncomplicated, primary inguinal hernia were
      randomized to have their hernias repaired either by the Lichtenstein or darning
      technique. Details of their socio-demographic, hernia characteristics and intra
      operative findings were recorded. Postoperatively patients were assessed for
      pain, wound site complications and recurrence. Both direct and indirect costs
      were calculated. Mean duration of follow-up was 7.5 months. RESULT: Sixty-seven
      patients were studied. Thirty-three had Lichtenstein repair while 34 had darning
      repair. Lichtenstein repair was associated with less post-operative pain, less
      analgesic requirement, and shorter time of return to work activities, these were
      all statistically significant (p < 0.05). Frequency of post-operative
      complications was comparable in both groups with wound haematoma and scrotal
      oedema being the commonest. There was no recurrence in any of the groups. Total
      cost was comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Lichtenstein is superior
      to darning in terms of post-operative recovery while both techniques are
      comparable in terms of frequency of early post-operative complications and total
      cost.

PMID- 27146505
TI  - Effects of Chlorine Stress on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm and Analysis of
      Related Gene Expressions.
AB  - Chlorine is deployed worldwide to clean waters and prevent water-originated
      illnesses. However, chlorine has a limited disinfection capacity against
      biofilms. Microorganisms form biofilms to protect themselves from biological
      threats such as disinfectant chemicals. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an
      opportunistic pathogen and its biofilm form attaches to surfaces, living buried
      into exopolysaccharides, can be present in all watery environments including tap
      water and drinking water. This research aimed to study the biofilm trigger
      mechanism of the opportunistic pathogen P. aeruginosa PAO1 strain, which is known
      to form biofilm in water supply systems and human body, under chlorine stress
      levels. In addition to biofilm staining, certain genes that are relevant to the
      stress condition were selected for gene expression analysis. The bacteria
      cultures were grown under chlorine stress with concentrations of 0.5, 0.7 and 1
      mg/l. Six gene regions were determined related to biofilm and stress response:
      rpoS, bifA, migA, katB, soxR, and algC. Biofilm formation was analyzed by basic
      fuchsin staining, and gene expressions were quantified by quantitative real-time
      PCR. According to the results, highest biofilm production was observed in P.
      aeruginosa PAO1 wild strain under no stress conditions. Higher biofilm amounts
      were observed for bacteria under 0.5 and 0.7 mg/l chlorine stress compared to 1
      mg/l chlorine stress. 

PMID- 27146506
TI  - Antimicrobial Hyaluronic Acid-Cefoxitin Sodium Thin Films Produced by
      Electrospraying.
AB  - The healing properties of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the recovery of wounds are well
      known. Cefoxitin (Cef), a cephalosporin antibiotic, is generally used to prevent
      and treat postoperative infections. In this study, we describe the incorporation
      of Cef in HA thin films (Cef-HAF) by using electrospraying. Scanning electron
      microscopy images showed that HA-containing thin films (HAF) were composed of
      numerous nanoparticles (255 +/- 177 nm in diameter) with irregular surfaces,
      connected to each other with nanofibers of 50 +/- 11 nm in diameter. Cef-HAF
      contained fewer, but larger, particles (551 +/- 293 nm) with smooth surfaces and
      were interconnected with nanofibers of 61 +/- 13 nm in diameter. Differences in
      surface morphology between HAF and Cef-HAF were confirmed by atomic force
      microscopy. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction analyses revealed
      that Cef was not modified when incorporated into Cef-HAF and remained active
      against Klebsiella pneumoniae Xen 39, Staphylococcus aureus Xen 36 and Listeria
      monocytogenes EDGe. Nanofiber scaffolds of HA-containing Cef may be used in
      dressings to control postoperative infections. 

PMID- 27146507
TI  - A LC-MS-MS method to detect recombinant bovine somatotropin misuse in buffalos.
AB  - Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) is a peptide hormone used to increase milk
      yield in cows and buffalos. In Europe, its use has been banned. However, rbST is
      sometimes illegally included in zootechnical practices for profit purposes,
      undermining the fair trade and the law prescriptions. For this reason, efficient
      and reliable analytical techniques are required to contrast rbST misuse. A few LC
      MS-MS methods have been developed to detect, in cow serum, methyonil-rbST, one of
      the two main rbST forms available on the market. The other form, which is
      widespread, is identical to the most abundant variant of bovine somatotropin
      (bST) and differs from the buffalo somatotropin for one amino acid in the N
      terminus. For this reason, it is technically possible to distinguish both rbST
      forms in serum of buffalos. In this work, we describe a novel LC-MS-MS-based
      method, capable to quantify, with a high sensitivity and selectivity, the
      methyonil-rbST and the other bST-identical recombinant form in buffalo serum,
      previously purified using a solid-phase extraction procedure. The method was
      internally validated and used to analyse 152 serum samples, collected from eight
      buffalos administered with rbST for a period of 3 months, according to
      conventional protocols. The obtained results confirmed the suitability of the
      method in the detection of illegal hormonal treatments. Graphical abstract ?. 

PMID- 27146508
TI  - Dental treatment for people with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - AIM: To describe the nature and consequences of the multi-system genetic
      condition cystic fibrosis with a view to ensuring optimal dental treatment
      planning for these patients. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to
      identify the key medical and dental manifestations of cystic fibrosis. These
      findings are discussed and utilised to create recommendations for treatment
      planning in patients with cystic fibrosis for the practising dental practitioner.
      RESULTS: Cystic fibrosis is a complex, lethal, multisystem autosomal recessive
      disorder resulting from mutations on chromosome 7 which result in dysfunction of
      an ion channel that sits on epithelial surfaces. Respiratory disease remains the
      leading cause of mortality. Survival has greatly increased in recent decades
      secondary to improved treatment and specialist care. Specific dental
      manifestations of the disease may result from the condition itself or
      complications of treatment. Modification of patient management may be necessary
      to provide optimum patient care. CONCLUSION: The pathophysiology and clinical
      manifestations are relevant to practicing dental practitioners and inform
      recommendations to be utilised to ensure optimal treatment planning for these
      patients.

PMID- 27146509
TI  - Fluoride levels in UK infant milks.
AB  - AIM: To provide a comprehensive report of fluoride concentration in UK infant
      milks and estimate their contribution to daily fluoride intake. METHODS: A total
      of 60 formula milk products available commercially or within a hospital
      environment were analysed, along with eight pasteurised cow's milk samples.
      Formula milk products requiring preparation were reconstituted with fresh Leeds
      tap water (0.02 ppmF). Fluoride concentration was measured for all products
      directly using an ion selective electrode after addition of low-level total ionic
      strength adjustment buffer. RESULTS: The overall median fluoride concentration
      for the 68 infant milks was 0.025 ppmF, with a wide range of 0.002-0.282 ppmF.
      Analysis revealed variation between composition and manufacturer, in addition to
      differences between measured and labeled fluoride concentration. Although all
      products contained low fluoride concentration, the fluoride concentrations for
      formula milks used within the hospital setting (0.029 ppmF) were statistically
      higher in comparison to the commercial formula milk (0.016 ppmF) and cow's milk
      (0.017 ppmF) products. The daily fluoride contribution from infant milks was low;
      0.0034 mgF/kg body weight per day was estimated between birth and 6 months of
      age, further decreasing as intake of infant milk decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS:
      Fluoride concentration of the analysed infant milks is low, providing minimal
      contribution towards total daily F intake and alone are unlikely to pose a threat
      for the development of dental fluorosis.

PMID- 27146511
TI  - Nonverbal and paraverbal behavior in (simulated) medical visits related to
      genomics and weight: a role for emotion and race.
AB  - It is crucial to examine patient reactions to genomics-informed approaches to
      weight management within a clinical context, and understand the influence of
      patient characteristics (here, emotion and race). Examining nonverbal reactions
      offers a window into patients' implicit cognitive, attitudinal and affective
      processes related to clinical encounters. We simulated a weight management
      clinical interaction with a virtual reality-based physician, and experimentally
      manipulated patient emotional state (anger/fear) and whether the physician made
      genomic or personal behavior attributions for weight. Participants were 190
      overweight females who racially identified as either Black or White. Participants
      made less visual contact when receiving genomic information in the anger
      condition, and Black participants exhibited lowered voice pitch when receiving
      genomic information. Black participants also increased their interpersonal
      distance when receiving genomic information in the anger condition. By studying
      non-conscious nonverbal behavior, we can better understand the nuances of these
      interactions. Trial registry clinicaltrials.gov NCT01888913.

PMID- 27146512
TI  - Physiologic Reelin does not play a strong role in protection against acute
      stroke.
AB  - Stroke and Alzheimer's disease, two diseases that disproportionately affect the
      aging population, share a subset of pathological findings and risk factors. The
      primary genetic risk factor after age for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, ApoE4,
      has also been shown to increase stroke risk and the incidence of post-stroke
      dementia. One mechanism by which ApoE4 contributes to disease is by inducing in
      neurons a resistance to Reelin, a neuromodulator that enhances synaptic function.
      Previous studies in Reelin knockout mice suggest a role for Reelin in protection
      against stroke; however, these studies were limited by the developmental
      requirement for Reelin in neuronal migration. To address the question of the
      effect of Reelin loss on stroke susceptibility in an architecturally normal
      brain, we utilized a novel mouse with induced genetic reduction of Reelin. We
      found that after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, mice with complete
      adult loss of Reelin exhibited a similar level of functional deficit and extent
      of infarct as control mice. Together, these results suggest that physiological
      Reelin does not play a strong role in protection against stroke pathology.

PMID- 27146510
TI  - CD40 in coronary artery disease: a matter of macrophages?
AB  - Coronary artery disease (CAD), also known as ischemic heart disease (IHD), is the
      leading cause of mortality in the western world, with developing countries
      showing a similar trend. With the increased understanding of the role of the
      immune system and inflammation in coronary artery disease, it was shown that
      macrophages play a major role in this disease. Costimulatory molecules are
      important regulators of inflammation, and especially, the CD40L-CD40 axis is of
      importance in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Although it was shown
      that CD40 can mediate macrophage function, its exact role in macrophage biology
      has not gained much attention in cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the goal of
      this review is to give an overview on the role of macrophage-specific CD40 in
      cardiovascular disease, with a focus on coronary artery disease. We will discuss
      the function of CD40 on the macrophage and its (proposed) role in the reduction
      of atherosclerosis, the reduction of neointima formation, and the stimulation of
      arteriogenesis.

PMID- 27146513
TI  - Stress does not increase blood-brain barrier permeability in mice.
AB  - Several studies have reported that exposure to acute psychophysiological
      stressors can lead to an increase in blood-brain barrier permeability, but these
      findings remain controversial and disputed. We thoroughly examined this issue by
      assessing the effect of several well-established paradigms of acute stress and
      chronic stress on blood-brain barrier permeability in several brain areas of
      adult mice. Using cerebral extraction ratio for the small molecule tracer sodium
      fluorescein (NaF, 376 Da) as a sensitive measure of blood-brain barrier
      permeability, we find that neither acute swim nor restraint stress lead to
      increased cerebral extraction ratio. Daily 6-h restraint stress for 21 days, a
      model for the severe detrimental impact of chronic stress on brain function, also
      does not alter cerebral extraction ratio. In contrast, we find that cold forced
      swim and cold restraint stress both lead to a transient, pronounced decrease of
      cerebral extraction ratio in hippocampus and cortex, suggesting that body
      temperature can be an important confounding factor in studies of blood-brain
      barrier permeability. To additionally assess if stress could change blood-brain
      barrier permeability for macromolecules, we measured cerebral extraction ratio
      for fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (70 kDa). We find that neither acute
      restraint nor cold swim stress affected blood-brain barrier permeability for
      macromolecules, thus corroborating our findings that various stressors do not
      increase blood-brain barrier permeability.

PMID- 27146514
TI  - Improved in vivo antitumor effect of a daunorubicin - GnRH-III bioconjugate
      modified by apoptosis inducing agent butyric acid on colorectal carcinoma bearing
      mice.
AB  - Compared to classical chemotherapy, peptide-based drug targeting is a promising
      therapeutic approach for cancer, which can provide increased selectivity and
      decreased side effects to anticancer drugs. Among various homing devices,
      gonadotropin-releasing hormone-III (GnRH-III) peptide represents a suitable
      targeting moiety, in particular in the treatment of hormone independent tumors
      that highly express GnRH receptors (e.g. colon carcinoma). We have previously
      shown that GnRH-III[(4)Lys(Ac),(8)Lys(Dau = Aoa)] bioconjugate, in which
      daunorubicin was attached via oxime linkage to the (8)Lys of a GnRH-III
      derivative, exerted significant in vivo antitumor effect on subcutaneously
      developed HT-29 colon tumor. In contrast, results of the study reported here
      indicated that this compound was not active on an orthotopically developed tumor.
      However, if Lys in position 4 was acylated with butyric acid instead of acetic
      acid, the resulting bioconjugate GnRH-III[(4)Lys(Bu),(8)Lys(Dau = Aoa)] had
      significant tumor growth inhibitory effect. Furthermore, it prevented tumor
      neovascularization, without detectable side effects. Nevertheless, the
      development of metastases could not be inhibited by the bioconjugate; therefore,
      its application in combination with a metastasis preventive agent might be
      necessary in order to achieve complete tumor remission. In spite of this result,
      the treatment with GnRH-III[(4)Lys(Bu),(8)Lys(Dau = Aoa)] bioconjugate proved to
      have significant benefits over the administration of free daunorubicin, which was
      used at the maximum tolerated dose.

PMID- 27146516
TI  - Tissue Ablation by a Synergistic Combination of Electroporation and Electrolysis
      Delivered by a Single Pulse.
AB  - A synergistic combination of electroporation and electrolysis (SEE) has been
      found with distinct advantages over tissue ablation by electrolysis or
      electroporation alone. Minimally invasive tissue ablation by electrolysis uses a
      low magnitude direct electric current to produce a lesion due to the creation of
      chemical products that result in cell death. Electroporation creates
      permeabilizations in the cell membrane which may lead to loss of cell homeostasis
      and cell death. When these two modes of tissue ablation are combined, a more
      effective method of cell death is achieved, likely due to the ability of
      electrolytic products to access the cell interior through the permeabilized cell
      membrane. Here, a new method of achieving SEE tissue ablation is obtained through
      the application of a single exponential decay pulse. This parametric study
      explores the mechanisms of damage as a function of the initial electric field and
      amount of delivered charge. It is seen that treatment parameters can dictate the
      mode of tissue ablation, either by SEE or by irreversible electroporation alone.

PMID- 27146517
TI  - Learning Bayesian Networks from Correlated Data.
AB  - Bayesian networks are probabilistic models that represent complex distributions
      in a modular way and have become very popular in many fields. There are many
      methods to build Bayesian networks from a random sample of independent and
      identically distributed observations. However, many observational studies are
      designed using some form of clustered sampling that introduces correlations
      between observations within the same cluster and ignoring this correlation
      typically inflates the rate of false positive associations. We describe a novel
      parameterization of Bayesian networks that uses random effects to model the
      correlation within sample units and can be used for structure and parameter
      learning from correlated data without inflating the Type I error rate. We compare
      different learning metrics using simulations and illustrate the method in two
      real examples: an analysis of genetic and non-genetic factors associated with
      human longevity from a family-based study, and an example of risk factors for
      complications of sickle cell anemia from a longitudinal study with repeated
      measures.

PMID- 27146515
TI  - The site of the bite: Leishmania interaction with macrophages, neutrophils and
      the extracellular matrix in the dermis.
AB  - Leishmania spp., the causative agents of leishmaniasis, are intracellular
      parasites, transmitted to humans via the bite of their sand fly vectors. Once
      inoculated, the promastigotes are exposed to the dermis, which is composed of
      extracellular matrix (ECM), growth factors and its resident cells. Promastigote
      forms are phagocytosed by macrophages recruited to the site of the sand fly bite,
      either directly or after interaction with neutrophils. Since Leishmania is an
      intracellular parasite, its interaction with the host ECM has been neglected as
      well as the immediate steps after the sand fly bite. However, promastigotes must
      overcome the obstacles presented by the dermis ECM in order to establish the
      infection. Thus, the study of the interaction between Leishmania promastigotes
      and ECM components as well as the earliest stages of infection are important
      steps to understand the establishment of the disease, and could contribute in the
      future to new drug developments towards leishmaniasis. 

PMID- 27146518
TI  - Developing an assessment approach for perceptual changes to tinnitus sound
      characteristics for adult cochlear implant recipients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of cochlear implantation on tinnitus
      suppression, characteristics, localization, and duration. DESIGN: A cochlear
      implant (CI) recipient-focused postal questionnaire survey. STUDY SAMPLE: The
      questionnaire was posted, with consent, to 100 adults who had received a
      unilateral CI at the RNTNEH between 1988 and 1999. All adults spoke English as
      their first language and were postlingually deafened. Sixty-eight adults (38
      female, 29 male, one unspecified) aged 31-80 years (mean 61 years) completed and
      returned the questionnaire without interview. RESULTS: With the processor 'ON',
      CI recipients experienced total or partial suppression of tinnitus ipsilateral to
      their CI in 57% of cases, and in 43% where tinnitus was perceived contralateral
      to the CI. The percentage of CI recipients who experienced high tone tinnitus was
      reduced from 60% pre-implant to 29% post-implant with the processor 'ON' while
      pulsatile tinnitus was reduced from 38% pre-implant to 13% post-implant. CIs were
      also found to reduce the tonal complexity and duration, and change the source
      localization of tinnitus post-implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptual changes to
      tinnitus can take place post-implantation. Changes can occur within the four
      categories explored: tinnitus suppression, characteristics, localization, and
      duration of awareness per day.

PMID- 27146519
TI  - Mortality and pathology in birds due to Plasmodium (Giovannolaia)
      homocircumflexum infection, with emphasis on the exoerythrocytic development of
      avian malaria parasites.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Species of avian malaria parasites (Plasmodium) are widespread, but
      their virulence has been insufficiently investigated, particularly in wild birds.
      During avian malaria, several cycles of tissue merogony occur, and many
      Plasmodium spp. produce secondary exoerythrocytic meronts (phanerozoites), which
      are induced by merozoites developing in erythrocytic meronts. Phanerozoites
      markedly damage organs, but remain insufficiently investigated in the majority of
      described Plasmodium spp. Avian malaria parasite Plasmodium (Giovannolaia)
      homocircumflexum (lineage pCOLL4) is virulent and produces phanerozoites in
      domestic canaries Serinus canaria, but its pathogenicity in wild birds remains
      unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathology caused by this
      infection in species of common European birds. METHODS: One individual of
      Eurasian siskin Carduelis spinus, common crossbill Loxia curvirostra and common
      starling Sturnus vulgaris were exposed to P. homocircumflexum infection by
      intramuscular sub-inoculation of infected blood. The birds were maintained in
      captivity and parasitaemia was monitored until their death due to malaria. Brain,
      heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney, and a piece of breast muscle were examined
      using histology and chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) methods. RESULTS: All
      exposed birds developed malaria infection, survived the peak of parasitaemia, but
      suddenly died between 30 and 38 days post exposure when parasitaemia markedly
      decreased. Numerous phanerozoites were visible in histological sections of all
      organs and were particularly easily visualized after ISH processing. Blockage of
      brain capillaries with phanerozoites may have led to cerebral ischaemia, causing
      cerebral paralysis and is most likely the main reason of sudden death of all
      infected individuals. Inflammatory response was not visible around the brain,
      heart and muscle phanerozoites, and it was mild in parenchymal organs. The
      endothelial damage likely causes dysfunction and failure of parenchymal organs.
      CONCLUSION: Plasmodium homocircumflexum caused death of experimental passerine
      birds due to marked damage of organs by phanerozoites. Patterns of phanerozoites
      development and pathology were similar in all exposed birds. Mortality was
      reported when parasitaemia decreased or even turned into chronic stage,
      indicating that the light parasitaemia is not always indication of improved
      health during avian malaria. Application of traditional histological and ISH
      methods in parallel simplifies investigation of exoerythrocytic development and
      is recommended in avian malaria research.

PMID- 27146520
TI  - Stability of paclitaxel-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in the presence of 2
      hydoxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin.
AB  - Paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles without hydroxyl-beta
      cyclodextrin (PS) or with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (PSC) were prepared by
      hot-melted sonication. Biocompatible and biodegradable stearic acid was used to
      produce the solid matrix. The stability of PS and PSC was assessed at different
      temperatures. Drug stability, as assessed by encapsulation efficiency (EE; %),
      particle size, and the polydispersity index (PDI), was examined and in vitro
      release of PTX from PS or PSC for up to 180 days was assessed. After 180 days of
      storage at 25  degrees C, no significant change in particle size, PDI, or EE of
      PS or PSC was observed. PS and PSC displayed similar sustained PTX release
      patterns. The particle size, PDI, EE, PTX release profile, and cytotoxicity of PS
      changed significantly with increasing incubation time, whereas those of PSC
      showed no significant change, when samples were stored at 40 +/- 2  degrees C.
      PSC was more stable than PS in plasma with regard to particle size and PDI. These
      results demonstrate that PSC could be a promising formulation to increase drug
      stability. 

PMID- 27146521
TI  - Dendritic cell-specific Mgat2 knockout mice show antigen presentation defects but
      reveal an unexpected CD11c expression pattern.
AB  - Zwitterionic polysaccharide antigens such as polysaccharide A (PSA) from
      Bacteroides fragilis have been shown to activate CD4+ T cells upon presentation
      by class II major histocompatibility complex (MHCII) on professional antigen
      presenting cells. For T cell recognition and activation, high affinity binding
      between MHCII and PSA is required, and complex N-glycans on conserved MHCII
      asparagine residues play a central role in controlling this interaction. By
      truncating these glycans in a myeloid-specific knockout of Mgat2, created using
      the LyzM-CRE mouse (M-cKO), we previously reported defects in PSA responses in
      vivo. Unfortunately, the M-cKO also showed a propensity to develop common
      variable immunodeficiency with autoimmune hemolytic anemia features. Here, we
      describe a novel murine model in which Mgat2 was targeted for ablation using the
      dendritic cell (DC)-specific CD11c-CRE-GFP strain in order to develop a more
      specific and robust in vivo model of PSA presentation defects (DC-cKO). This
      study shows that Mgat2 deficient DCs from DC-cKO mice show ablation of PSA
      presentation and downstream T cell activation in vitro. However, the CD11c
      promoter was unexpectedly active and triggered Mgat2 deletion within multiple
      hematopoietic lineages, showed remarkably poor penetrance within native DC
      populations, and produced almost undetectable levels of green fluorescent protein
      signal. These findings show that the CD11c promoter is not DC-specific, and
      extreme care should be taken in the interpretation of data using any mouse
      created using the CD11c-CRE model.

PMID- 27146522
TI  - A homology model of Xyloglucan Xylosyltransferase 2 reveals critical amino acids
      involved in substrate binding.
AB  - In dicotyledonous plants, xyloglucan (XyG) is the most abundant hemicellulose of
      the primary cell wall. The enzymes involved in XyG biosynthesis have been
      identified through reverse-genetics and activity was characterized by
      heterologous expression. Currently, there is no information on the atomic
      structures or amino acids involved in activity or substrate binding of any of the
      Golgi-localized XyG biosynthetic enzymes. A homology model of the xyloglucan
      xylosyltransferase 2 (XXT2) catalytic domain was built on the basis of the
      crystal structure of A64Rp. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the
      homology model retains the glycosyltransferase (GT)-A fold of the template
      structure used to build the homology model indicating that XXT2 likely has a GT-A
      fold. According to the XXT2 homology model, six amino acids (Phe204, Lys207,
      Asp228, Ser229, Asp230, His378) were selected and their contribution in catalytic
      activity was investigated. Site-directed mutagenesis studies show that Asp228,
      Asp230 and His378 are critical for XXT2 activity and are predicted to be involved
      in coordination of manganese ion. Lys207 was also found to be critical for
      protein activity and the homology model indicates a critical role in substrate
      binding. Additionally, Phe204 mutants have less of an impact on XXT2 activity
      with the largest effect when replaced with a polar residue. This is the first
      study that investigates the amino acids involved in substrate binding of the XyG
      synthesizing xylosyltransferases and contributes to the understanding of the
      mechanisms of polysaccharide-synthesizing GTs and XyG biosynthesis.

PMID- 27146523
TI  - A hypothesis that scleral contact lenses could elevate intraocular pressure.

PMID- 27146525
TI  - Effect of the pollution level on the functional bacterial groups aiming at
      degrading bisphenol A and nonylphenol in natural biofilms of an urban river.
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) are ubiquitous pollutants with
      estrogenic activity in aquatic environment and have attracted global concern due
      to their disruption of endocrine systems. This study investigated the spatial
      distribution characteristics of the bacterial groups involved in the degradation
      of BPA and NP within biofilms in an urban river using terminal restriction
      fragment length polymorphism based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. The effects of the
      pollution level and water parameters on these groups were also assessed.
      Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the sampling sites into three clusters
      reflecting their varying nutrient pollution levels of relatively slight pollution
      (SP), moderate pollution (MP), and high pollution (HP) based on water quality
      data and Environmental Quality Standard for Surface Water of China (GB3838-2002).
      The BPA and NP concentration in river water ranged from 0.8 to 77.5 and 10.2 to
      162.9 ng L(-1), respectively. Comamonadaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Alcaligenaceae,
      Bacillaceae, Sphingomonadacea, Burkholderiaceae, and Rhizobiaceae were the
      dominant bacterial taxa involved in BPA and NP degradation, comprising an average
      of 9.8, 8.1, 7.6, 6.7, 6.2, 4.1, and 2.8 % of total sequences, respectively. The
      total abundance of these groups showed a slight upward trend and subsequently
      rapidly decreased with increasing pollution levels. The average proportion of
      Comamonadaceae in MP river sections was almost 1.5-2 times than that in SP or HP
      one. The distribution of functional groups was found related to environmental
      variables, especially pH, conductivity, ammonium nitrogen (NH3-N), and BPA. The
      abundance of Comamonadaceae and Rhizobiaceae was both closely related to higher
      values of pH and conductivity as well as lower concentrations of NP and BPA.
      Alcaligenaceae and Pseudomonadaceae were associated with higher concentrations of
      TP and CODMn and inversely correlated with DO concentration. This study might
      provide effective data on bacterial group changes in polluted urban rivers. 

PMID- 27146526
TI  - Comprehensive characterization of anticoagulant rodenticides in sludge by liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - The occurrence of 10 commonly used anticoagulant rodenticides in centrifuged
      sludge of 27 wastewater treatment plants was evaluated using solid-liquid
      extraction (SLE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
      Activated carbon, alumina, and Florisil cartridges with methanol/dichloromethane
      as eluting solvents were tested in combination with primary-secondary amine (PSA)
      to optimize an efficient sample cleanup. PSA in combination with Florisil was the
      best methodology to extract anticoagulant rodenticides in sludge providing
      recoveries between 42 +/- 0.5 and 100 +/- 2 %. Warfarin, bromadiolone, ferulenol,
      and coumachlor were the most ubiquitous compounds in sludge at concentrations up
      to 84.2 ng g(-1) for the latter. Coumatetralyl, dicoumarol, and brodifacoum were
      detected sporadically at levels between 6.1 and 17.4 ng g(-1). On the contrary,
      acenocoumarol, difenacoum, and flocoumafen were not detected in any sample.
      Finally, we estimated the amount of anticoagulant rodenticides discharged via
      sludge in order to determine the potential impact to agricultural soil according
      to different sludge usage practices in the region investigated. This study
      demonstrates that anticoagulant rodenticides are accumulated in sludge during
      activated sludge treatment and that the application of sludge as fertilizers may
      pose a future environmental risk, if not controlled. 

PMID- 27146528
TI  - Short-term effect of nitrogen addition on nitric oxide emissions from an alpine
      meadow in the Tibetan Plateau.
AB  - Little information is available on nitric oxide (NO) fluxes from alpine
      ecosystems. We measured NO fluxes in control and nitrogen (N) addition (NH4NO3, 6
      g N m(-2) year(-1)) plots from early June through October 2013 in an alpine
      meadow on the Tibetan Plateau, China. During the sample period, NO fluxes varied
      from -0.71 to 3.12 ug m(-2) h(-1) and -0.46 to 7.54 ug m(-2) h(-1) for control
      and N treatment plots. The mean NO emission in N addition plots (1.68 ug m(-2) h(
      1)) was 2.15 times higher than the control plots (0.78 ug m(-2) h(-1)),
      indicating that alpine meadows may be a source of atmospheric NO, and N additions
      stimulated NO flux. A positive correlation was found between NO flux and soil
      temperature, water-filled pore space (WFPS), nitrate (NO3 (-)-N) content but no
      correlation with soil ammonium (NH4 (+)-N). These results suggest that
      denitrification is a principal process producing NO flux from alpine meadows. 

PMID- 27146527
TI  - Levels, congener profile and inventory of polychlorinated biphenyls in sediment
      from the Songhua River in the vicinity of cement plant, China: a case study.
AB  - This study investigated the contamination levels, homologue, and congener
      profiles and evaluated the residue inventory of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
      in sediment of the Songhua River in the vicinity of cement plant. The total
      concentration of detected 35 PCB congeners ranged from 1.12 to 2.19 ng/g dry
      weight (dw) in sediment, with a mean value of 1.56 ng/g dw, and the concentration
      of PCBs decreased in the following order: the downstream > cement plant >
      upstream. The results of total organic carbon (TOC)-normalized PCB concentrations
      indicate that the sediments have low potential ecological risk in this area. The
      study results on homologue and congener of PCBs show that the emissions from
      cement production could be the major sources of PCBs in sediment, and the low
      chlorinated PCBs will be exchanged among air, water, and sediment with increasing
      temperature during summer and flow to downstream with water during the wet
      season. The spatial density and total burden of PCBs in the surface sediments
      were 17.2 ng/cm(2) and 1.2 kg, respectively. To our knowledge, this study is the
      first to explore the pollution characteristics of unintentionally produced PCB
      emissions from cement industry by means of monitoring sediment samples. 

PMID- 27146529
TI  - Enhanced deodorization and sludge reduction in situ by a humus soil cooperated
      anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (A2O) wastewater treatment system.
AB  - Simultaneous sludge reduction and malodor abatement in humus soil cooperated an
      anaerobic/anoxic/oxic (A2O) wastewater treatment were investigated in this study.
      The HSR-A2O was composed of a humus soil reactor (HSR) and a conventional A2O
      (designated as C-A2O).The results showed that adding HSR did not deteriorate the
      chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, while total phosphorus (TP) removal
      efficiency in HSR-A2O was improved by 18 % in comparison with that in the C-A2O.
      Both processes had good performance on total nitrogen (TN) removal, and there was
      no significant difference between them (76.8 and 77.1 %, respectively). However,
      NH4 (+)-N and NO3 (-)-N were reduced to 0.3 and 6.7 mg/L in HSR-A2O compared to
      1.5 and 4.5 mg/L. Moreover, adding HSR induced the sludge reduction, and the
      sludge production rate was lower than that in the C-A2O. The observed sludge
      yield was estimated to be 0.32 kg MLSS/day in HSR-A2O, which represent a 33.5 %
      reduction compared to a C-A2O process. Activated sludge underwent humification
      and produced more humic acid in HSR-A2O, which is beneficial to sludge reduction.
      Odor abatement was achieved in HSR-A2O, ammonium (NH3), and sulfuretted hydrogen
      (H2S) emission decreased from 1.34 and 1.33 to 0.06 mg/m(3), 0.025 mg/m(3) in
      anaerobic area, with the corresponding reduction efficiency of 95.5 and 98.1 %.
      Microbial community analysis revealed that the relevant microorganism enrichment
      explained the reduction effect of humus soil on NH3 and H2S emission. The whole
      study demonstrated that humus soil enhanced odor abatement and sludge reduction
      in situ. 

PMID- 27146530
TI  - Stormwater harvesting from landscaped areas: effect of herbicide application on
      water quality and usage.
AB  - The suitability of stormwater harvested from pervious pavement system (PPS)
      structures for reuse purposes was investigated in conditions where glyphosate
      containing herbicides (GCH) are applied as part of PPS maintenance procedure. The
      experiment was based on the four-layered design previously described as detailed
      in CIRIA C582. Results indicated that the highest sodium absorption ratio (SAR)
      of 1.6 recorded in this study, was less than that at which loss of permeability
      begins to occur as well as deterioration of matrix structure. Furthermore, the
      maximum electrical conductivity (ECw) of 2990 MUS cm(-1), recorded for 7200 mg L(
      1) concentration (GCH) was slightly below the unstable classification range at
      which salinity problems related to water quality occur such that salts accumulate
      in the root zone to the extent that crop yields are adversely affected. However,
      GCH concentration of 720 mg L(-1) was within 'permissible' range while that of 72
      mg L(-1) was within 'excellent' range. Current study raises some environmental
      concerns owing to the overall impact that GCH at concentrations above 72 mg L(-1)
      exerts on the net performance of the organic decomposers, heavy metal and
      hydrocarbon release from the system and thus, should be further investigated.
      However, effluent from all the test models including those dosed with high GCH
      concentration of 7200 mg L(-1) do not pose any threat in terms of infiltration or
      deterioration associated with salinity although, there are indications that high
      dosage of the herbicide could lead to an elevated electrical conductivity of the
      recycled water. Graphical abstract Impact of herbicide on irrigation water
      quality. 

PMID- 27146531
TI  - Ailanthus Altissima and Phragmites Australis for chromium removal from a
      contaminated soil.
AB  - The comparative effectiveness for hexavalent chromium removal from irrigation
      water, using two selected plant species (Phragmites australis and Ailanthus
      altissima) planted in soil contaminated with hexavalent chromium, has been
      studied in the present work. Total chromium removal from water was ranging from
      55 % (Phragmites) to 61 % (Ailanthus). After 360 days, the contaminated soil
      dropped from 70 (initial) to 36 and 41 mg Cr/kg (dry soil), for Phragmites and
      Ailanthus, respectively. Phragmites accumulated the highest amount of chromium in
      the roots (1910 mg Cr/kg(dry tissue)), compared with 358 mg Cr/kg(dry tissue) for
      Ailanthus roots. Most of chromium was found in trivalent form in all plant
      tissues. Ailanthus had the lowest affinity for Cr(VI) reduction in the root
      tissues. Phragmites indicated the highest chromium translocation potential, from
      roots to stems. Both plant species showed good potentialities to be used in
      phytoremediation installations for chromium removal. 

PMID- 27146532
TI  - Transport and sorption behavior of individual phthalate esters in sandy aquifer:
      column experiments.
AB  - This work aimed to quantify the transport and sorption behavior of four
      individual phthalate esters (PAEs) in sandy aquifer using column experiments so
      as to provide important parameters for the prediction and control of PAEs
      pollution plume in groundwater system. The transport curves of four individual
      PAEs were simulated with HYDRUS-1D through fitting linear and nonlinear
      equilibrium (LE/NO), linear and nonlinear, first-order, one-site non-equilibrium
      (LO/NO), linear and nonlinear, first-order, two-site non-equilibrium (LFO/NFO)
      sorption models. Simulation results showed that two-site models (LFO and NFO)
      displayed similar best fittings. The results from LFO model simulation showed
      that when water flowed 1000 m in sandy aquifer, PAEs with shorter carbon chains
      (DMP and DEP) transport 31.6 and 22.2 m, respectively. Unexpectedly for the same
      water transport distance, PAEs with longer carbon chains (DBP and DiBP)
      transported 40.2 and 60.7 m, respectively, which were faster than DMP and DEP,
      mainly due to the limited accessibility of type-2 sorption sites. The
      retardations were mainly caused by the sorption of PAEs on the time-dependent
      type-2 sites. DBP and DiBP exhibited higher mass transfer speed to and fro type-2
      sites but showed lower total sorption coefficient (K) due to the limited
      accessibility of sorption sites. Coexistence of PAEs and smaller sorbent
      particles increased total K values of DBP and DiBP due to synergic development of
      more sorption sites with DMP and DEP. 

PMID- 27146533
TI  - Assessment of hydrochemical trends in the highly anthropised Guadalhorce River
      basin (southern Spain) in terms of compliance with the European groundwater
      directive for 2015.
AB  - One of the key aspects introduced by the European Water Framework Directive
      2000/60/EC (WFD) and developed by Groundwater Directive 2006/118/EC was the need
      to analyse pollution trends in groundwater bodies in order to meet the
      environmental objectives set in Article 4 WFD. According to this Directive, the
      main goal of "good status" should be achieved by the year 2015, and having
      reached this horizon, now is a suitable time to assess the changes that have
      taken place with the progressive implementation of the WFD. An extensive database
      is available for the Guadalhorce River basin, and this was used not only to
      identify in groundwater but also to draw real conclusions with respect to the
      degree of success in meeting the targets established for this main deadline
      (2015) The geographic and climate context of the Guadalhorce basin has
      facilitated the development of a variety of economic activities, but the one
      affecting the largest surface area is agriculture (which is practised on over 50
      % of the river basin). The main environmental impacts identified in the basin
      aquifers arise from the widespread use of fertilisers and manures, together with
      the input of sewage from population centres. In consequence, some of the
      groundwater bodies located in the basin have historically had very high nitrate
      concentrations, often exceeding 200 mg/L. In addition, return flows, the use of
      fertilisers and other pressures promote the entry of other pollutants into the
      groundwater, as well as the salinisation of the main aquifers in the basin. In
      order to assess the hydrochemical changes that have taken place since the entry
      into force of the WFD, we performed a detailed trends analysis, based on data
      from the official sampling networks. In some cases, over 35 years of water
      quality data are available, but these statistics also present significant
      limitations, due to some deficiencies in the design or management; thus, data are
      missing for many years, the results are subject to seasonality effects, there are
      gaps in the historical records obtained by the monitoring networks and other
      shortcomings. The results obtained were analysed with the non-parametric Mann
      Kendall test and revealed a general upward trend of pollutants in the areas
      affected by major pressures. In this analysis, we evaluated not only the increase
      or decrease in pollutants but also the different processes detected and the
      sources of pollution within the basin area. Our evaluation shows that robust
      measures should be taken in order to prevent further major degradation of
      groundwater quality and to enable "good quality" status to be achieved in future
      extensions of the WFD. 

PMID- 27146534
TI  - Relationship between microbial community dynamics and process performance during
      thermophilic sludge bioleaching.
AB  - Heavy metals can be removed from the sludge using bioleaching technologies at
      thermophilic condition, thereby providing an option for biotreatment of wasted
      sludge generated from wastewater treatment. The purposes of this study were to
      establish a molecular biology technique, real-time PCR, for the detection and
      enumeration of the sulfur-oxidizing bacteria during the thermophilic sludge
      bioleaching. The 16S rRNA gene for real-time PCR quantification targeted the
      bioleaching bacteria: Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans, Sulfobacillus
      acidophilus, and Acidithiobacillus caldus. The specificity and stringency for
      thermophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were tested before the experiments of
      monitoring the bacterial community, bacterial number during the thermophilic
      sludge bioleaching and the future application on testing various environmental
      samples. The results showed that S. acidophilus was identified as the dominant
      sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, while A. caldus and S. thermosulfidooxidans occurred
      in relatively low numbers. The total number of the sulfur-oxidizing bacteria
      increased during the thermophilic bioleaching process. Meanwhile, the decrease of
      pH, production of sulfate, degradation of SS/VSS, and solubilization of heavy
      metal were found to correlate well with the population of thermophilic sulfur
      oxidizing bacteria during the bioleaching process. The real-time PCR used in this
      study is a suitable method to monitor numbers of thermophilic sulfur-oxidizing
      bacteria during the bioleaching process. 

PMID- 27146536
TI  - Dynamic of submicrometer particles in urban environment.
AB  - Many studies show that particle toxicity increases with decreasing their size,
      emphasizing the role of submicrometric particles, in particular of ultrafine
      particles (<100 nm). In fact, particles greater than 2.5 MUm are quickly removed
      through dry and wet deposition on the timescale of hours whereas submicrometer
      particles may reside in atmosphere for weeks, penetrate in indoor environment,
      and be long-range transported. High aerosol size resolution measurements are
      important for a correct assessment of the deposition efficiency in the human
      respiratory system, and time resolution is another important requisite. Starting
      from such considerations, time-resolved aerosol particle number size
      distributions have been measured in downtown Rome. Fast Mobility Particle Sizer
      (FMPS) and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) measurements have been carried
      out at the INAIL's Pilot Station, located in downtown Rome, in an area
      characterized by high density of autovehicular traffic. The two instruments have
      allowed to investigate deeply the urban aerosol in the range of 5.6-560 and 3.5
      117 nm, respectively. In particular, the FMPS measurements have confirmed the
      interpretation about the transition phenomena in the time interval of few
      seconds, timescale typically associated with the emission of gasoline and diesel
      engines. In downtown Rome, the hourly average size distribution is bimodal or
      trimodal with maxima at about 5-15, 20-30, and 70-100 nm. Particle formation in
      the nucleation mode was associated to freshly emitted autovehicular exhaust.

PMID- 27146535
TI  - Evaluation of toxicity and estrogenicity of the landfill-concentrated leachate
      during advanced oxidation treatment: chemical analyses and bioanalytical tools.
AB  - Landfill-concentrated leachate from membrane separation processes is a potential
      pollution source for the surroundings. In this study, the toxicity and
      estrogenicity potentials of concentrated leachate prior to and during UV-Fenton
      and Fenton treatments were assessed by a combination of chemical (di (2
      ethylhexyl) phthalate and dibutyl phthalate were chosen as targets) and
      biological (Daphnia magna, Chlorella vulgaris, and E-screen assay) analyses.
      Removal efficiencies of measured di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and dibutyl
      phthalate were more than 97 % after treatment with the two methods. Biological
      tests showed acute toxicity effects on D. magna tests in untreated concentrated
      leachate samples, whereas acute toxicity on C. vulgaris tests was not observed.
      Both treatment methods were found to be efficient in reducing acute toxicity
      effects on D. magna tests. The E-screen test showed concentrated leachate had
      significant estrogenicity, UV-Fenton and Fenton treatment, especially the former,
      were effective methods for reducing estrogenicity of concentrated leachate. The
      EEQchem (estradiol equivalent concentration) of all samples could only explain
      0.218-5.31 % range of the EEQbio. These results showed that UV-Fenton reagent
      could be considered as a suitable method for treatment of concentrated leachate,
      and the importance of the application of an integrated (biological + chemical)
      analytical approach for a comprehensive evaluation of treatment suitability. 

PMID- 27146537
TI  - Organic market gardening around the Paris agglomeration: agro-environmental
      performance and capacity to meet urban requirements.
AB  - Organic market gardening is often promoted by urban municipalities as a way to
      resource part of the food supply, creating new social links and protecting
      groundwater resources. The agronomical and environmental performance of six
      commercial organic market gardening farms supplying vegetables in Paris were
      evaluated and compared with other vegetable production systems. When expressed in
      terms of protein production, the yield of these systems appears rather low
      compared with the productive capacity of open-field organic cropping systems
      where vegetable production is inserted into rotation with other crops. Moreover,
      the requirement of producing infiltrated water meeting the drinking water
      standards seriously limits the allowable rate of fertilisation, thus limiting
      production. The data reported herein show that to supply the amount of vegetables
      required by the Paris agglomeration (12 million inhabitants) only by organic
      market gardening, 160,000-205,000 ha, i.e. 28-36 % of the agricultural area of
      the surrounding Ile-de-France region, would be required. We conclude that organic
      market gardening is only one of several other farming systems which can
      contribute to a re-localised supply of vegetables to large cities.

PMID- 27146538
TI  - Azaarenes in fine particulate matter from the atmosphere of a Chinese megacity.
AB  - Azaarenes (AZAs) are toxicologically relevant organic compounds with
      physicochemical properties that are significantly different from the well-studied
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, little is known about their
      concentrations, seasonal variations, fate, and relationship with PAHs in air.
      This paper reports the temporal variations in the concentrations and composition
      patterns of AZAs in PM2.5 that was sampled once per 6 days from outdoor air of
      Xi'an, China from July 2008 to August 2009. The concentrations of the ?AZAs,
      quinoline (QUI), benzo[h]quinoline (BQI), and acridine (ACR) in PM2.5 were 213
      6441, 185-520, 69-2483, and 10-3544 pg m(-3), respectively. These concentrations
      were higher than those measured in urban areas of Western Europe. AZA
      compositional patterns were dominated by BQI and ACR. The high concentration of
      AZAs, high AZA/related PAH ratio, and the dominance of three-ring AZAs (BQI and
      ACR) in PM2.5 of Xi'an are all in contrast to observations from Western European
      and North American cities. This contrast likely reflects differences in coal type
      and the more intense use of coal in China. The PM2.5-bound concentration of AZA
      in winter season (W) was higher than during the summer season (S) with W/S ratios
      of 5.7, 1.4, 4.1, and 13, for ?AZAs, QUI, BQI, and ACR, respectively. Despite
      their significantly different physicochemical properties, AZAs were significantly
      (p < 0.05) positively correlated with their related PAHs and pyrogenic elemental
      carbon. The changes in AZA concentrations were positively correlated with ambient
      pressure but negatively correlated with ambient temperature, wind speed, and
      relative humidity. This trend is similar to that observed for the related PAHs.
      We conclude that Xi'an and possibly other Chinese cities have higher emission of
      AZAs into their atmosphere because of the more pronounced use of coal. We also
      conclude that in spite of differences in physicochemical properties between AZAs
      and related PAHs, the atmospheric dynamics and relationships with meteorological
      factors of both compound groups are similar. 

PMID- 27146539
TI  - Using site-specific soil samples as a substitution for improved hydrological and
      nonpoint source predictions.
AB  - Soil databases are one of the most important inputs for watershed models, and the
      quality of soil properties affects how well a model performs. The objectives of
      this study were to (1) quantify the sensitivity of model outputs to soil
      properties and to (2) use site-specific soil properties as a substitution for
      more accurate hydrological and nonpoint source (H/NPS) predictions. Soil samples
      were collected from a typical mountainous watershed in China, and the impacts of
      soil sample parameters on H/NPS predictions were quantified using the Soil and
      Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The most sensitive parameters related to predicting
      flow, sediment, and total phosphorus (TP) mainly were the soil hydrological, the
      channel erosion processes, and the initial soil chemical environment,
      respectively. When the site-specific soil properties were used, the uncertainties
      (coefficient of variation) related to predicting the hydrology, sediment and TP
      decreased by 75~80 %, 75~84 %, and 46~61 %, respectively. Based on changes in the
      Nash-Sutcliff coefficient, the model performance improved by 4.9 and 19.45 % for
      the hydrological and sediment model, accordingly. However, site-specific soil
      properties did not contribute to better TP predictions because of the high
      spatial variability of the soil P concentrations across the large watershed.
      Thus, although site-specific soil samples can be used to obtain more accurate
      H/NPS predictions, more sampling sites are required to apply this method in large
      watersheds. 

PMID- 27146540
TI  - Interaction of analytical chemistry with accreditation/certification.

PMID- 27146541
TI  - Connect the fragmented habitat patches for giant panda.

PMID- 27146542
TI  - Spatiotemporal appraisal of TBT contamination and imposex along a tropical bay
      (Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil).
AB  - A spatiotemporal evaluation of butyltin contamination was performed between 2010
      and 2012 along Todos os Santos Bay (Northeast Brazil) using surface sediments,
      bivalve tissues (Anomalocardia brasiliana and Mytella guyanensis), and imposex
      occurrence (Stramonita rustica). The spatial study detected high tributyltin
      (TBT) levels (maximum values of 262 ng Sn g (-1) - 21,833 ng Sn g(-1) of total
      organic carbon - for surface sediments and 421 ng Sn g(-1) for bivalve tissues)
      in the innermost part of the bay. The TBT levels detected in M. guyanensis
      tissues might cause human health risk since local population consumes these
      organisms. These high concentrations observed in the bivalves might result in
      ingestions higher than the safe limits established by European Food Safety
      Authority (250 ng TBT kg(-1) day(-1)). Considering the temporal evaluation, no
      difference (p > 0.05) was observed between TBT concentrations in sediments
      obtained during the two sampling campaigns (2010/2011 and 2012). However, the
      increasing predominance of TBT metabolites (butyltin degradation index (BDI) >1)
      in more recent sediments indicates further degradation of old TBT inputs. In
      spite of that, recent inputs are still evident at this region. Nevertheless, a
      reduction of imposex parameters in S. rustica over the last decade suggests an
      overall decline in the TBT contamination, at least in the outermost and possible
      less impacted region of the bay. The TBT contamination is probably reducing due
      to the national and international legislative restrictions on the use of TBT as
      antifouling biocide. The contamination levels, however, are still relevant
      especially in the inner part of Todos os Santos Bay since they are above those
      that are likely to cause toxicity to the biota. 

PMID- 27146543
TI  - Effects of forested floodplain soil properties on phosphorous concentrations in
      two Chesapeake Bay sub-watersheds, Virginia, USA.
AB  - Aquatic ecosystems are known to undergo fluctuations in nutrient levels as a
      result of both natural and anthropogenic processes. Changes in both extrinsic and
      intrinsic fluvial dynamics necessitate constant monitoring as anthropogenic
      alterations exert new pressures to previously stable river basins. In this study,
      we analyzed stream water and riparian zone soil phosphorous (P) dynamics in two
      third-order sub-watersheds of the lower Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, USA. The Ni
      River is predominantly forested (70 % forested), and Sugarland Run is a more
      human impacted (>45 % impervious surfaces) sub-watershed located in the suburbs
      of Washington D.C. Total stream P concentrations were measured during both high
      and low flows and Mehlich-3 methods were used to evaluate potential P fluxes in
      riparian soils. The results show total stream P concentrations in Sugarland Run
      ranged from 0.002 to 0.20 ppm, with an average of 0.054 ppm. In contrast, the
      forested Ni River had typical stream P concentrations <0.01 ppm. Total soil P was
      significantly higher in the more urbanized Sugarland Run basin (23.8 +/- 2.1 ppm)
      compared to the Ni River basin (16 +/- 3.7 ppm). Average stream bank erosion
      rates and corresponding cut-bank P flux rates were estimated to be 7.98 cm year(
      1) and 361 kg P year(-1) for Ni River and 9.84 cm year(-1) and 11,600 kg P year(
      1) for Sugarland Run, respectively. The significantly higher values of total P in
      the stream water and floodplain cut-banks of Sugarland Run suggests erosion and
      resuspension of previously deposited legacy sediments is an important processes
      in this human-impacted basin. 

PMID- 27146544
TI  - Marine pollution risk in a coastal city: use of an eco-genotoxic tool as a stress
      indicator in mussels from the Eastern Aegean Sea.
AB  - Coastal areas, such as bays, estuaries, and harbors, are heavily polluted since
      these areas are the settlements to which toxic chemicals from industrial and
      domestic wastes are discharged. The genetic damage was evaluated using
      bioindicator mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis caused by toxic chemicals (metals
      and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in Izmir and Candarli Bays (the Eastern
      Aegean Sea) through comet assay. Three sampling sites from the two bays were
      selected and the study was conducted during the spring and autumn periods. The
      highest levels of DNA damage expressed as %Tail-DNA were observed in Izmir Bay
      (34.60 % Tail-DNA) in the spring. Analysis of the correlation between PAHs and
      metals in mussels and %T-DNA in the hemolymph and gill cells showed a
      statistically significant positive correlation between %T-DNA and ?PAH, chromium
      (p < 0.05). This study determined the pollution level of the Izmir and Candarli
      Bays by using the DNA damage to the mussel, which can identify the effects of
      environmental pollutants at the cellular levels. These results confirm that comet
      assay can be used to determine the temporal and spatial differences of DNA
      damage, and as a suitable tool for the measurement of genotoxicity in regions
      with low pollutant concentrations. 

PMID- 27146545
TI  - Popular pharmaceutical residues in hospital wastewater: quantification and
      qualification of degradation products by mass spectroscopy after treatment with
      membrane bioreactor.
AB  - The occurrence of drugs in wastewater has been considered an imminent risk to the
      population, for the treatments used are usually ineffective. The presence of four
      popular drug residues (metformin, paracetamol, tetracycline, and enalapril) in
      hospital effluents, by using ultra-fast liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS) with electrospray (ESI) ionization, and
      removal/degradation by membrane bioreactor (MBR) system are investigated in this
      study. For analysis method, all standard calibration curves showed satisfactory
      linearity (R (2) >= 0.993) within a relatively wide range. The recovery was
      between 70.4 and 105.0 %, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) values were
      within the ranges of 8.2 and 13.5 %. The effluent samples were collected at the
      end of the process treated in a bench-scale MBR treatment system and
      preconcentrated on solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Following that
      procedure, the chemical analysis demonstrated that the MBR system was effective
      in enalapril 94.3 +/- 7.63 %, tetracycline 99.4 +/- 0.02 %, and paracetamol 98.8
      +/- 0.86 % removal. However, the polar metformin was less effectively removed
      (35.4 +/- 12.49 %). Moreover, the degradation products were investigated using
      high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) by quadrupole-time of flight (Q-TOF),
      which has been indicated a tetracycline metabolite. In order to investigate the
      environmental impact, the wastewater potential risk was evaluated. The risk
      quotient (RQ) by measure environmental concentration (MEC) and its predicted no
      effect concentration (PNEC) ratio (RQ = MEC/PNEC) was between 0.003 (enalapril)
      to 0.815 (paracetamol). Finally, this work demonstrates that UFLC-MS/MS (ESI-Q)
      is a sensitive and selective method for drug analysis in wastewater and with ESI
      Q-TOF has the accuracy required for determining the degradation products of these
      compounds. Also, it indicated that membrane bioreactor systems represent a new
      generation of processes that have proved to outperform conventional treatment
      showing better effluent quality. The removal capacity studied in this work
      demonstrates the efficiency of this process. 

PMID- 27146546
TI  - Effective utilization of distiller's grain soluble-an agro-industrial waste in
      the feed of cage-reared minor carp Labeo bata in a tropical reservoir, India.
AB  - A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of distiller's
      grain soluble (brewery waste) as a prospective ingredient to substitute expensive
      and high demand feed component, soybean meal for farming Labeo bata in cages
      installed in tropical reservoir. Two isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets
      comprising brewery waste (49.2 % CP) as test diet and soybean meal (44.4 % CP) as
      reference diet were formulated and extruded to obtain 2-mm floating pellets. The
      efficacy of the diets was tested in terms of survival (%), live weight gain (%),
      SGR (%/day), FCR, PER and ANPU and recorded 65 +/- 0.2, 96 +/- 8.1, 1.9 +/- 0.1,
      2.5 +/- 0.02, 1.4 +/- 0.1, 20.3 +/- 2.0 and 66 +/- 0.6, 112 +/- 9.8, 2.2 +/- 0.1,
      2.2 +/- 0.2, 1.6 +/- 0.1 and 20 +/- 2.1, respectively, for soybean and brewer's
      waste-based formulated feed. The analyses of results revealed that survival,
      growth parameters and biochemical composition of whole body tissue did not differ
      significantly (p > 0.05) despite complete replacement of soybean meal by brewery
      waste. However, the cost estimate of diet revealed marked reduction of feed cost
      of Rs. 9.2/kg (33.8 %) in the test diet as compared to the reference diet. The
      study suggests that brewery waste could effectively replace soybean meal without
      effecting survival and growth of the fish. The finding thus may pave a productive
      way for reducing environmental pressure of disposal of an agro-industrial waste. 

PMID- 27146547
TI  - Fate and transport of perfluoro- and polyfluoroalkyl substances including
      perfluorooctane sulfonamides in a managed urban water body.
AB  - Transport and fate of perfluoro- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in an
      urban water body that receives mainly urban runoff was investigated. Water,
      suspended solids, and sediment samples were collected during the monsoon (wet)
      and inter-monsoon (dry) season at different sites and depths. Samples were
      analyzed for C7 to C12 perfluoroalkyl carboxylate homologues (PFCAs) (PFHpA,
      PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFDoA), perfluorohexane, perfluorooctane, and 6:2
      fluorotelomer sulfonate (PFHxS, PFOS, and 6:2FtS, respectively), perfluorooctane
      sulfonamide (FOSA), N-ethyl FOSA (sulfluramid), N-ethyl sulfonamidoethanol (N
      EtFOSE), and N-methyl and N-ethyl sulfonamidoacetic acid (N-EtFOSAA and N
      MeFOSAA, respectively). Concentrations in wet samples were only slightly higher.
      The sum total PFAS (SigmaPFAS) concentrations dissolved in the aqueous phase and
      sorbed to suspended solids (SS) ranged from 107 to 253 ng/L and 11 to 158 ng/L,
      respectively. PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFDA contributed most (approximately
      90 %) to the dissolved SigmaPFASs. N-EtFOSA dominated the particulate PFAS burden
      in wet samples. K D values of PFOA and PFOS calculated from paired SS and water
      concentrations varied widely (1.4 to 13.7 and 1.9 to 98.9 for PFOA and PFOS,
      respectively). Field derived K D was significantly higher than laboratory K D
      suggesting hydrophobic PFASs sorbed to SS resist desorption. The SigmaPFAS
      concentrations in the top sedimentary layer ranged from 8 to 42 MUg/kg and
      indicated preferential accumulation of the strongly sorbing long-chain PFASs. The
      occurrence of the metabolites N-MeFOSAA, N-EtFOSAA and FOSA in the water column
      and sediments may have resulted from biological or photochemical transformations
      of perfluorooctane sulfonamide precursors while the absence of FOSA, N-EtFOSA and
      6:2FtS in sediments was consistent with biotransformation. 

PMID- 27146548
TI  - Aquatic passive sampling of perfluorinated chemicals with polar organic chemical
      integrative sampler and environmental factors affecting sampling rate.
AB  - A modified polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) could provide a
      convenient way of monitoring perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in water. In the
      present study, the modified POCIS was calibrated to monitor PFCs. The effects of
      water temperature, pH, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the sampling rate (R
      s) of PFCs were evaluated with a static renewal system. During laboratory
      validation over a 14-day period, the uptake kinetics of PFCs was linear with the
      POCIS. DOM and water temperature slightly influenced POCIS uptake rates, which is
      in consistent with the theory for uptake into POCIS. Therefore, within a narrow
      span of DOM and water temperatures, it was unnecessary to adjust the R s value
      for POCIS. Laboratory experiments were conducted with water over pH ranges of 3,
      7, and 9. The R s values declined significantly with pH increase for PFCs.
      Although pH affected the uptake of PFCs, the effect was less than twofold.
      Application of the R s value to analyze PFCs with POCIS deployed in the field
      provided similar concentrations obtained from grab samples. 

PMID- 27146549
TI  - Consequences of 'tiger' parenting: a cross-cultural study of maternal
      psychological control and children's cortisol stress response.
AB  - Parenting strategies involving psychological control are associated with
      increased adjustment problems in children. However, no research has examined the
      extent to which culture and psychological control predict children's stress
      physiology. We examine cultural differences in maternal psychological control and
      its associations with children's cortisol. Chinese (N = 59) and American (N = 45)
      mother-child dyads participated in the study. Mothers reported on psychological
      control. Children's cortisol was collected during a stressor and two indices of
      Area Under the Curve (AUC) were computed: AUCg which accounts for total output,
      and AUCi, which captures reactivity. Results indicate that Chinese mothers
      reported higher levels of psychological control and Chinese children had higher
      levels of AUCg than their American counterparts. Across both cultures,
      psychological control was significantly associated with increased cortisol levels
      as indexed by AUCg. There were no associations for AUCi. Finally, mediation
      analyses demonstrated that psychological control fully explained cultural
      differences in children's cortisol stress response as indexed by AUCg.

PMID- 27146550
TI  - Real-time locating and speed measurement of fibre fuse using optical frequency
      domain reflectometry.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate real-time locating and speed
      measurement of fibre fuse by analysing the Doppler shift of reflected light using
      optical frequency-domain reflectometry (OFDR). Our method can detect the start of
      a fibre fuse within 200 ms which is equivalent to a propagation distance of about
      10 cm in standard single-mode fibre. We successfully measured instantaneous speed
      of propagating fibre fuses and observed their subtle fluctuation owing to the
      laser power instability. The resolution achieved for speed measurement in our
      demonstration is 1 * 10(-3) m/s. We studied the fibre fuse propagation speed
      dependence on the launched power in different fibres. Our method is promising for
      both real time fibre fuse monitoring and future studies on its propagation and
      termination.

PMID- 27146552
TI  - Metabolic adaptation and reticuloruminal pH in periparturient dairy cows
      experiencing different lipolysis early postpartum.
AB  - Metabolic adaptation includes an array of concerted metabolic and endocrine
      events that enable dairy cows bridging the period of energy deficit at the onset
      of lactation. The present study evaluated metabolic, endocrine and
      reticuloruminal pH changes in 30 (25 Holstein and five Simmental) periparturient
      dairy cows experiencing variable lipolysis early postpartum. Cows were fed the
      same close-up and fresh lactation diets and kept in the same management
      conditions. Blood samples were collected at day 14, and day 4, relative to
      expected parturition, and at day 2, and day 21 postpartum, and serum metabolites
      and hormones related to glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as concentrations
      of several liver enzymes and acute phase proteins were determined. Additionally,
      reticuloruminal pH was monitored every 10 min over the last 3 days of the
      observation period. BW and milk yields were recorded and balances of energy and
      protein were assessed. Based on serum concentration of non-esterified fatty acids
      (NEFA) postpartum, cows were retrospectively classified into low (n=8), medium
      (n=11), and high (n=11) lipolysis groups, with NEFA levels of 0.7 mmol/l,
      respectively. Overall, elevated NEFA concentrations in the High group went along
      with a higher ratio of NEFA to cholesterol and reduced insulin sensitivity. While
      serum glucose, energy deficit and BW loss did not differ, cows of the High group
      exhibited increased lactate concentrations in the serum, compared with the Medium
      group. No differences in liver enzymes and acute phase proteins were evidenced
      among fat mobilization groups, whereas concentration of serum billirubin was
      lowest in the Low group after parturition. Data of milk yield and milk energy
      output showed no differences among groups, despite divergences in calculated
      energy balance and BW change postpartum. Cows of the Low group tended to increase
      dry matter intake but also showed longer time duration of pH below 6.0 in the
      reticulorumen (on average 299 min/day compared with 99 and 91 min/day for Medium
      and High groups, respectively). Differences in metabolic, endocrine and
      reticuloruminal pH responses indicate diverse metabolic adaptation strategies of
      early-lactation cows to cope with energy deficit postpartum.

PMID- 27146551
TI  - Mortality Among Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure and Diabetes Mellitus:
      Results From the National Inpatient Sample 2000 to 2010.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Case fatality and hospitalization rates for US patients with heart
      failure (HF) have steadily decreased during the past several decades. Diabetes
      mellitus (DM), a risk factor for, and frequent coexisting condition with, HF
      continues to increase in the general population. METHODS AND RESULTS: We used the
      National Inpatient Sample to estimate overall as well as age-, sex-, and
      race/ethnicity-specific trends in HF hospitalizations, DM prevalence, and in
      hospital mortality among 2.5 million discharge records from 2000 to 2010 with HF
      as primary discharge diagnosis. Multivariable logistic and Poisson regression
      were used to assess the impact of the above demographic characteristics on in
      hospital mortality. Age-standardized hospitalizations decreased significantly in
      HF overall and in HF with DM. Age-standardized in-hospital mortality with HF
      declined from 2000 to 2010 (4.57% to 3.09%, Ptrend<0.0001), whereas DM prevalence
      in HF increased (38.9% to 41.9%, Ptrend<0.0001) as did comorbidity burden. Age
      standardized in-hospital mortality in HF with DM also decreased significantly
      (3.53% to 2.27%, Ptrend<0.0001). After adjusting for year, age, and comorbid
      burden, males remained at 17% increased risk versus females, non-Hispanics
      remained at 12% increased risk versus Hispanics, and whites had a 30% higher
      mortality versus non-white minorities. Absolute mortality rates were lower in
      younger versus older patients, although the rate of decline was attenuated in
      younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital mortality in HF patients with DM
      significantly decreased during the past decade, despite increases in DM
      prevalence and comorbid conditions. Mortality rate decreases among younger
      patients were significantly attenuated, and mortality disparities remain among
      important demographic subgroups.

PMID- 27146553
TI  - Unusually limited pollen dispersal and connectivity of Pedunculate oak (Quercus
      robur) refugial populations at the species' southern range margin.
AB  - Low-latitudinal range margins of temperate and boreal plant species typically
      consist of scattered populations that persist locally in microrefugia. It remains
      poorly understood how their refugial habitats affect patterns of gene flow and
      connectivity, key components for their long-term viability and evolution. We
      examine landscape-scale patterns of historical and contemporary gene flow in
      refugial populations of the widespread European forest tree Pedunculate oak
      (Quercus robur) at the species' southwestern range margin. We sampled all adult
      trees (n = 135) growing in a 20 km long valley and genotyped 724 acorns from 72
      mother trees at 17 microsatellite loci. The ten oak stands that we identified
      were highly differentiated and formed four distinct genetic clusters, despite
      sporadic historical dispersal being detectable. By far most contemporary
      pollination occurred within stands, either between local mates (85.6%) or through
      selfing (6.8%). Pollen exchange between stands (2.6%) was remarkably rare given
      their relative proximity and was complemented by long-distance pollen immigration
      (4.4%) and hybridization with the locally abundant Quercus pyrenaica (0.6%). The
      frequency of between-stand mating events decreased with increasing size and
      spatial isolation of stands. Overall, our results reveal outstandingly little
      long-distance gene flow for a wind-pollinated tree species. We argue that the
      distinct landscape characteristics of oaks' refugial habitats, with a combination
      of a rugged topography, dense vegetation and humid microclimate, are likely to
      increase plant survival but to hamper effective long-distance pollen dispersal.
      Moreover, local mating might be favoured by high tree compatibility resulting
      from genetic purging in these long-term relict populations.

PMID- 27146554
TI  - Organizing multivalency in carbohydrate recognition.
AB  - The interactions of cell surface carbohydrates as well as of soluble
      glycoconjugates with their receptor proteins rule fundamental processes in cell
      biology. One of the supramolecular principles underlying and regulating
      carbohydrate recognition is multivalency. Many multivalent glycoconjugates have
      therefore been synthesized to study multivalency effects operative in
      glycobiology. This review is focused on smaller multivalent structures such as
      glycoclusters emphasizing carbohydrate-centered and heteromultivalent
      glycoconjugates. We are discussing primary, secondary and tertiary structural
      aspects including approaches to organize multivalency.

PMID- 27146555
TI  - Lewis Acid Zeolites for Biomass Conversion: Perspectives and Challenges on
      Reactivity, Synthesis, and Stability.
AB  - Zeolites containing Sn, Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, or Ta heteroatoms are versatile catalysts
      for the activation and conversion of oxygenated molecules owing to the unique
      Lewis acid character of their tetrahedral metal sites. Through fluoride-mediated
      synthesis, hydrophobic Lewis acid zeolites can behave as water-tolerant
      catalysts, which has resulted in a recent surge of experimental and computational
      studies in the field of biomass conversion. However, many open questions still
      surround these materials, especially relating to the nature of their active
      sites. This lack of fundamental understanding is exemplified by the many
      dissonant results that have been described in recent literature reports. In this
      review, we use a molecular-based approach to provide insight into the
      relationship between the structure of the metal center and its reactivity toward
      different substrates, with the ultimate goal of providing a robust framework to
      understand the properties that have the strongest influence on catalytic
      performance for the conversion of oxygenates. 

PMID- 27146556
TI  - Nanoparticle-Based Modulation of the Immune System.
AB  - The immune system is an incredibly complex biological network that plays a
      significant role in almost all disease pathogenesis. With an increased
      understanding of how this vital system operates, there has been a great emphasis
      on leveraging, manipulating, and/or supplementing endogenous immunity to better
      prevent or treat different disease states. More recently, the advent of
      nanotechnology has ushered in a plethora of new nanoparticle-based platforms that
      can be used to improve existing immunomodulation modalities. As the ability to
      engineer at the nanoscale becomes increasingly sophisticated, nanoparticles can
      be finely tuned to effect the desired immune responses, leading to exciting new
      avenues for addressing pressing issues in public health. In this review, we give
      an overview of the different areas in which nanoparticle technology has been
      applied toward modulating the immune system and highlight the recent advances
      within each. 

PMID- 27146557
TI  - Engineering Delivery Vehicles for Genome Editing.
AB  - The field of genome engineering has created new possibilities for gene therapy,
      including improved animal models of disease, engineered cell therapies, and in
      vivo gene repair. The most significant challenge for the clinical translation of
      genome engineering is the development of safe and effective delivery vehicles. A
      large body of work has applied genome engineering to genetic modification in
      vitro, and clinical trials have begun using cells modified by genome editing.
      Now, promising preclinical work is beginning to apply these tools in vivo. This
      article summarizes the development of genome engineering platforms, including
      meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9, and their
      flexibility for precise genetic modifications. The prospects for the development
      of safe and effective viral and nonviral delivery vehicles for genome editing are
      reviewed, and promising advances in particular therapeutic applications are
      discussed. 

PMID- 27146559
TI  - Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration: performance of
      biomedical scientists on rapid on-site evaluation and preliminary diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of endobronchial ultrasound-guided
      transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) followed by a subsequent preliminary
      adequacy assessment and a preliminary diagnosis, was performed at Aarhus
      University Hospital by biomedical scientists (BMS). The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the BMS accuracy of ROSE adequacy assessment, the preliminary adequacy
      assessment and the preliminary diagnosis as compared with the cytopathologist
      rendered final adequacy assessment and final diagnosis. METHODS: The BMS-rendered
      assessments for 717 sites from 319 consecutive patients over a 4-month period
      were compared with the cytopathologist-rendered assessments. Comparisons of
      adequacy and preliminary diagnoses were based on inter-observer Cohen's Kappa
      coefficient with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Strong correlations
      between ROSE and final adequacy assessments [Kappa coefficient of 0.90 (CI: 0.85
      0.96)] and between the preliminary and final adequacy assessments [Kappa
      coefficient of 0.93 (CI: 0.87-0.99)] were found. As for the correlation between
      the preliminary and final diagnoses, the Kappa coefficient was 0.99 (CI: 0.98-1).
      CONCLUSION: Both ROSE and preliminary adequacy assessments as well as preliminary
      diagnoses, all performed by BMS, were highly accurate when compared with the
      final assessment by the cytopathologist.

PMID- 27146561
TI  - Negative Refraction with Superior Transmission in Graphene-Hexagonal Boron
      Nitride (hBN) Multilayer Hyper Crystal.
AB  - In this article, we have theoretically investigated the performance of graphene
      hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) multilayer structure (hyper crystal) to demonstrate
      all angle negative refraction along with superior transmission. hBN, one of the
      latest natural hyperbolic materials, can be a very strong contender to form a
      hyper crystal with graphene due to its excellence as a graphene-compatible
      substrate. Although bare hBN can exhibit negative refraction, the transmission is
      generally low due to its high reflectivity. Whereas due to graphene's 2D nature
      and metallic characteristics in the frequency range where hBN behaves as a type-I
      hyperbolic material, we have found graphene-hBN hyper-crystals to exhibit all
      angle negative refraction with superior transmission. Interestingly, superior
      transmission from the whole structure can be fully controlled by the tunability
      of graphene without hampering the negative refraction originated mainly from hBN.
      We have also presented an effective medium description of the hyper crystal in
      the low-k limit and validated the proposed theory analytically and with full wave
      simulations. Along with the current extensive research on hybridization of
      graphene plasmon polaritons with (hyperbolic) hBN phonon polaritons, this work
      might have some substantial impact on this field of research and can be very
      useful in applications such as hyper-lensing.

PMID- 27146560
TI  - First report of a cystic malformation on the upper jaw of hatchery-reared allis
      shad Alosa alosa.
AB  - The anadromous allis shad Alosa alosa has suffered dramatic population declines
      throughout Europe and is currently considered as endangered throughout its entire
      distribution range. In order to reestablish allis shad in the River Rhine, which
      formerly housed one of the largest and most important populations, an EU-LIFE
      Project 'The re-introduction of allis shad in the Rhine system' was started in
      2007. In course of the LIFE+ Projects, allis shad larvae bred from genitor fish
      of the Gironde-Garonne-Dordogne population in France were reared in a pilot ex
      situ stock plant pilot facility in Abetalar, Germany. At an age of 1-2 months,
      about 100% of these fish developed approximately 0.5- to 0.8-cm large, fluid
      filled, transparent cysts in conjunction with the upper jaw. The performed
      microbiological, virological, parasitological and histological examinations did
      not detect any infectious agents. Possible causative agents are discussed with
      regard to environmental factors and the nutrition of larvae. In conclusion, the
      observed malformations are considered a sign for a severe health problem and
      therefore a risk for the successful breeding of allis shad in aquaculture.

PMID- 27146558
TI  - Clinical Implementation of Novel Targeted Therapeutics in Advanced Breast Cancer.
AB  - The majority of advanced breast cancers have genetic alterations that are
      potentially targetable with drugs. Through initiatives such as The Cancer Genome
      Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), data can be
      mined to provide context for next-generation sequencing (NGS) results in the
      landscape of advanced breast cancer. Therapies for targets other than estrogen
      receptor alpha (ER) and HER2, such as cyclin-dependent kinases CDK4 and CDK6,
      were recently approved based on efficacy in patient subpopulations, but no
      predictive biomarkers have been found, leaving clinicians to continue a trial-and
      error approach with each patient. Next-generation sequencing identifies
      potentially actionable alterations in genes thought to be drivers in the
      cancerous process including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT, fibroblast
      growth factor receptors (FGFRs), and mutant HER2. Epigenetically directed and
      immunologic therapies have also shown promise for the treatment of breast cancer
      via histone deacetylases (HDAC) 1 and 3, programmed T cell death 1 (PD-1), and
      programmed T cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Identifying biomarkers to predict
      primary resistance in breast cancer will ultimately affect clinical decisions
      regarding adjuvant therapy in the first-line setting. However, the bulk of
      medical decision-making is currently made in the secondary resistance setting.
      Herein, we review the clinical potential of PI3K, AKT, FGFRs, mutant HER2,
      HDAC1/3, PD-1, and PD-L1 as therapeutic targets in breast cancer, focusing on the
      rationale for therapeutic development and the status of clinical testing. J.
      Cell. Biochem. 117: 2454-2463, 2016. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 27146562
TI  - Chitin Nanofiber Transparent Paper for Flexible Green Electronics.
AB  - A transparent paper made of chitin nanofibers (ChNF) is introduced and its
      utilization as a substrate for flexible organic light-emitting diodes is
      demonstrated. Given its promising macroscopic properties, biofriendly
      characteristics, and availability of the raw material, the utilization of the
      ChNF transparent paper as a structural platform for flexible green electronics is
      envisaged. 

PMID- 27146563
TI  - Crystal structures of five new substituted tetrahydro-1-benzazepines with
      potential antiparasitic activity.
AB  - Tetrahydro-1-benzazepines have been described as potential antiparasitic drugs
      for the treatment of chagas disease and leishmaniasis, two of the most important
      so-called 'forgotten tropical diseases' affecting South and Central America,
      caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania chagasi parasites, respectively.
      Continuing our extensive work describing the structural characteristics of some
      related compounds with interesting biological properties, the crystallographic
      features of three epoxy-1-benzazepines, namely (2SR,4RS)-6,8-dimethyl-2
      (naphthalen-1-yl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,4-epoxy-1-benzazepine, (1), (2SR,4RS)
      6,9-dimethyl-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,4-epoxy-1-benzazepine,
      (2), and (2SR,4RS)-8,9-dimethyl-2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1,4
      epoxy-1-benzazepine, (3), all C22H21NO, and two 1-benzazepin-4-ols, namely 7
      fluoro-cis-2-[(E)-styryl]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-4-ol, C18H18FNO,
      (4), and 7-fluoro-cis-2-[(E)-pent-1-enyl]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-4
      ol, C15H20FNO, (5), are described. Some peculiarities in the crystallization
      behaviour were found, involving significant variations in the crystalline
      structures as a result of modest changes in the peripheral substituents in (1)
      (3) and the occurrence of discrete disorder due to the molecular overlay of
      enantiomers with more than one conformation in (5). In particular, an interesting
      phase change on cooling was observed for compound (5), accompanied by an
      approximate fourfold increase of the unit-cell volume and a change of the Z'
      value from 1 to 4. This transition is a consequence of the partial ordering of
      the pentenyl chains in half of the molecules breaking half of the -3 symmetry
      axes observed in the room-temperature structure of (5). The structural assembly
      in all the title compounds is characterized by not only (N,O)-H...(O,N) hydrogen
      bonds, but also by unconventional C-H...O contacts, resulting in a wide diversity
      of packing.

PMID- 27146565
TI  - Eight new crystal structures of 5-(hydroxymethyl)uracil, 5-carboxyuracil and 5
      carboxy-2-thiouracil: insights into the hydrogen-bonded networks and the
      predominant conformations of the C5-bound residues.
AB  - In order to examine the preferred hydrogen-bonding pattern of various uracil
      derivatives, namely 5-(hydroxymethyl)uracil, 5-carboxyuracil and 5-carboxy-2
      thiouracil, and for a conformational study, crystallization experiments yielded
      eight different structures: 5-(hydroxymethyl)uracil, C5H6N2O3, (I), 5
      carboxyuracil-N,N-dimethylformamide (1/1), C5H4N2O4.C3H7NO, (II), 5-carboxyuracil
      dimethyl sulfoxide (1/1), C5H4N2O4.C2H6OS, (III), 5-carboxyuracil-N,N
      dimethylacetamide (1/1), C5H4N2O4.C4H9NO, (IV), 5-carboxy-2-thiouracil-N,N
      dimethylformamide (1/1), C5H4N2O3S.C3H7NO, (V), 5-carboxy-2-thiouracil-dimethyl
      sulfoxide (1/1), C5H4N2O3S.C2H6OS, (VI), 5-carboxy-2-thiouracil-1,4-dioxane
      (2/3), 2C5H4N2O3S.3C6H12O3, (VII), and 5-carboxy-2-thiouracil, C10H8N4O6S2,
      (VIII). While the six solvated structures, i.e. (II)-(VII), contain
      intramolecular S(6) O-H...O hydrogen-bond motifs between the carboxy and carbonyl
      groups, the usually favoured R2(2)(8) pattern between two carboxy groups is
      formed in the solvent-free structure, i.e. (VIII). Further R2(2)(8) hydrogen-bond
      motifs involving either two N-H...O or two N-H...S hydrogen bonds were observed
      in three crystal structures, namely (I), (IV) and (VIII). In all eight
      structures, the residue at the ring 5-position shows a coplanar arrangement with
      respect to the pyrimidine ring which is in agreement with a search of the
      Cambridge Structural Database for six-membered cyclic compounds containing a
      carboxy group. The search confirmed that coplanarity between the carboxy group
      and the cyclic residue is strongly favoured.

PMID- 27146564
TI  - A hydrostable and twofold interpenetrating three-dimensional zinc-organic
      framework with rob topology based on 4,4'-oxydibenzoate and 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'
      bipyridine ligands.
AB  - Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of porous materials that have
      received widespread attention due to their potential applications in gas storage
      and/or separation, catalysis, luminescence, and so on. The title compound,
      poly[[(MU2-3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridine-kappa(2)N:N')bis(MU4-4,4'-oxydibenzoato
      kappa(4)O:O':O'':O''')dizinc] tetrahydrate], {[Zn2(C14H8O5)2(C12H12N2)].4H2O}n,
      has been prepared by the solvothermal assembly of Zn(NO3)2.6H2O, 4,4'
      oxydi(benzoic acid) and 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridine. The two Zn(II) atoms adopt
      the same five-coordinated distorted square-pyramidal geometry (i.e. ZnO4N),
      bonding to four O atoms from four different 4,4'-oxydibenzoate (oba) ligands and
      one N atom from a 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridine (dmbpy) ligand. The
      supramolecular secondary building unit (SBU) is a paddle-wheel [Zn2(COO)4] unit
      and these units are linked by oba ligands within the layer to form a two
      dimensional net parallel to the b axis, with the dmbpy ligands pointing
      alternately up and down, which is further extended by dmbpy ligands to form a
      three-dimensional framework with rob topology. The single net leaves voids that
      are filled by mutual interpenetration of an independent equivalent framework in a
      twofold interpenetrating architecture. The title compound shows thermal stability
      up to 673 K and is stable in aqueous solutions in the pH range 5-9. Excitation
      and luminescence data observed at room temperature show that it emits a bright
      blue fluorescence.

PMID- 27146566
TI  - A new one-dimensional cadmium(II) coordination polymer incorporating 4-[4-(1H
      imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]pyridine and 5-hydroxybenzene-1,3-dicarboxylate ligands.
AB  - The design and synthesis of new organic lgands is important to the rapid
      development of coordination polymers (CPs). However, CPs based on asymmetric
      ligands are still rare, mainly because such ligands are usually expensive and
      more difficult to synthesize. The new asymmetric ligand 4-[4-(1H-imidazol-1
      yl)phenyl]pyridine (IPP) has been used to construct the title one-dimensional
      coordination polymer, catena-poly[[[aqua{4-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl
      kappaN(3))phenyl]pyridine}cadmium(II)]-MU-5-hydroxybenzene-1,3-dicarboxylato
      kappa(3)O(1),O(1'):O(3)] monohydrate], {[Cd(C8H4O5)(C14H11N3)2(H2O)].H2O}n, under
      hydrothermal reaction of IPP with Cd(II) in the presence of 5-hydroxyisophthalic
      acid (5-OH-H2bdc). The Cd(II) cation is coordinated by two N atoms from two
      distinct IPP ligands, three carboxylate O atoms from two different 5-OH-bdc(2-)
      dianionic ligands and one water O atom in a distorted octahedral geometry. The
      cationic [Cd(IPP)2](2+) nodes are linked by 5-OH-bdc(2-) ligands to generate a
      one-dimensional chain. These chains are extended into a two-dimensional layer
      structure via O-H...O and O-H...N hydrogen bonds and pi-pi interactions.

PMID- 27146567
TI  - A comparative study of the packing of two polymorphs of the nickel(II) pincer
      complex [2,6-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinoyl)-4-(3,5-dinitrobenzoyloxy)phenyl
      kappa(3)P,C(1),P']chloridonickel(II).
AB  - Pincer complexes can act as catalysts in organic transformations and have
      potential applications in materials, medicine and biology. They exhibit robust
      structures and high thermal stability attributed to the tridentate coordination
      of the pincer ligands and the strong sigma metal-carbon bond. Nickel derivatives
      of these ligands have shown high catalytic activities in cross-coupling reactions
      and other industrially relevant transformations. This work reports the crystal
      structures of two polymorphs of the title Ni(II) POCOP pincer complex,
      [Ni(C29H41N2O8P2)Cl] or [NiCl{C6H2-4-[OCOC6H4-3,5-(NO2)2]-2,6-(OP(t)Bu2)2}]. Both
      pincer structures exhibit the Ni(II) atom in a distorted square-planar
      coordination geometry with the POCOP pincer ligand coordinated in a typical
      tridentate manner via the two P atoms and one arene C atom via a C-Ni sigma bond,
      giving rise to two five-membered chelate rings. The coordination sphere of the
      Ni(II) centre is completed by a chloride ligand. The asymmetric units of both
      polymorphs consist of one molecule of the pincer complex. In the first polymorph,
      the arene rings are nearly coplanar, with a dihedral angle between the mean
      planes of 27.9 (1) degrees , while in the second polymorph, this angle is 82.64
      (1) degrees , which shows that the arene rings are almost perpendicular to one
      another. The supramolecular structure is directed by the presence of weak C
      H...O=X (X = C or N) interactions, forming two- and three-dimensional chain
      arrangements.

PMID- 27146568
TI  - Transferred multipolar atom model for 10beta,17beta-dihydroxy-17alpha-methylestr
      4-en-3-one dihydrate obtained from the biotransformation of methyloestrenolone.
AB  - Biotransformation is the structural modification of compounds using enzymes as
      the catalysts and it plays a key role in the synthesis of pharmaceutically
      important compounds. 10beta,17beta-Dihydroxy-17alpha-methylestr-4-en-3-one
      dihydrate, C19H28O3.2H2O, was obtained from the fungal biotransformation of
      methyloestrenolone. The structure was refined using the classical independent
      atom model (IAM) and a transferred multipolar atom model using the ELMAM2
      database. The results from the two refinements have been compared. The ELMAM2
      refinement has been found to be superior in terms of the refinement statistics.
      It has been shown that certain electron-density-derived properties can be
      calculated on the basis of the transferred parameters for crystals which diffract
      to ordinary resolution.

PMID- 27146569
TI  - Two N-(2-phenylethyl)nitroaniline derivatives as precursors for slow and
      sustained nitric oxide release agents.
AB  - Notwithstanding its simple structure, the chemistry of nitric oxide (NO) is
      complex. As a radical, NO is highly reactive. NO also has profound effects on the
      cardiovascular system. In order to regulate NO levels, direct therapeutic
      interventions include the development of numerous NO donors. Most of these donors
      release NO in a single high-concentration burst, which is deleterious. N
      Nitrosated secondary amines release NO in a slow, sustained, and rate-tunable
      manner. Two new precursors to sustained NO-releasing materials have been
      characterized. N-[2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2,4-dinitroaniline, C16H17N3O6,
      (I), crystallizes with one independent molecule in the asymmetric unit. The
      adjacent amine and nitro groups form an intramolecular N-H...O hydrogen bond. The
      anti conformation about the phenylethyl-to-aniline C-N bond leads to the planes
      of the arene and aniline rings being approximately perpendicular. Molecules are
      linked into dimers by weak intermolecular N-H...O hydrogen bonds such that each
      amine H atom participates in a three-center interaction with two nitro O atoms.
      The dimers pack so that the arene rings of adjacent molecules are not parallel
      and pi-pi interactions do not appear to be favored. N-(4-Methylsulfonyl-2
      nitrophenyl)-L-phenylalanine, C16H16N2O6S, (II), with an optically active center,
      also crystallizes with one unique molecule in the asymmetric unit. The L
      enantiomer was established via the configuration of the starting material and was
      confirmed by refinement of the Flack parameter. As in (I), there is an
      intramolecular N-H...O hydrogen bond between adjacent amine and nitro groups. The
      conformation of the molecule is such that the arene rings display a dihedral
      angle of ca 60 degrees . Unlike (I), molecules are not linked via intermolecular
      N-H...O hydrogen bonds. Rather, the carboxylic acid H atom forms a classic,
      approximately linear, O-H...O hydrogen bond with a sulfone O atom. Pairs of
      molecules related by twofold rotation axes are linked into dimers by two such
      interactions. The packing pattern features a zigzag arrangement of the arene
      rings without apparent pi-pi interactions. These structures are compared with
      reported analogues, revealing significant differences in molecular conformation,
      intermolecular interactions, and packing that result from modest changes in
      functional groups. The structures are discussed in terms of potential NO-release
      capability.

PMID- 27146570
TI  - Two pseudo-enantiomeric forms of N-benzyl-4-hydroxy-1-methyl-2,2-dioxo-1H
      2lambda(6),1-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide and their analgesic properties.
AB  - The fact that molecular crystals exist as different polymorphic modifications and
      the identification of as many polymorphs as possible are important considerations
      for the pharmaceutic industry. The molecule of N-benzyl-4-hydroxy-1-methyl-2,2
      dioxo-1H-2lambda(6),1-benzothiazine-3-carboxamide, C17H16N2O4S, does not contain
      a stereogenic atom, but intramolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions engender
      enantiomeric chiral conformations as a labile racemic mixture. The title compound
      crystallized in a solvent-dependent single chiral conformation within one of two
      conformationally polymorphic P212121 orthorhombic chiral crystals (denoted forms
      A and B). Each of these pseudo-enantiomorphic crystals contains one of two pseudo
      enantiomeric diastereomers. Form A was obtained from methylene chloride and form
      B can be crystallized from N,N-dimethylformamide, ethanol, ethyl acetate or
      xylene. Pharmacological studies with solid-particulate suspensions have shown
      that crystalline form A exhibits an almost fourfold higher antinociceptive
      activity compared to form B.

PMID- 27146571
TI  - A non-oxo methanolate-bridged divanadium(IV) complex with tris(2
      sulfanidylphenyl)phosphane ligands: synthesis, structural characterization and
      magnetic investigation.
AB  - Vanadium chemistry is of interest due its biological relevance and medical
      applications. In particular, the interactions of high-valent vanadium ions with
      sulfur-containing biologically important molecules, such as cysteine and
      glutathione, might be related to the redox conversion of vanadium in ascidians,
      the function of amavadin (a vanadium-containing anion) and the antidiabetic
      behaviour of vanadium compounds. A mechanistic understanding of these aspects is
      important. In an effort to investigate high-valent vanadium-sulfur chemistry, we
      have synthesized and characterized the non-oxo divanadium(IV) complex salt
      tetraphenylphosphonium tri-MU-<!?tlsb=-0.11pt>methanolato-kappa(6)O:O-bis({tris[2
      sulfanidyl-3-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl]phosphane-kappa(4)P,S,S',S''}vanadium(IV))
      methanol disolvate, (C24H20P)[V(IV)2(MU-OCH3)3(C27H36PS3)2].2CH3OH. Two V(IV)
      metal centres are bridged by three methanolate ligands, giving a C2-symmetric
      V2(MU-OMe)3 core structure. Each V(IV) centre adopts a monocapped trigonal
      antiprismatic geometry, with the P atom situated in the capping position and the
      three S atoms and three O atoms forming two triangular faces of the trigonal
      antiprism. The magnetic data indicate a paramagnetic nature of the salt, with an
      S = 1 spin state.

PMID- 27146572
TI  - Conformation and tautomerism of methoxy-substituted 4-phenyl-4-thiazoline-2
      thiones: a combined crystallographic and ab initio investigation.
AB  - 4-Phenyl-4-thiazoline-2-thiol is an active pharmaceutical compound, one of whose
      activities is as a human indolenamine dioxygenase inhibitor. It has been shown
      recently that in both the solid state and the gas phase, the thiazolinethione
      tautomer should be preferred. As part of both research on this lead compound and
      a medicinal chemistry program, a series of substituted arylthiazolinethiones have
      been synthesized. The molecular conformations and tautomerism of 4-(2
      methoxyphenyl)-4-thiazoline-2-thione and 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-thiazoline-2
      thione, both C10H9NOS2, are reported and compared with the geometry deduced from
      ab initio calculations [PBE/6-311G(d,p)]. Both the crystal structure analyses and
      the calculations establish the thione tautomer for the two substituted
      arylthiazolinethiones. In the crystal structure of the 2-methoxyphenyl
      regioisomer, the thiazolinethione unit was disordered over two conformations.
      Both isomers exhibit similar hydrogen-bond patterns [R2(2)(8) motif] and form
      dimers. The crystal packing is further reinforced by short S...S interactions in
      the 2-methoxyphenyl isomer. The conformations of the two regioisomers correspond
      to stable geometries calculated from an ab initio energy-relaxed scan.

PMID- 27146573
TI  - Crystal structure and photoluminescence properties of a new Cd(II) coordination
      polymer catena-poly[bis[4-bromo-2-({[2-(pyrrolidin-1
      yl)ethyl]imino}methyl)phenolato-kappa(3)N,N',O]di-MU3-chlorido-di-MU2-chlorido
      bis(methanol-kappaO)tricadmium(II)].
AB  - Schiff base-metal complexes have been used widely as catalysts for many organic
      reactions, such as ring-opening polymerization and oxidation. In view of the
      importance of Cd(II) coordination polymers and in an effort to enlarge the
      library of such complexes, the title novel polymeric Cd(II) tridentate Schiff
      base complex, [Cd3(C13H16BrN2O)2Cl4(CH4O)2]n, has been synthesized and
      characterized by elemental analyses, UV and IR spectroscopies, and single-crystal
      X-ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic P-1 space group with
      two symmetry-independent Cd(II) atoms, one of which lies on an inversion centre,
      and analysis of the crystal structure shows that both Cd(II) atoms are six
      coordinated; the environment around one Cd(II) atom can be described as distorted
      octahedral, while that around the second Cd(II) atom is octahedral. The Cd(II)
      atoms are linked by chloride ligands to form a one-dimensional coordination
      polymer. The nonbonding intermolecular Cd...Cd distances are 3.7009 (4) and
      4.3563 (5) A. Furthermore, the photoluminescence properties of the complex have
      been investigated and it displays a strong red emission in the solid state at
      room temperature.

PMID- 27146574
TI  - Synthesis, structure and characterization of five new organically templated metal
      sulfates with 2-aminopyridinium.
AB  - The chemistry of organically templated metal sulfates has attracted interest from
      the materials science community and the development of synthetic strategies for
      the preparation of organic-inorganic hybrid materials with novel structures and
      special properties is of current interest. Sulfur-oxygen-metal linkages provide
      the possibility of using sulfate tetrahedra as building units to form new solid
      state materials. A series of novel organically templated metal sulfates of 2
      aminopyridinium (2ap) with aluminium(III), cobalt(II), magnesium(II), nickel(II)
      and zinc(II) were obtained from the respective aqueous solutions and studied by
      single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compounds crystallize in centrosymmetric
      triclinic unit cells in three structure types: type 1 for 2-aminopyridinium
      hexaaquaaluminium(III) bis(sulfate) tetrahydrate, (C5H7N2)[Al(H2O)6](SO4)2.4H2O,
      (I); type 2 for bis(2-aminopyridinium) tris[hexaaquacobalt(II)] tetrakis(sulfate)
      dihydrate, (C5H7N2)2[Co(H2O)6]3(SO4)4.2H2O, (II), and bis(2-aminopyridinium)
      tris[hexaaquamagnesium(II)] tetrakis(sulfate) dihydrate,
      (C5H7N2)2[Mg(H2O)6]3(SO4)4.2H2O, (III); and type 3 for bis(2-aminopyridinium)
      hexaaquanickel(II) bis(sulfate), (C5H7N2)2[Ni(H2O)6](SO4)2, (IV), and bis(2
      aminopyridinium) hexaaquazinc(II) bis(sulfate), (C5H7N2)2[Zn(H2O)6](SO4)2, (V).
      The templating role of the 2ap cation in all of the reported crystalline
      substances is governed by the formation of characteristic charge-assisted
      hydrogen-bonded pairs with sulfate anions and the presence of pi-pi interactions
      between the cations. Additionally, both coordinated and uncoordinated water
      molecules are involved in hydrogen-bond formation. As a consequence, extensive
      three-dimensional hydrogen-bonding patterns are formed in the reported crystal
      structures.

PMID- 27146575
TI  - Supramolecular architectures in Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes with thiophene-2
      carboxylate and 2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine ligands.
AB  - The coordination chemistry of mixed-ligand complexes continues to be an active
      area of research since these compounds have a wide range of applications. Many
      coordination polymers and metal-organic framworks are emerging as novel
      functional materials. Aminopyrimidine and its derivatives are flexible ligands
      with versatile binding and coordination modes which have been proven to be useful
      in the construction of organic-inorganic hybrid materials and coordination
      polymers. Thiophenecarboxylic acid, its derivatives and their complexes exhibit
      pharmacological properties. Cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes of
      thiophenecarboxylate have many biological applications, for example, as
      antifungal and antitumor agents. Two new cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes
      incorporating thiophene-2-carboxylate (2-TPC) and 2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine
      (OMP) ligands have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction
      studies, namely (2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine-kappaN)aquachlorido(thiophene-2
      carboxylato-kappaO)cobalt(II) monohydrate, [Co(C5H3O2S)Cl(C6H9N3O2)(H2O)].H2O,
      (I), and catena-poly[copper(II)-tetrakis(MU-thiophene-2-carboxylato-kappa(2)O:O')
      copper(II)-(MU-2-amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidine-kappa(2)N(1):N(3))],
      [Cu2(C5H3O2S)4(C6H9N3O2)]n, (II). In (I), the Co(II) ion has a distorted
      tetrahedral coordination environment involving one O atom from a monodentate 2
      TPC ligand, one N atom from an OMP ligand, one chloride ligand and one O atom of
      a water molecule. An additional water molecule is present in the asymmetric unit.
      The amino group of the coordinated OMP molecule and the coordinated carboxylate O
      atom of the 2-TPC ligand form an interligand N-H...O hydrogen bond, generating an
      S(6) ring motif. The pyrimidine molecules also form a base pair [R2(2)(8) motif]
      via a pair of N-H...N hydrogen bonds. These interactions, together with O-H...O
      and O-H...Cl hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking interactions, generate a three
      dimensional supramolecular architecture. The one-dimensional coordination polymer
      (II) contains the classical paddle-wheel [Cu2(CH3COO)4(H2O)2] unit, where each
      carboxylate group of four 2-TPC ligands bridges two square-pyramidally
      coordinated Cu(II) ions and the apically coordinated OMP ligands bridge the
      dinuclear copper units. Each dinuclear copper unit has a crystallographic
      inversion centre, whereas the bridging OMP ligand has crystallographic twofold
      symmetry. The one-dimensional polymeric chains self-assemble via N-H...O, pi-pi
      and C-H...pi interactions, generating a three-dimensional supramolecular
      architecture.

PMID- 27146576
TI  - Enhanced third-order nonlinear optical properties determined in thin films using
      the Z-scan technique: bis(MU-4,4'-oxydibenzoato)bis[(4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2''
      terpyridine)cobalt(II)].
AB  - pi-Conjugated organic materials exhibit high and tunable nonlinear optical (NLO)
      properties, and fast response times. 4'-Phenyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (PTP) is
      an important N-heterocyclic ligand involving pi-conjugated systems, however,
      studies concerning the third-order NLO properties of terpyridine transition metal
      complexes are limited. The title binuclear terpyridine Co(II) complex, bis(MU
      4,4'-oxydibenzoato)-kappa(3)O,O':O'';kappa(3)O'':O,O'-bis[(4'-phenyl-2,2':6',2''
      terpyridine-kappa(3)N,N',N'')cobalt(II)], [Co2(C14H8O5)2(C21H15N3)2], (1), has
      been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In the crystal structure, each
      Co(II) cation is surrounded by three N atoms of a PTP ligand and three O atoms,
      two from a bidentate and one from a symmetry-related monodentate 4,4'
      oxydibenzoate (ODA(2-)) ligand, completing a distorted octahedral coordination
      geometry. Neighbouring [Co(PTP)](2+) units are bridged by ODA(2-) ligands to form
      a ring-like structure. The third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of (1)
      and PTP were determined in thin films using the Z-scan technique. The title
      compound shows a strong third-order NLO saturable absorption (SA), while PTP
      exhibits a third-order NLO reverse saturable absorption (RSA). The absorptive
      coefficient beta of (1) is -37.3 * 10(-7) m W(-1), which is larger than that
      (8.96 * 10(-7) m W(-1)) of PTP. The third-order NLO susceptibility chi((3))
      values are calculated as 6.01 * 10(-8) e.s.u. for (1) and 1.44 * 10(-8) e.s.u.
      for PTP.

PMID- 27146577
TI  - Safety evaluation of combination doxorubicin and toceranib phosphate
      (Palladia(r)) in tumour bearing dogs: a phase I dose-finding study.
AB  - Combination chemotherapy holds promise for improving outcomes in malignancy when
      compared with single-agent approaches. Care must be taken to avoid overlapping
      toxicity and to utilize agents with differing mechanisms of action. A phase I
      dose-finding trial was performed to determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD)
      of a concurrent toceranib and doxorubicin (DOX) combination protocol where
      toceranib dose was maintained at or near 2.75 mg kg-1 by mouth every other day
      (PO EOD) while escalating DOX dosage. The dose-limiting toxicity was found to be
      neutropenia and the MTD of the combination was determined to be 25 mg m-2 of DOX
      q 21 days given concurrently with toceranib 2.75 mg kg-1 PO EOD. This combination
      was well tolerated with no excessive gastrointestinal toxicity nor novel adverse
      events (AEs) noted. Anti-tumour activity was observed in the majority of cases.
      This combination warrants further investigation in the context of phase II/III
      clinical trials to characterize efficacy and long-term AE profiles.

PMID- 27146578
TI  - Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, update February 2016.

PMID- 27146580
TI  - An artificial diet containing plant pollen for the mealybug predator Cryptolaemus
      montrouzieri.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The specialist predatory ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is an
      effective natural enemy of mealybugs and plays a key role in the biological
      control of these pests. However, its mass production is complicated by the
      dependence on parallel cultures of mealybugs or the need for Ephestia kuehniella
      eggs as an expensive factitious prey. RESULTS: Here we developed a pollen-based
      artificial food for the predator to lower its dependence on natural prey. We
      found that this artificial diet was an effective alternative food for larvae and
      adults of this predator. The artificial food supported the development and
      reproduction of the predator not only in the first generation (F0) but also in
      the next generation (F1). Although the developmental time and preoviposition
      period of C. montrouzieri on the artificial food were ca 1.5 days and 4 days
      longer than on the natural prey, the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri,
      respectively, its immature survival, fecundity and egg hatch were similar to
      those on mealybugs. In addition, adult C. montrouzieri maintained on natural or
      artificial food had a similar starvation resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggest that the pollen-based artificial diet can be used as an alternative food
      in the rearing of C. montrouzieri, and indicate its potential to support the mass
      production and wider application of this predator in biological control
      programmes. (c) 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27146579
TI  - Dual effects of VEGF-B on activating cardiomyocytes and cardiac stem cells to
      protect the heart against short- and long-term ischemia-reperfusion injury.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate whether vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B)
      improves myocardial survival and cardiac stem cell (CSC) function in the ischemia
      reperfusion (I/R) heart and promotes CSC mobilization and angiogenesis. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: One hour after myocardial ischemia and infarction, rats were treated
      with recombinant human VEGF-B protein following 24 h or 7 days of myocardial
      reperfusion. Twenty-four hours after myocardial I/R, VEGF-B increased pAkt and
      Bcl-2 levels, reduced p-p38MAPK, LC3-II/I, beclin-1, CK, CK-MB and cTnt levels,
      triggered cardiomyocyte protection against I/R-induced autophagy and apoptosis,
      and contributed to the decrease of infarction size and the improvement of heart
      function during I/R. Simultaneously, an in vitro hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)
      induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury model was used to mimic I/R injury model in
      vivo; in this model, VEGF-B decreased LDH release, blocked H/R-induced apoptosis
      by inhibiting cell autophagy, and these special effects could be abolished by the
      autophagy inducer, rapamycin. Mechanistically, VEGF-B markedly activated the Akt
      signaling pathway while slightly inhibiting p38MAPK, leading to the blockade of
      cell autophagy and thus protecting cardiomyocyte from H/R-induced activation of
      the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Seven days after I/R, VEGF-B induced the
      expression of SDF-1alpha and HGF, resulting in the massive mobilization and
      homing of c-Kit positive cells, triggering further angiogenesis and
      vasculogenesis in the infracted heart and contributing to the improvement of I/R
      heart function. CONCLUSION: VEGF-B could contribute to a favorable short- and
      long-term prognosis for I/R via the dual manipulation of cardiomyocytes and CSCs.

PMID- 27146582
TI  - Endometrial Injury May Increase the Pregnancy Rate in Patients Undergoing
      Intrauterine Insemination: An Interventional Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of endometrial injury using
      Pipelle catheter in the follicular phase (cycle day 5, 6, or 7) of the
      stimulation cycle on pregnancy rates in patients undergoing intrauterine
      insemination. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled study was carried
      out in the Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit of Ain Shams University
      Maternity Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, from July 1, 2013 to August 31, 2015. Three
      hundred sixty women, 20 to 35 years of age, with patent fallopian tubes, mild
      male factor infertility, or unexplained infertility were recruited. Participants
      were allocated randomly into 2 groups: experimental arm and control arm. Women in
      the experimental arm underwent endometrial biopsy using a Pipelle catheter on day
      5, 6, or 7 of the stimulation cycle combined with intrauterine insemination.
      Women in the control group underwent intrauterine insemination with no
      endometrial biopsy done. The primary outcomes were the clinical and chemical
      pregnancy rates. RESULTS: Data of 344 participants were statistically analyzed.
      The chemical pregnancy rate was 23.66% in the experimental arm and 10.85% in the
      control arm (P = .002). The clinical pregnancy rate was 18.93% in the
      experimental arm and 7.42% in the control arm (P = .003). CONCLUSION: Endometrial
      injury using a Pipelle catheter in the stimulation cycle may improve pregnancy
      rates in women undergoing intrauterine insemination.

PMID- 27146583
TI  - Evaluation of gamma-cyclodextrin effect on permeation of lipophilic drugs:
      application of cellophane/fused octanol membrane.
AB  - According to the Biopharmaceutics Classification System, oral bioavailability of
      drugs is determined by their aqueous solubility and the ability of the dissolved
      drug molecules to permeate lipophilic biological membranes. Similarly topical
      bioavailability of ophthalmic drugs is determined by their solubility in the
      aqueous tear fluid and their ability to permeate the lipophilic cornea. Enabling
      pharmaceutical excipients such as cyclodextrins can have profound effect on the
      drug bioavailability. However, to fully appreciate such enabling excipients, the
      relationship between their effects and the physicochemical properties of the
      permeating drug needs to be known. In this study, the permeation enhancing effect
      of gamma-cyclodextrin (gammaCD) on saturated drug solutions containing
      hydrocortisone (HC), irbesartan (IBS), or telmisartan (TEL) was evaluated using
      cellophane and fused cellulose-octanol membranes in a conventional Franz
      diffusion cell system. The flux (J), the flux ratio (JR) and the apparent
      permeability coefficients (Papp) demonstrate that gammaCD increases drug
      permeability. However, its efficacy depends on the drug properties. Addition of
      gammaCD increased Papp of HC (unionized) and IBS (partially ionized) through the
      dual membrane but decreased the Papp of TEL (fully ionized) that displays low
      complexation efficacy. The dual cellophane-octanol membrane system was simple to
      use and gave reproducible results.

PMID- 27146584
TI  - Riluzole mediates anti-tumor properties in breast cancer cells independent of
      metabotropic glutamate receptor-1.
AB  - Riluzole, the only drug approved by the FDA for treating amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis, inhibits melanoma proliferation through its inhibitory effect on
      glutamatergic signaling. We demonstrated that riluzole also inhibits the growth
      of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and described a role for metabotropic
      glutamate receptor-1 (GRM1) in regulating TNBC cell growth and progression.
      However, the role of GRM1 in mediating riluzole's effects in breast cancer has
      not been fully elucidated. In this study, we seek to determine how much of
      riluzole's action in breast cancer is mediated through GRM1. We investigated anti
      tumor properties of riluzole in TNBC and ER+ cells using cell growth, invasion,
      and soft-agar assays and compared riluzole activity with GRM1 levels. Using
      Lentiviral vectors expressing GRM1 or shGRM1, these studies were repeated in
      cells expressing high or low GRM1 levels where the gene was either silenced or
      overexpressed. Riluzole inhibited proliferation, invasion, and colony formation
      in both TNBC and ER+ cells. There was a trend between GRM1 expression in TNBC
      cells and their response to riluzole in both cell proliferation and invasion
      assays. However, silencing and overexpression studies had no effect on cell
      sensitivity to riluzole. Our results clearly suggest a GRM1-independent mechanism
      through which riluzole mediates its effects on breast cancer cells. Understanding
      the mechanism by which riluzole mediates breast cancer progression will be useful
      in identifying new therapeutic targets for treating TNBC and in facilitating
      stratification of patients in clinical trials using riluzole in conjunction with
      conventional therapy.

PMID- 27146585
TI  - Plasma S100P level as a novel prognostic marker of metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - Metastasis is the main cause of death in breast cancer patients. The development
      of reliable and cost-effective biomarker to evaluate the prognosis of metastatic
      breast cancer (MBC) patients is of great importance. S100P is a member of S100
      family and has been proved to be associated with metastasis establishment.
      METHODS: We investigated the plasma S100P levels in 60 healthy controls, 48
      primary and 273 metastatic breast cancer patients. The MBC patients were followed
      up for disease progression and death up to 3.5 years after recruitment.
      Radiographic response of MBC patients were also analyzed for investigation on
      treatment monitoring value of plasma S100P level. We found a robust association
      between high plasma S100P level (>7 ng/mL) and poor prognosis of metastatic
      breast cancer (MBC) patients (median progression-free survival time: 5.0 vs. 8.7
      months, log-rank test p < 0.001; median overall survival time: 22.5 vs. 31.6
      months, log-rank test p < 0.001). The plasma S100P level added additional
      prognostic relevance to the conventional prognostication model with
      clinicopathological factors and CTC enumeration. The plasma S100P level decreased
      significantly after treatment, while the reduction correlated with the
      radiographic response of the MBC patients. This finding indicates the value of
      plasma S100P in dynamic evaluation of treatment outcome. We hereby suggest plasma
      S100P level as a simple and cost-effective marker for the prognosis of metastatic
      breast cancer.

PMID- 27146586
TI  - Short-term mortality in older patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for
      early-stage breast cancer.
AB  - Chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer has lowered cancer recurrence and
      deaths. However, short-term mortality rates due to cancer or treatment in the
      general population remain largely unknown. In this study, we evaluate the short
      term mortality rate and the determinants of such outcome among a cohort of older
      breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. This is a population
      based study based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program
      (SEER)-Medicare and the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR)-Medicare databases. Patients
      diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer between 2003 and 2011 who were 66 years
      or older and were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy within 6 months of diagnosis
      were included. Short-term mortality was defined as death from any cause within
      one year of breast cancer diagnosis. Descriptive statistics and multivariable
      logistic regression modeling were used for the analysis. Of the 21,536 patients
      included, a total of 625 (2.9 %) died within one year of breast cancer diagnosis.
      In multivariate analysis, older age (using 66-70 as reference category; 71-75
      years OR 1.31, 95 % CI 1.05-1.62; 76-80 years OR 1.73, 95 % CI 1.36-2.19; >80
      years OR 3.48, 95 % CI 2.7-4.48) and higher comorbidity index (using Charlson
      score of 0 as a reference, those with score of 1 or >2 had higher risk OR 1.46,
      95 % CI 1.19-1.8 and OR 2.98, 95 % CI 2.42-3.67, respectively) were associated
      with the increased risk of short-term mortality. Other factors significantly
      associated with the outcome were higher grade and stage, ER-negative status, poor
      census tract area, and mastectomy. The findings of this study revealed that, in
      this large cohort of older breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant
      chemotherapy, 2.9 % of the population died within one year of breast cancer
      diagnosis. Finally, it was concluded that tumor- and patient-related
      characteristics were associated with short-term death. Our findings add relevant
      information that can be used by clinicians when balancing the risk.

PMID- 27146588
TI  - Risk factors for acute liver allograft rejection and their influences on
      treatment outcomes of rescue therapy in living donor liver transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several clinical factors are reportedly correlated with acute
      cellular rejection (ACR) after liver transplantation. However, the factors that
      determine the response to rescue therapies remain unclear. METHODS: A prospective
      database of 413 consecutive adult patients who underwent living donor liver
      transplantation (LDLT) was reviewed. RESULTS: Ninety-nine (24%) patients
      developed ACR after LDLT. A multivariate analysis revealed that a positive T
      lymphocytotoxic test (odds ratio [OR], 3.85; P=.017), HLA-DR mismatch (OR, 2.99;
      P=.013), autoimmune disease (OR, 2.61; P=.001), and a younger recipient age (OR,
      0.60 for +10 years; P<.001) were independent risk factors for ACR. Among these,
      autoimmune disease was significantly correlated with refractoriness to the
      standard rescue therapy (53% vs 30%, P=.02) and relapse of cellular rejection
      (34% vs 16%, P=.04). After rescue therapy, 98 of the 99 (99%) patients eventually
      recovered from ACR and graft loss was observed in only one patient. None of the
      risk factors for ACR impaired both graft survival and overall survival after
      LDLT. CONCLUSIONS: Autoimmune liver disease is associated with refractoriness to
      rescue therapy for ACR and the relapse of rejection. However, ACR does not affect
      the long-term outcomes of LDLT if it is well controlled.

PMID- 27146587
TI  - Risk prediction for local versus regional/metastatic tumors after initial ductal
      carcinoma in situ diagnosis treated by lumpectomy.
AB  - Among women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), we identified factors
      associated with local invasive cancer (LIC) and regional/metastatic invasive
      cancer (RMIC) and provide 10-year risks based on clinically relevant factors. We
      created a retrospective, population-based cohort of 1492 women with an initial
      diagnosis of DCIS (1983-1996) treated by lumpectomy alone. Histological and
      molecular markers (Ki67, ER, PR, COX-2, p16, ERBB2) were collected on DCIS cases
      with a subsequent tumor (DCIS, LIC, or RMIC) and a subsample of frequency-matched
      controls without subsequent tumors. Competing risks methods were used to identify
      factors associated with LIC and RMIC and cumulative incidence methods to estimate
      10-year risks for combinations of factors. Median follow-up time was 12.6 years
      (range 0.5-29.5 years). The overall 10-year risk of LIC (11.9 %) was higher than
      for RMIC (3.8 %). About half of women with initial DCIS lesions are detected by
      mammography and p16 negative and have a 10-year risk of LIC of 6.2 % (95 % CI 5.8
      6.8 %) and RMIC of 1.2 % (95 % CI 1.1-1.3 %). Premenopausal women whose DCIS
      lesion was p16 positive or p16 negative and detected by palpation had high 10
      year risk of LIC of 23.0 % (95 % CI 19.3-27.4 %). Ten-year risk of RMIC was
      highest at 22.5 % (95 % CI 13.8-48.1 %) for those positive for p16, COX-2, and
      ERRB2, and negative for ER, but prevalence of this group is low at 3 %. Ten-year
      risk of LIC and RMIC is low for the majority diagnosed with DCIS. Combinations of
      molecular markers and method of detection of initial DCIS lesion can
      differentiate women at low and high risk of LIC and RMIC.

PMID- 27146589
TI  - Sulfoximine substituted quinazolines for pharmaceutical compositions US
      20150005278 (A1): a patent evaluation.
AB  - Mnk1 and Mnk2 are protein kinases responsible for phosphorylating eIF4E, a
      eukaryotic initiation factor responsible for initiating translation. Inhibiting
      Mnk1 and Mnk2 could therefore play a role in treating metabolic diseases such as
      cancer, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. A wide range of sulfoximine substituted
      quinazolines were synthesised and evaluated for their Mnk1 and Mnk2 inhibitory
      activity. Amongst these compounds, 26 quinazolines showed activity against Mnk1
      at <100 nM and 54 showed activity against Mnk2 at 1 nM. The results indicate that
      this scaffold is much more active against Mnk2 than Mnk1. The synthesised
      compounds may be future drugs in the treatment of metabolic diseases. 

PMID- 27146590
TI  - An N-sulfanylethylanilide-based traceable linker for enrichment and selective
      labelling of target proteins.
AB  - An N-sulfanylethylanilide-based traceable linker, developed to facilitate
      identification of target proteins of bioactive compounds, was introduced into an
      alkynylated target protein. Subsequent adsorption onto streptavidin beads allowed
      it to be treated with a cysteine-fluorophore conjugate in the presence of
      phosphate. This induced the N-S acyl transfer reaction of the N
      sulfanylethylanilide unit. The subsequent native chemical ligation of the
      fluorophore resulted in cleavage of the linker for target elution and
      fluorescence labelling of the target, allowing it to be distinguished from non
      target proteins. 

PMID- 27146591
TI  - Radiotherapy and Hormone Treatment in Prostate Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer has the highest incidence of any type of cancer in
      Germany; an estimated 67 000 new diagnoses of prostate cancer will be made in
      2016. In the current German S3 guideline for the treatment of prostate cancer,
      radiotherapy-sometimes in combination with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-is
      one of the two recommended options for treatment with curative intent (the other
      is radical prostatectomy). There have been many publications on this subject, yet
      it is still often unclear in routine practice how ADT should be administered, and
      for how long. METHODS: This review is based on publications retrieved by a
      selective literature search, with special attention to controlled trials.
      RESULTS: For low risk patients, radiotherapy without ADT is indicated (evidence
      level 1). Patients with localized prostate cancer and an intermediate risk
      benefit from radiotherapy combined with a four-to-six-month course of ADT. In
      this situation, a higher radiation dose might be an effective substitute for ADT
      (evidence level 1-2). For patients at high risk, radiotherapy combined with long
      term hormonal treatment is the standard therapy, as it significantly improves all
      oncological end points (evidence level 1). For example, in the largest randomized
      and controlled trial, this form of treatment reduced cancer-specific mortality
      from 19% to 9% . Higher radiation doses of 66-74 Gy and longer ADT can improve
      local control at the cost of increased urethral toxicity. CONCLUSION: Androgen
      deprivation combined with external beam radiotherapy is a curative standard
      option for patients with prostate cancer who are at high risk of recurrence. The
      modern radiotherapeutic techniques that are now available, such as intensity
      modulated radiotherapy, enable a further improvement of the risk/benefit ratio.

PMID- 27146592
TI  - Hysterectomy for Benign Uterine Disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hysterectomy is the second most common operation in obstetrics and
      gynecology after Cesarean section. Until now, there has not been any German
      clinical guideline with recommendations concerning the indications for
      hysterectomy for benign uterine conditions, in consideration of the available
      uterus-preserving alternative treatments. METHODS: We systematically searched the
      Medline database in 2013, in 2014, and in December 2015, focusing on aggregate
      evidence, and assessed the retrieved literature. The guideline recommendations
      were developed by a consensus process with structured independent moderation.
      RESULTS: 30 systematic reviews and 8 randomized controlled trials were analyzed.
      Among the study patients treated with either hysterectomy (by any technique) or
      an organ-preserving alternative, at least 75-94% were satisfied with their
      treatment. Vaginal hysterectomy was associated with lower complication rates,
      shorter procedure duration, and more rapid recovery than abdominal hysterectomy
      and is therefore the preferred technique. If vaginal hysterectomy is not
      possible, a laparoscopic approach should be considered. Abdominal hysterectomy
      should be reserved for special indications. In 2012, the frequency of abdominal
      hysterectomy in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland was lower than elsewhere in the
      world, at 15.7% , 28.0% , and 23.9% , respectively. Uterus-preserving techniques
      were associated with higher reintervention rates compared to hysterectomy (11-36%
      vs 4-10% ). CONCLUSION: The main objective is to reduce the frequency of
      abdominal hysterectomy. Patients should be counseled and made aware of uterus
      sparing alternatives to hysterectomy so that they are able to make informed
      decisions.

PMID- 27146593
TI  - Reservations Regarding the Suitability of the DRG System.

PMID- 27146594
TI  - Outpatient Procedure.

PMID- 27146595
TI  - Postmortem Examination in Case of Death.

PMID- 27146596
TI  - Administrative Data Should Be Questioned.

PMID- 27146597
TI  - In Reply.

PMID- 27146598
TI  - Polydiacetylene Liposomal Aequorin Bioluminescent Device for Detection of
      Hydrophobic Compounds.
AB  - In this study, a polydiacetylene liposomal aequorin bioluminescent device (PLABD)
      that functioned through control of the membrane transport of Ca(2+) ions was
      developed for detecting hydrophobic compounds. In the PLABD, aequorin was
      encapsulated in an internal water phase and a calcium ionophore (CI) was
      contained in a hydrophobic region. Membrane transport of Ca(2+) ions across the
      CI was suppressed by polymerization between diacetylene molecules. On addition of
      an analyte, the membrane transport of Ca(2+) ions across the CI increased, and
      Ca(2+) ions from the external water phase could diffuse into the internal water
      phase via the CI, which resulted in bioluminescence of the aequorin. Lidocaine,
      procaine, and procainamide were used as model compounds to test the validity of
      the detection mechanism of the PLABD. When each analyte was added to a suspension
      of the PLABD, bioluminescence from the aequorin in the PLABD was observed, and
      the level of this bioluminescence increased with increasing analyte
      concentration. There was a linear relationship between the logarithm of the
      analyte concentration and the bioluminescence for all analytes as follows: R =
      0.89 from 10 nmol L(-1) to 10 mmol L(-1) for lidocaine, R = 0.66 from 10 nmol L(
      1) to 100 MUmol L(-1) for procaine, and R = 0.74 from 100 nmol L(-1) to 100 MUmol
      L(-1) for procainamide. Compared to the traditional colorimetric method using
      polydiacetylene liposome, the PLABD was superior for both the sensitivity and
      dynamic range. Thus, PLABD is a valid, simple, and sensitive signal generator for
      detection of hydrophobic compounds that interact with PLABD membranes.

PMID- 27146599
TI  - Copper-Mediated Aromatic 1,1-Difluoroethylation with (1,1
      Difluoroethyl)trimethylsilane (TMSCF2 CH3 ).
AB  - A new method for the formation of 1,1-difluoroethyl copper species ("CuCF2 CH3 ")
      with 1,1-difluoroethylsilane (TMSCF2 CH3 ) has been developed. The "CuCF2 CH3 "
      species can be applied to the efficient 1,1-difluoroethylation of diaryliodonium
      salts under mild conditions, affording (1,1-difluoroethyl)arenes in good to
      excellent yields. This convenient procedure tolerates a wide range of functional
      groups and thus serves as a practical synthetic tool for the introduction of CF2
      CH3 group(s) into complex molecules. 

PMID- 27146600
TI  - Trends of Scientific Publication.

PMID- 27146601
TI  - Surgery for pressure ulcers in spinal cord-injured patients following a
      structured treatment programme: a 10-year follow-up.
AB  - With the aim to improve the outcomes for spinal cord-injured patients undergoing
      surgery for pressure ulcers, a structured treatment programme regulating pre- and
      postoperative care and rehabilitation was introduced in 2002 in Stockholm. Fifty
      one consecutive patients operated on between 2002 and 2007 were included in a 10
      year follow-up to evaluate the programme regarding initial healing results and
      long-term ulcer and health status. At one month postoperatively, 49 out of 51
      (96%) patients were completely healed. Five patients (5/44, 11%) developed
      recurrent or new ulcers within 3 years of surgery. Two patients were re-operated
      on (2/44, 5%). Between 3 and 10 years after surgery, 9 patients (9/33, 27%) had a
      history of recurrent ulcers, and 6 (6/33, 18%) had a history of new ulcers, a
      total of 15 patients (15/33, 45%). Of these, three needed re-operation (3/33, 9
      %). The health status values using a visual analogue rating scale were 70
      (median) at 3 and 10 years compared with 30 (median) preoperatively. The good
      initial healing, the low ulcer recurrence rate and the raise in health status
      indicate the value of a structured treatment programme, especially for the first
      few postoperative years.

PMID- 27146602
TI  - Is lymphovascular invasion a powerful predictor for biochemical recurrence in pT3
      N0 prostate cancer? Results from the K-CaP database.
AB  - To assess the impact of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) on the risk of biochemical
      recurrence (BCR) in pT3 N0 prostate cancer, clinical data were extracted from
      1,622 patients with pT3 N0 prostate cancer from the K-CaP database. Patients with
      neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (n = 325) or insufficient pathologic or
      follow-up data (n = 87) were excluded. The primary endpoint was the oncologic
      importance of LVI, and the secondary endpoint was the hierarchical relationships
      for estimating BCR between the evaluated variables. LVI was noted in 260 patients
      (21.5%) and was significantly associated with other adverse clinicopathologic
      features. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, LVI was significantly
      associated with an increased risk of BCR after adjusting for known prognostic
      factors. In the Bayesian belief network analysis, LVI and pathologic Gleason
      score were found to be first-degree associates of BCR, whereas prostate-specific
      antigen (PSA) level, seminal vesicle invasion, perineural invasion, and high
      grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia were considered second-degree
      associates. In the random survival forest, pathologic Gleason score, LVI, and PSA
      level were three most important variables in determining BCR of patients with pT3
      N0 prostate cancer. In conclusion, LVI is one of the most powerful adverse
      prognostic factors for BCR in patients with pT3 N0 prostate cancer.

PMID- 27146604
TI  - Scarred hearts.

PMID- 27146603
TI  - Association between hemorrhagic stroke occurrence and meteorological factors and
      pollutants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to determine whether intracerebral
      hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage have different incidence patterns based on
      monthly variations in meteorological and air pollution parameters in the
      Seongdong district of Seoul, South Korea. METHODS: From January 1, 2004 to
      December 31, 2014, 1,477 consecutive hemorrhagic stroke events (>19 years old)
      were registered among residents of the Seongdong district, Seoul, South Korea.
      The authors calculated the relative risk of hemorrhagic stroke and its subtype
      incidence based on meteorological and air pollution factors. We also estimated
      relative risk with 95 % confidence intervals using a multivariate Poisson
      regression model to identify potential independent variables among meteorological
      factors and pollutants associated with either intracerebral hemorrhage or
      subarachnoid hemorrhage occurrence. RESULTS: We observed a negative correlation
      between intracerebral hemorrhage and mean temperature. In the multivariate
      Poisson model, particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 MUm showed
      positive correlations with intracerebral hemorrhage (relative risk, 1.09; 95 %
      confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.15; P = 0.012). In contrast, ozone correlated
      significantly with subarachnoid hemorrhage occurrence (relative risk, 1.32; 95 %
      confidence interval, 1.10 to 1.58; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show the
      relationship between hemorrhagic stroke and meteorological parameters and
      pollutants under similar weather and environmental conditions in a small area.
      Among meteorological and pollutant variables, only higher particulate matter
      concentrations correlated independently with intracerebral hemorrhage occurrence,
      while only ozone was independently associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage
      occurrence. These findings suggest the possibility that there are pathogenic
      associations between hemorrhagic stroke and meteorological factors and
      pollutants.

PMID- 27146605
TI  - Rapid authentication of the precious herb saffron by loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification (LAMP) based on internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence.
AB  - Saffron is one of the most expensive species of Chinese herbs and has been
      subjected to various types of adulteration because of its high price and limited
      production. The present study introduces a loop-mediated isothermal amplification
      (LAMP) technique for the differentiation of saffron from its adulterants. This
      novel technique is sensitive, efficient and simple. Six specific LAMP primers
      were designed on the basis of the nucleotide sequence of the internal transcribed
      spacer 2 (ITS2) nuclear ribosomal DNA of Crocus sativus. All LAMP amplifications
      were performed successfully, and visual detection occurred within 60 min at
      isothermal conditions of 65  degrees C. The results indicated that the LAMP
      primers are accurate and highly specific for the discrimination of saffron from
      its adulterants. In particular, 10 fg of genomic DNA was determined to be the
      limit for template accuracy of LAMP in saffron. Thus, the proposed novel, simple,
      and sensitive LAMP assay is well suited for immediate on-site discrimination of
      herbal materials. Based on the study, a practical standard operating procedure
      (SOP) for utilizing the LAMP protocol for herbal authentication is provided.

PMID- 27146606
TI  - Discovery of acyl guanidine tryptophan hydroxylase-1 inhibitors.
AB  - An increasing number of diseases have been linked to a dysfunctional peripheral
      serotonin system. Given that tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) is the rate limiting
      enzyme in the biosynthesis off serotonin, it represents an attractive target to
      regulate peripheral serotonin. Following up to our first disclosure, we report a
      new chemotype of TPH1 inhibitors where-by the more common central planar
      heterocycle has been replaced with an open-chain, acyl guanidine surrogate.
      Through our work, we found that compounds of this nature provide highly potent
      TPH1 inhibitors with favorable physicochemical properties that were effective in
      reducing murine intestinal 5-HT in vivo. Furthermore, we obtained a high
      resolution (1.90A) X-ray structure crystal structure of one of these inhibitors
      (compound 51) that elucidated the active conformation along with revealing a
      dimeric form of TPH1 for the first time.

PMID- 27146607
TI  - Electronic defect states at the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterointerface revealed by O K
      edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
AB  - Interfaces of two dissimilar complex oxides exhibit exotic physical properties
      that are absent in their parent compounds. Of particular interest is insulating
      LaAlO3 films on an insulating SrTiO3 substrate, where transport measurements have
      shown a metal-insulator transition as a function of LaAlO3 thickness. Their
      origin has become the subject of intense research, yet a unifying consensus
      remains elusive. Here, we report evidence for the electronic reconstruction in
      both insulating and conducting LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterointerfaces revealed by O K
      edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. For the insulating samples, the O K-edge XAS
      spectrum exhibits features characteristic of electronically active point defects
      identified as noninteger valence states of Ti. For conducting samples, a new
      shape-resonance at ~540.5 eV, characteristic of molecular-like oxygen (empty O-2p
      band), is observed. This implies that the concentration of electronic defects has
      increased in proportion with LaAlO3 thickness. For larger defect concentrations,
      the electronic defect states are no longer localized at the Ti orbitals and
      exhibit pronounced O 2p-O 2p character. Our results demonstrate that, above a
      critical thickness, the delocalization of O 2p electronic states can be linked to
      the presence of oxygen vacancies and is responsible for the enhancement of
      conductivity at the oxide heterointerfaces.

PMID- 27146608
TI  - State Clean Indoor Air Laws and smoking among adults with poor mental health.
AB  - Persons with mental illness smoke at twice the rate of the general United States
      (US) population and die an average of 25-years younger, often from preventable
      diseases. This study seeks to determine whether disparities in smoking have
      increased over the past decade and whether Clean Indoor Air Laws (CIALs) are
      associated with changes in smoking among those with poor mental health. We used a
      fixed-effects model for estimation. CIALs were associated with 15 per cent
      decreased odds of smoking among adults in the US. Among those with poor mental
      health, these same laws had no effect. Between 2000 and 2010, the disparity in
      smoking rates between these two populations has steadily increased from 1.8 to
      2.2 times greater. Given the lack of association between tobacco laws and smoking
      among those with poor mental health, alternative and more targeted tobacco
      reduction efforts may be necessary.

PMID- 27146609
TI  - An insight into the molecular characteristics of hepatitis C virus for
      clinicians.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) consists of envelope proteins, core proteins, and genome
      RNA.  The structural genes and non-structural genes in the open reading frame of
      its genome encode functional proteins essential to viral life cycles, ranging
      from virus attachment to progeny virus secretion. After infection, the host cells
      suffer damage from virus-induced oxidative stress, steatosis, and activation of
      proto-oncogenes. Every process during the viral life cycle can be considered as
      targets for direct acting antivirals. However, protective immunity cannot be
      easily acquired for the volatility in HCV antigenic epitopes. Understanding its
      molecular characteristics, especially pathogenesis and targets the drugs act on,
      not only helps professionals to make optimal therapeutic decisions, but also
      helps clinicians who do not specialize in infectious diseases/hepatology to
      provide better management for patients. This review serves   to provide an
      insight for clinicians and this  might provide a possible solution for any
      possible collision. 

PMID- 27146610
TI  - Does short preoperative statin therapy prevent infectious complications in adults
      undergoing cardiac or non-cardiac surgery? A meta-analysis of 5 randomized
      placebo-controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of preoperative statin therapy on the
      incidence of postoperative infection.  METHODS: This systematic review of the
      literature was carried out in August 2015. Studies were retrieved via PubMed,
      Embase, and the Cochrane Library (1980 to 2015), and the reference files were
      limited to English-language articles. We used a standardized protocol, and a meta
      analysis was performed for data abstraction.  RESULTS: Five studies comprising
      1,362 patients qualified for the analysis. The incidence of postoperative
      infections in the statin group (1.1%) was not significantly lower than that in
      the placebo group (2.4%), with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.56 (95% confidence interval
      [CI] 0.24-1.33, p=0.19). Patients of 3 studies underwent cardiac surgery. The
      aggregated results of these studies failed to show significant differences in
      postoperative infection when a fixed effects model was used (RR: 0.39; 95% CI:
      0.08-1.97, p=0.26].   CONCLUSIONS: We failed to find sufficient evidence to
      support the association between statin use and postoperative infectious
      complications. The absence of any evidence for a beneficial effect in available
      randomized trials reduces the likelihood of a causal effect as reported in
      observational studies.

PMID- 27146611
TI  - Inhibitory effect of Bailing capsule on hypoxia-induced proliferation of rat
      pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigated the effects of Bailing capsule on hypoxia-induced
      proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs).   METHODS: This
      prospective study was performed at the Central Laboratory, Chengdu Medical
      College, Chengdu, China between April 2012 and November 2014. Ten healthy adult
      male Wistar rats were administrated with gastric perfusion of Bailing capsule to
      obtain serum containing the tested drugs. Proliferation of pulmonary arterial
      smooth muscle cells proliferation was measured using cell counting kit-8 assay.
      Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat PASMCs was determined through
      a fluorometric assay, whereas production of endothelin-1 (ET-1) was detected by
      ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Expression of proliferating cell
      nuclear antigen (PCNA), c-fos, and c-jun in PASMCs was also determined using
      immunohistochemistry staining and qRT-PCR.  RESULTS: We observed that the
      medicated serum obviously inhibited hypoxia-induced cell proliferation in a
      concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the medicated serum significantly
      reduced hypoxia-induced production of ROS and ET-1, as well as expression of
      PCNA, c-fos, and c-jun, in PASMCs.  CONCLUSION: RESULTS demonstrated that Bailing
      capsule can inhibit hypoxia-induced PASMC proliferation possibly by suppressing
      ET-1 and ROS production and by inhibiting expression of PCNA, c-fos, and c-jun.
      These results suggest that Bailing possess antiproliferative property, which is
      probably one of the underlying mechanisms of Bailing capsule for the clinical
      treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PMID- 27146612
TI  - Molecular subtypes of breast carcinoma in Saudi Arabia. A retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the distribution of various molecular subtypes of breast
      cancer in Saudi Arabia and to assess the association between these subtypes and
      age at diagnosis, tumor size, histopathological type, grade, presence of
      carcinoma in-situ, and lymph node status.  METHODS: This observational
      retrospective study, between January 2010 and  December 2014, was conducted at
      King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We classified 359 breast
      cancers into 4 molecular subtypes, using immunohistochemistry: luminal A
      (estrogen receptor [ER], or progesterone receptor [PR] positive and human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2] negative), luminal B (ER and/or PR
      positive and HER2 positive), HER2-positive (ER and PR negative and HER2
      positive), and triple negative (ER, PR, and HER2 negative). We evaluated the
      relationship between these subtypes and clinicopathological features using Chi
      square test.   RESULTS: The most prevalent subtype was luminal A (58.5%),
      followed in descending order of frequency by triple negative (14.8%), luminal B
      (14.5%), and HER2-positive (12.3%). The average age at diagnosis was 49.8 years,
      and average tumor size at diagnosis was 3.19 cm.   CONCLUSION: Luminal A tumor
      was the most common molecular subtype and HER2-positive was the least common.
      Most lobular carcinomas were luminal A tumors. Human epidermal growth factor
      receptor 2-positive and triple negative tumors had a higher histologic grade and
      a larger tumor size at diagnosis, and they were more common in women under 50
      years. Carcinoma-in-situ was least common in triple negative tumors. We found no
      association between lymph node status and molecular subtypes.

PMID- 27146613
TI  - Pattern of malignancies in children <15 years of age reported in Hadhramout
      Cancer Registry, Yemen between 2002 and 2014.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the patterns of childhood cancers in Hadhramout Sector,
      Yemen between January 2002 and December 2014.  METHODS: This descriptive
      retrospective study was based on secondary data from Hadhramout Cancer Registry,
      Hadhramout, Yemen. All Yemeni children under age of 15 years, who were diagnosed
      with  cancer were included. The International Childhood Cancer Classification
      system was used to categorize cancer types.  RESULTS: A total of 406 childhood
      cancers of both gender less than 15 years of age were reported. These represented
      8.5% of all cases registered. The mean age was 7.34 +/- 4.18 years. There were
      240 males (59.1%) and 166 females (40.9%) with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1.
      Calculated incidence of cancer in children in this population is 1.9 per 100,000.
      The predominant age group was 5-9 years (35%) followed by 10-14 years (33.7%),
      and 0-4 years group (31%). The most common group of malignancies were
      hematological malignancies accounting for 47% of cases, followed by nervous
      system malignancies (15%). The most frequently reported cancer types were
      lymphoma (24%), leukemia (23%), carcinoma (13.1%), and central nervous system
      (CNS) tumors (11.6%).  CONCLUSIONS: There is a lower frequency of childhood
      cancer in Hadhramout Sector when compared with developed countries. The most
      common cancers among children were lymphoma, leukemia, carcinoma, and CNS tumors.

PMID- 27146614
TI  - Radiological sinonasal anatomy. Exploring the Saudi population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of common radiological variants of sinonasal
      anatomy among Saudi population and compare it with the reported prevalence of
      these variants in other ethnic and population groups.  METHODS: This is a
      retrospective cross-sectional study of 121 computerized tomography scans of the
      nose and paranasal sinuses of patients presented with sinonasal symptoms to the
      Department of Otorhinolarngology, King Fahad Hospital of the University, Khobar,
      Saudi Arabia, between January 2014 and May 2014.  RESULTS: Scans of 121 patients
      fulfilled inclusion criteria were reviewed. Concha bullosa was found in 55.4%,
      Haller cell in 39.7%, and Onodi cell  in 28.9%. Dehiscence of the internal
      carotid artery was found in 1.65%. Type-1 and type-2 optic nerve were the
      prevalent types. Type-II Keros classification of the depth of olfactory fossa was
      the most common among the sample (52.9%). Frontal cells were found in 79.3%; type
      I was the most common.   CONCLUSIONS: There is a difference in the prevalence of
      some radiological variants of the sinonasal anatomy between Saudi population and
      other study groups. Surgeon must pay special attention in the preoperative
      assessment of patients with sinonasal pathology to avoid undesirable
      complications.

PMID- 27146615
TI  - Comparison of paracetamol and fentanyl for pain relief during and after suction
      termination.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the combination of paracetamol (20 mg/kg) and propofol to
      fentanyl (1 ug/kg) and propofol in terms of providing adequate analgesia and a
      comparable recovery profile in suction termination procedures. METHODS: This is a
      prospective, randomized clinical study in which we obtained informed consents
      from 146 women (fentanyl group: 76 [52.1%], paracetamol group: 70 [47.9%]) who
      were scheduled for suction curettage at the Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman
      Education and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey in January 2015. Patients were
      randomly allocated into a fentanyl group or a paracetamol group. Visual analogue
      scores, modified Aldrete scores, and hemodynamic parameters were recorded during
      and after the surgical procedure. A record was also maintained of any adverse
      events.   RESULTS: When the modified Aldrete scores at 60 minutes, systolic
      pressures at 0 minutes, oxygen saturation at 10, 15, 20 minutes, diastolic blood
      pressure at 10, 15, 20 minutes, heart rates, and visual analogue scores were
      compared, there was no significant difference between groups (p greater than
      0.05). In the fentanyl group, systolic blood pressures at 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes
      and diastolic blood pressure at 5 minutes and oxygen saturation at 5 minutes were
      significantly lower (p less than 0.05).  CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that
      the analgesic properties and recovery profiles of intravenous paracetamol is as
      effective as fentanyl when used in suction termination procedures. Further larger
      studies are still required.

PMID- 27146616
TI  - Fetal kidney length as a useful adjunct parameter for better determination of
      gestational age.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the validity of fetal kidney length and amniotic fluid
      index (AFI) in labor dating.  METHODS: This prospective study included 180
      pregnant women followed up in the outpatient clinic at the Department of
      Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gaziantep University, Turkey, between January 2014 and
      January 2015. The gestational age (GA) was estimated by early fetal ultrasound
      measures and last menstrual period. Routine fetal biometric parameters, fetal
      kidney length, and amniotic fluid index were measured. We studied the correlation
      between fetal kidney length, amniotic fluid index, and gestational age.  RESULT:
      The mean gestational age depending on last menstrual period and early ultrasound
      was 31.98+/-4.29 (24-39 weeks). The mean kidney length was 35.66+/-6.61 (19-49
      mm). There was a significant correlation between gestational age and fetal kidney
      length (r=0.947, p=0.001). However, there was a moderate negative correlation
      between GA and AFI. Adding fetal kidney length to the routine biometrics improved
      the effectiveness of the model used to estimate GA (R2=0.965 to R2=0.987). 
      CONCLUSION: Gestational age can be better predicted by adding fetal kidney length
      to other routine parameters.

PMID- 27146617
TI  - The use of transfusion quality indicators as a tool for hemovigilance system
      implementation at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To report 2-years experience of using transfusion-related quality
      indicators as a tool in hemovigilance system implementation.  METHODS: The study
      was carried out between 2012 and 2013. Blood transfusion service data were
      prospectively collected at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi
      Arabia. Donor reactions, transfusion reactions, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in-date
      wastage, incidents, and errors pertaining to orders, or requests were collected
      quarterly and prospectively and forwarded to the Hospital Transfusion Committee
      (HTC) for review.  RESULTS: Donor population consisted of 23,132 donors. One
      hundred and forty-eight donor reactions were reported, resulting in a rate of
      0.6%. Eighty-four transfusion reactions were reported and most were allergic
      reactions (79.7%). Errors or incidents were reported with approximately 0.3% of
      the total number of submitted samples/request forms. The FFP in-date wastage was
      21.3% of the total FFP wastage. The HTC regularly reviewed the hemovigilance data
      and reporting; and safety improvements were implemented.  CONCLUSION: The use of
      quality indicators as a tool for developing and implementing a hemovigilance
      system provided a better understanding of improvement areas for continuous
      progress in quality and safety, and is expected to enhance these features along
      the blood transfusion chain.

PMID- 27146618
TI  - Serum cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels after balneotherapy and
      physical therapy in patients with fibromyalgia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigated serum cortisol and serum dehydroepiandrosterone
      sulphate (DHEA-S) levels between fibromyalgia (FMS) patients and a control group,
      and the effect of balneotherapy (BT) on these hormones.   METHODS: Seventy-two
      patients with FMS and 39 healthy volunteers were included in the study. This
      prospective and cross-sectional study was carried out in the Medical Faculty,
      Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, Cumhuriyet University, Cumhuriyet,
      Turkey between June 2012 and June 2013. Patients were divided into 2 groups.
      There were 40 patients in the first group, consisting of BT and physical therapy
      (PT) administered patients. There were 32 FMS patients in the second group who
      were only administered PT. Thirty-nine healthy volunteers were enrolled as a
      control group.   RESULT: Cortisol was observed to be lower in FMS patients
      compared with the controls  (10.10+/-4.08 ug/dL and 11.78+/-3.6 ug/dL; p=0.033).
      Serum DHEA-S level was observed to be lower in FMS patients compared with the
      controls (89.93+/-53.96 ug/dL and 143.15+/-107.92 ug/dL; p=0.015). Average serum
      cortisol levels of patients receiving BT were determined to be 9.95+/-3.20 ug/dL
      before treatment and 9.06+/-3.77ug/dL after treatment; while average serum DHEA-S
      levels were 77.60+/-48.05 ug/dL before treatment, and 76.84+/-48.71 ug/dL after
      treatment. No significant changes were determined in serum cortisol and DHEA-S
      levels when measured again after BT and PT.   CONCLUSION: Low levels of serum
      cortisol and DHEA-S were suggested to be associated with the physiopathology of
      FMS.

PMID- 27146619
TI  - Isolation of dental pulp stem cells from a single donor and characterization of
      their ability to differentiate after 2 years of cryopreservation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the viability and differentiation capacity of dental
      pulp stem cells (DPSCs) isolated from single donors after 2 years of
      cryopreservation.   METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between October
      2010 and February 2014 in the Stem Unit, College of Medicine, King Saud
      University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Seventeen teeth extracted from 11 participants
      were processed separately to assess the minimum tissue weight needed to yield
      cells for culturing in vitro. Cell stemness was evaluated before passage 4 using
      the colony forming unit assay, immunofluorescence staining, and bi-lineage
      differentiation. Dental pulp stem cells  were cryopreserved for 2 years. Post
      thaw DPSCs were cultured until senescence and differentiated toward osteogenic,
      odontogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages.   RESULTS: Viable cells were
      isolated successfully from 6 of the 11 participants. Three of these 6 cultured
      cell lines were identified as DPSCs. A minimum of 0.2 g of dental pulp tissue was
      required for successful isolation of viable cells from a single donor. Post-thaw 
      DPSCs successfully differentiated towards osteogenic, odontogenic, chondrogenic,
      and adipogenic lineages. The post-thaw DPSCs were viable in vitro up to 70 days
      before senescence. There was no significant difference between the cells.  
      CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this investigation, viable cells from
      dental pulp tissue were isolated successfully from the same donor using a minimum
      of 2 extracted teeth. Not all isolated cells from harvested dental pulp tissue
      had the characteristics of DPSCs. Post-thaw DPSCs maintained their multi-lineage
      differentiation capacity.

PMID- 27146620
TI  - Vitamin D status and insulin resistance among young obese Saudi females.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of vitamin D level with insulin
      resistance, among healthy student's obese women, and to identify factors that may
      elucidate this association. METHODS: One hundred and forty-seven female students
      between the age group of 18 and 25 years were included in this cross-sectional
      study, and the related socio-demographic and anthropometric data were obtained.
      They were selected randomly from Aljouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia between
      November 2013 and June 2014. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D), glucose,
      insulin was measured and insulin resistance was calculated using the insulin
      resistance index (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: The results showed the percentage of 25[OH]D
      concentration in female students was 21.3% sufficient, 59.6% mild deficiency, and
      19.3% moderate deficiency. The percentage of waist circumferences (WC) were 41.3%
      (>88 cm) and 58.7% (<88 cm), body mass index (BMI) was 13.6% (obese) and 31.8%
      (over weight), blood pressure (BP) was 65.7% (<130/85 mm Hg), and 33.2% (>130/85
      mm Hg). Based on the cut-off point of 25[OH]D, 17.4% of females had 25[OH]D 
      deficiency, 27.3% insufficient, and 55.3% sufficient. When the  females were
      classified according to the BMI category, the serum 25[OH]D  concentrations for
      obese was the lowest value (54.6%) when compared with the overweight (31.8%) and
      normal weight (0.9%). 25[OH]D  was inversely associated with BMI, fat%, and HOMA
      IR.  CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in
      women of Saudi who are university students especially in those who are obese.
      Preventive interventions in order to reduce the tendency of deficiency among
      college students should focus on the awareness of the essentiality of vitamin D
      promotion of direct exposure to sunlight (vitamin D3) and consumption of vitamin
      D fortified food as a part of Saudi diets.

PMID- 27146621
TI  - Invasive mucormycosis in chronic granulomatous disease.
AB  - Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic fungal infection that occurs in certain
      immunocompromised patients. We present 2 cases of invasive mucormycosis due to
      Rhizopus spp. in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) and discuss
      their clinical presentation, management challenges, and outcomes. 

PMID- 27146622
TI  - A cross-sectional observational study to assess inhaler technique in Saudi
      hospitalized patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the proportion of critical errors committed while
      demonstrating the inhaler technique in hospitalized patients diagnosed with
      asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  METHODS: This cross
      sectional observational study was conducted in 47 asthmatic and COPD patients
      using inhaler devices. The study took place at King Abdulaziz Medical City,
      Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between September and December 2013. Two pharmacists
      independently assessed inhaler technique with a validated checklist.  RESULTS:
      Seventy percent of patients made at least one critical error while demonstrating
      their inhaler technique, and the mean number of critical errors per patient was
      1.6. Most patients used metered dose inhaler (MDI), and 73% of MDI users and 92%
      of dry powder inhaler users committed at least one critical error.   CONCLUSION:
      Inhaler technique in hospitalized Saudi patients was inadequate. Health care
      professionals should understand the importance of reassessing and educating
      patients on a regular basis for inhaler technique, recommend the use of a spacer
      when needed, and regularly assess and update their own inhaler technique skills.

PMID- 27146623
TI  - Epidemiology of non-transported emergency medical services calls in Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the epidemiology of non- transported emergency medical
      services (EMS) calls within the EMS system at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to identify
      factors that contributes to non-transport of patients by EMS provider, and to
      recommend suggestions for reduction in number of non-transported calls.  METHODS:
      Retrospective analysis of 1390 patient care reports (PCR) of non-transported
      cases responded to, and documented by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA)
      emergency medical technicians (EMTs). All PCRs of non-transported cases from 10
      EMS stations, in 3 consecutive months were examined. The SRCA EMTs management in
      Riyadh allocated all non-transported PCRs for 3 months (March-May 2014).
      Constructive data that includes patients demographics, scene characteristics,
      trip and timing information, length of stay, clinical and assessment data, and
      physician contact, or presence status were extracted from those PCRs.  RESULTS:
      Twenty-five percent of calls made during the study period were reported as non
      transported calls. Seventy percent of non-transported calls were related to
      refusal by patient. Approximately 22.4% of non-transported calls were canceled by
      dispatch. Approximately 50% of non-transported patient were in the young age
      group (16-30 years). In 26% of non-transported calls, the field time was
      restricted to 15 minutes.  CONCLUSION: More than half of the non-transported
      emergency calls were reported as refused by patient/relative, while approximately
      one quarter were reported as  cancelled calls.

PMID- 27146624
TI  - Knowledge, awareness, attitudes and sources of vitamin D deficiency and
      sufficiency in Saudi children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding vitamin
      D and its sources among Saudi Arabian children.  METHODS: One hundred patients
      (vitamin D-deficient children) and 100 healthy children participated in the
      study. Participants were interviewed separately on topics including their
      awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding vitamin D using multiple-choice,
      and short-answer questions. This prospective, cross-sectional study was performed
      on children and adolescents between January 2011 and December 2011 at the
      Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  RESULTS: Only 28% were aware of
      the sources of vitamin D, while 64% of healthy subjects were aware. Similarly,
      only 50% of patients and their parents knew of the health benefits of vitamin D,
      while 70% of healthy subjects had knowledge. Hence, our findings agree with
      previous findings that low levels of awareness and knowledge regarding vitamin D
      and its sources persist.   CONCLUSION: Most vitamin D deficient cases were
      unaware of vitamin D sources. However, half of the patient/parents were aware of
      benefits of vitamin D. Hence, we recommend that an improved campaign for
      awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding vitamin D and its sources are
      needed.

PMID- 27146625
TI  - Adult female with acute renal failure and weight loss.

PMID- 27146626
TI  - Comparing performance of stylets for orotracheal intubation by Glidescope
      videolaryngoscope.

PMID- 27146627
TI  - Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement in healthy Saudi term newborns.

PMID- 27146628
TI  - Attitudes and beliefs on organ donation among students in a university in Central
      Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Thousands of people with end-stage organ disease and organ failures
      die waiting for donations. Although, Saudi Arabia has an active center for organ
      transplantation, the number of donors is still low. The study focus was the
      attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of university students toward organ donation,
      because the youth are agents of change in their communities and could help to
      promote organ donation.   METHODS: This study had a cross-sectional design and
      included randomly selected 195 students (97 males and 98 females) between the
      ages of 19-25 in Qassim University between January and March 2013. A 23-question
      self-administrated questionnaire in both Arabic and English was completed. The
      questionnaire was pre-tested on 10 students for validity and reliability.
      Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social
      Sciences (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 13.  RESULTS: The primary source
      of students' knowledge on organ donation was television (61.5%). Most students
      (85.1%) believed that there is low public awareness regarding the subject.
      However, 37.4% of the students agreed to donate in the future and 68.2% would
      donate for a relative. One-third of students knew about organ donation cards, but
      none have signed them. The main reason for refusal was fear of side effects
      (51.8%). Half of the students (48.7%) think there are misconceptions of the
      Islamic perspective, as a result there are fewer donors. Medical students showed
      significantly higher knowledge about organ donation cards and the effectiveness
      of transplantation as a treatment compared to non-medical students.  
      CONCLUSIONS: College students have little knowledge on the benefits of organ
      donations. Further, religious misconceptions and accessibility of donor cards are
      barriers to donations. Public health promotion campaigns could address religious
      beliefs while a systematic intervention should be put in place to make donor
      registration more available. A nationwide study with a larger sample size
      addressing the same objectives needs to be conducted.

PMID- 27146629
TI  - Gene and transposable element methylation in great tit (Parus major) brain and
      blood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies on vertebrate DNA methylomes have revealed a regulatory role
      of tissue specific DNA methylation in relation to gene expression. However, it is
      not well known how tissue-specific methylation varies between different
      functional and structural components of genes and genomes. Using whole-genome
      bisulfite sequencing data we here describe both CpG and non-CpG methylation
      profiles of whole blood and brain tissue in relation to gene features, CpG
      islands (CGIs), transposable elements (TE), and their functional roles in an
      ecological model species, the great tit (Parus major). RESULTS: We show that
      hypomethylation at the transcription start site (TSS) is enriched in genes with
      functional classes that relate directly to processes specific to each tissue
      type. We find that 6877 (~21 %) of the CGIs are differentially methylated between
      blood and brain, of which 1186 and 2055 are annotated to promoter and intragenic
      regions, respectively. We observe that CGI methylation in promoter regions is
      more conserved between tissues compared to CGI methylation in intra and inter
      genic regions. Differentially methylated CGIs in promoter and intragenic regions
      are overrepresented in genomic loci linked to development, suggesting a distinct
      role for CGI methylation in regulating expression during development.
      Additionally, we find significant non-CpG methylation in brain but not in blood
      with a strong preference for methylation at CpA dinucleotide sites. Finally, CpG
      hypermethylation of TEs is significantly stronger in brain compared to blood, but
      does not correlate with TE activity. Surprisingly, TEs showed significant
      hypomethylation in non-CpG contexts which was negatively correlated with TE
      expression. CONCLUSION: The discovery that TSS methylation levels are directly
      linked to functional classes related to each tissue provides new insights in the
      regulatory role of DNA-methylation patterns. The dominant sequence motifs for
      brain non-CpG methylation, similar to those found in mammals, suggests that a
      conserved non-CpG regulatory mechanism was already present in the amniote
      ancestor. The negative correlation between brain non-CpG methylation and TE
      activity (not found for CpG methylation) suggests that non-CpG is the dominant
      regulatory form of methylation in TE silencing.

PMID- 27146630
TI  - Repeated quantum error correction on a continuously encoded qubit by real-time
      feedback.
AB  - Reliable quantum information processing in the face of errors is a major
      fundamental and technological challenge. Quantum error correction protects
      quantum states by encoding a logical quantum bit (qubit) in multiple physical
      qubits. To be compatible with universal fault-tolerant computations, it is
      essential that states remain encoded at all times and that errors are actively
      corrected. Here we demonstrate such active error correction on a continuously
      protected logical qubit using a diamond quantum processor. We encode the logical
      qubit in three long-lived nuclear spins, repeatedly detect phase errors by non
      destructive measurements, and apply corrections by real-time feedback. The
      actively error-corrected qubit is robust against errors and encoded quantum
      superposition states are preserved beyond the natural dephasing time of the best
      physical qubit in the encoding. These results establish a powerful platform to
      investigate error correction under different types of noise and mark an important
      step towards fault-tolerant quantum information processing.

PMID- 27146631
TI  - Management and outcomes of anastomotic leaks after oesophagectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leaks following oesophagectomy include true anastomotic leaks, leaks
      from the gastrotomy and gastric conduit necrosis. Historically, these
      complications were associated with high mortality rates. Recent improvements in
      outcome have been attributed to the wider use of oesophageal stents in patient
      management. This study examined outcomes of patients who developed a leak in a
      single high-volume institution that did not use stenting as a primary treatment
      modality. METHODS: All patients undergoing an oesophagectomy between January 2009
      and December 2013 were included. Patients were identified from a prospectively
      maintained database. RESULTS: A total of 390 oesophagectomies were performed
      (median age 65 (range 32-81) years). In 96.7 per cent of patients this was a two
      stage subtotal oesophagectomy. Overall in-hospital and 90-day mortality rates
      were both 2.1 per cent (8 patients). Some 31 patients (7.9 per cent) developed a
      leak (median age 64.5 (range 52-80) years), of whom 27 (87 per cent) were
      initially managed without surgery, whereas four (13 per cent) required immediate
      thoracotomy. The median length of stay for patients with a leak was 41.5 (range
      15-159) days; none of these patients died. CONCLUSION: Leaks can be managed with
      excellent outcomes without using oesophageal stents. The results do not support
      the widespread adoption of endoscopic stenting.

PMID- 27146633
TI  - A novel anatomical ceramic root canal simulator for endodontic training.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endodontic therapy is often complicated and technically demanding.
      The aim of this study was to develop a reproducible biomimetic root canal model
      for pre-clinical and postgraduate endodontic training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      specific ceramic shaping technique (3D printing and slip casting of a root canal
      mould) was developed to reproduce canal systems with the desired shape and
      complexity using a microporous hydroxyapatite (HAp)-based matrix. The
      microstructural morphology, pore size and porosity, as well as the Vickers
      microhardness of the ceramic simulators (CS) were assessed and were compared with
      natural dentin and commercial resin blocks. The reproducibility of the root canal
      shapes was assessed using the Dice-Sorensen similarity index. Endodontic
      treatments, from refitting the access cavity to obturation, were performed on the
      CS. Each step was controlled by radiography. RESULTS: Many properties of the CS
      were similar to those of natural dental roots, including the mineral component
      (HAp), porosity (20%, porous CS), pore size (3.4 +/- 2.6 MUm) and hardness (120.3
      +/- 18.4 HV). DISCUSSION: We showed that it is possible to reproduce the radio
      opacity of a tooth and variations in root canal morphology. The endodontic
      treatments confirmed that the CS provided good tactile sensation during
      instrumentation and displayed suitable radiological behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: This
      novel anatomic root canal simulator is well suited for training undergraduate and
      postgraduate students in endodontic procedures.

PMID- 27146634
TI  - Work duration does not affect cortisol output in experienced firefighters
      performing live burn drills.
AB  - Work duration may affect firefighters' stress responses. Forty-two firefighters
      (38 males) performed either 2 (SWD) or 3 (LWD) bouts of simulated fire
      suppression activity. Salivary cortisol, self-reported fear and anxiety, and
      perceptual thermal responses were measured. Cortisol was evaluated using area
      under-the-curve calculations (Pruessner et al., 2003). Affective responses
      between the two conditions were compared using T-tests. Pearson product moment
      correlations were used to analyze the relationships between affect and change in
      thermal load perception. Cortisol decreased across the protocol in both groups,
      and no difference was found in cortisol or affect between the groups. Cortisol
      decreased (F4,36 = 3.43, p < 0.05) in the SWD group from a mean concentration of
      40.93 +/- 11.41 nmol/L to 25.07 +/- 9.88 nmol/L at the end of the protocol. In
      the LWD group, the mean cortisol concentration decreased from 42.89 +/- 11.83 to
      25.07 +/- 8.82 at the end of the protocol (F5,50 = 14.77, p < 0.01). Anxiety
      increased in the LWD (F4,72 = 5.11, p = 0.001) but not the SWD group. Fear
      increased in the SWD (F3,48 = 14.15, p < 0.001) and LWD group (F4,60 = 4.47, p <
      0.01). The present findings suggests a moderate fear load with firefighting,
      which appears not to be associated with duration of work bout. Examination of
      more varied work bout lengths may reveal an association between anxiety and work
      duration. However, the work bout durations investigated in the current study
      comprise the range of what is practical from an occupational standpoint and the
      physiological capabilities of the firefighters. 

PMID- 27146632
TI  - A new prognostic histopathologic classification of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current World Health Organization (WHO) classification of
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) conveys little prognostic information. This study
      aimed to propose an NPC histopathologic classification that can potentially be
      used to predict prognosis and treatment response. METHODS: We initially developed
      a histopathologic classification based on the morphologic traits and cell
      differentiation of tumors of 2716 NPC patients who were identified at Sun Yat-sen
      University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) (training cohort). Then, the proposed
      classification was applied to 1702 patients (retrospective validation cohort)
      from hospitals outside SYSUCC and 1613 patients (prospective validation cohort)
      from SYSUCC. The efficacy of radiochemotherapy and radiotherapy modalities was
      compared between the proposed subtypes. We used Cox proportional hazards models
      to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall
      survival (OS). RESULTS: The 5-year OS rates for all NPC patients who were
      diagnosed with epithelial carcinoma (EC; 3708 patients), mixed sarcomatoid
      epithelial carcinoma (MSEC; 1247 patients), sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC; 823
      patients), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; 253 patients) were 79.4%, 70.5%,
      59.6%, and 42.6%, respectively (P < 0.001). In multivariate models, patients with
      MSEC had a shorter OS than patients with EC (HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.27-1.62), SC
      (HR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.76-2.28), or SCC (HR = 4.23, 95% CI = 3.34-5.38).
      Radiochemotherapy significantly improved survival compared with radiotherapy
      alone for patients with EC (HR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.56-0.80), MSEC (HR = 0.58, 95%
      CI = 0.49-0.75), and possibly for those with SCC (HR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.40-0.98),
      but not for patients with SC (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.74-1.28). CONCLUSIONS: The
      proposed classification offers more information for the prediction of NPC
      prognosis compared with the WHO classification and might be a valuable tool to
      guide treatment decisions for subtypes that are associated with a poor prognosis.

PMID- 27146635
TI  - Is a mid-level dental provider model acceptable to potential patients?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess patient attitudes toward mid-level dental
      providers, known as dental therapists (DTs), by surveying those likely to be
      their patients. The recent adoption of accreditation standards by the Commission
      on Dental Accreditation has reignited a debate surrounding the state-by-state
      legalization of DTs in the United States; while the dental profession is divided
      on DTs, it is important to understand how potential patients may view the DT
      model. METHODS: A questionnaire that asks about oral health experience, and
      comfort with the model of a dually trained dental therapist-hygienist, based on a
      provided definition, was administered to 600 patients and their waiting room
      companions at a large urban university-based dental clinic. RESULTS: Forty
      percent of respondents indicated they would be comfortable being treated by a DT
      for all 7 of the procedures referenced, and over 75% were comfortable with each
      of 5 procedures. Having caps or crowns placed was the only treatment about which
      respondents were evenly divided. Factors associated with greater odds of comfort
      with various procedures include being uninsured and being under the age of 65.
      Uninsured patients were 1.5 to 2 times more likely than privately insured
      patients to accept a DT. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of mid-level dental
      providers is a strategy that those lacking regular care appear on the whole to be
      comfortable with.

PMID- 27146636
TI  - Urinary aflatoxin M1 in Port-au-Prince and a rural community in north-east Haiti.
AB  - Aflatoxins (AFs) are hepatocarcinogenic mycotoxins that can contaminate grains
      and oil seeds in tropical and sub-tropical areas and have been detected in maize
      and peanut products of Haiti. The first objective was to assess human exposure to
      AFs among Haitians at an urban hospital (GHESKIO) and a rural health centre
      (HCBH). The second objective was to test the association between AF exposure and
      reported dietary intake of potentially contaminated foods, such as maize, peanut
      products and milk. Measurement of urinary AFM1 by HPLC revealed that among 367
      participants 14% and 22% at GHESKIO and HCBH, respectively, had detectable AFM1.
      The maximum and median AFM1 concentrations for all detected samples were 700 pg
      AFM1 ml(-1) and 11.7 pg ml(-1), respectively. Detection of AFM1 was significantly
      associated with peanut consumption (p < 0.05). Controlling for diet and age group
      in a logit model, patients who reported peanut consumption the day of the survey
      and patients from HCBH had greater log odds of excreting detectable AFM1 (p <
      0.001 and 0.002, respectively); females had lower log odds (p = 0.020). Recalled
      frequency of consuming non-dairy animal-sourced foods, an indicator of diet
      quality, approached significance (p = 0.056) as an inverse predictor of urinary
      AFM1 detection. The findings augur the need for interventions that will improve
      food safety in Haiti and limit exposure to AFs, particularly among rural
      communities. 

PMID- 27146637
TI  - Implications of Tobacco Industry Research on Packaging Colors for Designing
      Health Warning Labels.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Health warning labels (HWLs) are an important way to educate the
      public about the dangers of tobacco products. Tobacco companies conducted
      research to understand how pack colors affect consumers' perceptions of the
      products and make packages and their labeling more visually prominent. METHODS:
      We analyzed previously secret tobacco industry documents concerning the tobacco
      industry's internal research on how cigarette package colors and design influence
      the visual prominence of packages and consumers' perceptions of the harmfulness
      of the products. RESULTS: The companies found that black is visually prominent,
      placing dark pack elements on a contrasting light background makes them stand out
      more, and black text on a white background is more prominent than white text on a
      black background. Yellow most quickly and effectively seizes and holds consumers'
      attention and signals warning or danger, while white connotes health and safety.
      Using black text on a bright contrasting background color, particularly yellow,
      attracts consumers' attention to the message. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco industry
      research on pack color choices that make pack elements more prominent, attract
      and keep consumers' attention, and convey danger instead of health should guide
      governments in specifying requirements for HWLs. These factors suggest that HWLs
      printed on a yellow background with black lettering and borders would most
      effectively seize and keep consumers' attention and signal the danger of
      cigarettes and other tobacco products. IMPLICATIONS: Tobacco companies' internal
      research on improving the prominence of pack elements suggests that HWLs using
      black lettering on a contrasting yellow background would most effectively seize
      and hold consumers' attention and signal the danger of cigarettes and other
      tobacco products.

PMID- 27146638
TI  - Real-Time Measurement of Electronic Cigarette Aerosol Size Distribution and
      Metals Content Analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is increasing worldwide and
      is highest among both daily and nondaily smokers. E-cigarettes are perceived as a
      healthier alternative to combustible tobacco products, but their health risk
      factors have not yet been established, and one of them is lack of data on aerosol
      size generated by e-cigarettes. METHODS: We applied a real-time, high-resolution
      aerosol differential mobility spectrometer to monitor the evolution of aerosol
      size and concentration during puff development. Particles generated by e
      cigarettes were immediately delivered for analysis with minimal dilution and
      therefore with minimal sample distortion, which is critically important given the
      highly dynamic aerosol/vapor mixture inherent to e-cigarette emissions. RESULTS:
      E-cigarette aerosols normally exhibit a bimodal particle size distribution:
      nanoparticles (11-25nm count median diameter) and submicron particles (96-175nm
      count median diameter). Each mode has comparable number concentrations (10(7)
      10(8) particles/cm(3)). "Dry puff" tests conducted with no e-cigarette liquid (e
      liquid) present in the e-cigarette tank demonstrated that under these conditions
      only nanoparticles were generated. Analysis of the bulk aerosol collected on the
      filter showed that e-cigarette emissions contained a variety of metals.
      CONCLUSIONS: E-cigarette aerosol size distribution is different from that of
      combustible tobacco smoke. E-cigarettes generate high concentrations of
      nanoparticles and their chemical content requires further investigation. Despite
      the small mass of nanoparticles, their toxicological impact could be significant.
      Toxic chemicals that are attached to the small nanoparticles may have greater
      adverse health effects than when attached to larger submicron particles.
      IMPLICATIONS: The e-cigarette aerosol size distribution is different from that of
      combustible tobacco smoke and typically exhibits a bimodal behavior with
      comparable number concentrations of nanoparticles and submicron particles. While
      vaping the e-cigarette, along with submicron particles the user is also inhaling
      nano-aerosol that consists of nanoparticles with attached chemicals that has not
      been fully investigated. The presence of high concentrations of nanoparticles
      requires nanotoxicological consideration in order to assess the potential health
      impact of e-cigarettes. The toxicological impact of inhaled nanoparticles could
      be significant, though not necessarily similar to the biomarkers typical of
      combustible tobacco smoke.

PMID- 27146639
TI  - Tobacco Pricing in Military Stores: Views of Military Policy Leaders.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Higher tobacco taxes reduce tobacco use. On military installations,
      cigarettes and other tobacco products are sold tax-free, keeping prices
      artificially low. Pricing regulations in the military specify that tobacco should
      be within 5% of the local most competitive price, but prices still average almost
      13% lower than those at local Walmarts. METHODS: To gain insight into policy
      leaders' ideas and positions on military tobacco pricing, we interviewed members
      of the Department of Defense (DoD) Addictive Substances Misuse Advisory Committee
      and the Advisory Committee on Tobacco about tobacco pricing policies (n = 12).
      RESULTS: Participants frequently lacked specific knowledge of details of military
      pricing policy, and the impact higher prices might have on military tobacco use.
      Most participants thought tobacco should not be sold at military stores, but many
      also felt that this policy change was unlikely due to tobacco industry pressure,
      and DoD reliance on tobacco profits to support Morale, Welfare, and Recreation
      funds. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving a tobacco-free military will require changing
      pricing policy, but this study suggests that for effective implementation,
      military leadership must also understand and articulate more clearly the
      rationale for doing so. IMPLICATIONS: Previous work has found that adherence to
      military tobacco pricing policy is inconsistent at best. This study suggests that
      lack of knowledge about the policy and conflicting pressures resulting from the
      funding stream tobacco sales represent extend to high level military policy
      leaders. Without clearer information and direction, these leaders are unlikely to
      be able to establish and implement better tobacco pricing policy.

PMID- 27146640
TI  - Smoking: A Major Roadblock in the Fight Against AIDS.

PMID- 27146641
TI  - Revelation of molecular basis for chromium toxicity by phenotypes of
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene deletion mutants.
AB  - Chromium toxicity is increasingly relevant to living organisms such as humans,
      due to the environmental contamination of chromium and the application of
      stainless steel-based medical devices like hip prostheses. Despite the
      investigations in past years, the molecular details for chromium toxicity remain
      to be delineated. In this study, we seek to gain insights into the molecular
      aspects of chromium toxicity by screening a genome-wide deletion set of
      individual genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae against hexavalent chromium [Cr(vi)]
      using chromium trioxide. From the primary data collected in this study, two lists
      of deletion mutants in response to Cr(vi) exposure were obtained, one for the
      sensitive phenotype and the other for the resistant phenotype. The functional
      analysis of the genes corresponding to the sensitive mutants reveals the key
      features of Cr(vi) toxicity, which include genotoxicity, protein damage,
      disruption of energy and sulfur metabolisms. DNA repair, ubiquitination-mediated
      protein degradation, iron homeostasis and growth attenuation are the intrinsic
      facets of the cell's detoxification mechanisms. Protein kinase CK2 is, for the
      first time, found to be involved in regulating chromium toxicity by reducing the
      uptake of Cr(vi). Taken together, the findings provide meaningful details into
      the basic understanding of chromium toxicity in terms of its uptake, modes of
      action, cellular detoxification and molecular regulatory mechanisms.

PMID- 27146642
TI  - Infancy and pediatric cancer: an exploratory study of parent psychological
      distress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research on the psychological experiences of parents of infants
      within pediatric oncology is sparse. This study examined rates and indicative
      risk factors for psychological distress in parents where there is either an
      infant patient or infant sibling of a patient. METHODS: Participants were mothers
      (n = 41) and fathers (n = 25) of infants under 2 years who either had a cancer
      diagnosis (n = 37; infant patients) or was an infant sibling of an older child
      with cancer (n = 29; infant siblings) recruited from a single oncology center.
      There were 21 couple dyads. Parents completed the Depression Anxiety Stress
      Scales short form and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist. RESULTS:
      Mothers (47.5%) and fathers (37.5%) reported elevated, cancer-related
      posttraumatic stress symptoms. Rates of depression (12.2% of mothers and 12.0% of
      fathers) and anxiety symptoms (17.1% of mothers and 8.0% of fathers) were lower.
      Compared with parents of infant patients, parents of infant siblings reported
      significantly higher rates of depressive symptoms and trends toward higher rates
      of posttraumatic stress symptoms and anxiety symptoms. Parent anxiety was higher
      with increased time post diagnosis. No demographic or illness-related variables
      were associated with psychological distress, with the exception of the number of
      children in the family. CONCLUSIONS: Parent-child relationships are of
      fundamental importance during infancy. This study provides novel data
      highlighting the psychological impact for parents when a cancer diagnosis is made
      during this critical developmental period, including the contribution of family
      structure to parental distress. Results provide further support for applying a
      traumatic stress framework when exploring parent experiences of pediatric cancer.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27146643
TI  - Treatment of aggressive angiomyxoma of the female perineum: Combined operative
      and hormone therapy.

PMID- 27146644
TI  - Erratum to: Hypersplenism is correlated with increased risk of hepatocellular
      carcinoma in patients with post-hepatitis cirrhosis.

PMID- 27146645
TI  - A novel quasi-solid state electrolyte with highly effective polysulfide diffusion
      inhibition for lithium-sulfur batteries.
AB  - Polymer solid state electrolytes are actively sought for their potential
      application in energy storage devices, particularly lithium metal rechargeable
      batteries. Herein, we report a polymer with high concentration salts as a quasi
      solid state electrolyte used for lithium-sulfur cells, which shows an ionic
      conductivity of 1.6 mS cm(-1) at room temperature. The cycling performance of Li
      S battery with this electrolyte shows a long cycle life (300 cycles) and high
      coulombic efficiency (>98%), without any consuming additives in the electrolyte.
      Moreover, it also shows a remarkably decreased self-discharge (only 0.2%) after
      storage for two weeks at room temperature. The reason can be attributed to that
      the electrolyte can suppress polysulfide anions diffusion, due to the high ratio
      oxygen atoms with negative charges which induce an electrical repulsion to the
      polysulfide anions, and their relatively long chains which can provide additional
      steric hindrance. Thus, the polysulfide anions can be located around carbon
      particles, which result in remarkably improved overall electrochemical
      performance, and also the electrolyte have a function of suppress the formation
      of lithium dendrites on the lithium anode surface.

PMID- 27146646
TI  - Discrepancies between cortical and behavioural long-term readouts of hyperalgesia
      in awake freely moving rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is still unclear to what extent the most common animal models of
      pain and analgesia, based on indirect measures such as nocifensive behaviours,
      provide valid measures of pain perception. METHODS: To address this issue, we
      developed a novel animal model comprising a more direct readout via chronically
      (>1 month) implanted multichannel electrodes (MCE) in rat primary somatosensory
      cortex (S1; known to be involved in pain perception in humans) and compared this
      readout to commonly used behavioural pain-related measures during development of
      hyperalgesia. A translational method to induce hyperalgesia, UVB irradiation of
      the skin, was used. Localized CO2 laser stimulation was made of twenty skin sites
      (20 stimulations/site/observation day) on the plantar hind paw, before and during
      the time period when enhanced pain perception is reported in humans after UVB
      irradiation. RESULTS: We demonstrate a 2-10 fold significant enhancement of
      cortical activity evoked from both irradiated and adjacent skin and a time course
      that corresponds to previously reported enhancement of pain magnitude during
      development of primary and secondary hyperalgesia in humans. In contrast,
      withdrawal reflexes were only significantly potentiated from the irradiated skin
      area and this potentiation was significantly delayed as compared to activity in
      S1. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings provide direct evidence that chronic
      recordings in S1 in awake animals can offer a powerful, and much sought for,
      translational model of the perception of pain magnitude during hyperalgesia. WHAT
      DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: In a novel animal model, chronic recordings of nociceptive
      activity in primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in awake freely moving rats are
      compared to behavioural readouts during UVB-induced hyperalgesia. Evoked activity
      in rat S1 replicates altered pain perception in humans during development of
      hyperalgesia, but withdrawal reflexes do not.

PMID- 27146647
TI  - A quasi-experimental study to mobilize rural low-income communities to assess and
      improve the ecological environment to prevent childhood obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Ecological Model of Childhood Overweight focuses on
      characteristics that could affect a child's weight status in relation to the
      multiple environments surrounding that child. A community coaching approach
      allows community groups to identify their own strengths, priorities and identity.
      Little to no research currently exists related to community-based efforts
      inclusive of community coaching in creating environmental change to prevent
      childhood obesity particularly in rural communities. METHODS: A quasi
      experimental study will be conducted with low-income, rural communities (n = 14)
      in the North Central region of the United States to mobilize capacity in
      communities to create and sustain an environment of healthy eating and physical
      activity to prevent childhood obesity. Two rural communities within seven
      Midwestern states (IN, KS, MI, OH, ND, SD, WI) will be randomly assigned to serve
      as an intervention or comparison community. Coalitions will complete assessments
      of their communities, choose from evidence-based approaches, and implement
      nutrition and physical activity interventions each year to prevent childhood
      obesity with emphasis on policy, system or environmental changes over four years.
      Only intervention coalitions will receive community coaching from a trained
      coach. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, annually and project end using
      previously validated instruments and include coalition self-assessments, parental
      perceptions regarding the built environment, community, neighborhood, and early
      childhood environments, self-reflections from coaches and project staff, ripple
      effect mapping with coalitions and, final interviews of key stakeholders and
      coaches. A mixed-methods analysis approach will be used to evaluate if Community
      Coaching enhances community capacity to create and sustain an environment to
      support healthy eating and physical activity for young children. ANOVA or
      corresponding non-parametric tests will be used to analyze quantitative data
      relating to environmental change with significance set at P < .05. Dominant
      emergent themes from the qualitative data will be weaved together with
      quantitative data to develop a theoretical model representing how communities
      were impacted by the project. DISCUSSION: This project will yield data and best
      practices that could become a model for community development based approaches to
      preventing childhood obesity in rural communities.

PMID- 27146649
TI  - We need more randomized trials in nutrition-preferably large, long-term, and with
      negative results.

PMID- 27146648
TI  - Characteristics and survival of adult Swedish PAH and CTEPH patients 2000-2014.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Swedish Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Register (SPAHR) is an
      open continuous register, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and
      chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients from 2000 and
      onwards. We hereby launch the first data from SPAHR, defining baseline
      characteristics and survival of Swedish PAH and CTEPH patients. DESIGN: Incident
      PAH and CTEPH patients 2008-2014 from all seven Swedish PAH-centres were
      specifically reviewed. RESULTS: There were 457 PAH (median age: 67 years, 64%
      female) and 183 CTEPH (median age: 70 years, 50% female) patients, whereof 77 and
      81%, respectively, were in functional class III-IV at diagnosis. Systemic
      hypertension, diabetes, ischaemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation were
      common comorbidities, particularly in those >65 years. One-, 3- and 5-year
      survival was 85%, 71% and 59% for PAH patients. Corresponding numbers for CTEPH
      patients with versus without pulmonary endarterectomy were 96%, 89% and 86%
      versus 91%, 75% and 69%, respectively. In 2014, the incidence of IPAH/HPAH,
      associated PAH and CTEPH was 5, 3 and 2 per million inhabitants and year, and the
      prevalence was 25, 24 and 19 per million inhabitants. CONCLUSION: The majority of
      the PAH and CTEPH patients were diagnosed at age >65 years, in functional class
      III-IV, and exhibiting several comorbidities. PAH survival in SPAHR was similar
      to other registers.

PMID- 27146650
TI  - Effects of Montmorency tart cherry (Prunus Cerasus L.) consumption on vascular
      function in men with early hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tart cherries contain numerous polyphenolic compounds that could
      potentially improve endothelial function and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
      OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the acute effects of Montmorency tart cherry (MC)
      juice on vascular function in subjects with early hypertension. DESIGN: A placebo
      controlled, blinded, crossover, randomized Latin square design study with a
      washout period of >=14 d was conducted. Fifteen men with early hypertension
      [systolic blood pressure (SBP) >=130 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure >=80 mm Hg,
      or both] received either a 60-mL dose of MC concentrate or placebo. Microvascular
      reactivity (laser Doppler imaging with iontophoresis), arterial stiffness (pulse
      wave velocity and analysis), blood pressure, and phenolic acid absorption were
      assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 h postconsumption. RESULTS: MC
      consumption significantly lowered SBP (P < 0.05) over a period of 3 h, with peak
      reductions of mean +/- SEM 7 +/- 3 mm Hg 2 h after MC consumption relative to the
      placebo. Improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors were closely linked
      to increases in circulating protocatechuic and vanillic acid at 1-2 h.
      CONCLUSIONS: MC intake acutely reduces SBP in men with early hypertension. These
      benefits may be mechanistically linked to the actions of circulating phenolic
      acids. This study provides information on a new application of MCs in health
      maintenance, particularly in positively modulating SBP. This trial was registered
      at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02234648.

PMID- 27146651
TI  - Alcohol consumption and survival of colorectal cancer patients: a population
      based study from Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies on the association between alcohol consumption and colorectal
      cancer (CRC) prognosis have yielded inconsistent results. OBJECTIVE: The
      associations of lifetime and 1-y prediagnostic alcohol consumption with relevant
      prognostic outcomes were evaluated in a large population-based cohort of CRC
      patients. DESIGN: In 2003-2010, 3121 patients diagnosed with CRC were interviewed
      on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, medication, and comorbidities. Cancer
      recurrence, vital status, and cause of death were documented for a median follow
      up time of 4.8 y. With the use of Cox proportional hazard regression,
      associations between lifetime and recent alcohol consumption and overall, CRC
      specific, recurrence-free, and disease-free survival were analyzed. RESULTS: In
      this patient cohort with a median age of 69 y at diagnosis, lifetime abstainers
      showed poorer overall [adjusted HR (aHR): 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.52] and CRC
      specific (aHR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.70) survival than lifetime light drinkers
      (women: >0-12 g/d; men: >0-24 g/d). Lifetime heavy drinkers showed poorer overall
      (aHR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.78) and disease-free (aHR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.74)
      survival. Alcohol abstaining in the year before diagnosis was associated with
      poorer overall (aHR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.68), CRC-specific (aHR: 1.38; 95% CI:
      1.13, 1.68), and disease-free (aHR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.44) survival. Lifetime
      abstainers with nonmetastatic disease showed poorer CRC-specific (aHR: 1.48; 95%
      CI: 1.10, 2.00) and recurrence-free (aHR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.70) survival.
      Wine abstaining but not beer or liquor abstaining was associated with poorer
      survival. Associations between alcohol consumption and prognosis varied according
      to presence of diabetes and age. CONCLUSIONS: Prediagnostic alcohol abstaining
      and heavy drinking were associated with poorer survival after a CRC diagnosis
      than light drinking. The protective effects of light consumption might be
      restricted to wine, and associations might differ according to age and presence
      of diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 27146653
TI  - Classifications in Brief: The Eaton-Littler Classification of Thumb
      Carpometacarpal Joint Arthrosis.

PMID- 27146652
TI  - Alterations in whole-body arginine metabolism in chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition
      characterized by systemic low-grade inflammation that could increase the
      production of nitric oxide (NO), of which arginine is the sole precursor.
      Arginine is derived from the breakdown of protein and through the conversion of
      citrulline to arginine (de novo arginine production). OBJECTIVE: Our objective
      was to study whole-body arginine and citrulline and related metabolism in stable
      COPD patients. DESIGN: With the use of stable isotope methodology, we studied
      whole-body arginine and citrulline rates of appearance, de novo arginine
      (citrulline-to-arginine flux) and NO (arginine-to-citrulline flux) production,
      protein synthesis and breakdown rates, and plasma amino acid concentrations in a
      heterogeneous group of patients with moderate-to-severe COPD [n = 23, mean +/- SE
      age: 65 +/- 2 y, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1): 40% +/- 2% of
      predicted], and a group of healthy older adults (n = 19, mean +/- SE age: 64 +/-
      2 y, FEV1: 95% +/- 4% of predicted). RESULTS: Although plasma arginine and
      citrulline concentrations were comparable between COPD patients and controls,
      whole-body arginine (P = 0.015) and citrulline (P = 0.026) rates of appearance
      were higher in COPD patients and related to a 57% greater de novo arginine
      production (P < 0.0001). Despite a higher whole-body arginine clearance in COPD
      patients (P < 0.0001), we found no difference in NO production. CONCLUSION: In
      stable patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, endogenous arginine production is
      upregulated to support a higher arginine utilization that is unrelated to whole
      body NO production. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as
      NCT01173354 and NCT01172314.

PMID- 27146655
TI  - Properties and Corrosion Performance of Self-reinforced Composite PEEK for
      Proposed Use as a Modular Taper Gasket.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fretting corrosion in medical alloys is a persistent problem, and the
      need for biomaterials that can effectively suppress mechanically assisted crevice
      corrosion in modular taper junctions or otherwise insulate metal-on-metal
      interfaces in mechanically demanding environments is as yet unmet.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study is to characterize a novel
      material, self-reinforced composite polyetheretherketone (SRC-PEEK) and to
      evaluate its ability to inhibit fretting corrosion in a pin-on-disk metal-on
      metal interface test. METHODS: SRC-PEEK was fabricated by hot compaction of in
      house-made PEEK fibers by compacting uniaxial layups at 344 degrees C under a
      load of 18,000 N for 10 minutes. SRC-PEEK, bulk isotropic PEEK, and the in-house
      made PEEK fibers were analyzed for thermal transitions (Tg, Tm) through
      differential scanning calorimetry, crystallinity, crystal size, crystalline
      orientation (Hermanns orientation parameter) through wide-angle x-ray scattering,
      and modulus, tensile strength, yield stress, and strain to failure through
      monotonic tensile testing. SRC-insulated pin-on-disk samples were compared with
      metal-on-metal control samples in pin-on-disk fretting corrosion experiments
      using fretting current and fretting mechanics measurements. Fifty-micron cyclic
      motion at 2.5 Hz was applied to the interface, first over a range of loads (0.5
      35 N) while held at -0.05 V versus Ag/AgCl and then over a range of voltages (
      0.5 to 0.5 V) at a constant contact stress of 73 +/- 19 MPa for SRC-PEEK and 209
      +/- 41 MPa for metal-on-metal, which were different for each group as a result of
      changes in true contact area due to variations in modulus between sample groups.
      Pins, disks, and SRC samples were imaged for damage (on alloy and SRC surfaces)
      and evidence of corrosion (on alloy pin and disk surfaces). SRC specimens were
      analyzed for traces of alloy transferred to the surface using energy dispersive
      spectroscopy after pin-on-disk testing. RESULTS: SRC-PEEK showed improved
      mechanical properties to bulk PEEK (modulus = 5.0 +/- 0.3 GPa, 2.8 +/- 0.1 GPa,
      respectively, p < 0.001) and higher crystallinity to bulk PEEK (44.2% +/- 3%,
      39.5% +/- 0.5%, respectively, p = 0.039), but had comparable crystalline
      orientation as compared with the initial PEEK fibers. SRC-PEEK reduced fretting
      currents compared with metal-on-metal controls by two to three orders of
      magnitude in both variable load (4.0E-5 +/- 3.8E-5 MUA versus 2.9E-3 +/- 7.1E-4
      MUA, respectively, p = 0.018) and variable potential (7.5E-6 +/- 4.7E-6 MUA
      versus 5.3E-3 +/- 1.4E-3 MUA, respectively, p = 0.022) fretting corrosion
      testing. Minimal damage was observed on surfaces insulated with SRC-PEEK, whereas
      control surfaces showed considerable fretting corrosion damage and metal
      transfer. CONCLUSIONS: The SRC-PEEK gaskets in this study demonstrated higher
      crystallinity and crystalline orientation and improved monotonic tensile
      properties compared with bulk PEEK with the ability to effectively insulate
      Ti6Al4V and CoCrMo alloy surfaces and prevent the initiation of fretting
      corrosion under high contact-stress conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This novel
      SRC-PEEK material may offer potential as a thin film gasket material for modular
      tapers. Pending further in vitro and in vivo analyses, this approach may be able
      to preserve the advantages of modular junctions for surgeons while potentially
      limiting the downside risks associated with mechanically assisted crevice
      corrosion.

PMID- 27146654
TI  - The NLRP3/Caspase-1/Interleukin-1beta Axis Is Active in Human Lumbar
      Cartilaginous Endplate Degeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modic changes are the MRI signal changes of degenerative lumbar
      vertebral endplate and which lead to or accelerate intervertebral disc
      degeneration. NLRP3, caspase-1, and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) play a pivotal
      role in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, such as osteoarthritis.
      However, the roles of IL-1beta and its activators caspase-1 and NLRP3 are unclear
      in the degenerative endplate. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) What are the
      degenerative changes of the histologic features and chondrogenic markers' gene
      expressions between the cartilaginous endplates of patients with Modic changes
      and trauma (control)? (2) How does the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1beta axis in the
      cartilaginous endplates of patients with Modic changes compare with control
      (trauma) specimens? METHODS: Surgical specimens of cartilaginous endplates were
      divided into Modic changes (n = 56) and the trauma control (n = 16) groups.
      Hematoxylin and eosin and safranin O staining of cartilaginous endplate tissues
      were done to evaluate the extracellular matrix. Reverse transcription-polymerase
      chain reaction was performed on these tissues to investigate mRNA expression of
      type II collagen (Col II), SOX-9, matrix metalloproteinase-3, and a disintegrin
      like and metalloproteinase thrombospondin type I motifs-5. NLRP3, caspase-1, and
      IL-1beta were evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Hematoxylin and eosin and safranin O staining
      showed the extracellular matrix degraded in the cartilaginous endplates of
      patients with Modic changes but not in the control cartilaginous endplates.
      Chondrogenic Col II (p = 0.024) and SOX9 (p = 0.053) were downregulated in the
      Modic changes group compared with the control group. In contrast to the control
      group, the transcriptional levels of NLRP3 (p < 0.001), caspase-1 (p = 0.054),
      and IL-1beta (p = 0.001) were all upregulated in the Modic changes group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1beta was upregulated in
      the patients with low back pain and Modic changes on MRI compared with patients
      with vertebral burst fracture without degenerative changes on MRI. The data
      suggest the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1beta axis may be implicated in lumbar
      cartilaginous endplate degeneration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The NLRP3/caspase-1/IL
      1beta axis is active in cartilaginous endplates of patients with Modic changes
      and inflammatory cascades can exacerbate the cartilaginous endplate degeneration
      which may act as a trigger for intervertebral disc degeneration and low back
      pain. If these findings can be confirmed by others, we hope that new and
      effective therapy could be developed directed against this target.

PMID- 27146656
TI  - CORR Insights((r)): Is Assessment of Femoral Head Perfusion During Modified Dunn
      for Unstable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis an Accurate Indicator of
      Osteonecrosis?

PMID- 27146657
TI  - The effect of superior cervical ganglion resection on peripheral facial palsy in
      rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Stellate ganglion block is performed to treat peripheral facial palsy
      because it increases blood flow and promotes nerve regeneration. Although
      stellate ganglion block increases blood flow around the facial nerve that runs
      outside the temporal bone, it may not affect blood flow inside the bone.
      Therefore, although stellate ganglion block is an effective procedure when the
      facial nerve is damaged outside the temporal bone, no studies have investigated
      the relationship between the site of nerve damage and the therapeutic effect of
      stellate ganglion block. Here, we investigated the efficacy of stellate ganglion
      block for facial palsy caused by facial nerve damage both inside and outside the
      temporal bone in rats. METHODS: A rat facial palsy model was created with nerve
      cooling that damaged the facial nerve inside or outside the temporal bone. A rat
      facial palsy stellate ganglion block model was also created by performing
      superior cervical ganglion resection on facial palsy model rats, and the duration
      of paralysis was examined. RESULTS: Facial nerve cooling inside and outside the
      temporal bone resulted in a mean duration of paralysis of 13.8 +/- 1.6 days and
      18.3 +/- 2.2 days, respectively. Superior cervical ganglion resection in which
      the facial nerve had been cooled inside and outside the temporal bone reduced the
      mean duration of paralysis by 2.4 +/- 1.3 days and 5.4 +/- 1.3 days,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Stellate ganglion block was more effective in facial
      palsy caused by damage to the facial nerve outside, rather than inside, the
      temporal bone.

PMID- 27146659
TI  - Emergency bronchoscopy for foreign-body aspiration in a child with type I
      mucopolysaccharidosis: a challenging airway management experience.
AB  - The mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a rare lysosomal storage disease.
      Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) accumulate in musculoskeletal system, connective
      tissues. Enlarged tongue, short immobile neck, and limited mobility of the
      cervical spine and temporomandibular joints render the airway management
      potentially risky. MPS children have high anesthetic risks, especially in airway
      management of emergency situations. The foreign-body aspiration requiring
      intervention with rigid bronchoscopy is an urgent and risky clinical situation.
      We present our experience with a challenging airway management with a three-year
      old child with MPS who needed emergency bronchoscopy due to peanut aspiration.

PMID- 27146658
TI  - Pancuronium enhances isoflurane anesthesia in rats via inhibition of cerebral
      nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was conducted to elucidate the mechanism of enhancement of
      volatile anesthetics by neuromuscular blocking agents in rats and to consider the
      relevance of this enhancement to clinical anesthesia. METHODS: Male Sprague
      Dawley rats were used. After confirming a movement in response to tail clamping
      under 1.1 % isoflurane anesthesia, response was determined when the tail clamp
      was applied at several points after microinjection of pancuronium into the
      lateral ventricle. Arousal responses to microinjection of nicotine into the
      lateral ventricle were assessed with or without pretreatment with
      intraventricular pancuronium. The intravenous 50 % effective dose (ED50) and 95 %
      effective dose (ED95) for neuromuscular blockade with pancuronium administered in
      a cumulative fashion at 1.1 % isoflurane were calculated. RESULTS:
      Intraventricular pancuronium dose-dependently reduced the response to tail
      clamping, and the dose required to show immobilization of 50 % of rats
      (intraventricular ED50) was 1.62 ug/kg. Pretreatment with pancuronium at 6 ug/kg
      significantly reduced the effect of awakening by nicotine under isoflurane
      anesthesia (P = 0.044). The intravenous ED50 and ED95 for neuromuscular blockade
      were 63 ug/kg (90 % confidence interval [CI] 52-75 ug/kg) and 133 ug/kg (90 % CI
      109-158 ug/kg), respectively. The ratio of intraventricular ED50 to intravenous
      ED50 was 0.026. CONCLUSION: Pancuronium microinjection into the lateral ventricle
      dose-dependently enhances the depth of isoflurane anesthesia, which might be
      caused by inhibition of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor transmission in
      the cerebrum. Intravenous injection of pancuronium at high doses might increase
      the cerebrospinal concentration to a level at which an effect can be observed.

PMID- 27146660
TI  - Investigating Nutritional Deficiencies in a Group of Patients 3 Years Post
      Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a single-stage procedure has
      shown to be effective in achieving significant weight loss and resolving obesity
      related co-morbidities. However, its nutrition consequences have not been
      extensively explored. This study aims to investigate weight loss and evolution of
      nutritional deficiencies in a group of patients 3 years post LSG. METHODS:
      Retrospective data of a group of patients, 3 years following LSG as a stand-alone
      procedure was collected. Data included anthropometry, nutritional markers
      (hemoglobin, iron studies, folate, calcium, iPTH, vitamins D, and B12), and
      compliancy with supplementations. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients (male/female;
      28:63), aged 51.9 +/- 11.4 years with a BMI of 42.8 +/- 6.1 kg/m2 were identified
      to be 3 years post LSG. Percentage of weight loss at 1 and 3 years post
      operatively was 29.8 +/- 7.0 and 25.9 +/- 8.8 %, respectively. Pre-operatively,
      the abnormalities included low hemoglobin (4 %), ferritin (6 %), vitamin B12 (1
      %), vitamin D (46 %), and elevated iPTH (25 %). At 3 years post-operatively, the
      abnormal laboratory values included low hemoglobin (14 % females, P = 0.021),
      ferritin (24 %, P = 0.011), vitamin D (20 %, P = 0.018), and elevated iPTH (17 %,
      P = 0.010). Compliancy with multivitamin supplementation was noted in 66 % of
      patients. CONCLUSION: In these patients, LSG resulted in pronounced weight loss
      at 1 year post-operatively, and most of this was maintained at 3 years.
      Nutritional deficiencies are prevalent among patients prior to bariatric surgery.
      These deficiencies may persist or exacerbate post-operatively. Routine nutrition
      monitoring and supplementations are essential to prevent and treat these
      deficiencies.

PMID- 27146661
TI  - Color and intensity discrimination in Xenopus laevis tadpoles.
AB  - Investigations into the physiology of Xenopus laevis have the potential to
      greatly accelerate biomedical research, especially concerning neural plasticity
      and sensory systems, but are limited by the lack of available information on
      behavioral learning in this species. Here, we attempt to lay the foundations for
      a behavioral assay in Xenopus that can be used in conjunction with biological
      manipulations. We tested cohorts of Xenopus tadpoles across four light-mediated
      active-avoidance experiments, using either wavelength or intensity as the salient
      discriminative cue. In the wavelength task, we determine a baseline learning rate
      and characterize retention of learning, identifying active extinction effects as
      far more potent than the passage of time in the loss of behavior. In the
      intensity task, we examine the effects of varying differences between the
      discriminative stimuli on acquisition and extinction and identify a critical
      range of intensity differences where learning changes. The results of our
      experiments demonstrate that Xenopus is a tractable model organism for cognitive
      research and can learn a variety of associative tasks in the laboratory settings.
      These data reveal new aspects of the Xenopus larval visual processing system and
      facilitate future research between cognitive methods and biological/chemical
      manipulations to study mechanisms of brain structure and function.

PMID- 27146663
TI  - Body mass index and mortality: understanding the patterns and paradoxes.

PMID- 27146662
TI  - Uncertainty quantification in flux balance analysis of spatially lumped and
      distributed models of neuron-astrocyte metabolism.
AB  - Identifying feasible steady state solutions of a brain energy metabolism model is
      an inverse problem that allows infinitely many solutions. The characterization of
      the non-uniqueness, or the uncertainty quantification of the flux balance
      analysis, is tantamount to identifying the degrees of freedom of the solution.
      The degrees of freedom of multi-compartment mathematical models for energy
      metabolism of a neuron-astrocyte complex may offer a key to understand the
      different ways in which the energetic needs of the brain are met. In this paper
      we study the uncertainty in the solution, using techniques of linear algebra to
      identify the degrees of freedom in a lumped model, and Markov chain Monte Carlo
      methods in its extension to a spatially distributed case. The interpretation of
      the degrees of freedom in metabolic terms, more specifically, glucose and oxygen
      partitioning, is then leveraged to derive constraints on the free parameters to
      guarantee that the model is energetically feasible. We demonstrate how the model
      can be used to estimate the stoichiometric energy needs of the cells as well as
      the household energy based on the measured oxidative cerebral metabolic rate of
      glucose and glutamate cycling. Moreover, our analysis shows that in the lumped
      model the net direction of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the cells can be
      deduced from the glucose partitioning between the compartments. The extension of
      the lumped model to a spatially distributed multi-compartment setting that
      includes diffusion fluxes from capillary to tissue increases the number of
      degrees of freedom, requiring the use of statistical sampling techniques. The
      analysis of the distributed model reveals that some of the conclusions valid for
      the spatially lumped model, e.g., concerning the LDH activity and glucose
      partitioning, may no longer hold.

PMID- 27146664
TI  - Managing a Bone Healthy Lifestyle After Attending Multifaceted Group Education.
AB  - We examined patients with osteoporosis implementation of recommendations
      regarding a bone healthy lifestyle after the patients attended multifaceted
      osteoporosis group education (GE). Our findings suggest that GE can support and
      influence patients' transfer of preventive actions. Still patients are challenged
      by concerns related to social roles and physical ability. We investigated if and
      how patients implemented knowledge from attending multifaceted osteoporosis GE in
      their daily lives. An interpretive description design using ethnographic field
      work was applied. In all 14 women and three men diagnosed with osteoporosis who
      attended multifaceted GE at a Danish hospital participated. Data consisted of
      field work and individual interviews in the participants' everyday environment
      after completion of GE. After attending multifaceted GE, participants experienced
      increased attention to and reflected more on how to implement osteoporosis
      preventive actions or activities. Participants who felt confident on how to act
      and experienced a clear need and motivation, or who could make the preventive
      activity into a social event, demonstrated an increased implementation of the
      preventive activity. On the contrary, attending GE was in some cases not
      sufficient to overcome social and physical concerns, or to eliminate uncertainty
      about recommendations or to make participants identify with the osteoporosis
      diagnosis, which thus impeded implementation of a bone healthy lifestyle.
      Attending multifaceted GE can support and influence participants' transfer of
      preventive actions into daily life. Being aware of how concerns about valued
      social roles and physical ability interfere with the implementation of medical
      recommendations obviously needs attention during GE.

PMID- 27146666
TI  - Elevated inflammatory markers predict mortality in long-term ischemic stroke
      survivors: a population-based prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: High levels of inflammatory markers shortly after an
      ischemic stroke are associated with a worse prognosis. Whether inflammatory
      markers predict long-term mortality in stroke-survivors is less clear. We
      examined whether a persisting inflammatory response (levels of inflammatory
      markers >1 year after the stroke event) was associated with long-term mortality.
      METHODS: We recruited participants from the Tromso Study, Norway, in a nested
      case-control design. At baseline in 1997, white blood cell count (WBC), serum
      levels of fibrinogen, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high sensitive C-reactive protein
      (hs-CRP) were analysed in 187 stroke-survivors, a median of 7.0 years (range 1
      43) after the first-ever ischemic stroke, and in 243 stroke-free subjects. Cox
      proportional hazard regression model was used to examine whether inflammatory
      markers predicted all-cause mortality in both groups from 1997 to 2013. RESULTS:
      During an average of 16 years follow-up, 117 (62.5 %) stroke-survivors and 107
      (44.0 %) stroke-free subjects deceased (p for differences 0.005). In stroke
      survivors, fibrinogen and log IL-6 predicted all-cause mortality after adjustment
      for age, sex, BMI, smoking, Frenchay activity index, comorbidity and use of
      statins (HRs 1.26; 9 5 % CI 1.05-1.51 and 2.02; 95 % CI 1.12-3.64, respectively).
      In stroke-free subjects log hs-CRP predicted all-cause mortality after
      additionally accounting for levels of cholesterol, blood pressure and use of
      blood pressure lowering drugs (HR 1.95; 95 % CI 1.26-2.99). CONCLUSIONS:
      Fibrinogen and IL-6 were independent predictors of mortality in long-term stroke
      survivors, whereas elevated hs-CRP predicted mortality in stroke-free subjects.
      Mortality risk prediction in stroke-survivors differed from that of stroke-free
      subjects.

PMID- 27146665
TI  - Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced production of reactive oxygen species, tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, CXCL8 and CCL2 by neutrophils from
      localized aggressive periodontitis and healthy donors: modulating actions of red
      blood cells and resolvin E1.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Porphyromonas gingivalis is regarded as a significant
      contributor in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and certain systemic diseases,
      including atherosclerosis. P. gingivalis occasionally translocates from
      periodontal pockets into the circulation, where it adheres to red blood cells
      (RBCs). This may protect the bacterium from contact with circulating phagocytes
      without affecting its viability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this in vitro study, we
      investigated whether human peripheral blood neutrophils from 10 subjects with
      localized aggressive periodontitis (LAgP) and 10 healthy controls release the
      proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF
      alpha), the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8; also known as IL-8) and
      chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2; also known as monocyte chemotactic protein
      1) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to challenge with
      P. gingivalis. In addition, the impact of RBC interaction with P. gingivalis was
      investigated. The actions of resolvin E1 (RvE1), a known regulator of P.
      gingivalis induced neutrophil responses, on the cytokine and ROS responses
      elicited by P. gingivalis in cultures of neutrophils were investigated. RESULTS:
      Upon stimulation with P. gingivalis, neutrophils from subjects with LAgP and
      healthy controls released similar quantities of IL-6, TNF-alpha, CXCL8, CCL2 and
      intracellular ROS. The presence of RBCs amplified the release of IL-6, TNF-alpha
      and CCL2 statistically significant in both groups, but reduced the generation of
      ROS in the group of healthy controls, and showed a similar tendency in the group
      of subjects with LAgP. RvE1 had no impact on the production of intracellular ROS,
      TNF-alpha, IL-6, CXCL8 and CCL2 by neutrophils from either group, but tended to
      reduce the generation of ROS in subjects with LAgP in the absence of RBCs.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data support that binding to RBCs protects P. gingivalis from
      ROS and concomitantly enhances neutrophil release of proinflammatory cytokines
      providing a selective advantage for P. gingivalis growth.

PMID- 27146667
TI  - The SpeedCourt system in rehabilitation after reconstruction surgery of the
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study aimed at evaluating and finding the advantages of a
      program with unexpected disturbances (reaction time beyond 200 ms) in the late
      rehabilitation (5 months) after ACL-surgery compared to current sensomotoric
      based concepts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 athletic patients (14 females, 36
      males, age: 32.7 +/- 10.0 years) were randomized and followed either a new
      training with the SpeedCourt (28 athletes) or underwent a regular stabilization
      program (22 athletes). Subjects were assessed at baseline and after 3 weeks, i.e.
      six sessions in total. The comparison of evaluations (pre- and post-training) was
      calculated with a two-factorial (time, group) univariate analysis with parameters
      for flexibility, reaction time, tapping, jump force (uni- and bi-lateral) and
      anthropometry. RESULTS: In between the two groups 5 out of 22 parameters (23 %)
      showed significant influences, i.e. highest in the lower leg dimensions 15 cm
      below joint-line of the operated knee joint (eta (2) = 0.122), non-operated knee
      joint (eta (2) = 0.200) and the lower leg dimensions 10 cm below joint-line of
      the non-operated knee joint (eta (2) = 0.183). Jump height unilateral and
      reaction time on the surgically treated leg were also different and improved (eta
      (2) = 0.148; eta (2) = 0.138) significantly. Differences in the outcome
      parameters like tapping, jump height and ground reaction time between the
      operated and non-operated knee were remarkably reduced in the SpeedCourt
      intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Interventional training programs with the
      SpeedCourt system seem to be advantageous in the late rehabilitation following
      ACL-knee surgery compared to current sensomotoric based concepts. We achieved
      improvements of anthropometric and functional parameters. Further studies with
      larger groups and longer periods of evaluation are necessary to support these
      data and to possibly establish a new innovative rehabilitation concept.
      Clinically, the demonstrated SpeedCourt system might help to determine the time
      "back/return to sports" for athletes more objectively and prospectively reduce
      the rate of ACL re-injuries.

PMID- 27146668
TI  - Pain in donor site after BTB-ACL reconstruction with PRGF: a randomized trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are highly incident injuries
      in young athletes within our work area. The use of the patellar graft, despite
      being the treatment of choice, presents post-operative problems such as anterior
      knee pain, which limits its use and leads to preference being taken for
      alternative grafts. Our aim was to evaluate if the application of PRGF reduces
      anterior knee pain in donor site in BTB-ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: 43 patients were included in the double-blinded and randomized clinical
      trial comparing two patient groups who underwent ACL reconstruction using
      patellar tendon graft, comparing anterior knee pain with and without the
      application of PRGF at the donor site after harvesting the graft. RESULTS: The
      PRGF group showed decreased donor site pain in comparison to the control group,
      with significant differences in the first two months of follow-up. CONCLUSION:
      The application of PRGF decreased donor site pain compared to the control group.

PMID- 27146669
TI  - Identification of additional mitochondrial DNA mutations in canine mast cell
      tumours.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research has revealed the presence of somatic mutations in
      mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of certain types of tumours. As this has not been
      studied for canine mast cell tumours, the aim of this study was to identify
      mutations in the hypervariable region of mtDNA in mast cell tumours in dogs and
      determine their association with the process of neoplastic transformation.
      RESULTS: Samples from 17 dogs with histopathologically confirmed mast cell
      tumours were analysed. The samples consisted of tumour tissues (n = 17), normal
      tissues (n = 17), and blood (n = 17). Amplicons of the displacement loop (D-loop)
      were sequenced and the obtained nucleotide sequences were subjected to
      bioinformatics analyses. Somatic mutations were detected in seven positions of
      the D-loop nucleotide sequences in 47 % of the dogs, while polymorphisms were
      identified in 94 % of the dogs. Most of these changes were homoplasmic, while
      heteroplasmy was detected in two individuals. Six new haplotypes were established
      as being characteristic for canine mast cell tumours. There was no association
      between the presence of the mutations and sex, haplotype, or malignancy grade
      assessed in 3 and 2-grade scales. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the frequency of
      somatic mutations imply their direct association with the neoplastic
      transformation. However, their functional consequences and clinical significance
      are not clear. The mutations may be used for diagnosis and prognosis of canine
      mast cell tumours in the future.

PMID- 27146670
TI  - Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis as a Complication in Patients with MSMD.

PMID- 27146672
TI  - Impact of five insecticides used to control citrus pests on the parasitoid
      Ageniaspis citricola Longvinovskaya (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae).
AB  - The parasitoid Ageniaspis citricola Longvnovskaya is a main biological control
      agent of the citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton, an insect pest
      that causes considerable damage to citrus worldwide. However, the use of
      pesticides to control arthropod pests can reduce the effectiveness of parasitoids
      and disrupt integrated pest management in citrus groves. This study evaluated the
      impact on A. citricola of five insecticides that are used to control arthropod
      pests in citrus. Our results indicated that imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos,
      bifenthrin and beta-cyfluthrin were harmful (mortality >89 %) to A. citricola
      adults; whereas abamectin did not cause significant mortality and was considered
      harmless to the parasitoid. In addition to causing high mortality, imidacloprid
      and bifenthrin were considered moderately persistent, because they caused <25 %
      mortality to 17 and 24 days after spraying (DAS), respectively. Chlorpyrifos and
      beta-cyfluthrin were considered slightly persistent (mortality <25 %, 7 DAS).
      Although abamectin was considered harmless to A. citricola adults, had a short
      life (mortality <25 %, 3 DAS), and did not significantly affect the parasitism
      rate, the number and viability of pupae, or the longevity of A. citricola, this
      insecticide significantly reduced the proportion of females in the progeny
      compared to the control treatment. Therefore, semi-field and field studies that
      consider demographic parameters are needed to evaluate the impacts of these
      insecticides on the A. citricola parasitoid. 

PMID- 27146671
TI  - Successful Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Patient with LPS
      Responsive Beige-Like Anchor (LRBA) Gene Mutation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Autosomal recessive mutations in LRBA, encoding for LPS-responsive beige
      like anchor protein, were described in patients with a common variable
      immunodeficiency (CVID)-like disease characterized by hypogammaglobulinemia,
      autoimmune cytopenias, and enteropathy. Here, we detail the clinical,
      immunological, and genetic features of a patient with severe autoimmune
      manifestations. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing was performed to establish a
      molecular diagnosis. Evaluation of lymphocyte subsets was performed for
      immunological characterization. Medical files were reviewed to collect clinical
      and immunological data. RESULTS: A 7-year-old boy, born to consanguineous
      parents, presented with autoimmune hemolytic anemia, hepatosplenomegaly,
      autoimmune thyroiditis, and severe autoimmune gastrointestinal manifestations.
      Immunological investigations revealed low immunoglobulin levels and low numbers
      of B and NK cells. Treatment included immunoglobulin replacement and
      immunosuppressive therapy. Seven years after disease onset, the patient developed
      severe neurological symptoms resembling acute disseminated encephalomyelitis,
      prompting allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with the HLA
      identical mother as donor. Whole exome sequencing of the patient uncovered a
      homozygous 1 bp deletion in LRBA (c.7162delA:p.T2388Pfs*7). Importantly, during 2
      years of follow-up post-HSCT, marked clinical improvement and recovery of immune
      function was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a beneficial effect of HSCT
      in patients with LRBA deficiency.

PMID- 27146674
TI  - Assessing the effects of mosquito nets on malaria mortality using a space time
      model: a case study of Rufiji and Ifakara Health and Demographic Surveillance
      System sites in rural Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although malaria decline has been observed in most sub-Saharan
      African countries, the disease still represents a significant public health
      burden in Tanzania. There are contradictions on the effect of ownership of at
      least one mosquito net at household on malaria mortality. This study presents a
      Bayesian modelling framework for the analysis of the effect of ownership of at
      least one mosquito net at household on malaria mortality with environmental
      factors as confounder variables. METHODS: The analysis used longitudinal data
      collected in Rufiji and Ifakara Health Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS)
      sites for the period of 1999-2011 and 2002-2012, respectively. Bayesian framework
      modelling approach using integrated nested laplace approximation (INLA) package
      in R software was used. The space time models were established to assess the
      effect of ownership of mosquito net on malaria mortality in 58 villages in the
      study area. RESULTS: The results show that an increase of 10 % in ownership of
      mosquito nets at village level had an average of 5.2 % decrease inall age malaria
      deaths (IRR = 0.948, 95 % CI = 0.917, 0.977) in Rufiji HDSS and 12.1 % decrease
      in all age malaria deaths (IRR = 0.879, 95 % CI = 0.806, 0.959) in Ifakara HDSS.
      In children under 5 years, results show an average of 5.4 % decrease of malaria
      deaths (IRR = 0.946, 95 % CI = 0.909, 0.982) in Rufiji HDSS and 10 % decrease of
      malaria deaths (IRR = 0.899, 95 % CI = 0.816, 0.995) in Ifakara HDSS. Model
      comparison show that model with spatial and temporal random effects was the best
      fitting model compared to other models without spatial and temporal, and with
      spatial-temporal interaction effects. CONCLUSION: This modelling framework is
      appropriate and provides useful approaches to understanding the effect of
      mosquito nets for targeting malaria control intervention. Furthermore, ownership
      of mosquito nets at household showed a significant impact on malaria mortality.

PMID- 27146673
TI  - Epigenetic changes mediated by polycomb repressive complex 2 and E2a are
      associated with drug resistance in a mouse model of lymphoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genetic origins of chemotherapy resistance are well established;
      however, the role of epigenetics in drug resistance is less well understood. To
      investigate mechanisms of drug resistance, we performed systematic genetic,
      epigenetic, and transcriptomic analyses of an alkylating agent-sensitive murine
      lymphoma cell line and a series of resistant lines derived by drug dose
      escalation. METHODS: Dose escalation of the alkylating agent mafosfamide was used
      to create a series of increasingly drug-resistant mouse Burkitt's lymphoma cell
      lines. Whole genome sequencing, DNA microarrays, reduced representation bisulfite
      sequencing, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing were used to identify
      alterations in DNA sequence, mRNA expression, CpG methylation, and H3K27me3
      occupancy, respectively, that were associated with increased resistance. RESULTS:
      Our data suggest that acquired resistance cannot be explained by genetic
      alterations. Based on integration of transcriptional profiles with transcription
      factor binding data, we hypothesize that resistance is driven by epigenetic
      plasticity. We observed that the resistant cells had H3K27me3 and DNA methylation
      profiles distinct from those of the parental lines. Moreover, we observed DNA
      methylation changes in the promoters of genes regulated by E2a and members of the
      polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) and differentially expressed genes were
      enriched for targets of E2a. The integrative analysis considering H3K27me3
      further supported a role for PRC2 in mediating resistance. By integrating our
      results with data from the Immunological Genome Project (Immgen.org), we showed
      that these transcriptional changes track the B-cell maturation axis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our data suggest a novel mechanism of drug resistance in which E2a and PRC2 drive
      changes in the B-cell epigenome; these alterations attenuate alkylating agent
      treatment-induced apoptosis.

PMID- 27146675
TI  - Renal Function in Nucleos(t)ide Analog-Treated Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B:
      A Systematic Literature Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Renal safety is an important factor in selecting the most
      appropriate nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) treatment for patients with chronic
      hepatitis B (CHB). This systematic literature review and network meta-analysis
      aimed to assess renal function associated with telbivudine treatment compared to
      other NAs in patients with CHB. METHODS: A systematic literature search via
      Medline, Medline In-Process, Embase, and the Cochrane library for publications of
      randomized controlled trials and observational studies was conducted. Network
      meta-analysis was performed to compare renal function with telbivudine treatment
      versus other NAs after 1 year of therapy. RESULTS: Overall, 40 (six randomized
      controlled and 34 observational) studies were included for review. Telbivudine
      consistently showed an improvement in renal function as measured by an estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over various time points regardless of the
      method of measurement. Changes in eGFR (mL/min) from baseline and corresponding
      95% credible intervals with various NAs were as follows: monotherapies
      (telbivudine: 7.78 [6.91, 8.65], entecavir: -1.07 [-4.80, 2.62], lamivudine: 
      6.08 [-13.35, 1.15], tenofovir: -9.53 [-14.31, -4.89]) and combination therapies
      (telbivudine + adefovir: 8.37 [-34.00, 50.34], telbivudine + tenofovir: 8.29 [
      0.05, 16.64], entecavir + adefovir: 4.15 [-38.55, 46.37], telbivudine +
      lamivudine: 0.51 [-11.77, 12.96], and lamivudine + adefovir: -0.39 [-42.48,
      41.21]). At 1 year, the change in eGFR from baseline was significantly higher
      with telbivudine compared to other NAs. CONCLUSION: The systematic literature
      review and network meta-analysis provide evidence that telbivudine is associated
      with significant improvement in renal function in patients with CHB, either alone
      or in combination with other NAs. FUNDING: Novartis Pharma AG.

PMID- 27146676
TI  - Cost-Effectiveness of Different Forms of Intra-Articular Injections for the
      Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis (OA), as one of the leading causes of disability,
      decreases the quality of life for those suffering from the disease and creates a
      substantial financial burden. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) can provide
      relief from the symptoms of OA and multiple HA products are prescribed. The
      purpose of this study is to examine the single payer cost-effectiveness of
      various HA products in the treatment of knee OA. METHODS: A single payer economic
      evaluation was conducted comparing Synvisc((r)) (Sanofi, USA), Durolane((r))
      (Bioventus, USA), Hyalgan((r)) (Fidia Pharma Inc., USA), SupartzTM (Bioventus,
      USA), and Euflexxa((r)) (Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA). Utility scores for
      HA products were obtained by extracting Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
      Arthritis Index pain, stiffness and function from randomized controlled trials
      and converting them to health utilities index mark 3 scores. The cost of a
      treatment included the cost of the HA injection, cost of a knee injection
      procedure and cost of a doctor's visit for each required injection. Cost-utility
      in 2015 USD per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) saved was calculated for each
      HA product, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated to compare
      the effectiveness of HA products to one another and to conventional care.
      RESULTS: When compared to conventional care, all investigated HA products were
      cost-effective, assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY gained.
      The HA product Euflexxa had the most favorable cost-utility ratio ($5785.52/QALY)
      when compared to all other HA brands. CONCLUSION: The present study showed
      several HA products to be cost-effective in comparison to conventional care, with
      Euflexxa having the most favorable cost/QALY gained ratio compared to the other
      HA products. FUNDING: Ferring Pharmaceutics Inc.

PMID- 27146677
TI  - HIF inhibitors for ischemic retinopathies and cancers: options beyond anti-VEGF
      therapies.
AB  - Aberrant activation of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway causing
      overexpression of angiogenic genes, like vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF), is one of the underlying causes of ocular neovascularization (NV) and
      metastatic cancer. Consistently, along with surgical interventions, a number of
      anti-VEGF agents have been approved by FDA for the treatment of ocular
      neovascular diseases. These anti-VEGF agents, like ranibizumab/lucentis, have
      revolutionized the treatment in the past decade. However, substantial vision
      improvement is observed only in a subset of age-related macular degeneration
      patients receiving ranibizumab. Further, all current therapies are associated
      with limitations and side effects. For example, surgeries cause tissue
      destruction and inflammation while anti-VEGF therapies are expensive, require
      repeated administration, and offer temporary relief from vascular leakage. These
      factors impose significant cost and treatment burdens to both the patient and
      society. With an aging population in most western countries with a continually
      increasing number of patients on lifelong treatment for these retinal diseases,
      the focus of ocular drug development for neovascular diseases will be to improve
      efficacy while reducing treatment costs. Blocking the HIF pathway, a major
      regulator of ocular NV and cancer, offers an appealing therapeutic strategy.
      Therefore, this review summarizes HIF inhibitors that have been recently
      evaluated for the treatment of different cancers and ischemic retinopathies.

PMID- 27146678
TI  - New York State Public Health System Response to Hurricane Sandy: Lessons From the
      Field.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct interviews with public health
      staff who responded to Hurricane Sandy and to analyze their feedback to assess
      response strengths and challenges and recommend improvements for future disaster
      preparedness and response. METHODS: Qualitative analysis was conducted of
      information from individual confidential interviews with 35 staff from 3 local
      health departments in New York State (NYS) impacted by Hurricane Sandy and the
      NYS Department of Health. Staff were asked about their experiences during
      Hurricane Sandy and their recommendations for improvements. Open coding was used
      to analyze interview transcripts for reoccurring themes, which were labeled as
      strengths, challenges, or recommendations and then categorized into public health
      preparedness capabilities. RESULTS: The most commonly cited strengths,
      challenges, and recommendations related to the Hurricane Sandy public health
      response in NYS were within the emergency operations coordination preparedness
      capability, which includes the abilities of health department staff to partner
      among government agencies, coordinate with emergency operation centers, conduct
      routine conference calls with partners, and manage resources. CONCLUSIONS: Health
      departments should ensure that emergency planning includes protocols to
      coordinate backup staffing, delineation of services that can be halted during
      disasters, clear guidelines to coordinate resources across agencies, and training
      for transitioning into unfamiliar disaster response roles. (Disaster Med Public
      Health Preparedness. 2016;10:443-453).

PMID- 27146679
TI  - Central relaxin-3 receptor (RXFP3) activation increases ERK phosphorylation in
      septal cholinergic neurons and impairs spatial working memory.
AB  - The medial septum/diagonal band (MS/DB) is a relay region connecting the
      hypothalamus and brainstem with the hippocampus, and both the MS/DB and
      dorsal/ventral hippocampus receive strong topographic GABA/peptidergic
      projections from the nucleus incertus of the pontine tegmentum. The neuropeptide
      relaxin-3, released by these neurons, is the cognate ligand for a Gi/o-protein
      coupled receptor, RXFP3, which is highly expressed within the MS/DB, and both
      cholinergic and GABAergic neurons in this region of rat brain receive relaxin-3
      positive terminals/boutons. Comprehensive in vitro studies have demonstrated that
      the cell signaling pathways altered by RXFP3 stimulation, include inhibition of
      forskolin-activated cAMP levels and activation of ERK phosphorylation. In this
      study we investigated whether intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of RXFP3
      A2, a selective relaxin-3 receptor agonist, altered ERK phosphorylation levels in
      the MS/DB of adult male rats. We subsequently assessed the neurochemical
      phenotype of phosphorylated (p) ERK-positive neurons in MS/DB after icv RXFP3-A2
      administration by dual-label immunostaining for pERK and neuronal markers for
      cholinergic and GABAergic neurons. Central RXFP3-A2 injection significantly
      increased levels of pERK immunoreactivity (IR) in MS/DB at 20 and 90 min post
      injection, compared to vehicle and naive levels. In addition, RXFP3-A2 increased
      the number of cells expressing pERK-IR in the MS/DB at 90 (but not 20) min post
      injection in cholinergic (but not GABAergic) neurons, which also expressed
      putative RXFP3-IR. Moreover, icv injection of RXFP3-A2 impaired alternation in a
      delayed spontaneous T-maze test of spatial working memory. The presence of RXFP3
      like IR and the RXFP3-related activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway in MS/DB
      cholinergic neurons identifies them as a key target of ascending relaxin-3
      projections with implications for the acute and chronic modulation of cholinergic
      neuron activity and function by relaxin-3/RXFP3 signaling.

PMID- 27146680
TI  - Transmission Capacity of Trypanosoma cruzi (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) by
      Three Subspecies of Meccus phyllosomus (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) and Their
      Hybrids.
AB  - Three behaviors of epidemiological importance: the time lapse for the onset of
      feeding, actual feeding, and defecation time for Meccus phyllosomus pallidipennis
      (Stal), Meccus phyllosomus longipennis (Usinger), Meccus phyllosomus picturatus
      (Usinger), and their laboratory hybrids were evaluated in this study. The mean
      time lapse for the beginning of feeding was between 0.5 and 8.3 min considering
      all instars in each cohort, with highly significant differences only among fifth
      instar nymphs, females, and males of M. p. pallidipennis and M. p. longipennis
      relative to the hybrid cohorts. Four hybrid (LoPa [M. p. longipennis and M. p.
      pallidipennis] and LoPi [M. p. longipennis and M. p. picturatus] and their
      reciprocal experimental crosses) cohorts had similar mean feeding times to one of
      the parental subspecies, but longer than the other one. The remaining hybrid
      cohort (PaPi [M. p. pallidipennis and M. p. picturatus]) had longer feeding times
      than both of its parental subspecies. The specimens of the LoPa and LoPi hybrid
      cohorts defecated faster than the respective instars of the three parental
      cohorts. With exception of first- and fifth-instar nymphs, PaPi cohorts defecated
      faster than the remaining seven cohorts. More than 60% of defecation events
      occurred during feeding in the six hybrid cohorts. Our results indicate that
      hybrid cohorts have more potential to acquire infection and transmit Trypanosoma
      cruzi Chagas than their parental cohorts.

PMID- 27146681
TI  - Isolation of the Pathogen Rickettsia sp. Strain Atlantic Rainforest From Its
      Presumed Tick Vector, Amblyomma ovale (Acari: Ixodidae), From Two Areas of
      Brazil.
AB  - In this study, Amblyomma ovale Koch ticks were collected from domestic dogs in
      two localities of the Atlantic rainforest biome of Brazil: 1) the Paty Valley of
      the Chapada Diamantina National Park, Bahia state (northeastern Brazil), and 2)
      Adrianopolis, Parana state (southern Brazil). Ticks were screened for the
      presence of Rickettsia-like structures by the hemolymph test with Gimenez
      staining, and then processed for isolation of rickettsiae in Vero cell culture by
      the shell-vial technique. Rickettsiae were isolated from one A. ovale tick of
      each of the two localities. The two isolates were successfully established in the
      laboratory with several passages, each one reaching >90% infection of the cells.
      The two isolates were identified as the spotted fever group (SFG) agent
      Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest, as their gltA (350 bp), ompB (781 bp),
      and ompA (567 bp) gene fragments were 100% equal to GenBank corresponding
      sequences of the original strain Atlantic rainforest, reported to be infecting a
      human in southeastern Brazil, and also 100% equal to the available ompA sequence
      of strain Bahia, reported to be infecting a human in Paty Valley, the same area
      of the present study in Bahia state. Ten dogs from Paty Valley were serologically
      tested against rickettsial antigens by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody
      test. At least 60% of them were seroreactive to SFG rickettsiae. The role of A.
      ovale as vector of Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest in the Paty Valley
      area, as well as in other parts of Latin America, is discussed.

PMID- 27146682
TI  - Mitochondrial Genomes of Anopheles (Kerteszia) (Diptera: Culicidae) From the
      Atlantic Forest, Brazil.
AB  - Mitochondrial genome sequences are widely used as molecular markers for
      phylogenetic studies of mosquito species complexes, such as the Anopheles
      albitarsis complex. Except for a few studies that employed a limited number of
      nuclear or mitochondrial loci to address the genetic structure and species status
      of Anopheles cruzii, Anopheles bellator, and Anopheles homunculus, little is
      known about genetic markers that can be employed in studies focusing on Kerteszia
      species. The complete mitochondrial genomes of seven specimens of An. bellator,
      An. cruzii, An. homunculus, and Anopheles laneanus were sequenced using long
      range polymerase chain reaction and Illumina sequencing. The mitochondrial
      genomes varied from 15,446 to 15,738 bp in length and contained 37 genes (13
      protein-encoding genes, 2 rRNA genes [12S rRNA and 16S rRNA] and 22 tRNA genes),
      and the AT-rich control region, as all do other Anopheles mitochondrial genomes
      sequenced to date. Specimens from four populations of An. cruzii showed
      differences in codon composition.

PMID- 27146683
TI  - Leaf structural traits of tropical woody species resistant to cement dust.
AB  - Cement industries located nearby limestone outcrops in Brazil have contributed to
      the coating of cement dust over native plant species. However, little is known
      about the extent of the response of tropical woody plants to such environmental
      pollutant particularly during the first stages of plant development and
      establishment. This work focused on the investigation of possible alterations in
      leaf structural and ultrastructural traits of 5-month-old Guazuma ulmifolia Lam.
      (Malvaceae), 6-month-old Myracrodruon urundeuva Allemao (Anacardiaceae), and 9
      month-old Trichilia hirta L. (Meliaceae) challenged superficially with cement
      dust during new leaf development. Leaf surface of plants, the soil or both (leaf
      plus soil), were treated (or not) for 60 days, under controlled conditions, with
      cement dust at 2.5 or 5.0 mg cm(-2). After exposure, no significant structural
      changes were observed in plant leaves. Also, no plant death was recorded by the
      end of the experiment. There was also some evidence of localized leaf necrosis in
      G. ulmifolia and T. hirta, leaf curling in M. urundeuva and T. hirta, and bulges
      formation on epidermal surface of T. hirta, after cement dust contact with plant
      shoots. All species studied exhibited stomata obliteration while T. hirta, in
      particular, presented early leaf abscission, changes in cellular relief, and
      organization and content of midrib cells. No significant ultrastructural
      alterations were detected under the experimental conditions studied. Indeed,
      mesophyll cells presented plastids with intact membrane systems. The high plant
      survival rates, together with mild morphoanatomic traits alterations in leaves,
      indicate that G. ulmifolia is more resistant to cement dust pollutant, followed
      by M. urundeuva and T. hirta. Thus, the three plant species are promising for
      being used to revegetate areas impacted by cement industries activities. 

PMID- 27146684
TI  - The sheer scale of China's urban renewal and CO2 emissions: multiple structural
      breaks, long-run relationship, and short-run dynamics.
AB  - In the light of urban environmental transition (UET) theory, this study explores
      the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, economic growth,
      urbanization, and trade openness using updated Chinese data over the extended
      period (1971-2013). After confirming that all the underlying series are
      stationary and adjusted with single structural break point, the results of
      autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test approach to cointegration
      confirm the cointegration between the variables. The long- and short-run dynamics
      reveal that urbanization reduces the CO2 emissions both in short and long runs,
      but statistically insignificant. These findings contrast with previous literature
      and sound the validation of urban environmental transition theory (UET). However,
      economic growth and trade openness contribute environmental degradation both in
      long- and short-run paths. The causality analysis reports bidirectional causal
      link between trade openness and urbanization in the short run. However, in the
      long-run, economic growth Granger causes carbon dioxide emissions, urbanization,
      and trade openness. Similarly, trade openness Granger causes carbon dioxide
      emissions, economic growth, and urbanization in the long run. The overall results
      imply that rural to urban immigration is still mostly driven by export-related
      manufacturing sectors. In addition, the higher GDP also contributes to
      urbanization as a feedback effect. In the end, stability of the model is also
      checked, model found stable, and findings are suitable for environmental policy
      control use. 

PMID- 27146685
TI  - Light-dependent magnetoreception in birds: the crucial step occurs in the dark.
AB  - The Radical Pair Model proposes that the avian magnetic compass is based on spin
      chemical processes: since the ratio between the two spin states singlet and
      triplet of radical pairs depends on their alignment in the magnetic field, it can
      provide information on magnetic directions. Cryptochromes, blue light-absorbing
      flavoproteins, with flavin adenine dinucleotide as chromophore, are suggested as
      molecules forming the radical pairs underlying magnetoreception. When activated
      by light, cryptochromes undergo a redox cycle, in the course of which radical
      pairs are generated during photo-reduction as well as during light-independent re
      oxidation. This raised the question as to which radical pair is crucial for
      mediating magnetic directions. Here, we present the results from behavioural
      experiments with intermittent light and magnetic field pulses that clearly show
      that magnetoreception is possible in the dark interval, pointing to the radical
      pair formed during flavin re-oxidation. This differs from the mechanism
      considered for cryptochrome signalling the presence of light and rules out most
      current models of an avian magnetic compass based on the radical pair generated
      during photo-reduction. Using the radical pair formed during re-oxidation may
      represent a specific adaptation of the avian magnetic compass.

PMID- 27146687
TI  - How memory of direct animal interactions can lead to territorial pattern
      formation.
AB  - Mechanistic home range analysis (MHRA) is a highly effective tool for
      understanding spacing patterns of animal populations. It has hitherto focused on
      populations where animals defend their territories by communicating indirectly,
      e.g. via scent marks. However, many animal populations defend their territories
      using direct interactions, such as ritualized aggression. To enable application
      of MHRA to such populations, we construct a model of direct territorial
      interactions, using linear stability analysis and energy methods to understand
      when territorial patterns may form. We show that spatial memory of past
      interactions is vital for pattern formation, as is memory of 'safe' places, where
      the animal has visited but not suffered recent territorial encounters.
      Additionally, the spatial range over which animals make decisions to move is key
      to understanding the size and shape of their resulting territories. Analysis
      using energy methods, on a simplified version of our system, shows that stability
      in the nonlinear system corresponds well to predictions of linear analysis. We
      also uncover a hysteresis in the process of territory formation, so that
      formation may depend crucially on initial space-use. Our analysis, in one
      dimension and two dimensions, provides mathematical groundwork required for
      extending MHRA to situations where territories are defended by direct encounters.

PMID- 27146686
TI  - Analytical approximations for spatial stochastic gene expression in single cells
      and tissues.
AB  - Gene expression occurs in an environment in which both stochastic and diffusive
      effects are significant. Spatial stochastic simulations are computationally
      expensive compared with their deterministic counterparts, and hence little is
      currently known of the significance of intrinsic noise in a spatial setting.
      Starting from the reaction-diffusion master equation (RDME) describing stochastic
      reaction-diffusion processes, we here derive expressions for the approximate
      steady-state mean concentrations which are explicit functions of the
      dimensionality of space, rate constants and diffusion coefficients. The
      expressions have a simple closed form when the system consists of one effective
      species. These formulae show that, even for spatially homogeneous systems, mean
      concentrations can depend on diffusion coefficients: this contradicts the
      predictions of deterministic reaction-diffusion processes, thus highlighting the
      importance of intrinsic noise. We confirm our theory by comparison with
      stochastic simulations, using the RDME and Brownian dynamics, of two models of
      stochastic and spatial gene expression in single cells and tissues.

PMID- 27146689
TI  - A network-based framework for assessing infrastructure resilience: a case study
      of the London metro system.
AB  - Modern society is increasingly dependent on the stability of a complex system of
      interdependent infrastructure sectors. It is imperative to build resilience of
      large-scale infrastructures like metro systems for addressing the threat of
      natural disasters and man-made attacks in urban areas. Analysis is needed to
      ensure that these systems are capable of withstanding and containing unexpected
      perturbations, and develop heuristic strategies for guiding the design of more
      resilient networks in the future. We present a comprehensive, multi-pronged
      framework that analyses information on network topology, spatial organization and
      passenger flow to understand the resilience of the London metro system. Topology
      of the London metro system is not fault tolerant in terms of maintaining
      connectivity at the periphery of the network since it does not exhibit small
      world properties. The passenger strength distribution follows a power law,
      suggesting that while the London metro system is robust to random failures, it is
      vulnerable to disruptions on a few critical stations. The analysis further
      identifies particular sources of structural and functional vulnerabilities that
      need to be mitigated for improving the resilience of the London metro network.
      The insights from our framework provide useful strategies to build resilience for
      both existing and upcoming metro systems.

PMID- 27146688
TI  - Inferring muscle functional roles of the ostrich pelvic limb during walking and
      running using computer optimization.
AB  - Owing to their cursorial background, ostriches (Struthio camelus) walk and run
      with high metabolic economy, can reach very fast running speeds and quickly
      execute cutting manoeuvres. These capabilities are believed to be a result of
      their ability to coordinate muscles to take advantage of specialized passive limb
      structures. This study aimed to infer the functional roles of ostrich pelvic limb
      muscles during gait. Existing gait data were combined with a newly developed
      musculoskeletal model to generate simulations of ostrich walking and running that
      predict muscle excitations, force and mechanical work. Consistent with previous
      avian electromyography studies, predicted excitation patterns showed that
      individual muscles tended to be excited primarily during only stance or swing.
      Work and force estimates show that ostrich gaits are partially hip-driven with
      the bi-articular hip-knee muscles driving stance mechanics. Conversely, the knee
      extensors acted as brakes, absorbing energy. The digital extensors generated
      large amounts of both negative and positive mechanical work, with increased
      magnitudes during running, providing further evidence that ostriches make
      extensive use of tendinous elastic energy storage to improve economy. The
      simulations also highlight the need to carefully consider non-muscular soft
      tissues that may play a role in ostrich gait.

PMID- 27146690
TI  - Apoptosis in snowflake yeast: novel trait, or side effect of toxic waste?
AB  - Recent experiments evolving de novo multicellularity in yeast have found that
      large cluster-forming genotypes also exhibit higher rates of programmed cell
      death (apoptosis). This was previously interpreted as the evolution of a simple
      form of cellular division of labour: apoptosis results in the scission of cell
      cell connections, allowing snowflake yeast to produce proportionally smaller,
      faster-growing propagules. Through spatial simulations, Duran-Nebreda and Sole
      (J. R. Soc. Interface 12, 20140982 (doi:10.1073/pnas.1115323109)) develop the
      novel null hypothesis that apoptosis is not an adaptation, per se, but is instead
      caused by the accumulation of toxic metabolites in large clusters. Here we test
      this hypothesis by synthetically creating unicellular derivatives of snowflake
      yeast through functional complementation with the ancestral ACE2 allele. We find
      that multicellular snowflake yeast with elevated apoptosis exhibit a similar rate
      of apoptosis when cultured as single cells. We also show that larger snowflake
      yeast clusters tend to contain a greater fraction of older, senescent cells,
      which may explain why larger clusters of a given genotype are more apoptotic. Our
      results show that apoptosis is not caused by side effects of spatial structure,
      such as starvation or waste product accumulation, and are consistent with the
      hypothesis that elevated apoptosis is a trait that co-evolves with large cluster
      size.

PMID- 27146691
TI  - Risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome associated with FTO gene variants
      discloses clinically relevant gender difference among Turks.
AB  - Gene variations in the fat mass- and obesity-associated gene (FTO) have shown
      controversial associations with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in several
      populations. We explored the association of FTO gene with obesity, MetS, and
      insulin-related parameters separately in men and women. Two SNPs in the FTO, gene
      rs9939609 and rs1421085, were genotyped by the Taqman System in 1967 adults (mean
      age of the whole group 50.1 +/- 12.0; 48.4 % male). A random sample of the
      Turkish Adult Risk Factor cohort was cross-sectionally analyzed. Both SNPs
      exhibited strong linkage disequilibrium (r(2) = 0.85) and minor alleles were
      associated with risk of obesity in women and of MetS in men. Carriers of the
      rs1421085 C-allele exhibited higher body mass index (BMI) in each gender.
      Adjusted fasting insulin and HOMA index were significantly higher in C-allele
      carriers in men alone. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated significantly
      increased likelihood for obesity in female C-risk allele carriers (OR 1.61; 95 %
      CI 1.19-2.18), after adjustment for age, smoking status, alcohol usage, physical
      activity grade and presence of diabetes mellitus. Male C-allele carriers were at
      increased risk for MetS (OR 1.44; 95 % CI 1.07-1.95), adjusted for age, smoking
      status, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Further adjustment for BMI
      attenuated the MetS risk, indicating interaction between C-allele, gender and
      BMI. The FTO gene in Turkish adults contributes independently to obesity in women
      and-by interacting with BMI-to MetS and insulin resistance in men. 

PMID- 27146692
TI  - Correlates of disease-specific knowledge among patients with chronic hepatitis B
      or hepatitis C infection in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient knowledge about chronic diseases increases health-promoting
      behaviors and improves clinical outcomes. We assessed this association for
      patients with chronic viral hepatitis. METHODS: Untreated patients chronically
      infected with HBV (n = 500) or HCV (n = 500) were enrolled at 19 centers across
      India. A survey, adapted from the US CDC National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Survey (NHANES) questionnaire, was administered at a single visit to
      assess HBV/HCV knowledge, community disease awareness, treatment quality, and
      healthcare barriers. We developed the India Hepatitis Knowledge Index (IHKI),
      where a higher IHKI score (range 0-10) indicates increased hepatitis knowledge.
      Multivariate regression models evaluated demographic and disease factors.
      RESULTS: The overall mean IHKI score was 5.6 out of 10, with higher scores among
      patients with HBV (5.9) than HCV (5.3); p < 0.001. In HBV patients lower IHKI was
      associated with shorter disease duration, government clinic attendance (p <
      0.0001), fewer personal experiences with HBV (p < 0.0001), and residing in
      northern India. Among HCV patients, lower IHKI was associated with shorter
      disease duration, community (p < 0.0001) and government clinic attendance (p <
      0.0001), and fewer personal experiences with HCV (p < 0.0001). Among HBV
      patients, IHKI was independently associated with disease severity as assessed by
      MELD score, albumin, and APRI. This association was strongest for HBV patients
      with elevated ALT and HBV DNA >2000 IU/ml. Among HCV patients, IHKI results had
      no significant associations with disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: The association
      of IHKI with disease underscores the need to understand connections between
      hepatitis knowledge and progression and may guide efforts to address patient
      education and awareness of chronic viral hepatitis in India.

PMID- 27146693
TI  - A 12-year-old boy with chest pain and dyspnoea.
AB  - CLINICAL INTRODUCTION: A previously healthy 12-year-old boy presented with chest
      pain and dyspnoea. ECG (figure 1), echocardiogram (figure 2) and myocardial MRI
      (figure 3) were performed.Electromyography revealed mild proximal weakness. Blood
      tests showed creatine kinase 997 UI/L, aspartate transaminase 398 UI/L, alanine
      transaminase 293 UI/L and lactate deshidrogenase 1730 UI/L. Ophthalmology test
      showed diffuse loss of pigment in the retinal pigment epithelium. Myocardial
      biopsy was performed (figure 4). A cardiomyopathy was suspected. LAMP2 gene was
      sequenced, and a stop mutation was identified. QUESTION: What is the most likely
      diagnosis suggested based on the patient's tests and history? Danon's
      disease.Fabry's disease.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.Noonan's syndrome.Pompe's
      disease.

PMID- 27146695
TI  - Bioaccessibility of carotenoids from Chlorella vulgaris and Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii.
AB  - Microalgae can contribute to a balanced diet because of their composition. Beside
      numerous essential nutrients, carotenoids are in the focus for food applications.
      The bioavailability of carotenoids from photoautotrophic-cultivated Chlorella
      vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (C. reinhardtii) was
      compared. An in vitro digestion model was used to investigate carotenoid
      bioaccessibility. Furthermore, the effect of sonication on bioaccessibility was
      assessed. Lutein was the main carotenoid in both species. C. reinhardtii showed
      higher amounts of lutein and beta-carotene than C. vulgaris. In contrast to C.
      reinhardtii, no beta-carotene and only 7% of lutein were bioaccessible in
      nonsonicated C. vulgaris. Sonication increased the bioaccessibility of
      carotenoids from C. vulgaris to a level comparable with C. reinhardtii (beta
      carotene: >= 10%; lutein: >= 15%). Thus, C. reinhardtii represents a good
      carotenoid source for potential use in foods without processing, while the
      application of processing methods, like sonication, is necessary for C. vulgaris.

PMID- 27146694
TI  - The associations of leptin, adiponectin and resistin with incident atrial
      fibrillation in women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Higher body mass index (BMI) is an important risk factor for atrial
      fibrillation (AF). The adipokines leptin, adiponectin and resistin are correlates
      of BMI, but their association with incident AF is not well known. We explored
      this relationship in a large cohort of postmenopausal women. METHODS: We studied
      an ethnically diverse cohort of community-dwelling postmenopausal women aged 50
      79 who were nationally recruited at 40 clinical centres as part of the Women's
      Health Initiative investigation. Participants underwent measurements of baseline
      serum leptin, adiponectin and resistin levels and were followed for incident AF.
      Adipokine levels were log transformed and normalised using inverse probability
      weighting. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate
      associations with adjustment for known AF risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 4937
      participants included, 892 developed AF over a follow-up of 11.1 years. Those
      with AF had higher mean leptin (14.9 pg/mL vs 13.9 pg/mL), adiponectin (26.3
      ug/mL vs 24.5 ug/mL) and resistin (12.9 ng/mL vs 12.1 ng/mL) levels. After
      multivariable adjustment, neither log leptin nor log adiponectin levels were
      significantly associated with incident AF. However, log resistin levels remained
      significantly associated with incident AF (HR=1.57 per 1 log (ng/mL) increase,
      p=0.006). Additional adjustment for inflammatory cytokines only partially
      attenuated the association between resistin and incident AF (HR=1.43, p=0.06
      adjusting for C-reactive protein (CRP); HR=1.39, p=0.08 adjusting for IL-6).
      Adjusting for resistin partially attenuated the association between BMI and
      incident AF (HR=1.14 per 5 kg/m(2), p=0.006 without resistin; HR=1.12, p=0.02
      with resistin). CONCLUSIONS: In women, elevated levels of serum resistin are
      significantly associated with higher rates of incident AF and partially mediate
      the association between BMI and AF. In the same population, leptin and
      adiponectin levels are not significantly associated with AF.

PMID- 27146696
TI  - Representations of numerical and non-numerical magnitude both contribute to
      mathematical competence in children.
AB  - A growing body of evidence suggests that non-symbolic representations of number,
      which humans share with nonhuman animals, are functionally related to uniquely
      human mathematical thought. Other research suggesting that numerical and non
      numerical magnitudes not only share analog format but also form part of a general
      magnitude system raises questions about whether the non-symbolic basis of
      mathematical thinking is unique to numerical magnitude. Here we examined this
      issue in 5- and 6-year-old children using comparison tasks of non-symbolic number
      arrays and cumulative area as well as standardized tests of math competence. One
      set of findings revealed that scores on both magnitude comparison tasks were
      modulated by ratio, consistent with shared analog format. Moreover, scores on
      these tasks were moderately correlated, suggesting overlap in the precision of
      numerical and non-numerical magnitudes, as expected under a general magnitude
      system. Another set of findings revealed that the precision of both types of
      magnitude contributed shared and unique variance to the same math measures (e.g.
      calculation and geometry), after accounting for age and verbal competence. These
      findings argue against an exclusive role for non-symbolic number in supporting
      early mathematical understanding. Moreover, they suggest that mathematical
      understanding may be rooted in a general system of magnitude representation that
      is not specific to numerical magnitude but that also encompasses non-numerical
      magnitude.

PMID- 27146697
TI  - The first total syntheses of (+/-)-norphoebine, dehydrophoebine, oxophoebine,
      dehydrocrebanine, oxocrebanine and uthongine and their cytotoxicity against three
      human cancer cell lines.
AB  - The first total syntheses of (+/-)-norphoebine, dehydrophoebine, oxophoebine,
      dehydrocrebanine, oxocrebanine and uthongine have been achieved. The crucial step
      involved the formation of ring C by a microwave-assisted direct biaryl coupling
      to produce the aporphine skeleton in high yields. The synthetic alkaloids were
      evaluated for their cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines MCF7, KB
      and NCI-H187. The results showed that uthongine was the best candidate of the
      series and it exhibited cytotoxicity against a human breast cancer MCF7 line with
      an IC50 = 3.05 MUM. 

PMID- 27146699
TI  - Talimogene Laherparepvec for the Treatment of Advanced Melanoma.
AB  - Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is a first-in-class oncolytic virus that
      mediates local and systemic antitumor activity by direct cancer cell lysis and an
      "in situ vaccine" effect. Based on an increased durable response rate compared
      with granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor in a randomized phase III
      trial, it was approved by the FDA for the treatment of melanoma metastatic to
      skin or lymph nodes. The drug is currently in clinical trials as monotherapy and
      in combination with immune-checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy in melanoma and
      other cancers. The mechanism of action, toxicity, and efficacy as well as its
      role in current clinical practice and potential future applications are reviewed.
      Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3127-31. (c)2016 AACR.

PMID- 27146698
TI  - Notch signaling indirectly promotes chondrocyte hypertrophy via regulation of BMP
      signaling and cell cycle arrest.
AB  - Cell cycle regulation is critical for chondrocyte differentiation and
      hypertrophy. Recently we identified the Notch signaling pathway as an important
      regulator of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation during mouse cartilage
      development. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we assessed the role for
      Notch signaling regulation of the cell cycle during chondrocyte differentiation.
      Real-time RT-PCR data showed that over-expression of the Notch Intracellular
      Domain (NICD) significantly induced the expression of p57, a cell cycle
      inhibitor, in chondrocytes. Flow cytometric analyses further confirmed that over
      expression of NICD in chondrocytes enhances the G0/G1 cell cycle transition and
      cell cycle arrest. In contrast, treatment of chondrocytes with the Notch
      inhibitor, DAPT, decreased both endogenous and BMP2-induced SMAD 1/5/8
      phosphorylation and knockdown of SMAD 1/5/8 impaired NICD-induced chondrocyte
      differentiation and p57 expression. Co-immunoprecipitation using p-SMAD 1/5/8 and
      NICD antibodies further showed a strong interaction of these proteins during
      chondrocyte maturation. Finally, RT-PCR and Western blot results revealed a
      significant reduction in the expression of the SMAD-related phosphatase, PPM1A,
      following NICD over-expression. Taken together, our results demonstrate that
      Notch signaling induces cell cycle arrest and thereby initiates chondrocyte
      hypertrophy via BMP/SMAD-mediated up-regulation of p57.

PMID- 27146700
TI  - Selective alteration of human value decisions with medial frontal tDCS is
      predicted by changes in attractor dynamics.
AB  - During value-based decision making, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is
      thought to support choices by tracking the expected gain from different outcomes
      via a competition-based process. Using a computational neurostimulation approach
      we asked how perturbing this region might alter this competition and resulting
      value decisions. We simulated a perturbation of neural dynamics in a
      biophysically informed model of decision-making through in silico depolarization
      at the level of neuronal ensembles. Simulated depolarization increased baseline
      firing rates of pyramidal neurons, which altered their susceptibility to
      background noise, and thereby increased choice stochasticity. These behavioural
      predictions were compared to choice behaviour in healthy participants performing
      similar value decisions during transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a
      non-invasive brain stimulation technique. We placed the soma depolarizing
      electrode over medial frontal PFC. In line with model predictions, this
      intervention resulted in more random choices. By contrast, no such effect was
      observed when placing the depolarizing electrode over lateral PFC. Using a causal
      manipulation of ventromedial and lateral prefrontal function, these results
      provide support for competition-based choice dynamics in human vmPFC, and
      introduce computational neurostimulation as a mechanistic assay for
      neurostimulation studies of cognition.

PMID- 27146701
TI  - Factors Influencing Early Dental Implant Failures.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to assess the influence of local and
      systemic factors on the occurrence of dental implant failures up to the second
      stage surgery (abutment connection). This retrospective study is based on 2,670
      patients who received 10,096 implants and were consecutively treated with implant
      supported prostheses between 1980 and 2014 at 1 specialist clinic. Several
      anatomic-, patient-, health-, and implant-related factors were collected.
      Descriptive statistics were used to describe the patients and implants.
      Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used at the patient
      level as well as the implant level to evaluate the effect of explanatory
      variables on the failure of implants up to abutment connection. A generalized
      estimating equation method was used for the implant-level analysis to account for
      the fact that repeated observations (several implants) were available for a
      single patient. Overall, 642 implants (6.36%) failed, of which 176 (1.74%) in 139
      patients were lost up to second-stage surgery. The distribution of implants in
      sites of different bone quantities and qualities was quite similar between
      implants lost up to and after abutment connection. Smoking and the intake of
      antidepressants were the statistically significant predictors in the multivariate
      model (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02369562).

PMID- 27146702
TI  - Lack of Buffering by Composites Promotes Shift to More Cariogenic Bacteria.
AB  - Secondary caries (SC) remains a very important problem with composite
      restorations. The objectives of this study were to test the acid-buffering
      ability of several restorative materials and to evaluate whether buffering of the
      restorative material has an impact on the microbial composition of the biofilm.
      Disk-shaped specimens of conventional composite, composite with surface
      prereacted glass-ionomer filler particles (so-called giomer), glass-ionomer
      cement (GIC), amalgam, and hydroxyapatite (HAp) (control) were exposed to aqueous
      solutions with pH 4, 5, 6, and 7 and to the medium containing bacteria-produced
      acids, and pH changes were recorded over several days. Next, material specimens
      were immersed in bacterial growth medium with pH adjusted to 5. After a 24-h
      incubation, the extracts were collected and inoculated with a cariogenic
      (Streptococcus mutans) and a noncariogenic (Streptococcus sanguinis) species. The
      bacterial growth was monitored both in a single-species model by
      spectrophotometry and in a dual-species model by viability quantitative
      polymerase chain reaction. Amalgam and HAp showed the strongest acid-buffering
      ability, followed by the GIC and the giomer, while the conventional composite did
      not exhibit any buffering capacity. Furthermore, due to the lack of acid
      buffering abilities, composite was not able to increase the pH of the medium (pH
      5), which, in the absence of antibacterial properties, allowed the growth of S.
      mutans, while the growth of S. sanguinis, a less aciduric species, was completely
      inhibited. A similar effect was observed when bacteria were cultured together:
      there was a higher percentage of S. mutans and lower percentage of S. sanguinis
      with the conventional composite than with other materials and HAp. In conclusion,
      conventional composites lack the ability to increase the local pH, which leads to
      the outgrowth of more acidogenic/aciduric bacteria and higher cariogenicity of
      the biofilm. Together with lack of antibacterial properties, lack of buffering
      may account for the higher susceptibility of composites to SC.

PMID- 27146703
TI  - Amelogenin-Ameloblastin Spatial Interaction around Maturing Enamel Rods.
AB  - Amelogenin and ameloblastin are 2 extracellular matrix proteins that are
      essential for the proper development of enamel. We recently reported that
      amelogenin and ameloblastin colocalized during the secretory stage of enamel
      formation when nucleation of enamel crystallites occurs. Direct interactions
      between the 2 proteins have been also demonstrated in our in vitro studies. Here,
      we explore interactions between their fragments during enamel maturation. We
      applied in vivo immunofluorescence imaging, quantitative co-localization
      analysis, and a new FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) technique to
      demonstrate ameloblastin and amelogenin interaction in the maturing mouse enamel.
      Using immunochemical analysis of protein samples extracted from 8-d-old (P8)
      first molars from mice as a model for maturation-stage enamel, we identified the
      ~17-kDa ameloblastin (Ambn-N) and the TRAP (tyrosine-rich amelogenin peptide)
      fragments. We used Ambn-N18 and Ambn-M300 antibodies raised against the N
      terminal and C-terminal segments of ameloblastin, as well as Amel-FL and Amel-C19
      antibodies against full-length recombinant mouse amelogenin (rM179) and C
      terminal amelogenin, respectively. In transverse sections, co-localization images
      of N-terminal fragments of amelogenin and ameloblastin around the prism boundary
      revealed the "fish net" pattern of the enamel matrix. Using in vivo FRET
      microscopy, we further demonstrated spatial interactions between amelogenin and
      ameloblastin N-terminal fragments. In the maturing mouse enamel, the association
      of these residual protein fragments created a discontinuity between enamel rods,
      which we suggest is important for support and maintenance of enamel rods and
      eventual contribution to unique enamel mechanical properties. We present data
      that support cooperative functions of enamel matrix proteins in mediating the
      structural hierarchy of enamel and that contribute to our efforts to design and
      develop enamel biomimetic material.

PMID- 27146704
TI  - Planning clinically relevant biomarker validation studies using the "number
      needed to treat" concept.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite an explosion of translational research to exploit biomarkers in
      diagnosis, prediction and prognosis, the impact of biomarkers on clinical
      practice has been limited. The elusiveness of clinical utility may partly
      originate when validation studies are planned, from a failure to articulate
      precisely how the biomarker, if successful, will improve clinical decision-making
      for patients. Clarifying what performance would suffice if the test is to improve
      medical care makes it possible to design meaningful validation studies. But
      methods for tackling this part of validation study design are undeveloped,
      because it demands uncomfortable judgments about the relative values of good and
      bad outcomes resulting from a medical decision. METHODS: An unconventional use of
      "number needed to treat" (NNT) can structure communication for the trial design
      team, to elicit purely value-based outcome tradeoffs, conveyed as the endpoints
      of an NNT "discomfort range". The study biostatistician can convert the endpoints
      into desired predictive values, providing criteria for designing a prospective
      validation study. Next, a novel "contra-Bayes" theorem converts those predictive
      values into target sensitivity and specificity criteria, to guide design of a
      retrospective validation study. Several examples demonstrate the approach.
      CONCLUSION: In practice, NNT-guided dialogues have contributed to validation
      study planning by tying it closely to specific patient-oriented translational
      goals. The ultimate payoff comes when the report of the completed study includes
      motivation in the form of a biomarker test framework directly reflecting the
      clinical decision challenge to be solved. Then readers will understand better
      what the biomarker test has to offer patients.

PMID- 27146706
TI  - Latrunculin A - Insight into Specific Modifications to Design Novel Drugs to
      Overcome Resistance.
AB  - Mutant actins D157E and R183A-D184A are reported to resist the anticancer drug
      Latrunculin A (LAT); though identified, the mechanism of resistance is not
      clearly understood. To design a better molecule that can overcome the resistance
      caused by mutations it is important to define precise pharmacophoric regions in
      LAT based on the mechanism of resistance on the mutant actin -LAT interactions.
      To address this we have conducted 20 nano seconds (ns) simulation of mutant
      actins - LAT complex and compared it with the 20ns simulation of wild actin - LAT
      complex. Functions as the binding free energy, distance between LAT and binding
      site residues, LAT and actin domains, dihedral angle analysis, motional
      correlation were studied for these simulations. Grounded on these observations
      and studies, four sites in LAT are identified to be crucial for modification.
      Bulkier ring moieties containing nitrogen in place of the double bonded oxygen in
      the macrocyclic lactone ring may be considered to establish interactions with
      Glu214. The nitrogen in 2-thiazolidinone moiety can be substituted with a
      hydrophobic ring to stabilize the interaction with the Asp157 which is mutated to
      Glu157and the oxygen in the cyclohexane of LAT with hydrophilic atoms or groups
      to strengthen their interaction with Tyr69. The nitrogen of the 2-thiazolidinone
      moiety can be replaced with aromatic nitrogen containing rings to improve
      inhibition of the actin polymerisation. Apart from this, chemical groups on the
      sulphur of 2-thiazolidinone moiety to improve the hydrophobic interaction with
      actin and saturating the double bonds between carbons 10 and 11 to control the
      conformational flexibility of the LAT are also identified for modification. Based
      on this a combinatorial library of 46 LAT analogs was generated and docked with
      the wild and mutant actins to identify potent leads to become anti-actin
      anticancer drugs.

PMID- 27146705
TI  - Costs of reproduction can explain the correlated evolution of semelparity and egg
      size: theory and a test with salmon.
AB  - Species' life history traits, including maturation age, number of reproductive
      bouts, offspring size and number, reflect adaptations to diverse biotic and
      abiotic selection pressures. A striking example of divergent life histories is
      the evolution of either iteroparity (breeding multiple times) or semelparity
      (breed once and die). We analysed published data on salmonid fishes and found
      that semelparous species produce larger eggs, that egg size and number increase
      with salmonid body size among populations and species and that migratory
      behaviour and parity interact. We developed three hypotheses that might explain
      the patterns in our data and evaluated them in a stage-structured modelling
      framework accounting for different growth and survival scenarios. Our models
      predict the observation of small eggs in iteroparous species when egg size is
      costly to maternal survival or egg number is constrained. By exploring trait co
      variation in salmonids, we generate new hypotheses for the evolution of trade
      offs among life history traits. 

PMID- 27146707
TI  - Design of Broad-Spectrum Inhibitors of Influenza A Virus M2 Proton Channels: A
      Molecular Modeling Approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The influenza A virus M2 proton channel plays a critical role in its
      life cycle. However, known M2 inhibitors have lost their clinical efficacy due to
      the spread of resistant mutant channels. Thus, the search for broad-spectrum M2
      channel inhibitors is of great importance. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present
      work was to develop a general approach supporting the design of ligands
      interacting with multiple labile targets and to propose on its basis the
      potential broad-spectrum inhibitors of the M2 proton channel. METHOD: The dynamic
      dimer-of-dimers structures of the three primary M2 target variants, wild-type,
      S31N and V27A, were modeled by molecular dynamics and thoroughly analyzed in
      order to define the inhibitor binding sites. The potential inhibitor structures
      were identified by molecular docking and their binding was verified by molecular
      dynamics simulation. RESULTS: The binding sites of the M2 proton channel
      inhibitors were analyzed, a number of potential broad-spectrum inhibitors were
      identified and the binding modes and probable mechanisms of action of one
      promising compound were clarified. CONCLUSION: Using the molecular dynamics and
      molecular docking techniques, we have refined the dynamic dimer-ofdimers
      structures of the WT, S31N and V27A variants of the M2 proton channel of the
      influenza A virus, analyzed the inhibitor binding sites, identified a number of
      potential broad-spectrum inhibitor structures targeting them, and clarified the
      binding modes and probable mechanisms of action of one promising compound. The
      proposed approach is also suitable for the design of ligands interacting with
      other multiple labile targets.

PMID- 27146708
TI  - Rhodomyrtone Target Exploration: Computer Aided Search on Staphylococcus aureus
      Key Proteins as a Potential Therapeutic Target.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been a global
      public health problem because MRSA infection often leads to poor clinical
      outcomes. Currently, the search for an effective candidate has been ongoing.
      Rhodomyrtone, a natural compound, has been exhibited strong anti-MRSA activity
      comparable to that of vancomycin, a drug of choice for MRSA treatment. An
      important procedure to develop the compound in clinical use is elucidation of its
      molecular mechanism. However, previous attempts were performed to clarify the
      mechanism but ambiguity still exists. With this aspect, computer aided techniques
      to identify drug targets is able to enhance a success rate in drug discovery.
      METHODS: Fifty MRSA proteins, playing roles in vital processes, was screened
      rhodomyrtone molecular targets. The molecular docking study was operated using
      AutoDock4. To confirm two possible targets, checkerboard assay and cell
      visualization were further carried out. RESULTS: Rhodomyrtone exhibited an
      interesting efficacy towards one-fifth of the given proteins. Moreover,
      metaldependent phosphate binding proteins were excluded from possible targets
      because of electrostatic forces. Amongst chosen proteins, rhodomyrtone, both
      enantiomers, displayed significant potency to dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and
      filamenting temperature-sensitive Z (FtsZ) proteins, compared to their natural
      substrates/inhibitors. However, protein cofactors such as nicotinamide adenine
      dinucleotide phosphate or guanosine diphosphate decreased rhodomyrtone binding
      affinity. This information suggested a cofactor free DHFR and a ligand-unbound
      FtsZ are likely to prove to be rhodomyrtone targets for MRSA inhibition. In
      addition, checkerboard assay and cell visualization gave a hint on target
      confirmation. CONCLUSION: We have proposed potential rhodomyrtone targets, and
      DHFR and FtsZ caught our interest. Further studies will need to focus on profound
      molecular information concerning the rhodomyrtone response to these proteins,
      both in experimental and computational views.

PMID- 27146709
TI  - The management of dry eye.

PMID- 27146711
TI  - Colorimetric evaluation of iPhone apps for colour vision tests based on the
      Ishihara test.
AB  - Given the versatility of smart phone displays, it was inevitable that
      applications (apps) providing colour vision testing would appear as an option. In
      this study, the colorimetric characteristics of five available iPhone apps for
      colour vision testing are assessed as a prequel to possible clinical evaluation.
      The colours of the displays produced by the apps are assessed with reference to
      the colours of a printed Ishihara test. The visual task is assessed on the basis
      of the colour differences and the alignment to the dichromatic confusion lines.
      The apps vary in quality and while some are colorimetrically acceptable, there
      are also some problems with their construction in making them a clinically useful
      app rather than curiosity driven self-testing. There is no reason why, in
      principle, a suitable test cannot be designed for smart phones. 

PMID- 27146710
TI  - Cold thermal injury from cold caps used for the prevention of chemotherapy
      induced alopecia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The use of scalp cooling for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced
      alopecia (CIA) is increasing. Cold caps are placed onto the hair-bearing areas of
      the scalp for varying time periods before, during, and after cytotoxic
      chemotherapy. Although not yet reported, improper application procedures could
      result in adverse events (AEs). At present, there are no evidence-based scalp
      cooling protocols, and there is no regulatory oversight of their use. OBJECTIVE:
      To report the occurrence of cold thermal injury (frostbite) on the scalp,
      following the use of cold caps for the prevention of CIA. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      We identified four patients who developed cold thermal injuries on the scalp
      following the application of cold caps. Medical records were analyzed to retrieve
      the demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: The cold thermal injuries
      in our patients were grade 1/2 in severity and improved with topical
      interventions and interruption of cold cap use, although grade 1 persistent
      alopecia ensued in 3 patients. The true incidence of such injuries in this
      setting, however, remains unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Cold thermal injuries are likely
      infrequent and preventable AEs that may result from improper device application
      procedures during cold cap use. Although these untoward events are usually mild
      to moderate in severity, the potential occurrence of long-term sequelae (e.g.,
      permanent alopecia and scarring) or the need to discontinue cold cap use, are not
      known. Prospective studies are needed to further elucidate the risk and
      standardize healthcare delivery methods, and to improve
      patient/supportive/healthcare provider education.

PMID- 27146712
TI  - Gold carbenes, gold-stabilized carbocations, and cationic intermediates relevant
      to gold-catalysed enyne cycloaddition.
AB  - Cationic gold complexes in which gold is bound to a formally divalent carbon
      atom, typically formulated as gold carbenes or alpha-metallocarbenium ions, have
      been widely invoked in a range of gold-catalyzed transformations, most notably in
      the gold-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,n-enynes. Although the existence of
      gold carbene complexes as intermediates in gold-catalyzed transformations is
      supported by a wealth of indirect experimental data and by computation, until
      recently no examples of cationic gold carbenes/alpha-metallocarbenium ions had
      been synthesized nor had any cationic intermediates generated via gold-catalyzed
      enyne cycloaddition been directly observed. Largely for this reason, there has
      been considerable debate regarding the electronic structure of these cationic
      complexes, in particular the relative contributions of the carbene (LAu(+)[double
      bond, length as m-dash]CR2) and alpha-metallocarbenium (LAu-CR2(+)) forms, which
      is intimately related to the extent of d -> p backbonding from gold to the C1
      carbon atom. However, over the past ~ seven years, a number of cationic gold
      carbene complexes have been synthesized in solution and generated in the gas
      phase and cationic intermediates have been directly observed in the gold
      catalyzed cycloaddition of enynes. Together, these advances provide insight into
      the nature and electronic structure of gold carbene/alpha-metallocarbenium
      complexes and the cationic intermediates generated via gold-catalyzed enyne
      cycloaddition. Herein we review recent advances in this area.

PMID- 27146713
TI  - Human amygdala activation during rapid eye movements of rapid eye movement sleep:
      an intracranial study.
AB  - The amygdaloid complex plays a crucial role in processing emotional signals and
      in the formation of emotional memories. Neuroimaging studies have shown human
      amygdala activation during rapid eye movement sleep (REM). Stereotactically
      implanted electrodes for presurgical evaluation in epileptic patients provide a
      unique opportunity to directly record amygdala activity. The present study
      analysed amygdala activity associated with REM sleep eye movements on the
      millisecond scale. We propose that phasic activation associated with rapid eye
      movements may provide the amygdala with endogenous excitation during REM sleep.
      Standard polysomnography and stereo-electroencephalograph (SEEG) were recorded
      simultaneously during spontaneous sleep in the left amygdala of four patients.
      Time-frequency analysis and absolute power of gamma activity were obtained for
      250 ms time windows preceding and following eye movement onset in REM sleep, and
      in spontaneous waking eye movements in the dark. Absolute power of the 44-48 Hz
      band increased significantly during the 250 ms time window after REM sleep rapid
      eye movements onset, but not during waking eye movements. Transient activation of
      the amygdala provides physiological support for the proposed participation of the
      amygdala in emotional expression, in the emotional content of dreams and for the
      reactivation and consolidation of emotional memories during REM sleep, as well as
      for next-day emotional regulation, and its possible role in the bidirectional
      interaction between REM sleep and such sleep disorders as nightmares, anxiety and
      post-traumatic sleep disorder. These results provide unique, direct evidence of
      increased activation of the human amygdala time-locked to REM sleep rapid eye
      movements.

PMID- 27146714
TI  - Outcomes of kidney transplants and risk of infection transmission from increased
      infectious risk donors.
AB  - Concern over transmission of viral infections has been reported to result in
      higher discard rates of high infectious risk kidneys (HIR) although data on
      actual viral transmission rates are lacking. At our center, we performed 89 HIR
      and 533 non-HIR kidney transplants (KTs) between 2004 and 2011. Follow-up
      screening labs in recipients of HIR kidneys tested for human immunodeficiency
      virus, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus did not reveal any cases of viral
      transmission over median follow-up of 4.3 years. Patient and graft outcomes were
      similar at 5 years between HIR and non-HIR KTs. An updated analysis of the Organ
      Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) registry of deceased-donor kidney
      transplants between 2008 and 2012 included 57 526 transplants was performed.
      Retrospective calculation of KDRI (kidney donor risk index) differed (P<.001)
      between all groups with median KDRI of 0.99 for HIR kidneys, 1.07 for non-HIR
      standard criteria donor kidneys, and 1.81 for non-HIR expanded criteria donor
      (ECD) kidneys. This was reflected in the significantly improved 5-year graft
      survival for HIR KTs when compared with non-HIR ECD KTs (84% vs 78%; P<.001). Our
      data can guide counseling of KT candidates about the safety and benefits of HIR
      kidneys.

PMID- 27146715
TI  - Involvement of a proton-coupled organic cation antiporter in the blood-brain
      barrier transport of amantadine.
AB  - The blood-to-brain transport of amantadine, a weak N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)
      antagonist, has been shown previously to participate in the cationic drug
      sensitive transport system across the mouse blood-brain barrier (BBB). The
      purpose of the present study was to characterize the influx transport system by
      means of both an in situ mouse brain perfusion technique and in vitro studies
      using rat immortalized brain capillary endothelial cells (GPNT). The observed
      concentration-dependent initial uptake rate of [(3) H]amantadine suggested the
      involvement of a carrier-mediated transport mechanism. The normal uptake at
      physiological pH 7.4 was decreased by 72.9% in acidic perfusate, while it was
      increased by 35.3% in alkaline perfusate. These results suggest that pH-dependent
      transport is regulated by utilizing an oppositely directed proton gradient as a
      driving force. In addition, the [(3) H]amantadine uptake was moderately inhibited
      by the adamantane structural analogs (rimantadine and memantine) and other
      cationic drugs (pyrilamine, clonidine, nicotine, etc.), but not by substrates or
      inhibitors of the well-characterized organic cation transporters
      (tetraethylammonium, l-carnitine and choline). A similar inhibition pattern was
      observed between the in vivo studies and the in vitro experiments. These results
      indicate that the influx transport for amantadine across the BBB involves a
      proton-coupled organic cation antiporter. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons,
      Ltd. 

PMID- 27146716
TI  - Complications following inguinal and ilioinguinal lymphadenectomies: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inguinal lymphadenectomy is essential for regional staging of
      malignant melanoma in the lower part of the body. The procedure is associated
      with a wide range of complication rates. The objective of this study was to
      systematically review the literature for papers describing complication rates
      following inguinal (ID) and ilioinguinal (I-ID) lymphadenectomies, and estimate
      the actual complication rates in patients with malignant melanoma. METHODS: The
      PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for studies reporting complications
      following ID and I-ID for malignant melanomas. RESULTS: A total of 416 records
      were identified, of which 20 were deemed eligible for this study. The
      complication rates (with 95% confidence intervals) were found to be as follows:
      overall complications = 52% (44-60%); lymphorrea = 29% (0-71%); seroma = 23% (18
      29%); infection = 21% (15-27%); wound breakdown  =14% (8-21%); skin edge necrosis
      = 10% (6-15%); haematoma = 3% (1-5%); and lymphoedema = 33% (25-42%). CONCLUSION:
      Complication rates following ID and I-ID remain high, despite the many efforts to
      reduce these, with lymphorrea, seromas, and infections being the most prevalent
      complications.

PMID- 27146717
TI  - Tethering of an E3 ligase by PCM1 regulates the abundance of centrosomal
      KIAA0586/Talpid3 and promotes ciliogenesis.
AB  - To elucidate the role of centriolar satellites in ciliogenesis, we deleted the
      gene encoding the PCM1 protein, an integral component of satellites. PCM1 null
      human cells show marked defects in ciliogenesis, precipitated by the loss of
      specific proteins from satellites and their relocation to centrioles. We find
      that an amino-terminal domain of PCM1 can restore ciliogenesis and satellite
      localization of certain proteins, but not others, pinpointing unique roles for
      PCM1 and a group of satellite proteins in cilium assembly. Remarkably, we find
      that PCM1 is essential for tethering the E3 ligase, Mindbomb1 (Mib1), to
      satellites. In the absence of PCM1, Mib1 destabilizes Talpid3 through poly
      ubiquitylation and suppresses cilium assembly. Loss of PCM1 blocks ciliogenesis
      by abrogating recruitment of ciliary vesicles associated with the Talpid3-binding
      protein, Rab8, which can be reversed by inactivating Mib1. Thus, PCM1 promotes
      ciliogenesis by tethering a key E3 ligase to satellites and restricting it from
      centrioles.

PMID- 27146719
TI  - Thyroid follicular adenoma with numerous intracytoplasmic lumina mimicking yellow
      bodies: a case report.

PMID- 27146718
TI  - Valsalva maneuver unveils central baroreflex dysfunction with altered blood
      pressure control in persons with a history of mild traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with a history of mild TBI (post-mTBI-patients) have an
      unexplained increase in long-term mortality which might be related to central
      autonomic dysregulation (CAD). We investigated whether standardized baroreflex
      loading, induced by a Valsalva maneuver (VM), unveils CAD in otherwise healthy
      post-mTBI-patients. METHODS: In 29 healthy persons (31.3 +/- 12.2 years; 9 women)
      and 25 post-mTBI-patients (35.0 +/- 13.2 years, 7 women, 4-98 months post
      injury), we monitored respiration (RESP), RR-intervals (RRI) and systolic blood
      pressure (BP) at rest and during three VMs. At rest, we calculated parameters of
      total autonomic modulation [RRI-coefficient-of-variation (CV), RRI-standard
      deviation (RRI-SD), RRI-total-powers], of sympathetic [RRI-low-frequency-powers
      (LF), BP-LF-powers] and parasympathetic modulation [square-root-of-mean-squared
      differences-of-successive-RRIs (RMSSD), RRI-high-frequency-powers (HF)], the
      index of sympatho-vagal balance (RRI LF/HF-ratios), and baroreflex sensitivity
      (BRS). We calculated Valsalva-ratios (VR) and times from lowest to highest RRIs
      after strain (VR-time) as indices of parasympathetic activation, intervals from
      highest systolic BP-values after strain-release to the time when systolic BP had
      fallen by 90 % of the differences between peak-phase-IV-BP and baseline-BP (90 %
      BP-normalization-times), and velocities of BP-normalization (90 %-BP
      normalization-velocities) as indices of sympathetic withdrawal. We compared
      patient- and control-parameters before and during VM (Mann-Whitney-U-tests or t
      tests; significance: P < 0.05). RESULTS: At rest, RRI-CVs, RRI-SDs, RRI-total
      powers, RRI-LF-powers, BP-LF-powers, RRI-RMSSDs, RRI-HF-powers, and BRS were
      lower in patients than controls. During VMs, 90 %-BP-normalization-times were
      longer, and 90 %-BP-normalization-velocities were lower in patients than controls
      (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced autonomic modulation at rest and delayed BP
      decrease after VM-induced baroreflex-loading indicate subtle CAD with altered
      baroreflex adjustment to challenge. More severe autonomic challenge might trigger
      more prominent cardiovascular dysregulation and thus contribute to increased
      mortality risk in post-mTBI-patients.

PMID- 27146720
TI  - Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, update March 2016.

PMID- 27146721
TI  - Mobility and Muscle Strength Together are More Strongly Correlated with Falls in
      Suburb-Dwelling Older Chinese.
AB  - Falls are common in older adults and result in adverse outcomes. Impaired
      mobility and poor muscle strength have been consistently identified as the main
      contributors to falls. We choose three easy-to-perform tests (i.e. Timed Up and
      Go test (TUGT), walking speed (WS) and grip strength (GS)) in order to assess
      mobility and muscle strength to further define their relationship with falls.
      This study is cross-sectional, consisting of 1092 residents over 60-year-old; 589
      were female. 204 (18.68%) participants reported falling at least once in the past
      year. It was found that, of the three tests evaluated independently, a TUGT <
      9.1750 s had the strongest association with fewer falls. When evaluating these
      tests as pairs, the combination of a TUGT < 9.1750 s and a WS < 0.9963 m/s was
      the best protective indicator of falls after adjusting for age, sex and other
      variables. When evaluating all three tests in conjunction with each other, the
      combination of a TUGT < 9.1750 s, a WS < 0.9963 m/s, and a GS > 0.3816 was most
      correlated with less possibility of falls. The combination of a better TUGT
      performance, a stronger GS, and a slower WS is the most strongly correlated with
      less possibility of falls.

PMID- 27146722
TI  - Spatial And Temporal Trends Of Organic Pollutants In Vegetation From Remote And
      Rural Areas.
AB  - Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
      used in agricultural, industrial, and domestic applications are widely
      distributed and bioaccumulate in food webs, causing adverse effects to the
      biosphere. A review of published data for 1977-2015 for a wide range of
      vegetation around the globe indicates an extensive load of pollutants in
      vegetation. On a global perspective, the accumulation of POPs and PAHs in
      vegetation depends on the industrialization history across continents and
      distance to emission sources, beyond organism type and climatic variables.
      International regulations initially reduced the concentrations of POPs in
      vegetation in rural areas, but concentrations of HCB, HCHs, and DDTs at remote
      sites did not decrease or even increased over time, pointing to a remobilization
      of POPs from source areas to remote sites. The concentrations of compounds
      currently in use, PBDEs and PAHs, are still increasing in vegetation.
      Differential congener specific accumulation is mostly determined by continent-in
      accordance to the different regulations of HCHs, PCBs and PBDEs in different
      countries-and by plant type (PAHs). These results support a concerning general
      accumulation of toxic pollutants in most ecosystems of the globe that for some
      compounds is still far from being mitigated in the near future.

PMID- 27146723
TI  - Canine cell line, IPC-366, as a good model for the study of inflammatory breast
      cancer.
AB  - Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive type of cancer with poor
      survival in women. Inflammatory mammary cancer (IMC) in dogs is very similar to
      human IBC and it has been proposed as a good surrogate model for study the human
      disease. The aim was to determine if IPC-366 shared characteristics with the IBC
      cell line SUM149. The comparison was conducted in terms of ability to grow
      (adherent and nonadherent conditions), stem cell markers expression using flow
      cytometry, protein production using western blot and tumorigenic capacity. Our
      results revealed that both are capable of forming long-term mammospheres with a
      grape-like morphology. Adherent and nonadherent cultures exhibited fast growth in
      vivo. Stem cell markers expressions showed that IPC-366 and SUM149 in adherent
      and nonadherent conditions has mesenchymal-like characteristics, E-cadherin and N
      cadherin, was higher in adherent than in nonadherent cultures. Therefore, this
      study determines that both cell lines are similar and IPC-366 is a good model for
      the human and canine disease.

PMID- 27146724
TI  - Combining exposure and effect modeling into an integrated probabilistic
      environmental risk assessment for nanoparticles.
AB  - There is a growing need for good environmental risk assessment of engineered
      nanoparticles (ENPs). Environmental risk assessment of ENPs has been hampered by
      lack of data and knowledge about ENPs, their environmental fate, and their
      toxicity. This leads to uncertainty in the risk assessment. To deal with
      uncertainty in the risk assessment effectively, probabilistic methods are
      advantageous. In the present study, the authors developed a method to model both
      the variability and the uncertainty in environmental risk assessment of ENPs.
      This method is based on the concentration ratio and the ratio of the exposure
      concentration to the critical effect concentration, both considered to be random.
      In this method, variability and uncertainty are modeled separately so as to allow
      the user to see which part of the total variation in the concentration ratio is
      attributable to uncertainty and which part is attributable to variability. The
      authors illustrate the use of the method with a simplified aquatic risk
      assessment of nano-titanium dioxide. The authors' method allows a more
      transparent risk assessment and can also direct further environmental and
      toxicological research to the areas in which it is most needed. Environ Toxicol
      Chem 2016;35:2958-2967. (c) 2016 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and
      Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

PMID- 27146725
TI  - New Nordic Diet versus Average Danish Diet: A Randomized Controlled Trial
      Revealed Healthy Long-Term Effects of the New Nordic Diet by GC-MS Blood Plasma
      Metabolomics.
AB  - A previous study has shown effects of the New Nordic Diet (NND) to stimulate
      weight loss and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure in obese Danish women
      and men in a randomized, controlled dietary intervention study. This work
      demonstrates long-term metabolic effects of the NND as compared with an Average
      Danish Diet (ADD) in blood plasma and reveals associations between metabolic
      changes and health beneficial effects of the NND including weight loss. A total
      of 145 individuals completed the intervention and blood samples were taken along
      with clinical examinations before the intervention started (week 0) and after 12
      and 26 weeks. The plasma metabolome was measured using GC-MS, and the final
      metabolite table contained 144 variables. Significant and novel metabolic effects
      of the diet, resulting weight loss, gender, and intervention study season were
      revealed using PLS-DA and ASCA. Several metabolites reflecting specific
      differences in the diets, especially intake of plant foods and seafood, and in
      energy metabolism related to ketone bodies and gluconeogenesis formed the
      predominant metabolite pattern discriminating the intervention groups. Among NND
      subjects, higher levels of vaccenic acid and 3-hydroxybutanoic acid were related
      to a higher weight loss, while higher concentrations of salicylic, lactic, and N
      aspartic acids and 1,5-anhydro-d-sorbitol were related to a lower weight loss.
      Specific gender and seasonal differences were also observed. The study strongly
      indicates that healthy diets high in fish, vegetables, fruit, and whole grain
      facilitated weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity by increasing ketosis
      and gluconeogenesis in the fasting state.

PMID- 27146726
TI  - Multifunctional Charge-Transfer Single Crystals through Supramolecular Assembly.
AB  - Centimeter-sized segregated stacking TTF-C60 single crystals are crystallized by
      a mass-transport approach combined with solvent-vapor evaporation for the first
      time. The intermolecular charge-transfer interaction in the long-range ordered
      superstructure enables the crystals to demonstrate external stimuli-controlled
      multifunctionalities and angle/electrical-potential-dependent luminescence. 

PMID- 27146727
TI  - Next generation sequencing analysis of lung cancer datasets: A functional
      genomics perspective.
AB  - Cigarette smoking leads to serious epidemics in humans, creating torsion of
      infection in epithelial cells lining the respiratory tracts. Several researchers
      in the recent past have theorized that the next generation sequencing (NGS),
      especially transcriptome sequencing has enhanced understanding lung cancers and
      other epithelial epidemics. Conversely, pathogenesis specific to lung cancer with
      respect to molecular fraction of genomic ribonucleic acid has some mutant effect
      in various populations like smokers with lung cancer, healthy never smokers and
      vice versa. We review the impending impact of NGS data while providing insights
      into the biology of lung cancer affecting various populations, which we believe
      would be an add-on service for predictive biology approaches. Furthermore, we
      conclude what would be the outcome of such analysis for Indian population.
      Bioinformatics analysis was performed using various tools. We identified five
      genes namely epidermal growth factor receptor, Kirsten rat sarcoma, adenomatosis
      polyposis down regulated-1, N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein,
      gamma and Piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 2 whose role was
      implicated in lung cancer and further analysis has to be performed to check
      whether or not the genes are indeed completely involved in causing lung cancer. 

PMID- 27146728
TI  - Tumor suppressor in lung cancer 1 gene expression in epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Loss of Tumor Suppressor in Lung Cancer 1(TSLC1) was observed in many
      different cancers, but there were only limited research on TSLC1 gene and its
      roles in cancer suppression in ovarian cancer. This study explores the
      relationship between TSLC1 gene expression and the ovarian epithelial cancer.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression levels of TSLC1 were detected by
      immunohistochemical staining on formal-fixed paraffin embedded pathological
      specimen. A total of 259 samples were collected, including 24 benign ovarian
      tumor and 235 malignant ovarian cancers among them. RESULTS: Suppressed
      expression of TSLC1 protein was observed in 87.8% of poorly differentiated, 85.1%
      of moderately differentiated, and 46% of well differentiated ovarian epithelial
      cancers, respectively. There were none suppressed TSLC1 expression in benign
      ovarian tumor. Kruskal-Wallis test showed a significant association between the
      expression levels of TSLC1 gene and the degree of ovarian cancer differentiation
      (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased expression of TSLC1 is associated with the
      differentiation in ovarian epithelial cancer. TSLC1 might be used as a molecular
      marker of severity in early stage ovarian cancer, and to help differentiating
      benign and malignant ovarian tumors.

PMID- 27146729
TI  - Spontaneous regression of orbital lymphoma.

PMID- 27146730
TI  - Bio-informatics analysis of renal carcinoma gene matrix metalloproteinase-7.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal cancer is one of the common malignant tumors of the urinary
      system, seriously threatening human being's health. The current discoveries,
      however, are far enough for efficient and secure treatment of renal cancer. AIMS:
      The aim was to explore the mechanism of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7)
      protein in renal carcinoma cell metastasis by bioinformatics analysis. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the composition of amino
      acids, as well as transmembrane structure, coiled coils, subcellular
      localization, signal peptide, functions and structures at all levels. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSIONS: It showed that the gene MMP-7 totally had 1131 bp. A peptide chain
      containing 267 amino acids was encoded in the coding region. Based on random
      coil, alpha helix, and further super-helix, it had formed a stable neutral
      hydrophilic protein. The subcellular location analysis indicated that the protein
      was located outside the cell. The mature peptide started from the 18th amino
      acid, and its front-end was the sequence of the signal peptide, belonging to the
      secreted protein. Analysis of the functional domain showed that this protein had
      two functional domains, the PG binding domain, and the zinc finger binding
      domain. Moreover, the protein, which was cross-linked with it, was also one
      related to cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. To sum up, MMP-7 is a stable
      neutral hydrophilic secreted protein, and it may play a vital role in the
      invasion and metastasis of cancer cells.

PMID- 27146731
TI  - A rare carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma of the buccal minor salivary gland
      causing a therapeutic dilemma.

PMID- 27146732
TI  - P120ctn may participate in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in OSCC.
AB  - AIM: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the eighth most common cause of
      cancer death. OSCC cells can easily invade tissues and metastasize to the
      cervical lymph nodes. Understanding the molecular basis of OSCC metastasis would
      facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches to the disease.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: To identify the potential role of catenin (P120ctn) in the
      progression of OSCC, HN4 cells (derived from a primary OSCC) and HN12 cells
      (derived from a lymph node metastasis in the same patient) were used in the
      present study. The samples of 28 patients with OSCC were examined to determine
      the expression of P120ctn and E-cadherin (E-cad; E: Epithelial) in vivo. Then,
      P120ctn was subsequently knocked down in HN4 cells (HN4/shP120ctn) and
      overexpressed in HN12 cells (HN12/P120ctn). Invasion and migration capacity, as
      well as the expression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers
      N-cadherin and vimentin were detected. RESULTS: The results showed a positive
      correlation between the expression of P120ctn and E-cad in OSCC samples. The
      overexpression of P120ctn led to a decrease in both invasion and migration
      capacity of HN12 cells accompanied by a decrease in EMT markers. In contrast,
      knockdown of P120ctn led to an increase in both invasion and migration capacity
      accompanied by an increase in EMT markers. CONCLUSION: Considered together, we
      concluded that P120ctn might regulate EMT in OSCC through E-cad. The proper
      expression of P120ctn might therefore serve as a therapeutic goal for the
      inhibition of OSCC progression.

PMID- 27146733
TI  - Evaluation of gamma radiation-induced cytotoxicity of breast cancer cells: Is
      there a time-dependent dose with high efficiency?
AB  - CONTEXT: Radiotherapy is one of the important treatment modalities in the
      management of breast cancer. AIMS: The aim of this study is to study the
      efficient treatment of breast cancer as related to the dose delivery. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) cells were cultured and
      exposed by 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 20 Gy of gamma-rays. Radiation-induced cell
      death was detected and evaluated, using three assay methods: Cell viability,
      clonogenic cell survival assay and induction of apoptosis. The cell viability was
      determined using trypan blue staining, 24 and 72 h post-irradiation. The survival
      fraction (SF) was determined by colony counting, 14 days after exposure and the
      apoptotic cell death was determined using the TUNEL assay. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
      USED: One- or two-way analysis of variance was deemed as appropriate, followed by
      relevant post t-test to determine P values. RESULTS: The difference of MCF-7 cell
      death through increasing post-radiation time from 24 to 72 h following the dose
      of 1, 6 and 10 Gy was found to be 2%, 9.6% and 7.14%, respectively. D0of MCF-7
      was 220 cGy and the SF in the cells irradiated by 1 Gy and 10 Gy doses were 0.8
      and 0.0001, respectively. The estimated variances were 2%, 11.1% and 8.4%,
      between 24 h and 72 h post-radiation apoptosis death for 1, 6, and 10 Gy,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The dose and time dependence inducing apoptotic death
      was significant (P = 0.001). The delayed mortality and apoptosis was observed in
      MCF-7 cell, but the variance of total cell death and apoptosis in 24 and 72 h
      post-radiation with 6 Gy was obviously more than that with other doses.

PMID- 27146734
TI  - Consequence of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy on morphology of breast carcinoma: A
      systematic evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in locally advanced breast cancer is
      the present trend. Following NAC, a considerable alteration of morphology occurs
      in the tumor. AIMS: To study effects of NAC on morphology of breast carcinoma and
      to evaluate the pathologic response (PR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 39
      surgically resected mastectomy specimens of patients of invasive locally advanced
      breast carcinoma who received NAC were evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic
      (by routine stains and immunohistochemistry) alteration of morphology. RESULTS:
      Macroscopically well-defined tumor noted in 25 cases (64.1%) and in the rest (14
      cases, 35.9%), only fibrotic areas identified. Microscopic examination identified
      malignant cells in 29 (74.4%), significant chronic inflammation in 24 (61.5%),
      hyalinized fibrosed stroma in 25 (64.1%) and necrosis in 11 (28.2%) cases.
      Immunohistochemistry assisted in differentiating malignant cells from
      histiocytes. In 15 cases (38.5%), axillary lymph nodes isolated where fibrosis
      seen in 12 (30.8%) and malignant cell in 8 (20.5%) cases. In 34 cases where the
      pre-treatment biopsy were available, complete pathologic response (pCR) and
      partial pathologic response (pPR) were achieved in 7 (20.6%) and 23 (67.4%) cases
      respectively. DISCUSSION: Protocol of systematic evaluation of morphological
      changes is different in cases of a patient treated by NAC. Nature of malignancy
      was difficult to categorize as morphology of typical breast carcinomas were
      altered. Sometimes, immunohistochemistry is advantageous as routine H and E
      stains are not sufficient to isolate malignant cells in fibrotic and necrotic
      areas. Appropriate morphological evaluation of the mastectomy specimen is
      absolutely crucial for assessment of PR and subsequent management.

PMID- 27146735
TI  - Significance of prognostic indicators in infiltrating duct carcinoma breast:
      Scenario in developing country.
AB  - CONTEXT: Carcinoma of the breast is one of the most common malignant tumors and
      is the most common cause of death from cancers in females. Early diagnosis and
      assessing the prognosis for each patient is essential for a better therapeutic
      plan and management. AIMS: To evaluate the significance of various prognostic
      indicators of breast carcinoma by correlating with Nottingham modification of
      Scarff Bloom-Richardson's grading system (NMBGS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty
      four patients who underwent mastectomy for breast carcinoma at a tertiary care
      centre in South India over a period of 2 years have been evaluated to note the
      importance of the various prognostic factors correlating them with NMBGS.
      STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A Chi-square test was used to determine possible
      association between the various prognostic factors. RESULTS: Eighty percent of
      the tumors were infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC), and it is seen that the
      larger tumor size, higher histopathological grade, increased lymphovascular
      invasion, lymphnode metastasis, tumor necrosis, microvessel density, estrogen and
      progesterone receptor negativity, and HER-2/neu positivity were associated with
      higher grade of tumor. CONCLUSIONS: The traditional morphological factors
      including the histological type, grade, tumor size, lymphovascular invasion,
      lymph node status, presence of necrosis, stromal reaction, and microvascular
      density (MVD) count are relatively simple but robust prognostic factors to
      assess, while the hormonal and genetic status not only have prognostic value but
      are useful predictive marker for adjuvant chemotherapy. Hence, the status of
      these various prognostic factors should form the basis of all routine
      histopathological reports in cases of breast cancer for better management.

PMID- 27146736
TI  - Leptin, insulin and body composition changes during adjuvant taxane based
      chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer, preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objectives of the present study were to compare the effect of
      adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer on serum insulin levels, serum leptin
      levels, and body composition in early stage breast cancer patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: 17 breast cancer patients underwent 6 cycles of docetaxel (75 mg),
      epirubicine (100 mg) and cyclophosphamide (500 mg) (TEC). Anthropometrical and
      foot-to-foot body fat analyzer BIA, serum glucose, insulin, lipids, HOMA-IR and
      leptin were compared pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS: There was no statistically
      significant weight gain after treatment; however, there was an overall trend
      toward weight gain (69.7 +/- 9.8 kg vs 71.03 +/- 9.8; P= 0.05). From baseline to
      the end of the study, percentage of body fat and body fat mass showed an upward
      trend at the end of chemotherapy (1%; 2 kg P> 0.05). Pre and post-treatment
      period, leptin was strongly correlated with insulin and HOMA-IR (Spearman's pre
      T; r = 0.74; P <0.001, r = 0.66; P = 0.004 post-T; r = 0.549; P =0.022, r = 0.51;
      P =0.036, respectively). Insulin levels were significantly increased in the post
      treatment period (P < 0.05). On correlation analysis, post-T insulin levels were
      correlated with leptin, weight, fat-mass and fat percentage (Spearman's r =
      0.549; P=.022, r = 0.567; P= 0.018, r = 0.498, P= 0.042, r = 0.502; P= 0.040,
      respectively). DISCUSSION: High insulin and leptin levels, important factors that
      were previously shown to be related to breast cancer outcome, and insulin
      resistance may be increased in taxane based chemotherapy regimen. These data may
      have broad implications for diet and lifestyle strategies for the prevention and
      treatment of cancers.

PMID- 27146737
TI  - Massive pulmonary thrombo-embolism in a case of multiple myeloma and concurrent
      anti-phospholipid syndrome.

PMID- 27146738
TI  - Association between occupational history of exposure to tobacco dust and risk of
      carcinoma cervix: A case-control study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among women in
      India. There is thus a need to identify unexplored risk factors such as
      occupational exposure to tobacco dust to justify its increasing trend so as to
      recommend suitable preventive measures. AIMS: The aim was to study the
      association between occupational exposure to tobacco dust with development of
      carcinoma cervix. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Case-control study done in two tertiary
      care hospitals in Mangalore. METHODOLOGY: 239 histologically confirmed new cases
      of cervical cancer and the equivalent number of age-matched controls from 2011 to
      2012 were interviewed about occupational history of beedi rolling and related
      factors. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi-square test, unpaired t-test, logistic
      regression. RESULTS: Exposure rate to tobacco dust following beedi rolling was 63
      (26.4%) among cases and 38 (15.9%) among controls (P = 0.005, odds ratio [OR]
      =1.893). The latent period from occupational exposure of tobacco dust subsequent
      to beedi rolling and development of cervical cancer was found to be 26.5 +/- 8.5
      years. Adjusted OR of beedi rolling with development of cervical cancer was found
      to be 1.913 (P = 0.005) after controlling the confounding effect of tobacco usage
      and was 1.618 (P = 0.225) after controlling the effects of all confounders. Three
      quarters of beedi rollers were working in conditions of inadequate ventilation
      and hardy anybody used face mask during work. About a quarter of participants
      underwent voluntary screening for cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: Occupational
      exposure to tobacco dust was found to be associated with risk of developing
      cervical cancer. Measures to promote awareness, timely screening of this disease
      along with the improvement in working conditions is required for improving the
      health status of beedi rollers and to minimize the incidence of carcinoma cervix
      in the community.

PMID- 27146739
TI  - Predictors of Iranian women's intention to first papanicolaou test practice: An
      application of protection motivation theory.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Given the importance of papanicolaou (Pap) test in the early
      detection and timely treatment of cervical cancer, present study was designed to
      determine predictors of a sample of Iranian women's intention to first Pap test
      practice based on the protection motivation theory (PMT) variables. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 240 women referral to the 30
      primary health care clinics were selected. They completed a developed scale based
      on PMT variables including intention, perceived vulnerability and severity, fear,
      response costs, response efficacy and self-efficacy. Path analysis was used to
      determine the association between predictive factors and intention. RESULTS: The
      results showed that PMT had goodness of fit with a chi2/df = 2.37, df = 28, P=
      0.001 and RMSEA = 0.076. PMT explained 42% of the variance in women's intention
      to get first Pap smear test. Self-efficacy (b = 0.55, P< 0.001) and response
      efficacy (b = 0.19, P< 0.001) were found to be the predictors of intention.
      CONCLUSION: These findings may be used to develop tailored, theory-based
      educational interventions associated with Pap testing among women.

PMID- 27146740
TI  - Adenocarcinoma of urinary bladder in patient with primary gastric cancer: An
      unusual synchronous distant metastasis.

PMID- 27146741
TI  - Is neo-adjuvant chemotherapy a better option for management of cervical cancer
      patients of rural India?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore alternate modality of treatment in patients of advanced
      cancer cervix by neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by External Beam
      Radiotherapy (ERT) and Brachytherapy (BT). Short- (6 months) and long- (12
      months) term follow-up data from these patients were compared with the
      retrospective data from an urban cancer centre, where standard protocol of
      concurrent chemo-radiotherapy is practiced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred
      patients of advanced cervical cancer, treated at our rural cancer centre between
      January 2007 and December 2007, were included in the study arm (Group A). These
      patients received three cycles of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy with Cisplatin,
      Bleomycin, and Vincristine before External-Beam Radiotherapy (EBT) followed by
      brachytherapy. Patients in the control arm (Group B) of an urban cancer centre,
      received EBT with weekly concomitant Cisplatin, followed by brachytherapy. Short-
      (6 months) and long- (12 months) term follow-up data from our patients were
      compared with the retrospective data from the urban cancer centre. RESULTS AND
      ANALYSIS: Complete response rate was comparatively higher among patients of Group
      A, also correspondingly proportion of patients showing progressive disease and
      stable disease was lower among them. Local treatment failure was 87.5% among
      patients from Group A and 94.4% in Group B patients. Concomitant chemoradiation
      (CRT) was associated with more GI toxicities. CONCLUSION: Our result suggests
      NACT arm is as effective as CRT arm in respect of complete response with less
      pelvic failure and G.I toxicities. Further follow-up data are needed before
      arriving at a definite conclusion.

PMID- 27146742
TI  - Occurrence of myelodysplasia/acute myeloid leukemia 'on therapy' in two patients
      with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

PMID- 27146743
TI  - Spectrum of cervical lesions observed in 500 cases: Carcinoma cervix the leading
      cause of death in females.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The present study was done to know the various histopathological
      variants in cervical lesions, to know the age incidence and to know the
      preventive measures and early detection of cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This is a retrospective and prospective study done on all the
      hysterectomy specimens and on punch biopsy samples sent for histopathology. We
      studied a total of 500 cases for a period of 3 years. RESULTS: Out of the 500
      cases, 395 cases were non-neoplastic and 105 cases were neoplastic lesions.
      Chronic cervicitis was the most common non-neoplastic lesion and large cell non
      keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma was the most common malignant lesion.
      CONCLUSION: The main aim of presenting this study is to highlight the various
      histopthological variants, age incidence and to educate about the preventive
      measures and early detection of cervical cancer.

PMID- 27146744
TI  - Awareness of cervical cancer and Pap smear among nursing staff at a rural
      tertiary care hospital in Central India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer cervix is the leading cause of cancer deaths in females in
      developing countries and one in five women suffering from cervical cancer lives
      in India. AIMS: The aim of this study is to determine the awareness about
      cervical cancer and Pap smear among nurses working in a tertiary care institute.
      Study Setting and Design: Cross-sectional survey in a tertiary care institute.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nurses working at our institute excluding those who have
      worked or working in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department were provided with
      a pre-designed questionnaire testing their knowledge about cervical cancer.
      RESULTS: Approximately, 86% were aware about cancer cervix and 69% were aware of
      a pre-cancerous stage. 42.3% were not aware of any risk factor and 27.6% were not
      aware of any symptom of cancer cervix. 86.2% were aware about Pap smear, but only
      58.6% were aware that facilities of Pap smear were available at our hospital.
      CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about cervical cancer and awareness of Pap smear as
      screening test was inadequate in nursing staff. Awareness programs about cervical
      cancer and screening are needed to increase awareness for this preventable
      condition. RECOMMENDATION: There is a need to arrange reorientation programs to
      sensitize nurses and establish cytology clinics to offer facilities for easily
      accessible and affordable screening.

PMID- 27146745
TI  - Teucrium polium plant extract as a novel anticancer agent in the near future: Is
      it possible?

PMID- 27146746
TI  - Abnormal uterine cervical cytology in a large tertiary hospital in Bangkok
      metropolis: Prevalence, management, and outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology,
      management, and association with clinical significant histopathology including
      cervical intraepithelial neoplasia II or adenocarcinoma in situ and more severe
      lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with abnormal cervical cytology from
      January 2005 to December 2009 were identified from the archives of Department of
      Anatomical Pathology and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Demographic
      data, type of abnormal cytology, management, and their associated histopathology
      were collected. RESULTS: During the study period: 2533/54,179 women (4.7%) had
      abnormal cervical Pap test. Squamous lesions were more common than glandular
      lesions: 2309 (4.3%) compared to 224 (0.4%). Atypical squamous cell (ASC) was
      most commonly found (1449 or 2.7%), whereas low-grade squamous intraepithelial
      lesion (LSIL) and high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (HSIL), or squamous
      cell carcinoma (SCC) were found in 648 (1.2%) and 212 (0.4%), respectively. Among
      abnormal glandular cytology, atypical glandular cell (AGC) was most commonly
      found (199 women or 0.4%) whereas adenocarcinoma and endometrial cell in woman
      aged >40 year were found in only 14 (0.02%) and 11 women (0.02%), respectively.
      Majority (77.3%) underwent further investigations. We found that 13.0% of ASC,
      20.3% of LSIL, and 78.7% of HSIL and SCC had clinical significant histopathology.
      In glandular abnormalities: 14.9% of AGC, 33.3% of women aged >40 years with
      endometrial cell, and 66.7% of adenocarcinoma were histologically proven to be of
      clinical significant. CONCLUSIONS: ASC was the most common abnormal cervical
      cytology. Cytology abnormalities of HSIL and SCC had the highest association with
      clinical significant histopathology.

PMID- 27146748
TI  - Cancer cervix: An uncommon malignancy in Kashmir, India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution of cancers among females with particular
      emphasis on cancer cervix in Kashmiri population, which is geographically and
      socio-culturally distinct from the rest of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All
      patient records were screened from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011 at
      Regional Cancer Centre, Srinagar. Most common cancers among females were recorded
      and analysis of cancer cervix cases was performed. RESULTS: Female cancers
      comprised of 40% of total cancers with oesophageal and breast cancer as most
      common malignancies. Cancer cervix did not figure in top ten cancers and only 45
      (0.01%) cases were recorded of the total of 3084 adult female cancers.
      CONCLUSION: We conclude that due to different socio-cultural and sexual
      practices, this cancer is highly uncommon in Kashmir and screening or possibly
      should be directed specifically at only high risk selective subjects.

PMID- 27146747
TI  - Pap test accuracy and severity of squamous intraepithelial lesion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytology smears and guided biopsies are the most widely used
      diagnostic standards for cervical cancer (CC) screening in the developing
      countries. AIM: To evaluate the performance of conventional cytology in
      estimating the presence and grade of cervical disease against the reference
      standard of histopathology. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: After primary screening for CC,
      directed biopsies were performed and compared with histopathology results.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and biopsies from 3194 women in
      the age group of 14-98 years were included. Cytology results were provided by
      doctors who performed the cervical biopsies. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The accuracy
      of Pap smear was measured by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value
      (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) calculated using the statistical
      analysis program PSPP 0.7.8. RESULTS: The sensitivity of conventional cytology
      (Pap smear) for women with low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or less
      serious lesions (CIN1-) was 93% and specificity was 73%. The sensitivity and
      specificity of cytology for women with high-grade cervical intraepithelial
      neoplasia or cancer (CIN2+) was 64% and 84%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cytology
      is a sufficiently sensitive test for detection of cervical lesions and can be
      used as a primary testing tool to triage.

PMID- 27146749
TI  - Clinical significance of geographic miss when using conventional four field
      radiotherapy technique in treatment of locally advanced carcinoma cervix.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although conventional four- field radiotherapy based on bony
      landmarks has been traditionally used, areas of geographical miss due to
      individual variation in pelvic anatomy have been identified with advanced imaging
      techniques. AIMS: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the geographical
      miss in patientswhen using the conventional four-field planningplanning and to
      find out the impact of 3-D conformal CT based in patients with locally advanced
      carcinoma cervix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 50 patients, target volume
      delineation was done on planning computed tomography (CT) scans, according to
      guidelines by Taylor et al. Patients were treated with modified four field plan,
      except for the superior, where field border was kept at L4-L5 interspace A
      dosimetric comparison was done between the conventional four-field based on bony
      landmarks and the target volume delineated on computed tomography. The disease
      free survival, pelvic and para aortic nodal free survival, distant failures free
      survival were calculated using Kaplan Meir Product Limit Method. RESULTS:
      Patients were followed-up for a median period of 11 months. The median V95 for
      conventional and modified extended four field plans were 89.4% and 91.3%
      respectively. Patients with V95 for modified extended pelvic fields less than
      91.3% had a trend toward inferior disease free survival (mean DFS 9.8 vs. 13.9
      months) though the difference was not statistically significant log rank test.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data shows trend toward lower DFS in patients with
      inadequate target volume coverage. We recommend routine use of CT based planning
      for four field technique.

PMID- 27146750
TI  - Isolated hepatic tuberculosis masquerading as hepatic metastasis in a patient
      with Ewing's sarcoma of fibula.

PMID- 27146751
TI  - Practical recommendation for rash and diarrhea management in Indian patients
      treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of non-small cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a pharmaceutical class of small molecules,
      orally available with manageable safety profile, approved worldwide for the
      treatment of several neoplasms, including lung, breast, kidney and pancreatic
      cancer as well as gastro-intestinal stromal tumours and chronic myeloid
      leukaemia. In recent years, management of lung cancer has been moving towards
      molecular-guided treatment, and the best example of this new approach is the use
      of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with mutations in the
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The identification of molecular
      predictors of response can allow the selection of patients who will be the most
      likely to respond to these tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Gastrointestinal
      (GI) adverse events (AEs) are frequently observed in patients receiving EGFR
      tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy and are most impactful on the patient's quality
      of life. Dermatologic side effects are also relatively common among patients
      treated with EGFR inhibitors. Evidence has emerged in recent years to suggest
      that the incidence and severity of rash, positively correlated with response to
      treatment.These skin disorders are generally mild or moderate in severity and can
      be managed by appropriate interventions or by reducing or interrupting the dose.
      Appropriate and timely management make it possible to continue a patient's
      quality of life and maintain compliance; however if these adverse events (AEs)
      are not managed appropriately, and become more severe, treatment cessation may be
      warranted compromising clinical outcome. Strategies to improve the assessment and
      management of TKI related skin AEs are therefore essential to ensure compliance
      with TKI therapy, thereby enabling patients to achieve optimal benefits. This
      article provides a consensus on practical recommendation for the prevention and
      management of diarrhoea and rash in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients
      receiving TKIs. 

PMID- 27146752
TI  - Increasing incidence of adenocarcinoma lung in India: Following the global trend?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide
      and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer. The clinicopathological
      profile of lung cancer has shown marked regional and geographical variation.
      AIMS: We aimed to compare the demographic and pathological profile of lung cancer
      patients from North India with other Indian and International series. SETTING AND
      DESIGN: A retrospective study over a period of 5 years from January 2008 to May
      2013 was conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders,
      All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total
      of 397 newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer from January 2008 to May 2013
      were included in the study. The clinical, demographic, and pathological features
      were reviewed and compared with other major National and International reports.
      Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS Inc. Released 2009. PASW
      Statistics for Windows, Version 18.0. Chicago: SPSS Inc. RESULTS: A total of 397
      patients (86% men, mean age 57.8 years) were studied. The ratio of men to women
      was 7.4. Majority of patients (78.3%) were current/previous smokers. Small cell
      carcinoma was diagnosed in 14.6% (58) of patients while 85.4% (339) had nonsmall
      cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Within NSCLC, the most common histology types were
      squamous cell carcinoma (30%), followed closely by adenocarcinoma (ADC) (28.3%)
      and large cell carcinoma (1.7%). Majority (87%) of the patient were staged III
      and IV. About 30.1% patients received anti-tubercular treatment during the
      current episode before a diagnosis of lung cancer was made. CONCLUSION: The
      clinicopathological profile of lung cancer has undergone noticeable changes over
      the last four decades, especially in the increase in ADC incidence and their
      frequent presence in smokers. Lung cancer is often mistreated as tuberculosis in
      the Indian subcontinent and hence continues to be diagnosed late.

PMID- 27146753
TI  - Optimizing treatment and analysis of prognostic factors for locally advanced
      nonsmall cell lung cancer in resource-limited population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer most commonly presents in advanced stages in developing
      countries, where combined modality treatment using chemo-radiotherapy (CTRT) is
      the standard of care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective audit of patients of
      nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated at a single Institute from January 2008
      to December 2012 was conducted. Various prognostic factors affecting disease-free
      survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were studied by univariate and
      multivariate analysis. All patients were meticulously followed-up clinically and
      telephonic contacts. RESULTS: Overall 171 patients of NSCLC were treated with
      definitive CTRT using concurrent chemotherapy in 66% patients and sequential
      therapy in 28% patients. The actuarial 2 years DFS was 17.5% and 2 years OS was
      61.5%. Complete response to treatment resulted in significantly better DFS and
      OS. Definitive CTRT was very well-tolerated in these patients with good
      compliance. CONCLUSION: Definitive CTRT, sequence being individualized depending
      on performance status and disease stage at presentation, is a feasible and
      effective treatment modality for locally advanced NSCLC patients in the
      developing world. Response to treatment is an important prognostic factor for
      treatment outcomes.

PMID- 27146754
TI  - Current evidence and the evolving role of sunitinib in the management of renal
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - The development of targeted agents has expanded the anticancer arsenal available
      to oncologists and revolutionized the field of cancer treatment. In patients with
      advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), small molecule targeted therapies have
      improved clinical outcomes compared with cytokine-based treatments. Sunitinib
      malate is one such drug that has demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with
      metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). This oral, multi-targeted tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor is approved for use in multiple countries for the treatment of advanced
      RCC and gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients who have progressed on imatinib
      therapy. In patients with advanced RCC, sunitinib significantly improves clinical
      outcomes with a favorable safety profile compared with conventional treatment
      with interferon-a. The clinically proven treatment and safety outcomes have led
      investigators to evaluate the merits of sunitinib therapy in the adjuvant and
      neoadjuvant setting in patients with mRCC. In the neoadjuvant setting,
      preliminary data suggest that sunitinib can effectively reduce the primary tumor
      and facilitate surgical resection in patients with locally advanced and mRCC.
      Post-operative complications were observed in some patients, but the overall
      safety profile and efficacy suggests that mRCC patients with surgically
      inoperable tumors may benefit from neoadjuvant sunitinib therapy. Ongoing
      clinical trials should provide insight into the value of sunitinib as adjuvant
      therapy. 

PMID- 27146755
TI  - Primitive neuroectodermal tumors of kidney: Our experience in a tertiary care
      center.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) are rare highly aggressive
      neoplasms. The diagnosis is made by histopathology with the support of
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) and cytogenetics. The aggressive multimodality
      treatment is recommended for the management of these tumors. The purpose of our
      study is to review our experiences in the diagnoses and treatment of PNET of the
      kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of all the
      patients, who were treated for the PNET of the kidneys at our institute between
      April and March 2011 and compared with the available literature. RESULTS: A total
      of eight patients were treated for PNET of the kidney. Out of the eight patients,
      four were males and four females. Nearly 50% of our patients had inferior vena
      caval thrombus at the time of presentation. The diagnosis was made on
      histopathology supported by IHC. Out of the eight patients, one patient had
      intraoperative death due to massive pulmonary thromboembolism and another died on
      the 7th post-operative day due to disseminated intravascular coagulation and
      multiorgan failure. Rest six patients were treated with post-operative
      chemotherapy or a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For these six
      patients, overall median survival was 45 months with a 3 year disease-free
      survival of 66% and 5 year survival of 44%. CONCLUSIONS: PNET of the kidneys are
      rare peripheral neuroectodermal tumors with an aggressive clinical course. These
      tumors carry a very poor prognosis. An aggressive treatment approach using a
      combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is recommended for a
      reasonable survival in these tumors.

PMID- 27146756
TI  - Pulmonary artery thrombosis mimicking disease progression in metastatic renal
      cell carcinoma on Sunitinib.

PMID- 27146757
TI  - Clinical characteristics of renal cell carcinoma: Five years review from a
      tertiary hospital in Eastern India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the one of the dreadful urological
      carcinoma. In comparison to the West, it is very rarely seen in Asia as well in
      India. Very small number of studies is available in this geographical area. AIMS:
      We studied the demographic pattern, presentation, risk factors and survival of
      RCC in an Eastern Indian institution. We characterized and compared these data
      with available literature Settings and Design: Retrospective study. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 81 patients of RCC from January 2008 to December 2012 were
      enrolled. Their pre-operative data were reviewed. They were followed as per
      institutional follow-up protocol. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Kaplan-Meier plot
      was constructed for survival analysis. Comparison of survival curves was
      performed by Logrank test. P < 0.05 was considered to be significant. RESULTS: A
      total of 75 patients were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 26.3 +/- 17.7 months.
      The mean age of presentation in our study was 52.79 years with a peak at 5th
      decade. Nearly 73.33% patients having one or more risk factors. 9 out of 10 had
      presented with some symptoms. The survival for localized RCC was 100% and
      significantly greater than advanced RCC (P < 0.0001). Similarly in the stage III,
      significant greater survival (P < 0.0001) was noted compare to stage IV.
      CONCLUSIONS: The age of presentation of RCC in India has been found in 5th
      decade, which is a decade earlier than the western countries. Symptomatic RCC is
      still majority in India. Organ confined tumors have good prognosis. When it
      metastasizes to lymph node or distant organ, the outcome is poor. Our results may
      form the basis for further studies and it may be used as future reference.

PMID- 27146758
TI  - Sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Experience from single center
      study, efficacy and safety.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 5-year survival rate for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is
      estimated to be <10%. RCC is highly resistant to chemotherapy. Targeted agents
      are now first choice of therapy for metastatic RCC such as sunitinib and
      sorafenib. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 15 patients having
      metastatic RCC treated with sunitinib. Apart from three patients, all had clear
      cell histology. Thirteen patients received dosage of 50 mg/d (4 weeks on/2 weeks
      off cycles). In 14 patients sunitinib was used as 1st line. The primary end point
      was objective response rate. Secondary end points were progression free survival
      (PFS) and safety. RESULTS: Until date of reporting, 3 out of 15 patients are
      currently on sunitinib. The most common Memorial Sloan = Kettering Cancer Centre
      poor prognostic factor was an interval of <1 year between diagnosis and starting
      of treatment (80%). The objective response rate was 13.66% (complete response
      [CR] + partial response [PR] = 0 + 2). Clinical benefit rate (CR + PR + stable
      disease) was 60% (n = 9). Median PFS in this study was 7.5 months, with a range
      of 2-22 month. Median overall survival (OS) of patients in this study was 12
      months with a range of 3-24 month. An impact of the dose or/and number of cycles
      on response was seen in this study, with patients having average cycles >3
      showing better response rates, PFS and OS. Major toxicities seen were fatigue (
      n= 7), diarrhea (n = 3) and skin rash (n = 4) with majority patients experienced
      Grade 1-2 toxicities. While Grade 3-4 toxicities include fatigue (n = 1),
      mucositis (n = 1) and nausea (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm efficacy
      and safety profile of sunitinib in metastatic RCC, particularly as a first line.
      Sunitinib produced a 60% disease control rate for metastatic RCC in Indian
      patients, with acceptable rates of toxicity at a dose of 50 mg daily. Response
      rates were well matched to other studies confirming the efficacy of sunitinib.

PMID- 27146759
TI  - Angiosarcoma of pericardium presenting with recurrent pericardial effusion.

PMID- 27146760
TI  - Histopathological evaluation of surgically treated adult renal tumors: Report
      from a tertiary care center in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This retrospective study was performed in a tertiary care center from
      India analyzing the histopathological reports and the clinical data of the adult
      patients admitted in this institute with a diagnosis of renal tumors and had
      undergone nephrectomy for the disease. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is
      to determine the relative frequencies of different renal tumors in adults (above
      the age of 16 years) and to analyze the histopathological characters of the
      tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we have analyzed the
      histopathology reports along with the demographic and clinical data of the adult
      patients who had undergone nephrectomy for renal tumors in our institute from
      January 2005 to December 2011. RESULTS: A total 113 adult patients underwent
      tumor nephrectomy during the last 7 years in our institute. Mean age of the
      patients was 54.5 years (range 16-69 years). Male:Female ratio was 1.9:1. Out of
      131 cases of adult renal tumors, 91.6% cases were malignant and 8.45 cases were
      benign tumors. Among the malignant tumors, renal cell carcinoma was the most
      common type. There were 2 cases of renal primitive neuroectodermal tumors and one
      case of renal myofibroblastoma in our series. CONCLUSION: The spectrum of adult
      renal tumors in this series is consistent with the other series of cases reported
      by different authors. Only few cases of the renal tumors were diagnosed
      incidentally among our patients which is just opposite to the rate of renal
      tumors diagnosed incidentally in the developed countries. Myofibroblastoma, a
      benign kidney tumor diagnosed in our series is probably the first reported case
      in the world.

PMID- 27146761
TI  - Perceptual evaluation of tracheoesophageal speech: Is it a reliable tool?
AB  - Perceptual voice evaluation is a common clinical tool for rating the severity of
      vocal quality impairment. It has been used in research as a gold standard for
      comparison with acoustic and aerodynamics measurements. Nevertheless, it has
      disadvantages in the form of being time-consuming, a group of raters is needed
      and last but not the least it is a subjective manner of evaluation. Intraobserver
      and interobserver reliability is an important issue in perceptual evaluations.
      Different perceptual scales have been developed to describe the quality of a
      patient's voice but none is internationally accepted. Although not entirely
      comprehensive, perceptual evaluations will be used as a standard against which
      other measures will be evaluated. Data were collected by conducting a computer
      aided search of the MED-LINE and PUBMED databases, supplemented by hand searches
      of key journals. More than 50 articles in the last three decades on the topic
      have been reviewed out of which approximately 31 were found to be relevant to
      this article. 

PMID- 27146762
TI  - Resolving the brachytherapy challenges with government funded hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to rationalize the feasibility and cost
      effectiveness of high dose rate (HDR) cobalt 60 (Co-60) source versus 192-Iridium
      (192-Ir) source brachytherapy in government funded hospitals and treatment
      interruption gap because of exchange of sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective study of gynecological cancer patients, treated by radiotherapy
      with curative intent between April 2005 and September 2012 was conducted. We
      analyzed the total number of patients treated for external beam radiotherapy
      (EBRT) and brachytherapy (Intracavitary brachytherapy or cylindrical vaginal
      source). The dates for 192-Ir sources installation and the last date and first
      date of brachytherapy procedure before and after source installation respectively
      were also analyzed and calculated the gap in days for brachytherapy
      interruptions. RESULTS: The study was analyzed the records of 2005 to September
      2012 year where eight 192-Ir sources were installed. The mean gap between
      treatment interruptions was 123.12 days (range 1-647 days). The Institutional
      incidence of gynecological cancer where radiotherapy was treatment modality
      (except ovary) is 34.9 percent. Around 52.25 percent of patients who received
      EBRT at this institute were referred to outside hospital for brachytherapy
      because of unavailability of Iridium source. The cost for 5 year duration for
      single cobalt source is approximately 20-22 lakhs while for 15 Iridium sources is
      approximately 52-53 lakhs. CONCLUSION: The combined HDR Co-60 brachytherapy and
      EBRT provide a useful modality in the treatment of gynecological cancer where
      radiotherapy is indicated, the treatment interruption because of source exchange
      is longer and can be minimized by using cobalt source as it is cost-effective and
      has 5 year working life. Thus, Co-60 source for brachytherapy is a feasible
      option for government funded hospitals in developing countries.

PMID- 27146763
TI  - Practice of stereotactic body radiotherapy in a developing country: Perception,
      aspiration, and limitation - A survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective and established
      modern technology now used more commonly. Radiation oncology personnel's (ROP)
      opinion toward SBRT in the developing countries like India is unknown. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: A 30 question survey evaluating ROP's profile, technological
      details, and SBRT's perceptive were seeked. Tata Memorial Center - ROP's email
      database was used. RESULTS: Survey questionnaire was emailed to 500 ROP's and 224
      ROP's were contactable. Majority of the responders were from corporate hospitals
      and half of responders had experience of 5 or more years of experience in
      radiation oncology. SBRT was practiced by 70% of responders and the majority had
      adopted SBRT in 2010 or later. Quick turn around time, high dose delivery and
      competitive market forces were major factors to adopt SBRT. Lung was the most
      common site practiced followed by prostate, spine, and liver. All SBRT users were
      keen to increase SBRT in practice and the majority of non-responders were
      planning to adapt SBRT in the recent future. Almost half of SBRT users were
      willing to share data and expertise for training others. Lack of infrastructure
      was the prime reason for not practicing SBRT. ROP's perceived physics,
      radiobiology as the biggest challenge in SBRT. International collaboration may be
      helpful. CONCLUSION: Use of SBRT is expected to increase in India. Limited
      experience with lack of infrastructure in public funded centers is a major
      limitation. Unmet need of infrastructure, training and guidelines is enormous and
      formulation of Indian SBRT consortium will help reforming at all levels.

PMID- 27146764
TI  - Twice-weekly palliative radiotherapy for locally very advanced head and neck
      cancers.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the following study is to evaluate the efficacy of a
      twice-weekly hypofractionated palliative radiotherapy schedule in locally very
      advanced head and neck cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with locally very
      advanced, head and neck cancers were prospectively evaluated after twice-weekly
      palliative radiotherapy regimen of 32 Gy in 8 fractions. Median age was 55.5
      years and the predominant primary site was oral cavity (46%). Majority (70.6%)
      had Stage IV B disease. Disease related distressing symptoms such as pain,
      bleeding, skin fungation, respiratory symptoms due to tumor burden, were
      prospectively assessed before the start of treatment, at conclusion and at 6-12
      weeks of completion of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were enrolled
      in the study. Ninety three (73.8%) patients who completed the planned treatment
      of 32 Gy in 8 fractions were included in the symptom analysis. Overall response
      rates were 42% at primary disease and 55% at nodal disease. At conclusion of
      radiotherapy 76.3% of the patients reported improvement in pain scores (P =
      0.001) and 42.8% patients reported improvement in anxiety and depression levels
      (P = 0.001). At first follow-up after 6-12 weeks significant improvement in pain
      scores (P = 0.001) and anxiety/depression levels (P = 0.001) persisted. The
      median survival of the patients was 5.5 months. Acute grade III mucositis was
      seen in one patient (1.2%) while none had grade III skin reactions. CONCLUSION:
      The proposed radiotherapy regimen is effective for sustained symptom palliation
      with low acute toxicity in locally very advanced head and neck cancers. It
      delivers a moderately high dose while being logistically simpler for the patient.

PMID- 27146765
TI  - Cisplatin based adjuvant chemoradiation following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and
      surgery in advanced oral cavity cancers: A deliverable regimen?

PMID- 27146766
TI  - Radiation therapy outcomes in muscle invasive urinary bladder cancer: A single
      institution experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To audit the survival outcomes and loco-regional control in muscle
      invasive urinary bladder cancer patients treated with external beam radiation
      therapy (RT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2008 through December 2011, 50
      consecutively diagnosed muscle invasive urinary bladder carcinoma (T2-4a N0-2,
      M0) patients were included in this retrospective study. All these patients
      received external beam RT to a median dose of 60 Gy (range 30-66 Gy), and were
      not suitable for radical surgery due to patients' preference or medical
      comorbidities. A stepwise procedure using proportional hazard regression was used
      to identify prognostic factors with respect to survival. RESULTS: Completion
      trans-urethral resection of bladder tumor was done in 38 (76%) patients of the
      cohort and 47 (94%) had transitional cell carcinoma on histopathology. Clinical
      stage T2 was diagnosed in 40 (80%) patients. The median follow-up for the entire
      cohort was 14 +/- 8.9 months (range 1-36 months). In conclusion, 24 patients
      (48%) were free of disease, 5 patients (10%) had residual disease, and 13
      patients (26%) had died of disease. Two-year and 3 year overall survival of
      intact bladder for the entire cohort was 58% and 43.6%, respectively. Cox
      regression modeling strongly suggested clinical stage (P = 0.01) and RT dose (P =
      0.001) as being predictors for overall survival. CONCLUSION: RT shows reliable
      outcomes and excellent compliance in this advanced disease. Prescribing a higher
      RT dose could potentially correlate to better intact bladder control rates while
      maintaining good quality of life in selected patients.

PMID- 27146767
TI  - Dosimetric comparison of three dimensional conformal radiation therapy versus
      intensity modulated radiation therapy in accelerated partial breast irradiation.
AB  - AIM OF STUDY: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) is the standard treatment for stage
      I and II breast cancer. Multiple studies have shown that recurrences after
      lumpectomy occur mainly in or near the tumor bed. Use of accelerated partial
      breast irradiation (APBI) allows for significant reduction in the overall
      treatment time that results in increasing patient compliance and decreasing
      healthcare costs. We conducted a treatment planning study to evaluate the role of
      intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with regards to three-dimensional
      conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) in APBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed
      tomography planning data sets of 33 patients (20 right sided and 13 left sided)
      with tumor size less than 3 cm and negative axillary lymph nodes were used for
      our study. Tumor location was upper outer, upper inner, central, lower inner, and
      lower outer quadrants in 10, 10, 5, 4 and 4 patients, respectively. Multiple
      3DCRT and IMRT plans were created for each patient. Total dose of 38.5 Gy in 10
      fractions were planned. Dosimetric analysis was done for the best 3DCRT and IMRT
      plans. RESULTS: The target coverage has been achieved by both the methods but
      IMRT provided better coverage (P = 0.04) with improved conformity index (P =
      0.01). Maximum doses were well controlled in IMRT to below 108% (P < 0.01). Heart
      V2 Gy (P < 0.01), lung V5 Gy (P = 0.01), lung V10 Gy (P = 0.02), contralateral
      breast V1 Gy (P < 0.01), contralateral lung V2 Gy (P < 0.01), and ipsilateral
      uninvolved breast (P < 0.01) doses were higher with 3DCRT compared to IMRT.
      CONCLUSION: Dosimetrically, IMRT-APBI provided best target coverage with less
      dose to normal tissues compared with 3DCRT-APBI.

PMID- 27146768
TI  - Perception of quality in a Radiation Oncology Department: Is it different for
      patients and health care providers?
AB  - AIM: Patient satisfaction is increasingly being identified as an important
      benchmark in health care industry. Studies addressing patients' perceptions of
      quality are available but there is paucity of data regarding the perception of
      health care providers towards their own services. This study was undertaken to
      compare the satisfaction level between the patients and the staff from a
      Radiation Oncology Department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A common 16-item
      questionnaire addressing various aspects of patient care was served to 40
      patients and 40 staff members. The responses were statistically evaluated to
      assess the satisfaction level among the two groups and the scores were compared
      to assess the agreement between two groups. RESULTS: Overall, satisfaction level
      of both groups regarding quality of services ranged from "good" to "excellent". A
      high level of agreement was observed between the two groups. The physician's
      ability to give an explanation to patients, helping attitude of the staff and the
      staff's concern for patient safety were the most satisfying features of the
      department while inconvenience during scheduling of appointments, billing and
      registration process, status of the changing rooms and inter-department
      coordination were the least satisfying features. CONCLUSION: A high level of
      satisfaction may be achieved from the consumers if service providers are trained
      to assess the needs and expectations of consumers and to critically evaluate
      themselves. The service provider's perception regarding their own services may
      serve as a preliminary indicator of overall quality. Future studies with more
      participants in different setting may further explore this hypothesis.

PMID- 27146769
TI  - Influence of monte carlo variance with fluence smoothing in VMAT treatment
      planning with Monaco TPS.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to investigate the interplay between Monte Carlo
      Variance (MCV) and fluence smoothing factor (FSF) in volumetric modulated arc
      therapy treatment planning by using a sample set of complex treatment planning
      cases and a X-ray Voxel Monte Carlo-based treatment planning system equipped with
      tools to tune fluence smoothness as well as MCV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      dosimetric (dose to tumor volume, and organ at risk) and physical characteristic
      (treatment time, number of segments, and so on) of a set 45 treatment plans for
      all combinations of 1%, 3%, 5% MCV and 1, 3, 5 FSF were evaluated for five
      carcinoma esophagus cases under the study. RESULT: Increase in FSF reduce the
      treatment time. Variation of MCV and FSF gives a highest planning target volume
      (PTV), heart and lung dose variation of 3.6%, 12.8% and 4.3%, respectively. The
      heart dose variation was highest among all organs at risk. Highest variation of
      spinal cord dose was 0.6 Gy. CONCLUSION: Variation of MCV and FSF influences the
      organ at risk (OAR) doses significantly but not PTV coverage and dose
      homogeneity. Variation in FSF causes difference in dosimetric and physical
      parameters for the treatment plans but variation of MCV does not. MCV 3% or less
      do not improve the plan quality significantly (physical and clinical) compared
      with MCV greater than 3%. The use of MCV between 3% and 5% gives similar results
      as 1% with lesser calculation time. Minimally detected differences in plan
      quality suggest that the optimum FSF can be set between 3 and 5.

PMID- 27146770
TI  - Effect of radiotherapy on psychiatric disorder in patients with head and neck
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects of
      radiotherapy (RT) on psychiatric disorder in patients undergoing RT for head and
      neck cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective study included 51 patients
      with head and neck cancer. The diagnosis of psychiatric disorder was made by
      Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition criteria.
      Severity of psychopathology was assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
      (HAM-D). RESULTS: Although HAM-D score increased after RT (from 4 [0-26] to 7 [0
      24]), this increase was not significant (P = 0.108). Fourteen (27.5%) of 51
      patients had a psychiatric disorder before RT treatment; adjustment disorder in
      6, depression in 4, sleep disorder in 3, anxiety disorder in 1 patient. On the
      other hand, 16 (31.4%) of 51 patients had a psychiatric disorder after RT
      treatment; adjustment disorder in 6, depression in 5, sleep disorder in 4,
      anxiety disorder in 1 patient. There was no significant difference between two
      periods in terms of the prevalence of psychiatric disorder (P = 0.721).
      CONCLUSIONS: The presence of psychiatric disorder was high in patients with head
      and neck cancer even before RT. Similarly, its high rate continued after RT.
      However, there is no significant effect of RT on development of psychiatric
      disorder.

PMID- 27146771
TI  - Do technological advances in linear accelerators improve dosimetric outcomes in
      stereotaxy? A head-on comparison of seven linear accelerators using volumetric
      modulated arc therapy-based stereotactic planning.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Linear accelerator (Linac) based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS)
      and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)
      has been used for treating small intracranial lesions. Recent development in the
      Linacs such as inbuilt micro multileaf collimator (MLC) and flattening filter
      free (FFF) beam are intended to provide a better dose conformity and faster
      delivery when using VMAT technique. This study was aimed to compare the
      dosimetric outcomes and monitor units (MUs) of the stereotactic treatment plans
      for different commercially available MLC models and beam profiles. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Ten patients having 12 planning target volume (PTV)/gross target
      volume's (GTVs) who received the SRS/SRT treatment in our clinic using Axesse
      Linac (considered reference arm gold standard) were considered for this study.
      The test arms comprised of plans using Elekta Agility with FFF, Elekta Agility
      with the plane beam, Elekta APEX, Varian Millennium 120, Varian Millennium 120HD,
      and Elekta Synergy in Monaco treatment planning system. Planning constraints and
      calculation grid spacing were not altered in the test plans. To objectively
      evaluate the efficacy of MLC-beam model, the resultant dosimetric outcomes were
      subtracted from the reference arm parameters. RESULTS: V95%, V100%, V105%, D1%,
      maximum dose, and mean dose of PTV/GTV showed a maximum inter MLC - beam model
      variation of 1.5% and 2% for PTV and GTV, respectively. Average PTV conformity
      index and heterogeneity index shows a variation in the range 0.56-0.63 and 1.08
      1.11, respectively. Mean dose difference (excluding Axesse) for all organs varied
      between 1.1 cGy and 74.8 cGy (mean dose = 6.1 cGy standard deviation [SD] = 26.9
      cGy) and 1.7 cGy-194.5 cGy (mean dose 16.1 cGy SD = 57.2 cGy) for single and
      multiple fraction, respectively. CONCLUSION: The dosimetry of VMAT-based SRS/SRT
      treatment plan had minimal dependence on MLC and beam model variations. All
      tested MLC and beam model could fulfil the desired PTV coverage and organs at
      risk dose constraints. The only notable difference was the halving of the MU for
      FFF beam as compared to the plane beam. This has the potential to reduce the
      total patient on couch time by 15% (approximately 2 min).

PMID- 27146772
TI  - Barriers in conducting clinical trials in oncology in the developing world: A
      cross-sectional survey of oncologists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several obstacles impede oncologists from performing clinical trials
      in the developing world. This study aimed to identify these barriers in order of
      importance and suggest possible remedial measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Design 
      cross-sectional survey. Two part questionnaire capturing experience of
      oncologists in practice and conducting trials (Part 1) and perceived barriers
      pertaining to investigator (training, time), patient (strict follow-up protocol),
      infrastructure (funds) and professional environment (encouragement from seniors)
      (Part 2) were administered to oncologists in two different settings: (1) Online
      portal (Survey Monkey) (2) In person during a national conference (Best of
      American Society of Clinical Oncology). Responses were captured on a Likert scale
      (1-5). RESULTS: (436/3021) 14.04% responded. A total of 313 (71.8%) had
      experience in conducting trials, but these were mainly industry-sponsored or
      small nonpractice changing studies. Lack of patient follow-up was the most
      significant barrier (inter quartile range [IQR] 4-5) followed by inadequate
      training, time and funds (IQR 2-5) and lack of encouragement (IQR 2-4) in
      decreasing order of frequency. Lack of adequate training was a barrier across all
      specialties (113 [71.97%] radiation oncologists, 71 [60.68%] medical oncologists
      and 73 [71.56%] surgical oncologists). More than half of the respondents without
      experience in clinical trials worked in academic institutions (50.48%). They
      perceived time constraint as a barrier more than their counterparts into private
      practice (175/242 [72.31%] vs. 119/177 [66.47%] respectively). CONCLUSION:
      Inability to maintain patient follow-up, lack of protected time and funds,
      inadequate training were the most significant barriers. Most of these can be
      addressed.

PMID- 27146773
TI  - Diagnostic whole body scan (pre-therapy scan) in differentiated thyroid cancer: A
      single center community hospital experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diagnostic whole body scan (pre-therapy scan) with either I-123 or I
      131 (radioactive isotopes of iodine) is performed to assess the extent of thyroid
      cancer especially distant metastasis prior to administering the therapeutic dose
      of I-131. Our aim of the following study was to determine the utility of the
      diagnostic pre-therapy scan in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a case-control study carried out by retrospective
      chart review, of a randomly selected 100 patients with differentiated thyroid
      cancer who had followed in our community hospital over the course of 1 year. We
      collected data on multiple variables in the subjects - including age, gender, pre
      operative size of the nodules, diagnosis, stage of the malignancy, size of the
      tumor, multifocality, lymphovascular invasion, dose of radioiodine used for
      remnant ablation, recurrence rates and persistence rates. Continuous variables
      were compared using the independent sample Mann-Whitney U-test whereas the Chi
      square test was used for nominal variables. RESULTS: The mean dose of radioactive
      iodine administered was 97.56 (+/-27.98) in the pre-therapy scan group and it was
      97.23 (+/-32.40) in the control group. There was no difference between the two
      groups (P - 0.45). There was also no difference in the recurrence rates between
      the groups (P = 1.0). There was a trend toward a higher degree of persistent
      cancer in the group that had the pre-therapy scans (P - 0.086). CONCLUSION: Pre
      therapy scan may not affect the dose of radio-iodine I-131 used for remnant
      ablation of differentiated thyroid cancer and does not influence the recurrence
      rates. This was especially true with respect to I-131 remnant ablation for low
      risk tumors.

PMID- 27146774
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging in pre-operative staging of endometrial cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common gynecological
      cancers and the fourth most common cancer in the female. Although clinical
      evaluation with diagnostic imaging has not yet proved to be accurate enough in
      the evaluation of tumor extent to replace surgical staging, it may enable
      optimization of the surgical procedure and a better tailored therapeutic
      strategy. This study will review the characteristic magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) findings in endometrial carcinomas in the pre-operative staging of
      endometrial carcinomas and compare it with the newly revised Federation of
      Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging scheme of 2009 based on post-operative
      surgical histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective analysis of
      36 patients diagnosed and treated for endometrial carcinoma in our institute from
      January 2009 to December 2012. RESULTS: Majority of the patients (61%) were
      between the age group of 41-60 years. Most of the patients (72%) were
      postmenopausal at the time of presentation. Most common histopathology of
      endometrial carcinoma was endometroid adenocarcinoma (27 patients, 75%). FIGO
      staging of 12 patients (85.7%) showed concordance with MRI Staging for Stage Ia,
      with up-gradation of two patients to Stage Ib. CONCLUSION: The information
      provided by MRI can define prognosis, help planning the surgical approach and
      identify those patients requiring neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

PMID- 27146775
TI  - Positron emission tomography thyroid incidentaloma: Is it different in Indian
      subcontinent?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Positron emission tomography (PET) forms an integral part in work-up
      and follow-up of various malignancies. With the increased use of PET in oncology,
      finding of an incidental focal thyroid uptake (incidentaloma) is not unusual and
      presents a diagnostic challenge. AIM: The aim of the following study is to
      evaluate the frequency and radio-pathologic correlation of focal 18-fluoro
      deoxyglucose uptake (FDG) on PET within the thyroid from a large series.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 37,000 consecutive patients who
      underwent FDG-PET at tertiary cancer center in India. Radiological, pathological,
      PET scan and follow-up details were evaluated. Statistical analyzes were carried
      out using Mann Whitney test and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Abnormal thyroid
      uptake was seen in 78 (0.2%) patients. Nearly 61 (0.16%) scans had focal and 17
      (0.04%) had diffuse FDG uptake. A total of 57 patients with focal uptake were
      available for further evaluation. No further evaluation was done in 24 (42.1%)
      patients who had advanced index malignancy. Of the remaining 33 patients 26 were
      benign and seven were a cause for concern (four primary thyroid cancers, one
      follicular neoplasm with hurthle cell change and two metastatic cancers). There
      was no significant correlation in Standardized uptake value (SUV) max of benign
      and malignant lesion (P = 0.5 on Mann Whitney) or size (r = 0.087 Pearson
      correlation co-efficient P= 0.667). CONCLUSION: Incidence of PET incidentaloma is
      low in this large cohort of Indian patients. Nearly 27% of focal incidentaloma
      were malignant. There was no correlation between the SUVmax, size and malignancy.

PMID- 27146776
TI  - Retrospective study of choroidal melanomas at the 1(st) Department of
      Ophthalmology, AHEPA hospital, Thessaloniki, from 2002 to 2011.
AB  - AIM: Retrospective study of cases of choroidal melanoma examined at the 1st
      Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital American Hellenic Educational
      Progressive Association, during the 10-year period, from January 2002 to December
      2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consists of 84 patients (84 eyes)
      with newly diagnosed choroidal melanoma. The documentation of the location and
      the dimensions of the melanomas, based on B-Ultrasonography findings (apical
      height, diameter), were included. A total of 58 patients were referred to a
      specialized center abroad for conservative irradiation therapy. Twenty six eyes
      were enucleated due to large size of the tumor and the histopathological type was
      determined. RESULTS: Of the 84 cases, 44 were located at the posterior pole while
      40 anteriorly. Based on size, 6% (5/84) were small, 58% (49/84) were medium and
      36% (30/84) large. Based on the histopathological analysis of 22 of the 26 eyes
      enucleated, 36% were mixed-cell, 32% were spindle cell and 27% were epithelioid
      cell melanomas. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first documentation and
      classification of newly diagnosed cases of choroidal melanomas. The large number
      of mandatory enucleations, due to large size, is surprising. Patients need to be
      better informed about preventive fundoscopy for diagnosis of asymptomatic
      melanoma at an earlier stage.

PMID- 27146777
TI  - A new approach to exfoliative cytology: A comparative cytomorphometric study.
AB  - CONTEXT: Early detection of oral premalignancy and malignancy using simple
      screening aids play a promising role in curbing the disease. AIM: The primary aim
      of this study is to evaluate and the secondary aim of this study is to compare
      the cytomorphometry and cellular atypia in keratinocytes obtained from oral rinse
      and conventional exfoliative cytology in normal oral mucosa and clinically
      diagnosed oral leukoplakia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised of 55
      clinically diagnosed cases of leukoplakia and 55 age and sex matched normal
      controls. Smears were prepared using oral rinse technique followed by the
      conventional exfoliative cytology. Papanicoloau stained smears were evaluated for
      atypia and subjected to image analysis. Based on the presence of atypia they were
      further divided into three groups (Group 1-cases with atypia, Group 2-without
      atypia and Group 3-normal controls) and analyzed. Statistical analysis used one
      way analysis of variance followed by Tukey Honestly Significant Difference test
      for intergroup analysis and unpaired students t-test to compare the two methods.
      RESULTS: Smears prepared with both methods demonstrated atypia in 18 cases. The
      cellular diameter and cellular area (CA) were progressively increased from Group
      1 through Groups 2 and 3 in both the smears. Nuclear diameter and nuclear area
      and nuclear cytoplasmic ratio progressively decreased from Group 1 through Groups
      2 and 3. Both the methods showed no significant differences among the cellular
      parameters except in normal controls. CONCLUSION: Cytomorphometric analysis of
      keratinocytes obtained with oral rinse method and wooden spatula can serve as a
      useful screening aid to detect oral leukoplakia. Oral rinse method being more
      convenient results in smears of better quality.

PMID- 27146778
TI  - A clinicopathologic study of malignant melanoma based on cytomorphology.
AB  - CONTEXT: Melanoma accounts for 1-3% of all malignancies. It is usually diagnosed
      as metastasis in the draining lymph nodes, that is inguinal lymph node. Due to
      paucity of cytological studies on melanoma in India, the present study was
      undertaken. AIM: To study the cytomorphology of malignant melanoma and to
      correlate the cytological diagnosis with histopathology and clinical details.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Sixteen cytomorphological features were studied and analysed
      from the cases diagnosed as melanoma on cytology with histopathological
      correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients diagnosed with malignant
      melanoma on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) were studied over a period of
      10 years and compared by histopathology. Papanicolaou (Pap)- and May Grunwald
      Giemsa (MGG)-stained smears were studied and analysed for the cytomorphological
      spectrum of melanoma. RESULTS: Among the 30 patients studied, males were 19 and
      females were 11 (M:F:1.7:1) with a mean age of 49.3 years. The commonest primary
      site was foot followed by maxilla and thigh. The most common site for metastasis
      was inguinal lymph node. All 30 cases had histopathological correlation.
      Pigmented melanophages (83%) was the predominant feature followed by presence of
      melanin pigment (77%) and pseudo-inclusions (73%). Condensed chromatin was
      observed in the majority of the patients (53%). Smooth and irregular nuclear
      contours were seen in combination in 37% of the cases. A combination of nuclear
      placement, that is eccentric and central was observed as a predominant feature
      (53%). Spindle cell pattern was the predominant shape. Among cytoplasmic
      features, melanin granules and vacuoles were equally distributed (50%). Mixed
      pattern, that is singly scattered plasmacytoid cell pattern and cell clusters was
      the predominant cell architecture. CONCLUSION: A spectrum of cytomorphological
      features in correlation with clinical details leads to greater precision in
      diagnosis and helps to avoid pitfalls in diagnosing melanoma.

PMID- 27146779
TI  - Virilizing adrenocortical oncocytic neoplasm with uncertain malignant potential
      in a child: A rare case report.

PMID- 27146780
TI  - The road to laboratory accreditation: Experience of a tertiary care oncology
      center.

PMID- 27146781
TI  - Role of human papilloma virus in oral leukoplakia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Controversy surrounds regarding the role of human papillomavirus
      (HPV) in oral precancerous and cancerous lesions in India where smokeless,
      tobacco consumption is rampant. AIMS: The present study was carried out with an
      aim to investigate the presence and type of HPV infection in oropharyngeal
      leukoplakia and to determine the association of HPV positivity with various
      patient and lesion characteristics. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective case series.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of fifty confirmed cases of oral leukoplakia (OL),
      aged 18-55 years were enrolled in the study. Specimens were obtained from the
      site of lesion. All the specimens were subjected to histopathological analysis
      and HPV-16, 18 detection was done using real-time polymerase chain reaction
      technique. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 34.00 +/- 8.85. Majority were males
      (62%), from middle social class (78%) and were educated up to graduation or above
      (54%). All the patients had one or more adverse habits (betel, chewing tobacco,
      smoking and alcohol) with mean duration of disease was 3.53 +/- 3.05 years. Five
      patients (10%) had diabetes. Burning sensation (86%) and trismus (36%) were the
      reported complaints. Maximum were Stage II (50%), sized 2-4 cm2 (60%), homogenous
      (70%). Floor of mouth and tongue were most commonly involved sites (50%).
      Majority had mild dysplasia (58%). Acanthosis (66%), hyperplasia (62%),
      koliocytosis (40%), and keratosis (98%) were quite common. HPV (16/18) could not
      be detected in any specimen. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlighted the fact
      that association of HPV with oral leukoplakia seems to be overestimated and needs
      to be reexamined with consensus Human papilloma virus (HPV) primers to detect HPV
      types with more valid empirical relationships.

PMID- 27146782
TI  - Laboratory studies of insecticide efficacy and resistance in Drosophila suzukii
      (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) populations from British Columbia, Canada.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura),
      control can be improved with better knowledge of insecticide efficacy, timing of
      sprays and rotations with registered products during the crop year. An efficacy
      bioassay was applied to study the dose response of adult laboratory-reared SWD
      collected from a cherry orchard in British Columbia (BC), Canada, to 11
      insecticides. RESULTS: Age- and sex-specific toxicities with the most effective
      insecticide, malathion, determined that older male SWD were significantly more
      susceptible than females. The selection for polygenic resistance to malathion
      using repeated exposure to sublethal concentrations with both the original and an
      additional blueberry-collected population of laboratory-reared SWD determined no
      significant difference in susceptibility after 30 generations. CONCLUSION:
      Possible reasons reported in D. melanogaster studies where resistance did not
      occur after insecticide selection included avoidance and associated microbial
      complexes. The low level of malathion resistance observed in the selected SWD
      populations and a field-collected population is useful information in the
      development of insecticide resistance management programmes. (c) 2016 Her Majesty
      the Queen in Right of Canada Pest Management Science (c) 2016 Society of Chemical
      Industry.

PMID- 27146784
TI  - Essential oils and metal ions as alternative antimicrobial agents: a focus on tea
      tree oil and silver.
AB  - The increasing occurrence of hospital-acquired infections and the emerging
      problems posed by antibiotic-resistant microbial strains have both contributed to
      the escalating cost of treatment. The presence of infection at the wound site can
      potentially stall the healing process at the inflammatory stage, leading to the
      development of a chronic wound. Traditional wound treatment regimes can no longer
      cope with the complications posed by antibiotic-resistant strains; hence, there
      is a need to explore the use of alternative antimicrobial agents. Pre-antibiotic
      compounds, including heavy metal ions and essential oils, have been re
      investigated for their potential use as effective antimicrobial agents. Essential
      oils have potent antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory,
      antioxidant and other beneficial therapeutic properties. Similarly, heavy metal
      ions have also been used as disinfecting agents because of their broad spectrum
      activities. Both of these alternative antimicrobials interact with many different
      intracellular components, thereby resulting in the disruption of vital cell
      functions and eventually cell death. This review will discuss the application of
      essential oils and heavy metal ions, particularly tea tree oil and silver ions,
      as alternative antimicrobial agents for the treatment of chronic, infected
      wounds.

PMID- 27146785
TI  - Incorrect interpretation of carbon mass balance biases global vegetation fire
      emission estimates.
AB  - Vegetation fires are a complex phenomenon in the Earth system with many global
      impacts, including influences on global climate. Estimating carbon emissions from
      vegetation fires relies on a carbon mass balance technique that has evolved with
      two different interpretations. Databases of global vegetation fire emissions use
      an approach based on 'consumed biomass', which is an approximation to the
      biogeochemically correct 'burnt carbon' approach. Here we show that applying the
      'consumed biomass' approach to global emissions from vegetation fires leads to
      annual overestimates of carbon emitted to the atmosphere by 4.0% or 100 Tg
      compared with the 'burnt carbon' approach. The required correction is significant
      and represents ~9% of the net global forest carbon sink estimated annually.
      Vegetation fire emission studies should use the 'burnt carbon' approach to
      quantify and understand the role of this burnt carbon, which is not emitted to
      the atmosphere, as a sink enriched in carbon.

PMID- 27146783
TI  - The common stress responsive transcription factor ATF3 binds genomic sites
      enriched with p300 and H3K27ac for transcriptional regulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of the common stress responsive transcription factor
      ATF3 has been causally linked to many important human diseases such as cancer,
      atherosclerosis, infections, and hypospadias. Although it is believed that the
      ATF3 transcription activity is central to its cellular functions, how ATF3
      regulates gene expression remains largely unknown. Here, we employed ATF3 wild
      type and knockout isogenic cell lines to carry out the first comprehensive
      analysis of global ATF3-binding profiles in the human genome under basal and
      stressed (DNA damage) conditions. RESULTS: Although expressed at a low basal
      level, ATF3 was found to bind a large number of genomic sites that are often
      associated with genes involved in cellular stress responses. Interestingly, ATF3
      appears to bind a large portion of genomic sites distal to transcription start
      sites and enriched with p300 and H3K27ac. Global gene expression profiling
      analysis indicates that genes proximal to these genomic sites were often
      regulated by ATF3. While DNA damage elicited by camptothecin dramatically altered
      the ATF3 binding profile, most of the genes regulated by ATF3 upon DNA damage
      were pre-bound by ATF3 before the stress. Moreover, we demonstrated that ATF3 was
      co-localized with the major stress responder p53 at genomic sites, thereby
      collaborating with p53 to regulate p53 target gene expression upon DNA damage.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ATF3 likely bookmarks genomic sites and
      interacts with other transcription regulators to control gene expression.

PMID- 27146786
TI  - Hydrostatic pressure effect on charge transport properties of phenacene organic
      semiconductors.
AB  - We investigate the charge transport properties of phenacene organic
      semiconductors including phenanthrene, chrysene and picene using density
      functional theory (DFT) calculations under hydrostatic pressure. Under
      compression, the crystal structures of the three materials are altered and thus,
      a decrease in the intermolecular distances gives changes in charge transport
      properties while the molecular structures remain stable. As a result of the
      applied pressure, the mobilities of these materials increase dramatically.
      Chrysene shows a transition from a p-type semiconductor to an ambipolar
      semiconductor at around 2.0 GPa. Interestingly, chrysene favors electron
      transport at above 3.0 GPa. On the other hand, both phenanthrene and picene
      exhibit hole transport characteristics under high pressure. Between 3.1 and 4.3
      GPa, the picene crystal is found to transform from an anisotropic mobility to an
      isotropic mobility in the ab plane. We also found that, the bulk modulus
      representing the resistance of the material under pressure compression follows a
      linear relationship with molecular length.

PMID- 27146788
TI  - Evidence-based dentistry for planning restorative treatments: barriers and
      potential solutions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) can help provide the best treatment
      option for every patient, however, its implementation in restorative dentistry is
      very limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at assessing the barriers preventing
      the implementation of EBD among dental undergraduate and graduate students in
      Montreal, and explore possible solutions to overcome these barriers. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted by means of a paper format
      self-administrated questionnaire distributed among dental students. The survey
      assessed the barriers and potential solutions for implementation of an evidence
      based practice. RESULTS: Sixty-one students completed the questionnaire. Forty
      one percent of respondents found evidence-based literature to be the most
      reliable source of information for restorative treatment planning, however, only
      16% used it. They considered that finding reliable information was difficult and
      they sometimes encountered conflicting information when consulting different
      sources. Dental students had positive attitudes towards the need for better
      access to evidence-based literature to assist learning and decision making in
      restorative treatment planning and to improve treatment outcomes. Even for
      dentists trained in EBD, online searching takes too much time, and even though it
      can provide information of better quality than personal intuition, it might not
      be enough to identify the best available evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Even though
      dental students are aware of the importance of EBD in restorative dentistry they
      rarely apply the concept, mainly due to time constraints. For this reason,
      implementation of EBD would probably require faster access to evidence-based
      knowledge.

PMID- 27146787
TI  - Believing in food addiction: Helpful or counterproductive for eating behavior?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obesity is often attributed to an addiction to food, and many people
      believe themselves to be "food addicts." However, little is known about how such
      beliefs may affect dietary control and weight management. The current research
      examined the impact of experimentally manipulating participants' personal food
      addiction beliefs on eating behavior. METHODS: In two studies, female
      participants (study 1: N = 64; study 2: N = 90) completed food-related
      computerized tasks and were given bogus feedback on their performance which
      indicated that they had high, low, or average food addiction tendencies. Food
      intake was then assessed in an ad libitum taste test. Dietary concern and time
      taken to complete the taste test were recorded in study 2. RESULTS: In study 1,
      participants in the high-addiction condition consumed fewer calories than those
      in the low-addiction condition, F(1,60)  = 7.61, P = 0.008, etap (2)  = 0.11.
      Study 2 replicated and extended this finding, showing that the effect of the high
      addiction condition on food intake was mediated by increased dietary concern,
      which reduced the amount of time participants willingly spent exposed to the
      foods during the taste test, b = -0.06 (0.03), 95% confidence interval = -0.13 to
      -0.01. CONCLUSIONS: Believing oneself to be a food addict is associated with
      short-term dietary restriction. The longer-term effects on weight management now
      warrant attention.

PMID- 27146789
TI  - Inflammation-related alterations of lipids after spinal cord injury revealed by
      Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) triggers several lipid alterations in nervous tissue. It
      is characterized by extensive demyelination and the inflammatory response leads
      to accumulation of activated microglia/macrophages, which often transform into
      foam cells by accumulation of lipid droplets after engulfment of the damaged
      myelin sheaths. Using an experimental rat model, Raman microspectroscopy was
      applied to retrieve the modifications of the lipid distribution following SCI.
      Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and endogenous two-photon
      fluorescence (TPEF) microscopies were used for the detection of lipid-laden
      inflammatory cells. The Raman mapping of CH2 deformation mode intensity at 1440 
      cm(-1) retrieved the lipid-depleted injury core. Preserved white matter and
      inflammatory regions with myelin fragmentation and foam cells were localized by
      specifically addressing the distribution of esterified lipids, i.e., by mapping
      the intensity of the carbonyl Raman band at 1743  cm(-1), and were in agreement
      with CARS/TPEF microscopy. Principal component analysis revealed that the
      inflammatory regions are notably rich in saturated fatty acids. Therefore, Raman
      spectroscopy enabled to specifically detect inflammation after SCI and myelin
      degradation products.

PMID- 27146790
TI  - Post-transplant cyclophosphamide-based haplo-identical transplantation as
      alternative to matched sibling or unrelated donor transplantation for non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma: a registry study by the European society for blood and marrow
      transplantation.

PMID- 27146791
TI  - Outcomes for symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms in the American College of
      Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Historically, symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) were
      found to have intermediate mortality compared with asymptomatic and ruptured
      AAAs; but with wider use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), a more recent
      study suggested that mortality of symptomatic aneurysms was similar to that of
      asymptomatic AAAs. These prior studies were limited by small numbers. The purpose
      of this study was to evaluate the mortality and morbidity associated with
      symptomatic AAA repair in a large contemporary population. METHODS: All patients
      undergoing infrarenal AAA repair were identified in the 2011 to 2013 American
      College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, vascular
      surgery targeted module. We excluded acute conversions to open repair and those
      for whom the surgical indication was embolization, dissection, thrombosis, or not
      documented. We compared 30-day mortality and major adverse events for
      asymptomatic, symptomatic, and ruptured AAA repair, stratified by EVAR and open
      repair, with univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS:
      There were 5502 infrarenal AAAs identified, 4495 asymptomatic aneurysms (830 open
      repair, 3665 [82%] EVAR), 455 symptomatic aneurysms (143 open repair, 312 [69%]
      EVAR), and 552 ruptured aneurysms (263 open repair, 289 [52%] EVAR). Aneurysm
      diameter was similar between asymptomatic and symptomatic AAAs when stratified by
      procedure type, but it was larger for ruptured aneurysms (EVAR: symptomatic 5.8
      +/- 1.6 cm vs ruptured 7.5 +/- 2.0 cm [P < .001]; open repair: symptomatic 6.4 +/
      1.9 cm vs ruptured 8.0 +/- 1.9 cm [P < .001]). The proportion of women was
      similar in symptomatic and ruptured AAAs (27% vs 23%, respectively; P = .14) but
      lower in asymptomatic AAAs (20%; P < .001). Symptomatic AAAs had intermediate 30
      day mortality compared with asymptomatic and ruptured aneurysms after both EVAR
      (1.4% asymptomatic vs 3.8% symptomatic [P = .001]; symptomatic vs 22% ruptured [P
      < .001]) and open repair (4.3% asymptomatic vs 7.7% symptomatic [P = .08];
      symptomatic vs 34% ruptured [P < .001]). After adjustment for age, gender, repair
      type, dialysis dependence, and history of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease, patients undergoing repair of symptomatic AAAs were twice as likely to
      die within 30 days compared with those with asymptomatic aneurysms (odds ratio
      [OR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-3.5). When stratified by repair
      type, the effect size and direction of the ORs were similar (EVAR: OR, 2.4 [95%
      CI, 1.2-4.7]; open repair: OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 0.86-3.9]) although not significant
      for open repair. Patients with ruptured aneurysms had a sevenfold increased risk
      of 30-day mortality compared with symptomatic patients (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 4.1
      10.6). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with symptomatic AAAs had a twofold increased risk
      of perioperative mortality compared with patients with asymptomatic aneurysms
      undergoing repair. Furthermore, patients with ruptured aneurysms have a sevenfold
      increased risk of mortality compared with patients with symptomatic aneurysms.

PMID- 27146792
TI  - A multidisciplinary approach to vascular surgery procedure coding improves coding
      accuracy, work relative value unit assignment, and reimbursement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vascular surgery procedural reimbursement depends on accurate
      procedural coding and documentation. Despite the critical importance of correct
      coding, there has been a paucity of research focused on the effect of direct
      physician involvement. We hypothesize that direct physician involvement in
      procedural coding will lead to improved coding accuracy, increased work relative
      value unit (wRVU) assignment, and increased physician reimbursement. METHODS:
      This prospective observational cohort study evaluated procedural coding accuracy
      of fistulograms at an academic medical institution (January-June 2014). All
      fistulograms were coded by institutional coders (traditional coding) and by a
      single vascular surgeon whose codes were verified by two institution coders
      (multidisciplinary coding). The coding methods were compared, and differences
      were translated into revenue and wRVUs using the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
      Comparison between traditional and multidisciplinary coding was performed for
      three discrete study periods: baseline (period 1), after a coding education
      session for physicians and coders (period 2), and after a coding education
      session with implementation of an operative dictation template (period 3). The
      accuracy of surgeon operative dictations during each study period was also
      assessed. An external validation at a second academic institution was performed
      during period 1 to assess and compare coding accuracy. RESULTS: During period 1,
      traditional coding resulted in a 4.4% (P = .004) loss in reimbursement and a 5.4%
      (P = .01) loss in wRVUs compared with multidisciplinary coding. During period 2,
      no significant difference was found between traditional and multidisciplinary
      coding in reimbursement (1.3% loss; P = .24) or wRVUs (1.8% loss; P = .20).
      During period 3, traditional coding yielded a higher overall reimbursement (1.3%
      gain; P = .26) than multidisciplinary coding. This increase, however, was due to
      errors by institution coders, with six inappropriately used codes resulting in a
      higher overall reimbursement that was subsequently corrected. Assessment of
      physician documentation showed improvement, with decreased documentation errors
      at each period (11% vs 3.1% vs 0.6%; P = .02). Overall, between period 1 and
      period 3, multidisciplinary coding resulted in a significant increase in
      additional reimbursement ($17.63 per procedure; P = .004) and wRVUs (0.50 per
      procedure; P = .01). External validation at a second academic institution was
      performed to assess coding accuracy during period 1. Similar to institution 1,
      traditional coding revealed an 11% loss in reimbursement ($13,178 vs $14,630; P =
      .007) and a 12% loss in wRVU (293 vs 329; P = .01) compared with
      multidisciplinary coding. CONCLUSIONS: Physician involvement in the coding of
      endovascular procedures leads to improved procedural coding accuracy, increased
      wRVU assignments, and increased physician reimbursement.

PMID- 27146793
TI  - Randomized clinical trial of postoperative chewing gum versus standard care after
      colorectal resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chewing gum may stimulate gastrointestinal motility, with beneficial
      effects on postoperative ileus suggested in small studies. The primary aim of
      this trial was to determine whether chewing gum reduces length of hospital stay
      (LOS) after colorectal resection. Secondary aims included examining bowel habit
      symptoms, complications and healthcare costs. METHODS: This clinical trial
      allocated patients randomly to standard postoperative care with or without
      chewing gum (sugar-free gum for at least 10 min, four times per day on days 1-5)
      in five UK hospitals. The primary outcome was LOS. Cox regression was used to
      calculate hazard ratios for LOS. RESULTS: Data from 402 of 412 patients, of whom
      199 (49.5 per cent) were allocated to chewing gum, were available for analysis.
      Some 40 per cent of patients in both groups had laparoscopic surgery, and all
      study sites used enhanced recovery programmes. Median (i.q.r.) LOS was 7 (5-11)
      days in both groups (P = 0.962); the hazard ratio for use of gum was 0.94 (95 per
      cent c.i. 0.77 to 1.15; P = 0.557). Participants allocated to gum had worse
      quality of life, measured using the EuroQoL 5D-3L, than controls at 6 and 12
      weeks after operation (but not on day 4). They also had more complications graded
      III or above according to the Dindo-Demartines-Clavien classification (16 versus
      6 in the group that received standard care) and deaths (11 versus 0), but none
      was classed as related to gum. No other differences were observed. CONCLUSION:
      Chewing gum did not alter the return of bowel function or LOS after colorectal
      resection. REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN55784442 (http://www.controlled
      trials.com).

PMID- 27146794
TI  - Migration of photoinitiators from cardboard into dry food: evaluation of Tenax(r)
      as a food simulant.
AB  - Photoinitiators are widely used to cure ink on packaging materials used in food
      applications such as cardboards for the packaging of dry foods. Conventional
      migration testing for long-term storage at ambient temperature with Tenax((r))
      was applied to paperboard for the following photoinitiators: benzophenone (BP),
      4,4'-bis(diethylamino)benzophenone (DEAB), 2-chloro-9H-thioxanthen-9-one (CTX), 1
      chloro-4-propoxy-9H-thioxanthen-9-one (CPTX), 4-(dimethylamino)benzophenone
      (DMBP), 2-ethylanthraquinone (EA), 2-ethylhexyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDB),
      ethyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDMAB), 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HBP), 2-hydroxy-4
      methoxybenzophenone (HMBP), 2-hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone
      (HMMP), 2-isopropyl-9H-thioxanthen-9-one (ITX), 4-methylbenzophenone (MBP) and
      Michler's ketone (MK). Test conditions (10 days at 60 degrees C) were according
      to Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 and showed different migration patterns for the
      different photoinitiators. The results were compared with the migration in
      cereals after a storage of 6 months at room temperature. The simulation with
      Tenax at 60 degrees C overestimated actual migration in cereals up to a maximum
      of 92%. In addition, the effect of a lower contact temperature and the impact of
      the Tenax pore size were investigated. Analogous simulation performed with rice
      instead of Tenax resulted in insufficiently low migration rates, showing Tenax is
      a much stronger adsorbent than rice and cereals. 

PMID- 27146796
TI  - Prenatal exposure to dental amalgam and pregnancy outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Questions have been raised about potential risks of prenatal exposure
      to mercury from amalgam fillings during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to
      assess possible associations between exposure to amalgam fillings in pregnant
      women participating in a large cohort study and adverse pregnancy outcome.
      METHODS: In the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), a valid
      information about the number of teeth with amalgam fillings and dental treatment,
      including new amalgam fillings placed or removed during pregnancy, was available
      from 69 474 pregnancies. The information was obtained from two questionnaires
      sent to the women at 17 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, and the data were linked to
      the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Logistic regression was used to estimate
      the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) as a measure of
      association between pregnancy outcome and prenatal exposure to amalgam fillings.
      RESULTS: Logistic regression models, including mothers' age, education, BMI,
      parity, smoking during pregnancy, and alcohol consumption during pregnancy
      revealed no significant associations between the number of teeth with amalgam
      fillings and early preterm delivery, late preterm delivery, low birthweight,
      malformation or stillbirth. CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence for serious
      perinatal consequences of maternal exposure to amalgam fillings during pregnancy.

PMID- 27146797
TI  - Successful management of monochorionic diamniotic triplet pregnancy.

PMID- 27146795
TI  - A Novel Protective Function of 5-Methoxytryptophan in Vascular Injury.
AB  - 5-Methoxytryptophan (5-MTP), a 5-methoxyindole metabolite of tryptophan
      metabolism, was recently shown to suppress inflammatory mediator-induced cancer
      cell proliferation and migration. However, the role of 5-MTP in vascular disease
      is unknown. In this study, we investigated whether 5-MTP protects against
      vascular remodeling following arterial injury. Measurements of serum 5-MTP levels
      in healthy subjects and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) showed that
      serum 5-MTP concentrations were inversely correlated with CAD. To test the role
      of 5-MTP in occlusive vascular disease, we subjected mice to a carotid artery
      ligation model of neointima formation and treated mice with vehicle or 5-MTP.
      Compared with vehicle-treated mice, 5-MTP significantly reduced intimal
      thickening by 40% 4 weeks after ligation. BrdU incorporation assays revealed that
      5-MTP significantly reduced VSMC proliferation both in vivo and in vitro.
      Furthermore, 5-MTP reduced endothelial loss and detachment, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1
      expressions, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the ligated arterial wall,
      suggesting attenuation of endothelial dysfunction. Signaling pathway analysis
      indicated that 5-MTP mediated its effects predominantly via suppressing p38 MAPK
      signaling in endothelial and VSMCs. Our data demonstrate a novel vascular
      protective function of 5-MTP against arterial injury-induced intimal hyperplasia.
      5-MTP might be a therapeutic target for preventing and/or treating vascular
      remodeling.

PMID- 27146798
TI  - The effects of music therapy in patients with high-dose chemotherapy and stem
      cell support: a randomized pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with high dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem cell
      transplantation (ASCT) are highly distressed. Psycho-oncological support might be
      beneficial but is not routinely provided. Our aim was to investigate whether
      music therapy (MT) in addition to standard supportive treatment had any effect on
      quality of life, depression, anxiety, side effects of therapy, medication, and
      immunological changes during and within three months after HDC plus ASCT.
      METHODS: Patients (n = 66) with HDC plus ASCT were randomly assigned to either MT
      (Intervention Group = IG) or standard supportive treatment (Control Group = CG).
      Quality of life was measured by EORTC QLQ-C30. Depression and anxiety were
      measured by the HADS-D before transplantation, during and after the inpatient
      stay. In addition, adverse events (AE), medication, and immunological parameters
      were observed. RESULTS: There was no improvement of global quality of life for
      patients receiving additional MT, but their perception of pain significantly
      changed (p = 0.027). Patients were neither depressed nor anxious on admission,
      therefore no improvements were found. IG patients had less 3-4 degrees 
      toxicities (e.g., mucositis). Aprepitant for antiemetic therapy was administered
      significantly more often in the CG (p = 0.040). The IgA decline and T4 count was
      less in IG, T8, and NK count decreased most in IG. These findings failed
      significance. CONCLUSIONS: MT may improve pain perception in patients receiving
      HDC plus ASCT. Additionally positive effects on toxicities, use of antiemetic
      medication, and immunological changes were observed. As some of these findings
      failed significance, studies with larger sample sizes are needed. Copyright (c)
      2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27146800
TI  - A microwave synthesized CuxS and graphene oxide nanoribbon composite as a highly
      efficient counter electrode for quantum dot sensitized solar cells.
AB  - To boost the photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of ever promising quantum dot
      sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), and to improve the design of photoanodes, the
      ability of the counter electrode (CE) to effectively reduce the oxidized
      electrolyte needs special attention. A composite of a 15 wt% graphene oxide
      nanoribbon (GOR), obtained by unzipping multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs),
      and CuxS intersecting hexagonal nanoplates, synthesized by a low cost, facile and
      scalable microwave synthesis route, is reported as a fascinating CE for QDSSCs.
      The best performing Cu1.18S-GOR CE could notably achieve a record PCE of ~3.55%
      for CdS sensitized QDSSCs, ~5.42% for in situ deposited CdS/CdSe co-sensitized
      QDSSCs and ~6.81% for CdTe/CdS/CdS dual sensitized QDSSCs, apart from increasing
      the PCE of previously reported QDSSCs. A systematic investigation of the CE
      design revealed the high electrocatalytic activity of GOR due to the presence of
      organic functional groups, graphitic edge sites and a quasi-one-dimensional
      (quasi-1D) structure, which increases the interfacial charge transfer kinetics
      from the CE to the polysulfide electrolyte. The highly stable Cu1.18S-GOR CE has
      the added advantage of a favourable energy band alignment with the redox
      potential of the polysulfide electrolyte, which reduces the loss of charge
      carriers and thus can increase the PCE of QDSSCs. 

PMID- 27146799
TI  - Onset of Glycemic and Weight Outcomes in Patients Initiating Exenatide Once
      Weekly: The Relationship of Exenatide Exposure with Efficacy over the First 24
      Weeks of Treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Exenatide is gradually released from exenatide once weekly (QW)
      microspheres, and at steady state, consistently controls glycated hemoglobin
      (HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This post hoc analysis examined
      the timing to onset of clinical responses and their correlations with exenatide
      concentrations after initiation of exenatide QW in patients with T2D. METHODS:
      Trial data were retrospectively analyzed to explore the early clinical responses
      to exenatide QW, including the relationship of exenatide concentration with its
      effects on efficacy [fasting plasma glucose (FPG), HbA1c, and body weight] and
      tolerability (nausea and vomiting). Exenatide QW efficacy and tolerability data
      were from DURATION-5, a 24-week, randomized, comparator-controlled trial [intent
      to-treat (ITT) population]. Exenatide concentrations were measured in a patient
      subset (pharmacokinetic population). RESULTS: In the ITT (n =
      129)/pharmacokinetic (n = 72) populations, baseline FPG, HbA1c, and body weight
      were 173/173 mg/dL, 8.5%/8.4%, and 97/98 kg, respectively. Exenatide
      concentrations gradually increased until reaching steady state at week 8. By week
      4, the FPG reduction (-32.4 mg/dL) was 94% of the week 24 reduction (-34.6
      mg/dL). Reductions in HbA1c began by week 4 (-0.6%) and stabilized by week 14
      (week 24: -1.6%). Weight reduction at week 4 was -0.7 kg and decreased further
      (week 24: -2.3 kg). Peak nausea (7.2%) and vomiting (2.4%) occurred at weeks 6-8,
      declining thereafter. CONCLUSION: Clinically relevant responses to exenatide QW
      were evident by week 4, after exenatide concentration passed the therapeutic
      threshold but before steady state was achieved. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00877890. FUNDING: AstraZeneca.

PMID- 27146802
TI  - Remifentanil and propofol undergo separation and layering when mixed in the same
      syringe for total intravenous anesthesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Propofol and remifentanil can be combined to deliver total
      intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). Propofol and remifentanil are sometimes mixed in
      the same syringe. Since remifentanil is a solution and propofol is an emulsion,
      we hypothesized that they would separate over time when mixed in the same
      syringe. METHODS: Nine 60-ml polypropylene syringes were prepared as follows:
      Group A: 1.25 ml of remifentanil solution (1 mg.ml(-1) ) was added to 48.75 ml of
      propofol (10 mg.ml(-1) ) in three syringes. Group B: 2.5 ml of remifentanil (1
      mg.ml(-1) ) was added to 47.5 ml of propofol (10 mg.ml(-1) ) in three syringes.
      Group C: 5 ml of remifentanil (1 mg.ml(-1) ) was added to 45 ml of propofol (10
      mg.ml(-1) ) in three syringes. The remifentanil lyophilized powder was
      reconstituted with sterile water and added to the propofol by injection through
      the port on the bottom of the syringe. The syringe was then inverted five times
      in succession to mix the drugs. The syringes were mounted in an upright vertical
      position (plunger on top, port on bottom) with wire on a pegboard. Samples of the
      mixture were taken from the bottom port (via a 3-way stopcock) and from the top
      of the syringe (via a stopcock on an 18-gauge needle placed 5 mm through the
      plunger) at the following time intervals (min) from baseline: T0, T10, T30, T60,
      T120, T180, T240, T300. Remifentanil and propofol were quantified using specific
      and validated HPLC/MS/MS assays with automated online sample preparation.
      RESULTS: Concentrations of remifentanil were significantly greater at the top
      than the bottom of the syringes in groups A and B. Concentrations of propofol
      were significantly greater at the bottom than the top of the syringes in all
      groups. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that remifentanil solution and propofol
      emulsion are immiscible: remifentanil separates from propofol and rises to the
      top. Thus, concentrations of remifentanil and propofol delivered to patients from
      the same syringe during TIVA are not those expected and cannot be reliable.
      Remifentanil and propofol should be administered in separate syringes when used
      in combination for TIVA.

PMID- 27146801
TI  - Characteristics, Diagnosis and Prognosis of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in
      Cirrhosis Associated to Hepatitis B.
AB  - The diagnostic and prognostic criteria of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF)
      were developed in patients with no Hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis (CANONIC
      study). The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the diagnostic (CLIF-C
      organ failure score; CLIF-C OFs) criteria can be used to classify patients; and
      the prognostic score (CLIF-C ACLF score) could be used to provide prognostic
      information in HBV cirrhotic patients with ACLF. 890 HBV associated cirrhotic
      patients with acute decompensation (AD) were enrolled. Using the CLIF-C OFs,
      33.7% (300 patients) were diagnosed as ACLF. ACLF was more common in the younger
      patients and in those with no previous history of decompensation. The most common
      organ failures were 'hepatic' and 'coagulation'. As in the CANONIC study, 90-day
      mortality was extremely low in the non-ACLF patients compared with ACLF patients
      (4.6% vs 50%, p < 0.0001). ACLF grade and white cell count, were independent
      predictors of mortality. CLIF-C ACLFs accurately predicted short-term mortality,
      significantly better than the MELDs and a disease specific score generated for
      the HBV patients. Current study indicates that ACLF is a clinically and
      pathophysiology distinct even in HBV patients. Consequently, diagnostic criteria,
      prognostic scores and probably the management of ACLF should base on similar
      principles.

PMID- 27146804
TI  - [Effects of quality-oriented remuneration].

PMID- 27146803
TI  - Do pessimists report worse outcomes after total hip arthroplasty?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Seligman's theory of causal attribution predicts that patients with a
      pessimistic explanatory style will have less favorable health outcomes. We
      investigated this hypothesis using self-reported hip pain and hip function 2-
      years after total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Most THA patients had
      completed the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) during their
      usual clinical care long before THA (median, 14.7 to 16.6 years). Scores from the
      MMPI Optimism-Pessimism (PSM) scale were used to categorize patients as
      pessimistic (t-score >60) or non-pessimistic (t score <=60). Outcomes were self
      reported: (a) moderate-severe pain, (b) absence of "much better" improvement
      compared to preoperative hip function, and (c) moderate-severe activity
      limitation. Multivariable logistic regression was adjusted for gender, age and
      other covariates. Odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) are
      presented. RESULTS: We identified 507 patients with 565 primary THAs with an MMPI
      prior to primary THA, of whom 441 patients with 488 primary THAs had responded to
      hip pain and function follow-up surveys at 2-years post-surgery. Similarly, 202
      patients with 235 revision THAs had an MMPI prior to surgery, of whom 172
      patients with 196 revision THAs completed 2-year surveys. Among those with
      primary THA, pessimists reported (a) a non-significant trend toward more moderate
      severe pain at 2-years with OR (95 % CI; p-value), 2.16 (0.90, 5.20; p = 0.08;
      reference, none-mild pain),; (b) no significant difference for absence of "much
      better" improvement in hip function at 2-years, 1.87 (0.77, 4.52; p = 0.16;
      reference, much better hip function); and (c) significantly higher rate of
      moderate-severe activity limitation at 2-years, 2.90 (1.25, 6.70; p = 0.01).
      Among revision THA cohort, pessimists reported no significant differences from
      non-pessimists in moderate-severe pain, improvement in hip function or moderate
      severe functional limitation at 2-years. CONCLUSIONS: A pessimistic explanatory
      style was associated with moderate-severe activity limitation and a non
      significant trend towards moderate-severe pain post-THA.

PMID- 27146805
TI  - [Chronic instability of the pubic symphysis : Etiology, diagnostics and treatment
      management].
AB  - The most frequent causes of chronic instability of the pubic symphysis are sports
      related continual overload and traumatic symphyseal injuries. Acute injury of the
      pubic symphysis may be the result of external forces acting on the anterior
      pelvic ring or the result of internal forces, such as those arising during
      parturition. The postpartum form of instability following a complication-free
      birth is reversible and usually returns to normal within a few months through
      strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles. Residual instability of the pubis
      symphysis is on the whole a rare complication. Although established therapy
      options for acute symphyseal separation can be found in the literature, there are
      only a few case reports on chronic symphyseal instability. There are no
      guidelines on standardized therapy options. This review article examines the
      etiology, clinical findings, diagnostic techniques and management options for
      patients suffering from chronic symphyseal instability. 

PMID- 27146806
TI  - [Operative treatment of symphysis pubis rupture].

PMID- 27146807
TI  - [Limb salvage versus amputation after severe lower extremity injury : Cases from
      clinical practice].
AB  - Following severe lower extremity injury, the potential outcome of a salvage
      procedure might often be questionable. Objective criteria should help in decision
      making. From the clinical practice of a level I trauma center, we demonstrate
      three case reports and approaches following severe lower extremity injury. 

PMID- 27146808
TI  - Optimal chin-brow vertical angle for sagittal visual fields in ankylosing
      spondylitis kyphosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chin-brow vertical angle (CBVA) is very important in correction of
      thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), especially for
      the patients with cervical ankylosis. In previous study, Suk et al. stated that
      the patients with CBVA between -10 degrees  and 10 degrees  had better horizontal
      gaze. Unfortunately, in our clinical practice, we found the patients with CBVA
      between -10 degrees  and 10 degrees  after surgery usually complained of
      difficulty in cooking, cleaning, desk working and the like, although they had
      excellent horizontal gaze. In other words, for the patients with cervical
      ankylosis, good horizontal gaze existed together with poor downward gaze. Then,
      which condition do the patients prefer? Is there a compromise solution that makes
      a better quality life possible for the patients? In this research, we studied AS
      patients with cervical ankylosis, aiming to investigate the optimal CBVA for
      deformity correction. METHODS: 25 AS thoracolumbar kyphotic patients with
      cervical ankylosis were studied, whose function and expectation of visual field
      related to life quality were assessed by questionnaire before and after surgery.
      Pre- and post-operative CBVA were obtained on lateral photos of the patients with
      free-standing posture, and 50 cases of CBVA were included, which were divided
      into six groups according to the angle irrespective of surgery (Group A, CBVA <0
      degrees ; Group B, 0 degrees  <= CBVA < 10 degrees ; Group C, 10 degrees  <= CBVA
      < 20 degrees ; Group D, 20 degrees  <= CBVA < 30 degrees ; Group E, 30 degrees 
      <= CBVA < 40 degrees ; Group F, CBVA >= 40 degrees ). Kruskal-Wallis test was
      used to assess all the groups in terms of various items in the questionnaire,
      while Mann-Whitney test was used to assess every two groups. RESULTS: In overall
      evaluation, Group C (10 degrees -20 degrees ) obtained the optimal expectation (p
      < 0.05); Group B, C and D (0 degrees -30 degrees ) obtained better function (p <
      0.05), and there was no significant difference between the 3 groups. In
      appearance, Group A, B and C (<20 degrees ) were better than the other groups
      both in function and expectation (p < 0.05), without dramatic difference among
      the three groups. In outdoor activities, Group A, B, C and D (<30 degrees ) were
      better in most of the items (p < 0.05). In indoor activities, Group C and D (10
      30 degrees ) were much better (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AS thoracolumbar kyphotic
      patients with cervical ankylosis had the best satisfaction when 10 degrees  <=
      CBVA < 20 degrees .

PMID- 27146809
TI  - Characterizing the differences between the 2D and 3D measurements of spine in
      adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is known to impact the 3D
      orientation of the spine and pelvis, the impact of the vertebral position
      relative to the X-ray scanner on the agreement between 2D and 3D measurements of
      a curve has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
      agreement between 2D and 3D measurements of the scoliotic curve as a function of
      the 3D spinal parameters in AIS. METHODS: Three independent observers measured
      the thoracic and lumbar Cobb angles, Kyphosis, and lordosis on the posterior
      anterior and lateral X-rays of AIS patients. The 3D reconstructions were created
      from bi-planar X-rays and the 3D spinal parameters were calculated in both radio
      and patient planes using SterEOS software. The degree of agreement between the 2D
      and 3D measurements was tested and its relationship with the curve axial rotation
      was determined. RESULTS: 2D and 3D measurements of the sagittal plane spinal
      parameters were significantly different (p < 0.05). The differences between the
      2D and 3D measurements were related to the apical vertebrae rotation, the
      orientation of the plane of maximum curvature, pelvic axial rotation, and the
      curve magnitude. Differences between the radio plane and patient plane
      measurements were related to the pelvic axial rotation, Cobb angles, and apical
      vertebrae rotation, p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Clinically and statistically
      significant differences were observed between the 2D and 3D measurements of the
      scoliotic spine. The differences between the 2D and 3D techniques were
      significant in sagittal plane and were related to the spinal curve and pelvic
      rotation in transverse plane.

PMID- 27146812
TI  - [In Process Citation].

PMID- 27146811
TI  - Accuracy of tidal volume delivered by home mechanical ventilation during
      mouthpiece ventilation: A bench evaluation.
AB  - The aim of our study was to evaluate efficacy and reliability of currently
      available ventilators for mouthpiece ventilation (MPV). Five life-support home
      ventilators were assessed in a bench test using different settings simulating the
      specificities of MPV, such as intermittent circuit disconnection and presence of
      continuous leaks. The intermittent disconnection of the circuit caused relevant
      swings in the delivered tidal volume ( VT), showing a VT overshoot during the
      disconnection periods and a VT decrease when the interface was reconnected to the
      test lung. The five ventilators showed substantial differences in the number of
      respiratory cycles necessary to reach a stable VT in the volume-controlled
      setting, ranging from 1.3 +/- 0.6 to 7.3 +/- 1.2 cycles. These differences were
      less accentuated in the volume-assisted setting (MPV-dedicated mode, when
      available). Our data show large differences in the capacity of the different
      ventilators to deal with the rapidly changing respiratory load features that
      characterize MPV, which can be further accentuated according to the used
      ventilator setting. The dedicated MPV modes allow improvement in the performance
      of ventilators only in some defined situations. This has practical consequences
      for the choice of the ventilator to be used for MPV in a specific patient.

PMID- 27146810
TI  - Monte Carlo cross-validation analysis screens pathway cross-talk associated with
      Parkinson's disease.
AB  - We purposed to identify underlying functional pathway cross-talk in Parkinson's
      disease (PD) through Monte Carlo cross-validation analysis. Microarray data set
      of E-GEOD-6613 was downloaded from ArrayExpress database. First, the
      identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was implemented,
      following by extracting the potential disrupted pathway enriched by DEGs. In
      addition, a discriminating score (DS) was computed based on the distribution of
      gene expression levels by quantifying their pathway cross-talk for each pair of
      pathways. Furthermore, random forest (RF) classification model was utilized to
      identify the top ten paired pathways with high AUC between PD and healthy control
      samples using the tenfold cross-validation method. Finally, Monte Carlo cross
      validation was repeated 50 times to explore the best pairs of pathways. After
      quantile normalization, a total of 9331 genes with higher than 0.25-fold quantile
      average across all samples were obtained. Totally, 42 DEGs and 19 differential
      pathways enriched from DEGs were identified. We then ranked each pathway
      according to their AUC values, the pair of pathways, phosphatidylcholine
      biosynthesis I, and PPAR signaling obtained the best AUC value of 0.942.
      Moreover, the paired pathways of mTOR signaling and CD28 signaling in T helper
      cells had higher AUC value of 0.837 in five bootstraps. Two paired pathways,
      including phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis I and PPAR signaling, as well as mTOR
      signaling and CD28 signaling in T helper cells were able to accurately classify
      PD and healthy control samples. Significantly, these paired pathways might be
      underlying biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapy of PD. 

PMID- 27146813
TI  - South Dakota illegally placed disabled people in nursing homes, federal
      investigation finds.

PMID- 27146814
TI  - No effects of pantoprazole on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin in healthy
      subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: Rosuvastatin disposition is modulated by the expression and activity of
      several membrane transporters including BCRP (ABCG2). The objective of our study
      was to investigate the effects of pantoprazole, a previously proposed BCRP
      inhibitor, on the disposition of rosuvastatin. METHODS: The impact of
      pantoprazole (40 mg ID for 2 days) on rosuvastatin pharmacokinetics was evaluated
      in healthy volunteers (n = 16) who received a single oral dose of rosuvastatin
      (10 mg) either alone or with pantoprazole. Rosuvastatin, N-desmethylrosuvastatin,
      and rosuvastatin lactone levels were quantified in plasma while rosuvastatin and
      N-desmethylrosuvastatin excretion were measured in urine. RESULTS: Ratios and 90
      % standard confidence interval of geometric means for C max (1.03 [0.91-1.16]),
      AUC0-infinity (1.03 [0.89-1.19]) and renal clearance (0.96 [0.85-1.09]) were all
      within the pre-specified range of 0.8-1.25, indicating a lack of drug-drug
      interaction between pantoprazole and rosuvastatin. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant
      administration of pantoprazole with rosuvastatin did not affect rosuvastatin
      plasma concentrations. The use of pantoprazole as a BCRP inhibitor should be
      revisited when characterizing BCRP-mediated transport in humans.

PMID- 27146815
TI  - Clinical significance of ADAMTS1, ADAMTS5, ADAMTS9 aggrecanases and IL-17A, IL
      23, IL-33 cytokines in polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine
      disorders among women of reproductive age. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase
      with thrombospondin-like motifs (ADAMTS) are involved in inflammation and
      fertility. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the serum levels of
      ADAMTS1, ADAMTS5, ADAMTS9, IL-17, IL-23, IL-33 and to find out the relationship
      between these inflammatory cytokines and ADAMTSs in PCOS patients. METHODS: A
      case-control study was performed in a training and research hospital. Eighty
      patients with PCOS and seventy-eight healthy female volunteers were recruited in
      the present study. Serum ADAMTS and IL levels were determined by a human enzyme
      linked immunoassay (ELISA) in all subjects. RESULTS: The IL-17A, IL-23 and IL-33
      levels were significantly higher in the PCOS patients compared to the controls (p
      < 0.05). We could not find significant difference between the groups in terms of
      ADAMTS1, ADAMTS5 and ADAMTS9 levels. IL-17A had positive correlations with LDL
      cholesterol and IL-33 and negative correlations with ADAMTS1, ADAMTS5, and
      ADAMTS9. IL-33 had positive correlation with LDL cholesterol and IL-17A. In ROC
      curve analysis, PCOS can be predicted by the use of IL-17A, IL-23 and IL-33 which
      at a cut-off value of 8.37 pg/mL (44 % sensitivity, 83 % specificity), 26.75
      pg/mL (36 % sensitivity, 64 % specificity) and 14.28 pg/mL (83 % sensitivity, 39
      % specificity), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study might suggest
      that ADAMTS and IL molecules have a role in the pathogenesis of the PCOS. Further
      efforts are needed to establish causality for ADAMTS-IL axis.

PMID- 27146816
TI  - Heterogeneous firing rate response of mouse layer V pyramidal neurons in the
      fluctuation-driven regime.
AB  - KEY POINTS: We recreated in vitro the fluctuation-driven regime observed at the
      soma during asynchronous network activity in vivo and we studied the firing rate
      response as a function of the properties of the membrane potential fluctuations.
      We provide a simple analytical template that captures the firing response of both
      pyramidal neurons and various theoretical models. We found a strong heterogeneity
      in the firing rate response of layer V pyramidal neurons: in particular,
      individual neurons differ not only in their mean excitability level, but also in
      their sensitivity to fluctuations. Theoretical modelling suggest that this
      observed heterogeneity might arise from various expression levels of the
      following biophysical properties: sodium inactivation, density of sodium channels
      and spike frequency adaptation. ABSTRACT: Characterizing the input-output
      properties of neocortical neurons is of crucial importance for understanding the
      properties emerging at the network level. In the regime of low-rate irregular
      firing (such as in the awake state), determining those properties for neocortical
      cells remains, however, both experimentally and theoretically challenging. Here,
      we studied this problem using a combination of theoretical modelling and in vitro
      experiments. We first identified, theoretically, three somatic variables that
      describe the dynamical state at the soma in this fluctuation-driven regime: the
      mean, standard deviation and time constant of the membrane potential
      fluctuations. Next, we characterized the firing rate response of individual layer
      V pyramidal cells in this three-dimensional space by means of perforated-patch
      recordings and dynamic clamp in the visual cortex of juvenile mice in vitro. We
      found that individual neurons strongly differ not only in terms of their
      excitability, but also, and unexpectedly, in their sensitivities to fluctuations.
      Finally, using theoretical modelling, we attempted to reproduce these results.
      The model predicts that heterogeneous levels of biophysical properties such as
      sodium inactivation, sharpness of sodium activation and spike frequency
      adaptation account for the observed diversity of firing rate responses. Because
      the firing rate response will determine population rate dynamics during
      asynchronous neocortical activity, our results show that cortical populations are
      functionally strongly inhomogeneous in young mouse visual cortex, which should
      have important consequences on the strategies of cortical computation at early
      stages of sensory processing.

PMID- 27146817
TI  - Duration of sick leave after shoulder arthroscopy in Germany: analysis of health
      care data.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The expected duration of incapacity after arthroscopic shoulder
      surgery is an important factor for therapy planning. The aim of this study was to
      analyze the duration of sick leave after arthroscopic shoulder surgery in Germany
      and to identify factors associated with a longer duration of sick leave. We
      hypothesized that certain patient-related factors may be associated with a longer
      duration of sick leave. METHODS: Routine health care data of all patients insured
      by one German health insurance company who underwent inpatient arthroscopic
      shoulder surgery between 2010 and 2012 were included in the analysis of the
      duration of sick leave in this retrospective cohort study (level III evidence).
      Comparisons were performed for different arthroscopic surgical procedures using
      the log-rank test. Possible factors that might be associated with a longer
      duration of incapacity were analyzed. RESULTS: Sick leave was reported in 303 of
      660 cases. The median duration of sick leave was 82 days after subacromial
      decompression and 157 days after rotator cuff repair (p = 0.004). The duration of
      sick leave was longer in patients older than 50 years (p = 0.044) and in patients
      with sick leave that started prior to surgery (p < 0.001). Patients not receiving
      physiotherapy had a longer period of sick leave (p = 0.058). The median period of
      prescribed physiotherapy (64 days) was shorter than the period of incapacity. The
      duration of disability was not notably longer in female patients, patients taking
      opioid or antidepressant medication or diabetics. CONCLUSIONS: The duration of
      sick leave after arthroscopic shoulder surgery in Germany does not exceed sick
      leave duration in other countries. More complex procedures, advanced age and sick
      leave beginning prior to surgery resulted in longer durations of sick leave.
      Preoperative prognosis of the necessary duration of postoperative sick leave may
      not always be realistic. An extended period of sick leave can be expected after
      more complex procedures and in patients older than 50 years of age. Future
      studies should investigate whether a longer period of physiotherapy may help to
      shorten the period of postoperative sick leave.

PMID- 27146818
TI  - Real-time elastography of patellar tendon in patients with auto-graft bone-tendon
      bone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patellar tendon donor site has been previously evaluated in
      patients with auto-graft bone-tendon-bone (BTB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      reconstruction using either magnetic resonance imaging or B mode ultrasound.
      However, donor site patellar tendon strain ratio-reflecting structural features
      has not been studied with US elastography. Here, we ascertain real-time
      elastography properties of patellar tendon donor site and clinical relevance of
      these properties in patients with auto-graft BTB ACL reconstruction in the
      postoperative period. METHODS: Patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using
      BTB autograft were evaluated. Demographic, operative and clinical data (severity
      of pain, Lysholm Knee score, sit to stand test, packages/year for smoking amount)
      were noted. Patellar tendons of the operated knees were evaluated by ultrasound
      (length and thickness) and sonoelastography (strain ratio). The healthy knees of
      the patients constituted the control group. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (17 M, 1
      F; mean age 30.9 +/- 7 years) were evaluated. Mean postoperative follow-up period
      was 22.1 +/- 2.6 (range 18-26) months. Patellar tendons were shorter and thicker
      on the operated side when compared with the contralateral side (both p = 0.001).
      Patellar tendon strain ratios of the operated side were lower than the
      contralateral side (harder tendon on operated side). While there was no
      correlation between strain ratios and clinical variables (age, BMI, postoperative
      time, severity of pain, Lysholm score, all p values > 0.05), significant negative
      correlations were detected between strain ratios of proximal, middle and distal
      thirds of operated side and amount of smoking (p = 0.008, r = -0.607, p = 0.009,
      r = -0.598, p = 0.023, r = -0.533, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patellar tendons on
      the operated sides seemed to thicken and shorten with decreased strain ratios at
      the donor side compared to the healthy side at an average of 2-year follow-up in
      patients with ACL reconstruction using BTB autograft, and amount of smoking had
      negative relationship with strain ratio of donor patellar tendon.

PMID- 27146819
TI  - Evaluating the potential synergistic benefit of a realignment brace on patients
      receiving exercise therapy for patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized
      clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been previously shown that exercise programs for
      patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) can be supported by medially directed taping.
      Evidence supporting the use of patellar braces is limited because previous
      studies have been low quality. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes
      of patients with PFPS after treatment with a medially directed patellar
      realignment brace and supervised exercise. METHODS: In a prospective randomized
      multicenter trial, 156 patients with PFPS were included and randomly assigned to
      6 weeks of supervised physiotherapy in combination with the patellar realignment
      brace, or supervised physiotherapy alone. Outcome measures were the Knee Injury
      and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales, numeric analog pain scores,
      and the Kujala score at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year after the start
      of therapy. The patient's self-reported perception of recovery was also assessed
      at these points. RESULTS: Both treatment groups showed a significant improvement
      in all outcome measures over the study period. After 6 and 12 weeks of therapy,
      patients in the brace group had significantly higher KOOS sub-scale scores, a
      higher mean Kujala score, and less pain while climbing stairs or playing sports.
      After 54 weeks a group difference could be only detected for the KOOS ADL sub
      scale. CONCLUSION: The use of a medially directed realignment brace leads to
      better outcomes in patients with PFPS than exercise alone after 6 and 12 weeks of
      treatment. After 1 year of follow-up this positive effect diminished.

PMID- 27146820
TI  - Risk comparison of bleeding and ischemic perioperative complications after acute
      and elective orthopedic surgery in patients with cardiovascular disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The study objective was to ascertain the incidence of bleeding and
      ischemic complications related to acute and planned orthopedic surgery in
      patients with known cardiovascular diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study
      conducted between 2010 and 2013 enrolled 477 patients (289 women, 188 men) with a
      diagnosed cardiovascular disease or a history of thromboembolic event. Aside from
      gender, age, height and weight, the study observed other anamnestic data and
      perioperative laboratory test results that may impact on a bleeding or ischemic
      event. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-two (57 %) patients had acute surgery, and
      205 (43 %) patients had elective surgery. Complications arose in 55 (11.6 %)
      patients, 32 (6.9 %) had bleeding complications, 19 (4.0 %) ischemic
      complications, and both complications were experienced by 4 (0.8 %) patients.
      Bleeding developed in 14 (5.1 %) patients who had acute surgery, and in 22 (10.7
      %) who had elective surgery. Twenty-two (8.1 %) patients having acute surgery and
      one (0.1 %) undergoing elective surgery suffered from ischemic complications. The
      incidence of bleeding complications was significantly higher in elective surgery
      (p = 0.026, OR 2.22), and when adjusted (general anaesthesia, gender, and use of
      warfarin), the difference was even higher (p = 0.015, OR 2.44), whereas the
      occurrence of ischemic complications was significantly higher in acute surgery (p
      = 0.005, OR 18.0), and when adjusted (age), the difference remained significant
      (p = 0.044, OR 8.3). CONCLUSIONS: The study noted a significantly higher
      incidence of bleeding complications in elective orthopedic surgery when compared
      with acute surgery. Conversely, the incidence of ischemic complications was
      significantly higher in patients having acute orthopedic surgery when compared
      with those operated on electively.

PMID- 27146822
TI  - Erratum to: Incidence of malignancy in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis:
      a meta-analysis.

PMID- 27146821
TI  - Using an Integrated Approach to Assess the Sediment Quality of an Mediterranean
      Lagoon, the Bizerte Lagoon (Tunisia).
AB  - The present study investigates the quality of surface sediments from the Bizerte
      lagoon (North Tunisia) using an integrated approach including chemical
      contaminant analysis, bioassays and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). Sediment
      samples were collected at 9 sites and analyzed for eight heavy metals (Hg, Cd,
      Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Fe and Mn). PAHs, PCBs, OCPs were measured previously in the
      same sediment samples. Our results indicated that the highest concentrations of
      metals were found near urban areas due to the municipial and industrial
      wastewater discharges. Sediment pollution assessment was carried out using
      geoaccumulation index and enrichment factor, which indicate a widespread
      pollution by Cd, Pb, Ni and Zn in the studied sediments. For bioassays, aqueous
      and organic extracts were used to assess toxicity and genotoxicity in sediments
      by using Microtox((r)) and SOS Chromotest, respectively. Toxicity levels were
      compared to metallic and organic pollutants contents. Our results highlight
      differences in the pattern of responses between the different assays and show no
      correlation with all the studied contaminants, emphasizing the influence of other
      contaminants not analyzed in the present study. Based on SQGs, the results of
      toxicity assessment indicated that adverse effects caused by Ni and Zn would be
      expected frequently. Nickel was found to have the highest predicted acute
      toxicity, followed by Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu and Cr. There was no significant
      relationship between sediment toxicity calculated from heavy metal concentrations
      (SQG approach) and those measured with bioassays. These findings support the use
      of integrated approachs for evaluating the environmental risks of sediments. 

PMID- 27146824
TI  - Successful Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplant
      Cyclophosphamide in a Severe Combined Immune Deficiency Patient: a First Report.

PMID- 27146823
TI  - PU.1 controls the expression of long noncoding RNA HOTAIRM1 during granulocytic
      differentiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long noncoding RNA HOX antisense intergenic RNA myeloid 1 (HOTAIRM1)
      has been characterized as a critical factor in all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)
      induced differentiation of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cells. However, the
      essential transcription factor for gene expression of HOTAIRM1 is still unknown.
      FINDINGS: Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that PU.1
      constitutively bound to the regulatory region of HOTAIRM1. Co-expression of PU.1
      led to the transactivation of the regulatory region of HOTAIRM1 in a reporter
      assay. Detailed analysis showed that two PU.1 motifs, which were located around
      +1100 bp downstream of the transcriptional start site of the HOTAIRM1 promoter,
      were responsible for the PU.1-dependent transactivation. The induction of
      HOTAIRM1 by ATRA was dependent on PU.1, and ectopic expression of PU.1
      significantly up-regulated HOTAIRM1. Furthermore, low HOTAIRM1 expression was
      observed in APL cells, which was attributed to the reduced PU.1 expression rather
      than the repression by PML-RARalpha via the direct binding. CONCLUSION: PU.1
      directly activates the expression of HOTAIRM1 through binding to the regulatory
      region of HOTAIRM1 during granulocytic differentiation. The reduced PU.1
      expression, rather than PML-RARalpha itself, results in the low expression of
      HOTAIRM1 in APL cells. Our findings enrich the knowledge on the regulation of
      lncRNAs and the underlying mechanisms of the abnormal expression of lncRNAs
      involved in APL.

PMID- 27146825
TI  - Testing the Activity of Complement Convertases in Serum/Plasma for Diagnosis of
      C4NeF-Mediated C3 Glomerulonephritis.
AB  - Autoantibodies termed C3-nephritic factor (C3NeF), which stabilize convertases of
      the alternative complement pathway, often stimulate autoinflammatory diseases.
      However, knowledge about analogous autoantibodies acting on the classical pathway
      (C4NeF) is limited to a few reports, which indicate association with kidney
      dysfunction, systemic lupus erythematous, and infections. C4NeF may appear
      independently from C3NeF, but the lack of a routine diagnostic method predisposes
      C4NeF for being an underestimated player in autoinflammatory episodes. We tested
      the activity of classical convertases directly in serum/plasma to screen samples
      from 13 patients with C3 glomerulopathies and identified one patient showing
      significantly prolonged half-life of these enzymes. Observed effect was
      reproduced by immunoglobulins purified from patient's plasma and additionally
      confirmed on classical convertase built from purified components. Isolated
      immunoglobulins protected classical convertases from both spontaneous and
      inhibitor-driven decay but not from C4b proteolysis. The patient had a decreased
      serum level of C3, elevated sC5b-9, and normal concentrations of factor B and C4.
      Neither C3NeF nor other autoantibodies directed against alternative pathway
      proteins (factor H, factor B, factor I, C3, and properdin) were found. Genetic
      analysis showed no mutations in C3, CFB, CFH, CFI, MCP, THBD, and DGKE genes.
      Renal biopsy revealed a membranoproliferative pattern with intense C3 deposits.
      Our results underline the importance of C4NeF as an independent pathogenic factor
      and a need for the implementation of routine examination of classical convertase
      activity. Proposed method may enable robust inspection of such atypical cases.

PMID- 27146826
TI  - Ileal stricture following Meckel's diverticulitis: a rare cause of intestinal
      obstruction.
AB  - We report a very rare case of Meckel's diverticulitis with ileal stricture at the
      base of the diverticulum in a young adult as a cause of recurrent small bowel
      obstruction lasting for 7 years. None of the pre-operative investigations were
      able to diagnose the cause of obstruction. The patient had undergone
      appendicectomy 3 years ago but without any relief. Thereafter he was given a
      therapeutic trial of anti-tubercular drugs, but his symptoms rather worsened with
      this treatment. Finally, the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulitis with ileal
      stricture was made on exploratory laparotomy. The patient recovered well
      following segmental ileal resection including the stricture and inflamed Meckel's
      diverticulum. This unusual case highlights that such a rare clinical entity
      should be considered as a differential diagnosis while dealing with cases of
      recurrent distal ileal obstruction so as to avoid misdiagnosis and mismanagement
      as happened in the present case. 

PMID- 27146828
TI  - Can Short-Term Use of Electronic Patient Adherence Monitoring Devices Improve
      Adherence in Patients Failing Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy? Evidence from a
      Pilot Study in Johannesburg, South Africa.
AB  - High levels of adherence are required to achieve the full benefit of ART. We
      assess the effectiveness of electronic adherence monitoring devices among
      patients failing second-line ART, as measured by viral load suppression. Cohort
      study of WisepillTM real-time adherence monitoring in addition to intensified
      adherence counselling over 3 months in adults with a viral load >=400 copies/ml
      on second-line ART in Johannesburg, South Africa between August 2013 and January
      2014. Patients were sent SMS reminders upon missing a scheduled dose. We compared
      outcomes to earlier historical cohorts receiving either intensified adherence
      counselling or adherence counselling alone. Overall, 63 % of the participants
      (31/49) took >80 % of their prescribed medication; this dropped from 76 to 53 and
      49 % at 1, 2 and 3 months post-enrolment respectively. Compared to those with
      good adherence (>80 %), participants with poor adherence (<=80 %) had a higher
      risk for a subsequently elevated viral load >=400 copies/ml (relative risk (RR)
      1.47 95 % CI 0.97-2.23). Participants found the intervention "acceptable and
      useful" but by 6 months after eligibility they were only slightly more likely to
      be alive, in care and virally suppressed compared to those who received
      intensified adherence counselling (44.9 vs. 38.5 %; RR 1.19; 95 % CI 0.85-1.67)
      or adherence counselling alone (44.9 vs. 40.9 %; RR 1.12; 95 % CI 0.81-1.56). In
      patients with an elevated viral load on second-line ART electronic adherence
      monitoring was associated with a modest, but not significant, improvement in
      viral suppression.

PMID- 27146829
TI  - Factors Related to Pregnancy Among Female Sex Workers Living with HIV in the
      Dominican Republic.
AB  - Female sex workers (FSWs) living with HIV are a vulnerable population for
      multiple health concerns and have been vastly understudied in public health
      literature. This study analyzes factors related to pregnancy among 268 FSWs
      living with HIV in the Dominican Republic. Results indicate that 34 % of
      participants had been pregnant since HIV diagnosis. Multivariate analysis
      revealed significant associations between pregnancy after HIV diagnosis and ART
      interruption (AOR 2.41; 95 % CI 1.19, 4.94), knowledge of mother-to-child
      transmission (AOR 2.12; 95 % CI 0.99, 4.55), serostatus disclosure to a sex
      partner (AOR 2.46; 95 % CI 1.31, 4.62), older age (AOR 0.91; 95 % CI 0.87, 0.95)
      and a more negative perception of their health provider (AOR 0.56; 95 % CI 0.34,
      0.93). Results indicate noteworthy associations between having been pregnant and
      the health provider experience and ART interruption, indicating a significant
      need for further research on this population to ensure both maternal and child
      health.

PMID- 27146827
TI  - Sharing of Investigational Drug Among Participants in the Voice Trial.
AB  - Product sharing among participants can impact on adherence and compromise the
      outcome in clinical trials. We describe incidents of product sharing at the
      Durban clinical research sites conducting the VOICE trial. The Durban sites
      enrolled 2750 women with 1103 and 1647 participants randomized to the vaginal gel
      and oral tablet arms respectively. Monthly pill and applicator counts including
      product assessments were conducted by pharmacists. Discrepancies with product
      counts prompted discussions with participants. Thirty-two cases of product
      sharing were identified. Vaginal gels were more commonly shared than oral
      tablets. Product sharing between study participants and their female friends or
      relatives living in the same household was identified as the most common source
      of product sharing in this analysis. Study product counts and pharmacist-driven
      discussions with participants may help to identify reasons for product sharing
      and inform the development of strategies for PrEP implementation outside of the
      research setting. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00705679.

PMID- 27146830
TI  - Ankle proprioceptive acuity is associated with objective as well as self-report
      measures of balance, mobility, and physical function.
AB  - Ankle proprioceptive information is integrated by the central nervous system to
      generate and modulate muscle contractions for maintaining standing balance. This
      study evaluated the association of ankle joint proprioception with objective and
      self-report measures of balance, mobility, and physical function across the adult
      life span. Seven hundred and ninety participants (age range 24-97 years, 362
      women) who completed ankle proprioception assessment between 2010 and 2014 were
      included in the present study from the population-based cohort of the Baltimore
      Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), USA. Outcome measures included ankle joint
      proprioception measured as threshold for perception of passive movement (TPPM);
      single leg stance time; perceived difficulty for standing balance; usual,
      fastest, and narrow-path gait speed; walking index; short physical performance
      battery score; and self-reported activity restriction due to fear of falling.
      Descriptive variables included age, sex, body mass index, education, strength,
      and cognition. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) in general linear model (GLM) or
      multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed, as appropriate, to test
      the hypothesis that balance, mobility, and physical function were significantly
      different according to TPPM quintiles even after adjusting for relevant
      covariates. Those with TPPM >2.2 degrees  consistently demonstrated poor balance,
      mobility, and physical function. However, with increase in challenge (single leg
      stance, fastest walking speed, and SPPB), TPPM >1.4 degrees  was associated with
      significantly worse performance. In conclusion, ankle proprioceptive acuity has
      an overall graded relationship with objective and self-report measures of
      balance, mobility, and physical function. However, the cutoff proprioceptive
      acuity associated with substantial decline or inability to perform could depend
      on the challenge induced. 

PMID- 27146831
TI  - Fitness but not weight status is associated with projected physical independence
      in older adults.
AB  - Obesity and fitness have been associated with older adults' physical
      independence. We aimed to investigate the independent and combined associations
      of physical fitness and adiposity, assessed by body mass index (BMI) and waist
      circumference (WC) with the projected ability for physical independence. A total
      of 3496 non-institutionalized older adults aged 65 and older (1167 male) were
      included in the analysis. BMI and WC were assessed and categorized according to
      established criteria. Physical fitness was evaluated with the Senior Fitness Test
      and individual test results were expressed as Z-scores. Projected ability for
      physical independence was assessed with the 12-item composite physical function
      scale. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for being
      physically dependent. A total of 30.1 % of participants were classified as at
      risk for losing physical independence at age 90 years. Combined fitness and
      fatness analysis demonstrated that unfit older adults had increased odds ratio
      for being physically dependent in all BMI categories (normal: OR = 9.5, 95 %CI =
      6.5-13.8; overweight: OR = 6.0, 95 %CI = 4.3-8.3; obese: OR = 6.7, 95 %CI = 4.6
      10.0) and all WC categories (normal: OR = 10.4, 95%CI = 6.5-16.8; middle: OR =
      6.2, 95 %CI = 4.1-9.3; upper: OR = 7.0, 95 %CI = 4.8-10.0) compared to fit
      participants that were of normal weight and fit participants with normal WC,
      respectively. No increased odds ratio was observed for fit participants that had
      increased BMI or WC. In conclusion, projected physical independence may be
      enhanced by a normal weight, a normal WC, or an increased physical fitness.
      Adiposity measures were not associated with physical independence, whereas
      fitness is independently related to physical independence. Independent of their
      weight and WC status, unfit older adults are at increased risk for losing
      physical independence. 

PMID- 27146833
TI  - New York State Public Health System Response to Hurricane Sandy: An Analysis of
      Survey Feedback.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective was to provide a broad spectrum of New York State and
      local public health staff the opportunity to contribute anonymous feedback on
      their own and their agencies' preparedness and response to Hurricane Sandy,
      perceived challenges, and recommendations for preparedness improvement. METHODS:
      In 2015, 2 years after Hurricane Sandy, public health staff who worked on
      Hurricane Sandy response were identified and were provided a link to the
      anonymous survey. Quantitative analyses were used for survey ratings and
      qualitative content analyses were used for open-ended questions. RESULTS: Surveys
      were completed by 129 local health department (LHD) staff in 3 counties heavily
      impacted by Sandy (Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester) and 69 staff in the New York
      State Department of Health who supported the LHDs. Staff agreed that their
      Hurricane Sandy responsibilities were clearly defined and that they had access to
      adequate information to perform their jobs. Challenges were reported in the
      operational, communication, service interruptions, and staff categories, with LHD
      staff also reporting challenges with shelters. CONCLUSIONS: New York local and
      state public health staff indicated that they were prepared for Hurricane Sandy.
      However, their feedback identified specific challenges and recommendations that
      can be addressed to implement improved preparedness and response strategies.
      (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:454-462).

PMID- 27146832
TI  - Intravenous paracetamol for PDA closure in the preterm: a single-center
      experience.
AB  - Increasing recent evidence favors paracetamol use for patent ductus arteriosus
      (PDA) closure in preterms. Our study aims were (1) to assess efficacy and safety
      of intravenous (i.v.) paracetamol for PDA closure in a 23-32-week preterm
      population, as "first-line" (when traditional ibuprofen treatment was
      contraindicated) or "rescue" treatment (after ibuprofen failed), and (2) to
      identify predictors of PDA closure. The cumulative efficacy of consecutive cycles
      of i.v. paracetamol on PDA closure was confirmed after both "first-line" and
      "rescue" treatment, the overall PDA closure rates being, respectively, 56.7 and
      61.1 % (p = 0.7624) after two cycles and 63.3 and 77.8 % (p = 0.2959) after three
      cycles. No toxicity was apparent after either "first-line" or "rescue" i.v.
      paracetamol treatment. On multivariate analysis, gestational age (GA) emerged as
      an independent predictor of PDA closure in the "first-line" i.v. paracetamol
      treatment group, while clinical risk index for babies (CRIB) score (a patient
      risk index based on birth weight, GA at birth, sex, patient's temperature on
      admission, and maximum base excess in first 12 h of life) was an independent
      predictor of PDA closure failure in the "rescue" group. CONCLUSION: I.V.
      paracetamol proved effective in our study population. Randomized control trials
      (RCTs) are warranted to further investigate the efficacy and safety of i.v.
      paracetamol for PDA closure in preterms. WHAT IS KNOWN: * Oral paracetamol has
      been judged as effective as oral ibuprofen for PDA closure in the preterm. * To
      date, only a handful of non-randomized studies exist to support the effectiveness
      of i.v. paracetamol in PDA closure. What is New: * Our observations confirm the
      clinical efficacy of i.v. paracetamol for PDA closure in a very low birth weight
      (VLBW)/extremely low birth weight (ELBW) preterm population. * Gestational age
      and CRIB score emerge as independent predictors of PDA closure.

PMID- 27146834
TI  - Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels, MMP-9 gene haplotypes, and
      cardiovascular risk in obese subjects.
AB  - Plasma matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is a predictor of cardiovascular
      mortality, and MMP-9 polymorphisms affect plasma MMP-9 levels. However, no study
      examined whether MMP-9 haplotypes affect MMP-9 levels in obese adults. We
      examined whether MMP-9 polymorphisms and haplotypes are associated with obesity,
      and whether they affect MMP-9 levels in obese subjects. We examined the plasma
      levels of MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 in 105
      subjects with normal weight (controls), 100 obese subjects, and 156 obese
      subjects with >=3 metabolic risk factors (MRFs). We determined genotypes for
      three polymorphisms: C-1562T (rs3918242), Q279R (A>G, rs17576), and R668Q (G>A,
      rs17577). MMP-9 levels and activity (MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio) were higher in obese
      subjects than in controls (P < 0.05). However, MMP-9 levels were higher in obese
      subjects with >=3 MRFs than in obese subjects (P < 0.05). Obese subjects with >=3
      MRFs carrying the GA+AA genotypes for R668Q (G>A) polymorphism had higher MMP-9
      levels than subjects carrying the AA genotype (P < 0.05). The "T, G, A" haplotype
      was more common in both groups of obese subjects than in controls (OR 3.95 and
      4.39, respectively; P < 0.01). Notably, obese subjects with >=3 MRFs carrying the
      "T, G, A" haplotype had higher MMP-9 levels than subjects carrying the "C, A, G"
      reference haplotype (P < 0.05). The "T, G, A" haplotype was associated with an
      increased risk of obesity and affected MMP-9 levels in obese subjects with >=3
      MRFs. Our findings suggest that plasma MMP-9 levels and MMP-9 haplotypes may help
      to discriminate obese subjects at an increased cardiovascular risk. 

PMID- 27146835
TI  - NAFLD as a risk factor for HCC: new rules of engagement?

PMID- 27146836
TI  - Next-generation sequencing for diagnosis of thoracic aortic aneurysms and
      dissections: diagnostic yield, novel mutations and genotype phenotype
      correlations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD) are silent but
      possibly lethal condition with up to 40 % of cases being hereditary. Genetic
      background is heterogeneous. Recently next-generation sequencing enabled
      efficient and cost-effective examination of gene panels. Aim of the study was to
      define the diagnostic yield of NGS in the 51 TAAD patients and to look for
      genotype-phenotype correlations within families of the patients with TAAD.
      METHODS: 51 unrelated TAAD patients were examined by either whole exome
      sequencing or TruSight One sequencing panel. We analyzed rare variants in 10
      established thoracic aortic aneurysms-associated genes. Whenever possible, we
      looked for co-segregation in the families. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was
      constructed to compare the event-free survival depending on genotype. Aortic
      events were defined as acute aortic dissection or first planned aortic surgery.
      RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In 21 TAAD patients we found 22 rare variants, 6 (27.3 %)
      of these were previously reported, and 16 (73.7 %) were novel. Based on
      segregation data, functional analysis and software estimations we assumed that
      three of novel variants were causative, nine likely causative. Remaining four
      were classified as of unknown significance (2) and likely benign (2). In all, 9
      (17.6 %) of 51 probands had a positive result when considering variants
      classified as causative only and 18 (35.3 %) if likely causative were also
      included. Genotype-positive probands (n = 18) showed shorter mean event free
      survival (41 years, CI 35-46) than reference group, i.e. those (n = 29) without
      any plausible variant identified (51 years, CI 45-57, p = 0.0083). This effect
      was also found when the 'genotype-positive' group was restricted to probands with
      'likely causative' variants (p = 0.0092) which further supports pathogenicity of
      these variants. The mean event free survival was particularly low (37 years, CI
      27-47) among the probands with defects in the TGF beta signaling (p = 0.0033 vs.
      the reference group). CONCLUSIONS: This study broadens the spectrum of genetic
      background of thoracic aneurysms and dissections and supports its potential role
      as a prognostic factor in the patients with the disease.

PMID- 27146837
TI  - Are Some Anticoagulants More Equal Than Others? - Evaluating the Role of Novel
      Oral Anticoagulants in AF Ablation.
AB  - Left atrial ablation strategies are being increasingly performed as a Class 1
      therapeutic indication for drug refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).
      Traditionally AF ablation has been performed with patients on uninterrupted
      warfarin therapy, however over the last few years, novel oral anticoagulants
      (NOACs) have emerged as attractive alternatives to warfarin in order to reduce
      stroke risk due to AF. NOACs are therefore increasingly being used instead of
      warfarin in the management of AF. There is also mounting evidence mainly in the
      form of small randomised studies and meta-analysis that have demonstrated that
      the use of NOACs for AF ablation is efficacious, safe and convenient. However the
      peri-procedural dosing protocols used in various studies especially in terms of
      whether NOAC use is interrupted or uninterrupted during AF ablation, have
      significant inter-operator and inter-institution variability. Currently there is
      also a lack of randomised controlled trials to validate the data obtained from
      meta-analyses. There is also evidence that use of NOACs may increase the
      requirement of unfractionated heparin during the procedure. This review article
      shall examine the currently available evidence-base, appraise the gaps in the
      current evidence and also underscore the need for larger randomised clinical
      trials in this rapidly developing field.

PMID- 27146838
TI  - A prospective study of autoantibodies to Ezrin and pancreatic cancer risk.
AB  - PURPOSE: No biomarker is available for pancreatic cancer early detection, but a
      small prospective European study involving 16 cases and 32 controls raised the
      possibility that anti-Ezrin autoantibodies may be associated with risk of
      pancreatic cancer. We aimed to validate this finding in a case-control study
      nested within a prospective study in the USA. METHODS: Levels of anti-Ezrin
      autoantibodies were examined using ELISA in pre-diagnostic plasma samples of 73
      cases and 145 matched controls. Paired t test and paired signed rank tests were
      used to determine the difference between two groups, and conditional logistic
      regression was used to evaluate the association between anti-Ezrin autoantibody
      levels and risk of developing pancreatic cancer. RESULTS: No association was
      found between levels of anti-Ezrin plasma autoantibodies and subsequent risk of
      developing pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSION: Anti-Ezrin autoantibodies did not
      appear to be useful as a plasma biomarker for early detection of pancreatic
      cancer.

PMID- 27146839
TI  - Correlates of objectively measured sedentary behavior in breast cancer survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence indicates increased sedentary behavior is
      associated with poorer health outcomes and quality of life among cancer
      survivors. However, very little is known about which factors are associated with
      increased sedentary behavior. The purpose of the present study was to examine
      potential correlates of sedentary behavior among breast cancer survivors.
      METHODS: We used hierarchical general linear modeling to examine the associations
      between demographic, disease-specific, and psychosocial factors at baseline and
      accelerometer-estimated daily proportion of time spent sedentary at 6 months in
      breast cancer survivors [n = 342; M age = 56.7 (SD = 9.4)]. All models adjusted
      for objectively measured moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity and
      sedentary behavior at baseline. RESULTS: The final model including all baseline
      potential predictor variables and physical activity and sedentary behavior
      explained 49.8 % of the variance in the proportion of daily time spent sedentary
      at 6 months. The following factors were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with
      increased sedentary behavior among breast cancer survivors: higher number of
      comorbidities, more advanced disease stage, and increased fatigue severity.
      Additionally, being treated with surgery and chemotherapy was significantly
      related to a lower proportion of time spent sedentary compared to women who had
      received surgery alone. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary insight into
      factors associated with sedentary behavior in breast cancer survivors. Future
      research is warranted to understand the potential demographic, disease-specific,
      psychosocial correlates of sedentary behavior to determine which correlates are
      potential mechanisms of behavior change and intervention targets.

PMID- 27146840
TI  - Plasma phospholipids fatty acids, dietary fatty acids, and breast cancer risk.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study prospectively investigates associations between fatty acids
      assessed in plasma phospholipids (PPL) and diet, and breast cancer risk,
      including subgroups defined by hormone receptor status. METHODS: We performed a
      case-cohort analysis within the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study using a
      random sample of 2,021 women and 470 breast cancer cases. At baseline, fatty
      acids were assessed in PPL and estimated from diet using a 121-item food
      frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI)
      were estimated using Cox regression. RESULTS: Breast cancer risk was positively
      associated with %PPL saturated fatty acids (SFA); HRQ5vsQ1 = 1.64 (95 % CI 1.17
      2.30); p trend = 0.004. Positive associations were found for ER+ or PR+ tumors
      for %PPL SFA and palmitic acid and for ER-/PR- tumors for %PPL n-6
      polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), TFA, TFA 16:1, and TFA 18:1n-7 (all p
      homogeneity <0.05). Breast cancer risk was inversely associated with dietary
      docosapentaenoic acid (DPA); HRQ5vsQ1 = 0.57 (95 % CI 0.40-0.82); p trend = 0.001
      [with similar inverse associations observed for dietary docosahexaenoic (DHA) and
      eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)] and positively associated with dietary n-6:n-3 PUFA.
      Inverse associations for ER-/PR- tumors were found for dietary dihomo-gamma
      linolenic acid (DGLA) for older women (p homogeneity = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Breast
      cancer risk was positively associated with %PPL SFA and the ratio of dietary n-6
      to n-3 PUFA and inversely associated with dietary long-chain n-3 PUFA intake.
      Some associations between fatty acids and breast cancer varied by age and tumor
      phenotype defined by hormone receptor status. Increased intake of fish and other
      foods rich in long-chain n-3 PUFAs and reduced n-6 PUFA intake might reduce
      breast cancer risk.

PMID- 27146841
TI  - Through the eyes of the Informationist: Identifying information needs of the
      Breast Imaging Service at a tertiary medical center specializing in cancer.
AB  - The information services offered by Embedded Librarians over the years have led
      to the more modern-and domain knowledge-specific-role of the Informationist. A 10
      point questionnaire was developed and used to interview 12 attending physicians
      and three fellows chosen at random. The participants are either on the research
      track (n = 3) or the clinical track (n = 9). A two-part schematic was also
      created to capture more detailed feedback about the information needs and
      information-seeking behavior of clinicians regarding patient care (clinical) and
      research activities. Bibliographic management tool use and time-related factors
      were also captured in the interviews and written schematics. The role of the
      Informationist is an emerging, yet valuable one to assigned clinical groups.
      Clinician's knowledge-base, current awareness, productivity, and evidence-based
      care can be improved by use of Informationist services.

PMID- 27146842
TI  - India, Pakistan, and polio.

PMID- 27146843
TI  - Fasudil treatment in adult reverses behavioural changes and brain ventricular
      enlargement in Oligophrenin-1 mouse model of intellectual disability.
AB  - Loss of function mutations in human Oligophrenin1 (OPHN1) gene are responsible
      for syndromic intellectual disability (ID) associated with cerebellar hypoplasia
      and cerebral ventricles enlargement. Functional studies in rodent models suggest
      that OPHN1 linked ID is a consequence of abnormal synaptic transmission and
      shares common pathophysiological mechanisms with other cognitive disorders.
      Variants of this gene have been also identified in autism spectrum disorder and
      schizophrenia. The advanced understanding of the mechanisms underlying OPHN1
      related ID, allowed us to develop a therapeutic approach targeting the Ras
      homolog gene family, member A (RHOA) signalling pathway and repurpose Fasudil- a
      well-tolerated Rho Kinase (ROCK) and Protein Kinase A (PKA) inhibitor- as a
      treatment of ID. We have previously shown ex-vivo its beneficial effect on
      synaptic transmission and plasticity in a mouse model of the OPHN1 loss of
      function. Here, we report that chronic treatment in adult mouse with Fasudil, is
      able to counteract vertical and horizontal hyperactivities, restores recognition
      memory and limits the brain ventricular dilatation observed in Ophn1-/y However,
      deficits in working and spatial memories are partially or not rescued by the
      treatment. These results highlight the potential of Fasudil treatment in
      synaptopathies and also the need for multiple therapeutic approaches especially
      in adult where brain plasticity is reduced.

PMID- 27146846
TI  - Tree diversity, tree height and environmental harshness in eastern and western
      North America.
AB  - Does variation in environmental harshness explain local and regional species
      diversity gradients? We hypothesise that for a given life form like trees,
      greater harshness leads to a smaller range of traits that are viable and thereby
      also to lower species diversity. On the basis of a strong dependence of maximum
      tree height on site productivity and other measures of site quality, we propose
      maximum tree height as an inverse measure of environmental harshness for trees.
      Our results show that tree species richness is strongly positively correlated
      with maximum tree height across multiple spatial scales in forests of both
      eastern and western North America. Maximum tree height co-varied with species
      richness along gradients from benign to harsh environmental conditions, which
      supports the hypothesis that harshness may be a general mechanism limiting local
      diversity and explaining diversity gradients within a biogeographic region. 

PMID- 27146845
TI  - Effect of three months of soft contact lens wear on conjunctival cytology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of three
      months of soft contact lens wear on conjunctival goblet cell density and
      epithelial cell morphology. METHODS: This was a longitudinal clinical trial.
      Conjunctival impression cytology was performed on the superior palpebral
      conjunctiva in fifty-four eyes of twenty-seven neophyte contact lens wearers
      before and after three months of contact lens wear. Goblet cell density was
      determined by optical microscopy and epithelial cell morphology was classified
      according to the Tseng classification. Changes in goblet cell density as well as
      epithelial cell grading were determined. The effects of lens material and wearing
      modality on cytological changes were also investigated. RESULTS: Goblet cell
      density reduced significantly by 85 +/- 151 cells/mm(2) (p < 0.001) after three
      months of contact lens wear. Reduction in goblet cell density was associated with
      lens materials; it was higher in conventional hydrogel lenses in comparison to
      silicone-hydrogel lenses (p = 0.008). The highest reduction in goblet cell
      density was found with Nelfilcon A lens wear (p = 0.002) and the lowest with
      Comfilcon A lens wear (p = 0.414). There was no statistically significant
      difference in grading of epithelial metaplasia before and after three months of
      contact lens wear (p = 0.075). Age was not correlated with the reduction in
      goblet cell density (r = -0.196, p = 0.160) but it was associated with the change
      in epithelial cell morphology (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Three months of soft
      contact lens wear statistically significantly reduced goblet cell density;
      however, no significant changes were found in the grading of epithelial
      metaplasia. Contact lenses with lower oxygen permeability, higher Young modulus
      and higher thickness highly affected the conjunctival cytology.

PMID- 27146844
TI  - Very low-depth sequencing in a founder population identifies a cardioprotective
      APOC3 signal missed by genome-wide imputation.
AB  - Cohort-wide very low-depth whole-genome sequencing (WGS) can comprehensively
      capture low-frequency sequence variation for the cost of a dense genome-wide
      genotyping array. Here, we analyse 1x sequence data across the APOC3 gene in a
      founder population from the island of Crete in Greece (n = 1239) and find
      significant evidence for association with blood triglyceride levels with the
      previously reported R19X cardioprotective null mutation (beta = -1.09,sigma =
      0.163, P = 8.2 * 10-11) and a second loss of function mutation, rs138326449 (beta
      = -1.17,sigma = 0.188, P = 1.14 * 10-9). The signal cannot be recapitulated by
      imputing genome-wide genotype data on a large reference panel of 5122 individuals
      including 249 with 4x WGS data from the same population. Gene-level meta-analysis
      with other studies reporting burden signals at APOC3 provides robust evidence for
      a replicable cardioprotective rare variant aggregation (P = 3.2 * 10-31, n = 13
      480).

PMID- 27146847
TI  - Cerebral angiitis associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage in Castleman's disease:
      report of two cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is characterized by a systemic
      lymphoproliferative disorder affecting systemic lymph nodes. Cerebrovascular
      involvements have rarely been reported, and to our knowledge, cerebral angiitis
      causing subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in patients with Multicentric Castleman's
      disease (MCD) has not been previously described. CASE PRESENTATION: We identified
      two cases of MCD with SAH who were receiving immunosuppressive therapy with low
      dose prednisolone. Both patients presented with sudden-onset headache and were
      diagnosed with cortical SAH in the sulci by a computed tomography scan. Digital
      subtraction angiography showed segmental stenosis in the peripheral area of the
      middle cerebral artery. In both cases, cerebral angiitis causing SAH induced by a
      systemic inflammatory condition and elevated levels of interleukin (IL) -6 were
      suspected and resolved over a period of several months. CONCLUSION: Our cases
      highlight the clinical diversity of the potential causes of cerebral angiitis and
      expand the association of MCD and cortical SAH; however, cortical SAH patients
      have a more favorable outcome than aneurysmal SAH patients.

PMID- 27146848
TI  - An orthotropic viscoelastic model for the passive myocardium: continuum basis and
      numerical treatment.
AB  - This study deals with the viscoelastic constitutive modeling and the respective
      computational analysis of the human passive myocardium. We start by
      recapitulating the locally orthotropic inner structure of the human myocardial
      tissue and model the mechanical response through invariants and structure tensors
      associated with three orthonormal basis vectors. In accordance with recent
      experimental findings the ventricular myocardial tissue is assumed to be
      incompressible, thick-walled, orthotropic and viscoelastic. In particular, one
      spring element coupled with Maxwell elements in parallel endows the model with
      viscoelastic features such that four dashpots describe the viscous response due
      to matrix, fiber, sheet and fiber-sheet fragments. In order to alleviate the
      numerical obstacles, the strictly incompressible model is altered by decomposing
      the free-energy function into volumetric-isochoric elastic and isochoric
      viscoelastic parts along with the multiplicative split of the deformation
      gradient which enables the three-field mixed finite element method. The crucial
      aspect of the viscoelastic formulation is linked to the rate equations of the
      viscous overstresses resulting from a 3-D analogy of a generalized 1-D Maxwell
      model. We provide algorithmic updates for second Piola-Kirchhoff stress and
      elasticity tensors. In the sequel, we address some numerical aspects of the
      constitutive model by applying it to elastic, cyclic and relaxation test data
      obtained from biaxial extension and triaxial shear tests whereby we assess the
      fitting capacity of the model. With the tissue parameters identified, we conduct
      (elastic and viscoelastic) finite element simulations for an ellipsoidal geometry
      retrieved from a human specimen. 

PMID- 27146850
TI  - Sketches of Peruvian psychiatry.

PMID- 27146849
TI  - Hypertonic dextrose injections (prolotherapy) in the treatment of symptomatic
      knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Hypertonic dextrose injections (prolotherapy) is an emerging treatment for
      symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) but its efficacy is uncertain. We conducted
      a systematic review with meta-analysis to synthesize clinical evidence on the
      effect of prolotherapy for knee OA. Fifteen electronic databases were searched
      from their inception to September 2015. The primary outcome of interest was score
      change on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC).
      Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of moderate risk of bias and one quasi
      randomized trial were included, with data from a total of 258 patients. In the
      meta-analysis of two eligible studies, prolotherapy is superior to exercise alone
      by a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.18 to 1.45, p =
      0.012), 0.78 (95% CI: 0.25 to 1.30, p = 0.001) and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.04 to 1.20, p
      = 0.035) on the WOMAC composite scale; and WOMAC function and pain subscale
      scores respectively. Moderate heterogeneity exists in all cases. Overall,
      prolotherapy conferred a positive and significant beneficial effect in the
      treatment of knee OA. Adequately powered, longer-term trials with uniform end
      points are needed to better elucidate the efficacy of prolotherapy.

PMID- 27146852
TI  - Prolongation of survival of dogs with oral malignant melanoma treated by en bloc
      surgical resection and adjuvant CSPG4-antigen electrovaccination.
AB  - Reported post-surgery 1-year survival rate for oral canine malignant melanoma
      (cMM) is around 30%; novel treatments are needed as the role of adjuvant
      chemotherapy is unclear. This prospective study regards adjuvant
      electrovaccination with human chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-4 (hCSPG4)-encoded
      plasmid in 23 dogs with resected II/III-staged CSPG4-positive oral cMM compared
      with 19 dogs with resected only II/III-staged CSPG4-positive oral cMM.
      Vaccination resulted in 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month survival rate of 95.6, 73.9,
      47.8 and 30.4%, respectively [median survival time (MST) 684 days, range 78-1694,
      8 of 23 dogs alive] and 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month disease-free interval (DFI)
      rate of 82.6, 47.8, 26.1 and 17.4%, respectively (DFI 477 days, range 50-1694).
      Non-vaccinated dogs showed 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month survival rate of 63.2, 26.3,
      15.8 and 5.3%, respectively (MST 200 days, range 75-1507, 1 of 19 dogs alive) and
      6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month DFI rate of 52.6, 26.3, 10.5 and 5.3%, respectively
      (DFI 180 days, range 38-1250). Overall survival and DFI of vaccinated dogs was
      longer in those <20 kg. In vaccinated and non-vaccinated dogs local recurrence
      rate was 34.8 and 42%, respectively while lung metastatic rate was 39 and 79%,
      respectively.

PMID- 27146853
TI  - Perioperative Physicians and Evolving Models of Care.

PMID- 27146851
TI  - Fungal and host transcriptome analysis of pH-regulated genes during colonization
      of apple fruits by Penicillium expansum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Penicillium expansum is a destructive phytopathogen that causes decay
      in deciduous fruits during postharvest handling and storage. During colonization
      the fungus secretes D-gluconic acid (GLA), which modulates environmental pH and
      regulates mycotoxin accumulation in colonized tissue. Till now no transcriptomic
      analysis has addressed the specific contribution of the pathogen's pH regulation
      to the P. expansum colonization process. For this purpose total RNA from the
      leading edge of P. expansum-colonized apple tissue of cv. 'Golden Delicious' and
      from fungal cultures grown under pH 4 or 7 were sequenced and their gene
      expression patterns were compared. RESULTS: We present a large-scale analysis of
      the transcriptome data of P. expansum and apple response to fungal colonization.
      The fungal analysis revealed nine different clusters of gene expression patterns
      that were divided among three major groups in which the colonized tissue showed,
      respectively: (i) differing transcript expression patterns between mycelial
      growth at pH 4 and pH 7; (ii) similar transcript expression patterns of mycelial
      growth at pH 4; and (iii) similar transcript expression patterns of mycelial
      growth at pH 7. Each group was functionally characterized in order to decipher
      genes that are important for pH regulation and also for colonization of apple
      fruits by Penicillium. Furthermore, comparison of gene expression of healthy
      apple tissue with that of colonized tissue showed that differentially expressed
      genes revealed up-regulation of the jasmonic acid and mevalonate pathways, and
      also down-regulation of the glycogen and starch biosynthesis pathways.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we identified important genes and functionalities of P.
      expansum that were controlled by the environmental pH. Differential expression
      patterns of genes belonging to the same gene family suggest that genes were
      selectively activated according to their optimal environmental conditions (pH, in
      vitro or in vivo) to enable the fungus to cope with varying conditions and to
      make optimal use of available enzymes. Comparison between the activation of the
      colonized host's gene responses by alkalizing Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and
      acidifying P. expansum pathogens indicated similar gene response patterns, but
      stronger responses to P. expansum, suggesting the importance of acidification by
      P. expansum as a factor in its increased aggressiveness.

PMID- 27146854
TI  - Congenital Cardiac Forum.

PMID- 27146856
TI  - Early retirement among Danish female cleaners and shop assistants according to
      work environment characteristics and upper extremity complaints: an 11-year
      follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have shown a negative social gradient in the incidence of
      early retirement. To prevent undesired early retirement, there is a need for
      knowledge of specific predictors in addition to social factors with a limited
      potential for change. The main purpose of this study was to examine
      musculoskeletal complaints and working conditions as predictors of early
      retirement among Danish female cleaners. METHODS: Using Cox regression with an
      adjustment for extraneous factors, we compared the risk of disability pension and
      retirement before the nominal retirement age (65 years) in an 11-year cohort
      study with registry-based follow-up of 1430 female cleaners and 579 shop
      assistants. In subsequent analyses of female cleaners, disability pension and
      voluntary early retirement were modeled according to work characteristics and
      upper extremity complaints. RESULTS: The adjusted hazard rate (HR) for disability
      pension among cleaners compared to the control group was 2.27 (95% CI 1.58 to
      3.28) and, for voluntary early retirement, 1.01 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.20). In the
      subset of cleaners, the predictors of disability pension were persistent shoulder
      pain HR: 1.98 (95% CI 1.47 to 2.67), elbow pain HR: 1.41 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.94)
      and symptoms of nerve entrapment of the hand HR: 1.58 (95% CI 1.14 to 2.20).
      Predictors of voluntary early retirement were persistent shoulder pain HR: 1.40
      (95% CI 1.16 to 1.67) and floor mopping for more than 10 h per week HR: 1.20 (95%
      CI 1.03 to 1.40). CONCLUSION: Cleaners have a twofold higher risk of disability
      pension compared to the control group. Risk factors for disability pension among
      cleaners were persistent shoulder and elbow pain together with symptoms of nerve
      entrapment of the hand. The findings of specific health related predictors of
      early retirement could be used in secondary prevention with targeted temporary
      reduced workload.

PMID- 27146857
TI  - Sleep physiology predicts memory retention after reactivation.
AB  - Both sleep and future relevance influence memory consolidation; however, limited
      research has investigated their role in memory reconsolidation. We manipulated
      the future relevance of both stable and labile memories in need of
      reconsolidation. Two groups learned two blocks of syllable pairs on one evening
      and were told they would be tested on one of the blocks later. On the second
      evening, one group (Labile) received reminders designed to return their memories
      of syllable pairs to a labile state, while a second group (Stable) received
      reminders designed to leave these memories in a stable state. No significant
      differences in memory retention were found between blocks or groups the following
      morning. Frontal delta (0.5-4 Hz) electroencephalographic power during Stage 2
      sleep correlated positively with retention of future-relevant material
      exclusively in the Labile group. Central theta (4-8 Hz) electroencephalographic
      power during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep correlated positively with the extent
      to which the Labile group selectively retained future-relevant material. These
      relationships suggest that sleep-dependent processes are involved in an
      economical reprocessing of memories beyond the initial stages of consolidation.

PMID- 27146858
TI  - Robotic nephrectomy for central renal tumors with intraoperative evaluation of
      tumor histology.
AB  - Patients undergoing nephrectomy for central renal tumors suspicious for renal
      cell carcinoma (RCC) may carry a small risk of having transitional cell carcinoma
      (TCC) on final pathology, even in the absence of filling defects or abnormal
      cytology. We describe outcomes in such patients undergoing robotic nephrectomy
      for suspected RCC, with intraoperative specimen assessment to guide completion
      ureterectomy if TCC is present. Between September 2010 and August 2015, ten
      patients had central renal masses suspicious for RCC, which were not amenable to
      nephron-sparing surgery. Patients underwent a four-arm robotic nephrectomy
      technique using a GelPOINT((r)) access port. Following hilar ligation, the ureter
      was divided between adjacent hem-o-lok clips, placed in an endocatch bag, and
      extracted through the GelPOINT incision for the frozen section analysis. If
      intraoperative assessment confirmed TCC, a robotic completion ureterectomy and a
      bladder cuff excision were performed. Of the ten patients with central tumors who
      underwent robotic nephrectomy for suspected RCC, four (40 %) had TCC on the
      frozen section analysis and underwent completion ureterectomy. Five patients had
      RCC, and one patient had an oncocytoma. Mean age was 63.1 years (49-76) and mean
      tumor size was 4.0 cm (1.9-7.6). Mean operating time was 246 min (135-328). All
      patients had negative margins. Mean length of stay was 2.5 days. No recurrences
      were documented at median 8.5 months follow-up. For patients undergoing robotic
      nephrectomy for central renal tumors, intraoperative specimen evaluation can help
      determine the need for minimally invasive completion ureterectomy. 

PMID- 27146859
TI  - Preventive effects on seroma formation with use of the harmonic focus shears
      after breast reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi flap.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative seroma is the most common complication of latissimus
      dorsi (LD) flap surgery for breast reconstruction. The use of EC for elevation of
      the flap might cause additional risk for seroma formation by injuring surrounding
      lymph vessels due to heat dispersion. There is a possibility that seroma
      formation can be prevented by using alternative devices such as harmonic focus
      (HF) shears that can dissect the tissue simultaneously with sealing the lymph
      vessels. METHODS: Forty-eight patients who underwent breast reconstruction with
      LD flaps since August 2011 up to April 2015 were enrolled. They were
      retrospectively split into two groups: 24 in group HF, 24 in group EC
      (conventional electrocautery). The primary outcome measures were rate of seroma
      formation and total volume of drain discharge and indwelling period of drainage
      at the anterior chest and donor site. Secondary outcome measures were length of
      hospital stay and duration of surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of seroma was 45.8%
      in the EC group and 20.8% in the HF group. The total volumes of the drain
      discharge and indwelling period of drainage in the back (donor site) were
      significantly decreased in the HF group. The length of the hospital stay and
      surgical time was significantly shorter for the HF group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of
      HF shears on the LD flap donor site is helpful for reducing seroma formation, the
      length of the drainage period, the surgical time, and the length of the hospital
      stay.

PMID- 27146860
TI  - Segmenting words from fluent speech during infancy - challenges and opportunities
      in a bilingual context.
AB  - Previous research shows that word segmentation is a language-specific skill.
      Here, we tested segmentation of bi-syllabic words in two languages (French;
      English) within the same infants in a single test session. In Experiment 1,
      monolingual 8-month-olds (French; English) segmented bi-syllabic words in their
      native language, but not in an unfamiliar and rhythmically different language. In
      Experiment 2, bilingual infants acquiring French and English demonstrated
      successful segmentation for French when it was tested first, but not for English
      and not for either language when tested second. There were no effects of language
      exposure on this pattern of findings. In Experiment 3, bilingual infants
      segmented the same English materials used in Experiment 2 when they were tested
      using the standard segmentation procedure, which provided more exposure to the
      test stimuli. These findings show that segmenting words in both their native
      languages in the dual-language task poses a distinct challenge for bilingual 8
      month-olds acquiring French and English. Further research exploring early word
      segmentation will advance our understanding of bilingual acquisition and expand
      our fundamental knowledge of language and cognitive development.

PMID- 27146862
TI  - Pragmatic prevention of preterm birth and evidence based medicine.
AB  - Effective prevention of preterm birth is one of the unsolved problems in modern
      medicine. In the Thuringia campaign 2000 based on a simple screening with
      intravaginal pH self-measurements, adequate medical diagnosis and immediate
      antimicrobial therapy of genital infection, the rate of newborns <1000 g was
      reduced to 0.38 %, the lowest incidence ever seen in any of the German states.
      Therefore, the regime should be implicated as a necessary step of optimizing and
      rationalizing the health care system. However, in the discussion we had to learn
      that the best way to inhibit progress is to cope with problems by preferring the
      most complicated policies under persistent renunciation of simple solutions. As
      long as we do not have other alternative safe, simple and cheap methods, do we
      really have to wait even more decades to come for a prospectively randomized
      double-blinded almost impracticable study to convince the latest skeptical
      scientist that we have plenty of evidence-based means to reduce the incidence of
      premature birth, now, by decreasing infectious morbidity in pregnancy and by the
      same action childbed fever as well? Insisting scholastically on nothing but the
      100 % pure evidence sometimes can hamper innovations and potential benefit. Would
      a similar caution ever had allowed us for instance to introduce handwashing
      according to Semmelweis? Good news, the Government of the State of Thuringia has
      decided this year to reestablish a pH selfcare screening programme.

PMID- 27146861
TI  - Remission and withdrawal of therapy in lupus nephritis.
AB  - There is agreement that early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of lupus
      nephritis exacerbations are of paramount importance to achieve remission and
      prevent the development of irreversible lesions. There is less agreement about
      the optimal duration of maintenance treatment. Instead, the prolonged exposure to
      corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive drugs can cause invalidating or even
      life-threatening complications. It is still unclear if these drugs can be safely
      withdrawn in lupus patients. We were able to completely withdraw therapy in
      around 1/3 of our patients after a follow-up of 5 years or more; 60 % of them
      never had to start therapy again. Based on our own experience, discontinuation of
      therapy should be applied only in selected cases, i.e. patients who received
      maintenance therapy for at least 5 years and are in complete renal remission for
      at least 3 years. Antimalarial agents are helpful in maintaining the remission
      after withdrawal of therapy. However, to achieve these goals, drugs should be
      tapered off very slowly and under strict surveillance. If all these prerequisites
      are satisfied, the withdrawal of therapy in patients with lupus nephritis may be
      considered safe, may improve the patients' quality of life and may reduce the
      damage accrual. 

PMID- 27146863
TI  - Supramolecular gels made from nucleobase, nucleoside and nucleotide analogs.
AB  - Supramolecular or molecular gels are attractive for various applications,
      including diagnostics, tissue scaffolding and targeted drug release. Gelators
      derived from natural products are of particular interest for biomedical purposes,
      as they are generally biocompatible and stimuli-responsive. The building blocks
      of nucleic acids (i.e. nucleobases, nucleosides, and nucleotides) are desirable
      candidates for supramolecular gelation as they readily engage in reversible,
      noncovalent interactions. In this review, we describe a number of organo- and
      hydrogels formed through the assembly of nucleosides, nucleotides, and their
      derivatives. While natural nucleosides and nucleotides generally require
      derivatization to induce gelation, guanosine and its corresponding nucleotides
      are well known gelators. This unique gelating ability is due to propensity of the
      guanine nucleobase to self-associate into stable higher-order assemblies, such as
      G-ribbons, G4-quartets, and G-quadruplexes.

PMID- 27146864
TI  - Trace metal content in inhalable particulate matter (PM2.5-10 and PM2.5)
      collected from historical mine waste deposits using a laboratory-based approach.
AB  - Mine wastes and tailings are considered hazardous to human health because of
      their potential to generate large quantities of highly toxic emissions of
      particulate matter (PM). Human exposure to As and other trace metals in PM may
      occur via inhalation of airborne particulates or through ingestion of
      contaminated dust. This study describes a laboratory-based method for extracting
      PM2.5-10 (coarse) and PM2.5 (fine) particles from As-rich mine waste samples
      collected from an historical gold mining region in regional, Victoria, Australia.
      We also report on the trace metal and metalloid content of the coarse and fine
      fraction, with an emphasis on As as an element of potential concern. Laser
      diffraction analysis showed that the proportions of coarse and fine particles in
      the bulk samples ranged between 3.4-26.6 and 0.6-7.6 %, respectively. Arsenic
      concentrations were greater in the fine fraction (1680-26,100 mg kg-1) compared
      with the coarse fraction (1210-22,000 mg kg-1), and Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sb and Zn
      were found to be present in the fine fraction at levels around twice those
      occurring in the coarse. These results are of particular concern given that fine
      particles can accumulate in the human respiratory system. Our study demonstrates
      that mine wastes may be an important source of metal-enriched PM for mining
      communities.

PMID- 27146865
TI  - Comparative analysis of gene expression profiles in normal hip human cartilage
      and cartilage from patients with necrosis of the femoral head.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of necrosis of the femoral head (NFH) remains
      elusive. Limited studies were conducted to investigate the molecular mechanism of
      hip articular cartilage damage in NFH. We conducted genome-wide gene expression
      profiling of hip articular cartilage with NFH. METHODS: Hip articular cartilage
      specimens were collected from 18 NFH patients and 18 healthy controls. Gene
      expression profiling of NFH articular cartilage was carried out by Agilent Human
      4x44K Gene Expression Microarray chip. Differently expressed genes were
      identified using the significance analysis of microarrays (SAM) software. Gene
      Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of differently expressed genes was performed
      using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery
      (DAVID). Significantly differently expressed genes in the microarray experiment
      were selected for quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical
      validation. RESULTS: SAM identified 27 differently expressed genes in NFH
      articular cartilage, functionally involved in extracellular matrix, cytokines,
      growth factors, cell cycle and apoptosis. The expression patterns of the nine
      validation genes in qRT-PCR were consistent with that in proteinaceous
      extracellular matrix (false discovery rate (FDR) = 3.22 * 10(-5)), extracellular
      matrix (FDR = 5.78 * 10(-5)), extracellular region part (FDR = 1.28 * 10(-4)),
      collagen (FDR = 3.22 * 10(-4)), extracellular region (FDR = 4.78 * 10(-4)) and
      platelet-derived growth factor binding (FDR = 5.23 * 10(-4)). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study identified a set of differently expressed genes, implicated in articular
      cartilage damage in NFH. Our study results may provide novel insight into the
      pathogenesis and rationale of therapies for NFH.

PMID- 27146866
TI  - Wasting and stunting are still prevalent in children with sickle cell anaemia in
      Lagos, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is associated with growth failure. However,
      recent reports indicate high rates of overweight or obesity among children with
      SCA in developed countries. It is unclear whether overweight or obesity is also
      common in children with SCA in developing countries. The objectives of the study
      were to determine the prevalence of overweight or obesity, wasting and stunting
      and identify predictors of wasting and stunting among children with SCA in
      Nigeria. METHOD: Children with SCA attending a public-funded tertiary hospital
      clinic were studied. Weight, height, haemoglobin, haemoglobin fractions and white
      cell count were measured. Anthropometric values were converted to z scores and
      referenced to the WHO Child Growth Standards and WHO Reference 2007. The
      proportions with wasting, stunting and overweight or obesity were determined.
      Regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of wasting and stunting.
      RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-three children [mean (+/-SD) age of 9.0 (+/-4.0)
      years, 60.9 % males] participated in the study. Wasting, stunting and overweight
      or obesity rates were 22.7 %, 11.6 % and 1.7 %, respectively. Boys and children
      from low socioeconomic class were 3.25 (1.45-7.29) and 2.42 (1.14-5.18) times
      more likely to be wasted respectively, while both wasting and stunting were more
      common with increasing age [adjusted OR of 1.33 (1.18-1.51) and 1.15 (1.01-1.32)
      respectively]. Sickle cell-related complications and intake of oral penicillin
      and hydroxyurea were not associated with wasting and stunting. CONCLUSION:
      Overweight or obesity is uncommon while wasting and stunting are still prevalent
      in children with SCA in Lagos. The strongest predictors of wasting and stunting
      were older age, male gender and low socioeconomic status.

PMID- 27146867
TI  - Efficacy of bioelectrical impedance analysis during the perioperative period in
      children.
AB  - We evaluated the efficacy of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) during the
      perioperative period by estimating the preoperative and postoperative body fluid
      status. After obtaining informed consent, we enrolled 100 children (3-12 years of
      age) scheduled for elective surgeries. All children had been fasted
      preoperatively. The children's body fluid status was estimated using a BIA
      machine (InBody S10; Biospace, Korea) in the ward on the afternoon before surgery
      (baseline), just before surgery and immediately after surgery. The total
      administered fluid volume during the fasting period, total administered fluid
      volume during the operation and fasting time were recorded. Continuous data are
      shown as mean +/- standard deviation, and Pearson's correlation analysis was used
      to assess relationships between the preoperative fluid deficit and intracellular
      water (ICW)/extracellular water (ECW) changes. The mean fasting period was 13.3 h
      (range 5.8-19.7 h). A weak positive correlation was shown between the ICW and
      fluid deficit during the fasting period (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.254;
      P = 0.010). A stronger positive correlation was shown between the ECW and fluid
      deficit during the fasting period (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.359; P <
      0.001). The baseline and postoperative ICW showed a strong positive correlation
      (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.992, P < 0.001), as did the baseline and
      postoperative ECW (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.990, P < 0.001). Also
      there was no dehydration and irritability on medical recording preoperatively.
      BIA may be an alternative method for estimating the perioperative fluid status in
      children and determining details of fluid administration.

PMID- 27146868
TI  - Intra-operative hypotensive episodes may be associated with post-operative
      esophageal anastomotic leak.
AB  - This study aims to report the hypotensive episodes (HEs) during esophagectomy and
      their influence on the occurrence of anastomotic leak. Eighty-four patients
      underwent esophagectomy with gastric pull-up. Pre-, intra-, and post-operative
      data were prospectively collected. HEs were defined by systolic pressure
      decreasing more than 30 % of the basal value for more than 5 min. Nineteen
      patients had intra-operative HEs (22.6 %). HEs were significantly more frequent
      in patients undergoing prone esophagectomy (P = 0.001) and those with an epidural
      catheter (EC) (P = 0.04) used during surgery. Among them, 15 were treated with
      vasopressors. There were six severe post-operative anastomotic leaks, which
      required surgery; leaks were significantly more common in patients with intra
      operative HEs (21 vs 3.1 %; P = 0.02), especially those treated with vasopressive
      agents (20 vs 0 %; P = 0.008). Intra-operative use of EC can, in certain
      conditions, significantly influence gastric blood flow due to HEs. A higher
      incidence of severe leak occurred in patients experiencing intra-operative HEs.
      Several factors can lead to intra-operative HEs, and the perioperative use of an
      EC should be carefully evaluated. 

PMID- 27146869
TI  - [Mid-urethral sling operations for stress urinary incontinence in women].

PMID- 27146870
TI  - [Therapy monitoring and management of adverse events in PD-1/PD-L1 immune
      checkpoint inhibition].
AB  - Nivolumab was recently approved as the first inhibitor of the programmed death 1
      (PD-1) receptor and its ligand (PD-L1) for the treatment of urological cancer,
      namely metastasized renal cell carcinoma after prior therapy. The use of this new
      immunotherapy requires special therapy monitoring and management of side effects.
      An increase of immune cells around the tumor can initially mimic progression (so
      called pseudoprogression). Treatment-associated side effects of higher grade
      according to the common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE grades 3
      or 4) are relatively rare; however, new immune-mediated side effects can occur
      and affect the skin, liver (hepatitis), kidneys (nephritis), gastrointestinal
      tract (diarrhea and colitis), lungs (pneumonitis) and endocrine organs
      (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and hypophysitis). Treatment has to be delayed
      or discontinued depending on the kind and degree of side effects; furthermore,
      corticosteroids can be administered as immunosuppressants. When recognized in
      time and with correct management, immune-mediated side effects are basically
      reversible. 

PMID- 27146871
TI  - [Side effect management of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in urology : Hypertension].
AB  - Tyrosine kinase inhibitors like sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib or axintinib are
      regarded the standard of care in the systemic therapy of metastatic renal cell
      carcinoma. However, the many side effects associated with this therapy pose
      challenges for the treating physician and the patient. This review offers an
      overview of the classification and the treatment of hypertension, which is one of
      the major side effects induced by all tyrosine kinase inhibitors, in order to
      improve treatment efficacy and patient compliance. 

PMID- 27146872
TI  - [Bilateral hydronephrosis as a result of opioid-induced bowel spasm in a patient
      with an ileal conduit].
AB  - A 47-year-old woman with spina bifida and an ileal conduit since childhood
      presented with left-sided flank pain, bilateral hydronephrosis and oliguria
      suspicious for a recurrent stenosis at the ureteral implantation site. Her
      history revealed a recent increase in her pain medication with opioids for
      treatment of neuropathic pain. After insertion of percutaneous nephrostomy on the
      left side and confirmation of the stenosis, open reimplantation of the ureter was
      already discussed with the patient. However after dose reduction of the opioid
      therapy hydronephrosis resolved. Thus opioid-induced bowel spasm was probably the
      cause for the obstruction.

PMID- 27146873
TI  - [Side effect management of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in urology :
      Gastrointestinal side effects].
AB  - For approximately one decade, tyrosinkinase inhibitors (TKIs, smart drugs) have
      dramatically changed and improved the treatment of patients suffering from
      metastasized renal cell carcinoma. However, the different drugs have substantial
      side effects. Especially gastrointestinal symptoms may be problematic for
      patients. These side effects represent a challenge for the physician. On the one
      hand, dosage modifications and treatment interruption should be avoided to
      minimize the risk for progression. On the other hand, only mild side effects are
      tolerable for the patient. Based on a literature review, a clear overview of the
      incidence of possible side effects for the drugs axitinib, cabozantinib,
      pazopanib, sorafenib, and sunitinib is provided. Furthermore, we give a practical
      guide on how to prevent and treat the different gastrointestinal side effects.
      Finally, it is pointed out when dosage modifications or interruption of treatment
      are necessary and how to expeditiously re-escalate the treatment after mitigation
      of side effects. 

PMID- 27146874
TI  - Effect of Processing and Storage Methods on the Nutritional, Anti-nutritional,
      and Anti-oxidant Properties of Paeonia emodi, Wall. ex. Royle.
AB  - Nutritional, anti-nutritional, and anti-mutagenic activities of the fresh and
      boiled Paeonia emodi leaves were analyzed. Significantly higher vitamin A (64.19
      +/- 0.18 mg/100 g), C (160.50 +/- 1.85 mg/100 g), and E (1.25 +/- 0.00 MUg/g)
      contents were recorded in boiled as compared to fresh and dried juvenile leaves.
      Similarly, significantly higher protein content (329.63 +/- 0.33 mg/100 g) was
      found in boiled budding leaves, carbohydrate content in fresh juvenile (0.353 +/-
      0.02) and mature leaves (0.353+/-0.10 mg/g) , methionine content (47.75 +/- 0.09
      mg/g) in dried budding stage leaves, and proline content (1.23 +/- 0.12 MUM/g) in
      dried mature leaves. Anti-nutritional attributes like phytic acid (250.17 +/-
      0.19 mg/100 g; p < 0.05) and total tannins (48.41 +/- 0.09 mg/g) were
      significantly higher in dried and fresh budding leaves, respectively; however,
      trypsin inhibition activity (91.90 +/- 0.34 %) was observed in dried juvenile
      leaves. Significantly higher 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic
      acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity (71.13 +/- 0.09 mM AAE/100 g) and ferric
      reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity (3.39 +/- 0.01 mM AAE/100 g) were
      recorded higher in dried budding leaves. On the other hand, 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picryylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay (3.55 +/- 0.017 mM AAE/100
      g) and OH ions (1.69 +/- 0.01 mM AAE/100 g) were significantly higher in boiled
      juvenile leaves and dried mature leaves, respectively. Anti-mutagenic activity of
      P. emodi extract revealed varying levels of protection against DNA damaging
      agents. The aqueous extract of P. emodi at budding leaves (500 MUg dried) showed
      comparatively better protective activity as compared to other growth stages.
      Results of this investigation indicated that the species have nutritional and
      medicinal value and therefore can be a potential source for nutraceutical and
      pharmaceutical industries. 

PMID- 27146875
TI  - The Potential of Microalgae Lipids for Edible Oil Production.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of oil-rich green
      algae, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus, and Nannochloropsis oceanica, to
      produce edible oil with respect to lipid and residue properties. The results
      showed that C. vulgaris and N. oceanica had similarly much higher lipid recovery
      (about 50 %) in hexane extraction than that of S. obliquus (about 25 %), and C.
      vulgaris had the highest content of neutral lipids among the three algae. The
      fatty acid compositions of neutral lipids from C. vulgaris and S. obliquus were
      mainly C16 and C18, resembling that of vegetable oils. ARA and EPA were the
      specific valuable fatty acids in lipids of N. oceanica, but the content of which
      was lower in neutral lipids. Phytol was identified as the major unsaponifiable
      component in lipids of the three algae. Combined with the evaluation of the
      ratios in SFA/MUFA/PUFA, (n-6):(n-3) and content of free fatty acids, lipids
      obtained from C. vulgaris displayed the great potential for edible oil
      production. Lipids of N. oceanica showed the highest antioxidant activity, and
      its residue contained the largest amounts of protein as well as the amino acid
      compositions were greatly beneficial to the health of human beings.

PMID- 27146876
TI  - Circadian rhythms meet in utero metabolic programming.

PMID- 27146877
TI  - Invasive candidiasis: from mycobiome to infection, therapy, and prevention.
AB  - Candida spp. are commonly found in humans, colonizing most healthy individuals. A
      high prevalence of invasive candidiasis has been reported in recent years. Here,
      we assess the relation between Candida spp. as part of the human mycobiome, the
      host defense mechanisms, and the pathophysiology of invasive disease in
      critically ill patients. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the
      different immune responses to the process where Candida goes through healthy
      mycobiome to colonization to invasion; the involvement of other microbiota
      inhabitants, changes in temperature, low nitrogen levels, and the caspase system
      activation have been described. Patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU)
      are at the highest risk for invasive candidiasis, mostly due to the severity of
      their disease, immune-suppressive states, prolonged length of stay, broad
      spectrum antibiotics, septic shock, and Candida colonization. The first approach
      should be using predictive scores as screening, followed by the determination of
      biomarkers (when available), and, in the near future, probably immune-genomics
      and analysis of the clinical background in order to initiate prompt and correct
      treatment. Regarding treatment, the initiation with an echinocandin is strongly
      recommended in critically ill patients. In conclusion, prompt treatment and
      adequate source control in the more severe patients remains the ultimate goal, as
      well as restoration of a healthy microbiota. 

PMID- 27146878
TI  - Is Toxoplasma gondii type related to clinical outcome in human congenital
      infection? Systematic and critical review.
AB  - In human congenital toxoplasmosis the effects of parasite burden and pregnancy
      time at infection on clinical outcome are well known, but there is controversy
      regarding the role of Toxoplasma gondii type. Through a systematic review of the
      literature, we aimed to discern if T. gondii type has a role on clinical outcome
      in human congenital toxoplasmosis. We built up a database of congenital
      toxoplasmosis from reports of cases, case series and screening-based cohorts,
      which had information about parasite type, gestation time at maternal infection
      and/or clinical outcome in the product. Then, we obtained frequencies for loci
      used to genotype geographical origin of cases and types found. Also, odds ratios
      were calculated for association between time of maternal infection or parasite
      type on outcome. Type II parasites were the most common in Europe, Asia and
      Africa, while in America there were mainly atypical strains. More newborns with
      clinical problems were born from mothers infected during the first half of
      gestation than from those acquiring the parasite after week 24, regardless of
      parasite genotype (92.9 vs. 16.1 %, OR = 67.9, CI95 25.4-181.6). Type I and
      atypical parasites were associated with clinical problems as opposed to types II
      and III, regardless of pregnancy period at infection (86.9 vs. 72.9 %, OR = 2.47,
      CI95 1.1-5.4). A significant and remarkable tendency of type I parasites to be
      present during early pregnancy was also observed (94.4 vs. 5.6 %, P < 0.009). In
      addition to parasite burden and period of gestation, T. gondii genotype seems
      involved in CT clinical outcome. 

PMID- 27146879
TI  - Direct molecular typing of Bordetella pertussis from nasopharyngeal specimens in
      China in 2012-2013.
AB  - Data on the molecular epidemiology of Bordetella pertussis are limited in
      developing countries where whole-cell pertussis vaccines (WCVs) have been used.
      The aim of this study was to determine the genotypes of circulating B. pertussis
      in China by direct molecular typing of clinical specimens. DNA extracts of 122
      nasopharyngeal swabs (NPs) positive for B. pertussis by polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) (targeting IS481 and ptx-Pr) from 2012 to 2013 were used for typing using
      the multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and also by PCR
      based multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of B. pertussis virulence genes (ptxP,
      prn, and fim3). One hundred and eight DNA extracts (89 %) generated a complete
      MLVA type (MT). Among the 18 MTs obtained, MT55 (52 %) and MT104 (13 %) were the
      most common. MT27, which is linked to the ptxP3 allele and is prevalent in many
      developed countries using acellular pertussis vaccines (ACVs), was only found in
      7 (6 %) DNA extracts. Eighty-seven DNA extracts (71 %) produced a complete
      multiantigen sequence typing (MAST) type. Of them, 77 (89 %) had the
      ptxP1/prn1/fim3-1 allele profile. Four DNA extracts (5 %) had the ptxP3/prn2/fim3
      2 profile and 3 (4 %) had the ptxP3/prn1/fim3-2 allele profile. These seven DNA
      extracts also harbored MT27. Our result shows that B. pertussis circulating in
      China was different from those found in countries where ACVs have been in use,
      supporting the notion that selection pressure induced by WCVs and ACVs on the
      bacterial population differs. 

PMID- 27146880
TI  - A Dynamic Model for the Evolution of Protein Structure.
AB  - Domains are folded structures and evolutionary building blocks of protein
      molecules. Their three-dimensional atomic conformations, which define biological
      functions, can be coarse-grained into levels of a hierarchy. Here we build global
      dynamical models for the evolution of domains at fold and fold superfamily (FSF)
      levels. We fit the models with data from phylogenomic trees of domain structures
      and evaluate the distributions of the resulting parameters and their
      implications. The trees were inferred from a census of domain structures in
      hundreds of genomes from all three superkingdoms of life. The models used birth
      death differential equations with the global abundances of structures as state
      variables, with one set of equations for folds and another for FSFs. Only the
      transitions present in the tree are assumed possible. Each fold or FSF
      diversifies in variants, eventually producing a new fold or FSF. The parameters
      specify rates of generation of variants and of new folds or FSFs. The equations
      were solved for the parameters by simplifying the trees to a comb-like topology,
      treating branches as emerging directly from a trunk. We found that the rate
      constants for folds and FSFs evolved similarly. These parameters showed a sharp
      transient change at about 1.5 Gyrs ago. This time coincides with a period in
      which domains massively combined in proteins and their arrangements distributed
      in novel lineages during the rise of organismal diversification. Our simulations
      suggest that exploration of protein structure space occurs through coarse-grained
      discoveries that undergo fine-grained elaboration.

PMID- 27146881
TI  - Non-tumor tissue derived interleukin-17B activates IL-17RB/AKT/beta-catenin
      pathway to enhance the stemness of gastric cancer.
AB  - Inflammation is a critical component involved in tumor progression. Interleukin
      17 (IL-17) belongs to a relatively new family of cytokines that has been
      associated with the progression of cancers. However, the role of IL-17B/IL-17RB
      (IL-17 receptor B) signaling to stemness of gastric cancer remains unknown. Here,
      we confirmed that the expression of IL-17RB in gastric cancer tissues was
      significantly increased, that overexpression was associated with poor prognosis
      of gastric cancer patients, and that overexpression was positively correlated
      with some stemness markers. Interestingly, the expression of IL-17B was
      upregulated in patient serum rather than gastric tumor tissues. Furthermore,
      exogenous rIL-17B significantly promoted the stemness of gastric cancer cells
      depending on IL-17RB and induced the expression of IL-17RB. Simultaneously, the
      expression of phosphorylated AKT, GSK-3beta, and beta-catenin as well as the
      nuclear translocation of beta-catenin were significantly increased in the MGC-803
      cell in a dose-dependent manner, when treated with rIL-17B. The AKT inhibitor,
      LY294002, and the knockdown of AKT expression reversed the rIL-17B-induced
      upregulation of beta-catenin and some stemness markers. Together, our results
      indicate that the IL-17B/IL-17RB signal can promote the growth and migration of
      tumor cells, and upregulate cell stemness through activating the AKT/beta-catenin
      pathway in gastric cancer, suggesting that IL-17RB may be a novel target in human
      gastric cancer therapy.

PMID- 27146882
TI  - Left ventricular metabolism, function, and sympathetic innervation in men and
      women with type 1 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In type I diabetes (T1DM), alterations in LV function may occur due
      to changes in innervation, metabolism, and efficiency. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated
      the association between sympathetic nerve function, oxidative metabolism, resting
      blood flow, LV efficiency and function in healthy diabetics, and assessed gender
      differences. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 45 subjects with T1DM, 60%
      females, age 34 +/- 13 years, and 10 age-matched controls. Positron emission
      tomography (PET) imaging with [(11)C]acetate and [(11)C]meta-hydroxyephedrine was
      performed, in addition to cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: There were
      no significant differences in LV function, innervation, or oxidative metabolism
      between T1DM and controls. Cardiac oxidative metabolism was positively associated
      with higher levels of sympathetic activation, particularly in women. Diabetic
      women had significantly lower efficiency compared with diabetic men. Resting flow
      was significantly higher in diabetic women compared with diabetic men, and tended
      to be higher in female controls as well. CONCLUSIONS: Measures of myocardial
      function, metabolism, blood flow, and sympathetic activation were preserved in
      young, otherwise healthy, T1DM patients. However, T1DM women presented with
      greater myocardial oxidative metabolism requirements than men. Ongoing studies
      are evaluating changes over time.

PMID- 27146883
TI  - Bone marrow hyperplasia detected by gated blood pool imaging.
AB  - Technetium-99m RBC gated blood pool ventriculography study or multigated
      acquisition (MUGA) is a commonly employed imaging study to determine the left
      ventricle ejection fraction and regional wall motion. However, tracer
      distribution at abnormal sites requires further evaluation. We present the case
      of a young thalassemia patient with significant tracer uptake in the rib cage as
      observed in the planar images of MUGA study helping in the demonstration of
      scintigraphic evidence of bone marrow hyperplasia.

PMID- 27146884
TI  - Challenges of cardiac inflammation imaging with F-18 FDG positron emission
      tomography.

PMID- 27146886
TI  - The complex principle of cause and effect.

PMID- 27146887
TI  - Prescription Opioid Injection Among HIV-Positive People Who Inject Drugs in a
      Canadian Setting.
AB  - Prescription opioids (POs) are commonly prescribed to patients living with
      HIV/AIDS, while the illicit use of POs remains a major public health concern
      throughout Canada and the United States. We sought to identify the prevalence and
      correlates of PO injection among HIV-positive people who inject drugs (PWID) in
      Vancouver, Canada, where HIV/AIDS treatment and care is offered at no cost. We
      examined data from 634 individuals from an ongoing prospective cohort of HIV
      positive PWID. Between December 2005 and November 2013, the median prevalence of
      recent PO injection was 24.2 % [interquartile range (IQR): 21.5-25.8 %]. In a
      multivariable generalized estimating equation model, Caucasian ethnicity, heroin
      injection, and drug dealing were positively associated with PO injection, while
      older age and methadone maintenance treatment were negatively associated with PO
      injection (all p < 0.05). Engagement on antiretroviral therapy was inversely
      associated with PO injection in a bivariable analysis, but did not remain
      significant after adjusting for heroin injection. These findings describe a
      particularly vulnerable sub-group of PWID who may benefit from targeted efforts
      to both minimize drug-related risk behaviors and support HIV/AIDS treatment.

PMID- 27146888
TI  - Self-efficacy and pain acceptance as mediators of the relationship between pain
      and performance of valued life activities in women and men with rheumatoid
      arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study whether personal factors (self-efficacy and pain acceptance)
      mediate the relationship between pain and performance of valued life activities
      in persons with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Persons with rheumatoid arthritis
      for at least four years ( n = 737; 73% women) answered a questionnaire measuring
      self-efficacy, pain acceptance, performance of valued life activities, and self
      rated pain. Relationships among these constructs were explored using univariate
      and multivariate analyses. Structural equation modelling was then used to examine
      the mediational role of personal factors on the relationship between pain and
      performance of valued life activities. RESULTS: A direct negative association
      between pain and performance of valued life activities was identified ( Beta =
      .34, P < .001). This suggests that people with rheumatoid arthritis who had
      higher levels of pain has increased difficulties in performing valued life
      activities. Self-efficacy and activity engagement component of pain acceptance
      mediated the relationship between pain and performance of valued life activities,
      however the pain willingness component of pain acceptance did not influence
      participation in valued life activities. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the
      importance of considering personal factors, such as pain acceptance and self
      efficacy, in facilitating participation in valued life activities.

PMID- 27146889
TI  - Developmental neurotoxicity of organophosphate flame retardants in early life
      stages of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes).
AB  - Because brominated flame retardants are being banned or phased out worldwide,
      organophosphate flame retardants have been used as alternatives on a large scale
      and have thus become ubiquitous environmental contaminants; this raises great
      concerns about their environmental health risk and toxicity. Considering that
      previous research has identified the nervous system as a sensitive target,
      Japanese medaka were used as an aquatic organism model to evaluate the
      developmental neurotoxicity of 4 organophosphate flame retardants: triphenyl
      phosphate, tri-n-butyl phosphate, tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, and tris(2
      chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). The embryo toxicity test showed that
      organophosphate flame retardant exposure could decrease hatchability, delay time
      to hatching, increase the occurrence of malformations, reduce body length, and
      slow heart rate. Regarding locomotor behavior, exposure to the tested
      organophosphate flame retardants (except TCEP) for 96 h resulted in hypoactivity
      for medaka larvae in both the free-swimming and the dark-to-light photoperiod
      stimulation test. Changes of acetylcholinesterase activity and transcriptional
      responses of genes related to the nervous system likely provide a reasonable
      explanation for the neurobehavioral disruption. Overall, the present study
      clearly demonstrates the developmental neurotoxicity of various organophosphate
      flame retardants with very different potency and contribute to the determination
      of which organophosphate flame retardants are appropriate substitutes, as well as
      the consideration of whether regulations are reasonable and required. Environ
      Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2931-2940. (c) 2016 SETAC.

PMID- 27146890
TI  - Dietary patterns in India: a systematic review.
AB  - Dietary patterns analysis is an emerging area of research. Identifying distinct
      patterns within a large dietary survey can give a more accurate representation of
      what people are eating. Furthermore, it allows researchers to analyse
      relationships between non-communicable diseases (NCD) and complete diets rather
      than individual food items or nutrients. However, few such studies have been
      conducted in developing countries including India, where the population has a
      high burden of diabetes and CVD. We undertook a systematic review of published
      and grey literature exploring dietary patterns and relationships with diet
      related NCD in India. We identified eight studies, including eleven separate
      models of dietary patterns. Most dietary patterns were vegetarian with a
      predominance of fruit, vegetables and pulses, as well as cereals; dietary
      patterns based on high-fat, high-sugar foods and more meat were also identified.
      There was large variability between regions in dietary patterns, and there was
      some evidence of change in diets over time, although no evidence of different
      diets by sex or age was found. Consumers of high-fat dietary patterns were more
      likely to have greater BMI, and a dietary pattern high in sweets and snacks was
      associated with greater risk of diabetes compared with a traditional diet high in
      rice and pulses, but other relationships with NCD risk factors were less clear.
      This review shows that dietary pattern analyses can be highly valuable in
      assessing variability in national diets and diet-disease relationships. However,
      to date, most studies in India are limited by data and methodological
      shortcomings.

PMID- 27146891
TI  - Lip movements entrain the observers' low-frequency brain oscillations to
      facilitate speech intelligibility.
AB  - During continuous speech, lip movements provide visual temporal signals that
      facilitate speech processing. Here, using MEG we directly investigated how these
      visual signals interact with rhythmic brain activity in participants listening to
      and seeing the speaker. First, we investigated coherence between oscillatory
      brain activity and speaker's lip movements and demonstrated significant
      entrainment in visual cortex. We then used partial coherence to remove
      contributions of the coherent auditory speech signal from the lip-brain
      coherence. Comparing this synchronization between different attention conditions
      revealed that attending visual speech enhances the coherence between activity in
      visual cortex and the speaker's lips. Further, we identified a significant
      partial coherence between left motor cortex and lip movements and this partial
      coherence directly predicted comprehension accuracy. Our results emphasize the
      importance of visually entrained and attention-modulated rhythmic brain activity
      for the enhancement of audiovisual speech processing.

PMID- 27146892
TI  - An ancient yet flexible cis-regulatory architecture allows localized Hedgehog
      tuning by patched/Ptch1.
AB  - The Hedgehog signaling pathway is part of the ancient developmental-evolutionary
      animal toolkit. Frequently co-opted to pattern new structures, the pathway is
      conserved among eumetazoans yet flexible and pleiotropic in its effects. The
      Hedgehog receptor, Patched, is transcriptionally activated by Hedgehog, providing
      essential negative feedback in all tissues. Our locus-wide dissections of the cis
      regulatory landscapes of fly patched and mouse Ptch1 reveal abundant, diverse
      enhancers with stage- and tissue-specific expression patterns. The seemingly
      simple, constitutive Hedgehog response of patched/Ptch1 is driven by a complex
      regulatory architecture, with batteries of context-specific enhancers engaged in
      promoter-specific interactions to tune signaling individually in each tissue,
      without disturbing patterning elsewhere. This structure-one of the oldest cis
      regulatory features discovered in animal genomes-explains how patched/Ptch1 can
      drive dramatic adaptations in animal morphology while maintaining its essential
      core function. It may also suggest a general model for the evolutionary
      flexibility of conserved regulators and pathways.

PMID- 27146894
TI  - Hawkmoths evaluate scenting flowers with the tip of their proboscis.
AB  - Pollination by insects is essential to many ecosystems. Previously, we have shown
      that floral scent is important to mediate pollen transfer between plants (Kessler
      et al., 2015). Yet, the mechanisms by which pollinators evaluate volatiles of
      single flowers remained unclear. Here, Nicotiana attenuata plants, in which
      floral volatiles have been genetically silenced and its hawkmoth pollinator,
      Manduca sexta, were used in semi-natural tent and wind-tunnel assays to explore
      the function of floral scent. We found that floral scent functions to increase
      the fitness of individual flowers not only by increasing detectability but also
      by enhancing the pollinator's foraging efforts. Combining proboscis choice tests
      with neurophysiological, anatomical and molecular analyses we show that this
      effect is governed by newly discovered olfactory neurons on the tip of the moth's
      proboscis. With the tip of their tongue, pollinators assess the advertisement of
      individual flowers, an ability essential for maintaining this important ecosystem
      service.

PMID- 27146893
TI  - Set7 mediated Gli3 methylation plays a positive role in the activation of Sonic
      Hedgehog pathway in mammals.
AB  - Hedgehog signaling plays very important roles in development and cancers.
      Vertebrates have three transcriptional factors, Gli1, Gli2 and Gli3. Among them,
      Gli3 is a very special transcriptional factor which closely resembles Cubitus
      interruptus (Ci, in Drosophila) structurally and functionally as a 'double agent'
      for Shh target gene expression. Here we show that Gli3 full-length, but not the
      truncated form, can be methylated at K436 and K595. This methylation is
      specifically catalyzed by Set7, a lysine methyltransferase (KMT). Methylation at
      K436 and K595 respectively increases the stability and DNA binding ability of
      Gli3, resulting in an enhancement of Shh signaling activation. Furthermore,
      functional experiments indicate that the Gli3 methylation contributes to the
      tumor growth and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo.
      Therefore, we propose that Set7 mediated methylation is a novel PTM of Gli3,
      which positively regulates the transactivity of Gli3 and the activation of Shh
      signaling.

PMID- 27146895
TI  - Health Care Resources and Mental Health Service Use Among Suicidal Adolescents.
AB  - Developing policies and interventions that increase rates of mental health
      service use for suicidal adolescents is crucial for suicide prevention. Data from
      a sample of suicidal youth (n = 1356) from the National Longitudinal Study of
      Adolescent Health (Add Health) were analyzed to examine whether type of
      insurance, receipt of routine medical care, and access to school-based mental
      health treatment predicted mental health service use cross-sectionally and
      longitudinally. Rates of mental health service use were low in cross-sectional
      analyses at all three waves (~11%-30%), despite the fact that respondents were at
      high risk for suicide attempts and depression. With demographic factors and
      symptom severity controlled, only receipt of a routine physical predicted an
      increased likelihood of mental health service use at wave I and in longitudinal
      analyses. Implications discussed include the utility of universal suicide
      screenings and integrated behavioral health care as potential intervention
      strategies for this population.

PMID- 27146896
TI  - Epitaxial Ultrathin Organic Crystals on Graphene for High-Efficiency
      Phototransistors.
AB  - Epitaxially grown ultrathin organic semiconductors on graphene show great promise
      as highly efficient phototransistors. The devices exhibit a strong photoresponse
      down to the limit of a monolayer organic crystal, with a photoresponsivity higher
      than 10(4) A W(-1) and a photoconductive gain over 10(8) . The excellent
      performance is attributed to the high quality of the organic crystal and
      interface, a unique feature of van der Waals epitaxy. 

PMID- 27146897
TI  - Comparison on the status of vitamin A in 6- to 13- year-old children between 2002
      and 2012 in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency is recognized as a major public-health nutrition
      issue in the developing countries. Limited hospital sources and sample sizes are
      available in most of the existing studies associated with healthy school-age
      children. The aim of this study was to compare vitamin A status of 6- to 13-year
      old healthy children in China between 2002 and 2012. METHODS: According to China
      National Nutrition and Health Survey 2002 (CHNNS2002) and CHNNS2010-2013, we
      choose 6- to 13-year-old children as the research object. We measure the serum
      retinol concentrations of the children using high performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC). The children were divided into two groups: 6- to 9-year
      old and 10- to 13-year-old. The areas were divided into urban and rural area.
      RESULTS: Total number of the children (6- to 13-year old) was 8170 in 2002
      survey, and it was 6016 in 2012 survey. In 2012, the vitamin A level of the
      children was higher than that in 2002 (t = 39.26, p = 0.000). The level of
      vitamin A in 10- to 13-year-old group was higher than that in 6- to 9-year-old
      group across areas and genders between 2002 and 2012. There was no difference on
      the incidence of vitamin A deficiency in all the children between 2002 and 2012,
      but in 2012 the incidence of vitamin A deficiency in the urban children was
      higher than that in 2002 (x (2) = 45.456,p = 0.000). The incidence of vitamin A
      deficiency in 10- to 13-year-old group was lower than that in 10- to 13-year-old
      group across areas and genders between 2002 and 2012. In 2012, the incidence of
      marginal vitamin A deficiency in the children was lower than that in 2002 (x (2)
      = 861.604, p = 0.000). Similar phenomena were also found in across area groups.
      The incidence of marginal vitamin A deficiency in 10- to 13-year-old group was
      lower than that in 6- to 9-year-old group across areas and genders between 2002
      and 2012. There was no difference in vitamin A status of the children across the
      area, gender and age groups between 2002 and 2012. CONCLUSION: Vitamin A
      nutritional status of the children in 2012 has been significantly improved
      compared with that in 2002. However, vitamin A deficiency was still a moderate
      public health problem in Chinese children, especially in younger school-age
      children. Consequently, controlling the incidence of vitamin a deficiency is
      imperative for promoting Chinese children's health.

PMID- 27146898
TI  - Balanced MR cholangiopancreatography with motion-sensitised driven-equilibrium
      (MSDE) preparation: feasibility of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced biliary examination.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of motion-sensitised driven-equilibrium (MSDE)
      prepared balanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in a
      gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)
      enhanced study compared to conventional T2-weighted MRCP. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Fifteen patients (seven male and eight female patients) prospectively underwent
      conventional three-dimensional turbo spin-echo T2-weighted MRCP and MSDE-balanced
      MRCP using a 1.5 T MRI system after hepatobiliary phase image acquisition. For
      quantitative evaluation, the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the common hepatic
      duct to liver tissue was calculated. For qualitative analysis, two radiologists
      evaluated the depiction of the biliary system and main pancreatic duct (MPD)
      using a scoring system. Signal suppression of the portal vein (PV) and hepatic
      vein (HV) on MSDE-balanced MRCP was also scored. RESULTS: MSDE-balanced MRCP
      showed significantly higher CNR than T2-weighted MRCP. For all biliary
      structures, the mean depiction scores of MSDE-balanced MRCP were significantly
      higher than those of T2-weighted MRCP, whereas the mean depiction score of MPD
      with MSDE-balanced MRCP was significantly lower than that of T2-weighted MRCP.
      Signal suppression of the PV and HV was thought to be clinically sufficient.
      CONCLUSIONS: MSDE-balanced MRCP more clearly depicted biliary structures compared
      with T2-weighted MRCP in a Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced study. This sequence may be
      utilised for routine MRCP on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI.

PMID- 27146899
TI  - Morphological re-description and molecular characterization of Kudoa pagrusi
      (Myxosporea: Multivalvulida) infecting the heart muscles of the common sea bream
      fish Pagrus pagrus (Perciformes: Sparidae) from the Red Sea, Egypt.
AB  - In the present study, 100 samples of different sizes of the common sea bream fish
      Pagrus pagrus were collected from the Egyptian water along the Gulf of Suez, Red
      Sea and examined for the prevalence of myxosporidian parasites in general and
      Kudoa spp. in particular. Fish samples were thoroughly externally examined. After
      dissection, all the internal organs were removed and examined. A total of 60 out
      of 100 fish specimens were found to be infected with Kudoa stages. Parasitic
      infection was restricted to the heart muscles of the examined fish. None of the
      other organs was found to be infected. Macroscopic cysts (plasmodia) heavily
      infested the different parts of the heart muscles. Each plasmodium measured 1.2
      2.5 (1.53 +/- 0.2) mm * 0.63-0.80 (0.65 +/- 0.2) mm. Mature spores are quadratic
      in shape in the apical view showing four equal valves and four symmetrical polar
      capsules. Fresh spores were 5.0-7.1 (5.7 +/- 0.2) MUm long * 5.4-8.5 (6.1 +/-
      0.3) MUm wide. On the basis of spore morphology, the present species was
      identified as Kudoa pagrusi. Morphometric characterization revealed that the
      relatively small size of this Kudoa species was the distinctive feature that
      separates it from all previously described species. Molecular analysis based on
      small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequences revealed that the highest
      percentage of identity was observed with K. scomberomori and followed by K.
      shiomitsui, K. hypoepicarclialis, K. amamiensis, and K. kenti. The kudoid spores
      showed morphometric variations to some extents but had essentially identical
      nucleotide sequences of the SSU rDNA gene sequences closest to those of K.
      scomberomori and K. shiomitsui recorded from elasmobranchs in the Indo-Pacific
      Ocean. The present findings support the identification of an ancestral marine
      origin of the present Kudoa species. 

PMID- 27146900
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome analysis of Clinostomum complanatum and its
      comparison with selected digeneans.
AB  - Clinostomum complanatum is an important trematode in fishes, birds of the family
      Ardeidae, and humans. Until now, limited knowledge is available regarding its
      molecular epidemiology, ecology, and phylogenetic study. Knowledge of the full
      mitochondrial genome of C. complanatum will provide important information for the
      study of epidemiology, biology, and genetic diversity of this fluke. In the
      present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of C. complanatum was sequenced
      and analyzed. The complete C. complanatum mitochondrial genome is 13,796 bp in
      length and contains 12 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and
      one non-coding control region. All the 12 protein-coding genes are transcribed in
      the same direction and are AT-rich. Phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated
      amino acid sequences of the 12 protein-coding genes from C. complanatum and other
      selective digeneans showed that C. complanatum is in a separate branch,
      indicating C. complanatum has no closer relationship with any of the selected
      families. The complete mtDNA sequence of C. complanatum will increase our
      knowledge of mitochondrial genomics data and will also provide an important
      resource for studies of inter- and intra-species variation of flukes belonging to
      Clinostomidae. 

PMID- 27146901
TI  - Tick repellents and acaricides of botanical origin: a green roadmap to control
      tick-borne diseases?
AB  - Arthropods are dangerous vectors of agents of deadly diseases, which may hit as
      epidemics or pandemics in the increasing world population of humans and animals.
      Among them, ticks transmit more pathogen species than any other group of blood
      feeding arthropods worldwide. Thus, the effective and eco-friendly control of
      tick vectors in a constantly changing environment is a crucial challenge. A
      number of novel routes have been attempted to prevent and control tick-borne
      diseases, including the development of (i) vaccines against viruses vectored by
      ticks; (ii) pheromone-based control tools, with special reference to the "lure
      and kill" techniques; (iii) biological control programmes relying on ticks'
      natural enemies and pathogens; and (iv) the integrated pest management practices
      aimed at reducing tick interactions with livestock. However, the extensive
      employment of acaricides and tick repellents still remains the two most effective
      and ready-to-use strategies. Unfortunately, the first one is limited by the rapid
      development of resistance in ticks, as well as by serious environmental concerns.
      On the other hand, the exploitation of plants as sources of effective tick
      repellents is often promising. Here, we reviewed current knowledge concerning the
      effectiveness of plant extracts as acaricides or repellents against tick vectors
      of public health importance, with special reference to Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes
      persulcatus, Amblyomma cajennense, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, Haemaphysalis
      longicornis, Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, Rhipicephalus
      appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Rhipicephalus pulchellus,
      Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Rhipicephalus turanicus. Eighty-three plant species
      from 35 botanical families were selected. The most frequent botanical families
      exploited as sources of acaricides and repellents against ticks were Asteraceae
      (15 % of the selected studies), Fabaceae (9 %), Lamiaceae (10 %), Meliaceae (5
      %), Solanaceae (6 %) and Verbenaceae (5 %). Regression equation analyses showed
      that the literature grew by approximately 20 % per year (period: 2005-2015).
      Lastly, in the final section, insights for future research are discussed. We
      focused on some caveats for future data collection and analysis. Current critical
      points mainly deal with (a) not uniform methods used, which prevent proper
      comparison of the results; (b) inaccurate tested concentrations, frequently 100 %
      concentration corresponded to the gross extract, where the exact amounts of
      extracted substances are unknown; and (c) not homogeneous size of tested tick
      instars and species. Overall, the knowledge summarized in this review may be
      helpful for comparative screening among extensive numbers of plant-borne
      preparations, in order to develop newer and safer tick control tools. 

PMID- 27146902
TI  - Clinical significance of frequent somatic mutations detected by high-throughput
      targeted sequencing in archived colorectal cancer samples.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease with different
      molecular characteristics associated with many variables such as the sites from
      which the tumors originate or the presence or absence of chromosomal instability.
      Identification of such variables, particularly mutational hotspots, often carries
      a significant diagnostic and/or prognostic value that could ultimately affect the
      therapeutic outcome. METHODS: High-throughput mutational analysis of 99 CRC
      formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) cases was performed using the Cancer
      Hotspots Panel (CHP) v2 on the Ion TorrentTM platform. Correlation with survival
      and other Clinicopathological parameters was performed using Fisher's exact test
      and Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. RESULTS: Targeted sequencing lead to the
      identification of frequent mutations in TP53 (65 %), APC (36 %), KRAS (35 %),
      PIK3CA (19 %), PTEN (13 %), EGFR (11 %), SMAD4 (11 %), and FBXW7 (7 %). Other
      genes harbored mutations at lower frequency. EGFR mutations were relatively
      frequent and significantly associated with young age of onset (p = 0.028).
      Additionally, EGFR or PIK3CA mutations were a marker for poor disease-specific
      survival in our cohort (p = 0.009 and p = 0.032, respectively). Interestingly,
      KRAS or PIK3CA mutations were significantly associated with poor disease-specific
      survival in cases with wild-type TP53 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Frequent EGFR mutations in this cohort as well as the differential
      prognostic potential of KRAS and PIK3CA in the presence or absence of detectable
      TP53 mutations may serve as novel prognostic tools for CRC in patients from the
      Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Such findings could help in the clinical decision-making
      regarding therapeutic intervention for individual patients and provide better
      diagnosis or prognosis in this locality.

PMID- 27146903
TI  - Regulating the regulators of angiogenesis by CCN1 and taking it up a Notch.
AB  - CCN1 is encoded by an extracellular matrix protein-gene that is essential for the
      proper development of the cardiovascular system and the control of angiogenesis,
      inflammation, progenitor cell lineage commitment and extracellular matrix protein
      remodeling during the adult life. High-precision genetic models of tissue
      specific gene deletion demonstrated a pivotal role of CCN1 in providing
      positional information to angiogenic endothelial cells (ECs) during the outgrowth
      and maturation of nascent blood vessel sprouts, fine-controlling Notch-dependent
      inter-endothelial cell communications and mediating interaction with inflammatory
      cells. Some of these pleiotropic activities of CCN1 are unique among proteins of
      the extracellular matrix. Thus, CCN1 represents a model molecule for
      investigating and unraveling novel aspects of extracellular protein signaling in
      vascular development and diseases.

PMID- 27146904
TI  - Dysfunctional counting of mental time in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) often underestimate time intervals,
      however it remains unclear why they underestimate rather than overestimate them.
      The current study examined time underestimation and counting in patients with PD,
      in relation to dopamine transporter (DaT) located on presynaptic nerve endings in
      the striatum. Nineteen non-dementia patients with PD and 20 age- and sex-matched
      healthy controls performed two time estimation tasks to produce or reproduce time
      intervals with counting in the head, to examine dysfunctional time counting
      processing. They also performed tapping tasks to measure cycles of counting with
      1 s interval with time estimation. Compared to controls, patients underestimated
      time intervals above 10 s on time production not reproduction tasks, and the
      underestimation correlated with fast counting on the tapping task. Furthermore,
      striatal DaT protein levels strongly correlated with underestimation of time
      intervals. These findings suggest that distortion of time intervals is guided by
      cumulative output of fast cycle counting and that this is linked with striatal
      DaT protein deficit.

PMID- 27146905
TI  - Dyssynchronization reduces dynamic obstruction without affecting systolic
      function in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: a pilot study.
AB  - Dyssynchrony from biventricular pacing (BiV) can reduce dynamic obstruction in
      hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), but its consequences on the left
      ventricular (LV) systolic function are unknown. We evaluate changes in LV
      systolic function and assess the effectiveness of BiV in HOCM. Thirteen patients
      with HOCM (55 [33/75] years, five males) received a BiV device and underwent 2D
      transthoracic echocardiography before the implantation and at 12 months follow
      up. Global longitudinal and radial strain, and the timing of segmental
      displacement curves were measured by commercial speckle-tracking software to
      assess LV systolic function and dyssynchrony. Peak gradient in the LV outflow
      tract (LVOT) significantly decreased from 80 [51/100] to 30 [5/66] mmHg (p =
      0.005). LV global strain was preserved from baseline to follow-up: 35.1
      [20.2/43.8] % vs. 32.6 [27.1/44.1] %, p = NS (radial), and -16.6 [-19.1/-14.4] %
      vs. -15.7 [-17.0/-14.2] %, p = NS (longitudinal). Dyssynchrony analysis using
      displacement curves showed inversion of wall motion timing with earlier
      displacement of the lateral wall at follow-up only in patients with reduction in
      LVOT gradient. BiV reduces LVOT obstruction in patients with HOCM when
      dyssynchronization of LV motion and inversion of the timing of LV wall activation
      are reached. Notably, this does not lead to further deterioration of LV systolic
      function at mid-term follow-up. 

PMID- 27146906
TI  - Development and Application of Syndromic Surveillance for Severe Weather Events
      Following Hurricane Sandy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Following Hurricane Superstorm Sandy, the New Jersey Department of
      Health (NJDOH) developed indicators to enhance syndromic surveillance for extreme
      weather events in EpiCenter, an online system that collects and analyzes real
      time chief complaint emergency department (ED) data and classifies each visit by
      indicator or syndrome. METHODS: These severe weather indicators were finalized by
      using 2 steps: (1) key word inclusion by review of chief complaints from cases
      where diagnostic codes met selection criteria and (2) key word exclusion by
      evaluating cases with key words of interest that lacked selected diagnostic
      codes. RESULTS: Graphs compared 1-month, 3-month, and 1-year periods of 8
      Hurricane Sandy-related severe weather event indicators against the same period
      in the following year. Spikes in overall ED visits were observed immediately
      after the hurricane for carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, the 3 disrupted
      outpatient medical care indicators, asthma, and methadone-related substance use.
      Zip code level scan statistics indicated clusters of CO poisoning and increased
      medicine refill needs during the 2 weeks after Hurricane Sandy. CO poisoning
      clusters were identified in areas with power outages of 4 days or longer.
      CONCLUSIONS: This endeavor gave the NJDOH a clearer picture of the effects of
      Hurricane Sandy and yielded valuable state preparation information to monitor the
      effects of future severe weather events. (Disaster Med Public Health
      Preparedness. 2016;10:463-471).

PMID- 27146907
TI  - Retrospective study of experience of craniofacial reconstruction.
AB  - Reconstruction is a basic task in craniofacial plastic surgery. Different methods
      must be used to meet the aspirations of surgeons and patients with different
      defects and deformities. We make a retrospective study of our experience of
      craniofacial reconstruction. In accordance with 10 years' clinical experience,
      direct suturing, skin graft transfer, nerve anastomosis, expanded pedicled or
      random flaps, facial local random flaps, reduction of mandibular fracture and
      correction of congenital craniofacial deformities were included in this case
      series. These types of treatment were applied to reconstruct facial defects or
      deformities according to different circumstances of patients. Directed by
      rational design and treatment, reconstructive surgery can be executed to treat
      different cases with different circumstances. A total of 891 different cases with
      different facial circumstances were treated with different methods: direct
      suturing (n = 93), skin graft transfer(n = 104), nerve anastomosis (n = 38),
      expanded pedicled or random flaps(n = 310), facial local random or pedicled
      flaps(n = 231), reduction of mandibular fracture(n = 112) and correction of
      congenital craniofacial deformities(n = 13). Reconstructive technique must be
      directed by reliable methods and special guidelines in Plastic Surgery. Three
      guidelines are summarised: reconstruction in the first stage and returning
      injured tissue to its origin site as far as possible for traumatic events;
      adjacent tissue must be prior to other distant tissue for reconstructive choice;
      and reconstruction at different stages after careful design.

PMID- 27146908
TI  - Microscopic Mechanism of Chiral Induction in a Metal-Organic Framework.
AB  - The recently reported process of chiral induction in a metal-organic framework
      (MOF) by nonchiral guest adsorption, demonstrated on the prototypical MOF-5, may
      revolutionize the production of MOFs for enantioselective separation and
      catalysis. Herein, we describe an investigation employing multiscale molecular
      simulation to discover the microscopic mechanism of chiral induction and
      investigate the stability of the resulting framework. Our results explain how the
      molecular size and chemical nature of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) give rise to
      the chiral transformation in MOF-5, whereas it cannot occur for other guest
      molecules, such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Moreover, we show that the guest
      free CMOF-5 structure is energetically unstable, with either the achiral
      conventional structure or a closed pore structure preferred, demonstrating that
      chirality will not be retained upon activation of CMOF-5. While this limits the
      usability of chiral induction in MOFs, our study opens new avenues for the use of
      other guest molecules and provides microscopic insight into this unexpected
      outcome of guest-framework interactions in a soft porous crystal.

PMID- 27146909
TI  - Oral Mucosa for Delivery of Drugs, Allergens and Vaccines: Where are we Now?

PMID- 27146910
TI  - Killing Rates of Caspofungin in 50 Percent Serum Correlate with Caspofungin
      Efficacy Against Candida albicans in a Neutropenic Murine Model.
AB  - Previous studies suggested that caspofungin dose escalation against Candida
      species is more beneficial than currently used lower daily doses. Thus, we
      determined in vitro and in vivo activity of caspofungin against six wild-type C.
      albicans clinical isolates, the ATCC 10231 strain and an echinocandin resistant
      strain. MIC ranges of clinical isolates in RPMI-1640 with and without 50% serum
      were 0.125-0.25 and 0.015-0.06 mg/L, respectively. Two and three isolates showed
      paradoxical growth in MIC and time-kill tests, respectively, in RPMI-1640 but not
      in 50% serum. Caspofungin killing rate (k) in RPMI-1640 at 1 mg/L was higher than
      at 16 and 32 mg/L for all isolates (p<0.001). Killing rates for five of six
      isolates were concentration independent between 1-32 mg/L in 50% serum (p>0.05
      for all comparisons), but for one isolate k value at 32 mg/L was significantly
      lower than at 1-16 mg/L. Although k values at 1-32 mg/L showed a great
      variability in 50% serum (the lowest and highest k value ranges were 0.085-0.109
      and 0.882-0.985 1/h, respectively), daily 3, 5 and 15 mg/kg caspofungin was
      effective in a neutropenic murine model against all isolates, without significant
      differences between the effective doses. This study confirms that paradoxical
      growth does not affect the in vivo efficacy of caspofungin. We demonstrated that
      dose escalation did not increase the efficacy of caspofungin against C. albicans
      either in vitro or in vivo. These results are in concordance with the clinical
      experience that efficacy of echinocandins does not increase at larger doses. 

PMID- 27146911
TI  - It takes a team: reflections on insecticide discoveries, toxicological problems
      and enjoying the unexpected.
AB  - Absorption/distribution/metabolism/excretion (ADME)-related studies are mandatory
      in agrochemical development/registration, but can also play a valuable role in
      the discovery process. In combination with target-site potency,
      bioavailability/ADME characteristics determine agrochemical bioactivity and
      selectivity, and these concerns can dictate the fate of a discovery lead area.
      Bioavailability/ADME research was critical to the eventual commercialization of
      three different insecticide chemistries examined in this paper. In one situation,
      improved systemicity in anthranilic diamides was required to expand pest
      spectrum. In another, ADME tools were needed to improve the selective toxicity
      and non-target safety of sodium channel blocker insecticides. Finally,
      differential ADME characteristics of two classes of hormone agonists dictated
      differential insecticidal activity, and were useful in optimizing the
      dibenzoylhydrazine ecdysone agonists. ADME discovery research will help companies
      to advance novel, efficacious and selective agrochemicals, but organizational
      patience and a desire to understand lead areas in depth are required. (c) 2016
      Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27146912
TI  - Valentine Urie McHardy.

PMID- 27146913
TI  - Study protocol: Mother and Infant Nutritional Assessment (MINA) cohort study in
      Qatar and Lebanon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Middle East and North Africa region harbors significant
      proportions of stunting and wasting coupled with surging rates of non
      communicable diseases (NCDs). Recent evidence identified nutrition during the
      first 1000 days of life as a common denominator not only for optimal growth but
      also for curbing the risk of NCDs later in life. The main objective of this
      manuscript is to describe the protocol of the first cohort in the region to
      investigate the association of nutrition imbalances early in life with birth
      outcomes, growth patterns, as well as early determinants of non-communicable
      diseases. More specifically the cohort aims to 1) examine the effects of maternal
      and early child nutrition and lifestyle characteristics on birth outcomes and
      growth patterns and 2) develop evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle guidelines
      for pregnant women and young children. METHODS/DESIGN: A multidisciplinary team
      of researchers was established from governmental and private academic and health
      sectors in Lebanon and Qatar to launch the Mother and Infant Nutritional
      Assessment 3-year cohort study. Pregnant women (n = 250 from Beirut, n = 250 from
      Doha) in their first trimester are recruited from healthcare centers in Beirut,
      Lebanon and Doha, Qatar. Participants are interviewed three times during
      pregnancy (once every trimester) and seven times at and after delivery (when the
      child is 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months old). Delivery and birth data is obtained
      from hospital records. Data collection includes maternal socio-demographic and
      lifestyle characteristics, dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, and
      household food security data. For biochemical assessment of various indicators of
      nutritional status, a blood sample is obtained from women during their first
      trimester. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, dietary intake, as
      well as anthropometric measurements of children are also examined. The Delphi
      technique will be used for the development of the nutrition and lifestyle
      guidelines. DISCUSSION: The Mother and Infant Nutritional Assessment study
      protocol provides a model for collaborations between countries of different socio
      economic levels within the same region to improve research efficiency in the
      field of early nutrition thus potentially leading to healthier pregnancies,
      mothers, infants, and children.

PMID- 27146914
TI  - Dietary Genistein Prevents Denervation-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Male Rodents via
      Effects on Estrogen Receptor-alpha.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genistein has high estrogenic activity. Previous studies have shown
      beneficial effects of estrogen or hormone replacement therapy on muscle mass and
      muscle atrophy. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the preventive effects and underlying
      mechanisms of genistein on muscle atrophy. METHODS: In Expt. 1, male Wistar rats
      were fed a diet containing no genistein [control (CON)] or 0.05% genistein (GEN;
      wt:wt diet) for 24 d. On day 14, the sciatic nerve in the left hind leg was
      severed, and the right hind leg was sham-treated. In Expt. 2, male C57BL6J mice
      were subcutaneously administered a vehicle (Veh group) or the estrogen receptor
      (ER) antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI group) via an osmotic pump for 27 d, and each
      group was subsequently fed CON or GEN diets from day 3 to day 27. Muscle atrophy
      was induced on day 17 as in Expt. 1. In Expt. 3, male C57BL6J mice were
      subcutaneously administered vehicle or a selective ER agonist-ER-alpha [4,4',4'
      (4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol (PPT)] or ER-beta [2,3-bis(4
      hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN)]-or genistein (GEN-sc-i) via an osmotic pump
      for 13 d, and muscle atrophy was induced on day 3 as in Expt. 1. The ratio of
      denervated soleus muscle weight to sham-operated soleus muscle weight (d/s ratio)
      was used as the index of muscle atrophy. RESULTS: Expt. 1: The d/s ratio in the
      GEN group was 20% higher than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). Expt. 2: The d/s
      ratio in the Veh-GEN group was 14% higher than that in the Veh-CON group (P <
      0.05), although there was no significant difference between ICI-CON and ICI-GEN
      groups (P = 0.69). Expt. 3: The d/s ratio in the PPT-treated group was 20%
      greater than that in the Veh group (P < 0.05), but DPN and GEN-sc-i had no effect
      on the d/s ratio (P >= 0.05 compared with vehicle). CONCLUSION: Genistein intake
      mitigated denervation-induced soleus muscle atrophy. ER-alpha was related to the
      preventive effect of genistein on muscle atrophy.

PMID- 27146915
TI  - Delayed Introduction of Parenteral Phosphorus Is Associated with Hypercalcemia in
      Extremely Preterm Infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early parenteral nutrition (PN) provides essential macro- and
      micronutrients for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants <1000 g. Frequent
      cases of hypercalcemia [whole blood ionized calcium (iCa) > 1.45 mmol/L] in the
      first week of life while receiving PN solutions at our large quaternary center
      prompted investigation and 2 plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles to reduce rates of
      hypercalcemia. OBJECTIVE: We compared 2 cohorts of ELBW infants separated by PDSA
      cycles to evaluate and reduce the incidence of abnormal iCa concentration.
      METHODS: Data were recorded for 150 premature infants with mean birth weight of
      726 +/- 164 g, 48% male, and mean gestational age of 26 +/- 2.1 wk. This process
      included an internal practice analysis and PDSA cycles monitored prospectively
      over 3 y. From December 2011 to September 2012, 66 infants received 0-1.2 mmol
      parenteral phosphorus supplementation/(kg ? d) beginning at 72 h of life. In the
      second protocol, 84 infants born September 2012 to July 2013 received earlier
      phosphorus supplementation within 24 h of life. The peak whole blood iCa and
      serum phosphorus concentrations in the first week of life were monitored.
      RESULTS: Early introduction of phosphorus was significantly associated with a
      decreased mean peak iCa (1.64 +/- 0.27 mmol/L to 1.50 +/- 0.23 mmol/L, P =
      0.001), and the incidence of severe hypercalcemia (iCa > 1.60 mmol/L) decreased
      from 50.0% to 21.4% (P = 0.002) in the first week of life. There was no
      difference in mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, renal calcifications,
      seizures within 7 d of birth, brain calcifications, or intracranial hemorrhage
      between cohorts. CONCLUSION: Early introduction of phosphorus in PN solutions is
      associated with reduced incidence of whole blood iCa abnormalities in the first
      week of life and should be considered for ELBW infants. Ongoing evaluation of
      optimal mineral provision to this population after birth should be performed.

PMID- 27146916
TI  - Alternative Pathway Analyses Indicate Bidirectional Relations between Depressive
      Symptoms, Diet Quality, and Central Adiposity in a Sample of Urban US Adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Temporality between socioeconomic status (SES), depressive symptoms
      (DS), dietary quality (DQ), and central adiposity (CA) is underexplored.
      OBJECTIVES: Alternative pathways linking SES to DQ, DS, and CA were tested and
      models compared, stratified by race and sex. METHODS: With the use of data from
      the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (baseline
      age: 30-64 y; 2 visits; mean follow-up: 4.9 y), 12 structural equation models
      (SM) were conducted and compared. Time-dependent factors included the Center for
      Epidemiologic Studies-Depression [CES-D total score, baseline or visit 1 (v1),
      follow-up or visit 2 (v2), mean across visits (m), and annual rate of change
      (Delta)], 2010 Healthy Eating Index (HEI) (same notation), and central adiposity
      principal components' analysis score of waist circumference and trunk fat (kg)
      (Adipcent) (same notation). Sample sizes were white women (WW, n = 236), white
      men (WM, n = 159), African American women (AAW, n = 395), and African American
      men (AAM, n = 274), and a multigroup analysis within the SM framework was also
      conducted. RESULTS: In the best-fitting model, overall, ~31% of the total effect
      of SES->Adipcent(v2) (alpha +/- SE: -0.10 +/- 0.03, P < 0.05) was mediated
      through a combination of CES-D(v1) and DeltaHEI. Two dominant pathways
      contributed to the indirect effect: SES->(-)CES-D(v1)->(+)Adipcent(v2) (-0.015)
      and SES->(+) DeltaHEI->(-)Adipcent(v2) (-0.017), with a total indirect effect of 
      0.031 (P < 0.05). In a second best-fitting model, SES independently predicted
      Adipcent(v1, -0.069), DeltaHEI(+0.037) and CES-D(v2, -2.70) (P < 0.05), with
      Adipcent(v1) marginally predicting DeltaHEI(-0.014) and CES-D(v2, +0.67) (P <
      0.10). These findings were indicative of DS's and CA's marginally significant
      bidirectional association (P < 0.10). Although best-fit-selected models were
      consistent across race * sex categories, path coefficients differed significantly
      between groups. Specifically, SES->Adipcent[v1(+0.11), v2(+0.14)] was positive
      among AAM (P < 0.05), and the overall positive association of Adipcent(v1)->CES
      D(v2) was specific to AAW (+0.97, P < 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Despite consistent
      model fit, pathways linking SES to DQ, DS, and CA differed markedly among the
      race * sex groups. Our findings can inform the potential effectiveness of various
      mental health and dietary interventions.

PMID- 27146917
TI  - Snacking Is Longitudinally Associated with Declines in Body Mass Index z Scores
      for Overweight Children, but Increases for Underweight Children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies, to our knowledge, have examined the longitudinal
      association of snacking with child body mass index (BMI), especially in China,
      where the incidence of overweight and obesity has increased rapidly. OBJECTIVES:
      Our objective was to examine the longitudinal association between snacking and
      BMI z score and to test whether this association differs by baseline weight
      status. METHODS: Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (2006,
      2009, and 2011), we characterized snack intake for 9 provinces and 3 megacities.
      We used linear mixed-effects models to examine longitudinally the association
      between snacking (none, low, medium, and high tertiles according to energy) and
      BMI z score in children aged 2-13 y at baseline, controlling for sex, urbanicity,
      parental education, physical activity, and foods consumed at meals (n = 2277
      observations). We tested whether this association differed by baseline
      underweight, normal weight, or overweight/obese. RESULTS: Snacking is prevalent
      in Chinese children, with fruit being the most common snack. Snacking was not
      associated with meaningful BMI z score changes in normal-weight children.
      However, in children who were underweight at baseline, snacking in the top
      tertiles was associated with increases in BMI z scores from 2006 to 2011 (+1.2
      and +1.1 BMI z score units for ages 2-6 and 7-13 y, respectively) (P < 0.05). In
      overweight/obese 2- to 6-y-old children at baseline, being in the lowest snacking
      tertile was associated with declines in BMI z score (-3.3), whereas in overweight
      7- to 13-y-old children, being in the top tertile of snacking was associated with
      the greatest decline in BMI z score (-2.1) (P < 0.05). The direction and
      magnitude of associations did not vary regardless of adjustment for total energy
      intake. CONCLUSIONS: Snacking in China, dominated by fruit consumption, is
      associated with decreased BMI in overweight/obese children and increased BMI in
      underweight children. More work will be needed to monitor this relation as
      Chinese diets continue to westernize.

PMID- 27146918
TI  - Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Alters Fetal Iron Distribution and Elevates Hepatic
      Hepcidin in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes neurodevelopmental
      disabilities, and gestational iron deficiency (ID) selectively worsens learning
      and neuroanatomical and growth impairments in PAE. It is unknown why ID worsens
      outcomes in alcohol-exposed offspring. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that PAE alters
      maternal-fetal iron distribution or its regulation. METHODS: Nulliparous, 10-wk
      old, Long-Evans rats were mated and then fed iron-sufficient (100 mg Fe/kg) or
      iron-deficient (<=4 mg Fe/kg) diets. On gestational days 13.5-19.5, dams received
      either 5.0 g ethanol/kg body weight (PAE) or isocaloric maltodextrin by oral
      gavage. On gestational day 20.5, maternal and fetal clinical blood counts, tissue
      mineral and iron transport protein concentrations, and hepatic hepcidin mRNA
      expression were determined. RESULTS: In fetal brain and liver (P < 0.001) and in
      maternal liver (P < 0.005), ID decreased iron (total and nonheme) and ferritin
      content by nearly 200%. PAE reduced fetal bodyweight (P < 0.001) and interacted
      with ID (P < 0.001) to reduce it by an additional 20%. Independent of maternal
      iron status, PAE increased fetal liver iron (30-60%, P < 0.001) and decreased
      brain iron content (total and nonheme, 15-20%, P <= 0.050). ID-PAE brains had
      lower ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin receptor content (P <= 0.002) than
      ID-maltodextrin brains. PAE reduced fetal hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red blood
      cell numbers (P < 0.003) independently of iron status. Unexpectedly, and also
      independent of iron status, PAE increased maternal and fetal hepatic hepcidin
      mRNA expression >300% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: PAE altered fetal iron
      distribution independent of maternal iron status in rats. The elevated iron
      content of fetal liver suggests that PAE may have limited iron availability for
      fetal erythropoiesis and brain development. Altered fetal iron distribution may
      partly explain why maternal ID substantially worsens growth and behavioral
      outcomes in PAE.

PMID- 27146919
TI  - A Postnatal Diet Containing Phospholipids, Processed to Yield Large, Phospholipid
      Coated Lipid Droplets, Affects Specific Cognitive Behaviors in Healthy Male Mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infant cognitive development can be positively influenced by
      breastfeeding rather than formula feeding. The composition of breast milk,
      especially lipid quality, and the duration of breastfeeding have been linked to
      this effect. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether the physical properties and
      composition of lipid droplets in milk may contribute to cognitive development.
      METHODS: From postnatal day (P) 16 to P44, healthy male C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice were
      fed either a control or a concept rodent diet, in which the dietary lipid
      droplets were large and coated with milk phospholipids, resembling more closely
      the physical properties and composition of breast milk lipids. Thereafter, all
      mice were fed an AIN-93M semisynthetic rodent diet. The mice were subjected to
      various cognitive tests during adolescence (P35-P44) and adulthood (P70-P101). On
      P102, mice were killed and brain phospholipids were analyzed. RESULTS: The
      concept diet improved performance in short-term memory tasks that rely on novelty
      exploration during adolescence (T-maze; spontaneous alternation 87% in concept
      fed mice compared with 74% in mice fed control diet; P < 0.05) and adulthood
      (novel object recognition; preference index 0.48 in concept-fed mice compared
      with 0.05 in control-fed mice; P < 0.05). Cognitive performance in long-term
      memory tasks, however, was unaffected by diet. Brain phospholipid composition at
      P102 was not different between diet groups. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to a diet with
      lipids mimicking more closely the structure and composition of lipids in breast
      milk improved specific cognitive behaviors in mice. These data suggest that lipid
      structure should be considered as a relevant target to improve dietary lipid
      quality in infant milk formulas.

PMID- 27146920
TI  - Fractional Zinc Absorption for Men, Women, and Adolescents Is Overestimated in
      the Current Dietary Reference Intakes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The fractional zinc absorption values used in the current Dietary
      Reference Intakes (DRIs) for zinc were based on data from published studies.
      However, the inhibitory effect of phytate was underestimated because of the low
      phytate content of the diets in the studies used. OBJECTIVE: The objective of
      this study was to estimate the fractional absorption of dietary zinc from the US
      diet by using 2 published algorithms. METHODS: Nutrient intake data were obtained
      from the NHANES 2009-2010 and the corresponding Food Patterns Equivalents
      Database. Data were analyzed with the use of R software by taking into account
      the complex survey design. The International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group
      (IZiNCG; Brown et al. Food Nutr Bull 2004;25:S99-203) and Miller et al. (Br J
      Nutr 2013;109:695-700) models were used to estimate zinc absorption. RESULTS:
      Geometric means (95% CIs) of zinc absorption for all subjects were 30.1% (29.9%,
      30.2%) or 31.3% (30.9%, 31.6%) with the use of the IZiNCG model and Miller et al.
      model, respectively. For men, women, and adolescents, absorption values obtained
      in this study with the use of the 2 models were 27.2%, 31.4%, and 30.1%,
      respectively, for the IZiNCG model and 28.0%, 33.0%, and 31.6%, respectively, for
      the Miller et al. model, compared with the 41%, 48%, and 40%, respectively, used
      in the current DRIs. For preadolescents, estimated absorption values (31.1% and
      32.8% for the IZiNCG model and Miller et al. model, respectively) compare well
      with the conservative estimate of 30% used in the DRIs. When the new estimates of
      zinc absorption were applied to the current DRI values for men and women, the
      results suggest that the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) and RDA for these
      groups need to be increased by nearly one-half of the current values in order to
      meet their requirements for absorbed zinc. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that
      zinc absorption is overestimated for men, women, and adolescents in the current
      DRI. Upward adjustments of the DRI for these groups are recommended.

PMID- 27146921
TI  - Distinct Adipose Depots from Mice Differentially Respond to a High-Fat, High-Salt
      Diet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dietary factors such as high-sodium or high-fat (HF) diets have been
      shown to induce a proinflammatory phenotype. However, there is limited
      information with respect to how microenvironments of distinct intra-abdominal
      adipose depots respond to the combination of a high-salt, HF diet. OBJECTIVE: We
      tested the hypothesis that HF feeding would cause changes in distinct adipose
      depots, which would be further amplified by the addition of high salt to the
      diet. METHODS: Twenty-seven male C57BL6 mice were fed an HF diet (60% of kcal
      from fat), an HF + high-salt diet (4% wt:wt), a control diet [low-fat (LF);10% of
      kcal from fat], or an LF + high-salt diet for 12 wk. The main sources of fat in
      the diets were corn oil and lard. Adipokines in serum and released from adipose
      tissue organ cultures were measured by immunoassays. QIAGEN's Ingenuity Pathway
      Analysis was used to perform functional analysis of the RNA-sequencing data from
      distinct adipose depots. RESULTS: Diet-induced obesity resulted in a classical
      inflammatory phenotype characterized by increased concentrations of circulating
      inflammatory mediators (38-56%) and reduced adiponectin concentrations (27%).
      However, high-salt feeding did not exacerbate the HF diet-induced changes in
      adipokines and cytokines. Leptin and interleukin-6 were differentially released
      from adipose depots and HF feeding impaired adiponectin and resistin secretion
      across all 3 depots (34-48% and 45-83%, respectively). The addition of high salt
      to the HF diet did not further modulate secretion in cultured adipose tissue
      experiments. Although gene expression data from RNA sequencing indicated a >4.3
      fold upregulation of integrin alphaX (Itgax) with HF feeding in all 3 depots,
      markers of cellular function were differentially expressed in response to diet
      across depots. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these findings highlight the role of
      distinct adipose depots in mice in the development of obesity and emphasize the
      importance of selecting specific depots to study the effects of therapeutic
      interventions on adipose tissue function.

PMID- 27146922
TI  - Estimation of the Prevalence of Inadequate and Excessive Iodine Intakes in School
      Age Children from the Adjusted Distribution of Urinary Iodine Concentrations from
      Population Surveys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The urinary iodine concentration (UIC), a biomarker of iodine intake,
      is used to assess population iodine status by deriving the median UIC, but this
      does not quantify the percentage of individuals with habitually deficient or
      excess iodine intakes. Individuals with a UIC <100 MUg/L or >=300 MUg/L are often
      incorrectly classified as having deficient or excess intakes, but this likely
      overestimates the true prevalence. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to estimate the
      prevalence of inadequate and excess iodine intake in children (aged 4-14 y) with
      the distribution of spot UIC from iodine surveys. METHODS: With the use of data
      from national iodine studies (Kuwait, Oman, Thailand, and Qatar) and a regional
      study (China) in children (n = 6117) in which a repeat UIC was obtained in a
      subsample (n = 1060), we calculated daily iodine intake from spot UICs from the
      relation between body weight and 24-h urine volume and within-person variation by
      using the repeat UIC. We also estimated pooled external within-person proportion
      of total variances by region. We used within-person variance proportions to
      obtain the prevalence of inadequate or excess usual iodine intake by using the
      Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)/Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) cutoff
      method. RESULTS: Median UICs in Kuwait, Oman, China, Thailand, and Qatar were
      132, 192, 199, 262, and 333 MUg/L, respectively. Internal within-person variance
      proportions ranged from 25.0% to 80.0%, and pooled regional external estimates
      ranged from 40.4% to 77.5%. The prevalence of inadequate and excess intakes as
      defined by the adjusted EAR/UL cutoff method was ~45-99% lower than those defined
      by a spot UIC <100 MUg/L or >=300 MUg/L (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Applying the
      EAR/UL cutoff method to iodine intakes from adjusted UIC distributions is a
      promising approach to estimate the number of individuals with deficient or excess
      iodine intakes.

PMID- 27146923
TI  - Macronutrient Intakes in Infancy Are Associated with Sleep Duration in
      Toddlerhood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dietary composition has been associated with sleep indexes. However,
      most of the evidence is based on cross-sectional data, and studies in young
      children are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the
      longitudinal associations of macronutrient composition of the diet with sleep
      duration and consolidation (number of awakenings) in infancy and early childhood.
      METHODS: The study was performed in 3465 children from the Generation R Study, a
      population-based cohort study in the Netherlands. Mothers reported their child's
      food intake at 13 mo of age by using a validated food-frequency questionnaire and
      their child's sleep patterns at 2 and 3 y of age. We used nutrient substitution
      models to assess the associations of relative macronutrient intakes with sleep
      indexes and adjusted the models for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.
      RESULTS: Isocaloric substitution of fat intake by protein or carbohydrate in
      infancy was associated with longer total sleep duration at 2 but not 3 y of age.
      For each 5% increase in energy intake of either protein or carbohydrate at the
      expense of fat, sleep duration at 2 y of age was longer by 6 min (95% CI: 0.4, 12
      min) and 4 min (95% CI: 2, 6 min), respectively. Further exploration of
      macronutrient subtypes indicated no consistent differences between saturated or
      unsaturated fat and that intake of plant compared with animal protein or Trp did
      not explain the association of higher total protein intake with longer sleep
      duration at 2 y of age. Replacing unsaturated with saturated fat was associated
      with 7 min (95% CI: -13, -1 min) shorter total sleep duration at 3 y of age.
      Macronutrient intakes were not associated with sleep consolidation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results suggest that the macronutrient composition of the diet is associated
      with sleep duration in young children. Future research should further study the
      causality of this association and explore the underlying mechanisms.

PMID- 27146924
TI  - Impact of End-Stage Renal Disease and Acute Kidney Injury on ICU Outcomes in
      Patients With Sepsis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the characteristics and outcomes of patients with sepsis in
      the intensive care unit (ICU) with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and acute
      kidney injury (AKI) compared to patients with nonkidney injury (non-KI). METHODS:
      Retrospective study of all patients with sepsis admitted to the ICU of a
      university hospital within a 12-month time period. Data were obtained from the
      University Health Consortium database and a chart review of the electronic
      medical records. RESULTS: We identified 39 cases of ESRD, 106 cases of AKI, and
      103 cases of non-KI. Intensive care unit mortality was 15.4% for ESRD, 30.2% for
      AKI, and 13.6% for non-KI ( P < .01). Hospital mortality was 20.5% for ESRD,
      32.1% for AKI, and 13.6% for non-KI ( P < .01). Early AKI and late AKI had an ICU
      mortality of 24.4% versus 50% ( P <.01), hospital mortality of 26.8% versus 50% (
      P = .03), ICU length of stay (LOS) of 3 and 6 days ( P = .04), and hospital LOS
      of 7 and 12.5 days ( P <.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with sepsis
      having AKI have a higher mortality rate than those with ESRD and non-KI. Hospital
      and ICU mortality rates for patients with ESRD were similar to non-KI patients.
      Late AKI compared to early AKI had a higher mortality and longer LOS.

PMID- 27146925
TI  - Analgesic management after thoracotomy for decortication in children: a
      retrospective audit of 83 children managed with a paravertebral infusion-based
      regime.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is important that postoperative analgesic management after
      thoracotomy is very effective in order to optimize postoperative recovery. A
      regional technique such as an epidural or a paravertebral catheter with an
      infusion of local anesthetic may be supplemented with systemically administered
      analgesic drugs in order to achieve satisfactory analgesia. OBJECTIVE: The
      objective of this observational study was to evaluate whether a paravertebral
      infusion of local anesthetic delivered via a surgically placed catheter together
      with systemic analgesics is associated with low pain scores and satisfactory
      analgesia after thoracotomy for decortication in children. METHODS: We performed
      a retrospective analysis of the notes and charts of 83 children admitted with
      empyema thoracis and managed with thoracotomy and decortication. We collected
      data on the doses of analgesic drugs (morphine, paracetamol, and ibuprofen) and
      details of paravertebral infusions, together with postoperative pain scores for
      the first 48 h after surgery, or earlier if the paravertebral infusion was
      stopped within 48 h of surgery. Poor quality analgesia was defined as a score of
      7 or more on the Visual Analog/Smiley Faces Scale ('VAS/SF'). RESULTS: A total of
      81 children were ASA 1 status and two were ASA 3 status. Analgesia comprised
      intravenous morphine at a mean dose of 20 MUg.kg(-1) .h(-1) , together with oral
      paracetamol (62.5 mg.kg(-1) /24 h) and ibuprofen (14.2 mg.kg(-1) /24 h). The mean
      paravertebral bupivacaine dose was 0.29 mg.kg(-1) .h(-1) . Sixty-four patients
      (77.1%) had good quality analgesia, 17 (20.5%) patients had moderate quality
      analgesia, and only two patients (2.4%) had poor quality analgesia. CONCLUSION:
      Analgesic outcomes with this regimen appear to be very satisfactory. It compares
      favorably with an epidural-based regimen.

PMID- 27146926
TI  - The need for pharmacovigilance in ophthalmic practice.

PMID- 27146927
TI  - Pathology of eyelid tumors.
AB  - The eyelids are composed of four layers: skin and subcutaneous tissue including
      its adnexa, striated muscle, tarsus with the meibomian glands, and the palpebral
      conjunctiva. Benign and malignant tumors can arise from each of the eyelid
      layers. Most eyelid tumors are of cutaneous origin, mostly epidermal, which can
      be divided into epithelial and melanocytic tumors. Benign epithelial lesions,
      cystic lesions, and benign melanocytic lesions are very common. The most common
      malignant eyelid tumors are basal cell carcinoma in Caucasians and sebaceous
      gland carcinoma in Asians. Adnexal and stromal tumors are less frequent. The
      present review describes the more important eyelid tumors according to the
      following groups: Benign and malignant epithelial tumors, benign and malignant
      melanocytic tumors, benign and malignant adnexal tumors, stromal eyelid tumors,
      lymphoproliferative and metastatic tumors, other rare eyelid tumors, and
      inflammatory and infections lesions that simulate neoplasms. 

PMID- 27146928
TI  - A novel smartphone ophthalmic imaging adapter: User feasibility studies in
      Hyderabad, India.
AB  - AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate the ability of ancillary health staff to use a novel
      smartphone imaging adapter system (EyeGo, now known as Paxos Scope) to capture
      images of sufficient quality to exclude emergent eye findings. Secondary aims
      were to assess user and patient experiences during image acquisition, interuser
      reproducibility, and subjective image quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The system
      captures images using a macro lens and an indirect ophthalmoscopy lens coupled
      with an iPhone 5S. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 229 consecutive
      patients presenting to L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India. Primary
      outcome measure was mean photographic quality (FOTO-ED study 1-5 scale, 5 best).
      210 patients and eight users completed surveys assessing comfort and ease of use.
      For 46 patients, two users imaged the same patient's eyes sequentially. For 182
      patients, photos taken with the EyeGo system were compared to images taken by
      existing clinic cameras: a BX 900 slit-lamp with a Canon EOS 40D Digital Camera
      and an FF 450 plus Fundus Camera with VISUPACTM Digital Imaging System. Images
      were graded post hoc by a reviewer blinded to diagnosis. RESULTS: Nine users
      acquired 719 useable images and 253 videos of 229 patients. Mean image quality
      was >= 4.0/5.0 (able to exclude subtle findings) for all users. 8/8 users and
      189/210 patients surveyed were comfortable with the EyeGo device on a 5-point
      Likert scale. For 21 patients imaged with the anterior adapter by two users, a
      weighted kappa of 0.597 (95% confidence interval: 0.389-0.806) indicated moderate
      reproducibility. High level of agreement between EyeGo and existing clinic
      cameras (92.6% anterior, 84.4% posterior) was found. CONCLUSION: The novel,
      ophthalmic imaging system is easily learned by ancillary eye care providers, well
      tolerated by patients, and captures high-quality images of eye findings.

PMID- 27146929
TI  - Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with iron
      deficiency anemia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) on peripapillary
      retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness with optical coherence tomography
      (OCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 102 female patients who had IDA (hemoglobin <12
      g/dl, serum transferrin saturation <15%, serum iron <50 MUg/dl, and serum
      ferritin <15 MUg/dl) were enrolled in the study. Optic disc and RNFL parameters
      obtained by Cirrus high-definition OCT 4000 were compared with those of 49 age
      and sex-matched nonanemic individuals. The time between blood analysis and OCT
      measurements was 3.14 +/- 5.6 (range, 0-28) days in the anemia group, and 3.5 +/-
      6.7 (range, 0-27) days in the control group (P = 0.76). RESULTS: Average ages of
      102 patients and 49 control subjects were 35.76 +/- 10.112 (range, 18-66) years,
      and 36.08 +/- 8.416 (range, 19-57) years (P = 0.850), respectively. The average
      RNFL thickness was 94.67 +/- 9.380 in the anemia group, and 100.22 +/- 9.12 in
      the control group (P = 0.001). Temporal, nasal, and lower quadrant average RNFL
      thicknesses of IDA group were thinner than the control group (P = 0.001, P =
      0.013, P = 0.008). Upper quadrant RNFL thicknesses in IDA and control groups were
      similar. Correlation analysis revealed positive correlation between mean RNFL
      thickness and hemoglobin (r = 0.273), iron (r = 0.177), ferritin (r = 0.163), and
      transferrin saturations (r = 0.185), while a negative correlation was found
      between total iron binding capacity (r = -0.199) and mean RNFL thickness.
      CONCLUSIONS: Peripapillary RNFL thickness measured by OCT is thinner in adult
      female patients with IDA. It may have a significant influence on the management
      of many disorders such as glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmological diseases.

PMID- 27146930
TI  - Evaluation of success after second Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of the second Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) surgery
      in eyes with failed previous AGV surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective case series.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Following chart review, 36 eyes of 34 patients with second
      AGV implantation were enrolled in this study. The primary outcome measure was
      surgical success defined in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP) control using two
      criteria: Success was defined as IOP <=21 mmHg (criterion 1) and IOP <=16 mmHg
      (criterion 2), with at least 20% reduction in IOP, either with no medication
      (complete success) or with no more than two medications (qualified success).
      Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine the probability of surgical
      success. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 32.7 years (range 4-65),
      and the mean duration of follow-up was 21.4 months (range 6-96). Preoperatively,
      the mean IOP was 26.94 mmHg (standard deviation [SD] 7.03), and the patients were
      using 2.8 glaucoma medications on average (SD 0.9). The mean IOP decreased
      significantly to 13.28 mmHg (SD 3.59) at the last postoperative visit (P = 0.00)
      while the patients needed even fewer glaucoma medications on average (1.4 +/-
      1.1, P = 0.00). Surgical success of second glaucoma drainage devices (Kaplan
      Meier analysis), according to criterion 1, at 6, 12, 18, and 42 months was 94%,
      85%, 80%, and 53% respectively, and according to criterion 2, was 94%, 85%, 75%,
      and 45%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Repeated AGV implantation seems to be a safe
      modality of treatment with acceptable success rate in cases with failed previous
      AGV surgery.

PMID- 27146931
TI  - Nonendoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: Outcome in 134 eyes.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the outcome of nonendoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy
      (NEN-DCR) in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) in India.
      METHODS: Retrospective case series of NEN-DCR between July 2012 and October 2014.
      All patients had follow-up >3 months. Success was defined anatomically as patency
      on irrigation and functionally as relief from epiphora. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
      USED: Fischer's exact test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 122 patients
      (134 eyes; 81 female; mean age 37 +/- 18 years) were included. Indications were
      primary acquired NLDO in 92 (68%) eyes of adults (>18 years), NLDO in children
      (<18 years) in 22 eyes (16%), acute dacryocystitis in 13 eyes, failed prior DCR
      in six eyes, and secondary acquired NLDO in one eye. Mean duration of surgery was
      36 min (range: 16-92). At a median follow-up of 6 months (range: 3-15), 86% eyes
      had functional success and 85% had anatomical success. Revision NEN-DCR was
      successful in 13/16 eyes. All patients with acute dacryocystitis were completely
      symptom-free at final visit. In children, (17/22) 77% achieved functional success
      after primary NEN-DCR which improved to 100% after one revision. Tube-related
      epiphora and granuloma in ten eyes resolved after removal. CONCLUSION: NEN-DCR
      gives good outcome in primary NLDO and is also effective in those with acute
      dacryocystitis and in children with NLDO. The technique obviates the need for an
      endoscope and has an acceptable safety profile and thus may be particularly
      suited for the developing nations.

PMID- 27146932
TI  - Iris reconstruction combined with iris-claw intraocular lens implantation for the
      management of iris-lens injured patients.
AB  - AIM: To study the efficiency and safety of iris reconstruction combined with iris
      claw intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the patients with iris-lens injuries.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparable consecutive case series study.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients (11 eyes) following iris-lens injuries
      underwent iris reconstructions combined with iris-claw IOL implantations.
      Clinical data, such as cause and time of injury, visual acuity (VA), iris and
      lens injuries, surgical intervention, follow-up period, corneal endothelial cell
      count, and optical coherence tomography, were collected. RESULTS: Uncorrected VA
      (UCVA) in all injured eyes before combined surgery was equal to or <20/1000.
      Within a 1.1-4.2-year follow-up period, a significant increase, equal to or
      better than 20/66, in UCVA was observed in six (55%) cases, and in best-corrected
      VA (BCVA) was observed in nine (82%) cases. Postoperative BCVA was 20/40 or
      better in seven cases (64%). After combined surgery, the iris returned to its
      natural round shape or smaller pupil, and the iris-claw IOLs in the 11 eyes were
      well-positioned on the anterior surface of reconstructed iris. No complications
      occurred in those patients. CONCLUSIONS: Iris reconstruction combined with iris
      claw IOL implantation is a safe and efficient procedure for an eye with iris-lens
      injury in the absence of capsular support.

PMID- 27146933
TI  - Early vitreomacular separation with delayed macular hole closure after
      ocriplasmin treatment.
AB  - Based on the indications, one-third to one-half of patients can achieve full
      thickness macular hole (FTMH) closure with or without the separation of
      vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) within 28 days of ocriplasmin treatment. The authors
      report the case of a 63-year-old man with early VMA separation and delayed FTMH
      closure after ocriplasmin treatment. Four weeks posttreatment, the posterior
      vitreous detachment occurred at the optic disk, and the macular hole (MH) started
      decreasing thereafter. MH closure was finally achieved at 10 weeks posttreatment,
      leaving minimal subretinal fluid. The patient's vision improved from 0.8 LogMAR
      (pretreatment) to 0.3 LogMAR (12 weeks posttreatment). This case suggests that
      FTMH closure can be achieved within 28 days of ocriplasmin treatment. 

PMID- 27146934
TI  - Central retinal vein occlusion as the initial presentation in leptomeningeal
      carcinomatosis.

PMID- 27146935
TI  - Oculodentodigital dysplasia.
AB  - Oculodentodigital dysplasia is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder with high
      penetrance and variable expressivity, caused by mutations in the connexin 43 or
      gap junction protein alpha-1 gene. It has been diagnosed in fewer than 300 people
      worldwide with an incidence of around 1 in 10 million. It affects many parts of
      the body, particularly eyes (oculo), teeth (dento), and fingers and/or toes
      (digital). The common clinical features include facial dysmorphism with thin
      nose, microphthalmia, syndactyly, tooth anomalies such as enamel hypoplasia,
      anodontia, microdontia, early tooth loss and conductive deafness. Other less
      common features are abnormalities of the skin and its appendages, such as brittle
      nails, sparse hair, and neurological abnormalities. To prevent this syndrome from
      being overlooked, awareness of possible symptoms is necessary. Early recognition
      can prevent blindness, dental problems and learning disabilities. Described here
      is the case of a 21-year-old male who presented to the ophthalmology outpatient
      department with a complaint of bilateral progressive loss of vision since
      childhood. 

PMID- 27146936
TI  - Dermatitis neglecta as a complication after cataract surgery.
AB  - Dermatitis neglecta, a condition of the skin secondary to a primary underlying
      disease, is an important diagnosis to be kept in mind as the clinical
      presentation may mimic a severe disease, but the treatment basically includes
      patient counseling and personal hygiene. 

PMID- 27146937
TI  - Corneal perforation during scleral indentation in a patient with pellucid
      marginal degeneration.
AB  - An observational case report of corneal perforation following scleral indentation
      in a patient with previously undiagnosed pellucid marginal degeneration is
      presented. Clinical examination, investigations, and subsequent management of
      this unwarranted and rare complication are described and discussed. The case
      highlights the need for thorough anterior segment examination before indirect
      ophthalmoscopy particularly in the presence of ectatic corneal pathology in which
      case scleral indentation should be avoided. 

PMID- 27146938
TI  - Intraocular gnathostomiasis: A rare case report from Central India.
AB  - We report the first case of intraocular gnathostomiasis from Central India. A 29
      year-old male from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, presented with pain and redness of the
      right eye since 1 month. Slit lamp examination revealed anterior uveitis,
      multiple iris atrophic patches, and a live worm hooked on iris. The worm was
      removed through a small sclerocorneal tunnel. Microscopy confirmed Gnathostoma
      spinigerum. The patient was treated with oral albendazole and steroids. The case
      is reported because of its rarity. 

PMID- 27146939
TI  - Secondary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the orbit.
AB  - A 40-year-old man presented with right eye axial proptosis and ophthalmoplegia
      for 3 months. Imaging study showed a right intraconal mass with the erosion of
      the orbital floor. Incisional biopsy revealed mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Nasal
      endoscopy was normal and systemic tumor screening was negative for a primary
      source. The patient underwent right orbital exenteration, uncinectomy, nasal and
      maxillary mucosal biopsy. Malignant cells were found present in the mucosa of
      maxillary sinus roof and uncinate bone. The postoperative positron emission
      tomography scan showed residual active lesion in right orbital apex and maxilla
      but no primary lesion elsewhere. The patient subsequently underwent 35 cycles of
      postoperative radiotherapy. Primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the orbit is rare
      and typically arises from the lacrimal gland or sac. Those tumors not arising
      from lacrimal apparatus should be presumed metastatic in origin, and the thorough
      systemic survey should be undertaken in the search for the primary tumor. 

PMID- 27146940
TI  - A rare variant of ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum associated with skin
      hypopigmentation: A case report from South India.
AB  - We report ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum (AFA) along with associated skin
      lesions in a 7-day-old child from South India. It could be a variant of the well
      described ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-cleft lip and palate syndrome also
      called Hay-Wells syndrome wherein AFA, skin lesions, and clefting are
      characteristic. The ocular features, genetic inheritance, and possible systemic
      associations, along with the options for management, are discussed. The need for
      awareness among ophthalmologists of its systemic associations is discussed to
      ensure that proper multidisciplinary care is offered to the individuals affected
      by this rare disorder. This article also highlights the unusual hypopigmented
      skin lesions found in this infant, which has been scantily reported in the
      literature, as a possible variation in patients of Indian ethnicity. 

PMID- 27146941
TI  - A rare case of eyelid sarcoidosis presenting as an orbital mass.
AB  - Intraorbital sarcoidosis presenting externally as a solitary eyelid mass has been
      described in the literature as isolated case reports. We describe a rare case of
      asymptomatic sarcoidosis with orbital mass as the presenting feature in a young
      woman. The lesion was excised with the clinical possibility of a thrombosed
      varix. On histology, the lesion was characterized by numerous nonnecrotizing
      epithelioid cell granulomas with several multinucleated giant cells containing
      abundant asteroid bodies and oxalate crystals. No tubercular bacilli were
      detected. A diagnosis of sarcoidosis was rendered and on further clinical work
      up, she was detected to have hilar lymphadenopathy. Sarcoidosis should be
      considered in the differential diagnosis of orbital mass as it could be the
      initial manifestation of the disease process. 

PMID- 27146942
TI  - Femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasty combined with cataract extraction in a
      patient with keratoconus and oculocutaneous albinism.
AB  - In this study, we present a case of a 58-year-old male patient with
      oculocutaneous albinism, keratoconus, total cataract, and glaucoma originating
      from father-daughter incest. He underwent femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasty
      with "open-sky" cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens
      implantation. One week after surgery his uncorrected visual acuity improved from
      hand motion to 20/200. Six months later corneal K values were 49.1 D in the flat
      and 50.0 D in the steep meridian. The graft had a central corneal thickness of
      488 um and was well fitted. The patient's quality of life improved substantially
      due to the surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the
      association of albinism with advanced keratoconus, total cataract, and glaucoma.
      Moreover, no previous report on femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasty using
      VisuMax femtosecond laser system with "open-sky" cataract extraction is available
      in the literature. The VisuMax femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasty ensures
      fast patient rehabilitation in such challenging cases. 

PMID- 27146943
TI  - Paraneoplastic retinopathy associated with occult bladder cancer.
AB  - The aim was to report the first case of cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR)
      presenting before bladder cancer diagnosis. A 71-year-old woman with a history of
      bilateral vision loss underwent subsequent complete ophthalmic examination
      include a fluorescein angiography, full-field electroretinogram (ERG), serology
      including serum antibodies for CAR, and positron emission tomography-computed
      tomography (PET-CT) scan. The patient was diagnosed with bladder carcinoma
      revealed by PET-CT. Timely recognition of this entity may be crucial for an
      increased patient survival thus adult onset progressive photoreceptor
      dysfunction, confirmed by ERG, should alert to a possible remote effect of known
      or occult malignancy. In the latter, PET-CT may be exploited as a powerful
      diagnostic tool. 

PMID- 27146945
TI  - Comments on temporary resolution of foveal schisis following vitrectomy with
      silicon oil tamponade in X-linked retinoschisis with retinal detachment.

PMID- 27146944
TI  - Subconjunctival sustained-release dexamethasone implant as an adjunct to
      trabeculectomy for primary open angle glaucoma.

PMID- 27146946
TI  - Screening for diabetic retinopathy: New methods to come.

PMID- 27146947
TI  - Paralytic ileus after bilateral intravitreal injection of bevacizumab.

PMID- 27146948
TI  - Adverse drug reactions due to ophthalmic drugs: Reporting system in India.

PMID- 27146949
TI  - Determination of primary aromatic amines in cold water extract of coloured paper
      napkin samples by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - The aim of this study was the optimisation of a multi-analyte method for the
      analysis of primary aromatic amines (PAAs) from napkins in order to support
      official controls and food safety. We developed a UHPLC-MS/MS method for the
      simultaneous determination of 36 toxicologically relevant PAAs for paper and
      board. Good regression coefficients of the calibration curves in a range of 0.992
      0.999 and reproducibilities in a range of 2.3-15% were obtained. Limits of
      detections (LODs) were in the range of 0.03-1.4 ug l(-1) and recoveries were in a
      range of 21-110% for all the amines. A total of 93 coloured paper napkin samples
      from different European countries were bought and extracted with water to
      determine the PAAs. The results showed that 42 of 93 samples contained at least
      one PAA. More than half of the detected PAAs are considered as toxic,
      carcinogenic or probably carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for
      Research on Cancer (IARC), or are classified as such in the European Union
      legislation on chemicals. Summed concentrations of PAAs in seven samples were
      higher than 10 ug l(-1), the limit of summed PAA in the European Union plastic
      food contact material regulation. Also, eight PAAs, classified as Category 1A and
      1B carcinogen in the European Union legislation of chemicals, were detected at
      concentrations higher than 2 ug l(-1), exceeding the limit proposed by the
      Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Germany. Aniline (n = 14) was most
      frequently present in higher concentrations followed by o-toluidine, o-anisidine,
      2,4-dimethylaniline and 4-aminoazobenzene. Red, orange, yellow and multicoloured
      paper napkins contained the highest concentrations of total PAAs (> 10 ug l(-1)).
      Although the European Union has not harmonised the legislation of paper and board
      materials and, thus, there is no specific migration limit for PAAs from paper
      napkins, the present study showed that coloured paper napkins can contain toxic
      and carcinogenic PAAs at concentrations that are relevant for monitoring. 

PMID- 27146951
TI  - Challenging times.

PMID- 27146950
TI  - Proteome Changes during Transition from Human Embryonic to Vascular Progenitor
      Cells.
AB  - Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are promising in regenerative medicine (RM)
      due to their differentiation plasticity and proliferation potential. However, a
      major challenge in RM is the generation of a vascular system to support nutrient
      flow to newly synthesized tissues. Here we refined an existing method to generate
      tight vessels by differentiating hESCs in CD34(+) vascular progenitor cells using
      chemically defined media and growth conditions. We selectively purified these
      cells from CD34(-) outgrowth populations also formed. To analyze these
      differentiation processes, we compared the proteomes of the hESCs with those of
      the CD34(+) and CD34(-) populations using high resolution mass spectrometry,
      label-free quantification, and multivariate analysis. Eighteen protein markers
      validate the differentiated phenotypes in immunological assays; nine of these
      were also detected by proteomics and show statistically significant differential
      abundance. Another 225 proteins show differential abundance between the three
      cell types. Sixty-three of these have known functions in CD34(+) and CD34(-)
      cells. CD34(+) cells synthesize proteins implicated in endothelial cell
      differentiation and smooth muscle formation, which support the bipotent phenotype
      of these progenitor cells. CD34(-) cells are more heterogeneous synthesizing
      muscular/osteogenic/chondrogenic/adipogenic lineage markers. The remaining >150
      differentially abundant proteins in CD34(+) or CD34(-) cells raise testable
      hypotheses for future studies to probe vascular morphogenesis.

PMID- 27146952
TI  - Broadening nanotechnology's impact on development.

PMID- 27146953
TI  - Challenge driven.

PMID- 27146956
TI  - Nanoheroes assemble.

PMID- 27146957
TI  - Germline variants in Hamartomatous Polyposis Syndrome-associated genes from
      patients with one or few hamartomatous polyps.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A subgroup of patients with hamartomatous polyps in the GI tract has a
      hereditary Hamartomatous Polyposis Syndrome with an increased risk of cancer. The
      distinction between patients with one or few polyps and patients with a syndrome
      can be difficult. A pathogenic germline mutation can be detected in a majority of
      HPS patients. This study investigates whether patients with one or few
      hamartomatous polyps could have a syndrome based on genetic screening of relevant
      genes. METHODS: We designed a gene panel including 26 hamartomatous polyposis
      associated genes. Using targeted Next Generation Sequencing, DNA samples from 77
      patients with 84 hamartomatous polyps were sequenced. The detected germline
      variants were classified into pathogenicity classes. RESULTS: We detected several
      germline variants, among them three in ENG, two in BMPR1A, one in PTEN, and one
      in SMAD4. Although some of the detected variants have been reported previously
      none could be definitely pathogenic or likely pathogenic. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      points towards that genetic testing for the Hamartomatous Polyposis Syndromes in
      patients with one or few polyps does not improve diagnostics, however we
      illustrate that the clinical significance of genetic variants can be difficult to
      interpret. A family history of polyps, cancer, or extraintestinal findings or a
      minimum of 3-5 polyps seems to be relevant information to include before genetic
      testing.

PMID- 27146955
TI  - Enzymatic reactions in confined environments.
AB  - Within each biological cell, surface- and volume-confined enzymes control a
      highly complex network of chemical reactions. These reactions are efficient,
      timely, and spatially defined. Efforts to transfer such appealing features to in
      vitro systems have led to several successful examples of chemical reactions
      catalysed by isolated and immobilized enzymes. In most cases, these enzymes are
      either bound or adsorbed to an insoluble support, physically trapped in a
      macromolecular network, or encapsulated within compartments. Advanced
      applications of enzymatic cascade reactions with immobilized enzymes include
      enzymatic fuel cells and enzymatic nanoreactors, both for in vitro and possible
      in vivo applications. In this Review, we discuss some of the general principles
      of enzymatic reactions confined on surfaces, at interfaces, and inside small
      volumes. We also highlight the similarities and differences between the in vivo
      and in vitro cases and attempt to critically evaluate some of the necessary
      future steps to improve our fundamental understanding of these systems.

PMID- 27146958
TI  - Sequence-based Association Analysis Reveals an MGST1 eQTL with Pleiotropic
      Effects on Bovine Milk Composition.
AB  - The mammary gland is a prolific lipogenic organ, synthesising copious amounts of
      triglycerides for secretion into milk. The fat content of milk varies widely both
      between and within species, and recent independent genome-wide association
      studies have highlighted a milk fat percentage quantitative trait locus (QTL) of
      large effect on bovine chromosome 5. Although both EPS8 and MGST1 have been
      proposed to underlie these signals, the causative status of these genes has not
      been functionally confirmed. To investigate this QTL in detail, we report genome
      sequence-based imputation and association mapping in a population of 64,244
      taurine cattle. This analysis reveals a cluster of 17 non-coding variants
      spanning MGST1 that are highly associated with milk fat percentage, and a range
      of other milk composition traits. Further, we exploit a high-depth mammary RNA
      sequence dataset to conduct expression QTL (eQTL) mapping in 375 lactating cows,
      revealing a strong MGST1 eQTL underpinning these effects. These data demonstrate
      the utility of DNA and RNA sequence-based association mapping, and implicate
      MGST1, a gene with no obvious mechanistic relationship to milk composition
      regulation, as causally involved in these processes.

PMID- 27146959
TI  - Occupational radiation procedures and doses in South Korean dentists.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Dentistry is among the occupations involving chronic exposure to
      ionizing radiation. Although several cohort studies on medical radiation workers
      have been conducted in some countries, only a few epidemiological studies on
      dentists have been performed to examine occupational radiation exposure
      worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate occupational characteristics
      and radiation exposures in South Korean dentists. METHODS: A total of 658
      dentists were surveyed from April 2012 to May 2013, and survey data were linked
      with dosimetry data from the National Dose Registry. Multiple linear regression
      analysis was used to identify the relationship between demographic or
      occupational factors and individual radiation doses. RESULTS: Of the dentists
      sampled, 78% were men, 51% were younger than age 40, and 61% began employment
      after 2000. The most frequent procedures performed by dentists were panoramic
      radiography, followed by intraoral and portable dental radiography. Male dentists
      were more frequently involved in radiation procedures, and a higher proportion of
      male than female dentists wore a lead apron for diagnostic radiology. The average
      annual effective dose was 0.18 mSv for male and 0.13 mSv for female dentists.
      Female dentists working in provincial areas had significantly higher average
      annual and cumulative effective doses than those in metropolitan areas. The
      cumulative effective doses were significantly greater for older dentists, those
      who entered the field in the 1990s, and those with longer employment duration.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provided detailed information on work practices, number
      of procedures performed on a weekly basis, and occupational radiation doses,
      which enabled in-depth evaluation of occupational radiation exposure and work
      status among dentists.

PMID- 27146960
TI  - Nodal involvement in luminal complete response after neoadjuvant treatment for
      rectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathological complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy in
      rectal cancer is correlated with improved survival. There is limited knowledge on
      the incidence of pCR at a national level with uniform guidelines. The aim of this
      prospective register-based study was to investigate the incidence and outcome of
      pCR in relation to neoadjuvant therapy in a national cohort. METHOD: All patients
      abdominally operated for rectal cancer between 2007 and 2012 (n = 7885) were
      selected from The Swedish Colo-rectal Cancer Register. Twenty-six per cent (n =
      2063) had neoadjuvant therapy with either long or short course radiotherapy with
      >4 weeks delay with the potential to achieve pCR. The primary endpoints were pCR
      and survival in relation to neoadjuvant therapy. RESULTS: Complete eradication of
      the luminal tumor, ypT0 was found in 161 patients (8%). In 83% of the ypT0 the
      regional lymph nodes were tumor negative (ypT0N0), 12% had 1-3 positive lymph
      nodes (ypT0N1) and 4% had more than three positive lymph nodes (ypT0N2). There
      was significantly greater survival with ypT0 compared to ypT+ (hazard ratio 0.38
      (C.I 0.25-0.58)) and survival was significantly greater in patients with ypT0N0
      compared to ypT0N1-2 (hazard ratio 0.36 (C.I 0.15-0.86)). In ypT0, cT3-4 tumors
      had the greater risk of node-positivity. The added use of chemotherapy resulted
      in 10% ypT0 compared to 5.1% in the group without chemotherapy (p < 0.00004).
      CONCLUSION: Luminal pathological complete response occurred in 8%, 16% of them
      had tumor positive nodes. The survival benefit of luminal complete response is
      dependent upon nodal involvement status.

PMID- 27146962
TI  - The methyl- and aza-substituent effects on nonradiative decay mechanisms of
      uracil in water: a transient absorption study in the UV region.
AB  - The nonradiative decay dynamics of photo-excited uracil (Ura) and its
      derivatives, i.e., thymine (5-methyluracil, Thy), 6-methyluracil (6-MU) and 6
      azauracil (6-AU) in water, has been studied using a femtosecond transient
      absorption method. The molecules are populated in the lowest (1)pipi* state by a
      pump pulse at 266 nm, and a broadband continuum in the deep UV region is then
      employed as the probe. The extension of the continuous UV probe down to 250 nm
      enables us to investigate comprehensively the population dynamics of the ground
      states for those molecules and to uncover the substituent effects on nonradiative
      decay dynamics of uracil. Vibrational cooling in the ground states of Ura, Thy
      and 6-MU has been directly observed for the first time, providing solid evidence
      of the ultrafast (1)pipi* -> S0 decay. In combination with the ground state
      bleaching signals, it is consolidated that their lowest (1)pipi* state decays via
      two parallel pathways, i.e., (1)pipi* -> S0 and (1)pipi* -> (1)npi*. Moreover,
      the contribution of the (1)pipi* -> (1)npi* channel is found to be much smaller
      for Thy or 6-MU than for Ura. Different from methyl-substitution, the initial
      (1)pipi* state of the aza-substituent 6-AU decays primarily to the (1)npi* state,
      while the (1)pipi* -> S0 channel can be negligible. Our study provides a
      comprehensive understanding of the substituent effects on the excited-state
      dynamics of uracil in water.

PMID- 27146961
TI  - Solid-state electrochemistry on the nanometer and atomic scales: the scanning
      probe microscopy approach.
AB  - Energy technologies of the 21(st) century require an understanding and precise
      control over ion transport and electrochemistry at all length scales - from
      single atoms to macroscopic devices. This short review provides a summary of
      recent studies dedicated to methods of advanced scanning probe microscopy for
      probing electrochemical transformations in solids at the meso-, nano- and atomic
      scales. The discussion presents the advantages and limitations of several
      techniques and a wealth of examples highlighting peculiarities of nanoscale
      electrochemistry. 

PMID- 27146963
TI  - Efficacy of flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenge in patients with a swollen and inflamed
      sore throat.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sore throat is often over-treated with antibiotics, therefore there is
      a need for non-antibiotic treatments that provide effective relief. From the
      patient's point of view, symptoms of pharyngeal inflammation such as a "swollen"
      and "inflamed" throat are often considered the most bothersome; so, a non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory drug could be an appropriate treatment. We
      investigated the efficacy and safety of flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenge in adults
      with a swollen and inflamed throat. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We enrolled
      adults with moderate-to-severe sore throat and evidence of tonsillo-pharyngitis
      into a randomized, double-blind study. Patients received flurbiprofen 8.75 mg or
      placebo lozenges every 3-6 hours as needed (up to five lozenges in 24 hours) and
      rated their symptoms (sore throat pain, difficulty swallowing and the sensation
      of a swollen throat) on standard linear scales regularly over 24 hours. The
      efficacy of flurbiprofen lozenge was determined in patients reporting a swollen
      and inflamed throat at baseline, as well as those with relatively severe
      symptoms. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01049334. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were the time-weighted summed
      differences in patient-reported sore throat pain, difficulty swallowing and
      swollen throat over 24 hours. RESULTS: Out of 204 patients, 124 (60.8%) described
      their throats as swollen and inflamed at baseline. Flurbiprofen lozenges provided
      greater relief than placebo over 24 hours: 79.8%, 99.6% and 69.3% (for sore
      throat pain, difficulty swallowing and swollen throat, respectively, all P <=
      0.01). These outcomes were more substantial in patients with relatively severe
      symptoms. No serious or unexpected adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS:
      Flurbiprofen 8.75 mg lozenge appears to provide effective, well-tolerated relief
      of sore throat, difficulty swallowing and swollen throat in adults with a swollen
      and inflamed throat, as well as those with relatively severe symptoms. A
      limitation of these findings is that, while predetermined, these are secondary
      outcomes derived from a targeted sub-group of patients, not the entire study
      population.

PMID- 27146964
TI  - Aligning self-assembled gelators by drying under shear.
AB  - We show how drying under shear can be used to prepare aligned fibres and worm
      like micelles from low molecular weight gelators. Shearing followed by drying
      leads to the dealignment before the water can be removed; continuous shear whilst
      drying is required to maintain the alignment. Combining a slow pH change with
      continuous shear allows alignment of the gelling fibres, which can then be dried.

PMID- 27146965
TI  - The relationship between illness representations, risk perception and fear of
      cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Fear of cancer recurrence, although distinct from distress continues
      to be under-evaluated, captured, or treated when standard distress scales are
      used to assess concerns of cancer survivors. We tested a model assessing the
      association of demographic and clinical factors, illness representations, and
      perceived risk with fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer survivors.
      METHODS: We recruited 117 breast cancer survivors at least one year after
      completing breast cancer treatment from Internet discussion boards for this cross
      sectional, descriptive, correlational study. Participants completed a survey that
      assessed their level of fear of cancer recurrence as well as their illness
      representations, perceived risk of recurrence, and demographic and medical
      characteristics. RESULTS: Our model explained 62% of the variance in fear of
      cancer recurrence. Emotional representations (beta = .46, p < .01), symptom
      attribution (beta = .21, p < .01), timeline (beta = .23, p < .01), and
      consequences (beta = .16, p < .03) were significantly related to fear of
      recurrence. By contrast, the majority of clinical and demographic variables were
      not significant contributors to fear of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Upon completion
      of cancer treatment, survivors with more emotional representations of the
      experience and those who attribute unrelated symptoms to their breast cancer have
      a higher level of fear of recurrence. Evaluation of these factors during
      treatment may help mitigate fear of recurrence in the survivorship phase of the
      breast cancer trajectory. Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 27146968
TI  - Single-port thoracoscopic surgery for a hudge hydatid cyst.
AB  - Treatment of pulmonary hydatid cyst with thoracoscopic approach actually
      developed in recent years. In the literature, thoracoscopic approach for
      pulmonary hydatid cyst is seen as small case groups, and multiple port incisions
      are performed in these studies. I aimed to present a hydatid cyst case that had
      been operated with a single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery technique
      that is performed in our clinic and described in the literature for the first
      time.

PMID- 27146966
TI  - Myosins, Actin and Autophagy.
AB  - Myosin motor proteins working together with the actin cytoskeleton drive a wide
      range of cellular processes. In this review, we focus on their roles in autophagy
      - the pathway the cell uses to ensure homeostasis by targeting pathogens,
      misfolded proteins and damaged organelles for degradation. The actin cytoskeleton
      regulated by a host of nucleating, anchoring and stabilizing proteins provides
      the filament network for the delivery of essential membrane vesicles from
      different cellular compartments to the autophagosome. Actin networks have also
      been implicated in structurally supporting the expanding phagophore, moving
      autophagosomes and enabling efficient fusion with the lysosome. Only a few
      myosins have so far been shown to play a role in autophagy. Non-muscle myosin IIA
      functions in the early stages delivering membrane for the initial formation of
      the autophagosome, whereas myosin IC and myosin VI are involved in the final
      stages providing specific membranes for autophagosome maturation and its fusion
      with the lysosome.

PMID- 27146969
TI  - Risk Factors for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection in Pediatric
      Inpatients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors during the
      incident Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) episode, associated with
      developing recurrent CDI within 60 days, among hospitalized children that may be
      amenable to intervention. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of
      pediatric patients hospitalized at a freestanding children's hospital from
      January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2010. Patients were eligible if they were <18
      years of age at admission and had a new diagnosis of CDI. Patients <1 year of age
      and those with a history of CDI in the previous 60 days were excluded. Age,
      gender, race, complex chronic conditions, and other information were collected.
      Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of recurrent
      CDI. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 612 unique patients with an
      incident CDI episode; 65 (10.6%) experienced at least 1 recurrence. Patients with
      any complex chronic condition were 4.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-13.9)
      times more likely to experience recurrence. Patients with a malignancy and those
      who received non-CDI antibiotics at any time during CDI treatment were 2.3 (95%
      CI: 1.3-4.0) and 2.8 (95% CI: 1.2-6.9) times more likely to experience
      recurrence, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of underlying comorbidities,
      malignancies, and treatment with non-CDI antibiotics during CDI treatment were
      the most important risk factors for recurrence. Efforts to reduce unnecessary
      courses of non-CDI antibiotics could lower the risk of CDI recurrence.

PMID- 27146967
TI  - The expansion of heterochromatin blocks in rye reflects the co-amplification of
      tandem repeats and adjacent transposable elements.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A prominent and distinctive feature of the rye (Secale cereale)
      chromosomes is the presence of massive blocks of subtelomeric heterochromatin,
      the size of which is correlated with the copy number of tandem arrays. The
      rapidity with which these regions have formed over the period of speciation
      remains unexplained. RESULTS: Using a BAC library created from the short arm
      telosome of rye chromosome 1R we uncovered numerous arrays of the pSc200 and
      pSc250 tandem repeat families which are concentrated in subtelomeric
      heterochromatin and identified the adjacent DNA sequences. The arrays show
      significant heterogeneity in monomer organization. 454 reads were used to gain a
      representation of the expansion of these tandem repeats across the whole rye
      genome. The presence of multiple, relatively short monomer arrays, coupled with
      the mainly star-like topology of the monomer phylogenetic trees, was taken as
      indicative of a rapid expansion of the pSc200 and pSc250 arrays. The evolution of
      subtelomeric heterochromatin appears to have included a significant contribution
      of illegitimate recombination. The composition of transposable elements (TEs)
      within the regions flanking the pSc200 and pSc250 arrays differed markedly from
      that in the genome a whole. Solo-LTRs were strongly enriched, suggestive of a
      history of active ectopic exchange. Several DNA motifs were over-represented
      within the LTR sequences. CONCLUSION: The large blocks of subtelomeric
      heterochromatin have arisen from the combined activity of TEs and the expansion
      of the tandem repeats. The expansion was likely based on a highly complex network
      of recombination mechanisms.

PMID- 27146970
TI  - "What We've Got Here Is Failure to Communicate": The Value of Reassurance.

PMID- 27146971
TI  - Body surface posture evaluation: construction, validation and protocol of the
      SPGAP system (Posture evaluation rotating platform system).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several posture evaluation devices have been used to detect
      deviations of the vertebral column. However it has been observed that the
      instruments present measurement errors related to the equipment, environment or
      measurement protocol. This study aimed to build, validate, analyze the
      reliability and describe a measurement protocol for the use of the Posture
      Evaluation Rotating Platform System (SPGAP, Brazilian abbreviation). METHODS: The
      posture evaluation system comprises a Posture Evaluation Rotating Platform, video
      camera, calibration support and measurement software. Two pilot studies were
      carried out with 102 elderly individuals (average age 69 years old, SD = +/-7.3)
      to establish a protocol for SPGAP, controlling the measurement errors related to
      the environment, equipment and the person under evaluation. Content validation
      was completed with input from judges with expertise in posture measurement. The
      variation coefficient method was used to validate the measurement by the
      instrument of an object with known dimensions. Finally, reliability was
      established using repeated measurements of the known object. RESULTS: Expert
      content judges gave the system excellent ratings for content validity (mean 9.4
      out of 10; SD 1.13). The measurement of an object with known dimensions indicated
      excellent validity (all measurement errors <1 %) and test-retest reliability. A
      total of 26 images were needed to stabilize the system. Participants in the pilot
      studies indicated that they felt comfortable throughout the assessment. The use
      of only one image can offer measurements that underestimate or overestimate the
      reality. To verify the images of objects with known dimensions the values for the
      width and height were, respectively, CV 0.88 (width) and 2.33 (height), SD 0.22
      (width) and 0.35 (height), minimum and maximum values 24.83-25.2 (width) and
      14.56 - 15.75 (height). In the analysis of different images (similar) of an
      individual, greater discrepancies were observed in the values found. The cervical
      index, for example, presented minimum and maximum values of 15.38 and 37.5, a
      coefficient of variation of 0.29 and a standard deviation of 6.78. CONCLUSIONS:
      The SPGAP was shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for the quantitative
      analysis of body posture with applicability and clinical use, since it managed to
      reduce several measurement errors, amongst which parallax distortion.

PMID- 27146972
TI  - Surgical Vision: Google Glass and Surgery.
AB  - Google Glass is, in essence, a smartphone in the form of a pair of spectacles. It
      has a display system, a bone conduction "speaker," video camera, and connectivity
      via WiFi or Bluetooth technologies. It can also be controlled by voice command.
      Seizing Google Glass' capabilities as windows of opportunity, surgeons have been
      the first group of doctors trying to incorporate the technology into their daily
      practices. Experiences from different groups have demonstrated Google Glass'
      potential in improving perioperative care, intraoperative communication and
      documentation, surgical outcome as well as surgical training. On the other hand,
      the device has technical limitations, notably suboptimal image qualities and a
      short battery life. Its operational functions also bring forth concerns on the
      protection of patient privacy. Nonetheless, the technological advances that this
      device embodies hold promises in surgical innovations. Further studies are
      required, and surgeons should explore, investigate, and embrace similar
      technologies with keen and informed anticipation. 

PMID- 27146974
TI  - Genome editing: intellectual property and product development in plant
      biotechnology.
AB  - Genome editing is a revolutionary technology in molecular biology. While
      scientists are fascinated with the unlimited possibilities provided by directed
      and controlled changes in DNA in eukaryotes and have eagerly adopted such tools
      for their own experiments, an understanding of the intellectual property (IP)
      implications involved in bringing genome editing-derived products to market is
      often lacking. Due to the ingenuity of genome editing, the time between new
      product conception and its actual existence can be relatively short; therefore
      knowledge about IP of the various genome editing methods is relevant. This point
      must be regarded in a national framework as patents are instituted nationally.
      Therefore, when designing scientific work that could lead to a product, it is
      worthwhile to consider the different methods used for genome editing not only for
      their scientific merits but also for their compatibility with a speedy and
      reliable launch into the desired market. 

PMID- 27146973
TI  - Applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for targeted mutagenesis, gene replacement
      and stacking of genes in higher plants.
AB  - Mutagenesis continues to play an essential role for understanding plant gene
      function and, in some instances, provides an opportunity for plant improvement.
      The development of gene editing technologies such as TALENs and zinc fingers has
      revolutionised the targeted mutation specificity that can now be achieved. The
      CRISPR/Cas9 system is the most recent addition to gene editing technologies and
      arguably the simplest requiring only two components; a small guide RNA molecule
      (sgRNA) and Cas9 endonuclease protein which complex to recognise and cleave a
      specific 20 bp target site present in a genome. Target specificity is determined
      by complementary base pairing between the sgRNA and target site sequence enabling
      highly specific, targeted mutation to be readily engineered. Upon target site
      cleavage, error-prone endogenous repair mechanisms produce small
      insertion/deletions at the target site usually resulting in loss of gene
      function. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has been rapidly adopted in plants and
      successfully undertaken in numerous species including major crop species. Its
      applications are not restricted to mutagenesis and target site cleavage can be
      exploited to promote sequence insertion or replacement by recombination. The
      multiple applications of this technology in plants are described. 

PMID- 27146975
TI  - System biology analysis of long-term effect and mechanism of Bufei Yishen on COPD
      revealed by system pharmacology and 3-omics profiling.
AB  - System pharmacology identified 195 potential targets of Bufei Yishen formula
      (BYF), and BYF was proven to have a short-term therapeutic effect on chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rats previously. However, the long-term
      effect and mechanism of BYF on COPD is still unclear. Herein, we explored its
      long-term effect and underlying mechanism at system level. We administered BYF to
      COPD rats from week 9 to 20, and found that BYF could prevent COPD by inhibiting
      the inflammatory cytokines expression, protease-antiprotease imbalance and
      collagen deposition on week 32. Then, using transcriptomics, proteomics and
      metabolomics analysis, we identified significant regulated genes, proteins and
      metabolites in lung tissues of COPD and BYF-treated rats, which could be mainly
      attributed to oxidoreductase-antioxidant activity, focal adhesion, tight junction
      or lipid metabolism. Finally, based on the comprehensive analysis of system
      pharmacology target, transcript, protein and metabolite data sets, we found a
      number of genes, proteins, metabolites regulated in BYF-treated rats and the
      target proteins of BYF were involved in lipid metabolism, inflammatory response,
      oxidative stress and focal adhension. In conclusion, BYF exerts long-term
      therapeutic action on COPD probably through modulating the lipid metabolism,
      oxidative stress, cell junction and inflammatory response pathways at system
      level.

PMID- 27146976
TI  - The transcription factor NeuroD2 coordinates synaptic innervation and cell
      intrinsic properties to control excitability of cortical pyramidal neurons.
AB  - KEY POINTS: Synaptic excitation and inhibition must be properly balanced in
      individual neurons and neuronal networks to allow proper brain function.
      Disrupting this balance may lead to autism spectral disorders and epilepsy. We
      show the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor NeuroD2 promotes inhibitory
      synaptic drive but also decreases cell-intrinsic neuronal excitability of
      cortical pyramidal neurons both in vitro and in vivo. We identify two genes
      potentially downstream of NeuroD2-mediated transcription that regulate these
      parameters: gastrin-releasing peptide and the small conductance, calcium
      activated potassium channel, SK2. Our results reveal an important function for
      NeuroD2 in balancing synaptic neurotransmission and intrinsic excitability. Our
      results offer insight into how synaptic innervation and intrinsic excitability
      are coordinated during cortical development. ABSTRACT: Synaptic excitation and
      inhibition must be properly balanced in individual neurons and neuronal networks
      for proper brain function. Disruption of this balance during development may lead
      to autism spectral disorders and epilepsy. Synaptic excitation is counterbalanced
      by synaptic inhibition but also by attenuation of cell-intrinsic neuronal
      excitability. To maintain proper excitation levels during development, neurons
      must sense activity over time and regulate the expression of genes that control
      these parameters. While this is a critical process, little is known about the
      transcription factors involved in coordinating gene expression to control
      excitatory/inhibitory synaptic balance. We show here that the basic helix-loop
      helix transcription factor NeuroD2 promotes inhibitory synaptic drive but also
      decreases cell-intrinsic neuronal excitability of cortical pyramidal neurons both
      in vitro and in vivo as shown by ex vivo analysis of a NeuroD2 knockout mouse.
      Using microarray analysis and comparing wild-type and NeuroD2 knockout cortical
      networks, we identified two potential gene targets of NeuroD2 that contribute to
      these processes: gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and the small conductance,
      calcium-activated potassium channel, SK2. We found that the GRP receptor
      antagonist RC-3059 and the SK2 specific blocker apamin partially reversed the
      effects of increased NeuroD2 expression on inhibitory synaptic drive and action
      potential repolarization, respectively. Our results reveal an important function
      for NeuroD2 in balancing synaptic neurotransmission and intrinsic excitability
      and offer insight into how these processes are coordinated during cortical
      development.

PMID- 27146977
TI  - Identification and characterization of 20 novel pathogenic variants in 60
      unrelated Indian patients with mucopolysaccharidoses type I and type II.
AB  - Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a subgroup of lysosomal storage disorders, are
      caused due to deficiency of specific lysosomal enzyme involved in catabolism of
      glycosaminoglycans. To date more than 200 pathogenic variants in the alpha-l
      iduronidase (IDUA) for MPS I and ~500 pathogenic variants in the iduronate-2
      sulphatase (IDS) for MPS II have been reported worldwide. The mutation spectrum
      of MPS type I and MPS type II disorders in Indian population is not characterized
      yet. In this study, we carried out clinical, biochemical, molecular and in silico
      analyses to establish the mutation spectrum of MPS I and MPS II in the Indian
      population. We conducted molecular analysis for 60 MPS-affected patients [MPS I
      (n = 30) (Hurler syndrome = 17, Hurler-Scheie syndrome = 13), and MPS II (n = 30)
      (severe = 18, attenuated = 12)] and identified a total of 44 [MPS I (n = 22) and
      MPS II (n = 22)] different pathogenic variants comprising missense, nonsense,
      frameshift, gross deletions and splice site variants. A total of 20 [MPS I (n =
      14), and MPS II (n = 6)] novel pathogenic sequence variants were identified in
      our patient cohort. We found that 32% of pathogenic variants detected in IDUA
      were recurrent and 25% in MPS II. This is the first study revealing the mutation
      spectrum of MPS I and MPS II patients in the Indian population.

PMID- 27146978
TI  - Antioxidant activities of curcumin in allergic rhinitis.
AB  - We investigated the antioxidant effects of curcumin in an experimental rat model
      of allergic rhinitis (AR). Female Wistar albino rats (n = 34) were divided
      randomly into four groups: healthy rats (control group, n = 8), AR with no
      treatment (AR + NoTr group, n = 10), AR with azelastine HCl treatment (AR + Aze
      group, n = 8), and AR with curcumin treatment (AR + Curc group, n = 8). On day
      28, total blood IgE levels were measured. For measurement of antioxidant
      activity, the glutathione (GSH) level and catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase
      (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were measured in both
      inferior turbinate tissue and serum. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured
      only in inferior turbinate tissue, and paraoxonase (PON) and arylesterase (ARE)
      activities were measured only in serum. Statistically significant differences
      were found for all antioxidant measurements (GSH levels and CAT, SOD, GSH-Px
      activities in the serum and tissue, MDA levels in the tissue, and PON and ARE
      activities in the serum) between the four groups. In the curcumin group, serum
      SOD, ARE, and PON and tissue GSH values were higher than the control group.
      Moreover, tissue GSH levels and serum GSH-Px activities in the curcumin group
      were higher than in the AR + NoTr group. In the azelastine group, except MDA,
      antioxidant measurement values were lower than in the other groups. Curcumin may
      help to increase antioxidant enzymes and decrease oxidative stress in allergic
      rhinitis. We recommend curcumin to decrease oxidative stress in allergic
      rhinitis.

PMID- 27146979
TI  - Heterosynaptic modulation of evoked synaptic potentials in layer II of the
      entorhinal cortex by activation of the parasubiculum.
AB  - The superficial layers of the entorhinal cortex receive sensory and associational
      cortical inputs and provide the hippocampus with the majority of its cortical
      sensory input. The parasubiculum, which receives input from multiple hippocampal
      subfields, sends its single major output projection to layer II of the entorhinal
      cortex, suggesting that it may modulate processing of synaptic inputs to the
      entorhinal cortex. Indeed, stimulation of the parasubiculum can enhance
      entorhinal responses to synaptic input from the piriform cortex in vivo. Theta
      EEG activity contributes to spatial and mnemonic processes in this region, and
      the current study assessed how stimulation of the parasubiculum with either
      single pulses or short, five-pulse, theta-frequency trains may modulate synaptic
      responses in layer II entorhinal stellate neurons evoked by stimulation of layer
      I afferents in vitro. Parasubicular stimulation pulses or trains suppressed
      responses to layer I stimulation at intervals of 5 ms, and parasubicular
      stimulation trains facilitated layer I responses at a train-pulse interval of 25
      ms. This suggests that firing of parasubicular neurons during theta activity may
      heterosynaptically enhance incoming sensory inputs to the entorhinal cortex. Bath
      application of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) blocker ZD7288
      enhanced the facilitation effect, suggesting that cholinergic inhibition of Ih
      may contribute. In addition, repetitive pairing of parasubicular trains and layer
      I stimulation induced a lasting depression of entorhinal responses to layer I
      stimulation. These findings provide evidence that theta activity in the
      parasubiculum may promote heterosynaptic modulation effects that may alter
      sensory processing in the entorhinal cortex.

PMID- 27146981
TI  - Spontaneous activations follow a common developmental course across primary
      sensory areas in mouse neocortex.
AB  - Spontaneous propagation of spiking within the local neocortical circuits of
      mature primary sensory areas is highly nonrandom, engaging specific sets of
      interconnected and functionally related neurons. These spontaneous activations
      promise insight into neocortical structure and function, but their properties in
      the first 2 wk of perinatal development are incompletely characterized.
      Previously, we have found that there is a minimal numerical sample, on the order
      of 400 cells, necessary to fully capture mature neocortical circuit dynamics.
      Therefore we maximized our numerical sample by using two-photon calcium imaging
      to observe spontaneous activity in populations of up to 1,062 neurons spanning
      multiple columns and layers in 52 acute coronal slices of mouse neocortex at each
      day from postnatal day (PND) 3 to PND 15. Slices contained either primary
      auditory cortex (A1) or somatosensory barrel field (S1BF), which allowed us to
      compare sensory modalities with markedly different developmental timelines.
      Between PND 3 and PND 8, populations in both areas exhibited activations of
      anatomically compact subgroups on the order of dozens of cells. Between PND 9 and
      PND 13, the spatiotemporal structure of the activity diversified to include
      spatially distributed activations encompassing hundreds of cells. Sparse
      activations covering the entire field of view dominated in slices taken on or
      after PND 14. These and other findings demonstrate that the developmental
      progression of spontaneous activations from active local modules in the first
      postnatal week to sparse, intermingled groups of neurons at the beginning of the
      third postnatal week generalizes across primary sensory areas, consistent with an
      intrinsic developmental trajectory independent of sensory input.

PMID- 27146980
TI  - Inhibitory modulation of optogenetically identified neuron subtypes in the
      rostral solitary nucleus.
AB  - Inhibition is presumed to play an important role in gustatory processing in the
      rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST). One source of inhibition, GABA, is
      abundant within the nucleus and comes both from local, intrasolitary sources and
      from outside the nucleus. In addition to the receptor-mediated effects of GABA on
      rNST neurons, the hyperpolarization-sensitive currents, Ih and IA, have the
      potential to further modulate afferent signals. To elucidate the effects of
      GABAergic modulation on solitary tract (ST)-evoked responses in phenotypically
      defined rNST neurons and to define the presence of IA and Ih in the same cells,
      we combined in vitro recording and optogenetics in a transgenic mouse model. This
      mouse expresses channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) in GAD65-expressing GABAergic neurons
      throughout the rNST. GABA positive (GABA+) neurons differed from GABA negative
      (GABA-) neurons in their response to membrane depolarization and ST stimulation.
      GABA+ neurons had lower thresholds to direct membrane depolarization compared
      with GABA- neurons, but GABA- neurons responded more faithfully to ST
      stimulation. Both IA and Ih were present in subsets of GABA+ and GABA- neurons.
      Interestingly, GABA+ neurons with Ih were more responsive to afferent stimulation
      than inhibitory neurons devoid of these currents, whereas GABA- neurons with IA
      were more subject to inhibitory modulation. These results suggest that the
      voltage-gated channels underlying IA and Ih play an important role in modulating
      rNST output through a circuit of feedforward inhibition.

PMID- 27146983
TI  - Sleep and memory consolidation: a common mechanism across species?
AB  - In humans, memory consolidation can be aided by the representation of an odor
      previously associated with target information during sleep. In an elegant study,
      Zwaka et al. (Curr Biol 25: 2869-2874, 2015) have demonstrated that the same
      process occurs in honeybees, suggesting that the relationship between sleep and
      memory may be similar across different animal species.

PMID- 27146982
TI  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor differentially modulates excitability of two
      classes of hippocampal output neurons.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in hippocampus
      dependent learning and memory. Canonically, this has been ascribed to an
      enhancing effect on neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity in the CA1
      region. However, it is the pyramidal neurons in the subiculum that form the
      primary efferent pathways conveying hippocampal information to other areas of the
      brain, and yet the effect of BDNF on these neurons has remained unexplored. We
      present new data that BDNF regulates neuronal excitability and cellular
      plasticity in a much more complex manner than previously suggested. Subicular
      pyramidal neurons can be divided into two major classes, which have different
      electrophysiological and morphological properties, different requirements for the
      induction of plasticity, and different extrahippocampal projections. We found
      that BDNF increases excitability in one class of subicular pyramidal neurons yet
      decreases excitability in the other class. Furthermore, while endogenous BDNF was
      necessary for the induction of synaptic plasticity in both cell types, BDNF
      enhanced intrinsic plasticity in one class of pyramidal neurons yet suppressed
      intrinsic plasticity in the other. Taken together, these data suggest a novel
      role for BDNF signaling, as it appears to dynamically and bidirectionally
      regulate the output of hippocampal information to different regions of the brain.

PMID- 27146984
TI  - HCN hyperpolarization-activated cation channels strengthen virtual nicotinic
      EPSPs and thereby elevate synaptic amplification in rat sympathetic neurons.
AB  - The influence of hyperpolarization-activated cation current (h-current; Ih) upon
      synaptic integration in paravertebral sympathetic neurons was studied together
      with expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN)
      subunit isoforms. All four HCN subunits were detected in homogenates of the rat
      superior cervical ganglion (SCG) using the PCR to amplify reverse-transcribed
      messenger RNAs (RT-PCR) and using quantitative PCR. Voltage clamp recordings from
      dissociated SCG neurons at 35 degrees C detected Ih in all cells, with a maximum
      hyperpolarization-activated cation conductance of 1.2 +/- 0.1 nS, half-maximal
      activation at -87.6 mV, and reversal potential of -31.6 mV. Interaction between
      Ih and synaptic potentials was tested with virtual fast nicotinic excitatory
      postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) created with dynamic clamp. The blocking of Ih
      with 15 MUM ZD7288 hyperpolarized cells by 4.7 mV and increased the virtual
      synaptic conductance required to stimulate an action potential from 7.0 +/- 0.9
      nS to 12.1 +/- 0.9 nS. In response to stimulation with 40 s long trains of
      virtual EPSPs, ZD7288 reduced postsynaptic firing from 2.2 to 1.7 Hz and the
      associated synaptic amplification from 2.2 +/- 0.1 to 1.7 +/- 0.2. Cyclic
      nucleotide binding to HCN channels was simulated by blocking native Ih with
      ZD7288, followed by reconstitution with virtual Ih using a dynamic clamp model of
      the voltage clamp data. Over a 30-mV range, shifting the half-activation voltage
      for Ih in 10 mV depolarizing increments always increased synaptic gain. These
      results indicate that Ih, in sympathetic neurons, can strengthen nicotinic EPSPs
      and increase synaptic amplification, while also working as a substrate for cyclic
      nucleotide-dependent modulation.

PMID- 27146985
TI  - Role of Fyn-mediated NMDA receptor function in prediabetic neuropathy in mice.
AB  - Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. This study evaluated
      the role of Fyn kinase and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the spinal
      cord in diabetic neuropathy using an animal model of high-fat diet-induced
      prediabetes. We found that prediabetic wild-type mice exhibited tactile allodynia
      and thermal hypoalgesia after a 16-wk high-fat diet, relative to normal diet-fed
      wild-type mice. Furthermore, prediabetic wild-type mice exhibited increased
      tactile allodynia and thermal hypoalgesia at 24 wk relative to 16 wk. Such
      phenomena were correlated with increased expression and activation of NR2B
      subunit of NMDARs, as well as Fyn-NR2B interaction in the spinal cord. Fyn(-/-)
      mice developed prediabetes after 16-wk high-fat diet treatment and exhibited
      thermal hypoalgesia, without showing tactile allodynia or altered expression and
      activation of NR2B subunit, relative to normal diet-fed Fyn(-/-) mice. Finally,
      intrathecal administrations of Ro 25-6981 (selective NR2B subunit-containing
      NMDAR antagonist) dose-dependently alleviated tactile allodynia, but not thermal
      hypoalgesia, at 16 and 24 wk in prediabetic wild-type mice. Our results suggested
      that Fyn-mediated NR2B signaling plays a critical role in regulation of
      prediabetic neuropathy and that the increased expression/function of NR2B subunit
      containing NMDARs may contribute to the progression of neuropathy in type 2
      diabetes.

PMID- 27146986
TI  - Rare human nerve growth factor-beta mutation reveals relationship between C
      afferent density and acute pain evaluation.
AB  - The rare nerve growth factor-beta (NGFB) mutation R221W causes a selective loss
      of thinly myelinated fibers and especially unmyelinated C-fibers. Carriers of
      this mutation show altered pain sensation. A subset presents with arthropathic
      symptoms, with the homozygous most severely affected. The aim of the present
      study was to investigate the relationship between peripheral afferent loss and
      pain evaluation by performing a quantification of small-fiber density in the
      cornea of the carriers, relating density to pain evaluation measures. In vivo
      corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) was used to quantify C-fiber loss in the cornea
      of 19 R221W mutation carriers (3 homozygous) and 19 age-matched healthy control
      subjects. Pain evaluation data via the Situational Pain Questionnaire (SPQ) and
      the severity of neuropathy based on the Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) were
      assessed. Homozygotes, heterozygotes, and control groups differed significantly
      in corneal C-nerve fiber density, with the homozygotes showing a significant
      afferent reduction. Importantly, peripheral C-fiber loss correlated negatively
      with pain evaluation, as revealed by SPQ scores. This study is the first to
      investigate the contribution of small-fiber density to the perceptual evaluation
      of pain. It demonstrates that the lower the peripheral small-fiber density, the
      lower the degree of reported pain intensity, indicating a functional relationship
      between small-fiber density and higher level pain experience.

PMID- 27146987
TI  - Knockout of the BK beta4-subunit promotes a functional coupling of BK channels
      and ryanodine receptors that mediate a fAHP-induced increase in excitability.
AB  - BK channels are large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium
      channels with diverse properties. Knockout of the accessory BK beta4-subunit in
      hippocampus dentate gyrus granule neurons causes BK channels to change properties
      from slow-gated type II channels to fast-gated type I channels that sharpen the
      action potential, increase the fast afterhyperpolarization (fAHP) amplitude, and
      increase spike frequency. Here we studied the calcium channels that contribute to
      fast-gated BK channel activation and increased excitability of beta4 knockout
      neurons. By using pharmacological blockers during current-clamp recording, we
      find that BK channel activation during the fAHP is dependent on ryanodine
      receptor activation. In contrast, L-type calcium channel blocker (nifedipine)
      affects the BK channel-dependent repolarization phase of the action potential but
      has no effect on the fAHP. Reducing BK channel activation during the
      repolarization phase with nifedipine, or during the fAHP with ryanodine,
      indicated that it is the BK-mediated increase of the fAHP that confers
      proexcitatory effects. The proexcitatory role of the fAHP was corroborated using
      dynamic current clamp. Increase or decrease of the fAHP amplitude during spiking
      revealed an inverse relationship between fAHP amplitude and interspike interval.
      Finally, we show that the seizure-prone ryanodine receptor gain-of-function
      (R2474S) knockin mice have an unaltered repolarization phase but larger fAHP and
      increased AP frequency compared with their control littermates. In summary, these
      results indicate that an important role of the beta4-subunit is to reduce
      ryanodine receptor-BK channel functional coupling during the fAHP component of
      the action potential, thereby decreasing excitability of dentate gyrus neurons.

PMID- 27146990
TI  - Molecular Characterization of Xylobiose- and Xylopentaose-Producing beta-1,4
      Endoxylanase SCO5931 from Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2).
AB  - Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) sco5931 gene was predicted to encode a putative
      xylanase A, a 477 amino acid protein belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 10.
      The entire sco5931 coding region was cloned and overexpressed in Streptomyces
      lividans TK24. Mature SCO5931 protein comprising 436 amino acids (47 kDa) was
      purified by single-step gel filtration chromatography from culture broth after
      ammonium sulfate precipitation, with 25.8-fold purification and yield of 30.6 %.
      The purified protein displayed a pronounced activity toward beechwood xylan as a
      substrate, but no activity was detected toward carboxymethylcellulose, Avicel,
      galactan, barley beta-glucan, and xyloglucan, demonstrating that SCO5931 is a
      substrate-specific xylanase. Optimal xylanase activity was observed at 60 
      degrees C and pH 6.0. The addition of metal ions or EDTA did not affect the
      xylanase activity, while 4 mM MnCl2 severely inhibited the enzyme, reducing its
      activity by 87 %. Kinetic parameters of SCO5931 toward beechwood xylan were
      determined (K m  = 0.24 mg/mL, V max  = 6.86 MUM/min). Thin layer chromatography
      and mass spectrometry analyses of the beechwood xylan SCO5931 hydrolysis products
      were conducted. Product masses corresponded to sodium adducts of xylobiose (m/z
      305.24) and xylopentaose (m/z 701.59), indicating that SCO5931 specifically
      cleaves the beta-1,4 linkage of xylan to yield xylobiose and xylopentaose. 

PMID- 27146988
TI  - Ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 modulates Kv1.3 current amplitude and ion channel
      protein targeting.
AB  - Voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv) go beyond the stabilization of the
      resting potential and regulate biochemical pathways, regulate intracellular
      signaling, and detect energy homeostasis. Because targeted deletion and
      pharmacological block of the Kv1.3 channel protein produce marked changes in
      metabolism, resistance to diet-induced obesity, and changes in olfactory
      structure and function, this investigation explored Nedd4-2-mediated
      ubiquitination and degradation to regulate Kv1.3 channel density. Heterologous
      coexpression of Nedd4-2 ligase and Kv1.3 in HEK 293 cells reduced Kv1.3 current
      density without modulation of kinetic properties as measured by patch-clamp
      electrophysiology. Modulation of current density was dependent on ligase activity
      and was lost through point mutation of cysteine 938 in the catalytic site of the
      ligase (Nedd4-2CS). Incorporation of adaptor protein Grb10 relieved Nedd4-2
      induced current suppression as did application of the proteasome inhibitor Mg
      132. SDS-PAGE and immunoprecipitation strategies demonstrated a
      channel/adaptor/ligase signalplex. Pixel immunodensity was reduced for Kv1.3 in
      the presence of Nedd4-2, which was eliminated upon additional incorporation of
      Grb10. We confirmed Nedd4-2/Grb10 coimmunoprecipitation and observed an increased
      immunodensity for Nedd4-2 in the presence of Kv1.3 plus Grb10, regardless of
      whether the catalytic site was active. Kv1.3/Nedd4-2 were reciprocally
      coimmunoprecipated, whereby mutation of the COOH-terminal, SH3-recognition (493
      498), or ubiquitination sites on Kv1.3 (lysines 467, 476, 498) retained
      coimmunoprecipitation, while the latter prevented the reduction in channel
      density. A model is presented for which an atypical interaction outside the
      canonical PY motif may permit channel/ligase interaction to lead to protein
      degradation and reduced current density, which can involve Nedd4-2/Grb10
      interactions to disrupt Kv1.3 loss of current density.

PMID- 27146989
TI  - Influence of the contractile properties of muscle on motor unit firing rates
      during a moderate-intensity contraction in vivo.
AB  - It is suggested that firing rate characteristics of motor units (MUs) are
      influenced by the physical properties of the muscle. However, no study has
      correlated MU firing rates at recruitment, targeted force, or derecruitment with
      the contractile properties of the muscle in vivo. Twelve participants (age =
      20.67 +/- 2.35 yr) performed a 40% isometric maximal voluntary contraction of the
      leg extensors that included linearly increasing, steady force, and decreasing
      segments. Muscle biopsies were collected with myosin heavy chain (MHC) content
      quantified, and surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the vastus
      lateralis. The EMG signal was decomposed into the firing events of single MUs.
      Slopes and y-intercepts were calculated for 1) firing rates at recruitment vs.
      recruitment threshold, 2) mean firing rates at steady force vs. recruitment
      threshold, and 3) firing rates at derecruitment vs. derecruitment threshold
      relationships for each subject. Correlations among type I %MHC isoform content
      and the slopes and y-intercepts from the three relationships were examined. Type
      I %MHC isoform content was correlated with MU firing rates at recruitment (y
      intercepts: r = -0.577; slopes: r = 0.741) and targeted force (slopes: r = 0.853)
      vs. recruitment threshold and MU firing rates at derecruitment (y-intercept: r = 
      0.597; slopes: r = 0.701) vs. derecruitment threshold relationships. However, the
      majority of the individual MU firing rates vs. recruitment and derecruitment
      relationships were not significant (P > 0.05) and, thus, revealed no systematic
      pattern. In contrast, MU firing rates during the steady force demonstrated a
      systematic pattern with higher firing rates for the lower- than higher-threshold
      MUs and were correlated with the physical properties of MUs in vivo.

PMID- 27146991
TI  - Effects of Trophic Modes, Carbon Sources, and Salinity on the Cell Growth and
      Lipid Accumulation of Tropic Ocean Oilgae Strain Desmodesmus sp. WC08.
AB  - The effects of trophic modes, carbon sources, and salinity on the growth and
      lipid accumulation of a marine oilgae Desmodesmus sp. WC08 in different trophic
      cultures were assayed by single factor experiment based on the blue-green algae
      medium (BG-11). The results implied that biomass and lipid accumulation culture
      process were optimized depending on the tophic modes, sorts, and concentration of
      carbon sources and salinity in the cultivation. There was no significant
      difference in growth or lipid accumulation with Na2CO3 amendment or NaHCO3
      amendment. However, Na2CO3 amendment did enhance the biomass and lipid
      accumulation to some extent. The highest Desmodesmus sp. WC08 biomass and lipid
      accumulation was achieved in the growth medium with photoautotrophic cultivation,
      0.08 g L-1 Na2CO3 amendment and 15 g L-1 sea salt, respectively.

PMID- 27146993
TI  - Backward compatibility effects in younger and older adults.
AB  - In many dual-task situations, responses to the second of two tasks are slowed
      when the time between tasks is short. The response-selection bottleneck model of
      dual-task performance accounts for this phenomenon by assuming that central
      processing of the second task is blocked by a bottleneck until central processing
      of Task 1 is complete. This assumption could be called into question if it could
      be demonstrated that the response to Task 2 affected the central processing of
      Task 1, a backward response compatibility effect. Such effects are well
      established in younger adults. Backward compatibility effects in older (as well
      as younger) adults were explored in two experiments. The first experiment found
      clear backward response compatibility effects for younger adults but no evidence
      of them for older adults. The second experiment explored backward stimulus
      compatibility and found similar effects in both younger and older adults.
      Evidence possibly consistent with some pre-bottleneck processing of Task 2
      central stages also was found in the second experiment in both age groups. For
      younger adults, the results provide further evidence falsifying the claim of an
      immutable response selection bottleneck. For older adults, the evidence suggested
      that Task 2 affects Task 1 when there is stimulus compatibility but not when
      there is response compatibility.

PMID- 27146992
TI  - Appetitive and aversive outcome associations modulate exogenous cueing.
AB  - In two experiments, we utilized an exogenous cueing task in which different
      colored abrupt-onset cues were associated with an appetitive (gain of 10 cents),
      aversive (loss of 5 cents), or neutral (no gain or loss) outcome. Reward delivery
      did not depend on performance, but instead the specific exogenous cues were
      always followed by their corresponding outcome in a classical-conditioning-like
      manner. Compared to neutral cues and independent of cue-target delay, the results
      of Experiment 1 showed that appetitive cues strengthened attentional capture,
      whereas aversive cues reduced attentional capture. The data revealed that both
      appetitive and aversive cues initially facilitated responding at the validly cued
      location. At the long cue-target delays, however, this facilitation effect at the
      validly cued location remained present for gain-associated cues while it reversed
      for loss-associated cues. The results of Experiment 2 confirmed these findings by
      showing that both neutral and aversive cues initially facilitated responding at
      the cued location and that, at long cue-target delays, aversive cues elicited
      stronger reorienting away from the cued location as compared to neutral cues.
      Together these findings indicate that all abrupt-onset cues initially capture
      attention independent of their outcome association. Yet, if time passes,
      attention remains lingering at the location of gain-associated cues, whereas
      attention is released and reoriented away from the location of loss-associated
      cues. Altogether, we show that associating the color of an abrupt-onset cue with
      an appetitive or aversive outcome can modulate attentional deployment following
      exogenous cueing.

PMID- 27146995
TI  - The nuclear option.

PMID- 27146994
TI  - Evidence for a Nest Defense Pheromone in Bald-Faced Hornets, Dolichovespula
      Maculata, and Identification of Components.
AB  - In eusocial insects like Bald-faced hornets, Dolichovespula maculata, nest
      defense is essential because nests contain a large number of protein-rich larvae
      and pupae, and thus are attractive to nest predators. Our objectives were to
      investigate whether D. maculata exhibit pheromone-mediated nest defense, and to
      identify and field test any pheromone components. We tested for pheromone
      mediated nest defense behavior of D. maculata by placing a paired box-apparatus
      near the entrance of D. maculata nests, and treating both boxes with a solvent
      control, or one of the two boxes with a solvent control and the other with either
      venom sac extract, the putative source of nest defense pheromone, or synthetic
      pheromone. The sound impulses caused by nest mates attempting to sting or strike
      the boxes were recorded for 3 min. Compared to the double-control treatment, the
      number of strikes increased 27-fold when one of the two boxes was treated with
      venom sac extract, providing evidence for an alarm response. The box treated with
      venom sac extract also induced a significantly greater proportion of strikes than
      the corresponding control box, providing evidence for a target-oriented response.
      Analyzing venom sac extract by gas chromatographic-electroantennographic
      detection (GC-EAD) and GC-mass spectrometry resulted in the identification of
      seven candidate pheromone components: (a) dimethylaminoethanol, (b) dimethylamino
      ethyl acetate, (c) 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, (d) N-3-methylbutylacetamide, (e) 2
      heptadecanone, (f) (Z)-8-heptadecen-2-one, and (g) (Z)-10-nonadecen-2-one.
      Testing in paired-box bioassays blends of the nitrogen-containing volatile
      components a-d, the less volatile ketones e-g, or both (a-g), indicated that a-d
      primarily have an alarm function. The ketones e-g, in contrast, induced target
      oriented responses, possibly marking the box, or potential nest predators, for
      guided and concerted attacks, or enhancing the alarm-inducing effect of the
      volatile pheromone components, as shown in honey bees. Comparing the behavioral
      effects of venom sac extract, blends a-d, e-g, and a-g, venom sac extract was
      most effective in triggering the full complement of alarm and target-oriented
      responses. These comparisons further suggested that a component is missing in the
      group of components that triggers the alarm rather than the target-oriented
      response. 

PMID- 27146996
TI  - Lessons from the Ancient One.

PMID- 27146997
TI  - Fat lot of good.

PMID- 27146998
TI  - Set up a public registry of competing interests.

PMID- 27147010
TI  - Human embryos grown in lab for longer than ever before.

PMID- 27147012
TI  - Software error doomed Japanese Hitomi spacecraft.

PMID- 27147011
TI  - Australia softens blow of climate job cuts.

PMID- 27147013
TI  - US and China eye up European gravitational-wave mission.

PMID- 27147014
TI  - Stem-cell plan aims to bring rhino back from brink of extinction.

PMID- 27147015
TI  - Can artificial intelligence create the next wonder material?

PMID- 27147016
TI  - Nine years of censorship.

PMID- 27147017
TI  - Policy: Security spending must cover disease outbreaks.

PMID- 27147021
TI  - Industry: Shared goals score reproducible results.

PMID- 27147022
TI  - Environment: Curb anchor scour for green shipping.

PMID- 27147023
TI  - Energy policy: Renewables targeted before Fukushima.

PMID- 27147024
TI  - Conservation: Debate over whale longevity is futile.

PMID- 27147025
TI  - Nuclear physics: Elusive transition spotted in thorium.

PMID- 27147026
TI  - Direct detection of the (229)Th nuclear clock transition.
AB  - Today's most precise time and frequency measurements are performed with optical
      atomic clocks. However, it has been proposed that they could potentially be
      outperformed by a nuclear clock, which employs a nuclear transition instead of an
      atomic shell transition. There is only one known nuclear state that could serve
      as a nuclear clock using currently available technology, namely, the isomeric
      first excited state of (229)Th (denoted (229m)Th). Here we report the direct
      detection of this nuclear state, which is further confirmation of the existence
      of the isomer and lays the foundation for precise studies of its decay
      parameters. On the basis of this direct detection, the isomeric energy is
      constrained to between 6.3 and 18.3 electronvolts, and the half-life is found to
      be longer than 60 seconds for (229m)Th(2+). More precise determinations appear to
      be within reach, and would pave the way to the development of a nuclear frequency
      standard. 

PMID- 27147027
TI  - Machine-learning-assisted materials discovery using failed experiments.
AB  - Inorganic-organic hybrid materials such as organically templated metal oxides,
      metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and organohalide perovskites have been studied
      for decades, and hydrothermal and (non-aqueous) solvothermal syntheses have
      produced thousands of new materials that collectively contain nearly all the
      metals in the periodic table. Nevertheless, the formation of these compounds is
      not fully understood, and development of new compounds relies primarily on
      exploratory syntheses. Simulation- and data-driven approaches (promoted by
      efforts such as the Materials Genome Initiative) provide an alternative to
      experimental trial-and-error. Three major strategies are: simulation-based
      predictions of physical properties (for example, charge mobility, photovoltaic
      properties, gas adsorption capacity or lithium-ion intercalation) to identify
      promising target candidates for synthetic efforts; determination of the structure
      property relationship from large bodies of experimental data, enabled by
      integration with high-throughput synthesis and measurement tools; and clustering
      on the basis of similar crystallographic structure (for example, zeolite
      structure classification or gas adsorption properties). Here we demonstrate an
      alternative approach that uses machine-learning algorithms trained on reaction
      data to predict reaction outcomes for the crystallization of templated vanadium
      selenites. We used information on 'dark' reactions--failed or unsuccessful
      hydrothermal syntheses--collected from archived laboratory notebooks from our
      laboratory, and added physicochemical property descriptions to the raw notebook
      information using cheminformatics techniques. We used the resulting data to train
      a machine-learning model to predict reaction success. When carrying out
      hydrothermal synthesis experiments using previously untested, commercially
      available organic building blocks, our machine-learning model outperformed
      traditional human strategies, and successfully predicted conditions for new
      organically templated inorganic product formation with a success rate of 89 per
      cent. Inverting the machine-learning model reveals new hypotheses regarding the
      conditions for successful product formation.

PMID- 27147030
TI  - The struggle with image glut.

PMID- 27147029
TI  - EBI2 augments Tfh cell fate by promoting interaction with IL-2-quenching
      dendritic cells.
AB  - T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are a subset of T cells carrying the CD4 antigen;
      they are important in supporting plasma cell and germinal centre responses. The
      initial induction of Tfh cell properties occurs within the first few days after
      activation by antigen recognition on dendritic cells, although how dendritic
      cells promote this cell-fate decision is not fully understood. Moreover, although
      Tfh cells are uniquely defined by expression of the follicle-homing receptor
      CXCR5 (refs 1, 2), the guidance receptor promoting the earlier localization of
      activated T cells at the interface of the B-cell follicle and T zone has been
      unclear. Here we show that the G-protein-coupled receptor EBI2 (GPR183) and its
      ligand 7alpha,25-dihydroxycholesterol mediate positioning of activated CD4 T
      cells at the interface of the follicle and T zone. In this location they interact
      with activated dendritic cells and are exposed to Tfh-cell-promoting inducible co
      stimulator (ICOS) ligand. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a cytokine that has multiple
      influences on T-cell fate, including negative regulation of Tfh cell
      differentiation. We demonstrate that activated dendritic cells in the outer T
      zone further augment Tfh cell differentiation by producing membrane and soluble
      forms of CD25, the IL-2 receptor alpha-chain, and quenching T-cell-derived IL-2.
      Mice lacking EBI2 in T cells or CD25 in dendritic cells have reduced Tfh cells
      and mount defective T-cell-dependent plasma cell and germinal centre responses.
      These findings demonstrate that distinct niches within the lymphoid organ T zone
      support distinct cell fate decisions, and they establish a function for dendritic
      cell-derived CD25 in controlling IL-2 availability and T-cell differentiation. 

PMID- 27147032
TI  - Isolation, Proteomic Analysis, and Microscopy Confirmation of the Liver Nuclear
      Envelope Proteome.
AB  - Nuclei can be relatively easily extracted from homogenized liver due to the
      softness of the tissue and crudely separated from other cellular organelles by
      low-speed centrifugation due to the comparatively large size of nuclei. However,
      further purification is complicated by nuclear envelope continuity with the
      endoplasmic reticulum, invaginations containing mitochondria, and connections to
      the cytoskeleton. Subsequent purification to nuclear envelopes is additionally
      confounded by connections of inner nuclear membrane proteins to chromatin. For
      these reasons, it is necessary to confirm proteomic identification of nuclear
      envelope proteins by testing targeting of individual proteins. The proteomic
      identification of nuclear envelope fractions is affected by the tendencies of
      transmembrane proteins to have extreme isoelectric points, strongly hydrophobic
      peptides, posttranslational modifications, and a propensity to aggregate, thus
      making proteolysis inefficient. To circumvent these problems, we have developed a
      MudPIT approach that uses multiple extractions and sequential proteolysis to
      increase identifications. Here we describe methods for isolating nuclear
      envelopes, determining their proteome by MudPIT, and confirming their targeting
      to the nuclear periphery by microscopy.

PMID- 27147033
TI  - Exploring the Protein Composition of the Plant Nuclear Envelope.
AB  - Due to rather limited sequence similarity, targeted identification of plant
      nuclear envelope and nuclear pore complex proteins has mainly followed two
      routes: (1) advanced computational identification followed by experimental
      verification and (2) immunoaffinity purification of complexes followed by mass
      spectrometry. Following candidate identification, fluorescence recovery after
      photobleaching (FRAP) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) provide
      powerful tools to verify protein-protein interactions in situ at the NE. Here, we
      describe these methods for the example of Arabidopsis thaliana nuclear pore and
      nuclear envelope protein identification.

PMID- 27147034
TI  - High-Efficiency Isolation of Nuclear Envelope Protein Complexes from
      Trypanosomes.
AB  - Functional understanding of the nuclear envelope requires the identification of
      its component proteins and their interactions. Trypanosomes cause human and
      livestock diseases worldwide but are so divergent from animals and fungi that in
      silico searches for homologs of proteins are frequently of low value. Here we
      describe a strategy for the straightforward identification of nuclear envelope
      proteins from trypanosomes that classifies proteins and their interaction
      networks in the nuclear pore complex. Milling frozen whole cells into a powder
      and rapid screening of buffer conditions for optimization of complex isolation is
      described. The method is inexpensive and potentially applicable to many
      organisms, providing fast access to functional information.

PMID- 27147028
TI  - Unique human immune signature of Ebola virus disease in Guinea.
AB  - Despite the magnitude of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa,
      there is still a fundamental lack of knowledge about the pathophysiology of EVD.
      In particular, very little is known about human immune responses to Ebola virus.
      Here we evaluate the physiology of the human T cell immune response in EVD
      patients at the time of admission to the Ebola Treatment Center in Guinea, and
      longitudinally until discharge or death. Through the use of multiparametric flow
      cytometry established by the European Mobile Laboratory in the field, we identify
      an immune signature that is unique in EVD fatalities. Fatal EVD was characterized
      by a high percentage of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells expressing the inhibitory
      molecules CTLA-4 and PD-1, which correlated with elevated inflammatory markers
      and high virus load. Conversely, surviving individuals showed significantly lower
      expression of CTLA-4 and PD-1 as well as lower inflammation, despite comparable
      overall T cell activation. Concomitant with virus clearance, survivors mounted a
      robust Ebola-virus-specific T cell response. Our findings suggest that
      dysregulation of the T cell response is a key component of EVD pathophysiology. 

PMID- 27147035
TI  - Superresolution Microscopy of the Nuclear Envelope and Associated Proteins.
AB  - Superresolution microscopy is undoubtedly one of the most exciting technologies
      since the invention of the optical microscope. Capable of nanometer-scale
      resolution to surpass the diffraction limit and coupled with the versatile
      labeling techniques available, it is revolutionizing the study of cell biology.
      Our understanding of the nucleus, the genetic and architectural center of the
      cell, has gained great advancements through the application of various
      superresolution microscopy techniques. This chapter describes detailed procedures
      of multichannel superresolution imaging of the mammalian nucleus, using
      structured illumination microscopy and single-molecule localization microscopy.

PMID- 27147036
TI  - Analyses of the Dynamic Properties of Nuclear Lamins by Fluorescence Recovery
      After Photobleaching (FRAP) and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS).
AB  - The major structural components of the nuclear lamina are the A- and B-type
      nuclear lamin proteins which are also present in the nucleoplasm. Studies of
      molecular movements of the lamins in both the lamina and nucleoplasm of living
      cell nuclei have provided insights into their roles in maintaining nuclear
      architecture. In this chapter, we present protocols for quantitatively measuring
      the mobilities of lamin proteins by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching
      (FRAP) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) in mammalian cell nuclei.

PMID- 27147037
TI  - Probing Protein Distribution Along the Nuclear Envelope In Vivo by Using Single
      Point FRAP.
AB  - Determining the locations of nuclear envelope transmembrane proteins and their
      concentrations across the outer and inner nuclear membranes has been a
      challenging and time-consuming process. Typically, this required the week-long
      process of fixing and immunogold staining of cells prior to analysis by electron
      microscopy. Here, we describe a method, single-point fluorescence recovery after
      photobleaching (spFRAP), which is able to quickly determine the localization and
      distribution of nuclear membrane proteins along the double nuclear envelope
      membranes with a precision of 10-15 nm in a matter of 10-20 min the day after
      transfection.

PMID- 27147038
TI  - The Use of Two-Photon FRET-FLIM to Study Protein Interactions During Nuclear
      Envelope Fusion In Vivo and In Vitro.
AB  - FRET-FLIM techniques have wide application in the study of protein and protein
      lipid interactions in cells. We have pioneered an imaging platform for accurate
      detection of functional states of proteins and their interactions in fixed cells.
      This platform, two-site-amplified Forster resonance energy transfer (a-FRET),
      allows greater signal generation while retaining minimal noise thus enabling
      application of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to be routinely
      deployed in different types of cells and tissue. We have used the method
      described here, time-resolved FRET monitored by two-photon FLIM, to demonstrate
      the direct interaction of Phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma) by Src Family Kinase 1
      (SFK1) during nuclear envelope formation and during male and female pronuclear
      membrane fusion in fertilized sea urchin eggs. We describe here a generic method
      that can be applied to monitor any proteins of interest.

PMID- 27147040
TI  - In Situ Detection of Interactions Between Nuclear Envelope Proteins and Partners.
AB  - Proximity ligation assay (PLA) appears as a quick and easy technique to visualize
      within fixed cells the occurrence and in situ distribution of protein complexes.
      PLA has been validated to detect protein-protein interactions within the nuclear
      compartment. Here, we describe a protocol which allows the detection of
      interactions between A-type nuclear lamins and either LEM-domain proteins (such
      as emerin, integrated within the inner nuclear membrane, and LAP2alpha which
      accumulates within the nucleoplasm) or gene regulatory factors (e.g., the
      transcription factor SREBP1). The distinct amounts and patterns of PLA signals
      obtained for various complexes highlight the pertinence of using PLA to reveal in
      situ where and to which extent nuclear envelope proteins bind specific partners.

PMID- 27147039
TI  - Identifying Protein-Protein Associations at the Nuclear Envelope with BioID.
AB  - The nuclear envelope (NE) is a critical cellular structure whose constituents and
      roles in a myriad of cellular processes seem ever expanding. To determine the
      underlying mechanisms by which the NE constituents participate in various
      cellular events, it is necessary to understand the nature of their protein
      protein associations. BioID (proximity-dependent biotin identification) is a
      recently established method to generate a history of protein-protein associations
      as they occur over time in living cells. BioID is based on fusion of a bait
      protein to a promiscuous biotin ligase. Expression of the BioID fusion protein in
      a relevant cellular environment enables biotinylation of vicinal and interacting
      proteins of the bait protein, permitting isolation and identification by
      conventional biotin-affinity capture and mass-spec analysis. In this way, BioID
      provides unique capabilities to identify protein-protein associations at the NE.
      In this chapter we provide a detailed protocol for the application of BioID to
      the study of NE proteins.

PMID- 27147041
TI  - Methods for Single-Cell Pulse-Chase Analysis of Nuclear Components.
AB  - Pulse-chase methods offer powerful tools for following the evolution of a
      biological system over time, but are usually limited to ensemble measurements of
      the average behavior of very large numbers of cells. Here we describe three
      methods ranging from a true pulse-chase, through selective regional
      photoactivation, to pharmacological induction of an altered protein state, which
      can be applied to time-dependent studies at the single-cell level. These methods
      are exemplified by experimental protocols to follow region-selective nuclear
      envelope targeting of nascent phospholipids, a nascent nuclear lamin protein
      (lamin B1), and an immature lamin precursor (prelamin A).

PMID- 27147042
TI  - Analysis of Nuclear Lamina Proteins in Myoblast Differentiation by Functional
      Complementation.
AB  - We describe straightforward methodology for structure-function mapping of nuclear
      lamina proteins in myoblast differentiation, using populations of C2C12 myoblasts
      in which the endogenous lamina components are replaced with ectopically expressed
      mutant versions of the proteins. The procedure involves bulk isolation of C2C12
      cell populations expressing the ectopic proteins by lentiviral transduction,
      followed by depletion of the endogenous proteins using siRNA, and incubation of
      cells under myoblast differentiation conditions. Similar methodology may be
      applied to mouse embryo fibroblasts or to other cell types as well, for the
      identification and characterization of sequences of lamina proteins involved in
      functions that can be measured biochemically or cytologically.

PMID- 27147044
TI  - Identification and Validation of Putative Nesprin Variants.
AB  - Nesprins are a family of multi-isomeric scaffolding proteins that were originally
      identified at the nuclear envelope (NE), where they bind to lamin A/C, emerin,
      and SUN-domain containing proteins, to form the LInker of Nucleoskeleton-and
      Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex that connects the NE to the actin cytoskeleton.
      However, nesprin genes also give rise to a variety of tissue-specific variants of
      different sizes with potential roles beyond the NE. These variants are generated
      through alternative initiation, termination, and splicing, which makes nesprin
      biology very complex to study due to the difficulty in generating specific
      antibodies and/or short interfering RNAs (siRNA) to particular isoforms. In order
      to distinguish genuine nesprin variants and eliminate confusion with degradation
      products of larger nesprin isoforms, in this chapter we discuss methods including
      5' and 3' Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) and RT-PCR in combination with
      EST database searching, for identifying and validating putative nesprin isoforms.
      This information is essential to allow a better understanding of nesprin
      functions in different cell types.

PMID- 27147043
TI  - Analysis of Meiotic Telomere Behavior in the Mouse.
AB  - Linear eukaryotic chromosomes are capped by the telomeres, which consist of
      highly repetitive nucleotide sequences bound by several telomere-specific
      proteins. While the general role of telomeres is to protect chromosomes from
      degradation and end-to-end fusion, during meiosis they are assigned with a
      distinct and without doubt highly fascinating function. During meiosis, telomeres
      attach to the nuclear envelope and mediate characteristic chromosome movements,
      essential for correct haploidization of the genome. Here, we provide elaborate
      tools to study telomeres in mammalian meiotic germ cells, which include (co
      )immunofluorescence staining procedures on cell spreads and paraffin-embedded
      tissues. We provide detailed procedures for fluorescence labeling of telomeric
      DNA (Telo-FISH) to visualize telomeres at the light microscopic level, which we
      often use in combination with immunofluorescence staining of meiotic proteins. We
      also present a protocol for detection of telomeric DNA at the electron
      microscopic level (EM-ISH). We finally describe how meiotic telomeres can be
      visualized by common electron microscopic methods and how they can be analyzed at
      the ultrastructural level by immunogold labeling of telomere components or
      associated structures.

PMID- 27147045
TI  - Detection of Diverse and High Molecular Weight Nesprin-1 and Nesprin-2 Isoforms
      Using Western Blotting.
AB  - Heavily utilized in cell and molecular biology, western blotting is considered a
      crucial technique for the detection and quantification of proteins within complex
      mixtures. In particular, the detection of members of the nesprin (nuclear
      envelope spectrin repeat protein) family has proven difficult to analyze due to
      their substantial isoform diversity, molecular weight variation, and the sheer
      size of both nesprin-1 and nesprin-2 giant protein variants (>800 kDa). Nesprin
      isoforms contain distinct domain signatures, perform differential cytoskeletal
      associations, occupy different subcellular compartments, and vary in their tissue
      expression profiles. This structural and functional variance highlights the need
      to distinguish between the full range of proteins within the nesprin protein
      family, allowing for greater understanding of their specific roles in cell
      biology and disease. Herein, we describe a western blotting protocol modified for
      the detection of low to high molecular weight (50-1000 kDa) nesprin proteins.

PMID- 27147046
TI  - The Use of Polyacrylamide Hydrogels to Study the Effects of Matrix Stiffness on
      Nuclear Envelope Properties.
AB  - Matrix-derived mechanical cues influence cell proliferation, motility, and
      differentiation. Recent findings clearly demonstrate that the nuclear envelope
      (NE) adapts and remodels in response to mechanical signals, including matrix
      stiffness, yet a plethora of studies have been performed on tissue culture
      plastic or glass that have a similar stiffness to cortical bone. Using methods
      that allow modulation of matrix stiffness will provide further insight into the
      role of the NE in physiological conditions and the impact of changes in stiffness
      observed during ageing and disease on cellular function. In this chapter, we
      describe the polyacrylamide hydrogel system, which allows fabrication of
      hydrogels with variable stiffness to better mimic the environment experienced by
      cells in most tissues of the body.

PMID- 27147047
TI  - Cell Microharpooning to Study Nucleo-Cytoskeletal Coupling.
AB  - To evaluate the intracellular force transmission between the nucleus and
      cytoskeleton, we optimized a single cell-based assay that involves the
      manipulation of living, adherent cells with a fine glass microneedle and a
      microscope-mounted micromanipulator. The user inserts the microneedle into the
      cytoplasm and then, using a custom-programmable computer script, pulls the needle
      laterally toward the cell periphery. Normalized cross-correlation is applied to
      recorded time-lapse image sequences to determine average displacements within
      predefined regions of the nucleus and the cytoskeleton. These regional
      displacements, together with calculations of nuclear elongation, nuclear centroid
      translocation, and nuclear shape changes, enable quantitative assessments of
      nucleo-cytoskeletal coupling in both normal and disease conditions and provide an
      improved understanding of the role of specific nuclear envelope proteins in
      intracellular force propagation.

PMID- 27147048
TI  - Wound-Healing Assays to Study Mechanisms of Nuclear Movement in Fibroblasts and
      Myoblasts.
AB  - The rearward positioning of the nucleus is a characteristic feature of most
      migrating cells. Studies using wounded monolayers of fibroblasts and myoblasts
      have shown that this positioning is actively established before migration by the
      coupling of dorsal actin cables to the nuclear envelope through nesprin-2G and
      SUN2 linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes. During nuclear
      movement, these LINC complexes cluster along the actin cables to form adhesive
      structures known as transmembrane actin-associated nuclear (TAN) lines. Here we
      described experimental procedures for studying nuclear movement and TAN lines
      using wounded monolayers of fibroblasts and myoblasts, the acquisition of data
      using immunofluorescence microscopy and live-cell imaging, and methods for data
      analysis and quantification.

PMID- 27147049
TI  - Methods for Assessing Nuclear Rotation and Nuclear Positioning in Developing
      Skeletal Muscle Cells.
AB  - Skeletal muscle cells are large syncytia, containing hundreds of nuclei
      positioned regularly along the length of the fiber. During development, nuclei
      are actively distributed throughout the myotube by the microtubule motor
      proteins, kinesin-1, and cytoplasmic dynein. Nuclear movement consists of
      translocation along the long axis of the cell concurrent with three-dimensional
      rotation of nuclei. In this chapter we describe methods for quantitatively
      assessing the speed of nuclear rotation in cultured myotubes using live-cell
      imaging techniques coupled with rigid body kinematic analyses. Additionally, we
      provide protocols for analyzing nuclear distribution in myotubes.

PMID- 27147051
TI  - Mapping Nuclear Lamin-Genome Interactions by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation of
      Nuclear Lamins.
AB  - The nuclear lamina is a meshwork of A- and B-type lamins which interact with
      chromatin and regulate many nuclear functions. Recent studies have reported the
      discovery of chromatin domains interacting with nuclear lamins by chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of lamin A/C or B1 and identification of the
      associated DNA sequences by microarray or high-throughput sequencing. ChIP has
      been used over many years to get a snapshot of interactions between DNA and
      proteins in cells, including modified histones, transcription factors, chromatin
      remodelers, and recently, structural proteins such as nuclear lamins. We describe
      here the procedure we have established in our laboratory for ChIP of lamin A/C
      and lamin B1 from human cultured cells. The protocol is compatible with
      polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput sequencing analysis of the co
      immunoprecipitated DNA.

PMID- 27147050
TI  - Imaging Approaches to Investigate Myonuclear Positioning in Drosophila.
AB  - In the skeletal muscle, nuclei are positioned at the periphery of each myofiber
      and are evenly distributed along its length. Improper positioning of myonuclei
      has been correlated with muscle disease and decreased muscle function. Several
      mechanisms required for regulating nuclear position have been identified using
      the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. The conservation of the myofiber between
      the fly and vertebrates, the availability of advanced genetic tools, and the
      ability to visualize dynamic processes using fluorescent proteins in vivo makes
      the fly an excellent system to study myonuclear positioning. This chapter
      describes time-lapse and fixed imaging methodologies using both the Drosophila
      embryo and the larva to investigate mechanisms of myonuclear positioning.

PMID- 27147052
TI  - Lamin ChIP from Chromatin Prepared by Micrococcal Nuclease Digestion.
AB  - It is now clearly demonstrated that nuclear lamins interact with the genomic DNA
      and largely contribute to its three-dimensional organization and transcriptional
      regulation. Emergence of genome-wide mapping techniques such as DamID technology
      or chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by array hybridization or high
      throughput sequencing has allowed the mapping of large lamin-interacting genomic
      areas called lamina-associated domains. These cover up to 40 % of the genome and
      are preferentially located in transcriptionally silent heterochromatin at the
      nuclear periphery. We recently showed that the use of enzymatic rather than
      physical fragmentation of chromatin in ChIP experiments uncovers new chromatin
      compartments with features of euchromatin that interacts with A-type lamins. We
      describe here a detailed ChIP procedure to covalently cross-link protein-DNA,
      fragment the chromatin fibers by micrococcal nuclease digestion, and solubilize
      the lamin network with a short sonication pulse prior to immunoprecipitating the
      lamin-DNA complexes using specific antibodies. Enriched DNA fragments from the
      lamin-binding sites are then purified as suitable samples for qPCR analysis or
      high-throughput sequencing.

PMID- 27147053
TI  - DamID Analysis of Nuclear Organization in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - The development of genomics and next generation sequencing platforms has
      dramatically improved our insight into chromatin structure and organization and
      its fine interplay with gene expression. The nuclear envelope has emerged as a
      key component in nuclear organization via extensive contacts between the genome
      and numerous proteins at the nuclear periphery. These contacts may have profound
      effects on gene expression as well as cell proliferation and differentiation.
      Indeed, their perturbations are associated with several human pathologies known
      as laminopathies or nuclear envelopathies. However, due to their dynamic behavior
      the contacts between nuclear envelope proteins and chromatin are challenging to
      identify, in particular in intact tissues. Here, we propose the DamID technique
      as an attractive method to globally characterize chromatin organization in the
      popular model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. DamID is based on the in vivo
      expression of a chromatin-associated protein of interest fused to the Escherichia
      coli DNA adenine methyltransferase, which produces unique identification tags at
      binding site in the genome. This marking is simple, highly specific and can be
      mapped by sensitive enzymatic and next generation sequencing approaches.

PMID- 27147054
TI  - The Application of DamID to Identify Peripheral Gene Sequences in Differentiated
      and Primary Cells.
AB  - The nuclear envelope interacts extensively with chromatin, though with
      differences in degree and specificity in different cell types. However,
      identifying the specific genome sequences associated with individual nuclear
      envelope associated proteins, particularly nuclear membrane proteins and lamins,
      has been particularly difficult due to their inherent insolubility and
      interconnectivity. DamID is a powerful tool developed to bypass many of the
      inherent difficulties with identifying nuclear envelope protein-chromatin
      interactions and, as more tissue culture cell types derived from different
      tissues are examined by DamID, it is increasingly apparent that there are
      distinct patterns of genome organization in differentiated cell types. However,
      in applying DamID to both more diverse and/or differentiated cell types a number
      of technical caveats to the method have been observed which must be circumvented
      to ensure high quality data is generated. Here we elaborate a detailed
      methodology to adapt DamID to novel cell types, in particular differentiated
      cells in culture. Moreover, we highlight heretofore largely ignored variations in
      the PCR amplified DNA products generated by the DamID procedure and the
      consequences they have for downstream analysis steps. Thus, the methods described
      here should serve as a useful resource to researchers new to DamID as well as
      readily allow its application to an expanded set of cell types and conditions.

PMID- 27147055
TI  - Visualizing the Spatial Relationship of the Genome with the Nuclear Envelope
      Using Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization.
AB  - The genome has a special relationship with the nuclear envelope in cells. Much of
      the genome is anchored at the nuclear periphery, tethered by chromatin binding
      proteins such nuclear lamins and other integral membrane proteins. Even though
      there are global assays such as DAM-ID or ChIP to assess what parts of the genome
      are associated with the nuclear envelope, it is also essential to be able to
      visualize regions of the genome in order to reveal their individual relationships
      with nuclear structures in single cells. This is executed by fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) in 2-dimensional flattened nuclei (2D-FISH) or 3
      dimensionally preserved cells (3D-FISH) in combination with indirect
      immunofluorescence to reveal structural proteins. This chapter explains the
      protocols for 2D- and 3D-FISH in combination with indirect immunofluorescence and
      discusses options for image capture and analysis. Due to the nuclear envelope
      proteins being part of the non-extractable nucleoskeleton, we also describe how
      to prepare DNA halos through salt extraction and how they can be used to study
      genome behavior and association when combined with 2D-FISH.

PMID- 27147056
TI  - Visualization of Genomic Loci in Living Cells with a Fluorescent CRISPR/Cas9
      System.
AB  - The discovery that the RNA guided bacterial endonuclease Cas9 can be harnessed to
      target and manipulate user-defined genomic sequences has greatly influenced the
      field of genome engineering. Interestingly, a catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9) can
      be employed as a targeted DNA-binding platform to alter gene expression. By
      fusing this dCas9 to eGFP, we and others could show that the CRISPR/Cas9 system
      can be further expanded to label and trace genomic loci in living cells. We
      demonstrated that by exchanging the sgRNA, dCas9-eGFP could be specifically
      directed to various heterochromatic sequences within the nucleus. Here, we
      provide a basic protocol for this versatile tool and describe how to verify new
      dCas9-eGFP targets.

PMID- 27147057
TI  - Methods to Monitor DNA Repair Defects and Genomic Instability in the Context of a
      Disrupted Nuclear Lamina.
AB  - The organization of the genome within the nuclear space is viewed as an
      additional level of regulation of genome function, as well as a means to ensure
      genome integrity. Structural proteins associated with the nuclear envelope, in
      particular lamins (A- and B-type) and lamin-associated proteins, play an
      important role in genome organization. Interestingly, there is a whole body of
      evidence that links disruptions of the nuclear lamina with DNA repair defects and
      genomic instability. Here, we describe a few standard techniques that have been
      successfully utilized to identify mechanisms behind DNA repair defects and
      genomic instability in cells with an altered nuclear lamina. In particular, we
      describe protocols to monitor changes in the expression of DNA repair factors
      (Western blot) and their recruitment to sites of DNA damage (immunofluorescence);
      kinetics of DNA double-strand break repair after ionizing radiation (neutral
      comet assays); frequency of chromosomal aberrations (FISH, fluorescence in situ
      hybridization); and alterations in telomere homeostasis (Quantitative-FISH).
      These techniques have allowed us to shed some light onto molecular mechanisms by
      which alterations in A-type lamins induce genomic instability, which could
      contribute to the pathophysiology of aging and aging-related diseases.

PMID- 27147058
TI  - High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy and Immuno-Gold Labeling of the
      Nuclear Lamina and Nuclear Pore Complex.
AB  - Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a technique used to image surfaces. Field
      emission SEMs (feSEMs) can resolve structures that are ~0.5-1.5 nm apart. FeSEM,
      therefore is a useful technique for imaging molecular structures that exist at
      surfaces such as membranes. The nuclear envelope consists of four membrane
      surfaces, all of which may be accessible for imaging. Imaging of the cytoplasmic
      face of the outer membrane gives information about ribosomes and cytoskeletal
      attachments, as well as details of the cytoplasmic peripheral components of the
      nuclear pore complex, and is the most easily accessed surface. The nucleoplasmic
      face of the inner membrane is easily accessible in some cells, such as amphibian
      oocytes, giving valuable details about the organization of the nuclear lamina and
      how it interacts with the nuclear pore complexes. The luminal faces of both
      membranes are difficult to access, but may be exposed by various fracturing
      techniques. Protocols are presented here for the preparation, labeling, and feSEM
      imaging of Xenopus laevis oocyte nuclear envelopes.

PMID- 27147059
TI  - An In Vitro Assay to Study Targeting of Membrane Proteins to the Inner Nuclear
      Membrane.
AB  - Newly synthesized membrane proteins are inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) from where they are constantly sorted to various cellular compartments. To
      analyze and visualize sorting of membrane proteins to the inner nuclear membrane
      (INM), we developed a trap-release system that uncouples membrane integration
      into the ER from transport. This assay allows the simultaneous release of a large
      pool of an INM-destined membrane protein from the ER and microscopy-based
      monitoring of targeting to the INM. The use of semi-permeabilized HeLa cells
      further enables the identification and characterization of essential requirements
      of the targeting process. This protocol provides a detailed description of
      reporter construction, in vitro reconstitution, and visualization of trafficking.

PMID- 27147060
TI  - Nuclear Protein Transport in Digitonin Permeabilized Cells.
AB  - The high concentration of cholesterol in the plasma membrane relative to the
      endomembranes of eukaryotic cells allows the selective permeabilization of the
      plasma membrane with the glycoside digitonin leaving the intracellular membrane
      bound organelles intact. In this chapter, we describe the basic method to use
      digitonin permeabilized cells to reconstitute the transport of proteins
      containing nuclear localization signals into the nucleus. The assay requires only
      a target cell line that can be permeabilized with digitonin, a source of soluble
      transport factors, typically provided by the cytosol fraction of cultured cells,
      and a cargo protein of interest. No other specialized equipment is required other
      than a fluorescence microscope. The assay can be used to identify transport
      factors required to transport specific proteins, to study the regulation of
      protein transport, or to study nuclear protein transport under different
      conditions.

PMID- 27147061
TI  - Analysis of CRM1-Dependent Nuclear Export in Permeabilized Cells.
AB  - Nuclear protein import and export assays in permeabilized cells have been
      instrumental for the identification of transport factors and for the molecular
      characterization of nucleocytoplasmic transport pathways. Our original assay to
      quantitatively analyze CRM1-dependent export was based on stably transfected
      cells expressing GFP-NFAT. We now present a simplified version of the assay using
      transiently transfected cells expressing GFP-NFAT or GFP-snurportin1 as a
      fluorescent export cargo and mCherry-emerin as a marker protein for transfected
      cells. CRM1- and Ran-dependent export is recapitulated in digitonin-permeabilized
      cells and quantified by flow cytometry. The assay should be applicable to other
      combinations of cargo and marker proteins.

PMID- 27147062
TI  - SPEED Microscopy and Its Application in Nucleocytoplasmic Transport.
AB  - In eukaryotic cells, the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) selectively mediate the
      bidirectional trafficking of macromolecules between the cytoplasm and the
      nucleus. The selective barrier is formed by intrinsically disordered
      phenylalanine-glycine (FG) nucleoporins anchored on the wall of the submicrometer
      NPC, which allows for passive diffusion and facilitated translocation through the
      nuclear pore. Dysfunction of nucleocytoplasmic transport has been associated with
      many human diseases. However, due to the technical challenge of imaging the
      native tomography of the FG-nucleoporin barrier and its interactions with
      transiting molecules in the native NPC, the precise nucleocytoplasmic transport
      mechanism remains unresolved. To refine the transport mechanism, single-molecule
      fluorescence microscopy methods have been employed to obtain the transport
      kinetics and the spatial transport route of individual fluorescent molecules
      through the NPC. In this method paper, we particularly highlight a newly
      developed high-speed super-resolution three-dimensional microscopy approach,
      termed as SPEED (single-point edge-excitation subdiffraction) microscopy, and its
      application in characterizing nucleocytoplasmic transport.

PMID- 27147063
TI  - Complete excision of the infrapatellar fat pad is associated with patellar tendon
      shortening after primary total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patella baja is a potentially disabling and difficult-to-treat
      complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We investigated whether
      complete or partial excision of the fat pad has an effect on the length of the
      patellar tendon following TKA. METHODS: A retrospective review of patient
      radiographs was performed. One hundred and eleven consecutive patients who
      underwent primary TKA for osteoarthritis using the same components by two
      consultants were selected. Seventy-two patients underwent complete excision of
      the fat pad, whilst 39 had partial excision as per consultant practice. Patellar
      height was measured using the Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI) on immediate
      postoperative radiographs and at a minimum follow-up of 1 year. RESULTS: In the
      complete excision group, the mean CDI changed from 0.54 immediately
      postoperatively to 0.45 at a minimum follow-up of 1 year (p < 0.0001) indicating
      shortening of the patellar tendon, and eight patients reported anterior knee
      pain. The partial excision group's mean CDI changed from 0.76 to 0.75 (p =
      0.231). An analysis of variance showed that the effect of complete fat pad
      excision on patella tendon length was significant, F(1, 109) = 15.273, p < 0.001.
      CONCLUSION: At a minimum follow-up of 1 year, the patellar tendon length
      shortened significantly in the group of patients with complete fat pad excision.
      With partial excision, there was no significant change in tendon length. Complete
      excision of the fat pad should therefore be avoided wherever possible in an
      attempt to avoid patella baja. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

PMID- 27147064
TI  - Lifestyle factors, psychiatric and neurologic comorbidities, and drug use
      associated with incident seizures among adult patients with depression: a
      population-based nested case-control study.
AB  - To investigate risk factors for incident seizures among adult patients with
      depression. We conducted a nested case-control analysis in adult patients with
      newly diagnosed depression, using data from the U.K.-based Clinical Practice
      Research Datalink. Among cases with incident seizures and matched controls, we
      estimated odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of potential
      risk factors for seizures as reported from data of the general population:
      underweight (body mass index <18.5 kg/m2), smoking, alcoholism, drug abuse,
      psychiatric or neurologic comorbidities, and concomitant use of drugs. Of 186,540
      patients with depression, 1489 developed a seizure during follow-up. Being
      underweight (OR 1.67 [95 % CI 1.23-2.26]), a current smoker (OR 1.45 [95 % CI
      1.26-1.67]), having alcoholism (OR 2.98 [95 % CI 2.56-3.47]), and drug abuse (OR
      2.51 [95 % CI 1.94-3.24]), were associated with increased risks of seizures
      compared to normal weight, non-smoking, no alcoholism, and no drug abuse,
      respectively. Previous stroke/transient ischemic attack (OR 6.07 [95 % CI 4.71
      7.83]) or intracerebral bleeding (OR 8.19 [95 % CI 4.80-13.96]), and comorbid
      dementia (OR 6.83 [95 % CI 4.81-9.69]), were strongly associated with seizures.
      Current use of cephalosporins (OR 2.47 [95 % CI 1.61-3.78]) and antiarrhythmics
      (OR 1.59 [95 % CI 1.26-2.01]) was associated with an increased risk of seizures
      compared to non-use. Among adult patients with depression, being underweight,
      smoking, alcoholism, and drug abuse, were associated with seizures. Remote stroke
      and comorbid dementia were strong risk factors for seizures. Current use of
      cephalosporins or antiarrhytmics was associated with an increased risk of
      seizures compared to non-use.

PMID- 27147066
TI  - Comparative analyses of phenotypic methods and 16S rRNA, khe, rpoB genes
      sequencing for identification of clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
AB  - The present work aimed to evaluate 16S rRNA, khe and rpoB gene sequencing for the
      identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae in comparison with phenotypic methods.
      Fifteen clinical isolates were examined, which were initially identified as K.
      pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae using the automated VITEK 32 system in two hospitals
      in Enshi City, China. Their identity was further supported by conventional
      phenotypic methods on the basis of morphological and biochemical characteristics.
      Using Bayesian phylogenetic analyses and haplotypes network reconstruction, 13
      isolates were identified as K. pneumoniae, whereas the other two isolates (K19,
      K24) were classified as Shigella sp. and Enterobacter sp., respectively. Of the
      three genes, 16S rRNA and khe gene could discriminate the clinical isolates at
      the genus level, whereas rpoB could discriminate Klebsiella at the species and
      even subspecies level. Overall, the gene tree based on rpoB is more compatible
      with the currently accepted classification of Klebsiella than those based on 16S
      rRNA and khe genes, showing that rpoB can be a powerful tool for identification
      of K. pneumoniae isolates. Above all, our study challenges the utility of khe as
      a species-specific marker for identification of K. pneumoniae. 

PMID- 27147067
TI  - Deinococcus arenae sp. nov., a novel species isolated from sand in South Korea.
AB  - A Gram-negative strain, designated SA1(T), was isolated from a sand specimen from
      Yangyang Beach, South Korea. The cells of SA1(T) were observed to be red
      pigmented, strictly aerobic, non-motile rods. Strain SA1(T) was found to grow
      optimally at 30  degrees C and pH 7 (pH growth range, pH 7-9). Phylogenetic
      analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of SA1(T) showed that the organism belongs
      to the phylum Deinococcus-Thermus and forms a branch within the genus
      Deinococcus, with Deinococcus actinosclerus BM2(T) as a close relative (99.8   %
      sequence similarity). The strain was found to be catalase positive and oxidase
      negative and to metabolise 2-ketogluconate, acetate, D,L-3-hydroxybutyrate, D
      glucose, D-maltose, D-mannitol, D-mannose, D-melibiose, D-sorbitol, D-sucrose,
      glycogen, L-alanine, L-histidine, L-malate, L-proline and n-valerate. The guanine
      plus cytosine (G + C) base composition of the DNA was 69.5 mol %, as determined
      by the thermal denaturation method. The predominant respiratory quinone was
      identified as menaquinone with eight isoprene units (MK-8). The polar lipid
      profile of strain SA1(T) showed the presence of several unidentified glycolipids,
      phosphoglycolipids, phospholipids, aminophospholipids and unidentified lipids. In
      addition, the most abundant fatty acids of strain SA1(T) were identified as C15:1
      omega6c, C16:1 omega7c and C17:0. On the basis of phylogenetic analyses, DNA-DNA
      hybridisation and biochemical characteristics, strain SA1(T) (=KCTC 33741(T) =
      JCM 31047(T)) is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Deinococcus,
      for which the name Deinococcus arenae sp. nov. is proposed. 

PMID- 27147068
TI  - Substance use pattern, self-control and social network are associated with crime
      in a substance-using population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Crime rates are high in substance-using populations;
      therefore, investigation of factors associated with crime in these populations is
      highly relevant. We describe crime prevalence and associations between crime,
      pattern of substance use and psychosocial factors, such as self-control and
      social network. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study including
      substance users (n = 549; mean age 34 years; 27% women) entering treatment at 21
      treatment centres across Norway (December 2012 to April 2015). Data on
      demographics, substance use, psychosocial variables and crime in the 6 months
      prior to treatment were obtained through interviews. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR)
      with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated through logistic regression.
      RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of participants had committed crime in the 6 months
      prior to treatment. Of these, 93% committed income-generating crime. Several
      factors were associated with increased likelihood of having committed crime: use
      of stimulants (aOR = 1.82, 95% CI 1.04-3.17), use of a higher number of different
      substances (aOR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.04-1.31) and spending most of their time with
      family or friends using addictive substances (aOR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.10-5.16 and
      aOR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.32-3.73). Protective factors associated with decreased
      likelihood of committing crime were being older (aOR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.97)
      and having higher self-control (aOR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97). DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSIONS: Stimulant use, higher number of different substances used, lower
      self-control, primarily a substance-using social network and being younger were
      associated with crime in this substance-using population. Treatment clinics
      should consider these risk factors for crime, and suitable interventions should
      be implemented and evaluated. [Skjaervo I, Skurtveit S, Clausen T, Bukten A.
      Substance use pattern, self-control and social network are associated with crime
      in a substance-using population. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:245-252].

PMID- 27147065
TI  - Impact of prenatal exposure to cadmium on cognitive development at preschool age
      and the importance of selenium and iodine.
AB  - The evidence regarding a potential link of low-to-moderate iodine deficiency,
      selenium status, and cadmium exposure during pregnancy with neurodevelopment is
      either contradicting or limited. We aimed to assess the prenatal impact of
      cadmium, selenium, and iodine on children's neurodevelopment at 4 years of age.
      The study included 575 mother-child pairs from the prospective "Rhea" cohort on
      Crete, Greece. Exposure to cadmium, selenium and iodine was assessed by
      concentrations in the mother's urine during pregnancy (median 13 weeks), measured
      by ICPMS. The McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities was used to assess
      children's general cognitive score and seven different sub-scales. In
      multivariable-adjusted regression analysis, elevated urinary cadmium
      concentrations (>=0.8 ug/L) were inversely associated with children's general
      cognitive score [mean change: -6.1 points (95 % CI -12; -0.33) per doubling of
      urinary cadmium; corresponding to ~0.4 SD]. Stratifying by smoking status (p for
      interaction 0.014), the association was restricted to smokers. Urinary selenium
      was positively associated with children's general cognitive score [mean change:
      2.2 points (95 % CI -0.38; 4.8) per doubling of urinary selenium; ~0.1 SD],
      although the association was not statistically significant. Urinary iodine
      (median 172 ug/L) was not associated with children's general cognitive score. In
      conclusion, elevated cadmium exposure in pregnancy of smoking women was inversely
      associated with the children's cognitive function at pre-school age. The results
      indicate that cadmium may adversely affect neurodevelopment at doses commonly
      found in smokers, or that there is an interaction with other toxicants in tobacco
      smoke. Additionally, possible residual confounding cannot be ruled out.

PMID- 27147069
TI  - Fine mapping of a major locus controlling plant height using a high-density
      single-nucleotide polymorphism map in Brassica napus.
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: A saturated map was constructed using SNP markers to fine-map a
      Brassica napus dominant locus for dwarf mutant onto a 152-kb interval of
      chromosome A09 containing 14 genes. Major dwarf loci in crops may play important
      roles in crop improvement and developmental genetics. The present study
      investigated and fine-mapped a Brassica napus dwarf-dominant locus BnDWF1. Plants
      carrying the BnDWF1 locus in populations derived from 'zhongshuang11' and Bndwf1
      have deep-green leaves and dwarf architecture that differ sharply from tall
      plants with normal green leaves. BnDWF1, as a major locus controlling plant
      height, showed a very high heritability (0.91-0.95). To map this locus, a high
      density single-nucleotide polymorphism map was constructed, and the BnDWF1 locus
      was mapped at an interval between single-nucleotide polymorphism markers, M19704
      and M19695, on linkage group A09 of B. napus, with five co-segregating single
      nucleotide polymorphism markers. Furthermore, fine mapping narrowed the interval
      harboring BnDWF1 to 152 kb in length in B. napus. This interval contains 14
      annotated or predicted genes, seven of which are candidates responsible for the
      dwarf trait. This study provides an effective foundation for the study of plant
      height regulation and plant type breeding in B. napus.

PMID- 27147070
TI  - Fine mapping and identification of candidate genes for the sy-2 locus in a
      temperature-sensitive chili pepper (Capsicum chinense).
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: The sy - 2 temperature-sensitive gene from Capsicum chinense was
      fine mapped to a 138.8-kb region at the distal portion of pepper chromosome 1.
      Based on expression analyses, two putative F-box genes were identified as sy - 2
      candidate genes. Seychelles-2 ('sy-2') is a temperature-sensitive natural mutant
      of Capsicum chinense, which exhibits an abnormal leaf phenotype when grown at
      temperatures below 24  degrees C. We previously showed that the sy-2 phenotype is
      controlled by a single recessive gene, sy-2, located on pepper chromosome 1. In
      this study, a high-resolution genetic and physical map for the sy-2 locus was
      constructed using two individual F2 mapping populations derived from a cross
      between C. chinense mutant 'sy-2' and wild-type 'No. 3341'. The sy-2 gene was
      fine mapped to a 138.8-kb region between markers SNP 5-5 and SNP 3-8 at the
      distal portion of chromosome 1, based on comparative genomic analysis and genomic
      information from pepper. The sy-2 target region was predicted to contain 27
      genes. Expression analysis of these predicted genes showed a differential
      expression pattern for ORF10 and ORF20 between mutant and wild-type plants; with
      both having significantly lower expression in 'sy-2' than in wild-type plants. In
      addition, the coding sequences of both ORF10 and ORF20 contained single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) causing amino acid changes, which may have
      important functional consequences. ORF10 and ORF20 are predicted to encode F-box
      proteins, which are components of the SCF complex. Based on the differential
      expression pattern and the presence of nonsynonymous SNPs, we suggest that these
      two putative F-box genes are most likely responsible for the temperature
      sensitive phenotypes in pepper. Further investigation of these genes may enable a
      better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of low temperature sensitivity
      in plants.

PMID- 27147071
TI  - QTL mapping for downy mildew resistance in cucumber inbred line WI7120 (PI
      330628).
AB  - KEY MESSAGE: Host resistance in WI7120 cucumber to prevailing downy mildew
      pathogen field populations is conferred by two major-effect, one moderate-effect
      and two minor-effect QTL. Downy mildew (DM) caused by the obligate oomycete
      Pseudoperonospora cubensis is the most devastating fungal disease of cucumber
      worldwide. The molecular mechanism of DM resistance in cucumber is poorly
      understood, and use of marker-assisted breeding for DM resistance is not widely
      available. Here, we reported QTL mapping results for DM resistance with 243 F2:3
      families from the cross between DM-resistant inbred line WI7120 (PI 330628) and
      susceptible '9930'. A linkage map was developed with 348 SSR and SNP markers.
      Phenotyping of DM inoculation responses were conducted in four field trails in 2
      years at three locations. Four QTL, dm2.1, dm4.1, dm5.1, and dm6.1 were
      consistently and reliably detected across at least three of the four environments
      which together could explain 62-76 % phenotypic variations (R (2)). Among them,
      dm4.1 and dm5.1 were major-effect QTL (R (2) = 15-30 %) with only additive
      effects; dm2.1 (R (2) = 5-15 %) and dm6.1 (R (2) = 4-8 %) had moderate and minor
      effects, respectively. Epistatic effects were detected for dm2.1 and dm6.1 with
      both dm4.1 and dm5.1. One additional minor-effect QTL, dm6.2 (R (2) = 3-5 %) was
      only detectable with the chlorosis rating criterion. All alleles contributing to
      DM resistance were from WI7120. This study revealed two novel QTL for DM
      resistance and the unique genetic architecture of DM resistance in WI7120
      conferring high level resistance to prevailing DM populations in multiple
      countries. The effects of disease rating scales, rating time and criteria,
      population size in phenotyping DM resistance on the power of QTL detection, and
      the use of DM resistance in WI7120 in cucumber breeding were discussed.

PMID- 27147072
TI  - A comparison of the barely Bayesian design with the triangular test for clinical
      trials in infectious diseases.

PMID- 27147073
TI  - Effects of low-level laser therapy combined with toluidine blue on
      polysaccharides and biofilm of Streptococcus mutans.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a low-level laser therapy in
      combination with toluidine blue on polysaccharides and biofilm of Streptococcus
      mutans. S. mutans biofilms were formed on acrylic resin blocks. These biofilms
      were exposed eight times/day to 10 % sucrose, and two times/day, they were
      subjected to one of the following treatments: G1, 0.9 % NaCl as a negative
      control; G2, 0.12 % chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) as a positive antibacterial
      control; and G3 and G4 antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) combined with
      toluidine blue using dosages of 320 and 640 J/cm(2), respectively. The experiment
      was performed in triplicate. The biofilm formed on each block was collected for
      determination of the viable bacteria and concentration of insoluble extracellular
      polysaccharides (IEPS) and intracellular polysaccharides (IPS). CHX and aPDT
      treatments were able to inhibit bacterial growth in comparison with negative
      control (p < 0.05). The aPDT treatment reduced the number of viable bacteria
      formed in the S. mutans biofilm, in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The
      concentration of IEPS and IPS in the biofilms formed in presence of aPDT did not
      differ each other or in comparison to CHX (p > 0.05). The results suggest that
      low-level laser therapy presents effects on biofilm bacteria viability and in
      polysaccharides concentration. 

PMID- 27147074
TI  - Effect of photobiomodulation on endothelial cell exposed to Bothrops jararaca
      venom.
AB  - Bleeding is a common feature in envenoming caused by Bothrops snake venom due to
      extensive damage to capillaries and venules, producing alterations in capillary
      endothelial cell morphology. It has been demonstrated, in vivo, that
      photobiomodulation (PBM) decreases hemorrhage after venom inoculation; however,
      the mechanism is unknown. Thus, the objective was to investigate the effects of
      PBM on a murine endothelial cell line (tEnd) exposed to Bothrops jararaca venom
      (BjV). Cells were exposed to BjV and irradiated once with either 660- or 780-nm
      wavelength laser light at energy densities of 4 and 5 J/cm(2), respectively, and
      irradiation time of 10 s. Cell integrity was analyzed by crystal violet and cell
      viability/mitochondrial metabolism by MTT assay. The release of lactic
      dehydrogenase (LDH) was quantified as a measure of cell damage. In addition,
      cytokine IL1-beta levels were measured in the supernatant. PBM at 660 and 780 nm
      wavelength was able to increase cellular viability and decrease the release of
      LDH and the loss of cellular integrity. In addition, the concentration of pro
      inflammatory cytokine IL1-beta was reduced after PBM by both wavelengths. The
      data reported herein indicates that irradiation with red or near-infrared laser
      resulted in protection on endothelial cells after exposure to Bothrops venom and
      could be, at least in part, a reasonable explanation by the beneficial effects of
      PBM inhibiting the local effects induced by Bothrops venoms, in vivo. 

PMID- 27147075
TI  - Estimation of optical properties of neuroendocrine pancreas tumor with double
      integrating-sphere system and inverse Monte Carlo model.
AB  - The investigation of laser-tissue interaction is crucial for diagnostics and
      therapeutics. In particular, the estimation of tissue optical properties allows
      developing predictive models for defining organ-specific treatment planning tool.
      With regard to laser ablation (LA), optical properties are among the main
      responsible for the therapy efficacy, as they globally affect the heating process
      of the tissue, due to its capability to absorb and scatter laser energy. The
      recent introduction of LA for pancreatic tumor treatment in clinical studies has
      fostered the need to assess the laser-pancreas interaction and hence to find its
      optical properties in the wavelength of interest. This work aims at estimating
      optical properties (i.e., absorption, MU a , scattering, MU s , anisotropy, g,
      coefficients) of neuroendocrine pancreas tumor at 1064 nm. Experiments were
      performed using two popular sample storage methods; the optical properties of
      frozen and paraffin-embedded neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas are estimated
      by employing a double-integrating-sphere system and inverse Monte Carlo
      algorithm. Results show that paraffin-embedded tissue is characterized by
      absorption and scattering coefficients significantly higher than frozen samples
      (MU a of 56 cm(-1) vs 0.9 cm(-1), MU s of 539 cm(-1) vs 130 cm(-1),
      respectively). Simulations show that such different optical features strongly
      influence the pancreas temperature distribution during LA. This result may affect
      the prediction of therapeutic outcome. Therefore, the choice of the appropriate
      preparation technique of samples for optical property estimation is crucial for
      the performances of the mathematical models which predict LA thermal outcome on
      the tissue and lead the selection of optimal LA settings. 

PMID- 27147077
TI  - Laser acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for spastic cerebral palsy in
      children.
AB  - Laser acupuncture is widely used as an alternative line of treatment in several
      chronic pediatric diseases. To investigate whether biostimulation by low-level
      laser on acupuncture points adds a clinical benefit to conventional physiotherapy
      in hemiplegic spastic cerebral palsy (CP) children. Forty spastic hemiplegic
      cerebral palsy children by age 1-4 years were chosen from the pediatric
      outpatient clinic of the National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES),
      Cairo University, and Menofyia University hospitals. They were randomly divided
      into control and study groups; 20 children each. Both groups received
      physiotherapy for 3 months, while only the study group also received laser
      acupuncture (low-level laser 650 nm with 50 mW power was applied at each acupoint
      for 30 s giving an energy density of 1.8 J/cm(2)). Preassessment and
      postassessment of muscle tone, the range of motion (ROM), and gross motor
      function measurements (GMFMs) were obtained, and the results were statistically
      analyzed. Comparison between posttreatment measures for the control vs. study
      groups showed significant difference in muscle tone (wrist flexors and plantar
      flexors) in favor of the study group, while range of motion showed no significant
      differences. GMFM showed no significant difference in total score while there was
      a significant difference in goal total score (sum of % scores for each dimension
      identified as goal area divided by number of goal areas) in favor of the study
      group. Laser acupuncture has a beneficial effect on reducing spasticity in
      spastic cerebral palsy and may be helpful in improving their movement. 

PMID- 27147076
TI  - Low-level laser therapy stimulates tissue repair and reduces the extracellular
      matrix degradation in rats with induced arthritis in the temporomandibular joint.
AB  - The objective of this study was to characterize morphological and biochemistry
      action of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on induced arthritis in the
      temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly
      divided into groups with 12 animals each: (AG) group with arthritis induced in
      the left TMJ and (LG) group with arthritis induced in the left TMJ and treated
      with LLLT (830 nm, 30 mW, 3 J/cm(2)). Right TMJs in the AG group were used as
      noninjected control group (CG). Arthritis was induced by intra-articular
      injection of 50 MUl Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) and LLLT began 1 week after
      arthritis induction. Histopathological analysis was performed using sections
      stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Toluidine Blue, and picrosirius. Biochemical
      analysis was determined by the total concentration of sulfated glycosaminoglycans
      (GAGs) and evaluation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Statistical
      analysis was performed using paired and unpaired t tests, with p < 0.05. Compared
      to AG, LG had minor histopathological changes in the TMJ, smaller thickness of
      the articular disc in the anterior (p < 0.0001), middle (p < 0.0001) and
      posterior regions (p < 0.0001), high birefringence of collagen fibers in the
      anterior (p < 0.0001), middle (p < 0.0001) and posterior regions (p < 0.0001) on
      the articular disc, and statistically lower activity of MMP-2 latent (p <
      0.0001), MMP-2 active (P = 0.02), MMP-9 latent (p < 0.0001), and MMP-9 active (p
      < 0.0001). These results suggest that LLLT can increase the remodeling and
      enhancing tissue repair in TMJ with induced arthritis. 

PMID- 27147078
TI  - Growth recovery lines are more common in infants at high vs. low risk for abuse.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growth recovery lines, also known as growth arrest lines, are
      transverse radiodense metaphyseal bands that develop due to a temporary arrest of
      endochondral ossification caused by local or systemic insults. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine if growth recovery lines are more common in infants at high risk versus
      low risk for abuse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reports of American College of
      Radiology compliant skeletal surveys (1999-2013) were reviewed with clinical
      records. Infants at low risk for abuse had a skull fracture without significant
      intracranial injury, history of a fall and clinical determination of low risk
      (child protection team/social work assessment). Infants at high risk had
      significant intracranial injury, retinal hemorrhages, other skeletal injuries and
      clinical determination of high risk. There were 52 low-risk infants (mean: 4.7
      months, range: 0.4-12 months) and 21 high-risk infants (mean: 4.2 months, range:
      0.8-9.1 months). Two blinded radiologists independently evaluated the skeletal
      survey radiographs of the knees/lower legs for the presence of at least one
      growth recovery line. RESULTS: When growth recovery lines are scored as probably
      present or definitely present, their prevalence in the low-risk group was 38%
      (standard deviation [SD] = 8%; reader 1 = 17/52, reader 2 = 23/52) vs. 71% (SD =
      7%; reader 1 = 16/21, reader 2 = 14/21) in the high-risk group (P < 0.001; odds
      ratio 4.0, 95% CI: 1.7-9.5). CONCLUSION: Growth recovery lines are encountered at
      a significantly higher rate in infants at high risk vs. low risk for abuse. This
      suggests that abused infants are prone to a temporary disturbance in endochondral
      ossification as a result of episodic physiological stresses.

PMID- 27147079
TI  - Cervicothoracic cystic dysraphism.
AB  - Cystic dysraphism of the cervical and upper thoracic spine is very rare. It
      differs from the much more common lumbosacral dysraphism in appearance and
      structure, and usually portends a better prognosis due to lack of functional
      neurological tissue in the dysraphic sac and absent or less severe intracranial
      anomalies. There is ambiguity in the literature regarding terminology because of
      the paucity of cases. We present cases of the most common type of cervicothoracic
      cystic dysraphism and emphasize differences from lumbosacral myelomeningocele.
      Patient outcome depends on the presence of associated anomalies and whether
      complete surgical resection is performed. Imaging plays a critical role in
      surgical planning, screening the central nervous system for additional anomalies,
      and in the postoperative setting for evaluation of retethering. 

PMID- 27147080
TI  - A case of mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix mimicking an
      endometrial clear cell carcinoma in the curettage specimen.

PMID- 27147082
TI  - Identification of Potential Antituberculosis Drugs Through Docking and Virtual
      Screening.
AB  - Tuberculosis is the most prominent contagious disease and needs the new targets
      and drugs identification. Target identification and validation is a crucial step
      in drug discovery process. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, decaprenyl-phosphoryl
      beta-D-ribose 2'-oxidase is a potential target for antitubercular chemotherapy.
      It is encoded by genes dprE1 (Rv3790) and dprE2 (Rv3791). Three-dimensional (3D)
      structure prediction of selected target (461 amino acid residues) was intent by
      homology modeling using multitemplate approach based on crystal structure of
      2EXR.pdb and 2Q4W.pdb with score = 48.9 bits and identities = 42/148 (29 %). A
      computed model was subjected to refinement based on consensus generated from two
      dimensional structures and then evaluated using Structural Analysis and
      Verification Server to get reliable model. The final optimized model after
      analysis of Ramachandran plot revealed 86.5 % Core, 78.1 % Verify 3D score and
      75.302 Errat values. Structure-based virtual screening against ZINC database was
      performed through molecular docking approach using Molegro Virtual Docker 4.2.0.
      The best 10 docked ligands were enumerated and validated based on their AutoDock
      Vina docking energy, scoring function and absorption, distribution, metabolism,
      excretion properties. The complex scoring function, docking energies and binding
      affinities revealed that these ligand molecules could be promising inhibitors
      against decaprenyl-phosphoryl-beta-D-ribose 2'-oxidase. The present work also
      investigates the potential of computational molecular modeling.

PMID- 27147081
TI  - Physical activity and anomalous bodily experiences in patients with first-episode
      schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low physical activity is strongly correlated with metabolic syndrome
      (MetS) and poor physical health. Although the prevalence of MetS is high in
      patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES), little is still known about the
      level of and possible barriers for physical activity in FES. AIM: The purpose of
      the study was to compare physical activity in patients with FES with healthy
      controls; to investigate changes in physical activity over 1 year of follow-up;
      and to explore the correlations of physical activity and anomalous bodily
      experiences reported by patients with FES. METHODS: Both physical activity and
      aerobic fitness were measured. Anomalous bodily experiences were measured by
      selected items from the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience and The Body
      Awareness Scale. Psychopathological data comprising negative and positive
      symptoms and data on psychotropic medication were obtained from medical records
      of all patients. RESULTS: Physical activity and aerobic fitness was significantly
      lower in patients with FES compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). Over 1
      year of follow-up patients had lower physical activity and aerobic fitness.
      Patients with more severe anomalous bodily experiences had significantly lower
      physical activity compared with patients with fewer such experiences (p = 0.030).
      In linear regression analyses only negative symptoms were significantly
      correlated with low physical activity (beta = -0.88; 95% confidence interval = 
      1.48 to -0.29; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Physical activity and aerobic fitness is
      low in patients with FES. Both anomalous bodily experiences and negative symptoms
      are significantly correlated with low physical activity.

PMID- 27147083
TI  - Intraventricular etoposide safety and toxicity profile in children and young
      adults with refractory or recurrent malignant brain tumors.
AB  - Systemic administration of etoposide is effective in treating metastatic,
      recurrent or refractory brain tumors, but penetration into the cerebrospinal
      fluid is extremely poor. This study was designed to determine the safety and
      toxicity profile of intraventricular etoposide administration and was affiliated
      with the prospective, multicenter, nonblinded, nonrandomized, multi-armed HIT-REZ
      97 trial. The study enrolled 68 patients, aged 1.1-34.6 (median age 11 years).
      Adverse events that could possibly be related to intraventricular etoposide
      therapy were documented and analyzed. Intraventricular etoposide was
      simultaneously administered with either oral or intravenous chemotherapy in 426
      courses according to three major schedules varying in dosing (0.25-1 mg),
      frequency of administration (bolus injection, every 12 or 24 h), course duration
      (5-10 days) and length of interval between courses (2-5 weeks). Potential
      treatment-related adverse effects included transient headache, seizures,
      infection of the reservoir, nausea and neuropsychological symptoms. Hematological
      side effects were not observed. One patient, with history of multiple prior
      therapies, who received long-term intraventricular and oral etoposide treatment
      developed acute myeloid leukemia as a secondary malignancy. Overall
      intraventricular etoposide is well tolerated. The results of this study have
      warranted a phase II trial to determine the effectiveness of this regimen in
      disease stages with very limited therapeutic options.

PMID- 27147084
TI  - Protective role of biogenic selenium nanoparticles in immunological and oxidative
      stress generated by enrofloxacin in broiler chicken.
AB  - Presently most bacteria are becoming antibiotic resistant. Due to this there is a
      deficiency of potent antibiotics, therefore we have to preserve and improve the
      efficiency of existing antibiotics by mitigating the side effects. Enrofloxacin
      (EFX) is an important antimicrobial used in veterinary practice but it is known
      to exert immune suppression antioxidant stress. In the present study, we report
      on: (a) the biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs), and (b) their
      protective effect in reducing adverse effects of EFX on broiler chicken. A potent
      bacterial strain, isolated from farm soil, has been identified as Pantoea
      agglomerans (GenBank: KU500622). It tolerates a high concentration of selenium
      dioxide (9 mM) and produces Se NPs under aerobic conditions. The obtained Se NPs
      are amorphous in structure and spherical in shape with sizes of less than 100 nm.
      The activity of cellular, humoral immune response and enzymatic and non-enzymatic
      antioxidants, has significantly been decreased as a result of EFX treatment. We
      investigated that Se NP supplementation greatly restores these values towards the
      control, and to even higher than those of the control. Adverse effects of EFX are
      prevented by simultaneous exposure to Se NPs (0.6 mg per kg of feed) in the diet
      of poultry chicken. 

PMID- 27147085
TI  - Modulation Effect of HIV-1 Viral Proteins and Nicotine on Expression of the
      Immune-Related Genes in Brain of the HIV-1 Transgenic Rats.
AB  - The human immunodeficiency virus-1 transgenic (HIV-1Tg) rat is a non-infectious
      rodent model for HIV-1 infection which develops altered immune-responses similar
      to those in persons infected with HIV-1. HIV-1Tg and F344 rats respond
      significantly different to morphine, ethanol, nicotine and other
      psychostimulants, although the molecular mechanisms underlying these differences
      remain largely undetermined. Here, we compared expression of 52 immune-related
      genes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and ventral
      tegmental area (VTA) of HIV-1Tg and F344 rats treated with either nicotine (0.4
      mg/kg nicotine, base, s.c.) or saline for 27 days, to identify differentially
      expressed genes in the presence of HIV-1 with and without nicotine treatment.
      Using quantitative RT-PCR array, we measured RNA expression levels. Results
      showed that RNA expression of CASP3, CCL5, CX3CL1, CX3CR1, IL1alpha, LRF4, LFR7,
      TGFbeta1 and TLR4 in NAc, CCL2, CCL5, TGFbeta1 and TLR4 in PFC, and CASP3,
      CX3CR1, IFNalpha1, IL1beta and IL6 in VTA was significantly modulated in HIV-1Tg
      rats compared with F344 rats. IL1alpha showed a 58 % (P = 0.000072) decrease and
      IRF6 showed a 93.7 % increase (P = 0.000227) in the NAc of HIV-1Tg compared with
      F344 rats; results remained significant after correction for multiple testing. We
      also found that several genes were significantly modulated by nicotine in HIV-1Tg
      rats while only a small number of immune-related genes were altered by nicotine
      in F344 rats. These findings imply that HIV-1 viral proteins greatly impact
      immune function and alter responsiveness to nicotine in certain immune-related
      genes.

PMID- 27147086
TI  - Host Factors in Ebola Infection.
AB  - Ebola virus (EBOV) emerged in West Africa in 2014 to devastating effect, and
      demonstrated that infection can cause a broad range of severe disease
      manifestations. As the virus itself was genetically similar to other Zaire
      ebolaviruses, the spectrum of pathology likely resulted from variable responses
      to infection in a large and genetically diverse population. This review
      comprehensively summarizes current knowledge of the host response to EBOV
      infection, including pathways hijacked by the virus to facilitate replication,
      host processes that contribute directly to pathogenesis, and host-pathogen
      interactions involved in subverting or antagonizing host antiviral immunity.

PMID- 27147088
TI  - The Properties of Long Noncoding RNAs That Regulate Chromatin.
AB  - Beyond coding for proteins, RNA molecules have well-established functions in the
      posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Less clear are the upstream
      roles of RNA in regulating transcription and chromatin-based processes in the
      nucleus. RNA is transcribed in the nucleus, so it is logical that RNA could play
      diverse and broad roles that would impact human physiology. Indeed, this idea is
      supported by well-established examples of noncoding RNAs that affect chromatin
      structure and function. There has been dramatic growth in studies focused on the
      nuclear roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Although little is known about
      the biochemical mechanisms of these lncRNAs, there is a developing consensus
      regarding the challenges of defining lncRNA function and mechanism. In this
      review, we examine the definition, discovery, functions, and mechanisms of
      lncRNAs. We emphasize areas where challenges remain and where consensus among
      laboratories has underscored the exciting ways in which human lncRNAs may affect
      chromatin biology.

PMID- 27147087
TI  - Phenome-Wide Association Studies as a Tool to Advance Precision Medicine.
AB  - Beginning in the early 2000s, the accumulation of biospecimens linked to
      electronic health records (EHRs) made possible genome-phenome studies (i.e.,
      comparative analyses of genetic variants and phenotypes) using only data
      collected as a by-product of typical health care. In addition to disease and
      trait genetics, EHRs proved a valuable resource for analyzing pharmacogenetic
      traits and developing reverse genetics approaches such as phenome-wide
      association studies (PheWASs). PheWASs are designed to survey which of many
      phenotypes may be associated with a given genetic variant. PheWAS methods have
      been validated through replication of hundreds of known genotype-phenotype
      associations, and their use has differentiated between true pleiotropy and
      clinical comorbidity, added context to genetic discoveries, and helped define
      disease subtypes, and may also help repurpose medications. PheWAS methods have
      also proven to be useful with research-collected data. Future efforts that
      integrate broad, robust collection of phenotype data (e.g., EHR data) with
      purpose-collected research data in combination with a greater understanding of
      EHR data will create a rich resource for increasingly more efficient and detailed
      genome-phenome analysis to usher in new discoveries in precision medicine.

PMID- 27147090
TI  - Association Tests for Rare Variants.
AB  - Over the past few years, interest in the identification of rare variants that
      influence human phenotype has led to the development of many statistical methods
      for testing for association between sets of rare variants and binary or
      quantitative traits. Here, I review some of the most important ideas that
      underlie these methods and the most relevant issues when choosing a method for
      analysis. In addition to the tests for association, I review crucial issues in
      performing a rare variant study, from experimental design to interpretation and
      validation. I also discuss the many challenges of these studies, some of their
      limitations, and future research directions.

PMID- 27147089
TI  - Evolution of Gene Regulation in Humans.
AB  - As a species, we possess unique biological features that distinguish us from
      other primates. Here, we review recent efforts to identify changes in gene
      regulation that drove the evolution of novel human phenotypes. We discuss
      genotype-directed comparisons of human and nonhuman primate genomes to identify
      human-specific genetic changes that may encode new regulatory functions. We also
      review phenotype-directed approaches, which use comparisons of gene expression or
      regulatory function in homologous human and nonhuman primate cells and tissues to
      identify changes in expression levels or regulatory activity that may be due to
      genetic changes in humans. Together, these studies are beginning to reveal the
      landscape of regulatory innovation in human evolution and point to specific
      regulatory changes for further study. Finally, we highlight two novel strategies
      to model human-specific regulatory functions in vivo: primate induced pluripotent
      stem cells and the generation of humanized mice by genome editing.

PMID- 27147091
TI  - Utility of nested polymerase chain reaction over the microscopy and immuno
      chromatographic test in the detection of Plasmodium species and their clinical
      spectrum.
AB  - Though demonstration of Plasmodium parasite in peripheral blood on microscopy
      remains gold standard, it may miss some patients resulting in delay in
      instituting life-saving therapy. Studies on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a
      highly sensitive and specific technique that also discriminates among different
      species of malaria parasite, are scanty. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the role of
      PCR in diagnosis and species identification of Plasmodium. Of 2186 febrile
      patients with clinical suspicion of malaria screened between July 2013 to
      February 2015, 561 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Microscopy, rapid
      diagnostic test (RDT) and PCR were performed to identify the parasite. Plasmodium
      was detected in 64/561 (11.40 %), 92/561 (16.40 %) and 78/561 (13.90 %) cases
      using microscopy, RDT and PCR, respectively. Of 78 positive cases by PCR, 47
      (60.25 %) were confirmed as Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), 28 (35.89 %)
      were Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) and 3 (3.84 %) had mixed infections. Sensitivity
      and specificity of microscopy and RDT were 82.10 %, 100 % and 98.70 %, 96.90 %,
      respectively (p = 0.139). Of total 93 patients, 67 (72.04 %) were classified as
      complicated and 26 (27.96 %) were as uncomplicated. Creatinine (p = <0.001),
      conjugated bilirubin (p = 0.003) and total bilirubin (p = <0.001) level was
      elevated in complicated malaria along with renal (65 %) and liver dysfunction (25
      %). In the present study, P. falciparum was responsible for 40/67 (59.70 %) cases
      of complicated malaria; P. vivax was also found in 17/67 (25.37 %) complicated
      cases using PCR. The findings highlight the alarming number of complicated vivax
      malaria in addition to falciparum. Moreover, PCR proved to be highly sensitive
      and specific test for detecting Plasmodium species. 

PMID- 27147092
TI  - Non-equilibrium dynamics and floral trait interactions shape extant angiosperm
      diversity.
AB  - Why are some traits and trait combinations exceptionally common across the tree
      of life, whereas others are vanishingly rare? The distribution of trait diversity
      across a clade at any time depends on the ancestral state of the clade, the rate
      at which new phenotypes evolve, the differences in speciation and extinction
      rates across lineages, and whether an equilibrium has been reached. Here we
      examine the role of transition rates, differential diversification (speciation
      minus extinction) and non-equilibrium dynamics on the evolutionary history of
      angiosperms, a clade well known for the abundance of some trait combinations and
      the rarity of others. Our analysis reveals that three character states (corolla
      present, bilateral symmetry, reduced stamen number) act synergistically as a key
      innovation, doubling diversification rates for lineages in which this combination
      occurs. However, this combination is currently less common than predicted at
      equilibrium because the individual characters evolve infrequently. Simulations
      suggest that angiosperms will remain far from the equilibrium frequencies of
      character states well into the future. Such non-equilibrium dynamics may be
      common when major innovations evolve rarely, allowing lineages with ancestral
      forms to persist, and even outnumber those with diversification-enhancing states,
      for tens of millions of years.

PMID- 27147093
TI  - The discovery of Iberobaeniidae (Coleoptera: Elateroidea): a new family of
      beetles from Spain, with immatures detected by environmental DNA sequencing.
AB  - The ongoing exploration of biodiversity and the implementation of new molecular
      tools continue to unveil hitherto unknown lineages. Here, we report the discovery
      of three species of neotenic beetles for which we propose the new family
      Iberobaeniidae. Complete mitochondrial genomes and rRNA genes recovered
      Iberobaeniidae as a deep branch in Elateroidea, as sister to Lycidae (net-winged
      beetles). Two species of the new genus Iberobaenia, Iberobaenia minuta sp. nov.
      and Iberobaenia lencinai sp. nov. were found in the adult stage. In a separate
      incidence, a related sequence was identified in bulk samples of soil
      invertebrates subjected to shotgun sequencing and mitogenome assembly, which was
      traced to a larval voucher specimen of a third species of Iberobaenia Iberobaenia
      shows characters shared with other elateroid neotenic lineages, including soft
      bodiedness, the hypognathous head, reduced mouthparts with reduced labial
      palpomeres, and extremely small-bodied males without strengthening structures due
      to miniaturization. Molecular dating shows that Iberobaeniidae represents an
      ancient relict lineage originating in the Lower Jurassic, which possibly
      indicates a long history of neoteny, usually considered to be evolutionarily
      short-lived. The apparent endemism of Iberobaeniidae in the Mediterranean region
      highlights the importance of this biodiversity hotspot and the need for further
      species exploration even in the well-studied European continent.

PMID- 27147095
TI  - Evolutionarily stable disequilibrium: endless dynamics of evolution in a
      stationary population.
AB  - Evolution is often conceived as changes in the properties of a population over
      generations. Does this notion exhaust the possible dynamics of evolution? Life is
      hierarchically organized, and evolution can operate at multiple levels with
      conflicting tendencies. Using a minimal model of such conflicting multilevel
      evolution, we demonstrate the possibility of a novel mode of evolution that
      challenges the above notion: individuals ceaselessly modify their genetically
      inherited phenotype and fitness along their lines of descent, without involving
      apparent changes in the properties of the population. The model assumes a
      population of primitive cells (protocells, for short), each containing a
      population of replicating catalytic molecules. Protocells are selected towards
      maximizing the catalytic activity of internal molecules, whereas molecules tend
      to evolve towards minimizing it in order to maximize their relative fitness
      within a protocell. These conflicting evolutionary tendencies at different levels
      and genetic drift drive the lineages of protocells to oscillate endlessly between
      high and low intracellular catalytic activity, i.e. high and low fitness, along
      their lines of descent. This oscillation, however, occurs independently in
      different lineages, so that the population as a whole appears stationary.
      Therefore, ongoing evolution can be hidden behind an apparently stationary
      population owing to conflicting multilevel evolution.

PMID- 27147094
TI  - Unifying latitudinal gradients in range size and richness across marine and
      terrestrial systems.
AB  - Many marine and terrestrial clades show similar latitudinal gradients in species
      richness, but opposite gradients in range size-on land, ranges are the smallest
      in the tropics, whereas in the sea, ranges are the largest in the tropics.
      Therefore, richness gradients in marine and terrestrial systems do not arise from
      a shared latitudinal arrangement of species range sizes. Comparing terrestrial
      birds and marine bivalves, we find that gradients in range size are concordant at
      the level of genera. Here, both groups show a nested pattern in which narrow
      ranging genera are confined to the tropics and broad-ranging genera extend across
      much of the gradient. We find that (i) genus range size and its variation with
      latitude is closely associated with per-genus species richness and (ii) broad
      ranging genera contain more species both within and outside of the tropics when
      compared with tropical- or temperate-only genera. Within-genus species
      diversification thus promotes genus expansion to novel latitudes. Despite
      underlying differences in the species range-size gradients, species-rich genera
      are more likely to produce a descendant that extends its range relative to the
      ancestor's range. These results unify species richness gradients with those of
      genera, implying that birds and bivalves share similar latitudinal dynamics in
      net species diversification.

PMID- 27147096
TI  - Organic membranes determine the pattern of the columnar prismatic layer of
      mollusc shells.
AB  - The degree to which biological control is exercised compared to physical control
      of the organization of biogenic materials is a central theme in
      biomineralization. We show that the outlines of biogenic calcite domains with
      organic membranes are always of simple geometries, while without they are much
      more complex. Moreover, the mineral prisms enclosed within the organic membranes
      are frequently polycrystalline. In the prismatic layer of the mollusc shell,
      organic membranes display a dynamics in accordance with the von Neumann-Mullins
      and Lewis Laws for two-dimensional foam, emulsion and grain growth. Taken
      together with the facts that we found instances in which the crystals do not obey
      such laws, and that the same organic membrane pattern can be found even without
      the mineral infilling, our work indicates that it is the membranes, not the
      mineral prisms, that control the pattern, and the mineral enclosed within the
      organic membranes passively adjusts to the dynamics dictated by the latter.

PMID- 27147097
TI  - Differences in male coloration are predicted by divergent sexual selection
      between populations of a cichlid fish.
AB  - Female mating preferences can influence both intraspecific sexual selection and
      interspecific reproductive isolation, and have therefore been proposed to play a
      central role in speciation. Here, we investigate experimentally in the African
      cichlid fish Pundamilia nyererei if differences in male coloration between three
      para-allopatric populations (i.e. island populations with gene flow) of P.
      nyererei are predicted by differences in sexual selection by female mate choice
      between populations. Second, we investigate if female mating preferences are
      based on the same components of male coloration and go in the same direction when
      females choose among males of their own population, their own and other
      conspecific populations and a closely related para-allopatric sister-species, P.
      igneopinnis Mate-choice experiments revealed that females of the three
      populations mated species-assortatively, that populations varied in their extent
      of population-assortative mating and that females chose among males of their own
      population based on different male colours. Females of different populations
      exerted directional intrapopulation sexual selection on different male colours,
      and these differences corresponded in two of the populations to the observed
      differences in male coloration between the populations. Our results suggest that
      differences in male coloration between populations of P. nyererei can be
      explained by divergent sexual selection and that population-assortative mating
      may directly result from intrapopulation sexual selection.

PMID- 27147098
TI  - Rapid adaptive evolution of colour vision in the threespine stickleback
      radiation.
AB  - Vision is a sensory modality of fundamental importance for many animals, aiding
      in foraging, detection of predators and mate choice. Adaptation to local ambient
      light conditions is thought to be commonplace, and a match between spectral
      sensitivity and light spectrum is predicted. We use opsin gene expression to test
      for local adaptation and matching of spectral sensitivity in multiple independent
      lake populations of threespine stickleback populations derived since the last ice
      age from an ancestral marine form. We show that sensitivity across the visual
      spectrum is shifted repeatedly towards longer wavelengths in freshwater compared
      with the ancestral marine form. Laboratory rearing suggests that this shift is
      largely genetically based. Using a new metric, we found that the magnitude of
      shift in spectral sensitivity in each population corresponds strongly to the
      transition in the availability of different wavelengths of light between the
      marine and lake environments. We also found evidence of local adaptation by
      sympatric benthic and limnetic ecotypes to different light environments within
      lakes. Our findings indicate rapid parallel evolution of the visual system to
      altered light conditions. The changes have not, however, yielded a close matching
      of spectrum-wide sensitivity to wavelength availability, for reasons we discuss.

PMID- 27147099
TI  - The Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) provides evidence that
      the capacitation of spermatozoa may extend beyond the mammalian lineage.
AB  - Although mammalian spermatozoa only acquire functional maturity as they are
      conveyed through the male (epididymal maturation) and female (capacitation)
      reproductive tracts, the degree of post-testicular development necessary to
      achieve fertilization in other vertebrate species remains far less clear. Indeed,
      despite reports that the epididymis of birds and reptiles is capable of secreting
      proteins that bind and modify the sperm surface characteristics, it remains
      unclear whether capacitation is a pre-requisite for fertilization in these
      species. Using the ancient reptilian Australian saltwater crocodile as a model,
      this study was undertaken to explore whether reptile sperm do undergo
      capacitation-like changes following ejaculation. Our studies revealed that
      crocodile spermatozoa experienced a rapid and sustained, cyclic-AMP mediated
      increase in progressive motility following incubation under conditions optimized
      for the induction of capacitation in mammalian species such as the mouse and
      human. This response was coupled with elevated levels of phosphorylation
      associated with both protein kinase A and tyrosine kinase substrates, the latter
      of which were predominantly localized within the sperm flagellum. In findings
      that also accord with mammalian spermatozoa, we confirmed a homologue of outer
      dense fibre 2 as one of the principal substrates for tyrosine phosphorylation.
      Overall, our findings support the concept that crocodile spermatozoa do undergo a
      process that is homologous to capacitation in preparation for fertilization of an
      ovum.

PMID- 27147100
TI  - Nectar resource limitation affects butterfly flight performance and metabolism
      differently in intensive and extensive agricultural landscapes.
AB  - Flight is an essential biological ability of many insects, but is energetically
      costly. Environments under rapid human-induced change are characterized by
      habitat fragmentation and may impose constraints on the energy income budget of
      organisms. This may, in turn, affect locomotor performance and willingness to
      fly. We tested flight performance and metabolic rates in meadow brown butterflies
      (Maniola jurtina) of two contrasted agricultural landscapes: intensively managed,
      nectar-poor (IL) versus extensively managed, nectar-rich landscapes (EL). Young
      female adults were submitted to four nectar treatments (i.e. nectar quality and
      quantity) in outdoor flight cages. IL individuals had better flight capacities in
      a flight mill and had lower resting metabolic rates (RMR) than EL individuals,
      except under the severest treatment. Under this treatment, RMR increased in IL
      individuals, but decreased in EL individuals; flight performance was maintained
      by IL individuals, but dropped by a factor 2.5 in EL individuals. IL individuals
      had more canalized (i.e. less plastic) responses relative to the nectar
      treatments than EL individuals. Our results show significant intraspecific
      variation in the locomotor and metabolic response of a butterfly to different
      energy income regimes relative to the landscape of origin. Ecophysiological
      studies help to improve our mechanistic understanding of the eco-evolutionary
      impact of anthropogenic environments on rare and widespread species.

PMID- 27147101
TI  - Coexistence of species with different dispersal across landscapes: a critical
      role of spatial correlation in disturbance.
AB  - Disturbance is key to maintaining species diversity in plant communities.
      Although the effects of disturbance frequency and extent on species diversity
      have been studied, we do not yet have a mechanistic understanding of how these
      aspects of disturbance interact with spatial structure of disturbance to
      influence species diversity. Here we derive a novel pair approximation model to
      explore competitive outcomes in a two-species system subject to spatially
      correlated disturbance. Generally, spatial correlation in disturbance favoured
      long-range dispersers, while distance-limited dispersers were greatly suppressed.
      Interestingly, high levels of spatial aggregation of disturbance promoted long
      term species coexistence that is not possible in the absence of disturbance, but
      only when the local disperser was intrinsically competitively superior. However,
      spatial correlation in disturbance led to different competitive outcomes,
      depending on the disturbed area. Concerning ecological conservation and
      management, we theoretically demonstrate that introducing a spatially correlated
      disturbance to the system or altering an existing disturbance regime can be a
      useful strategy either to control species invasion or to promote species
      coexistence. Disturbance pattern analysis may therefore provide new insights into
      biodiversity conservation.

PMID- 27147102
TI  - Cytomegalovirus non-primary infection during pregnancy. Can serology help with
      diagnosis?
AB  - Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) primary infection is reliable, but diagnosis
      of CMV non-primary infection (NPI) is questionable. Our aim is to highlight the
      difficulties met in diagnosis of CMV NPI. We illustrate that in proven cases of
      CMV NPI, very different serologic and molecular patterns may be observed and that
      routine serologic testing may fail to help with diagnosis. These results point
      out that many data available in literature concerning the prevalence of NPI,
      materno-fetal transmission rates and consequences of NPI may be wrong. We need to
      know how frequently they occur, are transmitted and cause fetal damages.
      Diagnosis of NPI must be improved, along with our understanding of the mechanisms
      leading to intrauterine CMV transmission and congenital infection in babies born
      to women with preexisting immunity.

PMID- 27147103
TI  - The organization of exploratory behaviors in infant locomotor planning.
AB  - How do infants plan and guide locomotion under challenging conditions? This
      experiment investigated the real-time process of visual and haptic exploration in
      14-month-old infants as they decided whether and how to walk over challenging
      terrain - a series of bridges varying in width. Infants' direction of gaze was
      recorded with a head-mounted eye tracker and their haptic exploration and
      locomotor actions were captured on video. Infants' exploration was an organized,
      efficient sequence of visual, haptic, and locomotor behaviors. They used visual
      exploration from a distance as an initial assessment on nearly every bridge.
      Visual information subsequently prompted gait modifications while approaching
      narrow bridges and haptic exploration at the edge of the bridge. Results confirm
      predictions about the sequential, ramping-up process of exploration and the
      distinct roles of vision and touch. Exploration, however, was not a guarantee of
      adaptive decisions. With walking experience, exploratory behaviors became
      increasingly efficient and infants were better able to interpret the resulting
      perceptual information in terms of whether it was safe to walk.

PMID- 27147104
TI  - Multi-scale analysis of relationship between landscape pattern and urban river
      water quality in different seasons.
AB  - Water quality is highly dependent on the landscape characteristics. In this
      study, we investigated the relationships between water quality and landscape
      pattern (composition and configuration) in Huzhou City, China. The water quality
      variables, including pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (CODMn),
      Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), NH3-N, petroleum, dissolved total phosphorus
      (DTP), and total nitrogen (TN) in low water, normal water and flood periods were
      identified by investigating 34 sampling sites in Huzhou City during the period
      from 2001 to 2007. Landscape composition and landscape configuration metrics were
      calculated for different scales. It was found that scales and seasons both play
      important role when analyzing the relationships between landscape characteristics
      of different land use types. The results implied that some water quality
      parameters such as CODMn, petroleum are more polluted in flood period than the
      other two seasons at different scales, while DTP and TN are more polluted in low
      water period. Influences of different landscape metrics on water quality should
      operate at different spatial scales. The results shown in this paper will
      effectively provide scientific basis for the policy making in sustainable
      development of water environment.

PMID- 27147105
TI  - Antony Pascal Barter.

PMID- 27147106
TI  - Habitat heterogeneity drives the host-diversity-begets-parasite-diversity
      relationship: evidence from experimental and field studies.
AB  - Despite a century of research into the factors that generate and maintain
      biodiversity, we know remarkably little about the drivers of parasite diversity.
      To identify the mechanisms governing parasite diversity, we combined surveys of
      8100 amphibian hosts with an outdoor experiment that tested theory developed for
      free-living species. Our analyses revealed that parasite diversity increased
      consistently with host diversity due to habitat (i.e. host) heterogeneity, with
      secondary contributions from parasite colonisation and host abundance. Results of
      the experiment, in which host diversity was manipulated while parasite
      colonisation and host abundance were fixed, further reinforced this conclusion.
      Finally, the coefficient of host diversity on parasite diversity increased with
      spatial grain, which was driven by differences in their species-area curves:
      while host richness quickly saturated, parasite richness continued to increase
      with neighbourhood size. These results offer mechanistic insights into drivers of
      parasite diversity and provide a hierarchical framework for multi-scale disease
      research. 

PMID- 27147107
TI  - Humoral and Cellular Autoreactivity to Epidermal Proteins in Atopic Dermatitis.
AB  - Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic relapsing inflammatory disease of the skin, is
      an important public health concern affecting 10-20 % of children worldwide. The
      etiology and pathogenesis of AD involve the interplay of genetic and
      environmental factors, including abnormalities in skin integrity and a skewed
      immune system usually driven by a Th2 phenotype in childhood with a switch to Th1
      in the chronic phase of disease. Children and adults with AD commonly have
      elevated IgE levels directed to multiple different antigens, including
      aeroallergens, food allergens, and microbial proteins. IgE targeting self
      antigens from epidermal proteins have been detected in up to 91 % of patients,
      particularly in severe persistent AD. It has been suggested that the occurrence
      of autoreactivity develops in early childhood. However, it is not clear yet if
      autoreactive IgEs in patients with AD are pathogenic or just an epiphenomenon.
      The fact that these autoantibodies are associated with severity and are not
      present in other allergic or skin diseases favors the pathogenicity of IgE
      mediated autoreactivity in AD. In this review, we evaluate the pathogenesis of AD
      and the emerging role of autoreactivity to various keratinocyte antigens
      involving both the humoral and cellular components of the immune system.

PMID- 27147108
TI  - The Association Between Trabecular Bone Score and Lumbar Spine Volumetric BMD Is
      Attenuated Among Older Men With High Body Mass Index.
AB  - Trabecular bone score (TBS) has been proposed as a dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DXA) derived measure of underlying quality of trabecular bone;
      however, TBS is not considered valid for those with body mass index (BMI) >37
      kg/m2 . Our objective was to determine the association between TBS and lumbar
      spine (trabecular) volumetric BMD (LS-VBMD) and to examine whether the
      association varied by BMI and body composition among older men below this
      clinical threshold. We used regression models to study 3479 men age >=65 years
      enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study who had TBS from spine
      DXA scans, LS-VBMD from central quantitative computed tomography, measures of
      trunk fat and lean mass from DXA, and BMI <37 kg/m2 . TBS was categorized as
      normal (n = 925), partially degraded (n = 1747), and degraded (n = 807). TBS was
      inversely related to BMI, trunk fat mass, and trunk lean mass (all p < 0.001).
      The relationship between TBS and LS-VBMD was nonlinear with magnitude of effect
      (slope of regression line using standardized variables) ranging from 0.07 (95%
      CI, -0.02 to 0.15) among those with degraded TBS up to 0.71 (95% CI, 0.54 to
      0.89) among those with normal TBS. The relationship was still nonlinear after
      adjusting for age, clinical site, and either BMI, trunk lean mass, or trunk fat
      mass. The magnitude of effect relating TBS and LS-VBMD also decreased with
      increasing BMI (interaction, p = 0.090) and increasing trunk lean mass
      (interaction, p = 0.001), but not with increasing trunk fat mass (interaction, p
      = 0.224). In summary, the strength of the association between TBS and LS-VBMD
      among older men was variable and dependent on BMI and body composition,
      particularly trunk lean mass. The clinical utility of TBS among older men may be
      somewhat limited among men with high BMI or high trunk lean mass. (c) 2016
      American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

PMID- 27147110
TI  - Polyostotic Lymphoma in a Ferret (Mustela putorius furo).
AB  - An 8.5-year-old, neutered female ferret (Mustela putorius furo) was presented
      with tachypnoea, polyuria, polydipsia, anorexia and depression. Radiographs
      revealed multiple osteolytic lesions of the bone, characterized cytologically by
      the infiltration of medium- to large-sized lymphocytes. The animal was humanely
      destroyed and post-mortem examination revealed multifocal masses obliterating the
      bone marrow of the mandible, right and left humeri and femur, and consisting of
      an infiltrative population of neoplastic lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical
      labelling for CD3 and CD79a revealed a CD3-positive neoplastic population. A
      diagnosis of polyostotic T-cell lymphoma was made, which is the first report of
      this condition in a ferret. 

PMID- 27147109
TI  - Barriers to and determinants of the use of intermittent preventive treatment of
      malaria in pregnancy in Cross River State, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria in pregnancy (MIP) has serious consequences for the woman,
      unborn child and newborn. The use of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for the
      intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (SP-IPTp) is low in
      malaria endemic areas, including some regions of Nigeria. However, little is
      known about pregnant women's compliance with the SP-IPTp national guidelines in
      primary health care (PHC) facilities in the south-south region of Nigeria. The
      aim of this study was to identify the barriers to and determinants of the use of
      SP-IPTp among pregnant women attending ANC in PHC facilities in Cross River
      State, south-south region of Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was
      conducted in 2011 among 400 ANC attendees aged 15-49 years recruited through
      multistage sampling. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors
      associated with the use of SP-IPTp in the study population. RESULTS: Use of SP
      IPTp was self-reported by 41% of the total respondents. Lack of autonomy in the
      households to receive sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) during ANC was the main
      barrier to use of IPTp (83%). Other barriers were stock-outs of free SP (33%) and
      poor supervision of SP ingestion by directly observed treatment among those who
      obtained SP from ANC clinics (36/110 = 33%). In the multivariate logistic
      regression, the odds of using SP-IPTp was increased by the knowledge of the use
      of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.70-3.73) and SP (OR =
      22.13, 95% CI: 8.10-43.20) for the prevention of MIP. Use of ITNs also increased
      the odds of using SP-IPTp (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.24-12.31). CONCLUSIONS: Use of SP
      IPTp was low and was associated with knowledge of the use of ITNs and SP as well
      as the use of ITNs for the prevention of MIP. There is a need to strengthen PHC
      systems and address barriers to the usage of SP-IPTp in order to reduce the
      burden of MIP.

PMID- 27147111
TI  - Collision Tumour of Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Melanoma in the Oral
      Cavity of a Dog.
AB  - A 7-year-old, male cocker spaniel was presented with a gingival proliferative
      lesion in the rostral maxilla and enlargement of the regional lymph node.
      Morphological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed a collision tumour
      composed of two malignant populations, epithelial and melanocytic, with
      metastasis of the neoplastic melanocytes to the regional lymph node. The
      epithelial component consisted of trabeculae and islands of well-differentiated
      squamous epithelium immunoreactive to cytokeratins. The melanocytic component had
      a varying degree of pigmentation of polygonal and spindle-shaped cells, growing
      in nests or densely packed aggregates and immunolabelled with S100, melanoma
      associated antigen (melan A), neuron-specific enolase and vimentin antibodies.
      Protein markers involved in tumorigenesis or cell proliferation (i.e. COX-2, p53,
      c-kit and Ki67), were overexpressed by the neoplastic cells. To the authors'
      knowledge, this is the first description of an oral collision tumour involving
      malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in the dog. 

PMID- 27147112
TI  - Pembrolizumab in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma.
AB  - Pembrolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against programmed cell
      death protein 1 (PD-1), a key immune-inhibitory molecule expressed on T cells and
      implicated in CD4+ T-cell exhaustion and tumor immune-escape mechanisms.
      Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL) is a unique B-cell malignancy in the sense
      that malignant Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells represent a small percentage of cells
      within an extensive immune cell infiltrate. PD-1 ligands are upregulated on RS
      cells as a consequence of both chromosome 9p24.1 amplification and Epstein-Barr
      virus infection and by interacting with PD-1 promote an immune-suppressive
      effect. By augmenting antitumor immune response, pembrolizumab and nivolumab,
      another monoclonal antibody against PD-1, have shown significant activity in
      patients with relapsed/refractory cHL as well as an acceptable toxicity profile
      with immune-related adverse events that are generally manageable. In this review,
      we explore the rationale for targeting PD-1 in cHL, review the clinical trial
      results supporting the use of checkpoint inhibitors in this disease, and present
      future directions for investigation in which this approach may be used. 

PMID- 27147114
TI  - Assessment of systemic inflammation by time-trends of blood granulocyte count and
      plasma myeloperoxidase and elastase concentrations following colic surgery in
      horses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in blood granulocyte counts and in plasma
      myeloperoxidase (MPO) and elastase (ELT) concentrations in surgical colic cases,
      and to determine the relationship between these changes and the surgical
      procedure performed, occurrence of postoperative ileus, and final outcome.
      DESIGN: Prospective clinical study conducted over a 12-month period. SETTING:
      University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Fifty-three horses undergoing emergency
      laparotomy and surviving at least 12 hours postoperatively. INTERVENTIONS: Blood
      samples were taken before surgery, during surgery, at the recovery from
      anesthesia, and then serially until the 150th hour after the first blood
      sampling. Granulocyte counts were performed by an automated cell hematology
      analyzer. Specific ELISAs were performed for the MPO and ELT measurements. Mixed
      models were used to compare the time-trends of the 3 parameters. MEASUREMENTS AND
      MAIN RESULTS: Taking all horses together, the time-trends of MPO and ELT were not
      significantly different from each other, but they were significantly different
      from the granulocyte time-trend. The type of surgical procedure did not influence
      the time-trends of the 3 parameters. Significant changes in the granulocyte time
      trends were associated with postoperative ileus and outcome. Significant changes
      in the MPO time-trends were associated with outcome. The ELT time-trends were not
      influenced by ileus or outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Granulocyte counts and MPO change
      over time and are related to the severity of the inflammatory reaction in
      surgical colic cases. These time-trends may allow evaluation of treatment
      efficacy in an effort to modulate excessive granulocyte activation and
      degranulation.

PMID- 27147113
TI  - PfCRT and PfMDR1 modulate interactions of artemisinin derivatives and ion channel
      blockers.
AB  - Treatment of the symptomatic asexual stage of Plasmodium falciparum relies almost
      exclusively on artemisinin (ART) combination therapies (ACTs) in endemic regions.
      ACTs combine ART or its derivative with a long-acting partner drug to maximize
      efficacy during the typical three-day regimen. Both laboratory and clinical
      studies have previously demonstrated that the common drug resistance determinants
      P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (PfCRT) and multidrug resistance
      transporter (PfMDR1) can modulate the susceptibility to many current antimalarial
      drugs and chemical compounds. Here we investigated the parasite responses to
      dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and various Ca(2+) and Na(+) channel blockers and showed
      positively correlated responses between DHA and several channel blockers,
      suggesting potential shared transport pathways or mode of action. Additionally,
      we demonstrated that PfCRT and PfMDR1 could also significantly modulate the
      pharmacodynamic interactions of the compounds and that the interactions were
      influenced by the parasite genetic backgrounds. These results provide important
      information for better understanding of drug resistance and for assessing the
      overall impact of drug resistance markers on parasite response to ACTs.

PMID- 27147116
TI  - Superstorm Sandy: Lessons for Optimizing Limited Training Resources for Local
      Impact.

PMID- 27147115
TI  - Comparison of transcranial sonography-magnetic resonance fusion imaging in
      Wilson's and early-onset Parkinson's diseases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Wilson's disease (WD) is a hereditary disorder caused by ATP7B
      mutations resulting in systemic copper accumulation. WD may manifest as early
      adulthood parkinsonism; and atypical cases may be difficult to distinguish from
      early-onset Parkinson's disease (EO-PD), a neurodegenerative disorder with onset
      <=40 years of age. The aim of our study was to compare transcranial sonography
      (TCS)-magnetic resonance fusion imaging in WD and EO-PD and examine whether TCS
      can provide clinically useful information. METHODS: We examined 22 WD, 16 EO-PD,
      and 24 healthy control subjects. We measured echogenicity and determined presence
      of MRI signal changes in T2-weighted images in the substantia nigra (SN) and
      lentiform nucleus (NL). TCS with the capability of magnetic resonance fusion and
      Virtual Navigator was used. The echogenicity indices of SN and NL were processed
      using digital image analysis to eliminate subjective evaluation errors. RESULTS:
      Mean SN echogenicity index in EO-PD (39.8 +/- 5.9 [SD]) was higher compared to WD
      (28.0 +/- 4.6, p < 0.0001) and control subjects (28.8 +/- 4.9, p < 0.0001). Mean
      NL echogenicity index was higher in WD (117.5 +/- 37.0) compared to EO-PD (61.6
      +/- 5.4, p < 0.0001) and control subjects (54.9 +/- 11.2, p < 0.0001). The SN
      hyperechogenicity had sensitivity 93.8%, and specificity 90.9%, while the NL
      hyperechogenicity had sensitivity 95.5% and specificity 93.8% for differentiation
      of WD and EO-PD. NL hyperechogenicity was more pronounced in WD subjects with
      putaminal MRI T2 hyperintensity (p < 0.05) but was also present in subjects
      without MRI abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: There are distinct TCS findings in WD and
      EO-PD complementary to MRI that can be utilized as highly sensitive and specific
      biomarkers of these disorders.

PMID- 27147117
TI  - Interference and conflict monitoring in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive
      impairment: A structural study of the anterior cingulate cortex.
AB  - Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is a clinical condition characterized
      by memory impairment in the absence of any other cognitive impairment and is
      commonly associated with high conversion to Alzheimer's disease. Recent evidence
      shows that executive functions and selective attention mechanisms could also be
      impaired in aMCI. In this study, we investigated performance differences (i.e.,
      reaction times [RTs] and accuracy) between a group of aMCI participants and a
      group of age-matched healthy individuals on the attentional network task (ANT)
      focusing on situations with increased interference. In particular, we assessed
      the relationship between interference and conflict effects and grey matter
      volumes (GMVs) of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)/pre-supplementary motor
      area in the entire sample because of its crucial role in conflict monitoring.
      When compared with controls, aMCI participants were less accurate on the ANT,
      showing increased interference and conflict effects, but no differences in RTs.
      In addition, aMCI participants exhibited lower GMV in the ACC than controls.
      While better accuracy for interference and conflict effects was associated with
      an increase of GMV in the ACC for both groups, RTs from the interference effect
      were negatively correlated with GMV of the ACC only in aMCI participants. In
      other words, lower GMV values of the ACC were paralleled with significantly
      impaired performance in terms of interference resolution. In conclusion, our
      study suggests the presence of a selective impairment in interference and
      conflict monitoring in aMCI, which in turn is associated with decreased GMVs in
      the ACC.

PMID- 27147118
TI  - FMRP Mediates Chronic Ethanol-Induced Changes in NMDA, Kv4.2, and KChIP3
      Expression in the Hippocampus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to chronic ethanol (EtOH) results in changes in the
      expression of proteins that regulate neuronal excitability. This study examined
      whether chronic EtOH alters the hippocampal expression and function of fragile X
      mental retardation protein (FMRP) and the role of FMRP in the modulation of
      chronic EtOH-induced changes in the expression of NMDA receptors and Kv4.2
      channels. METHODS: For in vivo studies, C57BL/6J mice underwent a chronic
      intermittent EtOH (CIE) vapor exposure procedure. After CIE, hippocampal tissue
      was collected and subjected to immunoblot blot analysis of NMDA receptor subunits
      (GluN1, GluN2B), Kv4.2, and its accessory protein KChIP3. For in vitro studies,
      hippocampal slice cultures were exposed to 75 mM EtOH for 8 days. Following EtOH
      exposure, mRNAs bound to FMRP was measured. In a separate set of studies,
      cultures were exposed to an inhibitor of S6K1 (PF-4708671 [PF], 6 MUM) in order
      to assess whether EtOH-induced homeostatic changes in protein expression depend
      upon changes in FMRP activity. RESULTS: Immunoblot blot analysis revealed
      increases in GluN1 and GluN2B but reductions in Kv4.2 and KChIP3. Analysis of
      mRNAs bound to FMRP revealed a similar bidirectional change observed as reduction
      of GluN2B and increase in Kv4.2 and KChIP3 mRNA transcripts. Analysis of FMRP
      further revealed that while chronic EtOH did not alter the expression of FMRP, it
      significantly increased phosphorylation of FMRP at the S499 residue that is known
      to critically regulate its activity. Inhibition of S6K1 prevented the chronic
      EtOH-induced increase in phospho-FMRP and changes in NMDA subunits, Kv4.2, and
      KChIP3. In contrast, PF had no effect in the absence of alcohol, indicating it
      was specific for the chronic EtOH-induced changes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      demonstrate that chronic EtOH exposure enhances translational control of
      plasticity-related proteins by FMRP, and that S6K1 and FMRP activities are
      required for expression of chronic EtOH-induced homeostatic plasticity at
      glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus.

PMID- 27147119
TI  - Detection of Epileptic Seizures Using Phase-Amplitude Coupling in Intracranial
      Electroencephalography.
AB  - Seizure detection using intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) contributes to
      improved treatment of patients with refractory epilepsy. For that purpose, a
      feature of iEEG to characterize the ictal state with high specificity and
      sensitivity is necessary. We evaluated the use of phase-amplitude coupling (PAC)
      of iEEG signals over a period of 24 h to detect the ictal and interictal states.
      PAC was estimated by using a synchronisation index (SI) for iEEG signals from
      seven patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. iEEG signals of the ictal
      state was characterised by a strong PAC between the phase of beta and the
      amplitude of high gamma. Furthermore, using SI values, the ictal state was
      successfully detected with significantly higher accuracy than by using the
      amplitude of high gamma alone. In conclusion, PAC accurately distinguished the
      ictal state from the interictal state.

PMID- 27147120
TI  - The effect of vitamin D on primary dysmenorrhea with vitamin D deficiency: a
      randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.
AB  - Dysmenorrhea is common among women of reproductive age. This study aim was to
      investigate the effect of vitamin D (vit D) supplementation in treatment of
      primary dysmenorrhea with vit D deficiency. A randomized double-blind placebo
      controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 women with primary dysmenorrhea and
      vit D deficiency referred to our clinic at Arash Women's Hospital from September
      2013 to December 2014. Eligible women were randomly assigned into treatment and
      control groups (30 in each group). Individuals in the treatment group received 50
      000 IU oral vit D and the control group received placebo weekly for eight weeks.
      After two months of treatment, there was a significant difference in serum vit D
      concentration between the two groups (p < 0.001). Pain severity decreased
      significantly in treatment group after eight weeks of treatment. There was a
      significant difference in pain intensity between the two groups after eight weeks
      of treatment and one month after the end of treatment (p < 0.001 for both). A
      weekly high dose (50 000 IU) oral vit D supplementation for eight weeks in
      patients with primary dysmenorrhea and vit D deficiency could improve pain
      intensity. 

PMID- 27147121
TI  - Rome IV-Functional GI Disorders: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction.

PMID- 27147122
TI  - Gastroduodenal Disorders.
AB  - Symptoms that can be attributed to the gastroduodenal region represent one of the
      main subgroups among functional gastrointestinal disorders. A slightly modified
      classification into the following 4 categories is proposed: (1) functional
      dyspepsia, characterized by 1 or more of the following: postprandial fullness,
      early satiation, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning, which are unexplained
      after a routine clinical evaluation; and includes 2 subcategories: postprandial
      distress syndrome that is characterized by meal-induced dyspeptic symptoms and
      epigastric pain syndrome that does not occur exclusively postprandially; the 2
      subgroups can overlap; (2) belching disorders, defined as audible escapes of air
      from the esophagus or the stomach, are classified into 2 subcategories, depending
      on the origin of the refluxed gas as detected by intraluminal impedance
      measurement belching: gastric and supragastric belch; (3) nausea and vomiting
      disorders, which include 3 subcategories: chronic nausea and vomiting syndrome;
      cyclic vomiting syndrome; and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome; and (4)
      rumination syndrome. 

PMID- 27147123
TI  - Design of Treatment Trials for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.
AB  - This article summarizes recent progress and regulatory guidance on design of
      trials to assess the efficacy of new therapies for functional gastrointestinal
      disorders (FGIDs). The double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel-group design
      remains the accepted standard for evaluating treatment efficacy. A control group
      is essential, and a detailed description of the randomization process and
      concealed allocation method must be included in the study report. The control
      will most often be placebo, but for therapeutic procedures and for behavioral
      treatment trials, respectively, a sham procedure and control intervention with
      similar expectation of benefit, but lacking the treatment principle, are
      recommended. Investigators should be aware of, and attempt to minimize,
      expectancy effects (placebo, nocebo, precebo). The primary analysis should be
      based on the proportion of patients in each treatment arm who satisfy a treatment
      responder definition or a prespecified clinically meaningful change in a patient
      reported outcome measure. Data analysis should use the intention-to-treat
      principle. Reporting of results should follow the Consolidated Standards for
      Reporting Trials guidelines and include secondary outcome measures to support or
      explain the primary outcome and an analysis of harms data. Trials should be
      registered in a public location before initiation and results should be published
      regardless of outcome. 

PMID- 27147124
TI  - Factors influencing treatment team recommendations to review tribunals for
      forensic psychiatric patients.
AB  - It is the responsibility of forensic psychiatric hospitals to detain and treat
      patients, gradually reintegrating them into society; decisions to release
      patients must balance risk to the public with maintaining the least restrictive
      environment for patients. Little is known about the factors considered when
      making such decisions and whether these factors have been empirically linked to
      future risk of violence. The current study explores the factors predictive of
      forensic treatment teams' recommendations for patients under the care of the
      Ontario Review Board (ORB). Factors differ depending on level of security;
      decisions on medium secure units were influenced by the presence of active
      symptoms and patients' overall violence risk level and decisions made on minimum
      secure units were influenced by the number of critical incidents that occurred
      within the recommendation year. Understanding the factors used to make
      recommendations to the ORB tribunal helps treatment teams to reflect on their own
      decision-making practices. Furthermore, the results serve to inform us about
      factors that influence length of stay for forensic psychiatric patients.
      Copyright (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 

PMID- 27147125
TI  - Fitness costs and stability of Cry1Fa resistance in Brazilian populations of
      Spodoptera frugiperda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The presence of fitness costs of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis
      (Bt) insecticidal proteins in insect populations may delay or even reverse the
      local selection of insect resistance to Bt transgenic crops, and deserves
      rigorous investigation. Here we assessed the fitness costs associated with Cry1Fa
      resistance in two strains of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera:
      Noctuidae), derived from field collections in different Brazilian regions and
      further selected in the laboratory for high levels of resistance to Cry1Fa using
      leaves of TC1507 corn. RESULTS: Fitness components were compared using paired
      resistant and susceptible strains with similar genetic backgrounds and F1
      generations from reciprocal crosses, all of them reared on non-transgenic corn
      leaves. No apparent life history costs in the larval stage were observed in the
      Bt-resistant strains. Moreover, the resistance remained stable for seven
      generations in the absence of selection, with no decrease in the proportion of
      resistant individuals. Larval respiration rates were also similar between
      resistant and susceptible homozygotes, and heterozygotes displayed respiration
      rates and demographic performance equal or superior to those of susceptible
      homozygotes. CONCLUSION: In combination, these results indicate the lack of
      strong fitness costs associated with resistance to Cry1Fa in the fall armyworm
      strains studied. These findings suggest that Cry1Fa resistance in S. frugiperda
      populations is unlikely to be counterselected in Cry1Fa-free environments. (c)
      2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

PMID- 27147126
TI  - Sepsis Early Alert Tool: Early recognition and timely management in the emergency
      department.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines recommend administration
      of appropriate antibiotics within 1 h in patients with severe sepsis, with two
      sets of blood cultures taken prior to administration. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the
      effect of introducing a Sepsis Early Alert Tool (SEAT) in the ED. Outcomes were
      antibiotic timing, antibiotic choice and obtaining adequate blood cultures.
      METHODS: A retrospective chart review compared consecutive severe sepsis
      presentations admitted to ICU via the ED during two equivalent 6 month periods
      before and after SEAT introduction. RESULTS: The analyses included 55 patients
      before and 45 following SEAT introduction. The groups were similar in age, sex,
      triage category, sepsis source, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation
      III scores and hospital mortality. The percentage receiving antibiotics within 60
      min of triage increased from 24% (95% CI 13-37%) to 44% (95% CI 30-60%), P =
      0.03. Median time from triage to first antibiotic was 105 (IQR 65-170) min and 85
      (IQR 50-140) min before and after SEAT introduction, respectively, P = 0.15.
      Percentages receiving antibiotics within 60 min of first recognition of severe
      sepsis were 67% (95% CI 53-79%) and 71% (95% CI 56-84%) before and after SEAT
      introduction, P = 0.83. The percentage having two sets of blood cultures drawn
      prior to antibiotic administration increased from 18% (95% CI 9-34%) to 44% (95%
      CI 27-60%), P = 0.008. Appropriateness of antibiotics was 58% (95% CI 44-71%) and
      75% (95% CI 60-87%) before and after SEAT implementation, P = 0.09. CONCLUSION:
      The introduction of a SEAT in the ED is associated with earlier recognition of
      severe sepsis and improvements in quality of care.

PMID- 27147127
TI  - Historical Pigment Exhibiting Ammonia Gas Capture beyond Standard Adsorbents with
      Adsorption Sites of Two Kinds.
AB  - Prussian blue is a historical pigment synthesized for the first time at the
      beginning of 18th century. Here we demonstrate that the historical pigment
      exhibits surprising adsorption properties of gaseous ammonia. Prussian blue shows
      12.5 mmol/g of ammonia capacity at 0.1 MPa, whereas standard ammonia adsorbents
      show only 5.08-11.3 mmol/g. Dense adsorption was also observed for trace
      contamination in atmosphere. Results also show higher adsorption by Prussian blue
      analogues with the optimization of chemical composition. The respective
      capacities of cobalt hexacyanocobaltate (CoHCC) and copper hexacyanoferrate
      (CuHCF) were raised to 21.9 and 20.2 mmol/g, the highest value among the
      recyclable adsorbents. Also, CoHCC showed repeated adsorption in vacuum. CuHCF
      showed regeneration by acid washing. The chemical state of the adsorbed ammonia
      depends on the presence of the water in atmosphere: NH3, which was stored as in
      the dehydrated case, was converted into NH4(+) in the hydrated case.

PMID- 27147128
TI  - Counting vacancies and nitrogen-vacancy centers in detonation nanodiamond.
AB  - Detonation nanodiamond particles (DND) contain highly-stable nitrogen-vacancy (N
      V) centers, making it important for quantum-optical and biotechnology
      applications. However, due to the small particle size, the N-V concentrations are
      believed to be intrinsically very low, spawning efforts to understand the
      formation of N-V centers and vacancies, and increase their concentration. Here we
      show that vacancies in DND can be detected and quantified using simulation-aided
      electron energy loss spectroscopy. Despite the small particle size, we find that
      vacancies exist at concentrations of about 1 at%. Based on this experimental
      finding, we use ab initio calculations to predict that about one fifth of
      vacancies in DND form N-V centers. The ability to directly detect and quantify
      vacancies in DND, and predict the corresponding N-V formation probability, has a
      significant impact to those emerging technologies where higher concentrations and
      better dispersion of N-V centres are critically required. 

PMID- 27147129
TI  - 4-Methylcatechol inhibits cell growth and testosterone production in TM3 Leydig
      cells by reducing mitochondrial activity.
AB  - 4-Methylcatechol (4-MC) is a potential neuroprotective drug because it stimulates
      the synthesis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor
      (NGF) in neurons. The present study explored the effect of 4-MC on cell growth
      and testosterone synthesis in the TM3 Leydig cells of mice. 4-MC did not enhance
      expression of both BDNF and NGF in these cells. However, this compound
      significantly inhibited cell proliferation and increased the number of apoptotic
      cells in a dose-dependent manner. The expression profile of Bax/Bcl-2 gene was
      altered considerably, and mitochondrial activity was significantly decreased in
      cells. 4-Methylcatechol also inhibited testosterone synthesis in TM3 Leydig
      cells. The inhibitory roles of this compound in relation to growth and
      testosterone synthesis in TM3 Leydig cells maybe associated with increased Bax
      gene expression and decreased mitochondrial activity. As a result, caspase
      cascade is activated.

PMID- 27147130
TI  - Testing nano-silver food packaging to evaluate silver migration and food spoilage
      bacteria on chicken meat.
AB  - Migration of nanomaterials from food containers into food is a matter of concern
      because of the potential risk for exposed consumers. The aims of this study were
      to evaluate silver migration from a commercially available food packaging
      containing silver nanoparticles into a real food matrix (chicken meat) under
      plausible domestic storage conditions and to test the contribution of such
      packaging to limit food spoilage bacteria proliferation. Chemical analysis
      revealed the absence of silver in chicken meatballs under the experimental
      conditions in compliance with current European Union legislation, which
      establishes a maximum level of 0.010 mg kg(-1) for the migration of non
      authorised substances through a functional barrier (Commission Regulation (EU)
      No. 10/2011). On the other hand, microbiological tests (total microbial count,
      Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae) showed no relevant difference in the
      tested bacteria levels between meatballs stored in silver-nanoparticle plastic
      bags or control bags. This study shows the importance of testing food packaging
      not only to verify potential silver migration as an indicator of potential
      nanoparticle migration, but also to evaluate the benefits in terms of food
      preservation so as to avoid unjustified usage of silver nanoparticles and
      possible negative impacts on the environment. 

PMID- 27147131
TI  - Detergent-Assisted Glycoprotein Capture: A Versatile Tool for In-Depth N
      Glycoproteome Analysis.
AB  - Large-scale N-glycoproteome studies have been hindered by poor solubility of
      hydrophobic membrane proteins and the complexity of proteome samples. Herein, we
      developed a detergent-assisted glycoprotein capture method to reduce these issues
      by conducting hydrazide chemistry-based glycoprotein capture in the presence of
      strong detergents such as sodium dodecyl sulfate and Triton X-100. The strong
      detergents helped to solubilize hydrophobic membrane proteins and then increased
      the access of hydrazide groups to oxidized glycoproteins, thus increasing the
      coverage of the N-glycoproteome. Compared with the conventional glycopeptide
      capture method, the detergent-assisted glycoprotein capture approach nearly
      doubled the number of N-glycosylation sites identified from HEK 293T cells with
      improved specificity. Application of this approach in the larger scale N
      glycoproteomics analysis of the HEK 293T cell membrane led to the identification
      of 2253 unique N-glycosites from 953 proteins. Furthermore, the application of
      this approach to human serum resulted in the identification of 850 N
      glycosylation sites without any immunodepletion or fractionation. Overall, the
      detergent-assisted glycoprotein capture method simplified the capture process,
      and it increased the number of sites observed on both hydrophobic membrane
      proteins and hydrophilic secreted proteins.

PMID- 27147132
TI  - The emancipatory potential of nursing practice in relation to sexuality: a
      systematic literature review of nursing research 2009-2014.
AB  - Nurses play a key role in the provision of services in relation to sexuality in
      both primary and sexual and reproductive health-care. Given the intersection of
      sexualities with a range of social injustices, this study reviews research on
      nursing practice concerning sexuality from an emancipatory/social justice
      perspective. A systematic review of English articles published in nursing
      journals appearing on the Web of Science database from 2009 to 2014 was
      conducted. Thirty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Analysis consisted
      of a descriptive phase (types and location of studies, aspects of sexualities
      focused on, target health users and aspects of nursing practice focused on) and a
      critical/emancipatory phase. In terms of practice, our analysis revealed that:
      barriers exist to the integration of issues relating to sexuality in nursing
      practice; the social location of nurses and their personal feelings regarding
      sexuality influence their practice; content that addresses gendered norms and
      media that assist in communication underpin some emancipatory practices. Few
      studies locate analyses of nursing practice within gendered, cultural and social
      norms; consider advocacy as part of the practice of nurses; or analyse the
      promotion of health user participation in health services and structures. The
      implications for emancipatory practice are drawn out.

PMID- 27147133
TI  - Healthier Standards for School Meals and Snacks: Impact on School Food Revenues
      and Lunch Participation Rates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In 2012, the updated U.S. Department of Agriculture school meals
      standards and a competitive food law similar to the fully implemented version of
      the national Smart Snack standards went into effect in Massachusetts. This study
      evaluated the impact of these updated school meal standards and Massachusetts'
      comprehensive competitive food standards on school food revenues and school lunch
      participation. METHODS: Revenue and participation data from 11 Massachusetts
      school districts were collected from 2011 to 2014 and analyzed in 2015 using
      multilevel modeling. The association between the change in compliance with the
      competitive food standards and revenues/participation was assessed using linear
      regression. RESULTS: Schools experienced declines in school food revenues of
      $15.40/student in Year 1 from baseline (p=0.05), due to competitive food revenue
      losses. In schools with 3 years of data, overall revenues rebounded by the second
      year post-implementation. Additionally, by Year 2, school lunch participation
      increased by 15% (p=0.0006) among children eligible for reduced-price meals.
      Better competitive food compliance was inversely associated with school food
      revenues in the first year only; an absolute change in compliance by 10% was
      associated with a $9.78/student decrease in food revenues over the entire school
      year (p=0.04). No association was seen between the change in compliance and
      school meal participation. CONCLUSIONS: Schools experienced initial revenue
      losses after implementation of the standards, yet longer-term school food
      revenues were not impacted and school meal participation increased among children
      eligible for reduced-price meals. Weakening the school meal or competitive food
      guidelines based on revenue concerns appears unwarranted.

PMID- 27147134
TI  - Valuing Federal Taxation Policies to Prevent Disease and Raise Revenue.

PMID- 27147135
TI  - Benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which causes lower urinary tract symptoms
      (LUTS), is a common diagnosis among the ageing male population with increasing
      prevalence. Many risks factors, both modifiable and non-modifiable, can increase
      the risk of development and progression of BPH and LUTS. The symptoms can be
      obstructive (resulting in urinary hesitancy, weak stream, straining or prolonged
      voiding) or irritative (resulting in increased urinary frequency and urgency,
      nocturia, urge incontinence and reduced voiding volumes), or can affect the
      patient after micturition (for example, postvoid dribble or incomplete emptying).
      BPH occurs when both stromal and epithelial cells of the prostate in the
      transitional zone proliferate by processes that are thought to be influenced by
      inflammation and sex hormones, causing prostate enlargement. Patients with LUTS
      undergo several key diagnostic investigations before being diagnosed with BPH.
      Treatment options for men with BPH start at watchful waiting and progress through
      medical to surgical interventions. For the majority of patients, the starting
      point on the treatment pathway will be dictated by their symptoms and degree of
      bother.

PMID- 27147136
TI  - Highly Anisotropic, Highly Transparent Wood Composites.
AB  - For the first time, two types of highly anisotropic, highly transparent wood
      composites are demonstrated by taking advantage of the macro-structures in
      original wood. These wood composites are highly transparent with a total
      transmittance up to 90% but exhibit dramatically different optical and mechanical
      properties. 

PMID- 27147138
TI  - Spinal surgeon, implant industry and patient care: Where do we draw the line!

PMID- 27147139
TI  - Vestibular schwannoma: A benign tumor in a "malignant" location.

PMID- 27147140
TI  - Lilliputian nuances of giant vestibular schwannomas.

PMID- 27147141
TI  - Giant vestibular schwannoma - an alternative perspective by the translabyrinthine
      approach.

PMID- 27147142
TI  - Sporadic Creutzfeldt Jakob disease.

PMID- 27147143
TI  - Neither a virus nor a viriod: It is a prion.

PMID- 27147144
TI  - Simulation in neurosurgery: Past, present, and future.
AB  - Neurosurgery is one of the most technically demanding medical professions that
      warrants a high level of expertise. In the present context of competitive medical
      practice, high societal expectations regarding quality of patient care and
      medicolegal and financial constraints, there are fewer opportunities for a
      trainee to achieve competency in standard neurosurgical, microsurgical, and
      operative techniques. Practice on simulation models like cadavers has been a
      trend since antiquity; however, recent development of newer models with their
      strategic modifications has given simulation education a new dimension. It has
      allowed trainees to acquire and improve surgical skills and knowledge in
      specifically fabricated and controlled settings with no risk to real patients.
      Simulation also offers the opportunity for deliberate practice and repetition
      unlimited number of times so that psychomotor skills can be automated. There is
      ever-growing evidence showing the positive impact of simulation on resident
      training in various areas of health care. Advances in computer technology and
      imaging, development of sophisticated virtual reality simulators with haptic
      feedback and the recent addition of three-dimensional printing technology, have
      opened a wide arena for the development of high-fidelity patient-specific models
      to complement current neurosurgical training. Simulation training in neurosurgery
      in India is still elementary since its inception at the All India Institute of
      Medical Sciences, New Delhi. A structured modular training program has been
      developed which is yet to be implemented at a multi-institutional level.
      Stringent efforts are needed to establish a uniform resident training curriculum
      where simulators can be used to complement current neurosurgical training. 

PMID- 27147145
TI  - Prognostic value of somatosensory-evoked potentials in neurology: A critical
      review in hypoxic encephalopathy.
AB  - Prediction of prognosis in comatose patients surviving a cardiac arrest is still
      one of the intractable problems in critical care neurology because of lack of
      fool-proof ways to assess the outcome. Of all these measures, somatosensory
      evoked potential (SSEP) has been perhaps the most evaluated and heavily relied
      upon tool over the past several decades for assessing coma. Recent studies have
      given rise to concerns regarding the "absoluteness" of SSEP signals for the
      prognostic evaluation of coma. In this critical review, we searched the
      literature to focus on studies conducted so far on the prognostic evaluation of
      postanoxic coma using SSEPs. All those studies published on the use of SSEP as a
      prognostication tool in postanoxic coma were reviewed. A narrative review was
      created that included the strengths as well as limitations of the use of SSEP in
      postanoxic coma. The use of SSEP in coma has been universal for the purpose of
      prognostication. However, it has its own advantages as well as limitations. The
      limitations include challenges in performing and getting SSEP signals during coma
      as well as the challenges involved in reading and interpreting the signals. The
      recent usage of therapeutic hypothermia has become another factor that often
      interferes with the SSEP recording. Finally, based on these study results, some
      recommendations are generated for the effective use of SSEPs in comatose patients
      for further prognostication. We advocate that SSEP should be an integral
      component for the assessment of postanoxic comatose patients due to its several
      advantages over other assessment tools. However, SSEP recordings should follow
      certain standards. One should be aware that its interpretation may be biased by
      several factors. The bias created by the concept of "self-fulfilling hypothesis"
      should always be borne in mind before discontinuation of life support systems in
      terminal patients. 

PMID- 27147146
TI  - MG-QoL-15 scores in treated myasthenia gravis: Experience from a university
      hospital in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder with a chronic
      fluctuating course. Quality of life (QoL) is affected by physical restrictions
      due to disease-related symptoms and effects of long-term treatment. PURPOSE: The
      purpose of this study was to assess QoL in a cohort of MG with stable disease
      course on optimal therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MG-QoL-15 was applied
      prospectively to 50 subjects of MG from India. RESULTS: Mean MG-QoL-15 was 10.34
      (standard deviation: 9.4; range: 0-32). Mean MG-QoL-15 scores for subjects with
      Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) grades I, II, and III/IV were
      3.54, 9.4, and 15.94, respectively. QoL scores correlated significantly with the
      MGFA grade. Age, gender, thymectomized status, thymoma, and steroid therapy did
      not affect QoL scores. All patients with MGFA grade I scored "0" or "1" in almost
      all items of MG-QoL-15. Seven and 11 patients with MGFA grades III/IV reported a
      significant affection (scores "3" or "4") due to "trouble using my eyes" and
      "plan around MG," respectively; and five subjects were "frustrated by MG." None
      of the subjects, irrespective of their MGFA grade, reported significant
      difficulty in getting around public spaces due to MG, or had "trouble in
      performing personal grooming." One subject each reported significant "trouble
      driving due to MG" or felt that "MG limits ability to enjoy hobbies and fun
      activities." CONCLUSION: This is the first study from India to assess QoL in MG
      using MG-QoL-15. Increased disease severity was reflected in worse QoL. MG-QoL-15
      is a simple, quick, and user-friendly tool. Longitudinal changes in the QoL
      scores may be required to determine its utility in the Indian context.

PMID- 27147147
TI  - A hospital-based registry of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: Can neuroimaging serve as
      a surrogate biomarker?
AB  - AIM: This study addresses the role of neuroimaging in addition to the available
      clinical criteria for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and its impact on its
      diagnosis in the absence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and tissue-based
      approaches. METHODS: From a tertiary referral center in the city of Trivandrum,
      Kerala, South India, patients with rapidly progressive dementia (RPD) who
      fulfilled the World Health Organization (WHO) 1998 diagnostic criteria for CJD
      were included in this study. Their electrophysiological-clinical-radiological
      data were retrospectively studied and the results were analyzed. The other
      biomarkers of CJD were not assessed in the study. RESULTS: Of the 96 patients
      with RPD, 41 patients were diagnosed as having a 'probable' and 'possible' CJD
      using the WHO 1998 diagnostic criteria between 2000 and 2013. While 92% patients
      satisfied the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) 2007 and European
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-CJD consortium criteria (2009), only 73%
      satisfied the MRI components of these criteria in addition to the more stringent,
      proposed UCSF MRI criteria (2011). The latter required the presence of diffusion
      weighted imaging abnormalities more than fluid attenuation inversion recovery
      abnormalities in the cortical and subcortical regions for the establishment of
      diagnosis on MRI of 'definite' (53.7%) and 'probable' CJD (19.5%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Significant heterogeneity exists in the presentation of CJD with only 48.8%
      patients simultaneously satisfying the MRI and electrophysiological criteria,
      suggesting that the diagnosis is impacted by these components in any of the
      currently prevalent criteria. With 27% of the cohort not meeting the radiological
      criteria, CSF and molecular biomarker assays may be reserved for MRI negative
      patients with suspected CJD and in atypical presentations.

PMID- 27147148
TI  - Cognitive impairment in idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive symptoms are common in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD).
      However, assessment of cognitive impairment is difficult in PD because of
      accompanying motor symptoms and the coexistence of nonmotor symptoms. Specific
      subdomains affected in the disease are not reflected in the conventional scales
      used for assessing cognition. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at looking at the
      spectrum of cognitive impairment in the various phenotypes and stages of PD and
      the correlation of cognitive impairment with motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty PD patients fulfilling the UK PD Society Brain Bank's
      criteria were selected after obtaining explicit consent. Patients were assessed
      clinically and by using various scales like Scales for Outcomes in PD-Cognition
      (SCOPA-COG), mini-mental state examination, and Beck's Depression Inventory and
      Scoring. RESULTS: The mean age was 58 years, 82% of the patients were male, and
      the mean modified Hoehn and Yahr staging was 2. The most commonly affected
      domains were memory and executive functioning. Cognitive impairment was more in
      those with late-onset disease, more advanced stage of disease, and in the
      postural instability and gait disorder (PIGD) subgroup. The cognitive function
      deteriorated with increasing age and duration of the illness. Significant
      correlation with cognitive impairment was obtained for the manifestations of
      increased motor disability, presence of coexistent psychotic symptoms and
      depression. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive impairment was common among PD patients, and
      it was more prevalent with increasing duration of the disease, in older patients,
      in late-onset disease, and in the PIGD subgroup. Increasing motor disability and
      associated psychotic symptoms as well as depression significantly increased the
      cognitive impairment.

PMID- 27147150
TI  - Clinical course, prognostic factors, and long-term outcomes of malignant middle
      cerebral artery infarction patients in the modern era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recanalization therapies have been increasingly applied in clinical
      practice, which might change the outcomes of patients with large middle cerebral
      artery (MCA) infarction. The purpose of this study was to study the clinical
      course, prognostic factors, and long-term outcomes of patients with an acute
      large MCA infarction. METHODS: Patients with an acute large MCA infarction who
      were treated between January, 2011 - March, 2014 were studied. The demographics
      and vascular risk factors were compared between patients with and without
      clinical outcomes of interest, favorable outcome and death. RESULTS: From a total
      of 1538 patients, 200 patients with large MCA infarction were included. The mean
      age was 67 years. The mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score was
      20. The mean time from onset to the hospital was 289 min. Intravenous recombinant
      tissue-plasminogen activator (rtPA) was given in 50 patients (25%). The mean
      follow-up time was 13 months. 51 patients (51/191, 27%) had a favorable outcome
      (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) at the final follow-up. 81 patients (81/191, 42%)
      died. A younger age, less severe stroke, rtPA treatment, and large-artery
      atherosclerosis stroke subtype were related to a favorable outcome. Older age and
      presence of coronary artery disease were associated with death and rtPA treatment
      was inversely related to death. CONCLUSIONS: Prognosis of patients with a large
      MCA infarction is still poor. Favorable outcomes were found in only a fourth of
      the total patients, and a high mortality rate was still present. Intravenous rtPA
      treatment seemed to be related to a favorable outcome.

PMID- 27147149
TI  - Quantitative assessment of iron deposition in Parkinson's disease using enhanced
      T2 star-weighted angiography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been reported that R2* is a sensitive marker for iron
      deposition. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess iron deposition in
      Parkinson's disease (PD) using changes of R2* in enhanced T2 star-weighted
      angiography (ESWAN) and to discuss the value of ESWAN for PD. METHODS: Fifty-four
      primary PD patients and twenty-eight healthy individuals were examined by ESWAN
      in the 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging system. The R2* values were measured from
      the deep gray nuclei (including the substantia nigra [SN], red nuclei, globus
      pallidus, putamina, caudate nuclei, and thalami). The unified PD rating scale
      (UPDRS) III assessment, the nonmotor symptoms scale (NMSS), and the mini mental
      state examination (MMSE) were used to rate all the patients. RESULTS: The
      comparison of the R* values between the deep gray nuclei on the same side of the
      PD patients and the control group revealed significant differences in the SN and
      red nuclei (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference between Hoehn and Yahr
      (HY) 1 and HY2-4 patients in terms of the values of the SN. There was a slight
      correlation between the R* values of the SN of the PD patients (HY >1) and the
      UPDRS III ratings. No correlation between the R* signal values in the PD patients
      and the NMSS and MMSE scales was found. CONCLUSION: Iron concentrations in the
      regions of interest may represent the severity of the PD motor symptoms, and
      whether they are related to the nonmotor symptoms remains a question for further
      investigation. ESWAN offers special advantages in determining iron depositions in
      the brain and in enabling a sensitive diagnosis of PD, although further study is
      necessary.

PMID- 27147151
TI  - Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction: An unusual but severe neurovascular
      condition.

PMID- 27147152
TI  - Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion-indications and
      clinical experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has emerged as one of
      the common procedures performed by spine surgeons. Back pain and radiculopathy
      due to degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or deformity are the usual
      indications. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques have proven to be
      effective in TLIF as they are associated with less blood loss, fewer wound
      complications and infections, faster recovery, and decreased hospital costs. The
      novel technique described in this study helps to achieve a circumferential lumbar
      fusion using a unilateral posterior approach, via a muscle-dilating exposure,
      thereby minimizing the approach-related morbidity. OBJECTIVES: An overview of the
      minimally invasive TLIF (MIS-TLIF) procedures including indications, techniques,
      and clinical experience along with a review of the medical literature is hereby
      presented. METHODS: All patients who underwent MIS-TLIF for various indications
      at our institution from 2009 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients
      in this series had low back pain as their predominant symptom, with varying
      degrees of radicular pain and neurologic symptoms. The data collected
      retrospectively for analysis were age, gender, previous diagnoses, revision
      diagnosis, duration of symptoms, levels of fusion, operating time, intraoperative
      blood loss, clinical and radiographic results after surgery, and complications.
      Back and leg pain quantified by visual analog scale scores preoperatively,
      postoperatively, and at the last follow-up were assessed for clinical outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our clinical experience along with a review of the medical
      literature indicates that TLIF can be effectively and safely performed in a
      minimally invasive fashion for a wide variety of indications.

PMID- 27147153
TI  - Far lateral approach: Is condylar resection required?
AB  - BACKGROUND: We report our experience with the far lateral approach (FLA) and its
      modifications in the surgical resection of tumors of craniocervical junction
      (CCJ). MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively reviewed data of 36 patients
      with CCJ lesions who underwent surgical excision. Data are presented as
      frequency/percentages. Tumor locations were classified by anatomical relation
      around the CCJ (on axial plane). For anterior and laterally placed tumors, we
      preferred the FLA and its modification. A postoperative complication was defined
      as a new neurological deficit without subsequent recovery. The perioperative
      mortality was defined as death within 30 days of surgery. RESULTS: The mean age
      of the study population was 48.8 years (5-64 years) with 15 women. Simpson's
      Scale Grade 2 resection was achieved in 18 out of 19 patients with meningiomas.
      Overall, transient complications were observed in eight patients (22%); none of
      the patients developed postoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistula. The permanent
      morbidity rate was 5.6%. One patient died on the 6th postoperative day. The mean
      follow-up period was 4.1 years (range, 3 months-12 years). Tumor recurrence was
      observed in two patients who were advised radiotherapy. Twenty patients (96%)
      were independent for activities of daily living. CONCLUSION: The FLA is a
      versatile approach and is useful for a variety of lesions located ventrolateral
      to the brainstem and upper cervical cord. It allows adequate exposure with
      minimal retraction. Most of the foramen magnum meningiomas can be excised either
      without or with only partial resection of the condyle. The transjugular process
      approach to the jugular foramen (JF) is effective for JF tumors without the
      necessity of facial nerve transposition.

PMID- 27147154
TI  - Far lateral approach: Orientation and planning.

PMID- 27147156
TI  - Medial sphenoid wing meningioma.

PMID- 27147155
TI  - Medial sphenoid wing meningiomas: Experience with microsurgical resection over 5
      years and a review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medial sphenoid wing meningiomas are medially located tumors on the
      sphenoid wing with attachment over the anterior clinoid process. They represent a
      distinct entity. These medial sphenoid wing meningiomas present a more difficult
      problem for the neurosurgeons because in a majority of cases, they involve the
      anterior visual pathways and arteries of the anterior circulation and may invade
      the cavernous sinus (CS). Higher morbidity, mortality and recurrence rates have
      been observed in these tumors compared with meningiomas in other locations. The
      rate of recurrence for medial sphenoid wing meningiomas is reported as being one
      of the highest amongst intracranial meningiomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      authors retrospectively analyzed 78 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of
      medial sphenoid wing meningioma who were operated in our department from January
      2008 to December 2012. RESULTS: These patients, having a meningioma of the medial
      sphenoid ridge, were divided into two types depending on the involvement of CS.
      Diplopia, internal carotid artery encasement, and postoperative visual
      deterioration were more common in Type 2 tumors. Similarly, extent of resection
      and postoperative morbidity were greater in Type 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: CS
      invasion confers an added risk to the surgical morbidity and outcomes. However,
      with proper surgical techniques, optimum outcomes can be achieved and overall
      surgical results at our center are found to be comparable to that of the current
      literature.

PMID- 27147157
TI  - Giant vestibular schwannomas: Surgical nuances influencing outcome in 179
      patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Giant vestibular schwannomas (VSs; >=4 cm in size) are considered a
      separate entity owing to their surgical difficulty and increased morbidity. We
      studied the clinical presentation and surgical outcomes in a large series of
      giant VS patients. We also present the surgical nuances, which we believe can
      improve surgical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical profiles,
      radiology, surgical results, and complications of 179 consecutive patients with a
      unilateral giant VS were reviewed. The study population was classified into two
      groups: Group A (4-4.9 cm, 124 [69.3%] patients) and Group B (>=5 cm, 55 [30.7%]
      patients). RESULTS: The mean tumor size in Group A was 4.3 +/- 0.2 cm (range, 4
      4.8 cm), and in Group B, it was 5.3 +/- 0.4 (range, 5-6.7 cm). Patients in Group
      B were younger, with a mean age at presentation of 34.8 +/- 12.3 years versus
      41.8 +/- 13.1 years in Group A (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the
      clinical presentation except for papilledema (81.8% vs. 66.9%) and VI cranial
      nerve (CN) dysfunction (9.1% vs. 2.4%; P< 0.05), which was higher in Group B.
      There was no difference in the rate of total excision (86.2% vs. 85.4%),
      anatomical and physiological facial nerve preservation rates between the two
      groups (approximately 2/3 and 1/3, respectively), and the facial function at
      discharge. The incidence of postoperative morbidity was not statistically
      different between the two groups, except for the occurrence of postoperative
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, which was greater in Group B (10.9% vs.
      2.4%). There were two mortalities in each group (overall, 4/179; 2.2%; P= 0.58).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with >=5cm VSs were younger, with a higher incidence of
      papilledema and lateral rectus paresis. However, when compared with tumors >=4 cm
      in size, there was no difference in the extent of excision, facial nerve
      preservation, and postoperative complications (except CSF rhinorrhea) or
      mortality. Thus, further subclassification of giant VSs does not seem to be
      necessary.

PMID- 27147158
TI  - Mechanical ventilation in neurological and neurosurgical patients.
AB  - Approximately 20% of all patients requiring mechanical ventilation suffer from
      neurological dysfunction. It is imperative in the ventilatory management of such
      patients to have a thorough understanding of the disease pathology that may
      require institution of mechanical ventilation as well as in realizing its effects
      on the injured brain. These patients have unique challenges pertaining to the
      assessment and securing of the airway, maintenance of mechanical ventilation, as
      well as weaning and extubation readiness. This manuscript aims to present the
      current evidence in ventilatory management of the important subset of patients
      with neuronal injury. The indications for ventilatory management include both
      neurological and neurosurgical causes. 

PMID- 27147160
TI  - Role of immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of central nervous system tumors.
AB  - Although the conventional hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining is vital for
      the histological diagnosis of lesions, the role of immunohistochemistry (IHC) is
      undeniable in surgical pathology. Morphology, which looks more or less similar on
      H and E staining, can be further differentiated by merely doing IHC. This, in
      turn, not only helps in rendering a definitive diagnosis but also helps in the
      selection of appropriate therapy for the individual patient. Thus, IHC has become
      an integral part of the armamentarium of neuropathology. 

PMID- 27147159
TI  - Spectrum of primary intracranial tumors at a tertiary care neurological
      institute: A hospital-based brain tumor registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital-based cancer registries (HBCRs) provide information on the
      magnitude and distribution of cancers in a given hospital. Hospital-based brain
      tumor registry (HBBTR) data on primary intracranial tumors from a tertiary care
      neurological center is presented. This is compared with related national and
      international data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of patients operated for brain
      tumors at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore,
      India, between January 2010 and December 2014 was collected. Patients' clinical
      details and histopathological diagnosis were recorded. Data was analyzed and
      compared with that of Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), Mumbai, and the Central Brain
      Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS). RESULTS: A total of 4295 primary
      intracranial tumors in 1847 (43%) females and 2448 (57%) male patients were
      recorded. Pediatric and adult patients accounted for 16.2% and 83.8% of the
      cases, respectively. The maximum proportion of tumors was noted in the fourth
      decade. Among children, astrocytomas (25.1%), embryonal (20.6%), and ependymal
      tumors (14.8%) were the most frequently reported histology. In adults,
      meningiomas (23.2%), glioblastomas (15.5%), and nerve sheath tumors (12.7%) were
      common. Glioblastomas and all other tumors showed a male predilection whereas
      meningiomas presented more commonly in females. While our HBBTR followed similar
      trends as TMH data, marked difference was seen in the median age of some tumor
      subtypes when compared to CBTRUS. CONCLUSION: This HBBTR data gives a glimpse of
      the prevalence of varied primary intracranial tumors. Such data can be linked to
      other HBCRs and population-based cancer registries in India for improved research
      and policy-making decisions.

PMID- 27147161
TI  - Bangur Institute of Neurosciences: A premier neurosciences institute of Eastern
      India.
AB  - Bangur Institute of Neurosciences is one of India's oldest teaching institutions
      in the field of neurosciences. It has contributed richly over four decades in
      training and research in Neurology and Neurosurgery. Situated in Kolkata, the
      City of Joy and the Cultural Capital of India, and run under the aegis of the
      Government of West Bengal's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it remains one
      of the highest-volume neurological and neurosurgical centers in the country. This
      is a humble attempt to illustrate the history of this Institute and to provide a
      vignette of the many illustrious neurologists and neurosurgeons who were
      intimately involved in the setting up practice of Clinical Neurosciences in
      Eastern India. 

PMID- 27147163
TI  - Unusual degenerated disc migration along sacral nerve root into neural foramina
      up to pelvic cavity.

PMID- 27147164
TI  - Fibrous dysplasia with secondary osteosarcoma - A rare presentation of a common
      disease.

PMID- 27147165
TI  - Potential fire hazard of the neuroendoscope fiberoptic cable: A note of caution.

PMID- 27147166
TI  - Apraxia of eyelid closure in a case of post-Japanese encephalitis Parkinsonism.

PMID- 27147167
TI  - Rhinoscleroma with intracranial extension: A rare case.

PMID- 27147168
TI  - Gamma knife ventral capsulotomy for posttraumatic brain injury obsessive
      compulsive disorder.

PMID- 27147169
TI  - Alien limb phenomenon in pontine hemorrhage: A rare presentation.

PMID- 27147170
TI  - The double-chin posture: Posterior sagittal shift in cervical dystonia.

PMID- 27147171
TI  - Low - osmolality contrast agents - A risk for myasthenics.

PMID- 27147172
TI  - Pseudoperiodic electroencephalogram pattern in a child with late infantile
      neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses with a novel CLN6 mutation.

PMID- 27147173
TI  - Unilateral asterixis: A useful lateralizing neurological sign.

PMID- 27147174
TI  - Statin-triggered immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy.

PMID- 27147175
TI  - Chronic Sheehan syndrome presenting as pseudo-hypertrophic myopathy (Hoffman
      syndrome): A very rare combination.

PMID- 27147176
TI  - An early treated neuralgic amyotrophy with bilateral phrenic nerve involvement
      with a favorable outcome.

PMID- 27147177
TI  - Ping-pong gaze in a patient with unilateral hemispheric ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27147178
TI  - Exuberant heterotopic ossification following anterior cervical fusion.

PMID- 27147179
TI  - Solitary pyogenic brainstem abscess.

PMID- 27147180
TI  - Posttraumatic ventriculosubgaleal fistula with underlying hydrocephalus.

PMID- 27147181
TI  - A rare case of adult tapeworm in the brain.

PMID- 27147182
TI  - Z-shaped brainstem and other magnetic resonance imaging findings in congenital
      muscular dystrophy.

PMID- 27147183
TI  - Middle cerebellar peduncle sign in adrenoleukodystrophy.

PMID- 27147185
TI  - Lumbar ossified yellow ligament.

PMID- 27147184
TI  - "Quartered cerebrum": Bilateral schizencephaly with partial agenesis of corpus
      callosum.

PMID- 27147186
TI  - Women and Neuroscience Publishing: Is the Gender Gap closing in?

PMID- 27147187
TI  - Author's reply.

PMID- 27147188
TI  - Isolated cervical intramedullary cysticercosis.

PMID- 27147189
TI  - Internet in neurosurgery.

PMID- 27147190
TI  - Author's reply Internet in neurosurgery.

PMID- 27147191
TI  - Internet: A boon or a bane?

PMID- 27147192
TI  - Development and implementation of acute stroke care pathway in a tertiary care
      hospital in India: A cluster-randomized study.

PMID- 27147195
TI  - Carrier trapping and confinement in Ge nanocrystals surrounded by Ge3N4.
AB  - We investigated the optical properties of Ge nanocrystals surrounded by Ge3N4.
      The broad emission ranging from infrared to blue is due to the dependence on the
      crystal size and preparation methods. Here, we report high resolution
      Photoluminescence (PL) attributed to emission from individual Ge nanocrystals (nc
      Ge) spatially resolved using micro-photoluminescence and detailed using
      temperature and power-dependent photoluminescence studies. The measured peaks are
      shown to behave with excitonic characteristics and we argue that the spread of
      the nc-Ge peaks in the PL spectrum is due to different confinement energies
      arising from the variation in size of the nanocrystals.

PMID- 27147197
TI  - The efficiency of driving chemical reactions by a physical non-equilibrium is
      kinetically controlled.
AB  - An out-of-equilibrium physical environment can drive chemical reactions into
      thermodynamically unfavorable regimes. Under prebiotic conditions such a coupling
      between physical and chemical non-equilibria may have enabled the spontaneous
      emergence of primitive evolutionary processes. Here, we study the coupling
      efficiency within a theoretical model that is inspired by recent laboratory
      experiments, but focuses on generic effects arising whenever reactant and product
      molecules have different transport coefficients in a flow-through system. In our
      model, the physical non-equilibrium is represented by a drift-diffusion process,
      which is a valid coarse-grained description for the interplay between
      thermophoresis and convection, as well as for many other molecular transport
      processes. As a simple chemical reaction, we consider a reversible dimerization
      process, which is coupled to the transport process by different drift velocities
      for monomers and dimers. Within this minimal model, the coupling efficiency
      between the non-equilibrium transport process and the chemical reaction can be
      analyzed in all parameter regimes. The analysis shows that the efficiency depends
      strongly on the Damkohler number, a parameter that measures the relative
      timescales associated with the transport and reaction kinetics. Our model and
      results will be useful for a better understanding of the conditions for which non
      equilibrium environments can provide a significant driving force for chemical
      reactions in a prebiotic setting. 

PMID- 27147196
TI  - Diversity and effect of Trichoderma spp. associated with green mold disease on
      Lentinula edodes in China.
AB  - Lentinula edodes, one of the most important edible mushrooms in China, is
      affected heavily by the infection of green mold that overgrows mushroom mycelia.
      We collected the diseased samples from main L. edodes cultivation regions in
      China to characterize the pathogen and to study the effect of Trichoderma spp. on
      L. edodes species. We identified six Trichoderma species, that is, T. harzianum,
      T. atroviride, T. viride, T. pleuroticola, T. longibrachiatum, and T.
      oblongisporum based on the internal transcribed spacer or tef1-alpha sequences
      and morphology characteristics. In confrontation cultures on Petri plates or in
      tubes, and in L. edodes cultures in a medium containing Trichoderma metabolites,
      L. edodes mycelia were not only distorted and swollen, but also inhibited by
      Trichoderma isolates. It is not possible that adjusting pH value or temperature
      is used for controlling L. edodes green disease, because the growth of most of
      Trichoderma isolates and L. edodes shared similar pH and temperature conditions.

PMID- 27147199
TI  - A novel nanoscale organic-inorganic hybrid system with significantly enhanced AIE
      in aqueous media.
AB  - We report the design and fluorescence properties of a novel aggregation-induced
      emission (AIE) system obtained by grafting carboxyl group conjugated AIE
      molecules onto monodispersed colloidal GaOOH nanocubes. Compared with
      nanoaggregates formed in mixed solvents, as-formed nanohybrids avoid contact with
      a "good" solvent, restrict the molecular motions more efficiently and show a
      significantly enhanced AIE. 

PMID- 27147198
TI  - Cognitive behavioral therapies for informal caregivers of patients with cancer
      and cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Informal caregivers (ICs) of patients with cancer and cancer survivors
      report a number of psychological and physical complaints because of the burden
      associated with providing care. Given the documented effect of Cognitive
      Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on ICs' common psychological complaints, such as anxiety
      and depression, the objective was to conduct a meta-analysis on the effect of
      CBTs for adult ICs. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in order to
      identify all intervention studies on adult ICs that employed at least one
      therapeutic component defined as a CBT component. RESULTS: Literature searches
      revealed 36 unique records with sufficient data. These studies were subjected to
      meta-analyses using random effects models. A small, statistically significant
      effect of CBTs (Hedge's g = 0.08, p = 0.014) was revealed, which disappeared when
      randomized controlled trials were evaluated alone (g = 0.04, p = 0.200). A number
      of variables were explored as moderators. Only the percentage of female
      participants was positively associated with the effect size. CONCLUSIONS: Based
      on the negligible effect of CBTs across outcomes, future studies should consider
      moving beyond traditional CBT methods as these do not appear efficacious. It is
      suggested that future interventions orient towards advances in the basic
      affective sciences and derived therapies in order to better understand and treat
      the emotional struggles experienced by ICs. (c) 2016 The Authors. Psycho-Oncology
      published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

PMID- 27147200
TI  - Cytotoxic, Antiangiogenic and Antitelomerase Activity of Glucosyl- and Acyl-
      Resveratrol Prodrugs and Resveratrol Sulfate Metabolites.
AB  - Resveratrol (RES) is a natural polyphenol with relevant and varied biological
      activity. However, its low bioavailability and rapid metabolism to its
      glucuronate and sulfate conjugates has opened a debate on the mechanisms
      underlying its bioactivity. RES prodrugs are being developed to overcome these
      problems. We have synthesized a series of RES prodrugs and RES sulfate
      metabolites (RES-S) and evaluated their biological activities. RES glucosylated
      prodrugs (RES-Glc) were more cytotoxic in HT-29 and MCF-7 cells than RES itself
      whereas RES-S showed similar or higher cytotoxicity than RES. VEGF production was
      decreased by RES-Glc, and RES-disulfate (RES-diS) diminished it even more than
      RES. Finally, RES-Glc and RES-diS inhibited hTERT gene expression to a higher
      extent than RES. In conclusion, resveratrol prodrugs are promising candidates as
      anticancer drugs. In addition, RES-S showed distinct biological activity, thus
      indicating they are not simply RES reservoirs.

PMID- 27147203
TI  - Multimillion-dollar project confirms value of clinic-based pharmacy care.

PMID- 27147201
TI  - Bone turnover alterations across the menopausal transition in south-eastern
      Chinese women [corrected].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the serum levels of bone resorption marker C-terminal
      telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and bone formation marker N-amino terminal
      propeptide of type I collagen (PINP) in Chinese women across the menopausal
      transition and the correlation between follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),
      luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol with the bone turnover markers. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional study was conducted on 464 healthy Chinese women, separated into
      pre-, peri- and postmenopausal groups based on their menstruation changes. The
      serum levels of CTX, PINP, FSH, LH, and estradiol were measured. RESULTS: The
      serum levels of CTX and PINP were significantly higher in women in the peri- and
      postmenopausal groups. The serum levels of FSH were significantly correlated with
      the serum levels of PINP in premenopausal women. Both serum FSH and LH were
      positively correlated with serum CTX in perimenopausal women and postmenopausal
      women. Estradiol was inversely correlated with CTX in the perimenopausal group.
      Multiple linear regression models show the serum FSH levels were independently
      related to the bone turnover markers CTX and PINP. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated
      serum levels of FSH were independent risk factors for bone loss in peri- and
      postmenopausal women, and measurement of the serum FSH levels in mid-age women
      with irregular menses could be used in early diagnosis of postmenopausal
      osteoporosis.

PMID- 27147204
TI  - New Drugs and Dosage Forms.

PMID- 27147205
TI  - California mulls coverage of comprehensive medication management.

PMID- 27147206
TI  - FDA approves biosimilar version of infliximab.

PMID- 27147208
TI  - Extended use of clopidogrel and aspirin after ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27147209
TI  - Extended use of clopidogrel and aspirin after ischemic stroke.

PMID- 27147210
TI  - Predictions and presumptive treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 27147211
TI  - Predictions and presumptive treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 27147212
TI  - Strategies for preparing for a multiprogram residency accreditation visit.

PMID- 27147213
TI  - Evaluation of barriers to sustainable medication access in Honduras.

PMID- 27147214
TI  - Adapting an inpatient intervention tool to facilitate cross-encounter
      communication.

PMID- 27147215
TI  - Visual hallucinations associated with gabapentin use.
AB  - PURPOSE: A case of probable gabapentin-induced visual hallucinations in a patient
      with no psychiatric history is reported. SUMMARY: A 65-year-old white woman with
      no history of psychiatric conditions arrived at the pharmacy clinic with specific
      complaints of daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and visual hallucinations that started
      after coronary artery bypass graft surgery three years prior. After the surgery
      she began experiencing neuropathic pain in her chest, which was treated with
      gabapentin. Approximately one month later, she developed visual hallucinations
      that continued to occur at least two or three times per month. When first seen in
      the pharmacy clinic, the patient was taking gabapentin 300 mg orally four times
      daily plus 600 mg at bedtime, for a total daily dose of 1800 mg. Although
      gabapentin appears to have been prescribed as 600 mg three times daily, she had
      been taking it in five divided doses. One month later, she reported that she had
      self-reduced the gabapentin dosage to 300 mg once daily, after which she noticed
      improvement in her daytime sleepiness and fatigue and experienced one
      hallucination approximately one week after the dosage reduction. One month later,
      she completely discontinued gabapentin use, after which she experienced no
      further hallucinations. Assessment with the Naranjo et al. adverse drug reaction
      scale indicated a probable relationship between the patient's visual
      hallucinations and gabapentin use. CONCLUSION: A 65-year-old woman with no
      psychiatric history developed visual hallucinations while taking gabapentin five
      times daily. Her hallucinations resolved after discontinuation of gabapentin and
      have remained absent after 1 year of follow-up.

PMID- 27147216
TI  - Building value: Expanding ambulatory care in the pharmacy enterprise.

PMID- 27147217
TI  - Perturbation of the two-component signal transduction system, BprRS, results in
      attenuated virulence and motility defects in Burkholderia pseudomallei.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, a
      severe invasive disease of humans and animals. Initial screening of a B.
      pseudomallei signature-tagged mutagenesis library identified an attenuated mutant
      with a transposon insertion in a gene encoding the sensor component of an
      uncharacterised two-component signal transduction system (TCSTS), which we
      designated BprRS. RESULTS: Single gene inactivation of either the response
      regulator gene (bprR) or the sensor histidine kinase gene (bprS) resulted in
      mutants with reduced swarming motility and reduced virulence in mice. However, a
      bprRS double mutant was not attenuated for virulence and displayed wild-type
      levels of motility. The transcriptomes of the bprS, bprR and bprRS mutants were
      compared with the transcriptome of the parent strain K96243. Inactivation of the
      entire BprRS TCSTS (bprRS double mutant) resulted in altered expression of only
      nine genes, including both bprR and bprS, five phage-related genes and bpss0686,
      encoding a putative 5, 10-methylene tetrahydromethanopterin reductase involved in
      one carbon metabolism. In contrast, the transcriptomes of each of the bprR and
      bprS single gene mutants revealed more than 70 differentially expressed genes
      common to both mutants, including regulatory genes and those required for
      flagella assembly and for the biosynthesis of the cytotoxic polyketide,
      malleilactone. CONCLUSIONS: Inactivation of the entire BprRS TCSTS did not alter
      virulence or motility and very few genes were differentially expressed indicating
      that the definitive BprRS regulon is relatively small. However, loss of a single
      component, either the sensor histidine kinase BprS or its cognate response
      regulator BprR, resulted in significant transcriptomic and phenotypic differences
      from the wild-type strain. We hypothesize that the dramatically altered
      phenotypes of these single mutants are the result of cross-regulation with one or
      more other TCSTSs and concomitant dysregulation of other key regulatory genes.

PMID- 27147218
TI  - Proteomic analyses bring new insights into the effect of a dark stress on lipid
      biosynthesis in Phaeodactylum tricornutum.
AB  - Microalgae biosynthesize high amount of lipids and show high potential for
      renewable biodiesel production. However, the production cost of microalgae
      derived biodiesel hampers large-scale biodiesel commercialization and new
      strategies for increasing lipid production efficiency from algae are urgently
      needed. Here we submitted the marine algae Phaeodactylum tricornutum to a 4-day
      dark stress, a condition increasing by 2.3-fold the total lipid cell quotas, and
      studied the cellular mechanisms leading to lipid accumulation using a combination
      of physiological, proteomic (iTRAQ) and genomic (qRT-PCR) approaches. Our results
      show that the expression of proteins in the biochemical pathways of glycolysis
      and the synthesis of fatty acids were induced in the dark, potentially using
      excess carbon and nitrogen produced from protein breakdown. Treatment of algae in
      the dark, which increased algal lipid cell quotas at low cost, combined with
      optimal growth treatment could help optimizing biodiesel production.

PMID- 27147219
TI  - Targeted temperature management in cardiovascular disease complicated by cardiac
      arrest.
AB  - PURPOSE: The majority of cardiac arrests occur due to cardiovascular etiology.
      Targeted temperature management (TTM) (32-34  degrees C) is a part of the
      standard post arrest care. We hypothesized that lower body temperature may lead
      to reduced cardiac metabolic demand and potentially have a beneficial effect on
      myocardial function. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study on patients
      admitted to the intensive care unit following cardiac arrest secondary to
      cardiovascular etiology over a 9 year period. We assessed the impact of TTM on
      neurological and cardiac outcomes. RESULTS: There were 57 patients in the cohort;
      21 patients in the TTM group and 36 in the non-TTM group. Demographic
      characteristics were similar in both groups-the majority of patients (86 vs 80 %,
      respectively) were males in their 60s. Neurological outcomes were similar; 24 %
      of patients died during the ICU admission in the TTM group vs 18 % in the non-TTM
      group. Mean GCS on admission to the ICU was 4 vs 7, respectively, and 11 at
      discharge in both groups. Majority of patients recovered good neurological
      function (GCS >= 13)-57 % in the TTM group vs 64 % in the non-TTM group. The
      change in left ventricular function over a 6 month follow up period was
      significantly better in patients who received targeted temperature management
      mean change of +4.4 vs -3.3 %, respectively. This proved to be statistically
      significant (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates a possible beneficial
      effect of TTM on long-term cardiac function, when instituted following cardiac
      arrest.

PMID- 27147221
TI  - The diagnostic performance of shear wave elastography for malignant cervical
      lymph nodes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of shear wave elastography for
      malignant cervical lymph nodes. METHODS: We searched the Ovid-MEDLINE and EMBASE
      databases for published studies regarding the use of shear wave elastography for
      diagnosing malignant cervical lymph nodes. The diagnostic performance of shear
      wave elastography was assessed using bivariate modelling and hierarchical summary
      receiver operating characteristic modelling. Meta-regression analysis and
      subgroup analysis according to acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI)
      and Supersonic shear imaging (SSI) were also performed. RESULTS: Eight eligible
      studies which included a total sample size of 481 patients with 647 cervical
      lymph nodes, were included. Shear wave elastography showed a summary sensitivity
      of 81 % (95 % CI: 72-88 %) and specificity of 85 % (95 % CI: 70-93 %). The
      results of meta-regression analysis revealed that the prevalence of malignant
      lymph nodes was a significant factor affecting study heterogeneity (p < .01).
      According to the subgroup analysis, the summary estimates of the sensitivity and
      specificity did not differ between ARFI and SSI (p = .93). CONCLUSION: Shear wave
      elastography is an acceptable imaging modality for diagnosing malignant cervical
      lymph nodes. We believe that both ARFI and SSI may have a complementary role for
      diagnosing malignant cervical lymph nodes. KEY POINTS: * Shear wave elastography
      is acceptable modality for diagnosing malignant cervical lymph nodes. * Shear
      wave elastography demonstrated summary sensitivity of 81 % and specificity of 85
      %. * ARFI and SSI have complementary roles for diagnosing malignant cervical
      lymph nodes.

PMID- 27147222
TI  - Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound treatment of extra-abdominal desmoid
      tumors: a retrospective multicenter study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility, safety and preliminary efficacy of
      magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for the treatment of extra
      abdominal desmoid tumours. METHODS: Fifteen patients with desmoid fibromatosis
      (six males, nine females; age range, 7-66 years) were treated with MRgFUS, with
      seven patients requiring multiple treatments (25 total treatments). Changes in
      viable and total tumour volumes were measured after treatment. Efficacy was
      evaluated using an exact one-sided Wilcoxon test to determine if the median
      reduction in viable tumour measured immediately after initial treatment exceeded
      a threshold of 50 % of the targeted volume. Median decrease after treatment of at
      least two points in numerical rating scale (NRS) worst and average pain scores
      was tested with an exact one-sided Wilcoxon test. Adverse events were recorded.
      RESULTS: After initial MRgFUS treatment, median viable targeted tumour volume
      decreased 63 %, significantly beyond our efficacy threshold (P = 0.0013). Median
      viable total tumour volume decreased (105 mL [interquartile range {IQR}, 217 mL]
      to 54 mL [IQR, 92 mL]) and pain improved (worst scores, 7.5 +/- 1.9 vs 2.7 +/-
      2.6, P = 0.027; average scores, 6 +/- 2.3 vs 1.3 +/- 2, P = 0.021). Skin burn was
      the most common complication. CONCLUSIONS: MRgFUS significantly and durably
      reduced viable tumour volume and pain in this series of 15 patients with extra
      abdominal desmoid fibromatosis. KEY POINTS: * Retrospective four-centre study
      shows MRgFUS safely and effectively treats extra-abdominal desmoid tumours * This
      non-invasive procedure can eradicate viable tumour in some cases * Alternatively,
      MRgFUS can provide durable control of tumour growth through repeated treatments *
      Compared to surgery or radiation, MRgFUS has relatively mild side effects.

PMID- 27147223
TI  - Short-Term Effect of Different Physical Exercises and Physiotherapy Combinations
      on Sputum Expectoration, Oxygen Saturation, and Lung Function in Young Patients
      with Cystic Fibrosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Exercise and chest physiotherapy are integral components of cystic
      fibrosis (CF) care. We aimed to determine short-term effects of a combined
      exercise-physiotherapy intervention, using either trampoline or cycle exercises
      compared to billiard (sham training) on sputum production, oxygen saturation
      (SaO2) and short-term lung function in participants with CF. METHODS: Twelve 16-
      to 29-year-old individuals with CF were randomly allocated to all 3 interventions
      on non-consecutive days of a week with exercise and physiotherapy parts lasting
      30 min and breaks of 30 min after each procedure. Sputum weight (g) and lung
      function were measured before and after the exercise + rest and physiotherapy +
      rest interventions and SaO2 was measured before and after the combined
      interventions. Differences in outcome measures between the different exercises
      and combined exercise/physiotherapy regimens were analyzed by univariate
      multilevel linear regression. RESULTS: Sputum expectoration during and after
      trampoline exercise was significantly higher than with and after billiard (P =
      0.021), and tended to be higher than with and after cycling of similar
      cardiovascular intensity (P = 0.074). Sputum weights during and after
      physiotherapy were comparable among sessions, irrespective of the prior exercise
      or sham procedure. The increase in SaO2 was significantly higher after the
      combined trampoline/physiotherapy (1.7 +/- 0.9%) and cycling/physiotherapy (1.8
      +/- 0.8%) sessions compared to billiard/physiotherapy (0.5 +/- 1.8%, P = 0.011
      and P = 0.007). No effects were observed on lung function. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise
      followed by physiotherapy has an additive effect on sputum production in
      participants with CF and leads to improved oxygen saturation. Exercises with
      increased ventilation combined with mechanical vibration seem to be most
      efficient.

PMID- 27147224
TI  - Decreased Hypercapnic Ventilatory Response in Long-Term Lung Transplant
      Recipients is Associated with Exercise Impairment.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bilateral lung transplantation results in complete denervation of the
      lung and might impair hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR). However,
      experimental and clinical findings are scarce and conflicting. Therefore, this
      study investigated the relationship between HCVR and exercise capacity after long
      term bilateral lung transplantation. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis
      enrolled 46 bilateral lung transplant recipients between October 2011 and July
      2012 who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to evaluate maximum workload,
      and carbon dioxide (CO2) rebreathing. CO2 rebreathing was also evaluated in 35
      control subjects. RESULTS: In lung transplant recipients age was 54 +/- 11 years,
      body mass index (BMI) 25.4 +/- 4.1 kg/m(2), and time after transplantation 4.5 +/
      2.5 years (range 9 months to 10 years). Controls were aged 41 +/- 12 years and
      had a BMI of 24.9 +/- 4.0 kg/m(2). There were significant differences between
      lung transplant recipients and controls in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (76 +/
      22 vs. 94 +/- 12 % predicted, p < 0.001) and inspiratory vital capacity (91 +/-
      20 vs. 105 +/- 14 % predicted, p = 0.001). Blood gases did not differ
      significantly in patients versus controls. HCVR in lung transplant recipients was
      1.44 +/- 1.07 L/min/mmHg compared with 2.09 +/- 1.14 L/min/mmHg in controls (p =
      0.001). Exercise capacity in lung transplant recipients (73 +/- 24 W) was 49 %
      predicted. Linear regression analysis showed that exercise capacity was
      significantly associated with HCVR. A 1 L/min/mmHg decrease in HCVR decreased
      exercise capacity by 50 W. CONCLUSION: HCVR is reduced in long-term bilateral
      lung transplant recipients and this might explain the observed impairment of
      exercise capacity.

PMID- 27147225
TI  - miR-424(322) reverses chemoresistance via T-cell immune response activation by
      blocking the PD-L1 immune checkpoint.
AB  - Immune checkpoint blockade of the inhibitory immune receptors PD-L1, PD-1 and
      CTLA-4 has emerged as a successful treatment strategy for several advanced
      cancers. Here we demonstrate that miR-424(322) regulates the PD-L1/PD-1 and
      CD80/CTLA-4 pathways in chemoresistant ovarian cancer. miR-424(322) is inversely
      correlated with PD-L1, PD-1, CD80 and CTLA-4 expression. High levels of miR
      424(322) in the tumours are positively correlated with the progression-free
      survival of ovarian cancer patients. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that
      miR-424(322) inhibited PD-L1 and CD80 expression through direct binding to the 3'
      untranslated region. Restoration of miR-424(322) expression reverses
      chemoresistance, which is accompanied by blockage of the PD-L1 immune checkpoint.
      The synergistic effect of chemotherapy and immunotherapy is associated with the
      proliferation of functional cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and the inhibition of myeloid
      derived suppressive cells and regulatory T cells. Collectively, our data suggest
      a biological and functional interaction between PD-L1 and chemoresistance through
      the microRNA regulatory cascade.

PMID- 27147227
TI  - Unfolding ESIPT in Bis-2,5-(2-benzoxazolyl) Hydroquinone and 2,5
      Bis(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenol: a Comprehensive Computational Approach.
AB  - The photo-physical behaviour of bis-2,5-(2-benzoxazolyl) hydroquinone and 2,5-bis
      (benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-4-methoxyphenol was studied using the Density Functional
      Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT). All the
      possible rotamers were optimized to obtain global minimum optimized structure.
      The theoretical absorption and emission values of rotamers estimated by using TD
      DFT [TD-B3LYP/6-31G(d)] are in good agreement with experimental absorption and
      emission wavelengths. Based on the absorption values, the contribution of
      respective rotamer is determined theoretically. 

PMID- 27147226
TI  - Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Topiramate and Levetiracetam as Single
      Components in Tablet Formulations and in Human Plasma and Simultaneous Fourth
      Derivative Synchronous Fluorescence Determination of their Co-Adminstered Mixture
      in Human Plasma.
AB  - Two highly sensitive, rapid, simple, economic and validated spectrofluorimetric
      methods have been developed for determination of Topiramate and Levetiracetam in
      pharmaceutical tablets and in human plasma. Topiramate and Levetiracetam were
      determined separately by derivatization using 4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofuran-2-oxo
      1,3-diazole (NBD-Cl) and measured spectrofluorimetrically. The Relative
      fluorescence intensities were measured at lambdaem/ex of 547/465 nm and 551/465
      nm for Topiramate and Levetiracetam, respectively. While a binary mixture of
      Topiramate and Levetiracetam were determined by the fourth derivative synchronous
      fluorescence measurement after their reaction with NBD-Cl. In this method, the
      fourth derivative synchronous spectra were estimated as peak to peak measurement
      at 493-497 and 490.5-495 nm corresponding with zero-contribution of Levetiracetam
      and Topiramate, respectively. Linearity ranges for Topiramate and Levetiracetam
      in both methods were found to be 0.15-1.2 and 0.2-1.5 MUg/mL, respectively. The
      different experimental parameters affecting the fluorescence of the two drugs
      were carefully studied and optimized. The proposed methods were validated in
      terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, limits of detection and quantification
      and other aspects of analytical validation. The proposed methods were
      successfully applied for the determination of the investigated drugs in human
      plasma samples obtained from healthy volunteers after single oral administration
      of the two drugs. 

PMID- 27147228
TI  - Temperature-Dependent Development Modeling of the Phorid Fly Megaselia halterata
      (Wood) (Diptera: Phoridae).
AB  - The effect of temperature on the development of Megaselia halterata (Wood)
      (Diptera: Phoridae) on A15 variety of button mushroom in the stages of casing and
      spawn-running was investigated at eight constant temperatures (10, 12.5, 15, 18,
      20, 22.5, 25, and 27 degrees C) and developmental rates were modeled as a
      function of temperature. At 25 and 27 degrees C, an average of 22.2 +/- 0.14 and
      20.0 +/- 0.10 days was needed for M. halterata to complete its development from
      oviposition to adult eclosion in the stages of casing and spawn-running,
      respectively. The developmental times of males or females at various constant
      temperatures were significantly different. Among the linear models, the Ikemoto
      and Takai linear model in the absence of 12.5 and 25 degrees C showed the best
      statistical goodness-of-fit and based on this model, the lower developmental
      threshold and the thermal constant were estimated as 10.4 degrees C and 526.3
      degree-days, respectively. Twelve nonlinear temperature-dependent models were
      examined to find the best model to describe the relationship between temperature
      and development rate of M. halterata. The Logan 10 nonlinear model provided the
      best estimation for T opt and T max and is strongly recommended for the
      description of temperature-dependent development of M. halterata.

PMID- 27147229
TI  - Got Dung? Resource Selection by Dung Beetles in Neotropical Forest Fragments and
      Cattle Pastures.
AB  - Both the impact of habitat modification on the food preferences of species and
      its impact on ecosystem functioning are poorly understood. In this study, we
      analyzed food selection by dung beetles in 80 tropical forest fragments and their
      adjacent cattle pastures in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Ten
      pitfall traps were placed at each site, half baited with human dung and the other
      half with fish carrion. We assessed dung beetle food selection and classified any
      specialization in resource use quantitatively using a multinomial classification
      model. We collected 15,445 beetles belonging to 42 species, 8747 beetles (38
      species) in forest fragments and 6698 beetles (29 species) in cattle pastures.
      Twenty-five species were present in both habitats. Of all the beetles captured,
      76% were caught in dung traps (11,727 individuals) and 24% in carrion traps (3718
      individuals). We found 21 species of dung specialists, 7 carrion specialists, 8
      generalists, and 6 species too rare to classify. The bait most frequently
      selected by beetles in this study was dung in both forests and pastures.
      Specialists tended to remain specialists in both habitats, while generalists
      tended to change their selection of bait type depending on the habitat. In
      summary, our results show that replacing forests with cattle pastures modifies
      the patterns of resource selection by dung beetles and this could affect
      ecosystem functioning.

PMID- 27147230
TI  - Aminooxy-naphthylpropionic acid and its derivatives are inhibitors of auxin
      biosynthesis targeting l-tryptophan aminotransferase: structure-activity
      relationships.
AB  - We previously reported l-alpha-aminooxy-phenylpropionic acid (AOPP) to be an
      inhibitor of auxin biosynthesis, but its precise molecular target was not
      identified. In this study we found that AOPP targets TRYPTOPHAN AMINOTRANSFERASE
      of ARABIDOPSIS 1 (TAA1). We then synthesized 14 novel compounds derived from AOPP
      to study the structure-activity relationships of TAA1 inhibitors in vitro. The
      aminooxy and carboxy groups of the compounds were essential for inhibition of
      TAA1 in vitro. Docking simulation analysis revealed that the inhibitory activity
      of the compounds was correlated with their binding energy with TAA1. These active
      compounds reduced the endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content upon
      application to Arabidopsis seedlings. Among the compounds, we selected 2
      (aminooxy)-3-(naphthalen-2-yl)propanoic acid (KOK1169/AONP) and analyzed its
      activities in vitro and in vivo. Arabidopsis seedlings treated with KOK1169
      showed typical auxin-deficient phenotypes, which were reversed by exogenous IAA.
      In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that KOK1169 is more specific for TAA1
      than other enzymes, such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. We further tested 41
      novel compounds with aminooxy and carboxy groups to which we added protection
      groups to increase their calculated hydrophobicity. Most of these compounds
      decreased the endogenous auxin level to a greater degree than the original
      compounds, and resulted in a maximum reduction of about 90% in the endogenous IAA
      level in Arabidopsis seedlings. We conclude that the newly developed compounds
      constitute a class of inhibitors of TAA1. We designated them 'pyruvamine'.

PMID- 27147233
TI  - Hyperammonemia due to Adult-Onset N-Acetylglutamate Synthase Deficiency.
AB  - A 59-year-old woman, with a medical history of intellectual disability after
      perinatal asphyxia, was admitted because of coma due to hyperammonemia after she
      was treated for a fracture of the pelvis. The ammonia level was 280 MUM. Acquired
      disorders as explanation for the hyperammonemia were excluded. Metabolic
      investigations showed an elevated glutamine and alanine and low citrulline,
      suspect for a urea cycle defect (UCD). Orotic acid could not be demonstrated in
      urine. DNA investigations were negative for mutations or deletions in the OTC and
      CPS1 gene, but revealed a homozygous c.603G>C mutation in exon 2 of the N
      acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) gene (NM_153006.2:c.603G>C), which mandates
      p.Lys201Asn. This is a novel mutation in the NAGS gene.After the diagnosis of
      NAGS deficiency was made carbamylglutamate was started in a low dose. In
      combination with mild protein restriction the ammonia level decreased to 26
      MUM.This is one of the first patients in literature in whom the diagnosis of a
      UCD is made at such an advanced age. It is important for the adult physician to
      consider a metabolic disorder at every age.

PMID- 27147231
TI  - Multiple Myeloma Mortality in Relation to Obesity Among African Americans.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) incidence and mortality are higher among African Americans
      (AAs) than among other population groups. The prevalence of obesity is also
      elevated among AAs, but few studies have examined risk of this cancer in relation
      to body size among AAs. We combined data from seven prospective cohorts tracking
      mortality among 239 597 AA adults and used Cox proportional hazards regression to
      estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for death because
      of MM according to body mass index (BMI) at cohort entry, adjusted for age (as
      time-scale) and sex. Relative to those with normal BMIs (18.5-25 kg/m(2)),
      mortality increased monotonically as BMI increased, with hazard ratios reaching
      1.43 (95% CI = 1.03 to 1.97) for BMIs of 35 kg/m(2) or greater. The findings
      suggest that obesity is a risk factor for MM and a contributor to the elevated
      rates and rising incidence trends of MM among AAs in the United States.

PMID- 27147234
TI  - Remote sensing estimation of isoprene and monoterpene emissions generated by
      natural vegetation in Monterrey, Mexico.
AB  - In addition to oxygen, hydrocarbons are the most reactive chemical compounds
      produced by plants into the atmosphere. These compounds are part of the family of
      volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are discharged in a great variety of forms.
      Among the VOCs produced by natural sources such as vegetation, the most studied
      until today are the isoprene and monoterpene. These substances can play an
      important role in the chemical balance of the atmosphere of a region. In this
      project, we develop a methodology to estimate the natural (vegetation) emission
      of isoprene and monoterpenes and applied it to the Monterrey Metropolitan Area,
      Mexico and its surrounding areas. Landsat-TM data was used to identify the
      dominant vegetation communities and field work to determine the foliage biomass
      density of key species. The studied communities were submontane scrub, oak, and
      pine forests and a combination of both. We carried out the estimation of
      emissions for isoprene and monoterpenes compounds in the different plant
      communities, with two different criteria: (1) taking into account the average
      foliage biomass density obtained from the various sample point in each vegetation
      community, and (2) using the foliage biomass density obtained for each transect,
      associated to an individual spectral class within a particular vegetation type.
      With this information, we obtained emission maps for each case. The results show
      that the main producers of isoprene are the communities that include species of
      the genus Quercus, located mainly on the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra de
      Picachos, with average isoprene emissions of 314.6 ton/day and 207.3 ton/day for
      the two methods utilized. The higher estimates of monoterpenes were found in the
      submontane scrub areas distributed along the valley of the metropolitan zone,
      with an estimated average emissions of 47.1 ton/day and 181.4 tons for the two
      methods respectively. 

PMID- 27147232
TI  - Chronic Diarrhea in L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase (AADC) Deficiency: A Prominent
      Clinical Finding Among a Series of Ten French Patients.
AB  - : Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is an autosomal recessive
      inborn error of metabolism, affecting catecholamines and serotonin biosynthesis.
      Cardinal signs consist in psychomotor delay, hypotonia, oculogyric crises,
      dystonia, and extraneurological symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present a
      retrospective descriptive multicentric study concerning ten French children with
      a biochemical and molecular confirmed diagnosis of AADC deficiency. RESULTS:
      Clinical presentation of most of our patients was consistent with the previous
      descriptions from the literature (hypotonia (nine children), autonomic signs
      (nine children), sleep disorders (eight children), oculogyric crises (eight
      children), motor disorders like hypertonia and involuntary movements (seven
      children)). We described however some phenotypic particularities. Two patients
      exhibited normal intellectual abilities (patients already described in the
      literature). We also underlined the importance of digestive symptoms like
      diarrhea, which occurred in five among the ten patients. We report in particular
      two children with chronic diarrhea, complicated by severe failure to thrive.
      Vanillactic acid (VLA) elevation in urines of one of these two patients led to
      suspect the diagnosis of AADC deficiency, as in two other patients from our
      population. CONCLUSION: Some symptoms like chronic diarrhea were atypical and
      have been poorly described in the literature up to now. Diagnosis of the AADC
      deficiency is sometimes difficult because of the phenotypic heterogeneity of the
      disease and VLA elevation in urines should suggest the diagnosis.

PMID- 27147235
TI  - Sorption, desorption, and speciation of Cd, Ni, and Fe by four calcareous soils
      as affected by pH.
AB  - The sorption, desorption, and speciation of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and iron
      (Fe) in four calcareous soils were investigated at the pH range of 2-9. The
      results indicated that sorption of Fe by four soils was higher than 80 % at pH 2,
      while in the case of Cd and Ni was less than 30 %. The most common sequence of
      metal sorption at pH 2-9 for four soils was in the order of Fe ? Ni > Cd. Cadmium
      and Ni sorption as a function of pH showed the predictable trend of increasing
      metal sorption with increase in equilibrium pH, while the Fe sorption trend was
      different and characterized by three phases. With regard to the order of Cd, Ni,
      and Fe sorption on soils, Cd and Ni showed high affinity for organic matter (OM),
      whereas Fe had high tendency for calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Results of metal
      desorption using 0.01 M NaCl demonstrated that metal sorption on soils containing
      high amounts of CaCO3 was less reversible in comparison to soils containing high
      OM. In general, Cd and Ni desorption curves were characterized by three phases;
      (1) the greatest desorption at pH 2, (2) the low desorption at pH 3-7, and (3)
      the least desorption at pH > 7. The MINTEQ speciation solubility program showed
      that the percentage of free metals declined markedly with increase of pH, while
      the percentage of carbonate and hydroxyl species increased. Furthermore, MINTEQ
      predicted that saturation index (SI) of metals increased with increasing pH. 

PMID- 27147236
TI  - Environmental factors affecting soil metals near outlet roads in Poznan, Poland:
      impact of grain size, soil depth, and wind dispersal.
AB  - We determined the Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations in soil samples
      collected along the eight main outlet roads of Poznan. Samples were collected at
      distances of 1, 5, and 10 m from the roadway edges at depth intervals of 0-20 and
      40-60 cm. The metal content was determined in seven grain size fractions. The
      highest metal concentrations were observed in the smallest fraction (<0.063 mm),
      which were up to four times higher than those in sand fractions. Soil Pb, Cu, and
      Zn (and to a lesser extent Ni, Cr, and Cd) all increased in relation to the
      geochemical background. At most sampling sites, metal concentrations decreased
      with increasing distance from roadway edges and increasing depth. In some
      locations, the accumulation of metals in soils appears to be strongly influenced
      by wind direction. Our survey findings should contribute in predicting the
      behavior of metals along outlet road, which is important by assessing sources for
      further migration of heavy metals into the groundwater, plants, and humans. 

PMID- 27147237
TI  - Evaluation of heavy metal pollution in water wells and soil using common leafy
      green plant indicators in the Al-Kharj region, Saudi Arabia.
AB  - This study was performed to determine the levels of eight heavy metals in
      irrigation well water and soil and to assess the suitability of some leafy green
      plants that are commonly cultivated in the Al-Kharj region, Saudi Arabia, for
      human consumption using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The mean
      concentrations of metals ranged from 0.0001 to 0.436 mg/L in well water and from
      0.248 to 164.52 mg/kg in soil. The heavy metal concentrations showed significant
      differences among the different leafy green plants studied. Parsley (4.98 mg/kg)
      exhibited higher levels of Pb than other leafy green plants, whereas mallow
      (0.097 mg/kg) revealed greater amounts of Cd than other plants. All of the leafy
      green plants retained essential metals (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) more than the toxic
      metals (Pb and Cd). The levels of some of the metals in the leafy green plants
      were found to meet the FAO/WHO-recommended limits. The monitoring of heavy metals
      in leafy green plants must be continued because these plants are the main source
      of food for humans in many parts of the world and are considered to be bio
      indicators for environmental pollution. 

PMID- 27147239
TI  - Trace elements in free-range hen eggs in the Campania region (Italy) analyzed by
      inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
AB  - Eggs from hens raised on rural or domestic farms are a good indicator of
      environmental contamination, as the hens are in close contact with the ground and
      the air and can therefore accumulate heavy metals and other toxic contaminants
      from the environment as well as from the diet. In this paper, we report the
      results of the determination of 19 trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg,
      Mo, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Tl, U, V, Zn) in 39 hen egg samples collected
      from domestic poultry farms in the territory dubbed the "Land of fires" in the
      Campania region (Italy). This area is characterized by environmental problems
      caused by the illegal dumping of industrial or domestic waste in fields or by
      roadsides. In some cases, these wastes have been burned, thereby spreading
      persistent contaminants into the atmosphere. The content of trace elements in
      whole egg samples was determined by mass spectrometer after a microwave-assisted
      digestion procedure. Because European legislation does not indicate maximum
      values of these elements in this foodstuff, the results were compared with the
      content of trace elements reported in literature for eggs, in particular home
      produced eggs, in various countries. In some cases (Cd, Cu, Ni, Mn), the content
      determined in this study was in line with those reported elsewhere, in other
      cases (Pb, Cr), lower values were found. 

PMID- 27147240
TI  - Effect of trees on the reduction of nutrient concentrations in the soils of
      cultivated areas.
AB  - The function of trees in reducing nutrient migration to groundwaters in
      cultivated areas, under Mediterranean climate conditions, is tested. Three
      cultivated fields were monitored for two cultivation periods. The common
      characteristic of the three fields was that on one side, they bordered with a
      poplar tree field. Four different crops were cultivated, and two cultivation
      periods were monitored. Based on the number of fields (i.e., three) and the
      cultivation periods (i.e., two), six different conditions (systems) were studied
      with four crops (i.e., sunflower, cotton, rapeseed, and corn). Soil samples were
      collected in all systems at the beginning, the middle, and the end of the
      cultivation period at various sampling sites (i.e., various distances from the
      tree row) and at various depths, and were analyzed in the laboratory for the
      determination of NuOmicron3-Nu and P-Olsen. In all systems, the greatest
      concentration of P-Olsen was measured in the surface layers (0-5, 10-15, and 30
      35 cm) and was gradually decreased in the deeper layers (55-60 and 75-80 cm)
      indicating that P mobility is low. The NuOmicron3-Nu concentration in the deeper
      layers (55-60 and 75-80 cm) at all sampling sites was equal to or greater than
      that of the surface layers, indicating that NuOmicron3-Nu has high mobility in
      soils. At the sampling sites in the soil zone near the tree row, the NuOmicron3
      Nu concentration in the deeper layers was lower than that of the surface,
      indicating that the tree root system takes up nutrients which otherwise would
      move toward the water table. There was also a reduction observed of the depth
      averaged P-Olsen and NuOmicron3-Nu concentrations at the soil zone at a distance
      of 2.0-3.5 m from the tree row compared to locations more distant from the trees;
      this reduction ranged between 15 and 50 % and 36 and 54 %, respectively. The
      results indicate that planting of trees in cultivated fields can contribute to
      the reduction of nitrate pollution of groundwaters. 

PMID- 27147238
TI  - Metals compositions of indoor PM2.5, health risk assessment, and birth outcomes
      in Lanzhou, China.
AB  - The study aimed to investigate the metal compositions in indoor PM2.5 and the
      potential health risks they pose to residents of an urban area in China. A total
      of 41 and 54 households were surveyed in February and September 2013,
      respectively. The results showed that the indoor concentrations of metals varied
      depending on the types of cooking fuels used. All measured concentrations of
      metals were highest among households using coal for cooking. In the majority of
      households, non-carcinogenic risks were posed by the use of coal. The
      carcinogenic risks posed by chromium (VI) and arsenic were generally higher among
      households using coal for cooking than among those using gas or electricity. The
      multivariate linear regression model suggested a potential adverse effect from
      arsenic and cadmium on birth weight and gestational weeks. This study also found
      that cooking fuel was the most significant factor that contributed to the
      differences in concentrations of metals in indoor PM2.5 and highlighted the
      importance of using clean energy for cooking and heating. 

PMID- 27147241
TI  - Myths about nutrition in pregnancy.
AB  - Many women have incorrect knowledge about nutrition in pregnancy owing to false
      beliefs derived from popular practices. More than 90% of our cohort of pregnant
      women during early pregnancy (<12 weeks of gestational age) gave at least one
      incorrect answer to the five questions relative to common myths about nutrition
      in pregnancy. Education was inversely associated with the percentage of incorrect
      answers, and the lowest percentage of any mistakes was found in the small number
      of women who received nutritional information by a dietician. In conclusion, the
      usual sources of information about nutrition in pregnancy are not adequate to
      overcome the false beliefs acquired by traditions.

PMID- 27147242
TI  - Structure-based virtual screening, molecular docking, ADMET and molecular
      simulations to develop benzoxaborole analogs as potential inhibitor against
      Leishmania donovani trypanothione reductase.
AB  - Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most fatal form of leishmaniasis and it
      affects 70 countries worldwide. Increasing drug resistant for antileishmanial
      drugs such as miltefosine, sodium stibogluconate and pentamidine has been
      reported in the VL endemic region. Amphotericin B has shown potential
      antileishmanial activity in different formulations but its cost of treatment and
      associated nephrotoxicity have limited its use by affected people living in the
      endemic zone. To control the VL infection in the affected countries, it is
      necessary to develop new antileishmanial compounds with high efficacy and
      negligible toxicity. Computer aided programs such as binding free energy
      estimation; ADMET prediction and molecular dynamics simulation can be used to
      investigate novel antileishmanial molecules in shorter duration. To develop
      antileishmanial lead molecule, we performed standard precision (SP) docking for
      1160 benzoxaborole analogs along with reference inhibitors against trypanothione
      reductase of Leishmania parasite. Furthermore, extra precision (XP) docking,
      ADMET prediction, prime MM-GBSA was conducted over 115 ligands, showing better
      docking score than reference inhibitors to get potential antileishmanial
      compounds. Simultaneously, area under the curve (AUC) was estimated using ROC
      plot to validate the SP and XP docking protocol. Later on, two benzoxaborole
      analogs with best MM-GBSA DeltaG-bind were subjected to molecular simulation and
      docking confirmation to ensure the ligand interaction with TR. The presented drug
      discovery based on computational study confirms that BOB27 can be used as a
      potential drug candidate and warrants further experimental investigation to fight
      against VL in endemic areas.

PMID- 27147243
TI  - Comparison of restraint data from four countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies comparing restraint data from different countries
      had to rely on randomly published data and showed wide variance in the prevalence
      of restraint between countries. AIM: To systematically compare datasets from four
      similar European countries with regard to restraint prevalence. METHODS: We
      analysed whole country or area datasets on restraint from Wales, Ireland, Germany
      and the Netherlands systematically, thus excluding selection, patient and setting
      bias. Learning disability (LD) and forensic settings were analysed separately.
      Differences in proportions between countries were tested by means of Chi square,
      with number of admissions, admission days and catchment area as denominator and
      counts of restraint as numerators. RESULTS: Full datasets were obtained allowing
      calculations of total admissions, total restraint numbers, numbers of patients
      involved and total occupied bed days. Data for Ireland is from 2012 and from 2013
      for the other three countries. The percentage of patients exposed to restraint
      varies between 4.5 and 9.4 %. The average number of restraints per patient is
      stable at around 3 in all countries. Patient numbers affected by restraint per
      100 occupied bed days per month vary between 0.095 and 0.200. The Netherlands
      have the highest use of seclusion (79 %), the longest restraint times and low use
      of enforced medication. Wales the lowest use of seclusion (2 %), followed by
      Ireland (29 %) and Germany (49 %). Events per 100 admissions per month vary
      between 17 and 21. Patients affected by restraint per 100 admissions per month
      vary between 5.4 and 7.5. LD services account for a disproportionately high
      number of restraint events. CONCLUSION: Patient related restraint data are
      remarkably similar between countries. Type and length of restraint still vary
      significantly.

PMID- 27147246
TI  - Fat-Related Anthropometric Variables and Regional Patterns of Body Size and
      Adiposity of Adolescents in Aba South LGA, Abia State, Nigeria.
AB  - AIM: This study assessed fat-related anthropometric variables and regional
      patterns of body size and adiposity of adolescents in Aba South LGA. METHODS: A
      total number of 600 adolescents who were secondary school students aged 10 to 19
      years wereselected from 61 registered secondary schools. A multi-random sampling
      technique was used to select the patients. Ethical approval and informed consent
      were obtained from the patients who participated in the study. Each patient was
      subjected to weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and skinfolds
      measurements using standard methods. Body fat percentage was calculated by the
      formulas described by Slaughter, Siris, and Shailk equations. Descriptive
      statistics of frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation were used to
      examine the gender-specific anthropometric indices. Chi-square and independent t
      test were also applied to determine the differences between the parameters or
      variables of the genders at P< .05. RESULTS: The respondents aged 19 years had
      the highest measurement for triceps (14.60 mm), thigh (35.05 mm), and MUAC (25.95
      mm), while those aged 18 years had the highest measurement for suprailiac (15.00
      mm) and subscapular (16.94 mm). Females had more fat deposits than males in all
      the skinfold sites. They also had a significantly ( P = .05) higher body fat
      percentage than males. A multiple regression analysis revealed that maximum calf
      fat was a strong predictor of body fat percentage of the patients. CONCLUSION:
      High prevalence of obesity was found in this study, and the 3 equations of body
      fat percentage showed similar findings that more females than males had higher
      body fat percentage.

PMID- 27147247
TI  - Integrating MI into services: challenges and opportunities.

PMID- 27147244
TI  - Prognostic implication of antitumor immunity measured by the neutrophil
      lymphocyte ratio and serum cytokines and angiogenic factors in gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with a poor
      prognosis in many cancers but the biological mechanisms involved are unknown.
      Since cytokines and angiogenic factors (CAFs) are reflected by various immune
      responses, we analyzed the association between the NLR and CAFs and their
      prognostic implications in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: Of 745 GC patients who
      were enrolled in NLR analysis, 70 underwent NLR and CAF association analyses.
      Pretreatment serum levels of 52 CAFs were measured by means of multiplex bead
      immunoassays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Linear regression analysis
      and survival analysis of the NLR with each CAF were performed. RESULTS:
      Metastatic organ numbers and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels were significantly
      higher in patients with a high NLR [greater than 2.42 (median): P = 0.047 and P <
      0.001 respectively]. The overall survival was significantly worse in the high NLR
      group (17.8 months vs 11.2 months, P < 0.001). In CAF analysis, osteopontin (R 2
      = 0.337, P < 0.001) and interleukin-6 (R 2 = 0.141, P = 0.001) were significantly
      associated with the NLR. Stromal-cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) was a significant
      poor prognostic factor independently of the NLR. Consideration of both the NLR
      and SDF-1 divided patient groups with different overall survival (both low, 21.0
      months; either high, 15.8 months; both high, 8.2 months). CONCLUSION: The NLR is
      a significant poor prognostic factor in advanced GC. The NLR is mainly associated
      with osteopontin and interleukin-6. Besides the NLR, SDF-1 is an independent poor
      prognostic factor in GC. Consideration of both the NLR and SDF-1 might give
      insights into antitumor immunity in GC.

PMID- 27147245
TI  - Fungi Sailing the Arctic Ocean: Speciose Communities in North Atlantic Driftwood
      as Revealed by High-Throughput Amplicon Sequencing.
AB  - High amounts of driftwood sail across the oceans and provide habitat for
      organisms tolerating the rough and saline environment. Fungi have adapted to the
      extremely cold and saline conditions which driftwood faces in the high north. For
      the first time, we applied high-throughput sequencing to fungi residing in
      driftwood to reveal their taxonomic richness, community composition, and ecology
      in the North Atlantic. Using pyrosequencing of ITS2 amplicons obtained from 49
      marine logs, we found 807 fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on
      clustering at 97 % sequence similarity cut-off level. The phylum Ascomycota
      comprised 74 % of the OTUs and 20 % belonged to Basidiomycota. The richness of
      basidiomycetes decreased with prolonged submersion in the sea, supporting the
      general view of ascomycetes being more extremotolerant. However, more than one
      fourth of the fungal OTUs remained unassigned to any fungal class, emphasising
      the need for better DNA reference data from the marine habitat. Different fungal
      communities were detected in coniferous and deciduous logs. Our results highlight
      that driftwood hosts a considerably higher fungal diversity than currently known.
      The driftwood fungal community is not a terrestrial relic but a speciose
      assemblage of fungi adapted to the stressful marine environment and different
      kinds of wooden substrates found in it.

PMID- 27147248
TI  - Synthesis, structure, and magnetic and catalytic properties of metal frameworks
      with 2,2'-dinitro-4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate and imidazole-containing tripodal
      ligands.
AB  - Based on 1,3,5-tris(1-imidazolyl)benzene (tib) and 2,2'-dinitro-4,4'
      biphenyldicarboxylic acid (H2dnbpdc), four new metal-organic frameworks
      [M3(tib)(dnbpdc)3(H2O)2] [M = Mn (1), Cd (2)],
      [Zn3(tib)2(dnbpdc)2.5(Hdnbpdc)].4DEF (3), and [Cd(tib)(dnbpdc)(H2O)].DMF.H2O (4)
      (DEF = N,N-diethylformamide, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) were successfully
      synthesized. Isomeric 1 and 2 were unusual 8-connected uninodal three-dimensional
      (3D) frameworks with a point symbol of {3(3).4(15).5(9).6}. Compound 3 was a
      (3,3,4,4)-connected 4-nodal 3D net with a point symbol of
      {4.6.8}2{4.6(2)}{4.8(5)}{6(2).8(3).10}, whereas 4 was a one-dimensional (1D)
      chain, which was further linked with neighboring 1D chains by hydrogen bonding
      interactions to give a 3D framework. It is interesting that 1 displayed
      ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions within the trinuclear Mn(ii)
      subunit. We also performed Knoevenagel condensation reactions catalyzed by
      activated 3 to demonstrate its heterogeneous catalytic property. Furthermore, the
      adsorption property of 3 was also investigated. 

PMID- 27147249
TI  - The challenges of big data.
AB  - The largely untapped potential of big data analytics is a feeding frenzy that has
      been fueled by the production of many next-generation-sequencing-based data sets
      that are seeking to answer long-held questions about the biology of human
      diseases. Although these approaches are likely to be a powerful means of
      revealing new biological insights, there are a number of substantial challenges
      that currently hamper efforts to harness the power of big data. This Editorial
      outlines several such challenges as a means of illustrating that the path to big
      data revelations is paved with perils that the scientific community must overcome
      to pursue this important quest.

PMID- 27147250
TI  - Hepatitis E Virus in Farmed Rabbits, Wild Rabbits and Petting Farm Rabbits in the
      Netherlands.
AB  - Rabbits have been suggested as a zoonotic source of Hepatitis E virus.
      Phylogenetic analysis of HEV isolates from farmed, wild and pet rabbits in the
      Netherlands (0, 60, and 23 % respectively) showed them to be grouped amongst
      published rabbit HEV sequences and distinct from most human isolates. Dutch
      rabbits are unlikely to be a zoonotic source.

PMID- 27147251
TI  - Sequential treatment with immunotherapy and BRAF inhibitors in BRAF-mutant
      advanced melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Immunotherapy (IT) agents and BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) are effective
      treatments for patients with advanced BRAF-mutant melanoma although the optimal
      sequence remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to compare the
      outcomes of two different cohorts of patients treated with BRAFi first, then IT
      or the reverse sequence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study on
      two groups of patients: a cohort was treated first with BRAFi followed by
      immunotherapy (BRAFi-IT) and the other cohort with the reverse sequence (IT
      BRAFi). Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between the
      two cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were included in the study. Sixteen
      patients were given BRAFi-IT sequence and nine received IT-BRAFi sequence. No
      differences were observed in the characteristics of patients prior to each
      treatment between cohorts. Objective response rate (ORR) achieved by BRAFi were
      not different among groups. ORR achieved by IT was higher when administered after
      BRAFi (43.8 vs 0 %). Survival rates at 1-2 years were similar in both cohorts and
      median overall survival was not different for BRAFi-IT and IT-BRAFi (log rank
      test p = 0.97). CONCLUSIONS: No differences were observed in OS between the two
      cohorts. These results support the indistinct use of IT or BRAFi as initial
      treatment in patients with metastatic BRAF-mutant melanoma, although higher rate
      of response to IT was observed when administered after BRAFi. Prospective
      randomized clinical trials are needed on this issue.

PMID- 27147253
TI  - The Great Adventure of an American Human Geneticist.
AB  - It is my great pleasure to have been asked by the Editorial Committee of the
      Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics to write a short autobiography of my
      life in genetics over the past 70 years. It has been a great adventure. I came
      both to America and to human genetics by a circuitous and ultimately very
      fortunate route. I hope the next generation of geneticists will enjoy reading
      about it.

PMID- 27147254
TI  - Erratum to: Meta-synthesis of qualitative research: the challenges and
      opportunities.

PMID- 27147255
TI  - Using confirmatory factor analysis to manage discriminant validity issues in
      social pharmacy research.
AB  - Background Confirmatory factory analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling
      (SEM) are increasingly used in social pharmacy research. One of the key benefits
      of CFA is that it allows researchers to provide evidence for the validity of
      internal factor structure of measurement scales. In particular, CFA can be used
      to provide evidence for the validity of the assertion that a hypothesized multi
      dimensional scale discriminates between sub-scales. Aim This manuscript aims to
      provide guidance for researchers who wish to use CFA to provide evidence for the
      internal factor structure of measurement scales. Methods The manuscript places
      discriminant validity in the context of providing overall validity evidence for
      measurement scales. Four examples from the recent social pharmacy literature are
      used to critically examine the various methods which are used to establish
      discriminant validity. Using a hypothetical scenario, the manuscript demonstrates
      how commonly used output from CFA computer programs can be used to provide
      evidence for separateness of sub-scales within a multi-dimensional scale.
      Conclusion The manuscript concludes with recommendations for the conduct and
      reporting of studies which use CFA to provide evidence of internal factor
      structure of measurement scales. 

PMID- 27147252
TI  - Safety and efficacy of primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients.
AB  - Cancer is often complicated by venous thromboembolism (VTE), a common and
      potentially fatal complication associated with poor prognosis in these patients.
      An increased incidence of VTE is being observed due to the advanced age of cancer
      patients, the thrombogenic effect of novel drugs and advances in the diagnosis of
      related complications. In this review, we look at five different risk groups of
      cancer patients with an increased probability of developing VTE, including
      hospitalized patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients undergoing a surgical
      procedure, ambulatory patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients with a central
      venous access and patients receiving antiangiogenic drugs or anticoagulant
      therapy due to previous chronic diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize
      the most important clinical evidence reported to date on the suitability of
      primary thromboprophylaxis to cancer patients. Recommendations have drawn up for
      each group based on current evidence and guidelines to facilitate decision-making
      in clinical practice.

PMID- 27147256
TI  - Upregulated expression of substance P in basophils of the patients with chronic
      spontaneous urticaria: induction of histamine release and basophil accumulation
      by substance P.
AB  - Human basophils have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous
      urticaria (CSU), and substance P (SP) is a possible candidate as histamine
      releasing factor in some patients with CSU. However, little is known of
      relationship between basophils and SP in CSU. In the present study, we
      investigated expression of SP and NK1R on basophils from patients with CSU, and
      influence of SP on basophil functions by using flow cytometry analysis, basophil
      challenge, and mouse sensitization model techniques. The results showed that
      plasma SP level and basophil numbers in CSU patients were higher than that in HC
      subject. The percentages of SP+ and NK1R+ basophils were markedly elevated in CSU
      blood in comparison with HC blood. Once added, SP induced up to 41.2 % net
      histamine release from basophils of CSU patients, which was comparable with that
      provoked by anti-IgE, and fMLP. It appeared that SP induced dramatic increase in
      blood basophil numbers of mice following peritoneal injection. Ovalbumin (OVA)
      sensitized mice had much more SP+ and NK1R+ basophils in blood than non
      sensitized mice. In conclusion, the elevated plasma concentration of SP,
      upregulated expression of SP and NK1R on basophils, and the ability of SP in
      induction of basophil degranulation and accumulation indicate strongly that SP is
      most likely a potent proinflammatory mediator, which contributes greatly to the
      pathogenesis of CSU through basophils. Inhibitors of SP and blockers of NK1R are
      likely useful agents for treatment of CSU.

PMID- 27147257
TI  - Comprehending text versus reading words in young readers with varying reading
      ability: distinct patterns of functional connectivity from common processing
      hubs.
AB  - Skilled reading depends on recognizing words efficiently in isolation (word-level
      processing; WL) and extracting meaning from text (discourse-level processing;
      DL); deficiencies in either result in poor reading. FMRI has revealed consistent
      overlapping networks in word and passage reading, as well as unique regions for
      DL processing; however, less is known about how WL and DL processes interact.
      Here we examined functional connectivity from seed regions derived from where
      BOLD signal overlapped during word and passage reading in 38 adolescents ranging
      in reading ability, hypothesizing that even though certain regions support word-
      and higher-level language, connectivity patterns from overlapping regions would
      be task modulated. Results indeed revealed that the left-lateralized semantic and
      working memory (WM) seed regions showed task-dependent functional connectivity
      patterns: during DL processes, semantic and WM nodes all correlated with the left
      angular gyrus, a region implicated in semantic memory/coherence building. In
      contrast, during WL, these nodes coordinated with a traditional WL area (left
      occipitotemporal region). In addition, these WL and DL findings were modulated by
      decoding and comprehension abilities, respectively, with poorer abilities
      correlating with decreased connectivity. Findings indicate that key regions may
      uniquely contribute to multiple levels of reading; we speculate that these
      connectivity patterns may be especially salient for reading outcomes and
      intervention response.

PMID- 27147258
TI  - CXCR4 and NMDA Receptors Are Functionally Coupled in Rat Hippocampal
      Noradrenergic and Glutamatergic Nerve Endings.
AB  - Previous studies had shown that the HIV-1 capsidic glycoprotein gp120 (strain
      IIIB) modulates presynaptic release-regulating NMDA receptors on noradrenergic
      and glutamatergic terminals. This study aims to assess whether the chemokine CXC4
      receptors (CXCR4s) has a role in the gp120-mediated effects. The effect of
      CXCL12, the endogenous ligand at CXCR4, on the NMDA-mediated releasing activity
      was therefore investigated. Rat hippocampal synaptosomes were preloaded with
      [3H]noradrenaline ([3H]NA) or [3H]D-aspartate ([3H]D-Asp) and acutely exposed to
      CXCL12, to NMDA or to both agonists. CXCL12, inactive on its own, facilitated the
      NMDA-evoked tritium release. The NMDA antagonist MK-801 abolished the NMDA/CXCL12
      evoked tritium release of both radiolabelled tracers, while the CXCR4 antagonist
      AMD 3100 halved it, suggesting that rat hippocampal nerve endings possess
      presynaptic release-regulating CXCR4 receptors colocalized with NMDA receptors.
      Accordingly, Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of CXCR4 proteins in
      synaptosomal plasmamembranes. In both synaptosomal preparations, CXCL12-induced
      facilitation of NMDA-mediated release was dependent upon PLC-mediated src-induced
      events leading to mobilization of Ca2+ from intraterminal IP3-sensitive stores
      Finally, the gp120-induced facilitation of NMDA-mediated release of [3H]NA and
      [3H]D-Asp was prevented by AMD 3100. We propose that CXCR4s are functionally
      coupled to NMDA receptors in rat hippocampal noradrenergic and glutamatergic
      terminals and account for the gp120-induced modulation of the NMDA-mediated
      central effects. The NMDA/CXCR4 cross-talk could have a role in the
      neuropsychiatric symptoms often observed in HIV-1 positive patients.

PMID- 27147259
TI  - A Novel Abeta B-Cell Epitope Vaccine (rCV01) for Alzheimer's Disease Improved
      Synaptic and Cognitive Functions in 3 * Tg-AD Mice.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a
      progressive amyloid-beta accumulation, loss of cognitive abilities, and synaptic
      alterations. Given the remarkable recovery of cognition in AD models of targeting
      Abeta immunotherapy, we sought to determine the molecular correlate(s) associated
      with improvement. We evaluated the efficacy of a recombinant chimeric 6Abeta15-T
      antigen formulated with alum adjuvant as a novel Abeta B-cell epitope vaccine
      (rCV01) in 3 * Tg-AD mice. rCV01 elicited robust Th2-polarized Abeta-specific
      antibodies without autoimmune T cell responses in 3 * Tg-AD mice. The long
      lasting anti-Abeta42 antibodies were associated with markedly reduced AD-like
      pathology, enhanced synaptic function, and improved cognitive performance in aged
      3 * Tg-AD mice. This is the first report to provide one hypothesis for the
      improved outcomes following vaccination is a reduction in the levels of active
      calpain in rCV01-immunized AD mice, which is likely attributable to preventing
      dynamin 1 and PSD-95 degradation allowing functional recovery of cognition. rCV01
      is a highly immunogenic recombinant chimeric 6Abeta15-T vaccine that shows clear
      neuroprotective properties in preclinical mouse models of AD and is a candidate
      for an effective AD vaccine.

PMID- 27147261
TI  - Furan-PNA: a mildly inducible irreversible interstrand crosslinking system
      targeting single and double stranded DNA.
AB  - We here report on the design and synthesis of tailor-made furan-modified peptide
      nucleic acid (PNA) probes for covalent targeting of single stranded DNA through a
      crosslinking strategy. After introducing furan-containing building blocks into a
      PNA sequence, hybridization and furan-oxidation based crosslinking to DNA is
      investigated. The structure of the crosslinked products is characterized and
      preliminary investigations concerning the application of these systems to double
      stranded DNA are shown. 

PMID- 27147260
TI  - Colonization with the enteric protozoa Blastocystis is associated with increased
      diversity of human gut bacterial microbiota.
AB  - Alterations in the composition of commensal bacterial populations, a phenomenon
      known as dysbiosis, are linked to multiple gastrointestinal disorders, such as
      inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, or to infections by
      diverse enteric pathogens. Blastocystis is one of the most common single-celled
      eukaryotes detected in human faecal samples. However, the clinical significance
      of this widespread colonization remains unclear, and its pathogenic potential is
      controversial. To address the issue of Blastocystis pathogenicity, we
      investigated the impact of colonization by this protist on the composition of the
      human gut microbiota. For that purpose, we conducted a cross-sectional study
      including 48 Blastocystis-colonized patients and 48 Blastocystis-free subjects
      and performed an Ion Torrent 16S rDNA gene sequencing to decipher the
      Blastocystis-associated gut microbiota. Here, we report a higher bacterial
      diversity in faecal microbiota of Blastocystis colonized patients, a higher
      abundance of Clostridia as well as a lower abundance of Enterobacteriaceae. Our
      results contribute to suggesting that Blastocystis colonization is usually
      associated with a healthy gut microbiota, rather than with gut dysbiosis
      generally observed in metabolic or infectious inflammatory diseases of the lower
      gastrointestinal tract.

PMID- 27147262
TI  - Chitosan scaffolds induce human dental pulp stem cells to neural differentiation:
      potential roles for spinal cord injury therapy.
AB  - Cell-based transplantation strategies hold great potential for spinal cord injury
      (SCI) repair. Chitosan scaffolds have therapeutic benefits for spinal cord
      regeneration. Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are abundant available stem
      cells with low immunological incompatibility and can be considered for cell
      replacement therapy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of
      chitosan scaffolds in the neural differentiation of DPSCs in vitro and to assess
      the supportive effects of chitosan scaffolds in an animal model of SCI. DPSCs
      were incubated with chitosan scaffolds. Cell viability and the secretion of
      neurotrophic factors were analyzed. DPSCs incubated with chitosan scaffolds were
      treated with neural differentiation medium for 14 days and then neural genes and
      protein markers were analyzed by Western blot and reverse transcription plus the
      polymerase chain reaction. Our study revealed a higher cell viability and neural
      differentiation in the DPSC/chitosan-scaffold group. Compared with the control
      group, the levels of BDNF, GDNF, b-NGF, and NT-3 were significantly increased in
      the DPSC/chitosan-scaffold group. The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway played a
      key role in the neural differentiation of DPSCs combined with chitosan scaffolds.
      Transplantation of DPSCs together with chitosan scaffolds into an SCI rat model
      resulted in the marked recovery of hind limb locomotor functions. Thus, chitosan
      scaffolds were non-cytotoxic and provided a conducive and favorable
      microenvironment for the survival and neural differentiation of DPSCs.
      Transplantation of DPSCs might therefore be a suitable candidate for treating SCI
      and other neuronal degenerative diseases.

PMID- 27147263
TI  - Runx2 acts downstream of C/EBPbeta to regulate the differentiation of uterine
      stromal cells in mice.
AB  - Although Runx2 is involved in the regulation of cellular differentiation, its
      physiological roles in the differentiation of uterine stromal cells during
      decidualization still remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the
      expression, regulation and function of Runx2 in mouse uterus during
      decidualization. The results showed that Runx2 was highly expressed in the
      decidua and oil-induced decidualized cells. In the uterine stromal cells,
      recombinant human Runx2 (rRunx2) could induce the expression of Prl8a2 and Prl3c1
      which are two well-known differentiation markers for decidualization, while
      inhibition of Runx2 with specific siRNA reduced their expression. Further study
      found that rRunx2 could improve the expression of Prl8a2 and Prl3c1 in the
      C/EBPbeta siRNA-transfected stromal cells. In the stromal cells, cAMP analogue 8
      Br-cAMP could induce the expression of Runx2. Moreover, the induction was blocked
      by PKA inhibitor H89. Simultaneously, attenuation of C/EBPbeta with siRNA could
      also reduce the cAMP-induced Runx2 expression. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated
      silencing of Runx2 expression alleviated the effects of cAMP on the
      differentiation of stromal cells. Runx2 might act downstream of C/EBPbeta to
      regulate the expression of Cox-2, Vegf and Mmp9 in the uterine stromal cells.
      Collectively, Runx2 may play an important role during mouse decidualization.

PMID- 27147264
TI  - Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761(r) on cognitive control functions,
      mental activity of the prefrontal cortex and stress reactivity in elderly adults
      with subjective memory impairment - a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled
      trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cognitive control as well as stress reactivity is assumed to depend on
      prefrontal dopamine and decline with age. Because Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761
      increases prefrontal dopamine in animals, we assessed its effects on cognitive
      functions related to prefrontal dopamine. METHODS: Effects of 240-mg EGb761 daily
      on task-set-switching, response-inhibition, delayed response, prospective-memory,
      task-related fMRI-BOLD-signals and the Trier Social Stress-Test were explored in
      a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot-trial in 61 elderly
      volunteers with subjective memory impairment. RESULTS: Baseline-FMRI-data showed
      BOLD-responses in regions commonly activated by the specific tasks. Task-switch
      costs decreased with EGb761 compared to placebo (ANOVA-interaction: Group * Time
      * Switch-Costs p = 0.018, multiple tests uncorrected), indicating improved
      cognitive flexibility. Go-NoGo-task reaction-times corrected for error-rates
      indicated a trend for improved response inhibition. No treatment effects were
      found for the delayed response and prospective-memory tasks and fMRI-data. A non
      significant trend indicated a potentially accelerated endocrine stress-recovery.
      EGb761 was safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSION: We observed indications for
      improved cognitive flexibility without changes in brain activation, suggesting
      increased processing efficiency with EGb761. Together with a trend for improved
      response inhibition results are compatible with mild enhancement of prefrontal
      dopamine. These conclusions on potential beneficial effect of EGb761 on
      prefrontal dopaminergic functions should be confirmed by direct measurements. (c)
      2016 The Authors. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental published
      by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.